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

10/22 Arizona Fall League Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 23, 2009 under Market Watch | Be the First to Comment

Stephen Strasburg’s second outing went much differently than his first as three Peoria Javelinas took him deep and he was touched up for eight runs in his 2.2 innings of work.  Talented as Strasburg is, he is not immune from the steep learning curve that major league baseball imposes on virtually every young hurler.  In other action, Oakland A’s OF prospect Grant Desme continues his power onslaught, hitting his 6th dinger and fellow outfield mate Corey Brown chimed in with his 3rd.  Mike Stanton racked up three more hits, as did Cole Gillespie, Pedro Ciriaco, and Chris Marrero.

Today’s top prospect is Detroit Tigers OF prospect Casper Wells.  Yesterday’s grand slame off of Strasburg proved to be the punctuation point on the #1 overall pick’s outing yesterday.  The former 14th rounder out of Towson University had a fair, but not spectacular year at AA Erie, hitting .260 with 15 HR and 41 RBI.  He’s bunched up with a glut of low to mid upside outfielders within the system and is in dire need of a standout AFL showing to elevate his status within the organization.  So far so good.  Wells currently hitting at a .476 clip with 2 HR 11 RBI.  If he can continue his torrid pace, the organization may be more apt to give more credence to his ‘08 numbers (.269 27 HR 79 RBI 25 SB) as to their expectations of Wells going forward.

AFL Player of the Day—CASPER WELLS

Other Notable AFL Peformances:

  Peoria Javelinas 9

• Casper Wells—2-5 HR(2) 5 RBI BB
• Russ Mitchell—1-4 HR(4) 2 RBI
• C.J. Retherford—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2R
• Jordan Danks—2-4 2R
• Taylor Green—1-2 R 2 BB

  Phoenix Desert Dogs 6

• Chris Marrero—3-5 2B HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Grant Desme—1-4 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Corey Brown—3-5 HR(3) RBI 3B

  Surprise Rafters 3

• Mitch Moreland—2-4 HR(2) RBI 2R
• Ike Davis—1-3 2B BB
• Blake Wood—3 IP 4H BB 2K
• Tanner Scheppers—2 IP 2K

  Peoria Saguaros 2

• Matt McBride—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI BB
• Lance Zawadzki—2-3 2 BB
• Josh Judy—1.2 IP BB 4K

  Scottsdale Scorpions 11

• Cole Gillespie—3-5 2B 2R BB SB(2)
• Brandon Allen—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B
• Thomas Neal—2-5 2B 2R
• Darin Holcomb—2-4 3R BB
• Pedro Ciriaco—3-6 2B
• Domonic Brown—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Hector Gomez—2-5 2 RBI
• Brian Friday—2-5 2B R RBI

  Mesa Solar Sox 1

• Rene Tosoni—2-4 R 3B
• Mike Stanton—3-4
• Andrew Cashner—3.2 IP 3H Er K L (0-2)

10/20 Arizona Fall League Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 21, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Yesterday’s AFL results are littered with four hit performances from the likes of Bryan Petersen, Starlin Castro, Jon Lucroy, and Carlos Rivero, not to mention HR’s by Grant Desme (#3), Brad Emaus, Chris Parmelee, Matt Dominguez,  and Russ Mitchell (#3).  Today’s top performer is L.A. Dodgers OF prospect Andrew Lambo.  The 21 year old blasted his second HR of the fall as part of a three hit day, driving in four runs and scoring three times.  The former 2007 4th round pick has had a scalding start to his AFL campaign, hitting .478 with 2 HR 9 RBI and 6 runs scored in his six outings.  The Dodgers are by no means extending Ramirez’s contract beyond the 2010 season and will be in hoc for a significant portion of his deferred contract for several seasons beyond ‘10.  Lambo is not quite ready for a starting OF role with the Dodgers yet, but his start to the AFL season looks like it could catapult him into a significant role in the latter months of next season.  Lambo, at his peak, has the same offensive capabilities of current Dodgers RF and first time All-Star Andre Ethier.  The market for Lambo’s 2008 Bowman Chrome autos is pretty undervalued right now as many of them can be fetched for $6-8 each and refractors (#/500) for about $10 a pop.  Given his upside as future 25-30 HR guy, this seems to be an excellent opportunity to snag a few at single digit prices.

AFL Player of the Day—ANDREW LAMBO

Other AFL Performances

Peoria Javelinas 14

• Lorenzo Cain—2-6 2B R 2 RBI
• Jordan Danks—1-4 2B 2R RBI 2 BB
• Scott Sizemore—1-3 2R 3 BB
• Andrew Lambo—3-6 HR(2) 4 RBI 3R
• Russ Mitchell–1-2 HR(3) 2 RBI BB
• Jon Lucroy—4-4 HR(1) RBI 3R BB
• Zach Braddock—2 IP H 3K

Mesa Solar Sox 10

• Bryan Petersen—4-5 2B 3R
• Starlin Castro—4-5 2R RBI
• Ryan Kalish—3-4 2B 3R 2 RBI BB SB(1)
• Chris Parmelee—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Matt Dominguez—2-5 2B HR(1) RBI

Peoria Saguaros 11

• Chris Heisey—3-4 2b 2R 3 RBI BB
• Brandon Hicks—2-2 2B 2R 2 BB SB(1)
• Cedric Hunter—2-5 2B R RBI
• Carlos Rivero—4-5 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Jose Vallejo—2-45 2R SB(1)

Phoenix Desert Dogs 8

• Matt Angle—3-5 2B R RBI
• David Espinosa—2-5 R RBI
• Chris Marrero—2-5 2B RBI R
• Grant Desme—2-5 HR(3) 3 RBI
• Brad Emaus—1-5 HR(1) 2 RBI

Scottdale Scorpions 7

• Jose Tabata—3-5 2 3B 2 RBI 2R
• Brandon Crawford—1-3 2B R 2 BB
• William Susdorf—2-3 2R RBI SB(1)
• Hector Gomez—2-4 2B R 2 RBI

Surprise Rafters 3

• Ike Davis—2-4 2 2B R
• Jeff Bianchi—1-4 2B 2 RBI

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)

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

8/11 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 12, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Yesterday’s scoreboard was limited almost exclusively to the Eastern League so today’s breakdown may be a little thin.  Carlos Santana came a homerun away from hitting for the cycle, driving in his 83rd and 84th runs of the season.  Santana has hit full stride this season after a July that saw him hit .311 with 8 HR and 29 RBI.  For the season, the Indians’ young receiver is hitting .288 with 20 HR 84 RBI 25 doubles and 74 runs scored.  Like last year, the plate discipline continues to be one of Santana’s strong suits as his 71 BB/68 K has helped to push his OBP to .410 this year.  Santana is a guy who can hit at the major league level right now and probably will do so very soon.  The trade of Victor Martinez has opened the door wide open for Carlos and there is not much that either Kelly Shoppach or Lou Marson can do to hold him back.  Currently, Santana’s 2008 Bowman Sterling autos sell for $22-25 each and his Razor Metal autos command about $9-12 each.  Santana ranks amongst Matt Wieters and Buster Posey as one of baseball’s elite young catchers.  If he can secure a spot in Cleveland’s opening day lineup next year, he should be one of the early AL ROY favorites.

Today’s top prospect is Florida Marlins top prospect Michael Stanton.  Yesterday, Stanton hit his 24th HR on the season as part of a three hit, three RBI day.  The 19 year old has struggled during the month of August hitting just .227 during his first 11 games.  This isn’t too big of a surprise.  The Marlins are moving him quickly through their system and the plate discipline has had trouble catching up.  After posting promising BB/K numbers (28/45) at High-A, Stanton has not been able to replicate that success at the AA level as he has walked 21 times and has 72 strikeouts in 56 games.  The power has carried forward though and I think the plate discipline will emerge as Stanton gathers more experience.  The eBay market for Stanton’s various 2008 autos has remained solid throughout this season with his heavily traded Bowman Chrome autos selling at $32-35 each, but his Razor autos (#/1199) have slipped to single digits in value.  I think that Stanton should stay in AA for the remainder of the season and will benefit greatly from playing in an offseason league.  He’ll be just 20 years old on opening day next year and should start the season in AAA before earning a much heralded callup at some point next season.  Watch to see if the market cools during the offseason and pounce on some of his autos.

AA Player of the Day—MICHAEL STANTON 

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Carlos Santana—3-5 2B 3B 2 RBI R
• Carlos Rivero—2-3 R RBI BB
• Brandon Crawford—2-4 2 2B RBI
• Mike Mooney—2-4 2B 3B 2R
• Brennan Boesch—1-4 HR(25) RBI
• Casper Wells—2-4 2B R
• Erik Lis—2-4 2B HR(15) 2 RBI
• Brad Emaus—1-4 HR(9) RBI 2R BB
• Josh Bell—3-6 2B R
• Luis Exposito—3-4 RBI
• Gorkys Hernandez—3-6 3R RBI
• Shelby Ford—2-5 2R 2 RBI
• Pedro Alvarez—3-4 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Steve Lerud—3-5 2B R
• Austin Krum—2-4 2B 2R BB SB(9)
• Edaurdo Nunez—3-5 R RBI 2 SB(16)
• Michael Stanton—3-5 HR(24) 3 RBI 2R
• Logan Morrison—3-4 2B 2 RBI R BB
• Bryan Peterson—2-4 3R BB

Pitching:

• Michael Crotta—5.2 IP 6H 2 UER BB 4K W (6-6)
• Eric Niesen—6 IP 5H 2 ER 2 BB 8K
• Michael Stutes—6 IP 7H ER 2 BB 6K

8/11 AAA Minor League Report

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

Allen Craig really likes to hit in the thin air of Colorado Springs as he belted three HR’s during a double header to raise his tally to 21 on the season.  Craig has been as hot as any hitter in the minor leagues since the All Star break, hitting .446 with 13 HR 30 RBI and 27 runs scored in just 28 games.  Craig continues to play in the outfield which surprises me in the wake of the Brett Wallace trade.  He’s never been a bad fielder at 3B, but the organization seems to find him a better fit in left field.  Regardless of where he’s playing, Craig has been the best hitter in the Cardinals’ organization this season and should earn a big league call up at some point this year.  His only first year cards are in the 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft set and his singles can still be had in lots for less than a buck apiece.

Gaby Sanchez was a darkhorse N.L. ROY candidate by some baseball pundits on the heels of his fine 2008 season at AA Carolina.  Instead, he like fellow Marlins teammate Cameron Maybin, struggled to earn playing time with the big club and was demoted to New Orleans.  Last night, Sanchez went 3-5 with his 12th and 13th dingers, driving in five runs and scoring four times.  Sanchez has been hot during the month of August, hitting .325 with 4 HR 7 RBI and a killer 10 BB/3K ratio.  Sanchez is in a tough spot.  Logan Morrison has made a successful return from a broken wrist and is driving the ball with authority in AA.  He’s the heir to the first base job in Miami, leaving Sanchez either to switch to a new position or continue to toil at AAA.  At his best, Gaby is a well disciplined hitter with decent power to the gaps and above average defensive skills that could help him carve out a starting job with a big league club someday.

Today’s top prospect is one of Cleveland’s newest additions, RHP Carlos Carrasco.  After back to back rocky starts with Columbus, Carrasco tossed eight innings of four hit, one run ball, striking out 10 hitters for his 9th victory of the season.  Carrasco has the stuff to be a frontline pitcher at the major league level, but his inability to establish consistency and pitch with confidence at times was maddening to the Phillies franchise.  Perhaps the move to Cleveland will be just what Carlos needs to rediscover his potential as an MLB stopper.  Surely this outing does wonders for his chances to crack the Indians’ rotation at some point this season.  Carrasco’s 2008 Bowman Sterling Jsy/Autos are currently trading at $4-6 each on eBay and seem like a solid low risk buy for someone who has slipped off of many collectors’ radars.

AAA Player of the Day—CARLOS CARRASCO

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Matt Tuiasosopo—1-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Mike Carp—1-4 R 2 RBI BB
• Adam Moore—4-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Tony Abreu—1-5 HR(10) RBI
• Gaby Sanchez—3-5 2 HR(13) 5 RBI 4R BB
• John Raynor—2-6 2R RBI SB(16)
• Brett Hayes—2-4 R 3 RBI BB
• Travis Buck—3-4 2B 3 RBI SB(3)
• Allen Craig—2-3 2 HR(20) 3 RBI 2R (Game 1)…..1-3 HR(21) RBI (Game 2)
• Jarret Hoffpauir—2-3 2B 3B RBI R
• Eric Young Jr.—3-5 RBI (Game 1)…..1-2 R BB SB(55) (Game 2)
• Brandon Allen—3-4 2B 2R RBI BB
• Cole Gillespie—2-5 2B 2 RBI
• Chris Johnson—2-3 2B HR(10) RBI
• Juan Miranda—1-5 2B R 2 RBI
• Travis Snider—2-4 RBI
• Drew Stubbs—2-4 RBI
• John Mayberry Jr.—2-3 R SB(6)
• Lou Marson—3-4 R RBI
• Wes Hodges—2-4 2B R
• Justin Maxwell—2-3 R SB(28)
• Brent Clevlen—2-3 HR(15) RBI
• Aaron Bates—2-4 2B R

Pitching:

• Scott Elbert—4 IP 2H 3 BB 3K
• Travis Wood—6 IP 6H ER 3 BB K W (12-4)
• Carlos Carrasco—8 IP 4H ER 10K W (9-9)

8/6 AAA Minor League Report

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

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

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

AAA Player of the Day—SHANE ROBINSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

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

Pitching:

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

8/4 AA Minor League Report

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

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

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

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

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

AA Player of the Day—DAN HUDSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

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

Pitching:

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

8/4 AAA Minor League Report

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

Eric Young Jr. couldn’t stay off of the bases as he rapped two hits and drew three walks yesterday, scoring three times.  Oddly, he didn’t add to his PCL-leading total of 54 stolen bases but his three runs scored yesterday brings his season total to an MiLB high of 99 for the season.  Young’s name was bantied about in trade rumors but the Rockies held fast to their speedy 2B prospect.  There was some thought prior to last season of moving Young to the outfield where his speed and marginal infield glove would be a better fit.  Young has work dilligently over the past couple of years to improve his infield defense, cutting his errors nearly in half and raising his fielding percentage by more than 20 points.  Clint Barmes is the current second basemen for the Rockies, but he is arbitration eligible and due to receive a raise from his current $1.6M contract.  Young is ready to take over the helm and is a much more potent top of the lineup hitter.  Unlike many speedsters, Young has some pop in his bat.  This season, the 24 year old has collected 30 XBH and his 49 BB/64 K ratio falls in line with a prototypical top of the order hitter.  Expect Young to get his callup by September and to be the odds on favorite to be the opening day starter in 2010.

Today’s top prospect is rapidly rising catcher Buster Posey.  The Giants’ future backstop hit his first AAA HR, driving in four runs and scoring twice.  Posey had gotten off to a slow start after his promotion, but has regrouped to hit .281 over his last 10 games.  Posey’s plate discipline has not waned as he has a 55 BB/55 K ratio.  I expect Posey to continue to swing a hot bat through the rest of the AAA season, which should enhance his chances to earn some playing time behind Benji Molina at some point in September.  Molina’s contract expires at the end of the ‘09 season and it seems quite reasonable that he will not return to the Giants in 2010.  The market for Posey’s cards is understandibly hot right now as he has rapidly shot up through San Francisco’s farm system.  His top selling cards are his 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft autos which command a healthy $37-42 each.  There are more affordable first year autos to be had, like his ‘08 Donruss Elite Extra autos (#/934) which command $27-32 each, 08 Bowman Sterling ($24-27), and ‘08 Razor ($20-22).  Even with this elevated market, I think there is still room for some value growth in his products, especially if he can help contribute to the Giants’ pennant run.  A more opportune time to purchase his first year autos, though, should be during the offseason when the collecting masses diverts its attention to football cards and memorabilia.

AAA Player of the Day—BUSTER POSEY

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Jaime Hoffmann—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI SB(14)
• Tony Abreu—2-5 HR(8) 2 RBI
• Joe Koshansky—1-5 HR(18) 2 RBI
• Angel Salome—1-1 R RBI 2 BB
• Buster Posey—2-4 HR(14) 4 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Brett Wallace—2-5 2B R RBI
• Eric Young Jr.—2-3 3R 3B 2 RBI 3 BB
• Kila Ka’aihue—3-5 r RBI
• Van Pope—2-3 HR(4) RBI 2R SB(2)
• Michael Brantley—2-3 BB SB(37)
• Brandon Snyder—3-5 2R SB(3)
• Nick Evans—3-5 2 2B R
• Jeff Frazier—3-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Chris Heisey—3-4 2B
• Neil Walker—1-4 2B R 4 RBI
• Desmond Jennings—2-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Matt Joyce—3-4 2 RBI
• Jose Morales—2-3 2 2B 2 RBI BB

Pitching:

• Drew Carpenter—6 IP 6H 2 ER BB 6K W (9-2)
• Travis Wood—7 IP 3H 2 BB 4K W (10-4)