3/31 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 1, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Sorry for the delay, I have been busy over the last couple of days writing some news blurbs for the Cardboard Connection.  Yesterday’s spring training action saw top pitchers Joba Chamberlain and Rick Porcello each throw 5 quality innings en route to wins.  Chamberlain is a perfect 4-0 this spring and has given every indicator that he will be able to shoulder the load of a full season workload in ‘09.  Travis Snider belted his 4th HR and Pablo Sandoval, Brett Gardner, Blake DeWitt, Wladimir Balentien, and Kendry Morales continued their solid springs with multi hit games.  The youngster of the day, though, is Nick Adenhart.  The 22 year old Angels hurler tossed 6.2 innings of two run ball striking out 5 to earn his 3rd win of the spring.  Adenhart entered this spring as a bubble guy to make the Halos’ rotation, and he has responded by posting the best spring of his career.

Youngster of the Day—NICK ADENHART

Other Notable Performances:

• Joba Chamberlain—5.1 IP 5H 2 ER 3 BB 6K W(4)
• Phil Coke—IP 2K
• Brett Gardner—3-4 RBi
• Jay Bruce—2-4 RBI
• Chris Dickerson—1-5 R 2B
• Matt Moses—3-5 2B 2R RBI
• Juan Portes—1-1 2 RBI
• Jim Negrych—2-2 3 RBI
• Quincy Lattimore—2-2 3B 2R RBI
• Felix Pie—2-5 2B
• Matt Joyce—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Justin Masterson—2.2 IP H ER 3K W(2)
• Rick Porcello—5 IP 2H UER BB 2K
• Daniel Murphy—1-3 2 RBI R
• Jonathan Malo—1-1 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Emiliano Bonifacio—1-3 R SB(4)
• Travis Snider—2-3 HR(4) RBI
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia—1-3 R
• Elvis Andrus—1-3 R
• Pablo Sandoval—2-5 2B 2 RBI
• Eider Torres—2-5 HR(2) RBI 2R SB(5)
• Emmanuel Burriss—2-5 3R
• Wladimir Balentien—3-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Chris Jakubaskas—5 IP 4H ER 4K W(2)
• Blake DeWitt—3-5 HR(2) 2B 2 RBI 2R
• Chin-Lung Hu—2-5 R
• Josh Outman—5.2 IP 5H 2 ER BB 6K W
• Travis Buck—1-3 2B R 3 RBI
• Chris Getz—2-4
• Micah Hoffpauir—1-4 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Kendry Morales—2-3 2B R
• Nick Adenhart—6.2 IP 8H 2 ER BB 5K W(3)

3/16 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 17, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Quite honestly, today was a ho-hum day for several of the top prospects.  Joba Chamberlain, David Price, Daniel Bard and Trevor Cahill pitched their way to wins and Travis Snider belted a mammoth HR, but aside from that, it was a slow day.  Today’s top youngster award goes to the Washington Nationals’ ace in waiting Jordan Zimmerman who tossed 4 innings surrendering just 2 hits and striking out 6 en route to his first win of the spring.

Youngster of the Day—JORDAN ZIMMERMAN

Other Notable Performances:

• Wilson Ramos—1-3 2B RBI
• Phillip Humber—2 IP 2K
• Chris Carter—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI R
• Jeff Bailey—1-4 HR(2) 2R RBI 2B
• Daniel Bard—2 IP 2H BB 2K (W)
• Michael Bowden—3 IP 4H ER 3K
• Travis Snider—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Aaron Mathews—2-2 2B R
• Ryan Perry—IP H K (W)
• Jason Motte—IP 3K
• Colby Rasmus—1-4 2B R
• Jeff Larish—1-4 2B RBI
• Chris Coghlan—2-4 2B RBI
• Jordan Zimmerman—4 IP 2H 6K (W)
• Joba Chamberlain—3 IP 2H BB 3K (W)
• Kei Igawa—3 IP 2H BB 3K
• Brett Gardner—1-3 3B RBI 2R
• Eduardo Nunez—3-3 2R
• Austin Jackson—1-2 RBI
• David Price—2.1 IP 3H ER 2BB 3K (W)
• Andy LaRoche—1-1 2 RBI
• Jeff Clement—1-2 R BB
• Chris Jimenez—1-1 HR(2) 3 RBI
• Blake DeWitt—3-5
• Mike Jones—2-4 HR(4) RBI
• Xavier Paul—2-4 R
• Austin Gallagher—1-1 BB
• Jovanny Rosario—1-1 2 RBI R
• Josh Lindblom—2 IP H K
• Trevor Cahill—3 IP 4H 4 ER BB 3K (W)
• Brandon Allen—1-1 2B R 2 RBI
• Chris Getz—1-3 2 RBI
• Tyler Flowers—1-2 2 RBI 2B
• Dexter Fowler—1-3 2B BB
• Chris Colonel—1-1 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Carlos Gonzalez—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Wellington Castillo—1-1 HR(2) 3 RBI
• Lorenzo Cain—1-2 2B R
• Kendry Morales—1-3 RBI 2B
• Eugenio Velez—1-4 R

3/12 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 13, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

The trio of Vin Mazzaro, Gio Gonzalez and Josh Outman looked very good today as they shut out the Arizona Diamondbacks over 7 innings, Jason Heyward, Kyle Blanks, Sean Doolittle, Taylor Teagarden, and Logan Morrion all went deep today, but it was New York Mets young 1B Nick Evans who was the top youngster today with a HR, double and 3 RBI.

Youngster of the Day—NICK EVANS

Other Notable Performances:

• Joe Mather—1-2 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Josh Reddick—3-4 3B RBI
• Blake Hawksworth—3 IP H ER BB 3K
• Justin Masterson—2 IP H BB 2K
• Michael Bowden—2 IP H 2 ER BB 3K
• Jose Tabata—1-2 2BB
• J.A. Happ—3 IP 4H ER BB K
• Jason Heyward—1-2 HR(1) RBI
• Freddie Freeman—2-3 2 RBI
• Jordan Schafer—1-3 2B R SB(3)
• Kris Medlen—2 IP H BB K
• Kyle Blanks—1-4 HR(2) 3 RBI
• Josh Geer—3 IP 3K
• Taylor Teagarden—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Neftali Feliz—2 IP BB K
• Brandon McCarthy—4 IP H 3K
• Chris Lubanski—1-1 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Gordon Beckham—1-3 R
• Chris Getz—1-2 2B BB
• Vin Mazzaro—3 IP 4H K (W)
• Gio Gonzalez—2 IP BB 4K
• Josh Outman—2 IP 2H 3 BB K
• Sean Doolittle—1-1 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Cameorn Maybin—2-4 3R RBI
• Logan Morrison—2-3 HR(1) RBI
• Scott Cousins—1-2 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Nick Evans—2-5 HR(2) 3 RBI 2B
• Ruben Tejada—1-2 2 RBI
• Blake DeWitt—1-2 2B RBI
• Chin-Lung Hu—1-2 2 RBI
• Yu Darvish—2 IP 2H 2 BB 2K (W)
• Jake Fox—1-2 R

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)

3/2 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 3, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

There are some trends developing in the early parts of the season worth noting. Jarrod Saltalamacchia continues to sting the ball, batting at a .600 clip. John Mayberry Jr. continues to make a case to be considered as a fourth outfielder for the World Champion Phillies as his enhanced plate discipline numbers offer some positives in the early going. Chicago Cubs infielder Micah Hoffpauir continues his hot hitting with a hit in his fourth straight game. The performance of the day, however, belongs to Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Wade Davis who threw 3.2 innings of one hit ball striking out one and en route to his first win of the spring.

Youngster of the Day—WADE DAVIS

Other Notable Performances:

• Justin Masterson—2 IP H K
• Daniel Bard—IP K
• Brad LIncoln—IP K
• Brian Barton—1-3 2R BB SB(1)
• Allen Craig—1-1 R
• Jeremy Slayden—2-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• John Mayberry Jr.—1-4 2B 2 RBI R BB
• Jason Donald—1-4 R BB
• Brad Emaus—1-2 HR(1) RBI
• Brett Cecil—2.2 IP H BB 3K
• Brandon Wood—3-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R 2B
• Matt Brown—2-2
• Andrew Romine—3-5 RBI
• Adam Pavkovich—3-5 3 2B 4 RBI R
• Chris Pettit—1-1 R RBI 2 BB
• Sean Rodriguez—2-4 2R
• Joe Koshansky—1-4 3B R RBI
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia—2-3 2B 3 RBI
• Julio Borbon—1-2 SB(1)
• Beau Mills—2-3 2B 3B R RBI
• Jordan Brown—1-1 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Emmannuel Burriss—2-3 RBI R
• Eider Torres—2-4 R SB(1)
• Chris Lubanski—3-3 3B 2R 2 RBI
• Jose Duarte—1-2 2R BB
• Derrick Robinson—1-1 R 2 RBI 2 BB
• Rob Johnson—2-3 3B R RBI
• Reggie Corona—1-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Carlos Triunfel—1-1
• Josh Fields—2-2 2 2B
• Sergio Santos—2-2
• Angel Salome—1-4 2B R
• Brad Nelson—1-3 RBI BB
• Josh Whitesell—1-3 2R
• Mark Hallberg—1-1 2B R RBI
• Daniel Schlereth—IP 2H ER BB 3K
• Micah Hoffpauir—1-4 R 2B

The Evil Empire Strikes Back…Again

Posted by Jeremy on December 24, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

The New York Yankees, in a perpetual spending orgy, added a big piece to their star-studded roster with the addition of former L.A. Angels 1B Mark Teixeira.  8 years and $180 million was the bait of choice for this big fish, and with this addition, many now feel that the Bronx Bombers are the odds on favorites to win the highly competitive A.L. East and, perhaps, the entire coup de gras.

The acquisition of Tex will now shift White Sox acquisition Nick Swisher to RF, moving Nady to LF and Damon to CF.  The lineup with Tex in it is now stronger and the infield defense should improve immensely as well.  Following the announcement, Teixeira’s 2001 SPX RC’s experienced an immediate eBay jump in value from $85-90 to $125-140 each.  I think that many people feel that Teixeira provides the Yankees with the final knock out punch that they need to win the AL East and, likely, the pennant.

A Yankees pennant is not a forgone conclusion

The Yankees, much like the Washington Redskins in the NFL, have a history of winning the offseason by signing high-profiled free agents throughout their roster, only to have them fold in the post season.

Examining the recent success of the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, it is easy to see that each of these franchises were able to succeed by shrrewdly scouting, drafting, and developing their farm system talent while adding the right blend of mid-level, role-fulfilling free agents.  That said, the Yankees have replaced the losses of Mike Mussina, Andy Pettite, Jason Giambi, and Bobby Abreu with younger and more talented pieces.

How will all of this play out?  We shall see in October.  My personal feel is that the Red Sox will need to deal a few of their more talented pieces like Michael Bowden, Justin Masterson, Clay Buchholz, and others to fill their holes at catcher, designated hitter, and, depending on how Mike Lowell comes back, third base.  Given Theo Epstien’s proclivity to be aggressive in the trade market, I fully expect some pre-deadline deals to be made.

As for the Rays, last season was a special year and, while they are a good young team, I do believe that they were one that overachieved quite a bit.  Beware of the sophomore slump from Evan Almighty and the pressure on David Price to be a solid frontline pitcher will be great.  Closer is a shaky position for them as Troy Perceival has shown time and time again that he is just about ready for the senior citizen discount at IHOP.  This is an offense that is in need of more power production.  Sure Longoria and Pena are great, but stacked against the two other beasts of the east, the Rays seem to be armed with pea shooters.

My conclusion is that the special ‘08 season that the Rays had will fade into obscurity as the Yankees and Red Sox will once again return to the top of the AL East mountain in late September to battle it out for the top spot.  The losing team will inherit the Wild Card and wait a couple of weeks to battle again for the AL Pennant.

Breaking News: Justin Masterson sent to AAA to become a reliever

Posted by Jeremy on July 7, 2008 under Market Watch | Be the First to Comment

In a report first issued by the Providence Journal (link below)

http://www.beloblog.com/ProJo_Blogs/sportsblog/2008/07/sox-farm-out-ma.html

Justin Masterson has been sent to AAA Pawtucket to become a set-up man for uber-closer Jon Papelbon.  Masterson has pitched well for Boston going 4-3 with a 3.67 ERA.  Masterson has struggled with his control somewhat, but an increase in his velocity and the need for a Red Sox set-up man has made Masterson an ideal candidate for this position.  Clay Buchholz will return to the rotation Friday and Jeff Bailey has been called up to take Masterson’s spot on the roster.

How will this affect the market for their products? 

• Masterson: His ‘06 Bowman Chrome DP cards have already drooped in price from $5-6 each to $2.50-3.25 each.  His regular issued Bowman Draft picks cards are selling for less than $1 a pop.  I think they will continue to droop as he toils in Pawtucket.  Grab some if you can, as the Red Sox have stated that this move is not permanent and his future is as a starter.

• Buchholz: His cards have already doubled in price since my last analysis on him a month ago. http://portersprospects.wordpress.com/2008/06/05/64-minor-league-report/  Currently, his ‘05 Bowman Chrome DP RC’s are selling for about $8.50 to 10.50 each and the ‘05 Bowman Sterlings are selling at $12-15 each.  If you have Buchholz RC’s hold them and watch his next few starts.  If he comes back and pitches like he did at AAA this year, his cards will jump into the $15-20 range again.  Let’s be honest, lately every move the Red Sox have made has turned to golden.  Promoting Buchholz and redesignating Masterson will make the Red Sox a better team and worthy of chasing down the Rays after the All-Star break.

• Bailey: This guy is waaaaaay to old to be considered a real prospect, but Bailey has been given another opportunity to provide some short-term impact as an off-the-bench bat for Boston.  Bailey has clubbed 23 HR at Pawtucket this season and has first year cards available in the 2000 Topps Chrome Traded set.  His cards can be found for less than 50 cents each and his auto from that set has a Beckett value of $5.  They are difficult to find on Ebay, but if you find an auto, it is a low risk, short term purchase that could reap some solid benefits if Bailey produces during his Fenway stint.