This will be a space to periodically update the 29 of you about how fantastically gifted my minor leaguers are.
Today's post is about Billy Hamilton, the Reds' shortstop prospect. Hamilton was a second round pick in 2009 out of high school and started making some noise in 2010, when at Billings in the Pioneer League, he had a nice .318/.383/.456 line with 48 stolen bases.
But it was 2011 when Hamilton rocketed up the charts with a 100-steal season, the first in the minors since 2001. He got three steals in his last three games to accomplish the feat for Dayton in the Midwest League. He finished at .278/.340/.360.
Even though everyone knows who he is now and they predict he will be stealing, he has continued to do so. Through 11 games for A+ Bakersfield:
.385/.489/.667 1 HR 6 RBI 4 2B 2 3B 10 R 10 SB
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Speaking of Mr. Hamilton. No. 1 on this week's BA Hotsheet:
Team: high Class A Bakersfield (California)
Age: 21
Why He's Here: .536/.594/.821 (15-for-28 ), 9 R, 2 2B, 3 3B, 2 RBIs, 4 BB, 5 SO, 6-for-10 SB
The Scoop: No one has ever questioned Hamilton's ability to run and steal bases, but the young shortstop has heard plenty of questions about how much he's going to hit. Last year he struggled to get his average over the Mendoza line early in the year, and it took a strong finish for Hamilton to bat .278/.340/.360. But at the end of the season, Midwest League observers explained that Hamilton's off-the-charts athleticism meant that he could make dramatic improvement that the average player could only dream of.
Playing in the California League helps every hitter, and Hamilton is no exception. He has shown improvement, however, as he's hitting for average, getting on base and even showing some pop. Roughly 10 percent of the way through the season, Hamilton has nine extra-base hits including three triples. He had 30 long hits all of last year.
Hamilton currently has a 10-game hitting streak and five straight multi-hit games. He's done it while playing at home and at San Jose and Visalia, which are not as hitter-happy as some other Cal League locales. Hamilton will never be a power hitter, but if he can sting the ball enough to find the gaps, his speed will take care of the rest. Interestingly, the weakest part of Hamilton's game this week was his basestealing. He was thrown out in three straight games and is now 12-for-16 for the season (75 percent success rate).
Team: high Class A Bakersfield (California)
Age: 21
Why He's Here: .536/.594/.821 (15-for-28 ), 9 R, 2 2B, 3 3B, 2 RBIs, 4 BB, 5 SO, 6-for-10 SB
The Scoop: No one has ever questioned Hamilton's ability to run and steal bases, but the young shortstop has heard plenty of questions about how much he's going to hit. Last year he struggled to get his average over the Mendoza line early in the year, and it took a strong finish for Hamilton to bat .278/.340/.360. But at the end of the season, Midwest League observers explained that Hamilton's off-the-charts athleticism meant that he could make dramatic improvement that the average player could only dream of.
Playing in the California League helps every hitter, and Hamilton is no exception. He has shown improvement, however, as he's hitting for average, getting on base and even showing some pop. Roughly 10 percent of the way through the season, Hamilton has nine extra-base hits including three triples. He had 30 long hits all of last year.
Hamilton currently has a 10-game hitting streak and five straight multi-hit games. He's done it while playing at home and at San Jose and Visalia, which are not as hitter-happy as some other Cal League locales. Hamilton will never be a power hitter, but if he can sting the ball enough to find the gaps, his speed will take care of the rest. Interestingly, the weakest part of Hamilton's game this week was his basestealing. He was thrown out in three straight games and is now 12-for-16 for the season (75 percent success rate).
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Next on the list is Andrew Chafin, a left-handed starter in the Arizona Diamondbacks system. Drafted out of Kent State #43 overall in 2011, Chafin pitched briefly in 2011. He missed an entire year in college recovering from Tommy John surgery. But, as his number indicate, he has put that behind him.
Through 32.2 IP this season, he has struck out 46 and walked 10, while allowing 25 hits. That's good for a 3.03 ERA through six starts. The numbers are inflated by his last start and only poor start by his standards against High Desert, where he only went 5 innings, allowing 4 runs, walking 4 and striking out one.
Take away that start and Chafin has a 45/6 K/BB ratio with an ERA around 2.20. Chafin is overshadowed by some of the Dbacks' other pitchers, but he has turned heads with a fastball/slider/changeup combo that tops out in the 93-95 mph range.
Through 32.2 IP this season, he has struck out 46 and walked 10, while allowing 25 hits. That's good for a 3.03 ERA through six starts. The numbers are inflated by his last start and only poor start by his standards against High Desert, where he only went 5 innings, allowing 4 runs, walking 4 and striking out one.
Take away that start and Chafin has a 45/6 K/BB ratio with an ERA around 2.20. Chafin is overshadowed by some of the Dbacks' other pitchers, but he has turned heads with a fastball/slider/changeup combo that tops out in the 93-95 mph range.
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What can you say about Jack Leathersich? Other than having a great baseball name, the lefty out of Umass-Lowell has just earned a promotion from A Savannah to A+ St. Lucie.
Leathersich is a 5th round 2011 pick out of at Umass-Lowell, he was the #3 prospect in DII. In his first year of pro ball he sported a 26K/3BB ratio in 12.1 IP with a 0.71 ERA in the NY-Penn league.
He started 2012 in Savannah, acting as a reliever. Leathersich was a starter in college and in most of his outings, ends up going several innings. In 12 games at Savannah, he had pitched 24 innings, striking out 37 and walking 8 with a 0.75 ERA. He struggled in his A+ debut, giving up 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks in 2.2 IP. He struck out 3.
It will be interesting how the Mets use him since he's not strictly a loogy. It's likely he ends up making his career as a 7th/8th inning guy from the left side with the ability to get out lefties and righties and that will be valuable. The Mets obviously have taken notice.
Leathersich is a 5th round 2011 pick out of at Umass-Lowell, he was the #3 prospect in DII. In his first year of pro ball he sported a 26K/3BB ratio in 12.1 IP with a 0.71 ERA in the NY-Penn league.
He started 2012 in Savannah, acting as a reliever. Leathersich was a starter in college and in most of his outings, ends up going several innings. In 12 games at Savannah, he had pitched 24 innings, striking out 37 and walking 8 with a 0.75 ERA. He struggled in his A+ debut, giving up 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks in 2.2 IP. He struck out 3.
It will be interesting how the Mets use him since he's not strictly a loogy. It's likely he ends up making his career as a 7th/8th inning guy from the left side with the ability to get out lefties and righties and that will be valuable. The Mets obviously have taken notice.
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Rafael Montero is a 21-year-old right handed starting pitcher in the Mets system. He's slightly old for the Sally League, but he's moved quickly since signing in January 2011.
In 2011, he moved up four levels, compiling a 2.15 ERA over 71 innings, striking out 66 and walking only 13. He was 5-4 in 17 games, 12 of which were starts.
So far this year, Montero has picked up where he left off, putting together a 3-2 record with a 2.64 ERA in 8 starts. He's pitched 44.1 IP, striking out 34 and walking only 6 batters.
In his most recent start, Montero went 6 innings against Augusta, allowing 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 5.
His fastball sits around 92-94 mph and he slows a slider and changeup.
In 2011, he moved up four levels, compiling a 2.15 ERA over 71 innings, striking out 66 and walking only 13. He was 5-4 in 17 games, 12 of which were starts.
So far this year, Montero has picked up where he left off, putting together a 3-2 record with a 2.64 ERA in 8 starts. He's pitched 44.1 IP, striking out 34 and walking only 6 batters.
In his most recent start, Montero went 6 innings against Augusta, allowing 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 5.
His fastball sits around 92-94 mph and he slows a slider and changeup.
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Domingo Santana got off to a slow start this year at A+ Lancaster, but has surged lately, putting him into the upper echelon of the California League leaders.
The 19-year-old outfielder, who came to Houston from Philadelphia in the Hunter Pence deal stands at 6-5 and weighs 228 pounds. He's a monster right handed hitter whose main struggle so far this year have been the strikeouts. But for a 19-year-old in A+, it's minor compared to his upside.
Through 5/29, Santana is putting up some nice numbers:
.277/.343/.561 with 9 home runs 32 RBI 2 SB in 39 games. He's got 9 doubles and 4 triples.
In his last 10 games, Santana has raked, hitting .341/.417/.732 with 4 home runs and 13 RBI
He is the Astros #6 prospect, according to BA, and I'd bet he continues to move up the charts if he keeps doing what he's doing.
The 19-year-old outfielder, who came to Houston from Philadelphia in the Hunter Pence deal stands at 6-5 and weighs 228 pounds. He's a monster right handed hitter whose main struggle so far this year have been the strikeouts. But for a 19-year-old in A+, it's minor compared to his upside.
Through 5/29, Santana is putting up some nice numbers:
.277/.343/.561 with 9 home runs 32 RBI 2 SB in 39 games. He's got 9 doubles and 4 triples.
In his last 10 games, Santana has raked, hitting .341/.417/.732 with 4 home runs and 13 RBI
He is the Astros #6 prospect, according to BA, and I'd bet he continues to move up the charts if he keeps doing what he's doing.
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After a few deals, sadly, speed demon Billy Hamilton is no longer on the Tigers. It's still fun to watch a guy that fast and I wish him well.
But there are still some nice players in the IBC Tigers' farm system. Highlighted today is David Holmberg, a 20-year-old lefty in the Arizona system. I was looking through the California League All-Star team and was disappointed and shocked that Holmberg hadn't made the team after being #2 all year in strikeouts (behind Dbacks' and IBC Tigers' teammmate Andrew Chafin) with 86 in 78 IP and a 2.91 ERA. Then, I noticed he had been promoted!
Holmberg now has two starts in the AA for the Mobile BayBears. In his first start June 11, he struggled a bit, giving up 5 ER in 6 IP, allowing 7 hits and walking 2. He also struck out 5. He settled down quite a bit in his second start, going 5 IP, allowing only 1 ER on 6 hits and a walk while striking out 6.
Always exciting to see your guys getting their due. Just hoping Holmberg keeps up his success and continues a great 2012.
But there are still some nice players in the IBC Tigers' farm system. Highlighted today is David Holmberg, a 20-year-old lefty in the Arizona system. I was looking through the California League All-Star team and was disappointed and shocked that Holmberg hadn't made the team after being #2 all year in strikeouts (behind Dbacks' and IBC Tigers' teammmate Andrew Chafin) with 86 in 78 IP and a 2.91 ERA. Then, I noticed he had been promoted!
Holmberg now has two starts in the AA for the Mobile BayBears. In his first start June 11, he struggled a bit, giving up 5 ER in 6 IP, allowing 7 hits and walking 2. He also struck out 5. He settled down quite a bit in his second start, going 5 IP, allowing only 1 ER on 6 hits and a walk while striking out 6.
Always exciting to see your guys getting their due. Just hoping Holmberg keeps up his success and continues a great 2012.
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Mid-season callups and updates:
Despite losing IBC Tigers' top prospect Billy Hamilton, the farm system is strong. With the mid-point of most seasons upon us, here's a look into how the farm is doing:
Mid-season callups:
David Holmberg (20):
6-3 2.99 78.1 IP 62 H 14BB 86K hitter-friendly A+ Cal League
0-1 4.26 19 IP 20 H 3BB 15K AA Southern League (3 starts)
Rafael Montero (21):
6-3 2.52 71.1 IP 61 H 8BB 54K A South Atlantic League
1-0 4.26 6.1 IP 3 H 2BB 7K A+ Florida State League
Jack Leathersich (21):
0-1 0.75 24IP 10 H 8BB 37K A South Atlantic League
0-0 3.86 18.2 IP 14H 9BB 27K A+ Florida State League
Miles Head (22)-3B
.382/.433/.715 18 HR 56 RBI 55K/23BB 3 SB A+ Cal League
.222/.300/.389 0 HR 1 RBI 3K/1BB 0 SB AA Texas League (5 games)
The rest:
Burch Smith (22)
6-4 3.68 78.1 IP 70 H 11 BB 85K A+ Cal League
Sean Nolin (22)
7-0 2.35 72.2 IP 62 H 17BB 73K A+ Florida State League
Andrew Chafin (21)
3-4 5.35 74 IP 70 H 38BB 97K A+ Cal League
Jesse Biddle (20)
4-3 3.15 71.1 IP 68 H 26BB 78K A+ Florida State League
Zack Wheeler (22)
7-3 2.29 78.2 IP 51 H 32BB 77K AA Eastern League
Avisail Garcia (20)-RF
.290/.323/.427 6 HR 33 RBI 51K/10BB 14 SB A+ Florida State League
Domingo Santana (19)-RF
.285/.354/.522 10 HR 47 RBI 75K/23BB 3 SB A+ Cal League
Tommy La Stella (23)-2B
.267/.370/.420 5 HR 44 RBI 19k/33BB 11 SB A+ Carolina League
Eugenio Suarez (20)-SS
.316/.408/.463 3 HR 36 RBI 64K/39BB 13 SB A Midwest League
Luis Sardinas (19)-SS
.274/.338/.298 0 HR 13 RBI 33K/17BB 21SB A Sally League
Brian Goodwin (21)-CF
.315/.430/.527 6 HR 31 RBI 33K/29BB 12 SB A Sally League
Despite losing IBC Tigers' top prospect Billy Hamilton, the farm system is strong. With the mid-point of most seasons upon us, here's a look into how the farm is doing:
Mid-season callups:
David Holmberg (20):
6-3 2.99 78.1 IP 62 H 14BB 86K hitter-friendly A+ Cal League
0-1 4.26 19 IP 20 H 3BB 15K AA Southern League (3 starts)
Rafael Montero (21):
6-3 2.52 71.1 IP 61 H 8BB 54K A South Atlantic League
1-0 4.26 6.1 IP 3 H 2BB 7K A+ Florida State League
Jack Leathersich (21):
0-1 0.75 24IP 10 H 8BB 37K A South Atlantic League
0-0 3.86 18.2 IP 14H 9BB 27K A+ Florida State League
Miles Head (22)-3B
.382/.433/.715 18 HR 56 RBI 55K/23BB 3 SB A+ Cal League
.222/.300/.389 0 HR 1 RBI 3K/1BB 0 SB AA Texas League (5 games)
The rest:
Burch Smith (22)
6-4 3.68 78.1 IP 70 H 11 BB 85K A+ Cal League
Sean Nolin (22)
7-0 2.35 72.2 IP 62 H 17BB 73K A+ Florida State League
Andrew Chafin (21)
3-4 5.35 74 IP 70 H 38BB 97K A+ Cal League
Jesse Biddle (20)
4-3 3.15 71.1 IP 68 H 26BB 78K A+ Florida State League
Zack Wheeler (22)
7-3 2.29 78.2 IP 51 H 32BB 77K AA Eastern League
Avisail Garcia (20)-RF
.290/.323/.427 6 HR 33 RBI 51K/10BB 14 SB A+ Florida State League
Domingo Santana (19)-RF
.285/.354/.522 10 HR 47 RBI 75K/23BB 3 SB A+ Cal League
Tommy La Stella (23)-2B
.267/.370/.420 5 HR 44 RBI 19k/33BB 11 SB A+ Carolina League
Eugenio Suarez (20)-SS
.316/.408/.463 3 HR 36 RBI 64K/39BB 13 SB A Midwest League
Luis Sardinas (19)-SS
.274/.338/.298 0 HR 13 RBI 33K/17BB 21SB A Sally League
Brian Goodwin (21)-CF
.315/.430/.527 6 HR 31 RBI 33K/29BB 12 SB A Sally League
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Nice little article on IBC Tigers pitcher John Ely, who has been filling in on the big club. The 26-year-old, who already has had a cup of coffee for the Dodgers, has had a nice little season in AAA.
In the hitter-friendly PCL, Ely's numbers this year:
8-6 3.22 ERA 109 IP 107 H 117K/22 BB
Triple-A Notebook: John Ely Rights The Ship In Albuquerque
Posted Jul. 12, 2012 11:19 am by John Manuel
Filed under: All-Star Games, At The Ballpark
BY JAMES BAILEY
BUFFALO—Sometimes, as they say, the third time is the charm. That's certainly proven true for John Ely, who was on the receiving end of more than his share of poundings for Triple-A Albuquerque during his first two seasons in the Dodgers organization.
In 38 Pacific Coast League starts in 2010-11, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound righthander surrendered 248 hits in 212 1/3 innings while posting a 6.06 ERA. That wasn't what the Dodgers had envisioned when they acquired him from the White Sox in 2009 as part of the return for outfielder Juan Pierre.
Ely started fresh this season, determined not to give in to the conditions in the PCL, particularly in Albuquerque, where the scoreboard operator always gets a good workout.
"It took a couple of years of getting my head beat off the wall a little bit in this league to try to figure it out a little bit," says Ely, who was named to the all-star roster after going 8-6, 3.22 in 18 starts over the first half. "The PCL can get to you, man. Ask anybody out here. It's a tough league to pitch in with the travel and the ballparks and the matter that you've got some pretty darn good hitters in this league. I think I underestimated it a little and I probably didn't take it quite as seriously as I should have."
Ely's Dodgers career actually got off to a favorable start. Summoned to the big leagues in late April 2010, he posted a 2.54 ERA through his first seven starts, going 3-2 and holding opponents to two runs or fewer in all but one game. Then the league caught up with him and by July he was back in Albuquerque, where there were no answers to be found.
Though he earned a short look in L.A. last year, he spent the bulk of the season struggling in Albuquerque, with the league tuning him up for a .301 average. His strikeout rate fell from 7.4 per nine innings to 6.2 as he struggled to make pitches in key situations. This year, by getting ahead of batters and mixing his pitches better, he's pushed his K-rate to a career-best 9.7 and leads the PCL with 117 strikeouts.
"A lot of it has to do with staying ahead and basically just throwing my best pitches when I have to throw them," says Ely, 26. "You know, making pitches when you need to and realizing, 'OK, this is what I want to do with this pitch right now.' "
His arsenal hasn't changed. He still relies heavily on his changeup, which has always been a go-to pitch, though he has gained confidence in his cutter and fastball.
"It's the same mix as I've always had. It's just a little bit sharper because I'm staying on it better," says Ely, a third-round pick out of Miami (Ohio) in 2007. "I'm just trying to repeat my delivery more so than years in the past, and trying to have a better mix instead of getting into rhythms and getting into predictable counts where everybody knows what's coming and then giving up a home run or a big hit in a big situation."
In the hitter-friendly PCL, Ely's numbers this year:
8-6 3.22 ERA 109 IP 107 H 117K/22 BB
Triple-A Notebook: John Ely Rights The Ship In Albuquerque
Posted Jul. 12, 2012 11:19 am by John Manuel
Filed under: All-Star Games, At The Ballpark
BY JAMES BAILEY
BUFFALO—Sometimes, as they say, the third time is the charm. That's certainly proven true for John Ely, who was on the receiving end of more than his share of poundings for Triple-A Albuquerque during his first two seasons in the Dodgers organization.
In 38 Pacific Coast League starts in 2010-11, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound righthander surrendered 248 hits in 212 1/3 innings while posting a 6.06 ERA. That wasn't what the Dodgers had envisioned when they acquired him from the White Sox in 2009 as part of the return for outfielder Juan Pierre.
Ely started fresh this season, determined not to give in to the conditions in the PCL, particularly in Albuquerque, where the scoreboard operator always gets a good workout.
"It took a couple of years of getting my head beat off the wall a little bit in this league to try to figure it out a little bit," says Ely, who was named to the all-star roster after going 8-6, 3.22 in 18 starts over the first half. "The PCL can get to you, man. Ask anybody out here. It's a tough league to pitch in with the travel and the ballparks and the matter that you've got some pretty darn good hitters in this league. I think I underestimated it a little and I probably didn't take it quite as seriously as I should have."
Ely's Dodgers career actually got off to a favorable start. Summoned to the big leagues in late April 2010, he posted a 2.54 ERA through his first seven starts, going 3-2 and holding opponents to two runs or fewer in all but one game. Then the league caught up with him and by July he was back in Albuquerque, where there were no answers to be found.
Though he earned a short look in L.A. last year, he spent the bulk of the season struggling in Albuquerque, with the league tuning him up for a .301 average. His strikeout rate fell from 7.4 per nine innings to 6.2 as he struggled to make pitches in key situations. This year, by getting ahead of batters and mixing his pitches better, he's pushed his K-rate to a career-best 9.7 and leads the PCL with 117 strikeouts.
"A lot of it has to do with staying ahead and basically just throwing my best pitches when I have to throw them," says Ely, 26. "You know, making pitches when you need to and realizing, 'OK, this is what I want to do with this pitch right now.' "
His arsenal hasn't changed. He still relies heavily on his changeup, which has always been a go-to pitch, though he has gained confidence in his cutter and fastball.
"It's the same mix as I've always had. It's just a little bit sharper because I'm staying on it better," says Ely, a third-round pick out of Miami (Ohio) in 2007. "I'm just trying to repeat my delivery more so than years in the past, and trying to have a better mix instead of getting into rhythms and getting into predictable counts where everybody knows what's coming and then giving up a home run or a big hit in a big situation."
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What can you say about Rafael Montero? The Mets farmhand has done everything and more the organization could ask.
He signed a little older than most Dominican players and I can't remember the reason, but I read it once. I think he may have wanted to finish up school. It was something a little odd for most players.
But as a 20-year-old last year, he stormed through the DSL, Gulf Coast League, Appy League and NY-Penn League in one season, compiling a 2.15 ERA and 66/13 k/bb ratio in 71 innings.
As a 21-year-old this year, he has continued the steady climb, posting a 2.52 ERA and a 54/8 k/bb ratio in 71 innings in the Sally League. So, he made the move to A+ Port St. Lucie, where his numbers have been rock-solid. He has a similar 2.51 ERA in 43 innings, but has increased his strikeout totals, which are now at 51 through 43 innings with 8 walks.
He impressed last night, posting this line:
6 IP 5 h 2 ER 14k 0 bb
He doesn't turn 22 until October.
He signed a little older than most Dominican players and I can't remember the reason, but I read it once. I think he may have wanted to finish up school. It was something a little odd for most players.
But as a 20-year-old last year, he stormed through the DSL, Gulf Coast League, Appy League and NY-Penn League in one season, compiling a 2.15 ERA and 66/13 k/bb ratio in 71 innings.
As a 21-year-old this year, he has continued the steady climb, posting a 2.52 ERA and a 54/8 k/bb ratio in 71 innings in the Sally League. So, he made the move to A+ Port St. Lucie, where his numbers have been rock-solid. He has a similar 2.51 ERA in 43 innings, but has increased his strikeout totals, which are now at 51 through 43 innings with 8 walks.
He impressed last night, posting this line:
6 IP 5 h 2 ER 14k 0 bb
He doesn't turn 22 until October.
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I hate to keep bragging on the same guy, but another fantastic performance out of IBC Tigers farmhand Rafael Montero. On Tuesday, he threw 7.2 IP of no-hit ball against the Palm Beach Cardinals, on the road in the A+ Florida State League.
7.2 ip 0 H 0 R 0 ER 3 BB 5 K
Montero improves to 5-2 with a 2.13 ERA in A+ after starting the year in A ball.
7.2 ip 0 H 0 R 0 ER 3 BB 5 K
Montero improves to 5-2 with a 2.13 ERA in A+ after starting the year in A ball.
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Final 2012 report for IBC Tiger prospects:
The IBC Tigers have dealt some major talent away this year, moving Zack Wheeler, Brian Goodwin and Billy Hamilton in deals. But in both of those trades, we brought in stud pitchers Jordan Zimmermann and Yovani Gallardo, who are both 26 and haven't yet entered their prime, so the return was solid.
But for those prospects still around, a recap of their efforts:
Jesse Biddle becomes the de facto #1 pitching prospect. The 20-year-old posted solid numbers in A+ for the Phillies this year with a nice strikeout rate. He'll likely pitch his age 21 season at AA next year, making him young for the Eastern League.
10-6 3.22 142.2 IP 129H 54BB 151K
David Holmberg likely steps in at #2, despite being a level ahead. Holmberg pitched very well in the hitter-friendly Cal League, tossing 86 Ks in 78 IP to go with a 2.99 ERA. After a bump to AA around the All-Star break, he continued his success finishing with solid numbers.
11-8 3.32 173.1 IP 166H 37BB 153K
Rafael Montero A little diamond in the rough the Tigers' scouting staff found in April, Montero was brilliant this year, showing nasty stuff over two levels (A and A+). The 21-year-old could start at A+ next year or get a bump to AA to see how he progresses. After signing later than most Dominicans, he has moved aggressiely through the system and excelled at every level.
11-5 2.36 122 IP 96H 19 BB 110K
Burch Smith This tall, hard-throwing Texan righty had a nice year in the hitters' parks of the Cal League and put up a nice K-rate. He will start the year as a 22-year-old, so could move up to the Texas League for the Padres to start the year.
9-6 3.85 128.2 IP 127H 27BB 137K
Miguel Sulbaran He's an 18-year-old lefty in the Dodgers' system who had some great success in the AZL. The Dodgers moved him to the Midwest and Pioneer Leagues for some testing and he didn't do as well, but he's young. I suspect they'll be patient with him, but he looks to have promise.
6-5 3.82 68.1 IP 75H 14BB 69K
Jack Leathersich He obviously has an awesome name, but the lefty reliever isn't just a loogy. A starter at a D-2 school in Massachusetts, he typically goes 2 innings in his appearances. I'm not sure where that leads him going forward, but he can get guys out, posting an awesome 14.125K/9IP rate between A and A+
2-6 3.00 72 IP 51H 32BB 113K
Evan Marshall The newest edition to the IBC Tigers' farm, Marshall came via trade with the Nationals. He boasts a big fastball in the high 90s as well as a slider and curve. He projects as a guy who could move through the system quickly and perhaps be in the Diamondbacks' bullpen in 2013. The 2011 pick made three stops last year, staying at AA Mobile all year this year.
6-3 3.51 48.2 IP 55H 16BB 27K
Avisail Garcia gets the nod for organizational hitting prospect of the year after moving from A+ to the majors in one season. The 21-year-old outfielder started at A+ Lakeland, where he hit 8 homers and stole 14 bases to go with a .289 average. Teammate Nick Castellanos got promoted first, but eventually Garcia was called up and outhit Castellanos in AA, putting up a .312 average, with 6 homers and 9 steals, giving him 14 homers and 23 steals on the year with a .299 average. Garcia then got called up to the majors to be used as a defensive replacement and hitter against lefty starters. So far, he's 4-8 with an RBI. A right fielder converted to center when Castellanos moved to RF, he's got a cannon and has gunned out many runners over the season.
.299 14 HR 58 RBI 23 SB
Domingo Santana As part of the package that brought Hunter Pence to Philadelphia, Santana is seen as the future RF of the Astros. And after playing the entire season as a 19-year-old in the A+ Cal League, you can see why. He showed great power, a great eye and played solid defense, not amassing a lot of errors, despite being 6'5 228 and throwing out runners with a strong arm.
.302 23 HR 97 RBI 7 SB
Miles Head A first baseman who played third base all year, Head was named Cal League prospect hitter of the year, after posting a 1.149 OPS in half a season. And while his AA numbers didn't match that lofty standard, he heated up at the end of the year, finishing with a respectable .272/.338/.741 line, despite a slow start and an injury.
.333 23 HR 84 RBI 3 SB
Eugenio Suarez finally got some recognition at the end of the season and should get more as his career goes on. He put up solid numbers as a 20-year-old for most of the season in the Midwest League. He finished with 69 walks to 116 Ks in 135 games, good for a .380 OBP. With a projectable frame (6'0 180), he showed solid hands and a nice arm this year. He could move up a couple levels next year and it wouldn't shock to see him be looked at as a the shortstop of the future for the Tigers.
.288 6 HR 67 RBI 21 SB
Jacob Realmuto is considered the Marlins' catcher of the future and was brought in in the Gallardo trade. Realmuto has shown quick hands and a nice arm. He is working on his receiving skills, but projects to be a solid everyday hitter and average defender. He spent all year at A+ Jupiter and could start the year at AA as a 22-year-old.
.256 8 HR 46 RBI 13 SB
Steven Proscia had a pretty amazing season in the A+ Cal League, but his struggles when promoted to AA leave him as a question mark. 2013 should prove whether he can advance or not. But the 22-year-old third baseman and occasional second baseman (despite standing 6'2 and weighing 210 LBs) showed great thigns with the bat in 2012 between A+ and AA.
.314 28 HR 103 RBI 12 SB
Tommy La Stella La Stella missed about five weeks with an injury, but started off where he left off in July by hitting the ball and well. The 23-year-old 2B seems to have the bat and glove to play the position regularly, especially since the Braves have shortstops, but not many second basemen in their system. He's another guy who can drive in runs and take walks.
.299 6 HR 59 RBI 13 SB (40bb/25K)
The IBC Tigers have dealt some major talent away this year, moving Zack Wheeler, Brian Goodwin and Billy Hamilton in deals. But in both of those trades, we brought in stud pitchers Jordan Zimmermann and Yovani Gallardo, who are both 26 and haven't yet entered their prime, so the return was solid.
But for those prospects still around, a recap of their efforts:
Jesse Biddle becomes the de facto #1 pitching prospect. The 20-year-old posted solid numbers in A+ for the Phillies this year with a nice strikeout rate. He'll likely pitch his age 21 season at AA next year, making him young for the Eastern League.
10-6 3.22 142.2 IP 129H 54BB 151K
David Holmberg likely steps in at #2, despite being a level ahead. Holmberg pitched very well in the hitter-friendly Cal League, tossing 86 Ks in 78 IP to go with a 2.99 ERA. After a bump to AA around the All-Star break, he continued his success finishing with solid numbers.
11-8 3.32 173.1 IP 166H 37BB 153K
Rafael Montero A little diamond in the rough the Tigers' scouting staff found in April, Montero was brilliant this year, showing nasty stuff over two levels (A and A+). The 21-year-old could start at A+ next year or get a bump to AA to see how he progresses. After signing later than most Dominicans, he has moved aggressiely through the system and excelled at every level.
11-5 2.36 122 IP 96H 19 BB 110K
Burch Smith This tall, hard-throwing Texan righty had a nice year in the hitters' parks of the Cal League and put up a nice K-rate. He will start the year as a 22-year-old, so could move up to the Texas League for the Padres to start the year.
9-6 3.85 128.2 IP 127H 27BB 137K
Miguel Sulbaran He's an 18-year-old lefty in the Dodgers' system who had some great success in the AZL. The Dodgers moved him to the Midwest and Pioneer Leagues for some testing and he didn't do as well, but he's young. I suspect they'll be patient with him, but he looks to have promise.
6-5 3.82 68.1 IP 75H 14BB 69K
Jack Leathersich He obviously has an awesome name, but the lefty reliever isn't just a loogy. A starter at a D-2 school in Massachusetts, he typically goes 2 innings in his appearances. I'm not sure where that leads him going forward, but he can get guys out, posting an awesome 14.125K/9IP rate between A and A+
2-6 3.00 72 IP 51H 32BB 113K
Evan Marshall The newest edition to the IBC Tigers' farm, Marshall came via trade with the Nationals. He boasts a big fastball in the high 90s as well as a slider and curve. He projects as a guy who could move through the system quickly and perhaps be in the Diamondbacks' bullpen in 2013. The 2011 pick made three stops last year, staying at AA Mobile all year this year.
6-3 3.51 48.2 IP 55H 16BB 27K
Avisail Garcia gets the nod for organizational hitting prospect of the year after moving from A+ to the majors in one season. The 21-year-old outfielder started at A+ Lakeland, where he hit 8 homers and stole 14 bases to go with a .289 average. Teammate Nick Castellanos got promoted first, but eventually Garcia was called up and outhit Castellanos in AA, putting up a .312 average, with 6 homers and 9 steals, giving him 14 homers and 23 steals on the year with a .299 average. Garcia then got called up to the majors to be used as a defensive replacement and hitter against lefty starters. So far, he's 4-8 with an RBI. A right fielder converted to center when Castellanos moved to RF, he's got a cannon and has gunned out many runners over the season.
.299 14 HR 58 RBI 23 SB
Domingo Santana As part of the package that brought Hunter Pence to Philadelphia, Santana is seen as the future RF of the Astros. And after playing the entire season as a 19-year-old in the A+ Cal League, you can see why. He showed great power, a great eye and played solid defense, not amassing a lot of errors, despite being 6'5 228 and throwing out runners with a strong arm.
.302 23 HR 97 RBI 7 SB
Miles Head A first baseman who played third base all year, Head was named Cal League prospect hitter of the year, after posting a 1.149 OPS in half a season. And while his AA numbers didn't match that lofty standard, he heated up at the end of the year, finishing with a respectable .272/.338/.741 line, despite a slow start and an injury.
.333 23 HR 84 RBI 3 SB
Eugenio Suarez finally got some recognition at the end of the season and should get more as his career goes on. He put up solid numbers as a 20-year-old for most of the season in the Midwest League. He finished with 69 walks to 116 Ks in 135 games, good for a .380 OBP. With a projectable frame (6'0 180), he showed solid hands and a nice arm this year. He could move up a couple levels next year and it wouldn't shock to see him be looked at as a the shortstop of the future for the Tigers.
.288 6 HR 67 RBI 21 SB
Jacob Realmuto is considered the Marlins' catcher of the future and was brought in in the Gallardo trade. Realmuto has shown quick hands and a nice arm. He is working on his receiving skills, but projects to be a solid everyday hitter and average defender. He spent all year at A+ Jupiter and could start the year at AA as a 22-year-old.
.256 8 HR 46 RBI 13 SB
Steven Proscia had a pretty amazing season in the A+ Cal League, but his struggles when promoted to AA leave him as a question mark. 2013 should prove whether he can advance or not. But the 22-year-old third baseman and occasional second baseman (despite standing 6'2 and weighing 210 LBs) showed great thigns with the bat in 2012 between A+ and AA.
.314 28 HR 103 RBI 12 SB
Tommy La Stella La Stella missed about five weeks with an injury, but started off where he left off in July by hitting the ball and well. The 23-year-old 2B seems to have the bat and glove to play the position regularly, especially since the Braves have shortstops, but not many second basemen in their system. He's another guy who can drive in runs and take walks.
.299 6 HR 59 RBI 13 SB (40bb/25K)
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Well, 2013 is here and while minor leaguers have just started the season, it's never too early to brag, right?
Rafael Montero: What can you say about this kid? He signed with the Mets out of the D.R. after attending college there, not as a 16 or 17-year-old like many of his countrymen. In 2001, he moved up four levels, ending in the NY-Penn League with a 2.15 ERA in 71 innings. Last year, he didn't disappoint, moving between A and A+, ending with a 2.36 ERA over 122 IP, with 110K and 19 BB.
The Mets have challenged him again, starting him at AA in the Eastern League. His two starts this year:
5.2 IP 2 H 1 ER 0 BB 8K
5.2 IP 5 H 1 ER 1 BB 4K
Would love to see him go deeper into games, but I suspect that will come. What a great start to the season. I love this guy. Great command, gets Ks and outs and doesn't seem phased by higher competition.
Rafael Montero: What can you say about this kid? He signed with the Mets out of the D.R. after attending college there, not as a 16 or 17-year-old like many of his countrymen. In 2001, he moved up four levels, ending in the NY-Penn League with a 2.15 ERA in 71 innings. Last year, he didn't disappoint, moving between A and A+, ending with a 2.36 ERA over 122 IP, with 110K and 19 BB.
The Mets have challenged him again, starting him at AA in the Eastern League. His two starts this year:
5.2 IP 2 H 1 ER 0 BB 8K
5.2 IP 5 H 1 ER 1 BB 4K
Would love to see him go deeper into games, but I suspect that will come. What a great start to the season. I love this guy. Great command, gets Ks and outs and doesn't seem phased by higher competition.
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This may be, perhaps, the most disheartening Tiger Cubs report of the season. Jesse Biddle enters the seventh inning last night against Reading with a perfect game and ends with this line:
7 ip 1 h 2bb 0 er 16k
Sad because it's possible that the best performance of the MILB season happened on April 22 and there's a lot of baseball left in the season. Oh, he also doubled twice.
The Phillies' No. 1 prospect, a lefty from the Philly burbs, has made a pretty solid transition from A+ to AA so far this season. His stats were obviously inflated from last night's dominating performance, but to date:
2-1 2.16 ERA 25 IP 40K 9 BB .126 BAA
And some recaps about the night:
http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ym ... b&sid=milb
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phil ... ble-A.html
7 ip 1 h 2bb 0 er 16k
Sad because it's possible that the best performance of the MILB season happened on April 22 and there's a lot of baseball left in the season. Oh, he also doubled twice.
The Phillies' No. 1 prospect, a lefty from the Philly burbs, has made a pretty solid transition from A+ to AA so far this season. His stats were obviously inflated from last night's dominating performance, but to date:
2-1 2.16 ERA 25 IP 40K 9 BB .126 BAA
And some recaps about the night:
http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ym ... b&sid=milb
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phil ... ble-A.html
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Another good report out of Detroit (IBC and real this time) is shortstop Eugenio Suarez. Ranked in the tail end of most top 10 prospect lists entering the season, Suarez was solid through 2012 in the Midwest League, showing some pop, some speed and a solid eye:
.288/.380/.409 6 HR 67 RBI 21 SB at 20 for half the season.
This year, he's kept it up in the not-so hitter friendly FSL:
.311/.410/.437 1 HR 12 RBI 2 SB at 21
And now he's been promoted to AA Erie. He didn't play tonight, but I suspect he'll pick up where he left off, as he's continued to improve. Only part of the game, as far as I can tell, that needs major improvement is stealing. He's got speed, but gets thrown out a fair amount. He's probably a situational stolen base guy at the higher levels, but a good bet to take the extra base. I'm excited that he could be a sleeper shortstop.
.288/.380/.409 6 HR 67 RBI 21 SB at 20 for half the season.
This year, he's kept it up in the not-so hitter friendly FSL:
.311/.410/.437 1 HR 12 RBI 2 SB at 21
And now he's been promoted to AA Erie. He didn't play tonight, but I suspect he'll pick up where he left off, as he's continued to improve. Only part of the game, as far as I can tell, that needs major improvement is stealing. He's got speed, but gets thrown out a fair amount. He's probably a situational stolen base guy at the higher levels, but a good bet to take the extra base. I'm excited that he could be a sleeper shortstop.
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Tommy La Stella continues to move up the ladder and could be one of those guys who sees some time as a utility guy at the end of the season with an eye toward taking over for Dan Uggla at some point soon in Atlanta.
The 8th round pick in 2011 out of New Jersey, La Stella has an amazing eye, good hit tool, surprising pop for a guy his size and just enough speed to be dangerous.
2012 was a great year for him in two stops, mostly in the A+ Carolina League:
.302/.386/.460 5 HR 56 RBI 13 SB 40BB/25K (90 games)
He started off this season on the DL, but resumed back in the Carolina League, where he hit a measly .550.
He made his debut in the AA Southern League tonight and did ok:
3-6 2 R 2 2B 1 3B 4 RBI
The 8th round pick in 2011 out of New Jersey, La Stella has an amazing eye, good hit tool, surprising pop for a guy his size and just enough speed to be dangerous.
2012 was a great year for him in two stops, mostly in the A+ Carolina League:
.302/.386/.460 5 HR 56 RBI 13 SB 40BB/25K (90 games)
He started off this season on the DL, but resumed back in the Carolina League, where he hit a measly .550.
He made his debut in the AA Southern League tonight and did ok:
3-6 2 R 2 2B 1 3B 4 RBI
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An update on the young pitching trio of the IBC Tigers, all dealing in AA at young ages:
Jesse Biddle (21): 42.2 IP 21H 22 BB 50K 2.95 ERA
David Holmberg (21): 49 IP 40H 14 BB 36K 2.20 ERA
Rafael Montero (22): 46.2IP 40H 6 BB 54K 3.47 ERA
All three guys looking pretty solid, so I'm hoping they keep up the good work and advance nicely.
Jesse Biddle (21): 42.2 IP 21H 22 BB 50K 2.95 ERA
David Holmberg (21): 49 IP 40H 14 BB 36K 2.20 ERA
Rafael Montero (22): 46.2IP 40H 6 BB 54K 3.47 ERA
All three guys looking pretty solid, so I'm hoping they keep up the good work and advance nicely.
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He just keeps getting guys out. Rafael Montero hasn't pitched a while in AA, but I guess that's because he's been promoted to AAA Las Vegas.
The 22-year-old Dominican threw another gem Tuesday:
6.2 IP 4 H 2 ER 1BB 5K
It seems pretty likely he will see The Show at some point this year, given his continued success at every level and the Mets continuing to promote him with his success. He's a guy I love to watch rise through the ranks.
The 22-year-old Dominican threw another gem Tuesday:
6.2 IP 4 H 2 ER 1BB 5K
It seems pretty likely he will see The Show at some point this year, given his continued success at every level and the Mets continuing to promote him with his success. He's a guy I love to watch rise through the ranks.
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How about this kid? How can you not love him? And check out the wheels!
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nQ9tGD_-AD ... detailpage" frameborder="0"></iframe>
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nQ9tGD_-AD ... detailpage" frameborder="0"></iframe>
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Weird...apparently only I can see the video on my blog, so here's a link, for those interested in Jesse Biddle's greatness:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ9tGD_- ... r_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ9tGD_- ... r_embedded
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An update on the young pitching studs of the IBC Tigers:
Rafael Montero:
Just got promoted to AAA at 22 years old and completely dominating every level. Per ESPN:
NEW YORK -- Right-hander Rafael Montero, another highly regarded pitching prospect, has been promoted from Double-A Binghamton to Triple-A Las Vegas. He will start Saturday for the 51s.
Montero, 22, went 7-3 with a 2.43 ERA in 11 starts with the B-Mets. He struck out 72 and walked 10 in 66 2/3 innings.
Montero had made a spot start with Las Vegas on May 21 at Iowa, when he took a scoreless effort into the seventh inning before ultimately getting charged with two runs.
He did start Saturday and posted a nice line of 5.1 IP 7H 1 ER 7K 0BB
Sandy Alderson said of him (and former Tigers farmhand Jack Leathersich): "There’s been that consideration. If we decide to leave him at Binghamton, you can infer from that that he can probably join us from Binghamton (referring to Montero). There is no reason that either one of those guys can’t come directly from Binghamton. They have both distinguished themselves, and are guys that we are very high on."
And Kyle Hendricks:
Just sporting a 2.07 ERA at AA as a 23-year-old in the Southern League. The Dartmouth product is 7-2 in 78.1 IP, striking out 64 and walking 16 while allowing 69 hits.
The Cubs have been aggressive with Hendricks. He was moved from Texas to the Cubs in the Dempster deal last year and pitched mostly in A+ for the Rangers and only made 4 starts (one relief appearance) for the Cubs in the Florida State League last year before promoting him straight to AA to start this year.
He was pitcher of the month for the Cubs in May:
Hendricks, 23, went 4-1 with a 1.95 ERA (7 ER/32.1 IP) in five May starts for Tennessee, striking out 25 compared to just five walks. He surrendered one home run in 32.1 innings pitched and limited the opposition to a .230 batting average (28-for-122). Hendricks' four May victories tied for the Southern League lead while his 1.02 WHIP ranked tied for fifth and his 1.95 ERA was seventh.
Acquired from Texas with infielder Christian Villanueva for pitcher Ryan Dempster on July 31 of last season, Hendricks is 5-2 with a 2.47 ERA (16 ER/58.1 IP) in 10 starts for Tennessee this year, his first at the Double-A level. He has allowed just two home runs and 13 walks while striking out 48, good for an average of 7.4 strikeouts per 9.0 innings. Seven of his 10 outings have been quality starts, and he has pitched into the seventh inning in five starts.
Hendricks was originally selected by Texas in the eighth round of the 2011 draft, and has gone 13-12 with a 2.72 ERA (73 ER/241.2 IP), two complete games and three saves in 56 career minor league games, including 35 starts. With 209 strikeouts and just 37 walks, Hendricks has a 5.65 strikeout-to-walk ratio while allowing just 13 home runs in 241.2 innings.
Rafael Montero:
Just got promoted to AAA at 22 years old and completely dominating every level. Per ESPN:
NEW YORK -- Right-hander Rafael Montero, another highly regarded pitching prospect, has been promoted from Double-A Binghamton to Triple-A Las Vegas. He will start Saturday for the 51s.
Montero, 22, went 7-3 with a 2.43 ERA in 11 starts with the B-Mets. He struck out 72 and walked 10 in 66 2/3 innings.
Montero had made a spot start with Las Vegas on May 21 at Iowa, when he took a scoreless effort into the seventh inning before ultimately getting charged with two runs.
He did start Saturday and posted a nice line of 5.1 IP 7H 1 ER 7K 0BB
Sandy Alderson said of him (and former Tigers farmhand Jack Leathersich): "There’s been that consideration. If we decide to leave him at Binghamton, you can infer from that that he can probably join us from Binghamton (referring to Montero). There is no reason that either one of those guys can’t come directly from Binghamton. They have both distinguished themselves, and are guys that we are very high on."
And Kyle Hendricks:
Just sporting a 2.07 ERA at AA as a 23-year-old in the Southern League. The Dartmouth product is 7-2 in 78.1 IP, striking out 64 and walking 16 while allowing 69 hits.
The Cubs have been aggressive with Hendricks. He was moved from Texas to the Cubs in the Dempster deal last year and pitched mostly in A+ for the Rangers and only made 4 starts (one relief appearance) for the Cubs in the Florida State League last year before promoting him straight to AA to start this year.
He was pitcher of the month for the Cubs in May:
Hendricks, 23, went 4-1 with a 1.95 ERA (7 ER/32.1 IP) in five May starts for Tennessee, striking out 25 compared to just five walks. He surrendered one home run in 32.1 innings pitched and limited the opposition to a .230 batting average (28-for-122). Hendricks' four May victories tied for the Southern League lead while his 1.02 WHIP ranked tied for fifth and his 1.95 ERA was seventh.
Acquired from Texas with infielder Christian Villanueva for pitcher Ryan Dempster on July 31 of last season, Hendricks is 5-2 with a 2.47 ERA (16 ER/58.1 IP) in 10 starts for Tennessee this year, his first at the Double-A level. He has allowed just two home runs and 13 walks while striking out 48, good for an average of 7.4 strikeouts per 9.0 innings. Seven of his 10 outings have been quality starts, and he has pitched into the seventh inning in five starts.
Hendricks was originally selected by Texas in the eighth round of the 2011 draft, and has gone 13-12 with a 2.72 ERA (73 ER/241.2 IP), two complete games and three saves in 56 career minor league games, including 35 starts. With 209 strikeouts and just 37 walks, Hendricks has a 5.65 strikeout-to-walk ratio while allowing just 13 home runs in 241.2 innings.
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While the IBC Tigers' farm system is littered with high-performing starting pitchers, it also has a good group of hitters working their way up the system. Five degrees of separation...Tiger Cubs edition.
First, let's discuss this week's BA Prospect Hotsheet member Jace Peterson. The former McNeese State D1 quarterback, Peterson is a shortstop in the Padres system who's having quite a season in the A+ California League. He's got a strong build for a shortstop: 6-0 205 and with his quick first step, the lefty has been showing just how fast he is.
In 66 games, Peterson has a respectable 22 SB, good for third in the league.
Perhaps more impressive is his 30K/28BB ratio to go along with 3 homers, 8 triples and 11 doubles. He's shown some solid pop, along with tremendous speed. He's currently slashing .296/.364/.440 and in a few years would make a fine double play duo with...
Rangers 2B prospect Ryan Rua. If you thought 2013 breakout Stetson Allie leads the Sally League in home runs, you probably wouldn't be alone, but you'd be wrong. What about standout Joey Gallo? Nope. It would be Rua, who has been overshadowed on a Hickory Crawdads team that features Gallo, Jorge Alfaro, Ronald Guzman, Nick Williams, Nomar Mazara and Lewis Brinson. But batting cleanup in most of those games has been Rua, who has shown big power.
To date, he's hitting .255/.360/.634 with 23 home runs and 63 RBI. While he does have a high 64 Ks in 68 games, he also has 32 BBs along with 6 steals.
Rua was a 17th round pick in 2011 by the Rangers out of Lake Erie College. The 6-2, 180-pound 2B has 9 errors in those 68 games and played alongside fellow 2B...
Dilson Herrera, in this year's Sally League All-Star Team. Unlike Rua, Herrera stole home in that 2-1 game off Chris Stratton.
The 19-year-old Herrera has a surprising amount of pop from his small body. He's listed as 5-10 150 and has 7 homers and 32 RBI as a 2B in 58 games. The Pirates prospect has a .281/.341/.443 line along with 9 SB (though few can steal home, let alone in an All-Star game, so the speed is there). He's hitting .279/.289 vs righties/lefties, so his splits are good. I expect him to shoot up the prospect charts after this year.
Let's hope his success in the two-hole continues, especially as he hits behind fellow IBC Tiger...
Barrett Barnes. Barnes was my second round pick last year, a potential 20/20 CF out of Texas Tech. Barnes started off the year with an injury that has held him to only 20 games. After returning in the last two weeks, he's been heating up.
Like tonight, when he went 3-5 with 2 home runs and 6 RBI in the leadoff spot. Those were Barnes' first two homers of the season and brought his RBI total up to 11 in 20 games. He also has 7 steals, so the speed/power potential is showing itself. He's still 21 and has a chance to keep moving as he develops. After his early season struggles, it's good to see him bounce back from an injury, just like...
Fellow IBC Tigers 2012 draftee, Corey Seager. If he was struggling, I'm not sure I could stand it, since I, and 25 others, passed on Yasiel Puig in the IBC draft last year. But, my 3B of the future is kicking into high gear after returning from about a three-week injury. The 19-year-old lefty shortstop is now at .302/.364/.518 for Great Lakes of the Midwest League.
I believe the Dodgers will take it somewhat slow with Seager, moving him up the ladder at a pace that helps his development. The younger brother of Mariners 3B Kyle Seager, Corey is currently a SS and only has 3 errors in 38 games, but most believe he'll shift to the hot corner at some point.
If it happens, it'll be a result of his body. He currently stands 6-4 215 and has a sweet stroke from the left side.
He's got 6 homers and 28 RBI and while he has 32 Ks, he also has 12 BB and 7 SB. His plate discipline is a strength, but maturity should help it improve. But the power is clearly there. Tonight he went 3-4 with 2 homers and 6 RBI (see Barnes, Barrett for near-matching stat line).
Coincidentally, Seager and Barnes each had two homers tonight and Herrera and Rua each had one home run. The only missing link is...
Jace Peterson, who as of this writing is 1-3 in tonight's Lake Elsinore game. But, I'm not expecting monster power, just a great eye, potential leadoff hitter, strong-fielding shortstop who can hit an occasional home run when he needs to.
First, let's discuss this week's BA Prospect Hotsheet member Jace Peterson. The former McNeese State D1 quarterback, Peterson is a shortstop in the Padres system who's having quite a season in the A+ California League. He's got a strong build for a shortstop: 6-0 205 and with his quick first step, the lefty has been showing just how fast he is.
In 66 games, Peterson has a respectable 22 SB, good for third in the league.
Perhaps more impressive is his 30K/28BB ratio to go along with 3 homers, 8 triples and 11 doubles. He's shown some solid pop, along with tremendous speed. He's currently slashing .296/.364/.440 and in a few years would make a fine double play duo with...
Rangers 2B prospect Ryan Rua. If you thought 2013 breakout Stetson Allie leads the Sally League in home runs, you probably wouldn't be alone, but you'd be wrong. What about standout Joey Gallo? Nope. It would be Rua, who has been overshadowed on a Hickory Crawdads team that features Gallo, Jorge Alfaro, Ronald Guzman, Nick Williams, Nomar Mazara and Lewis Brinson. But batting cleanup in most of those games has been Rua, who has shown big power.
To date, he's hitting .255/.360/.634 with 23 home runs and 63 RBI. While he does have a high 64 Ks in 68 games, he also has 32 BBs along with 6 steals.
Rua was a 17th round pick in 2011 by the Rangers out of Lake Erie College. The 6-2, 180-pound 2B has 9 errors in those 68 games and played alongside fellow 2B...
Dilson Herrera, in this year's Sally League All-Star Team. Unlike Rua, Herrera stole home in that 2-1 game off Chris Stratton.
The 19-year-old Herrera has a surprising amount of pop from his small body. He's listed as 5-10 150 and has 7 homers and 32 RBI as a 2B in 58 games. The Pirates prospect has a .281/.341/.443 line along with 9 SB (though few can steal home, let alone in an All-Star game, so the speed is there). He's hitting .279/.289 vs righties/lefties, so his splits are good. I expect him to shoot up the prospect charts after this year.
Let's hope his success in the two-hole continues, especially as he hits behind fellow IBC Tiger...
Barrett Barnes. Barnes was my second round pick last year, a potential 20/20 CF out of Texas Tech. Barnes started off the year with an injury that has held him to only 20 games. After returning in the last two weeks, he's been heating up.
Like tonight, when he went 3-5 with 2 home runs and 6 RBI in the leadoff spot. Those were Barnes' first two homers of the season and brought his RBI total up to 11 in 20 games. He also has 7 steals, so the speed/power potential is showing itself. He's still 21 and has a chance to keep moving as he develops. After his early season struggles, it's good to see him bounce back from an injury, just like...
Fellow IBC Tigers 2012 draftee, Corey Seager. If he was struggling, I'm not sure I could stand it, since I, and 25 others, passed on Yasiel Puig in the IBC draft last year. But, my 3B of the future is kicking into high gear after returning from about a three-week injury. The 19-year-old lefty shortstop is now at .302/.364/.518 for Great Lakes of the Midwest League.
I believe the Dodgers will take it somewhat slow with Seager, moving him up the ladder at a pace that helps his development. The younger brother of Mariners 3B Kyle Seager, Corey is currently a SS and only has 3 errors in 38 games, but most believe he'll shift to the hot corner at some point.
If it happens, it'll be a result of his body. He currently stands 6-4 215 and has a sweet stroke from the left side.
He's got 6 homers and 28 RBI and while he has 32 Ks, he also has 12 BB and 7 SB. His plate discipline is a strength, but maturity should help it improve. But the power is clearly there. Tonight he went 3-4 with 2 homers and 6 RBI (see Barnes, Barrett for near-matching stat line).
Coincidentally, Seager and Barnes each had two homers tonight and Herrera and Rua each had one home run. The only missing link is...
Jace Peterson, who as of this writing is 1-3 in tonight's Lake Elsinore game. But, I'm not expecting monster power, just a great eye, potential leadoff hitter, strong-fielding shortstop who can hit an occasional home run when he needs to.
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Guardians
- Posts: 4624
- Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:00 am
- Location: Tallahassee, FL
- Name: Pat Gillespie
It's always a little concerning when you check a box score and don't see your guy. When you check his player page and see that he's been promoted and isn't injured, it just makes you feel a little better.
Preston Tucker, a University of Florida grad and Astros OF prospect just made the difficult leap from A+ Lancaster to AA Corpus Christi.
First, a review of his success (despite not having the blessing of Baseball Guru Jake Hamlin):
A seventh round pick in 2012, Tucker's first pro assignment was the NY-PL, where he did very well, hitting:
.321/.390/.509 with 8 homers 38 RBI 16K 18 BB and 1 SB in 42 G
He continued his fine hitting after getting bumped up past A to A+ to start this season. There, he did very well:
.326/.384/.544 with 15 homers 74 RBI 45K 29 BB and 3 SB in 75 G
*He's currently 1st in RBI, 6th in HR and 4th in AVG in the Cal League.
The hard work and success has paid off, as Tucker is now in the AA Texas League. He's only played two games and has 1 RBI 1 BB and 1K. Good to see him getting some recognition.
Preston Tucker, a University of Florida grad and Astros OF prospect just made the difficult leap from A+ Lancaster to AA Corpus Christi.
First, a review of his success (despite not having the blessing of Baseball Guru Jake Hamlin):
A seventh round pick in 2012, Tucker's first pro assignment was the NY-PL, where he did very well, hitting:
.321/.390/.509 with 8 homers 38 RBI 16K 18 BB and 1 SB in 42 G
He continued his fine hitting after getting bumped up past A to A+ to start this season. There, he did very well:
.326/.384/.544 with 15 homers 74 RBI 45K 29 BB and 3 SB in 75 G
*He's currently 1st in RBI, 6th in HR and 4th in AVG in the Cal League.
The hard work and success has paid off, as Tucker is now in the AA Texas League. He's only played two games and has 1 RBI 1 BB and 1K. Good to see him getting some recognition.
