Minor League Prospect Notes, June 25, 2012
**Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard had an excellent start for the Low-A Lansing Lugnuts on Saturday, going five innings against the Great Lakes Loons, allowing no runs and no walks, just one hit, while fanning seven. On the season, he has a 3.51 ERA in 49 innings with a 64/15 K/BB, 45 hits allowed, and a 2.28 GO/AO. Statistically, I'm quite fond of the high strikeout/high groundball combination. Subjectively, Midwest League sources are full of praise for his 93-96 MPH fastball and also indicate he's made significant progress with command of his curveball. He is also adding a slider to his arsenal.
**Atlanta Braves prospect Aaron Northcraft threw seven no-hit, shutout innings for the High-A Lynchburg Hillcats on Friday night, walking two while fanning 10. On the season, the 22-year-old right-hander is 7-4, 3.38 in 14 starts with a 78/35 K/BB in 80 innings with 69 hits allowed. He has a 2.33 GO/AO and hasn't allowed a home run all season. A 10th round pick in 2009 from high school in Santa Ana, California, Northcroft has average velocity but keeps the ball down with a low angle delivery and features a strong curve. He could become a fifth starter but is more probably a reliever at higher levels. He has received little attention and doesn't show up on many prospect lists, but I think he has the potential to be a nice surprise in the next year. His strikeout rates have been improving over the last 18 months.
**My main goal this week is to finish the Top 120 Prospect List revision. I was hoping to have it done today, but it isn't ready yet. Past experience tells me I should not promise a specific day, but it should be no later than Friday.
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