Austin Barnes, 2B, Marlins (Jacksonville, AA): 3-7, 2 R, 2B, HR, K. I love players who have strong K:BB rates, and I love players with positional versatility, so it’s no wonder that Barnes has become one of my favorite prospects. His tools don’t jump out at you and his ceiling isn’t terribly high, but there is some pop in his bat and he controls the strike zone incredibly well, walking more often this season than he struck out. He was blocked within the Marlins organization as a catcher (which is the only reason he started back in the Florida State League to begin with), so after a mid-season promotion, he’s seen time at both second and third base as well as behind the plate. He’s got just enough power to keep pitchers honest, good bat control, and positional flexibility that includes being able to catch, which is a combination that will have significant value on a major-league roster.
Duane Underwood, RHP, Cubs (Kane County, A-): 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 8 K. Right now, Underwood features a mid-90s fastball and not a whole lot else, but there’s a lot there to dream on. He’s got good size, but he needs to take major steps forward with the command of his fastball and the development of his secondary pitches. He’s still a high-risk prospect because of the gap between his present abilities and his ceiling, but as a potential mid-rotation starter, he’s a guy the Cubs will be patient with.
Henry Owens, LHP, Red Sox (Pawtucket, AAA): 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 5 K. There are times when Owens can look unhittable, mainly because he is. There are also times when he can look pedestrian, again, because he is. What it all amounts to is a potential mid-rotation starter who can carry a team on a given night but doesn’t do it often enough to be at the top of a rotation. A great changeup will keep him in the rotation.
Rio Ruiz, 3B, Astros (Lancaster, A+): 2-4, R, 2B, K. When hitting prospects have strong years in the California League, it’s easy to discount them as being a product of a friendly hitting environment, but that’s not the only factor in Ruiz’s success in 2014. He showed polish as a hitter despite being just 20 years old. He’s still growing into his power and didn’t take advantage of the California League in that department the way many hitters do, but he did rack up strong doubles totals that could begin to clear the fence as he learns to drive the ball more consistently. His professional approach will also take him a long way and allow his power to play more consistently in games. There’s a lot to like in Ruiz’s offensive game.
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