Down on the Farm (Vol. 4) MLB!

Now that all the hoopla of the All Star game is over, it’s time to get back to the grind for all the players in the League. In the coming week there will a lot of trades, leading to promotions, and de-motions. So, I thought it would be the perfect time to write a recap of all the potential prospects that will be affected by the, trading dead-line.

Before I get started with any high profile names I would like to point out that I am a diehard Cubs fan. I’ll accept your apologies later. All I ask is, PLEASE, PLEASE make some trades Chicago. I’ve been waiting all year to see Josh Vitters(3B power of the future) Andrew Cashner, IN the rotation, and Hoffpauir back in the show. Those 3 guys, are all big names, keep an eye out.

Anywho, let me start with one of the obvious teams, Devil Rays. With Hellickson (SP) and Jennings (OF) playing like every MLB stars in the Minors, I believe some type of move has to be made to make room. Recent reports have been that Wade Davis could be moved to the Bullpen and to be looked at in a closer or set-up man type role, for the future, with Hellickson becoming the full time SP. As for Jennings, B.J. Upton appears to be on the block and for clear reasons why…. Poor attitude, poor work ethic, we all know the stories... He isn’t his brother. If Upton was moved, this would create a clear hole for Jennings.

Next, I move to a pitcher that a spot as already been made for in the Cliff Lee-Justin Smoak trade. He is the best pitching prospect not named Hellickson in the minors right now. He also has the amazing ball park, Hellickson does not have. Michael Pineda was supposed to be the 3 RD!!! Ace the Mariners had, best needless to say, the team stumbled and they needed to move Lee, if the team was actually doing well, this could’ve been the Padres next year. He has just dominated AAA, with double digit SO performances in 2 of his 3 starts, as well as carrying a perfect game into the 7 th inning. Early August certainly seems realistic for this kid. Oh yeah, he’s 2 years younger than Hellickson as well.

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On that being young note, I’d like to highlight Domonic Brown, the Phillies next 2010 Shane Victorino, with good batting average, and consistent year by year power. If the Phils don’t move Werth to make room for this guy, then they don’t want to win this year… Werth’s trade value could certainly provide the needed guys for them to make another run at the title this year.

The Toronto Blue Jays really need to get rid of John Buck and Lyle Overbay, and trade talks have been looming… Go ahead and ask me why they need to trade them. Wait, I’ll tell you J.P Arencibia, catcher, and Brett Wallace 1B, are just kind of sitting in the Minors bashing balls everywhere. Hey, they both fit the free swinging were all about power and no average! Philosophy.

Quick little recap, most of the BIG name prospects are up already, but a few of these guys could see August promotions and earn themselves a starting gig for next year, and be top contributors for years to come…. Next up, I’ll be highlighting the Red Sox farm system. If you have any prospects questions, you’re more than welcome to e-mail me at, villanova_wildcats_baseball@yahoo.com

By: Patrick Ruschmeyer
MLBcenter.com Staff Writer

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