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)

Cliff Lee To The Phillies Trade & The eBay Market

Posted by Jeremy on August 3, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

This was an article submitted some time ago to the Cardboard Connection, but it didn’t make its way to publication.  As a result, I will post it up on PPR for your viewing pleasure.  Have some opinions on the trade deadline deals and their effects on the sports card market?  Let your opinions be known in the comments section!

As the banter between the Blue Jays and Phillies for coveted RHP Roy Halladay reached an impass, the Phillies utilized their backup plan and shipped highly regarded prospects Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, Lou Marson, and Jason Knapp to the Cleveland Indians for 2008 Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco.  Here’s a closer look at the primary pieces involved.

Cliff Lee:  The southpaw should provide the stability in the #2 rotation spot that struggling young ace Cole Hamels needs.  Lee has been one of the few bright spots for the A.L.’s worst team this year going 7-9 with a 3.14 ERA this season.  A move to the defending world champions should help breathe some life into the market for Lee’s various first year cards from 2002 as well as his autographed cards from subsequent seasons and sets.  Philadelphia is a solid collector’s market and Lee’s level of success should dictate the amount of heat that his cards generate on eBay and other sites.

Jason Donald: After a largely successful 2008 season which saw him lead Team USA to a bronze medal in Beijing and hit over .400 in the Arizona Fall League, it seemed that Donald was going to be the logical replacement for either Chase Utley or Pedro Feliz as each recovered from off season surgery.  Instead, it was Donald who struggled with injuries and missed most of June and July recovering from surgery on his torn meniscus.  In 51 games this season, the former Arizona Wildcat is hitting just .235 with one HR and 16 RBI at AAA Lehigh Valley.  Donald is a versatile infielder, able to play SS, 2B and 3B adaquately, though he best profiles at second or third defensively.  His bat should come around once his knee gets to full strength and he gets to full speed.  Donald has chart topping makeup and work ethic skills that makes him a natural leader on and off the field.  Cleveland is a rebuilding team with several holes to fill, but it seems that the one most suitable for next season will be in place of impending free agent Jamey Carroll as the team’s utility man.  Donald has enough offensive upside that he could be a 10-15 HR per season guy with good plate discipline and the ability to hit for a decent average.  From a market perspective, Donald’s card values, most notably his 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft and 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto, apexed during  last year’s AFL campaign and prior to spring training when there was much conjecture that he would be joining the Phillies as a starter.  Things have not worked out that way and the market for his stuff has waned but not disappeared.  His ‘06 Bowman Chrome Draft cards can be had from time to time in lots for 75 cents to $1.25 each and his ‘08 Sterling autos sell for $6-8 apiece.  If all goes well healthwise, it seems to be a sure bet that Donald will earn some playing time with the Indians at some point this summer.  Keep an eye on his bat to see if he can replicate some of his ‘08 magic.  If so, the market for his cards could see a nice short term boost.

Lou Marson: The acquisition of Marson is a prime indicator of a future departure of All-Star catcher Victor Martinez.  Marson has had a solid, but unspectacular season playing primarily at Lehigh Valley hitting .294 with one HR and 24 RBI in 63 games.  Marson is a solid defensive catcher with a strong arm and excellent leadership skills behind the plate.  Offensively, he has demonstrated the ability to hit for a high batting average with spectacular plate discipline, but his power numbers are below average.  Once V-Mart finds a new home, Kelly Shoppach should take over behind the plate with Marson backing him up.  Unfortunately for Marson, #1 Indians prospect Carlos Santana is not far behind and his 19 HR at AA is a prime indicator that his tenure with the club will begin very soon.  Similar to Donald’s cards, Marson’s 2004 first year cards, particularly in the Bowman Chrome Draft and SP Prospects sets, experienced their greatest values toward the end of 2008 when it was speculated by many that he would be the Phillies’ opening day catcher for 2009.  Currently his SP Prospects auto (#/550) sells for $15-18 and his Bowman Chrome Draft cards sell for less than a buck each.  He should be called up from AAA Columbus soon, perhaps immediately after the club trades Victor Martinez.

Carlos Carrasco: Baseball America tabbed the Venezuelan right-hander as the Phillies’ #1 prospect in 2008 but he has pitched like anything but in 2009.  After starting the season at 0-6, Carrasco has had much more fortune lately winning six out of his last nine decisions.  Carrasco, 21, has a tall and strong frame that oozes projectibility.  With a fastball that reaches 94 with good late life and a fading changeup he has the potential to be a solid #2 or 3 pitcher at the major league level.  Moving forward, Carrasco needs to be more consistent.  He has proven to be durable, averaging six innings per start this season, but he’s also had problems putting away hitters with regularity.  His move to the Indians will surely secure a rotation spot for him in the near future.  Carrasco has first year cards in the 2005 Bowman Chrome set that sell for $2-3 each and autographs in the 2008 Bowman Sterling set that can be had at $7-8 each.  While his ceiling remains high, Carrasco will need to prove that he’s ready to be a consistent MLB hurler in order for his cards to surpass their current prices.

Jason Knapp: The 19 year old hurler is perhaps the top prospect in this trade.  Knapp is big and burly (6-5 235 lb.) with a fastball that approaches 100 MPH. and a power slider that should be a devastating strikeout pitch in time.  Knapp’s 2-7 record and 4.01 ERA belies the  true dominance of his stuff as he’s compiled a 39 BB/111 K ratio over his first 85 innings this season and is limiting hitters to a .208 batting average.  Shoulder fatigue shut has shut Jason down for the past couple of weeks, but the Phillies organization have maintained that the move was a precautionary procedure and not injury related.  The challenge for Knapp moving forward will be his ability to sharpen the command of his two plus plus pitches.  He’s shown an aptitude for throwing a changeup and its development could determine whether Knapp is going to develop as a frontline starter or dominant closer.  Knapp has first year autos in several 2008 sets including Donruss Elite, Playoff Contenders, and Bowman Sterling.  They range from $8-12 each and his 2009 Bowman autos fetch $6-8 each. 

This deal was a true blockbuster that saw both the Phillies and Indians reap benefits.  For the Phils, they recevied yet another left handed pitcher for their rotation without having to part with Kyle Drabek, Dominic Brown, or Michael Taylor.  The acquisition of Lee levels the playing field between them and the Dodgers and should make for a thrilling NLCS showdown this year and sets them up for another pennant run in 2010.  Ben Francisco gives them an upgrade in their bench and probably spells the end of the line for John Mayberry Jr.  The Indians receive organizational depth that is, with the exception of Knapp, MLB ready.  For a rebuilding team looking to slash payroll, this was a solid, but not spectacular, haul.

Pirates/M’s and Cliff Lee Trade Analyses

Posted by Jeremy on under Market Watch | Be the First to Comment

The Cardboard Connection has posted my article I wrote in the wake of the Matt Holliday deal.  While the trade is now old news, here’s the link to the article for your viewing pleasure.

I also stayed up late last night tapping out similar articles for the Pirates/M’s trade and the Cliff Lee to Philly deal.  I think the Pirates added some significant depth to their system as did the Indians.  The M’s filled a couple of holes in their roster, but not spectacularly so.  The Phillies may have purchased a couple more trips to the World Series while keeping their trifecta of elite prospects (Kyle Drabek, Dominic Brown, and Michael Taylor). 

I will link to the Pirates/M’s trade article and Cliff Lee to Philly articles once they are posted on the Cardboard Connection.  If you haven’t checked out that site yet, do so today.  It is rapidly becoming one of the best sports card info sites on the web.

5/29 AAA Minor League Report

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

Sorry about the brief hiatus from the daily reports.  As the school year ends, my son has tons of school related activities that I get to take part in, which leads me away from the computer.  Also, I have written an article for the Cardboard Connection covering 10 much anticipated MLB debuts that we as baseball fans and card collectors can look forward to.  It has not yet been posted on the site, but when it is, I will provide a link to it.

On the the AAA docket.  Gordon Beckham rapped his first two hits as a AAA player.  Ever since Chicago served notice to Josh Fields and Chris Getz that their jobs were in jeopardy, the production from each of them has picked up significantly.  Don’t expect this to hold true for a prolonged period, though, Beckham will eventually supplant one of them. 

In other games, Matt Joyce hit his 5th dinger at Durham and career minor league slugger Joe Koshansky blasted his 10th.  Jesus Guzman’s tenure with the Giants during their interleague stretch was brief and unproductive, but he has gone right back to tatooing the ball at Fresno, hitting his 7th HR, driving in three and scoring twice. 

Today’s top performer was Colorado Rockies 2B prospect Eric Young Jr.  The 24 year old speedster went 4-5 with a double three runs scored an RBI and his league-leading 28th SB.  Young put together a memorable Arizona Fall League performance this past winter by hitting .430 with 5 HR 20 RBI and 37 runs scored in just 31 games.  Additionally, Young was 20 for 21 in SB attempts and earned a respectible 12 BB/14 K ratio.  While he has not be as impressive at AAA Colorado Springs, he has still shown that he is a viable top of the order candidate for a struggling Rockies franchise.  Through the first two months of the season, Young has hit .291 with a HR 15 RBI 41 runs scored and 28 SB in 34 chances.  It would be nice to see him produce some of the same promising power numbers that he put up in Arizona.  Defensively, Young is still a bit rough around the edges.  He has poor footwork at times and is a more natural fit for the outfield.  However, his best opportunities in Colorado will happen if he can stick at 2B, as the Rockies are quite loaded with talented young outfielders.  Currently, Clint Barmes has garnered a major share of the playing time at 2B, but his diminuative production, coupled with Colorado’s profound struggles this season, could pave the way for Young to earn an opportunity at some point this summer.

AAA Player of the Day—ERIC YOUNG JR.

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Gordon Beckham—2-3 RBI
• Matt Joyce—1-4 Hr(5) 3 RBI
• Lou Marson—3-4 2B R RBI
• Justin Turner—3-5 2B 4 RBI
• Joe Koshansky—1-3 HR(10) RBI BB
• Steven Pearce—4-5 2B 4R RBI
• Neil Walker—2-4 2B R 3 RBI
• Brian Bixler—2-4 2B R 3 RBI
• Chris Johnson—1-4 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Julio Borbon—1-4 RBI R BB SB(12)
• Greg Golson—3-4 3B RBI 2R BB SB (6)
• Alex Romero—2-3 2B 3 RBI 2 BB
• Michael Saunders—2-4 2R RBI BB
• Jeff Clement—1-4 2B 2R BB
• Adam Moore—3-4 R
• Eric Young Jr.—4-5 2B 3R RBI SB(28)
• Cliff Pennington—2-4 2B SB(17)

Pitching:

• Lucas French—7 IP 5H BB 6K W (3-3)
• Charlie Morton—9 IP 7H BB 7K W (7-2)
• Carlos Carrasco—7 IP 6H 2 ER 2 BB 6K
• PJ Walters—8.1 IP 6H Er 2 BB 4K
• Cesar Valdez—8 IP 2H BB 6K W (3-4)
• Gio Gonzalez—7 IP 2H 3 BB 6K

4/16 AAA Minor League Report

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

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Neftali Feliz won his first game of the season, thanks in large part to a 12 run fourth inning put up by Oklahoma City’s offense.  Carlos Gonzalez got his season on track with a three run, two RBI performance against Tuscon.  Jon Jay and Mat Gamel continue to swing hot bats, but not as hot as Angels 2B prospect Sean Rodriguez who hit his third HR of the season with three RBI and three runs scored.

Pacific Coast League Player of the Day—SEAN RODRIGUEZ

Other Notable Peformances:

• Josh Whitesell—2-4 R RBI
• Carlos Gonzalez—2-3 3R 2 2B 2 RBI 2 BB
• Matt Miller—3-4 2 RBI R 2B
• John Raynor—2-4 2B 2R BB
• Gaby Sanchez—2-5 2 RBI
• Jon Jay—2-3 2B 2R RBI
• Shane Robinson—2-5 R RBI
• Tyler Greene—2-4 2R
• Allen Craig—1-4 2B RBI
• Jess Todd—2 IP 2H 2K SV(1)
• Julio Borbon—2-5 2R 2 RBI 2 BB
• Max Ramirez—2-6 R RBI
• Joaquin Arias—2-4 3R RBI BB
• Greg Golson—2-3 2B 2R 3 BB 3 RBI
• Neftali Feliz—5 IP 3H 2 Er 2 BB 5K W(1)
• Mat Gamel—2-4 2B R
• Hernan Iribarren—1-4 3B RBI R
• Kila Ka’aihue—1-4 2 RBI
• J.R. Towles—3-4 2B R RBI
• Yordany Ramirez—2-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Sean Rodriguez—2-4 HR(3) 3 RBI 2B 3R SB(2)
• Will Venable—2-5 2R
• Kyle Blanks—2-4 2B R RBI BB
• Eric Patterson—1-4 HR(1) RBI 2R BB
• Cliff Pennington—0-2 2R 3 BB RBI
• Daric Barton—1-5 2B 3 RBI
• Mike Carp—1-4 2B R RBI

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Pitching was at center stage tonight as Pawtuckett’s Kris Johnson outdueled Rochester’s Anthony Swarzak in a 1-0 win.  David Price surrendered just one earned run over five innings in a losing effort and Carlos Carrasco struck out six in six innings.  Matt Wieters hit his first bomb of the new season and Matt LaPorta and John Mayberry Jr logged in with their second.  The IL player of the day was New York Mets future 1B Nick Evans whose two HR four RBI day was tops in the AAA ranks.

International League Player of the Day—NICK EVANS

Other Notable Performances:

• Fernando Martinez—2-5 2 2B 2R
• Nick Evans—2-5 2 HR(3) 4 RBI 2R
• Mark Melancon—1.2 IP 2 BB 3K W(2)
• Kris Johnson—5 IP 2H 2 BB 3K W(1)
• Anthony Swarzak—7 IP 5H Er 5K L(2)
• Matt LaPorta—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Michael Brantley—1-3 RBI BB SB(2)
• Wilkin Ramirez—2-4 RBI
• Adam Rosales—2-4 HR(3) RBI 2R BB SB(2)
• Andrew McCutchen—1-4 R SB(3)
• Neil Walker—1-4 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Van Pope—3-4 2B RBI R
• Matt Joyce—1-3 2B RBI
• David Price—5 IP 4H UER BB 6K
• John Mayberry Jr.—1-5 HR(2) 3 RBI
• Matt Wieters—2-5 HR(1) RBI BB 2R
• Carlos Carrasco—6 IP 7H 2 ER 6K
• Luis Montanez—2-3 3R 2 RBI 2 BB SB(2)
• Nolan Reimold—1-5 2 RBI
• Mike Costanzo—1-4 2B R BB
• Justin Turner—3-4 RBI BB

4/11 AAA Report

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

Let’s begin in the Pacific Coast League where Chris Lubanski belted a HR in his second consecutive game.  Jake Fox and Kila Ka’aihue each homered and had four RBI, but it was once again the Brewers’ Mat Gamel who stole the show.  The Nashville 3B had a 4-5 day with four RBI and three runs scored.

Pacifc Coast League Player of the Day—MAT GAMEL

Other Notable Performances:

• Chris Coughlan—2-4 2B R RBI
• Gaby Sanchez—2-4 2B 2R RBI
• Mat Gamel—4-5 2B 3R 4 RBI
• Angel Salome—1-2 R 2 RBI
• Jake Fox—2-3 HR(1) 4 RBI BB
• Jose Ascanio—4 IP 2H 4K
• Julio Borbon—2-5 R
• Joaquin Arias—2-5 2B R RBI
• Max Ramirez—2-4 2B RBI
• Neftali Feliz—4 IP 4H 6 BB 4K
• Adam Ottavino—5.1 IP 6H ER 3 BB 5K L(1)
• Shane Robinson—3-5
• Tyler Greene—2-5 HR(1) RBI
• Bryan Anderson—1-1 HR(1) RBI
• Freddy Sandoval—2-3 BB
• Sean Rodriguez—2-4 RBI R
• Brandon Wood—1-4 3B R RBI
• Anthony Ortega—5 IP 4H ER 2K W(1)
• Chris Lubanski—3-4 HR(2) RBI 3R 2 SB(2)
• Kila Ka’aihue—1-4 HR(1) 4 RBI
• Luke Hochevar—5 IP 7H ER BB K W(1)
• Xavier Paul—3-4 3 2B RBI BB
• Chin-Lung Hu—2-4 2B
• Will Venable—3-5 2B 3B 2R
• Kyle Blanks—3-5 2B R RBI
• Jesus Guzman—2-5 2B 2 RBI
• Mike McBryde—3-5 2R SB(2)
• Sean Doolittle—2-3 2B 3B 2R RBI BB

In the International League, Andrew McCutchen and Trevor Plouffe continued to swing hot bats, but it was the pinstriped pariah Ian Kennedy that dominated.  Yesterday’s six inning, 11 K performance went a long way towards helping the one time top pitching prospect earn his way back to the major leagues.

International League Player of the Day—IAN KENNEDY

Other Notable Performances:

• Trevor Plouffe—2-2 3B RBI R 2 BB
• Luke Hughes—1-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Dustin Martin—2-4 2B 2R
• Michael Bowden—4.2 IP 2H 2BB 5K
• Austin Jackson—2-5
• Kevin Russo—3-5 2 2B SB(1)
• Ian Kennedy—6 IP 4H ER 11K
• Carlos Carrasco—6 IP 4H 4K
• Diory Hernandez—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI
• Eider Torres—3-3 2 2B 2R RBI
• Wilkin Ramirez—1-4 2 RBI SB(1)
• Andrew McCutchen—1-4 HR(1) RBI

6/20 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 21, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Nelson Cruz keeps looking like a big time breakout candidate as he smacked his 4th HR today and super OF prospects Jason Heyward and Austin Jackson both hit their second bombs of the spring.  On the mound, Phil Hughes threw 4 strong innings and Carlos Carrasco added another 4.2 scoreless innings to his impressvie resume.  No one was better today, however, than Clay Buchholz who tossed 5 four-hit innings striking out three en route to his second win of the spring.

Youngster of the Day—CLAY BUCHHOLZ

Other Notable Performances:

• Daniel Murphy—2-4 3B RBI
• Ike Davis—2-4 RBI 2B
• Bobby Parnell—2.2 IP 5H 2K
• Carlos Carrasco—4.2 Ip 3H 2 ER 2 BB
• Clay Buchholz—5 IP 4H UER BB 3K W(2)
• George Kottaras—2-2 2B 2 RBI
• Chris Carter—1-2 R RBI
• Brad Mills—5 IP 6H 4 ER BB 4K W(2)
• Brad Emaus—1-3 2B RBI
• Austin Jackson—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Phil Hughes—4.1 IP 3H ER BB
• Jason Heyward—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Josh Anderson—2-4
• Emiliano Bonifacio—2-6 2R
• Chris Pettit—1-2 RBI
• Casey McGehhee—2-5 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Alcides Escobar—2-2 2B 2 RBI BB R
• Rob Johnson—2-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Aaron Cunningham—2-2 HR(2) 2R 2 RBI
• Cliff Pennington—1-3 3B 3 RBI R
• Brett Anderson—2 IP H BB K
• Kyle Blanks—1-4 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Emmannuel Burriss—3-4 2 RBI
• Eugenio Velez—1-2 2 RBI
• Nelson Cruz—2-2 HR(4) 2 RBI 2R 2B
• Elvis Andrus—2-3 2B R SB(2)
• Royce Huffman—2-5 2B R
• Matt Harrison—5 IP 5H 2 ER 2 BB 3K W(2)
• Ian Stewart—3-4 HR(3) RBI
• Dexter Fowler—1-5 2B R
• Chris Lubanski—1-2 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Blake DeWitt—3-5 RBI
• Delwyn Young—2-4 RBI
• Josh Lindblom—2 IP H 3K

3/14 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 15, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Top New York Yankees prospects Austin Jackson and Jesus Montero belted HR’s yesterday (Montero’s was a grand slam), as did Nolan Reimold, Kyle Blanks, and Buster Posey.  New Orioles 2B prospect Justin Turner liked it so much he did it twice.  That wasn’t quite good enough to win the youngster of the day award, though, as Mariners 3B prospect Matt Tuiasosopo went 4-5 with a HR, double and 4 RBI.  Tui has blistered the ball this spring and is making a strong case to be Adrian Beltre’s successor at the hot corner.

Youngster of the Day—MATT TUIASOSOPO

Other Notable Performances

• Stephen Marek—IP 2K
• Justin Turner—2-4 2 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R
• Nolan Reimold—1-1 HR(2) RBI
• Felix Pie—2-2 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Matt Albers—2 IP H K
• Josh Reddick—2-3 2B R RBI
• Scott Cousins—1-1 RBI 2R BB
• Brett Sinkbiel—IP H BB K (W)
• Jesus Montero—1-1 GS HR(1) 4 RBI 2R BB
• Austin Jackson—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 3R SB(1)
• Ian Kennedy—3 IP 3H UER BB 5K (W)
• Ross Ohlendorf—4 IP 0H 2K
• Pedro Alvarez—2-2 2 2B R RBI
• Andrew McCutchen—1-3 2B RBI BB
• Garrett Jones—1-2 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Jose Tabata—2-3 R
• Jason Donald—1-4 2R 2 SB(2)
• Mark Saccomano—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Carlos Carrasco—3 IP 4H ER 2 BB 4K (W)
• Andrew Carpenter—4 IP 3H ER 4K
• Bud Norris—2 IP K
• Wade Davis—1.2 IP BB SV(1)
• Jeff Niemann—2 IP BB
• Mike Hessman—1-2 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Justin Maxwell—1-2 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R BB
• J.R. Towles—1-3 HR(1) RBI
• Matt Tuiasosopo—4-5 HR(2) 2B 4 RBI
• Carlos Triunfel—1-1 R BB
• Dexter Fowler—3-4 R SB(3)
• Joaquin Arias—3-4 2R
• Chris Getz—2-4 2B
• Aaron Poreda—2 IP BB 3K
• Matt Harrison—4 IP 4H ER BB 4K
• Landon Powell—1-3 HR(3) RBI 2R
• Corey Wimberley—1-3 2R RBI BB SB(4)
• Emmannuel Burriss—2-4 RBI 2B
• Roger Kieschnick—2-3 2B 2 RBI
• James Simmons—2 IP 4H ER K
• Kyle Blanks—1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Nick Hundley—1-3 2B 2 RBI
• Cesar Ramos—3 IP 4H BB 2K (W)
• Madison Bumgarner—IP BB K
• Buster Posey—1-2 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Pablo Sandoval—2-3 2B
• Lorenzo Cain—1-3 HR(1) RBI R
• Chad Huffman—2-3 R BB
• Trevor Crowe—2-2 2R 2 SB(4)
• Michael Brantley—1-3 R BB SB(3)
• Josh Whitesell—2-4 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Brandon Wood—1-1 2B 2R BB
• Mark Trumbo—1-1 R RBI

Top Caribbean Winter League Performer #7

Posted by Jeremy on January 19, 2009 under Prospects in Products | Be the First to Comment

7.) CARLOS CARRASCO—Phliadelphia Phillies RHP

Carrasco has carried the momentum that he had from AAA Lehigh Valley down to the hitter-friendly Venezuelan Winter League.  Carrasco has been the top pitching prospect in the Phillies’ farm system for the past couple of seasons with very good pitches, a 91-94 MPH fastball with good movement, a slurve and a changeup that has been lauded as being the best in Philadelphia’s farm system.  The World Champs have several options to fill the #5 spot in their rotation including southpaw Kyle Kendrick and mediocre veteran righties Adam Eaton and Chan Ho Park.  Carrasco’s upside is surpassed only by postseason hero Cole Hamels.  He has tossed nearly 200 innings this past year which could affect the amount of work that Philly decides to give him in spring training.  He will likely go back to Lehigh Valley to start the season, but in the event of an injury or struggle from the #5 starter, Carrasco’s name will be the first one called as a replacement.  He will get his shot at some point in 2009!