B-Side Prospects: July Reprise

Last February, with help from my Pitcher List Dynasty colleagues, thirty prospects (one from each organization) were offered up as potential dynasty risers in 2021…the B-Sides, if you will.  It was an attempt to answer the popular question, “Who is a player you could see taking a jump in your list this year?”At the time, we didn’t advise using up roster space, but rather watchlist room.

As we Split Open and Melt into July, let’s take a look back like A Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday. Did we find a Stash? Did this Theme From the Bottom lead us to Prince Caspian? Or just a Dog Faced Boy? I mean, after all, these Roses Are Free. OK, I’m done. Without further ado:

 

Hits Going Mainstream and New Bandmates

 

Jhonkensy Noel, 1B/3B, Low-A Lynchberg

Kyle Brown’s # 27 Cleveland prospect
20.0 years old (1.9 years younger than average low-A hitter)
10% Fantrax Ownership (up 4% since McLovin It)

 

Unlike a lot of our B-Sides, Noel already had some dynasty love heading into 2021, and an eye-popping .358 with five home runs in his first two and a half weeks caught helium. A 10% ownership rate is a borderline “A-side” prospect in my completely made-up arbitrary system here, but I’m gonna graduate Noel from our list. There’s still a long list of boxes to check. The hot start was interrupted by injury so the helium from a few-week run at low-A isn’t enough to feel super confident, but the hard contact was impressive and the 17% strikeout rate even more so for the big-bodied corner infielder suggesting more hit in the package than suspected.

 

(HR vs Troy Stainbrook 5/4)

 

Crushing a 2-0 fastball above, Noel’s power wasn’t a question, but he showed the ability to pick out good pitches to drive and didn’t miss nor chase an obscene amount during the 67 at-bat run. Regardless, his replacement on the list has impressed me more, and I wanted to get him on the list:

 

Jose Tena, MIF/3B, High-A Lake County

Kyle Brown’s #35 Cleveland prospect
20.3 years old (1.6 years younger than average high-A hitter)
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

In a Lake County lineup featuring four other talented twenty-year-olds, George Valera, Brayan Rocchio, Aaron Bracho, and Joe Naranjo, Tena is getting the least attention while arguably having the best season. Batting .281 while hitting 2,3, or 5 in the lineup, the most exciting development might be some power coming. Tena hit a total of two home runs over two full rookie ball seasons, but now has four in high-A. Smaller in stature, the power may still be wall scraper-esque (like below) but the quick efficient swing has been producing good contact. A 28.5%  strikeout to 5% walk rate may be a thing to monitor, but Tena fits our list well. Cleveland’s lower-level riches are real.

 

(HR vs Alec Gamboa 5/23/21)

 

Ezequiel Tovar, SS, Low-A Fresno

Nate Handy’s #18 Rockies prospect
19.9 years old (2.0 years younger than average low-A hitter)
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

Burying the lead a little, because dynasty owners seem to be as well, and pushing the limits of how much I should spew about him, Tovar has been the success story of our B-Sides so far. The 1% ownership rate isn’t going to stop me from graduating him. There is helium around the corner. Tovar is a top 100 type prospect and gaining more steam as major publications put out some high praise.

The clear leader of a talented Fresno team has made substantial offensive gains, tapping into the power I wondered about. Walk-off winners, stealing outs by fooling runners, the target of pitchers seeking retaliation, and an overall intense presence headline a basket full of attractive intangible assets. Tovar’s current .323 batting average, 7 HR, 39 RBI, 13 SB line is Low-A West player of the year caliber stuff. And that’s a league with Marco Luciano and Noelvi Marte. Tovar may not be in Fresno long, but it’s the Rockies after all, so maybe he’s there for years.

 

(Walkoff 2B vs Enmanual Acosta 5/14)

(HR vs Kelvin Nunez 6/12))

 

Replacing the Rockies’ now vacant B-Side spot:

 

Drew Romo, C, Low-A Fresno

Nate Handy’s #9 Rockies prospect
19.8 years old (2.1 years younger than average low-A hitter)
3% Fantrax Ownership

 

A 2020 supplemental first-round pick doesn’t scream B-Side, but with a 3% ownership rate, and a reputation as a defensive prep catcher with limited fantasy juice on the bone, I’m adding him. I had wondered if I was too optimistic this winter, now I’m wondering if I wasn’t optimistic enough.  Romo can hit, with more advanced plate skills than Zac Veen at this juncture and his intensity and IQ can rival Tovar’s. Overshadowed by the Soderstroms of the draft, Romo’s leaving dynasty owners with a profitable opportunity warranting B-Side love. Romo only trails Tovar for the team lead in batting average and home runs, while third in RBIs behind Tovar and Veen, with an impressive 16.4% strikeout rate. Romo’s sizzled in June; .397 3 HR. Romo is all hustle too, even his home run trots:

 

(HR vs Kumar Nambiar 6/20)

 

Dubbing Over (at least for now)

 

Wilmin Candelario, SS, ACL Royals 1

Nate Handy’s #23 Royals prospect
19.8 years old
1% Fantrax Ownership

Candelario has done nothing to warrant an exit. He just kicked off his ACL season Monday, going 1 for 5, hitting three-hole, I just want to get this guy on the list:

 

Darryl Collins, OF, Low-A Columbia

Nate Handy’s #43 Royals prospect
19.8 years old (2.1 years younger than average low-A hitter)
2% Fantrax Ownership

 

(Walk-off grand slam vs Jarod Wright 6/26)

 

The Dutch phenom import is proving the deep speculation right so far. A 16.9% strikeout rate paired with a .288 BA with 4 home runs has him hitting three-hole for the Fireflies. Collins was tagged as a potentially limited athlete but I’m not so sure that’s completely accurate. There are athletes who look real fluid, you can imagine twirling on the dance floor and then there are athletes like Collins, a little stiff looking, who might embarrass neighboring twirlers. There’s a quick bat here with some juice and potential helium to come. Even more attractive, Collins might be a guy grading out high in “dude factor” as well. Collins shows up against the more talented pitchers in the league, giving a deep love of mine, Joey Estes, troubles. Peruse the Columbia box scores and you’ll find Collins registering hits on days the Fireflies don’t have many.

 

Yorlis Rodriguez, 2B, ACL Giants Black

Adam Lawler’s #41 Giants prospect
21.9 years old
0% Fantrax Ownership

 

Adam perked our ears to the Cuban signee, and justifiably so, but I’m going to slide him off the list for now as a twenty-two year old yet to get full season run would be fine to hold steady in other organizations, but the Giants have far too many other B-Side options. Let’s get one on here.

(Update: Rodriguez kicked off his ACL season Monday night going 2 for 3 with a double, an RBI, a strikeout, and a walk)

 

Casey Schmitt, 3B, Low-A San Jose

Adam Lawler’s #7 Giants prospect
22.3 years old (0.4 years older than average low-A hitter)
4% Fantrax Ownership

 

I loved Adam slotting Schmitt #7 on his list, which he acknowledged as aggressive, but I was onboard. Another unconventional B-side, as he was a 2020 second-round pick, but I felt he was undervalued this FYP season. Pair that with a 4% ownership rate, a relief pitcher profile to fall back on, and a brutally unlucky start to the season where the stat line prospector missed the real story, we have enough unlove to join our list. Watch a May San Jose game and chances are you find Schmitt hitting a hard out. There’s an offensive profile with a cannon from the hot corner to dream on here. The luck has turned around too. Since the tough 5 for 50 with 3 HR start, Schmitt’s batting .328 with 5 HR and  18% strikeout rate. A smidge old for the level, I suspect the new pro a promotion candidate, and maybe some dynasty helium.

 

(first pro home run vs Breiling Eusebio, who’s no slouch)

 

Jake Sanford, OF, Low-A Tampa

Zack Lindgren’s #43 Yankees prospect
23.6 years old (1.7 years older than average low-A hitter)
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

Sanford is gonna slide off our list for now. Darn near his whole Tampa team, although destroying, is under-assigned. To boot, they are yet to be broadcast, so even more cloud to murky up this mud. The assignment killed the B-Side train before it left the station for me. One may say Sanford’s .281 batting average with four home runs as a 23/24-year-old in low-A is far from good enough. I think we can do better with the Yankees’ slot.

 

Diego Castillo, IF, Double-A Somerset

Unranked in Zack Lindgren’s Preseason Yankees’ Top 50
23.7 years old (1.1 years younger than average low-A hitter)
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

Castillo is a fresh name to me, and I’ve just begun digging, but there is justified excitement. Castillo would have been a great monster candidate. The young Venezuelan has split time at 2B/3B/SS and seems to be settling atop the Somerset lineup. Oswaldo Peraza might be stealing dynasty attention, and being a few years younger it’s understandable, but Castillo is absolutely making work of double-A, slashing .338/.390/.609 with eight home runs on the season, including a 13.7% strikeout rate. Let’s settle him here while I dig for warts. Here’s Castillo displaying some mighty quick hands:

 

(HR vs Jake Thompson 6/25)

 

Tirso Ornelas, COF, High-A Fort Wayne

Jack Cecil’s #15 Padres prospect
21.3 years old (2.0 years younger than average high-A hitter)
4% Fantrax Ownership

 

(2B vs Jared Janczak 6/12)

 

(2B vs Alec Wisely 6/12)

 

I get why Ornelas has some speculative dynasty love. There is a big body, with plenty of opposite-field strength and he’s more athletic than you might think. The problem is only partly his regarding our purposes, as I really want to get the guy taking his spot in. Ornelas could very well need a little more time, but my overall impression of him has been pretty “meh” so far. Let’s bolster the Padres’ spot with:

 

Euribiel Angeles, IF, Low-A Lake Elsinore

Unranked in Jack Cecil’s Pre-season Padres’ Top 50
19.1 years old (2.8 years younger than average high-A hitter)
0% Fantrax Ownership

 

Angeles was one of our McLovin Its and things were just starting to heat up then. Angeles is currently on a ridiculous 21 for 45 (.467) stretch. There hasn’t been a ton of slugging and a home run hasn’t come since May 8th, but the just-turned 19-year-old is making tons of contact. Yes, he has some bunt singles bolstering the numbers, but the young Dominican, stateside for the first time, with a strong lower half and advanced approach could turn B-Side gold. Angeles is an aggressive hitter who has kept the strikeout rate under 18%. Love it.

 

(2B vs Brent Killam 5/13, which was the only hit Killam allowed)

 

Eduarqui Fernandez, OF, DSL?

Andy Patton’s #38 Brewers prospect
19.6 years old
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

Fernandez doesn’t seem to be stateside yet, which surprises me. A nearly 20-year old who hit .211 with 11 HR during a 2019 DSL debut and also struck out 38.6% of the time who can’t get stateside yet, we can do better.

 

Korry Howell, OF, High-A Wisconsin

Unranked in Andy Patton’s Pre-Season Brewers Top 50
22.8 years old (0.5 years younger than average high-A hitter)
4% Fantrax Ownership

 

Howell is amidst a breakout season while playing alongside Garrett Mitchell. Some attention has come, but he’s till B-Side enough to be our Brewer. The big development has been increased bat speed and power, eight home runs now when he had only two his whole pro career. Pairing the pop with the speed (three games with both a home run and stolen base), the small buzz is understandable. Despite tuning into plenty of Wisconsin games, Howell is a player I’m just starting to watch closely. I want to know more about his plate skills.

 

(HR vs Zach King 5/7)

 

Killer Run of Shows

 

Yohendrick Pinango, OF, Low-A Myrtle Beach

Joe Gallina’s #34 Cubs prospect
19.1 years old (2.8 years younger than average low-A hitter)
2% Fantrax Ownership

 

(RBI single vs Chad Bryant 5/15)

 

(first pro HR vs Jordan Jones 5/20)

 

(HR vs Ben Hernandez‘ changeup 6/4)

 

(HR vs Rylan Kuafman 6/22)

 

Pinango was a highly anticipated watch for me, and I’ve been hooked since opening day. A young all-fields approach hitter with a sub 16% strikeout rate gets me excited. Toss in the low strikeout rate while I believe, the pitch recognition is raw, there’s reason to think he becomes an even tougher out. Pinango has settled into the three-hole for Myrtle Beach showing a steady progression as the season goes, impressing with something subtle week to week, whether it spitting on some breaking balls he hadn’t in May or turning and driving an 0-2 pitch for a home run like above. Set the on-field stuff aside for a moment, Pinango is with a popular organization whose system lacks big-name appeal minus a few guys. I’m thinking Pinango starts getting some attention and more deep dynasty love soon.

 

Leo Jimenez, MIF, Low-A Dunedin

Zach Lindgren’s #14 Blue Jays prospect
 20.1 years old (1.8 years younger than average low-A hitter)
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

Jimenez is becoming my most anticipated show of the summer as he hasn’t been broadcasted yet. July 27th-August 1st Dunedin visits Bradenton and it’s on. Jimenez had some speculative attention heading into the season with reports of added strength out of instructs. The home runs haven’t shown up on the stat page but Jimenez flipped the script stat-wise after a one-for-twenty start. Jimenez has hit .350 since then, including a .391 June. Something’s happening here and I look forward to checking it out.

 

Jorge Barrosa, OF, High-A Hillsboro

Vincent Ginardi’s #23 Diamondbacks prospect
20.4 years old (2.9 years younger than average high-A hitter)
0% Fantrax Ownership

 

Barrosa excelled as a top of the order sparkplug for Visalia, hitting himself on base at a .333 clip and making things happen on the basepaths:

 

(2B vs Mitchell Killkenny 5/12)

 

Barrosa was my Diamondbacks’ Low-A player of the month in May and promotion to Hillsboro came shortly thereafter. Barrosa could be limited in the power department or just starting to come into some. The speed is more quick than fast and the arm from the outfield may be fringy, but the contact skills are the main draw. Barrosa is six for 22 since promotion with a double and a triple. The road is long, but a top-of-the-order major leaguer could be finding some roots in the short-statured Barrosa.

 

Humming Along

 

Jeferson Morales, C, Low-A Ft. Myers

Kyle Brown’s #44 Twins prospect
22.1 years old (o.2 years older than average low-A hitter)
0% Fantrax Ownership

 

(HR vs Estalin Ortiz 5/9/21)

 

Morales is another Low-A Southeast prospect hard to get eyes on but he seems to come as advertised; capable of plus actions behind the plate and sending balls over the fence while hitting for some average. Catcher is what it is in dynasty, but I have no desire to take Morales off the list after five home runs and a .089 improvement in batting average from May to June.

 

Israel Pineda, C, High-A Wilmington

Andy Patton’s Pre-Season #12 Nationals prospect
21.2 years old (2.1 years younger than average high-A hitter)
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

(HR vs Kade Strowd 5/18)

 

This Venezuelan catcher is going to stick around, but it’s slipping beyond the catcher-interesting-me-in-dynasty threshold. If the Nationals had a better candidate, maybe he doesn’t. It’s not all gloom though, the power is legit. The strikeouts aren’t super egregious, but the lack of consistent contact is. I have no issue with the 1% ownership rate, as Pineda seems like a guy still capable of offering dynasty appeal, but as a free add down the road.

 

Vaughn Grissom, IF, Low-A Augusta

Hunter Denson’s #12 Braves prospect
20.5 years old (1.4 years younger than average low-A hitter)
2% Fantrax Ownership

 

(2B vs Cruz Noriega 6/16)

 

Vaughn’s a nice prospect and perhaps the hitter in Augustas’ lineup with the most prospect juice. The majority of the time he plays third base but mans a fine shortstop as well. Watching Joey Estes‘ starts, Grissom shows up defensively and offensively. Vaughn’s batting .280, with a 16.3% strikeout rate, a couple of long balls, and he runs better than stolen base numbers may suggest. He hasn’t wow-ed the stat sheet yet, but the young five-tool prospect is doing his thing.

 

Ivan Johnson, SS, Low-A Daytona

Vincent Ginardi’s #13 Reds prospect
 22.7 years old (0.8 years older than average low-A hitter)
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

I way overshot Johnson’s assignment heading into the season. The reputation seemed to warrant a higher than low-A placement, but alas, he’s hitting .156 as an almost 23-year-old. But before you go writing him off, consider injury kept him out a month and upon return, extra-base hits are showing up on the stat sheet. The unfortunate part is Johnson missed Daytona’s lone trip to Bradenton this year and we may not get a look. Johnson’s garnered positive reviews from prospecting folks I respect, so he stays for now.

 

Osleivis Basabe, SS, Low-A Charleston

Natan Cristol-Deman’s #28 Rays prospect
20.0 years old (1.9 years younger than average low-A hitter)
4% Fantrax Ownership

 

(3B vs Zach Seipel 6/26)

 

(2B vs Jake Reindl 6/15)

 

Truth be told, I’m not too pumped here, but Basabe deserves more time. Hidden away in Tampa’s prospect Area 51 until June 5th, Basabe’s come out hitting .333, but 15 of the 17 hits are singles. I provided the two extra-base hits above. The bat-to-ball stuff looks fine, but I’m not getting excited until I start seeing some more juice, which may very well come.

 

Omar Estévez, IF/OF, Triple-A Oklahoma City

Natan Cristol-Deman’s #32 Dodgers prospect
23.3 years old (4.0 years younger than average triple-A hitter)
3% Fantrax Ownership

 

Estevez is a super intriguing prospect to me. I’m far from a swing expert, but I like his a lot. It feels easy, controlled, and quick.

 

(HR vs Jason Bahr 5/7)

 

I may have overblown the “bat-only” prospect stuff last go-’round, but he doesn’t have a defensive home. Estevez is currently holding a utility-type role for Oklahoma City, having played everywhere but catcher and first base. I’m yet to see any major defensive blunders or blatant inadequacies. But what are the Dodgers’ plans with the former $6M Cuban signee? Is this an attempt to find a defensive home? Gain experience everywhere? Both? Does a potential DH in the National League create an opportunity?

I’m not putting much weight in 2021 numbers, batting just .182 with inconsistent playing time doesn’t mean much to me. What does have my interest at the B-Side level is the Dodgers’ propensity to groom these utility-feel players who show up on the big stage and produce. Of course, Estevez could be on the path of missed big signing, but at the 3% ownership rate, this feels like a chance for profit if the swing I like starts going. Estevez could be too much of a one-trick pony at the plate, pull heavy and more swinger than hitter, but he’s staying put for now.

 

(PH HR vs Jordan Guerrero 6/15)

 

Ceddanne Rafaela, CF/3B/MIF, Low-A Salem

Shelly Verougstraete’s #36 Red Sox prospect
20.8 years old (1.1 years younger than average low-A hitter)
0% Fantrax Ownership

 

(HR vs Lenny Torres 6/6)

 

Shelly mentioned the fantasy upside may be capped with Rafaela, but he is a fun young prospect. Rafaela looks like a guy whose lower-level stolen base numbers may actually mean something in way of potentially stealing bases in the majors. The young man looks really fast. The stat sheet doesn’t grab you, hitting .225 with one home run (above) and 13 stolen bases, but there is athleticism and some offensive juice I’m curious to watch more of.

 

Patrick Romeri, OF, Low-A Palm Beach

Nate Handy’s #37 Cardinals prospect
20.0 years old (1.9 years younger than average low-A hitter)
0% Fantrax Ownership

 

Injury caused Romeri to miss Palm Beach’s lone trip to Bradenton, and maybe our lone chance to see him this year. The numbers are lackluster at best, but I want to see this kid play, and I’m not moving him until I do.

 

Diowill Burgos, COF/DH, Low-A Jupiter

Zach Lingren’s #39 Marlins prospect
20.5 years old (1.4 years younger than average low-A hitter)
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

(2B vs Logan Hofman 6/25)

 

Burgos is another tough-to-read Low-A Southeast prospect I want to see more of. There’s good reason to be curious about young Marlins’ farmhands as a whole, and he’s one they traded for. After a 10 game hit streak with a couple of long balls the first few weeks of the season, Burgos’ production has been hot and cold, but mostly cold. Yet he continues to sit in prominent lineup spots for the Hammerheads as if they feel the production is coming. I’m still tuning in for now.

 

Lester Madden, OF, High-A Lansing

Jack Cecil’s #39 A’s prospect
22.4 years old (0.9 years younger than average high-A hitter)
0% Fantrax Ownership

 

(1B vs Kevin Coulter 5/17)

 

Every time I see Madden get a hit, it’s an opposite-field line drive. The approach to go that way seems borderline obnoxious, making me wonder if this guy is hammering on skill development. Another Cuban with a swing I like teasing power/hit I’m not moving off despite numbers. I’m anxious to see where this goes, if anywhere.

 

Coming Off Hiatus

 

Adinso Reyes, SS/3B, FCL Tigers West

Hunter Denson’s #18 Tigers prospect
19.7 years old
2% Fantrax Ownership

 

Reyes garnered some speculative love after his 2019 Dominican Summer League debut, lauded for his budding hit and power skillset. His 2021 season starts yesterday.

 

Elio Prado, OF, FCL Orioles Orange

Hunter Denson’s #26 Orioles prospect
 19.5 years old
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

Part of the return for Andrew Cashner, Prado’s 2021 is just getting started in the Florida Complex League (formerly Gulf Coast League). Rostered on the Orange squad, he did not appear in the opener Monday night. Staying tuned.

 

Johnabiell Laureano, OF, ACL White Sox

Vincent Ginardi’s #26 White Sox prospect
20.5 years old
0% Fantrax Ownership

 

Laureano was as B-Side an addition to our list as there was, and a low-A assignment to start 2021 seemed to justify it. The .357 2019 DSL season didn’t translate numbers-wise during 15 games in Kannapolis and he’s in rookie ball now. Laureano went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts, starting in center field, batting sixth Monday night. I’m still holding here, at least through some rookie-level ball as the White Sox farm isn’t providing me with better B-Side inspirations.

 

(vs Matt Stil 5/23)

 

(1B vs Patrick Smith 5/23)

 

Jasiah Dixon, CF, FCL Pirates Gold

Shelly Verougstraete’s #18 Pirates prospect
19.7 years old
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

(a little kid on the field which cracked me up, and a 2B vs Gio Arriera 5/22)

 

Dixon displayed the athleticism and speed he was lauded for during a 28 game stint in Bradenton to start 2021, but he struggled offensively hitting .188, with just two extra-base hits. We will see how rookie ball goes. Dixon started the opener Monday night leading off and playing left field. He went 2 for 4 with two singles.

 

Jose Bonilla, 3B, ACL Angels

Jack Cecil’s #23 Angels prospect
19.3 years old
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

(1B vs Dwayne Matos 6/20)

 

Jack got my attention here, and Bonilla seemed to always do something watching Inland Empire. After 28 games there, Bonilla is gonna work on things in rookie ball. Monday night he started the season off 2 for 5 with a double and one strikeout. I’m not a fan of his swing, but I’m far from an expert, and hitters make different things work. It feels herky-jerky to me, lacking synchronization, but we’ll still keep him on our list.

 

Zion Bannister, OF, ACL Rangers 1

Nate Handy’s #31 Rangers prospect
19.8 years old
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

Let’s go! Bannister is another kid I’m anxious to see. Chris Welsh shared some video of him looking stronger and I’ve been given votes of confidence in my excitement by people in the organization. It’s a long road, but there is power/speed potential here. Bannister went 1 for 5 with an RBI double and one strikeout during Monday night’s opener. He started in left field and hit in the 5-spot. He’s playing alongside some names in that lineup and liable to get overlooked, which helps his B-Side stock.

 

Marcus Lee Sang, OF, FCL Phillies

Ryan Amore’s #33 Phillies prospect
20.5 years old
0% Fantrax Ownership

 

Sang got left behind at the complex in May, but he started off rookie ball with a bang Monday night; 2 for 5 with a solo home run and three strikeouts. Sang will hold his spot B-Side spot for now.

 

Milkar Perez, 3B, ACL Mariners

Andy Patton’s #41 Mariners prospect
19.8 years old
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

We suspected it may take a minute to get a look at Perez. He kicked off his Arizona Complex League season going 2 for 2 with an RBI and two walks. The story was a budding hit tool and an arm for third. We’ll keep watching.

 

Blaine McIntosh, OF, FCL Mets

Kyle Brown’s #25 Mets prospect
20.1 years old
0% Fantrax Ownership

 

McIntosh was our most questionable addition to the initial list, mostly because finding a good B-Side candidate from the Mets was hard. On the FCL Mets roster, McIntosh didn’t appear in Monday’s opener. We will keep an eye on him, but he has one foot off the list, so he’ll have to fight to stay on.

 

The Song I Wanna Hear Most

 

Kenedy Corona, OF, Low-A Fayetteville

Nate Handy’s #19 Astros prospect
22.3 years old (o.6 years younger than average low-A hitter)
1% Fantrax Ownership

 

My guy @DGinTB asked me back in February which B-Side I’d take a shot on, and Corona was my choice. It hasn’t quite happened yet, but I’m stubborn Corona’s talent could lead to more production soon. The thing separating him for me at the time, and still, is his intensity and alpha-type demeanor. He flashes a combination of power, hit, and speed enticing me. Sometimes you just want it to happen for a guy and that’s my case here. It may never all come together but in an organization flush with talent, hard to see what’s going to come from who and how far, Corona gets my attention the rest of this season, at least.

 

(1B vs Yoelvin Silven 5/14/21)

 

(hustle 2B vs Yoelvin Silven 5/14/21)

 

(HR vs Garvin Alston 5/15)

 

(2B vs Marcus Evey 6/26/21)

 

Encore: We Are Come To Outlive Our Brains

 

With all the free B-Side opportunity out there (I assure you there is much, much more than I can cover), and as trade deadlines approach, are future draft picks really worth much of anything in trade? There is loads of free talent in the minor leagues, harvesting it is all we can do, then it’s up to fantasy gods and the players’ will to be great. Sometimes…I don’t know, trading for future draft picks feels on par with paying for tap water.

Runaway Jim