Minor-ity Report: Highlight on Michael Taylor

June 12, 2009

What’s 6 foot 6 inches, 250lbs, a relative unknown, but can hit the cover off the ball and get on base at a remarkable clip for a mere 24 years of age?  If you guessed Michael Taylor – give yourself a gold star.  Fantasy GM’s that consider themselves savvy to minor league happenings and top prospects will note that the Philadelphia Phillies boast more than a few potenial future stars.  Among them are Andrew Carpenter (SP), Carlos Carrasco (SP), Dominic Brown (OF), and Greg Golson (OF).   But rarely among top 10 lists does Michael Taylor get mention.  That is precisely why this edition of FB101’s classic column Minor-ity Report will focus on why all Fantasy GM’s should keep a watchful eye on this rising star.

Taylor was drafted by Philadelphia in the 5th round (173rd overall) in the 2007 amateur entry draft.  Michael Taylor boasts an intriguing combination of power, speed, plate patience, and average.  Yes, his build may be more befitting a first baseman, but with Taylor’s adept base-swiping and wheels, he may just defy physical stigmatization.  But enough talk, let’s look at some numbers:

Starting the 2009 season in Double A as Reading’s left fielder, Taylor has 10 homers and 10 steals in 196 at-bats with a robust .342 average (good for 3rd in the Eastern League).  His 20 BB: 29 K is an improvement on 2008’s mark of 50:89 (divided between two levels of A ball).  But 2009’s performance is not an anomaly.  In 2008, Taylor combined for 19 homers, 15 steals, 88 RBI, and a .346 average.  His .400+ OBP and nearly 1.000 OPS each season attests to his legitmacy.  At age 24, Taylor could see his first taste of Major League action in late 2010 or even late 2009 depending on injuries and Michael Taylor’s continued streaking. 

The biggest issue with Taylor isn’t his size, age, or approach (he improves and adjusts at a remarkable clip) – but rather that he is positionally blocked in Philadelphia.  With Shane Victorino in center for the forseeable future, Jason Werth in the first of a multi-year deal in right field, and Raul Ibanez enjoying an MVP quality season in left field, it is hard to see where Taylor would fit into the Big League club’s plans in 2009 or 2010.  That said, truly savvy Fantasy GM’s (especially FB101 loyalists) will keep a careful watch on this rising star.  ETA – 2010.

Written by Russell Sandman · Filed Under Minor Leagues | 2 Comments