Kipnis, Lee win Tribe's Minor League awards
By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | 11/30/11 10:02 AM EST
CLEVELAND -- Manny Acta rarely admits to being surprised by a strong performance from one of his players. The Indians manager sets his expectations high, so shock is not something he often experiences.
After this past season, Acta did make an exception.
"The kid that stood out was our second baseman, Jason Kipnis," Acta said earlier this offseason. "He was a guy that came up from the Minor Leagues and, whether you look at his numbers or the way he went about his business out there, he looked like he belonged up here."
On Wednesday, Kipnis' showing earned him the 2011 Lou Boudreau Award, honoring him as the player of the year from Cleveland's farm system. This year's Bob Feller Award -- recognizing the Minor League pitcher of the year -- went to right-hander Chen-Chang Lee for his work with Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus.
Kipnis also won the Lou Boudreau Award in 2010, making him only the second player (Victor Martinez, 2001-02) in Indians history to win the accolade in consecutive seasons. Jim Thome (1990, '93) is the only other two-time winner of the award, which was established in 1990.
This past season, Kipnis spent the first three-plus months with Triple-A Columbus before being called to The Show. The second baseman did not have a realistic chance at making the Tribe's Opening Day roster last spring. When Spring Training begins this year, Kipnis will head into camp as the favorite.
"This year, it's obviously a very different dynamic," general manager Chris Antonetti said.
Kipnis' contributions at the Major League level were significant, but it was his performance in the Minors that warranted his promotion, and led to another award.
During his time with Columbus, the 24-year-old Kipnis hit .280 with 12 home runs, 16 doubles, nine triples and 55 RBIs in 92 games. He also stole 12 bases and scored 65 runs for the Clippers. At the time of his July 22 promotion to Cleveland, Kipnis was leading the International League in triples and was second in runs.
Kipnis homered during the All-Star XM Futures Game on July 10 and was also named to the Triple-A All-Star team, the International League postseason All-Star team and to the Baseball America Triple-A All-Star squad.
Lee, 25, picked up the Bob Feller Award after an outstanding season in relief for Akron and Columbus. Across 44 overall appearances, the righty went 6-1 with a 2.40 ERA, piling up 99 strikeouts against 23 walks in 71 1/3 innings. Lee notched one save and ended with 19 earned runs allowed on 53 hits.
On the season, right-handed hitters managed only a .197 average against Lee, a native of Taiwan. He posted a 2.50 ERA in 23 games at Double-A to start the season, then went 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA down the stretch at Triple-A. In four Triple-A playoff outings, Lee fashioned a 1.29 ERA over seven innings.
For his career, Lee has gone 15-11 with a 3.01 ERA over 133 games, during which he has struck out 278 and walked 73. He pitched for the Taiwanese national team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and during the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Lee could work his way into the mix for the Tribe in the near future.
Kipnis has already firmly planted himself into the picture.
"We're not handing out jobs -- not yet," Acta said. "But it's not a secret that he has to have a leg up -- or a spike, or a batting glove, whatever you want to call it -- going into Spring Training."
That is because Kipnis served as a sparkplug during his 36-game stay with the Indians.
The second baseman battled oblique and hamstring issues, but he looked right at home in the big leagues when in the lineup. With Cleveland, Kipnis hit .272 with seven homers, nine doubles, one triple and 19 RBIs over the final two months, posting an .841 OPS along the way.
Kipnis also did a number on Cleveland's record book.
By belting a home run in four consecutive games from July 31-Aug. 3, Kipnis became the first rookie to accomplish that feat since 1950 (Al Rosen). He became the first player in baseball history to homer in four straight games within two weeks of his Major League debut. Kipnis was also the first second baseman in team history to homer four games in a row.
Kipnis became the first player since 1968 (Graig Nettles) to homer in four consecutive games within his first 10 career games. Kipnis and Nettles are the only two players in the live-ball era to achieve that feat.
Kipnis' memorable entrance to the big leagues went beyond power, though. On July 25, it was a ninth-inning single into right field that delivered a 3-2 win over the Angels in walk-off fashion. That marked Kipnis' first career hit, and it made him the only Indian (since RBIs became an official statistic) whose first hit netted a walk-off victory.
Against the Tigers on Aug. 10, Kipnis went 5-for-5 with a home run, a double, three RBIs and four runs scored. He became the first Indians rookie, and the 14th Cleveland player in history (dating back to 1920), to have three RBIs, four runs and five hits in a single game.
Needless to say, Kipnis did enough to serve as a pleasant surprise for Acta.
"Some of the other guys did contribute at some point and showed the flashes," Acta said. "But they're still not finished products. They're going to be in the mix in Spring Training, but he'll be the guy that I can single out that came up and really played up to his capabilities right off the bat."
Jordan Bastian is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, and follow him on Twitter @MLBastian. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its club
Re: Minor Matters
1262More Draft Details From The CBA
Posted Nov. 29, 2011 11:26 am by Jim Callis
More details about draft changes resulting from baseball's new collective bargaining agreement continue to trickle out. Some highlights:
The draft has been reduced from 50 to 40 rounds.
The draft caps for all 30 teams for the first 10 rounds will total approximately $185 million in 2012, varying depending on the number of supplemental picks created by free-agent compensation and failure to sign 2011 draftees from the first three rounds. The competitive-balance lottery selections don't come into play until 2013.
Any attempt to circumvent the draft cap, such as an under-the-table agreement, is expressly prohibited.
The most significant new detail: If a team fails to sign a player in the first 10 rounds, its draft cap is reduced by the assigned value of his pick. It can't reallocate that value to sign other players. However, it can reallocate the difference between a player's bonus and the value of his choice.
If a player fails a physical and the team fails to offer him 40 percent of the assigned value of his pick, he becomes a free agent. In that case, the club's draft cap would be reduced by the value of his selection.
Not only has the signing deadline moved from Aug. 15 to mid-July, it will be at 5 p.m. rather than midnight ET. The 2012 deadline is July 13.
MLB has eliminated its draft-support program, which served as a clearinghouse for offers and was used to strong-arm teams into not disclosing over-slot deals until shortly before the deadline. This means clubs actually can announce signings as they happen rather than pretend that they haven't occurred.
Competitive-balance lottery picks (and only those picks) can be traded. They can only be dealt by the original team that held the choice, and they can't be exchanged for cash (unless it's cash to offset the salary of players included in the trade, subject to MLB approval). Lottery-pick deals can occur only during a regular season and not during an offseason.
Teams get an extra year of protection for compensation picks for failure to sign draftees from the first three rounds. For example, the Blue Jays get the 22nd pick in 2012 after not signing No. 21 overall choice Tyler Beede in 2011. If Toronto can't come to terms with the compensation selection, it would get another one in 2013.
Teams no longer are required to physically tender a contract to draftees within 15 days of the draft, eliminating the rule that infamously led to the four loophole free agents of 1996.
The logistics for a proposed predraft medical combine still are being worked out.
Posted Nov. 29, 2011 11:26 am by Jim Callis
More details about draft changes resulting from baseball's new collective bargaining agreement continue to trickle out. Some highlights:
The draft has been reduced from 50 to 40 rounds.
The draft caps for all 30 teams for the first 10 rounds will total approximately $185 million in 2012, varying depending on the number of supplemental picks created by free-agent compensation and failure to sign 2011 draftees from the first three rounds. The competitive-balance lottery selections don't come into play until 2013.
Any attempt to circumvent the draft cap, such as an under-the-table agreement, is expressly prohibited.
The most significant new detail: If a team fails to sign a player in the first 10 rounds, its draft cap is reduced by the assigned value of his pick. It can't reallocate that value to sign other players. However, it can reallocate the difference between a player's bonus and the value of his choice.
If a player fails a physical and the team fails to offer him 40 percent of the assigned value of his pick, he becomes a free agent. In that case, the club's draft cap would be reduced by the value of his selection.
Not only has the signing deadline moved from Aug. 15 to mid-July, it will be at 5 p.m. rather than midnight ET. The 2012 deadline is July 13.
MLB has eliminated its draft-support program, which served as a clearinghouse for offers and was used to strong-arm teams into not disclosing over-slot deals until shortly before the deadline. This means clubs actually can announce signings as they happen rather than pretend that they haven't occurred.
Competitive-balance lottery picks (and only those picks) can be traded. They can only be dealt by the original team that held the choice, and they can't be exchanged for cash (unless it's cash to offset the salary of players included in the trade, subject to MLB approval). Lottery-pick deals can occur only during a regular season and not during an offseason.
Teams get an extra year of protection for compensation picks for failure to sign draftees from the first three rounds. For example, the Blue Jays get the 22nd pick in 2012 after not signing No. 21 overall choice Tyler Beede in 2011. If Toronto can't come to terms with the compensation selection, it would get another one in 2013.
Teams no longer are required to physically tender a contract to draftees within 15 days of the draft, eliminating the rule that infamously led to the four loophole free agents of 1996.
The logistics for a proposed predraft medical combine still are being worked out.
Re: Minor Matters
1263Weren't many pitchers competing for the Feller award, since we traded the best ones. I don't think it's gone to a reliever before, but again the competition was remarkably thin in 2011.
Maybe Felix Sterling or Elvis Araujo could have a breakout 2012 and win the Feller award and move to the top of our prospect list as starters.
Maybe Felix Sterling or Elvis Araujo could have a breakout 2012 and win the Feller award and move to the top of our prospect list as starters.
Re: Minor Matters
1264BA continues to evaluate Rule 5 draft.
Our first Rule 5 Preview has had some time to marinate. Since then, we've had more time to digest the class of eligible players and gotten feedback on our first list. For Part II, we've divided the pool of attractive players into two categories: Lottery Ticket and Role Player.
Our first stab was tilted toward the Lottery Ticket end, but we're going to focus a bit more on the Role Player spectrum this time around. More teams are looking to the Rule 5 for low-cost big league reserves and relief pitchers, as was the case in 2010 selections Mike Martinez (Phillies) and Pedro Beato (Mets).
Drew Cumberland, ss/2b, Padres: Cumberland did not play in 2011 due to a condition called bilateral vestibulopathy, which affected his balance and vision. His agents revealed via Twitter that he's been medically cleared to return to the field, and the Padres didn't protect their 2007 supplemental first-round pick. The Padres' No. 9 prospect entering the 2011 season, he hit .316/.380/.430 in his first 233 professional games and has some defensive versatility thanks to his speed and athleticism. If he can stay healthy, he could fill a Martinez-like role and also could be stashed for part of the year on the disabled list due to his past condition. Cumberland could both be a role player in 2012 and then potentially return to the minors in 2013 and resume a path to being a future regular.
Jordan Danks, of, White Sox: The younger brother of big league lefty John Danks of the White Sox, Jordan Danks has extensive experience in the limelight and won't be awed by being a big leaguer. He starred at Texas and has played for USA Baseball's World Cup team, and he has an attractive profile as a fourth outfielder. He hits lefthanded, he runs (including 33 steals in 43 attempts the last two seasons at Triple-A) and he defends. Danks' defense is his best tool, as he fits in center field easily and has enough arm to fill in as a right fielder. His bat is the problem—he's a .258/.340/.408 career hitter, and he has 306 strikeouts in those two years at Triple-A. His defense and speed should make him a useful reserve.
Blaine Hardy and Brandon Sisk, lhps, Royals: The Royals offer a pair of lefty specialists up for bids. Sisk has better stuff, with a fastball and changeup that earn average grades from scouts to go with a fringy curveball. He finished 2011 on a roll, posting a 1.41 ERA and striking out 30 in 32 innings at Triple-A Omaha while giving up just 16 hits. Hardy, like Sisk, started the year at Double-A Northwest Arkansas and was better there before posting a 7.14 ERA at Omaha. Hardy relies more on deception with a short-arm delivery and has a better breaking ball in his average slider. He also throws a curve and a changeup.
Justin Henry, of/2b, Tigers: [brother of our Jordan Henry who leads the minors in lack of power] A utility player in the Martinez mold, Henry was raising his profile with a solid winter in Venezuela, batting .325/.400/.364 for Zulia through 40 games. He has 20 power [20 is the lowest grade you can get], having his three home runs in 1,900 at-bats as a pro, [Jordan has Zero homers in 1363 at bats, makes Justin look like Henry Aaron, who was better than his brother Tommy] but he has some Triple-A time the last two seasons and has a .373 career OBP in the minors. [Jordan beats him there; his OBP is 388] He's a good runner, grading a tick above-average, and can play all over the field despite fringy arm strength. In 2010 and 2011, he logged time in all three outfield spots and all four infield spots for Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo.
Joe Ortiz, lhp, Rangers: The next Danny Ray Herrera? It's hard not to make that comparison with Ortiz, a 5-foot-7 lefthander who lacks Herrera's screwball but has three solid offerings. His fastball comes in flat with average velocity, at times reaching 92 mph, and his changeup has some fade to it. His slider is his best pitch, and he held A-ball lefthanded hitters to a .200/.243/.308 slash line. Ortiz has struggled in winter ball in his native Venezuela, posting a 5.27 ERA for La Guaira, but he's throwing strikes (2 BB, 10 SO in 14 IP) and is just 21.
Trevor Reckling, lhp, Angels: Reckling has lost velocity off his fastball the last couple of seasons, which is why the Angels didn't protect him. But he's a lefty that can spin a breaking ball, and the velocity was once in there, so he could fit as a lefty specialist. He has a deceptive, herky-jerky delivery that helps compensate for his below-average velo (usually in the 86-89 mph range), but his curve and changeup remain solid-average pitches, with the curve having flashes that are better. Thanks in part to his curve, Double-A lefthanded hitters hit only one home run off him in 108 at-bats in 2011.
Dae-Eun Rhee, rhp, Cubs: OK, Rhee should have gone in the Lottery Ticket preview, while Ryan Flaherty would have fit better here. It is what it is. Rhee is what he is—a talented South Korean who has had Tommy John surgery but still has power stuff, a four-pitch mix and age (he's 22) on his side. He improved in his second turn at high Class A Daytona, throwing a career-best 128 innings, posting strong strikeout (8.25) and walk (3.03) ratios, and hitting 94 mph regularly with his fastball. His changeup flashes plus, as does his hard-biting curveball, which is more consistent, and he has a decent slider to mix in as well. All that said, Rhee has a 4.37 minor league ERA in 291 innings, most of them having come in the Florida State League.
Josh Smoker, lhp, Nationals: The 31st overall pick in the 2007 draft, Smoker had trouble staying healthy early in his career, and he's had consistent trouble throwing strikes as a pro. He owns a 4.94 walks per nine innings average. But in 2011, he stayed healthy and got his career going as a reliever, going 5-2, 2.31 at high Class A Potomac. He struck out 56 and walked 37 in 51 innings, giving up just 32 hits, and showcased power stuff from the left side. His fastball touched 98 at times and sat in the 91-94 mph range, and his curveball and changeup have their moments, with the curve flashing plus. He'll never throw a ton of quality strikes; as one scout put it this summer, "(The Nationals) have told him, 'To hell with teaching you to throw, just let it all hang out.' That's what he's doing."
Johan Yan, rhp, Rangers: Yan tried to hit for three seasons in the Rangers' system, batting .207 in 425 at-bats from 2006-2008, most of them in Rookie ball. He moved to the mound in 2009 and reached Double-A in 2011, wrapping up in the Arizona Fall League. In 68 innings between high Class A Myrtle Beach and Double-A Frisco, he saved 12 games and struck out 66 while walking 22. Yan has a ceiling as a setup man, using a low arm slot—one Carolina League manager compared his delivery to that of Chad Bradford—to delivery 91-92 mph two-seam fastballs and a slider that buckled righthanded hitters when it was right. He hides the balls well and has the athleticism to field his position well.
Our first Rule 5 Preview has had some time to marinate. Since then, we've had more time to digest the class of eligible players and gotten feedback on our first list. For Part II, we've divided the pool of attractive players into two categories: Lottery Ticket and Role Player.
Our first stab was tilted toward the Lottery Ticket end, but we're going to focus a bit more on the Role Player spectrum this time around. More teams are looking to the Rule 5 for low-cost big league reserves and relief pitchers, as was the case in 2010 selections Mike Martinez (Phillies) and Pedro Beato (Mets).
Drew Cumberland, ss/2b, Padres: Cumberland did not play in 2011 due to a condition called bilateral vestibulopathy, which affected his balance and vision. His agents revealed via Twitter that he's been medically cleared to return to the field, and the Padres didn't protect their 2007 supplemental first-round pick. The Padres' No. 9 prospect entering the 2011 season, he hit .316/.380/.430 in his first 233 professional games and has some defensive versatility thanks to his speed and athleticism. If he can stay healthy, he could fill a Martinez-like role and also could be stashed for part of the year on the disabled list due to his past condition. Cumberland could both be a role player in 2012 and then potentially return to the minors in 2013 and resume a path to being a future regular.
Jordan Danks, of, White Sox: The younger brother of big league lefty John Danks of the White Sox, Jordan Danks has extensive experience in the limelight and won't be awed by being a big leaguer. He starred at Texas and has played for USA Baseball's World Cup team, and he has an attractive profile as a fourth outfielder. He hits lefthanded, he runs (including 33 steals in 43 attempts the last two seasons at Triple-A) and he defends. Danks' defense is his best tool, as he fits in center field easily and has enough arm to fill in as a right fielder. His bat is the problem—he's a .258/.340/.408 career hitter, and he has 306 strikeouts in those two years at Triple-A. His defense and speed should make him a useful reserve.
Blaine Hardy and Brandon Sisk, lhps, Royals: The Royals offer a pair of lefty specialists up for bids. Sisk has better stuff, with a fastball and changeup that earn average grades from scouts to go with a fringy curveball. He finished 2011 on a roll, posting a 1.41 ERA and striking out 30 in 32 innings at Triple-A Omaha while giving up just 16 hits. Hardy, like Sisk, started the year at Double-A Northwest Arkansas and was better there before posting a 7.14 ERA at Omaha. Hardy relies more on deception with a short-arm delivery and has a better breaking ball in his average slider. He also throws a curve and a changeup.
Justin Henry, of/2b, Tigers: [brother of our Jordan Henry who leads the minors in lack of power] A utility player in the Martinez mold, Henry was raising his profile with a solid winter in Venezuela, batting .325/.400/.364 for Zulia through 40 games. He has 20 power [20 is the lowest grade you can get], having his three home runs in 1,900 at-bats as a pro, [Jordan has Zero homers in 1363 at bats, makes Justin look like Henry Aaron, who was better than his brother Tommy] but he has some Triple-A time the last two seasons and has a .373 career OBP in the minors. [Jordan beats him there; his OBP is 388] He's a good runner, grading a tick above-average, and can play all over the field despite fringy arm strength. In 2010 and 2011, he logged time in all three outfield spots and all four infield spots for Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo.
Joe Ortiz, lhp, Rangers: The next Danny Ray Herrera? It's hard not to make that comparison with Ortiz, a 5-foot-7 lefthander who lacks Herrera's screwball but has three solid offerings. His fastball comes in flat with average velocity, at times reaching 92 mph, and his changeup has some fade to it. His slider is his best pitch, and he held A-ball lefthanded hitters to a .200/.243/.308 slash line. Ortiz has struggled in winter ball in his native Venezuela, posting a 5.27 ERA for La Guaira, but he's throwing strikes (2 BB, 10 SO in 14 IP) and is just 21.
Trevor Reckling, lhp, Angels: Reckling has lost velocity off his fastball the last couple of seasons, which is why the Angels didn't protect him. But he's a lefty that can spin a breaking ball, and the velocity was once in there, so he could fit as a lefty specialist. He has a deceptive, herky-jerky delivery that helps compensate for his below-average velo (usually in the 86-89 mph range), but his curve and changeup remain solid-average pitches, with the curve having flashes that are better. Thanks in part to his curve, Double-A lefthanded hitters hit only one home run off him in 108 at-bats in 2011.
Dae-Eun Rhee, rhp, Cubs: OK, Rhee should have gone in the Lottery Ticket preview, while Ryan Flaherty would have fit better here. It is what it is. Rhee is what he is—a talented South Korean who has had Tommy John surgery but still has power stuff, a four-pitch mix and age (he's 22) on his side. He improved in his second turn at high Class A Daytona, throwing a career-best 128 innings, posting strong strikeout (8.25) and walk (3.03) ratios, and hitting 94 mph regularly with his fastball. His changeup flashes plus, as does his hard-biting curveball, which is more consistent, and he has a decent slider to mix in as well. All that said, Rhee has a 4.37 minor league ERA in 291 innings, most of them having come in the Florida State League.
Josh Smoker, lhp, Nationals: The 31st overall pick in the 2007 draft, Smoker had trouble staying healthy early in his career, and he's had consistent trouble throwing strikes as a pro. He owns a 4.94 walks per nine innings average. But in 2011, he stayed healthy and got his career going as a reliever, going 5-2, 2.31 at high Class A Potomac. He struck out 56 and walked 37 in 51 innings, giving up just 32 hits, and showcased power stuff from the left side. His fastball touched 98 at times and sat in the 91-94 mph range, and his curveball and changeup have their moments, with the curve flashing plus. He'll never throw a ton of quality strikes; as one scout put it this summer, "(The Nationals) have told him, 'To hell with teaching you to throw, just let it all hang out.' That's what he's doing."
Johan Yan, rhp, Rangers: Yan tried to hit for three seasons in the Rangers' system, batting .207 in 425 at-bats from 2006-2008, most of them in Rookie ball. He moved to the mound in 2009 and reached Double-A in 2011, wrapping up in the Arizona Fall League. In 68 innings between high Class A Myrtle Beach and Double-A Frisco, he saved 12 games and struck out 66 while walking 22. Yan has a ceiling as a setup man, using a low arm slot—one Carolina League manager compared his delivery to that of Chad Bradford—to delivery 91-92 mph two-seam fastballs and a slider that buckled righthanded hitters when it was right. He hides the balls well and has the athleticism to field his position well.
Re: Minor Matters
1265To sum up Jordan Henry's offense, he's a good sized 6-3 175, with a career OBP of 388 and SLG of 321. No one has apparently ever accused him of using improper substances.
Re: Minor Matters
1266Outfielder Jerad Head signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers and right-handed pitcher Jensen Lewis signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Head was designated him for assignment on October 18th and as a second time outright he declared free agency and was free to sign with any team. Lewis was designated for assignment in March, cleared waivers, and was outrighted to Triple-A Columbus before being released on June 23rd.
Right-handed pitcher Mitch Talbot has also landed with a new team in 2012, but will pitch overseas after agreeing to a $300,000 deal with the Samsung Lions of the Korean Baseball League. The Indians designated him for assignment at the end of the season and as a second time outright he chose free agency.
Right-handed pitcher Mitch Talbot has also landed with a new team in 2012, but will pitch overseas after agreeing to a $300,000 deal with the Samsung Lions of the Korean Baseball League. The Indians designated him for assignment at the end of the season and as a second time outright he chose free agency.
Re: Minor Matters
1267Marlins signed RHP J.D. Martin to a minor league contract.
Martin, 28, posted a 3.93 ERA and 72/17 K/BB ratio in 107 2/3 innings this year at the Nationals' Triple-A affiliate. He'll serve as organizational depth for Miami.
Source: Jerry Crasnick on Twitter Dec 6 - 12:37 PM
Martin, 28, posted a 3.93 ERA and 72/17 K/BB ratio in 107 2/3 innings this year at the Nationals' Triple-A affiliate. He'll serve as organizational depth for Miami.
Source: Jerry Crasnick on Twitter Dec 6 - 12:37 PM
Re: Minor Matters
1268TonyIPI Tony Lastoria
As expected, #Indians RHP Hector Rondon has cleared waivers. Outrighted to Triple-A Columbus. Still under team control in 2012.
As expected, #Indians RHP Hector Rondon has cleared waivers. Outrighted to Triple-A Columbus. Still under team control in 2012.
Re: Minor Matters
1269That's nice, but I wish he were able to pitch.
Alexander Perez got in a bit of work in the Instructional League, but haven't seen much of him in another possible returnee from TJ surgery.
Alexander Perez got in a bit of work in the Instructional League, but haven't seen much of him in another possible returnee from TJ surgery.
Re: Minor Matters
1270@jcrasnick Jerry Crasnick
The #Indians have acquired OF Aaron Cunningham from #Padres for minor league pitcher Cory Burns, says BB source.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/minor ... nnin001aar
The #Indians have acquired OF Aaron Cunningham from #Padres for minor league pitcher Cory Burns, says BB source.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/minor ... nnin001aar
Re: Minor Matters
1271The Phillies announced they've signed infielder Hector Luna and outfielder Luis Montanez to minor league contracts with invitations to Spring Training. Luna has seen seen Major League action with the Cardinals, Indians, Blue Jays and Marlins, getting as many as 379 plate appearances with the Redbirds in 2006. Montanez appeared in 36 games with the Cubs in 2011.
Re: Minor Matters
1272Nationals Claim Carlos Rivero
By Dan Mennella [December 21 at 12:56pm CST]
The Nationals announced that they have claimed third baseman Carlos Rivero off waivers from the Phillies. The move gives Washington 37 players on its 40-man roster.
Rivero, 23, spent 2011 in the Phillies' organization, mostly with Double-A Reading, hitting .275/.331/.440 with 15 homers with the R-Phils. The former shortstop was originally signed by the Indians as a non-drafted free agent in 2005 before being claimed off waivers by the Phillies in November 2010.
By Dan Mennella [December 21 at 12:56pm CST]
The Nationals announced that they have claimed third baseman Carlos Rivero off waivers from the Phillies. The move gives Washington 37 players on its 40-man roster.
Rivero, 23, spent 2011 in the Phillies' organization, mostly with Double-A Reading, hitting .275/.331/.440 with 15 homers with the R-Phils. The former shortstop was originally signed by the Indians as a non-drafted free agent in 2005 before being claimed off waivers by the Phillies in November 2010.
Re: Minor Matters
1273Carlos Rivero is a former future Miguel Cabrera. I thnk that makes 3 full seasons in AA.
Re: Minor Matters
1274Baseball America is working its way through Minor League Top 10 postings with accompanying chats. Tribe scheduled for January 13. I suppose I'll be asking questions again this year, but this is about as week a Top 10 or Top 30 as any team is going to have. Our Top will be nearly all very young kids from the Bottom of the farm system, with nearly no professional experience and long shots to major league success.
A BA quick answer to Tribe Top 10 after the trading deadline included in our top tier:
Francisco Lindor, Dillon Howard, Luigi Rodriguez, Ronny Rodriguez, Tony Wolters, Levon Washington (despite a terrible 2011), Elvis Araujo, Felix Sterling the oldest of whom is 20 years old. I believe Chun Chen and Chen Lee and Nick Hagadone were the old men of the group, all at the lower end of the ratings.
Jesus Aguillar didn't make their list since he's rated too one-dimensional.
If there's any player anyone wants me to ask about, let me know and I'll try. I imagine the queue of questions will be relatively short this year.
A BA quick answer to Tribe Top 10 after the trading deadline included in our top tier:
Francisco Lindor, Dillon Howard, Luigi Rodriguez, Ronny Rodriguez, Tony Wolters, Levon Washington (despite a terrible 2011), Elvis Araujo, Felix Sterling the oldest of whom is 20 years old. I believe Chun Chen and Chen Lee and Nick Hagadone were the old men of the group, all at the lower end of the ratings.
Jesus Aguillar didn't make their list since he's rated too one-dimensional.
If there's any player anyone wants me to ask about, let me know and I'll try. I imagine the queue of questions will be relatively short this year.
Re: Minor Matters
1275Here is a Top 16 list from MLB Dirt. Never heard of the site before.
http://mlbdirt.com/2011/12/27/2012-clev ... prospects/
Below are my top 16 prospects with 2012 opening day age, position, and comments on each player. Below the top 16 is a small list of additional notable names. Enjoy.
Player Comments
1 Francisco Lindor (18-SS) The #8 overall pick in last year’s draft should have no problem sticking at SS. He has good range and plenty of arm. He has a solid line-drive stroke and good discipline and knowledge of the zone. He may never hit for more than average power and his speed is just above-average but he has the makings of an All-Star SS due to his approach and great hit tool.
2 Dillon Howard (19-RHP) He has a good frame and his fastball is already mid-90s with decent sink and he has an average curve and a change up in the works. He has #2 starter potential but needs that change up to come along or risk being a back end starter or power reliever. He has time but does turn 20 in July and has no pro innings under his belt.
3 Jake Sisco (20-RHP) He owns a low-to-mid-90s fastball with a good frame and 4-pitch repertoire that some scouts say could all be at least average. #2 starter potential is there but I would like to see better command although reports said he has good command. I didn’t see that in video, though, I really like the potential here.
4 Tony Wolters (19-SS) He has the range to stick at SS but his arm is below-average for what I want at the position and a move to 2B may be in his future when he reaches the Majors. He shows patience at the plate and has above-average speed but has very little power and will need to hit for AVG to keep pitchers from pounding the zone against him. He earns the term “hustle” due to his all-out play and will draw comps to Ryan Theriot but has much higher potential.
5 Luigi Rodriguez (19-OF) Raw but great athlete with room to build muscle. He has excellent speed, enough to play CF, but is very raw and needs to learn to read balls better if doesn’t want to move to LF. He may never develop more than average power but shows decent patience and squares the ball up well but needs to learn to recognize breaking balls. He can be an above-average regular if he sticks in CF.
6 Ronny Rodriguez (20-SS) Owns a plus arm and good hands and range. Should be able to stick at SS. He has developing power that could be plus at SS but lacks overall discipline at the plate and swings at everything. He needs to become more disciplined if he wants to survive the upper levels and make it to the Majors. If he can he has huge potential.
7 Felix Sterling (19-RHP) Owns a 90-94 mph fastball with a slider that is scratching the surface of being an above-average pitch but a well below-average change up. Like the pitchers above him he has a great frame and age on his side. He can be wild and needs better control but has at least #3 potential.
8 Cord Phelps (25-2B) He has no plus tools but is close to average across the board and can handle 2B or 3B. There is nothing too exciting here but the probability is there for at least a solid utility infielder who will have a shot at a long career.
9 Elvis Araujo (20-LHP) Huge kid listed at 6’6” and 215 lbs is two full years removed from TJ surgery and his velocity is 90-93 and can touch mid-90s in short stints. His secondary offerings are still below-average and he lacks command of them. He has time on his side and could be a good #3 if he gets his secondary offerings and command up to average.
10 Jorge Martinez (19-SS) Another toolsy SS who should be able to stay at the position due to his arm strength and range but he is very errant and overall undisciplined as a pro player. He lacks discipline at the plate and I am still not sold on the bat although he could add 20 lbs of muscle and develop above-average power.
11 Chun-Hsiu Chen (24-C) Already 24 and still concerns over his receiving skills although he has thrown out 36% of runners. He has solid patience and 15+ homerun power potential but his K rate rose to over 26% after being 17.8% for his pro career prior to 2011. The tools are there to be a solid regular if he can stay behind the plate.
12 LeVon Washington (20-OF) Another young gifted athlete in the system but his arm is below-average and I don’t see him sticking in CF and he does not have the power or hit tool to project as a regular in LF yet. He has great patience and speed but also strikes out a lot. He has tons of upside but I don’t see the probability in him reaching it right now.
13 Jake Lowery (21-C) His great approach at the plate and ability to hit make me want to rank him top 10 in this system but I truly have doubts in his ability to stay behind the plate despite a decent arm. He does a lot of things right and if he can stay behind the plate he will shoot up the rankings with ease.
14 Jesus Aguilar (21-1B) A big kid with big power but strikes out a lot and is a butcher at 1B. He lacks overall plate discipline and chases too many pitches and does not walk nearly enough for a power bat like his. He must improve his patience and discipline if he wants to be more than the right-handed part of a DH platoon.
15 Alex Lavisky (21-C) Has a great arm and good skills behind the plate with big power potential but no sense of what to do at the plate with a horrible approach and tons of strike outs. He has the potential be a solid regular even with a low AVG but I am nearly as high on him as others and see more of a back up here if he cannot become more disciplined at the plate.
16 Chen-Chang Lee (25-RHP) Used solely as a reliever he can be devastating against right handed hitters with a fastball that reaches mid-90s and a slider that flashes plus. He has a change/splitter to keep left handed hitters from sitting on his fastball and needs to improve his control if he wants to work high-leverage situations. He could be in Cleveland’s 2012 pen.
A few more names to watch: Scott Barnes (LHP), Bryce Stowell (RHP), Nick Hagadone (LHP)
http://mlbdirt.com/2011/12/27/2012-clev ... prospects/
Below are my top 16 prospects with 2012 opening day age, position, and comments on each player. Below the top 16 is a small list of additional notable names. Enjoy.
Player Comments
1 Francisco Lindor (18-SS) The #8 overall pick in last year’s draft should have no problem sticking at SS. He has good range and plenty of arm. He has a solid line-drive stroke and good discipline and knowledge of the zone. He may never hit for more than average power and his speed is just above-average but he has the makings of an All-Star SS due to his approach and great hit tool.
2 Dillon Howard (19-RHP) He has a good frame and his fastball is already mid-90s with decent sink and he has an average curve and a change up in the works. He has #2 starter potential but needs that change up to come along or risk being a back end starter or power reliever. He has time but does turn 20 in July and has no pro innings under his belt.
3 Jake Sisco (20-RHP) He owns a low-to-mid-90s fastball with a good frame and 4-pitch repertoire that some scouts say could all be at least average. #2 starter potential is there but I would like to see better command although reports said he has good command. I didn’t see that in video, though, I really like the potential here.
4 Tony Wolters (19-SS) He has the range to stick at SS but his arm is below-average for what I want at the position and a move to 2B may be in his future when he reaches the Majors. He shows patience at the plate and has above-average speed but has very little power and will need to hit for AVG to keep pitchers from pounding the zone against him. He earns the term “hustle” due to his all-out play and will draw comps to Ryan Theriot but has much higher potential.
5 Luigi Rodriguez (19-OF) Raw but great athlete with room to build muscle. He has excellent speed, enough to play CF, but is very raw and needs to learn to read balls better if doesn’t want to move to LF. He may never develop more than average power but shows decent patience and squares the ball up well but needs to learn to recognize breaking balls. He can be an above-average regular if he sticks in CF.
6 Ronny Rodriguez (20-SS) Owns a plus arm and good hands and range. Should be able to stick at SS. He has developing power that could be plus at SS but lacks overall discipline at the plate and swings at everything. He needs to become more disciplined if he wants to survive the upper levels and make it to the Majors. If he can he has huge potential.
7 Felix Sterling (19-RHP) Owns a 90-94 mph fastball with a slider that is scratching the surface of being an above-average pitch but a well below-average change up. Like the pitchers above him he has a great frame and age on his side. He can be wild and needs better control but has at least #3 potential.
8 Cord Phelps (25-2B) He has no plus tools but is close to average across the board and can handle 2B or 3B. There is nothing too exciting here but the probability is there for at least a solid utility infielder who will have a shot at a long career.
9 Elvis Araujo (20-LHP) Huge kid listed at 6’6” and 215 lbs is two full years removed from TJ surgery and his velocity is 90-93 and can touch mid-90s in short stints. His secondary offerings are still below-average and he lacks command of them. He has time on his side and could be a good #3 if he gets his secondary offerings and command up to average.
10 Jorge Martinez (19-SS) Another toolsy SS who should be able to stay at the position due to his arm strength and range but he is very errant and overall undisciplined as a pro player. He lacks discipline at the plate and I am still not sold on the bat although he could add 20 lbs of muscle and develop above-average power.
11 Chun-Hsiu Chen (24-C) Already 24 and still concerns over his receiving skills although he has thrown out 36% of runners. He has solid patience and 15+ homerun power potential but his K rate rose to over 26% after being 17.8% for his pro career prior to 2011. The tools are there to be a solid regular if he can stay behind the plate.
12 LeVon Washington (20-OF) Another young gifted athlete in the system but his arm is below-average and I don’t see him sticking in CF and he does not have the power or hit tool to project as a regular in LF yet. He has great patience and speed but also strikes out a lot. He has tons of upside but I don’t see the probability in him reaching it right now.
13 Jake Lowery (21-C) His great approach at the plate and ability to hit make me want to rank him top 10 in this system but I truly have doubts in his ability to stay behind the plate despite a decent arm. He does a lot of things right and if he can stay behind the plate he will shoot up the rankings with ease.
14 Jesus Aguilar (21-1B) A big kid with big power but strikes out a lot and is a butcher at 1B. He lacks overall plate discipline and chases too many pitches and does not walk nearly enough for a power bat like his. He must improve his patience and discipline if he wants to be more than the right-handed part of a DH platoon.
15 Alex Lavisky (21-C) Has a great arm and good skills behind the plate with big power potential but no sense of what to do at the plate with a horrible approach and tons of strike outs. He has the potential be a solid regular even with a low AVG but I am nearly as high on him as others and see more of a back up here if he cannot become more disciplined at the plate.
16 Chen-Chang Lee (25-RHP) Used solely as a reliever he can be devastating against right handed hitters with a fastball that reaches mid-90s and a slider that flashes plus. He has a change/splitter to keep left handed hitters from sitting on his fastball and needs to improve his control if he wants to work high-leverage situations. He could be in Cleveland’s 2012 pen.
A few more names to watch: Scott Barnes (LHP), Bryce Stowell (RHP), Nick Hagadone (LHP)