Yesterday, I treated my readers to five National League pitching phenoms that might get the call later this season. Today, I turn my focus to the Junior Circuit.
Danny Hultzen Mariners AA/AAA 14 GS, 78 1/3 IP, 43 H, 37 BB, 82 K, 2 HR, 1.72 ERA
Coming into 2011, Hultzen was viewed as a good prospect, but one with a lower ceiling than his Mariners counterpart Taijuan Walker. His 2012 thus far has been tremendous, earning Hultzen a promotion to AAA and increasing speculation he might wind up with the Mariners in August. Hultzen is a polished college pitcher who throws a low 90s fastball consistently for strikes, has an excellent change, and a very good slider. The BB/IP rate is something to watch, but this hasn't been an issue for Hultzen before. The best thing about Hultzen is that when he does come up he'll be pitching in Safeco. At a minimum, do yourself a favor and stash in a keeper if you can. Hultzen could be a big impact guy in 2013.
Jacob Turner Tigers A+/AAA 11 GS, 63 2/2 IP, 52 H, 26 BB, 44 K, 2 HR, 2.83 ERA
Turner has already been called up for a spot start for the Tigers, so he definitely could return the next time there's an injury or if one of the front five is ineffective. He has a great long-term future, but the numbers here are somewhat underwhelming, particularly the low K/IP rate. Some of that could be because Turner was sidelined early with shoulder tendonitis, but that is worrisome, not comforting. Turner is an immediate add if he gets called up again, though chances are good that in leagues with reserve lists that he's already gone.
Manny Banuelos Yankees AAA 6 GS, 24 IP, 29 H, 10 BB, 22 K, 2 HR, 4.50 ERA
Banuelos is currently on the minor league disabled list with an elbow injury. The Yankees say it isn't serious, but elbow injuries always have to make you nervous. For fantasy purposes, this means you should cross Banuelos off of your list as a possible contributor in 2012.
Zach Britton Orioles AA/AAA 6 GS, 33 2/3 IP, 34 H, 9 BB, 23 K, 2 HR, 4.01 ERA
A top prospect in the minors for the O's once upon a time, Britton fought through shoulder inflammation this spring and is now on a rehab assignment of sorts for the Orioles. He could get the call later this summer, but the rumor mill has the Orioles working to acquire a front-line starter if they stay in contention. Monitor Britton, but I wouldn't get my hopes up on his call-up either.
Brad Peacock A's AAA 15 GS, 70 2/3 IP, 85 H, 30 BB, 75 K. 5 HR, 5.99 ERA
A glance at Peacock's ERA would make any fantasy owner want to turn away, but the FIP is far more appealing. Peacock is close to the Majors, but the fact that the A's keep insisting on dragging Tyson Ross out there should tell you something about Peacock's short-term prospects. I see 2013 for Peacock at this point.
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