Saturday, August 31, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report: A Look at the September Call-Ups

These aren't necessarily the only six players the Yankees will be calling up, but they are the ones that are either 100% confirmed or most likely.  Melky Mesa's injury will prevent him from coming up, and it doesn't appear (for now) that any other outfielder will come up instead. (The Yankees do have Granderson/Gardner/Ichiro/Soriano/Wells, so it isn't mandatory another OF comes up.)   

JR Murphy, C
 - Of the names released thus far, Murphy is the most significant prospect.   The 22-year old catcher is hitting .269/.347/.426 in 108 games this season.   Don't think that the Yankees have given him significant DH time in the minors, as 105 of those games were behind the plate.   (In case you are wondering about his workload, he did catch 97 games last year).  When he was drafted, there was talk that he may not be able to stick behind the plate - but he has been able to do that.  He can probably also cover third (14 career games there) in a pinch.  I wouldn't expect to see much during the stretch, though he would most certainly offer an offensive upgrade over Chris Stewart - and when you are chasing down a playoff spot, isn't an upgrade worth playing?

David Adams, IF  - I don't have to say much about Adams - you have seen him before.  With Mark Reynolds on the roster (and playing well), Adams' role will likely be that of a strict backup and caddie for Robinson Cano. 

Brett Marshall, RHP - Marshall entered the season a step away from the majors after compiling a 13-7, 3.52 ERA season for Trenton in 2012.  Marshall struggled a bit this year (including a brief one-game appearance for the Yankees), going 7-10 with a 5.13 ERA for Scranton in 138.2 innings.  However, he has pitched better as of late (4.08 ERA in his last 97 innings).  I didn't just pick "97 innings" out of thin air - it represents the number of innings he has thrown in the last 90 days.  Marshall will likely be used as nothing more than another long-man in the pen.  Pretty much, if the Yankees need to use two longmen in a period of a few days, that wouldn't be a good thing.

Dellin Betances, RHP - There actually isn't official word on Betances, but I am just going to assume he will make his way up here.  You should also know his story by now - he throws very hard with a wicked breaking pitch, but did get torched in his one major league appearance this season.  That blip aside, Betances has been a dominant reliever in Scranton since the moment he was put in the bullpen and could be used in a middle-leverage situation down the stretch.  I would expect him to jump right over Joba on the depth chart.....

Preston Claiborne, RHP - But of course, Claiborne will also jump ahead of Joba and Betances and the depth chart.  Claiborne simply got mixed up in a numbers game and had no business being shipped back to the minors.  For now, he is in Tampa and ineligible to come up on Sunday (He was sent to the minors less than 10 days ago, so he has to wait until Tampa's season officially ends before he can come back.)

Cesar Cabral, LHP - This is an intriguing move.  Cabral was on the verge of making the roster in 2012 when a late spring injury shut him down for the season.   Because he was a Rule 5 pick heading into 2012, the clock started ticking as soon as he rehab began - the Yankees would either have to get him on the major league roster or expose him to waivers.  They exposed him, and he slipped through.  Cabral hasn't exactly pitched well this year (5.40 ERA in 30 games between Tampa/Trenton/Scranton with a 43/22 K/BB ratio in 36.2 innings) and hasn't exactly been awesome vs. left-handed hitters (.254/.366/.356), but he does offer Girardi another power arm out of the pen and may just be used in a big situation or two.  Girardi loves his toys - and Cabral as the type of arm that will tempt him.    Throws a fastball (low-to-mid 90s) with a change and a slider.  

Yankees Minor League Report 8/31/13: Tyler Austin Back in Trenton Lineup (Doubles); Shane Greene Tosses a Gem; Taylor Dugas Collects 4 Hits; More Walks for Greg Bird

Scranton (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 3-2)

Ronnier Mustelier:  1-for-4, HR (7), RBI, RS - It has to be at least a bit frustrating to Mustelier that a bunch of players are on their way to New York, and he isn't one of them.  He caught fire towards the end of the season, but he is likely caught up in a numbers game.  For one, with Mark Reynolds and Alfonso Soriano on the team, the Yankees don't have a need for a right-handed bat.  Mustelier doesn't offer much defensively and his speed is average at best, so he doesn't really give them flexibility in those regards.  Finally, I don't think he is Rule 5 eligible this coming off-season - so the Yankees have no reason to add him to their 40-man roster now.   (JR Murphy is Rule 5 eligible, so putting him on the 40-man roster now is no big deal)
Randy Ruiz:  1-for-3, HR (17), RBI, RS
Jose Gil:  1-for-3, RS
Addison Maruszak:  1-for-3 - He offers a little bit of defensive flexibility (including SS).

Yoshinori Tateyama:  3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K - Made the emergency start since Brett Marshall is on his way to the Bronx.
Jairo Heredia (S, 1):  4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K - Triple-A debut for the 23-year old RHP.  I believe Heredia is a minor league free agent after 2013.  I would assume the Yankees are interesting in resigning him - unless it is obvious to them that he really isn't close to the prospect he once was.
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Trenton (Swept DH vs. Portland and is now playoff bound.  Scores were 8-0 and 4-2)

Gary Sanchez:  1-for-3, 2B (6), 2 RBI, RS, BB 
Tyler Austin: 1-for-3, 2B (16), RBI, RS - .255/.343/.369 in 314 AB.  First game back since 7/12 (played in a few rehab games for the GCL squad this week)
Mason Williams:  1-for-6, RS - Was pulled early from Game 2.  I am sure we will find out why.
Ramon Flores:  3-for-5, 2B (25), 3B (6), 2 RBI, 4 RS, 2 BB -  Flores has been very strong in August and hopefully will continue that momentum into 2014.  Has raised his OBP over .350.
Jose Pirela:  3-for-7, 2 2B (27), HR (10), 3 RBI, 2 RS
Kyle Roller:  1-for-6, HR (17), 2 RBI, RS
Ben Gamel:  0-for-3 - I was going to say with the return of Austin, Gamel will likely see less time into the playoffs.  Now that depends on what is going on with Williams.

Shane Greene (W, 8-4):  7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K - Complete game shutout.   Overall between Tampa and Trenton, he is 12-10 with a 3.38 ERA and 137/30 K/BB ratio over 154.1 innings.  Before you think that his Tampa numbers are skewing his stats, it needs to be noted that he pitched to a lower ERA in Trenton.  Greene has been solid all season and could be big-league ready at some point in 2014.

Caleb Smith:  3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K - Double-A debut.   Drafted this year, Smith had a 1.89 ERA in 47.2 innings for the GCL squad with a 52/15 K/BB ratio.  Nice start to his career. 22-year old LHP.
Pat Venditte:  1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Danny Burawa (S, 4):  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (2.59 ERA; 66 IP, 47 H, 25 R, 19 ER, 1 HR, 42 BB, 66 K)
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Tampa (Swept in a DH vs. Lakeland, losing 17-0 and 4-2)

Taylor Dugas:  4-for-5, RBI, 2 BB - He will never crack a Top 100 list, or ever be among the best prospects in the Yankees system.  But he continues to perform.    He is hitting .319/.427/.372 in 188 AB for Tampa and .284/.405/.339.  Yep, he has played even better since being promoted.
Cito Culver:  2-for-4, RBI - Didn't play in the Game 1 disaster.    Up to .351 for Tampa (20-for-57)
Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-3 - .283/.406/.405 for Tampa; 293/.411/.414 overall in 464 AB.
Pete O'Brien: 1-for-5, 2B (17), BB, 2 K - One double away from 40 (had 22 for Charleston)
Reymond Nunez:  1-for-6, 2B (1)

Joseph Maher:  1.1 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 4 BB, 1 K - As I have been saying all week, this is the time of year where organizations move guys around in an effort to get them an extra start, or more playing time as other leagues have their seasons come to an end.  The 21-year old Maher was 5-3 with a 1.91 ERA in 56.2 innings for the GCL.  He walked 17 and struck out 28. 38th round pick in 2011 out of high school.  (signed for $300,000)   Tall (6'5") sinker-baller with some upside.
Edixon Mejia:  0.2 IP, 5 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 3 HR - And here is a late nominee in the "worst pitching line in the organization this year" contest.
Zach Woods:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Angel Rincon:  5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K - 20-year old RHP had a 2.77 ERA in 39 innings for the GCL squad with a 24/11 K/BB ratio.  
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Charleston (Defeated Rome, 7-3.  Italian baseball just isn't what it used to be)

Greg Bird:  1-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB (105) - Seven walks in last three contests.  .290/.425/.517.  Has 83 RBI and 84 runs scored.
Jake Cave:  1-for-5, SB (18) - 11-game hitting streak for the 20-year old CF.  .283/.347/.404.    Hitting an impressive .301/.373/.418 in 256 AB since ASB.
Dante Bichette:  2-for-4, RBI, RS - Has a .713 OPS in the second half of the season after posting a .555 in the first half.
Ericson Leonora:  1-for-4, 2B (13), RBI
Jackson Valera:  1-for-2, RS, 2 BB - 21-year old catcher is 30-for-100 since joining this level.
Daniel Aldrich:  1-for-2, 3 RBI, RS

Luis Niebla (W, 5-6):  6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (4.61 ERA; 80 IP, 98 H, 51 R, 41 ER, 9 HR, 20 BB, 60 K) - Closes his first experience in a full-season level on a high note.    Had a 3.40 ERA in 45 innings after the ASB.
Tyler Webb:  2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR - 40/6 K/BB ratio over 30.1 innings since joining Charleston.  3.86 ERA.
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Staten Island (Defeated Hudson Valley, 6-2, in 12 innings)

Bubba Jones:  3-for-5, 2B (17), RBI, RS - The first baseman has been solid - not Greg Bird solid - but solid nevertheless.  He will likely take Bird's place in Charleston next year at the age of 21.
Eric Jagielo: 1-for-5, RBI, BB - A bit of a mundane night for Jagielo, given how he has been playing lately.
Abiatal Avelino:  0-for-5, BB - Called back up here after the GCL season ended.  12-for-59 at this level.  
Michael O'Neill:  0-for-6, 3 K - Now has 87 Ks in 60 games.
Yeicok Calderon:  1-for-5, 2B (18)
Trent Garrison: 1-for-5, RS - Raise your hand if "Trent Garrison" was your answer to the question "Which 2013 draftee out of Fresno State would receive the most playing time - Aaron Judge or Trent Garrison?"
Derek Toadvine:  2-for-5, RS

Chaz Hebert:  6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K - The 20-year old LHP went 4-5 with a 5.60 ERA in 45 innings for the GCL team.   He walked 18 and struck out 47.  27th round pick in 2011 who signed for $148,000.
Andy Beresford:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - 1.80 ERA in 30 innings with a 19/5 K/BB ratio.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/30/13: Chase Whitley Dominates; Pete O'Brien Collects Five Hits; Cito Culver Collects Four; Eric Jagielo Goes Yard

Scranton (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 5-4.  Had a 4-3 lead heading to the B-9th, but blew it)

David Adams: 2-for-4, HR (5), RBI, RS - I assume we will see him on Sunday, especially given some of the injuries to the infield.
JR Murphy:  1-for-5, RS - Hit safely in eight of his last nine games.  Million dollar question is whether he will be among the September callups.  It is either him or super veteran Bobby Wilson, I would assume. (I doubt the Yankees go with two catchers in September)
Ronnier Mustelier:  1-for-4, RS, BB - He has been red-hot lately, and has played a little bit of third base.  (tonight he was in LF)
Randy Ruiz:  2-for-5, 2B (15), HR (16), 2 RBI
Adonis Garcia:  2-for-4, BB

Chase Whitley:  6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K (3.06 ERA; 67.2 IP, 61 H, 24 R, 23 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 63 K) - I keep saying that these starts are only being made because the Yankees have a need for starters in Scranton right now.  But he has pitched so well that you have to wonder if they will actually consider keeping him there.  I still think he is a middle reliever with the capability to throw a lot of innings - but who knows?  
Cesar Cabral: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K - The season has been basically a rehab year for him - I don't see him coming up as another lefty option in September.
Dellin Betances:  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (2.68 ERA; 84 IP, 52 H, 25 R, 25 ER, 2 HR, 42 BB, 108 K) - Not much to say.  He will be here in September and should at least jump ahead of Joba on the depth chart - not that it would lead to meaningful innings, but any innings will be beneficial.
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Trenton (Lost to Portland, 8-1.  Trenton maintains a 3-game lead on Portland for the wild-card, but they play them this weekend into Monday, including a DH tomorrow.  So it is a 5-game series.   Trenton needs one win to clinch.  If Portland sweeps all five games, they get the wild-card)

Ramon Flores:  2-for-4, 2B (24), RS - .255/.347/.349.   For all of the disappointment surrounding his season, it should be noted that in 118 August AB, he has a .297/.390/.415 line and in 193 AB since the ASB, his line is .260/.365/.378.
Mason Williams:  1-for-3, BB - 10-for-66.   Hitting .246/.306/.339 in 472 AB overall.
Gary Sanchez:  0-for-4, 2 K - 7-for-40 slide.
Kyle Roller: 0-for-2, 2 BB - .252/.349/.421 in 432 AB.  Has a decent number of walks (53) but has also struck out a lot (140).  Not quite enough walks to be a "three outcomes" type of prospect, but his power is real.
Ben Gamel: 0-for-4, 2 K - 13-for-60.  These AB will come in handy when he comes back here to start 2014.
Jose Pirela:  1-for-4, RBI - .274/.359/.406 in 471 AB between Trenton/Scranton (23 AB in Scranton).    .304/.373/.443 in 158 AB since ASB.

Mikey O'Brien (L, 8-10):  6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR (4.17 ERA; 133.2 IP, 140 H, 71 R, 62 ER, 10 HR, 52 BB, 124 K between Tampa/Trenton) - O'Brien, who will be 24 when 2014 begins, may be in the picture at some point next season as an emergency/depth guy for the big club.
Zach Nuding: 2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR (4.21 ERA; 128.1 IP, 141 H, 75 R, 60 ER, 9 HR, 57 BB, 101 K) - Hasn't had many clunkers since bullpen move.
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Tampa (Split DH with Lakewood, winning 11-7 before losing 8-0)

Pete O'Brien:  5-for-6, 3 2B (16), HR (11), 6 RBI, RS - Up to 96 RBI on the season, and has at least a shot at hitting the century mark.  Has 38 doubles, four triples, and 22 home runs overall between Charleston/Tampa. 
Cito Culver:  4-for-7, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 4 RS - Hitting .340 (18-for-53) since joining team.
Robert Refsnyder:  3-for-7, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 RS - 13-for-32 with six walks in last ten games.    He has been fantastic to close the season.
Taylor Dugas:  4-for-8, 3 RS, BB - Up to .306 in 183 AB for Tampa.
Reymond Nunez:  0-for-7 - High-A debut after hitting .260/.313/.443 in 366 AB for Charleston.  He has power in his bat, but it has never really shown itself until the 15 HR he hit this year.  At the same level last year, he only hit five home runs in 378 AB.
Mikeson Oliberto:  1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, CS (3)

Preston Claiborne:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K - Tune-up for his recall to the majors.  Only shipped down to this level because their season ends earlier than Scranton's, allowing the Yankees to circumvent the "10-day" rule.
Brady Lail (W, 1-0):  4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K - 18th rounder in 2012 out of high school.  In 12 games (11 starts) for the GCL squad this year, he went 4-1 with a 2.33 ERA and impressive 51/5 K/BB ratio over 54 innings.    I assume he will begin 2014 in Charleston as a 20-year old.  

Dallas Martinez (L, 0-1):  3 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR - Give him a break, he is only 18 years old.    With the GCL season over, a few players may get a few games in the full-season leagues to get in their final work.  
Eric Roth: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K - 5.1 scoreless innings in Tampa after striking out 40 (with four walks) in 24 innings for the GCL squad.  Non-drafted FA out of Winthrop.
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Charleston (Lost to Rome, 8-4)

Greg Bird:  1-for-2, RS, 3 BB (103) - .290/.427/.517 in 449 AB.  Ridiculous season.  We'll see if he can keep up the momentum in Tampa next year.
Dante Bichette:  1-for-5, HR (11), 2 RBI, RS - Ridiculous season in the other direction.  Hard to completely write him off, but it is very likely he will given a third shot at this level to begin 2014.
Jake Cave: 1-for-5, K - 10-game hitting streak.  He has done everything he needs to do to advance.
Ericson Leonora: 2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS - As long as he is hitting well (.313 in 131 AB), he will be in these reports.
Daniel Aldrich:  1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI

Brett Gerritse:  6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR (3.56 ERA; 101 IP, 93 H, 47 R, 40 ER, 31 BB, 108 K, 2 HR) - Yep, those were the first two home runs he gave up all season long.   22-year old RHP has put up a nice season.
Kelvin Castro: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
----------------------
Staten Island (Crushed Brooklyn, 9-3)

Eric Jagielo:  2-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB - His XBH power has been very impressive, especially lately.   We'll see what he can do in Charleston.
Yeicok Calderon:  2-for-4, 2B (17), HR (9), 4 RBI, 2 RS - The 21-year old flopped in Charleston earlier this year, but has left-handed power - which will likely give him a long leash to tap into it.
Bubba Jones:  2-for-4
Tyler Wade:  0-for-3, BB - 0-for-9 in three games since promotion with two walks.  
Kale Sumner:  1-for-4, RBI
Mike Ford:  3-for-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI, 2 RS - Hitting .253 in 99 AB.  Signed as a non-drafted FA out of Princeton.
Brandon Thomas:  1-for-5, RS

David Palladino:  5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K (4.68 ERA; 50 IP, 55 H, 30 R, 26 ER, 24 BB, 48 K) - 5th round pick out of Howard Junior College is a bit of a project, but the upside is quite high.
Nick Rumbelow:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K - Has a 2.53 ERA in 21.1 innings with 19/5 K/BB ratio.



Thursday, August 29, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/29/13: JR Murphy Blasts Another; Bryan Mitchell's Most Impressive Start of the Season; Taylor Dugas Homers (Really?)

In the GCL, Ian Clarkin made his third start and didn't fare too well:  2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K.  Even though all of his games have been starts, he has only thrown five total innings.   He has allowed six runs in those innings with four walks and four strikeouts.  The numbers themselves are meaningless - the key is to get a few games under his belt now instead of needing to make his professional debut next year.  It also allows the Yankees staff to take a look to see if any refinements can be worked on.

After getting in a few games with Staten Island, Abiatal Avelino was returned to the GCL (fellow teenage shortstop Tyler Wade replaced him in Staten Island).  

Oh, and for those who think the Yankees are cheap when it comes to Cuban prospects, Omar Luis, a 19-year old Cuban LHP, has started 11 games in the GCL, compiling a 5.68 ERA with a 43/29 K/BB ratio over 31.2 innings.    Luis signed for $4M in June, 2012.  He throws in the low-90s   He also has a curve, change, slider, and cutter in his arsenal.
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Scranton:  (9-3 lead in the Top of the 9th as I type this - if they blow it, they blow it.  Chris Bootcheck started, so who cares?)

JR Murphy:  1-for-3, HR (6), RBI, RS, BB, HBP - Home runs in back to back games.  All year, I have been justifying why Murphy may wear down and end the season with a thud - I guess I could have saved myself plenty of typing.
Ronnier Mustelier:  1-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, RS, BB - If they can find a spot for him on the 40-man, it may be worthwhile to bring him up.   He has been smoking the ball lately.
Neil Medchill:  1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB - First career Triple-A home run.
David Adams:  0-for-4, RBI, BB
Jose Gil:  1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
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Trenton (Lost to New Britain, 4-1, in another marathon (13 innings).  Carmen Angelini struck out with the bases loaded to end the game)

Gary Sanchez:  2-for-5, BB, HBP - Hitting .259 (21-for-81) with 12 walks.
Ben Gamel:  2-for-6 - Hitting .232 (13-for-56) since promotion.
Ramon Flores:  2-for-6, BB, K - Has 74 walks in 132 games.  
Jose Pirela:  2-for-7, 2B (25), RBI - He has been solid since June 1st.  (.309)
Kyle Roller:  1-for-3, BB - Carmen Angelini pinch-ran for him, then struck out with the bases loaded to end the game.  I bet they wished Roller was still in the lineup at that point (assuming he wasn't injured)

Bryan Mitchell:  7.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 K - This is the type of ability Mitchell has.   In three starts for Trenton, he has yet to allow more than two runs in any of them (18.2 IP, 14 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 16 K)
Francisco Rondon:  2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K - The Trenton relievers are a thrill ride - Kahnle/Burawa/Rondon all feature overpowering type of stuff, but also walk the tightrope with the higher walk totals (4.03 ERA; 73.2 IP, 56 H, 44 R, 33 ER, 6 HR, 49 BB, 79 K) 
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Tampa (Lost to Lakeland, 6-3)

Taylor Dugas:  2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS - Home run for Taylor Dugas?    That is not a common occurrence, as he now has three in 580 career minor league at-bats (only 24 doubles and one triple).  Simply put, not his game and won't likely ever be.  Hitting .297/.407/.354 in 175 AB since joining Tampa.   He is going to live or die on his OBP and it is going to be fascinating to see if his game translates in the upper minors.
Cito Culver: 1-for-4, RBI - Holding his own in Tampa (.304 in 46 AB).  Hitting .239/.316/.346 overall.
Pete O'Brien:  1-for-4, 2B (13), RS - .283/.344/.529 in 431 AB for Charleston/Tampa with 35 doubles, four triples, 21 home runs, and 90 RBI.   Can he survive Double-A?
Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-3 - .283/.408/.400 for Tampa; .293/.413/.410 overall in 454 AB.   Once again, a few intriguing prospects are going to try to crash through Double-A next year.  It is a little bit different this time as O'Brien and Refsynder are college players trying to break through; this year, Trenton had kids drafted out of high school or signed internationally.    

Rafael DePaula (L, 1-3):  5 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR (6.06 ERA; 49 IP, 54 H, 35 R, 33 ER, 5 HR, 30 BB, 50 K) - Interesting how a promotion can show you just how far a way a player really is.  In fairness, he threw 64.1 innings last year and has 113.1 this year.  (146/53 K/BB ratio)
Zach Varce:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
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Staten Island (Lost to Brookyln, 2-1)

Eric Jagielo: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K - 0-for-8 in last three games, but has walked four times.
Tyler Wade:  0-for-3, BB - Still looking for that first Staten Island hit (only been two games)
Michael O'Neill: 0-for-2, BB
Brandon Thomas: 0-for-4, 2 K
Mike Ford:  1-for-3, RBI, BB
Kale Sumner:  1-for-4
Trent Garrison: 1-for-4

Giovanny Gallegos (L, 2-7):  3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 1 K - Started his year on fire, but has regressed. (4.30 ERA; 60.2 IP, 65 H, 30 R, 29 ER, 7 HR, 14 BB, 38 K)
Cole Coshow:  3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K (3.89 ERA; 39.1 IP, 36 H, 27 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 35 K)
Stefan Lopez:  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (1.09 ERA; 33 IP, 23 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 40 K) - 22-year old pitched in 15 games here last year.


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/28/13: Greg Bird Draws 100th Walk; JR Murphy's Big Night; Rory Bautista & Rookie Davis Debut at New Levels

Scranton:  (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 5-4, in 12 innings)

JR Murphy:  3-for-6, 2 2B (19), HR (5), RBI, 4 RS - Every time I think he has run into a brick wall, he starts showing life again.  Has hit safely in 6 of his last 7 games, and has 29 doubles and 11 home runs between Trenton/Scranton.
Ronnier Mustelier:  3-for-6, 2 2B (21), RS - 18-for-41 in last 10 games.
David Adams:  1-for-5, BB
Adonis Garcia:  2-for-5, 2 RBI
Jose Gil:  2-for-5 - Backup catcher.  DHed tonight.
Addison Maruszak:  1-for-5

Caleb Cotham:  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K (4.66 ERA; 94.2 IP, 107 H, 55 R, 49 ER, 11 HR, 33 BB, 60 K) - His ability to generate a lot of ground balls is nice, but he doesn't strike anybody out.   Could be an innings-eating middle reliever, perhaps.
Yoshinori Tateyama:  3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - Has a 1.83 ERA with 40/3 K/BB ratio in 39.1 innings since being acquired from Texas.
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Trenton:  (Defeated New Britain, 9-8, in a thriller.   New Britain took a 7-5 lead in the Top of the 11th, only to have Trenton tie it at 7.  In the 12th, New Britain scored again to make it 8-7, only to have Trenton score two runs in the bottom of the inning to win it.   The rally in the bottom of the 11th started with two outs and nobody on)

Ramon Flores:  3-for-6, 3B (5), 2 RBI, 2 RS
Gary Sanchez:  2-for-6, RBI, RS - Hitting .250 (19-for-78)
Ben Gamel: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB - I am very intrigued to see what he does at this level next year.  Gamel has done nothing but hit since entering the organization and is only 21 years old.
Kyle Roller:  2-for-5, HR (16), 3 RBI, RS 
Mason Williams: 0-for-6, RS, K - Eek.  Williams is only hitting .143 since his promotion.  At least he is getting his feet wet.
Jose Pirela: 1-for-5, 2 RS, BB

Scottie Allen: 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K - Season has been solid, but he doesn't generate ground balls or many strikeouts.  Probably not a good combination for a RHP in this organization.
Pat Venditte:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - Has a 3.60 ERA in 10 innings for Trenton with a 12/2 K/BB ratio.
Danny Burawa:  1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K (2.67 ERA; 64 IP, 46 H, 25 R, 19 ER, 1 HR, 41 BB, 64 K)
Tommy Kahnle:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K (2.58 ERA; 59.1 IP, 37 H, 18 R, 17 ER, 4 HR, 42 BB, 73 K)
Charley Short (W, 2-0):  2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K - Interested to see what this former Independent league pitcher does in the upper minors.
--------------------------
Tampa (Swept a DH vs. Clearwater, both by the score of 2-0)

Pete O'Brien: 1-for-7, HR (10), 2 RBI, RS - Walk-off HR in the bottom of the 9th of Game 2.   Now has 21 home runs and 90 runs batted in between Charleston/Tampa this season.
Cito Culver: 2-for-6, 2B (3), BB, CS (1) - Hitting .310 (13-for-42) since joining level.
Robert Refsnyder: 1-for-6, RS, BB - He will graduate to Double-A to start 2014.
Cody Grice: 3-for-6, 2 RS
Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, CS (6)
Dan Fiorito: 1-for-6, SB (6)

Rony Bautista (W, 1-0):  5 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K - High-A debut for the 6'7" LHP.  Bautista is 21 years old and hasn't pitched above the GCL level until this start.   Bautista is one of the biggest (literally) wild cards in the entire system.  Big left-hander with a good power fastball and developing breaking stuff.    Command hasn't always been his strong suit.   Had a 48/22 K/BB ratio in 35.2 innings in the GCL this year.
Taylor Garrison (S, 8):  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (1.60 ERA; 56.1 IP, 30 H, 15 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 51 K) - The right-hander gets little fanfare, but all he has done in his brief minor league career is pitch effectively.  Should get to Trenton in 2014.

Branden Pinder:  4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K - Has a 3.49 ERA with a 50/11 K/BB ratio over 49 innings for Tampa.  Problem is that he was destroyed in Trenton earlier this year.  
Edixon Mejia:  1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K - Hard to get too excited over a 23-year old with 5.1 innings above the GCL level, but you never know with pitchers.
--------------------
Charleston (Lost to Greenville, 2-1)

Greg Bird:  0-for-3, 2 BB (100) - Magic number has been reached.  
Jake Cave:  1-for-4, 3B (6), RS, BB - Has 37 doubles and 6 triples. We'll see if these extra-base hits turn into home runs as he continues his development.
Dante Bichette:  0-for-5, 2 K - Just another typical day at the office.
Reymond Nunez:  1-for-5, 2B (18)
Jose Rosario: 1-for-4, RBI

Rookie Davis: 5 IP, 8 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K - Impressive Charleston debut for the 20-year old right-hander.   Davis was 2-4 in 11 starts for Staten Island with a 2.36 ERA and 39/13 K/BB ratio over 42 innings.  
Derek Varnadore:  5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K - Has a 4.04 ERA in 55.2 innings with a 43/19 K/BB ratio.
-----------------
Staten Island (Defeated Vermont, 3-2)

Tyler Wade:  0-for-3 - Promoted from the GCL, where he hit .309/.429/.370 in 162 AB with 11 steals in 12 tries.  18-year old left-handed hitting shortstop.
Yeicok Caldeon: 1-for-4, 2B (16), 2 RBI
Bubba Jones:  1-for-3, 2B (16)
Eric Jagielo: 0-for-3, BB - .267/.380/.460 in 161 AB.  
Michael O'Neill: 1-for-4, CS (7) - .232/.294/.309.  He does have 16 doubles in 58 games, but hard to really find much good here.

Conner Kendrick:  4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (4.24 ERA; 40.1 IP, 37 H, 21 R, 19 ER, 3 HR, 18 BB, 24 K)
Andy Beresford (W, 3-2):  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - 1.93 ERA in 18 games (28 innings) with a 17/5 K/BB ratio.


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/27/13: Greg Bird Hits #20 in his Favorite Ballpark; Nik Turley Dominates; Dellin Betances Earns 3-Inning Save

Scranton (Defeated Pawtucket, 2-1)

JR Murphy:  2-for-3, BB - He's been slumping recently, so this effort is nice to see.  16-for-78 in August.
David Adams:  1-for-4, RS - Not an impossible scenario that he will be summoned to Toronto after tonight's game, as Cano figures to at least miss a game or two.    The question would become who to send down, of course.
Ronnier Mustelier:  0-for-4, RBI - Even with his 0-for-8 the last two nights, he is 17-for-39 in his last 10 games.
Neil Medchill: 2-for-4, RBI
Adonis Garcia:  2-for-4

Graham Stoneburner (W, 4-5):  6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HR (4.65 ERA; 62 IP, 64 H, 36 R, 32 ER, 8 HR, 19 BB, 30 K)
Dellin Betances (S, 5):  3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K (2.73 ERA; 82.1 IP, 51 H, 25 R, 25 ER, 2 HR, 42 BB, 104 K) - There has to be an explanation as to why they decided not to put him in a situation where he would be used in back-to-back games.   The numbers do speak for themselves -he has been outstanding this season after moving to the pen.
--------------------------
Trenton (Defeated New Britain, 5-1.  I don't think they will do it, but the Yankees should think about bringing Greg Bird here for the playoff run to get a few at-bats vs. upper level pitching.  I don't think it would hurt his development.)

Gary Sanchez:  1-for-3, RS, BB - Continues to draw his walks (12 in 19 games)
Ramon Flores:  0-for-4
Mason Williams:  0-for-4 - 9-for-57.  We will see if this experience allows him to adjust quicker to Double-A in 2014.
Jose Pirela:  2-for-3, 2B (24), RS, BB - 14-for-37 streak and 30-for-92 in August.
Carmen Angelini: 3-for-4, 2 2B (13), 2 RBI, 2 RS - .228/.298/.348 in 224 AB.    Hit safely in 8 of his last 9 games.
Kyle Roller:  0-for-4
Yeral Sanchez:  1-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS
Ben Gamel:  0-for-4

Nik Turley (W, 10-8):  7.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 7 K (3.79 ERA; 140 IP, 113 H, 68 R, 59 ER, 11 HR, 73 BB, 136 K) - Yankees have done a textbook job on stretching him out through his minor league career.  If he can reign in those walks (he has never been a control specialist, but he typically is better than this), he can be ready to make a few starts next year for the big club.
Zach Nuding (S, 1):  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K (3.99 ERA; 126 IP, 137 H, 71 R, 56 ER, 8 HR, 55 BB, 100 K) - I still wonder if this is a permanent shift to the bullpen.
-----------------------
Tampa (Lost to Clearwater, 3-2)

Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-4, RBI - Hit totals his last 6 games:  3,1,3,1,3,1.   27-for-73 in August.
Cito Culver:  1-for-3, RS, BB - 11-for-36 since joining the level.  
Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, RS, BB - 14-for-34 in last 10 games with eight walks and one (!) strikeout.  Has reached base safely in 11 straight games.
Pete O'Brien:  0-for-3, BB - .252/.307/.451 in 226 AB for Tampa.

Joel De La Cruz: 4.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Eric Ruth:  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K - Tampa debut for 22-year old RHP.  Pitched to a 0.75 ERA in 24 innings for the GCL squad with a 40/4 K/BB ratio.   He signed with the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent out of Winthrop.
Zach Woods:  1 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 0 K - Eek.
-----------------------
Charleston (Defeated Greenville, 8-1)

Greg Bird:  1-for-5, HR (20), 3 RBI, RS - .291/.424/.520 in 444 AB.  Stalled in his quest for 100 walks (98).    By the way, if he was in the Red Sox organization, the hype would be very high right now:  11 of his home runs have come on the road in Greenville, the Red Sox Low-A affiliate.  He takes advantage of a short left field, it appears (though I doubt all 11 HR have gone the opposite way).  In contrast, Charleston is really not a great place to hit.  
Reymond Nunez:  2-for-5, 2 HR (15), 4 RBI, 2 RS - Guess he likes that wall as well.
Dante Bichette: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB
Ericson Leonora:  1-for-4, 2B (12), RS
Danny Oh:  3-for-5, RS

Eric Wooten (W, 2-2):  6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K - Greenville is not very good, but it appears it would be a tough place for a left-handed pitcher to pitch.  Nice job by the 23-year old.
Ty Webb:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K - Has a 3.18 ERA in 28.1 innings with a 38/6 K/BB ratio for Charleston.  Should shoot right through Tampa in 2014.  6'6", 225 pound left-hander.
-------------------------
Staten Island (Defeated Vermont, 4-3)

Michael O'Neill:  1-for-5, 2B (16), RBI
Eric Jagielo: 0-for-2, 2 BB - Starting to get some respect:  One of the walks was intentional.  
Brandon Thomas:  2-for-3, 2B (7), 2 RS, BB - .218/.329/.352 with 78 Ks in 59 games.  If he can maintain the walk rate, and increase that contact rate, he may actually become something.
Bubba Jones:  1-for-3, RBI, BB
Daniel Lopez:  1-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 BB, 2 SB (5) - .214/.347/.301.  21-year old OF has always shown a decent eye.

Andrew Benak (W, 3-3):  5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K (5.73 ERA; 37.2 IP, 43 H, 25 R, 24 ER, 7 HR, 6 BB, 42 K) - 23-year old out of Rice is repeating level.
Nick Rumbelow (S, 6):  1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K - He has allowed seven unearned runs in 20.1 innings.  I guess his defense doesn't like him.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/26/13: Brett Marshall's Huge Night; Robert Refsnyder Continues to Rake; Eric Jagielo: XBH Machine

Scranton (Lost heartbreaker to Pawtucket, 2-1.  Scranton had a 1-0 lead heading to the bottom of the 9th)

JR Murphy:  0-for-4 - .258/.329/.394. Has likely worn down a bit.   Only 14-for-75 in August.
Ronnier Mustelier:  0-for-4 - 13-game hitting streak snapped.
Addison Maruszak:  1-for-3
Corey Patterson:  2-for-4, HR (5), RBI, RS - With the Melky Mesa injury, it is possible Patterson will come up in September as a speed option off the bench.

Brett Marshall: 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K (5.13 ERA; 138.2 IP, 144 H, 88 R, 79 ER, 17 HR, 68 BB, 120 K) - Has pitched much better since the ASB.  We may see him in September to go along for the ride.
Cesar Cabral:  1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K - Pitched scoreless 8th; couldn't hold the lead in the 9th.  
------------------------------
Trenton (Lost to New Britain, 5-3)

Mason Williams (CF): 1-for-4, 3 K - 9-for-53 with 15 strikeouts and no walks since promotion.
Ramon Flores (OF):  1-for-3, RS, BB
Kyle Roller (1B/DH):  1-for-2, RBI, RS, BB
Jose Pirela (2B):  0-for-3, RS, BB
Carmen Angelini (SS): 1-for-4, 2B (11), 2 RBI
Ben Gamel (OF):  0-for-4, 2 K - 9-for-42

Shane Greene (L, 11-10):  5.1 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K (3.48 ERA; 72.1 IP, 89 H, 35 R, 28 ER, 6 HR, 18 BB, 63 K since joining Trenton) - 24-year old RHP should make his presence known in Scranton next year.  147.1 innings this year.
Manny Barreda:  2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Francisco Rondon:  1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
--------------------------------
Tampa (Defeated Clearwater, 8-5)

Robert Refsnyder (2B):  3-for-4, 2 2B (28), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, SB (16) - Now 26-for-69 in August with six doubles, 18 (!!) walks, and 9 strikeouts.  Average up to .287 overall.
Pete O'Brien (C/3B):  1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB - Has actually drawn 7 walks in his last 10 games.  Has driven in 88 runs.
Cito Culver (SS):  1-for-4, 2 RS, BB - Hitting .303 (10-for-33) since joining Tampa.
Taylor Dugas (CF):  2-for-3, 2 RS, BB, HBP - Up to .291 with 28 walks and 14 strikeouts in 47 games for Tampa.   Smallish OF will get a chance to prove his worth in Trenton next year.
Saxon Butler (1B):  2-for-5, 2B (13), 2 RBI

Jairo Heredia:  5 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, HR (3.22 ERA; 36.1 IP, 33 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 5 HR, 14 BB, 34 K) - Most important thing for Heredia is to get out of this season healthy and try to build something in 2014. 
Zach Varce:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K - First appearance in 2013 after undergoing Tommy John surgery after throwing in only 8 games in 2012.  24-year old RHP out of U. of Portland.
-----------------------
Charleston (Defeated Greenville, 9-6)

Jose Rosario (SS):  3-for-4, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 RS - Only hitting .181 (17-for-94) at this level.  
Greg Bird (1B):  1-for-5, 2B (36), RS - Bird turned Greenville into his personal playground earlier this year.  The ballpark features a "green monster" in left field, and Bird was consistently hitting balls over it.  
Jake Cave (CF):  1-for-5, 2B (37), RS, 4 K - Hitting .285 on the season in 442 AB.  Has struck out 107 times.
Dante Bichette (3B):  1-for-4, HR (10), 2 RBI, RS - First double-digit HR season of his career, so he has that going for him.
Ericson Leonora (OF):  2-for-3, RS, BB - Hitting .319 in 119 AB.
Jackson Valera: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RS - Hitting .322 in 90 AB.  
Daniel Aldrich:  2-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (3)

Dan Camarena:  4.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 7 K (4.42 ERA; 112 IP, 109 H, 67 R, 55 ER, 19 BB, 83 K) - Not bad for a pitcher who had 17.2 innings of professional experience before 2013.   Won't turn 21 until November.
Kelvin Castro:  2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K - Has struck out 42 in 31 innings this season.
------------------------------
Staten Island (Destroyed Vermont, 9-0)

Eric Jagielo (3B):  2-for-5, 2B (14), HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 RS - The minor league system has taken its share of hits this year - but Jagielo's debut has been encouraging.     He has 22 hits in August, 16 of which have gone for extra bases.  
Trent Garrison (C):  2-for-4, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 RS - 23-year old left-handed hitting catcher out of Fresno State.   His main attribute is his strong arm behind the plate.  Not a tremendous amount of upside, but probably has a ceiling as a backup catcher.  Interesting note:  Twin brother Taylor Garrison is also in the system (Right-handed reliever in High-A Tampa)
Abiatal Avelino (SS):  1-for-4, RS - 12-for-54 since joining level (.222)
Kale Sumner (Util):  1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB - .245/.359/.318.   Sumner can play many positions, and could move behind the plate.  Has played mostly third base (when Jagielo hasn't) and designated hitter, but also has played first base and three games in the outfield.
Derek Toadvine (2B):  1-for-4, SB (7) 
Yeicok Calderon (OF):  0-for-4, RBI, RS
Bubba Jones (1B):  1-for-4
Michael O'Neill (OF):  1-for-4, 2 RS, BB - .232/.295/.309 in 220 AB

Caleb Smith:  4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K (1.89 ERA; 47.2 IP, 33 H, 15 R, 10 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 52 K) - 22-year old LHP with a nice professional debut.
Philip Walby:  3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K (2.91 ERA; 34 IP, 22 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 28 BB, 36 K) - Quick:  What does Walby need to work on?  21-year old RHP drafted in the 12th round out of San Diego State.



Sunday, August 25, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/25/13: Ronnier Mustelier Scorching; Greg Bird & Jake Cave Continue Their Strong Campaigns

Baseball season goes by so quickly.  Seems like yesterday I started up these reports for 2013 - now, we are nearing the end.  The only team I currently report on who is likely playoff bound is Trenton.  Charleston's season has been solid, just not good enough.  Scranton, Tampa, and Staten Island all have had rough seasons.  

As for the teams I report on only sporadically, the GCL 2 squad is in fine shape.  They are 34-22 on the season and are destined for the playoffs.  The GCL 1 squad hasn't been as good (26-30).  I assume the Yankees can shift players around to get the best mix on the GCL 2 squad heading into the playoffs.  

Finally, the league I never report on:  The DSL squads are not playoff bound.  The DSL 1 squad has been good this year (40-30), just not good enough.  The DSL 2 squad would make the Houston Astros blush with their 15-56 record.
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Scranton (Lost to Pawtucket, 6-5)

Ronnier Mustelier: 2-for-4, 2B (19), BB - 13-game hitting streak.    20-for-48 during that streak with six doubles.  Making a case for a September roster spot.  However, I do not believe he is Rule 5 eligible after 2013, so the Yankees may decide to keep him off of the 40-man for now.
Addison Maruszak:  2-for-5, RS - 3-for-23 in August.
Neil Medchill: 2-for-4, 2B (1), BB
Adonis Garcia:  2-for-5, 2B (9), RS
Bobby Wilson: 2-for-4, HR (7), 3 RBI, RS, BB - 30-year old catcher is hitting .215.  Having a veteran catcher in the minors is a good idea, IMHO.  But he shouldn't sniff the majors in September.
David Adams:  1-for-4, RS, BB - .271/.370/.404 in 55 games.  See you next Sunday, kid.
Dan Johnson: 3-for-4, 2B (26), RBI, RS, BB - .257/.383/.454 in 452 AB.    If only he was 24 instead of 34.

Chase Whitley:  4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR (3.36 ERA; 61.2 IP, 60 H, 24 R, 23 ER, 20 BB, 57 K, 3 HR) - He has done a solid job as a "spot starter" recently, though tonight he was a bit off his game.  Regardless, he started the year off on the disabled list, so these starts are allowing him to get in his innings.  He threw 91 in 2011 and 84.1 in 2012.  
Sam Demel:  2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K (1.88 ERA; 48 IP, 35 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 3 HR, 22 BB, 58 K) - 27-year old RHP with spotty major league record.
---------------------------
Trenton (Defeated Portland, 3-2, in 10 innings)

Gary Sanchez:  1-for-4, RBI - .239/.363/.358 in 67 AB for Trenton.  
Ramon Flores:  1-for-4, RBI, BB - 9 walks in last 10 games; 72 walks overall.  Flores has struggled this season, but his plate discipline seems to be intact.
Mason Williams: 0-for-4, K - 8-for-49 since joining level.  Has yet to draw a walk (12 strikeouts).  Williams has been a bit overmatched so far, it appears.  Not anything to be concerned about at this point in time.
Jose Pirela:  1-for-3, 2B (23), RS, BB - .274/.359/.408 in 449 AB for Trenton/Scranton.
Ben Gamel: 1-for-4 - 9-for-38 with a pair of doubles.
Kyle Roller:  1-for-4, RS
Reegie Corona:  3-for-4, RBI, RS

Mikey O'Brien:  6.2 IP, 9 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, 1 HR (4.01 ERA; 101 IP, 101 H, 50 R, 45 ER, 8 HR, 42 BB, 84 K) - The 5'11" 23-year old RHP hasn't been great this year - but hasn't been terrible either.  
Danny Burawa:  1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K (2.71 ERA; 63 IP, 44 H, 23 R, 19 ER, 1 HR, 41 BB, 62 K, 1.48 GO/AO)
Charley Short (W, 1-0):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K - Double-A debut for the 25-year old former independent leaguer.   Short has been fantastic since joining the organization last year (104/23 K/BB ratio over 75 innings), but getting information as to how that is hasn't been easy.  Maybe now that he is in the higher minors, we'll find out more.  
------------------------
Tampa (Crushed by Daytona, 11-2.    Tampa is a miserable 53-73 on the season)

Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-2, 2 RBI, BB, SF - .282/.410/.399 in 383 AB for Tampa.  .354/.494/.415 in 20 August games.
Pete O'Brien: 0-for-4, 2 K - .255/.306/.459 in 220 AB for Tampa; .287/.348/.534 overall.    Hitting .187/.299/.360 in 20 August games.
Taylor Dugas:  1-for-4 - .284/.394/.327 in 162 AB for Tampa.
Mikeson Oliberto:  1-for-2, 2B (4), 2 RS, 2 BB, SB (4) - .278/.328/.407 in 54 AB for Tampa.  
Saxon Butler:  2-for-4
Dan Fiorito:  2-for-4 - .285/.369/.348 in 221 AB.  

Cesar Vargas (L, 0-3):  2.1 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 4 BB, 2 K - Hasn't done very well since promotion (obviously).  Has a 11.68 ERA in 12.1 innings with a 9/8 K/BB ratio.  Overall, he is 4-8 with a 4.10 ERA (120.1 IP, 109 H, 67 R, 55 ER, 7 HR, 43 BB, 92 K, 1.27 GO/AO)
Edixon Mejia:  2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K - 23-year old RHP has pitched pretty well, but has only 3.2 innings above the GCL level.   
Taylor Garrison:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (1.66 ERA; 54.1 IP, 28 H, 15 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 50 K)
------------------------
Charleston (Defeated Asheville, 8-5)

Greg Bird:  2-for-4, 2B (35), RBI, 2 RS, BB - .293/.428/.518 in 434 AB.  Has 98 walks.    Hitting .304/.471/.570 (1.041 OPS) in 25 August games after hitting .303/.456/.629 (1.085 OPS) in 26 July games.
Jake Cave:  2-for-5, 2B (36), RBI - .286/.351/.405 in 437 AB.    After a rough May (.644 OPS), he has been solid (.791 in June, .776 in July, .765 in August).    This for a guy who had one AB of professional experience prior to 2013.
Jackson Valera:  3-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, RS - 28-for-86 since joining Charleston.    Before this stretch, the 21-year old catcher has never hit much at any level.
Reymond Nunez:  2-for-5, RBI, RS - .261/.320/.432 in 352 AB.    Repeating level after disappointing 2012 campaign.
Daniel Aldrich:  2-for-4, 2B (1), HR (2), 2 RBI, RS - After hitting first professional HR on Saturday, he wastes no time getting #2.  
Ericson Leonora:  1-for-4, 2B (11)

Luis Niebla:  4 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR (4.99 ERA; 74 IP, 96 H, 54 R, 41 ER, 9 HR, 20 BB, 59 K) - 22-year old RHP is getting a rude awakening thus far.
Jose Campos (W, 4-2):  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (3.41 ERA; 87 IP, 82 H, 37 R, 33 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 77 K) - Obviously had an innings cap for 2013 after his surgery.   Previous high in innings was the 81.1 innings in 2011.
James Pezos (S, 1):  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K - 4.31 ERA in 31.1 innings with 30/8 K/BB ratio for Charleston.
----------------------
Staten Island (Lost to Tri-City, 7-3)

Bubba Jones:  2-for-4, 2B (15), HR (2), 3 RBI, RS - .284/.353/.399 in 183 AB for 21-year old first baseman (actually older than Greg Bird).   7th round pick in 2011 has some offensive upside, but again - when you are anchored at first base, you really need to turn it up an extra notch offensively.
Eric Jagielo: 0-for-4, K - .272/.380/.450.  0-for-9 in last 2 games after hot stretch.  
Michael O'Neill: 2-for-4, RS - .232/.295/.309
Abiatal Avelino:  0-for-4, 2 K - 11-for-50 since promotion.
Brandon Thomas:  0-for-4, 2 K
Yeicok Calderon: 1-for-3, 2B (15), RS, BB

David Palladino:  4 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K (4.80 ERA; 45 IP, 52 H, 28 R, 24 ER, 3 HR, 24 BB, 44 K)

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/24/13: Gary Sanchez Hits First Double-A HR; Bryan Mitchell Has Strong Night; Robert Refsnyder Collects 3 Hits; Greg Bird Approaching Magic Number

Scranton (Lost to Pawtucket, 5-4, in 10 innings)

Derek Jeter:  1-for-3
Addison Maruszak:  1-for-2, 2 RBI after replacing Jeter.  So tell me:  Based on tonight, who should be the starting shortstop in Toronto on Monday?
Ronnier Mustelier:  1-for-4, RS - 12-game hitting streak.   Had a 6-game multi-hit streak snapped.    His season was going nowhere prior to this crazy streak he is on.
JR Murphy:  1-for-4 - Modest 4-game hitting streak.  Only 9 hits in last 41 AB.
Neil Medchill:  1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS - 2-run single to tie the game in the bottom of the 9th.  26-year old left-handed hitting OF was a decent power prospect, especially after hitting 14 HR in 62 games in his professional debut at Staten Island.   But the ship has sailed.
Dan Johnson: 1-for-3, BB - Has 91 walks in 130 games.

Cesar Cabral:  0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - Allowed an inherited runner to score.  In other words, he'd be the perfect replacement for Boone Logan in 2014.
Tateyama Yoshinori:  2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K - Tonight aside, he has done a nice job filling out the Scranton bullpen since being acquired from Texas.
----------------------------
Trenton (Lost to Portland, 4-2.  Trenton fell to 68-64, but still holds a 3-game lead for the wild-card.)

Gary Sanchez:  1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS - .238/.368/.365 in 63 AB for Trenton; .252/.322/.412 in 412 AB with 14 HR overall.
Mason Williams:  1-for-4, 2B (3), RS - 8-for-45 since joining Trenton.  Five of those hits have gone for extra bases.
Jose Pirela:  1-for-4, RBI, SB (18) - 27-for-83 in August.  Honestly, I am not sure why Pirela has sat in Double-A for the third consecutive year.  He hit very well here last year (.804 OPS) while playing many different positions.  I just don't know if I agree with having a player play a third year at any level when they have had some success there.  This is not to say Pirela is near the top of any prospect list.
Ramon Flores:  0-for-4, K - 7 hits in last 40 AB.
Kyle Roller:  1-for-3, BB
Ben Gamel:  0-for-3 - 8-for-34 since promotion.   He is going to be here next year regardless, so this is a good head start in that journey.
Carmen Angelini: 2-for-4, CS (3) - .222/.297/.335 in 212 AB.  "Feel good" story from earlier this season in Tampa has failed for Trenton.

Bryan Mitchell: 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K -  Two consecutive good games for Mitchell after having a rough time (4-11, 5.12 ERA) in Tampa.  
Zach Nuding:  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K (130.1 IP, 143 H, 74 R, 59 ER, 9 HR, 57 BB, 104 K) - Has a 19/8 K/BB ratio over 14 innings as a reliever.
Tommy Kahnle: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K (2.67 ERA; 57.1 IP, 36 H, 18 R, 17 ER, 43 BB, 71 K) - You take the good with the bad when it comes to Kahnle - when his control is decent, he has shown to be very tough to hit.  
-----------------
Tampa (Lost to Daytona, 7-3)

Robert Refsnyder:  3-for-4, 2B (26), BB - 14 hits in last 32 AB with seven walks mixed in.  Up to .281 on the season for Tampa with 74 walks and 64 strikeouts.   Refsnyder has been streaky since joining Tampa:  .649 OPS in May; .906 in June; .660 in July; .847 (entering tonight) in August.
Mikeson Oliberto:  1-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, CS (2) -  Hasn't hit much this year (.515 OPS in 102 AB entering tonight), but has hit pretty well in the past.  23-year old right-handed hitting OF.
Taylor Dugas:  0-for-4, BB
Ali Castillo:  2-for-3, RS, BB
Pete O'Brien:  0-for-4, 2 K - .259/.311/.468 in 216 AB for Tampa.  6-for-36 slide with 14 strikeouts.

Rafael DePaula:  4.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 7 BB, 3 K (5.73 ERA; 44 IP, 44 H, 30 R, 28 ER, 5 HR, 29 BB, 46 K) - His control has escaped him.     Has 142 K in 108.1 innings between Charleston/Tampa, but he seems to have run into a wall.
Jaron Long:  2.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K - Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State.  21-year old RHP.
Zach Woods:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
----------------------
Charleston (Defeated Asheville, 8-2.  They were down 2-0 entering the top of the 9th, when they exploded for 8 runs).  Charleston is 70-60 on the season, but will not make the playoffs as they will not win either "half" season.

Greg Bird:  2-for-4, 2B (34), RS, BB -  Now has 97 walks.  Charleston's season is almost over, but his chances at 100 walks are still very good.
Jake Cave:  2-for-4, 2B (35), RS, BB - Very impressive overall season for Cave, who has actually flown a tad under the radar.
Daniel Aldrich:  2-for-5, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS - First professional home run (114 AB).  22-year old left-handed hitting OF.
Dante Bichette:  0-for-3, K - Left game early - not sure if it was injury-related, but you always have to make that assumption.  .209/.292/.318.
Ericson Leonora:  1-for-5
Jackson Valera:  2-for-5, 2 RBI, RS

Brett Gerritse:  6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 0 HR (3.60 ERA; 95 IP, 89 H, 45 R, 38 ER, 0 HR, 29 BB, 102 K) - In his seven starts this season, he has allowed more than one earned run only once.
Ty Webb:  3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K - Very impressive.  3.42 ERA since joining Charleston with 34/6 K/BB ratio over 26.1 innings.
-------------------
Staten Island (Lost to Tri-City, 4-2)

Brandon Thomas:  2-for-4
Mike Ford:  2-for-4, 2B (4), RS
Michael O'Neill:  1-for-4, RBI, BB - .227 with 81/11 K/BB ratio in 216 AB.
Yeicok Calderon:  1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, 2 K 
Bubba Jones:  1-for-3, RS, HBP
Kale Sumner:  1-for-4 - 5-for-32 in August with zero XBH.
Abiatal Avelino:  0-for-5, K - 11-for-46 since joining the squad with three walks and four strikeouts. 

Giovanny Gallegos:  4 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K (4.21 ERA; 57.2 IP, 61 H, 28 R, 27 ER, 7 HR, 10 BB, 37 K)
Cale Coshow:  2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K - 6'5" RHP has a 4.29 ERA with 32/19 K/BB ratio in 35.2 innings.
Dillon McNamara:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K - 1.85 ERA in 34 innings with 29/15 K/BB ratio.  

Friday, August 23, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/23/13: Ronnier Mustelier Suddenly Hot; Robert Refsnyder Walking His Way Up the Chain

Melky Mesa appears to have suffered a bad hamstring injury and will probably miss the season.  That will open up a 40-man slot for someone in September.  Could be Ronnier Mustelier, who has been scorching lately in Scranton, but doesn't really offer Girardi too much because he isn't particularly fast and he isn't known for defense.    With Mesa out, and the uncertainty surrounding Zoilo Almonte, it will be interesting to see if they bring up another outfielder in September - I assume they are, but the options are a bit limited. (Retread Corey Patterson is in Scranton....)
-------------------
Scranton (Defeated Pawtucket, 4-1)

Ronnier Mustelier:  2-for-4, 2B (18), RS - .267/.314/.380.  Mustelier is scorching the ball right now:  18 hits in his last 35 AB.  Six consecutive multi-hit games.
JR Murphy:  1-for-4, 2 RBI - .263/.336/.405 since joining Scranton; .265/.344/.412 overall in 388 AB.
Derek Jeter: 0-for-3, RS, BB, GIDP - Can you believe that the scout who recommended this clown said he would someday go to the HOF?
Adonis Garcia:  1-for-4, 2B (8), RS 

Caleb Cotham (W, 6-5):  6.1 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K (4.55 ERA; 118.2 IP, 129 H, 65 R, 60 ER, 12 HR, 45 BB, 84 K) - Has a 1.59 GO/AO ratio this season.   That is what could potentially get him to the big leagues, as keeping the ball on the ground is a nice attribute to have.    Has a 1.83 ERA in 39.1 innings since the ASB with a 23/8 K/BB ratio.
Dellin Betances:  2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K - Jim Miller allowed one of Betances' runs to score, which broke a scoreless streak going back to June.    Has a 2.84 ERA in 79.1 innings with a 100/41 K/BB ratio.
-------------------------
Trenton (Defeated Portland, 3-1)

Ramon Flores:  2-for-4, 2B (23), RS, SB (7) - Known more for being a bit of a smart runner with decent speed than a true speedster, Flores' SB rate this season (7-for-13) is a bit of a surprise. Though he has hit a bit of a rough patch lately after a torrid month or so, he still has been very good since the ASB.  Still only 21 years old (won't turn 22 until just before the 2014 season)
Mason Williams:  1-for-4, RBI - 7-for-41 since promotion.    Hit safely in five of last six games.
Gary Sanchez:  0-for-4, K - .237/.375/.322 in 59 AB since promotion; .252/.323/.406 in 421 AB overall.
Ben Gamel:  1-for-4, RS - 8-for-31 since promotion; .271/.349/.390 with 22 steals in 27 attempts overall.
Reegie Corona:  1-for-1, RS, 2 BB, SB (6)
Kyle Roller: 0-for-3, BB - .252/.343/.423 in 409 AB.

Scottie Allen (W, 2-0):  5.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 1 K -  Has a 1.02 ERA in three starts for Trenton (17.2 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 11 BB, 5 K) - Yes ,there obviously is some luck involved.  
Danny Burawa:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K (2.61 ERA; 62 IP, 42 H, 22 R, 18 ER, 1 HR, 38 BB, 61 K) - One of the things that makes people drool a bit is that he has the stuff to strike you out AND has a strong ground ball rate, which will be very beneficial in Yankee Stadium.
Francisco Rondon (S, 3):  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K - Has a 52/29 K/BB ratio over 42.1 innings as a reliever.  Obviously, the walks aren't ideal.   But as a LHP with some power in his arm and a nasty slider, he has a chance.  
-------------------------
Tampa (Lost to Daytona, 5-1)

Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-2, 2 BB - .276/.405/.393 in 377 AB for Tampa with 73 walks and 64 strikeouts.    Has 41 walks in 55 game since ASB.
Pete O'Brien: 1-for-3, BB - Has only one XBH (double) in last 10 games.  And XBH are his calling card.
Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, BB - Seems like I can almost pencil him in for a line like this most nights.  Hitting .292 with 26 walks (13 strikeouts) in 44 games for Tampa.
Ali Castillo: 0-for-4, RBI

Brandon Pinder:  4 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR (3.83 ERA; 44.2 IP, 37 H, 20 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 8 BB, 45 K) - Normally a reliever, has been pressed into three starts due to promotions/injuries/etc.
Joel De La Cruz:  3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K (3.58 ERA; 75.1 IP, 68 H, 34 R, 30 ER, 2 HR, 25 BB, 68 K) - 24-year old was one of the first rumored names that came out during the Alfonso Soriano trade talks.
----------------------
Charleston (Lost to Asheville, 8-1)

Greg Bird:  1-for-3, BB - 97th walk of the season.  12 hits in last 31 AB.
Jake Cave:  1-for-3, 2B (34), RS, BB - .283/.348/.400 in 428 AB.   This is essentially his first professional season at the age of 20, playing in a full-season league.  Not bad, eh?  (I say essentially because he did have one lonely AB in the GCL back in 2011 after being signed.  Missed 2012 due to knee surgery)
Dante Bichette:  1-for-3, RBI -  Entered the game with a .709 OPS since ASB (.555 before).  
Ericson Leonora:  0-for-4, K - Has done well enough to earn himself a space here when he has a bad night.  I usually reserve that for the very best prospects/guys most people have heard of.

Kelvin Castro: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K - 6/3 K/BB ratio in five innings since promotion.  As stated previously, Castro was once an infielder in this organization (That .229/.280/.386 line in 1,737 career AB is reason enough to look for a career change).
----------------------
Staten Island (Lost to Tri-City, 11-6)

Abiatal Avelino:  2-for-4, RBI, RS - 11-for-41 since promotion.   Can he be a 19-year old SS in Charleston in 2014?  Seems at least possible.
Brandon Thomas:  1-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, BB - Hitting .210 with 28 walks in 56 games.  Has also struck out 75 times.
Eric Jagielo:  0-for-5, RBI, 3 K - All great streaks must come to an end.  13-for-34 since ASB.
Yeicok Calderon:  3-for-5, RBI
Derek Toadvine:  2-for-5, RS, BB - Hasn't shown all that much. The real second baseman to watch (Katoh) is lurking in the GCL.
Kale Sumner:  2-for-5, RS
Trent Garrison:  2-for-5 - At least one Yankees draftee out of Fresno State is playing this year...
Left-handed hitting catcher has a .643 OPS in 21 games.
Daniel Lopez:  1-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB - 21-year old had a fine start to his career in the DSL and GCL.  Hasn't been near the same since arriving here (second year in Staten Island)

Conner Kendrick:  2 IP, 8 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 0 BB, 1 K - Don't worry kid.  Even Kuroda has bad starts from time to time.
Andy Beresford:  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - 2.08 ERA with 16/5 K/BB ratio over 26 innings.  6'7" RHP out of UNLV has shown off some ground ball tendencies thus far. (2.60 GO/AO heading into today's game)

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/22/13: Eric Jagielo is on Fire; Derek Jeter's Night

Scranton (Lost to Pawtucket, 5-2)

Derek Jeter:  2-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, RS - Replaced late in the game by Addison Maruszak.  Jeter committed an error in this game, so obviously they were sending the kid a message - make lazy errors, get pulled from the game.
Melky Mesa:  0-for-1, pulled from game - Uh oh.
Dan Johnson: 1-for-4, 2B (25), RBI - I wonder if they will find a 40-man spot for him in September.  He can take a walk, hit for a bit of power, etc.  Offers no versatility or speed, however.
David Adams:  1-for-4

Cesar Cabral:  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Sam Demel:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K - 1.57 ERA in 46 innings with 55/19 K/BB ratio.  As I have stated previously, it was down to Demel or Claiborne earlier this season when the Yankees had a bullpen role to fill.
-------------------
Trenton (lost to Portland, 4-2)

Ramon Flores:  0-for-2, RS, 3 BB - 12 walks in last 10 games; 71 overall.
Mason Williams: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 K, SAC
Gary Sanchez:  0-for-3, BB, 2 PB - 10 walks in 14 games since promotion.
Jose Pirela:  0-for-4, BB
Kyle Roller:  0-for-3, RS, BB
Carmen Angelini:  1-for-3, BB
Jose Gil: 1-for-3, RBI, BB

Nik Turley (L, 9-8):  5.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 1 HR  (4.00 ERA; 132.2 IP, 110 H, 67 R, 59 ER, 11 HR, 69 BB, 129 K) - Not a dominant season, but also not a bad season.  Strong strikeout rate is nice to see - walks are elevated.  I remain bullish.
Diego Moreno:  0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K - 0.96 ERA in 9.1 innings for Trenton with 12/2 K/BB ratio.  Advanced age (26).
Pat Venditte:  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Manny Barreda:  1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K - Just another night at the office.  Barreda has a 63/24 K/BB ratio over 55.2 innings for Tampa/Trenton.
--------------------
Charleston (Defeated West Virginia, 5-4.  Charleston didn't have a hit through the first six innings, and West Virginia starter Tyler Glasnow struck out 13 in five innings of work.  But a three-run 8th and two-run ninth won it for the home team)

Greg Bird:  1-for-4, 2B (33), RS, 3 K - Definitely happy when Glasnow left the game (0-for-3, 3 K). Jake Cave:  2-for-4, 2 2B (33), 2 RBI, RS, BB - Hopefully some of those doubles will convert to home runs in the future.
Dante Bichette:  0-for-2, 2 BB - Surprisingly enough, the only Charleston hitter to not strike out vs. Glasnow.  
Ericson Leonora:  1-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS, BB - Hitting .330 in 103 AB since joining Charleston.
Jackson Valera:  1-for-2, RS, 2 BB - Hitting .299 in 77 AB for Charleston.  21-year old catcher.

Eric Wooten:  6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K - Has a 1.74 ERA in 31 innings for Charleston with a 23/3 K/BB ratio.
-----------------------------
Staten Island (Defeated Brooklyn, 7-1)

Eric Jagielo:  3-for-5, 3B (1), HR (4), 3 RBI, 2 RS - This kid is on fire.  13-for-36 in his last 10 games with six doubles, a triple, three home runs, and seven RBI. (OPS = 1.311).   Outstanding debut for Jagielo.  Let's see how he does in a full season league.
Abiatal Avelino:  2-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, SB (2) - 10-for-37 (.270) since joining Staten Island.  18-year old SS is holding his own.
Yeicok Calderon: 3-for-5, 2 2B (14), 2 RS - Such a flop in Charleston earlier this season that it is hard to get excited.  Try again in 2014.  Always will be intriguing because he has a left-handed power swing.  (22 doubles/13 HR between Charleston/Staten Island)
Brandon Thomas:  1-for-5, RS, SB (9)
Michael O'Neill: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 3 K - 80 K in 212 AB.
Bubba Jones: 1-for-4, BB
Derek Toadvine:  1-for-4, RBI

Rookie Davis:  4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 1 HR - More than just a cool name.  (2.36 ERA; 42 IP, 46 H, 19 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 39 K)
Andrew Benak:   4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K - 14th round pick in 2012 draft is repeating the level with not-so-good results (6.61 ERA with 7 HR allowed in 32.2 innings)




Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/21/13: Ronnier Mustelier On Fire; Shane Greene Continues Strong Season; Cito Culver Collects 3 Hits

Quick note:  Ian Clarkin made his professional debut on Tuesday, tossing a scoreless inning with a walk for the GCL (1) squad.

Scranton (Lost to Pawtucket, 6-3)

Melky Mesa:  0-for-3, RS, BB, K, 2 SB (13) - His role in September will be that of a pinch-runner/defensive outfielder is my guess.  Just don't miss third base this time.
Ronnier Mustelier:  3-for-3, 2B (17), RBI, RS, BB - Mustelier is suddenly on fire and may have the Yankees thinking about giving him a September spot (though a 40-man slot would need to be created).  10-game hitting streak (17-for-36)
JR Murphy:  1-for-4, RBI - Last month, I suggested the Yankees call him up and just give him the job for the rest of the season.  I am not completely backing down from that, but it doesn't hurt that Romine has started to hit a bit to allow Murphy to get more seasoning.   Murphy will need to be placed on the 40-man roster after 2013, so doing that in September shouldn't be a big deal.
David Adams:  0-for-4, BB
Dan Johnson:  0-for-1, RS, 3 BB

Brett Marshall (L, 7-10):  5 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 5 K (5.40 ERA; 131.2 IP, 142 H, 88 R, 79 ER, 17 HR, 68 BB, 111 K) - If he was having a good season, probably a strong chance he would have started tonight for the Yankees.  But he isn't.
Yoshinori Tateyama:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K - Has a 1.83 ERA with 37/3 K/BB ratio over 34.1 innings.
--------------------------
Trenton (Defeated New Britain, 3-1.  Trenton is 67-62 and currently holds a 3 game lead for a playoff spot in the Eastern League.)

Ben Gamel: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (1) - 7-for-27 since promotion.   Gamel has stolen 22 bases in 27 tries between Tampa/Trenton.
Ramon Flores:  1-for-5, 2B (22), RS - 10 hits in last 41 AB.  Five of them have been doubles, and he also has 10 walks in that time period.
Mason Williams:  0-for-5 - Only hitting .152 (5-for-33) since promotion.  Has yet to walk.
Gary Sanchez:  0-for-4 - 14-for-52 since promotion.
Kyle Roller:  1-for-4, 2B (23), RS
Jose Pirela:  2-for-3, RS, BB
Carmen Angelini: 1-for-3, 2B (10)

Shane Greene (W, 7-3);  7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K (142 IP, 161 H, 67 R, 54 ER, 10 HR, 26 BB, 126 K) - Greene is an organizational success story this season.
Tommy Kahnle:  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K (2.38 ERA; 56.2 IP, 34 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 37 BB, 69 K)
Francisco Rondon (S, 2):  0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
---------------------------
Tampa (Defeated Clearwater, 4-2)

Cito Culver:  3-for-5, 2B (2), RS - 9-for-29 (.310) since promotion.   
Pete O'Brien:  2-for-3, RBI, RS, BB - 5 hits in last 37 AB.  Though he does have 6 walks in that timespan (had 9 in 203 AB prior)
Taylor Dugas:  2-for-3, BB - 15 hits in last 37 AB.
Jose Toussen:  1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS - He can play just about anywhere on the field - he also has very little hitting ability.  
Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-4 - Rare night of zero production for Refsnyder.   12 hits in last 38 AB and 18 for 57 in August with 13 walks.
Cody Grice:  1-for-4, 3B (1), RS

Jairo Heredia (W, 3-1):  7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HR (2.30 ERA; 31.1 IP, 27 H, 12 R, 8 ER, 10 BB, 31 K, 4 HR)
Taylor Garrison (S, 7):  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K - The next Goose Gossage! (2.06 ERA; 39.1 IP, 23 H, 13 R, 9 ER, 11 BB, 32 K)
----------------------------
Charleston (Lost to West Virginia, 7-4)

Jake Cave:  2-for-5, 2 RS - 20-year old CF is holding his own, hitting .280 in 421 AB with 31 doubles, five triples, and two home runs.
Greg Bird:  1-for-4, RBI, HBP
Dante Bichette:  1-for-4, RS, E (18)
Angelo Gumbs:  0-for-3 - Left game early.  Not sure why.
Ericson Leonora:  1-for-4, RBI

Dan Camarena:   5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K (4.36 ERA; 107.1 IP, 102 H, 63 R, 52 ER, 10 HR, 18 BB, 76 K)
Evan Rutckyj (L, 10-9):  2.1 IP, 3 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HR (5.03 ERA; 118 IP, 128 H, 76 R, 66 ER, 10 HR, 60 BB, 102 K)
------------------------
Staten Island (Defeated Brooklyn, 5-3)

Brandon Thomas:  1-for-4, HR (6), 3 RBI, RS, 2 CS (6) - Only hitting .209 in 196 AB, but has shown a bit of power and the ability to take walks.  
Eric Jagielo: 1-for-4, 2B (13), RS - Seems that everything he hits nowadays turns into a double.  10 hits in his last 10 games, 6 of which are doubles and 2 of which were home runs.  
Mike Ford:  2-for-3, 2B (3), HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Bubba Jones:  0-for-2, BB
Trent Garrison:  2-for-3, 2B (6) - Hitting .243 in 70 AB
Michael O'Neill: 0-for-4
Yeicok Calderon:  1-for-3, RS, BB

Caleb Smith:  3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K - 2.06 ERA with 47/13 K/BB ratio over 43.2 innings. 22-year old LHP.
Dillon McNamara:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K - 1.97 ERA with 26/14 K/BB ratio over 32 IP.  21-year old RHP out of Adelphia.
Nick Rumbelow (S, 5):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - 2.79 ERA in 19.1 innings.  Has only allowed 10 hits, but has given up 12 runs (poor defense has hurt him).  Has 5 walks and 19 strikeouts.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/20/13: Greg Bird Continues To Dominate; David Palladino Tosses 6 Hitless Innings

Scranton (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 3-1)

JR Murphy:  2-for-4, 2B (17), RS - Has been slumping in August, so he needed a night like this.   Has 27 doubles in 380 AB overall this season.
Ronnier Mustelier:  3-for-4, RBI - His season was going nowhere, but now he has a 9-game hitting streak.   His last four games have all been multi-hit efforts.
David Adams:  1-for-5 - 7 hits in last 38 AB.
Randy Ruiz:  1-for-3, 2B (14), RBI, BB 
Dan Johnson: 2-for-4, RS
Melky Mesa:  0-for-3, BB, CS (2) - Finally draws his 10th walk of the season (111 K).    Over the last two seasons, he is 33-for-39 stealing bases.

Chase Whitley (W, 3-2):  5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K (3.12 ERA; 57.2 IP, 56 H, 21 R, 20 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 55 K) - With injuries to Jose Ramirez and Vidal Nuno and the callup of David Huff, Scranton needed someone to step in to take a few starts - Whitley has done very well in the role.   In his three spot starts, he has allowed two runs (one earned) on 10 hits with one walk and 11 strikeouts over 12 innings.   Starting is probably still not his destiny, but he obviously has the ability to stretch out when needed.
Dellin Betances:  3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K - Continues to torture Triple-A hitters.    Hasn't allowed a run since June.     Should be noted though that he had four days between appearances - the Yankees really haven't turned him into a true reliever.
--------------------------------------
Trenton (Lost to New Britain, 6-4)

Mason Williams:  2-for-5, 3B (1), RBI - 5-for-28 since joining squad.   First multi-hit game.
Ramon Flores:  2-for-4, 2B (21), BB -  Nice bounce back after last night's 0-for-6.
Gary Sanchez:  0-for-3, RS, 2 BB - Has 9 walks in 12 games.  
Kyle Roller:  2-for-4, HR (15), 2 RBI, 2 RS - As I have said a few times, I think the power is real - but he really doesn't have anywhere to play.
Ben Gamel:  1-for-4, 2B (2) - Now has 30 doubles overall in 387 AB.
Jose Pirela:  0-for-4

Mikey O'Brien (L, 7-7):  5.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 1 HR (4.20 ERA; 94.1 IP, 92 H, 49 R, 44 ER, 42 BB, 75 K, 7 HR)
Zach Nuding:  2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (4.10 ERA; 123 IP, 136 H, 71 R, 56 ER, 8 HR, 52 BB, 97 K)
--------------------------------------
Tampa (Lost to Clearwater, 11-2)

Robert Refsynder:  0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, CS (6) - Has 77 walks in 117 games this season.   So, he has plate discipline, has shown some doubles power (29), and steals some bases.  Can he do what others have had trouble doing, and conquer Double-A?
Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, RS, BB, CS (5) - 14 hits in last 34 AB.  Only 17-for-26 stealing bases, and given that he likely won't ever have power, a high steal rate is probably going to be essential for him.
Pete O'Brien:  0-for-4, 2 K - 4-for-38 slide.  11-for-61 in August, though six of those hits have gone for extra bases.  Has struck out 123 times.
Cito Culver:  0-for-4, 2 K - 6-for-24 since joining Tampa.

Cesar Vargas (L, 0-2):  4.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K - Two rough starts in Tampa after pitching very well in Charleston.   Every level presents its own set of challenges, though part of it with Vargas could be fatigue (118.1 innings this year; previous high was 71.2 in 2011)
-------------------------------------
Charleston (Defeated West Virginia, 3-2)

Greg Bird:  3-for-5, 2B (32), HR (19), 2 RBI, RS - I am nearly running out of things to type about him.   The double was a game-winning double in the bottom of the 11th inning. 
Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 SB (10) - 16-for-22 stealing bases between Tampa/Charleston.  
Jake Cave:  1-for-5, 2 K
Dante Bichette:  0-for-3, BB, 2 K - Hitting slightly better as of late, but this has been a lost season.

Luis Niebla:  4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (4.89 ERA; 70 IP, 88 H, 48 R, 38 ER, 17 BB, 57 K, 8 HR)
Ty Webb:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K (3.86 ERA; 23.1 IP, 19 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 6 BB, 28 K)
Jose Campos (W, 3-2):  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (3.49 ERA; 85 IP, 81 H, 37 R, 33 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 74 K) - Really looking forward to his 2014 campaign, when I assume the Yankees will let him loose.
---------------------------------------
Staten Island (Lost to Brooklyn, 2-0)

Eric Jagielo: 1-for-1, 2B (12), 2 BB - 11 hits in his last 33 AB, seven of which have been doubles (and two of which have been home runs)
Abiatal Avelino:  2-for-4, BB, SB (1) -  Stealing bases is, to put it mildly, his thing.  He now has 24 in 28 attempts in 40 games.  
Yeicok Calderon:  0-for-3, BB
Kale Sumner:  0-for-2, 2 BB
Trent Garrison:  1-for-4

David Palladino:  6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K - His talent is as large as his body (6'8"), but whether he can harness it will be the big question.  (41 IP, 46 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 22 BB, 41 K)

Yankees Minor League Note: Greg Bird vs. Nick Johnson

Just to put into perspective the type of massive hitting prospect Nick Johnson was.

Greg Bird is 20 years old, and is playing for Charleston.  That's not necessarily a bad thing - he is where he is supposed to be.

At the age of 20, Nick Johnson was already playing in Double-A.

Currently in Charleston, Bird has put up a .285/.424/.507 line with 95 walks.  He is poised to easily surpass the 100 walk mark this season and has to be considered one of the best pure hitting prospects in the entire system.

For Norwich (the Yankees Double-A affiliate at the time), Johnson posted a .345/.525/.548 line in 581 AB with 123 walks.

You will read a lot about Bird "being a first baseman" and how that affects his stock - and that is very true.  If Bird doesn't hit extremely well, his prospect status takes a hit.  Very little margin for error.

At the time, nobody really said much about Johnson being anchored at first base, but it is obvious why:  He was such a huge hitting prospect that being "only a first baseman" meant very little.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/19/13: Jose Pirela Has 5-Hit Night; Bryan Mitchell's Trenton Debut; Greg Bird Walks 4 Times

Scranton (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 8-2)

Melky Mesa: 1-for-4, RS - 16-for-43 in his last 10 games with 14 runs batted in.  21-for-62 in August.
Ronnier Mustelier:  2-for-4, RBI - 8-game hitting streak (11-for-29)
JR Murphy:  0-for-4, 2 K - 8-for-39 in his last 10 games.  Only 21-for-99 since ASB.
Adonis Garcia:  1-for-4, RBI
Dan Johnson:  1-for-2, RS, 2 BB
------------------------------
Trenton (Destroyed New Britain, 10-3)

Jose Pirela:  5-for-5, 2B (22), 4 RBI, SB (17) - 23-year old is hitting .275 for Trenton in 408 AB.    Has 50 walks and 55 strikeouts.     This is actually his third year at this level, but he did post a .804 OPS here last year.
Gary Sanchez:  2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RS, 2 BB - Hitting .311 for Trenton in 45 AB.   Also has 7 walks. Has at least one hit in 10 of his 11 games at this level.
Mason Williams:  1-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, RS - 3-for-23 since joining Trenton.
Kyle Roller:  2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, BB
Ramon Flores:  0-for-6 - That will hurt the batting average (.251)
Ben Gamel:  0-for-4, 2 BB - 4-for-19.  First two walks since promotion.
Carmen Angelini:  2-for-5, RBI, RS
Reegie Corona:  2-for-4, RBI, 3 RS, BB
Yeral Sanchez:  2-for-5, 2 RS - 28-year old OF out of Cuba.

Bryan Mitchell:  5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K - Double-A debut is pretty good.  Very uneven season for Tampa (5.12 ERA in 126.2 innings with a 104/53 K/BB ratio).  Talent is real, but can he put it all together?
Diego Moreno:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - 1.04 ERA in 8.2 innings with 11/1 K/BB ratio since joining Trenton.
Manny Barreda:  2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K - Double-A debut for 24-year old RHP.  3.96 ERA with 58/19 K/BB ratio over 52.1 innings for Tampa.
------------------------------------
Charleston (Lost to Rome, 5-3)

Greg Bird:  0-for-1, 4 BB - 95 walks on the season in 117 games. 
Jake Cave: 1-for-4, RS, BB, SB (16) - Hit safely in eight of his last nine games.
Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-4, RBI - 2 hits in last 39 AB.   8-for-72 in August (Yikes)
Dante Bichette:  2-for-4, RBI -  Hitting .212 with 53 RBI in 102 games.
Jackson Valera:  1-for-4, RBI, RS
Jose Rosario:  2-for-4 - 10-for-73 since joining this level.  

Brett Gerritse (L, 8-7):  5 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 K (3.74 ERA; 89 IP, 83 H, 43 R, 37 ER, 0 HR, 29 BB, 95 K) - Hard to ignore those K/9 and HR/9 ratios.
------------------
Staten Island (Split DH with Brooklyn; lost 3-2; won 5-2)

Eric Jagielo:  1-for-3, BB - .273/.382/.424 in 132 AB.   .294/.383/.569 in 14 August games.
Michael O'Neill: 1-for-7, 2B (15), BB - 15 doubles have come in 199 AB, which is pretty good. 
Abiatal Avelino:  2-for-7, RBI, 2 RS, BB - 18-year old SS is 6-for-26 since promotion.
Brandon Thomas:  2-for-7, BB, SB (8)
Isaias Tejada:  2-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, RS
Mike Ford:  1-for-3, 2B (2), 3 RBI, RS, 4 BB
Kale Sumner:  1-for-6, BB
Trent Garrison: 1-for-2, BB
Yeicok Calderon:  2-for-3, 2B (12), 2 RBI, RS, BB

Giovanny Gallegos:  4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K (4.02 ERA; 53.2 IP, 54 H, 25 R, 24 ER, 7 HR, 10 BB, 36 K) - This is why every step a player moves up the chain is at least a small challenge.  I think the jump from High-A to Double-A is the biggest jump one needs to take; but something as simple as GCL-to-Staten Island can present a challenge.  Gallegos had a 1.67 ERA and 22/2 K/BB ratio in the GCL last season.    He is 22 years old.

Cale Coshow:  3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Sam Agnew-Wieland:  3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K (4.30 ERA; 29.1 IP, 24 H, 18 R, 14 ER, 14 BB, 34 K)


Sunday, August 18, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/18/13: Mason Williams Hits First Double-A HR; Eric Jagielo Hits Another

Scranton (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 2-0)

Dan Johnson:  2-for-4, 2B (24), HR (21), 2 RBI, RS, BB - Home run was a walk-off in the bottom of the 9th.  His 21 HR lead all Yankees' minor leaguers.
Melky Mesa: 2-for-5, 2B (15), RS, SB (11) - .267/.298/.465 with 11 steals in 12 attempts in what has been a rather unique season.
Ronnier Mustelier:  2-for-4 - .245/.294/.357 in 277 AB.
David Adams:  0-for-4, BB
JR Murphy:  0-for-4 - Down to .265/.343/.413 since joining Scranton thanks to a 9-for-51 stretch in August.

Caleb Cotham:  6.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K (4.81 ERA; 112.1 IP, 122 H, 65 R, 60 ER, 12 HR, 44 BB, 80 K, 1.88 GO/AO)
Yoshinori Tateyama:  2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
----------------------------
Trenton (Lost to New Hampshire, 2-1)

Mason Williams:  1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS - 2-for-18 since joining Trenton.
Ramon Flores:  1-for-4 - .254/.346/.345 in 473 AB.  Has 67 walks.
Kyle Roller:  0-for-3, BB - .253/.342/.422 in 391 AB.  
Ben Gamel:  0-for-4 - 4-for-15 for Trenton
Carmen Angelini:  1-for-4 - .207/.284/326 in 196 AB
Jose Pirela:  0-for-4

Scottie Allen:  6.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 2 K (3.26 ERA; 124.1 IP, 113 H, 51 R, 45 ER, 9 HR, 39 BB, 79 K)
Pat Venditte:  2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 HR
Danny Burawa:  0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K - Allowed one of Venditte's runs to score, which was the game-winner.
--------------------------
Tampa (Defeated Lakewood, 3-2.  Won it with two runs in the bottom of the 9th)

Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-4, RS - .279/.404/.398 in 369 AB with 15 steals for Tampa.    Hitting .382 in his last 10 games and is 18-for-51 in August.
Pete O'Brien:  1-for-4, RS - .262/.308/.485 in 202 AB for Tampa
Taylor Dugas:  2-for-3, 2B (7), RBI, BB - .283/.390/.331 for Tampa; .264/.386/.317 in 341 AB overall.
Dan Fiorito:  1-for-3, RBI, BB, SB (5) - .274/.353/.336 in 241 AB between Tampa/Trenton/Scranton.
Cito Culver:  0-for-4 - 6-for-20 since joining Tampa.

Rafael DePaula:  4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 1 HR (5.67 ERA; 39.2 IP, 41 H, 27 R, 25 ER, 3 HR, 22 BB, 43 K) - Needed a start like this.  Looks like the Yankees are slowly winding down his season.  He has thrown 104 innings total, compiling a 3.98 ERA with a 139/45 K/BB ratio.
Zach Woods:  2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K - Tampa debut for the 25-year old RHP.  Not much to get excited about, but he did have a 17/1 K/BB ratio over 10.1 scoreless innings for Charleston.
Charley Short:  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (1.87 ERA; 57.2 IP, 37 H, 15 R, 12 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 80 K) - Sensational season.
Taylor Garrison:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K (1.79 ERA; 50.1 IP, 27 H, 15 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 47 K)
----------------------------
Charleston (Lost to Rome, 5-4)

Greg Bird:  3-for-4, 2B (31), 2 RBI, RS - Hitting .286 with 31 doubles, 3 triples, 18 home runs, 76 RBI, and 74 runs scored.  He also has 91 walks.
Dante Bichette:  2-for-3, 2B (15), BB - .209/.291/.323 in 387 AB.
Jake Cave: 0-for-4, RS, BB - .280/.344/.396 in 407 AB with 15 steals in 22 attempts.  
Angelo Gumbs:  0-for-3, RS

Kelvin Castro:  2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K - Charleston debut, at least as a pitcher.   Had a 3.42 ERA for Staten Island with a 33/7 K/BB ratio over 23.2 innings.
Staten Island (Defeated Tri-City, 3-2, in 11 innings)
-----------------------
Eric Jagielo:  4-for-6, 2 2B (11), HR (3), RBI, 2 RS - HR was a walk-off in the 11th.    Second HR in as many days.    Hitting .271/.379/.426 in what has been an encouraging start to his career.
Abiatal Avelino:  2-for-6, 2B (1) - 4-for-19.
Mike Ford:  2-for-3, RBI, 2 BB 
Michael O'Neill: 0-for-5, 2 K - 69/9 K/BB ratio in 48 games.
Bubba Jones:  1-for-3, 2B (14) - .287/.351/.389 in 167 AB.
Derek Toadvine: 0-for-5, BB - .235/.313/.274 in 179 AB

Conner Kendrick:  3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (3.15 ERA; 34.1 IP, 27 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 17 BB, 21 K)
Charles Haslup:  4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K - 26th round pick in 2012 has a 1.64 ERA with a 20/11 K/BB ratio over 22 innings.  21-year old RHP out of Maryland.
Nick Rumbelow:  2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 HR - 2.95 ERA in 18.1 innings. He has allowed 10 hits and 12 runs (6 earned) with five walks and 18 strikeouts.
Dillon McNamara:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K - 2.10 ERA in 30 innings with a 23/14 K/BB ratio.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Yankees Minor League Report 8/17/13: Nik Turley Gets Crushed; Eric Jagielo Goes Yard

Scranton (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 4-3, in 11 innings)

Melky Mesa: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, SB (10) - Has reached double digits in HR and SB in 4 of his last 5 seasons.  (Hit 9 HR in the one season he didn't accomplish this feat)
JR Murphy:  1-for-6, 3 K - 8 hits in last 39 AB.  
David Adams: 1-for-3, BB
Ronnier Mustelier:  2-for-4, 2B (16), BB - Though I feel bad for his unlucky 2013 season, bottom line is that he hasn't hit much anyway.

Graham Stoneburner:  4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Sam Demel: 2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K - 1.64 ERA in 44 innings.  He has walked 18 and struck out 54.  Doesn't have the best major league track record, but they should probably try to keep him around for depth in 2014.
Cesar Cabral:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K - 13/2 K/BB ratio in 7 innings since joining Scranton.  Overall, he has a 40/19 ratio in 33.2 innings.
---------------------
Trenton (Lost to New Hampshire, 14-4)

Gary Sanchez:  1-for-3, RS - 12-for-41.  I believe he caught all 15 innings in last night's contest. 
Mason Williams: 0-for-5, 3 K - 1-for-14 thus far.
Ramon Flores:  0-for-5, RBI - Finally got his OBP up to .350 last night, but it will dip below that again.
Jose Pirela: 3-for-4, 2B (21), RS - Hitting .268 in 399 AB for Trenton.   As stated previously, he wasn't very good in April or May, but has hit very well since. (.847 OPS in June; .818 in July; 19-for-59 in August)
Ben Gamel: 1-for-4
Kyle Roller:  0-for-2, K - Left game early.  

Nik Turley (L, 9-7):  3 IP, 5 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 5 BB, 2 K (127 IP, 104 H, 64 R, 59 ER, 10 HR, 65 BB, 125 K) - The walks have really put a damper on his season.   Walks were a bit of a problem early in his career, but not much of one in 2011 or 2012.  
Pat Venditte:  1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K - Allowed three inherited runners (all Turley's) to score.
Zach Nuding:  1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K - Tough night to be a pitcher for the Thunder.
Tommy Kahnle:  1.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K - When Kahnle is giving up four hits in an outing, you know things just aren't going well.    Has a 2.44 ERA in 55.1 IP with only 33 hits allowed.  (68/35 K/BB ratio)
Jose Gil:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K - Backup catcher has now worked back-to-back nights in relief.   Wouldn't it be nice if they allowed an actual reliever (Dellin Betances) to do that in Scranton?
-----------------------------------
Tampa (Lost to Lakeland, 10-8.  This was the conclusion of a game started on July 4th, though it was suspended rather early on July 4th.  The second game scheduled for tonight was postponed due to darkness)

Pete O'Brien: 2-for-5, 2B (12), 3B (3), 3 RBI, RS - O'Brien now has 34 doubles, four triples, 20 home runs, and 85 runs batted in between Charleston/Tampa.  
Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-2, 2 RS, 3 BB - Hitting .279/.406/.400 in 365 AB for Tampa with 69 walks and 63 strikeouts.    
Taylor Dugas:  2-for-4, 2B, RBI, RS, BB
Ali Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI

Brandon Pinder:  4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
---------------
Charleston (Lost to Rome, 6-2)

Jake Cave:  1-for-3, BB, K 
Greg Bird:  0-for-4, 3 K - Bird does strike out a bit...regardless, this is one of the few games this season where he contributed nothing offensively.
Ericson Leonora: 2-for-4, 2 2B (10), 2 RS - Hitting .348 (31-for-89) since promotion.  
Reymond Nunez:  2-for-4, 2B (16), RBI - 12 RBI in 15 August games.  Not quite Alfonso Soriano territory...
Dante Bichette:  0-for-4, 3 K
Jose Rosario: 0-for-3, SB (4) - 8-for-69 for Charleston.
Angelo Gumbs:  0-for-4, K - 2-for-41 slide.  Eek.

Eric Wooten (L, 1-2):  5 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K - Had allowed one run in 20 innings since joining Charleston before this game.  Has a 19/2 K/BB ratio.
Ty Webb:  2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K (4.22 ERA; 21.1 IP, 19 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 3 HR, 4 BB, 24 K)
-----------------------
Staten Island (Lost to Tri-City, 6-3)

Eric Jagielo:  1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS, 3 K - Always nice to see your top draft pick go yard.  
Brandon Thomas:  1-for-3, 3B (2), RBI, RS, BB
Bubba Jones:  1-for-4 - Hit safely in 6 of last 7 games.
Yeicok Calderon: 2-for-3, 2B (10), RS, BB, CS (1) - Always intrigued by a left-handed bat with some power potential, but he failed in Charleston earlier this year (.590 OPS in 159 AB)
Abiatal Avelino:  1-for-4

Rookie Davis (L, 2-4):  2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K (2.37 ERA; 38 IP, 41 H, 18 R, 10 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 36 K)
Andy Beresford:  3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K (1.61 ERA; 22.1 IP, 26 H, 10 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 15 K)
Stefan Lopez:  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K- 1.26 ERA with 34/7 K/BB ratio over 28.2 innings.