Okay, back from the All Star break with the weekend series and we want to see what minor league prospects might be up this month that would help fantasy teams.
There have been a lot of questions about Tampa Bay outfielder Desmond Jennings. Lots of analysts want to put him on the top of lists because of his potential and his speed. But the Rays are competing without a huge need in the outfield thanks to contributions from Sam Fuld (at least early in the season) and Matt Joyce who is on pace for 25+ home runs and plays most days (sitting against tough LHP). Jennings will miss at least 2-3 weeks now with a fractured index finger so I doubt we see him until the September call-ups arrive.
I think the Arizona Diamondbacks made a mistake in recalling 1B/OF Brandon Allen when they sent Juan Miranda back to the minors. While Allen has been hitting well (not terrific - .306 with 18 home runs, but striking out more than the last two years) at Triple-A Reno, he still has a hole in his swing which I think major league pitchers will take advantage of in short order. Meanwhile 1B Paul Goldschmidt, the minor league leader in home runs with 26, is still raking at Doulbe-A Mobile (.311 average with 81 RBI and a .656 slugging percentage) and had a two run homer in the Southern League All Star game.
I would keep a close eye on Allen because if he fails, Goldschmidt might get a quick call and I don’t think he needs time at AAA to hit well in the NL West and help the Diamondbacks. He also has a little speed for a few stolen bases, a big plus from a 1B/CI.
Brett Lawrie was supposed to have been recalled in late May but was hit on the hand by a pitch that fractured his hand and is just now playing on rehab and working his way back. I think he will still be up before September, but the Blue Jays look like they will be very cautious with him. When Toronto does call him up he should play every day at third base and be an immediate contributor with the power and even a little speed.
Certainly not a prospect, but Carlos Guillen returned to action at second base for the Detroit Tigers over the weekend. I am skeptical about continuing production for Guillen but in deeper AL leagues he may be a welcome addition at a MI slot.
I also think the Tigers will have to turn to one of their pitching prospects soon as they are clearly poised to win the AL Central if they can get some good pitching. The Phil Coke and Charlie Furbush experiments failed to hold down a spot in the rotation and with Rick Porcello struggling again the Tigers need another starter. Whether that is Andrew Oliver or Jacob Turner or someone with less pedigree that they might feel more comfortable with is the question. Detroit might also try and fill that rotation spot via trade and the rumors have them ready to trade pitching prospect Casey Crosby. Personally I would want to see some results first if they promote a minor leaguer.
Finally I still think that Cleveland will recall Jason Kipnis to play second base in their quest for the AL Central pennant. Orlando Cabrera has had his moments but they are fewer and further between now, and Kipnis has more power potential.
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