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Post by Guardians »

A's BP Top 10

Prospects on the Rise:

1. RHP Daniel Gossett: Drafted last year in the second round out of Clemson, Gossett carries a three-pitch arsenal consisting of a fastball, slider, and changeup. While some sources are not sold on the overall profile, Gossett has produced results at every level. The questions moving forward will be whether the arsenal has enough firepower to turnover lineups multiple times and whether his body can hit the mechanical checkpoints necessary to keep efficient stamina after a decent amount of pitches thrown. Gossett passed his initial test at Vermont with flying colors, and will look to continue his progression in full-season ball next season.
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Post by Guardians »

Certainly too early for ROY talk, but Devon Travis is raking:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/devon-tr ... -the-year/
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Post by Rockies »

Tigers wrote:Certainly too early for ROY talk, but Devon Travis is raking:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/devon-tr ... -the-year/
Another 2b to deal? Hook the Rockies up..
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Post by Athletics »

Rockies wrote:
Tigers wrote:Certainly too early for ROY talk, but Devon Travis is raking:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/devon-tr ... -the-year/
Another 2b to deal? Hook the Rockies up..
Don't listen to Pat, he is the same guy that bought Alex Cobb ;)
"My shit doesn't work in the playoffs. My job is to get us to the playoffs. What happens after that is fucking luck."

LAA 11 - 15 331W - 479L
LAA 16 - 20 477W - 333L 17-20 ALW
OAK 21 - 22 214W - 110L 21-22 ALW
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Post by Guardians »

Angels wrote:
Rockies wrote:
Tigers wrote:Certainly too early for ROY talk, but Devon Travis is raking:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/devon-tr ... -the-year/
Another 2b to deal? Hook the Rockies up..
Don't listen to Pat, he is the same guy that bought Alex Cobb ;)
Sad face
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Post by Athletics »

You still will get more value out of Cobb and Shaw than I will out of Tucker, Hernandez, and Shipley over the next three years.
"My shit doesn't work in the playoffs. My job is to get us to the playoffs. What happens after that is fucking luck."

LAA 11 - 15 331W - 479L
LAA 16 - 20 477W - 333L 17-20 ALW
OAK 21 - 22 214W - 110L 21-22 ALW
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Post by Guardians »

Go ahead and take a peak at #1 on the list:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/p ... r-zooms-1/
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Post by Guardians »

I'll take a couple silvers and bronzes:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=26458
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Post by Guardians »

Not a bad day at the office for Seager:

http://m.milb.com/2015_05_28_okcaaa_slcaaa_1/
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Post by Guardians »

From BP:

Jordan Patterson, RF, Colorado Rockies (High-A Modesto Nuts)
Patterson has done a whole lot of hitting since signing as the Rockies’ fourth-rounder in 2013. His offensive output has ballooned appropriately thus far in the California League to the tune of a .340/.398/.633 line that includes the second-most doubles in the league despite an early-season DL stint. Cartoonish slash line aside, there’s some legitimate reason for intrigue here. The 23-year-old is a big dude at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, pretty well filled-out, and age-appropriate for the level. His legs are extremely long to a high waist, and he shows impressive athleticism and grace in movement for his size, with surprising first-step quickness and pick-up in the outfield. The running speed is average, maybe a tick above at present, and while I haven’t seen him air one out yet there’s definitely arm strength in abundance.

His work in the batter’s box is his calling card, and there’s a lot to like. He put on an impressive display in batting practice last Thursday, working line drives gap to gap in a disciplined session before uncorking plus raw power to the pull side in his final rounds. He works off a wide base with quiet hands and a short load, and the swing is relatively quick and compact in spite of the size. His bat speed is easily above average and works with good plane, though he occasionally loses leverage with a weak front foot plant.

The biggest limiting factor at present is an extremely aggressive in-zone approach and some trouble with off-speed recognition. Patterson will get after most any fastball he sees right now, including ones in parts of the zone he’d be better served letting pass. The top half can start early in his weight transfer, and when it does he’ll lose timing between his shoulders and hips, particularly against pitches with a wrinkle. That cuts off his power and limits his ability to make in-swing adjustments, and he’ll need to improve in those areas as he progresses in order to get his hit tool playing to the above-average level his BP session and bat-to-ball suggest he’s capable of.

I’m not sure the raw ever plays in full, even in a best-case scenario, and there’s a road to hoe between his present and future hit tools. But a bat with matching 55 hit and playable power potential makes for an interesting offensive prospect, especially when he’s in Colorado’s system. –Wilson Karaman
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Post by Guardians »

Second start out -- and yes it was the Brewers -- but heck of a line from Joe Ross tonight in Milwaukee:

8 ip 7 h 2 er 1bb 8 k 108 pitches

Very promising start to his MLB career after coming up straight from AA. Let's hope he continues to get opportunities.
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Post by Guardians »

Hitter of the Day: Corey Seager, SS, Dodgers (Oklahoma City, AAA): 2-4, 2 R, 2 HR, BB, K.
There’s not much left for Seager to prove in the minors, nor is there much blocking him in the majors, other than the respect for a veteran like Jimmy Rollins. That shouldn’t be dismissed, but it also shouldn’t stand in the way of a championship team. Seager is the best position player remaining in the minors after this first half’s run of prospect promotions, though he’s not atop the list on the merit of attrition alone. He’s a stud in the making, especially for as long as he can remain at shortstop. Many believe he’ll eventually have to move to third base, and they may well be correct, but in the meantime he’s more than capable of handling the six spot and is ready to take over in Los Angeles.
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Post by Guardians »

BP Midseason Top 50:

1. SS Corey Seager (Dodgers)

Age: 21 (4/27/94)

Placement on pre-season 101: 7

Current MiLB level/Affiliate: Triple-A Oklahoma City

Developmental Update: Seager has hit at every level, shown plus power potential, and is a strong enough athlete to remain in the middle of the field at least through the first half of his career. He’s been splitting time at third base in a move that’s as much out of organizational necessity as it is ability, but his bat is strong enough to play at either position, If it wasn’t for the presence of veterans blocking his path, he’d already be in the big leagues. –Jeff Moore

20. OF Bradley Zimmer (Indians)

Age: 22 (11/27/92)

Placement on pre-season 101: N/A

Current MiLB level/Affiliate: High-A Lynchburg

Developmental Update: The outfielder has excelled this season in Lynchburg, displaying five average or better tools. He has displayed improved actions in center field, which has boosted his value moving forward. Zimmer has a well-rounded skill set and will likely see time in Double-A at some point this season. When all is said and done, Zimmer has a high floor that will play in the majors in some capacity, while still retaining a moderately high ceiling. –Tucker Blair

35. RHP Mark Appel (Astros)

Age: 23 (7/15/91)

Placement on pre-season 101: 35

Current MiLB level/Affiliate: Triple-A Fresno

Developmental Update: A season marked with uneven results further amplifies the questions surrounding this former no. 1 overall pick, while casting additional haze on what exactly he’s going to be. The stuff is there to be a front-line type, though some wonder if the intestinal fortitude and consistent execution will allow him to produce at that level. Now that he's sitting in Triple-A, we’re likely to get a definitive picture soon. –Chris Mellen
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Post by Guardians »

BA Midseason Top 50

1 Corey Seager ss Dodgers The Dodgers are being patient with Seager, but few doubt he’ll make a big league impact

23 Bradley Zimmer of Indians An athletic center fielder who has hitting ability and power, Zimmer is the Carolina League’s first-half standout

31 Joe Ross rhp Nationals A solid three-start major league cameo has shown what the Nationals can expect to see regularly before long

39 Mark Appel rhp Astros Appel has three above-average pitches at his best, but he struggles to put them all together consistently
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Post by Guardians »

Very encouraging report on Lazaro Leyva from BP today. I didn't know what i was getting when I drafted him at #76 last year. In fact, no one even knew his DOB. I just knew he signed for $750k and was a Cuban pitcher. Looks like the kid has an arm. Takes away the sting of missing out on 3-4 pitchers I had queued up.

Lazaro Leyva
Born: 08/08/1994 (Age: 20)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 6' 2" Weight: 190
Mechanics
Build: Tall and athletic build; maxed frame.

Mechanics: 3/4 arm slot; premium arm speed; stab; slight spine tilt; mild head whack; moderate effort; moderate drive; clean landing; repeats delivery.
Evaluator Tucker Blair
Report Date 07/06/2015
Affiliate Aberdeen IronBirds (Short Season, Orioles)
Dates Seen 7/1/15
OFP/Risk 55/Moderate
Realistic 55; Closer
MLB ETA 2016
Video No

Pitch/Present/Future/Velocity/Peak Velocity Report
FB 70 80 95-98 99 Velocity: 80/80

Movement: 60/60
Command: 40/50

T99 1x; downhill plane; extreme life; moderate arm-side run; pitches down in zone; command is below-average but has feel for pitching and repetition will help improve command a tick.

CB 50 60 77-79 79 Movement: 60/60
Command: 40/50

Replicates arm speed; 11-5 offering; moderate depth; tight spin; strike-to-ball offering; bat-misser; release points inconsistent; refinement in release points will improve command.
Overall
Signed out of Cuba in 2014 for $725,000. Leyva has a potential closer's arsenal consisting of a potential elite fastball and a potential plus curveball, both which will quickly rocket him through the minors. He's currently pitching multiple innings, but this is a one-inning reliever. There is moderate risk due to his level, but he shows feel for pitching and the command will be the only aspect of his game that will need refinement.

Note: He threw one firm CH at 84 mph.
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Post by Guardians »

IBC Tigers end up with two BA First Team Minor League All-Stars and one Second Teamer: http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/m ... team-2015/

First Team:

SS Corey Seager • Dodgers
Triple-A Oklahoma City (Pacific Coast) • Double-A Tulsa (Texas)

The No. 1 prospect in the game at midseason, Seager stands above a crowded field of young shortstops with his combination of outstanding power (.194 isolated slugging) and strong contact skills (13.8 percent strikeouts). Only the Rockies’ Trevor Story, among minor league shortstops, hit more home runs than Seager (18), who was the youngest player to qualify for the Triple-A Pacific Coast League batting title. This combination of factors gives Seager an edge over worthy contenders including Orlando Arcia (Brewers), J.P. Crawford (Phillies) and Trea Turner (Nationals).

OF Jordan Patterson • Rockies
High Class A Modesto (California) • Double-A New Britain (Eastern)

A sneaky athlete who smashed a minor league-leading 45 doubles and 74 extra-base hits, Patterson narrowly edges a talented crop of young outfielders, including big league standout rookie Michael Conforto (Mets) and power-speed threats Brett Phillips (Brewers) and Bradley Zimmer (Indians). Patterson can drive the ball and defend all three outfield positions but must even his walk-to-strikeout ratio to access his power more regularly at higher levels.

Second Team:

CF Bradley Zimmer • Indians
High Class A Lynchburg (Carolina) • Double-A Altoona (Eastern)
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Post by Guardians »

Moncada, Dubon named to Carolina League all-star team

Salem Red Sox second baseman Yoan Moncada and shortstop Mauricio Dubon have been named to the Carolina League midseason all-star team, the league announced Wednesday.

Rated as the consensus top prospect in the Boston system, Moncada is hitting .299 and leads the circuit in doubles (21), walks (40), on-base percentage (.421) and steals (34).

Dubon is batting .301 with 23 RBIs, 10 doubles and 18 stolen bases. He’s been the second-hardest player to strike out, whiffing once every 10.45 plate appearances.

Missing the cut was center fielder Andrew Benintendi, who batted .341 with a .976 OPS in 34 games with Salem before being promoted to Double-A Portland on May 16. He was the league’s top hitter at the time of his promotion.

The 2016 California-Carolina League All-Star Game is June 21 at Lake Elsinore, California. Before heading there, Moncada and Dubon will try to help Salem clinch the first half division title. The Sox, leading Myrtle Beach by 5.5 games in the standings with 11 to go in the half have a magic number of six.
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Post by Guardians »

More pub for one of the big breakouts of 2016:

Mauricio Dubon, ss, Red Sox. Yoan Moncada casts a large shadow over the Red Sox organization, large enough to obscure an excellent season by Dubon. The Honduras native was 5-for-5 Friday for Double-A Portland in a 9-6 win over Trenton (Yankees). In 53 games since his promotion, Dubon is slashing .352/.382/.563 with 30 extra-base hits. He had three doubles Friday and has shown he can drive the ball against more-experienced pitchers. He’s 20-for-37 in the past 10 games.
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Post by Guardians »

Haven't posted in a while here. Strong words for IBC Tigers SS prospect Cole Tucker, who was originally drafted by us, traded away and re-acquired last year:

4. Cole Tucker, ss, Pirates (20)
High Class A Bradenton (Florida State)

The Pirates surprised many when they drafted Tucker 24th overall in 2014, and the skeptics were given extra ammunition when he vastly underwhelmed in his first three seasons. Tucker is starting to bounce back however, with three doubles, two triples and two home runs this week. The two homers were as many as he’s had in any season, and he has already surpassed his career-high in triples.

AVG OBP SLG XBH BB SB
.417 .462 .958 7 2 1
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Post by Guardians »

11. Dylan Cozens, of, Phillies (23)
Triple-A Lehigh Valley (International)

Coming off a 40-homer, 125-RBI season at Double-A, Cozens fizzed at Triple-A in April, hitting .136 with four home runs. The 6-foot-6 slugger got back on track in May, batting .330 with nine home runs. Don’t look now, but Cozens leads the International League with 13 homers and 41 RBIs.
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Post by Guardians »

Patrick Weigel, rhp, Braves. Weigel dominated at Double-A and now the 2015 seventh-round pick from Houston has gotten his bearings at Triple-A after a rough second start. Weigel pitched seven, two-hit innings Tuesday as Gwinnett beat Toledo (Tigers) 7-1. Weigel has allowed just one earned run in the past 15 innings to lower his ERA to 3.58 at Triple-A.
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Post by Guardians »

12. Dakota Hudson, RHP, Cardinals (22)
Double-A Springfield (Texas)

Hudson, the Cardinals’ first-round pick a year ago out of Mississippi State, has moved quickly through the system and reached Double-A in his first full season as a pro. He allowed one earned run over two starts this week and struck out 11 to move to 3-1, 1.93 in June.
Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/p ... mXmlCLX.99
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Post by Guardians »

Lazaro Armenteros, lf, Athletics. In his first game in the States in affiliated ball, Armenteros was 3-for-3 with an RBI as the AZL Athletics beat the AZL Cubs 8-5. Just 18, Armenteros spent just five games in the DSL before coming over. The Cuban signed for $3 million last July and was one of the best players in his age group at the time he left the island. He has at least average tools across the board, with a coveted mix of speed and raw power.
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Post by Guardians »

Good to see this guy get going. It's been a rough start for the Tigers' first round pick:

15. Josh Lowe, OF, Rays (19)
Low Class A Bowling Green (Midwest)

It has not been an easy first full season for last year’s No. 13 overall pick, but Lowe began showing signs of a turnaround this week. He homered three times in four days and delivered 12 RBIs during the week, which is even more impressive considering he had two home runs and 17 RBIs all season up to that point.
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Post by Guardians »

Lazaro Armenteros, lf, Athletics. Armenteros, who signed for $3 million last July, blasted his first homer as a pro as his Rookie-level Arizona League team fell to the AZL Angels on Wednesday. Just 18, Armenteros is off to a strong start (10-for-28) despite a long layoff from games after he left Cuba. Armenteros has a coveted combination of plus raw power and speed.
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