Saturday, May 31, 2014

Yankees Minor League Report 5/31/14: Austin Romine, Gary Sanchez & Aaron Judge Homer; Robert Refsnyder Keeps Rolling Along; The Latest From Ian Clarkin

The DSL squads started their seasons today.  I do not typically report on players at this level. I may make a note or two during the year when warranted, but these kids are almost impossible to project and many of them will disappear within time without any trace.  Attrition is fairly high.
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Scranton (Defeated Indianapolis, 7-3)

C Austin Romine:  3-for-4, HR (2), 4 RBI, 2 RS
20-for-64 in May after a horrendous start in April (His hot streak in May has only increased his average to .238, so you can just assume where he was at).  
OF Adonis Garcia:  1-for-4, RS, 2 K, SB (10)
UTIL Zelous Wheeler:  2-for-4, RS
C Francisco Arcia:  2-for-3, RBI, BB
2B Jose Pirela:  0-for-4, RS, BB
1B Russ Canzler:  2-for-4, 2B (10), RS
Third consecutive multi-hit game.   12 hits in last 33 AB.
IF Scott Sizemore:  1-for-5, K
IF Corban Joseph:  0-for-5

RHP Shane Greene (W, 3-2);  6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
5.09 ERA; 35.1 IP, 47 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 31 K
The Yankees can only hope that Greene regains his form from last year - with the bad news on Pineda, they may just need him.   It should still be noted that early season issues/injuries on the major league level kept Greene going back and forth between the majors and minors, rarely getting a chance to pitch (Didn't make his minor league debut until 4/18)
RHP Danny Burawa (S, 2):  2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
1.53 ERA; 17.2 IP, 12 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 8 BB, 23 K
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Trenton (Lost DH to Portland, 9-4 and 4-3)

2B Robert Refsnyder:  3-for-6, 2B (15), 3B (5), RBI, RS
.317/.364/.518 in 199 AB. 21 hits in his last 40 AB.  Just a remarkable hot streak.
1B/3B/RF Tyler Austin: 4-for-7, RBI, 2 K
.256/.333/.346 in 133 AB.  
Another start at third today (along with a start at first)   
C Gary Sanchez:  2-for-3, HR (7), 2 RBI, RS
.257/.322/.436 in 179 AB.  13 hits in last 32 AB.
CF Mason Williams: 2-for-7, 2B (9), 2 RS, SB (11), K
.203/.301/.276; .270/.386/.378 in last ten games.
C/RF Pete O'Brien: 0-for-6, RS, K
.244/.278/.628 in 86 AB for Trenton.  7-for-36 in last ten games.
OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-2, RS, HBP
OF Ben Gamel:  0-for-7, K

RHP Graham Stoneburner (L, 2-2):  5.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
5.00 ERA; 45 IP, 48 H, 30 R, 25 ER, 3 HR, 13 BB, 27 K
LHP Cesar Cabral:  1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

LHP Jeremy Bleich:  5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
3.48 ERA; 62 IP, 56 H, 30 R, 24 ER, 6 HR, 18 BB, 53 K
LHP Fred Lewis (L, 0-2): 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
17.1 IP, 28 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 11 BB, 13 K
From the verge of making the big league roster to a complete and utter mess.
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Charleston (Lost to Asheville, 8-4)

OF Aaron Judge:  2-for-4, 2B (10), HR (6), 4 RBI, RS
.311 in 190 AB with 17 XBH, 32 RBI, 28 runs, 29 walks, and 47 strikeouts
2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-3, BB, K, CS (4)
3B Miguel Andujar:  1-for-3, BB
SS Tyler Wade:  0-for-0, PO
Came in to pinch run, and was picked off at third base.  Good job, kid!
UTIL John Murphy:  0-for-3, SAC
OF Brandon Thomas: 1-for-4
1B Mike Ford:  1-for-3, HBP

LHP Ian Clarkin (L, 1-3):  5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
4.23 ERA; 27.2 IP, 29 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 7 BB, 29 K
Overall, he has done about what you would expect a highly drafted teenager to do here.  
LHP Rony Bautista:  1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
8.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 8 K
Seriously, I would hate to step in the batter's box against this kid - he throws very hard but doesn't always know where the heck it is going.
RHP Cesar Vargas:  3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
2.83 ERA; 28.2 IP, 27 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 30 K

Friday, May 30, 2014

Yankees Minor League Report 5/30/14: Pete O'Brien Hits 20th HR; Robert Refsnyder Continues to Rake; Luis Severino Pitches Well for Charleston

Scranton (Lost to Indianapolis, 11-6.  Scranton continues their hitting ways, but tonight, they sure as heck couldn't pitch)

2B Jose Pirela: 3-for-5, 2B (8), RBI, RS, BB, K
Back over .300 (.306).  36-for-100 in May.
1B/OF Ramon Flores:  1-for-4, 2B (16), RS, 2 BB, K
When Flores is at his best, this is what he does:   Hits for gap power with a high number of walks.  
IF Corban Joseph: 2-for-4, RBI, BB
Hitting well as of late (12-for-36 in last ten games)
UTIL Zelous Wheeler: 2-for-4, 2B (12), BB
OF Antoan Richardson:  3-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, 2 RS, K
C Austin Romine: 0-for-4, BB, K
1B Kyle Roller:  1-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, RS, 3 K
27 K in 70 AB for Scranton.
OF Adonis Garcia:  1-for-3, SF, RBI, K, HBP
IF Scott Sizemore: 0-for-4, HBP, K

RHP Joel De La Cruz:  4 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, WP, 7/3 GO/AO
3.03 ERA; 32.2 IP, 27 H, 15 R, 11 ER, 7 BB, 18 K since joining level.  I have stated it a million times:  He is a GB machine, but doesn't really have a strikeout pitch.  
RHP Diego Moreno:  1 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Do I need to add anything?
Switch Pat Venditte:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
29.2 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 36 K
RHP Robert Coello:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
0.47 ERA; 19 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 26 K
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Trenton (Lost to Portland, 4-3)

C/RF Pete O'Brien:  1-for-3, HR (10), RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
His 20th home run of the season in 192 AB.  He actually has a three game walk streak, which is significant for him.  
2B Robert Refsnyder:  2-for-4, 2 2B (14), RS, CS (4)
Eight multi-hit games in his last ten games played.    He has risen his slugging percentage over the .500 mark, which is quite significant for a legitimate middle infield prospect.  He is becoming very, very interesting.
C Gary Sanchez:  1-for-5, 2B (11), RBI, K
OF Ben Gamel:  2-for-5, RS, K
Up to .291.  Recently turned 22 years old.  His ability to play some center field only increases his potential value to the franchise.
OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-4, BB
1B/3B/OF Tyler Austin:  0-for-4, BB, K
Played third base again tonight.  If he can prove that he can at least handle the position, it obviously increases his value to the Yankees.  Of course, he does have to start hitting.

RHP Bryan Mitchell:  3.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
The Yankees have been a bit careful with him since suffering an arm injury earlier this season.  The results haven't been great, but we will see what happens as the season goes along.
RHP Manny Barreda:  3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
2.48 ERA; 32.2 IP, 24 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 3 HR, 17 BB, 33 K
If it feels like I have been writing about Barreda for a while, good observation:  He was originally drafted out of high school in 2007 and has been pretty steady, if not spectacular, statistically.
LHP Ty Webb (L, 1-2):  1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
14.2 IP, 16 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 19 K since joining level.
LHP Aaron Dott: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.96 ERA in 18.1 IP with 13/7 K/BB ratio.  If he was a RHP, I would probably rarely (if ever) mention him.
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Tampa (Defeated Bradenton, 3-2 on a Dante Bichette 2-run HR in the Top of the 9th)

3B Dante Bichette:  1-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, RS, K
13-for-34 in last ten games with four home runs and 18 runs batted in.
1B Greg Bird:  1-for-4
Bird rarely puts up a night that simply says "1-for-4" with nothing else.
SS Cito Culver: 0-for-4, RS, K
OF Zach Wilson:  1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, RS, K
Played here in 2012, was injured for most of 2013, played briefly in Trenton to start 2014, and is now back here.
1B Matt Snyder:  0-for-4
OF Danny Oh:  1-for-2, BB

LHP Dan Camarena:  5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
2.31 ERA; 58.1 IP, 52 H, 27 R, 15 ER, 3 HR, 20 BB, 43 K
Very intriguing "pitchability" prospect.  The walks are too high for the type of pitcher he is, but at 21, he will continue to evolve his game.
LHP Evan Rutckyj:  1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
First appearance since 5/9.
RHP Nick Goody (W, 2-0):  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
10.1 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 16 K.
The Yankees will not rush him coming off of Tommy John, but they have slowly increased his workload and can still find himself in Trenton this season.
RHP Phil Wetherell (S, 3):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
21.1 IP, 17 H, 7 R, 1 ER, 8 BB, 18 K
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Charleston (Lost to Asheville, 4-3, to fall to 27-27)

OF Aaron Judge:  1-for-4, 2B (9), 2 RBI, K
.306/.402/.446 with 29 walks and 47 strikeouts.  The strikeouts are higher than you want to see, but there isn't too much to complain about here - Judge is doing what an advanced college hitter should be doing at this level.
2B Gosuke Katoh:  2-for-3, 2 3B (5), RS, K
.179/.306/.306 in 134 AB.   Katoh has been doing some things right - takes walks and has shown flashes of gap power.  Unless he continues to have games like these for the next few weeks, I still expect him to potentially end up in Staten Island.
SS Tyler Wade:  0-for-3, RBI, K, SF
.266/.333/.335 in 188 AB.  Has 20 walks and 52 strikeouts.  Like Katoh, he has been a bit overmatched at times.  I think he may stick here, but there may also be opinions in the organization that he should play full-time at SS in Staten Island over splitting time at SS with Avelino when he returns from injury.
1B Mike Ford:  1-for-4, K
.307/.409/.494 in 176 AB
3B Miguel Andujar:  0-for-3, BB
5-for-37 slide
OF Michael O'Neill:  0-for-3, HBP, 3 K
Well, at least his body can make contact with the ball.  64 strikeouts in 50 games.   The favorite for the annual Estee Harris Award.

RHP Luis Severino:  6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
2.68 ERA; 50.1 IP, 46 H, 18 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 52 K.   Definitely a chip that other teams will ask about in trade talks.
LHP Omar Luis:   2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 1 HR
Damn that Cashman for leaving him exposed in the Rule 5!
RHP Philip Walby:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.42 ERA; 18.1 IP, 7 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 31 K
As you may be able to figure out, Walby is a tough pitcher to hit - when he can actually get the ball near the plate.  Drafted out of San Diego State last year, he is a hard-throwing RHP with a slider that is still developing.   If there is any organization that can find gold with a pitcher like this, it is this one.


Yankees Minor League Injury Notes

Slade Heathcott is out (again).  He is feeling discomfort in his surgically repaired knee and has been sent to New York for evaluation.

Infield prospect Angelo Gumbs is out with a shoulder injury.  One thing that is hard to project with any prospect is how injury-prone they may become.  Gumbs has been with the team since 2010, and the 91 games he appeared in last year represented his career high.    He is (was?) a very toolsy prospect, and his clock is ticking closer to zero every day.

As reported before, Abiatal Avelino is out with a quadriceps injury and like won't return until Mid-June.

Eric Jagielo is currently on the 7-day disabled list in Tampa after feeling tightness in his side after swinging at a pitch last week (On the next pitch, he homered).  At the time, it wasn't considered serious and supposedly is not an oblique injury.  For now, we will just assume that he is being kept out for precautionary reasons.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Yankees Minor League Report 5/29/14: Robert Refsnyder Continues His Surge in Trenton Blowout; Manny Banuelos Returns to Action

Scranton (Lost to Louisville, 6-5.  Stymied through six innings by old pal Chien-Ming Wang, they mounted a comeback, scoring three in the 7th and two in the 9th, but it wasn't enough.  Their nine hits tonight gave them a total of 64 in the 4-game series)

IF Scott Sizemore: 2-for-3, 2B (7), 2 RS, BB
Look, the strikeouts are out of control.  We all know that, but the Yankees need infield depth, so it is unlikely he is going anywhere (he is on the 40-man).  
UTIL Zelous Wheeler:  1-for-4, 2B (11), 2 RBI, RS
2B Jose Pirela:  1-for-5, K, CS (2)
33-for-95 in May
1B/OF Ramon Flores:  0-for-4
SS Dean Anna:  1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, 2 RS
.206/.300/.333 in 102 AB
1B Kyle Roller:  0-for-4, K
OF Adonis Garcia:  1-for-4, CS (2)
IF Corban Joseph:  1-for-1, RBI

RHP Zach Nuding (L, 2-3):  5 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HR
6.23 ERA since promotion; 30.1 IP, 39 H, 24 R, 21 ER, 8 BB, 22 K
RHP Jairo Heredia:  3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Second career game at AAA (made one appearance last year).  Had a 3.10 ERA in 29 IP for Trenton with 35/6 K/BB ratio.  Heredia was once one of the most intriguing pitching prospects in the system, but shoulder (uh oh) surgery derailed him.  His fastball has fluctuated ever since.  Supposedly his strong secondary offerings (curve, change) have not lost effectiveness, but the bottom line is this:  He cannot stay healthy and is nothing more than a curiosity nowadays.
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Trenton (Destroyed Reading, 12-2, to improve to 30-24 on the season)
2B Robert Refsnyder:  2-for-5, 2B (12), HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 RS, K
.307/.358/.492 in 189 AB.   In April, Refsnyder was drawing some walks while striking out a lot (nine walks and 20 strikeouts in 23 games).  In May, he isn't walking as much and isn't striking out as much (four walks and 12 strikeouts in 27 games).     The power is where you are seeing the most growth.  Refsnyder had six XBH in April, and thus far has 15 in May.  All in all, he is showing strong development here.  
C/RF Pete O'Brien:  2-for-4, RBI, 3 RS, BB
.260/.288/.649 in 77 AB since joining Trenton; .297/.327/.672 overall.
OF Ben Gamel:  4-for-4, 2B (14), 2 RS, BB
.289/.328/.382 in 225 AB.   His walk rate has fallen since last year, and that is a bit scary, as plate discipline is one of Gamel's strengths.  You aren't looking at a superstar prospect, but he is a very good outfielder who can cover center field when needed, has decent gap power, decent speed, etc.  In other words, a solid backup outfield option that could turn into a bit more if the doubles ever started going over the fence.
1B/3B/RF Tyler Austin:  1-for-4, 2 RS, BB, 2 GIDP
Started at third base today.    .246/.326/.344 in 122 AB
OF Taylor Dugas: 3-for-4, 3B (4), 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Unlike Gamel, who could still potentially grow into a starting outfielder, Dugas won't quite reach that level because of his limited HR potential.  He is also not an elite defender or basestealer.  (Though if he works on the basestealing aspect, he can be useful in that category - last year, he did swipe 17 bags. He just happened to get caught 11 times)  What he does do is hit and get on base, which makes him a legitimate backup candidate.  He is hitting .286/.400/.429 in 126 AB.
CF Mason Williams: 0-for-3, RS, BB
.200/.302/.270.  He did leave the game early, but I am not sure if that was due to injury or the blowout.

LHP Manny Banuelos:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
First start since 5/14 due to elbow discomfort, which could have been nothing more than a part of his Tommy John rehab.   Nice to see him comeback with this type of quick performance, as he struggled in his three appearances prior to this one.
LHP Eric Wooten (W, 1-0):  7 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
3.02 ERA between here and Tampa with 39/13 K/BB ratio over 59.2 innings.  May have just been here today to help out Banuelos in his first start back.
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Tampa (Lost to Bradenton, 4-0)

SS Cito Culver:  2-for-4, 2B (9), 2 K
Up to .242 thanks to his 14-for-31 surge in the last seven games.
CF Jake Cave:  1-for-4
1B Greg Bird:  0-for-4, 2 K
20-for-76 with 13 walks, but he has also struck out 23 times.    The strikeouts aren't uncommon, as his 107 walks last year came with 132 strikeouts.
3B Dante Bichette:  1-for-2, BB, HBP
One of the biggest surprises in the system so far this year, when you consider where he was after last season.   Think about it:  He repeated a level last year (Charleston), and put up a .214/.292/.331 line in 435 AB with 119 strikeouts.  He didn't "earn" a promotion here, but they weren't going to let him languish in Low-A for the next several years.   They do some work on his mechanics, and entering tonight, he puts up a .283/.371/.456 line in his first 180 AB at the age of 21 in a league known more for pitching.  
OF Zach Wilson:  1-for-4

LHP Chaz Hebert (L, 0-1):  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
The Yankees actually signed Hebert as a non-drafted free agent out of high school in 2011.  He has added some velocity to his fastball since then and has at least gained himself "fringe" prospect status.
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Charleston (Lost to Asheville, 4-1)

OF Aaron Judge:  1-for-4, 3 K
The strikeouts have begun to pile up a bit (46 now in 51 games)
OF Michael O'Neill: 1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 K
Breaks four-game streak without a strikeout, which is significant when you now have 61 in 49 games.
SS Tyler Wade:  0-for-3, BB, K
1B Mike Ford:  0-for-4
OF Dustin Fowler:  1-for-3, BB, K
2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-3, K
CF Brandon Thomas:  0-for-3, K
UTIL Jose Rosario:  2-for-4, 2B (6), HR (2), RS, K
23-for-72, but hasn't shown much offensively since his GCL performance in 2011.  (.331/.372/.529)

RHP Rookie Davis:  4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
5.06 ERA; 42.2 IP, 48 H, 28 R, 24 ER, 1 HR, 20 BB, 34 K
The results don't show it, but Davis is an interesting prospect who has seen his fastball jump in velocity from the 90-92 range to 92-95, sitting around 93.  He features a four-seamer, a two-seamer, and a cutter, though his best breaking pitch is his curveball.   He does have a change in his arsenal as well.   A prospect with a lot of projectable ability, but obviously it does need to translate on the field.    He recently turned 21 years old.
RHP Angel Rincon:  4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
3.09 ERA; 11.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 8 K
Raw 21-year old has a lot to work out before becoming legitimate. 
LHP Rony Bautista:  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Speaking of raw, this mountain of a man (6'7") is filled with raw ability, but is one of those lottery ticket types that you hope cashes in.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Yankees Minor League Report 5/28/14: Scranton's Offense Remains Hot; Pete O'Brien Hits Grand Slam in Trenton Loss

Scranton (Defeated Louisville, 6-5.  They were behind 5-0 entering the 8th inning.  Scranton knocked out 15 hits in this game, giving them 55 in the 3-game series.)

UTIL Zelous Wheeler:  1-for-4, GS (4), 4 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Grand slam came in the top of the 9th inning with Scranton down, 5-2.  
C Austin Romine:  2-for-4, 2 K
Now hitting .226 thanks to a 17-for-56 month of May. (He was a dreadful 4-for-37 in April)
1B Kyle Roller:  2-for-4, 2 RS, 2 K, HBP
Most don't see him as much of a prospect - and I am one of those people.  You still cannot deny the offensive season he is putting together, however.  
1B/OF Ramon Flores:  1-for-4, BB, K
1B Russ Canzler:  3-for-5, 2 RBI
2B Corban Joseph:  2-for-4, BB, K
8-for-27 in May.
OF Adonis Garcia:  1-for-4, RS, HBP
Hitting .305 in 174 AB.  35-for-101 in May.
SS Dean Anna:  2-for-5, HBP, K
Back over .200 (.202)
IF Scott Sizemore:  1-for-5, RS, K

RHP Brian Gordon:  6 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
4.75 ERA; 60.2 IP, 74 H, 36 R, 32 ER, 24 BB, 42 K
Doing his job as a 35-year old minor league veteran signed just to fill in the gaps.
RHP Danny Burawa:  0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Everybody gives up a run eventually.   1.17 ERA; 15.1 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 20 K
RHP Robert Coello:  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.50 ERA; 18 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 25 K
Hey, I just want to see him in the majors so he can throw his "WTF" pitch. 
RHP Jim Miller (W, 4-1);  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
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Trenton (Lost to Reading, 9-6, in 12 innings)

C/RF Pete O'Brien:  1-for-4, GS (9), 4 RBI, 2 BB, K
What is more amazing, the grand slam or the two walks?    Now has 19 home runs and 42 RBI in 185 AB this season, with six walks and 45 strikeouts.
2B Robert Refsnyder:  3-for-5, 3B (4), RBI, RS, BB
All the way up to .304.  15 hits in last 36 AB and 33-for-98 in May.
C Gary Sanchez:  1-for-5, HR (6), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Showing more and more signs of breaking out of bad slump from earlier this month.
CF Mason Williams:  1-for-6, RS, SB (10)
Showing mild improvement recently.  Stealing bases at a high percentage, hitting a tad better, and drawing some walks.  Still a long way to go.
1B/OF Tyler Austin: 1-for-6, RS, 2 K
OF Ben Gamel:  1-for-5, 2B (13), BB, K, SB (5)
OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-5, 2 K

RHP Eric Ruth:  4.2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
42.1 IP, 38 H, 23 R, 21 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 34 K between Tampa/Trenton/Scranton for the 23-year old non-drafted free agent signee last year.
LHP Cesar Cabral:  1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
It is going to take a lot of appearances like this to get near the circle of trust again.   This improved his K/BB ratio to an ultra-ugly 15/15 in 11.2 IP.
LHP Fred Lewis:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
Like Cabral, he has pretty much fallen off of a cliff.  Has a 12/10 K/BB ratio over 15.1 IP this season.
LHP Francisco Rondon (L, 0-1):  1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, HR, 1 BB, 2 K
---------------
Tampa (Lost to Bradenton, 3-0.  Tampa had only two hits.  They faced strikeout machine Tyler Glasnow, who now has 37 strikeouts in 32.2 IP this year after striking out 164 in 111.1 IP last year.  Dude is a 6'7" RHP)

1B Greg Bird:  1-for-4, 2 K
.278/.384/.472 in 72 AB with 13 walks and 21 strikeouts
CF Jake Cave:  0-for-3, BB, K, SB (7)
.319/.370/.427 in 213 AB.  7-for-10 stealing bases (18-for-27 last season)
SS Cito Culver:  0-for-4, 2 K
3B Dante Bichette:  0-for-4, 2 K
C Wes Wilson:  1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 K
1B Matt Snyder:  0-for-4, K
OF Danny Oh:  0-for-2, BB, K, SB (1)

LHP Conner Kendrick (L, 1-2):  4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
3.20 ERA; 19.2 IP, 26 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 14 K
RHP Nick Rumbelow:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.53 ERA between Charleston/Tampa; 17 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 29 K
LHP James Pezos:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.92 ERA; 24.2 IP, 19 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 32 K
All nine runs allowed came in April (11.1 IP).  No runs allowed in 13.1 IP in May with 18/2 K/BB ratio.
---------------------------------
Charleston (Lost to Greenville, 7-5)

C Eduardo de Oleo: 1-for-3, GS (5), 4 RBI, RS
The 21-year old has five home runs in 70 AB, but has done nothing else worthwhile.  Not much of a prospect, anyway.
OF Aaron Judge:  1-for-4, RBI, RS, 2 K
OF Dustin Fowler:  1-for-4, 2B (2), RS
9-for-41 (.220)
SS Tyler Wade:  0-for-4, 2 K
3B Miguel Andujar:  0-for-3, RS, BB
.216/.276/.335 in 176 AB. 0-for-14 slide.
1B Mike Ford:  0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-3, K
OF Brandon Thomas:  0-for-3, 3 K
15-for-100 with 33 Ks.  4-for-31 slide, though who am I kidding?  15-for-100 IS the slide.

RHP Brady Lail:  5 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
3.19 ERA; 53.2 IP, 61 H, 23 R, 19 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 54 K
Gives up his share of hits, but keeps it in the park and has a nice K/BB rate as well.
RHP Jordan Cote:  2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
5.32 ERA; 22 IP, 28 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 18 K
21-year old drafted out of high school in 2001 came into 2014 with limited experience. (55.2 IP in two seasons combined)
--------------------------------

Yankees Minor League Report 5/27/14: Tyler Austin Finally Homers; Cito Culver (Yes, Cito Culver) and Dante Bichette Continue Their Hot Streaks

Scranton (Crushed Louisville again, 11-4.  Only 16 hits tonight after 24-hit outburst yesterday)

IF Corban Joseph:  2-for-5, 2B (4), 3B (1), 4 RBI, RS
First game since 5/19.  Hitting .217 in a very much lost season.
1B Kyle Roller:  2-for-5, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
Raised average to .298 since joining level (17-for-57 with 21 strikeouts).  This was his 12th home run overall and he has driven in 31 in 37 games.  
C Austin Romine:  2-for-3, 2B (4), 2 RS, 2 BB
I do wonder what opposing GMs think of Romine, who has obviously fallen down the chart a bit with the Yankees.
IF Scott Sizemore:  3-for-6, 2B (6), 3B (2), RBI, RS, 2 K
How the heck do you hit .272 with 49 K in 125 AB?    I guess that .411 BABIP entering tonight helps?
1B/OF Ramon Flores:  1-for-6, 2B (15), RS, K
SS Dean Anna:  3-for-5, 3B (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS
Hitting .191 (18-for-94).  7 of this hits have gone for extra bases, which is really a fairly small silver lining.
UTIL Zelous Wheeler:  2-for-6, 2 RS, SB (1)
Wheeler has been solid here, hitting .301 with 13 XBH in 33 games.   Again, type of guy you can see spending a little time in the majors because of his versatility, though he has yet to spend a day in the majors in his eight year career.
2B Jose Pirela:  1-for-5, BB
17 hits in last 41 AB
OF Antoan Richardson:  0-for-2, RBI, BB, 2 K, 2 SB (15)
Fascinating player with the high OBP numbers and big stolen base rates (15-for-15 this year).   At 30 years old and with four major league at-bats to his name, obviously not a prospect - but he has been a solid minor league player.

RHP Bruce Billings:  2.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Always remember this name if anyone asks you to name every player who played for the 2014 Yankees.
Switch Pat Venditte:  3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Allowed bases loaded single with two outs in the third.  Tsk, tsk.  
27.2 IP, 14 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 35 K between Trenton/Scranton
RHP Jose Ramirez (W, 2-0):  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.17 ERA; 7.2 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 9 K
RHP Mark Montgomery:  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
2.35 ERA; 23 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 28 K
Conveniently wild.  Yeah, that's it.
-----------------------------------------------
Trenton (Defeated Reading, 3-1)

1B/OF Tyler Austin:  2-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, BB
First home run comes in 30th game of the season.  
CF Mason Williams:  1-for-3, 2B (8), RS, SAC
CF Slade Heathcott:  1-for-4, RS, 2 K
6-for-33 with 13 strikeouts
C Gary Sanchez:  0-for-4, K
C/RF Pete O'Brien:  0-for-4, 2 K
OF Ben Gamel:  1-for-4
3B Rob Segedin:  0-for-1, HBP
Came out of the game with injured back.  Don't know if it was related to HBP.
UTIL Ali Castillo:  1-for-2, SB (3)
UTIL Dan Fiorito:  2-for-4

LHP Matt Tracy (W, 5-2):  6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Spent the last few weeks in Scranton (3.46 ERA in 13 IP).   Last two starts for Trenton:  13.2 IP, 12 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
LHP Ty Webb (S, 2):  2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
He is the middle reliever, the setup man, and the closer!
26.1 IP, 20 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 35 K combined with Tampa/Trenton
--------------------------------------
Tampa (Lost to Bradenton, 9-6, in 12 innings)

SS Cito Culver:  4-for-6, 2B (8), 2 RBI, SB (6)
Average is up to .242 thanks to a 12-for-23 surge.  
3B Dante Bichette:  1-for-4, 3 RBI, SF, HBP, 2 K, E (6)
Bichette has driven in 15 runs in his last six contests, giving him 33 on the season.
CF Jake Cave:  2-for-5, 2 RS, BB
Now 37-for-103 in May.  Just an incredible start to the season for the 21-year old.  (.324/.372/.433)
1B Greg Bird:  0-for-5, BB, 2 K
8-for-42 slide, though he does have nine walks in that time span.
UTIL Claudio Custodio:  2-for-5, RBI, RS, SB (15)
OF Danny Oh:  3-for-6, RS, CS (1)
Nothing more than acknowledging a good game.  27th round pick in 2012 did put up a .373 OBP in 72 games last year, but prospect, he is not.
1B Matt Snyder:  2-for-6, 2B (3), 3 K

LHP Miguel Sulbaran:  4 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
4.97 ERA; 26.1 IP, 32 H, 17 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 15 K
This is coming off of an outing where he tossed seven scoreless innings.  
RHP Brett Gerritse:  3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
4.43 ERA; 40.2 IP, 49 H, 28 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 13 BB, 21 K
He has been consistent throughout his career, but this year has not started well.
RHP Nick Goody:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.32 ERA; 8.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 13 K
Don't let the ERA fool you, as he is rehabbing from Tommy John.   Goody is a legit major league relief prospect in a system that seemingly has an endless supply.
RHP Phil Wetherell:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
20.1 IP, 17 H, 7 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 17 K
-----------------------
Charleston (Swept Greenville, 4-2 and 3-0)

SS Tyler Wade:  2-for-5, 3 RBI, RS, K
OF Aaron Judge:  0-for-5, RBI, BB
3B Miguel Andujar:  0-for-6
Now hitting .220 in 173 AB
OF Michael O'Neill:  0-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, SB (16)
Four walks and NO strikeouts in last four games.   That is as close to a miracle as you will find.
1B Mike Ford:  3-for-6, 2B (9), 2 RBI
Not much to complain about with Ford, who is hitting .319 and is one of the best overall stories of the Yankees system in 2014 - note that "story" does not necessarily equate to "prospect".  
OF Dustin Fowler:  0-for-6, 3 K
OF Brandon Thomas:  0-for-1, RS, HBP, K, SB (8)
2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-0, 2 BB, SB (11)
We all played Little League.  We all had that kid on our team that batted 9th, played right field, and would stand at the plate hoping that four balls came before three strikes.  That describes Katoh, who is hitting .176 but with 23 walks in 40 games.  Of course, those 56 strikeouts cannot be ignored.   11-for-14 stealing bases

LHP Caleb Smith (W, 4-3):  5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
1.51 ERA; 47.2 IP, 30 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 19 BB, 52 K
Through his first 99 professional innings:  66 H, 26 R, 19 ER, 1 HR, 35 BB, 109 K
RHP Cesar Vargas (S, 3);  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.45 ERA; 25.2 IP, 24 H, 9 R, 7 ER, HR, 6 BB, 28 K
Breaks string of three straight appearances with allowing at least one run.

RHP Jaron Long (W, 3-1):  7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
1.80 ERA; 45 IP, 42 H, 14 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 41 K.
Complete game shutout for Long, who has been on fire this season.    This is his third consecutive scoreless outing (20.2 IP).    The 22-year old went undrafted out of Ohio State last season.  Yankees signed him after scouting him in the Cape Cod League.    Throws a fastball that can touch the low-90s with a sinker and a change.   Nothing to get too worked up about, but another nice story to follow.



Monday, May 26, 2014

Yankees Minor League Report 5/26/14: Ramon Flores Hits Two Home Runs as Scranton Bangs Out 24 Hits; Gary Sanchez Has 4-Hit Day for Trenton

Scranton (Crushed Louisville, 15-8)

1B/OF Ramon Flores:  3-for-6, 2 HR (5), 2 RBI, 4 RS, BB
.267/.356/.461 in 180 AB.  
2B Jose Pirela:  3-for-7, 2 RS, SB (5)
.304/.337/.423.   18-for-41 in last ten games (.439).  Hitting .365 in May overall.
1B Kyle Roller:  4-for-4, 2 2B (4), RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
Jumps average from .229 to .288 since joining level.   .346/.431/.692 in 130 AB overall.
UTIL Zelous Wheeler: 4-for-6, HR (3), 3 RBI, RS
.299/.349/.462 in 117 AB.
OF Adonis Garcia: 2-for-7, 2 RBI, 2 RS, K, SB (9)
.306/.333/.435 in 170 AB for 29-year old.  He is showing a reverse split, hitting much better vs. RHP than LHP, but sample size could be in play there.
IF Scott Sizemore:  2-for-6
1B Russ Canzler:  3-for-4, 2B (9), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
.264/.336/.395
C Austin Romine: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, BB
Hitting .198 overall but is 13-for-49 (.265) in May.
OF Antoan Richardson:  2-for-4, 2 RS, BB, K, SB (13)
.257/.398/.327 in 101 AB.  Perfect 13-for-13 stealing.

RHP Shane Greene (W, 2-2):  5 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 HR
We like to refer to this as the "Jack Morris". 
5.65 ERA; 28.2 IP, 42 H, 22 R, 18 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 25 K
RHP Danny Burawa:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
14.2 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 8 BB, 20 K
Just an awesome start to the season for Burawa.
-----------------------------
Trenton (Defeated Richmond, 13-9.  They were down 6-1 after four innings.  They scored 12 of the 13 runs from the 5th inning on)

C Gary Sanchez:  4-for-6, 2B (10), 2 RBI, RS
Second 4-hit game in his last three starts.  Hitting .259/.326/.414.
C/RF Pete O'Brien: 1-for-2, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS
Did not start the game - came in to pinch hit for Taylor Dugas and promptly hit a 2-run home run.   Hitting .299/.321/.684 between Tampa/Trenton with 18 home runs and 38 runs batted in.
2B Robert Refsnyder: 2-for-4, 2B (11), RBI, 2 RS, BB
13-for-38 in last ten games; 30-for-93 in May.  The Yankees should give at least some consideration to moving him up - and I am not just saying to Scranton.
CF Mason Williams:  1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
.202/.307/.272 in 173 AB; appears that something or someone has lit a bit of a fire under him.  He has walked six times in his last five games and has hit safely in four of his last five games.  This isn't much - but it is better than where he was before.
1B/RF Tyler Austin:  1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, CS (1)
.239/.317/.321 in 109 AB.    Rare CS, as it represents only the third of his career (he has stolen 47 bases)
OF Ben Gamel:  3-for-6, 2 RBI, RS, SB (4)
.278/.314/.368; 4-for-7 stealing.  
3B Rob Segedin:  0-for-2, 2 RBI, 2 RS, 3 BB, K, SF
.243/.381/.375 in 144 AB as he continues to draw a high number of walks (28)
OF Taylor Dugas:  0-for-3, K
.274/.393/.410.  First slump of the season (5-for-32)
UTIL Dan Fiorito:  3-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, 3 RS

RHP Caleb Cotham:  3.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
5th round pick in 2009 out of Vanderbilt was destroyed by injuries.
RHP Manny Barreda (W, 4-0):  2.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
2.76 ERA; 29.1 IP, 23 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 3 HR, 15 BB, 29 K
LHP Francisco Rondon:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2014 debut for 26-year old.  Last year, in 33 games (seven starts), he posted a 3.92 ERA with an ugly 85/54 K/BB ratio in 82.2 IP.    It should be noted that a lot of messy stuff came as a starter.  In those seven starts for Trenton (all at the beginning of 2013 before being converted back), he posted a 7.16 ERA in 27.2 innings.    Throws a fastball/slider combo, with the fastball clocked in the 91-93 range.
LHP Fred Lewis:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Trying to regain value after a dreadful start to the season.
----------------------
Charleston (Lost to Greenville, 11-3.  Charleston drew 9 walks in the game, but couldn't capitalize on opportunities)

SS Tyler Wade:  2-for-4, 2 RS, BB
7-game hitting streak (12-for-31).  Has been hitting very well since Avelino's injury, which gave Wade consistent playing time at shortstop.  It may not be a true cause-and-effect thing...just an interesting note.
OF Aaron Judge: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
OF Dustin Fowler:  0-for-2, 2 BB
8-for-31 with four walks, 12 strikeouts.
1B Mike Ford:  0-for-3, 2 BB
Mailed it in after 4 HR effort yesterday.
OF Michael O'Neill:  1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, BB, SF
2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-3, BB, 2 K
CF Brandon Thomas:  0-for-3, RS, BB, K

LHP Ian Clarkin:  3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
3.97 ERA; 22.2 IP, 23 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 3 HR, 6 BB, 22 K
Struggled through this outing.  Took him 71 pitches to get through these three innings.
RHP Giovanny Gallegos:  1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
5.22 ERA; 39.2 IP, 45 H, 28 R, 23 ER, 4 HR, 8 BB, 37 K
Hadn't allowed a run in last three outings (11 IP)
LHP Omar Luis:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Four outings; two have been strong, two have been not so good.  11 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 8 K
RHP Philip Walby:  1.1 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
4.67 ERA; 17.1 IP, 7 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 15 BB, 28 K
It is fairly obvious what Walby's issue is, isn't it?
LHP Rony Bautista:  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.29 ERA; 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
This is a big season for the talented, but raw, Bautista.  He has been around the organization for five years now (22 years old) and his experience has been somewhat limited.  Big fastball, big slider, developing change - but also a 6'7" frame that is attempting to develop more into a pitcher than the raw thrower he once was.   

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Yankees Minor League Report 5/25/14: Mike Ford Hits FOUR Home Runs in Charleston Thumping

Let us begin in Charleston tonight, where a little bit of history was made.

Charleston (Defeated Hickory, 17-9)

1B Mike Ford:  4-for-5, 4 HR (8), 5 RBI, 4 RS, BB, K
As stated a few times, Ford was not drafted in 2013, signed by the Yankees after the draft out of Princeton.    He was coming off of a season in Princeton where he was named Player & Pitcher of the Year in the Ivy League,   His favorite all-time players are Tino Martinez and Mariano Rivera.   We aren't looking at a superstar prospect here, but what a day to remember.
OF Aaron Judge:  3-for-5, HR (5), 2 RBI, 2 RS
Fifth consecutive multi-hit game.   Get him away from this level - it is unfair to the opposition.
OF Dustin Fowler:  3-for-6, 3B (1), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K, CS (1)
Continues to hit after 0-for-12 start.  8-for-16 since that start.
OF Brandon Thomas:  3-for-4, 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS, SB (7)
Considered to be a good pick in last year's draft, Thomas has struggled mightily in the pros thus far.   Tonight, he put together a good game.  Now it is time to string them together.
3B Miguel Andujar:  0-for-5, 2 RS, BB, K
Down to .228.
UTIL John Murphy:  2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, 3 RS, BB, 2 SB (9)
The jack-of-all-trades defender is also hitting fairly well this season.  I wouldn't put too much stock in it overall, given his advanced age (23).
2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-4, RS, SAC, 3 K
C Kale Sumner:  2-for-5, 3B (1), 2 RBI, RS, K
Hitting .255 and has also drawn 14 walks in 17 games.

RHP Luis Severino:  3.1 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
Guess he was due for a beating.  3.05 ERA in 44.1 IP with 44 hits allowed, ten walks, and 47 strikeouts.
RHP Angel Rincon (W, 1-0):  3.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Cesar Vargas:  2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
--------------------------------
Scranton (Lost to Rochester, 7-2, to fall to 24-24 on the season)

2B Jose Pirela:  1-for-3, RS, BB
.298/.333/.422 in 161 AB; .405/.476/.541 in last ten games; .359/.407/.500 in 21 May games.
1B/OF Ramon Flores:  1-for-4
.259/.348/.425 in 174 AB.    Has hit safely in nine of past ten games.
OF Adonis Garcia:  0-for-4, K, SB (8)
.307/.335/.442 in 163 AB
IF Scott Sizemore:  0-for-2, 2 BB, K
.257/.333/.345 in 33 games
1B Russ Canzler:  1-for-3, 2B (8), RS
1B Kyle Roller:  0-for-3, BB, K
11-for-48 (.229) since joining level.
UTIL Zelous Wheeler:  0-for-3, K
SS Dean Anna:  0-for-3
C Francisco Arcia: 1-for-3, RBI, K

RHP Joel De La Cruz (L, 1-2):  5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
2.51 ERA; 28.2 IP, 22 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 17 K
When you are an extreme GB pitcher without a huge K rate, sometimes those balls find holes.
RHP Branden Pinder:  2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
K rate has fallen since joining Scranton (four in 8.2 IP; 18 in 16 IP for Trenton)
RHP Robert Coello: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
0.51 ERA; 17.2 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 24 K
-----------------
Trenton (Lost to Richmond, 9-1)

C/OF Pete O'Brien: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI
.254/.254/.635 in 63 AB for Trenton; .297/.319/.669 in 175 AB overall
CF Mason Williams:  0-for-3, 2 BB, K, SB (9)
Third consecutive game with stolen base; .201/.301/.272
3B Rob Segedin:  1-for-2, 2B (4), BB, HBP, K
.246/.377/.380 in 142 AB (25 walks; 21 strikeouts)
2B Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-4, K
.291/.340/.451 in 175 AB.  
OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, HBP, K
.281/.401/.421 in 114 AB.  
OF Ben Gamel:  0-for-4, K
.272/.309/.364 in 206 AB
1B/RF Tyler Austin:  0-for-4, K
.238/.314/.324 in 105 AB

RHP Bryan Mitchell (L, 1-3):  3 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
4.23 ERA; 27.2 IP, 26 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 34 K
Previous 16.2 IP:  11 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 26 K
RHP Graham Stoneburner:  5 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
-------------------
Tampa (Lost to Brevard County, 7-5)

3B Dante Bichette:  2-for-5, HR (6), 2 RBI, RS, K
Home runs in three of his last four games.    He has definitely reinvented himself as a prospect - although he did repeat a level (Charleston), this is his first season in Tampa at the age of 21.  Old prospect, this is not.
1B Greg Bird:  2-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
19-for-63 (.302) with 12 walks and 17 strikeouts.
SS Cito Culver:  2-for-5, 2B (8), RBI, RS, K
Has raised his average all the way up to .228 after being below .200.   13 hits in last 42 AB.
CF Jake Cave:  2-for-4, RS, BB, K
Hitting .322 in 205 AB with 14 walks and 40 strikeouts.
UTIL Claudio Custodio:  3-for-4, 2 RS, K, SB (14)

RHP Rafael DePaula (L, 1-2):  2 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
4.04 ERA; 42.1 IP, 38 H, 22 R, 19 ER, 1 HR, 23 BB, 52 K
Hopefully just one bad start that he can throw away.
RHP Nick Rumbelow:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
16 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 28 K for Charleston/Tampa.   
LHP Dietrich Enns:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.42 ERA; 25.1 IP, 16 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 26 K
LHP James Pezos:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.18 ERA; 22.2 IP, 19 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 31 K
Pezos is on fire right now and should be looking for a trip to Trenton sooner rather than later.   Enns may not be too far behind.
---------------------------


Saturday, May 24, 2014

Yankees Minor League Report 5/24/14: Dante Bichette Stays Hot; Chaz Hebert Makes 2014 Debut; Aaron Judge Homers in Charleston Loss

Scranton (Defeated Rochester, 2-0)

2B Jose Pirela:  1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI
27-for-75 in May
IF Scott Sizemore:  2-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS
C Austin Romine:  0-for-1, RS, 2 BB
OF Ramon Flores:  0-for-4, K
OF Adonis Garcia:  0-for-3, K
1B Russ Canzler:  1-for-3, 2B (7), K
Has essentially become a non-entity.
SS Dean Anna:  0-for-3

RHP Zach Nuding (W, 2-2):  8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Second consecutive strong start after a rough start after his promotion.    25.1 IP, 32 H, 19 R, 17 ER, 3 HR, 6 BB, 21 K overall since promotion.
RHP Jose Ramirez (S, 1):  1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Nothing more exciting than a reliever getting himself into and out of trouble.    I think he will ultimately find himself in the majors relatively soon, but remember:  He missed a large chunk of the beginning of the season due to injury AND he was just converted into a relief pitcher.  It will take a little time.
----------------------------------------------
Trenton (Defeated Richmond, 4-2)

C Gary Sanchez:  1-for-4, 2B (9), RS
Perhaps the slump is over (this follows yesterday's 4-hit performance)
2B Robert Refsnyder:  2-for-4, 3B (3), 2 RS
Average is up to .298 as he continues to rake in May (28-for-85)
OF Ben Gamel:  2-for-5, 2 2B (12), RBI
Not wowing anybody with his season, but not embarrassing himself either.  
3B Rob Segedin:  2-for-4
.243/.368/.371.  He is getting on base very well, but isn't hitting for much power.
OF Slade Heathcott: 0-for-5, K
C/RF Pete O'Brien:  0-for-4
One hit in last 17 AB.  That is one thing about O'Brien's overall approach that gives you hesitation:  When he isn't hitting, he is useless..as he isn't showing the ability to draw walks.
UTIL Dan Fiorito:  2-for-4, RBI, K
OF Taylor Dugas:  0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K

RHP Jairo Heredia:  4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
3.10 ERA; 29 IP, 26 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 35 K
Whether or not the Yankees are stretching him out again to start (his last appearance was an emergency start for Banuelos) is up in the air.  Regardless, he is throwing very well this season.
LHP Cesar Cabral:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Much-needed outing..but is the damage done?
RHP Taylor Garrison (W, 2-1):  2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.45 ERA; 25.2 IP, 13 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 11 BB, 15 K
LHP Fred Lewis (S, 2):  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
---------------------------------------------
Tampa (Split DH with Brevard County, winning 4-1 before losing 8-2)

3B Dante Bichette:  1-for-3, HR (5), 3 RBI, RS, 2 BB, SF
.287/.379/.455 in 167 AB with 28 runs batted in.
1B Greg Bird:  2-for-6, HR (3), RBI, RS, K
1B Matt Snyder:  1-for-6, HR (2), RBI, RS, K
OF Zach Wilson:  2-for-6, 3B (3), K
CF Jake Cave:  1-for-7, 2B (11), RS, K
SS Cito Culver: 2-for-7, HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, 2 K, SB (6)
After hitting two home runs in 2010, 2011, and 2012, Culver "busted out" with a nine home run campaign in 2013.  He is back to his old tricks this year, however.
C Wes Wilson:  2-for-3, 2B (1), SB (1)

LHP Dan Camarena (W, 4-3):  6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
2.36 ERA; 53.1 IP, 48 H, 25 R, 14 ER, 3 HR, 20 BB, 42 K
The walks are a bit high for a kid known for his advanced command (19 in 112 IP last season), but it is hard to find much to nitpick on here.    Hasn't allowed more than two runs in his last five starts, and hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in a start since April 12th, his second start of the season.
RHP Phil Wetherell (S, 2):  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
0.49 ERA: 18.1 IP, 17 H, 7 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 16 K

LHP Chaz Hebert:  4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
2014 debut for the 21-year old Hebert, who went 4-5 with a 5.29 ERA in 51 innings combined for the GCL/Staten Island squads last season.   He has a lot of upside, and has seen his velocity increase, but is still rough around the edges.
RHP Kyle Haynes: 1.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
This is the value on the trade market for an expert "pitch framer" like Chris Stewart.
---------------------
Charleston (Lost to Hickory, 7-3)

OF Aaron Judge:  2-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, RS, K
3B Miguel Andujar:  2-for-4, RS
12 hits in last 42 AB
SS Tyler Wade:  1-for-5, K
OF Michael O'Neill:  1-for-3, RS, BB, SB (15)
Has hit safely in six of last seven games (all one-hit affairs)
OF Dustin Fowler:  2-for-4, 2B (1), K
Started off 0-for-12; 5-for-11 since.
CF Brandon Thomas:  0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Hitting an unbelievable .135 in 89 AB.  0-for-20 slump.

RHP Rookie Davis (L, 2-4):  3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
4.93 ERA; 38.1 IP, 42 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 1 HR, 20 BB, 30 K
RHP Jordan Cote:  3.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
4.50 ERA; 20 IP, 24 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 15 K
LHP Rony Bautista:  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

1B Mike Ford:  0-for-4, K

Friday, May 23, 2014

Yankees Minor League Report 5/23/14: Gary Sanchez Collects 4 Hits, Dante Bichette Homers and Drives Home 5 to Lead Big Offensive Night Throughout Organization

Scranton (Lost to Rochester, 7-1)

OF Ramon Flores:  2-for-4, 2B (14), HR (3), RBI, RS
.265/.358/.440 in 166 AB.  Flores has been very solid this season, and I would actually consider using him at the big league level if Beltran is gone for most of the remainder of the season.
1B Kyle Roller:  0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2B Jose Pirela:  0-for-3, HBP, K
.299/.331/.422 in 154 AB
SS Dean Anna:  0-for-3, BB
I don't think he has a hit since the Regan Administration - at least it feels that way.
OF Antoan Richardson:  2-for-2, BB

RHP Brian Gordon (L, 2-5):  4 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Could be the answer to the age-old question:  Is anyone worse than Alfredo Aceves?
RHP Mark Montgomery:  1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
2.49 ERA; 21.2 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 27 K
RHP Danny Burawa:  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
12.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 8 BB, 17 K
RHP Diego Moreno: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Switch Pat Venditte:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
24.2 IP, 11 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 35 K
-----------------------------
Trenton (Defeated Richmond, 6-1)

C Gary Sanchez:  4-for-5, HR (5), 3 RBI, RS
Much needed night.   .243/.316/.395 in 152 AB
2B Robert Refsnyder: 2-for-4, 2B (10), HR (4), RBI, 2 RS
.287/.339/.443 in 167 AB.  Is it so far-fetched to think of him as a potential infield option right now?   .309/.333/.506 in 81 May AB
CF Mason Williams: 2-for-5, 2B (7), RS, SB (8)
.205/.298/.277 in 166 AB.    After not playing from May 14-May 17, Williams is 7-for-22.
OF Ben Gamel: 1-for-5, RBI, RS
.274/.313/.360 in 197 AB
CF Slade Heathcott: 2-for-4, K, CS (1)
5-for-24
RF Tyler Austin: 0-for-4, 2 K
C/RF Pete O'Brien: 0-for-5, 2 K
1-for-13 in last three games.
3B Rob Segedin:  0-for-3, RS, BB, K
.235/.365/.368 in 136 AB

LHP Jeremy Bleich (W, 4-4):  7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K
3.47 ERA; 57 IP, 50 H, 28 R, 22 ER, 6 HR, 16 BB, 49 K
Bleich has really turned up the K rate lately - 23 in 20.2 IP in last three starts.  Is there something left in his tank?
LHP Ty Webb (S, 1):  2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
11 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 14 K since promotion.
-----------------------------------
Tampa (Defeated Jupiter, 9-6)

3B Dante Bichette:  3-for-5, 2B (13), HR (4), 5 RBI, 2 RS
.287/.376/.439 in 164 AB; back-to-back three hit games as he tries to prove his recent slump was nothing more than just that.
SS Cito Culver:  4-for-5, 2B (7), 2 RBI, 3 RS, SB (5)
.221/.288/.273 in 172 AB
CF Jake Cave: 2-for-5, 2B (10), RS
.325/.370/.438 in 194 AB: 19 hits in last 46 AB.
1B Greg Bird: 0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K, SF
.283/.400/.491 in 53 AB (11 walks).  
OF Zach Wilson:  2-for-4, 2 2B (7), RBI
UTIL Claudio Custodio:  1-for-4, RS, SB (13)

LHP Eric Wooten:  5 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
3.25 ERA; 52.2 IP, 61 H, 27 R, 19 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 35 K
RHP Nick Goody (W, 1-0):  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
7.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 12 K
LHP James Pezos (S, 4):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.32 ERA; 21.2 IP, 18 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 28 K
No runs allowed in last nine appearances (12.1 IP) with 16/1 K/BB ratio
-------------------------------------
Charleston (Defeated Hickory, 6-3)

OF Aaron Judge:  2-for-5, 2B (8), 2 RBI, RS, K
.314/.419/.436 in 156 AB; 27 walks, 38 K
2B Gosuke Katoh:  1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS
.186/.312/.297.   
SS Tyler Wade:  1-for-4, BB, K, CS (6)
.274/.341/.341 in 164 AB, which isn't terrible for a teenage SS at this level.  The 6-for-12 stealing bases has to be worked on.
OF Dustin Fowler:  1-for-3, BB, K, SB (1)
OF Michael O'Neill: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
.228/.295/.380; 59 K in 158 AB.  I guess he can say he has lessened his 50% K rate from earlier in the season considerably.
C Kale Sumner:  1-for-4, RS, PB (7)
7 past balls in 16 games?  .238/.431/.429
UTIL John Murphy:  0-for-3, RS, BB, K
3B Miguel Andujar:  0-for-4, RBI, RS, 2 K
1B Mike Ford:  2-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, BB
.311/.411/.446 in 148 AB

RHP Brady Lail (W, 7-1):  5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
3.14 ERA; 48.2 IP, 52 H, 21 R, 17 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 49 K
That K/BB ratio is his calling card; he has excellent command of all of his pitches.    Hasn't allowed more than two runs in last six starts.
RHP Philip Walby:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
2.81 ERA; 16 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 25 K


Thursday, May 22, 2014

Yankees Minor League Report 5/22/14: Dante Bichette Collects 3 Hits in Tampa Loss; Caleb Smith Has Rough Outing; Latest on Eric Jagielo

Eric Jagielo has an injury in his rib area that he felt after taking a swing a few nights ago (remarkably enough, he stayed in the game and homered on his next swing).  It is not an oblique injury and he will hopefully be back shortly.
--------------------------------
Scranton
(Lost to Rochester, 2-1, despite banging out 11 hits)

OF Ramon Flores:  2-for-5, 2B (13), RS, 2 K
7-game hitting streak (9-for-31)
2B Jose Pirela:  2-for-5, K
13 hits in last 24 AB.   26-for-68 overall in May.
1B Kyle Roller:  2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Hitting pretty well for Scranton (.262) but also has 16 K in 42 AB since joining the squad.
UTIL Zelous Wheeler:  2-for-3, 2 2B (10), BB
The 27-year old has played very well this season, and is the type of player you sometimes see in September because of all of the versatility he brings.   Despite strong walk rates throughout his career, has yet to make major league debut.
IF Scott Sizemore:  1-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Dean Anna:  0-for-4
OF Adonis Garcia: 0-for-5, K
C Francisco Arcia:  2-for-3

LHP Matt Tracy (L, 0-1):  8 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
48.2 IP, 51 H, 26 R, 24 ER, 24 BB, 26 K, 4 HR between Trenton/Scranton
RHP Branden Pinder:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
22.2 IP, 12 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 22 K
Do not be surprised that if at some point the Yankees decide to add another reliever to their 40-man that Pinder is the choice.  
-------------------------------------
Trenton (Lost to Harrisburg, 6-4)

CF Mason Williams:  2-for-4, RS, SB (7)
So close to the magical .200 mark (.199)
C/RF Pete O'Brien: 0-for-4, K
CF Slade Heathcott:  0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
3-for-20 with three walks and nine strikeouts.
OF Tyler Austin:  1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, 2 K
Modest 6-game hitting streak, but you have to start somewhere.
C Gary Sanchez:  0-for-4, RS
It is unbelievable to see him down to .224.
2B Robert Refsnyder:  2-for-4, K
As I have said before, he has been very solid, and reduced his strikeouts considerably from April to May.
OF Ben Gamel: 1-for-4, RS

RHP Eric Ruth:  3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
All organizations have that "organizational floater" who flies around filling in holes wherever he is needed.  Ruth may be one of those pitchers, as he has pitched at three different levels this season (Tampa, Scranton, Trenton).  
RHP Manny Barreda:  3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
2.00 ERA; 27 IP, 19 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 27 K
LHP Fred Lewis (L, 0-1):  0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
From nearly making the major league roster to someone who they may seriously flat out release.  He has been absolutely terrible.
-------------------------------------------------
Tampa (Lost to Jupiter, 4-3.  At least it's the biggest planet)

3B Dante Bichette:  3-for-4, 2 RBI
Snaps 1-for-15 slide.
CF Jake Cave:  2-for-4, RS, BB
9-game hitting streak (17-for-41).  That is a lot of hits for a 9-game hitting streak.   He has been remarkable.
1B Greg Bird:  1-for-4, BB, K
15-for-50 with 10 walks and 13 strikeouts.
SS Cito Culver:  0-for-5, 2 K
Just end the misery already.
1B Matt Snyder:  0-for-4
UTIL Claudio Custodio:  0-for-3, RS, K, SB (12)
Can't hit a lick, but is 84-for-92 in his career stealing bases.

LHP Conner Kendrick:  0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
There was no rain delay, so I do not know why he left this game.
RHP Brett Gerritse:  5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Dietrich Enns:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
1.48 ERA; 24.1 IP, 15 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 25 K
Continues to impress.
---------------------------------------
Charleston (Lost to Hickory, 9-4)

OF Aaron Judge:  2-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, BB
12 hits in last 35 AB
SS Tyler Wade:  2-for-5, RS, K
Three multi-hit games in last four played.
3B Miguel Andujar: 2-for-5, K
OF Dustin Fowler:  2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, 2 K
First hit of the season was a home run.    Now 2-for-16.
2B Gosuke Katoh: 0-for-4, 3 K
Time to send him back to extended spring training to prepare for Staten Island's season?
OF Michael O'Neill:  1-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
CF Brandon Thomas:  0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
1B Mike Ford:  0-for-3, RS, BB

LHP Caleb Smith:  4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
1.28 ERA; 42.1 IP, 25 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 17 BB, 48 K, HR
Second time allowing more than two runs in a start this season (9 starts)
RHP Giovanny Gallegos (L, 1-4):  2.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
4.19 ERA; 38.2 IP, 39 H, 23 R, 18 ER, 8 BB, 36 K, 4 HR
He has been mostly solid this season, but not tonight.
RHP Angel Rincon:  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K


Yankees Top 20 Prospects: How Are They Faring?

My Top 20 list before the season began, and how they are faring.  Obviously, if I made a new list now, many things would change (Including #2!)

Top 20 Prospects Heading into 2014

1.  Gary Sanchez, C, 21
Numbers:  .231/.309/.371; 16 walks, 30 strikeouts in 38 games.
Analysis:  Sanchez started off well this season, but has run into a brick wall in May, posting a .460 OPS in 77 plate appearances.    Slumps of course happen to everyone - and players can't time their slumps and hot streaks based on when an Internet nobody like me decides to analyze them.    
Stock:   The same.   If the Yankees asked teams for starting pitching right now, the first name that would be demanded is still Gary Sanchez.  We shouldn't get too worked up yet over a cold month of hitting.

2.   Mason Williams, CF, 22
Numbers:  .191/.291/.261; 6-for-7 SB; 22 walks, 24 strikeouts.
Analysis:   One thing I always like to do is admit when I am wrong. (I once posted to someone that Jose Tabata's swing reminded me of Manny Ramirez - oops).    I have always been bullish on Williams, mostly because of the raw ability he possesses.  He is still a dynamic center fielder capable of playing the position at a very high level in the big leagues right now.   He is stealing bases better, and the walks and strikeouts are actually encouraging enough.  But the bottom line is that he has to hit, and has yet to really do so.  (Something to note:  His BABIP right now is an abysmal .220.   That number is remarkable)
Stock:  Down considerably.   Williams had a chance to really help himself and the Yankees this year.  The Yankees have a full outfield at the moment with other prospects lingering around in the minors.  A solid start by Williams, given his defensive reputation, could have made him a significant trade chip this summer.  There is still time for that, but he has to start playing to his expectations.

3.  John Ryan Murphy, C, 22
Analysis:   If you have watched the games he has played in (not many), you probably have noticed a different John Ryan Murphy (and I am not just talking about the name).  He is driving the ball to all fields, and just seems very comfortable in his surroundings.  At this point, it would be a crime to send him back to the minors even if Cervelli were to actually ever be healthy.
Stock:   Up.   I would be very surprised if scouts following the Yankees have not reported back to their superiors that this would be a good get in any trade.

4.  Manny Banuelos, P, 23
Numbers:  4.03 ERA in 22.1 IP with 23/8 K/BB ratio.
Analysis:  Banuelos is a work in progress in 2014, coming off of Tommy John surgery.  The Yankees have (rightfully so) treated him with kid gloves thus far, making any kind of analysis tough to come by.   Recently missed a start due to elbow soreness/fatigue/etc.   Hopefully it is just a routine bump in the road for pitchers when they are rehabbing this type of injury.  The last thing the Yankees need is for him to need to repeat the procedure. That could be a game-ender, given his complete lack of experience over the last few seasons.
Stock:  The same.    Right now, his grade is simply an incomplete - his stuff is supposedly as good as it has always been, and that at least is encouraging. 

5.  Luis Severino, P, 20
Numbers:  1.76 ERA in 41 IP with 43/9 K/BB ratio for Charleston
Analysis:  2.39 ERA in 71.2 IP with 68/9 K/BB ratio.   What do those numbers represent?   Those are Arodys Viscaino's numbers in Low-A in 2010 for the Braves, when he was 19 years old.  Why am I bringing up Viscaino?  Because he was the hidden gem when the Yankees traded for Javy Vazquez and Boone Logan.  The Braves may have screwed up his career from there, rushing him through the minors into a major league bullpen role, but the similarities are still the same:  High ceiling prospect with tantalizing stuff who just needs to prove he belongs.
Stock:  Up.   Thus far, the performance is matching the hype.

6.  Eric Jagielo, 3B, 21
Numbers:  .259/.339/.500; 19 walks, 41 strikeouts in 42 games.
Analysis:  I am just going to assume that the Yankees are doing cartwheels right now over Jagielo's development, as he has adjusted nicely to skipping a level (Charleston) and getting thrown into a league known to favor pitchers.   The level skip wasn't a surprise - as an advanced college hitter who hit well in Staten Island last year, there was no reason to have him start in Low-A.    If he continues to hit at this pace, he may just got his shot at Trenton this season. We'll have to wait and see on what happens there.
Stock:  Up a bit.  Anytime a prospect from the previous year's draft proves instantly that he was worthy of the draft slot, his stock is going to rise.  There does remain some hurdles to overcome, but he is on the fast track right now.

7.  Slade Heathcott, CF, 23
Analysis:   As with Banuelos, it is really tough to judge Heathcott right now, as he just came back from yet another injury.    When he is on the field, he is as legitimate as any other outfield prospect in the system - but staying healthy is a significant part of being a baseball player.  He isn't worth much to the Yankees or any other team as an oft-injured outfield prospect.  I think his skills are probably still thought of highly around baseball, however.
Stock:  Down.    He must prove he can stay healthy and productive.  Being that he is on the 40-man roster and given that we have no idea when Carlos Beltran will be back, there is a chance for him to get to the majors this year.   Health has just stripped those types of dreams away.

8.  Aaron Judge, OF, 21
Numbers:  .306/.415/.422; 26 walks, 37 strikeouts in 42 games.
Analysis:  Ever heard of the term "too good for his league"?  That just may apply to Judge.  Unlike Jagielo, the Yankees did not have Judge skip Charleston - but he also has never played in a short-season league due to taking his sweet old time signing the contract last year.   I thought the Yankees would give him 25 games here (or so) just to get himself ready, then instantly promote him to Tampa.   I guess I was wrong.
Stock:  The same.  Judge is hitting very well in a league he is supposed to hit well in.  

9.   Greg Bird, 1B, 21
Analysis:  By far the best offensive player in the system in 2013, Bird injured his back this past spring and missed most of the beginning of the season.  When he is on the field, I would challenge you to find anyone else in the organization within a light year of Greg Bird's pure offensive ability.  He can take walks and hits for average & power.  Defensively, there is supposedly nothing that sticks out at anybody in his ability to play first base, but he still has room for improvement in that area.
Stock:  Slightly down.  Before you throw tomatoes at my house and write threatening letters to my family, let me explain the only reason why his stock is down a tad:  The injuries.  The back injury was not random (he has dealt with it since the time he pretty much entered the organization)  Is it possible that the worst of his back problems are forever gone?  Of course.  And if they are, he will fly up there charts very, very quickly.

10.  Bryan Mitchell, P, 22
Numbers:  3.28 ERA; 34/10 K/BB ratio in 24.2 innings.
Analysis:  There has always been so much to like about Mitchell.  He throws very hard, features an electric breaking pitch, and just seemingly has the entire package to be a successful starting pitcher in the majors as early as this year.    But there is obviously more to pitching that throwing hard with a good breaking pitch or two, and Mitchell has found that out.  He has been able to drop his walk rate below his career average this year, and maybe the results are reflecting to reflect that.
Stock:  The same.  Mitchell's stuff is tantalizing to anyone who sees it - but there is more to pitching that a few above average pitches.  Mitchell still has to learn that aspect of his game; that striking out a bunch of hitters is not enough to be successful at the highest level.  I remain optimistic, but he has to start putting the puzzle together soon.

11.   Tyler Austin, OF, 22
Numbers:  .258/.340/.344 in 106 AB
Analysis:  Right-handed outfield power is not something the Yankees have in droves, yet Austin has the ability to change all of that.  The problem?  He simply hasn't.   A lot of it is likely a lingering wrist issue that is hopefully now healing.  I would hate to think that all of the power has completely been sapped out.  I would rather think that his wrist is still getting stronger, and the power will come back.
Stock:  Down.  Not only are the Yankees waiting patiently, so are other teams.  Nobody is really going to want to trade for him right now, and the Yankees are not likely to trade him based on current value.

12.  Ian Clarkin, P, 19
Numbers:  3.66 ERA; 20/4 K/BB ratio in 19.2 innings.
Analysis:  Oh, how the Yankees would love to see Clarkin live up to his potential.  The 19-year old (doesn't turn 20 until February) features a 91-93 MPH fastball with a sweeping curve that is considered a swing-and-miss pitch.  He has also been developing a change, which would be a key to his starting future.   Clarkin has good size (6'2", 205) with a little room to fill out more.  However, don't automatically assume that filling out more will add even more life to his fastball.  That does not always happen.  The best part about it, however, is that Clarkin does not need a velocity increase to be legitimate. 
Stock:  The same.  Clarkin still has hardly any experience to speak of, and it will be a while before we get any kind of read on what his future may hold.  

13.  Gosuke Katoh, 2B, 19
Numbers:  .189/.321/.279; 20 walks, 48 strikeouts in 35 games.  10-for-13 stealing bases.
Analysis:   I warned myself to stay away from these "GCL Wonders" who put up these huge numbers after getting drafted, only to quickly crash and burn not much longer down the road.   The walks are obviously nice, and he is obviously more than capable of getting on base and stealing second.  But he isn't likely to develop into a 100-walk type of player, so that batting average must start trending up.
Stock:  Down.   This level just may not be the right spot for him at the moment, and he may find himself in Staten Island in the next month.   A bit of a setback?  Of course.  But he has time to get himself back on track.

14.  Abiatal Avelino, SS, 19
Numbers:  .294/.349/.387; 9 walks, 17 strikeouts; 11-for-16 stealing bases.
Analysis:  The first thing that needs to be said about Avelino is that there isn't any doubt that he will be able to stick at shortstop, as defense is considered to be his most advanced tool.   This is not a knock on his offensive game, however, as Avelino had a strong offensive season in the short-season leagues last year.   As for 2014, he has been holding his own in his first taste of a full-season league, and there is still plenty of time to develop his offensive game to the level of his defense.  He is currently on the disabled list with a quadriceps injury.
Stock:  Up.      He hasn't been spectacular offensively this season (stolen base rate way down, for example), but he is holding his own as a teenager in a full-season league.  

15.  Jose Campos, P, 21
Analysis:  There were those who felt that Campos was the "real" catch when the Yankees and Mariners completed the Jesus Montero for Michael Pineda swap, but things have simply not gone Campos' way.    He did pitch in 26 games (19 starts) last season, but was on a strict leash after suffering an injury in 2012.    Now, in 2014, he is gone for the season due to Tommy John surgery.  He is not yet dead as a prospect, but any development time that is lost is significant - he will essentially have lost two years of development time in the last three.
Stock:  Sharply down.   Campos will likely need to be treated in 2015 the way he was treated in 2013 (very carefully), and may not be allowed to go all out until mid-2015 at the earliest.  One of those prospects that isn't flaming out because of performance.  He is flaming out because of injuries.   Pitchers, I tell ya.

16.  Ty Hensley, P, 20
Analysis:  After missing the entire 2013 season due to double hip surgery, Hensley still has not thrown a pitch in a live game since 2012, when he appeared in only five games after being drafted.  Big on talent (and in stature - 6'4", 220), Hensley will remain a mysterious figure until he actually starts pitching.  He is supposedly throwing to some live hitters in extended spring training and should make his debut with Staten Island later this summer.
Stock:  The same.  Nothing has changed since his hip surgery.  He remains a prospect with major upside and very little experience.  

17.  Miguel Andujar, 3B, 19
Analysis:  .228/.288/.369; 11 walks, 31 strikeouts in 41 games
Synopsis:  After debuting with a thud in the GCL in 2012 at the age of 17, Andujar came out swinging at the same level last year, hitting .323/.368/.496 in 144 PA to establish himself as a prospect worth watching.  Andujar has a lot of bat speed and supposedly has advanced pitch recognition, though it has not yet translated into walks.   Andujar is still a bit of a raw prospect and lottery ticket - but one with a load of upside.
Stock:  The same.   You are dealing with a kid that has many advanced attributes for a player with his age and experience, but is still quite raw in putting it all together in a complete package.  We'll see how he adjusts as the season goes along.  I don't really have a read on whether or not the Yankees will keep him here or place him in Staten Island next month.

18.  Mark Montgomery, P, 23
Numbers: 2.25 ERA; 24/12 K/BB ratio in 20 innings.
Analysis:   As is the case often when evaluating minor league talent, the shine has worn off on Montgomery as other relievers (ie, Danny Burawa) have entered the picture.   Montgomery had a rough season in 2013 due to injury, and recent reports indicate that he has become a slider-happy reliever with a reduced fastball.  Once considered a legitimate closer prospect capable of getting anybody out, Montgomery is much less than that if teams end up not respecting his fastball.  As great as his slider is (and it is GREAT), it cannot live on its own in the major leagues.
Stock:  Falling rapidly.    He isn't on the 40-man, so one shouldn't jump to conclusions based on the Yankees promoting 40-man roster relievers to the big leagues ahead of him.  Plus, the Yankees would likely not want him to be a garbage-time reliever like Matt Daley or Alfredo Aceves.  That said, the 2012 version of Mark Montgomery is in a major league bullpen now.

19.  Pete O'Brien, C, 23
Numbers:  .316/.339/.722; 4 walks, 39 strikeouts in 165 PA
Analysis:  What is there to say about O'Brien, who has hit a remarkable 17 home runs in 41 games this season?  A game that relies so much on raw power is typically the type of game that can run into problems as a player moves up the chain, but pitchers in Double-A have yet to expose any issues in his limited time there (7 HR in 46 PA).  The bottom line is that sometimes you have to let your eyes take over for your brain, and begin to realize that you could be dealing with a player with a skill so special (in O'Brien's case, power) that it overshadows the flaws in his game (4 walks and 39 strikeouts?)   O'Brien also lacks a true position, though as long as he can catch and play a little bit of the outfield at even a below average level, he will remain useful because of the bat.
Stock:   Way up.   Right-handed power is at a premium, and O'Brien seemingly has a lot of it to spare.  A team that sees him as a player who can stick behind the plate would likely value him pretty high because of that power.   But (and here goes my brain again) you need to be a little careful, as his walk/strikeout rate is still on the alarming side.

20.  Rafael De Paula, P, 23
Numbers:  2.90 ERA; 50/23 K/BB ratio in 40.1 innings
Analysis:  It has been quite a roller coaster for De Paula, who came out smoking in 2013 (2.94 ERA with 96 K in 64.1 innings for Charleston) before getting torched upon his promotion to Tampa (6.06 ERA in 49 IP).  Now, he seemingly has regained a bit of his prospect status thanks to a strong start at the same level this season.  De Paula has the raw ability to be a legitimate major league option down the road, but there are still plenty of kinks to work out with his mechanics.
Stock:   The same.  De Paula is pitching well enough here to at least make you feel that his prospect flame is still burning.  Double-A will be a true test, and he could get there later this season.

Yankees Minor League Report 5/21/14: Just a Few Notes

A severe computer glitch kept me from writing a full report tonight...now it is almost 4 in the morning, so here are a few notes.

Scranton and Charleston were off.

In Tampa, Matt Snyder hit his first home run of the season.    Injuries have derailed him after a strong 2012 campaign after being drafted in the 10th round out of Mississippi.

Greg Bird doubled, walked, and struck out twice.

LHP Miguel Sulbaran (acquired in the Eduardo Nunez trade) had a very strong performance:  7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

Mason Williams doubled and walked twice in an otherwise weak offensive performance by Trenton (three hits, no runs).   Pete O'Brien contributed a single.   Gary Sanchez got a much needed day off.

Cesar Cabral did what is now his custom:  three walks and two runs allowed in two thirds of an inning.




Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Yankees Minor League Report 5/20/14: Pete O'Brien...You Guessed It...Hits Another HR in Trenton Victory

Scranton (Defeated Pawtucket, 3-0)

OF Adonis Garcia:  4-for-5, 2B (9), HR (3), 2 RBI, RS, SB (7), CS (1)
.340/.369/.490 in 147 AB for the 29-year old Cuban.  Seems that the Yankees chose to keep the correct guy with Garcia over Mustelier (by the way, Mustelier ended up signing with a Mexican League team.  So much for all of the great interest teams would have in him, eh?)
1B/OF Ramon Flores:  1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
.255/.353/.408 in 157 AB
2B Jose Pirela:  1-for-4, RS, BB, K
.301/.331/.432 in 146 AB; .381/.420/.540 in 63 May AB
1B Kyle Roller:  0-for-4, 3 K
UTIL Zelous Wheeler:  0-for-4
.296/.349/.439 in 98 AB.
IF Scott Sizemore: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
C Jose Gil: 2-for-3, BB

RHP Shane Greene (W, 1-2):  6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
4.56 ERA; 23.2 IP, 33 H, 16 R, 12 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 23 K
First strong start of the season for Greene, who perhaps is finally getting into a bit of a groove after being jerked around earlier in the season.
RHP Jose Ramirez:  1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Robert Coello (S, 2):  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
0.54 ERA; 16.2 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 22 K
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Trenton (Defeated Harrisburg, 5-1)

C/OF Pete O'Brien: 2-for-4, HR (7), RBI, 2 RS, K
17 HR in 154 AB; 7 of them in 42 AB for Trenton.
2B Robert Refsnyder:  2-for-4, 2B (9), 3 RBI
13 hits in last 38 AB; 21-for-69 in May.
CF Slade Heathcott:  1-for-4, 2 RS, 2 K
1B/RF Tyler Austin:  1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, RS, BB
C Gary Sanchez:  0-for-4, K, E (8)
9-for-67 in a mostly forgettable (other than a pair of home runs to center) May.   Also, eight errors for a catcher?  That doesn't sound good.
OF Ben Gamel:  0-for-3, BB
CF Mason Williams:  0-for-4
3B Rob Segedin: 1-for-4, E (5)

RHP Bryan Mitchell:  3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
3.28 ERA; 24.2 IP, 21 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 10 BB, 34 K
Mitchell missed a few weeks due to injury, so he is just getting his arm strength built back up.
LHP Ty Webb (W, 1-1):  2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
22 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 26 K between Tampa/Trenton
RHP Graham Stoneburner:  3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Fred Lewis (S, 1):  0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Trying to reestablish himself after a poor showing in Scranton.
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Tampa (Lost to Jupiter, 4-3)

3B Eric Jagielo:  2-for-2, 2B (8), HR (10), 3 RBI, RS, E (9)
He did leave this game early, which has to make you at least a bit nervous.  Has 31 RBI on the season.
1B Greg Bird:  1-for-3, RS, BB, K
CF Jake Cave:  1-for-4, RS, 2 K, E (2)
8-game hitting streak (15-for-37)
2B Angelo Gumbs:  2-for-4, 3B (2)
3B Dante Bichette:  0-for-4
Down to .263.  7-for-45 slide.
SS Cito Culver:  0-for-4, K

RHP Rafael DePaula:  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
2.90 ERA; 40.1 IP, 30 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 23 BB, 50 K
Strong overall showing for DePaula, though the walks are up there.
RHP Nick Goody:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Back in his traditional relief role after a series of rehab "starts" (1 inning affairs).  
RHP Phil Wetherell:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.52 ERA; 17.1 IP, 16 H, 7 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 16 K.  Those unearned runs obviously skew everything.
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Charleston (Lost to Savannah, 2-1)

SS Tyler Wade: 2-for-4, 2B (7), RS, K
Not that there is anything really "good" about a prospect going down with an injury, but Avelino's injury has allowed Wade to settle in at shortstop (they were splitting time at the position, with Wade occasionally playing second base)
OF Aaron Judge:  2-for-4, 2 K
3B Miguel Andujar:  1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
OF Dustin Fowler:  0-for-4, K
0-for-12 since joining team
CF Brandon Thomas:  0-for-3
All the way down to .146 for the 23-year old switch-hitter.
OF Michael O'Neill:  1-for-4, K
1B Mike Ford:  1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Jaron Long:  6.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
38 IP, 40 H, 14 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 32 K
Kevin's son continues to pitch very well.  Has not allowed a run in his three starts (17.2 IP)
LHP Rony Bautista:  1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Cesar Vargas (L, 1-2);  0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Monday, May 19, 2014

Yankees Minor League Report 5/19/14: Pete O'Brien Does It Again; Dan Camarena Throws a Gem; Ian Clarkin Suffers First Beating

Scranton (Defeated Pawtucket, 5-3, in 10 innings)

OF Adonis Garcia:  2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
2B Jose Pirela:  3-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB
Suddenly up over .300 (.303).    He is 23-for-59 in May (.390)
1B/OF Ramon Flores:  1-for-4, RBI, BB
1B Kyle Roller:  2-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, BB, SF
Roller has generated a lot of talk, mostly because of the insane power numbers (19 XBH in 112 AB this season) he has generated.  There are a few problems, the main one being his complete lack of a position.    The second one being that he comes with a bit of a reputation for being a dead fastball hitter who has trouble adjusting to breaking pitches.   I am not one to ignore the numbers, but we shouldn't get too carried away.  I don't think he has the raw plus-plus power of a Pete O'Brien, though (on the plus side), he does walk a lot more than O'Brien does.
SS Dean Anna: 0-for-4, RBI, K
IF Corban Joseph: 0-for-4, K
UTIL Zelous Wheeler:  0-for-3, HBP

RHP Joel De La Cruz:  5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 4/5 GO/AO
51.2 IP, 46 H, 20 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 27 K
Very much rare type of outing for De La Cruz, who typically relies on an extreme ground ball rate without a strong strikeout rate.   But the results are what ultimately matter.  
RHP Mark Montgomery: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
2.25 ERA; 20 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 24 K
If reports I have read are accurate, it appears that Montgomery has become a slider-happy reliever without the fastball he possessed two years ago.  
RHP Jim Miller:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Diego Moreno (S, 1):  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Has a 23/8 K/BB ratio over 20.1 IP.
--------------------------------------------------
Trenton (Defeated Harrisburg, 6-4)

C/RF Pete O'Brien:  2-for-4, 2B (2), HR (6), 4 RBI, 2 RS
This is getting ridiculous.  O'Brien has six home runs in nine games with Trenton and 16 home runs in 39 games overall.   He has also hit 11 doubles and 28 of his 47 hits on the season have gone for extra bases.   Wow.
C Gary Sanchez:  1-for-4, RS, K
Robert Refsnyder pinch ran for him late.  I hope it was just a baseball strategy move and nothing else.
1B/RF Tyler Austin:  1-for-2, 2 BB, K
CF Slade Heathcott:  0-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
CF Mason Williams:  0-for-3, BB, K
Heathcott played center tonight; Williams played right.
OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-4, RBI, RS, K
Dugas has essentially forced his way into the everyday lineup.
2B Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-0, RS
3B Rob Segedin:  1-for-4, 2B (3), RS
4-for-34 slide, though he does have seven walks in that time frame.

RHP Jairo Heredia:  2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
2.88 ERA; 25 IP, 23 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 30 K
Second start of the season.  I am not sure if the Yankees are putting him back in the starting role, or if this was more of an emergency type of deal.  (Heredia has always been a starter - started in 13 of the 14 games he appeared in last season)
LHP Cesar Cabral: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
As a left-handed reliever, anything is possible - but his recent meltdown puts him way back in line.
RHP Manny Barreda (W, 3-0):  2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
2.25 ERA; 24 IP, 19 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 11 BB, 22 K
RHP Taylor Garrison (S, 2):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
-------------------------------------
Tampa (Defeated Palm Beach, 2-0.   They only allowed one hit in the game)
CF Jake Cave:  1-for-4, 2B (9), RS, K
The thing to watch with Cave as he develops is whether or not all of the doubles and triples he hits become home runs as he moves up the chain.  Last year, he hit 37 doubles and six triples to go along with his two home runs.    
SS Cito Culver:  0-for-1, 3 BB
Any pitcher who walks Cito Culver three times should be instantly released.   OK, in all seriousness, Culver is hitting a tad better as of late (7-for-23 with five walks in last five games)
1B Greg Bird:  0-for-4, K
12-for-40
3B Eric Jagielo: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
3B Dante Bichette:  0-for-4, 2 K
2B Angelo Gumbs:  0-for-1, 2 BB

LHP Dan Camarena (W, 3-3):  6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.47 ERA; 47.1 IP, 46 H, 24 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 16 BB, 38 K
The unearned runs may pop out at you, but five of those came in his opening start of the season.   Camarena is pitching extremely well right now, and is one of those "pitchability" prospects this organization covets.  He throws a fastball that can touch the low 90s with a curve and change that are already plus pitches.  He has also been working on a slider.  20th round pick out of high school a few years ago.  Overall, this is not a pitcher you are going to see lighting up the scoreboard or showing up on Baseball America Top 100 lists.  Flashy, he is not.   But he certainly does not need to be.
LHP Dietrich Enns:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.61 ERA; 22.1 IP, 15 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 9 BB, 21 K.  
LHP James Pezos (S, 2):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.66 ERA; 19.2 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 5 BB, 24 K
Enns and Pezos (along with guys like Trenton's Ty Webb) are the next in line of left-handed relievers for the Yankees to eventually try out.  As great as they have been at discovering and developing right-handed relief talent, finding those left-handed relievers has been a bit more tricky.
---------------------------------
Charleston (Lost to Savannah, 6-0, managing only two hits in the process)

In case you are wondering about what happened to Abiatal Avelino, I decided I was tired of typing up that name every night.  Actually, he is on the disabled list.

OF Aaron Judge: 1-for-4, 2B (6), 2 K
SS Tyler Wade: 1-for-3, BB, K
.265/.333/.331.  16 walks and 43 strikeouts in 37 games.
3B Miguel Andujar:  0-for-3
OF Michael O'Neill:  0-for-4
1B Mike Ford:  0-for-4, K
CF Brandon Thomas:  0-for-3
2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-3, 2 K
Katoh has done a decent job drawing walks, but little else.  Unless he starts hitting soon, he could be starting for Staten Island in a month.

LHP Ian Clarkin (L, 1-1):  4 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
Stop watching tapes of 2013 and 2014 CC Sabathia, kid!  First official drubbing as a professional.  19.2 IP, 19 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 4 BB, 20 K, 3 HR
RHP Jordan Cote:   4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.31 ERA; 16.1 IP, 19 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 14 K