Earlier this week, Keith Law mentioned that he would have Alen Hanson as a top five prospect in the system. Law has been one of the few who gives Hanson a strong chance at sticking at shortstop, which explains the ratings. A shortstop prospect with Hanson’s hitting skills and speed would not only be one of the top prospects in the system, but one of the top prospects in baseball.
Last month I did a prospect roundtable on Hanson, and it was almost universal that he would have to move to second base eventually in his career.
The difference between a shortstop prospect and a second base prospect is pretty substantial. Nothing changes with Hanson’s bat, although he loses a ton of value moving to the other side of the bag. There’s also more that is expected out of Hanson at second base than at shortstop, since more of his value depends on his bat.
Hanson’s breakout season at the plate has not only propelled his prospect status, but it has also overshadowed a breakout season from another top international prospect. Gregory Polanco is hitting for a .282/.335/.465 line in 177 at-bats this year, with a system leading eight homers. He’s been pretty consistent this year, with a .286 average and an .838 OPS in April, and a .279 average and a .768 OPS in May. The May numbers have dropped due to a cold streak over the last week.
By comparison, Alen Hanson hasn’t been consistent. He was on fire in April, with a .410 average and a 1.137 OPS. So far in May he has a .256 average and a .791 OPS. Polanco also doesn’t have the same questions surrounding his defense. He’s got the skills to provide strong defense in center field, giving him some added value to go with his bat. Even if he has to move to a corner, he’s got the potential to hit for power to justify the spot. He’s got a tall, projectable frame, with a power increase this year after adding some muscle over the off-season.
I’m not sure that I’d have Hanson as a top five prospect in the system. I’m not as sold on him sticking at shortstop, which lowers his value in my book. I do know that wherever I’d have Hanson, I’d also have Polanco close by.
Kingham Rebounding From Slow Start
Nick Kingham had an interesting start to the 2012 season. In his first two outings with the West Virginia Power, the right-hander combined to allow nine earned runs in three innings. In both starts Kingham pitched a scoreless first inning, then gave up all of his damage in the second inning.
The right-hander rebounded in his next start, allowing one run in four innings. That was the start of a run for Kingham. Since the first two starts, he has allowed a 3.16 ERA in 37 innings, with a 34:7 K/BB ratio. He’s been on fire in his last three starts, putting up a 1.59 ERA in 17 innings, with a 17:1 K/BB ratio.
Kingham entered the season ranked as our tenth best prospect in the system. He was taken in the fourth round of the 2010 draft, and signed to a $480 K bonus. He’s shown impressive stuff, with a fastball that ranges anywhere from 88-95 MPH, usually sitting 91-94 MPH in the first few frames, before dropping down in the 88-91 MPH range after three or four innings.
He throws a curveball and a changeup in addition to his fastball. The changeup is his best off-speed pitch, and his curve has good break, with the potential to be an above average pitch. Both pitches have been inconsistent over the last year due to the focus on his fastball command. When they’re both on, Kingham is a very dominant pitcher, which is what we’ve been seeing over the last few outings.
Allie Sprains Ankle
Stetson Allie, who has been working on his command in extended Spring Training, suffered a sprained left ankle a few weeks ago. Allie has been limited due to the injury, but should be back to full health fairly soon.
The right-hander was sent to extended Spring Training to work on his command, after posting a 54.00 ERA in 0.2 innings, spread out over two different appearances. Allie walked eight and struck out one combined.
It’s still not determined whether Allie will return to West Virginia or go to State College when he is ready to return. Extended Spring Training ends when the short season leagues begin, which is on June 18th.
