Posted by Jeremy on July 20, 2009 under Minor League Ball today |
Atlanta Braves OF prospect Cody Johnson reclaimed the minor league HR lead by blasting his 24th yesterday, driving in two and scoring twice. He also walked and stole his 9th base of the season. Power is definitively his calling card, but it is nice to see him drawing more walks as of late and stealing bases. The more that Johnson can distinguish himself as a multi-dimensional hitter, the more bullish I become about his major league future. Johnson has already exceeded his walk totals from last season, drawing his 47th yesterday, and his K rate has slowed significantly during the month of July (13 BB/19 K). On the flip side, Cody has posted his lowest batting average splits this month, hitting just .207 with 4 HR and 15 RBI. I am not too concerned with this as he may be making mechanical adjustments and altering his aggressive approach. I look at this as a positive sign for long term success. The power potential is there for Johnson to be a perennial 30-40 HR hitter at the big league level and his overall potential reminds me of towering slugger and whiff machine Adam Dunn. His walk rates are behind Dunn’s at this point, but at just 20 years old, there is plenty of time for Johnson to boost his totals. Johnson’s first year autos have experienced bi-polar fluctuations over the past couple of seasons, rising to $20+ in 2007 and dropping to $8-10 during ‘08. Currently, they are residing somewhere in the middle at $7-9 for his Bowman Sterling autos and $9-12 for his Bowman Chrome Draft autos. I think that AA ball is going to be a huge litmus test for the former AFLAC All-American and we’ll likely have to wait until next season to see the effects of that. As for this season, 30 HR 90 RBI and about 150 K’s seems to be solid locks.
Roger Kieschnick had four knocks yesterday including his 19th HR, four RBI and three runs scored. Kieschnick’s big day snapped a 2-18 dry spell and raised his average to .296 and his RBI total to 74 on the season. Similar to Johnson, Roger seems to be altering his approach at the plate to cut back on his K’s as his BB/K ratio for the month of July has been quite balanced (8 BB/10 K) but his batting average (.237) is more than 40 points lower than his previous season low. I am much more an advocate of a balanced approach at the plate. Strikeouts are not a major detractor from overall performance if the power numbers and OBP remains high. Hitters like Ryan Howard, Adam Dunn, Carlos Pena and others have put up monster seasons despite big K numbers as they are able to also draw 80-100+ walks per season. Kieschnick’s first year autos are quite affordable right now with prices for his Donruss Elite Extra, Razor Threads, and Playoff Rookie Ticket autos selling for $7-10 each. I think Kieschnick’s power numbers will carry forward, but I am skeptical of his batting average totals. The athletic outfielder’s flirtation with the .300 mark has more to do with the fact that he is currently in the California Leauge and amidst a talented lineup. Perhaps his recent struggles can be attributed in part to the fact that Buster Posey has moved on to AAA.
Today’s top prospect is another California League offensive benefactor, San Diego Padres 3B prospect James Darnell. The former South Carolina Gamecock belted HR’s 12 and 13 yesterday, driving in four runs. Darnell started slowly after his late June promotion, but has caught fire over the last 10 games, hitting .324 with four HR, eight RBI and seven runs scored. Darnell’s plate discipline is extraordinary as he has a positive 68 BB/61 K ratio. The Padres have a pleasant dilemma at the hot corner as both Darnell and AA star Logan Forsythe are both having stellar seasons. Defensively, Forsythe is clearly superior as his excellent range, arm, and hands trump Darnell’s decent skills. Darnell will likely have to move to the outfield where there is a plethora of talented prospects to compete with. I think he’s a player that should play at both AA and AAA next year with a shot at earning a 2010 September debut, but it will be interesting to see exactly where he ends up as a pro. His first year autos from the 2008 Donruss Elite Extra, Playoff Contenders, and Razor sets are all quite affordable right now at $3-8 each and serve as excellent sleeper buys for next season.
High-A Player of the Day—JAMES DARNELL

Other Notable Performances:
Hitting:
- Michael Bianucci—2-4 HR(16) RBI 2B 2R
- Roger Kieschnick—4-5 HR(19) 4 RBI 3R
- Conor Gillaspie—3-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
- Thomas Neal—2-6 2 2B 2R
- Darren Ford—2-4 2B R RBI
- C.J. Ziegler—5-5 2B 2R RBI
- Tyson Gillies—2-4 2B
- Joe Dunigan—1-3 HR(22) 2 RBI
- Jake Rife—3-4 2B 2 RBI
- Jay Brossman—1-3 2R 2B 2 RBI BB
- Jemile Weeks—3-5 2 2B R
- Grant Desme—2-4 2B 3R RBI BB
- Jermaine Mitchell—3-4 2 RBI R SB(10)
- Jon Gaston—2-4 HR(23) 2 RBI 2R
- James Shuck—2-5 3R
- Brian Barnes—1-3 3R RBI 2 BB
- Koby Clemens—3-5 2B 3 RBI
- James Darnell—3-5 2 HR(13) 3 RBI 2R
- Matt Clark—2-5 2 HR(15) 2 RBI 2R
- Christan Lara—3-5 HR(5) 2 RBI SB(11)
- Pedro Baez—2-4 2B R SB(5)
- Radamez Nazario—3-4 2B 2R RBI
- Pedro Florimon Jr.—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
- Derrick Robinson—2-5 R RBI SB(46)
- Johnny Giavotella—2-5 RBI 2 SB(16)
- Eric Huber—1-4 2B 4 RBI
- Alex Presley—3-5 2B 2R
- Cody Johnson—1-3 HR(24) 2 RBI 2R BB SB(9)
- Dominic Brown—2-3 2 RBI BB
- Arlon Quiroz—3-4 R SB(15)
- Derrick Mitchell—2-4 2B HR(7) RBI
- Brad McElroy—3-5 2R SB(4)
- John Tolisano—1-3 R RBI 2 BB
- Manny Rodriguez—2-4 HR(5) 4 RBI BB
- Logan Schafer—3-5 2B 2R
- Lee Haydel—1-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
- Damon Sublett—2-5 2B BB
- Austin Romine—1-4 2B R RBI BB
- Chris Swauger—2-2 HR(9) 3 RBI BB
Pitching:
- Nick Additon—6.1 IP 7H 4 ER 2 BB 8K
- Darren Byrd—6 IP 4H ER 3K W (2-3)
- Jeff Mandel—7 IP 5H Er BB 6K W (8-4)
Tags: adam dunn, alex presley, austin romine, baseball prospects, Bowman Chrome, california league, carlos pena, cody johnson, conor gillaspie, damon sublett, derrick robinson, dominic brown, ebay, ebay bargains, grant desme, jame shuck, james darnell, jemile weeks, jermaine mitchell, john tolisano, johnny giavotella, jon gaston, koby clemens, lee haydel, logan schafer, matt clark, minor league prospects, nick additon, pedro baez, roger kieschnick, rookie cards, ryan howard, sportscards, thomas neal, tyson gillies
Posted by Jeremy on July 9, 2009 under Minor League Ball today |
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)
Tags: angel villalona, autographed cards, baseball prospects, ben revere, Bowman Chrome, bowman chrome draft, buster posey, casey kelly, chris parmelee, conor gillaspie, david espinosa, ebay, engel beltre, grant desme, hector gomez, koby clemens, michael burgess, mike moustakas, Minor League Baseball, minor league prospects, moises sierra, robbie widlansky, roger kieschnick, rookie cards, scott barnes, t.j. steele, tom milone, tyler henson
Posted by Jeremy on May 7, 2009 under Minor League Ball today |
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)
Tags: alex liddi, angel villalona, brandon crawford, caleb gindl, Carlos Peguero, charlie blackmon, chris marrero, collin cowgill, dave thomas, dellin betances, dominic brown, edgardo baez, hector gomez, jason castro, joe dunigan, john tolisano, jonathan gaston, kirk nieuwenhuis, kyle drabek, michael burgess, mike moustakas, mitch moreland, nick noonan, reese havens, roger kieschnick, steven caseres, yonder alonso
Posted by Jeremy on April 29, 2009 under Minor League Ball today |
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
Tags: alex liddi, baseball boxes, ben revere, bomwan chrome draft, Bowman Chrome, buster posey, caleb gindl, charlie blackmon, chris withrow, cody johnson, conor gillaspie, darren ford, david espinosa, dominic brown, ebay, eric thames, evan anundsen, ike davis, jeremy moore, jesus montero, john tolisano, johnny giavotella, kirk nieuwenhuis, logan forsythe, luis exposito, major league prospects, michael burgess, minor league prospects, mitch moreland, pedro alvarez, roger kieschnick, rookie prospects, shane peterson, sportscards, thomas neal, thomas neal cycle, tim bascom, tim fedroff, tyler robertson, wax boxes, yefri carvajal
Posted by Jeremy on April 28, 2009 under Minor League Ball today |
Pedro Alvarez and Freddie Freeman squared off against each other yesterday and each talleyed a homerun for their respective teams. Jason Castro went deep for the third time as did Roger Kieschnick. Jordan Danks and James Shuck each rapped three hits and scored multiple times as well. On the mound, Charles Shirek tossed seven shutout innings, striking out eight for his third win and Yankees prospect Jeremy Bleich won his second with six shutout innings.
Today’s top player award goes to Yonder Alonso who only had one hit, but he made it count. The Reds’ ‘08 first rounder blasted his fourth HR, a grand slam, to help Sarasota overcome a six run deficit and defeat Charlotte 8-7. Alonso started the season slowly, but has begun to hit better as of late batting .278 with 3 HR and 16 RBI in his last 10 games. The plate discipline is there (7 BB/10 K), which is a prime indicator that the bat will continue to sizzle and his current batting average of .219 will soon be a thing of the past.
High-A Player of the Day—YONDER ALONSO

Other Notable Performances
Hitting:
- Brandon Crawford—2-5 3B R
- Nick Noonan—1-3 2 RBI BB
- Roger Kieschnick—2-4 HR(3) RBI 3B 2R
- James Shuck—3-3 2R RBi 2B 2 BB SB(6)
- James Castro—2-5 HR(3) RBI
- T.J. Steele—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI
- Caleb Joseph—3-4 2 2B R SB(1)
- Jordan Danks—3-5 3R
- Pedro Alvarez—1-3 HR(4) RBI 2 BB 2R
- Freddie Freeman—1-5 HR(4) 2 RBI
- Emeel Salem—2-3 2R 2 BB SB(3)
- Cody Cipriano—2-4 2B R 3 RBI BB SB(1)
- Alex Buchholz—2-3 2B R BB
- Yonder Alonso—1-4 HR(4) 4 RBI
- Justin Reed—2-4 2 2B RBI R
- Darin Mastroianni—1-2 2R 3 BB 3 SB(12)
- Moises Sierra—1-4 4 RBI R
- Eric Thames—1-2 2B 2R 3 RBI
- Michael Stanton—1-3 RBI BB SB(1)
- Jesus Montero—2-4 2B RBI
- Austin Krum—3-4 2R BB
- Eric Farris—2-4 RBI 2 SB(8)
- Arlon Chambers—2-3 3B RBI BB R
Pitching:
- David Bromberg—4.2 IP 3H ER 2 BB 5K
- Jeremy Bleich—6 IP 3H BB 6K W(2-0)
- Kyle Winters—7 IP 3H BB 6K
- Jenrry Mejia—5 IP 5H 5K
- Ryan Searle—5 IP 2H BB 2K W(2-1)
- Charles Shirek—7 IP 4H BB 8K W(3-0)
Tags: adron chambers, alex buchholz, autographed cards, baseball prospects, Bowman Chrome, bowman chrome draft, brandon crawford, california league, carolina league, darin mastroianni, david bromberg, ebay, florida state league, freddie freeman, jason castro, jeremy bleich, jesus montero, jordan danks, kyle winters, major league prospects, michael stanton, Minor League Baseball, minor league prospects, moises sierra, nick noonan, pedro alvarez, roger kieschnick, rookie cards, sportscards, t.j. steele, yonder alonso
Posted by Jeremy on April 24, 2009 under Minor League Ball today |
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)
Tags: alex presley, autographed cards, ben revere, Bowman Chrome, bowman chrome draft, brandon crawford, california league, carolina league, charlie blackmon, clay fuller, david espinosa, dominic brown, duane below, ebay, eric fryer, felix carrasco, florida state league, freddy galvis, jesus montero, joe benson, jordy mercer, julio perez, kris negron, lonnie chisenhall, matt dominguez, Matt Spencer, matthew sweeney, michael burgess, michael stanton, Minor League Baseball, minor league baseball prospects, reese havens, roger kieschnick, sportscards, thomas neal, tim fedroff, tyler robertson
Posted by Jeremy on April 23, 2009 under Minor League Ball today |
CALIFORNIA LEAGUE
Brandon Crawford, Alex Liddi, and Matt Spencer all hit their fourth HR’s of the season and Madison Bumgarner allowed just one run over five innings to go a perfect 3-0 for the 2009 season. Chris Withrow punched out 10 over just five innings but lost to today’s player of the day Chris Hicks.
The Astros right hander tossed five innings of scoreless ball, allowing just five hits while striking out nine. Hicks, 21, is now 2-1 on the season with a 3.07 ERA and 18 K’s in 14.2 IP. Used almost exclusively as a reliever last season, Hicks has proven to be quite adept at forcing groundball outs this season (2.57/FO) and has exhibited good control. At 6-4 205 lb., he appears to have a nice durable frame capable of handling a steady workload.
California League Player of the Day—CHRIS HICKS

Other Notable Performances
Hitting:
- Alex Liddi—3-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B
- James McOwen—3-5 2R SB(1)
- Joe Dunigan—4-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2B
- Kuo Hui Lo—2-4 HR(1) RBI 3B 2R
- Matt Spencer—3-4 2B HR(4) RBI 3R BB
- Jermaine Mitchell—2-4 HR(1) RBI
- Brandon Crawford—1-4 HR(4) 2 RBI
- Buster Posey—2-4 R RBI
- Roger Kieschnick—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
- Engel Beltre—1-4 2B 2R RBI BB SB(5)
- Mitch Moreland—1-4 HR(2) RBI 2 BB 2R
- Mauro Gomez—3-6 HR(3) 6 RBI 2B
- Collin Cowgill—2-5 R SB(3)
- Scott Vanslyke—4-5 2B 3B 2R
Pitching:
- Nathan Adcock—6 IP 4H BB 4K W(2-1)
- Madison Bumgarner—5 IP 5H ER 5K W(3-0)
- Chris Withrow—5 IP 3H Er 2 BB 10 K L(1-1)
- Chris Hicks—5 IP 5H 2 BB 9K W(2-1)
CAROLINA LEAGUE
Jason Place continues to make positive strides in his development as he hit his second HR and drove in three runs. Teammate Chi-Hsien Chiang had nice back to back outings combining to go 4-7 with a HR, three RBI and three runs scored. Jordan Danks had three hits, driving in two and scoring twice.
Today’s player of the day in the Carolina League is Cleveland Indians 3B prospect Lonnie Chisenhall. For the second straight day, Chisenhall homered and drove in five runs. The Indians’ 2008 first round selection has an eight game hitting streak and is beginning to demonstrate the promising power potential and plate discipline that made him a top draft choice last June.
Carolina League Player of the Day—LONNIE CHISENHALL

Other Notable Performances
Hitting:
- Jason Place—2-4 HR(2) 3 RBI BB 2B 2R
- Chih-Hsien Chiang—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI BB 2R (Game 1)…2-3 R (Game 2)
- Kris Negron—2-4 R RBI SB(2)
- Clint Robinson—2-3 2 HR(2) 2 RBI BB 2R (Game 1)…1-4 HR(3) RBI (Game 2)
- David Lough—3-4 2 RBI
- Lonnie Chisenhall—2-5 GS HR(2) 5 RBI 2B BB
- Cord Phelps—2-4 2B BB R
- Freddie Freeman—2-5 2B 2R
- Michael Fisher—3-4 2R BB
- Jordan Danks—3-4 2 RBI 2R BB SB(3)
- Brent Morel—2-4 R BB SB(5)
Pitching:
- Ronal Uviedo—5 IP 2H 5K
- Zack Britton—5 IP 4H ER 2 BB 4K
FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE
Matt Dominguez and Michael Stanton combined to go 4-7 with four runs and three walks. Osvaldo Martinez, Alex Buchholz, Eric Thames and Reid Fronk each pounded out three hits and Shawn O’Malley had four hits and three runs scored.
Today’s FSL top player is Jupiter Hammerheads pitcher Kyle Winters. One day after his 22nd birthday, the ‘05 fifth rounder tossed seven two-hit innings walking one and striking out two. Winters has allowed just one run in his first 19 innings of 2009 (0.47 ERA) He is a control pitcher who gets a lot of groundball outs and has made some improvements, thusfar, in controlling the strike zone.
Florida State League Player of the Day—KYLE WINTERS

Other Notable Performances
Hitting:
- Matt Dominguez—2-4 2B 3R BB
- Michael Stanton—2-3 R RBI 2 BB
- Osvaldo Martinez—3-4 2 3B 2R BB
- Cole Gillespie—2-2 R 2 BB SB(4)
- Austin Romine—2-4 2B 2R
- Dominic Brown—2-3 BB R SB(3)
- Kody Kaiser—2-3 BB R SB(3)
- Audy Ciraco—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2B 2R
- Marwin Gonzalez—3-5 2B 2R
- Jovan Rosa—2-2 2B 2 RBI
- Eric Thames—3-4 2B 3B RBI 2R
- Jermaine Curtis—3-4 RBI
- Deibinson Romero—2-3 2R 2B RBI
- Alex Buchholz—3-5 2B 3B 2 RBI
- Reid Fronk—3-5 2B RBI
- Shawn O’Malley—4-5 2B 3B RBI 3R
Pitching:
- Kyle Winters—7 IP 2 H BB 2K W(1-0)
- Andrew Hess—5 Ip 6H 4K W(1-0)
- David Bromberg—6 IP 4H ER 2 BB 3K W(1-0)
Tags: alex liddi, austin romine, autographed cards, baseball cards, baseball rc's, Bowman Chrome, bowman sterling, brandon crawford, brent morel, buster posey, california league, carolina league, chris hicks, chris withrow, cole gillespie, deibinson romero, dominic brown, ebay, engel beltre, eric thames, florida state league, freddie freeman, jason place, jermaine curtis, jordan danks, jovan rosa, kyle winters, lonnie chisenhall, madison bumgarner, matt dominguez, Matt Spencer, michael stanton, Minor League Baseball, mitch moreland, roger kieschnick, sportscards, yonder alonso, zack britton
Posted by Jeremy on March 22, 2009 under Uncategorized |
For those of you who entered the PPR Contest, never fear! I will have the results posted later on this evening or first thing tomorrow morning. Winners can expect an email from me soon requesting your shipping address.
As for the baseball action, yesterday offered a full slate of action and several outstanding performances. Jay Bruce belted his 2nd HR of the spring as did Buster Posey and Kendry Morales. Trevor Cahill continues to look like he his ready for a major league rotation spot throwing 5 innings of one run ball. Jake Fox pounded his 4th HR of the spring and added 5 RBI as did Billy Butler, but it was Colby Rasmus’ 5 hit day that takes home today’s youngster of the day honors.
Youngster of the Day—COLBY RASMUS

Other Notable Performances:
- Michael Bowden—3 IP 3H ER BB 2K
- Junichi Tazawa—2 IP 2H 2K
- Anibal Sanchez—5.2 IP 5H 2 ER BB 2K
- Luke Hughes—2-4 RBI
- Brian Duensing—2 IP H 2K
- John Mayberry Jr.—2-4 2B SB(3)
- Jordan Schafer—1-4 R BB
- Josh Anderson—1-1 HR(2) 3 RBI
- Brandon Jones—2-4 2 RBI 2R BB
- Freddie Freeman—1-3 2B R RBI
- Jay Bruce—3-4 HR(2) 3 RBI R
- Homer Bailey—4.2 IP 4H 3 ER 2 BB 4K (L)
- Colby Rasmus—5-6 2 2B 2R 3 RBI
- David Freese—2-4 2B R
- Jason Motte—IP K SV(4)
- Jeff Larish—2-5 HR(3) 2R RBI
- Joba Chamberlain—3 IP 4H ER 5K
- Juan Miranda—1-1 HR(2) 2 RBI
- Jesus Guzman—2-4 2 RBI R
- Roger Kieschnick—1-2 HR(1) 2 RBI
- Pablo Sandoval—2-4 2B R RBI
- Emmannuel Burriss—3-5 3R RBI
- Buster Posey—1-3 HR(2) RBI
- Eugenio Velez—1-3 R SB(5)
- Trevor Cahill—5 IP 4H ER 2K
- Aaron Cunningham—2-4 2B R RBI
- Matt Tuiasosopo—2-2 2R 2 RBI
- Chris Carter (A’s)—1-1 2B R
- Kendry Morales—1-3 HR(2) RBI
- Nick Adenhart—5 IP 4H ER BB 6K
- Brad Nelson—2-4 2 2B 2 RBI
- Xavier Paul—1-1 3B R
- Matt LaPorta—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI R
- Jason McDonald—3 IP BB K
- Mitch Maier—3-6 2 2B 3R
- Billy Butler—2-6 HR(3) 2B 5 RBI 3R
- Chad Tracy (Rangers)—1-1 GS HR(1) 4 RBI
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia—2-2 R BB 2 2B
- Joe Koshansky—1-3 HR(2) RBI
- Jake Fox—3-5 HR(4) 2B 5 RBI R
- Chris Getz—2-4 RBI
- Joshua Fields—2-4 HR(2) RBI
Tags: autographed cards, baseball cards, billy butler, buster posey, cactus league, colby rasmus, ebay, freddie freeman, grapefruit league, jarrod saltalamacchia, jason mcdonald, jason motte, Jay Bruce, jesus guzman, joba chamberlain, John Mayberry Jr., jordan schafer, josh anderson, junichi tazawa, kendry morales, luke hughes, matt laporta, matt tuiasosopo, Michael Bowden, minor league prospects, nick adenhart, pablo sandoval, prospecting, roger kieschnick, rookie cards, sportscards, spring training, trevor cahill
Posted by Jeremy on November 15, 2008 under Uncategorized |
The boys in Hawaii get back in action today after weather cancelled yesterday’s games. Saturday marks the end of the regular season as West Oahu has clinched a playoff spot against either Honolulu or Waikiki. Really though…who cares about which team wins the 2008 Hawaiian Winter League championship. You just want to hear about the prospects! Here’s last night’s action…
West Oahu Cane Fires 6
- Miles Durham—1-5 HR(3) 2 RBI
- Caleb Gindl—3-4 HR(3) 3 RBI 2R BB
- Kyle Peter—2-5 R SB(11)
- Tyler Henson—1-5 2B R
North Shore Honu 5
- Jason Castro—2-4 2B RBI 2R
- Matt McBride—2-4 2B R BB
- Ryan Kalish—1-3 R SB(13)
- Chris Carter—1-4 R
Honolulu Sharks 4
- Dominic Brown—3-4 2 2B R
- Kala Ka’aihue—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
- Michael Taylor—1-2 2 BB R
- Lars Davis—2-4
- Brad Emaus—1-4 2B R
- Satoshi Nagai—7 IP H ER BB 11K (W) (4-0 1.94 ERA 48 K’s)
Waikiki Beach Boys 1
- Roger Kieschnick—1-4 HR(6) RBI
- Jeremy Bleich—5 IP 5H 3 BB 2K (L)
Tags: autographed cards, autographed memorabilia, baseball prospects, Bowman Chrome, bowman chrome draft, brad emaus, caleb gindl, chris carter, dominic brown, ebay, Hawaiian Winter League Daily Report, jason castro, jeremy bleich, kala kaaihue, lars davis, michael taylor, miles durham, Minor League Baseball, minor league prospects, roger kieschnick, ryan kalish, satoshi nagai, tyler henson
Posted by Jeremy on November 5, 2008 under Uncategorized |
Once again there were lots of great performances from the Hawaiian Winter League. One thing of note was the fact that Adam Loewen, the oft-injured, former top LHP prospect from the Baltimore Orioles is playing 1B for the West Oahu Cane Fires. At 6-5 235 lb., his development as a hitter is very intriguing to me. He is stll fairly young (24) and is worthy of watching closely. Here’s the rest of the report…
West Oahu Cane Fires 13
- Caleb Gindl—2-5 2 2B R 3 RBI BB
- Mark Hallberg—2-4 3R 2 RBI 2 BB
- Cyle Hankerd—1-4 3 RBI R BB
- Greg Burns—1-4 2R RBI 2 BB
- Adam Loewen—1-3 2 BB R
- Logan Schafer—1-3 2B R 2 BB
Honolulu Sharks 5
- Dominic Brown—2-4 2R BB
- Tony Cruz—2-4 2B R BB
- Kala Ka’aihue—2-3 HR(4) 4 RBI R BB
- Mike Mitchell—1-3 RBI SB( 8 )
Waikiki Beach Boys 8
- Tony Thomas—3-5 HR(2) RBI
- Roger Kieschnick—2-5 HR(4) RBI
- Alfredo Silverio—2-5 R RBI
- James McOwen—1-4 HR(1) RBI
- Yonder Alonso—1-3 R 2 BB
- Austin Romine—1-4 2B RBI R
North Shore Honu 6
- Jason Castro—3-5 R RBI
- Yamiaco Navarro—2-4 RBI R
- Dustin Martin—1-5 2B 2 RBI
- Dustin Richardson—2 IP H 3K
Tags: adam loewen, austin romine, baseball cards, bowman, bowman chrome draft, caleb gindl, cyle hankerd, dominic brown, donruss, gregory burns, Hawaiian Winter League Daily Report, james mcowen, jason castro, kala kaaihue, logan schafer, Minor League Baseball, minor league prospect, roger kieschnick, rookie cards, rookies, sports card, sports cards, tony cruz, tony thomas, topps, upper deck, yamaico navarro, yonder alonso