Jeter Downs, 2B BOS (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR
Nice to see Jeets joining the party. I still feel he’s selling out for power too much but perhaps he can get things settled at the plate and show the on base, power, and speed combo of years prior.
Lars Nootbaar, OF STL (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
The Nootbaar has dates, figs, and almonds. It tastes like sawdust and boogers but the Dutch love it.
Keston Hiura, 1B MIL (Triple-A) 2-for-3, HR, BB
I think Hiura got his groove back. He’s feeling strong and empowered and found the love of a good man while down in Jamaica. Oops, that’s the plot to an Angela Bassett movie. But for real, Hiura seems to have rediscovered his stroke.
Conner Greene, RHP BAL (Triple-A) 7 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 7 K
Is Baltimore the next West Coast Customs of baseball? They’re out here “pimping” our Conner Greene. He’s essentially a piss yellow Gremlin that’s been remade into a phat ride. “Hey dawg, I heard you like fastballs…” Thanks X to the Z!
Braxton Garrett, LHP MIA (Triple-A) 6 IP, 4 H, 5 K
He’s a Marlins pitching prospect, and at this moment every single prospect in the Marlins system that pitches is watchable. It’s something in the water. But on the real Garrett is a legit arm that had serious cache as an amateur.
Carter Kieboom, 3B WAS (Triple-A) 0-for-1, 3 BB
Is Kieboom turning into the kid on your little league team that’s scared to strike out so he just takes every pitch until he walks? It feels that way.
Buddy Reed, OF OAK (Triple-A) 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 R, BB
Funny story, Eddy Almaguer taught Reed to hit while serving as Reed’s TA at the University of Florida. The problem is, Eddy can’t hit a lick. Neither can Reed. Sometimes the student becomes the teacher. (Eddy’s Editor Note: Nothing in this blurb is false)
Thairo Estrada, SS SF (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R
After years of being buried in the Yankees system, Estrada is finally in a situation where playing time is a real possibility. He’s better than an up and down guy in my not humble opinion.
Cal Raleigh, C SEA (Triple-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 R
When is Cal getting the call Jerry? He’s ready for y’all! I mean what do you have to lose? Well besides some service time...
Keibert Ruiz, C LAD (Triple-A) 2-for-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R, BB
Let’s party like it’s 2018 and people are still ranking Keibert as a top 50-75 prospect overall. Why not, he hit two tanks. The game is to be sold not told y’all. That means absolutely nothing, but I promised Snoop I would reference his No Limit Records album here.
Zach Reks, OF LAD (Triple-A) 1-for-2, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
The Reks was hitting leadoff for OKC and did what he does. Get on base. That’s Reks' game, getting on base and mashing baseballs.
Jose Siri, OF HOU (Triple-A) 2-for-4, R, SB
*Hits button on phone* Siri please tell me why your son is not up in Houston yet. “Sorry, I do not understand the question.” Ugh, even his own robot mom is against him.
Bryan De La Cruz, OF HOU (Triple-A) 3-for-5, RBI
All De La Cruz does is make contact. It’s not a super exciting profile, but he’s got something going for him. It’s an up and down or fifth outfielder profile but it works.
Rony Garcia, RHP DET (Triple-A) 5.2 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, 8 K
A former Rule Five pick for the Tigers. He hasn’t been great but this was a good start for him. It’s a bullpen profile with a three pitch mix. He’s got velocity, a decent cutter and feel for a changeup. That can work as a multi-inning guy out of the pen.
Nolan Jones, 3B CLE (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR
Hey, isn’t this guy supposed to be good? The hope is Jones is waking up from his early season slumber. Nolan Jones, welcome to the party life.
Jake Burger, 3B CWS (Triple-A) 1-for-3, HR
Nom! Nom! Love me some Burger and Burger loves to bang. I’m not saying it’s the best porn name going but it’s close to Steele Walker.
Josh Lowe, OF TB (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
The latest in the long line of Tampa Lowe’s. Josh is the best of the bunch with a varied skill set, some defensive value (though I’m still not sold on centerfield as his long term position). It’s a three true outcome setup at the plate but he walks and ranks enough to be a modern star.
Mickey Moniak, OF 1-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
Few players have deserved their pedigree less. Moniak popped in the months leading up to a weak draft class, and rode that to the top overall pick. He’s a bench outfielder long term.
Adonis Medina, RHP (Triple-A) 5 IP, 4 K
The Phillies farmhand throws hard and has one of the more aesthetically pleasing breakers you’ll see, he’s just struggled to be effective and collect outs despite his very strong stuff.
Cornelius Randolph, OF PHI (Triple-A) 2-for-3, 2 R
Who had “Cornelius Randolph breakout season” ok their bingo card this year. I sure as hell did not, but after watching a few games this week, I’m buying in. You probably should too in your dynasty leagues. Wait, I quit writing about fantasy, why am I talking about fantasy?
Forrest Wall, OF TOR (Triple-A) 2-for-3, R, SB
Run Forrest Run!!! I mean, you can’t do too much else, so you really need to run. At one point Wall was a legit prospect in the Colorado system. That was five years ago. Obama was in the White House. Yay...
Kevin Smith, 3B TOR (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
This is an interesting case study because I still believe that Kevin Smith can be a productive major leaguer. There’s a ton of bat speed, he can stick on the dirt and run a little. He looks like a big leaguer even if the numbers haven’t been great in a couple of years. He’s now up to four homers and has legit 25 home run power at the major league level if he can make enough contact.
Jake McCarthy, OF ARI (Double-A) 2-for-3, HR, BB
Another guy that may end up a bench role type with a bunch of skills. I liked McCarthy at UVA and I still dig him. He’s also a Scranton kid which means he knows Michael Scott and Joe Biden. Everyone from Scranton knows everyone else from Scranton. The best part is McCarthy is good at baseball. There’s legit double digit power and speed. In fact he already has three steals and seven home runs on the season.
David Hensley, 2B HOU (Double-A) 2-for-6, HR, 2 RBI
Our own Will Hoefer put me onto Hensley last week and frankly as I’ve said before, it’s worth tracking any 6-foot-6 middle infielder. Not many guys that large have that level of skills.
Steele Walker, OF TEX (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR
The best porn name in baseball. Walker continues to hit and has the makings of a solid fourth outfielder on a good team, or a second division regular in an outfield corner. Nothing sticks out besides his ability to make contact. Nothing loud but it all works.
Nolan Gorman, 3B (Double-A) 4-for-5, 3 R
After a rough stretch to start 2021 Gorman has come on strong. His average is now up to .327 with a .431 OBP, and a .491 slug. Expect the slug to go up but the average should drop some. Don’t let the clowns lie to you. They were all off of Gorman this off-season.
Bobby Witt Jr, SS KC (Double-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Show me the money, guys! He ain’t going to be up like y’all thought. This is just heads up to the industry. If I’m willing to put money on something openly on Twitter… it means I know something you don’t. Trust me boys.
Nick Pratto, 1B KC (Double-A) 4-for-5, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R
I’m just going to say this now. Pratto is finally turning into the hitter we all imagined he would be back in 2017. It’s been a rocky road (yum!) but Pratto is developing into a power-hitting first baseman. The profile is limited to first base so he has to hit, but he’s doing that so it’s chill chill.
Alec Marsh, RHP KC (Double-A) 5 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 7 K
I don’t care what he does from game to game because this is one of the top arms that can come up this year. Will it be in a pen role? More than likely but Marsh is throwing absolutely bee-bees and he has a FU slider? That works at the big league level in a variety of roles.
Cole Sands, RHP MIN (Double-A) 5.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 9 K
Nearing a 30 K% on the season, we’re going to start calling Cole Mr.Sandman from Mike Tyson’s Punch Out.
Peyton Burdick, OF MIA (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR
The Avian Phallic has continued to bang. That’s Bird Law for you, the birds don’t live by the laws of man.
Dermis Garcia, 3B NYY (Double-A) 3-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R, BB
Mr. Skin loves to bang, it’s all he knows. Well that and every nude scene ever performed in history. That said, Dermis has been hot all week and this looks like his tipping point.
Luis Gil, RHP NYY (Double-A) 4.2 IP, 2 H, BB, 9 K
Even at 4.2 IP, this is his longest outing of the young season. As of this publishing Gil is tied for 4th in MiLB in Ks despite just 15.1 IP. In 2019 his fastball had a tendency to stay flat and despite the elite velo it wouldn’t elicit whiffs. The times are a’ changin’, it seems.
Heliot Ramos, OF SF (Double-A) 3-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, 3 R
The name Heliot means friendly and kind, and that’s how Ramos is going to treat your fantasy teams when he gets the call later this year. His power is up, he’s using all fields more and he’s showing a better eye at the plate. He’s still striking out more than we want to see but he’s on the upswing.
Bryce Elder, RHP ATL (High-A) 6.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
The former Fighting McConaughey’s starting pitcher has had a relatively smooth transition into the professional ranks. A little Elder(ly) for the level but he’s been performing up to this point, and age relative to level is a little less important with pitchers in my opinion.
Zak Kent, RHP TEX (High-A) 4 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
More like ZaKKKKKKKKKK Kent amirite??
Bret Baty, 3B NYM (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 R, 2 RBI
Freddie Freeman but with power, Harold Reynolds really brings a unique look to the MLB Draft. The former first round pick has yet to hit his first homer of the season but it will come, he continues to do hit so he’ll run into one here sooner rather than later.
Davis Martin, RHP CWS (High-A) 5 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
5 innings of no hit ball is not bad especially when you have minor league caliber defenses behind you. The former Texas Tech Red Raider also got 5 punchouts for good measure.
Grayson Rodriguez, RHP BAL (High-A) 6 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
Of the three earned runs Grayson Rodriguez has given up, two have been from solo shots. He is just demolishing hitters at this level thanks to his outstanding arsenal and solid command, his days at this level should be numbered.
Jackson Rutledge, RHP WAS (High-A) 0.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
I couldn’t find out why Rutledge was pulled after only recording a single out, here’s hoping they were just cautious with him, and it’s not injury related.
Raynel Delgado, 3B CLE (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
The former 6th round pick has been part of a talented infield, where he has mostly been relegated to playing third despite being a shortstop by trade. Today was his day to shine thanks to his home run.
Tanner Burns, RHP CLE (High-A) 4.2 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
This isn’t quite as bad as Mr. Burns lack of upper body strength but this isn’t the outing you want to see from Tanner.
Andy Pages, OF LAD (High-A) 3-for-4, 1 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI
Don’t look now but Andy Pages is heating up ladies and gentleman, with home runs in back to back games he is starting to break out of his early season lul. If there was a slight buy low opportunity in your leagues I hope you took advantage of it.
Cole Roederer, OF CHC (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 RBI
For the most part Roederer has been fine to start this, the same way a ham and mustard sandwich is a fine lunch. He’s been walking, and hopefully today he starts to hit consistently and show that 55 power we slapped on him as a website.
Ryan Jensen, RHP CHC (High-A) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Former first round pick out of Fresno State by the Cubs had a good 5 innings of work in his last start. Can’t help but think he’s best suited to the bullpen but the Cubs have no need to rush that move, yet.
Tyler Gentry, OF KC (High-A) 3-for-3, 1 HR, 1 2B, 3 R, 1 RBI
The former University of Alabama player has been solid in his first foray into the land of pro-ball slashing .262/.400./422 and he now has his first long ball under his belt.
Kameron Misner, OF MIA (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
If physical players with power and speed, but questions about how much contact they will make are your thing Kameron Misner fits that to a tee. He’s gonna have to hit more consistently to profile into a consistent big leaguer, but the homer tonight is fun.
Matt Wallner, OF MIN (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 RBI
Wallner has been striking out a high-rate to start the season, just south of 40% of his plate appearances but he has shown the power that made him a highly thought of draft prospect at one point.
Matt Canterino, RHP MIN (High-A) 6 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 K
Canterino has become one of my favorite pitching prospects to go out and acquire because of the way in which he has pitched to start the season after gaining a few ticks on the stuff during the handy pandy. He’s struck out 25 batters in just 14 short innings of work, oh and it’s not just a high-end fastball either; he has two really good breaking balls he can deploy.
Michael Toglia, 1B COl (High-A) 1-for-5, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
Rockies first-base prospect, who I actually wrote the offseason report on him. Good to see him hitting the ball with authority, he now has 6 homers on the young season.
Ed Howard, SS CHC (Low-A) 3-for-5, 3 R
I don’t normally cover Low-A but I will be here babysitting Matt’s Brats for you all this evening. A hat trick of singles(is that a thing, welp it is now) from the Cubs shortstop prospect.
Jhonkensy Noel, 1B CLE (Low-A) 3-for-6, 2 HR, 4 R, 4 RBI
Noel, Noel, Noel, the first Noel, the Angels stayed safe, I figured we could all use some cheer in these hard times, I don’t even know to approach pronouncing his first name, but the Cleveland slugger has monstrous power to his pull-side and had himself one hell of a day.
Karlo Seijas, RHP WAS (Low-A) 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
Who? What? How? The Nationals might have pitching prospects outside of Cade Cavalli and the aforementioned Jackson Rutledge? Welp maybe. 7 innings of work not allowing a run and striking out 8 is nothing to sneeze at, maybe the Nationals have something here.
Gunnar Henderson, 3B BAL (Low-A) 2-for-5, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
One of our favorite prospects around these parts, Henderson has power, and took yesterday’s bomb to the opposite field for his fifth homer of the season and is now in the lead for the Low-A East league in homers.
Jordan Westburg, SS BAL (Low-A) 2-for-4, 1 R, 2 SB
One of the highly thought of O’s draft picks from the 2020 draft class is performing well in the first few weeks of the season. I will be interested to see how he does in High-A because that is coming soon, right? The stolen bases yesterday are fun.
Joe Gray Jr., OF MIL (Low-A) 1-for-6, 1 HR,2 R, 2 RBI, 1 SB
Every once in a while Joe Gray Jr., shows off the power and speed. The problem is he doesn’t get a chance to show off the tools very often because of his below-average hit tool.
John Doxakis, LHP TB (Low-A) 5 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Former second rounder by the Rays all the way back in 2019 has struck out 26 batters in his 17 innings of work up until this point. Just knowing the Rays and their propensity to develop pitching he could become something, although knowing the Rays it will be some unconventional role.
Matthew Barefoot, OF HOU (Low-A) 2-for-6, 2 R, 1 RBI, 2 SB
Is this the Barefoot Contessa? 23 year old in Low-A who is hitting well, and stealing some bases.
Gage Workman, SS DET (Low-A) 1-for-3, 1 HR, 2 R, 1 RBI
Gage is putting in that work...man. Workman has now homered for the first time in his professional career, here’s hoping for many more homers and less errors in the field.
Hudson Head, OF PIT (Low-A) 1-for-3, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
Any chance I get to bring up one of my favorite tweets in the world, I will do it. Head was the headliner in the Joe Musgrove trade. It is still rather early in the season but he’s been a bit underwhelming up until this point, here’s hoping he breaks out of this with his first homer of the season.
Keoni Cavaco, SS MIN (Low-A) 2-for-5
Cavaco has power and speed but is still one of the more volatile prospects in the minors, he has however kept the strikeouts to a manageable level up until this point. 2 singles isn’t gonna get the people going but it’s still note-worthy especially with the concerns Cavaco has about making contact.
Austin Wells, C NYY (Low-A) 2-for-5, 1 2B, 1 R, 3 RBI
The power that we were promised as an amateur has yet to translate but he is still hitting, even if he’s not taking the ball deep yet. I am curious how he looks behind the plate.
Tyler Calihan, 2B CIN (Low-A) 2-for-4, 1 2B, 1 R
Known for his ability to hit and hit for power, but in the early goings the power isn’t manifesting itself. That said he is still hitting at a good rate, hitting .345/.387/.473, and walking 5 times and only striking out 6 times in the early season. Go pick up Calihan before he starts tapping into his power consistently.
Noelvi Marte, SS SEA (Low-A) 2-for-4
Noelvi just continues to hit, two singles isn't the sexiest day but like I mentioned he has just continued to hit and is one of the most impressive players in all of the minors. After today’s game he is hitting .391/.466/.641 in his first taste in pro ball, that’s #good.
Kyren Paris, SS LAA (Low-A) 2-for-4, 1 3B, 1 2B, 1 R, 2 RBI
He has now fallen behind Veen in the much talked about Low-A west stolen base crown race. But he did snag himself a triple and a double so I am sure he is not complaining. Paris is someone I have seen and the speed is real, and it will be one of the main calling cards for the young middle-infielder.
Taylor Dollard, RHP SEA (Low-A) 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 11 K
Seattle seems to know a thing or two about developing pitchers. Usually I try to avoid prospects who are much older for the level but 11 K’s is 11 K’s, especially over 4.2 innings of work.
Ryan Smith, LHP LAA (Low-A) 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 13 K
Another old for the level, but for pitchers I am willing to overlook that to an extent, and much like Dollard he struck out a ton of hitters. Unlike his Seattle counterpart he struck out 13 and didn’t allow a run in his start.
Carlos Duran, RHP LAD (Low-A) 4 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Duran is an absolutely huge human being, I have yet to see him pitch in person but seeing him in the dugout he towers over his peers at a gigantic 6’7”.
Ezequiel Tovar, SS COL (Low-A) 3-for-5, 1 3B, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI
RIP Lancaster Jethawks, where these next three prospects could have been assigned if Lancaster was still alive, you live on forever in my heart. Tovar had himself a nice day at the park grabbing 3 hits and a triple and a double.
Drew Romo, C COL (Low-A) 1-for-5, 1 HR, 1 R, 3 RBI
Congrats on the first professional homer Drew Romo!
Zac Veen, OF, COL (Low-A) 3-for-5, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 SB
Veen has moved down in the order? That’s weird but this is a Rockies prospect so they are gonna do weird things with him. He is now in sole possession of the Low-A West stolen base title with 11.
Tyler Soderstrom, C OAK (Low-A) 3-for-5, 2 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI
Being out here on the west coast, Soderstrom is one of the people I am dying to go out and see and I am frantically checking the schedules of my localish teams so I can go out to see him. Soderstrom has just hit the ground running in his first voyage into professional baseball. I love the bat, I can’t wait to see him in person.