The Minor League Daily Sheet: May 19th 2021 - Manoah Drains "The Drink"

Hello friends and welcome back to the longest minute in sports! The Prospects Live Daily Minor League Sheet. We take you through all the top performances from the previous night so you can keep up in your dynasty league, with your favorite team’s prospects or just baseball in general. With a full two weeks in the books things are starting to get interesting, as the hot starters go cold and everything in between. Enough of this babble to the sheet we go!

Alek Manoah, RHP TOR (Triple-A) 6 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 10 K, HR Allowed

The Big Dawg made one mistake all night on a homer to Chris Hermann but was otherwise untouchable. The other three hits he allowed were all flares in the later innings as batters abandoned their approach and just threw the bat at the slider. He was sitting 94-95 reaching back for 96 when needed. The slider however was a difference maker. He worked off it using his fastball to steal strikes early in the count. He flashed his changeup against lefties getting a few swinging strikes over the course of the night. He’s ready for another challenge. 

Drew Waters, OF ATL (Triple-A) 4-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB

If this was NBA Jam Waters would be fully engulfed in flames coming off the last two games. He’s also homered off a lefthander on consecutive nights. That’s a huge development if he can find right handed power, a major flaw in his game back in 2019. He had the slam and extra legs on Wednesday, not a bad look. 

Jasseel De La Cruz, RHP ATL (Triple-A) 4 IP, H, 5 K

Slowly building up his pitch count Jasseel has now gone eight consecutive scoreless innings across three appearances. He’s yet to walk a batter this season and has shown the ability to miss bats. 

Vidal Brujan, OF TB (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, SB

The slam and legs for Brujan, as he continues to punish the ball in the early going. He got the start in centerfield with Lowe in right and Boldt in left. I’m not sure when he’s up but it looks like God willing it’s this summer. Then again the Rays are godless heathens! I read this on the internet so it’s a fact. 

Mickey Moniak, OF PHI (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB

This far the former top overall pick has been pretty wretched. Hitting below the Mendoza line and looking like he got stuck on the struggle bus. He’s already had uninspiring MLB time, and I’m not sure there’s much more than a fourth outfielder here. 

Austin Listi, 3B PHI (Triple-A) 4-for-6, RBI, 2 R

I’ve always been a fan of the player as Listi has just hit throughout his minor league career to the tune of a .276/.366/.457 slash across 1100+ at bats. If he could add a touch more power he might have a chance as a low end second division regular but he’s stuck in the up and down ceiling bucket for me.

Nolan Jones, 3B CLE (Triple-A) 1-for-2, 2 BB

Yeah, it’s gotten so rough for Jones that a night like last night constitutes inclusion on the sheet. He’s always had on base skills, but contact issues, an overly passive approach, and bad splits have weighed down the profile for myself in recent years. 

Edward Olivares, OF KC (Triple-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, SB

The slam and legs is a hot choice tonight! Olivares has done it all so far in 2021. He’s hit for average, gotten on base, hit for power, and runs at will when on base. I think there’s a second division regular here, with a leadoff hitter’s skill set.

Lucius Fox, SS KC (Triple-A) 3-for-5, RBI, R

Way back when, before pandemics ever crossed our psyche, Fox was a famous San Francisco international signing. His prospect star has heavily faded but he could likely fit in as a utility guy. He’s on his third organization but he’s still just 23 and it takes switch-hitters longer to click. 

C.J. Abrams, SS SD (Double-A) 3-for-4, RBI, BB

Good old Celery Juice was up to his old tricks getting on base four times pushing his OPS (if you’re into that sort of thing) to .933 in his first taste of full season ball. This is what it looks like folks!

Steele Walker, OF TEX (Double-A) 4-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 R

With a name like Steele Walker you’re destined to be a porn star or the lead singer of a 90s grunge act. Fortunately for us Walker denied his birthright and chose baseball. He doesn’t have loud power or speed, but he can hit, takes good at bats and can play all over the outfield. 

Micker Adolfo, OF CWS (Double-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI

A bat that’s always had some fanfare but he’s never been able to fully put it altogether. He can bang when he’s on flashing plus raw. He’s in the 40 man but likely a year away from Chicago. 

Garrett Whitley, OF TB (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, BB

Whitley has been a prospect for so long I forget he was a prospect. Whitley has been under the radar good in 2021. He’s getting on base at a .470 clip and last night flashed the power we’ve been waiting to see from him. I’d put him on your follow list before it’s too late. 

Tobias Meyers, RHP TB (Double-A) 5 IP, 3 H, ER, 4 K

His longest start of the season as he’s built up to 80 pitches. He’s been incredibly efficient and is definitely one of the better under the radar Rays prospects in a deep system. 

Nick Lodolo, LHP CIN (Double-A) 7.1 IP, H, BB, 11 K

Needed just 90 pitches to make quick work of the Mississippi lineup. His fastball+slider combination is deadly and if he’s commanding the zone he’s way too much for most Double-A lineups to handle. After losing some shine for no reason at all, he’s squarely in my top 100. 

Jake Eder, LHP MIA (Double-A) 5 IP, 3 H, ER, 4 BB, 7 K

The command wasn’t there for Eder tonight and he still pitched relatively well. His defense also made two errors behind him, so all in all it was a tough luck night for the lefty. 

Peyton Burdick, OF MIA (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR 

Do not, and I repeat do not, let the Avian Phallic get hot! He made a throwing error in the field and did strikeout once but it looks like Burdick is breaking out of his early season slump. 

Kyle Tyler, RHP LAA (Double-A) 7 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 5 K

A former 20th round pick out of Oklahoma in 2018, Tyler shoved last night out-dueling Jake Eder. He’s a low to mid-90s fastball, slider, and a changeup and had a strong full season debut back in 2019 across two levels of A ball. I’m not sure he’s more than an org guy and he’s struggled this season prior to last night. 

Dermis Garcia, 1B NYY (Double-A) 1-for-5, HR, 2 RBI

Mr. Skin loves to bang and nothing else. It’s the only life he knows. Seriously, it’s hard contact or bust with Garcia and he’s been pretty bad outside a quartet of home runs. 

Christopher Morel, 3B CHC (Double-A) 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R 

When he’s not concerned with the principles of right and wrong Morel is punishing baseballs. Well, maybe not so much this season, but last night was a good development for a prospect with some fans.

Travis MacGregor, RHP PIT (Double-A) 5 IP, H, 2 BB, 7 K

A former second round pick way back in 2016, MacGregor missed all of 2019 after going under the knife for TJS in September of 2018. Our scouting director James Chipman wrote his report back in the fall for the Pittsburgh board. He’s a fastball changeup type with some extra gas in the tank when he needs to reach back for 97.

Jose Miranda, 1B MIN (Double-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R

We graded Miranda’s power at a 40 this off-season, but he seems on a mission to prove us wrong. This was his 5th homer of the season as he hit atop the Wichita lineup. He’s currently slashing .364/.390/.691 over his first 14 games, and looks a lot like one of those under the radar hitters the Twins develop regularly.

Riley Greene, OF DET (Double-A) 3-for-5, 5 RBI, SB

Are the Tigers turning Riley Greene into Nick Madrigal? What’s going on here? The Tigers can run anything, can’t they? I’m kidding, but after a few good games early Greene has been relatively cold.

Matt Frisbee, RHP SFG (Double-A) 5 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 5 K

If you asked me the name that’s popped up for me the most this season that was completely off my radar, it’s Frisbee. He continues to shove after adding velo and swapping out his changeup for a splitter to go with an already good (and fitting) slider. ERA down to 0.56 after yesterday’s turn.

Kyle Bradish, RHP BAL (Double-A) 4 IP, 2 H, BB, 10 K

Had a nice outing throwing 69 pitches… and striking out 10 batters while only allowing three to reach base. This matchup against Frisbee was the pitcher’s duel you didn’t know you needed in your life. He was acquired from the Angels in the Dylan Bundy trade and looks like the best piece that they got back. He mixes two breaking balls with an average fastball he can get up to 95 mph.

Asa Lacy, LHP KC (High-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K

Last year’s fourth overall pick has battled significant command issues so far, compiling 11 walks in his four professional innings. He was much more efficient today, but there’s significant reliever risk here that casts a but of a shadow over the profile. Lacy will look to over power hitters and not live on the edges of the zone with his plus fastball and plus-plus slider heading up his four pitch mix. I will be tuned into his next start and hopefully he continues to head in the right direction. Maybe he has the yips? *Falls out of chair* COMMAND ISSUES ≠ YIPS 

Adam Lukas, RHP KC (High-A) 2 ⅓ IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Lukas is a pure reliever which is rare to get a spot on the sheeeeeet. He’s a big ole boy that lives in the triple digits and if he can go multiple innings there might be trouble here for the opposition.

Miguel Vargas, 2B LAD (High-A) 2-for-4, SB

Most notable thing here is the position, but I still think he’s likely destined for first base. Vargas is one of the better high ball hitters I’ve seen in the minors which is ideal for the modern game.

Leonel Valera, SS LAD (High-A) 3-for-4, HR, 3B

Big offensive night for the glove first middle infield prospect. Valera is a likely utility option but good to see him hitting.

Logan T. Allen, LHP CLE (High-A) 5 ⅔ IP, 7 H, 2 R, 7 K

The pitchability lefty isn’t all that dissimilar to the other Logan Allen, so be careful if you’re looking to make an add in your league. This version was a second round pick in 2020 out of FIU and he’s got 22 strikeouts to just 3 walks in over 15 innings thus far.

Jake Mangum, OF NYM (High-A) 2-for-4, 2B

He follows up his first homer with his first double of the season. There’s a big difference between 20 and 30 power so if we’re seeing tangible changes that’s a strong boost to his profile.

Brett Baty, 3B NYM (High-A) 4-for-5, 2B, 4 RBI, SB

Huge day for Baty, the Mets 2019 first rounder. Baty is up to .425/.520/.550 in 11 games so far. You kind of have to hit with a last name like Baty right?

Ezequiel Duran, 2B NYY (High-A) 3-for-4, 3B

Duran and Oswald Peraza form a dynamic double play combination and they also are a strong one-two punch in the Hudson Valley lineup. Duran hasn’t gotten the RTs with no comments that Peraza is getting but the numbers are very similar to this point.

Korey Lee, C HOU (High-A) 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, BB

Lee has plus raw power and the ideal catchers’ frame, but some defensive and hit tool questions hold him back. This is a potential starting catcher though, and those odds are drastically increased if we get an automated zone. 

Tahnaj Thomas, RHP PIT (High-A) 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K

Thomas was extremely efficient, landing 45 of his 65 pitches in the zone. He’s up to 20 strikeouts and five walks in his first 12 innings.

Michael Harris II, OF ATL (High-A) 2-for-4

Rhys wondered aloud if Harris was the Braves top prospect at this point, and he might be onto something. With the impending graduation of Pache it’s really down to Harris or Drew Waters at this point, and I think I’ll take Waters still but there are some flaws in his game. Harris is much more advanced than he should be for his age, hitting .358 with a .921 OPS. 

Kyle Stowers, OF BAL (High-A) 2-for-4, HR, BB

Second straight write-up for the former Stanford Cardinal. Stowers can hit for power and is an underrated Orioles prospect. The Orioles have a deeper system than they get credit for. 

Cole Henry, RHP WSH (High-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 8 K

Henry checks every box and is a strong bet to pitch in the back of a big league rotation for years to come. He’s got an above-average fastball and curveball and his command and control are also above-average. He just pounds the zone and got stretched out to 95 pitches in this outing. 

Bryson Stott, SS PHI (High-A) 2-for-4, 2B

Stott is hott right now. He was back at shortstop in this one and is making his pitch to contribute to the Phillies in 2022. 

Spencer Torkelson, 3B DET (High-A) 2-for-4, SB

He did strike out once in this game but Tork looks like he’s in the process of turning it around a bit. He might not be the star we initially thought, but it’s early and it’s nothing a three-four week hot streak can’t fix, and he’s more than capable of going on that run.

Seth Corry, LHP SF (High-A) 4 ⅓ IP, 1 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 9 K

Effectively wild for Corry as only 39 of his 76 pitches went for strikes. He showed how difficult he can be for hitters to get the bat on the ball, only surrendering one hit. He’s his own worst enemy though as he will often fall victim to high pitch counts like tonight. He’s like a left-handed Rich Harden.

Ryan Feltner, RHP COL (High-A) 6 ⅔ IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K

Feltner was impressive for Spokane against Everett and got 18 of his 20 outs via the strikeout or groundball, which is a recipe for success. Hopefully he can maintain this level of success.

Noah Syndergaard, RHP NYM (Low-A) 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K

A successful 44 pitch first rehab start for Thor, who was locked in, throwing 36 strikes. He got the fastball up to 95 in this one. Would imagine this is the first of 4-5 rehab outings.

Ted Stuka, RHP DET (Low-A) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K

I had never heard of Superfly Ted Stuka before today’s outing, but I’ve dug in a bit and he’s worth more future looks. He was taken in the 14th round in the 2019 draft out of UC San Diego. Stuka topped out at 95.6 and averaged 93 with his four-seamer. He also throws a slider and only used the changeup a handful of times in this outing. He’s a big man, at 6’7”, 225. The walk rate has jumped and he’s walking a batter per inning now, but the strikeouts are also up. 

Richard Gallardo, RHP CHC (Low-A) 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

A nice bounceback outing for Gallardo as he came out pumping strikes. He was fighting his command earlier in the year but he was locked in today.

Daniel Espino, RHP CLE (Low-A) 4 ⅔ IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K

Espino came out the gate hot hitting 100 multiple times and touching 101. He was bullying hitters with his three pitch mix and the upside here is immense. However, so is the risk.

Trevor Hauver, 2B NYY (Low-A) 2-for-2, 2B, 3 BB, 3 R

He’s back! Tampa exploded for 15 runs in this game and most hitters in the lineup had double digit hits but Hauver reached base five times. Impressive start to the season.

Starlyn Castillo, RHP PHI (Low-A) 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K

Castillo was fastball/curveball today, hitting 96 with the heater. He relied heavily on the fastball  with 47 of his 61 pitches being good ole number one. His curveball was effective despite its limited use, with a CSW of 50% and allowing zero balls in play. 

Darryl Collins, OF KC (Low-A) 4-for-5, SB

Collins had a four-hit ballgame and added a stolen base for good measure. The 19 year old Dutch outfielder had a fantastic showing in the AZL as a 17-year old and is building on that with a strong 2021. He’s currently hitting .350/.422/.425 with four steals. He’s still searching for that first professional homer despite having above-average raw power. You’ll need to be patient but Collins could be worth scooping in deeper formats.

Jaxx Groshans, C BOS (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2B

The older brother of Blue Jays prospect Jordan Groshans, Jaxx is likely an org guy but he had a strong performance at the plate in today’s game. His overall numbers for the season are strong as well, but it’s been limited playing time.

Victor Mesa Jr., OF MIA (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR

The second straight ballgame with a bomb for the younger but superior Mesa brother. Originally declared an afterthought when signing his bat is proving to be more than that so far. 

Dax Fulton, LHP MIA (Low-A) 4 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

Easily the Okie natives best professional outing. Fulton is building back up after TJ surgery and is an intriguing left-hander with loud stuff. This outing drops his season ERA to 10.00, in case you wanted to see how rough the start to 2021 had been to this point.

Gunnar Henderson, SS BAL (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 BB

Yeah man, Gunnar is fun. He’s been on this sheet more often than not and I ran out of things to say about him about a week ago. That’s not his fault, it’s me. I’m (Matt Thompson) the least creative person on earth and my lack of pop culture knowledge really hurts my performance on these writeups.

Jordan Westburg, 3B BAL (Low-A) 2-for-4

Dude is trying to go blow for blow with Henderson and they’ve been rotating on the infield with each other and Anthony Servideo. 

Spencer Strider, RHP ATL (Low-A) 3 ⅔ IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB 10 K

Strider is now up to 6 ⅔ innings of no-hit ball across his two appearances in which he’s punched out 17 hitters. Yeah I know, no-hitters are boring now but Strider has been unbelievable in his pro debut so far.

Robert Puason, SS OAK (Low-A) 0-for-3, 3 Ks

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows at Prospects Live. Puason has been a huge disappointment in his first professional season so far. He’s slashing .063/.189/.063 with 21 strikeouts in 32 at-bats. I wouldn’t drop him anywhere but this is absolutely concerning, and I might try and move him for another top 100 prospect ranked in close proximity. He’s not in my updated top 100, and shouldn’t be in any new top 100 lists if I’m being honest. The quality of at-bats has been brutal, and pitchers are attacking him with fastballs which he can’t catch up with.

Blake Walston, LHP ARI (Low-A) 4 ⅔ IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

I still haven’t gotten a chance to watch Walston yet, and it looks like a potential wild experience from peeking at the game log. The range of outcomes for Walston are essentially a dart throw but he’s an exciting left-hander.

Marco Luciano, SS SF (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2 HR

He’s probably tired of seeing Noelvi Marte every day so he wanted to make some noise of his own. Luciano was a hit on twitter over the shutdown as videos of him launching moon shots popped up seemingly every week. The 19 year-old is hitting .245/.302/.510, and is waking up from a slow start.

Brent Killam, LHP LAA (Low-A) 4 ⅓ IP , 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 11 K

That’s 27 strikeouts and six walks over 13 innings this year for the left-hander. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop but he keeps missing bats and getting results. 

Noelvi Marte, SS SEA (Low-A) 0-for-4, 3 K

What a bum. SMH. His average and OPS now drop to .345 and 1.042 after this stinker.