Apr 30, 2008

Hot/Cold: OF - FAAB Darling Bowker Struggling

All statistics from Wed 4/23 through Tue 4/29:


HOT
  1. Curtis Granderson, DET - .348, 11 r, 3 HR, 5 rbi
  2. Lance Berkman, HOU - .292, 7 r, 3 HR, 7 rbi, 1 sb
  3. Carlos Quentin, CWS - .455, 5 r, 2 HR, 5 rbi, 2 sb
  4. Magglio Ordonez, DET - .409, 4 r, 2 HR, 11 rbi
  5. Carl Crawford, TB - .357, 7 r, 5 rbi, 3 sb
  6. Jason Bay, PIT - .292, 5 r, 3 HR, 4 rbi, 1 sb
  7. Nate McLouth, PIT - .200, 5 r, 4 HR, 6 rbi
  8. Matt Kemp, LAD - .360, 4 r, 1 HR, 8 rbi, 1 sb
  9. Josh Hamilton, TEX - .440, 4 r, 1 HR, 8 rbi
  10. Ichiro Suzuki, SEA - .269, 4 r, 1 HR, 3 rbi, 3 sb

COLD

  1. John Bowker, SF - 1-for-22
  2. Austin Kearns, WAS - 2-for-20, 1 r
  3. Jim Edmonds, SD - 0-for-13, 1 r, 1 rbi
  4. Alfredo Amezaga, FLA - 2-for-17, 1 r
  5. Vernon Wells, TOR - 3-for-23, 1 r, 1 rbi





Apr 25, 2008

Hot/Cold: Corner Infielders

All stats from 4/18 thru 4/24:


HOT
  1. Garrett Atkins, 3B, COL - .355 (11-for-31), 7 r, 4 HR, 9 rbi
  2. Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, CIN - .385 (10-for-26), 8 r, 4 HR, 5 rbi
  3. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, CHC - .385 (10-for-26), 7 r, 3 HR, 9 rbi
  4. Lance Berkman, 1B/OF, HOU - .391 (9-for-23), 6 r, 2 HR, 10 rbi, 1 sb
  5. Conor Jackson, 1B, ARI - .448 (13-for-29), 8 r, 1 HR, 6 rbi, 1 sb
  6. Casey Blake, 3B, CLE - .500 (11-for-22), 5 r, 3 HR, 14 rbi
  7. Chipper Jones, 3B, ATL - .440 (11-for-25), 5 r, 3 HR, 6 rbi
  8. Maicer Izturis, 2B/3B, LAA - .450 (9-for-20), 4 r, 4 rbi, 5 sb
  9. Miguel Cabrera, 3B, DET - .250 (7-for-28), 7 r, 2 HR, 7 rbi, 1 sb
  10. Derrek Lee, 1B, CHC - .321 (9-for-28), 7 r, 1 HR, 5 rbi, 1 sb

COLD

  1. Ben Broussard, 1B/OF, TEX - 1-for-17
  2. Esteban German, 2B/3B, KC - 0-for-9
  3. Carlos Delgado, 1B, NYM - 3-for-28, 3 rbi
  4. Adam LaRoche, 1B, PIT - 4-for-25, 1 rbi
  5. Ryan Howard, 1B, PHI - 3-for-28, 3 r

Triple-A Highlights (PCL): Mon 4/21 - Wed 4/23

NOTE: I'm adding a new feature to the minor league highlights. If a player appears ready for promotion, I'll add a READY notation to their line. A designation of READY doesn't mean they are necessarily ready to stay, just that they are at least ready for a promotion to at least get a trial at the next level.


AMERICAN LEAGUE

Brandon Wood, 23, SS/3B, Salt Lake (LAA #1 Prospect)
3-for-5, 2 2B(5), HR(7), 2 r, 4 rbi, .268 BA / .950 OPS - .325 BA last 10 games
- Over last 40 ABs has 13 Ks, 4 walks - first 31 ABs he had 13 Ks, 1 walk - the declining K-rate (which even at .325 over his last 40 ABs is still too high) and rising walk rate need to continue, this is the only thing holding him back from Anaheim.

Carlos Gonzalez, 22, OF, Sacramento (ARI #1 Prospect traded to OAK)
0-for-5, 2 Ks, .348 BA / .930 OPS - .357 BA last 10 games

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 22, C/1B, Oklahoma (TEX - 2007 ATL #1 Prospect)
2-for-4, rbi, .291 BA / .882 OPS

Nelson Cruz, 27, OF, Oklahoma (TEX - 2006 MIL #8 Prospect)
2-for-8, 2 HR(6), 2 r, 4 rbi, .333 BA / 1.234 OPS - .361 BA last 10 games

Freddy Sandoval, 25, 3B, Salt Lake (LAA - NR)
4-for-5, 2B(9), 2 r, 2 rbi, SB(1), .422 BA / 1.151 OPS - .488 BA last 10 games

Gio Gonzalez, 22, LHP, Sacramento (CWS #1 Prospect traded to OAK)
5 ip, 7 h, 2 er, 2 bb, 5 K - 2.50 ERA / 1.33 WHIP / .238 BAA / 18 K, 9 bb over 18 ip

Kyle Davies, 24, RHP, Omaha (KC - 2005 ATL #4 Prospect)
READY FOR KC
7 ip, 2 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 3 K - 0.90 ERA / 1.05 WHIP / .191 BAA / 14 K, 8 bb over 20 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



NATIONAL LEAGUE

Colby Rasmus, 21, OF, Memphis (STL #1 Prospect)
2-for-9, 2 HR(3), 5 rbi, .222 BA / .677 OPS

Chase Headley, 23, 3B/OF, Portland (SD #1 Prospect)
1-for-3, 2 rbi, .234 BA / .663 OPS - .244 BA last 10 games

Matt Antonelli, 23, 2B, Portland (SD #2 Prospect)
1-for-5, 2B(4), 1 r, .228 BA / .845 OPS - .222 BA last 10 games

Ian Stewart, 23, 3B, Colorado Springs (COL #2 Prospect)
4-for-5, 3B(2), HR(5), 3 r, 5 rbi, .323 BA / 1.062 OPS

Nate Schierholtz, 24, OF, Fresno (SF #4 Prospect)
READY FOR SF
3-for-9, 3B(2), 2 r, 2 rbi, SB(2), .345 BA / .972 OPS - .381 BA last 10 games

Brett Carroll, 25, OF, Albuquerque (FLA #23 Prospect)
READY FOR MIAMI
3-for-6, 2B(5), HR(5), 5 r, rbi, .391 BA / 1.288 OPS

Hernan Iribarren, 23, 2B/OF, Nashville (MIL #26 Prospect)
5-for-11, 3B(1), 2 r, 2 rbi, SB(4), .341 BA / .843 OPS - .361 BA last 10 games

Max Scherzer, 23, RHP, Tucson (ARI #4 Prospect)
READY FOR ARIZONA
6 ip, 5 h, 3 er, 0 bb, 9 K - 1.17 ERA / 0.65 WHIP / .146 BAA / 38 K, 3 bb over 23 ip

Sean Gallagher, 22, RHP, Iowa (CHC #5 Prospect)
READY FOR CHICAGO
7.2 ip, 3 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 12 K - 1.93 ERA / 0.90 WHIP / .188 BAA / 25 K, 5 bb over 23.1 ip

Jonathan Meloan, 23, RHP, Las Vegas (LAD #8 Prospect)
Very near ready
5.2 ip, 10 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 7 K - 1.66 ERA / 1.29 WHIP / .266 BAA / 20 K, 7 bb over 21.2 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

Apr 24, 2008

Hot/Cold: Middle Infielders

All stats from 4/17 through 4/23


HOT

  1. Chase Utley, 2B, PHI - .483 BA (14-for-29), 8 r, 7 HR, 12 rbi, 0 sb
  2. Hanley Ramirez, SS, FLA - .290 BA (9-for-31), 8 r, 4 HR, 6 rbi, 4 sb
  3. Miguel Tejada, SS, HOU - .469 BA (15-for-32), 8 r, 2 HR, 9 rbi, 1 sb
  4. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, BOS - .462 BA (12-for-26), 7 r, 1 HR, 8 rbi, 1 sb
  5. Edgar Renteria, SS, DET - .429 BA (12-for-28), 8 r, 2 HR, 5 rbi, 0 sb
  6. Ronny Cedeno, SS, CHC - .429 BA (9-for-21), 6 r, 1 HR, 10 rbi, 0 sb
  7. Rafael Furcal, SS, LAD - .375 BA (9-for-24), 3 r, 1 HR, 2 rbi 4 sb
  8. Kaz Matsui, 2B, HOU - .308 BA (8-for-26) 8 r, 0 HR, 6 rbi, 2 sb
  9. Ryan Theriot, 2B/SS, CHC - .458 BA (11-for-24), 6 r, 0 HR, 3 rbi, 2 sb
  10. Kelly Johnson, 2B, ATL - .227 BA (5-for-22), 6 r, 2 HR, 3 rbi, 2 sb

COLD

  1. Mark Grudzielanek, 2B, KC - 1-for-14
  2. Jayson Nix, 2B, COL - 0-for-8
  3. Ronnie Belliard, 2B, WAS - 1-for-8
  4. Eric Bruntlett, SS, PHI - 4-for-25, 2 r
  5. Tad Iguchi, 2B, SD - 2-for-25, 2 r, 1 sb

High-A Highlights (Carolina): Fri 4/18 - Tue 4/22

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Jake Arrieta, 22, RHP, Frederick (BAL #7 Prospect)
7.1 ip, 2 h, 3 er, 4 bb, 8 K - 2.75 ERA / 1.12 WHIP / .154 BAA / 26 K, 12 bb over 19.2 ip

Pedro Beato, 21, RHP, Frederick (BAL #9 Prospect)
5 ip, 6 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 5 K - 3.38 ERA / 1.27 WHIP / .266 BAA / 10 K, 6 bb over 21.1 ip

John Ely, 21, RHP, Winston-Salem (CWS #9 Prospect)
6 ip, 3 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 4 K - 3.48 ERA / 0.89 WHIP / .239 BAA / 15 K, 1 bb over 19 ip

Brandon Erbe, 20, RHP, Frederick (BAL #10 Prospect)
7 ip, 3 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 3 K - 1.29 ERA / 0.85 WHIP / .191 BAA / 21 K, 3 bb over 23.2 ip

Hector Rondon, 20, RHP, Kinston (CLE #28 Prospect)
4 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 5 K - 4.67 ERA / 1.44 WHIP / .257 BAA / 21 K, 7 bb over 17.1 ip

Jacob Rasner, 21, RHP, Winston-Salem (CWS - NR)
7 ip, 1 h, 0 er, 3 bb, 6 K - 1.00 ERA / 0.94 WHIP / .169 BAA / 13 K, 6 bb over 18 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



NATIONAL LEAGUE

Gorkys Hernandez, 20, OF, Myrtle Beach (ATL #5 Prospect)
4-for-17, 2B(5), 3B(5), HR(2), 4 r, 2 rbi, .309 BA / .946 OPS

Jordan Parraz, 23, OF, Salem (HOU #18 Prospect)
5-for-16, 2B(3), HR(2), .237 BA / .790 OPS

Daniel Moskos, 21, LHP, Lynchburg (PIT #5 Prospect)
6 ip, 3 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 4 K - 3.48 ERA / 1.11 WHIP / .238 BAA / 13 K, 4 bb over 20.2 ip

Jordan Zimmermann, 21, RHP, Potomac (WAS #7 Prospect)
5 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 6 K - 0.61 ERA / 0.89 WHIP / .128 BAA / 18 K, 7 bb over 14.1 ip

Tommy Hanson, 21, RHP, Myrtle Beach (ATL #9 Prospect)
6 ip, 1 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 6 K - 0.00 ERA / 0.50 WHIP / .071 BAA / 32 K, 6 bb over 22 ip
UTTER DOMINATION - should be promoted to Double-A very soon

Jhonny Nunez, 22, RHP, Potomac (WAS #25 Prospect)
6 ip, 3 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 10 K - 3.48 ERA / 1.06 WHIP / .250 BAA / 27 K, 2 bb over 20.2 ip

Polin Trinidad, 23, LHP, Salem (HOU - NR)
7 ip, 4 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 4 K - 1.88 ERA / 0.79 WHIP / .169 BAA / 14 K, 5 bb over 24 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009




Apr 23, 2008

High-A Highlights (FSL): Fri 4/18 - Tue 4/22

AMERICAN LEAGUE


Rene Tosoni, 21, OF, Fort Myers (MIN #24 Prospect)
6-for-15, 4 r, 3 rbi, .351 BA / .872 OPS


Kevin Slowey, Fort Myers (MIN - REHAB)
3 ip, 1 h, 3 er, 1 bb, 5 K


Matt Garza, Vero Beach (TB - REHAB)
3.2 ip, 8 h, 4 er, 3 bb, 4 K


Scott Kazmir, Vero Beach (TB - REHAB)
3 ip, 1 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 3 K


Jeremy Hellickson, 21, RHP, Vero Beach (TB #8 Prospect)
5 ip, 4 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 7 K - 0.78 ERA / 0.83 WHIP / .202 BAA / 30 K, 2 bb over 23 ip


Ivan Nova, 21, RHP, Tampa (NYY #18 Prospect)
6 ip, 3 h, 2 er, 3 bb, 9 K - 3.38 ERA / 1.31 WHIP / .262 BAA / 16 K, 15 bb over 16 ip


Luis Marte, 21, RHP, Lakeland (DET - NR)
7 ip, 0 h, 0 er, 3 bb, 7 K - 2.40 ERA / 1.07 WHIP / .137 BAA / 17 K, 9 bb over 15 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



NATIONAL LEAGUE


Jose Ceda, 21, RHP, Daytona (CHC #4 Prospect)
5 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 7 K - 4.20 ERA / 1.27 WHIP / .196 BAA / 18 K, 8 bb over 15 ip

Tyler Herron, 21, RHP, Palm Beach (STL #10 Prospect)
5 ip, 3 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 6 K - 3.50 ERA / 1.17 WHIP / .271 BAA / 17 K, 2 bb over 18 ip


Jess Todd, 22, RHP, Palm Beach (STL #12 Prospect)
3.2 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 5 K - 1.15 ERA / 0.77 WHIP / .164 BAA / 16 K, 3 bb over 15.2 ip


Brad Furnish, 23, LHP, Palm Beach (STL #18 Prospect)
4 ip, 2 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 4 K - 2.37 ERA / 0.89 WHIP / .188 BAA / 12 K, 4 bb over 19 ip

Kyle Winters, 21, RHP, Jupiter (FLA #21 Prospect)
5.1 ip, 3 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 5 K - 1.54 ERA / 0.94 WHIP / .225 BAA / 14 K, 4 bb over 23.1 ip


James Russell, 22, LHP, Daytona (CHC #22 Prospect)
6 ip 3 h, 1 er, 2 bb, 5 K - 2.05 ERA / 1.18 WHIP / .266 BAA / 12 K, 5 bb over 22 ip


Carlos Monasterios, 22, RHP, Clearwater (PHI #22 Prospect)
6.1 ip, 4 h, 0 er, 3 bb, 6 K - 2.81 ERA / 0.94 WHIP / .187 BAA / 17 K, 7 bb over 25.2 ip


Antonio Bastardo, 22, LHP, Clearwater (PHI #26 Prospect)
7 ip, 4 h, 2 er, 0 bb, 12 K - 1.59 ERA / 1.19 WHIP / .217 BAA / 34 K, 9 bb over 22.2 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009





Hot/Cold: Catchers 4/17 thru 4/22

HOT
  1. Brian McCann, ATL - .286 BA (6-for-21), 4 r, 2 HR, 3 rbi
  2. Jeff Mathis, LAA - .444 BA (4-for-9), 4 r, 1 HR, 4 rbi
  3. Chad Moeller, NYY - .429 BA (6-for-14), 4 r, 1 HR, 3 rbi
  4. Ryan Doumit, PIT - .308 BA (4-for-13), 3 r, 2 HR, 3 rbi
  5. Chris Coste, PHI - .500 BA (6-for-13), 2 r, 1 HR, 3 rbi

COLD
  1. Brad Ausmus, HOU - 0-for-4, 0 r, 0 rbi
  2. Matt Treanor, FLA - 1-for-10, 0 r, 0 rbi
  3. Mike DiFelice, TB - 0-for-6, 0 r, 0 rbi
  4. Yadier Molina, STL - 1-for-16, 0 r, 0 rbi
  5. Raul Casanova, NYM - 3-for-16, 0 r, 0 rbi

High-A Highlights (Cal): Fri 4/18 - Tue 4/22

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Chris Carter, 21, 1B, Stockton (ARI #8 Prospect traded to OAK)
6-for-14, 5 HR(6), 9 r, 12 rbi, .231 BA / .935 OPS - .286 BA last 10 games

Sean Doolittle, 21, 1B/DH, Stockton (OAK #10 Prospect)
6-for-14, 3 HR(6), 9 r, 5 rbi, .319 BA / 1.060 OPS

Brett Anderson, 20, LHP, Stockton (ARI #3 Prospect traded to OAK)
6 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 9 K - 2.66 ERA / 1.08 WHIP / .215 BAA / 23 K, 5 bb over 20.1 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



NATIONAL LEAGUE

Tyler Graham, 24, OF, San Jose (SF - NR)
7-for-16, 8 SB(14), 6 r, 3 rbi, .299 BA / .705 OPS - .350 BA last 10 games

Ricardo Sosa, 23, 3B, Visalia (ARI - NR)
11-for-19, 2 2B(4), 3 HR(5), 4 r, 10 rbi, .333 BA / .988 OPS - .525 BA last 10 games

Eric Sogard, 21, 2B, Lake Elsinore (SD - NR)
6-for-11, 2B(10), 2 r, 6 rbi, .414 BA / 1.085 OPS - .455 BA last 10 games - 18 bb / 7 K

Pablo Sandoval, 21, C, San Jose (SF - NR)
5-for-13, 2B(8), HR(5), 4 r, 5 rbi, .444 BA (24-for 54) / 1.370 OPS

Esmil Rogers, 22, RHP, Modesto (COL #13 Prospect)
6 ip, 7 h, 4 er, 3 bb, 10 K - 3.42 ERA / 1.23 WHIP / .218 BAA / 22 K, 10 bb over 23.2 ip

James Adkins, 22, LHP, Inland Empire (LAD #19 Prospect)
6 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 11 K - 1.89 ERA / 1.00 WHIP / .179 BAA / 21 K, 7 bb over 19 ip

Ben Snyder, 22, LHP, San Jose (SF #21 Prospect)
6 ip, 3 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 6 K - 0.78 ERA / 0.83 WHIP / .202 BAA / 18 K, 2 bb over 23 ip

Tim Sexton, 20, RHP, Inland Empire (LAD #24 Prospect)
6 ip, 0 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 6 K - 2.86 ERA / 1.00 WHIP / .225 BAA / 15 K, 4 bb over 22 ip

Aneury Rodriguez, 20, RHP, Modesto (COL #28 Prospect)
7 ip, 2 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 7 K - 3.86 ERA / 1.19 WHIP / .247 BAA / 21 K, 5 bb over 21 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009




Albert Pujols plays 2B!

Heads up - for those of you who play in leagues with one-game position eligibility requirements. The Cards ran out of position players in yesterday's extra innings game at Milwaukee and had to use Albert Pujols at 2B! You just hit the jackpot.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=280422108

Apr 22, 2008

Double-A Highlights: Fri 4/18 - Mon 4/21

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Elvis Andrus, SS, Frisco (TEX #1 prospect)
5-for-17, .288 BA / .662 OPS

Chris Davis, 1B, Frisco (TEX #2 prospect)
7-for-18, 3 HR(5), 5 r, 4 rbi, .345 BA / 1.086 OPS

Ryan Patterson, OF, New Hampshire (TOR #10 prospect)
6-for-9, 3 2B(6), 4 r, .273 BA / .701 OPS - .324 BA last 10 games

Luke Hughes, 2B, New Britain (MIN - NR)
8-for-18, 2 2B(5), 2 HR(4), .344 BA / 1.108 OPS - .390 BA last 10 games

Justin Masterson, Portland (BOS #4 prospect)
5 ip, 4 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 10 K - 0.95 ERA / 1.00 WHIP / .209 BAA / 23 K, 5 bb over 19 ip

David Huff, Akron (CLE #8 prospect)
6.2 ip, 1 h, 1 er, 2 bb, 6 K - 3.54 ERA / 1.03 WHIP / .203 BAA / 20 K, 6 bb over 20.1 ip

Daniel McCutchen, Trenton (NYY #14 prospect)
7 ip, 6 h, 2 er, 0 bb, 4 K - 1.46 ERA / 0.93 WHIP / .189 BAA / 19 K, 6 bb over 24.2 ip

David Hernandez, Bowie (BAL #15 prospect)
6.1 ip, 2 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 8 K - 2.70 ERA / 1.35 WHIP / .224 BAA / 26 K, 10 bb over 20 ip

James Houser, Montgomery (TB #18 prospect)
6.2 ip, 2 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 5 K - 0.42 ERA / 0.51 WHIP / .100 BAA / 17 K, 4 bb over 21.2 ip

Doug Fister, West Tenn (SEA - NR)
7.2 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 7 K - 1.52 ERA / 0.85 WHIP / .183 BAA / 19 K, 5 bb over 23.2 ip

Bobby Mosebach, Arkansas (LAA - NR)
9 ip, 5 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 5 K - 2.33 ERA / 1.03 WHIP / .190 BAA / 13 K, 8 bb over 19.1 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



NATIONAL LEAGUE

Matt LaPorta, OF, Huntsville (MIL #1 prospect)
7-for-15, 2B(3), 3 HR(4), 3 r, 6 rbi, .283 BA / .956 OPS - .306 BA last 10 games / homered in 3 straight games

Dexter Fowler, OF, Tulas (COL #3 prospect)
5-for-12, HR(3), .306 BA / .950 OPS

Eli Iorg, OF, Corpus Christi (HOU #8 prospect)
7-for-15, 3 2B(5), .311 BA / .858 OPS

Jon Jay, OF, Springfield (STL #11 prospect)
5-for-12, 3B(1), HR(2), 3 r, 3 rbi, .267 BA / .810 OPS

Tommy Manzella, SS, Corpus Christi (HOU #15 prospect)
8-for-17, 2 2B(3), .329 BA / .819 OPS - .386 BA last 10 games

Eric Young Jr., 2B, Tulsa (COL #22 prospect)
7-for-18, 2B(5), 2 HR(2), 3 r, 4 rbi, .338 BA / .951 OPS

Corey Wimberly, 2B/3B, Tulsa (COL #24 prospect)
5-for-10, 2B(4) 3B(1), 4 r, .385 BA / .958 OPS

Roger Bernadina, OF, Harrisburg (WAS #29 prospect)
8-for-17, 3B(1), HR(1), 5 r, 7 rbi, 2 SB(7), .301 BA / .800 OPS

Clayton Kershaw, Jacksonville (LAD #1 prospect)
5.2 ip, 2 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 5 K - 1.83 ERA / 1.17 WHIP / .205 BAA / 23K, 8 bb over 19.2 ip

Chris Volstad, Carolina (FLA #2 prospect)
7 ip, 5 h, 4 er, 3 bb, 9 K - 3.38 ERA / 1.33 WHIP / .261 BAA / 15 K, 9 bb over 24 ip

Ryan Tucker, Carolina (FLA #4 prospect)
6 ip, 3 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 9 K - 1.64 ERA / 1.05 WHIP / .210 BAA / 21 K, 6 bb over 22 ip

Jaime Garcia, Springfield (STL #5 prospect)
8 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 4 bb, 10 K - 2.35 ERA / 1.22 WHIP / .226 BAA / 29 K, 9 bb over 23 ip

Daryl Thompson, Chattanooga (CIN - NR)
6 ip, 6 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 5 K - 0.76 ERA / 0.72 WHIP / .190 BAA / 25 K, 1 bb over 23.2 ip
Doing a great Johnny Cueto impersonation!


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009






Triple-A Highlights: Sat 4/19 + Sun 4/20

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Matt Brown, 3B, Salt Lake (LAA - NR)
4-for-9, 2B(9), HR(6), 2 r, 6 rbi, .413 BA / 1.270 OPS

Brent Clevlen, OF, Toledo (DET #16 prospect)
4-for-9, 2 2B(5), .269 BA / .793 OPS

Mike Hessman, 1B, Toledo (DET - NR)
5-for-9, 3 HR(5), .273 BA / .936 OPS

Josh Barfield, 2B, Buffalo (CLE - NR)
3-for-10, 2 HR(3), .263 BA / .751 OPS

Nick Adenhart, Salt Lake (LAA #2 prospect)
6 ip, 4 h, 0 er, 3 bb, 5 K - 1.17 ERA / 1.17 WHIP / .190 BAA / 14 K, 12 bb over 23 ip

Jorge De La Rosa, Omaha (KC - NR)
6 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 6 K - 1.15 ERA / 1.02 WHIP / .190 BAA / 15 K, 5 bb over 15.2 ip

Frank Francisco, Oklahoma (TEX - NR)
1 ip, 0 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 2 K - 0.00 ERA / 0.67 WHIP / .100 BAA / 16 K, 3 bb over 9 ip

Garrett Olson, Norfolk (BAL #12 prospect)
7 ip, 7 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 7 K - 1.61 ERA / 1.16 WHIP / .229 BAA / 24 K, 7 bb over 22.1 ip

Aaron Laffey, Buffalo (CLE #5 prospect)
5 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 5 K - 3.13 ERA / 1.26 WHIP / .253 BAA / 18 K, 6 bb over 23 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



NATIONAL LEAGUE

Chase Headley, 3B/OF, Portland (SD #1 prospect)
0-for-7, 1 r, 1 bb, 3 K - .214 BA last 10 games

Matt Antonelli, 2B, Portland (SD #2 prospect)
2-for-5, 2 bb, 1 K - .209 BA last 10 games

Eli Alfonzo, C, Fresno (SF - NR)
4-for-8, 2B(4), HR(3), SB(1), .350 BA / 1.125 OPS

Brett Carroll, OF, Albuquerque (FLA #23 prospect)
6-for-9, 2B(4), 2 HR(4), 3 r, 7 rbi, .375 BA / 1.194 OPS

Colby Rasmus, OF, Memphis (STL #1 prospect)
3-for-8, 1 r, 1 bb, .222 BA / .613 OPS - modest 4 game hitting streak (6-for-16)

Dallas McPherson, 3B, Albuquerque (FLA - NR)
4-for-8, HR(6), 3 r, 3 rbi, SB(1), .295 BA / 1.174 OPS

Fernando Tatis, 3B, New Orleans (NYM - NR)
2-for-8, 2 HR(8), .250 BA / .974 OPS - Yes, THAT Fernando Tatis. Now with eight home runs I can no longer keep ignoring him - I'm obligated to post this as news. There, now it's done - you won't see his name in this blog again.

Jay Bruce, OF, Louisville (CIN #1 prospect)
4-for-9, 2B(2), SB(4), .333 BA / .908 OPS - .395 BA last 10 games

Andrew McCutchen, OF, Indianapolis (PIT #1 prospect)
4-for-8, 2 2B(5), SB(2), .269 BA / .886 OPS - .308 BA last 10 games

Homer Bailey, Louisville (CIN #2 prospect)
7.1 ip, 5 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 3 K - 1.03 ERA / 0.87 WHIP / .204 BAA / 16 K, 4 bb over 26.1 ip

Blake Hawksworth, Memphis (STL #20 prospect)
6 ip, 2 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 5 K - 4.57 ERA / 1.34 WHIP / .244 BAA / 23 K, 9 bb over 21.2 ip

Mike O'Connor, Columbus (WAS - NR)
7 ip, 8 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 4 K - 1.96 ERA / 1.00 WHIP / .221 BAA / 20 K, 4 bb over 23 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009




Apr 19, 2008

Triple-A Highlights: Fri 4/18

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Matt Joyce, OF, Toledo (DET #7 Prospect)
2-for-4, 3B(1), HR(5), 2 r, 2 rbi, .298 BA / 1.122 OPS

Mitch Talbot, Durham (TB #21 Prospect)
6 ip, 4 h, 3 r (1 er), 1 bb, 5 K - turning corner after his last start when he allowed eight earned runs in two innings


NATIONAL LEAGUE

Andrew McCutchen, OF, Indianapolis (PIT #1 Prospect)
1-for-5, HR(4), 2 rbi, .237 BA / .830 OPS

Chase Headley, 3B/OF, Portland (SD #1 Prospect)
2-for-5, 2 2B(4), 1 rbi, .259 BA / .722 OPS (.279 BA over last 10 games)

Colby Rasmus, OF, Memphis (STL #1 Prospect)
2-for-4, 2B(4), 1 r, 1 rbi, .203 BA / .588 OPS (multi-hit game hopefully a sign he's breaking out of his funk - he's batting just .132 over his last 10 games)

High-A Highlights: Thur 4/17

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Matt Wieters, C, Frederick (BAL #1 Prospect)
2-for-5, HR(4), 2 rbi, .438 BA / 1.278 OPS

Jon Still, C, Lancaster (BOS - NR)
2-for-4, HR(7), 2 r, .345 BA / 1.185 OPS

Steven Wright, Kinston (CLE - NR)
6 ip, 1 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 5 K - 1.50 ERA / 0.50 WHIP / .125 BAA / 13 K, 1 bb over 12 ip


NATIONAL LEAGUE

Lucas Duda, 1B, St. Lucie (NYM #29 Prospect)
4-for-5, 4 rbi, .364 BA / .918 OPS

Ross Detwiler, Potomac (WAS #2 Prospect)
4 ip, 4 h, 2 er, 5 bb, 4 K - 4.05 ERA / 1.50 WHIP / .240 BAA / 13K, 8 bb over 13.1 ip

Kyle Winters, Jupiter (FLA #21 Prospect)
7 ip, 4 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 3 K - 1.50 ERA / 1.00 WHIP / .246 BAA / 9 K, 3 bb over 18 ip

Alex Maestri, Daytona (CHC #23 Prospect)
6 ip, 2 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 4 K - 1.15 ERA / 1.15 WHIP / .218 BAA / 12 K, 6 bb over 15.2 ip

Apr 18, 2008

Double-A Highlights: Thurs 4/17

AMERICAN LEAGUE


none



NATIONAL LEAGUE


Bryan Anderson, C, Springfield (STL #3 Prospect)

4-for-6, 2 2B(3), HR(2), 3 r, 2 rbi, .391 BA / .995 OPS


Mike Carp, 1B, Binghamton (NYM #19 Prospect)

2-for-3, HR(5), 2 r, .463 BA / 1.277 OPS


Justin Maxwell, OF, Harrisburg (WAS #8 Prospect)

2-for-5, rbi, 3 SB(7), .271 / .907


Yoslan Herrera, Altoona (PIT #25)
5 ip, 4 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 5K - 4.50 ERA / 1.19 WHIP / .233 BAA / 13 K, 5 bb over 16 ip
Utterly frightening profile pic!
Matt Torra, Mobile (ARI - NR)
7 ip, 6 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 5 K - 0.47 ERA / 1.05 WHIP / .267 BAA / 13 K, 0 bb over 19 ip
Fabio Castro, Reading (PHI - NR)
7 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 7 K - 0.47 ERA / 0.89 WHIP / .141 BAA / 19 K, 8 bb over 19 ip


Triple-A Highlights: Thur 4/17

AMERICAN LEAGUE

George Kottaras, C, Pawtucket (BOS - NR)
2-for-4, 2B(5), HR(5), r, 2 rbi, .304 BA / 1.112 OPS

Dewayne Wise, OF, Charlotte (CHW - NR)
3-for-5, 2B(6), 3B(1), HR(2), 3 r, .373 BA / 1.078 OPS

Gio Gonzalez, Sacramento (CHW #1 prospect traded to OAK)
5 ip, 3 h, 1 er, 3 bb, 4 K - 2.08 ERA / 1.15 WHIP / .186 BAA / 13 K, 7 bb over 13 ip

Kevin Mulvey, Rochester (NYM #4 prospect traded to MIN)
7 ip, 6 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 9 K - 1.02 ERA / 1.02 WHIP / .221 BAA / 20 K, 3 bb over 17.2 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



NATIONAL LEAGUE

Steven Pearce, OF, Indianapolis (PIT #3 prospect)
2-for-4, 2 HR(2), 5 rbi, .279 BA / .794 OPS - may be getting on track

Nate Schierholtz, OF, Fresno (SF #4 prospect)
2-for-4, 2 r, 3 rbi, HR(2), .364 BA / .970 OPS

Miguel Montero, C, Tucson (ARI) - REHAB
1-for-3, HR(1)

Max Scherzer, Tucson (ARI #4 prospect)
5 ip, 2 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 11 K - 0.00 ERA / 0.59 WHIP / .121 BAA / 29 K, 3 bb over 17 ip - How much longer can the D-Backs go before calling him up?

Sean Gallagher, Iowa (CHC #5 prospect)
6.2 ip, 7 h, 3 er, 0 bb, 5 K - 2.30 ERA / 1.09 WHIP / .217 BAA / 13 K, 4 bb over 15.2 ip

Brian Stokes, New Orleans (NYM - NR)
7 ip, 5 h, 1 er, 2 bb, 5 K - 1.29 ERA / 0.94 WHIP / .197 BAA / 17 K, 5 bb over 18 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



Mid-April Update: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

This list will be updated on a roughly bi-weekly basis to account for changes based on player performance, injuries, and loss/gain of playing opportunity.

Also, as players on the list lose their rookie eligibility, surpass 130 AB or 50 IP in the majors, they will 'graduate' from the list.

Here's the update for mid-April - all stats are through April 15th:

Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

1. (-) Cameron Maybin, OF, FLA
AA Carolina: .297 BA / .972 OPS - 3B(1), HR(2), 6 r, 4 rbi, 3 SB, 11 b, 18 K in 37 AB

2. (+9) Johnny Cueto, RHP, CIN
CIN: 19.1 ip, 11 h, 8 er, 1 bb, 24 K - 3.72 ERA / 0.62 WHIP / .167 BAA

3. (+9) Geovany Soto, C, CHC
CHC: .289 BA / .910 OPS - 2B(2), 3B(1), HR(2), 4 r, 9 rbi, 7 bb, 9 K in 45 AB

4. (-2) Joey Votto, 1B, CIN
CIN: .300 BA / .700 OPS - HR(1), 4 r, 2 rbi, 0 bb, 5 K in 30 AB

5. (-1) Clayton Kershaw, LHP, LAD
AA Jacksonville: 14 ip, 13 h, 5 r (4 er), 6 bb, 19 K - 2.57 ERA / 1.36 WHIP / .245 BAA

6. (+1) Andy LaRoche, 3B, LAD
Extended Spring Training, Rehab Assignment targeted for late April, likely mid-May return

7. (-4) Jay Bruce, OF, CIN
AAA Louisville: .294 BA / .778 OPS - 2B(1), 3B(1), HR(2), 7 r, 7 rbi, 3 sb, 1 bb, 12 K in 51 AB

The signing and success of Corey Patterson is the reason for the drop here.

8. (-) Andrew McCutchen, OF, PIT
AAA Indianapolis: .244 BA / .815 OPS - 2B(3), HR(2), 9 r, 7 rbi, 1-for-3 on steal attempts, 7 bb, 6 K in 45 AB

9. (-4) Chase Headley, 3B/OF, SD
AAA Portland: .244 BA / .676 OPS - 2B(2), HR(1), 7 r, 3 rbi, 5 bb, 16 K in 45 AB

10. (+3) Manny Parra, LHP, MIL
MIL: 9.1 ip, 9 h, 5 er, 3 bb, 11 K - 4.82 ERA / 1.29 WHIP / .250 BAA

11. (-1) Franklin Morales, LHP, COL
COL: 10 ip, 9 h, 7 er, 7 bb, 3 K - 6.30 ERA / 1.60 WHIP / .243 BAA

Needs to get the walks down and the Ks up quickly.

12. (-6) Colby Rasmus, OF, STL
AAA Memphis: .192 BA / .576 OPS - 2B(1), HR(1), 6 r, 4 rbi, 2 sb, 9 bb, 11 K in 52 AB

Horrid start for Rasmus, the walks are the only silver lining.

13. (+1) J.R. Towles, C, HOU
HOU: .207 BA / .947 OPS - 2B(1), HR(3), 4 r, 7 rbi, 6 bb, 5 K in 29 AB

14. (-5) Steven Pearce, 1B/OF, PIT
AAA Indianapolis: .264 BA / .676 OPS - 2B(6), 2 r, 8 rbi, 3 bb, 7 K in 53 AB

15. (+7) Max Scherzer, RHP, ARI
AAA Tucson: 12 ip, 5 h, 1 r (0 er), 2 bb, 18 K - 0.00 ERA / 0.58 WHIP / .122 BAA

Off to a blistering start at Tucson!

16. (-) Brandon Jones, OF, ATL
AAA Richmond: .250 BA / .739 OPS - 2B(6), 10 r, 5 rbi, 7 bb, 11 K in 44 AB

17. (NR) Homer Bailey, RHP, CIN
AAA Louisville: 19 ip, 14 h, 3 er, 3 bb, 13 K - 1.42 ERA / 0.89 WHIP / .209 BAA

Command has always been the issue for Homer, the low walk count may mean he's turning the corner.

18. (+1) Ian Stewart, 3B, COL
AAA Colorado Springs: .313 BA / 1.008 OPS - 2B(3), 3B(1), HR(3), 11 r, 13 rbi, 8 bb, 13 K in 48 AB

19. (+5) Carlos Carrasco, RHP, PHI
AA Reading: 11 ip, 8 h, 3 er, 4 bb, 14 K - 2.45 ERA / 1.09 WHIP / .211 BAA

20. (-2) Chris Marrero, 1B/OF, WAS
High-A Potomac: .250 BA / .800 OPS - 2B(3), 3B(1), HR(2), 8 r, 7 rbi, 5 bb, 9 K in 48 AB

21. (-6) Matt Antonelli, 2B, SD
AAA Portland: .200 BA / .860 OPS - 2B(2), 3B(2), HR(2), 9 r, 6 rbi, 8 bb, 10 K in 40 AB

22. (-2) Matt LaPorta, OF, MIL
AA Huntsville: .211 BA / .735 OPS - 2B(2), 3B(1), HR(1), 6 r, 8 rbi, 7 bb, 10 K in 38 AB

23. (-) Ross Detwiler, LHP, WAS
High-A Potomac: 9.1 ip, 8 h, 4 er, 3 bb, 9 K - 3.86 ERA / 1.18 WHIP / .229 BAA

24. (+1) Chris Volstad, RHP, FLA
AA Carolina: 17 ip, 18 h, 5 er, 6 bb, 6 K - 2.65 ERA / 1.41 WHIP / .211 BAA

25. (NR) Dexter Fowler, OF, COL
AA Tulsa: .311 BA / .992 OPS - 2B(1), 3B(3), HR(2), 8 r, 11 rbi, 4 sb, 6 bb, 12 K in 45 AB

Current K-Rate is .261, already a slight improvement over his 2007 K-Rate of .267 at the High-A level. Also, two home runs this season already matches his 2007 total that took 245 ABs to reach.

DROPPED OFF THE LIST:

Jordan Schafer, OF, ATL
50 game suspension for violation of the performance enhancing drug policy majorly stunts his 2008 development process.

Chin-Lung Hu, SS, LAD
Development being delayed by extended tenure on the Dodgers active roster with little playing time.

MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



Apr 17, 2008

High-A Highlights: Wed 4/16

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Cale Iorg, SS, Lakeland (DET #2 Prospect)
2-for-3, HR(3), 3 r, .333 BA / .984 OPS

Jon Still, C, Lancaster (BOS - NR)
2-for-5, 2B(5), HR(6), .333 BA / 1.197 OPS

Trevor Cahill, Stockton (OAK #2)
6 ip, 2 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 9 K - 0.50 ERA / 0.61 WHIP / .155 BAA / 21 K, 2 bb over 18 ip

Deolis Guerra, Fort Myers (NYM #2 traded to MIN)
5 ip, 4 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 4 K - 0.60 ERA / 1.13 WHIP / .182 BAA / 12 K, 7 bb over 15 ip

Ryan Pope, Tampa (NYY - NR)
5 ip, 4 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 8 K - 1.93 ERA / 1.00 WHIP / .208 BAA / 15 K, 3 bb over 14 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009


NATIONAL LEAGUE

Gorkys Hernandez, OF, Myrtle Beach (ATL #5 Prospect)
2-for-5, 2B(3), HR(4), SB(5), .327 BA / .921 OPS

Darren Ford, OF, Brevard County (MIL #21)
2-for-4, r, rbi, 2B(2), SB(8), .352 BA / .852 OPS

Jess Todd, Palm Beach (STL #12)
5 ip, 1 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 4 K - 1.50 ERA / 0.75 WHIP / .154 BAA / 11 K, 3 bb over 12 ip

Chris Leroux, Jupiter (FLA #19)
1.2 ip, 1 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 2 K - 1.35 ERA / 0.75 WHIP / .182 BAA / 11 K, 1 bb over 6.2 ip

Cesar Valdez, Visalia (ARI - NR)
7 ip, 4 h, 2 er, 1 bb, 10 K - 1.96 ERA / 0.93 WHIP / .191 BAA / 18 K, 4 bb over 18.1 ip


Double-A Highlights: Wed 4/16

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Daniel Haigwood, Portland (BOS - NR)
3 ip, 0 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 4 K - 0.68 ERA / 0.69 WHIP / .093 BAA / 18 K, 5 bb over 13.1 ip

Move to bullpen seems to suit him well!

Anthony Swarzak, New Britain (MIN #5)
6 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 10 K - 0.56 ERA / 0.47 WHIP / .161 BAA / 18 K, 1 bb over 19 ip

David Huff, Akron (CLE #8)
5 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 8 K - 4.61 ERA / 1.32 WHIP / 14 K, 4 bb over 13.2 ip

Justin Cassel, Birmingham (CWS #19)
6 ip, 2 h, 1 r (0 er), 1 bb, 6 K - 2.93 ERA / 0.98 WHIP / .182 BAA / 9 K, 5 bb over 15.1 ip

James Houser, Montgomery (TB #18)
5 ip, 2 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 4 K - 0.60 ERA / 0.47 WHIP / 1.04 BAA / 12 K, 2 bb over 15 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



NATIONAL LEAGUE

Nick Evans, Binghamton (NYM #20)
3-for-5, 3 2B(6), 2 r, 2 rbi, .420 BA / 1.246 OPS

Greg Golson, Reading (PHI #7)
2-for-5, r, rbi, bb, K - .346 BA / .901 OPS (7-for-9 on steal attempts)


Triple-A Highlights: Wed 4/16

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Sean Rodriguez, 2B, Salt Lake (LAA #7)
2-for-3, HR(4), SB(2), .366 BA / 1.280 OPS

Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Sacramento (ARI #1 traded to OAK)
3-for-4, rbi, .326 BA / .892 OPS

Radhames Liz, Norfolk (BAL #2)
5 ip, 8 h, 6 r (5 er), 1 bb, 5 K - 7.98 ERA
Allowed 2 HR in 1st inning with 2 out, but settled down after that

Chris Mason, Durham (TB #10)
5.2 ip, 4 h, 4 r (2 er), 2 bb, 7 K - 4.11 ERA / 1.30 WHIP / 14 K, 6 bb over 15.1 ip

Shane Loux, Salt Lake (LAA - NR)
7 ip , 4 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 6 K - 0.46 ERA / 1.02 WHIP / 11 K, 3 bb over 19.2 ip

Dan Meyer, Sacramento (OAK #20)
6 ip, 0 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 4 K - 5.00 ERA / 1.00 WHIP / 5 K, 5 bb over 9 ip


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



NATIONAL LEAGUE

Jay Bruce, OF, Louisville (CIN #1)
3-for-3, 3B(2), HR(3), 2 r, 2 rbi, .333 BA / .938 OPS

Kaz Matsui, 2B, Round Rock (HOU) - REHAB
0-for-3, bb

Matt Murton, OF, Iowa (CHC)
3-for-5, 1 r, 2 rbi, .333 BA / .792 OPS / NO XBH

Colby Rasmus, OF, Memphis (STL #1)
0-for-4, 1 r, 1 k, .179 BA / .538 OPS

Nate Schierholtz, OF, Fresno (SF #4)
3-for-4, 1 r, 2 rbi, .345 BA / .862 OPS

Luis Munoz, Indianapolis (PIT #30)
6 ip, 4 h, 2 er, 0 bb, 6 K - 3.78 ERA / 1.20 WHIP / 17 K, 10 bb over 16.2 ip

Jonathan Meloan, Las Vegas (LAD #8)
6 ip, 1 h, 0 er, 4 bb, 4 K - 1.69 ERA / 1.13 WHIP / 13 K, 7 bb over 16 ip

Cesar Ramos, Portland (SD #18)
5.2 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 7 K - 4.50 ERA / 1.29 WHIP / 15 K, 5 bb over 14 ip

Mid-April Update: Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

This list will be updated on a roughly bi-weekly basis to account for changes based on player performance, injuries, and loss/gain of playing opportunity.

Also, as players on the list lose their rookie eligibility, surpass 130 AB or 50 IP in the majors, they will 'graduate' from the list.

Here's the update for mid-April - all stats are through April 15th:

Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

1. (-) Evan Longoria, 3B, TB
AAA Durham: 5-for-25 / TB: 4-for-12, 2B(1), HR(1), 4 r, 2 rbi, 4 bb , 3 K

2. (+2) Daric Barton, 1B, OAK
OAK: .222 BA / .683 OPS - 2B(3), 3B(1), 9 r, 4 rbi, 13 bb, 17 K in 54 AB

3. (+2) Clay Buchholz, RHP, BOS
BOS: 11 ip, 10 h, 5 r (4 er), 5 bb, 10 K - 3.27 ERA / 1.36 WHIP / .233 BAA

4. (+2) Joba Chamberlain, RHP, NYY
NYY: 5.1 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 6 K - 0.00 ERA / 0.75 WHIP / .149 BAA

5. (+2) Jeff Clement, C, SEA
AAA Tacoma: .419 BA / 1.221 OPS - 2B(4), HR(3), 8 r, 11 rbi, 7 bb, 6 K in 43 AB

6. (+2) Carlos Gonzalez, OF, OAK
AAA Sacramento: .286 BA / .838 OPS - 2B(2), HR(2), 7 r, 4 rbi, 5 bb, 9 K in 42 AB

7. (+3) Brandon Wood, 3B/SS, LAA
AAA Salt Lake: .255 BA / 1.056 OPS - 2B(2), HR(6), 11 r, 9 rbi, 4 bb, 20 K in 51 AB

The big plus for Wood's value is the fact that he's back to playing SS full-time for Salt Lake, indicating that the Angel's plans to move him to 3B are likely off, at least for the near future. This makes sense given that Chone Figgins has moved to 3B with the signing of Torii Hunter. The biggest concern at this point is Wood's spiking K-Rate, which is a horrid .392. For 2007, his AAA K-Rate was .275, which is bad enough. Still if he keeps hitting homers at a clip of one every 8.5 at-bats, the Angel's brass is likely to overlook the whiffs a bit.

8. (+4) Gio Gonzalez, LHP, OAK
AAA Sacramento: 8 ip, 5 h, 2 er, 4 bb, 9 K - 2.25 ERA / 1.13 WHIP / .192 BAA

9. (-) Ian Kennedy, RHP, NYY
NYY: 11.1 ip, 14 h, 11 er, 8 bb, 9 k - 8.74 ERA / 1.94 WHIP / .304 BAA

Not a great start to the season for Kennedy, but he was clocked as high as 94 mph in his most recent outing - helping put to rest the rumors of a possible injury. Still, if he doesn't straighten out quickly he's going to find himself pitching in the ballpark close to the Dunder-Mifflin Scranton branch.

10. (+4) Nick Blackburn, RHP, MIN
MIN: 17.2 ip, 20 h, 7 er, 3 bb, 11 K - 3.57 ERA / 1.302 WHIP

11. (-) David Price, LHP, TB
Extended Spring Training, likely headed to High-A Vero Beach very soon.

Price is recovering from some 'minor elbow discomfort' that occurred on March 20th. The elbow is not thought to be a big concern and the Rays are understandably taking the cautious approach with Price. He's been on a throwing program at extended spring training and should be making his first appearance of the season with High-A Vero Beach within the next week to 10 days.

12. (+3) Luke Hochevar, RHP, KC
AAA Omaha: 17.1 ip, 11 h, 7 r (5 er), 6 bb, 12 K - 2.60 ERA / 0.98 WHIP

13. (-) Adam Miller, RHP, CLE
Extended Spring Training, likely headed to Triple-A Buffalo shortly.

Miller suffered blister issues at the very start of spring training and has been way behind in his preparation. He's thought to finally be past the problem and should make his first appearance with Triple-A Buffalo before the end of April.

14. (+5) Matt Wieters, C, BAL
High-A Frederick: .500 BA / 1.545 OPS - 2B(1), HR(3), 8 r, 8 rbi, 10bb, 3 k in 24 AB

If Wieters keeps this up he'll be promoted to Double-A by mid-May.

15. (+1) Wladimir Balentien, OF, SEA
AAA Tacoma: .289 BA / 1.015 OPS - 2B(4), HR(3), 8 r, 14 rbi, 6 bb, 8 K in 38 AB

16. (+5) Nick Adenhart, RHP, LAA
AAA Salt Lake: 17 ip, 11 h, 3 er, 9 bb, 9 K - 1.59 ERA / 1.18 WHIP / .190 BAA

17. (+5) Jake McGee LHP, TB
Double-A Montgomery: 13 ip, 7 h, 5 r (4 er), 7 bb, 16 K - 2.77 ERA / 1.08 WHIP / .156 BAA

18. (+2) Travis Snider, OF, TOR
High-A Dunedin: .283 BA / .892 OPS - 2B(4), HR(3), 11 r, 5 rbi, 3 b, 18K in 46 AB

The K-Rate (.391) is the biggest concern right now with Snider's development. Until he gets that down at least 100 points he's not going anywhere.

19. (-2) Radhames Liz, RHP, BAL
Triple-A Norfolk: 9.2 ip, 13 h, 10 r (8 er), 3 bb, 9 K - 7.45 ERA / 1.66 WHIP / .333 BAA

Not a good start, but it's only 9.2 innings. Two more weeks of results like this and he'll drop off the list.

20. (-2) Reid Brignac, SS, TB
Triple-A Durham: .205 BA / .755 OPS - 2B(3), 3B(1), HR(2), 6 bb, 8 K in 44 AB

21. (+4) Brett Gardner, OF, NYY
Triple-A Scranton-WB: .333 BA / 1.027 OPS - 2B(1), 3B(4), HR(1), 10 r, 8 rbi, 3 SB, 4 bb, 8 K in 39 AB

22. (+2) Aaron Laffey, LHP, CLE
Triple-A Buffalo: 18 ip, 20 h, 9 r (8 er), 4 h, 13 K - 4.00 ERA / 1.33 WHIP / .274 BAA

23. (-) Jed Lowrie, SS, BOS
Triple-A Pawtucket: 4-for-25, 2B, 3B, 7 bb, 8 K
BOS: 1-for-4, 3 rbi, 2 K, started at 3B in his big league debut

The short-term promotion to Boston will be good for Lowrie to give him a taste of the bigs, but he needs to get back to Pawtucket quickly to continue his development.

24. (NR) David Purcey, LHP, TOR
Triple-A Syracuse: 19 ip, 12 h, 5 r (4 er), 6 bb, 21 K - 1.89 ERA / 0.95 WHIP / .182 BAA

25. (NR) Chris Davis, 3B, TEX
Double-A Frisco: .333 BA / 1.011 OPS - 2B(4), HR(2), 7 r, 8 rbi, 4 bb, 9 K in 36 AB


GRADUATED FROM THE LIST:

Carlos Gomez, OF, MIN (Highest Rank #2)
MIN: .246 BA / .631 OPS - 2B(5), 3B(1), 8 r, 4 rbi, 7-for-8 on steal attempts, 2 bb, 16 K in 61 AB
Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, BOS (Highest Rank #3)
BOS: .280 BA / .824 OPS - HR(1), 8 r, 5 rbi, 2 SB, 7 bb, 3 K in 25 AB


MID-APRIL UPDATE: Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009



Apr 16, 2008

High-A Highlights: Tuesday 4/15

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Kyle Anson, C, Tampa (NYY - NR)
4-for-5, 2 r, 1 bb, .419 BA

Jeremy Hellickson, Vero Beach (TB #8)
7 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 13 K - 1.00 ERA / 0.78 WHIP / 23 K, 1 bb over 18 ip

Brad Bergesen, Frederick (BAL #26)
5.1 ip, 5 h, 2 r (1 er), 2 bb, 7 K - 0.79 ERA / 1.06 WHIP / 13 K, 3 bb over 11.1 ip

Mike Dunn, Tampa (NYY #25)
6 ip, 2 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 8 K - 3.77 ERA / 1.40 WHIP / 16 K, 6 bb over 14.1 ip


NATIONAL LEAGUE

Mark Mulder, Palm Beach (STL) - REHAB START
5 ip, 6 h, 2 r (1 er), 0 bb, 1 K

Francisco Felix, Inland Empire (LAD - NR)
3 ip, 0 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 8 K - 2.12 ERA / 0.95 WHIP / 16 K, 5 bb over 12.2 ip

Ben Snyder, San Jose (SF #21)
5 ip, 5 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 5 K - 0.53 ERA / 0.94 WHIP / 12 K , 2 bb over 17 ip

Jhonny Nunez, Potomac (WAS #25)
5 ip, 4 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 5 K - 4.30 ERA / 1.30 WHIP / 17 K, 2 bb over 14.2 ip

Double-A Highlights: Tuesday 4/15

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Wes Hodges, 3B, Akron (CLE #4)
3-for-4, 2 HR(4), 3 r, 7 rbi, .370 BA

Julio Pimentel, NW Arkansas (KC #8)
6.2 ip, 4 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 6 K - 5.14 ERA / 1.43 WHIP / 14 K, 4 bb over 14 ip

Daniel McCutchen, Trenton (NYY #14)
7 ip, 4 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 4 K - 1.02 ERA / 0.96 WHIP / 15 K, 6 bb over 17.2 ip


NATIONAL LEAGUE

Dexter Fowler, OF, Tulsa (COL #3)
1-for-2, 2B(1), SB(4), 3 r, rbi, 3 bb, .311 BA

Danny Murphy, 3B, Binghamton (NYM #15)
3-for-4, 2 2B(5), HR(1), 1 r, 3 rbi, bb, .489 BA

Jaime Garcia, Springfield (STL #5)
6ip, 3 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 8 K - 3.60 ERA / 1.40 WHIP / 19 K, 5 bb over 15 ip

Josh Outman, Reading (PHI #4)
6 ip, 4 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 6 K - 1.06 ERA / 1.53 WHIP / 19 K, 8 bb over 17 ip

Clayton Kershaw, Jacksonville (LAD #1)
6 ip, 4 h, 1 er, 2 bb, 6 K - 2.57 ERA / 1.36 WHIP / 18 K, 6 bb over 14 ip

Daryl Thompson, Chattanooga (CIN - NR)
5.2 ip, 5 h, 1 er, 0 bb, 7 K - 0.51 ERA / 0.63 WHIP / 20 K, 1 bb over 17.2 ip

Jeff Samardzija, Tennessee (CHC #8)
5 ip, 5 h, 2 er, 2 bb, 2 K - 1.59 ERA / 1.00 WHIP / 8 K, 5 bb over 17 ip


Triple-A Highlights: Tuesday 4/15
Double-A Highlights: Monday 4/14


Triple-A Highlights: Tues 4/15

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Wladimir Balentien, OF/DH, Tacoma (SEA #5)
2-for-4, 2B(4), HR(3), 2 r, 3 rbi, 2 bb, 1 k, .289 BA

Jeff Clement, C, Tacoma (SEA #1)
2-for-5, HR(3), 2 r, 2 rbi, .419 BA

Adam Lind, OF, Syracuse (TOR)
3-for-5, SB(1), HR(3), 2 r, 3 rbi, .391 BA

Josh Barfield, 2B, Buffalo (CLE)
0-for-5, 1 k, .265 BA

Brett Gardner, OF, Scranton-Wilkes Barre (NYY #8)
2-for-4, 3B(4), SB(3), 3 rbi, .361 BA

Doug Mathis, Oklahoma (TEX - NR)
5 ip, 3 h, 1 er, 2 bb, 7 K - 2.37 ERA / 1.00 WHIP / 15 K, 4 bb over 19 ip

Frank Francisco, Oklahome (TEX)
1.1 ip, 0 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 4 K - 0.00 ERA / 0.82 WHIP / 12 K, 3 bb over 7.1 ip

Luke Hochevar, Omaha (KC #3)
6 ip, 4 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 5 K - 2.60 ERA / 0.98 WHIP / 12 K, 6 bb over 17.1 ip

Phil Humber, Rochester (NYM #7 traded to MIN)
3.2 ip, 4 h, 3 r (2 er), 4 bb, 4 K - 4.97 ERA / 1.66 WHIP / 9 K, 5 bb over 12.2 ip


NATIONAL LEAGUE

Dallas McPherson, 3B, Albuquerque (FLA)
1-for-3, HR(5), .242 BA

Emilio Bonifacio, 2B, Tucson (ARI #6)
2-for-4, 2 SB(6), .264 BA

Shawn Estes, Portland (SD)
5.1 ip, 7 h, 2 er, 1 bb, 7 K - 3.63 ERA / 1.21 WHIP / 14 K, 2 bb over 17.1 ip

Blake Hawksworth, Memphis (STL #20)
6 ip, 5 h, 5 r (1 er), 2 bb, 10 K - 6.32 ERA / 1.60 WHIP / 18 K, 7 bb over 15.2 ip

Matt Belisle, Louisville (CIN)
7 ip, 8 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 6 K - 1.29 ERA / 1.29 WHIP


Double-A Highlights: Tuesday 4/15
Triple-A Highlights: Monday 4/14


Apr 15, 2008

High-A Highlights: Apr 14th

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Carlos Rivero, SS, Kinston (CLE #18)
3-for-5, 2 2B(5), rbi, 2 K, .452 BA

Henry Rodriguez, Stockton (OAK #4)
6 ip, 4 h, 3 r (2 er), 0 bb, 7 K - 1.59 ERA / 0.82 WHIP / 23 Ks, 5 bb over 17 IP

Zach Phillips, Bakersfield (TEX #27)
7 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 7 K - 3.24 ERA / 1.02 WHIP / 21 Ks, 8 bb over 16.2 IP

Jake Arrieta, Frederick (BAL #7)
5.2 ip, 2 h, 1 r (0 er), 3 bb, 7 K - 3.65 ERA / 1.30 WHIP / 18 Ks, 8 bb over 12.1 IP

Duane Below, Lakeland (DET #26)
4.2 ip, 12 h, 7 er, 1 bb, 3 K - 4.91 ERA / 1.57 WHIP / 16 Ks, 5 bb over 14.2 IP



NATIONAL LEAGUE

Michael McKenry, C, Modesto (COL #16)
4-for-5, 2 2B(3), HR(2), 2 r, 6 rbi, .233 BA

Tony Thomas, 2B, Daytona (CHC #9)
3-for-5, 2B(2), 3B(1), 2 r, .370 BA

Justin Turner, 2B, Sarasota (CIN #29)
4-for-6, 2B(2), r, rbi, .344 BA

Tommy Hanson, Myrtle Beach (ATL #9)
5 ip, 3 h, 1 r (0 er), 1 bb, 6 K - 0.00 ERA / 0.50 WHIP / 26 Ks, 4 bb over 16 IP / .078 BAA


Triple-A Highlights: Monday, Apr 14th
Double-A Highlights: Monday, Apr 14th


Double-A Highlights: Apr 14th

Noteworthy developments from April 14th games:

NOTE: For the 'less than obvious' top prospects, you'll see the organization along with their ranking in their team's list of Top 30 prospects as listed by Baseball America:


AMERICAN LEAGUE

Ryan Webb, Midland (OAK - Not Ranked)
7 ip, 4 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 5 K - 0.00 ERA / 0.83 WHIP

Jake McGee, Montgomery (TB #3)
5 ip, 1 h, 2 er, 3 bb, 5 K - 2.77 ERA / 1.08 WHIP / 16 Ks over 13 IP


NATIONAL LEAGUE

Bryan Anderson, C, Springfield (STL #3)
3-for-5, HR(1), 3 rbi, .343 BA

B.J. Szymanski, OF, Chattanooga (CIN - Not Ranked)
2-for-3, 2B(3), HR(3), 3 rbi, .417 BA

Michael Brantley, OF, Huntsville (MIL #24)
3-for-3, 2 bb, 2 r, 3 SB(5), .368 BA

Chris Coghlan, 2B, Carolina (FLA #7)
2-for-4, 2B(4), 2 rbi, r, SB(6), .357 BA

Lucas May, C, Jacksonville (LAD #17)
3-for-4, 2B(5), HR(2), .364 BA

Fernando Martinez, OF, Binghamton (NYM #1)
3-for-5, 2B(4), rbi, .267 BA

Casey Weathers, Tulsa (COL #6)
2 ip, 0 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 4 K - 0.00 ERA / 0.57 WHIP

P.J. Walters, Springfield (STL #16)
7 ip, 4 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 5 K - 1.59 ERA / 1.18 WHIP / 19 Ks over 17 IP

Brooks Brown, Mobile (ARI #12)
5 ip, 2 h, 1 er, 2 bb, 7 K - 2.81 ERA / 1.13 WHIP / 17 Ks over 16 IP

Chris Volstad, Carolina (FLA #2)
5 ip, 7 h, 2 er, 2 bb, 2 K - 2.65 ERA / 1.41 WHIP / 6 Ks, 6 BB over 17 IP

James McDonald, Jacksonville (LAD #7)
5.1 ip, 3 h, 2 er, 2 bb, 9 K - 2.92 ERA / 1.14 WHIP, 15 Ks over 12.1 IP


Triple-A Highlights: Monday, Apr 14th
High-A Highlights: Monday, Apr 14th

Triple-A Highlights: Apr 14th

Noteworthy developments from April 14th games:

NOTE: For the 'less than obvious' top prospects, you'll see the organization along with their ranking in their team's list of Top 30 prospects as listed by Baseball America:


AMERICAN LEAGUE

Carlos Gonzalez, Sacramento (ARI #1 traded to OAK)
2-for-4, 2B(2), HR(2), 2 r, 2 rbi, .308 BA

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Oklahoma
2-for-4, 3B(1), bb, k, 1 r, .364 BA

Sean Rodriguez, Salt Lake (LAA #7)
1-for-3, HR(3), 1 r, 2 rbi, .342 BA

Jeff Clement, Tacoma (SEA #1)
4-for-5, 2B(4), 2 r, 2 rbi, .421 BA

Shelley Duncan, SWB
3-for-4, 2B(5), 1 r, 2 rbi, 1 bb, .500 BA

George Kottaras, Pawtucket (BOS - Not Ranked)
Gm 2 of DH: 2-for-4, 2 HR(3), 2 r, 5 rbi, .273 BA

Nick Adenhart, Salt Lake (LAA #2)
6 ip, 4 h, 2 er, 4 bb, 1 K - 1.59 ERA / 1.18 WHIP

Aaron Laffey, Buffalo (CLE #5)
8 ip, 3 h, 2 er, 2 bb, 6 K - 4.00 ERA / 1.33 WHIP


NATIONAL LEAGUE

Nomar Garciaparra, Las Vegas
3-for-3, 2B(1), bb, 1 r, 1 rbi

Mark Holliman, Iowa (CHC #27)
6 ip, 3 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 6 K - 2.00 ERA / 1.33 WHIP

Yovani Gallardo, Nashville
6.1 ip, 7 h, 4 er, 3 bb, 7 K - 5.17 ERA / 1.60 WHIP / 18 Ks over 15.2 ip

Josh Muecke, Round Rock (HOU #27)
7 ip, 7 h, 6 r (3 er), 0 bb, 7 K - 3.39 ERA / 1.06 WHIP / 14 Ks over 16 ip

Mike O'Connor, Columbus (WAS)
6 ip, 5 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 10 K - 2.25 ERA / 0.94 WHIP / 16 Ks over 16 ip

Homer Bailey, Louisville (CIN #2)
6.1 ip, 5 h, 2 er, 1 bb, 4 Ks - 1.42 ERA / 0.89 WHIP

Chuck James, Richmond
5.1 ip, 5 h, 3 r (1 er), 3 bb, 3 Ks - 1.69 ERA / 1.50 WHIP


Double-A Highlights: Monday, Apr 14th
High-A Highlights: Monday, Apr 14th

Apr 14, 2008

Triple-A Awards - Apr 3-10

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Best Pitcher:
Homer Bailey, Louisville (Cincinnati #2 Prospect)
12.2 ip, 9 h, 1 er, 2 bb, 9 Ks - 0.71 ERA / 0.87 WHIP

Runner-Up:
David Purcey, Syracuse (Toronto #9 Prospect)
12 ip, 8 h, 2 er, 4 bb, 14 Ks - 1.50 ERA / 1.00 WHIP


Best Hitter:
Adam Lind, Syracuse (Toronto - Not Ranked)
13-for-29, 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 4 r, 9 rbi - .448 BA / 1.259 OPS

Runner-Up:
Jason Lane, Scranton-Wilkes Barre (Yankees - Not Ranked)
8-for-27, 2B, 3B, 4 HR, 7 r, 7 rbi, 3 SB - .296 BA / 1.207 OPS


PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Best Pitcher:
Wade LeBlanc, Portland (San Diego #4 Prospect)
6 ip, 4 h, 1 er, 1 bb, 11Ks - 1.50 ERA / 0.83 WHIP

Runner-Up:
Ryan Feierabend, Tacoma (Seattle - Not Ranked)
12 ip, 7 h, 0 er, 5 bb, 13 Ks - 0.00 ERA / 1.00 WHIP


Best Hitter:
Terry Tiffee, Las Vegas (Dodgers - Not Ranked)
19-for-31, 6 2B, 2 HR, 10 r, 7 rbi - .613 BA / 1.636 OPS

Runner-Up:
Matt Brown, Salt Lake (Angels - Not Ranked)
19-for-37, 5 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 13 r, 8 rbi - .514 BA / 1.494 OPS


DOUBLE-A Awards - Apr 3-10

Apr 13, 2008

Double-A Awards - Apr 3-10

SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Best Pitcher:
Daryl Thompson, Chattanooga (Cincinnati - Not Ranked)
12 ip, 5 h, 0 er, 1 bb, 13 Ks - 0.00 ERA / 0.50 WHIP / .122 BAA

Runner-Up:
Lucas Harrell, Birmingham (White Sox #15 Prospect)
10 ip, 6 h, 2 er, 1 bb, 7 Ks - 1.80 ERA / 0.70 WHIP / .167 BAA


Best Hitter:
Thomas Hubbard, West Tenn (Seattle - Not Ranked)
6-for-18, 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 4 r, 11 rbi - .333 BA / 1.316 OPS

Runner-Up:
Cameron Maybin, Carolina (Florida #1 Prospect)
9-for-23, 3B, 2 HR, 4 r, 4 rbi, 3 SB - .391 BA / 1.272 OPS


TEXAS LEAGUE

Best Pitcher:
P.J. Walters, Springfield (St. Louis #16 Prospect)
10 ip, 13 h, 3 er, 1 bb, 14 Ks - 2.70 ERA / 1.40 WHIP

Runner-Up:
Matt Harrison, Frisco (Texas #12 Prospect)
10.1 ip, 12 h, 4 er, 1 bb, 7 Ks - 3.48 ERA / 1.26 WHIP


Best Hitter:
Jesus Guzman, Midland (Oakland - Not Ranked)
16-for-31, 3 2B, HR, 7 r, 10 rbi, 1 sb - .516 BA / 1.269 OPS

Runner-Up:
Dexter Fowler, Tulsa (Colorado #3 Prospect)
11-for-31, 3 3B, 2 HR, 4 r, 10 RBI, 1 SB - .355 BA / 1.136 OPS


EASTERN LEAGUE

Best Pitcher:
Justin Masterson, Portland (Boston #4 Prospect)
9 ip, 5 h, 0 er, 0 bb, 10 Ks - 0.00 ERA / 0.56 WHIP

Runner-Up:
Daniel McCutchen, Trenton (Yankees #14 Prospect)
10.2 ip, 7 h, 2 er, 4 bb, 11 Ks - 1.69 ERA / 1.03 WHIP


Best Hitter:
Mike Carp, Binghamton (Mets #19 Prospect)
10-for-27, 2 2B, 3 HR, 3 r, 8 rbi - .370 BA / 1.197 OPS

Runner-Up:
Luis Antonio Jimenez (Washington - Not Ranked)
9-for-28, 4 HR, 7r, 12 rbi - .321 BA / 1.156 OPS

Triple-A Awards - Apr 3-10

Apr 12, 2008

High-A Awards (California) - Apr 3-10

Best Pitcher:
Clayton Tanner, San Jose (SF #12 Prospect)
12 ip, 5 h, 0 er, 2 bb, 11 K - 0.00 ERA / 0.58 WHIP / .132 BAA

Runner-Up:
Brett Anderson, Stockton (ARI #3 Prospect - traded to OAK)
12 ip , 5 h, 0 er, 3 bb, 13 K - 0.00 ERA / 0.67 WHIP / .124 BAA


Best Hitter:
Jon Still, C, High Desert (BOS -Not Ranked)
11-for-35, 2 2B, 4 HR, 12 r, 9 rbi, 9 bb, 9 k - .314 BA / 1.169 OPS

Runner-Up:
Sean Dolittle, 1B, Stockton (OAK #10 Prospect)
10-for-30, 2 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 6 r, 11 rbi - .333 BA / 1.149 OPS

Apr 11, 2008

High-A Awards (Carolina) - Apr 3-10

Best Pitcher:
Tommy Hanson, Myrtle Beach (Atlanta #9 Prospect)
11 ip, 1 h, 0 er, 3 bb, 20 Ks - 0.00 ERA / 0.36 WHIP / .0303 BAA

Runner-Up:
Blake Wood, Wilmington (Kansas City #5 Prospect)
10 ip, 6 h, 3 er, 1 bb, 16 Ks - 2.70 ERA / 0.70 WHIP / .171 BAA


Best Hitter:
Matt Wieters, Frederick (Baltimore #1 Prospect)
7-for-13, 1 2B, 2 HR, 6 r, 6 rbi, 5 bb, 1 K - .538 BA / 1.709 OPS

Runner-Up:
Joe Dickerson, Wilmington (Kansas City #26 Prospect)
11-for-27, 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 7 r, 5 rbi, 5 SB - .407 BA / 1.241 OPS

High-A Awards (FSL) - Apr 3-10

Best Pitcher:
Heath Rollins, Vero Beach (Tampa Bay #19 Prospect)
10 ip, 9 h, 2 er, 0 bb, 16 Ks - 1.80 ERA / 0.90 WHIP / .231 BAA

Runner-Up:
Duane Below, Lakeland (Detroit #26 Prospect)
10 ip, 6 h, 1 er, 4 bb, 13 Ks - 0.90 ERA / 0.90 WHIP / .167 BAA


Best Hitter:
Scott Sizemore, Lakeland (Detroit #3 Prospect)
11-for-25, 3 2B, 1 HR, 4 r, 3 rbi, 1 SB - .440 BA / 1.196 OPS

Runner-Up:
Juan Francisco, Sarasota (Cincinnati #8 Prospect)
13-for-35, 7 2B, 1 HR, 6 r, 7 rbi, 1 SB - .371 BA / 1.029 OPS

Apr 4, 2008

Good-Bad-Ugly: Apr 3rd Recap - Minors

Noteworthy developments from April 3rd games:

NOTE: For the 'less than obvious' top prospects, after the player name I'll list the organization along with their ranking in their team's list of Top 30 prospects as listed by Baseball America:

AMERICAN LEAGUE


THE GOOD

  • Bartolo Colon, PAW throws five innings of one-hit, shutout ball
  • Jeff Niemann, DUR (TB-AAA, BA #7) allows two runs (one earned) over five innings of four hit, two walk work with five Ks
  • Virgil Vasquez, TOL (DET-AAA, BA #18) whiffs eight over 5.2 innings allowing one run on three hits and a walk
  • Kei Igawa, SWB (NYY-AAA) whiffs seven over six perfect innings
  • Charlie Haeger, CHA (CWS-AAA, BA #16) allows two runs on seven hits and a walk over seven innings with six Ks
  • Josh Barfield, BUF (CLE-AAA) goes 4-for-5 with a double and two RBI
  • Aaron Laffey, BUF (CLE-AAA, BA #5) allows one unearned run on six hits and a walk over five innings with 5 Ks
  • Jacob McGee, MON (TB-AA, BA #3) allows one run on three hits over six innings with seven Ks
  • Lucas Harrell, BIR (CWS-AA, BA #15) allows one hit and a walk over five shutout innings with four Ks
  • Jose Duarte, NWA (KC-AA, BA #25) goes 3-for-3 with two walks, one run scored and two stolen bases
  • Matt Harrison, FRI (TEX-AA, BA #12) allows one run on four hits over 5.2 innings with six Ks
  • Rick Porcello, LAK (DET-HiA, BA #1) allows one hit and two walks in five shutout innings with three Ks

THE BAD

  • Francisco Liriano allows four earned runs on six hits and two walks over 5.1 innings with eight Ks (not exactly 'bad', but not really 'good' either) - he threw 82 pitches
  • Evan Longoria goes 0-for-3 with a strikeout
  • Brandon Wood goes 0-for-4 with two Ks and gets the start at SS
  • Kendry Morales goes 0-for-5 with one K

NATIONAL LEAGUE

THE GOOD


  • Homer Bailey allows one run on five hits and a walk over seven innings with just two Ks
  • Jay Bruce goes 1-for-4 with 2 Ks (not really good or bad)
  • Adam Bostick, NO (NYM-AAA, BA #25) allows one run on six hits and two walks over five innings with seven Ks
  • Colby Rasmus goes 3-for-5 with a double and a stolen base
  • Ian Stewart goes 2-for-5 with a double and a home run
  • Jonathan Herrera, CSP (COL-AAA, BA #25) goes 2-for-4 with two homers
  • Matt Antonelli goes 2-for-4 with a triple and a stolen base
  • Jon Niese, BIN (NYM-AA, BA #8) throws five innings of one-hit, one walk, shutout ball and posts five Ks
  • Yhency Brazoban, JAC (LAD-AA) earns a save in a perfect inning of three strikeout work
  • Cameron Maybin, CAR (FLA-AA, BA #1) goes 1-for-4 with a solo homer and two Ks
  • Matt LaPorta, HUN (MIL-AA, BA #1) goes 2-for-4 with a grand slam
  • Steve Hammond, HUN (MIL-AA, BA #27) whiffs nine and allows just one unearned run over six innings of two-hit ball

THE BAD

  • Randy Johnson gives up five earned runs on eight hits and two walks over four innings with just one K - he threw 78 pitches

Good-Bad-Ugly: Apr 3rd Recap - Majors

Noteworthy developments from April 3rd games:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

THE GOOD

  • John Danks allows two hits, two walks and one earned run over 6.2 innings with 2 Ks
  • Alex Gordon hits his 2nd home run in a 2-for-5 day with 2 RBI
  • Mike Napoli hit his 2nd home run in a 1-for-4 effort

THE BAD

  • Kevin Slowey exits in the fourth inning with a biceps strain
  • Gary Sheffield tears a tendon in one of his fingers - missed time forecast not yet available

NATIONAL LEAGUE

THE GOOD

  • Johnny Cueto Ks 10 in seven one-hit innings. He already is what most are hoping Francisco Liriano will come back to be
  • Chris Burke is now 1B eligible in leagues with 1 game requirement - Great! Now I can move Derrek Lee to UT!
  • Felipe Lopez is now OF eligible in leagues with 1 game requirement - More importantly, he was in the starting lineup!
  • Jeff Keppinger staking claim to full-time SS gig in Cincy going 2-for-3 with a double and home run
  • Brad Thompson throws 6.2 shutout innings with six Ks allowing six hits and two walks
  • Ryan Dempster allows two runs (one earned) over six innings with five Ks, three hits and two walks
  • Kerry Wood earns his first save in one inning of work, striking out two and allowing one hit
  • Scott Hairston goes 3-for-3 with two runs a double and a triple
  • Randy Wolf allows one earned run over six innings with five Ks, four hits and two walks

THE BAD

  • Jason Kendall bats ninth behind David Bush
  • Carlos Marmol enters the game in the 7th inning - he pitched well, but entering the game in the 7th inning isn't a good way to earn saves
  • David Bush walks five over 5.1 innings. He never walked more than three batters in a start in all of 2007. At least he got to bat eighth!

THE UGLY

  • Chris B. Young must own Johnny Cueto in the DBacks roto league, he wore the golden sombrero with four Ks in four ABs
  • Mike Hampton is Mr. Glass from the movie Unbreakable

Apr 3, 2008

2008 AL ROY Predictions

Lock: Jacoby Ellsbury

Runner-up: Carlos Gomez

Darkhorse: Carlos Gonzalez

"Wouldn't it be cool if" pick: Nick Adenhart

"Cats and dogs living together" pick: Brandon Wood


RECENT POPULAR POSTS:

Top 25 AL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

Here's the Top 25 list of AL prospects in terms of potential impact in 2008 and 2009 - which includes major weighting on opportunity for meaningful playing time.

Any prospects not likely to be ready for a major role by the 2nd Half of 2009 are excluded - some of the top prospects that fall into this 'excluded' list are Elvis Andrus-SS-TEX, Mike Moustakas-SS-KC, and Rico Porcello-RHP-DET.

  1. Evan Longoria, 3B, TB
  2. Carlos Gomez, OF, MIN
  3. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, BOS
  4. Daric Barton, 1B, OAK
  5. Clay Buchholz, RHP, BOS
  6. Joba Chamberlain, RHP, NYY
  7. Jeff Clement, C, SEA
  8. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, OAK
  9. Ian Kennedy, RHP, NYY
  10. Brandon Wood, 3B, LAA
  11. David Price, LHP, TB
  12. Gio Gonzalez, LHP, OAK
  13. Adam Miller, RHP, CLE
  14. Nick Blackburn, RHP, MIN
  15. Luke Hochevar, RHP, KC
  16. Wladimir Balentein, OF, SEA
  17. Radhames Liz, RHP, BAL
  18. Reid Brignac, SS, TB
  19. Matt Wieters, C, BAL
  20. Travis Snider, OF, TOR
  21. Nick Adenhart, RHP, LAA
  22. Jake McGee, LHP, TB
  23. Jed Lowrie, SS, BOS
  24. Aaron Laffey, LHP, CLE
  25. Brett Gardner, OF, NYY

PREVIOUS PROSPECT POST:
Top 25 NL Prospects for 2008 and 2009

Apr 2, 2008

2008 NL Cy Young Award Predictions


Lock: Johan Santana

Runner-up: Jake Peavy

Darkhorse: John Maine

"Wouldn't it be cool if" pick: Roy Oswalt

"Cats and dogs living together" pick: Barry Zito


2008 AL Cy Young Award Predictions


Lock: C.C. Sabathia

Runner-up: Erik Bedard

Darkhorse: Jered Weaver / Daisuke Matsuzaka

"Wouldn't it be cool if" pick: Francisco Liriano

"Cats and dogs living together" pick: Clay Buchholz

Apr 1, 2008

2008 NL MVP Predictions


Lock: David Wright

Runner-up: Ryan Braun

Darkhorse: Mark Teixeira

"Wouldn't it be cool if" pick: Albert Pujols

"Cats and dogs living together" pick: J.J. Hardy

2008 AL MVP Predictions

Lock: Alex Rodriguez

Runner-up: Miguel Cabrera

Darkhorse: Carlos Guillen

"Wouldn't it be cool if" pick: Vladimir Guerrero

"Cats and dogs living together" pick: Melky Cabrera