7/7 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 9, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

San Francisco Giants OF prospect Roger Kieschnick went 3-4 yesterday, blasting his 17th HR, driving in three runs and scoring twice.  In an organization chocked full of blue chip talent, Kieschnick’s 2009 season has gone widely unnoticed.  However, the former Texas Tech star has been excellent this season, hitting .303 with 17 HR 66 RBI 7 SB and 55 runs scored.  At 6-3 200 lb., Kieschnick has the size and strength of a prototypical right fielder.  The biggest knock on him, at this point, is his plate discipline.  This season, Kieschnick has walked just 20 times while striking out 78 times in 81 games.  This ratio will clearly affect his batting average as he advances to higher levels and make him more of a one dimensional hitter.  He will definitely hit for power at the major league level, but notions of a .300 plus batting average should be tempered significantly.  Kieshnick’s numbers are likely inflated a bit because of the wonderful hitting parks in the California League.  His next stop will be AA Connecticut, though, a league that tends to lean toward the pitchers.  Watch to see how he adjusts after his promotion, either this year or next, to get a better reading on his porjected future.

Today’s top player is a more nondescript prospect in Baltimore Orioles 1B prospect Robbie Widlansky.  The former Florida Atlantic standout and ‘07 11th round pick went 2-4 yesterday with his first two HR of the season, three RBI and three runs scored.  Widlansky is a versatile player who can play both corner OF positions and both corner infield positions.  He was injured for the first two months of the season, but has been red hot since his return, hitting .388 10 doubles and 18 runs scored in 31 games.  Widlansky doesn’t profile as an everyday player at this point in his career.  At 24 years old, he is a bit old for the High-A level but may be due for a promotion before the end of this season.  He’s got decent size (6-2 210 lb.) and showed a considerable boost in power during his final season at FA, hitting .433 with 15 HR and 69 RBI.  I don’t expect that he will be a full time player at the major league level, but his reputation as being a hard nosed workaholic, plus his versatility in the field may open up some opportunities in the future.

High-A Player of the Day—ROBBIE WIDLANSKY

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Conor Gillaspie—3-5 2B 2R
• Buster Posey—3-5 HR(12) RBI 2B 3R
• Roger Kieschnick—3-4 HR(17) 3 RBI 2B 2R
• Angel Villalona—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Elian Herrera—3-5 2R HR(3) 2 RBI
• Scott VanSlyke—1-4 HR(12) RBI BB 2R
• Matt Clark—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI R
• T.J. Steele—3-5 2B 2R 2 RBI SB(8)
• James Shuck—1-3 HR(1) RBI 2 BB SB(17) 2R
• Koby Clemens—2-5 2 2B R
• Jeremy Moore—2-4 HR(16) RBI BB
• Grant Desme—1-3 HR(16) RBI BB
• Ramon Ramirez—3-5 2 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Hector Gomez—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Engel Beltre—2-7 2 RBI
• Ryan Adams—3-5 R 3 RBI
• Matthew Angle—2-5 2R 2 RBI SB(26)
• Robbie Widlansky—2-4 2 HR(2) 3 RBI 3R BB
• Tyler Henson—2-5 2R 3B
• Michael Burgess—3-4 2B 2R 3 RBI SB(9)
• David Espinosa—2-4 2 2B 3R RBI Bb
• Mike Moustakas—3-4 2B
• Johnny Giavotella—1-3 2B 2R BB
• Moises Sierra—2-5 2B 2R BB
• Ben Revere—2-5 2R 3B SB(31)
• Steven Singleton—2-5 2 3B 4 RBI R
• Chris Parmelee—1-5 HR(11) RBI
• Charles Cutler—3-4 2 2B 3R

Pitching:

• Scott Barnes—6 IP 6H 2 UER 2 BB 9K w (9-3)
• Joshua Collmenter—4.2 IP 4H 2 UER 4 BB 7K
• Casey Kelly—6. IP 6H ER BB 5K L (7-5)
• Tom Milone—7 IP 7H ER 2 BB 3K W (4-3)

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

5/29 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 30, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Angel Villalona and Nick Noonan each went yard for San Jose.  Villalona has made great strides offensively this season raising his average nearly 40 points over last year’s totals and improving his BB/K ratio slightly.  There is still an ample amount of work that needs to be done in this department as he has only earned 7 BB vs. 38 K’s in his 45 games, but it is an improvement over last year’s 18 BB/118 K debacle.  In other action, Neftali Soto rapped four hits and drove in a run, a feat exceeded by Boston’s catching prospect Luis Exposito who also went 4-4 with his 3rd HR and three RBI.

Michael Stanton raised his average to .296 by collecting three hits, including his 11th HR, driving in three runs and scoring four times.  Stanton’s plate discipline has improved by leaps and bounds as he has a very respectible 25 BB/37 K’s thusfar.  Adding that element to his game makes him infinitely more dangerous as a power hitter.

Today’s top prospect is another Philadelphia Phillie, Kyle Drabek.  The fireballing son of former N.L. Cy Young Award winner Doug Drabek, tossed a complete game shutout, allowing five hits and striking out seven.  The win gives Drabek a 4-1 record this season with a 2.48 ERA and 19 BB/74 K in his first 62 innings.  Going at least 5 innings in each of his first 10 outings, the 21 year old is showing that he has moved well beyond his injury woes of the past and previous concerns about his makeup and work ethic have been mitigated significantly.  Expect Drabek to get a promotion at some point this season and, with the poor pitching of top prospect Carlos Carrasco, it seems reasonable to expect that Kyle could wind up as Philly’s best young hurler by the end of the ‘09 season.

High-A Player of the Day—KYLE DRABEK

Other Notable Performances:

Hitting:

• Logan Forsythe—2-5 3 RBI
• Tyson Gillies—2-4 2 3B 2R
• Angel Villalona—3-5 2B HR(7) 2 RBI 2R 2B
• Nick Noonan—3-5 HR(3) 3 RBI 2B 2R
• Thomas Neal—3-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Jemile Weeks—1-4 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Matthew Sweeney—2-3 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Cord Phelps—1-5 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Luis Exposito—4-4 HR(3) 3 RBI 2B
• Freddie Freeman—3-5 2B R
• Derrick Robinson—2-6 R SB(24)
• Johnny Giavotella—2-4 2B R
• Miles Durham—1-3 HR(6) RBI
• Brandon Tripp—4-6 HR(3) 3 RBI 3B 3B 2R (Cycle)
• Michael Stanton—2-3 2B 2R 3 BB (Game 1)…..1-3 HR(11) 2 RBI 2 BB 2R (Game 2)
• Jesus Montero—2-4 2B
• Chris Parmelee—2-4 2B RBI
• Ben Revere—2-4 RBI SB(21)
• Arlon Quiroz—3-4 2B RBI R
• Justin Jackson—2-3 2B
• Yonder Alonso—2-4 R
• Neftali Soto—4-4 2B RBI R SB(1)

Pitching:

• Travis Webb—7.1 IP 5H ER BB 6K W (3-3)
• Jeremy Hefner—5 IP 6H 2 ER BB 4K W (4-6)
• Alberto Bastardo—7 IP 5H BB 8K W (4-2)
• Bruce Billings—6.2 IP 4H UER 13K L (3-5)
• Scott Barnes—6 IP 2H er 3 BB 6K W (5-2)
• Alexander Torres—6 IP 5H Er 3 BB 7K W (3-2)
• Brad Meyers—6.2 Ip 4H ER 2 BB 8K L (3-2)
• Jose Rosario—5 Ip 5H Er 7K W (4-1)
• Deolis Guerra—6 IP 5H K W (4-4)
• Kyle Drabek—9 IP 5H BB 7K W (4-1)
• Jeff Allison—5 IP 6H 2 ER 2 BB 2K W (3-3)

5/25 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 26, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

The California League was the only active High-A affiliates yesterday, making this report a brief one.  The trifecta of San Francisco Giants prospects, Buster Posey (3-4 2B RBI), Angel Villalona (2-4 2B R), and Thomas Neal (2-4 HR(7) 3 RBI 2R) all had nice days yesterday as did Seattle Mariners catching prospect Travis Scott, who hit his 8th HR.  Astros OF, Jon Gaston hit his 11th dinger and Padres youngster Yefri Carvajal hit his 4th.  On the mound, Rangers youngster Kennil Gomez struck out nine in seven innings for his 2nd win, while Jeremy McBride tossed seven innings with seven K’s for his 5th win.

Yesterday’s top California League performance came from L.A Dodgers 3B prospect Pedro Baez.  The 21 year old slugger hit his 7th and 8th HR of the season, driving in three runs.  Baez has 25 RBI in May, but the strikeouts are still a concern.  In 32 games, Baez has walked 9 times and struck out 34 times.  There is a lot to like about Baez from a physical standpoint.  At 6-3 and 200 lb., Baez has enormous power potential that projects to increase as his body matures.  He has a cannon arm and has the potential to be a plus defender at the hot corner in the mold of former Dodgers prospect Adrian Beltre.  Pitch recognition and establishing a more consistent approach at the plate will be key for his success moving forward.  Keep an eye on these developments as he continues to play at Inland Empire.

High-A Player of the Day—PEDRO BAEZ

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Pedro Baez—2-4 2 HR(8) 3 RBI 2R
• Joey Butler—1-2 2B  RBI BB
• Buster Posey—3-4 2B R RBI
• Thomas Neal—2-4 HR(7) 3 RBI 2R 2B
• Angel Villalona—2-4 2B R
• Felix Carrasco—3-4 2B 2 RBI
• Yefri Carvajal—1-4 HR(4) RBI
• Tyson Gillies—2-4 2 RBI R BB SB(10)
• Travis Scott—2-5 HR(8) RBI 2B
• Kuo Hui Lo—3-5 2B 3B 3R HR(6) RBI
• Juan Diaz—3-5 2B 3B 3R 2 RBI
• Jon Gaston—1-4 HR(11) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Koby Clemens—3-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Dave Flores—3-5 2B 4 RBI R
• Ollie Linton—2-4 2B 3B 3R RBI
• Kyle Greene—3-4 HR(6) 3 RBI BB
• Christian Vitters—2-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R

Pitching:

• Kennil Gomez—7 IP 4H Er 4 BB 9K W (2-3)
• Jeremy McBryde—7 IP 4H Er BB 7K W (5-1)

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)

PPR Mailbag—Michael Stanton vs. Angel Villalona

Posted by Jeremy on May 12, 2009 under Readers Mailbag | Be the First to Comment

I got two great emails today from two of PPR’s more inquisitive viewers.  I love to get mail from you all with your thoughts and theories to this whole enigmatic and ever-changing process of baseball card prospecting.  This question comes from Justin who wrote in response to my most recent praise of Florida Marlins OF prospect Michael Stanton.  He writes:

Since you wrote up about Michael Stanton, it got me thinking. Who would you rather have and who do you think is the better buy, Michael Stanton or Angel Villalona. Although Villalona is in the hitter-friendly Cal League and Stanton is in the pitcher-friendly Florida St league, Villalona has a much better average (despite less power) and is slightly cheaper as well. Sure Stanton is the better overall player in my eyes, but Villalona is younger and could develop nicely.

I did a little bit of market research and found that this is an even better question than I originally thought because of the similarities that both of these players share.  Both Stanton and Villalona had an auto in one of the 2008 Bowman Chrome sets (Villalona in the regular chrome and Stanton in the draft picks).  Each player is currently playing High-A ball and profiles as the best power hitting prospect in their respective organizations.  Despite their similarities, there are some distinct differences to note as well.  Let’s examine each player more closely:

Michael Stanton—Florida Marlins OF

H/W:  6-5  225 lb.     B/T:  R/R     DOB:  11/8/89

2009 Stats:

Current eBay Market Price $35-40

Strengths:

• Stanton has light tower power, as testified by his 39 HR barrage in what was his first full season last year.  Team officials lauded his work ethic this spring and his intense desire to be a student of the game. Beyond his strength, Stanton is said to be an excellent athlete with good speed and fluidity that he employs well in the outfield.  His arm strength should make him an ideal right fielder at the major league level. He has shown the ability to take walks and is showing some better selectivity at the plate.

Weaknesses:

• The high K rate is a major concern with all young prospects. Last year Stanton struck out 153 times in just 125 games. Additionally, he plays in a tough media market, Miami, that has historically has had a mitigable effect on the market exposure of many a talented player. Fan support in Florida has been tepid, though a new stadium in 2012 could help to change things.

Angel Villalona—San Francisco Giants 1B

H/W:  6-3  200 lb.     B/T:  R/R     DOB:  8/13/90

2009 Stats:

Current eBay Market Price $35-40

• Powerful frame and quick bat that projects to hit 35-40 HR per season.  He’s been reported to have a strong work ethic, despite being a bit shy and reserved.  In San Francisco, he plays for an organization that I believe has an extremely bright future and is on the cusp of being a perennial powerhouse in the NL West.  Contending teams draw more media and market attention, which is only beneficial to the bottom lines of the players that help contribute to that cause.

Weaknesses:

• His big body is soft and he looks much heavier than his listed weight.  He has less athleticism than Stanton and will be a liability on the basepaths as he ages.  Even more concerning his his truly terrible BB/K ratio.  This is not uncommon for international players his age as the game in places like the Dominican Republic focuses less on patience at the plate and more on aggressiveness.  Some young players are able to change their approaches, but even more continue to struggle with this.  Last year, Villalona’s first full season, he was able to garner a lowly 18 BB/118 K ratio and this year’s pace is not too much different.

In a Nutshell….

• Both players are extremely talented and should rocket thorugh their respective systems.  Each one has an obstacle-free path to the major leagues and are talented enough to force their ways into a major league lineup.  Stanton, to me, is the safer pick at this point despite Villalona’s better ‘09 offensive numbers.  His power is simply jaw dropping, evoking the venerable Peter Gammons to write an article lauding his brilliant potential.  The thing to watch with both Stanton and Villalona is, as it is with any player, is how each one addresses their weaknesses during their developmental road. 

Thank you Justin for your question and, as always, feel free to email me with all of your prospecting quips and queries!

5/10 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 11, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Cody Johnson homered twice, boosting his total to 11 on the season and Angels OF prospect Julio Perez homered and drove in six runs.  Dodgers outfielder Scott Van Slyke homered for the fourth time and drove in four runs and minor league HR leader Joe Dunigan didn’t hit a longball, but drove in four runs.

In an unprecedented move, I am awarding a trio of players with today’s top performance award.  Baltimore’s HIgh-A affiliate Frederick had three players that hit the snot out of the ball yesterday.  3B prospect Tyler Henson went 4-4 with three doubles, two RBI and five runs scored.  On the other side of the diamond resides towering 1B prospect Billy Rowell.  The former 1st rounder’s bat is really starting to sizzle as testified by his 3-5 day which saw two balls leave the yard and five RBI.  Finally, ‘08 draftee SS Bobby Stevens went 5-5 with two HR four RBI and three runs scored in just his eighth game of the season.

High-A Players of the Day—TYLER HENSON, BILLY ROWELL, & BOBBY STEVENS

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Lonnie Chisenhall—2-4 HR(6) RBI
• Michael Burgess—2-3 RBvI
• Jordan Danks—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Brent Morel—1-2 HR(7) RBI BB
• Mike Moustakas—2-5 2R RBI
• Derrick Robinson—1-4 2B 2R BB SB95)
• Clint Robinson—2-4 HR(5) 3 RBI
• Tyler Henson—4-4 3 2B 5R 2 RBI BB
• Bobby Stevens—5-5 2 HR(2) 4 RBI 2B 3R
• Billy Rowell—3-5 2 HR(4) 5 RBI 2R
• Ryan Kalish—3-4 BB
• Michael Jones—2-4 2 2B RBI R
• Cody Overbeck—1-4 HR(1) 4 RBI
• Caleb Gindl—1-4 3B 2 RBI R
• Steffan Wilson—1-4 HR(3) 3 RBI
• Buster Posey—2-4 2B 2R
• Angel Villalona—3-5 3 RBI
• Brian Bocock—2-4 2 RBI R
• Collin Cowgill—1-5 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Radames Navarro—1-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Trayvon Robinson—2-4 2B 2R
• Scott Van Slyke—2-4 HR(4) 4 RBI 3B
• Tyson Gillies—3-3 3R RBI SB(6)
• Joe Dunigan—2-6 2B R 4 RBI
• Juan Diaz—3-5 2R
• Carlos Peguero—2-5 2B 2R
• Mike Zawadzki—3-5 2B 3B RBI R
• Clayton Fuller—2-4 2B 2R 2 BB SB(11)
• Yefri Carvajal–2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Luis Martinez—3-4 2 2B 2R
• Matthew Sweeney—1-3 2B 2R 2 BB
• Julio Perez—2-4 HR(4) 6 RBI
• Carlos Colmentares—4-5 3B RBI
• Cody Johnson—2-5 2 HR(11) 5 RBI BB 2R
• Jason Heyward—2-4 R BB SB(2)
• Freddie Freeman—1-3 2R 2 BB

Pitching:

• Richard Bleier—7.2 7H 2 ER 3 BB 6K W (3-1)
• Cole Rohrbough—4 IP 2H ER 2 BB 5K
• Colton Willems—6 IP 3H 3 UER 4K L (1-1)
• Charles Shirek—5.2 IP 3H 2 ER 3 BB 8K W (5-0)

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)

4/20 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

High-A Weekend Report

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

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE

There were several players that had nice weekends in the FSL.  The Cubs’ Marquez Smith hit HR’s in back to back days and the Brewers’ young OF prospect Zealous Wheeler collected four hits and five RBI.  Nobody compared to what big Michael Stanton did, though, as the Marlins future superstar enjoyed a seven hit weekend that included two HR’s, six RBI, and three runs scored.  Stanton’s bat is heating up and he is showing all signs of going on a prolonged power binge.

Florida State League Player of the Weekend—MICHAEL STANTON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Marquez Smith—1-4 HR(2) 3 RBI (Sat.)…..1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI (Sun.)
• Michael Bertram—2-4 2B 3 RBI
• Joe Benson—2-3 HR(1) RBI
• Michael Stanton—2-3 HR(2) 2 RBI 2 BB 2R (Sat.)…..5-5 HR(3) 4 RBI 2B R (Sun.)
• Matt Dominguez—2-5 2B (Sat.)…..2-5 2B R (Sun.)
• MIguel Fermin—3-4 2B SB(4)
• Jose Garcia—2-3 2B 2R
• Jermaine Curtis—2-4 2B R RBI
• Austin Romine—1-3 2B 3 RBI (Sat.)…..2-3 2B (Sun.)
• Caleb Gindl—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Eric Farris—2-4 3R BB 2 SB(3)
• Logan Schafer—2-5 R 2 RBI
• Brent Brewer—2-4 RBI R SB(3)
• Zelous Wheeler—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI R (Sat.)…..2-4 3 RBI (Sun.)
• Neftali Soto—4-4 HR(1) RBI
• Yonder Alonso—2-4 2B 3 RBI BB
• Jesus Montero—3-4 HR(2) RBI 2B
• Cole Gillespie—3-3 2R 2 RBI BB SB(3)
• Reese Havens—1-4 HR(2) RBI

Pitching:

• Charlie Furbush—5 IP 3H BB 4K W(1)
• Jeff Allison—6 IP 4H ER 5K W(1)
• Ryan Zink—5 IP 5H BB 4K
• Yohan Flande—7 IP 7H BB 4K W(2)
• John Axleford—2 IP 6K W(2)
• Eric Niesen—5 IP 3H UER 3 BB 5K
• Darin Downs—9 IP 6H 2 ER 7K W(2)

CAROLINA LEAGUE

Not as much action as the FSL, but the big boys played well all weekend long.  Jason Heyward raised his batting average to .325 with a 4-6 weekend that included third HR and three runs scored.  Teammate Cody Johnson blasted his fifth and sixth HR’s and Pedro Alvarez and Michael Burgess each hit their second on Sunday.  The top honors go to Royals #1 prospect Mike Moustakas, though, for his two HR, five RBI weekend that has helped him emerge from an early season slump.

Carolina League Player of the Weekend—MIKE MOUSTAKAS

Other Notable Peformances

Hitting:

• Michael Jones—3-3 HR(1) RBI 2R 3B
• Kraig Binick—2-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R SB(2)
• Mike Moustakas—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B 2R (Sat.)…..1-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R BB (Sun.)
• Jason Heyward—2-3 2B R BB (Sat.)…..2-3 HR(3) RBI 2B 2R (Sun.)
• Cody Johnson—1-4 HR(5) RBI (Sat.)…..1-4 HR(6) 2 RBI (Sun.)
• David Espinosa—2-3 2B R BB SB(5) (Sat.)…..1-3 2 BB 3R (Sun.)
• Matt McBride—3-5 2 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R
• Jordan Danks—2-3 2B 2R BB
• Chris Marrero—3-5 2B 2R RBI
• Michael Burgess—2-4 2B 2R HR(2) 3 RBI
• Pedro Alvarez—2-3 HR(3) RBI 2R BB
• Miles Durham—3-5 2B 2 RBI
• Alex Presley—2-5 2B 2R RBI
• Ryan Kalish—2-4 2 RBI 2R BB SB(4)
• Kris Negron—2-4 3B 2R BB
• Matt Sheely—3-5 R 2 RBI 2 SB(2)
• Caleb Joseph—3-4 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Jim Gallagher—2-2 HR(1) RBI 3 BB 3R 2B
• Roman Pena—2-3 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R 2B 2 BB

Pitching:

• Brian Matusz—6 IP 7H 3 UER 2 BB 8K L(1)
• Brad Myers—5.2 IP 6H Er 4K W(1)
• Everett Teaford—5 IP 4H Er 5K W(1)

CALIFORNIA LEAGUE

Several top prospects had nice single game performances, but no one “dominated the weekend”.  The Giants have to be thrilled with the early returns from their top prospects, as Angel Villalona, Nick Noonan, Brandon Crawford each continued to play well.  Matthew Sweeney looks like he is a darkhorse power prospect as he collected two more RBI.  On the mound, Josh Collimenter tossed six two-hit innings, walking one and striking out nine en route to his second win of the season, but the player of the weekend was Oakland’s OF prospect Matt Spencer.  Spencer homered on both Saturday and Sunday, driving in three and scoring three times.

California League Player of the Weekend—MATT SPENCER

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Juan Diaz—4-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Matthew Sweeney—2-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Brandon Crawford—3-6 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Matt Spencer—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B BB SB(1) (Sat.)…..1-4 HR(3) RBI 2R BB (Sun.)
• Felix Carrasco—3-5 2 RBI R (Sat.)…..2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI BB (Sun.)
• Matt Lawson—3-5 2B R SB(3)
• Vance Zawadski—3-3 R 2 BB 3 SB(9)
• Nick Noonan—3-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Angel Villalona—2-5 HR(3) RBI
• Mike MItchell—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Charlie Blackmon—1-2 2B R 2 RBI 2 BB 2 SB(3)
• Eddie Colina—2-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Kuo Hui Lo—3-5 2 3B 3 RBI R

Pitching:

• Tim Sexton—6 IP 4H 2 BB 3K
• Josh Collimenter—6 IP 2H BB 9K W(2)
• Corey Kluber—7 IP Er BB 7K W(2)
• Alberto Bastardo—7 IP 2H 6K W(2)
• Michael Pineda—7 IP 6H 3 ER 8K W(2)