Keyvius Sampson

An overhauling team like the Reds needs to be patient with their top prospects. It's tempting to demand their promotion when the team is losing and losing badly, but calling them up at the wrong time can cost the player developmentally and the team financially if they get the service-time considerations wrong. So it's in the Reds' best interest to wait on Robert Stephenson and Cody Reed, but someone has to pitch. This is where Sampson comes in - he's a former fourth-round pick that once had a big season in Double-A with the Padres. It doesn't look like it's going to work out, but sometimes teams can trade for the next Jake Arrieta on the cheap. But unless and until Sampson improves his command, it doesn't appear he'll be that guy for the Reds.

Sampson opened eyes in 2013 with a dominant run at Double-A San Antonio, where he finished 10-4 with a 110:33 K:BB over 103.1 innings. His numbers tanked after a promotion to Triple-A Tucson, and there was little improvement with the shift to the Padres' new affiliate in El Paso last season. A move into the bullpen led to weaker results for Sampson, although there was improvement during the second half of the season (.234 BAA, 4.98 ERA). The Pacific Coast League has derailed many pitchers over the years, and El Paso seemed to be a particularly challenging environment for the Padres' farmhands in Year 1, so it will be interesting to see how the Reds' front office wants to proceed with Sampson to begin 2015. Special assistant Kevin Towers drafted Sampson in 2009 while GM of the Padres and was likely instrumental in bring him to the Reds via a waiver claim in January.

Sampson skipped High-A Lake Elsinore in the very hitter-friendly California League, in favor of Double-A San Antonio and the results were not what the Padres had hoped for. His strikeout rate went down, while his walk rate went up and what followed was a 5.00 ERA over 122.1 innings. Another disturbing trend is that his command has slipped each time he has moved up a level in the minors. It's likely that unless he can take strides to dramatically improve his command, he'll likely find himself on the path to becoming a reliever in the majors instead of a starter, a development that would greatly hurt his status as a prospect to fantasy owners. Don't be surprised if he begins 2013 with a return to San Antonio as he looks to iron out the aforementioned command issues.

Sampson looked quite dominant in his first season in the Midwest League and at just 20 years old, there seems to be plenty more on the horizon. His control still needs a little bit of work (3.74 BB/9IP), but he's got a real live arm and great movement on his pitches. He posted a 10.91 K/9IP and 2.92 K/BB and should be an interesting prospect to watch as he works his way through the Padres' system. Look for Sampson to get a crack at High-A in the California League after his impressive full-season debut.