3/8 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 9, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Pitching prospects are the big story of today as several young hurlers put in some positive innings today.  Justin Masterson, Daniel Bard and Junichi Tazawa combined to throw 6 innings of 3 hit, 1 run ball today, David Purcey looked good in his 3 scoreless innings as did Phil Hughes.  The youngster of today, however, is the rapidly rising star in the Atlanta Braves’ system Tommy Hanson.  Hanson surrendered just one run over  4 innings striking out 7 hitters.  If you haven’t picked up this guy’s rookie cards yet, the window of opportunity to get them at cost-effective levels are diminishing with each dominant outing he logs.

Youngster of the Day—TOMMY HANSON

Other Notable Performances:

• Gaby Sanchez—2-4 R
• Jarret Hoffpauir—2-3 R RBI
• Garrett Jones—2-4 HR(1) 2B BB 3 RBI 2R
• Carlos Gomez—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Will Rhymes—1-2 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Jeff Larish—2-3 BB R
• Phil Hughes—3 IP 2 BB 4K
• Mark Melancon—IP BB K
• Sharion Martis—2 IP 2K
• Jason Donald—2-3 BB R RBI
• Tommy Hanson—4 IP H ER BB 7K
• Diory Hernandez—2-3 2 RBI R
• Brandon Jones—2-4 R
• Jason Heyward—1-2 R
• Zack Daeges—1-4 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Lars Anderson—1-4 RBI
• Justin Masterson—3 IP H 3K
• Daniel Bard—IP 3K
• Junichi Tazawa—2 IP 2H ER 4K
• J.P. Arencibia—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Travis Snider—1-3 R
• David Purcey—3 IP 2BB 3K
• Adam Rosales—2-3 RBI
• Devin Mesoraco—1-2 R
• Chris Valaika—1-2 RBI
• Nick Hundley—1-3 BB R
• Matt Antonelli—2-4 2B RBI
• Mat Latos—2 IP 0H
• Eric Young Jr.—1-3 2B R
• Greg Golson—1-1 GS HR(1) 4 RBI
• Elvis Andrus—1-3 R BB
• Derek Holland—2.1 IP 4H BB K
• Nick Adenhart—2 IP 2H K (W)
• Chris Petit—1-1 2R
• Andrew Romine—1-2 3B R 2 RBI
• Jesus Guzman—1-4 2B RBI
• Matt Downs—3-4 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R
• Pablo Sandoval—1-3 RBI
• Brad Nelson—2-4 HR(1) RBI R
• Michael Brantley—2-2
• Brett Anderson—2.2 IP 2H BB K
• Corey Wimberley—1-3 2R BB
• Matt Carson—1-2 HR(1) 3 RBI 2R
• Adrian Cardenas—2-2 RBI
• Justin Upton—2-3 2 RBI R BB
• Wladimir Balentien—1-4 HR(2) 3 RBI 2R SB(1)

8/26 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 27, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Read the First Comment

AA is far and away my favorite level to prospect as it seems that the best prospects congregate there and give you the best glimpse of who is real deal and what they project to do at the major league level.  Lots of “real deals” had nice performances last night.

Zack Daeges

• 3-4 3 RBI 2B 2R SB(3)—.324 HR 10 RBI last 10 games (hits when healthy)

Josh Reddick

• 1-3 HR(23) 2 RBI—.323 23 HR 91 RBI 14 SB 88 R over 3 levels

Argenis Diaz

• 3-4 HR(2) RBI 3R—.304 2 HR 20 RBI in 33 games at Portland

Jose Tabata

• 1-4 HR(7) RBI—.400 2 HR 6 RBI 4 SB 10 R last 10 games

Fernando Martinez

• 2-4 R RBI BB—.287 7 HR 38 RBI 6 SB in 80 games at Binghamton

Chris Tillman

• 6 IP 4H 2BB 8K (W)—3-0 0 ER 23K/5BB in last 3 outings (get a Bowman Auto now)

Nolan Reimold

• 2-5 2HR(22) 3 RBI—.283 22 HR 78 RBI 82 R 60 BB (September MLB debut?)

Jeremy Hellickson

• 5 IP 6H ER 3BB 9K (W)—Not struggling anymore at AA (4-2 2.82 ERA 67K/61IP)

Brandon Allen

• 1-4 HR(27) RBI—5 HR 7 RBI 7 R last 7 games (may replace Paul Konerko at 1B soon)

Andrew Lambo

• 1-4 HR(16) 3 RBI—2nd game at Jacksonville (just turned 20 yrs. old)

\Russ Mitchell

• 1-4 HR(16) 3 RBI—.282 5 HR 13 RBI 8 R last 10 games

Scott Elbert

• IP 3K—3-0 1.46 ERA 20K/12IP 5H (Will his future role be in the 8th or 9th inning?)

Jesus Guzman

• 1-4 HR(17) RBI—Hot again .395 2 HR 11 RBI last 10 games

Kyle Blanks

• 2-4 R RBI—Sizzling .439 3 HR 20 RBI 18 H last 10 games

Drew Sutton

• 2-4 HR(19) 2 RBI 2R BB—.382 2 HR 5 RBI 9 R 13BB/4K last 10 games

Brian Bogusevic

• 2-5 RBI—Pitching career may be bogus, but bat is real (.343 4 HR 23 RBI 8 SB in 47 games)

BUY/SELL Analysis

4-1 2.40 ERA .157 BAA in '08

Scott Elbert was one of the hottest pitching prospects in all of baseball in 2007 before a torn labrum ended his season after just 3 starts.  Elbert came back in June and has thrown in 25 games this season as a mid to late inning RP.  The lefty Elbert is still electrifying, pounding the strike zone with a lively 94-97 MPH fastball and a two-zone curveball that is his out pitch.  Elbert is a fiery competitor who has all the makings of a top flight closer within the next couple seasons.  Elbert has several cards in the 2004 products with autographs in Bowman Sterling, SP Prospects, Donruss Elite Extra, and Fleer Hot Prospects.  His base cards are also in great abundance in products like Bowman Draft and Chrome, Bowman Heritage, and Topps Traded and Chrome.  With so many products available, it is easy to see that prices vary.  Autographs can be had for as low as $5 (Donruss Elite) to as high as $25 (SP Prospects).  Base cards are difficult to find in bulk right now, but singles can be attained for 75 cents to $1 each.

Market Advice: Elbert is a prospect fraught with uncertainties.  What will his eventual role be? Will his role as a RP increase his chances to be healthy?, Will he dominate at the MLB level like he does now?  The risk/reward factor for pitching prospects is high and for injury-prone RP’s it is even higher.  In light of these observations, I cannot endorse buying Elbert’s cards unless you get them for well under the above mentioned prices, but I do think that it would be wise to HOLD his cards (especially autos) if you have them.  He is close to making an MLB debut and has the potential to make some early waves a la Max Scherzer.  If you have his cards, get them scanned and ready to SELL on Ebay if he gets an MLB call up in September.

8/12 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on August 13, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Read the First Comment

Twas a light night in AA, but here’s the rundown…

MIchael Daniel

• 1-4 HR(13) 3 RBI—Slumping as of late (.179 last 10 games) Looking very average.

Lars Anderson

• 1-4 HR(17) 2 RBI—.333 4 HR 13 RBI last 10 games (looking better and better)

Zack Daeges

• 2-3 2B R BB—.314 5 HR 52 RBI 30 2B 59BB/59K (needs more pop)

Matt Wieters

• 2-4 2B 3B 2 RBI—.405 3 HR 14 RBI 9 BB 9 R last 10 games (please come up in Sept.)

Brad Bergesen

• 6.1 IP 5H 2ER 2BB 2K (W)—16-4 2.89 ERA 80K/149IP (not overpowering, just wins)

Wilkin Ramirez

• 3-4 2R RBI BB—.419 4HR 9 RBI 11 R last 10 games (wasn’t ready for AAA)

Drew Carpenter

• 7 IP 7H 2ER 2BB 6K (W)—3rd straight commanding win in otherwise horrible season

Dillon Gee

• 7 IP 4H ER BB 5K—Commanding debut AA performance but no decision

Jake Fox

• 1-3 HR(26) 4 RBI 2BB—.368 5 HR 11 RBI 10 R last 10 games (Played C, 1B, 3B this year)

Brandon Allen

• 2-5 2B 5 RBI—Showing signs of life after minor slump (4 game hit streak)

BUY/SELL Analysis

Viva Zack Daeges!

Gotta talk about one of my favorites from ‘07, Zack Daeges.  Last year, Daeges went Playstation on the California League hitting .330 with 21 HR 113 RBI 124 Runs 82 BB and a minor league leading 55 2B’s.  Skeptics abounded about Daeges’ game stating that the bandbox confines of Lancaster and the pitching poor California League inflated his numbers.  Baseball America thought low of him enough to keep him off of their top 30 Red Sox prospects list in spite of his stellar season.  AA was supposed to be the barometer that would expose Daeges as a lower level prospect.  Daeges has battled some injuries this season, but has rebounded to hit .314 with a 59BB/59K ratio.  5 HR and 52 RBI in 325 AB’s has been a disappointment, especially given Daeges powerful 6-4 225 lb. frame.  Overall, Daeges is a below average athlete who has a decent arm and limited outfield range.  Likely he will have to DH or play 1B in the major leagues, areas that are deep in young talent for the Red Sox.  Daeges’ only 1st year cards reside in the 2006 Bowman Draft and Chrome set.  Chrome RC’s can be had in bunches for 50-75 cents each and base cards can be snagged at under 25 cents regularly. 

Market Analysis: I would be much more excited about Daeges if he could replicate his power from last season, but he strikes me as a gap to gap contact hitter who will not turn on many balls.  His plate discipline is advance, but unfortunately, so is his age (he turns 25 in November).  Long term, Daeges may need a change of location in order to become a major league contributor.  He seems to fall in the lines of other all hit, corner infielders like Jamie D’Antona, Terry Tiffee, Jeff Bailey, etc… who should get better opportunities but are beaten out by younger, more intriguing athletes.  That said, he is a solid low-risk medium reward BUY who might get some opportunities in spring training.

8/4 AA Minor League Report

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

Top performances from Monday’s AA Minor League action was as follows:

Allen Craig

• 2-6 HR(20) 3 RBI—.421 2 HR 8 RBI last 10 games (the more I see from him, the more I like)

Julio Borbon

• 1-5 HR(3) RBI—Part of the speedy 3 amigos at Frisco (Borbon, Andrus, Duran)

Elvis Andrus

• 2-5 2B—.325 2 HR 10 RBI 6 SB last 10 games (coming on strong!)

Gaby Sanchez

• 2-4 2 HR(16) 3 RBI—.419 6 HR 21 RBI 10 R last 10 games (underrated)

Cameron Maybin

• 2-3 R 2BB SB(18)—.268 12 HR 38 RBI 18 SB (is it unfair that we expect more out of him?)

Alcides Escobar

• 2-3 HR( 8 ) 2 RBI SB(28)—.335 152 H 80 R 201 TB (Huntsville taking a dive as of late)

Tommy Hanson

• 6 IP 4H 2ER BB 10K—5-1 2.88 ERA 63K/56IP last 10 games (3 10+ K outings)

Austin Jackson

• 4-5 3R 2B RBI—.297 9 HR 61 RBI (finishing strong at AA Trenton)

Matt Wieters

• 1-4 HR(22) RBI—.441 2 HR 11 RBI 9BB/5K 10 R last 10 games

Chris Tillman

• 6 IP 4H 2ER BB 11K—7-3 3.63 ERA 114K/108IP (M’s smacking foreheads on this trade)

Ian Desmond

• 4-4 HR(9) 3 RBI 2B BB—.258 9 HR 36 RBI 13 SB (Forgotton since incredible spring in ‘05)

Marvin Lowrance

• 3-5 2 2B 2R—.285 17 HR 51 RBI 27 2B (way under the radar pure hitter)

Zack Daeges

• 2-4 2B RBI BB—.425 2 HR 16 RBI 9R 6BB last 10 games (regaining ‘07 form)

Lars Anderson

• 2-5 HR(14) RBI 2R—1st AA HR for Red Sox top hitting prospect (more to come!)

BUY/SELL Analysis

Lowrance isn't below my radar

Tonight we delve way below the radar to unearth a prospect from the Washington Nationals farm system, Marvin Lowrance (not to be confused with Martin Lawrence).  Lowrance was a 2004 7th round pick out of a small JC in California.  For the past 4 season, Lowrance has toiled in the Nationals’ minor leagues but has really begun to ascend nicely the past couple of years jumping two levels last year and two, so far, this season.  A major part of this is the fact that Lowrance’s power has begun to develop, as he hit 20 HR and 62 RBI last year and has accumulated 17 HR and 51 RBI at High A and AA this season.  Lowrance is all hitter who has a polished and disciplined approach at the plate.  He is an average OF who will need to watch his conditioning in order to hold down a corner spot.  Lowrance will steal a base once every solar eclipse, which further exposes him as a one dimensional player.  That dimension, his bat, should carry him to the major leagues as a 4th outfielder or short term starter.  Lowrance’s 1st year cards are found in the 2007 Bowman and Chrome Prospects.  Fortunately for prospectors, his cards are available for 20-40 cents each in abundance.  Refractors can be found in the $2-3 range and are numbered to 500.

Market Advice: Lowrance is the perfect prospect to acquire if you have a 5 dollar bill around and don’t know how to spend it.  For that price, you can easily BUY a 10 card lot and a refractor of Lowrance and hope that he can make a little noise at the major league level.  Long term, I don’t see him having a super career, but I do think he has enough talent and youth on his side to hit for a major league club.  SELL at the right time and you can make a few bucks to spend on higher ceiling prospects!

7/29 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 31, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Lots of action Tuesday night!  Here’s a breakdown…

Michael Daniel

• 2-5 2 HR(11) 2 RBI—.333 3 HR 6 RBI last 10 games

Josh Rodriguez

• 3-3 2B R BB—.255 7 HR 44 RBI 62 BB 10 SB (Mediocre season for former Rice SS)

Matt Wieters

• 4-5 HR(21) 5 RBI 2B 2R—.393 3 HR 17 RBI 8BB/3K last 10 games

Nolan Reimold

• 2-4 2R 2B BB—.289 18 HR 59 RBI 48 BB

Zack Daeges

• 4-5 HR(5) 4 RBI 3R 2B BB—.351 2 HR 10 RBI 8R last 10 games

Josh Reddick

• 2-5 HR( 18 ) RBI BB—First HR at AA Portland (.240 BA in 6 games)

J.P. Arencibia

• 2-5 2B 2 RBI R—.308 3 HR 11 RBI 9R last 10 games

Jeremy Hellickson

• 6 IP 3H ER BB 9K—Has been Jekyll/Hyde like since promotion to AA

Lorenzo Cain

• 2-2 HR( 8 ) 2 RBI BB—Played at 3 levels in ‘08 (Likened to Corey Hart)

Ivan DeJesus

• 2-4 2 2B R RBI—.292 2 HR 42 RBI 11 SB 60 BB/65K

Aaron Poreda

• 7 IP 5H 2 ER 2BB 3K—7-7 3.60 84K/125IP over two levels

Jordan Schafer

• 1-4 2B 3 RBI SB( 8 )—.361 7 RBI 12K last 10 games

Tyler Colvin

• 1-4 HR( 8 ) 2 RBI—.234 8 HR 54 RBI (lots of talent that has been reluctant to develop)

Elvis Andrus

• 2-4 HR(3) 2 RBI 2 SB(42)—.294 49 RBI 43 SB at Frisco as a teenager (love this kid!)

Julio Borbon

• 2-5 HR(4) RBI—.304 4 HR 45 RBI 44 SB (one of a trifecta of speed demons at Frisco)

Tommy Everidge

• 4-5 HR(20) 2 RBI—.400 3 HR 14 RBI 18 hits last 10 games

Corey Wimberly

• 2-3 3R 2BB RBI 3 SB(52)—Juan Pierre reincarnated

Daryl Jones

• 3-4 HR( 8 ) 2 RBI 2B—Starting to adjust to AA pitching (4 game hitting streak)

BUY/SELL Analysis

Elvis Andrus came over to the Rangers in the Mark Teixeira trade last season and has blossomed since.  Baseball America ranked Andrus as the top prospect in Texas’ farm system for 2008 and he has not disappointed.  Playing against older competition, the 19 year old Andrus has hit .294 with 3 HR 49 RBI and 43 SB this season.  Andrus has been regarded as a gifted SS with great range, rocket arm, and strong work ethic. Andrus’ 1st year cards can be found in the 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects and Bowman Sterling sets.  Singles from each set can be had at $2.50-3.00 each.

Market Advice: I think Andrus is a future all-star who may get a shot in Texas as early as next spring.  With Hank Blalock most likely being bought out of the last year of his contract, the Rangers may consider moving Michael Young to 3rd opening a spot for Andrus.  Granted, this is just a prognostication on my part.  Regardless, I think that Andrus will play in Arizona this fall, as he does fit into Texas ‘09 plans at some point.  BUY his cards liberally and joyfully at less than 3 bucks a pop.

7/28 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 29, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Brett Cecil

• 6 IP 3H BB 8K (W)—6-2 2.55 ERA 87K/78IP at New Hampshire

Zack Daeges

• 1-4 HR(4) 4 RBI—.286 31 RBI 52BB (Power drop has been disappointing)

John Raynor

• 4-5 2 2B 2R 2 RBI SB(40)—.361 7R 8 SB last 10 games

Gaby Sanchez

• 2-5 2B 4 RBI—.329 11 HR 66 RBI 15 SB 54 BB

Adam Moore

• 2-3 2 2B R RBI BB—.500 6 2B 2 HR 10 RBI last 10 games

Mat Gamel

• 1-4 HR(16) RBI—Slowed his torrid pace (.216 HR 6 RBI last 10 games)

David Price

• 8 IP 2 H 2 ER 7K (W)—9-0 2.03 ERA 75K/80IP

Chad Huffman

• 1-2 HR(7) 2 RBI 2R 2BB—Understated but solid season at San Antonio

Allen Craig

• 2-4 HR(19) RBI—Blazing .500 19 Hits 2 HR 6 RBI last 10 games

Kila Kaaihue

• 2-5 2B 2R RBI—Monster season (.314 26 HR 79 RBI 80BB/41K)

Mark Trumbo

• 5-5 2 HR( 28 ) 3 RBI 3R—Huge AA debut for Angels slugging 1B prospect

Sean Doolittle

• 3-6 2R RBI—Showing signs of adjusting to AA pitching

Chris Johnson

• 2-4 HR(12) RBI—.324 12 HR 58 RBI

BUY/SELL Analysis

Cecil may pitch at four levels in '08

Brett Cecil headlined the impressive 2007 draft by the Toronto Blue Jays that included the likes of J.P Arencibia, Justin Jackson, Kevin Ahrens, John Tolisano, and Eric Eiland. The LHP Cecil has progressed quickly through the minor leagues dominating at each level with a 92-94 MPH fastball and devastating slider that reaches 87 MPH.  One of Cecil’s strengths is his ability to induce ground ball outs with his heavy sinker.  This season, his groundout to flyout ratio is an impressive 2.27, which will be key for pitching at the launch pad formerly known as the Skydome.  Cecil has an autographed first year card (#’ed to 500) in the 2007 Donruss Elite Extra set which sells at $7.50-10.00 each.  He also hase various jersey and short print cards in the set that can be had for $1-2 each.

Market Advice: Cecil was just promoted to AAA Syracuse last night and, with the uncertain future of A.J. Burnett as a Blue Jay, there is a distinct possibility that Cecil can earn the ultimate promotion this season.  At his sub-$10 prices, and limited products on the market, Cecil is a steal.  BUY a few autos as he may be in the middle of next year’s rotation!

7/13 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 14, 2008 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

The Southern League had the night off, but here are some key performances from the Eastern and Texas Leagues.

Matt Whitney

• 1-4 HR(7) 2 RBI—.419 7 RBI last 10 games

Brad Corley

• 2-4 HR(9) 2 RBI 2R—.284 9 HR 36 RBI (Power & RBI numbers down from last year)

Ryan Roberson

• 2-3 2 2B 2RBI BB—.400 2 HR 11 RBI last 10 games

Matt Wieters

• 2-4 2B RBI—.346 18 HR 49 RBI 1.025 OPS (Would love to see this guy in Baltimore in Sept.)

Travis Snider

• 3-4 2 2B 3RBI R—3 HR 12 RBI 0BB/13K last 10 games

Ricky Romero

• 8 IP 5h 2ER 2BB K—Ugly season for former 1st rounder (5-5 5.61ERA 68K/47BB)

Zack Daeges

• 1-5 HR(3) RBI–HR’s in back to back games but still disappointing power year

Jeff Corsaletti

• 2-4 HR(12) RBI BB—.400 3 HR 9 RBI last 10 games

Erik Lis

• 2-4 HR(10) 3RBI 2R—.271 48 RBI 31 2B

Austin Jackson

• 2-3 R RBI—.359 5 RBI last 10

Brandon Hynick

• 7 IP 8H ER 0K—Nice outing in very mediocre season (5-6 4.97 ERA)

Jose Vallejo

• 2-4 2B R BB—.294 10 HR 62 RBI 31 SB at A & AA

Chris Johnson

• 2-4 RBI R—Busting out of 2-23 slide with 8 hits in last 4 games

Aaron Cunningham

• 2-4 3R—.368 10 R 5 RBI last 10 games

Tommy Everidge

• 3-5 HR(17) 5 RBI—.259 75 RBI

Chad Huffman

• 3-5 2B R—.299

BUY/SELL Analysis

Chris Johnson became the organization’s top 3B prospect once Mike Costanzo was traded to the Orioles.  Johnson was ranked by Baseball America as Houston’s 13th best prospect, but his season, thusfar .320 10 HR 52 RBI, has vaulted him well into the top 10.  Johnson is a well built 6-3 220lb. athlete with good range and a strong arm at 3rd base.  Johnson has power to all fields and is showing that he can hit for average too.  Johnson’s first year cards are in the 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects set.  Singles are selling for less than 50 cents each and refractors are around $3-4.  It will be interesting to see if the Astros send Johnson to the Arizona Fall League to play this off season.  If so, I would venture that he would have a crack at the 3B job in spring training next season.

Market Advice: BUY, BUY, BUY this guy’s cards.  Look for Bowman Sterling to produce autographed versions of his cards.  I think there is great value to be had in his serial #’ed cards and if Bowman Chrome comes out with an autographed card in its August release, they should be cheap early on.  Johnson’s best years are ahead of him!