Edward Cabrera, RHP Marlins - Somewhere I can hear Eddy reading this and saying “My man!” out loud, and for good reason. The Marlins right-handers has been on a serious run of late, soaking in all the benefits of the pitching friendly Florida State League. On Wednesday, Cabrera went 6.2 innings, allowing one hit, walking no one, and striking out 13 in the process. This is Cabrera’s third consecutive scoreless turn and that also coincides with run of 12 or more swinging strikes in each contest. Cabrera mixes a fastball, curveball, and a changeup, and while he had been heavily fastball-curveball in his early days he’s taken a big step forward with his changeup. So far it’s made the biggest difference in Cabrera’s season, as it did on Wednesday. MiLB.com noted several swinging strikes, with quotes from Jupiter pitching coach Reid Cornelius regarding his vastly improved feel, and shape on the pitch. His arsenal is still led by a fastball that’s touched the upper-90s consistently, but is at it’s best in the 94-96 mph range as he was on Wednesday. Definitely an arm I’m looked to acquire as a throw-in on the low in dynasty.

Cold Water: It’s still very early in Cabrera’s breakout and I myself have not gotten eyes on him first hand. I do have to admit I’m encouraged.

Ryan Mountcastle, 1B/3B Orioles - The move to first base has suited Mountcastle as I believe this is his third consecutive week in this space. Over his last five games Mountcastle has showed no signs of slowing going 13-for-24 with six runs scored and is the owner of one of the prettiest swings you’ll see. He’s coming to Camden sooner rather than later, and I’m excited to see how he adjusts his hyper-aggressive approach versus big league arms.

Cold Water: He’s a bat-dependent prospect that’s moving toward a first base only profile. So Mountcastle will have to really hit to earn playing time long term.

Xavier Edwards, SS Padres - One of the buzzier players heading into first year player draft season, Edwards has continued to hit for average (.368) get on base (.436), steal bases (9), and score runs (17) through his first taste of the Midwest League. Edwards has been even hotter the last week going 10-for-27, with two walks. The contact and ability to take a walk has awarded him with opportunities to run.

Cold Water: Unfortunately Edwards stolen base success rate is near 50 percent, not the kind of mark that lends itself to more opportunities. And the power, that’s another story entirely, take a look at Lance’s Edwards blurb in the Midwest League looks and Eddy’s take in the Monthly Estimated Flyball Leaderboard Post.

Austin Riley, 3B Braves - It seems like Riley has been on the cusp of the majors seemingly forever, but in reality it’s been 103 games across two seasons for a 21-22 year old. A run of 445 plate appearances that’s yielded a .289/.353/.519 slashline with 22 home runs and 74 RBI. Over the last few weeks the echoes of Riley banging on the door in Atlanta are growing louder and louder. Over his last ten games Riley is 18-for-39 with six strikeouts to five walks, AND EIGHT HOME RUNS. Sorry, shift key got stuck there from my massive couch boner.

Cold Water: Riley has typically taken time to adjust to each level, and it’s impossible to know if his approach gains sustain through his time through the bigs. While a long term injury for Josh Donaldson is seemingly just a moment away, Riley will have to earn playing time over 2018 development Johan Camargo.



Skye Bolt, OF Athletics - Got the nod for his major league callup this week. Bolt has been an under the radar performer the last few seasons slashing .325/.400/.675 with six homers, and three steals this season, and .270/.355/.504 dating back to the beginning of 2018. Our own (handsome) Matt Thompson ranked him as the ninth overall prospect in the Oakland system, and noted the struggles with contact and pitch recognition. The toolsy Bolt brings a collection of skills that should play up his profile, and ultimately earn him playing time at the big league level.

Cold Water: He’s going to strikeout a lot, and there’s still a high likelihood he ends up a fourth outfielder than everyday guy. Still worthy of being rostered in leagues with 200-250+ prospects owned.



Logan Gilbert, RHP Mariners: I caught the California League debut of the Mariners 2018 first rounder this week, and I came away impressed. He’s built like a prototypical innings eater, with a tall, high waisted athletic pitcher’s build. He translates that athleticism into clean repeatable mechanics, particularly in his lower half, where I felt his movements were precision like in terms of their fluidity. He mixed a fastball in the 92-94 mph range with rise high in the zone and downhill plane low in the zone. His curveball was the lead of his secondaries, with some sharp sliders mixed in. The curveball has excellent 1-7 shape, and tight break. He only went four and a third, and allowed three earned, but outside a couple of hard hit balls, Gilbert flashed the ability to throw strikes and get swings on his pitches in the zone.

Cold Water: Gilbert is an advanced college arm in A ball, and there are some red flags in his mechanics including the arm action and up and down reports on fastball velocity. There’s also the need for Gilbert to establish his slider as a put away pitch versus left-handed batters.



Lolo Sanchez, OF Pirates - The Pittsburgh centerfield prospect was a buzzy name a few years back after he hit .284/.359/.417 over 234 GCL plate appearances. When he hit .243/.322/.328 over the course of a full season with West Virginia helium deflated. Perhaps we wrote off Lolo too early, and it ignored the fact that he was just one of sixteen teenagers to qualify for the batting title on the Sally League circuit. Repeating the level, Sanchez has been noticeably less passive at the plate. The Pirates made adjustments to Sanchez’s swing this season after he added loft going into 2018, but failed to replicate the quality of contact he displayed in 2017. So far so good, as Sanchez is hitting .306/.378/.520 while balancing some of his flyball gains of 2018 with his 2017 approach.

Cold Water: There’s still some skepticism regarding the return of his contact skills. He’s also hitting .200 with a .688 OPS versus southpaws. Baby steps.