Minor League Ball: FanPosts

BEST PROSPECT IN BASEBALL

2009-07-04T22:13:16Z

No, this post isn't about Matt Wieters, Jason Heyward, Stephen Strasburg or even Bryce Harper.

This post is dedicated to my all time favorite prospect, Josh Womack

Womack hits a home run about every 100 at bats and is 25 years of age. In fact, double checking, I don't even think he's still playing pro baseball. His career batting average is .257 and slugging percentage is shy of .400.

So why do I value this everyday minor league?

http://www.break.com/index/cool-spinning-baseball-bat-trick.html

His incredible batting ritual.

An "A" prospect if you ask me.

Smoak Promoted to AAA

2009-07-04T19:13:43Z

http://startelegramsports.typepad.com/foul_territory/2009/07/smoak-to-triple-a.html

He was due for this because it seemed like he had nothing left to prove in AA. The only thing that held him back was the injury. I wonder how long it will be until he cracks the majors. Any guesses? With the continuing struggles of Chris Davis, I'm not sure how long they can keep him down, especially if they want to contend this year.

Frederick's Top 50 Prospects

2009-07-04T17:45:40Z

10) Madison Bumgarner

11) Lars Anderson

12) Gordon Beckham

13) Jenrry Mejia

14) Andrew McCutchen

15) Carlos Santana

16) Fernando Martinez

17) Brian Matusz

18) Pedro Alvarez

19) Martin Perez

20) Mat Latos

21) Neftali Feliz

22) Matt LaPorta

23) Jhoulys Chacin

24) Derek Holland

25) Vin Mazzaro

26) Jake Arrieta

27) Tim Alderson

28) Yonder Alonso

29) Brad Holt

30) Kyle Drabek

31) Dominic Brown

32) Brett Wallace

33) Tyler Flowers

34) Michael Saunders

35) Desmond Jennings

36) Jordan Lyles

37) Jason Knapp

38) Derek Norris

39) Michael Taylor

40) Tim Beckham

41) Josh Vitters

42) Lonnie Chisenhall

43) Carlos Carrasco

44) Brett Cecil

45) Kyle Blanks

46) Casey Kelly

47) Aaron Hicks

48) Jordan Danks

49) Carlos Triunfel

50) Nick Weglarz

Rock 'N' Roll McDonaldz~

Lars Anderson v. Chris Carter

2009-07-04T17:41:19Z

I remember last year I had the poor sense to post my own top 32 prospects list, which was riddled w/ blindspots, oversights, and bad calls (no Stanton, C. Santana, Smoak, Hanson, etc). I have come here not to praise my list, but to bury it.

Rather, remembering that list triggered me reading the comment thread, and the most controversial thing at the time was that I ranked Chris Carter over Lars Anderson as a prospect -- I largely felt BABIP was masking their similarities as hitters, and that Carter's 80 power tool put him on a different level than Anderson as a potential major leaguer (though I admitted that Carter struck me as a bigger flameout risk). Lars was pretty universally considered a better prospect at the time, as I was aware, but I wanted to make a stand on Carter (and a few other guys, like Wilson Ramos, Nick Weglarz and [gulp] Jordan Walden).

Lars has been getting some bad scout mojo lately, while Carter is putting up pretty gaudy numbers (though it is HIS luck that seems skewed upward so far this year) and seems to be getting the Ks a little more under control.

According to minorleaguesplits, their neutralized lines (taking home park and luck into account) should be

Lars Anderson 266 / 355 / 406

Chris Carter 269 / 379 / 484

Anderson had the better pedigree, and a (superficially, I think) better statistical record coming into this year, and was the seemingly consensus choice for top first baseman prospect.

Has Carter passed him?

Braves Top 50 Mid Season Prospect List

2009-07-04T12:28:23Z

1) Matt Wieters
2) Tommy Hanson
3) Jesus Montero
4) Jason Heyward
5) Michael Stanton
6) Chris Tillman
7) Gordon Beckham
8) Madison Bumgarner
9) Justin Smoak
10) Jarrod Parker
11) Buster Posey
12) Jordan Lyles
13) Fernando Martinez
14) Brian Matusz
15) Desmond Jennings
16) Carlos Santana
17) Matt Moore
18) Casey Kelly
19) Dominic Brown
20) Brett Wallace
21) Neftali Feliz
22) Andrew McCutchen
23) Tim Beckham
24) Michael Taylor
25) Jenrry Mejia
26) Jake Arrieta
27) Derek Holland
28) Kyle Blanks
29) Josh Vitters
30) Kyle Drabek
31) Freddie Freeman
32) Wilmer Flores
33) Michael Saunders
34) Zach McAllister
35) Mat Latos
36) Hector Rondon
37) Pedro Alvarez
38) Derek Norris
39) Yonder Alonso
40) Carlos Carrasco
41) Martin Perez
42) Brett Lawrie
43) Mike Moustakas
44) Tyler Flowers
45) Tim Alderson
46) Lars Anderson
47) Lonnie Chisenhall
48) Angel Villalona
49) Chris Marrero
50) Matt Laporta

Who the hell is Robert Carson?

2009-07-04T03:03:24Z

So while trying to find me some good Mets prospects (as you may already know from my username and posts I am in fact a Mets fan), I found out about Robert Carson a couple of months ago. Now 20 years old, Carson has been noticeably dominating the Single-A Sally league with the Sand Gnats. Carson, according to his MILB profile, is not small, 6'3", 220 LBS. It appears that he was selected by the Mets in the 2007 draft out of High school. He's a lefty pitcher, which I forgot to mention.

Last year in the GCL, Carson made 5 starts pitching 23 innings. He struck out 25, walked 6, and allowed just 11 hits, earning him a 1.57 ERA. Moved up to the Appy league, Carson showed some struggle, pitching 30.2 innings over 6 starts, he struck out 21 and walked a rather alarming 18. He allowed 29 hits, and lucky for him his ERA was just 1.76 in the league. Throughout his 53.2 innings, he allowed 1 HR.

This year, Carson reminds me a lot of Joe Saunders, although a little more dominant in the minors and younger than Saunders ever was. He's made 15 starts and pitched in 83.1 innings, allowing 80 hits, striking out 54 and walking 27. His ERA is 2.27. Once again, he only has allowed 1 HR.

In his 146 inning career, he's allowed 3 HR.

So, in terms of scouting, does anyone know ANYTHING about this guy? Is he a lot like Saunders? He's become a personal favorite of mine.

Independence Day weekend MiLB thread

2009-07-04T01:42:37Z

The probable pitchers thing is screwed up on minorleaguesplits, so here are just some random lines from today:

Chris Tillman: 7.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7K

Pat Venditte: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K

Nick Addition: 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K

John Lamb: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 K

Brad Dydalewicz: 4.1 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Jeremy Hellickson: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

Travis Wood: 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Jay Austin: 3-4

Aaron Hicks: 2-3, double, triple

Todd Frazier: 2-4, double

Favorite All-Time Tool?

2009-07-03T20:44:14Z

For a bunch of dyed in the wool baseball nerds, I figure this should be a fun conversation. What's your favorite all-time individual tool on a particular player? There's no right or wrong answer, but in many cases, I'm sure there's a story behind it. Tony Gwynn's hit tool? Clemente's arm? I'm especially interested in guys that aren't hall of famers or even superstars, but had that one insane ability. And it has to be someone you saw/see. I, for one, am certain I'll tell my grandkids about Vlad's plate coverage. But it can also be on the other end of the spectrum, like Mackey Sasser's arm or the most astonishingly/endearingly slow player you've ever seen. There's no right or wrong answer. Go!

Heyward and Freeman to AA

2009-07-03T03:54:04Z

That is the word. Pretty aggressive promotions by the Braves with both guys being just 19 but the big club's production at 1B and the OF is pretty terrible so the sooner they can replace Kotchman and Franceour the better. I think both guys should hold their own since they control the strike zone so well for young hitters. Heyward has hit for more power this year and Freeman for less although has improved his walk rate a good bit. Cody Johnson not promoted as of yet. He is still striking out at a ridiculous pace. But I guess its encouraging that the power hasnt dropped off after moving up to a new level and he has struck out slightly less while walking more. He still is only 20.

Project Prospect's Mid-Season Top 50

2009-07-02T18:38:37Z

Here's the link...

http://www.projectprospect.com/article/2009/07/02/top-50-prospect-list

Seems like people have more problems with the inclusion of guys like Jenrry Mejia, Jon Niese, Kris Medlen, Brad Lincoln (and the high ranking of Nick Weglarz), than with some of the notable omissions like Kyle Drabek, Mat Latos, Brett Wallace (all honorable mentions) and Michael Taylor and Naftali Feliz (who just missed the HM list). Interesting that Jordan Lyles made it at #50, since he's been discussed a lot over here.

Suggestions for Keeper League .. Sorry I know

2009-07-02T17:58:41Z

I am trying to get a new keeper league of the ground. I have been in several keeper leagues, however none have been able to last. With that being said I have never started my own keeper league, and was wondering if any of you more experienced fantasy baseballers had any suggestions on rules, format, forum site, etc.

Also currently I have about 8-10 buddies from college and law school who have committed, so once this thing gets off the ground I may be looking to fill the last couple of teams.

If your interested or have any suggestions you can post on here or e-mail me at K.A.Katchuk28@gmail.com. Anything is appreciated, thanks.

Gordon Beckham's prospects in the field

2009-07-02T16:36:11Z

Where does he end up long term? Is he really an MLB SS? Or does he stay at 3B/2B? Anyone have any ideas/reasoning? I will have the #1 pick this fall in my SIM league draft (by FAR the worst team in the league this year) and I am thinking of him at #1 based on who will be available in this draft that I know of right now. Thanks for any input...

July 2nd MiLB Thread

2009-07-02T15:55:47Z

Some notable pitchers on the card for today...

Jake Arrieta, Clay Buchholz, Carlos Carrasco, Josh Lindblom, Will Inman, Trevor Bell, Franklin Morales, Madison Bumgarner, Bradley Holt, Scott Diamond, Mat Latos, Scott Barnes, Evan Anundsen, Mauricio Robles, Tyler Robertson, Will Smith, Wade Miley, Nick Hagadone, Wilmor Font, Dexter Carter, Jordan Lyles, Luke Burnett.

Alot of exciting arms going tonight, should be fun looking at the boxscores.

Hopefully there are no weather issues causing rainouts.

Post away!

big keeper trade question...

2009-07-02T15:03:44Z

I would get Jay Bruce and Jake Fox and give BJ Upton in return. this is a big 18 team keeper, with my other OF being Burrell, Granderson, Guillen, Francisco and my 3B (Fox soon to be eligible) is A. Laroche with moustakas/alvarez waiting to be called up. It is a yahoo league with standard stats + BB's (batting) and holds (pitching). OF prospects are Julio Borbon, F-Mart, Austin Jackson, and emilio bonifacio would help replace some lost upton steals.

Mid Season Rookie of the Year Conversation

2009-07-02T14:52:36Z

Hey all,

Since we are around the mid-season point, I figured now would be a good time to talk Rookie of the Year. While there haven't been huge performances to date, a few rookies do stand out. I'm only going to mention people with over 100 AB.

Colby Rasmus - Rasmus has more AB than any other rookie and has a triple slash line of 270/313/455. The walks really aren't there yet, but the power has been nice. According to UZR, Rasmus has been great this season being +10 in the OF.

Andrew McCutchen - Just over 100 AB at this point, but he has impressed. Only one homerun to date, but 5 triples. Obviously, we'll need a larger sample size.

Chris Coghlan - He has played 2B in the minors, but is now in the OF blocked by Uggla. His 262/360/360 line isn't great, but he has shown some pop in the minors. With the Marlins in the chase, he'll need to step it up a little.

Tommy Hanson - He has really battled this year getting to 4-0, his SO are down in the MLB and his walks are way up, but his ERA is a shiny 2.48. His LOB% is an insanely high 87.6% so his ERA should rise. If he can keep the hits down, as he has and stop walking batters he could put together a nice year.

Kenshin Kawakami - Another Braves pitcher. He was signed out of Japan and is 34. 4-6 with a 4.25 ERA, he has missed a good amount of bats, but the walks are a little high. His numbers look solid, but one has to wonder if he'll start to let up a few more HR.

Jordan Zimmermann - Zimmermann has great SO numbers, and not an awful amount of walks (8.92 K/9, 2.50 BB/9).. His ERA is high for a Rookie of the Year candidate (4.52) but that has to be a product of the Nationals league worst defense to some degree. His FIP stands more than a full run lower than his ERA at 3.38. With improved defense behind him, and some better luck, Zimmermann could pull away from this pack. That could be a nice story for the Nats (whom rarely have nice stories). He'll have to win more games, because one has to assume that Hanson will improve.

AL -

Nolan Reimold - One of two AL players with over 100 AB (his teammate Weiters is at 85 with an OPS of 685) he has crushed the ball thus far. His OPS is 883, the highest of any rookie by a large margin. His 9 HR also lead all rookies, and he has a nice K/BB ratio 24/17. His wOBA is 383. However, his defense hasn't been great UZR has him at -11 thus far in the OF.

Elvis Andrus - One can't say the same about Andrus's defense. Anchoring SS during a revival of the Ranger's defense. UZR has him at +5.3. While he hasn't shown much with the bat, he has exceeded my expectations by a large margin. 269/330/380 is his current line, but one can't over look his 15 SB with just 1 CS.

Ricky Romero - He has been pretty filthy lately. His season stats are looing great at this point, 2.85 ERA with 61 SO in 72.2 IP. However, like Hanson his strand rate is awfully high at 86.9% and his FIP shows some regression in his ERA. The 6-3 record will help him with voters though, especially if he can duplicate that record in the 2nd half.

Brad Bergesen - Kind of a dark horse here, but his ERA is a nice 3.53. I don't this he has the stuff though moving forward. His SO are extremely low, and his BABAIP is quite low as well.

Rick Porcello - The 20 year old top prospect has throwing 83 innings already this season with a 3.80 ERA. His GB rate has been great, but he really needs to miss more bats (4.77 K/9). He has been hurt by the long ball, and those numbers could regress. Though, when a pitcher is only has a 20% FB rate, I guess he'll have a few more go out. His 8 wins put him in great position though.

Andrew Bailey - Bailey has sliced his way through the AL this season dominating batters in the late innings. His SO rate is phenominal (10.84) and while his walks are high, they aren't awful (3.61 BB/9) especially when he isn't allowing many hits. Baily does have some regression coming to his stats though. His BABIP (254) LOB% (84.5%) and HR rate 5.8% per FB all could bring his ERA (2.09) down.

(AL Notables - Matt Weiters and Gordon Beckham)

Conclusion:

I'm going to take Zimmermann and Porcello with the runners up being Rasmus (followed by Hanson) and Gordon Beckham (followed by Nolan Reimold). I think the addition of Nyger Morgan will help Nationals pitchers immensly. Porcello's also a great story with pedigree. Pitching this well at his age 20 season is going to be tough to beat. He'll need those other guys to regress some though.

Sorry if you think I missed someone.

Chapman Defects

2009-07-02T05:23:40Z

Ardolis Chapman, a 21 year-old Cuban lefty, recently defected from Cuba and reportedly wants to sign with a major league team. Many of you will remember Chapman from the WBC, where he showcased an upper 90s FB. How much do you guys think he is worth, who will he go to, and is he major league ready? Very interesting development. My initial guess is that he goes to the White Sox. The Sox have been looking for SP help, and they have been very active signing recent Cuban defectors Dyan Viciedo and Alexei Ramirez.

Chris Garcia

2009-07-01T22:38:31Z

Is he hurt again? Despite starting off this year reasonably well in AA (striking out a ton of batters, only giving up 1 HR in 25 IP, but walking a ton for a respectable FIP), he's hasn't pitched for almost a month. Garcia has very good stuff, including a curveball that is the best in the system according to BA, and a changeup who some think is better than his curveball, as well as a fastball that used to be in the mid-90s, but even in the year right after his TJ surgery was in the low 90s, but will Garcia ever remain healthy enough to make the majors? Is he simply a lost case, or is he a terrific buy-low candidate?

July 1 MiLB thread

2009-07-01T21:32:36Z

some pitchers for today........

Chuck Lofgren, Rick Vanden Hurk, Jason Schmidt (rehab), Jason Hirsh, Zach Mcallister, Daniel Hudson, Danny Duffy, Craig Italiano, Tim Melville

Texas League all-star game also going on.

People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

Should I draft Donovan Tate?

2009-07-01T16:21:56Z

Hi,

I'm in a 16-team dynasty league which holds a one-round draft during the season to pick first-year minor leaguers. There is also a five-round winter draft for minor leaguers as we build up a farm system.

I have just made a trade which gets me the #3 pick of the first-year players. I also have the #13 pick.

Ideally, I'd like to draft one hitter and one pitcher.

I'm assuming Strasburg and Ackley will go #1 and #2, but I'm not sure who to take next.

Donovan Tate went to the Padres with the real #3 pick, but I'm not sure I trust the Padres (Matt Bush!) and the thought of him hitting in Petco doesn't excite me.

So who do you think I should go for?

Gamble on Tate at #3? Take another hitter at #3? Or pick a top pitcher and grab a hitter at #13?

Thanks.

Weglarz vs. Jennings. Who do you take?

2009-07-01T03:05:51Z

Hey guys, long time reader, first time poster. I've been watching both Nick Weglarz and Desmond Jennings this year, and I thought I would pose the question to the community; who would you rather have?

Weglarz is a year younger and has much more power, but strikes out a good amount, reportedly has poor defense, and has a questionable batting average so far in his minor league career.

Jennings has injury issues but has better strike zone judgement, speed, defense, and should develop decent power in the future.

Interestingly, the two have gone in entirely different directions this year as Jennings started off the year at a torrid pace but has since cooled off considerabely, while Weglarz started the year poorly but has been torrid as of late.

If you had to choose one, who would it be and why?