Are The Angels Having A Problem With Their Farm System?
- Updated: February 1, 2016
In a recent article in the Orange County Register by Jeff Fletcher, The Los Angeles Angels, may have a problem with high-end talent throughout their Minor League system. The team simply has no players ranked in the top 100 or 101 in either MLB.com or Baseball Propectus, respectfully.
Sean Newcomb, was the highest rank prospect in the Angels system, 21st by MLB.com and 32nd by Baseball Prospectus. Newcomb was the major piece in the trade that sent long time Angel Eric Aybar to Atlanta, for Andrelton Simmons.
Of the top five prospects in the Angels system, two are Pitchers, one Outfielder, one Catcher and a third baseman. Here is a breakdown of the top three prospects in the Angels system are viewed.
Victor Alcantara, 22, RHP, is the third ranked prospect in the system but his path to the big leagues maybe several years away. Alcantara played in 27 games last season for the Angels affiliate Inland Empire.
Jahmai Jones, 18, CF, is the second ranked prospect, he was ranked seventh in the system, but currently moved up the systems ladder after the departure of Newcomb. Jones is the son of the late Andrew Jones, who was a starting linebacker on the 1988 Notre Dame National Championship football team. Jones may have some time to wait, until his major league debut, as he completed his season, playing Centerfield for the AZL Angels. Jones played in 40 games, with a .244 batting average, with 2 home runs and 20 runs batted in, while leading the team in stolen bases with 16.
Joe Gatto, 20, RHP, is currently the top prospect in the Angels organization. Gatto finished the season with the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League, after splitting time with AZL Angels and Orem in 2014. Gatto compiled a 2-3 record a 4.31 ERA in 12 games with the Owlz. The outlook on Gatto is simple, he has a great fastball that can reach speeds in the low 90’s but with work, the speeds can go higher. His curveball is his best pitch, but he is still working on the change-up, to add to his pitches. Not to worry too much, Gatto is still a great prospect and hasn’t completely filled out his 20-year-old frame, the learning curve and optimism is high for this prospect.
The Angels had other prospects that have made their way to the Majors like, Kyle Kubitza, Andrew Heaney, Taylor Featherston and Cam Bedrosian. These three prospect should remain in the Angels system for a while, to develop into solid big league players. So the answer to question should be, Do the Angels have enough prospects?
Stay with us at Calisportsnews.com as we will keep you up-to-date on all things Los Angeles Angels and the rest of the LA sports teams! All Cali, All the time!
Related Posts
About Lavoy Briscoe
