Bryan De La Cruz, OF HOU (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R, SB
The BDLC loves making the sheet with a gang of hits. He’s running a crazy BABIP to sustain his .409/.459/.606 slash, but that shouldn’t be a shock. Surprisingly the approach is just okay, as he runs a 72% contact rate, a 24% K-rate, and a 14.8% SwStr%. None of this is sustainable and De La Cruz doesn’t seem anywhere in the Astros long plans.
Jake Meyers, OF HOU (Triple-A) 3-for-4, 2 RBI, R, BB, SB
The former Husker outfielder is having a big year. Meyers is an under the radar player that does a little bit of everything, he’s hitting for average, getting on base, hitting for power, and runs. He’s showing more power this season without trading off his approach. It’s still probably an up and down type but maybe there’s a little more.
Nivaldo Rodriguez, RHP HOU (Triple-A) 3 IP, H, 3 BB, 3 K
He’s been in the majors a couple of times already over the last few seasons, and looks destined for a long role. He has a deep pitch mix, but his command isn’t great and he still walks too many batters. He has a weird low spin four-seam and a hard cutter/slider hybrid. It’s an interesting pitc mix in an organization that has been known to turn these guys to gold.
Ryan Jeffers, C MIN (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, BB
The Jeffers (which sounds like a nickname for a goofy dude named Jeff) was rough during his 11 games in MLB this season and it doesn’t seem like it’s gotten better in Triple-A where he’s still struggling to make contact. He’s still a legitimate offensive catching prospect, but there’s some flaws in his approach.
Ben Rortvedt, C MIN (Triple-A) 2-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Yet another Twins catching prospect, Rortvedt spent a chunk of time in the majors already this season but didn’t do much. He’s been a pretty meh player offensively during his time in the minors and has the look of a backup catcher.
Bailey Ober, RHP MIN (Triple-A) 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 5 K
Despite not missing many bats in his major league debut he’s missed a ton over his minor league career. He’s boasted swinging strikes rates of 15% or above along every stop since 2017. He added some velocity on his stuff coming into 2021 but he’s still a part of the “Big Guys Who Don’t Throw Very Hard Club” led by chapter President Chris Young.
Daniel Lynch, LHP KC (Triple-A) 5.2 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 6 K
His Major League debut didn’t go as planned, but Lynch is back in the minors working dudes with his big stuff. The big question with Lynch is will his command take a step forward or not?
Vidal Brujan, OF TB (Triple-A) 3-for-6, 2 RBI, 2 R, SB
At this point it wouldn’t shock me if Brujan went 60/60 over an entire Triple-A season. I mean, it’s not like the damn Rays are going to call this guy up? I’d like to think he’s up in a few weeks but deep in the bowels of my plums it feels like July is more likely.
Josh Lowe, OF TB (Triple-A) 3-for-6, HR, 5 RBI, 2 R
Played centerfield, it will be interesting to follow whether Lowe or Brujan gets the call first. It looks like we’re likely to see Lowe in the outfield sooner rather than later but he could struggle rk make contact, as the swing and miss is still very much an issue.
Wander Franco, SS TB (Triple-A) 2-for-5, RBI, 2 R, BB, SB
The top prospect still in the minors has been good and all that, but was his .276/.341/.513 slashline what you expected this season? Probably not, but he’s still just 20 and is running a pretty low BABIP for a player of his style (speed+contact).
Cornelius Randolph, OF PHI (Triple-A) 1-for-2, 3 BB, SB
I’m starting to get heavy Trent Grisham 2019 vibes from Randolph at this point. Not a perfect comp but it’s a former first rounder that seems to be finding his way after a few years of falling off the map completely. There’s a varied power, speed, on-base skillset too.
Kevin Smith, SS TOR (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR
I hated Chasing Amy and Mallrats was only funny the first time I saw it. Dogma wasn’t bad but I went to Catholic school so I get the jokes. This Kevin Smith has bat speed and some defensive skills but he’s a bench player long term.
Humberto Castellanos, RHP ARI (Triple-A) 5 IP, 2 H, BB, 5 K
A soft tossing righty with a deep pitch mix, Castellanos is one of the rotation depth all-stars that will moonlight as a fill-in starter/long man for the next couple of seasons. Unless he gets his average fastball up a few miles per hour I wouldn’t pay him much mind.
Zach McKinstry, OF LAD (Triple-A) 3-for-4, 2 R BB
I was going to write an article before the season started that detailed all of the underrated players that I came to appreciate this off-season. McKinstry was one of them.
Alejandro Requena, RHP SEA (Double-A) 6 IP, 4 H, 8 K
He’s on his third organization and hasn’t done much up to this point but this was a hell of a game for Requena. Lady Gaga was in attendance and was very excited for Alejandro. Seattle signed Requena as a minor league free agent this season.
Nick Pratto, 1B KC (Double-A) 3-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R
Slamming Nick Pratto is here and he’s ready to take over as the rightful heir to the Hosmer throne. Will he be up this year? He’s rule five eligible in December so they wouldn’t be burning any real service time if he was. He seems like a logical choice to replace Carlos Santana should he go down with injury or end up traded should the Royals fall out of it by July. Unless you have faith in the Role 30 Ryan’s (McBroom and O’Hearn).
Ivan Herrera, C STL (Double-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB
Is Herrera the Cardinals catching prospect that actually takes over for Yadi? We’ve had about four of those guys already and Yadi, like a cockroach or Keith Richards has withstood way more abuse than he should have. Herrera can hit and he's a surefire catcher at the next level.
Pedro Leon, DH HOU (Double-A) 4-for-5, 3 RBI, 4 R
It’s starting to trend toward Hector Olivares/Alex Guerrero. I’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt as he shakes off the rust but it hasn’t exactly been inspiring. That said, it sometimes takes Cuban imports a few months, to even a year, to settle in. Many of them are coming off two year layoffs from competitive games.
Alek Thomas, OF ARI (Double-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 R, BB
Great to see a little power from Thomas who has handled Double-A with little issue in 2021. He's likely not up until 2022 but there’s a lot to like with his skillset and ability to hit at the top of a big league lineup.
Peyton Burdick, OF MIA (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, BB
The Avian Phallic keeps on mashing, all he knows is how to bang. The smash life chose him, he didn't choose the smash life.
Max Meyer, RHP MIA (Double-A) 5 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K
Not missing nearly as many bats as I anticipated but Meyer is also essentially doing this in Double-A out of the draft. It’s a strong three-pitch mix but perhaps the lack of good shape on his fastball makes it more of a groundball driver than a one-two punch with his slider.
Justin Dean, OF ATL (Double-A) 2-for-3, RBI, R, BB, 2 SB
He has plus-plus wheels and is a strong on base threat but there’s a bit of swing and miss to his game and his approach borders on passivity. He does have sneaky pop and with his base running abilities the on base skills boost the profile. Likely a bench outfielder but a good one that can help a team in a pinch.
Tobias Myers, RHP TB (Double-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Every time he pitches I seem to add Myers to the list, but I truly feel he’s one of the more underrated players in the Rays system. Through four appearances Myers has a 2.81 ERA to a 2.99 FIP, a 26.2% K rate, and a 6.2% walk rate. He’s not missing a ton of bats but shows the ability to hit his spots and work the corners.
Reid Detmers, LHP LAA (Double-A) 6 IP, H, 2 BB, 10 K
Funny enough, Detmers is doing what I expected Max Meyer to do in Double-A, miss a ton of bats and struggle at times with command. His stuff is up and with his ability to shape his breaking ball he may end up in the Angels rotation at some point this summer. He was the fast mover that lacked upside but he’s proving that wrong so far as he misses bats in bunches, rocking an 18.1 SwStr%.
Jason Bilous, RHP CWS (Double-A) 5 IP, 6 H, ER, 5 K, HR Allowed
His first Double-A start after shoving in High-A to open the season. His stuff has been good since his days at Coastal Carolina but he’s always struggled with command. He seems to have righted the ship and looks like very much a name to watch as a pop-up type this summer.
Nick Lodolo, LHP CIN (Double-A) 7 IP, 5 H, BB, 8 K
He was the Double-A South player of the week last week and has shoved in all but one start this season. He’s gone seven his last two starts and looks like he’s ready for Triple-A or maybe Ben the show. Should more arms hit the IL in Cincinnati, Lodolo should get a shot this summer. A three-pitch mix with above-average or better command.
Luke Miller, 1B PHI (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 R
Any player taken in round 10 or later (Miller was a 22nd rounder in 2018) always gets my attention when they produce in the upper-minors. That’s said Miller has a bad approach and he looks like a classic “Reading Special”. If you don’t know, Reading boasts one of the best power environments in all of baseball.
Janson Junk, RHP NYY (Double-A) 4 IP, 3 H, 7 K
Sometimes the jokes write themselves and other times you just don’t write the jokes. This will fall into the latter because Junk has been anything but that this season. Another 22nd rounder (a theme today) that’s made good on his opportunity. He’s already had a taste of Double-A and Triple-A in 2019, even if it was just a handful of innings. He was left unprotected in this year’s Rule Five Draft and seems to be missing more bats than he should be. However his strong numbers make him difficult to ignore.
Austin Martin, SS TOR (Double-A) 3-for-4, R
Where was this over the weekend Austin!?!? I’ve caught Martin a pair of times now and he’s looked passive at the plate, like a player looking to regain his timing.
Tyler Freeman, SS CLE (Double-A) 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, BB
T-Free has done what he does this season, hit. It’s probably a plus plus hit tool and approach with some developing power. Freeman strikes me as the type of hitter that will find above-average game power by his mid-20s and could be at the top of the Cleveland order by the end of this season.
Oscar Gonzalez, OF CLE (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
If Gonzalez ever figures out his approach at the plate he has everyday tools with big power but it’s an overly aggressive style that likely won’t translate to results at the MLB level.
Drew Mendoza, 3B WAS (Double-A) 2-for-5, 2 HR, 6 RBI
It was like old times! Was Mike Martin on the bench? Mendoza has monster juice but a bad approach and a lack of supporting skills. It’s an up and down power profile best suited for DH.
Brennen Davis, OF CHC (High-A) 2-for-5, 1 HR, 1 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI 1 SB
I enjoy a good brawl like the rest of us, and this one was bonkers, you know what else is bonkers? (that’s what we call a segue, y’all *fistpumps*) The way in which Brennen Davis has been hitting since being assigned to South Bend. Sure it’s two games but that doesn’t stop others from drawing conclusions on players. Back to back games with homers and stolen bases, Brennen Davis is #GOOD.
Will Brennan, OF CLE (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI
From one Brennen to another Brennan on the sheet today, Will is a classic lead-off hitter profile with good contact skills and some speed. He’s never been a power-threat to this point of his career but he does a solid job of utilizing his speed to make an impact.
Leonel Valera, SS LAD (High-A) 3-for-4, 1 HR, 1 3B, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI
An unheralded prospect in the Dodgers system, he is a light hitting shortstop known mostly for his glove, but today he was a single away from the cycle.
Bobby Miller, RHP LAD (High-A) 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
I am not smart enough to question the way in which the Dodgers have handled their first round pick BUT it’s definitely been unconventional to say the least. All of his outings have been rather short, never exceeding 3 innings of work per appearance.
Nick Loftin, SS KC (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 3 R, 2 RBI
Nick is putting some loft in the ball in yesterday’s game. I am not sorry for that one. Nice to see Loftin hitting because he’s been off to a slow start to the season he’s too talented of a hitter for this slow start to be who he is. If there’s a buy-low opportunity I would pounce.
Asa Lacy, LHP KC (High-A) 4 IP, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
It has been a mixed bag to start the season for the former 4th overall pick, with really short outings and two solid bounce back outings like this one. 4 innings is less than you want to see but he limited the runs and the walks while striking out over a batter per inning. There’s some FU to his game that I absolutely love and when he gets more comfortable in pro ball he should absolutely wreck opposing lineups.
Seth Gray, 3B MIN (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
Corner player who is known mostly for what he brings with the glove, being a remarkable defender at the hot corner, it’s nice to see him smash balls from time to time.
Malcom Nunez, 3B STL (High-A) 4-for-6, 2 2B
Prospect Live’s own James Weisser was on hand at the Peoria vs Beloit game this past evening and was able to get some video of some of the prospects who hit well. Nunez had himself a nice day at the plate grabbing himself 4 hits and a pair of doubles.
Will Banfield, C MIA (High-A) 2-for-6, 1 HR, 1 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI
The calling card for Banfield is his ability to defend at a high level at the most crucial defensive position. However he will occasionally show some power, and with his 9 hits so far this season 6 of them have been extra-base hits.
Zach McCambley, RHP MIA (High-A) 4.2 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Third round pick by the Marlins out of Coastal Carolina, got hit around a little bit in this start for him allowing 8 hits but struck out 7. He’s got two good pitches and in his recently published report on the site it’s brought up by Joe Drake that he is a data darling because of the spin metrics on his stuff.
Cameron Cannon, 2B BOS (High-A) 2-for-5, 1 HR, 1 R, 4 RBI
The former Arizona Wildcat, has been off to a good start in 2021, showing the ability to hit and like tonight the ability to sprinkle in power from time to time. He’s almost exclusively played second this season and that’s where he profiles best but he is gonna need to hit a lot to play there at the highest level.
Alex McKenna, OF HOU (High-A) 2-for-3, 1 HR, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB
Lead-off hitter profile with some modest thump in the bat. Never gonna blow you away but is a solid contributor and probably maxes out as a second division player, if you squint really hard.
Matthew Fraizer, OF PIT (High-A) 1-for-3, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
Another former Arizona Wildcat from the 2019 draft class, Frazier came from the third round of that draft. He has some over-the-fence power but is looking to put the ball in the gaps, kind of an old-school lead-off hitter type who wants to put the ball in play and use his speed on the basepaths.
Quinn Priester, RHP PIT (High-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Quiet outing for the former first round pick, he was able to keep the walks in check, and while he only struck out 3 he stranded all 5 batters who got on against him. Priester is still getting his feet wet in proball, but here’s hoping the new Pirates regime doesn’t ruin him the way the past regime wasted away some talented pitchers.
Drew Rom, LHP BAL (High-A) 5 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
In a burgeoning system with some interesting pitchers Rom can get lost in the shuffle just a little bit. Maybe because his stuff isn’t as eye popping as other pitchers but he’s a solid pitchability leftie with some room to grow on the raw stuff.
Jake Blomgren, SS COL (High-A) 0-for-0, 3 BB, 3 SB
Weird night for the former University of Michigan shortstop, grabbing himself a hat-trick of walks and then utilizing his legs every time he got on base. He’s a good defensive shortstop who is light-hitting to put it nicely.
Brenton Doyle, OF COL (High-A) 2-for-3, 1 3B, 1 2B, 2 R
O’Doyle rules! And some would say Brenton Doyle rules, and with two extra-base hits last night, he just might for the evening that is.
Will Wilson, SS SF (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
Hey Will it’s been a while, nice to see you back on the sheet. After a bit of a “slump” he comes back with a homer. Wilson has solid bat-to-ball skills and will show off some power to his pullside because he can turn on almost anything.
Seth Corry, LHP SF (High-A) 4.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 9 K
Walks have always been a prevalent part of Corry’s game however with the slightly higher walk-rates comes high strikeout-rates. Because of the lack of command and the two above-average pitches there is a chance that he ultimately ends up in the bullpen but he could absolutely eat out of the pen.
Julio Rodriguez, OF SEA (High-A) 3-for-4, 2 RBI
Solid three hit game for the top prospect in the Mariners system as soon as some guy named Jarred Kelenic graduates. And he probably works his way into being the top prospect in baseball for some after some others graduate this season.
Maikol Escotto, SS PIT (Low-A) 2-for-3, 4 RBI
The former Yankees prospect had a nice day for Bradenton, but the entire lineup feasted scoring 12 runs in this one. Pour some out for Cardinals flamethrower Edwin Nunez, getting tagged for 10 earned in this one.
Sergio Campana, OF PIT (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2 2B, BB
Two doubles are notable for the speedy Campana, as power isn’t usually his game. He’s still waiting on that first professional home run but does have 30 steals in his career, six of them so far in 2021.
Jase Bowen, 2B PIT (Low-A) 3-for-5, HR, 4 RBI
Bowen was the Pirates 11th rounder in 2019 from the Ohio prep ranks. It’s been a sluggish start to his pro career but this may have been his best career game.
Hudson Head, OF PIT (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2B, BB
The former Padres prospect has struggled so far in his introduction to pro ball, hitting .193/.333/.316 with a pair of homers and steals. The batted ball data is still great, but 23 strikeouts in 57 at-bats is not.
Alexander Mojica, 1B PIT (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR
The big man has been seeing time at first base as well as third this year. He got into one today and is looking to rectify his slow start. He’s at .204/.298/.388 with three homers.
Jaylen Palmer, 2B NYM (Low-A) 2-for-3, 3 R
Palmer can hit a little, although the stats may not back it up and has been playing all over the diamond this year in preparation for a future utility role.
Noah Syndergaard, RHP NYM (Low-A) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
He threw 16 pitches with ten of them landing inside the zone. He left the rehab start early with elbow soreness, and looking at the data it registered most of his fastballs as changeups, so that’s likely not a great sign. He did top out at 95.
Tyler Callihan, 2B CIN (Low-A) 2-for-5, 2B, BB
The man without a position just hits. He’s up to .328 with an .829 OPS.
Joey Wentz, LHP DET (Low-A) 1 ⅔ IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 2 K
Wentz was making his first start while rehabbing from TJ surgery. He threw 55 pitches, with 26 landing inside the zone. He averaged 92 on the heater, topped out at 94 and mixed in his curveball and change. Understandably some rust here, but hopefully he can return to form.
Edouard Julien, 2B MIN (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2 BB
The Quebec native with the most Quebec sounding moniker, Julien is enjoying a nice start to his professional career, hitting .339 with a .999 OPS. Still looking for his first homer but he’s swiped eight bases so far.
Brent Headrick, LHP MIN (Low-A) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
Illinois State Redbirds are taking over the world. Well ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration but Headrick pitched well in this one. Super efficient, he projects as a back end of the rotation piece. The big lefty went to my alma mater and also is from a town over from me, so I’m a big fan.
Zac Cook, OF TOR (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2B
Today was the first game for Cook, who signed with Toronto as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Texas-Arlington. Toronto had him hitting leadoff in his fist game so that should grab your attention.
Trevor Hauver, 2B NYY (Low-A) 2-for-4
Hauver has cooled down significantly but is still hitting .323 with a 1.198 OPS. Keep him in your thoughts.
Jacob Sanford, OF NYY (Low-A) 2-for-3, 2B, BB
A nice day for the power hitting Yankees outfield prospect. Sanford can mash, it’s just all about the rest of his game allowing the power to play.
D.J. Stewart, 1B PHI (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR
Stewart continues to mash. He’s hitting .348 with a .925 OPS. He’s worth an add at this point in deep leagues.
Evan Carter, OF TEX (Low-A) 1-for-2, 3B, 2 BB, SB
Carter flashing the speed and plate approach in this one, stealing his tenth base. Still waiting for the power to come more consistently, but have to like what we're seeing from the young Carter so far, batting average be damned.
Jeremy De La Rosa, OF WSH (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR, BB
Not a lot has been going well for Fredericksburg, the Nationals Low-A affiliate as they won just their second game in this one, and are 2-17 on the season. No regular in their lineup is hitting over .230, and that includes JDLR, who is now at .200/.273/.350 but has only played five games.
Mitchell Parker, LHP WSH (Low-A) 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K
Big time effort for the Nationals fifth rounder in 2020. The lefty out of San Jacinto JC can bring the heat and has registered 31 strikeouts in just 18 ⅔ innings so far.
Jose Rodriguez, SS CWS (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2B
It’ll be hard to find a prospect that's boosted his stock more in my eyes than J-Rod so far in the early going of 2021. Dude just hits. He’s up to .313 with a .905 OPS while playing quality shortstop defense. Has the look of a potential big league regular here.
Matthew Thompson, RHP CWS (Low-A) 1 ⅓ IP, 4 H, 7 R, 3 BB, 1 K
I’m trying to figure out which Matthew Thompson had a worse morning, this one or the one writing this blurb. Not a strong showing for Thompson here, or by the author last night who went to U.S. Cellular Field last night for the Cardinals-White Sox game and housed seven Bud Light tall boys. Don’t worry, I didn’t drive and I think both of us will be just fine. Carolina scored 23 runs in this one, I’m not going to highlight all the players, but Joe Gray Jr and Joey Wiemer each left the building.
Xzavion Curry, RHP CLE (Low-A) 4 ⅔ IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 9 K
Not the most efficient outing but he struck out Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg multiple times, so that’s more notable than anything else from this start.
Spencer Strider, RHP ATL (Low-A) 4 ⅔ IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K
Strider needs a new challenge. He’s bored with Low-A and is absolutely abusing hitters. He’s yet to allow a run in three starts over 11 ⅓ innings, with 26 strikeouts, only three hits allowed and also three walks.
Taj Bradley, RHP TB (Low-A) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 10 K
Bradley can miss bats but will struggle with command at times but this appearance shows you what it can look like if it all clicks. He’s got 24 strikeouts and seven walks in his first 15 ⅔ innings.
Ricardo Genoves, C SF (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR
Genoves homers again. All he does is hit, but can he catch?
Brayan Buelvas, OF OAK (Low-A) 2-for-3, BB
Buelvas shows some power with his third homer of the year. He’s got some nice power and speed skills but it's ultimately all on the shoulders of his hit tool and ability to stick in center. He’s hitting .226/.359/.434 so far but also has 20 strikeouts in 53 at-bats.
Tyler Soderstrom, C OAK (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2B
Tyler Soderstrom just hits. Tyler Soderstrom needs a more baseball sounding name. His name sounds like an actors’ name. Let’s work on that.
Robert Puason, SS OAK (Low-A) 1-for-4
A hit but two strikeouts for Puason in this one, while also making an error. He’s at .106/.208/.106 for the season.
Noelvi Marte, SS SEA (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2B
He’s still at it. Marte is still raking and is at a remarkable .355/.437/.579 on the year with four homers and four steals. If I was to nitpick anything it's his 23% K rate but that’s not even bad considering he’s young for the level.
Dariel Gomez, 1B SEA (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2B, 3 R
Gomez was a former Cardinals prospect that was scooped up off waivers by the Mariners in December of 2019. He can hit a bit and show some power but struggles to get to the power in game as often as someone as low on the defensive spectrum as he is. You have to mash to play first base at the big league level and I just don't see it.
Sam Weatherly, LHP COL (Low-A) 5 ⅓ IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 10 K
A college arm doing what he should be doing in Low-A. Weatherly is ready for the next challenge. He can miss bats but his command is wobbly and can abandon him at times.