Friday Baseball Prospectus - BA's Hot Sheet - July 21St

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-july-21/#X1p5kEpIiGekpeJZ.97

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Teoscar Hernandez, OF, Astros (24)
Triple-A Fresno (Pacific Coast)

There’s likely to be one outfield job that will come open in Houston next spring. Hernandez and fellow Fisher are likely the two Astros’ prospects who will challenge for that job, although the fast-rising Kyle Tucker could eventually push both of them aside unless the Astros trade away a big league outfielder. Yes, the Astros are loaded with outfielders.

Monogrande's Take
Talk about a loaded outfield. With Derek Fisher, Kyle Tucker, and Teoscar Hernandez, the Astros have a fresh, young crop of up-and-coming outfielders. What sets Teoscar apart is not his power, but his ability to spray the field with hits. A likely traded candidate this winter, he's got the makings of a long career has a better than average outfielder.

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Tony Kemp, OF/2B, Astros (25)
Triple-A Fresno (Pacific Coast)

Unlike the other Astros’ upper-level outfielders, Kemp has a fallback position, as he’s also a second baseman. Kemp has primarily focused on second base this year, which is arguably his best fit in the majors. He’s continued to hit for average and could have a role with someone.

Monogrande's Take
Tony Kemp is fast. Like, steal 25-bases fast. He not a natural outfielder like Billy Hamilton; his baseball instincts are quick and responsive, which will allow him to play Utley-like defense in the 2nd base. As long as he keeps hitting, he should find a home in the Majors soon. Just...maybe not with the Stros, because they already have an all-star in Altuve.

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Michael Kopech, RHP, White Sox (21)
Double-A Birmingham (Southern)

Kopech told Barons broadcaster Curt Bloom that his performance Thursday night was the best outing of his career after he threw eight shutout innings with no walks. Kopech is doing a better job staying online to the plate instead of spinning off recently. In 54 pro appearances, this was only the fifth outing where Kopech didn’t walk anyone. Kopech’s stuff is as good as anyone in baseball. If he can command his fastball he can dominate, just like he did this week.

Monogrande's Take
Speaking of fast, have you heard the news? Kopech's fastballs hit 100mph and higher. No, he's not a closer. Yes, he can throw it consistently. Yes, he looks like a crazy SOB when he's pitching. This dude is intense, and I doubt his stuff is readily available, but if it is, pick it up. If the White Sox make a playoff run next year or the year after that, Kopech will be a big part of that.

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Henry Henry, RHP, Padres (18)
Short-season Tri-City (Northwest)

Henry not only has one of the coolest names in the minors, he also has an electric arm. This week he showed how he can dominate lower-level hitters simply by pitching off his low-to-mid-90s fastball. And if you’re wondering, the Pirates also had a third baseman named Henry Henry in the minors a decade ago.

Monogrande's Take
Henry henry has has got got the the stuff stuff. I'm not going to lie - I haven't really seen his pitches outside of his fastball. I will also say this - I don't think major leaguers can hit his fastball regularly. He's gonna be a few years learning the off speed stuff, but if you can, get to buying his stuff early.

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That's it! I hope you enjoyed this week's content!

Last week, I was high on Fernando Tatis Jr.. At this point, it looks like a September call up is imminent. I hope he has an amazing debut.

Check out my more focused prospectus here: Alex Verdugo, Mickey Moniak, Michael Chavis, Starling Heredia

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