8/4 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 5, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Cincinatti Reds 3B prospect Juan Francisco hit his 20th HR yesterday, driving in two and scoring twice.  Francisco has as much power potential as anyone in the Reds’ farm system and has made big strides this season to cut back on his strikeouts.  Last year, Francisco hit 23 HR and drove in 92 runs while earning a 19 BB/123 K ratio in 127 games.  This season, Francisco has kept his power numbers up and has cut back his K rate to 88 in 100 games.  He’s only walked 19 times, but the progress at a higher level is worthy of note.  The market for Francisco’s first year cards was hot at the end of last season as several collectors anticipated him to become one of the top sluggers in the minor leagues this season.  However, a slow start and mitigable increases in his numbers has caused several prospectors to divert their funds elsewhere.  His 2008 autos in Donruss Threads (#/999) and his Donruss Elite Extra autos #/1495 can be had at $4-7 each-roughly 1/3 their values in late 2008.

Pedro Alvarez continues to be a beast at the AA level as he socked his 8th HR at Altoona and 22nd on the season.  He added two doubles and two RBI during a three hit day and raised his post-promotion average to .307.  The Pirates made more big trades at the deadline that will go a long way in overhauling a once maligned farm system.  With each trade, new opportunities sprout up for aspiring youngsters to make their mark in a major league uniform.  Alvarez will get his shot this season.  I mused in my Brian Matusz article about the market effect that would occur in his cards after his debut.  Matusz, like Alvarez, has an exclusive deal with Razor Entertainment Group which effectively limits the exposure of his cards on the eBay market. 

Matusz had a fine and victorious debut surrendering one run on six hits over five innings, walking three and striking out five Detroit Tigers.  In the hours following his performance, the prices of his ‘08 Razor autos have jumped about 30-40%.  It is nice to see that the cards are considered viable investments on the open market, but the rise in price is on par with what other larger brands would experience in similar situations.  In other words, the fact that Razor has exclusive deals with several ‘08 draftees does not, at this time, seem to have a pronounced inflationary effect on the values of their cards. 

Today’s top prospect doesn’t have a major brand card issued as of yet, but that may change soon.  Chicago White Sox RHP prospect Dan Hudson was dominant once agains yesterday, scattering three hits over six scoreless innings, striking out seven.  The dominant performance raised the former Old Dominion hurler to 7-0 since his promotion to Birmingham and gave him his 12th victory of the ‘09 season.  Hudson was ranked the 24th best prospect in the White Sox farm system by Baseball America but he’s pitched as well as anyone, including departed prospects Aaron Poreda and Dexter Carter.  Hudson has been virtually unhittable at each of the three levels he’s thrown at this season as hitters are batting a combined .191 against him.  Just as impressive is his sterling 25 BB/142 K ratio in his 123 innings of work.  Hudson has a workhorse frame (6-4 220 lb.) and features a 92-94 MPH fastball that saws off right handers and fades away from lefties.  His slider and changeup are a bit behind, but each offers good downward movement that keeps him from getting hit hard.  The vacancy left by Poreda and Carter elevates Hudson to the upper ranks of Chicago’s young arms.  Hudson will likely finish the year at AA and should be a prime candidate to pitch in the Arizona Fall League.  Keep your eyes peeled for his first year cards and snag them early as he might not gain as much post-release notoriety as he deserves.  Secondary sites like Sportsbuy.com and Beckett.com should provide excellent values for his non-autographed releases.

AA Player of the Day—DAN HUDSON

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Matt Spencer—2-4 HR(15) RBI 2B
• Darin Holcomb—2-5 HR(10) RBI 2R BB
• Mike McKenry—2-5 2B
• Ryan Harvey—3-5 HR(16) 5 RBI 2B
• Cole Garner—3-4 2B 2R RBI
• Cedric Hunter—3-5 2B RBI
• Ezequiel Carrerra—3-5 3B 2R 3 RBI SB(19)
• Andrew Lambo—1-3 2B 2 RBI
• Scott Cousins—1-2 R HRI(10) RBI 2 BB
• Juan Francisco—3-5 HR(20) 2 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Todd Frazier—2-5 R RBI
• Starlin Castro—2-4 R 2 RBI BB
• Jose Lobaton—2-3 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B
• Jason Heyward—2-3 (.422 BA at AA)
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-4 2R RBI 2 BB
• Pedro Alvarez—3-6 HR(22) 2 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Brian Friday—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI R BB
• Ryan Kalish—1-4 HR(11) RBI BB
• Jorge Jimenez—3-4 HR(12) RBI 2BB BB
• Ruben Tejada—3-4 R RBI
• Miguel Abreu—3-5 2 2B R 3 RBI
• Cale Iorg—1-4 HR(11) RBI
• Michael Bertram—2-3 HR(12) 4 RBI BB
• Brett Pill—2-5 Hr(13) 2 RBI
• Brandon Crawford—2-5 HR(10) RBI
• Carlos Santana—1-3 RBI 2 BB

Pitching:

• Dan Hudson—6 IP 3H 7K W (12-5)
• Chaz Roe—9 IP 6H 2 ER 3 BB 3K W(5-2)
• Aneury Rodriguez—6.2 IP 6H ER BB 6K W (7-10)
• Travis Banwart—7 IP 3H 2K W (7-5)

7/2 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 3, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Prior to the start of the ‘09 season, San Diego Padres 2B prospect Eric Sogard was very high on my sleepers list.  Perhaps it was his excellent first season in the California League (.308 10 HR 87 RBI 92 runs 42 doubles) or the fact that he is a former ASU Sun Devil, but I couldn’t help but compare him to ‘08 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia.  While the two share many similarities, style of play, body size and structure, plate discipline, etc., Sogard’s got a long way to go before those comparisons have any merit.  The fact remains, however, that Eric Sogard is an intriguing MLB talent.  After a slow month of May that saw him hit .212,  he bounced back nicely during the month of June by hitting .314 with 21 runs scored and 11 RBI in 24 games.  Sogard’s main competition for the 2B job with the Padres is the disappointing enigma known as Matt Antonelli.  I believe that he will leapfrog him by this point next season, perhaps into a starting job with the Padres.

Madison Bumgarner remains the top left handed pitching prospect in all of baseball, but the hype for him has cooled a little bit since his promotion to Connecticut.  Regardless, the former ‘07 1st rounder continues to tack up wins.  His seven innings of four hit, shutout ball netted him his sixth AA win and ninth overall for the season.  Bumgarner has allowed just one earned run over his last 19 innings, but the strikeout numbers have been down a little bit and his 19 BB/66 K in 74 innings is less impressive that last year’s Nintendo-like 21 BB/164 K’s in 141 innings.  Also, it seems like Bumgarner’s workload has increased over his last two outings (8 IP and 7 IP respectively).  Perhaps this is because the Giants are edging into playoff contention and the chances that Bumgarner will be called upon to pitch for San Fran in 2009 are waning.  I believe that Bumgarner can hold his own against MLB hitters right now, but holding him back until 2010 may be the more prudent move.  Watch the market for his cards.  If it dips, jump on his stuff now.  He’ll have a prominent role with the Giants in 2010.

Today’s top prospect is another southpaw, Baltimore Orioles top ‘08 draftee Brian Matusz.  his seven shutout innings marked his third consecutive dominant start at Bowie where he’s gone 3-0 with a 0.49 ERA and 6 BB/21 K in 18.1 IP.  Matusz has been flat out dominant this season going 7-2 with a 1.80 ERA in 14 starts this year.  His 27 BB/96 K ratio in 85 IP is a fine indicator that he is commanding his mid-90’s heater well while keeping hitters honest with his slider and change.  He profiles as a #2 or 3 starter for a Baltimore Orioles rotation that could soon rival that of the pennant winning O’s of 1979.

AA Player of the Day—BRIAN MATUSZ

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Carlos Santana—2-4 HR(12) 3 RBI
• Gorkys Hernandez—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Jose Tabata—1-4 HR(2) RBI SB(6)
• Brad Emaus—3-4 3R BB SB(7)
• Shawn Bowman—4-4 2B
• Desmond Jennings—1-3 R 2 BB SB(29)
• Jesus Montero—2-5 HR(13) 2 RBI
• Ryan Strieby—2-5 HR(15) 2 RBI 2R
• Brennan Boesch—2-3 HR(16) RBI 2R BB
• Alex Avila—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Zack Cozart—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI
• Todd Frazier—1-4 HR(8) RBI
• Andrew Lambo—1-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Josh Bell—2-3 2B RBI
• Pedro Ciraco—3-5 HR(2) 2 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Mark Hallberg—3-4 2B R
• Steffan Gartrell—3-4 HR(15) RBI
• Eric Sogard—2-4 HR(3) 3 RBI BB
• Logan Forsythe—2-4 R RBI BB
• Cole Garner—1-4 HR(7) RBI
• Justin Smoak–1-2 3 BB
• Mitch Moreland—1-5 HR(11) RBI 2R
• Dan Delasco—1-4 HR(8) 2 RBI BB
• Josh Donaldson—2-5 2B R RBI
• Matt Spencer—2-4 2R RBI BB

Pitching:

• Brian Matusz—7 IP 4H 2 BB 6K W (7-2)
• Hector Rondon—6 IP 4H 3 ER BB 8K L (7-5)
• Madison Bumgarner—7 IP 4H 3 BB 5K W (9-2)
• Tyler Herron—4.2 IP 4H ER 4 BB 7K
• Matt Torra—7 IP 4H Er BB 4K W (6-6)
• Chaz Roe—5.2 IP 2H 2 BB 6K W (3-1)

6/28 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 29, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Oakland A’s 1B of the future Chris Carter continues to pound the baseball, going 2-3 yesterday with his 13th HR six runs batted in and two runs scored.  I predicted at the beginning of June that Carter was due to go off on a power rampage and, suffice to say it, he has.  Over his last 100 AB, Carter is hitting .313 with 7 HR 19 RBI and a 19 BB/24 K ratio.  His improvements in his approach at the plate has resulted in a 40 point rise in batting average.  Also, Sean Doolittle’s injuries and potential move to the OF has opened the door wide for Carter to be the premier 1B prospect in Oakland’s farm system.  Jason Giambi is a one season hold over and Daric Barton offers a paper-thin resistance to Carter’s comprehensive skill set.  The A’s are desperate for offensive fire power and the 6-4 225 lb. Carter offers it in abundance.  He should make a move to AAA Sacramento at some point this summer and if Oakland continues to play last place baseball in the AL West, he should get a look at some point in September.  I expect that Chris Carter will get to continue his development at the Arizona Fall League this winter before getting a long look by the A’s this following spring. 

Today’s player de jour is the always impressive Michael Taylor of the Philadelphia Phillies organization.  The Stanford alum collected three more hits yesterday, including his 14th HR, four RBI and two runs scored.  Taylor’s banner day raised his season batting average to .342 .  He’s bound to earn a promotion soon either to AAA or, perhaps, to Philly.  The eBay market for Taylor’s cards has been red hot as of late with his ‘07 Bowman Chrome Draft cards selling at $2.00-2.50 each and his ‘08 Donruss Elite autos (#/720) ranging between $20-25 each.  There is quite a bit of room for all of Taylor’s cards to grow.  His blend of power, speed, plate discipline and batting average and his athletic 6-6 250 lb. frame spells S-U-C-C-E-S-S at the major league level.

AA Player of the Day—MICHAEL TAYLOR

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Chris Carter—2-3 HR(13) 6 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Adrian Cardenas—3-4 3R 2 BB SB(6)
• Matt Sulentic—3-6 2R 3 SB(16)
• Josh Donaldson—1-2 R 3 BB
• Matt Spencer—2-5 HR(13) 2 RBI
• Eric Sogard—2-5 2R
• Logan Forsythe—2-4 3B RBI R BB
• Tim Smith—3-4 2B 2 RBI BB R
• Mitch Moreland—2-5 2B RBI R
• Michael Taylor—3-4 HR(14) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Jesus Montero—2-4 HR(9) RBI
• Jose Tabata—1-3 2B 2R RBI BB SB(5)
• Jim Negrych—2-4 2 RBI R SB(4)
• John Shelby Jr.—2-3 2B 3B 2 RBI 2 BB R SB(10)
• Dayan Viciedo—2-3 2 2B 2R BB
• Todd Frazier—1-4 HR(7) 2 RBI
• Sean Henry—2-4 HR(9) 2 RBI
• Andrew Lambo—3-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Eric Campbell—2-3 3B 2 RBI
• Desmond Jennings—2-4 2R RBI BB SB(28)
• Bryan Petersen—3-5 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Darin Holcomb—2-3 2B R BB
• Tyler Henry—3-4 HR(6) RBI 2R
• Hank Conger—2-5 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Mark Trumbo—2-4 2B RBI
• Danny Worth—2-4 2B 2R BB
• Casper Wells—2-5 2B 3B
• Michael Daniel—2-5 R (Game 1)…..3-5 R (Game 2)
• Leonard Davis—2-5 HR(11) 3 RBI BB
• Rene Tosoni—3-4 2B R BB

Pitching:

• Michael Stutes—7 IP 5H 2 ER BB 3K W (5-4)
• Charles Shirek—7 IP 8H ER BB 2K W (10-2)
• Kyle Parker—7 IP 4H Er 2 BB 4K
• Ryne Reynoso—7.2 IP 6H Er 2 BB 6K W (5-4)
• Travis Wood—7 IP 5H 2 ER BB 4K
• Kasey Kiker—6 IP 4H 6K

6/2 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 3, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Yesterday was a day for top pitching prospects to strut their stuff in the AA ranks.  BoSox import Junichi Tazawa tossed seven quality innings, allowing a couple of runs and earning his 6th victory.  Baltimore Orioles lefty Jake Arrieta did even better by punching out nine and allowing two runs over 6.2 innings for his 5th win.  San Fran’s Tim Alderson allowed two runs over eight innings but lost and Dodgers youngster Josh Lindblom outdueled Arizona’s Jarrod Parker for his third win.

As good as the pitching was yesterday, not every AA hitter’s bat was silenced.  Philly’s Michael Taylor hit his 10th HR as did Cincy’s 3B prospect Juan Francisco.  Cleveland Indians top prospect Carlos Santana hit his 8th and 9th dingers while driving in three, and the group of Brandon Allen, Todd Frazier, Josh Bell,  and Quentin Berry each rapped three hits.

Top honors for the day go to Chicago White Sox OF prospect John Shelby Jr.  The son of former Baltimore Orioles and L.A. Dodgers catalyst John “T-Bone” Shelby went 4-5 with his 5th HR and five RBI.  “Treybone” got off to a somewhat slow start this year and struggled through the month of May, hitting just .200.  However, he has looked like a 5-tool talent over the last 10 games, hitting .308 with 2 HR 10 RBI and 7 runs scored.  Last season, Shelby hit .295 with 15 HR 80 RBI and 33 SB at High-A Winston-Salem.  He also amassed over 35 doubles and 80 runs for the second consectuive season. 

Critics of Shelby, point to his struggles with his plate discipline (22 BB/98 K in ‘08) as a potential pitfall to his progress as a prospect.  However, he has made significant strides through the first two months, having already walked 21 times vs. just 31 K’s.  An upward shift in his plate discipline could revive thoughts of Shelby being a bonafide top of the order hitter for the White Sox.  He is already an excellent defensive centerfielder and his blend of power and speed is always intriguing. 

The Sox have a pleasant dilemma, however, as ‘08 draftee Jordan Danks has looked spectacular as a CF candidate as well.  The younger and more projectible Danks has bested Shelby’s numbers across the board this season and seems to be on a fast track to U.S. Cellular Field, perhaps by the end of this season. 

What does this mean for Shelby?  Perhaps a trade….as the Sox have already tried to make a move for more pitching by putting together a deal for Jake Peavy.  Although that deal fell through, it did demonstrate that Sox GM Kenny Williams is holding fast to his reputation of being an aggressive wheeler and dealer.  It could also mean nothing, as Danks has been mainly playing LF since his promotion to Birmingham.  Jermaine Dye’s contract is set to expire and Danks has the arm strength and size to be an everyday rightfielder.  Also, everyday leftfielder and frequent DL denizen Carlos Quentin seems to be a better fit as a DH once Jim Thome departs. 

Center field in Chicago’s south side has been a morass of mediocrity since the days of Aaron Rowand, but both Shelby and Danks seem to be excellent candidates who can each provide solidarity to the position within the next season or so.  I think that the next couple of months will tell us a great deal about the Sox plans for both Shelby and Danks going forward and each should have a much more definitive major league role once Spring Training 2010 rolls around.

AA Player of the Day—JOHN SHELBY JR.

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Lucas Duda—2-4 HR(3) RBI 2B
• Mark Wagner—1-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Aaron Bates—2-4 2B RBI
• Brett Pill—2-3 2 2B RBI
• Beau Mills—2-4 2B BB R
• Carlos Santana—2-4 2 HR(9) 3 RBI 2R
• Nick Weglarz—2-3 2B R BB
• Quentin Berry—3-5 R
• Michael Taylor—1-4 HR(10) RBI 2R BB
• Jim Negrych—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Ryan Strieby—2-4 2B RBI BB
• Gorkys Hernandez—1-3 2b R
• Josh Bell—3-4 RBI
• Todd Frazier—3-5 2B
• Juan Francisco—1-4 HR(10) RBI
• Jordan Danks—2-5 R RBI
• Tyler Flowers—2-5 2R RBI BB
• Brandon Allen—3-5 3R
• Dayan Viciedo—2-6 R
• John Shelby Jr.—4-5 HR(5) 5 RBI 2R
• Tyler Green—1-4 2B 2R 3 RBI

Pitching:

• Travis Wood—6 IP 3H BB 6K
• Josh Lindblom—5 IP 3H 4K W (3-3)
• Jarrod Parker—6 IP 5H 2 ER 4 BB 4K L (4-2)
• Kyle Parker—7 IP 2H 2 BB 2K W (2-2)
• Kyle Cofield—7 IP 2H BB 3K W (4-2)
• Tim Alderson—8 IP 6K 2 ER 3K L (2-1)
• Jake Arrieta—6.2 IP 5H 2 ER 3 BB 9K  W (5-3)
• Junichi Tazawa—7 IP 5H 2 ER 3K W (6-3)

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)

5/12 AA Minor League Report

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

Toronto Blue Jays 1B David Cooper hit his second HR of the season and Michael Taylor added his fifth.  Dayan Viciedo rapped four hits to raise his season average to .239 and Travis Wood and Trevor Reckling each surrendered just one run over seven innings en route to victories.

Today’s top AA player is Boston’s latest Japanese import Junichi Tazawa.  The 22 year old tossed six innings of three hit ball allowing just one unearned run and striking out seven for his fourth win.  Tazawa has been solid during his first season of ball in the U.S. as he has collected a 4-2 record with a 2.82 ERA and 12 BB/35 K through his first 38 innings.  Tazawa is small in stature with a decent, but not eye-popping, fastball that varies between 89-92 MPH.  His slider and curveball both are MLB-plus pitches and those who have witnessed his forkball see it as being a potentially devastating strikeout pitch.  The Sox are so loaded with pitchers in their system that the chances of Tazawa breaking the rotation will be, at best, remote.  He should get a look at AAA Pawtucket at some point this season, though, with a chance to crack the rotation in 2010.

AA Player of the Day—JUNICHI TAZAWA

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Chris Carter—2-5 2R SB(3)
• Josh Donaldson—3-4 2R RBI BB
• Josh Horton—3-4 2R RBI BB
• Corey Brown—1-4 2 RBI BB SB(3)
• Whit Robbins—3-3 HR(4) 2 RBI BB
• Jordan Parraz—1-4 HR(2) RBI BB
• Cole Garner—2-3 2B 2 RBI BB
• David Cooper—2-3 HR(2) RBI 2R
• Michael Taylor—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Brian Friday—2-5 2B 2R
• Brandon Snyder—2-3 R RBI BB
• Justin Tucker—3-5 2 RBI R 2 SB(10)
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-4 2 2B 2R
• Josh Bell—2-3 2B R RBI BB
• Jon Still—1-4 3B 3 RBI BB
• Reid Engel—3-5 HR(2) RBI SB(1)
• Chris Heisey—3-5 2B 2R RBI
• Zack Cozart—2-6 RBI 2B
• Todd Frazier—2-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Eric Eymann—3-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Dayan Viciedo—4-5 2 2B R
• Tyler Flowers—1-3 R 2 BB
• Jordan Danks—2-5 2B R
• Brandon Allen—2-5 2B R 2 RBI
• Peter Bourjos—2-4 2B 3B 2R
• Luis Durango—2-5 2B 2R RBI
• Mike Baxter—2-5 2 2B 3 RBI R
• Collin DeLome—2-4 3B 2R SB(4)

Pitching:

• Trevor Reckling—6.2 IP 7H ER BB 3K W (3-0)
• Travis Wood—7 IP 7H ER 2 BB 7K W (2-3)
• Jason Fernandez—6 IP 5H Er 2 BB 4K W (4-2)
• Antonio Bastardo—6 IP H 2 BB 10K
• Michael Crotta—8 IP 4H ER 2 BB 7K W (3-0)
• Jonny Venters—6.1 IP 3H 2 BB 4K W (2-1)
• Kyle Parker—7 IP 3H 3 BB 3K
• Casey Coleman—6 IP 2H 3 BB 2K
• Junichi Tazawa—6 IP 3H UER BB 7K W (4-2)

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

4/23 AAA and AA Minor League Reports

Posted by Jeremy on April 23, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

AAA Report

Matt LaPorta continues to sting the ball with three more hits and two runs scored and Andrew McCutchen’s early struggles seem to be well behind him as he grabbed another two hits.  Clay Buchholz threw five quality innings showing no ill effects from his hamstring soreness and Daniel Bard locked the door with three K’s in the ninth.  In the PCL, Max Ramirez hit his first HR and Brad Snyder blasted two.  The Cardinals’ Jess Todd saved his third game of the season striking out three of the four batters he faced. 

Today’s top AAA prospect is Carlos Gonzalez.  Gonzo got off to a slow start this season with a terrible spring and gathering just two hits in his first 11 regular season at bats, but yesterday’s double, triple and six RBI’s has him well on his way back to a shot at Colorado’s everyday lineup.

AAA Prospect of the Day—CARLOS GONZALEZ

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Adam Rosales—4-5 2B R RBI
• Wes Hodges—1-4 2B 2R 3 RBI
• Matt LaPorta—3-5 2R
• Andrew McCutchen—2-6 3B RBI R
• Brian Duglach—2-4 2 HR(3) 2 RBI 2R
• Brad Snyder—2-4 2 HR(4) 5 RBI 2R
• Carlos Gonzalez—2-5 2B 3B 2R 6 RBI BB
• Eric Young Jr.—2-6 2B R 2 SB(9)
• Chris Coughlan—2-5 2B 2 RBI SB(4)
• Chris Lubanski—2-5 2B R 2 BB SB(4)
• Julio Borbon—2-5 R 2B BB
• Max Ramirez—2-5 HR(1) 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Clay Buchholz—5 IP 3H 2 Er 2 BB 2K
• Daniel Bard—IP 3K
• Wade Davis—5 IP 3H 2 ER 3 BB 2K W(1-0)
• Daniel McCutchen—5 IP 5H ER 4 BB 7K W(1-1)
• Jess Todd—1.1 IP 3K SV(3)

AA Report

The Southern League had the night off, but there was enough action in the other leagues to satisfy our prospecting appetites.  Lars Anderson hit his second HR of the season and Brad Emaus hit his first.  Todd Frazier and Zack Cozart drove in two runs apiece and Desmond Jennings hit his second HR in as many days.

L.A. Dodgers OF prospect Jamie Hoffmann is today’s top prospect.  The 24 year old has excellent size and speed that should translate soon into a potential 20 HR/20 SB talent.  Yesterday, Hoffmann went 2-5 with a grand slam HR, his second, five RBI and a walk.  His only first year cards can be found in the 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects set and are trading for 25-50 each.  Given that there are extreme talents in L.A.’s outfield right now, Hoffmann will likely need a change of scenery in order to have a productive major league career.

AA Player of the Day—JAMIE HOFFMANN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Lars Anderson—1-3 HR(2) RBI
• Jorge Jimenez—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Matt Moses—2-4 HR(2) 3 RBI
• Brad Emaus—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Zack Cozart—3-4 3R 2B 2 RBI BB SB(1)
• Todd Frazier—2-4 2B 2 RBI BB
• Chris Heisey—2-4 3R 2B 3B BB SB(6)
• Jamie Hoffmann—1-2 GS HR(2) 5 RBI BB
• Bryan Peterson—2-4 2B 2 RBI SB(4)
• Ezequiel Carrera—2-4 2B 2R RBI BB
• Yunesky Sanchez—3-5 3R 3B 2 RBI SB(1)
• Ricardo Sosa—3-4 2B 2R
• Orlando Mercado—3-4 2B 2B 4 RBI 2R
• Desmond Jennings—1-3 HR(4) RBI BB
• Rhyne Hughes—1-3 HR(4) RBI BB

Pitching:

• Hector Rondon—5 IP 4H BB 2K W(3-0)
• Joe Savery—6 IP 5H 4 ER 2 BB 6K (2-3 2R 2B)
• George Kontos—5 IP 2H 2 ER 4 BB 7K
• Dylan Owen—5.2 IP 5H 3 ER 2 BB 6K
• Kyle McCullough—7 IP 5H 2 ER 2K W(2-1)

4/21 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 22, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

TEXAS LEAGUE

Jordan Walden and Kasey Kiker locked horns in a nice pitching duel and, while both of them pitched well, neither came away with a decision.  Collin DeLome hit his fifth HR of the season, Brett Wallace smacked a couple of hits and scored twice, and Oakland’s slugging 1B Chris Carter smacked two more RBI, while 2B Corey Wimberly nabbed four hits and scored two runs.  Today’s winner, however, is yesterday’s winner Springfield catcher Steven Hill.  The Cardinals backstop followed up yesterday’s virtuoso performance with a five hit barrage that included his fourth HR, three doubles and three runs scored.

Texas League Player of the Day—STEVEN HILL

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Collin DeLome—2-5 HR(5) RBI 2R
• Mitch Einertson—3-4 HR(2) 2 RBI BB
• Jose Duarte—2-5 2 2B R RBI
• Jordan Parraz—2-4 R RBI
• Cody Strait—3-4 HR(1) RBI 3R 2B
• Chris Nelson—1-4 RBI 3R
• Steven Hill—5-5 HR(4) RBI 3 2B 3R
• Dan Delasco—3-5 2B R 4 RBI
• Brett Wallace—2-5 2R
• Corey Wimberly—4-5 2B 3B 2R SB(7)
• Chris Carter—2-4 2 RBI
• Yung-Chi Chen—2-5 R RBI

Pitching:

• Jordan Walden—7 IP 6H 2 Bb 6K
• Kasey Kiker—7 IP H 2B 7K

SOUTHERN LEAGUE AND EASTERN LEAGUE

The Eastern League was ravished by rainouts once again so I will include data from their league with the performances from the Southern League.  Top of the order speedsters Gerardo Parra and Gorkys Hernandez had big days at the plate and Tyler Flowers and Greg Halman each belted HR’s.  Brett Omogrosso threw five shutout innings, striking out six, but he was outdone by Jacksonville’s lanky righthander Sean West who won his second game of the season allowing just one run in 5.1 innings while punching out eight.  Congrats Sean, you are the Southern League Player of the Day!

Southern and Eastern League Player of the Day—SEAN WEST

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Gerardo Parra—4-5
• Mark Hallberg—2-3 3B 2R RBI BB
• Pedro Ciraco—3-4 2B 2 RBI
• Jon Lucroy—2-4 R
• Todd Frazier—2-3 2B R BB
• Andrew Lambo—1-4 2B RBI SB(2)
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-3 3B RBI 2R BB SB(5)
• Brandon Hicks—2-3 3B R BB SB(1)
• Tyler Flowers—1-2 HR(2) RBI BB
• Ezequiel Carrera—4-5 R
• Adam Moore—3-5 R
• Greg Halman—1-4 HR(3) 3 RBI BB
• Steven Clevenger—2-3 3R 3b HR(1) RBI BB
• Francisco Cervelli—2-3 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Ruben Tejada—1-1 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Michael Taylor—1-3 2R
• Jim Negrych—3-4 RBI
• Brandon Snyder—1-2 2R BB

Pitching:

• Hector Ambriz—6 IP 3H 6K W(2-1)
• Chris Cody—6 IP 4H UER 3K W(1-0)
• Duente Heath—7 IP 3H Er Bb 7K W(1-0)
• Sean West—5.1 IP 5H ER 3 BB 8K W(2-0)
• Brett Omogrosso—5 IP 5H BB 6K

4/14 AA Minor League Report

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

EASTERN LEAGUE

Josh Reddick hit his fourth HR and Brandon Snyder blasted his second.  Junichi Tazawa was very good over six innings yesterday surrendering just one run on four hits, but his effort was not as good as Blue Jays righty Ray Gonzalez who came one out away from throwing a complete game shutout.

Eastern League Player of the Day—RAY GONZALEZ

Other Notable Performances:

• Josh Reddick—1-3 HR(4) RBI 2R BB
• Lars Anderson—1-4 2B R RBI
• Jon Still—2-2 R BB SB(1)
• Junichi Tazawa—6 IP 4H ER 2 BB 3K W(1)
• Wilson Ramos—3-4
• Danny Valencia—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Brandon Snyder—2-5 HR(2) RBI
• Miguel Abreu—3-5 SB(1)
• Brad Emaus—1-3 BB SB(1)
• Ray Gonzalez—8.2 IP 5H 4K
• Daryl Maday—4 IP 2H 3 BB 3K

TEXAS LEAGUE & SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Collin DeLome belted his third HR and teammates Zack Cozart and Juan Francisco each had their first dingers.  Rhyne Hughes blasted two HR’s and four RBI, but it was top moundsman Jeremy Hellickson who won top player honors throwing 5.2 innings of three hit, six strikeout ball for his first win of the new season.

Texas League & Southern League Player of the Day—JEREMY HELLICKSON

Other Notable Performances:

• Chris Nelson—2-5 2B R
• Cole Garner—2-5 3B 2 RBI R
• Jhoulys Chacin—5 IP 3H 2 ER 5K W(1)
• Criag Cooper—2-4 HR(1) 4 RBI
• Adrian Cardenas—2-5 R RBI
• Gabe Ortiz—1-3 HR(1) 4 RBI
• James Rapoport—1-2 2R 2 RBI 2 BB SB(2)
• Donovan Solano—2-5 2R
• Brett Wallace—1-4 R 2 RBI BB
• Steven Hill—3-5 2 2B RBI
• Jose Duarte—2-3 BB SB(3)
• Collin DeLome—1-4 HR(3) RBI BB
• Josh Flores—2-5 RBI R
• Jose Vallejo—3-5 2B R 2 RBI 2 SB(2)
• Marcus Lemon—2-3 R
• Hank Conger—1-4 R RBI BB
• Wilberto Ortiz—2-4 2B RBI BB SB(1)
• Hanley Statia—2-4 R SB(3)
• Desmond Jennings—3-5 2B R
• Jeremy Hellickson—5.2 IP 3H 2 BB 6K W(1)
• Rhyne Hughes—2-5 2 HR(2) 4 RBI 2R
• Jamie Hoffmann—2-3 2B R BB
• Bryan Peterson—1-2 2R BB SB(2)
• Zack Cozart—3-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2B 2R
• Todd Frazier—1-4 2 RBI
• Juan Francisco—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2R BB SB(2)