Minors/College News – July 16, 2007 – August 15, 2007
Posted by basebal5 on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 3:55 am
August 11, 2007
Minor League/College/Summer Ball News
- Future Redbirds interviews Cardinals prospect P.J. Walters.
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August 10, 2007
Minor League/College/Summer Ball News
- Kevin Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus (Subscription required) provides us with his shortstop rankings…Reid Brignac still leads a less than stellar class.
- Baseball America gives us the top 10 high school prospects of the East Coast Showcase.
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August 9, 2007
Minor League/College/Summer Ball News
- The San Diego Padres announced today that right-handed pitcher Matt Buschmann and second baseman Matt Antonelli have been named the club's minor league pitcher and player of the month for July. Buschmann, who was also named the organization’s minor league pitcher of the month in June, went 4-1 with a 2.65 ERA (11 ER/37.1 IP) in six July starts for Single-A Lake Elsinore. Antonelli, 22, batted .408 (40-for-98) with five doubles, a triple, six home runs, 22 RBI, 32 runs scored, 20 walks and three stolen bases in 26 combined games with Single-A Lake Elsinore and Double-A San Antonio in July.
- Wednesday performances courtesy of First Inning…Edinson Volquez (AAA Oklahoma) struck out 9 batters and allowed 0 runs in 7 innings pitched…Ian Kennedy (AAA Scranton/WB) struck out 9 batters and allowed 0 runs in 6 innings pitched…Troy Patton (AAA Round Rock) allowed 0 runs in 7 innings pitched.
- PG Crosschecker has posted its Cream of the Cape column, highlighting some of the Cape Cod League's best players.
- Phuture Phillies interviews BP's Bryan Smith as they discuss Philadelphia prospects…If you had to put the Phillies into the Top 3rd, Middle 3rd, or Bottom 3rd in terms of farm systems, right now, where would they rank? Do you see them trending upward, downward, or kind of in a holding pattern? I think the Phillies are in the bottom third, as losing Kyle Drabek really eliminates high-ceiling talents in the system beyond Carlos Carrasco. It was a tough loss and I think Kyle will bounce back, but its impacts on the system strength are significant.
- The New York-Penn League announced its all-stars today. The Mahoning Valley Scrappers Todd Martin headlines the six Scrapper participants…Martin ranks in the top five in: batting average (.387), home runs (8), RBIs (38), hits (63) and on-base percentage (.440).
- The College Baseball Blog previews the Cape Cod League playoffs…Chatham vs. Yarmouth-Dennis…Falmouth vs. Bourne.
- San Diego comes in at #3 among the rising college programs at Rivals.com.
- Mets prospect Fernando Martinez is out for the season, and Cameron Maybin heads to AA
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August 8, 2007
Minor League/College/Summer Ball News
- The New York Mets announced today that they have signed international free agents Cesar David Puello Santana and Wilmer Alejandro Flores. Puello, 16, is an outfielder from the Dominican Republic, while Flores, a 16-year old infielder, hails from Venezuela. Both players will report to the Mets Instructional League in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
- First Inning has the scoop on all the moves and performances yesterday…New York Yankees purchased the contract of RHP Joba Chamberlain from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre…Brandon Jones (AAA Richmond) was 3-for-5 with a home run…Mike Pelfrey (AAA New Orleans) allowed 2 runs in 6 innings pitched…Gio Gonzalez (AA Birmingham) struck out 11 batters and allowed one run in 6 innings pitched.
- Jeff Sackmann at The Hardball Times takes a look at pitch sequence data and AAA batters. Some cool stuff here. Did you know that Jason Botts has seen the 6th most pitches per plate appearance this season? I know I didn't!
- Future Sox has an interview with prospect Justin Edwards…You were committed to the University of Georgia, but you decided to go pro, what was your thinking when trying to weight college ball versus the minor leagues? I went into the draft with the mindset of playing professional baseball and every organization knew this. The White Sox stepped up and I had no idea the White Sox would be the team. That was the biggest reason. It was late in the third round when I got drafted, so my mindset was getting ready to go to college, but then my name popped up and I held my end of the commitment. I was just very excited; I will never forget draft day, that’s for sure.
- Project Prospect is up to 10 on its top College Prospects Rankings list.
- Pete LaForest's fifth grand slam of the season established a Pacific Coast League record as Portland trounced visiting Memphis, 11-4, on Wednesday.
- Rivals.com unveils the next two college programs on the rise…#5 Louisville and #4 Missouri
- Keith Law previews the up-and-coming power hitters at ESPN (Subscription required)…Cincinnati's Jay Bruce leads the minor league pack…”When it comes to raw power, Bruce has the edge. The left-handed-hitting Bruce is just 20 years old but already has above-average power to right field. As he continues to get stronger, some of his prodigious doubles power will develop into home run power.”
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August 7, 2007
Minor League News
- First Inning has your performances from yesterday…Clay Buchholz (AAA Pawtucket) struck out 9 batters without walking anyone in 7 innings pitched…Chin Lung Hu (AAA Las Vegas) was 3-for-5 with a double…William Inman (AA San Antonio) struck out 9 batters and allowed one run in 7 innings pitched…Sergio Pedroza (A+ Vero Beach) was 4-for-4 with a home run.
- PG Crosschecker has their latest installment of the Summer 16. Yarmouth-Dennis of the Cape Cod League still holds the top spot.
- KG at Baseball Prospectus (Subscription required) is at it again with another great column, this one on the status of the 2007 1st round draft picks…On Matt Wieters,”…negotiations have been surprisingly private, and by all accounts free of any acrimony. This deal is going to get done, and while it won’t be in the Mark Teixeira territory that Boras was floating prior to the draft, it will still be a big league package.”
- Baseball America's Prospect Pulse (Subscription required) ranks the top 10 prospects at each position. Real good stuff…At the surprisingly weak position of first base, here's how they rank…Joey Votto (Reds), Lars Anderson (Red Sox), Daric Barton (A's).
- Baseball Analysts also has an article on the signing status of 2007 draft picks from around the National League…They concur with the consensus around baseball…”Atlanta's first round pick Jason Heyward has yet to sign a pro contract but word is that a deal is waiting to be announced.”
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August 6, 2007
Minor League News
- First Inning reviews the weekend that was around minor league baseball…Jacoby Ellsbury (AAA Pawtucket) was 3-for-3 on Sunday…Lance Broadway (AAA Charlotte) allowed 2 runs in 7 innings pitched on Saturday…Adrian Cardenas (A Lakewood) was 2-for-3 with a double on Saturday…Andrew McCutchen (AA Altoona) was 3-for-5 with a home run on Saturday
- River Ave. Blues has the scoop on Joba Chamberlain heading to Toronto to join the Yankees.
- Baseball America's latest Hot Sheet is up, and we find 17 year-old Carlos Triunfel at the top of the class. “He's hitting .318/.347/.386 between low and high Class A, and a robust .333/.366/.393 since being promoted to High Desert in July. He also went 6-for-6 in a game last Monday.”
- Speaking of Triunfel, Seattle Prospect Insider has an entire feature on the young Mariners prospect…“I think he’s more of an offensive player than an all-around guy,” said an AL scout of the player he now considers one of the top eight or 10 ‘high-ceiling’ guys in the entire minor leagues.
- Project Prospect has an updated Top 75 prospect list…Cameron Maybin and Joba Chamberlain make some nice jumps.
- MILB.com has news and notes on the week of July 30. It's Offensive Players of the Week and Pitchers of the Week are up as well.
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August 5, 2007
Minor League News
- Kevin Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus (free too!) has a great article today discussing unsigned draft picks, slot money, and whether the system is working.
- Project Prospect has their latest interview…this time with Colby Rasmus of the Cardinals…Foster: What are some of the biggest adjustments you’ve had to make in Double-A? Rasmus: You see a lot more offspeed pitches in hitter’s counts…like in the Futures Game I saw a 1-0 changeup, and that was an All-Star game. I wanted to go up there and do some damage and I was getting junk balls. Stuff like that…in hitter’s counts getting those offspeed pitches. Pitchers have got their offspeed in the zone, and (it’s) a little tighter, a bit more around the plate. Stuff like that.
- Future Sox interview prospect Chris Carter….What are some of the key aspects of the game that you are still working on with the coaches? They’ve been working a lot with me on my fielding and defense at 1B. I’m trying to stop making mistakes and starting to be in the right place at the right time.
College/Summer Baseball News
- The College Baseball Blog has an article on the Vanderbilt 2008-2009 recruits. Pretty fascinating stuff. As of now, Vanderbilt already has verbal commitments from 4 players who grade out to be “very high” draft picks.
- Rivals.com is running a series on the top 10 rising College programs in the nation…#10 – Memphis, #9 – Coastal Carolina, #8 – Michigan, #7 – UC Riverside, #6 – Texas A & M.
- Since I was away when this was posted, I want to link to it now…Cod Ball has a review of the 2007 Cape Cod League All-Star Game. Excellent job!
- And here's the story on the week that was in the Cape Cod League from the Official League Site…John Schiffner finally earned his 335th win as Chatham A’s field manager on Thursday, Aug. 2, and broke the Cape Cod Baseball League’s modern era mark for most victories held by Don Reed, who managed at both Yarmouth-Dennis and Wareham.
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August 4, 2007
Minor League News
- First Inning recaps the minor league players traded in deadline deals.
- Project Prospect updates their mid-season top 25 outfield prospects. Jay Bruce, Justin Upton, and Colby Rasmus lead the charge.
- There's a nice interview with Justin Upton as well at Project Prospect. Foster: How have you felt at the plate this season versus last season? Upton : I’ve got a better approach to the game…different pitches how to tell myself while I’m hitting or what approach to take against certain pitches. I just feel comfortable. It’s just kind of one of those things you pound into yourself and try to make it second nature.
- Kevin Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus (subscription required) provides us with his latest rankings for third basemen…take notice of Angel Villalona at #4 on the list…”Not bad numbers at all really. The average is just, well, average, but he’s drawing walks, not striking out too much (20 in 108 at-bats), and showing power, with 13 of his 28 hits going for extra bases. Now look at the age (17), and realize he’s still younger than most potential 2008 high school draftees, and that’s a big time performance.”
- Matt Eddy at Baseball America chatted about the recent trades and how the minor leaguers will fit in with their new teams…Q: …I really think the Braves lost out on the Teixiera trade come 2009. This year their system has been far below spectacular, with everyone in the top ten either being graduated, traded, or struggling. That and they are lacking in depth, a trademark of Schuerholtz. So in a particularly off year for the farm, Scheurholtz trades number 1, 2, and 3 for a two and a half season lease of Teixiera. What's your interpretation of the trade? A: Matt Eddy: That's one way to look at it. But the Braves got the best player in the deal, while the Rangers need a 19-year-old in Rookie ball (Feliz) to come through in a big way if they are to win this one resoundingly. If Texas has even an average first baseman in 2009 — the year after Teixeira will test free agency — then they may come out ahead of the Braves from 2009-12 because Salty can be an impact player as a catcher.
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July 27, 2007
Minor League News
- Top Prospect Alert is back with their daily performance updates…from Thursday…Pedro Beato (Low-A) 7IP, 4ER, 9H, 1BB, 4K, LOSS (3.44ERA)…Gio Gonzalez (AA) 6.2IP, 1ER, 2H, 2BB, 11K, (3.04ERA)…Luke Hochevar (AAA) 6IP, 2ER, 8H, 2BB, 4K, WIN (3.94ERA)…Joey Votto (AAA) 3-5, 2HR, 4RBI, 2R, (.307avg)…Justin Upton (AA) 1-3, HR, 3RBI, 3R, 3BB, (.310avg)
- Project Prospect brings us their top 10 in-season prospects at SS. The Cardinals Pete Kozma debuts at #5. Adam Foster also talks with Reds prospect Jay Bruce.
- Phuture Phillies provides their scouting report on pitcher Michael Dubee, who was traded to the White Sox today for Tadahito Iguchi…”Dubee’s already made a name for himself to Phillies fans because he is the son of current pitching coach Rich Dubee. As the son of a pitching coach, people are always going to talk about your “feel for pitching”, and it makes sense. Dubee, who only turned 21 in January, was drafted 3 times, and finally decided the 3rd time was the charm after the Phillies went above slot to sign him.”
- Future Redbirds scouts the early returns on the Cardinals 2007 draft picks. On Jesse Todd…”He’s struck out 30% of the batters he’s faced and has a 59% ground ball rate over 35.2 innings for Batavia. One of my favorite picks of the draft, he’s probably ready for the next level.”
- Kevin Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus (Subscription required) ranks his top second base prospects…Matt Antonelli, Adrian Cardenas, and Eric Patterson go 1-2-3.
- Jim Callis at Baseball America analyzes the Padres trade with the Brewers and tells us where Will Inman might belong on a revised list of top San Diego prospects.
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July 25, 2007
Minor League News
- First Inning with Tuesday's performances…Eric Patterson (AAA Iowa) drove in 4 runs…Nick Adenhart (AA Arkansas) allowed one run in 8 innings pitched…Philip Hughes (AAA Scranton/WB) allowed 0 runs in 6 innings pitched…Edinson Volquez (AAA Oklahoma) struck out 8 batters and allowed one run in 6 innings pitched.
- The San Diego Padres today acquired left-handed pitchers Joe Thatcher and Steve Garrison and right-hander Will Inman from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for right-handed pitcher Scott Linebrink. In 24 relief appearances this season with Triple-A Nashville, the 25-year-old Thatcher is 2-1 with one save and a 2.08 ERA (5 ER/21.2 IP) with seven walks and 33 strikeouts. Inman, 20, is 1-5 with a 5.45 ERA (24 ER/39.2 IP) with 16 walks and 42 strikeouts over eight starts with Hunstville. Inman was the Brewers’ third round selection in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft. Garrison, 20, is 8-4 with a 3.44 ERA (40 ER/104.2 IP) with 28 walks and 74 strikeouts in 20 starts at Brevard County . The Brewers selected Garrison in the 10th round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.
- MILB.com Offensive Players of the Week are posted…Leading the Carolina League is Kala Kaaihue, Myrtle Beach….429 (12-28), 7 R, 3 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 3 BB, 7 SO, 0 SB, .857 SLG…”The Kailua, Hawaii, native hit three of his Carolina League-leading 22 home runs last week, including two long balls on Saturday that accounted for all of the Pelicans' scoring in the team's 3-0 shutout win over Winston-Salem.”
- MILB.com Pitchers of the Week are also up
- Phuture Phillies has an update on Philadelphia's 2007 draft picks and some performances as well.
- Chris Kline at Baseball America (Subscription required) recaps the International Signings. No surprise here as the Yankees and Red Sox shell out the big bucks again.
- Adam Foster at Project Prospect has an interview with newly promoted Joba Chamberlain…Foster: Can you describe your arsenal of pitches? Chamberlain: Fastball: mostly four seams – I’ll throw an occasional two seems in there. Slider, curveball, changeup. Foster: Out of 100 pitches, how many times would you throw each of those?Chamberlain: I’d probably go about 65-70 percent fastballs, and then try to go 10-percent on the rest.
- Rotoworld.com talks prospects…this week Nate Stephens discusses Shelley Duncan of the Yankees and Jake Fox of the Cubs while profiling the Padres Matt Antonelli…On Antonelli…”A second basemen who should hit .300 with 15-20 homers and 20 steals while also scoring plenty of runs, Antonelli needs to be regarded highly in prospect rankings. Even in a worst case scenario, he's likely to be a useful second basemen, and he has some upside given the lack of quality at his position.”
- Geoff Young at Knucklecurve has a little piece on the Arizona League. It's sure to give you a chuckle!
College/Summer Baseball News
- Rivals.com looks back on the 2007 season in the ACC…Best Player…Florida State 2B Tony Thomas Jr…Best Pitcher…Virginia RHP Jacob Thompson.
- CodBall.com talks with Kevin Hoef (Iowa) of the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod League. Hoef is among the league's batting leaders.
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July 24, 2007
Minor League News
- First Inning has the scoop on Monday's performances…Beau Mills (A Lake County) was 3-for-3 with a home run…William Inman (AA Huntsville) allowed 2 runs in 7 innings pitched…Wade Davis (AA Montgomery) allowed one run in 6 innings pitched.
- The Trenton Thunder, Class AA Affiliate of the N.Y. Yankees, announced today that RHP’s Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy have been transferred from Trenton to Scranton / Wilkes-Barre (AAA). The Thunder will receive LHP Chase Wright and RHP Tyler Clippard from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take their roster spots.
- Future Redbirds provides us with a fun list of the top prospects at each position within the Cardinals organization.
- Milwaukee Brewers catching prospect Angel Salome was suspended for 50 games Tuesday after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance under baseball's minor league drug program. Salome is batting .318 with six homers and 53 RBIs for Class-A Brevard County of the Florida State League.
- Baseball America's Prospect Hot Sheet has Washington's Chris Marrero at the top…”Marrero, who turned 19 on July 2, batted .293/.337/.545 with 14 homers at Hagerstown and was promoted to Potomac in early June. He's been the talk of the CL ever since, and could be the top prospect in the circuit when it's all said and done. In 120 at-bats with the P-Nats, Marrero is hitting .317/.394/.492.”
- Marc Hulet at Baseball Analysts takes a look at how Texas, Cincinnati, Toronto, Arizona, and Washington has done at signing their top draft picks, and what, if anything, those picks have done on the field so far.
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July 23, 2007
Minor League News
- First Inning has your weekend recap…Clay Buchholz (AAA Pawtucket) struck out 10 batters and allowed 2 runs in 5 innings pitched on Sunday…Jay Bruce (AAA Louisville) hit 2 home runs on Saturday…Troy Patton (AAA Round Rock) allowed one run in 7 innings pitched on Saturday…Steven Pearce (AA Altoona) was 3-for-4 on Sunday
- As reported on Phuture Phillies, pitcher Kyle Drabek is gone for the season. He will undergo Tommy John surgery.
- Kevin Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus (Subscription Required) brings you his Monday Ten Pack…on Andy LaRoche…”Looks like somebody found his power swing…While he took the day off on Friday, LaRoche went deep on Saturday and Sunday, and in his last eight games, he’s a remarkable 14-for-29 with four doubles and seven home runs and 19 RBI,”
- Baseball America has the entire story on the tragic and untimely death of Mike Coolbaugh. Just a horrible, horrible accident.
- The San Francisco Giants have signed nine additional players from the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, including right-handed pitcher Tim Alderson their second selection of the first round (22nd overall), the club announced today. The Giants have also signed: left-handed pitcher Joseph Patterson; right-handed pitcher Chance Corgan, Kyle Nicholson and Daniel Turpen; infielders Ramon Corona, Andrew D'Alessio, Josh Lopez and Evan McArthur.
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July 21, 2007
Minor League News
- Top Prospect Alert gives us Friday's performances…Carlos Quentin (AAA) 3-5, 2B, 2RBI, 2R, (.371avg)…Brent Lillibridge (AAA) 4-5, 2(2B), HR, 5RBI, 2R, (.270avg)…Daric Barton (AAA) 3-3, 2B, HR, 2RBI, 2R, 2BB, (.322avg)…Luke Hochevar (AAA) 5IP, No Runs, 1H, 5BB, 4K, (4.50ERA)
- Future Redbirds profiles catching prospect Bryan Anderson…”Brian McCann comes to mind when I think of what Anderson can become as a hitter, or even Michael Barrett sans the crappy defense, and minus the power. Ok, he’s somewhere between Jason Kendall and McCann, but is good at throwing out runners.”
College/Summer League Baseball News
- The College Baseball Blog has all the info on the 2007 Cape Cod League All-Stars.
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July 20, 2007
Minor League News
- Top Prospect Alert has all of Thursday's performances…Clayton Kershaw (Low-A) 6IP, 4ER, 6H, 1BB, 9K, LOSS (2.78ERA)…Andrew McCutchen (AA) 2-4, HR, RBI, 2R, (.244avg)…Ross Detwiler (Rookie) 2IP, No Runs, 2H, 3K, (0.00ERA)…Edinson Volquez (AAA) 7IP, 1ER, 1H, 4BB, 6K, WIN (1.29ERA)…Adam Miller (AAA) 4IP, 8ER, 11H, 1BB, 6K, LOSS (5.12ERA)
- Project Prospect has an interview with Evan Longoria…Foster: So many ball players say they’ve had playing professionally on their mind since Little League. When did you realize that professional ball could be for you? Longoria: I think once I signed at Long Beach and got an opportunity to play at a pretty decent Division-I school. I thought at that point I had a pretty good chance to play some pro ball.
- PG Crosschecker has the updated list of signing bonuses for the first 10 rounds of the 2007 draft. Here's the first round:
| 1 | Devil Rays | David Price | LHP | Unsigned |
| 2 | Royals | Mike Moustakas | SS | Unsigned |
| 3 | Cubs | Josh Vitters | 3B | Unsigned |
| 4 | Pirates | Daniel Moskos | LHP | $2,475,000 |
| 5 | Orioles | Matt Wieters | C | Unsigned |
| 6 | Nationals | Ross Detwiler | LHP | $2,150,000 |
| 7 | Brewers | *Matt LaPorta | 1B | $2,000,000 |
| 8 | Rockies | *Casey Weathers | RHP | $1,800,000 |
| 9 | Diamondbacks | Jarrod Parker | RHP | Unsigned |
| 10 | Giants | Madison Bumgarner | LHP | Unsigned |
| 11 | Mariners | Phillippe Aumont | RHP | Unsigned |
| 12 | Marlins | Matt Dominguez | 3B | Unsigned |
| 13 | Indians | Beau Mills | 3B | $1,575,000 |
| 14 | Braves | Jason Heyward | OF | Unsigned |
| 15 | Reds | Devin Mesoraco | C | $1,400,000 |
| 16 | Blue Jays | Kevin Ahrens | SS | $1,440,000 |
| 17 | Rangers | Blake Beavan | RHP | Unsigned |
| 18 | Cardinals | Peter Kozma | SS | Unsigned |
| 19 | Phillies | Joe Savery | LHP | $1,372,500 |
| 20 | Dodgers | Chris Withrow | RHP | $1,350,000 |
| 21 | Blue Jays | J.P. Arencibia | C | $1,327,500 |
| 22 | Giants | Tim Alderson | RHP | Unsigned |
| 23 | Padres | Nick Schmidt | LHP | $1,260,000 |
| 24 | Rangers | Michael Main | RHP | $1,237,500 |
| 25 | White Sox | Aaron Poreda | LHP | $1,200,000 |
| 26 | Athletics | James Simmons | RHP | $1,192,500 |
| 27 | Tigers | Rick Porcello | RHP | Unsigned |
| 28 | Twins | Ben Revere | OF | $750,000 |
| 29 | Giants | Wendell Fairley | OF | Unsigned |
| 30 | Yankees | Andrew Brackman | RHP | Unsigned |
- KG at BP (Subscription Required) has the lowdown from scouts around the league…On Adam Jones…“Jones is a special, primo athlete with ridiculous bat speed and raw power that is almost freakish for his frame,” said the scout. “Everything about him is so controlled. In batting practice he hits everything hard all over the field, and then in the last round he’ll start launching balls at will…He’s getting a pretty steady diet of sliders off the plate of late, and he’s still learning how to lay off those because he still expands his strike zone at times.” But in the final analysis, Jones still has stardom in his future, according to the evaluator. “He’s an athlete and a baseball player, and that’s a fantastic combination.”
College/Summer Baseball News
- Over at The College Baseball Blog you can read about how Cuba beat the U.S. in the Pan Am Games.
- Cod Ball takes a stab at predicting the league's all-stars…which will be announced tomorrow.
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July 19, 2007
Minor League News
- Top Prospect Alert is back with your performances from Wednesday…Philip Hughes (AA) 4IP, 1ER, 2H, 2BB, 5K, (1.29ERA)…Reid Brignac (AA) 3-4, 2B, (.260avg)…Carlos Carrasco (AA) G#1 4IP, 2ER, 4H, 6BB, 6K, (3.34ERA)…Drew Stubbs (Low-A) 2-4, 3B, HR, RBI, R, (.257avg)
- The Phillies signed lefthanded pitcher Joe Savery, their first-round selection in this year's First-Year Player Draft, to a contract with a signing bonus of $1,372,000. Savery is said to be headed to the Williamsport Crosscutters (New York-Penn League) in Lowell, MA to start his professional career.
- Matt Eddy and John Manual of Baseball America (Subscription Required) present their mid-season minor league all-star team and all-surprise team. Yankees Ian Kennedy and Joba Chamberlain make the All-Star team while the Cardinals Rick Ankiel makes the all-surprise team.
- Our own Ed Lilly examines the ups and downs of some prominent prospects in his latest piece…Prospect Movement.
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July 18, 2007
Minor League News
- First Inning has their daily report of performances for Tuesday…Ryan Sweeney (AAA Charlotte) was 2-for-4 with a home run…Chin Lung Hu (AAA Las Vegas) was 3-for-3 with a triple…William Inman (AA Huntsville) allowed 2 runs in 6 innings pitched…Adrian Cardenas (A Lakewood) was 2-for-4 with a triple…Adam Jones (AAA Tacoma) was 5-for-5 with a triple.
- Kevin Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus (Subscription Required) begins his postional rankings today with catchers. There's not a lot of quality, but here's a glimpse of #1 ranked Jeff Clement…”Clement repeats his position as the top catcher in the minors, and probably deserves it more this year than he did last, as his bat has finally come alive…The bat is real, the power is real, and he has a decent approach, but the defense is still below average. He’s a rough receiver, and his arm is plagued by a slow release and below-average accuracy. The good news here is that he’s already come leaps and bounds defensively since signing, and he’s thrilled the organization by working non-stop to get better.”
- River Ave. Blues has the details on Phil Hughes' rehab start…”Phil mentioned that his fastball command isn’t quite there yet. He also commented that he was slow out of the stretch…His velocity, according to Billy Connors, was at 91-92, so he’s in a good range, but has some improvement strides to make.”
- The Hardball Times analyzes whether some select young pitchers can rebound from disappointing performances…on Donnie Veal…”A glance at Veal's fielding-independent ERA last year could have told you his 2006 season was a fluke. The reason is clear: Veal simply walks too many batters.”
- The Oakland Athletics today announced that they have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Andrew Carignan, their fifth round selection in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. Carignan posted a 1.53 ERA and 18 saves at the University of North Carolina. Carignan struck out 69 in 63 innings and held the opposition to a .173 average. He was a consensus All-American closer.
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July 17, 2007
Minor League News
- The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced they have agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Daniel Moskos, the club's first-round selection (fourth overall) in the 2007 June draft. Moskos is to a receive a signing bonus of $2,475,000.
- First Inning has yesterday's performances…Ryan Sweeney (AAA Charlotte) hit a home run and drove in 4 runs…Andy LaRoche (AAA Las Vegas) hit 2 home runs…Jeff Samardzija (A+ Daytona) allowed 5 runs in 5 innings pitched.
- First Inning also takes a look at the Braves Eric Campbell and his low BABIP. “There is not a lot to be optimistic about. While any BABIP hovering near .200 is bound to improve due to the law of large numbers, Campbell's batted ball distribution suggests his disappointingly low number of hits is somewhat deserved.”
- Marc at Baseball Analysts revisits the 2003 draft to see where the top 10 picks are today. Bet you didn't remember that Kyle Sleeth was taken 3rd overall?
- Chris Kline of Baseball America (Subscription Required) provides a mid-season top 25 prospect list. The top 5 goes like this…Justin Upton, Jay Bruce, Cameron Maybin, Evan Longoria, Homer Bailey.
- The Houston Astros Player Development Department has named the following players of the month for June: Round Rock: RHP Travis Driskill, OF Josh Anderson, IF Cody Ransom; Corpus Christi: RHP Kyle Middleton, C J.R. Towles, IF Edwin Maysonet; Salem: RHP Samuel Gervacio, IF Wladimir Sutil, IF Eric King; Lexington: LHP Douglas Arguello, IF Jhon Florentino, IF Koby Clemens; Tri-City: RHP Robert Leonhardt, IF Russell Dixon, IF Matthew Cusick; Greeneville: LHP Eduin Ciriaco, IF Andrew Launier. These awards are chosen every month by the field staff of each team.
College/Summer League News
- Adam at Project Prospect has the lastest college prospect list. Tyson Ross jumps on board this week.
- PG Crosschecker has the latest rankings of your summer ball teams. Yarmouth-Dennis of the Cape Cod League leads the pack.
- The College Baseball Blog runs down the week 5 award winners in the Cape Cod League. Hyannis starting pitcher Bryce Stowell (Cal-Irvine) was named Pitcher of the Week while Falmouth third baseman Conor Gillaspie (Wichita State) picked up the Player of the Week award.
- The rest of the week in Cape Cod League action can be found on the official league site.
- Rivals.com has two more “Year in Review” articles…the first is on the Big West Conference (Best team – UC Irvine) and the second on the West Coast Conference (Best Pitcher – Brian Matusz of San Diego).
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July 16, 2007
Minor League News
- Yesterday's transactions and performances are courtesy of First Inning…The Mets optioned RHP Mike Pelfrey to AAA New Orleans…The Angels recalled IF Brandon Wood from AAA Salt Lake…Felix Pie (AAA Iowa) hit 2 home runs…Luke Hochevar (AAA Omaha) struck out 7 batters and allowed 5 runs in 5 innings pitched…Chin Lung Hu (AAA Las Vegas) was 3-for-4 with a home run…Eric Sogard (A- Eugene) hit 2 doubles…Adam Jones (AAA Tacoma) was 3-for-4 with a home run.
- Project Prospect has their latest weekly top 25 prospects…Joba Chamberlain goes from #19 to #13 and Travis Snider debuts at #25.
- According to Phillies.com, first round pick Joe Savery has reportedly come to terms with the club. Joe is one of my personal favorite college players of the past few seasons. I can't wait to see him play professionally.
- Kevin Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus (subscription required) has his weekly Monday Morning Ten Pack on-line. Kevin talks about the newly profession Mitch Canham (of Oregon St. fame) today…”Among the many impressive performances among ’07 draftees is Canham, the catcher for Oregon State’s back-to-back champions who was selected in the supplemental first round; he's already gone 12-for-34, and slugged his first professional home run on Saturday. Canham’s offensive skills are already advanced, and with surprising speed for his position, he’s also stolen three bases in eight games.” You can see Mitch among the Oregon St. championship photos in the gallery.
- River Ave. Blues has their latest Down on the Farm report.
- The newest edition of Baseball America's Prospect Hot Sheet is now on-line. Leading the way is Rick Vanden Hurk followed by Justin Masterson, Matt Antonelli, Austin Jackson, and everyone's favorite Futures Game player, Chin-Lung Hu.
- MILB.com has its weekly review up…From the Eastern League…”The Portland Sea Dogs couldn't have asked for a better Double-A debut from Justin Masterson. Masterson held New Hampshire hitless for 6 2/3 innings before being lifted due to pitch count.”
- Texas Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels announced today the club has agreed to terms with RHP Tommy Hunter, the club’s fifth pick (54th overall selection) in the 2007 First Year Player Draft.
- MILB.com also gives us their offensive players of the week and pitchers of the week…One of the highlights…from the Pioneer League…Andrew Romine, Orem….560 (14-25), 7 R, 0 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 1 BB, 1 SO, 0 SB, 1.040 SLG…”The former Arizona State standout hit safely in all six games he played last week, including four multi-hit performances. Romine also hit two home runs and drove in 13 batters en route to an impressive 1.040 slugging percentage.”
