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)

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

5/12 AAA Minor League Report

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

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

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

AAA Player of the Day—VIN MAZZARO

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

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

Pitching:

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

5/11 AAA Minor League Report

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

Pirates 3B prospect Neil Walker, Astros OF Yordany Ramirez, Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia, and Cubs OF prospect Brad Snyder each homered for the second consecutive game.  Braves righty Kris Medlen continues to look like the system’s best pitcher, tossing a two hit shutout over 6.2 innings en route to his fifth win, but even that performance was not good enough to win top prospect honors.

Today’s award goes to Cincinnati Reds southpaw Matt Maloney.  The former Phillies prospect tossed seven shutout innings allowing just four hits and striking out 10 hitters for his third win.  Maloney is a “crafty” left hander with a sneaky fastball that has good late movement and a big breaking curveball that is a viable swing and miss pitch.  Add in an improving changeup and Maloney has been able to command the strike zone well and increase his GO/FO ratio to over 1.0 this season.  He is a good competitor who has a feel for pitching even when he doesn’t have his best stuff.  Given that he doesn’t have excellent velocity on his fastball (88-91 MPH) Maloney is culpable to being hit around in outings where he doesn’t have his good offspeed stuff.  Ultimately, he profiles as a #4 or 5 pitcher in a rotation who can eat up innings and keep his team in enough games to average 10-12 wins every season.

AAA Player of the Day—MATT MALONEY

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Neil Walker—1-4 HR(5) RBI
• Danny Worth—3-4 2R
• Alcides Escobar—0-1 3 BB 2R SB(16)
• Kila Ka’aihue—1-3 2B 2 RBI 2 BB R
• Brad Snyder—2-4 HR(8) 3 RBI 2B 2R
• Jose Vallejo—3-4 2 RBI BB
• Yordany Ramirez—2-4 HR(6) RBI 2R
• Aaron Cunningham—2-5 2B 3R RBI
• Adrian Cardenas—2-5 2B 2 RBI
• J.P. Arencibia—1-5 HR(4) 3 RBI
• Evan Frey—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Kyle Blanks—1-4 HR(8) 2 RBI 2R
• Chad Huffman—3-5 HR (5) 4 RBI 2R
• Trevor Plouffe—1-3 3 RBI
• Austin Jackson—2-4 2B
• Drew Stubbs—1-3 2B BB SB(11)
• Nolan Reimold—2-4 2B

Pitching:

• Kris Medlen—6.2 IP 2H 3 BB 6K W (5-0)…(0.96 ERA 10 BB/44 K in 37.1 IP)
• Michael Bowden—7.1 IP 4H ER BB 2K W (2-1)
• Matt Maloney—7 IP 4H BB 10K W (3-1)
• Anthony Swarzak—6 IP 6H 3 BB 5K W (2-2)

5/10 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 11, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

We’ve been off a couple of days but the minor league baseball season continues to be in full swing.  At the AAA level, Matt Wieters scored a couple of runs and has bumped his average over the .300 mark by hitting .364 over his last 10 games.  The power numbers have not manifested themselves as of yet, but the plate discipline has taken a notable uptick (6 BB/3 K in last 10 games).  Another bat that has heated up considerably is that of Cincinnati Reds OF prospect and former Texas Longhorn Drew Stubbs.  The former 1st rounder went 3-4 yesterday, his fourth consecutive multi-hit game, driving in a run and stealing his 10th base.  Cleveland Indians 3B prospect Wes Hodges hit his first HR of the season yesterday and Seattle Mariners 1B prospect Mike Carp blasted his eighth, making the offseason J.J. Putz trade look better and better.  Carlos Gonzalez of the Rockies smacked four hits and scored twice and Braves RHP Tommy Hanson struck out nine over eight innings despite allowing three solo HR.

Today’s top prospect comes from the Blue Jays system in the form of catcher J.P. Arencibia.  Going 4-5 on the day, including his third HR, three RBI and three runs scored, may just help the former Jays first rounder snap out of the early season funk that he’s in.  J.P. is batting just .231 on the year, much of which can be attributed to his continually disappointing plate discipline (3 BB/21 K).  Arencibia has smacked 11 doubles though, and scored 18 runs in his first 25 games which leads me to believe that bigger power numbers are to come but the average will continue to be low until he learns to harness his plate discipline.

AAA Player of the Day—J.P. ARENCIBIA

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Chris Robinson—3-4 3B 3 RBI SB(5)
• Brad Snyder—1-3 HR(7 RBI 2R
• Yorman Ramirez—1-4 HR(5) RBI
• J.P. Arencibia—4-5 HR(3) 3 RBI 2B 3R
• Carlos Gonzalez—4-5 3B 2R
• Jesus Guzman—2-4 2 RBI R
• Mike Carp—2-4 HR(8) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Brandon Wood—2-4 HR(6) RBI BB
• Matt Wieters—1-2 2R 2B 2 BB
• Wes Hodges—1-2 HR(1) 3 RBI BB
• Michael Aubrey—2-2 2 BB
• Trevor Crowe—1-2 R 2 BB SB(1)
• Drew Stubbs—3-4 2B BB SB(10)
• Wellington Castillo—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Luke Hughes—2-3 R 2 BB
• Matt Joyce—2-4 HR(6) RBI 2R
• Jason Donald—3-5 2 2B R
• Steven Pearce—3-4 2B 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Tommy Hanson—8 IP 6H 3 ER BB 9K
• Kevin Mulvey—6 IP 5H ER 2 BB 4K W (2-1)

4/20 AAA Minor League Report

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

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Mat Gamel hit homerun number four and Jake Fox, Brandon Wood, and Josh Whitesell continue to prove to their prospective major league clubs that they are ready for a recall.  After slow starts, it looks like Colorado’s Eric Young Jr. and Toronto’s J.P. Arencibia are starting to catch stride, but today’s top performer is former #1 overall pick Luke Hochevar.  The tall righty tossed eight innings allowing a run on five hits and four strikeouts for his third win of the season.

Pacific Coast League Player of the Day—LUKE HOCHEVAR

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Kala Ka’aihue—1-4 2B R RBI BB
• Mat Gamel—1-2 HR(4) RBI 2 BB
• Joe Koshansky—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Alejandro De Aza—2-4 3B HR(1) RBI 2R
• Jake Fox—1-4 2B 2 RBI
• Nate Spears—1-4 2R 2 RBI BB
• Freddy Sandoval—2-5 2 RBI
• Brandon Wood—2-4 2 RBI BB
• Sean Rodriguez—2-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Alex Romero—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI SB(1)
• Josh Whitesell—2-3 2 2B 2R RBI BB
• Jacob Hester—2-4 GS HR(1) 4 RBI
• Cliff Pennington—3-4 2R SB(2)
• Matt Tuiasosopo—2-5 2B R RBI
• Eric Young—2-4 R 2 SB(7)
• J.P. Arencibia—3-5 2B 2 RBI
• Kyle Blanks—1-3 RBI BB

Pitching:

• Luke Hochevar—8 IP 5H ER 2 BB 4K W(3-0)
• Kevin Pucetas—6 IP 4H 2 BB K
• Cesar Ramos—5 IP 6H BB 2K

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE 

Several games in the IL were washed out by rain last night, but there were still a few nice performances.  Kris Medlen continues to look like a nice sleeper pitcher as he won his second game by striking out six in five innings.  Matt LaPorta and Chris Valaika rapeed two hits and an RBI apiece, and Daniel Bard save his third game, punching out two in the ninth.  Today’s top prospect was Pawtucket’s starting pitcher Michael Bowden who surrendered just three hits and a walk over 5.1 innings with seven strikeouts.

International League Player of the Day—MICHAEL BOWDEN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Chris Valaika—2-4 2 2B RBI BB
• Matt LaPorta—2-5 RBI R
• Jordan Brown—2-3 2B R RBI BB
• Brandon Jones—2-3 2 RBI BB

Pitching:

• Michael Bowden—5.1 IP 3H BB 7K W(1-0)
• Daniel Bard— IP BB 2K SV(3)
• Kris Medlen—5 IP 5H 2 ER 6K W(2-0)
• David Huff—6 IP 4H 2 ER 2 BB 4K

4/15 AAA Minor League Report

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

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

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

Pacific Coast League Player of the Day—BRETT SINKBIEL

Other Notable Performances:

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

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

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

International League Player of the Day—KRIS MEDLEN

Other Notable Performances:

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

4/9 AAA Minor League Report

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

Tommy Hanson was easily the International League’s player of the day for his opening day performance, but he already received accolades in another post.  Will Rhymes had a big 5 RBI day, Juan Miranda also knocked in 5, but today’s IL Player of the day is Matt Laporta for his efforts in a win against Louisville.  In the PCL, Vin Mazzaro threw 4 no-hit innings against Tacoma, Brian Bogusevic, Chris Lubanski, and Chin-Lung Hu had great days offensively, but it was Nashville’s Mat Gamel who earned player of the day honors.

International League Player of the Day—MATT LAPORTA

Other Notable Performances:

• Diory Hernandez—2-4 R RBI
• Tommy Hanson—4.1 IP 3H 2 BB 10 K
• Kris Medlen—3.2 IP 4H W(1)
• Trevor Plouffe—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2B
• Dustin Martin—2-3 HR(1) 2 RBI BB SB(1)
• Luke Hughes—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI BB
• Jordan Zimmerman—5.1 IP 4H 3 ER BB 4K
• Dusty Brown—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI
• Daniel Bard—2 IP 4K SV(1)
• Fernando Martinez—2-4 2B 3B
• Will Rhymes—3-5 3B 3R 5 RBI
• Wilkin Ramirez—3-5 2B 3B 3R 2 RBI BB
• Brent Duglach—2-5 2 RBI R BB
• Ryan Roberson—3-6 2B RBI R
• Brent Clevlen—4-6 2B RBI SB(1)
• Andrew McCutchen—2-4 3B R RBI BB
• Brian Bixler—2-5 2B 3B 2R RBI
• Michael Brantley—3-5 2 RBI R
• Luis Valbuena—-2-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Michael Aubrey—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R
• Matt LaPorta—3-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2 2B 3R
• Jordan Brown—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2 R
• Adam Rosales—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Brad Bergeson—5 IP 4H ER BB 6K L(1)
• Mitch Talbot—5 IP 3H 4K W(1)
• Nolan Reimold—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Juan Miranda—3-5 HR(1) 5 RBI 2B
• Mark Melancon—2 IP 3K

Pacific Coast League Player of the Day—MAT GAMEL

Other Notable Performances:

• Brian Bogusevic—2-3 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R BB
• J.R. Towles—3-4 HR(1) RBI 2R 2B
• Brad Snyder—2-5 R RBI
• Felipe Paulino—5 IP 3H 3 BB 6K W(1)
• Brett Hayes—1-3 2 RBI R BB
• Mat Gamel—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Alcides Escobar—1-3 RBI 2 BB R SB(1)
• Scott Campbell—2-5 2R RBI
• J.P. Arencibia—2-5 2 RBI 2B
• Eric Young Jr.—1-4 2R 2 SB(2)
• Jon Jay—2-4 BB
• Allen Craig—2-4
• Mitch Boggs—6 IP 5H ER BB 3K
• Mitch Maier—3-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Chris Lubanski—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R
• Josh Geer—6 IP 3H ER BB K W(1)
• Mike Carp—3-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Aaron Cunningham—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI
• Vin Mazzaro—4 IP 0H 2 BB 5K

3/8 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 9, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Pitching prospects are the big story of today as several young hurlers put in some positive innings today.  Justin Masterson, Daniel Bard and Junichi Tazawa combined to throw 6 innings of 3 hit, 1 run ball today, David Purcey looked good in his 3 scoreless innings as did Phil Hughes.  The youngster of today, however, is the rapidly rising star in the Atlanta Braves’ system Tommy Hanson.  Hanson surrendered just one run over  4 innings striking out 7 hitters.  If you haven’t picked up this guy’s rookie cards yet, the window of opportunity to get them at cost-effective levels are diminishing with each dominant outing he logs.

Youngster of the Day—TOMMY HANSON

Other Notable Performances:

• Gaby Sanchez—2-4 R
• Jarret Hoffpauir—2-3 R RBI
• Garrett Jones—2-4 HR(1) 2B BB 3 RBI 2R
• Carlos Gomez—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Will Rhymes—1-2 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Jeff Larish—2-3 BB R
• Phil Hughes—3 IP 2 BB 4K
• Mark Melancon—IP BB K
• Sharion Martis—2 IP 2K
• Jason Donald—2-3 BB R RBI
• Tommy Hanson—4 IP H ER BB 7K
• Diory Hernandez—2-3 2 RBI R
• Brandon Jones—2-4 R
• Jason Heyward—1-2 R
• Zack Daeges—1-4 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Lars Anderson—1-4 RBI
• Justin Masterson—3 IP H 3K
• Daniel Bard—IP 3K
• Junichi Tazawa—2 IP 2H ER 4K
• J.P. Arencibia—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Travis Snider—1-3 R
• David Purcey—3 IP 2BB 3K
• Adam Rosales—2-3 RBI
• Devin Mesoraco—1-2 R
• Chris Valaika—1-2 RBI
• Nick Hundley—1-3 BB R
• Matt Antonelli—2-4 2B RBI
• Mat Latos—2 IP 0H
• Eric Young Jr.—1-3 2B R
• Greg Golson—1-1 GS HR(1) 4 RBI
• Elvis Andrus—1-3 R BB
• Derek Holland—2.1 IP 4H BB K
• Nick Adenhart—2 IP 2H K (W)
• Chris Petit—1-1 2R
• Andrew Romine—1-2 3B R 2 RBI
• Jesus Guzman—1-4 2B RBI
• Matt Downs—3-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R
• Pablo Sandoval—1-3 RBI
• Brad Nelson—2-4 HR(1) RBI R
• Michael Brantley—2-2
• Brett Anderson—2.2 IP 2H BB K
• Corey Wimberley—1-3 2R BB
• Matt Carson—1-2 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R
• Adrian Cardenas—2-2 RBI
• Justin Upton—2-3 2 RBI R BB
• Wladimir Balentien—1-4 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R SB(1)