There was a familiar face taking the mound Friday for the Peoria Chiefs, the Cubbies’ Class-A Midwest League affiliate. Reliever Scott Eyre, rehabbing a groin injury he suffered last month, was touched up for two hits and an earned run in one inning in his first rehab appearance. Sunday, he got ripped for four hits and two earned runs in an inning and a third of work, so while the Cubs expect him to return after the All-Star break, it doesn’t look like we’ll see a new and improved Eyre. In fact, he’s been getting progressively worse since arriving at Wrigley three years ago, and is a complete non-fantasy factor at this point. Interestingly, however, Eyre became just the fourth Cub to make a rehab appearance at Peoria’s Elfstrom Stadium since 2005. Scott Williamson, Wade Miller and Juan Mateo are the others, and we’ve seen how well their careers have gone since then, so let’s hope that’s not some foreshadowing for the 36-year-old lefty, who has never really been the same since leaving the Giants.

Lefty Scott Mitchinson, selected as a Midwest League All-Star, got some good news this week when an MRI on his injured elbow showed no structural damage. He’s been cleared to start rehab, and that’s great news considering the breakout season he was enjoying for Kane County. Originally signed by the Phillies in 2003 from Australia, the 23-year-old was taken by the A’s in the Minor League Phase of the Rule 5 Draft last year, and after a strong 2007 at three levels, he really has put himself on the map this season. Through 71 innings, Mitchinson has given up just 54 hits, one homer and 11 walks, while fanning 70. Overall, he’s 5-3, 1.90, and if he can regain his health soon, could be in line for a promotion to High-A before season’s end.

Tyson Ross, the A’s second round pick in last month’s draft, is also dealing with injury issues. He was put on the DL July 1 because of his shoulder, but also was given the go-ahead for rehab after a clean MRI. The 21-year-old righty had only made two professional appearances so far, but was impressive, giving up just two hits and one earned run, walking none and striking out five in five innings. Ross was a Pac 10 All-Star at California last year when he went 6-6, 2.49 with 120 strikeouts and just 39 walks in 115 2/3 IP.

The A’s look like they have another solid bat on their hands in Corey Brown, a first round supplemental pick (59th overall) in last year’s draft. The 22-year-old outfielder was leading Kane County in homers (14), RBI (48), was second in steals (12) and was batting .270 with 40 walks in 84 games before getting promoted to High-A Stockton last week. In four games in the Cal League, Brown is not looking overmatched at all, batting .333 with six runs, a homer and four RBI. Keep an eye on this kid, keeper league owners.

Talk about the fast track, have you seen what Ben Revere, the Twins’ first rounder from last season, has done? The 20-year-old outfielder is batting .401 through 59 games with 20 walks and 28 steals. Talk about top-of-the-order skills. This is definitely Minnesota’s centrefielder of the future, and keeper league owners would be wise to jump on him soon. A kid with a batting eye like that doesn’t come around very often.

The Tigers prospect cupboard has been accused of being fairly barren, but they’ve hit a home run this year with 24-year-old righty Alfredo Figaro. He struggled at High-A after a mid-season promotion in 2007, but he’s dominating at Class-A this year, going 11-2, 1.76 with 86 strikeouts against just 29 walks. Opponents are batting a mere .200 against Figaro. Still, because he took a step backward this year, I’ll be more excited when I see him doing this in High-A ball or higher.

Another speedster who has consistently put up high averages is Adrian Ortiz, a 21-year-old outfielder taken in the fifth round last year by the Royals. He’s batting .316 through 91 games with 27 steals, but unlike Revere, Ortiz’s command of the strike zone isn’t advanced, so I worry that he’ll struggle as he moves up. He’s young enough to adjust, so at least bears watching over the long term.

Another young Tiger hurler who’s taken a big step up this year is 21-year-old southpaw Jonathan Kibler. Just a 30th round pick in 2007, Kibler has already proved to be a bit of a diamond in the rough, enjoying a strong pro debut last year, split between the GCL and NYPL. This season he’s been even more impressive, going 8-3, 1.99 through 15 starts. In 99 2/3 IP, Kibler has been virtually unhittable (62 hits allowed), while showing tremendous command (81 Ks to 21 BBs).

Another Midwest League kid I’m keeping my eye on is outfielder Engel Beltre. Originally signed by the BoSox out of the Dominican Republic, Beltre was dealt to Texas in last season’s Eric Gagne deal. This 18-year-old is having no problem in Class-A, an impressive feat. Through 87 games, he’s batting .287 with 19 doubles, eight triples and seven homers. He’s shown some speed, but like many youngsters, needs to learn to take a walk. Still, Beltre is heating up, with four straight multi-hit games, so I think the Rangers could have a future star in the making here.

I also like the development shown this year by 21-year-old righty Jackson Quezada, signed by the Padres from the Dominican in 2003. He’s looking like a potential future closer, having saved 16 games in 40 appearances for Fort Wayne. He’s certainly been dominant enough, fanning 48 in 43 2/3 IP, with just 31 hits and only one homer allowed while compiling a very sweet 2.27 ERA. Quezada looks ready to move up to High-A ball shortly.

July 14th, 2008
Categories: BASEBALL, Minor Matters, RotoRob . Author: RotoRob . Comments: No Comments

While the Mariners are managing to hold their own lately, it’s been a nightmare season in Seattle. It’s best to turn our attention to the team’s future, so with this in mind we’ll take a look at some of the players currently toiling for the West Tenn Diamon Jaxx, Seattle’s Double-A affiliate.

The team’s bullpen had been cruising in June, but this month, hasn’t quite enjoyed the same level of success. Take Marwin Vega, for instance. Converted from starter this season, the 21-year-old Columbian righty was rock solid last month, but he’s been hit hard in three of his four appearances in July, getting scored on twice, including one very ugly outing when he was charged with five earned runs in one inning, allowing a 7-2 lead to slip away. Vega’s young, but having already flamed out as a starter, and dealing with serious command issues this year, I have my doubts about his future prospects.

The Diamond Jaxx took home the first half division title, thus guaranteeing themselves a spot in the four-team Southern League playoffs. It’s a damn good thing, because West Tenn has struggled to a 6-16 start in the second half, finding itself in dead last in the North Division. Having lost three Southern League All-Stars (RHP Rich Dorman, closer Mumba Rivera and 2B Luis Valbuena) plus C Luis Oliveros and OF Mike Saunders – all promoted to Triple-A Tacoma — the club has dropped six straight and has managed just one win in its last ten games. Ironically, Tennessee, the first-half cellar dweller, is now the front runner in the North.

Pitching has really been killing the club in the second half, with an average of 6.6 runs against through the first 14 games. Compare that to its first half performance of 4.4 runs allowed per game and it’s easy to see why this team has gone from first to worst. Of course, the fact that Dorman, who led the team in wins, and Rivera, who paced the Jaxx in saves, were promoted is a big part of this trend. Injuries have hurt as well. Veteran minor leaguer Anderson Garcia, who made his MLB debut with the Phillies last year, was promoted from High-A to either start or perhaps close, but he landed on the DL with shoulder problems. Another veteran, Denny Stark, who made 64 appearances over five big league seasons, has had his return from two Tommy John procedures stalled. Pitching professionally for the first time since 2005, he struggled with his command in seven starts and then landed back on the DL a few weeks ago. At the age of 33, the pitcher who went 11-4 for the Rockies in 2002 may be just about done.

We all know about Jeff Clement, who may or may not stick behind the plate in Seattle. But down in Double-A, 24-year-old backstop Adam Moore continues to impress with his powerful stick. Seattle’s sixth round pick in 2006 broke through last year, earning California League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star honours as well as making the Topps Class-A All-Star squad thanks to a massive season (.307, 30 doubles, 22 homers, 74 runs, 102 RBI and 41 walks with a 914 OPS in 115 games). Moved up to Double-A this season, Moore isn’t quite putting up the same numbers, but he’s not far off the pace with a .303/.375/.474 line and 21 doubles, nine homers, 45 runs, 49 RBI and 25 walks. If Moore continues his hitting exploits, the Mariners are going to have a good kind of problem with two very gifted offensive catchers on their hands.

Shawn Kelley, a 24-year-old right-handed reliever taken in the 13th round last year, has whipped through the system quickly. He pitched at two levels in 2007, and is already working on his third level of 2008. After fanning a dozen batters in just 7 2/3 IP at Wisconsin of the Class-A Midwest League, Kelley was promoted to the High-A Cal League, where he limited opposing batters to a .186 mark in 12 scoreless outings. Since arriving in Double-A, he’s also been flawless – until Sunday, that is, when he took the loss after surrendering his first earned run in 16 innings of work. Clearly, Kelley is a man on the fast track, so should the Mariners need bullpen help in the second half, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him get the call.

Brodie Downs was taken in the 23rd round in 2007, and he’s also moved very quickly. But let’s bear in mind that he will be 29 years old next week, so I’m not big on his prospects of having much of a career. He pitched very well in a set-up role at Double-A last year, and despite control problems in a brief look at Triple-A, held his own. But shifted to a long relief role this year, he’s been more hittable. On the plus side, the 6’4â€, 235-pound Downs has been moved into the rotation for a pair of starts and has yielded just two earned runs in 11 combined innings. If he can improve his command as a starter, perhaps Downs will earn himself another look at Triple-A before the season ends.

Converting relievers to starters has been a common occurrence in West Tenn, by the way. Of its first 14 games in the second half, eight were started by converted relievers.

Marshall Hubbard, an eighth rounder in 2004, is enjoying a breakout season, in this, his third go round at Double-A. The All-Star first baseman recently returned after spending over a month on the DL with a strained oblique, and he’s struggled to regain his first-half form. His overall numbers, however (.329/.441/.561 with 26 runs, 16 doubles, six homers, 35 RBI and 29 walks in 164 at bats), indicate he’s ready for Triple-A action. The former Tar Heel is already 26, so I can’t see much more than a future bench player here, but stranger things have happened. Hubbard, by the way, was a 2004 third team All-American outfielder. Before he got hurt, he was near the league lead in BA, runs and RBI.

July 10th, 2008
Categories: BASEBALL, Minor Matters, RotoRob . Author: RotoRob . Comments: 1 Comment

You’ve got to be impressed with the turnaround the Baltimore Orioles’ organization has undergone in the last year. After failing to win even 70 games last season, the O’s are playing better than .500 ball through the first three months of the season, with homegrown talent playing a vital role in the resurgence.

Anchored by organization-developed stars like Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, Daniel Cabrera and Garrett Olson, a system that was in total disarray very recently is now at very least mediocre, and improving rapidly. The last three drafts have proved much more fruitful for the O’s, something that will stead this team well as it looks to make hay in the tough AL East in the coming years.

Let’s examine some of the future Orioles we’ll be hearing more about soon:

Colin Allen, a 21-year-old righty the O’s selected in the 22nd round last year, has been almost untouchable so far this season with the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles. Armed with a go-to curveball and a 91 mph fastball, the converted outfielder has struck out 15 batters in a team-high 13 1/3 IP, limiting opponents to a BA under .175. Allen credits Bluefield pitching coach Troy Mattes with instilling in him the idea that pitchers shouldn’t give hitters too much credit – a concept that’s stead the youngster very well as he puts himself on the map as a prospect.

Lance West, a 39th round pick in last month’s draft, is proving to be a real great late-round steal so far, seamlessly making the transition to the pro game. The 20-year-old is hitting for power (four homers, .730 SLG), average (almost .300) and is showing on-base skills (with an OBP of almost .425). Coming off back-to-back multi-hit games, West is on a tear and may be a candidate to move to Class-A before season’s end.

Catcher Wally Crancer, a 12th round pick in 2007, has made great strides offensively this season. Through 45 games at Class-A Delmarva, he’s batting .296 with four homers and 16 walks. He’s been converted from the outfield to help advance his career, and so far, it has not affected his offense, a very common occurance when a player is shifted, especially behind the plate. Crancer has also played some left and right field, DH and even first base, so the team is doing whatever it takes to keep the soon to be 24-year-old’s bat in the lineup. He’ll need to move quickly to have a chance to become a prospect.

I love what I’m seeing out of Zach Britton, a third round pick in 2006. The 6’2†lefty has handled the move up to Delmarva with ease this season, going 7-5 with an excellent 2.85 ERA through 16 starts. He’s yielded just 76 hits and 25 walks in 88 1/3 IP, fanning 64. Just 20 years old, this is a kid that needs to be watched.

Jake Arrieta, the O’s fifth rounder last year, is performing quite admirably in his professional debut for the Class-A Frederick Keys. Despite some recent struggles, the 22-year-old righty is 5-4 with an ERA barely over 3.00 and 91 Ks in 89 2/3 IP. He’s allowed just 64 hits. At one time, Arrieta was expected to go in the top 20 picks of the draft, but he slipped all the way to the fifth round when he pitched very inconsistently in the month leading up to the draft. He could prove to be a serious steal, and is someone to watch in keeper leagues.

Matt Wieters, the fifth overall pick last year, signed too late to make his pro debut in 2007, but man, is he ever living up to the hype this year. The 22-year-old switch hitting catcher dominating High-A ball, batting .345 with 15 homers and 44 walks in 69 games before a recent promotion to Double-A Bowie. Clearly, the higher level is not intimidating Wieters, as he continues to wield a potent bat (.292) with power (one homer and three doubles in 24 at bats) and superior plate discipline (five walks, three strikeouts). Make no mistake: this kid is the real deal, and it wouldn’t shock me if he’s ready to challenge for a starting job in B-More as soon as next spring. In fact, I would be shocked if Wieters isn’t in the majors by this time next year. Expect to see him at the very top of most prospect lists heading into 2009.

David Hernandez, Baltimore’s 16th round pick in 2005, has arrived as a prospect this season after some very middling results his first two pro seasons. The 23-year-old righty has made the jump to Double-A – the toughest leap for a pitcher – look easy. He’s 5-1, 2.63 with 100 strikeouts in 89 innings, while limiting opponents to a .209 BAA. Hernandez has been especially untouchable in his last four starts (seven hits and two earned runs in 24 2/3 IP, showing near no-hit stuff in back-to-back starts), so if he can sharpen his control a smidgeon, we could have a serious prospect on our hands here.

Chris Tillman, Seattle’s second rounder in 2006 who came to the O’s in the Erik Bedard deal, has looked fantastic at Bowie. Just 20, this righty has a very bright future, and the fact that he’s been able to maintain a solid K rate (81 in 79 IP) despite the jump to a higher level at such a young age has me very impressed. Opponents are batting just .214 against Tillman, a name that needs to targeted in keeper leagues.

Outfielder Nolan Reimold, despite solid numbers, has been a bit of a disappointment at Double-A only because in his half-season there in 2007, he was fantastic. Still, he’s coming around of late and definitely looks to have his power mojo back with six dingers, a double and nine RBI in the last five games. If this keeps up, he could find himself at Camden before season’s end.

July 4th, 2008
Categories: BASEBALL, Minor Matters, Prospects, RotoRob . Author: RotoRob . Comments: 4 Comments

Fernando Perez, the Rays’ seventh round pick in 2004, is having some issues adjusting to his first season of Triple-A ball, but Saturday he showed flashes of what he’s capable of, finishing just a double shy of the cycle as the Durham Bulls earned their sixth win in eight games. The dinger was the first of the season for the 25-year-old outfielder, who put himself on the map last year with a breakout, although injury-shortened season at Double-A in which he experienced a power spike. He’s been inconsistent so far this year, and he’s definitely whiffing too much (at least one in five straight games), but Perez has a chance to carve out a career as an extra outfielder because of his speed and gap power.

Veteran Chris Richard is making a play to get back to the Show. He launched a pair of dingers Saturday, becoming the first Bull this season to produce a five-RBI day in the process, to continue a serious roll. The 33-year-old, who played four seasons in the bigs, last appearing there in 2003 with the Rockies, is coming off a fine Triple-A campaign in 2007. After a sluggish start this year, he’s taking it to the next level, going 15-for-30 on the Durham homestand with three dingers and ten RBI. Richard’s got some pop, but of course, so does the current first baseman in Tampa Bay. Still, Richard is proving that he could supply some power off a major league bench as an extra corner infielder/outfielder.

One vet who does not look ready to get back to the majors is Tomo Ohka. Currently toiling for the Charlotte Knights (the White Sox’s Triple-A affiliate), Ohka has been battered in three of his last four starts, dropping to 0-7, 6.12 for the year. In 50 IP, he’s given up 66 hits and 20 walks. Uh, yeah. As bad as Ohka was in his ten starts for the Jays last year, he’s been even worse in the minors. Of course, who knows what that means. Last season, Ohka was actually better in the majors than he was in the minors, and that’s not saying much. Frankly, it’s about time the 32-year-old chose another occupation.

The Rays may soon need to free up some space for outfielder Justin Ruggiano. After he put up a big year at Triple-A in 2007, showing a very nice power-speed combo, he made his major league debut. This year, he’s already earned a bit of PT in Tampa when B.J. Upton was hurting, but he has taken things to a whole new level down in the minors. The 26-year-old is 9-for-20 during his current five-game hit streak, scoring seven runs and driving in eight with a double and homer. For the year, Ruggiano is up to .360 with 20 RBI in 21 games and 75 at bats. This guy is ready for a crack at the majors.

As if Tampa didn’t have enough options, minor league veteran Jeremy Cummings is suddenly looking like he’s finally ready to take on the majors. The 31-year-old righty, originally a 21st round pick of the Cardinals way back in 1999, has been toiling at Triple-A for years. Now in his first season in the Rays organization, he’s 2-0, 1.64 through his first two starts, with just six hits allowed in 11 IP. On Saturday, pitching on just three days rest, he tossed an impressive five innings for the W. Could we have a Jim Morris, Part Two on our hands in Tampa Bay?

Remember Ben Hendrickson? The one-time Brewer pitching prospect who got battered in each of his big league trials is now in the Ray organization, and so far, it’s been a smart pickup by Tampa Bay. Hendrickson is still just 27, so who knows? The lightbulb may still come on for him at some point. He’s certainly getting the job done at Durham this year, notwithstanding some serious control issues. He’s almost always had some challenges with walks, but this year, it’s real bad. Still, how can you ignore a starter who is holding the opposition to a .175 BAA? That’s worth tracking, I’d say.

Should the Rays need some help in middle relief, it looks like Calvin Medlock is ready. A 39th round pick by Cincy in 2002, the 25-year-old righty came to the Rays last year in the Jorge Cantu deal, and it’s another smart move by Tampa Bay as this kid appears to have some upside. Through 11 appearances, he’s 1-1, 1.50 with just ten hits allowed in 18 IP. The control is a problem (ten walks), but believe it or not, it’s actually an improvement over his Triple-A debut last season.

Okay, so Grant Balfour didn’t win a job in the Rays’ pen. But he’s gone down to Triple-A Durham, grabbed the closer job, and run with it. On Saturday, pitching in a non-save situation, he gave up his first run of the season. The 30-year-old Aussie is 1-0, 0.49 with six saves and he’s been touched for just five hits in 18 1/3 IP while fanning 29. No, those aren’t Nintendo numbers. I have always been a big fan of Balfour, and while he flopped in the majors last year, these results warrant another shot for him.

May 19th, 2008
Categories: BASEBALL, Minor Matters, RotoRob . Author: RotoRob . Comments: 3 Comments

Ian Kennedy, who flamed out with the Yanks and was farmed out, is getting another chance. He’s been recalled to start Thursday afternoon against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays (how weird is it to type that?). Kennedy didn’t waste any time getting his act together in Triple-A, tossing a superb 7 1/3 innings of one-hit, shutout ball with eight strikeouts and no walks in his first start. Monday, he started the first game of the doubleheader, but threw only one shutout frame before calling it a day, in anticipation of this start Thursday. The Yankees are scuffling, but aren’t in too big a hole yet. Salvaging a split against the Rays would be a good start, so there’s a lot of pressure on Kennedy. His control is obviously back, and assuming he has regained his confidence, hell play a very large part in whether or not this team is headed back to the postseason for a 14th consecutive season.

If Kennedy flops again, one name to keep an eye on is Steven White. The Yankees’ fourth rounder in 2003, White keeps improving his Triple-A numbers to the point where he’s sneaking onto the radar as someone who can help the big league team. Ranked by Baseball America as the fourth best prospect in the system in 2004, the 26-year-old slipped from the list the past few years, but his numbers this year are screaming out for attention. Smart owners will listen, as White has won his last three starts and is 4-1, 2.66 overall, with 35 Ks in 47 1/3 IP. I think he’s ready to at least get an audition, and given the holes in the Yanks’ rotation, that may be coming soon.

Another Yankee farmhand who is showing progress this season is outfielder Brett Gardner, the team’s third round pick in 2005. Gardner had an excellent season at Double-A last year, but found the adjustment to Triple-A somewhat challenging after a mid-season promotion. This year, despite some recent struggles, he’s picked up the pace, batting .285 through 36 games and 130 at bats. Gardner has displayed nice extra-base pop, good strike zone judgment, patience and speed. The highest drafted player in the history of the College of Charleston, the 24-year-old Gardner is someone with strong top-of-the-order skills who could carve out a major league career once opportunity comes knocking.

Andrew McCutchen, who we ranked 17th among our top 35 prospects heading into the season, is having some challenges at Triple-A recently, batting just .205 over the past ten games with 14 strikeouts. Let’s bear in mind that he’s still only 21, and overall, I like the progress he’s shown this year, both in terms of on-base skills (20 walks in 39 games after walking just four times in 17 games in his first taste of Triple-A last year) and power (ten doubles, six homers and 19 RBI). This guy’s got speed, developing power and can hit for average. Expect to see McCutchen rise into the top 10 prospects for 2008, assuming he isn’t in Pittsburgh long enough this year to lose his rookie eligibility. Right now, the Buccos don’t have any room for him with all three of their starting outfielders playing well. And with the Pirates actually hanging around .500 still, there’s no reason to start the youth movement quite yet. McCutchen is definitely a name to tuck away for the second half, however.

Remember Scott Strickland? The former Expo spent six seasons in the bigs, recording a 3.34 ERA through 236 games. But he hasn’t appeared in a major league game since 2005 with Houston. Now in the Yankees’ organization, this 32-year-old reliever is pitching pretty well so far in 2008, going 2-0 with a 4.19 ERA and over a strikeout per inning. He’s held righties to a .220 BAA, so perhaps he can still help a major league bullpen.

Still with the Yankees’ Triple-A bullpen, veteran minor leaguer Scott Patterson is starting to figure out this level after some early-season struggles. The 28-year-old righty was dominant at Double-A in 2007, recording a 1.09 ERA with 91 strikeouts and just 15 walks and 45 hits allowed in 74 1/3 IP, earning his first career Triple-A appearance along the way. Well, he started sluggishly this year, but is coming around with seven straight appearances without an earned run allowed, lowering his season mark to 3.00 through 16 games. He’s got good control and is striking out one per inning, so perhaps he’ll be considered as a possible injury replacement on the Yanks should it be necessary.

Billy Traber, who made the team out of Spring Training as the Yankees’ left-handed reliever, has struggled somewhat since his demotion back to Triple-A last month. He actually wasn’t awful in New York, but wasn’t exactly dominating southpaws, so the team felt no need to keep him around. Since his return to the minors, Traber’s numbers aren’t good (4.91 ERA), but his peripherals are strong (six hits and two walks with nine strikeouts in 7 1/3 IP). This 28-year-old could get another shot in the Yankee pen later this season.

Here’s another name to track in the bullpen of the Yanks’ top affiliate – David Robertson. The team’s 17th round pick in 2006 dominated at Double-A, earning a quick promotion to Triple-A. Since taking a beating in his debut, Robertson has settled down with three straight scoreless outings, even earning his first Triple-A win in his last appearance. He’ll need to sharpen his control to get a chance in the bigs, but considering this righty is just 23, let’s cut him some slack as he adjusts to the higher level.

Finally, Steven Jackson is also pitching very well in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre bullpen. Arizona’s tenth round pick in 2004, Jackson came to the Yankee organization in the Randy Johnson trade last year. He began the year at Double-A, but has since been promoted to Triple-A, and although his overall numbers the two levels aren’t eye popping (4.50 ERA through 14 games), his peripherals suggest he’s pitching much better than that, with just 24 hits and eight walks allowed while he’s fanned 28 in 28 IP. He even chalked up his first Triple-A save earlier this week after picking up one in Double-A.

May 15th, 2008
Categories: BASEBALL, Minor Matters, RotoRob, Transactional analysis . Author: RotoRob . Comments: 8 Comments