Kuzul

As it is in every major sport, being selected as a top pick doesn't equate to greatness.Mark Appel, Jonathan Gray, Kris Bryant and Chris Frazier are all expected to be among the first players selected in the 2013 MLB draft, but that doesn't mean they'll be the best of this year's class.There are some underrated prospects who have just as good a chance as these guys to make an instant impact in the league. These players are ready to explode onto the MLB scene even though they aren't likely to be drafted early in Round 1. D.J. Peterson, 1B/3B, New MexicoOne of the best pure hitters in the nation, Peterson is flying under the radar right now and isn't expected to be drafted until the mid- to late-first round.Peterson won't likely win any Gold Gloves in the MLB, but his ability to hit with power and for a high average will earn ...

Nobody knows how long Roy Halladay will be out of the lineup, and the already pitcher-needy Philadelphia Phillies must now think about making a trade for another starting pitcher. MLB.com's Todd Zolecki broke the sobering news on Monday that Halladay was placed on the 15-day disabled list:Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Monday that the Phillies will be "looking outside" the organization to find a "long-term answer," along with bringing up a player from the minors:Zolecki also added the news that the Phillies would be bringing up Joe Savery from Lehigh Valley (AAA) to fill Halladay's roster spot:Savery has been a pro since 2007, but he has only three career MLB starts—winning just one game and posting an ERA of 4.71. As a minor-league starter, he's compiled a career record of 37-32 and has an ERA of 4.01. The career minor league pitcher has never displayed the ability to compete at ...

Josh Beckett has been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers—a move back to the National League that will revitalize his career. Los Angeles Times Dodgers beat writer Dylan Hernandez reports: The #Dodgers trade with the #Red Sox is official.— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) August 25, 2012  For Beckett, this move signals a new phase in his career. It's been a rough last few years for the once-dominant pitcher, but a new chapter gives him reason for hope.From Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer: BREAKING: Josh Beckett is smiling. RT @shredderpunto #dodgers doing it first class! twitter.com/Shredderpunto/…— Zachary D. Rymer (@zachrymer) August 25, 2012  There are two major reasons that moving to LA is going to help Beckett return to form.  Dodger Stadium is a Pitcher's BallparkThere's no doubt that Dodger Stadium is going to help Beckett's cause.  While Fenway Park is the third most hitter-friendly park in MLB, Dodger Stadium ranks in a tie for 21st.Aside from the fact that ...

The Houston Astros have fired manager Brad Mills after the team lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks by a score of 12-4 on Saturday night.According to MLB: BREAKING: @astros have relieved Brad Mills of his managerial duties.— MLB (@MLB) August 19, 2012  The Houston Chronicle has also reported that hitting coach Mike Barnett and first base coach Bobby Meacham were let go at the same time. The report also states that the Astros will name replacements at 10 a.m. local time tomorrow at Minute Maid Park.That Mills was fired shouldn't come as a big surprise to anyone. The only surprising thing about this move is the timing. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal had reported back in early July that the team was likely to let Mills and his staff go at the end of the 2012 season. At that time, however, new general manager Jeff Luhnow had said: We haven’t talked about next year at all...I’m ...

The Texas Rangers hold a four-game lead in the American League West, but their timid approach to the MLB trade market is going to cost them the division.They need a starting pitcher to add to their rotation, and according to ESPN.com's Jason A. Churchill, they are hemming and hawing about possibly adding Tampa Bay Rays pitcher James Shields and Miami Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson.The Los Angeles Angels—their division rivals and closest competition—made a major move to improve their starting pitching rotation by adding Zack Greinke in exchange for rookie shortstop Jean Segura and two minor-league prospects, according to the AP. He'll likely step in for the struggling Ervin Santana, who was just relegated to bullpen duty, according to Los Angeles Times writer, Mike DiGiovanna: Change of pitching plans for #Angels: Santana will not start Friday vs. #Rays so he can get some power bullpen sessions in.— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) July 25, 2012  The Oakland ...

Carlos Beltran is going to light up the bleachers in his first home run derby, but he's not the only first-time contestant who'll shine.These derbies are nothing more than batting practice with the entire world watching. Players that can approach the event as such will have success, though it's easier said than done. Here are the first-timers that will have big nights when the home run derby kicks off on July 9, 2012. Carlos Beltran, St. Louis CardinalsIt's hard to believe that this will be Beltran's first home run derby. He's been a big-time hitter in the majors for a decade-and-a-half, and it's about time he was acknowledged on the big stage.Beltran isn't necessarily a pure slugger, though.He's had his ups and downs throughout his career in the home run department, but he's on pace to have another big year in 2012 with 20 homers to this point. The reason I think he'll ...

Stanford third baseman Stephen Piscotty is an underrated college baseball player who will end up landing higher than expected in this year's MLB draft.Many mock drafts are projecting teams near the top of the draft to select developmental high school players, but by the time the results are in we're going to see that teams value players who can make a more immediate impact.These men have more experience, more polish and more of an ability to reach the big leagues than their high school peers.Without further ado, my first MLB mock draft of the year, with major kudos to BaseballProspectNation.com for their hand in doing much of the research. 1. Houston Astros (56-106):  Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford The Astros are in desperate need of an upgrade in starting pitcher talent. Appel is the most polished pitcher available in this year's draft, and he is the player who can step into a starting ...