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And the cuts keep coming.
As every team continues to whittle down their respective spring training roster to 25 players, more top-ranked prospects have been re-assigned to various Minor League levels.
This past weekend, there was another slew of prospects cut from their respective organization's big-league camp:
No. 9 Trevor Bauer
Appearing in four spring training contests, Bauer posted a 3.50 ERA with a 9-to-1 K/BB rate in 10 innings. However, the hard-throwing right-hander was sent to Double-A Mobile on Saturday, where he will work on his command.
No. 21 Nolan Arenado
Everyone knew that Arenado breaking camp with the Rockies was a long shot, especially after hitting .192 with four doubles and five RBI in 12 Spring Training games. Although it’s unknown to which level the third baseman has been assigned, it’s likely he’ll begin the 2012 season at Double-A.
No. 48 Brett Jackson
Despite Jackson’s strong spring training performance, he was optioned to Triple-A on Saturday. Blocked by Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd and David DeJesus, Jackson had no clear path to regular playing time—something the Cubs want when he’s ultimately recalled. He finished the spring with a .276 average with two home runs, seven RBI, and a 10-to-6 K/BB rate.
Anthony Rizzo
The other notable Cubs’ player cut on Saturday was first baseman Anthony Rizzo, the team’s No. 3 prospect, who was also sent to Triple-A.
As with Jackson, the Cubs want Rizzo to receive at-bats everyday while in the Major Leagues, something that would be impossible after they named Bryan LaHair their Opening Day first baseman. This spring, Rizzo batted .364 with two home runs, five RBI and nine strikeouts in 33 at-bats.
Anthony Gose
The Blue Jays No. 4 prospect, Gose is one of the more toolsy prospects in all of baseball. After batting .259 with a double, triple, and three stolen bases this spring, Gose was assigned to Double-A along with the organization’s No. 1 prospect, catcher Travis d’Arnaud.
In order to reach the Major Leagues in 2012, Gose will need to vastly improve his plate discipline. In 27 at-bats this spring, the left-handed hitter struck out nine times.
Christian Bethancourt
The Braves cut catching prospect Christian Bethancourt on Friday, as they assigned him to Double-A on Friday afternoon. The Braves’ No. 5 prospect, Bethancourt was impressive in limited action this spring, as he posted a .400 spring batting average (6-for-15) with a double, home run, and three RBI. Perhaps what was most impressive about the 20-year-old was his top-notch defense, as he registered multiple 1.84-second pop times.
Mike Olt
The Rangers cut No. 3 prospect Mike Olt from Major League camp on Saturday. After batting .200 (6-for-30) with two doubles and a triple this spring, Old was re-assigned to Triple-A, where he will once again be the team’s everyday third baseman.
With Adrian Beltre blocking his path to the Show, Olt will need an injury to the incumbent third baseman in order to make his big-league debut in 2012. Otherwise, he might have to wait until September for a long-overdue call-up—that is unless he can demonstrate value as a designated hitter or first baseman in an already potent Rangers offense.
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