Prospect Updates: Sean Newcomb, Victor Robles

Let's take a look at two prospects who have been rising on prospect lists this season in the Angels' Sean Newcomb and the Nationals' Victor Robles.

Sean Newcomb, LHP, Angels

Current Level: AA
Season Stats: 7 W, 2.19 ERA, 138 K, 1.261 WHIP (80 H, 60 BB) in 111 innings

Newcomb was the top draft pick of the Angels last season, and while he was viewed as a solid pitching prospect, there were some concerns that tended to leave him viewed as a secondary option among last year's class. He's gone out and pitched extremely well at both Single-A levels, although as a college pitcher that was a bit expected. He made his first two starts at AA last week, throwing six shutout innings, striking out four, walking three, and allowing two hits.

The strikeout totals jump off the page for Newcomb, but there have been reasonable questions regarding his ability to command his repertoire. He has potentially three average to above-average offerings in a fastball, curveball, and changeup, but still needs to work on consistency both in his delivery and the ability to locate those pitches. I think this will be the final year that he finishes the season in the minors, and could be in line for a call up to the majors during the 2016 season.

Victor Robles, OF, Nationals

Current Level: Short-Season A-ball (NY-Penn League)
Season Stats: .355/.437/.555, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 16 SB, 27 R (43 games)

Robles was not really on prospect radars coming into the year, having only played in the Dominican Summer League at the age of 17. He made his stateside debut this year, and the party is ongoing for him. He's played at both short-season levels for the Nationals this season, and posted sub-13% strikeout rates at both while drawing a fair amount of walks as well.

The potential down the line is for Robles to be an impact hitter at the top of the order. With that said, his future remains a long way from now, as he has yet to play in a full-season league. He's an interesting name to keep an eye on though, as he could provide above-average stolen base totals to go along with a high batting average due to his excellent approach at the plate. Reports on him also point to the potential that he may develop decent power as well, but we won't really have a good idea on that for another year or two at least.