I’d like to take a moment and let everyone know I (Geoff) experienced victory for the first time with my little league team. Yes, the 0-7 Blue Pickles are now 1-7 as we beat our rivals from the far more affluent town next to ours. Why am I telling you this? I’m an oversharer and I need to overshare my excitement.
Ryan McKenna, OF BAL (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR, BB
No matter what happens I’m very unlikely to ever give up on the #McKennaGang. Why? Because I love a leadoff skillset and prep prospects from New England. He’s spent a majority of the season in Baltimore, but he’s hit in his four games with Norfolk.
Elieser Hernandez, RHP (Triple-A) 4.2 IP, 2 H, 8 K
Another rehab start for Hernandez, but with the performance of Cody Poteet perhaps his spot isn’t so clear? No worries, with Jordan Holloway going down he should be set to go later next week. The Marlins can callup a list of 40 man guys to fill Holloway’s spot on Wednesday before sliding Elieser into the rotation.
Hoy Jun Park, SS NYY (Triple-A) 2-for-4
I caught Park with Somerset a day before the callup to Scranton Wilkes-Barre. He’s an aggressive fastball hitter that will look to make contact early in counts. He’s up to .391/.481/.522 over his first six games in Triple-A. Bat first utility guy with an up and down role.
Cornelius Randolph, OF PHI (Triple-A) 2-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R, SB
Another great game for Boom-Kon Cornelius, as he had a couple more knocks and a steal. His season slash is currently sitting at .377/.421/.698 with four homers and two steals.
Bailey Falter, LHP PHI (Triple-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 7 K
Over four starts in 2021 Falter owns a 2.41 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and has 26 strikeouts to five walks over 18.2 IP. It’s a four pitch mix, but he’s heavy in his low-90s fastball and mid-80s cutter, working in his changeup and curveball sparingly.
Jose Siri, OF HOU (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI
Siri: “Stop asking me when Jose Siri will be called up, I don’t know when he’s going to be up. He is not my son. Would you like me to look up son?”
Framber Valdez, LHP HOU (Triple-A) 4 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K
The Predator is back on the mound and likely on his way back to the big leagues shortly. Initially there was shock around how long he’d be out, now it’s moved to amazement at how quickly he returned.
Blake Rutherford, OF CWS (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 3 R, SB
I wonder if he ever looks at Mickey Moniak’s stats lines and scoffs? It’s funny because the 2016 draft was pretty booty and it reminds me of this year’s draft, which is also pretty booty. Rutherford has a shot to contribute for the Pale Hose this year if he continues to produce, he’s hitting .317/.369/.467.
Jake Burger, 3B CWS (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R
The Burger Meister, Meister Burger teed off on Durham’s Drew Strotman making hard contact just about every time he came to the plate. See Tyler Jennings tweet below.
Josh Lowe, OF TB (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR
Possibly the next man up in the “Who’s Joining The Rays Now” game. Lowe as we’ve mentioned here a few times brings a varied skillset to the table with power, on base ability, speed, and some defensive chops. He’s the opposite of his brother Nate.
Taylor Trammell, OF SEA (Triple-A) 4-for-4, HR
Now hitting .512 with a 1.487 OPS since being demoted to Tacoma. I was told by Smada that his career is doomed because he struck out a lot during his brief major league debut. I mean, there has to be a happy medium between Space Jam Monster at Triple-A and Not Going To Make It, but I haven’t found that. Don’t write him off, the power and contact skills are playing fairly well at Triple-A. If Trammell can get his K rate below 30% at the big league level he’s going to be an everyday regular.
Matt Lipka, OF ARI (Triple-A) 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 SB
He’s 29 years old has been in the minors for over a decade. He has under 100 total games at the Triple-A level and is on his fifth organization. That’s not a knock, I frankly think Lipka deserves props for sticking with it and not giving up on his dream of making the big leagues. Maybe he’s gotten himself into position for a call-up at some point, and good for him.
Cody Bellinger, OF LAD (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR
Who is this guy, never heard of her.
Tony Gonsolin, RHP LAD (Triple-A) 3 IP, H, 3 K
At this point the Dodgers could field two MLB teams and their B team would still finish in the top half of the league. Maybe that’s an exaggeration, or maybe it isn’t.
Lars Nootbaar, OF STL (Triple-A) 2-for-3, 2 HR, BB
The Nootbaar is made of flaxseed and quinoa and it’s very dry, but the dates and cranberries are delightful. I can’t wait until 2023 when Nootbaar is traded to Detroit and becomes a star like Adolis Garcia and Randy Arozarena. The Cardinals pick the wrong guy more than Jennifer Lopez.
Michael De Leon, SS CIN (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
Former Rangers farmhand was signed as an MiLB free agent in December, he hasn’t done a lot over his professional career, but he’s still only 24 and a switch-hitter. Maybe he can hack it as an up and down guy, does typically take switch-hitters longer to click.
Tucker Davidson, LHP ATL (Triple-A) 6 IP, H, ER, BB, 9 K
He’s now run his Triple-A ERA to 0.90 in 2021, he’s had a big league start already this year, but the question is when will the Braves quit trying to make Bryse Wilson happen, move him to the pen and give Davidson an extended look? He’s 25 and owns a 2.76 ERA over 401.1 minor league innings.
Keston Hiura, 1B MIL (Triple-A) 1-for-2, HR, BB
And he got the call to the majors, I’m rooting for Hiura to recapture his form like I root for the bad guys in movies, but hey! Go get’em Keston! Do it for mama!
Aaron Ashby, LHP MIL (Triple-A) 5 IP, H, 2 BB, 6 K
When Ashby’s command is on he has four legit average or better pitches and a potentially plus pitch in his curveball when his command is on. As you can see by his BB/9 of 9.00, it’s not on very often. It was yesterday.
Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR
He’s almost back to the big leagues making Pirates games more watchable than Schitt’s Creek which frankly I don’t feel is always watchable. Maybe that means I have bad taste, perhaps, I just don’t get it. As for Hayes I, like many, believe he’s a superstar in the making.
Griffin Jax, RHP MIN (Triple-A) 6 IP, 7 H, ER, BB, 8 K
Always trust an Air Force man! My wife’s youngest cousin shipped out to the Air Force yesterday and his mom is crying her eyes out. That said what an achievement, I wasn’t nearly smart enough to join the AIr Force so props to Nate! What am I talking about? I don’t know frankly but Griffin Jax is a former Air Force member that got a waiver to play baseball. Too bad Noah Song didn’t get the same treatment. Any the who, Jax has a below average fastball with average secondaries, he’s missing more bats this year but it’s come at the expense of his command.
Jo Adell, OF LAA (Triple-A) 2-for-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI
There’s been a lot of talk writing off Adell, just wait until the Rays/Dodgers/Yankees trade for him and he becomes a star. The K-rate is still too high, his walk-rate too low, and his .261/.329/.710 is deflated by a .265 BABIP. Some of that is his all or nothing approach, and high flyball rate (47.6%), but he’s still just 22 and has time to right the ship. He’s going to take likely a full season of Triple-A seasoning before it all clicks, but in the end maybe it’s a Justin Upton type player, which is a win for the Angels in the end.
Packy Naughton, LHP LAA (Triple-A) 7.2 IP, H, BB, 8 K
Lefthanded, plus changeup, plus command guy that absolutely dominated last night. There’s a lot to like here, as his numbers have been strong despite bad luck. He’s missing bats (13.4% SwStr%) and driving a ton of groundballs (63.6%), and it’s not out of the realm of possibility he’s in the mix in Anaheim shortly.
Edward Olivares, OF KC (Triple-A) 4-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, SB
How is Olivares not back with the Royals yet? He’s been tremendous over the first 17 games for Omaha, slashing .406/.488/.696 with five home runs and six steals. Hi Dayton Moore, bench Michael Taylor and call-up Olivares. Thank me later with a beautiful anti-porn PSA.
Peyton Burdick, OF MIA (Double-A) 2-for-5, RBI, R
The Avian Phallic with a double and a triple, don’t let the world know but after a 3-for-34 start Burdick is 8-for-30 with seven extra base hits over his last seven contests. There will always be swing and miss to Burdick’s game but he has some of the loudest skills going.
A.J. Alexy, RHP TEX (Double-A) 3 IP, 3 K
Traded a million years ago to the Rangers in the Yu Darvish trade. Alexy has dealt with injuries and the Rangers have limited him to a few innings and a strict pitch count over his first three turns. The operation is high effort but he as above-average stuff sitting mid-90s with his heater for stretches and flashing plus on his curveball, he also has feel for the changeup. It’s likely a multi-inning bullpen role with the stuff to play up over shorter stints. He’s on the 40 man roster so a debut later this summer seems likely.
Alec Burleson, OF STL (Double-A) 2-for-4, R
A two-way talent at East Carolina, Burleson lacks huge power but he can hit for average and get on base. It’s a limited profile in the field, but he has an arm that fits in a corner and enough power to fit in as a platoon player at maturation. So far Burleson has been a fast mover as he’s already performing in Double-A despite not debuting professionally until a few weeks ago. If he’s good the Cardinals will trade him for a bullpen arm.
Bobby Witt Jr, SS KC (Double-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
The Wobby Bitt (not a typo) has been en fuego since starting 8-for-45 with one homer over his first eleven games of the season. Over his last five games he’s 8-for-23 with two homers and two steals. This is great to see from one of the top talents in the game, he is still struggling to make contact, as he’s running a K-rate just under 30% and a contact rate in the low-70s. He needs to make more contact if he’s going to reach his lofty ceiling and have the sort of immediate impact many anticipate.
M.J. Melendez, C KC (Double-A) 2-for-3, 2 HR, 2 BB, SB
The talent has never been the question for Melendez as he’s one of the most tooled up catching prospects in the minors. His in game performance up until this season however has been poor. Entering 2021 Melendez career slash sat at .219/.308/.409, so far this season he’s putting that in the rear view, claiming his spot as the rightful heir to the everyday catching duties in Kansas City. Melendez comes from a famous baseball family full of catchers and coaches. I’m buying back in.
Alek Thomas, OF ARI (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 R
The counting stat numbers haven’t been great so far, but Thomas is slashing .328/.429/.552 so far. He’s flashing elite on base skills ans enough contact and power for it all to play. A leadoff skillset that’s starting to take shape is a major win for a Diamondbacks club that needs a spark plug at the top of the order to compete in the NL West come 2022. They can move Ketel Marte down a spot in the lineup and give him some players to drive in.
Triston Casas, 1B BOS (Double-A) 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
The homer was an absolute nuke that he had over the access road to the media parking lot. I’ve seen home run derbies and batting practices in this park where not a single ball went this far. Casas has serious monster juice in his bat, but what’s unique is he doesn’t need to sell out one iota to get to it in games. This is a potential all-star at first base type profile and he’s still the top player in the Red Sox system.
Gabriel Moreno, C TOR (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR
Before Alek Manoah’s start at Worcester on Wednesday I ran into a Marlins area guy that was sitting on the New Hampshire vs. Somerset series I caught a couple of weekends ago. As we chatted and compared notes Moreno came up and this scout had a great line about Moreno that sums him up perfectly. “Talented kid, he does a lot of things really well”. That’s the best way to describe it, Moreno is a good catcher with little question about sticking at the position with the bat for it all to work at the major league level.
Adley Rutschman, C BAL (Double-A) 3-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB
The 2019 pick de numero uno (sorry my Spanish is asi-asi) is still struggling from a contact perspective but is showing the power and on base ability we anticipated. I would not panic over the .246 batting average but if you’re in a dynasty league and someone is, exploit that!
Drey Jameson, RHP ARI (High-A) 6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Depending on your thoughts of the Irish whiskey, you could say Drey was as smooth as the liquid. I know, a stretch not everything is a slam dunk. 6 innings of shutout ball with 6 punchouts. We as a site gave him three pitches that at least grade out as average, and if he ever has to move to the pen I could envision him being nasty in that role.
Brenton Doyle, OF COL (High-A) 2-for-3, 3 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB
A mainstay on this series, Doyle is proving he can hit outside of the now defunct Pioneer League, pour one out for the people who lost affiliated ball out there. They have moved him around the outfield, but I think he ultimately ends up in a corner.
Willie MacIver, C COL (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 4 RBI
Let’s see what I can MacIver with this blurb, I know I expect better from myself. I did a podcast with Geoff, and one of my favorite people Trevor Hooth, this offseason discussing the Rockies farm system and Geoff brought up Willie MacIver as someone who could be worth monitoring this season. Good to see him hitting well.
Austin Shenton, 3B SEA (High-A) 3-for-5, 1 HR, 2 2B, 3 R, 5 RBI
Welp Seattle fans, you are a tough crew but at least some of the prospects on the farm are performing well, and that includes Shenton. A homer from a notable prospect will always get a shoutout from me but when it’s a grand slam and then he also just has two doubles for the fun of it, well, that’s exciting. Shenton is someone we all around here are pulling for, just that much more because of his back story.
Zach DeLoach, OF SEA (High-A) 1-for-3, 1 HR, 2 R, 1 RBI
Well while the big league squad is tossing out a crew of people I had to look up if they were real players, at least DeLoach is hitting. The 2020 2nd round pick has shown some power and stole some bases, he was one of my favorites during FYPD season because of the combination of power and speed.
Joe Naranjo, 1B CLE (HIgh-A) 2-for-3, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 SB
As local radio legend Big Boy said on Vince Staples third studio album FM! (great album), “Ah, Whittier, where the girls are prettier.” Well Naranjo was born in Whittier, and anytime you can make a Vince reference you’ve gotta do it. Naranjo is not built like your typical first-baseman standing at 5’8” 198 pounds, but he was drafted for his ability to hit, and hopefully some power comes around.
Mason Hickman, RHP CLE (High-A) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
5th rounder by Cleveland out of the prestigious Vanderbilt University spun himself a gem. He’ll likely get lost in the shuffle because of the other pitching prospects that Cleveland has in their system, but he’s worth monitoring because of the way Cleveland is able to get the most out of their pitchers.
Brennen Davis, OF CHC (High-A) 1-for-1, 1 HR, 1 R, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 1 SB
Okay, I see Brennen he wasn’t content with his 0-for-3 day yesterday so he’s perfect on the day, grabbing himself a hat-trick of walks, blasting his first homer of the season, oh and just for good measure steals a base. This is the power-speed combination that has many drooling over what Davis can be.
Cole Roederer, OF CHC (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 SB
Not nearly as impressive as Davis’ day but to be fair it’s hard to be as impressive as that. Roederer is yet another Cubs outfielder with power-speed, but unlike Davis the hit tool isn’t as refined as his org mate’s.
Jeison Guzman, SS KC (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
A prospect not known for his ability to hit the long ball, Jeison Guzman makes the most of a start at short, knocking a ball over the fence and adding a single in for good measure.
Griffin Conine, OF MIA (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 3 RBI
Back-to-back games with a long ball for the son of Jeff Conine.
Bryson Stott, 2B PHI (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 RBI
Stott has been fluctuating between second and short this season, more than likely in an attempt to increase his versatility. He’s been one of the few, if only, bright spots on a rather weak Phillies High-A squad with his modest thump, his ability to draw a walk and play an up the middle position. The rest of that team isn’t fist pumping on the Jersey Shore very often.
Korey Lee, DH HOU (High-A) 3-for-5, 1 2B, 1 R, 3 RBI
Doesn’t matter where you put Korey Lee so far, all the dude does is hit. I have questions about how long he can be viable as a catcher, however if he keeps hitting the bat will be able to play in a few other spots. I mean they even played him at third base this season?!?!
Tyreque Reed, 1B BOS (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI
DAMN THAT BOI THICCC! Listed at an imposing 6’1” 250, he had himself a day in the batters box, smashing a homer and getting himself a double. On a day where many High-A teams decided to rest their best hitters Reed was one of the best performers at the level.
Cade Cavalli, RHP WAS (High-A) 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Cavalli has adjusted to the professional ranks about as well as any pitcher from the 2020 draft, with another 6 innings of work, only allowing a run, and punching out 7. In 22 innings of work he has struck out 34 batters,
Jackson Rutledge, RHP WAS (High-A)
Not so much an update but everyone’s favorite twitter dufus @thepainguy is back at it again trying to equate everything back to whatever birdbrained idea he has that day, and unfortunately it relates to Rutledge and his right shoulder discomfort. I am not gonna link to his tweets because I don’t support his general lack of knowledge and feel but just know the “information” not worth your time, the tweet is weirdly formatted, and Chris is an overall bozo who doesn’t deserve your time or effort. Here’s to a speedy and quick recovery Jackson. I mean at least it isn’t the yips, right?!? RIGHT?!?
Francisco Alvarez, C NYM (Low-A) 2-for-6, HR, 3 RBI
Yeah, dude just hits. He’s a top 50 prospect right now across the board, and I can’t fault you if you push him higher. Promoted to High-A on Monday.
Luis Garcia, 2B PHI (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
He’s making it his personal mission to become THE Luis Garcia, and if he keeps hitting for power he will be on his way. That’s homer number two on the season.
Casey Martin, SS PHI (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 R
Martin’s season line sits at .243/.346/.386 and the contact issues have followed him over to pro ball so far. The 2020 third rounder from Arkansas profiles similarly to Royals farmhand Brady McConnell.
D.J. Stewart, 3B PHI (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI
He’s been profiled on these pages and we’ve since gotten some live looks on him, which are available on our YouTube page. There’s something here offensively, I just don’t know if he will hit enough to survive the move to first base that’s coming. He’s at .339/.388/.484 so far with a pair of homers.
Dixon Wingrove, 1B PHI (Low-A) 2-for-4, 3B, 2B
The entire Clearwater infield gets profiled today. It’s been a slow start for the Aussie, but he hit well in 2019. He was repeating rookie ball that year though.
Orelvis Martinez, SS TOR (Low-A) 3-for-5, HR
Orelvis smacks his third homer of the young season. He’s probably not a shortstop but if he hits like we think he will you’ll make it work.
Gage Workman, DH DET (Low-A) 4-for-6, HR, 3B, 2B, BB, 4 RBI
Workman hits for the cycle in this one, as Lakeland scores 20 runs with a 12 run ninth inning. No word if Workman did it the right way, or if he stopped at first on a ball in the gap and disrespected the game and became a self proclaimed hitting guru. Can’t be taking RBI opportunities away from your teammates like that.
Jimmy Kerr, 1B DET (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 3 R
I should’ve included Kerr several other times but tonight I’m feeling generous and he’s earned it. He actually had good rookie ball numbers in 2019, and is following it up with a .298/.437/.456 line this year with eight homers already. I’ll have to check in with the Tigers guys to see if there’s anything here.
Hudson Haskin, OF BAL (Low-A) 3-for-4, HR, 2B, 4 RBI, 2 R
Another fantastic showing for Haskin, who is up to .355 on the season and making a push for that promotion.
Anthony Servideo, 2B BAL (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R
Servideo is looking to get it going after a sluggish start. He can play good defense and run but he’s hitting for some surprising pop so far.
Jordan Westburg, 3B BAL (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
Westburg again. He’s raking. He’s at .400/.521/.636 on the year in 55 at-bats.
Brayan De Paula, LHP BAL (Low-A) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
De Paula was originally signed by the Marlins in 2017 but traded to the Astros in a minor deal a year later. He’s got a wiry build with a fast arm, and at 6’3” 175, he’s got some physical projection remaining. You wouldn’t know it by this outing, but his command is poor and this is the best outing of his pro career. Well done Brayan!
Jhonkensy Noel, 1B CLE (Low-A) 0-for-1
In my least fun writeup of the year I have to tell you that Noel was hit on the hand by a pitch and had to leave the game. Seom tweets I saw said it didn’t look good and the thought is he may have fractured his hand. Not good and I’ll update if I hear something official.
Tyler Soderstrom, 1B OAK (Low-A) 3-for-4
Probably the player I’m most awaiting video on from this year. I love this kid and I’m confident he will continue to hit as he marches through the Oakland system. He’s at .319/.413/.420 in 2021.
Mateo Gil, 3B COL (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2B
I put it all on the table during our Cardinals prospect podcast about how I thought Gil was underrated and could hit, and then he gets traded to the Rockies in the Arenado deal. Those aren’t related, but speaking of related he’s the son of a former big leaguer and is hitting .323/.343/.446 so far.
Ricardo Genoves, C SF (Low-A) 3-for-4, HR, 2B, BB, 3 RBI
Genoves can hit and is batting cleanup in one of the more exciting prospect heavy lineups in the minors. His offensive skills aren’t in question, the questions are if the defense and body will allow him to catch long term.
Ryan Murphy, RHP SF (Low-A) 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
He’s been profiled twice already by me in these writeups, but Murphy needs a new challenge. 28 strikeouts and just a pair of walks so far in 20 ⅔ innings.
Robert Hassell III, OF SD (Low-A) 2-for-5, BB, SB
Hassell stole his sixth base of the season while giving you a glimpse of his all-around game. It’s between him and Soderstrom for title of best prep bat in the first round (honorable mention to Jordan Walker) but Hassell is a potential five tool player.
Joshua Mears, OF SD (Low-A) 2-for-5, 2B
The extreme physicality of Mears takes you back when you see him, and some of his batted ball data is insane. That said he struck out three times tonight and that’s the big issue going forward. Power and speed here but shaky contact ability.
Brandon Lewis, 3B LAD (Low-A) 3-for-6, 2B, 2 R
Lewis has done an incredible job of getting into shape and looks like a much different guy than I saw in the MWL in 2019 and fall instructs. He can take a walk and has some power but the deep counts often get him in trouble and the strikeout numbers look worse than they actually are. He’s a big dude though and his value is tied up entirely in the bat.
Alex De Jesus, DH LAD (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 BB, 3 RBI
It’s been a rough start to the year but he did hit his third homer of the young season. He’s got some defensive concerns and did also strike out twice tonight. He’s hitting .224 with a .771 OPS.