7/19 High-A Minor League Report

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

Atlanta Braves OF prospect Cody Johnson reclaimed the minor league HR lead by blasting his 24th yesterday, driving in two and scoring twice.  He also walked and stole his 9th base of the season.  Power is definitively his calling card, but it is nice to see him drawing more walks as of late and stealing bases.  The more that Johnson can distinguish himself as a multi-dimensional hitter, the more bullish I become about his major league future.  Johnson has already exceeded his walk totals from last season, drawing his 47th yesterday, and his K rate has slowed significantly during the month of July (13 BB/19 K).  On the flip side, Cody has posted his lowest batting average splits this month, hitting just .207 with 4 HR and 15 RBI.  I am not too concerned with this as he may be making mechanical adjustments and altering his aggressive approach.  I look at this as a positive sign for long term success.  The power potential is there for Johnson to be a perennial 30-40 HR hitter at the big league level and his overall potential reminds me of towering slugger and whiff machine Adam Dunn.  His walk rates are behind Dunn’s at this point, but at just 20 years old, there is plenty of time for Johnson to boost his totals.  Johnson’s first year autos have experienced bi-polar fluctuations over the past couple of seasons, rising to $20+ in 2007 and dropping to $8-10 during ‘08.  Currently, they are residing somewhere in the middle at $7-9 for his Bowman Sterling autos and $9-12 for his Bowman Chrome Draft autos.  I think that AA ball is going to be a huge litmus test for the former AFLAC All-American and we’ll likely have to wait until next season to see the effects of that.  As for this season, 30 HR 90 RBI and about 150 K’s seems to be solid locks.

Roger Kieschnick had four knocks yesterday including his 19th HR, four RBI and three runs scored.  Kieschnick’s big day snapped a 2-18 dry spell and raised his average to .296 and his RBI total to 74 on the season.  Similar to Johnson, Roger seems to be altering his approach at the plate to cut back on his K’s as his BB/K ratio for the month of July has been quite balanced (8 BB/10 K) but his batting average (.237) is more than 40 points lower than his previous season low.  I am much more an advocate of a balanced approach at the plate.  Strikeouts are not a major detractor from overall performance if the power numbers and OBP remains high.  Hitters like Ryan Howard, Adam Dunn, Carlos Pena and others have put up monster seasons despite big K numbers as they are able to also draw 80-100+ walks per season.  Kieschnick’s first year autos are quite affordable right now with prices for his Donruss Elite Extra, Razor Threads, and Playoff Rookie Ticket autos selling for $7-10 each.  I think Kieschnick’s power numbers will carry forward, but I am skeptical of his batting average totals.  The athletic outfielder’s flirtation with the .300 mark has more to do with the fact that he is currently in the California Leauge and amidst a talented lineup.  Perhaps his recent struggles can be attributed in part to the fact that Buster Posey has moved on to AAA. 

Today’s top prospect is another California League offensive benefactor, San Diego Padres 3B prospect James Darnell.  The former South Carolina Gamecock belted HR’s 12 and 13 yesterday, driving in four runs.  Darnell started slowly after his late June promotion, but has caught fire over the last 10 games, hitting .324 with four HR, eight RBI and seven runs scored.  Darnell’s plate discipline is extraordinary as he has a positive 68 BB/61 K ratio.  The Padres have a pleasant dilemma at the hot corner as both Darnell and AA star Logan Forsythe are both having stellar seasons.  Defensively, Forsythe is clearly superior as his excellent range, arm, and hands trump Darnell’s decent skills.  Darnell will likely have to move to the outfield where there is a plethora of talented prospects to compete with.  I think he’s a player that should play at both AA and AAA next year with a shot at earning a 2010 September debut, but it will be interesting to see exactly where he ends up as a pro.  His first year autos from the 2008 Donruss Elite Extra, Playoff Contenders, and Razor sets are all quite affordable right now at $3-8 each and serve as excellent sleeper buys for next season.

High-A Player of the Day—JAMES DARNELL

Other Notable Performances:

Hitting:

• Michael Bianucci—2-4 HR(16) RBI 2B 2R
• Roger Kieschnick—4-5 HR(19) 4 RBI 3R
• Conor Gillaspie—3-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Thomas Neal—2-6 2 2B 2R
• Darren Ford—2-4 2B R RBI
• C.J. Ziegler—5-5 2B 2R RBI
• Tyson Gillies—2-4 2B
• Joe Dunigan—1-3 HR(22) 2 RBI
• Jake Rife—3-4 2B 2 RBI
• Jay Brossman—1-3 2R 2B 2 RBI BB
• Jemile Weeks—3-5 2 2B R
• Grant Desme—2-4 2B 3R RBI BB
• Jermaine Mitchell—3-4 2 RBI R SB(10)
• Jon Gaston—2-4 HR(23) 2 RBI 2R
• James Shuck—2-5 3R
• Brian Barnes—1-3 3R RBI 2 BB
• Koby Clemens—3-5 2B 3 RBI
• James Darnell—3-5 2 HR(13) 3 RBI 2R
• Matt Clark—2-5 2 HR(15) 2 RBI 2R
• Christan Lara—3-5 HR(5) 2 RBI SB(11)
• Pedro Baez—2-4 2B R SB(5)
• Radamez Nazario—3-4 2B 2R RBI
• Pedro Florimon Jr.—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Derrick Robinson—2-5 R RBI SB(46)
• Johnny Giavotella—2-5 RBI 2 SB(16)
• Eric Huber—1-4 2B 4 RBI
• Alex Presley—3-5 2B 2R
• Cody Johnson—1-3 HR(24) 2 RBI 2R BB SB(9)
• Dominic Brown—2-3 2 RBI BB
• Arlon Quiroz—3-4 R SB(15)
• Derrick Mitchell—2-4 2B HR(7) RBI
• Brad McElroy—3-5 2R SB(4)
• John Tolisano—1-3 R RBI 2 BB
• Manny Rodriguez—2-4 HR(5) 4 RBI BB
• Logan Schafer—3-5 2B 2R
• Lee Haydel—1-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Damon Sublett—2-5 2B BB
• Austin Romine—1-4 2B R RBI BB
• Chris Swauger—2-2 HR(9) 3 RBI BB

Pitching:

• Nick Additon—6.1 IP 7H 4 ER 2 BB 8K
• Darren Byrd—6 IP 4H ER 3K W (2-3)
• Jeff Mandel—7 IP 5H Er BB 6K W (8-4)

6/30 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 2, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Sorry for getting this one out late. My son is out of school for the summer which limits my online time significantly.  I have lit the candle, though and it is currently burning at both ends.  This should keep me up later each night to try and get more work done after the family goes to bed.

We’ll see.

As for the High-A action, Thomas Neal and Angel Villalona each had three hits and drove in three runs for the San Jose Giants.  Neal has hit the tar out of the ball this season, hitting .349 with 13 HR 49 RBI 22 doubles and 53 runs scored this season.  June was a banner month for Neal as he hit .414 with 6 of his HR during that time.  The 22 year old rightfielder has the most power in the Giants organization of any prospect not named Angel Villalona.  His plate discipline is sound and he makes good contact at the plate, but I would really like to see what this guy can do at the AA ranks.  The California League, as I have long maintained, is a very hitter friendly environment while the Eastern League (home of San Fran’s AA affiliate Connecticut) tends to favor pitching.  Somehow I think the .349 average is flukish and that his numbers should more closely resemble last season’s .279 mark.  Regardless that average, mixed with 25-30 HR power, should make him a highly intriguing prospect once his first year cards surface on the eBay market.

Angel Villalona has been hovering below the radar this season as many other San Jose Giants like Madison Bumgarner, Tim Alderson, Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, and the aforementioned Thomas Neal have all garnered more attention.  Still, the 18 year old 1st Baseman has put up a solid showing at High-A ball, hitting .271 with 9 HR 39 RBI and 41 runs scored.  Plate discipline and pitch recognition continues to be a sore spot for Angel as his 9 BB/66 K ratio vehemently testifies.  He will never be a low strikeout guy, and chances are he won’t walk a ton either, but his ability to more closely match those numbers will speak volumes to just how high his ceiling will be.  A full season at San Jose would best behoove Villalona developmentally as would some work in a winter league.

High-A Player of the Day Tyler Henson blasted two homers yesterday, driving in three runs.  The Baltimore Orioles’ 3B prospect first popped up on my radar this past winter when he paced the Hawaiian Winter League in runs scored, doubles and bases on balls.  Unfortunately, he also finished second in strikeouts and committed nine errors at the hot corner.  Henson has tons of athleticism that he uses well on the basepaths and his 6-1 190 lb. frame indicates that he should be a 12-15 HR hitter at the major league level.  This season with Frederick, Henson has struggled to make consistent contact at the plate, striking out 83 times while walking 23 times.  This has contributed to his lackluster .246 batting average and anemic .310 OBP.  He’s still driving the ball well to the gaps, hitting 19 doubles, and his 12 SB this season indicates that he is on track for his third consecutive 20 SB season.  The O’s don’t have a whole lot of depth within their organization at 3B as Billy Rowell has moved to the other side of the diamond, Mike Costanzo is a perennial disappointment, and Tyler Kolodny is having a so-so season at Low-A Delmarva.  There is ample opportunity for the 21 year old former SS prospect to make some moves up the organization’s depth chart if he can turn some of his exciting tools into more consistent skills.

High-A Player of the Day—TYLER HENSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Julian Perez—2-5 2R RBI SB(5)
• P.J. Phillips—3-4 HR(6) RBI 2R
• Trayvon Robinson—1-3 HR(10) 2 RBI
• James Darnell—1-4 HR(9) 3 RBI
• Sawyer Carroll—2-4 3B 2R RBI
• Tyson Gillies—4-6 2R 3 SB(21)
• Carlos Peguero—3-4 2 HR(18) 5 RBI 3R
• Alex Liddi—3-5 2 2B 3R RBI SB(7)
• James McOwen—2-5 Hr(4) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Brandon Barnes—2-4 Hr(8) 3 RBI 2R
• Jermaine Mitchell—3-4 2 2B 3B 3R RBI BB
• Thomas Neal—3-5 2 2B 3B 3 RBI 2R
• Angel Villalona—3-5 3 RBI R
• Brian Bocock—2-4 2B 3R 3 RBI BB
• Darren Ford—3-4 3R 3B
• Jason Kaase—3-5 2B R
• Ollie Linton—3-6 2 RBI
• Jesus Sucre—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B
• Michael Burgess—2-5 2B 3B RBI
• Seth Rooney—3-4 3 2B 2 RBI BB
• Brent Morel—4-5 HR(10 3 RBI 2R SB(17)
• Tyler Kuhn—4-4 2R 3B RBI
• Tyler Henson—2-4 2 HR(6) 3 RBI 2R
• Mike Moustakas—3-3 2B RBI BB
• Derrick Robinson—2-5 2B 2R
• Pedro Florimon Jr.—2-3 2 2B 2R RBI
• Tim Federowicz—2-5 HR(11) RBI 2R
• Yamiaco Navarro—3-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B
• Che Hsuan Lin—2-4 3B 3R 3 RBI BB
• Jason Place—2-5 2 2B R RBI
• Jordy Mercer—1-4 3B R 2 RBI
• Greg Burns—2-3 2 2B R RBI BB 2 SB(20)
• Matt Dominguez—1-4 HR(5) 3 RBI

Pitching:

• Ryan Morris—5 IP 3H ER 3 BB 7K

5/29 High-A Minor League Report

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

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

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

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

High-A Player of the Day—KYLE DRABEK

Other Notable Performances:

Hitting:

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

Pitching:

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

5/19 High-A Minor League Report

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

Chris Marrero hit a grand slam HR yesterday for Potomac and Padres SS/2B prospect Lance Zawadzki continues to have a huge power season, belting his 10th HR and driving in two runs.  Buster Posey drilled a couple of doubles that scored two runs and Myrtle Beach’s OF slugger Cody Johnson hit HR #13, driving in two runs.

Today’s top youngster comes from the Seattle Mariners organization.  Italian import Alex Liddi has been very impressive this season and yesterday’s performance may go down as his best yet.  Going 3-4, the 20 year old Liddi hit his 11th HR, driving in four runs and scoring five times.  Liddi has a ton of raw, projectible athleticism that is now just starting to be tapped into.  At 6-4 and 180 lb., Liddi has room to build more muscle and power without compromising much of his above average athleticism.  Strike zone judgement continues to be a concern as he has a 10 BB/40 K ratio through his first 37 games.  The M’s have several decent prospects at the hot corner, but Liddi’s blend of tools may propel him to the top of the list, even above Jharmidy DeJesus and Mario Martinez.  He’s a long way off and has the majority of his at bats in very hitter-friendly conditions, but his bat continues to be one to watch and a late season promotion to AA may give us a much clearer indicator of what to expect from him coming forward.

High-A Player of the Day—ALEX LIDDI

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Mike Moustakas—3-5
• Luis Exposito—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Chih-Hsien Chiang—2-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Chris Marrero—3-4 GS HR(5) 4 RBI SB(2)
• Trayvon Robinson—1-5 HR(5) RBI
• Buster Posey—2-3 2 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Conor Gillaspie—2-4 2B R RBI
• Brian Bocock—3-4 RBI R
• Matthew Sweeney—3-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Clay Fuller—2-4 RBI 2 BB R
• Jeremy Moore—2-5 2B RBI R
• Alex Liddi—3-4 HR(11) 4 RBI 5R BB
• Carlos Peguero—2-4 HR(6) RBI 2B 4R BB
• Kuo Hui Lo—3-4 HR(5) 4 RBI 2B 3R BB SB(7)
• James McOwen—3-6 2B 3B 2R 2 RBI
• Lance Zawadzki—2-4 HR(10) 2 RBI 2B
• Lars Davis—3-5 2B 2 RBI 2 SB(2)
• Michael Stanton—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Jovan Rosa—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI
• Starlin Castro—2-4 2R RBI
• Cody Johnson—2-4 HR(13) 2 RBI
• Ardon Chambers—2-3 3B R SB(8)
• Neftali Soto—2-3 2B 2R BB
• Derrick Robinson—2-6 2B R 2 SB(20) BB

Pitching:

• Anthony Carter—7 IP 4H ER 2 BB 9K W (3-3)
• Ron Uviedo—5 IP 3H ER BB 7K w (2-1)
• Tim Collins—2.1 IP H BB 6K
• David Bromberg—6.2 IP 4H Er 3 BB 3K W (3-0)
• Jose Rosario—6 IP H BB 8K W (3-1)
• Eric Berger—5.2 IP 3H 3 BB 5K
• Mike Kirkman—7 IP 3H 2 BB 11K W (4-1)
• Corey Luebke—7 IP 6H ER BB 6K W (4-2)

5/10 High-A Minor League Report

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

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

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

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

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

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

Pitching:

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

4/15 High-A Minor League Baseball

Posted by Jeremy on April 16, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

CALIFORNIA LEAGUE

Timmy Smith’s 5-5 day and even Buster Posey’s 3-3 day that included a HR, double, three runs and two RBI were not enough to win top player honors.  Juan Ramirez surrendered just one hit over 5.1 innings and Alexander Torres did the same in five innings while striking out seven, but even those performances were not enough to out do teammates Jonathan Gaston and Brian Pellegrini who combined to hit six HR, nine RBI and score six runs.

California League Players of the Day Jon Gaston & Brian Pellegrini

Other Notable Performances:

• Brian Rike—2-4 2B RBI R
• Radamez Nazario—3-3 2B R BB
• Carlos Hernandez—6 IP 5H ER BB 3K
• Tyson Gillies—2-4 2R 2B BB SB(2)
• Alex Liddi—3-4 2 2B 3B 2R
• James McOwen—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI BB
• Juan Ramirez—5.1 IP H 3 BB K W(2)
• Jeremy Hefner—5 IP 6h 3 ER 9K L(2)
• Timmy Smith—5-5 2B 2R RBI SB(2)
• Ian Gac—2-5 2B 2R RBI
• Matt Lawson—3-5 HR(2) RBI
• Angel Villalona—2-4 2B 2R RBI
• Brandon Crawford—1-3 2 BB 2 SB(2)
• Buster Posey—3-3 HR(3) 2 RBI 2B 3R 2 BB SB(1)
• Conor Gillespie—1-3 R 2 BB
• Eduardo Perez—3-4 2B R
• Trayvon Robinson—2-5 2B
• Kenly Jansen—2-4 R
• Garett Green—2-3 RBI
• Jonathan Gaston—4-5 3 HR(4) 5 RBI 3R
• Brian Pellegrini—3-5 3 HR(5) 4 RBI 3R
• Eric Taylor—3-4 2B 3 RBI SB(1)
• Jason Castro—2-5 2R 3B RBI
• Jose Duran—5 IP 9H ER 2 BB 3K W(1)
• Ed Easley—1-3 2B 2R 2 BB
• Matthew Sweeney—2-3 2B RBI R BB
• Andrew Romine—1-4 R SB(3)
•  Jeremy Moore—2-4 2B
• Alexander Torres—5 IP H 2 BB 7K

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE

Logan Schafer had a nice double header, combining for four hits, a HR and three RBI.  Matt Rizzotti drove in four with two runs scored and Deolis Guerra threw a scorless five inning start.  The hands down player of the day in the FSL is none other than Phillies RHP Kyle Drabek who surrendered four hits over seven scoreless innings striking out nine for his second win of the season.  Drabek is rocketing along his comeback trail and is quickly becoming the top prospect Philly thought he would be.

Florida State League Player of the Day—KYLE DRABEK

Other Notable Performances:

• Jesus Montero—1-3 2B R
• Matt Cusick—1-2 2 RBI BB R
• Logan Schafer—2-3 RBI SB(1) (Gm 1)…2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI R (Gm 2)
• Lee Haydel—1-3 2B R
• Zelous Wheeler—1-3 RBI R
• Steffan Wilson—2-3 R
• Ryan Zink—5 IP 4H ER 3K W(1)
• Caleb Gindl—2-3 3B
• Cole Gillespie—1-3 2B R
• Brent Brewer—2-3 R RBI
• Kyle Drabek—7 IP 4H 9K W(2)
• Dominic Brown—2-5 2B R
• Matt Rizzotti—2-2 2B 4 RBI 2R
• Derrick Mitchell—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2R
• Freddy Galvis—2-4 2R RBI BB
• Tim Kennelly—2-4 R RBI
• Michael Stanton—2-4
• Matt Dominguez—1-3 2B
• Rene Leveret—3-3 2B RBI R
• Deolis Guerra—5 IP 3H BB 4K W(1)
• Ben Revere—1-3 R SB(2)
• Carlos Gutierrez—5 IP 4H ER 3K
• Ike Davis—3-4 2B RBI R
• Brad Holt—6 IP 4H BB 7K W(1)
• Alex Cobb—5.2 IP 6H 2 UER BB 4K L(1)
• Eric Thames—1-4 2B R RBI
• Kevin Ahrens—1-4 2B RBI
• Tim Collins—3 IP 0H 6K W(1)
• Alex Buchholz—2-4 2 2B R
• Pete Kozma—2-3 2B 2R 2 RBI BB SB(1)
• Curt Smith—1-3 3B RBI BB
• Lance Lynn—4 IP 2H 2 BB 3K

CAROLINA LEAGUE

Mike Moustakas’ bat is starting to heat up and Christian Marrero, Brent Morel, Jeff Bianchi, Billy Rowell, and Jordy Mercer all hit their first HR’s yesterday.  Danny Duffy continues to look like a dominant LHP, tossing five shutout innings with six K’s and Red Sox prospects Jason Place and Luis Exposito combined to drive in and score four runs.  It was teammate Ryan Kalish who takes home top player honors, though, with his first HR, two RBI and four runs scored.

Carolina League Player of the Day—RYAN KALISH

Other Notable Performances:

• Christian Marrero—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Brent Morel—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Jordy Mercer—1-4 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Jose De Los Santos—1-3 3R BB SB(5)
• Daniel Hague—2-4 2B RBI
• Pedro Alvarez—1-3 RBI
• Mike Moustakas—2-5 2R 2 RBI
• Derrick Robinson—1-3 R BB SB(5)
• Jeff Bianchi—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B
• Clint Robinson—2-4 RBI
• Lonnie Chisenhall—2-4 RBI
• Matt Brown—2-3 BB SB(1)
• Daniel Duffy—5 IP 3H BB 6K W(1)
• Billy Rowell—1-2 HR(1) RBI 2 BB
• Tyler Henson—1-3 2B RBI BB
• Pedro Florimon Jr.—1-4 2B 2R BB
• Jeff Locke—4 IP 2H 2 ER 3 BB 6K
• Ryan Kalish—2-3 HR(1) 2 RBI 4R 2 BB
• Jason Place—3-5 2B 2 RBI 3R
• Luis Exposito—2-5 2B R 3 RBI
• Michael Jones 3-5 3 RBI

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)

3/2 Spring Training Report

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

There are some trends developing in the early parts of the season worth noting. Jarrod Saltalamacchia continues to sting the ball, batting at a .600 clip. John Mayberry Jr. continues to make a case to be considered as a fourth outfielder for the World Champion Phillies as his enhanced plate discipline numbers offer some positives in the early going. Chicago Cubs infielder Micah Hoffpauir continues his hot hitting with a hit in his fourth straight game. The performance of the day, however, belongs to Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Wade Davis who threw 3.2 innings of one hit ball striking out one and en route to his first win of the spring.

Youngster of the Day—WADE DAVIS

Other Notable Performances:

• Justin Masterson—2 IP H K
• Daniel Bard—IP K
• Brad LIncoln—IP K
• Brian Barton—1-3 2R BB SB(1)
• Allen Craig—1-1 R
• Jeremy Slayden—2-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• John Mayberry Jr.—1-4 2B 2 RBI R BB
• Jason Donald—1-4 R BB
• Brad Emaus—1-2 HR(1) RBI
• Brett Cecil—2.2 IP H BB 3K
• Brandon Wood—3-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R 2B
• Matt Brown—2-2
• Andrew Romine—3-5 RBI
• Adam Pavkovich—3-5 3 2B 4 RBI R
• Chris Pettit—1-1 R RBI 2 BB
• Sean Rodriguez—2-4 2R
• Joe Koshansky—1-4 3B R RBI
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia—2-3 2B 3 RBI
• Julio Borbon—1-2 SB(1)
• Beau Mills—2-3 2B 3B R RBI
• Jordan Brown—1-1 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Emmannuel Burriss—2-3 RBI R
• Eider Torres—2-4 R SB(1)
• Chris Lubanski—3-3 3B 2R 2 RBI
• Jose Duarte—1-2 2R BB
• Derrick Robinson—1-1 R 2 RBI 2 BB
• Rob Johnson—2-3 3B R RBI
• Reggie Corona—1-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Carlos Triunfel—1-1
• Josh Fields—2-2 2 2B
• Sergio Santos—2-2
• Angel Salome—1-4 2B R
• Brad Nelson—1-3 RBI BB
• Josh Whitesell—1-3 2R
• Mark Hallberg—1-1 2B R RBI
• Daniel Schlereth—IP 2H ER BB 3K
• Micah Hoffpauir—1-4 R 2B

8/12 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 13, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Lots of super performances from Tuesday night!

Michael Taylor

• 2-4 HR(14) RBI—.415 3 RBI 17 H 7 R 8 2B last 10 games

Collin DeLome (in double header)

• 3-6 3 HR(21) 7 RBI BB SB(14)—.249 22 HR 67 RBI 14 SB over two levels

Rick Porcello

• 5 IP 6H ER 2BB 2K (W)—4-0 2.61 ERA 27K/51IP last 10 games

John Drennen

• 1-3 2B 2R RBI BB—Showing signs of breaking season slump (6-15 2 HR 8 RBI last 6 games)

Zach McAllister

• 5 IP 4H BB 5K (W)—7-6 2.03 ERA 55K/80 IP in 13 games @ Tampa

Taylor Green

• 2-4 2B R BB—.308 3 HR 8 RBI last 10 games

Brent Brewer

• 2-6 HR(1) 3 RBI—Heating up .300 12H 7R last 10 games

Derrick Robinson

• 2-4 2R RBI SB(56)—.308 8R 8BB 6SB last 10 games

Paulo Orlando

• 2-5 HR(10) RBI 3R SB(29)—Traded from White Sox (intriguing sub-radar prospect)

Brandon Snyder

• 2-5 HR(12) 2 rbI 2R—.303 12 HR 73 RBI 29 2B

Billy Rowell

• 1-4 HR(6) RBI—.230 6 HR 31 RBI 22 2B 90K/99 games

Michael Burgess

• 2-4 2B 2R 3 RBI—Hitting well in two games at Harrisburg

David Cooper

• 2-5 2B RBI—Hitting machine .343 22 2B 5 HR 44 RBI in 209 AB’s over 3 levels

Kevin Pucetas

• 6 IP 2H ER BB 7K (W)—10-0 2.47 ERA 87K/109IP

Cedric Hunter

• 2-5 HR(7) RBI 2B—.317 6 Hr 64 RBI 82 R 37BB/39K

Ryan Mount

• 2-5 HR(12) 3 RBI—HR’s in 4 straight games (undervalued prospect)

Hank Conger

• 1-3 R 2 RBI—.295 8 HR 53 RBI in 54 games

Johnny Whittleman

• 4-5 HR(7) 2 RbI 2R—Red hot .408 18 H 6 RBI last 10 games

Ian Gac

• 1-5 HR(27) 2 RBI 2R—.295 27 HR 91 RBI 140 K’s over 2 levels

BUY/SELL Analysis

Homeruns Mount-ing

Ryan Mount was lauded as a toolsy middle infielder when drafted in in the 2nd round of the 2005 draft by the L.A. Angels.  Mount since being drafted has had season after season of injuries that have severely hampered his progress as a prospect.  This season was no exception as Mount missed the first two months of the season with a strained quad, but has become increasingly potent at the plate hitting .241 in June, .309 in July, and .370 so far in August.  Homers in four straight games gives an illustration of Mount’s ability to get leverage and power from his left-handed swing.  Mount has RC’s in the ‘05 Bowman Draft and Chrome, Bowman Sterling and Bowman Heritage sets.  HIs chrome and Sterling cards are most popular and can be had at 40 cents to 75 cents each.

Market Advice: The injuries are really the biggest detractor from Mount’s game.  Chronic problems never seem to go away and they may keep Mount from being the power-hitting middle infielder he has the potential to be.  When healthy, he reminds me of a left hand hitting version of another Angels 2B prospect Sean Rodriguez.  Mount’s cards get very little attention so far as his injury issues have caused many prospectors to turn away.  He is a low cost prospect to collect who has very limited 1st year card exposure.  He does have autographs in the ‘07 Bowman Sterling set that sell for $2.50-4.00 each.  These may be nice BUY options as Mount’s only autographed cards.  If you purchase Mount’s cards, cross your fingers and hope for a full season of good health at AA Arkansas.  If so, he could be a solid .280 20 HR 80 RBI hitter and will open more eyes.

8/7 High A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 8, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | 2 Comments to Read

Lots of nice performances tonight from exciting prospects!

Michael Taylor

• 3-4 2B 2R RBI BB—.366 15H 7R 6 2B last 10 games

Ryan Strieby

• 3-5 2BB 2 2B R—.311 27 HR 89 RBI 222 TB

Jonathan LuCroy

• 2-4 HR(17) RBI 2R BB—.311 17 HR 62 RBI 68R over 2 levels

Taylor Green

• 2-4 HR(14) 3 RBI BB—Brew Crew happy to keep Green

Dillon Gee

• 6 IP 5H 2ER BB 7K (W)—5-1 2.31 ERA 46K/66IP last 10 games

Todd Frazier

• 2-3 HR( 18 ) 2 RBI 2R BB—.298 18 HR 66RBI 76R 12 SB

David Cooper

• 2-5 2B 2 RBI-’08 1st rounder rocketing through minors (3rd level in 46 games)

Carlos Santana

• 4-5 3R—.419 2 HR 6 RBI 14R in 10 games with Kinston

Beau Mills

• 3-5 HR( 18 ) 4 RBI 2R 2B—.359 2 HR 9 RBI 8R last 10 games

Ty Wright

• 2-5 HR( 8 ) 3 RBI—Power surge lately (4 HR 12 RBI last 6 games)

Jay Jackson

• 4 IP 2H BB 9K (W)—Intriguing Cubs ‘08 9th rounder (7BB/60K in 37 IP @ 3 levels)

Brandon Snyder

• 2-4 2 2B—Young O’s 1B is quietly breaking out (.395 11 RBI 7R last 10 games)

Derrick Robinson

• 2-4 3B R SB(54)—Oozes athleticism and starting to hit (.306 11BB/6K 5 SB last 10 games)

Chris Carter

• 2-4 HR(31) 4 RBI—.293 4 HR 9 RBI 10 R last 10 games

Josh Donaldson

• 1-4 HR(13) RBI—Complete metamorphasis since trade to Oakland (.409 7 HR  26 RBI in 24 games)

Corey Brown

• 1-4 HR(22) RBI—.275 5 HR 10 RBI 16K last 10 games (141K’s in ‘08 OUCH!)

Jordan Walden

• 7 IP 2H 2BB 9K (W)—Nice rebound after two horrible outings at Rancho Cucamonga

BUY/SELL Analysis

Snagged for $5.53 on Ebay!

Few players in all of professional baseball have the speed that Derrick Robinson possesses.  A 4th Round high school draft pick, Robinson passed on a football scholarship by his hometown Florida Gators to pursue his MLB career.  For as fast as Robinson is, he is almost equally unrefined at the plate.  Last season Robinson hit .243 at Low-A Burlington with 100 K’s and only 2 HR in 102 games.  On the surface, it would look as if Robinson has not improved much on his numbers (.250 0 HR 27 RBI 54 SB) but he has hit 20 2B, 6 3B and has a 40BB/85K ratio in 109 games at High-A Wilmington.  These numbers are cause for optimism that the switch-hitting, 20 year old Robinson is progressing at the plate.  Robinson’s only first year cards are found in the 2007 Donruss Elite Extra set with his autos numbered to 500  Currently these autos are being had for less than $5.00 each.

Market Advice: Prospect trash heaps are littered with several Derrick Robinson-type super speed, no-hit prospects like Nyjer Morgan, Joey Gathright, and Quentin McCracken.  Eternal optimist that I am, I believe that Robinson has more to offer than his predecessors.  True, his power needs to develop and he needs to continue to hone his plate discipline, but Robinson is young and athletic enough to become a 10-15 HR top of the order guy who will steal 40-50 bags for the Royals (who should be good in 2-3 years).  At $5 each, Robinson is a low-risk, high reward BUY that prospectors love.  Grab a few of his only ‘07 cards and be willing to wait for 2-3 more years.