6/30 High-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 2, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Sorry for getting this one out late. My son is out of school for the summer which limits my online time significantly.  I have lit the candle, though and it is currently burning at both ends.  This should keep me up later each night to try and get more work done after the family goes to bed.

We’ll see.

As for the High-A action, Thomas Neal and Angel Villalona each had three hits and drove in three runs for the San Jose Giants.  Neal has hit the tar out of the ball this season, hitting .349 with 13 HR 49 RBI 22 doubles and 53 runs scored this season.  June was a banner month for Neal as he hit .414 with 6 of his HR during that time.  The 22 year old rightfielder has the most power in the Giants organization of any prospect not named Angel Villalona.  His plate discipline is sound and he makes good contact at the plate, but I would really like to see what this guy can do at the AA ranks.  The California League, as I have long maintained, is a very hitter friendly environment while the Eastern League (home of San Fran’s AA affiliate Connecticut) tends to favor pitching.  Somehow I think the .349 average is flukish and that his numbers should more closely resemble last season’s .279 mark.  Regardless that average, mixed with 25-30 HR power, should make him a highly intriguing prospect once his first year cards surface on the eBay market.

Angel Villalona has been hovering below the radar this season as many other San Jose Giants like Madison Bumgarner, Tim Alderson, Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, and the aforementioned Thomas Neal have all garnered more attention.  Still, the 18 year old 1st Baseman has put up a solid showing at High-A ball, hitting .271 with 9 HR 39 RBI and 41 runs scored.  Plate discipline and pitch recognition continues to be a sore spot for Angel as his 9 BB/66 K ratio vehemently testifies.  He will never be a low strikeout guy, and chances are he won’t walk a ton either, but his ability to more closely match those numbers will speak volumes to just how high his ceiling will be.  A full season at San Jose would best behoove Villalona developmentally as would some work in a winter league.

High-A Player of the Day Tyler Henson blasted two homers yesterday, driving in three runs.  The Baltimore Orioles’ 3B prospect first popped up on my radar this past winter when he paced the Hawaiian Winter League in runs scored, doubles and bases on balls.  Unfortunately, he also finished second in strikeouts and committed nine errors at the hot corner.  Henson has tons of athleticism that he uses well on the basepaths and his 6-1 190 lb. frame indicates that he should be a 12-15 HR hitter at the major league level.  This season with Frederick, Henson has struggled to make consistent contact at the plate, striking out 83 times while walking 23 times.  This has contributed to his lackluster .246 batting average and anemic .310 OBP.  He’s still driving the ball well to the gaps, hitting 19 doubles, and his 12 SB this season indicates that he is on track for his third consecutive 20 SB season.  The O’s don’t have a whole lot of depth within their organization at 3B as Billy Rowell has moved to the other side of the diamond, Mike Costanzo is a perennial disappointment, and Tyler Kolodny is having a so-so season at Low-A Delmarva.  There is ample opportunity for the 21 year old former SS prospect to make some moves up the organization’s depth chart if he can turn some of his exciting tools into more consistent skills.

High-A Player of the Day—TYLER HENSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Julian Perez—2-5 2R RBI SB(5)
• P.J. Phillips—3-4 HR(6) RBI 2R
• Trayvon Robinson—1-3 HR(10) 2 RBI
• James Darnell—1-4 HR(9) 3 RBI
• Sawyer Carroll—2-4 3B 2R RBI
• Tyson Gillies—4-6 2R 3 SB(21)
• Carlos Peguero—3-4 2 HR(18) 5 RBI 3R
• Alex Liddi—3-5 2 2B 3R RBI SB(7)
• James McOwen—2-5 Hr(4) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Brandon Barnes—2-4 Hr(8) 3 RBI 2R
• Jermaine Mitchell—3-4 2 2B 3B 3R RBI BB
• Thomas Neal—3-5 2 2B 3B 3 RBI 2R
• Angel Villalona—3-5 3 RBI R
• Brian Bocock—2-4 2B 3R 3 RBI BB
• Darren Ford—3-4 3R 3B
• Jason Kaase—3-5 2B R
• Ollie Linton—3-6 2 RBI
• Jesus Sucre—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B
• Michael Burgess—2-5 2B 3B RBI
• Seth Rooney—3-4 3 2B 2 RBI BB
• Brent Morel—4-5 HR(10 3 RBI 2R SB(17)
• Tyler Kuhn—4-4 2R 3B RBI
• Tyler Henson—2-4 2 HR(6) 3 RBI 2R
• Mike Moustakas—3-3 2B RBI BB
• Derrick Robinson—2-5 2B 2R
• Pedro Florimon Jr.—2-3 2 2B 2R RBI
• Tim Federowicz—2-5 HR(11) RBI 2R
• Yamiaco Navarro—3-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B
• Che Hsuan Lin—2-4 3B 3R 3 RBI BB
• Jason Place—2-5 2 2B R RBI
• Jordy Mercer—1-4 3B R 2 RBI
• Greg Burns—2-3 2 2B R RBI BB 2 SB(20)
• Matt Dominguez—1-4 HR(5) 3 RBI

Pitching:

• Ryan Morris—5 IP 3H ER 3 BB 7K

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)

5/7 Low-A Minor League Report

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

Yesterday was a nice day for young moundsmen in the Low-A levels.  Atlanta’s young southpaw Brett DeVall thew five shutout innings, striking out six and outdueling Houston’s young righty Jordan Lyles.  Lyles, himself, was no slouch though as he gave up one run over seven innings while striking out eight.  Red Sox prospect Bryan Price gave up one unearned run on two hits over six innings, racking up eight strikeouts, and Matt Latos looked sharp in his second outing giving up just two hits and two walks in 5.2 innings.  Offensively, catcher Tim Federowicz hit his fifth dinger and Angels offensive wrecking ball Roberto Lopez hit his first HR of the season, as did Cutter Dykstra.

Today’s top prospect is Royals former ‘06 draft and follow Nick Van Stratten.  The 23 year old outfielder was 4-6 with his first HR and seven RBI.  Van Stratten had a solid debut season with Burlington last season hitting .345 with a HR 18 RBI and 5 SB in 40 games.  Van Stratten doesn’t profile to be a major contributor at the major league level and it is puzzling as to why the Royals held him back despite his high level of success last season.

Low-A Player of the Day—NICK VAN STRATTEN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Gerardo Rodriguez—2-4 HR(6) RBI
• Jacob Kaase—1-3 HR(2) 3 RbI BB
• Chris Nash—2-3 2 2B 2R 5 RBI 2 BB
• Donnie Webb—2-4 3R 2 SB(11)
• Abner Abreu—3-5 2 2B R 4 RBI
• Tim Federowicz—2-6 HR(5) RBI 2R
• Michael Almanzar—3-6 R
• Sean Ratliff—2-6 2B 2R RBI
• David Adams—2-3 R 2 BB
• Xavier Avery—3-4 2 3B 2R SB(7)
• Joe Mahoney—2-4 2B RBI SB(8)
• Roberto Lopez—3-4 HR(1) RBI 2 2B 3R
• Reynaldo Navarro—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Victor Estevez—1-3 HR(1) 4 RBI 2R
• Kyle russell—1-3 HR(6) RBI BB 2R
• Jaff Decker—1-2 HR(2) RBI BB
• Nick Van Stratten—4-6 2B HR(1) 7 RBI SB(2)
• Cutter Dykstra—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Henderson Alvarez—9 IP 4H Er BB K W (3-3)
• Mat Latos—5.2 IP 2H 2 BB 6K W (2-0)
• Matt Fairel—6 IP 4H 3 ER 10K
• Casey Crosby—5 IP H 3 BB 7K
• Jon Michael Redding—6 IP 4H 2 BB 5K W (4-1)
• Matt Moore—4.2 IP 3H Er 3 BB 9K
• Hector Noesi—4.2 IP 2H 7K (0 runs in 20.1 IP)
• Bryan Price—6 IP 2H UER 8K
• Brett DeVall—5 IP 2H BB 6K W (1-1)
• Jordan Lyles—7 IP 7H ER 8K L (1-3)
• Tyler Cloud—8IP 6H 8K W (2-2)
• Gregory Infante—6 IP 4H ErR4 BB 7K L (2-1)

4/14 Low-A Minor League Report

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

SOUTH ATLANTIC LEAGUE & MIDWEST LEAGUE

Lots of performances to note here.  Zach Collier put together a big all around game with a double, triple, two runs two RBI and his third SB.  Chase D’Arnaud and Scott Robinson both had three hits and Ronnie Welty smacked four, including his first HR.  Today’s top performer was Washington’s hot catching prospect Derek Norris, who went 3-4 with his second HR, two RBI and three runs scored.

Low-A Player of the Day—DEREK NORRIS

Other Notable Performances:

• Travis Mattair—1-1 R 2 RBI 3 BB
• Zach Collier—2-2 2B 3B 2R 2 RBI BB SB(3)
• Tyler Cloud—6 Ip 4h 3 Er 2 BB 5K W(1)
• Ronnie Welty—4-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Xavier Avery—2-5 RBI
• Greg Miclat—3-5 2R
• Derek Norris—3-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 3R BB
• Chris Curran—2-4 BB R
• Tim Federowicz—2-5 2B R BB
• Peter Hissey—2-5 BB
• Brock Huntzinger—5 Ip 4H ER 3K
• Fabian Williamson—4.2 IP H 2 BB 3K
• Armando Zerpa—4.1 IP 0H 2K
• Cliff Springston—7 IP 2H UER 3K
• Wilmer Flores—2-5 R
• Eric Campbell (Mets)—1-3 2 RBI BB
• Sean Ratliff—1-4 R 2 RBI
• Jeffry Marte—1-4 3B RBI
• Gerardo Rodriguez—3-4 SB(1)
• Yeliar Castro—3-4 SB(1)
• Eric Beaulac—4 IP 2H BB 5K RBI R
• Anthony Scelfo—3-5 RBI R
• Quincy Latimore—2-4 3B 2R BB
• Chase D’Arnaud—3-4 2B RBI
• Calvin Anderson—3-4 2B 2R RBI
• Paul Gran—2-4 2B 2R RBI BB
• Scott Robinson—3-5 2 2B 4R SB(1)
• Jordan Pacheco—2-3 2 RBI BB
• James Cesario—3-5 2B R SB(1)
• Joseph Massey—2-4 2 RBI BB
• Andy Garcia—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2B 2R
• Gregory Infante—6 IP 3H BB 2K W(1)
• Kyle Greenwalt—5 IP 4H ER 2K L(1)
• Eric Surkamp—5 IP 3H ER BB 9K
• Brett Marshall—6 IP 2H UER 2 BB K
• Pat Venditte—2 IP H 5K W(1)
• Anthony Scelfo—3-5

4/12 Low-A Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 13, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

At last!  I am able to cover the action from the South Atlantic and Midwest Leagues.  The Sally League played last night, but the Midwest had only one game on their schedule.  We’ll start with the Midwest and cover their Saturday results.  Eric Hosmer had a couple of hits as did Blake Tekotte.  Drew Cumberland blasted a double and triple while driving in two and scoring twice.  On the bump, Dodgers young star Ethan Martin threw a gem allowing just two hits over five shutout innings and the Mariners’ Aaron Pribinac was even more effective allowing one hit and one walk over six innings, striking out five.

Midwest League Player of the Day—AARON PRIBINAC

Other Notable Performances:

• Billy Nowlin—2-3 2B RBI R
• Mauricio Robles—5 IP 2H BB 8K W(1)
• Sawyer Carroll—1-4 2B 2 RBI
• Blake Tekotte—1-3 2R 2 BB
• Drew Cumberland—3-4 2B 3B 2 RBI 2R BB
• Allan Dykstra—1-3 2R 2 BB
• Simon Castro—4.1 IP H 5 BB 3K
• Michael Marseco—1-2 2B R 2 BB SB(1)
• Nick Romero—2-4 R BB SB(1)
• Tyson Auer—2-5 2B 2R HR(1) RBI SB(3)
• Bobby Lanigan—5 IP 3H 2 ER 2 BB 5K
• Devaris Gordon-Strange—1-4 R SB(2)
• Austin Gallagher—2-4 RBI
• Ethan Martin—5 IP 2H 2 BB 4K W(1)
• Curtis Partch—5 IP 7H 2 ER 6K L(1)
• Maximo Mendez—2-4 3B R
• Luis Cota—5 IP 3H ER 2 BB 8K L(1)
• Aaron Pribinac—6 IP H BB 5K W(1)
• Eric Hosmer—2-4 2B
• Dusty Coleman—1-3 R 2 BB
• Ryan Flaherty—2-4 R BB
• Chris Archer—3 IP 0H 4 BB 5K

In the Sally League, Anthony Rizzo belted his first HR of ‘09 as did Travis D’Arnaud.  Michael Almanzar had two RBI and big Joe Mahoney had an even bigger day going 4-5 with a triple, six RBI and two stolen bases.  However, his career day was not enough to unseat Rockies first rounder Christian Friedrich who tossed six one-hit innings walking two and striking out nine en route to his first win of the new season.

South Atlantic League Player of the Day—CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH

Other Notable Performances:

• Steven Souza—2-4 2 RBI R BB
• Stephen Englund—1-3 2B R 2 RBI 2 BB
• Joe Mahoney—4-5 3B R 6 RBI 2 SB(3)
• Ronnie Welty—3-5 2B 3R RBI BB
• Travis D’Arnaud—1-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Charlie Culberson—2-4 3R
• Josh Mazzola—3-4 2 RBI 2R BB
• Wilmer Flores—2-5 2B R
• Jacob Jeffries—2-4 R
• Jeremy Beckham—2-4
• Mike Sheridan—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Carlos Pimentel—6 IP 7H 2 ER 6K
• Edward Martinez—1-2 2B 2 RBI R
• Michael Bianucci—1-3 2B 2 RBI R
• Anthony Rizzo—2-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Tim Federowicz—1-4 HR(2) 3 RBI BB
• Oscar Tejeda—2-5 2R
• David Mailman—2-5 R
• Michael Almanzar—1-3 2 RBI
• Mitch Dening—2-4 R
• Peter Hissey—2-4 R
• Casey Kelly—5 IP 4H BB 4K W(1)
• Joeseph Massey—2-4 R RBI
• Carlos Martinez—2-4 R
• Christian Friedrich—6 IP H 2 BB 9K W(1)
• Garrison Lassiter—3-4
• David Phelps—5.2 IP 3H 4K W(1)