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

5/19 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 20, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Chris Marrero hit a grand slam HR yesterday for Potomac and Padres SS/2B prospect Lance Zawadzki continues to have a huge power season, belting his 10th HR and driving in two runs.  Buster Posey drilled a couple of doubles that scored two runs and Myrtle Beach’s OF slugger Cody Johnson hit HR #13, driving in two runs.

Today’s top youngster comes from the Seattle Mariners organization.  Italian import Alex Liddi has been very impressive this season and yesterday’s performance may go down as his best yet.  Going 3-4, the 20 year old Liddi hit his 11th HR, driving in four runs and scoring five times.  Liddi has a ton of raw, projectible athleticism that is now just starting to be tapped into.  At 6-4 and 180 lb., Liddi has room to build more muscle and power without compromising much of his above average athleticism.  Strike zone judgement continues to be a concern as he has a 10 BB/40 K ratio through his first 37 games.  The M’s have several decent prospects at the hot corner, but Liddi’s blend of tools may propel him to the top of the list, even above Jharmidy DeJesus and Mario Martinez.  He’s a long way off and has the majority of his at bats in very hitter-friendly conditions, but his bat continues to be one to watch and a late season promotion to AA may give us a much clearer indicator of what to expect from him coming forward.

High-A Player of the Day—ALEX LIDDI

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Mike Moustakas—3-5
• Luis Exposito—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Chih-Hsien Chiang—2-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Chris Marrero—3-4 GS HR(5) 4 RBI SB(2)
• Trayvon Robinson—1-5 HR(5) RBI
• Buster Posey—2-3 2 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Conor Gillaspie—2-4 2B R RBI
• Brian Bocock—3-4 RBI R
• Matthew Sweeney—3-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Clay Fuller—2-4 RBI 2 BB R
• Jeremy Moore—2-5 2B RBI R
• Alex Liddi—3-4 HR(11) 4 RBI 5R BB
• Carlos Peguero—2-4 HR(6) RBI 2B 4R BB
• Kuo Hui Lo—3-4 HR(5) 4 RBI 2B 3R BB SB(7)
• James McOwen—3-6 2B 3B 2R 2 RBI
• Lance Zawadzki—2-4 HR(10) 2 RBI 2B
• Lars Davis—3-5 2B 2 RBI 2 SB(2)
• Michael Stanton—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Jovan Rosa—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI
• Starlin Castro—2-4 2R RBI
• Cody Johnson—2-4 HR(13) 2 RBI
• Ardon Chambers—2-3 3B R SB(8)
• Neftali Soto—2-3 2B 2R BB
• Derrick Robinson—2-6 2B R 2 SB(20) BB

Pitching:

• Anthony Carter—7 IP 4H ER 2 BB 9K W (3-3)
• Ron Uviedo—5 IP 3H ER BB 7K w (2-1)
• Tim Collins—2.1 IP H BB 6K
• David Bromberg—6.2 IP 4H Er 3 BB 3K W (3-0)
• Jose Rosario—6 IP H BB 8K W (3-1)
• Eric Berger—5.2 IP 3H 3 BB 5K
• Mike Kirkman—7 IP 3H 2 BB 11K W (4-1)
• Corey Luebke—7 IP 6H ER BB 6K W (4-2)

5/17 High-A Minor League Report **500th Post!**

Posted by Jeremy on May 19, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Read the First Comment

Today’s a milestone day for PPR as, in just under a year, we have crossed the 500 post threshold.  Thank you again to all of you who have faithfully read this blog and watched it evolved over the past year.  I hope that you have all learned a bit over that time and have enjoyed reading about our bright young prospects as much as I have enjoyed bringing them to you.

Yesterday’s action at the High-A ranks saw the trio of Seattle Mariners prospects Edilio Colina, Alex Liddi, and Joe Dunigan combine for 9 hits and 6 RBI while Florida’s Michael Stanton rapped three more hits.  Tampa Bay’s RHP Joshua Butler improved his record to 5-0 by tossing seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits and outdueling New York Yankees ‘08 draftee Jeremy Bleich.

Today’s top prospect is the #1 prospect of the Philadelphia Phillies, Dominic Brown.  The lanky and super-athletic OF was 3-5 with two doubles, three RBI and his 9th stolen base.  Brown’s bat has heated up considerably over the month of May hitting .385 with 3 HR 15 RBI and 15 runs scored in just 15 games.  Already at 6 HR this season, Brown should apex last year’s total of 9 dingers by mid season.  Couple that with his outstanding plate discipline and continued physical projectibility and you have an All-Star in the making.  Brown’s various 2008 autos can be had for as low as $10-12 each and should be bought in copious quantities.  He should earn a promotion to AA at some point this summer and is a candidate to make his MLB debut by the end of 2010.

High-A Player of the Day—DOMINIC BROWN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Mitch Moreland—3-5 RBI
• Ed Easley—3-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Collin Cowgill—2-4 2R RBI
• Jhoan Pimentel—3-4 2B 2RBI R
• Keoni Ruth—3-5 2R SB(4)
• Clay Fuller—3-5 2R
• Julian Perez—3-5 2 2B 3R 2 RBI
• Jeremy Moore—3-3 3B 3 RBI R
• Angel Villalona—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Jermaine Mitchell—2-4 2R RBI BB
• Matt Smith—3-5 2B 3 RBI R
• Christian Vitters—1-3 3B 4 RBI B
• Joe Dunigan—2-4 2R BB
• Alex LIddi—2-5 HR(9) 4 RBI 2R
• Brent Morel—2-4 2B RBI
• Jason Place—2-4 2B 3R 2 RBI BB
• Che Hsuan Lin—2-4 HR(1) 5 RBI BB 2R
• Luis Exposito—2-4 RBI R BB
• Michael Jones—2-4 3R RBI
• Brandon Waring—2-3 HR(5) 2 RBI BB
• Jason Heyward—2-4 HR(7) 2 RBI 2R
• Derrick Robinson—3-5 2B 2 RBI R SB(18)
• Johnny Giavotella—3-5 2 RBI
• Mike Moustakas—1-5 HR(6) RBI
• Dominic Brown—3-5 2 2B 3 RBI R SB(9)
• Fidel Hernandez—3-5 2B R RBI SB(4)
• Justin Henry—3-5 3B 2 RBI R SB(3)

Pitching:

• Kenny Rodriguez—7 Ip 3H BB 7K W (2-1)
• Zach Britton—6 IP 4H 2 BB 6K W (1-1)
• Tyson Ross—3.1 IP 2H BB 7K
• Wynn Pelzer—6.2 IP 3H Er 2 BB 10K W (5-1)

5/7 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 8, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Seattle’s Italian import Alex Liddi has made some significant strides in his development this season and he continued to impress yesterday, going 3-4 with his seventh HR and two RBI.  Logan Forsythe scored four times and drove in a run and teammate Felix Carrasco belted his fourth HR and drove in four runs.  White Sox 3B prospect Brent Morel looked sharp in a double header, combining for five hits, including his sixth HR, two RBI and four runs scored.  Light-hitting Blue Jays OF prospect Darin Mastroianni stole two more bases yesterday, increasing his season total to 24 in just 26 games.  On the mound, inconsistent and oft-injured Oakland A’s fireballer Craig Italiano surrendered an unearned run over six innings, striking out eight and earning his third win of the season.

Today’s top player in the upper realm of the single-A ranks is, once again, Cleveland Indians 1B prospect Matt McBride.  The muscular Lehigh alum went 5-7 in a double header with his sixth HR, six RBI and two doubles.  McBride is now batting .421 on the season with 35 RBI, 22 runs and 14 doubles in his first 28 games.  At 23 years old, it would seem that he will earn a promotion to AA soon, but Beau Mills is currently blocking his progress.  McBride seems to be one of those players who may need a change of scenery, as the Indians seem too well stocked at other positions to give McBride a fair shake at a regular roster spot.  The Tribe is desperate for rotational depth and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them package one of their fine corner infielders or outfielders in an acquisition down the road.  McBride’s sustained success will continue to make that an increasingly viable option.

High-A Player of the Day—MATT MCBRIDE

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Ryan Kalish—1-4 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Freddie Freeman—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Jordy Mercer—3-5 2 RBI R
• Caleb Gindl—2-3 2B BB
• Darin Mastroianni—1-3 r RBI 2 BB 2 SB(24)
• Michael Durant—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Shane Peterson—2-4 HR(2) RBI 2R
• Shawn O’Malley—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI 2R
• Chris Sexton—2-5 2B 3R
• Matthew Fields—3-5 HR(6) 3 RBI
• Alex Buchholz—2-3 HR(2) 3 RBI BB
• Scott Vanslyke—5-5 2 2B 2 RBI 2R
• Edgardo Baez—2-4 RBI 3R BB
• Trayvon Robinson—2-6 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Alex Liddi—3-4 HR(7) 2 RBI 2B
• Jonathan Gaston—3-3 2B R RBI BB
• Josh Flores—2-3 2 2B R RBI
• Logan Forsythe—3-4 4R RBI
• Felix Carrasco—3-4 HR(4) 4 RBI 2 2B 3B BB
• Logan Payne—2-3 3 RBI BB
• Brad Chalk—3-6 3B 2 RBI R SB(9)
• Hector Gomez—2-4 2 2B RBI R
• Charlie Blackmon—2-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Mitch Moreland—3-4 2B 3R BB SB(1)
• Joey Butler—3-4 R RBI BB
• Brent Morel—3-4 HR(6) 2 RBI 2 2B 2R (Game 1)…..2-4 2R 3B (Game 2)
• Billy Rowell—2-3 (Game 1)…..2-3 HR(2) 2 RBI (Game 2)
• Kraig Binic 2-4 HR(5) 3 RBI 2R
• Lonnie Chisenhall—3-4 2 2B 2R 3 RBI (Game 1)…..2-3 2R BB (Game 2)
• Matt McBride—4-4 2 2B 3 RBI (Game 1)…..1-3 HR(6) 3 RBI (Game 2)
• Cord Phelps—3-4 2R RBI

Pitching:

• David Bromberg—7.2 IP H 4 BB 5K
• Zack Stewart—9 IP 5H Er BB 6K W (1-1)
• Dan McDaniel—5.2 IP 2H 2 BB 9K W (3-0)
• Andrew Hess—6 IP 6H 2 BB 7K
• Eric Berger—6 IP 2H 2 BB 4K W (3-1)
• Steven Johnson—6 IP 6H 2 ER BB 10K W (2-2)
• Bruce Billings—4.1 IP 6H 2 ER 2 BB 8K
• Craig Itialiano—6 IP 3H UER 3 BB 8K W (3-2)
• Blake Beavan—9 IP 4H 3 UER BB 5K W (1-4)
• Jacob Rasner—4 IP 3H BB 6K

5/6 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 7, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Offense was as plentiful in the California League as was rain in the Carolina League.  Top prospects from all leagues put up monster performances, making today’s report an exceptional pleasure to produce.  Angel Villalona is proving that he was ready for the challenges of High-A ball by smacking his fourth HR as part of a perfect 4-4 day with three RBI, two doubles and four runs scored.  Michael Burgess hit HR number six and drove in three and Mitch Moreland and Reese Havens also hit their sixth dingers.  Dodgers young prospect Edgardo Baez belted two HR’s as did Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

As good as these performances were, they paled in comparison to what both M’s OF prospect Joe Dunigan and Astros OF prospect Jonathan Gaston did.  Each slugger belted three HR’s and drove in seven runs.  Gaston’s came as part of a five hit, four run day and Dunigan’s HR’s tied him with Iowa’s Jake Fox for top spot in MiLB.

Gaston had a miserable start to his professional career after being selected in the seventh round of the ‘08 draft.  He batted just .193 with 2 HR and 25 RBI in 62 games at short season Tri Cities.  Plate discipline was a problem with him, but was not an issue during his tenure with the University of Arizona.  Gaston’s power outburst this season (.273 9 HR 20 RBI) is a little intriguing and worth watching.  His previous season high was 12 with the Wildcats in ‘08.  A factor to consider in this is the fact that he is a left handed hitter who plays his home games in Lancaster’s power-friendly confines.  This season, it appears that he has regained his strike zone judgement, which will only benefit him going forward.

Joe Dunigan also had his fair share of struggles in ‘08, playing at Low-A Wisconsin (.240 14 HR 58 RBI 28 SB and 31 doubles).  Dunigan’s plate discipline was also a detriment as he struck out 142 times in 119 games.  This season, he is tearing the cover off of the ball, hitting .390 with a league leading 12 HR 30 RBI and 6 SB.  Dunigan is powerfully built and has good speed.  He played in the OF and 1B last season and should be able to hit his way into a major league lineup.  As good as things are going, his 9 BB/27 K in 25 games is still a concern as he will not be able to maintain a .300 batting average employing a free-swinging approach at the plate.  However, the blend of power and speed numbers is an increasingly rare commodity these days, making Dunigan an under the radar guy to watch once his first year cards come out.

High-A Players of the Day—JOE DUNIGAN & JONATHAN GASTON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Dave Thomas—1-3 HR(6) RBI
• Collin Cowgill—3-4 2R 3 RBI
• Ryne White—2-3 2B 2R 2 BB
• P.J. Phillips—1-4 HR(2) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Charlie Blackmon—3-5 2B 2R 3 RBI
• Brian Rike—3-4 2 RBI 2B R
• Hector Gomez—1-4 2B 2 RBI R BB
• Maikol Gonzalez—3-3 2B 2R 2 RBI BB SB(2)
• James Shuck—3-6 2B 2R RBI
• Marcos Cabral—3-4 4R 2B 2 BB
• James Castro—3-6 2B R 2 RBI
• Chris Minaker—3-6 3 2B 3R 2 RBI
• Craig Corrado—4-6 2B R RBI SB(5)
• Yefri Carvajal—3-4 2B 2 RBI
• Logan Forsythe—1-2 HR(3) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Trayvon Robinson—3-6 RBI SB(6)
• Steven Caseres—2-5 HR(4) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Edgardo Baez—3-6 2 HR(4) 3 RBI 2R SB(2)
• Tyson Gillies—3-6 HR(2) RBI BB 2B
• Joe Dunigan—4-7 3 HR(12) 7 RBI 3R
• Jonathan Gaston—5-5 3 HR(9) 7 RBI 4R
• Carlos Peguaro—1-6 HR(2) 3 RBI
• Alex Liddi—1-3 2R 2 BB
• Nick Noonan—4-6 3B R 2 RBI
• Brandon Crawford—2-6 2R
• Angel Villalona—4-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 2 2B 4R
• Roger Kieschnick—2-4 2R 3B BB
• Mitch Moreland—1-3 HR(6) RBI BB
• Timmy Smith—3-4 R
• Michael Burgess—3-3 HR(6) 3 RBI 2B
• Chris Marrero—2-3 2R
• David Espinosa—1-4 HR(4) RBI
• Mike Moustakas—3-4 2B
• Eric Farris—3-5 2B RBI SB(14)
• Caleb Gindl—1-3 2B R 2 BB
• Dominic Brown—2-4 2B 3B BB
• Eric Fryer—2-4 2B RBI R SB(6)
• John Tolisano—2-5 3B R SB(3)
• Raul Barron—2-3 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Andy Dirks—3-3 2B 2 RBI BB
• Kody Kaiser—2-4 2R HR(3) RBI BB
• Yonder Alonso—3-5 R RBI
• Kirk Nieuwenhuis—2-3 2 HR(5) 3 RBI
• Reese Havens—1-3 HR(6) RBI BB
• Hector Pellot—2-3 HR(2) 2 RBI BB 2R

Pitching:

• Brad Holt—6 IP 2H 2 BB 5K W (2-1)
• Jeff Mandel—6 IP 3H ER 2 BB 2K W (3-1)
• Clayton Tanner—5 IP 4H UER 2 BB 4K W (2-0)
• Kyle Drabek—6.1 IP 6H ER BB 9K
• Alex Cobb—6 IP 5H ER BB 3K W (1-2)
• Dellin Betances—6 IP 6H ER 2 BB 4K W (2-3)

4/28 High-A Minor League Report

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

There were performances-a-plenty that could be found merely in San Jose’s 17 run barrage against Lancaster.  Speedster Darren Ford racked up four hits and five RBI, Buster Posey hit his fifth HR, Conor Gillaspie racked up four hits and five RBI, Roger Kieschnick added three hits and three RBI and, oh yeah, Thomas Neal hit for the cycle and scored four runs.  In other action, Yefri Carvajal hit his third HR, Logan Forsythe and Luis Exposito each hit their second and Jesus Montero blasted two dingers. 

None of these performances can hold a candle to the performance of 20 year old Brewers prospect Evan Anundsen who went the distance in a no-hit effort against Daytona walking just one and striking out 10.  Andundsen has accrued a 2-2 record with a 1.44 ERA and 8 BB/25 K in his first four starts.  Anundsen is a finesse-type pitcher with a fastball that sits in the high 80’s, a curve and change.  He induces a great number of ground ball outs (2.71/FO in ‘08) and efficiently controls the strike zone.  There aren’t any cards of Anundsen’s out right now and, while this performance was truly dominant, he doesn’t profile as a dominant front-line pitcher at the major league level.  Regardless, when 2009 is all said and done, this performance will go down as one of the season’s best.

High-A Player of the Day—EVAN ANUNDSEN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Darren Ford—4-7 2B 5 RBI
• Buster Posey—2-6 HR(5) RBI
• Thomas Neal—4-5 (CYCLE) HR(4) 2B 3B RBI 4R BB
• Conor Gillaspie—4-5 2 2B 4 RBI 3R BB
• Roger Kieschnick—3-5 3 RBI 2R 3B BB
• Alex Liddi—4-5 2B 2R
• Kuo Hui Lo—2-4 2B 2 RBI BB R
• Steven Caseres—3-4 3R
• Christian Lara—3-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 3R
• Logan Forsythe—2-3 HR(2) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Yefri Carvajal—1-5 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Jeremy Moore—3-4 RBI SB(3)
• Andrew Romine—2-4 2B R RBI
• Kyle Greene—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Charlie Blackmon—3-6 3B R SB(6)
• Mitch Moreland—3-5 HR(4) 2 RBI BB
• Kraig Binick—3-5 HR(3) 3 RBI SB(6)
• Kyle Shelton—2-3 2 2B 3R
• Luis Exposito—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI BB
• Tim Fedroff—3-4 RBI R
• Matt McBride—2-4 RBI R
• Pedro Alvarez—2-6 R 2 RBI
• Cody Johnson—1-4 HR(7) RBI
• Johnny Giavotella—2-5 3B 2R
• Jeff Bianchi—2-3 RBI R BB SB(4)
• David Espinosa—2-3 HR(1) 2 RBI BB
• Michael Burgess—2-4 R SB(5)
• Jesus Montero—2-4 2 HR(4) 2 RBI 2R
• Caleb Gindl—2-3 RBI BB
• Ben Revere—3-4 RBI 2 BB SB(10)
• Curt Smith—3-6 2 RBI
• Shane Peterson—3-6 2B R SB(1)
• Greg Sexton—2-3 2 RBI BB R
• Fidel Hernandez—4-6 3R
• Dominic Brown—3-4 3B 3 RBI BB
• Freddy Galvis—2-5 2B 2R BB
• John Tolisano—2-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Eric Thames—2-4 2B 2R RBI
• Ike Davis—1-2 HR(1) RBI 2 BB
• Kirk Nieuwenhuis—3-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B 2R

Pitching:

• Jeremy Horst—6 IP 5H 2 BB 5K
• David Newmann—5.1 IP 3H ER 2 BB 9K
• Tyler Robertson—4 IP 2H 2 ER 4 BB 5K
• Evan Anundsen—9 IP 0H BB 10K W(2-2)
• Wilkin De La Rosa—5 IP 3H BB 7K W(1-0)
• Tim Bascom—6 IP 7H 2 ER 2K W(2-2)
• Chris Withrow—5 IP 6H 3 ER 3 BB 7K W(2-1)
• Patrick McAneney—5 IP 3H BB 7K W(3-0)
• Michael Kirkman—6 IP 6H 2 ER BB 4K

4/23 High-A Minor League Report

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

CALIFORNIA LEAGUE

Brandon Crawford, Alex Liddi, and Matt Spencer all hit their fourth HR’s of the season and Madison Bumgarner allowed just one run over five innings to go a perfect 3-0 for the 2009 season.  Chris Withrow punched out 10 over just five innings but lost to today’s player of the day Chris Hicks. 

The Astros right hander tossed five innings of scoreless ball, allowing just five hits while striking out nine.  Hicks, 21, is now 2-1 on the season with a 3.07 ERA and 18 K’s in 14.2 IP.  Used almost exclusively as a reliever last season, Hicks has proven to be quite adept at forcing groundball outs this season (2.57/FO) and has exhibited good control.  At 6-4 205 lb., he appears to have a nice durable frame capable of handling a steady workload.

California League Player of the Day—CHRIS HICKS

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Alex Liddi—3-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B
• James McOwen—3-5 2R SB(1)
• Joe Dunigan—4-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2B
• Kuo Hui Lo—2-4 HR(1) RBI 3B 2R
• Matt Spencer—3-4 2B HR(4) RBI 3R BB
• Jermaine Mitchell—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Brandon Crawford—1-4 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Buster Posey—2-4 R RBI
• Roger Kieschnick—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Engel Beltre—1-4 2B 2R RBI BB SB(5)
• Mitch Moreland—1-4 HR(2) RBI 2 BB 2R
• Mauro Gomez—3-6 HR(3) 6 RBI 2B
• Collin Cowgill—2-5 R SB(3)
• Scott Vanslyke—4-5 2B 3B 2R

Pitching:

• Nathan Adcock—6 IP 4H BB 4K W(2-1)
• Madison Bumgarner—5 IP 5H ER 5K W(3-0)
• Chris Withrow—5 IP 3H Er 2 BB 10 K L(1-1)
• Chris Hicks—5 IP 5H 2 BB 9K W(2-1)

CAROLINA LEAGUE

Jason Place continues to make positive strides in his development as he hit his second HR and drove in three runs.  Teammate Chi-Hsien Chiang had nice back to back outings combining to go 4-7 with a HR, three RBI and three runs scored.  Jordan Danks had three hits, driving in two and scoring twice.

Today’s player of the day in the Carolina League is Cleveland Indians 3B prospect Lonnie Chisenhall.  For the second straight day, Chisenhall homered and drove in five runs.  The Indians’ 2008 first round selection has an eight game hitting streak and is beginning to demonstrate the promising power potential and plate discipline that made him a top draft choice last June.

Carolina League Player of the Day—LONNIE CHISENHALL

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Jason Place—2-4 HR(2) 3 RBI BB 2B 2R
• Chih-Hsien Chiang—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI BB 2R (Game 1)…2-3 R (Game 2)
• Kris Negron—2-4 R RBI SB(2)
• Clint Robinson—2-3 2 HR(2) 2 RBI BB 2R (Game 1)…1-4 HR(3) RBI (Game 2)
• David Lough—3-4 2 RBI
• Lonnie Chisenhall—2-5 GS HR(2) 5 RBI 2B BB
• Cord Phelps—2-4 2B BB R
• Freddie Freeman—2-5 2B 2R
• Michael Fisher—3-4 2R BB
• Jordan Danks—3-4 2 RBI 2R BB SB(3)
• Brent Morel—2-4 R BB SB(5)

Pitching:

• Ronal Uviedo—5 IP 2H 5K
• Zack Britton—5 IP 4H ER 2 BB 4K

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE

Matt Dominguez and Michael Stanton combined to go 4-7 with four runs and three walks.  Osvaldo Martinez, Alex Buchholz, Eric Thames and Reid Fronk each pounded out three hits and Shawn O’Malley had four hits and three runs scored. 

Today’s FSL top player is Jupiter Hammerheads pitcher Kyle Winters.  One day after his 22nd birthday, the ‘05 fifth rounder tossed seven two-hit innings walking one and striking out two.  Winters has allowed just one run in his first 19 innings of 2009 (0.47 ERA)  He is a control pitcher who gets a lot of groundball outs and has made some improvements, thusfar, in controlling the strike zone.

Florida State League Player of the Day—KYLE WINTERS

 
Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Matt Dominguez—2-4 2B 3R BB
• Michael Stanton—2-3 R RBI 2 BB
• Osvaldo Martinez—3-4 2 3B 2R BB
• Cole Gillespie—2-2 R 2 BB SB(4)
• Austin Romine—2-4 2B 2R
• Dominic Brown—2-3 BB R SB(3)
• Kody Kaiser—2-3 BB R SB(3)
• Audy Ciraco—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Marwin Gonzalez—3-5 2B 2R
• Jovan Rosa—2-2 2B 2 RBI
• Eric Thames—3-4 2B 3B RBI 2R
• Jermaine Curtis—3-4 RBI
• Deibinson Romero—2-3 2R 2B RBI
• Alex Buchholz—3-5 2B 3B 2 RBI
• Reid Fronk—3-5 2B RBI
• Shawn O’Malley—4-5 2B 3B RBI 3R

Pitching:

• Kyle Winters—7 IP 2 H BB 2K W(1-0)
• Andrew Hess—5 Ip 6H 4K W(1-0)
• David Bromberg—6 IP 4H ER 2 BB 3K W(1-0)

4/20 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 21, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

CALIFORNIA LEAGUE

Matthew Sweeney knocked another three hits, as did Jack Shuck, Todd Johnson, Alex Liddi and Mitch Moreland.  Juan Ramirez and Alexander Torres locked horns in a good pitching battle, though neither one of them earned a decision for their efforts.  Today’s top player is one of the overlooked prospects on San Jose’s mega-talented roster.  Conor Gillespie went 2-3 with his first HR and two runs scored.

California League Player of the Day—CONOR GILLESPIE

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Lance Zawadzki—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Conor Gillespie—2-3 HR(1) RBI BB 2R
• Angel Villalona—2-3 2B BB
• Nick Noonan—2-4
• Thomas Neal—2-4 R 2 RBI
• Mitch Moreland—3-5 2B 2 RBI
• Sean Coughlan—1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Jack Shuck—3-4 3B R SB(4)
• Trayvon Robinson—2-4 HR(3) RBI 3B
• Steven Caseres—1-3 HR(2) RBI
• Wilin Rosario—1-3 2B RBI R SB(1)
• Todd Johnson—3-4 HR(1) RBI
• Matthew Sweeney—3-4 2 2B R
• Alex Liddi—3-4 2B R RBI SB(1)

Pitching:

• Jeremy Hefner—5 Ip 8H 3 Er BB 9K L(0-3)
• Clayton Tanner—5.2 IP 4H ER BB 5K W(1-0)
• Connor Graham—5 IP 5H Er 2 BB 2K W(2-0)
• Juan Ramirez—5 IP 5H 2 ER BB 6K
• Alexander Torres—5 IP 6H 2 ER BB 7K

CAROLINA AND FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE

The FSL played just one game and all but one game was rained out in the Carolina League.  The Kinston Indians slapped up 16 runs against Myrtle Beach which means that there are several nice performances to report, but I am going to opt to give top player honors to underachieving prospect Tyler Colvin.  Colvin hit his first HR of the year and scored three runs for Daytona.

FSL and Carolina League Player of the Day—TYLER COLVIN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Tim Fedroff—3-7 2R 2B SB(3)
• Cord Phelps—3-5 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Lonnie Chisenhall—3-5 2R RBI BB
• Ron Rivas—3-5 2B 2R 3 RBI BB
• Alex Castillo—2-4 HR(1) 4 RBI 2 BB
• Roman Pena—1-1 GS HR(2) 4 RBI 2 BB SB(3)
• Freddie Freeman—1-3 2B
• Tyler Colvin—3-5 HR(1) RBI 3R
• Marquez Smith—2-4 2 RBI R
• Russ Canzler—2-4 2B RBI 2R
• Moises Sierra—2-4 HR(1) RBI

Pitching:

• Jeanmar Gomez—6 IP 2H UER 2 BB 3K W(1-2)
• Marcos Mateo—4 IP 2H BB K

4/12 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 13, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Let’s start with the Florida State League which played no games on Sunday, but had a full docket of games on Saturday.  Jesus Montero went yard for the first time this season but Ben Revere upstaged him going 3-6 with his first HR, three RBI and two runs scored.

Florida State League Player of the Day—BEN REVERE

Other Notable Performances:

• Justin Reed—2-3 HR(1) RBI 2R SB(1)
• Greg Veloz—2-5 2B R SB(3)
• Reese Havens—1-4 2B RBI
• Carlos Guzman—2-4
• Scott Shaw—5 IP 4H Er 5K
• Zach Stewart—4 IP 6H ER BB 3K
• Jesus Montero—2-4 HR(1) RBI BB
• Brandon Laird—3-5 2B RBI
• Charlie Furbush—4 IP 5H 6K
• Andy Dirks—2-5 RBI R SB(3)
• Michael Stanton—2-4 RBI
• Matt Dominguez—1-3 BB R
• Alejandro Sanabia—5.2 IP 3H BB 4K W(1)
• Pete Kozma—2-4 2B
• Shane Peterson—2-4 RBI
• Justin Jackson—2-5 2R SB(2)
• Kevin Ahrens—2-4 2R RBI BB SB(1)
• Eric Thames—1-2 2B R 2 RBI BB SB(1)
• Dominic Brown—1-3 2R 2 BB
• Tim Kennelly—1-5 2B 3 RBI
• Derrick Mitchell—2-4 2B R
• Dan McDaniel—6 IP H BB 3K W(1)
• Nate Samson—1-3 R RbvI
• Russ Canzler—2-3 RBI
• Evan Anundsen—6 IP 6H ER BB 3K L(1)
• Ben Revere—3-6 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R
• Joe Benson—2-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Deibinson Romero—3-5 2B 3 RBI
• Chris Parmelee—1-4 HR(2) RBI 2R BB
• Ryan Royster—2-4 2B RBI BB R

Sunday’s action in the Carolina League saw Freddie Freeman rack up three hits and two RBI while Ryan Kalish and Derrick Robinson each had a couple of hits and a stolen base.  On the mound, excellent pitching performances from Tim Bascom and Zach Putnam resulted in winning results, but Cole Rohrbough trumped them all with a five inning, four hit, six strikeout performance against Wilmington.

Florida State League Player of the Game—COLE ROHRBOUGH

Other Notable Performances:

• Matt McBride—2-4 2 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Lonnie Chisenhall—2-5 R RBI
• Tim Fedroff—0-2 3 BB R 2 SB(2)
• Zach Putnam—5 IP 5H Er 2 BB 5K W(1)
• Ryan Adams—2-5 2B
• Brandon Waring—2-4 RBI
• Billy Rowell—1-3 2B BB
• Tim Bascom—5 IP 4H BB 2K W(1)
• Ryan Kalish—2-3 R SB(2) BB
• Eddie Prasch—1-1 2B R 2 RBI
• Chi-Hung Cheng—4 IP 2H 2 BB K
• Derrick Robinson—2-4 R RBI BB SB(4)
• Mike Moustakas—1-4 2B RBI
• Cole Rohrbough—5 IP 4H ER BB 6K W(1)
• Freddie Freeman—3-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Jason Heyward—1-5 2B R

Buster Posey and Alex Liddi blasted their first California League HR’s while Roger Keischnick and Conor Gillespie rapped three hits each.  The top player award goes to Brandon Crawford for his perfect 3-3 day that included his second HR of the year, two RBI and two runs scored.

California League Player of the Day—BRANDON CRAWFORD 

Other Notable Performances:

• Mitch Moreland—1-4 2B R RBI
• Willin Rosario—2-3 2B
• Mike Kirkman—7 IP H 3 BB 8K W(1)
• Bruce Billings—6 IP 2H 4 UER 2 BB 7K L(1)
• Brandon Crawford—3-3 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Nick Noonan—2-4 2R RBI BB
• Buster Posey—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Conor Gillespie—3-5 2B RBI R
• Roger Keischnick—3-4 R RBI
• Collin Cowgill—1-2 2R 2 BB
• Sean Coughlan—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Kyle Greene—3-5 2B 2 RBI
• Taylor Harbin—2-4 BB
• Patrick McAnaney—5 IP 4H ER BB 5K W(1)
• Jason Castro—2-4 R
• Jonathan Geston—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Alex Liddi—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Joe Dunigan 2-3 3B RBI R BB
• Chris Hicks—5 IP 4H 2 ER BB 6K W(1)