After our weekly siesta the Sheet Boys are back with a full slate to soothe the savage beast. Lots of names, lots of 10+ strikeout games, and lots of double dongs. It’s the Minor League Daily Sheet for June 15th in the year of our lord 2021. Let’s get it Sheet Boys!
Daniel Lynch, LHP KC (Triple-A) 5.2 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, 3 K
This is better, but not the dominance many anticipated they’d see from Lynch in the minor leagues this year. His command was better last night, but he still gets hit too much for the quality of his stuff.
Emmanuel Rivera, 3B KC (Triple-A) 4-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 4 R, BB
An aggressive hitter, with above-average bat to ball skills, Rivera looks to put the ball in play. He’s flashing more power in 2021 than he had in previous stops and joins a group of unheralded Royals prospects in the upper-minors with upside at the plate. This was his ninth home run of the season as he slashes .287/.333/.559.
Jhoan Duran, RHP MIN (Triple-A) ⅔ IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 BB
The last three turns for Duran have been tough, as he’s had no command of his loud stuff. This tough run culminated in last night’s stinker, where Duran either couldn’t find the zone or was too hittable when he did.
Zach Reks, OF LAD (Triple-A) 2-for-5, R
I am not kidding, anytime Zach Reks does anything of note, even as mundane as a 2-for-5 night with a run, he makes the sheet. Dem is da rules boys.
Keibert Ruiz, C LAD (Triple-A) 1-for-1, HR, 2 RBI
Loudly asks “who is here for power hitting Keibert?”. I then realize I’m alone in my basement and only I have my hand raised. In all seriousness, Keibert has always had elite bat to ball skills, a step forward with power, even if it’s just to average, is enough to make him an everyday catcher. Just not sure it’s in LA. At this point Ruiz looks like premium trade bait.
Abraham Toro, 1B HOU (Triple-A) 2-for-2, HR, 2 RBI
I've always felt that Toro had a shot to stick as an everyday regular with a lower tier team. Or in other words, he’s a second division regular. He’s always hit in the minors and continued to do that this season. It’s just a matter of him settling in with a big league club and seeing enough at bats to prove it.
Andres Gimenez, SS CLE (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
Hey, look at you waking up with two whole hits! Nice to see Gimenez looking like a guy traded for a superstar.
Bryse Wilson, RHP ATL (Triple-A) 6 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 9 K
We know what the story is with Wilson. His fastball is good, and when it’s on he gets outs, when it’s not, it’s Chernobyl. At this point he’s stuck in up and down hell. In fact the road to Gwinnett from Atlanta might as well be called the Bryse Express.
Kevin Smith, SS TOR (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, BB
I haven’t seen a Kevin Smith resurgence like this since he got skinny. Not this Kevin Smith the other one. No, not the Orioles lefty, Silent Bob. In reality Smith is back looking like a snack with power, speed, and new found on base ability. Another player that may end up dealt between now and the deadline that might end up in the majors immediately with his new team.
Wander Franco, SS TB (Triple-A) 3-for-4, R
Okay, okay Wander. You’re the number one prospect. I was wrong dude, okay? Franco was a home run shy of the cycle last night.
Jahmai Jones, 2B BAL (Triple-A) 3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, SB
Back from the dead, Jahmai looks like he’s finally found the offensive abilities we long dreamed of. He’s still young at 23 and has been on a burner since returning from an oblique injury last week. How hot is he Geoff? Well, he’s 8-for-20, with four extra base hits, a pair of steals, and three walks to one strikeout.
Travis Blankenhorn, 2B/OF NYM (Triple-A) 1-for-2, HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB
This is his fourth organization in three weeks. I just hope that Blankenhorn finds a good home.
Estevan Florial, OF NYY (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, 4 R
One great game will not make up for six bad ones. Florial seems to pack all of his production into the hood days. Unfortunately the bad days are still too common. If Florial was promoted to the majors he likely strikes out at a 40%+ clip.
Deivi García, RHP NYY (Triple-A) ⅓ IP, 2 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, K, HR Allowed
What is going on? Deivi was cursed by Eric Cross and his black magic. Be gone demon!
Hoy Jun Park, 2B NYY (Triple-A) 4-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB
He got to the plate five times and he got on base five times. All Park does is hit, he’s a little older and gets lost in the shuffle in the Yankees farm system but based on my first hand looks, he might be one of their better hitters.
Jeter Downs, 2B BOS (Triple-A) 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
This is what we like to see from Jeter. He’s been selling out for power, almost to an extreme and it’s absolutely tanked his overall slashline. The parts are all there, feel to hit, advanced approach, speed, instincts, and natural loft. It’s just a matter of staying within himself and not trying to go yard every at bat.
Jo Adell, OF LAA (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
He has 26 extra base hits over 34 Triple-A games this year. He also has six walks to 53 strikeouts. He’s pretty much “see the ball, hit the ball” at this point. Despite the highlights and gaudy power output, I still don’t fully buy in.
Andre Jackson, RHP LAD (Double-A) 5 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 9 K, HR Allowed
Is this the son of Andre 3000 and the Infamous Ms. Jackson? Wouldn’t shock me, as he takes after his dad, Andre keeps dropping bangers. He has a strong four pitch mix, with a fastball that can touch 97-98 mph and a cutter hybrid that runs in on the hands of lefties. He’s a little older but due to injuries and lack of focus on pitching as an amateur (he played both ways at Utah) Jackson has upside.
Eguy Rosario, 2B SD (Double-A) 3-for-4, 2 R, SB
I asked my kids if they knew what an Eguy was and they showed me a picture of their Robolox character. I don’t think Rosario’s mom was a gamer, but Eguy certainly is! See what I did there? Over his last twenty games Rosario has been flames emoji. Slashing .361/.420/.639 with 11 extra base hits. That’s an Eguy!
Jack Suwinski, OF SD (Double-A) 1for-3, HR, 2
Now up to eleven home runs in the year with a 13% walk rate. I don’t know what to do with Suwinski, he’s on a burner, he has power and on base skills, which I like. But, and this is a big but, he has major contact issues. I’m wondering how this plays over the next few months. He’s outside my top 250 at the moment but if he sees promotion to El Paso and keeps this up I’ll shove him into the top 200.
M.J. Melendez, C KC (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR
If it’s not Nick Pratto or Bobby Witt Jr, it’s Melendez. Those are the rules my friends, remember them, respect them.
Luken Baker, 1B STL (Double-A) 2-for-3, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB
This #MassiveHuman has five homers since Memorial Day weekend but he’s still hitting just .240 over that sample. We need to see Baker hit for average and power for this profile to work. He looks like he’s halfway there. Then again, he’s a Cardinals prospect, so he’ll likely be great with the Tigers.
Jose Miranda, 2B MIN (Double-A) 3-for-6, HR, 3 RBI
A player I have a lot of appreciation for, he’s played all over the infield of late, and while he’s not ostensibly good at any position his bat is good enough to make it work. He has a nice combination of power and contact skills.
Andrew Bechtold, 3B MIN (Double-A) 2-for-2, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, 3 BB
Imagine getting in base five times but your season is so bad you’re still hitting below .240 and your OPS is under .800. That’s Bechtold who started at third base last night. There’s some offensive upside, he just needs to find consistency at the plate.
Jordan Balazovic, RHP MIN (Double-A) 4.1 IP, 2 H, BB, 8 K
His longest turn of the season as he builds up after returning from injury. I mentioned it his last time out but Balazovic has great stuff and an easy operation. He has a deep pitch mix of above-average or better pitches led by his mid-90s fastball. One of the best pitching prospects in the game that likely will be ready for his major league debut by late this summer.
Cole Winn, RHP TEX (Double-A) 6.1 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 5 K
The 2018 first rounder has come back in a big way, as he’s dominating Double-A over his first seven starts. The fastball has great shape and he creates a flat VAA due to his shape and low release allowing it to play up in the top of the zone. He pairs that with a curveball and changeup that both flash above-average for stretches, and he’ll mix in a slider variation. He’s an easy top 15-20 pitching prospect in the game. Oh, and he’s 21 for all of 2021.
Josh Jung, DH TEX (Double-A) 1-for-4
It’s Jung Josh and he’s back in action after an unfortunate pre-season injury. He’ll be fun to watch in the coming month as he should push for promotion to Arlington by late July.
Korey Lee, C HOU (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI
I was very unimpressed when I saw Lee post-draft in 2019, and to a degree that three game look clouds my perspective. He raked at High-A and he picked up where he left off in his Double-A debut. His contact is way up as he was in the 77%-80% range in High-A, and at 22 he’s still young. Sometimes you have to see past your anecdotal experience.
Parker Mushinski, LHP HOU (Double-A) 6 IP, 2 H, 11 K
A 2017 7th rounder that was left unprotected in last year’s rule five. I’m not sure what happened last night as Mushinski doesn’t miss bats at a high rate, but he was one after a rough start to the season. He’s 25 and hasn’t been able to keep batters off base, looks like a great night and nothing more.
Garrett Whitley Jr., OF TB (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, BB
If you look at a box score don’t be shocked if Whitley fills it up. He hates zeros, which is why he’s good for a hit, a walk, a run, an RBI, and a strikeout every night. That’s his game. He’s an on base machine with supporting skills and contact woes. Just another future MLB player in the Tampa system.
Rodolfo Castro, 2B PIT (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R
I initially had Castro inside my top 100 but moved him just outside. There’s a lot to like here, as he’s hitting for power and contact and he can play multiple spots in the dirt. He’s a 80% contact guy that hits the ball in the air hard. That plays, even if he’s not an on base machine. He puts his best skills (bat to ball and power at the point of contact) to good use.
Roansy Contreras, RHP PIT (Double-A) 7 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 10 K
What else is there to say? It looks possible that Contreras could be better than Jameson Taillon by 2022. His fastball is plus, with good shape, velocity, and command. He’s been one of the best arms in the minor leagues in 2021. He’s fourth at the Double-A level in strikeouts, and he has the fifth lowest FIP. He’s also one of four players 21 years of age or younger at the Double-A level. The other three are the recently promoted Hunter Greene, as well as Cole Winn and Reid Detmers.
Oswald Peraza, SS NYY (Double-A) 3-for-4, 3 R
I was shocked at how high I rated Peraza who has to get a bump for seamlessly making the jump to Double-A. His contact skills remain strong and look like they’ll only improve, he makes plays on the bases, and he showed some power early this season in High-A. There’s a lot to like here, as the Yankees look like they have a major trade Chip for the stretch run.
Diego Castillo, 2B NYY (Double-A) 3-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
This is arguably my favorite breakout of 2021. He has plus contact skills, a strong approach, can play multiple spots in the dirt and is showing game power. This was the biggest miss in our Yankees list, but I don’t think anyone outside Castillo’s mother or his agent knew he was this good.
Donny Sands, C NYY (Double-A) 3-for-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R
He snapped his fingers, looked at his henchmen and demanded the double dong. What Donny Sands wants, Donny Sands gets! He’s the king of Sin City.
Glen Otto, RHP NYY (Double-A) 7 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 14 K, HR Allowed
He’s now second behind only Cade Cavalli for the minor league strikeout lead. He has a nasty fastball+breaking ball combination but lacks the third pitch needed to continue to dominate as a starter once he sees the top levels of professional baseball. Another strong relief prospect for the Yankees.
Grayson Rodriguez, RHP BAL (Double-A) 4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, 6 K
This was a bad Grayson start, let that sink in. He got a hit some but his ability to go to any secondary in any count allows him to mitigate some of the damage. That’s what we saw yesterday.
Jay Groome, LHP BOS (High-A) 4.1 IP, 3 H, 4 BB, 7 K
Yung Groome has been walking his fair share of batters and even with the handful of walks the former IMG man just pitched his best game of the season. He has to be added to the 40 man this offseason, and with the Red Sox being more competitive than I personally thought they would be, Groome could be an intriguing trade chip for them to dangle around at the deadline.
Tyler Esplin, OF BOS (High-A) 3-for-4, 2B, R, 2 RBI
Nice day at the office for Tyler, grabbing himself a double and a pair of singles.
Joe Perez, 3B HOU (High-A) 2-for-4, 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI
One of the more underrated prospects in an admittedly shallow system, Perez has been hitting well to start the season. The former second round pick has kept his strikeout rate to a manageable level and it’s only a matter of time before a few of these hard hit balls end up going over the fence. Not worth rushing out to get just yet but keep an eye on him going forward.
Alex McKenna, OF HOU (HIgh-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2B, 3 R, RBI
Another day, another couple of hits for Alex McKenna, what’s new for the man from the former Cal Poly Slo hitter.
Zach Watson, OF BAL (High-A) 3-for-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB
Went out and paid respects to his college coach at LSU stepping away from the game after a long and bountiful career by hitting a homer. Watson can on the right day look like a future fourth outfielder but he is gonna need to hit more.
Quinn Priester, RHP PIT (High-A) 5.1 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 6 K
I get scared putting pitchers on here because what if they have the dreaded “Tommy John Twist” by noted pitching savant Chris O’Leary. The Pirates have been doing a hell of a job with their pitching prospects this year and Priester has started to look more comfortable in High-A, flashing what made him a highly thought of prep prospect.
Matthew Frazier, OF PIT (High-A) 1-for-4, HR, R, RBI
Frazier has been hitting well, and it probably warrants a call up here soon. He’s slashing .336/.429/.550 with 7 homers. There’s a fourth outfielder ceiling here.
Touki Toussaint, RHP ATL (High-A) 3 IP, H, ER, BB, 2 K
Rehab start, what is Touki at this point? I never know what to think about him.
Jesse Franklin V, OF ATL (High-A) 2-for-3, HR, R, 2 RBI
As a University of Michigan fan, anytime a former player does well I will try to sneak them on here, but Jesse has been hitting so well I don't need to fall back on my fandom. He’s been hitting well over the past week or so even better than another highly thought of Braves outfield prospect at this level, is he better than Harris II, well no but people are talking.
Josh Breaux, C NYY (High-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 R, RBI
Yo Breaux that homer was so sick. I apologize to the entire Breaux family for that. I liked Breux as a draft prospect because if the whole catching thing didn’t work out he had a nice fall back option because he could pitch in the upper 90’s. He hasn’t been hitting this far into the season, but here’s to hoping he turns it around.
Alfonso Hernandez, LHP WAS (High-A) 6 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 8 K
In a system as shallow as the Nationals, shallow for all the right reasons because they won a World Series and developed a few of their key contributors from their farm system, it is nice to see an unheralded prospect, who is probably a role 30 guy but you need those, pitch well. Holy long sentence right there.
Keider Montero, RHP DET (High-A) 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K
A Tigers fan favorite has two solid pitches that may facilitate a move to the pen but he could be an intriguing low-leverage arm if it all clicks.
Bryant Packard, OF DET (High-A) 2-for-4, 2B, R
Somewhere Trevor Hooth is fist pumping and celebrating Packard’s time to shine as Torkelson and Dingler got promoted to Double-A.
Jeison Guzman, SS KC (High-A) 2-for-4, 2B, R
Glove first middle-infield prospect who may max out as a nice bench piece. He’s been making contact this season, and while power isn’t a big part of his game he has shown some modest, below-average at peak, power and hit himself a few long balls this season.
Kameron Misner, OF MIA (High-A) 2-for-3, 2 2B, 2 R, SB
If you want a word to describe Misner it’s frustrating, because we all know the tools are there just hit tool concerns may ultimately hold him back. I hope he’s able to polish up the hit tool here soon because he has a chance to be really fun on a super young and fun Marlins team with that core they have growing together.
Julio Rodriguez, OF SEA (High-A) 2-for-5, 3B, 3 R, 2 RBI
J-Rod, he really needs a cooler nickname than that, that will be what I will spend my day thinking about to get a nickname that matches the talent. Julio will soon get the distinction of being the best prospect in the game for some, and today is one of the reasons why, he just hits and then he will show some power. Here's hoping that he is able to help the DR qualify for the olympics because the Olympics should have the world’s brightest stars and J-Rod has a chance to be that.
Brandon Williamson, LHP SEA (High-A) 5.1 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 BB, 8 K
Big tall left-hander who is more control over command, has been pitching well thus far into the season, probably warranting a call-up at any point this season. Currently he has punched out 59 in 31 innings thus far into the season and only has walked 10. Zion’s long lost brother probably ends up as a long-reliever at the highest level or as some sort of piggy-back situation where he could be asked to let it eat for 2-3 innings.
Zach DeLoach, OF SEA (High-A) 3-for-6, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI
Recent draftee out of Texas A&M where they just hired away TCU’s head baseball coach to be their coach in a shock move in the college baseball world. DeLoach must have been pumped because he had a solid day grabbing himself a double and a pair of singles, I think if the shutdown didn’t happen DeLoach would have worked his way into being a first round pick.
Blaze Alexander, SS ARI (High-A) 3-for-4
Three singles for the prospect with one of the strongest arms in all of the minors. Hasn’t been hitting consistently to start the season and hasn’t hit for much power either.
Austin Wells, C NYY (Low-A) 3-for-4, BB
Wells is absolutely on fire right now. He’s getting on base at a high rate and the power has been coming too.
Jake Sanford, OF NYY (Low-A) 4-for-4, HR, 2B, BB
Sanford is one of the more underrated bats in a loaded Yankees system due to his power and overall athleticism. The Canadian prospect is hitting .290/.357/.420 so far, and while the raw power is at least plus, he’s having a difficult time getting it to play in games.
Eury Perez, RHP MIA (Low-A) 4 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K
You should know by now, every Tuesday is Eury Day, and he goes four scoreless in this one lowering his season ERA to 0.72. He’s on the rise. It’s probably already too late in dynasty leagues.
J.T. Ginn, RHP NYM (Low-A) 4 IP, 1 H, 5 K
Ginn matched Perez with four scoreless innings of his own as he works his way back from Tommy John. This was probably his last outing in Low-A.
Bryan Ramos, DH CWS (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2 HR, 2B
Ramos is an interesting White Sox prospect with a bit of pop and average speed. He’s upped the walk rate significantly this year but unfortunately the strikeout rate has seen a similar rise. Reports on him love his hands, but his size may ultimately push him across the diamond to first base, which creates a whole new set of offensive expectations.
Joe Gray Jr., OF MIL (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2 2B, BB
Gray does it again, with both of his knocks going for extra bases. He’s certainly brought the power stroke this year and is hitting through an uncomfortable strikeout rate. With how hard he hits the ball and his above-average speed he’s been able to make it work so far. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop because of the strikeouts but maybe I should just live in the moment and not worry about such things. Gray is on the shortlist for best players throughout minor league baseball for this season and it’s been incredible.
Curtis Mead, 3B TB (Low-A) 3-for-4, HR, 2B
The Aussie was acquired from the Phillies for left-hander Christopher Sanchez, and he’s been having a fine season in Low-A, hitting .331/.386/.508. Ultimately I think he’s the next Michael Brosseau or Kevin Padlo for the Rays, but there’s a chance he can become a future everyday guy if he’s moved to a different organization. I believe in the bat, and he plays a solid third while also being able to fill in at second.
Angel Martinez, SS CLE (Low-A) 3-for-4
Three singles for the Lynchburg leadoff man. Martinez has cooled off a bit after a nice hot stretch so hopefully this three hit game gets him going again.
Eddys Leonard, 2B LAD (Low-A) 3-for-5, 3B
I don’t have much on Leonard, but he looks like a guy with a chance to make it as a utility option. His five homers in 2021 is already a career high for a season for him, so perhaps we’re seeing a mini-breakout out here.