Welcome back my friends to the daily circus that is the minor leagues. We watch the games and do the research so you don’t have to! Or maybe we just say a bunch of goofy stuff and give you the box score highlights. Who knows, does it matter? Enjoy!
Geoff - Double-A - Matt Thompson - Triple-A & Low-A - Rhys White High-A
Jarred Kelenic, OF SEA (Triple-A) 2-for-4, SB
He also made a tremendous play in centerfield on a ball deep to left center. Kelenic now has four consecutive multi-hit games to open the season. There’s no reason Kelenic shouldn’t be in the majors outside service time manipulation.
Chris Gittens, 1B NYY (Triple-A) 1-for-3, HR, BB
Gittens only struck out once today and has been incredible in the early going so far. He’s hitting .429 with a 1.581 OPS. No word if he went Tonya Harding on Luke Voit’s injured knee.
Adonis Medina, RHP PHI (Triple-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K
The game was called after six innings due to rain, and Medina pitched well as he fought the elements in cold, rainy conditions. The righty has a backend of the rotation future and could help the Phillies relatively soon.
Orlando Arcia, DH ATL (Triple-A) 3-for-4, 3 HR, BB
Obviously not a prospect, but Arcia looks like a different hitter in the box. He might have been one of the last players I’d ever expect to crank three bombs in a game, but here we are.
Kyle Isbel, OF KC (Triple-A) 5-for-9, 2B, 2 R Doubleheader
Isbel played two, going 2-fo-5 in game one and 3-for-4 in game two. It was a disappointing cup of coffee to begin the season but I still know he can hit and will buy if you’re selling a slightly used Isbel.
Jackson Kowar, RHP KC (Triple-A) 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K
His ERA jumped to 0.87 after today’s outing. Kowar is similar to Chris Paddack or Michael Wacha, as he can dial the heater up into the mid-90s with a superb changeup but doesn’t have a consistent breaking ball. There really isn’t much for Kowar to learn in Triple-A at this point and with the Royals realizing their dream of being a contender they can’t afford to let guys figure it out at the big league level. I’d bet Kowar is Royal by the end of the month.
Miguel Yajure, RHP PIT (Triple-A) 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K
The early returns for Pittsburgh in the Jameson Taillon trade with the Yankees have been terrific with Yajure joining Roansy and Maikol Escotto as dudes with recent blurbs in these holiest of pages. Yajure was on the losing end of this unfortunately as Shelby Miller and three other Cubs combined for a no-hitter. Yajure doesn’t have big stuff but he knows how to pitch, getting some ride on his 89-91 MPH heater. He has an array of breaking balls with great shape and knows how to sequence.
Josh Lowe, OF TB (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2B
Lowe follows up his #doubleHRday with another blast, his third on the season. With all the hype on Brujan and Wander, make sure you don’t ignore Lowe, who is a legit prospect in his own right. There’s enough swing and miss here to make you feel a bit uncomfortable but the power and speed are potentially plus tools here. There are some disagreements on his defensive skills but I think he’s shown enough out there to get a look in center or right. He should see Tampa at some point this season as he’s already on the 40-man.
Nolan Gorman, DH STL (Double-A) 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, 2 SB
Nolan Gorman stolen base threat. Who knew? Is he now a Dee Gordonesque leadoff guy? Slash and dash Nolan Gorman?
Domingo Robles, LHP STL (Double-A) 5.1 IP, 6 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Funky low slot lefty with a sinker that was acquired from the Pirates for International Slot money. He’s shoved in his first two appearances but he throws low 90s and gets by mostly on deception.
Josh Winder, RHP MIN (Double-A) 5 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
A 2018 seventh rounder out of VMI, who added strength and had a big velocity jump coming out of the shutdown. He’s sitting mid-90s and is up to 98 MPH, he mixes in two distinct breaking balls and a changeup. The curveball is a hard, high spin breaker that sits in the lower-80s. A pitchability arm that had a big jump in stuff. Major watch list guy.
Justin Dean, OF ATL (Double-A) 1-for-1, R, BB, 2 HBP
Move over Brandon Guyer, Justin Dean is coming for the crown one painful beanball at a time. One would think the Pensacola pitching staff would be more considerate a day after our patron saint Ronald J. Acuña is hit by a pitch. Amen.
Jerar Encarnacion, 1B MIA (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 R
Card carrying member of the #massivehuman club, Jerar connected for his first home run of the season on Sunday, then he dedicated it to all the moms. Who is he Rhys White?
Riley Greene, OF DET (Double-A) 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB
The Tigers have not ruined Riley Greene yet, as he continues to look at home in double-A. Not setting the world on fire but he’s looked the part.
Matt Vierling, OF PHI (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
The player most likely to Dylan Cozens out at Reading this season looks to be Vierling. A fifth rounder out of Notre Dame back in 2018, he’s shown a power and speed mix in his earlier minors stops. Not sure it’s anything more than an up and down profile, but he’s mashing, so he gets the sheeeet.
Jose Garcia, SS CIN (Double-A) 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB
He’s been on base multiple times in every game but one and continues to see the ball well. Good infield defense raises the profile some but if he continues to hit he should see a promotion to triple-A or the big leagues before Mid-June.
C.J. Abrams, SS SDP (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
His first double-A home run, as he boosts his average up to .320. Abrams has handled the aggressive assignment perfectly, pushing him into the conversation for top prospect in the minor leagues. He’s 20 years old at double-A not only holding his own but striving.
Carlos Rincon, OF LAD (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
Hit tanks and swing and miss that’s all Rincon knows. There’s some loud tools -power and arm strength- but it really hasn’t come together for Rincon due to a poor approach. Fun talent but not a prospect.
Gerardo Carrillo, RHP LAD (Double-A) 4 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 8 K
A player that popped for us in the off-season board process. Carrillo features a mid-90s fastball with good shape and a nasty breaking ball. He relies on his bread and butter fastball+curveball to play the vertical game but he features three additional secondaries that he’ll mix in. It’s an interesting look, even if it’s a relief profile long term. The stuff is very good.
Geraldo Perdomo, SS ARI (Double-A) 2-for-5, RBI, R
Since he made his MLB debut Perdomo has looked a little lost at the plate in the early going. His famed plate discipline hasn’t really been there and he’s chasing more than he typically has. I wouldn’t panic at this point still plenty of time to right the ship.
Humberto Mejia, RHP ARI (Double-A) 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB, 9 K
A player who popped for us when he was added to the Marlins 40 man roster following a dominant 2019 season between two levels of A-Ball. He was then shipped out to Arizona in the Starling Marte trade. He debuted and made three starts for Miami under unusual circumstances. He has a hammer curveball and a fastball that will sit mid-90s. Still a very interesting under the radar arm with a pathway to MLB time in 2021.
Elehuris Montero, 1B COL (Double-A) 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB
He’s been on a tear here in the early going, hitting for power and getting on base. He’s now been on base 13 times over just six games with five extra base hits. Maybe it’s time to buy back in on Montero. Rob Sherwood says yes…
Estevan Florial, OF NYY (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, BB
Now you to four home runs in the first week with three walks to six strikeouts. He seems to have control of the zone early on and is connecting for power in games. All huge developments for a player most of us, myself included, had written off as ever fully clicking. If Florial keeps this up he might make things interesting in New York or a potential deadline piece.
Drew Mendoza, 1B WAS (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR
Shoutout to Florida State baseball the legend has returned. Mendoza just sneaks into the #Massivehuman club. He’s a one truck pony, power on power in a first base only profile. Lucky he’s a left handed bat which helps his long term outlook.
Grayson Rodrgiuez, RHP BAL (High-A) 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 7 K, 2BB
GrayRod, one of the best pitching prospects in all the minors, had himself a quality second appearance in High-A, punching out 7 and only allowing a single run. I would assume he doesn’t spend much more time at High-A with the way he has looked to start the season.
Jackson Rutledge, RHP WAS (High-A) 3 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 K, 4BB
If you like ‘em big, and I mean pitchers weirdos, Rutledge is right up your ally. But he’s also exhibiting one of the main problems that plague pitchers of his stature, 6’8”, and that’s issues repeating their delivery which also hamper command and control. So far he has walked 7 batters in as many innings, so we will have to monitor that this season, but the stuff is still good.
Oswald Peraza, SS NYY (High-A) 4-for-6, 2 R, 2 SB
4 hits and 4 singles for the man probably named after the blue octopus, we can call that a four-by-four. Also pitched in with 2 stolen-bases showing off the plus speed we placed on him. He's got a potential plus hit tool and will play short as he climbs up the minors. I hope this Oswald also travels around with a dachshund named Weenie.
Ezequiel Duran, 2B NYY (High-A) 2-for-5, 2 R, RBI, 3B, SB
If his walk-up song isn’t Hungry Like the Wolf there is a missed opportunity here. He was definitely hungry like a wolf on the basepaths with a triple and a stolen base. He’s limited to second-base and will need to consistently hit to be of note.
Bryson Stott, SS/2B PHI (High-A) 1-for-4, HR, RBI
Something of interest is they had him cycle over to second-base for this game but did end up taking a ball deep. Luis Medina did strike him out twice.
Luis Medina, RHP NYY (High-A) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 7 K, 2 BB
I don’t know what’s more intimidating with Medina, his neck tattoo or how nasty his stuff is. Great appearance by Medina and I am not sure what the ultimate upside for Medina is if he is only walking two batters an outing. The pure stuff is some of the best in the minors and if the command and control has come around this is possibly one of the top pitching prospects by midseason.
Lyon Richardson, RHP CIN (High-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 6 K, 1 BB
Won 4-1 over the lowly FC Lorient, oops sorry wrong Lyon. The member of the “Spincinatti” Reds had a good day at the office not allowing a run and sending 6 back to the dugout possibly crying. The former 2nd round pick is off to a quietly good start to the season.
Julio Rodriguez, OF SEA (High-A) 2-for-5, R, RBI, 3B, 2 SB
Anytime I see the name Julio I am reminded of Don Julio, and that brings up bad memories *shudders*. So Julio Rodriguez the speed threat with no power? People are talking. He has yet to hit a homer but that will come, the struggles with breaking balls are still there and the questions about where he ultimately plays are still there but it’s cute he’s stealing bases at the High-A level.
Corbin Carroll, OF ARI (High-A) 3-for-4, 4 R, 2 RBI, HR, 3B, 2 SB, BB, 1 K
He was a double away from the cycle, in what was one of the best performances of the night. Carroll showed why he is one of the best prospects in all of the minors, flashing the power, the speed and the hit tool. This is what happens when you watch the games ;)
Kaden Polcovich, 2B/OF SEA (High-A) 3-for-4, 3 R, RBI, HR, 2B
Congrats on the first professional homer Kaden, if you see this. Versatile player that can bounce between a few different spots and is able to contribute with some modest power.
Juan Then, RHP SEA (High-A) 2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 K, 0 BB
Okay Then with that slider, his slider started up in the top of the zone Then it wasn’t. In an organization with so much pitching talent at the top of the organization, Then gets slept on a bit by most but if this stuff holds up he will fly up lists.
Matt Canterino, RHP MIN (High-A) 3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 6 K, 2 BB
The former Rice Owl was one of the prospects who received a velo bump recently and has completely changed his trajectory as a prospect. The velo gains helped him become a legit Top 100 prospect and he is showing that with the performance striking out 6 in his 2021 debut.
Will Wilson, SS SF (High-A) 4-for-6, 2 R, RBI, 3B
Wilson with a not too shabby 4-for-6 day and even hit himself a triple for good measure. He’s got a bunch of 50’s in his tools and isn’t the most exciting prospect but he is able to contribute in a few different ways, and if others don’t appreciate you Will I will, right here.
Adam Kloffenstein, RHP TOR (High-A) 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 K, 2 BB
A short outing for the former third round pick, but he was able to punch out 5. These younger pitchers are some of the players that were hurt most by the pandemic because they just lost a full year of development so it’s good to see Kloffenstein pitching well to start the season.
Liover Peguero, SS PIT (High-A) 1-for-1, R, 2B, SB
Peguero was hurt stealing third, which I believe more people should steal third more often, and ended up leaving the game. Here is hoping the Pirates prospect is alright.
Luis Garcia, 2B PHI (Low-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 BB
The 20-year old switch-hitting shortstop was playing second base today with 2020 draftee Casey Martin at short. Garcia has had a nice start and put one over the wall today in addition to a pair of walks. We know he can pick it, but the good first week offensively is very promising after a dismal 2019. Maybe one day he becomes THE Luis Garcia?
Trevor Hauver, 2B NYY (Low-A) 1-for-4, HR
Another day, another homer for hauver the homerun haver. 106.8 off the bat, Hauver is scalding the ball this week. That’s six homers on the season already, and the 2020 3rd rounder is reaching cult hero status at this point. It’s a crowded org depth chart in front of him, but Hauver should be in High-A very soon.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF NYM (Low-A) 3-for-5, 2 RBI
PCA is loving professional ball so far, and making some teams very uncomfortable after they passed on this kid in the first round of 2020. Exceptional skills all-around, he even threw out a runner at the plate today. Curious to see how long he sticks in Low-A, as he is battling his teammate Francisco Alvarez to determine who the Mets top prospect is. Alvarez kept pace reaching base three times today himself with another 105+ EV. Got some bad news with Mathew Allan, but the performance of these two has to at least put a smile on Mets fans faces.
Evan Carter, OF TEX (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2B, RBI, BB
Yeah, I’m running out of things to say about Carter. He’s flashing some serious skills and looks like someone that should’ve been taken a lot sooner than 50th overall in the 2020 draft. With a regular prep season and showcase circuit in 2020 he likely shoots up lists. Can’t imagine the price in a dynasty league if you are trying to buy right now.
Jose Rodriguez, SS CWS (Low-A) 3-for-5, 3B
Rodriguez has been close to making the list of writeups for Low-A several times this week, but I’m finally including him now. Rodriguez is an under the radar prospect that hit well in the AZL in 2019 (.293/.328/.505, 9 HRs in 44 games) and has the tools to stick up the middle. He’s hitting .407/.429/.630 so far but will need to show better plate skills once he stops hitting .400. Fun name in a thin system.
Yunior Severino, 3B MIN (Low-A) 3-for-5, 2B, HR, 5 RBI
The 21-year old switch-hitter has had very meh offensive seasons thus far in the minors and is a more tools over production type prospect, but he had a big offensive day hitting the ball hard and knocking in an impressive five runs on the day.
Sammy Siani, OF PIT (Low-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2 2B, 2 BB
These next few names will be Pirates prospects as they scored 18 runs today, so they’ll get some love here. Siani was the 37th pick in the 2019 draft, and was ranked 14th in our Pirates list. There’s no standout tool here, but he has a big league future due to his well-rounded game.
Dariel Lopez, SS PIT (Low-A) 2-for-4, 4 RBI
Lopez had a monster DSL season in 2019, but as you know, take those with a huge grain of salt. Even with today’s good day at the plate the overall numbers aren’t great, but he’s hitting third in a pretty good lineup. Lopez has a utility projection, but is a solid watch list guy in dynasty at the moment.
Alexander Mojica, 3B PIT (Low-A) 2-for-5, 2B, 3 RBI
Mojica is in a similar boat as Lopez, guys who dominated the DSL in 2019, didn’t play anywhere in 2020 and now find themselves in Low-A. He’s a big man with a long swing due a deeeep load, but he’s hit at every stop so far with no reason to change it yet. The body will require some work as well, but Mojica seems to have some positive offensive skills despite the potential flaws.
Maikol Escotto, 2B PIT (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2B, 4 RBI, 2 BB
Escotto came to the Pirates in the Taillon deal, and he’s an exciting prospect due to his power and athleticism. Yet another dude on this Bradenton who feasted on DSL pitching, and he’s slashing a aestetically pleasing .400/.500/.600 on the season right now. Punished baseballs today, with a 107 and 102 EV respectively.
Gilberto Jimenez, OF BOS (Low-A) 3-for-5, 2B, SB
Built like a running back, Jimenez has gone from slap-hitter to a dude that can make you pay in a hurry. He has the highest upside of anyone in the Red Sox system, and is hitting leadoff and playing center for Salem. Should be an easy top 100 prospect by our next update.
Stephen Scott, C BOS (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2 HR, BB
A #doubledon...wait I’m not going to hashtag that. A two homer day will put you in the write-up and make me do research to figure out more. Well I did that about Stephen Scott and I knew the name sounded familiar, he was drafted in the tenth round in 2019 out of Vandy. He’s listed as an OF but he caught today, and the lefty is the preferred catcher of Red Sox prospect Chris Murphy, who has called him “the best catcher he’s ever thrown to” in an interview with Geoff Pontes. He’s a guy that puts in the work, brings a lunch pale to work everyday and buddies up with the team’s best pitcher, which is a smart move. Maybe he kept bringing Murphy lunch in that oversized pale? Regardless, Scott is worthy of another look on his own merit and is having a great start to 2021 thus far. Hitting third on a team with Gilberto Jimenez and Nick Yorke is a big statement.
Brady McConnell, CF KC (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR
Note the position switch for the former Florida Gator. The former second round pick had a rough introduction to pro ball and some off the field stuff that held him back. Thankfully everything looks good now and he’s back on the field showing all of his tools. He did strikeout today, and contact has been a big area of concern in the past here, and those issues have followed him so far in 2021 as he has 10 K’s in 19 at-bats with two walks. If he can get that corrected he’s an everyday guy, but so many prospects have fallen victim to the strikeout. Hopefully he gets it all going.
Jake Means, 3B KC (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB
John Means’ younger brother celebrates his brothers no-hitter with a big offensive display of his own. The 19th rounder out of Indiana State in 2019 can hit and take a walk.
Jonathan Rodriguez, OF CLE (Low-A) 3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
A nice offensive display for one of the toolsiest outfielders in the Cleveland organization. Rodriguez has the power and arm strength to dream on as a big league rightfielder, but his hit tool and approach need to improve before he can be considered a big league regular
Lenny Torres, RHP CLE (Low-A) 2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 2 K
Torres was making his first appearance on the mound since 2018, so the results are insignificant here. I’m sure he was battling some nerves and hyped which led to the shaky command. Glad to see Torres back healthy.
John Doxakis, LHP TB (Low-A) 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K
The Texas A&M lefty was perfect today in his 3 innings, not allowing a baserunner and fanning all but one batter he faced in a dominant performance. For the season he’s only allowed two hits in 7 innings of work with 13 strikeouts. He’s far too advanced for Low-A, but with a organizational depth chart as crowded as Tampas is you are going to get guys playing down.
Junior Perez, OF OAK (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2 RBI, BB
Perez has been off to a rough start in 2021, but glad to see him get a three hit game in his stat line to help get him going. Perez was scooped up from the Padres recently and has enough tools be to an eventual big league regular.
Noelvi Marte, SS SEA (Low-A) 2-for-5, RBI, BB, SB
Marte is starting to break out of it, but he did strikeout three times today. Marte was probably over ranked on prospect lists heading into the season if we’re being honest but he’s still a top 100 prospect based on his offensive tools alone. He’s likely a third baseman as he’s put on significant weight, the good kind, but he’s noticeably heavier.
Kyren Paris, SS LAA (Low-A) 4-for-6, 3B, 2 RBI, SB
Paris has been one of the more exciting prospects in 2021, because he’s always doing something interesting. He already has six stolen bases this week alone, and the frequency in which he’s running has actually been amazing. @Taylorblakeward on twitter had an amazing tweet detailing Paris and his aggressiveness on the bases. The only four times he’s reached base and didn’t steal are the two times he’s tripled, the time he got thrown out trying to turn a single into a double, and today’s walkoff single. He’s been electric in the box and on the basepaths but it’s been rough defensively so far.
Breiling Eusebio, LHP COL (Low-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 7 K
The lefty with a live arm, Eusebio is one of the higher upside Rockies arms in the minors, but there’s a joke in there somewhere. But anyways he pitched well, missed some bats and was stingy with the walks. A good encouraging outing for the 24-year old.