7/27 AAA Minor League Report

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

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

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

AAA Player of the Day—TONY ABREU

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

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

Pitching:

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

6/15 Low-A Minor Legue Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 16, 2009 under Market Watch | Be the First to Comment

After a long absense, I’ve taken a gander at the progress of today’s Low-A prospects and have a few things to report.  Toronto Blue Jays OF prospect Johermyn Chavez hit his 11th HR of the season, driving in four runs and scoring twice.  At 20 years old, the 6-3 220 lb. Venezuelan is serving his second season with Lansing putting up better results.  Strike zone judgement that was abysmal last season (25 BB/128 K) is vastly improved through the first half of this season (19 BB/54 K).  This has been the key cog for the 60+ point jump in his batting average and 100 pt. jump in OBP.  Chavez has the power potential to be a 25-30 HR hitter at the major league level and his arm is strong enough for right field.

The Boston Red Sox have a rich farm system, but quality catching prospects has been an area of weakness in recent history.  ‘08 draftee Tim Federowicz is a breath of fresh air.  Yesterday’s 4-5 two RBI, two run outing was just the most recent in what has been a hitting barrage for the 5-10 213 lb. receiver.  The former Tar Heel has torn the cover off of the ball during the first half, hitting .342 with 9 HR 32 RBI and 17 doubles.  Despite his lofty accomplishments, the stocky backstop was not included in Baseball America’s Top 30 Red Sox prospects list, an oversight that will assuredly not be repeated in 2010.

Today’s top prospect is Daniel Brewer, a 21 year old OF from the New York Yankees farm system.  Brewer was perfect at the plate, going 4-4 with two doubles, two triples, two RBI and four runs scored.  For the season,  the ‘08 eighth rounder is hitting a robust .342 with two HR 25 RBI and 18 doubles.  He has a firm grasp of the strike zone walking 30 times versus 41 strikeouts.  As polished as Brewer is at the plate, he displays average to below average tools across the board.  He doesn’t have much power, yet his fringy speed relagates him to a corner outfield spot.  This season, he’s been a DH for Tampa, which doesn’t bode well for his opportunities going forward.   That said, he is a gamer who gets the most out of his abilities.  That desire, matched with his grit at the plate may propel him into a major league lineup someday.

High-A Player of the Day—DAN BREWER

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Eric Morrison—2-3 2B 2R 2 SB(5) (Game 1)…..2-3 2B R 2 RBI BB (Game 2)
• Jeremy Synan—3-4 HR(10) 2 RBI
• Kevin Mattison—2-3 HR(10) 2 RBI 3R BB
• Anthony Gose—2-3 2 RBI SB(41)
• Tim Federowicz—4-5 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Anthony Rizzo—3-5 2B 2r 2 RBI
• Mitch Dening—2-4 2B R 4 RBI
• Peter Hissey—2-4 R RBI SB(11)
• Abner Abreu—3-4 2 2B R RBI
• Dan Brewer—4-4 2 2B 2 3B 4R 2 RBI SB(8)
• Melky Mesa—3-5 2B 2 3B 2R RBI
• David Adams—2-4 2R RBI BB
• Ryan Flaherty—1-3 2B R 3 RBI
• Junior Lake—2-4 2B R (Game 1)…..2-3 2R HR(3) 2 RBI (Game 2)
• Jose Garcia—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• James Darnell—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Justin McClanahan—3-5 HR(7) 2 RBI 3R
• Johermyn Chavez—2-4 HR(11) 4 RBI 2R BB
• Mike McDade—2-4 HR(7) 3 RBI
• Brian VanKirk—4-5 2B 2R RBI
• Brett Lawrie—3-5 2B RBI
• Nick Van Stratten—3-4 3B R
• Eric Hosmer—1-4 3B R 2 RBI
• Gabe Jacobo—1-3 3B R 2 RBI 2 BB
• Nate Tenbrink—2-5 HR(5) RBI
• Jacob Shaffer—2-4 3B 2R 2 RBI BB

Pitching:

• Will Smith—8 IP 5H ER 2 BB 7K W (4-2)
• Nick Schmidt—6 IP H Er 3 BB 5K
• Chase Lirette—6 IP 3H 2 ER BB 5K W (3-3)
• Yoon-Hee Nam—4 IP 6H 2 Er BB 8K
• Michael Lee—5 IP 2H BB 5K W (1-1)
• Alexander Perez—6 IP 4H ER BB 8K W (5-2)
• Dimaster Delcado—6 IP 4H 6K W (1-0)
• Chris Carpenter—7 IP 3H K W (3-3)
• Jason Knapp—5.1 IP 2H 4 UER 5 BB 7K L (2-5)
• David Phelps—5.2 IP 8H ER BB 6K W (7-1)

5/27 AA Minor League Report

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

With the Texas League taking the day off, yesterday’s AA slate of games was somewhat light.  Jordan Danks hit his 2nd HR of the year and scored twice while teammate John Shelby Jr. enjoyed a nice day at the plate hitting his 4th dinger and driving in three runs.  Tampa Bay’s Desmond Jennings hit his 5th HR as did lesser known Red Sox 1B prospect Aaron Bates.

Yesterday’s top performer is New York Yankees RHP Zach McAllister.  The 21 year old tosses seven shutout innings, allowing just four hits and striking out five.  After a highly successful 2008, McAllister continues to shine in the AA ranks going 3-2 with a 1.91 ERA and 15 BB/32 K in his first 47 innings.  McAllister has a solid fastball that ranges from 91-94 MPH and he also mixes in a 89-91 MPH two seamer that has nasty sink to it.  Offspeed pitches include a solid slider and changeup that he commands well in the strike zone.  Despite his frontline starter size and velocity, McAllister pitches to contact and looks to induce ground ball outs.  I can’t help but think that he has some projection left in that frame that could add some power and velocity to his stuff.  McAllister should pitch the majority of the season at AA before earning a mid to late summer promotion to AAA.

AA Player of the Day—ZACH MCALLISTER

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Jon Lucroy—1-3 2B RBI BB
• Ty Wright—2-4 2B 2R RBI
• James Adduci—1-3 HR(1) 3 RBI BB
• Desmond Jennings—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Zack Cozart—3-4 2B 2R
• Sean Henry—1-3 2B 2R BB SB(3)
• Todd Frazier—2-4 2 RBI
• Juan Francisco—2-3 R 2 RBI
• Cyle Hankerd—3-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Jordan Danks—3-4 HR(2) RBI BB 2R
• Brandon Allen—1-3 2B R RBI 2BB
• John Shelby Jr.—2-3 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B BB
• Eduardo Nunez—4-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2R
• Collin Curtis—5-5 3R BB
• Andy Dirks—3-5 2B 3B 2 RBI R
• Brennan Boesch—2-5 2 2B R RBI
• Scott Sizemore—2-6 2 2B R
• Aaron Bates—2-4 HR(5) 2 RBI 2R
• Ryan Kalish—2-4 R RBI
• Michael Taylor—2-4 2B R RBI
• Leonard Davis—2-5 HR(6) RBI

Pitching:

• Vance Worley—7 IP 3H BB 2K W (4-2)
• Zach McAllister—7 IP 4H 2 BB 5K W (3-2)
• Lucas Harrell—5 IP 5H er 2 BB 4K W (6-1)
• Matt Torra—7 IP 5H UER 2K W (2-5)

4/2 Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 3, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Trevor Cahill made his final start of the spring and, while he didn’t look particularly sharp, he is slated to be Oakland’s #2 man in the rotation against the L.A. Angels.  Travis Snider and Pablo Sandoval continue to prove that they can hit MLB pitching really hard as each gathered 3 more hits to push their spring averages well into the .400 range.  Today’s youngster of the day is a repeat offender, Colby Rasmus.  The 22 year old Cardinals CF went 2-4 with his 1st HR of the spring, a double 2 runs scored and 3 RBI.  That performance helped him to cement a spot in St. Louis’ opening day roster, and perhaps, in the starting lineup.

Youngster of the Day—COLBY RASMUS

Other Notable Performances:

• Jair Jurrjens—4 IP 5H UER K W(2)
• Bud Norris—4 IP 5H ER 4K
• Stephen Pearce—1-2 HR(1) RBI
• Brad Corley—2-2 R
• Andy LaRoche—1-1 R RBI BB
• Chris Dickerson—2-2 R BB
• Colby Rasmus—2-4 HR(1) 2B 2R 3 RBI
• David Freese—3-4 R
• Jason Motte—IP 2K SV(5)
• Cameron Maybin—1-2 2 RBI
• Daryl Jones—1-1 2B R
• Travis Sinder—3-4 2B R
• Justin Maxwell—1-5 2B R RBI
• Scott Moore—2-4 3B 2R RBI
• Trevor Crowe—2-4 2B 2R
• Ian Stewart—1-4 3B RBI R
• Dexter Fowler—0-0 2 BB R SB(7)
• Justin Upton—1-3 3B 2 RBI
• Jacob Hester—2-2
• Gerardo Parra—1-3 R RBI SB(2)
• Chris Davis—2-3 R RBI
• Johnny Whittleman—1-2 HR(2) RBI
• Justin Smoak—1-1 2B RBI
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia—1-3 2B RBI
• Adam Fox—1-1 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Nick Hundley—2-3 RBI
• Blake Tekotte—2-2 2B R
• Ezequiel Carrera—1-2 2B RBI R
• Pablo Sandoval—3-4 2B 3B 2 RBI R
• Trevor Cahill—5 IP 6H 4 ER 4 BB K L(2)
• Kendry Morales—2-4
• Cedric Hunter—2-4 2 2B 2R
• Seth Johnson—2-3 HR(1) 4 RBI
• Brian Baxter—1-1 3 BB 2R
• Cesar Carrillo—4.1 IP 5H ER BB 4K W(1)

3/30 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 31, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

With one week left to go, all of the clubs have been or will be calling up some of their younger players from the minor league camps for a final round of innings in the big league camp before heading to their minor league destinations. Today’s action saw Adam Jones belt his 3rd HR of the season, as did the red hot Erick Aybar. Taylor Teagarden and Justin Smoak went deep for the Rangers and Alex Gordon did it twice. On the mound, Glen Perkins pitched to his 3rd win of the spring and Brett Anderson gritted through 6 innings for his 2nd victory. The youngster of the day, though, was Seattle Mariners OF prospect Mike Wilson who blasted his 6th and 7th HR of the spring, knocking in 5.

Youngster of the Day—MIKE WILSON

Other Notable Performances:

• Kenshin Kawakami—6 IP 4H 2 ER 2 BB 4K
• Adam Rosales—2-2 2 2B 2 RBI
• Wellington Castillo-2-2
• Ross Ohlendorf—5.1 IP 3H ER 2 BB 3K
• Johnny Cueto—5 IP 3H ER 4 BB 2K
• Ryan Perry—IP BB SV(1)
• Andrew MIller—6 IP 4H UER 3K
• David Purcey—6 IP 2H ER 5 BB 2K
• Adam Lind—2-3 2B
• Glen Perkins—6 IP 4H Bb 4K W(3)
• Adam Jones—1-3 HR(3) RBI
• Daniel Murphy—2-3 HR(1) RBI 2B
• Trevor Crowe—1-2 2R 2 BB SB(7)
• Josh Whitesell—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Taylor Teagarden—1-2 HR(4) 3 RBI BB
• Justin Smoak—1-2 HR(2) RBI
• Jesus Guzman—1-1 HR(5) RBI
• Mike Wilson—2-3 2 HR(7) 5 RBI
• Casey McGehee—1-2 HR(6) 2 RBi 2R
• Alcides Escobar—1-1 2R RBI SB(4)
• Brett Anderson—6 IP 6H 3 ER bB 4K W(2)
• Chris Denorfia—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Alex Gordon—2-5 2 HR(5) 3 RBI 2R
• Josh Fields—2-4 2B R
• Kendry Morales—3-4 2B 3B 3 RBI R
• Erick Aybar—2-3 HR(3) RBI 2R

Card From My Youth #1

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

Alright gang,

My late night soiree with a caffeinated beverage has betrayed me of much needed sleep, but it has also blessed me with a nostalgic frame of mind and idea for a new addition to the blog.  Many of us first got into this fun-filled hobby at an early age well before the pandemonium of serial #’ed cards, refractors, game used autos and DNA relics.  With very little variations between the few sets, we collected players and teams that piqued our sentimental fancies.  I was no exception and as the years of my childhood progressed, certain cards grafted memories into the deeper recesses of my temporal lobe.  Now with the help of Folgers, I submit to you the first card that popped out of my mind.

1987 Bellingham Mariners KEN GRIFFEY JR.

I was 12 years old when “The Kid” made his first appearance at old Joe Martin’s Field.  Shortly after he was selected with the 1st pick of the 1987 draft, it was announced that he would be coming to my hometown to start his big league career.

We had all heard stories about how good this Griffey guy was going to be, but I was more excited about the prospect that his major league playing dad Ken Griffey Sr. could possibly, at some point, come and watch his son play.  I set a ball and Atlanta Braves Dairy Queen batting helmet (remember the sundaes?) aside for future autographs.

As the summer progressed though, it was Junior who became the talk of the town and who captivated my fascination.  As the centerpiece of the Baby M’s, he hit .313 with 14 HR 40 RBI and 15 SB in just 54 games, which in an of itself is pretty darned good, but it was the how in Griffey’s game that was the true spectacle.

His over-the shoulder catches. 

A backwards turned hat and million dollar smile. 

And a left-handed swing crafted by God, himself. 

Those were the components that brought Griffeymania to the sleepy little town of Bellingham, Washington.  Immediately after the season’s end, a local outlet called International Sportscard Company produced mass quantities of the 1987 Bellingham Mariners sets featuring Mr. Griffey and a bunch of never-did-be’s.  The sets sold for $4.95 each at various cardshops in the area—and boy did they go like hot cakes.

I bought two sets with money that I earned mowing the lawn and promptly busted them open showcasing Griffey’s cards into the front page of my soft-sleeved three ring baseball card binder.  I made sure that they would be in plain view for all my jealous friends to see.  When Griffey made it to Seattle in 1989, this card really took off.  The same hobby shops that were selling sets for $5 a pop upped their prices to the $40-$50 range.  It didn’t matter as the sets would never sit for more than a week in the display cases.  Every once and a while fresh inventories would be made available at Bellingham Mariners games for cheaper, but they would always sell out in the same evening to collectors who bought them in mass quantities (I think some of them were card shop owners). 

There was a tantalizing rumor that circulated around the collecting circles in my middle school that the M’s batboy who went to the middle school across town happened upon a case full of sets at the end of the season that were going to be put into storage.  As the legend goes, he made off with the 100 set case and sold them at a card show for $50 bucks a pop.

Fact or Fiction?  I don’t know…but I did dream more than once that it was me who found that case.

Do you have a particular card that evokes sentimental feelings or, perhaps, an interesting story?  Share your card and/or story in the comments section below!