Yankees Minor League Report 4/30/14: Dante Bichette & Eric Jagielo Collects 2 Hits Apiece; Brett Gerritse Hurls a Gem in Tampa Victory

Scranton:

Off

Trenton:

Postponed

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Tampa (Defeated Dunedin, 6-0)

3B Dante Bichette:  2-for-4, RBI, RS

3B Eric Jagielo:  2-for-4, RS

First multi-hit game since 4/19.  

C/RF Pete O'Brien:  1-for-4, 3 K

Hitting .330 with 22 Ks in 24 games.

2B Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, BB, SB (4)

CF Jake Cave:  0-for-4, K

OF Claudio Custodio:  1-for-3, 2 RBI

UTIL Jose Toussen:  1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (1)

RHP Brett Gerritse (W, 2-1):  6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K, 10/3 GO/AO

Much needed outing drops his ERA to 5.48 in 23 IP with 12/6 K/BB ratio.

RHP Phil Wetherell: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

10.2 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 10 K

LHP Ty Webb:   2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

2.77 ERA in 13 IP with 17/1 K/BB ratio.

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Charleston

Game suspended after playing the top of the first.  Caleb Smith, coming off one of the best pitching performances in the system over the last few years, actually threw an inning tonight before the game was called.   In this world of limited innings for minor league pitchers, this is not necessarily a terrible thing - gets his work in, throws an inning, will be ready 4 days from now.   But it still would have been nice to see what he would have done for an encore.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/29/14: Ramon Flores Stays Hot; Manny Banuelos Moves Up to Double-A; Brady Lail Dominates in Charleston

Scranton (Lost to Durham, 6-5)

OF Ramon Flores:  2-for-4, 2B (8), HR (1), RBI, RS, BB, K

Suddenly up to .280/.394/.463 in 82 AB with 16 walks and 20 strikeouts.   Has six 2-hit games in last seven contests.

OF Zoilo Almonte:  1-for-4, 2B (3), K

.261/.301/.500 in 88 AB.

UTIL Ronnier Mustelier:  2-for-4, 2B (2), RS

.275/.310/.325 in 10 games.

2B Jose Pirela:  1-for-3, 3B (1), RS, SAC

.241/.259/.349 in 83 blah AB.

C Austin Romine:  0-for-4, RBI, K

4-for-37 (.108).   Hitless in last 20 AB.

IF Corban Joseph:  1-for-4, RBI, 2 K, CS (1)

Played first base and batted 9th today.  He has fallen off of a cliff.

OF Antoan Richardson:  1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, SB (8)

.282/.417/.359 in 15 games. 

1B/3B Russ Canzler:  1-for-4, 2 K

SS Dean Anna:  1-for-5, RBI, 2 K

RHP Shane Greene:  3.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Not going to sugarcoat a poor outing too much, but his lack of work this season needs to be considered.

RHP Chase Whitley (L, 2-2):  4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

3.38 ERA in 18.2 IP with 17 hits allowed, seven walks and 21 strikeouts.  Has yet to allow HR.

LHP Cesar Cabral:  0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

-----------------------

Trenton (Defeated New Hampshire, 4-2)

C Gary Sanchez:  2-for-5, 2 K

4th consecutive 2-hit game.

2B Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-4, RS, BB, 2 SB (4)

He has definitely been raising his game recently.

1B Kyle Roller:  3-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, RS, K

The next Ted Williams is up to .407 (22-for-54) with 12 XBH.

CF Mason Williams:  1-for-4, BB, CS (1)

Perhaps it is just wishful thinking on my part that there is bust out potential here - looks more like bust potential right now.

OF Ben Gamel:  1-for-5, K

3B Rob Segedin: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB

Now has 15 walks (only 8 Ks) in 17 games.

OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, K

.286/.375/.460 in 19 games.   .460 SLG?    Dugas is supposed to be the type of player that would struggle to reach a .460 SLG if you added 2 seasons together.

IF Ali Castillo:  1-for-4, RBI, K

LHP Manny Banuelos:  3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

As he moves his way up the ladder....Yankees likely just couldn't wait anymore for the northeast to warm up.

RHP Joel De La Cruz (W, 3-2):  4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K, HR

The key for him is the ground ball; 2.54 GO/AO in 2012; 2.48 in 2013; 2.47 entering this game in 2014.

Switch Pat Venditte:  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

RHP Branden Pinder (S, 2):  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Scoreless streak reaches 11 with 10/1 K/BB ratio.

------------------------

Tampa (Lost to Dunedin, 4-1)

3B Dante Bichette:  2-for-4

Been slumping a tad lately, but still hitting .313.   Of course, whenever he goes into any kind of slump, "Here we go again" will instantly pop in your mind - and it should, given his history.

3B Eric Jagielo:  0-for-3, BB, K

.239, though he does have nine walks in last 10 games.

C/RF Pete O'Brien:  1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, K

For O'Brien, hitting a triple requires some sort of event in the outfield.

CF Jake Cave:  0-for-4, 2 K

2B Angelo Gumbs:  0-for-4

.280/.295/.333 in 93 AB

RHP Eric Ruth (L, 2-1):  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

3.54 ERA in 21.1 IP with 16 hits allowed, five walks, and 20 strikeouts.  First professional start after 23 relief appearances - I assume he only started because Banuelos was pushed up to Double-A.

LHP Dietrich Enns: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K

1.20 ERA in 15 IP with nine hits allowed, seven walks, and 13 strikeouts.

----------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Augusta, 8-4)

OF Aaron Judge:  3-for-4, HR (2), RBI, 2 RS

He is beginning to make a mockery of this level.   Up to .354.  15-for-35 surge.  

3B Miguel Andujar:  3-for-4, 2 2B (6), 3 RBI, 2 RS

After a slow start, he has worked his average up to .263.  He doesn't turn 20 until NEXT spring.

SS Tyler Wade:  2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI, BB

19-year old has worked his average up to .303.  Turns 20 after the season.

2B Gosuke Katoh:  1-for-4, 3B (3), RBI, RS

Still only hitting .180, but on a 5-game hitting streak (one hit per game).  Turns 20 after the season.

OF Michael O'Neill:  0-for-4, RS, 2 K

36 Ks in 23 games.

UTIL John Murphy:  2-for-4, RS, K, SB (4)

Hitting pretty well (.296 in 16 games)  Drafted last year as a SS, Murphy has been playing regularly at several positions - he has covered first, second, short, third, and left field.  

1B Mike Ford:  0-for-2, RS, 2 BB

RHP Brady Lail (W, 3-1):  7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

4.05 ERA in 26.2 IP with 32 hits allowed, five walks, and 20 strikeouts.  Drafted out of high school in 2012, Lail is considered to be a bit of a sleeper.   He pitched to a 2.92 ERA in 61.2 IP last season with an impressive 56/8 K/BB ratio.    20 years old.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/28/14: Zoilo Almonte Drives Home Four in Scranton Marathon Win

Scranton (Defeated Durham, 10-8, in 13 innings)

OF Zoilo Almonte:  3-for-6, 2B (2), HR (6), 4 RBI, RS, 2 K

Three HR in last four games.      His single vs. a left-handed reliever tonight was his first hit off of a left-handed pitcher all year.  He was 0-for-22 entering that AB.

OF Ramon Flores:  2-for-6, 2B (7), RBI, RS, BB, 3 K, SB (2)

Five 2-hit games in his last six played as he seems to have broken out of his doldrums in a fairly big way.

IF Zelous Wheeler:  3-for-6, 2B (6), HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K

First game since 4/10.  HR came in the Top of the 13th.     8th year in the minors; has yet to make big league debut despite some decent numbers.  (.367 career OBP in 770 minor league games).  Has experience at second, short, and third.

2B Jose Pirela:  2-for-6, 2B (4), RBI, 2 RS, 3 K

SS Dean Anna:  1-for-5, RS, BB, K

C Francisco Arcia:  2-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, RS, K

9-for-28

OF Adonis Garcia:  2-for-7, 2B (3), RS, 2 SB (3)

29-year old Cuban.  Hit .256/.312/.357 at this level last year.

1B/3B Russ Canzler:  1-for-5, RBI, RS, 2 BB, 3 K

UTIL Ronnier Mustelier: 1-for-6, RBI, 3 K, SB (1)

RHP Alfredo Aceves:  4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K

1.98 ERA in 13.2 IP with 12 hits allowed, five walks, and 14 strikeouts.

RHP Yoshinori Tateyama: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

4.66 ERA in 9.2 IP with 10 hits allowed, 3 walks, and 11 strikeouts.

RHP Matt Daley: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR

Strong strikeout rate (17 in 9.1 IP), but there is really nothing much to get excited about overall.

RHP Robert Coello:  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K

-----------------------------------------

Trenton (Squeaked by New Hampshire, 2-1)

C Gary Sanchez:  2-for-4

Average back over .300 (.310)  Third consecutive two-hit game.

CF Mason Williams: 1-for-4, BB, K

22-for-99.   Williams has struck out 11 times in his last 10 games.  In his first 13 games, he struck out three times.

OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, 3B (2), RBI, BB, K, SB (3)

One scouting report on Dugas:  No power.  Average speed.  Decent defense.   So, what makes him any kind of prospect?  His on-base ability combined with his overall contact rate.   I see guys like Dugas more suited for a NL-type of team - a tough out as a pinch-hitter with the ability to steal a base from time to time. 

2B Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-4, K

Has been red-hot as of late, so we will let this slide.

3B Rob Segedin:  1-for-4, K

OF Ben Gamel:  1-for-5, K

1B Kyle Roller:  1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Zach Nuding:  5.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

2.43 ERA in 29.2 IP with 23 hits allowed, seven walks, and 28 strikeouts.  As I have said before, the bullpen may be his ultimate destination - but he is throwing well out of the rotation right now.

RHP Taylor Garrison (W, 1-0):  3 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

4.66 ERA; 9.2 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 7 BB, 5 K.  Not the type of line one wants to see.

RHP Cole Kimball (S, 1):  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

--------------------------------------------

Tampa (Lost to Dunedin, 5-3)

3B Dante Bichette:  1-for-4, RS, E (1)

Hitting .303 with 18 walks and 18 strikeouts in 24 games.

2B Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-4, RS, SB (3)

Breaks 0-for-12 slide.

CF Jake Cave:  1-for-4

C/RF Pete O'Brien: 0-for-4, 2 K

Has 18 Ks in 22 games to go along with all of the gaudy power numbers.

SS Cito Culver:  0-for-4, 2 K

Has 26 K in 23 games to go along with all of the .... well, other sucky numbers.

OF Zach Wilson:  2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI, K

11 hits in last 16 AB.

SS Brendan Ryan: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K

LHP Dan Camarena (L, 1-3):  5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K

3.65 ERA in 24.2 IP with 28 hits allowed, 10 walks, and 20 strikeouts.  

LHP James Pezos:   2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Been roughed around a lot lately, so a game like this was needed.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/27/14: Jake Cave Collects 5 Hits in Tampa Victory

Scranton (Lost to Durham, 6-4, to fall to 10-12)

OF Zoilo Almonte:  1-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS

OF Ramon Flores:  2-for-3, 2B (6), RBI, RS, BB

1B/3B Russ Canzler:  1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB

C Austin Romine:  0-for-4

4-for-33 as his slide continues

SS Dean Anna:  0-for-3,

With the awesome Brendan Ryan on a rehab stint (and with a guaranteed contract), it may be a while before we see Anna.

2B Scott Sizemore:  0-for-4, 3 K

Hitting .306 but with 24 K in 49 AB.  Awful.

RHP Brian Gordon:  4.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR

When Bruce Billings and Chris Leroux are called up before you are (and you are of the same type of ilk), it may be time to start seeing a new profession.

LHP Cesar Cabral:  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

More opportunities may await.

RHP Mark Montgomery:  1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

11 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 12 K

--------------------------------------

Trenton (Defeated Portland, 6-5, to improve to 14-10)

C Gary Sanchez:  2-for-4, 2B (7), HR (2), 3 RBI, 2 RS

.299/.382/.497 in 67 AB.   I guess they weren't lying when they said his hand injury was nothing serious.

2B Robert Refsnyder: 2-for-4

.282/.356/.410 in 78 AB.  Through the first 10 games or so, there had to be some fear that Refsnyder was going to be yet another prospect who faded from view once reaching Double-A.  He certainly has turned his game up a notch recently.

OF Ben Gamel:  2-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, RS

.302/.362/.375

3B Rob Segedin: 0-for-1, 2 RS, 3 BB, K

.308/.448/.500 in 52 AB; 13 walks, 7 strikeouts

1B Kyle Roller:  1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, K

.400/.491/.956 in his first 45 AB of the season.

OF Taylor Dugas: 1-for-5, K

.276/.344/.431 with four walks and five strikeouts in 58 AB

IF Ali Castillo:  2-for-4, RS, K

RHP Graham Stoneburner:  3.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

RHP Jairo Heredia:  2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

3.97 ERA in 11.1 IP, but has only struck out six batters.

RHP Manny Barreda (W, 1-0):  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

1.35 ERA with 10/4 K/BB ratio in 13.1 innings.  He has pitched fairly well in his career, but has fly ball tendencies without the benefit of a huge strikeout rate.  That makes it tough to see him succeeding much in Yankee Stadium if he were to ever make the show.

RHP Branden Pinder (S, 1):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

11 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K, 1.30 GO/AO.  

--------------------------------------------------------------

Tampa (Defeated Lakeland, 4-3, to improve to 13-10)

CF Jake Cave:  5-for-5, 2 RBI, CS (1)

.316/.356/.442 in 95 AB.  19-for-42 (.452) surge.

3B Eric Jagielo:  0-for-1, 3 BB, K

.247/.347/.424 with 12 walks and 22 strikeouts in 23 games.

3B Dante Bichette:  0-for-3, HBP, 2 K

.306/.446/.444 in 23 games.

2B Angelo Gumbs:  0-for-4, K

.294/.310/.353.  After a 13-game hitting streak, he has gone 0-for-12 in his last three games.

UTIL Jose Toussen:  2-for-4, 2B (3), RS

His versatility is his most marketable tool.  

UTIL Brendan Ryan: 2-for-5, RBI

These may be his only two hits of the season - so cherish them.

RHP Rafael DePaula:  5 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, HR

2.96 ERA in 24.1 IP with 19 hits allowed, 10 walks, 33 strikeouts.  First HR he has allowed this season.

RHP Phil Wetherell (W, 1-1):  2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

10.2 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 8 K

LHP Ty Webb (S, 4):  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Now has a 17/1 K/BB ratio over 11 innings pitched.

------------------------------------------------------------

Charleston (Lost 5-3 and 5-0 to fall to 11-12)

SS Abiatal Avelino: 1-for-6, RS, K

.286/.348/.369 in 84 AB.

2B/SS Tyler Wade:  2-for-8, 2B (3), 2 RS, 3 K

.292/.373/.333 in 72 AB

OF Aaron Judge:  1-for-4, K

OF Michael O'Neill:  2-for-8, 3 RBI, 3 K

.244/.295/.488 in 82 AB.

3B Miguel Andujar:  1-for-7, BB, 2 K

.237/.322/.342 in 76 AB with 15 strikeouts and 9 walks.

UTIL John Murphy:  1-for-6, BB, K

.280/.345/.360 in 50 AB.

2B Gosuke Katoh:  1-for-3, BB, K, SB (6)

.175/.333/.281.  He is drawing his walks (12) but is striking out at a horrible rate (31)

RHP Luis Severino:  5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

1.89 ERA in 19 IP with 15 hits allowed, 6 walks, and 22 strikeouts.

RHP Philip Walby:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K

2.16 ERA with 15/1 K/BB ratio over 8.1 IP.  12th round pick last year out of San Diego State struck out 37 (but also walked 30) in 36 IP for Staten Island after signing last year.

RHP Giovanny Gallegos (L, 0-3):  5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

4.26 ERA in 25.1 IP with 25 hits allowed, 7 walks, and 25 strikeouts.

RHP Nick Rumbelow:  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 12 K

Yankees Minor League Report 4/26/14: Scranton Gets No-Hit; Trenton Loses 15-Inning Marathon

Scranton (No-hit by Durham, 5-0)

Remember Justin Christian? He is actually still playing.  He went 0-for-4 for Durham tonight.    Christian went 10-for-40 in a brief stint with the Yankees in 2008.  He was primarily known for stealing bases, swiping as many as 68 in one season (2006).  Former Yankee Wilson Betemit also is on the squad.

1B/3B Russ Canzler:  0-for-2, BB

The lone Scranton base runner.

Ramon Flores, Scott Sizemore, Zoilo Almonte, Austin Romine, and Ronnier Mustelier all went 0-for-3.  Jose Pirela was the only player to get four AB, and (obviously) went 0-for-4.

RHP Caleb Cotham (L, 0-2):  4 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 1 HR

5.17 ERA in 15.2 IP with 22 hits allowed, five walks and 15 strikeouts.  

RHP Diego Moreno: 2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K

Triple-A debut for the 26-year old.

RHP Robert Coello:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

----------------------------------------------------------

Trenton (Lost to Portland, 9-8, in 15 innings.  The Thunder blew leads in the 8th, 10th, 14th, and 15th.   Now that is what you call a heart-breaking loss)

2B Robert Refsnyder: 3-for-7, HR (2), 2 RBI, 3 RS, SB (2)

.270/.349/.405.  14-for-37 (.378) surge with only 3 Ks in that time span.   This is the Refsnyder we were seeing last year.

C Gary Sanchez:  2-for-7, 2B (6), 2 RBI, 1 RS

Missed a few games due to a hand injury that wasn't considered serious - the fact he started today and caught all 15 innings proves that point.  .286/.375/.429.  If history is any indicator, we will join Scranton towards the latter part of 2014, play there for most of 2015, then come up to the big show late in 2015.  That is probably the Yankees' dream scenario.

1B Kyle Roller: 3-for-6, RS, BB, K

.405/.490/.1000 in 42 AB.

OF Ben Gamel:  2-for-7, K, SB (1)

.297/.360/.363.  Big HR power is not likely in his future - so keeping the OBP up is vital.

3B Rob Segedin: 1-for-5, RBI, RS, 2 BB

.314/.429/.510 in 51 AB.  

CF Mason Williams:  1-for-8, RBI, RS, K, SB (3)

.221/.282/.316 in 95 AB.

OF Taylor Dugas:  2-for-6, RS, SAC

.283/.356/.453 in 53 AB

IF Ali Castillo:  2-for-6, K, SAC

IF Dan Fiorito:  2-for-7, RBI, K

I don't typically feature Fiorito, but I would have felt bad featuring the other 8 hitters in the lineup and not him!

LHP Jeremy Bleich: 6 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 HR

5.18 ERA in 24.1 IP with 27 hits allowed and 21/7 K/BB ratio.  Lefties are hitting .171, while right-handed hitters are hitting .345

Switch Pat Venditte: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR

LHP Aaron Dott:  3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

3.86 ERA in 9.1 innings with 6/5 K/BB ratio.   Dott gets mentioned for one reason and one reason alone:  He is left-handed.

RHP Charlie Short (L, 0-2):  1.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HR

10.24 ERA in 9.2 innings with 22 (!!!) hits allowed to go along with a walk and five strikeouts.

----------------------------------------------

Tampa (Destroyed by Lakeland, 9-2)

C/RF Pete O'Brien: 2-for-4, 2B (8), Assist

Played RF this afternoon.  .354/.388/.759 in 79 AB.   Random fact:  In 192 career minor league games, he is 0-for-2 stealing bases.

3B Eric Jagielo: 1-for-4, K

.250/.330/.429 in 84 AB with nine walks and 21 strikeouts.

CF Jake Cave:  1-for-4, BB

.278/.323/.411 in 90 AB

IF/OF Zach Wilson:  2-for-4, 2B (3), RS

16-for-35 (.457) since demotion

3B Dante Bichette:  0-for-2

DH'd today, and left the game early.  Probably not a good thing.    .319/.455/.464 in 69 AB.

C Trent Garrison: 2-for-4, RBI

1B Reymond Nunez:  2-for-4, RBI

9-for-61 (.148).  The only thing he can spin is that he has more RBI (10) than hits.

SS Cito Culver:  0-for-4

Average down to .225 with sub-.300 OBP and SLG.   

LHP Eric Wooten (L, 2-1):  6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

2.30 ERA in 27.1 IP with 28 hits allowed and a 19/5 K/BB ratio.

LHP Evan Rutckyj:  0.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 0 K

ERA balloons from 0.00 to 4.50 just like that.  He has now walked nine batters in 8 IP.  Although not to this extent, walks have always been a concern.

RHP Kyle Haynes:  1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K

And people told me I was crazy when I suggested the Yankees target Gerritt Cole in the Chris Stewart trade talks.

RHP Alex Smith:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

0.82 ERA in 11 IP with 13/4 K/BB ratio for 24-year old.

--------------------------------------------------

Charleston (Lost to Delmarva, 5-4, in Game 1 of DH.  Game 2 was suspended due to rain, tied at 3 in the 7th)

SS Abiatal Avelino:  0-for-4

.295/.360/.385 with 9 steals in 12 attempts.

OF Aaron Judge:  0-for-3, K

.338/.460/.437

SS Tyler Wade:  0-for-3

.297/.387/.328

3B Miguel Andujar:  1-for-3, 2 RS

.246/.329/.362.  

2B Gosuke Katoh:  1-for-3, 3B (2), RBI, RS, 2 K

.167/.324/.278 in 54 AB with 30 strikeouts.

OF Michael O'Neill: 0-for-2, RS, BB, K

.243/.300/.513 in 74 AB with 31 strikeouts.

CF Jose Rosario:  1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI

5-for-14

RHP Rookie Davis (L, 2-1):  4.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K

3.70 ERA in 24.1 IP with 24 hits allowed, nine walks and 23 strikeouts.

  

Yankees Minor League Note: Nik Turley Released

The Yankees released Nik Turley today.

The 24-year old LHP was 33-29 with a 3.28 ERA and 8.5 K/9 in his minor league career with the Yankees.   He hasn't pitched in 2014 due to an arm issue.

Spin:   Unless there is something about his arm injury that makes the Yankees feel his career is in jeopardy, this move doesn't make too much sense overall.  It does clear up a 40-man spot, but calling him up from Scranton and instantly putting him on the 60-day DL would have accomplished the same thing.   Turley is not a big prospect, but he is relatively young, left-handed, and has a lot of success on his resume.    I am quite surprised they would simply give up on him.

Yankees Minor League Note: Yankees Call Up Chris Leroux

The Yankees' continuous shuffling of long relievers continued today, as Chris Leroux has been added to the major league roster - I would assume Bruce Billings is the one who will get designated for assignment to make room.

Leroux has actually made big league appearances in each of the last five seasons, compiling a 5.56 ERA (72 ERA+) in 69.2 innings with a 8.1 K/9 and 4.3 BB/9.  

In other words, if he sniffs the Yankee Stadium mound over the next few days, it won't be for good reasons.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/25/14: Kyle Roller's Power Surge Continues in Trenton Slugfest

Both Scranton and Charleston were postponed.

Gary Sanchez missed another game tonight - he is out with a bruised hand.   Supposedly isn't serious, but obviously we were reserve judgement until he actually plays again.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Trenton (Defeated Portland, 14-10.  The wind was blowing out to center at 13MPH)

1B Kyle Roller: 2-for-2, 2 HR (7), 3 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB, HBP

I am sure you have heard of "video game" numbers in the past:  .389 with 7 HR and 13 RBI..in 10 games.    His slugging percentage sits at 1.000.

3B Rob Segedin:  2-for-3, 2B (1), HR (3), 3 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB

Continues to rake....

CF Mason Williams:  2-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K, E (1)

He has been scuffling as of late, so a 2-hit night is nice to see.

2B Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-5, RS

Has hit in 8 of his last 10 games (12-for-32).  Most importantly, has only struck out four times in that time span, after striking out 15 times in first 9 games.

OF Ben Gamel: 0-for-6, K

Always one person who doesn't come to the party.  Average dips from .321 to .298.

IF Ali Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (6), 3 RBI, RS

Had a good year in Charleston in 2012 (.307/.381/.438) but has done nothing since then.

OF Taylor Dugas: 0-for-0, RBI, RS, HBP

Came in to pinch hit and was promptly hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

LHP Matt Tracy:  4.1 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 HR

Gutsy performance to keep his team in the game.  Scouts since a left-handed Jack Morris here.

RHP Manny Barreda:  1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

RHP Taylor Garrison:  1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

Struggling early (6.45 ERA).    He has shown some ability at the lower levels, so we shall see if it continues here.

RHP Branden Pinder (W, 2-0):  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Scoreless streak to begin the season has now reached 10 innings with 8/1 K/BB ratio.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tampa (Defeated Lakeland, 7-4)

C Pete O'Brien:  2-for-3, 2B (7), HR (8), 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB

Hitting .347 with 15 of his 26 hits going for extra bases.   While I don't expect any hitter to put up slugging percentages in the .800 range for a full season, the fact that he is having little issue at this level is not a huge surprise.  He had a .486 SLG in 66 games after being promoted here last year and is a mature hitter.

3B Eric Jagielo:  1-for-3, 2 RS, BB

3B Dante Bichette:  2-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RS, 2 K

I would still obviously say that Jagielo has a higher probability of being the Yankees third baseman of the future - but Bichette simply refuses to slow down right now.  No problem, though - let us hope that the Yankees actually do have a "too much talent" problem at some point.

SS Cito Culver:  1-for-5, RBI, 2 K

2B Angelo Gumbs:  0-for-4, 2 K

IF/OF Zach Wilson:  3-for-4, 3 RBI

UTIL Claudio Custodio:  0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (5)

RHP Brett Gerritse:  5 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR

7.41 ERA in 17 IP with 12/4 K/BB ratio.

LHP Deitrich Enns (W, 3-1):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

1.38 ERA in 13 IP with 11/4 K/BB ratio.

RHP Zach Woods:   2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

26-year old signed as a minor league free agent in 2012.

RHP Phil Wetherell (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Yankees Minor League Note: Tyler Austin Placed on Disabled List

According to Mike Ashmore.    Further reports indicate that Austin's injury is a groin injury.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/24/14: Caleb Smith Puts on a Clinic in Charleston Victory

Scranton (Lost to Buffalo, 6-5.  Down 6-1 entering the B-9th, they started to rally - only to have it ruined by a 3-run HR by Zoilo Almonte, which unclogged the bases and allowed the opposing pitcher to relax.  Damn those rally-killing home runs.)

OF Zoilo Almonte:  2-for-5, HR (4), 3 RBI, RS, 3 K, CS (2)

The switch-hitting Almonte is 0-for-18 vs. LHP this season.  

OF Ramon Flores: 2-for-4, RBI, BB

Three consecutive 2-hit games.  Average has risen to .258.  Combined with the walks he has taken this year, the OBP is solid.

IF Scott Sizemore:  2-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, 2 RS, 2 K

Now has 19 K in 42 AB at this level.  He also struck out 7 times in 13 AB with the Yankees.  Suffice to say, not good.

IF Corban Joseph:  1-for-4, BB, K

2B Jose Pirela:  0-for-5, 3 K

Always makes one cringe when they see a stat line like this.

OF Antoan Richardson:  2-for-5, RS

C Francisco Arcia: 2-for-4, 2 K

RHP David Herndon (L, 0-2):  2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

On the bright side.....hell, there isn't a bright side.

LHP Fred Lewis:   0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

With Cabral's meltdown, he becomes the next in line for a left-handed relief spot.  Hasn't pitched all that well, though.

RHP Mark Montgomery:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K

Has thrown 10 consecutive scoreless innings to start the season.  Walks aren't ideal (4), but has now struck out 12.    Huge boost to the Yankees if he is back in form.

RHP Matt Daley:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

We saw what he did in his cup of coffee - Dean Anna looked better.

------------------------------------

Trenton (Lost to Akron, 4-1.  Trenton only mustered three hits)

1B Kyle Roller: 2-for-4, 2B (4), HR (5), RBI, RS, 2 K

.353/.405/.912.   That .912 is not a typo.  Of course, he has only batted 34 times.

2B Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-3, K

.258/.352/.371 in 62 AB

CF Mason Williams:  0-for-4, 4 K

Now that is what you call a terrible game.  .220/.281/.329 in 82 AB

3B Rob Segedin: 0-for-3, BB

.302/.392/.442 in 43 AB

OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, 2B (4), K

.277/.346/.468.   .468 SLG for Taylor Dugas? 

RHP Joel De La Cruz (L, 2-2):  5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

3.86 ERA in 23.2 IP with 12/6 K/BB ratio and 2.47 GO/AO.  Has yet to allow a HR

RHP Jairo Heredia:  2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

9 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 4 K

Switch Pat Venditte:  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

0.93 ERA in 9.2 IP with a 14/4 K/BB ratio.    Left-handed hitters have yet to earn a hit vs. him.   Right-handed hitters are hitting .182.

------------------------------

Tampa (Lost to Lakeland, 4-3.  Had a 3-2 lead heading into bottom of 9th)

C/RF Pete O'Brien:  2-for-4, HR (7), RBI, 2 RS

.333 with 13 XBH in 72 AB.

1B/3B Zach Wilson:  4-for-4, 2B (2), HR (1), RBI, RS

HR gave Tampa the lead in the top of the 9th.  Drafted in the 21st round in 2011 as a college bat out of Arizona State, he put up a .256/.346/.457 line in Staten Island his first year.    Things haven't exactly gone according to his plan since then.   

3B Eric Jagielo: 0-for-3, BB, K

Average has drifted down to .247 thanks to 2-for-14 slide.

3B Dante Bichette:  0-for-4, K

SS Cito Culver:  0-for-3, BB, 2 K

All 6 of his walks have come in his last 10 games, after drawing none in his first ten.  That is about all the good news I can give you on his start.

CF Jake Cave:  0-for-5

From .296 to .279 in one night.

2B Angelo Gumbs:  0-for-4, 2 K

Snaps 13-game hitting streak.

LHP Manny Banuelos:  3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Just continues to slowly get his work in.   2.84 ERA in 12.2 IP with 14/2 K/BB ratio.

RHP Eric Ruth:  4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

2.93 ERA in 15.1 IP with 14/4 K/BB ratio for non-drafted free agent.

LHP James Pezos (L, 0-1):  1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

----------------------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Delmarva, 6-0)

SS Abiatal Avelino:  1-for-5, 2B (5), RS, 2 K

OF Aaron Judge:  1-for-4, RS

17 hits in last 36 AB with 4 XBH and 8 walks. (to be fair, also has 11 Ks in time span)

2B Gosuke Katoh: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RBI, 2 K

At least he did something productive tonight.

OF Michael O'Neill: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (8), CS (1)

Most of his numbers are actually OK...but you aren't going to succeed up the ladder with strikeout rates like his (up to 30 in 72 AB)

3B Miguel Andujar:  2-for-4, RS, K

5 hits in last 2 games after a long slump.

C Kale Sumner:  1-for-2, RBI, RS, BB, SF

28th round pick out of Hawaii Pacific, Sumner is not much of a prospect, but catchers usually find ways to stick around.  Hit .253/.360/.337 in 167 AB in Staten Island last year.

1B Mike Ford:  2-for-4

LHP Caleb Smith (W, 2-1):  6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 13 K

This is the type of stat line that gets one noticed.   Has a 0.89 ERA (that will too) in 20.1 innings, allowing 11 hits while walking nine and striking out 26.  Drafted in the 14th round out of Sam Houston State, Smith is the type of prospect the Yankees really seem to gravitate towards: Throws left-handed, can hit 95 on the radar gun, and has a lot of "pitch ability".  His change is his main out pitch, and his slider is developing.  If he can turn it into a solid third pitch, he has a chance to be something very useful down the line.  

RHP Jordan Cote (S, 1):  3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Yankees could be stretching him out a bit in a plan to get him some rotation time.    Has a 2.18 ERA in 8.1 IP with a 7/3 K/BB ratio.  He was drafted in 2011 (out of high school) but has very little experience.

---------------------------------------

Yankees Minor League Report 4/23/14: Abiatal Avelino Collects 4 Hits in Charleston Victory

Scranton (Defeated Buffalo, 5-0)

OF Ramon Flores:  2-for-4, CS (1)

.242/.360/.387

2B Jose Pirela:  1-for-4, RBI, 2 K

.262/.284/.354 

IF Corban Joseph:  0-for-2, RBI, BB, SF

A very uninspiring .208/.250/.313 line thus far

UTIL Ronnier Mustelier:  2-for-3, RS, BB

5-game hitting streak has risen his average to .308 in seven games.

OF Antoan Richardson:  0-for-1, 2 RS, 2 BB, K, 3 SB (7)

Don't get too excited - Richardson is pretty much a minor league lifer.  But the speed is real, and these are the types of players you sometimes see in September.

1B/3B Russ Canzler:  1-for-4, RS, K

RHP Chase Whitley (W, 2-1):  5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K

Yankees have been stretching him out further and further.  Has a 2.45 ERA in four starts with a 17/6 K/BB ratio over 14.2 innings.    Low-90s fastball with a slider and a change-up that is supposedly his best overall pitch.

RHP Alfredo Aceves (S, 1):  4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

9 scoreless innings in two games (9 IP) with 9/2 K/BB ratio.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Trenton (Defeated Akron, 9-5)

3B Rob Segedin:  1-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB

Segedin is putting himself back in the "interesting prospect" category. 

1B Kyle Roller:  2-for-4, 2B (3), HR (4), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K

10-for-30.  Roller has some pop in his bat, but is also very limited thanks to his defensive shortcomings.

OF Ben Gamel:  3-for-5, 2 2B (4), 2 RBI, RS

Hitting .333 in 75 AB.  Fourth consecutive multi-hit game (10-for-17)

3B/OF Tyler Austin:  0-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 BB, K, 2 SB (2)

13-for-52 (.250).  Has drawn 7 walks while striking out 13 times.   In his career, Austin has shown a knack for stealing bases, with an incredible 45-for-47 success rate.

CF Mason Williams:  1-for-4, BB, 2 RS, SB (2)

Williams' success rate hasn't been nearly as good (65-for-99)

2B Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-3, BB

6-game hitting streak.

OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-4, RBI

RHP Zach Nuding (W, 2-0):  5.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

Follows up previous shutout with a solid effort.  ERA sits at 3.00 with 24/6 K/BB ratio over 24 innings.

RHP Graham Stoneburner:  2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Oh what may have been - Stoneburner could have been one of the top overall names in Yankee history, but it just isn't going to happen.

RHP Charley Short:  1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

---------------------------------------------------------

Tampa (Defeated Brevard County, 5-1)

SS Cito Culver:  2-for-4, 2 RBI

Back-to-back 2 hit games has risen his average to .247.

CF Jake Cave:  2-for-4

16 hits in last 43 AB.

2B Angelo Gumbs:  3-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, 2 RS, K, SB (2)

In the "Where did this come from?" category, Gumbs is all the way up to .348.    13-game hitting streak.

C Pete O'Brien:  2-for-4, 2B (6), RS, K

3B Eric Jagielo:  0-for-3, BB

Has been a bit stagnant after a bit of a home run surge.   

3B Dante Bichette:  0-for-3, BB, CS (2)

The CS was of home plate - either a double-steal or tried to score on a WP.  I can't imagine him straight-stealing home.

LHP Dan Camarena (W, 1-2):  5.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

3.66 ERA in 19.2 innings with 14/7 K/BB ratio.   The walks are well above his normal rate (19 in 129.2 career innings entering the season)

LHP Ty Webb (S, 3):  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Now has a 15/1 K/BB ratio over 9 innings.    Last year, he posted a 48/8 ratio over 35.1 innings.

----------------------------------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Lakewood, 9-3)

SS Abiatal Avelino: 4-for-6, RS, SB (9)

.319/.390/.406 in 69 AB.  9-for-12 SB.

OF Aaron Judge: 3-for-5, RBI, 3 RS, BB, K

.359/.488/.469 in 64 ridiculous AB.

SS Tyler Wade:  2-for-6, RS, K

.311/.403/.344 in 61 AB; 10 walks/15 strikeouts.

OF Michael O'Neill: 2-for-5, HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K, SB (7)

.246/.288/.536 in 69 AB.  Perfect 7-for-7 stealing bases.   HR in three of last four games.

3B Miguel Andujar:  3-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, BB

Much needed game.   .226/.319/.355 in 62 AB

1B Mike Ford:  2-for-5, HR (3), 3 RBI, RS

.338/.397/.508 in 65 AB for 21-year old from Belle Mead, NJ

UTIL John Murphy:  1-for-4, 2B (4), BB

.279/.340/.373 in 43 AB

RHP Brady Lail (W, 2-1):  5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

5.49 ERA in 19.2 IP with 17/5 K/BB ratio.   Pitched to a 2.92 ERA and 56/8 K/BB ratio over 61.2 innings last year.

RHP Andury Acevedo: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K

Has allowed 1 run in 9 IP, though he has walked 6 to go along with 8 strikeouts.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/22/14: Bryan Mitchell Pitches Well in Trenton Win; Rafael DePaula Pitches Well in Tampa Loss

Scranton (Defeated Buffalo, 6-5 on a two-out RBI double by Zoilo Almonte in the bottom of the 9th)

OF Zoilo Almonte:  1-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, 2 K

OF Ramon Flores:  2-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, RS, 2 K

A much needed night for Flores, who has been struggling as of late.

IF Scott Sizemore:  2-for-5, RBI, 2 RS, K

Now that he is on the 40-man, I expect to see him shuffling up and down throughout the season.

1B/3B Russ Canzler:  1-for-3, RBI, SF

UTIL Ronnier Mustelier:  2-for-4, 2B (1), K

6-for-23

2B Jose Pirela:  1-for-4

8-game hitting streak (11-for-32)

C Francisco Arcia:  1-for-4, 2B (1), K

RHP Brian Gordon:  5.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K

RHP Robert Coello (W, 1-0):  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Here is a look at Coello's "trick pitch" - a crazy-looking forkball:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzHDeyy6hu0

It is an 80-MPH pitch without any spin.   

---------------------------------

Trenton (Defeated Akron, 4-3, thanks to Dan Fiorito's bases-clearing triple with 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th)

C Gary Sanchez:  0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

Hitting .286 with 8 walks and 11 K in 56 AB

CF Mason Williams:  1-for-4, RS

OF Ben Gamel: 2-for-3, BB

All the way up to .314.   He isn't very big (5'11"), though he has shown off some doubles power in the past (32 in 112 games last season)

3B Rob Segedin:  2-for-4, K

When he plays, he hits (exception being the disaster known as 2012, when he hit .188/.253/.279 in his first taste of Double-A ball)

OF Tyler Austin:  1-for-4, RS, K

2B Robert Refsnyder:  2-for-3, RBI, RS, BB

Suddenly sees his average at .268 thanks to a 12-for-32 surge.

IF Dan Fiorito:  1-for-4, 3B (1), 3 RBI

RHP Bryan Mitchell:   5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K

Labored a tad (took him 94 pitches to get through 5), but perhaps that is not unexpected with his extended layoff (was supposed to pitch on Saturday, but the Yankees held him out so that he could go to Tampa on Sunday).   Regardless, this is his second consecutive strong outing, following a 6-inning, 12 strikeout performance.  Has now struck out 26 batters in 19 IP.

RHP Manny Barreda:  2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR

RHP Branden Pinder (W, 1-0):  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Throwing well so far, but after last year's debacle (6.29 ERA at this level), he has a lot to prove.

--------------------------------------

Tampa (Lost to Brevard County, 2-1.  Jake Cave lead off the 9th inning with a triple, followed by an IF single by Cito Culver (no runs).  Eric Jagielo, Dante Bichette, and Pete O'Brien all struck out to end the game)

3B Dante Bichette:  1-for-3, RBI, BB, K, SB (1), CS (1)

The kid is getting so cocky that he thinks he is Rickey Henderson now.  

3B Eric Jagielo: 1-for-4, 2 K

He has done a fine enough job adjusting, but the Ks are still high (19 in 18 games)

SS Cito Culver:  2-for-4, RS, K

2B Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-3, K, SB (1)

Gumbs actually does have speed - stole 26 in 29 attempts as early as 2012, followed by a more pedestrian 16-for-22 last season.   Regardless, the kid is hitting very well at the moment as he tries to reestablish his prospect status.

CF Jake Cave:  1-for-4, 3B (3), 2 K

Hitting .286 with 9 XBH (no home runs).  Similar to what he did last year, when he had 37 doubles and 6 triples, but only 2 HR.   There is probably HR power in this bat somewhere - if it comes out, his prospect status zooms up.

C/RF Pete O'Brien:  0-for-4, 2 K

I don't have to continuously give you the Pete O'Brien story:  Massive power, little plate discipline, possibility of being a bit versatile.  The Yankees are probably showcasing him a lot for trade possibilities, and the more he can show at catcher, the more valuable he may be.

RHP Rafael DePaula:  5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, WP, HB

Has pitched to an impressive 2.33 ERA in 19.1 innings with 25/8 K/BB ratio.

LHP Evan Rutckyj:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

0.00 ERA in 7.2 innings, though he has walked 6 to go along with 10 strikeouts.

LHP Dietrich Enns (L, 2-1):  2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

12 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K

RHP Kyle Haynes:  1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

-----------------------------------

Charleston (Lost to Lakewood, 7-5)

OF Aaron Judge: 2-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, RS, BB

All the way up to .339.  14 hits in last 34 AB.  Has walked 15 times in 17 games.  

SS Abiatal Avelino: 1-for-5, 2B (4), RS, K

In case you were wondering:  From what I have read online, there isn't much doubt about Avelino in terms of being a SS long-range, if he were to actually develop into anything useful.

2B/SS Tyler Wade:  2-for-5, RS

All the way up to .309 thanks to a 15-for-40 surge.  

OF Michael O'Neill:  3-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS

The strikeouts are, of course, a major problem.  However, it should also be noted that he has four HR in 64 AB this year after hitting none in 256 AB last year.

3B Miguel Andujar:  0-for-4, K, E (6)

11-for-58 (.190).  Has seven walks and 12 strikeouts.  Wouldn't worry too much about the errors - Derek Jeter made I believe 1.5 million of them at this level in one season.

2B Gosuke Katoh:  1-for-4, 2 K

Hitting a Granderson-like .149 with a K rate that would even make Granderson himself blush (26 in 47 AB).   

RHP Giovanny Gallegos:  6 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR

Pitching to a 5.31 ERA in 20,1 innings with a 21/6 K/BB ratio.   To be exact, most of his ratios are pretty good:  He's allowed 20 hits in 20.1 innings and 6 walks.  Has struck out more than a hitter an inning, etc.   He has allowed three home runs.

RHP Cesar Vargas (L, 0-1):  2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

2.08 ERA in 13 IP with 18/5 K/BB ratio.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/21/14: Luis Severino Putting Himself on the Map

Scranton (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 4-2)

2B Jose Pirela:  1-for-2, RS, 2 BB, SB (2)

First two walks of the season (15 games)   He has also struck out only four times.

OF Zoilo Almonte:  0-for-3, BB, SB (2)

IF Corban Joseph:  1-for-4, RBI, K

Only hitting .217.  

OF Ramon Flores:  0-for-3, BB, K

0-for-12 slide has him down to .220.  Walk total still strong (12 in 16 games)

1B/3B Russ Canzler:  1-for-4, K

C Austin Romine: 0-for-3, BB, K

4-for-26

LHP Fred Lewis:  2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Much needed strong showing.   Posted 5.68 ERA in five games prior to this outing.

RHP Mark Montgomery:  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

8 scoreless innings.  Has a 9/2 K/BB ratio.   Getting his mojo back?

------------------------------------------------

Trenton (Defeated Akron, 5-2)

3B/RF Tyler Austin: 2-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, RS, 2 E (3)

Played third base tonight and committed a pair of errors.  The bat is starting to look better, though.

3B Rob Segedin:  2-for-4, 2 RBI

First game played in a week.  10-for-32 on the season with 9 RBI.

C Gary Sanchez:  1-for-4

2B Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-4, RBI

CF Mason Williams:  0-for-3, BB

Slide continues.  Down to .229.  2 hits in last 21 AB.

OF Ben Gamel:  2-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K

Hitting .299 on the season.  13 hits in last 39 AB.

OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-4, RS

10-game hitting streak.  9 of those games consisted of 1 hit.

LHP Jeremy Bleich (W, 2-2):  5.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Pitched well vs. LHP, which could speak to some relief work in his future - but his prospect status has dropped to near zero.

RHP Taylor Garrison:  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Switch Pat Venditte:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

RHP Diego Moreno (S, 4):  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Always remember one thing:  Just because an organization puts a minor leaguer in a closer's role does not mean that they value said pitcher any more than anybody else in the bullpen.

-----------------------------------------------

Tampa (Defeated Brevard County, 2-1)

CF Jake Cave:  2-for-4, 2B (6), K

17 hits in last 45 AB.  

3B Eric Jagielo: 1-for-4

3B Dante Bichette:  2-for-4, RS

.358/.500 (!!)/.528 in 17 games.

2B Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-3, 2 RBI, K

Has risen his average all the way up to .318.  15 hits in last 39 AB.

SS Cito Culver:  0-for-3, RS, BB, K

Down to .217.

LHP Eric Wooten (W, 2-0):  6 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

2.11 ERA in 21.1 IP with 16/4 K/BB ratio.   Hasn't allowed an HR since joining organization (71.2 IP)

RHP Phil Wetherell:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

No ER allowed in 7.2 innings. (3 unearned runs, though)

LHP James Pezos (S, 1):  1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

8 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 10 K

---------------------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Lakewood, 4-1)

SS Abiatal Avelino:  2-for-5, 2B (3), K, CS (3)

Five consecutive 2-hit games has risen his average to .293.

OF Aaron Judge:  2-for-2, 3B (1), RS, 2 BB

Up to .321.   It really isn't too surprising that Judge would hit well at this level.  He should get promoted to Tampa before too long.

C Eduardo de Oleo: 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS

21-year old hit .283/.349/.435 in the GCL last year.   Not much of a prospect, but always worth mentioning a HR.

2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K, CS (2)

Only hitting .140 with 24 K in 14 games.  He has walked 11 times, so he has that going for him I guess.

3B Miguel Andujar:  0-for-3

Down to .204. 

OF Michael O'Neill:  0-for-3, RS, BB, 3 K

Hitting .200 with 26 K in 60 AB.

UTIL John Murphy: 0-for-5

RHP Luis Severino:  5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K

1.93 ERA in 14 IP with 19/5 K/BB ratio.  20-year old will likely be the next "big thing" you start hearing about.....TINSTAAPP...rinse and repeat...rinse and repeat...

RHP Jaron Long (W, 2-1):  2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

RHP Nick Rumbelow (S, 3):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K, 0 HR

Yankees Minor League Report 4/20/14: Typically Slow Easter Sunday

Only Scranton had a game today.

Scranton (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 9-4)

OF Zoilo Almonte:  1-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, K

.263/.311/.421 in 57 AB.   13 hits in last 39 AB.

2B Jose Pirela:  1-for-4, 2B (3), RS, K

.255/.255/.364 in 55 AB.    0 walks, but also only 4 Ks.    The walk total is not typical - he did walk 57 times in 129 games last season.

UTIL Ronnier Mustelier:  1-for-4

C Francisco Arcia:  1-for-3, BB

1B/3B Russ Canzler:  0-for-4, K

OF Antoan Richardson: 1-for-4, RS

RHP Caleb Cotham (L, 0-1):  4.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

5.40 ERA in 11.2 IP with 10/3 K/BB ratio.  Has relied a lot on grounders the past few seasons, but they haven't been showing up as much this year (0.71 GO/AO)

RHP Shane Greene:  1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Given his long layoff, I assume they are easing him back into a rotation slot.

RHP Robert Coello:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

2014 debut.  Pitched for the Angels in 2013, posting a 3.71 ERA in 17 innings with a 23/8 K/BB ratio.    He has bounced all around the minor leagues, starting his career as a catcher before moving to pitcher back in 2007.    He is 29 years old.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/19/14: Long Day of Games Throughout the System

Quick Rundown:

Pete O'Brien smacks two home runs for Tampa, while Manny Banuelos gets smoked in his latest start.

Tyler Austin finally smacks an extra-base hit.  Being greedy, he added a second one later in the game.

Taylor Dugas hits an ultra-rare home run.

Eric Jagielo adds three more hits to his resume.

Now for the full report:

------------------------------------------------------------------

Scranton (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 4-3)

2B Jose Pirela:  2-for-4, RS

OF Zoilo Almonte:  1-for-4, RS

OF Ramon Flores:  0-for-4, K

Hitting .220 (50 AB), but he does have 11 walks in 15 games
1B/3B Russ Canzler: 2-for-4, 2B (4), RS, K

Let us face reality - the moment Teixiera was hurt and Canzler wasn't called up, we pretty much knew what the Yankees thought about him on the major league level.

1B/2B Corban Joseph:  0-for-3, BB

C Austin Romine:  0-for-3, PB (3)

UTIL Ronnier Mustelier:  1-for-3

Played RF tonight.

RHP Bruce Billings (W, 3-1):  7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K

Pitching well in his filler role. (2.74 ERA in 23 IP with 18/7 K/BB ratio)

RHP Jim Miller (S, 1):  2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR

31-year old has pitched a bit in the majors (including briefly with the Yankees last year).    He has struck out 7.9/9 in the majors over his career (good), and walked 5.1 (not good)

-----------------------

Trenton (Lost to Erie, 10-6)

OF Tyler Austin: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 3B (1), RBI, 2 RS, BB

.238/.313/.310 in 42 AB.  First two XBH of season.

C Gary Sanchez:  1-for-5, 2 RBI, RS

.306/.404/.469 with 13 RBI in 13 games.

CF Mason Williams:  0-for-5, K

2-for-16 mini slump has knocked his line all the way down to .239/.292/.373.  A few days ago, the line was much more impressive than that!

OF Ben Gamel:  3-for-5, 2 RS

Has risen his average to .286 thanks to a 8-for-20 surge.

1B Kyle Roller:  2-for-4, RBI, BB, K

2B Robert Refsynder:  1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, BB

OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB

Home runs by year:  2012:  1;  2013:  2.    Can he reach 3 in 2014?  The suspense is killing me.

RHP Charley Short (L, 0-1):  2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

If you are going to get blown out, best that a non-prospect is on the hill.  This was Bryan Mitchell's spot in the rotation.  I am going to assume the Yankees told the Trenton staff to hold off on him because they may actually need him in the big leagues on Sunday.  (Update:  That indeed became the case)

RHP Jairo Heredia:  1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Of course, the Yankees would love it if Heredia became a legitimate prospect again - this game won't help that cause.

RHP Branden Pinder:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

No runs is 6.2 innings to begin the year with 5/1 K/BB ratio

--------------------------

Tampa (Split DH with Daytona, winning 10-4 before losing 9-1)

C/RF Pete O'Brien:  3-for-7, 2B (5), 2 HR (6), 2 RBI, 3 RS, 2 K

Caught in Game 1; played RF in Game 2.   O'Brien has shown off his power at this level, which (as I have said) was expected.   0-fer in Game 2 broke a 10-game hitting streak.

3B Eric Jagielo:  3-for-5, 2B (3), 3 RBI, 2 BB

Now hitting .270 with six walks in 16 games.  

SS Cito Culver:  1-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 RS, 3 BB, 2 K

The three walks are encouraging, at least.

3B Dante Bichette:  1-for-5, RBI, 2 BB, K

First "pedestrian" night in a while, though it came with a pair of walks.   16 of those now in 16 games.

CF Jake Cave:  2-for-6, 2 RS, 2 BB, 3 K

0-fer in Game 2 broke a 9-game hitting streak.

2B Angelo Gumbs: 2-for-7, RBI, 2 K

LHP Manny Banuelos:  0.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Just like when I said when he dominated his early outings:  The results at this level aren't completely meaningful.  Banuelos has X number of bullets in his arsenal this year, and he will be brought up to Scranton where he belongs once the weather is a tad more predictable.

RHP Eric Ruth (W, 2-0):  4.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

Has a 2.38 ERA over 11.1 IP with 11/3 K/BB ratio.  23-year old signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2013.

LHP Dietrich Enns:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

10 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K

LHP James Pezos:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

22-year old had a 3.93 ERA in 2013 with 33/9 K/BB ratio over 34.1 innings.  13th round pick in 2012.

RHP Brett Gerritse:  3 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR

7.50 ERA in 12 IP with 9/4 K/BB ratio.  23-year old comes into 2014 with consistent success throughout his career, so we'll see what happens here.

LHP Ty Webb:  1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

7 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 11 K thus far.  He is listed as "Tyler Webb", but he will forever be Ty in my book.

-------------------------------------

Charleston  (Split DH with Rome, losing 3-2 before winning 8-4)

SS Tyler Wade:  3-for-6, RS, 2 BB, 3 K, CS (3)

SS Abiatal Avelino:  0-for-4, K, SB (8), CS (2)

.283/.377/.358 in 53 AB.

OF Aaron Judge:  2-for-7, 2B (1), RBI, 3 K

Once you get that first XBH out of the way, they just keep coming in bunches..or so we hope.

CF Brandon Thomas:  1-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB, HBP, SB (4), CS (1)

Left the second game of the double-header for undisclosed reasons.   I am not sure if the HBP came into play, but that occurred in Game 1.

OF Michael O'Neill: 2-for-6, 3B (2), HR (3), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K

There seems to be some pop in O'Neill's bat..when he actually does connect.   He now has 23 Ks in 57 AB.  
2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-5, BB, 3 K

Terrible .146 BA thus far with 23 K in 40 AB.  Of all of the top guns in the GCL last year, Katoh is adjusting the least.

3B Miguel Andujar:  1-for-2, RBI, SF, E (5)

C Kale Sumner:  2-for-2, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB

2014 debut for 28th round pick in last year's draft out of Hawaii Pacific.  Hit .253/.360/.337 in 166 AB for Staten Island.

UTIL John Murphy:  0-for-3, RS, BB, K

OF Mikeson Oliberto:  1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS, 2 K

For new viewers, I try to highlight ALL home runs, regardless of prospect status.  Yes, you can read between the lines to determine Oliberto's prospect status.

LHP Caleb Smith:  5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K

1.26 ERA in 14.1 IP with 13/8 K/BB ratio

RHP Philip Walby (L, 0-1):  1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

First hit allowed this season in 6.1 innings.  Has 10/1 K/BB ratio

RHP Rookie Davis: 4 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

Threw 87 pitches as he labored in the top of the 5th inning after a strong four innings.

RHP Jordan Cote (W, 1-0):  2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

6'5" pitcher lacks in the experience department.

Minors Note: Yankees to Call Up Preston Claiborne and Bryan Mitchell

According to Josh Norris and Dan Barbarisi.

Everyone should know about Claiborne; came up during the 2013 season, started off very strong with a long string of innings without allowing a walk before tiring out down the stretch.  He lost his stuff this spring (before spring training started, he seemed to be assured a spot in the bullpen) and was thrown into the minors.  

Mitchell had one of his most promising outings to date last time out (6 IP, 12 K).   He has top-of-the-line stuff with so-so results.    He has never pitched above Double-A, and is likely here for emergencies only.  Vidal Nuno facing off with the suddenly red-hot Rays offense could constitute an emergency before the Yankees even take the field tomorrow.

No corresponding moves have been made yet.  With Nova's elbow a concern, placing him immediately on the 15-day disabled list is very possible.  That would still mean one more move, which very likely could be Matt Daley.   

Yankees Minor League Note: Matt Daley Called Up

After last night's bullpen implosion, the Yankees decided to do a minor shuffling of the deck today, designating Cesar Cabral for assignment while bringing up Matt Daley.   Daley wasn't on the 40-man roster, so Cabral was cleared to make room.

The move is a minor move - Daley is not likely to last for more than a day or two (or until David Roberson returns).   He is a 31-year old journeyman who has dealt with a series of injuries throughout his career.  He does have some major league success, however - posting a 3.65 career ERA, while striking out more than a batter per inning.

In Scranton this year, he appeared in four games.  13 of his 15 recorded outs have been via the strikeout (how often do you see a 23.4 K/9?), though he has also allowed three runs.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/18/14: Robert Refsnyder's 3-Hit Night The Highlight of a Slow Day

Tampa and Charleston were both postponed tonight.

Scranton (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 5-2, in 11 innings)

2B Jose Pirela:  2-for-6, RS

UTIL Adonis Garcia:  4-for-5

You know it is a tough night when Garcia, a 29-year old organizational guy, is your star of the day.

OF Ramon Flores:  0-for-5, RS, BB, K

From .268 to .239.  Has now drawn 11 walks in 14 games.

OF Zoilo Almonte:  1-for-4, BB, K

1B/3B Russ Canzler:  1-for-4, RBI, K

Hitting .278 (10-for-36)

IF Corban Joseph:  0-for-5

I bet there is at least one old blog post out in the universe from somebody who discussed, after the 2012 season, whether or not Joseph could take over for Cano if the Yankees let him walk.  Joseph hit .276/.375/.465 that season, showing off a good eye with XBH power.  Of course, injuries have hurt him (including to his shoulder), and his 2013 season (.239/.329/.383) fit right in with the rst of the organization as a whole.  Suffice to say, he is likely a flame out.

C Austin Romine:  0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K

OF Ronnier Mustelier:  1-for-5

1-for-12 since returning from DL

RHP Alfredo Aceves:  5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K

Something tells me we will see him in the big leagues at some point this season.

RHP Shane Greene:  1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Given that he hasn't pitched since spring training thanks to rainouts down here and being called up for emergency situations for the Yankees, you would have to expect at least a bit of rust.

RHP Preston Claiborne:  1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

People wonder what happened to the impeccable command he had of his pitches upon arriving in the big leagues last year.  Let us not forget that as early as 2012, he walked 36 hitters in 82 innings.  He has pitched well down here until tonight, though.

LHP Fred Lewis:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Much needed appearance for Lewis, who was off to a rough start.

RHP Mark Montgomery:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

The insane strikeout rates have yet to return, but he has thrown 6.1 scoreless innings, allowing three hits while walking two and striking out six.

-----------------

Trenton (Defeated Erie, 5-3)

CF Mason Williams:  2-for-5, RBI, RS, K

C Gary Sanchez:  1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K

2B Robert Refsnyder:  3-for-3, RBI, RS, BB

Has quickly raised his average to .244, courtesy of five hits in last six AB

OF Tyler Austin:  1-for-4, RS, BB, K

Still looking for first XBH (38 AB)

OF Ben Gamel:  0-for-4, BB

IF Dan Fiorito:  3-for-4, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS

OF Taylor Dugas: 1-for-4, K, SB (2)

LHP Matt Tracy (W, 3-0):  5 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 6 K

Did his best Aaron Harang impersonation from tonight's Braves-Mets game.   Tracy's ERA sits at 2.20, with a 12/9 K/BB ratio over 16.1 innings.

Switch Pat Venditte:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

Has a 1.29 ERA in 7 innings with 8/3 K/BB ratio.

RHP Taylor Garrison:  1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

RHP Manny Barreda (S, 1):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

7.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K.   Walks have been an issue in the past for Barreda (27 in 62.2 innings last year, for example), but he has the stuff to become a decent bullpen option.  However, he is behind guys like Montgomery and Burawa on the depth chart in this organization.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/17/14: The Judge Hits First Career HR in Charleston Victory

A few notes:

Francisco Arcia has been promoted to Triple-A to be Austin Romine's backup.  This seems like the organizational role for Arcia, and it is not a bad gig to have - you can make a bit of a living as an organizational catcher who may get a few cups of coffee in the big leagues along the way.  

In case you were wondering about the Yankees Rule 5 losses this year, here is how they are doing:

Tommy Kahnle is a middle reliever for the Rockies, and must stay on their roster all year or be exposed to waivers, and potentially be offered back to the Yankees.    He had a good spring, and is pitching pretty well thus far (9.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 6 K).  The walks are not a big surprise - heck, if he had good command of his great stuff, he wouldn't have sniffed the Rule 5 draft. 

Every other player the Yankees lost was during the minor league draft - those players are pretty much gone for good.     At one time, Ravel Santana looked like the real deal - then a severe (and that is putting it mildly) ankle injury completely wiped out his prospect status.  He hasn't played in a game since 2012.

Mikey O'Brien is a smallish right-handed starter with durability concerns.   He was a bit of a middling prospect in the Yankees system, and has pitched out of the pen for the Reds' Double-A affiliate.

Felipe Gonzalez may not be a name you recognize, and for good reason:  His minor league career with the Yankees consisted of four years in the DSL, followed by a completely missed year (2012). In 2013, he pitched in 11 games in the GCL.   Simply put, it would be quite shocking if he ever became anything in the Pirates' organization.

Kelvin Castro converted from the infield to pitching during the 2012 season.  While he showed a tad of promise, the bottom line is that he hasn't pitched above A-ball and is 26 years old.  Has yet to pitch for the Cubs organization in 2014.

------------------------------------------

Scranton (Swept a DH from Buffalo, 2-1 and 7-2)

OF Ramon Flores: 2-for-6, RS, 3 BB, 2 K

.268/.404/.463 in 13 games.   10 walks and 6 XBH.

OF Zoilo Almonte:  2-for-7, 2 HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K

Up to .267/.313/.467 after a slow start.  

2B Jose Pirela:  3-for-7, 2B (2), HR (1), 3 RBI, RS

There was a time a few years ago when the Yankees started playing Pirela at different positions, giving him reps at third and in left field.   He entered the organization as a SS,  but he has been anchored at second base for a few seasons now.

1B/2B Corban Joseph:  2-for-7, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K

C Austin Romine:  1-for-3

C Francisco Arcia: 2-for-4

Triple-A debut.

IF/OF Ronnier Mustelier:  0-for-3, RS, BB, K

OF Antoan Richardson:  1-for-7, RBI, RS, BB, 5 K, SB (4)

It is his speed, not bat, that could potentially get him a roster spot in September, if there is any wiggle room on the 40-man.

SS Carmen Angelini:  2-for-5, RBI, BB, K, SB (1)

RHP Brian Gordon: 5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 2 K

RHP Matt Daley:  1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Has a 5.40 ERA in four games, but also had a 13/1 K/BB ratio in five innings of work.

RHP Danny Burawa (W, 2-0):  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 2 K

Good time to remind everyone that control has always been an issue for him.    He has now walked five in 6.2 innings to go along with his 12 strikeouts.   Last year, he posted a 66/42 K/BB ratio over 66 innings for Trenton.

RHP Mark Montgomery (S, 2):  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

The anti-Goose Gossage!  The wave of the future, when teams abandon the whole idea of a one-inning save and start turning to 1-out specialists to close games.    Montgomery has a 6/2 K/BB ratio over 5.1 innings and has yet to allow a run.

RHP Chase Whitley (W, 1-0):  5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K

Lowered ERA from 7.71 to 3.72.   Has 10/4 K/BB ratio over 9.2 innings.  Whitley can be a valuable swingman for this organization as he has some success both starting and relieving.

---------------------------------------------

Trenton (Defeated Erie, 5-3)

C Gary Sanchez:  0-for-4, RS, K

CF Mason Williams:  0-for-4, 2 K

1B Kyle Roller:  2-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS

He has definitely come off the DL on a rampage.   His 3 HR have come in 18 AB.

2B Robert Refsnyder:  2-for-3, RS, HBP, SB (1)

More of this, please.   Now 8-for-42.  Now 35-for-43 in his career stealing bases - but obviously, you have to get on base in order to steal.

OF Ben Gamel:  1-for-4

OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, 3B (1), 2 RBI, RS, K, SAC

Given his limitations, he would come off of my report the minute he showed any sign of being dead as even a minor prospect.  But he continues to perform.

IF Dan Fiorito:  1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, K

First time I have featured him this year - only hitting .176.   Signed as a minor league free agent in 2012.  Hit .262/.341/.319 last year.

RHP Joel De La Cruz (W, 2-1):  5.2 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K

And you wanted to get rid of ME instead of Corey Black, Cash-man?   10/1 GB/FB ratio tonight.    Has a 2.96 ERA in three starts.

LHP Aaron Dott:  0.2 IP, 0 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

Not so good.

RHP Jairo Heredia:  0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

The problem?  He inherited Dott's bases loaded jam and promptly allowed all three runs to score.

RHP Diego Moreno (S, 3):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

1.50 ERA in 6 innings with 6/1 K/BB ratio.  Acquired in Burnett deal with Pittsburgh.

-----------------------------------------------

Tampa (Defeated Daytona, 6-5, in 10 innings)

CF Jake Cave:  3-for-6, 2B (5), 2 3B (2), RBI, RS, 2 K

Second consecutive 3-hit game has moved his average up to .270.

3B Dante Bichette:  3-for-4, 2B (6), RS, BB

This is just getting ridiculous.  Hitting .364 with 14 walks in 14 games.  

3B Eric Jagielo:  0-for-4, RS, K

17 strikeouts in 14 games, so that may need to be worked on a bit.

SS Cito Culver:  2-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, RS

Much needed game for Culver after going 1-for-13 in last three games.

C Pete O'Brien:  1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, BB, K

Hitting .340  with 8 XBH in 13 games.

2B Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-5, K

UTIL Zach Wilson:  3-for-5, RBI, 2 RS

Was 6-for-28 for Trenton before getting demoted.   21st round pick out of Arizona State in 2011.  Has played some 3B in his career, but with Bichette/Jagielo here, he is not going to be playing it for as long as they are on this roster.

LHP Dan Camarena:  5.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, HR

ERA sits at 4.50 in 14 IP with 9/6 K/BB ratio.  There is talent in the 20th round pick in the 2011 draft, but he is likely to take a while to develop.  Pitched to a 4.42 ERA in Charleston last year in 112 IP with a 83/19 K/BB ratio.

LHP Evan Rutckyj:  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

6.2 scoreless innings.  He has allowed four hits, but also five walks to go along with eight strikeouts.  I still don't know if the bullpen thing is permanent.    He has spent time starting and relieving in the past, so it is possible the Yankees are saving his "starting bullets" for later in the season.

RHP Kyle Haynes:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Has a 2.00 ERA in nine innings.  Always a good rule of thumb to take a live arm in exchange for a journeyman like Chris Stewart..which is not to say that Haynes is anything close to a big prospect.

-----------------------------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Rome, 8-7)

OF Aaron Judge:  1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, K

Finally notches first XBH.  Hitting .298 overall with 12 walks and 12 Ks in 13 games.   The start to his professional career is going well.

SS Abiatal Avelino:  2-for-4, RS, BB, K, SB (7)

19-year old is up to .306 (15-for-49) with seven walks.  7-for-8 SB.

IF Tyler Wade:  2-for-4, RBI, BB, CS (2)

Played 2B tonight as the Riverdogs continue to rotate their middle infielders around a bit.  Primarily a SS.

OF Michael O'Neill:  1-for-4, 3B (1), 3 RBI, 3 K

Hitting .196 with 21 strikeouts in 51 AB (eeeek)   

CF Branden Thomas:  0-for-4

Hitting .176.

UTIL John Murphy:  1-for-4, RS

Hitting .355 as he moves all over the field - first base tonight (has now played 1B/2B/SS/3B/LF)

2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-3, RS, K, SB (5)

RHP Brady Lail:  5.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR

ERA rose to 6.14 in 14.2 innings (13/3 K/BB ratio)   The 20-year old was impressive in the GCL last year, and is a bit of a sleeper prosect to watch going forward.

RHP Cesar Vargas:  1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

RHP Stefan Lopez (W, 1-0):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

RHP Nick Rumbelow (S, 2):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Yankees are not shy about taking smaller stature relievers in the middle rounds of the draft.  Rumbelow stands 6'0".    7/0 K/BB ratio (div/0 error) in 4.2 innings.

  

Yankees Minor League Report 4/16/14: Zach Nuding Tosses Shutout as Trenton Splits DH

Scranton (Crushed by Buffalo, 8-2)

C Austin Romine:  2-for-4, 2B (1), K, 2 PB

Since it appears that Murphy is going to hang around the big club for at least two months, it does give Romine an opportunity to get a lot of playing time.

OF Zoilo Almonte:  2-for-5, E (1)

10-for-38 with one XBH

OF Ramon Flores:  1-for-4, BB, 2 K

9-for-35 with six XBH and seven walks

IF Corban Joseph:  2-for-4, 2B (2), RS, 2 K

IF/OF Ronnier Mustelier: 0-for-4, K

2014 debut.   In March, 2013, it appeared he was about to make the roster.  He got hurt at the very end of spring training, and performed poorly in Scranton upon his return.

1B/3B Russ Canzler:  1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

RHP Chad Leroux (L, 0-1):  2.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

2014 debut for 30-year old.    Has 61 games of major league experience, and actually threw pretty well in 2011. Beyond that, your typical run-of-the-mill journeyman.

RHP Yoshinori Tateyama:  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

As stated a few times, he is a trick pitcher (screwball) who does have 61 career major league Ks in 61 innings.    However, he has also allowed 12 HR.  Imagine that in Yankee Stadium?

LHP Fred Lewis:  1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

From nearly making the roster to a 8.31 ERA in his first four appearances of the season.

RHP Preston Claiborne: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Five scoreless innings.

----------------------------------------

Trenton (Split DH with Akron; Lost 4-3 before winning 1-0)

C Gary Sanchez:  1-for-3

.351/.455/.568 in 37 AB.

CF Mason Williams: 2-for-7, RBI, 2 RS, BB, SB (1)

.264/.328/.434.  Has five walks and four strikeouts

OF Ben Gamel: 4-for-7, RBI, 2 CS (3)

.280/.345/.320.  Stole 22 out of 27 last season.  0-for-3 this season.

OF Tyler Austin: 0-for-5, 2 BB, 2 K

.206/.263/.206 in 34 AB.

2B Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-4, 2 BB, 2 K, CS (1)

6-for-39 with four walks and 17 strikeouts

1B Kyle Roller:  2-for-6, 2B (2), HR (2), RBI, RS, BB, K

4-for-14.   

OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-2, RS, BB, SB (1)

LHP Jeremy Bleich:  4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Has a 7.62 ERA in three starts with 15/4 K/BB ratio. Left-handed hitters are hitting .208.

RHP Charley Short:  1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

RHP Zach Nuding (W, 1-0):  7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K

Rare minor league CG shutout.  2.89 ERA in 18.2 innings this year with 18/5 K/BB ratio.    Nuding has developed pretty well for a 30th round pick (2010).   Always talk about his destiny being the bullpen, but no need to rush that.

--------------------------------------------------

Tampa (Lost to Clearwater, 4-1)

3B Dante Bichette:  1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, 2 K

13-for-40 with 13 walks and 10 strikeouts.   Big start continues.

3B Eric Jagielo: 1-for-4, K

CF Jake Cave:  3-for-4, SB (2)

From .208 to .246 in one night.   He is a prospect to watch.

C Pete O'Brien: 2-for-4, 2B (3)

Hitting .348 (16-for-46) with seven XBH

2B Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-3, 2B (3), BB

SS Cito Culver:  0-for-4

1 hit in last 13 AB

RHP Rafael DePaula:  6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K

His prospect status took a hit upon being crushed at this level last season (after dominating in Charleston for the first part of the year).   His last two starts have at least been encouraging:  11 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 13 K

LHP Ty Webb:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

The 23-year old could rise quickly through the organization.  Sorry, no Caddyshack references tonight.

------------------------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Greenville, 8-7)

Last night, I reported that Luis Torrens was taken out of the game early.  It appears it was only due to illness.

SS Tyler Wade:  2-for-4, 3 RBI, CS (1)

6-for-9 in last two games to get his average up to .250.

SS Abiatal Avelino:  2-for-5, 3B (1), RS, K

13-for-45 (.289) for the 19-year old.   Has 6 walks and 9 strikeouts.  Third consecutive 2-hit game.

3B Miguel Andujar:  0-for-2, 2 RS, 3 BB

I often say that I am not a big fan of organizational ratings.  It really doesn't take too much for a system to jump (or drop) several places in the rankings in the span of a year.   My point is that the Yankees have the talent to move up the rankings again - and Andujar is a part of the equation.

2B Gosuke Katoh:  1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K

Much needed game for the slumping Katoh, who now sports an 19/8 K/BB ratio.  

CF Brandon Thomas:  1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, K, SB (3)

UTIL John Murphy:  1-for-4, RBI, BB, K, SB (3)

10-for-27.   Played LF tonight; has also played 2B, SS, and 3B.    Yankees drafted him in the 6th round last year.

C Eduardo de Oleo:  1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, K, SB (1)

21-year old played well in the GCL last year (.283/.349/.435 in 138 AB).   He is on the smaller side (5'10"), and is definitely not anywhere near the talent of some of the other catchers in the organization.

RHP Giovanny Gallegos:  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR

ERA stands at 5.65 in 14.1 innings with 18/5 K/BB ratio.

RHP Andury Acevedo (W, 1-0, blown save):  2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Biggest curiosity about him is that he is a converted IF.

RHP Phil Walby (S, 1):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

We'll just let the numbers do the talking:  5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K

Yankees Minor League Report 4/15/14: Eric Jagielo Homers; Tyler Wade Collects Four Hits

Scranton:

Postponed yet again.   Poor Shane Greene.   Here we are a few weeks into the season, and Greene has still yet to pitch.    As a legitimate big league prospect, this is not a good thing.  Hopefully, he will get into a game soon.

Trenton:

Postponed.

Tampa: (Lost to Clearwater, 8-7)

3B Eric Jagielo:  2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 3 RS, BB

Has hit safely in 8 of his 9 games with all four of the home runs in that time span.  

3B Dante Bichette:  2-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K

12-for-36 (.333) with 13 walks and 8 strikeouts.    Just a tremendous start.

C/OF Pete O'Brien: 1-for-3, 3 RBI, RS, SF

14-for-42 (.333) with 9 RBI.  Has only walked once, which is below his normal rate - but the bottom line will always be that taking walks is not his biggest strength.

SS Cito Culver:  1-for-5, RS, 3 K

12-for-52 (.231) with 15 strikeouts.  

2B Angelo Gumbs:  2-for-4, 2B (2), RBI

16-for-48 (.333) - does the entire team hit .333 or what?   Gumbs is in many ways like Bichette - you are excited to see the hot start, but you have in the back of your mind just how frustrating they have been as prospects over the last few years.

CF Jake Cave:  1-for-5, K

OF Claudio Custodio:  2-for-4, SB (4)

23-year old has shown off his versatility (has played 2B/SS/3B/LF and even a game in center in his minor league career), and he also runs the bases well (75-for-83 in his career).  The bat has merely been OK, however (.254/.340/.368 in 215 career games).  Overall, the type of prospect that is not quite organizational filler but also not quite someone you are counting on to be a significant player in the future.   

LHP Eric Wooten:  4.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Thankfully for him, these types of outings have not been the norm since he entered the organization.  When you are dealing with minor league free agents and players snatched up from the Independent Leagues, you know you are playing with house money.

RHP Alex Smith: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

24-year old signed as a non-drafted FA in 2012.   Not much of a prospect - simply pointing out a strong performance tonight.

----------------------------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Greenville, 6-2)

Greenville is the ballpark that has the "Little Monster" in left field.  Greg Bird went crazy in this ballpark last year.

SS Tyler Wade:  4-for-5, 2 2B (2), 2 RBI, 3 RS, SB (4)

Abiatal Avelino will probably get most of the hype - and perhaps, rightfully so - but Wade is an intriguing SS prospect in his own right.   8-for-36 on the season.

SS Abiatal Avelino: 2-for-4, RS, BB, SB (6)

Avelino stole 28 bases in 51 games in 2013.  Can he hit 50 in a full-season league?  11-for-40.

OF Aaron Judge:  3-for-5, 2 RBI, RS

Interesting how well he is doing overall (13-for-44, 10 walks) but is still lacking in the department he is supposed to be best at:  No extra-base hits.

3B Miguel Andujar:  1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, BB, K

OF Michael O'Neill:  2-for-4, BB, SB (6)

.191/.240/.340

2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-3, 2 BB, 3 K

5-for-29 with 7 walks and 17 (!) strikeouts for one of last year's GCL standouts (.310/.402/.522)

C Luis Torrens:  0-for-1

Left game; not sure why.

RHP Luis Severino:  3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K

Threw 67 pitches, 40 for strikes.    There is a lot of potential in this arm, and he is a name to keep an eye on going forward.  

RHP Jason Long (W, 1-1):  5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 8 K

Kevin's son signed as a non-drafted FA last year.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/14/14: Bryan Mitchell Strikes Out 12 in Trenton Shutout

Scranton:

Postponed yet again.

Trenton (Defeated Akron, 2-0)

CF Mason Williams:  1-for-4

3B/OF Tyler Austin: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 K

1B Kyle Roller:  1-for-4, 2B (1), RS

OF Ben Gamel:  0-for-3, BB, CS (1)

3B Rob Segedin:  0-for-3, RS, BB

OF Taylor Dugas:  1-for-4, 2B (3)

Power is never going to be a big part of his game, but this is his third consecutive game with a double.

RHP Bryan Mitchell (W, 1-2):   6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 12 K

Just a brilliant performance by Mitchell.  I have said it many times in the past - he has the stuff to be a very dominant pitcher - but like many young pitchers, putting the entire package together just has not yet happened.  I've seen starts like this before from him.  We'll see if he can build off of this or go back to his inconsistent ways.

RHP Manny Barreda:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hasn't allowed a run in 6.2 innings with a 6/0 K/BB ratio during that span.

RHP Diego Moreno (S, 2):  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

-------------------------

Tampa (Defeated Clearwater, 6-5)

3B Dante Bichette:  2-for-2, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, SF

Hitting .313 with 12 walks in 11 games.   One of those eye-opening types of starts.

3B Eric Jagielo:  2-for-5, 2 RS, 2 K

11-for-46 with 10 RBI and 8 RS.  Has also struck out 15 times, however.

CF Jake Cave: 1-for-5, RBI

10-for-48

2B Angelo Gumbs:  2-for-5, 2B (1), K

7 hits in last 3 games.

SS Cito Culver:  0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K, E (5)

RHP Brett Gerritse:  5 IP, 13 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR

This is what you call a thumping.   Gerritse had a good season last year in Charleston (3.56 ERA with 108/31 K/BB ratio in 101 innings).  

RHP Kyle Haynes:  3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

LHP Evan Rutckyj (W, 1-0):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

-------------------------------

Charleston (Defeated Greenville, 11-3)

OF Aaron Judge:  1-for-3, 2 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB, 2 K

10-for-39 with 10 walks and 11 K

SS Abiatal Avelino: 2-for-5, RS, 2 K, CS (1)

9-for-36

3B Miguel Andujar:  2-for-5, 3B (2), 3 RBI, RS, K

OF Michael O'Neill: 2-for-5, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, K

C Luis Torrens:  2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K

Only 4-for-25 on the season, but he is a 17-year old.   Has 6 walks and 7 strikeouts.

2B Gosuke Katoh:  2-for-4, RS, BB

1B Mike Ford:  1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, BB, K

RHP Rookie Davis:  5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

More than just an awesome name.   Pitched to a 1.90 ERA in 13 starts between Staten Island/Charleston last season.  Will turn 21 in a few weeks.  14th round pick out of high school in 2011.

RHP Nick Rumbelow:  1.2 IP,1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Yankees Minor League Report 4/13/14: Ramon Flores Goes Bananas for Scranton; Manny Banuelos Continues to Throw Well

Scranton (Defeated Syracuse, 7-1, to improve to 5-5)

OF Ramon Flores:  4-for-4, 2 2B (4), 3B (2), 4 RS, BB

From .148 to .258 in one day.    Flores has six walks in 10 games, and six of his eight hits this season have gone for extra bases.

C John Ryan Murphy: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RS, K

5-for-26 without a walk.

2B/3B Scott Sizemore:  2-for-5, 3B (1), 3 RBI, 2 K

He is hitting .344 (11-for-32), but has also struck out 16 times.   

OF Zoilo Almonte:  3-for-5

.242/.286/.333 in 33 AB.   Six hits in last three games, so hoping he is starting to heat up.

1B/3B Russ Canzler: 1-for-3, 2 RBI

2B Corban Joseph: 1-for-4

C Austin Romine:  1-for-3, 2 RS, BB

OF Antoan Richardson:  2-for-3, RBI, SB (3)

He is one of those guys who will be in the running for a September callup if there is any 40-man roster space - just based on his speed alone.

SS Carmen Angelini: 0-for-4, 2 K

5-for-20

RHP Bruce Billings (W, 2-1):  7 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

RHP Danny Burawa: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

9 strikeouts in 5 innings thus far.  Hasn't allowed a run.

RHP Mark Montgomery:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Also hasn't allowed a run in five innings.  5/2 K/BB ratio

---------------------------------------

Trenton (Defeated Erie, 4-2)

C Gary Sanchez:  2-for-4, 2B (5), BB, K

Up to .353.  Started the year 1-for-8.  11-for-26 since.

CF Mason Williams:  2-for-5, HR (1), RBI, RS

Six extra-base hits in 10 games with only four strikeouts.  Interestingly, he has yet to even attempt a stolen base.

3B/OF Tyler Austin:  2-for-4, RS, BB

6-for-25.  Still looking for first XBH.

OF Ben Gamel:  0-for-4, RS, BB, K

1B Kyle Roller: 1-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, BB

2014 debut.  Roller hit .253/.347/.427 at this level last year.   He is 26, so young prospect he is not .

2B Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-3, BB, K

Early season struggles continue (5-for-35, 2 BB, 15 K)

OF Taylor Dugas: 1-for-4, 2B (2)

LHP Matt Tracy (W, 2-0):  6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Second consecutive strong start to begin the season.  25-year old is far from a big prospect, but has been on a sleeper list or two in the past.

Switch Pat Venditte:  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Free Pat Venditte!  

RHP Taylor Garrison (S, 1):  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Nice bounce back after a bad debut (2 ER in 1 IP first time out).  23-year old has pitched well in his first two years in the organization - we'll see how he does in the upper section of the minor leagues now.

-----------------------------------

Tampa (Defeated Daytona, 7-3)

SS Cito Culver:  2-for-4, 2 2B (4), 2 RBI, BB, K

Random fact:  Has at least one hit in eight of ten games this season.  However, today's walk was his first - after walking 52 times in 120 games in 2013.

3B Eric Jagielo: 0-for-4, RS, BB, E (4)

.220/.273/.488 in 41 AB.   Not really the time to worry about the errors too much.

3B Dante Bichette:  1-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, K

Now has 10 walks in 10 games (7 strikeouts)

C/OF Pete O'Brien: 1-for-4, RS

.333/.366/.692 in 39 AB.  

2B Angelo Gumbs:  3-for-4, RBI, RS

.308/.325/.308 in 39 AB. 

CF Jake Cave:  1-for-5, RS, 2 K

.209/.261/.302 in 43 AB

LHP Manny Banuelos:  3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K

Don't get me wrong:  It is easy to get excited over this.  I mean, in 9 innings this year, he has allowed four hits and one walk while striking out 10.  But this is just the warm up phase - what happens when he gets to Scranton?

RHP Eric Roth (W, 1-0):  2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

23-year old Winthrop graduate (and you thought they only played basketball!) has struck out seven in seven innings to start his campaign.

----------------------------------------------

Charleston:  (Lost to Augusta, 3-2)

SS Abiatal Avelino:  1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 SB (5), K

7-for-31 with five steals in five tries (28-for-32 last season)

OF Aaron Judge: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K

9-for-36.  8 walks, 9 strikeouts.  First professional RBI.

OF Michael O'Neill: 1-for-4, 2B (1), 2 K

CF Brandon Thomas: 0-for-4, K

Hitting .175 (7-for-40)

2B/SS Tyler Wade:   0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

Only hitting .129 (4-for-31) with seven walks.

IF John Murphy:  2-for-3, K

8-for-18.  Has played five games, and has covered three different positions (2B, SS, 3B)

C Luis Torrens:  0-for-3, K

Hitting .095.  Perhaps he is a tad overmatched at the moment?

LHP Caleb Smith: 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K

22-year old was drafted in the 14th round last year out of Sam Houston State.   He throws very hard (93-95) with a solid circle change, and a developing slider.   The Yankees do a solid job in the middle-to-late-rounds in the draft, and Smith may just become another example of that.

RHP Cesar Vargas:  3 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

The 22-year old hasn't allowed an earned run (one unearned) in 9.1 innings to start the season.  He has an impressive 15/2 K/BB ratio.   Vargas has steadily moved up the chain - starting his journey all the way down in the Dominican Summer League in 2009.   All 25 of his appearances last year were starts, posting a 4-8 record with a 4.10 ERA. He did get torched in a three-start trial in Tampa, however.

RHP Stefan Lopez:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K