Tweet
Scouting reports
Singleton
Career Synopsis: Singleton started his career in the Gulf Coast League in 2009 since he signed early. He hit .290/.395/.440 in 31 games, showing early that he had ability with the bat. Even more impressive, in the limited amount of at bats he had, was his SO/BB ratio of 13/18. Baseball America ranked him 7th in the GCL, raving about his balanced approach and the ability to hit the ball with backspin. He even earned this quote:
“He has a great idea at the plate,” Phillies manager Roly de Armas said. “He’s the best young hitter I’ve had out of high school.”
In 2010 Singleton started the year off in Extended spring training to primarily work on his defense. He was quickly moved to Lakewood in May and took off. He hit .423 and slugged an astounding .704. He quickly became the talk of all prospect discussions. Possibly the most impressive aspect of all this was that he was the youngest regular in the South Atlantic League. This is what Lakewood Blueclaws hitting coach had to say about Singleton:
“For 18 years old he sees the ball way beyond those years,” Lakewood hitting coach Greg Legg told the Asbury Park Press. “You’ve probably seen him already laying off changeups. He doesn’t waste at-bats. I’m not tinkering with him.”
After May, Singleton’s pace did slow down. He still showed impressive power and hitting ability. He finished with a .290 average, while hitting 14 home runs. Baseball America ranked him the number 1 prospect in the South Atlantic League, ahead of high around picks such as Tyler Matzek and Nolan Arenado. In December they ranked him the second best prospect in the Phillies system behind only Domonic Brown.
Following all the success this season, Jonathan has sky rocketed up top prospect lists. He is now viewed as one of the top first baseman in all of the minor leagues. Because the Phillies have Ryan Howard signed through 2016, they are making an effort to move him to a corner outfield position. The early reports are encouraging that he will be able to handle the transition. Jonathan is not expected to make the majors for at least several more years, but with comparisons to Ryan Howard and Frank Thomas, there is plenty of reason to keep a close eye on his development.
Scouting Report: Below is an assessment of Singleton’s raw tools, rated on the traditional 20-80 scouting scale. The grades are my estimation based on what I’ve read and those I’ve talked to. The second number is a future projection, the first number is the current assessment.
Hit For Average:60
Hit For Power:60/65
Fielding:50/55
Throwing Arm:45
Speed:50
Summary: Singleton’s calling card will be his bat, and he’s shown the ability to make at least average contact for a power hitter, with the chance for more as he gains experience and improves against offspeed pitching. He’s only started to tap into his raw power, and as he matures physically and learns which pitches to pull, he should develop plus power. His athleticism should allow him to be either an average or a tick below LF or a slightly above average 1B. He won’t be a base stealing threat, but he shouldn’t be a base clogger through his peak.
Upside: Singleton shows all the tools to be a well above average major league player. He has plus bat speed and a quiet swing that produces easy power. Singleton has shown the ability to hit the ball the other way, which is rare for such a young player. Another rare talent that Singleton displays is his batting eye. It’s easy to see Singleton hit .290 with 35-40 home runs and a OBP close to .400. Singleton plays a very solid first base and would be above average at the major league level. With Ryan Howard anchored at first through 2016, the question arises, where does he play? The Phillies plan to play Singleton in the outfield this year and the early reports are that he can handle the position just fine.
Cosart
Career Synopsis: After playing summer ball in 2008 prior to signing, the Phillies were very cautious with Cosart, and he did not pitch at all in 2008. After dealing with some minor health issues in the spring of 2009, the Phillies held Cosart back in extended spring training and then sent him to the GCL, where he logged just 24.1 IP, but the numbers were fine, as he struck out 25 and walked 7, while allowing only 12 hits and 0 HR. Cosart’s performance ranked him 4th in the GCL Top 20 prospects list according to BA, with them saying this:
Cosart made his pro debut this summer while battling minor shoulder issues. He didn’t have any trouble dominating GCL hitters with a fastball that sat at 93-94 mph and a true 12-to-6 curveball. He has a lean 6-foot-3, 180-pound build and works from a three-quarters arm slot.
He’s still learning to throw a changeup. Other than that, he simply needs more experience and consistency.
Big things were expected heading into 2010, but because he had pitched so little and had dealt with minor injuries, I was cautiously optimistic. The Phillies sent Cosart, who didn’t turn 20 until late May, to Lakewood, having him bypass the New York Penn League. Cosart performed well, pitching 71.1 IP, striking out 77 and walking just 16 while allowing only 3 HR and rolling up a 55% GB rate. Cosart has again dealt with some minor arm issues, and the Phillies are convinced he will be fine, they are just choosing to be cautious with him because of his tender age and lack of innings on his arm. Pitchers are the highest risk for injury between the ages of 17-23, so protecting an arm as special as Cosart’s is understandable.
Scouting Report: Below is an assessment of Cosart’s raw tools, rated on the traditional 20-80 scouting scale. The grades are my estimation based on what I’ve read and those I’ve talked to. The second number is a future projection, the first number is the current assessment
Arm Strength: 70 – Cosart has exceptional raw arm strength, capable of getting into the high 90′s and holding his velocity deep into games.
Fastball: 70/75 – Cosart’s fastball has life on it, as he is capable of generating run on a 93-94 mph fastball, or elevating and throwing even harder in the 96-97 range
Control: 60/65 – Cosart has shown excellent control thus far, walking only 16 in 71 IP in 2010, a rate of 2.02 per 9.
Command: 55/60 – Cosart has shown the ability to locate down in the zone to generate groundballs, and as he refines his mechanics, his command could improve further.
Mechanics: 55 – At draft time, he had a pronounced pause in his delivery which hindered his command. The Phillies have smoothed his delivery a bit and dropped his arm slot slightly to create more movement on his pitches.
Durability: 40/55 – Cosart has had injury issues so far in his short career, but at 6’3/180, he has room to grow and add muscle, and should develop a good pitcher’s frame capable of logging 200 innings per season.
Secondary Pitches: 50/60 – Cosart has shown a promising 12-6 curveball, and with more repetitions it should become an above average to plus pitch. His changeup is raw, but again, with time it should become at least average, giving him 3 quality ML pitches.
Upside: Cosart has true #1 SP upside. Having just turned 20, he has very little pro experience, right around 100 innings, yet he’s already flashed dominant stuff and the results to back it up against older competition. His fastball is elite, one of the best in the minor leagues, and the only red flag in his profile right now is the injury concern. The Phillies got a clean bill of health on him from noted Dr James Andrews, and insist that he will be fine with rest. In many cases, prep prospects deal with arm soreness and pain in their first full season. Its a major adjustment to get used to pitching every 5th day for 5 months, and its better to be safe than sorry.
Zeid
Career Synopsis: Zeid adjusted quickly to pro ball, pitching to a 2.03 ERA in 11 starts (57.2 IP) before the NYPL all-star break before all the innings caught up with him and he compiled a 5.32 ERA after the break. All told, he pitched 79.2 innings, with 8.1 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, a 3.6 K/BB ratio, and a low home run rate of 0.1 (just one home run allowed). Following the season, he participated in the FIL.
In 2010, Zeid spent the season at Lakewood, splitting time between starting, middle relief, and closing. He was the Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month for April. On the season, he pitched 107.1 innings total, keeping his walk rate identical to the prior season, but adding 1.2 strikeouts to his K rate. His home run rate stayed fairly low at 0.6. Following the season, Zeid pitched in the Arizona Fall League where he had a 12/1 K/BB ratio and held opponents to a .204 batting average. He also pitched in the Rising Stars Game.
Scouting Report: Below is an assessment of Zeid’s raw tools, rated on the traditional 20-80 scouting scale. The grades are my estimation based on what I’ve read and those I’ve talked to. The second number is a future projection, the first number is the current assessment
Arm Strength:60
Fastball:55
Control:55
Command:45/50
Mechanics:45
Durability:50
Secondary Pitches:40
Summary: Zeid’s move to the pen has allowed him to air it out a bit more, regularly sitting 93-94. He creates some deception in his delivery, allowing his fastball to play up a bit. His control has been fine as a pro, with average to a tick below command. His mechanics aren’t flawless, but it seems to work for him. He didn’t pitch a ton in college, but it wasn’t injury related, and as a reliever, he should be fine. Both his changeup and breaking ball are a tick below average, from all reports I’ve read.
Upside: Zeid’s performance through his first two years has been encouraging. His hit, home run, walk, and strikeout ratios all scream prospect. John Sickels has listed him at #13 in his 2011 list of Phillies prospects. The biggest negative on Zeid’s ledger to this point is his age, as he has been old for each stop so far. He will follow the course the Phillies have charted for most of their recent college bullpen arms, bypassing Clearwater for Reading. Expect Zeid to spend the year in Reading’s ‘pen and continued success there would place him firmly in what is becoming a stockpile of potential big league bullpen arms.
All courtesy of Phuture Phillies
Singleton
Career Synopsis: Singleton started his career in the Gulf Coast League in 2009 since he signed early. He hit .290/.395/.440 in 31 games, showing early that he had ability with the bat. Even more impressive, in the limited amount of at bats he had, was his SO/BB ratio of 13/18. Baseball America ranked him 7th in the GCL, raving about his balanced approach and the ability to hit the ball with backspin. He even earned this quote:
“He has a great idea at the plate,” Phillies manager Roly de Armas said. “He’s the best young hitter I’ve had out of high school.”
In 2010 Singleton started the year off in Extended spring training to primarily work on his defense. He was quickly moved to Lakewood in May and took off. He hit .423 and slugged an astounding .704. He quickly became the talk of all prospect discussions. Possibly the most impressive aspect of all this was that he was the youngest regular in the South Atlantic League. This is what Lakewood Blueclaws hitting coach had to say about Singleton:
“For 18 years old he sees the ball way beyond those years,” Lakewood hitting coach Greg Legg told the Asbury Park Press. “You’ve probably seen him already laying off changeups. He doesn’t waste at-bats. I’m not tinkering with him.”
After May, Singleton’s pace did slow down. He still showed impressive power and hitting ability. He finished with a .290 average, while hitting 14 home runs. Baseball America ranked him the number 1 prospect in the South Atlantic League, ahead of high around picks such as Tyler Matzek and Nolan Arenado. In December they ranked him the second best prospect in the Phillies system behind only Domonic Brown.
Following all the success this season, Jonathan has sky rocketed up top prospect lists. He is now viewed as one of the top first baseman in all of the minor leagues. Because the Phillies have Ryan Howard signed through 2016, they are making an effort to move him to a corner outfield position. The early reports are encouraging that he will be able to handle the transition. Jonathan is not expected to make the majors for at least several more years, but with comparisons to Ryan Howard and Frank Thomas, there is plenty of reason to keep a close eye on his development.
Scouting Report: Below is an assessment of Singleton’s raw tools, rated on the traditional 20-80 scouting scale. The grades are my estimation based on what I’ve read and those I’ve talked to. The second number is a future projection, the first number is the current assessment.
Hit For Average:60
Hit For Power:60/65
Fielding:50/55
Throwing Arm:45
Speed:50
Summary: Singleton’s calling card will be his bat, and he’s shown the ability to make at least average contact for a power hitter, with the chance for more as he gains experience and improves against offspeed pitching. He’s only started to tap into his raw power, and as he matures physically and learns which pitches to pull, he should develop plus power. His athleticism should allow him to be either an average or a tick below LF or a slightly above average 1B. He won’t be a base stealing threat, but he shouldn’t be a base clogger through his peak.
Upside: Singleton shows all the tools to be a well above average major league player. He has plus bat speed and a quiet swing that produces easy power. Singleton has shown the ability to hit the ball the other way, which is rare for such a young player. Another rare talent that Singleton displays is his batting eye. It’s easy to see Singleton hit .290 with 35-40 home runs and a OBP close to .400. Singleton plays a very solid first base and would be above average at the major league level. With Ryan Howard anchored at first through 2016, the question arises, where does he play? The Phillies plan to play Singleton in the outfield this year and the early reports are that he can handle the position just fine.
Cosart
Career Synopsis: After playing summer ball in 2008 prior to signing, the Phillies were very cautious with Cosart, and he did not pitch at all in 2008. After dealing with some minor health issues in the spring of 2009, the Phillies held Cosart back in extended spring training and then sent him to the GCL, where he logged just 24.1 IP, but the numbers were fine, as he struck out 25 and walked 7, while allowing only 12 hits and 0 HR. Cosart’s performance ranked him 4th in the GCL Top 20 prospects list according to BA, with them saying this:
Cosart made his pro debut this summer while battling minor shoulder issues. He didn’t have any trouble dominating GCL hitters with a fastball that sat at 93-94 mph and a true 12-to-6 curveball. He has a lean 6-foot-3, 180-pound build and works from a three-quarters arm slot.
He’s still learning to throw a changeup. Other than that, he simply needs more experience and consistency.
Big things were expected heading into 2010, but because he had pitched so little and had dealt with minor injuries, I was cautiously optimistic. The Phillies sent Cosart, who didn’t turn 20 until late May, to Lakewood, having him bypass the New York Penn League. Cosart performed well, pitching 71.1 IP, striking out 77 and walking just 16 while allowing only 3 HR and rolling up a 55% GB rate. Cosart has again dealt with some minor arm issues, and the Phillies are convinced he will be fine, they are just choosing to be cautious with him because of his tender age and lack of innings on his arm. Pitchers are the highest risk for injury between the ages of 17-23, so protecting an arm as special as Cosart’s is understandable.
Scouting Report: Below is an assessment of Cosart’s raw tools, rated on the traditional 20-80 scouting scale. The grades are my estimation based on what I’ve read and those I’ve talked to. The second number is a future projection, the first number is the current assessment
Arm Strength: 70 – Cosart has exceptional raw arm strength, capable of getting into the high 90′s and holding his velocity deep into games.
Fastball: 70/75 – Cosart’s fastball has life on it, as he is capable of generating run on a 93-94 mph fastball, or elevating and throwing even harder in the 96-97 range
Control: 60/65 – Cosart has shown excellent control thus far, walking only 16 in 71 IP in 2010, a rate of 2.02 per 9.
Command: 55/60 – Cosart has shown the ability to locate down in the zone to generate groundballs, and as he refines his mechanics, his command could improve further.
Mechanics: 55 – At draft time, he had a pronounced pause in his delivery which hindered his command. The Phillies have smoothed his delivery a bit and dropped his arm slot slightly to create more movement on his pitches.
Durability: 40/55 – Cosart has had injury issues so far in his short career, but at 6’3/180, he has room to grow and add muscle, and should develop a good pitcher’s frame capable of logging 200 innings per season.
Secondary Pitches: 50/60 – Cosart has shown a promising 12-6 curveball, and with more repetitions it should become an above average to plus pitch. His changeup is raw, but again, with time it should become at least average, giving him 3 quality ML pitches.
Upside: Cosart has true #1 SP upside. Having just turned 20, he has very little pro experience, right around 100 innings, yet he’s already flashed dominant stuff and the results to back it up against older competition. His fastball is elite, one of the best in the minor leagues, and the only red flag in his profile right now is the injury concern. The Phillies got a clean bill of health on him from noted Dr James Andrews, and insist that he will be fine with rest. In many cases, prep prospects deal with arm soreness and pain in their first full season. Its a major adjustment to get used to pitching every 5th day for 5 months, and its better to be safe than sorry.
Zeid
Career Synopsis: Zeid adjusted quickly to pro ball, pitching to a 2.03 ERA in 11 starts (57.2 IP) before the NYPL all-star break before all the innings caught up with him and he compiled a 5.32 ERA after the break. All told, he pitched 79.2 innings, with 8.1 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, a 3.6 K/BB ratio, and a low home run rate of 0.1 (just one home run allowed). Following the season, he participated in the FIL.
In 2010, Zeid spent the season at Lakewood, splitting time between starting, middle relief, and closing. He was the Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month for April. On the season, he pitched 107.1 innings total, keeping his walk rate identical to the prior season, but adding 1.2 strikeouts to his K rate. His home run rate stayed fairly low at 0.6. Following the season, Zeid pitched in the Arizona Fall League where he had a 12/1 K/BB ratio and held opponents to a .204 batting average. He also pitched in the Rising Stars Game.
Scouting Report: Below is an assessment of Zeid’s raw tools, rated on the traditional 20-80 scouting scale. The grades are my estimation based on what I’ve read and those I’ve talked to. The second number is a future projection, the first number is the current assessment
Arm Strength:60
Fastball:55
Control:55
Command:45/50
Mechanics:45
Durability:50
Secondary Pitches:40
Summary: Zeid’s move to the pen has allowed him to air it out a bit more, regularly sitting 93-94. He creates some deception in his delivery, allowing his fastball to play up a bit. His control has been fine as a pro, with average to a tick below command. His mechanics aren’t flawless, but it seems to work for him. He didn’t pitch a ton in college, but it wasn’t injury related, and as a reliever, he should be fine. Both his changeup and breaking ball are a tick below average, from all reports I’ve read.
Upside: Zeid’s performance through his first two years has been encouraging. His hit, home run, walk, and strikeout ratios all scream prospect. John Sickels has listed him at #13 in his 2011 list of Phillies prospects. The biggest negative on Zeid’s ledger to this point is his age, as he has been old for each stop so far. He will follow the course the Phillies have charted for most of their recent college bullpen arms, bypassing Clearwater for Reading. Expect Zeid to spend the year in Reading’s ‘pen and continued success there would place him firmly in what is becoming a stockpile of potential big league bullpen arms.
All courtesy of Phuture Phillies
Comment