Joe Hoffer

2016 key for Shaw, Travis, and the Sox future

The Red Sox know who their first baseman is in 2016. Hanley Ramirez has acclimated to the position already in a way he never managed in left field, …

Yaisel Sierra prospect profile

The latest of the Dodgers’ international splashes, Yaisel Sierra slides into our prospect rankings at number 24 on the back of a solid relief …

Four of Top 45 Corner Outfield Prospects are in the Cubs System

Four of Top 45 Corner Outfield Prospects are in the Cubs System<p>As part of its look at the Top 100 prospects in the game, Baseball America ranked the …

BenFred: Diaz isn't giving up quest to be starting shortstop

<b>8 a.m. Sunday update:</b> The Cardinals optioned shortstop Aledmys Diaz to Memphis.<p><i>This column was published late Saturday night:</i><p><b>FORT MYERS, Fla. •</b> Mike …

Johnson follows demotion with dazzler

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- One day after being sent to the Minor League camp, Pierce Johnson had his best outing this spring. Jake Arrieta would be …

Red Sox fans aren't the only ones impressed by the phenom Yoan Moncada. Just asked David Price.

FORT MYERS, Fla - It was just another work day for David Price Sunday at the Red Sox' spring training complex. But inside of a rather routine outing, …

Romero on Mariners' radar as backup 1B

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Stefen Romero has hit extremely well this spring and the 27-year-old outfielder continues to push his way into the conversation as a …

Phillies send top prospects, including Crawford, to minor league camp

The Phillies sent a hard-throwing right-hander and three of their most promising young position players to minor league camp on Monday morning, …

Brad Johnson’s 10 Bold Predictions

Fantastic news folks, it’s Bold Prediction season. The premise is simple – we make 10 aggressive, fantasy-related predictions about specific players. …

D-backs' Bradley, Shipley set to make impact

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The last two years in the Arizona Minor League ranks have been defined by the system's losses to enable the Major League club's …

Top Prospect Report Cards Midway Through 2016 MLB Spring Training

One of the most exciting parts of spring training is that fans get a chance to see some of their favorite team's top prospects.<p>Reading about a player's impressive tools and big-time potential is great, but seeing them in action alongside established big leaguers gives an entirely difference …

Matt Murton displays compact stroke, but time with Cubs may be short

From a hitting standpoint, <b>Matt Murton</b> looked like he was in midseason form Tuesday as he ripped a double and single off <b>Jon Lester</b> in a minor-league game.<p>But Murton realizes time is short as he tries to make enough of a favorable impression on the Cubs or another team interested in a right-handed …

Marlins send 7 non-roster invitees to Minors camp

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Marlins made their first wave of roster moves on Tuesday, and there were no surprises.<p>After an 8-6 loss to the Mets at Roger …

Gourriel's numbers in Cuba compare to Abreu, Cespedes

Reports out of the Dominican Republic say Cuban star Yulieski Gourriel and his younger brother Lourdes slipped out of a team hotel in an apparent …

Three young pitchers look to the future

CLEARWATER, Fla. - One by one, the players gravitated Thursday morning to one corner of the crowded Phillies clubhouse to embrace three young …

St. Louis Cardinals: Anthony Garcia and Carlos Peguero

Anthony Garcia and Carlos Peguero have taken less conventional routes to St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training. Both corner outfielders are making an …

Phillies send Mark Appel to the minors

Mark Appel got a fresh start when he was traded from the Astros to the Phillies this offseason as part of the Ken Giles deal, but the former No. 1 …

Brewers Prospects to Know for 2016: Hitters

Baseball has begun anew for 2016 as teams and players have migrated to their havens in Arizona or Florida to prepare for the upcoming season. Things …

Nationals option Wilmer Difo, Matt Grace and Taylor Jordan to Triple-A

A reporter asked Dusty Baker last week when the first decisions or cuts of the Spring would be made even though it was only three games in to …

Six Yankee sleeper prospects for 2016

Pinstripe Alley has already ranked our Top 20 Prospects for 2016 with Aaron Judge leading all Baby Bombers when it comes to hype. This time, Jason, …

Toronto Blue Jays first-round pick trying to find his power

DUNEDIN, Fla. – Mitch Nay, a top 10 prospect for the Toronto Blue Jays, is working on bringing his power back into his game. The team’s first round …

Top MLB Prospects, Scouting Reports, Analysis

Phillies' minor-league aces show big-league promise

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Pete Mackanin boarded the bus outside Bright House Field at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday for an unusual 140-mile trip with a split-squad …

Dodgers Friday notes

PHOENIX -- The Dodgers are back at Camelback Ranch for a Friday game against the Angels, with a pair of notable pitchers on the mound. Zach Lee, with …

White becoming a hit in Astros system

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- There is nothing stereotypical about Tyler White.<p>He is not a stereotypical corner infielder with big power. Instead of 25 homers, …

Cardinals notes: Sierra excels in surprise start with Cards

<b>JUPITER, Fla. •</b> Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, having liked what he saw in a brief exposure earlier this spring, called over to the Cardinals’ minor …

Thompson, Johnson eager to win with LA

GLENDALE, Arizona -- In a spring of major change for <b>Trayce Thompson</b> and <b>Micah Johnson</b>, one of the biggest adjustments has been dietary.<p>"It's funny. …

Previewing the 2016 Rome Braves

Continuing with the SAL team previews here’s my look at the Rome Braves.<p>The Rome Braves share there nickname with the parent club the Atlanta Braves …