PPR Mailbag: Chris Carter and Brett Wallace

Posted by Jeremy on August 12, 2009 under Readers Mailbag | Read the First Comment

I plucked these questions from a previous comments thread and thought they would make great mailbag discussion questions. Feel free to add your input and thank you Eric for the questions.

Question: Does Chris Carter have any future at 1B or is he a full-time DH when he hits the ML circuit?  Also, do you think Brett Wallace will have to move across the diamond to 1B or are they going to everything they can to keep him at 3B?

Answer: Carter’s defense has been an area of question for some time now, but a brief look at the numbers indicates that he has made measurable improvements this season.  Last year, Carter committed 10 errors in just 41 games at 1B at High-A Stockton, but this season he’s cut that down to seven errors in 98 games at 1B.  While I haven’t watched him in person (something I hope to rectify next season), he seems to be more agile and athletic than last year, as testified by his increased SB totals and better fielding statistics.  The A’s already have a potential Gold Glove 1B in Sean Doolittle, but the Virginia alum has been on the DL since late May and looks to be a future RF for the A’s.  I am quite optimistic that Carter will be the future 1B for the A’s by as soon as the middle of next season.

Brett Wallace is an adaquate defensive 3B prospect whose below average athleticism and mobility is compensated by a good work ethic and soft hands.  The A’s don’t have any other third base prospects with the offensive upside of Wallace, which should prompt the A’s to compromise some defensive mobility in favor of a better bat in the lineup (something that they are quite used to doing).  Eventually Wallace should shift to a new position, but don’t be surprised if it is DH rather than 1B.

8/4 AAA Minor League Report

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

Eric Young Jr. couldn’t stay off of the bases as he rapped two hits and drew three walks yesterday, scoring three times.  Oddly, he didn’t add to his PCL-leading total of 54 stolen bases but his three runs scored yesterday brings his season total to an MiLB high of 99 for the season.  Young’s name was bantied about in trade rumors but the Rockies held fast to their speedy 2B prospect.  There was some thought prior to last season of moving Young to the outfield where his speed and marginal infield glove would be a better fit.  Young has work dilligently over the past couple of years to improve his infield defense, cutting his errors nearly in half and raising his fielding percentage by more than 20 points.  Clint Barmes is the current second basemen for the Rockies, but he is arbitration eligible and due to receive a raise from his current $1.6M contract.  Young is ready to take over the helm and is a much more potent top of the lineup hitter.  Unlike many speedsters, Young has some pop in his bat.  This season, the 24 year old has collected 30 XBH and his 49 BB/64 K ratio falls in line with a prototypical top of the order hitter.  Expect Young to get his callup by September and to be the odds on favorite to be the opening day starter in 2010.

Today’s top prospect is rapidly rising catcher Buster Posey.  The Giants’ future backstop hit his first AAA HR, driving in four runs and scoring twice.  Posey had gotten off to a slow start after his promotion, but has regrouped to hit .281 over his last 10 games.  Posey’s plate discipline has not waned as he has a 55 BB/55 K ratio.  I expect Posey to continue to swing a hot bat through the rest of the AAA season, which should enhance his chances to earn some playing time behind Benji Molina at some point in September.  Molina’s contract expires at the end of the ‘09 season and it seems quite reasonable that he will not return to the Giants in 2010.  The market for Posey’s cards is understandibly hot right now as he has rapidly shot up through San Francisco’s farm system.  His top selling cards are his 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft autos which command a healthy $37-42 each.  There are more affordable first year autos to be had, like his ‘08 Donruss Elite Extra autos (#/934) which command $27-32 each, 08 Bowman Sterling ($24-27), and ‘08 Razor ($20-22).  Even with this elevated market, I think there is still room for some value growth in his products, especially if he can help contribute to the Giants’ pennant run.  A more opportune time to purchase his first year autos, though, should be during the offseason when the collecting masses diverts its attention to football cards and memorabilia.

AAA Player of the Day—BUSTER POSEY

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Jaime Hoffmann—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI SB(14)
• Tony Abreu—2-5 HR(8) 2 RBI
• Joe Koshansky—1-5 HR(18) 2 RBI
• Angel Salome—1-1 R RBI 2 BB
• Buster Posey—2-4 HR(14) 4 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Brett Wallace—2-5 2B R RBI
• Eric Young Jr.—2-3 3R 3B 2 RBI 3 BB
• Kila Ka’aihue—3-5 r RBI
• Van Pope—2-3 HR(4) RBI 2R SB(2)
• Michael Brantley—2-3 BB SB(37)
• Brandon Snyder—3-5 2R SB(3)
• Nick Evans—3-5 2 2B R
• Jeff Frazier—3-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Chris Heisey—3-4 2B
• Neil Walker—1-4 2B R 4 RBI
• Desmond Jennings—2-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Matt Joyce—3-4 2 RBI
• Jose Morales—2-3 2 2B 2 RBI BB

Pitching:

• Drew Carpenter—6 IP 6H 2 ER BB 6K W (9-2)
• Travis Wood—7 IP 3H 2 BB 4K W (10-4)

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

7/27 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 28, 2009 under Minor League Ball today, Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Former Oakland A’s farm hand and current San Diego Padres OF prospect Dan Putnam hit his 14th HR of the season and drove in three runs in a three hit outing.  Putnam has been solid over his last 10 games batting .361 with 3 HR 17 RBI and 7 doubles.  At 26 years old, time is ticking for Putnam to make an impact at the major league level.  He’s proven to be a consistent power hitter over the past few seasons but has never been quite good enough to stand out above his peers.  That shouldn’t change at San Diego.  He’ll likely earn a look in September but the Padres will likely be much more interested in getting a better look at fellow Portland teammate Chad Huffman.

Today’s top player is a former MLB flash in the pan Florida Marlins 2B propect Tony Abreu.  The ex-Dodger had a perfect day at the plate yesterday, going 5-5 with his 6th HR, 3 RBI and 3 doubles.  Abreu has bounced back nicely with the Marlins after missing the entire 2008 season, hitting .348 with 6 HR 29 RBI 11 doubles and 20 runs scored in just 27 games with Albuquerque.  Abreu’s first year cards in various 2007 sets experienced an uptick of popularity after his solid debut with the Dodgers in ‘07 and there could be an opportunity for the cards to be, likely to a lesser degree, relevant again.  The Marlins have already switched former 2B Chris Coghlan to the outfield and it has long been rumored that the future of Dan Uggla as a member of the Marlins is not a long one.  Abreu is still just 24 years old and his switch hitting bat has proven to be a consistent one with decent gap power and the ability to hit for a high average.  The market for Abreu’s 2007 products is deflated, making this the perfect opportunity to add a low serial #’ed rookie card to your portfolio for less than $5.

AAA Player of the Day—TONY ABREU

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Cole Gillespie—1-2 Hr(9) 2 RBI BB SB(11)
• Jon Jay—2-5 R SB(17)
• Tyler Greene—3-5 HR(7) 2 RBI
• Allen Craig—2-3 HR(15) 2 RBI 2R
• Mark Hamilton—4-5 2 HR(10) 4 RBI
• Alejandro De Aza—3-6 3B RBI 2R
• Cameron Maybin—1-3 2B R 3 RBI 3 BB
• John Raynor—1-2 HR(4) RBI 2 BB 3R
• Austin Jackson—2-5 2B RBI
• Cliff Pennington—2-4 2B 2R
• Aaron Cunningham—2-4 2 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Brett Wallace—2-4 2 2B R RBI
• Tony Abreu—5-5 3 2B HR(6) 3 RBI
• Alcides Escobar—1-4 2R SB(36)
• Joaquin Arias—3-4 3R HR(5) RBI
• Ian Desmond—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Brandon Snyder—1-4 2 RBI
• Justin Turner—2-4 2B RBI
• Reid Brignac—1-3 2B R RBI 2 BB SB(5)
• Rhyne Hughes—3-3 2 2B R BB
• Cole Armstrong—2-4 HR(8) 2 RBI 2B
• Chad Huffman—2-5 HR(14) 3 RBI 2R
• Dan Putnam—3-4 2B HR(14) 3 RBI

Pitching:

• Jeff Manship—8 IP 7H ER 3 BB 3K
• Fabio Castro—7 IP 2H 2 BB 10K W (7-5)
• Shairon Martis—7 IP 5H BB 3K W (3-1)

7/7 AAA Minor League Report

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

The family is finally in bed and after a long day, I am able to sit down at my computer and check box scores!

Yesterday’s action at the AAA ranks saw Minnesota Twins 3B prospect Danny Valencia stroke another two hits, scoring twice and driving in three runs.  Since his promotion to Rochester, Valencia has torn the cover off of the ball, hitting .352 with 2 HR 12 RBI and 12 runs scored in 15 games.  The former Miami Hurricane has made significant steps in increasing his plate discipline, as testified by his 33 BB/47 K ratio, and has shown decent power numbers by hitting 9 HR, driving in 41 runs and smacking 19 doubles.  The Twins currently have Joe Crede manning the hot corner and, while he’s had a solid power numbers this year and has played good defense, his low batting average and impending free agency makes him an unlikely candidate to return to the Twins.  Valencia has an opportunity to take the next step forward and nestle into a full time role with MInnesota as early as April of next year. 

Today’s top AAA prospect is San Diego Padres OF Chad Huffman.  The stocky 24 year old righty went 3-4 with his 12th HR, two doubles, four RBI and two runs scored yesterday.  Huffman’s big day raised his average to .246 and has been swinging a hot bat through the first seven games in July.  Huffman has boosted his power numbers this season, but at the expense of his plate discipline.  Regardless of his inconsistencies, Huffman remains a strong and offensively adept OF who is a gritty competitor and tireless worker.  Players of that caliber inevitably grind their way onto major league rosters in some capacity.  The Padres are chocked full of outfielders with higher upsides than Huffman, but most of them are still at the single-A levels right now.  That gives the former TCU Horned Frog a brief window of opportunity to wriggle his way into a major league job.  Expect him to get a look in September.

AAA Player of the Day—CHAD HUFFMAN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• John Raynor—2-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Chad Huffman—3-4 HR(12) 4 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Chin-Lung Hu—3-4 BB
• Cole Gillespie—1-3 2B 2R BB
• Joaquin Arias—4-5 3 RBI R
• Chris Davis—3-4 2B 3B 2R RBI
• Greg Golson—4-5 3R
• Yorandy Ramirez—2-4 HR(9) RBI
• Mark Hamilton—2-4 2B R
• Brett Wallace—2-3 RBI BB
• Jeff Clement—2-5 2B HR(12) 4 RBI
• Mike Carp—0-2 2 BB 3R
• Brandon Wood—2-4 HR(16) RBI 2B 2R
• Jesus Guzman—2-4 2R RBI BB
• Jacob Hester—2-5 2 2B
• Danny Valencia—2-4 2R 3 RBI BB
• David Winfree—4-5 HR(10) 2 RBI
• Reid Brignac—2-5 2 RBI
• Brian Bixler—2-6 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Shelby Ford—2-4 2 2B 3R BB
• Michael Brantley—3-5 2B R
• Trevor Crowe—1-5 3B 2 RBI
• Matt LaPorta—2-4 2 RBI
• Juan Miranda—3-4 HR(11) RBI 2R BB
• Brandon Snyder—2-4 R 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Will Inman—6 IP 6H 2 ER BB 4K W (1-4)
• Bryan Augenstien—5 IP 6H 2 ER BB 4K W (2-4)
• Clay Buchholz—6 IP 4H 2 ER 4 BB 4K W (7-1)
• Jake Arrieta—6.1 IP 7H 4 ER BB 8K W (8-5)

6/18 AAA Minor League Report

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

Texas Rangers OF prospect Julio Borbon went 3-5 with an RBI and two runs scored yesterday.  His trifecta of base knocks marked the fourth consecutive multi-hit game for the former Tennessee Volunteer.  June has been a great month for Borbon as he has hit .373 so far, raising his season average to .307.  Last year, Borbon torched the basepaths for 66 SB and showed decent power over two levels, hitting seven HR’s.  Though he hasn’t rendered the same results through the midpoint of this season, his 18 SB and 10 doubles has helped to make him an intriguing prospect for a regular spot with the Rangers in 2010 or, perhaps a valued trading chip for a resurgent Rangers team vying for a post season nod.  Either way, Borbon’s days as a minor leaguer are numbered.  He presents a highly polished blend of speed, plate discipline, hitting ability and defense desired of a top tier leadoff hitter. 

Today’s top prospect comes from the Oakland A’s farm system.  Hard throwing lefty Gio Gonzalez mowed down 10 hitters through 5.1 shutout innings, allowing four hits and only one walk.  Gonzalez’s career course has been frustrating to those that have invested in his cards as he has been shuttled from Oakland to Sacramento several times over the last two seasons.  Control has been the key determinant in the 24 year old’s level of success.  When it’s on, Gonzalez has a mid-90’s heater and an upper-70’s yakker that baffles hitters at any level.  When he’s off, Gonzalez racks up walks at a copious rate and gets hit hard with misplaced fastballs.  Gonzo was awful during his stint with the A’s once again, racking up a 7.27 ERA in his 8.2 innings, allowing seven walks and striking out seven.  His performance yesterday marks the second consecutive one in which he has not allowed a walk and, therefore, has not allowed a run.  He’s still very young and has a chance to refine his command.  With the depth of quality arms in Oakland’s farm system and the probability that the A’s will be sellers at the trade deadline, the need for Gonzalez to compile a greater semblance of consistency is greater than it has ever been.  Watch his next couple starts carefully, but more importantly, keep tabs on his next stint with the A’s.  I think it will speak volumes about his future.

AAA Player of the Day—GIO GONZALEZ

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Allen Craig—2-4 HR(7) RBI
• Brett Wallace—1-4 HR(8) RBI
• Jarrett Hoffpauir—1-4 HR(9) RBI
• Steve Clevenger—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Joe Koshansky—2-6 2B RBI
• Angel Salome—2-5 HR93) 2 RBI 2R
• Cole Gillespie—1-3 3B R BB
• Julio Borbon—3-5 2R RBI BB
• Joaquin Arias—3-6 RBI
• Jose Vallejo—2-5 HR(2) 2  RBI
• Chris Johnson—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Cameron Maybin—3-4 2B 3R RBI 2 BB
• Jai Miller—2-5 2B R 3 RBI
• Brian Bogusevic—2-4 RBI
• Jamie Hoffmann—2-4 2B 2R
• Michael Saunders—1-5 HR(8) RBI
• Kevin Frandsen—2-4 HR(7) RBI 3B 2R
• Kyle Blanks—1-3 HR(12) 3 RBI BB
• Cliff Pennington—1-2 3b R 4 RBI BB
• David Winfree—1-1 2B 3 RBI
• Michael Brantley—3-5 R
• Brandon Jones—2-5 2 2B 2R
• Steven Pearce—1-4 HR(11) RBI

Pitching:

• Chris Tillman—6 IP 4H 3 ER 2 BB 4K L (5-4)
• Carlos Gonzalez—5.1 IP 4H BB 10 K W (2-1)
• Carlos Torres—5 IP 0H 5K W (5-4)
• Anthony Swarzak—7 IP 8H 2 ER 2 BB 2K

5/21 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 22, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Brett Wallace hit his first HR at AAA and looks to be a strong contender to get a shot with St. Louis at some point this season.  Wallace is destroying AAA pitching to the tune of a .524 BA in his first five games.  Yankees 1B prospect Juan Miranda belted his 7th HR today, driving in three and scoring four runs in helping George Kontos earn his 3rd win.  Matt Wieters hit his 5th HR and drove in two, while Angels 2B prospect Sean Rodriguez blasted his 15th dinger and drove in two runs.

Today’s top prospect is no stranger to this list as Tommy Hanson tossed six innings of one-hit ball striking out nine for his third win.  Hanson’s top notch performance lowered his ERA to 1.51 and increased his MiLB-leading strikeout total to 73 in just 53.1 IP.  Teammate Kris Medlen made his MLB debut tonight with the Braves and struggled mightily walking five and surrendering five runs through just three innings of work.  It seems as if the Braves are counting the days until June 1st rolls around in order to avoid starting Hanson’s arbitration clock.  Once it does, expect Atlanta to find a way to fit Hanson into their rotation.

AAA Player of the Day—TOMMY HANSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Drew Stubbs—2-3 R RBI
• Trevor Crowe—4-5 2B 2R SB(5)
• Fernando Martinez—2-4 2B R
• Brandon Jones—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Reid Brignac—3-3 2B R RBI BB
• Matt Joyce—3-5 2 2B R 2 RBI
• Austin Jackson—1-4 R 3 RBI 2 BB
• Matt Wieters—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Eric Patterson—2-5 2B 2 RBI SB(18)
• John Raynor—2-3 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Sean Rodriguez—1-3 HR(15) RBI 2 BB
• Brett Wallace—3-4 3-4 HR(5) RBI 2 BB
• Freddy Sandoval—1-3 HR(5) RBI 2 BB
• Allen Craig—2-5 2 RBI
• Jeff Clement—4-5 2 2B 3 RBI R
• Michael Saunders—2-4 2B 2R BB
• Alcides Escobar—2-4 2 2B 2R
• Chad Huffman—1-3 HR(9) 3 RBI bb 2R
• Julio Borbon—3-5 2B R SB(9)
• Max Ramirez—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Neftali Feliz—6 IP 4H ER BB 4K
• Tommy Hanson—6 IP H BB 9K W (3-3)
• Drew Carpenter—6 IP 8H 3 BB 2K
• George Kontos—6 IP 2H 2 BB K W (3-2)

5/16 AAA Minor League Report

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

I have a little window of time to give you the reports for Saturday’s games as I have been super busy with family festivities.  Saturday’s games saw Tommy Hanson continue his dominance of the International league as he threw seven two-hit innings of shutout ball striking out seven and earning his second win of the season.  Teammate and best friend Kris Medlen may be beating him to the Braves rotation, but rest assured that they will both be pitching there for the bulk of the 2009 season.  Brett Wallace looked exceptional in his AAA debut going 3-4 with two runs and an RBI.  His presence in Memphis’ lineup should help to improve the bats of both Jon Jay and Allen Craig.  As good as Wallace was, he was outshone by the sterling pitching performance of P.J. Walters who tossed a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits and striking out 9.  Jake Fox continues to put forth an MVP performance this season with a 3-4 day scoring two runs and raising his season average to .429.  On Friday night, Fox clubbed his 16th HR and, with his 46 RBI, he has continually pushed the envelope for another Cubbie callup.

Today’s top L.A. Angels prospect is 2B/SS Sean Rodriguez.  Sean-Rod went 5-5 with two HR, boosting his total to 14, and driving in 5 RBI.  He also scored three times.  The Angels are a team that is impending transition with several of their stars aging, therefore ushering in the need for a new era of talent.  Rodriguez, along with Brandon Wood seem to be in line to inherit roles with the big league club, but they have struggled to show that capability during their brief stints with the big club.  Both Wood and Rodriguez are still just 23 years old and have immense offensive potential that should be realized within the next season or two, either with the Angels or another big league club.

AAA Player of the Day—SEAN RODRIGUEZ

Other Notable Peformances

Hitting:

• Alcides Escobar—2-4 2 2B 2R RBI
• Angel Salome—2-4 2 RBI
• Cole Gillespie—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Chad Huffman—2-2 HR(7) RBI 2BB
• Brett Wallace—3-4 2B 2R RBI
• Jon Jay—2-5 2B R
• Allen Craig—2-5 2B R
• Jake Fox—3-4 2B R
• Freddy Sandoval—2-6 2 RBI 2R SB(9)
• Matt Brown—2-4 2 HR(5) 5 RBI 3R
• Sean Rodriguez—5-5 2 HR(14) 5 RBI 3R
• Brandon Wood—1-3 3R 2 BB
• Jeff Clement—2-5 2B 2 RBI
• Mike Carp—2-4 2B 2R BB
• Adam Moore—2-4 R RBI BB
• Cliff Pennington—2-4 3 RBI R SB(10)
• Adrian Cardenas—1-2 2B 2R 2 BB SB(3)
• Fernando Martinez—1-2 R 2 BB SB(2)
• Brandon Jones—2-4 2B R RBI
• Wilkin Ramirez—4-5 2 HR(4) 2 RBI 2R

Pitching:

• David Hernandez—5.1 IP 2H 4 BB 6K W (3-1)
• Matt Maloney—7 IP 6H ER BB 5K L (3-2)
• Tommy Hanson—7 IP 2H BB 7K W (2-3)
• Gaby Hernandez—6 IP 4H ER 4 BB 4K W (3-2)
• Sean O’Sullivan—7 IP 4H 3 ER BB 9K W (3-1)
• P.J. Walters—9 IP 3H BB 8K W (2-1)

5/14 AA Minor League Report

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

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

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

AA Player of the Day—JOSH BELL

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

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

Pitching:

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

4/10 AA Minor League Report

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

Surprisingly, there’s not too much to report from the AA ranks as the Southern League took the day off to be with their mothers.  Phillies ‘08 draftee Vance Worley continues to impress as he went eight innings allowing a run on just three hits for his third victory.  Cardinals catching prospect Steven Hill blasted his eighth HR and scored three times as he is increasingly looking like a viable threat to Bryan Anderson as the organization’s top minor league backstop.  A’s slugger Chris Carter hit his third HR of the season which is a drastic decrease from last year’s 39 dinger breakout.  While the power has been down, his average and patience at the plate seem to be improved.  Expect the power numbers to increase as the summer wears on.  Cleveland Indians 1B/LF prospect Nick Weglarz has been truly disappointing for the second consecutive season, but his five RBI day culminates a 10 day stretch that saw him hit .355 with 13 RBI, giving a glimmer of hope that his .089 BA in the month of April is a thing of the past.

Today’s top player is someone I already wrote about in a previous post, San Francisco Giants RHP prospect Tim Alderson.  Alderson’s debut at AA Connecticut couldn’t have been much better than it was as he struck out 10 over 6.2 no-hit innings.  Alderson’s ability to be dominant in the strike zone was a breath of fresh air as he was quite hittable (.292 BAA) in his five starts at High-A San Jose.  Alderson has been overshadowed by the immense success of LHP Madison Bumgarner, but Sunday’s performance reiterates his immense promise as a frontline starting pitcher.

AA Player of the Day—TIM ALDERSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Shawn Bowman—3-4 HR(5) RBI 3B 2R
• Brandon Snyder—3-4 RBI
• Scott Scram—1-3 HR(4) 3 RBI BB 2R SB(1)
• Brandon Crawford—2-4 RBI
• Beau Mills—2-3 3R 2 BB
• Nick Weglarz—2-4 2B 5 RBI BB
• Chris Carter—1-3 HR(3) RBI
• Brett Wallace—2-6 2B 2R
• Steven Hill—3-5 HR(8) RBI 3R BB
• Mark Hamilton—3-5 2 HR(4) 2 RBI 2R
• Dan Delasco—3-4 HR(3) 3 RBI 2B 2R
• Ryan Mount—2-4 RBI R
• Jordan Parraz—3-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2 2B
• Daniel Mayora—3-4 RBI
• Joe Dickerson—2-3 RBI SB(4)
• Cedric Hunter—3-5 2B RBI 2R
• Mike Baxter—3-5 2B R

Pitching:

• Ernesto Frieri—6 IP 5H ER 5K W (3-1)
• Chuck Lofgren—6 IP 2H ER 2 BB 2K W (2-0)
• Tim  Alderson—6.2 IP 0H BB 10K W (2-1)
• Vance Worley—8 IP ER BB 6K W (3-0)