7/7 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 9, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

San Francisco Giants OF prospect Roger Kieschnick went 3-4 yesterday, blasting his 17th HR, driving in three runs and scoring twice.  In an organization chocked full of blue chip talent, Kieschnick’s 2009 season has gone widely unnoticed.  However, the former Texas Tech star has been excellent this season, hitting .303 with 17 HR 66 RBI 7 SB and 55 runs scored.  At 6-3 200 lb., Kieschnick has the size and strength of a prototypical right fielder.  The biggest knock on him, at this point, is his plate discipline.  This season, Kieschnick has walked just 20 times while striking out 78 times in 81 games.  This ratio will clearly affect his batting average as he advances to higher levels and make him more of a one dimensional hitter.  He will definitely hit for power at the major league level, but notions of a .300 plus batting average should be tempered significantly.  Kieshnick’s numbers are likely inflated a bit because of the wonderful hitting parks in the California League.  His next stop will be AA Connecticut, though, a league that tends to lean toward the pitchers.  Watch to see how he adjusts after his promotion, either this year or next, to get a better reading on his porjected future.

Today’s top player is a more nondescript prospect in Baltimore Orioles 1B prospect Robbie Widlansky.  The former Florida Atlantic standout and ‘07 11th round pick went 2-4 yesterday with his first two HR of the season, three RBI and three runs scored.  Widlansky is a versatile player who can play both corner OF positions and both corner infield positions.  He was injured for the first two months of the season, but has been red hot since his return, hitting .388 10 doubles and 18 runs scored in 31 games.  Widlansky doesn’t profile as an everyday player at this point in his career.  At 24 years old, he is a bit old for the High-A level but may be due for a promotion before the end of this season.  He’s got decent size (6-2 210 lb.) and showed a considerable boost in power during his final season at FA, hitting .433 with 15 HR and 69 RBI.  I don’t expect that he will be a full time player at the major league level, but his reputation as being a hard nosed workaholic, plus his versatility in the field may open up some opportunities in the future.

High-A Player of the Day—ROBBIE WIDLANSKY

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Conor Gillaspie—3-5 2B 2R
• Buster Posey—3-5 HR(12) RBI 2B 3R
• Roger Kieschnick—3-4 HR(17) 3 RBI 2B 2R
• Angel Villalona—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Elian Herrera—3-5 2R HR(3) 2 RBI
• Scott VanSlyke—1-4 HR(12) RBI BB 2R
• Matt Clark—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI R
• T.J. Steele—3-5 2B 2R 2 RBI SB(8)
• James Shuck—1-3 HR(1) RBI 2 BB SB(17) 2R
• Koby Clemens—2-5 2 2B R
• Jeremy Moore—2-4 HR(16) RBI BB
• Grant Desme—1-3 HR(16) RBI BB
• Ramon Ramirez—3-5 2 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Hector Gomez—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Engel Beltre—2-7 2 RBI
• Ryan Adams—3-5 R 3 RBI
• Matthew Angle—2-5 2R 2 RBI SB(26)
• Robbie Widlansky—2-4 2 HR(2) 3 RBI 3R BB
• Tyler Henson—2-5 2R 3B
• Michael Burgess—3-4 2B 2R 3 RBI SB(9)
• David Espinosa—2-4 2 2B 3R RBI Bb
• Mike Moustakas—3-4 2B
• Johnny Giavotella—1-3 2B 2R BB
• Moises Sierra—2-5 2B 2R BB
• Ben Revere—2-5 2R 3B SB(31)
• Steven Singleton—2-5 2 3B 4 RBI R
• Chris Parmelee—1-5 HR(11) RBI
• Charles Cutler—3-4 2 2B 3R

Pitching:

• Scott Barnes—6 IP 6H 2 UER 2 BB 9K w (9-3)
• Joshua Collmenter—4.2 IP 4H 2 UER 4 BB 7K
• Casey Kelly—6. IP 6H ER BB 5K L (7-5)
• Tom Milone—7 IP 7H ER 2 BB 3K W (4-3)

6/30 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 2, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Sorry for getting this one out late. My son is out of school for the summer which limits my online time significantly.  I have lit the candle, though and it is currently burning at both ends.  This should keep me up later each night to try and get more work done after the family goes to bed.

We’ll see.

As for the High-A action, Thomas Neal and Angel Villalona each had three hits and drove in three runs for the San Jose Giants.  Neal has hit the tar out of the ball this season, hitting .349 with 13 HR 49 RBI 22 doubles and 53 runs scored this season.  June was a banner month for Neal as he hit .414 with 6 of his HR during that time.  The 22 year old rightfielder has the most power in the Giants organization of any prospect not named Angel Villalona.  His plate discipline is sound and he makes good contact at the plate, but I would really like to see what this guy can do at the AA ranks.  The California League, as I have long maintained, is a very hitter friendly environment while the Eastern League (home of San Fran’s AA affiliate Connecticut) tends to favor pitching.  Somehow I think the .349 average is flukish and that his numbers should more closely resemble last season’s .279 mark.  Regardless that average, mixed with 25-30 HR power, should make him a highly intriguing prospect once his first year cards surface on the eBay market.

Angel Villalona has been hovering below the radar this season as many other San Jose Giants like Madison Bumgarner, Tim Alderson, Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, and the aforementioned Thomas Neal have all garnered more attention.  Still, the 18 year old 1st Baseman has put up a solid showing at High-A ball, hitting .271 with 9 HR 39 RBI and 41 runs scored.  Plate discipline and pitch recognition continues to be a sore spot for Angel as his 9 BB/66 K ratio vehemently testifies.  He will never be a low strikeout guy, and chances are he won’t walk a ton either, but his ability to more closely match those numbers will speak volumes to just how high his ceiling will be.  A full season at San Jose would best behoove Villalona developmentally as would some work in a winter league.

High-A Player of the Day Tyler Henson blasted two homers yesterday, driving in three runs.  The Baltimore Orioles’ 3B prospect first popped up on my radar this past winter when he paced the Hawaiian Winter League in runs scored, doubles and bases on balls.  Unfortunately, he also finished second in strikeouts and committed nine errors at the hot corner.  Henson has tons of athleticism that he uses well on the basepaths and his 6-1 190 lb. frame indicates that he should be a 12-15 HR hitter at the major league level.  This season with Frederick, Henson has struggled to make consistent contact at the plate, striking out 83 times while walking 23 times.  This has contributed to his lackluster .246 batting average and anemic .310 OBP.  He’s still driving the ball well to the gaps, hitting 19 doubles, and his 12 SB this season indicates that he is on track for his third consecutive 20 SB season.  The O’s don’t have a whole lot of depth within their organization at 3B as Billy Rowell has moved to the other side of the diamond, Mike Costanzo is a perennial disappointment, and Tyler Kolodny is having a so-so season at Low-A Delmarva.  There is ample opportunity for the 21 year old former SS prospect to make some moves up the organization’s depth chart if he can turn some of his exciting tools into more consistent skills.

High-A Player of the Day—TYLER HENSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Julian Perez—2-5 2R RBI SB(5)
• P.J. Phillips—3-4 HR(6) RBI 2R
• Trayvon Robinson—1-3 HR(10) 2 RBI
• James Darnell—1-4 HR(9) 3 RBI
• Sawyer Carroll—2-4 3B 2R RBI
• Tyson Gillies—4-6 2R 3 SB(21)
• Carlos Peguero—3-4 2 HR(18) 5 RBI 3R
• Alex Liddi—3-5 2 2B 3R RBI SB(7)
• James McOwen—2-5 Hr(4) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Brandon Barnes—2-4 Hr(8) 3 RBI 2R
• Jermaine Mitchell—3-4 2 2B 3B 3R RBI BB
• Thomas Neal—3-5 2 2B 3B 3 RBI 2R
• Angel Villalona—3-5 3 RBI R
• Brian Bocock—2-4 2B 3R 3 RBI BB
• Darren Ford—3-4 3R 3B
• Jason Kaase—3-5 2B R
• Ollie Linton—3-6 2 RBI
• Jesus Sucre—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B
• Michael Burgess—2-5 2B 3B RBI
• Seth Rooney—3-4 3 2B 2 RBI BB
• Brent Morel—4-5 HR(10 3 RBI 2R SB(17)
• Tyler Kuhn—4-4 2R 3B RBI
• Tyler Henson—2-4 2 HR(6) 3 RBI 2R
• Mike Moustakas—3-3 2B RBI BB
• Derrick Robinson—2-5 2B 2R
• Pedro Florimon Jr.—2-3 2 2B 2R RBI
• Tim Federowicz—2-5 HR(11) RBI 2R
• Yamiaco Navarro—3-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B
• Che Hsuan Lin—2-4 3B 3R 3 RBI BB
• Jason Place—2-5 2 2B R RBI
• Jordy Mercer—1-4 3B R 2 RBI
• Greg Burns—2-3 2 2B R RBI BB 2 SB(20)
• Matt Dominguez—1-4 HR(5) 3 RBI

Pitching:

• Ryan Morris—5 IP 3H ER 3 BB 7K

5/10 High-A Minor League Report

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

Cody Johnson homered twice, boosting his total to 11 on the season and Angels OF prospect Julio Perez homered and drove in six runs.  Dodgers outfielder Scott Van Slyke homered for the fourth time and drove in four runs and minor league HR leader Joe Dunigan didn’t hit a longball, but drove in four runs.

In an unprecedented move, I am awarding a trio of players with today’s top performance award.  Baltimore’s HIgh-A affiliate Frederick had three players that hit the snot out of the ball yesterday.  3B prospect Tyler Henson went 4-4 with three doubles, two RBI and five runs scored.  On the other side of the diamond resides towering 1B prospect Billy Rowell.  The former 1st rounder’s bat is really starting to sizzle as testified by his 3-5 day which saw two balls leave the yard and five RBI.  Finally, ‘08 draftee SS Bobby Stevens went 5-5 with two HR four RBI and three runs scored in just his eighth game of the season.

High-A Players of the Day—TYLER HENSON, BILLY ROWELL, & BOBBY STEVENS

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Lonnie Chisenhall—2-4 HR(6) RBI
• Michael Burgess—2-3 RBvI
• Jordan Danks—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Brent Morel—1-2 HR(7) RBI BB
• Mike Moustakas—2-5 2R RBI
• Derrick Robinson—1-4 2B 2R BB SB95)
• Clint Robinson—2-4 HR(5) 3 RBI
• Tyler Henson—4-4 3 2B 5R 2 RBI BB
• Bobby Stevens—5-5 2 HR(2) 4 RBI 2B 3R
• Billy Rowell—3-5 2 HR(4) 5 RBI 2R
• Ryan Kalish—3-4 BB
• Michael Jones—2-4 2 2B RBI R
• Cody Overbeck—1-4 HR(1) 4 RBI
• Caleb Gindl—1-4 3B 2 RBI R
• Steffan Wilson—1-4 HR(3) 3 RBI
• Buster Posey—2-4 2B 2R
• Angel Villalona—3-5 3 RBI
• Brian Bocock—2-4 2 RBI R
• Collin Cowgill—1-5 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Radames Navarro—1-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Trayvon Robinson—2-4 2B 2R
• Scott Van Slyke—2-4 HR(4) 4 RBI 3B
• Tyson Gillies—3-3 3R RBI SB(6)
• Joe Dunigan—2-6 2B R 4 RBI
• Juan Diaz—3-5 2R
• Carlos Peguero—2-5 2B 2R
• Mike Zawadzki—3-5 2B 3B RBI R
• Clayton Fuller—2-4 2B 2R 2 BB SB(11)
• Yefri Carvajal–2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Luis Martinez—3-4 2 2B 2R
• Matthew Sweeney—1-3 2B 2R 2 BB
• Julio Perez—2-4 HR(4) 6 RBI
• Carlos Colmentares—4-5 3B RBI
• Cody Johnson—2-5 2 HR(11) 5 RBI BB 2R
• Jason Heyward—2-4 R BB SB(2)
• Freddie Freeman—1-3 2R 2 BB

Pitching:

• Richard Bleier—7.2 7H 2 ER 3 BB 6K W (3-1)
• Cole Rohrbough—4 IP 2H ER 2 BB 5K
• Colton Willems—6 IP 3H 3 UER 4K L (1-1)
• Charles Shirek—5.2 IP 3H 2 ER 3 BB 8K W (5-0)

5/6 High-A Minor League Report

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

Offense was as plentiful in the California League as was rain in the Carolina League.  Top prospects from all leagues put up monster performances, making today’s report an exceptional pleasure to produce.  Angel Villalona is proving that he was ready for the challenges of High-A ball by smacking his fourth HR as part of a perfect 4-4 day with three RBI, two doubles and four runs scored.  Michael Burgess hit HR number six and drove in three and Mitch Moreland and Reese Havens also hit their sixth dingers.  Dodgers young prospect Edgardo Baez belted two HR’s as did Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

As good as these performances were, they paled in comparison to what both M’s OF prospect Joe Dunigan and Astros OF prospect Jonathan Gaston did.  Each slugger belted three HR’s and drove in seven runs.  Gaston’s came as part of a five hit, four run day and Dunigan’s HR’s tied him with Iowa’s Jake Fox for top spot in MiLB.

Gaston had a miserable start to his professional career after being selected in the seventh round of the ‘08 draft.  He batted just .193 with 2 HR and 25 RBI in 62 games at short season Tri Cities.  Plate discipline was a problem with him, but was not an issue during his tenure with the University of Arizona.  Gaston’s power outburst this season (.273 9 HR 20 RBI) is a little intriguing and worth watching.  His previous season high was 12 with the Wildcats in ‘08.  A factor to consider in this is the fact that he is a left handed hitter who plays his home games in Lancaster’s power-friendly confines.  This season, it appears that he has regained his strike zone judgement, which will only benefit him going forward.

Joe Dunigan also had his fair share of struggles in ‘08, playing at Low-A Wisconsin (.240 14 HR 58 RBI 28 SB and 31 doubles).  Dunigan’s plate discipline was also a detriment as he struck out 142 times in 119 games.  This season, he is tearing the cover off of the ball, hitting .390 with a league leading 12 HR 30 RBI and 6 SB.  Dunigan is powerfully built and has good speed.  He played in the OF and 1B last season and should be able to hit his way into a major league lineup.  As good as things are going, his 9 BB/27 K in 25 games is still a concern as he will not be able to maintain a .300 batting average employing a free-swinging approach at the plate.  However, the blend of power and speed numbers is an increasingly rare commodity these days, making Dunigan an under the radar guy to watch once his first year cards come out.

High-A Players of the Day—JOE DUNIGAN & JONATHAN GASTON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Dave Thomas—1-3 HR(6) RBI
• Collin Cowgill—3-4 2R 3 RBI
• Ryne White—2-3 2B 2R 2 BB
• P.J. Phillips—1-4 HR(2) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Charlie Blackmon—3-5 2B 2R 3 RBI
• Brian Rike—3-4 2 RBI 2B R
• Hector Gomez—1-4 2B 2 RBI R BB
• Maikol Gonzalez—3-3 2B 2R 2 RBI BB SB(2)
• James Shuck—3-6 2B 2R RBI
• Marcos Cabral—3-4 4R 2B 2 BB
• James Castro—3-6 2B R 2 RBI
• Chris Minaker—3-6 3 2B 3R 2 RBI
• Craig Corrado—4-6 2B R RBI SB(5)
• Yefri Carvajal—3-4 2B 2 RBI
• Logan Forsythe—1-2 HR(3) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Trayvon Robinson—3-6 RBI SB(6)
• Steven Caseres—2-5 HR(4) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Edgardo Baez—3-6 2 HR(4) 3 RBI 2R SB(2)
• Tyson Gillies—3-6 HR(2) RBI BB 2B
• Joe Dunigan—4-7 3 HR(12) 7 RBI 3R
• Jonathan Gaston—5-5 3 HR(9) 7 RBI 4R
• Carlos Peguaro—1-6 HR(2) 3 RBI
• Alex Liddi—1-3 2R 2 BB
• Nick Noonan—4-6 3B R 2 RBI
• Brandon Crawford—2-6 2R
• Angel Villalona—4-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 2 2B 4R
• Roger Kieschnick—2-4 2R 3B BB
• Mitch Moreland—1-3 HR(6) RBI BB
• Timmy Smith—3-4 R
• Michael Burgess—3-3 HR(6) 3 RBI 2B
• Chris Marrero—2-3 2R
• David Espinosa—1-4 HR(4) RBI
• Mike Moustakas—3-4 2B
• Eric Farris—3-5 2B RBI SB(14)
• Caleb Gindl—1-3 2B R 2 BB
• Dominic Brown—2-4 2B 3B BB
• Eric Fryer—2-4 2B RBI R SB(6)
• John Tolisano—2-5 3B R SB(3)
• Raul Barron—2-3 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Andy Dirks—3-3 2B 2 RBI BB
• Kody Kaiser—2-4 2R HR(3) RBI BB
• Yonder Alonso—3-5 R RBI
• Kirk Nieuwenhuis—2-3 2 HR(5) 3 RBI
• Reese Havens—1-3 HR(6) RBI BB
• Hector Pellot—2-3 HR(2) 2 RBI BB 2R

Pitching:

• Brad Holt—6 IP 2H 2 BB 5K W (2-1)
• Jeff Mandel—6 IP 3H ER 2 BB 2K W (3-1)
• Clayton Tanner—5 IP 4H UER 2 BB 4K W (2-0)
• Kyle Drabek—6.1 IP 6H ER BB 9K
• Alex Cobb—6 IP 5H ER BB 3K W (1-2)
• Dellin Betances—6 IP 6H ER 2 BB 4K W (2-3)

4/28 High-A Minor League Report

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

There were performances-a-plenty that could be found merely in San Jose’s 17 run barrage against Lancaster.  Speedster Darren Ford racked up four hits and five RBI, Buster Posey hit his fifth HR, Conor Gillaspie racked up four hits and five RBI, Roger Kieschnick added three hits and three RBI and, oh yeah, Thomas Neal hit for the cycle and scored four runs.  In other action, Yefri Carvajal hit his third HR, Logan Forsythe and Luis Exposito each hit their second and Jesus Montero blasted two dingers. 

None of these performances can hold a candle to the performance of 20 year old Brewers prospect Evan Anundsen who went the distance in a no-hit effort against Daytona walking just one and striking out 10.  Andundsen has accrued a 2-2 record with a 1.44 ERA and 8 BB/25 K in his first four starts.  Anundsen is a finesse-type pitcher with a fastball that sits in the high 80’s, a curve and change.  He induces a great number of ground ball outs (2.71/FO in ‘08) and efficiently controls the strike zone.  There aren’t any cards of Anundsen’s out right now and, while this performance was truly dominant, he doesn’t profile as a dominant front-line pitcher at the major league level.  Regardless, when 2009 is all said and done, this performance will go down as one of the season’s best.

High-A Player of the Day—EVAN ANUNDSEN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Darren Ford—4-7 2B 5 RBI
• Buster Posey—2-6 HR(5) RBI
• Thomas Neal—4-5 (CYCLE) HR(4) 2B 3B RBI 4R BB
• Conor Gillaspie—4-5 2 2B 4 RBI 3R BB
• Roger Kieschnick—3-5 3 RBI 2R 3B BB
• Alex Liddi—4-5 2B 2R
• Kuo Hui Lo—2-4 2B 2 RBI BB R
• Steven Caseres—3-4 3R
• Christian Lara—3-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 3R
• Logan Forsythe—2-3 HR(2) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Yefri Carvajal—1-5 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Jeremy Moore—3-4 RBI SB(3)
• Andrew Romine—2-4 2B R RBI
• Kyle Greene—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Charlie Blackmon—3-6 3B R SB(6)
• Mitch Moreland—3-5 HR(4) 2 RBI BB
• Kraig Binick—3-5 HR(3) 3 RBI SB(6)
• Kyle Shelton—2-3 2 2B 3R
• Luis Exposito—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI BB
• Tim Fedroff—3-4 RBI R
• Matt McBride—2-4 RBI R
• Pedro Alvarez—2-6 R 2 RBI
• Cody Johnson—1-4 HR(7) RBI
• Johnny Giavotella—2-5 3B 2R
• Jeff Bianchi—2-3 RBI R BB SB(4)
• David Espinosa—2-3 HR(1) 2 RBI BB
• Michael Burgess—2-4 R SB(5)
• Jesus Montero—2-4 2 HR(4) 2 RBI 2R
• Caleb Gindl—2-3 RBI BB
• Ben Revere—3-4 RBI 2 BB SB(10)
• Curt Smith—3-6 2 RBI
• Shane Peterson—3-6 2B R SB(1)
• Greg Sexton—2-3 2 RBI BB R
• Fidel Hernandez—4-6 3R
• Dominic Brown—3-4 3B 3 RBI BB
• Freddy Galvis—2-5 2B 2R BB
• John Tolisano—2-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Eric Thames—2-4 2B 2R RBI
• Ike Davis—1-2 HR(1) RBI 2 BB
• Kirk Nieuwenhuis—3-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B 2R

Pitching:

• Jeremy Horst—6 IP 5H 2 BB 5K
• David Newmann—5.1 IP 3H ER 2 BB 9K
• Tyler Robertson—4 IP 2H 2 ER 4 BB 5K
• Evan Anundsen—9 IP 0H BB 10K W(2-2)
• Wilkin De La Rosa—5 IP 3H BB 7K W(1-0)
• Tim Bascom—6 IP 7H 2 ER 2K W(2-2)
• Chris Withrow—5 IP 6H 3 ER 3 BB 7K W(2-1)
• Patrick McAneney—5 IP 3H BB 7K W(3-0)
• Michael Kirkman—6 IP 6H 2 ER BB 4K

4/23 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 24, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Michael Stanton and Matt Dominguez homered in yesterday’s games as did Dominic Brown, Lonnie Chisenhall, Felix Carrasco, Charlie Blackmon, Thomas Neal, and Brandon Crawford.  Tyler Robertson looks like his is on the comeback trail as he tossed five scoreless innings to earn his first win of ‘09 and Duane Below tossed a hitless five innings allowing an unearned run and striking out seven.

Today’s top High-A player is Michael Burgess.  The former 1st round pick has struggled mightily this season (.163 BA), but he belted his fourth HR of the season, driving in five and walking and scoring twice.  Burgess has enormous power potential but is still learning how to reign in his plate discipline.  The left handed slugger has walked seven time in his last ten games though, which gives reason to believe that he could make some progress as the season goes on.

High-A Player of the Day—MICHAEL BURGESS

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Clay Fuller—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R 2B BB SB(6)
• Matthew Sweeney—2-5 3B R RBI
• Julio Perez—3-5 2B RBI R
• Brandon Crawford—2-4 HR(5) 3 RBI BB
• Roger Kieschnick—2-5 2 2B 2R
• Thomas Neal—3-5 HR(2) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Charlie Blackmon—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Matt Spencer—2-3 2R 2 BB 2 SB(3)
• Timmy Smith—3-4 HR(2) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Alex Presley—1-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Jordy Mercer—1-3 R 2 BB SB(2)
• Kris Watts—2-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Tim Fedroff—4-5 2 2B 3B 3R RBI
• Lonnie Chisenhall—2-5 2B HR(3) 3 RBI
• Michael Burgess—2-3 HR(4) 5 RBI 2 BB 2R
• David Espinosa—2-5 2B R RBI BB SB(6)
• Greg Paimi—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Kris Negron—3-4 2 HR(2) 4 RBI 2R
• Eric Fryer—2-4 2B 2R RBI BB
• Jesus Montero—2-4 R 3 RBI
• Dominic Brown—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R SB(4)
• Freddy Galvis—2-4 3R BB 2 SB(2)
• Mike Gosse—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Ben Revere—2-5 R RBI 2 SB(7)
• Joe Benson—1-3 2B R RBI BB
• Deibinson Romero—2-3 2R BB
• Matthew Hall—1-2 R 2 BB 2 SB(2)
• Reese Havens—1-2 2B R 2 BB
• Matt Dominguez—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI BB
• Michael Stanton—1-4 HR(4) RBI

Pitching:

• Alejandro Sanabia—5 IP 4H ER 2 BB 6K
• Tyler Robertson—5 IP 5H BB 5K W(1-0)
• Duane Below—5 IP 0H UER 2 BB 7K W(1-1)
• Wilkin De La Rosa—4 IP H 2 BB 3K
• Wynn Pelzer—5 IP H ER 2 BB 4K W(2-0)
• Bryan Olan—1.2 IP BB 3K SV(4)
• Scott Barnes—5 IP 5H 2 ER 2 BB 5K W(2-1)
• Bruce Billings—5 IP 4H BB 5K W(1-2)
• Seth Garrison—6 IP 4H ER 6K W(1-0)

High-A Weekend Report

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

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE

There were several players that had nice weekends in the FSL.  The Cubs’ Marquez Smith hit HR’s in back to back days and the Brewers’ young OF prospect Zealous Wheeler collected four hits and five RBI.  Nobody compared to what big Michael Stanton did, though, as the Marlins future superstar enjoyed a seven hit weekend that included two HR’s, six RBI, and three runs scored.  Stanton’s bat is heating up and he is showing all signs of going on a prolonged power binge.

Florida State League Player of the Weekend—MICHAEL STANTON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Marquez Smith—1-4 HR(2) 3 RBI (Sat.)…..1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI (Sun.)
• Michael Bertram—2-4 2B 3 RBI
• Joe Benson—2-3 HR(1) RBI
• Michael Stanton—2-3 HR(2) 2 RBI 2 BB 2R (Sat.)…..5-5 HR(3) 4 RBI 2B R (Sun.)
• Matt Dominguez—2-5 2B (Sat.)…..2-5 2B R (Sun.)
• MIguel Fermin—3-4 2B SB(4)
• Jose Garcia—2-3 2B 2R
• Jermaine Curtis—2-4 2B R RBI
• Austin Romine—1-3 2B 3 RBI (Sat.)…..2-3 2B (Sun.)
• Caleb Gindl—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Eric Farris—2-4 3R BB 2 SB(3)
• Logan Schafer—2-5 R 2 RBI
• Brent Brewer—2-4 RBI R SB(3)
• Zelous Wheeler—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI R (Sat.)…..2-4 3 RBI (Sun.)
• Neftali Soto—4-4 HR(1) RBI
• Yonder Alonso—2-4 2B 3 RBI BB
• Jesus Montero—3-4 HR(2) RBI 2B
• Cole Gillespie—3-3 2R 2 RBI BB SB(3)
• Reese Havens—1-4 HR(2) RBI

Pitching:

• Charlie Furbush—5 IP 3H BB 4K W(1)
• Jeff Allison—6 IP 4H ER 5K W(1)
• Ryan Zink—5 IP 5H BB 4K
• Yohan Flande—7 IP 7H BB 4K W(2)
• John Axleford—2 IP 6K W(2)
• Eric Niesen—5 IP 3H UER 3 BB 5K
• Darin Downs—9 IP 6H 2 ER 7K W(2)

CAROLINA LEAGUE

Not as much action as the FSL, but the big boys played well all weekend long.  Jason Heyward raised his batting average to .325 with a 4-6 weekend that included third HR and three runs scored.  Teammate Cody Johnson blasted his fifth and sixth HR’s and Pedro Alvarez and Michael Burgess each hit their second on Sunday.  The top honors go to Royals #1 prospect Mike Moustakas, though, for his two HR, five RBI weekend that has helped him emerge from an early season slump.

Carolina League Player of the Weekend—MIKE MOUSTAKAS

Other Notable Peformances

Hitting:

• Michael Jones—3-3 HR(1) RBI 2R 3B
• Kraig Binick—2-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R SB(2)
• Mike Moustakas—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B 2R (Sat.)…..1-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R BB (Sun.)
• Jason Heyward—2-3 2B R BB (Sat.)…..2-3 HR(3) RBI 2B 2R (Sun.)
• Cody Johnson—1-4 HR(5) RBI (Sat.)…..1-4 HR(6) 2 RBI (Sun.)
• David Espinosa—2-3 2B R BB SB(5) (Sat.)…..1-3 2 BB 3R (Sun.)
• Matt McBride—3-5 2 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R
• Jordan Danks—2-3 2B 2R BB
• Chris Marrero—3-5 2B 2R RBI
• Michael Burgess—2-4 2B 2R HR(2) 3 RBI
• Pedro Alvarez—2-3 HR(3) RBI 2R BB
• Miles Durham—3-5 2B 2 RBI
• Alex Presley—2-5 2B 2R RBI
• Ryan Kalish—2-4 2 RBI 2R BB SB(4)
• Kris Negron—2-4 3B 2R BB
• Matt Sheely—3-5 R 2 RBI 2 SB(2)
• Caleb Joseph—3-4 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Jim Gallagher—2-2 HR(1) RBI 3 BB 3R 2B
• Roman Pena—2-3 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R 2B 2 BB

Pitching:

• Brian Matusz—6 IP 7H 3 UER 2 BB 8K L(1)
• Brad Myers—5.2 IP 6H Er 4K W(1)
• Everett Teaford—5 IP 4H Er 5K W(1)

CALIFORNIA LEAGUE

Several top prospects had nice single game performances, but no one “dominated the weekend”.  The Giants have to be thrilled with the early returns from their top prospects, as Angel Villalona, Nick Noonan, Brandon Crawford each continued to play well.  Matthew Sweeney looks like he is a darkhorse power prospect as he collected two more RBI.  On the mound, Josh Collimenter tossed six two-hit innings, walking one and striking out nine en route to his second win of the season, but the player of the weekend was Oakland’s OF prospect Matt Spencer.  Spencer homered on both Saturday and Sunday, driving in three and scoring three times.

California League Player of the Weekend—MATT SPENCER

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Juan Diaz—4-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Matthew Sweeney—2-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Brandon Crawford—3-6 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Matt Spencer—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B BB SB(1) (Sat.)…..1-4 HR(3) RBI 2R BB (Sun.)
• Felix Carrasco—3-5 2 RBI R (Sat.)…..2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI BB (Sun.)
• Matt Lawson—3-5 2B R SB(3)
• Vance Zawadski—3-3 R 2 BB 3 SB(9)
• Nick Noonan—3-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Angel Villalona—2-5 HR(3) RBI
• Mike MItchell—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Charlie Blackmon—1-2 2B R 2 RBI 2 BB 2 SB(3)
• Eddie Colina—2-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Kuo Hui Lo—3-5 2 3B 3 RBI R

Pitching:

• Tim Sexton—6 IP 4H 2 BB 3K
• Josh Collimenter—6 IP 2H BB 9K W(2)
• Corey Kluber—7 IP Er BB 7K W(2)
• Alberto Bastardo—7 IP 2H 6K W(2)
• Michael Pineda—7 IP 6H 3 ER 8K W(2)

Top 20 Outfield Prospects 2009 (Part 2)

Posted by Jeremy on March 11, 2009 under 2009 Top 20 Prospects | Be the First to Comment

I apologize for the long delay in getting to part two of the Top 20 OF Prospects list.  If you need a reveiw of the Top 10 on the list you can read it on this, click this link.  Picking up at #11 is a prospect that, prior to the beginning of last season, would have been easily in the top 5.  Jordan Schafer’s  50 game suspension for using HGH and a slow rebound bumps him down the list a little bit, but the 5-tool talent is still there and the opportunity to be a significant contributor to the Braves 2009 ballclub is a distinct reality.

11.) Jordan Schafer—Atlanta Braves

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Schafer is a true 5-tool prospect.  He has a fluid LH swing that eventually should generate 20-25 HR at the major league level.  His above average speed is used well on the bases and in the OF where his glove and arm make him a viable Gold Glove candidate.  He makes good contact and has shown the ability to draw walks

Weaknesses: The suspension was a big black mark on his development.  He failed to post the same numbers in his return that he demonstrated in 2007, leading to further skepticism regarding the authenticity of his breakout season. 

2009 Outlook: Schafer has handled things well since his return and should get a long look by the Braves this spring.  He is an integral part to the future of the organization and still possesses a skill set quite similar to that of St. Louis Cardinals prospect Colby Rasmus and Cleveland Indians All-Star OF Grady Sizemore.  Expect Schafer to get more seasoning in AAA at the start of the ‘09 season before earning a call up in the early summer months.

12.) Dominic Brown—Philadelphia Phillies

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Off the charts athletic ability and tools galore.  Brown has a build similar to Darryl Strawberry but exudes plate discipline and an ability to hit for a high batting average that is rarely seen in young hitters.  Brown has speed that fits well at the top of a lineup and he uses it well on the basepaths.  His long frame should build more strength, and with it, increased HR power. Though he has the ability to play CF, he will likely shift to RF as a pro due to his size and cannon arm.

Weaknesses: Not many.  Right now, the power is merely projectible at this point.  He often elects to employ a more conservative approach at the plate, driving the occasional pitch.  His game is quite similar at this point to Rockies prospect Dexter Fowler, making his future HR totals difficult to project.  If he does focus more on power, it is conceivable that he will run less and hopes of 20+ SB seasons could diminish.

2009 Outlook: Brown will continue to progress at High-A Clearwater, but now he is assuredly on the Phillies’ fast track.  Don’t be surprised to see him move to AA at some point this season to play alongside the statuesque Michael Taylor.  Brown’s future within the organization is extremely bright and he could find himself in the Top 5 of this list by the start of next season.

13.) Greg Halman—Seattle Mariners

2008 Stats:

Strengths: At 6-4 195 lb., Halman is a freakishly good athlete.  He possesses wiry strength and top-flight speed that should translate into being a 30 HR 30 SB threat at the major league level.  He has proven to be resiliant, battling against profound struggles in the early part of his professional career to have success at higher levels.  Defensively, Halman has the range to play CF, but the size, arm, and power potential to be a bonafide star in RF.

Weaknesses: Plate discipline is still a long way from being MLB-ready.  Halman struggles with working counts and recognizing off speed pitches.  This leads him to be slump prone at times and exploitable by more advanced pitchers.

2009 Outlook: Halman handled the challenges of two promotions last year with excellent results and has earned a starting nod as the Tacoma Rainiers’ opening day RF.  Expect him to stay for most the season at this level before earning a late summer call up (possibly post-Sept 1).  The Seattle Mariners are an organization undergoing a major transformation and Halman figures prominently in their future plans.

14.) Julio Borbon—Texas Rangers

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Superb top of the order bat that hits for a high average and good plate discipline.  Borbon uses his speed as a lethal weapon on the basepaths where he stole 53 bags last year.  Borbon has demonstrated a pleasing uptick in his XBH power last season and has the strength to hit 10-15 HR per year in the major leagues.  Defensively, the fleet footed Borbon is the best OF in Texas’ rich farm system.

Weaknesses: Borbon will never be a middle of the lineup producer.  He also needs to work on increasing his walk totals in order to optimize his potential as a leadoff hitter. 

2009 Outlook: He’ll start at AAA Oklahoma City with a chance of earning a late season callup by the Rangers.  Texas is flush with some solid OF’s right now including Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, David Murphy, Marlon Byrd and Brandon Boggs.  Borbon offers something that none of them have–elite speed.  He is the leadoff hitter of the future for the Rangers and that future should begin in 2010.

15.) Aaron Hicks—Minnesota Twins

 2008 Stats:

Strengths: Tools across the board.  Hicks demonstrated excellent power, speed, plate discipline, and defense in his professional debut.  His athleticism is extremely advanced and projects to improve as he matures.  He has been clocked in the mid-90’s off of the mound, which speaks very well of his arm strength.

Weaknesses: At this time, the only downside is his limited professional exposure.  Hicks will need to prove that he can duplicate his performances in more advanced settings.

2009 Outlook: Hicks has assuredly earned a promotion to full season baseball and he should continue to perform quite well there.  With Ben Revere in the fold in CF, Hicks’ arm strength would be an asset in RF.  He will need to continue to develop his power numbers in order to keep up with the influx of 20+ HR hitters that man that position.  He projects to do so, but at this point, it’s merely a projection.  If he does boost his power numbers, Hicks could grace the top of this list in the near future.

16.) Austin Jackson—New York Yankees

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Above average athleticism and emerging raw power.  Jackson has quick hands and is slowly improving his feel for the strike zone.  Defensively, Jackson has enough range and more than enough arm strength to be a solid CF. 

Weaknesses: He is still overly aggressive at the plate, striking out way too much and working himself into pitching-adventageous counts.  He has a body frame that could build some bulk and lose speed as he ages making him more of a slugger than a runner.

2009 Outlook: A-Jack should start at AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre and will make his MLB debut at some point in ‘09.  Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera should occupy a majority of the time in CF, but neither is a sure bet to hold the position for a long period of time.  Any lapse by either one of them could expediently usher in the beginning of the Austin Jackson era in the Bronx.

17.) Ben Revere—Minnesota Twins

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Revere makes excellent contact with just about anything he hits, evoking comparisons to other batting champions Ichiro Suzuki and Tony Gwynn.  LIke those two, Revere has more power than he demonstrates and he should build upon his 2008 totals of 28 XBH make 5-10 clear the fences every year.  He is a smart player with excellent speed and plate discipline that should make him an elite top of the order hitter.  Defensively, Revere covers vast territory in CF and has good instincts.

Weaknesses: The lack of pop places him down on this list.  Though he doesn’t strike out much, Revere also doesn’t walk as much as a leadoff hitter should.  His arm strength has been a concern as well and may force him to move to LF in the future.

2009 Outlook: Flirting with .400 in his first full season of baseball should place Revere on the organization’s fast track.  He will start at High-A Fort Myers with a real shot of earning a promotion to AA New Britain at some point.  The Twins have a ton of speedy young talent sprinkled throughout their farm system, but Revere should earn a full time spot in the Metrodome within the next 2-3 seasons.

18.) Andrew Lambo—L.A. Dodgers

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Lambo has 25-30 HR per year power potential and his sweet left-handed swing has evoked comparisons to fellow Dodgers 1B James Loney.  Lambo hits well with runners on base, racking up big RBI totals and XBH numbers.  He has a very strong arm and enough athleticism to play a corner OF spot or 1B at the major league level. 

Weaknesses: He is a below average runner and tends to get overly aggressive at times at the plate, elevating his strikeout totals.  He has also had a history of off the field issues, but seems to have put some of those indiscretions behind him.

2009 Outlook: Lambo will begin at AA Chattanooga and should play there most of the year.  If he has a great deal of success, he may earn a call up in September for a few late season AB’s.  Expect his role with L.A. to increase significantly in 2010.

19.) Jose Tabata—Pittsburgh Pirates 

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Tabata has quick hands that create excellent bat speed and contact.  He has put on some considerable bulk over the past season (up to 215 lbs. now) which may indicate that he should become more of a slugger than a speedster.  His arm is strong enough to play RF and he has adaquate range for that position.

Weaknesses: Tabata is still working on his strike zone judgement.  He makes good contact, but doesn’t work counts enough for walk totals.  As he builds his power numbers, it will be more important for him to recognize when pitchers are throwing around him.  He has had some injury woes over the past couple of seasons, and given his weight gain, this can become an increasing nuisance.  Also, attitude issues plagued him as a Yankee prospect, but he has seemingly had an awakening since his trade to Pittsburgh and has thrived on the field.

2009 Outlook: The Pirates are trying to figure out what they have aside from Nate McLouth in the OF.  Andrew McCutchen is sure to take over the CF duties in the near future, but things may open up for Tabata if he can replicate his post-Yankees performance in ‘09.  At just 20 years old, there is plenty of time for the young OF to develop into an excellent offensive player.

20.) Daryl Jones—St. Louis Cardinals

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Jones’ rich assortment of tools matured into tangible skills last season.  He has excellent speed that he uses effectively on the basepaths and in the outfield.  His power numbers increased significantly, leading some to believe that he can be a 20 HR/20 SB player at the major league level.  He makes good contact at the plate and made some progress with his discipline at the plate.

Weaknesses: Jones still strikes out a little more than the Cardinals would like to see.  His jump from dismal ‘07 numbers to All-Star worthy ‘08 numbers, though done at two advanced levels, will need to be replicated again to confirm his status as a rapidly rising prospect.  With Colby Rasmus likley manning the CF position, Jones will need to demonstrate more power in order to hold down a corner OF spot.

2009 Outlook: He could find himslef in AAA Memphis for the beginning of the season as Rasmus’ replacement.  Watch the power numbers and the OBP numbers.  If he can continue his progress from last season, he may find himself wearing a Cardinals jersey in September.

At long last, there are the top 20 outfield prospects for 2009.  There are so many other good ones left to list and, of course, this list should look entirely different next year.  For your viewing pleasure, I will give you the next 10 OF prospects as I see them at this stage of the game.  Mind you, this was a difficult list to compile and I would love to see how your list would shake out…

21.) Michael Burgess—Big time power potential, but the K’s need to be cut back

22.) Nolan Reimold—Polished hitter and ready for the show.  At 25 however, he needs to make an impact soon

23.) Engel Beltre—Plate discipline is the only thing that keeps him away from the top 10

24.) Jaff Decker—Incredible debut and even more incredible bat…keep an eye on this one

25.) Gerardo Parra—Excellent top of the lineup skills and emerging power

26.) Desmond Jennings—Injuries keep this mega talent from cracking the top 20

27.) John Raynor—Super speedy and enough power to be a dangerous leadoff hitter.  Needs to cut the K’s.

28.) Josh Reddick—Power and a big time RF arm.  Needs to succeed at AA this season.

29.) Lorenzo Cain—AFL performance has opened some eyes.  Superb athlete that could rise quickly.

30.) Wendell Fairley—Showed plate discipline and power potential in debut.  Seems to have put attitude issues behind him.

That is indeed quite the list!  Next on the docket is the top 20 RHP prospects….stay tuned for this list, it will be a doozy!

8/26 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 28, 2008 under Minor League Ball today, Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Here’s a nice compilation of prospect performances from the California, Carolina, and Florida State leagues…

Jon Still

• 1-5 HR(22) RBI—Slumping lately (5-32 2 HR 6 RBI last 10 games)

Jason Place

• 1-4 HR(17) RBI—.246 17 HR 58 RBI 144 K’s

Yamaico Navarro

• 3-5 HR(11) 3 RBI 2B—.429 11 R 18 H last 10 games

Chris Carter

• 1-4 HR(37) RBI—Latest player to reach 100 RBI mark

Eric Campbell

• 2-3 HR( 18 ) 3 RBI—.252 18 HR 64 RBI 47BB/53K

Jason Heyward

• 0-6 K—Tough debut at Myrtle Beach in double header (no worries about him long term)

Scott Diamond

• 7 IP 5H BB K (W)—15-3 2.89 ERA 123K/153IP

Brandon Erbe

• 7 IP 2H BB 9K (W)—Back to back super outings following two bad outings

Brandon Snyder

• 3-5 2 2B 2R RBI—.417 15 H 7 R last 10 games

Michael Burgess

• 1-2 HR(24) 2 RBI BB—.278 4 HR 12 RBI 8 R last 10 games

Tyler Herron

• 7 OP 2H 2BB 6K—7-7 4.17 ERA 102K/138IP

Michael Taylor

• 2-5 HR( 18 ) RBI—.316 3 HR 8 RBI 7 R last 10 games

Sean West

• 7 IP 3H 8K (W)—4-2 1.81 ERA 51K/55IP

Christian Garcia

• 7 IP 7H ER 2BB 10K—4-2 2.90 ERA 60K/50IP in 10 games at Tampa

BUY/SELL Analysis

Won't be overlooked for long

Yamaico Navarro was almost not included on Baseball America’s Top 30 Boston Red Sox prospects list.  The Red Sox have a treasure trove of highly talented SS prospects like Jed Lowrie, Oscar Tejeda, Will Middlebrooks, and Argenis Diaz.  Of all of them, though, Navarro is having the best offensive season.  Only 5-11 and 170 lb., Navarro has surprsing pop and great bat speed.  Navarro has caught fire in the month of August, hitting .417 with 40 hits 21 runs 2 HR and 15 RBI at Lancaster.  Navarro doesn’t always play with maximum effort and his plate discipline is inconsistent at times.  Navarro is one of the 2008 Bowman Chrome debutants and his regular chrome cards comand a price of 75 cents to $1.00 each.

Market Advice: The Red Sox have found something special in Jed Lowrie.  Fortunately for Navarro, he already has experience of playing 3B and his range, hands, and arm strength would make him a good one.  Right now, Navarro is making a strong case for future consideration by the Red Sox, but with Middlebrooks’ recent move to 3B, Navarro may find himself to be trade bait to another team.  Regardless of where he plays, the price of his cards are a great BUY right now considering the season he is having as a future Fenway fielder.

8/19 High A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 20, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Last night was a low night for prospect performances mainly because the Florida State League is cancelling its games while Tropical Storm Faye is passing through.  Let’s hope all is well with everyone down there…

Ryan Kalish

• 2-5 2B 3 RBI—Average rises to .269 at Lancaster…3 HR this season a little low

Ryan Mount

• 2-5 HR(14) RBI—.370 5 HR 10 RBI 13 R 3 SB last 10 games (underrated)

Cedric Hunter

• 4-5 HR(9) 2 RBI 2R SB(12)—.375 3 HR 11 RBI 10 R 18 H last 10 games (only 20)

Brian Joynt

• 1-3 2R RBI 2BB 2 SB(4)—.296 9 HR 52 RBI in 51 R in 52 games (I like this kid)

Matt Downs

• 3-5 2 2B—.302 19 HR 77 RbI 22 SB at 2 levels

Scott Vanslyke

• 4-4 2 HR(5) 4 RBI 4R SB(4)—Rough season but big body (6-5 195lb. and good bloodlines)

Michael Burgess

• 3-4 2 HR(23) 6 RBI 2R BB—.286 5 HR 13 RBI 9 R in 9 games at Potomac (real power!)

Beau Mills

• 2-5 HR(21) 4 RBI—.350 3 HR 11 RBI last 10 games (super 1st full season)

John Shelby Jr.

• 2-5 HR(15) RBI 2B 2R—.364 3 HR 9 RBI 4 SB 9 R last 10 games (I like him too)

BUY/SELL Analysis

T-Bone Jr.

John Shelby Jr. is winner of the coin flip contest over Ryan Kalish as our daily profile (sorry Ryan, your time will come soon).  Shelby is, of course, son of forme Baltimore Oriole and L.A. Dodger outfielder John “T-Bone” Shelby.  Junior was selected in the 5th round of the 2006 MLB draft as a 2nd baseman before making the transition to CF.  While his transition was a bit bumpy, his athleticism has won out and today, he seems to have the makings of an above average CF.  Shelby can hit, batting .301 last season at Low-A Kannapolis and .292 this season at Winston-Salem.  He is a powerfully built 5-10 190 lb. bundle of energy who has hit 15 HR this season while stealing 31 bases in 36 attempts.  The bugaboos in Shelby’s game comes down to the ability to draw walks and make contact on a consistent basis.  This season, he has walked only 21 times (.329 OBP) while punching out 91 times in 104 games.  Shelby needs to hone his plate discipline in order to remain as a top of the order candidate at the MLB level.  Shelby is also 23 years old which is not ancient, but not young for High-A ball.  Shelby’s 1st year cards are found in the 2006 Bowman Draft and Chrome set.  Still under the radar, his chromes can easily be had for 40-75 cents each and refractors go for $3-4. 

Market Analysis: Shelby is not an elite prospect, but he is an undervalued one.  He also does not have many 1st year products out, so the market for his stuff as he continues to advanced will not be diluted.  I would BUY the chromes en masse and if you can get your hands on refractors at the above mentioned prices, I would BUY those as well!