MGL on Clubhouse Confidential

In the last year, Rizzo has been traded from the organization that drafted him (Red Sox), torn apart a good Triple-A hitters’ park (Tucson), scuffled in the majors’ best pitchers park (Petco), and been traded a second time to the organization that hired the people who drafted him (Cubs). And he’s still just 22 years old.

Rizzo is a plus-fielding, plus-makeup, power-hitting first baseman — just as he was last winter when he looked like he’d become Adrian Gonzalez’s long-term successor in San Diego — with more of an average hit tool and a history of wide platoon splits. He has a year less experience than the typical prospect his age due to Hodgkin lymphoma that cost him most of the 2008 season. He’s got a good feel for the strike zone, evident even during his major league struggles, and the power to profile as an above-average or better first baseman on offense.

He just might need another half-year in Triple-A to work on recognizing changing speeds, especially from left-handed pitchers.

Jackson has solid tools across the board, but they’re mitigated by a longstanding problem with contact that really limits his offensive upside. Jackson has some bat speed with very little load, getting his weight settled late and not letting the ball travel that well. So despite his size and athleticism, he doesn’t project for more than average power. He’s an above-average runner who can handle center field and could be worth five runs a year or so there in a full season, or he could move to left and potentially be plus there.

But he punched out in more than 30 percent of his plate appearances in Triple-A, and only two big leaguers qualified for the batting title in 2011 with that kind of strikeout rate — Drew Stubbs and Mark Reynolds, who had a combined OBP of .322. If Jackson can’t figure out how to make better contact, he’s probably a solid-average regular; but he could be a grade better if his hit tool improves.

Baez became a top-10 pick largely on the strength of an explosive bat that produces plus power and very loud, hard contact. But he’s a better athlete than he’s given credit for with very strong instincts on both sides of the ball. He does have a hard time keeping that swing under control, with a tendency to overswing even though he naturally produces power through torque from his hips. His hand acceleration produces tremendous bat speed and he’s an average or better runner.

He has the feel for defense and arm strength to play almost any position — he even caught a little in high school and looked good doing so — meaning the only questions about him at shortstop are whether he’ll outgrow the position and whether he’ll put in the work to become an above-average fielder there. If not, third base is an obvious next stop, while he could handle second or, at the absolute worst, right field. If he can cut the swing down when he’s not in a fastball count, he has All-Star potential at any infield position