You don’t read this anyway, do you? Doesn’t matter we’re back for another week of the minor league daily sheet with a busy Sunday of top performances to run through. Lots of big names, pop-ups, and never weres to get you acquainted with. No need to delay this any further let’s get into it boys and girls! Today I (Geoff) run down the Triple-A and Double-A performers while Rhys White goes over the top guys from both levels of A-Ball.
Joey Bart, C SF (Triple-A) 3-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
There’s an alternate universe where Bart was never called up and people are still excited about his promotion. Right now he’s an after thought despite significant pedigree.
Zach Reks, OF LAD (Triple-A) 1-for-3, HR, 3 R, 2 BB
This guy! It seems every couple of days Reks has a game where he hits a homer and gets on base a few times. He’s an on base machine with power that developed following a swing change. Side note: he just started a non-profit coffee company to help minor leaguers. You know, because it’s on minor leaguers to help minor leaguers and not their organization.
Darien Nunez, LHP LAD (Triple-A) 4 IP, 7 K
Older prospect that fled Cuba in 2015, Nunez took three years to establish residency and get to the United States. He signed with the Dodgers in 2018, and features a four pitch mix led by his fastball. He actually started the season at double-A and was already promoted.
Wander Franco, SS TB (Triple-A) 4-for-5, R
Who is this guy? Never heard of him! Congratulations on the game of your life Wander Franco… I’ve just been told that this guy is in fact #Good
Ryan Boldt, OF TB (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
I went to high school with a beautiful girl with a small chest. After high school her parents bought her bolt ons aka breast implants. She married a Patriots player and hangs out with Tony Hawk. True story! As for Ryan Boldt, he’s an up and down type with bench bat upside.
Jesus Sanchez, OF TB (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R
Jesus rakes! I’m not a religious man but if Sanchez keeps raking I might have to reconsider my spiritual affiliation.
Brian Howard, RHP OAK (Triple-A) 6 IP, 3 H, ER, 6 K
A 6-foot-9 giant with a four pitch mix and above-average command. None of his stuff standouts but he throws strikes and has shown the ability to miss bats. It’s an up and down profile at best, and he’s already 26, but it sometimes takes taller players awhile to click.
Taylor Trammell, OF SEA (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR
Since Trammell has been demoted he’s been on absolute fire. His debut was mostly rough but he had his moments. After a rough couple of years Trammell is recovering some of his lost pedigree.
Gavin Sheets, 1B CWS (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 5 RBI, 2 R
The king of the sheeeeet! Gavin is another early round pick the White Sox spent on a corner only guy. He plays a little outfield too and looks like he’s destined to be discount Andrew Vaughn. Get two Sheets for the price of one Vaughn at the Dollar General!
Jonathan Stiever, RHP CWS (Triple-A) 5 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
The former Indiana Hoosier, Stiever has been up with the major league club in each of the last two years and could fill a back end of the rotation role for the White Sox at some point this summer if needed. It’s a three pitch mix with a fringe-average fastball, an average slider, and an above-average changeup.
Edward Olivares, OF KC (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, BB
San Diego was so stacked a few years ago with minor league depth that they had legit major leaguers that got lost in the depth shuffle. Olivares may not be a star but he’s likely good enough to carve out a second division regular role.
Travis Swaggerty, OF PIT (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB
Swag! Swag! Swag! Swag! I’m not sure Swaggerty ever becomes the leadoff threat many think he can be. He should at the minimum fit into a platoon role, but I’m less optimistic than others.
Matt Manning, RHP DET (Triple-A) 1.2 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, K, 2 HR Allowed
Send him to the glue factory! Manning can’t stop giving up homers and walking batters. It’s been an absolute horror show for Manning.
Orlando Arcia, SS ATL (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR
Has Arcia been tested? Not for PEDs, but tiger blood. No sure where this is coming from but Arcia now has seven homers in triple-A in less than two weeks.
Spencer Howard, RHP PHI (Triple-A) 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, 8 K, HR Allowed
Good start from Howard, I’d still like to see him go a little deeper into starts and build up to five or six inning turns but this was an effective and somewhat efficient start. He’s been up with the big club already this season but continued to get nuked at the big league level.
Blake Battenfield, RHP CWS (Double-A) 5 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 2K
A 2017 17th rounder and senior sign out of Okie State, Battenfeld has a deep pitch mix and might have the makings of an emergency starter. He is older and repeating the level so it’s a question of how effective he can be in triple-A before he gets any MLB shots.
Alec Hansen, RHP CWS (Double-A) 1 IP, H, K, W
Coming out of the pen for Birmingham in an 8th inning role. I guess that move to the bullpen his final year at Oklahoma was indicative of his future career path.
Shane Baz, RHP TB (Double-A) 4.2 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 7 K
The flame-throwing Rays righthander continues to miss bats which is exactly what you want to see. However, his lack of efficiency limits his starter upside. I still see an elite reliever when it’s all said and done, but the Rays will start him until they can’t.
Jose Garcia, SS CIN (Double-A) 3-for-4, R
He plays above-average to plus defense at shortstop, and it looks like the bat has truly come around. With the way things are going, Garcia should see promotion to Louisville any day now, and eventually back to the big leagues.
Hunter Greene, RHP CIN (Double-A) 6 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 10 K
After a rough start to his pro career Greene looks like he made the best of his shutdown refining his fastball shape and command. Subsequently it’s led to tremendous results in double-A thus far. If Greene can miss bats and throw strikes his once seemingly unattainable number two upside is back in play. One to watch over the coming months.
Andre Pallante, RHP STL (Double-A) 5 IP, H, BB, 4 K
A former 4th round pick out of UC Irvine, Pallante has been effective in pro ball thanks to a strong fastball+slider combination. The slider is a horizontal pitch with cutter like shape that tunnels well off his fastball. Not a star, but a solid back of the rotation depth type ceiling.
Michael Busch, 2B LAD (Double-A) 3-for-6, HR
There’s few prospects we like more than Busch and there’s a reason we had him stuffed way up on our Dodgers list. He’s a polished college bat with power and approach. He’s still going to have some swing and miss but he rarely gives away at bats and will get on base at a high clip.
C.J. Abrams, SD (Double-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 R
It’s remarkable how talented Abrams is. He does a little bit of everything and looks anything but overmatched against much older competition. The Padres have no reason to push Abrams to the majors at this point, but I don’t think he’d struggle to adjust if he was called upon. Hit, power, speed, and defense. This is a five tool player in the truest form.
Alek Thomas, OF ARI (Double-A) 2-for-3, 2 R
Your mom always said to watch out for guys with two first names. I’m telling you to watch this one. But only because he’s good at baseball.
Adley Rutschman, C BAL (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
We need Adley to breakout, we need him to be loud to make up for the struggles of Tork, Bleday and other college bats we expected to mash. This was Rutschman’s third homer in a week and a great sign that he’s breaking out of his slump in the first few games. One of the best prospects in the game.
Simeon Woods-Richardson, RHP TOR (Double-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 4 BB, 7 K
I was at this start behind home plate (video coming) and was impressed by SWR’s ability to land all of his pitches for strikes and alternate between his fastball variations as well as his 12-6 breaker and changeup with screwball action. A future starter likely of the mid-rotation variety but there’s a ton to like with this arm.
Otto Lopez, OF TOR (Double-A) 2-for-3, RBI, R, BB
Lopez had two doubles off the wall in this game and got on base three times while hitting second for a light Sunday lineup for the Fisher Cats.
Samad Taylor, 2B TOR (Double-A) 3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, SB
The slam and the legs from Samad. Fun story New Hampshire had a drum circle and dance off pre-game and Samad was right in the middle of it. He’s got speed and some power, an underrated player that likely fits best long term in a bench role.
Michael Harris II, OF ATL (High-A) 4-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB
He walks on water, he cures the blind and he had a perfect day at the plate and even pinched in a homer and a stolen base. There is a bunch of hype with Harris after spring training and him performing well to start the season, I would sell high.
Ronny Mauricio, SS NYM (High-A) 3-for-5, 1 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI
Rony is a name that in Hebrew means joyful or singing and Rony Mauricio must have been pretty rony after his 3-for-5 day with a ding-dong.
Ezequiel Duran, 2B NYY (High-A) 4-for-5, 2 2B
*Probably after Duran hits his second double of the game*
Pitcher: “Whas your name?”
Duran: “Ezequiel”
Pitcher: “%^$ you Ezequiel”
Even I feel too old to be referencing TikToks.
Tanner Dodson, OF/RHP TB (High-A) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Two-way guy that Tampa is at least right now still developing both ways, I ultimately think his upside is higher on the mound.
Bryant Packard, DH DET (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 SB
This is for Trevor Hooth and Trevor Hooth only, I am happy for you man. A homer and a steal from your DH isn’t bad, but the rest of that lineup is off to a slow start to put it optimistically.
Angel Zerpa, LHP KC (High-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
On the shorter-side for a pitcher, Zerpa is striking guys out at an above average rate to start the seasons and he's only 21 in High-A so it’s not some 25 year old beating up on younger competition. He’s also limiting the free passes, he’s worth a follow and a possible pickup in the deepest of leagues.
Alec Burleson, OF STL (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 3 RBI
Burleson with back to back games with a homer.
Burl Carraway, LHP CHC (High-A) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
*cracks knuckles and whispers it’s time to do some eliminating* Walking two batters and having below average command is not the yips, and you would think someone who has been doing this for “30 years” would know this. Getting all three outs of your appearance by the punchout is nice but with Carraway you will get the punchouts you just have to hope the walks are limited to an extent.
Brenton Doyle, OF COL (High-A) 3-for-6, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB
Former 4th round pick out of Shepard, seems to be one of the few bright spots on the Rockies High-A roster. Multi hit effort with a stolen base for his efforts, I still think he’s ultimately a fourth outfielder but he’s performing well to start the season.
Julio Rodriguez, OF SEA (High-A) 3-for-5, 1 HR, 3 R, 3 RBI
Consecutive games with a Julio Rodriguez homer: 4. At this point Julio may never stop hitting homers.
Zach DeLoach, OF SEA (High-A) 3-for-6, 1 HR, 1 2B, 3 R, 4 RBI
I like to think DeLoach has been sitting picking Julio’s brain on what to do and because Julio is such a nice guy he is willing to share some of his wisdom with DeLoach.
Will Wilson, 2B SF (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 2B, 2 R
Fancy seeing you here Will. Another day, another hit for Will Wilson, he can really hit and he’s making me wonder if I need to bump up my assessment of his hit tool.
Hudson Haskin, OF BAL (Low-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
Former Tulane product, grabbing himself his first professional homer.
Jared Kelley, RHP CWS (Low-A) 1.2 IP, 3 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
This is a less than ideal start to your pro career for a highly thought of draft arm from the most recent draft class. This is the third straight game that he couldn’t even make it to the third inning. It’s way too early to be jumping ship on him, but there are some concerns here especially when it comes to his command and control and the movement profile on the fastball leaves much to be desired.
Cole Wilcox, RHP TB (Low-A) 4 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Another in a list of 2020 draftees, Wilcox had a solid outing, punching out 4 over 4 innings of work but gave up three runs. Physical pitcher with high-end velocity in an organization that may or may not know a thing about pitching and the effective deployment of their pitchers.
Ed Howard, SS CHC (Low-A) 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 RBI
Shoutout Howard’s Market from where I live, last time I was there I saw a dude buy a pack of juuls to open them all up and double-fist juuls and I was amazed at the ingenuity. Two singles for Howard is impressive, but is it more impressive than a guy double-fisting juul pods? yes...yes it is.
Mick Abel, RHP PHI (Low-A) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
If you aren't following my friend and colleague @JDrake349 on twitter give your head a shake. Now that you have rectified this issue he’s got you covered with all the Mick Abel videos you could ever want and so much more. Plus he is a great dude who I have the pleasure to interact with on a daily basis and he works his butt off to get out to games as well.
Misael Urbina, OF, MIN (Low-A) 2-for-3, 1 RBI
One of the more elusive prospects in all of the minors, as we only had DSL stats to go off of for him and those numbers can be as useful as male nipples. He’s gotten into a handful of games and with more video we will begin to be able to form more concrete on the Twins prospect.
Levi Prater, LHP STL (Low-A) 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
Walking guys has always been Prater’s MO, dating back to his days at Oklahoma and it has carried over to the pro side. 5 punch outs and 0 earned runs is the positive to draw from this.
Zac Veen, OF COL (Low-A) 1-for-3, 1 2B, 3 SB
Do not draw too much from stolen-bases in the lowest level of affiliated ball because of the new pickoff rule where the pitcher has two free pickoffs per plate appearance but if the pitcher tries a third pickoff and isn’t successful it's an automatic balk and it seems like guys are running wild. That said Veen has been taking advantage of this when he gets on base so that could be an insight into his baseball IQ.
Liam Norris, LHP ARI (Low-A) 3 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Liam Norris might be the most Australian sounding name I have ever heard but nope he is definitely not from Australia being from North Carolina. A 19 year old pitcher at Low-A is of note and he hasn’t been getting battered around.
Mike Ruff, RHP COL (Low-A) 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
He didn’t look too ruff out there if you ask me. I am not sorry it’s 2 AM as I am writing this. Former 11th round pick by the Colorado Rockies, yes they have pitchers.
Brandon Lewis, 3B LAD (Low-A) 1-for-5, 1 R, 2 RBI
I’ve seen Lewis three times now this season and he’s a well filled out hitter with a nice swing, he can play a few different spots but isn’t exceptional anywhere and he can hit low minors pitching.
Gavin Stone, RHP LAD (Low-A) 3 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Seven punchouts in three innings of work is pretty good for Gavin Stone, someone who I have had the pleasure of seeing. The stuff didn’t blow me away when I saw him but he was able to move his pitches around the zone to where they were most effective. Let me guess the Dodgers may have unearthed another gem.
Luis Matos, OF SF (Low-A) 2-for-5, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI
Really good athlete who gets plenty of torque with his swing, one of my favorites in all of the minors. Part of one of the more intriguing and talented lineups in the low minors. If he is still not expensive in your leagues I would rush out to grab Matos while the buying window isn’t too crazy.
Casey Schmitt, 3B SF (Low-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
“Can I take a moment to celebrate me” - Schmidt, New Girl and Casey Schmitt probably after his homer. Former two-way guy at San Diego State who as of now has committed full-time to hitting.
Kyren Paris, SS LAA (Low-A) 0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 SB
“Ball so hard, I’m shocked too, I’m supposed to be locked up too, you escaped what I escaped, you’d be in Paris getting …… up too”- Jay-Z.