The MWAH prospect countdown marches on with the biggest bat (and trade chip?) in the entire Angel farm system.

C.J. Cron
Position: 1B  Highest Level: High-A
Bats:Rightt Throws: Right  Height: 6'4" Weight: 235 lbs.
Age: 23  Born: 1/5/90

2012 Season Stats
High-A: 557 PA, .293 AVG, .327 OBP, .516 SLG, 32 2B, 2 3B, 27 HR, 123 RBI, 72 SO, 3 SB, 4 CS, .295 BABIP

Contact – B+.  Cron has little or no problem catching up with fastballs in the zone and has shown the ability to adjust on breaking pitches better than most prospects.  It’s actually quite a rarity to see a hitter as big as C.J. is and with his kind of power to be able to make as much consistent contact as he does. 

Power – A.  Cron is one of the premier power bats in all of minor league baseball.  In fact, with the exception of Joey Gallo from the Rangers and Yasiel Puig from the Dodgers, there isn’t a prospect in the minor leagues with as much raw power as Cron has.  Given his build, size, ever increasing strength, the way he loads and his swing, I don’t see any reason why Cron can’t mature into a 30+ HR hitter at the major league level soon.

Discipline – C-. I’m tempted to lower this grade to a “D” but then common sense takes over.  Cron was hyped coming out of college as an extremely polished bat and so far, we haven’t see the walks in the minor leagues the way he walked in college. At the same time, Cron has an excellent eye for the strike zone and doesn’t chase nearly as many pitches as most other prospects.  I also realize that whenever Cron makes contact (especially away from home in the hitter friendly Cal League) it usually results in an extra base hit.  So what incentive has there been for C.J. to walk?  I personally find it hard to believe that C.J. would just forget about balls and strikes since college, so I’m assuming we’ll see more BB from him once he reaches an environment that forces him to reach base in this manner, like the Texas League (AA). 

Speed – D.  Yeah, he’s not fast.  He’s slightly below average for a first baseman.  He’s no Bengie Molina, but I doubt he’ll challenge anyone to a foot race anytime soon. 

Arm – I (incomplete).  We can’t fairly grade Cron on this.  He had a “plus” arm in college when he was a catcher until his junior year.  He suffered a torn labrum which ultimately resulted in him shifting over to first base.  He looked to have an average enough arm while fielding the position this past season, though no real “feel” for the ball.  In late August he finally went under the knife and had shoulder surgery.  I’m not entirely sure when we’ll see him throwing full time again, hopefully by the end of 2013, but I am hopeful he’ll have a much improved arm by the time he’s 100%.        

Performance – A.  Cron was an RBI away from breaking the organizational single season record before he opted for surgery.  The year before in Orem, he was on pace to set league records for homeruns and RBI’s until an unfortunate knee injury.  Still, this past season in the Cal League, Cron hit .293 and mashed 32 doubles and 27 homeruns.  And those numbers were actually knocked back down to Earth due to Cron playing his home games in the only pitching friendly park in the Cal League.  At home, Cron his .267 with only 5 HR’s.  Away from San Bernardino, Cron hit .318 with 22 HR.  Had the Angels still played their home games in Rancho, Cron could have made a serious run at breaking Brandon Wood’s records set back in 2005.  And he did it all while rehabbing a knee he had surgery on and with a torn labrum. 

Once he’s fully healthy, Cron may do some serious damage.  Having said that, fans will likely have to wait for that to happen, because in 2013, he appears headed for the pitching friendly Texas League and his home park will perhaps be the worst environment for a hitter in minor league baseball.  Consider this, Mark Trumbo, with all his prodigious power only mustered 15 HR in the Texas League.  So numbers won’t tell the whole story for C.J. Cron in 2013.   

Projection – B+.  Power hitting 1B that can hit for average are a valuable commodity.  Right now, Cron has the look of a .275+ hitter that can smack 30+ HR’s in the major leagues.  He’ll need to prove himself in AA first, and will need to prove he can work a walk, but once he does, he should be a very intriguing player.  One thing to look out for though, he’s blocked at 1B/DH by both Pujols and Trumbo.  So it’s possible that Cron’s future may reside outside of the organization.  But we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

Estimated MLB Arrival Date – Second half of 2014. 

(*As always, the above scouting report is provided by Scotty Allen of LA Angels Insider)

The March 6th, 2013 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels including Pujols makes a surprise appearance in the lineup, how Trout provides value on the bases and much more...

The Story: Albert Pujols made a surprise return to the Angels lineup yesterday.

The Monkey Says: This came out of left field, but it can only be a good thing. Albert went 0-for-3 and pretty much just jogged whenever he had to run, but at least he is in the lineup getting some ABs.

The Story: A detailed look at how Mike Trout provides more value on the bases than Miguel Cabrera.

The Monkey Says: Relax, this isn't another rehashing of the MVP debate, but rather a way of framing how exactly a great baserunner provides more value than a poor baserunner. Read it and maybe you just might learn something.

It feels like everyone, including you and me, assumed that Andrew Romine was almost guaranteed the utility job for the 2013 season. Baseball is a game of constant and unforeseen change, and following with the usual script two players in camp that aren't named Andrew Romine are making a strong case to win the utility job themselves. Both Brendan Harris and Bill Hall are both former major leaguers in camp as non-roster invitees, and with their fantastic springs as of today as well as their big league experience they might be putting themselves in line to win the job themselves. The Angels have kept Romine waiting for his chance at the full time utility position, and at age 27 could they really keep him waiting anylonger? Romine is a product of the Angels system and it's quite common for the organization to hold confidence in their players, whether blind (B. Wood) or justified (P. Bourjos). Romine has a very attractive skillset, and with some major league development he can turn into a monster of a utility-player; much like Maicer Izturis pre-2012. 

If Bill Hall and Brendan Harris put up far better springs than Romine would the Angels hesitate in giving the job to either of the other two candidates? The Angels may not have to since it's a strong possibility they will carry two utility players in the season, which gives Romine a far stronger chance of making the club. Although Romine has just recently given up on switch-hitting  in order to "improve his average and lessen his stress". Normally this would take considerable value from a utility player, though Romine's preference to bat lefty still gives him the edge over Bill Hall and Brendan Harris as the Angels still have a very righty heavy lineup. Romine is also somewhat of a defensive wizard; I only say somewhat because while he has shown to be an incredible defender he still has to prove it will transition to the majors over a full season. Brendan Harris is also a valuable defender as he can back up every infield position, though his prowess with the glove is not nearly as defined as Romine. Bill Hall is the least talented defender of the three, though he can player the outfield too. Given the Angels depth in the outfield I'm not sure if having Bill Hall backup the outfield is so much a necessity, though it is a nice plus. 

Despite Andrew Romine putting up a great performance in Spring Training so far both Harris and Hall are a step, or perhaps a leap ahead of him. Both Harris and Hall have put up a 1.000+ OPS so far, while Romine's OPS falls a few hundred points short behind at .722. Both Hall and Romine have posted a .333 OBP while Harris has shown an edge in his ability to get on base. Despite Harris being out of the big leagues since 2010 he's shown that he can still play the game at the big league level, if anything Harris is looking sharper than ever. I don't know what I can say about Bill Hall except that he is smashing the ball this spring. Hall's power has shown to be nothing stronger than "warning track power", though when it's any kind power coming off the bench you'll take what you can get. He won't be coming off the bench to crush homers, but he'll be able to drive the ball and provide excellent value as a potential RBI man off the bench. To me it seems like Bill Hall will win one of the two utility gigs just based off the fact that he can hit for power from the right side coming off the bench. 

From hated foe to beloved new addition, Josh Hamilton was the crown jewel of the Angels' off-season haul. While he is immensely talented, he brings a lot of baggage on and off the field that put his outlook for 2013 in question.

2012 Stats: 636 PA, .285 AVG, .354 OBP, .577 SLG, 103 R, 43 HR, 128 RBI, 7 SB, 4 CS, 162 K, .387 wOBA, 139 OPS+, 4.4 fWAR

2013 ZiPS Projections: 584 PA, .267 AVG, .333 OBP, .481 SLG, 73 R, 26 HR, 86 RBI, 7 SB, 2 CS, 130 K, .341 wOBA, 126 OPS+, 3.2 fWAR

2013 Bill James Projections: 630 PA, .289 AVG, .356 OBP, .540 SLG, 96 R, 35 HR, 114 RBI, 7 SB, 3 CS, 144 K, .376 wOBA

2013 CAIRO Projections: 522 PA, .270 AVG, .327 OBP, .469 SLG, 87 R, 21 HR, 83 RBI, 7 SB, 2 CS, 110 K, .341 wOBA

2013 MWAH Projections*: 550 PA, .281 AVG, .338 OBP, .492 SLG, 84 R, 26 HR, 94 RBI, 8 SB, 3 CS, 125 K, .360 wOBA

*The MWAH projections are simply my best guess based off my own personal opinion and research (my wOBA calculation is approximate)

The March 5th, 2013 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels including Trout's inevitable big payday, Madson might not play in Cactus League games and much more...

The Story: Nothing the Angels could've done with Trout's contract renewal was going to impact his future financial windfall.

The Monkey Says: That's a great point. I hadn't looked at it from the other side. What would paying Mike a few extra hundred thousand have really accomplished? Would it have earned them good faith with his agent to the point that it would have to a discount? Definitely not. The only thing I can see it doing is ever so slightly helping contract extension talks get started sooner. Other than that, all it would've done is give Trout more money, Arte Moreno less money and agent Craig Landis some warm-and-fuzzies that he did right by his client somehow.

The Story: Ryan Madson might miss all of Cactus League play.

The Monkey Says: He'll be able to go on the DL and hang out in Tempe for extended spring training, but it will be against inferior competition. So even if he is ready to roll as soon as he can come off the DL, the odds are that he will need some time before he is pitching at a high enough level to actually handle late-game duties.

Dear Mike,

Hope you’ve had a great offseason. I’m sure you weren’t ready to leave work to go on break, but, hey, any opportunity to get some lasagna and watch some football right? Like all good times, Mike, this one must too come to an end. Our restful, baseball-less break is over. Now, it’s time to stash the ‘ol LA Extreme jersey (and the pyrex baking dish) and get back to work.

We’re really glad to have you back, Mike. There were... questions after last season didn’t end so well (There were even more when Trouty didn’t win the MVP, but that’s hardly your fault). A lot of things were in flux and we didn’t know if you’d come back to us. But we’re together again, and we, the fans, are ready to see what you can do with the boys this season. We’re expecting great things!

...No, seriously Mike. Great. Things. You have an all-star squad for the second season in a row. Gods willing, you’ll have Mike Trout playing from the very first game of the season all the way through October. You have acquired one of your greatest rival’s finest players in Josh Hamilton. Albert Pujols is fully acclimated to his new surroundings. CJ Wilson is ready to make a fresh start, and the bullpen walls are breaking down as middle relievers and closers are swapping positions as smoothly as cheerleaders performing The Fountain of Troy. The mistakes of last season have been washed away. Stigmas and bad habits are now barely a memory. You, and the entire team, have a clean slate! There’s no reason to believe we won’t make the playoffs!

...We will make the playoffs, right, Mike? I mean, the Astros came to the division. That’s almost 20 wins right there. There is also no chance Oakland repeats that insane late season run to take the pennant. As I’ve already said, our most hated division rivals, The Rangers, have been hamstrung by the loss of veteran slugger Josh Hamilton. And the Mariners? They’re scraping the bottom of the barrel. Did you know they invited Jon Garland to training camp? Yes, THAT Jon Garland! Part time 2008 Angels pitcher and cast off from the 2012 Cleveland Indians farm club. Given a complete lack of competition, there’s no way the Angels don’t take the AL West!

...Alright, Mike? Can I level with you? The reason I’m so excited to see the team make the postseason this year is because if they don’t, you’re gone. Oh, you may still be employed by the club, but for all intents and purposes, you’ll be outta there. You won’t be able to Sciosciaface your way into our hearts anymore. Those angry/confused/annoyed/hungry eyes and slightly ajar lips won’t be enough to keep the fans around this time. We love ya Mike and we don’t want you to go, but sometimes these things happen. People grow apart, and the fans desire to see their major market team in the World Series hunt is the wedge that will separate you from us. I don’t think either one of us wants that to happen.

But let’s not let things come to that, Mike. You are a surgeon with his instruments sterilized and ready to perform a playoff transfusion. You are an artist with his paint palette ready to create a masterpiece. You are a soldier with all of the weapons you need at your disposal and all you have to do is storm the postseason castle like the field general we all know you can be!

And should it come to pass that you fail and Mr. Moreno gives you your pink slip, you can stand confident in the knowledge that you can punch your ticket to Boston or New York and bring them a little Sciosciaface to help warm the cold New England winters.

Hope to see you in October, Mike.
 

-A fan.

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The MWAH prospect countdown marches on with one of the real under-the-radar talents in the Angels system.

Taylor Lindsey
Position: 2B  Highest Level: High-A
Bats: Left Throws: Right  Height: 6'0" Weight: 195 lbs.
Age: 21  Born: 12/2/91

2012 Season Stats
High-A: 589 PA, .289 AVG, .328 OBP, .408 SLG, 26 2B, 6 3B, 9 HR, 79 RBI, 66 SO, 8 SB, 6 CS, .313 BABIP

Contact – B+.  Lindsey’s swing is definitely unique.  He keeps his hands lower and doesn’t necessarily raise them, which actually leads to perhaps the most direct path to the ball I’ve ever seen.  Other players that try to get away with this tend to get under the ball too much and pop out.  Lindsey on the other hand has a knack for spraying line drives, especially to right-center field.  This particular skill is one that has developed the most in the past year for Taylor.   

Power – C+.  For a second baseman, Lindsey actually has solid power.  No one anticipates him hitting 30 home runs a year, but 10-20 are within the realm of possibility once his body matures and he builds some muscle.  More than anything, Lindsey has a knack for driving the ball into the gap and down the line with authority. 

Discipline – C-. He doesn’t chase pitches out of the zone like so many other Angels prospects, but Lindsey still doesn’t like to walk his way onto base for some reason.  Lindsey is an attentive, coachable player though, and I have no doubt he’ll get better in this department before he reaches the major leagues.  I’m not sure this will ever be a “plus” tool, but it will be adequate eventually.

Speed – C.  Lindsey has the epitome of what I’d call average speed.  He’ll collect 10 SB per season, but he doesn’t wow anyone in this department.   

Arm – D.  Lindsey has a weak throwing arm, which should prevent him from ever moving to the corner outfield.  Luckily, at second base, this weakness is well hidden.  His arm is adequate for the position.      

Performance – B. I was pleased to see Taylor skip a level after earning MVP honors the year before in the Pioneer League.  Not only did he skip over A Ball, but held his own in Advanced A Ball and was actually one of the better hitters in the league.  He’ll head to AA as a 21-year old, which is actually slightly young for the league.    

Projection – B+.  This is why Lindsey ranks so high on the Top Prospect list.  I don’t envision him ever being an elite or all-star second baseman, but he looks to be an offensive minded second baseman, which aren't entirely common.  If you want to compare him to current second basemen, he’s posted similar numbers to Aaron Hill and Kelly Johnson in the minor leagues, and has the same build as those two as well.  So one could easily foresee a scenario where Lindsey emerges as a .275+ hitter with 30+ DB and 15+ HR’s at the major league level. 

(*As always, the above scouting report is provided by Scotty Allen of LA Angels Insider)