8/6 AAA Minor League Report

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

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

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

AAA Player of the Day—SHANE ROBINSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

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

Pitching:

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

7/16 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 17, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Wow, I go away for a week and return to a bevy of changes.  Chicago White Sox 1B prospect Brandon Allen was traded to the Diamondbacks for relief pitcher Tony Pena Jr. and the promising trifecta of Michael Taylor, Tyler Flowers, and Buster Posey all made their AAA debuts last night.  Taylor and Posey were hitless in their four AB’s, but Flowers hit his 1st HR for the Charlotte Knights in his debut.

The influx of talent back into the AAA ranks makes it an interesting level to report on once again.  A battle for future Texas Rangers 1B duties is taking place between former 1B Chris Davis and future All-Star Justin Smoak.  Currently, the recently demoted Davis is winning the battle handily, hitting .364 with 1 HR and 7 RBI for Oklahoma City in 8 games.  He has cut back on his K’s and seems to be working on taking more walks.  After a dreadful 17 BB/117 K showing, this is positive news.  Meanwhile, Justin Smoak has had trouble adjusting to his AAA promotion, hitting just .139 with 1 HR and 3 RBI in his first 10 games, but his four hits in the last three games and 7 BB/9 K ratio shows promise of better numbers to come.  Davis has been playing at 3B since being sent down and all indications point to Justin Smoak being the front runner as next year’s regular 1B.  Where does that leave Davis?  The Rangers are in playoff contention for the first time in a long time and are assuredly looking for another arm for their rotation.  There haven’t been any definitive rumors of dealing Davis at this point, but the value that a 23 year old, left-handed hitter with 30+ HR power is certainly intriguing.  Davis could also return next season as the Rangers’ DH.  Both Andruw Jones and Hank Blalock have performed admirably in the role this season, but the price tags for each of them are considerably higher than Davis’ MLB minimum pay.  The Rangers are a team in financial turmoil and cutting payroll will be a popular offseason activity for sure.  Regardless of Davis’ future, the key for him right now is that he rediscovers his pitch recognition and adjusts his approach to the ball.  He seems to be a kid with excellent makeup who has taken well to the demotion and is working earnestly to make his way back to the big leagues.

Today’s top AAA prospect is St. Louis Cardinals 3B/1B/OF prospect Allen Craig.  The former University of California standout went 3-5 yesterday with a double, triple and three runs scored.  I was high on Craig as a sleeper this past offseason, as his first year cards in the 2006 Bowman Draft and Chrome set were selling for next to nothing.  His numbers at Memphis have been solid this season (.270 8 HR 32 RBI 34 runs scored), but not to the levels of his AA numbers from a year ago.  While he’s not been able to duplicate his power numbers or OBP numbers, he still remains a solid future role player who has the versatility to play both infield corners and outfield corners with decent offensive production.  The Cardinals don’t have any room on their roster for him to earn any considerable playing time this season, but I think that a September call up is likely.  Marketwise, Craig’s first year cards are still at rock bottom prices (a 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft Gold Refractor recently sold for just $12.50) and many active listings reside in the highly overpriced storefront areas.  I think his card values apexed in 2007 when he broke out at High-A ball, but there could be another brief spike in value if he produces during his September cup-o’-coffee or if a trade to another franchise opens up future opportunities.

AAA Player of the Day—ALLEN CRAIG

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Shelly Duncan—2-3 HR(22) 2 RBI BB
• Shelby Ford—3-5 HR92) RBI 2 2B 3R
• Steven Pearce—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI
• Danny Valencia—3-4 2B RBI
• Michael Brantley—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI BB
• Matt LaPorta—2-4 2B R
• Scott Sizemore—1-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Wilkin Ramirez—2-4 HR(10) 2 RBI
• Tyler Flowers—1-4 HR(14) RBI
• Jon Jay—2-6 2R RBI
• Allen Craig—3-5 2B 3B 3R
• Donovan Solano—2-4 2R BB
• Cole Gillespie—2-4 HR(8) RBI
• Chris Davis—2-6 2B R RBI BB
• Jose Vallejo—2-6 2B R RBI
• Joaquin Arias—3-7 R SB(10)
• Justin Smoak—2-7 2B R RBI
• Tommy Manzella—2-6 GS HR(4) 4 RBI
• Brandon Allen—1-3 HR(10) RBI BB

Pitching:

• Fabio Castro—7 IP 4H ER 2K W (6-4)
• Lucas Harrell—7 IP 2H UER 2 BB 4K W (10-4)
• Matt Maloney—6.2 IP 7H BB 8K L (6-6)

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)

5/19 AA Minor League Report

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

Ahhhhh, nothing beats a hot shower after a good workout!  I am back now and ready to get back on the prospecting track.  Yesterday’s AA action saw Justin Smoak hit his 6th HR while O’s 1st Baseman Brandon Snyder and Detroit’s Scott Sizemore each hit their 7th.  Troy Patton outdueled Daniel Moskos en route to win #4 and Chicago’s Jay Jackson tossed six scoreless innings, striking out eight in a no-decision.

Today’s top youngster from the AA ranks is Philadelphia Phillies 2B prospect Brad Harman.  The former WBC Team Australia mate went 3-4 with his 4th HR, four RBI and two runs scored.  Harman has excellent pop for a second baseman, hitting 17 HR last season, and while he is not ranked as one of Philly’s top 30 prospects, he is the top second base prospect in the Phillies’ farm system.  Harman has improved his batting average considerably this year in his second AA go around, but his plate discipline and ability to work counts continues to be a struggle for him.  With Chase Utley ahead of him, there is no rush to promote the 23 year old Harman through the minor leagues, and his best opportunities down the road would be best served with another organization.

AA  Player of the Day—BRAD HARMAN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Matt Spencer—2-4 2R 3B
• Justin Smoak—2-5 HR(6) 3 RBI
• Brad Emaus—2-4 2B R
• Jose Coronado—3-3 2 2B R BB SB(3)
• Brandon Crawford—4-4 R
• Rene Tosoni—2-3 HR(5) 2 RBI 3R 2 BB
• Quentin Berry—3-5 3R
• Brad Harman—3-4 HR(4) 4 RBI BB 2B 2R
• Carlos Santana—2-4 2B RBI R
• Marvin Lowrance—2-3 2B HR(6) RBI 2R
• Luke Montz—1-3 HR(2) 4 RBI BB
• Scott Sizemore—2-4 HR(7) RBI 2R BB
• Ryan Strieby—1-4 HR(11) RBI BB
• Brandon Snyder—1-4 HR(7) 2 RBI BB
• Darwin Barney—3-5 RBI
• Kurt Mertins—4-5 3B 3 RBI
• Brian McFall—1-5 HR(5) 2 RBI 2R
• Cyle Hankerd—2-3 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Brandon Allen—2-4 2B RBI SB(1)
• Dayan Viciedo—2-3 RBI BB
• Gorkys Hernandez—3-5 R 2 RBI SB(9)
• Eric Campbell—2-3 2B RBI
• Desmond Jennings—3-4 BB SB(14)
• Rhyne Hughes—1-3 RBI 2 BB R
• Mark Hamilton—1-2 HR(6) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Todd Cruz—2-3 2 2B 2R BB
• Ryan Mount—2-4 2B RBI

Pitching:

• Luis Perez—5.1 IP 2H 5 BB 3K W (3-2)
• Josh Tomlin—6 IP 7H ER BB 8K W (5-1)
• Jordan Smith—6 IP 3H 4K W (3-0)
• Troy Patton—5 IP 5H 5K W (4-1)
• Daniel Moskos—5 IP 3H 2 ER BB 2K L (2-3)
• Jay Jackson—6 IP 7H 2 BB 8K
• Blake Johnson—6 IP 5H BB 3K W (2-3)

5/18 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 19, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Josh Bell hit HR #3 and drove in three runs while Tampa Bay Rays Aussie prospect Rhyne Hughes hit his 13th dinger and drove in four.  Desmond Jennings stole three bases yesterday and Gorkys Hernandez had three hits and scored three runs.

Today’s top performer is Chicago Cubs infield prospect Marquez Smith.  The 23 year old Clemson alum combined for six hits in a double header, hitting his 6th and 7th HR, while driving in four and scoring five times.  Smith is a compact player with more athleticism and defensive versatility than his 5-10 210 lb. frame suggests.  He can play 2B, 3B, the corner OF spots and has been postulated as being a decent candidate to switch to catcher, given his strong arm and thick build.  Offensively, Smith is an aggressive hitter who makes good contact and drives balls well to the gaps.  The Cubs don’t have a lot of positional depth in their farm system giving a defensively malleable player like Smith ample opportunities to slide into the upper tiers of the organizational depth chart.

AA Player of the Day—MARQUEZ SMITH

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Marquez Smith—3-4 HR(6) 2 RBI 3R (Game 1)…..3-4 HR(7) 2 RBI 2R (Game 2)
• Darwin Barney—2-3 RBI R BB (Game 1)…..3-4 2B R SB(4) (Game 2)
• Josh Bell—1-2 HR(3) 3 RBI BB (Game 1)…..1-4 2B 2R (Game 2)
• Andrew Lambo—1-3 2B 2 RBI
• Tony Thomas—1-3 HR(8) RBI BB
• Cale Iorg—3-5 2B 2R
• Brennan Boesch—3-5 HR(7) RBI
• Brandon HIcks—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Willie Cabrera—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Desmond Jennings—1-2 2B 2R BB 3 SB(13)
• Gorkys Hernandez—3-4 2B 3R
• Rhyne Hughes—1-3 HR(13) 4 RBI
• Chris Carter—1-5 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Matthew Sulentic—4-4 2 2B R RBI
• Marcus Lemon—2-4 3R 2 BB SB(2)
• Justin Smoak—1-4 2B RBI 2 BB
• Chad Tracy—2-5 2B 3 RBI R
• Tyler Flowers—2-4 2B R BB
• Cyle Hankerd—3-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Peter Bourjos—2-4 SB(12)
• Pete Kozma—3-5 RBI

Pitching:

• Dan Cortes—5.2 IP 5H ER 5 BB 4K W (1-4)
• Heath Rollins—6 IP 6H 2 ER 2 BB 5K W (4-2)
• James Russell—5 IP 3H ER BB 7K
• Travis Wood—5.1 IP 4H 2 ER 3 BB 7K
• Cesar Carrillo—7 IP H BB 5K
• Jarrod Parker—5 IP 4H ER 4 BB 5K W (2-2)

5/14 AA Minor League Report

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

Mets catching prospect Josh Thole gathered a handful of hits yesterday, scoring two runs and driving in one.  Michael Taylor blasted his 6th HR and drove in four runs, Tampa Bay Rays 3B prospect Rhyne Hughes hit his 12th Hr and drove in three and Padres OF Cedric Hunter continued to raise his average with a three hit, three RBI day.  On the mound, Kasey Kiker continues to pitch like he did in ‘07, tossing six solid innings of two run, eight strikeout ball, Joe Savery won his third game and young Indians prospect Jeanmar Gomez tossed eight innings of shutout ball, striking out eight and winning his 5th game.

Today’s top AA player is L.A. Dodgers 3B prospect Josh Bell.  The former 2005 4th round pick suffered a knee injury last year that cut his season to just 51 games, but after going through a rigorous off season training regimen he looks as healthy and strong as he has ever been.  His 6-3 235 lb. frame gives him an imposing presence at the plate, but the power has not manifested itself yet as it has in seasons past.  In place of the HR totals, however, is an increased amount of plate discipline (23 BB/25K) and increased agility at the hot corner.  Bell’s card sales have dropped off considerably since his injury last season and concerns that arose from his poor plate discipline two years ago.  Currently, his 2008 Bowman Chrome Autos sell for $3-4 each and his refractors (#/500) are a bargain at just a buck or two more.  Bell, if he stays healthy, is a prime candidate to break out from underneath the radar and onto L.A.’s Top 20 prospect list.

AA Player of the Day—JOSH BELL

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Carlos Rivero—2-6 2R
• Beau Mills—3-4 R
• Michael Taylor—1-2 HR(6) 4 RBI
• Eduardo Nunez—3-4 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R BB SB(5)
• Josh Thole—5-5 2B 2R RBI
• Tony Thomas—3-5 HR(6) RBI R
• Timmy Smith—3-4 3 2B RBI R
• Josh Bell—3-4 HR(2) 4 RBI 2R BB
• Andrew Lambo—1-4 2B 2R BB
• Brett Wallace—2-5 2B R
• Brandon Allen—1-4 2B 2 RBI
• John Shelby Jr.—1-3 HR(2) RBI
• Justin Smoak—2-4 R BB
• Steven Murphy—3-4 2 2B 2R
• Drew Locke—1-4 HR(8) RBI
• Rhyne Hughes—2-3 HR(12) 3 RBI 2B BB
• Cedric Hunter—3-6 2B 3 RBI
• Luis Durango—2-3 2 BB SB(19)
• Desmond Jennings—1-3 2B 2R BB

Pitching:

• Kyle McCullough—7 IP 6H ER 2 BB 5K
• Kasey Kiker—6 IP 4H 2 ER 2 BB 8K W (3-2)
• Jeanmar Gomez—8 IP 4H 8K W (5-2)
• Joe Savery—5 IP 2H ER 2 BB 4K W (3-1)…..1-2 2B R
• Kyle Winters—7 IP 5H ER BB 3K
• Scott Diamond—7 IP 6H ER 6K

5/7 AA Minor League Report

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

Multiple HR performances speckled the AA landscape yesterday as a trio of Detroit Tigers farmhands took turns accomplishing the task.  First baseman Ryan Strieby hit his sixth and seventh in the first game of the double header, driving in four runs and scoring three times, while Cale Iorg hit his first two dingers in the second game of the double dip.  Iorg’s double play partner Scott Sizemore hit a homerun in each game of the double header, doubling his season totals.  In other news, Collin DeLome hit number nine, while Hank Conger, Brandon Allen, and Marvin Lowrance each hit their fourth HR’s.  On the mound, Cubs righthander Jay Jackson tossed another seven innings shutout gem, punching out 10 for his second win.  Hector Rondon moved to 5-0 and Troy Patton allowed just two hits over six victorious innings.

Today’s top player is someone who jumped onto my radar screen last season after a fast track, two level performance at Low-A Kane County and High-A Stockton, hitting .266 with 30 HR 83 RBI and 16 SB.  Corey Brown was a highly recruited two sport athlete who chose to play baseball at Oklahoma State University.  He had some difficulty with strike zone discipline (58 BB/168 K) last season, but seems to have made some strides in the early going this year.  In just 13 games, Brown is hitting a robust .435 with 4 HR 11 RBI 2 SB and 11 runs scored.  He doesn’t strike me as a high average guy, but the athleticism and adeptness in the field makes him, in my mind, a poor man’s Grady Sizemore.  He should play most or all of the season at AA this year with a likely audition for an MLB job in spring of 2010. 

AA Player of the Day—COREY BROWN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Luis Durango—2-4 2R BB SB(17)
• Justin Smoak—2-4 R
• Chad Tracy—1-4 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Josh Horton—3-3 2R RBI 2 BB
• Corey Brown—3-5 2 HR(4) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Josh Donaldson—1-3 HR(2) 3 RBI BB
• Kurt Mertins—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Collin DeLome—1-4 HR(9) RBI
• Brett Wallace—3-5
• Todd Cruz—2-4 2 2B RBI
• Hank Conger—1-4 HR(4) RBI
• Matt Mangini—2-3 2B 3 RBI
• Scott Cousins—2-4 R RBI SB(6) (Game 1)…..1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Jaime Hoffmann—2-3 2B 3B 3 RBI R
• Justin Sellers—2-2 2B 2 BB 3R SB(3)
• Darwin Barney—4-6 3 RBI R SB(2)
• Tony Thomas—3-5 2 2B 3B 2R BB (Game 1)…..2-3 2B R BB (Game 2)
• Travis Jones—3-3 2B 2 BB 2R (Game 1)…..2-3 2B (Game 2)
• Brandon Hicks—3-5 2 RBI R
• Ty Wright—3-4 2 RBI 2R
• Pedro Ciraco—3-4 R RBI SB(6)
• Mark Hallberg—2-5 2B 2 RBI
• Chris Heisey—4-5 2B HR(5) 2 RBI
• Todd Frazier—2-4 2B R
• Brandon Allen—3-4 HR(4) 2 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Dayan Viciedo—2-5 2R RBI SB(3)
• Beau Mills—2-4 R RBI
• Carlos Santana—2-3 2B RBI BB
• Brad Emaus—2-5 2B R 2 RBI
• Sean Shoffit—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Jonathan Diaz—2-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Brad Corley—2-3 3R HR(3) RBI
• Brandon Snyder—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Scott Sizemore—2-5 HR(3) RBI 2R (Game 1)…..2-4 HR(4) 2 RBI 2B
• Ryan Strieby—3-3 2 HR(7) 4 RBI 3R BB
• Marvin Lowrance—3-4 HR(4) RBI 2R
• Cale Iorg—2-3 2 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Aaron Bates—4-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Lucas Duda—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Shawn Bowman—3-4 2B RBI R

Pitching:

• Michael Antonini—6.2 IP 5H ER 2 BB 6K
• Jay Jackson—7 IP 5H BB 10K W (2-3)
• Jarrod Parker—6 IP 8H 2 ER 6K W (1-1)
• Hector Rondon—6.1 IP 3H ER BB 4K W (5-0)
• Brett Omogrosso—6 IP 2H ER 2 BB 4K W (3-0)
• Troy Patton—6 IP 2H BB 6K W (3-0)
• Will Inman—8 IP 5H 2 ER BB 5K W (3-1)
• Omar Poveda—7 IP 3H UER 2 BB K
• Jason Fernandez—8 IP 5H 2 ER 4K W (3-3)
• Dan Cortes—6 IP 5H ER 4 BB 8K
• Tyler Herron—7.1 IP 3H 2 ER BB 8K L (1-2)
• Trevor Reckling—7 IP 2H BB 7K
• Chaz Roe—6.2 IP 4H 2 ER 2 BB 4K
• Kyle Winters—4 IP 5H 3 ER 3 BB 7K
• Josh Lindblom—5 IP 3H ER BB 6K

AA Minor League Report

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

Justin Smoak’s bat continues to sizzle as he collected three more hits, including his fourth HR, Cleveland Indians SS prospect Carlos Rivero hit his first HR and drove in five runs and teammate Carlos Santana hit his sixth dinger.  James Van Ostrand, and outfielder for the Astros organization, hit two homeruns for the second consecutive day and Brett Wallace blasted his fifth.

Today’s AA star is Philadelphia Phillies slugger Michael Taylor.  The 6-6 behemoth hit his third HR while doubling twice and driving in five runs.  Taylor started slowly, but has heated up significantly, hitting .421 with 3 HR 10 RBI and 10 runs scored in his last 10 games.  Taylor is very strong and well built like Ryan Howard, but has the speed and athleticism that resembles Shane Victorino, making him one of the most intriguing OF prospects in baseball.  The Stanford alum is a smart, well disciplined hitter who has the potential to hit over .300 with 30 HR and 20 SB at the major league level.  He should make his major league debut by the middle of the 2010 season.

AA Player of the Day—MICHAEL TAYLOR

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Gordon Beckham—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Brandon Allen—3-5 2B 2R RBI
• Desmond Jennings—2-3 2B RBI BB
• Rhyne Hughes—3-5 HR(9) RBI 3R
• J.T. Hall—3-3 HR(2) 3 RBI 3B 2R SB(1) 2 BB
• Marvin Lowrance—2-4 HR(3) RBI 2B
• Carlos Rivero—2-5 HR(1) 5 RBI 2B
• Carlos Santana—2-3 HR(6) RBI
• Wilson Ramos—2-4 2R BB
• Brad Emaus—2-5 2B 3B RBI R
• Emmanuel Garcia—3-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 3R BB 3 SB(7)
• Josh Thole—2-5 2B RBI
• Shawn Bowman—2-4 2 2B R RBI
• Jamie Romak—2-5 HR(2) 3 RBI 2B 2 R
• Michael Taylor—3-5 HR(3) 5 RBI 2R 2 2B
• Quentin Berry—3-5 3R 2 SB(9)
• Cyle Hankerd—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Justin Sellers—2-4 2B 2 RBI BB
• Drew Locke—5-5 HR(5) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Collin DeLome—1-6 HR(7) RBI
• James Van Ostrand—3-5 2 HR(4) 2 RBI 3R BB
• Adrian Cardenas—2-2 R RBI 3 BB
• Chris Carter—1-2 2B 2R 2 BB
• Jon Lucroy—2-5 2B R RBI
• Brett Wallace—1-5 HR(5) RBI
• Daryl Jones—3-5 R
• Hank Conger—3-5 2B 2R
• Chris Nelson—3-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B 2R
• Ryan Harvey—2-3 HR(3) 3 RBI BB
• Justin Smoak—3-3 HR(4) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Marcus Lemon—2-5 2B 3B 2 RBI R
• Manuel Pina—3-5 HR(3) RBI 2 2B 3R
• Eric Sogard—2-3 2B R RBI BB

Pitching:

• Ernesto Frieri—5 IP 4H ER BB 5K
• Trevor Bell—7 IP 3H ER BB 4K
• John Ely—5.1 IP 5H ER 3 BB 6K W (3-0)
• Jeanmar Gomez—5 IP 2H ER BB 5K W (3-2)
• Matt Torra—6 IP 4H Er 2 BB 7K

4/23 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 24, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Michael Taylor had a big day at the plate belting two HR, driving in three and scoring three times.  Detroit Tigers shortstop prospect Maxwell Leon, who had zero homeruns last season, blasted his third and drove in six.  Collin DeLome hit HR number six and drove in three and Justin Smoak hit his second HR of the season, driving in three.

Today’s top player was Chicago White Sox top hurler Aaron Poreda.  The tall lefty surrendered just four hits over seven innings striking out 11 en route to his first victory of the season.  Once rumored to be a part of Chicago’s bullpen out of spring training, it appears that the Sox would much rather feature his 98 MPH fastball for more than one inning in a game.  AA should be a good fit for him right now as he needs to develop greater command of his slider and change in order to reach his potential as a frontline starter.  At 22 years old, there is plenty of time for the youngster to develop.

AA Player of the Day—AARON POREDA

Other Notable Peformances

Hitting:

• Mike Mooney—1-4 GS HR(2) 4 RBI
• Michael Taylor—4-6 2 HR(2) 3 RBI 3R
• Maxwell Leon—3-5 HR(3) 6 RBI 3B
• Jim Negrych—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Pedro Lopez—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2R
• Joshua Rodriguez—3-3 3R RBI BB SB(1)
• Brandon Allen—1-4 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Mark Hallberg—4-5 2B R
• Gerardo Parra—2-5 2B R
• Tony Thomas—3-5 HR(4) 2 RBI 3R SB(3)
• Jose Vallejo—3-5 2B 3B 2R 2 RBI
• Johnny Whittleman—3-4 2B R RBI
• Collin DeLome—3-5 HR(6) 3 RBI 3R SB(3)
• Mitch Einertson—2-5 HR(3) 3 RBI
• Drew Locke—3-5 HR(3) 4 RBI 2R
• Chris Carter—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI BB 3R
• Adrian Cardenas—2-5 2B RBI
• Mitch Canham—3-4 2 2B RBI R
• Peter Bourjos—2-4 2B 2R SB(5)
• James Rapoport—3-5 GS HR(1) 5 RBI 2R
• Daryl Jones—3-4 2R
• Chris Nelson—2-4 2B 2R HR(3) 3 RBI
• Justin Smoak—2-5 HR(2) 3 RBI

Pitching:

• Troy Patton—5.1 IP 2H ER 3 BB 1K
• Alfredo Figaro—6 IP 3H 2 ER BB 8K W(2-0)
• Zach McAllister—7 IP 2H ER 4K W(1-0)
• Aaron Poreda—7 IP 3H ER BB 11 K W(1-2)
• Bryan Augenstein—7 IP 3H ER BB 4K W(3-0)
• Casey Coleman—6 IP 6H 2 ER 3 BB 5K W(3-0)
• Travis Banwart—5.2 IP 3H 2 BB 5K W(2-0)

4/13 AA Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 14, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Eric Sogard’s bat is heating up as he blasted his first HR and reached base five times.  Justin Smoak and Mark Trumbo had solid efforts in their double headers.  Mitch Canham’s bat is rapidly ascending him up the ranks as a top catching prospect, but it was Padres OF prospect Mike Baxter who takes home top player honors with two HR’s and three RBI.

Texas League Player of the Day—MIKE BAXTER

Other Notable Performances:

• Justin Smoak—1-4 2B RBI (Gm 1)…1-2 2B 2R 2BB (Gm 2)
• Mark Trumbo—2-4 RBI (Gm 1)…1-4 HR(1) RBI (Gm 2)
• Brett Hunter—3 IP 2H 2K W(1)
• Ryan Mount—1-4 2B R RBI
• Hank Conger—1-3 RBI R
• Collin DeLome—1-5 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Jordan Parraz—2-3 2 RBI R
• Kurt Mertins—2-5 R RBI
• Chris Nelson—2-4 RBI SB(2)
• Daniel Mayora—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI BB R
• Mike Baxter—3-5 2 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R
• Eric Sogard—2-2 HR(1) RBI 3R 3 BB
• Mitch Canham—2-4 BB
• Corey Wimberley—3-4 2B 2 RBI 2 BB R SB(4)
• Steven Hill—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI

Lots of big games in the Southern League!  Brandon Allen rapped four hits and Gerardo Parra raised his batting average to .500 with a 3-5, four run two RBI day.  Greg Halman, Gordon Beckham, and Logan Parker all went deep, but the best performance came from Diamondbacks prospect Ricardo Sosa who went 5-6 with his first HR, four RBI and four runs scored.

Southern League Player of the Day—RICARDO SOSA

Other Notable Performances:

• Todd Frazier—3-5 2B 2R RBI
• Logan Parker—3-4 HR(1) RBI BB 2B
• Sean Henry—3-5 RBI
• Misael DeJesus—6 IP 2H ER 3 BB 4K W(1)
• Gerardo Parra—3-5 3B 4R 2 RBI BB
• James Skelton—2-5 2B R
• Ricardo Sosa—5-6 HR(1) 4 RBI 4R
• Cyle Hankerd—2-4 RBI
• Gordon Beckham—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Brandon Allen—4-5 3B 2R RBI
• Dayan Viciedo—2-4 2R SB(1)
• John Ely—5 IP 2H 4 BB 5K W(1)
• Andrew Lambo—2-4
• Josh Bell—2-2 2B RBI 2 BB
• Ezequiel Carrera—2-5 2R BB SB(1)
• Adam Moore—2-4 2B 2R 2 BB
• Greg Halman—2-6 HR(2) 3 RBI 2B

Brandon Snyder rapped three hits, one of them being his first HR, and David Cooper, Juan Portes, Mark Wagner, John Drennen, and Jamie Romak all hit their first dingers.  Red Sox flame thrower Felix Doubront struck out seven in four innings and Yankees reliever Mike Dunn struck out four in two innings for his first save.  The player of the day in the Northern League, though was Phillies southpaw Michael Stutes who surrendered just two hits in five shutout innings, striking out five for his first victory of ‘09.

Northern League Player of the Day—MICHAEL STUTES

Other Notable Performances:

• Wilson Ramos—2-4 3 RBI
• Juan Portes—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2B
• Jon Still—2-4 2B RBI BB R
• Mark Wagner—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI 2 BB 2R
• Jorge Jimenez—2-4 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Felix Doubront—4.1 IP 2H 2 ER 2 BB 7K
• Michael Taylor—1-4 RBI
• Michael Stutes—5 IP 2H 3 BB 5K W(1)
• Brandon Snyder—3-4 HR(1) RBI
• Justin Tucker—1-4 2B RBI
• Luis Marte—5.2 IP 5H 2 ER 4K L(1)
• Brett Pill—1-4 2R RBI BB
• Bobby Felmy—2-2 2 RBI R 2 BB SB(1)
• David Cooper—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Henry Sosa—4 IP 3H ER BB 4K
• Jose Tabata—2-4 2R RBI BB 2 SB(2)
• Jamie Romak—2-5 HR(1) RBI
• John Drennen—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI BB 2R
• Carlos Rivero—3-4
• Josh Rodriguez—2-3 R BB
• Carlos Santana—1-4 R BB
• Bill Rhinehart—1-4 2B 2 RBI
• Reegie Corona—2-4 2 BB
• Colin Curtis—2-3 2B RBI 2 BB R
• Kanoki Texeira—2.1 IP H 3K W(1)
• Mike Dunne—2 IP H 4K SV(1)