We’re late okay. The dog ate my box scores. I slept through the alarm, because I lost power during the thunder storm and didn’t realize it tripped my clock. I then woke up and had a bunch of excuses in my head. So I gave you all of them.
Andrés Gimenez, SS CLE (Triple-A) 2-for-4, R
He really struggled early in the season with Cleveland. Replacing Francisco Lindor is not an easy task for anyone. Gimenez played a little above his head in 2020, but should be a good everyday shortstop within the next couple of years. A promotion back to the big leagues could happen within a month or so if he finds his swing. So far, so good.
Tyler Nevin, 1B BAL (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
By and large Nevin has been pretty blah, but he’s shown some power. The problem is with Nevin’s profile he needs to hit for it to work. Otherwise he’s just another Org soldier.
Daz Cameron, OF DET (Triple-A) 2-for-5, 2 RBI, R, BB
Over his first week in Triple-A Daz has been stinging the ball. He’s still young enough to not be a lost cause, and likely will fit in as a second division regular with flashes of brilliance. Solid defensive profile but whether or not the bat plays is still murky.
Lars Nootbaar, OF STL (Triple-A) 2-for-4, 2 R
You know you’ve been in Norway too long when you have a favorite flavor of NootBaar. His hitting has been sweet and he’s been seeing all his time in the outfield. Many had him pegged for first base hit over power guy. The later part may still be true but he’s scorching line drives and showing some over the fence pop too. See, I’ve been in Norway too long. I love the NootBaar.
Christopher Sanchez, LHP PHI (Triple-A) 5.1 IP, BB, 8 K
A four pitch lefty that’s had velocity peaks and dips over the last few years. A former Rays farmhand that was acquired for Curtis Mead. He’s likely to get a couple of spot starts this season but likely isn’t much more than that, unless he starts sitting 96-98 MPH again.
Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B PIT (Triple-A) 2-for-3, 3 R, BB
This guy is ready, just get him back in the big leagues. I’m begging at this point. He’s the best player in the Pirates organization at the moment.
Ethan Small, LHP MIL (Double-A) 5 IP, 2 ER, 4 BB, 8 K
In a matchup of lefties as he was pitted against phenom Jake Eder, LHP MIA (Double-A) 5 IP, H, 2 BB, 8 K, he went toe to toe but couldn't quite match the quality of Eder. Both should be rotation pieces, though Eder presently looks like the better pro prospect.
Kade McClure, RHP CWS (Double-A) 5 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 9 K
A name that should be climbing up White Sox prospect lists as he’s held the velo gains and knows how to spin two breaking ball variations. He looks like a sure fire backend starter based on early returns.
Kyle Tyler, RHP LAA (Double-A) 6 IP, 2 H, BB, 9 K
This is consecutive starts on the Sheet for Tyler. He’s missing bats, throwing strikes and executing so far this season. A name to keep an eye on over the next few starts.
Darius Hill, OF CHC (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR, 4 RBI, 3 R
Only the third professional homer for the former 20th round pick out of West Virginia. He’s hitting for average so far this season but not showing much power.
Mason Martin, 1B PIT (Double-A) 2-for-4, RBI, R
The Muscle Hamster hates groundballs, to the point he’s hitting flyballs at a 60%+ clip. Martin may have the best in game power in the minors and that’s only slightly hyperbolic.
Brendt Citta, OF PIT (Double-A) 4-for-4, RBI
You know I love my late round guys that pop in the upper minors, but Citta may be the latest pick we’ve featured yet. How about a 2018 38th rounder! The former Jayhawk (Rock! Chalk!) is slashing .389/.421/.528 in his full season debut.
Johan Mieses, BOS (Double-A) 3-for-3, HR, 3 RBI
The MILB free agency is loving his new digs as he’s now in the bird dog spot for the home run lead in minor league baseball. Power and on base skills without much defensive value.
Kutter Crawford, RHP BOS (Double-A) 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 5 K
Yes, he throws a cutter. Outside of one bad outing last week Crawford has been solid all season, he’s throwing strikes and missing bats and staying on brand, you know, throwing a cutter.
Tyler Freeman, SS CLE (Double-A) 2-for-3, RBI
T-Free loves Lynard Skynard and putting the ball in play. Is he your angry uncle that hates baseball? No, he’s the future second baseman for the Cleveland (insert team name here).
Ryan Noda, 1B LAD (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI
I’d make a joke about Domino’s “The Noid” here but frankly I’m almost too young to really get that. Noda bangs and gets on base. I’ve said this a few times when covering him but he’s going to end up being a player the Dodgers stole. The power plays and he has the three true outcome corner guy profile down to a tee.
Ryan Pepiot, RHP LAD (Double-A) 3.1 IP, H, 3 BB, 8 K
The command is well below-average, but the control is fringe and his pitch mix across the board is plus. Between his three primary pitches (Fastball, changeup, curveball) Pepiot can dominate when he’s throwing strikes but he struggles to consistently hit his spots. One of the top arms in a system full of them.
Esteury Ruiz, OF SD (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, BB, SB
The slam and legs for old Esteuty, and that’s his game. He’s an incredibly exciting offensive player but a very limited defensive profile. So he’s likely stuck in left field, but his best defensive position is frankly DH.
Nick Pratto, 1B KC (Double-A) 1-for-2, HR, 2 BB
At this point Pratto is the breakout of the season. Get him in your dynasty league, because the power is playing and there’s been few questions around his hit tool since his prep days. This homer was an absolute shot.
Cole Sands, RHP MIN (Double-A) 4 IP, H, 3 BB, 6 K
A plus fastball with nasty late run and a sweepy curveball that moves like a higher efficiency slider. He’s had a long list on injuries and there are some command concerns but overall Sands has back end of the rotation upside. If he can’t stay healthy his stuff can play in the pen.
Geraldo Perdomo, SS ARI (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, BB
My man has been riding the struggle bus ever since his surprise call up to the big leagues. Funny how an aggressive promotion can shake a guys confidence.
Israel Pineda, C WAS (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 2B, 1 R, 2 RBI
Catching prospect who is known for his solid glove work and below average offensive profile, had himself a day. This High-A squad outside of Cavalli and Rutledge has had little to write about because of how shallow the Nationals system is.
Matt Gorski, OF PIT (High-A) 2-for-5, 1 HR, 1 2B, 1 R, 2 RBI
Former 2nd round pick out of the University of Indiana who for the most part has been a below average hitter since entering pro ball but has a big frame and will show plus run times has himself two extra-base hits with a homer and a double.
Greg Jones, SS TB (High-A) 2-for-5, 1 HR, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 SB
I’m Old Greg, I’m a scaly man fish. Greg Jones has been showing off the tools that make him an exciting prospect, swiping himself two bags and hitting a homer. I feel like we all know how Jones’ career trajectory will go with the Rays, he won’t get called up till they absolutely have to and then they will platoon the crap out of him in an attempt to lower the counting stats because that’s what matters in the archaic arbitration system.
Blake Hunt, C TB (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI
Good to see Blake Hunt break out of whatever minor skid he was in, because I have come to really like Blake Hunt since doing this sheet. No doubt catcher who can hit above his weight is a valuable player, and ones that show power are a team’s wet dream at this point with the state of catching.
Emmanuel Valdez, 2B HOU (High-A) 3-for-6, 2 HR, 1 2B, 3 R, 7 RBI
WHO?!? Well that’s a good question, but have yourself a night Emmanuel(like you care about what I have to say.) 2 long balls is always enough to get mentioned by me but then he decided to drive in 7 of his sides 16 runs *shudders at mentioning RBIs* being a one man wrecking crew of sorts.
Alex McKenna, OF HOU (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 3B, 1 2B, 3 R, 1 RBI
McKenna has continued to hit well to start the season and get on base, if you squint there's a possibility that he is a fourth outfielder. But he can play any of the three outfield spots, has modest pop and has the speed that he can utilize on the basepaths.
Logan Allen, LHP CLE (High-A) 6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
I envision a scenario where Cleveland goes from one Logan Allen to the other Logan Allen just to cause mass confusion. I mean between friends I clicked on the other Logan Allen’s stats multiple times. The recent 2020 draftee has pitched really well to start his professional career, walking 4 batters, striking out 27, allowing 2 earned runs in 21.2 innings of work.
Kellen Strahm, OF TEX (High-A) 3-for-4, 1 HR, 1 2B, 1 R, 3 RBI
Old for the level at 24 years old but being a triple away from the cycle is noteworthy, right?!?
Cole Ragans, LHP TEX (High-A) 5 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Former first round pick from the 2016 draft who has fallen out of the limelight, mostly because of injuries and less than stellar performances. The stuff is just okay, and I wonder if this performance is because he played against one of the weaker lineups in the league.
Davis Martin, RHP CWS (High-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 10 K
Old for the level, but punching out 10 batters is always noteworthy. The former 14th round pick from the 2018 draft has been one of the few bright spots, and honestly noteworthy parts of a terrible High-A roster that the White Sox have.
Tyreque Reed, 1B BOS (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 3 R, 3 RBI
DAMN THAT BOI THICCC! Tyreque Reed is a large human being with some serious thump when he does make contact, probably nothing more than a fan favorite at whatever stop he plays because he is a fun player when he’s hitting.
Brayan Bello, RHP BOS (High-A) 5 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Bello has been performing well to start the minor league season, striking guys out at a high rate and generating his fair share of walks. There are questions about what role he ultimately ends up pitching, like with 99% of pitching prospects, ultimately how he handles upper minors pitching will determine where he pitches. A John Calvagno favorite, rest in peace man.
Andy Pages, OF LAD (High-A) 1-for-3, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
After a slow start to the season Pages has been on a tear, and is currently in the midst of a 9 game hitting streak, where he has hit his first 3 homers of the season. Questions about the hit tool still exist but he just seems like one of those players that’s gonna run hot and cold in his career.
Luis Medina, RHP NYY (High-A) 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Another turn in the rotation and another quality outing for Luis Medina. The stuff is some of the best in all of the minors and to start 2021 he is limiting the walks which will give him a fighting chance to continue to start. In an organization that is quick to put guys in the pen it is encouraging that the Yankees have continued to develop him as a starter. He’s currently rocking a 39-12 K-BB ratio as well as a sweet neck tat.
Korry Howell, OF MIL (High-A) 2-for-5, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI
Howell has been one of the more impressive prospects at the High-A level to start the season, he is hitting the ball consistently hard. Not sure you have to rush out to pick him up just yet, but if you are savvy and have an open spot on a roster of yours in a deep league he’s worth a flier.
Hayden Cantrelle, 2B MIL (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
Whew let’s hope this is the slump buster that gets Hayden Cantrelle back on track. Because as a collegiate hitter he was known for making a ton of contact and occasionally showing some juice.
Will Banfield, C MIA (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 R, 4 RBI
From time to time Will Banfield will hit singles, for someone with some pretty serious hit tool concerns it is nice to see him be on a small 3 game hitting streak. Dude has what it takes to be an asset defensively and if he can hit just a little bit he can carve out a long career as a back-up defense oriented catcher.
Blaze Alexander, SS ARI (High-A) 2-for-5, 1 2B, 1 SB
Just Blaze it, is what they should say when Blaze Alexander is allowed to unleash his 70 arm.
Austin Shenton, 3B SEA (High-A) 3-for-4, 1 3B, 3 R, 1 RBI
Shenton just hits, and it’s nice to see from the 2019 fifth round pick. He’s hitting well, getting on base at a high clip, and not striking out a bunch either. You would like to see a little bit more over-the-fence power but that’s just me picking nits at this point.
Jake Blomgreen, SS COL (High-A) 3-for-4, 1 3B, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI
After a weird 0-for-0 game where he drew three walks and grabbed 3 stolen bases, the former Michigan Wolverine grabs himself a pair of extra-base hits showing off his speed on the basepaths. It’s cliche but Blomgreen is just one of those players that grinds and gets the most out of his modest tools.
Dax Fulton, LHP MIA (Low-A) 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 9 K
The Marlins let him get stretched out to 99 pitches, and the young southpaw was able to complete six innings in this one. He generated 13 swings and misses in this one and the stuff is improving week to week, which is excellent news. Prep starters are the riskiest bunch but if it all goes to plan he’s a backend dude.
Justin Lasko, RHP NYM (Low-A) 8 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 8 K
The pitchability right-hander out of UMass, Lasko was the Mets 30th round selection in 2019. The stuff is fringy, but the ability to command and locate made him too much for inexperienced Low-A hitters. Lasko straddles 90 MPH with his sinker and his four-pitch mix also includes a slider, curveball and a changeup. Most of his appearances have been as a reliever, but he owns a career 2.06 ERA in 56 ⅔ innings.
Rece Hinds, 3B CIN (Low-A) 1-for-4, HR
Hinds only had one hit in this one but it was a bomb, traveling 419 feet at 109.4 MPH. The power here is very real, it’s all about the hit tool for Hinds. He’s hitting .203/.311/.438 this year.
Anthony Volpe, SS NYY (Low-A) 4-for-5, HR, 2B
Volpe absolutely got into one in this game, sending it 440 feet with a 108 MPH exit velo. It’s been a strong 2021 so far for Volpe, as he’s hitting .273/.406/.481 and showing more power than expected while also nabbing ten bases.
Masyn Winn, SS STL (Low-A) 2-for-4, BB
In case you missed it the Cardinals have chose to deploy Winn as a position player “for now” and he’s been hitting leadoff for the Palm Beach nine in every game he’s appeared in. It’s been a rough start for the 2020 second rounder. He’s currently hitting .162/.310/.221 with ten steals.
Maikol Escotto, SS PIT (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR, 3 BB, 2 SB, 4 R, 5 RBI
Whoa. Probably the line of the day across the minor leagues. Escotto did everything in this one as Bradenton scores 18 runs and is the Low-A squad that routinely has the craziest box scores. Several other players went off, including former Padres Hudson Head who went 2-for-4 with a double and two walks.
Jose Soriano, RHP PIT (Low-A) ⅔ IP, 5 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Yikes. Not an encouraging rehab assignment for the Rule Five selection. He did hit 98 with the fastball so at least he should be healthy, just a forgettable outing for Soriano who must be placed on the big league roster in less than a month.
Gage Workman, SS DET (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2B, BB, 3 R, SB
Another nice game for Workman, which is becoming an expectation which speaks to how well his 2021 is going. Probably won’t be in Lakeland much longer.
Edouard Julien, 2B MIN (Low-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, SB
Just wrote up Julien in yesterday’s sheet. Quite the hot streak he’s on right now.
Luisangel Acuña, SS TEX (Low-A) 3-for-3, HR, 2 BB, 3 RBI, SB
Acuña fills up the box score in this one connecting for his second big fly and stealing his third base. He’s not his brother but still projects as a fine player in his own right. Likely second-division regular or utility option down the line.
Ernesto Martinez, DH MIL (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, SB
Slam and legs for the big 6’6” Brewers farmhand. The long limbs have made it difficult for Martinez to make consistent contact, and that issue will likely plague him for most of his career. That being said he’s hitting through it right now and this game brings his season line up to .268/.406/.607.
Angel Martinez, SS CLE (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, BB
Martinez brings his season line up to .289/.448/.489 after leading off the game with a homer. He’s trying to separate himself from the other middle infielders in this organization.
Daniel Espino, RHP CLE (Low-A) 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K
Espino pumped strikes here and threw 48 of his 78 pitches in the zone for a strike. It’s a live arm, capable of hitting 100 but there’s some bullpen risk here as well.
Gunnar Henderson, SS BAL (Low-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2B, 5 RBI
You knew he wasn’t going to be held down for long. Henderson hit his sixth homer and is up to .338/.407/.676 and leads all of minor league baseball in runs driven in.
Diego Cartaya, C LAD (Low-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI
Cartaya was just added to the Rancho roster yesterday. The teenage catching prospect can hit and there’s also a high probability he sticks behind the plate. He’s worth getting excited about and all of the sudden there are a lot of teenage catchers I love.
Noelvi Marte, SS SEA (Low-A) 1-for-5, HR
This is your automated Noelvi Marte message. He does something notable everyday and it might be time to try it out in High-A, as there’s Noelvi left to learn here.
A.J. Vukovich, 3B ARI (Low-A) 3-for-6, 2 2B, 3 R, 5 RBI
Big night for the teenage slugger. Vukovich had a pair of doubles knocked in five. He’s an underrated athlete out of Wisconsin, and was drawing huge praise from Diamondback’s officials at instructs. Big kid that has a chance to stick at third.
Blake Walston, LHP ARI (Low-A) 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 8 K
Strong outing for Walston, and the North Carolina prep has 29 strikeouts to nine walks in his 20 ⅔ total innings on the season.
Zac Veen, OF COL (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2B
It’s been a sluggish start for the ninth overall pick in the 2020 draft, and it’s pretty evident the bat isn’t as advanced as some initially thought. It’s clear that Hassell and Soderstrom have better hit tools in this class. Look for some aggressive rankers of Veen to try and quietly dial it back as they drop new updates. He’s hitting .242/.373/.333 and is still searching for that first homer. He’s also chipped in 13 steals but been caught six times. Don’t fall in love with Rockies prospects. You’re just setting yourself up for heartbreak.