10/22 Arizona Fall League Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 23, 2009 under Market Watch | Be the First to Comment

Stephen Strasburg’s second outing went much differently than his first as three Peoria Javelinas took him deep and he was touched up for eight runs in his 2.2 innings of work.  Talented as Strasburg is, he is not immune from the steep learning curve that major league baseball imposes on virtually every young hurler.  In other action, Oakland A’s OF prospect Grant Desme continues his power onslaught, hitting his 6th dinger and fellow outfield mate Corey Brown chimed in with his 3rd.  Mike Stanton racked up three more hits, as did Cole Gillespie, Pedro Ciriaco, and Chris Marrero.

Today’s top prospect is Detroit Tigers OF prospect Casper Wells.  Yesterday’s grand slame off of Strasburg proved to be the punctuation point on the #1 overall pick’s outing yesterday.  The former 14th rounder out of Towson University had a fair, but not spectacular year at AA Erie, hitting .260 with 15 HR and 41 RBI.  He’s bunched up with a glut of low to mid upside outfielders within the system and is in dire need of a standout AFL showing to elevate his status within the organization.  So far so good.  Wells currently hitting at a .476 clip with 2 HR 11 RBI.  If he can continue his torrid pace, the organization may be more apt to give more credence to his ‘08 numbers (.269 27 HR 79 RBI 25 SB) as to their expectations of Wells going forward.

AFL Player of the Day—CASPER WELLS

Other Notable AFL Peformances:

  Peoria Javelinas 9

• Casper Wells—2-5 HR(2) 5 RBI BB
• Russ Mitchell—1-4 HR(4) 2 RBI
• C.J. Retherford—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2R
• Jordan Danks—2-4 2R
• Taylor Green—1-2 R 2 BB

  Phoenix Desert Dogs 6

• Chris Marrero—3-5 2B HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Grant Desme—1-4 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Corey Brown—3-5 HR(3) RBI 3B

  Surprise Rafters 3

• Mitch Moreland—2-4 HR(2) RBI 2R
• Ike Davis—1-3 2B BB
• Blake Wood—3 IP 4H BB 2K
• Tanner Scheppers—2 IP 2K

  Peoria Saguaros 2

• Matt McBride—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI BB
• Lance Zawadzki—2-3 2 BB
• Josh Judy—1.2 IP BB 4K

  Scottsdale Scorpions 11

• Cole Gillespie—3-5 2B 2R BB SB(2)
• Brandon Allen—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B
• Thomas Neal—2-5 2B 2R
• Darin Holcomb—2-4 3R BB
• Pedro Ciriaco—3-6 2B
• Domonic Brown—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Hector Gomez—2-5 2 RBI
• Brian Friday—2-5 2B R RBI

  Mesa Solar Sox 1

• Rene Tosoni—2-4 R 3B
• Mike Stanton—3-4
• Andrew Cashner—3.2 IP 3H Er K L (0-2)

10/19 Arizona Fall League Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 20, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | 2 Comments to Read

Domonic Brown hit his second HR of the season while the potent middle of Phoenix’s lineup (Josh Bell, Brandon Snyder, and Grant Desme) continue to punish the ball with multi hit games.  Brandon Erbe looked good in his AFL debut (2 IP 2K) and Reds OF prospect Chris Heisey hit his second HR.

Today’s top prospect is red hot Detroit Tigers 2B prospect Scott Sizemore.  Already three HR’s into his season, Sizemore logged in with a 3-4 day at the plate with two doubles and four RBI.  Sizemore now has a league leading 9 RBI and is hitting .375 through his first four games.  The 24 year old infielder had a breakout season splitting time between AA Erie and AAA Toledo, hitting .308 with 17 HR 66 RBI 21 SB 88 runs and 39 doubles.  Sizemore’s AFL season should factor greatly in shaping Detroit’s offseason plans when it comes to re-signing free agent Placido Polonco.   Sizemore’s ability to step into the role would allow the Tigers to save $5-6 next season to allocate to other need areas.  Sizemore has only one rookie card, an autograph in the 2007 Bowman Heritage set, to date.  His hot start in the AFL has garnered some attention for the card as it currently sits at $7-9 and is only intermittently listed on eBay at this time.

AFL Player of the Day—SCOTT SIZEMORE

Other AFL Performances:

  Scottsdale Scorpions 7

• Pedro Ciriaco Jr.—2-5 2B R RBI
• Domonic Brown—2-5 HR(2) RBI
• Brandon Allen—2-5 2B 2 RBI
• Thomas Neal—1-2 2B R 2 RBI 2 BB SB(2)
• Joe Martinez—3 IP 3H ER BB 3K W (1-0)

  Surprise Rafters 3

• Ruben Tejada—2-4 2 2B
• MItch Moreland—2-4 2B R
• Jeff Bianchi—2-4 BB

  Peoria Javelinas 8

• Scott Sizemore—3-4 2 2B R 4 RBI
• Dayan Viciedo—1-5 2 RBI
• Jordan Danks—1-1 HR(1) RBI BB
• Lorenzo Cain—0-3 3R 2 BB SB(2)
• Scot Drucker—3 IP 3H K W (1-0)

  Mesa Solar Sox 1

• Chris Parmelee—3-4 2 2B R
• Ryan Kalish—2-4 RBI

  Phoenix Desert Dogs  6

• Josh Bell—4-5 2B 3B 3R RBI
• Grant Desme—3-5 2B R
• Brandon Snyder—2-5 2B R
• Adam Loewen—1-4 HR(1) 3 RBI BB
• Brandon Erbe—2 IP 2K
• Mickey Storey—2 IP H 4K
• Drew Storen—IP H 2K

  Peoria Saguaros  2

• Nick Weglarz—3-4 2B
• Jason Castro—1-3 R BB
• Chris Heisey—1-4 HR(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)

8/11 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 12, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Allen Craig really likes to hit in the thin air of Colorado Springs as he belted three HR’s during a double header to raise his tally to 21 on the season.  Craig has been as hot as any hitter in the minor leagues since the All Star break, hitting .446 with 13 HR 30 RBI and 27 runs scored in just 28 games.  Craig continues to play in the outfield which surprises me in the wake of the Brett Wallace trade.  He’s never been a bad fielder at 3B, but the organization seems to find him a better fit in left field.  Regardless of where he’s playing, Craig has been the best hitter in the Cardinals’ organization this season and should earn a big league call up at some point this year.  His only first year cards are in the 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft set and his singles can still be had in lots for less than a buck apiece.

Gaby Sanchez was a darkhorse N.L. ROY candidate by some baseball pundits on the heels of his fine 2008 season at AA Carolina.  Instead, he like fellow Marlins teammate Cameron Maybin, struggled to earn playing time with the big club and was demoted to New Orleans.  Last night, Sanchez went 3-5 with his 12th and 13th dingers, driving in five runs and scoring four times.  Sanchez has been hot during the month of August, hitting .325 with 4 HR 7 RBI and a killer 10 BB/3K ratio.  Sanchez is in a tough spot.  Logan Morrison has made a successful return from a broken wrist and is driving the ball with authority in AA.  He’s the heir to the first base job in Miami, leaving Sanchez either to switch to a new position or continue to toil at AAA.  At his best, Gaby is a well disciplined hitter with decent power to the gaps and above average defensive skills that could help him carve out a starting job with a big league club someday.

Today’s top prospect is one of Cleveland’s newest additions, RHP Carlos Carrasco.  After back to back rocky starts with Columbus, Carrasco tossed eight innings of four hit, one run ball, striking out 10 hitters for his 9th victory of the season.  Carrasco has the stuff to be a frontline pitcher at the major league level, but his inability to establish consistency and pitch with confidence at times was maddening to the Phillies franchise.  Perhaps the move to Cleveland will be just what Carlos needs to rediscover his potential as an MLB stopper.  Surely this outing does wonders for his chances to crack the Indians’ rotation at some point this season.  Carrasco’s 2008 Bowman Sterling Jsy/Autos are currently trading at $4-6 each on eBay and seem like a solid low risk buy for someone who has slipped off of many collectors’ radars.

AAA Player of the Day—CARLOS CARRASCO

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Matt Tuiasosopo—1-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Mike Carp—1-4 R 2 RBI BB
• Adam Moore—4-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Tony Abreu—1-5 HR(10) RBI
• Gaby Sanchez—3-5 2 HR(13) 5 RBI 4R BB
• John Raynor—2-6 2R RBI SB(16)
• Brett Hayes—2-4 R 3 RBI BB
• Travis Buck—3-4 2B 3 RBI SB(3)
• Allen Craig—2-3 2 HR(20) 3 RBI 2R (Game 1)…..1-3 HR(21) RBI (Game 2)
• Jarret Hoffpauir—2-3 2B 3B RBI R
• Eric Young Jr.—3-5 RBI (Game 1)…..1-2 R BB SB(55) (Game 2)
• Brandon Allen—3-4 2B 2R RBI BB
• Cole Gillespie—2-5 2B 2 RBI
• Chris Johnson—2-3 2B HR(10) RBI
• Juan Miranda—1-5 2B R 2 RBI
• Travis Snider—2-4 RBI
• Drew Stubbs—2-4 RBI
• John Mayberry Jr.—2-3 R SB(6)
• Lou Marson—3-4 R RBI
• Wes Hodges—2-4 2B R
• Justin Maxwell—2-3 R SB(28)
• Brent Clevlen—2-3 HR(15) RBI
• Aaron Bates—2-4 2B R

Pitching:

• Scott Elbert—4 IP 2H 3 BB 3K
• Travis Wood—6 IP 6H ER 3 BB K W (12-4)
• Carlos Carrasco—8 IP 4H ER 10K W (9-9)

8/2 AAA Minor League Report

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

Wow, lots has happened since the last minor league reports.  Several prospects have gotten fresh starts with new franchises and some are capitalizing on those opportunities.

Jeff Clement has,  as predicted, donned a first baseman’s glove and has hit like a top tier corner infielder since joining the Indianapolis Indians, hitting .545 with three HR and five runs scored in three games.  Clement is going to get a shot with the Bucs in the very near future and I think that the move to the NL and to 1B is going to be one that benefits him greatly.  The market for Clement’s cards is starting to pick up steam as many prospect prognosticators feel the same way that I do about his yellow and black rebirth.  Despite the optimistic start, beware!  Jeff Clement is an incredibly streaky hitter who could rip out 5 HR one week and manage just 5 hits the next.  Expect to pay $8-12 for each of his ‘06 autos right now and $2.50-3.50 for each of his ‘05 Bowman Chrome or Bowman Sterling first year cards right now.

Speaking of streaky hitters…..Travis Snider is molten hot right now.  The beefy Blue Jays OF blasted his 9th HR with the Las Vegas 51’st, driving in three runs and scoring three runs.  Snider is hitting .436 over his last 10 games with 4 HR 16 RBI and 12 runs scored.  In addition, he’s walked 8 times vs. 9 K’s during that time.  Strikeouts are always going to come in bunches for Snider, but his ability to work counts and get on base is key to his success in his next audition with the Jays.  Things are poised to open up for Snider soon as OF Jose Bautista’s production has been anemic at best.  At the same time, there is no real reason to rush the 21 year old slugger back to Toronto either.  This season was supposed to be Snider’s coming out party, but plate discipline woes and a shoulder injury mitigated his production.  The market for his first year autos in 2007 Bowman Sterling has been cut by more than half since this spring from $35-40 each to $15-18 today.  The bat speed is real, the power is prestigious, and the market for his cards are at all time lows.  Buy accordingly. 

Today’s top prospect is another Blue Jays farmhand.  Brian Dopirak is a long time minor league slugger who, at the age of 25, is experiencing a rebirth of his own as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays organization.  Drafted as an 18 year old in 2002, Dopirak pounded his way on prospectors’ radars in 2004 when he blasted 39 HR and 120 RBI for High-A Lancaster.  Since then, he has continued to hit HR’s at each minor league stop but has never been able to hit beyond AAA.  Yesterday’s 4-5 day that saw him hit HR’s #23 and 24 may change all of that.  At 6-4 and 220 lb., Dopirak is all hitter and is a below average defender at 1B.  Dopirak hits LH and RH pitching equally well but shows more power against southpaws.  He’s bound to get a look in September but it is unclear how much playing time he’ll get.  The market for Dopirak’s cards is low and slow right now, but a power surge in a big league uniform can create a brief window of collector interest for his cards.

AAA Player of the Day—BRIAN DOPIRAK

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Brandon Allen—2-5 2B HR(17) RBI
• John Hester—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Trent Oeltjen—2-4 HR(10) 2 RBI 2R BB SB(18)
• Matt Downs—2-4 HR(11) RBI 2B 2R (Game 1)…..2-4 2B 3B R
• Matt Tuiasosopo—2-4 HR(2) 3 RBI (Game 1)…..3-3 RBI (Game 2)
• Brad Nelson—2-3 HR(11) RBI 2R 2B
• Tyler Greene—3-3 3R BB 2 SB(21)
• Allen Craig—2-3 R RBI BB
• Wes Hodges—1-4 HR(4) RBI
• Austin Jackson—2-4 2 RBI R 2 SB(19)
• Jeff Clement—1-2 HR(17) RBI 2 BB 2R
• Neil Walker—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI
• Greg Golson—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Brett Wallace—1-3 HR(12) 2 RBI
• Cole Armstrong—2-4 HR(9) 3 RBI 2R
• Scott Sizemore—2-4 2R
• Gaby Sanchez—1-2 HR(10) RBI 2 BB
• Travis Snider—1-3 HR(9) 3 RBI 3R 2 BB
• Brian Dopirak—4-5 2 HR(24) 3 RBI 4R

Pitching:

• Junichi Tazawa—5.1 IP 2H 2 ER BB 3K L (9-7)
• Clay Mortensen—5.1 IP 5H ER 3 BB 5K

7/19 AAA Minor League Report

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

Cameron Maybin went 4-4 yesterday with two doubles and two runs scored.  Since his demotion to New Orleans in mid-May, Maybin has been spectacular hitting .345 with 3 HR 23 RBI five triples and seven stolen bases in 55 games.  Plate discipline did Maybin in during his time with the Marlins, but he’s had much better success with the Zephyrs walking 26 times versus 38 K’s.  Despite his stratospheric power potential, Maybin has not developed as a middle of the order hitter yet.  At just 22 years old, there’s plenty of reason to believe that it will develop.  I am encouraged by his high line drive rates that he has posted since being sent down.  Over the last month, Maybin’s line drive rates have hovered at around 28 percent.  For a guy that has been criticized in the past for hitting too many groundballs, this is an marked improvement, giving further evidence that he is getting better leverage out of his swing.

Maybin has an assortment of first year autos from the various Bowman sets that are currently hovering in the $15-20 range—about 40 percent below their Opening Day totals.  Maybin is playing his way back into the Marlins’ lineup and will likely perform better in his next go around.  Current Marlins RF Jeremy Hermida’s name has been bantied around in trade rumors and after being swept by the Phillies over the weekend, the team’s trade deadline dial may have been shifted from “BUY” to “SELL”.  If a spot opens in the Marlins’ OF, Maybin is definitely the first name to be recalled.

Michael Bowden made a successful return from the DL yesterday by tossing five no-hit innings for Pawtuckett, walking four and striking out five.  Like Hermida, Bowden’s name has been bantied about in trade rumors both this season and last as a key prospect in bringing a final piece for the Red Sox’s title run.  Bowden’s numbers in June were terrible (1-2 6.28 ERA and 8 HR allowed in 28.2 IP) but he seems to have things working well in July allowing just one earned run in two starts.  He’s not been sharp with his control during that stretch, walking a batter an inning, but history has proven that he typically has good command of his pitches.  I have long maintained that he is not a future staff ace, rather a mid-rotation innings eater in the mold of Jeff Suppan.  Developmentally, he’s blocked by too much talent ahead of him and a pennant race in Boston, but should be an immediate callup if he gets shipped to a different organization.

Today’s top player is a back to back selection.  Allen Craig blasted two HR’s yesterday and drove in four runs raising his average to .275 and giving him 11 HR and 40 RBI on the season.  The spike in power (he hit a homerun on Saturday as well) seems to be a direct result of a more aggressive approach at the plate.  He’s walking less and striking out more often over the last 10 games (2 BB/10 K).  This was also an issue during May where he had his best power month.  While swatting 4 HR and 12 RBI, Allen also compiled a dismal 5 BB/30 K’s.  He’s shown in the past that he can meld power with plate discipline which gives me hope that he can do it again. 

AAA Player of the Day—ALLEN CRAIG

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Brian Duglach—3-4 2B R
• Scott Sizemore—1-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Alcides Escobar—2-4 R SB(35)
• Brendan Katin—2-3 HR(20) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Allen Craig—2-4 2 HR(11) 4 RBI 2R
• Mario Lisson—1-4 HR(9) 3 RBI
• Eric Young Jr.—3-4 2R SB(50)
• Eric Patterson—3-4 HR(9) RBI 3R 2B
• Daric Barton—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI
• Brandon Allen—1-3 HR(12) RBI
• Sean Rodriguez—1-4 3B RBI
• Trevor Plouffe—2-4 HR(7) RBI
• Drew Stubbs—2-5 2B 2 SB(35)
• Chris Valaika—2-5 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Cameron Maybin—4-4 2 2B 2R BB
• Gaby Sanchez—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI 2R
• Jai Miller—1-4 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Jovanny Rosario—3-5 3R 3B RBI
• Chin-Lung Hu—2-4 3 RBI
• Julio Borbon—3-4
• Yorandy Ramirez—3-4 RBI
• Matt Tuiasosopo—1-4 HR(1) RBI

Pitching:

• Andrew Carpenter—7 IP 3H ER BB 8K
• Brandon Hynick—6 IP 5H 2 ER 2 BB 3K
• Michael Bowden—5 IP OH 4 BB 5K

7/16 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 17, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Wow, I go away for a week and return to a bevy of changes.  Chicago White Sox 1B prospect Brandon Allen was traded to the Diamondbacks for relief pitcher Tony Pena Jr. and the promising trifecta of Michael Taylor, Tyler Flowers, and Buster Posey all made their AAA debuts last night.  Taylor and Posey were hitless in their four AB’s, but Flowers hit his 1st HR for the Charlotte Knights in his debut.

The influx of talent back into the AAA ranks makes it an interesting level to report on once again.  A battle for future Texas Rangers 1B duties is taking place between former 1B Chris Davis and future All-Star Justin Smoak.  Currently, the recently demoted Davis is winning the battle handily, hitting .364 with 1 HR and 7 RBI for Oklahoma City in 8 games.  He has cut back on his K’s and seems to be working on taking more walks.  After a dreadful 17 BB/117 K showing, this is positive news.  Meanwhile, Justin Smoak has had trouble adjusting to his AAA promotion, hitting just .139 with 1 HR and 3 RBI in his first 10 games, but his four hits in the last three games and 7 BB/9 K ratio shows promise of better numbers to come.  Davis has been playing at 3B since being sent down and all indications point to Justin Smoak being the front runner as next year’s regular 1B.  Where does that leave Davis?  The Rangers are in playoff contention for the first time in a long time and are assuredly looking for another arm for their rotation.  There haven’t been any definitive rumors of dealing Davis at this point, but the value that a 23 year old, left-handed hitter with 30+ HR power is certainly intriguing.  Davis could also return next season as the Rangers’ DH.  Both Andruw Jones and Hank Blalock have performed admirably in the role this season, but the price tags for each of them are considerably higher than Davis’ MLB minimum pay.  The Rangers are a team in financial turmoil and cutting payroll will be a popular offseason activity for sure.  Regardless of Davis’ future, the key for him right now is that he rediscovers his pitch recognition and adjusts his approach to the ball.  He seems to be a kid with excellent makeup who has taken well to the demotion and is working earnestly to make his way back to the big leagues.

Today’s top AAA prospect is St. Louis Cardinals 3B/1B/OF prospect Allen Craig.  The former University of California standout went 3-5 yesterday with a double, triple and three runs scored.  I was high on Craig as a sleeper this past offseason, as his first year cards in the 2006 Bowman Draft and Chrome set were selling for next to nothing.  His numbers at Memphis have been solid this season (.270 8 HR 32 RBI 34 runs scored), but not to the levels of his AA numbers from a year ago.  While he’s not been able to duplicate his power numbers or OBP numbers, he still remains a solid future role player who has the versatility to play both infield corners and outfield corners with decent offensive production.  The Cardinals don’t have any room on their roster for him to earn any considerable playing time this season, but I think that a September call up is likely.  Marketwise, Craig’s first year cards are still at rock bottom prices (a 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft Gold Refractor recently sold for just $12.50) and many active listings reside in the highly overpriced storefront areas.  I think his card values apexed in 2007 when he broke out at High-A ball, but there could be another brief spike in value if he produces during his September cup-o’-coffee or if a trade to another franchise opens up future opportunities.

AAA Player of the Day—ALLEN CRAIG

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Shelly Duncan—2-3 HR(22) 2 RBI BB
• Shelby Ford—3-5 HR92) RBI 2 2B 3R
• Steven Pearce—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI
• Danny Valencia—3-4 2B RBI
• Michael Brantley—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI BB
• Matt LaPorta—2-4 2B R
• Scott Sizemore—1-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Wilkin Ramirez—2-4 HR(10) 2 RBI
• Tyler Flowers—1-4 HR(14) RBI
• Jon Jay—2-6 2R RBI
• Allen Craig—3-5 2B 3B 3R
• Donovan Solano—2-4 2R BB
• Cole Gillespie—2-4 HR(8) RBI
• Chris Davis—2-6 2B R RBI BB
• Jose Vallejo—2-6 2B R RBI
• Joaquin Arias—3-7 R SB(10)
• Justin Smoak—2-7 2B R RBI
• Tommy Manzella—2-6 GS HR(4) 4 RBI
• Brandon Allen—1-3 HR(10) RBI BB

Pitching:

• Fabio Castro—7 IP 4H ER 2K W (6-4)
• Lucas Harrell—7 IP 2H UER 2 BB 4K W (10-4)
• Matt Maloney—6.2 IP 7H BB 8K L (6-6)

6/14 AA Minor League Report

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

If you’ve been paying attention to this blog over the last year, you would know that I have a good deal of love for Chicago White Sox 1B prospect Brandon Allen.  The 6-2 235 lb. slugger has had a fine season at AA Birmingham, hitting .295 with 7 HR 35 RBI and 38 runs scored.  Allen’s power production has been down this season, after hitting 30 HR between High-A and AA last year, and his stolen base totals have diminished to almost nil.  However, the plate discipline that once was a major question mark in Allen’s game has now become one of his strengths.  Through 60 games, the ‘04 draftee has walked 29 times and has struck out 45 times.  Factor out the month of April and those numbers are even better (23 BB/34 K).  Similar to Oakland A’s 1B prospect Chris Carter, the power should increase as the summer goes along as Allen’s confidence with in his more disciplined plate approach increases.

Today’s top prospect is a repeat offender.  Cleveland Indians prospect Matt McBride went 2-4 with a grand slam HR, four RBI, a double and two runs scored.  McBride was promoted to Akron after a blistering start at High-A Kinston where he hit .405 with 6 HR 36 RBI and 15 doubles in 31 games.  Since moving to Akron, McBride has not been as good (.247 2 HR 16 RBI 7 doubles in 23 games), though much of his offensive struggles happened during the month of May.  McBride entered the ’09 season as a catcher, but he’s played the bulk of his innings as a corner outfielder as top prospect Carlos Santana is the Indians’ catcher of the future.  June’s been a hot month for McBride as he’s hit .455 in the early going.  If he can continue his torrid pace and continue to drive the ball, he may make a strong case to be considered as a solid corner outfielder for the Indians by the middle of 2010.  Given their depth at the position, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him packaged up in an off-season deal either.

AA Player of the Day—MATT MCBRIDE

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Nick Evans—2-5 2B R RBI
• Shawn Bowman—2-5 2B R RBI
• Ian Desmond—2-5 2B 2 RBI BB SB(5)
• Marvin Lowrance—3-4 HR(10) 2 RBI 2B
• Jeremy Slayden—4-4 2B 3 RBI
• Brian Jeroloman—1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Casper Wells—2-4 HR(3) RBI 2B
• Brnadon Snyder—-2-3 2 2B BB
• Matt McBride—2-4 GS HR(8) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Sean Henry—4-4 2R
• Chris Heisey—1-3 HR(13) 2 RBI
• Brandon Allen—3-4 2B 3 RBI BB
• John Shelby Jr.—1-3 HR(6) RBI
• Mike Paulk—3-5 HR(2) 4 RBI
• Jason Castro—2-4 R
• Eric Sogard—2-4 2B R
• Kellen Kulbacki—3-4 R RBI SB(2)
• Cedric Hunter—2-5 R 2 RBI
• Lance Zawadzki—2-5 2B R 3 RBI
• Chad Tracy—3-4 R 2 RBI
• Mitch Moreland—2-5 3R BB
• Matt Spencer—2-4 2R
• Drew Sutton—2-5 2B R RBI

Pitching:

• Alfredo Figardo—7.1 IP 3H 2 ER BB 10K W (5-2)
• Hector Rondon—4 IP H BB 3K
• Scott Elbert—5 IP 4H 3 ER 3 BB 9K L (2-2)
• Brian Omogrosso—5 IP 4H 2 BB 5K W (7-2)
• Jay Jackson—5 IP 4H ER 6K

6/2 AA Minor League Report

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

Yesterday was a day for top pitching prospects to strut their stuff in the AA ranks.  BoSox import Junichi Tazawa tossed seven quality innings, allowing a couple of runs and earning his 6th victory.  Baltimore Orioles lefty Jake Arrieta did even better by punching out nine and allowing two runs over 6.2 innings for his 5th win.  San Fran’s Tim Alderson allowed two runs over eight innings but lost and Dodgers youngster Josh Lindblom outdueled Arizona’s Jarrod Parker for his third win.

As good as the pitching was yesterday, not every AA hitter’s bat was silenced.  Philly’s Michael Taylor hit his 10th HR as did Cincy’s 3B prospect Juan Francisco.  Cleveland Indians top prospect Carlos Santana hit his 8th and 9th dingers while driving in three, and the group of Brandon Allen, Todd Frazier, Josh Bell,  and Quentin Berry each rapped three hits.

Top honors for the day go to Chicago White Sox OF prospect John Shelby Jr.  The son of former Baltimore Orioles and L.A. Dodgers catalyst John “T-Bone” Shelby went 4-5 with his 5th HR and five RBI.  “Treybone” got off to a somewhat slow start this year and struggled through the month of May, hitting just .200.  However, he has looked like a 5-tool talent over the last 10 games, hitting .308 with 2 HR 10 RBI and 7 runs scored.  Last season, Shelby hit .295 with 15 HR 80 RBI and 33 SB at High-A Winston-Salem.  He also amassed over 35 doubles and 80 runs for the second consectuive season. 

Critics of Shelby, point to his struggles with his plate discipline (22 BB/98 K in ‘08) as a potential pitfall to his progress as a prospect.  However, he has made significant strides through the first two months, having already walked 21 times vs. just 31 K’s.  An upward shift in his plate discipline could revive thoughts of Shelby being a bonafide top of the order hitter for the White Sox.  He is already an excellent defensive centerfielder and his blend of power and speed is always intriguing. 

The Sox have a pleasant dilemma, however, as ‘08 draftee Jordan Danks has looked spectacular as a CF candidate as well.  The younger and more projectible Danks has bested Shelby’s numbers across the board this season and seems to be on a fast track to U.S. Cellular Field, perhaps by the end of this season. 

What does this mean for Shelby?  Perhaps a trade….as the Sox have already tried to make a move for more pitching by putting together a deal for Jake Peavy.  Although that deal fell through, it did demonstrate that Sox GM Kenny Williams is holding fast to his reputation of being an aggressive wheeler and dealer.  It could also mean nothing, as Danks has been mainly playing LF since his promotion to Birmingham.  Jermaine Dye’s contract is set to expire and Danks has the arm strength and size to be an everyday rightfielder.  Also, everyday leftfielder and frequent DL denizen Carlos Quentin seems to be a better fit as a DH once Jim Thome departs. 

Center field in Chicago’s south side has been a morass of mediocrity since the days of Aaron Rowand, but both Shelby and Danks seem to be excellent candidates who can each provide solidarity to the position within the next season or so.  I think that the next couple of months will tell us a great deal about the Sox plans for both Shelby and Danks going forward and each should have a much more definitive major league role once Spring Training 2010 rolls around.

AA Player of the Day—JOHN SHELBY JR.

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Lucas Duda—2-4 HR(3) RBI 2B
• Mark Wagner—1-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Aaron Bates—2-4 2B RBI
• Brett Pill—2-3 2 2B RBI
• Beau Mills—2-4 2B BB R
• Carlos Santana—2-4 2 HR(9) 3 RBI 2R
• Nick Weglarz—2-3 2B R BB
• Quentin Berry—3-5 R
• Michael Taylor—1-4 HR(10) RBI 2R BB
• Jim Negrych—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Ryan Strieby—2-4 2B RBI BB
• Gorkys Hernandez—1-3 2b R
• Josh Bell—3-4 RBI
• Todd Frazier—3-5 2B
• Juan Francisco—1-4 HR(10) RBI
• Jordan Danks—2-5 R RBI
• Tyler Flowers—2-5 2R RBI BB
• Brandon Allen—3-5 3R
• Dayan Viciedo—2-6 R
• John Shelby Jr.—4-5 HR(5) 5 RBI 2R
• Tyler Green—1-4 2B 2R 3 RBI

Pitching:

• Travis Wood—6 IP 3H BB 6K
• Josh Lindblom—5 IP 3H 4K W (3-3)
• Jarrod Parker—6 IP 5H 2 ER 4 BB 4K L (4-2)
• Kyle Parker—7 IP 2H 2 BB 2K W (2-2)
• Kyle Cofield—7 IP 2H BB 3K W (4-2)
• Tim Alderson—8 IP 6K 2 ER 3K L (2-1)
• Jake Arrieta—6.2 IP 5H 2 ER 3 BB 9K  W (5-3)
• Junichi Tazawa—7 IP 5H 2 ER 3K W (6-3)

5/27 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 27, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

With the Texas League taking the day off, yesterday’s AA slate of games was somewhat light.  Jordan Danks hit his 2nd HR of the year and scored twice while teammate John Shelby Jr. enjoyed a nice day at the plate hitting his 4th dinger and driving in three runs.  Tampa Bay’s Desmond Jennings hit his 5th HR as did lesser known Red Sox 1B prospect Aaron Bates.

Yesterday’s top performer is New York Yankees RHP Zach McAllister.  The 21 year old tosses seven shutout innings, allowing just four hits and striking out five.  After a highly successful 2008, McAllister continues to shine in the AA ranks going 3-2 with a 1.91 ERA and 15 BB/32 K in his first 47 innings.  McAllister has a solid fastball that ranges from 91-94 MPH and he also mixes in a 89-91 MPH two seamer that has nasty sink to it.  Offspeed pitches include a solid slider and changeup that he commands well in the strike zone.  Despite his frontline starter size and velocity, McAllister pitches to contact and looks to induce ground ball outs.  I can’t help but think that he has some projection left in that frame that could add some power and velocity to his stuff.  McAllister should pitch the majority of the season at AA before earning a mid to late summer promotion to AAA.

AA Player of the Day—ZACH MCALLISTER

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Jon Lucroy—1-3 2B RBI BB
• Ty Wright—2-4 2B 2R RBI
• James Adduci—1-3 HR(1) 3 RBI BB
• Desmond Jennings—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Zack Cozart—3-4 2B 2R
• Sean Henry—1-3 2B 2R BB SB(3)
• Todd Frazier—2-4 2 RBI
• Juan Francisco—2-3 R 2 RBI
• Cyle Hankerd—3-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Jordan Danks—3-4 HR(2) RBI BB 2R
• Brandon Allen—1-3 2B R RBI 2BB
• John Shelby Jr.—2-3 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B BB
• Eduardo Nunez—4-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2R
• Collin Curtis—5-5 3R BB
• Andy Dirks—3-5 2B 3B 2 RBI R
• Brennan Boesch—2-5 2 2B R RBI
• Scott Sizemore—2-6 2 2B R
• Aaron Bates—2-4 HR(5) 2 RBI 2R
• Ryan Kalish—2-4 R RBI
• Michael Taylor—2-4 2B R RBI
• Leonard Davis—2-5 HR(6) RBI

Pitching:

• Vance Worley—7 IP 3H BB 2K W (4-2)
• Zach McAllister—7 IP 4H 2 BB 5K W (3-2)
• Lucas Harrell—5 IP 5H er 2 BB 4K W (6-1)
• Matt Torra—7 IP 5H UER 2K W (2-5)