8/4 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 5, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Cincinatti Reds 3B prospect Juan Francisco hit his 20th HR yesterday, driving in two and scoring twice.  Francisco has as much power potential as anyone in the Reds’ farm system and has made big strides this season to cut back on his strikeouts.  Last year, Francisco hit 23 HR and drove in 92 runs while earning a 19 BB/123 K ratio in 127 games.  This season, Francisco has kept his power numbers up and has cut back his K rate to 88 in 100 games.  He’s only walked 19 times, but the progress at a higher level is worthy of note.  The market for Francisco’s first year cards was hot at the end of last season as several collectors anticipated him to become one of the top sluggers in the minor leagues this season.  However, a slow start and mitigable increases in his numbers has caused several prospectors to divert their funds elsewhere.  His 2008 autos in Donruss Threads (#/999) and his Donruss Elite Extra autos #/1495 can be had at $4-7 each-roughly 1/3 their values in late 2008.

Pedro Alvarez continues to be a beast at the AA level as he socked his 8th HR at Altoona and 22nd on the season.  He added two doubles and two RBI during a three hit day and raised his post-promotion average to .307.  The Pirates made more big trades at the deadline that will go a long way in overhauling a once maligned farm system.  With each trade, new opportunities sprout up for aspiring youngsters to make their mark in a major league uniform.  Alvarez will get his shot this season.  I mused in my Brian Matusz article about the market effect that would occur in his cards after his debut.  Matusz, like Alvarez, has an exclusive deal with Razor Entertainment Group which effectively limits the exposure of his cards on the eBay market. 

Matusz had a fine and victorious debut surrendering one run on six hits over five innings, walking three and striking out five Detroit Tigers.  In the hours following his performance, the prices of his ‘08 Razor autos have jumped about 30-40%.  It is nice to see that the cards are considered viable investments on the open market, but the rise in price is on par with what other larger brands would experience in similar situations.  In other words, the fact that Razor has exclusive deals with several ‘08 draftees does not, at this time, seem to have a pronounced inflationary effect on the values of their cards. 

Today’s top prospect doesn’t have a major brand card issued as of yet, but that may change soon.  Chicago White Sox RHP prospect Dan Hudson was dominant once agains yesterday, scattering three hits over six scoreless innings, striking out seven.  The dominant performance raised the former Old Dominion hurler to 7-0 since his promotion to Birmingham and gave him his 12th victory of the ‘09 season.  Hudson was ranked the 24th best prospect in the White Sox farm system by Baseball America but he’s pitched as well as anyone, including departed prospects Aaron Poreda and Dexter Carter.  Hudson has been virtually unhittable at each of the three levels he’s thrown at this season as hitters are batting a combined .191 against him.  Just as impressive is his sterling 25 BB/142 K ratio in his 123 innings of work.  Hudson has a workhorse frame (6-4 220 lb.) and features a 92-94 MPH fastball that saws off right handers and fades away from lefties.  His slider and changeup are a bit behind, but each offers good downward movement that keeps him from getting hit hard.  The vacancy left by Poreda and Carter elevates Hudson to the upper ranks of Chicago’s young arms.  Hudson will likely finish the year at AA and should be a prime candidate to pitch in the Arizona Fall League.  Keep your eyes peeled for his first year cards and snag them early as he might not gain as much post-release notoriety as he deserves.  Secondary sites like Sportsbuy.com and Beckett.com should provide excellent values for his non-autographed releases.

AA Player of the Day—DAN HUDSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Matt Spencer—2-4 HR(15) RBI 2B
• Darin Holcomb—2-5 HR(10) RBI 2R BB
• Mike McKenry—2-5 2B
• Ryan Harvey—3-5 HR(16) 5 RBI 2B
• Cole Garner—3-4 2B 2R RBI
• Cedric Hunter—3-5 2B RBI
• Ezequiel Carrerra—3-5 3B 2R 3 RBI SB(19)
• Andrew Lambo—1-3 2B 2 RBI
• Scott Cousins—1-2 R HRI(10) RBI 2 BB
• Juan Francisco—3-5 HR(20) 2 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Todd Frazier—2-5 R RBI
• Starlin Castro—2-4 R 2 RBI BB
• Jose Lobaton—2-3 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B
• Jason Heyward—2-3 (.422 BA at AA)
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-4 2R RBI 2 BB
• Pedro Alvarez—3-6 HR(22) 2 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Brian Friday—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI R BB
• Ryan Kalish—1-4 HR(11) RBI BB
• Jorge Jimenez—3-4 HR(12) RBI 2BB BB
• Ruben Tejada—3-4 R RBI
• Miguel Abreu—3-5 2 2B R 3 RBI
• Cale Iorg—1-4 HR(11) RBI
• Michael Bertram—2-3 HR(12) 4 RBI BB
• Brett Pill—2-5 Hr(13) 2 RBI
• Brandon Crawford—2-5 HR(10) RBI
• Carlos Santana—1-3 RBI 2 BB

Pitching:

• Dan Hudson—6 IP 3H 7K W (12-5)
• Chaz Roe—9 IP 6H 2 ER 3 BB 3K W(5-2)
• Aneury Rodriguez—6.2 IP 6H ER BB 6K W (7-10)
• Travis Banwart—7 IP 3H 2K W (7-5)

7/27 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 28, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Cleveland Indians 1B prospect Beau Mills rapped two more homeruns last night, raising his season total to 10.  Yesterday’s pair of HR’s marks the first time this season that Mills has went yard in back to back games.  He’s been, in my opinion, a mild disappointment during his first full year at AA, hitting .261 with 10 HR 54 RBI and 22 doubles.  His contact numbers are solid with just 64 K’s in 101 games, but he’s walked just 24 times and has a .305 OBP. June and July has shown an uptick in his numbers and could be an indicator of a strong finish to his season.  The Indians just traded Ryan Garko last night to the San Francisco Giants which should open up a litany of future options for the Tribe at 1B.  Will they move LaPorta there or, perhaps, Nick Weglarz or Wes Hodges?  My gut says that Mills is still the long term guy and a strong finish to his ‘09 season will go a long way towards confirming that thought.

Kyle Drabek had a solid outing last night in what may be his last as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies organization.  Drabek tossed seven innings, allowing seven hits and two earned runs while striking out five en route to his 11th win on the season.  Drabek has been at the center of trade rumors as a primary piece in the deal that could potentially send Roy Halladay to the Phillies.  Philadelphia’s hesitance to trade him is a primary indicator on just how far he has come this season.  Last year, the 21 year old battled injuries and concerns about his make up but his future really seemed to turn towards the positive after a strong showing in the Hawaiian Winter League.  The value of Drabek’s 2006 and 2007 autos will be strongest if he remains a member of the Phillies.  Philadelphia remains a major market team primed to sustain a long run of success in the NL East.  However if Drabek is dealt, the opportunity for him to make a 2009 MLB debut rises significantly and with that the short term value of his cards. 

Today’s top AA prospect is another elite pitching prospect, Brian Matusz.  Seven innings of four hit, six strikeout ball raises his perfect AA record to 7-0 and gives him 11 total wins this season.  Chris Tillman was just called up by the Orioles to make his MLB debut and to further rub salt into the wounds of the Seattle Mariners who just recently put much maligned starter Erik Bedard on the DL….again.  The move by the O’s may soon open up a spot for Matusz to move up another notch to AAA Norfolk.  I expect that this will happen within his next couple of starts.  Matusz’s 2008 Razor cards range from about $12-15 for his Exclusive autos and $15-18 for his serial #’ed cards.  If he gets the call in September, these cards could jump significantly.

AA Player of the Day—BRIAN MATUSZ

 


Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Jordan Danks—2-5 R RBI
• C.J. Retherford—2-4 2B RBI BB
• Michael Stanton—1-4 HR(22) 3 RBI
• Logan Morrison—1-3 HR(6) RBI
• Josh Thole—4-5 2B 3R BB SB(5)
• Ike Davis—2-6 2B R
• Lucas Duda—1-5 2B 2 RBI 2R BB
• D.J. Wabick—3-6 HR(2) 6 RBI 2R
• Nick Weglarz—2-4 HR(14) 2 RBI
• Carlos Santana—1-4 HR(19) RBI
• Beau Mills—2-4 2 HR(10) 2 RBI
• Michael Daniel—3-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Josh Reddick—2-4 2B R BB
• Ryan Kalish—1-4 HR(10) RBI
• Mitch Moreland—2-5 R RBI
• Taylor Green—2-5 2B HR(6) 2 RBI
• Lorenzo Cain—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI BB
• Corey Wimberley—3-4 3 RBI BB R 2 SB(14)
• Matt Sulentic—2-3 2B 2R 2 RBI BB SB(19)
• Chris Carter—1-4 2B 2R 2 RBI 2 BB
• Tony Thomas—2-4 HR(9) 2 RBI 2R
• Mark Reed—2-4 2R 2B 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Tommy Mendoza—7 IP 4H ER 3K
• Tyson Ross—6 IP 4H Er BB 3K W (6-6)
• Steven Johnson—6 IP 3H BB 7K W (9-5)
• Luis Atilano—7 IP 6H 2 BB 3K W (5-7)
• Dylan Owen—5 IP 6H 3 BB 3K
• Brian Matusz—7 IP 4H 3 BB 6K W (11-2)
• Kyle Drabek—7 IP 7H 2 ER 5K W (9-5)

7/27 AAA Minor League Report

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

Former Oakland A’s farm hand and current San Diego Padres OF prospect Dan Putnam hit his 14th HR of the season and drove in three runs in a three hit outing.  Putnam has been solid over his last 10 games batting .361 with 3 HR 17 RBI and 7 doubles.  At 26 years old, time is ticking for Putnam to make an impact at the major league level.  He’s proven to be a consistent power hitter over the past few seasons but has never been quite good enough to stand out above his peers.  That shouldn’t change at San Diego.  He’ll likely earn a look in September but the Padres will likely be much more interested in getting a better look at fellow Portland teammate Chad Huffman.

Today’s top player is a former MLB flash in the pan Florida Marlins 2B propect Tony Abreu.  The ex-Dodger had a perfect day at the plate yesterday, going 5-5 with his 6th HR, 3 RBI and 3 doubles.  Abreu has bounced back nicely with the Marlins after missing the entire 2008 season, hitting .348 with 6 HR 29 RBI 11 doubles and 20 runs scored in just 27 games with Albuquerque.  Abreu’s first year cards in various 2007 sets experienced an uptick of popularity after his solid debut with the Dodgers in ‘07 and there could be an opportunity for the cards to be, likely to a lesser degree, relevant again.  The Marlins have already switched former 2B Chris Coghlan to the outfield and it has long been rumored that the future of Dan Uggla as a member of the Marlins is not a long one.  Abreu is still just 24 years old and his switch hitting bat has proven to be a consistent one with decent gap power and the ability to hit for a high average.  The market for Abreu’s 2007 products is deflated, making this the perfect opportunity to add a low serial #’ed rookie card to your portfolio for less than $5.

AAA Player of the Day—TONY ABREU

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Cole Gillespie—1-2 Hr(9) 2 RBI BB SB(11)
• Jon Jay—2-5 R SB(17)
• Tyler Greene—3-5 HR(7) 2 RBI
• Allen Craig—2-3 HR(15) 2 RBI 2R
• Mark Hamilton—4-5 2 HR(10) 4 RBI
• Alejandro De Aza—3-6 3B RBI 2R
• Cameron Maybin—1-3 2B R 3 RBI 3 BB
• John Raynor—1-2 HR(4) RBI 2 BB 3R
• Austin Jackson—2-5 2B RBI
• Cliff Pennington—2-4 2B 2R
• Aaron Cunningham—2-4 2 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Brett Wallace—2-4 2 2B R RBI
• Tony Abreu—5-5 3 2B HR(6) 3 RBI
• Alcides Escobar—1-4 2R SB(36)
• Joaquin Arias—3-4 3R HR(5) RBI
• Ian Desmond—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Brandon Snyder—1-4 2 RBI
• Justin Turner—2-4 2B RBI
• Reid Brignac—1-3 2B R RBI 2 BB SB(5)
• Rhyne Hughes—3-3 2 2B R BB
• Cole Armstrong—2-4 HR(8) 2 RBI 2B
• Chad Huffman—2-5 HR(14) 3 RBI 2R
• Dan Putnam—3-4 2B HR(14) 3 RBI

Pitching:

• Jeff Manship—8 IP 7H ER 3 BB 3K
• Fabio Castro—7 IP 2H 2 BB 10K W (7-5)
• Shairon Martis—7 IP 5H BB 3K W (3-1)

7/26 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 27, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Joaquin Arias had a stellar spring training with the Rangers but found himself as a late March cut as the Rangers were dead set on giving Elvis Andrus the starting SS job with Omar Vizquel playing the role of seasoned mentor.  Arias has been hot as of late, hitting .319 with 3 of his 4 HR and 12 of his 46 RBI over the last 10 games.  He’s got excellent speed (16/18 SB) and has committed only six errors this season.  At 24 years old, he’s the perfect candidate for a rebuilding team with a vacancy at SS (Mariners anyone?)  His MLB audition last season was solid as he hit .291 in 32 games with 4 SB and 10 XBH.  I would love to see him packaged as an extra piece in a deal to another franchise as it is always a shame to see talented players mired in deep systems lose precious years of MLB experience biding their time at the minor league levels.  Watch to see if he is packaged in a deal at the deadline and then pick up one of his several autos for less than $5.  His first year cards are autographs in the Bowman Chrome and Bowman’s Best sets.  Each can be had for $3-4 each.

Brandon Snyder is a name that we haven’t mentioned much since his promotion to AAA as he has struggled with the new challenge.  However, his 3-4 showing yesterday in which he doubled and scored two runs is an indicator that he may be starting to get on his feet.  He has hit safely in six of his last seven games but still has not found the plate discipline that he displayed at AA Bowie.  This is a prime time to buy low once again as he has settled back into the $3-5 ranks with his various autos.  Keep tabs on his next 10 games, if he continues to hit the ball well and can balance the BB/K scale a bit more, he could find himself in Camden Yards come September.

Today’s top performer is a repeat offender.  Tacoma’s Adam Moore hit his 9th HR of the season, driving in five runs and scoring twice in the Rainier’s 14-9 rout of the hapless Las Vegas Stars.  Moore is the M’s most polished and well rounded receiver as Jeff Clement is no longer a viable catching prospect and Rob Johnson is a good catch/no hit backup.  The spectre of former GM Bill Bavasi will cast a two year blight on the current catching situation at Safeco as Kenji Johjima’s $24 M extension remains one of the club’s worst maneuvers this side of Carlos Silva’s 4 year $42 M sentence.  Johjima’s high price forces the club to endure his menail production while inhibiting opportunities to get a full feel for what they have in Moore.  His 2008 autos are still solid bargains at $4-6 each and his ‘09 Bowman Chrome autos can be snagged at similar prices.  He’s probably a year away from earning significant MLB service time, but he immediately becomes Seattle’s best catcher when he arrives.

AAA Player of the Day—ADAM MOORE

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Andy Marte—1-2 HR(18) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Chris Johnson—1-3 HR(6) RBI
• Yorandy Ramirez—3-4 2 SB(9)
• Mike Baxter—1-3 2B 2R RBI BB
• Chris Petit—2-4 2R
• Sean Rodriguez—2-2 2R RBI 2 BB (Game 1)…..2-3 2B R (Game 2)
• Travis Snider—2-5 HR(6) RBI
• Jeff Clement—2-5 2 RBI R
• Adam Moore—2-4 HR(9) 5 RBI 2R BB
• Chris Heisey—3-5 R
• Drew Stubbs—1-5 HR(3) RBI
• Chris Valaika—1-3 2B 2 RBI
• Joaquin Arias—3-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 3R 3B BB
• Chris Davis—2-4 R 2 RBI
• Jose Vallejo—2-4 2B 3B 3 RBI R
• Brandon Snyder—3-4 2B 2R
• Matt Joyce—2-3 2 2b 2 RBI R
• Rhyne Hughes—3-4 HR(22) 2 RBI 2B
• Jason Pridie—4-7 2B RBI R SB(21)
• David Winfree—2-5 R 2 RBI 3B
• Alejandro De Aza—3-5 2B HR(6) RBI 3R
• Jai Miller—1-4 HR(8) RBI
• Buster Posey—0-0 2R 4 BB
• Ramiro Pena—3-3 HR(2) 2 RBI BB
• Wilkin Ramirez—2-5 2B 2R RBI
• Brent Clevlen—3-5 HR(11) 3 RBI 2B 2R

7/2 AA Minor League Report

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

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

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

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

AA Player of the Day—BRIAN MATUSZ

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

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

Pitching:

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

6/15 AA Minor League Report

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

A couple of pitchers had dominating performances in the AA ranks yesterday.  San Diego Padres top pitching prospect Mat Latos mowed down 12 hitters yesterday over 5.1 IP, walking none and allowing just five hits.  Unfortunately, the three runs that he allowed were enough to hand him his first loss this season.  Latos has been as impressive as any pitcher in the minor league ranks this year as he has a 6-1 record with a 0.84 ERA and 11 BB/61 K’s in 53 innings.  Armed with a fastball that reaches 97 MPH and a fierce knockout slider, Latos is a powerfully built, strikeout machine that has All-Star written all over him.  Unfortunately, Latos has had a history of injury problems and attitude issues that have obscured his development to date.  His promotion and continued dominance shows that he has moved well beyond some of those issues in a quest to fulfill his boundless potential.  Don’t be surprised if Latos treads a fast track similar to what Tommy Hanson has done over the past year. 

L.A. Angels RHP Tim Kiely lacks the stuff that Mat Latos possesses, but his complete game, 13 K debut for Arkansas is worthy of note.  Prior to Monday’s start, the 23 year old meandered to a ho-hum 5-5 record with High-A Rancho Cucamonga with a 4.44 ERA in 12 starts.  Control is the name of Kiely’s game as he posted an impressive 8 BB/44 K in his 73 innings of work.  Drafted out of Trinity College in the 27th round of the 2008 draft, Kiely was used exclusively as a reliever in ‘08 but seems to be adjusting fairly well as a starter.  The Angels are customarily loaded with nice young arms, which will make Kiely’s road going forward difficult, but 31 year old Matt Palmer has shown that pitchers with good command of the strike zone and durable arms will always have an opportunity to stick with an organization. 

Today’s top prospect at the AA ranks is a no stranger to prospectors and collectors.  Chicago White Sox 3B import Dayan Viciedo went 3-4 yesterday, hitting his 5th HR while driving in three and scoring three runs.  Viciedo got off to a tortoise-like start out of the gate, hitting .234 with one HR and 9 RBI through the month of April.  May was a bit better (.293 2 HR 20 RBI) and June has been even kinder (.333 2 HR 9 RBI) thusfar.  Viciedo’s bat has not provided as many souvenirs as expected to this point, but his willingness to use all parts of the field is indicative that the 20 year old has worked dilligently on refining his approach at the plate.  Strike zone judgement is still a raw spot for the Cuban native as he has earned just 9 BB versus 48 K’s in his first 63 professional games.  Viciedo is likely never going to be a walk magnet, but he should be able to curb his overagressiveness going forward.

AA Player of the Day—DAYAN VICIEDO

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Mitch Moreland—4-6 HR(10) 2 RBI 2R
• Adrian Cardenas—4-6 2 2B 2 RBi 2R
• Chris Carter—2-6 RBI
• Matt Spencer—2-5 2R SB(1)
• Cole Garner—4-4 2B R
• Kurt Mertins—3-4 2B R RBI
• Jason Castro—1-3 2R RBI BB
• Tyler Henley—1-4 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Jon Lucroy—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Yonder Alonso—1-2 HR(8) 2 RBI
• Scott Cousins—2-4 2B SB(14)
• Michael Stanton—1-3 2B (Game 1)…..1-3 2B RBI BB (Game 2)
• Tyler Flowers—2-4 2R BB
• Dayan Viciedo—3-4 HR(5) 3 RBI 2B 3R BB
• Stephan Gartrell—3-4 HR(10) 3 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Evan Frey—3-5 3B R RBI
• Andrew Lambo—2-4 2 2B R
• Russ Mitchell—3-4 2B 3B R RBI SB(4)
• Michael Taylor—1-3 2B R BB

Pitching:

• Joe Savery—6 IP H 3 BB 4K W (8-1)
• Polin Trinidad—8 IP 4H 3 BB 7K W (6-4)
• Mat Latos—5.1 IP 5H 2 ER 12K L (6-1)
• Tim Kiely—9 IP 3H 2 ER 3 BB 13K W (6-5)
• Kyle McCulloch—7 IP 7H 3K W (6-6)

6/5 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 6, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

The month of June has been a sparse one thusfar for PPR as I have found myself pulled in many different directions.  My son’s school has had a variety of end of the year activities that I have been quite involved with and other activities seem to pull me further and further away from this keyboard.

I am happy to say that I did get a chance to paruse some box scores last night in the minor league ranks and am more than happy to share my revelations!  Let’s get to it…

In the AAA ranks, the performances from notable prospects is diminishing as many of our favorites have already nestled their way onto major league rosters.  There were however a few poignant outings by intriguing prospects that we’ll cover in a little more depth.  Texas Rangers top pitching prospect Neftali Feliz tossed six shutout innings of two-hit ball for his third win of the season.  Feliz didn’t allow a walk and only struck out three, which indicates to me that he is working on being more efficient with his pitches.  Yesterday’s outing was only the second time this season that Feliz has worked six innings which indicates to me that the Rangers are distinctly trying to save the bulk of Neftali’s 2009 innings for use in their rotation.  I would expect that if he had another couple outings like this one, the Rangers will call upon his services soon.

In other games, Mike Carp his his 10th HR of the season, ending a prolonged power drought and teammate Adam Moore hit HR #5, further confirming to me that Jeff Clement’s future as a catcher is all but finished.  Don’t be surprised if Moore gets a call up by the M’s by mid-summer.  His bat is better than either Rob Johnson’s or Kenji Johjima’s and his defensive skills rival Johjima’s for best in the organizaiton at the catcher position.  A prolonged hot streak should help to initiate a much needed flip flop of Rob Johnson and Moore in the organization’s depth chart.

A’s flamethrowing reliever Henry Rodriguez punched out five hitters in 2.2 innings of work, allowing just one hit.  Rodriguez has only pitched in six games between High-A Stockton and AAA Sacramento, but his 20 K’s in just 10.1 innings is evidence that his 100 MPH heater is best used pitching at the end of games rather than the beginning.  The A’s, after three frustrating seasons, have now realized that and are slowly transitioning the 21 year old righty into a future closer’s role.  There is ample opportunity for Rodriguez to excel in this as the A’s have struggled to find some ninth inning continuity in the wake of Huston Street’s departure.  While Andrew Bailey has looked sharp in his limited opportunities, H-Rod has stuff that crackles with electricity.  I would expect that Rodriguez will pitch most of this season at Sacramento, but you can never rule out the unpredictability of A’s GM Billy Beane.

Finally, our top prospect of the day comes from San Diego where future 1B Kyle Blanks blasted HR’s #10 and 11 while driving in four runs and walking twice.  The king-sized Padres 1B prospect had a slow month of May, hitting just .221 with 5 HR and 13 RBI, but his June numbers seem to be picking up as he has nearly tripled his slugging percentage and has regained his plate discipline (7 BB/3 K) that seemed to elude him last month.  Blanks’ big league opportunities in ‘09 are closely linked to what the Padres decide to do with Adrian Gonzalez this season.  The former #1 pick is the front runner for the N.L. MVP this season and Padres have him under contract at a very low cost for two more seasons.  That said, the Friars seem to be in constant sell mode these days, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they dealt their All-Star 1B at some point this season.  There has also been some discussion of moving Blanks to a corner outfield spot, likely left field, to fully utilize his power bat.  Despite his 6-6 285 lb. frame, Kyle is quite nimble and more athletic than he appears.  That said, he hasn’t played in the outfield since his two game stint in 2005. 

The most likely scenerio for the big right-handed slugger is that he will be one of the Padres’ September call ups, getting limited playing time as the Padres’ 09 season winds down.  Limited as Blanks’ ‘09 opportunities may be, this will likely be the last season he spends as a minor league hitter.

AAA Player of the Day—KYLE BLANKS

 


Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Austin Jackson—1-4 2B R BB
• Greg Golson—2-3 R 3 RBI
• Brian Bogusevic—3-5 2B 2 RBI SB(6)
• Chris Johnson—2-4 2B R BB
• Yorman Ramirez—3-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Daric Barton—3-5 2B
• Brandon Wood—2-4 2B R RBI
• Eric Young Jr.—1-4 R RBI BB 2 SB(35)
• Alex Romero—5-6 2B 3R 5 RBI BB
• Jacob Hester—4-6 HR(3) 4 RBI 3B 2R
• Mike Carp—2-4 HR(10) 2 RBI BB
• Adam Moore—1-5 HR(5) 3 RBI
• Kyle Blanks—2-3 2 HR(11) 4 RBI 2 BB 2R

Pitching:

• Jack Egbert—6 IP 5H ER BB 6K W (4-0)
• Drew Carpenter—7 IP 4H 2 BB 6K W (4-0)
• Neftali Feliz—6 IP 2H 3K W (3-3)
• Sean O’Sullivan—5.2 IP 5H Er 5K
• Henry Rodriguez—2.2 IP H 5K

5/17 High-A Minor League Report **500th Post!**

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

Today’s a milestone day for PPR as, in just under a year, we have crossed the 500 post threshold.  Thank you again to all of you who have faithfully read this blog and watched it evolved over the past year.  I hope that you have all learned a bit over that time and have enjoyed reading about our bright young prospects as much as I have enjoyed bringing them to you.

Yesterday’s action at the High-A ranks saw the trio of Seattle Mariners prospects Edilio Colina, Alex Liddi, and Joe Dunigan combine for 9 hits and 6 RBI while Florida’s Michael Stanton rapped three more hits.  Tampa Bay’s RHP Joshua Butler improved his record to 5-0 by tossing seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits and outdueling New York Yankees ‘08 draftee Jeremy Bleich.

Today’s top prospect is the #1 prospect of the Philadelphia Phillies, Dominic Brown.  The lanky and super-athletic OF was 3-5 with two doubles, three RBI and his 9th stolen base.  Brown’s bat has heated up considerably over the month of May hitting .385 with 3 HR 15 RBI and 15 runs scored in just 15 games.  Already at 6 HR this season, Brown should apex last year’s total of 9 dingers by mid season.  Couple that with his outstanding plate discipline and continued physical projectibility and you have an All-Star in the making.  Brown’s various 2008 autos can be had for as low as $10-12 each and should be bought in copious quantities.  He should earn a promotion to AA at some point this summer and is a candidate to make his MLB debut by the end of 2010.

High-A Player of the Day—DOMINIC BROWN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Mitch Moreland—3-5 RBI
• Ed Easley—3-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Collin Cowgill—2-4 2R RBI
• Jhoan Pimentel—3-4 2B 2RBI R
• Keoni Ruth—3-5 2R SB(4)
• Clay Fuller—3-5 2R
• Julian Perez—3-5 2 2B 3R 2 RBI
• Jeremy Moore—3-3 3B 3 RBI R
• Angel Villalona—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Jermaine Mitchell—2-4 2R RBI BB
• Matt Smith—3-5 2B 3 RBI R
• Christian Vitters—1-3 3B 4 RBI B
• Joe Dunigan—2-4 2R BB
• Alex LIddi—2-5 HR(9) 4 RBI 2R
• Brent Morel—2-4 2B RBI
• Jason Place—2-4 2B 3R 2 RBI BB
• Che Hsuan Lin—2-4 HR(1) 5 RBI BB 2R
• Luis Exposito—2-4 RBI R BB
• Michael Jones—2-4 3R RBI
• Brandon Waring—2-3 HR(5) 2 RBI BB
• Jason Heyward—2-4 HR(7) 2 RBI 2R
• Derrick Robinson—3-5 2B 2 RBI R SB(18)
• Johnny Giavotella—3-5 2 RBI
• Mike Moustakas—1-5 HR(6) RBI
• Dominic Brown—3-5 2 2B 3 RBI R SB(9)
• Fidel Hernandez—3-5 2B R RBI SB(4)
• Justin Henry—3-5 3B 2 RBI R SB(3)

Pitching:

• Kenny Rodriguez—7 Ip 3H BB 7K W (2-1)
• Zach Britton—6 IP 4H 2 BB 6K W (1-1)
• Tyson Ross—3.1 IP 2H BB 7K
• Wynn Pelzer—6.2 IP 3H Er 2 BB 10K W (5-1)

5/10 Low-A Minor League Report

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

Eric Hosmer finally hit his first HR of the season and teammate Nick Francis hit his sixth.  Jeremy Barfield, brother of Cleveland’s 2B Josh Barfield and son of longtime MLB slugger Jesse Barfield, had a banner day going 4-5 with his first HR, two RBI and four runs scored.  Jeremy is a strapping 6-5 240 lb. 20 year old OF in the Oakland A’s farm system with decent plate discipline, plus athleticism, and emerging power potential.  Jaff Decker continues to swing a hot bat, hitting his third HR and walking twice and Pirates OF prospect Quincy Latimore hit his first HR and drove in four runs in a double header.

Today’s top youngster comes from the Washington Nationals farm system, catching prospect Derek Norris.  The young catcher had three hits yesterday including his sixth HR and driving in four runs.  Norris got off to a slow start, hitting just .246 in April with 27 K’s, but he has increased his power output and plate discipline in May, hitting .333 with 3 HR and 13 RBI while not striking out once.  Last season, the 20 year old Norris played at short season Vermont, hitting .278 with 10 HR 38 RBI and 11 SB.  His 63 BB/56 K in just 70 games is a prime indicator of his ability to eventually hit for a high average with solid power numbers similar to Chicago White Sox catching prospect Tyler Flowers.  Watch Norris’ production over the next couple of months.  At just 20 years old, his stock could rise significantly over the coming months.

Low-A Player of the Day—DEREK NORRIS

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Chris Swauger—3-4 HR(3) 3 RBi 3B 3R
• Osvaldo Morales—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI
• Nate Tenbrink—2-6 2B 2R 4 RBI
• Jeremy Barfield—4-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 4R
• Byron Wiley—1-3 HR(1) RBI BB
• Eric Hosmer—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Nick Francis—2-3 HR(6) 2 RBI 2R SB(8)
• Kyle Russell—3-4 2 HR(9) 2 RBI 3R
• Josh Harrison—2-5 2B SB(6)
• Junior Lake—3-4 2B 2R RBI
• Sawyer Carroll—3-4 2 2B RBI BB
• Jaff Decker—2-3 HR(3) RBI 2 BB
• Karexon Sanchez—2-5 HR(6) 2 RBI 2R
• Nate Recknagel—2-3 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R 3B
• Abner Abreu—3-4 2B 2R
• Anthony Gose—4-5 3B R SB(18)
• Xavier Avery—2-4 2B R BB SB(8)
• Elvin Polanco—3-5 2B RBI
• Quincy Latimore—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI (Game 1)…..3-4 2B 3B 2 RBI R (Game 2)
• Steve Lombardozzi Jr.—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI (Game 1)…..1-3 2R BB (Game 2)
• Derek Norris—3-4 HR(6) 4 RBI

Pitching:

• Richard Zagone—7.1 IP 2H 2 BB 8K W (3-2)

5/6 AAA Minor League Report

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

We skipped a day of reports, but today we’ll get back into the swing of things starting with some of the AAA performances.  Marlins 2B prospect and former player of the day winner Chris Coghlan continued his torrid hitting by going 3-3 with his third HR in four games, six RBI, two doubles and two runs scored.  Coghlan has shaken off an early season slump to hit .556 in his last 10 games with 20 hits, 3 HR 16 RBI 5 SB and 12 runs scored.  Cardinals 3B prospect Allen Craig hit his third HR last night, giving the indication that his bat may also be starting to warm up.  On the mound, Michael Bowden pitched 6.2 quality innings allowing just an unearned run and Daniel Bard picked up his eighth save by striking out four of the five batters he faced.

Today’s top performance is really a toss up between two pitchers.  Atlanta Braves undersized righty Kris Medlen was simply dominant again last night surrendering just two hits over seven innings while striking out 10 en route to his fourth win and lowering his season ERA to 1.17.  He has clearly outpitched even his teammate Tommy Hanson this season and is making a strong case to be the first call up for the Braves when a rotation spot opens up.  Medlen’s stock has been consistently rising since his sterling performance in the Arizona Fall League this past November in which he earned a 2.14 ERA with 1 BB/25 K in just 22.1 innings.  Medlen was originally going to be developed as a closer, as his small stature (5-10 190 lb.) was thought to serve as a detriment to his overall stamina.  The Braves have altered their ideas, however, and Medlen has flourished.  His 94 MPH fastball and two plane slider are both MLB plus pitches and his changeup is a serviceable third pitch capable of generating outs.  Medlen is an excellent athlete with clean pitching mechanics and a closer’s demeanor on the mound.  His only cards to date can be found in the 2006 Bowman Chrome draft set and the market for them is quite low right now at just 40-75 cents each.

Colorado Rockies prospect Brandon Hynick tossed seven shutout innings and helped himself out at the plate by going 2-3 with his first HR of the season.  Hynick has struggled to replicate the exceptional 2007 season he had at High-A Modesto when he went 16-5 with a 2.52 ERA in the hitter friendly California League.  Hynick is a soft tosser whose offspeed stuff is a poor match for the thin air of Colorado.  His upside is as an end of the rotation starter, but more likely will be the case that he will become a spot starter and long relief guy at the major league level.

AAA Players of the Day—KRIS MEDLEN & BRANDON HYNICK

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Reid Brignac—3-4 2B 2R RBI BB
• Matt Joyce—2-4 HR(3) 4 RBI
• Blake DeWitt—4-5 2B R
• Jon Jay—2-3 2 2B R RBI 2 SB(6)
• Allen Craig—1-3 HR(3) RBI BB
• Shane Robinson—1-3 3B 3R BB
• Joe Koshansky—1-4 HR(5) 3 RBI
• Matt Camp—3-4 R 2 RBI
• Sean Doolittle—2-4 2B BB
• Cliff Pennington—3-4 2B RBI SB(7)
• Fernando Martinez—2-4 2B 3B RBI
• Luke Hughes—1-4 HR(5) RBI
• Drew Sutton—3-4 2B R
• John Raynor—2-4 2B 3R BB
• Chris Coghlan—3-3 2 2B HR(3) 6 RBI 2R
• Eric Young Jr.—2-4 3B R SB(17) (Game 1)…..1-3 R BB SB(18) (Game 2)
• Chris Pettit—4-5 2B 2 RBI SB(8)
• Freddy Sandoval—2-5 3B R 2 RBI
• Kyle Blanks—2-4 2B RBI

Pitching:

• Jose Asciano—5 IP 3H 9K W (1-1)
• Kris Medlen—7 IP 2H BB 10K W (4-0)
• Michael Bowden—6.2 IP H UER 4 BB 2K
• Daniel Bard—1.1 IP H 4K SV (6)
• Brandon Hynick—7 IP 5H BB 2K W (2-2)…..2-3 HR(1) RBI
• Gaby Hernandez—5 IP 4H 2 ER BB 5K W (1-2)
• Anthony Swarzak—7 IP 5H ER 2 BB 6K W(2-3)