Byron Buxton Headlines All-Prospect Team For 2013

BYRON BUXTON WOWED THEM ALL IN 2013

Who were the top performers in the prospect world in 2013? Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo picked their “All-Prospect Teams” — one player for each position — as well as the top overall position player and pitcher. As an added bonus this year, they also chose prospects they think made the biggest jumps on the prospect landscape, those whose stock fell the most, and those who have the most to prove in 2014.

Let’s get right to this…

So, first off, there were no Mets on this list.
Jim Callis felt that Travis d’Arnaud came close, however, as he wrote, “Travis d’Arnaud could have beaten Mike Zunino out if he hadn’t missed three months with a broken left foot.” D’arnaud could be in line for an excellent season next year with a clean bill of health and he could tap into some of that potential that we’ve been talking about for a while now.
We might be happy with our top outfield prospect, Cesar Puello, and he is indeed talented — but can you imagine a list where Wil Myers doesn’t even make the cut? Wow.
Interesting call by Mayo to take Francisco Lindor over Javier Baez, but he noted that he was valuing defense as a prime position. Baez is a juggernaut offensively though, so that will raise the question of how available Starlin Castro will be on the market this offseason… The Mets have been rumored to be looking into Troy Tulowitzki, a personal favorite of mine, as well.
Interestingly enough, Mike Olt was listed as Mayo’s biggest fall — remember the name? He was the centerpiece of the deal offered by Texas for R.A. Dickey, who was eventually traded for D’Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard. Syndergaard may not have made this list for 2013, but give it some time. His stock is rising.
Byron Buxton can go get it. The kid can play. There’s no question about that.
Last thing I wanted to mention is the biggest jump for Mayo — Gregory Polanco. Another outfielder for the Pirates makes me wish we could pry Starling Marte from them, but his price tag would likely be a little high anyway. I’m down with going after Tulo this offseason.