10/20 Arizona Fall League Report

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

Yesterday’s AFL results are littered with four hit performances from the likes of Bryan Petersen, Starlin Castro, Jon Lucroy, and Carlos Rivero, not to mention HR’s by Grant Desme (#3), Brad Emaus, Chris Parmelee, Matt Dominguez,  and Russ Mitchell (#3).  Today’s top performer is L.A. Dodgers OF prospect Andrew Lambo.  The 21 year old blasted his second HR of the fall as part of a three hit day, driving in four runs and scoring three times.  The former 2007 4th round pick has had a scalding start to his AFL campaign, hitting .478 with 2 HR 9 RBI and 6 runs scored in his six outings.  The Dodgers are by no means extending Ramirez’s contract beyond the 2010 season and will be in hoc for a significant portion of his deferred contract for several seasons beyond ‘10.  Lambo is not quite ready for a starting OF role with the Dodgers yet, but his start to the AFL season looks like it could catapult him into a significant role in the latter months of next season.  Lambo, at his peak, has the same offensive capabilities of current Dodgers RF and first time All-Star Andre Ethier.  The market for Lambo’s 2008 Bowman Chrome autos is pretty undervalued right now as many of them can be fetched for $6-8 each and refractors (#/500) for about $10 a pop.  Given his upside as future 25-30 HR guy, this seems to be an excellent opportunity to snag a few at single digit prices.

AFL Player of the Day—ANDREW LAMBO

Other AFL Performances

Peoria Javelinas 14

• Lorenzo Cain—2-6 2B R 2 RBI
• Jordan Danks—1-4 2B 2R RBI 2 BB
• Scott Sizemore—1-3 2R 3 BB
• Andrew Lambo—3-6 HR(2) 4 RBI 3R
• Russ Mitchell–1-2 HR(3) 2 RBI BB
• Jon Lucroy—4-4 HR(1) RBI 3R BB
• Zach Braddock—2 IP H 3K

Mesa Solar Sox 10

• Bryan Petersen—4-5 2B 3R
• Starlin Castro—4-5 2R RBI
• Ryan Kalish—3-4 2B 3R 2 RBI BB SB(1)
• Chris Parmelee—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Matt Dominguez—2-5 2B HR(1) RBI

Peoria Saguaros 11

• Chris Heisey—3-4 2b 2R 3 RBI BB
• Brandon Hicks—2-2 2B 2R 2 BB SB(1)
• Cedric Hunter—2-5 2B R RBI
• Carlos Rivero—4-5 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Jose Vallejo—2-45 2R SB(1)

Phoenix Desert Dogs 8

• Matt Angle—3-5 2B R RBI
• David Espinosa—2-5 R RBI
• Chris Marrero—2-5 2B RBI R
• Grant Desme—2-5 HR(3) 3 RBI
• Brad Emaus—1-5 HR(1) 2 RBI

Scottdale Scorpions 7

• Jose Tabata—3-5 2 3B 2 RBI 2R
• Brandon Crawford—1-3 2B R 2 BB
• William Susdorf—2-3 2R RBI SB(1)
• Hector Gomez—2-4 2B R 2 RBI

Surprise Rafters 3

• Ike Davis—2-4 2 2B R
• Jeff Bianchi—1-4 2B 2 RBI

10/16 Arizona Fall League Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 19, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Russell Mitchell homered and drove in four RBI for the second consectutive day and Scott Sizemore hit his third HR of the young season.  Andrew Lambo collected four more hits and Michael Stanton’s three hits and third stolen base continues to give evidence that he’s developing into a more well rounded offensive player.  Orioles 3B prospect Josh Bell rapped three hits and drove in three runs, but it was show stopping teammate Stephen Strasburg who takes home top honors with a solid AFL debut, pitching 3.1 shut out innings, allowing two hits, one walk while striking out two for his first AFL win.

AFL Player of the Day—STEPHEN STRASBURG

Other AFL Performances:

  Peoria Javelinas  13

• Russ Mitchell—2-5 HR(2) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Scott Sizemore—1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Dayan Viciedo—2-5 2B 3R RBI
• Casper Wells—3-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 3R
• Andrew Lambo—4-5 2B 3B RBI
• Jordan Danks—2-5 2B 3R

  Peoria Saguaros 3

• Cedric Hunter—2-2
• Zack Cozart—1-4 2B R
• Jon Gaston—1-3 R RBI BB
• Chris Heisey—2-4 RBI BB
• Chia-Jen Lo—2 IP H 4K

  Surprise Rafters 7

• Brandon Laird—1-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Dan Delasco—3-5 R
• Marcus Lemon—1-3 R RBI BB SB(1)
• Ruben Tejeda—1-3 RBI 2 BB SB(2)
• Tanner Scheppers—2 IP H BB 2K

  Mesa Solar Sox  3

• Michael Stanton—3-4 RBI SB(3)
• Starlin Castro—3-4 SB(1)
• Ryan Mount—1-3 RBI BB

  Phoenix Desert Dogs 7

• Brandon Snyder—2-3 3R BB
• Josh Bell—3-4 2B 3 RBI R
• Grant Desme—2-4 HR(2) RBI
• Brad Emaus—2-4 RBI SB(1)
• Stephen Strasburg—3.1 IP 2H BB 2K W (1-0)

  Scottsdale Scorpions 4

• Jose Tabata—2-5 RBI
• Buster Posey—1-3 RBI BB
• Brandon Allen—1-3 RBI BB
• William Susdorf—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Thomas Neal—1-4 R SB(1)

8/4 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 5, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Cincinatti Reds 3B prospect Juan Francisco hit his 20th HR yesterday, driving in two and scoring twice.  Francisco has as much power potential as anyone in the Reds’ farm system and has made big strides this season to cut back on his strikeouts.  Last year, Francisco hit 23 HR and drove in 92 runs while earning a 19 BB/123 K ratio in 127 games.  This season, Francisco has kept his power numbers up and has cut back his K rate to 88 in 100 games.  He’s only walked 19 times, but the progress at a higher level is worthy of note.  The market for Francisco’s first year cards was hot at the end of last season as several collectors anticipated him to become one of the top sluggers in the minor leagues this season.  However, a slow start and mitigable increases in his numbers has caused several prospectors to divert their funds elsewhere.  His 2008 autos in Donruss Threads (#/999) and his Donruss Elite Extra autos #/1495 can be had at $4-7 each-roughly 1/3 their values in late 2008.

Pedro Alvarez continues to be a beast at the AA level as he socked his 8th HR at Altoona and 22nd on the season.  He added two doubles and two RBI during a three hit day and raised his post-promotion average to .307.  The Pirates made more big trades at the deadline that will go a long way in overhauling a once maligned farm system.  With each trade, new opportunities sprout up for aspiring youngsters to make their mark in a major league uniform.  Alvarez will get his shot this season.  I mused in my Brian Matusz article about the market effect that would occur in his cards after his debut.  Matusz, like Alvarez, has an exclusive deal with Razor Entertainment Group which effectively limits the exposure of his cards on the eBay market. 

Matusz had a fine and victorious debut surrendering one run on six hits over five innings, walking three and striking out five Detroit Tigers.  In the hours following his performance, the prices of his ‘08 Razor autos have jumped about 30-40%.  It is nice to see that the cards are considered viable investments on the open market, but the rise in price is on par with what other larger brands would experience in similar situations.  In other words, the fact that Razor has exclusive deals with several ‘08 draftees does not, at this time, seem to have a pronounced inflationary effect on the values of their cards. 

Today’s top prospect doesn’t have a major brand card issued as of yet, but that may change soon.  Chicago White Sox RHP prospect Dan Hudson was dominant once agains yesterday, scattering three hits over six scoreless innings, striking out seven.  The dominant performance raised the former Old Dominion hurler to 7-0 since his promotion to Birmingham and gave him his 12th victory of the ‘09 season.  Hudson was ranked the 24th best prospect in the White Sox farm system by Baseball America but he’s pitched as well as anyone, including departed prospects Aaron Poreda and Dexter Carter.  Hudson has been virtually unhittable at each of the three levels he’s thrown at this season as hitters are batting a combined .191 against him.  Just as impressive is his sterling 25 BB/142 K ratio in his 123 innings of work.  Hudson has a workhorse frame (6-4 220 lb.) and features a 92-94 MPH fastball that saws off right handers and fades away from lefties.  His slider and changeup are a bit behind, but each offers good downward movement that keeps him from getting hit hard.  The vacancy left by Poreda and Carter elevates Hudson to the upper ranks of Chicago’s young arms.  Hudson will likely finish the year at AA and should be a prime candidate to pitch in the Arizona Fall League.  Keep your eyes peeled for his first year cards and snag them early as he might not gain as much post-release notoriety as he deserves.  Secondary sites like Sportsbuy.com and Beckett.com should provide excellent values for his non-autographed releases.

AA Player of the Day—DAN HUDSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Matt Spencer—2-4 HR(15) RBI 2B
• Darin Holcomb—2-5 HR(10) RBI 2R BB
• Mike McKenry—2-5 2B
• Ryan Harvey—3-5 HR(16) 5 RBI 2B
• Cole Garner—3-4 2B 2R RBI
• Cedric Hunter—3-5 2B RBI
• Ezequiel Carrerra—3-5 3B 2R 3 RBI SB(19)
• Andrew Lambo—1-3 2B 2 RBI
• Scott Cousins—1-2 R HRI(10) RBI 2 BB
• Juan Francisco—3-5 HR(20) 2 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Todd Frazier—2-5 R RBI
• Starlin Castro—2-4 R 2 RBI BB
• Jose Lobaton—2-3 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B
• Jason Heyward—2-3 (.422 BA at AA)
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-4 2R RBI 2 BB
• Pedro Alvarez—3-6 HR(22) 2 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Brian Friday—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI R BB
• Ryan Kalish—1-4 HR(11) RBI BB
• Jorge Jimenez—3-4 HR(12) RBI 2BB BB
• Ruben Tejada—3-4 R RBI
• Miguel Abreu—3-5 2 2B R 3 RBI
• Cale Iorg—1-4 HR(11) RBI
• Michael Bertram—2-3 HR(12) 4 RBI BB
• Brett Pill—2-5 Hr(13) 2 RBI
• Brandon Crawford—2-5 HR(10) RBI
• Carlos Santana—1-3 RBI 2 BB

Pitching:

• Dan Hudson—6 IP 3H 7K W (12-5)
• Chaz Roe—9 IP 6H 2 ER 3 BB 3K W(5-2)
• Aneury Rodriguez—6.2 IP 6H ER BB 6K W (7-10)
• Travis Banwart—7 IP 3H 2K W (7-5)

7/5 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 6, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

L.A. Dodgers OF/1B prospect Andrew Lambo is swinging a hot bat through the first few days of July.  Yesterday’s 3-5 performance that included his 8th HR, five RBI and two runs scored raised his average to .438 for the month and .275 overall.  On the surface, Lambo’s HR numbers are a little below expected, but his 26 doubles and improved BB/K ratio are positive signs of good things to come.  Talent abounds on the Dodgers’ major league roster, especially in the outfield where the trifecta of Manny Ramirez, Andre Ethier, and Matt Kemp rivals baseball’s best.  Couple in James Loney’s sweet lefty swing at 1B and the fact that Lambo is still just 20 years old and it becomes apparent that the Dodgers will be unlikely to rush Lambo in his development.  Once he does arrive on the major league scene, Lambo is a likely bet to become a 20-25 HR middle of the lineup hitter for several years to come.

Greg Halman’s season has been, in large part, a major disappointment after his breakout 2008 season in which he was nearly a 30 HR/30 SB player.  Playing almost exclusively at West Tennessee, Halman is batting just .208 with 20 HR 50 RBI and just 5 SB.  Plate discipline is the biggest culprit as Halman has walked just 16 times and has punched out 119 times in just 71 games.  Halman’s all or nothing approach to hitting is frustrating as some days (like yesterday’s 2 HR 3 RBI 4 run day) he looks like a 5-tool elite prospect and other days he resembles the extremely raw player that struggled in 2007.  At just 21 years old, there is ample time for Halman to address his contact issues and pitch recognition.  The tools and athleticism is there for Halman to be a dynamic player at the major league level, but his future success is anything but a foregone conclusion.  Watch to see if he can improve his ability to control the strike zone before making any substantial investments in his cards.

Today’s top AA prospect is another 2008 breakout player Florida Marlins 1B prospect Logan Morrison.  The powerfully built lefty had a big day yesterday hitting his 5th HR as part of a 5-6 day with two doubles, five RBI and two runs scored.  Morrison’s big day boosted his batting average for the month of July up to .455 and his 3rd HR in the last five games is a prime indicator that his fractured right wrist is close to or at full strength.  Morrison was electric in the Arizona Fall League this past winter, raising his stock significantly within the organization and amongst baseball card prospectors.  The Marlins are in an endless quest to fill big league positions with low cost talent.  Jorge Cantu is a solid first baseman who is earning $3.5 million this season and should earn more through arbitration next season.  There is a chance that the Marlins don’t offer him arbitration next year and in favor of giving Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison a shot to vie for the position this following spring.  The market for Morrison’s cards is strong right now, but is not quite as hot as it was when he was opening eyes in the AFL this past fall.

AA Player of the Day—LOGAN MORRISON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Ike Davis—1-2 HR(9) RBI
• Mike McBryde—4-5 2 3B 4 RBI 2R SB(14)
• Brett Pill—2-4 2B 3 RBI
• Sharlon Schoop—2-4 2R BB 2 SB(3)
• Brock Bond—2-5 2R 3 RBI
• Carlos Rivero—3-3 R RBI
• Greg Halman—3-5 2 HR(20) 3 RBI 2B 4R
• Mike Wilson—4-4 HR(2) 4 RBI BB 2 2B 2R
• Matt Mangini—2-5 HR(6) RBI
• Logan Morrison—5-6 HR(5) 5 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Scott Cousins—3-5 2B R RBI SB(18)
• Juan Portes—2-5 2B 3 RBI
• Tyler Colvin—3-5 HR(7) 2 RBI R 2B 2R
• James Adduci—4-5 3 RBI SB(19)
• Josh Reddick—2-6 R 3B 2 RBI
• Ryan Kalish—3-5 HR(7) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Jorge Jimenez—3-5 HR(9) 2 RBI 2R
• Argenis Diaz—2-4 2 RBI
• Lars Anderson—1-4 2B R RBI BB
• David Cooper—2-4 R RBI BB
• Dayan Viciedo—2-4 RBI
• David Lough—3-5 2B R HR(6) 3 RBI
• Alex Gordon—2-4 4 RBI
• Colin Delome—2-4 3B 2 RBI
• Andrew Lambo—3-4 HR(8) 5 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Russ Mitchell—2-5 HR(8) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Tommy Giles—1-3 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Cyle Hankerd—1-4 HR(5) RBI
• Pete Kozma—2-4 R RBI BB
• Cedric Hunter—3-4 2B 2R

Pitching:

• Ryan Mullins—8 IP 5H 8K W (6-8)
• Radhames Liz—7 IP 7H BB 7K W (3-1)
• Casey Coleman—8 IP 2H 3 BB 4K W (9-3)
• John Ely—6 IP 5H 3 ER 3 BB 5K W (7-7)
• Pat Stanley—7 IP 5H ER 2 BB 8K W (5-2)
• Eric Nielson—5 IP 5H ER 2 BB 9K
• Tim Alderson—6 IP 3H 3 ER BB 3K W (6-2)

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

6/15 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 16, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

A couple of pitchers had dominating performances in the AA ranks yesterday.  San Diego Padres top pitching prospect Mat Latos mowed down 12 hitters yesterday over 5.1 IP, walking none and allowing just five hits.  Unfortunately, the three runs that he allowed were enough to hand him his first loss this season.  Latos has been as impressive as any pitcher in the minor league ranks this year as he has a 6-1 record with a 0.84 ERA and 11 BB/61 K’s in 53 innings.  Armed with a fastball that reaches 97 MPH and a fierce knockout slider, Latos is a powerfully built, strikeout machine that has All-Star written all over him.  Unfortunately, Latos has had a history of injury problems and attitude issues that have obscured his development to date.  His promotion and continued dominance shows that he has moved well beyond some of those issues in a quest to fulfill his boundless potential.  Don’t be surprised if Latos treads a fast track similar to what Tommy Hanson has done over the past year. 

L.A. Angels RHP Tim Kiely lacks the stuff that Mat Latos possesses, but his complete game, 13 K debut for Arkansas is worthy of note.  Prior to Monday’s start, the 23 year old meandered to a ho-hum 5-5 record with High-A Rancho Cucamonga with a 4.44 ERA in 12 starts.  Control is the name of Kiely’s game as he posted an impressive 8 BB/44 K in his 73 innings of work.  Drafted out of Trinity College in the 27th round of the 2008 draft, Kiely was used exclusively as a reliever in ‘08 but seems to be adjusting fairly well as a starter.  The Angels are customarily loaded with nice young arms, which will make Kiely’s road going forward difficult, but 31 year old Matt Palmer has shown that pitchers with good command of the strike zone and durable arms will always have an opportunity to stick with an organization. 

Today’s top prospect at the AA ranks is a no stranger to prospectors and collectors.  Chicago White Sox 3B import Dayan Viciedo went 3-4 yesterday, hitting his 5th HR while driving in three and scoring three runs.  Viciedo got off to a tortoise-like start out of the gate, hitting .234 with one HR and 9 RBI through the month of April.  May was a bit better (.293 2 HR 20 RBI) and June has been even kinder (.333 2 HR 9 RBI) thusfar.  Viciedo’s bat has not provided as many souvenirs as expected to this point, but his willingness to use all parts of the field is indicative that the 20 year old has worked dilligently on refining his approach at the plate.  Strike zone judgement is still a raw spot for the Cuban native as he has earned just 9 BB versus 48 K’s in his first 63 professional games.  Viciedo is likely never going to be a walk magnet, but he should be able to curb his overagressiveness going forward.

AA Player of the Day—DAYAN VICIEDO

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Mitch Moreland—4-6 HR(10) 2 RBI 2R
• Adrian Cardenas—4-6 2 2B 2 RBi 2R
• Chris Carter—2-6 RBI
• Matt Spencer—2-5 2R SB(1)
• Cole Garner—4-4 2B R
• Kurt Mertins—3-4 2B R RBI
• Jason Castro—1-3 2R RBI BB
• Tyler Henley—1-4 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Jon Lucroy—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Yonder Alonso—1-2 HR(8) 2 RBI
• Scott Cousins—2-4 2B SB(14)
• Michael Stanton—1-3 2B (Game 1)…..1-3 2B RBI BB (Game 2)
• Tyler Flowers—2-4 2R BB
• Dayan Viciedo—3-4 HR(5) 3 RBI 2B 3R BB
• Stephan Gartrell—3-4 HR(10) 3 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Evan Frey—3-5 3B R RBI
• Andrew Lambo—2-4 2 2B R
• Russ Mitchell—3-4 2B 3B R RBI SB(4)
• Michael Taylor—1-3 2B R BB

Pitching:

• Joe Savery—6 IP H 3 BB 4K W (8-1)
• Polin Trinidad—8 IP 4H 3 BB 7K W (6-4)
• Mat Latos—5.1 IP 5H 2 ER 12K L (6-1)
• Tim Kiely—9 IP 3H 2 ER 3 BB 13K W (6-5)
• Kyle McCulloch—7 IP 7H 3K W (6-6)

5/22 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 23, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Yesterday was a good day to be a hitter in Midland’s lineup.  The Oakland A’s’ Texas League affiliate scored 24 runs and rapped 28 hits in a win over Corpus Christi.  Matt Spencer had four hits and four RBI, Matt Sulentic hit his 3rd HR and drove in three, while Adrian Cardenas went 4-5 with three RBI and five runs scored.  Mike Baxter collected five hits and four RBI for the San Antonio Missions and Andrew Lambo, Juan Francisco, Mike McKenry, Mark Trumbo, Marvin Lowrance, and John Shelby Jr. all went deep for their prospective clubs.  Junichi Tazawa tossed six shutout innings in a no-decision while Chuck Lofgren and Jake Arrieta both looked dominant in losing causes.

Today’s top prospect is yet another bat from Midland’s lineup and a repeat offender for the player of the day award.  Oakland A’s OF prospect Corey Brown went 4-5 with his 5th HR, six RBI, two doubles, a triple and five runs scored.  The effort raised his season batting average to .326 and helped him break out of a 3-22 skid in which he had struck out 9 times.  Brown has an abundance of exciting tools to work with and could develop into a 30 HR 20 SB player at the major league level.  The K’s are the big thing to watch with him.  In his 30 HR season from a year ago, Brown whiffed 168 times in 134 games.  He has shown the ability to take a walk, but he still gets himself into trouble by chasing pitches out of the strike zone.  This leads to dry spells that can have a mitigating effect on his BA and OBP numbers.

AA Player of the Day—COREY BROWN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Gordon Beckham—2-4 2B R
• C.J. Retherford—2-3 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Jordan Danks—2-3 (Game 1)…..3-4 RBI R (Game 2)
• John Shelby Jr.—2-3 HR(3) RBI 2R
• Aaron Bates—2-4 RBI
• Marvin Lowrance—1-4 HR(8) 2 RBI
• Mark Trumbo—1-4 HR(4) RBI
• Brad Harman—4-4 2B 2R BB
• Michael Taylor—2-5 2B R 2 RBI 2 SB(8)
• Jim Negrych—2-3 2R RBI BB
• Brad Emaus—2-4 HR(5) RBI
• Zack Cozart—2-3 R 2 RBI BB
• Juan Francisco—2-5 HR(7) RBI
• Andrew Lambo—3-4 HR(4) RBI 2B
• Chris Carter—2-6 2 2B 3R BB
• Josh Horton—3-6 2B 2R BB
• Adrian Cardenas—4-5 2B 3 RBI 5R BB
• Josh Donaldson—3-3 2B 3R 2 RBI BB
• Corey Brown—4-5 HR(5) 6 RBI 2 2B 3B 5R
• Matt Spencer—4-5 2B 2R 4 RBI BB
• Matt Sulentic—2-5 HR(3) 3 RBI BB
• Luis Durango—2-3 2B 4R 2 BB SB(21)
• Mike Baxter—5-5 2B 2R 4 RBI SB(4)
• Mike McKenry—2-4 HR(4) 2 RBI 2B

Pitching:

• Esmil Rogers—7 IP 3H ER BB 8K W (3-1)
• Kyle Cofield—5 IP 6H 2 BB 3K W (3-1)
• Kyle Parker—7 IP H BB 2K
• Zach Stewart—7 IP 5H 2 bB 8K W (2-1)…..2-3 2B R
• Ivan Nova—6.2 IP 8H 2 ER BB 6K
• Cole DeVries—7 IP 7H ER 4 BB W (3-3)
• John Ely—6 IP 3H Er BB 43K
• Hung-Wen Chen—6 IP 4H BB 3K
• Junichi Tazawa—6 IP 3H 2 BB 5K
• Jake Arrieta—6 IP 6H 3 ER BB 9K L (4-2)
• Trevor Bell—7 IP 4H Er 7K
• Jon Kibler—8.2 IP 7H 2 BB 6K W (2-3)
• Chuck Lofgren—6 IP 4H UER 2 BB 8K L (3-1)

5/18 AA Minor League Report

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

Josh Bell hit HR #3 and drove in three runs while Tampa Bay Rays Aussie prospect Rhyne Hughes hit his 13th dinger and drove in four.  Desmond Jennings stole three bases yesterday and Gorkys Hernandez had three hits and scored three runs.

Today’s top performer is Chicago Cubs infield prospect Marquez Smith.  The 23 year old Clemson alum combined for six hits in a double header, hitting his 6th and 7th HR, while driving in four and scoring five times.  Smith is a compact player with more athleticism and defensive versatility than his 5-10 210 lb. frame suggests.  He can play 2B, 3B, the corner OF spots and has been postulated as being a decent candidate to switch to catcher, given his strong arm and thick build.  Offensively, Smith is an aggressive hitter who makes good contact and drives balls well to the gaps.  The Cubs don’t have a lot of positional depth in their farm system giving a defensively malleable player like Smith ample opportunities to slide into the upper tiers of the organizational depth chart.

AA Player of the Day—MARQUEZ SMITH

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Marquez Smith—3-4 HR(6) 2 RBI 3R (Game 1)…..3-4 HR(7) 2 RBI 2R (Game 2)
• Darwin Barney—2-3 RBI R BB (Game 1)…..3-4 2B R SB(4) (Game 2)
• Josh Bell—1-2 HR(3) 3 RBI BB (Game 1)…..1-4 2B 2R (Game 2)
• Andrew Lambo—1-3 2B 2 RBI
• Tony Thomas—1-3 HR(8) RBI BB
• Cale Iorg—3-5 2B 2R
• Brennan Boesch—3-5 HR(7) RBI
• Brandon HIcks—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Willie Cabrera—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Desmond Jennings—1-2 2B 2R BB 3 SB(13)
• Gorkys Hernandez—3-4 2B 3R
• Rhyne Hughes—1-3 HR(13) 4 RBI
• Chris Carter—1-5 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Matthew Sulentic—4-4 2 2B R RBI
• Marcus Lemon—2-4 3R 2 BB SB(2)
• Justin Smoak—1-4 2B RBI 2 BB
• Chad Tracy—2-5 2B 3 RBI R
• Tyler Flowers—2-4 2B R BB
• Cyle Hankerd—3-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Peter Bourjos—2-4 SB(12)
• Pete Kozma—3-5 RBI

Pitching:

• Dan Cortes—5.2 IP 5H ER 5 BB 4K W (1-4)
• Heath Rollins—6 IP 6H 2 ER 2 BB 5K W (4-2)
• James Russell—5 IP 3H ER BB 7K
• Travis Wood—5.1 IP 4H 2 ER 3 BB 7K
• Cesar Carrillo—7 IP H BB 5K
• Jarrod Parker—5 IP 4H ER 4 BB 5K W (2-2)

5/17 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 18, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Chicago White Sox power prospects Tyler Flowers and Brandon Allen each hit HR’s on Sunday as did Seattle Mariners #1 prospect Greg Halman.  Chicago Cubs 2B prospect Tony Thomas continues to fly under many prospectors’ radars hitting his 7th dinger.  Cleveland Indians sluggers Carlos Santana and Nick Weglarz each collected four hits and combined to score five runs in a double header continuing their May hot streak.

Today’s top prospect, however, is elite LHP Madison Bumgarner.  After a rain delay cut Tim Alderson’s second AA start to just one inning, Bumgarner relieved him and allowed just one hit over six innings, striking out 9 for his second AA win.  Bumgarner has now surrendered just one run in 12 innings since his promotion and is holding Eastern League hitters to a .200 BA.  My gut tells me that Bumgarner will get a look by the Giants in September which makes his rookie cards a solid investment right now that could pay profitable dividends within the next three or four months.

AA Player of the Day—MADISON BUMGARNER

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Michael Daniel—1-4 HR(3) RBI BB SB(1)
• Brad Harman—2-5 HR(3) RBI
• David Cooper—1-3 2B 2R RBI BB
• Carlos Santana—2-4 2B 2R (Game 1)…..2-2 RBI 2 BB (Game 2)
• Nick Weglarz—2-4 2B 2R (Game 1)…..2-3 R RBI BB (Game 2)
• Matt McBride—1-3 R 2 RBI
• Tony Thomas—1-4 HR(7) RBI
• Andrew Lambo—3-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Cale Iorg—2-2 2B R 2 BB
• Scott Sizemore—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Brandon Snyder—1-4 2B R RBI
• Tyler Flowers—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Brandon Allen—1-2 HR(6) RBI BB
• Greg Halman—2-4 HR(12) RBI
• Dayan Viciedo—2-3 R
• C.J. Retherford—2-3 2B 3 RBI
• Cyle Hankerd—3-3 2B 4 RBI R
• Mike Baxter—3-4 2 2B R RBI
• Tony Abreu—3-5 3R

Pitching:

• Will Inman—7 IP 2H BB 7K W (4-1)
• Antonio Bastardo—7 IP 4H 2 ER BB 7K L (2-2)
• Madison Bumgarner—6 IP H 3 BB 9K W (5-1)
• Reidier Gonzalez—6 IP 5H Er 8K W (2-1)
• Junichi Tazawa—5 IP 7H 3 ER BB 7K L (4-3)

5/14 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 15, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Mets catching prospect Josh Thole gathered a handful of hits yesterday, scoring two runs and driving in one.  Michael Taylor blasted his 6th HR and drove in four runs, Tampa Bay Rays 3B prospect Rhyne Hughes hit his 12th Hr and drove in three and Padres OF Cedric Hunter continued to raise his average with a three hit, three RBI day.  On the mound, Kasey Kiker continues to pitch like he did in ‘07, tossing six solid innings of two run, eight strikeout ball, Joe Savery won his third game and young Indians prospect Jeanmar Gomez tossed eight innings of shutout ball, striking out eight and winning his 5th game.

Today’s top AA player is L.A. Dodgers 3B prospect Josh Bell.  The former 2005 4th round pick suffered a knee injury last year that cut his season to just 51 games, but after going through a rigorous off season training regimen he looks as healthy and strong as he has ever been.  His 6-3 235 lb. frame gives him an imposing presence at the plate, but the power has not manifested itself yet as it has in seasons past.  In place of the HR totals, however, is an increased amount of plate discipline (23 BB/25K) and increased agility at the hot corner.  Bell’s card sales have dropped off considerably since his injury last season and concerns that arose from his poor plate discipline two years ago.  Currently, his 2008 Bowman Chrome Autos sell for $3-4 each and his refractors (#/500) are a bargain at just a buck or two more.  Bell, if he stays healthy, is a prime candidate to break out from underneath the radar and onto L.A.’s Top 20 prospect list.

AA Player of the Day—JOSH BELL

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Carlos Rivero—2-6 2R
• Beau Mills—3-4 R
• Michael Taylor—1-2 HR(6) 4 RBI
• Eduardo Nunez—3-4 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R BB SB(5)
• Josh Thole—5-5 2B 2R RBI
• Tony Thomas—3-5 HR(6) RBI R
• Timmy Smith—3-4 3 2B RBI R
• Josh Bell—3-4 HR(2) 4 RBI 2R BB
• Andrew Lambo—1-4 2B 2R BB
• Brett Wallace—2-5 2B R
• Brandon Allen—1-4 2B 2 RBI
• John Shelby Jr.—1-3 HR(2) RBI
• Justin Smoak—2-4 R BB
• Steven Murphy—3-4 2 2B 2R
• Drew Locke—1-4 HR(8) RBI
• Rhyne Hughes—2-3 HR(12) 3 RBI 2B BB
• Cedric Hunter—3-6 2B 3 RBI
• Luis Durango—2-3 2 BB SB(19)
• Desmond Jennings—1-3 2B 2R BB

Pitching:

• Kyle McCullough—7 IP 6H ER 2 BB 5K
• Kasey Kiker—6 IP 4H 2 ER 2 BB 8K W (3-2)
• Jeanmar Gomez—8 IP 4H 8K W (5-2)
• Joe Savery—5 IP 2H ER 2 BB 4K W (3-1)…..1-2 2B R
• Kyle Winters—7 IP 5H ER BB 3K
• Scott Diamond—7 IP 6H ER 6K