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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scranton (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 3-2)

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

Randy Ruiz:  1-for-3, HR (17), RBI, RS

Jose Gil:  1-for-3, RS

Addison Maruszak:  1-for-3 - He offers a little bit of defensive flexibility (including SS).

Yoshinori Tateyama:  3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K - Made the emergency start since Brett Marshall is on his way to the Bronx.

Jairo Heredia (S, 1):  4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K - Triple-A debut for the 23-year old RHP.  I believe Heredia is a minor league free agent after 2013.  I would assume the Yankees are interesting in resigning him - unless it is obvious to them that he really isn't close to the prospect he once was.

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Trenton (Swept DH vs. Portland and is now playoff bound.  Scores were 8-0 and 4-2)

Gary Sanchez:  1-for-3, 2B (6), 2 RBI, RS, BB 

Tyler Austin: 1-for-3, 2B (16), RBI, RS - .255/.343/.369 in 314 AB.  First game back since 7/12 (played in a few rehab games for the GCL squad this week)

Mason Williams:  1-for-6, RS - Was pulled early from Game 2.  I am sure we will find out why.

Ramon Flores:  3-for-5, 2B (25), 3B (6), 2 RBI, 4 RS, 2 BB -  Flores has been very strong in August and hopefully will continue that momentum into 2014.  Has raised his OBP over .350.

Jose Pirela:  3-for-7, 2 2B (27), HR (10), 3 RBI, 2 RS

Kyle Roller:  1-for-6, HR (17), 2 RBI, RS

Ben Gamel:  0-for-3 - I was going to say with the return of Austin, Gamel will likely see less time into the playoffs.  Now that depends on what is going on with Williams.

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

Caleb Smith:  3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K - Double-A debut.   Drafted this year, Smith had a 1.89 ERA in 47.2 innings for the GCL squad with a 52/15 K/BB ratio.  Nice start to his career. 22-year old LHP.

Pat Venditte:  1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Danny Burawa (S, 4):  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (2.59 ERA; 66 IP, 47 H, 25 R, 19 ER, 1 HR, 42 BB, 66 K)

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Tampa (Swept in a DH vs. Lakeland, losing 17-0 and 4-2)

Taylor Dugas:  4-for-5, RBI, 2 BB - He will never crack a Top 100 list, or ever be among the best prospects in the Yankees system.  But he continues to perform.    He is hitting .319/.427/.372 in 188 AB for Tampa and .284/.405/.339.  Yep, he has played even better since being promoted.

Cito Culver:  2-for-4, RBI - Didn't play in the Game 1 disaster.    Up to .351 for Tampa (20-for-57)

Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-3 - .283/.406/.405 for Tampa; 293/.411/.414 overall in 464 AB.

Pete O'Brien: 1-for-5, 2B (17), BB, 2 K - One double away from 40 (had 22 for Charleston)

Reymond Nunez:  1-for-6, 2B (1)

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

Edixon Mejia:  0.2 IP, 5 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 3 HR - And here is a late nominee in the "worst pitching line in the organization this year" contest.

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

Angel Rincon:  5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K - 20-year old RHP had a 2.77 ERA in 39 innings for the GCL squad with a 24/11 K/BB ratio.  

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Charleston (Defeated Rome, 7-3.  Italian baseball just isn't what it used to be)

Greg Bird:  1-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB (105) - Seven walks in last three contests.  .290/.425/.517.  Has 83 RBI and 84 runs scored.

Jake Cave:  1-for-5, SB (18) - 11-game hitting streak for the 20-year old CF.  .283/.347/.404.    Hitting an impressive .301/.373/.418 in 256 AB since ASB.

Dante Bichette:  2-for-4, RBI, RS - Has a .713 OPS in the second half of the season after posting a .555 in the first half.

Ericson Leonora:  1-for-4, 2B (13), RBI

Jackson Valera:  1-for-2, RS, 2 BB - 21-year old catcher is 30-for-100 since joining this level.

Daniel Aldrich:  1-for-2, 3 RBI, RS

Luis Niebla (W, 5-6):  6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (4.61 ERA; 80 IP, 98 H, 51 R, 41 ER, 9 HR, 20 BB, 60 K) - Closes his first experience in a full-season level on a high note.    Had a 3.40 ERA in 45 innings after the ASB.

Tyler Webb:  2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR - 40/6 K/BB ratio over 30.1 innings since joining Charleston.  3.86 ERA.

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Staten Island (Defeated Hudson Valley, 6-2, in 12 innings)

Bubba Jones:  3-for-5, 2B (17), RBI, RS - The first baseman has been solid - not Greg Bird solid - but solid nevertheless.  He will likely take Bird's place in Charleston next year at the age of 21.

Eric Jagielo: 1-for-5, RBI, BB - A bit of a mundane night for Jagielo, given how he has been playing lately.

Abiatal Avelino:  0-for-5, BB - Called back up here after the GCL season ended.  12-for-59 at this level.  

Michael O'Neill:  0-for-6, 3 K - Now has 87 Ks in 60 games.

Yeicok Calderon:  1-for-5, 2B (18)

Trent Garrison: 1-for-5, RS - Raise your hand if "Trent Garrison" was your answer to the question "Which 2013 draftee out of Fresno State would receive the most playing time - Aaron Judge or Trent Garrison?"

Derek Toadvine:  2-for-5, RS

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

Andy Beresford:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - 1.80 ERA in 30 innings with a 19/5 K/BB ratio.

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

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

David Adams: 2-for-4, HR (5), RBI, RS - I assume we will see him on Sunday, especially given some of the injuries to the infield.

JR Murphy:  1-for-5, RS - Hit safely in eight of his last nine games.  Million dollar question is whether he will be among the September callups.  It is either him or super veteran Bobby Wilson, I would assume. (I doubt the Yankees go with two catchers in September)

Ronnier Mustelier:  1-for-4, RS, BB - He has been red-hot lately, and has played a little bit of third base.  (tonight he was in LF)

Randy Ruiz:  2-for-5, 2B (15), HR (16), 2 RBI

Adonis Garcia:  2-for-4, BB

Chase Whitley:  6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K (3.06 ERA; 67.2 IP, 61 H, 24 R, 23 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 63 K) - I keep saying that these starts are only being made because the Yankees have a need for starters in Scranton right now.  But he has pitched so well that you have to wonder if they will actually consider keeping him there.  I still think he is a middle reliever with the capability to throw a lot of innings - but who knows?  

Cesar Cabral: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K - The season has been basically a rehab year for him - I don't see him coming up as another lefty option in September.

Dellin Betances:  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (2.68 ERA; 84 IP, 52 H, 25 R, 25 ER, 2 HR, 42 BB, 108 K) - Not much to say.  He will be here in September and should at least jump ahead of Joba on the depth chart - not that it would lead to meaningful innings, but any innings will be beneficial.

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Trenton (Lost to Portland, 8-1.  Trenton maintains a 3-game lead on Portland for the wild-card, but they play them this weekend into Monday, including a DH tomorrow.  So it is a 5-game series.   Trenton needs one win to clinch.  If Portland sweeps all five games, they get the wild-card)

Ramon Flores:  2-for-4, 2B (24), RS - .255/.347/.349.   For all of the disappointment surrounding his season, it should be noted that in 118 August AB, he has a .297/.390/.415 line and in 193 AB since the ASB, his line is .260/.365/.378.

Mason Williams:  1-for-3, BB - 10-for-66.   Hitting .246/.306/.339 in 472 AB overall.

Gary Sanchez:  0-for-4, 2 K - 7-for-40 slide.

Kyle Roller: 0-for-2, 2 BB - .252/.349/.421 in 432 AB.  Has a decent number of walks (53) but has also struck out a lot (140).  Not quite enough walks to be a "three outcomes" type of prospect, but his power is real.

Ben Gamel: 0-for-4, 2 K - 13-for-60.  These AB will come in handy when he comes back here to start 2014.

Jose Pirela:  1-for-4, RBI - .274/.359/.406 in 471 AB between Trenton/Scranton (23 AB in Scranton).    .304/.373/.443 in 158 AB since ASB.

Mikey O'Brien (L, 8-10):  6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR (4.17 ERA; 133.2 IP, 140 H, 71 R, 62 ER, 10 HR, 52 BB, 124 K between Tampa/Trenton) - O'Brien, who will be 24 when 2014 begins, may be in the picture at some point next season as an emergency/depth guy for the big club.

Zach Nuding: 2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR (4.21 ERA; 128.1 IP, 141 H, 75 R, 60 ER, 9 HR, 57 BB, 101 K) - Hasn't had many clunkers since bullpen move.

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Tampa (Split DH with Lakewood, winning 11-7 before losing 8-0)

Pete O'Brien:  5-for-6, 3 2B (16), HR (11), 6 RBI, RS - Up to 96 RBI on the season, and has at least a shot at hitting the century mark.  Has 38 doubles, four triples, and 22 home runs overall between Charleston/Tampa. 

Cito Culver:  4-for-7, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 4 RS - Hitting .340 (18-for-53) since joining team.

Robert Refsnyder:  3-for-7, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 RS - 13-for-32 with six walks in last ten games.    He has been fantastic to close the season.

Taylor Dugas:  4-for-8, 3 RS, BB - Up to .306 in 183 AB for Tampa.

Reymond Nunez:  0-for-7 - High-A debut after hitting .260/.313/.443 in 366 AB for Charleston.  He has power in his bat, but it has never really shown itself until the 15 HR he hit this year.  At the same level last year, he only hit five home runs in 378 AB.

Mikeson Oliberto:  1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, CS (3)

Preston Claiborne:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K - Tune-up for his recall to the majors.  Only shipped down to this level because their season ends earlier than Scranton's, allowing the Yankees to circumvent the "10-day" rule.

Brady Lail (W, 1-0):  4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K - 18th rounder in 2012 out of high school.  In 12 games (11 starts) for the GCL squad this year, he went 4-1 with a 2.33 ERA and impressive 51/5 K/BB ratio over 54 innings.    I assume he will begin 2014 in Charleston as a 20-year old.  

Dallas Martinez (L, 0-1):  3 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR - Give him a break, he is only 18 years old.    With the GCL season over, a few players may get a few games in the full-season leagues to get in their final work.  

Eric Roth: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K - 5.1 scoreless innings in Tampa after striking out 40 (with four walks) in 24 innings for the GCL squad.  Non-drafted FA out of Winthrop.

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Charleston (Lost to Rome, 8-4)

Greg Bird:  1-for-2, RS, 3 BB (103) - .290/.427/.517 in 449 AB.  Ridiculous season.  We'll see if he can keep up the momentum in Tampa next year.

Dante Bichette:  1-for-5, HR (11), 2 RBI, RS - Ridiculous season in the other direction.  Hard to completely write him off, but it is very likely he will given a third shot at this level to begin 2014.

Jake Cave: 1-for-5, K - 10-game hitting streak.  He has done everything he needs to do to advance.

Ericson Leonora: 2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS - As long as he is hitting well (.313 in 131 AB), he will be in these reports.

Daniel Aldrich:  1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI

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

Kelvin Castro: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

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Staten Island (Crushed Brooklyn, 9-3)

Eric Jagielo:  2-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB - His XBH power has been very impressive, especially lately.   We'll see what he can do in Charleston.

Yeicok Calderon:  2-for-4, 2B (17), HR (9), 4 RBI, 2 RS - The 21-year old flopped in Charleston earlier this year, but has left-handed power - which will likely give him a long leash to tap into it.

Bubba Jones:  2-for-4

Tyler Wade:  0-for-3, BB - 0-for-9 in three games since promotion with two walks.  

Kale Sumner:  1-for-4, RBI

Mike Ford:  3-for-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI, 2 RS - Hitting .253 in 99 AB.  Signed as a non-drafted FA out of Princeton.

Brandon Thomas:  1-for-5, RS

David Palladino:  5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K (4.68 ERA; 50 IP, 55 H, 30 R, 26 ER, 24 BB, 48 K) - 5th round pick out of Howard Junior College is a bit of a project, but the upside is quite high.

Nick Rumbelow:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K - Has a 2.53 ERA in 21.1 innings with 19/5 K/BB ratio.

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

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

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

Oh, and for those who think the Yankees are cheap when it comes to Cuban prospects, Omar Luis, a 19-year old Cuban LHP, has started 11 games in the GCL, compiling a 5.68 ERA with a 43/29 K/BB ratio over 31.2 innings.    Luis signed for $4M in June, 2012.  He throws in the low-90s   He also has a curve, change, slider, and cutter in his arsenal.

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Scranton:  (9-3 lead in the Top of the 9th as I type this - if they blow it, they blow it.  Chris Bootcheck started, so who cares?)

JR Murphy:  1-for-3, HR (6), RBI, RS, BB, HBP - Home runs in back to back games.  All year, I have been justifying why Murphy may wear down and end the season with a thud - I guess I could have saved myself plenty of typing.

Ronnier Mustelier:  1-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, RS, BB - If they can find a spot for him on the 40-man, it may be worthwhile to bring him up.   He has been smoking the ball lately.

Neil Medchill:  1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB - First career Triple-A home run.

David Adams:  0-for-4, RBI, BB

Jose Gil:  1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB

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Trenton (Lost to New Britain, 4-1, in another marathon (13 innings).  Carmen Angelini struck out with the bases loaded to end the game)

Gary Sanchez:  2-for-5, BB, HBP - Hitting .259 (21-for-81) with 12 walks.

Ben Gamel:  2-for-6 - Hitting .232 (13-for-56) since promotion.

Ramon Flores:  2-for-6, BB, K - Has 74 walks in 132 games.  

Jose Pirela:  2-for-7, 2B (25), RBI - He has been solid since June 1st.  (.309)

Kyle Roller:  1-for-3, BB - Carmen Angelini pinch-ran for him, then struck out with the bases loaded to end the game.  I bet they wished Roller was still in the lineup at that point (assuming he wasn't injured)

Bryan Mitchell:  7.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 K - This is the type of ability Mitchell has.   In three starts for Trenton, he has yet to allow more than two runs in any of them (18.2 IP, 14 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 16 K)

Francisco Rondon:  2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K - The Trenton relievers are a thrill ride - Kahnle/Burawa/Rondon all feature overpowering type of stuff, but also walk the tightrope with the higher walk totals (4.03 ERA; 73.2 IP, 56 H, 44 R, 33 ER, 6 HR, 49 BB, 79 K) 

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Tampa (Lost to Lakeland, 6-3)

Taylor Dugas:  2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS - Home run for Taylor Dugas?    That is not a common occurrence, as he now has three in 580 career minor league at-bats (only 24 doubles and one triple).  Simply put, not his game and won't likely ever be.  Hitting .297/.407/.354 in 175 AB since joining Tampa.   He is going to live or die on his OBP and it is going to be fascinating to see if his game translates in the upper minors.

Cito Culver: 1-for-4, RBI - Holding his own in Tampa (.304 in 46 AB).  Hitting .239/.316/.346 overall.

Pete O'Brien:  1-for-4, 2B (13), RS - .283/.344/.529 in 431 AB for Charleston/Tampa with 35 doubles, four triples, 21 home runs, and 90 RBI.   Can he survive Double-A?

Robert Refsnyder:  0-for-3 - .283/.408/.400 for Tampa; .293/.413/.410 overall in 454 AB.   Once again, a few intriguing prospects are going to try to crash through Double-A next year.  It is a little bit different this time as O'Brien and Refsynder are college players trying to break through; this year, Trenton had kids drafted out of high school or signed internationally.    

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

Zach Varce:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

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Staten Island (Lost to Brookyln, 2-1)

Eric Jagielo: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K - 0-for-8 in last three games, but has walked four times.

Tyler Wade:  0-for-3, BB - Still looking for that first Staten Island hit (only been two games)

Michael O'Neill: 0-for-2, BB

Brandon Thomas: 0-for-4, 2 K

Mike Ford:  1-for-3, RBI, BB

Kale Sumner:  1-for-4

Trent Garrison: 1-for-4

Giovanny Gallegos (L, 2-7):  3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 1 K - Started his year on fire, but has regressed. (4.30 ERA; 60.2 IP, 65 H, 30 R, 29 ER, 7 HR, 14 BB, 38 K)

Cole Coshow:  3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K (3.89 ERA; 39.1 IP, 36 H, 27 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 35 K)

Stefan Lopez:  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (1.09 ERA; 33 IP, 23 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 40 K) - 22-year old pitched in 15 games here last year.

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

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

JR Murphy:  3-for-6, 2 2B (19), HR (5), RBI, 4 RS - Every time I think he has run into a brick wall, he starts showing life again.  Has hit safely in 6 of his last 7 games, and has 29 doubles and 11 home runs between Trenton/Scranton.

Ronnier Mustelier:  3-for-6, 2 2B (21), RS - 18-for-41 in last 10 games.

David Adams:  1-for-5, BB

Adonis Garcia:  2-for-5, 2 RBI

Jose Gil:  2-for-5 - Backup catcher.  DHed tonight.

Addison Maruszak:  1-for-5

Caleb Cotham:  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K (4.66 ERA; 94.2 IP, 107 H, 55 R, 49 ER, 11 HR, 33 BB, 60 K) - His ability to generate a lot of ground balls is nice, but he doesn't strike anybody out.   Could be an innings-eating middle reliever, perhaps.

Yoshinori Tateyama:  3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - Has a 1.83 ERA with 40/3 K/BB ratio in 39.1 innings since being acquired from Texas.

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Trenton:  (Defeated New Britain, 9-8, in a thriller.   New Britain took a 7-5 lead in the Top of the 11th, only to have Trenton tie it at 7.  In the 12th, New Britain scored again to make it 8-7, only to have Trenton score two runs in the bottom of the inning to win it.   The rally in the bottom of the 11th started with two outs and nobody on)

Ramon Flores:  3-for-6, 3B (5), 2 RBI, 2 RS

Gary Sanchez:  2-for-6, RBI, RS - Hitting .250 (19-for-78)

Ben Gamel: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB - I am very intrigued to see what he does at this level next year.  Gamel has done nothing but hit since entering the organization and is only 21 years old.

Kyle Roller:  2-for-5, HR (16), 3 RBI, RS 

Mason Williams: 0-for-6, RS, K - Eek.  Williams is only hitting .143 since his promotion.  At least he is getting his feet wet.

Jose Pirela: 1-for-5, 2 RS, BB

Scottie Allen: 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K - Season has been solid, but he doesn't generate ground balls or many strikeouts.  Probably not a good combination for a RHP in this organization.

Pat Venditte:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - Has a 3.60 ERA in 10 innings for Trenton with a 12/2 K/BB ratio.

Danny Burawa:  1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K (2.67 ERA; 64 IP, 46 H, 25 R, 19 ER, 1 HR, 41 BB, 64 K)

Tommy Kahnle:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K (2.58 ERA; 59.1 IP, 37 H, 18 R, 17 ER, 4 HR, 42 BB, 73 K)

Charley Short (W, 2-0):  2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K - Interested to see what this former Independent league pitcher does in the upper minors.

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Tampa (Swept a DH vs. Clearwater, both by the score of 2-0)

Pete O'Brien: 1-for-7, HR (10), 2 RBI, RS - Walk-off HR in the bottom of the 9th of Game 2.   Now has 21 home runs and 90 runs batted in between Charleston/Tampa this season.

Cito Culver: 2-for-6, 2B (3), BB, CS (1) - Hitting .310 (13-for-42) since joining level.

Robert Refsnyder: 1-for-6, RS, BB - He will graduate to Double-A to start 2014.

Cody Grice: 3-for-6, 2 RS

Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, CS (6)

Dan Fiorito: 1-for-6, SB (6)

Rony Bautista (W, 1-0):  5 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K - High-A debut for the 6'7" LHP.  Bautista is 21 years old and hasn't pitched above the GCL level until this start.   Bautista is one of the biggest (literally) wild cards in the entire system.  Big left-hander with a good power fastball and developing breaking stuff.    Command hasn't always been his strong suit.   Had a 48/22 K/BB ratio in 35.2 innings in the GCL this year.

Taylor Garrison (S, 8):  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (1.60 ERA; 56.1 IP, 30 H, 15 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 51 K) - The right-hander gets little fanfare, but all he has done in his brief minor league career is pitch effectively.  Should get to Trenton in 2014.

Branden Pinder:  4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K - Has a 3.49 ERA with a 50/11 K/BB ratio over 49 innings for Tampa.  Problem is that he was destroyed in Trenton earlier this year.  

Edixon Mejia:  1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K - Hard to get too excited over a 23-year old with 5.1 innings above the GCL level, but you never know with pitchers.

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Charleston (Lost to Greenville, 2-1)

Greg Bird:  0-for-3, 2 BB (100) - Magic number has been reached.  

Jake Cave:  1-for-4, 3B (6), RS, BB - Has 37 doubles and 6 triples. We'll see if these extra-base hits turn into home runs as he continues his development.

Dante Bichette:  0-for-5, 2 K - Just another typical day at the office.

Reymond Nunez:  1-for-5, 2B (18)

Jose Rosario: 1-for-4, RBI

Rookie Davis: 5 IP, 8 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K - Impressive Charleston debut for the 20-year old right-hander.   Davis was 2-4 in 11 starts for Staten Island with a 2.36 ERA and 39/13 K/BB ratio over 42 innings.  

Derek Varnadore:  5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K - Has a 4.04 ERA in 55.2 innings with a 43/19 K/BB ratio.

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Staten Island (Defeated Vermont, 3-2)

Tyler Wade:  0-for-3 - Promoted from the GCL, where he hit .309/.429/.370 in 162 AB with 11 steals in 12 tries.  18-year old left-handed hitting shortstop.

Yeicok Caldeon: 1-for-4, 2B (16), 2 RBI

Bubba Jones:  1-for-3, 2B (16)

Eric Jagielo: 0-for-3, BB - .267/.380/.460 in 161 AB.  

Michael O'Neill: 1-for-4, CS (7) - .232/.294/.309.  He does have 16 doubles in 58 games, but hard to really find much good here.

Conner Kendrick:  4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (4.24 ERA; 40.1 IP, 37 H, 21 R, 19 ER, 3 HR, 18 BB, 24 K)

Andy Beresford (W, 3-2):  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - 1.93 ERA in 18 games (28 innings) with a 17/5 K/BB ratio.

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

Scranton (Defeated Pawtucket, 2-1)

JR Murphy:  2-for-3, BB - He's been slumping recently, so this effort is nice to see.  16-for-78 in August.

David Adams:  1-for-4, RS - Not an impossible scenario that he will be summoned to Toronto after tonight's game, as Cano figures to at least miss a game or two.    The question would become who to send down, of course.

Ronnier Mustelier:  0-for-4, RBI - Even with his 0-for-8 the last two nights, he is 17-for-39 in his last 10 games.

Neil Medchill: 2-for-4, RBI

Adonis Garcia:  2-for-4

Graham Stoneburner (W, 4-5):  6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HR (4.65 ERA; 62 IP, 64 H, 36 R, 32 ER, 8 HR, 19 BB, 30 K)

Dellin Betances (S, 5):  3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K (2.73 ERA; 82.1 IP, 51 H, 25 R, 25 ER, 2 HR, 42 BB, 104 K) - There has to be an explanation as to why they decided not to put him in a situation where he would be used in back-to-back games.   The numbers do speak for themselves -he has been outstanding this season after moving to the pen.

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Trenton (Defeated New Britain, 5-1.  I don't think they will do it, but the Yankees should think about bringing Greg Bird here for the playoff run to get a few at-bats vs. upper level pitching.  I don't think it would hurt his development.)

Gary Sanchez:  1-for-3, RS, BB - Continues to draw his walks (12 in 19 games)

Ramon Flores:  0-for-4

Mason Williams:  0-for-4 - 9-for-57.  We will see if this experience allows him to adjust quicker to Double-A in 2014.

Jose Pirela:  2-for-3, 2B (24), RS, BB - 14-for-37 streak and 30-for-92 in August.

Carmen Angelini: 3-for-4, 2 2B (13), 2 RBI, 2 RS - .228/.298/.348 in 224 AB.    Hit safely in 8 of his last 9 games.

Kyle Roller:  0-for-4

Yeral Sanchez:  1-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS

Ben Gamel:  0-for-4

Nik Turley (W, 10-8):  7.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 7 K (3.79 ERA; 140 IP, 113 H, 68 R, 59 ER, 11 HR, 73 BB, 136 K) - Yankees have done a textbook job on stretching him out through his minor league career.  If he can reign in those walks (he has never been a control specialist, but he typically is better than this), he can be ready to make a few starts next year for the big club.

Zach Nuding (S, 1):  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K (3.99 ERA; 126 IP, 137 H, 71 R, 56 ER, 8 HR, 55 BB, 100 K) - I still wonder if this is a permanent shift to the bullpen.

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Tampa (Lost to Clearwater, 3-2)

Robert Refsnyder:  1-for-4, RBI - Hit totals his last 6 games:  3,1,3,1,3,1.   27-for-73 in August.

Cito Culver:  1-for-3, RS, BB - 11-for-36 since joining the level.  

Taylor Dugas:  1-for-3, RS, BB - 14-for-34 in last 10 games with eight walks and one (!) strikeout.  Has reached base safely in 11 straight games.

Pete O'Brien:  0-for-3, BB - .252/.307/.451 in 226 AB for Tampa.

Joel De La Cruz: 4.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

Eric Ruth:  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K - Tampa debut for 22-year old RHP.  Pitched to a 0.75 ERA in 24 innings for the GCL squad with a 40/4 K/BB ratio.   He signed with the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent out of Winthrop.

Zach Woods:  1 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 0 K - Eek.

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

Charleston (Defeated Greenville, 8-1)

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

Reymond Nunez:  2-for-5, 2 HR (15), 4 RBI, 2 RS - Guess he likes that wall as well.

Dante Bichette: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB

Ericson Leonora:  1-for-4, 2B (12), RS

Danny Oh:  3-for-5, RS

Eric Wooten (W, 2-2):  6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K - Greenville is not very good, but it appears it would be a tough place for a left-handed pitcher to pitch.  Nice job by the 23-year old.

Ty Webb:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K - Has a 3.18 ERA in 28.1 innings with a 38/6 K/BB ratio for Charleston.  Should shoot right through Tampa in 2014.  6'6", 225 pound left-hander.

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Staten Island (Defeated Vermont, 4-3)

Michael O'Neill:  1-for-5, 2B (16), RBI

Eric Jagielo: 0-for-2, 2 BB - Starting to get some respect:  One of the walks was intentional.  

Brandon Thomas:  2-for-3, 2B (7), 2 RS, BB - .218/.329/.352 with 78 Ks in 59 games.  If he can maintain the walk rate, and increase that contact rate, he may actually become something.

Bubba Jones:  1-for-3, RBI, BB

Daniel Lopez:  1-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 BB, 2 SB (5) - .214/.347/.301.  21-year old OF has always shown a decent eye.

Andrew Benak (W, 3-3):  5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K (5.73 ERA; 37.2 IP, 43 H, 25 R, 24 ER, 7 HR, 6 BB, 42 K) - 23-year old out of Rice is repeating level.

Nick Rumbelow (S, 6):  1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K - He has allowed seven unearned runs in 20.1 innings.  I guess his defense doesn't like him.

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

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

JR Murphy:  0-for-4 - .258/.329/.394. Has likely worn down a bit.   Only 14-for-75 in August.

Ronnier Mustelier:  0-for-4 - 13-game hitting streak snapped.

Addison Maruszak:  1-for-3

Corey Patterson:  2-for-4, HR (5), RBI, RS - With the Melky Mesa injury, it is possible Patterson will come up in September as a speed option off the bench.

Brett Marshall: 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K (5.13 ERA; 138.2 IP, 144 H, 88 R, 79 ER, 17 HR, 68 BB, 120 K) - Has pitched much better since the ASB.  We may see him in September to go along for the ride.

Cesar Cabral:  1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K - Pitched scoreless 8th; couldn't hold the lead in the 9th.  

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Trenton (Lost to New Britain, 5-3)

Mason Williams (CF): 1-for-4, 3 K - 9-for-53 with 15 strikeouts and no walks since promotion.

Ramon Flores (OF):  1-for-3, RS, BB

Kyle Roller (1B/DH):  1-for-2, RBI, RS, BB

Jose Pirela (2B):  0-for-3, RS, BB

Carmen Angelini (SS): 1-for-4, 2B (11), 2 RBI

Ben Gamel (OF):  0-for-4, 2 K - 9-for-42

Shane Greene (L, 11-10):  5.1 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K (3.48 ERA; 72.1 IP, 89 H, 35 R, 28 ER, 6 HR, 18 BB, 63 K since joining Trenton) - 24-year old RHP should make his presence known in Scranton next year.  147.1 innings this year.

Manny Barreda:  2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Francisco Rondon:  1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

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

Tampa (Defeated Clearwater, 8-5)

Robert Refsnyder (2B):  3-for-4, 2 2B (28), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, SB (16) - Now 26-for-69 in August with six doubles, 18 (!!) walks, and 9 strikeouts.  Average up to .287 overall.

Pete O'Brien (C/3B):  1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB - Has actually drawn 7 walks in his last 10 games.  Has driven in 88 runs.

Cito Culver (SS):  1-for-4, 2 RS, BB - Hitting .303 (10-for-33) since joining Tampa.

Taylor Dugas (CF):  2-for-3, 2 RS, BB, HBP - Up to .291 with 28 walks and 14 strikeouts in 47 games for Tampa.   Smallish OF will get a chance to prove his worth in Trenton next year.

Saxon Butler (1B):  2-for-5, 2B (13), 2 RBI

Jairo Heredia:  5 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, HR (3.22 ERA; 36.1 IP, 33 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 5 HR, 14 BB, 34 K) - Most important thing for Heredia is to get out of this season healthy and try to build something in 2014. 

Zach Varce:  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K - First appearance in 2013 after undergoing Tommy John surgery after throwing in only 8 games in 2012.  24-year old RHP out of U. of Portland.

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

Charleston (Defeated Greenville, 9-6)

Jose Rosario (SS):  3-for-4, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 RS - Only hitting .181 (17-for-94) at this level.  

Greg Bird (1B):  1-for-5, 2B (36), RS - Bird turned Greenville into his personal playground earlier this year.  The ballpark features a "green monster" in left field, and Bird was consistently hitting balls over it.  

Jake Cave (CF):  1-for-5, 2B (37), RS, 4 K - Hitting .285 on the season in 442 AB.  Has struck out 107 times.

Dante Bichette (3B):  1-for-4, HR (10), 2 RBI, RS - First double-digit HR season of his career, so he has that going for him.

Ericson Leonora (OF):  2-for-3, RS, BB - Hitting .319 in 119 AB.

Jackson Valera: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RS - Hitting .322 in 90 AB.  

Daniel Aldrich:  2-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (3)

Dan Camarena:  4.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 7 K (4.42 ERA; 112 IP, 109 H, 67 R, 55 ER, 19 BB, 83 K) - Not bad for a pitcher who had 17.2 innings of professional experience before 2013.   Won't turn 21 until November.

Kelvin Castro:  2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K - Has struck out 42 in 31 innings this season.

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Staten Island (Destroyed Vermont, 9-0)

Eric Jagielo (3B):  2-for-5, 2B (14), HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 RS - The minor league system has taken its share of hits this year - but Jagielo's debut has been encouraging.     He has 22 hits in August, 16 of which have gone for extra bases.  

Trent Garrison (C):  2-for-4, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 RS - 23-year old left-handed hitting catcher out of Fresno State.   His main attribute is his strong arm behind the plate.  Not a tremendous amount of upside, but probably has a ceiling as a backup catcher.  Interesting note:  Twin brother Taylor Garrison is also in the system (Right-handed reliever in High-A Tampa)

Abiatal Avelino (SS):  1-for-4, RS - 12-for-54 since joining level (.222)

Kale Sumner (Util):  1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB - .245/.359/.318.   Sumner can play many positions, and could move behind the plate.  Has played mostly third base (when Jagielo hasn't) and designated hitter, but also has played first base and three games in the outfield.

Derek Toadvine (2B):  1-for-4, SB (7) 

Yeicok Calderon (OF):  0-for-4, RBI, RS

Bubba Jones (1B):  1-for-4

Michael O'Neill (OF):  1-for-4, 2 RS, BB - .232/.295/.309 in 220 AB

Caleb Smith:  4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K (1.89 ERA; 47.2 IP, 33 H, 15 R, 10 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 52 K) - 22-year old LHP with a nice professional debut.

Philip Walby:  3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K (2.91 ERA; 34 IP, 22 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 28 BB, 36 K) - Quick:  What does Walby need to work on?  21-year old RHP drafted in the 12th round out of San Diego State.