7/20 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 21, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Minnesota Twins OF prospect David Winfree is a name that makes our run down of daily performances quite often, but he is oft overlooked amidst the prospecting ranks.  Yesterday the former 2003 draftee launched his 13th HR of the season as part of a three hit day and drove in two runs.  The Twins are still in contention for a post season bid and have a good deal of depth in their current OF situation, however, the 23 year old Winfree is someone to keep an eye on as a sleeper for future consideration.  At 6-3 230 lb. Winfree has as much power potential as anyone in the Twins’ system not named Angel Morales.  This season, Winfree is batting .274 with 13 HR 48 RBI and 22 doubles.  He has good athleticism and a strong arm that plays well in right field.  His positive strides made last year in plate discipline (41 BB/85 K) have gone by the wayside this year (15 BB/65 K), and he will need to shore that up in order to tack down a future big league job.  The Twins have some good depth in their outfield right now, but no one seems to have distinguished themselves as franchise fixtures.  Michael Cuddyer is signed through 2010, but his contract ($8.5M in ‘10) puts him at the center of several trade rumors.  The Twins are in need of an upgrade on the left side of their infield and there have been some rumors that Braves SS Yunel Escobar could be had for either Cuddyer or Denard Span.  Over the long term, I don’t see Winfree having a sustainable future with the Twins as trio of Ben Revere, Aaron Hicks, and Angel Morales are a couple years away from making their impact on the major leagues, but there could just be a window for Winfree to get a shot to make his major league debut when the rosters expand in September.

Houston Astros former 1st round southpaw turned outfielder Brian Bogusevic has had a decent season, but not to the level that I envisioned this past offseason.  After going 3-5 with a HR and three RBI yesterday, the former Tulane Wave is hitting .280 with 6 HR 44 RBI 11 SB and 44 runs scored.  There is still quite a bit to like in Bogusevic’s game.  At 6-3 215 lb., he is big, strong and has exceptional athleticism that allows for him to play at an above average CF with a cannon for an arm.  He’s shown better plate discipline in the past, but his 37 BB/80 K ratio this season is not particularly alarming.  At 25 years old, Bogusevic is primed to make his major league debut soon, but the fact that the Astros are in contention will delay that a bit.  Houston’s GM Ed Wade has given the indication that the Astros will utilize a wait and hold strategy as the deadline approaches.  They are not interested in selling off some of their high priced talent (Carlos Lee, Roy Oswalt, Lance Berkman, Miguel Tejada) for much needed organizational depth.  Conversely, they are reluctant to dip into their farm system in order to add a piece or two.  I see the ‘Stros sliding out of the race as St. Louis and Milwaukee make the Central a two team race.  The best thing that Boguesvic can do over the next month is tighten up his BB/K ratio and continue to drive the ball with XBH authority.  The more he can do that, the better his MLB opportunities will be going forward.

Today’s top prospect from the AAA ranks is Arizona Diamondbacks catching prospect John Hester.  Yesterday, the 25 year old backstop belted HR’s number five and six, driving in three runs and scoring three times.  Hester is a 2006 13th round draftee of the D’backs who played sporadically at Stanford but has progressed steadily through Arizona’s farm system.  This season the 6-4 215 lb. Hester is hitting .313 for the Reno Aces with 6 HR 40 RBI 25 doubles and 10 stolen bases.   Defensively, Hester has drawn accolades from current Diamonbacks manager and former catcher A.J. Hinch as being the best at blocking balls in the dirt and shows above average aptitude at calling games, mobility and arm strength.

The organization’s depth at catcher is underwhelming.  Current Arizona starter Miguel Montero is enjoying his best season as a pro, but has still underdelivered since his promising minor league career.  Hester has been likened to K.C. backstop John Buck, but I think that he has a better bat than him.  Expect Hester to catch some Dan Haren and Brandon Webb pitches at some point this season and, perhaps, beyond that.

AAA Player of the Day—JOHN HESTER

 


Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Rhyne Hughes—2-4 HR(21) RBI 2B
• Steven Pearce—2-5 HR(13) 2 RBI
• Drew Stubbs—2-4 2B R BB SB(36)
• Chris Valaika—1-2 HR(5) RBI 2 BB
• Matt LaPorta—2-3 2 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Wes Hodges—2-4 R RBI
• Jason Pridie—4-5 R 5 RBI SB(20)
• David Winfree—3-5 HR(13) 2 RBI 2B
• Hernan Iribarren—3-5 2B 2R RBI
• Alcides Escobar—2-5 R RBI
• Tyler Greene—1-3 HR(5) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Brian Bogusevic—3-5 HR(6) 3 RBI
• Tommy Manzella—1-4 HR(6) 2 RBI BB
• Yorandy Ramirez—1-1 HR(10) 3 RBI
• J.P. Arencibia—2-4 HR(10) 2 RBI
• Kila Ka’aihue—3-5 2B 3R 3 RBI
• Michael Saunders—2-3 2B R
• Chad Huffman—2-5 2 2B RBI
• John Hester—2 HR(6) 3 RBI 3R BB
• Buster Posey—3-5 2B

Pitching:

• Dan McCutchen—6 IP 6H Er BB 6K W (9-5)
• James Simmons—5 IP 6H Er 2 BB 4K W (5-5)

8/9 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 10, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | 5 Comments to Read

Light list today, but it is full of top prospects who have been promoted from AA recently.  Which ones will make their MLB debuts this season?  Only time will tell…

 

Travis Snider

• 2-4 2 RBI—4 RBI in 3 games since promotion to Syracuse (Toronto will be his 4th level this year)

 

Jason Pridie

• 2-4 3B 2 RBI BB SB(23)—.450 18H 9R last 10 games

 

Anthony Swarzak

• 7 IP 6H 2ER 3BB 3K—Pitching well in 3 AAA starts (2-0 2.37 10K/19IP)

 

Wade Davis

• 7 IP 7H 2ER 2BB 4K—3-0 2.32 ERA 27K/31IP at Durham (5 games)

 

Kila Kaa’ihue

• 1-3 HR(32) 2 RBI—.378 6 HR 10 RBI 12 R 8 BB @ Omaha

 

Jon Niese

• 6 IP 5H 2ER BB 5K (W)—3-0 2.37 ERA 14K/19IP at New Orleans (3 games)

 

Jon Jay

• 2-4 2B RBI—.326 HR 8 RBI 6R @ Memphis (11 games)

 

Micah Hoffpauir

• 4-5 4 HR(19) 4 RBI—.374 19 HR 78 RBI 48 R 29 2B (57 games)

 

Felix Pie

• 4-6 HR(9) 2 RBI 2R—.299 9 HR 46 RBI 45 R (Remember, he’s still just 23)

 

Travis Ishikawa

• 5-6 2 HR(24) 5 RBI 2 2B 3R—.305 24 HR 94 RBI 35 2B .972 OPS

 

Kendry Morales

• 2-4 HR(14) RBI—.332 13 HR 54 RBI @ Salt Lake City

 

BUY/SELL Analysis

Travis Snider may have as much power potential as any player in the minor leagues.  Built like a beer barrell at 5-11 245, Snider has athleticism that belies his stocky frame.  With a strong arm, and average speed, Snider can play both corner OF positions.  The major tick against Snider is his high strikeout totals.  Last season at Low A Lansing, Snider punched out 129 times in 118 games.  This season, over 3 levels, Snider has increased that total to 143 times in 118 games.  The high K totals have not deterred the Toronto Blue Jays from being aggressive with promoting Snider as he has made the jump from High A to AAA this season, and will likely get a few AB’s with Toronto in September.  Snider is just 20 years old and has ample time to address his issues at the plate.  Snider has first year cards exclusively in the 2006 Bowman Draft and Chrome set that sell for $3.50-5.00 each with his base cards available at 75 cents to $1.00 each. 

Market Advice: I believe that Snider will get the call to Toronto this season and will struggle.  He hasn’t adaquately dealt with his issues at the plate at AA and I think that the Jays are being a tad too aggressive with promoting him.  That said, his cards will get a boost once he gets to Toronto and, if he hits a couple of HR’s, they’ll increase more.  Snider is a strong BUY AND HOLD candidate, unless he gets uber-hot in Toronto and goes on a HR spree to start his career a la Jay Bruce or Ryan Braun. 

Aside: Jay Bruce’s cards might make good acquisitions right now.  His Bowman Chrome Drafts are available at $7.50-9.00 each, his base cards are even better values at $1.50-2.00 each.  I have a funny feeling that he is going to get hot again in September, giving people hope for a breakout in ‘09.

8/4 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 6, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Well, I admit that I have gotten off track with my minor league reporting over the last few days.  To my faithful readers, I do apologize and will make every effort to continue to provide up to date info on what is going on in the minor leagues.  I have decided, as my schedule has gotten busier as of late, that I will do my best to adhere to a regular schedule from now until the end of the season.  It will be as follows:

Mon/Wed: High and Low A Reports

Tues/Thurs: AAA and AA Reports

Saturday: Short Season and Rookie League Reports

Intermixed with these will be various articles from time to time covering a variety of topics.  Please, as always, feel free to submit your ideas or requests as often as you like.  Again, my email is portersprospectreport@yahoo.com.  This blog is a work in progress and, though I am pleased with the achievements over the first couple months, I realize it is continually in need of improvement and enhancement.

Now, on to the reports for Monday’s AAA performances…

Josh Anderson

• 3-5 2 SB(34)—.383 18 H 7 SB 8 R last 10 games (should get a look in Sept.)

 

Wade Davis

• 6 IP 5H 2BB 5K (W)—3-0 2.25 ERA 23K/24IP @ Durham (should get look by Rays before Price)

 

Neil Walker

• 3-5 2B 3B 3 RBI—Plate discipline is the only thing keeping Walker from being special

 

Jason Pridie

• 3-4 2R RBI BB SB(21)—.269 14 triples 12 HR 52 RBI 21 SB (toolsy but no room in Twintown)

 

Anthony Swarzak

• 7 IP 8H 2 ER BB 5K (W)—Pitched well since promotion (2-0 2.25 ERA 7K/12IP)

 

Chris Dickerson

• 3-5 2B 4 RBI—.283 11 HR 52 RBI 25 SB (older prospect at 26, but tons of athleticism)

 

Jon Niese

• 6 IP 6H 2 ER 2BB 2K (W)—2-0 2.08 ERA 9K/13IP at AAA (still just 21 yrs old.)

 

Joe Koshansky

• 2-4 2R BB—.281 22 HR 88 RBI 31 2B (great AAA hitter)

 

Franklyn Morales

• 5.1 IP 5H 3 ER 2BB 5K—Bumpy year for Rockies’ #1 prospect (8-4 5.56 ERA 65K/61BB in 89 IP)

 

Sean Rodriguez

• 2-4 2B R 2 RBI—.314 21 HR 52 RBI 1.072 OPS (Angels love this kid, he’ll get another shot)

 

Freddy Sandoval

• 4-5 2B 2R 2RBI—.340 14 HR 74 RBI 144 H 36 2B (big year for underrated prospect)

 

Brandon Wood

• 1-4 HR(26) 4 RBI—.288 26 HR 65 RBI 69 R (talent is still there and he’s figuring it out)

 

Wladimir Balentien

• 1-3 HR(18) RBI—Just called up again by M’s (M’s need him to produce or re-sign Ibanez)

 

Matt Tuiasosopo

• 2-5 HR(7) 4 RBI 2R—.295 14 R 2 HR 9 RBI 15K last 10 games (still just 22 yrs. old)

 

Jon Jay

• 2-4 2B R—.333 HR 6 RBI 5 R in 7 AAA games at Memphis (polished mid-ceiling lefty OF)

 

Eric Patterson

• 2-5 HR(10) RBI SB(17)—.310 HR 5 RBI last 10 games (2B of near future)

 

Cliff Pennington

• 3-5 2R—Awakening from slump (.200 0 RBI last 10 games)

 

Matt Antonelli

• 2-4 HR (4) RBI—Encouraging game in nightmare season (.198 4 HR 29 RBI but 66 BB?)

 

BUY/SELL Analysis

Matt Tuiasosopo elected to play baseball for his hometown Seattle Mariners instead of following in the footsteps of his father Manu and brother Marques as the next great Tuiasosopo football player.  At 6-2 215 lb., Matt (I don’t want to keep writing Tuiasosopo) has the perfect frame for a quarterback or MLB third baseman.  The road has been long for Tui, but following a strong showing in last year’s Arizona Fall League, he seems to have taken some integral steps forward in his development at AAA this season.  Matt has all of the tools to be an above average 3B with great range, soft hands and a very strong arm (he was a quarterback in HS.  Offensively, he has solid plate discipline and raw power.  The kicker is that he has yet to fully utilize that power as he hits a majority of his balls with an inside out swing that saps his power.  Tui’s first year cards came in the variety of 2004 products with autographs in 2004 SP Prospects (#’ed to 600), Donruss Elite Extra (#’ed to 473) and Bowman Sterling (with a slice of his game used bat).  Non-auto cards can be found in Bowman Draft and Chrome, Topps Traded and Chrome, and Bowman Heritage.  The non auto cards can be purchased regularly at $1.00-1.50 each while his autographs range from $7.50 for the Sterlings to $20.00 for the SP Prospects.

 

Market Advice:  Tuiasosopo’s development is far from being a sure thing.  The Mariners have a history of bungling players development by rushing them too quickly or putting them in situations where they struggle to be successful.  That being said, Tui’s athleticism and ceiling are much greater than the track record he has displayed so far.  The M’s are approaching the end of Adrian Beltre’s contract, and likely, his tenure in Seattle.  This will open things up for Matt who by that point could be the 20-25 HR threat that he was tabbed to be.  I would BUY an auto and HOLD it with interest to see if his power and polish continues to develop.  Again, Tui is not a sure bet prospect, but his ceiling is much higher than prospectors are currently giving him credit for.