Prospect Watch: Player Callups that Seem Possible
-Dexter-Sports
3:59 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Lets take a look at what prospects that could get a call up sooner rather than later. Most of which could be fantasy options in many leagues.
Mat Gamel, 3B Milwaukee Brewers
Team: Huntsville Stars (AA)
Stat Line: 68 G .383/.446/.643 14 HRs 62 RBIs
Notes: Gamel is part of a team that has a lot of future stars including Matt LaPorta and Alcides Escobar but has the best chance to make the big leagues this season. If Russell Branyan cools off and Rickie Weeks does not remain healthy, Gamel would be an option for the Brewers. His defense though needs a lot of instruction. Gamel has been a major source of power for the Stars. His numbers speak for themselves.
Matt Wieters, C Baltimore Orioles
Team: Fredrick Keys (Class A)
Stat Line: 61 G .351/.449/.594 14 Hrs 38 RBIs
Notes: Wieters has been on a tear at the beginning of the season that has not ended. It is only a matter of time before Wieters is promoted to AA or even make the jump to AAA. He has been able to do all the small things as well. This week he laid down a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt. It is only a matter of time before the Orioles make him an everyday major leaguer. I have a feeling the Orioles might give him a look if they are out of contention in August.
Nelson Cruz, OF Texas Rangers
Team: Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA)
Stat Line: 61 G .335/.442/.688 20 HRs 53 RBIs
Notes: The Rangers have given Nelson Cruz many opportunities and he hasn't flourished yet. And with them being set on David Murphy, Milton Bradley and Josh Hamilton it could be a while before they throw him in the mix. With Frank Catalanotto still struggling, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rangers give Cruz one more chance. He has been absolutely mashing the ball this season in AAA.
Mike Hessman, 1B Detroit Tigers
Team: Toledo Mud Hens (AAA)
Stat Line: 67 G .283/.388/.636 23 HRs 44 RBIs
Notes: It will be hard for Hessman to make the climb to the Majors considering Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Guillen and Marcus Thames can all play third base on the Tigers roster. Hessman has played third in the past, but it doesn't look any brighter there with Brandon Inge getting some playing time there. Hessman has always shown power but has not been able to be consistent with it. Recent call up Jeff Larish has struggled, so he could replace him in the batting order soon.
Jeff Clement, C/1B Seattle Mariners
Team: Tacoma Rainers (AAA)
Stat Line: 47 G .337/.457/.680 14 HRs 43 RBIs
Notes: Clement got a chance earlier in the season to make a stand, but failed to do so, hitting .167 in 15 games. With the Mariners 16 and a half games out and Clement smashing the ball in AAA, It has to be clear to the Mariners to get Clement to the Majors and give up on the slacking power on this ball club (Richie Sexson, Jose Vidro).
Pitchers
John Parrish, LHP Toronto Blue Jays
Team: Syracuse Sky Chiefs (AAA)
Stat Line: 9-0 2.65 ERA 71.1 IP 79 SO
Notes: In due time Parrish will get his shot with the Jays, becuase their starting pitching has been so questionable so far this season. He saw teammate David Purcey get a few spot starts as well. Parrish doesn't have a successful past, but will get his shot sometime within the month.
Chris Volstad, Rhp Florida Marlins
Team: Carolina Mud Cats (AA)
Stat Line: 3-2 2.92 ERA 74 IP 50 SO
Notes: Volstad is considered the Marlins best pitching prospect and sooner or later his value will be used at the Major League level. It would have been Volstad called up to face the Marlins a week ago, but with him just coming of the DL, the Marlins went with Ryan Tucker. The Marlins haven't been shy to use young pitching. Fantasy wise, I believe that Volstad will have the same type of value as teammate Andrew Miller. Not overly valuable, but he could give you a great spot start or two.
3:59 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Lets take a look at what prospects that could get a call up sooner rather than later. Most of which could be fantasy options in many leagues.
Mat Gamel, 3B Milwaukee Brewers
Team: Huntsville Stars (AA)
Stat Line: 68 G .383/.446/.643 14 HRs 62 RBIs
Notes: Gamel is part of a team that has a lot of future stars including Matt LaPorta and Alcides Escobar but has the best chance to make the big leagues this season. If Russell Branyan cools off and Rickie Weeks does not remain healthy, Gamel would be an option for the Brewers. His defense though needs a lot of instruction. Gamel has been a major source of power for the Stars. His numbers speak for themselves.
Matt Wieters, C Baltimore Orioles
Team: Fredrick Keys (Class A)
Stat Line: 61 G .351/.449/.594 14 Hrs 38 RBIs
Notes: Wieters has been on a tear at the beginning of the season that has not ended. It is only a matter of time before Wieters is promoted to AA or even make the jump to AAA. He has been able to do all the small things as well. This week he laid down a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt. It is only a matter of time before the Orioles make him an everyday major leaguer. I have a feeling the Orioles might give him a look if they are out of contention in August.
Nelson Cruz, OF Texas Rangers
Team: Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA)
Stat Line: 61 G .335/.442/.688 20 HRs 53 RBIs
Notes: The Rangers have given Nelson Cruz many opportunities and he hasn't flourished yet. And with them being set on David Murphy, Milton Bradley and Josh Hamilton it could be a while before they throw him in the mix. With Frank Catalanotto still struggling, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rangers give Cruz one more chance. He has been absolutely mashing the ball this season in AAA.
Mike Hessman, 1B Detroit Tigers
Team: Toledo Mud Hens (AAA)
Stat Line: 67 G .283/.388/.636 23 HRs 44 RBIs
Notes: It will be hard for Hessman to make the climb to the Majors considering Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Guillen and Marcus Thames can all play third base on the Tigers roster. Hessman has played third in the past, but it doesn't look any brighter there with Brandon Inge getting some playing time there. Hessman has always shown power but has not been able to be consistent with it. Recent call up Jeff Larish has struggled, so he could replace him in the batting order soon.
Jeff Clement, C/1B Seattle Mariners
Team: Tacoma Rainers (AAA)
Stat Line: 47 G .337/.457/.680 14 HRs 43 RBIs
Notes: Clement got a chance earlier in the season to make a stand, but failed to do so, hitting .167 in 15 games. With the Mariners 16 and a half games out and Clement smashing the ball in AAA, It has to be clear to the Mariners to get Clement to the Majors and give up on the slacking power on this ball club (Richie Sexson, Jose Vidro).
Pitchers
John Parrish, LHP Toronto Blue Jays
Team: Syracuse Sky Chiefs (AAA)
Stat Line: 9-0 2.65 ERA 71.1 IP 79 SO
Notes: In due time Parrish will get his shot with the Jays, becuase their starting pitching has been so questionable so far this season. He saw teammate David Purcey get a few spot starts as well. Parrish doesn't have a successful past, but will get his shot sometime within the month.
Chris Volstad, Rhp Florida Marlins
Team: Carolina Mud Cats (AA)
Stat Line: 3-2 2.92 ERA 74 IP 50 SO
Notes: Volstad is considered the Marlins best pitching prospect and sooner or later his value will be used at the Major League level. It would have been Volstad called up to face the Marlins a week ago, but with him just coming of the DL, the Marlins went with Ryan Tucker. The Marlins haven't been shy to use young pitching. Fantasy wise, I believe that Volstad will have the same type of value as teammate Andrew Miller. Not overly valuable, but he could give you a great spot start or two.
