Gentlemen, Ladies, Moms, everyone out there… It’s Comeback SZN and that’s all you need to know for today’s sheet.
Luis Campusano, C SD (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 R
We got a glimpse of Campusano toward the end of last season, and when he’s not riding dirty with the prettiest flowers, he’s clubbing homers and handling his duties behind the dish. It’s less a matter of if and more a matter when Campusano is promoted.
Jarred Kelenic, OF SEA (Triple-A) 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R
Three games played, three multi-hit games. This is a big leaguer playing with the triple-a team. I imagine Kelenic is here for another few weeks to a month tops before he’s promoted. But it should be tomorrow.
Vidal Brujan, 2B/OF TB (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 2 HR, 3 R, 5 RBI
If it keeps going like this how high will prospect rankers shove Brujan up their lists? Another two bombs on Saturday running his season total to four. Not only did he double dong, he went all Eddy Murray and homered from both sides of the plate.
Wander Franco, SS TB (Triple-A) 2-for-6, HR
That’s right! Wander hit another shot hitting right handed as he deposited a hanging breaking ball deep to left. I guess his launch angle isn’t a problem any longer and frankly it looks like he’s successfully added some loft to his right handed swing.
Kevin Padlo, 3B TB (Triple-A) 2-for-6, HR, 2 RBI
Hit another homer running his total to four on the season. As we said yesterday he’s a three true outcome bat with some thump. It’s a Ty France profile in some ways. Not perfect but there’s an unshakable quad-a vibe.
Daniel Johnson, OF CLE (Triple-A) 2-for-2, 2 BB, R
Man, Daniel Johnson just gets on base. There’s some power, some speed, and he gets deep into counts and walks. Josh Naylor is playing right in Cleveland and I’m not entirely sure why. Johnson is a superior fielder and not much of a downgrade, if he is at all, at the plate. Maybe Cleveland is tanking for Elijah Green.
Owen Miller, DH CLE (Triple-A) 2-for-5, 3 RBI
He now has three multi-hit games through four games played. Redbirds hit, it’s all they know. Miller has a limited defensive profile, but the bat is legit.
Lewin Diaz, 1B MIA (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
We know Lewin can hit minor league pitching, he’s been doing it for years. It’s a matter of whether or not it translates at the big league level. I still believe it will, as there’s enough feel to hit that he won’t be exploited with breaking stuff the way many a more one dimensional slugger has.
Yusniel Diaz, OF BAL (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
At this point Diaz has been a prospect so long I almost typed his first name is Yandy. He’s 24, and has no real standout tool but a bucket of fringe to average skills across the board. He’s always gotten on base at high rate, but the swing and miss has continued to rise (he struck out three times last night). The power is a good sign because early on there’s been some contact struggles.
Jarren Duran, OF BOS (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 3 R, BB
On base four times from the leadoff spot, staring in right field. These are things the Red Sox need. A productive leadoff hitter and corner outfielder with some teeth at the plate. Last night Duran hit his first in game home run post swing change. Despite showing it off at the alternate site in 2020 and this spring. Now that he’s developed power and had some time in the outfield Duran has developed into an incredibly well rounded player.
Brett Conine, RHP HOU (Triple-A) 5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 5 K, 1 HR allowed
An 11th rounder back in 2018, Conine is on the cusp of the majors and showed well last night. He doesn’t throw very hard, but he has great fastball shape, lands the pitch all over the zone and utilizes his slider command, and above average changeup to put batters away. A strong start for Conine who looks the part of a backend starter.
Curtis Terry, 1B TEX (Triple-A) 2-for-4, 2 HR, 2 RBI
He only knows the mash life, it just who he is. The original #MassiveHuman Curtis Terry put a jolt into two balls tonight as he joins the ranks of the waiting room first base only mashers. Not sure when he gets his call-up in 2021 but it should happen at some point. The odds are against him earning a full time gig minus injury.
Davis Wendzel, 3B TEX (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 R, BB
Look at that long hair go. Davis Wendzel looks like he just got off tour with Phish but man can he ball. Plus infield defense, above average approach and bat to ball, and early he’s been showing some thump in game. This might be the most underrated player in the minors.
Ryan Pepiot, RHP LAD (Double-A) 4 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 4 K
Had the fastball and changeup working early and he looks yet another Dodgers draft hit. The fastball eats in the upper quadrants, popping 96. It’s a nasty pitch with good shape and velocity. The changeup is an above-average pitch and he shows feel for two different breaking balls.
Alek Thomas, OF ARI (Double-A) 2-for-3, 2 RBI, R, BB
The Diamondbacks are loaded with talented outfield prospects, and early Thomas has looked the best of the near-MLB ready group. He’s been hitting leadoff for Amarillo and he’s produced at the plate thus far. Had a hard hit single off of Pepiot and hit a triple later in the game. Thomas is an exciting prospect that fits the leadoff hitter mold.
Alec Marsh, RHP KCR (Double-A) 5 IP, 3 BB, 9 K
We heard about the big velocity jump coming into 2021, and holy sh*t… This guy absolutely shoved last night. Arkansas lineup is subpar but he did the job. Control waned at times walking three and hitting a batter. He wasn’t economical either needing 85 pitches to get through five. Fastball sat high 90s, his slider elicited swings and misses and he used his changeup effectively. It’s a four pitch mix with a deathcar fastball.
Nolan Gorman, 3B STL (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB
Good to see Gorman finally get off the schnide and park one over the fence. I still very much believe in the player, despite any struggles early in his pro career. There’s plus power in the bat with on base skills. He needs to cut down on the swing and miss to a tolerable level. The jury is still out on if that happens.
Shea Langliers, C ATL (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI
One of the best defensive catchers in the minors Langliers has some power in the bat as well. He exhibited this last night as he deposited two homers for his first two of the year. The biggest question with Langliers is just how good the bat is. This was a great early sign for Braves fans.
Tobias Myers, RHP TB (Double-A) 4 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 K
The Tampa system is so loaded that a player like Myers can slip under the radar some. He’s 22 at double-a and has three average or better pitches in his fastball, curveball, changeup combo. He throws 92-96 mph when his velocity is up, and the curveball flashes plus. How he ended up not included in many deep prospect rankings of the Rays system is beyond me. Like this is less interesting than Cal Stevenson? Get out of here man. Shave the back of your neck!
Mark Appel, RHP PHI (Double-A) 2.2 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K
Nice to see Appel back in affiliated ball and looking the part. He’s been away from baseball for over three years and he’s back and punching out batters. Command was spotty but he came out and competed. Between Anderson Espinoza, Sam Carlson, and Mark Appel it seems to officially be Comeback SZN.
Elehuris Montero, 3B COL (Double-A) 2-for-3, R, RBI, BB
In the early going Montero is hitting which is exactly what he needs to do in order for his profile to work. He started at first base, which looks to be his best long term position. I still can’t believe that Montero was one of the headliners of the Arenado trade.
Sandro Fabian, OF SFG (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
Fabian has bat to ball skills and some raw pop, but he has a rough approach that’s overly aggressive in and out of the zone. When he does make contact it can often be loud, and his bat speed makes him at least kind of interesting. However the lack of refinement in his approach is tough to see it all clicking.
Rodolfo Castro, 3B PIT (Double-A) 3-for-5, R, RBI
He saw three at bats with the big league club earlier this season, and has looked good in the early going for Altoona. He has consecutive three hit games and multi-hit games in three of his last four.
Jession Rosario, OF BOS (Double-A) 2-for-3, R, RBI
One of the players in the Mitch Moreland return from San Diego, he’s been hot to start the season, hitting .417. Left the game after the fourth inning, no word on what the reason was. He has speed, bat to ball skills and defensive value. I highly doubt he develops into an everyday guy but he can be valuable as an outfield bat off the bench.
Kutter Crawford, RHP BOS (Double-A) 4 IP, 3 H, 5 K
A great first start for Crawford, as he went four scoreless against one of the more star studded lineups in the minor leagues. He struck out Austin Martin and Jordan Groshans in the first and flashed an appropriate cutter that was effective in on the hands of right handed hitters. The fastball shape was good and he located it well all over the zone.
Denyi Reyes, RHP BOS (Double-A) 4 IP, ER, 3 H, 5 K
Another underrated name in the Sox system that’s had a history of performance in the minor leagues. The slider looked much improved since my last look at it in 2019 and he seemed to show more confidence in the pitch than I remembered. I’m not sure if he’s really a prospect but there’s a high level of pitchability.
Matt Tabor, RHP ARI (High-A) 6.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 10 K
Straight out of Milton Academy, Alma mater of luminaries such as Eno Sarris of The Athletic. I tuned into this start as he was facing off against Brandon Williamson for Everett. Tabor was electric, despite a couple of hits, pounding the zone with his three pitch mix and playing with passion. Barking at batters after strikeouts and displaying starter swagger throughout the game. Most impressive is his ability to throttle the fastball, adding a few ticks as he needed, reaching back for mid-90s heat in two strike counts. One of my favorite starts i've watched in the young season.
Brandon Williamson, LHP SEA (High-A) 4 IP, 2 H, 9 K
Equally impressive to Tabor, but far less economical. Wilkinson recorded three quarters of his outs via the strikeout and generated tons of swings a misses on his fastball and trio of secondaries, through primarily slider. He looked fully healthy and fully effective all night. Still likely a reliever long term but there’s some starter qualities with the pitch mix and ability to limit contact and miss bats. He just needs to be more efficient.
Julio Rodriguez, OF SEA (High-A) 1-for-3, R, BB
I’m going to take this time to say Julio Rodriguez strikes our way more than any player ranked that highly should. Looking at you Tork. That said Rodriguez shows glimpses but there’s more questions the more I watch.
Michael Toglia, 1B COL (High-A) 1-for-2, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, 3 BB
The former Cotuit Kettleer has been mashing in the early going, hitting home runs in four of his first five games. He’s a tall, long, athletic slugger that can handle a corner outfield spot, oh BTW he’s a switch hitter as well.
Brayan Bello, RHP BOS (High-A) 5.2 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 3 K
One of Bello’s biggest fans was John Calvagno of Sally Notes. I added Bello in as a tribute to John and his contributions across prospect Twitter. Throws hard sitting mid-90s for stretches and up to 98 mph, mixing in a plus changeup he has no issues snapping off in any count. His slider seems to be progressing but it’s still behind his changeup.
Spencer Torkelson, 3B DET (High-A) 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 3 R, BB, SB
After being poked with a stick for the better part of two months Tork finally did something yesterday. He’s been striking out a ton and it’s been worrisome, so it was refreshing to see him finally make good contact and do what we all expected. Now let’s do this for two weeks and see where we’re at.
Dillon Dingler, C DET (High-A) 1-for-5, HR, 2 R, BB
Dingler continues to do things, even if it’s masking some swing and miss struggles (he struck out four times yesterday).
Andre Lipcius, 3B DET (High-A) 3-for-6, 2 RBI, 2 R
I liked Lipcius when I saw him down the Cape, liked him at Tennessee, and I like him now. Is anything loud? No, but he just hits, plays all over the infield and has a high baseball IQ in all things he does. It’s not an everyday profile but he might cut it as a utility infielder.
Nick Gonzales, 2B PIT (High-A) 3-for-3, R, BB
Hit two doubles and got on base all four times he came to the plate. Not only is this the best hit tool in A ball at the moment, it might be one of the best in the minor leagues. Gonzales can hit, and his compact stroke and plus bat speed translate to lots of hard contact. IYKYK
Ryan Ward, OF LAD (High-A) 1-for-2, HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB
Bryant University in the house! An eighth rounder back in 2019, Ward is a mid-major college bat with some juice and a lack of real defensive value. He’ll really need to hit to make it.
Colin Barber, OF HOU (High-A) 1-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R
A fourth rounder back in 2019, Barber is still just 20 years old and has some upside with the bat. I don’t do “picks to click” or anything along those lines but I think Barber is another name to watch list and see how the next few months go. There’s power and supporting skills that provide a solid foundation for his profile.
John Rave, OF KC (High-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 R, BB
As I’ve said before Redbirds hit it’s all they know! Rave is a 2019 fifth rounder out of Illinois State, there’s not a ton of pedigree or upside here, but he’s hitting leadoff and playing centerfield. I’ll pay attention to that.
Seuly Matias, OF KC (High-A) 2-for-4, 2 RBI
Hit a double and a triple yesterday and struck out just once. In the not too distant past Seuly jumped onto top prospect lists due to his plus plus raw power. It’s never fully materialized in games due to contact issues. That’s still the case.
Brandon Lockridge, OF NYY (High-A) 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, BB
Matt Thompson mentioned Lockridge yesterday and he continues to rake. It’s always shocks me when Yankees prospects are underrated. Then again, give it a month of performances like this and that will change quickly.
Oswald Peraza, SS NYY (High-A) 2-for-4, 2 R, BB, 3 SB
Is that Oswald Peraza or Vince Coleman? Three steals yesterday and five on the young season. Another under appreciated Yankees spec with speed, defensive chops, and feel to hit. It might end up a utility profile but on the other hand there’s a lot of everyday type tools. He’s just 20 in High-A which is a great sign the organization believes in Peraza.
Connor Scott, OF MIA (High-A) 3-for-4, 2 R
The former first rounder is now hitting .409 and has multiple hits in three of the last four games. I was never a big Scott believer but he’s so far he’s showing that maybe there’s more in the bat than I anticipated. A product of the infamous Plant High School in Tampa.
Alex De Jesus, SS LAD (Low-A) 4-for-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R
With P-Live’s Rhys White in the house for De Jesus’ double dong night. He was absolutely electric in every plate appearance making tons of hard contact… obviously. At just 19 De Jesus has the look of a future star in the Dodgers system.
Kendall Williams, RHP LAD (Low-A) 4 IP, H, 2 BB, 4 K
The tall lefty the Dodgers stole from the Blue Jays in the Ross Stripling trade. Rhys saw him, I’ll let Rhys handle this.
Sam Carlson, RHP SEA (Low-A) 4 IP, 2 H, BB, 7 K
Comeback SZN rolls along with Carlson making his first affiliated start since 2017. It’s been a long road and it was good to see Carlson pumping last night. Sitting low-90s, showing a hard breaking in the 80s and his trademark changeup.
Noelvi Marte, SS SEA (Low-A) 2-for-5, R, RBI
His best offensive game of the young season, but he made an error in the field. Still very young and these are his first stateside affiliated games. So you need to take the good and the bad within stride. Certainly looks the part, I just wish Modesto had a better feed.
Kyle Harrison, LHP SFG (Low-A) 3 IP, H, 3 BB, 7 K
His pro debut and Harrison looked as good as advertised. Fastball sat 93-96 mph and he flashed his slider for swings. The command was below average in the day but good overall for a 19 year old in his first pro action. Harrison is one of the best arms to watch this season in the lower minors.
Luis Matos, OF SFG (Low-A) 2-for-4, RBI, R
Hit two doubles on the day driving in a run while hitting third and playing centerfield. One of the best position prospects in a talented Giants system. This San Jose team is must watch most days.
A.J. Vukovich, DH ARI (Low-A) 1-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
Another #MassiveHuman that hits absolute tanks, Vukovich has now hit three home runs in the first week, starting off his pro career in a torrid pace. He’s going to have to hit for this profile to fully work.
Jhonkensy Noel, DH CLE (Low-A) 1-for-5, HR, 2 R
Just a massive human that murdering baseballs early. The Cleveland system is so stacked that Jhonkensy slips under the radar some. He has connected for three home runs in the first week.
Tyler Callihan, 2B CIN (Low-A) 3-for-6, 2 R, RBI
Hasn’t been especially loud this first week but yesterday Callihan opened up on Palm Beach’s pitching. Slugging a double and scoring twice and driving in a run. His defensive future is up in the air but his ability to hit has never been questioned.
Allan Cerda, OF CIN (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, BB
Signed back in 2017, Cerda has always flashed big power and supporting skills. The early returns point to a breakout but it’s tough to know how legit all of it is. There’s definitely plus raw power in the profile and he was starting in center.
Heriberto Hernandez, OF TB (Low-A) 2-for-2, HR, 2 BB
Hernandez is a true raw power monster with feel to hit. An absolute steal for Tampa Bay in the Nate Lowe trade. Hernandez has the bat to ball ability and power on contact to develop into a superstar. Now that he’s in the outfield any of those catching questions should be removed from the conversation.
Osiris Johnson, SS MIA (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR
Osiris is back from the dead and our own Ian Smith has been on hand for his resurrection.