8/4 AAA Minor League Report

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

Eric Young Jr. couldn’t stay off of the bases as he rapped two hits and drew three walks yesterday, scoring three times.  Oddly, he didn’t add to his PCL-leading total of 54 stolen bases but his three runs scored yesterday brings his season total to an MiLB high of 99 for the season.  Young’s name was bantied about in trade rumors but the Rockies held fast to their speedy 2B prospect.  There was some thought prior to last season of moving Young to the outfield where his speed and marginal infield glove would be a better fit.  Young has work dilligently over the past couple of years to improve his infield defense, cutting his errors nearly in half and raising his fielding percentage by more than 20 points.  Clint Barmes is the current second basemen for the Rockies, but he is arbitration eligible and due to receive a raise from his current $1.6M contract.  Young is ready to take over the helm and is a much more potent top of the lineup hitter.  Unlike many speedsters, Young has some pop in his bat.  This season, the 24 year old has collected 30 XBH and his 49 BB/64 K ratio falls in line with a prototypical top of the order hitter.  Expect Young to get his callup by September and to be the odds on favorite to be the opening day starter in 2010.

Today’s top prospect is rapidly rising catcher Buster Posey.  The Giants’ future backstop hit his first AAA HR, driving in four runs and scoring twice.  Posey had gotten off to a slow start after his promotion, but has regrouped to hit .281 over his last 10 games.  Posey’s plate discipline has not waned as he has a 55 BB/55 K ratio.  I expect Posey to continue to swing a hot bat through the rest of the AAA season, which should enhance his chances to earn some playing time behind Benji Molina at some point in September.  Molina’s contract expires at the end of the ‘09 season and it seems quite reasonable that he will not return to the Giants in 2010.  The market for Posey’s cards is understandibly hot right now as he has rapidly shot up through San Francisco’s farm system.  His top selling cards are his 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft autos which command a healthy $37-42 each.  There are more affordable first year autos to be had, like his ‘08 Donruss Elite Extra autos (#/934) which command $27-32 each, 08 Bowman Sterling ($24-27), and ‘08 Razor ($20-22).  Even with this elevated market, I think there is still room for some value growth in his products, especially if he can help contribute to the Giants’ pennant run.  A more opportune time to purchase his first year autos, though, should be during the offseason when the collecting masses diverts its attention to football cards and memorabilia.

AAA Player of the Day—BUSTER POSEY

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Jaime Hoffmann—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI SB(14)
• Tony Abreu—2-5 HR(8) 2 RBI
• Joe Koshansky—1-5 HR(18) 2 RBI
• Angel Salome—1-1 R RBI 2 BB
• Buster Posey—2-4 HR(14) 4 RBI 2B 2R BB
• Brett Wallace—2-5 2B R RBI
• Eric Young Jr.—2-3 3R 3B 2 RBI 3 BB
• Kila Ka’aihue—3-5 r RBI
• Van Pope—2-3 HR(4) RBI 2R SB(2)
• Michael Brantley—2-3 BB SB(37)
• Brandon Snyder—3-5 2R SB(3)
• Nick Evans—3-5 2 2B R
• Jeff Frazier—3-5 2 2B 2R RBI
• Chris Heisey—3-4 2B
• Neil Walker—1-4 2B R 4 RBI
• Desmond Jennings—2-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Matt Joyce—3-4 2 RBI
• Jose Morales—2-3 2 2B 2 RBI BB

Pitching:

• Drew Carpenter—6 IP 6H 2 ER BB 6K W (9-2)
• Travis Wood—7 IP 3H 2 BB 4K W (10-4)

7/19 AA Minor League Report

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

Mitch Moreland continues to put up big numbers since his promotion to AA Frisco.  Yesterday the former Mississippi State star went 2-5 with his 13th HR, a double and five RBI.  Since being drafted, all Moreland has done is hit the snot out of the ball, batting .324 with 18 HR and 99 RBI and 37 doubles in ‘08 at Low-A Clinton.  He’s well on his way to exceeding those numbers this year, producing a .333 BA with 13 HR 65 RBI and 31 doubles so far at two levels.  Though he is an smooth fielding 1B, the Rangers have moved him to the outfield as Chris Davis and Justin Smoak have created a formidable log jam at first.  Moreland’s a year away from making his debut and to date does not have a first year card from a major manufacturer.  I have to think that that will change with the upcoming Bowman Chrome set slated to come out at the end of August.  Long term, his power potential in an excellent hitter’s ballpark makes him a solid value buy from the get go.  Expect him to finish out the year at AA and keep an eye open to see if Texas send him to Arizona in the offseason for a stint in the AFL.  If so, it will indicate a fervency by the Rangers to include him in their 2010 plans at some point next year.

Today’s top prospect from the AA ranks is Cincinnati Reds southpaw Travis Wood.  The undersized 2005 2nd rounder was not very good last year, but has turned things around in a big way in ‘09.  Yesterday’s seven innings of four-hit, nine-strikeout ball was good enough to elevate him to a 9-3 record this season.  Though this is his second go around at AA, Wood is looking more like the frontline pitcher that he was touted to be as a prep star.  He’s not overpowering, with a fastball that ranges between 87-90 MPH, but his changeup is the best in the system and he’s scrapped his mediocre curvball for a low to mid 80’s cutter with good late life.  Couple that with improve command and voila!  You have an 180 degree turnaround.  To date, Wood has a miniscule 1.21 ERA with 37 BB/103 K in 119 innings.  He’s commanded the zone well, holding hitters to a .189 BA and just 2 HR.  Wood seems ready for a promotion to AAA Louisville in the very near future.  Wood currently has first year cards in just one set, 2005 Bowman Draft and Chrome.  Despite his success, sales for Wood’s non-refractor cards have been quite low.  Chromes can be found for 75 cents to $1.25 each and his non-chrome editions range from 25-50 cents. 

Despite his good numbers, Wood will be hard pressed to earn a promotion to the big club this season.  He’s got to prove that he can duplicate his success at the next level and he’ll always have his demure size (5-11 165 lb.) and finesse stuff causing skepticism of his ability to sustain a heavy workload at the major league level.  Ultimately, he’s got the ability to be mid to end of the rotation starter at the major league level.

AA Player of the Day—TRAVIS WOOD

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Rene Tosoni—3-4
• Luke Hughes—2-4 HR(8) RBI
• Tim Kennelly—2-5 HR(5) 3 RBI 2B 2R
• Brad Emaus—3-4 2B R
• Travis Jones—3-3 HR(4) 4 RBI BB
• Michael Stanton—3-4 2R RBI
• Logan Morrison—1-2 2R 3 BB
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-4 3B RBI
• Jose Tabata—2-3 2 RBI
• Mike McKenry—1-4 HR(10) RBI
• Mitch Moreland—2-4 2B HR(13) 5 RBI BB
• Drew Locke—1-3 HR(13) 2 RBI BB
• Christian Marrero—3-4
• Dayan Viciedo—3-4 R
• Logan Forsythe—1-4 HR(10) 3 RBI
• David Lough—2-4 HR(10) RBI 2R BB SB(10)
• Tyler Henley—2-5 HR(10) 2 RBI BB

Pitching:

• Nick Hill—6 IP 2H BB 5K W (3-3)
• Cesar Carrillo—7 IP 6H ER BB 3K W (8-4)
• Michael Stutes—5.1 IP 5H 5 BB 3K W (7-5)
• Ryne Lawson—6 IP H 3 BB 4K
• Travis Wood—7 IP 4H 8K W (9-3)
• Daniel Moskos—6 IP H 4 BB K W (7-7)

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

6/18 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 19, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

When evaluating prospects, I find that there is a blend of statistics and physical attributes that each possesses that tell a great deal about what to expect from them at higher levels.  A hitter that struggles with plate discipline often finds his batting average and on base percentages suffers against more refined pitchers.  Batters that hit for a good number of doubles and triples as youngsters(18 to 21 yrs old) tend to build strength as they mature and hit for more power.  These along with several other characteristics often hold true, but every once and awhile a player pops up that defies my parameters of conventional wisdom, leaving me scratching my head.

Meet Johnny Whittleman.

The Texas Rangers’ young 3B prospect has an athletic build (6-2 195 lb.) and, at age 22, has the frame to build more strength as he matures.  Whittleman was a personal favorite sleeper of mine after his successful 2007 season that saw him hit .262 with 17 HR 72 RBI and 34 doubles at two full season Class A stops.  Formerly a 2nd round pick in the ‘05 draft, Whittleman shows a disciplined approach at the plate uncharacteristic of most prep to pro players.  Last season at High-A Bakersfield, Whittleman drew 82 walks while striking out 113 times in 118 games.  Despite a mediocre HR total of just seven and a batting average well below California League standards (.257), Whittleman smacked 38 doubles, leaving promise of power to come.

Fast forward to 2009 and you would find Mr. Whittleman’s numbers diminishing even further.  His batting average sits at just .224 (boosted about 20 points after his 4-5 performance yesterday), though his on base percentage is more than 100 points higher, due to his fine 31 BB/42 K ratio.  16 two baggers puts him on pace for his third consecutive season of 30+ doubles but he hasn’t been able to log in with his first HR yet.

What do we make of this going forward?  Prior to Michael Young’s five year extension with the Rangers, I would have been more enthusiastic about Whittleman.  The Rangers, for all their organizational depth, are quite thin at 3B.  The talent is still there for Whittleman to carve out a major league career, but there’s a great deal left for him to prove.

Today’s top prospect is Cincinnati Reds SS Zack Cozart.  The former 2nd rounder smacked two homeruns and three RBI in the first game of a double header and then followed it up with a two hit, RBI showing in the nightcap.  Cozart has been blistering hot during the month of June, batting .339 with 6 HR 10 RBI and 4 SB.  A blue collar player through and through, Cozart skipped over High-A ball and has attacked AA pitching with aplomb, hitting .290 with 8 HR 35 RBI and 17 doubles.  Ahead of Cozart is the sweet swinging Chris Valaika who just returned to Louisville’s lineup after missing a month with a broken hand.  Valaika’s bat is more polished at this point than Cozart’s, but Zack is a better defensive shortstop.  Given that he has already skipped a level this season, it would not be surprising to see the Reds keep him in AA for the duration of the regular season.  Watch to see if Cincy places him in the Arizona Fall League this offseason.  If so, there may be a good opportunity for Cozart to get a decent look by the Reds in spring training 2010. 

AA Player of the Day—ZACK COZART

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Rene Tosoni—1-3 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-3 2B R
• Jose Tabata—1-3 RBI SB(4)
• Cale Iorg—2-4 R 2 RBI
• Josh Thole—3-5 2B 3R 2 RBI BB SB(4)
• Ryan Kalish—2-3 R BB
• Nick Evans—2-4 2R HR(3) 2 RBI
• Matt Whitney—4-5 2B R
• Yonder Alonso—3-6 RBI SB(1)
• Zack Cozart—2-4 2 HR(8) 3 RBI BB (Game 1)…..2-4 RBI (Game 2)
• Tyler Colvin—2-5 2 HR(5) 2 RBI 2R
• Darwin Barney—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Juan Francisco—1-5 2B R RBI BB (Game 1)…..3-4 HR(13) 4 RBI 2R (Game 2)
• Chris Heisey—1-2 3R
• James Adduci—2-3 2B 2R BB SB(16)
• Josh Bell—3-4 2 2B R RBI SB(2)
• Eduardo Perez—2-5 HR(6) 2 RBI 2B
• Taylor Green—1-3 HR(4) 3 RBI BB
• John Shelby Jr.—2-4 2B
• Tyler Flowers—1-2 HR(10) RBI 2 BB
• Christian Marrero—1-4 HR(8) 2 RBI
• C.J. Retherford—2-5 2B R RBI
• Matt Mangini—2-3 R RBI BB
• Drew Locke—4-6 2B R  5 RBI
• Wladimir Sutil—3-6 4R RBI
• Mitch Moreland—3-6 2B R
• Marcus Lemon—3-5 2B 2R 4 RBI
• Johnny Whittleman—4-5 2 2B 3R 2 RBI
• Timmy Smith—4-5 R 2 RBI
• Luis Durango—2-4 2B 2R BB
• Lance Zawadzki—2-3 HR(11) RBI 2 BB 2R
• Brian Joynt—3-5 2B HR(1) 2 RBI
• Chris Carter—2-4 HR(10) RBI 2B BB
• Matt Spencer—1-4 2B RBI BB
• Daryl Jones—3-5 R
• Cole Garner—2-4 2B 3 RBI
• Daniel Mayora—4-5 2B 2R 3 RBI
• Mark Trumbo—3-4 2 2B 3B 4 RBI

Pitching:

• Mark Rzepczynski—7 IP 5H ER BB 8K
• Tim Bascom—7 IP 3H 2 BB 7K
• Ryan Pope—5.2 IP 5H 4K
• Tyson Brummett—7 IP 4H 2 ER 5K
• Travis Wood—5 IP 8H 3 ER BB 6K W (7-3)

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)

5/18 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 19, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Josh Bell hit HR #3 and drove in three runs while Tampa Bay Rays Aussie prospect Rhyne Hughes hit his 13th dinger and drove in four.  Desmond Jennings stole three bases yesterday and Gorkys Hernandez had three hits and scored three runs.

Today’s top performer is Chicago Cubs infield prospect Marquez Smith.  The 23 year old Clemson alum combined for six hits in a double header, hitting his 6th and 7th HR, while driving in four and scoring five times.  Smith is a compact player with more athleticism and defensive versatility than his 5-10 210 lb. frame suggests.  He can play 2B, 3B, the corner OF spots and has been postulated as being a decent candidate to switch to catcher, given his strong arm and thick build.  Offensively, Smith is an aggressive hitter who makes good contact and drives balls well to the gaps.  The Cubs don’t have a lot of positional depth in their farm system giving a defensively malleable player like Smith ample opportunities to slide into the upper tiers of the organizational depth chart.

AA Player of the Day—MARQUEZ SMITH

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Marquez Smith—3-4 HR(6) 2 RBI 3R (Game 1)…..3-4 HR(7) 2 RBI 2R (Game 2)
• Darwin Barney—2-3 RBI R BB (Game 1)…..3-4 2B R SB(4) (Game 2)
• Josh Bell—1-2 HR(3) 3 RBI BB (Game 1)…..1-4 2B 2R (Game 2)
• Andrew Lambo—1-3 2B 2 RBI
• Tony Thomas—1-3 HR(8) RBI BB
• Cale Iorg—3-5 2B 2R
• Brennan Boesch—3-5 HR(7) RBI
• Brandon HIcks—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Willie Cabrera—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Desmond Jennings—1-2 2B 2R BB 3 SB(13)
• Gorkys Hernandez—3-4 2B 3R
• Rhyne Hughes—1-3 HR(13) 4 RBI
• Chris Carter—1-5 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Matthew Sulentic—4-4 2 2B R RBI
• Marcus Lemon—2-4 3R 2 BB SB(2)
• Justin Smoak—1-4 2B RBI 2 BB
• Chad Tracy—2-5 2B 3 RBI R
• Tyler Flowers—2-4 2B R BB
• Cyle Hankerd—3-4 2B R 2 RBI
• Peter Bourjos—2-4 SB(12)
• Pete Kozma—3-5 RBI

Pitching:

• Dan Cortes—5.2 IP 5H ER 5 BB 4K W (1-4)
• Heath Rollins—6 IP 6H 2 ER 2 BB 5K W (4-2)
• James Russell—5 IP 3H ER BB 7K
• Travis Wood—5.1 IP 4H 2 ER 3 BB 7K
• Cesar Carrillo—7 IP H BB 5K
• Jarrod Parker—5 IP 4H ER 4 BB 5K W (2-2)

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)