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

6/2 AA Minor League Report

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

Yesterday was a day for top pitching prospects to strut their stuff in the AA ranks.  BoSox import Junichi Tazawa tossed seven quality innings, allowing a couple of runs and earning his 6th victory.  Baltimore Orioles lefty Jake Arrieta did even better by punching out nine and allowing two runs over 6.2 innings for his 5th win.  San Fran’s Tim Alderson allowed two runs over eight innings but lost and Dodgers youngster Josh Lindblom outdueled Arizona’s Jarrod Parker for his third win.

As good as the pitching was yesterday, not every AA hitter’s bat was silenced.  Philly’s Michael Taylor hit his 10th HR as did Cincy’s 3B prospect Juan Francisco.  Cleveland Indians top prospect Carlos Santana hit his 8th and 9th dingers while driving in three, and the group of Brandon Allen, Todd Frazier, Josh Bell,  and Quentin Berry each rapped three hits.

Top honors for the day go to Chicago White Sox OF prospect John Shelby Jr.  The son of former Baltimore Orioles and L.A. Dodgers catalyst John “T-Bone” Shelby went 4-5 with his 5th HR and five RBI.  “Treybone” got off to a somewhat slow start this year and struggled through the month of May, hitting just .200.  However, he has looked like a 5-tool talent over the last 10 games, hitting .308 with 2 HR 10 RBI and 7 runs scored.  Last season, Shelby hit .295 with 15 HR 80 RBI and 33 SB at High-A Winston-Salem.  He also amassed over 35 doubles and 80 runs for the second consectuive season. 

Critics of Shelby, point to his struggles with his plate discipline (22 BB/98 K in ‘08) as a potential pitfall to his progress as a prospect.  However, he has made significant strides through the first two months, having already walked 21 times vs. just 31 K’s.  An upward shift in his plate discipline could revive thoughts of Shelby being a bonafide top of the order hitter for the White Sox.  He is already an excellent defensive centerfielder and his blend of power and speed is always intriguing. 

The Sox have a pleasant dilemma, however, as ‘08 draftee Jordan Danks has looked spectacular as a CF candidate as well.  The younger and more projectible Danks has bested Shelby’s numbers across the board this season and seems to be on a fast track to U.S. Cellular Field, perhaps by the end of this season. 

What does this mean for Shelby?  Perhaps a trade….as the Sox have already tried to make a move for more pitching by putting together a deal for Jake Peavy.  Although that deal fell through, it did demonstrate that Sox GM Kenny Williams is holding fast to his reputation of being an aggressive wheeler and dealer.  It could also mean nothing, as Danks has been mainly playing LF since his promotion to Birmingham.  Jermaine Dye’s contract is set to expire and Danks has the arm strength and size to be an everyday rightfielder.  Also, everyday leftfielder and frequent DL denizen Carlos Quentin seems to be a better fit as a DH once Jim Thome departs. 

Center field in Chicago’s south side has been a morass of mediocrity since the days of Aaron Rowand, but both Shelby and Danks seem to be excellent candidates who can each provide solidarity to the position within the next season or so.  I think that the next couple of months will tell us a great deal about the Sox plans for both Shelby and Danks going forward and each should have a much more definitive major league role once Spring Training 2010 rolls around.

AA Player of the Day—JOHN SHELBY JR.

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Lucas Duda—2-4 HR(3) RBI 2B
• Mark Wagner—1-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Aaron Bates—2-4 2B RBI
• Brett Pill—2-3 2 2B RBI
• Beau Mills—2-4 2B BB R
• Carlos Santana—2-4 2 HR(9) 3 RBI 2R
• Nick Weglarz—2-3 2B R BB
• Quentin Berry—3-5 R
• Michael Taylor—1-4 HR(10) RBI 2R BB
• Jim Negrych—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Ryan Strieby—2-4 2B RBI BB
• Gorkys Hernandez—1-3 2b R
• Josh Bell—3-4 RBI
• Todd Frazier—3-5 2B
• Juan Francisco—1-4 HR(10) RBI
• Jordan Danks—2-5 R RBI
• Tyler Flowers—2-5 2R RBI BB
• Brandon Allen—3-5 3R
• Dayan Viciedo—2-6 R
• John Shelby Jr.—4-5 HR(5) 5 RBI 2R
• Tyler Green—1-4 2B 2R 3 RBI

Pitching:

• Travis Wood—6 IP 3H BB 6K
• Josh Lindblom—5 IP 3H 4K W (3-3)
• Jarrod Parker—6 IP 5H 2 ER 4 BB 4K L (4-2)
• Kyle Parker—7 IP 2H 2 BB 2K W (2-2)
• Kyle Cofield—7 IP 2H BB 3K W (4-2)
• Tim Alderson—8 IP 6K 2 ER 3K L (2-1)
• Jake Arrieta—6.2 IP 5H 2 ER 3 BB 9K  W (5-3)
• Junichi Tazawa—7 IP 5H 2 ER 3K W (6-3)

5/22 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 23, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Yesterday was a good day to be a hitter in Midland’s lineup.  The Oakland A’s’ Texas League affiliate scored 24 runs and rapped 28 hits in a win over Corpus Christi.  Matt Spencer had four hits and four RBI, Matt Sulentic hit his 3rd HR and drove in three, while Adrian Cardenas went 4-5 with three RBI and five runs scored.  Mike Baxter collected five hits and four RBI for the San Antonio Missions and Andrew Lambo, Juan Francisco, Mike McKenry, Mark Trumbo, Marvin Lowrance, and John Shelby Jr. all went deep for their prospective clubs.  Junichi Tazawa tossed six shutout innings in a no-decision while Chuck Lofgren and Jake Arrieta both looked dominant in losing causes.

Today’s top prospect is yet another bat from Midland’s lineup and a repeat offender for the player of the day award.  Oakland A’s OF prospect Corey Brown went 4-5 with his 5th HR, six RBI, two doubles, a triple and five runs scored.  The effort raised his season batting average to .326 and helped him break out of a 3-22 skid in which he had struck out 9 times.  Brown has an abundance of exciting tools to work with and could develop into a 30 HR 20 SB player at the major league level.  The K’s are the big thing to watch with him.  In his 30 HR season from a year ago, Brown whiffed 168 times in 134 games.  He has shown the ability to take a walk, but he still gets himself into trouble by chasing pitches out of the strike zone.  This leads to dry spells that can have a mitigating effect on his BA and OBP numbers.

AA Player of the Day—COREY BROWN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Gordon Beckham—2-4 2B R
• C.J. Retherford—2-3 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Jordan Danks—2-3 (Game 1)…..3-4 RBI R (Game 2)
• John Shelby Jr.—2-3 HR(3) RBI 2R
• Aaron Bates—2-4 RBI
• Marvin Lowrance—1-4 HR(8) 2 RBI
• Mark Trumbo—1-4 HR(4) RBI
• Brad Harman—4-4 2B 2R BB
• Michael Taylor—2-5 2B R 2 RBI 2 SB(8)
• Jim Negrych—2-3 2R RBI BB
• Brad Emaus—2-4 HR(5) RBI
• Zack Cozart—2-3 R 2 RBI BB
• Juan Francisco—2-5 HR(7) RBI
• Andrew Lambo—3-4 HR(4) RBI 2B
• Chris Carter—2-6 2 2B 3R BB
• Josh Horton—3-6 2B 2R BB
• Adrian Cardenas—4-5 2B 3 RBI 5R BB
• Josh Donaldson—3-3 2B 3R 2 RBI BB
• Corey Brown—4-5 HR(5) 6 RBI 2 2B 3B 5R
• Matt Spencer—4-5 2B 2R 4 RBI BB
• Matt Sulentic—2-5 HR(3) 3 RBI BB
• Luis Durango—2-3 2B 4R 2 BB SB(21)
• Mike Baxter—5-5 2B 2R 4 RBI SB(4)
• Mike McKenry—2-4 HR(4) 2 RBI 2B

Pitching:

• Esmil Rogers—7 IP 3H ER BB 8K W (3-1)
• Kyle Cofield—5 IP 6H 2 BB 3K W (3-1)
• Kyle Parker—7 IP H BB 2K
• Zach Stewart—7 IP 5H 2 bB 8K W (2-1)…..2-3 2B R
• Ivan Nova—6.2 IP 8H 2 ER BB 6K
• Cole DeVries—7 IP 7H ER 4 BB W (3-3)
• John Ely—6 IP 3H Er BB 43K
• Hung-Wen Chen—6 IP 4H BB 3K
• Junichi Tazawa—6 IP 3H 2 BB 5K
• Jake Arrieta—6 IP 6H 3 ER BB 9K L (4-2)
• Trevor Bell—7 IP 4H Er 7K
• Jon Kibler—8.2 IP 7H 2 BB 6K W (2-3)
• Chuck Lofgren—6 IP 4H UER 2 BB 8K L (3-1)

5/17 AA Minor League Report

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

Chicago White Sox power prospects Tyler Flowers and Brandon Allen each hit HR’s on Sunday as did Seattle Mariners #1 prospect Greg Halman.  Chicago Cubs 2B prospect Tony Thomas continues to fly under many prospectors’ radars hitting his 7th dinger.  Cleveland Indians sluggers Carlos Santana and Nick Weglarz each collected four hits and combined to score five runs in a double header continuing their May hot streak.

Today’s top prospect, however, is elite LHP Madison Bumgarner.  After a rain delay cut Tim Alderson’s second AA start to just one inning, Bumgarner relieved him and allowed just one hit over six innings, striking out 9 for his second AA win.  Bumgarner has now surrendered just one run in 12 innings since his promotion and is holding Eastern League hitters to a .200 BA.  My gut tells me that Bumgarner will get a look by the Giants in September which makes his rookie cards a solid investment right now that could pay profitable dividends within the next three or four months.

AA Player of the Day—MADISON BUMGARNER

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Michael Daniel—1-4 HR(3) RBI BB SB(1)
• Brad Harman—2-5 HR(3) RBI
• David Cooper—1-3 2B 2R RBI BB
• Carlos Santana—2-4 2B 2R (Game 1)…..2-2 RBI 2 BB (Game 2)
• Nick Weglarz—2-4 2B 2R (Game 1)…..2-3 R RBI BB (Game 2)
• Matt McBride—1-3 R 2 RBI
• Tony Thomas—1-4 HR(7) RBI
• Andrew Lambo—3-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Cale Iorg—2-2 2B R 2 BB
• Scott Sizemore—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Brandon Snyder—1-4 2B R RBI
• Tyler Flowers—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Brandon Allen—1-2 HR(6) RBI BB
• Greg Halman—2-4 HR(12) RBI
• Dayan Viciedo—2-3 R
• C.J. Retherford—2-3 2B 3 RBI
• Cyle Hankerd—3-3 2B 4 RBI R
• Mike Baxter—3-4 2 2B R RBI
• Tony Abreu—3-5 3R

Pitching:

• Will Inman—7 IP 2H BB 7K W (4-1)
• Antonio Bastardo—7 IP 4H 2 ER BB 7K L (2-2)
• Madison Bumgarner—6 IP H 3 BB 9K W (5-1)
• Reidier Gonzalez—6 IP 5H Er 8K W (2-1)
• Junichi Tazawa—5 IP 7H 3 ER BB 7K L (4-3)

5/12 AA Minor League Report

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

Toronto Blue Jays 1B David Cooper hit his second HR of the season and Michael Taylor added his fifth.  Dayan Viciedo rapped four hits to raise his season average to .239 and Travis Wood and Trevor Reckling each surrendered just one run over seven innings en route to victories.

Today’s top AA player is Boston’s latest Japanese import Junichi Tazawa.  The 22 year old tossed six innings of three hit ball allowing just one unearned run and striking out seven for his fourth win.  Tazawa has been solid during his first season of ball in the U.S. as he has collected a 4-2 record with a 2.82 ERA and 12 BB/35 K through his first 38 innings.  Tazawa is small in stature with a decent, but not eye-popping, fastball that varies between 89-92 MPH.  His slider and curveball both are MLB-plus pitches and those who have witnessed his forkball see it as being a potentially devastating strikeout pitch.  The Sox are so loaded with pitchers in their system that the chances of Tazawa breaking the rotation will be, at best, remote.  He should get a look at AAA Pawtucket at some point this season, though, with a chance to crack the rotation in 2010.

AA Player of the Day—JUNICHI TAZAWA

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Chris Carter—2-5 2R SB(3)
• Josh Donaldson—3-4 2R RBI BB
• Josh Horton—3-4 2R RBI BB
• Corey Brown—1-4 2 RBI BB SB(3)
• Whit Robbins—3-3 HR(4) 2 RBI BB
• Jordan Parraz—1-4 HR(2) RBI BB
• Cole Garner—2-3 2B 2 RBI BB
• David Cooper—2-3 HR(2) RBI 2R
• Michael Taylor—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Brian Friday—2-5 2B 2R
• Brandon Snyder—2-3 R RBI BB
• Justin Tucker—3-5 2 RBI R 2 SB(10)
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-4 2 2B 2R
• Josh Bell—2-3 2B R RBI BB
• Jon Still—1-4 3B 3 RBI BB
• Reid Engel—3-5 HR(2) RBI SB(1)
• Chris Heisey—3-5 2B 2R RBI
• Zack Cozart—2-6 RBI 2B
• Todd Frazier—2-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Eric Eymann—3-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Dayan Viciedo—4-5 2 2B R
• Tyler Flowers—1-3 R 2 BB
• Jordan Danks—2-5 2B R
• Brandon Allen—2-5 2B R 2 RBI
• Peter Bourjos—2-4 2B 3B 2R
• Luis Durango—2-5 2B 2R RBI
• Mike Baxter—2-5 2 2B 3 RBI R
• Collin DeLome—2-4 3B 2R SB(4)

Pitching:

• Trevor Reckling—6.2 IP 7H ER BB 3K W (3-0)
• Travis Wood—7 IP 7H ER 2 BB 7K W (2-3)
• Jason Fernandez—6 IP 5H Er 2 BB 4K W (4-2)
• Antonio Bastardo—6 IP H 2 BB 10K
• Michael Crotta—8 IP 4H ER 2 BB 7K W (3-0)
• Jonny Venters—6.1 IP 3H 2 BB 4K W (2-1)
• Kyle Parker—7 IP 3H 3 BB 3K
• Casey Coleman—6 IP 2H 3 BB 2K
• Junichi Tazawa—6 IP 3H UER BB 7K W (4-2)

AA 5/6 Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 7, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

There were several rainouts in the AA ranks and not many spectacular performances.  Birmingham’s trio of John Shelby Jr., Gordon Beckham, and Dayan Viciedo combined for 9 RBI to help John Ely earn his fourth win of the season.  Promising Cardinals duo of Daryl Jones and Brett Wallace drove seven runs between the two of them.  Steven Hill homered in both games of a double header, increasing his season’s total to seven.  Brandon Snyder came back after a few games off to have two hits and two RBI and Gerardo Parra, Juan Francisco, Drew Locke and Mario Lisson also homered. 

Today’s top performer is long time Colorado Rockies SS prospect Chris Nelson.  Nelson, a former 2004 1st round pick, has had an up and down professional career but, at 23 years old, he seems to be turning the corner.  Nelson went 3-4 yesterday with two triples, two RBI and two runs scored.  Nelson had an abysmal 2008 season, but really turned things around in the Arizona Fall League by hitting .321 with 6 HR 17 RBI 4 SB and 22 runs scored in 27 games.  He’s continued to hit well while repeating at AA Tulsa, hitting .289 with 4 HR 11 RBI and 19 runs scored in 23 games.  The key indicator for Nelson’s turnaround has been his increased plate discipline.  Nelson is working deeper into counts and seems to be capitalizing on pitches he sees in the strike zone.  At the major league level, current Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki has been anything but spectacular since his incredible rookie season in 2007.  Injuries and poor plate discipline has wreaked havoc on his production and has vastly inhibited his ability to perform.  Nelson is, by no means, a consistent player at this point, nor a suitable candidate to displace Tulo. But at age 23, there is still ample reason to keep an eye on his development going forward.

AA Player of the Day—CHRIS NELSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• John Shelby Jr.—2-4 2 2B 3 RBI R
• Gordon Beckham—2-5 R 3 RBI
• Dayan Viciedo—1-5 HR(3) 3 RBI
• C.J. Retherford—2-3 2 2B 3 RBI R
• Jesus Lopez—3-4 2B 2 RBI
• Shawn Hill—1-3 HR(6) RBI (Game 1)…..1-4 HR(7) RBI (Game 2)
• Mario Lisson—1-4 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Kurt Mertins—2-3 2B 3 RBI BB R
• James Rapoport—1-2 2B 3 RBI 2R 3 BB
• Daryl Jones—2-3 4 RBI
• Brett Wallace—1-4 3 RBI
• Dan Delasco—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Pete Kozma—2-3 2R RBI BB
• Gerardo Parra—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Juan Francisco—2-3 HR(5) RBI
• Juan Portes—2-3 2 2B RBI
• Erik Lis—2-3 HR(1) RBI 2R
• Reegie Corona—2-3 2 RBI 2 BB 2R
• Brandon Snyder—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Lars Anderson—1-4 2B R RBI BB
• Ruben Tejada—3-3 2B 3B R BB
• Chris Nelson—3-4 2 3B 2 RBI
• Drew Locke—1-3 HR(6) RBI

Pitching:

• Antonio Bastardo—5.1 IP 4H ER BB 7K W (2-1)
• Esmil Rogers—6 IP 0H 3 BB 6K
• Amalio Diaz—4 IP 4H 5K
• Junichi Tazawa—6 IP 6H ER BB 3K W (3-2)
• Cole DeVries—5 IP 5H 2 BB 2K W (2-1)
• John Ely—6 IP 8H ER BB 6K W (4-0)

4/14 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 15, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

EASTERN LEAGUE

Josh Reddick hit his fourth HR and Brandon Snyder blasted his second.  Junichi Tazawa was very good over six innings yesterday surrendering just one run on four hits, but his effort was not as good as Blue Jays righty Ray Gonzalez who came one out away from throwing a complete game shutout.

Eastern League Player of the Day—RAY GONZALEZ

Other Notable Performances:

• Josh Reddick—1-3 HR(4) RBI 2R BB
• Lars Anderson—1-4 2B R RBI
• Jon Still—2-2 R BB SB(1)
• Junichi Tazawa—6 IP 4H ER 2 BB 3K W(1)
• Wilson Ramos—3-4
• Danny Valencia—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Brandon Snyder—2-5 HR(2) RBI
• Miguel Abreu—3-5 SB(1)
• Brad Emaus—1-3 BB SB(1)
• Ray Gonzalez—8.2 IP 5H 4K
• Daryl Maday—4 IP 2H 3 BB 3K

TEXAS LEAGUE & SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Collin DeLome belted his third HR and teammates Zack Cozart and Juan Francisco each had their first dingers.  Rhyne Hughes blasted two HR’s and four RBI, but it was top moundsman Jeremy Hellickson who won top player honors throwing 5.2 innings of three hit, six strikeout ball for his first win of the new season.

Texas League & Southern League Player of the Day—JEREMY HELLICKSON

Other Notable Performances:

• Chris Nelson—2-5 2B R
• Cole Garner—2-5 3B 2 RBI R
• Jhoulys Chacin—5 IP 3H 2 ER 5K W(1)
• Criag Cooper—2-4 HR(1) 4 RBI
• Adrian Cardenas—2-5 R RBI
• Gabe Ortiz—1-3 HR(1) 4 RBI
• James Rapoport—1-2 2R 2 RBI 2 BB SB(2)
• Donovan Solano—2-5 2R
• Brett Wallace—1-4 R 2 RBI BB
• Steven Hill—3-5 2 2B RBI
• Jose Duarte—2-3 BB SB(3)
• Collin DeLome—1-4 HR(3) RBI BB
• Josh Flores—2-5 RBI R
• Jose Vallejo—3-5 2B R 2 RBI 2 SB(2)
• Marcus Lemon—2-3 R
• Hank Conger—1-4 R RBI BB
• Wilberto Ortiz—2-4 2B RBI BB SB(1)
• Hanley Statia—2-4 R SB(3)
• Desmond Jennings—3-5 2B R
• Jeremy Hellickson—5.2 IP 3H 2 BB 6K W(1)
• Rhyne Hughes—2-5 2 HR(2) 4 RBI 2R
• Jamie Hoffmann—2-3 2B R BB
• Bryan Peterson—1-2 2R BB SB(2)
• Zack Cozart—3-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B 2R
• Todd Frazier—1-4 2 RBI
• Juan Francisco—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2R BB SB(2)

4/9 AA Minor League Report

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

Lots to report here starting with the Eastern League where new Red Sox Junichi Tazawa was nothing short of spectacular in his debut with Portland going five innings allowing a run on four hits with seven strikeouts.  Scott Sizemore continued his hot hitting with three hits as did Brad Emaus.  Jake Arrieta takes home the prize today, though, as he surrendered just one hit over four innings, walking two and striking out eight.

Eastern League Player of the Day—JAKE ARRIETA

Other Notable Performances:

• Junichi Tazawa—5 IP 4H ER BB 7K L(1)
• Daryl Maday—4 IP 2H 2 BB 2K
• Brett Pill—2-4 2 2B RBI
• Mike Mooney—2-4 HR(1) 3B RBI
• Brian Friday—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 3R BB SB(1)
• Jim  Negrych—2-5 RBI
• Scott Sizemore—3-4 2 RBI BB SB(2)
• Ryan Strieby—2-4 2B 2R RBI
• Maxwell Leon—2-3 HR(1) 4 RBI 2B BB
• Rene Tosoni—1-5 HR(1) RBI
• Matt Moses—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Brad Emaus—3-4 2B 3 RBI
• Reidier Gonzalez—6 IP 5H 2 ER BB K W(1)
• Eduardo Nunez—3-6 3R RBI BB SB(1)
• George Kontos—5 IP 7H ER BB 8K
• Beau Mills—2-3 RBI BB
• Jake Arrieta—4 IP H 2 BB 8K
• Frank Herrmann—6 IP 5H ER BB K W(1)
• Ian Desmond—2-4 HR(1) RBI BB
• Edgardo Baez—4-4 3R 2B BB SB(1)

In the Southern League, Logan Morrison and Jonathan Lucroy belted their first HR’s of the spring.  Gerardo Parra became the league’s leader in bases on balls with four free passes and Jeremy Hellickson pitched five innings of shutout baseball, but it was future White Sox SS Gordon Beckham that took home player of the day honors with a 4-6 effort, scoring three runs and driving in one.

Southern League Player of the Day—GORDON BECKHAM

Other Notable Performances:

• Richie Robnett—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Logan Morrison—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Scott Cousins—3-4 3 RBI SB
• Bryan Peterson—2-4 SB(1)
• Gerardo Parra—1-1 2B R 4 BB SB(1)
• James Skelton—2-3 2B 2R 2 BB
• Evan Frey—1-4 2B 2R BB SB(1)
• Jonathan Lucroy—2-3 HR(1) RBI BB
• Matt Torra—5 IP 2H 2 ER BB K W(1)
• Zack Cozart—2-4 R BB
• Todd Frazier—1-3 2B R RBI
• Kala Ka’aihue—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Willie Cabrera—2-4 R
• Jamie Hoffmann—2-5 2B R
• Gaby Martinez—2-6 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Andrew Lambo—2-6
• Jovanny Rosario—2-5 SB(1)
• John Shelby Jr.—2-5 BB
• Gordon Beckham—4-6 2B RBI 3R
• Tyler Flowers—1-4 2B RBI BB
• Brandon Allen—1-4 2B RBI BB
• Adam Moore—2-4 HR(1) RBI BB
• Desmond Jennings—1-4 RBI BB SB(1)
• Jeremy Hellickson—5 IP 2H BB 3K

The Texas League saw Angels farmhand Sean O’Sullivan sparkle in his ‘09 debut scattering three hits over six innings, Cardinals OF prospect Daryl Jones rapped four hits and scored four runs, but hit was his teammate Brett Wallace that stole the show going 4-5 with two HR’s and six RBI and four runs scored.

Southern League Player of the Day—BRETT WALLACE

Other Notable Performances:

• Brian McFall—2-4 2B R RBI
• Cedric Hunter—2-4 2R RBI SB(1)
• Eric Sogard—1-4 2R 3B RBI BB
• Mitch Canham—2-3 RBI R BB
• Stephen Faris—6 IP 4H ER 2K W(1)
• Collin DeLome—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2R BB SB(1)
• Mitch Einertson—1-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Josh Flores—2-3 2B R RBI BB SB(1)
• Jhoulys Chacin—5.2 IP 3H ER 2 BB 3K
• Sergio Perez—5 IP H ER 3 BB K W(1)
• Jose Vallejo—2-5 R
• Justin Smoak—2-5
• Marcus Lemon—2-3 2B 2 RBI BB
• Brett Wallace—4-5 2 HR(2) 6 RBI 4R
• Daryl Jones—3-4 2B RBI 4R
• Daniel DeLasco—4-5 2B 3 RBI 2R
• Tyler Henley—2-4 2B R RBI BB
• James Rapoport—2-6 2 RBI R SB(1)
• Peter Bourjos—2-3 2R 3B 3 RBI BB
• Mark Trumbo—1-3 R RBI SB(1)
• Sean O’Sullivan—6 IP 3H ER 6K W(1)

3/21 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 22, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

For those of you who entered the PPR Contest, never fear!  I will have the results posted later on this evening or first thing tomorrow morning.  Winners can expect an email from me soon requesting your shipping address.

As for the baseball action, yesterday offered a full slate of action and several outstanding performances.  Jay Bruce belted his 2nd HR of the spring as did Buster Posey and Kendry Morales.  Trevor Cahill continues to look like he his ready for a major league rotation spot throwing 5 innings of one run ball.  Jake Fox pounded his 4th HR of the spring and added 5 RBI as did Billy Butler, but it was Colby Rasmus’ 5 hit day that takes home today’s youngster of the day honors.

Youngster of the Day—COLBY RASMUS

Other Notable Performances:

• Michael Bowden—3 IP 3H ER BB 2K
• Junichi Tazawa—2 IP 2H 2K
• Anibal Sanchez—5.2 IP 5H 2 ER BB 2K
• Luke Hughes—2-4 RBI
• Brian Duensing—2 IP H 2K
• John Mayberry Jr.—2-4 2B SB(3)
• Jordan Schafer—1-4 R BB
• Josh Anderson—1-1 HR(2) 3 RBI
• Brandon Jones—2-4 2 RBI 2R BB
• Freddie Freeman—1-3 2B R RBI
• Jay Bruce—3-4 HR(2) 3 RBI R
• Homer Bailey—4.2 IP 4H 3 ER 2 BB 4K (L)
• Colby Rasmus—5-6 2 2B 2R 3 RBI
• David Freese—2-4 2B R
• Jason Motte—IP K SV(4)
• Jeff Larish—2-5 HR(3) 2R RBI
• Joba Chamberlain—3 IP 4H ER 5K
• Juan Miranda—1-1 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Jesus Guzman—2-4 2 RBI R
• Roger Kieschnick—1-2 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Pablo Sandoval—2-4 2B R RBI
• Emmannuel Burriss—3-5 3R RBI
• Buster Posey—1-3 HR(2) RBI
• Eugenio Velez—1-3 R SB(5)
• Trevor Cahill—5 IP 4H ER 2K
• Aaron Cunningham—2-4 2B R RBI
• Matt Tuiasosopo—2-2 2R 2 RBI
• Chris Carter (A’s)—1-1 2B R
• Kendry Morales—1-3 HR(2) RBI
• Nick Adenhart—5 IP 4H ER BB 6K
• Brad Nelson—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI
• Xavier Paul—1-1 3B R
• Matt LaPorta—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Jason McDonald—3 IP BB K
• Mitch Maier—3-6 2 2B 3R
• Billy Butler—2-6 HR(3) 2B 5 RBI 3R
• Chad Tracy (Rangers)—1-1 GS HR(1) 4 RBI
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia—2-2 R BB 2 2B
• Joe Koshansky—1-3 HR(2) RBI
• Jake Fox—3-5 HR(4) 2B 5 RBI R
• Chris Getz—2-4 RBI
• Joshua Fields—2-4 HR(2) RBI

3/17 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 18, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

It seems like every time I look at at box score, Pablo Sandoval has two hits and an RBI.  Tuesday was no exception.  Aaron Cunnigham went yard for the first time this spring as did Atlanta Braves speedster Josh Anderson.  Jose Tabata continues to swing a hot bat and Jesus Guzman belted his third HR of the spring.  The top youngster of the day, though, was Braves SP Jair Jurrjens who tossed 6 shutout innings allowing just 4 hits and fanning 6 hitters en route to his first win of the spring.

Youngster of the Day—JAIR JURRJENS

Other Notable Performances:

• James Donald—1-1 2B RBI
• John Mayberry Jr.—2-5 2B 2R
• Scott Sizemore—1-1 HR(1) RBI
• Junichi Tazawa—2 IP K
• David Murphy—3-4 2B
• Jon Niese—4 IP 2H 2 ER 3 BB 3K (L)
• Jair Jurrjens—6 IP 4H 6K (W)
• Brandon HIcks—1-1 2 RBI
• Jose Tabata—2-4 R SB(1)
• Juan Miranda—1-2 2B R
• Mitch Maier—1-3 3 RBI
• Dexter Fowler—1-1 R RBI
• Carlos Gonzalez—2-3 2B R
• Seth Smith—2-2 2B SB(2)
• Jesus Guzman—1-2 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Pablo Sandoval—2-3 3B RBI
• Madison Bumgarner—IP BB K
• Ryan Rohlinger—1-1 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Brad Nelson—2-4 RBI
• Matt LaPorta—2-4 2B RBI
• Michael Aubrey—2-4 2B RBI R
• Nelson Cruz—1-3 3B 2R RBI
• Aaron Cunningham—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R SB(1)
• Cliff Pennington—2-2 2B 3B 2 RBI R
• Josh Donaldson—1-1 3B R
• Brandon Wood—2-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Matt Brown—3-5 3 RBI
• Chris Pettit—3-3 2R BB
• Sean Rodriguez—1-3 2B RBI R
• Bradley Coon—2-2 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Kyle Blanks—2-4 R