Yankees Minor League Report 4/8/14: Thunder & Riverdogs Each Put Up 10 Runs in Victories

Scranton (DH vs. Rochester.  Lost Game 1, 5-0.  Lost Game 2, 6-5)

C John Ryan Murphy:  0-for-3, K

0-for-10 start, though he has only struck out once.

OF Ramon Flores:  1-for-6, 2B (1), RS, BB

Played CF tonight.  I don't think he can play center full-time, but if any team in baseball thinks he can, the Yankees could have a valuable trade chip.

IF Scott Sizemore:  1-for-6, 2B (2),BB, 5 K

He can opt out on May 1st.  If he keeps striking out like this, he'll be lucky to still have a job on 5/1.

OF Zoilo Almonte:   1-for-3

1B/3B Russ Canzler:  3-for-6, 3B (1), RBI - Played third base in Game 2.

2B Jose Pirela:  0-for-3

IF Zelous Wheeler:  2-for-7, 2B (4), RBI, RS, 2 K

IF Corban Joseph:  1-for-3, RBI, 2 K

OF Antoan Richardson:  2-for-3, RBI, SB (1)

LHP Fred Lewis:  1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

The stat line doesn't tell the full story:  He inherited three runners, they all scored.

RHP Danny Burawa:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Has recorded six outs thus far, four by strikeout.   Teams may regret not jumping on him in the Rule 5.

RHP Caleb Cotham:  2.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

The 26-year old had plenty of promise upon being drafted in 2009, but his career has been derailed.  Pitched to a 5.07 ERA in 124.1 innings for Trenton/Scranton last year.

RHP Preston Claiborne:  1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Hopefully is regaining arm strength.  If the Yankees are going to make another bullpen move to get a fresh arm up on Wednesday night, it obviously will not be him.

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

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

Has been extremely effective since the Yankees signed him.  But not tonight.

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Trenton (Destroyed Portland, 10-1)

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

7 RBI in last two games.  

2B Robert Refsnyder:  2-for-4, 2B (1), HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS

Much needed game after a slow beginning to his season.

CF Mason Williams:  2-for-5, 2 2B (3), 2 RS, K

The K was his first of the season (20 AB)

OF Ben Gamel:  3-for-5, 2 RS, SB (1)

OF Tyler Austin:  0-for-4, RBI

Season debut as he is now back from his wrist ailment.  Will the power return?

3B Rob Segedin:  2-for-5, 2 RBI, RS

Picking up right where he left off when he got hurt last year.  6-for-18 with six RBI

UT Ali Castillo:  3-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, RS

LHP Matt Tracy (W, 1-0):  5.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K

The 25-year old doesn't have much when it comes to upside, and is coming off of a 5.51 ERA season for Trenton last year (63.2 IP).  

RHP Jairo Heredia:   1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

If the Yankees are going to convert him to short relief, he may have somewhat of a chance - he had true starter potential, but his shoulder injury may have put those dreams forever on hold.

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

Tampa (Defeated Clearwater, 7-6)

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

Back-to-back games with HR

C/OF Pete O'Brien:  3-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS

He should absolutely destroy this league for as long as he is here.

3B Dante Bichette:  1-for-3, 2B (2), RS, BB

Please, do not let me fall into the trap of thinking that a switch has turned on...

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

Injuries and inconsistency have knocked him down a few notches on the ladder.  There is no denying the skill - but he has to get moving.

SS Cito Culver:  1-for-5, RS, 3 E

Yes, three errors.  Did he come down with Nunez Syndrome?

CF Jake Cave:  1-for-5

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

Results are always important, but they are still a bit down the list when it comes to Banuelos.   Especially when pitching here.

LHP Ty Webb (S, 2):  1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Clearwater thought they had a big rally going, but Webb was just toying with them.

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

Charleston (Destroyed Greenville, 10-1)

CF Brandon Thomas:  3-for-5, GS (1), 4 RBI, 2 RS, SB (1)

This is what you want college draftees to consistently do at this level: Destroy it and move on.

OF Michael O'Neill:  1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, 2 SB (2)

Paul's nephew is now 2-for-20 to start the season with no walks, 9 strikeouts, and 10 Gatorade coolers destroyed.

SS Tyler Wade:  1-for-4, 2 RS, BB, 2 SB (3)

The middle infield talent at this level is extremely promising.  Just pray that they don't explode upon moving up.

OF Aaron Judge:  0-for-3, RS, 2 BB

Now has 5 walks in 5 games.  Still looking for first professional RBI.

SS Abiatal Avelino:  1-for-4

5-for-16 with three walks and two strikeouts.

2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB

C Luis Torrens:  0-for-3, RBI, BB

3B Miguel Andujar:  0-for-4, 2 RS, BB

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

The non-drafted FA isn't oozing with potential - but games like this will always get recognized.

LHP Caleb Smith (W, 1-0):  5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K

22-year old left-hander went 1-2 with a 1.93 ERA in 14 games (10 starts) for Staten Island/Trenton last year (only one of those starts was with Trenton - he wasn't really "demoted" here)

RHP Jordan Cote:  1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

RHP Stefan Lopez:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

22-year old was drafted in 2012.  Hit hard in his first stint in Staten Island - dominated in his second stint, which really says nothing.   

Yankees Minor League Report 4/7/14: Awesome Night....

..well, perhaps for some other team's prospects.   All three affiliates scheduled to play were rained out.

Minor League Note: Yankees Acquire Miguel Sulbaran for Eduardo Nunez

This is according to Chad Jennings over at Lohud.

Sulbaran is a 20-year old left-handed pitcher, who has performed well in his minor league career for the Dodgers and Twins.  

There isn't too much out on the web about him, but he is on the smaller side (5'10"), and seemingly does not throw hard (88-89), but is able to throw three pitches for strikes (fastball-slider-curve).  His curve is supposedly his second best pitch.

The Yankees of course had their hands tied when it came to Nunez - they designated him for assignment, which meant they could have lost him for nothing.   So, why would a team like the Twins give up anything of value for him?  Obviously, they valued him to the point where they didn't want any other team to claim him.   They instead decided to ship the Yankees a lottery ticket in order to secure him.

To me, there is nothing to complain about here.  The Yankees soured on Nunez, and storing him in Triple-A was not likely going to change their opinion on his future with the franchise.   They get themselves a pitcher who is at least 2 years, if not more, away from contributing in the big leagues.  I liken it a lot to the Juan Miranda - for - Scottie Allen deal.  Allen was also a lottery ticket at the time the Yankees acquired him - a lottery ticket that ultimately didn't pay off.

Nunez has more value than Miranda did, and Sulbaran is a better prospect than Allen was.   The Yankees did well in getting anything that can have future value to the franchise.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/6/14: 11-Run 4th (Including 4 RBI by Gary Sanchez) Helps Trenton Cruise to Victory

Scranton (Split DH with Syracuse, losing 3-0 in Game 1, and winning 5-0 in Game 2)

First things first:  I wondered who would take Austin Romine's spot on the Scranton roster, not even thinking about Jose Gil, who has been in the Yankees' organization since the Reagan administration, I think.

C John Ryan Murphy:  0-for-3

OF Ramon Flores:  0-for-6, RBI, K

IF Scott Sizemore:  2-for-6, 2B (1), BB, 2 K

OF Zoilo Almonte:  1-for-7, RBI, 4 K

IF Corban Joseph:  1-for-4

With some health and some luck, he could be the Yankees second baseman right now.  His 2012 season was very strong - 2013?  Not so much.

2B Jose Pirela:  1-for-6

1B Russ Canzler:  0-for-3

IF Zelous Wheeler: 2-for-4, 2 2B (3), 2 RS, K

SS Carmen Angelini:  2-for-3, 2 2B (2), 3 RBI, RS

I doubt he will see the light of day with the Yankees this year, but it is still scary just how high up the depth chart he is right now. 

OF Antoan Richardson:  1-for-2, BB, RS

30-year old has a .500 career major league batting average (4 AB).   He has absolutely no power (12 career minor league HR in a 3,548 PA), but he can steal a base (39-for-46 last year) 

RHP Chase Whitley (L, 0-1):  1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Swingman started five games last year, and was 3-2 with a 3.06 ERA overall in 67.2 innings with a 62/21 K/BB ratio.

RHP Graham Stoneburner:   3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

The one-time flamethrower no longer is that.  He only struck out 42 batters in 90 innings last year (struck out 137 in 142 innings way back in 2010)  Injuries have destroyed his career, but he is still doing a solid job at inducing ground balls (1.27 GO/AO rate last year)

RHP Brian Gordon (W, 1-0):  5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

The journeyman right-hander (35) actually pitched briefly for the Yankees in 2011, when he made two starts (5.23 ERA).    That represents his only major league experience.

LHP Cesar Cabral:  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 K

RHP Yoshinori Tateyama:  0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

His best pitch is a screwball, something you simply do not see very often anymore.

LHP Fred Lewis: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

27-year old was one of the last cuts in camp.  The Yankees drafted him in the 47th round in 2010, and he has steadily made his way up the organization, flashing a 95 MPH fastball along the way.  Lewis is a nice story if he is able to crack the majors this year, and also another example of why it pays to throw with your left hand.

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

Trenton (Defeated New Hampshire, 11-5, thanks to an 11-run 4th inning)

C Gary Sanchez: 1-for-2, HR (1), 4 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB

3-for-14 to start the season - all for extra bases.  

CF Mason Williams: 0-for-3, RS, BB

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

OF Ben Gamel:  2-for-4, RS

C Francisco Arcia:  1-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RBI, RS

IF Ali Castillo: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, RS

The 24-year old had a solid year in Charleston two years ago (.307/.381/.431), but fell off a cliff last year in Tampa/Trenton (.228/.294/.290)

RHP Joel De La Cruz (W, 1-0):  6.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

The pitcher that Cashman wanted to give up instead of Corey Black in the Alfonso Soriano deal.  De La Cruz went 6-3 with a 3.28 ERA in 85 innings last year with a 73/27 K/BB ratio.

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

The 25-year old has actually done pretty well in the minors (326 K in 302 minor league innings entering today to go along with a 3.75 ERA).    He became a minor league free agent after the 2013 season, but the Yankees thought decently enough of him to resign him.

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

The 25-year old was signed out of the independent leagues in 2011, and has done a fair job as he has moved up the ladder one step at a time.  Posted a 3.34 ERA in 26 games for Tampa last year with a 67/28 K/BB ratio over 62 innings.

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

Tampa (Lost to Lakeland, 8-5)

3B Eric Jagielo: 1-for-5, HR (1), RBI, RS, 3 K

Now 1-for-15 with 9 strikeouts, but we will take the home run.

C/OF Pete O'Brien:  2-for-4, RBI

Initially, reports were that the Yankees were going to keep him behind the plate.  Today, he played right field, so it looks like they have not given up on him being a Leyritz-type of guy.

CF Jake Cave: 2-for-5, 2B (1), RS

Although Cave hit only two home runs last year, he also hit 37 doubles and six triples, making you think there could be home run potential in his bat down the road.

SS Cito Culver:  1-for-5

3B Dante Bichette:  0-for-4, RS

First start at 3B in 2014.  (Jagielo DH'd today)

1B Reymond Nunez:  2-for-4, 2 RBI

His raw power potential just hasn't completely translated into games.  He did hit 15 home runs in Charleston last season, but at 23, he has to start making his move.

2B Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-4, RS

LHP Dan Camarena (L, 0-1):  4.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Camarena has earned some votes for a sleeper prospect.  The 21-year old put up a 4-6 season in Charleston last year with a 4.42 ERA in 112 innings.  

RHP Kyle Haynes:  2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

What did you expect for Chris Stewart?   Noah Syndergaard?  The 23-year old put up a 2.38 ERA in Low-A ball last year with a 85/36 K/BB ratio over 83.1 innings.

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Charleston (Defeated Augusta, 4-1)

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

The types of games that make people sometimes drool over the 19-year old's potential.

OF Aaron Judge:  1-for-3, 2 RS, BB

SS Tyler Wade:  0-for-4, BB

CF Branden Thomas:  0-for-3, BB

2B John Murphy:  0-for-4

Tough assignment for the 6th round pick out of Sacred Heart University.  The Yankees have three legitimate lower-level prospects in Katoh, Wade, and Avelino manning the middle infield spots this year, reducing Murphy to a very low point on the totem pole.  Hit only .173/.226/.220 in his professional debut last year.

1B Mike Ford:  2-for-4, 2B (1), RS

Non-drafted FA last year out of Princeton hit .235/.346/.374 in 115 AB upon his arrival for Staten Island.

RHP Brady Lail (W, 1-0):  6 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

The 18th rounder in 2012 out of high school compiled a 2.92 ERA and 56/8 K/BB ratio over 61.2 innings last year.

RHP Cesar Vargas: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

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

7th rounder last year posted a 2.35 ERA and 20/5 K/BB ratio over 23 innings for Staten Island.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/5/14: Mason Williams Has Nice Night in Trenton Comeback

Scranton:

DH postponed.  This is what happens when your regular season starts up in Syracuse.    With Austin Romine promoted to MLB, somebody will need to take his place on the Scranton roster.  It won't be Gary Sanchez, obviously, so it may be Trenton backup Francisco Arcia, as Trenton is carrying a third catcher (organizational guy Tyson Blaser).   No news that I can find yet, however, if that is the case.

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

Trenton (Defeated New Hampshire, 6-5.  Down 4-1 in the bottom of the 8th, they scored two in the eighth, allowed one in the ninth, but then won it in the bottom of the 9th)

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

Wouldn't it just be something if Williams reached his potential this season, but now had no role with the big club?

C Gary Sanchez:  1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI

3B Rob Segedin:  2-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, RS

2B Robert Refsnyder:   0-for-3, BB

0-for-12 with 5 K to start season.  The walk was his first.

OF Ben Gamel:  1-for-4, 2B (1)

OF Taylor Dugas: 1-for-3, RS, HBP

RHP Zach Nuding: 6.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, HR

The 6'4", 260-pounder was 5-11 with a 4.23 ERA in 134 innings for Trenton/Scranton last season with a 106/60 K/BB ratio.   He is 24 years old.

RHP/LHP Pat Venditte:  1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR

Now 28, Venditte has settled in as an organizational pitcher who will likely never taste the big leagues.    Has only thrown 41.2 innings the past two seasons.

RHP Diego Moreno (W, 1-0):  1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

The 26-year old was acquired in the AJ Burnett deal.  After being acquired in 2012, he underwent Tommy John and missed the entire season plus a big part of 2013.    Ended up throwing 37 innings last year with a 37/12 K/BB ratio.

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

Tampa (Lost to Lakeland, 3-0)

SS Cito Culver:  1-for-4, 2 K

3B Eric Jagielo:  0-for-4, 3 K

0-for-10 with 6 of those outs via the strikeout.

C Pete O'Brien:  1-for-3, BB, 2 K

3B Dante Bichette:  1-for-3, BB, K

CF Jake Cave:  0-for-3, BB

RHP Rafael DePaula (L, 0-1):  3.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K

Set the world on fire in Charleston last year (2.94 ERA with 96/23 K/BB ratio over 64.1 innings) before getting creamed in Tampa.   He is not extremely young (23), but he is short on experience.

RHP Eric Roth:  3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

23-year old was signed as a non-drafted FA last year out of Winthrop, and made the most of his opportunity:  0.61 ERA in 29.1 innings with 44/6 K/BB ratio

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

22-year old was 10-9 with a 5.03 ERA over 118 innings with Charleston last season (102/60 K/BB ratio).  No idea if this is a permanent bullpen move.

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Charleston (Lost to Augusta, 6-3)

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

SS Tyler Wade:  2-for-5, SB (1)

After having Avelino at SS and Wade DHing the first two games of the season, they reversed roles today.

OF Aaron Judge:  2-for-4, BB, K

Given his potential,and given that he was drafted out of college, he should be able to adjust quickly here and make his way to Tampa.  

CF Brandon Thomas: 3-for-4, 2B (1), 3B (1), RS

Considered a bit of a sleeper as an 8th round pick last year, Thomas struggled in his first taste of pro ball.   We'll see if this year is any different.

C Luis Torrens:  1-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 BB

At 17 years of age, he would be excused if he didn't play well initially here - but through the first few games at least, he is holding his own.

2B Gosuke Katoh:  0-for-4, 3 K

OF Michael O'Neill: 0-for-4, 2 K

3B Miguel Andujar: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Giovanny Gallegos (L, 0-1):  5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 K

The 22-year old was 2-8 with a 4.27 ERA and 43/14 K/BB ratio over 65.1 innings for Staten Island last year.  

RHP Jordan Cote:  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

3rd round pick in 2011 hasn't been able to get on the hill much.  When he has pitched, he's done well - but the sample is very small (56 innings).    Has dealt with several minor-type injuries, and hopefully can get a full season of work in.

RHP Andy Beresford:  2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

The Yankees drafted a few tall pitchers last year, and Beresford fit the mold (6'7").  He went 3-2 with a 1.80 ERA for Staten Island with a 19/5 K/BB ratio over 30 innings (1.87 GO/AO)

Yankees Minor League Report 4/4/14: Aaron Judge Earns First Professional Hit

We don't yet know the extent of Mark Teixiera's injury, but if you are wondering who may be next in the depth chart within the organization, it is Russ Canzler, a 27-year old right-handed hitting journeyman with 102 major league plate appearances to his credit.    The problem with bringing up a player like Canzler is that he is not on the 40-man roster, and we saw how tough it was for the Yankees to figure out who to DFA when Solarte made the team.   Of course, this is all speculation right now, as Teixiera may not need to go on the disabled list.   

Scranton:

Postponed

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Trenton (Lost to New Hampshire, 7-3, to fall to 0-2)

C Gary Sanchez:  1-for-5, 2B (1), RS

CF Mason Williams:  1-for-4, RS, BB, Assist

I mentioned last night that this is a big year for Williams, and it is in many ways.  Perhaps the most important reason why this is a big year for him is because he will become Rule 5 eligible in December if the the Yankees do not put him on the 40-man roster.  

2B Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-5, 2 K

OF Ben Gamel: 0-for-3, RS, BB

3B Rob Segedin:  0-for-3, BB

3B Zach Wilson:  2-for-4, RBI

Like many prospects, the 23-year old started off very well in Staten Island in 2011 after being drafted, then crashed in Tampa (skipped Charleston) in 2012.  

LHP Jeremy Bleich (L, 0-1):  4 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 7 K

Not sure if there is much to salvage here at this point.  Now 26 years old.  Remember, he tore his labrum and missed the entire 2011 season. 

RHP Charley Short:   3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

25-year old pitched to a 2.02 ERA with 85/19 K/BB ratio over 62.1 innings between three levels in 2013.  Despite that, not much of a prospect.  Signed as a minor league free agent in 2012.

RHP Branden Pinder:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

25-year old got off to a good start in his minor league career, but busted in Trenton last year (6.29 ERA with 22/12 K/BB ratio over 24.1 innings)

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Tampa (Lost to Lakeland, 5-1, to fall to 1-1)

3B Dante Bichette: 1-for-1, 3 BB 

Since the three walks are sure to bring up questions, I will let you know the answer:  Bichette walked 43 times in 114 games last season.  

3B Eric Jagielo:  0-for-2, 2 BB

In case you were wondering, Jagielo is going to take most of the reps at third base this season.  Bichette has DH'ed in the first two games of the season.

SS Cito Culver:  1-for-5, 2 K

C Pete O'Brien:  0-for-4, 2 K

This is pretty much what O'Brien is.  He has a lot of power, but will also strike out a ton.   (134 in 119 games last season)

CF Jake Cave:  0-for-5, 2 K

2B Angelo Gumbs:  1-for-4, 2 K - Athletic player hasn't been able to stay away from the injury bug; and, quite frankly, he hasn't really done much when healthy the past few years.

LHP Eric Wooten:  5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

24-year old former independent leaguer pitched to a 1.97 ERA over 50.1 innings with astounding 51/6 K/BB ratio after being signed by the Yankees last season.   Being left-handed will never hurt his cause.

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

Struggled in Charleston in 2012, so forced to repeat the level in 2013.  That is rarely a good sign.  24 years old.

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

Charleston (Lost to Lakeland, 6-3, to fall to 1-1)

SS Abiatal Avelino:  2-for-2, RBI, 2 RS, 3 BB

Last season, he walked more than he struck out (20-17) in 51 games.

OF Aaron Judge:  1-for-4, BB

First professional hit.

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

Interestingly enough, was only 4-for-6 stealing bases in 50 games last season for the GCL squad.

C Luis Torrens:  0-for-3, BB

LF Michael O'Neill: 0-for-4

CF Brandon Thomas:  0-for-4

SS Tyler Wade:  0-for-5, 2 K

Second night in a row that he DH'd while Avelino manned SS.

3B Miguel Andujar:  0-for-4, K

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

Pitched to a 2.45 ERA over 44 innings with a 53/10 K/BB ratio in 2013.  20 years old.

RHP Andury Acevedo:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

23-year old is more about the journey than the talent at the moment; converted infielder had a 21/18 K/BB ratio over 20 innings for Staten Island last year.

RHP Andrew Benek:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Pitched to a 5.48 ERA but with an impressive 44/7 K/BB ratio over 42.2 innings for Staten Island last year.  However, he also allowed eight HR.

Yankees Minor League Report 4/3/14: Opening Day!

With Eduardo Nunez in DFA limbo and Addison Maruszak no longer in the organization, here is something to ponder:  If something were to happen to Derek Jeter and/or Dean Anna, the next players on the depth chart are Zelous Wheeler and Carmen Angelini.   Wheeler has 141 games of minor league experience at shortstop, while Angelini was (at one time) an intriguing prospect in the Yankees system, but isn't anymore.

The depth becomes better whenever Branden Ryan returns, but we don't even have a timetable on that.

Suffice to say, I will bet that the Yankees are scouring every minor league roster and minor league free agent to see if there is anything they can add to their depth.

Pete O'Brien hit the organization's (which includes the big league club!) first home run of the season for Tampa tonight. 

Scranton (Defeated Syracuse, 4-1)  

John Ryan Murphy:  0-for-4.

The Yankees should just call him up now because I am going to get tired of typing "John Ryan".

Zoilo Almonte:  0-for-4

Part of me wishes he had Ichiro's role.  Then I realize that Ichiro barely moved from his place on the bench the first two nights of the season.  Perhaps it is best that Zoilo plays every day here.

Ramon Flores:  2-for-4, 3B (1), RBI

Flores can be very useful to the Yankees if he is able to get his career back on track.  Given his age and plate awareness, he could be attractive trade bait for infield help, as he doesn't really fit into the Yankees' plans in the near future.  

Austin Romine:  0-for-4 

DH'd today, while Murphy did the catching.

Russ Canzler:  2-for-4, 2 2B (2), RBI, RS

The soon-to-be 28-year old veteran is our backup plan at first base right now.

Scott Sizemore:  3-for-3, RS

If Solarte falters in his utility role over the first several weeks or so of the season, Sizemore could be a candidate to take over if he can just prove he can stay healthy. The Yankees can really use a right-handed bench bat.

Zelous Wheeler:  2-for-4, 2B (1), RS

He does own a career .780 OPS in the minors.

Jose Pirela:  1-for-4, RS

After spending an eternity in Trenton, he finally earns a gig at Scranton.  Mostly plays second base exclusively nowadays.  There was a time not long ago where that would have been a death sentence in this organization.

Bruce Billings (W, 1-0):  5 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K

28-year old RHP is depth only.  Has pitched in four major league games.

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

His flame blew out towards the end of his stint in the big leagues last year.

Danny Burawa:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

The Yankees are a factory for hard-throwing right-handed relief pitchers who actually develop into major leaguers. Is Burawa next?

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

Remember him?  If his arm is back to full strength, he still is their top relief prospect.

Matt Daley (S, 1):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

One of the last cuts in spring, the 31-year old threw well in his late season call-up to the Bronx last year. Just like the Yankees are good at drafting and developing relief pitchers, they are excellent in finding value off the scrap heap.

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Trenton (Lost to New Hampshire, 6-0)

Gary Sanchez:  0-for-3, BB, 2 K

If history is any indication, he will end this season at Scranton.   His path to date has been to play most of the season at a certain level before getting moved up to the next level to finish his season.

'Mason Williams:  1-for-4

Not much to say about Williams - this is a huge season for him.

Rob Segedin:  1-for-4

2013 had to be frustrating for the 24-year old third baseman.  He started off on fire (.338/.390/.606 in 18 games) before succumbing to a season-ending injury.  

Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-4, 2 K

23-year old 2B had a big year between Charleston/Tampa last year (.293/.413/.413 in 467 AB with 23 steals in 29 attempts)

Ben Gamel:  0-for-4, 2 K

Smallish OF has hit just enough to keep him somewhere on the radar (.267/.342/.387 in 431 AB last season with 22 steals in 27 attempts).   Like Ramon Flores, he could be a bit of a tweener - not enough power for a corner; not good enough of a fielder to man center field consistently.  

Taylor Dugas:  0-for-2, BB

Talk about smallish (5'9", 180).  Dugas is pretty much an OBP guy only, as he posted a .405 number last year to go along with a tiny .339 SLG.   Also will need to work on basestealing (17-for-28) if he wants any kind of future.

Bryan Mitchell (L, 0-1):  4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

We will keep waiting and waiting to see if anything clicks with Mitchell, who has extreme talent but just hasn't been able to put everything together to date.

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

Shoulder surgery in 2012 has dimmed his prospect status significantly.   Posted a 3.39 ERA in 69 innings between 3 levels last year with a 68/19 K/BB ratio.

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Tampa (Defeated Lakeland, 4-0.  Held them to one hit)

Pete O'Brien:  2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS

The right-handed basher probably doesn't belong here, but he is back to being a full-time catcher, and the organization's top prospect is at the level higher than him.  Hit 22 home runs and drove in 96 in 2013.

Eric Jagielo:   0-for-4, 3K

The writing is on the wall:   The Yankees have no real future at third base, free agents and trades for third basemen are hard to come by, and Jagielo's path is about as clear as anyone's in the entire organization.

Cito Culver:  2-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RS

He did put up a .355/.394/.484 line in 62 late season AB here last year.  Of course, he did strike out 14 times.

Dante Bichette:  1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI

Has a changed approach with a more compact swing....blah blah blah.   We obviously need to see results, not talk.

Jake Cave:  1-for-4

CF hit .282/.347/.401 in his first season of professional ball for Charleston in 2013.

Manny Banuelos:  3 IP, 0 H, 1 BB, 3 K

He is on a strict innings limit and won't be promoted to Scranton until warmer weather settles in up north.

Dietrich Enns (W, 1-0):   4 IP, 1 H, 4 BB, 5 K

The LHP was one of the big surprises in 2013, compiling a 0.61 ERA in Charleston with 69 K in 44.1 IP.  The Yankees then did a surprising thing:  Not only did they promote him to Tampa, they put him in the rotation.  The results weren't great (5.63 ERA in 38.1 IP before being shut down for the season), but it seems clear that the Yankees feel they have a legitimate prospect on their hands.    They will probably stretch him out again this season.

Ty Webb (S, 1):   2 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 3 K

LHP was drafted in the 2013 draft, and I believe he was the first promoted to a full-season league.  Had a 3.31 ERA in 35.1 innings with a 48/8 K/BB ratio for Staten Island/Charleston last year.

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Charleston (Defeated Augusta, 5-1)

Gosuke Katoh:  1-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, SB (1)

19-year old 2B was a breakout star in the GCL last season (.310/.402/.522), but now the real test begins.

Aaron Judge:  0-for-4

Professional debut for 21-year old OF.  6'7", 230 pounder with an extremely high ceiling.  

Abiatal Avelino:  1-for-5, 2B (1), RBI

19-year old SS hit .303/.381/.399 in 198 AB for GCL/Staten Island last season.

Miguel Andujar:  1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI

You will hear a lot about the 19-year old third baseman this season, as many see him as the organizational sleeper.   Hit .323/.368/.496 in 133 AB for the GCL last year.

Luis Torrens:  1-for-3, RS

17-year old (!) catcher (will turn 18 in May) hit .241/.348/.299 in 174 AB for the GCL squad last season.   Next big Yankees catching prospect?  Could be.

Tyler Wade:  0-for-5, K

19-year old SS (DH'ed tonight, while Avelino played SS) hit .291/.412/.349 in 175 AB for GCL/Staten Island last season.  His .429 OBP for the GCL squad ranked second in the league.

Michael O'Neill:  1-for-4, RS

Paul's nephew had a rough debut in Staten Island last year (.219/.282/.293 in 256 AB)

Brandon Thomas:  0-for-4

Like O'Neill, struggled in first taste of pro ball (.214/.318/.337 in 66 games with 90 K)

Rookie Davis (W, 1-0):  5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K

More than just a nice name, Davis went 2-4 with a 1.90 ERA in 13 starts between Staten Island and Charleston last year with a 47/13 K/BB ratio over 52 innings.  14th round pick in 2011 out of high school.

Cesar Vargas:  3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K

Vargas threw very well in Charleston last year (3.24 ERA in 108.1 innings), but got pounded in Tampa (19 runs in 12.1 innings). 

Phil Walby:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Not sure if there is much of a prospect here, but striking out the side will always get noticed an the Yankees are very good at finding relief candidates.    Had a 2.75 ERA for Staten Island last season, but with a 37/30 K/BB ratio over 36 innings.