7/20 AA Minor League Report

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

Pedro Alvarez is red hot right now.

The former #2 overall pick of last year’s draft was decent in his stint with High-A Lynchburg and got off to a molasses-like start after his promotion to Altoona, but the last 10 games has seen Alvarez post a .368 BA with 3 HR 6 RBI and 9 runs scored.  Alvarez is a highly potent all-star hitter in the making, but his high K rates, low batting average and spotty defense has detracted from his overall performance.  All told, the sum is greater than its parts.  Alvarez is clicking right now offensively, and his 19 HR and 67 RBI are on par with expectations.  I believe that he will continue to raise his average from its current .255 level to finish around .270-.280. 

Will he earn a September callup?  Tough to say.  My gut says yes, but it was the Pirates that were so glacially slow in giving Andrew McCutchen his debut.  While that worked to McCutchen’s benefit, I think they will not exercise the same patience with Alvarez.  His collegiate resume and immediate power impact keeps him on the fast track to Pittsburgh and nothing that Andy LaRoche or Neil Walker can do will stop it.  Alvarez has a major league contract and it makes complete sense for the Bucs to get a first hand look at exactly what they have in the former Vanderbilt superstar.  Expect him to be one of the September callups unless injury or a complete collapse in his performance happens before then.

Today’s top AA prospect is Boston Red Sox catcher turned first baseman, turned outfielder, turned eventual DH Jon Still.  The Red Sox slugger blasted two HR and drove in seven runs yesterday in Portland’s 16-1 massacre over New Britain yesterday.  Despite his career day, Still has been a big disappoint me to me this year.  The former 2006 draftee is hitting .239 with 13 HR 61 RBI and 26 doubles this year, but his 27 BB/103 K’s is far and away his worst showing in his professional career.  Despite hitting .302 with 16 RBI over his last 10 games, Still has struck out 18 times and has failed to draw a walk during the same timeframe.  I think that he is going to continue to decline in his production as he progresses until he joins the Jeff Bailey, Aaron Bates and Chris Carter ranks of the organization as a player who makes the frequent treks between Pawtucket and Boston.  Look to see if the market for his stuff jumps after a few good performances and sell accordingly.

AA Player of the Day—JON STILL

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Michael Daniel—3-4 BB
• Brennan Boesch—1-4 HR(18) 2 RBI
• Mike McBryde—1-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 2R
• Ike Davis—2-4 HR(12) 2 RBI 2 RBI BB
• Josh Thole—2-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Ruben Tejada—3-4 2R
• Josh Reddick—3-6 HR(13) 2 RBI 3R
• Ryan Khoury—3-5 4R BB
• Jon Still—3-6 2 HR(13) 7 RBI 3R
• Ryan Kalish—2-5 HR(9) 2B 2 RBI BB
• Jorge Jimenez—3-5 HR(10) 4 RBI 2 2B 4R BB
• Argenis Diaz—2-5 2B RBI
• Pedro Alvarez—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI 2R
• Brian Friday—1-3 HR(7) 2 RBI BB
• Jim Negrych—2-4 2 2B 2R
• Quentin Berry—2-4 R 2 SB(34)
• Reegie Corona—2-3 R 2 BB
• Jesus Montero—2-4 HR(15) RBI BB
• David Cooper—1-3 2B 2 RBI 2 BB
• Jeremy Moore—2-3 HR(8) 2 RBI 2R
• Mark Trumbo—2-5 R RBI
• Jarrod Dyson—2-4 2R 3 SB(21)
• Drew Locke—2-4 2B 2R
• Matt Spencer—3-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Josh Horton—2-5 2B 2R
• James Rapoport—2-5 2B R 2 BB
• Tyler Henley—3-5 2B R RBI

Pitching:

• Blake Beavan—6.1 IP 8H 2 ER K L (6-7)
• Corey Kluber—6 IP 4H BB 6K W (8-9)
• Adam Mills—7 IP 5H Er 2 BB 5K W (7-5)

7/2 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 3, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Prior to the start of the ‘09 season, San Diego Padres 2B prospect Eric Sogard was very high on my sleepers list.  Perhaps it was his excellent first season in the California League (.308 10 HR 87 RBI 92 runs 42 doubles) or the fact that he is a former ASU Sun Devil, but I couldn’t help but compare him to ‘08 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia.  While the two share many similarities, style of play, body size and structure, plate discipline, etc., Sogard’s got a long way to go before those comparisons have any merit.  The fact remains, however, that Eric Sogard is an intriguing MLB talent.  After a slow month of May that saw him hit .212,  he bounced back nicely during the month of June by hitting .314 with 21 runs scored and 11 RBI in 24 games.  Sogard’s main competition for the 2B job with the Padres is the disappointing enigma known as Matt Antonelli.  I believe that he will leapfrog him by this point next season, perhaps into a starting job with the Padres.

Madison Bumgarner remains the top left handed pitching prospect in all of baseball, but the hype for him has cooled a little bit since his promotion to Connecticut.  Regardless, the former ‘07 1st rounder continues to tack up wins.  His seven innings of four hit, shutout ball netted him his sixth AA win and ninth overall for the season.  Bumgarner has allowed just one earned run over his last 19 innings, but the strikeout numbers have been down a little bit and his 19 BB/66 K in 74 innings is less impressive that last year’s Nintendo-like 21 BB/164 K’s in 141 innings.  Also, it seems like Bumgarner’s workload has increased over his last two outings (8 IP and 7 IP respectively).  Perhaps this is because the Giants are edging into playoff contention and the chances that Bumgarner will be called upon to pitch for San Fran in 2009 are waning.  I believe that Bumgarner can hold his own against MLB hitters right now, but holding him back until 2010 may be the more prudent move.  Watch the market for his cards.  If it dips, jump on his stuff now.  He’ll have a prominent role with the Giants in 2010.

Today’s top prospect is another southpaw, Baltimore Orioles top ‘08 draftee Brian Matusz.  his seven shutout innings marked his third consecutive dominant start at Bowie where he’s gone 3-0 with a 0.49 ERA and 6 BB/21 K in 18.1 IP.  Matusz has been flat out dominant this season going 7-2 with a 1.80 ERA in 14 starts this year.  His 27 BB/96 K ratio in 85 IP is a fine indicator that he is commanding his mid-90’s heater well while keeping hitters honest with his slider and change.  He profiles as a #2 or 3 starter for a Baltimore Orioles rotation that could soon rival that of the pennant winning O’s of 1979.

AA Player of the Day—BRIAN MATUSZ

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Carlos Santana—2-4 HR(12) 3 RBI
• Gorkys Hernandez—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Jose Tabata—1-4 HR(2) RBI SB(6)
• Brad Emaus—3-4 3R BB SB(7)
• Shawn Bowman—4-4 2B
• Desmond Jennings—1-3 R 2 BB SB(29)
• Jesus Montero—2-5 HR(13) 2 RBI
• Ryan Strieby—2-5 HR(15) 2 RBI 2R
• Brennan Boesch—2-3 HR(16) RBI 2R BB
• Alex Avila—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Zack Cozart—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI
• Todd Frazier—1-4 HR(8) RBI
• Andrew Lambo—1-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Josh Bell—2-3 2B RBI
• Pedro Ciraco—3-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Mark Hallberg—3-4 2B R
• Steffan Gartrell—3-4 HR(15) RBI
• Eric Sogard—2-4 HR(3) 3 RBI BB
• Logan Forsythe—2-4 R RBI BB
• Cole Garner—1-4 HR(7) RBI
• Justin Smoak–1-2 3 BB
• Mitch Moreland—1-5 HR(11) RBI 2R
• Dan Delasco—1-4 HR(8) 2 RBI BB
• Josh Donaldson—2-5 2B R RBI
• Matt Spencer—2-4 2R RBI BB

Pitching:

• Brian Matusz—7 IP 4H 2 BB 6K W (7-2)
• Hector Rondon—6 IP 4H 3 ER BB 8K L (7-5)
• Madison Bumgarner—7 IP 4H 3 BB 5K W (9-2)
• Tyler Herron—4.2 IP 4H ER 4 BB 7K
• Matt Torra—7 IP 4H Er BB 4K W (6-6)
• Chaz Roe—5.2 IP 2H 2 BB 6K W (3-1)

6/30 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 1, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Boston Red Sox OF/C/1B/DH prospect Jon Still seems to be awakening from his June slumber by hitting his 3rd HR in the last four games.  Still had a big season at High-A Lancaster last season by hitting .265 with 22 HR 65 RBI and 30 doubles, but this year has been a different story.  Struggles with plate discipline (22 BB/79 K in 69 games) and difficulty in finding a defensive home has dropped the former N.C. State star’s stock significantly.  There is still quite a bit of power potential locked up in Still’s bat and he has shown the ability in the past to draw a high number of walks.  At 24 years old, there is still some upside to his game, but he has to rediscover his plate discipline and find a way to stick at a defensive position.  If he can, there is some hope that he can have a decent MLB future for a club not named the Boston Red Sox.

Today’s top prospect is New York Yankees catching phenom Jesus Montero.  The 19 year old Venezuelan hit two HR yesterday, his second and third since being promoted to Trenton.  Montero’s bat is special and his 8 BB/6 K ratio since being called up is yet another sign that the track to New York is going to be an accelerated one.  Don’t expect it to happen in September, as the Yankees are in the thick of a playoff hunt.  However, a trip to the Arizonza Fall League should make thing interesting the next spring.  Jorge Posada has bounced back nicely from his shoulder injury and there has been some conjecture that Montero may end up playing 1B for the Yankees in the future while Austin Romine becomes Posada’s eventual successor.  Regardless of when he dons the pinstripes, there is little doubt that Montero will be an extraordinary hitter in the Yankees’ lineup for years to come.

AA Player of the Day—JESUS MONTERO 

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Leo Davis—3-4 2B RBI R BB
• Marvin Lowrance—2-4 HR(13) 3 RBI 2B
• Brett Pill—3-4 2B 3B 2 RBI R
• Rene Tosoni—2-4 HR(10) 2 RBI
• Erik Lis—1-5 HR(6) 3 RBI
• Josh Reddick—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Jon Still—2-3 HR(10) 3 RBI BB
• Brian Friday—1-6 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Quentin Berry—3-5 3B RBI 2 SB(24)
• Jesus Montero—2-3 2 HR(11) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Marquez Smith—2-4 HR(11) RBI 2R 2B
• Wellington Castillo—2-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Steffan Gartrell—3-6 HR(14) RBI BB
• Greg Halman—1-3 2R BB SB(5)

Pitching:

• Heath Rollins—8 IP 7H ER 5K W (7-6)
• Henry Sosa—5.1 IP 4H BB 3K

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)

5/12 High-A Minor League Report

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

Michael Stanton hit HR #8 last night and Ryan Kalish continued to show that he has more pop than expected has he hit his 5th.  Cody Johnson did his best to stay in the minor league HR race by hitting his 12th.  On the mound, Atlanta Braves lefty Edgar Osuna pitched well in a losing effort by allowing just one hit and one run over 6 IP while striking out 8, but it was another lefty in the Oakland A’s system that took home top player honors.

Carlos Hernandez tossed 6 no-hit innings allowing just two walks and striking out 8 for his second win.  The 21 year old southpaw has struggled this season after a solid 7-0 record at two levels last year, but 12 of his 21 earned runs allowed have been surrendered in two terrible starts.  Part of these struggles this year can be ascribed to control problems as he has walked 17 in 34.2 IP.  On the bright side, he has struck out 31 in that time frame and has induced a GO/FO rate of 1.38.

High-A Player of the Day—CARLOS HERNANDEZ

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Lance Zawadzki—2-5 2 2B 4 RBI
• Felix Carrasco—3-5 2B R
• Brad Chalk—3-6 R RBI
• Matthew Sweeney—1-3 2B RBI BB
• Hector Gomez—3-5 RBI
• Joey Butler—2-4 3R RBI
• David Stoneburner—2-3 2 2B 2 RBI BB R
• Ryan Kalish—3-5 HR(5) 2 RBI 2R
• Jason Place—1-4 2 RBI R BB
• Freddie Freeman—2-2 BB
• Cody Johnson—1-3 HR(12) RBI
• Tyler Henson—1-2 2B 2 RBI R BB
• Matthew Angle—3-3 2B R BB SB(10)
• Kirk Nieuwenhuis—2-3 HR(6) 2 RBI 2B 3R 3 BB
• Ike Davis—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Francisco Pena—1-4 HR(2) 4 RBI BB
• Carlos Guzman—1-5 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Adron Chambers—3-5 3B 3 RBI
• Thomas Pham—2-4 HR(2) RBI 3R BB SB(8)
• Darin Mastroianni—2-4 2 RBI BB SB(25)
• Raul Barron—1-3 2B 2R BB SB(4)
• Tim Kennelly—2-4 2 2B 2R RBI BB SB(3)
• Caleb Gindl—2-4 2 RBI R SB(4)
• Eric Haydel—2-5 R SB(14)
• Michael Stanton—1-4 HR(8) RBI
• Neftali Soto—2-5 2B R 2 RBI
• Devin Mesoraco—2-3 2B 3B 2 RBI 2R 2 BB
• Dan Perales—2-5 3B 4 RBI R
• Jesus Montero—2-4 2 RBI R
• Brandon Laird—2-3 2 RBI BB
• Starlin Castro—2-4 3B R 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Alex Cobb—5 IP 3H ER 4K
• Jose Rosario—7 IP 2H 2 BB 6K
• Brad Holt—4.2 IP 5H ER 9K
• Eammon Portice—6 IP 3H ER 3 BB 7K W (2-3)
• Carlos Hernandez—6 IP 0H 2 BB 8K W (2-4)
• Clayton Tanner—6 IP 3H UER 3 BB K
• Edgar Osuna—6 IP H ER BB 8K L (2-3)

5/11 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 12, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

There was a light schedule in the High-A ranks yesterday as both the California League and Carolina league had the night off.  Kyle Drabek continues his comeback bid with great success tossing five innings of one run ball in a no-decision.  Neftali Soto seems to have shaken off an early season slump as he hit his fourth HR as part of a three hit day.  Jesus Montero drove in three runs as did teammate Eric Fryer.  Matt Dominguez’s bat is showing signs of life as he had two hits and scored twice, but it was a teammate of his who takes home top honors for the second time this season.

Today’s top player is none other than Florida Marlins statuesque slugger Michael Stanton.  The 6-5 outfielder hit his seventh HR and doubled, driving in two runs.  Stanton has been solid this season, but really hasn’t heated up yet as he is hitting .281 with 7 HR and 23 RBI thusfar.  The market for his cards is still quite vibrant, but it has subsided somewhat since his excellent performance with the Marlins in spring training.  Stanton is still indubidly a fast track player who should make the transition to AA Chattanooga at some point this season.  Looking for a good deal on an ‘08 auto?  His Razor autos are currently selling for $10-12 each.

High-A Player of the Day—MICHAEL STANTON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Jordan Newton—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2B
• Moises Sierra—2-5 RBI SB(3)
• Tim Kennelly—3-4 3 2B RBI BB
• Lee Haydel—2-5 RBI R 2 SB(13)
• Eric Farris—3-5 BB SB(16)
• Michael Stanton—2-3 HR(7) 2 RBI 2B BB
• Matt Dominguez—2-4 2R RBI
• Gregory Burns—3-5 2R 2 RBI SB(5)
• Pedro Cipriano—1-4 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Neftali Soto—3-3 HR(4) RBI BB
• Yonder Alonso—1-2 R 3 BB
• Chris Parmelee—2-3 HR(5) RBI BB
• Austin Krum—3-3 3R BB
• Eric Fryer—3-4 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Jesus Montero—2-4 3 RBI 3B R

Pitching:

• Kyle Drabek—5 IP 5H ER 3 BB 5K
• Joshua Butler—7 IP 6H 2 ER 2 BB 4K
• Eric Nielson—6 IP 4H 2 BB 7K W (2-2)
• Carlos Gutierrez—6 IP 3H 3 BB 3K W (2-1)

4/28 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 29, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

There were performances-a-plenty that could be found merely in San Jose’s 17 run barrage against Lancaster.  Speedster Darren Ford racked up four hits and five RBI, Buster Posey hit his fifth HR, Conor Gillaspie racked up four hits and five RBI, Roger Kieschnick added three hits and three RBI and, oh yeah, Thomas Neal hit for the cycle and scored four runs.  In other action, Yefri Carvajal hit his third HR, Logan Forsythe and Luis Exposito each hit their second and Jesus Montero blasted two dingers. 

None of these performances can hold a candle to the performance of 20 year old Brewers prospect Evan Anundsen who went the distance in a no-hit effort against Daytona walking just one and striking out 10.  Andundsen has accrued a 2-2 record with a 1.44 ERA and 8 BB/25 K in his first four starts.  Anundsen is a finesse-type pitcher with a fastball that sits in the high 80’s, a curve and change.  He induces a great number of ground ball outs (2.71/FO in ‘08) and efficiently controls the strike zone.  There aren’t any cards of Anundsen’s out right now and, while this performance was truly dominant, he doesn’t profile as a dominant front-line pitcher at the major league level.  Regardless, when 2009 is all said and done, this performance will go down as one of the season’s best.

High-A Player of the Day—EVAN ANUNDSEN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Darren Ford—4-7 2B 5 RBI
• Buster Posey—2-6 HR(5) RBI
• Thomas Neal—4-5 (CYCLE) HR(4) 2B 3B RBI 4R BB
• Conor Gillaspie—4-5 2 2B 4 RBI 3R BB
• Roger Kieschnick—3-5 3 RBI 2R 3B BB
• Alex Liddi—4-5 2B 2R
• Kuo Hui Lo—2-4 2B 2 RBI BB R
• Steven Caseres—3-4 3R
• Christian Lara—3-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 3R
• Logan Forsythe—2-3 HR(2) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Yefri Carvajal—1-5 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Jeremy Moore—3-4 RBI SB(3)
• Andrew Romine—2-4 2B R RBI
• Kyle Greene—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Charlie Blackmon—3-6 3B R SB(6)
• Mitch Moreland—3-5 HR(4) 2 RBI BB
• Kraig Binick—3-5 HR(3) 3 RBI SB(6)
• Kyle Shelton—2-3 2 2B 3R
• Luis Exposito—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI BB
• Tim Fedroff—3-4 RBI R
• Matt McBride—2-4 RBI R
• Pedro Alvarez—2-6 R 2 RBI
• Cody Johnson—1-4 HR(7) RBI
• Johnny Giavotella—2-5 3B 2R
• Jeff Bianchi—2-3 RBI R BB SB(4)
• David Espinosa—2-3 HR(1) 2 RBI BB
• Michael Burgess—2-4 R SB(5)
• Jesus Montero—2-4 2 HR(4) 2 RBI 2R
• Caleb Gindl—2-3 RBI BB
• Ben Revere—3-4 RBI 2 BB SB(10)
• Curt Smith—3-6 2 RBI
• Shane Peterson—3-6 2B R SB(1)
• Greg Sexton—2-3 2 RBI BB R
• Fidel Hernandez—4-6 3R
• Dominic Brown—3-4 3B 3 RBI BB
• Freddy Galvis—2-5 2B 2R BB
• John Tolisano—2-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Eric Thames—2-4 2B 2R RBI
• Ike Davis—1-2 HR(1) RBI 2 BB
• Kirk Nieuwenhuis—3-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B 2R

Pitching:

• Jeremy Horst—6 IP 5H 2 BB 5K
• David Newmann—5.1 IP 3H ER 2 BB 9K
• Tyler Robertson—4 IP 2H 2 ER 4 BB 5K
• Evan Anundsen—9 IP 0H BB 10K W(2-2)
• Wilkin De La Rosa—5 IP 3H BB 7K W(1-0)
• Tim Bascom—6 IP 7H 2 ER 2K W(2-2)
• Chris Withrow—5 IP 6H 3 ER 3 BB 7K W(2-1)
• Patrick McAneney—5 IP 3H BB 7K W(3-0)
• Michael Kirkman—6 IP 6H 2 ER BB 4K

4/27 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 28, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Pedro Alvarez and Freddie Freeman squared off against each other yesterday and each talleyed a homerun for their respective teams.  Jason Castro went deep for the third time as did Roger Kieschnick.  Jordan Danks and James Shuck each rapped three hits and scored multiple times as well.  On the mound, Charles Shirek tossed seven shutout innings, striking out eight for his third win and Yankees prospect Jeremy Bleich won his second with six shutout innings.

Today’s top player award goes to Yonder Alonso who only had one hit, but he made it count.  The Reds’ ‘08 first rounder blasted his fourth HR, a grand slam, to help Sarasota overcome a six run deficit and defeat Charlotte 8-7.  Alonso started the season slowly, but has begun to hit better as of late batting .278 with 3 HR and 16 RBI in his last 10 games.  The plate discipline is there (7 BB/10 K), which is a prime indicator that the bat will continue to sizzle and his current batting average of .219 will soon be a thing of the past.

High-A Player of the Day—YONDER ALONSO

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Brandon Crawford—2-5 3B R
• Nick Noonan—1-3 2 RBI BB
• Roger Kieschnick—2-4 HR(3) RBI 3B 2R
• James Shuck—3-3 2R RBi 2B 2 BB SB(6)
• James Castro—2-5 HR(3) RBI
• T.J. Steele—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Caleb Joseph—3-4 2 2B R SB(1)
• Jordan Danks—3-5 3R
• Pedro Alvarez—1-3 HR(4) RBI 2 BB 2R
• Freddie Freeman—1-5 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Emeel Salem—2-3 2R 2 BB SB(3)
• Cody Cipriano—2-4 2B R 3 RBI BB SB(1)
• Alex Buchholz—2-3 2B R BB
• Yonder Alonso—1-4 HR(4) 4 RBI
• Justin Reed—2-4 2 2B RBI R
• Darin Mastroianni—1-2 2R 3 BB 3 SB(12)
• Moises Sierra—1-4 4 RBI R
• Eric Thames—1-2 2B 2R 3 RBI
• Michael Stanton—1-3 RBI BB SB(1)
• Jesus Montero—2-4 2B RBI
• Austin Krum—3-4 2R BB
• Eric Farris—2-4 RBI 2 SB(8)
• Arlon Chambers—2-3 3B RBI BB R

Pitching:

• David Bromberg—4.2 IP 3H ER 2 BB 5K
• Jeremy Bleich—6 IP 3H BB 6K W(2-0)
• Kyle Winters—7 IP 3H BB 6K
• Jenrry Mejia—5 IP 5H 5K
• Ryan Searle—5 IP 2H BB 2K W(2-1)
• Charles Shirek—7 IP 4H BB 8K W(3-0)

4/23 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 24, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Michael Stanton and Matt Dominguez homered in yesterday’s games as did Dominic Brown, Lonnie Chisenhall, Felix Carrasco, Charlie Blackmon, Thomas Neal, and Brandon Crawford.  Tyler Robertson looks like his is on the comeback trail as he tossed five scoreless innings to earn his first win of ‘09 and Duane Below tossed a hitless five innings allowing an unearned run and striking out seven.

Today’s top High-A player is Michael Burgess.  The former 1st round pick has struggled mightily this season (.163 BA), but he belted his fourth HR of the season, driving in five and walking and scoring twice.  Burgess has enormous power potential but is still learning how to reign in his plate discipline.  The left handed slugger has walked seven time in his last ten games though, which gives reason to believe that he could make some progress as the season goes on.

High-A Player of the Day—MICHAEL BURGESS

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Clay Fuller—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R 2B BB SB(6)
• Matthew Sweeney—2-5 3B R RBI
• Julio Perez—3-5 2B RBI R
• Brandon Crawford—2-4 HR(5) 3 RBI BB
• Roger Kieschnick—2-5 2 2B 2R
• Thomas Neal—3-5 HR(2) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Charlie Blackmon—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Matt Spencer—2-3 2R 2 BB 2 SB(3)
• Timmy Smith—3-4 HR(2) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Alex Presley—1-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Jordy Mercer—1-3 R 2 BB SB(2)
• Kris Watts—2-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Tim Fedroff—4-5 2 2B 3B 3R RBI
• Lonnie Chisenhall—2-5 2B HR(3) 3 RBI
• Michael Burgess—2-3 HR(4) 5 RBI 2 BB 2R
• David Espinosa—2-5 2B R RBI BB SB(6)
• Greg Paimi—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Kris Negron—3-4 2 HR(2) 4 RBI 2R
• Eric Fryer—2-4 2B 2R RBI BB
• Jesus Montero—2-4 R 3 RBI
• Dominic Brown—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R SB(4)
• Freddy Galvis—2-4 3R BB 2 SB(2)
• Mike Gosse—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Ben Revere—2-5 R RBI 2 SB(7)
• Joe Benson—1-3 2B R RBI BB
• Deibinson Romero—2-3 2R BB
• Matthew Hall—1-2 R 2 BB 2 SB(2)
• Reese Havens—1-2 2B R 2 BB
• Matt Dominguez—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI BB
• Michael Stanton—1-4 HR(4) RBI

Pitching:

• Alejandro Sanabia—5 IP 4H ER 2 BB 6K
• Tyler Robertson—5 IP 5H BB 5K W(1-0)
• Duane Below—5 IP 0H UER 2 BB 7K W(1-1)
• Wilkin De La Rosa—4 IP H 2 BB 3K
• Wynn Pelzer—5 IP H ER 2 BB 4K W(2-0)
• Bryan Olan—1.2 IP BB 3K SV(4)
• Scott Barnes—5 IP 5H 2 ER 2 BB 5K W(2-1)
• Bruce Billings—5 IP 4H BB 5K W(1-2)
• Seth Garrison—6 IP 4H ER 6K W(1-0)

High-A Weekend Report

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

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE

There were several players that had nice weekends in the FSL.  The Cubs’ Marquez Smith hit HR’s in back to back days and the Brewers’ young OF prospect Zealous Wheeler collected four hits and five RBI.  Nobody compared to what big Michael Stanton did, though, as the Marlins future superstar enjoyed a seven hit weekend that included two HR’s, six RBI, and three runs scored.  Stanton’s bat is heating up and he is showing all signs of going on a prolonged power binge.

Florida State League Player of the Weekend—MICHAEL STANTON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Marquez Smith—1-4 HR(2) 3 RBI (Sat.)…..1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI (Sun.)
• Michael Bertram—2-4 2B 3 RBI
• Joe Benson—2-3 HR(1) RBI
• Michael Stanton—2-3 HR(2) 2 RBI 2 BB 2R (Sat.)…..5-5 HR(3) 4 RBI 2B R (Sun.)
• Matt Dominguez—2-5 2B (Sat.)…..2-5 2B R (Sun.)
• MIguel Fermin—3-4 2B SB(4)
• Jose Garcia—2-3 2B 2R
• Jermaine Curtis—2-4 2B R RBI
• Austin Romine—1-3 2B 3 RBI (Sat.)…..2-3 2B (Sun.)
• Caleb Gindl—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Eric Farris—2-4 3R BB 2 SB(3)
• Logan Schafer—2-5 R 2 RBI
• Brent Brewer—2-4 RBI R SB(3)
• Zelous Wheeler—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI R (Sat.)…..2-4 3 RBI (Sun.)
• Neftali Soto—4-4 HR(1) RBI
• Yonder Alonso—2-4 2B 3 RBI BB
• Jesus Montero—3-4 HR(2) RBI 2B
• Cole Gillespie—3-3 2R 2 RBI BB SB(3)
• Reese Havens—1-4 HR(2) RBI

Pitching:

• Charlie Furbush—5 IP 3H BB 4K W(1)
• Jeff Allison—6 IP 4H ER 5K W(1)
• Ryan Zink—5 IP 5H BB 4K
• Yohan Flande—7 IP 7H BB 4K W(2)
• John Axleford—2 IP 6K W(2)
• Eric Niesen—5 IP 3H UER 3 BB 5K
• Darin Downs—9 IP 6H 2 ER 7K W(2)

CAROLINA LEAGUE

Not as much action as the FSL, but the big boys played well all weekend long.  Jason Heyward raised his batting average to .325 with a 4-6 weekend that included third HR and three runs scored.  Teammate Cody Johnson blasted his fifth and sixth HR’s and Pedro Alvarez and Michael Burgess each hit their second on Sunday.  The top honors go to Royals #1 prospect Mike Moustakas, though, for his two HR, five RBI weekend that has helped him emerge from an early season slump.

Carolina League Player of the Weekend—MIKE MOUSTAKAS

Other Notable Peformances

Hitting:

• Michael Jones—3-3 HR(1) RBI 2R 3B
• Kraig Binick—2-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R SB(2)
• Mike Moustakas—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B 2R (Sat.)…..1-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R BB (Sun.)
• Jason Heyward—2-3 2B R BB (Sat.)…..2-3 HR(3) RBI 2B 2R (Sun.)
• Cody Johnson—1-4 HR(5) RBI (Sat.)…..1-4 HR(6) 2 RBI (Sun.)
• David Espinosa—2-3 2B R BB SB(5) (Sat.)…..1-3 2 BB 3R (Sun.)
• Matt McBride—3-5 2 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R
• Jordan Danks—2-3 2B 2R BB
• Chris Marrero—3-5 2B 2R RBI
• Michael Burgess—2-4 2B 2R HR(2) 3 RBI
• Pedro Alvarez—2-3 HR(3) RBI 2R BB
• Miles Durham—3-5 2B 2 RBI
• Alex Presley—2-5 2B 2R RBI
• Ryan Kalish—2-4 2 RBI 2R BB SB(4)
• Kris Negron—2-4 3B 2R BB
• Matt Sheely—3-5 R 2 RBI 2 SB(2)
• Caleb Joseph—3-4 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Jim Gallagher—2-2 HR(1) RBI 3 BB 3R 2B
• Roman Pena—2-3 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R 2B 2 BB

Pitching:

• Brian Matusz—6 IP 7H 3 UER 2 BB 8K L(1)
• Brad Myers—5.2 IP 6H Er 4K W(1)
• Everett Teaford—5 IP 4H Er 5K W(1)

CALIFORNIA LEAGUE

Several top prospects had nice single game performances, but no one “dominated the weekend”.  The Giants have to be thrilled with the early returns from their top prospects, as Angel Villalona, Nick Noonan, Brandon Crawford each continued to play well.  Matthew Sweeney looks like he is a darkhorse power prospect as he collected two more RBI.  On the mound, Josh Collimenter tossed six two-hit innings, walking one and striking out nine en route to his second win of the season, but the player of the weekend was Oakland’s OF prospect Matt Spencer.  Spencer homered on both Saturday and Sunday, driving in three and scoring three times.

California League Player of the Weekend—MATT SPENCER

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Juan Diaz—4-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Matthew Sweeney—2-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Brandon Crawford—3-6 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Matt Spencer—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B BB SB(1) (Sat.)…..1-4 HR(3) RBI 2R BB (Sun.)
• Felix Carrasco—3-5 2 RBI R (Sat.)…..2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI BB (Sun.)
• Matt Lawson—3-5 2B R SB(3)
• Vance Zawadski—3-3 R 2 BB 3 SB(9)
• Nick Noonan—3-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Angel Villalona—2-5 HR(3) RBI
• Mike MItchell—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Charlie Blackmon—1-2 2B R 2 RBI 2 BB 2 SB(3)
• Eddie Colina—2-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Kuo Hui Lo—3-5 2 3B 3 RBI R

Pitching:

• Tim Sexton—6 IP 4H 2 BB 3K
• Josh Collimenter—6 IP 2H BB 9K W(2)
• Corey Kluber—7 IP Er BB 7K W(2)
• Alberto Bastardo—7 IP 2H 6K W(2)
• Michael Pineda—7 IP 6H 3 ER 8K W(2)