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Post by redskoolaiddrinker on Jul 6, 2015 9:09:03 GMT -5
I wish the Reds would promote 24 year old Seth Mejias-Brean to AAA Louisville and see what happens. With guys like Chris Dominguez playing 3b in AAA, why not? Then if he does well look into making him a September call-up. This year he's played 64 games for Pensacola and hit .258 with only 3 homeruns... not great... but in 240 plate appearances he has 38 BB and 45 Ks, and a very impressive .383 OBP. As a hard working OBP machine he seems to deserve a callup, even if he hasn't matched his .300+ averages from Billings, Dayton, and Bakersfield. Similarly I'd like to see Jesse Winker, with his .372 OBP, promoted to Louisville, despite his low homerun totals. He had an excellent June and is off to a good start in July. Winker seems to have figured out AA pitching, even if it took him a couple of months. Before long I expect his average to return to the .300 range if they keep him in AA. I don't disagree on SMB, but why rush Winker? He's finally experienced some "adversity" (which we all know is good for his development not to avoid this) and has dug himself out. Let him keep his momentum/ confidence going before disrupting it. Are we desperate to start Winker's clock next year bc we will be competing? Everyone knows we aren't going to be competitive next year.
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Post by redsfanman on Jul 6, 2015 9:23:58 GMT -5
I wish the Reds would promote 24 year old Seth Mejias-Brean to AAA Louisville and see what happens. With guys like Chris Dominguez playing 3b in AAA, why not? Then if he does well look into making him a September call-up. This year he's played 64 games for Pensacola and hit .258 with only 3 homeruns... not great... but in 240 plate appearances he has 38 BB and 45 Ks, and a very impressive .383 OBP. As a hard working OBP machine he seems to deserve a callup, even if he hasn't matched his .300+ averages from Billings, Dayton, and Bakersfield. Similarly I'd like to see Jesse Winker, with his .372 OBP, promoted to Louisville, despite his low homerun totals. He had an excellent June and is off to a good start in July. Winker seems to have figured out AA pitching, even if it took him a couple of months. Before long I expect his average to return to the .300 range if they keep him in AA. I don't disagree on SMB, but why rush Winker? He's finally experienced some "adversity" (which we all know is good for his development not to avoid this) and has dug himself out. Let him keep his momentum/ confidence going before disrupting it. Are we desperate to start Winker's clock next year bc we will be competing? Everyone knows we aren't going to be competitive next year. I don't think promoting Winker to Louisville midseason, a full year after he was promoted to AA, constitutes rushing him. It seems like he's overcome the adversity, as his numbers keep improving, and a promotion to AAA would probably only be a confidence builder. Also Louisville's ballpark isn't supposed to suppress left handed power like Pensacola's, which may lead to more homeruns. Then give him roughly a year in AAA, before promoting him to the Reds midseason, like Carlos Correa and other big name prospects this season. I expect Jesse Winker will make his Reds debut in 2016, it looks to me like a question of when, not if. Maybe it'll be a few games into the 2016 season like Kris Bryant, maybe it'll be midseason like Carlos Correa, maybe it'll be in September like Billy Hamilton. I also think AAA will be an easier transition for Winker than AA - I think he'll face fewer high upside prospects and more career AAAA type scrubs - the David Holmbergs, Jason Marquis, Jeff Francis, and Josh Smiths of the world (to pull a few names of pitchers of that caliber) who typically languish in AAA. In my opinion Winker could potentially face tougher competition in AA, and that's a better reason to keep him there than a risk to his confidence following a promotion to AAA. Some people seem to want prospects kept in the minors forever, perhaps years longer than necessary (postponing them all so they miraculously emerge in some mythical future can't-miss-season). When they're ready call them up. If I were in charge I'd look to sign Jesse Winker to a team-friendly long term deal to buy out his first few seasons of arbitration, like the Astros did with Jon Singleton, call him up in 2016, and get him comfortable as a big league regular so he'd be able to contribute to a contending Reds team. Perhaps in 2017.
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Post by The Duke on Jul 10, 2015 23:12:46 GMT -5
Ty Boyles pitched 8 IP tonight in Billings. You don't see too many rookie league starters going 8 IP. 0 R, 8 H, 5 BB, 6 K. He must have been incredibly pitch efficient to have walked 5 guys and gone 8 IP.
EDIT::NEVERMIND
Bad box score, now corrected. Still a strong start for Boyles. 7 IP, 7 H, 3 BB, 5 K, 0 R
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Post by redskoolaiddrinker on Jul 12, 2015 20:50:29 GMT -5
I don't disagree on SMB, but why rush Winker? He's finally experienced some "adversity" (which we all know is good for his development not to avoid this) and has dug himself out. Let him keep his momentum/ confidence going before disrupting it. Are we desperate to start Winker's clock next year bc we will be competing? Everyone knows we aren't going to be competitive next year. I don't think promoting Winker to Louisville midseason, a full year after he was promoted to AA, constitutes rushing him. It seems like he's overcome the adversity, as his numbers keep improving, and a promotion to AAA would probably only be a confidence builder. Also Louisville's ballpark isn't supposed to suppress left handed power like Pensacola's, which may lead to more homeruns. Then give him roughly a year in AAA, before promoting him to the Reds midseason, like Carlos Correa and other big name prospects this season. I expect Jesse Winker will make his Reds debut in 2016, it looks to me like a question of when, not if. Maybe it'll be a few games into the 2016 season like Kris Bryant, maybe it'll be midseason like Carlos Correa, maybe it'll be in September like Billy Hamilton. I also think AAA will be an easier transition for Winker than AA - I think he'll face fewer high upside prospects and more career AAAA type scrubs - the David Holmbergs, Jason Marquis, Jeff Francis, and Josh Smiths of the world (to pull a few names of pitchers of that caliber) who typically languish in AAA. In my opinion Winker could potentially face tougher competition in AA, and that's a better reason to keep him there than a risk to his confidence following a promotion to AAA. Some people seem to want prospects kept in the minors forever, perhaps years longer than necessary (postponing them all so they miraculously emerge in some mythical future can't-miss-season). When they're ready call them up. If I were in charge I'd look to sign Jesse Winker to a team-friendly long term deal to buy out his first few seasons of arbitration, like the Astros did with Jon Singleton, call him up in 2016, and get him comfortable as a big league regular so he'd be able to contribute to a contending Reds team. Perhaps in 2017. Makes sense.
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Post by The Duke on Jul 12, 2015 21:50:24 GMT -5
Sebastian Elizalde slash line by month in the pitcher friendly Florida State League
April: .235/.253/.383/.636 (21 games) May: .279/.344/.387/.732 (28 games) June: .269/.352/.513/.864 (22 games) July: .359/.435/.641/1.076 (12 games)
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Post by redsfanman on Jul 14, 2015 12:04:19 GMT -5
Jonathan Crawford (best known as the guy acquired alongside Suarez in the Alfredo Simon trade) finished his rehab assignment and made his first appearance for Daytona last night. After pitching 123 innings with a 2.85 ERA last year in A ball for the Tigers he missed half the season.
He pitched 3 innings with 4 hits, 3 ER, 0 BB, and 2 K. I hope he improves from there, as he pitches deeper into games. Hopefully he has a big second half.
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Post by redsfanman on Jul 16, 2015 11:08:36 GMT -5
Nick Howard is on the DL with shoulder soreness.
Alex Blandino is on the DL with a fractured finger.
Nick Travieso is still on the DL with a wrist contusion, after being hit by a comebacker a month ago. Clearly a bad luck injury though, rather than a sign of poor durability, mismanagement, overuse, or anything like that.
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Post by The Duke on Jul 31, 2015 10:56:31 GMT -5
2015 2nd rd pick Tony Santillan was up to 96 mph last night in the AZL. 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 R, 4 K. Won't turn 19 until next April.
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Post by The Duke on Jul 31, 2015 22:07:23 GMT -5
Cody Reed had a nice first start for the Wahoos
7 IP 1 R 5 H 2 BB 6 K 95 pitches 61 strikes 8 groundouts vs 2 flyouts Got the win
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Post by redsfanman on Aug 3, 2015 9:01:06 GMT -5
Sal Romano has been promoted to AA Pensacola. He's 21. I wonder how he'll adjust. With the Reds' newly increased rotation depth he seems like a possible candidate to be fast-tracked as a power reliever, at some point, if starting doesn't work out.
He was notably promoted over Amir Garrett, who remains in Daytona. Nick Travieso is apparently due back from the DL, to fill Sal Romano's rotation spot... Travieso has been out for a while after being hit by a comebacker.
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Post by redsfanman on Aug 4, 2015 10:07:21 GMT -5
SS/2b Alex Blandino was (seemingly quietly) promoted to AA Pensacola. Maybe I just missed an announcement. He and Sal Romano were in the game last night, although it was suspended by rain after 2 innings. Blandino had played 2b for his final few games in Daytona, and was playing 2b again in AA (opposite Zach Vincej). I assume this is a semi-permanent move (as few people expected him to stay at shortstop), as the guys playing shortstop are lower ranked prospects than him.
I hope Blandino keeps hitting well in AA.
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Post by floydgator on Aug 4, 2015 10:37:38 GMT -5
SS/2b Alex Blandino was (seemingly quietly) promoted to AA Pensacola. Maybe I just missed an announcement. He and Sal Romano were in the game last night, although it was suspended by rain after 2 innings. Blandino had played 2b for his final few games in Daytona, and was playing 2b again in AA (opposite Zach Vincej). I assume this is a semi-permanent move (as few people expected him to stay at shortstop), as the guys playing shortstop are lower ranked prospects than him. I hope Blandino keeps hitting well in AA. Thanks, I think the timing was good for Blandino. I'd like to see Trahan moved out of the rookie league - he's wasting time there. Dayton or Daytona for the last month makes a lot more sense for him.
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Post by redsfanman on Aug 4, 2015 11:15:53 GMT -5
There are still a few major Reds prospects who I'd like to see moved to the next level in the system before the end of the season. I'm glad Stephenson, Blandino, and Romano have been.
Yeah, it'd be interesting to see what Blake Trahan can do in Dayton, he has nothing left to prove in rookie ball. He's shown good plate discipline, a high average, and high OBP. I wonder if he'll start next season in Dayton, or if they'll try something more aggressive.
Amir Garrett is obviously still something of a project to be careful with, after fully committing to baseball, but he has a 2.74 ERA in Daytona with over a strikeout an inning. It's far better than he did at Dayton last year. He's seemingly a sure thing to head to Pensacola next year, but I'm wondering what they're waiting for.
Nick Travieso is coming off a not-pitching-related injury, but he had a 2.98 ERA through 13 starts this year in Daytona. I guess missing time, rather than his pitching, might keep him from a promotion to Pensacola. Still, it'd be interesting to see how he did there. It probably won't happen until next season, though.
Phil Ervin? His numbers have faded some after a hot start, what might a promotion to Pensacola do for him? It could be interesting to see, but is pretty unlikely. He's probably not ready for it.
Jesse Winker. I know many will disagree, but I'd like to see him promoted to Louisville. He's played 114 games in AA, with generally improving numbers (although recently in a slump). Send him to Louisville, out of the ballpark that surpresses lefthanded power, and see what happens. Then return Winker to Louisville next season.
Seth Mejias-Brean, send him to Louisville. He has a .375 OBP in AA. Release one of the veteran free agent signings in Louisville to make room. If SMB bombs, no (or little) harm done. At 24 he doesn't really have age on his side like many of these other guys.
Jackson Stephens (Daytona) is doing very well. Wyatt Strahan, Tyler Mahle, and Tejay Antone have all done well in Dayton. Seeing any of them finish the season at the next level could be interesting.
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Post by The Duke on Aug 4, 2015 13:10:40 GMT -5
I wOuld absolutely mode Blake Trahan to Dayton now with an eye of starting him off in Daytona next year. Advanced college bat who is performing, and I think Luis Gonzalez needs to go back to Dayton in 2016. He still needs a lot of work at the plate. Gonzalez is great in the field though.
Garrett I'd be comfortable keeping him in Daytona this entire season. Let him continue to have a consistent atmosphere and fishing in his second full season as a baseball only player. Start him off in Pensacola next year with the idea he spends all year there as well unless his performance completely dictates a move up.
Travieso should just finish the year in Daytona after his missed time, but I think he'll be plenty ready for AA in 2016.
Ervin hasn't forced his way out of Daytona, but I'd still move him up next year. Get him out of the FSL and see if the numbers start ticking up again. Now that Blandino is out of the FSL, no one in that league has an OPS over .800
I agree with Winker, the peripherals are solid, let's get him out of a place that crushes lefty power.
SMB has solid peripherals as well, but I'm disappointed the power hasn't developed more. Pensacola is favorable for right handed power.
Stephens has quietly had a very nice year. Gets hit a bit much for my liking, but he has back end starter upside, and might make a good reliever if his fastball can tick up a bit in a one inning role.
I haven't seen Mahle live, but I'd put Strahan over Antone. Strahan was sitting 93-95 when I saw him Sunday, and hit 96 quite a few times, even in the 7th. Didn't have a good angle to judge his breaking stuff from the party deck though. If anyone gets moved up, it's probably Strahan, given Mahle is still just 20.
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Post by floydgator on Aug 6, 2015 10:18:26 GMT -5
I agree with a lot of that, particularly moving Trahan to Dayton with the plan to start him in Daytona next season. I don't see any benefit for him facing inferior pitching. He seems like he has a mature approach. If he struggles early in High A, let him work his way through it. At the moment, he's the best SS prospect in the system. Do what is best for him and work the other guys around it.
I think Ervin is done as a legit prospect, but at his age he needs to be moved up anyway. Maybe a light goes on or something.
I don't feel strongly about whether to move Winker up b/c I don't see a ton of difference between AA and AAA and its not like he has been very good this season.
Pitching is becoming an issue in a good way. Strahan needs to be moved up for age/comp reasons, but he's not the guy who has earned it the most. Mahle has been great and I would reward him for that. He's young, the accomplishment of a call up would cement a very positive season for him. I would move Garrett up as well. He's not overly experienced, but his age and performance both warrant a bump. Like Mahle, he has "conquered" that level. If he struggles at the next rung early, so be it, it's part of the process. I think the psychological benefits recommend a call up for both Mahle and Garrett. Travieso can finish at Daytona, he missed too many starts. With all that in mind, we are facing a glut of starters at the higher levels and I don't know who you promote to Dayton to take their places.
AAA - Stephenson, Lamb and Finnegan need to be starting. The others can be pushed out, or already have been by call ups or injury. Who is ready for AAA? Adleman has earned it, but he's already far surpassed his innings high. If nothing else, he can be promoted to pitch out of the pen. In fact, I'd like to see him in Cincy in September. He's probably, never going to be a rotation guy for us, but even if he is, he's been successful in AA for 2 seasons. Reward performance. Reed needs to stay in AA this season, but he's a candidate for AAA to start next season. Josh Smith probably mans 1 of the other 2 spots, and there are plenty of borderline candidates for the 5th spot. It seems likely that Lamb will be starting games in Cincy in September, not sure when the AAA season ends.
AA - Reed, Garrett, Astin, and Romano all need to be starting. Move one of the other starters up if you have to, but nobody else should be blocking those 4 at this point.
High A - Mahle, Strahan, Travieso, Mella, Stephens. First, Mella and Mahle is going to get confusing. After that, I don't know what you do with Varner or Crawford. Crawford is probably done for they year anyway. Neither of them should be blocking a promotion for Mahle or Strahan. Maybe you give Stephens a bump to AA. Maybe you shut him down or move him to the pen. He's already 40+ innings higher than ever before and he's only 21. I guess if need be, Mahle stays down b/c he is the youngest.
That's my take anyway. It's nice to see the glut of pitching talent. Obviously we need at least 1 or 2 to become top of the rotation guys and not just a collection of 4 and 5 starters, but the numbers and talent are there.
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