10/28 Arizona Fall League Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 29, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Read the First Comment

Yesterday’s games saw Atlanta Braves 1B prospect Freddie Freeman continue his hot streak with three more hits.  Oakland A’s prospects Corey Brown and Jemile Weeks had nice outings as Brown rapped three more RBI’s and Weeks doubled twice and drove in two runs.  San Diego Padres prospect Lance Zawadzki put a black mark on Aaron Crow’s professional debut by taking him deep, though Crow looked pretty sharp allowing just two runs on three hits in his four innings. 

In Mesa, Andrew Cashner logged four no-hit innings, walking two and striking out four for his first win of the season.  Boston Red Sox SS/P prospect Casey Kelly had his best day with the bat, doubling, tripling and driving in four runs.

Today’s top prospect is the hands down best player in Arizona this fall, Grant Desme.  The A’s slugger remarkably tallied two more HR’s to raise his league leading total to 10.  Desme is now just four behind Brandon Wood’s AFL record and his .469 BA and 22 RBI leads the league right now.  Desme quietly had a big season for the A’s at Low-A Kane County and High-A Stockton, hitting .288 with 31 HR 89 RBI 40 SB and 98 runs scored.  Desme’s biggest culpability right now is his contact issues as he struck out 148 time in 131 games.  To date, Desme has fanned 14 times in 12 games, but his eight walks and 23 hits in that span makes his aggressive approach at the plate tolerable, if not encouraging.  Desme doesn’t have any first year cards right now, but when they do arrive (‘09 Bowman Draft?) they should command a solid market right out of the gate. 

AFL Player of the Day—GRANT DESME

Other Notable AFL Performances:

  Mesa Solar Sox 12

• Bryan Petersen—2-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Starlin Castro—2-5 RBI 2R
• Hank Conger—2-4 2B R RBI BB
• David Cooper—2-4 RBI R
• Casey Kelly—2-4 2B 3B 4 RBI R BB
• Josh Vitters—2-5 RBI R
• Andrew Cashner—4 IP 0H 2 BB 4K  W (1-2)

  Scottsdale Scorpions 5

• Brandon Crawford—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• William Susdorf—1-2 HR(2) 2 RBI 2  BB
• Buster Posey—1-3 2R BB

  Phoenix Desert Dogs 11

• Grant Desme—3-4 2 HR(1) 4 RBI 4R BB
• Brandon Waring—3-5 3B RBI 2R
• Corey Brown—2-5 3 RBI
• Jemile Weeks—3-3 2 2B 2 RBI R

  Peoria Javelinas 6

• Trayvon Robinson—2-5 RBI R
• Casper Wells—1-4 HR(3) 3 RBI
• Justin Sellers—3-4 2B R
• Jordan Danks—1-3 R RBI BB

  Peoria Saguaros 9

• Lance Zawadzki—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Jon Gaston—1-5 3B R 2 RBI
• Yonder Alonso—2-4 2R 2 RBI
• Freddie Freeman—3-4 2B R RBI BB
• Brandon Hicks—2-4 3B RBI BB
• Steven Garrison—3 IP 3H 2 BB K W (1-1)

  Surprise Rafters 0

• Reese Havens—2-4
• Aaron Crow—4 IP 3H 2 ER BB 2K L (0-1)

10/14 Arizona Fall League Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 15, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | 2 Comments to Read

Yesterday’s league action did not conjure the offensive fireworks that Tuesday’s action did, but there were a few fine performances to note.  Dustin Ackley had two hits in his first action as a pro, scoring once.  Ike Davis added two more RBI to up his league leading total to 8.  Trayvon Robinson tripled, scored and drove in a run, walking twice and stealing two bases. Domonic Brown doubled twice and drove in a run while new Arizona Diamondbacks OF prospect Cole Gillespie went 3-3 with two walks and a stolen base.

Today’s top award goes to unheralded Florida Marlins OF prospect Bryan Petersen, who collected three hits including his first AFL HR and two doubles.  Petersen’s numbers, on the surface, were solid but not standout (.297 7 HR 49 RBI 13 SB 64 runs in 121 games).  Oddly, areas that he excelled in in 2008 (23 HR 23 SB) diminished somewhat this past season, but his plate discipline (50 BB/66 K) and batting average experienced significant improvements.  All told, Petersen is a 23 year old player with a limited upside and enough athleticism and polish to be a solid contributor to a franchise.  The Marlins, however, are a team that is flush with more talented OF’s which could relegate Petersen to an eventual 4th outfielder role with the club.  He also remains someone who could draw some interest by other clubs as an inclusion in a trade, though the Marlins tend to be an organization that trades for prospects instead of shipping them out.  Until the situation changes, Petersen’s 2008 autos should continue to languish in the $3-5 range.

AFL Player of the Day—BRYAN PETERSEN

Other League Action:

  Phoenix Desert Dogs 4

• Jemile Weeks—2-5 2B R RBI SB(1)
• Chris Marrero—2-4 2B RBI BB
• Brandon Waring—1-5 HR(1) RBI

 Mesa Solar Sox 2

• Bryan Petersen—3-5 HR(1) RBI 2 2B
• Josh Vitters—3-4 2B
• Michael Stanton—2-4 SB(2)
• David Cooper—1-4 2B RBI
• Mike McCardell—2 IP H 4K

  Scottsdale Scorpions 3

• Domonic Brown—2-5 2 2B RBI
• Cole Gillespie—3-3 RBI 2 BB SB(1)
• Donald Veal—2 IP 3K

  Peoria Saguaros 1

• Jason Heyward—1-4 2B R
• Matt McBride—2-3 3B RBI BB
• Josh Rodriguez—2-4 2B

  Surprise Rafters 6

• Ruben Tejeda—2-5 2R RBI
• Mike Moustakas—1-4 2B R RBI
• Austin Romine—3-4 RBI
• Ike Davis—1-3 2 RBI
• Trey Henley—2-3 RBI R BB

  Peoria Javelinas  4

• Trayvon Robinson—1-3 3R R RBI 2 BB 2 SB(2)
• C.J. Retherford—1-4 3B RBI R
• Taylor Green—1-2 2 BB
• Dustin Ackley—2-4 R

5/18 High-A Minor League Report

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

San Francisco’s Buster Posey and L.A. Dodgers 3B prospect Edgardo Baez each hit their 6th HR’s yesterday with Posey batting in four runs.  Baltimore Orioles prospects Tyler Henson and Billy Rowell each went deep as did St. Louis Cardinals OF prospect Shane Peterson.  On the bump, Cardinals RHP Brian Broderick tossed eight scoreless innings for his second win.

Today’s top player at the High-A ranks is no stranger to the prospecting industry.  Pittsburgh’s top pick from last year Pedro Alvarez went 3-5 with his 8th HR, two RBI and three runs scored.  Alvarez has gotten off to a slow start average-wise, but has hit much better over his last 10 games.  Alvarez drew some fire from Pittsburgh media for showing up to spring training overweight and out of shape, but he seems to be starting to find his stride after hitting just .219 in April.  He remains a top tier offensive talent that should hit 30+ HR perennially for the improving Pirates organizaiton.

High-A Player of the Day—PEDRO ALVAREZ

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Engel Beltre—2-5 2R 3B SB(8)
• Taylor Harbin—4-5 SB(6)
• Brad Chalk—3-5 R RBI
• Trayvon Robinson—2-4 2R RBI 3 SB(13)
• Edgardo Baez—1-3 HR(6) RBI 2R BB
• Buster Posey—2-4 HR(6) 4 RBI
• Nick Noonan—1-4 2B 2R BB
• Charlie Blackmon—2-4 2R RBI
• Maikol Gonzalez—2-3 2 RBI 2 BB SB(5) R
• Pedro Alvarez—3-5 HR(8) 2 RBI 3R 2B BB
• Jordy Mercer—1-6 2B 2R RBI SB(4)
• Alex Presley—2-6 3b 2 RBI
• Ty Henson—2-5 HR(3) 3 RBI 2R BB SB(9)
• Brandon Waring—2-5 2 RBI 2 2B BB
• Billy Rowell—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Caleb Joseph—4-6 2B R RBI
• Pedro Florimon Jr.—2-6 2B R RBI 2 SB(8)
• Darin Mastoianni—2-5 2 2B R RBI
• Kevin Ahrens—3-4 2 2B
• Shane Peterson—2-4 HR(3) 3 RBI 2B 2R BB

Pitching:

• Brian Broderick—8 IP 4H ER 2K W (3-3)
• Leandro Cespedes—6 IP 6H 2 ER BB 6K L (1-1)

4/14 High-A Minor League Report

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

CAROLINA LEAGUE

Freddie Freeman and Cody Johnson both homered, but Brian Matusz was able to pitche well enough to earn a win against Myrtle Beach.  Salvador Sanchez hit his third HR of the season, but it was the Indians’ 21 year old flame thrower Kelvin De La Cruz who takes home top prospect honors after his electifying six inning, nine strikeout shutout performance en route to his second win of the year.  This effort comes on the heels of a season debut in which he struck out 10 hitters over six innings.

Carolina League Player of the Day—KELVIN DE LA CRUZ

Other Notable Performances:

• Salvador Sanchez—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Jordy Mercer—2-5 R RBI SB(1)
• David Hague—3-4 2 RBI
• Kelvin De La Cruz—6 IP 4H 9K W(2)
• Alex Caldera—5 IP 4H ER BB 2K L(1)
• Tyler Henson—1-4 2 RBI R 2 BB SB(1)
• Brandon Waring—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Caleb Joseph—3-5 RBI R
• Pedro Florimon Jr.—2-5 2R SB(1)
• Chris Vineyard—1-3 2B 2 RBI 2 BB
• Brian Matusz—5 IP 4H 3 ER 3 BB 6K W(1)
• Jason Heyward—2-4 2B R
• Freddie Freeman—1-4 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Cody Johnson—2-3 HR(4) RBI 2B 2R BB

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE

Darin Mastroianni is the early clubhouse leader with six stolen bases this year, but Greg Veloz is closing in gathering his fourth yesterday.  The Cardinals’ younger OF prospect Shane Peterson (they have two in their system) continues to hit gathering two hits and an RBI but it was Adron Chambers who blew away the competition with a 4-4 two triple, two run game.

Florida State League Player of the Game—ADRON CHAMBERS

Other Notable Performances:

• Justin Reed—1-4 3B R RBI BB SB(2)
• Adron Chambers—4-4 2 3B 2R RBI SB(1)
• Shane Peterson—2-4 RBI
• Pete Kozma—1-5 2B 2 RBI
• Matt Fields—1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Greg Veloz—2-5 R SB(4)
• Ike Davis—2-4
• Zach Lutz—2-5 2B RBI
• Darin Mastroianni—2-2 3B 3 BB 2 SB(6)
• Eric Thames—2-4 2R 3 RBI 3B BB
• Kevin Ahrens—1-4 2B RBI BB
• Russ Canzler—2-4 2R

CALIFORNIA LEAGUE

Collin Cowgill and Mitch Moreland went deep on Wednesday and Chris Minaker, Jose Felix, and Jonathan Greene each rapped four hits.  On the mound, Trevor Reckling threw six quality innings in a losing effort, and Corey Kluber did the same with winning results.  The player of the day is Giants top prospect Buster Posey whos 3-4 day included a double, walk and two RBI.  Posey is heating up and should move quickly through San Francisco’s talented farm system.

California League Player of the Day—BUSTER POSEY

Other Notable Performances:

• Alex Liddi—2-4
• Danny Payne—2-4 2R 3B 2 RBI
• Logan Forsythe—1-3 2B BB 2R
• Ali Solis—1-3 2B BB 2R
• Corey Kluber—6 IP 3H 6K W(1)
• Engel Beltre—2-5 2B 2R SB(3)
• Mitch Moreland—3-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Matt Lawson—2-4 2 RBI SB(1)
• Jonathan Greene—4-5 2B 2R RBI
• Jose Felix—4-5 2B R 3 RBI
• Buster Posey—3-4 2B 2 RBI R BB
• Brandon Crawford—1-4 2R BB
• Angel Villalona—2-4 RBI
• Darren Ford—2-5 R
• Scott Van Slyke—2-4 2B RBI
• Chris Minaker—4-4 R RBI
• Shane Wolf—5 IP 5H 2 ER BB 9K
• Bryan Shaw—5 IP 5H ER 4K W(1)
• Collin Cowgill—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI SB(2)
• Ed Easley—1-4 2 RBI
• Manny Ferrer—2-4 2R SB(1)
• Trevor Reckling—6 IP 4H ER 6K L(1)
• Jeremy Moore—2-4 2B R
• Efren Navarro—2-3 2B

4/12 High-A Minor League Report

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

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

Florida State League Player of the Day—BEN REVERE

Other Notable Performances:

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

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

Florida State League Player of the Game—COLE ROHRBOUGH

Other Notable Performances:

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

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

California League Player of the Day—BRANDON CRAWFORD 

Other Notable Performances:

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

Reds/Orioles Trade Analysis

Posted by Jeremy on December 9, 2008 under MLB Trade Analysis | Be the First to Comment

The Baltimore Orioles just consummated a traded with the Cincinnati Reds which will send catcher Ramon Hernandez to Cincinnati for part time OF Ryan Freel and prospects 3B Brandon Waring and 2B Justin Turner.  The most obvious impetous of this trade is the fact that the Orioles feel 100% confident that their top prospect Matt Wieters is ready to make the jump to the major leagues.  The market for Wieters’ cards has been nothing short of insane, with his 2007 Donruss Elite Extra autographs selling for $110-125 each and his autographed Collegiate Ties patch cards from that set selling at $50-60 each. 

Those premiums lead me to pontificate about what Wieters would need to do at the MLB level to increase these premiums.  I would venture to guess that he would need to compile some Evan Longoria-like Rookie of the Year statistics and the Orioles would need to be contenders in the very difficult A.L. East division.  Granted, Wieters has all the talent in the world to compile an offensive career similar to Mike Piazza, but I would not be surprised to see some of these cards take an initial dip in value if Wieters struggles early on.  Let’s remember, he has not had any AB’s above AA Bowie as of yet, and his Arizona Fall League performance (.301 1 HR 12 RBI) was decent but not outstanding.  I do expect Wieters will be a superstar some day, but the prices of these cards are pretty inflated at this time.

The other player that should receive some increased market attention is Brandon Waring.  Waring was expendible by the Reds as they already have an abundance of talent (Todd Frazier, Juan Francisco, Neftali Soto) at the hot corner.  The O’s don’t have many options at 3B in their farm system to replace the aging Melvin Mora.  They traded for Mike Costanzo last season, but he has not proven to be worthy of much consideration.  Former 2006 draftees Billy Rowell and Tyler Henson have considerable upside, but each of them have many questions in their plate disciplines as well.  Waring joins the bunch as being an intriguing power hitter who strikes out a bunch and doesn’t walk enough.  Watch to see how each of these guys performs next season as that should give a better bearing on who will head the organization’s list heading into 2010.

From an intial glance, this trade is a push.  Both organizations dealt from areas of surplus to address needs.  The O’s, with Wieters aboard, have no need for Hernandez and his salary.  The Reds shipped out from their surpluses to fill their gaping hole at catcher. 

What is your take on this deal?  Compared to other past deals and upcoming block busters (Jake Peavy?), this one is pretty minor, but after being sick the past few days, I thought it would be a good one to get me back into the writing groove.

9/1 Low-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on September 2, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Yesterday marked the final day of the minor league season.  Today and tomorrow, I will give a report of each minor league level’s final day of action.  Here’s a big list of prospects from the South Atlantic and Midwest Leagues. 

Michael Stanton

• 1-1 HR(39) 3 RBI 4 BB—.293 39 HR 97 RBI 89 RBI 153 K’s

Matt Hague

• 3-4 R 2 RBI BB SB(1)—.322 6 HR 32 RBI in 64 games at 2 levels

Cody Johnson

• 2-4 RBI—.252 26 HR 89 RBI 177 K’s

Gordon Beckham

• 1-5 R—.310 3 HR 8 RBI 11 R in 58 AB’s

Brent Morel

• 2-3 HR(6) 3 RBI BB SB(5)—.318 6 HR 27 RBI 12 SB over two levels

Caleb Gindl

• 2-3 R BB SB(14)—.307 13 HR 81 RBI 14 SB 38 2B 86 R

Eric Fryer

• 1-4 R 2B—.335 10 HR 63 RBI 15 SB .914 OPS

Steffan Wilson

• 2-4 R RBI—.289 19 HR 100 RBI 91 R

Nick Noonan

• 1-4 HR(9) RBI—.279 9 HR 68 RBI 29 SB 79 R

Everth Cabrera

• 2-4 2B 3B R SB(76)—.284 6 HR 38 RBI 76 SB 80 R

Kevin Ahrens

• 1-2 R 2BB—.259 5 HR 42 RBI 135 K’s

Justin Christian

• 2-5 R RBI—.294 4 HR 25 RBI 13 SB in 68 games

Michael Pineda

• 9 IP H 14K (W)—8-6 1.95 ERA 128K/138IP

Brandon Waring

• 2-3 2 RBI 2B—.270 20 HR 71 RBI 156 K’s

Zack Cozart

• 1-1 2B R—.280 14 HR 49 RBI

Mike Moustakas

• 0-1 R 2 BB SB(5)—.272 22 HR 71 RBI 77 R

Jason Taylor

• 1-2 RBI—.242 17 HR 58 RBI 40 SB 79 R 81 BB

Justin Smoak

• 2-5 R—.304 3 HR 6 RBI 9 R 56 AB’s

Mitch Moreland

• 2-5 HR( 18 ) 3 RBI—.30-4 18 HR 99 RBI 37 2B 60 BB

Gabe Jacobs

• 3-4 HR(10) RBI SB(6)—.324 10 HR 56 RBI 28 2B in 70 games at two levels

Andrew Romine

• 2-3 2 SB(62)—.260 2 HR 34 RBI 62 SB 79 R

Michael Main

• IP H 2K—3-3 2.76 ERA 59IP/65K .219 BAA

Robert Fish

• 2 IP 4K—10-4 4.85 ERA 138K/145IP

BUY/SELL Analysis

Will this star dance into K.C.'s future plans?

 Jason Taylor was not revered as a top prospect in the Royals system when the season began, but after a solid showing at Low-A Burlington where he hit .242 with 17 HR and 40 SB, he will have to be given some consideration.  Taylor was a 2nd round pick in the 2006 draft and played only a couple of games in the Arizona League late last season.  This year, the club aggressively promoted him to Burlington where he struggled through June before heating up in July and August to end the season on a high note.  Taylor has superior tools that are more refined than many young players his age.  His muscular 6′0″ 210 lb. frame shows above average power and his 40 SB is a testament to his game changing speed.  Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Taylor’s game is his impeccable plate discipline as he drew a league-high 81 walks.  Taylor’s sole 1st year cards are found in the 2007 Bowman and Chrome Prospects set.  His chrome cards sell for 25-75 cents each while his serial numbered cards and refractors can be had for less than $5 each.

Market Advice: I can’t get enough of his cards.  His blend of power, speed, and plate discipline are exciting and there may not be a more underrated prospect out there right now.  This is certainly a player to BUY in abundance and be patient.  His stuff will never be this low.

8/27 Low-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 28, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Read the First Comment

Adam Coe

• 3-4 2 HR(7) 3 RBI—.249 7 HR 42 RBI 14BB/94K (thought this guy would be better)

Freddie Freeman

• 2-4 R RBI—Cooled off lately (.222 5 RBI 11K last 10 games)

Cody Johnson

• 3-4 HR(25) 4 RBI—.303 4 HR 12 RBI 8 R last 10 games (will just miss 200 K’s)

Oscar Tejeda

• 2-5 2B R RBI—Starting to play like a top prospect (.425 7 RBI 17 H last 10 games)

Darin Holcomb

• 2-4 2B 2 RBI R—.282 9 RBI 8 R last 10 games

Madison Bumgarner

• 5 IP 3H ER 9K (W)—15-3 1.46 ERA 164K/142IP (wow!)

Brandon Laird

• 2-4 HR(21) 2 RBI BB—.379 3 HR 11 RBI 8 R and a big smile

Brad Suttle

• 2-3 HR(11) 2 RBI 3R 2B 2BB—.268 11 HR 41 RB1

Austin Romine

• 3-5 HR(10) 2 RBI—.333 3 HR 7 RBI last 10 games

Justin Snyder

• 2-2 2B R 2 RBI BB-.283 7 HR 54 RBI 60 BB 75 R

Nick Noonan

• 3-4 2R RBI SB( 28 )—.289 HR 6 RBI 8R last 10 games

Brandon Waring

• 2-3 2 HR(20) 3 RBI BB—.266 20 HR 67 RBI 153 K’s

Neftali Soto

• 1-3 HR(10) 2 RBI—.452 2 HR 13 RBI 19 H last 10 games

Jeremy Horst

• 6 IP 2H 2BB 6K (W)—5-0 1.52 ERA 51K/49IP last 10 games

Tim Smith

• 2-4 HR(13) 2 RBI—.302 13 HR 70 RBI 12 SB

Jovan Rosa

• 3-4 2 2B—8-13 6 2B 3 R last 3 games

Mike Moustakas

• 3-4 2B R 2 RBI—.327 13 HR 40 RBI 15 2B since the All-Star break

Jeremy Moore

• 1-4 HR(17) RBI—.289 3 HR 6 RBI last 10 games

Robert Fish

• 6 IP 3H ER 3BB 8K (W)—10-4 4.91 ERA 134K/141IP

BUY/SELL Analysis

Madison, Alderson, Lincecum...OH MY!

Is there a pitcher having a better season right now than Madison Bumgarner?  Less than a month removed from his 19th birthday, Bumgarner is putting up Playstation-like numbers in the South Atlantic League going 15-3 with a 1.46 ERA and a sterling 21BB/164K ratio.  Hitters have managed to hit an anemic .216 against the big southpaw.  Bumgarner brings heat, regularly hitting 93-95 MPH with a lively fastball that saws off right-handed batters.  Bumgarner has a sharp breaking slurve and is improving his changeup.  Bumgarner has cards in the 2007 Bowman Draft and Chrome set as well as autos (#’ed to 794) in the ‘07 Donruss Elite Extra set and Bowman Sterling set.  His Donruss Elite and Bowman Sterling autos sell for $25-30 each while his chrome cards regularly can be found in bulk at $1.50-2.00 a card. 

Market Advice: Normally, I have a hard time paying premium prices for pitchers, albiet young ones.  However, Bumgarner is special.  His exceptional athleticism, powerful frame and firm grasp of the strike zone has placed him on the fast track to San Francisco.  He has the ability to dominate at ever level he pitches.  The thought of a rotation that features Bumgarner, fellow ‘07 1st rounder Tim Alderson (who is also having a stellar season), and future Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum must have Giants fans drooling.  His autos are a good BUY at these prices, but I would opt for the Bowman Draft and Chrome cards in copious quantities.

8/22 Low A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 24, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Brandon Waring

• 2-3 HR( 18 ) 2 RBI 2B—.267 18 HR 64 RBI 147 K’s

Jonathan Kibler

• 5 IP 6H 3 ER BB 5K—14-5 1.75 ERA 126K/154IP

Jeremy Horst

• 5.1 IP 6H ER BB K (W)—7-2 2.53 ERA 104K/96IP

Jeremy McBryde

• 5 IP 4H 2 ER 12K—7-8 4.33 ERA 147K/127IP

Pat McAnaney

• 5 IP 4H BB 4K (W)—4-2 0.94 ERA 49K/48IP .190 BAA

Mike Moustakas

• 2-3 2B R BB—.271 21 HR 67 RBI 71 R

Jeremy Moore

• 2-5 HR(16) 2 RBI BB SB( 28 )—.247 16 HR 46 RBI 11 3B 28 SB

Robert Fish

• 6.1 IP 9H 3ER BB 8K (W)—9-4 5.07 ERA 126K/135IP

Engel Beltre

• 1-4 HR( 8 ) RBI—.283 8 HR 45 RBI 84R 29 SB

Carlos Hernandez

• 6 IP 4H ER 6K (W)—7-0 2.10 ERA 66K/73IP

Michael Main

• 4 IP 4H 2 ER BB 6K (L)—3-3 2.79 ERA 57K/52IP

Caleb Gindl

• 3-4 HR(13) 3 RBI 2R—4th consecutive HR game (.415 5 HR 11 RBI 11 R last 10 games)

Darin Holcomb

• 2-4 2 RBI—.316 13 HR 93 RBI 86 R 60BB/60K 44 2B

Reid Fronk

• 2-3 2 HR(15) 2 RBI—.275 15 HR 73 RBI 15 SB 67 BB

Jesus Montero

• 3-4 2R 2 RBI—.320 16 HR 79 RBI 32 2B 79 R

Oscar Tejeda

• 3-5 2R 2 RBI—.366 7 RBI 15H last 10 games

Brent Morel

• 2-3 HR(3) RBI 2B 2R BB—.278 3 HR 6 RBI 8R last 10 games

Michael Durant

• 1-5 HR(17) RBI—.231 17 HR 64 RBI 128K

Travis D’Arnaud

• 3-5 HR(6) RBI 2B—.469 2 HR 5 RBi 9R 16H in 8 games with Lakewood

T.J. Warren

• 3-4 R BB SB(5)—.272 2 HR 30 RBI 5 SB in 62 games

BUY/SELL Analysis

Needs oven mitts to hold his bat!

Travis D’Arnaud was a supplimental 1st round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2007 draft.  Lauded for his athleticism and arm strength behind the plate, D’Arnaud’s main question areas revolved around his bat.  Some scouts were not sold on his ability to hit professional pitching but his athleticism and projectible frame has promise of producing power as he develops.  This season, D’Arnaud debuted at Short Season Williamsport where he hit .309 with 4 HR 25 RBI and 13 2B’s in 175 AB’s.  His BB/K ratio of 18/29 was very respectible and earned him a promotion to Low-A Lakewood.  D’Arnaud ramped up his production in his first 8 games hitting .429 with 2 HR 5 RBI and 5 BB’s.  While Travis will most likely not maintain this torrid pace, he has done much to dispell the critics of his bat thusfar.  D’Arnaud has his only 1st year cards in the 2007 Bowman Draft and Chrome set.  Similar to other prospects in that set like Corey Brown, Justin Jackson, Ed Easley, Julio Borbon and Kyle Lotzkar, D’Arnaud has both a chrome base card and autograph available.  His base cards are not in high demand right now and can be found in bunches for 25-50 cents each.  His autos are a little more popular, but not in super high demand either ranging from $5-7 each.

Market Advice: D’Arnaud has the tools to advance steadily through the Phillies farm system.  Looking to the future, D’Arnaud really only has Lou Marson blocking him as a potential backstop for the Phillies in the next 3 seasons.  I think D’Arnaud has more long term upside than Marson, though Marson is at this stage much more polished.  I think it is reasonable to expect that D’Arnaud could be a 15-20 HR per season hitter in the major leagues.  That being said, keep a close eye on him to see how he performs next year at Clearwater and, possibly, Reading.  While plucking his cards right now is a speculative venture, my prognosticative gut tells me that $5-7 per auto is the lowest price that you will be paying for his cards for the next few seasons. BUY, BUY, BUY.