Mid Season Top 50 Hero Prospects

1. Wander Franco, SS
2. Drew Waters, OF
3. Ronny Mauricio, SS
4. Kiebert Ruiz, C
5. Trevor Larnach, OF
6. Luis Garcia (Was), SS
7. Trent Grisham, OF
8. Sean Murphy, C
9. Brayan Rocchio,
10. Brandon Marsh, OF
11. Ryan Weather, SP
12. Orelvis Martinez, SS
13. Brice Turang, SS
14. Grant LaVigne, 1B,
15. Luis Garcia (Phi), SS
16. Joey Cantillo, SP
17. Wilderd Patino, OF
18. Jasseel De La Cruz, SP
19. Jhon Torres, OF
20. Luiz Gohara, SP
21. Alejandro Pie, SS
22. Shervyen Newton, 3B
23. Jhoan Duran, SP
24. Francisco Morales, SP
25. Luis Frias, SP
26. Rafael Morel, SS
27. Jeremy De La Rosa, OF
28. Miguel Amaya, C
29. Franklin Perez, SP
30. Sheldon Neuse, 3B
31. Antoni Flores, SS
32. Everson Pereira, OF
33. Elio Prado, OF
34. Diego Cartaya, C
35. Malcom Nunez, 3B
36. Adinso Reyes, 3B
37. Eddy Diaz, SS
38. Conner Scott, OF
39. Taylor Widener, RSP
40. Chris Gittens, 1B
41. Starling Sharp, RSP
42. Anthony Garcia, OF
43. Carlos Rodriguez, OF
44. Luis Oviedo, SP
45. Tyler Hearn, SP
46. Oswald Peraza, SS
47. Emmanuel Clase, RP
48. Chris Rodriguez, SP
49. Alex Wells, LSP
50. Carlos Vargas, SP

Graduated
Luis Rengifo, 2B

Post draft top 50 Prospects after the draft

Baseball America Grades and Rotowire top 400 ranks

1. Wander Franco, SS (75V) (3)
2. Kiebert Ruiz, C (60H) (67)
3. Trevor Larnach, OF (55H) (31)
4. Grant LaVigne, 1B, (55VH) (137)
5. Drew Waters, OF (55H) (58)
6. Brandon Marsh, OF (55H) (87)
7. Ronny Mauricio, SS (60E) (79)
8. Sean Murphy, C (55H) (222)
9. Luis Garcia, SS (60V) (114)
10. Jhon Torres, OF (55E) (91)
11. Franklin Perez, SP (60E) (226)
12. Everson Pereira, OF (60E) (98)
13. Luiz Gohara, SP (55H) (187)
14. Casey Weather, SP (60E) (199)
15. Luis Oviedo, SP (55V) (125)
16. Brayan Rocchio 2B, (55E) (74)
17. Shervyen Newton, 3B (55E) (120)
18. Miguel Amaya, C (55H) (313)
19. Francisco Morales, SP (55E) (164)
20. Malcom Nunez, 3B (55E) (163)
21. Taylor Widener, RSP (50H)(228)
22. Orelvis Martinez, SS (55E) (152)
23. Brice Turang, SS (55E) (198)
24. Diego Cartaya, C (55E) (249)
25. Carlos Vargas, SP (55E) (183)
26. Mason Englert, SP (55E) (268)
27. Jhoan Duran, SP (55H) (260)
28. Antoni Flores, SS (50E) (169)
29. Luis Rengifo, 2B (45M) (110)
30. Lucius Fox, SS (45H) (190)
31. Nick Schnell, OF (55) (241)
32. Carlos Rodriguez, OF (50E) (242)
33. Conner Scott, OF (55E) (286)
34. Gregory Santos, SP (55E) (329)
35. Tyler Hearn, SP (50M) (272)
36. Alejandro Pie SS, (NA) (265)
37. Ryan McKenna, OF (50H) (304)
38. Chris Rodriguez, SP (50E) (289)
40. Oswald Peraza, SS (55E) (NA)
41. Anthony Garcia, OF (55E) (NA)
42. Elvin Rodriguez, SP (NA) (287)
43. Carlos Hernandez, SP (45H) (370)
44. Will Banfield, C (50H) (NR)
45. Tahnaj Thomas, SP (50E) (NA)
46. Starlyn Castillo, SP (50E) (NA)
47. Eddy Diaz, SS (NA) (348)
48. Ian Hamilton, RP (50H) (NA)
49. Tanner Dodson RP, (50H) (NA)
50. Johan Oviedo SP, (50V) (NA)

Updated Heroes Prospect plus BA grades

After a large trade the Heroes sent 8 prospects away, updated list

1. Wander Franco, SS (75V)
2. Kiebert Ruiz, C (60H)
3. Drew Waters, OF (55H)
4. Brandon Marsh, OF (55H)
5. Sean Murphy, C (55H)
6. Ronny Mauricio, SS (60E)
7. Luis Garcia, SS (60V)
8. Miguel Amaya, C (55H)
9. Franklin Perez, SP (60E)
10. Everson Pereira, OF (60E)
11. Luiz Gohara, SP (55H)
12. Luis Oviedo, SP (55V)
13. Shervyen Newton, 3B (55E)
14. Francisco Morales, SP (55E)
15. Jhoan Duran, SP (55H)
16. Antoni Flores, SS (50E)
17. Lucius Fox, SS (45H)
18. Luis Rengifo, 2B (45M)
19. Gregory Santos, SP (55E)
20. Tyler Hearn, SP (50M)
21. Ryan McKenna, OF (50H)
22. Carlos Rodriguez, OF (50E)
23. Chris Rodriguez, SP (50E)
24. Elvin Rodriguez, SP
25. Carlos Hernandez, SP (45H)
26. Eddy Diaz, SS

Jim Bowden's Top 200 Heroes

192. Shervyen Newton, INF, New York Mets
Age: 19 Height: 6-4 Weight: 180 Bats: B Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 50 HIT: 45 PWR: 55 RUN: 50
Stats (Rookie)
Slash: .280/.408/.449 2B: 16 HR: 5 RBI: 41 SB: 4

Newton is an athletic switch-hitting infielder with lightning bat speed, quick hands and legitimate power. He already knows how to work a count and draw walks as shown by his impressive .408 on-base percentage.

181. Jhoan Duran, RHP, Minnesota Twins
Age: 21 Height: 6-5 Weight: 175 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 60 SLI: 45 CH: 50 CTL: 45 CMND: 40
Stats (A)
W-L: 7-5 ERA: 3.75 IP: 100.2 H: 88 BB: 38 SO: 115

Who doesn’t love a power arm? Duran throws a fastball in the high 90s with great riding life on the four-seamer, and a two-seamer that he throws almost as a split-finger: hard (at 89-91 mph) and with great sinking action. His slider needs work, however, and his changeup needs better arm speed.

174. Luis Rengifo, INF, Los Angeles Angels
Age: 21 Height: 5-10 Weight: 170 Bats: B Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 50 FLD: 50 HIT: 55 PWR: 40 RUN: 55
Stats (A/AA/AAA)
Slash: .299/.399/.452 2B: 30 HR: 7 RBI: 64 SB: 41

The Angels rave about the breakout year Rengifo had last season, when he got on base at a .399 clip and stole 41 bases. He’s a strong athlete, and the Halos are impressed with his hard contact rate and his ability as a switch-hitter to own both gaps on both sides of the plate. His best position will probably be second base when it’s all said and done.

170. Jordan Balazovic, RHP, Minnesota Twins
Age: 20 Height: 6-4 Weight: 176 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 50 CH: 55 CB: 50 CTL: 50 CMND: 45
Stats (A)
W-L: 7-3 ERA: 3.94 IP: 61.2 H: 54 BB: 18 SO: 78

Balazovic punched out over 11 batters per 9 innings last year thanks to his moving fastball and elite changeup. His curveball is average, giving him three solid pitches. He is a head-snapper, which causes some interesting deception, and he continues to trend in the right direction.

167. Luiz Gohara, LHP, Atlanta Braves
Age: 22 Height: 6-3 Weight: 266 Bats: L Throws: L
Scouting Grades
FB: 55 SLI: 60 CH: 45 CTL: 45 CMND: 45
Stats (AA/AAA)
W-L: 3-5 ERA: 4.81 IP: 58 H: 59 BB: 18 SO: 59

Gohara has yet to live up to his raw stuff and potential, mainly because of nagging injuries. He’s had shoulder, ankle and elbow problems in the past. However, when healthy and at his best, there’s no doubt he could come out of nowhere and become a big story — his stuff can be that good.

166. Everson Pereira, OF, New York Yankees
Age: 17 Height: 6-0 Weight: 192 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 50 FLD: 50 HIT: 50 PWR: 50 RUN: 55
Stats (Rookie)
Slash: .263/.322/.389 2B: 8 HR: 3 RBI: 26 SB: 3

The Yankees’ newly thinned-out farm system has reason to get excited about Pereira, who was their biggest international expenditure last summer. While he doesn’t have any tools that blow you away, he looks like a pure center fielder who’s going to hit, with both speed and power in his game.

158. Taylor Widener, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Age: 24 Height: 6-0 Weight: 195 Bats: L Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 55 SLI: 50 CH: 50 CTL: 45 CMND: 45
Stats (AA)
W-L: 5-8 ERA: 2.75 IP: 137.1 H: 99 BB: 43 SO: 176

The Diamondbacks love his competitiveness on the mound. His fastball is mostly 92-93 with good life, and both his slider and change-up are effective offerings. He doesn’t have a high ceiling, but he should be a serviceable big leaguer.

141. Lucius Fox, SS, Tampa Bay Rays
Age: 21 Height: 6-1 Weight: 180 Bats: B Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 50 HIT: 45 PWR: 40 RUN: 65
Stats (A/AA)
Slash: .268/.351/.341 2B: 20 HR: 3 RBI: 39 SB: 29

Fox has tremendous athleticism and quick-twitch muscles. He has a level line-drive stroke with gap power and blazing speed, which is usable on the basepaths, making him a top-of-the-order disruptor. Defensively Fox is average at this point, but with good range and soft hands, he should get better.

135. Darwinzon Hernandez, LHP, Boston Red Sox
Age: 22 Height: 6-2 Weight: 245 Bats: L Throws: L
Scouting Grades
FB: 70 CB: 45 SLI: 45 CH: 45 CTL: 35 CMND: 45
Stats (A/AA)
W-L: 9-5 ERA: 3.53 IP: 107 H: 86 BB: 66 SO: 134

Hernandez has a big arm but an inconsistent delivery, which affects the consistency of his breaking balls and leads to well-below-average command and control. He’s working on a changeup, and because he’s left-handed, they’ll keep him a starter as long as they can before moving him to the bullpen.

127. Franklin Perez, RHP, Detroit Tigers
Age: 21 Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 60 CB: 55 SLI: 45 CH: 50 CTL: 50 CMND: 55
Stats (A/AA)
W-L: 0-2 ERA: 6.52 IP: 19.1 H: 18 BB: 8 SO: 14

The headliner in the trade that sent Justin Verlander to the Astros in August of 2017, Perez has four pitches: a mid-90s fastball, an above-average curveball, an improving slider and an average change, which at times has good fade.

122. Ronny Mauricio, SS, New York Mets
Age: 17 Height: 6-2 Weight: 169 Bats: B Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 50 HIT: 40 PWR: 40 RUN: 50
Stats (Rookie)
Slash: .273/.304/.410 2B: 16 HR: 3 RBI: 35 SB: 2

Mauricio is a formidable athlete whose best tool is his strong arm, which he’ll show off from the hole. He lacks range at shortstop but makes up for it with first-step quickness and efficient angles. He has plus bat speed and raw power, making him a special and projectable prospect to keep your eyes on.

110. Brandon Marsh, OF, Los Angeles Angels
Age: 21 Height: 6-4 Weight: 211 Bats: L Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 65 FLD: 55 HIT: 45 PWR: 55 RUN: 55
Stats (A/A)
Slash: .266/.359/.408 2B: 27 HR: 10 RBI: 70 SB: 14

Marsh is a tremendous athlete and an above-average defensive center fielder with a strong work ethic and a high baseball IQ. He has a plus-plus arm that stops runners from taking an extra base. But he needs a lot of work on his swing to become successful.

99. Miguel Amaya, C, Chicago Cubs
Age: 19 Height: 6-1 Weight: 184 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 50 HIT: 50 PWR: 55 RUN: 40
Stats (A)
Slash: .256/.349/.403 2B: 21 HR: 12 RBI: 52 SB: 1

A solid defensive catching prospect with an above-average arm, Amaya can hit a fastball and demonstrates above-average power. Like so many teenagers, he struggles against good breaking balls. His framing is above average for his age, but has some work to do with his feet and calling a game.

83. Drew Waters, OF, Atlanta Braves
Age: 20 Height: 6-2 Weight: 183 Bats: B Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 50 HIT: 55 PWR: 55 RUN: 55
Stats (A)
Slash: .293/.343/.476 2B: 39 HR: 9 RBI: 39 SB: 23

I love Waters’ bat. He’s got great hands, wrists and forearms and has tremendous snap on contact. He’s playing center field for now, but if Ronald Acuña had to move to a corner, then Waters will, too. He’s not going to be a fast-tracked prospect to the majors, but it will be worth the wait when he gets there.

57. Sean Murphy, C, Oakland Athletics
Age: 24 Height: 6-3 Weight: 215 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 70 FLD: 60 HIT: 50 PWR: 55 RUN: 40
Stats (R/AA/AAA)
Slash: .285/.361/.489 2B: 27 HR: 8 RBI: 43 SB: 3

Murphy is one of the best all-around catching prospects in baseball and the Athletics’ front office has made it clear that he is their long-term solution at the position. His calling card starts with his above-average defense and foot quickness behind the plate. He also has an extremely strong arm that can shut down the running game. Offensively, he continues to develop at a rapid pace and could end up slugging 15-18 home runs eventually while getting on base at a 34 or 35 percent clip when fully developed.

53. Luis Garcia, SS, Philadelphia Phillies
Age: 18 Height: 5-11 Weight: 170 Bats: B Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 60 HIT: 55 PWR: 40 RUN: 50
Stats (R)
Slash: .369/.433/.488 2B: 11 HR: 1 RBI: 32 SB: 12

Garcia was one of the top prospects in the 2017 class of International prospects and this year was considered, by several teams, as the best prospect to play in the Gulf Coast League, where he dominated with a .433 on-base percentage. He’s a well-above-average defensive shortstop with range to both sides, soft hands, quick feet, fluid rhythm and an accurate strong arm from the hole. He’ll make the highlight film play and the routine one. He’s mechanically sound at the plate, resulting in a quick-to-the-ball smooth swing.

33. Keibert Ruiz, C, Los Angeles Dodgers
Age: 20 Height: 6-0 Weight: 200 Bats: B Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 55 HIT: 55 PWR: 45 RUN: 40
Stats (AA)
Slash: .268/.328/.401 2B: 14 HR: 12 RBI: 47

I have Ruiz as the best prospect in the Dodgers organization, over Verdugo. Ruiz is an above-average defensive catcher with an average arm that is enhanced by his quick release. He has soft hands, quick feet and plays with energy and enthusiasm. At the plate, he’s a switch hitter with line-drive gap power and he makes contact and puts the ball in play. There is no doubt he’s the Dodgers’ future catcher. The only question left is, will it happen this September or sometime next year?

5. Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay Rays
Age: 17 Height: 5-10 Weight: 190 Bats: B Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 55 HIT: 65 PWR: 65 RUN: 50
Stats (Rookie)
Slash: .351/.419/.587 2B: 10 HR: 11 RBI: 57 SB: 4

Franco is the best switch-hitting prospect in baseball with a special hit tool that could potentially earn him a batting championship in time. He has tremendous depth perception, which allows him to recognize pitches early, and has impressive plate discipline for a 17-year-old. At shortstop, he has soft hands, solid range to both sides and plays with high energy and enthusiasm. He has surprising raw power for his frame, thanks to quick and strong hands, wrists and forearms. He should eventually end up with 20 home run game power. A special talent who could land at the top of this list in the next year or two.

2019 Pre-Draft Top 30 Prospects

1. Wander Franco, SS
2. Kiebert Ruiz, C
3. Drew Waters, OF
4. Brandon Marsh, OF
5. Sean Murphy, C
6. Ronny Mauricio, SS
7. Luis Oviedo, SP
8. Luis Garcia, SS
9. Miguel Amaya, C
10. Everson Pereira, OF
11. Lucius Fox, SS
12. Antoni Flores, SS
13. Francisco Morales, SP
14. Franklin Perez, SP
15. Luiz Gohara, SP
16. Luis Rengifo, 2B
17. Shervyen Newton, 3B
18. Darwinzon Hernandez, SP
19. Micker Adolfo, OF
20. Jordan Balazovic, SP
21. Elvin Rodriguez, SP
22. Carlos Rodriguez, OF
23. Jhoan Duran, SP
24. Luis Santana, SS/2B
25. Jeisson Rosario, OF
26. Ryan McKenna, OF
27. Diego Rincones, OF
28. Gregory Santos, SP
29. Carlos Hernandez, SP
30. Chris Rodriguez, SP
31. Eddy Diaz, SS

2018 Little Hero of the Year

SS Luis Garcia, The Phillies gave Garcia $2.5 million in 2017, and he has joined their pipeline of high-end international talent signed by their longtime international director, Sal Agostinelli, ripping through the Gulf Coast League last year at age 17 with a .369/.433/.488 line. He is a switch-hitting shortstop who projects to hit from both sides of the plate and stay at the position with above-average defense, with a better swing now from the right side and more tendency to chase hitting left-handed.

In the field, he already has made substantial progress from just a year in a pro system, particularly on being more consistent on routine plays, and even though he is going to end up an average runner, he projects to stay at short with above-average to plus defense. His makeup earns rave reviews from the Phillies' staff, from his maturity to his aptitude for learning -- and between that and the potential for a plus or better hit tool with high on-base skills, he could be a top-20 prospect in a year.

2007 1B Billy Butler KC
2008 1B Logan Morrison Fla
2009 SP Arodys Vizcaino NYY
2010 OF Mike Trout LAA
2011 1B Anthony Rizzo SD
2012 OF Adam Eaton Arz
2013 SP Yordano Ventura KC
2014 SP Lucas Giolito Was
2015 1B AJ Reed Hou
2016 2B Yoan Moncada Bos
2017 SP Yonny Chirinos TB
2018 SS Luis Garcia Phi

2018 Ace of the Year

Max Scherzer, 34, went (18-7) in 33 outings in 2018, with a 2.53 ERA, a 2.65 FIP, 51 walks (2.08 BB/9), 300 strikeouts (12.24 K/9), and a .188/.247/.332 line against in 220 2⁄3 innings pitched, finishing the year ranked first among qualified NL starters in strikeouts, K/9, WHIP (0.91), opponent’s AVG, innings pitched, and hits allowed per nine innings (6.12 H/9).

Winners of this award:
2007 Roy Halladay 16-5 3.71era 225Inn 139K's
2008 Franciso Rodriguez 2-3 2.24era 68inn 77K's 62SV
2009 Roy Halladay 17-10 2.79era 246Inn 206K's
2010 Trevor Cahill 18-8 2.97 era 196.2Inn 118K's
2011 Ervin Santana 11-12 3.38 228.2inn 178k's
2012 Jim Johnson 4-2 2.49era 68.2Inn 41K's 51SV
2013 James Shields 13-9 3.15era 228Inn 197K's
2014 Yordano Ventura 14-10 3.20era 183Inn 159k's
2015 Noah Syndergaard 9-7 3.24era 150Inn 166K's
2016 Noah Syndergaard 14-9 2.60era 183.2inn 218k's
2017 Corey Kluber 18-4 2.25era 203.2inn 265K's
2018 Max Scherzer 18-7 2.53era 220.2Inn 300k's

2018 Hero of the Year

Christian Yelich was named Hero of the year, Yelich was a near-unanimous choice for the 2018 award. Yelich batted .326 with 36 home runs and 110 RBIs

Past Winners
2007 3B David Wright .325avg 30HR 107RBI 34SB .963OPS
2008 2B Dustin Pedroia .325avg 17HR 20SB 83RBI 117Runs .869OPS
2009 1B Price Fielder .299Avg 46HR 141RBI 1.014OPS
2010 3B Ryan Zimmerman .307avg 25HR 85RBI 85Runs .894OPS
2011 2B Dustin Pedroia .307avg 21HR 91RBI 102Runs 86BB 26SB .861OPS
2012 1B Prince Fielder .313avg 30HR 108RBI 83Runa 85BB .940ops
2013 1B Joey Votto .305avg 24HR 73RBI, 103Runs, 135BB, .926OPS
2014 OF Lorenzo Cain .301avg 5HR 53Rbi 55runs 28SB .751OPS
2015 OF Michael Conforto .270avg 9HR 26RBI .841ops
2016 2B Dustin Pedroia .318avg 15HR 74RBI 105Runs 61BB .825ops
2017 OF George Springer .283avg 34HR 85RBI 112Runs 64BB .889ops
2018 OF Christian Yelich .326avg 36HR 110RBI 118Runs 22SB 1.000OPS

Max Scherzer Hat Trick

For an unprecedented third straight season, Kelly’s Heroes ace Max Scherzer has been named a Rick Vaughn Award Winner. After winning the award in the American League back in 2016, Scherzer has taken the last two National League Vaughn Awards, making him the first pitcher in CPL history to win the award three times, let alone in three consecutive seasons.


Kelly’s Heroes’ pitchers again had one of the best seasons statistically, and their staff is headed by Max Scherzer who in 2018 pitched over 200 innings and nearly hit 300 strikeouts. His ERA was a microscopic 2.31, and his WHIP was even better, sitting at 0.88 for the year. He won 17 games for Kelly’s Heroes, and amazingly gave up more than 3 runs in only 2 of his starts all season (and in those starts, he gave up only 4). Scherzer recorded double-digit strikeouts in over half of his starts (16 of 30) and has now thrown at least 170 innings in a remarkable 10 straight seasons, including over 200 for the last 6

Scherzer garnered 14 of the possible 16 first place votes, earning 45 total voting points. The other two pitchers to receive first place votes were Mauling Tigers’ Aaron Nola, who finished in second place with 18 voting points, and Danimals’ Blake Treinen who received 5 voting points. In total, 7 pitchers received consideration, including Danimals’ Justin Verlander, Pro Bowlers’ Blake Snell, Rollin’ Goats’ Trevor Bauer, and Scherzer’s Kelly’s Heroes’ teammate Corey Kluber.

This award marks Kelly’s Heroes second consecutive Rick Vaughn Award. Congratulations to Max Scherzer and to Kelly’s Heroes.

2018 Season

The Kelly's Heroes went 198-116-22 this season. This was the 2nd best winning percentage in team history.

Updated All Time Records

League Year Wins Loses Ties Win%
TSA 2006 181 116 11 .606**
CPL 2007 156 167 22 .484
CPL 2008 160 173 19 .480
CPL 2009 200 134 18 .599*
CPL 2010 136 186 30 .429
CPL 2011 135 174 27 .442
CPL 2012 187 133 16 .580*
CPL 2013 162 152 22 .515*
CPL 2014 115 196 25 .379
CPL 2015 87 231 18 .286
CPL 2016 137 178 21 .439
CPL 2017 228 90 18 .705*
CPL 2018 198-116-22 .622*

**Won the championship
*Made the playoffs

NLCS

In the 2018 National League Championship Series, freshly rebuilt Mauling Tigers found themselves battling for the pennant after upsetting #1 seed Danimals by a final of 10-5-1. Their NLCS opponent was Kelly’s Heroes, who upset #2 seed Rollin’ Goats in their NLDS game by a score of 13-3. This matchup saw Mauling Tigers, back in the postseason for the first time since 2011, taking on Kelly’s Heroes who returned to the postseason for the first time last year after a long drought.

Just like with the ALCS opponents, these two teams battled each other multiple times during the regular season, with one team (Kelly’s Heroes) dominating their matchups. Unfortunately for Kelly’s Heroes, their offense went the same direction as Your Mom did this week after having a strong offensive season and an incredible offensive outburst in the NLDS. Heroes did have two days of really strong offensive output on Tuesday and Friday, accumulating 22 hits, 14 runs, 5 HR, 11 RBI, and 10 walks combined on those days. However, they managed just 27 hits for the rest of the week. Heroes put up just a .232 average on the week and had only one player, Charlie Blackmon (.409 avg, 1.007 OPS), put up respectable numbers. Heroes was really let down by the likes of Trea Turner (.219 avg), Jed Lowrie (.130), Christian Yelich (.238), and Robinson Cano (.211).

On the mound, Heroes pitchers fared a little bitter, putting up a very strong 3.08 ERA and 1.21 WHIP- both better than or right in line with their regular season numbers. However, just like last year, Heroes was let down by their aces as NL Rick Vaughn winner Max Scherzer (13.50 ERA) and Corey Kluber (21.60 ERA) completely imploded and combined to give Heroes a combined 5.2 innings pitched while giving up 10 earned runs. In spite of that, Heroes was able to sneak 4 pitching categories from Tigers, thanks largely to their bullpen.

Heroes’ opponent this week, Mauling Tigers, was really the only team of the 4 this week to have a strong offensive showing. Whereas Your Mom, Scared Hitless, and Kelly’s Heroes combined to average 49 hits with a .235 batting average, Mauling Tigers hit .309 with 65 hits. Tigers led all Championship Series teams in hits, runs, home runs, walks, stolen bases, batting average, and OPS and took all 8 offensive categories from Kelly’s Heroes. With a team that has Mike Trout, Giancarlo Stanton, and Shoehei Ohtani, the surprising MVP for Mauling Tigers this week was Adalberto Mondesi, who led the team in hits (10), RBI (6), stolen bases (3), and batting average (.455).

On the mound, Tigers led all Championship Series team with a 2.50 ERA, considerably lower than the 3.56 ERA they put up in the regular season. The rest of their pitching numbers were average overall, in part due to their decision to bench most of their pitchers on Sunday. Tigers finished with a 1.19 WHIP, the fewest innings and strikeouts among all Championship Series teams, tied You Mom for fewest wins (2), and only Your Mom finished the week with less saves+holds.

Mauling Tigers pulled away on Sunday and easily defeated Kelly’s Heroes by a final of 11-4-1. This is their first time back in the World Series since their defeat to Baby Seals back in 2010. Mauling Tigers owner Nate Woodard has done a remarkable job in completely rebuilding his team back into a championship-caliber squad, after making the decision to blow it up several years ago. He has made shrewd moves via free agent pickups, through the draft, and especially via trades. When he acquired Mike Trout many owners scoffed, with some saying that Trout would be wasting his best years on a team without a chance to compete. But in the last several years Nate has also added the likes of Jose Altuve, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rendon, Michael Brantley, and Shohei Ohtani. Finally, let’s not forget that just last season Mauling Tigers finished with a .402 winning percentage. This franchise took a huge step forward this season and finds themselves in the World Series, and one step closer towards joining the elite club of CPL owners who have more than one championship trophy. Congratulations to Mauling Tigers on their 2018 National League Pennant!

Hidden Gem's

Francisco Morales
2018

Morales has the perfect combination of extreme upside and muted hype, as he hasn't pitched in a full-season league and gets lost in the shuffle with Sixto Sanchez and Adonis Medina sucking up most of the Phillies pitching prospect praise. He received a $720,000 bonus as the top Venezuelan pitcher in the 2016 July 2 international signing class. Morales' realistic upside is up there with Sanchez, he just hasn't proved it at as high of a level. At 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, he has a much safer, projectable body than Sanchez, and his fastball, which already sits in the mid-90s, should be an absolute monster in a couple years. He can already spin a breaking ball that will flash plus, and while his changeup isn't a very useful pitch, that's something he has in common with almost every 18-year-old on the planet. His command needs work, but it's still ahead of schedule. Of the pitching prospects outside the top 100, Morales has as good a chance as anyone to finish the year as a top-50 prospect.


Luis Garcia
2018

Even without Braves or Padres-level exposure, the Nationals cleaned up on the 2016 international market -- inking a pair of shortstop prospects in Garcia and Yasel Antuna, both of whom have increased their stock significantly since signing. Antuna is more appealing for dynasty leagues because of his monstrous ceiling, but Garcia has the higher floor, and with plus-plus speed, his fantasy upside should not be overlooked. He was the fourth youngest hitter in the Gulf Coast League, yet finished 11th in batting average (.302) and tied for ninth in steals (11-for-13). Unlike Antuna, Garcia is a good bet to stick at shortstop, so at the very least he projects to hit for a high average, steal a lot of bases and quality at the second scarcest position in the game. His all-fields approach (36 percent to the pull side, 38.5 percent to the opposite field) allows him show off his hit tool, but it mutes any power potential. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, he could access over-the-fence power, but it would likely come at the expense of his batting average.


Cristian Santana
The 20-year-old slugger was having a breakout season, hitting five home runs in 10 games in the Pioneer League before quickly receiving a promotion to the Midwest League. His bat stayed hot, posting a .331/.348/.500 slash line with five home runs in 141 plate appearances with the Loons. His 33:4 K:BB in 35 games illustrates how aggressive he is at the plate, and he will have to refine his approach somewhat if he is to continue having success as he moves up the organizational ladder.


Lorenzo Cedrola
He hit .285/.322/.387 with four home runs and 19 steals on 26 attempts in 92 games as a 19-year-old at Low-A prior to the injury. This should not sideline him this spring, but prospective dynasty-league owners need to be aware of the fact that his stolen-base totals at High-A could be affected, at least early on. He is a plus runner and quality defender in center field. It will be on him to prove he can hit enough in the upper levels to profile as more than a bench outfielder.


Alexander Campos
Campos, who was the Mariners' 15th-ranked prospect according to MLB.com, spent all of 2017 in the Dominican Summer League, playing in 59 games and hitting .290/.413/.367 with seven stolen bases and a 39:41 K:BB. The 17-year-old has flashed a defense-speed combo that leads scouts to believe his possible floor is a big-league reserve; with further progress he could certainly develop into an everyday player.


A.J. Alexy
Alexy is just a year out of high school, but he certainly has a lot of upside in his right arm. In 19 starts with Low-A Great Lakes this season, the 19-year-old has 86 strikeouts in 73.2 innings to go along with a 3.67 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He's a ways away from the majors, but he has the makings of an electri

2017 Little Hero of the Year

SP Yonny Chirinos was named Little Hero of the Year, posting between AA and AAA some solid numbers 13-5 2.73era, 168Inn 141K's, with 0.97whip

Here is the complete list of Little Heroes of the year

2007 1B Billy Butler KC
2008 1B Logan Morrison Fla
2009 SP Arodys Vizcaino NYY
2010 OF Mike Trout LAA
2011 1B Anthony Rizzo SD
2012 OF Adam Eaton Arz
2013 SP Yordano Ventura KC
2014 SP Lucas Giolito Was
2015 1B AJ Reed Hou
2016 2B Yoan Moncada Bos
2017 SP Yonny Chirinos TB