8/11 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 12, 2009 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)

6/14 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 15, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

If you’ve been paying attention to this blog over the last year, you would know that I have a good deal of love for Chicago White Sox 1B prospect Brandon Allen.  The 6-2 235 lb. slugger has had a fine season at AA Birmingham, hitting .295 with 7 HR 35 RBI and 38 runs scored.  Allen’s power production has been down this season, after hitting 30 HR between High-A and AA last year, and his stolen base totals have diminished to almost nil.  However, the plate discipline that once was a major question mark in Allen’s game has now become one of his strengths.  Through 60 games, the ‘04 draftee has walked 29 times and has struck out 45 times.  Factor out the month of April and those numbers are even better (23 BB/34 K).  Similar to Oakland A’s 1B prospect Chris Carter, the power should increase as the summer goes along as Allen’s confidence with in his more disciplined plate approach increases.

Today’s top prospect is a repeat offender.  Cleveland Indians prospect Matt McBride went 2-4 with a grand slam HR, four RBI, a double and two runs scored.  McBride was promoted to Akron after a blistering start at High-A Kinston where he hit .405 with 6 HR 36 RBI and 15 doubles in 31 games.  Since moving to Akron, McBride has not been as good (.247 2 HR 16 RBI 7 doubles in 23 games), though much of his offensive struggles happened during the month of May.  McBride entered the ’09 season as a catcher, but he’s played the bulk of his innings as a corner outfielder as top prospect Carlos Santana is the Indians’ catcher of the future.  June’s been a hot month for McBride as he’s hit .455 in the early going.  If he can continue his torrid pace and continue to drive the ball, he may make a strong case to be considered as a solid corner outfielder for the Indians by the middle of 2010.  Given their depth at the position, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him packaged up in an off-season deal either.

AA Player of the Day—MATT MCBRIDE

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Nick Evans—2-5 2B R RBI
• Shawn Bowman—2-5 2B R RBI
• Ian Desmond—2-5 2B 2 RBI BB SB(5)
• Marvin Lowrance—3-4 HR(10) 2 RBI 2B
• Jeremy Slayden—4-4 2B 3 RBI
• Brian Jeroloman—1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Casper Wells—2-4 HR(3) RBI 2B
• Brnadon Snyder—-2-3 2 2B BB
• Matt McBride—2-4 GS HR(8) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Sean Henry—4-4 2R
• Chris Heisey—1-3 HR(13) 2 RBI
• Brandon Allen—3-4 2B 3 RBI BB
• John Shelby Jr.—1-3 HR(6) RBI
• Mike Paulk—3-5 HR(2) 4 RBI
• Jason Castro—2-4 R
• Eric Sogard—2-4 2B R
• Kellen Kulbacki—3-4 R RBI SB(2)
• Cedric Hunter—2-5 R 2 RBI
• Lance Zawadzki—2-5 2B R 3 RBI
• Chad Tracy—3-4 R 2 RBI
• Mitch Moreland—2-5 3R BB
• Matt Spencer—2-4 2R
• Drew Sutton—2-5 2B R RBI

Pitching:

• Alfredo Figardo—7.1 IP 3H 2 ER BB 10K W (5-2)
• Hector Rondon—4 IP H BB 3K
• Scott Elbert—5 IP 4H 3 ER 3 BB 9K L (2-2)
• Brian Omogrosso—5 IP 4H 2 BB 5K W (7-2)
• Jay Jackson—5 IP 4H ER 6K

5/29 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 30, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

If you like offense, and oh how us prospectors do, then the AA performances from yesterday will bring a smile to your face.  Cleveland’s 1B prospect Beau Mills blasted two HR and drove in four runs yesterday, while Detroit farmhands Scott Sizemore and Brennan Boesch each hit their 9th HR’s of the young season.  Desmond Jennings rapped three hits including his 6th dinger and Angels 1B prospect Mark Trumbo also hit his 6th while driving in four runs.  San Diego Padres OF prospect Mike Baxter added four more hits, including his 3rd HR and 21st double en route to a 3 RBI day.  Baxter now has 21 hits over his last 10 games (.538 BA) with 13 RBI and 12 runs scored.  Baxter’s effort helped elite pitching prospect Mat Latos earn his 1st AA win, though he probably didn’t need the help.  Latos allowed just one hit over seven scoreless innings, walking two and striking out seven.  Latos is now 4-0 on the year and has allowed a stingy .059 BA since his promotion to San Antonio.

Today’s top prospect is Philadelphia Phillies OF Michael Taylor.  The former Stanford slugger has been swinging a hot bat as of late, hitting .432 with 3 HR and 13 RBI over his last 10 games.  Taylor’s day yesterday was probably his best outing of the season, as he went 5-6 with his 9th HR, six RBI and two runs scored.  Taylor is a mythical blend of power, speed, and discipline that should make him the perfect offensive weapon at the next level.  So far this season, the 6-6 250 lb. Taylor is batting .342 with 9 HR 37 RBI and 8 SB.  He should earn a promotion to AAA soon with an outside shot of making his MLB debut in ‘09.  There really is no rush Taylor along as the OF is pretty well set right now with the trifecta of Ibanez, Victorino, and Werth.  As good as things right now in the green grasse of Citizen’s Bank Ballpark, the rapid development of Taylor and top prospect Dominic Brown promises an even rosier future.

AA Player of the Day—MICHAEL TAYLOR

 


Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Josh Bell—1-4 HR(4) 3 RBI (Game 1)…..1-2 2B RBI (Game 2)
• Beau Mills—2-5 2 HR(4) 4 RBI 2R
• Scott Sizemore—1-2 HR(9) RBI 2R 2 BB SB(7)
• Brennan Boesch—2-4 HR(9) 2 RBI BB 2B
• Josh Thole—3-4
• Jon Still—3-3 R RBI
• Mike McBryde—3-5 HR(1) 4 RBI 4R 2B
• Justin Snyder—2-5 2B RBI R
• Matt Whitney—3-5 2B R 5 RBI
• David Cooper—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Michael Taylor—5-6 HR(9) 4 RBI 2R
• Quentin Berry—3-5 2R
• Desmond Jennings—3-3 HR(6) 2 RBI 2B R 2 BB
• Zack Cozart—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Chris Heisey—3-5 HR(7) 4 RBI SB(10)
• Scott Cousins—2-4 R 2 RBI SB(10)
• Bryan Peterson—2-4 R RBI BB SB(10)
• Pedro Ciriaco—3-5 2B 2R
• Dayan Viciedo—3-4 R RBI
• Tyler Flowers—1-2 2B R 2 BB
• Peter Bourjos—2-6 2R 3B
• Hank Conger—3-5 3 RBI 2R BB
• Mark Trumbo—2-6 HR(6) 4 RBI 2R
• Hanley Statia—4-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 3R
• Drew Locke—4-5 HR(10) 6 RBI 2 2B 3R
• Darin Holcomb—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Mike Baxter—4-5 HR(3) 2 2B 2R 3 RBI
• Eric Sogard—2-4 2B R
• Mitch Canham—2-4 3B RBI R
• Chris Carter—2-5 2B R
• Josh Donaldson—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI R

Pitching:

• Mat Latos—7 IP H 2 BB 7K W (4-0)
• Scott Elbert—6.1 IP H 3 BB 9K W (2-0)

5/3 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 4, 2009 under Minor League Ball today, Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Usually the AA scoreboard is chocked full of big performances to report, but rainouts and lackluster results from some of the top prospects leave us a little skimpy in our search for the AA top performer.  Gerardo Parra, Jaime Hoffmann,  and Michael Taylor each rapped two hits and scored twice.  John Still hit his third dinger, as did Shawn Bowman, and A’s OF prospect Corey Brown hit his first and drove in three.  On the hill, Scott Elbert continues to have a nice comeback season as he tossed five solid innings and Brad Lincoln, also a top comeback candidate, struck out eight in five innings.

Cyle Hankerd’s bat is as hot as anyone’s right now as he added three doubles, scored twice and added two RBI to his totals.  Hankerd is hitting a robust .471 with three HR, 10 RBI and five doubles in his last 10 games.  Hankerd broke into professional baseball with a huge debut season at short season, but has since seen his performance drop off gradually over the next two seasons.  He turned things around considerably in the Hawaiian Winter League, though, as he hit .316 with 5 HR and a league leading 30 RBI.  Hankerd has a little more athleticism than he has been given credit for as he has played several games for Mobile in centerfield this season.  He has a strong arm and profiles as a right fielder down the road.  It should be noted that he is repeating a level this season, which may be cause to slightly mitigate optimism generated from his hot start, but he should get a crack at AAA Reno this season, which will give us a better indicator of where he is at developmentally.  Hankerd does not have enough talent to displace Justin Upton or Chris Young with the D’Backs and all signs point to Gerardo Parra earning the third OF spot that will eventually be vacated by Eric Byrnes.

AA Player of the Day—CYLE HANKERD

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Shawn Bowman—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI BB
• Jon Still—1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Jaime Hoffmann—2-4 2R BB
• Gabe Martinez—1-4 HR(3) 4 RBI BB
• Brad Harman—2-4 2 RBI 3B 2R BB
• Michael Taylor—2-5 3B 2R
• Collin DeLome—2-4 2B 2R
• Mark Ori—3-4 2 RBI R
• Luis Durango—3-4 2R SB(15)
• Chris Carter—2-4 2 2B RBI
• Scott Sizemore—2-4 2B R 3 RBI BB
• Gerardo Parra—2-3 2R BB
• Cyle Hankerd—3-4 3 2B 2R 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Brad Lincoln—5 IP 3H BB 8K
• Polin Trinidad—4 IP 3H 3K SV(1)
• Scott Elbert—5 IP 4H UER 2 BB 6K
• Brad Mills—7 IP 6H ER 5K W (1-1)
• Randy Boone—5 IP 6H 2 ER BB 5K W (3-0)

4/15 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 16, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

EASTERN LEAGUE

Brian Friday, Erik Lis, Beau Mills, and Colin Curtis each collected three hits while Jon Still and Emmanuel Garcia hit their first HR’s of the season.  Hector Rondon spun another gem for his second win and Michael Antonini looked dominant in five shutout innings striking out eight.  Today’s player of the day is none other than Akron’s superstar catcher Carlos Santana who blasted a grand slam HR for his second dinger of the year.

Eastern League Player of the Day—CARLOS SANTANA

Other Notable Performances:

• Brian Friday—3-4 3B RBI SB(2)
• Hector Rondon—5.2 IP 4H ER BB 5K W(2)
• Beau Mills—3-4 2B R
• Carlos Santana—1-3 GS HR(2) 4 RBI BB
• Matt Moses—3-4 2R
• Juan Portes—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Erik Lis—3-4 R BB
• Jon Still—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Josh Reddick—2-4 2B
• Argenis Diaz—2-3 2B BB
• Emmanuel Garcia—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Josh Thole—2-5 2B
• Michael Antonini—5 IP 4H 3 BB 8K W(1)
• Jake Arrieta—5 IP 7H ER 3 BB 4K W(1)
• Cale Iorg—2-4 RBI
• David Cooper—1-3 RBI
• Fabio Castro—6 IP 4H BB 6K
• Reegie Corona—2-4 2B 2R SB(1)
• Colin Curtis—3-4 2B 3B 2 RBI R SB(1)

SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Desmond Jennings had a big day on the basepaths scoring two runs an stealing three bases, including home.  Scott Elbert put another fine start under his belt, while Hector Ambriz allowed just two hits and struck out eight under seven innings.  Those performances didn’t trump that of tall Marlins RHP prospect Sean West whose six innings saw him surrender just two hits and two walks while racking up nine strikeouts.

Southern League Player of the Day—SEAN WEST

Other Notable Performances:

• Gordon Beckham—1-3 2B R RBI 2 BB
• Tyler Flowers—1-3 R 2 BB
• John Shelby Jr.—1-5 2B R
• Brett Omogrosso—6 IP 5H ER 3 BB 3K W(1)
• Richie Robnett—1-4 3B R RBI
• Desmond Jennings—1-2 2R 3B 2 BB 3 SB(4)
• Scott Elbert—4 IP H ER 3 BB 6K
• Jovanny Rosario—4-5 2 RBI R
• Andrew Lambo—1-4 2 RBI
• Jamie Hoffmann—1-2 HR(1) RBI 2R 3 BB
• Justin Sellers—2-4 2B R BB 2 SB(2)
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-4 2B BB SB(3)
• Kala Ka’aihue—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Deunte Heath—4 IP 2H 6 BB 2K
• Chris Cody—4 IP 5H 2 ER 3 BB 8K
• Hector Ambriz—7 IP 2H BB 8K W(1)

4/11 AA Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 11, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Josh Reddick had a big four hit day at the plate including his first HR of ‘09.  Zack McAllister threw five strong innings on one run ball, but it was Phillies hurler Joe Savery who had the top performance.  The former 1st rounder went six innings allowing a run on four hits while striking out eight en route to his first victory of the new season.

Eastern League Player of the Day—JOE SAVERY

Other Notable Performances:

• Brett Pill–2-4 2B R
• Josh Reddick—4-5 HR(1) RBI 2B R
• Adam Mills—5 IP 7H 2 ER 4K
• Jared Hughes—6 IP BB 4K
• Brian Jeroloman—3-4 2B RBI R
• Fabio Castro—5.2 IP 6H 5K W(1)
• Emmanuel Garcia—2-4 2R BB
• Zack McAllister—5 IP 4H ER 2 BB 2K
• Joe Savery—6 IP 4H ER 8K W(1)
• Edgardo Baez—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Michael Taylor—2-4 RBI
• Brandon Snyder—1-4 2 RBI
• Troy Patton—5 IP 3H 3 BB 3K W(1)
• Josh Tomlin—5 IP 3H ER 2K (L)
• Nick Weglarz—2-4

In the Southern League, Gerardo Parra and Gordon Beckham continued their hitting ways with two hits each, the Dodgers’ Scott Elbert looked strong in his return to the rotation, but it was Chicago Cubs 2B prospect Tony Thomas that blew away the competition with a 4-5 two homerun, five RBI and four run day.

Southern League Player of the Day—TONY THOMAS

Other Notable Performances:

• Tony Thomas—4-5 2 HR(2) 5 RBI 4R 2B
• Darwin Barney—2-3 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Hung-Wen Chen—5.1 IP 6H 2 ER BB 5K W(1)
• Ryan Klosterman—3-4 RBI BB
• Gerardo Parra—2-4 BB SB(2)
• Evan Frey—1-4 RBI BB SB(2)
• Todd Frazier—2-5 2B R
• Travis Wood—3.1 IP H 5 BB 3K (1-1 2B 3 RBI)
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-4 R BB
• Jamie Hoffmann—2-5 3B RBI R SB(1)
• Justin Sellers—2-4 2B
• Scott Elbert—4 IP 6H 2 ER BB 3K
• Gordon Beckham—2-4 RBI
• Dayan Viciedo—1-4 2R

Finally, the Texas League saw Rangers southpaw Kasey Kiker throw five scoreless innings of two-hit ball, but his performance couldn’t outmach Tony Jackson’s two homerun three RBI day.

Texas League Player of the Day—TONY JACKSON

Other Notable Performances:

• Joe Dickerson—2-5 3B 2 RBI
• Jose Duarte—1-4 2R RBI BB SB(1)
• Brian McFall—2-3 2 2B 2 RBI R SB(1)
• Eric Sogard—2-5 2B 2R RBI
• Luis Durango—3-5 RBI R 3 SB(3)
• Cedric Hunter—2-5 R
• Will Inman—4 IP 5H 2 ER BB 4K
• Anthony Jackson—2-5 2 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R
• Justin Smoak—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Kasey Kiker—5 IP 2H BB 5K W(1)
• Josh Donaldson—1-4 2B RBI
• Yung-Chi Chen—3-4 2B 3R
• Jason Fernandez—6 IP 2H 3 BB 3K W(1)
• Jordan Walden—5 IP 2H 2 ER 4K L(1)

2/28 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 1, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

There were several fine pitching prospects in action on Saturday.  Neftali Feliz made his spring debut by hurling two innings and striking out four, Trevor Cahill looked strong throwing two perfect innings and Brian Matusz punched out three hitters in his one and two thirds innings of work.  The youngster of the day, though is former Cleveland Indians farmhand and current Chicago Cub, Brad Snyder.  Snyder was 2-2 including his first HR of the spring and 4 RBI.

Youngster of the Day—BRAD SNYDER

Other Notable Performances:

• Matt Tuiasosopo—1-1 2B R
• Greg Halman—1-2 R
• Mike Carp—1-3 R
• Pablo Sandoval—2-4 RBI
• Brent Brewer—1-1 HR(1) RBI
• Juan Morlan—2 IP H 3 BB 2K
• Ryan Mount—1-2 RBI
• Chris Pettit—2-3 RBI R 2 SB(2)
• Micah Hoffpauir—2-4 RBI R
• Sam Fuld—2-2 R
• Bobby Scales—2-2 3 RBI R
• Trevor Cahill—2 IP 2K
• Tyson Ross—IP K SV(1)
• Matt Laporta—1=2
• Will Venable—1-2 BB SB(1)
• Mitch Jones—1-2 GS HR(2) 4 RBI
• Jamie Hoffmann—1-2 2B 3 RBI
• Clayton Kershaw—2 IP 2H 2 ER 3K
• James McDonald—2 IP H 3K (W)
• Scott Elbert—2 IP K
• Xavier Paul—1-3 2B R BB
• Joe Koshansky—1-2 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Chris Colonel—1-2 2 RBI
• Greg Golson—2-3 3 RBI 2B
• Max Ramirez—2-2 R 2B
• Justin Smoak—1-2 RBI 2B
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia—1-2 2R BB
• Josh Whitesell—1-2 RBI
• Gerardo Parra—1-3 BB SB(1)
• Tommy Hunter—2 IP H Er BB K SV(1)
• Neftali Feliz—2 IP 3H ER BB 4K
• Luke Hughes—1-3 RBI
• Wilson Ramos—1-2 R
• Jesus Montero—1-1
• Justin Maxwell—1-2 2 BB
• Luke Montz—1-2 R
• Tyler Greene—2-2 RBI R 2B
• Joe Mather—1-4 3 RBI BB
• Jon Jay—1-3 3B RBI
• John Mayberry Jr.—2-5 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Jason Donald—1-4 RBI
• Mike Hessman—1-1 HR(1) RBI
• Jon Niese—2 IP 3 BB K
• Brian Matusz—1.2 IP H BB 3K
• Jordan Schafer—2-4 3R BB 2B
• Travis Snider—1-2 BB
• Scott Campbell—0-1 BB 2R

Recent MLB Call Up #8—Scott Elbert and James McDonald

Posted by Jeremy on September 8, 2008 under Market Watch | Be the First to Comment

What a crazy past few days this has been!  My computer battery died, then my AC adapter fizzled out.  While I wait for replacements, I am forced to tap out my posts on my stone aged desktop, with 10 gigs of molasses in the hard drive that had been relegated to being an expensive hood ornament for a desk I never use.  Combine that with the beginning of the NFL season and an urgency to capture the last few remaining rays of Washingtonian sun and you have my excuse for the two day hiatus from the blog.

Nonetheless, I remain dedicated to the task of bringing you the top 10 MLB debuts from the last couple of weeks and will give you a double feature from the #8 slot with two young arms from the surging L.A. Dodgers, Scott Elbert and James McDonald.

Scott Elbert

Watch his AFL performance

I recently wrote about Elbert in one of the daily minor league reports a couple of weeks ago.  Elbert, of course, is recovering from last season’s shoulder surgery and has been cast primarily as a reliever this season.  Elbert has tossed only 2.2 innings in 5 outings with the Dodgers striking out 5 and allowing 3 earned runs.  I will hold true to my convictions that he will be a power reliever for the Dodgers instead of a starter.  Elbert will not factor into the Dodgers’ post season plans as he is slated to go to the Arizona Fall League to pitch.  I would definitely keep a close eye on how he is used there as it will be a prime indicator of the Dodgers’ intentions for 2009 and beyond.

James McDonald

MLB debut coming soon

Here’s a guy that I haven’t written much about.  McDonald was the selected as a draft and follow pick in the 11th round of the 2002 draft.  The Dodgers originally slated him as a two way player, jettisoning him between the mound and the outfield for a couple of seasons before focusing his development as a pitcher.  McDonald stepped out in a big way in ‘07 after a mid-season promotion to AA Jacksonville where he went 7-2 with a 1.71 ERA and 64 K in 52 IP.  This season, McDonald continued his ascention this season compiling a 7-4 record with a 3.26 ERA and 141K/141IP.  McDonald has plenty of things working for him with an athletic 6-5 195 lb. frame and three MLB quality pitches including a curveball that rivals that of fellow Dodger phenom Clayton Kershaw.  He hides the ball well in his delivery which gives his 88-93 MPH fastball good late life and his changeup has the potential to be a plus pitch.

At this point, it seems that the only thing that McDonald really lacks is experience.  One other area of concern to me is his low 0.56 GO/FO ratio.  As McDonald’s change continues to develop, it may become a pitch that he can use to induce more ground outs.  Finally, his inconsistent strikeout numbers causes me to raise an eyebrow.  This indicates, that his stuff is not yet consistent as he fools hitters one start and draws a lot of contact the next.  MLB hitters will pounce on mistakes, especially through the middle innings after they have seen him for an AB or two.

All told, he reminds me of Michael Bowden; a talented pitcher with good command and the ability to rack up strings of 6-7 innings on a regular basis.  Like Bowden, McDonald’s future is as a solid mid-rotation starter who can win 12-15 games every season.  Unlike Bowden, the hype for McDonald is not nearly what it could or, perhaps, should be.  McDonald has yet to have a card issued by a major manufacturer, but keep your eyes peeled for late 2008 offerings (Bowman Sterling?) and early 2009.

8/26 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 27, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Read the First Comment

AA is far and away my favorite level to prospect as it seems that the best prospects congregate there and give you the best glimpse of who is real deal and what they project to do at the major league level.  Lots of “real deals” had nice performances last night.

Zack Daeges

• 3-4 3 RBI 2B 2R SB(3)—.324 HR 10 RBI last 10 games (hits when healthy)

Josh Reddick

• 1-3 HR(23) 2 RBI—.323 23 HR 91 RBI 14 SB 88 R over 3 levels

Argenis Diaz

• 3-4 HR(2) RBI 3R—.304 2 HR 20 RBI in 33 games at Portland

Jose Tabata

• 1-4 HR(7) RBI—.400 2 HR 6 RBI 4 SB 10 R last 10 games

Fernando Martinez

• 2-4 R RBI BB—.287 7 HR 38 RBI 6 SB in 80 games at Binghamton

Chris Tillman

• 6 IP 4H 2BB 8K (W)—3-0 0 ER 23K/5BB in last 3 outings (get a Bowman Auto now)

Nolan Reimold

• 2-5 2HR(22) 3 RBI—.283 22 HR 78 RBI 82 R 60 BB (September MLB debut?)

Jeremy Hellickson

• 5 IP 6H ER 3BB 9K (W)—Not struggling anymore at AA (4-2 2.82 ERA 67K/61IP)

Brandon Allen

• 1-4 HR(27) RBI—5 HR 7 RBI 7 R last 7 games (may replace Paul Konerko at 1B soon)

Andrew Lambo

• 1-4 HR(16) 3 RBI—2nd game at Jacksonville (just turned 20 yrs. old)

\Russ Mitchell

• 1-4 HR(16) 3 RBI—.282 5 HR 13 RBI 8 R last 10 games

Scott Elbert

• IP 3K—3-0 1.46 ERA 20K/12IP 5H (Will his future role be in the 8th or 9th inning?)

Jesus Guzman

• 1-4 HR(17) RBI—Hot again .395 2 HR 11 RBI last 10 games

Kyle Blanks

• 2-4 R RBI—Sizzling .439 3 HR 20 RBI 18 H last 10 games

Drew Sutton

• 2-4 HR(19) 2 RBI 2R BB—.382 2 HR 5 RBI 9 R 13BB/4K last 10 games

Brian Bogusevic

• 2-5 RBI—Pitching career may be bogus, but bat is real (.343 4 HR 23 RBI 8 SB in 47 games)

BUY/SELL Analysis

4-1 2.40 ERA .157 BAA in '08

Scott Elbert was one of the hottest pitching prospects in all of baseball in 2007 before a torn labrum ended his season after just 3 starts.  Elbert came back in June and has thrown in 25 games this season as a mid to late inning RP.  The lefty Elbert is still electrifying, pounding the strike zone with a lively 94-97 MPH fastball and a two-zone curveball that is his out pitch.  Elbert is a fiery competitor who has all the makings of a top flight closer within the next couple seasons.  Elbert has several cards in the 2004 products with autographs in Bowman Sterling, SP Prospects, Donruss Elite Extra, and Fleer Hot Prospects.  His base cards are also in great abundance in products like Bowman Draft and Chrome, Bowman Heritage, and Topps Traded and Chrome.  With so many products available, it is easy to see that prices vary.  Autographs can be had for as low as $5 (Donruss Elite) to as high as $25 (SP Prospects).  Base cards are difficult to find in bulk right now, but singles can be attained for 75 cents to $1 each.

Market Advice: Elbert is a prospect fraught with uncertainties.  What will his eventual role be? Will his role as a RP increase his chances to be healthy?, Will he dominate at the MLB level like he does now?  The risk/reward factor for pitching prospects is high and for injury-prone RP’s it is even higher.  In light of these observations, I cannot endorse buying Elbert’s cards unless you get them for well under the above mentioned prices, but I do think that it would be wise to HOLD his cards (especially autos) if you have them.  He is close to making an MLB debut and has the potential to make some early waves a la Max Scherzer.  If you have his cards, get them scanned and ready to SELL on Ebay if he gets an MLB call up in September.