September Prospect Watch: AL West

Welcome to September Prospect Watch, where we look at prospect types who could see big league playing time after rosters expand.

Los Angeles Angels
3B Luis Jimenez

Jimenez isn’t a stud, but he may be the future at third for the Angels. Jimenez has had trouble staying healthy this year, otherwise he’d probably already be in the bigs. Jimenez is a contact specialist of sorts, but he has some power and could provide double-digit homers over a full season.

Houston Astros
OF George Springer and SP Asher Wojciechowski

The Astros have already given chances to most of their big league ready prospects, but two still remain with a shot of coming up. Springer has nothing left to prove in AAA Oklahoma City, and his power and speed combination should make for a fantastic fantasy threat.

Walphabet, on the other hand, still could show a little more in the minors, but he’s pitched well enough to deserve a spot start or two before the year is over.

Oakland Athletics
OF Michael Choice

Choice is the obvious, er, choice to make this list. One of the A’s top prospects, Choice has hit well in Triple-A, though he hasn’t shown the power that may one day come from his bat. Chris Young and Yoenis Cespedes haven’t been crushing the ball this year, and with Oakland in the hunt and Josh Reddick on the DL, they may be willing to turn some ABs over to the youngster. Choice has a future in Oakland that may come as soon as 2014, but he’s not going to get much of a chance this year.

Seattle Mariners
SP Taijuan Walker and SP James Paxton

Mariners General Manager Jack Zduriencik has been noncommittal when it comes to Walker making his debut, and the right-hander is on an innings limit, but there is an opening after Aaron Harang was DFAd. Walker has been solid in Triple-A Tacoma despite being in his age-20 season, and he could certainly come up to the majors and strike hitters out. Walker’s innings limit means that if he is called up, he’s either going to make only a couple of starts or be kept to a tight five innings in all his outings.

Paxton, on the other hand, is almost a lock to be in the ‘pen if called up. I’m not sure he will be called up, though. Paxton has struggled badly since August came around, but he still has a great fastball and curveball combo, even if he can’t locate them consistently.

Texas Rangers
RP Wilmer Font and OF Engel Beltre

Font has been dominant in the minors after switching over to a relief role in 2012, and he hasn’t even allowed an earned run in 18 innings in AAA. The Rangers bullpen isn’t bad, but Font could at least add depth with the potential for much more.

Beltre had a cup of coffee with the Rangers earlier this year, and while he’s not an offensive masterpiece, he can provide Texas with speed in the outfield.