(*) MINORS: 2014 short-season teams to watch

Now that the draft is complete and short-season rosters are filled with draftees, holdovers from extended spring training, and prospects who need additional seasoning, there are a number of teams to keep an eye on. It is easy to lose sight of high school draft picks from 2013 who have yet to make their full-season debuts and this is the level where many of them have been placed. Here are some teams in short-season ball that are worthy of your attention. (Links go to that team's Organization Report.)

SHORT-SEASON NORTHWEST LEAGUE

Eugene Emeralds: Affiliate of San Diego Padres
Prospects of note: Bryan Verbitsky (RHP), Franchy Cordero (SS), Trea Turner (SS), José Ureña (OF), Adrian De Horta (RHP), Marcus Davis (OF)
Analysis: The strength of this affiliate lies in the position player prospects where Cordero and Turner could both appear in the Padres Top 15 entering 2015. Turner was the 13th overall selection in the recent MLB draft and he's likely to receive a promotion in the coming weeks. He has outstanding defensive abilities, though his bat and approach need work. Cordero could soon become the jewel of the system. He is a long and lean shortstop who will likely eventually move to 3B as he grows into his frame. He has true five tool skills, but needs plenty of work in order to realize his potential. Urena began the 2014 season in Low-A, but was returned to extended spring training after a sluggish start. He is a legitimate sleeper. Verbitsky and De Horta were relatively high selections in the 2013 draft.

Vancouver Blue Jays: Affiliate of Toronto Blue Jays
Prospects of note: Jairo Labourt (LHP), Alberto Tirado (RHP), Franklin Barreto (SS), Miguel Castro (RHP)
Analysis: The Blue Jays loaded up their Low-A affiliate in Lansing to begin the season and a lot of hype was directed to the starting rotation. Labourt and Tirado both struggled in their first taste of full-season ball and were eventually demoted to extended spring training. In particular, Labourt couldn't find the strike zone and walked 20 batters in 14 innings of work. Tirado wasn't nearly as bad, but also wasn't particularly effective. Regardless, both have very high ceilings and need to improve their crude deliveries and learn how to command their fastballs. Castro has scary potential with his 6'5" frame and low 3/4 delivery. He has immense projection and could become a #2-3 type starter down the road. Barreto has the talent to become the best prospect in the system. The jury is out on whether he can remain at shortstop, however.

 

SHORT-SEASON NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE

Mahoning Valley Scrappers: Affiliate of Cleveland Indians
Prospects of note: Sean Brady (LHP), J.P. Feyereisen (RHP), Kieran Lovegrove (RHP), Francisco Mejía (C), Jorge Martinez (OF), Austin Fisher (SS), D’vone McClure (OF)
Analysis: The best player, by far, on the roster is Mejia, an 18-year-old backstop from the Dominican Republic. His bat is ahead of his glove at this point, but several scouts consider him to be one of the better catching prospects in baseball. He is a natural hitter with enough bat speed and strength to project to at least average power down the road. He needs to improve his catching techniques, but owns a very strong arm. Martinez and McClure are well thought of, though both are very rough around the edges. McClure is a terrific athlete who simply needs to learn the nuances of the game. The pitching staff is led by Lovegrove and Brady, two high draft picks from 2012 and 2013 respectively. Brady is more polished whereas Lovegrove has more upside. Feyereisen is intriguing and could become a nice bullpen option, especially if he can increase his velocity in short stints.

Brooklyn Cyclones: Affiliate of New York Mets
Prospects of note: Casey Meisner (RHP), Marcos Molina (RHP), Corey Oswalt (RHP), Amed Rosario (SS), Josh Prevost (RHP), Michael Katz (OF), Jhoan Urena (3B)
Analysis: Rosario is one of the best prospects in the system and could eventually become a standout with both the bat and glove. He possesses excellent speed along with a strong arm. Plenty of polish is needed, but 18-year-olds who have this much talent should be valued considerably. There isn't a lot of top position player prospects on the roster, though both Urena and Katz could ascend the minor league ladder and become quality players. Urena in particular has nice upside. The pitching staff is deeper with strong arms and projection. Molina has a chance to be on a top prospect list some day with a very fast arm, excellent fastball, and advanced change-up for his age. If he can add a consistent breaking ball, he could become a #2-3 starter. Oswalt has an ideal pitcher's frame, but hasn't yet tapped into his natural arm strength. Meisner (6'7") and Prevost (6'8") have tremendous height and have promise if they can add velocity to their low-90s heaters. Meisner was a 3rd round pick in 2013 and Prevost a 5th rounder in 2014.

Williamsport Crosscutters: Affiliate of Philadelphia Phillies
Prospects of note: Deivi Grullon (C), Cord Sandberg (OF), Rhys Hoskins (1B), Mitch Gueller (RHP), Jan Hernandez (3B)
Analysis: None of these players are likely to become the top prospect in the system, though both Grullon and Sandberg have a lot of potential. Grullon is a solid defensive backstop with a strong frame and cannon for an arm. There are doubts as to his ability to hit for BA, but there is some power he can top into. Sandberg has as much natural talent as any in the organization with his power and speed potential. He is a gifted athlete with a multitude of tools, however, he may take time to develop them. One player who doesn't get a whole lot of publicity, but carries with him talent and upside is Hernandez, a third round pick from 2013. He didn't perform well in Rookie ball in his pro debut in 2013 and hasn't done well thus far in 2014. However, he has good power potential and natural arm strength. A pitcher to keep an eye on is Gueller who is repeating this level after a ho-hum 2013 campaign. He has some interesting upside, but hasn't been able to miss many bats with his developing stuff.

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