I’m going Franco here as I just love watching him play 3B and his bat has some real pop. I believe he will win games for the Phils with his bat and his glove. Great defensive instincts and hands.
Next spot is tough between Nola and Quinn for me but leaning Nola due to his probability of contributing, and soon.
I’m going to stick with Franco here. I like that he’s shown the ability to adjust in the past and I think he’s more likely to have all-star worthy seasons than Nola. Obviously, this one was a close call.
I’m with you – he had a great second half last year, and if he adjusts that well in the bigs he could be an above average 3b as soon as 2016. Nola’s next and it was certainly close. After that I am honestly not set on #4 between Quinn and Biddle. Eflin Grullon Dugan Mecias and Imhof are on my radar for the Top 10 with Tocci Cozens Arano and Windle right behind. And probably I am forgetting someone or several someones. It’s a real tight bunch between 6-15, IMO.
I’ve got Quinn; then Biddle because I am not quite sure where Biddle is, but I know that Quinn is going to change the strategy of teams. He will be a force.
Quinn would be #4 for me. But after that it definitely does get crowded. I’ve got Zach Green higher than most and Cozens lower than most. I’ve also got some of the lower level Latin pitchers in that group, but that’s a discussion for later.
Yeah, the system is thin in “B” prospects; the guys I mentioned are more “C+” types. I think after the top 3, the strength of the system is depth, but not in the kind of prospects that gets you positive media attention. If we were doing a top 50, I think our 20-50 would look better than a lot of other systems’, lol.
Nola. Right now, to me Franco looks like a guy who could develop into a major league regular, while Nola looks like a #3 starter. If you’re optimistic, it’s possible Nola could turn into a #2 if the stuff ticks up a notch and it’s possible that Franco could tame his plate indiscipline and turn into a borderline elite 3B. So I see their ceilings as similar, with maybe a slight edge to Franco. But Nola’s floor seems much higher than Franco’s. In the worst case scenario (barring injury, as always) Franco might not be able to hit major league pitching regularly, and he ends up being Pedro Alvarez (or out of baseball). The worst case scenario for Nola looks like an unspectacular bottom-of-the-rotation starter who gets by on guts and command. That’s a much better outcome, to me, so I say it’s Nola by a nose.
Interesting point, I agree about the floor, it’s definitely that stark of a contrast. The two items which made me choose Franco are offense is at a premium over pitching IMO, and there being considerably more injury risk for pitchers. So while Franco does have a higher flame out rate, it’s not as far apart as it would be if we were comparing two position players.
You make all fair points. My feelings on the matter are similar to yours, but I’ve still got Franco just ahead.
I’m not sure if this will make sense to anyone but me: I think Nola has a higher floor and maybe a higher ceiling by a hair, but I think Franco is more likely to be a star. Nola is more likely to be a contributing major leaguer; probably as a #4 starter while Franco could flame out totally. If everything goes right for both guys I can see Nola as a #2 and Franco as a middle of the order hitter with a solid but not great OBP.
However, more things have to go right for Nola to reach his ceiling. He needs to have both his secondary pitches take a step forward- they’re average to plus depending on the scouting report you read- and he may need his fastball to tick up as well. For all that to happen seems like a very long shot. For Franco to reach his ceiling, he needs to refine his approach and maybe tweak his mechanics- easier said than done but I don’t think either is that unattainable for him.
Franco here because of proximity. Nola looks like a sure fire #3. After that I’m going to have to get some wart cream to see who looks the best underneath.
I went with Franco. You hear that Nola is a possible2, probable 3. Franco has the chance, no matter how small, to breakout and possibly be a regular All Star if everything clicks.
Franco has always adjusted to the new level. He may have some problems with major league pitching, but I think he will adjust. I agree with the poster who called him a major leaguer, but we are going with the rules. He is advanced and I am ready to root for him in a Phillies uniform.
Seriously, I was impressed with both when they came through Clearwater. There were more questions about Franco – his defense, his range, that arm bar swing. I never understood the questions about his defense. He charged and moved to his right pretty well, I thought. And the arm! And Nola showed more velocity than I expected, and he sure pitches a smart game. Tough call. Justifiably close race.
I agree that Franco probably more upside, but I also think it’s much more likely that he struggles for quite a while – he still has a really hard time with breaking pitches and it’s never clear whether that type of hitter will entirely figure things out. I certainly hope he does and like others, I’m actually very impressed with his fielding.
By contrast, if and when Nola hits the big leagues, I pretty much expect him to hit the ground running and be effective from day one. And he’s got a bit more upside than most are willing to allow. I could easily see him becoming a pitcher who is as effective as a Jordan Zimmerman or a pre-injury Matt Cain – a building block of a championship team.
I don’t see Matt Cain from Nola at all, though that may be partially because of the park effects in SF vs Philly…
I frankly don’t think Nola has a realistic chance of being a #2. He’s a probably a 3, but no worse then a 4 though I likewise agree he’ll probably hit the ground running day one and should be a June/July call-up IMO.
Just to add some color, Cain made 3 All-Star games, averaged about 180 k’s over 7 years, (K/9 of 7.5ish) w/ a BB/9 around 2.5-3. To me, the realistic outcome for Nola is more like 6.5 k/9 and similar BB numbers.
Nola – impressed with command and ability to command both sides of the strike zone and his demeaner out on the mound. Feel he still has some upside projection with regards to physical development. Could be borderline #2 starter within 5 years.
Phuture Phillies 
1st choice was easy. Now well see between Franco and Nola who goes 2 and 3. At least that is the logical process.
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I picked Nola. I think he will be in Rotation this year. I still want some more from Franco. So, right now, Nola 2, Franco 3.
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I’m going Franco here as I just love watching him play 3B and his bat has some real pop. I believe he will win games for the Phils with his bat and his glove. Great defensive instincts and hands.
Next spot is tough between Nola and Quinn for me but leaning Nola due to his probability of contributing, and soon.
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I went Nola here. I love the makeup, control and command.
I like Franco but until I see the plate discipline improve I’ll take the mid rotation starter.
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I’m going to stick with Franco here. I like that he’s shown the ability to adjust in the past and I think he’s more likely to have all-star worthy seasons than Nola. Obviously, this one was a close call.
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I’m with you – he had a great second half last year, and if he adjusts that well in the bigs he could be an above average 3b as soon as 2016. Nola’s next and it was certainly close. After that I am honestly not set on #4 between Quinn and Biddle. Eflin Grullon Dugan Mecias and Imhof are on my radar for the Top 10 with Tocci Cozens Arano and Windle right behind. And probably I am forgetting someone or several someones. It’s a real tight bunch between 6-15, IMO.
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I’ve got Quinn; then Biddle because I am not quite sure where Biddle is, but I know that Quinn is going to change the strategy of teams. He will be a force.
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Quinn would be #4 for me. But after that it definitely does get crowded. I’ve got Zach Green higher than most and Cozens lower than most. I’ve also got some of the lower level Latin pitchers in that group, but that’s a discussion for later.
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I know the point you’re trying to make but I would say “It get sparse” lol
As in, a whole bunch of guys who should be ranked much lower but aren’t due to the lack of talent.
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Yeah, the system is thin in “B” prospects; the guys I mentioned are more “C+” types. I think after the top 3, the strength of the system is depth, but not in the kind of prospects that gets you positive media attention. If we were doing a top 50, I think our 20-50 would look better than a lot of other systems’, lol.
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I went Franco already in Majors Nola close mite be next .
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Nola. Right now, to me Franco looks like a guy who could develop into a major league regular, while Nola looks like a #3 starter. If you’re optimistic, it’s possible Nola could turn into a #2 if the stuff ticks up a notch and it’s possible that Franco could tame his plate indiscipline and turn into a borderline elite 3B. So I see their ceilings as similar, with maybe a slight edge to Franco. But Nola’s floor seems much higher than Franco’s. In the worst case scenario (barring injury, as always) Franco might not be able to hit major league pitching regularly, and he ends up being Pedro Alvarez (or out of baseball). The worst case scenario for Nola looks like an unspectacular bottom-of-the-rotation starter who gets by on guts and command. That’s a much better outcome, to me, so I say it’s Nola by a nose.
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Good analysis. I agree
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Interesting point, I agree about the floor, it’s definitely that stark of a contrast. The two items which made me choose Franco are offense is at a premium over pitching IMO, and there being considerably more injury risk for pitchers. So while Franco does have a higher flame out rate, it’s not as far apart as it would be if we were comparing two position players.
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Offense at a premium league wide I mean, not specifically for the Phillies or this example.
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You make all fair points. My feelings on the matter are similar to yours, but I’ve still got Franco just ahead.
I’m not sure if this will make sense to anyone but me: I think Nola has a higher floor and maybe a higher ceiling by a hair, but I think Franco is more likely to be a star. Nola is more likely to be a contributing major leaguer; probably as a #4 starter while Franco could flame out totally. If everything goes right for both guys I can see Nola as a #2 and Franco as a middle of the order hitter with a solid but not great OBP.
However, more things have to go right for Nola to reach his ceiling. He needs to have both his secondary pitches take a step forward- they’re average to plus depending on the scouting report you read- and he may need his fastball to tick up as well. For all that to happen seems like a very long shot. For Franco to reach his ceiling, he needs to refine his approach and maybe tweak his mechanics- easier said than done but I don’t think either is that unattainable for him.
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I went with Nola. I think he has more upside than Franco. Franco is my #3 guy.
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Franco as position players get priority in my book but it’s close.
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For me Nola is the safer bet at number #2. I feel Franco has more upside but could crash as well.
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franco shouldn’t be on list he is a big leaguer. this list is for the kids
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No, the list is for anybody who hasn’t exceeded their rookie status yet. Franco barely played last year and got called up at the end of the season.
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George he is eligible for all prospect lists this year. This site is just applying those same rules, as they should
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Franco here because of proximity. Nola looks like a sure fire #3. After that I’m going to have to get some wart cream to see who looks the best underneath.
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I went with Franco. You hear that Nola is a possible2, probable 3. Franco has the chance, no matter how small, to breakout and possibly be a regular All Star if everything clicks.
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Franco has always adjusted to the new level. He may have some problems with major league pitching, but I think he will adjust. I agree with the poster who called him a major leaguer, but we are going with the rules. He is advanced and I am ready to root for him in a Phillies uniform.
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Nola. Franco may have more upside–absolute best case scenario, he makes a couple all-star teams–but Nola projects to have a longer, steadier career.
Franco will be third.
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Went with Franco due to the upside. There isn’t a wrong choice between Franco and Nola however. They aren’t far apart.
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Exactly my sentiments.
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I went with Franco, hopefully an everyday starter for us in 2016
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Very close race here. Hope it doesn’t come down to any “hanging chad” during the recount. Sorry, just a little Florida election humor.
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Seriously, I was impressed with both when they came through Clearwater. There were more questions about Franco – his defense, his range, that arm bar swing. I never understood the questions about his defense. He charged and moved to his right pretty well, I thought. And the arm! And Nola showed more velocity than I expected, and he sure pitches a smart game. Tough call. Justifiably close race.
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I agree that Franco probably more upside, but I also think it’s much more likely that he struggles for quite a while – he still has a really hard time with breaking pitches and it’s never clear whether that type of hitter will entirely figure things out. I certainly hope he does and like others, I’m actually very impressed with his fielding.
By contrast, if and when Nola hits the big leagues, I pretty much expect him to hit the ground running and be effective from day one. And he’s got a bit more upside than most are willing to allow. I could easily see him becoming a pitcher who is as effective as a Jordan Zimmerman or a pre-injury Matt Cain – a building block of a championship team.
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I don’t see Matt Cain from Nola at all, though that may be partially because of the park effects in SF vs Philly…
I frankly don’t think Nola has a realistic chance of being a #2. He’s a probably a 3, but no worse then a 4 though I likewise agree he’ll probably hit the ground running day one and should be a June/July call-up IMO.
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Just to add some color, Cain made 3 All-Star games, averaged about 180 k’s over 7 years, (K/9 of 7.5ish) w/ a BB/9 around 2.5-3. To me, the realistic outcome for Nola is more like 6.5 k/9 and similar BB numbers.
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Went with Nola, I figured the board would go Franco……so I was surprised to see Nola with an ever so close 2% advantage right now.
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Nola – impressed with command and ability to command both sides of the strike zone and his demeaner out on the mound. Feel he still has some upside projection with regards to physical development. Could be borderline #2 starter within 5 years.
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