8/6 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 8, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Brandon Wood hit two more homeruns last night to raise his season’s total at AAA Salt Lake City to 19.  Wood continues to demonstrate, like his teammate Sean Rodriguez, that he can be a devastating power hitter at the AAA level while struggling mightily in a major league lineup.  Personally, I think that both of these guys would benefit greatly from a change of scenery.  The Angels’ success over the years has limited the margin of patience that they can exercise towards giving players opportunities to play through their growing pains.  A move to a rebuilding franchise would give each of these young and highly talented players that opportunity.  That won’t happen this year, though, and is a minute possibility in the offseason.  Both Wood and Rodriguez are still just 24 and I remain optimistic that they will get a chance within the next season to earn playing time either in an Angels jersey or for another franchise.  Wood’s 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft auto is still a prevalent commodity on the eBay market, but the price has settled down into the $15-18 range.  While this remains a moderately high risk investment, the 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft cards, both autos and non-autos have proven to be high demand items in the past.

Today’s top prospect is St. Louis Cardinals OF Shane Robinson.  The 24 year old centerfielder went 2-3 yesterday with his 4th HR, five RBI, two runs scored and his 16th SB.  Robinson is the prototypical fourth outfielder type who plays solid defense and hits for good contact.  However, there is not much punch to speak of in his bat and Memphis teammate Jon Jay has a higher ceiling than him going forward. 

AAA Player of the Day—SHANE ROBINSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Justin Smoak—1-4 2B 2 RBI BB
• Mike Baxter—3-4 2 2B SB(5)
• Chad Huffman—2-4 HR(15) 4 RBI 2B BB
• Chin Lung Hu—3-5 3B 3R 2 RBI
• Alcides Escobar—1-4 HR(4) RBI BB 2 SB(40)
• Blake DeWitt—3-5 3B 2 RBI R
• Angel Salome—4-5 RBI
• Mat Gamel—2-4 2B R RBI BB
• Eric Young Jr.—3-5 2R 3B BB
• Shane Robinson—2-3 HR(4) 5 RBI 2R BB SB(16)
• Matt Tuiasosopo—2-5 RBI
• Brandon Wood—2-4 2 HR(19) 3 RBI BB 2R
• John Hester—2-4 2B R RBI
• Aaron Mathews—4-6 R
• Tyler Flowers—2-4 2B RBI
• Jose Tabata—-2-4 R
• Jeff Clement—2-4 HR(18) 2 RBI 2R
• Brandon Jones—1-4 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Wilkin Ramirez—2-4 2B 3 RBI
• Jeff Frazier—3-5 3 2B R RBI
• Brent Clevlen—2-4 HR(13) 3 RBI
• Nick Evans—1-4 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Matt LaPorta—3-4 4 RBI BB
• Jason Donald—1-3 HR(2) RBI 4R
• Michael Brantley—2-4 3R RBI BB SB(38)
• Juan Miranda—2-4 RBI R 2B
• Desmond Jennings—2-3 2R BB SB(40) BB

Pitching:

• Fabio Castro—8 IP 4H 3 BB 4K
• Matt Maloney—6.2 IP 5H 2 ER 3 BB 9K W (8-8)

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

Pirates/M’s and Cliff Lee Trade Analyses

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

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

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

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

7/26 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 27, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Joaquin Arias had a stellar spring training with the Rangers but found himself as a late March cut as the Rangers were dead set on giving Elvis Andrus the starting SS job with Omar Vizquel playing the role of seasoned mentor.  Arias has been hot as of late, hitting .319 with 3 of his 4 HR and 12 of his 46 RBI over the last 10 games.  He’s got excellent speed (16/18 SB) and has committed only six errors this season.  At 24 years old, he’s the perfect candidate for a rebuilding team with a vacancy at SS (Mariners anyone?)  His MLB audition last season was solid as he hit .291 in 32 games with 4 SB and 10 XBH.  I would love to see him packaged as an extra piece in a deal to another franchise as it is always a shame to see talented players mired in deep systems lose precious years of MLB experience biding their time at the minor league levels.  Watch to see if he is packaged in a deal at the deadline and then pick up one of his several autos for less than $5.  His first year cards are autographs in the Bowman Chrome and Bowman’s Best sets.  Each can be had for $3-4 each.

Brandon Snyder is a name that we haven’t mentioned much since his promotion to AAA as he has struggled with the new challenge.  However, his 3-4 showing yesterday in which he doubled and scored two runs is an indicator that he may be starting to get on his feet.  He has hit safely in six of his last seven games but still has not found the plate discipline that he displayed at AA Bowie.  This is a prime time to buy low once again as he has settled back into the $3-5 ranks with his various autos.  Keep tabs on his next 10 games, if he continues to hit the ball well and can balance the BB/K scale a bit more, he could find himself in Camden Yards come September.

Today’s top performer is a repeat offender.  Tacoma’s Adam Moore hit his 9th HR of the season, driving in five runs and scoring twice in the Rainier’s 14-9 rout of the hapless Las Vegas Stars.  Moore is the M’s most polished and well rounded receiver as Jeff Clement is no longer a viable catching prospect and Rob Johnson is a good catch/no hit backup.  The spectre of former GM Bill Bavasi will cast a two year blight on the current catching situation at Safeco as Kenji Johjima’s $24 M extension remains one of the club’s worst maneuvers this side of Carlos Silva’s 4 year $42 M sentence.  Johjima’s high price forces the club to endure his menail production while inhibiting opportunities to get a full feel for what they have in Moore.  His 2008 autos are still solid bargains at $4-6 each and his ‘09 Bowman Chrome autos can be snagged at similar prices.  He’s probably a year away from earning significant MLB service time, but he immediately becomes Seattle’s best catcher when he arrives.

AAA Player of the Day—ADAM MOORE

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Andy Marte—1-2 HR(18) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Chris Johnson—1-3 HR(6) RBI
• Yorandy Ramirez—3-4 2 SB(9)
• Mike Baxter—1-3 2B 2R RBI BB
• Chris Petit—2-4 2R
• Sean Rodriguez—2-2 2R RBI 2 BB (Game 1)…..2-3 2B R (Game 2)
• Travis Snider—2-5 HR(6) RBI
• Jeff Clement—2-5 2 RBI R
• Adam Moore—2-4 HR(9) 5 RBI 2R BB
• Chris Heisey—3-5 R
• Drew Stubbs—1-5 HR(3) RBI
• Chris Valaika—1-3 2B 2 RBI
• Joaquin Arias—3-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 3R 3B BB
• Chris Davis—2-4 R 2 RBI
• Jose Vallejo—2-4 2B 3B 3 RBI R
• Brandon Snyder—3-4 2B 2R
• Matt Joyce—2-3 2 2b 2 RBI R
• Rhyne Hughes—3-4 HR(22) 2 RBI 2B
• Jason Pridie—4-7 2B RBI R SB(21)
• David Winfree—2-5 R 2 RBI 3B
• Alejandro De Aza—3-5 2B HR(6) RBI 3R
• Jai Miller—1-4 HR(8) RBI
• Buster Posey—0-0 2R 4 BB
• Ramiro Pena—3-3 HR(2) 2 RBI BB
• Wilkin Ramirez—2-5 2B 2R RBI
• Brent Clevlen—3-5 HR(11) 3 RBI 2B 2R

7/7 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 9, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

The family is finally in bed and after a long day, I am able to sit down at my computer and check box scores!

Yesterday’s action at the AAA ranks saw Minnesota Twins 3B prospect Danny Valencia stroke another two hits, scoring twice and driving in three runs.  Since his promotion to Rochester, Valencia has torn the cover off of the ball, hitting .352 with 2 HR 12 RBI and 12 runs scored in 15 games.  The former Miami Hurricane has made significant steps in increasing his plate discipline, as testified by his 33 BB/47 K ratio, and has shown decent power numbers by hitting 9 HR, driving in 41 runs and smacking 19 doubles.  The Twins currently have Joe Crede manning the hot corner and, while he’s had a solid power numbers this year and has played good defense, his low batting average and impending free agency makes him an unlikely candidate to return to the Twins.  Valencia has an opportunity to take the next step forward and nestle into a full time role with MInnesota as early as April of next year. 

Today’s top AAA prospect is San Diego Padres OF Chad Huffman.  The stocky 24 year old righty went 3-4 with his 12th HR, two doubles, four RBI and two runs scored yesterday.  Huffman’s big day raised his average to .246 and has been swinging a hot bat through the first seven games in July.  Huffman has boosted his power numbers this season, but at the expense of his plate discipline.  Regardless of his inconsistencies, Huffman remains a strong and offensively adept OF who is a gritty competitor and tireless worker.  Players of that caliber inevitably grind their way onto major league rosters in some capacity.  The Padres are chocked full of outfielders with higher upsides than Huffman, but most of them are still at the single-A levels right now.  That gives the former TCU Horned Frog a brief window of opportunity to wriggle his way into a major league job.  Expect him to get a look in September.

AAA Player of the Day—CHAD HUFFMAN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• John Raynor—2-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Chad Huffman—3-4 HR(12) 4 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Chin-Lung Hu—3-4 BB
• Cole Gillespie—1-3 2B 2R BB
• Joaquin Arias—4-5 3 RBI R
• Chris Davis—3-4 2B 3B 2R RBI
• Greg Golson—4-5 3R
• Yorandy Ramirez—2-4 HR(9) RBI
• Mark Hamilton—2-4 2B R
• Brett Wallace—2-3 RBI BB
• Jeff Clement—2-5 2B HR(12) 4 RBI
• Mike Carp—0-2 2 BB 3R
• Brandon Wood—2-4 HR(16) RBI 2B 2R
• Jesus Guzman—2-4 2R RBI BB
• Jacob Hester—2-5 2 2B
• Danny Valencia—2-4 2R 3 RBI BB
• David Winfree—4-5 HR(10) 2 RBI
• Reid Brignac—2-5 2 RBI
• Brian Bixler—2-6 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Shelby Ford—2-4 2 2B 3R BB
• Michael Brantley—3-5 2B R
• Trevor Crowe—1-5 3B 2 RBI
• Matt LaPorta—2-4 2 RBI
• Juan Miranda—3-4 HR(11) RBI 2R BB
• Brandon Snyder—2-4 R 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Will Inman—6 IP 6H 2 ER BB 4K W (1-4)
• Bryan Augenstien—5 IP 6H 2 ER BB 4K W (2-4)
• Clay Buchholz—6 IP 4H 2 ER 4 BB 4K W (7-1)
• Jake Arrieta—6.1 IP 7H 4 ER BB 8K W (8-5)

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

5/27 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 27, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Tommy Hanson’s MLB debut comes closer with each dominant start he has.  Yesterday, the big righthander surrendered just one run on five hits over seven innings while striking out nine hitters.  He also helped himself at the plate with a single and run scored in two AB’s.  Hanson received a no-decision for his efforts, but has assuredly reiterated to the Braves that he is quite ready to make his major league debut.

In other action, Jeff Clement had two more hits, scoring three times and driving in three runs.  He has been red hot during the month of May, hitting .360 with 3 HR 21 RBI 11 doubles and 17 runs scored.  Clement was curiously passed over for a big league promotion after Kenji Johjima’s hamstring injury in favor of the much less potent Guillermo Quiroz.  This leads me to believe that Clement’s days as a catcher, at least within the M’s organization, is coming to a close.  Watching him extensively last season, I completely agree with the move.

Today’s top prospect is another catcher, in fact it is the top catching prospect in all of baseball, Matt Wieters.  Shortly after receiving word that he would be making his MLB debut on Friday May 30th, Wieters went 4-4 with a double and four RBI.  The month of May has been good to the 23 year old Georgia Tech alum as he has hit .330 with 4 HR 25 RBI and 20 runs scored in 25 games.  During the first two months of the season, there hasn’t been many distinguishable performances from the ‘09 AL rookie class.  Wieters has an ample opportunity to step in and fulfill the expectations of many baseball prognositcators that predicted that his switch hitting power bat and Gold Glove defensive abilities would propel him to this year’s ROY award.

AAA Player of the Day—MATT WIETERS

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Matt Wieters—4-4 2B R 4 RBI BB
• Justin Turner—3-4 2B 3R BB SB(2)
• Wilkin Ramirez—1-4 2B 2 RBI BB
• Neil Walker—2-4 2 2B
• Trevor Plouffe—1-4 HR(4) 2 RBI 2R
• David Winfree—2-4 HR(7) 3 RBi
• Lou Marson—1-3 2B 2R BB
• Drew Stubbs—2-4 2B RBI
• Brian Bogusevic—3-5
• J.R. Towles—2-4 2B 2R RBI
• Chris Johnson—2-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Josh Whitesell—3-4 R
• Jacob Hester—1-3 2R RBI BB SB(5)
• Alcides Escobar—2-4 2B R BB SB(21)
• Hernan Iribarren—3-5 2B 2R RBI
• Cole Gillespie—1-4 2B 2 RBI
• Jeff Clement—2-3 2B 3R 3 RBI BB
• Michael Saunders—2-5 2R
• Cameron Maybin—2-5 2 2B 2R
• J.P. Arencibia—2-4 RBI
• Travis Snider—1-3 R

Pitching:

• Yorman Bazardo—8 IP 3H BB 6K W (5-2)
• Drew Carpenter—7 IP 6H ER BB 4K W (2-0)
• Tommy Hanson—7 IP 5H ER 2 BB 9K…..1-2 R
• Kevin Mulvey—7 IP 6H 2 ER BB 6K

5/25 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 26, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

I hope all of you enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend and found some time to set aside to honor those that have served or are serving in our Armed Forces.  Yesterday’s action in the AAA ranks saw Mets superstar prospect Fernando Martinez belt his 8th HR as did Royals 1B prospect Kila Ka’aihue.  Carlos Gonzalez had three hit, including his 6th dinger and slow starting ‘05 1st rounders Jeff Clement and Andrew McCutchen each collected three hits and scored two runs to raise their season averages over the .290 mark.

Today’s top prospect is no stranger to this list.  Boston’s Clay Buchholz tossed a complete game shutout yesterday, toying with perfection before allowing a single by Danny Richar in the 9th inning.  He went on to strike out the next two batters and end the game on a groundout.  Buchholz struck out seven in the game and threw just 96 pitches, 70 of them for strikes.  Stuff has never been a question for Clay, but he struggled with his control last season when he was with the big club.  All signs indicate that he has put those troubles behind him this year as he has completely dominated hitters in the International League this year.  In 8 starts, Buchholz is 3-0 with a 1.30 ERA, 12 BB/49 K’s and holding hitters to a miniscule .140 BAA in 48 innings.  The time is coming soon where Boston will once again call upon Buchholz to pitch in their rotation.  Odds are that he will enjoy much more success this time through.

AAA Player of the Day—CLAY BUCHHOLZ

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Aaron Cunningham—1-3 R 2 BB 2 SB(2)
• John Raynor—3-5 2R
• Cameron Maybin—2-4 3B R RBI BB
• Jeff Clement—3-5 2R
• Adam Moore—2-4 2B R RBI BB
• Bryan Anderson—3-3 BB
• Carlos Gonzalez—3-4 HR(6) RBI 2R
• Kila Ka’aihue—2-3 HR(8) RBI BB
• Brian Bogusevic—2-5 R RBI 2 SB(4)
• Fernando Martinez—1-5 HR(8) 2 RBI
• Dusty Brown—3-4 HR(2) RBI
• Andrew McCutchen—3-4 2R
• Shelby Ford—1-4 3B R 2 RBI
• Michael Brantley—2-4 2 2B RBI

Pitching:

• Jack Egbert—5 IP 2H UER K W (2-0)
• Bud Norris—6.2 IP 4H ER 3 BB 5K W (2-3)
• Adam Ottavino—6 IP 5H 2 ER 2 BB 8K L (0-5)
• Clay Buchholz—9 IP H 7K W (3-0)

5/21 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 22, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Brett Wallace hit his first HR at AAA and looks to be a strong contender to get a shot with St. Louis at some point this season.  Wallace is destroying AAA pitching to the tune of a .524 BA in his first five games.  Yankees 1B prospect Juan Miranda belted his 7th HR today, driving in three and scoring four runs in helping George Kontos earn his 3rd win.  Matt Wieters hit his 5th HR and drove in two, while Angels 2B prospect Sean Rodriguez blasted his 15th dinger and drove in two runs.

Today’s top prospect is no stranger to this list as Tommy Hanson tossed six innings of one-hit ball striking out nine for his third win.  Hanson’s top notch performance lowered his ERA to 1.51 and increased his MiLB-leading strikeout total to 73 in just 53.1 IP.  Teammate Kris Medlen made his MLB debut tonight with the Braves and struggled mightily walking five and surrendering five runs through just three innings of work.  It seems as if the Braves are counting the days until June 1st rolls around in order to avoid starting Hanson’s arbitration clock.  Once it does, expect Atlanta to find a way to fit Hanson into their rotation.

AAA Player of the Day—TOMMY HANSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Drew Stubbs—2-3 R RBI
• Trevor Crowe—4-5 2B 2R SB(5)
• Fernando Martinez—2-4 2B R
• Brandon Jones—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Reid Brignac—3-3 2B R RBI BB
• Matt Joyce—3-5 2 2B R 2 RBI
• Austin Jackson—1-4 R 3 RBI 2 BB
• Matt Wieters—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Eric Patterson—2-5 2B 2 RBI SB(18)
• John Raynor—2-3 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Sean Rodriguez—1-3 HR(15) RBI 2 BB
• Brett Wallace—3-4 3-4 HR(5) RBI 2 BB
• Freddy Sandoval—1-3 HR(5) RBI 2 BB
• Allen Craig—2-5 2 RBI
• Jeff Clement—4-5 2 2B 3 RBI R
• Michael Saunders—2-4 2B 2R BB
• Alcides Escobar—2-4 2 2B 2R
• Chad Huffman—1-3 HR(9) 3 RBI bb 2R
• Julio Borbon—3-5 2B R SB(9)
• Max Ramirez—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Neftali Feliz—6 IP 4H ER BB 4K
• Tommy Hanson—6 IP H BB 9K W (3-3)
• Drew Carpenter—6 IP 8H 3 BB 2K
• George Kontos—6 IP 2H 2 BB K W (3-2)

5/17 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 18, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Michael Bowden threw eight innings of shutout ball, striking out seven and allowing just three hits.  He’s been even better this year than last year allowing just four earned runs in his first 42 IP, mainly on the strength of a stingy .136 BAA.  The Red Sox have a plethora of good pitchers on the big league club right now, but there is ample reason that both he and Clay Buchholz will get another opportunity at some point this season.  Detroit Tigers OF prospect Wilkin Ramirez rapped three hits including is 5th HR and Kila Ka’aihue blasted his 7th.  One time top catching prospect Jeff Clement continues to break out of his horrible early season slump, collecting three more hits and driving in two runs.  Clement has been used primarily as a DH with recently promoted Adam Moore getting the bulk of the time behind the plate.

Today’s top performer is no stranger to the prospecting world.  Former 1st overall pick and 2008 post season hero David Price tossed five hitless innings fanning 9 hitters in a no decision.  Price has struggled with his control this season and has not resembled the pitcher that dazzled the baseball world this past October.  As a result, the final eBay values of Price’s first year cards have dropped to less than 50% of their peak values from this past fall.  The Rays currently have Jeff Niemann filling the #5 spot in their rotation, but he has struggled with his command all season making him the most likely candidate to be shuttled to the bullpen once Tampa is ready to recall Price.

AAA Player of the Day—DAVID PRICE

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Brandon Jones—2-4 R RBI
• Wilkin Ramirez—3-3 Hr(5) RBI BB SB(14)
• Alcides Escobar—2-4 2B RBI
• Angel Salome—3-4
• Matt Antonelli—1-4 2B R 2 RBI
• John Raynor—2-3 2 2B R BB
• Kila Ka’aihue—3-5 HR(7) 2 RBI 2B
• Freddy Sandoval—2-4 HR(4) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Jaime Hoffmann—1-3 HR(3) RBI BB
• Jesus Guzman—3-5 2B R RBI
• Matt Downs—1-4 HR(6) 3 RBI BB
• Jeff Clement—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI BB
• Cliff Pennington—2-4 RBI BB 3 SB(13)
• Eric Patterson—1-2 4 BB 2 SB(13)

Pitching:

• Vin Mazzaro—5.2 IP 3H ER 2 BB 4K
• Doug Fister—7 IP 9H 5K W (2-0)
• David Price—5 IP 0H 2 BB 9K
• Cesar Ramos—5.1 IP 3H ER 3 BB 2K W (2-2)
• Dillon Gee—6.1 IP 3H 5 BB 8K
• Michael Bowden—8 IP 3H 4 BB 7K
• Billy Buckner—6.1 IP 5H 3 BB 8K W (2-2)