MLB Futures Game

[Darnell's Son]

In preparation for the Futures game this Sunday, I wrote a two-part article on the prospects participating that could have an impact on this season.

First up is the pitchers:

Road to The Show 2016: It is unlikely [Alex] Reyes will crack the Cardinals rotation this season. However, the uncertainty at the back of the bullpen could lend itself to a boost and Reyes’s strikeout abilities are perfect for that role. With the New York Mets only 2.5 games ahead in the Wild Card standings, Reyes could play a similar role to that of Adam Wainwright circa 2006.

Then the hitters:

At first glance, Yandy Diaz is not much to look at as a ballplayer. He doesn’t hit for power, he just started hitting for average (so that might be a fluke), he doesn’t field all that well, he can’t run, and he’s not known for his arm. But when you look closer at his numbers, some things start to stand out – in both 2014 and 2015, he walked more than he struck out – 49:35 and 87:84, respectively. He started this season with the Double-A Akron RubberDucks and, once again, walked more than he struck out (24:16), earning himself a promotion to Triple-A Columbus after just 26 games.