Emmanuel Rivera, 3B KC (Triple-A) 3-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
Known as “El Punisher”, but not really that’s an MMA fighter. Rivera is a role 30 type with a contact over power or approach profile. More of a depth guy you can plug in on a bad team.
Edward Olivares, OF KC (Triple-A) 2-for-4, BB
Right now, as I write this, Jorge Soler is the worst full-time outfielder in baseball. The Royals are 23-25 and from what I hear they’re “trying” this year. If that is in fact the case it’s time to cut ties with Soler and call up Olivares.
Ronald Bolaños, RHP SD (Triple-A) 5 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 8 K
The former Padres International signing technically has a four-pitch mix with a heavy fastball+slider focus. He sits 95 mph and drives a ton of ground ball contact. I’m not sure if he’s a true backend starter but he has a shot to be a strong rotation depth arm at the very least.
Corey Ray, OF MIL (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 R, BB, SB
Nice game for Corey Ray with the slam and legs. But frankly this isn’t a profile I’d be chasing. He’s a 5th outfielder with a famous name.
Kyle Muller, LHP ATL (Triple-A) 5 IP, 3 H, ER, 8 K
During 2020 Muller replaced his loopy curveball as his primary secondary with a hard breaking slider in the high-80s. His fastball velocity has been up as well, which in turn has likely led to some issue with his command, which has manifested in some messy outings. Muller is an interesting prospect from a body (6-foot-7, 250 lbs) and stuff perspective but I’m not sure it works as a starter unless he can consistently hit his spots.
Wander Franco, SS TB (Triple-A) 1-for-3, RBI, R, 2 BB, SB
The top prospect in the minor leagues, Franco did a little bit of everything last night, as he had a few great at bats (he always does), showed his speed, and timely hitting, while also playing an above-average to plus shortstop.
Mickey Moniak, OF PHI (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR
Well, he’s probably a bench outfielder, but at least the former 1.1 is doing something in Triple-A. Oh excuse me, what’s that? *Clears throat* I have just been informed that Moniak is hitting below .200 in Triple-A after being a bag of hot garbage at the MLB level in a pair of stints over the last couple of seasons. This is what an underslot 1.1 pick will get ya!
Marcus Wilson, DH BOS (Triple-A) 2-for-3, 3 RBI, R, 2 BB, SB
I have been impressed with Wilson’s approach in my looks. He works deep into counts and takes good at bats, there’s some power, and defensive skills as well. It’s a fifth or fourth outfielder profile, but there’s maybe a sliver of second division regular or platoon guy here.
Rony Garcia, RHP DET (Triple-A) 5 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 K
The former Rule Five pick has been showing the ability to miss bats in Triple-A after spending 2020 getting beat up in the majors. He presently owns a 14.2% swinging strike rate, and likely can cut it as a multi-inning relief arm. His command is below average, and unless he makes some mechanical changes that seems unlikely to improve.
Blake Rutherford, OF CWS (Triple-A) 2-for-5, R
While the numbers haven’t been bad for Rutherford in 2021 - .293/.338/.427, 105 wRC+, he’s still not showing the power you’d hope to see for a player with a sub-7% walk rate, strikeout rate above 25%, and a contact rate hovering around 70%. In other words his slashline and batting average seems unsustainable. Holy cow was the 2016 draft awful huh?
Jesús Luzardo, LHP OAK (Triple-A) 1.2 IP, H, K
Good to see the Hey-Zeus Lizard back in action on Thursday night, my hope is he’s back in the fold soon and shows the ability to stay healthy. There’s definitely concerns for me around that, as he’s struggled to maintain health over his career (even as an amateur).
Jhoan Duran, RHP MIN (Triple-A) 4 IP, H, 2 BB, 8 K
THE STUFF IS UNBELIEVABLE. Duran was once again freaking batter switch triple digit heat and his patented “Splinker”, which is just as fun to watch as it is to say. Duran has arguably the best stuff in the minors and in some ways probably not that far off from having some of the best stuff in all of baseball.
Ryan Vilade, OF COL (Triple-A) 2-for-3, BB
Despite being skipped over a few times for the sheet, Vilade is having a really good season through his first taste of Triple-A. It’s not the most exciting stuff as he’s not hitting for power, but he flashing skills indicative of a plus hit tool. He presently has a OCD-like strikeout and walk rates, as they both sit at 13.2%, and an elite contact rate at 84.8%. Knowing that Coors Field is the BABIP friend everyone needs, Vilade looks like a player that could potentially win batting titles. Then again he’ll likely be 29 by the time he gets to Coors. That’s a joke… he’s 22 now and skipped Double-A all together.
Ivan Herrera, C STL (Double-A) 3-for-5, 3 R
One of Matt Thompson’s favorite player’s in his favorite team’s system, Herrera is a good defensive catcher with offensive upside. I remarked the other day he’s Yadi replacement 4.0, is he the one that sticks? In order for Herrera to become a star he needs to cut down on that Ks and hit for a touch more power.
Alec Burleson, OF STL (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
Hi Trevor Hooth, your ECU guy is here. Hooth is a pirate, I better keep him away from my wife’s 19 year old cousin, who just finished her Freshman year at East Carolina. As for Burleson he’s a low risk college bat that’s showing more pop than expected in pro-ball. He was a two-way talent at ECU and looks like a stronger corner outfield option than first anticipated.
Cole Winn, RHP TEX (Double-A) 6 IP, 3 BB, 6 K
He allowed two walks in the first inning and only allowed one more baserunner after that. Winn is a top 100 prospect and a top 15 pitching prospect according to this guy (Geoff). His stuff is good, he’s shown the ability to miss bats, throw strikes, and control hard contact. I also love his mechanics and lower release point. This is the guy we thought he was coming out of high school. Nature is healing peeps!
Bubba Thompson, OF TEX (Double-A) 3-for-4, R
While he may never be the power+speed monster we anticipated him to be, Thompson has been a solid leadoff hitter flashing average pop, plus on base skills and easy plus speed. His contact skills have taken a big jump from 2019 and he’s swinging and missing less as he’s cut his swinging strikes by nearly 20%. He may not be a star but he’s definitely a major league regular.
Alek Thomas, OF ARI (Double-A) 2-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R
Yet another former first round prep outfielder, showcasing leadoff skills with power, speed, on base ability, and a jump in contact. Now slashing .343/.434/.600 to start the year and looking like he should be up with the big club now. Expect to see Thomas promoted to Triple-A within the next month if he keeps this up.
Moisés Gómez, OF TB (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Way back in 2018, after Gómez had a loud debut in full season ball he was right in the middle of Rays prospect lists. Since that time his star has faded significantly as he’s struggled to make contact and his strikeout rate has climbed astronomically each season.
Shea Langeliers, C ATL (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R, BB
Much like Adely Rutschman, the fellow 2019 Top 10 pick is showing strong defensive skills behind the plate, hitting for power (.280 ISO) and getting on base (.381), he’s just having some serious bad luck on balls in play (.233 BABIP). I’d personally be buying in right now, as opposed to the opposite, as the batting average stabilizes, Langeliers will cement himself as the future full-time backstop in the ATL.
Miguel Amaya, C CHC (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 3 BB
Just read Ivan Herrera’s blurb and repeat it here. Another Thompson favorite (he’s our resident catching expert FWIW). Amaya is a strong defensive catcher that should certainly stick behind the dish with some offensive firepower to be a player with impact on both sides of the ball.
Riley Greene, OF DET (Double-A) 1-for-2, RBI, R, 2 BB
He’s just 20 and might be the best position player in the Tigers organization. I’d like to see a little more power, but that’s nit-picking, which I am good at. My inspirational calendar said to do something I’m good at today, so I am listening.
Oneil Cruz, SS PIT (Double-A) 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
Good game for Cruz who has struggled in 2021 to do much of anything outside hitting for a little bit of power.
Brendt Citta, OF PIT (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 R, BB
This is my boy. Let that be known! Not only is Citta in Double-A just a few years after going in the 38th round, he’s destroying Double-A pitching. Legit this guy was the 1134th pick in that draft. Keep grinding boys.
Cal Mitchell, OF PIT (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 RBI
There was a day when I thought Mitchell was going to be a star at this point he’s probably just a platoon bat with some upside if he adds more game pop.
Mark Vientos, 1B NYM (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR (Game 1) - 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB (Game 2 of Doubleheader)
Great couple of games for Vientos who has really struggled early this year. I held out hope for his prospect pedigree but it’s dissipated a lot as I’ve watched him in 2021. He’s likely just a below average player that factors into a platoon.
Heliot Ramos, OF SF (Double-A) 3-for-4, R
A lot of people are anticipating Ramos up in 2021, but frankly I think it’s more likely to be early in 2022. Why? The Giants have more outfield depth that it seems, and while Ramos has been good, he’s not likely the difference maker in a run to the playoffs. Perhaps I’ll stand corrected.
Luis Gil, RHP NYY (Double-A) 6 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, 8 K
The righthander has a fierce fastball that’s clocked up to 100 mph. He sits mid-90s and has improved his control and command each year in pro-ball. He’s a 40 man arm with a shot to land in the Yanks bullpen, as a spot starter, or with another team in 2021z
Dermis Garcia, 1B NYY (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB (Game 2 of Doubleheader)
Mr. Skin, you know what he likes to do. He loves to bang.
Jordan Groshans, DH TOR (Double-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
Finally back playing after dealing with an injury. But honestly what else is new? I’m skeptical he ever fully clicks as he’s seemingly injury prone. Adjust your perspective accordingly.
Jake Mangum, OF NYM (Double-A) 3-for-5, RBI, 2 R
Of course Mangum is playing well during SEC tournament week. Do you think he knows he’s a professional now? I bet Olde Jake would have played college ball for twenty years if he could have.
Grayson Rodriguez, RHP BAL (High-A) 5 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
I am running out of things to say about Grayson Rodriguez because he’s just that good. In his 23.1 innings of work he has struck out 40 batters, has walked 5 batters and is rocking the nicest of WHIPs. He has one of the best pitches in all of the minors with his changeup.
Blaine Knight, RHP 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K (Game 2 of Doubleheader)
Former third round pick of the Orioles back in 2018 out of the University of Arkansas. He won’t blow you away with any of his stuff but Knight has been pitching well to start the season. Older for the level, and I ultimately think he moves to a bullpen role where he can utilize the fastball and slider in low-leverage situations.
Braxton Ashcraft, RHP PIT (High-A) 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Pittsburgh seems to have some interesting things brewing with some of their pitchers in their minors and Ashcraft is no exception to that. He’s not overwhelming hitters, he doesn’t have outstanding stuff, but every turn in the rotation for him has been solid and he’s limiting the damage he does.
Lolo Sanchez, OF PIT (High-A) 1-for-2, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
Lolo is known for his speed and his modest ability to get on base and make contact, but Lolo the home run hitter??? Well let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Oswald Peraza, SS NYY (High-A) 5-for-6, 3 2B, 1 R, 3 RBI, 1 SB
Okay Oswald the Blue Octopus I see you. After a few quiet nights for his standard, he exploded yesterday for a 5-for-6 night with 3 doubles and a stolen base for good measure. Oswald just continues to hit, and is now sprinkling in maybe average game power to go with his superb contact skills.
Jhailyn Ortiz, OF PHI (High-A) 3-for-4, 2 HR, 3 R, 6 RBI
Back in the day I was a big fan of Jhailyn Ortiz and it felt like I had him on multiple fantasy rosters. Congrats on getting your first two homers of the season.
Christian Koss, SS BOS (High-A) 2-for-5, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 SB
Zot Zot Zot, Koss continues to just hit. He’s someone who I think we can say has an average hit tool, and with some versatility to play a few different defensive positions he’s possibly an interesting depth piece at the highest level of baseball.
Alex Mckenna, OF HOU (High-A) 3-for-5, 1 R, 2 RBI
Another day, another multi-hit effort for Alex McKenna, The Astros farmhand has been hitting well, consistently playing centerfield, and pitching in on the basepaths from the lead-off spot this season.
Reynaldo Rivera, 1B DET (High-A) 4-for-4, 2 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI
Often overshadowed by the legit prospects at West Michigan, Rivera has been surprisingly hitting well for his standards to start the season. He’s a large human with massive swing and miss issues, but when he gets ahold of one he can unleash his 6’6” 250 pound frame and hit it a mile.
Dillon Dingler, C DET (High-A) 3-for-4, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI
One of the better athletes for a catcher in all of baseball. Dingler is showing that he can hit, be a nonzero on the basepaths, and can control the running game. Let's hope for my sanity the Tigers don’t screw him up.
Anderson Espinoza, RHP SD (High-A) 2 IP, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Is he back from the dead? Well who knows but he’s back pitching so that’s worth noting. The Padres have been very conserative with how they are deploying him and have left him on a short rope.
Miguel Vargas, 3B LAD (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 R
It doesn’t matter where the Great Lake Loons play Vargas this dude just hits, he can spray singles around, he will show that he can hit for power in game. Gets lost in fold by some in the Dodgers system but not here, where it feels like he is a mainstay on (alien from Toy Story voice) THE SHEEEET.
Julio Rodriguez, OF SEA (High-A) 1-for-2, 1 R
Julio is off to bigger and better things, seemingly getting promoted to Double-A last night. Take good care of him Geoff.
Bryce Jarvis, RHP ARI (High-A) 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
Jarvis got hit around in this outing but he was able to limit the damage done only allowing 2 runs. Jarvis is pitching well in his first trip through pro ball currently rocking a 25-9 K-BB ratio. He has all the makings of a solid mid rotation starter.
Reece Hampton, OF ARI (High-A) 1-for-5, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 SB
From a Rhys to a Reece congrats on grabbing yourself a combo meal.
Aaron Schunk, 3B COL (High-A) 3-for-5, 1 2B
Rockies second round pick out of the University of Georgia has been rather quite to start the season, not hitting his first home run of the season yet and striking out in a third of his plate appearances.
Hagen Danner, RHP TOR (High-A) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Former catcher who has been converted to being a pitcher full time, Danner has performed well in the small sample-size. Some liked him better on the mound as a prep product.
Tyler Callihan, 2B CIN (Low-A) 3-for-5, 2B, HR
He just hits. Callihan was a highly touted prep prospect that was committed to the University of Florida but the Reds drafted him in the third round in 2019 and signed him for over slot. He fits in very nicely with their punt second base defense strategy, but he can hit and that’s what they value at that position.
Ernesto Martinez, 1B MIL (Low-A) 3-for-5, 2B, SB, 3 R
Ernesto stays hot. A three hit game makes for back-to-back appearances on the sheet for Easy E. He’s at .295/.419/.623 with seven steals and five homers. Might be a bit of a late bloomer with the whole process of defecting from Cuba and also with his long wiry frame. Might be time to scoop him up in 20+ team leagues.
Joe Davis, DH BOS (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR
Davis was the Red Sox’ 19th round selection in 2019 out of the University of Houston. He’s a big man and is a 1B/DH all the way but Davis makes the sheet on a relatively light Thursday across Low-A.
J.D. Mundy, 1B BAL (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Mundy is an undrafted FA signed in 2020 out of Radford and he’s destroying Low-A pitching, hitting .354/.488/.631. Keep him on the watch list for now, but if he keeps this up that should change.
Angel Martinez, 2B CLE (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2B
Second straight appearance on the most prestigious minor league recap anywhere on the internet. Martinez's second straight game with a homer, and he’s at .300/.444/.560 for the season with five stolen bases in addition to his pair of homers.
Darryl Collins, OF KC (Low-A) 3-for-4, HR
I mentioned a few days ago how he had possible plus raw power here but hasn’t been able to get into it during games, and hey, he did it! Collins has a nice well-rounded game and is a fun prospect to root for as not many European baseball players are currently in the bigs.
Brady McConnell, DH KC (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR
McConnell is a polarizing prospect, but one thing you can’t deny are the secondary skills. He’s a great athlete with speed and good pop. He’s not a future shortstop but his athleticism makes him a natural fit for center. The real concern is the hit tool but you can see what it looks like when it all comes together.
John Doxakis, LHP TB (Low-A) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
His ERA for the season is a microscopic 0.82, and he’s got 33 strikeouts to just three walks in 22 innings of work. The Texas A&M grad is ready for a new challenge.
Robert Hassell III, OF SD (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2B, SB
Bobby Barrells just hits. Looking every bit as good as advertised so far.
Marco Luciano, DH SF (Low-A) 3-for-3, HR, 2B
The best game of the year so far for the Giants top prospect. It’s been a bit of an underwhelming start for Luciano compared to some of his peers (Noelvi basically) but if you roster him don’t be discouraged. Super Mario is hitting .260/.325/.507 so far and should still be viewed as a top ten dynasty prospect.
Carlos Duran, RHP LAD (Low-A) 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K
The 6’7”, 230 pound 19 year old was dominant in this abbreviated outing, throwing 38 of his 54 pitches in the zone while striking out eight of the nine batters he faced. Traditionally he’s been a strikeout per inning guy but the strikeouts have jumped so far in his limited ten inning sample, as he has 18 strikeouts so far in 2021.
Tyler Soderstrom, C OAK (Low-A) 3-for-5, 2B
Huge fan of what we’ve seen from Soderstrom so far, and despite being at least 3-4 years away from the show he’s an easy top 100 prospect for me right now. High praise for a teenage catching prospect.
Robert Puason, SS OAK (Low-A) 3-for-3, 2B
Whoa! Great game for Puason which was much needed based on how his season had been going. That’s his first extra base hit of the season, and this brings his season line to .185/.267/.204.
John Cushing, RHP OAK (Low-A) 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 10 K
Nice outing for the right-hander out of Georgetown. He’s got a strong 0.92 ERA through 19 ⅔ innings with 23 strikeouts and seven walks allowed.
Victor Labrada, OF SEA (Low-A) 2-for-3, BB, SB
The Cuban import might be the best prospect you’ve never heard of. He was signed this past January and is hitting .325 with a .997 OPS. Power isn’t part of his game but everything else has looked great so far.
Cade Marlowe, OF SEA (Low-A) 3-for-4, SB
Cade has been hitting well so far in 2021, and that reminds me. You remember Cade McNown? Yeeeeessssshhhh. Marlowe is up to .319/.430/.594 with four homers and seven swipes.