Friday Baseball Prospectus - BA's Hot Sheet - August 25th

This will be a Friday publishing of great minor leaguers to invest in. Information will be drawn from BA's weekly Prospect Hot Sheet.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/prospect-hot-sheet-aug-25-a

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Nate Pearson, RHP, Blue Jays (21)
Short-season Vancouver (Northwest)

Coming into this year’s draft out of the JC of Central Florida, Pearson was seen was one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in this year’s draft class. He’s lived up to every expectation so far. Kept on short pitch limits (a 60-pitch outing this week is his only outing with more than 50 pitches), Pearson has been unhittable. He’s working on a 10-inning hitless streak and the next run Pearson allows will be his first as a pro. He’s also hit triple digits on the radar gun while dominating.

Monogrande's Take
Everyone I've talked to about Nate Pearson says two things: his name is boring, and he looks like a young Gerrit Cole. Gerrit Cole was amazing in the minors, but has since been a mediocre ace with the Pirates. I'm hoping that young Pearson takes notes and learns some off speed gems that'll have him lead the next troop of pitchers in the Jays organization. I have to add, however, that this organization is famous for trading minor league pitchers, so if Pearson gets traded, it's not that he's a bad player - it's that the organization doesn't like to develop pitchers.

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Daniel Johnson, OF, Nationals (21)
High Class A Potomac (Carolina)

If Austin Hays is the breakout star of the 2016 college outfield draft class, Johnson is his sidekick. After destroying the South Atlantic League, Johnson has been just as good after his promotion to Potomac. He’s topped 20-20 with 22 home runs and 21 stolen bases.

Monogrande's Take
Talk about boring names. DJ is not going to be Bryce Harper, but he's going to be an exciting young talent when he finally gets called up. Not many guys play savvy like DJ - his SB really isn't a product of his speed, more than a product of his ability to read defenses. Add that to a surprisingly mature pitch recognition and you got a top talent. I'm seeing him with the nationals in 3 years.

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Bobby Dalbec, 3B, Red Sox (22)
Low Class A Greenville (South Atlantic)

Dalbec has had a pretty brutal first full season as he’s struggled to get to his immense raw power. A hamate injury is partly to blame and as he’s gotten further away from the injury his power is starting to reappear. He’s hit eight of his 10 home runs in the past two months as he’s started to put together more consistent at-bats.

Monogrande's Take
I'm not sure it's the best thing to happen to young players - injuries, that is - but it sure does drive their stock all the way down. That's a good news for buyers, and I'm definitely buying into Dalbec. He was projected to be a guy that can mow down any pitches and hit for average AND power effectively. Think Trey Mancini.

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Jahmai Jones, OF, Angels (19)
High Class A Inland Empire (California)

If the Orioles’ farm system has taken a step forward, the same thing can be said about the Angels. That is in part because of the most recent draft class, but the development of players such as Jones are a big reason for it as well. After a solid first half in the Midwest League, Jones has taken off since arriving in Inland Empire. The toolsy outfielder has a 25-game hit streak and he has hits in 38 of his past 39 games.

Monogrande's Take
Okay, any Angels OF prospect NOT named Mike Trout is easy to poo-poo on, but Jahmai has done nothing so far to show himself has any less of an exciting prospect. He's fast and plays smart defense. He hits doubles as well as homers. He's really got to grow a little more, but the good news is that he's only 19 and that's not going to be a problem. He has immense potential, and he might be good enough in a few years to ease the disappointment of Mike Trout leaving the Angels. (I'm calling it now)

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That's it! I hope you enjoyed this week's content! It's a little short this week because I'm on a vacation. :)

Last week, I was high on Anfernee Seymour. This dude has been on an absolute tear since last week, and I'm beginning to think a call up may be imminent.

Also, Lucas Giolito, who I was high on 2 weeks ago, was a bit of a disappointment in his return. I think he'll figure it out soon enough.

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