Shane Watson to Phillies: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’4”/195 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 4/25/1994

High School: Lakewood (Calif.)

College Commitment: USC

 

One of the top prep right-handers in the state of California, Shane Watson’s fastball sits 91-94 mph and scrapes 95. Given the right-hander’s frame, I think that he’ll add a few ticks in the future and consistently sit in the mid-90s once he develops.

His curveball is easily his best pitch, a 12-to-6 downer that already receives a plus grade. He also throws a changeup, though he noticeably lacks a feel for it at times and struggles to throw it with consistent speed differential.

Oddly, Watson pitches from the extreme third-base side of the rubber, which gives hitters an unusual look at each of his pitches. The setup especially aids the deceptiveness of his fastball-curveball mix, as he throws everything from basically the same three-quarters arm slot. At the same time, he drills too many right-handed hitters due to the late, tailing action on his fastball.

Like most prep pitchers, Watson will need sufficient time in the minor leagues (or USC) to refine his mechanics and secondary pitches. But once he does, we could see him in the major leagues at some point in late 2015.

The Phillies used a compensation pick (after losing pitcher Ryan Madson to the Reds) to take Watson with the No. 40 overall pick.

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NL East Prospects: Pastornicky, Galvis Poised to Make MLB Debut on Opening Day

As a self-proclaimed prospect junkie, there are few things I find more exciting than a player’s major league debut.  Perhaps I’m just trying to live vicariously, but it’s hard not to be elated about the arrival of promising young talent.

It’s the day when a player’s childhood dream comes to fruition, as all of his hard work and perseverance finally pays off.  Not every player is slapped with the “stud” label like Bryce Harper or Mike Trout; we forget that most prospects have been forced to earn their opportunity after a gradual ascent through the minor leagues.

On Thursday afternoon, fans everywhere will witness the debut of two of the National League East’s finest middle infield prospects in the Braves’ Tyler Pastornicky and the Phillies’ Freddy Galvis.

Before taking in each prospect’s respective debut, here is what you need to know about them:

 

Freddy Galvis

A 5’9”, 170-pound middle infielder, Galvis was signed by the Phillies out of Venezuela as a 16-year-old.  He’s spent most of his minor league career playing shortstop, but with all of the uncertainty regarding Chase Utley’s return, he’s been exclusively playing second base during spring training.

A switch-hitter, Galvis—the Phillies’ No. 6 prospect—squares up the ball with consistency while using the whole field. He’ll sneak one over the wall every now and then, but he has limited power overall. He doesn’t walk enough and therefore doesn’t utilize his quickness and instincts on the bases.  

The Phillies’ 2011 Minor League Player of the Year, Galvis is one of the best defensive middle infielders in the minors. His plus range, soft hands and above-average arm from the left side of the infield are all big league-ready tools, so he should have no issue playing second base in Utley’s absence.

Galvis will make his major league debut on Thursday, hitting out of the No. 8 hole when the Phillies open the season against the Pirates.

 

Tyler Pastornicky

Although not a spectacular player by any means, Pastornicky—the Braves’ No. 7 ranked prospect—has consistently produced while moving a level per year through the system. 

With Pastornicky, you know exactly what to expect: an above-average shortstop who puts the ball in play and can swipe some bags.

At the plate, the 5’11”, 170-pound shortstop makes consistent contact thanks to a line-drive swing and gap-to-gap approach.  He’s never been prone to the strikeout in his career, but he’s not one to walk, either. 

Once he learns to manipulate the count in his favor, the right-handed hitter could see a spike in doubles while drawing an extra walk here and there.

As a shortstop, a large portion of Pastornicky’s value lies in the fact that he’s an adept base-stealer who possesses good instincts as well as an ability to read pitchers.  He has all the makings of a solid big league shortstop, and there’s a realistic chance that he’ll exceed the Braves’ reasonable expectations.

The Braves open the 2012 season on Thursday on the road against the Mets, and it looks like Pastornicky will serve as the team’s eight-hole hitter in his major league debut.

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MLB Prospects: Will Zack Cozart or Freddy Galvis Receive Starting Nod?

The news of Jose Iglesias’ demotion to Triple-A on Monday signaled the end of yet another prospect-related roster battle. While the Iglesias-Aviles battle in Red Sox camp was highly publicized, there are still other infield prospects in line for everyday roles to open the 2012 season.

  

Zack Cozart, Cincinnati Reds

Cozart has steadily progressed through the Reds’ system since he was drafted in 2007, even appearing in 11 big-league games in 2011. The team’s No. 4 prospect, Cozart is an all-around solid player despite not being overly flashy.

At the plate, he has an average bat with mediocre power and has gradually deviated from a pull-happy approach. His bat is definitely strong enough for a shortstop in the majors, as he possesses potential for a 30-double, 15-home run season if given the necessary playing time. He doesn’t strike out too much, but at the same time, he also hardly walks—161 walks in 1,940 minor league at-bats.

The 26-year-old has average speed with good instincts on the basepaths, which translates to slightly above-average range at shortstop. His arm isn’t particularly strong, but his smooth hands and position make it serviceable.

After tearing ligaments in his non-throwing arm while with the Reds last season, Cozart is fully recovered and has raked all spring. In 46 at-bats, he is hitting a blistering .413/.449/.652 with seven doubles, two triples, six RBI and two stolen bases. Hell, he’s even coaxed three walks—he had zero in 37 big-league at-bats last season.

Barring an injury, Cozart should begin the 2012 season as the team’s everyday shortstop.

 

Freddy Galvis, Philadelphia Phillies

A 5’9”, 170-pound middle infielder, Galvis was signed by the Phillies out of Venezuela as a 16-year-old.  He’s spent most of his minor league career playing shortstop, but with all the uncertainty regarding Chase Utley’s return, he’s been exclusively playing second base during spring training.

A switch-hitter, Galvis squares up the ball with consistency while using the whole field. He’ll sneak one over the wall every now and then, but he has limited power overall. He doesn’t walk enough and therefore doesn’t utilize his quickness and instincts on the bases.  

Galvis is one of the best defensive middle infielders in the minors thanks to his outstanding defense. His plus range, soft hands and above-average arm are all big-league ready at shortstop, so he should have no issue playing second base in Utley’s absence.

He’s hit himself into contention for the everyday role by batting .273/292/.470 with seven extra-base hits and 12 RBI in 66 at-bats. He’ll likely earn a spot on the Phillies’ 25-man roster to begin the season and has a legitimate chance to break camp as the starting second baseman.

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