June 16th, a day that will live on in the history books. For on this day both Jermaine Palacios, Samad Taylor and Brayan Buelvas all went double dong. This is what America is about, a land of plenty. As always this is brought to you by Dem Sheet Boys, Geoff Pontes (Triple-A and Double-A), Rhys White (High-A), and Matt Thompson (Low-A). Now for the blurbs!
Andres Gimenez, SS CLE (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 R
Has now homered in three consecutive days dating back to Sunday. Is Gimenez finally heating up? Or did he just run into some bad pitching? Prior to this the Cleveland shortstop had been pretty bad post demotion.
Gabriel Arias, 3B CLE (Triple-A) 2-for-3, RBI, R, BB
While his slash line is ugly, there’s one element of his game that’s been very encouraging. His walk rate. On the season Arias is walking 12.9% of the time while playing at the highest level of the minors at 21 years of age. That’s important to keep in mind when looking at Arias’ season slash. He’s one of three players 21 years of age or younger at the Triple-A level.
Nate Pearson, RHP TOR (Triple-A) 6 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR Allowed
At this point this can best be described as an average Nate Pearson game. Less strikeouts than you’d like to see from a guy with his stuff, and bouts of command woes. The foundation of a good mid-rotation arm is there. It’s just a matter of staying on the field enough to develop.
Jake Burger, 3B CWS (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI
The Burger, Burger Mesiter Burger was grinding up beef and swallowing it whole. What does that mean Geoff? I have no idea, but he had a dong and drove in four. We know about the power and the aggressive approach, he likely doesn’t have a role on a young and talented White Sox club. So, is Burger trade bait?
Gavin Sheets, OF CWS (Triple-A) 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 BB
He’s the owner of the sheet, for it is his namesake. You know the drill by now, he’s a bat first profile on the 40 man. He’s likely first base long term but has been getting run in the outfield. Due to this he's an option for the big league club should the White Sox be dealt more injury woes.
Travis Blankenhorn, OF NYM (Triple-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB
He’s found a good home! Sometimes prospecting is like owning a rescue for dogs. I just want them to find loving homes!
Luis Gil, RHP NYY (Triple-A) 5 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR Allowed
A rough Triple-A debut for Gil, as he struggled with command and was hittable when he was in the zone. He was fairly strong over the first four but things really came unglued in the fifth.
Shane Baz, RHP TB (Triple-A) 4 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 5 K
A strong Triple-A debut for Baz as they continue to have him on a strict pitch count. The jump in command and control is really encouraging and rating Baz as a top ten pitching prospect is very reasonable.
Wander Franco, SS TB (Triple-A) 2-for-4, RBI, R, BB
Another night, another multi-hit game. As Bruján has gone cold, Wander continues to provide instant offense anytime he’s in the batter’s boxes. Get it, because he’s switch.
Drew Rasmussen, RHP TB (Triple-A) IP, 3 K
Mark my words, Rasmussen is going to be a monster out of the Rays pen, as he provides yet another look. He’s yet to allow a run over 11.1 innings out of the bullpen, striking out twenty three and walking just two.
Ryan McKenna, OF BAL (Triple-A) 4-for-5, HR, 3 R
Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, never going to run around and desert you. That’s me Rick-rolling Ryan McKenna. He’s been good during his time at Triple-A and he brings the ability to make contact, get on base, run, and punish the occasional mistake pitch. He’s a good all around player with leadoff tendencies.
Domingo Lebya, OF BAL (Triple-A) 2-for-3, 3 RBI, BB
The former Diamondbacks prospect has played a total of 15 games in Triple-A in 2021. He’s slashing .413/.448/.825 with seven home runs. He’s a muscular but boxy switch-hitter that struggled against breaking balls at what big league level. He’s got a steep bat path which makes him really susceptible to 12-6 curveballs and changeups.
Mark Vientos, DH NYM (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, BB
The contact and approach still doesn’t pass the smell test, but the power is showing in a big way this month. Another player where it’s important to keep in mind his age and level before hitting the panic button.
Diego Castillo, 2B NYY (Double-A) 3-for-5, RBI, 2 R
My guy Diego keeps hitting, as his season slash line is up to .344/.392/.613. He’s been on fire in June, as he has more extra base hits than strikeouts in the month.
Luis Medina, RHP NYY (Double-A) 5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 10 K
Faced off against -Caleb Kilian, RHP SF (Double-A) 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 9 K - in the best pitching matchup of the night. Kilian is older at 24, but he was a 2019 draftee and this is his first full-season of pro-ball. He dominated in High-A and the results have remained strong in Double-A. Kilian’s velocity is up and he’s lost none of the strike-throwing prowess he was renowned for at Texas Tech. Medina on the other hand has always had stuff, but it’s been a matter of mastering his command. That step forward started in the second half of 2019 and has continued to improve throughout the early part of 2021.
Spencer Torkelson, 3B DET (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 RBI
Welcome to this side of the sheet Mr. Torkelson. Tork had a couple of singles as he drove in both of Erie’s runs on the night.
Riley Greene, OF DET (Double-A) 2-for-4, R
I bet Riley is happy with all his new found friends, as the Erie lineup now is fairly formidable. You may even argue the best in the minors. Though I’m sure Durham and New Hampshire have something to say about that.
Cooper Criswell, RHP LAA (Double-A) 6.2 IP, 3 H, 14 K
A deceptive righthander with a tall and fall delivery, and a low arm slot. Criswell gets by on his slider+changeup combo, using his fastball as an early count strike stealer. Both of his secondaries are advanced and he’ll throw them in any count to any hitter. His changeup is one of the rare offspeed pitches that’s just as effective to righthanders as it is to lefties. Likely rotation depth at the big league level, but maybe he can work enough magic to be a number five starter.
Bobby Witt Jr., KC (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR
Was a single short of the cycle. That’s the easy part Bobby! In all seriousness the power is so easy, and I think the hit tool will improve with time. Here I am telling you things you already know, like “Bobby Witt Jr. is good”.
Luken Baker, 1B STL (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 R, BB
This mashing #MassiveHuman now has four homers over his last three games. The ceiling here is Luke Voit, but I’m not sure his approach or feel to hit is on par with Voit’s.
Jermaine Palacios, SS MIN (Double-A) 4-for-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R
A huge night for Palacios as he continues to perform at Double-A. He’s a little older than Jose Miranda, offers less with the bat, but more in the field. It’s a solid utility profile with enough offense to have a lengthy MLB career.
Pedro Leon, SS HOU (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
His May and June continue to be like night and day, as Leon is up to four home runs in the month. He’s still just 23 and the Astros have no reason to rush him. He likely sees promotion to Triple-A within a month and ends up in Houston for a cup of coffee for a week or two.
Bubba Thompson, OF TEX (Double-A) 3-for-5, 2 R, SB
The contact is way up, the strikeouts are down, he’s showing power game power and running. He’s doing all this a top the leadoff spot for Frisco every night. The player everyone got so excited about back in 2019 is here. Yet no one is excited, why?
Josh Jung, 3B TEX (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR, 4 RBI
Does he look healthy? Certainly looked like it last night. We all thought Jung could hit, it was just a matter of making some mechanical adjustments to tap into his plus raw in games.
Samad Taylor, 2B TOR (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI, BB
If Gavin Sheets is the owner of the sheet, and Nick Pratto is the King, then Samad Taylor is the Prime Minster. In all my looks at New Hampshire this season, Taylor has stood out. It’s plus bat speed, with a short direct swing path and an aggressive hitter’s mindset.
Otto Lopez, OF TOR (Double-A) 3-for-5, 2 R
It’s an aggressive contact first approach but Lopez makes it work for him. It’s only gap power, as Lopez hits lots of liners to the gap but rarely parks one over the fence. He’s a good utility player that can get on base in a pinch and provide situational hitting.
Logan Davidson, SS OAK (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
This was his first home run of the season as his hot June continues. He’s now up to .316/.394/.474 on the month, as he puts an ugly May in the rear view. This is a good reminder we’re starting to see some things settle in after a noisy first month of action.
Jared Shuster, LHP ATL (High-A) 4 IP, H, BB, 6 K
Recent 2020 draftee for the Atlanta Braves, Shuster profiles as a back-end starter who pairs a solid fastball with a solid changeup. He has only walked 4 batters thus far into the season with 21 punchouts.
Jesse Franklin V, OF ATL (High-A) 2-for-4, R, 2 RBI, 2 SB
The hot streak just continues for one of the more surprising Fifth’s, and he even steals bases sometimes.
Joe Perez, 1B HOU (High-A) 1-for-4, HR, R, RBI
He has been fluctuating between first base and third but it doesn’t matter where he plays because Perez continues to hit, and today he hit for some power. Keep an eye on Perez in your leagues, there’s a chance for a solid second division regular who hits for average and some power.
Zach Watson, OF BAL (High-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 R, RBI, 2 SB
Power and speed? The former 3rd round pick has that fourth-outfielder feel.
Ronny Mauricio, SS NYM (High-A) 2-for-4, HR, R, 2 RBI
After a little bit of a slow start Ronny hits himself his first homer since June 5. He hasn’t been making solid contact and is currently rocking a 31.9% K-rate. The frame and the power are there but he hasn’t hit enough this year, I don’t think it’s time to panic but it’s worth being alarmed.
Brett Baty, 3B NYM (High-A) 2-for-4
Baty is back on hitting singles, he has been hitting the ball consistently and was hitting for power. He’s gonna have to hit because he’s not a plus defender at third base, and he may ultimately shift over to 1B, which only puts more pressure on the bat to perform.
Josh Breaux, DH NYY (High-A) 4-for-5, 2B, R
A double and a handful of singles for our Breaux. Slow start to the season, but he is starting to heat up a little bit.
Kaden Polcovich, OF SEA (High-A) 3-for-4, 2B, 2 R
Former Oklahoma State Cowboy has been hitting moderately well, getting on base and showing some modest power and speed at the level. Stolen-bases are tough to project but Polcovich is an above-average runner who can utilize that speed in a few ways. He has been showing some defensive versatility, being able to man center as well as 2B and even possibly go handle a corner spot.
Juan Then, RHP SEA (High-A) 6 Ip, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 B, 5 K
Not so much a great performance but Seattle has been handling the prospect they traded and then traded back for with extreme caution to start the season. Still probably a reliever but now and Then I can be wrong in that assessment.
C.J. Van Eyk, RHP TOR (High-A) 5 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Is this the place where I start to say stuff that is widely known by people who aren’t even plugged in and try and play it off like I am some genius who is bringing the day of reckoning online? Anyways Van Eyk pitched well here, and after some early season struggles is starting to take the ball every fifth day and pitch solidly.
Michael Toglia, 1B COL (High-A) 2-for-5, HR, R, RBI
We can look at what Toglia is doing two ways, Toglia has been hitting for power in games which is encouraging or we can look at him and be concerned that he is selling out for said power and sacrificing contact.
Mitchell Kilkenny, RHP COL (High-A) 6 IP, H, 10 K
Oh my god they killed Kenny. Kilkenny is old for the level at 24 but has been dominating the competition to this point in the season currently rocking a 1.22 ERA, 46 punchouts, and 5 walks in 37 innings.
Brendan White, RHP DET (High-A) 6 IP, 3 H, 4 K
My brother from another mother, and frankly another father, has been taking the ball every time his name has been called upon and has been solid. Not much of a prospect but hey you’ll take that statline every night from your starter.
Xzavion Curry, RHP CLE (High-A) 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 6 K
His first name would do some serious damage in scrabble with X, Z, and V if you could use names in scrabble, I love scrabble and most board games honestly. Curry has taken well to High-A and hasn’t looked out of place since getting the promotion. I like him as a possible relief prospect but Cleveland has nothing but time as far as his development goes, plus from what you see on social media he seems like an 80 teammate.
Wander Javier, SS MIN (High-A) 1-for-3, HR, R, RBI
Yup he’s back from the dead and his power-surge in the month of June is encouraging, hitting 5 homers to this point in the month of the June. After a terrible 2019 and a lost 2020 it is nice to see Javier perform well, he’s a nice pick up in your deepest of leagues if he’s available. I feel like being tagged in tweets by Dusty anytime Wander Javier does well is just now part of my life, and I’m okay with that.
Edmond Americaan, OF CHC (High-A) 2-for-4, 2 SB
The former Chipola JC product is arguably the most patriotic prospect we have in all the minors, and there’s nothing more patriotic than getting two hits and grabbing yourself two stolen bases, or so they say. If he doesn’t have a good game on the 4th of July then we riot in these proverbial streets.
Jhon Torres, OF STL (High-A) 2-for-5, HR, R, 2 RBI
Here’s to hoping there’s plenty more long balls for Torres as he hits his first of the season. It’s been a mostly empty .290 batting average up until this point, he’s not hit for much power posting a putrid .397 slugging percentage. He’s gotta leverage that frame and body into more power to be an interesting prospect.
Jack Ralston, RHP STL (High-A) 4 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
From the just genius mind, ugh, that brings us the Tommy John Twist have you heard of Flat Arm Syndrome. Move over any other syndrome because this is one that will plague the nation. Frankly the dude who comes up with these gives off that weird uncle that says crazy things that your parents don’t want you talking to alone vibes. Sorry Jack, you pitched alright, getting ⅔ of your outs via the strikeout, there’s an emergency depth profile here.
Griffin Conine, OF MIA (High-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI
So he hit a homer elevating his season total to double-digits but he also struck out 3 times in the game, that’s the Griffin Conine experience baby.
Angel Zerpa, LHP KC (High-A) 6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, BB, 8 K
Who would have thought that Zerpa would be the best performing left-handed pitcher in a minor league rotation that features Asa Lacy. 2021 is a wild place, but Zerpa is on the 40-man, pitching well and should be available in deeper leagues, you could always find someone to drop to take a flier on him, like all those people who at one point rostered Tebow.
Andy Pages, OF LAD (High-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI
After a slow start Pages just crushed his 10th homer of the season. He gets to his power with relative ease and if he makes consistent contact he has a chance to be a solid everyday player for almost any team.
Victor Mesa Jr., OF MIA (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2B, BB
Both hits were 103 MPH off the bat. VMJR can hit, and doesn’t resemble the prospect that he was when he originally signed with the Marlins. He’s a more physical kid, and looks to have more power than we originally thought. The 19 year-old Cuban is hitting .235/.318/.356 with ten extra base hits, and a pair of steals.
Ivan Johnson, SS CIN (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2B, BB
Activated off the injured list the game prior, Johnson only needs one day to get back on the sheet of glory. Ivan Johnson was the Reds fourth round selection in 2019 out of Chipola JC, and the switch-hitter profiles as a bat first utility option. I like the bat and want to see more.
Jordan Walker, 3B STL (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR
Walker brings the boom in his return from the injured list, and I’m sad there’s no statcast data behind this one so I’m just going to assume it was 145 mph off the bat.
Tommy Jew, OF STL (Low-A) 4-for-5, HR
Jew has been hot lately and the UC Santa Barbara product profiles as a nice reserve outfielder as he shows just enough offensively and defensively. He’s a college bat that was drafted in 2019 that is finally making his professional debut.
Matt Koperniak, OF STL (Low-A) 3-for-4, BB
He just hits. The London native actually threw someone out at first base today from right field, so that’s pretty cool.
Santiago Florez, RHP PIT (Low-A) 5 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 6 K
No walks for the command/control over stuff righty. Florez has been profiled on the sheet quite a bit this year due to his ability to pound the zone. He spins a beautiful breaking ball that might be a plus pitch due to how he pairs it with his below average fastball. Florez is a future big league arm, probably most likely to end up in relief but he could be a solid 5th starter as well. I’m a fan. Limited upside but he throws strikes.
Rixon Wingrove, 1B PHI (Low-A) 3-for-4, HR, SB
Wingrove is a first base only prospect that hasn’t hit enough yet, but it’s too soon to close the book on him yet.
Jose Rodriguez, SS CWS (Low-A) 3-for-5, SB
Yeah, he’s at it again. Rodriguez controls the barrell really well and I’ll say it again, he looks like an everyday shortstop.
DJ Gladney, 3B CWS (Low-A) 3-for-4, HR
Be Glad for Gladney! Ok that was bad. Speaking of bad, Gladney might not actually be bad and while there are some serious swing decision flaws in the profile he does have plus raw power. Getting to it in games has been tough because he’s only seen a few pitches he won’t chase. There’s some work to do but the local kid is a legit prospect, but has some work to do.
Joe Gray Jr., OF MIL (Low-A) 2-for-4, 3B, BB, SB
This is a mundane night for Gray. He’s been that good.
Zavier Warren, 3B MIL (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 BB
The Central Michigan Chippewa has spent time behind the plate, at short, and at third base in the last couple seasons, giving him one of the more versatile profiles in the game. I view Warren as a league average type bat, and if he can provide all that versatility he can be a very valuable player to have on a big league roster.
Joey Wiemer, OF MIL (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 BB
Identical line as fellow 2020 pick Zavier Warren. Wiemer was the Brewers fourth rounder, taken one round after they selected Warren. The former Cincinnati Bearcat has some pop and can run a bit, and take some walks but he hasn’t made enough contact so far. Wiemer can be an everyday guy if he gets that hit tool to a 5, the other tools are plenty good enough.
Jonathan Sierra, OF CHC (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2 2B, BB
Sierra was an international signing by the Cubs out of the Dominican Republic all the way back in 2015. He’s been underwhelming to this point, and owns a career slash line of .252/.326/.341 in over 1,100 career plate appearances. Sierra lacks power but does make above-average contact. He must be added to the 40-man after this season but has shown nothing to indicate that’s even in the plans.
Fabian Pertuz, SS CHC (Low-A) 3-for-5
Three singles for the light hiting infielder. Pertuz has only played in 14 games thus far. He has a strong allergy to walks but does put the ball in play. A low ceiling/low floor prospect with no secondary skills on offense.
Curtis Mead, 3B TB (Low-A) 3-for-6, HR, 2B
He’s at it again. Mead is red hot right now, and trying to prove he’s worth of everyday at-bats as he climbs the ladder.
Cole Wilcox, RHP TB (Low-A) 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 6 K
Wilcox surrendered four runs in this one, but zero were earned. He’s boring, but efficient and is one of the better pitching prospects in the lower minors that nobody is talking about.
Angel Martinez, SS CLE (Low-A) 2-for-5, 2B
If I just recycled yesterday’s comment about him would you even notice?? Martinez is having a very nice 2021.
Alexfri Planez, OF CLE (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR
Today’s effort brings Planez’s average up to the Mendoza line. Planez got some hype this winter and during the shutdown with strong tape on twitter of his swing, and due to his physical frame. Watching it sucks you right back in but there are some serious contact issues with this profile that were undersold. I’ve slid him back down some lists for now and it’s very much wait and see on Planez.
Gunnar Henderson, SS BAL (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2B
It’s been a bit but Gunnar is back. It’s June 16th and he still has an OPS north of 1.000.
Jorge Barrosa, OF ARI (Low-A) 5-for-5, HR
What a game for Barrosa! His triple slash is .326/.383/.452 and he’s been the primary leadoff hitter for the Visalia club. For what he lacks in size he makes up for in bat speed and barrell control. There’s more upside than you might think in the bat.
Blake Walston, LHP ARI (Low-A) 6 ⅔ IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 8 K
The Diamondbacks stretched him out to 94 pitches in this one. He pitched into the seventh allowing zero runs and keeps missing bats. He’s got 51 whiffs in 38 ⅓ innings and is showing more feel and command than I thought he may, due to the pandemic. I’m a fan. Likely future mid-rotation arm with a season or two of even better than that.
Drew Romo, C ARI (Low-A) 3-for-3, HR, 2B, BB
I had a clever writeup on Romo that never made it to the sheet yesterday due to some internet issues on my end. In short, he’s having an extremely successful season despite his swing heavy approach. Can he keep it up? EHHHHHHH I DUNNO JIM (Tony Romo voice).
Brayan Buelvas, OF OAK (Low-A) 2-for-5, 2 HR
You know the rules. A double dong day gets you a blurb. The Colombian native has a real shot at the everyday centerfielder role for the A’s in a few years, he’s that good. B squared is one of my favorite prospects that’s still a bit under the radar.
Cade Marlowe, OF SEA (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR, 3B
In our recent update to the top 500 fantasy list that’s dropping soon this was a dude I needed to make sure was included. Marlowe has been ridiculous this year with a .301/.406/,556 line, 17 extra base knocks and eleven steals. He’s old for the level but with there being no 2020 season I’m not as worried about that as I would traditionally be.