8/2 AAA Minor League Report

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

Wow, lots has happened since the last minor league reports.  Several prospects have gotten fresh starts with new franchises and some are capitalizing on those opportunities.

Jeff Clement has,  as predicted, donned a first baseman’s glove and has hit like a top tier corner infielder since joining the Indianapolis Indians, hitting .545 with three HR and five runs scored in three games.  Clement is going to get a shot with the Bucs in the very near future and I think that the move to the NL and to 1B is going to be one that benefits him greatly.  The market for Clement’s cards is starting to pick up steam as many prospect prognosticators feel the same way that I do about his yellow and black rebirth.  Despite the optimistic start, beware!  Jeff Clement is an incredibly streaky hitter who could rip out 5 HR one week and manage just 5 hits the next.  Expect to pay $8-12 for each of his ‘06 autos right now and $2.50-3.50 for each of his ‘05 Bowman Chrome or Bowman Sterling first year cards right now.

Speaking of streaky hitters…..Travis Snider is molten hot right now.  The beefy Blue Jays OF blasted his 9th HR with the Las Vegas 51’st, driving in three runs and scoring three runs.  Snider is hitting .436 over his last 10 games with 4 HR 16 RBI and 12 runs scored.  In addition, he’s walked 8 times vs. 9 K’s during that time.  Strikeouts are always going to come in bunches for Snider, but his ability to work counts and get on base is key to his success in his next audition with the Jays.  Things are poised to open up for Snider soon as OF Jose Bautista’s production has been anemic at best.  At the same time, there is no real reason to rush the 21 year old slugger back to Toronto either.  This season was supposed to be Snider’s coming out party, but plate discipline woes and a shoulder injury mitigated his production.  The market for his first year autos in 2007 Bowman Sterling has been cut by more than half since this spring from $35-40 each to $15-18 today.  The bat speed is real, the power is prestigious, and the market for his cards are at all time lows.  Buy accordingly. 

Today’s top prospect is another Blue Jays farmhand.  Brian Dopirak is a long time minor league slugger who, at the age of 25, is experiencing a rebirth of his own as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays organization.  Drafted as an 18 year old in 2002, Dopirak pounded his way on prospectors’ radars in 2004 when he blasted 39 HR and 120 RBI for High-A Lancaster.  Since then, he has continued to hit HR’s at each minor league stop but has never been able to hit beyond AAA.  Yesterday’s 4-5 day that saw him hit HR’s #23 and 24 may change all of that.  At 6-4 and 220 lb., Dopirak is all hitter and is a below average defender at 1B.  Dopirak hits LH and RH pitching equally well but shows more power against southpaws.  He’s bound to get a look in September but it is unclear how much playing time he’ll get.  The market for Dopirak’s cards is low and slow right now, but a power surge in a big league uniform can create a brief window of collector interest for his cards.

AAA Player of the Day—BRIAN DOPIRAK

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Brandon Allen—2-5 2B HR(17) RBI
• John Hester—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Trent Oeltjen—2-4 HR(10) 2 RBI 2R BB SB(18)
• Matt Downs—2-4 HR(11) RBI 2B 2R (Game 1)…..2-4 2B 3B R
• Matt Tuiasosopo—2-4 HR(2) 3 RBI (Game 1)…..3-3 RBI (Game 2)
• Brad Nelson—2-3 HR(11) RBI 2R 2B
• Tyler Greene—3-3 3R BB 2 SB(21)
• Allen Craig—2-3 R RBI BB
• Wes Hodges—1-4 HR(4) RBI
• Austin Jackson—2-4 2 RBI R 2 SB(19)
• Jeff Clement—1-2 HR(17) RBI 2 BB 2R
• Neil Walker—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI
• Greg Golson—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Brett Wallace—1-3 HR(12) 2 RBI
• Cole Armstrong—2-4 HR(9) 3 RBI 2R
• Scott Sizemore—2-4 2R
• Gaby Sanchez—1-2 HR(10) RBI 2 BB
• Travis Snider—1-3 HR(9) 3 RBI 3R 2 BB
• Brian Dopirak—4-5 2 HR(24) 3 RBI 4R

Pitching:

• Junichi Tazawa—5.1 IP 2H 2 ER BB 3K L (9-7)
• Clay Mortensen—5.1 IP 5H ER 3 BB 5K

7/27 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 28, 2009 under Minor League Ball today, Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Former Oakland A’s farm hand and current San Diego Padres OF prospect Dan Putnam hit his 14th HR of the season and drove in three runs in a three hit outing.  Putnam has been solid over his last 10 games batting .361 with 3 HR 17 RBI and 7 doubles.  At 26 years old, time is ticking for Putnam to make an impact at the major league level.  He’s proven to be a consistent power hitter over the past few seasons but has never been quite good enough to stand out above his peers.  That shouldn’t change at San Diego.  He’ll likely earn a look in September but the Padres will likely be much more interested in getting a better look at fellow Portland teammate Chad Huffman.

Today’s top player is a former MLB flash in the pan Florida Marlins 2B propect Tony Abreu.  The ex-Dodger had a perfect day at the plate yesterday, going 5-5 with his 6th HR, 3 RBI and 3 doubles.  Abreu has bounced back nicely with the Marlins after missing the entire 2008 season, hitting .348 with 6 HR 29 RBI 11 doubles and 20 runs scored in just 27 games with Albuquerque.  Abreu’s first year cards in various 2007 sets experienced an uptick of popularity after his solid debut with the Dodgers in ‘07 and there could be an opportunity for the cards to be, likely to a lesser degree, relevant again.  The Marlins have already switched former 2B Chris Coghlan to the outfield and it has long been rumored that the future of Dan Uggla as a member of the Marlins is not a long one.  Abreu is still just 24 years old and his switch hitting bat has proven to be a consistent one with decent gap power and the ability to hit for a high average.  The market for Abreu’s 2007 products is deflated, making this the perfect opportunity to add a low serial #’ed rookie card to your portfolio for less than $5.

AAA Player of the Day—TONY ABREU

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Cole Gillespie—1-2 Hr(9) 2 RBI BB SB(11)
• Jon Jay—2-5 R SB(17)
• Tyler Greene—3-5 HR(7) 2 RBI
• Allen Craig—2-3 HR(15) 2 RBI 2R
• Mark Hamilton—4-5 2 HR(10) 4 RBI
• Alejandro De Aza—3-6 3B RBI 2R
• Cameron Maybin—1-3 2B R 3 RBI 3 BB
• John Raynor—1-2 HR(4) RBI 2 BB 3R
• Austin Jackson—2-5 2B RBI
• Cliff Pennington—2-4 2B 2R
• Aaron Cunningham—2-4 2 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Brett Wallace—2-4 2 2B R RBI
• Tony Abreu—5-5 3 2B HR(6) 3 RBI
• Alcides Escobar—1-4 2R SB(36)
• Joaquin Arias—3-4 3R HR(5) RBI
• Ian Desmond—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Brandon Snyder—1-4 2 RBI
• Justin Turner—2-4 2B RBI
• Reid Brignac—1-3 2B R RBI 2 BB SB(5)
• Rhyne Hughes—3-3 2 2B R BB
• Cole Armstrong—2-4 HR(8) 2 RBI 2B
• Chad Huffman—2-5 HR(14) 3 RBI 2R
• Dan Putnam—3-4 2B HR(14) 3 RBI

Pitching:

• Jeff Manship—8 IP 7H ER 3 BB 3K
• Fabio Castro—7 IP 2H 2 BB 10K W (7-5)
• Shairon Martis—7 IP 5H BB 3K W (3-1)

4/28 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on April 29, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

The amazing Jake Fox has done it again!  HR number 12 sailed into the cool Nashville night leaving me to wonder how long Mr. Fox can keep up this torrid pace.  Jeff Clement, Kyle Blanks, and John Mayberry all hit HR’s and Memphis’ Blake Hawksworth tossed eight innings of two hit ball. 

Today’s top player is San Francisco Giants 1B prospect Jesus Guzman.  The former Mariner and Athletic farm hand went 2-4, homering in his third straight game and collecting four RBI.  Guzman’s bat has long been his calling card, but his defense has always left much to be desired and has been the biggest detriment to his development as a pro.  He seems to have found a home at 1B, but one has to wonder just how great the opportunities will be for him in the Bay Area as super slugging prospect Angel Villalona seems to be on a fast track.  There is a glimmer of hope in the short term for Guzman, though, as current San Fran first baseman Travis Ishikawa has struggled in the early going to replicate the power and batting average he boasted during spring training.  A continued slump may just try the Giants’ patience enough to call Guzman up to give the 24 year old Venezuelan some platoon at bats against LHP’s.  This is certainly a situation to monitor closely in the ensuing weeks.

AAA Player of the Day—JESUS GUZMAN

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Jake Fox—2-4 HR(12) 2 RBI 2B
• Mat Gamel—2-5 RBI
• Alcides Escobar—2-5 2R SB(11)
• Angel Salome—2-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Julio Borbon—3-4 2B BB R
• Tyler Greene—3-4 2B BB R
• Jeff Clement—2-5 HR(3) RBI
• Chris Pettit—4-5 3B R
• Josh Whitesell—4-5 2 RBI R
• Jesus Guzman—2-4 HR(4) 4 RBI 2B
• Drew Stubbs—3-5 2B R SB(1)
• Adam Rosales—2-4 2 RBI R
• Wes Hodges—3-5 2B R
• Wilkin Ramirez—4-5 2 2B R
• Reid Brignac—2-3 2R 2 BB
• John Jaso—1-5 HR(1) 2 RBI
• John Mayberry Jr.—1-4 HR(5) 3 RBI
• Matt Wieters—1-4 2 RBI

Pitching:

• Blake Hawksworth—8 IP 2H BB 3K W(2-2)
• Wade Davis—5.1 IP 3H 3 ER 3 BB 3K W(2-0)

3/19 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 20, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Nolan Reimold belted his 4th HR yesterday as did Brad Emaus for the second straight game.  Nick Evans continued his hot spring with a three hit day that included his 3rd HR and Chris Volstad looked dominant in his 4 inning stint.  The youngster of the day, however, was undoubtedly L.A. Dodgers ace-in-waiting Clayton Kershaw.  The mega talented southpaw threw 5 one-hit innings striking out 3 to earn his first win.  Even more impressive was the fact that he contributed to his efforts with a long HR.

Youngster of the Day—CLAYTON KERSHAW

Other Notable Performances:

• Nolan Reimold—2-3 HR(4) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Matt Wieters—1-2 2B R
• Shairon Martis—5 IP 2H 2 ER BB K
• Chris Volstad—4 IP H 3K
• Jason Donald—1-4 R BB
• Allen Craig—2-3 2B
• Brian Barden—2-4 2B R
• Tyler Greene—2-4 R BB
• Jason Motte—1.1 IP BB 2K SV(3)
• Ben Zobrist—3-4 2B 2 RBI 2R
• Nick Evans—3-5 HR(3) 2 RBI 2R 2 2B
• Chris Carter—2-5 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Ryan Kalish—1-1 3 RBI 3B
• Brad Emaus—1-2 HR(3) RBI 2R
• Sean Doolittle—1-1 R SB(3)
• Josh Outman—4 IP 3H 3K
• Clayton Kershaw—5 IP H BB 3K (W) 1-2 HR(1) RBI
• Micah Hoffpauir—1-4 HR(4) 3 RBI
• Jake Fox—1-5 HR(3) RBI
• Nate Spears—2-5 3 RBI R
• Reegie Corona—2-4 RBI
• Wladimir Balentien—2-3 2B R
• Eider Torres—1-2 2R 2 BB SB(4)

11/5 AFL Report

Posted by Jeremy on November 6, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Tonight’s AFL action saw one of my 2009 breakout candidates have a two HR game for the Surprise Rafters.  Brandon Snyder hasn’t played full time down in Arizona, but when he has played, he has been productive.  Congrats to Brandon on a nice night!

Player of the Day: BRANDON SNYDER

Expect big things in '09

 Scottsdale Scorpions  7

• Chris Pettit—2-3 2B R RBI
• Kevin Frandsen—2-5 3B 2 RBI R
• Mark Ori—1-3 2R 2 RBI BB
• Sergio Perez—5 IP 3H ER BB 3K (W)

 Peoria Saguaros  3

• Cole Armstrong—1-3 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Kyle Blanks—1-2 2B RBI
• Tyler Greene—1-4 3B R
• Gordon Beckham—2-4 2B RBI

 Surprise Rafters  11

• Brandon Snyder—2-5 2 HR(3) 3 RBI 2R
• Wes Hodges—2-5 HR(6) 3 RBI 2B (.371 23 RBI)
• Julio Borbon—2-5 2R 2 RBI
• Stephen Head—2-4 2R
• Lucas May—2-5 2B R
• Beau Mills—2-4 2B R RBI

 Peoria Javelinas  4

• Justin Smoak—1-4 2B R
• Rhyne Hughes—1-4 2B R RBI
• Kevin Russo—1-4 2B 2 RBI
• Chris Valaika—3-4 2B R
• Desmond Jennings—2-4 2B SB(2)

 Mesa Solar Sox  11

• Logan Morrison—2-5 HR(5) 3 RBI 3R
• Quentin Berry—2-3 3R 2 BB
• Will Rhymes—3-5 3R (.448 22 RBI)
• Jeff Larish—2-5 2 2B 3 RBI R (.314 24 RBI)
• Lou Marson—1-4 3B 2 RBI BB R SB(1)
• Jesse Estrada—5 Ip 5H ER 2 BB 3K (W)

 Phoenix Desert Dogs  5

• Evan Frey—2-5 2 2B RBI
• Adrian Cardenas—2-4 2B RBI R
• Eric Young Jr.—1-4 RBI R BB SB( 18 )
• J.P. Arencibia—1-3 2B R

10/30 AFL Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 31, 2008 under Uncategorized | 2 Comments to Read

Aha! Now I will be caught up with my reports, but still I am very far behind in every other area of my online ventures!  Last night’s AFL action gave us our first repeat Player of the Day winner.  “The Hulk” Logan Morrison hit for the cycle last night as Mesa downed Scottsdale 11-6.  Congrats to Logan who is having a stellar AFL campaign.

Player of the Day: LOGAN MORRISON

.420 with 3 HR and 15 RBI this fall!

 Phoenix Desert Dogs  7

• J.P. Arencibia—2-4 2 HR(4) 3 RBI (.286 17 RBI)
• Shane Tolleson—2-5 HR(2) RBI 2R 2B (.426 16 RBI)
• Eric Young Jr.—2-5 R SB(12)
• Josh Donaldson—1-4 R
• Ryan Patterson—2-2 2 BB
• Shane Lindsay—4 IP 4H ER 2 BB 6K (W)

 Peoria Javelinas  1

• Kevin Russo—1-4 HR(1) RBI (.373 BA)
• Carlos Triunfel—1-3 2B BB
• Rob Johnson—1-2 2B BB

 Mesa Solar Sox  11

• Logan Morrison—4-5 HR (3) 5 RBI 2B 3B 2R (CYCLE!)
• Jeff Larish—1-5 HR(3) 3 RBI
• Tyler Flowers—2-5 2B 3B 2R (.410 BA)
• Jason Donald—1-3 2B 2R BB (.429)
• Tommy Hanson—5 IP 3H 5K (W) (3-0 0.00 ERA 19K/13.2 IP .091 BAA)

 Scottsdale Scorpions  6

• Chris Johnson—3-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2 2B (.347 13 RBI)
• Aaron Bates—1-4 R 2B
• Chris Pettit—1-4 2B R RBI
• Bud Norris—1.2 IP 2H ER 4K (needs to be a reliever)

 Peoria Saguaros  3

• Tyler Greene—2-4 3B 2 RBI
• Gordon Beckham—1-1 R 2BB
• Mike Baxter—1-3 2R
• Jason Vargas—3 IP 2H 4K (1-0 0.00 ERA 15.2 IP/11K)

 Surprise Rafters  2

• Wes Hodges—2-4 R (.393 4 HR 17 RBI)
• Nolan Reimold—1-4 2B RBI (starting to heat up)
• Brandon Snyder—1-4 2B (.375)
• Josh Tomlin—4 IP H BB 5K

10/25 AFL Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 26, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Lots of offense to report tonight!  Today’s player of the day was a toughie to choose, especially in light of Wes Hodges’ 2 HR performance in a losing cause against Mesa.  Mesa outfielder and Philadelphia Phillies prospect Quentin Berry wins today’s award for his statline filling performance!

Player of the Day: QUENTIN BERRY

Hitting .387 this fall after a 51 SB season

 Phoenix Desert Dogs  13

• Sean Doolittle—3-5 HR(4) RBI 3R
• Mike McKenry—3-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2R
• Josh Donaldson—1-1 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Eric Young Jr.—3-5 2B 3B 2 R 2 RBI
• Adrian Cardenas—2-3 2R RBI
• Evan Frey—1-5 R 2 RBI SB(4)

 Scottsdale Scorpions  10

• Mark Wagner—2-5 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R 2B
• Ben Copeland—2-3 2R 2B SB(2)
• Shelby Ford—1-5 2B R 3 RBI
• Jamie Romak—2-5 RBI
• Drew Sutton—0-2 2R 3 BB

 Mesa Solar Sox  13

• Tyler Flowers—2-3 HR(5) 2 RBI 2B BB
• Jeff Larish—3-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 3R 2B 2 BB
• Scott Cousins—2-4 2 2B R RBI BB
• Quentin Berry—3-5 HR(1) 4 RBI 3R 2B SB(4)
• Casper Wells—3-6 R RBI
• Matt Young—2-5 2B 3R RBI

 Surprise Rafters  5

• Wes Hodges—3-5 2 HR(4) 3 RBI 2R
• Beau Mills—1-5 HR(2) RBI
• Ivan DeJesus—2-5 2R 3B
• Andrew Lambo—1-4 RBI BB
• Willie Eyre—4 IP 4H 2 ER BB 8K

 Peoria Saguaros  15

• Tyler Greene—3-5 3 2B 2R RBI BB
• Shane Robinson—2-5 2R 2 RBI BB SB(4)
• Cole Armstrong—2-4 3R HR(4) 3 RBI 2 BB
• Leonard Davis—1-4 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R BB
• Bill Rhinehart—2-6 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R BB

 Peoria Javelinas  4

• Rhyne Hughes—1-2 HR(2) 3 RBI R
• Chris Valaika—2-2 2BB
• Sean Henry—2-4 SB(3) R
• Kevin Russo—2-3 2R

10/23 AFL Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 24, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Congrats to the Rays for evening the series at 1-1.  In the desert, there were several other solid performances, but Max Scherzer is today’s top player.  Max pitched 7 innings allowing just one run on an Austin Jackson HR.  He walked one and struck out 6.

Player of the Game: MAX SCHERZER

Leading the AFL with 24 K's

 Mesa Solar Sox  8

• Ty Flowers—1-3 HR(4) RBI 2 BB
• Logan Morrison—1-5 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Quentin Berry—3-4 3R 2B
• Darwin Barney—2-5 2B 2 RBI
• Matt Young—2-5 2B R RBI

 Scottsdale Scorpions  6

• Drew Sutton—2-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 3B 3R BB
• Chris Johnson—2-4 RBI SB(1)
• Chris Pettit—2-4 RBI BB

 Phoenix Desert Dogs  13

• Sean Doolittle—2-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Shane Tolleson—3-4 3R 2B 3 RBI
• J.P. Arencibia—2-5 4 RBI 2R 2B
• Evan Frey—3-5 R
• Eric Young Jr.—2-2 3R BB SB( 8 )
• Max Scherzer—7 IP 3H ER BB 6K (W)

 Peoria Javelinas  1

• Austin Jackson—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Sean Henry—1-1 2B
• Justin Turner—1-2 2B

 Peoria Saguaros  9

• Daniel Murphy—2-6 2B 2 RbI
• Chad Huffman—2-6 2B
• Ty Greene—1-4 2B 2R RBI
• Mike Baxter—2-3 2R RBI BB
• Gordon Beckham—2-4 R RBI BB
• Jason Vargas—5 IP H K (W)

 Surprise Rafters  1

• Nolan Reimold—1-4 R 2B
• Matt Wieters—1-4
• Wes Hodges—1-4
• Chad Tracy—1-4 2B

10/14 AFL Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 15, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

I hope that you all enjoy these reports as much as I enjoy bringing them to you.  Remember, the performances of players in the Arizona Fall League often give us a good view on what to expect from them in the coming year.  It was just two years ago that Ryan Braun electified the desert with a sterling fall performance only to win ROY in the following season.  True, for every big bang there awaits a fizzling dud (Sam Fuld?), but this year, it seems that many top prospects are living up to their potential.  Today’s top performer was difficult to choose as there weren’t many performances that stood out above the rest.  However, today’s award goes to Beau Mills whose 2 singles and 2 walks allowed him to score 3 times in Surprise’s 8-6 win over the previously undefeated Peoria Saguaros.

 Player of the Day: BEAU MILLS

Sharp auto from sharper prospect

 Phoenix Desert Dogs  5

• Josh Donaldson—2-4 2R 2B RBI
• Ryan Patterson—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Adrian Cardenas—1-3 2B RBI
• Scott Campbell—2-4 RBI BB
• Shane LIndsay—3 IP H 5K

 Peoria Javelinas  4

• Carlos Triunfel—2-4 2R BB
• Rhyne Hughes—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Chris Valaika—1-4 RBI
• J.T. Hall—1-3 R BB

 Mesa Solar Sox  6

• John Raynor—1-2 3 RBI BB
• Jason Donald—2-3 2B BB
• Nate Spears—3-3 2R 3B RBI
• Steven Clevenger—2-3 2R 2B BB

 Scottsdale Scorpions  5

• Drew Sutton—3-5 2B R SB(3)
• Jamie Romak—1-3 3 RBI
• Ben Copeland—2-5 2B
• Chris Johnson—1-4 2B R RBI

 Surprise Rafters  8

• Beau Mills—2-2 3R 2 BB
• Matt Wieters—1-3 2R 2 RBI BB
• Andrew Lambo—1-3 2 RBI
• Ivan DeJesus—1-3 2 BB
• Josh Tomlin—4 IP 4H ER 4K (W)

 Peoria Saguaros

• Cole Armstrong—2-5 HR(1) RBI
• Tyler Greene—2-4 2B HR(1) RBI
• Daniel Murphy—1-3 RBI 2BB
• Bill Rhinehart—2-4 R
• Ian Desmond—1-4 R RBI

7/20 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 22, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Ok gang, I am a little behind in the reports but here is a run down of Sunday’s top AA performances.

J.P. Arencibia

• 2-3 2 HR(21) 3 RBI—.306 8 HR 21 RBI at New Hampshire (0BB/24K is a concern though)

Scott Campbell

• 2-5 2 HR( 8 ) 3 RBI—.318 4 HR 11 RBI last 10 games

Pablo Sandoval

• 2-5 HR(16) RBI—.352 16 HR 74 RBI over two levels

Ryan Roberson

• 1-4 HR(16) 2 RBI—.382 3 HR 11 RBI 9 R last 10 games

Stephen Head

• 1-3 HR( 8 ) RBI—.308 8 HR 35 RBI

Bill Rhinehart

• 2-3 R 2BB—.389 2 HR 4 RBI 7 BB 8 R last 10 games

Jordan Zimmerman

• 6.2 IP 6H 3ER BB 9K—7-3 3.03 ERA 101K/107IP over two levels

Jason Donald

• 3-5 2 rBI BB—.348 4 HR 10 RBI 9 R 16 H last 10 games

Lou Marson

• 2-5 2R 2B BB—.324 5 HR 46 RBI 61 BB

Nolan Reimold

• 1-3 2B 2R 2 RBI BB SB(7)—.289 16 HR 54 RBI 42 BB

Chris Tillman

• 4 IP 5H 3ER 4BB 3K—7-3 3.11 ERA 94K/93IP

Gerardo Parra

• 1-3 2R RBI BB 3 SB(24)—.286 4 HR 36 RBI 24 SB over two levels

Cyle Hankerd

• 2-4 HR(4) 3 Rbi—.235 38 RBI .595 OPS in disappointing season

Brooks Brown

• 6 IP 5H 3BB 4K—6-10 3.54 ERA 86K/111 IP

Adam Moore

• 3-4 2BB RBI—.314 10 HR 57 RBI

John Raynor

• 1-4 2R BB 2 SB(34)—.342 3 HR 4 RBI 12 R 4 SB last 10 games

Aaron Cunningham

• 2-3 HR(9) 3 RBI—.350 2 HR 9 RBI last 10 games

Vincent Mazzero

• 6 IP 4H ER 5K (W)—10-3 2.08 ERA 94K/125IP

Allen Craig

• 3-3 2R HR( 18 ) BB 2B—.350 3 HR 8 RBI last 10 games

Tyler Greene

• 2-4 HR(16) RBI—.326 5 HR 8 RBI last 10 games

BUY/SELL Analysis

John Raynor was a 9th round selection out of UNC Wilmington in the 2006 draft.  While Raynor boasts some gap power and above average centerfield range, his calling card is S-P-E-E-D.  Last season at Low A Greensboro, Raynor stole 54 bases in 62 tries while hitting .333 with 13 HR 57 RBI and scoring 110 runs.  For that effort, Raynor was recognized as the Marlins’ 2007 Minor League Playor of the Year and seemed on the fast track to be the Marlins’ future centerfielder.  Enter Cameron Maybin, and now the Marlins find themselves shifting Raynor over to left field where his fringe average arm plays better.  The question that remains is can Raynor hit for enough power to warrant a prolonged starting position in left field.  This season, Raynor has belted 9 HR and 31 RBI while hitting .304.  His 6-2 195 lb. frame suggests that there may be some more strenght projectibility, but added bulk could very well diminish his most obvious tool.  Additionally, Raynor employs a quick inside-out swing to lash line drives all over the field.  Raynor’s debut cards can be found in the 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects set.  Currently, it seems that Raynor is flying somewhat under the radar of most collectors as his cards can be had en masse for 50-75 cents each.  Refractors can be had in the $3-4 range and are serial #’ed to 599.

Market Advice: There’s no doubt that Raynor has the tools to be a successful major league, top of the order outfielder.  I would like to see him make the jump to AA soon, I think he’s earned it, to see if he can continue to have success against more advanced pitching.  At less than $1 per card, it seems that a bulk lot of 20 for $10-15 is a pretty low-risk BUY and HOLD purchase.  Additionally, keep your eyes peeled to see if Bowman Sterling offers an auto of his.  I would venture to guess that those would be trading in the $5-7 range if produced.