I am working on my Top Fantasy Outfield Prospect Rankings for 2011 and have included Athletics outfielder Michael Taylor and Mets outfielder Fernando Martinez in my list. What I am wondering is: who will have a better career between the two?
Taylor fell on hard times in AAA in 2010 hitting just .272-.348-.392 with 6 HRs, 78 RBIs and 16 SBs with a 92-51 K/BB rate. This was after his 2009 season, in AA and AAA, where he hit .320-.395-.549 where he hit 20 HRs, 84 RBIs, and 20 SBs. The power drop is shocking considering Taylor has the size-he's 6'6'', 260 LB.- to play tight end or defensive end in the NFL.
With Martinez, the issues are two-fold. One, he can't stay healthy, and two, he is regressing at the dish as he moves up the ladder. In 2010, at AAA Buffalo, in just 303 ABs he hit just .253-.317-.455 with 12 HRs, 33 RBIs and 1 SB with a 65-17 K/BB rate. This after he hit .290-.337-.540 with 8 HRs, 28 RBIs, 2 SBs and a K/BB rate of 33-11 in just 190 at bats. What is amazing is that 2010 was Martinez's 5th minor league season and he has accumulated just 1,507 plate appearances.
It is safe to say that the prospect status of both Taylor and Martinez has dropped, and both are close to the majors. Which one will step up in 2011 and regain their top prospect status?
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