The top performances in Minor League Baseball May 13th, 2021. All the players that made noise last night and the players you need to know.
The Minor League Daily Sheet: May 12th 2021 - Casas Goes Nuclear
The Minor League Daily Sheet: May 11th, Duran Duran Twice As Nice
The Minor League Daily Sheet: May 10th, 2021 - They Called Him Up
The Minor League Daily Sheet: May 9th, 2021
The Minor League Daily Sheet: May 8th 2021 - Comeback SZN
The Minor League Daily Sheet: May 7th: Jesus Rises Again!
Hey you! Yeah you! Sit down, drink your coffee or whatever non-coffee drinkers do to wake up in the morning. Now sit down and get to work, reading this glorious rundown of last night’s minor league action.
Triple-A/Double-A: Geoff
High-A: Rhys
Low-A: Matt
Thomas Szapucki, LHP NYM (Triple-A) 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K
Came on in relief of Daniel Zamora in the third, has swing and miss stuff still but really lacks command and flirted with the zone all night. This is likely his best role with a long injury history and a lack of consistency feel.
Omar Estevez, SS LAD (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB
File Estevez under players I sort of forget exist until I see them do something and say “oh that guy…”. Estevez signed with the Dodgers out of Cuba back in the “Wild West” days of the international market for $6 million. He’s going some power, and a contact over approach profile at the plate, with the ability to play all over the dirt.
Curtis Terry, 1B TEX (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R
The former 13th rounder from way back in 2015 is a #MassiveHuman. He’s always been productive statistically in the minors, but right-right (echo) first base only is a tough profile. You have to hit, and in 2019 Terry did. How he fairs in Triple-A will say a lot about his chances at the big league level.
Elier Hernandez, DH/OF TEX (Triple-A) 3-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, 3 R
There were five homers in this game, and Elier Hernandez hit one of them. Do you know who Elier Hernandez is? Me either. He’s been a professional for ten seasons and is yet to see any major league time. I hope he does and they make a Disney movie about him called Elier On Fire. Don’t hold your breath for the green light on that project, Elier is an up and down type at best, but more than likely a system guy.
Anderson Tejeda, SS TEX (Triple-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 BB, SB
The slam and legs for Tejeda! One of the strangest moments of 2020 baseball was when the Rangers called up Tejeda, I truly didn’t see it coming. He didn’t really hit much in 91 at-bats but he’s a young (23) switch-hitter that can play short. I don’t know if he ever develops into an everyday guy, but he possesses strong utility skills.
Jesus Sanchez, OF MIA (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
The Jesus for his third this week! Sanchez has made the cut for every sheet this season, as he continues to hit. I’m told by sources that he’s not in the plans for a callup in the short term, but if The Jesus keeps playing like this, he may force their hand.
Nick Neidert, RHP MIA (Triple-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 K
Had a lot of 3’s also gave up 3 runs but none of them were earned. Neidert was supposed to be a backend guy at the major league level for three years running. Now he’s just obsessively fixated on the number three.
Ryan McKenna, OF BAL (Triple-A) 1-for-5, HR, 2 R
Back in 100% no doubt about it. He went 1-for-5 with a homer, call him up you cowards! #McKennaGang
Luis Garcia, 2B WAS (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
Big night for Luis Garcia, but you can probably say that in any town where baseball is played and have a 50% chance of it being correct. Nationals Luis Garcia had a home run and a double. He’s also a member of the 2020 Surprise Call-up club.
Carter Kieboom, 3B WAS (Triple-A) 2-for-5, 3 RBI
He isn’t a prospect any longer, but he had two hits and drive-in runs, which is more than he did in all of his MLB bats combined I believe.
Tucker Davidson, LHP ATL (Triple-A) 7 IP, 3 H, R, 2 BB, 6 K, HR Allowed
A little bit of everything here from Davidson but a very solid start. He popped in everyone’s radars after he hit 100 mph in his underpants at Driveline. Fame on the internet is awesome! In reality he sits low-90s and will bump it to 95, mixing a slow curveball and a hard slider with good velocity.
Jarren Duran, OF BOS (Triple-A) 3-for-4
If I knew Duran was going to just hit singles I would have signed Jeff Fyre. No one said this. No one wants an old man hitting off a tee and yelling about bunting. In reality Duran brings speed, feel to hit, and developing power. He’s one of the most exciting prospects in the Red Sox system, particularly in the short term.
Jeter Downs, 2B BOS (Triple-A) 2-for-4, 2 R, SB
Nice to see some signs of life from old Jeets! Word on the street; his teammates chipped in and bought him a gift basket for his locker after the game. First Triple-A hit, SB, and high five! No one had given him a high five yet this season. Jeter has on-base skills, some pull-side pop, plus running, and an extremely uppercut attack angle on his swing. He went backward a little last year from where he had been in 2019 with the Dodgers. Still a lot to like in the package.
Marcus Wilson, OF BOS (Triple-A) 1-for-3, R, 2 RBI, BB, SB
This is another one of those guys you forget exists until he does something and you go “that’s right he’s on the Red Sox now”. Wilson popped up years ago as a young outfielder with a power+speed mix in the Diamondbacks outfield. It’s been a long road but he’s still just 24 and on the shortlist for a callup should there be injuries in the Red Sox outfield.
Bobby Bradley, 1B CLE (Triple-A) 1-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
The big man finally does something! Bradley is stuck in that purgatory between still a prospect and Josh Ockimey. I still think Bradley has a shot if he can get his swing and miss to a reasonable rate. The power has always been prodigious.
Scott Moss, LHP CLE (Triple-A) 4 IP, H, BB, 4 K
Pen Boss Scott Moss with a solid start. I’ve always had some interest in Moss as a guy that could strive in a multi-inning relief role, but he seems to struggle to get deep into games and get outs with consistency.
Corey Ray, OF MIL (Triple-A) 2-for-3, HR
I wonder if the Brewers ever think about how badly they messed up taking Ray 5th overall in 2016. He’s now hitting 7th in their triple-a team and he’s 26. Oh, he homered.
Aaron Ashby, LHP MIL (Triple-A) 4 IP, H, 4 BB, 6 K
A funky lefty with an operation that limits his command, Ashby gets it up to mid-90s and mixes in a nasty breaking ball. Also features a slider and a changeup. Ashby is the kind of arm the Brewers have a history of developing. A funky operation with stuff, and some relief risk.
Zack Short, SS DET (Triple-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 R, BB
You know what would be funny? If Zack Short becomes the best player on the 2021 Tigers. Will it happen? No, it won’t happen but it’s funny to think about. Short is a utility type with a little bit of bat to play off of. He’s had a pair of homers in the early going.
Mario Feliciano, C MIL (Triple-A) 2-for-4, R
Former second-round comp pick from the same draft as Corey Ray, he’s still just 22 and has a history of hitting, and the defense is legit enough to keep him back there. A future platoon catcher.
Luis Barrera, OF OAK (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R, SB
There’s a real shot that Barrera sneaks into a second division regular or platoon outfield role. He’s got an sum-of-his-parts skill set that may do enough to get an extended look at an MLB gig, or he may end up a fifth outfielder.
Greg Deichmann, OF OAK (Triple-A) 1-for-2, R, 2 BB, SB
Former LSU legend Big Deich brings a little bit of everything to the table, some power, speed, outfield defense, and on-base ability. He’s not an everyday type but another one of those bench/platoon types.
Thairo Estrada, SS SFG (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, BB
Traded to the Giants about a week into the major league season. He’s a utility guy that can play all over the dirt, this seems to be the theme of today’s sheeeeet, it’s all about the utility homies! Estrada was always intriguing but was never going to be a long-term roster solution in New York, but has a shot to see some extended MLB time in the Bay. I like calling it The Bay to feel like Mac Dre.
MacKenzie Gore, LHP SDP (Triple-A) 4 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Went four scoreless before crumbling in the 5th. He was 92-94 mph on the fastball, showed the ability to land it up, but struggled to put guys away. The breaking ball command was bad, and his changeup became his most effective secondary on the night. We watched this game in the Prospects Live clubhouse last night and the group was a touch surprised when he came out for the fifth. Not a bad first start for Gore.
Logan Gilbert, RHP SEA (Triple-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 5 K
In a matchup of arguably the top two pitching prospects in baseball, Gilbert outperformed Gore, running the fastball up to 97, sitting mid-90s and showing feel for both breaking balls. He really shoved on the night, didn’t give up any real hard contact, and looked the part of an impact arm. Gilbert should be in the big leagues by mid-June the latest, but he could handle it now.
Jarred Kelenic, OF SEA (Triple-A) 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, BB, SB
Took quality at bats all night, was tough to put away and even his first out was loud. Got on base three times, and stole a base a night after going YABO twice. Kelenic is the genuine article even if the Tree guy in Twitter thinks he’s little and not man enough to trim trees with a helicopter.
Jose Siri, OF HOU (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
Classic “Is Jose Siri good tho…” game. He’s been doing this for years, he does something really loud, you look at the defensive ability and say “That’ll play”. Then he goes 0-for-23 with 15 strikeouts and you forget how you felt. It’s a vicious cycle and I’m still in Siri recovery from his Dayton days.
Tyler Ivey, RHP HOU (Triple-A) 4.2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
We really like Ivey, as a lot of prospect sites do. He’s low-90s with the fastball but it has good shape and plays in the upper quadrants. His breaking ball is plus and he has a deceptive, albeit violent, and funky delivery with a pronounced head whack. He’s probably destined for a long-relief role, but he could fit in as a three-inning opener this season in Houston. If the command comes, which is unlikely with his operation, he has starter traits with his four-pitch mix and sequencing.
Jo Adell, OF LAA (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 R, SB
No longer rookie eligible, I think everyone agrees that Adell wasn’t ready for prime time in 2020. He needs a half-season at triple-A to get his timing and confidence back. There’s still a lot of swing and miss (two Ks last night), and some poor swing decisions, but there’s very real juice in the bat. A slam and legs for Adell on Friday and that’s exactly what you want to see early in the 2021 campaign. Adell hitting the ball hard and making plays with his legs.
Seth Beer, 1B ARI (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
One of the more famous college players of the last decade Beer has struggled to live up to the hype of his freshman campaign at Clemson. That said he’s never stopped hitting, there’s some quad-A risk here but I think the bat is quality enough to play as a power-hitting first baseman in a second division regular role. The approach is good, not great and there are some questions about the bat speed. That said he has a .910 OPS over 700+ minor league at-bats. That’ll play!
Stuart Fairchild, OF ARI (Triple-A) 2-for-4, RBI, BB
I took a real shot on Fairchild this off-season and slapped a 50 on his role. I believe he has everyday corner outfield skills, with on-base ability, feel to hit, power, and the ability to handle a corner. It’s a risk but to me, he looks the part, don’t be shocked if he plays himself onto the Diamondbacks active roster by mid-summer.
Josh Lowe, OF TB (Triple-A) 3-for-6, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
Started in centerfield again, perhaps I’m severely underrating Lowe’s defense chops but he’s always seemed like a right fielder to me. He showed off the power last night hitting a couple of tank shots. Wander got the night off and Brujan didn’t homer so Lowe picked up the slack. Definitely could be in the mix in Tampa soon enough but it’s Tampa so who knows.
Taylor Walls, 2B TB (Triple-A) 3-for-5, RBI, 3 R, BB
Got on base four times and crossed the plate three times. Filled in at short with Wander on the bench. Walls is a high-end utility profile with second division regular written all over him. He won’t be a star but he fits into a bunch of roles and can hit. One of the more underappreciated talents in a deeeeeep Rays system. He’ll get his shot sooner rather than later.
Kevin Padlo, 3B TB (Triple-A) 3-for-6, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R
Josh Lowe went double dong and so did Padlo. Half a decade ago Padlo was an interesting prep player in the Rockies system. His prospect stock has died and come back to life three times already but he’s a three true outcome type bat with some juice. Will it play at the major league level is a massive question I’m not smart enough to answer.
Austin Martin, SS/OF TOR (Double-A) 1-for-4, RBI, BB
Played shortstop and continued this streak of one big extra-base hit (he had a triple Friday) and not a whole heck of a lot else. He’s shown the ability to hit double-A pitching early out of the draft but it seems like they’re still trying to figure out his true position.
Gabriel Moreno, C TOR (Double-A) 2-for-4, R, BB
He's had hits in every game this season and already has two multi-hit games. Moreno is one of the more underappreciated players in the Jays system and likely it’s best catcher when it’s all said and done. Nothing is loud, but it all plays.
Rodolfo Castro, 3B PIT (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
Over the years Castro has hit for power at every level while playing solid infield defense and running a little. He swings and misses a bit and will never hit for a high average but it all works enough to keep my interest up.
Oneil Cruz, SS PIT (Double-A) 2-for-5, RBI
Also struck out three times and made an error in the field. Few players are more physically imposing or more unusual than Cruz, no idea if it all clicks but he’s a fun follow.
Christopher Morel, OF CHC (Double-A) 1-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
Tooled up player with lots of fans, had been an infielder, and a pretty good one but the Cubs are working him out in the outfield. There’s power as you saw last night and running ability. Some hit tool questions drag down the profile.
Estevan Florial, OF NYY (Double-A) 2-for-3, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB
Is this finally going to happen? Like really is it finally going to happen? This is tremendous, give me all the Florial finally clicks thoughts even if they’re fleeting. Make no mistake about it, if Florial is in fact clicking he has the ability to be an actual star. Long roads lead to gold sometimes, other times they lead to Japan.
Tyler Freeman, SS CLE (Double-A) 1-for-4, R, RBI, BB, SB
Leadoff and played shortstop, stole a base, hit a triple, and got on base twice. It’s been a solid showing for Freeman in the early going, with all eyes on the 2017 competitive balance pick. He showed increased power over the last year and there’s some hope it can play at the MLB level.
Michael Busch, 2B LAD (Double-A) 2-for-4, 3 R, BB
Ho hum, another day, another game where Michael Busch gets on base three times. Say it with me now “I love Busch”. Somewhere Matt Thompson is crushing a 30 rack and nodding profusely. Matt’s note: 30 beers for the price of 24! How can you beat it!
Devin Mann, 1B LAD (Double-A) 3-for-4, 4 RBI, 2 R, BB, SB
We told you that Mann could really hit this off-season and that was no joke. He’s got strong bat-to-ball skills, sneaky pop, and can steal a base like he did yesterday. It’s almost like the Dodgers draft director is just Doc Brown from the future. Like, how do they know?
Davis Wendzel, SS TEX (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 R, BB
The man doesn’t look like he should be able to play shortstop, let alone hit. In fact, he looks like he should be selling bird calls. But Wendzel is one of the best all-around players in the minors. Go long hair go!
Drew Rom, LHP BAL (High-A) 5.0 IP, 1 BB, 2, K
Rom just needs a vacuum or a well-groomed infield behind him because of the 15 outs he got in his appearance, 9 of the outs were outs of the ground-ball variety. Super craft lefty, who generates weak contact over swings and misses.
Andy Pages, OF LAD (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K
Staring at the blank Pages before you. Pages touched home twice, drew a walk and hit himself a double. An intriguing prospect with projection left, just what the league wants another player for the Dodgers to turn into a useful big-league piece. That could have been an Angel had that trade gone through, he could have been one of the holy Pages.
Tanner Burns, RHP CLE (High-A) 4 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Tanner Burns treated the Lugnuts roster the same way Mr. Burns treated Bart after he hit him with his car. Striking out 6, not allowing a free-baserunner, stranded three, and didn’t allow a run. Cleveland and their pitching prospects, man.
Bryson Stott, SS PHI (High-A) 1-for-2, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 BB
I was surprised the Phillies didn’t assign Stott to AA. He showed up today, drew a walk, sprayed a double and was the only run to score in the game. He is one of the guys I am most interested to see how he developed over the pandemic, because I think there’s a chance for more power from the Phillies prospect
Blake Hunt, C TB (High-A) 2-for-3, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 1 K
He DH’d today but you don’t see many catchers hitting in the middle of the order. He hit two singles, drew two walks, let me guess the Rays got yet another good prospect, as if they needed another one. Love this trade for the Rays tweet.
Chase Strumpf, 2B/3B CHC (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1K
Strumpf was just trying to make sure there were no zeroes on the stat-sheet for him apparently. Hit a double to drive in a run, was also able to walk and struck out once. Committed 3 errors as well, just to keep things interesting. A joke for this one left me Strumpfed
Jimmy Govern, 2B/3B KC (High-A) 3-for-6, 4 RBI, 1 R
Govern doing anything as a 30th round pick is fun, even as the MLB is looking to make that round extinct like Blockbuster and boom boxes. He was helped by Strumpf(previously noted) erratic play in the field. Makes contact, has some speed, KC might have something.
Spencer Torkelson, 3B DET (High-A) 0-for-4, 1 K, 1 BB
He only struck out once so that’s progress, right?!?
George Kirby, RHP SEA (High-A) 3.2 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 4 K
Command is as advertised with Kirby, he just got hit around to the tune of 6 hits and 3 runs. Not the way you would draw up your first start of the season. There’s a Kirby the video game joke in here somewhere but I suck at this.
Logan Wyatt, 1B SF (High-A) 2-for-4, 2 BB, 2 RBI
2 hits with 2 walks, a double-double of sorts. Wyatt has started the season with 7 hits and all of them are singles. He has been taxing on pitchers the same way Ben Wyatt is taxing to Pawnee.
Graham Ashcraft, RHP CIN (High-A) 3.2 IP, 2H, 3 BB, 6 K
More like Graham Witchcraft with that slider. Showed off why some believe his ultimate role will be in the bullpen with the three walks. Striking out 6 in the short outing for him also shows why he has people intrigued.
Ronny Mauricio, SS, NYM (High-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2B, 4 RBI
Two extra-base hits from Ronny will always give me the warm and fuzzies. Let’s see how he used the pandemic to better himself as a prospect. Is he the guy that’s got hyped up because of his frame and high profile bonus, or the guy who has just kinda whelmed in the minors. Will the real Ronny Mauricio please stand up?
Luis Santana, 2B HOU (High-A) 2-for-4, 3 RBI
I kinda just want this to stay around because what an absolute pimp job. Santana after having a top 5 bat flip has continued to hit, and if he keeps waking up in the morning and hitting he can bat flip all he wants.
Drey Jameson, RHP ARI (High-A) 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K
About as smooth as the irish whiskey on the mound, escaped a short outing with only allowing a single run. He can get you with his plus fastball and pairs that with an above-average slider that he uses to entice batters to swing and miss the same way chicken nuggets in the freezer entice me to eat them all in one sitting.
C.J. Van Eyk, RHP TOR (High-A) 0.2 IP, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Things you hate to see, a professional debut like this. Van Eyk didn’t even make it out of the first inning. Not all of his outings will be like this but just not the way you want to start your pro career as a second-round pick.
Matt Wallner, OF MIN (High-A) 0-for-4, 4 K, 1 BB
You sir get a golden sombrero, and are showing the downside of the three true outcome batters. Did work a walk and brought in a run as a result of his walk so was able to help out the cause. He already has two homers thus far in the season.
Hayden Cantrelle, 2B MIL (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB
The Ragin’ Cajun showcased his ability to contribute in a few different ways on offense. He drew a walk, stole a base, and even hit a homer for good measure.
Jordan Walker, 3B/DH STL (Low-A) 1-for-4, 2B, 2 BB (Doubleheader)
The Cardinals’ first-rounder is having a nice first week in pro ball, going 4-for-12 thus far with a homer and a double. Prospects Live’s Ian Smith attended the doubleheader in Palm Beach today and had some good things to say about Walker’s quality of at-bats. Walker is a physical beast, and his double was an impressive 109.8 MPH off the bat.
Rece Hinds, 3B CIN (Low-A) 1-for-4, HR
Hinds is the trendy pick for breakout prospect this year, and while he’s off to somewhat of a slow start he’s hitting for power with his second homer this week. 108.5 EV on the homer.
Francisco Alvarez, DH NYM (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2B, 2 BB
The power is absolutely real, as Alvarez smoked the ball over 100+ MPH three times this game, his homer travelled at 106, the double was 102.9 and he also had a lineout at 100.9. Ridiculous. Alvarez might hit his way out of Low-A soon if he keeps it up. He’s now hitting .583 with a 1.647 OPS right now. An interesting note from this game, Mets prospect Tanner Murphy hit a ball over 110 MPH and another at 105.9.
Junior Santos, RHP NYM (Low-A) 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Santos is a monster human, standing 6’7” and weighing 244 pounds, and he was our 12th ranked Mets prospect entering the year. His first appearance of the year was a fun one. In his 55 pitch outing (32 strikes) he averaged 94 with his two-seamer while topping out 96.6. He also mixed in a slider, curveball and a change.
Jhonkensy Noel, 1B CLE (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR
Noel seems to have found another gear in the power department with baseball returning, and is hitting .500 so far on the young season. As a first baseman he has to continue to hit, but so far so good.
Josh Wolf, RHP CLE (Low-A) 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K
Wolf was making his first start with his new organization and the 6’3” righty pitched well. He was showing excellent command of his fastball which allowed his big breaking ball to play up, off of the heater. Wolf came over in the Lindor trade and has a chance to be a solid mid-rotation arm in a few seasons.
Luis Garcia, 2B PHI (Low-A) 2-for-4, BB, SB
It’s nice to see the “other” Luis Garcia get off to a good start after a brutal 2019 season. Garcia is advanced for his age with strong plate skills. He needs to add strength, but he’s got time on his side.
Starlyn Castillo, RHP PHI (Low-A) 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Castillo was part of the Phillies 2018 J2 class. He sat 92-94, T95 and also threw a curveball and changeup. He got a whiff in nearly half of the curveballs that drew swings, and looked good in his 50 pitch outing. He’s got some room to grow into his frame and could become one of the next big arms.
Miguel Hiraldo, DH TOR (Low-A) 4-for-6, 2 2B, 2 RBI
There were 35 total runs scored in this game, so everybody got to eat a bit. Hiraldo is one of the more interesting bats on the Dunedin team. He should stick on the infield with second base as his most likely home.
Pat DeMarco, OF NYY (Low-A) 4-for-6, HR, 2B, 7 RBI
The offensive line of the day in the lower minors. Tampa exploded for 25 runs in this one and the red hot DeMarco knocked in seven. The former Vandy centerfielder is blistering hot to start the season, hitting an even .500 with a 1.958 OPS.
Anthony Volpe, SS NYY (Low-A) 1-for-4, 3 BB, 2B, SB
Volpe is a dude. The tools aren’t particularly loud but the secondary skills, his approach and high baseball motor, give him one of the higher floors in the minor leagues. He is a positive contributor in all facets of the game.
Luisangel Acuña, SS TEX (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, CS
The younger Acuña makes another appearance in the rundown and is off to a fun start in 2021. He’s not his brother, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t an interesting prospect in his own right. Right on that line of offensive first utility man or second division starter for me right now. We’ve got time to figure it all out.
Tekoah Roby, RHP TEX (Low-A) 2 ⅓ IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
A strong 32 pitch pro debut for Roby, who was taken in the third round of the 2020 draft. Roby features an above-average fastball and an average curveball and had them both working today. Fun arm to watch this year.
Matthew Thompson, RHP CWS (Low-A) 4 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K
The 2019 second round pick had two pro innings under his belt to this point before going four innings last night. Thompson was in the zone a lot, perhaps a bit too much as he gave up seven hits, but he did only walk one while getting four strikeouts. All in all it’s a fair debut for Thompson, but he couldn’t best his high school teammate, Josh Wolf. Thompson is extremely athletic on the mound and will modify his delivery on the fly. He made a strong behind the back defensive play in this game as well. 80-grade name.
Shay Whitcomb, 2B HOU (Low-A) 4-for-5, 2 2B
Whitcomb projects as a likely utility option as he lacks an above-average tool but also has no glaring weakness to his game. He was a fifth rounder in 2020 out of UC San Diego, and has only played in two games thus far but there’s something here. Maybe he’s an Owen Miller type? Fun fact, Whitcomb was the final pick in the abbreviated five round draft last season.
Yohendrick Pinango, OF CHC (Low-A) 2-for-4 1 R, 1 RBI
Pinango might get overlooked on this Cubs team with Ed Howard and Jordan Nwogu, but he’s a plus runner with enough of a hit tool to get an extra look. He’s off to a bit of a slow start but file the name away and just be sure to check in every once in a while.
Richard Gallardo, RHP CHC (Low-A) 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 K
Gallardo made 41 pitches in his lone inning of work. He was uncharacteristically wild in this one, and gave up a three-run homer to Heriberto Hernandez before getting an out. He should bounce back in his next outing. An interesting note, he was relieved by RHP Jose Albertos (remember him?) who struck out three in 2 ⅔ scoreless innings.
Heriberto Hernandez, OF TB (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, BB
Hernandez has been listed as an outfielder so far, and it appears his days behind the plate are in the rearview. He’s been an interesting follow as former Prospects Live scout, now professional scout Jason Pennini raved about Hernandez’s hit tool out in AZ when he was with the Rangers. Hernandez can hit, and it’ll be interesting to see what the Rays do with him and his limited defensive value.
Logan Driscoll, C TB (Low-A) 3-for-4, BB, K
Driscoll was a strong collegiate performer and was a surprising AFL inclusion in 2019. He did well there and hit two homers in a game I was attending. He looks solid behind the plate and could be an everyday catcher in the big leagues. Hernandez and Driscoll were both acquired in trades and are both producing. The Rays are a cheat code.
Robert Hassell III, OF SD (Low-A) 3-for-5, HR, 3B, 3 R, 2 RBI
For the second night in a row, Hassell makes an appearance on the rundown. He got to show a bit of his complete all-around game tonight legging out a triple and then sending one over the wall. Hassell profiles as a future leadoff guy in the bigs. He has average of better tools across the board, and the only tool below a 55 is his power.
Brandon Valenzuela, C SD (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 Ks
Valenzuela is hitting .438 on the young season with a 1.363 OPS. He was signed as part of the Padres 2017 J2 class. Entering this season he had one career homer to his name in 96 career games, but now he has two in his last two. Possible breakout? Or just a mirage?
Luis Matos, OF SF (Low-A) 3-for-4, 3 R, BB, SB
It has been a pretty slow start for Matos to this point, but hopefully, this game can help pull him out of it. Matos was a bit of a social media star just prior to the season starting with the Giants’ prospects twitter account tweeting out some loud exit velos by Matos. Hopefully, this is enough to get going. He’s got average or better tools across the board.
Nick Swiney, LHP SF (Low-A) 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Swiney made his professional debut in this outing and outdueled fellow 2020 draftee Sam Weatherly. Swiney sat in the low-90s while at N.C. State and features a plus changeup and an average curve. The lefty should move up to High-A relatively soon.
Tyler Soderstrom, C OAK (Low-A) 2-for-3, 2 BB, SB
Flip a coin between Soderstrom and Hassell as the prep bat with the most polish. The A’s have a decision to make here, they could push Soderstrom through the minors if he continues to hit and move him out from behind the dish, or they keep him in the lower levels and have him work on his defensive skills back there. He’s hitting .375 with a .975 OPS to this point.
Taylor Dollard, RHP SEA (Low-A) 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K
Dollard was the Mariners 2020 fifth-rounder out of Cal Poly and he gets the pitching line of day in Low-A. The fastball hovers around 90, but Dollard throws a pair of beautiful breaking balls with great shape and also a changeup. It’s an athletic and deceptive delivery and he seems to outpitch his stuff more often than not. Dollard is my favorite under the radar arm from last year’s draft.
The Minor League Daily Sheet: May 6th, 2021 - Heliot Ramos Goes Nuke...
Blah, blah, blah. Do you even read this? No you don’t, you never read this. You skip over these words and immediately look at the names below. Maybe you read the blurbs, maybe you look at the stats. I don’t know what you do but I ask. Wash your hands and cover your month when you sneeze. I mean what are you a savage?
The Minor League Daily Sheet: May 5th, 2021 - Max Meyer Day!
Another day, another butt load of games and minor league standouts to focus on. The first question we got after publishing installment one was “Are you going to do this everyday?” The answer is simple; we’ll try! We’ll try to keep up the cadence of daily, but I make no promises! Anyway, the breakfast burrito is warm and I’m deleting all mentions of Wander Franco’s launch angle until he has a 50% groundball rate and twitter decides we were right again. Those are the rules boys, I don’t make them.
The Minor League Daily Sheet: May 4th 2021, We're Back!
2021 Bowman Baseball Preview
College Baseball Watch Guide: Week 8
College Baseball Watch Guide: Week 7
Fantasy Impact and Tools: Kyle Isbel, Kansas City Royals
Fantasy Impact and Tools: Andrew Vaughn, Chicago White Sox
Spring Training Top Prospect Performers: Roster Rewards
College Baseball Watch Guide: Week Six
2021 NPB Preview and Players to Watch: Pacific League
It is that wonderful and beautiful time of the year again with NPB starting back later today/tonight based on your time zone, so join me in previewing this upcoming season and which specific players to watch (MLB quality talent/rookie to watch)
First things first, we have to explain where the foreigner situation currently sits for those not as connected to the league. As of publishing, the majority of gaijin have been kept out of Japan due to their state of emergency and only up until the past week were those players able to gain access and enter the country. With this comes an enforced two-week quarantine and then those players will finally be able to start training with their teams. There have been some ideas floating around suggesting that all of the foreign players stay at the Tokyo Dome area in order to work out and train together as they get back to playing shape post-quarantine before returning to their teams, but nothing has been confirmed yet. All we know is the foreigners not in the country yet won’t be playing in games for at least a month or so. This creates some really awkward and awful situations for certain teams (Looking at you Baystars).
Anyways, hope you enjoy my ramblings! Central League coming soon!
Pacific League Preview:
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
Who else? The Hawks continued their dynasty last season easily sweeping the Yomiuri Giants in the 2020 Japan Series. It is at this point now that the Hawks are easily in the conversation for some of the best teams and dynasties in all of sports history after winning 7 titles in the past 10 years. However, just as Rome, the 90s Bulls, and the great dynasty that was Blockbuster, all dynasties crumble over time.... just not this year. The Hawks may have lost big names that have helped in title pushes in the past, Matt Moore, Rick Van Den Hurk, Seiichi Uchikawa. But additions of Colin Rea, Nick Martinez, and future prospect Andy Rodriguez out of Cuba spell continued success. Also having Yurisbel Gracial, Alfredo Despagne and Livan Moinelo from the start of the season will have a huge impact. The Hawks, although losing out on more names than adding, the ever so strong farm and player development system ensures that no matter how much they lose, they have enough depth to still be competitive. They still have the very talented arms and bats, that are enough to end up first. Although it will be tighter than typical, I still have the Hawks ending in first.
MLB Potential: Yuki Yanagita, Kodai Senga and Livan Moinelo
The defending PL MVP of last season is once again back to drive the Hawks to another title. If Yanagita stays healthy and mashes like he did last year then I don’t think anyone comes close to him in the MVP races once again. Slashing an incredible .342/.449/.623 in 2020 with 29 bombs and an NPB best 8.4 WAR (2.7 points higher than the next closest player), Yanagita is still the dominant “Gita” we all know and love. Getting to watch him play is similar to watching Mike Trout. You know how great of a player he is and yet still somehow expands your expectations. If you have to watch one player from one game this season, It’s by far him.
Although not to be outdone by his fellow teammate, Kodai Senga had a solid return to the mound with a healthy 2020. Posting a career-best as a starter ERA of 2.16 over the stretch of 18 starts and 121 IP. Senga is still a very powerful pitcher, still able to hit upper 90s on the radar guns topping out at 100 last season, with his ghastly “Haunted Fork” that is still just as good as ever at 83 that falls off a table. He also throws a cutter around 20% of the time with a slider rounding it out.
As easy as it would’ve been to just skimp on this and just reiterate the first two names on here as most lists that talk about potential players to make the MLB jump feature both Yanagita and Senga. There is another guy that is just too good to not be mentioned. With SoftBank’s reluctance to post players and even with Senga’s annual begging of them to send him stateside, the chances of Senga or Yanagita reaching the MLB this upcoming off-season is extremely low. However, Senga does have domestic free agency after this year, and international free agency the year following that. So I would expect Senga to be coming over after the 2022 season. In the meantime, let’s mention one of my favorite relievers to watch in the entire league, and if anybody knows me, they would know that I absolutely adore a reliever who comes in and demolishes batters and slams the door shut every single appearance. For that reason, Livan Moinelo deserves the mention.
Moinelo is a Cuban LHP with one of the best curveballs in all of professional baseball. Regularly reaching a stunning RPM of over 3000, the pitch is absolutely unfair to hitters. A truly vicious hard biting 1-7 break from a high ¾ armslot. Moinelo will mostly depend on this as an out pitch but also throws in his fastball around the middle-90s that at times isn’t strong command wise inducing walks but when it's landing well it can be used as a way to throw off hitters sitting on the curveball. That as well as a slider and changeup. I like the changeup the most of the two as its another good way to throw hitters off if they sit fastball or the curveball. Both are solid pitches at the end of the day. With a K/9 of around 14 and a WHIP around 1, he comes in for SoftBank and outside of sequences of poor command, is shut down. It is too bad that he has been mostly used as a setup guy his career with SoftBank behind Yuito Mori, another showcase to just how stacked the Hawks have been over the years. Regardless, Moinelo has plenty of the talent required to make an MLB bullpen and has more than the stuff needed to succeed.
It’s about to get very tight after this as the next three teams could realistically finish in any order but this is what I’ll go with:
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
It was another big money spending offseason for the Eagles as unless you were living under a rock over the offseason you would’ve already heard about the return of Masahiro Tanaka. Tanaka returns to Sendai and the hopes of winning a title suddenly becomes much higher. A very strong rotation of Hideaki Wakui, Masahiro Tanaka, Takahiro Norimoto, Takayuki Kishi and new rookie draft pick Takahisa Hayakawa. Pairing with them is an average lineup composed of the very powerful and 2020 HR King, Hideto Asamura and the always solid Daichi Suzuki. Ryosuke Tatsumi and Hiroaki Shimauchi look very good this spring, with Tatsumi looking to have taken a strong step forward in his progression. The Eagles are hoping to take their lineup and provide some needed run support for what should be one of the better rotations in NPB. The Eagles at the earlier point of last year was one of the highest scoring lineups before eventually falling back to average.
However, that's when the doubt for the team starts to arrive. Even at points in the season when Asamura started to cool off after looking like a potential MVP winner, the offense felt stale and felt like it was being solely driven by Stefan Romero’s power for when Asamura and others started to pick it back up late in the year. With Romero gone to reunite in Osaka with the Buffaloes and Jabari Blash retiring, it brings up large questions about how the lineup will hold up throughout the season powerwise. Meanwhile, although the rotation should be very solid there are still valid questions there as well. Hideaki Wakui was vintage in 2020, expecting him to keep that up isn’t likely. Even though Norimoto should return back to his ace quality of the past, it's not guaranteed with how inconsistent he has been. Every pitcher besides Hayakawa is in their thirties and can very easily regress. Hayakawa projects to be a very good pitcher over time and is one of my favorites from the most recent draft, but he is still a rookie with room to grow and a lot to learn in a league where all of the teams can put up plenty of runs every night. So if the pitching becomes what it is supposed to be and the lineup holds up throughout the season then I can see them finishing second. However, if the aging of the rotation leads to regression or the lineup doesn’t supply enough run support, it could be a long season.
Arm of the Future
The highest touted arm of the past draft, Takahisa Hayakawa is in a big role for the Eagles in 2021. The good thing is, the rookie is absolutely filthy. Hayakawa was very impressive in 2020 dominating the Tokyo Big 6 college competition bumping his numbers from the past year. Able to spot his fastball working around 90-93 mph, up to 95, he builds off that with a nasty high spin rate cutter (2700 rpm) and slider (2900 rpm). Both tunneling well together. In addition he can throw a more than solid changeup that runs a bit armside. In addition to a big hammer curveball that can be used as another out pitch in addition to the slider and changeup. The curveball gets more vertical break than his slider takes the hitters off of the other breaker. Lastly, he can throw a fork that with some work can be another quality pitch if all of the other breaking offers don’t matchup well. He had some moments of success in his spring against the Baystars where he pitched 4 innings allowing just 1 hit and striking out 5. While also having some moments of struggle against a strong experienced lineup as the Giants, walking 2 and allowing 5 runs off 7 hits and 2 homeruns. However, just off the glimpses of quality he’s shown in just the three appearances, Hayakawa is definitely a name to follow.
Saitama Seibu Lions
The Lions are coming into the new season hoping for a return to old form, as the defending pennant winners, as it appears that the loss of Shogo Akiyama may have proved more vital than expected. A strong lack of pitching quality and off years for both stars Hotaka Yamakawa and Tomoya Mori, led to the Lions struggling for the majority of the year until catching steam later on. That late push was strong enough to allow them to pass Rakuten and finish third. As much as their pitching will still struggle, missing out on ace Zach Neal for a month will definitely hurt. Their offense seems to be returning back to normal for 2021. There are still arms to like in the rotation and pen however. Kona Takahashi will be the opening day starter and posted a 3.1 WAR. As well as flamethrowing Pacific League Rookie of the Year, Kaima Taira will be back in the pen and just as good, if not better. The chances of another year of Yamakawa hitting just barely over the mendoza line and Tomoya Mori struggling at the plate feels low and even if Takumi Kuriyama doesn’t have another career year, the Lions offense should still be powerful enough to make up for their pitching woes. Also the great defensive duo of 2B Shuta Tonosaki and SS Sosuke Genda will help in 2021 both in the field and at the plate. Meanwhile, Cory Spangenberg was surprisingly good last year and should have another very solid year for the Lions once he is able to join back with the team. Overall, the Lions may have been underperformers in 2020, after all they did win a pennant not that long ago. If continued struggles on the hitting side and poor pitching occur, it may hold them back for another year.
The Player Formerly Known as “Brandon”
Brandon Taiga Tysinger was the 6th round draft pick of the Seibu Lions last fall. At the initial time it was being discussed more for the name than the quality of player. After being officially registered just as “Brandon (ブランドン)”, “Brandon” wouldn’t take long to make his name known in the league. Hitting .259 and 2 homeruns in his 27 at-bats, “Brandon” will get the chance with the ichi-gun squad to start the year and will be looking to build on the strong spring. An all around solid infielder with room to grow, “Brandon” will be an easy name to remember and follow throughout this season.
Chiba Lotte Marines
One of the brightest lights of 2020 was the rise of the Marines. Before a covid outbreak would kill any chances of the team winning the pennant, the Marines were going toe to toe with the Hawks. Led by a mix of veterans Takashi Ogino, Seiya Inoue, and pitchers Ayumu Ishikawa and Kota Futaki. As well as Foreign slugger Leonys Martin, the Marines survived with a less than stellar offense and survived by fantastic pitching performances, strong defense and their good bullpen. However, it seems that although there is youth with promise coming through the ranks with Roki Sasaki, Kyota Fujiwara, Hisanori Yasuda and Koki Yamaguchi. I feel as if there could be a stronger chance of growing pains than the chance of repeated success. The Marines have improved in the power area with Martin and Brandon Laird and Inoue over the past couple of years, but the others haven’t supplied much along side with them. If that continues and the pitching isn’t as great as last year the Marines could experience a bit of a disappointing year.
However, with that comes the bright opportunity for the youngsters to shine.
The Future of Chiba
For the Marines to build off last year’s wonderful year they’ll need the youth to take the next step up. The biggest of these names is by far, Roki Sasaki. Sasaki since high school has been one of the biggest names in the prospect world, attracting attention from all around the globe. After two appearances consisting of a total of three innings in his professional career, it is more than obvious that Sasaki will need to put in innings on the farm and that is what the Marines will do to begin the season. Slowly building up his innings and hopefully if all goes well return to the top team later in the season. If you would like to read more about Sasaki I wrote about him in last year’s “players to watch” article here. So in the meantime let's focus on some players who will get an opportunity to perform sooner than later.
Those include Kyota Fujiwara, Hisanori Yasuda and Koki Yamaguchi. Although Yasuda may not have posted the best looking numbers, in his run with the top team last year he showed some strong promise. He started out red hot to begin the season before having a poor august, picking it back up in September and then and then a dire October. When he was hot he was hitting well with bits and pieces of power. If he can cut out the plentiful strikeouts while getting stronger this season, then he could become a useful piece of the lineup.
Another really intriguing bat from his short time last season was Kyota Fujiwara providing 3 HR in his first 96 AB with the top team while hitting .260/.301/.406. Although early struggles in spring have occurred for him, I think he’ll bounce back as we go into the season. Koki Yamaguchi also should add more power to the lineup that the Marines need. After hitting .258/.315/.393 hitting 7 home runs and stealing 14 bags over 244 ABs on the farm last year. He will be making his top team debut early on as he will be starting the year with them. Yamaguchi has excellent bat speed with loft that has shown off in the spring matches, hitting 2 home runs already. That excellent bat speed allows for him to crush balls when he connects and pulls a ball. He also can rip fastballs in on the hands as he showed on the farm last year. However, the swing needs to be tightened up a bit as its still a bit wild and comes with it a danger of swing and miss.
Lastly, I’ll also tab Akito Takabe in here as well as he mashed on the farm last year hitting .344/.367/.422 with 14 SBs. Although he went 1-10 in a very short sip of coffee in ichi-gun last year. He is already back off to a hot start this spring, and I like him to get more run this season at ichi-gun. He also has a fantastic story so I am really rooting for him to do well.
Orix Buffaloes
Where do I start with the Buffaloes? Forever stuck in the doldrums of the Pacific League, filled with individual talent that can never get it done nor get out of the pit of the last place. After another dead last finish for them, 2021 is looking up. As much as they have disappointed and as hard as it is to trust them, I think this could be the year the Buffaloes finally snap out of it and actually compete for at the very least 5th. Filled with youth and potential, the Buffaloes really have an intriguing team on paper. Both Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Masataka Yoshida are some of the best players in the Pacific League and if not all of NPB. Taisuke Yamaoka should come back stronger after missing a lot of last year with an injury. Adam Jones and Steven Moya will have another year under their belt, Takahiro Okada will have crazy power once again and when Stefan Romero arrives with the team, he’ll be there to apply plenty of offensive firepower. In addition with young players who have shown promise this spring and last year in the likes of Hiroya Miyagi, Ryo Ohta and Yuma Tongu. Kodai Sano looks to have taken a major step in the spring in the leadoff role as well. Yoshihisa Hirano returns from the MLB and Tyler Higgins and Brandon Dickson should be solid in the bullpen again.
However, as intriguing as the team is, there’s still an eerie feeling in the back of my mind that haunts me the way Orix always does. Although there is plenty of power there is a fair chance they don't hit enough for average, when the power doesn’t supply. As well as behind Yamamoto and Yamaoka there isn’t much left in the rotation. Lastly, as anyone knows, any young player produces some sort of risk, especially without a full year of results to prove they can provide good performances. We can only hope their defense and baserunning gaffs don’t continue this year and the Buffaloes can exceed expectations and finish 5th and above.
Orix needs a Hiro-ya
A big potential reason for the Buffaloes' success is in rookie LHP Hiroya Miyagi. Miyagi was the 1st overall pick by the Buffaloes in the 2019 draft. After only 3 starts in 2020, Miyagi looks poised to have a strong 2021. Miyagi has been impressive in his starts of the spring against the Baystars, the defending Central League Champions and two-time defending Japan Series loser Giants, and an extra impressive 11 strikeout start against the Tigers. Miyagi uses a low 90s fastball out of a ¾ arm slot, yes the velocity isn’t the best but Miyagi excels at using strong pitchability to have his stuff play up. He mostly mixes in a classic sweeping slider around 80mph away to LHH and to cut in on the hands of the RHH. It can be used as an out pitch against both handednesses. Miyagi mixes that with a big slow curveball that ranges in velocities of 68 mph all the way down to 60 mph. It breaks well from 2:00 to 8:00 and really throws hitters off, often freezing hitters because their timing is so destroyed or making them whiff badly over it. In addition to those, Miyagi includes a changeup around 75 mph that also dies off and gives the hitter another look. The very encouraging thing about Miyagi is that he doesn’t solely rely on the fastball to set up the breakers. If he gets behind in a count he won’t be afraid to use all three of the other offerings to get over the plate for strikes. Being able to battle back into counts and keep hitters off.
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
The Fighters are in an interesting situation, although the team has plenty of potential talent waiting in the wings. The lack of progression in the development of those has stagnated their return to A class. At times last year, the offense felt fully revolved around the talents of Sho Nakata, even with very good players like always hitting Kensuke Kondoh and being able to bring back Haruki Nishikawa. As well as Taishi Ohta who is looking to try his luck in the MLB market again following this season, who at times can be an above-average player with his gigantic arm in RF showing out from time to time. Even when Drew VerHagen is able to arrive with the team, he’ll be building off of a team-best 3.8 WAR season. Rookie pitcher Hiromi Itoh has looked pretty good so far in his first spring and Yuki Nomura had an intriguing 2020. However, with that comes a whole bunch of question marks. A lack of other power outside of Nakata raises questions, and when Nakata isn’t providing, the rest of the lineup can be quiet. As well as this season is a massive make or break season for Kotaro Kiyomiya. A long fall from grace after being viewed as the can’t miss prospect of the decade. Three years in a row of hitting at the Mendoza line or worse without producing enough power to come close to making up for it. As well as the obvious loss of Kohei Arihara and losing out on Nick Martinez as well bodes for a year of struggling for the Fighters.
Hometown Kid Looking To Start His Career
2020 first-round draft pick of the Fighters, Hiromi Itoh was born and raised in the Hokkaido prefecture as the third generation of octopus fishermen. Growing up as a Fighters fan, Itoh would grow his love of the team by watching his favorite pitcher Yu Darvish. Little would he know that he would end up becoming not only a Fighter, but one with heavy expectations as the first round pick. However, after a strong spring and good appearances, Ito might just live up to his expectations. Itoh was the go-to closer for the Samurai Japan U18s in 2019 and will look to slot right into the Fighters rotation as possible. He will be starting with the farm team this season, but a good stretch of starts down there could lead to a promotion to ichi-gun. Itoh can hit up to 96 but sits under that near the low 90s. My favorite of Itoh’s pitches and what succeeded very well for him this spring is the slider. Having been measured around 2,500 RPM it breaks well away from right-handed hitters around mid 80s. At times the curveball can also show well against left-handed hitters, and I also like the very slow and dying forkball that gets a bit of arm side run.
Image Credit: Bunshun.jp
