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

10/19 Arizona Fall League Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 20, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | 2 Comments to Read

Domonic Brown hit his second HR of the season while the potent middle of Phoenix’s lineup (Josh Bell, Brandon Snyder, and Grant Desme) continue to punish the ball with multi hit games.  Brandon Erbe looked good in his AFL debut (2 IP 2K) and Reds OF prospect Chris Heisey hit his second HR.

Today’s top prospect is red hot Detroit Tigers 2B prospect Scott Sizemore.  Already three HR’s into his season, Sizemore logged in with a 3-4 day at the plate with two doubles and four RBI.  Sizemore now has a league leading 9 RBI and is hitting .375 through his first four games.  The 24 year old infielder had a breakout season splitting time between AA Erie and AAA Toledo, hitting .308 with 17 HR 66 RBI 21 SB 88 runs and 39 doubles.  Sizemore’s AFL season should factor greatly in shaping Detroit’s offseason plans when it comes to re-signing free agent Placido Polonco.   Sizemore’s ability to step into the role would allow the Tigers to save $5-6 next season to allocate to other need areas.  Sizemore has only one rookie card, an autograph in the 2007 Bowman Heritage set, to date.  His hot start in the AFL has garnered some attention for the card as it currently sits at $7-9 and is only intermittently listed on eBay at this time.

AFL Player of the Day—SCOTT SIZEMORE

Other AFL Performances:

  Scottsdale Scorpions 7

• Pedro Ciriaco Jr.—2-5 2B R RBI
• Domonic Brown—2-5 HR(2) RBI
• Brandon Allen—2-5 2B 2 RBI
• Thomas Neal—1-2 2B R 2 RBI 2 BB SB(2)
• Joe Martinez—3 IP 3H ER BB 3K W (1-0)

  Surprise Rafters 3

• Ruben Tejada—2-4 2 2B
• MItch Moreland—2-4 2B R
• Jeff Bianchi—2-4 BB

  Peoria Javelinas 8

• Scott Sizemore—3-4 2 2B R 4 RBI
• Dayan Viciedo—1-5 2 RBI
• Jordan Danks—1-1 HR(1) RBI BB
• Lorenzo Cain—0-3 3R 2 BB SB(2)
• Scot Drucker—3 IP 3H K W (1-0)

  Mesa Solar Sox 1

• Chris Parmelee—3-4 2 2B R
• Ryan Kalish—2-4 RBI

  Phoenix Desert Dogs  6

• Josh Bell—4-5 2B 3B 3R RBI
• Grant Desme—3-5 2B R
• Brandon Snyder—2-5 2B R
• Adam Loewen—1-4 HR(1) 3 RBI BB
• Brandon Erbe—2 IP 2K
• Mickey Storey—2 IP H 4K
• Drew Storen—IP H 2K

  Peoria Saguaros  2

• Nick Weglarz—3-4 2B
• Jason Castro—1-3 R BB
• Chris Heisey—1-4 HR(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)

7/19 AAA Minor League Report

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

Cameron Maybin went 4-4 yesterday with two doubles and two runs scored.  Since his demotion to New Orleans in mid-May, Maybin has been spectacular hitting .345 with 3 HR 23 RBI five triples and seven stolen bases in 55 games.  Plate discipline did Maybin in during his time with the Marlins, but he’s had much better success with the Zephyrs walking 26 times versus 38 K’s.  Despite his stratospheric power potential, Maybin has not developed as a middle of the order hitter yet.  At just 22 years old, there’s plenty of reason to believe that it will develop.  I am encouraged by his high line drive rates that he has posted since being sent down.  Over the last month, Maybin’s line drive rates have hovered at around 28 percent.  For a guy that has been criticized in the past for hitting too many groundballs, this is an marked improvement, giving further evidence that he is getting better leverage out of his swing.

Maybin has an assortment of first year autos from the various Bowman sets that are currently hovering in the $15-20 range—about 40 percent below their Opening Day totals.  Maybin is playing his way back into the Marlins’ lineup and will likely perform better in his next go around.  Current Marlins RF Jeremy Hermida’s name has been bantied around in trade rumors and after being swept by the Phillies over the weekend, the team’s trade deadline dial may have been shifted from “BUY” to “SELL”.  If a spot opens in the Marlins’ OF, Maybin is definitely the first name to be recalled.

Michael Bowden made a successful return from the DL yesterday by tossing five no-hit innings for Pawtuckett, walking four and striking out five.  Like Hermida, Bowden’s name has been bantied about in trade rumors both this season and last as a key prospect in bringing a final piece for the Red Sox’s title run.  Bowden’s numbers in June were terrible (1-2 6.28 ERA and 8 HR allowed in 28.2 IP) but he seems to have things working well in July allowing just one earned run in two starts.  He’s not been sharp with his control during that stretch, walking a batter an inning, but history has proven that he typically has good command of his pitches.  I have long maintained that he is not a future staff ace, rather a mid-rotation innings eater in the mold of Jeff Suppan.  Developmentally, he’s blocked by too much talent ahead of him and a pennant race in Boston, but should be an immediate callup if he gets shipped to a different organization.

Today’s top player is a back to back selection.  Allen Craig blasted two HR’s yesterday and drove in four runs raising his average to .275 and giving him 11 HR and 40 RBI on the season.  The spike in power (he hit a homerun on Saturday as well) seems to be a direct result of a more aggressive approach at the plate.  He’s walking less and striking out more often over the last 10 games (2 BB/10 K).  This was also an issue during May where he had his best power month.  While swatting 4 HR and 12 RBI, Allen also compiled a dismal 5 BB/30 K’s.  He’s shown in the past that he can meld power with plate discipline which gives me hope that he can do it again. 

AAA Player of the Day—ALLEN CRAIG

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Brian Duglach—3-4 2B R
• Scott Sizemore—1-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Alcides Escobar—2-4 R SB(35)
• Brendan Katin—2-3 HR(20) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Allen Craig—2-4 2 HR(11) 4 RBI 2R
• Mario Lisson—1-4 HR(9) 3 RBI
• Eric Young Jr.—3-4 2R SB(50)
• Eric Patterson—3-4 HR(9) RBI 3R 2B
• Daric Barton—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI
• Brandon Allen—1-3 HR(12) RBI
• Sean Rodriguez—1-4 3B RBI
• Trevor Plouffe—2-4 HR(7) RBI
• Drew Stubbs—2-5 2B 2 SB(35)
• Chris Valaika—2-5 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Cameron Maybin—4-4 2 2B 2R BB
• Gaby Sanchez—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI 2R
• Jai Miller—1-4 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Jovanny Rosario—3-5 3R 3B RBI
• Chin-Lung Hu—2-4 3 RBI
• Julio Borbon—3-4
• Yorandy Ramirez—3-4 RBI
• Matt Tuiasosopo—1-4 HR(1) RBI

Pitching:

• Andrew Carpenter—7 IP 3H ER BB 8K
• Brandon Hynick—6 IP 5H 2 ER 2 BB 3K
• Michael Bowden—5 IP OH 4 BB 5K

7/16 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 17, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Wow, I go away for a week and return to a bevy of changes.  Chicago White Sox 1B prospect Brandon Allen was traded to the Diamondbacks for relief pitcher Tony Pena Jr. and the promising trifecta of Michael Taylor, Tyler Flowers, and Buster Posey all made their AAA debuts last night.  Taylor and Posey were hitless in their four AB’s, but Flowers hit his 1st HR for the Charlotte Knights in his debut.

The influx of talent back into the AAA ranks makes it an interesting level to report on once again.  A battle for future Texas Rangers 1B duties is taking place between former 1B Chris Davis and future All-Star Justin Smoak.  Currently, the recently demoted Davis is winning the battle handily, hitting .364 with 1 HR and 7 RBI for Oklahoma City in 8 games.  He has cut back on his K’s and seems to be working on taking more walks.  After a dreadful 17 BB/117 K showing, this is positive news.  Meanwhile, Justin Smoak has had trouble adjusting to his AAA promotion, hitting just .139 with 1 HR and 3 RBI in his first 10 games, but his four hits in the last three games and 7 BB/9 K ratio shows promise of better numbers to come.  Davis has been playing at 3B since being sent down and all indications point to Justin Smoak being the front runner as next year’s regular 1B.  Where does that leave Davis?  The Rangers are in playoff contention for the first time in a long time and are assuredly looking for another arm for their rotation.  There haven’t been any definitive rumors of dealing Davis at this point, but the value that a 23 year old, left-handed hitter with 30+ HR power is certainly intriguing.  Davis could also return next season as the Rangers’ DH.  Both Andruw Jones and Hank Blalock have performed admirably in the role this season, but the price tags for each of them are considerably higher than Davis’ MLB minimum pay.  The Rangers are a team in financial turmoil and cutting payroll will be a popular offseason activity for sure.  Regardless of Davis’ future, the key for him right now is that he rediscovers his pitch recognition and adjusts his approach to the ball.  He seems to be a kid with excellent makeup who has taken well to the demotion and is working earnestly to make his way back to the big leagues.

Today’s top AAA prospect is St. Louis Cardinals 3B/1B/OF prospect Allen Craig.  The former University of California standout went 3-5 yesterday with a double, triple and three runs scored.  I was high on Craig as a sleeper this past offseason, as his first year cards in the 2006 Bowman Draft and Chrome set were selling for next to nothing.  His numbers at Memphis have been solid this season (.270 8 HR 32 RBI 34 runs scored), but not to the levels of his AA numbers from a year ago.  While he’s not been able to duplicate his power numbers or OBP numbers, he still remains a solid future role player who has the versatility to play both infield corners and outfield corners with decent offensive production.  The Cardinals don’t have any room on their roster for him to earn any considerable playing time this season, but I think that a September call up is likely.  Marketwise, Craig’s first year cards are still at rock bottom prices (a 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft Gold Refractor recently sold for just $12.50) and many active listings reside in the highly overpriced storefront areas.  I think his card values apexed in 2007 when he broke out at High-A ball, but there could be another brief spike in value if he produces during his September cup-o’-coffee or if a trade to another franchise opens up future opportunities.

AAA Player of the Day—ALLEN CRAIG

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Shelly Duncan—2-3 HR(22) 2 RBI BB
• Shelby Ford—3-5 HR92) RBI 2 2B 3R
• Steven Pearce—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI
• Danny Valencia—3-4 2B RBI
• Michael Brantley—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI BB
• Matt LaPorta—2-4 2B R
• Scott Sizemore—1-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Wilkin Ramirez—2-4 HR(10) 2 RBI
• Tyler Flowers—1-4 HR(14) RBI
• Jon Jay—2-6 2R RBI
• Allen Craig—3-5 2B 3B 3R
• Donovan Solano—2-4 2R BB
• Cole Gillespie—2-4 HR(8) RBI
• Chris Davis—2-6 2B R RBI BB
• Jose Vallejo—2-6 2B R RBI
• Joaquin Arias—3-7 R SB(10)
• Justin Smoak—2-7 2B R RBI
• Tommy Manzella—2-6 GS HR(4) 4 RBI
• Brandon Allen—1-3 HR(10) RBI BB

Pitching:

• Fabio Castro—7 IP 4H ER 2K W (6-4)
• Lucas Harrell—7 IP 2H UER 2 BB 4K W (10-4)
• Matt Maloney—6.2 IP 7H BB 8K L (6-6)

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)

5/27 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)

5/19 AA Minor League Report

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

Ahhhhh, nothing beats a hot shower after a good workout!  I am back now and ready to get back on the prospecting track.  Yesterday’s AA action saw Justin Smoak hit his 6th HR while O’s 1st Baseman Brandon Snyder and Detroit’s Scott Sizemore each hit their 7th.  Troy Patton outdueled Daniel Moskos en route to win #4 and Chicago’s Jay Jackson tossed six scoreless innings, striking out eight in a no-decision.

Today’s top youngster from the AA ranks is Philadelphia Phillies 2B prospect Brad Harman.  The former WBC Team Australia mate went 3-4 with his 4th HR, four RBI and two runs scored.  Harman has excellent pop for a second baseman, hitting 17 HR last season, and while he is not ranked as one of Philly’s top 30 prospects, he is the top second base prospect in the Phillies’ farm system.  Harman has improved his batting average considerably this year in his second AA go around, but his plate discipline and ability to work counts continues to be a struggle for him.  With Chase Utley ahead of him, there is no rush to promote the 23 year old Harman through the minor leagues, and his best opportunities down the road would be best served with another organization.

AA  Player of the Day—BRAD HARMAN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Matt Spencer—2-4 2R 3B
• Justin Smoak—2-5 HR(6) 3 RBI
• Brad Emaus—2-4 2B R
• Jose Coronado—3-3 2 2B R BB SB(3)
• Brandon Crawford—4-4 R
• Rene Tosoni—2-3 HR(5) 2 RBI 3R 2 BB
• Quentin Berry—3-5 3R
• Brad Harman—3-4 HR(4) 4 RBI BB 2B 2R
• Carlos Santana—2-4 2B RBI R
• Marvin Lowrance—2-3 2B HR(6) RBI 2R
• Luke Montz—1-3 HR(2) 4 RBI BB
• Scott Sizemore—2-4 HR(7) RBI 2R BB
• Ryan Strieby—1-4 HR(11) RBI BB
• Brandon Snyder—1-4 HR(7) 2 RBI BB
• Darwin Barney—3-5 RBI
• Kurt Mertins—4-5 3B 3 RBI
• Brian McFall—1-5 HR(5) 2 RBI 2R
• Cyle Hankerd—2-3 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Brandon Allen—2-4 2B RBI SB(1)
• Dayan Viciedo—2-3 RBI BB
• Gorkys Hernandez—3-5 R 2 RBI SB(9)
• Eric Campbell—2-3 2B RBI
• Desmond Jennings—3-4 BB SB(14)
• Rhyne Hughes—1-3 RBI 2 BB R
• Mark Hamilton—1-2 HR(6) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Todd Cruz—2-3 2 2B 2R BB
• Ryan Mount—2-4 2B RBI

Pitching:

• Luis Perez—5.1 IP 2H 5 BB 3K W (3-2)
• Josh Tomlin—6 IP 7H ER BB 8K W (5-1)
• Jordan Smith—6 IP 3H 4K W (3-0)
• Troy Patton—5 IP 5H 5K W (4-1)
• Daniel Moskos—5 IP 3H 2 ER BB 2K L (2-3)
• Jay Jackson—6 IP 7H 2 BB 8K
• Blake Johnson—6 IP 5H BB 3K W (2-3)

5/7 AA Minor League Report

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

Multiple HR performances speckled the AA landscape yesterday as a trio of Detroit Tigers farmhands took turns accomplishing the task.  First baseman Ryan Strieby hit his sixth and seventh in the first game of the double header, driving in four runs and scoring three times, while Cale Iorg hit his first two dingers in the second game of the double dip.  Iorg’s double play partner Scott Sizemore hit a homerun in each game of the double header, doubling his season totals.  In other news, Collin DeLome hit number nine, while Hank Conger, Brandon Allen, and Marvin Lowrance each hit their fourth HR’s.  On the mound, Cubs righthander Jay Jackson tossed another seven innings shutout gem, punching out 10 for his second win.  Hector Rondon moved to 5-0 and Troy Patton allowed just two hits over six victorious innings.

Today’s top player is someone who jumped onto my radar screen last season after a fast track, two level performance at Low-A Kane County and High-A Stockton, hitting .266 with 30 HR 83 RBI and 16 SB.  Corey Brown was a highly recruited two sport athlete who chose to play baseball at Oklahoma State University.  He had some difficulty with strike zone discipline (58 BB/168 K) last season, but seems to have made some strides in the early going this year.  In just 13 games, Brown is hitting a robust .435 with 4 HR 11 RBI 2 SB and 11 runs scored.  He doesn’t strike me as a high average guy, but the athleticism and adeptness in the field makes him, in my mind, a poor man’s Grady Sizemore.  He should play most or all of the season at AA this year with a likely audition for an MLB job in spring of 2010. 

AA Player of the Day—COREY BROWN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Luis Durango—2-4 2R BB SB(17)
• Justin Smoak—2-4 R
• Chad Tracy—1-4 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Josh Horton—3-3 2R RBI 2 BB
• Corey Brown—3-5 2 HR(4) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Josh Donaldson—1-3 HR(2) 3 RBI BB
• Kurt Mertins—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Collin DeLome—1-4 HR(9) RBI
• Brett Wallace—3-5
• Todd Cruz—2-4 2 2B RBI
• Hank Conger—1-4 HR(4) RBI
• Matt Mangini—2-3 2B 3 RBI
• Scott Cousins—2-4 R RBI SB(6) (Game 1)…..1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Jaime Hoffmann—2-3 2B 3B 3 RBI R
• Justin Sellers—2-2 2B 2 BB 3R SB(3)
• Darwin Barney—4-6 3 RBI R SB(2)
• Tony Thomas—3-5 2 2B 3B 2R BB (Game 1)…..2-3 2B R BB (Game 2)
• Travis Jones—3-3 2B 2 BB 2R (Game 1)…..2-3 2B (Game 2)
• Brandon Hicks—3-5 2 RBI R
• Ty Wright—3-4 2 RBI 2R
• Pedro Ciraco—3-4 R RBI SB(6)
• Mark Hallberg—2-5 2B 2 RBI
• Chris Heisey—4-5 2B HR(5) 2 RBI
• Todd Frazier—2-4 2B R
• Brandon Allen—3-4 HR(4) 2 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Dayan Viciedo—2-5 2R RBI SB(3)
• Beau Mills—2-4 R RBI
• Carlos Santana—2-3 2B RBI BB
• Brad Emaus—2-5 2B R 2 RBI
• Sean Shoffit—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Jonathan Diaz—2-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Brad Corley—2-3 3R HR(3) RBI
• Brandon Snyder—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Scott Sizemore—2-5 HR(3) RBI 2R (Game 1)…..2-4 HR(4) 2 RBI 2B
• Ryan Strieby—3-3 2 HR(7) 4 RBI 3R BB
• Marvin Lowrance—3-4 HR(4) RBI 2R
• Cale Iorg—2-3 2 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Aaron Bates—4-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Lucas Duda—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Shawn Bowman—3-4 2B RBI R

Pitching:

• Michael Antonini—6.2 IP 5H ER 2 BB 6K
• Jay Jackson—7 IP 5H BB 10K W (2-3)
• Jarrod Parker—6 IP 8H 2 ER 6K W (1-1)
• Hector Rondon—6.1 IP 3H ER BB 4K W (5-0)
• Brett Omogrosso—6 IP 2H ER 2 BB 4K W (3-0)
• Troy Patton—6 IP 2H BB 6K W (3-0)
• Will Inman—8 IP 5H 2 ER BB 5K W (3-1)
• Omar Poveda—7 IP 3H UER 2 BB K
• Jason Fernandez—8 IP 5H 2 ER 4K W (3-3)
• Dan Cortes—6 IP 5H ER 4 BB 8K
• Tyler Herron—7.1 IP 3H 2 ER BB 8K L (1-2)
• Trevor Reckling—7 IP 2H BB 7K
• Chaz Roe—6.2 IP 4H 2 ER 2 BB 4K
• Kyle Winters—4 IP 5H 3 ER 3 BB 7K
• Josh Lindblom—5 IP 3H ER BB 6K

4/16 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 18, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

TEXAS LEAGUE

Down in the Lone Star State, Angels prospects Mark Trumbo and Ryan Mount homered as did Rockies catcher Mike McKenry.  Jose Vallejo logged in a four hit day and Astros 1B prospect Mark Ori had five RBI.  The player of the day, though, was Round Rock’s OF Collin DeLome who hit his fourth HR, while driving in two and scoring three times.

Texas League Player of the Day—COLLIN DELOME

Other Notable Performances:

• Cedric Hunter—1-4 2B RBI BB
• Mitch Canham—2-4 2B R RBI
• Jose Duarte—2-4 2R 2 SB(5)
• Joe Dickerson—1-3 R RBI BB
• Brian McFall—1-4 2B 2 RBI
• Mark Trumbo—1-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Ryan Mount—1-4 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Hanley Statia—2-4 2B
• Chris Carter—1-2 3 BB SB(1)
• Josh Horton—1-4 R RBI
• Corey Brown—2-4 R
• Daryl Jones—3-4 2B R RBI
• Donovan Solano—2-5 R RBI BB
• Dan Delasco—2-6 2B 3B R 3 RBI
• Brett Wallace—1-3 2B 2R 2 BB
• Steven Hill—1-4 2R 2 RBI BB
• Jose Vallejo—4-5 3 RBI
• Marcus Lemon—2-3 3B 2R RBI BB
• Collin DeLome—2-5 HR(4) 2 RBI 3R BB
• Mark Ori—3-4 2 2B 2R 5 RBI 2 BB
• Josh Flores—1-4 2B R RBI SB(2) BB
• Drew Locke—3-5 2B 2R 3 RBI
• Mike McKenry—3-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2B R
• Darin Holcomb—2-4 2B RBI
• Polin Trinidad—6 IP 8H ER 5K W(1)

SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Oft overlooked Marlins OF prospect Bryan Peterson belted his first HR of the season and drove in three runs.  Bryan Byrne rapped four hits and Chris Heisey hit his third HR of the season, but it was Diamondbacks 1B prospect Ricardo Sosa once again earning top player honors with his 4-5 day that included his third HR and four RBI.

Southern League Player of the Day—RICARDO SOSA

Other Notable Performances:

• Ezequiel Carrera—2-5 2R
• Bryan Peterson—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Tim Torres—2-3 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• John Shelby Jr.—2-4
• Dayan Viciedo—2-4 RBI
• Tyler Flowers—1-4 3B R
• Ty Wright—2-4 R
• Blake Lali—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• James Adduci—2-4
• Hung-Wen Chen—6.1 IP
• Desmond Jennings—1-4 2B R
• Heath Rollins—6 IP 6H ER 2K W(1)
• Josh Lindblom—5 IP 3H 3 ER BB 6K L(1)
• Kala Ka’aihue—2-3 2B R BB
• Brandon Hicks—1-3 R BB
• Gorkys Hernandez—1-5 2B 2 RBI
• Scott Diamond—5 IP 3H 4 BB 5K
• Jon Lucroy—2-5 R
• Chris Heisey—2-5 HR(3) RBI 2R
• Juan Francisco—2-5 2 RBI
• Ricardo Sosa—4-5 HR(3) 4 RBI
• Evan Frey—2-4 R 2 RBI
• Bryan Byrne—4-5 HR(1) RBI 2R
• Pedro Ciriaco—2-5 3R RBI

EASTERN LEAGUE

Hits were at a premium in the Eastern region of the AA ranks.  Tigers 2B prospect Scott Sizemore didn’t have any problems though, as he racked up four hits and scored two runs.  Troy Patton won his second outing by tossing six shutout innings and Brad Lincoln continued his nice comeback surrendering an unearned run over five innings.  That sole tally proved to be too much though as he was outdueled by the Eastern League Player of the Day Alfredo Figaro.  The slender Tigers right-hander tossed a no-hitter through seven innings to extend his scoreless streak to 12.2 IP.

Eastern League Player of the Day—ALFREDO FIGARO

Other Notable Performances:

• Brad Emaus—1-3 2B R
• Luis Perez—7 IP 2H 2 BB 6K W(1)
• Ryan Mullins—5 IP 7H 2 Er 7K L(2)
• Scott Sizemore—4-4 2 2B 2R RBI BB
• Alfredo Figaro—7 IP 0H 3 BB 5K W(1)
• Brad Lincoln—5 IP 5H UER 6K L(1)
• Lars Anderson—2-4 2 2B R
• Argenis Diaz—2-4 2B 3B 2 RBI
• Josh Thole—2-4 2 2B 2R BB SB(1)
• Nick Pereira—4 IP H 3 BB 2K
• Ian Desmond—2-4 2 RBI
• Michael Daniel–1-2 HR(1) RBI
• Marvin Lowrance—2-3 HR(1) RBI
• Josh Rodriguez—2-3 BB
• Beau Mills—1-4 2B
• Troy Patton—6 IP 3H 6K W(2)
• Frank Hermann—7 IP 3H ER BB 3K L(1)