Some stud prospects just go unnoticed sometimes. Whether its because of draft position, organization, or just being blocked by more known players in front of them. I decided to help out your dynasty teams by letting you know 5 prospects you have to have on your team, but who will also not cost you big in the trade market.
1. Brad Miller - SS/SEA
Ranked 6th in the Seattle Mariners top 20 prospects list (as graded by John Sickels), Brad Miller has still somehow flown under the radar to most fantasy owners. This is most likely because of fellow short stop and organizational teammate Nick Franklin. Franklin has been dubbed Seattle's solution at short stop since he was drafted in the first round of the 2009 First Year Player Draft. However, the Mariners just two years later drafted Miller in the second round out of Clemson. Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik has been known to draft for talent rather than position (See Danny Hultzen, Mike Zunino). Fresh out of college Miller hit .415 in 14 games at the end of the 2011 campaign. Many discarded the stats by saying the sample size was too small. But, in 2012, the numbers again exploded almost out of no where. Between High Desert and Jackson, Miller had a triple-slash of .334/.410/.512. He hit 15 homers, though that stat may be a little skewed because of the time he spent at High Desert, and drove in 68 RBIs. It will be interesting to see if that power stays during the upcoming season. In addition, Miller showcased his above average speed swiping 23 bags in 2012, speed that many did not realize he had. The only knock on Miller is his defense. Can he cut down on routine errors? Does he have the skills to remain at short stop? 2013 will be a telling year for Miller and the Mariners. If he can repeat the same numbers and prove he can stay at the premium position, is a possible Nick Franklin trade in the cards? Regardless, make a trade for Miller now before his stock can rise any higher.
2. Oswaldo Arcia - OF/MIN
With names like Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton, and Aaron Hicks surrounding him, its no wonder why people have overlooked Arcia in the Twins organization. Though he is ranked 2nd in John Sickels Minnesota Twins top 20 prospects, Arcia is still relatively under appreciated by the baseball community. Just 21 last year, Arcia put up some of the best all around numbers in the minors. .320/.388/.539 with 17 homers and drove in 98 runs. His fielding is also phenomenal with great range and a plus arm. Just 4 stolen bases last season leads people to believe he is not fast, however he runs the bases well and still scored 76 runs last year. Arcia is one of the reason Twins fans should be excited for the future. Minnesota's entire farm system seems underrated to me, besides maybe Seattle, they have the most talent of any organization. Arcia needs to repeat his numbers from last season consistently to prove he is legit. Should be up sooner rather than later because the Twins need help now.
3. Matthew Wisler - RHP/SD
Everything is quieter when it comes to baseball in San Diego. Chase Headly was one of the best players in basebal last year, and got little love. The same is true when it comes to young right hander Matthew Wisler. Even underrated in the draft, Wisler picked until the seventh round. However, if the Padres new how impressive this kid would become they would have drafted him sooner. At 6'3" 175 pounds, Wisler is very projectable and has the frame to be a prototype pitcher in the future. That being said, he's really, really good now. Just 18 in 2012, Wisler started 23 games. He pitched to a 2.53 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. In 114 innings he struck out 113 batters. Wisler dominated A ball all season. A great arsenal anchored by above average changeup and curveball, with fastball that 8 MPH last season. John Sickels wrote it best "A very very good prospect who deserves more attention." With a repeat of his numbers from 2012, Wisler will be rising up prospect list so get him now while he's cheap.
4. Victor Sanchez - RHP/SEA
Just like Miller, Sanchez has been overshadowed by the names in front of him. "The Big 3" as they're called (refering to Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen, and James Paxton; the most cliche term in sports), have been the focus of all of the Mariners attention. But, with few expectations for the 2012 season, Victor Sanchez proved he deserves to be included in the Mariners future. Just 17, in fact the youngest player in the Northwest League, Sanchez dominated every batter that stepped to the plate. Sanchez boasted a 3.18 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in his rookie campaign. He blew through hitters posting a .223 batting average against. Sanchez already has a plus fastball that projects to be even faster, and a secondaries that also project to be plus. The only knock on Sanchez is his size. 6 ft tall and 255 pounds, Sanchez doesn't project like most pitchers aspire to be. However, Sanchez already has shown that he can pitch and pitch well. 2013 will be a telling year for him as he continues his path towards the bigs. Sanchez has already drawn comparisons to a young Felix Hernandez. Get this kid on your team.




There are 17 Comments. Load Now.
Shortcuts to mastering the comment thread. Use wisely.
C - Next Comment
X - Mark as Read
R - Reply
Z - Mark Read & Next
Shift + C - Previous
Shift + A - Mark All Read
Comment Settings
Live comment alert: Hide it!
Comments for this post are closed.