Another edition of the UTR “Ones to Watch” is upon us, though my entry is little behind schedule. Marc will agree, that after squeezing our post-season work to produce the UTR-OAS rosters, the OTW submission is the carrot dangling in front of us. Its truly the most enjoyable thing to do and places us in the right frame of mind to kickoff the minor league season. And what a start to the season we have seen already. In the first week, we tracked a no-hitter and an almost perfect game in the same stadium of a double-header. There have also been a few “close” no-hitters, only to be broken up in the last inning or in extras in one game. The pitching has been good, but Marc has punched out some outstanding hitter lists, as well.

I was very pleased after a quick review of my selections heading in the 2016 season. At some point, I will submit a “post-season” report card just like I did during the half-way point last season. Some of the National League pitchers that stood out were Trevor Clifton (Cubs), Tyler Mahle (Reds), Tommy Bergjans (Dodgers), Dinelson Lamet (Padres). Tyler Mahle is off to a red-hot start in 2017 with Double-A Pensacola. America League stand-outs were Thomas Pannone (Indians), Matt Hall (Tigers), Rogelio Armenteros (Astros), Angel Duno (Athletics), and Pedro Payano (Rangers). I expected a Double-A assignment for Pannone, but it won’t be long after tracking his first two HiA starts. I am sure that I missed a couple pitchers due of recognition, but we will catch them later. Last season was most successful for my system in narrowing down which kid would be posed for a breakout. Im hoping that success carries over into 2017.

American League East:

• Baltimore Orioles: LHP Alex Wells 
• Boston Red Sox: RHP Daniel Gonzalez
• New York Yankees: RHP Juan De Paula
• Tampa Bay Rays: LHP Travis Ott 
• Toronto Blue Jays: LHP Wilfri Aleton

American League Central:

• Chicago White Sox:  RHP Christopher Comito
• Cleveland Indians:  LHP Francisco Perez
• Detroit Tigers:  LHP Eudis Idrogo
• Kansas City Royals:  RHP Geoff Bramblett  
• Minnesota Twins:  RHP Eduardo Del Rosario

American League West:

• Houston Astros:  RHP Hector Perez
• Los Angeles Angels:  RHP Elvin Rodriguez
• Oakland Athletics:  RHP Xavier Altamirano
• Seattle Mariners:  RHP Brandon Miller
• Texas Rangers:  RHP Tyler Phillips

National League East:

• Atlanta Braves:  LHP Jhon Martinez
• Miami Marlins:  RHP Jordan Holloway
• New York Mets:  RHP Harol Gonzalez
• Philadelphia Phillies: LHP Nick Fanti
• Washington Nationals: LHP Tyler Watson

National League Central:

• Chicago Cubs: RHP Dakota Mekkes
• Cincinnati Reds:  RHP Andrew Jordan
• Milwaukee Brewers:  RHP David Burkhalter
• Pittsburgh Pirates:  RHP Max Kranick
• St. Louis Cardinals:  RHP Ryan Helsley

National League West:

• Arizona Diamondbacks:  RHP Tyler Mark
• Colorado Rockies:  RHP Antonio Santos
• Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Isaac Anderson 
• San Diego Padres:  RHP Jean Cosme
• San Francisco Giants:  LHP Conner Menez