10/17 Arizona Fall League Report

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

Saturday saw Brandon Snyder, Corey Brown, Mike Moustakas and C.J. Retherford put another multi-hit game under their belts while bright catching prospects Wilin Rosario (Rockies) and Wellington Castillo (Cubs) joined Mike Stanton in hitting their first HR’s of the young season.  Today’s top prospect award was a toss up between Oakland A’s pitching prospect James Simmons (3 IP 2H 2 BB 2K W) and Seattle Mariners OF/1B prospect Joe Dunigan (3-5 HR 2 RBI 2B 2R).  On the strength of my heavy M’s bias, we’ll give the award to Dunigan.

The former Oklahoma Sooner had a monsterous breakout season with the High Desert Mavericks of the California League, hitting .294 with 30 HR 104 RBI 20 SB and 84 runs scored.  At 6-1 and 215 lb., Dunigan is extremely strong and has a good amount of athleticism to boot.  His arm is ideal for right field and his left handed uppercut swing is a good fit at Safeco Field.  The California League, especially the thin air of High Desert, has a well earned reputation of inflating hitters’ numbers only to have them fall flat on their faces at AA.  Dunigan’s plate discipline (43 BB/129 K) makes him a prime candidate to fall culprit to this same attrition.  Keep an eye on his AFL numbers as well as the first couple of months of his AA debut to see if he can prove me wrong.  Dunigan doesn’t have any cards to speak of yet, and once they do appear (2009 Bowman Draft?), they should be “buyer beware” investments until he proves he can handle AA.

AFL Player of the Day—JOE DUNIGAN

Other AFL Performances:

  Phoenix Desert Dogs  11

• Brandon Snyder—2-4 2R 2 RBI BB
• Chris Marrero—2-4 R BB
• Corey Brown—3-5 R 2 RBI
• A.J. Jimenez—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI BB
• Matt Angle—2-5 2B 2R
• James Simmons—3 IP 2H 2 BB 2K W(1-0)

  Surprise Rafters 2

• Mike Moustakas—2-4 R SB(1)
• Jeff Bianchi—3-4 RBI
• Mitch Moreland—2-4 R

  Peoria Javelinas 9

• Jordan Danks—2-5 2 RBI
• C.J. Retherford—3-5 2 RBI 3B R
• Joe Dunigan—3-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Taylor Green—2-3 R BB

  Scottsdale Scorpions 5

• Pedro Ciraco Jr.—3-5 2 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Domonic Brown—2-4 RBI 2 BB
• Wilin Rosario—1-5 HR(1) RBI
• Daniel Moskos—2 IP H 3K

  Mesa Solar Sox  6

• Mike Stanton—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Steve Singleton—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Wellington Castillo—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Casey Kelly—1-2 R 2 BB

  Peoria Saguaros 4

• Chris Heisey—2-3 HR(1) RBI 2B 2R SB(1)
• Matt McBride—2-5 RBI R SB(1)

10/14 Arizona Fall League Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 15, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | 2 Comments to Read

Yesterday’s league action did not conjure the offensive fireworks that Tuesday’s action did, but there were a few fine performances to note.  Dustin Ackley had two hits in his first action as a pro, scoring once.  Ike Davis added two more RBI to up his league leading total to 8.  Trayvon Robinson tripled, scored and drove in a run, walking twice and stealing two bases. Domonic Brown doubled twice and drove in a run while new Arizona Diamondbacks OF prospect Cole Gillespie went 3-3 with two walks and a stolen base.

Today’s top award goes to unheralded Florida Marlins OF prospect Bryan Petersen, who collected three hits including his first AFL HR and two doubles.  Petersen’s numbers, on the surface, were solid but not standout (.297 7 HR 49 RBI 13 SB 64 runs in 121 games).  Oddly, areas that he excelled in in 2008 (23 HR 23 SB) diminished somewhat this past season, but his plate discipline (50 BB/66 K) and batting average experienced significant improvements.  All told, Petersen is a 23 year old player with a limited upside and enough athleticism and polish to be a solid contributor to a franchise.  The Marlins, however, are a team that is flush with more talented OF’s which could relegate Petersen to an eventual 4th outfielder role with the club.  He also remains someone who could draw some interest by other clubs as an inclusion in a trade, though the Marlins tend to be an organization that trades for prospects instead of shipping them out.  Until the situation changes, Petersen’s 2008 autos should continue to languish in the $3-5 range.

AFL Player of the Day—BRYAN PETERSEN

Other League Action:

  Phoenix Desert Dogs 4

• Jemile Weeks—2-5 2B R RBI SB(1)
• Chris Marrero—2-4 2B RBI BB
• Brandon Waring—1-5 HR(1) RBI

 Mesa Solar Sox 2

• Bryan Petersen—3-5 HR(1) RBI 2 2B
• Josh Vitters—3-4 2B
• Michael Stanton—2-4 SB(2)
• David Cooper—1-4 2B RBI
• Mike McCardell—2 IP H 4K

  Scottsdale Scorpions 3

• Domonic Brown—2-5 2 2B RBI
• Cole Gillespie—3-3 RBI 2 BB SB(1)
• Donald Veal—2 IP 3K

  Peoria Saguaros 1

• Jason Heyward—1-4 2B R
• Matt McBride—2-3 3B RBI BB
• Josh Rodriguez—2-4 2B

  Surprise Rafters 6

• Ruben Tejeda—2-5 2R RBI
• Mike Moustakas—1-4 2B R RBI
• Austin Romine—3-4 RBI
• Ike Davis—1-3 2 RBI
• Trey Henley—2-3 RBI R BB

  Peoria Javelinas  4

• Trayvon Robinson—1-3 3R R RBI 2 BB 2 SB(2)
• C.J. Retherford—1-4 3B RBI R
• Taylor Green—1-2 2 BB
• Dustin Ackley—2-4 R

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

5/27 High-A Minor League Report

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

Similar to the AA docket of games, the High-A slate is a bit light as rainouts plauged much of the Florida State League and the California League had the night off. Jason Heyward rapped three hits and drove in three runs, raising his season average to .295.  Baseball’s top outfield prospect has been exceptional over his last 10 games, hitting .359 with 3 HR 8 RBI and 9 runs scored.  Top minor league lefties Brian Matusz of the Orioles and K.C.’s Danny Duffy locked horns in a pitchers duel as each went six-plus scoreless innings, striking out five hitters each.

Today’s top High-A player is Chicago’s 1B/OF prospect Christian Marrero.  The brother of Nationals slugger Chris Marrero went 4-4 with his 4th HR and three RBI.  Marrero is said to have considerably less potential than his younger brother, but he has outperformed him so far this season, hitting .333 with 4 HR 23 RBI and 13 doubles in 44 games.  Marrero has a sweet lefthanded swing that should hit for a high average and 12-15 HR power at the major league level.

High-A Player of the Day—CHRISTIAN MARRERO

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Christian Marrero—4-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 2R
• Jason Heyward—3-4 2B R 3 RBI
• Mike Moustakas—1-3 2B RBI BB
• Miles Durham—1-4 HR(5) RBI
• Pedro Alvarez—1-4 2 RBI
• Mark Reed—2-3 2 RBI 3B
• Colt Sedbrook—3-3 2B 2R
• Moises Sierra—2-2 2B 2R 4 RBI
• Kevin Ahrens—1-2 R RBI 2 BB
• John Tolisano—1-2 3B 2R 2 BB SB(4)

Pitching:

• Richard Castillo—7 IP 7H ER 2 BB 5K
• Andrew Cashner—5 IP 3H ER 5K
• Danny Duffy—6 IP 5H BB 5K
• Brian Matusz—7 IP 4H 2 BB 5K

5/19 High-A Minor League Report

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

Chris Marrero hit a grand slam HR yesterday for Potomac and Padres SS/2B prospect Lance Zawadzki continues to have a huge power season, belting his 10th HR and driving in two runs.  Buster Posey drilled a couple of doubles that scored two runs and Myrtle Beach’s OF slugger Cody Johnson hit HR #13, driving in two runs.

Today’s top youngster comes from the Seattle Mariners organization.  Italian import Alex Liddi has been very impressive this season and yesterday’s performance may go down as his best yet.  Going 3-4, the 20 year old Liddi hit his 11th HR, driving in four runs and scoring five times.  Liddi has a ton of raw, projectible athleticism that is now just starting to be tapped into.  At 6-4 and 180 lb., Liddi has room to build more muscle and power without compromising much of his above average athleticism.  Strike zone judgement continues to be a concern as he has a 10 BB/40 K ratio through his first 37 games.  The M’s have several decent prospects at the hot corner, but Liddi’s blend of tools may propel him to the top of the list, even above Jharmidy DeJesus and Mario Martinez.  He’s a long way off and has the majority of his at bats in very hitter-friendly conditions, but his bat continues to be one to watch and a late season promotion to AA may give us a much clearer indicator of what to expect from him coming forward.

High-A Player of the Day—ALEX LIDDI

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Mike Moustakas—3-5
• Luis Exposito—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Chih-Hsien Chiang—2-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Chris Marrero—3-4 GS HR(5) 4 RBI SB(2)
• Trayvon Robinson—1-5 HR(5) RBI
• Buster Posey—2-3 2 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Conor Gillaspie—2-4 2B R RBI
• Brian Bocock—3-4 RBI R
• Matthew Sweeney—3-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Clay Fuller—2-4 RBI 2 BB R
• Jeremy Moore—2-5 2B RBI R
• Alex Liddi—3-4 HR(11) 4 RBI 5R BB
• Carlos Peguero—2-4 HR(6) RBI 2B 4R BB
• Kuo Hui Lo—3-4 HR(5) 4 RBI 2B 3R BB SB(7)
• James McOwen—3-6 2B 3B 2R 2 RBI
• Lance Zawadzki—2-4 HR(10) 2 RBI 2B
• Lars Davis—3-5 2B 2 RBI 2 SB(2)
• Michael Stanton—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Jovan Rosa—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI
• Starlin Castro—2-4 2R RBI
• Cody Johnson—2-4 HR(13) 2 RBI
• Ardon Chambers—2-3 3B R SB(8)
• Neftali Soto—2-3 2B 2R BB
• Derrick Robinson—2-6 2B R 2 SB(20) BB

Pitching:

• Anthony Carter—7 IP 4H ER 2 BB 9K W (3-3)
• Ron Uviedo—5 IP 3H ER BB 7K w (2-1)
• Tim Collins—2.1 IP H BB 6K
• David Bromberg—6.2 IP 4H Er 3 BB 3K W (3-0)
• Jose Rosario—6 IP H BB 8K W (3-1)
• Eric Berger—5.2 IP 3H 3 BB 5K
• Mike Kirkman—7 IP 3H 2 BB 11K W (4-1)
• Corey Luebke—7 IP 6H ER BB 6K W (4-2)

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 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)

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)