With Spring Training under way, there are plenty of prospects that are making an impression on their teams. This is an important time of year for prospects who got the invite to the major league camp. Front office personnel usually have their eyes on prospects throughout the season, but the big league manager and coaches only get to see these guys during Spring Training, so making an impression is very key. Today I will profile Zack Wheeler of the Mets, Jedd Gyorko of the Padres, and Brandon Jacobs of the Red Sox.
Zack Wheeler P, NYM
Age: 22
Bats: L
Throws: R
6’4, 185
Highest Level: AAA
MLB ETA: 2013
Zack Wheeler is the highest profile prospect in the Mets system, he is ranked in the top 10 of all of baseball by most experts. Wheeler has a very good fastball that sits in the mid 90s, a devastating curveball that seems to get better year by year, and he has a change-up that is a work in progress. If Wheeler can get that change-up to work at a big-league level, he will have three legitimate major league pitches, and the bright lights of New York may not be too far in his future. Although, it is expected by most that Wheeler starts this season in AAA to fine-tune his skills, because the Mets do not expect to be contenders this year. Most likely you will see Wheeler in New York at the end of the season, at worst the beginning of next year. If it all comes together for Wheeler, he definitely has “Ace” potential.
Jedd Gyorko INF, SD
Age: 24
Bats: R
Throws: R
5’10, 195
Highest Level: AAA
MLB ETA: 2013
Gyorko is officially listed by the Padres as a 3rd baseman, although his size would lead you to believe that he is better suited as a 2nd baseman. No matter the position, Gyorko has gotten here because of his bat. With great contact skills and power, Gyorko smoked 24 HRs and 24 doubles, mostly in AAA, last year while posting a .328 batting average. I like the potential that Gyorko displays with his bat, but many question if he has the athletic ability to play 2B. His bat would be elite at the 2B position, so if he can stick there at the big league level, he could be an all-star type player.
Brandon Jacobs OF, BOS
Age: 22
Bats: R
Throws: R
6’1, 225
Highest Level: A+
MLB ETA: 2015
Jacobs has kind of been lost in the shuffle in the Boston system, but he is an under the radar prospect with elite power. You will not see Jacobs on any top prospects list, but I think he has a solid chance to be a regular Major Leaguer some day, hitting around 30 HRs a year. The former Auburn football commit, is average in the field and on the base paths, but I think once his football body completely transforms into a baseball body, stuff like this will improve. Jacobs is a guy that I am going to keep an eye on, and with a big year, could easily rise up prospect lists.
As always, if there is a certain prospect that you would like me to profile, just let me know in the comments, or on Twitter @DSchmelzerTSB, and I will put them in my next Promising Prospects piece, along with a shout out for yourself.
