Community Discussion: Biggest Spring Training Prospect Surprise

by John Sickels on Mar 24, 2026 2:11 PM EDT

Saturday Community Discussion Question: Who in your opinion is the biggest spring training prospect surprise so far in 2012? This can be a positive surprise or a negative surprise.

Tweet Comment 22 comments | Add comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Andrelton Simmons earning serious consideration for the Braves starting SS job

I was probably his biggest fan around these parts, but I still didn’t think he had a realistic shot of unseating Pastornicky for the starting SS job. Now it appears to be to the point where the players and coaches agree Simmons is already the better option, but the FO seems reluctant (and justifiably so) probably because of worries about how the move would affect Simmons future development.

by nixa37 on Mar 24, 2026 2:36 PM EDT reply actions

Also Christian Bethancourt

And his .400/.353/.667 line in MLB camp (no that’s not a typo, his OBP was 47 points lower than his batting average, which actually seems fitting for a player like him).

by nixa37 on Mar 24, 2026 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

sac flies

by Bososx13 on Mar 24, 2026 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh I know why its lower

I just always find it funny when it happens, especially when its with a player notorious for antipathy to walks.

by nixa37 on Mar 24, 2026 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

His patentence even looks slightly better form last year

"Your an idiot" (jrod1142)
"*You're" (swainzy)
From one of the greatest posts of all time

by JHey1212 on Mar 24, 2026 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions

*from

"Your an idiot" (jrod1142)
"*You're" (swainzy)
From one of the greatest posts of all time

by JHey1212 on Mar 24, 2026 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Braves surprise

Although not technically still a prospect, my Braves’ surprise has got to be Minor. After the last 2 seasons, I figured he might get stuck into with a BotR tag, but he’s definitely stepped it up so far this spring. Can’t wait to see if it’ll translate to when the games are real…

by theatlfan on Mar 24, 2026 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Casey Kelly

Everyone was clamoring for him to put up numbers to go with the high prospect status and he has this spring.

2-0
10ip
1.80 era
10ks

Obviously a small sample size but I’ll take it.

GO Friars

by mrbarneydangles on Mar 24, 2026 2:48 PM EDT reply actions

Felix Doubront

has performed pretty well and is probably a lock for the sox rotation now. He might be the fourth starter with Daniel Bard’s struggles and Alfredo Aceves’ 9 runs in 3 innings today. He hasn’t performed as exceptionally as other players but he probably earned himself a rotation spot

by Bososx13 on Mar 24, 2026 3:00 PM EDT reply actions

also Jose Iglesias has wowed with his defense

and has a very small chance at starting at SS. He hasn’t hit well, but only in 20 ABs.

by Bososx13 on Mar 24, 2026 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Iglesias wowing with defense and not hitting was a surprise?

by walnut falcons on Mar 24, 2026 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions

It's a surprise that Bobby V

says he wants Iglesias to start at SS

by Bososx13 on Mar 24, 2026 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Robbie Ross

He’s still in the battle for a bullpen spot in Texas with only 38ip at AA. Even if he is sent back down to start, this is much better than was expected of him.

by jayjay on Mar 24, 2026 3:15 PM EDT reply actions

Michael Saunders

Stepping up and grabbing the starting CF job. Everyone hoped he would do it, no one thought he would do it, and it’s exactly what he needed to do.

If you think you hate me now, wait until you get to know me.

by Rudolf on Mar 24, 2026 5:48 PM EDT reply actions

peopel still getting worked up over small sample sizes

by son.of.sourman on Mar 24, 2026 6:42 PM EDT reply actions

That is why the Rays don't have a guy on this list.

by mr. maniac on Mar 24, 2026 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Matt Bush's Arrest

that was a surprise…
hopefully the guy he ran over lives or else Bush is going to be in for an even bigger surprise.

"On [umpire] Jeff Kellogg taking a foul tip to the groin: ‘Two balls, one strike.’"

by James Westfall on Mar 26, 2026 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Jaff Decker

More than anyone, I’ve been saying all the “bad body, non-athlete, below-average LF” comments about Jaff are BS, but the fact that’s frequently playing CF (for full games in split-squad games & subbing in for Maybin in others) should (but probably won’t) quell those uninformed comments.

-peter

by PeterF on Mar 25, 2026 12:41 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions

I remember seeing him in Lake Elsinore

and thinking he looked good. Made a nice play in the OF, too.

by walnut falcons on Mar 25, 2026 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm high on Jaff

He just seems to be so streaky. He’ll go on these monster tears then slump for a month.

GO Friars

by mrbarneydangles on Mar 25, 2026 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Hector Santiago

He’s a lock for a bullpen spot for the White Sox and there is even talk of him being in the closer mix after a very good spring training.

by Mick Mac on Mar 25, 2026 12:52 PM EDT reply actions

Aroldis Chapman's control

He’s not really a “prospect”, but he is a young player with an elite ceiling who is far from reaching it. The Madson injury has likely created a debate between Dusty (bullpen) and Walt (rotation) as to where Chapman is most needed, and I’m hoping Jocketty wins this one. Chapman probably has at least a couple more appearances before a decision has to be made but so far he’s been very effective:

12IP 10H 2R 2ER 2BB 12K with one HRA.

by charles wallace on Mar 26, 2026 11:06 AM EDT reply actions