In Better Late Than Never, I will be profiling 25 year old Oakland A’s post-hype prospect Chris Carter. In this profile I will give you some background on his career in the minors, his past struggles in the majors and his surprising emergence this year at the major league level as well as my recommendation, fantasy-wise, for the rest of the season in yearly and dynasty/keeper leagues. Unlike another famous Cris Carter, where all he did was catch touchdowns, all this Chris Carter does  is hit home runs.

Chris Carter is a 25 year old first basemen for the Oakland Athletics.  He was drafted in the 15th round of the 2005 MLB draft by the Chicago White Sox. During the 2007 offseason Carter was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Carlos Quentin.  Two weeks after he was traded to Arizona, Carter was traded to the Oakland Athletics as part of the package to bring Dan Haren to Arizona.

In four previous stints with the A’s prior to this season, Carter was a major disappointment. Once considered the club’s top prospect, he struggled mightily. In 2010, he hit .186 with 3 Hrs and had 21 strikeouts in 24 major league games.  Then, in  2011, his performance was even worse, hitting just .136 with 0 Hrs and 20 strikeouts in 15 major league games.

However, the tools and talent have always been there. In 2009, he seemed destined to become an impact power hitter. He produced 28 hrs and 115 rbis in 544 at-bats in season, splitting time at both the double-A and triple-A levels and also appeared in the Future Game. In 2010, he produced  31 Hrs and a .258 avg with 94 RBIs in AAA.

While prior to this season, he had never been able put it all together at the major league level, the talent was evident at the minor league level. In his last four minor league seasons, he was good for 122 home runs and 399 RBI.  While putting up good numbers in the minors, he had fallen off most “top prospect lists” and many insiders were beginning to label him a Quad-A player (a Quad-A player is a player is one who has enough talent to dominate in Triple A but continually fails in the Majors). Was this who  Carter was destined to become?

Enter 2012. It now seems he has arrived. The now post-hype prospect has hit . 272 with 10 HRs, 22 RBIs and only 33KS in 103 ABs this season.  While he could still work on lowering his strikeout numbers some, it’s a major improvement from his high K-rate in much less ABs in his short stints in the majors in ’10 and ’11.  Plus, the power is definitely there. His 10 Hrs in only 103 ABS in a pitcher-friendly park is nothing to scoff at. Finally receiving consistent playing time, it looks like the late-blooming  25 year old Chris Carter may have finally arrived.

Now for his fantasy value. Chris Carter is only owned in 5% of Yahoo!, 7% of ESPN and 33% of CBS leagues. While I know his past struggles had him off most fantasy owners radar early in the season, why the reluctance to roster him now, gamers? He has hit 10 HRs in 103 ABs. That’s virtually one home run for every 10 ABs. And with just 28 total hits, 35.7% of them have been home runs.

In comparison, a very disappointing Eric Hosmer has 10 HRs in 408 ABs and is 68% owned in Yahoo leagues. That’s a 63% ownership difference between Hosmer and Carter. I know a lot of ownership levels are based on name alone but if we could all get past what we thought Carter was and see what he is doing and becoming,  he’d be a very valuable pick up and commodity for anyone needing power in general, specifically at the first base position. I understand your trepidation, gamers. I really do. I was leery of picking him up myself but needless to say I finally did and have been reaping the benefits ever since. Now is the time to pick him up. Under 10% owned in Yahoo and ESPN is criminally low.

It has come to the point where he’s in my lineup over guys like Brandon Belt and Yonder Alonso, both with a slightly higher ownership percentages. The one and only thing going forward to keep a close eye on is playing time.  He has played on a regular basis during the month of August and it looks as if the A’s management now realizes they have finally found their first baseman of the future.

I recommend a Chris Carter pick up in all leagues right now and even recommend him as a borderline keeper. If he is fully endorsed as the A’s starting first baseman heading into next spring (which I do expect to happen), I’d then give my full endorsement on keeping him. Keep a very close eye on this situation next spring.

In summary, it looks like Carter is reaching his full potential this year and, with his low ownership numbers, is out there for the taking in all leagues. While it may have taken him longer than most highly-rated prospects to finally become a fantasy factor, like they say, “It’s better late than never”.

Will you be picking up Chris Carter or have you already? Do you feel he is finally for real and here to stay or are you still not buying into him? Let me know in the comments and as always follow me on Twitter @FantasyzrTJ for all your fantasy baseball needs.

Perhaps my favorite part about being a baseball fan is keeping tabs on the Minor Leagues. I am a prospect hugger and I take no shame in saying this. I follow all the big prospect guys on Twitter and I take in as many Penn League games as I can up here in Burlington. One thing I know is that there are plenty of you out there just like me, so this feature is for you.

It is manageable to stay up on your own favorite team’s farm system, but outside of top 100 guys, many of us cannot stay up on the other 29 teams as well. Organizational Outlook is going to take you through each of the 30 teams and get you up to date on their top prospects. So no one can accuse me of having a bias, I’m starting in the American League and working my way through by alphabetical order. This of course means your first Organizational Outlook is the Baltimore Orioles.

Top 10 Prospects

If you are an Orioles fan, there are three big reasons to be excited about the future, and it all starts with Dylan Bundy. Named the 10th best prospect by Baseball America (BA) coming into the season, Bundy was the 4th overall pick in last year’s draft and the first high school player taken. Deemed by many prospect experts as comparable to the trio of college pitchers that were selected before him — Gerrit Cole, Danny Hultzen, and Trevor Bauer — Bundy may have jumped all of them in the eyes of scouts after only 35 professional innings in which he has surrendered just two (!!!) earned runs. While the Orioles have taken some heat for their extremely careful approach to handling the 6’1″ right-hander, it does not appear that much will stand in the way of him possibly making a 2013 big league debut. The stuff is all there — from the fastball which sits 94-98, to the curveball which BA already rates as a plus pitch, to a raved about work ethic — Bundy has all the makings of a future ace. As a bonus fun fact, Bundy’s older brother Robert Bundy is also in the organization and is currently pitching at AA. Though BA did not rank him, Kevin Goldstein has him as the Orioles number six prospect.

Manny Machado would probably be a number one prospect for most other teams, as BA tabbed him as the 11th best prospect this offseason. The third pick in the 2010 draft, Machado has blossomed into one of the premier shortstop prospects in all of the minor leagues. Though some believe he may outgrow the position and move to third someday, the Orioles are sticking with him at short until he proves that move necessary. His .256/.353/.390 line at AA may not jump off the page at you, keep in mind that at 19, he is the youngest player in the Eastern League (which has a reputation as an extremely pitcher friendly league). The fact that he is holding his own against older, advanced competition tells you a lot about his talent.

In the shadow of these two stud prospects is Jonathan Schoop. Signed as an International Free Agent out of Curacao in 2008, Schoop has spent much of his time the last two seasons playing alongside Machado at second base, though BA describes him as having the “arm and hands for any infield spot”. Despite this characterization, they still tag third base as his most likely destination. Again, Schoop’s .248/.305/.329 line may not seem impressive, but the only player younger than him in the Eastern League is Machado. Schoop has shown the ability to rake at previous levels, hitting .290/.349/.432 while splitting last season between A and A+.

The Rest of the Top 10 (according to BA):

Parker Bridwell – RHP – 6’4″/190

Bridwell was a 2010 ninth round draft pick out of high school in Texas. The numbers have not been there so far, as there have apparently been some mechanical issues to work on. He is repeating low-A Delmarva this season.

2012: 2-3, 4.87 ERA, 44.1 IP, 45 H, 29 K, 21 BB

L.J. Hoes – OF/2B – 6’1″/181

A third round draft pick out of high school in 2008, Hoes has primarily seen time at second base and in left field during his career. It seems like his fate as an everyday player will on depend how well his power develops. At the very least, Hoes has shown the versatility to be a utility player. He is currently at AA Bowie.

2012: .271/.372/.383, 219 PA, 2 HR, 11 SB, 29 BB, 31 K

Nicky Delmonico – 1B/3B – 6’2″/196

Another high school pick, Delmonico was a sixth round pick out of Knoxville, Tennessee. The left-handed hitter is seeing his first taste of pro action at low-A Delmarva, where he is more than holding his own. Scouts love his swing, but his range in the infield may mean his future is at first base.

2012: .266/.355/.424, 203 PA, 5 HR, 3 SB, 22 BB, 39 K

Ryan Flaherty – UTIL – 6’3″/220

Originally selected as a supplemental first rounder by the Cubs out of Vanderbilt in 2008, Flaherty came to the Orioles via the Rule Five draft in September. As a result, he has spent the year coming off the bench for the big league team. While not technically a prospect anymore, Flaherty has shown decent power throughout his minor league career.

2012: .143/.173/.204, 53 PA, 1 HR, 0 SB, 1 BB, 17 K

Jason Esposito – 3B – 6’2″/185

Another Vanderbilt product, Esposito was also drafted in the seventh round by the Royals out of high school. The Orioles made him their second round pick last year and have assigned him to low-A Delmarva. Esposito reportedly has gap power, but has struggled making the adjustment to pro pitching so far.

2012: .243/.319/.312, 210 PA, 1 HR, 4 SB, 18 BB, 42 K

Xavier Avery – OF – 5’11″/180

A Georgia native, the Orioles drafted Avery in the second round of the 2008 draft. The hope is that his plate approach develops to the point where he can be a leadoff hitter, as he has excellent speed. Avery is playing quite well so far at AAA Norfolk.

2012: .273/.373/.469, 153 PA, 5 HR, 8 SB, 20 BB, 29 K

Dan Klein – RHP – 6’2″/190

It appeared that Klein could be a fast track reliever when the Orioles drafted him out of UCLA in 2010, but shoulder injuries have kept that from happening. He had surgery to repair a small tear in his labrum and loosen his shoulder capsule last August. If he gets healthy, there are still high expectations for him as a reliever.

2011 (A+/AA): 3-0, 1.11 ERA, 32.1 IP, 23 H, 37 K, 6 BB

Draft Outlook

With the draft only five days away, mock drafts are up and running. While Jim Callis of BA has the Orioles “leaning more towards arms than bats,” Keith Law of ESPN says that they “want the best player available, period”. As a result, Callis currently projects (subscription only) the O’s to take LSU righty Kevin Gausman while Law has them taking (subscription only) Carlos Correa, a shortstop in the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (though he did say he could also see Gausman at four). The Orioles have hit it big with Bundy and Machado in their previous two drafts, and while this draft class is not nearly as deep as last year’s, the top end talent is still very good.

Questions, comments, or suggestions are welcome both in the comments section and on Twitter (@bgeary8).

The grumbles come. Complaints flood the blogosphere. Are they too lazy to wake up so early? Or are they just kind of racist? Either way, it is unbecoming.

Has the debate about the Ground Zero mosque reared its ugly head again? No. Worse. It’s the Major League Baseball season opener in Japan.

I’m here to flat-out say, get the heck over it. It’s good for the game.

Both the Seattle Mariners and Oakland A’s visited the country’s stricken northeast Sendai region. The vibrant, bustling city of Ishinomaki is now desolate after being flattened by the well-documented 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that hit the port community a year ago.

More than 3,800 residents of Ishinomaki were killed. Ishinomaki Stadium, where the New York Yankees and Japanese Baseball Icon – Hideki Matsui played in this very same opener back in 2004, survived. Its field and dugouts though were ruined after being used as a staging area during recovery efforts.

In this stadium, 210 miles to the east of the Tokyo Dome – home to this year’s Opening Day, hundreds of Japanese Little Leaguers, many orphaned, gathered. They lost their parents, schools, homes, friends and teammates. However, for this week, as we complained about getting up in the predawn hours to experience Opening Day, these kids, dressed in Mariners and A’s uniforms, participated in a baseball clinic with players who, to them, only existed on television.

“We are here to play a couple of big league games but the overriding factor for everything is to raise the level of awareness internationally for what’s happened here,” Seattle Mariners Manager Eric Wedge said. “There are a lot of people who need help. I want to make sure that everybody really tries to respond and help these people out.”

Major League Baseball donated $500,000 to help reconstruct the city of Ishinomaki. That money will mostly will go toward a new drainage system and synthetic infield surface at the stadium so children can use it year-round. Although things like temporary housing are still sorely needed, the ballpark had once been the community’s valued gathering place. It needs to get back in running order.

“From my understanding, one of the lights of that community was that baseball field,” Wedge told The Seattle Times. “And it was like nonstop. There was always something going on there. Nonstop. And then, when they lost that, it was just on top of everything else.” You know, when America came to a virtual stop after 9/11, it was baseball that brought it back. Why should that be any different around the world?

If Major League Baseball has hosted four Opening Days in Japan, I have woken up at 5 a.m. to watch every one of them. Does it draw amazing ratings? Probably not. Does it break with tradition? Who cares? If Major League Baseball stuck to tradition, we would be watching a bunch of fat white men throwing spitters at each other. So, if you think that Opening Day in Japan messes with the sanctity of the game, I’m calling foul on you now. I’m happy to say that I’m not the only one.

Opening Day in Japan is good for the game. It expands it internationally. It shows that there is humanity behind the seven digit checks and most importantly, it has no effect on your Fantasy Baseball team. So, kudos to online journalists, bloggers and fans standing up to show that the lazy, thinly veiled racism I saw earlier in the week is frankly a minority that doesn’t express the better nature of this game.

Under the warm sun of Arizona, it’s already starting to feel like spring. Although the mornings and evenings have slight chill to them allowing you to see your breath, the days are sunny and bright with a hint of baseball in the air. One of the reasons I live inArizona(and there are many) is that I have full access to all Spring Training games and Arizona Fall League games. This allows me to not only watch the Major Leaguers, but also the up and coming super stars. So with that in mind and after much debate/research, I am proud to unveil my top 100 prospects for the 2012 season. I do want to disclose that none of the international free agents will be on this list. MLB.com did not have them on their list and neither will I. Many of those players will be contributing to Major League teams next year and should be considered prospects, but I want you to be able to compare my list next to that of MLB.com’s in addition to others. So here it is…the 2012 Top 100 prospects in baseball!

The list takes into account: what level the player is at currently, ceiling potential, floor potential, and risk factor in reaching their ceiling. A ceiling is what the player would do if everything worked out perfectly and all his tools developed to their full potential. I tried to keep the ceiling potential key as simple as possible so there are no + or – signs to worry about.

Key:

A = All-Star ceiling

B = Above-average everyday player ceiling

C = Average everyday player ceiling

D = Reliever/Bench/Role player ceiling

1. Matt Moore – SP – Rays – A

Moore showed everyone what he was capable of last season by breezing through Double-A and Triple-A just in time to win the first game of the 2011 ALDS against the Texas Rangers.Moore should be a shoe-in for a spot in the rotation this season and with his stuff, he might be the ace on most other teams.

2. Mike Trout – OF – Angels – B

Trout got in to 40 games last year at the MLB level and made the most of it. Although he only batted .220, he stole 4 bases and his 5 HRs while playing all three outfield positions. The outfield is crowded inAnaheimbut with his skills, he should find a spot and be productive.

3. Bryce Harper – OF – Nationals – A

The Holy Grail of prospects hit a few speed bumps last year as he moved through Single-A and up to Double-A but the fact is, the kid can rake. He hit 17 HRs in 109 games and really broke out his power in the AFL. Expect to see Harper inWashingtonas soon as June but definitely by September.

4. Nolan Arenado – 3B –Rockies– A

I was able to observe Arenado during the AFL this year and he is absolutely the real deal. Arenado has great plate discipline and the ability to develop some real power. His footwork at third is good and his arm is plus. This is the kind of third baseman everyone looks for.

5. Jesus Montero – C/DH – Mariners – A

Montero proved that he can hit Major League pitching after his call up last season to the tune of a .328 BA with four homeruns and 12 RBIs in 18 games. He should be an excellent DH inSeattlealthough the Mariners still think he can contribute behind the plate and will have him catching a few days a week.

6. Trevor Bauer – SP – Diamondbacks – A

This is probably the highest you will see Bauer ranked anywhere, but let’s be honest, he was the ace for the Bruins and he will be an ace in AZ. He struggled a bit last season at Double-A but after all the innings he threw in college, I’m sure his arm was dead. He has a unique delivery and training regimen that should make him durable and effective in AZ this year.

7. Jurickson Profar – SS – Rangers – A

Defensively Profar will be one of the best once he reaches the majors. Even more impressive is that he led Low-A in extra-base hits. He was once a highly touted pitching prospect but he wanted to hit amd the Rangers gave him that chance. The extra-base hits should turn into HRs. This guy could be a perennial all-star with his tools.

8. Danny Hultzen – SP – Mariners –  A

Hultzen turned in a top-notch performance this year in the Rising Stars Game commanding three above average pitches. He wasn’t throwing his hardest but it didn’t matter. His command is above average and his arsenal is MLB ready. He probably wont skip the minors but expect him to be inSeattlesoon to replace Pineda.

9. Manny Machado – SS – Orioles – A

Machado is a minor league shortstop who will actually stick at shortstop. His footwork and glove will be average if not a little better but it’s his bat that will get him to the majors. His power is ridiculous for a shortstop and he walks more than he strikes out. Machado is an elite prospect and should soar through the minors this year.

10. Shelby Miller – SP – Cardinals – A

When Shelby Miller joins the Cardinals rotation, they will have three aces. Miller has great command at his young age (21 years old). He dominated Double-A and should move up ti Triple-A this season if not joining the rotation right out of Spring Training.

11. Tyler Skaggs – SP – Diamondbacks – A

It’s good to be left-handed. Skaggs is not only left-handed but also has great command and some sick movement on his pitches. He reached Double-A this season at the ripe-old age of 19. Skaggs is a strikeout machine and should be a mid-season call-up this year. His arm action worries me a bit but if he can stay healthy he should anchor a young and dominantArizonarotation for years to come.

12. Jameson Taillon – SP – Pirates – A

BaseballAmericaranked him #11 before last season after he was selected second overall in the draft. Taillon posted an ERA just under 4.00 in A-ball, which was a bit disappointing but he is young. The Pirates have no reason to rush him and when his tools develop, he could be a force on the mound.

13. Julio Teheran – SP – Braves – A

Teheran worries me a bit but his upside is too good to pass up. In his short time in the majors last year he got hit around and didn’t have great command. Teheran dominated minor league hitting and at 20 years old he has lots of time to figure it out. The Braves rotation is pretty full but Teheran should still make an early appearance this year.

14. Anthony Rendon – 3B – Nationals – B

Rendon was the best hitting prospect in the 2011 draft and should move quickly through the system in 2012. Although he is blocked at 3^rd (see Ryan Zimmerman), he might be a nice trade piece. A different situation might see a Zimmerman trade and Rendon is promoted with the rest of the Nationals young talent to create contender for years to come.

15. Randall Delgado – SP – Braves – B

Another young Braves pitcher who is blocked inAtlanta! Delgado pitched 35 innings in the majors last season and at least kept his ERA to a low 2.83. The strikeouts were mo where near where they were in the minors but his control and groundball rate looked good. Delgado may be a long reliever if he doesn’t make the rotation in 2012.

16. Travis d’Arnaud – C – Blue Jays – B

D’Arnaud  is an offensively minded catcher that should be a force in middle of the order for the Blue Jays as soon as this year. How he handles the pitching staff and catching everyday are yet to be seen but the kid can flat out hit.

17. Devin Mesoraco – C – Reds – B

At 23 years old it’s time for Mesoraco to produce at the big league level. He got a late season call up last season and did not live up to the hype. I still have faith in his power and ability to hit for average. He should get a chance this year inCincinnati.

18. Taijuan Walker – SP – Mariners – A

Another Mariners pitching prospect with huge upside? That’s right.Walkerhas wicked movement on his offerings and could be a strikeout king. He is only 18 but even if he doesn’t make the rotation he should still be a top reliever.

19. Wil Myers – OF – Royals – B

2011 was sort of a lost year for Myers. He was moved from catcher to the outfield in an attempt to get his bat to the majors quicker. The move didn’t really work. His batting average dropped by 60 points and he lost the power from 2010. Expect him to start out the year at Double-A but he should regain his previous form and move quickly through the system.

20. Arodys Vizcaino – SP/RP – Braves – B

The third Braves pitcher in the top 20. I know its crazy. Their system is deep and talented. Vizcaino will probably be a reliever for the foreseeable future and a darn good one at that. His velocity is very good and should rack up the strikeouts.

21. Manny Banuelos – SP – Yankees – A

Banuelos has been dominant in the minor leagues and should definitely get a chance in the Yankees rotation this year. With his stuff and the Yankees offense, he could win a lot of games.

22. Martin Perez – SP – Rangers – B

Although he struggled at Triple-A toward the end of last season, Perez still has great stuff. The Rangers rotation is a bit full but if there is an injury or a bullpen spot open, look for him to fill it. He strikes out almost eight batters per inning but still walks too many. With some better command he will an above-average starter or a stellar reliever.

23. Anthony Rizzo – 1B – Cubs – B

Chicagois the perfect place for Rizzo to get a second chance. You can argue with his minor league numbers and the Cubs plan to play him every day at first base. While his defense is average or a little better, his bat should play well in Wrigley Field.

24. Bubba Starling – OF – Royals – A

The tools and potential of Starling are off the charts. Can he live up to them? Only time will tell. He is the coveted 5-tool player but reminds me a bit of Billy Beane. If he can keep his head straight he could be a perennial all-star in a few years.

25. Derek Norris – C – A’s – B

I saw Norris a couple times this year and now that he is in the A’s system, he should move quickly. He is blocked by Suzuki inOaklandbut the A’s have never shied away from moving players to let better ones come up. His bat could be one of the best for a catcher who will stay at catcher. He strikes out a ton and the batting average may never be there, but he has tons of power. I’m a believer.

Follow Jared on Twitter @Jared_Thatcher