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Midseason farm system grades: AL

Rays, Mariners, Indians earn high marks; A's receive incomplete

July 2, 2019 10:52 AM ET

With about two months left in the Minor League schedule, the MiLB.com staff hands out grades to all 30 farm systems based on their prospect and team performance so far. The American League systems make up the first installment in the series, followed by the National League tomorrow. Chris Tripodi analyzes the AL East, Sam Dykstra breaks down the AL Central and Josh Jackson breaks out the red pen for the AL West.

Cleveland Indians

Grade: A-

The Indians didn't have the brightest farm system in their own division at the beginning of the season, and top prospect Triston McKenzie hasn't even pitched in a game yet due to a back injury suffered in the spring. Yet there have been positive signs throughout the system in the first half. Oscar Mercado got off to a strong start at Triple-A Columbus and has brought some stability to the Cleveland outfield since arriving in the Majors. Infielders Nolan Jones and Tyler Freeman have only boosted their stocks as Top-100 prospects with impressive offensive showings. Bobby Bradley used 24 homers in 67 games to make his own jump to the Majors, Zach Plesac did the same with a 1.41 ERA and 0.78 WHIP over nine starts and Daniel Johnson might not be too far behind with the way his pop has jumped in his first season in the organization. All the way down the ladder, Mahoning Valley might have the best roster among Class A Short Season clubs with George Valera, Brayan Rocchio and Ethan Hankins all opening 2019 as Scrappers. With the organization ranking seventh in winning percentage, it's hard to find bad news in the Cleveland pipeline so far.

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The Padres received an A+ grade, and the Dodgers received an A. Indians tied Mariners with 3rd best grade of A-

Akron is down to 50 games to go. Since McK is at last ready to throw to live batters rather than stick figures, even If he were to be doing that pitching in real games in Akron he'd be starting at most 10 times and working at very most 60 innings. And he's not near that yet. I certainly hope that he gets a winter ball assignment to get some innings under his skinny belt.

That A- is impressive, especially since as other high rated pitchers haven't done much. I expect a major shakeup in the top 20 over the winter. 2018 draftees like Ethan Hankins Adam Scott and Ray Delgado will surge.

Many of our top prospects, mostly underachieving, are working today:

AAA Plesac 2.25 ERA is the exception
AA Salazar last pitched for Akron in 2017 ERA then in 1 1/3 IP 16.20. Much better in 2012 and 13
Hi A McCarty 4.74
Lo A Oviedo 4.53
SS A Vargas 8.57
both AZLs playing, no starters posted
DSL lost as usual 3-1. Burgos his 11th double and a walk; AMart single; GRod the day off.

With the lack of big league games on tonight, I have to watch Plesac vs top prospect Pirates starter Mitch Keller on MiLB.TV

Columbus here I come.

Maybe peak in on Salazar?

I’m watching Akron tonight, TFIR. Not only Salazar pitching, but Nolan Jones making his AA debut.

Speaking of Jones, Keith Law at ESPN just updated his top 50 prospect list, and Jones was the only Indian farmhand to make the list, and that was at 50. Not sure I’m buying that...

Salazar probably only going a couple innings - so yeah guess I should start with that one.

Well, not much of a debut at bat for Nolan Jones as he struck out. In his defense, even Clement struck out vs this guy.

Salazar a nice 1-2-3 inning.

Interesting tidbit Salazar made his major league debut exactly 6 years ago today, July 11.

That tall drink of water on mound for Bowie is throwing some heat. Heard 96 on one pitch.

Jones don't strike out much. He just had to get that first butterfly at bat out of the way.

They're expecting 55 pitches and around 3 innings for Salazar.

Danny yanked after 2 and 1/3. After blowing through the first 6 batters, he gives up a line drive double to the left field corner.

Then another double (HB, that ball seemed misplayed?) to right center, followed by a walk.

Oops - that's enough drama for Danny. He's out.

HB - the hardest I heard the announcer say he threw was 94.

Brooks, the RF'er, totally misplayed that ball. Bad break for Salazar.

94 was tops.

He used to throw 97-98. Might be working his way back into form.

Ouch ... Logan Ice just took a foul ball to the family jewels. Trying to walk it off .. bow legged.

Turned it back to the Columbus game just in time to see Zach Plesac blow away Gregory Polanco (yes, that guy..on injury rehab) with nasty breaking stuff.

Daniel Johnson showing his stuff with 2 hits, including a double.

And that's saying something because this pitcher, Keller, is really tough. No wonder he's so highly rated. Throws 96 but set up with good offspeed stuff - with command.

Plesac great so far. 5 scoreless with 7 strikeouts.

Hillbilly wrote:
He used to throw 97-98. Might be working his way back into form.

Still has to be building up arm strength.

I am really taking a liking to Daniel Johnson. We may end up with a steal there.

In the all star game the other day, the AAA teams were wearing the sleeveless uniform tops with t shirts underneath. Only Johnson didn’t wear the shirt underneath, only player not to. He was showing off his guns.

Well, Plesac left in the 7th (no runs allowed) with bases loaded and our old buddy Jon Edwards walked them all in.

Still a very nice outing by Plesac.

Link to box:

https://www.milb.com/gameday/indians-vs ... ame=575480