7/2 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 3, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Prior to the start of the ‘09 season, San Diego Padres 2B prospect Eric Sogard was very high on my sleepers list.  Perhaps it was his excellent first season in the California League (.308 10 HR 87 RBI 92 runs 42 doubles) or the fact that he is a former ASU Sun Devil, but I couldn’t help but compare him to ‘08 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia.  While the two share many similarities, style of play, body size and structure, plate discipline, etc., Sogard’s got a long way to go before those comparisons have any merit.  The fact remains, however, that Eric Sogard is an intriguing MLB talent.  After a slow month of May that saw him hit .212,  he bounced back nicely during the month of June by hitting .314 with 21 runs scored and 11 RBI in 24 games.  Sogard’s main competition for the 2B job with the Padres is the disappointing enigma known as Matt Antonelli.  I believe that he will leapfrog him by this point next season, perhaps into a starting job with the Padres.

Madison Bumgarner remains the top left handed pitching prospect in all of baseball, but the hype for him has cooled a little bit since his promotion to Connecticut.  Regardless, the former ‘07 1st rounder continues to tack up wins.  His seven innings of four hit, shutout ball netted him his sixth AA win and ninth overall for the season.  Bumgarner has allowed just one earned run over his last 19 innings, but the strikeout numbers have been down a little bit and his 19 BB/66 K in 74 innings is less impressive that last year’s Nintendo-like 21 BB/164 K’s in 141 innings.  Also, it seems like Bumgarner’s workload has increased over his last two outings (8 IP and 7 IP respectively).  Perhaps this is because the Giants are edging into playoff contention and the chances that Bumgarner will be called upon to pitch for San Fran in 2009 are waning.  I believe that Bumgarner can hold his own against MLB hitters right now, but holding him back until 2010 may be the more prudent move.  Watch the market for his cards.  If it dips, jump on his stuff now.  He’ll have a prominent role with the Giants in 2010.

Today’s top prospect is another southpaw, Baltimore Orioles top ‘08 draftee Brian Matusz.  his seven shutout innings marked his third consecutive dominant start at Bowie where he’s gone 3-0 with a 0.49 ERA and 6 BB/21 K in 18.1 IP.  Matusz has been flat out dominant this season going 7-2 with a 1.80 ERA in 14 starts this year.  His 27 BB/96 K ratio in 85 IP is a fine indicator that he is commanding his mid-90’s heater well while keeping hitters honest with his slider and change.  He profiles as a #2 or 3 starter for a Baltimore Orioles rotation that could soon rival that of the pennant winning O’s of 1979.

AA Player of the Day—BRIAN MATUSZ

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Carlos Santana—2-4 HR(12) 3 RBI
• Gorkys Hernandez—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Jose Tabata—1-4 HR(2) RBI SB(6)
• Brad Emaus—3-4 3R BB SB(7)
• Shawn Bowman—4-4 2B
• Desmond Jennings—1-3 R 2 BB SB(29)
• Jesus Montero—2-5 HR(13) 2 RBI
• Ryan Strieby—2-5 HR(15) 2 RBI 2R
• Brennan Boesch—2-3 HR(16) RBI 2R BB
• Alex Avila—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Zack Cozart—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI
• Todd Frazier—1-4 HR(8) RBI
• Andrew Lambo—1-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Josh Bell—2-3 2B RBI
• Pedro Ciraco—3-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Mark Hallberg—3-4 2B R
• Steffan Gartrell—3-4 HR(15) RBI
• Eric Sogard—2-4 HR(3) 3 RBI BB
• Logan Forsythe—2-4 R RBI BB
• Cole Garner—1-4 HR(7) RBI
• Justin Smoak–1-2 3 BB
• Mitch Moreland—1-5 HR(11) RBI 2R
• Dan Delasco—1-4 HR(8) 2 RBI BB
• Josh Donaldson—2-5 2B R RBI
• Matt Spencer—2-4 2R RBI BB

Pitching:

• Brian Matusz—7 IP 4H 2 BB 6K W (7-2)
• Hector Rondon—6 IP 4H 3 ER BB 8K L (7-5)
• Madison Bumgarner—7 IP 4H 3 BB 5K W (9-2)
• Tyler Herron—4.2 IP 4H ER 4 BB 7K
• Matt Torra—7 IP 4H Er BB 4K W (6-6)
• Chaz Roe—5.2 IP 2H 2 BB 6K W (3-1)

6/30 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 2, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Sorry for getting this one out late. My son is out of school for the summer which limits my online time significantly.  I have lit the candle, though and it is currently burning at both ends.  This should keep me up later each night to try and get more work done after the family goes to bed.

We’ll see.

As for the High-A action, Thomas Neal and Angel Villalona each had three hits and drove in three runs for the San Jose Giants.  Neal has hit the tar out of the ball this season, hitting .349 with 13 HR 49 RBI 22 doubles and 53 runs scored this season.  June was a banner month for Neal as he hit .414 with 6 of his HR during that time.  The 22 year old rightfielder has the most power in the Giants organization of any prospect not named Angel Villalona.  His plate discipline is sound and he makes good contact at the plate, but I would really like to see what this guy can do at the AA ranks.  The California League, as I have long maintained, is a very hitter friendly environment while the Eastern League (home of San Fran’s AA affiliate Connecticut) tends to favor pitching.  Somehow I think the .349 average is flukish and that his numbers should more closely resemble last season’s .279 mark.  Regardless that average, mixed with 25-30 HR power, should make him a highly intriguing prospect once his first year cards surface on the eBay market.

Angel Villalona has been hovering below the radar this season as many other San Jose Giants like Madison Bumgarner, Tim Alderson, Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, and the aforementioned Thomas Neal have all garnered more attention.  Still, the 18 year old 1st Baseman has put up a solid showing at High-A ball, hitting .271 with 9 HR 39 RBI and 41 runs scored.  Plate discipline and pitch recognition continues to be a sore spot for Angel as his 9 BB/66 K ratio vehemently testifies.  He will never be a low strikeout guy, and chances are he won’t walk a ton either, but his ability to more closely match those numbers will speak volumes to just how high his ceiling will be.  A full season at San Jose would best behoove Villalona developmentally as would some work in a winter league.

High-A Player of the Day Tyler Henson blasted two homers yesterday, driving in three runs.  The Baltimore Orioles’ 3B prospect first popped up on my radar this past winter when he paced the Hawaiian Winter League in runs scored, doubles and bases on balls.  Unfortunately, he also finished second in strikeouts and committed nine errors at the hot corner.  Henson has tons of athleticism that he uses well on the basepaths and his 6-1 190 lb. frame indicates that he should be a 12-15 HR hitter at the major league level.  This season with Frederick, Henson has struggled to make consistent contact at the plate, striking out 83 times while walking 23 times.  This has contributed to his lackluster .246 batting average and anemic .310 OBP.  He’s still driving the ball well to the gaps, hitting 19 doubles, and his 12 SB this season indicates that he is on track for his third consecutive 20 SB season.  The O’s don’t have a whole lot of depth within their organization at 3B as Billy Rowell has moved to the other side of the diamond, Mike Costanzo is a perennial disappointment, and Tyler Kolodny is having a so-so season at Low-A Delmarva.  There is ample opportunity for the 21 year old former SS prospect to make some moves up the organization’s depth chart if he can turn some of his exciting tools into more consistent skills.

High-A Player of the Day—TYLER HENSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Julian Perez—2-5 2R RBI SB(5)
• P.J. Phillips—3-4 HR(6) RBI 2R
• Trayvon Robinson—1-3 HR(10) 2 RBI
• James Darnell—1-4 HR(9) 3 RBI
• Sawyer Carroll—2-4 3B 2R RBI
• Tyson Gillies—4-6 2R 3 SB(21)
• Carlos Peguero—3-4 2 HR(18) 5 RBI 3R
• Alex Liddi—3-5 2 2B 3R RBI SB(7)
• James McOwen—2-5 Hr(4) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Brandon Barnes—2-4 Hr(8) 3 RBI 2R
• Jermaine Mitchell—3-4 2 2B 3B 3R RBI BB
• Thomas Neal—3-5 2 2B 3B 3 RBI 2R
• Angel Villalona—3-5 3 RBI R
• Brian Bocock—2-4 2B 3R 3 RBI BB
• Darren Ford—3-4 3R 3B
• Jason Kaase—3-5 2B R
• Ollie Linton—3-6 2 RBI
• Jesus Sucre—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B
• Michael Burgess—2-5 2B 3B RBI
• Seth Rooney—3-4 3 2B 2 RBI BB
• Brent Morel—4-5 HR(10 3 RBI 2R SB(17)
• Tyler Kuhn—4-4 2R 3B RBI
• Tyler Henson—2-4 2 HR(6) 3 RBI 2R
• Mike Moustakas—3-3 2B RBI BB
• Derrick Robinson—2-5 2B 2R
• Pedro Florimon Jr.—2-3 2 2B 2R RBI
• Tim Federowicz—2-5 HR(11) RBI 2R
• Yamiaco Navarro—3-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B
• Che Hsuan Lin—2-4 3B 3R 3 RBI BB
• Jason Place—2-5 2 2B R RBI
• Jordy Mercer—1-4 3B R 2 RBI
• Greg Burns—2-3 2 2B R RBI BB 2 SB(20)
• Matt Dominguez—1-4 HR(5) 3 RBI

Pitching:

• Ryan Morris—5 IP 3H ER 3 BB 7K

6/30 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 1, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Boston Red Sox OF/C/1B/DH prospect Jon Still seems to be awakening from his June slumber by hitting his 3rd HR in the last four games.  Still had a big season at High-A Lancaster last season by hitting .265 with 22 HR 65 RBI and 30 doubles, but this year has been a different story.  Struggles with plate discipline (22 BB/79 K in 69 games) and difficulty in finding a defensive home has dropped the former N.C. State star’s stock significantly.  There is still quite a bit of power potential locked up in Still’s bat and he has shown the ability in the past to draw a high number of walks.  At 24 years old, there is still some upside to his game, but he has to rediscover his plate discipline and find a way to stick at a defensive position.  If he can, there is some hope that he can have a decent MLB future for a club not named the Boston Red Sox.

Today’s top prospect is New York Yankees catching phenom Jesus Montero.  The 19 year old Venezuelan hit two HR yesterday, his second and third since being promoted to Trenton.  Montero’s bat is special and his 8 BB/6 K ratio since being called up is yet another sign that the track to New York is going to be an accelerated one.  Don’t expect it to happen in September, as the Yankees are in the thick of a playoff hunt.  However, a trip to the Arizonza Fall League should make thing interesting the next spring.  Jorge Posada has bounced back nicely from his shoulder injury and there has been some conjecture that Montero may end up playing 1B for the Yankees in the future while Austin Romine becomes Posada’s eventual successor.  Regardless of when he dons the pinstripes, there is little doubt that Montero will be an extraordinary hitter in the Yankees’ lineup for years to come.

AA Player of the Day—JESUS MONTERO 

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Leo Davis—3-4 2B RBI R BB
• Marvin Lowrance—2-4 HR(13) 3 RBI 2B
• Brett Pill—3-4 2B 3B 2 RBI R
• Rene Tosoni—2-4 HR(10) 2 RBI
• Erik Lis—1-5 HR(6) 3 RBI
• Josh Reddick—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Jon Still—2-3 HR(10) 3 RBI BB
• Brian Friday—1-6 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Quentin Berry—3-5 3B RBI 2 SB(24)
• Jesus Montero—2-3 2 HR(11) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Marquez Smith—2-4 HR(11) RBI 2R 2B
• Wellington Castillo—2-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Steffan Gartrell—3-6 HR(14) RBI BB
• Greg Halman—1-3 2R BB SB(5)

Pitching:

• Heath Rollins—8 IP 7H ER 5K W (7-6)
• Henry Sosa—5.1 IP 4H BB 3K

6/30 AAA Minor League Report

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Brett Wallace seems to have emerged from his cold streak as he hit HR #10 yesterday, driving in three runs as well.  Wallace is hitting .447 with 17 hits in his last 10 games, but the weekend acquisition of Cleveland Indians 3B Mark DeRosa has effectively removed any chances that Wallace will get significant time at 3B in St. Louis.  If he is able to avoid any significant slumps the Cards should call him up in September for a few AB. 

Rhyne Hughes hit his 5th HR for Durham yesterday and 20th overall on the season.  Since his promotion to AAA, the former 2004 8th rounder has torn the cover off of the ball hitting .339 with 12 RBI and 13 runs scored in 19 games.  Despite his sterling season numbers, a great concern remains.  Hughes has walked just 28 times and has struck out 104 times in just 77 games this season.  While this ratio can be overcome at the minor league levels, it spells death against major league pitching.  His opportunities with the Rays should be limited as Carlos Pena is firmly entrenched at 1B.  At nearly 26 years old, Hughes may need a change of scenery to continue his ascention to the big leagues.

Throw a perfect game and you automatically win Player of the Day honors.  That is exactly what Brandon Hynick did in a seven inning game yesterday.  Hynick struck out six in his outing to go 7-5 on the season.  I have been down on Hynick after his mildly disappointing season at AA last year, but the soft-tossing righty has bounced back by limiting PCL hitters to a .249 BA in a difficult pitching environment like Colorado Springs.  Hynick has four pitches that he tosses for strikes and he mixes them well to command the strike zone.  When he doesn’t, he is hit hard and the fact that he has a tendency to be a flyball pitcher could hurt him in a place like Coors Field.  He’s proven to be durable and profiles as a inning-eating #4 or 5 pitcher at the major league level.

AAA Player of the Day—BRANDON HYNICK

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Mario Lisson—2-4 2R 2 RBI
• Brett Wallace—3-4 HR(10) 3 RBI 2B
• Jarret Hoffpauir—2-5 HR(10) 2 RBI 2R
• Jon Jay—2-4 RBI BB SB(13)
• Cameron Maybin—3-4 R BB SB(5)
• Chris Heisey—3-4 HR(14) 2 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Chris Valaika—1-4 HR(4) RBI
• Jordan Schafer—2-5 HR(2) RBI
• Josh Whitesell—1-2 HR(5) 2 RBI 3R
• Trent Oeltjen—2-3 2 HR(5) 5 RBI 3R 2 BB SB(10)
• Sean Kazmar—4-5 3R 3 RBI
• Chad Huffman—2-4 2B R 2  RBI
• Eric Young Jr.—2-5 2R SB(45) (Game 1)…..2-3 SB(46)
• Scott Sizemore—3-4 HR(11) 4 RBI
• Will Rhymes—2-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Matt Joyce—4-5 HR(9) RBI 2 2B 3R
• Rhyne Hughes—2-5 HR(20) 3 RBI
• John Bowker—2-2 HR(16) RBI 2 BB

Pitching:

• Kevin Pucetas—7 IP 3H UER BB 2K W (8-2)
• Brandon Hynick—7 IP 0H 6K W (7-5)
• Sam LeCure—7 IP 5H ER BB 5K

6/28 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 29, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Oakland A’s 1B of the future Chris Carter continues to pound the baseball, going 2-3 yesterday with his 13th HR six runs batted in and two runs scored.  I predicted at the beginning of June that Carter was due to go off on a power rampage and, suffice to say it, he has.  Over his last 100 AB, Carter is hitting .313 with 7 HR 19 RBI and a 19 BB/24 K ratio.  His improvements in his approach at the plate has resulted in a 40 point rise in batting average.  Also, Sean Doolittle’s injuries and potential move to the OF has opened the door wide for Carter to be the premier 1B prospect in Oakland’s farm system.  Jason Giambi is a one season hold over and Daric Barton offers a paper-thin resistance to Carter’s comprehensive skill set.  The A’s are desperate for offensive fire power and the 6-4 225 lb. Carter offers it in abundance.  He should make a move to AAA Sacramento at some point this summer and if Oakland continues to play last place baseball in the AL West, he should get a look at some point in September.  I expect that Chris Carter will get to continue his development at the Arizona Fall League this winter before getting a long look by the A’s this following spring. 

Today’s player de jour is the always impressive Michael Taylor of the Philadelphia Phillies organization.  The Stanford alum collected three more hits yesterday, including his 14th HR, four RBI and two runs scored.  Taylor’s banner day raised his season batting average to .342 .  He’s bound to earn a promotion soon either to AAA or, perhaps, to Philly.  The eBay market for Taylor’s cards has been red hot as of late with his ‘07 Bowman Chrome Draft cards selling at $2.00-2.50 each and his ‘08 Donruss Elite autos (#/720) ranging between $20-25 each.  There is quite a bit of room for all of Taylor’s cards to grow.  His blend of power, speed, plate discipline and batting average and his athletic 6-6 250 lb. frame spells S-U-C-C-E-S-S at the major league level.

AA Player of the Day—MICHAEL TAYLOR

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Chris Carter—2-3 HR(13) 6 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Adrian Cardenas—3-4 3R 2 BB SB(6)
• Matt Sulentic—3-6 2R 3 SB(16)
• Josh Donaldson—1-2 R 3 BB
• Matt Spencer—2-5 HR(13) 2 RBI
• Eric Sogard—2-5 2R
• Logan Forsythe—2-4 3B RBI R BB
• Tim Smith—3-4 2B 2 RBI BB R
• Mitch Moreland—2-5 2B RBI R
• Michael Taylor—3-4 HR(14) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Jesus Montero—2-4 HR(9) RBI
• Jose Tabata—1-3 2B 2R RBI BB SB(5)
• Jim Negrych—2-4 2 RBI R SB(4)
• John Shelby Jr.—2-3 2B 3B 2 RBI 2 BB R SB(10)
• Dayan Viciedo—2-3 2 2B 2R BB
• Todd Frazier—1-4 HR(7) 2 RBI
• Sean Henry—2-4 HR(9) 2 RBI
• Andrew Lambo—3-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Eric Campbell—2-3 3B 2 RBI
• Desmond Jennings—2-4 2R RBI BB SB(28)
• Bryan Petersen—3-5 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Darin Holcomb—2-3 2B R BB
• Tyler Henry—3-4 HR(6) RBI 2R
• Hank Conger—2-5 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Mark Trumbo—2-4 2B RBI
• Danny Worth—2-4 2B 2R BB
• Casper Wells—2-5 2B 3B
• Michael Daniel—2-5 R (Game 1)…..3-5 R (Game 2)
• Leonard Davis—2-5 HR(11) 3 RBI BB
• Rene Tosoni—3-4 2B R BB

Pitching:

• Michael Stutes—7 IP 5H 2 ER BB 3K W (5-4)
• Charles Shirek—7 IP 8H ER BB 2K W (10-2)
• Kyle Parker—7 IP 4H Er 2 BB 4K
• Ryne Reynoso—7.2 IP 6H Er 2 BB 6K W (5-4)
• Travis Wood—7 IP 5H 2 ER BB 4K
• Kasey Kiker—6 IP 4H 6K

6/28 AAA Minor League Report

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We’re up and running again.

Cleveland Indians OF prospect Michael Brantley had a day that MLB managers love to see from their leadoff hitters by going 1-3 with four walks, two runs scored and three stolen bases.  Brantley’s bat has cooled significantly over the last 10 games as he is hitting just .154 and hasn’t driven in a single run.  His plate discipline has continued to be rock steady, however, as his four free passes yesterday gave him a positive 37 BB/36 K ratio for the season.  The Indians traded 3B Mark DeRosa over the weekend which doesn’t have any immediate effect on Brantley, though it does give an indicator that the Indians have already fancied themselves as sellers and there should be several more transactions (most notably Cliff Lee) to follow.  This is a double edged sword.  On one hand, it could, and should, open thing up for Brantley at the major league level.  On the other hand, the extradition of MLB players from the Indians’ roster will result in the increase of minor league talent within their organizational depth chart.  The acquisition of a high profile OF prospect wouldn’t have a short term effect on Brantley’s future, but a blue chip OF prospect could pose a challenge in the long term.  All in all, Brantley is primed for a Jacobs Field debut at some point this season.  He needs to bump his batting average up another 10-20 points and continue to draw walks and steal bases.  If he puts together a solid month of July, we could see him debuting by August.

Yankees top prospect Austin Jackson has been an interesting case study this season.  Yesterday the 22 year old OF hit his 2nd HR of the year and drove in two runs.  A-Jack has reminded me a little bit of Andrew McCutchen in his development thusfar.  As he has progressed, Jackson has developed into more of a top of the lineup hitter rather than a power hitter.  Jackson has held fast to his .300 plus average all year and is a perfect 13 for 13 in stolen base attempts.  His plate discipline is still an area of concern, as testified by his 25 BB/73 K ratio.  His average for the month of June has dipped to .265 and his 5 BB/26 K’s is also his below his April and May numbers.  The Yankees most likely will not call up Jackson until September when the rosters are expanded.

Today’s player of the day is Seattle Mariners OF prospect Michael Saunders.  The former Canadian National Team member went 3-4 hitting his 10th HR of the season and drawing a walk.  While the month of June has been a little disappointing (.220 4 HR 11 RBI), no one can argue with the impressive tools that the 22 year old boasts.  At 6-4 205 lb., Saunders has the potential to hit 20+ HR per season while playing above average defense in CF.  He’s cut down his K’s from last season and as a result, has a respectible 22 BB/38 K ratio through his first 50 games.  The M’s outfield situation is somewhat in flux as Endy Chavez has been lost for the season and Wladimir Balentien looks more and more like a minor league player.  The acquisition of left hand hitting OF Ryan Langerhans should further delay Saunders’ ascention to Safeco Field and GM Jack Zdurencik has indicated that he would like to exercise patience in developing Saunders.  The Mariners despite their litany of injuries are still in contention for a post season bid.  While that may change come one or two months from now, each day they are in contention signals another day that Michael Saunders will be in the middle of Tacoma’s starting lineup.

AAA Player of the Day—MICHAEL SAUNDERS

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Brandon Allen—2-4 R 2 RBI
• Chris Heisey—3-5 2B 2R RBI SB(14)
• Jamie Hoffmann—2-3 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Matt Joyce—1-6 HR(7) RBI SB(3) BB
• Reid Brignac—3-7 2B 2 RBI R
• Rhyne Hughes—3-5 HR(19) 2 RBI BB
• Michael Brantley—1-3 2R 4 BB 3 SB(29)
• Matt LaPorta—1-3 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Jordan Brown—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Mark Hamilton—3-6 2B 2R RBI
• Jon Jay—1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI BB
• Cameron Maybin—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Gaby Sanchez—2-4 2B R RBI
• Jai Miller—3-5 2B 2R 2 RBI SB(5)
• Austin Jackson—1-3 HR(2) RBI 2R BB
• Julio Borbon—1-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 3R BB
• Cole Gillespie—1-3 HR(6) RBI
• Jacob Hester—2-3 2 2B R
• Michael Saunders—3-4 HR(10) RBI 2B

Pitching:

• Matt Maloney—6.2 IP 7H 3 ER 2 BB 6K W (5-4)
• Anthony Swarzak—7 IP 2H ER 2 BB 5K W (4-4)

Camping Trip–A Brief Rant

Posted by Jeremy on under Uncategorized | Read the First Comment

I’m back from my Eastern Washington camping trip feeling exhausted and sun scorched.  We stayed at a little resort called Sun Lakes Park just outside of Coulee City.  The campground is nestled in a valley amidst two tall bluffs that offer views akin to numerous red-rocked sites in Arizona.  Within walking distance are several recreational amenities including a 9-hole golf course, a scenic lake, tons of biking trails, mini-golf and a state park. 

This is a place that I frequented quite often as a youth and the desire for me to rekindle some of those memories with a family of my own has offered more than enough incentive over the past couple of years to stuff our Ford Escape full of gear, food, and Lord knows what else to head across the mountains.  Last year’s trip was outstanding.  We rented three sites and had several family and friends join us on the trip.  We took my mom’s Sea-Doo and spent just about every sun drenched moment wake hopping and rooster tailing over every nook of that lake. 

This trip was a little different.  While we had some friends accompany us, we did the trip sans Sea-Doo.  No bother, we hauled our bikes and planned to put some mileage on them.  My wife and I found a trail that led to a lake three miles in, which was a perfect distance for my son Derek to pedal.  About two and a half miles in, Derek’s front tire blew out meaning that we had to hoof it back to camp and re-rack the bikes.  By the time that we got back, the sun was starting to set over the canyon walls which, while splendidly beautiful, propogated another problem—wind.  In all of my infinite nostalgia, I seemed to forget the infamous battles that my folks had with the raging wind storms of Sun Lakes Park.  As I mentioned earlier, the campground is located between two cliffs that are probably 400-500 feet tall each.  The wind whips through there as if it was a channel, victimizing many nylon and fiberglass structures in its wake.  I was able to locate some rope amongst our stuff and anchored our tent down to three trees and my roof rack.  While that allowed the main frame of our too-big-for-its-own-good tent to maintain its structural integrity, it did nothing to change the status of the rain fly which flapped noisily with each frequent wind gust.  Sound sleeper that I am, it did nothing to effect my sleep, but it wreaked havoc on my wife Amber’s ability to rest.

The other thing that really stunk about the trip was that the site adjacent to us had the much desired group of 18-21 year old couples that crammed four tents onto one site.  This bunch fulfilled just about every irritating cliche imaginable.  While the guys sported their tribal armband tattoos, the ladies each had their own creations etched into the smalls of their backsides.  Cigarette smoke and the F-word were popular items that wafted their way into our confined camp space.  Bob Marley Greatest Hits on the stereo in the morning? Check.  Follow it up with an assortment of Gangsta Rap, Sublime, Limp Bizkit, Nickleback chasers?  Check! 

Speaking of chasers, how ’bout a rousing midnight game of beer pong?  They were up to it.  As the booze flowed, so did the four letter expletives, squeals from girls, and “huh-huh-huhs” from the guys.  Polite requests from surrounding sites (including ours) for them to quiet down and watch their language was briefly acknowledged and almost immediately forgotten.  As a result, sleep was difficult and ill will toward our neighbors was waaaaay too easy.

On the good side, we took a day trip to Lake Chelan and played at the waterslides all day.  The work that I have done over the past couple of months on getting in shape seems to be paying off.  I had tons of energy for the entire day and was able to enjoy the rides without too much residual soreness.

Additionally, I played a nice round of golf with Derek who is turning into a pretty good little golfer.  He’s got long levers and a fluid line to his swing.  Course ediquette is still in its rudimentary stages (he likes to chat during backswings and takes all of his clubs onto the green), but he’s always willing to adhere to instruction—something he doesn’t always submit to on the baseball diamond or when doing household chores.

Last but no least, dealing with some of the adversity that we did on our trip offered more confirmation to Amber and I that we are great teammates in this little journey called marriage.  There were several things within our environment that peeved us and got us into foul moods.  It is during those times that loved ones take their frustrations out upon one another, disrupting the God-blessed harmony of the relationship with snarky remarks and self-serving attitudes.  We kept our chins up though, and worked together to make the best of what we had.  Those are building block moments not only for our marriage, but for Derek to see and hopefully emulate in his ensuing relationships.  I feel proud of the fact that we were able to add another brick to our firm foundation.

All and all, four days away from the baseball world is way too long.  I am relieved to be sitting in front of this computer once agains parusing box scores and seeing that the market for Tommy Hanson’s cards jumped about 50% since his back to back wins against the Yankees and Red Sox.

Back to the grind, thanks for your patience!

On Vacation….

Posted by Jeremy on June 24, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Judging by the decrease in my posts, one would surmise that I have been on vacation.  Alas, I have been out and about doing other things, but starting today, I will be camping in Eastern Washington with the family until Sunday.  I am sorry for the inconvenience, but I fully intend to step up my efforts upon my return.

See you Monday!

Jeremy

6/23 AAA, AA, High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 23, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

We’ve hit the All-Star break for several leagues which means that game results will be diminished over the next few days.  It’s been an exciting first half filled with excellent performances from top prospects, breakouts from sleepers and tons of promotions through all levels.  The second half should be even more exciting than the first.  The trade deadline is coming up in the next month, changing the location and, likely, fortunes of several fine prospects.  2009 draftees continue to sign with their big league clubs and are being integrated into the lower levels of the farm system.  Also, the month of September is roster expansion time, where a fresh batch of prospects will get their first cups of coffee at the big league level.

Buckle up, things are just about ready to really take off!

Today’s top prospect from the AAA ranks is someone we formerly profiled at the AA level, White Sox 1B prospect Brandon Allen.  Allen was promoted to Charlotte on June 19th and all he’s done since then is go 817 with a HR, four RBI, two doubles, and four runs scored.  The move to AAA signifies to me that the Sox will almost certainly bring him up in September for a look.  Expect him to go to the Arizona Fall League in the offseason to get more seasoning.  After that, he’ll be a prominant contender for the White Sox 1B job in sprign training 2010. 

AAA Player of the Day—BRANDON ALLEN

Other Notable Performances

• Brandon Allen—3-5 HR(8) 3 RBI 2R
• Brett Clevlen—3-4 3 RBI SB(6)
• Matt Macri—2-4 3B RBI
• John Jaso—1-3 HR(4) RBI BB
• Jack Egbert—6 IP 5H ER 5K W (5-2)
• Homer Bailey—7 IP 6H ER 2 BB 8K W (8-5)

At the AA level, Marlins super prospect Michael Stanton homered for the second consecutive day, giving him 14 for the season.  Stanton started slowly after his promotion but has homered in each of his last two games and seems to be cutting down on his K’s.  Chicago Cubs RHP Jay Jackson outdueled Tampa Bay’s Jeremy Hellickson over five innings allowing just one hit while striking out five.  Jackson is now 4-3 on the season and has been dominant over his last 46 innings allowing just six unearned runs while striking out 47 hitters.

Today’s top AA player is Seattle Mariners 3B prospect Matt Mangini.  The former Oklahoma State Cowboy has been a big disappointment since being selected in the 2nd round of the ‘07 draft battling injuries and poor performance.  Prior to the draft, Mangini was widely regarded as one of the more polished college bats with sound defensive skills.  He’s repeating at the AA level with better results, batting .272 with 3 HR 24 RBI and 22 runs scored.  While the numbers are not prototypical of 3B prospects, they are indeed an improvement over the totals from the last couple of years.  The Mariners will need to fill the hole left by Adrian Beltre as he is slated to leave via trade or free agency.  The organization offers little immediate answers.  Matt Tuiasosopo followed up a stellar spring training with a bad showing at both Seattle and Tacoma before injuring his knee.  Journeyman Mike Morse may be an in house candidate, but he’s no long term answer.  Jharmidy DeJesus and Mario Martinez loom at the lower levels as does Italian standout Alex Liddi.  Odds are that the M’s look outside the organization for a mid-level 3B, but the opportunity for the powerfully built 23 year old Mangini to open some eyes still exists.  If he can continue to swing a hot bat, he may once again figure into Seattle’s future plans.

AA Player of the Day—MATT MANGINI

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Michael Stanton—1-4 HR(14) RBI 2R BB
• Scott Cousins—1-4 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Matt Sulentic—2-3 R SB(13) BB
• Tim Smith—4-5 2B RBI
• Jordan Parraz—2-3 HR(7) 2 RBI BB
• Jeff Bianchi—2-5 2R 2 RBI
• Eric Sogard—2-5 2R BB
• Cedric Hunter—2-5 R RBI BB SB(4)
• Mitch Canham—2-5 2B R 2 RBI SB(4)
• Brian Joynt—2-4 HR(2) RBI 3R BB
• Lance Zawadzki—1-5 HR(12) 4 RBI
• Collin DeLome—2-5 2R BB
• Jason Castro—2-5 HR(8) RBI BB
• Ezequiel Carrera—3-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Matt Mangini—3-4 HR(3) RBI 2R SB(1)
• Cyle Hankerd—2-3 2R 3B BB
• Evan Frey—2-4 2 RBIK

With the All-Stars from the California League and Carolina League getting ready to square off, the Florida State League was the only High-A division that was in action yesterday.  Today’s top prospect is Milwaukee Brewers 1B prospect Steffan Wilson.  The Harvard alum was selected in the 28th round of the 2007 draft but has exceeded expectations since being drafted.  In his first full year at Low-A West Virginia, Wilson hit .287 with 19 HR and 100 RBI while doubling 27 times and scoring 91 runs.  This season has been even better as Wilson is currently hitting .308 with 7 HR 28 RBI and 8 SB.   The Brewers don’t have much depth at the 1B spot other than all-star slugger Prince Fielder.  Wilson needs to shore up his plate discipline (20 BB/57 K) but his muscular 6-1 220 lb. build and current power production are good indicators that he should be able to hit 20+ HR per season at the major league level.  The Brew Crew has been rumored for quite some time as being potential sellers at some point when it comes to Prince Fielder.  If Wilson continues to progress with his power, plate discipline and batting average, he could help Milwaukee make that an easier pill to swallow.

High-A Player of the Day—STEFFAN WILSON

• Josh Butler—7 IP 7H ER BB 4K W (8-1)
• Jay Jackson—5 IP H 5K W (4-3)
• Jeremy Hellickson—4 IP 4H 6
• Starlin Castro—3-5 3R 3B
• Jake Opitz—3-3 2R RBI BB 2 SB
• Brandon Guyer—3-4 2B 3R 2 RBI (Game 1)…..2-4 RBI (Game 2)
• Christopher White—3-4 R
• Audy Ciriaco—2-3 2B RBI (Game 1)…..3-3 (Game 2)
• Shawn O’malley—2-4 3 RBI SB(23)
• Austin Romine—2-4 HR(9) RBI
• Jack Rye—2-4 HR(1) RBI SB(1) BB
• Moises Sierra—2-6 2 RBI
• Steffan Wilson—3-4 2B 3B 2R RBI BB SB(2)
• Eric Farris—2-4 2 SB(32) BB
• Adron Chambers—2-3 2B SB(12)
• Matt Klinker—6 IP 6H 9K W (3-1)
• Richard Castillo—7 IP 6H ER BB 3K L (1-7)

6/21 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 22, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Milwaukee’s 3B prospect Taylor Green went 2-3 yesterday hitting his 4th HR, driving in three and walking twice. Green is putting together a solid month of June that has seen him hit .329 with all four of his HR and 16 of his 24 RBI.  Green missed the first month and a half of the season rehabbing from offseason surgery on his wrist, though he appears fully healthy and strong now.  Green reminds me a great deal of former Boston Red Sox 3B Bill Mueller.  Like Mueller, Green is not a big guy (5-10 175 lb.) which makes his projected 12-15 HR power below average for MLB third basemen.  He’s got excellent plate discipline and makes good contact at the plate using foul line to foul line.  The Brewers have Mat Gamel ahead of him on the organizational depth chart, but Gamel continues to struggle defensively and, like Ryan Braun before him, should find a home at a different position.  Green is a solid defender with a strong arm and soft hands that should play well at third base for the Brewers.  He’s a major leaguer for sure, but he lacks the “wow” factor that other hot corner prospects may have.

Today’s top AA prospect is Texas Rangers SS prospect Marcus Lemon.  The son of former Detroit Tigers OF Chet Lemon has been on a big hot streak as of late, hitting .500 (17-34) with six RBI and seven runs scored in his last 10 games.  Lemon has long been lauded for his intangible skills (i.e. makeup, work ethic, leadership) and he has handled every challenge that the Rangers have put before him admirably.  He is a disciplined and refined hitter who hits for a high average and good contact, but he doesn’t have much power and doesn’t utilize his plus speed as a weapon on the basepaths.  Defensively, Lemon has improved from last year’s 43 errors by committing just 15 by the midpoint of this season.  While he remains a work in progress, he should be able to stick as a shortstop prospect. 

There’s just no room for Lemon, though.  The Texas Rangers have moved from A.L. West doormat to frontrunner in a one year period and their rock solid left side of the infield has done wonders for improving the success of their pitching staff.  Lemon is a solid prospect, but he is not good enough to supplant Elvis Andrus or Ian Kinsler as a middle infielder.  Outside of a trade, there is just too much talent in Texas’ system for Lemon to supplant at this time.  Even if he was to make the transition from shortstop to the outfield, Lemon’s game at this stage is too one dimensional to trump Texas’ flotsam of fourth outfielders or prospects like Julio Borbon or Greg Golson.

AA Player of the Day–MARCUS LEMON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Jesus Montero—2-4 RBI 2B
• Ruben Tejeda—2-3 2B R
• Lucas Duda—2-2 HR(4) RBI BB
• Matt McBride—3-4 2B 2 RBI 3R
• Jared Goedert—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI
• Danny Worth—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI BB
• Brad Emaus—2-4 2B R RBI
• Ian Desmond—1-4 2R BB 3 SB(10)
• Michael Taylor—3-5 HR(12) 2 RBI
• Jeremy Slayden—4-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 3R
• Rene Tosoni—2-3 2R 3 RBI 2 BB
• Juan Portes—3-5 RBI
• Danny Valencia—2-5 2 RBI
• Brett Pill—2-4 HR(7) RBI 2R BB
• Andrew Lambo—1-3 2B R RBI BB
• Taylor Green—2-3 HR(4) 3 RBI 2 BB
• Logan Morrison—2-3 2R RBI BB SB(1)
• Michael Stanton—1-5 HR(13) 2 RBI
• Scott Cousins—2-4 2B 3B RBI R
• Marquez Smith—2-4 2 HR(10) 2 RBI 2R
• Wellington Castillo—1-3 HR(6) 3 RBI BB 2R
• Mitch Moreland—2-4 2B RBI
• Marcus Lemon—3-3 2B 2 RBI R
• Cedric Hunter—2-5 2R 3B
• Brian Joynt–2-5 2B R

Pitching:

• Luis Perez—7.1 IP 4H ER 2 BB 8K