10/27 Arizona Fall League Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 29, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Back to the keyboard to provide some more AFL updates.  Tuesday’s games saw Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Jose Tabata have his best game as at the plate, going 3-6 with his first HR and six RBI.  Tigers SS prospect Cale Iorg logged his first dinger as well, driving in three and scoring three times.  Freddie Freeman went yard and looks to be emerging from an early season slump. 

In Phoenix, the Oakland A’s OF tandem of Corey Brown and Grant Desme are providing ample evidence that the A’s’ present offensive woes may become a thing of the past.  Desme is currently leading the league with eight dingers and, though he didn’t add to that total Tuesday, he did drive in two runs and score three times.  Brown, an Oklahoma State alum, also had three RBI on the strength of his fourth HR of the season.  Both Brown and Desme are highly athletic players who have the ability to hit 30 HR per season at the major league level.

Tuesday’s top star, however, is household name Stephen Strasburg.   The Nationals’ franchise player bounced back big time from his lousy outing last week by tossing 4.1 innings of one-hit, one run ball walking one and striking out five for his second win of the season.  Despite the poor outing last week, Strasburg’s various 2008 and 2009 cards remain white hot commodities on the eBay trading floor.  A couple more outings like this will only amply that market.

AFL Player of the Day—STEPHEN STRASBURG

Other Notable AFL Performances:

  Peoria Saguaros 6

• Freddie Freeman—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2R
• Matt McBride—1-4 HR(2) 3 RBI
• Cedric Hunter—2-3 3 RBI
• Zack Cozart—2-4 2B 2R SB(2)

  Mesa Solar Sox 5

• Chris Parmelee—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI
• Luis Exposito—2-3 2B RBI BB
• Greg Burns—2-4 R
• Rene Tosoni—1-4 2R RBI BB

  Phoenix Desert Dogs 7

• David Espinosa—2-4 2B R
• Grant Desme—1-2 2B 3R 2 RBI 2 BB
• Corey Brown—2-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B SB(1)
• Brad Emaus—2-3 2 RBI BB SB(2)
• Steven Strasburg—4.1 IP H ER 2 BB 5K W (2-1)

  Surprise Rafters 6

• Jeff Bianchi—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R
• Mitch Moreland—2-4 2B RBI BB
• Marcus Lemon—2-4 3B 2R RBI

  Peoria Javelinas 10

• Jordan Danks—2-3 3R RBI 2 BB
• Cale Iorg—3-5 HR(1) RBI 3R SB(3)
• Russ Mitchell—1-4 3 RBI
• Dustin Ackley—1-4 2R BB

  Scottsdale Scorpions 9

• Jose Tabata—3-6 2B HR(1) 6 RBI
• Domonic Brown—2-5
• Cole Gillespie—3-5 2B R
• Brandon Crawford—1-2 3R RBI 2 BB
• Scott Mathieson—1.2 IP H BB 3K

10/16 Arizona Fall League Report

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

Russell Mitchell homered and drove in four RBI for the second consectutive day and Scott Sizemore hit his third HR of the young season.  Andrew Lambo collected four more hits and Michael Stanton’s three hits and third stolen base continues to give evidence that he’s developing into a more well rounded offensive player.  Orioles 3B prospect Josh Bell rapped three hits and drove in three runs, but it was show stopping teammate Stephen Strasburg who takes home top honors with a solid AFL debut, pitching 3.1 shut out innings, allowing two hits, one walk while striking out two for his first AFL win.

AFL Player of the Day—STEPHEN STRASBURG

Other AFL Performances:

  Peoria Javelinas  13

• Russ Mitchell—2-5 HR(2) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Scott Sizemore—1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Dayan Viciedo—2-5 2B 3R RBI
• Casper Wells—3-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 3R
• Andrew Lambo—4-5 2B 3B RBI
• Jordan Danks—2-5 2B 3R

  Peoria Saguaros 3

• Cedric Hunter—2-2
• Zack Cozart—1-4 2B R
• Jon Gaston—1-3 R RBI BB
• Chris Heisey—2-4 RBI BB
• Chia-Jen Lo—2 IP H 4K

  Surprise Rafters 7

• Brandon Laird—1-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Dan Delasco—3-5 R
• Marcus Lemon—1-3 R RBI BB SB(1)
• Ruben Tejeda—1-3 RBI 2 BB SB(2)
• Tanner Scheppers—2 IP H BB 2K

  Mesa Solar Sox  3

• Michael Stanton—3-4 RBI SB(3)
• Starlin Castro—3-4 SB(1)
• Ryan Mount—1-3 RBI BB

  Phoenix Desert Dogs 7

• Brandon Snyder—2-3 3R BB
• Josh Bell—3-4 2B 3 RBI R
• Grant Desme—2-4 HR(2) RBI
• Brad Emaus—2-4 RBI SB(1)
• Stephen Strasburg—3.1 IP 2H BB 2K W (1-0)

  Scottsdale Scorpions 4

• Jose Tabata—2-5 RBI
• Buster Posey—1-3 RBI BB
• Brandon Allen—1-3 RBI BB
• William Susdorf—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Thomas Neal—1-4 R SB(1)

6/18 AA Minor League Report

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

When evaluating prospects, I find that there is a blend of statistics and physical attributes that each possesses that tell a great deal about what to expect from them at higher levels.  A hitter that struggles with plate discipline often finds his batting average and on base percentages suffers against more refined pitchers.  Batters that hit for a good number of doubles and triples as youngsters(18 to 21 yrs old) tend to build strength as they mature and hit for more power.  These along with several other characteristics often hold true, but every once and awhile a player pops up that defies my parameters of conventional wisdom, leaving me scratching my head.

Meet Johnny Whittleman.

The Texas Rangers’ young 3B prospect has an athletic build (6-2 195 lb.) and, at age 22, has the frame to build more strength as he matures.  Whittleman was a personal favorite sleeper of mine after his successful 2007 season that saw him hit .262 with 17 HR 72 RBI and 34 doubles at two full season Class A stops.  Formerly a 2nd round pick in the ‘05 draft, Whittleman shows a disciplined approach at the plate uncharacteristic of most prep to pro players.  Last season at High-A Bakersfield, Whittleman drew 82 walks while striking out 113 times in 118 games.  Despite a mediocre HR total of just seven and a batting average well below California League standards (.257), Whittleman smacked 38 doubles, leaving promise of power to come.

Fast forward to 2009 and you would find Mr. Whittleman’s numbers diminishing even further.  His batting average sits at just .224 (boosted about 20 points after his 4-5 performance yesterday), though his on base percentage is more than 100 points higher, due to his fine 31 BB/42 K ratio.  16 two baggers puts him on pace for his third consecutive season of 30+ doubles but he hasn’t been able to log in with his first HR yet.

What do we make of this going forward?  Prior to Michael Young’s five year extension with the Rangers, I would have been more enthusiastic about Whittleman.  The Rangers, for all their organizational depth, are quite thin at 3B.  The talent is still there for Whittleman to carve out a major league career, but there’s a great deal left for him to prove.

Today’s top prospect is Cincinnati Reds SS Zack Cozart.  The former 2nd rounder smacked two homeruns and three RBI in the first game of a double header and then followed it up with a two hit, RBI showing in the nightcap.  Cozart has been blistering hot during the month of June, batting .339 with 6 HR 10 RBI and 4 SB.  A blue collar player through and through, Cozart skipped over High-A ball and has attacked AA pitching with aplomb, hitting .290 with 8 HR 35 RBI and 17 doubles.  Ahead of Cozart is the sweet swinging Chris Valaika who just returned to Louisville’s lineup after missing a month with a broken hand.  Valaika’s bat is more polished at this point than Cozart’s, but Zack is a better defensive shortstop.  Given that he has already skipped a level this season, it would not be surprising to see the Reds keep him in AA for the duration of the regular season.  Watch to see if Cincy places him in the Arizona Fall League this offseason.  If so, there may be a good opportunity for Cozart to get a decent look by the Reds in spring training 2010. 

AA Player of the Day—ZACK COZART

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Rene Tosoni—1-3 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-3 2B R
• Jose Tabata—1-3 RBI SB(4)
• Cale Iorg—2-4 R 2 RBI
• Josh Thole—3-5 2B 3R 2 RBI BB SB(4)
• Ryan Kalish—2-3 R BB
• Nick Evans—2-4 2R HR(3) 2 RBI
• Matt Whitney—4-5 2B R
• Yonder Alonso—3-6 RBI SB(1)
• Zack Cozart—2-4 2 HR(8) 3 RBI BB (Game 1)…..2-4 RBI (Game 2)
• Tyler Colvin—2-5 2 HR(5) 2 RBI 2R
• Darwin Barney—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Juan Francisco—1-5 2B R RBI BB (Game 1)…..3-4 HR(13) 4 RBI 2R (Game 2)
• Chris Heisey—1-2 3R
• James Adduci—2-3 2B 2R BB SB(16)
• Josh Bell—3-4 2 2B R RBI SB(2)
• Eduardo Perez—2-5 HR(6) 2 RBI 2B
• Taylor Green—1-3 HR(4) 3 RBI BB
• John Shelby Jr.—2-4 2B
• Tyler Flowers—1-2 HR(10) RBI 2 BB
• Christian Marrero—1-4 HR(8) 2 RBI
• C.J. Retherford—2-5 2B R RBI
• Matt Mangini—2-3 R RBI BB
• Drew Locke—4-6 2B R  5 RBI
• Wladimir Sutil—3-6 4R RBI
• Mitch Moreland—3-6 2B R
• Marcus Lemon—3-5 2B 2R 4 RBI
• Johnny Whittleman—4-5 2 2B 3R 2 RBI
• Timmy Smith—4-5 R 2 RBI
• Luis Durango—2-4 2B 2R BB
• Lance Zawadzki—2-3 HR(11) RBI 2 BB 2R
• Brian Joynt—3-5 2B HR(1) 2 RBI
• Chris Carter—2-4 HR(10) RBI 2B BB
• Matt Spencer—1-4 2B RBI BB
• Daryl Jones—3-5 R
• Cole Garner—2-4 2B 3 RBI
• Daniel Mayora—4-5 2B 2R 3 RBI
• Mark Trumbo—3-4 2 2B 3B 4 RBI

Pitching:

• Mark Rzepczynski—7 IP 5H ER BB 8K
• Tim Bascom—7 IP 3H 2 BB 7K
• Ryan Pope—5.2 IP 5H 4K
• Tyson Brummett—7 IP 4H 2 ER 5K
• Travis Wood—5 IP 8H 3 ER BB 6K W (7-3)

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)

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

4/16 AA Minor League Report

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

TEXAS LEAGUE

Down in the Lone Star State, Angels prospects Mark Trumbo and Ryan Mount homered as did Rockies catcher Mike McKenry.  Jose Vallejo logged in a four hit day and Astros 1B prospect Mark Ori had five RBI.  The player of the day, though, was Round Rock’s OF Collin DeLome who hit his fourth HR, while driving in two and scoring three times.

Texas League Player of the Day—COLLIN DELOME

Other Notable Performances:

• Cedric Hunter—1-4 2B RBI BB
• Mitch Canham—2-4 2B R RBI
• Jose Duarte—2-4 2R 2 SB(5)
• Joe Dickerson—1-3 R RBI BB
• Brian McFall—1-4 2B 2 RBI
• Mark Trumbo—1-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Ryan Mount—1-4 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Hanley Statia—2-4 2B
• Chris Carter—1-2 3 BB SB(1)
• Josh Horton—1-4 R RBI
• Corey Brown—2-4 R
• Daryl Jones—3-4 2B R RBI
• Donovan Solano—2-5 R RBI BB
• Dan Delasco—2-6 2B 3B R 3 RBI
• Brett Wallace—1-3 2B 2R 2 BB
• Steven Hill—1-4 2R 2 RBI BB
• Jose Vallejo—4-5 3 RBI
• Marcus Lemon—2-3 3B 2R RBI BB
• Collin DeLome—2-5 HR(4) 2 RBI 3R BB
• Mark Ori—3-4 2 2B 2R 5 RBI 2 BB
• Josh Flores—1-4 2B R RBI SB(2) BB
• Drew Locke—3-5 2B 2R 3 RBI
• Mike McKenry—3-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2B R
• Darin Holcomb—2-4 2B RBI
• Polin Trinidad—6 IP 8H ER 5K W(1)

SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Oft overlooked Marlins OF prospect Bryan Peterson belted his first HR of the season and drove in three runs.  Bryan Byrne rapped four hits and Chris Heisey hit his third HR of the season, but it was Diamondbacks 1B prospect Ricardo Sosa once again earning top player honors with his 4-5 day that included his third HR and four RBI.

Southern League Player of the Day—RICARDO SOSA

Other Notable Performances:

• Ezequiel Carrera—2-5 2R
• Bryan Peterson—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Tim Torres—2-3 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• John Shelby Jr.—2-4
• Dayan Viciedo—2-4 RBI
• Tyler Flowers—1-4 3B R
• Ty Wright—2-4 R
• Blake Lali—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• James Adduci—2-4
• Hung-Wen Chen—6.1 IP
• Desmond Jennings—1-4 2B R
• Heath Rollins—6 IP 6H ER 2K W(1)
• Josh Lindblom—5 IP 3H 3 ER BB 6K L(1)
• Kala Ka’aihue—2-3 2B R BB
• Brandon Hicks—1-3 R BB
• Gorkys Hernandez—1-5 2B 2 RBI
• Scott Diamond—5 IP 3H 4 BB 5K
• Jon Lucroy—2-5 R
• Chris Heisey—2-5 HR(3) RBI 2R
• Juan Francisco—2-5 2 RBI
• Ricardo Sosa—4-5 HR(3) 4 RBI
• Evan Frey—2-4 R 2 RBI
• Bryan Byrne—4-5 HR(1) RBI 2R
• Pedro Ciriaco—2-5 3R RBI

EASTERN LEAGUE

Hits were at a premium in the Eastern region of the AA ranks.  Tigers 2B prospect Scott Sizemore didn’t have any problems though, as he racked up four hits and scored two runs.  Troy Patton won his second outing by tossing six shutout innings and Brad Lincoln continued his nice comeback surrendering an unearned run over five innings.  That sole tally proved to be too much though as he was outdueled by the Eastern League Player of the Day Alfredo Figaro.  The slender Tigers right-hander tossed a no-hitter through seven innings to extend his scoreless streak to 12.2 IP.

Eastern League Player of the Day—ALFREDO FIGARO

Other Notable Performances:

• Brad Emaus—1-3 2B R
• Luis Perez—7 IP 2H 2 BB 6K W(1)
• Ryan Mullins—5 IP 7H 2 Er 7K L(2)
• Scott Sizemore—4-4 2 2B 2R RBI BB
• Alfredo Figaro—7 IP 0H 3 BB 5K W(1)
• Brad Lincoln—5 IP 5H UER 6K L(1)
• Lars Anderson—2-4 2 2B R
• Argenis Diaz—2-4 2B 3B 2 RBI
• Josh Thole—2-4 2 2B 2R BB SB(1)
• Nick Pereira—4 IP H 3 BB 2K
• Ian Desmond—2-4 2 RBI
• Michael Daniel–1-2 HR(1) RBI
• Marvin Lowrance—2-3 HR(1) RBI
• Josh Rodriguez—2-3 BB
• Beau Mills—1-4 2B
• Troy Patton—6 IP 3H 6K W(2)
• Frank Hermann—7 IP 3H ER BB 3K L(1)

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)

9/1 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on September 3, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Marcus Lemon

• 2-4 2B R RBI SB(12)—.295 8 HR 47 RBI 30 2B 12 SB

Yamaico Navarro

• 2-4 2R—.304 11 HR 77 RBI 79 R 27 2B

Daryl Maday

• 5 IP 6H 2 ER 9K (W)—13-5 2.48 ERA 130K/145IP .231 BAA

Brian Joynt

• 2-4 2R—.303 13 HR 68 RBI 29 2B .931 OPS

Kellen Kulbacki

• 1-4 2B RBI—.304 22 HR 75 RBI 71 R .910 OPS

Ryan Mount

• 2-4 2B R—.288 16 HR 48 RBI 68 R 10 SB in 81 games

Peter Bourjos

• 3-5 2R SB(49)—.296 9 HR 50 RBI 29 2B in 103 games

Sean O’Sullivan

• 8 IP 5H 3 ER 5BB 2K (W)—16-8 4.73 ERA 111K/158IP

Evan Frey

• 2-4 SB(37)—.314 3 HR 47 RBI 98 R 11 3B 37 SB over two levels

Matt Spencer

• 2-4 HR(14) RBI SB(12)—.279 14 HR 69 RBI 12 SB 76 BB

John Shelby Jr.

• 1-4 2B R RBI—.295 15 HR 80 RBI 33 SB 81 R 37 2B

Carlos Rivero

• 2-5 HR( 18 ) 3 RBI—.282 8 HR 64 RBI 27 2B

BUY/SELL Analysis

Coming to a baseball card near you!

Brian Joynt entered the 2008 season as an unknown commodity.  A 29th round selection by the San Diego Padres, Joynt had an inauspicious 2007 campaign and began 2008 at High A Lake Elsinore where he battled early season injury issues that kept him out of the lineup until late May.  Since then, Joynt has opened eyes with his power potential, hitting .303 with 16 HR 48 RBI and 63 R and 29 doubles in just 76 games.  Joynt, the University of Nevada alum, has a prototypical power hitter’s build at 6-4 205 lb that could add more bulk and strength.  Observers say he has average speed and a decent glove that could be well suited to play 3B, 1B or at a corner OF spot. 

Joynt does not have any cards out right now and he is assuredly a sub-radar prospect.  Keep your eyes peeled for his inclusion in the ‘08 Bowman Heritage or Sterling sets and grab some early on.  I don’t think Joynt will be unknown for long.

7/21 High A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 24, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Lots of solid performances by great prospects! 

Jon Still

• 2-5 HR(19) 2 RBI 2B—HR’s in 3 straight games (underrated Red Sox power hitter)

Carlos Triunfel

• 3-5 HR(4) 4 RBI 2R 2B—Young super prospect starting to heat up (.333 HR 7 RBI last 10 games)

Matt Spencer

• 2-4 2R 2B BB—6-12 since trade to the A’s

Chris Carter

• 2-4 2B 2 RBI—.317 3 HR 14 RBI 8 R last 10 games

Adrian Cardenas

• 2-6 2 R—Where will he play for the A’s?

Austin Gallagher

• 3-3 2B 2 RBI—Blazing hot in last 10 games (.436 11 RBI 17 H)

Carlos Santana

• 2-5 2R 2B RBI—Closing in on 100 RBI for the season (look for his ‘08 Bowman Chrome card)

P.J. Phillips

• 2-3 HR( 8 ) 3B 2R 2RBI—.359 2 HR 5 RBI 4 SB last 10 games

Ryan Mount

• 1-5 HR(6) RBi—.267 6 HR 22 RBI 7 SB in 43 games (good hitting prospect when healthy)

Ian Gac

• 1-4 HR(23) RBI–Hitting well since promotion to Bakersfield (.309 4 HR 18 RBI)

Marcus Lemon

• 3-5 2B RBI R–.388 19 H 9 R last 10 games

Brandon Snyder

• 1-4 HR( 8 ) 2 RBI—.292 8 HR 53 RBI 24 2B (young power hitter one to watch)

Gorkys Hernandez

• 2-3 2B R—.287 4 HR 26 RBI 11 SB (running less since returning from injury)

Eric Campbell

• 2-4 2 RBI—.351 2 HR 8 RBI 10 R 9 BB last 10 games (he’s back on my radar)

Jim Negrych

• 2-4 R 2 RBI—.368 137 Hits 36 2B 5 HR 61 RBI—(polished college hitter, can he replicate @ AA?)

Brian Dopirak

• 3-4 2 HR(23) 6 RBI 2B 2R—.410 7 HR 26 RBI 12 R last 10 games (Is he the 2nd coming of Chip Cannon?)

Brad Mills

• 6.1 IP 3H 3BB 7K—4-0 1.15 ERA 34K/31IP in 4 starts since promotion

Logan Morrison

• 1-4 HR(10) RBI—.286 3 HR 9 RBI last 10 games

Andrew Carpenter

• 9 IP 4H ER 7K—Pitching better since demotion to Clearwater (2-3 2.55 ERA 27K/42IP)

Juan Francisco

• 2-4 HR(13) 4 RBI 2B—.277 13 HR 64 RBI 12 BB/87K (young switch hitter with power, but still raw)

BUY/SELL Analysis

Is there such a thing as an underrated Red Sox prospect?

Jon Still was an All-ACC catcher out of N.C. State when the Boston Red Sox nabbed him with their 4th round pick in 2006.  Still broke out in a big way last season hitting .291 with 25 HR and 98 RBI and 90 runs scored at Greenville and Lancaster.  Additionally, Still walked 105 times en route to a .429 OBP.  This season Still has played the entire season at Lancaster hitting .282 with 19 HR and 65 RBI and 59 BB/65K’s.  Still has played C, 1B and DH for Lancaster this season and it remains unclear where he will play if and when he reaches the big leagues.  Still has superb power and advanced plate discipline, though he is prone to streakiness and has yet to prove that he can replicate his sterling numbers at higher levels.  Still’s sole first year cards can be found in the 2006 Bowman Draft and Chrome sets.  Currently, his Bowman Chrome Draft cards sell for 50-75 cents each with the refractors selling for $6-8 apiece.

Market Advice: There is a big logjam at 1B within the Red Sox organization with the likes of Lars Anderson, Anthony Rizzo and Aaron Bates ahead of Still on the depth chart.  Still’s ability to stay at catcher is questionable at best as he was drafted for his bat.  I seem to think that Still would be a nice fit with a rebuilding team like Seattle who will be looking for a 1B to replace Richie Sexson.  At less than a buck apiece, Still is a low-risk, mid-ceiling BUY.  Granted, if he is traded from the Red Sox, his exposure as a prospect will not be as high, but his opportunity to play will come sooner.