Fine start by Jake Sisco last night for MahnongValley, 6 shutout innings.s
Poor start by Dillon Howard for Arizona, that makes 3 stinkers in 4 tries for last year's NO. 2 pick.
Joe Colon, on no one's prospect list coming in this year, with another 6 inning, 2 run start for Lake County. He's been very steady.
Didn't mention Mike Rayl 7 innings, 1 run on Sunday for Carolina.
Weglarz with a pair of singles and a pair of whiffs for Akron
Naquin with a triple last night for Mahoning Valley. Luigi Rodriguez HR for Lake County.
Matt Packer coming back from DL moves up to Carolina and pitches 3 shutout innings. Still not seen Austin Adams who had a prospect rating. Which reminds me that we have not seen Alex Perez, or Jason Knapp either this year.
Re: Minor Matters
1922My positional bustout pick this year finally makes some black and white !
↔ Andrew Campbell (OF): .233/.324/.333, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 4 BB, 8 K. Campbell is an interesting sleeper prospect out of Australia that is off to a slow start. He brings a lot of different tools to the table and has some upside as a leadoff type hitter in center field. The schedule and loaded roster does not allow for many of the players on the roster to play several games in a row, so he is probably getting used to that.
↔ Andrew Campbell (OF): .233/.324/.333, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 4 BB, 8 K. Campbell is an interesting sleeper prospect out of Australia that is off to a slow start. He brings a lot of different tools to the table and has some upside as a leadoff type hitter in center field. The schedule and loaded roster does not allow for many of the players on the roster to play several games in a row, so he is probably getting used to that.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller
-- Bob Feller
Re: Minor Matters
1923Unfortunately, all the top prospects were gone by the second day.Who cares what the scouts from other organizations have to say? Don't you realize the Tribe has eagle-eye scouts that can spot those diamonds-in-the-rough?
The monkey throwing darts strikes again.
Quite honestly, I've been reading about the prospects in the DPL for a couple of years now (since the leagues inception) and have never heard of the name Hector Caro pop up.....anywhere!Indians Stray From Consensus, Sign Hector Caro For $1.1 Million
Had to be a pretty good scout to pick on that name. Perfect game and the DPL never listed this kid. I'll have to do a little more reading on the subject.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller
-- Bob Feller
Re: Minor Matters
1924BA cites:
CLE AA Weglarz, Nick LF 4 1 2 0 .254
CLE LoA Rodriguez, Luigi CF 4 1 1 1 .267 HR (6), 2 BB (30)
CLE SS Naquin, Tyler CF 5 0 2 2 .327 3B(2)
CLE AA Van Mil, Loek 2 1 0 0 1 3 2.27
CLE HiA Packer, Matt 3 0 0 0 0 3 0.00
CLE R Howard, Dillon 3.2 4 4 4 1 3 5.79 L (0 - 3)
CLE SS Sisco, Jake 6 4 0 0 1 4 2.52
CLE AA Weglarz, Nick LF 4 1 2 0 .254
CLE LoA Rodriguez, Luigi CF 4 1 1 1 .267 HR (6), 2 BB (30)
CLE SS Naquin, Tyler CF 5 0 2 2 .327 3B(2)
CLE AA Van Mil, Loek 2 1 0 0 1 3 2.27
CLE HiA Packer, Matt 3 0 0 0 0 3 0.00
CLE R Howard, Dillon 3.2 4 4 4 1 3 5.79 L (0 - 3)
CLE SS Sisco, Jake 6 4 0 0 1 4 2.52
Re: Minor Matters
1925Scouting the AZL '12: The Pitchers
Luis Lugo (Photo: IPI)
By Tony Lastoria
July 10, 2012
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With the All Star break here for the big league team in Cleveland as well as Triple-A Columbus and Double-A Akron, I felt this would be a good time to take a look at some of the new Latin faces down at rookie level Arizona.
Most of the new faces were profiled in my new 2012 book this year, but there are some new faces that are playing stateside for the first time this season that were not included in the book. I have seen several of these players play in Instructional League last year and in spring training this year, and have recently talked with a few scouts and organizational personnel about all of them.
I decided to break this up over two parts and will post part one with the pitchers today and then part two with the position players later this week. With that in mind, here is a rundown of the new players playing in Arizona as well as how some of the more well-known Latin players are doing:
Jeffry Cleto, RHP
5 G, 15.26 ERA, 7.2 IP, 14 H, 14 R (13 ER), 2 HR, 5 BB, 5 K
Cleto, 21, is a 6’3” 190-pound right-handed pitcher the Indians signed out of the Dominican Republic in December of 2009. He has been pounded in the early going, and the inability to command his fastball and miss bats is a concern. He has a good arm as he sits in the low 90s and has some arm strength to add more velocity, and he also mixes in a slider and changeup which are both inconsistent offerings for him. He’s a fringy guy and may not make it past Arizona this season.
Estevenson Encarnacion, RHP
8 G, 4.05 ERA, 13.1 IP, 8 H, 7 R (6 ER), 0 HR, 6 BB, 14 K
Encarnacion, 22, is a 6’4” 185-pound right-handed pitcher the Indians signed out of the Dominican Republic in July of 2010. He is old for the AZL and is a project that can throw the ball hard (up to 97-98 MPH) but is extremely raw and has poor command. He complements the fastball with a developing slider. He is a physical pitcher with lots of power, but has limited upside because of his below average command.
Isaias Encarnacion, LHP
6 G, 6.00 ERA, 6.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R/ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 9 K
Encarnacion, 21, is a 6’4” 200-pound right-handed pitcher the Indians signed out of the Dominican Republic in December of 2008. He throws a low 90s fastball and has some arm strength, but has poor command and control. He’s a project, but because of his size, fastball potential, and being left-handed, the Indians may be more patient with him.
Yieker Lovera, RHP
4 G, 8.22 ERA, 7.2 IP, 16 H, 8 R (7 ER), 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K
Lovera, 19, is a 6’0” 175-pound right-handed pitcher the Indians signed out of Venezuela in December of 2010. He throws a fastball that reaches 92 MPH and a developing breaking ball, and both pitches show swing and miss potential. His upside is limited because he is not a very big pitcher, but the Indians like his pitchability and feel like he has some weapons in his arsenal to attack hitters. His performance to date has been poor, but there is some potential there and youth is still on his side.
Luis Lugo, LHP
3 G, 9.64 ERA, 9.1 IP, 11 H, 11 R (10 ER), 3 HR, 6 BB, 12 K
Lugo, 18, is a 6’5” 200-pound left-handed pitcher the Indians signed in the spring of 2011 out of Venezuela. He is very raw and inexperienced, but has major upside as a prospect and is probably the best Latin pitching prospect in the system below Mahoning Valley. He has the size and frame that teams like to dream on as a starting pitcher and at a young age is already throwing his fastball between 87-91 MPH. He is showing some velocity gains this year and has a loose arm with good arm strength to add more as he continues to mature and get stronger. His delivery and arm action are advanced for his age, and he shows a good feel for a changeup and also has developing breaking ball. The Indians really like his combination of size, stuff, feel, smarts and projection, and feel he has a chance to be something as a starting pitcher. This is a guy that is probably going to rank somewhere in the top half of the Indians Top 100 next year.
Alexis Paredes, RHP
5 G, 3.00 ERA, 12.0 IP, 11 H, 6 R (4 ER), 1 HR, 4 BB, 15 K
Paredes, 20, is a 6’3” 175-pound right-handed pitcher the Indians signed out of the Dominican Republic in March of 2010. He spent two seasons in the Dominican Summer League but made big strides last year and now in his third season of professional baseball is pitching stateside for the first time in his career. He is a priority bullpen arm for the Indians that they really like and has some upside, especially for what he signed for ($85K). He throws a power sinker that touches 94 MPH and complements it with a solid slider, and he has some potential as a big power pen arm. He is another guy that should rank somewhere in the Top 100 next year.
Anderson Polanco, LHP
3 G, 5.06 ERA, 5.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R/ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 8 K
Polanco, 19, is a 6’3” 190-pound left-handed pitcher that the Indians signed in the spring of 2011 out of the Dominican Republic. He only has average velocity as he sits in the upper 80s to low 90s, but he has a changeup that he commands well and is his best pitch. His fastball command continues to be erratic but is improving, and he shows a feel for pitching, has a good delivery and arm action, and the Indians think he could start next year.
Breily Puerta, RHP
5 G, 4.50 ERA, 12.0 IP, 12 H, 6 R/ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 12 K
Puerta, 20, is a 5’10” 180-pound right-handed pitcher the Indians signed out of Venezuela in December of 2010. He is a small pitcher but has a good arm as he sits 91-93 MPH with a good top to bottom curveball. He is pitching in a long relief/piggyback role right now, but the Indians like him and his upside, and think he is another pitcher that has a chance to start.
Luis Lugo (Photo: IPI)
By Tony Lastoria
July 10, 2012
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With the All Star break here for the big league team in Cleveland as well as Triple-A Columbus and Double-A Akron, I felt this would be a good time to take a look at some of the new Latin faces down at rookie level Arizona.
Most of the new faces were profiled in my new 2012 book this year, but there are some new faces that are playing stateside for the first time this season that were not included in the book. I have seen several of these players play in Instructional League last year and in spring training this year, and have recently talked with a few scouts and organizational personnel about all of them.
I decided to break this up over two parts and will post part one with the pitchers today and then part two with the position players later this week. With that in mind, here is a rundown of the new players playing in Arizona as well as how some of the more well-known Latin players are doing:
Jeffry Cleto, RHP
5 G, 15.26 ERA, 7.2 IP, 14 H, 14 R (13 ER), 2 HR, 5 BB, 5 K
Cleto, 21, is a 6’3” 190-pound right-handed pitcher the Indians signed out of the Dominican Republic in December of 2009. He has been pounded in the early going, and the inability to command his fastball and miss bats is a concern. He has a good arm as he sits in the low 90s and has some arm strength to add more velocity, and he also mixes in a slider and changeup which are both inconsistent offerings for him. He’s a fringy guy and may not make it past Arizona this season.
Estevenson Encarnacion, RHP
8 G, 4.05 ERA, 13.1 IP, 8 H, 7 R (6 ER), 0 HR, 6 BB, 14 K
Encarnacion, 22, is a 6’4” 185-pound right-handed pitcher the Indians signed out of the Dominican Republic in July of 2010. He is old for the AZL and is a project that can throw the ball hard (up to 97-98 MPH) but is extremely raw and has poor command. He complements the fastball with a developing slider. He is a physical pitcher with lots of power, but has limited upside because of his below average command.
Isaias Encarnacion, LHP
6 G, 6.00 ERA, 6.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R/ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 9 K
Encarnacion, 21, is a 6’4” 200-pound right-handed pitcher the Indians signed out of the Dominican Republic in December of 2008. He throws a low 90s fastball and has some arm strength, but has poor command and control. He’s a project, but because of his size, fastball potential, and being left-handed, the Indians may be more patient with him.
Yieker Lovera, RHP
4 G, 8.22 ERA, 7.2 IP, 16 H, 8 R (7 ER), 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K
Lovera, 19, is a 6’0” 175-pound right-handed pitcher the Indians signed out of Venezuela in December of 2010. He throws a fastball that reaches 92 MPH and a developing breaking ball, and both pitches show swing and miss potential. His upside is limited because he is not a very big pitcher, but the Indians like his pitchability and feel like he has some weapons in his arsenal to attack hitters. His performance to date has been poor, but there is some potential there and youth is still on his side.
Luis Lugo, LHP
3 G, 9.64 ERA, 9.1 IP, 11 H, 11 R (10 ER), 3 HR, 6 BB, 12 K
Lugo, 18, is a 6’5” 200-pound left-handed pitcher the Indians signed in the spring of 2011 out of Venezuela. He is very raw and inexperienced, but has major upside as a prospect and is probably the best Latin pitching prospect in the system below Mahoning Valley. He has the size and frame that teams like to dream on as a starting pitcher and at a young age is already throwing his fastball between 87-91 MPH. He is showing some velocity gains this year and has a loose arm with good arm strength to add more as he continues to mature and get stronger. His delivery and arm action are advanced for his age, and he shows a good feel for a changeup and also has developing breaking ball. The Indians really like his combination of size, stuff, feel, smarts and projection, and feel he has a chance to be something as a starting pitcher. This is a guy that is probably going to rank somewhere in the top half of the Indians Top 100 next year.
Alexis Paredes, RHP
5 G, 3.00 ERA, 12.0 IP, 11 H, 6 R (4 ER), 1 HR, 4 BB, 15 K
Paredes, 20, is a 6’3” 175-pound right-handed pitcher the Indians signed out of the Dominican Republic in March of 2010. He spent two seasons in the Dominican Summer League but made big strides last year and now in his third season of professional baseball is pitching stateside for the first time in his career. He is a priority bullpen arm for the Indians that they really like and has some upside, especially for what he signed for ($85K). He throws a power sinker that touches 94 MPH and complements it with a solid slider, and he has some potential as a big power pen arm. He is another guy that should rank somewhere in the Top 100 next year.
Anderson Polanco, LHP
3 G, 5.06 ERA, 5.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R/ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 8 K
Polanco, 19, is a 6’3” 190-pound left-handed pitcher that the Indians signed in the spring of 2011 out of the Dominican Republic. He only has average velocity as he sits in the upper 80s to low 90s, but he has a changeup that he commands well and is his best pitch. His fastball command continues to be erratic but is improving, and he shows a feel for pitching, has a good delivery and arm action, and the Indians think he could start next year.
Breily Puerta, RHP
5 G, 4.50 ERA, 12.0 IP, 12 H, 6 R/ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 12 K
Puerta, 20, is a 5’10” 180-pound right-handed pitcher the Indians signed out of Venezuela in December of 2010. He is a small pitcher but has a good arm as he sits 91-93 MPH with a good top to bottom curveball. He is pitching in a long relief/piggyback role right now, but the Indians like him and his upside, and think he is another pitcher that has a chance to start.
Re: Minor Matters
1926On Tony's site, every Tribe kid pitcher throws in the 90s. Too bad they don't really.
Re: Minor Matters
1927What a lot of great minor leaguers we have. Tony's site with mid season review and inflated assessments:
Around the Farm: The Supersized, All-Star edition
By Jim Pete
July 11, 2012 ShareThis
This is a special edition of Around the Farm. Normally, ATF takes a quick look at some of yesterday’s performances by Indians prospects throughout the system. Today’s edition will take a look at some of this season’s exceptional players at the top four levels of Low A Lake County, High A Carolina, Double A Akron and Triple A Columbus. I can't include everyone that's stood out, so I've tried to highlight just a few of the guys who have dominated ATF throughout the season.
Matt LaPorta: 1B/DH/LF, Columbus Clippers: 67 Games, .311/.382/.479/.893, 45 R, 14 2B, 1 3B, 17 HR, 43 RBI, 30 BB, 60 K
LaPorta is what he is, a Major League veteran, that’s under the cuff of expectations. Unfortunately for the big righty, when you are the major cog in an unpopular deal for CC Sabathia, you have to be a star, and when you aren’t, you find yourself, fairly or not, standing in front of a mountain. That’s where LaPorta is right now. With that said, he’s been the offensive star of the Clip-Show this year, and is putting up the norm for what he’s done in his career in the minors. He just can’t replicate that level of play in the majors. What’s confounding though is how the Indians are using a very poor three-headed monster out there with Duncan, Damon and Cunningham, while LaPorta’s 162 game average far exceeds what those three WILL EVER do out there. It just goes to show you what happens when you fall out of favor.
Cody Allen: RP, Columbus Clippers: 22 Games, 2.51 ERA, 28 2/3 IP, 20 H, 8 R/ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 33 K
Right now, Cody Allen is the only viable player for the Clippers that can be impactful at the major league level as a star. Now, he’s a relief pitcher, and would be a 7th inning guy right now, so star would be relative, but this kid has a cannon of an arm, with wicked stuff, and has finally found his dominance at Triple A after struggling a bit out of the gate. He gave up six earned runs in his first nine Triple A games. Since then, he’s given up one over his last 13, dating back to May 30th. This kid may be the best arm in the entire system, and the only way he isn’t with the Indians by August is if he’s traded. You’re looking at a guy that should be at the backend of the bullpen for years to come, and that will start this year.
Chun-Hsiu Chen: 1B, DH, C, Akron Aeros: 85 Games, .321/.409/.448/.857, 51 R, 26 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 46 BB, 78 K:
Chen is having a big-time season with Akron after moving to first base, and this is fantastic when you consider his injury-riddled 2011 struggle in Akron, which turned out to be his last as a full-time catcher. The Indians moved him to first base in hopes that he could fill an organizational need, and keep him healthy. Well, he’s healthy, and he’s playing some of his best offensive baseball of his career, but his power is absolutely gone. To give you a comparison, Jordan Brown won the MVP in the Eastern League in 2007. His numbers: 127 G, .333/.421/.484/.906, 85 R, 36 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR, 76 RBI, 63 BB, 56 K. That isn’t to put down Brown or Chen, but the Indians never saw Brown as a legit prospect because he didn’t have enough power at a corner infield or outfield slot, or for the DH role. Chen is following along those exact same lines, with less power, and a less balanced approach at the plate. For Chen to be viable at the big league level, he needs to hit the ball out of the park more, it’s really as simple as that.
Steven Wright: SP, Akron Aeros: 16 Games, 6-6, 92 2/3 IP, 70 H, 38 R/27 ER, 6 HR, 48 BB, 84 K:
This has been a freakish good year for Wright, who’s really starting to master that knuckleball that he started throwing consistently last season. The 28-year-old has been dominant all season, other than a couple of starts, and has really showcased what can happen when you commit to a change. I would say that Wright likely had zero shot to make it to the Indians, or even stay in the organization a couple of years ago, he changed things up, and now will likely see the bigs next year, if he continues on his current trajectory. He has struggled in July, to the tune of a 7.59 ERA, but perhaps the humid weather has kept his knuckler a little higher than it should be, or perhaps the consistency still isn’t there, which would explain why the Indians are keeping him in Akron as we speak. There really isn’t a better story in the system right now. [KNUCKLEBALLERS DEVELOP LATE. WE'LL SEE HIM IN CLEVELAND IN 2018]
Jesus Aguilar: 1B/DH, Carolina Mudcats: 80 G, .305/.389/.518/.908, 50 R, 21 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR, 45 RBI, 34 BB, 68 K
Aguilar may be the offensive MVP of the entire minor league system right now. [NOT MUCH COMPETITON FOR THAT PRIZE] When Aguilar came to the Kinston Indians last season for the playoff stretch, he wasn’t even close to the same player that he is now. He was a bit of an all-or-nothing sort, who was clearly swinging for the fences, and could be had with the right breaking pitch. This year, Aguilar has really become dangerous. He’s waiting for his pitches better, and getting on base a bunch more without hurting his slugging or his OBP. The Carolina is notorious for killing off suspect bats because pitchers are good at this level, and they get to see their respective offensive counterparts numerous times. Good offensive players learn the pitchers and excel, and if you watch Aguilar, that’s exactly what he does. He’s similar to Kipnis in that he works hard, and is extremely athletic. He is an elite player in this system, and playing in a park that is likely holding back his power because of the 20-foot-high fence. He’ll explode in Akron, and I have to believe it will happen soon.
Shawn Armstrong: RHP, Carolina Mudcats: 26 G, 2.06 ERA, 1-3, 1 S, 43 2/3 IP, 31 H, 10 R/ER, 23 BB, 53 K:
Armstrong has been the best pitcher for Carolina for the duration of the season, but he doesn’t come without questions. He walks a few too many batters, and he’s struggled a bit over the past month or so, with a 4.15 ERA in June, as he’s given up eight of his ten runs since June first, but he’s still got an electric arm, and is one of the elite relievers in the system. His peripherals are outstanding though, and I would suspect that Armstrong will be making the jump to Akron in July at some point, as he’s on the same trajectory as Cody Allen was before him. No, he’s not THAT dominant, but he’s close.
Francisco Lindor: SS, Lake County Captains: 75 G, .263/.350/.370/.721, 51 R, 15 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 34 BB, 49 K, 18 SB:
Lindor is 18-years-old. Lindor doesn’t turn 19 until November. Lindor made the Future’s All-Star game, and was the youngest player at Kauffman Stadium for the festivities. Most rankings have him as a top 20 prospect, and he’s the youngest in most of those as well. Lindor’s numbers aren’t staggering right now, but they were earlier in the season. He’s so good, it’s easy to forget that he’s never played above HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL, so he’s getting his first taste in any extended season. There’s bound to be a lull here and there. Lindor has shown pop, speed, and while he’s committed 11 errors so far this season, he’s also exhibited a flashy glove that will surely get better. Why? His make-up is what’s most impressive about the kid. Scouts rave about his mentality, and it doesn’t take long to see it on the field, and in his interviews. I do think the Indians are going to have him on the table, and for the right pieces, he’ll get dealt, but if he isn’t, he’s as sure a thing as there is in the system.
Joseph Colon: SP, Lake County Captains: 18 G, 7-8, 3.01 ERA, 104 2/3 IP, 94 H, 43 R/35 ER, 6 HR, 31 BB, 70 K:
Rare is the day that a prospect comes out of nowhere to be the main guy, but that’s really what Colon has done. Colon was selected in the 12th round in the 2009 draft, but missed 2010 because of a UCL strain. He returned in 2011, and had a really good season in Mahoning, going 4-4, with a 3.55 ERA. He also made a late start with Lake County that was one of his best of the year. With that said, there was nothing special about his intangibles. He walked a bit too many, and didn’t strike out a bunch of hitters, and he didn’t look much like a workhorse. Colon followed up that solid 2011 season with what appears to be a similar stretch, on steroids. He’s definitely the workhorse of a staff of much more heralded pitchers, and has gone seven innings or more in four starts, and six innings or more in 11 of his 19 starts. He had a stretch of seven games from May 4th through June 4th in which he pitched in six innings or more in each start. The Indians clearly aren’t worried about the UCL, as they are allowing him to put in the innings. It will be interesting to see what happens as the season progresses, as the 77 innings were his most as a professional, in his only season past rookie ball. I don’t think he’s going to be a special prospect, but he could be one of those guys that goes out every fifth game and fights and scrapes to a whole bunch of innings. [OR NOT]
•Tim Fedroff: OF, Columbus: 22 G, .333/.409/.526/.934, 17 R, 26 H, 4 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 12 BB, 16 K: Fedroff continues to rake in the minors, while the Indians continue to show him that they don’t value his style of play all that much. He’s even stepped up his power game, with three homers in his first 22 games at Columbus. His career high is four, and he’s already passed that this season, including his numbers in Akron. It’s been a big year for Fedroff, but at the end of the day, the Indians don’t view him as anything but centerfield cushion, and as a fourth outfielder in the bigs.
•Jared Goedert: OF, IF, DH, Columbus: 43 G, .287/.337/.494/.831, 27 R, 10 2B, 8 HR, 34 RBI, 14 BB, 35 K: Goedert has had bouts of struggle at Triple A, but as he’s shown throughout his minor league career, when he’s on a hot streak, there’s nobody better in the system. The big issue with Goedert is where does he play? He’s like a minor league vagabond, as a jack of all trades, but a master of none. Great minor league player, but hard to see where he would stand in the bigs, if he ever gets a chance.
•Russ Canzler: OF/IF/DH, Columbus: 85 G, 43 R, 21 2B, 2 3B, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 30 BB, 84 K: Like LaPorta, Canzler isn’t really a prospect at this point, but major league fill at the Triple A level. He’s got good power, and can really group home runs when he’s feeling it, but is never going to be a threat for a full time job in the bigs. You have to be wary of those strike outs as well. He’s hitting over .300 since the start of June.
•Matt Langwell: RP, Columbus: 16 G, 2.76 ERA, 29 1/3 IP, 24 H, 10 R/9 ER, 9 BB, 22 K: Langwell is a step below the elite arms that I’ve talked about all season, but he’s still about as consistently good as you can be without reaching the elite level. You can make a big-time major league career off of that style of pitching. Since getting put in the pen after 2008, his ERA has never been above 3.01 at the end of a season. I could easily see him in that Joe Smith role at the big league level.
•Zach McAllister: SP, Columbus: 11 G, 5-2, 2.98 ERA, 63 1/3 IP, 59 H, 27 R/21 ER, 5 HR, 19 BB, 52 K: McAllister is deservedly with the big league club right now, and really was the best starting pitcher in the system over the past year and a half. He likely should have been in that rotation a lot earlier than this based purely on performance, but the Indians had kinks in his delivery to work out, and now that they are habit, McAllister is turning into quite the find. He has definite #3 stuff going forward.
•Jared Goedert: IF, OF, DH, Akron: 35 G, .395/.476/.613/.1.089, 19 R, 10 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 20 BB, 20 K: There wasn’t a hotter player in the system than Goedert, who was called up quickly (for the Indians) after nearly hitting .400 to start the year off. Again, Goedert’s strength is a nice bat, with a nice approach, but not a place in the field to call home.
•Matt Lawson: 2B, Akron: 27 G, .333/.417/.457/.873, 10 R, 8 2B, 1 3B, 10 RBI, 10 BB, 12 K: Lawson is another one of the major league fill guys, only in Akron. He’ll likely never suit up for the Indians (and if he does, then the major league club is in a ton of trouble), but plays his career as a minor league lifer. Nice numbers so far in a role he’s clearly comfortable with. [THIS GUY HAD RETIRED; I THINK HE WAS COACH WHEN THEY REACTIVATED HIM TO HELP OUT. HE IS NOT A PROSPECT.]
•Thomas Neal: LF, Akron: 70 G, .307/.394/.463/.857, 46 R, 18 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 27 BB, 48 K, 4 SB: Neal is a clear case of injured and head rattled, after a mid-season trade last season brought him to Cleveland. He was injured when the Indians dealt for him, and I’m sure was trying to make the Indians believe the move was worthwhile after coming off the DL. He struggled all last season, and then was taken of the 40-man, cleared waivers, and was plunked in Double A. The struggles commenced…but we’re not talking doldrums here. He hit .278 in April, .301 in May, .333 in June, and is hitting .304 in July. The power seems to be following him, as all six of his homers came after June 1st. He has to have more value than some of the guys in Columbus, so it should be interesting to see what happens to him going forward.
•Tim Fedroff: OF, Akron: 54 G, .305/.396/.443/.839, 27 R, 9 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 30 BB, 33 K: Fedroff’s six homers overall is two above his career high. His six triples tied his career high. His career high OPS is .793 (.866 now). His career high slugging is .408 (.466 now). His career high OBP is .385 (.399 now). So, Fedroff is having his best season in his most trying year, and while his minor league numbers are all improvements over his career highs, his numbers in Columbus alone are even that much higher (go back and look). So, here’s a guy that’s improved everywhere he’s gone…so do you give him a chance in the bigs, or is he moderate trade bait? Should be interesting, because you just can’t have a guy that continues to produce like this not every get a chance. I know, I know…centerfield cushion, and fourth outfielder…
•Nick Weglarz: OF/DH, Akron: 69 G, .254/.358/.462/.820, 32 R, 13 2B, 12 HR, 40 RBI, 35 BB, 87 K: I had to mention Wegz, because he’s literally risen from the waiver ashes this year after getting taken off the 40-man roster. Nobody claimed the former top prospect, and the Indians kept him. From that moment on, he’s been viable. It seems like just yesterday this kid was the power-hitter of the future, but it was 2007 when he blasted 24 homers, and had many penciling him into the outfield or DH-slot by 2011 or so. Then came the injuries, and the once promising prospect turned into a middling power hitter. He was hitting .189 in April, and just over .200 at the end of May. He’s hit .291 since them, with nine homers and 26 RBI, all since June 1st. I don’t see the Indians placing him back on the 40-man, so this is likely Wegz swan song, but at least he’s going out healthy, and looking like that prospect from the past.
•Cody Allen: RP, Akron: 5 G, 1.17 ERA, 1 S, 7 2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 R/ER, 1 HR, 10 K: Allen blew through Akron like a Florida tornado, but was overly dominating on his way through. We’ll call it the Cody Allen Magical Mystery Tour…and he’s clearly the walrus (man, I hope some of you know where that reference comes from…coocookachoo).
•Preston Guilmet: Closer, Akron: 29 G, 1.99 ERA, 2-1, 12 S, 31 2/3 IP, 21 H, 7 R/ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 27 K: If you don’t know who Guilmet is, start paying attention. His career ERA is 2.80, and that is from inflated Mahoning Valley stats when they used him as a starter. Since moving to the closer role, his ERA is a nifty 2.15, with 58 saves and 166 Ks against only 30 walks over 142 innings. I know, Cory Burns got us Aaron Cunningham, but you still have to be impressed by the numbers. Where he goes from here with his corkscrew delivery is beyond me, but if he’s not dealt, he’ll be in Columbus next year, dominating.
•T.J. McFarland: SP, Akron: 10 G, 2.69 ERA, 8-2, 60 1/3 IP, 61 H, 18 R/ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 41 K: McFarland has really re-engaged himself in the discussions as one of the top left-handed prospects in the system. He struggled through the front-half of the 2011 season after a dominant year in 2010 at Carolina. He is a bit of a finesse pitcher, which scares folks off a bit, but can top off at 93 or 94 when he wants to. He’s replicated his success in Columbus this year, but has had two really bad outing that have skewed his numbers. There’s some concern about what he’ll really be in Cleveland once he gets there, but he’s only 22-years old, so there is plenty of time to find out.
•Loek Van Mil: RP, Akron: 18 G, 2.27 ERA, 31 2/3 IP, 22 H, 8 R/ER, 9 BB, 32 K: Van Mil was a mid-season acquisition, and at 7’1”, is something to behold on the mound. He can throw in the mid-to-upper 90’s, but loses control with more velocity. The Indians have tweaked his mechanics, and tempered his velocity, and with it has come that added control. He’s 28, so it’s not like he’s a top prospect or anything, but he’s definitely got some skills that the Indians can use going forward.
•T.J. House: SP, Akron: 13 G, 4.25 ERA, 5-2, 72 IP, 69 H, 36 R/34 ER, 26 BB, 45 K: It’s clear that House is working on locating his pitches, as his strikeouts have come down a bit, but so has his walks. By all indications, his velocity is still up, and he’s really done a nice job becoming a legit prospect. As has been documented here many times, House came into this season in the best shape of his life, and his learning curve has gone up with it. He’s struggled a bit since June 15th, but overall, House has righted the ship. I’m curious to see how he rebounds after the break…with some extra time off.
•Jeremie Tice: DH/LF, Carolina: 52 G, .282/.370/.580/.950, 33 R, 18 2B, 12 HR, 47 RBI, 20 BB, 44 K: The knock on Tice has been the injury issues, and the fact that he was strictly a DH. His offense has never been questioned, and that’s been proven this year as he’s dominated Carolina League pitching, and now, Eastern League pitching as well. The Indians have placed him in the outfield, and that’s worked out, for now, as it gives the Indians a viable option next year from the right side of the plate…should he stay healthy.
•Ronny Rodriguez: SS/2B, Carolina: 84 G, .276/.306/.432/.738, 46 R, 14 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR, 40 RBI, 10 BB, 58 K: Rodriguez started off struggling in his first season in Carolina, but has really figured things out since May. He hit .278 in May, then .340 in June, and had seven of his nine homers in those two months. Rodriguez really struggles with his approach, and strikes out a bit too much, but he’s got a bunch of pop for his size, and if he continues to develop, the 20-year-old could be a serviceable infielder.
•Tony Wolters: 2B/SS, Carolina: 78 G, .248/.310/.361/.671, 40 R, 20 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 36 RBI, 25 BB, 65 K: Wolters has had an up-and-down campaign. We’ve documented over-and-over how Wolters skipped a level, struggled to start the season (.130 in April), and rebounded (.291 in May). He’s since struggled again (.247 in June), and rebounded again (.364 in July), reminding everyone that this kid is all of 20 years old (in June). While I don’t know that he’s a top five prospect, there are intangibles here that I love, and I think he’ll have an outstanding second half. Since June 21st, he’s hitting .324, with seven doubles, a homer and nine RBI in 17 games. His OBP jumps to .370, and his slugging to .471. That’s the type of player he’ll be going forward.
•Cody Allen: RP, Carolina: 2 G, 4 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1 H, 8 K: Sorry, I couldn’t help myself, but this eggman dominated in his short time here. Thus began Allen’s climb to the top. Remember, he’s just been in the system since last June. In one year, he’s already on the edge of the big leagues. No, he’s not Harper, but he’s special.
•Grant Sides: RP, Carolina: 7 G, 1.08 ERA, 3 S, 8 1/3 IP, 6 H, 1 R/ER, 3 BB, 9 K: Sides is my favorite reliever on the team right now, ahead of Armstrong. Sides was the 12th rounder last season, while Armstrong was the 18th rounder, but both have taken the same trajectory, although Sides has played a bit more in the lower levels of Mahoning and Lake County. Still, his arm is electric, and coming off of a 2010 Tommy John surgery. He has a high powered fastball that can top out in the upper 90’s, and is past that two-year window that it usually takes players to rebound. He has absolute command on the mound, and is impressive to watch live. I think the Indians will take their time with sides more than guys like Allen and Armstrong, but in the end, he may be better than both. The thought of a pen with Pestano, Allen, Armstrong and Sides is exciting, to say the least, but there are a lot of games and years in between that from happening.
•Danny Salazar: SP, Carolina: 12 G, 0-2, 2.63 ERA, 37 2/3 IP, 32 H, 11 R/ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 36 K: Salazar has been in IPI’s rankings since 2009, when he was the #45 ranked pitcher. He climbed up to #33 in 2010, and big things were expected of him. In Tony’s words back then, “he’s a sleeper prospect to watch, who has some helium, and should pitch in the starting rotation for High-A Kinston, or due to starting depth in the system, could begin the year in Low-A Lake County, but move quickly to Kinston.” Salazar had Tommy John surgery in August of 2010 after pitching in only seven games. He would return after a year, and was outstanding in both Arizona and Lake County. The Indians moved him to Carolina, and continue to limit his innings, as he’s currently at a four-inning/50 pitch count threshold. He’s back in the rankings at 38, and if I were a betting man, I’d say another climb will be in order. He’s really only had a couple of bad starts, and after a DL stint for a month in April through May, he’s had six starts in which he hasn’t given up a run, and only one in which he’s given up more than one. Looking forward to seeing his restraints taken off, to see what he can do.
•Jordan Smith: OF, Lake County: 67 G, .301/.353/.438/.818, 36 R, 16 2B, 5 3B, 4 HR, 33 RBI, 18 BB, 34 K: Smith was a ninth rounder in 2011, and to be honest, shares many of the same traits as the Tribe’s 2012 first rounder, Tyler Naquin. Both make great contact with the ball, and have a fantastic swing. Both lack power, but can hit every gap, and go the opposite field. Naquin has better speed, and is a better overall defender, but both have an above average arm. Smith was a steal in the ninth round, but you can now see why Naquin was a stretch. As per Smith, he clearly has the most advanced bat in Lake County, and while he’s not the best talent, he likely will move earlier than some of the younger guys.
•Jerrud Sabourin: 1B/DH, Lake County: 79 G, .295/.370/.375/.745, 33 R, 17 2B, 2 HR, 38 RBI, 33 BB, 46 K, 3 SB: While my Sabour-Tooth fan club has yet to take off, Sabourin hasn’t let that hinder his ‘out-of-nowhere’ start to the 2012 season. Seriously, there are some of you RIGHT NOW going, “Who is this guy?” Sabourin was a free-agent signing out of Indiana, where he is their all-time hit leader. He did absolutely nothing at Mahoning Valley last year, so to say anyone expected this not named Sabourin is flat-out lying. Seriously, if you would have said that Jerrud Sabourin was going to have a higher average than Luigi Rodriguez, Bryson Myles or Luigi Rodriguez, the first reaction would have been, “Who?” Then you would have laughed me out of the room. The only one laughing now is Sabourin. Sabour-Tooth fan club shirt, anyone? [this guy is NOT A PROSPECT.]
•Alex Monsalve: C/DH, Lake County: 73 G, .265/.324/.406/.730, 36 R, 17 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 36 RBI, 23 BB, 35 K: Monsalve is just loaded with potential, and he just turned 20 in April. While he still has limitations, there are two things going for him. First, he’s athletic, and any time you have a kid that’s 6’2” and 225 pounds, who’s as nimble and athletic as he is, you have a guy that can progress on talent alone. When you combine that with his teachability, you have a guy that I think can be something special. What am I talking about? Last season, the Indians were concerned that he struck out 96 times in 117 games, with only 31 walks at Lake County. In 2010, he struck out 52 times in 43 games, while only walking four times. You get the picture, right? This year? He’s already got 23 walks, and will likely pass his career high of 31 in the near future in Carolina. He’s only struck out 35 times in LC, and one more time in Carolina…and that’s in 76 total games. See what I mean? At 20, you call that teachable. He’s got seven homers, which is already his career high, and he still has two months to play. Did I mention he’s 20? He’s my sleeper in our system.
•Luigi Rodriguez: OF, Lake County: 76 G, .267/.328/.392/.721, 52 R, 83 H, 13 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR, 32 RBI, 30 BB, 88 K, 15 SB: Rodriguez has one of the biggest upsides in the system. You’re talking about a kid with plus-plus speed and power. His only limitation as an offensive player is his approach, which just has to improve. He strikes out way too much, and if he could cut a quarter of those K’s away or more, and put the ball on the ground, his speed will take care of the rest. His six homers represent his best output so far in his career, but he’s never played more than 63 games, so it’s not exactly an uptick. Rodriguez turns 20 in November, so he’s still plenty young, but he has to improve that approach, or he could get lost in the shuffle.
•Grant Sides: RP, Lake County: 18 G, 1-0, 1 S, 34 1/3 IP, 19 H, 4 R/ER, 11 BB 37 K: This was the beginning of Sides climb through the system that has an outside shot of ending up in Columbus this year.
•Cody Anderson: SP, Lake County: 16 G, 7-8, 3.11 ERA, 75 1/3 IP, 76 H, 30 R/26 ER, 7 HR, 23 BB, 56 K: Anderson may not be the highest upside guy for the Captains, but he’s definitely not far off. He’s got a fastball that sits in the low-to-mid 90’s, and can touch 95 or 96 when he digs deep. He has a new pitch that is a hybrid between a slider and a cutter, that he throws just like his fastball, with a twist. He has an average to good curveball to go with it, so you could see Anderson really start to advance as he learns how to mix his pitches. He was a reliever in college, so you are seeing a rare thing in Indians baseball, a pitcher BECOMING a starter. It’s not something the Indians are all that familiar with, but Anderson may be the exception to the rule.
Around the Farm: The Supersized, All-Star edition
By Jim Pete
July 11, 2012 ShareThis
This is a special edition of Around the Farm. Normally, ATF takes a quick look at some of yesterday’s performances by Indians prospects throughout the system. Today’s edition will take a look at some of this season’s exceptional players at the top four levels of Low A Lake County, High A Carolina, Double A Akron and Triple A Columbus. I can't include everyone that's stood out, so I've tried to highlight just a few of the guys who have dominated ATF throughout the season.
Matt LaPorta: 1B/DH/LF, Columbus Clippers: 67 Games, .311/.382/.479/.893, 45 R, 14 2B, 1 3B, 17 HR, 43 RBI, 30 BB, 60 K
LaPorta is what he is, a Major League veteran, that’s under the cuff of expectations. Unfortunately for the big righty, when you are the major cog in an unpopular deal for CC Sabathia, you have to be a star, and when you aren’t, you find yourself, fairly or not, standing in front of a mountain. That’s where LaPorta is right now. With that said, he’s been the offensive star of the Clip-Show this year, and is putting up the norm for what he’s done in his career in the minors. He just can’t replicate that level of play in the majors. What’s confounding though is how the Indians are using a very poor three-headed monster out there with Duncan, Damon and Cunningham, while LaPorta’s 162 game average far exceeds what those three WILL EVER do out there. It just goes to show you what happens when you fall out of favor.
Cody Allen: RP, Columbus Clippers: 22 Games, 2.51 ERA, 28 2/3 IP, 20 H, 8 R/ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 33 K
Right now, Cody Allen is the only viable player for the Clippers that can be impactful at the major league level as a star. Now, he’s a relief pitcher, and would be a 7th inning guy right now, so star would be relative, but this kid has a cannon of an arm, with wicked stuff, and has finally found his dominance at Triple A after struggling a bit out of the gate. He gave up six earned runs in his first nine Triple A games. Since then, he’s given up one over his last 13, dating back to May 30th. This kid may be the best arm in the entire system, and the only way he isn’t with the Indians by August is if he’s traded. You’re looking at a guy that should be at the backend of the bullpen for years to come, and that will start this year.
Chun-Hsiu Chen: 1B, DH, C, Akron Aeros: 85 Games, .321/.409/.448/.857, 51 R, 26 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 46 BB, 78 K:
Chen is having a big-time season with Akron after moving to first base, and this is fantastic when you consider his injury-riddled 2011 struggle in Akron, which turned out to be his last as a full-time catcher. The Indians moved him to first base in hopes that he could fill an organizational need, and keep him healthy. Well, he’s healthy, and he’s playing some of his best offensive baseball of his career, but his power is absolutely gone. To give you a comparison, Jordan Brown won the MVP in the Eastern League in 2007. His numbers: 127 G, .333/.421/.484/.906, 85 R, 36 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR, 76 RBI, 63 BB, 56 K. That isn’t to put down Brown or Chen, but the Indians never saw Brown as a legit prospect because he didn’t have enough power at a corner infield or outfield slot, or for the DH role. Chen is following along those exact same lines, with less power, and a less balanced approach at the plate. For Chen to be viable at the big league level, he needs to hit the ball out of the park more, it’s really as simple as that.
Steven Wright: SP, Akron Aeros: 16 Games, 6-6, 92 2/3 IP, 70 H, 38 R/27 ER, 6 HR, 48 BB, 84 K:
This has been a freakish good year for Wright, who’s really starting to master that knuckleball that he started throwing consistently last season. The 28-year-old has been dominant all season, other than a couple of starts, and has really showcased what can happen when you commit to a change. I would say that Wright likely had zero shot to make it to the Indians, or even stay in the organization a couple of years ago, he changed things up, and now will likely see the bigs next year, if he continues on his current trajectory. He has struggled in July, to the tune of a 7.59 ERA, but perhaps the humid weather has kept his knuckler a little higher than it should be, or perhaps the consistency still isn’t there, which would explain why the Indians are keeping him in Akron as we speak. There really isn’t a better story in the system right now. [KNUCKLEBALLERS DEVELOP LATE. WE'LL SEE HIM IN CLEVELAND IN 2018]
Jesus Aguilar: 1B/DH, Carolina Mudcats: 80 G, .305/.389/.518/.908, 50 R, 21 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR, 45 RBI, 34 BB, 68 K
Aguilar may be the offensive MVP of the entire minor league system right now. [NOT MUCH COMPETITON FOR THAT PRIZE] When Aguilar came to the Kinston Indians last season for the playoff stretch, he wasn’t even close to the same player that he is now. He was a bit of an all-or-nothing sort, who was clearly swinging for the fences, and could be had with the right breaking pitch. This year, Aguilar has really become dangerous. He’s waiting for his pitches better, and getting on base a bunch more without hurting his slugging or his OBP. The Carolina is notorious for killing off suspect bats because pitchers are good at this level, and they get to see their respective offensive counterparts numerous times. Good offensive players learn the pitchers and excel, and if you watch Aguilar, that’s exactly what he does. He’s similar to Kipnis in that he works hard, and is extremely athletic. He is an elite player in this system, and playing in a park that is likely holding back his power because of the 20-foot-high fence. He’ll explode in Akron, and I have to believe it will happen soon.
Shawn Armstrong: RHP, Carolina Mudcats: 26 G, 2.06 ERA, 1-3, 1 S, 43 2/3 IP, 31 H, 10 R/ER, 23 BB, 53 K:
Armstrong has been the best pitcher for Carolina for the duration of the season, but he doesn’t come without questions. He walks a few too many batters, and he’s struggled a bit over the past month or so, with a 4.15 ERA in June, as he’s given up eight of his ten runs since June first, but he’s still got an electric arm, and is one of the elite relievers in the system. His peripherals are outstanding though, and I would suspect that Armstrong will be making the jump to Akron in July at some point, as he’s on the same trajectory as Cody Allen was before him. No, he’s not THAT dominant, but he’s close.
Francisco Lindor: SS, Lake County Captains: 75 G, .263/.350/.370/.721, 51 R, 15 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 34 BB, 49 K, 18 SB:
Lindor is 18-years-old. Lindor doesn’t turn 19 until November. Lindor made the Future’s All-Star game, and was the youngest player at Kauffman Stadium for the festivities. Most rankings have him as a top 20 prospect, and he’s the youngest in most of those as well. Lindor’s numbers aren’t staggering right now, but they were earlier in the season. He’s so good, it’s easy to forget that he’s never played above HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL, so he’s getting his first taste in any extended season. There’s bound to be a lull here and there. Lindor has shown pop, speed, and while he’s committed 11 errors so far this season, he’s also exhibited a flashy glove that will surely get better. Why? His make-up is what’s most impressive about the kid. Scouts rave about his mentality, and it doesn’t take long to see it on the field, and in his interviews. I do think the Indians are going to have him on the table, and for the right pieces, he’ll get dealt, but if he isn’t, he’s as sure a thing as there is in the system.
Joseph Colon: SP, Lake County Captains: 18 G, 7-8, 3.01 ERA, 104 2/3 IP, 94 H, 43 R/35 ER, 6 HR, 31 BB, 70 K:
Rare is the day that a prospect comes out of nowhere to be the main guy, but that’s really what Colon has done. Colon was selected in the 12th round in the 2009 draft, but missed 2010 because of a UCL strain. He returned in 2011, and had a really good season in Mahoning, going 4-4, with a 3.55 ERA. He also made a late start with Lake County that was one of his best of the year. With that said, there was nothing special about his intangibles. He walked a bit too many, and didn’t strike out a bunch of hitters, and he didn’t look much like a workhorse. Colon followed up that solid 2011 season with what appears to be a similar stretch, on steroids. He’s definitely the workhorse of a staff of much more heralded pitchers, and has gone seven innings or more in four starts, and six innings or more in 11 of his 19 starts. He had a stretch of seven games from May 4th through June 4th in which he pitched in six innings or more in each start. The Indians clearly aren’t worried about the UCL, as they are allowing him to put in the innings. It will be interesting to see what happens as the season progresses, as the 77 innings were his most as a professional, in his only season past rookie ball. I don’t think he’s going to be a special prospect, but he could be one of those guys that goes out every fifth game and fights and scrapes to a whole bunch of innings. [OR NOT]
•Tim Fedroff: OF, Columbus: 22 G, .333/.409/.526/.934, 17 R, 26 H, 4 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 12 BB, 16 K: Fedroff continues to rake in the minors, while the Indians continue to show him that they don’t value his style of play all that much. He’s even stepped up his power game, with three homers in his first 22 games at Columbus. His career high is four, and he’s already passed that this season, including his numbers in Akron. It’s been a big year for Fedroff, but at the end of the day, the Indians don’t view him as anything but centerfield cushion, and as a fourth outfielder in the bigs.
•Jared Goedert: OF, IF, DH, Columbus: 43 G, .287/.337/.494/.831, 27 R, 10 2B, 8 HR, 34 RBI, 14 BB, 35 K: Goedert has had bouts of struggle at Triple A, but as he’s shown throughout his minor league career, when he’s on a hot streak, there’s nobody better in the system. The big issue with Goedert is where does he play? He’s like a minor league vagabond, as a jack of all trades, but a master of none. Great minor league player, but hard to see where he would stand in the bigs, if he ever gets a chance.
•Russ Canzler: OF/IF/DH, Columbus: 85 G, 43 R, 21 2B, 2 3B, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 30 BB, 84 K: Like LaPorta, Canzler isn’t really a prospect at this point, but major league fill at the Triple A level. He’s got good power, and can really group home runs when he’s feeling it, but is never going to be a threat for a full time job in the bigs. You have to be wary of those strike outs as well. He’s hitting over .300 since the start of June.
•Matt Langwell: RP, Columbus: 16 G, 2.76 ERA, 29 1/3 IP, 24 H, 10 R/9 ER, 9 BB, 22 K: Langwell is a step below the elite arms that I’ve talked about all season, but he’s still about as consistently good as you can be without reaching the elite level. You can make a big-time major league career off of that style of pitching. Since getting put in the pen after 2008, his ERA has never been above 3.01 at the end of a season. I could easily see him in that Joe Smith role at the big league level.
•Zach McAllister: SP, Columbus: 11 G, 5-2, 2.98 ERA, 63 1/3 IP, 59 H, 27 R/21 ER, 5 HR, 19 BB, 52 K: McAllister is deservedly with the big league club right now, and really was the best starting pitcher in the system over the past year and a half. He likely should have been in that rotation a lot earlier than this based purely on performance, but the Indians had kinks in his delivery to work out, and now that they are habit, McAllister is turning into quite the find. He has definite #3 stuff going forward.
•Jared Goedert: IF, OF, DH, Akron: 35 G, .395/.476/.613/.1.089, 19 R, 10 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 20 BB, 20 K: There wasn’t a hotter player in the system than Goedert, who was called up quickly (for the Indians) after nearly hitting .400 to start the year off. Again, Goedert’s strength is a nice bat, with a nice approach, but not a place in the field to call home.
•Matt Lawson: 2B, Akron: 27 G, .333/.417/.457/.873, 10 R, 8 2B, 1 3B, 10 RBI, 10 BB, 12 K: Lawson is another one of the major league fill guys, only in Akron. He’ll likely never suit up for the Indians (and if he does, then the major league club is in a ton of trouble), but plays his career as a minor league lifer. Nice numbers so far in a role he’s clearly comfortable with. [THIS GUY HAD RETIRED; I THINK HE WAS COACH WHEN THEY REACTIVATED HIM TO HELP OUT. HE IS NOT A PROSPECT.]
•Thomas Neal: LF, Akron: 70 G, .307/.394/.463/.857, 46 R, 18 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 27 BB, 48 K, 4 SB: Neal is a clear case of injured and head rattled, after a mid-season trade last season brought him to Cleveland. He was injured when the Indians dealt for him, and I’m sure was trying to make the Indians believe the move was worthwhile after coming off the DL. He struggled all last season, and then was taken of the 40-man, cleared waivers, and was plunked in Double A. The struggles commenced…but we’re not talking doldrums here. He hit .278 in April, .301 in May, .333 in June, and is hitting .304 in July. The power seems to be following him, as all six of his homers came after June 1st. He has to have more value than some of the guys in Columbus, so it should be interesting to see what happens to him going forward.
•Tim Fedroff: OF, Akron: 54 G, .305/.396/.443/.839, 27 R, 9 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 30 BB, 33 K: Fedroff’s six homers overall is two above his career high. His six triples tied his career high. His career high OPS is .793 (.866 now). His career high slugging is .408 (.466 now). His career high OBP is .385 (.399 now). So, Fedroff is having his best season in his most trying year, and while his minor league numbers are all improvements over his career highs, his numbers in Columbus alone are even that much higher (go back and look). So, here’s a guy that’s improved everywhere he’s gone…so do you give him a chance in the bigs, or is he moderate trade bait? Should be interesting, because you just can’t have a guy that continues to produce like this not every get a chance. I know, I know…centerfield cushion, and fourth outfielder…
•Nick Weglarz: OF/DH, Akron: 69 G, .254/.358/.462/.820, 32 R, 13 2B, 12 HR, 40 RBI, 35 BB, 87 K: I had to mention Wegz, because he’s literally risen from the waiver ashes this year after getting taken off the 40-man roster. Nobody claimed the former top prospect, and the Indians kept him. From that moment on, he’s been viable. It seems like just yesterday this kid was the power-hitter of the future, but it was 2007 when he blasted 24 homers, and had many penciling him into the outfield or DH-slot by 2011 or so. Then came the injuries, and the once promising prospect turned into a middling power hitter. He was hitting .189 in April, and just over .200 at the end of May. He’s hit .291 since them, with nine homers and 26 RBI, all since June 1st. I don’t see the Indians placing him back on the 40-man, so this is likely Wegz swan song, but at least he’s going out healthy, and looking like that prospect from the past.
•Cody Allen: RP, Akron: 5 G, 1.17 ERA, 1 S, 7 2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 R/ER, 1 HR, 10 K: Allen blew through Akron like a Florida tornado, but was overly dominating on his way through. We’ll call it the Cody Allen Magical Mystery Tour…and he’s clearly the walrus (man, I hope some of you know where that reference comes from…coocookachoo).
•Preston Guilmet: Closer, Akron: 29 G, 1.99 ERA, 2-1, 12 S, 31 2/3 IP, 21 H, 7 R/ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 27 K: If you don’t know who Guilmet is, start paying attention. His career ERA is 2.80, and that is from inflated Mahoning Valley stats when they used him as a starter. Since moving to the closer role, his ERA is a nifty 2.15, with 58 saves and 166 Ks against only 30 walks over 142 innings. I know, Cory Burns got us Aaron Cunningham, but you still have to be impressed by the numbers. Where he goes from here with his corkscrew delivery is beyond me, but if he’s not dealt, he’ll be in Columbus next year, dominating.
•T.J. McFarland: SP, Akron: 10 G, 2.69 ERA, 8-2, 60 1/3 IP, 61 H, 18 R/ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 41 K: McFarland has really re-engaged himself in the discussions as one of the top left-handed prospects in the system. He struggled through the front-half of the 2011 season after a dominant year in 2010 at Carolina. He is a bit of a finesse pitcher, which scares folks off a bit, but can top off at 93 or 94 when he wants to. He’s replicated his success in Columbus this year, but has had two really bad outing that have skewed his numbers. There’s some concern about what he’ll really be in Cleveland once he gets there, but he’s only 22-years old, so there is plenty of time to find out.
•Loek Van Mil: RP, Akron: 18 G, 2.27 ERA, 31 2/3 IP, 22 H, 8 R/ER, 9 BB, 32 K: Van Mil was a mid-season acquisition, and at 7’1”, is something to behold on the mound. He can throw in the mid-to-upper 90’s, but loses control with more velocity. The Indians have tweaked his mechanics, and tempered his velocity, and with it has come that added control. He’s 28, so it’s not like he’s a top prospect or anything, but he’s definitely got some skills that the Indians can use going forward.
•T.J. House: SP, Akron: 13 G, 4.25 ERA, 5-2, 72 IP, 69 H, 36 R/34 ER, 26 BB, 45 K: It’s clear that House is working on locating his pitches, as his strikeouts have come down a bit, but so has his walks. By all indications, his velocity is still up, and he’s really done a nice job becoming a legit prospect. As has been documented here many times, House came into this season in the best shape of his life, and his learning curve has gone up with it. He’s struggled a bit since June 15th, but overall, House has righted the ship. I’m curious to see how he rebounds after the break…with some extra time off.
•Jeremie Tice: DH/LF, Carolina: 52 G, .282/.370/.580/.950, 33 R, 18 2B, 12 HR, 47 RBI, 20 BB, 44 K: The knock on Tice has been the injury issues, and the fact that he was strictly a DH. His offense has never been questioned, and that’s been proven this year as he’s dominated Carolina League pitching, and now, Eastern League pitching as well. The Indians have placed him in the outfield, and that’s worked out, for now, as it gives the Indians a viable option next year from the right side of the plate…should he stay healthy.
•Ronny Rodriguez: SS/2B, Carolina: 84 G, .276/.306/.432/.738, 46 R, 14 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR, 40 RBI, 10 BB, 58 K: Rodriguez started off struggling in his first season in Carolina, but has really figured things out since May. He hit .278 in May, then .340 in June, and had seven of his nine homers in those two months. Rodriguez really struggles with his approach, and strikes out a bit too much, but he’s got a bunch of pop for his size, and if he continues to develop, the 20-year-old could be a serviceable infielder.
•Tony Wolters: 2B/SS, Carolina: 78 G, .248/.310/.361/.671, 40 R, 20 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 36 RBI, 25 BB, 65 K: Wolters has had an up-and-down campaign. We’ve documented over-and-over how Wolters skipped a level, struggled to start the season (.130 in April), and rebounded (.291 in May). He’s since struggled again (.247 in June), and rebounded again (.364 in July), reminding everyone that this kid is all of 20 years old (in June). While I don’t know that he’s a top five prospect, there are intangibles here that I love, and I think he’ll have an outstanding second half. Since June 21st, he’s hitting .324, with seven doubles, a homer and nine RBI in 17 games. His OBP jumps to .370, and his slugging to .471. That’s the type of player he’ll be going forward.
•Cody Allen: RP, Carolina: 2 G, 4 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1 H, 8 K: Sorry, I couldn’t help myself, but this eggman dominated in his short time here. Thus began Allen’s climb to the top. Remember, he’s just been in the system since last June. In one year, he’s already on the edge of the big leagues. No, he’s not Harper, but he’s special.
•Grant Sides: RP, Carolina: 7 G, 1.08 ERA, 3 S, 8 1/3 IP, 6 H, 1 R/ER, 3 BB, 9 K: Sides is my favorite reliever on the team right now, ahead of Armstrong. Sides was the 12th rounder last season, while Armstrong was the 18th rounder, but both have taken the same trajectory, although Sides has played a bit more in the lower levels of Mahoning and Lake County. Still, his arm is electric, and coming off of a 2010 Tommy John surgery. He has a high powered fastball that can top out in the upper 90’s, and is past that two-year window that it usually takes players to rebound. He has absolute command on the mound, and is impressive to watch live. I think the Indians will take their time with sides more than guys like Allen and Armstrong, but in the end, he may be better than both. The thought of a pen with Pestano, Allen, Armstrong and Sides is exciting, to say the least, but there are a lot of games and years in between that from happening.
•Danny Salazar: SP, Carolina: 12 G, 0-2, 2.63 ERA, 37 2/3 IP, 32 H, 11 R/ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 36 K: Salazar has been in IPI’s rankings since 2009, when he was the #45 ranked pitcher. He climbed up to #33 in 2010, and big things were expected of him. In Tony’s words back then, “he’s a sleeper prospect to watch, who has some helium, and should pitch in the starting rotation for High-A Kinston, or due to starting depth in the system, could begin the year in Low-A Lake County, but move quickly to Kinston.” Salazar had Tommy John surgery in August of 2010 after pitching in only seven games. He would return after a year, and was outstanding in both Arizona and Lake County. The Indians moved him to Carolina, and continue to limit his innings, as he’s currently at a four-inning/50 pitch count threshold. He’s back in the rankings at 38, and if I were a betting man, I’d say another climb will be in order. He’s really only had a couple of bad starts, and after a DL stint for a month in April through May, he’s had six starts in which he hasn’t given up a run, and only one in which he’s given up more than one. Looking forward to seeing his restraints taken off, to see what he can do.
•Jordan Smith: OF, Lake County: 67 G, .301/.353/.438/.818, 36 R, 16 2B, 5 3B, 4 HR, 33 RBI, 18 BB, 34 K: Smith was a ninth rounder in 2011, and to be honest, shares many of the same traits as the Tribe’s 2012 first rounder, Tyler Naquin. Both make great contact with the ball, and have a fantastic swing. Both lack power, but can hit every gap, and go the opposite field. Naquin has better speed, and is a better overall defender, but both have an above average arm. Smith was a steal in the ninth round, but you can now see why Naquin was a stretch. As per Smith, he clearly has the most advanced bat in Lake County, and while he’s not the best talent, he likely will move earlier than some of the younger guys.
•Jerrud Sabourin: 1B/DH, Lake County: 79 G, .295/.370/.375/.745, 33 R, 17 2B, 2 HR, 38 RBI, 33 BB, 46 K, 3 SB: While my Sabour-Tooth fan club has yet to take off, Sabourin hasn’t let that hinder his ‘out-of-nowhere’ start to the 2012 season. Seriously, there are some of you RIGHT NOW going, “Who is this guy?” Sabourin was a free-agent signing out of Indiana, where he is their all-time hit leader. He did absolutely nothing at Mahoning Valley last year, so to say anyone expected this not named Sabourin is flat-out lying. Seriously, if you would have said that Jerrud Sabourin was going to have a higher average than Luigi Rodriguez, Bryson Myles or Luigi Rodriguez, the first reaction would have been, “Who?” Then you would have laughed me out of the room. The only one laughing now is Sabourin. Sabour-Tooth fan club shirt, anyone? [this guy is NOT A PROSPECT.]
•Alex Monsalve: C/DH, Lake County: 73 G, .265/.324/.406/.730, 36 R, 17 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 36 RBI, 23 BB, 35 K: Monsalve is just loaded with potential, and he just turned 20 in April. While he still has limitations, there are two things going for him. First, he’s athletic, and any time you have a kid that’s 6’2” and 225 pounds, who’s as nimble and athletic as he is, you have a guy that can progress on talent alone. When you combine that with his teachability, you have a guy that I think can be something special. What am I talking about? Last season, the Indians were concerned that he struck out 96 times in 117 games, with only 31 walks at Lake County. In 2010, he struck out 52 times in 43 games, while only walking four times. You get the picture, right? This year? He’s already got 23 walks, and will likely pass his career high of 31 in the near future in Carolina. He’s only struck out 35 times in LC, and one more time in Carolina…and that’s in 76 total games. See what I mean? At 20, you call that teachable. He’s got seven homers, which is already his career high, and he still has two months to play. Did I mention he’s 20? He’s my sleeper in our system.
•Luigi Rodriguez: OF, Lake County: 76 G, .267/.328/.392/.721, 52 R, 83 H, 13 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR, 32 RBI, 30 BB, 88 K, 15 SB: Rodriguez has one of the biggest upsides in the system. You’re talking about a kid with plus-plus speed and power. His only limitation as an offensive player is his approach, which just has to improve. He strikes out way too much, and if he could cut a quarter of those K’s away or more, and put the ball on the ground, his speed will take care of the rest. His six homers represent his best output so far in his career, but he’s never played more than 63 games, so it’s not exactly an uptick. Rodriguez turns 20 in November, so he’s still plenty young, but he has to improve that approach, or he could get lost in the shuffle.
•Grant Sides: RP, Lake County: 18 G, 1-0, 1 S, 34 1/3 IP, 19 H, 4 R/ER, 11 BB 37 K: This was the beginning of Sides climb through the system that has an outside shot of ending up in Columbus this year.
•Cody Anderson: SP, Lake County: 16 G, 7-8, 3.11 ERA, 75 1/3 IP, 76 H, 30 R/26 ER, 7 HR, 23 BB, 56 K: Anderson may not be the highest upside guy for the Captains, but he’s definitely not far off. He’s got a fastball that sits in the low-to-mid 90’s, and can touch 95 or 96 when he digs deep. He has a new pitch that is a hybrid between a slider and a cutter, that he throws just like his fastball, with a twist. He has an average to good curveball to go with it, so you could see Anderson really start to advance as he learns how to mix his pitches. He was a reliever in college, so you are seeing a rare thing in Indians baseball, a pitcher BECOMING a starter. It’s not something the Indians are all that familiar with, but Anderson may be the exception to the rule.
Re: Minor Matters
1928Some Ex-MLB Managers Find New Life In The Minors
ZEBULON, N.C. (AP) — Edwin Rodriguez climbed the managing ladder all the way to the major leagues. Now the former Florida Marlins skipper has settled into a new home — back in the minors.
Rodriguez is one of a handful of ex-big league managers who have resurfaced this season in the minors. He’s now in charge of the Single-A Carolina Mudcats and relishing the challenge of developing the next crop of Cleveland Indians.
“Most of the guys that got to manage in the big leagues — I would say a high percentage of them — they have been through the minor leagues and the development side, working with the minor-league players, the young players, and that’s one thing that you just don’t stop doing,” Rodriguez said in an interview with The Associated Press.
“You really like when you see a player grow up as a player, as an athlete, and it’s a very great moment for you as a coach when you see that,” he added. “I’m just talking about myself, but I’m pretty sure everybody would say the same thing. … So whenever we have a chance to stay in baseball and come back to the minor leagues, I think that’s one thing we’d take into consideration.”
He certainly isn’t alone in the minors.
Former Cleveland interim manager Joel Skinner is now with Triple-A Charlotte. Former Nationals manager Jim Riggleman is with the Reds’ Double-A affiliate in Pensacola. Ex-Toronto skipper John Gibbons has resurfaced with the Padres’ Double-A team in San Antonio — with San Diego general manager Josh Byrnes calling Gibbons “a great addition to our organization.”
“His knowledge, calmness and competitiveness have all proven to be standout qualities,” Byrnes said. “We are lucky to have him.”
Indians GM Chris Antonetti said Rodriguez is “invaluable because he provides a unique set of experiences.
“Having managed some of the best players in the world at the major league level and dealing with that dynamic and now going back to the minor leagues and being able to have that impact on younger players and apply some of the lessons that he learned at the major league level and share some of those with the younger guys, is really valuable for us,” he added.
It’s not often that former MLB managers slide back to the minors. More frequently, they find work on someone else’s big league staff — perhaps as a base coach or bench coach — while hoping for that next big-league managing gig.
Skinner, the Indians’ interim manager in 2003, first dipped into the minors in 2009 at Double-A Akron and spent two years on Oakland’s big-league staff before coming to Charlotte. Gibbons, fired by the Blue Jays in 2008, was Kansas City’s bench coach before going in San Antonio.
Rodriguez’s ascent started in 1997 as the hitting coach of Tampa Bay’s rookie-league team. He rocketed up the Marlins’ organization and peaked in 2010 when the big-league club made him the first Puerto Rican-born manager in major-league history. He went 78-85 during parts of two seasons before resigning last June following a long losing streak.
Roughly 10 minutes after that announcement, he said, another unnamed big-league team offered a job on its staff — and a different club made a similar offer a week later. He held off and took the Indians’ job because of that club’s reputation for developing players, especially those from Latin America.
“Going back to A-ball, I really have to remind myself on a daily basis that I have to start (teaching the players) from zero,” Rodriguez said. “I can’t assume anything with these guys, with the young players, so it’s a daily reminder for me.”
The move back down to the minors usually requires a refocusing of priorities. While managers are judged primarily on wins and losses in the big leagues, the emphasis is a little different in the minors — the record matters, but generally not as much as keeping the players developing and moving up the farm system.
Players’ “makeup sometimes is different — they’re a little more fragile mentally, and they have to understand that it’s a grind,” Rodriguez said. “It’s a long season, and that’s the part that as a manager or coach, you have to take that in consideration, making sure the confidence is going to be there regardless. … The difference is, in the big leagues, you have to make sure they’re doing their work and all that. In the minor leagues, you really have to work on the mental side of the player.”
Their experience certainly gives them added credibility with their impressionable players.
“He treats us like men,” said Tony Wolters, a 20-year-old shortstop with the Mudcats. “If I was in the big leagues, I think that’s how it would be.”
Rodriguez insists he isn’t in a rush to get back to that level. Sure, if a big-league team wanted to talk, he’d take the call — but that’s not what drives him these days.
“If I retired today or they fired me today, I would be pleased,” Rodriguez said. “I just want to be in baseball for as long as I can and they want me here. There’s no goal, there’s no agenda of going back to the big leagues. If there’s some team out there that would want my service? Yeah, of course, why not?
But it’s not a goal. … I can retire tomorrow or today, and I will be pleased with what I’ve done.”
___
AP Sports Writers Tom Withers in Cleveland and Bernie Wilson in San Diego contributed to this report.
(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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ZEBULON, N.C. (AP) — Edwin Rodriguez climbed the managing ladder all the way to the major leagues. Now the former Florida Marlins skipper has settled into a new home — back in the minors.
Rodriguez is one of a handful of ex-big league managers who have resurfaced this season in the minors. He’s now in charge of the Single-A Carolina Mudcats and relishing the challenge of developing the next crop of Cleveland Indians.
“Most of the guys that got to manage in the big leagues — I would say a high percentage of them — they have been through the minor leagues and the development side, working with the minor-league players, the young players, and that’s one thing that you just don’t stop doing,” Rodriguez said in an interview with The Associated Press.
“You really like when you see a player grow up as a player, as an athlete, and it’s a very great moment for you as a coach when you see that,” he added. “I’m just talking about myself, but I’m pretty sure everybody would say the same thing. … So whenever we have a chance to stay in baseball and come back to the minor leagues, I think that’s one thing we’d take into consideration.”
He certainly isn’t alone in the minors.
Former Cleveland interim manager Joel Skinner is now with Triple-A Charlotte. Former Nationals manager Jim Riggleman is with the Reds’ Double-A affiliate in Pensacola. Ex-Toronto skipper John Gibbons has resurfaced with the Padres’ Double-A team in San Antonio — with San Diego general manager Josh Byrnes calling Gibbons “a great addition to our organization.”
“His knowledge, calmness and competitiveness have all proven to be standout qualities,” Byrnes said. “We are lucky to have him.”
Indians GM Chris Antonetti said Rodriguez is “invaluable because he provides a unique set of experiences.
“Having managed some of the best players in the world at the major league level and dealing with that dynamic and now going back to the minor leagues and being able to have that impact on younger players and apply some of the lessons that he learned at the major league level and share some of those with the younger guys, is really valuable for us,” he added.
It’s not often that former MLB managers slide back to the minors. More frequently, they find work on someone else’s big league staff — perhaps as a base coach or bench coach — while hoping for that next big-league managing gig.
Skinner, the Indians’ interim manager in 2003, first dipped into the minors in 2009 at Double-A Akron and spent two years on Oakland’s big-league staff before coming to Charlotte. Gibbons, fired by the Blue Jays in 2008, was Kansas City’s bench coach before going in San Antonio.
Rodriguez’s ascent started in 1997 as the hitting coach of Tampa Bay’s rookie-league team. He rocketed up the Marlins’ organization and peaked in 2010 when the big-league club made him the first Puerto Rican-born manager in major-league history. He went 78-85 during parts of two seasons before resigning last June following a long losing streak.
Roughly 10 minutes after that announcement, he said, another unnamed big-league team offered a job on its staff — and a different club made a similar offer a week later. He held off and took the Indians’ job because of that club’s reputation for developing players, especially those from Latin America.
“Going back to A-ball, I really have to remind myself on a daily basis that I have to start (teaching the players) from zero,” Rodriguez said. “I can’t assume anything with these guys, with the young players, so it’s a daily reminder for me.”
The move back down to the minors usually requires a refocusing of priorities. While managers are judged primarily on wins and losses in the big leagues, the emphasis is a little different in the minors — the record matters, but generally not as much as keeping the players developing and moving up the farm system.
Players’ “makeup sometimes is different — they’re a little more fragile mentally, and they have to understand that it’s a grind,” Rodriguez said. “It’s a long season, and that’s the part that as a manager or coach, you have to take that in consideration, making sure the confidence is going to be there regardless. … The difference is, in the big leagues, you have to make sure they’re doing their work and all that. In the minor leagues, you really have to work on the mental side of the player.”
Their experience certainly gives them added credibility with their impressionable players.
“He treats us like men,” said Tony Wolters, a 20-year-old shortstop with the Mudcats. “If I was in the big leagues, I think that’s how it would be.”
Rodriguez insists he isn’t in a rush to get back to that level. Sure, if a big-league team wanted to talk, he’d take the call — but that’s not what drives him these days.
“If I retired today or they fired me today, I would be pleased,” Rodriguez said. “I just want to be in baseball for as long as I can and they want me here. There’s no goal, there’s no agenda of going back to the big leagues. If there’s some team out there that would want my service? Yeah, of course, why not?
But it’s not a goal. … I can retire tomorrow or today, and I will be pleased with what I’ve done.”
___
AP Sports Writers Tom Withers in Cleveland and Bernie Wilson in San Diego contributed to this report.
(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
OPEN FULL SITE
Re: Minor Matters
1929Naquin went 0-6 in a 13-inning Scrappers loss. Aaron Siliga OF had a double, a triple and a go-ahead RBI single in the top of the 13th. Siliga was a 2010 high school draftee who is still rather young for the NYPL. He's brought his average up to the 280s. Here is his scouting analysis from the 2010 draft (17th round, no details provided on his bonus):
Outfielder Siliga is threatening to eclipse the hitting records set at Oceanside High by Matt Cerda, a fourth-round pick of the Cubs in 2008. Similar to Cerda, Siliga is a compact and powerfully built lefthanded hitter who possesses bat speed and power. Siliga first came to the attention of scouts and recruiters with a terrific wood-bat BP session prior to a scout ball game in Orange County last fall. Considered signable, Siliga will probably attend Palomar JC if he goes to school.
Outfielder Siliga is threatening to eclipse the hitting records set at Oceanside High by Matt Cerda, a fourth-round pick of the Cubs in 2008. Similar to Cerda, Siliga is a compact and powerfully built lefthanded hitter who possesses bat speed and power. Siliga first came to the attention of scouts and recruiters with a terrific wood-bat BP session prior to a scout ball game in Orange County last fall. Considered signable, Siliga will probably attend Palomar JC if he goes to school.
Re: Minor Matters
1930Yesterday's lines from BA:
CLE LoA Lindor, Francisco SS 5 1 1 0 .262 SB (19)
CLE LoA Lowery, Jake C 4 2 2 0 .250 BB (4) [demoted to Lake County, sharing the catching with Lavisky. Neither is having a good year.]
CLE LoA Myles, Bryson RF 4 1 3 3 .266 2B (10), SB (12)
CLE LoA Rodriguez, Luigi CF 5 1 3 2 .272 2B (14)
CLE LoA Sterling, Felix 3 8 6 6 0 4 6.53 L (3-8) [Sterling is a tarnished prospect.]
CLE LoA Lindor, Francisco SS 5 1 1 0 .262 SB (19)
CLE LoA Lowery, Jake C 4 2 2 0 .250 BB (4) [demoted to Lake County, sharing the catching with Lavisky. Neither is having a good year.]
CLE LoA Myles, Bryson RF 4 1 3 3 .266 2B (10), SB (12)
CLE LoA Rodriguez, Luigi CF 5 1 3 2 .272 2B (14)
CLE LoA Sterling, Felix 3 8 6 6 0 4 6.53 L (3-8) [Sterling is a tarnished prospect.]
Re: Minor Matters
19312012 Indians Draft: 7/12 Signing update
By Tony Lastoria
July 12, 2012
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With less than 24 hours before the 5:00pm ET signing deadline on Friday, here is a brief – yet very noteworthy - update today on some high profile players still yet to be signed:
4th round pick outfielder D’Vone McClure will sign on Friday; at least that is what he told me in an email on Thursday. Details of his deal are unknown at this time, but he is expected to be signed well over the “slot” for his pick ($315K). He was expected to sign all along, but as a high profile pick and in the 4th round, negotiations took some time to get to a common ground.
8th round pick right-handed pitcher Caleb Hamrick has agreed to terms on a deal and is having dinner with the Indians tonight to finalize the terms. I should have financial details later.
With McClure and Hamrick both signed, it will be interesting to see how much of their $715K of extra bonus pool money is eaten up by their signings, and if there is anything left who they may be able to sign from the draft.
25th round pick right-handed pitcher Cameron Cox is expected to not sign and return to school in order to improve his draft position next year.
28th round pick infielder Joshua Pigg has elected not to sign and in an email to the IPI he said he will attend junior college at Cosumnes River College (CA) in the fall.
Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI. Also, his new book the 2012 Cleveland Indians Prospect Insider which profiles the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is available for sale.
User Comments
Tony
July 12, 2012 - 9:13 PM EDT
The news today sort of makes the signing deadline anti-climatic. I am not sure how much the Indians will have leftover to sign anyone else, but maybe we see a signing or two.
Bob T.
July 12, 2012 - 8:57 PM EDT
Great stuff Tony.....thanks for all of this info this year. you were on top of the signings and reported almost all of them days before the Indians or other places like baseball america. Well worth the subscription price. Hamrick was the one I was holding out hope for....just like power on the mound and at the plate. We will see. I am pumped to see what all these new draft picks can do!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe
July 12, 2012 - 8:47 PM EDT
Good to see McClure and Hamrick signing. Think McClure can be something special.Would be nice to see a prospect do some real good things and move up quickly. He definitely has the tools. We need some good hitters with power to develop. Really lacking in that area.
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By Tony Lastoria
July 12, 2012
ShareThis
With less than 24 hours before the 5:00pm ET signing deadline on Friday, here is a brief – yet very noteworthy - update today on some high profile players still yet to be signed:
4th round pick outfielder D’Vone McClure will sign on Friday; at least that is what he told me in an email on Thursday. Details of his deal are unknown at this time, but he is expected to be signed well over the “slot” for his pick ($315K). He was expected to sign all along, but as a high profile pick and in the 4th round, negotiations took some time to get to a common ground.
8th round pick right-handed pitcher Caleb Hamrick has agreed to terms on a deal and is having dinner with the Indians tonight to finalize the terms. I should have financial details later.
With McClure and Hamrick both signed, it will be interesting to see how much of their $715K of extra bonus pool money is eaten up by their signings, and if there is anything left who they may be able to sign from the draft.
25th round pick right-handed pitcher Cameron Cox is expected to not sign and return to school in order to improve his draft position next year.
28th round pick infielder Joshua Pigg has elected not to sign and in an email to the IPI he said he will attend junior college at Cosumnes River College (CA) in the fall.
Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI. Also, his new book the 2012 Cleveland Indians Prospect Insider which profiles the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is available for sale.
User Comments
Tony
July 12, 2012 - 9:13 PM EDT
The news today sort of makes the signing deadline anti-climatic. I am not sure how much the Indians will have leftover to sign anyone else, but maybe we see a signing or two.
Bob T.
July 12, 2012 - 8:57 PM EDT
Great stuff Tony.....thanks for all of this info this year. you were on top of the signings and reported almost all of them days before the Indians or other places like baseball america. Well worth the subscription price. Hamrick was the one I was holding out hope for....just like power on the mound and at the plate. We will see. I am pumped to see what all these new draft picks can do!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe
July 12, 2012 - 8:47 PM EDT
Good to see McClure and Hamrick signing. Think McClure can be something special.Would be nice to see a prospect do some real good things and move up quickly. He definitely has the tools. We need some good hitters with power to develop. Really lacking in that area.
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Your Name:
Security Code:
Submit
Re: Minor Matters
1932Draft Chat With Jim Callis
By Jim Callis
July 12, 2012
Colby (Arkansas): D'Vone McClure, Razorback or Indian after tomorrow?
Jim Callis: Indian. I believe he'll sign.
By Jim Callis
July 12, 2012
Colby (Arkansas): D'Vone McClure, Razorback or Indian after tomorrow?
Jim Callis: Indian. I believe he'll sign.
Re: Minor Matters
1933Scrapper star starter deJesus with another good one Wednesday, 6 innings, 2 runs, 2 runs, 1 walk 5 K. Ryan Merritt less good last night, 5 runs, 3 eearned in 4 2/3. Naquin 0-6 and 1-4 in the 2 games.
Arizona team loses a pitcher's duel 17-15. The offensive stars were the team's top prospects: SS Dorsyss Paulino hit a double and two triples, drew 2 walks, score 4 batted in 2 (and made his 7th and 8th errors). Jorge Martinez 5-2-3-3 with a double. Catcher Eric Haase 5-1-2-4, 2 doubles. OF Anthony Santander 2 hits.
In Lake County, Jordan Smith 4-1-2-3 with his 5th homer (hit none in MHV last summer). Luigi Rod drew 3 walks, caught stealing once. Shawn Morimando (late pick signed for way over slot $400000 in 20011) 5 innings, 1 earned run, 4 walks vs 2 K.
Bo Greenwell 3 hits including a triple) for Carolina,he's batting 344. Aguillar single and walk. Ronnie Rod 3 K.
TJ House with a good start for Akron. 7 2/3 7 2 2 3 8. Rob Bryson 2 shutout innings. 1 bb, 1 K.
Kluber good start 6 innings, 3 hits, 1 run, 3 walks, 6 K. Cody Allen with a perfect inning save. I'd be willing to see either of them get a look in Cleveland. Cord Phelps single, double, walk. Carrera single 2 walks 2 steals.
Game 2, Carrera with a single and a double andanother steal. Ryan Langwell 2 fine innings of relief, 1 hit, no walks, 4 K. Tyler Sturdevant season debut in AAA: faces 4: 2 walks, a single, one hit, a loss.
Arizona team loses a pitcher's duel 17-15. The offensive stars were the team's top prospects: SS Dorsyss Paulino hit a double and two triples, drew 2 walks, score 4 batted in 2 (and made his 7th and 8th errors). Jorge Martinez 5-2-3-3 with a double. Catcher Eric Haase 5-1-2-4, 2 doubles. OF Anthony Santander 2 hits.
In Lake County, Jordan Smith 4-1-2-3 with his 5th homer (hit none in MHV last summer). Luigi Rod drew 3 walks, caught stealing once. Shawn Morimando (late pick signed for way over slot $400000 in 20011) 5 innings, 1 earned run, 4 walks vs 2 K.
Bo Greenwell 3 hits including a triple) for Carolina,he's batting 344. Aguillar single and walk. Ronnie Rod 3 K.
TJ House with a good start for Akron. 7 2/3 7 2 2 3 8. Rob Bryson 2 shutout innings. 1 bb, 1 K.
Kluber good start 6 innings, 3 hits, 1 run, 3 walks, 6 K. Cody Allen with a perfect inning save. I'd be willing to see either of them get a look in Cleveland. Cord Phelps single, double, walk. Carrera single 2 walks 2 steals.
Game 2, Carrera with a single and a double andanother steal. Ryan Langwell 2 fine innings of relief, 1 hit, no walks, 4 K. Tyler Sturdevant season debut in AAA: faces 4: 2 walks, a single, one hit, a loss.
Re: Minor Matters
1934BA shows McClure 4th rounder having signed for $765,000.
Arkansas' top prep hitter, McClure put himself on the map in 2011 when he won several matchups with eventual Indians supplemental first-rounder Dillon Howard. McClure has consistently hit the top arms he has faced (including Trey Killian this year), and gave up football to sign a baseball-only scholarship offer to Arkansas. Few expect him to get to Fayetteville, though. Some scouts compare McClure to Austin Jackson, while others are unsure if he can stay in center field. Like Jackson, McClure takes a big swing and is just an average runner, at times turning in below-average times to first. He'll have to improve his instincts to play center as well as Jackson, but he should have more power. McClure has excellent bat speed and the handsy looseness scouts look for in hitters, and many project him to hit for plus power. Teams that aren't as high on McClure say he has an inconsistent motor and modest speed. Even teams that give him a chance to stay in center realize they are mostly buying the bat.
Rated him #91 draft prospect, picked at spot 143
Arkansas' top prep hitter, McClure put himself on the map in 2011 when he won several matchups with eventual Indians supplemental first-rounder Dillon Howard. McClure has consistently hit the top arms he has faced (including Trey Killian this year), and gave up football to sign a baseball-only scholarship offer to Arkansas. Few expect him to get to Fayetteville, though. Some scouts compare McClure to Austin Jackson, while others are unsure if he can stay in center field. Like Jackson, McClure takes a big swing and is just an average runner, at times turning in below-average times to first. He'll have to improve his instincts to play center as well as Jackson, but he should have more power. McClure has excellent bat speed and the handsy looseness scouts look for in hitters, and many project him to hit for plus power. Teams that aren't as high on McClure say he has an inconsistent motor and modest speed. Even teams that give him a chance to stay in center realize they are mostly buying the bat.
Rated him #91 draft prospect, picked at spot 143
Last edited by civ ollilavad on Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:02 am, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Minor Matters
1935And Hamrock 8th rounder signed for $180,000 slightly over slot.
Another attractive Texas high school pitcher who probably can't be diverted from college, Hamrick is a 6-foot-3, 225-pounder who repeatedly has reached 93 mph with his fastball this spring. The Dallas Baptist recruit usually works at 88-91 mph with his heater and pairs it with a promising slider. Also a righthanded-hitting slugger, he has participated in the last two International Power Showcases.
Another attractive Texas high school pitcher who probably can't be diverted from college, Hamrick is a 6-foot-3, 225-pounder who repeatedly has reached 93 mph with his fastball this spring. The Dallas Baptist recruit usually works at 88-91 mph with his heater and pairs it with a promising slider. Also a righthanded-hitting slugger, he has participated in the last two International Power Showcases.