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)

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

7/19 AAA Minor League Report

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

Cameron Maybin went 4-4 yesterday with two doubles and two runs scored.  Since his demotion to New Orleans in mid-May, Maybin has been spectacular hitting .345 with 3 HR 23 RBI five triples and seven stolen bases in 55 games.  Plate discipline did Maybin in during his time with the Marlins, but he’s had much better success with the Zephyrs walking 26 times versus 38 K’s.  Despite his stratospheric power potential, Maybin has not developed as a middle of the order hitter yet.  At just 22 years old, there’s plenty of reason to believe that it will develop.  I am encouraged by his high line drive rates that he has posted since being sent down.  Over the last month, Maybin’s line drive rates have hovered at around 28 percent.  For a guy that has been criticized in the past for hitting too many groundballs, this is an marked improvement, giving further evidence that he is getting better leverage out of his swing.

Maybin has an assortment of first year autos from the various Bowman sets that are currently hovering in the $15-20 range—about 40 percent below their Opening Day totals.  Maybin is playing his way back into the Marlins’ lineup and will likely perform better in his next go around.  Current Marlins RF Jeremy Hermida’s name has been bantied around in trade rumors and after being swept by the Phillies over the weekend, the team’s trade deadline dial may have been shifted from “BUY” to “SELL”.  If a spot opens in the Marlins’ OF, Maybin is definitely the first name to be recalled.

Michael Bowden made a successful return from the DL yesterday by tossing five no-hit innings for Pawtuckett, walking four and striking out five.  Like Hermida, Bowden’s name has been bantied about in trade rumors both this season and last as a key prospect in bringing a final piece for the Red Sox’s title run.  Bowden’s numbers in June were terrible (1-2 6.28 ERA and 8 HR allowed in 28.2 IP) but he seems to have things working well in July allowing just one earned run in two starts.  He’s not been sharp with his control during that stretch, walking a batter an inning, but history has proven that he typically has good command of his pitches.  I have long maintained that he is not a future staff ace, rather a mid-rotation innings eater in the mold of Jeff Suppan.  Developmentally, he’s blocked by too much talent ahead of him and a pennant race in Boston, but should be an immediate callup if he gets shipped to a different organization.

Today’s top player is a back to back selection.  Allen Craig blasted two HR’s yesterday and drove in four runs raising his average to .275 and giving him 11 HR and 40 RBI on the season.  The spike in power (he hit a homerun on Saturday as well) seems to be a direct result of a more aggressive approach at the plate.  He’s walking less and striking out more often over the last 10 games (2 BB/10 K).  This was also an issue during May where he had his best power month.  While swatting 4 HR and 12 RBI, Allen also compiled a dismal 5 BB/30 K’s.  He’s shown in the past that he can meld power with plate discipline which gives me hope that he can do it again. 

AAA Player of the Day—ALLEN CRAIG

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Brian Duglach—3-4 2B R
• Scott Sizemore—1-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Alcides Escobar—2-4 R SB(35)
• Brendan Katin—2-3 HR(20) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Allen Craig—2-4 2 HR(11) 4 RBI 2R
• Mario Lisson—1-4 HR(9) 3 RBI
• Eric Young Jr.—3-4 2R SB(50)
• Eric Patterson—3-4 HR(9) RBI 3R 2B
• Daric Barton—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI
• Brandon Allen—1-3 HR(12) RBI
• Sean Rodriguez—1-4 3B RBI
• Trevor Plouffe—2-4 HR(7) RBI
• Drew Stubbs—2-5 2B 2 SB(35)
• Chris Valaika—2-5 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Cameron Maybin—4-4 2 2B 2R BB
• Gaby Sanchez—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI 2R
• Jai Miller—1-4 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Jovanny Rosario—3-5 3R 3B RBI
• Chin-Lung Hu—2-4 3 RBI
• Julio Borbon—3-4
• Yorandy Ramirez—3-4 RBI
• Matt Tuiasosopo—1-4 HR(1) RBI

Pitching:

• Andrew Carpenter—7 IP 3H ER BB 8K
• Brandon Hynick—6 IP 5H 2 ER 2 BB 3K
• Michael Bowden—5 IP OH 4 BB 5K

5/16 AAA Minor League Report

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

I wrote an article for The Cardboard Connection a couple of weeks ago profiling some of the top MLB debuts that would be happening during the summer months of the season.  Of the 10 that I mentioned, one player that didn’t make the final cut was Cincinnati Reds OF prospect Drew Stubbs.

Stubbs has had an excellent yet understated season at AAA Louisville, hitting .312 with 2 HR 20 RBI and 24 SB.  There have been many concerns in the past about his ability to hit at the major league level as many scouts and prognosticators have been concerned with his plate discipline, but he has made significant progress over the last season and a half in that department.  His walk yesterday gave him 29 on the young season against 41 strikeouts.  His lack of HR power has flummoxed several people as well.  At 6-4 205 lb., Stubbs seems to be someone who should be able to put up 20+ HR seasons, yet his 7 HR from last season and two this season gives him the look of an oversized slap hitter.  However, it bears worth noting that Stubbs has 19 doubles this season and had 33 last year, which indicates that he drives the ball well to the gaps. Under the right tuteledge and in a hitter’s locale like the Great American Ballpark, I’m optimisitic that he will become a double digit HR hitter at the major league level.  The Reds have an assortment of outfielders, Jay Bruce excluded, that have underperformed and have a less impressive assortment of tools than Stubbs.  I fully expect that Stubbs will earn a callup within the next month and it will be quite interesting to see how his skills carry forward against MLB pitchers.

Today’s top player from the AAA ranks is former L.A. Angels 1st rounder Trevor Bell.  Bell made his AAA debut last night and was brilliant tossing a complete game, two-hit shutout, walking none and striking out four.  Bell has had a big time bounceback season this year, going 5-3 with a 1.97 ERA and 20 BB/55 K in 77.2 IP.  The key to Bell’s success is a low 90’s sinker that induces groundballs at a rate of over 1.5 per flyball out.  Bell has allowed just one HR this year and AA and AAA hitters are batting a combined .199 against him.  Despite his sterling debut, his chances of earning a big league start this season is small….unless John Lackey and Ervin Santana continue to have struggle with forearm injuries.  Keep an eye on his next couple of starts at Salt Lake City.  If he continues to have success, he may just push his way into a cameo appearance with the Angels come September.

AAA Player of the Day—TREVOR BELL

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Chris Carter—1-3 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Drew Stubbs—2-3 2B R RBI BB SB(24)
• Rhyne Hughes—3-5 HR(16) RBI 2B 2R
• Micheal Brantley—3-4 2 RBI BB R
• Matt LaPorta—1-4 2 RBI BB R
• Jordan Brown—3-5 HR(8) 3 RBI 2B 2R
• Brent Clevlen—3-4 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Juan Miranda—3-4 2R 2 RBI
• Austin Jackson—2-4 R
• Joe Koshansky—1-2 HR(12) RBI BB 2R
• Gaby Sanchez—2-4 2B RBI
• Matt Camp—3-4 R RBI
• Julio Borbon—2-4 BB SB(18)
• Joaquin Arias—3-4 RBI SB(11)
• Adam Moore—3-4 HR(6) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Chad Huffman—2-4 HR(10) RBI
• Travis Buck—3-4 2B R BB
• Dan Putnam—1-4 HR(4) 3 RBI
• Matt Carson—3-5 HR(10) RBI 3R SB(4)
• Eric Patterson—2-4 3B 2 RBI BB
• Kevin Frandsen—2-4 2R HR(6) 2 RBI BB

Pitching:

• Kris Johnson—4.2 IP 2H 3 BB 5K
• Trevor Bell—9 IP 2H 4K W (5-3)

6/9 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 10, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Michael Brantley’s bat continues to be red hot in the month of June.  Going 3-4 with three runs scored and stealing his 19th base, the former Milwaukee Brewers farmhand is now hitting .441 in the month of June with a HR four RBI and four stolen bases.  Brantley has scored 41 times in 55 games as the leadoff hitter for AAA Columbus.  His power hasn’t manifested itself as a major factor in his game, but his blend of plate discipline, speed and hitting ability makes him an excellent candidate to become Cleveland’s leadoff hitter in the future, moving Grady Sizemore to the middle of the lineup.

Speaking of top of the order talents, Eric Young Jr. had two hits, scored twice and stole his MiLB-leading 38th base yesterday and raised his season average to .318.  The Rockies currently have Clint Barmes logging a majority of the innings at 2B and he’s been solid this season.  However, Young’s upside as a top of the order presence is too intriguing to leave at the AAA ranks for much longer.  As the Rockies slip slide their way out of contention, Young’s potential for a callup increases.

Today’s top player is a toss up between St Louis 2B prospect Jarret Hoffpauir and Pittsburgh Pirates OF/1B Steven Pearce.  Both Hoffpauir and Pearce hit two homeruns apiece, with Hoffpauir driving in five runs and Pearce four runs.  Each prospect turns 26 at some point during the ‘09 season and their opportunities are dwindling to make impacts at the major league level.  Pearce finds himself to be the odd man out after the Pirates bulked up their major league roster and farm system over the past season.  His best opportunities going forward may be as a bench bat with power or platooning DH in the American League.  As for Hoffpauir, the Cardinals have a hodge podge of players sharing time at 2B led by utility player Skip Schumaker.  Hoffpauir doesn’t profile to give the Cardinals anything that Schumaker, Joe Thurston or Brendan Ryan could.  Unless things change, consider him a AAAA utility guy.

AAA Players of the Day—STEVEN PEARCE & JARRET HOFFPAUIR

Other Notable Performances:

Hitting:

• Ryan Patterson—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI
• Matt Macri—4-5 HR(5) 2 RBI 2 2B 3R
• Trevor Plouffe—2-4 2R RBI
• David Winfree—2-4 2R RBI
• Wilkin Ramirez—1-3 HR(6) RBI 3 BB
• Charles Johnson—3-4 2B R
• Michael Brantley—3-4 3R SB(19)
• Matt LaPorta—3-5
• Julio Borbon—2-4 2B 2R BB
• Joaquin Arias—2-5 2B R 2 RBI SB(7)
• John Jaso—2-4 HR(3) RBI
• Rhyne Hughes—2-4 2B
• Steven Pearce—3-5 2 HR(8) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Austin Jackson—2-5
• Juan Miranda—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• John Raynor—3-6 2B
• Gaby Sanchez—1-5 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Jai Miller—2-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2B 3R
• Brett Hayes—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI
• Jarret Hoffpauir—2-4 2 HR(6) 5 RBI
• Eric Young Jr.—2-3 2R BB SB(38)
• Michael Saunders—2-3 R RBI 2 BB
• Jeff Clement—2-5 2B R 3 RBI
• J.P. Arencibia—2-4 R
• Brandon Wood—1-3 HR(12) 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Elizardo Ramirez—6 IP 4H ER BB 7K W (3-4)
• Jeff Samardzija—6 IP 5H ER 3K W (3-2)
• Clay Buchholz—5 IP 5H ER 3 BB 2K
• Daniel McCutchen—7 IP 3H 2 ER 2 BB 6K

5/3 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 4, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Hey gang!  I hope you all enjoyed your weekend.  Let’s get back into the swing of things with the AAA report from Sunday’s games.  Carlos Gonzalez continues to sting the ball and could be close to making his Rockies debut, Fernando Martinez had three base knocks including his third HR of the season.  Kyle Blanks came up big with his fifth HR and Jesus Guzman continues to look like a middle of the lineup hitter as he hit his sixth and drove in three runs.  On the mound, Clay Buchholz allowed two hits and walked two in 5.1 shutout innings earning his first win and Wade Davis pitched well to earn his third.

Today’s top player is Florida Marlins second base prospect Chris Coghlan.  The 23 year old Mississippi alum went 4-5 with his first HR, four RBI, three runs scored and two stolen bases.  Coghlan started out slowly but has caught fire recently hitting .415 with nine RBI and 10 runs scored in his last 10 games.  Coghlan is an ideal top of the order hitter with a decent amount of pop, excellent plate discipline and excellent speed that he leverages well on the basepaths.  The Fish currently have All-Star Dan Uggla in the fold at second base, but there has been much conjecuture that his arbitration eligible contract will not be renewed after this season.  Coghlan is rapidly showing that he is more than ready to be a regular contributor at the major league level and it seems reasonable to expect that he will get his opportunity at some point this summer.

AAA Player of the Day—CHRIS COGHLAN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Yung Chi Chen—3-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 3R BB
• Carlos Gonzalez—1-3 2B R 2 RBI 2 BB SB(4) (Game 1)…..2-4 R (Game 2)
• Drew Stubbs—3-4 2B RBI 2 SB(4)
• Fernando Martinez—3-4 HR(3) 3 RBI 2B
• Matt Wieters—2-5 2B RBI R
• Mike Costanzo—2-4 2B R
• Austin Jackson—3-4 2B RBI SB(7)
• Wilkin Ramirez—2-4 R BB 3 SB(10)
• John Mayberry Jr.—2-5 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Eli Iorg—1-3 3B R 3 RBI BB
• Jesus Guzman—3-5 HR(6) 3 RBI 2B 2R
• Kyle Blanks—1-4 HR(5) 3 RBI BB
• Matt Downs—3-5 HR(3) 3 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Michael Saunders—3-3 HR(2) 3 RBI 2B 2 BB 2R
• Chris Coghlan—4-5 HR(1) 4 RBI 3R BB 2 SB(8)
• Gaby Sanchez—2-4 HR(4) RBI 3R 2 BB 3R
• Joaquin Arias—3-6 2R 2 SB(3)

Pitching:

• Neftali Feliz—5 IP 6H 4 ER 2 BB 7K
• Charlie Morton—7 IP 2H ER 3 BB 10K L (2-2)
• Wade Davis—5 IP 6H 2 ER 3 BB 3K W (3-0)
• Clay Buchholz—5.1 IP 2H 2 BB 6K W (1-0)

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

4/12 AAA Minor League Report

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

I hope all of you had a blessed Easter weekend!  After taking a day off, let’s jump back into things with reports from the Sunday’s Internantional League action.  Michael Brantley, Juan Miranda, Jason Donald and Neil Walker continued to look like major league hitters and Nick Evans hit his first HR of the year.  On the mound, Phil Hughes and Clay Buchholz had so-so outings, but their future closers, Mark Melancon and Daniel Bard respectively, were completely dominant.  However, it was a non-prospect that took home top player honors as the Braves’ Charlie Morton tossed six one-hit innings striking out 12 in a winning effort.

International League Player of the Day—CHARLIE MORTON

Other Notable Performances:

• Nick Evans—1-7 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Clay Buchholz—3.2 IP 3H ER 4 BB 3K
• Daniel Bard—2 IP 2K
• Michael Brantley—2-4 BB
• Wes Hodges—2-5 2B R
• Wellington Castillo—2-3
• Chris Tatum—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Chris Valaika—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Phil Hughes—6 IP 6H 3 ER 2 BB 6K W(1)
• Mark Melancon—1.2 IP 4K
• Jason Donald—2-4 2 2B R
• John Mayberry Jr.—1-3 2B R BB
• Kevin Russo—2-6 3 RBI 2R
• Juan Miranda—3-6 2 RBI
• Austin Jackson—2-4 2R RBI 2 BB SB(1)
• Jusitn Maxwell—1-4 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Luke Hughes—2-4 2B R 2 RBI
• David Winfree—1-4 2B R RBI
• Brent Duglach—3-4 HR(1) RBI BB
• Andrew McCutchen—1-5 5 R 2 BB SB(2)
• Neil Walker—2-6 2B RBI BB SB(2)
• Daniel McCutchen—5 IP 3H 2 ER 3 BB 7K
• Brandon Jones—1-3 2B RBI BB SB(1)
• Adam Russell—3 IP 5K

In the PCL, Sean Rodriguez, Brandon Wood, Chad Huffman, and Brad Snyder all went deep, but it was Florida’s Gaby Sanchez that took home top player honors with his 3-6 performance logging in his first HR with two runs batted in and two scored.

Pacific Coast League Player of the Day—GABY SANCHEZ

Other Notable Performances:

• Manuel Mayorson—3-6 2B 2R 3 RBI SB(2)
• Gaby Sanchez—3-6 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Chris Coughlan—1-4 2 RBI BB
• Alcides Escobar—2-5 R
• Mat Gamel—1-3 R RBI BB
• Brad Snyder—2-4 GS HR(1) 4 RBI
• Jake Fox—1-3 R RBI 2 BB
• Tommy Manzella—3-5 R RBI
• Mitch Maier—3-5 RBI R
• Chris Lubanski—2-4 2R BB SB(3)
• Luis Hernandez—2-5 2B R RBI
• Chin-Lung Hu—2-4 R
• Chris Pettit—2-4 R
• Sean Rodriguez—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Matt Brown—1-3 HR(1) RBI
• Brandon Wood—1-3 HR(1) RBI
• Freddy Sandoval—1-4 2B R
• Mike Carp—2-3 2B R 2 BB
• Chad Huffman—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Matt Downs—2-4 HR(1) RBI

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

3/18 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 20, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

I’ve fallen a little bit behind in my reporting as the NCAA Tournament has captivated most of my sports attention.  Wednesday’s actions saw Nick Noonan belt a grand slam HR in his brief appearance with the Giants and Jesus Guzman continues to annihilate Cactus League pitching with his 4th HR.   Brandon McCarthy continues to look good and healthy, tossing 4 hitless innings and Tommy Hanson threw 4 solid innings in a no-decision.  Today’s youngster of the day was a toss up between birth certificate fraud Emiliano Bonifacio, who went 4-5 with two triples, a double, and 4 RBI, and Seattle M’s muscle-bound slugger Michael Wilson.  Wilson wins with his 3-4 two HR, 4 RBI and 3 runs scored game.

Youngster of the Day—MICHAEL WILSON

Other Notable Performances:

• Luis Montanez—1-1 RBI 2B
• Reid Brignac—1-2 HR(3) 3 RBI
• Chris Dickerson—2-3
• Luke Hughes—2-4 RBI
• David Winfree—2-4 RBI
• Andrew McCutchen—2-5 RBI
• Austin Jackson—1-1 2R SB(2)
• Phil Coke—IP H K W(2)
• Brad Emaus—2-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• John Mayberry Jr.—1-3 R
• Jordan Schafer—3-5 R RBI SB(4)
• Brandon Jones—3-4 RBI
• Jason Heyward—1-2 R 2B
• Tommy Hanson—4 IP 3H 2 UER 2BB 3K
• Emiliano Bonafacio—4-5 2 3B 2B 4 RBI R SB(2)
• Brett Hayes—1-2 2B RBI R
• Gaby Sanchez—2-5 2B R
• Daniel Espinosa—1-3 R
• Michael Wilson—3-4 2 HR(3) 4 RBI 3R
• Rob Johnson—1-3 2B 2R
• Reegie Corona—2-2 R
• Nelson Cruz—1-2 HR(3) 3 RBI BB
• Julio Borbon—1-2 3B R
• Brandon McCarthy—4 IP 0H 2 BB 3K
• Kyle Blanks—1-3 2B R
• Jesus Guzman—2-3 HR(4) RBI
• Nick Noonan—1-2 GS HR(1) 4 RBI
• Eugenio Velez—1-2 3B R
• Micah Hoffpauir—1-4 3B RBI R
• Alcides Escobar—2-4 RBI SB(3)
• Casey McGehee—2-4
• Brad Nelson—1-3 3B RBI R BB
• Matt Brown—1-1 2B R
• Chris Getz—2-3 R BB