Do you come here often? Can I buy you a drink? No?!? Why not? Oh, you’re here for the minor league notes of the day, huh? Yeah, I get it, we’re the often imitated, never duplicated kings of the independent circuit. Pay attention to who ignores us. They’re scared boys and girls, they don’t want it with Hov, no! Come on, don’t take me so seriously, I’m from the Northeast, I like to talk my junk baby! - Geoff
Geoff - Triple-A and Double-A
Rhys - High-A
Matt - Low-A
Ryan Jeffers, C MIN (Triple-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB
It’s not often a players name sounds like a bad insult to someone named Jeff. I can hear you now “Okay Jeffers!” Anyway, you know Jeffers, he was up last year with the Twins, and is a legit bat first backstop. He also loves peanut butter.
Griffin Jax, RHP MIN (Triple-A) 5 IP, 5 H, ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Griffin Jax is a stylin, profilin, limousine ridin, jet flyin, kiss-stealin, wheelin, and dealin son of a gun. Former Air Force… man? What do we call the Air Force? Jax mixes a sinker in the low-90s, with an average slider and changeup. It’s a backend starter ceiling.
Max Moroff, 2B STL (Triple-A) 1-for-2, HR, 2 R, 3 BB
Is this a late career breakout? Moroff has always been a strong offensive performer in the minors (for the most part), but he struggled terribly at the major league level. We’re always looking for the next Muncy, I highly doubt this is that, but maybe he hits MLB pitching in his next callup.
Matt Liberatore, LHP STL (Triple-A) 6 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, BB, 4 K
A rough turn this week for Liberatore, he gave up four in the third, and struggled to miss barrels all day after a good Triple-A debut. But this game also started with a Dee Strange-Gordon leadoff homer...huh? I feel like I’d rather give up 5 homers to a power hitter than one to Dee, but maybe that’s just me.
Tony Santillan, RHP CIN (Triple-A) 4 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 6 K
A backend starter ceiling with a spot-starter floor, Santillian, the fastball has had moments of mid-90s velocity but it comes and goes, and the righthander mostly sits in the low-90s with an above-average slider.
Tucker Davidson, LHP ATL (Triple-A) 7 IP, 4 H, BB, 8 K
But did he throw 100 mph in his underwear? Davidson Is a Driveline trained power lefty that should see some starts in Atlanta’s rotation this season. He was up last season, and was mostly sitting 91-94 mph with a hard slider in the mid to upper 80s, and a slower breaking curveball. He’s more of a groundball driver than a bat misser however.
Blake Rutherford, OF CWS (Triple-A) 2-for-4, RBI, BB
Back from the dead, Everlast coming back from the dead! There’s a real shot Rutherford gets some time with the White Sox over the next couple of months. He can hit a little but for how much impact is debatable.
Logan Warmoth, CF TOR (Triple-A) 3-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, BB
I had written off Warmoth as a non-prospect in 2019. He didn’t hit anything over 60+ games in New Hampshire, but he’s been very good in the early part of 2021. He’s been moved to the outfield permanently, and might have some upside as a fourth outfielder. Maybe there’s a second division regular in there still but I need more than a few weeks to buy that.
Alek Manoah, RHP TOR (Triple-A) 6 IP, H, 2 BB, 5 K
Another dominant performance from Manoah. This is my favorite breakout of 2021, though I’m not sure it’s a breakout as much as growth. There were relief questions that plagued Manoah’s profile leading up to and following the draft, but he’s really tightened his fastball and slider command and continues to show feel for his changeup. Big size, big personality, and big stuff.
Bailey Falter, LHP PHI (Triple-A) 5 IP, 3 H, BB, 7 K
A tall lefthander with a four pitch mix, he mostly relies on his low-90s fastball and mid-80s cutter. He’ll mix in a changeup and curveball as well. We’ve already seen Falter at the major league level in 2021 and he should continue to be a spot start option throughout the season.
Bobby Bradley, 1B CLE (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
A big night for Bradley last night as he also saved 28% on his insurance by switching to Geico. There’s power and not much else in the profile. He’s been a prodigious power hitter throughout his career but has never made enough contact for it to matter.
Jean Carlos Mejía, RHP CLE (Triple-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, 6 K
A big bodied control righty that mixes a low to mid 90s fastball, with an average slider and changeup, command over stuff arm thats had some injury woes throughout the years. Any Cleveland pitching prospect with above-average command is on my watch list.
Will Craig, 1B PIT (Triple-A) 3-for-3, HR, 2 R, BB
Member when Will Craig was a first round pick? He went before Shane Bieber, Zac Gallen, Jesus Luzardo, Dustin May, Aaron Civale, Dane Dunning, Will Smith, Dylan Carlson, Nolan Jones, Sheldon Neuse, Brandon Marsh, Nick Solak, Pete Alonso, and Bo Bichette. Yikes… Still a great game and Craig can hit for power, I’m just not sure he’s anything more than a platoon corner infielder.
Luken Baker, 1B STL (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR
Local president of your #MassiveHuman club. Baker is huge and swings a violent stick, that’s looking to elevate and celebrate.
Michael Grove, RHP LAD (Double-A) 2.2 IP, 5 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 2 HR Allowed
Second start in a row where Grove has been the equivalent of explosive diarrhea in a gas station bathroom. It’s a mess you can’t believe you made, but you move on from it as quickly as possible. In this scenario his teammates are the unassuming gas station attendant that needs to put on a Hazmat suit to clean up your mess.
Bobby Witt Jr., SS (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2 R
We have blast off ladies and gentlemen. I’m a conflicted young man (I’m not young) with Witt. On one hand I’d love to see Witt up with the big club this season, but I don’t want to see it before mid-August so I can win all my Bobby Witt Jr bets with Matt Thompson and Twitter cloud yeller Chuck Johnson. Don’t bet with me, I don’t lose.
Brewer Hicklen, OF KC (Double-A) 2-for-2, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, SB
A former seventh rounder out of the University of Alabama Birmingham with a power and speed mix. He participated in the 2019 Arizona Fall League and likely can fit in as a reserve outfielder at peak. There’s enough of an offensive skill set to squint and see a second division regular.
Jonathan Bowlan, RHP KC (Double-A) 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 6 K
Another interesting arm in the Royals system (they have a bunch right now), Bowlan mixes two fastballs that sit low to mid-90s, but he can reach back for 97 mph when needed. His go to secondary is a cutter hybrid that does a good job of working in on the hands of lefties.
Clay Dungan, 2B KC (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
He sounds like a Confederate Civil War general, but he’s actually a 2019 9th rounder out of Indiana State. It’s impressive that he’s in double-A with just 293 plate appearances at the rookie league level. Off my radar but a name to keep in mind in 2021.
Ryan Weiss, RHP ARI (Double-A) 6 IP, BB, 7 K
Big vertical slot guy with a deep repertoire of pitches. He’s a “move guy”, meaning he moves the ball all over the zone, changing speeds and eye levels. It’s a depth starter, up and down profile. Thus far he’s performed well in his brief MiLB time.
Tristen Lutz, OF MIL (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 R
The 2017 CBA pick has always had the look of a power hitting corner outfielder and he’s still that. It’s going to come with some swing and miss, but he hits for power and has better supporting skills than you think, including a cannon arm from the outfield.
Trey Harris, OF ATL (Double-A) 3-for-5, R, 2 SB
There’s another Harris in the Atlanta system isn’t there? I believe I’ve heard about him. As for Trey, he’s a 32nd Round senior sign that’s already exceeded the expectations of players with that designation. He’s got good feel to hit and on base skills which has allowed him to slash .318/.395/.474 over 750+ minor league plate appearances.
Tommy Romero, RHP TB (Double-A) 4 IP, 2 H, 8 K
Hey everybody it’s Tommy Romero! Has anyone ever sounded more like a used car dealership owner/personal injury attorney in the history of baseball? He possesses a perfect four-seam spin axis giving him a ton of vertical ride on his heater. He’s exactly the type of arm the Rays tend to target due to unique analytical characteristics. He had a slight velocity jump over the last year getting into the low to mid-90s.
Romy Gonzalez, SS CWS (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR
A former University of Miami star, Romy was an 18th rounder back in 2018 and has been En Fuego so far in 2021. He has three homers on the year and is named Romy. What else do you need? Not a #Dude, just a hot streak.
Kade McClure, RHP CWS (Double-A) 5 IP, ER, 4 K
A #MassiveHuman at 6-foot-7, 230 lbs. McClure had a big velocity jump over the last few years and he shows advanced control of his secondaries across the board. A backend starting option with less fanfare than he should have. It wouldn’t shock me to see McClure earn some innings with the big club this season.
J.J. Bleday, OF MIA (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 R, BB
Thank god someone woke this guy up huh? For a good as the rest of the Marlins farm system has been in the early going is as bad as Bleday has been.
Jerar Encarnacion, OF MIA (Double-A) 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, BB
Is Jerar the best hitting prospect in the Miami system? Kidding, but Jerar has been mashing early on. He’s always been able to hit, but his defensive role has had some questions. If he can play a competent corner he’s likely to see some late season run with Miami, but looks like a potential factor come 2022.
Jake Eder, LHP MIA (Double-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 7 K
At this point Eder needs to be moving up your prospect lists with a bullet. The former Vanderbilt lefty has dominated Double-A so far. He’s tossed 10 scoreless frames with 19 strikeouts to 5 walks.
Levi Jordan, 3B CHC (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, BB
Straight out of Puyallup Washington, Jordan was a late round senior sign back in 2018. Hes never hit until 2021, so it’s something to keep an eye on but K wouldn’t buy my Levi Jordan Cubs shirsey yet. Unless your his mom, then he should buy you one. Those are the facts.
Logan Davidson, SS OAK (Double-A) 2-for-3, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
I have a long history of Logan Davidson takes, and he’s improved at each stop throughout his career. The lost player I saw down the Cape in 2018 is long gone. He’s been pretty bad up until last night but that’s likely to change.
Triston Casas, 1B BOS (Double-A) 4-for-6, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R
I’ve been waiting for this to happen all week but Casas finally went nuclear, dumping two homers into outer space and driving in six. He’s a Freddie Freeman prototype in my eyes and should be the Red Sox everyday first baseman as early as Late-July, though it’s likely we don’t see him until early 2022.
Oneil Cruz, SS PIT (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
Homered, walked twice, and played shortstop. All good signs from this #MassiveHuman. Here’s the new market inefficiency, a team of humongous players.
Mason Martin, 1B PIT (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 R, RBI, BB
There’s an element of Martin that reminds me of an unathletic, left handed hitting Tyler O’Neill, which is not like Tyler O’Neill at all. That said, Martin is jacked and looks to elevate. There’s some three true outcome elements but Martin can mash. I like power, shoot me! Oops that’s right, this is America in 2021, please don’t shoot.
Cal Mitchell, OF PIT (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 3 RBI
I like Cal Mitchell, I’ve always liked Cal Mitchell, I still like Cal Mitchell. It’s a limited profile but he can swing it and the power plays.
Kyle Bradish, RHP BAL (Double-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 9 K
We were told by our Orioles contact inside the organization to watch out for Bradish in 2021 and it’s not incorrect. The data is strong so I’m sort of into this profile. Might be another talent from the soon to be prolific Baltimore Orioles development machine.
Gabriel Moreno, C TOR (Double-A) 3-for-3
I heard someone say Moreno was on his way to Adley level yesterday and frankly, Adley needs to get to Gabe’s level! He’s been really on fire in the early going and he’s likely one of the more underrated catching prospects in baseball. I have a feeling that’s not going to be the case by early July.
Elvis Luciano, RHP TOR (Double-A) 5 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 5 K
A 2018 Rule five pick, it’s easy to forget that Luciano is just 21 years old still. He was a unique situation where a team took a shot on a young talented and unprotected player, held him on the MLB roster and then sent him back to the minors. Mixes a low to mid-90s fastball with a slider and a changeup.
Riley Greene, OF DET (Double-A) 3-for-4, 2 R, SB
The Tigers cannot ruin Riley Greene he’s just too strong!
Elvin Rodriguez, RHP DET (Double-A) 5 IP, 8 K
When you allow zero hits you make the sheeeet those are the rules boys. It’s a backend profile with mediocre stuff.
Jonathan Bermudez, LHP HOU (Double-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 10 K
Things Bermudez sounds like, a dirty pair of underwear, a Hungarian word for jock itch, and another out of nowhere Astros arm missing bats in bunches. He didn’t make an Astros off-season list anywhere but he’s pitching as well as anyone at any level of baseball. His ERA is 2.70 and that’s with a ton of bad luck (.389 BABIP and 62.5% left on base rate) his FIP is 0.10. I was at the Worcester vs Syracuse game last night and will have to go back and watch Bermudez to see what he’s working with. Watch list him.
Tyler Phillips, RHP TEX (Double-A) 5 IP, 2 H, ER, 7 K
In the off-season Tyler and former Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson have an acapella group called Wilson Phillips and they rock the local wedding circuit. During the season Phillips is a command maven, with an average fastball+curveball combo, and a changeup that will flash plus. A strike thrower with a deep arsenal of average or better pitches. Sounds like a starter to me!
Cole Ragans, RHP TEX (High-A) 4 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
A former first round pick all the way back in 2016, Ragans has been a slow burn to this point in his career. I still don’t know what to think of Ragans, is this something to expect, what did he do during the pandemic to better his craft, why have I eaten chicken nuggets for a snack the past few evenings, these are just some of the questions I have.
Cade Cavalli, RHP WAS (High-A) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
The former Sooner has settled in well, so far, to proball. After a stellar first outing he continues that with a quality 5 innings with 8 punchouts allowing one hit and not giving up a run. He is the second part of a rather large two-headed monster that Washington is assembling in their rather depleted minors.
Oswald Peraza, SS NYY (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 SB, 1 R, 1 RBI
Where’s Oswald? He’s hitting homers, stealing bases and probably looking super cool doing it. Here’s hoping he is taking care of Weenie.
Kyle Brnovich, RHP BAL (High-A) 5.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Part of the grab bag of pitching prospects the Orioles got from the Angels for Ted Bundy, I mean Dylan. I have stared at his last name trying to figure out even how to approach it, and I assume some of the batters have had that experience with him leading to 5 K’s.
Korey Lee, C HOU (High-A) 3-for-5, 1 HR, 1 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI
The former Cal Bear was a triple away from the cycle this past evening and plated two runs and scored three himself for good measure. Proving that everyone with the last name Lee isn’t a loser like Robert E. Lee, I am glad I can use my 4 on my APUSH history test in a practical setting.
Alex McKenna, OF HOU (High-A) 0-for-2, 2 SB, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB
Probably not the “famous” actress who made an appearance in Red Dead Redemption 2 but he was stealing bases the same way you steal things on horses in Red Dead Redemption, I didn’t play this game if you couldn’t tell. He’s been batting lead-off for the High-A squad and consistently getting on base to start the season and showing some speed, there might be something here.
Greg Jones, SS TB (High-A) 2-for-3, 1 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, 1 BB
Easy now, fuzzy man peach is hopefully what pitchers think when Greg Jones steps up to bat. Hitting his first homer of the season and drawing a walk is just as exciting as drinking baileys from a shoe.
Blake Hunt, C TB (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 2B, 2 R
A catcher who can hit AND will stick behind the plate is as prized as whatever Dogecoin is, these days. Hunt just continues to hit and when he isn’t catching he is still in the lineup as a DH.
Spencer Torkelson, 3B DET (High-A) 1-for-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB
Did Torkelson strike out? No, which is something you and I love to see. Hasn’t hit his first professional homer yet but that will come for the top prospect in the Tiger's system.
Bryant Packard, OF/1B DET (High-A) 0-for-4, 4 K
Hopefully Trevor Hooth didn’t watch this.
Logan Allen, LHP CLE (High-A) 5 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
The second Logan Allen in the Cleveland organization, because that could never get confusing pitched well this past evening. Sending 7 back to the bench, possibly crying in 5 innings of work. Let’s all hope for our sakes that there isn’t a third Logan Allen for Cleveland to add to their org.
Austin Beck, OF OAK (High-A) 0-for-3, 2 K
Beck has some tools but has yet to ever consistently translate those tools into games and it’s starting to get alarming for the former 6th overall pick. He strikes out too much, which hurts the amount of contact he makes and puts a cap on his power-output. Where It’s (the potential) At is the question we need Beck to solve.
Asa Lacy, LHP KC (High-A) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 ER, 6 BB, 4 K
Technically Lacy was unhittable in this outing, just not in a good way. Outings like this happen all the time for good pitching prospects so nothing to really draw from this.
Blayne Enlow, RHP MIN (High-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
I’ve long enjoyed Blayne Enlow as a prospect and watching him pitch well is always something I love to see. 7 K’s in 5 innings of work is never something to scoff at, for the former third-round pick.
Alec Burelson, OF STL (High-A) 3-for-6, 1 2B, 1 R
Fun fact: According to the FBI database, really having to stretch for this one folks, Burleson, Texas has a crime-rate that is higher 63% of cities and towns in the state of Texas. How does that apply to Alec, well it doesn’t but it is something we learnt together and it’s about the friends we make along the way. Burlseon has been solid to start the season and this 3-for-6 outing adds to that, I am not sure where he ends up defensively but he has shown a knack for hitting in college and in his pro career to this point.
Kaden Polcovich, 2B/OF SEA (High-A) 1-for-5, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
Another recent draftee who has been performing well is Polcovich. He can play center or second, has shown modest thump in the bat, and has hit well enough to this point. I’ve liked what I have seen of the former third rounder.
Marco Luciano, SS SF (Low-A) 1-for-4, HR
Good to see Luciano finally get on the board. It’s been a brutal start for the teenage infielder, and after today’s effort he’s now hitting .167/.194/.300 on the season.
Blake Walston, LHP ARI (Low-A) 6 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Very nice start for the young lefty, and good to see him get the pitch count to 81 pitches and go deeper into games. Walston had his strike throwing pants on today putting 61 of his 81 pitches in the zone.
Maikol Garcia, SS KC (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2 RBI, BB
The light hitting 21-year-old infielder has strong bat-to-ball skills and a slick glove but bottom of the scale pop. He made a positive impression in winter ball in 2020 and is looking to continue to build on that going forward.
Jean Carlos Negret, OF KC (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2 HR, 6 RBI
The former Braves international signee has big power but his hit tool is a question. Rough start so far but a two-homer game will get you noticed.
Hudson Haskin, OF BAL (Low-A) 3-for-6, 2B, 4 RBI, 2 SB
Haskin showed off his full game here, as the prospect out of Tulane wore out his opponent with his bat and his legs, filling up the stat sheet and showing why he’s a potential leadoff hitter at the big league level.
Gunnar Henderson, SS BAL (Low-A) 3-for-5, 3 2Bs, 5 RBI
Henderson at it again. He’s a top 100 prospect for a reason. He rakes. He’s been playing a lot more shortstop than not on a roster with multiple other prospects that can play the six, but did have a throwing error today.
Jordan Cannon, C BAL (Low-A) 5-for-6, 2 HR, 5 RBI
A career offensive night for Cannon, as he popped more homers tonight than in his entire professional career to this point. I don’t have much on Cannon but from all indications this is a non-prospect with a huge statistical performance and for that he will get his due.
Daniel Espino, RHP CLE (Low-A) 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Espino tossed 75 pitches in this outing, 51 for strikes. Espino relied on his secondary stuff to put hitters away in this outing, setting up hitters with his big fastball up in the zone and working vertically with his breaking stuff as well.
Keoni Cavaco, SS MIN (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2B
Cavaco hit a homer in yesterday’s ballgame and follows it up with a nice offensive day once again. On the season Cavaco is up to .355 with a .961 OPS while hitting in front of Aaron Sabato in the Ft. Myers lineup.
Zach Daniels, OF HOU (Low-A) 3-for-4, HR, 4 RBI
Daniels was the Astros 4th round selection in the 2020 draft out of the University of Tennessee. Daniels has big power and some athleticism but really struggles to make contact, and while nothing in the profile has changed much yet, he had a fine offensive game.
SS Gage Workman, SS DET (Low-A) 2-for-5, 3B
Workman got off to a fast start but hasn’t done much so far except hit the ball hard and run into outs. In this instance he got some batted ball luck and adds a triple to the ledger.
Masyn Winn, SS STL (Low-A) 4-for-5, 3B, 2B, BB, 2 SB
Winn has started to heat up a bit lately and shake off the slow start. The legit two-way talent is focusing primarily shortstop for now, and showed today why his tools make him interesting as an offensive player. Winn will always be one of the better athletes on the diamond and has already emerged as a vocal team leader for the Palm Beach squad.
Jordan Walker, 3B STL Low-A) 3-for-4, 2 BB, 3 RBI
Walker is really swinging a hot bat now, as he’s hitting .381/.567/.810, and looks to be in fact, a #dude. Walker was a surprise first rounder and some evaluators I talked to weren’t high on the pick when it happened, but so far so good for the Cardinals who are quickly gaining a reputation for not being afraid to gamble in the draft on the high risk/high reward type profiles. He did make two errors at 3B, so that is something to monitor as well. There are some concerns about the frame growing out of third and he could end up profiling as a first baseman or even a right fielder.