5/12 AAA Minor League Report

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

Monster performances abounded last night in the AAA ranks as several top prospects put up some big numbers.  Carlos Gonzalez of the Rockies went 4-5, including his 4th HR, driving in 6 runs.  Sean Rodriguez hit HR numbers 10 and 11 with 5 RBI and Cubbies slugger Jake Fox also blasted his league leading 13th and 14th HR with 5 RBI and 3 runs scored.  Nolan Reimold got back into the HR column with his 9th to go along with 2 doubles and 2 RBI to help teammate Chris Tillman go to 4-0 on the season.  It’s not like Tillman really needed his assistance though, as he was able to shut out Buffalo through 6 innings while striking out 10.  Brian Bogusevic continued his torrid hitting by blasting his 3rd HR and driving in two.  The Astros former southpaw turned outfielder is hitting .484 over his last 10 games with 2 HR 9 RBI and 10 runs scored.

Today’s top prospect comes from the A’s system.  Vin Mazzaro tossed 8 innings of one-hit ball in relief of Santiago Casilla striking out 5 and not allowing any walks en route to his first win of the season.   Mazzaro was simply awesome during his ‘08 stint at AA Midland, going 12-3 with a 1.90 ERA and 36 BB/104 K in 137.1 IP.  He struggled after being promoted to AAA Sacramento last year but has pitched well during his second go around.  Excluding back to back rocky starts in his previous two outings, Mazzaro has allowed just 3 earned runs over 28 IP and has nearly doubled his GO/FO ratio to an impressive 2.68.  He has struck out 28 hitters in 37 innings this season as well.  The A’s seem to be content with the early returns from the dynamic duo of Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson, which makes Mazzaro’s opportunities to crack Oakland’s rotation a little more difficult, but he should get a callup at some point this season.  Knowing the A’s’ penchant for tinkering with their rotation, there is a good chance that he’ll get to start some games.  Keep an eye on his next 3-5 starts, the outcomes of those may just dictate as to how soon Mazzaro gets the call.

AAA Player of the Day—VIN MAZZARO

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Nolan Reimold—3-5 HR(9) 2 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Michael Brantley—1-3 HR(1) RBI 2 BB 2R SB(12)
• Jordan Brown—2-4 2 2B 2R RBI
• Andrew McCutchen—2-5 3B R 2 RBI SB(6)
• Luke Hughes—2-5 2B 3B 3 RBI R
• Trevor Plouffe—2-3 2B 2 RBI BB
• Drew Stubbs—2-5 2B 2R RBI
• Hernan Iribarren—2-3 2R BB SB(5)
• Jake Fox—3-4 2 HR(14) 5 RBI 3R 2 BB
• Brad Snyder— 2-5 HR(9) 3 RBI
• Nate Spears—2-6 3B 2R
• Eric Young Jr.—3-4 2 2B 3R 3 RBI 3 BB
• Carlos Gonzalez—4-5 HR(4) 6 RBI 2B BB
• Chris Frey—5-6 2B 3B RBI 2R SB(7)
• Jeff Clement—3-5 HR(5) 2 RBI 2B
• Cameron Maybin—3-5 3B 2 RBI SB(1)
• Chris Pettit—2-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Sean Rodriguez—3-4 2 HR(11) 5 RBI 2R
• Brandon Wood—2-4 2B 3R RBI BB
• Freddy Sandoval—3-5 2B 3B 2 RBI 2R
• J.P. Arencibia—2-3 2 2B
• Brian Bogusevic—2-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2B BB
• Jesus Guzman—3-4 3B 3 RBI 3R BB
• Matt Downs—2-4 2 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Aaron Cunningham—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2B
• Adrian Cardenas—2-3 2B R RBI
• Julio Borbon—2-4 R SB(6)

Pitching:

• Brett Hunter—8 IP 4H ER 6K W (1-1)
• Cesar Ramos—8 IP 6H 2 ER 5K L (1-3)
• Vin Mazzaro—8 IP H 5K W (1-2)
• Evan MacLane—8 IP 5H 4K W (2-0)
• Brad Mills—6 IP 5H 2 ER BB 9K L (0-4)
• Chris Tillman—6 IP 5H 2 BB 10K W (4-0)
• Dillon Gee—7 IP 3H ER 2 BB 7K
• David Price—4.2 K 4H 2 ER 5K

4/15 AAA Minor League Report

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

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Jake Fox went yard for the fourth time and Sean Rodriguez, Jai Miller, and Will Venable added their first.  Xavier Paul was simply outstanding yesterday going 4-4, driving in two runs and stealing a base, but it wasn’t good enough to win top player honors.  Brett Sinkbiel threw six quality innings, striking out five and added three RBI of his own in a winning effort.

Pacific Coast League Player of the Day—BRETT SINKBIEL

Other Notable Performances:

• Angel Salome—2-2 2B R BB
• Carlos Gonzalez—1-2 R 2 BB
• Franklin Morales—6 IP 2H 5 BB 4K
• Kyle Blanks—2-3 R 3 BB
• Will Venable—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2B 2 BB
• Chad Huffman—3-6 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Cesar Ramos—5 IP 4H ER BB 6K W(1)
• J.P. Arencibia—2-3 2B R RBI
• Sean Rodriguez—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI R BB
• Chris Pettit—2-4 2 2B RBI R
• Jai Miller—3-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 3R 2B
• Brett Sinkbeil—6 IP 6H 3 ER 5K W(1) (2-3 2B 3 RBI R)
• Shane Robinson—2-4 2B R SB(1)
• Luke Hochevar—6 IP 6H 2 ER 2 BB 4K W(2)
• Kila Ka’aihue—2-3 2B 2R 3 BB
• Chris Lubanski—2-6 3B 2R 2 RBI
• Brian Bogusevic—1-4 2B RBI BB
• Yordany Rodriguez—3-3 HR(1) 2 RBI 2B
• Jake Fox—2-4 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Jose Ascanio—4 IP 3H BB 4K
• Blake DeWitt—2-4 2B 2 RBI SB(1)
• Xavier Paul—4-4 2B R 2 RBI BB SB(3)
• Matt McBryde—2-4 R RBI BB 2 SB(5)
• Matt Downs—2-5 R RBI
• Garrett Olson—5 IP 2H 3 BB 3K W(1)

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Lots of good pitching peformances to report!  Ian Kennedy won his second game, allowing one earned run over six innings, Michael Bowden also allowed just one run over four innings.  Daniel Bard finished things off for Pawtuckett striking out three over two hitless innings for his second save and David Huff got win number two with his solid five inning outing.  Offensively, Jordan Brown blasted his second HR and Juan Miranda hit HR number three.  Jason Donald doubled, tripled and scored three times but that performance could not outshine Kris Medlen’s five innings of no-hit ball for Gwinnett.  Medlen allowed just one walk and struck out six but didn’t receive a decision for his efforts.  No matter, we’ll reward him with player of the day honors.

International League Player of the Day—KRIS MEDLEN

Other Notable Performances:

• Michael Aubrey—2-4 R
• Jordan Brown—3-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Andrew McCutchen—1-3 3B R BB
• David Huff—5 IP 5H ER 2 BB 3K W(2)
• Scott Moore—3-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Brad Bergerson—6 IP 2H 2 ER 2 BB 3K W(1)
• Diory Hernandez—2-5 2B R
• Kris Medlen—5 IP 0H BB 6K
• Ian Kennedy—6 IP 5H ER 2 BB 5K W(1)
• Juan Miranda—1-3 HR(3) RBI 2R BB
• Dillon Gee—5 Ip 4H 2 ER 3 BB 3K L(1)
• Fernando Martinez—2-5 2 RBI
• Jose Correnado—2-4 2B
• Michael Bowden—4 IP 5H ER 2 BB 3K
• Daniel Bard—2 IP 0H 2 BB 3K SV(2)
• Justin Maxwell—2-4 R
• Jason Donald—2-3 2B 3B 3R RBI 2 BB
• John Mayberry Jr.—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Chris Valaika—2-4 2B R
• Clete Thomas—2-5 R SB(2)

3/28 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 30, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Saturday’s spring training action saw some outstanding performances from several top prospects.  Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar both collected 4 hits (one of Morales’ cleared the fence).  Sean Doolittle, Chase Headley, Adam Jones, and Nelson Cruz all blasted HR’s as well.  On the mound, Max Scherzer pitched 5 innings of 4 hit ball en route to a win, then promptly went on the DL.  Edison Volquez threw 5 solid innings for a win and Ryan Perry continues to look like Detroit’s long awaited dominant closer, lowering his spring ERA to 0.93.  Today’s top youngster was none other than Andrew McCutchen who went 5-5 with his 2nd HR, 3 doubles, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored.  McCutchen raised his average to .308 and is increasingly looking like a Major League outfielder.

Youngster of the Day—ANDREW MCCUTCHEN

Other Notable Performances:

• Adam Jones—1-2 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Brian Barden—2-4 3B R BB
• Colby Rasmus—2-3 3B 2R 2 BB SB(4)
• Jay Bruce—2-4 2 RBI SB(1)
• Paul Janish—2-4 2B R
• Edison Volquez—5 IP 4H ER 4 BB 3K W(2)
• Ryan Perry—IP H 2K
• Carlos Gomez—3-3 R 2 SB(5)
• George Kottaras—1-2 2B R RBI
• Jordan Schafer—-3-5 2B RBI
• Andrew McCutchen—5-5 HR(2) 3 2B 2 RBI 3R
• Brian Bixler—2-4 2B R
• Garrett Jones—1-1 HR(4) 3 RBI
• Dillon Gee—3.1 IP 4H 2 ER 2 BB 4K W
• Damaso Espino—2-3 3 RBI 2B
• Max Scherzer—5 IP 4H ER 3K W (1-2 RBI)
• Alexei Ramirez—2-4 2 2B 3 RBI R
• Josh Fields—2-3 2B 2R BB
• Brent Lillibridge—2-3 2B 2R RBI
• Sean Doolittle—1-1 HR(2) RBI
• Jeff Clement—1-1 2B 2 RBI
• Reegie Corona—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2R
• Mike Wilson—1-4 2B R RBI BB
• Rob Johnson—1-3 2B 2R BB
• Kendry Morales—4-4 HR(3) 2B 3 RBI 2R
• Erick Aybar—4-4 2B 3B 2R 3 RBI
• Sean Rodriguez—1-1 2B RBI R
• Chase Headley—4-5 HR(3) 2B 3 RBI 2R
• Nick Hundley—2-3 2B R RBI
• Pablo Sandoval—2-2 R RBI
• Emmanuel Burriss—0-3 2 BB 2R 2 SB(4)
• Nelson Cruz—2-4 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia—1-3 3B R
• Micah Hoffpauir—2-5 HR(5) 2B 3 RBI 2R
• Geovanny Soto—2-4 2B
• Seth Smith—2-5 2B 3B 2R RBI

8/12 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 13, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Read the First Comment

Twas a light night in AA, but here’s the rundown…

MIchael Daniel

• 1-4 HR(13) 3 RBI—Slumping as of late (.179 last 10 games) Looking very average.

Lars Anderson

• 1-4 HR(17) 2 RBI—.333 4 HR 13 RBI last 10 games (looking better and better)

Zack Daeges

• 2-3 2B R BB—.314 5 HR 52 RBI 30 2B 59BB/59K (needs more pop)

Matt Wieters

• 2-4 2B 3B 2 RBI—.405 3 HR 14 RBI 9 BB 9 R last 10 games (please come up in Sept.)

Brad Bergesen

• 6.1 IP 5H 2ER 2BB 2K (W)—16-4 2.89 ERA 80K/149IP (not overpowering, just wins)

Wilkin Ramirez

• 3-4 2R RBI BB—.419 4HR 9 RBI 11 R last 10 games (wasn’t ready for AAA)

Drew Carpenter

• 7 IP 7H 2ER 2BB 6K (W)—3rd straight commanding win in otherwise horrible season

Dillon Gee

• 7 IP 4H ER BB 5K—Commanding debut AA performance but no decision

Jake Fox

• 1-3 HR(26) 4 RBI 2BB—.368 5 HR 11 RBI 10 R last 10 games (Played C, 1B, 3B this year)

Brandon Allen

• 2-5 2B 5 RBI—Showing signs of life after minor slump (4 game hit streak)

BUY/SELL Analysis

Viva Zack Daeges!

Gotta talk about one of my favorites from ‘07, Zack Daeges.  Last year, Daeges went Playstation on the California League hitting .330 with 21 HR 113 RBI 124 Runs 82 BB and a minor league leading 55 2B’s.  Skeptics abounded about Daeges’ game stating that the bandbox confines of Lancaster and the pitching poor California League inflated his numbers.  Baseball America thought low of him enough to keep him off of their top 30 Red Sox prospects list in spite of his stellar season.  AA was supposed to be the barometer that would expose Daeges as a lower level prospect.  Daeges has battled some injuries this season, but has rebounded to hit .314 with a 59BB/59K ratio.  5 HR and 52 RBI in 325 AB’s has been a disappointment, especially given Daeges powerful 6-4 225 lb. frame.  Overall, Daeges is a below average athlete who has a decent arm and limited outfield range.  Likely he will have to DH or play 1B in the major leagues, areas that are deep in young talent for the Red Sox.  Daeges’ only 1st year cards reside in the 2006 Bowman Draft and Chrome set.  Chrome RC’s can be had in bunches for 50-75 cents each and base cards can be snagged at under 25 cents regularly. 

Market Analysis: I would be much more excited about Daeges if he could replicate his power from last season, but he strikes me as a gap to gap contact hitter who will not turn on many balls.  His plate discipline is advance, but unfortunately, so is his age (he turns 25 in November).  Long term, Daeges may need a change of location in order to become a major league contributor.  He seems to fall in the lines of other all hit, corner infielders like Jamie D’Antona, Terry Tiffee, Jeff Bailey, etc… who should get better opportunities but are beaten out by younger, more intriguing athletes.  That said, he is a solid low-risk medium reward BUY who might get some opportunities in spring training.

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.

7/6 High A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 8, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Chris Carter

• 1-4 HR(22) RBI—.250 61 RBI 60 R in 85 games

Josh Reddick

• 2-4 HR(15) RBI 2B SB(6)—.357 3 HR 9 RBI last 10 games

Henry Rodriguez

• 6 IP 5H 3ER 4BB 7K—Control issues keep him from being an elite pitching prospect

P.J. Phillips

• 2-4 2 HR(6) 2 RBI—.317 3 HR 6 RBI 4 SB last 10 games

Carlos Santana

• 2-3 HR(13) 3B 2R 3 RBI—83 RBI leads all of Minor League baseball

Austin Gallagher

• 2-4 2B R RBI—.295 2 HR 25 RBI 21 2B

Jhoulys Chacin

• 6 IP 6H ER 3K—12-1 1.72 ERA 109K/125IP (only 20 yrs old)

Ian Gac

• 2-4 2B 2 RBI—.372 20 HR 68 RBI

Renny Osuna

• 2-5 2R RBI—.372 3 HR 48 RBI 10 SB

Kellen Kulbacki

• 3-4 2B 3R BB—On fire lately .410 6 HR 13 RBI 13 R last 10 games

Cedric Hunter

• 2-5 2 2B—.305 4 HR 43 RBI 65 R

Jonathan Lucroy

• 2-4 2 HR(14) 2 RBI—.316 49 RBI .926 OPS at A and AA

Jeremy Jeffress

• 5 IP 5H 5ER 4BB 10K (L)—Lightning bolt arm, just needs to develop (75K/53IP)

Dillon Gee

• 8 IP 3H BB 3K—5-2 2.47 ERA 38K/66IP last 10 games

Brandon Snyder

• 3-5 2R 2 2B—.290 5 HR 38 RBI

Billy Rowell

• 2-4 2B RBI—.229 4 HR 31 RBI

BUY/SELL Analysis

Austin Gallagher was a 2007 3rd round prep pick by the Dodgers.  after hitting .284 with 4 HR and 17 RBI at short season Ogden, Baseball America did not see Gallagher as a top 30 prospect in the Dodgers’ farm system.  L.A. promoted him to Inland Empire as a 19 year old where he has drilled 21 doubles and is hitting .295 thusfar.  Gallagher has a 6-5 220lb. frame that should play well at a corner infield position.  Gallagher’s first year autographed cards are found in the 2007 Elite Extra set ,#’ed to 500, selling for $10-13 each.  He also has cards in the ’07 Bowman Chrome Draft set with singles selling for 75 cents to $1.25 each and refractors, #’ed to 599, selling for $4.50-6.00 each.

Market Advice: Gallagher’s size and increase in doubles production indicate that his power stroke will develop as his body matures.  I am not sure why Baseball America was so down on him as a prospect, but I see a young power hitter in the making.  BUY his autos now and get a batch of chrome RC’s at a buck or less each.