Happy Friday everyone! The sun is shining, we got a new J-Cole album yesterday evening, and there was a full slate of minor league games to rundown. There was good (Jose Siri, Jarren Duran, Matt Frisbee), Bad (Bryson Stott), and the very very ugly (Corbin Carroll out for the season). As Dawes once sang it’s a little bit of everything, the biscuits and the beans, whatever helps me to forget about the things that brought me to my knees. Corbin Carroll out for the season brings me to my knees. I will eat my pain away in chicken wings tonight.
Geoff Pontes - Triple-A & Double-A
Rhys White - High-A
Matt Thompson - Low-A
MacKenzie Gore, LHP SD (Triple-A) 6 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, BB, 5 K
Struggled a little in the second and third, before dominating over the final three innings. Looks like the “yips” were grossly over exaggerated or bad dope like the brown acid at Woodstock. Let this be a lesson, you don’t share every rumor you hear. BTW “yips” is for golfers.
Brandon Marsh, OF LAA (Triple-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 BB
The young follicle god in his first game back hits a homer, gets on base four times leading off and playing centerfield. One of the best prospects in the game at the moment with the ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball.
Cal Raleigh, C SEA (Triple-A) 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
Watching Luis Torrens catch Logan Gilbert last night reminded me that Luis Torrens can’t hit. You know who can hit? Cal Raleigh. I am unsure when he’s promoted to the big leagues, and catching tends to take more time than other positions to settle in.
Taylor Trammell, OF SEA (Triple-A) 4-for-5, HR, 4RBI, 2R, SB
He’s back down and he celebrated with a slam and legs. Nice of T2 to celebrate his demotion with some sheeeet worthy material. There’s still power and speed here, some on base ability, but questions around his ability to make consistent contact.
Corey Abbott, RHP CHC (Triple-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
A four-pitch mix and the ability to command his stuff has allowed Abbott’s arsenal to play up in pro-ball despite a lack of velocity on his fringe fastball. Mixes a pair of above-average secondaries in his slider and changeup, and shows the ability to limit hard contact. A backend starter profile.
Bailey Ober, RHP MIN (Triple-A) 4 IP, 2 R, BB, 5 K
A six-foot-nine control arm with a good changeup and a below average fastball. His heater has solid shape but sits upper-80s at peak. It’s an up and down starter profile but he knows how to pitch.
Jake Meyers, OF HOU (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
A 13th round pick back in 2017 Meyers has been a solid to slightly above average player offensively at most of his stops throughout the minor leagues. He’s having a standout year thus far with four home runs already in the young season. It’s probably an up and down profile, but late round picks aren’t supposed to cut it in Triple-A, perhaps there’s more here than anticipated.
Bryan De La Cruz, OF HOU (Triple-A) 2-for-5, 2 R
This is De La Cruz’s eighth season in Houston’s system. He had been fairly mediocre prior to 2018 where he had a strong season across two levels of A-Ball. This just so happened to be around the time he started hitting the ball in the air more. Another up and down type whose ceiling is bench outfielder.
Jose Siri, OF HOU (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 7 RBI
Just call him up already! He’s hitting seemingly in every game and he is a competent defender in centerfield. Few players are as tooled up as Siri but it’s never fully clicked. Perhaps Houston’s player dev has been able to finally hone his tools into games skills.
Vladimir Gutierrez, RHP CIN (Triple-A) 5 IP, 3 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
I had Gutierrez pegged as a reliever long term, but he’s continued to pitch well in the early going in 2021. He has a deep pitch mix, and has run his fastball up to the mid-90s in spurts. His curveball is his best secondary but he features a good slider and changeup as well. With a strong pitching development program in Cincinnati, Gutierrez is an arm to watch.
Forrest Wall, OF TOR (Triple-A) 3-for-4, 2 R, 2 SB
Beyond the Forrest Wall is a fifth outfielder with speed in the bases. At one point Wall was a prospect in the Rockies system but he’s fallen off significantly and there’s questions around his ability to hit major league pitching with consistency. Another player destined for a bench role at the MLB level.
Jarren Duran, OF BOS (Triple-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
The homer went 440 feet and was clocked at 112 mph off the bat. An absolute tank shot. After a rough few games to start the season Durran has looked like a man possessed. Hitting leadoff, getting on base, playing centerfield and hitting for power. A profile that’s been significantly improved from his 2019 version.
Josh Lowe, OF TB (Triple-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R (Game One of Doubleheader)
Played center in game one and right field in game two. Lowe looks like a prototype right fielder with power, speed, and on base skills but some swing and miss in the profile. He may end up in center around 50% of the time once he’s up but that’s still a question mark with a lot of talent in the Rays outfield corps.
Drew Strotman, RHP TB ( Triple-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 5 K
A college reliever that was converted to starting upon entering pro-ball. He’s a data darling with good shape on his pitches. Go figure, a Rays arm that’s heavy in the data side. He blew out in 2018 and required elbow surgery, since then he’s had a slow buildup to get his stuff all the way back. Now it is, and he’s showing mid-90s fire with a hard-biting cutter that’s up to 91 mph. The addition of that pitch to his fastball+curveball combination has given him something he can throw in on the hands to lefties.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., SS MIA (Triple-A) 1-for-3, 2 RBI, R, BB, SB
The Jazzman is back and he’s ready for prime time once again. A rehab assignment for the yung god. Should be back with the team shortly. Good sign that he got on base twice and was running.
Brian Miller, OF MIA (Triple-A) 1-for-1, 3 R, 2 BB, 4 SB
Speaking of running, no one ran like Brian Miller did last night stealing four bases while on base three times. Is he Billy Hamilton? I mean, yes. He’s probably what Hamilton is now and not what we thought he was in 2014. It’s a fifth outfielder, pinch runner profile. Think Dave Roberts when he was a player. You know, cause he’s a manager now and the kids might not know. Sup kids!
Nick Neidert, RHP MIA (Triple-A) 5 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
I can’t wait until Neidert finally gets a rotation spot when he’s 28. At this point he is what he is. A strike thrower that can limit contact and fill a backend rotation spot. It’s a tweener profile a bit as he could just as easily be an up and down spot starter and nothing else.
Owen Miller, SS CLE (Triple-A) 3-for-5, RBI, R
The Redbirds just hit. It’s not going to stop because it can’t stop. Crazy question. Is Miller better than Nolan Jones?
Cole Winn, RHP TEX (Double-A) 5 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 8 K
After a rough introduction to pro-ball the player we all anticipated Winn to be after being drafted seems to be here in the physical. The fastball is sitting 92-96 mph and he’s locating it, his curveball is still a weapon and he’s showing the ability to use his changeup in any matchup. Likely to push back into top 100 lists within the next few weeks to a month. Winn looks like a legit #Dude.
Brewer Hicklen, OF KC (Double-A) 1-for-2, HR, 2 BB
Had a huge offensive season in 2019 slugging 14 home runs and swiping 39 bags. So far in 2021 he’s picking up where he left off. He gets on base, has power and speed and takes great at bats. Profiles as a second division regular ceiling and its doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility he reaches that. Tools and approach can go a long way. He is a touch in the older side at 25, but it’s tough to hold that against players following 2020. He’s also a former two sport athlete that’s only focused on baseball for a short period of time. Ignore the age.
Adalberto Mondesi, SS KC (Double-A) 0-for-3, BB
Who is this guy? Is he related to Raul Mondesi?
Michael Busch, 2B LAD (Double-A) 1-for-5, HR
I love Busch, I live for it like a sleezy 70s porn actor with a thin mustache and a polyester button up. Busch can hit!
Donovan Casey, OF LAD (Double-A) 3-for-3, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, SB
A former 20th round pick back in 2017 out of Boston College. Despite not having a ton of fanfare Casey can hit and he’s performed as a pro (.284/.344/.479). I’m not sure if it’s anything more than up and down guy, but he sounds like he could drink you under the table.
Jose Herrera, C ARI (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
Not a ton of power in the profile historically, but he’s a switch-hitter with feel to hit from both sides, a plus approach and the skills to stick at catcher. It’s probably a back up catcher profile. He’s been hurt a fair amount and I believe that’s been a reason for his lack of fanfare.
Jermaine Palacios, SS MIN (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
Initially traded to the Rays in the Jake Odorizzi trade, Palacios was a minor league free agent this year and returned to the Twins organization. Not sure there’s anything here frankly but he had a good night and he can stick in the dirt. Likely an up and down ceiling.
Esteury Ruiz, 2B SD (Double-A) 4-for-4, 2 RBI, R
I have no doubt that Ruiz can hit MLB pitching as soon as right now. His bat to ball skills are good, he has speed, and there’s some sneaky pop. He’s a butcher in the field and that really limits the profile. I’m not sure where he ends up, but bat first utility player in the Eduardo Nunez mold seems likely.
Nick Allen, SS OAK (Double-A) 3-for-4, 3 RBI, BB
Nick can pick it! He can hit for contact, but I’m not sure about the impact. Am I spitting bars? Feels that way don’t it.
Braden Shewmake, SS ATL (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Thanks for joining us here Braden. Where have you been? Oh, you’ve been on the struggle bus puking on your shoes? No sweat, good to have you back here. It’s been a very tough start for Shewmake a player we all anticipated would hit the ground running in double-A. Here’s to him shaking off the rust and getting hot.
Tristen Lutz, OF MIL (Double-A) 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, BB
At this point I’m fully in on Lutz. He’s mashing, which is what he needs to do, and the defensive skills totally play in a corner outfield position. For you fantasy baseballers, I’d send out some offers and kick the tires in Lutz. He’s pushing his way back toward the top 200 prospects and is definitely a top 100 hitting prospect for me. He’s got plus power and it’s playing in games.
Romy Gonzalez, DH CWS (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
As the saying goes “Romy wasn’t built in a day”. I’m fully anticipating a story comes out that Romy was holding pushup contests with Randy Arozarena during his quarantine. He has been straight flames since the season started. A former University of Miami standout, Romy is popping up right now, let’s see if this sticks.
Triston Casas, 1B BOS (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, R
Casas is doing all he can to push his way out of Maine the last few days. This is his third homer in two days and he’s making contact and taking professional at bats. He’s not that far from the major leagues, especially when Red Sox first baseman have been riding the struggle bus.
Oneil Cruz, SS PIT (Double-A) 2-for-6, 2 RBI, R
The shortstop for the #MassiveHuman all-stars, Cruz has been making consistent contact, hitting for power and getting on base. He seems to have his off-season tragedy behind him, and there’s hope he can still cut it in the infield.
Mason Martin, 1B PIT (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, BB
All he does is rake no matter what. This is plus to possibly plus-plus in game power. While the profile puts a lot of pressure on the bat, Martin is up to the challenge showcasing the ability to change a game with one swing of the bat. A slugger the Pirates have lacked for quite some time. Let Martin elevate and celebrate at the park by the river before 2021 comes to a close. What do you have to lose Pirates besides service time? Oh yeah, that’s right… service time.
Matt Frisbee, RHP SFG (Double-A) 6 IP, 6 K
Who is Matt Frisbe? Honestly I’m asking you? I’m not sure I can identify this guy in a lineup of one. No matter, I’ll tell you who he is! He’s a 2018 15th rounder out of UNC Greensboro. He built a home gym during quarantine and spent his time squatting and building strength in his lower half. The Giants liked what they saw enough that they invited him to big league camp this year. He possesses a plus slider, strong command of his low-90s fastball, and ditched his conventional changeup for a splitter this off-season. The rest is history, this is a profile that’s way up year over year and I would keep an eye on Frisbee as the next successful Giants pitching development project.
Oswald Peraza, SS NYY (High-A) 1-for-3. 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 SB
WEEEENIE! Peraza has seemed to get some publicity after his homer tonight, and you love to see that. He just continues to hit and is showing emerging power and is still swiping bags like Swipper.
Nick Gonzales, 2B PIT (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 SB (Game One of Doubleheader)
This dude don’t miss! All Gonzales does is hit, feels like every one of these I bring him up and for good reason because he is #good. The top prospect in the Pirates is known for his plus hit tool and his ability to hit for average power.
Tahnaj Thomas, RHP PIT (High-A) 4 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K (Game One of Doubleheader)
Sheeesh Tahnaj punched out 8 and not allowing a run over 4 innings of work. One of my favorite arms in the minors. Did you know his middle name is A’Kheel that’s dope, and here I am with mine being Brandon from 90210.
Michael Harris, OF ATL (High-A) 1-for-3, 1 HR, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB (Game Two of Doubleheader)
Apparently Harris walks on water in some circles of the interweb. He’s a fine prospect with a nice swing and he occasionally will hit for power like he did today in a doubleheader.
Bryson Stott, SS/2B PHI (High-A) 0-for-4, 3 K
You sir have won yourself a golden sombrero.
Chris Murphy, RHP BOS (High-A) 5.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
If you haven’t listened to Geoff’s podcast with Chris Murphy what are you doing with yourself? Okay now that you rectified this problem in your life, Murphy has been off to a good start in his 2021season and this most recent start is no different. If he keeps these kinda performances up opposing hitters are gonna start saying Everyone Hates Chris.
Max Bain, RHP CHC (High-A) 4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
“Ah you think the darkness is your ally? You merely adopted it the dark, I was born in it, molded by it.” - Max Bain to hitters, probably. I do a mean Bane impression for what it’s worth. Max though is a pop up arm with a reported velo jump that broke through and got an opportunity in pro ball after bouncing around Indy ball.
Kyle Nicolas, RHP MIA (High-A) 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
What the Fighting Jeters are doing with pitchers is incredibly impressive and Nicolas has a chance to be yet another home-grown arm that they squeeze the most out of. I am still not sure if he is a starter or reliever going forward but he’s a solid performer with good stuff to go with it. Has to be all those monsters that he drinks, since you know he’s a Kyle(nailed it.)
Graham Ashcraft, RHP CIN (High-A) 5.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Fun fact, graham crackers were invented by Reverend Sylvester Graham as a way for people to resist sexual urges. How does this relate to Graham Ashcraft, well it doesn’t but I knew this and I wanted to share and we are both better for it in the end. The former UAB Dragon has been striking guys out left and right to start the season, and he could work his way up prospect lists if this keeps happening.
Brayan Rocchio, SS CLE (High-A) 2-for-5, 1 3B, 2 RBI
Twenty year old middle infield who will show some modest thump in the bat, can play short and is a plus runner. Not sure what the power output ultimately ends up being but he could be someone who just racks up extra-base hits with well hit balls in the gap.
Parker Meadows, OF DET (High-A) 2-for-5, 1 2B, 1 SB
Will Parker Meadows put it together? Who knows this is the Tigers organization after all but while he hits it’s worth discussing. Fun fact, his brother is Austin Meadows bet you never would have guessed that.
Julio Rodriguez, OF SEA (High-A) 2-for-5, 1 HR, 1 2B, 2 R, 1 RBI
Damn Julio coming through with the extra-base hits this fine evening I see. Still not convinced he ultimately stays in the outfield but it might not matter where he plays if he hits as expected. Also shoutout Jared Kelenic and Logan Gilbert for getting the call-up to the big leagues.
Emerson Hancock, RHP SEA (High-A) 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
The Seattle org seems to have a plan with Emerson, and they aren’t gonna rush stretching him out especially with this being his first taste of pro ball. There are a handful of orgs I trust with pitchers and Seattle is one of them.
Corbin Carroll, OF ARI (High-A) Out for Season
I don’t care what you are drinking right now, pour it out for our homies lost season.
Will Wilson, SS SF (High-A) 1-for-3, 1 HR, 1 R, 4 RBI
Will Wilson just quietly hits and performs, he’s not an exciting player but he has been performing up to this point. I mean he suffers from twofirstnameitis.
Seth Corry, LHP SF (High-A) 4 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
The brother of Steph Curry? No, dang. Seth Corry does what Seth Corry does, misses bats getting swings and misses and also walks guys. I ultimately think he’s a reliever but he has the stuff to be a quality option out of the pen.
Brenton Doyle, OF COL (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
I wrote the Doyle report for the offseason Rockies report and he showed above-average power in my looks, so it’s good to see him hit for power in 2021.
C.J. Van Eyk, RHP TOR (High-A) 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Okay this is the type of outing I expect from C.J. Striking out 7 in just under 5 innings of work, not a bad outing for the recent second round pick.
Brent Killam LHP LAA (Low-A) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
The lefty was unknown to me prior to the season starting but he’s gone 8 ⅔ innings so far in 2021 with 16 strikeouts and four walks with a 1.04 ERA. Perhaps we start paying attention.
Noelvi Marte DH SEA (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2 HR, BB
We told you he was on the verge of a breakout and boom, here it is. Noelvi now hitting .342 with a .957 OPS and turned a slow start into a fast one in a flash. There are some questions about where he ends up defensively, but I think it’s third base. He can hit and hit for power though and I’m excited to see what he can do as the season progresses.
Ben Hernandez RHP KC (Low-A) 4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The Chicago prep arm was the Royals second round pick in the 2020 draft. It’s an easy plus changeup here but Hernandez put in some serious work last summer to get himself into better shape. Fastball sits in the low-90s but there’s a chance for more here.
Taj Bradley RHP TB (Low-A) 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
Bradley was roughed up in his first appearance but took a big step in righting the ship with a strong outing. Bradley can get the fastball up into the mid-90s and can touch 97 with a slider. The big complaint here is a lack of a third pitch, but the body and arm action are what draw you in. Fun profile with a wide range of potential outcomes, but should reach the big leagues in some role.
Hudson Haskin OF BAL (Low-A) 3-for-4, BB, SB
Haskin is showing well in Low-A and likely won’t be here long. The Tulane product has a fun blend of tools and has a future as a leadoff man in the bigs.
Jordan Westburg SS BAL (Low-A) 2-for-3, 2 2B, BB
Westburg hit well at Mississippi State and his assignment to Low-A was a tad surprising. He’s been rotating around the infield with Henderson so far. Gunnar Henderson was 0-for-4 with 3 Ks in this one also.
Gilberto Jimenez OF BOS (Low-A) 3-for-4, 3 RBI
Jimenez is one of the most fun players to watch in the minors right now. In addition to this three hit game the speedster also threw out a runner at the plate.
Johan Rojas OF PHI (Low-A) 2-for-5, BB
Rojas keeps hitting. He’s someone you should be trying to acquire in your leagues.
Starlyn Castillo RHP PHI (Low-A) 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 4 K
Castillo pitched out of the bullpen in this outing and was nasty, hitting as high as 95.7 on the gun but clearly battling command issues with the five walks and only throwing 30 of his 59 pitches for strikes. He only threw a fastball and a curve in this outing, but generated ten whiffs in 22 total swings. Effectively wild.
Matthew Thompson RHP CWS (Low-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Thompson pitched well in his second start bringing his season ERA to an even 2.00. The best performing White Sox pitching prospect thus far. 80-grade nombre.
Eddy Yean RHP PIT (Low-A) 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Yean with a baffling outing tonight, although it was much better than his walk filled debut. It’s concerning that he didn’t record a single strikeout, but he also limited hard contact. We’re not in the clear yet but this was a marginal improvement.
Jordan Walker 3B STL (Low-A) 2-for-5, 2B, BB
Jordan Walker continues to hit the ball hard and get on pace at a ridiculous clip so far in 2021. He recorded an EV of 116.3 today on a groundout, and that puts him in rarified air as far as power grades are concerned. He hit four balls over 100 today, and is very much a #dude. Could be 80 raw power that also lives up to his last name.
John Beller LHP STL (Low-A) 6 ⅔ IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 12 K
Beller’s max fastball didn’t even break 90 (89.5) but 44% of swings against him ended up empty-handed. His best pitch is his slider which is a high spin offering that had a 60% whiff rate. The 2020 UDFA out of USC shouldn’t be in Palm Beach very long. (No offense to Peoria but can you imagine going from Palm Beach, FL to Peoria, IL??)
Austin Hendrick OF CIN (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2 2B, 4 RBI, BB
Hendrick has been scuffling so far but this is his best offensive game as a pro. He’s up to .222 with a .775 OPS.
Tyler Callihan 2B CIN (Low-A) 4-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI, SB
Callihan led off for Daytona and set a nice pace, getting on four times in this one. The Reds are still trying to figure out where he will play defensively, but Callihan can hit. Rece Hinds also had a double and two walks tonight. It’s a fun lineup with these two at the top.