The Milwaukee Brewers promoted the 24-year-old, unranked third baseman Taylor Green. Has a solid swing, controls strike zone and make consistent sound contact, power is average at best. Defensively is where he stands out, showing above-average skill. This year at Triple-A (Pacific Coast League) he has a dominant slash line .336/.413/.583 in 420 at-bats with 59 XBH (22 Hr) and a 72:55 K:BB ratio. Keep in mind this came with a .359 BABIP and within a very friendly environment for hitters. It’s expected Green will primarily be a part-time third base and pinch-hitter down the stretch. If he continues to hit in the majors when given the opportunity, could provide a nice spark in H2H leagues.
Travis d’Arnaud | TOR | C: Named to the Eastern League (Double-A) Post-Season All-Star squad and named League MVP. Slashed .315/.376/.543 in 400 at-bats with 52 XBH (19 Hr) and a 93:31 K:BB ratio. Would not be surprised to see him in September. An all-around prospect, plays good defense, has a solid bat (think 15 to 20 home runs in the majors) and a strong arm. Doesn’t have the same power potential as J.P. Arencibia.
Brad Peacock | WAS | RHP (SP): Was also named to the Eastern League postseason All-Star squad, even after getting promoted to Triple-A. Speaking of promotions, Peacock, along with two other teammates (see below), are getting promoted to the Majors come September according to MLB.com. With a power arm and high ceiling, Peacock is the more intriguing pitcher play while …
Tom Milone | WAS | LHP (SP): Is a soft tossing lefty who relies on the ghost of Jamie Moyer and strong command and control to succeed. Risky play.
Steve Lombardozzi | WAS | 2B: Gap power, decent speed, fair plate discipline (72:37 K:BB) and reliable defense. Sounds like Denard Span at second base, the same player they tried to acquire from the Twins but refused to part with.
Eric Surkamp | SF | LHP (SP): Also a soft-tossing lefty, Surkamp received a promotion to start yesterday. Fastball sits in the upper 80s with heavy sinking action. Changeup and curveball are both plus pitches. Has a three-quarter delivery that creates good deception and he has strong command of all his pitches. I’d monitor in mixed leagues and pick up in NL-only and deep leagues. I’d take him over Milone.
Nick Hagadone | CLE | LHP (RP): Was recalled on Thursday from Triple-A. At one point was a starter, but due to command issues – struggled to repeat mechanics – he was moved to the bullpen. He throws a mid-to-high 90s fastball and a “put away” slider. Could be a reliable source of high-strikeouts if needed.
Ryan Lavarnway | BOS | C: Returned to Triple-A as David Ortiz was removed from the DL. I highly recommend holding onto Lavarnway as he’ll return when the rosters expand in September.
Dayan Vicideo | CHW | OF: Will replace Carlos Quentin’s roster spot as he was placed on the DL. He’s the Cuban Delmon Young.
Drew Pomeranz | COL | LHP (SP): Had an emergency appendectomy 8/20/11. Has likely pitched his last inning of the season. Could see in Arizona Fall League. I don’t expect the Rockies to promote him to the majors.
James Darnell | SD | 3B: The Padres optioned James Darnell back to Triple-A. For every Eric Hosmer, Desmond Jennings, Brett Lawrie and Freddie Freeman this season, there has been a Darnell, Rizzo, Moustakas, or Dee Gordon.
Shelby Miller | St.L | RHP (SP): Returned from his suspension (team alcohol policy violation) Tuesday night and went 4 IP, with 2 ER, 5 baserunners (3 BB) and 3 Ks. One of the top pitching prospects in the game has gone 126 2/3 IP with 155 strikeouts and only 20 walks. His mid-to-high 90s fastball while have to wait in the minors until 2012. I don’t expect him to receive a September call-up.
Tyler Skaggs / Jarrod Parker | ARI | SP: It’s been reported that the Diamondbacks will allow both pitchers to compete for a starting rotation spot in Spring Training of 2012.
Carlos Tocci | PHI | OF: Phillies agreed to terms with Venezuelan outfielder Carlos Tocci. “According to Ben Badler of Baseball America, the 16-year-old outfielder will receive $759,000, which is one of the highest bonuses the organization has ever given an international amateur free agent. Tocci is highly-regarded for his plus-speed and hitting potential.” Yeah, it’s gonna be a while before Tocci will be spoken about again.
