We all know the big names: Allard, Olivera, Toussaint, Davidson, and Jenkins. However, a couple of guys have been playing very well of late and have been providing much needed power. These are names of guys who are hot, and you should look for on next month’s prospect list. I’m going to mainly focus on the guys in A ball.
Connor Lien: 6’3″, 205 lbs OF R/R
Lien was a 12th round choice out of Olympia HS in 2012. The Florida native is currently batting .284 with 7 homers. Lien has been called a nice surprise by scouts. He could be a future trade piece, or even a guy who makes the opening day roster down the road.
Jacob Schrader: 6’2″, 215 lbs 1B R/R
I’m sure you’re all aware that Atlanta is not in need of a first baseman. Schrader, however, has been playing very well in Carolina, and leads the club in homers. He’s hitting .260Â with 13 homers. The 24th round pick from Tampa has exceeded expectations, and could possibly be a valued trade piece in the future if he decides to stay at 1B.
Isranel Wilson: 6’3″, 185 lbs OF L/R
Wilson has been crushing balls in the GCL, and he’s only 17. Â His low average is deceiving, as well. He started off batting .143 but is hitting .294 over his last 10 games with 9 XBH. 1/3 of Izzy’s hits are HRs. He’s hit 9Â in his short career, but at a young age his swing is still developing. Keep an eye on him.
Ryan Clark: 6’5″, 220 lbs RHP
The UNC Greensboro product was selected by Atlanta in the 5th round in 2015. Clark is 5-1 with a 3.30 ERA and 35 Ks. He has a good size, good frame, and a crisp fastball. Possibly a sleeper in Danville.
Players To Watch:
SS Alejandro Salazar: .294 with 2 homers, 25 RBI for GCL
RHP Evertz Orozco: 13 relief appearances, 2.78 ERA, 20 K for GCL
C Carlos Castro: .314 with 1 homer, 28 RBI for Danville
LHP Trevor Belicek: 11 games (6 starts) 2.49 ERA, 38 KÂ for Danville
RHP Sean Furney: 24 starts (16 appearances), 6-10, 3.76 ERA, 71 KÂ for Rome