Today none of ours did much:
Holt 0-1 and a walk, .364
Ronny Rodriguez 0-4 with 2 K, and an error .188
Alex Monsalve 0-4 no one stole against him .083
Re: Minor Matters
2267in Arizona:
Tyler Holt 4 0 1 0 bb .333
Shawn Armstrong 1 0 0 0 0 1 0.00
Shawn's combined ERA at 3 minor league levels was 1.60. Problem is walks; 68 IP 44 H 37 BB
Tyler Holt 4 0 1 0 bb .333
Shawn Armstrong 1 0 0 0 0 1 0.00
Shawn's combined ERA at 3 minor league levels was 1.60. Problem is walks; 68 IP 44 H 37 BB
Re: Minor Matters
2268Goedert, Chen still shining for Indians
Top prospect Lindor has Cleveland excited for future at short
By Zack Cox / Special to MLB.com
Jared Goedert ranked second in the Indians system in home runs and RBIs. (Lianna Holub/MiLB.com)
This offseason, MiLB.com is honoring the players -- regardless of age or prospect status -- who had the best seasons in their organization. We're taking a look at each team to determine the outstanding seasons in Minor League Baseball. Select a team from the dropdown below.
In many ways, this season was the reverse of the 2011 campaign for the Indians organization. Two-time International League champion Columbus Clippers (75-69) failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Carolina (63-77) -- the Tribe's Class A Advanced affiliate -- also missed the postseason, a year after a trip to the Carolina League Championship Series in its final season in Kinston.
On the other end of the spectrum, Class A Lake County, which finished dead last in the Midwest League in 2011, finished three games over .500 before bowing out in the semifinals. Cleveland's best showing came at Double-A, however, where Akron (82-59) jumped from fourth in the Eastern League's Western Division to first en route to the organization's only championship.
Though club records fluctuated, many of last year's top performers continued to put up strong numbers. Eight of last year's All-Star selections made the list again, either as winners or in an honorable mention capacity.
Indians Organization All-Stars
Catcher -- Alex Monsalve, Lake County (73 games), Carolina (34 games): In an Indians system lean on catching talent, Monsalve stands out. The fourth-year pro split time between Lake County and Carolina in 2012, batting .256 with eight homers and 42 RBIs. The Indians' No. 9 prospect, Monsalve was one of eight Cleveland Minor Leaguers selected to play in the Arizona Fall League.
"Monsalve is extremely physical," said Ross Atkins, the Indians' vice president of player development. "[He's] the strongest individual in our organization with a lot of raw tools, and he's developing his leadership, game-calling and bat-to-ball. He's made strides in all areas and we're very optimistic and remain excited about his potential."
First base -- Chun-Hsiu Chen, Akron (108 games): An Organization All-Star each of the last two seasons behind the plate, Chen makes the list again after moving to first base. The 23-year-old saw a decline in his power numbers (five homers, 43 RBIs) but improved his average (.308) and on-base percentage (.394) by more than 40 points and scored a career-high 62 runs for the Aeros.
The Eastern League midseason All-Star took the defensive transition in stride, committing only three errors in 62 games.
Honorable mention: Jesus Aguilar
Second base -- Jose Ramirez, Mahoning Valley (three games), Lake County (67 games): After leading all Indians Minor Leaguers with a .325 average in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2011, Ramirez improved in nearly every category in his second pro campaign. The Lake County leadoff man put together a .345/.404/.465 line and would have led the organization in average for the second straight year had he enough at-bats to qualify.
"He has unbelievable competitiveness," Atkins said. "[He has a] chance to be an above-average defender that makes all the plays, with exceptional bat-to-ball and above-average run skills. He's a four-tool player that has made a ton of progress at an early stage in his career."
The 20-year-old was at his best down the stretch. After finishing the regular season on a nine-game hitting streak (with nine RBIs and nine runs scored in that span), Ramirez went on to hit in all five playoff games. His seven postseason RBIs tied for third in the Midwest League, even though the Captains were eliminated in the semifinals.
Honorable mention: Cord Phelps
Third base -- Jared Goedert, Akron (35 games), Columbus (86 games): A mainstay at the hot corner, Goedert makes this list for the third consecutive season. The Kansas State product teed off on Double-A pitching to begin the season, hitting .395 with a 1.089 OPS in 35 games,] and continued to produce after a promotion to Columbus.
After injuries caused a dip in production in 2011, Goedert ranked second among Cleveland farmhands in both homers (19) and RBIs (77) this season. And his .311 batting average was his best mark since 2007.
The 27-year-old has bounced between Akron and Columbus the last three seasons, but he's led the system in homers and RBIs during that span.
Shortstop -- Francisco Lindor, Lake County (122 games): Shortstop was the most difficult spot on the list to select -- four of the Indians' top five prospects play the position and all four put together solid seasons.
Lindor gets the nod after backing up his status as Cleveland's top prospect in his first full season. After essentially bypassing Rookie and short-season ball -- he played only five games for Mahoning Valley after being drafted in the first round in 2011 -- the 18-year-old hit .257 and scored a team-high 68 runs for Lake County. A 2012 Futures Game selection, Lindor also was named to the Midwest League mid- and postseason All-Star teams.
"Lindor has the complete package. He does everything exceptionally well," Atkins said. "He's already become a leader on the field, and this is someone that's already only a year, year and a half away from the Major Leagues.
"He has a very solid approach from both sides of the plate, with very good instincts for someone his age. ... Now we just want to turn it into being an elite baserunner, someone who can steal bases and be a top-of-the-order type bat."
Honorable mention: Dorssys Paulino
Outfielders
Thomas Neal, Akron (117 games), Cleveland (nine games):
Neal mashed his way to an Eastern League title with Akron, earning the first September callup of his eight-year career. Spending time at all three outfield spots, the mid- and postseason All-Star ranked third in the circuit in on-base percentage (.400), fourth in batting (.314) and tied for fifth with 77 runs scored.
"Thomas Neal has shown a lot of progress from 2011, just coming off a year where he was battling shoulder injuries," Atkins said. "In a ballpark that is very hard to show power, he did. He had a very high isolated power, hit a lot of home runs in that ballpark and really performed well over the course of the year."
The 25-year-old garnered Player of the Week honors on July 2 after going 13-for-24 with three homers, 10 RBIs and seven runs scored over a six-game span.
Tim Fedroff, Akron (54 games), Columbus (69 games): Fedroff returns to the Organization All-Star roster after varying his hitting approach and building on what already was an impressive stat line. The North Carolina product led all full-season Indians farmhands with a .316 average while setting career highs in homers (12), triples (10), stolen bases (14) and OPS (.879).
The fifth-year pro proved he can perform at the Minors' highest level, batting a team-high .325 in 69 games with Columbus.
"He's continued to be a better player every year -- he's a better defender, he's a better baserunner. He was 9-for-9 [in stolen bases] over the last month," Atkins said. "[He has] an unbelievable ability to get on base; his ability to hit is as good as anyone we have."
Jordan Smith, Lake County (116 games): After a promising debut season with Mahoning Valley, Smith showed no signs of a sophomore slump in 2012. His .316 average was good for second in the Midwest League and tied Fedroff for third in the organization. Smith also proved he can hold up to the grind of a full season, never being held hitless for more than three consecutive games while compiling 44 multi-hit efforts.
"Smith is a very good defender at the corner position. He can handle right field extremely well," Atkins said. "His progress with his bat has been extremely encouraging, and if the power comes, he'll be a Major League player."
Utility/designated hitter -- Russ Canzler, Columbus (130 games), Cleveland (26 games): The 2011 International League MVP continued to crush the ball in his first year in the Cleveland system, leading it with 22 homers and 79 RBIs. Canzler, who started games at first base, third base, left field and DH, led the IL with 36 doubles while ranking third in RBIs and total bases (237).
The 26-year-old was named to his second straight IL All-Star team and has made the Organization All-Star squad for three different Major League clubs (Rays, 2011; Cubs, 2010).
Right-handed starting pitcher -- Danny Salazar, Carolina (16 games), Akron (6 games): The native of the Dominican Republic was the ace down the stretch for the Eastern League champions, going 4-0 with a 1.85 ERA following his promotion from Carolina in early August. After allowing four runs in a rough Double-A debut on Aug. 5, Salazar yielded only four runs over his final five starts, all Akron wins.
The 22-year-old's overall ERA of 2.36 would have been tops in the organization if he had enough innings to qualify.
"He throws 95 to 99 mph," Atkins said, "with an average breaking ball and an above-average changeup. After his finish in Double-A, he is going to be someone you should definitely be aware of in the next six months. He could make a bid to be helping out the Major League team next year."
Honorable mention: Paolo Espino, Luis DeJesus
Left-handed starting pitcher -- Chris Seddon, Columbus (20 games), Cleveland (17 games): A veteran of 12 professional seasons, Seddon turned in one of the best performances of his career in 2012 -- his first year in the Indians organization. The 28-year-old went 11-5 in 20 starts for the Clippers, posting a 3.44 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP that ranked third in the IL. He also showed a vast improvement with his control -- his 27 walks were a full-season career low.
Seddon's campaign culminated in a September callup, and he compiled a 3.67 ERA in 17 appearances, including two starts.
Relief pitcher -- Preston Guilmet, Akron (50 games): A key cog in the Aeros' championship run, Guilmet led all Cleveland Minor Leaguers -- and tied for first in the Eastern League -- with 24 saves. The 25-year-old thrived in the pressure of the playoffs, recording four saves while pitching 6 1/3 scoreless innings. He also earned himmself a spot on the league's postseason All-Star team.
A 2009 ninth-round Draft pick, Guilmet posted a 2.39 ERA in 50 appearances -- his third straight sub-2.50 ERA campaign since converting from a starter in 2010. He was especially dominant through the middle third of the season, yielding one run and converting 12 of 13 save opportunities over 23 appearances from May 19-July 19.
Zack Cox is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
Top prospect Lindor has Cleveland excited for future at short
By Zack Cox / Special to MLB.com
This offseason, MiLB.com is honoring the players -- regardless of age or prospect status -- who had the best seasons in their organization. We're taking a look at each team to determine the outstanding seasons in Minor League Baseball. Select a team from the dropdown below.
In many ways, this season was the reverse of the 2011 campaign for the Indians organization. Two-time International League champion Columbus Clippers (75-69) failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Carolina (63-77) -- the Tribe's Class A Advanced affiliate -- also missed the postseason, a year after a trip to the Carolina League Championship Series in its final season in Kinston.
On the other end of the spectrum, Class A Lake County, which finished dead last in the Midwest League in 2011, finished three games over .500 before bowing out in the semifinals. Cleveland's best showing came at Double-A, however, where Akron (82-59) jumped from fourth in the Eastern League's Western Division to first en route to the organization's only championship.
Though club records fluctuated, many of last year's top performers continued to put up strong numbers. Eight of last year's All-Star selections made the list again, either as winners or in an honorable mention capacity.
Indians Organization All-Stars
Catcher -- Alex Monsalve, Lake County (73 games), Carolina (34 games): In an Indians system lean on catching talent, Monsalve stands out. The fourth-year pro split time between Lake County and Carolina in 2012, batting .256 with eight homers and 42 RBIs. The Indians' No. 9 prospect, Monsalve was one of eight Cleveland Minor Leaguers selected to play in the Arizona Fall League.
"Monsalve is extremely physical," said Ross Atkins, the Indians' vice president of player development. "[He's] the strongest individual in our organization with a lot of raw tools, and he's developing his leadership, game-calling and bat-to-ball. He's made strides in all areas and we're very optimistic and remain excited about his potential."
First base -- Chun-Hsiu Chen, Akron (108 games): An Organization All-Star each of the last two seasons behind the plate, Chen makes the list again after moving to first base. The 23-year-old saw a decline in his power numbers (five homers, 43 RBIs) but improved his average (.308) and on-base percentage (.394) by more than 40 points and scored a career-high 62 runs for the Aeros.
The Eastern League midseason All-Star took the defensive transition in stride, committing only three errors in 62 games.
Honorable mention: Jesus Aguilar
Second base -- Jose Ramirez, Mahoning Valley (three games), Lake County (67 games): After leading all Indians Minor Leaguers with a .325 average in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2011, Ramirez improved in nearly every category in his second pro campaign. The Lake County leadoff man put together a .345/.404/.465 line and would have led the organization in average for the second straight year had he enough at-bats to qualify.
"He has unbelievable competitiveness," Atkins said. "[He has a] chance to be an above-average defender that makes all the plays, with exceptional bat-to-ball and above-average run skills. He's a four-tool player that has made a ton of progress at an early stage in his career."
The 20-year-old was at his best down the stretch. After finishing the regular season on a nine-game hitting streak (with nine RBIs and nine runs scored in that span), Ramirez went on to hit in all five playoff games. His seven postseason RBIs tied for third in the Midwest League, even though the Captains were eliminated in the semifinals.
Honorable mention: Cord Phelps
Third base -- Jared Goedert, Akron (35 games), Columbus (86 games): A mainstay at the hot corner, Goedert makes this list for the third consecutive season. The Kansas State product teed off on Double-A pitching to begin the season, hitting .395 with a 1.089 OPS in 35 games,] and continued to produce after a promotion to Columbus.
After injuries caused a dip in production in 2011, Goedert ranked second among Cleveland farmhands in both homers (19) and RBIs (77) this season. And his .311 batting average was his best mark since 2007.
The 27-year-old has bounced between Akron and Columbus the last three seasons, but he's led the system in homers and RBIs during that span.
Shortstop -- Francisco Lindor, Lake County (122 games): Shortstop was the most difficult spot on the list to select -- four of the Indians' top five prospects play the position and all four put together solid seasons.
Lindor gets the nod after backing up his status as Cleveland's top prospect in his first full season. After essentially bypassing Rookie and short-season ball -- he played only five games for Mahoning Valley after being drafted in the first round in 2011 -- the 18-year-old hit .257 and scored a team-high 68 runs for Lake County. A 2012 Futures Game selection, Lindor also was named to the Midwest League mid- and postseason All-Star teams.
"Lindor has the complete package. He does everything exceptionally well," Atkins said. "He's already become a leader on the field, and this is someone that's already only a year, year and a half away from the Major Leagues.
"He has a very solid approach from both sides of the plate, with very good instincts for someone his age. ... Now we just want to turn it into being an elite baserunner, someone who can steal bases and be a top-of-the-order type bat."
Honorable mention: Dorssys Paulino
Outfielders
Thomas Neal, Akron (117 games), Cleveland (nine games):
Neal mashed his way to an Eastern League title with Akron, earning the first September callup of his eight-year career. Spending time at all three outfield spots, the mid- and postseason All-Star ranked third in the circuit in on-base percentage (.400), fourth in batting (.314) and tied for fifth with 77 runs scored.
"Thomas Neal has shown a lot of progress from 2011, just coming off a year where he was battling shoulder injuries," Atkins said. "In a ballpark that is very hard to show power, he did. He had a very high isolated power, hit a lot of home runs in that ballpark and really performed well over the course of the year."
The 25-year-old garnered Player of the Week honors on July 2 after going 13-for-24 with three homers, 10 RBIs and seven runs scored over a six-game span.
Tim Fedroff, Akron (54 games), Columbus (69 games): Fedroff returns to the Organization All-Star roster after varying his hitting approach and building on what already was an impressive stat line. The North Carolina product led all full-season Indians farmhands with a .316 average while setting career highs in homers (12), triples (10), stolen bases (14) and OPS (.879).
The fifth-year pro proved he can perform at the Minors' highest level, batting a team-high .325 in 69 games with Columbus.
"He's continued to be a better player every year -- he's a better defender, he's a better baserunner. He was 9-for-9 [in stolen bases] over the last month," Atkins said. "[He has] an unbelievable ability to get on base; his ability to hit is as good as anyone we have."
Jordan Smith, Lake County (116 games): After a promising debut season with Mahoning Valley, Smith showed no signs of a sophomore slump in 2012. His .316 average was good for second in the Midwest League and tied Fedroff for third in the organization. Smith also proved he can hold up to the grind of a full season, never being held hitless for more than three consecutive games while compiling 44 multi-hit efforts.
"Smith is a very good defender at the corner position. He can handle right field extremely well," Atkins said. "His progress with his bat has been extremely encouraging, and if the power comes, he'll be a Major League player."
Utility/designated hitter -- Russ Canzler, Columbus (130 games), Cleveland (26 games): The 2011 International League MVP continued to crush the ball in his first year in the Cleveland system, leading it with 22 homers and 79 RBIs. Canzler, who started games at first base, third base, left field and DH, led the IL with 36 doubles while ranking third in RBIs and total bases (237).
The 26-year-old was named to his second straight IL All-Star team and has made the Organization All-Star squad for three different Major League clubs (Rays, 2011; Cubs, 2010).
Right-handed starting pitcher -- Danny Salazar, Carolina (16 games), Akron (6 games): The native of the Dominican Republic was the ace down the stretch for the Eastern League champions, going 4-0 with a 1.85 ERA following his promotion from Carolina in early August. After allowing four runs in a rough Double-A debut on Aug. 5, Salazar yielded only four runs over his final five starts, all Akron wins.
The 22-year-old's overall ERA of 2.36 would have been tops in the organization if he had enough innings to qualify.
"He throws 95 to 99 mph," Atkins said, "with an average breaking ball and an above-average changeup. After his finish in Double-A, he is going to be someone you should definitely be aware of in the next six months. He could make a bid to be helping out the Major League team next year."
Honorable mention: Paolo Espino, Luis DeJesus
Left-handed starting pitcher -- Chris Seddon, Columbus (20 games), Cleveland (17 games): A veteran of 12 professional seasons, Seddon turned in one of the best performances of his career in 2012 -- his first year in the Indians organization. The 28-year-old went 11-5 in 20 starts for the Clippers, posting a 3.44 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP that ranked third in the IL. He also showed a vast improvement with his control -- his 27 walks were a full-season career low.
Seddon's campaign culminated in a September callup, and he compiled a 3.67 ERA in 17 appearances, including two starts.
Relief pitcher -- Preston Guilmet, Akron (50 games): A key cog in the Aeros' championship run, Guilmet led all Cleveland Minor Leaguers -- and tied for first in the Eastern League -- with 24 saves. The 25-year-old thrived in the pressure of the playoffs, recording four saves while pitching 6 1/3 scoreless innings. He also earned himmself a spot on the league's postseason All-Star team.
A 2009 ninth-round Draft pick, Guilmet posted a 2.39 ERA in 50 appearances -- his third straight sub-2.50 ERA campaign since converting from a starter in 2010. He was especially dominant through the middle third of the season, yielding one run and converting 12 of 13 save opportunities over 23 appearances from May 19-July 19.
Zack Cox is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
“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
Democracy Dies In Darkness - WAPO
-- Bob Feller
Democracy Dies In Darkness - WAPO
Re: Minor Matters
2269There was a time when I thought that Goedert was a better prospect than LaPorta. But, it appears Goedert is still alive and well 
“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
Democracy Dies In Darkness - WAPO
-- Bob Feller
Democracy Dies In Darkness - WAPO
Re: Minor Matters
2270As usual very weak at the corners. In fact pretty darned weak overall except at SS. Chen is a 1b without power. Goedart is way past his prime (I'd nominate Gio Urshela who is 6 years younger, fields well, and hit well late this year.)
Re: Minor Matters
2271And not necessarily getting much better. BA is publishing its "draft report cards" this week. Tribe's not out yet but reviewing the stats there was very little interesting in the debuts.
The top 5:
Naquin's OPS 758. McClure 594.
Mitch Brown 3.58 WHIP 1.08, Lovingrove 6.00, 1.76, Baker 4.12 1.62
BA classifications for the report card are:
Best Pure Hitter: They'll have to name Naquin.
Best Power Hitter: Probably Nelson Rodriguez 20th round, OPS 834, he's a HS kid.
Fastest Runner: McClure, I suppose although he stole only 2, Tyler Booth with 6 both of them in AZ.
Best Defensive Player: Naquin is supposing to have a great arm "but didn't show it" reports said.
Best Fastball: Is that Mitch Brown?
Best Secondary Pitch: ?
Best Pro Debut: That would have to be Joe Wendle an organizational player of the future, with his 844 OPS at Mahoning Valley, or Rodriguez. The best pitching debut was Louis Head who graduated quickly to Lake County and had an ERA there of 3.78, or Cody Penny who was 3.05 in MV, 1.59 in 17 innings in LC. Both of them are releivers. Brown's debut was decent, nearly a K/IP.
Best Athlete: That's supposed to be McClure again. he used to play football, too.
Most Intriguing Background: Beats me. Tom Hamilton's kid could win that honor
Closest to Majors: Based on this year's play, no one will ever come close. So I supposed the answer still has to be Naquin based on his pre-draft status. One of the relievers who moved up could be closer if they have throw as hard as Cody Allen who won this title last year and lived up to it.
Best Late Round Pick: Maybe Rodriguez or Penny or Head again.
The One Who Got Away: The Tribe picked three HS kids who rated about BA's top 200 who didn't sign: Andrew Calica, OF, 17th round, Justin Garza a minor RHP, 26th round; and Josh Pigg a 3B or RHP 28th round considered "signable"
The top 5:
Naquin's OPS 758. McClure 594.
Mitch Brown 3.58 WHIP 1.08, Lovingrove 6.00, 1.76, Baker 4.12 1.62
BA classifications for the report card are:
Best Pure Hitter: They'll have to name Naquin.
Best Power Hitter: Probably Nelson Rodriguez 20th round, OPS 834, he's a HS kid.
Fastest Runner: McClure, I suppose although he stole only 2, Tyler Booth with 6 both of them in AZ.
Best Defensive Player: Naquin is supposing to have a great arm "but didn't show it" reports said.
Best Fastball: Is that Mitch Brown?
Best Secondary Pitch: ?
Best Pro Debut: That would have to be Joe Wendle an organizational player of the future, with his 844 OPS at Mahoning Valley, or Rodriguez. The best pitching debut was Louis Head who graduated quickly to Lake County and had an ERA there of 3.78, or Cody Penny who was 3.05 in MV, 1.59 in 17 innings in LC. Both of them are releivers. Brown's debut was decent, nearly a K/IP.
Best Athlete: That's supposed to be McClure again. he used to play football, too.
Most Intriguing Background: Beats me. Tom Hamilton's kid could win that honor
Closest to Majors: Based on this year's play, no one will ever come close. So I supposed the answer still has to be Naquin based on his pre-draft status. One of the relievers who moved up could be closer if they have throw as hard as Cody Allen who won this title last year and lived up to it.
Best Late Round Pick: Maybe Rodriguez or Penny or Head again.
The One Who Got Away: The Tribe picked three HS kids who rated about BA's top 200 who didn't sign: Andrew Calica, OF, 17th round, Justin Garza a minor RHP, 26th round; and Josh Pigg a 3B or RHP 28th round considered "signable"
Re: Minor Matters
2272BA'S DRAFT REPORT CARD
POSITION PLAYERS
QUICK TAKE
As a polished college performer, Naquin was a classic Tribe first-rounder. After him, Cleveland's draft class had a heavier high school tilt than usual with Brown, Lovegrove and McClure.
Bonus Spending: $5.3 million
Best Pure Hitter: The Indians weren't the only club that considered OF Tyler Naquin (1) the draft's best pure hitter. He has good swings whether he's ahead or behind in the count and has a knack for centering the baseball.
Best Power Hitter: 1B Nelson Rodriguez (15) packs present strength into his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame. He has a track record of hitting for power, including with USA Baseball's 18-and-under squad.
Fastest Runner: OF Tyler Booth (13) is a 6-foot, 155-pounder with plus-plus speed and wiry athleticism. Naquin's above-average speed has allowed him to move to center field after playing right in college.
Best Defensive Player: Cleveland is confident Naquin will be an above-average center fielder. He had one of the best outfield arms in the draft as well.
PITCHERS
Best Fastball: RHP Jacob Lee (9) pitched at 89-92 mph at Arkansas State, then bumped his fastball to 92-94 and touched 96 after signing. He throws plenty of strikes with his heater as well and could provide excellent value for his $2,500 bonus. RHP Dylan Baker (5) sits at 94-95 mph at times and touches 97 but doesn't command his fastball as well as Lee.
Best Secondary Pitch: RHP Mitch Brown (2) has two potentially excellent breaking balls: a true curveball at 76-78 mph and a hard cutter/slider that ranges from 83-87.
ODDS AND ENDS
Best Pro Debut: 2B/3B Joe Wendle (6) ranked third in the short-season New York-Penn League in batting and on-base percentage, hitting .327/.375/.469. Lee went 4-2, 3.12 with 47 strikeouts in 43 innings in the NY-P, including a five-inning no-hit start.
Best Athlete: OF D'Vone McClure (4) offers the best combination of power and speed in this class. He has enticing bat speed to go with a developing 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame. He drew interest from college football programs as a wide receiver.
Most Intriguing Background: RHP Kieran Lovegrove (3) was born in South Africa and pitched for his homeland in a World Baseball Classic qualifier. 3B Nick Hamilton's (35) father Tom has been an Indians radio broadcaster for 23 seasons. 3B Joe Sever (21) is the nephew of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway. Brown's father is a Korean-born powerlifter who was adopted and brought to Minnesota as a child. C Richard Stock's (23) brother Robert is a Cardinals farmhand who was Baseball America's 2005 Youth Player of the Year.
Closest To The Majors: Naquin should be one of the first college position players from the entire draft to get to the big leagues.
Best Late-Round Pick: Rodriguez or RHP Nick Pasquale (20). A sinkerballer with command, Pasquale walked just five in 50 innings as a pro.
The One Who Got Away: The Indians hoped to sign OF Andrew Calica (17), an athletic switch-hitter. He headlined a strong UC Santa Barbara recruiting class instead.
POSITION PLAYERS
QUICK TAKE
As a polished college performer, Naquin was a classic Tribe first-rounder. After him, Cleveland's draft class had a heavier high school tilt than usual with Brown, Lovegrove and McClure.
Bonus Spending: $5.3 million
Best Pure Hitter: The Indians weren't the only club that considered OF Tyler Naquin (1) the draft's best pure hitter. He has good swings whether he's ahead or behind in the count and has a knack for centering the baseball.
Best Power Hitter: 1B Nelson Rodriguez (15) packs present strength into his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame. He has a track record of hitting for power, including with USA Baseball's 18-and-under squad.
Fastest Runner: OF Tyler Booth (13) is a 6-foot, 155-pounder with plus-plus speed and wiry athleticism. Naquin's above-average speed has allowed him to move to center field after playing right in college.
Best Defensive Player: Cleveland is confident Naquin will be an above-average center fielder. He had one of the best outfield arms in the draft as well.
PITCHERS
Best Fastball: RHP Jacob Lee (9) pitched at 89-92 mph at Arkansas State, then bumped his fastball to 92-94 and touched 96 after signing. He throws plenty of strikes with his heater as well and could provide excellent value for his $2,500 bonus. RHP Dylan Baker (5) sits at 94-95 mph at times and touches 97 but doesn't command his fastball as well as Lee.
Best Secondary Pitch: RHP Mitch Brown (2) has two potentially excellent breaking balls: a true curveball at 76-78 mph and a hard cutter/slider that ranges from 83-87.
ODDS AND ENDS
Best Pro Debut: 2B/3B Joe Wendle (6) ranked third in the short-season New York-Penn League in batting and on-base percentage, hitting .327/.375/.469. Lee went 4-2, 3.12 with 47 strikeouts in 43 innings in the NY-P, including a five-inning no-hit start.
Best Athlete: OF D'Vone McClure (4) offers the best combination of power and speed in this class. He has enticing bat speed to go with a developing 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame. He drew interest from college football programs as a wide receiver.
Most Intriguing Background: RHP Kieran Lovegrove (3) was born in South Africa and pitched for his homeland in a World Baseball Classic qualifier. 3B Nick Hamilton's (35) father Tom has been an Indians radio broadcaster for 23 seasons. 3B Joe Sever (21) is the nephew of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway. Brown's father is a Korean-born powerlifter who was adopted and brought to Minnesota as a child. C Richard Stock's (23) brother Robert is a Cardinals farmhand who was Baseball America's 2005 Youth Player of the Year.
Closest To The Majors: Naquin should be one of the first college position players from the entire draft to get to the big leagues.
Best Late-Round Pick: Rodriguez or RHP Nick Pasquale (20). A sinkerballer with command, Pasquale walked just five in 50 innings as a pro.
The One Who Got Away: The Indians hoped to sign OF Andrew Calica (17), an athletic switch-hitter. He headlined a strong UC Santa Barbara recruiting class instead.
Re: Minor Matters
2274Recent Arizona League performances:
Tyler Holt 4 0 1 2 w cs; 4 1 0 0 walk 2k, error; 4 0 2 0 2k another error, 286 with 3 e
Alex Monsalve 3 2 1 1 w; 4 0 1 0 , 158
Carlos Moncrief debuts 4 0 2 0 k
Ronny Rodriguez 3 0 0 0 2k; 4 2 2 0 2b, sb 217
Trey Haley 2 0 0 0 1 0 error 3.60
Matt Packer 2 3 1 1 0 2 HR 3.00
TJ House 5 0 0 0 3 4 1.13
Scott Armstrong 1 0 0 0 1 0 0.00
Tyler Holt 4 0 1 2 w cs; 4 1 0 0 walk 2k, error; 4 0 2 0 2k another error, 286 with 3 e
Alex Monsalve 3 2 1 1 w; 4 0 1 0 , 158
Carlos Moncrief debuts 4 0 2 0 k
Ronny Rodriguez 3 0 0 0 2k; 4 2 2 0 2b, sb 217
Trey Haley 2 0 0 0 1 0 error 3.60
Matt Packer 2 3 1 1 0 2 HR 3.00
TJ House 5 0 0 0 3 4 1.13
Scott Armstrong 1 0 0 0 1 0 0.00
Re: Minor Matters
2275Tue in AZ
Holt 5 0 1 1 3K 281 steal #3 an OF assist
Rodriguez 4 1 2 0 triple 259
Haley 1 1 0 0 0 0 3.00
Holt 5 0 1 1 3K 281 steal #3 an OF assist
Rodriguez 4 1 2 0 triple 259
Haley 1 1 0 0 0 0 3.00
Re: Minor Matters
2276Big day for Alex Monsalve: threw out one of 3 basestealers yesterday. At the plate only struck out 2 times in 3 ab; that other time he GIDP.
On the mound Matt Packer's line: 2 3 1 1 1 0.
On the mound Matt Packer's line: 2 3 1 1 1 0.
Re: Minor Matters
2277This quote of Ross Atkins posted a couple weeks back about Fedroff:
would suggest he will wind up on the 40-man roster. But no action yet to dump the junk and add some younger players."He's continued to be a better player every year -- he's a better defender, he's a better baserunner. He was 9-for-9 [in stolen bases] over the last month," Atkins said. "[He has] an unbelievable
ability to get on base; his ability to hit is as good as anyone we have."
Re: Minor Matters
2279TORONTO --
Major League Baseball is considering protective headgear for Minor League pitchers beginning in the 2013 season.
After a pair of scary incidents this year involving pitchers being struck in the head with comebackers -- most recently Doug Fister of the Tigers in Game 2 of the World Series -- MLB is contemplating ways to fast track the safety issue.
One of the possibilities is to equip each pitcher's cap with hat liners made of kevlar, which is a reinforcing material used by military, law enforcement and NFL players. The protective agent could be implemented in the Minor Leagues as early as next season.
"Hopefully, we can come up with something," said MLB senior vice president Dan Halem. "We're making progress."
Halem said that MLB medical director Gary Green has spoken with different companies about protective gear for pitchers and that the issue will be discussed at this year's Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn. in December.
Fister was struck in the right side of the head with a line drive off the bat of Gregor Blanco in the second inning, but remained in the game. The Tigers' right-hander has since been further reevaluated and passed concussions tests. He was a lot luckier than A's pitcher Brandon McCarthy, who took a line drive to the head at the beginning of September, which caused a skull fracture and brain bruise, and, subsequently, surgery.
MLB was already exploring ways to implement more safety for its pitchers before McCarthy's injury.
"After that, it kind of pushed up our timetable," Halem said. "We decided to fast track it.
"We think it's possible for 2013 in the Minor Leagues."
After the incident, McCarthy said he would be open to ideas about protective headgear providing it wouldn't affect his ability to pitch. Any decision would have to receive approval from the Players Association.
Giants pitcher Barry Zito said he's on board with MLB exploring options to protect its players but he expressed his concerns as well.
"We've had high-profile examples of those injuries lately, what happened with Brandon and then here in the World Series," Zito said. "[But] you don't want it to be too drastic. Little things can affect a pitcher's delivery."
There are a number of youth leagues in the United States that require pitchers to wear helmets, and for Giants general manager Brian Sabean, the key will be finding a product that will allow pitchers to feel comfortable on the mound.
"It would depend on how intrusive it is," Sabean said. "Pitchers would want it to be no irritant or agitant. The weight would be important."
Sabean's own pitcher shared his thoughts about it, too.
"I don't really know, and I haven't put a ton of thought into it," Giants right-hander Matt Cain said. "I've seen some. We actually had a guy that was in our organization that wore a helmet. I mean, obviously it's not the best-looking thing, but safety-wise, I mean, obviously it's beneficial. I haven't really dug too deep into it."
In addition to the approval it would need from the Players Association, Halem said before any headgear device was implemented, testing and examination from an independent laboratory would be needed. The testing would have to prove that the instrument installed in the caps could at least withstand the force of a ball traveling 100 mph.
"We'd have to discuss how we'd roll it out," Halem said.
This wouldn't be the first time that MLB has implemented protective helmets for its players.
Starting in 1971, batting helmets became mandatory, although players already in the league had the option not to wear them. Red Sox catcher Bob Montgomery was one of them -- he played without a helmet until 1979, choosing to place protective lining inside his cap instead.
Major League Baseball is considering protective headgear for Minor League pitchers beginning in the 2013 season.
After a pair of scary incidents this year involving pitchers being struck in the head with comebackers -- most recently Doug Fister of the Tigers in Game 2 of the World Series -- MLB is contemplating ways to fast track the safety issue.
One of the possibilities is to equip each pitcher's cap with hat liners made of kevlar, which is a reinforcing material used by military, law enforcement and NFL players. The protective agent could be implemented in the Minor Leagues as early as next season.
"Hopefully, we can come up with something," said MLB senior vice president Dan Halem. "We're making progress."
Halem said that MLB medical director Gary Green has spoken with different companies about protective gear for pitchers and that the issue will be discussed at this year's Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn. in December.
Fister was struck in the right side of the head with a line drive off the bat of Gregor Blanco in the second inning, but remained in the game. The Tigers' right-hander has since been further reevaluated and passed concussions tests. He was a lot luckier than A's pitcher Brandon McCarthy, who took a line drive to the head at the beginning of September, which caused a skull fracture and brain bruise, and, subsequently, surgery.
MLB was already exploring ways to implement more safety for its pitchers before McCarthy's injury.
"After that, it kind of pushed up our timetable," Halem said. "We decided to fast track it.
"We think it's possible for 2013 in the Minor Leagues."
After the incident, McCarthy said he would be open to ideas about protective headgear providing it wouldn't affect his ability to pitch. Any decision would have to receive approval from the Players Association.
Giants pitcher Barry Zito said he's on board with MLB exploring options to protect its players but he expressed his concerns as well.
"We've had high-profile examples of those injuries lately, what happened with Brandon and then here in the World Series," Zito said. "[But] you don't want it to be too drastic. Little things can affect a pitcher's delivery."
There are a number of youth leagues in the United States that require pitchers to wear helmets, and for Giants general manager Brian Sabean, the key will be finding a product that will allow pitchers to feel comfortable on the mound.
"It would depend on how intrusive it is," Sabean said. "Pitchers would want it to be no irritant or agitant. The weight would be important."
Sabean's own pitcher shared his thoughts about it, too.
"I don't really know, and I haven't put a ton of thought into it," Giants right-hander Matt Cain said. "I've seen some. We actually had a guy that was in our organization that wore a helmet. I mean, obviously it's not the best-looking thing, but safety-wise, I mean, obviously it's beneficial. I haven't really dug too deep into it."
In addition to the approval it would need from the Players Association, Halem said before any headgear device was implemented, testing and examination from an independent laboratory would be needed. The testing would have to prove that the instrument installed in the caps could at least withstand the force of a ball traveling 100 mph.
"We'd have to discuss how we'd roll it out," Halem said.
This wouldn't be the first time that MLB has implemented protective helmets for its players.
Starting in 1971, batting helmets became mandatory, although players already in the league had the option not to wear them. Red Sox catcher Bob Montgomery was one of them -- he played without a helmet until 1979, choosing to place protective lining inside his cap instead.
“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
Democracy Dies In Darkness - WAPO
-- Bob Feller
Democracy Dies In Darkness - WAPO
Re: Minor Matters
2280Recently in the Arizona League:
Tyler Holt 4 1 1 1 and 5 1 2 0 now hitting 293
Ronny Rodriguez 5 1 2 0 2b, k, cs and 4 0 1 1 2k, now hitting 286
Alex Monsalve 4 0 2 1 2b, 2k, hitting 192; 2 more steals against him
Carlos Moncrief 4 1 2 1 homer, K, bb hitting .500 in his once-a-week role
TJ House 5 6 2 2 2 6 2.08, doing well
Shawn Armstrong 1 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 no runs, lots of walks
Trey Haley 1 0 0 0 0 0 2.57
Matt Packer 2/3 0 0 0 1 2 3.12
Hitters typically dominate the AFL. Our pitchers are doing reasonably well. If House or Haley is at the point where they would need to be protected on the 40 man roster, I'd select them. Moncrief is that point too since his pitching seasons are counted. One of our few power hitting, basestealing, walk-drawing position players; hardly a perfect prospect but worth holding to over garbage like Lillibridge.
Tyler Holt 4 1 1 1 and 5 1 2 0 now hitting 293
Ronny Rodriguez 5 1 2 0 2b, k, cs and 4 0 1 1 2k, now hitting 286
Alex Monsalve 4 0 2 1 2b, 2k, hitting 192; 2 more steals against him
Carlos Moncrief 4 1 2 1 homer, K, bb hitting .500 in his once-a-week role
TJ House 5 6 2 2 2 6 2.08, doing well
Shawn Armstrong 1 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 no runs, lots of walks
Trey Haley 1 0 0 0 0 0 2.57
Matt Packer 2/3 0 0 0 1 2 3.12
Hitters typically dominate the AFL. Our pitchers are doing reasonably well. If House or Haley is at the point where they would need to be protected on the 40 man roster, I'd select them. Moncrief is that point too since his pitching seasons are counted. One of our few power hitting, basestealing, walk-drawing position players; hardly a perfect prospect but worth holding to over garbage like Lillibridge.