2015 Diamondbacks Top 30 Prospects: 21-30

Today we’re running down Diamondback prospects 21-30. The back end of the Top 30 is littered with young players who project some upside and a couple of older relief arms who are close to the majors. Unsurprisingly, the volatility is often rather high here there is a large range of outcomes associated with these often unrefined talents. Let’s just jump right in here.

Other installments: Primer

30. Jamie Westbrook

• Age: 19.2
• Position: 2B
• Acquired: 5th Round (150th overall), 2013 Draft
• 2014 Level(s): Single-A South Bend (131 games)
• 2013 Ranking: 18th
• Volatility: Medium
• Trending: Steady

Westbrook had anouther solid season in the Diamondbacks’ system, his second in two years as a pro. He played the whole season at South Bend, facing several players older than him along the way. The assignment may have been aggressive, but the D-backs clearly felt that he could handle it and he proved as much. Although he’s short, he has as thick lower half and a quick swing that should generate the ability to hit for some average and power. He’s eliminated a toe-tap that gave me some pause in my first look at him and although he holds his hands high, he drops them a bit in the load of his swing which should help him make more consistent contact. Speed isn’t a huge part of his game, but he’s quick enough to be an average second baseman who can steal a few bags. If his hit tool continues to improve, he has a chance to be an everyday second baseman down the line.

Prospect Video

29. Francis Martinez

• Age: 17.3
• Position: RF
• Acquired: 2013 International Sign ($350,000 bonus)
• 2014 Level(s): Rookie – DSL (64 games)
• 2013 Ranking: n/a
• Volatility: High
• Trending: Up

Although he’s incredibly raw, Martinez has the tools that excite scouts. His arm is reportedly plus as is his big, raw power. He’s also incredibly young and is going to take some time to develop as he played part of the season as a 16-year old. That said, his power showed up immediately as he hit nine homers and twelve doubles. Martinez will have to learn how to control the strike zone, although he has plenty of time to do so. The upside is huge but so are the number of unknowns as to how he eventually develops. This is what big, physical stars look like, however, and Martinez was surely worth the Diamondbacks’ investment. Expect the team to be very patient with him as he makes his stateside debut in 2015.

28. Daniel Gibson

• Age: 23
• Position: LHP
• Acquired: 7th Round (210th overall), 2013 Draft
• 2014 Level(s): Single-A South Bend (37 games), High-A Visalia (21 games)
• 2013 Ranking: 20th
• Volatility: Low
• Trending: Steady

A lefty from Florida, Gibson has three pitches and started some in college but has pitched purely in relief since turning pro. It’s been a good move for him as his relief numbers have stayed relatively strong, although he does show a pronounced split and struggled some in 2014 against right-handed hitters. With three pitches, however, he has a chance to be more than just a lefty specialist, however, and some have even suggested that he could conceivably move back to the rotation down the road. I think relief is more likely and if all things click, he could be a solid middle reliever.

27. Marcus Wilson

• Age: 18.2
• Position: C/OF
• Acquired: 2nd Round Supplemental (69th overall)
• 2014 Level(s): Rookie – AZL (39 games)
• 2013 Ranking: n/a
• Volatility: Extreme
• Trending: Steady

Wilson is similar to Martinez above in that he’s incredibly raw. He’s completely different than Martinez in that speed is Wilson’s game, both defensively in center field and on the base paths as one of the faster players in the minor leagues. He’ll take quite some time to develop, but his athleticism is hard to top and if he can develop more feel for hitting, which is something that will take time, he could be become a valuable asset. As a prep, he had a noticeable stride at the plate that may give him trouble against offspeed stuff. Otherwise, the swing is relatively simple and he does a nice job of clearing his lower half. I won’t be surprised if the organization tries to clean his swing up some and make it a bit shorter to the ball. These are the types of adjustments that raw prep players often have to make and they may give him trouble while he adjusts to advance competition.

Prospect Video

26. Kaleb Fleck

• Age: 25.8
• Position: RHP
• Acquired: 1st Round (26th overall), 2012 Draft
• 2014 Level(s): Double-A Mobile (56 games), Arizona Fall League (7 games)
• 2013 Ranking: n/a
• Volatility: Low
• Trending: Up

Fleck is an older prospect, and that’s what keeps him lower on this list. He’ll turn 26 before the start of next season and spent all of 2014 in Double-A. But, he’s put up solid numbers there and has been excellent in the Arizona Fall League. He’s yet another power relief arm from the right side, which appears to be a strength of the Diamondbacks’ system. He’s posted excellent strikeout numbers and has maintained a mediocre walk rate. It doesn’t appear to be something that’s about to change, but he’s ready for a big league trial at this point. He’s captured the attention of scouts and analysts and all that’s missing is an opportunity.

25. Evan Marzilli

• Age: 23.6
• Position: OF
• Acquired: 8th Round (273rd overall), 2012 Draft
• 2014 Level(s): High-A Visalia (52 games), Double-A Mobile (81 games), Arizona Fall League (16 games)
• 2013 Ranking: n/a
• Volatility: Low
• Trending: Steady

Marzilli doesn’t have a huge upside, but he’s a solid center fielder with speed and some pop. He’s never hit for a ton of average, but does enough things well to keep himself considered a potential fourth outfielder with center field ability. While that’s not a sexy future, it’s surely a valuable one. Perhaps his best trait has been his on-base percentage as he’s posted above average walk rates throughout the minors without striking out a ton. Were he to play full time, he could hit 8-10 homers and steal 15 bases while hitting .240-sih. If the hit tool can take a step forward, he could really put himself on the map as a do-everything type who’s not overly exciting but won’t kill you in any way.

24. Fernery Ozuna

• Age: 19
• Position: 2B
• Acquired: 2012 International Sign ($85,000 bonus)
• 2014 Level(s): Rookie – Missoula (73 games)
• 2013 Ranking: n/a
• Volatility: High
• Trending: Steady

Noted for his bat-to-ball abilities, Ozuna scuffled a bit in his first full season of stateside baseball (albeit in rookie ball). The transition is often tough for kids this age, so he gets a bit of a pass for now. While his average was down, his power was up and he projects as a solid to slightly above average second baseman. He struggled to steal bases again in 2014 and he’ll have to learn the finer points on the base paths (although he’s not necessarily “slow”). Full season ball will be a challenge for him in 2015, but he makes a ton of contact and has a chance to take a step forward, especially if he can improve his ability to control the strike zone.

23. Anthony Banda

• Age: 21.3
• Position: LHP
• Acquired: 10th Round (335th overall) 2012 Draft by Milwaukee, traded for Gerardo Parra
• 2014 Level(s): Single-A Wisconsin (20 starts), Single-A South Bend (6 starts)
• 2013 Ranking: n/a
• Volatility: Medium
• Trending: Up

In case you don’t recall, Banda came to the Diamondbacks as part of the return for Gerardo Parra last summer along with Mitch Haniger (more on him next week). He played the whole season in full season Single-A ball, seeing most of his time in the Brewers’ system. Reports aren’t glowing on him, but he did well in his six starts with South Bend. Instead, he’s seen as a fringy 4/5 starter who has a chance to pitch in the back end of a rotation thanks to three average-ish offerings with his changeup being a tick above the fastball and curve. A 6’3” lefty with room to fill out, there’s still some projection possible for Banda and he’ll need it in Visalia next year.

22. Enrique Burgos

• Age: 23.9
• Position: RHP
• Acquired: 2008 International Sign ($285,000 bonus)
• 2014 Level(s): High-A Visalia (55 games), Arizona Fall League (6 games)
• 2013 Ranking: n/a
• Volatility: High
• Trending: Up

Burgos would rate higher on this list were it not for a couple of factors. He was old High-A last year, playing the entire season at 23. Also, he’s a right-handed reliever, limiting his production level to single-inning outings. Those things acknowledged, he’s a power pitcher with major heat who can rack up the strikeouts. His command, however, is fringy at best and needs to improve for his stuff to work at higher levels. He’s been excellent in the Arizona Fall League, impressing scouts drawing some really positive reviews. Still, his raw stuff will be limited until he can control it. Repeating his delivery will be something he has to work on as his release point can be inconsistent (as witnessed in the video below). Don’t be shocked if he moves quickly as he’s maxed out his projection and it’s now a matter of refinement.

Prospect Video

21. Isan Diaz

• Age: 18.4
• Position: C/OF
• Acquired: 2nd Round Supplemental (70th overall)
• 2014 Level(s): Rookie – AZL (49 games)
• 2013 Ranking: n/a
• Volatility: Medium
• Trending: Steady

Plucked in the second supplemental round of the ’14 draft, Diaz has a smooth, even stroke from the left side that projects to produce some pop and consistent, solid contact. From an athletic standpoint, however, he’s limited to second base without the range to play short or the arm to play third. His defensive value at the keystone will always be somewhat limited, so the pressure is squarely on the bat to play as it’s really his only tool. Fortunately, he’s got a lot of good things going for him at the dish and it’s conceivable that he can grow into a big league regular with more gap power than home run ability. With an open stance, he steps in the bucket smoothly and transfers his weight well on his way to an even, level swing that should result in plenty of line drives. On the bases, he’s an average runner at best, so speed won’t be part of his game. It’s always risky to tie up all of a player’s potential in one tool, so Diaz has to hit, which he has a better than average chance to do.

Prospect Video

Look for the next ten prospects next Tuesday. We’ll likely start heading into more familiar territory as the list climbs towards the top. As always, I value the feedback, so feel free to leave your thoughts below.