Los Angeles Angels have a lot of under the radar prospects.

During Spring training the Los Angeles Angels had a lot of young players who they acquired in the off-season by trade or being claimed off waivers.  Some of these players made quite an impression, but in the end it was a numbers game and most of these players got lost in the shuffle.

So now we are a month into the season what are these prospects doing so far.

Batters

OF Nick Buss – .328/.380/.990

Buss played great in the Spring mostly in center field and some in left field.  He showed a great glove and also was great in getting on base during the Spring.

So far in 17 games for Triple-A Salt Lake City, Buss has picked up right where he left off in the Spring as he continues to hit and get on base.  He is carrying a .328 batting average hitting three home runs and driving 13 runs while stealing two bases.  Buss has an .380 OBP and continues play well in the field.  If Craig Gentry doesn’t start improving for the Angels we might see Buss get an opportunity to get called up. The only issue is Buss is left-handed so he couldn’t be part of a platoon with Daniel Nava when he comes back from the DL.

 2B/SS Rey Navarro – .255/.283/.656

Rey Navarro has been solid for the Salt Lake City Bees hitting .255 with one home run and four RBI’s in 13 games. Navarro has played well defensively and is hitting decently, but not spectacular.  Navarro could be called up if there is any injury to someone on the roster, but other than that he is still not ready to break through just yet.  However, with Johnny Giavotella struggling, there is a slight possibility he could get sent down in favor of Navarro, but not likely.

OF Todd Cunningham – .246/.387/.747

Todd Cunningham has been solid for the Bees hitting .246 with two home runs and nine RBI’s and stealing two bases.  The most impressive thing is his on base percentage .387 with 13 walks he could fill a need as a good lead-off hitter and he also showed that same knack for getting on base during the Spring.

Cunningham could be one of the next call-ups if he continues to do well in Salt Lake.

OF Quinton Berry – .195/.306/.526

Quinton Berry never was able to hit in the Spring and he still has failed to find his stroke at the plate for Salt Lake City.  Berry is hitting .195 so far with no home runs and four RBI’s and one stolen base.  He has great speed which helps him defensively, but that does him no good if he cannot get on base.  There is almost  no chance we will see Berry in Los Angeles Angels uniform anytime soon.

1B-3B Jefry Marte – .180/.315/528

Jefry Marte showed a lot of promise in the Spring with both his bat and glove, but unfortunately he was the victim of the numbers game and the fact that Rule 5 Draftee Ji-Man Choi could not be sent down to the minors without clearing waivers.

Marte has not been able to show that promise so far in Salt Lake hitting .180 with no home runs and six RBI’s.  Hopefully Marte will rebound at the plate and maybe he might get a chance to play for the Angels.  We will see what happens.

So that is it for the hitters, we will take a look at pitchers in my next post in the next couple of days.