8/20/2063
Here is a link to last year’s second base prospect ranking. Three of those players have more accurately recategorized to a new position (one each to first base, shortstop, and third base) while
Alberto Hernández (most recently listed as the #41 prospect in the BBA) was traded to Yellow Springs.
#1
Jafar Bhutani (B-) | Age: 19 | R
| OVR/POT | CON | BABIP | AVK | GAP | POW | EYE |
|---|
| 10/55 | 2/6 | 2/7 | 2/6 | 4/8 | 2/7 | 3/6 |
I couldn’t tell you why I continue to list Bhutani as a second baseman other than the fact that’s where we’re playing him in Rookie ball. He’s got decent wheels so maybe there’s untapped athleticism inside, but realistically he’ll be listed as a first baseman next year, further blurring the picture at that position in the low minors. Despite little change in his base ratings, Bhutani has a nice .288/.426/.437 triple slash indicating he might be ready for Short A in 2064.
#2
Bryce Murdock (C) | Age: 19 | SA
| OVR/POT | CON | BABIP | AVK | GAP | POW | EYE |
|---|
| 15/40 | 4/6 | 3/6 | 4/7 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Murdock was a fourth round pick in this year’s draft who was deemed ready for a midseason promotion to Short A after OPSing .975 in Rookie ball. We like that he’s a lefty with what appears to be a high 6 hit tool and an otherwise solid offensive profile. His defensive tools should enable him to stick at the keystone, although it would be nice to see him improve at turning double plays. Like many of my draft picks, he doesn’t run well despite playing in the middle of the field.
#3
Max Matterson (D+) | Age: 22 | A
| OVR/POT | CON | BABIP | AVK | GAP | POW | EYE |
|---|
| 30/40 | 4/6 | 4/6 | 5/7 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 6/6 |
A 2059 11th round pick, Matterson has flown under the radar because he’s below average defensively but recent batting bumps and a strong start to this season offensively in Short A earned him a promotion to A ball. He’s got a very similar profile to Murdock: left-handed, a contact-oriented approach, with little speed on the bases. Right now he looks like a bench player when fully developed.
#4
Kareem Suhayb (D+) | Age: 17 | INT
| OVR/POT | CON | BABIP | AVK | GAP | POW | EYE |
|---|
| 5/40 | 1/6 | 1/5 | 2/7 | 1/7 | 1/6 | 1/5 |
Suhayb is a recent international scouting discovery training in our complex. His potential ratings would make him a bopper at second base but are there two key factors discounting him to this grading: a long developmental road ahead more than likely to result in lumps, and his defensive tools. Without making leaps with the leather he’ll find himself on the first baseman list.
#5
Shafeeq Qutaybah (D+) | Age: 21 | R
| OVR/POT | CON | BABIP | AVK | GAP | POW | EYE |
|---|
| 10/45 | 2/6 | 2/9 | 2/4 | 1/3 | 3/4 | 2/6 |
Signed for a $20K bonus after being released by Phoenix following the 2062 season, Qutaybah is old to be just getting his first taste of pro ball and his playing time has been limited by the better prospects ahead of him. He’s got bad makeup and is a reach to play up the middle defensively. So why does he make the list? His BABIP potential is elite and that’s worth being patient.
