Padres' Green: Chances 'real' for Tatis, Urias

Two of top four prospects almost ready to pair up in big leagues

Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Urias are two of MLB.com's top 27 overall prospects. (Shawn E. Davis and Bobby Stevens/MiLB.com)

By Sam Dykstra | December 12, 2018 8:35 PM ET

Speaking from the Winter Meetings San Diego Padres manager Andy Green is excited to pair up Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Urias in the middle of the infield soon.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Braves' Snitker embracing pitching depth

Manager prepared to use prospect arms in several roles in 2019

Touki Toussaint led the Braves system with 163 strikeouts over 136 1/3 Minor League innings in 2018. (Ken Inness/MiLB.com)

By Sam Dykstra | December 12, 2018 4:24 PM ET

Braves manager Brian Snitker appreciates the depth of prospect pitching his club enjoys and is ready to give his best young arms multiple roles in 2019.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Franco, McKay shine brightly for Rays

Top prospects lead a powerful group of Tampa Bay youngsters

Wander Franco was named Appalachian League Player of the Year after hitting .351/.418/.587 for Princeton. (Brian McLeod/MiLB.com)

By Michael Avallone | December 12, 2018 10:24 AM ET

Without the financial might of the Yankees or Red Sox, the Rays are relying on prospects like teenage wunderkind Wander Franco -- who headlines the club's Organization All-Stars -- to brighten the future.

Michael Avallone is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @MavalloneMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Montoyo prepared to manage young Jays

Ex-Rays Minor League skipper has perfect skill set for Toronto

Charlie Montoyo will manage the Blue Jays after spending 21 years with the Rays organization. (Danny Wild/MiLB.com, Frank Gunn/AP)

By Sam Dykstra | December 11, 2018 8:01 PM ET

Led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays are preparing for a youth movement north of the border, and new skipper Charlie Montoyo -- who managed 18 years in the Minors -- is ready to guide them.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Strike up the band: Mariachis win the cup

Albuquerque's 'Copa' identity recognized as best in the Minors

Albuquerque's "Mariachis de Nuevo México" identity was the inaugural winner of the Copa de la Diversión event series.

By Benjamin Hill | December 11, 2018 5:02 PM ET

On Day One of the Baseball Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, the Mariachis de Nuevo México were named the top Copa de la Diversión identity in the Minors.

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Toolshed: 2018 Rule 5 Draft preview

A's Martin, Astros' Ferrell among potential picks come Thursday

Coming out of Florida, Richie Martin was taken by the A's with the 20th overall pick in the 2015 Draft. (Ben Sandstrom/MiLB.com)

By Sam Dykstra | December 11, 2018 9:58 AM ET

The Rule 5 Draft will take place Thursday during the Winter Meetings, and it's possible prospects Richie Martin, Josh Ockimey and Riley Ferrell will hear their names called.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Baines, Smith took specialized trips to Hall

Newest members changed courses to Cooperstown in Minors

Harold Baines and Lee Smith will likely represent the two Chicago clubs at the Hall of Fame induction next July. (John Locher/AP)

By Sam Dykstra | December 10, 2018 8:41 PM ET

Harold Baines and Lee Smith were drafted as an outfielder and a starting pitcher respectively. They'll enter the Baseball Hall of Fame as a designated hitter and reliever.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Mets' Alonso recalls award-worthy 2018

Slugger explains sauce -- er, source -- of his power breakout

Peter Alonso tied for the Minor League home run lead with his 36th blast on Sept. 3. (Ben Sandstrom/MiLB.com)

By Sam Dykstra | December 10, 2018 6:22 PM ET

Speaking from the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, Mets first baseman Peter Alonso shared how a manager's advice and a simple approach helped him win the 2018 Joe Bauman Award.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Minor League Baseball, Allegiant launch credit card partnership

New rewards program to offer team-specific incentives and Allegiant perks to cardholders

December 10, 2018 10:58 AM ET

Minor League Baseball and Allegiant have announced the launch of a groundbreaking credit card partnership, the first of its kind between a sports property and airline.

White stands tall among Mariners All-Stars

First baseman leads 2018 standouts as system begins rebuild

A 2017 first-round pick, Evan White slugged .512 after the All-Star break and hit five homers in August. (Jerry Espinoza/MiLB.com)

By Vincent Lara-Cinisomo | December 10, 2018 10:02 AM ET

First baseman Evan White showed a burst of power in his first full Minor League season and headlines the 2018 list of Mariners Organization All-Stars.

Vince Lara-Cinisomo is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincelara. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.