10/27 Arizona Fall League Report

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

Back to the keyboard to provide some more AFL updates.  Tuesday’s games saw Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Jose Tabata have his best game as at the plate, going 3-6 with his first HR and six RBI.  Tigers SS prospect Cale Iorg logged his first dinger as well, driving in three and scoring three times.  Freddie Freeman went yard and looks to be emerging from an early season slump. 

In Phoenix, the Oakland A’s OF tandem of Corey Brown and Grant Desme are providing ample evidence that the A’s’ present offensive woes may become a thing of the past.  Desme is currently leading the league with eight dingers and, though he didn’t add to that total Tuesday, he did drive in two runs and score three times.  Brown, an Oklahoma State alum, also had three RBI on the strength of his fourth HR of the season.  Both Brown and Desme are highly athletic players who have the ability to hit 30 HR per season at the major league level.

Tuesday’s top star, however, is household name Stephen Strasburg.   The Nationals’ franchise player bounced back big time from his lousy outing last week by tossing 4.1 innings of one-hit, one run ball walking one and striking out five for his second win of the season.  Despite the poor outing last week, Strasburg’s various 2008 and 2009 cards remain white hot commodities on the eBay trading floor.  A couple more outings like this will only amply that market.

AFL Player of the Day—STEPHEN STRASBURG

Other Notable AFL Performances:

  Peoria Saguaros 6

• Freddie Freeman—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2R
• Matt McBride—1-4 HR(2) 3 RBI
• Cedric Hunter—2-3 3 RBI
• Zack Cozart—2-4 2B 2R SB(2)

  Mesa Solar Sox 5

• Chris Parmelee—2-5 2 2B 2 RBI
• Luis Exposito—2-3 2B RBI BB
• Greg Burns—2-4 R
• Rene Tosoni—1-4 2R RBI BB

  Phoenix Desert Dogs 7

• David Espinosa—2-4 2B R
• Grant Desme—1-2 2B 3R 2 RBI 2 BB
• Corey Brown—2-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B SB(1)
• Brad Emaus—2-3 2 RBI BB SB(2)
• Steven Strasburg—4.1 IP H ER 2 BB 5K W (2-1)

  Surprise Rafters 6

• Jeff Bianchi—2-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R
• Mitch Moreland—2-4 2B RBI BB
• Marcus Lemon—2-4 3B 2R RBI

  Peoria Javelinas 10

• Jordan Danks—2-3 3R RBI 2 BB
• Cale Iorg—3-5 HR(1) RBI 3R SB(3)
• Russ Mitchell—1-4 3 RBI
• Dustin Ackley—1-4 2R BB

  Scottsdale Scorpions 9

• Jose Tabata—3-6 2B HR(1) 6 RBI
• Domonic Brown—2-5
• Cole Gillespie—3-5 2B R
• Brandon Crawford—1-2 3R RBI 2 BB
• Scott Mathieson—1.2 IP H BB 3K

10/16 Arizona Fall League Report

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

Russell Mitchell homered and drove in four RBI for the second consectutive day and Scott Sizemore hit his third HR of the young season.  Andrew Lambo collected four more hits and Michael Stanton’s three hits and third stolen base continues to give evidence that he’s developing into a more well rounded offensive player.  Orioles 3B prospect Josh Bell rapped three hits and drove in three runs, but it was show stopping teammate Stephen Strasburg who takes home top honors with a solid AFL debut, pitching 3.1 shut out innings, allowing two hits, one walk while striking out two for his first AFL win.

AFL Player of the Day—STEPHEN STRASBURG

Other AFL Performances:

  Peoria Javelinas  13

• Russ Mitchell—2-5 HR(2) 4 RBI 2B 2R
• Scott Sizemore—1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2R BB
• Dayan Viciedo—2-5 2B 3R RBI
• Casper Wells—3-5 HR(1) 3 RBI 3R
• Andrew Lambo—4-5 2B 3B RBI
• Jordan Danks—2-5 2B 3R

  Peoria Saguaros 3

• Cedric Hunter—2-2
• Zack Cozart—1-4 2B R
• Jon Gaston—1-3 R RBI BB
• Chris Heisey—2-4 RBI BB
• Chia-Jen Lo—2 IP H 4K

  Surprise Rafters 7

• Brandon Laird—1-5 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Dan Delasco—3-5 R
• Marcus Lemon—1-3 R RBI BB SB(1)
• Ruben Tejeda—1-3 RBI 2 BB SB(2)
• Tanner Scheppers—2 IP H BB 2K

  Mesa Solar Sox  3

• Michael Stanton—3-4 RBI SB(3)
• Starlin Castro—3-4 SB(1)
• Ryan Mount—1-3 RBI BB

  Phoenix Desert Dogs 7

• Brandon Snyder—2-3 3R BB
• Josh Bell—3-4 2B 3 RBI R
• Grant Desme—2-4 HR(2) RBI
• Brad Emaus—2-4 RBI SB(1)
• Stephen Strasburg—3.1 IP 2H BB 2K W (1-0)

  Scottsdale Scorpions 4

• Jose Tabata—2-5 RBI
• Buster Posey—1-3 RBI BB
• Brandon Allen—1-3 RBI BB
• William Susdorf—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Thomas Neal—1-4 R SB(1)

7/2 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)

6/18 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)

6/9 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 10, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Juan Francisco tapped out four more hits yesterday raising his June batting average to .312.  Francisco is an elite power prospect for the Cincinnati Reds, but his plate discipline is, to say the least, disconcerting.  After a 2008 season where he garnered a miserable 19 BB/123 K ratio at High-A Sarasota, he’s continued his free swinging ways by walking just 9 times versus 57 K’s through 59 games.  The potential for Francisco to be a 30+ HR guy at the major league level is there, but the high K rates and low on base percentages will continue to haunt his development.

Kyle Drabek won his second AA game and sixth overall this season tossing five innings.  He was far from his dominant self, allowing seven hits and five walks, but he found a way to limit the damage to just two runs.  This shows me that he has the ability to pitch his way through adversity and is showing a savvy for getting guys out when he doesn’t have his customarily solid command of his stuff.  Drabek’s situation going forward will be quite interesting since the Phillies are reportedly shopping for a starting pitcher.  Top pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco has been a disaster this season, which raises Drabek’s stock as a high-value commodity come trade time.  Don’t be surprised to see his name tied to trade rumors as the summer progresses.

Today’s top performer at the AA ranks is Detroit Tigers OF prospect Brennan Boesch.  The 6-6 210 lb. lefty has quietly put together a nice power season for a Tigers organization that lacks many impact prospects.  Boesch went 2-5 yesterday, hitting his 12th HR of the season, tripling and driving in five runs.  He is a solid defender and more athletic than his long, lanky frame suggests.  To date, Boesch is hitting .277 with 12 HR 44 RBI and 16 doubles through 57 games.  The Tigers currently have under-producing and rapidly aging former All-Star Magglio Ordonez handling the RF duties and LF is an assortment of mid-level prospects like Josh Anderson, Ryan Raburn, and Clete Thomas.  The opportunities for someone of Boesch’s size and stature are there if he can continue to move forward in his development.  He’ll need to continue to work on his plate discipline (12 BB/54 K), but ther power potential is there for him to club 25+ HR per season.  Put him on your sleepers list and keep track of his progress over this summer.

AA Player of the Day—BRENNAN BOESCH

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Whit Robbins—3-3 2B 2R BB
• Wilson Ramos—2-4 2B R RBI
• Matt Moses—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• David Cooper—1-3 HR(3) RBI 2R BB
• John Drennen—3-3 HR(3) 3 RBI 2B
• Carlos Santana—2-3 3B R BB
• Ryan Kalish—1-3 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Brennan Boesch—2-4 HR(12) 5 RBI 3B BB
• Scott Sizemore—2-5 2B 3B 2R 2 RBI
• Casper Wells—1-4 HR(1) 3 RBI BB
• Reegie Corona—3-5 HR(2) RBI
• Jon Lucroy—2-3 2B 2 RBI BB
• Logan Schafer—2-4 3B 2R
• Chris Heisey—2-6 HR(11) 2b
• Juan Francisco—4-6 2B R
• Zack Cozart—2-3 2 BB SB(5)
• Darwin Barney—2-3 R 2 RBI
• Timmy Smith—3-4 2B RBI SB(2)
• Tyler Flowers—1-4 HR(8) RBI

Pitching:

• Jeff Manship—7 IP 5H 2 ER 2 BB 4K W (5-4)
• Kyle Drabek—5 IP 7H 2 ER 5 BB 3K W (6-1)
• Edgar Osuna—7 IP 4H er 4 BB 2K W (5-4)

5/29 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 30, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

If you like offense, and oh how us prospectors do, then the AA performances from yesterday will bring a smile to your face.  Cleveland’s 1B prospect Beau Mills blasted two HR and drove in four runs yesterday, while Detroit farmhands Scott Sizemore and Brennan Boesch each hit their 9th HR’s of the young season.  Desmond Jennings rapped three hits including his 6th dinger and Angels 1B prospect Mark Trumbo also hit his 6th while driving in four runs.  San Diego Padres OF prospect Mike Baxter added four more hits, including his 3rd HR and 21st double en route to a 3 RBI day.  Baxter now has 21 hits over his last 10 games (.538 BA) with 13 RBI and 12 runs scored.  Baxter’s effort helped elite pitching prospect Mat Latos earn his 1st AA win, though he probably didn’t need the help.  Latos allowed just one hit over seven scoreless innings, walking two and striking out seven.  Latos is now 4-0 on the year and has allowed a stingy .059 BA since his promotion to San Antonio.

Today’s top prospect is Philadelphia Phillies OF Michael Taylor.  The former Stanford slugger has been swinging a hot bat as of late, hitting .432 with 3 HR and 13 RBI over his last 10 games.  Taylor’s day yesterday was probably his best outing of the season, as he went 5-6 with his 9th HR, six RBI and two runs scored.  Taylor is a mythical blend of power, speed, and discipline that should make him the perfect offensive weapon at the next level.  So far this season, the 6-6 250 lb. Taylor is batting .342 with 9 HR 37 RBI and 8 SB.  He should earn a promotion to AAA soon with an outside shot of making his MLB debut in ‘09.  There really is no rush Taylor along as the OF is pretty well set right now with the trifecta of Ibanez, Victorino, and Werth.  As good as things right now in the green grasse of Citizen’s Bank Ballpark, the rapid development of Taylor and top prospect Dominic Brown promises an even rosier future.

AA Player of the Day—MICHAEL TAYLOR

 


Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Josh Bell—1-4 HR(4) 3 RBI (Game 1)…..1-2 2B RBI (Game 2)
• Beau Mills—2-5 2 HR(4) 4 RBI 2R
• Scott Sizemore—1-2 HR(9) RBI 2R 2 BB SB(7)
• Brennan Boesch—2-4 HR(9) 2 RBI BB 2B
• Josh Thole—3-4
• Jon Still—3-3 R RBI
• Mike McBryde—3-5 HR(1) 4 RBI 4R 2B
• Justin Snyder—2-5 2B RBI R
• Matt Whitney—3-5 2B R 5 RBI
• David Cooper—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Michael Taylor—5-6 HR(9) 4 RBI 2R
• Quentin Berry—3-5 2R
• Desmond Jennings—3-3 HR(6) 2 RBI 2B R 2 BB
• Zack Cozart—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Chris Heisey—3-5 HR(7) 4 RBI SB(10)
• Scott Cousins—2-4 R 2 RBI SB(10)
• Bryan Peterson—2-4 R RBI BB SB(10)
• Pedro Ciriaco—3-5 2B 2R
• Dayan Viciedo—3-4 R RBI
• Tyler Flowers—1-2 2B R 2 BB
• Peter Bourjos—2-6 2R 3B
• Hank Conger—3-5 3 RBI 2R BB
• Mark Trumbo—2-6 HR(6) 4 RBI 2R
• Hanley Statia—4-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 3R
• Drew Locke—4-5 HR(10) 6 RBI 2 2B 3R
• Darin Holcomb—2-4 HR(1) RBI
• Mike Baxter—4-5 HR(3) 2 2B 2R 3 RBI
• Eric Sogard—2-4 2B R
• Mitch Canham—2-4 3B RBI R
• Chris Carter—2-5 2B R
• Josh Donaldson—3-5 2 2B 2 RBI R

Pitching:

• Mat Latos—7 IP H 2 BB 7K W (4-0)
• Scott Elbert—6.1 IP H 3 BB 9K W (2-0)

5/27 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 27, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

With the Texas League taking the day off, yesterday’s AA slate of games was somewhat light.  Jordan Danks hit his 2nd HR of the year and scored twice while teammate John Shelby Jr. enjoyed a nice day at the plate hitting his 4th dinger and driving in three runs.  Tampa Bay’s Desmond Jennings hit his 5th HR as did lesser known Red Sox 1B prospect Aaron Bates.

Yesterday’s top performer is New York Yankees RHP Zach McAllister.  The 21 year old tosses seven shutout innings, allowing just four hits and striking out five.  After a highly successful 2008, McAllister continues to shine in the AA ranks going 3-2 with a 1.91 ERA and 15 BB/32 K in his first 47 innings.  McAllister has a solid fastball that ranges from 91-94 MPH and he also mixes in a 89-91 MPH two seamer that has nasty sink to it.  Offspeed pitches include a solid slider and changeup that he commands well in the strike zone.  Despite his frontline starter size and velocity, McAllister pitches to contact and looks to induce ground ball outs.  I can’t help but think that he has some projection left in that frame that could add some power and velocity to his stuff.  McAllister should pitch the majority of the season at AA before earning a mid to late summer promotion to AAA.

AA Player of the Day—ZACH MCALLISTER

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Jon Lucroy—1-3 2B RBI BB
• Ty Wright—2-4 2B 2R RBI
• James Adduci—1-3 HR(1) 3 RBI BB
• Desmond Jennings—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Zack Cozart—3-4 2B 2R
• Sean Henry—1-3 2B 2R BB SB(3)
• Todd Frazier—2-4 2 RBI
• Juan Francisco—2-3 R 2 RBI
• Cyle Hankerd—3-4 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Jordan Danks—3-4 HR(2) RBI BB 2R
• Brandon Allen—1-3 2B R RBI 2BB
• John Shelby Jr.—2-3 HR(4) 3 RBI 2B BB
• Eduardo Nunez—4-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2R
• Collin Curtis—5-5 3R BB
• Andy Dirks—3-5 2B 3B 2 RBI R
• Brennan Boesch—2-5 2 2B R RBI
• Scott Sizemore—2-6 2 2B R
• Aaron Bates—2-4 HR(5) 2 RBI 2R
• Ryan Kalish—2-4 R RBI
• Michael Taylor—2-4 2B R RBI
• Leonard Davis—2-5 HR(6) RBI

Pitching:

• Vance Worley—7 IP 3H BB 2K W (4-2)
• Zach McAllister—7 IP 4H 2 BB 5K W (3-2)
• Lucas Harrell—5 IP 5H er 2 BB 4K W (6-1)
• Matt Torra—7 IP 5H UER 2K W (2-5)

5/25 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on May 26, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | 4 Comments to Read

Cincinnati Reds 3B prospect Juan Francisco blasted HR’s 8 and 9 yesterday while his teammate Zack Cozart hit his second.  Lars Anderson went yard for the 6th time and Philly’s Michael Taylor hit his 8th, helping teammate Joe Savery earn his 4th win of the year.

Yesterday was a big day for Birmingham’s top sluggers as Tyler Flowers hit his 6th HR, Dayan Viciedo had four hits and an RBI, and Brandon Allen had three hits.  It was ‘08 1st rounder Gordon Beckham who took home top honors, however, as he went 3-5 with his 4th HR five RBI and two runs scored.  Beckham raised his average to .307 and his 17 doubles indicate that there is a good chance that he will boost his power numbers in the not too distant future.  The White Sox currently are set at SS with Alexei Ramirez and rookie Chris Getz has been decent at 2B.  Beckham’s star is rising, however, and there is no chance that Getz will be able to hold him off once the White Sox deem him ready for a major league job.  Odds are quite high that Beckham will receive a mid-summer promotion to AAA Charlotte and, barring injury, it seems likely that he will get some MLB at bats once the rosters are expanded in September.

AA Player of the Day—GORDON BECKHAM

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Michael Taylor—1-5 HR(8) RBI
• Jim Negrych—2-3 BB SB(1)
• Brandon Crawford—3-5 R
• Brett Pill—1-4 HR(2) 4 RBI
• Sharlon Schoop—1-3 2B 3 RBI BB
• Mark Wagner—3-5 2B R RBi BB
• Lars Anderson—2-4 HR(6) 2 RBI BB
• Jon Still—3-5 2 2B R
• Argenis Diaz—3-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Whit Robbins—3-4 2B R BB
• Emmanuel Garcia—3-6 R RBI SB(13)
• Colin Curtis—2-4 2B R RBI BB
• Brandon Hicks—1-3 HR(3) RBI
• Concepcion Rodriguez—1-3 HR(2) RBI
• Zack Cozart—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Juan Francisco—2-4 2 HR(9) 3 RBI 2R
• Chris Heisey—3-4 R SB(9)
• Gordon Beckham—3-5 HR(4) 5 RBI 2B 2R
• Tyler Flowers—2-5 HR(6) RBI
• Dayan Viciedo—4-5 RBI
• Brandon Allen—3-5 R
• Jordan Danks—1-3 2R 2 BB
• Daryl Jones—1-3 2R RBI 2 BB
• Brian McFall—2-3 HR(7) RBI
• James Rapoport—3-4 3R 3B RBI
• Chris Carter—2-2 HR(5) 2 RBI 2R 2B
• Corey Brown—1-3 2 RBI BB

Pitching:

• Guillermo Moscoso—8.1 IP 4H 3 ER BB 11K W (3-1)
• Aaron Poreda—6 IP 3H 2 ER 3 BB 5K W (4-4)
• Barry Enright—5.1 IP 3H 2 BB 3K W (3-3)
• Christian Garcia—5 IP 2H 3 BB 4K W (1-0)
• Jay Rainville—6 IP 3H 3 BB 4K
• Joe Savery—6 IP 4H 4 BB 3K W (4-1)

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

Gordon Beckham and Jordan Danks each homered for the Birmingham Barons, while Lars Anderson had his best performance in what has been a challenging two months.  The Red Sox top prospect hit his 5th HR of the season while driving in four runs, scoring twice and walking three times.  Pittsburgh Pirates righty Brad Lincoln tossed a two-hit complete game shutout for his first win of the season but it wasn’t enough to surpass what may be the top MiLB performance of the year.

Cleveland Indians youngster Jeanmar Gomez tossed a perfect game today against the Trenton Thunder.  The 21 year old Venezuelan has been nearly unhittable since his promotion to Akron, allowing just one run in 29 innings and winning each of his four starts.  Even more impressive than the .097 BAA, is the fact that Gomez has allowed just one walk during that time while striking out 26 hitters.  Gomez has a lanky frame that has added strength over the past four seasons.  His fastball sits comfortably at 90-92 MPH while reaching 94 on occasion.  His curveball has an 11-5 break to it and is a plus pitch.  The key to Gomez’s success this season has been his ability to command the strike zone and force ground ball outs.

AA Player of the Day—JEANMAR GOMEZ

Other Notable Performances:

Hitting:

• Lucas Duda—2-3 2B 2 RBI
• Brandon Crawford—2-5 RBI
• Carlos Rivero—2-5 R RBI
• Beau Mills—2-4 2B R
• Lars Anderson—2-2 HR(5) 4 RBI 2B 2R 3 BB
• Jon Still—2-4 2 RBI
• Scott Cousins—1-4 HR(5) 2 RBI
• Juan Francisco—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Zack Cozart—2-5 2B
• Chris Heisey—2-5 2B R
• Sean Henry—1-4 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Gordon Beckham—4-5 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Jordan Danks—2-4 HR(1) RBI BB
• Brandon Allen—2-5 2B
• Timmy Smith—2-4 HR(3) RBI 2B 2R
• Josh Donaldson—2-2 2B 2 RBI R
• Brian McFall—3-4 HR(6) 3 RBI
• Peter Bourjos—2-5 3B R
• Curt Smith—3-4 R
• Mark Hamilton—2-3 HR(7) RBI 2R

Pitching:

• Lance Lynn—6.2 IP 8H 2 ER 6K W (3-0)
• Chris Cody—8 IP 4H 2 ER 8K W (4-1)
• Lucas Harrell—6 IP 5H er 2 BB 5K W (5-1)
• Jeanmar Gomez—9 IP 0H 8K W (6-2)….PERFECT GAME
• Zach McAllister—6 IP 6H Er BB 5K L (2-2)
• Felix Doubront—5 IP 4H BB 6K
• Ryan Mullins—6 IP 5H ER BB 4K W (2-5)
• Brad Lincoln—9 IP 2H 2 BB 4K W (1-3)
• Alexander Smit—5 IP 4H 2 ER 6K W (1-0)

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)