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Post by gmburchfield on Jun 27, 2017 9:42:26 GMT -5
Davis will be back there in a few to bump it back to 6. Hell it could have became a 7 lol.
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Post by The Duke on Jun 30, 2017 9:59:09 GMT -5
Jeter Downs made his professional debut last night, going 1 for 2 with a BB and a HBP. He started at SS and was part of 3 double plays, one where he started it and two where he was the turn man.
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Post by The Duke on Jul 6, 2017 12:20:56 GMT -5
Jose Siri OPS by month:
April: .609 (21 games) May: .827 (25 games) June: .928 (23 games) July: 1.208 (5 games)
Yes, he's 21 and in Low A, but he's also one of the top "tools" guys in the entire system. He's a plus to plus plus defender in CF, has 24 SB already, and 12 HR (along with 12 2B and 5 3B). Now the K rate is still a little high, about 1 per game, and the walk rate is a little low (although improving over past years), but if he can continue to progress, he's an exciting player to watch.
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Post by redsfanman on Jul 15, 2017 15:34:11 GMT -5
I'm bored, binge watching some TV, time for some low level minor league updates: Dayton Dragons (Much more exciting year than last year, with one of the worst Dragons teams in recent memory) www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=72ce98bfOF Taylor Trammell, 19 - Hitting .285 with a .359 OBP. 17 2b, 9 3b, 7 HR, 26 SB, 40 BB, 87 K in 373 PAs. He's having a good year despite his young age. C/DH Tyler Stephenson, 20 - Hitting .278 with a .374 OBP. 22 2b, 6 HR, 44 BB, 58 K in 348 PAs. He's leading the team in walks, and DH'ing when not behind the plate. He's looking like the rumored #1 overall pick candidate, despite his ugly 2016 season when he looked like a failed draft pick. I'm excited to see him in Daytona next year. OF Jose Siri, 21 - Perhaps the team's biggest story, possessing some of the best raw skills in the organization and being held back by horrendous plate discipline, he's having a really promising year. He's hitting .285 with a .334 OBP, 15 HR, 26 SB, 21 BBs, 82 Ks in 354 PAs. His chances of making the majors are very slim, but geez has he made progress this year. C Cassidy Brown, 22, has shown some plate discipline but has failed to match his hot hitting from Billings last year. OF Michael Beltre, 21 - A somewhat noteworthy prospect, he's had a so-so debut in Dayton, showing some plate discipline but struggling to hit. LHP Scott Moss, 22 - 115 strikeouts in 92 IPs, not too shabby. Only 4 HR allowed, 74 H, 36 BB in 92 IPs. RHP Tony Santillan, 20 - 87 Ks, 38 BBs, 70 Hs in 89 IPs. Looking forward to seeing him in Daytona next year. Billings Mustangs (Lots of interesting stuff) www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=60607fe0CF Miles Gordon, 4th round pick in 2015, is in his third season of rookie ball, and second at Billings, as a 19 year old. He had so-so numbers there last year, but has been great so far in 2017 - .373 average, .466 OBP, 13 BB, 15 K in 89 PAs. 3 HRs. Now playing CF and RF. I'm excited to see how he does next year, in full-season Dayton. 3b Leandro Santana, 20, really struggled to hit the past two years in the Arizona League. He has 5 BB and 25 Ks for a terrible ration, but has hit 6 HRs in 92 ABs. That's interesting, I think! He clearly needs some plate discipline if he hopes to do more than hit homeruns. 2b/3b Alejo Lopez, 21, is back in Billings for a second year, still demonstrating good place discipline. 8 BB and 8 Ks, hitting .366 with a .434 OBP with 3 HRs in 85 PAs. He had 1 HR in the previous two seasons combined. I thought he'd start this season in Dayton. CF Stuart Fairchild, 21, the recent second round pick, is hitting .299 with a .373 OBP. 4 BB, 7 K, 1 HR, 7 SBs in 75 PAs. Excited to see him move to Dayton next year. SS Jeter Downs, 18, the recent #32 overall pick, and the youngest hitter on his team, is hitting .316 with a .458 OBP. 9 BB and 7 Ks, 2 HR, 2 SB in 48 PAs. That makes me think a little of Taylor Trammell last year, who also demonstrated an unexpected understanding of the strike zone in Billings. Although Trammell only walked 23 times in his full season... C/1b/DH Jake Turnbull, 19, signed out of Australia a few years ago, he hit well in Arizona in 2015, but had an ugly season last year. His 2:13 BB:K ratio this year is pretty disappointing. And he doesn't seem to be being used as a catcher anymore. RHP Cory Thompson, 22, formerly SS Cory Thompson, has pitched 9 innings with 8 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, and 9 K. Now he needs to walk fewer batters, after drawing too few walks as a hitter. Still, he's early into his transition to pitcher, I'd say it's gone alright. Arizona League Reds (where not much interesting stuff is going on) www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=c6be1197
2b Cash Case, 18, the former 4th round pick with the memorably name, has 8 BB and 9 Ks in his first 58 PAs. Ugly .160 average, but he's a kid, plenty of time to turn things around. RHP Ricardo Smith, 21, making his domestic debut, after pitching fine in the Dominican league last year. He's a little old for Arizona, but has 28 Ks and 4 BBs in 18 IPs, with 19 hits. LHP Jacob Heatherly, 19, the recent third round pick. Through 3 games he's pitched 6 innings with 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, and 8 K.
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Post by mackenzie45220 on Jul 15, 2017 17:10:18 GMT -5
I'm bored, binge watching some TV, time for some low level minor league updates: Dayton Dragons (Much more exciting year than last year, with one of the worst Dragons teams in recent memory) www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=72ce98bfOF Taylor Trammell, 19 - Hitting .285 with a .359 OBP. 17 2b, 9 3b, 7 HR, 26 SB, 40 BB, 87 K in 373 PAs. He's having a good year despite his young age. C/DH Tyler Stephenson, 20 - Hitting .278 with a .374 OBP. 22 2b, 6 HR, 44 BB, 58 K in 348 PAs. He's leading the team in walks, and DH'ing when not behind the plate. He's looking like the rumored #1 overall pick candidate, despite his ugly 2016 season when he looked like a failed draft pick. I'm excited to see him in Daytona next year. OF Jose Siri, 21 - Perhaps the team's biggest story, possessing some of the best raw skills in the organization and being held back by horrendous plate discipline, he's having a really promising year. He's hitting .285 with a .334 OBP, 15 HR, 26 SB, 21 BBs, 82 Ks in 354 PAs. His chances of making the majors are very slim, but geez has he made progress this year. C Cassidy Brown, 22, has shown some plate discipline but has failed to match his hot hitting from Billings last year. OF Michael Beltre, 21 - A somewhat noteworthy prospect, he's had a so-so debut in Dayton, showing some plate discipline but struggling to hit. LHP Scott Moss, 22 - 115 strikeouts in 92 IPs, not too shabby. Only 4 HR allowed, 74 H, 36 BB in 92 IPs. RHP Tony Santillan, 20 - 87 Ks, 38 BBs, 70 Hs in 89 IPs. Looking forward to seeing him in Daytona next year. Billings Mustangs (Lots of interesting stuff) www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=60607fe0CF Miles Gordon, 4th round pick in 2015, is in his third season of rookie ball, and second at Billings, as a 19 year old. He had so-so numbers there last year, but has been great so far in 2017 - .373 average, .466 OBP, 13 BB, 15 K in 89 PAs. 3 HRs. Now playing CF and RF. I'm excited to see how he does next year, in full-season Dayton. 3b Leandro Santana, 20, really struggled to hit the past two years in the Arizona League. He has 5 BB and 25 Ks for a terrible ration, but has hit 6 HRs in 92 ABs. That's interesting, I think! He clearly needs some plate discipline if he hopes to do more than hit homeruns. 2b/3b Alejo Lopez, 21, is back in Billings for a second year, still demonstrating good place discipline. 8 BB and 8 Ks, hitting .366 with a .434 OBP with 3 HRs in 85 PAs. He had 1 HR in the previous two seasons combined. I thought he'd start this season in Dayton. CF Stuart Fairchild, 21, the recent second round pick, is hitting .299 with a .373 OBP. 4 BB, 7 K, 1 HR, 7 SBs in 75 PAs. Excited to see him move to Dayton next year. SS Jeter Downs, 18, the recent #32 overall pick, and the youngest hitter on his team, is hitting .316 with a .458 OBP. 9 BB and 7 Ks, 2 HR, 2 SB in 48 PAs. That makes me think a little of Taylor Trammell last year, who also demonstrated an unexpected understanding of the strike zone in Billings. Although Trammell only walked 23 times in his full season... C/1b/DH Jake Turnbull, 19, signed out of Australia a few years ago, he hit well in Arizona in 2015, but had an ugly season last year. His 2:13 BB:K ratio this year is pretty disappointing. And he doesn't seem to be being used as a catcher anymore. RHP Cory Thompson, 22, formerly SS Cory Thompson, has pitched 9 innings with 8 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, and 9 K. Now he needs to walk fewer batters, after drawing too few walks as a hitter. Still, he's early into his transition to pitcher, I'd say it's gone alright. Arizona League Reds (where not much interesting stuff is going on) www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=c6be1197
2b Cash Case, 18, the former 4th round pick with the memorably name, has 8 BB and 9 Ks in his first 58 PAs. Ugly .160 average, but he's a kid, plenty of time to turn things around. RHP Ricardo Smith, 21, making his domestic debut, after pitching fine in the Dominican league last year. He's a little old for Arizona, but has 28 Ks and 4 BBs in 18 IPs, with 19 hits. LHP Jacob Heatherly, 19, the recent third round pick. Through 3 games he's pitched 6 innings with 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, and 8 K. I'm getting kinda excited about Lopez. Anyone who strikes out less than Peraza did at the minor league level, he plays middle infield, and his power grades out better than 20 (plenty of doubles and triples this year too). Very interesting.
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Post by desfipper on Jul 17, 2017 15:30:06 GMT -5
I don't see how you can be optimistic about any of these guys with the kind of numbers they put up.
I guess you got to know your scouts. Hopefully, our sytem isn't 2-24 bad, like Daytona's record.
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Post by redsfanman on Jul 23, 2017 15:49:20 GMT -5
I don't see how you can be optimistic about any of these guys with the kind of numbers they put up. I guess you got to know your scouts. Hopefully, our sytem isn't 2-24 bad, like Daytona's record. The Reds have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, by most credible sources. The minors are about player development, not win-loss record. "2-24 bad"? I don't know what that refers to, probably troll speak. Daytona is definitely hindered by poor starting pitching, like Dayton was last year, while Pensacola had pretty good pitching. Louisville's staff has been raided by the Reds every week, filling in for a full MLB rotation on the DL. Daytona is now hurt by Senzel, Long, and LaValley getting promoted. Such is how things in MLB work. As far as 'knowing your scouts', I point to Vladimir Gutierrez, pitching in Daytona. He has a 4.67 ERA but pretty impressive peripherals, for a 21 year old making his domestic debut. He might not have helped Daytona to win much, but he's a solid prospect having an interesting season, and has shown plenty of signs of having a MLB career ahead of him.
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Post by mackenzie45220 on Jul 26, 2017 9:03:30 GMT -5
Alejo Lopez has not struck out in his last 39 plate appearances, he walks a bit, he plays up the middle, and his power, while not necessarily great, based on this season, grades out better than 20. Probably about 40. Is he a notable prospect?
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Post by kinsm on Jul 26, 2017 9:11:39 GMT -5
He's 21 years old repeating RK Billings and can only play 2B, his body is probably done filling out and it's not one for much power.
If he's a 40 grade IYO then he'd rank about 25-50 in the prospect rankings for the Reds organization. I'd probably put him as a 30-35 grade on the 80 scale.
Has some potential, but he probably should have gone to Arizona State.
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Post by kinsm on Aug 21, 2017 2:40:53 GMT -5
Playing for Team USA Or On The Cape Counts For A Lot Numbers Game August 18, 2017 By Matt Eddy If history is any guide, several Top 10 Prospects from the Cape Cod League and the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team this summer will become first-round picks in 2018. Of the 128 college position players drafted in the first round this century, 107 played in the Cape or for Team USA the summer preceding their draft years. That's 84 percent. Overall - Cape - USA - Neither 1 to 10 - 18 - 20 - 2 11 to 20 - 15 - 17 - 12 21 Plus - 27 - 11 - 6 Total - 60 - 48 - 20 Sorting those first-round college position players into three tiers based on overall selection number, we find that slightly more top-20 overall picks suited up for Team USA, rather than playing in the Cape, as rising juniors. Among this group of first-round college position players, only Team USA's Dansby Swanson in 2015 went No. 1 overall. Team USA alums also were more likely to go No. 2 overall than their Cape counterparts. Their ranks include Rickie Weeks (2003), Alex Gordon (2005), Pedro Alvarez (2008), Kris Bryant (2013) and Alex Bregman (2015), compared with Dustin Ackley (2009) and Nick Senzel (2016) representing the Cape. In fact, major league teams preferred Team USA players to Cape players by a margin of 13-5 when choosing a college position player with a top-four overall pick. Granted, many Team USA alums also are Cape alums, too, having played there as rising sophomores. While position players from both summer-league sources were similarly popular as top-10 overall picks, just the mere fact that they showcased for scouts and other decision-makers on the Cape or with Team USA counted for a lot. Just two college position players in the past 18 drafts went top 10 overall without playing in the Cape or with Team USA the preceding summer: Hunter Dozier and Andrew Benintendi. Dozier, a Stephen F. Austin shortstop, played in the Northwoods League in 2012, batting .257/.337/.380 in 59 games. The Royals drafted Dozier eighth overall in 2013 as a signability pick to free up money to sign supplemental first-round lefthander Sean Manaea . . . the Cape's No. 1 prospect in 2012. Benintendi burst on the scene as a draft-eligible sophomore outfielder for Arkansas in 2015, when the Red Sox selected him seventh overall. He didn't play summer ball after his freshman season in 2014 to focus on improving his strength and conditioning. Dating back to the 2000 draft, Dozier and Benintendi are the only exceptions to the rule that the very best college position players secure their top-10 draft status on the Cape or with Team USA. Making Sense Of Cape StatsThe Collegiate National Team plays a short exhibition schedule and doesn't participate in a league format that makes statistical accounting easy. The Cape Cod League, on the other hand, provides complete statistics back through 2000 on its Web site. The league also plays about twice as many games as Team USA, boosting the size of the sample, and thus the reliability of the data. The following analysis considers all college position players who: (1) were selected in the top three rounds of the draft from 2001 to 2017, and (2) batted at least 100 times on the Cape in the summer preceding their draft year. Using a basic version of the index statistic adjusted OPS+, which compares players' on-base and slugging percentages with the league averages, we learn that the following 10 players performed the best with a bat. No. - Player - Pos - Year - PA - OPS+ 1 - Conor Gillaspie - 3B - 2007 - 133 - 235 2 - James Ramsey - OF - 2011 - 140 - 212 3 - Daniel Carte - OF - 2004 - 177 - 211 4 - Nick Senzel - 3B - 2015 - 167 - 2035 - Dane Phillips - C - 2011 - 154 - 200 6 - Todd Linden - OF - 2000 - 184 - 198 7 - Todd Cunningham - OF - 2009 - 175 - 198 8 - Victor Roache - OF - 2011 - 166 - 198 9 - Matt Wieters - C - 2006 - 150 - 198 10 - A.J. Pollock - OF - 2008 - 180 - 193 Batting success on the Cape clearly does not correlate with future pro success. Of the above group, only Matt Wieters and A.J. Pollock produced lengthy, productive big league careers. The Reds' Nick Senzel, currently at Double-A Pensacola, is one of the top prospects in baseball and has a chance to join them. Twenty-four players from this group have produced at least three wins above replacement, according to Baseball-Reference.com, in their careers.The best future big leaguers who fall outside the group, i.e. those drafted outside the top three rounds, are Kevin Youkilis, Michael Bourn, Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford and Jason Bartlett. On the flip side, the following 20 players drafted in the top three rounds performed the poorest with a bat in the Cape the preceding year, according to adjusted OPS+. No. - Player - Pos - Year - PA 1 - Brian Bixler - SS - 2003 - 125 2 - Tony Giarratano - SS - 2002 - 162 3 - B.A. Vollmuth - 3B - 2010 - 138 4 - Nick Moresi - OF - 2005 - 147 5 - Vince Sinisi - 1B - 2002 - 163 6 - Jeff Fiorentino - OF - 2003 - 143 7 - Dallas McPherson - 3B - 2000 - 128 8 - Jackson Williams - C - 2006 - 109 9 - Drew Meyer - SS - 2001 - 171 10 - Harrison Bader - OF - 2014 - 149 11 - Brian Anderson - 2B - 2013 - 144 12 - Mike Rodriguez - OF - 2000 - 163 13 - Adam Brett Walker - 1B - 2011 - 142 14 - Josh Rutledge - SS - 2009 - 122 15 - Tony Thomas - 2B - 2006 - 119 16 - Nick Ahmed - SS - 2010 - 167 17 - Devin Lohman - SS - 2009 - 139 18 - Stuart Fairchild - OF - 2016 - 11919 - Jacob May - OF - 2012 - 170 20 - Corey Brown - OF - 2006 - 147 Not many players record an adjusted OPS+ lower than 90 (in 100 or more PAs) in the Cape and then go on to become top-three-rounds picks the following spring. In fact, the above is the entire list since 2000. What’s more, not a single player on the list has broken through to be an impact player in the big leagues. That could be bad news for prospect-eligibles who appear here, namely Harrison Bader of the Cardinals, Brian Anderson, now a third baseman in the Marlins system, and Stuart Fairchild, a Reds second-rounder from Wake Forest this year. If you're looking for a silver lining, two players who scuffled on the Cape in 100 PAs or more and have gone on to achieve in the big leagues: shortstop Brandon Crawford (77 OPS+ in 2007) and outfielder Brandon Guyer (63 OPS+ in 2006). Read more at www.baseballamerica.com/draft/playing-team-usa-cape-counts-lot/#em8jAXBetLDuVsAM.99
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Post by redsfanman on Sept 13, 2017 22:32:20 GMT -5
Watching Tyler Mahle pitch, I want to share some season-ending thoughts I have on some minor leaguers (well, plus two September bench players):
Yays! OF Phil Ervin, 25 - He got off to a hot start in Louisville in April before making his MLB debut, at which point he barely (if at all) played. When he returned to Louisville in May he went into a massive slump. He eventually broke out of it, and finished with decent season numbers. It's easy to find ways to criticize him - won't be an elite defensive centerfielder, low batting average - but I've continued to see and read about a well rounded player who can hit for some power, steal some bases, draw walks, and get on base. He'll probably never be a fan favorite without a single off-the-chart tool, but he can generate value in lots of ways. He only has 37 ABs so far with the Reds but he's looked good and taken advantage when he's played. I hope he's the 4th outfielder next year, and gets a bunch of playing time.
INF Alex Blandino, 24 - Perhaps the best minor league season by anyone who didn't get much of any attention for it, putting up a .382 OBP between AA and AAA, hitting better after his promotion. It's been a great comeback year after a down 2016 season. His numbers look like an aspiring Matt Carpenter (who became a regular at 26 and started hitting for power at age 29). I think he could be a useful and versatile piece of the OBP-centric future Reds. I was surprised he didn't get a September call-up, for which I see two explanations... maybe he was dealing with some minor injury, or they're worried about his service time like with Nick Senzel.
2b Dilson Herrera, 23 - I think too much of the discussion is over whether he's 'ready' for MLB, or if he needs more development time. He proved he could hit AAA pitching in 2015, and again in 2016. He had a down year in 2017 but I don't think it's a matter of whether he's learned or developed... the discussion SHOULD be over the status of his shoulder. Now he's had surgery, hopefully he makes a full recovery and gets past his long lingering shoulder problems. The shoulder, not youth or inexperience, is the only reason he's not a big leaguer already. And the reason why he's had trouble hitting recently in AAA.
SS Zach Vincej, 26 - It'd be interesting to know what the Reds see in him. That he was added to the 40 man roster, I think, suggests they like him enough to hold onto him over the winter, as a Paul Janish-esq slick fielding no hit shortstop. He had a solid but unremarkable season at Louisville offensively. He might have better plate discipline than Jose Peraza while being a better fielder, but he lacks Peraza's speed and hit tool. And he's several years older than Peraza.
RHP Jimmy Herget, 24 - I'm really looking forward to seeing him, and his sidearm delivery, in 2018. It would've been nice to see him this September, but if they didn't want to give him a roster spot over the winter, fine.
RHP Tanner Rainley, 24 - He struck out 104 in 62 IPs, with 29 H and 33 BBs. He walked way too many guys and faced younger competition, but still, good numbers. I look forward to seeing him in 2018.
RHP Zach Weiss, 25 - After missing 2016 he had a strong 2017 between Daytona and Pensacola. I assume he begins 2018 in Louisville. I'm interested in seeing him, eventually, to see how he lives up to his minor league numbers.
2b Shed Long, 22 - I highly recommend C.Trent's Great American Dream podcast, largely about Shed Long. He struggled some at AA but I think he'll get past it, although I wouldn't be surprised to see him spend all of 2018 in AA Pensacola. With a great first half maybe he gets a midseason promotion to AAA. I think he'll have to wait until 2019 for his long awaited call, though.
RHP Tony Santillan, 20 - The Reds have had a bunch of bad luck with second round picks in the past decade, especially with raw skills guys (Gabrielle Rosa, Tanner Rahier, and Kevin Franklin out of high school, Ryan LaMarre and Taylor Sparks out of college).. of course they also got Cozart, Hamilton... and jury is out on Tanner Rainey and Chris Okey... but so far so good for Tony Santillan. He struck out 128 batters in 128 innings for Dayton, with a 3.38 ERA. For a young raw skills guy throwing 100mph I'm not sure what more we could have hoped for him in his first year in full-season pro ball. Obviously he needs to cut his BBs, but that shouldn't keep him from a promotion to Daytona. He's a ways away from the majors, but could start making top 100 prospect lists in the next year or two.
RHP Jose Lopez, 24 - A 6th round pick in 2014, he had what might be considered a breakout year, especially upon his promotion to Pensacola. I'd barely heard of him before this season, and now he looks like the next starting prospect to debut. He was a lot better in AA than he ever was in Dayton or rookie ball.
LHP Scott Moss, 22 - One of the less publicized success stories this year, he pitched great in Dayton, striking out 156 in 135.2 innings. He was a college guy who fell to the 4th round in 2016 after Tommy John surgery. Almost certainly headed to Daytona in 2018.
CF Miles Gordon, 19 - After a mediocre year in Billings in 2016 he did great this year, hitting .319 with a .389 OBP and 8 HRs. He was a 4th round pick in 2015. I'm excited to see how he can do in full season Dayton in 2018. He was promoted there, briefly, for their playoff run.
INF Alejo Lopez, 21 - A Mexican high schooler the Reds drafted in 2015, he had his second year in Billings where he walked nearly as much as he struck out, while hitting for a good average. Since he doesn't get much attention I doubt he has big raw tools, but the results have been promising for a 27th round pick.
OF Andy Sugilio, 20 - Who??? The Dominican kid had a nice season in Billings, hitting .345 with a .390 OBP. Too early to make much of it, but he had a great year after struggling to hit in the DSL team and Arizona League.
Nays! RF Aristides Aquino, 23 - I never brought into the hype of Aquino, who had pretty bad plate discipline at A+ Daytona, so I wasn't surprised to see him struggle with the jump to AA. He'll return there next year, and I don't expect him to do a lot better the second time around. That brings me to...
CF Jose Siri, 22 - He's been like THE story of the Reds farm system this year, with his long hitting streak, 24 HRs, and 46 SBs. He must be the best combination of raw tools in the whole system, and had a tremendous year. That said, 33 BBs and 130 Ks? I'm curious how he'll do in Daytona, but realllllllly skeptical he'll do any better than Aquino in AA. Aquino and Siri are fascinating guys to have in a farm system, but I'm really skeptical either will contribute much in the majors. Hopefully Siri surprises me.
SS Alfredo Rodriguez, 23 - He finished his year hitting .253 with a .294 OBP. Better luck next year!
C Chris Okey, 22 - Probably the worst healthy season by any high Reds draft pick in recent years. We've seen lots of bad seasons by lots of prospects, but usually attributed to injuries or something. He ended the season hitting .185 in Daytona. It'll be interesting to see what they do with him next year - return him to Daytona, or have him switch spots with Tyler Stephenson? Somehow Chris Okey was in his league's All Star Game I think I saw. He really needs a strong 2018 season.
RHP Jonathan Crawford, 25 - The big name in some trade that also returned that Suarez bum, he walked a remarkable 79 batters in 87.2 innings with 44 Ks and 93 hits. Those are such lost cause numbers that the only thing left to do is move him to the bullpen and see what happens.
Guys I'm curious about... like, where the team assigns them and stuff. C Tyler Stephenson, 21 - He was much improved in his second go around in Dayton, hitting well and showing good plate discipline. His season ended in July with his thumb injury, after 80 games and 295 ABs. I assume he'll be promoted to A+ Daytona, but a return to Dayton might not be out of the question. For one thing, Chris Okey hasn't earned a promotion out of Daytona.
TJ Friedl, 22 - It's not so much that he had a bad year, but I kinda expected him to do better as an advanced college hitter in his first full professional season. Instead he hit a respectable .273 with a .352 OBP between Dayton and Daytona. He only stole 16 bases, despite his speed and reaching base a good amount. I assume he returns to Daytona next year, but a promotion to AA Pensacola wouldn't surprise me either.
RHP Vladimir Gutierrez, 21 - He did well with 94 Ks and 19 BBs in 103 innings for Daytona, but with a 4.46 ERA it'll be interesting if he starts out 2018 back in Daytona, or moves up to Pensacola. I could see it going either way.
New Draftees: RHP Hunter Greene, 18 - Only threw 4.1 innings for Billings before heading to the instructional leagues. I'd like to see him start in full season Dayton in 2018, but extended spring training followed by a full season in Billings seems to make some sense, too. As the #2 overall pick I guess he'll go to Dayton, a scenario that might not make as sense for someone lesser known, less publicized, and drafted later.
SS Jeter Downs, 19 - Assigned to Billings out of high school, he did fine, finishing with a .370 OBP with 27 BBs and 32 Ks. It can't be easy to go straight from high school to suddenly facing a drastically improved level of competition in guys mostly out of college - probably saw pitches he'd never seen before. I'm excited to see how he does in Dayton next year.
CF Stuart Fairchild, 21 - I'd call that a very strong debut in Billings. I'm very excited to see how he does next year, presumably in Dayton.
LHP Jacob Heatherly, 19 - I have no idea if he'll be sent to Dayton in 2018, or go to extended spring training and wait for Billings to start up. He probably returns to Billings, following the path Tony Santillan followed.
2b Cash Case, 18 - Hit .180 in his Arizona League debut, but with okay peripherals. The Reds really like him though, as a way over-slot 4th round pick. Definitely the worst season of the top Reds draft picks, but he's really young.
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Post by redskoolaiddrinker on Sept 14, 2017 21:10:19 GMT -5
Watching Tyler Mahle pitch, I want to share some season-ending thoughts I have on some minor leaguers (well, plus two September bench players): Yays!OF Phil Ervin, 25 - He got off to a hot start in Louisville in April before making his MLB debut, at which point he barely (if at all) played. When he returned to Louisville in May he went into a massive slump. He eventually broke out of it, and finished with decent season numbers. It's easy to find ways to criticize him - won't be an elite defensive centerfielder, low batting average - but I've continued to see and read about a well rounded player who can hit for some power, steal some bases, draw walks, and get on base. He'll probably never be a fan favorite without a single off-the-chart tool, but he can generate value in lots of ways. He only has 37 ABs so far with the Reds but he's looked good and taken advantage when he's played. I hope he's the 4th outfielder next year, and gets a bunch of playing time. INF Alex Blandino, 24 - Perhaps the best minor league season by anyone who didn't get much of any attention for it, putting up a .382 OBP between AA and AAA, hitting better after his promotion. It's been a great comeback year after a down 2016 season. His numbers look like an aspiring Matt Carpenter (who became a regular at 26 and started hitting for power at age 29). I think he could be a useful and versatile piece of the OBP-centric future Reds. I was surprised he didn't get a September call-up, for which I see two explanations... maybe he was dealing with some minor injury, or they're worried about his service time like with Nick Senzel. 2b Dilson Herrera, 23 - I think too much of the discussion is over whether he's 'ready' for MLB, or if he needs more development time. He proved he could hit AAA pitching in 2015, and again in 2016. He had a down year in 2017 but I don't think it's a matter of whether he's learned or developed... the discussion SHOULD be over the status of his shoulder. Now he's had surgery, hopefully he makes a full recovery and gets past his long lingering shoulder problems. The shoulder, not youth or inexperience, is the only reason he's not a big leaguer already. And the reason why he's had trouble hitting recently in AAA. SS Zach Vincej, 26 - It'd be interesting to know what the Reds see in him. That he was added to the 40 man roster, I think, suggests they like him enough to hold onto him over the winter, as a Paul Janish-esq slick fielding no hit shortstop. He had a solid but unremarkable season at Louisville offensively. He might have better plate discipline than Jose Peraza while being a better fielder, but he lacks Peraza's speed and hit tool. And he's several years older than Peraza. RHP Jimmy Herget, 24 - I'm really looking forward to seeing him, and his sidearm delivery, in 2018. It would've been nice to see him this September, but if they didn't want to give him a roster spot over the winter, fine. RHP Tanner Rainley, 24 - He struck out 104 in 62 IPs, with 29 H and 33 BBs. He walked way too many guys and faced younger competition, but still, good numbers. I look forward to seeing him in 2018. RHP Zach Weiss, 25 - After missing 2016 he had a strong 2017 between Daytona and Pensacola. I assume he begins 2018 in Louisville. I'm interested in seeing him, eventually, to see how he lives up to his minor league numbers. 2b Shed Long, 22 - I highly recommend C.Trent's Great American Dream podcast, largely about Shed Long. He struggled some at AA but I think he'll get past it, although I wouldn't be surprised to see him spend all of 2018 in AA Pensacola. With a great first half maybe he gets a midseason promotion to AAA. I think he'll have to wait until 2019 for his long awaited call, though. RHP Tony Santillan, 20 - The Reds have had a bunch of bad luck with second round picks in the past decade, especially with raw skills guys (Gabrielle Rosa, Tanner Rahier, and Kevin Franklin out of high school, Ryan LaMarre and Taylor Sparks out of college).. of course they also got Cozart, Hamilton... and jury is out on Tanner Rainey and Chris Okey... but so far so good for Tony Santillan. He struck out 128 batters in 128 innings for Dayton, with a 3.38 ERA. For a young raw skills guy throwing 100mph I'm not sure what more we could have hoped for him in his first year in full-season pro ball. Obviously he needs to cut his BBs, but that shouldn't keep him from a promotion to Daytona. He's a ways away from the majors, but could start making top 100 prospect lists in the next year or two. RHP Jose Lopez, 24 - A 6th round pick in 2014, he had what might be considered a breakout year, especially upon his promotion to Pensacola. I'd barely heard of him before this season, and now he looks like the next starting prospect to debut. He was a lot better in AA than he ever was in Dayton or rookie ball. LHP Scott Moss, 22 - One of the less publicized success stories this year, he pitched great in Dayton, striking out 156 in 135.2 innings. He was a college guy who fell to the 4th round in 2016 after Tommy John surgery. Almost certainly headed to Daytona in 2018. CF Miles Gordon, 19 - After a mediocre year in Billings in 2016 he did great this year, hitting .319 with a .389 OBP and 8 HRs. He was a 4th round pick in 2015. I'm excited to see how he can do in full season Dayton in 2018. He was promoted there, briefly, for their playoff run. INF Alejo Lopez, 21 - A Mexican high schooler the Reds drafted in 2015, he had his second year in Billings where he walked nearly as much as he struck out, while hitting for a good average. Since he doesn't get much attention I doubt he has big raw tools, but the results have been promising for a 27th round pick. OF Andy Sugilio, 20 - Who??? The Dominican kid had a nice season in Billings, hitting .345 with a .390 OBP. Too early to make much of it, but he had a great year after struggling to hit in the DSL team and Arizona League. Nays!RF Aristides Aquino, 23 - I never brought into the hype of Aquino, who had pretty bad plate discipline at A+ Daytona, so I wasn't surprised to see him struggle with the jump to AA. He'll return there next year, and I don't expect him to do a lot better the second time around. That brings me to... CF Jose Siri, 22 - He's been like THE story of the Reds farm system this year, with his long hitting streak, 24 HRs, and 46 SBs. He must be the best combination of raw tools in the whole system, and had a tremendous year. That said, 33 BBs and 130 Ks? I'm curious how he'll do in Daytona, but realllllllly skeptical he'll do any better than Aquino in AA. Aquino and Siri are fascinating guys to have in a farm system, but I'm really skeptical either will contribute much in the majors. Hopefully Siri surprises me. SS Alfredo Rodriguez, 23 - He finished his year hitting .253 with a .294 OBP. Better luck next year! C Chris Okey, 22 - Probably the worst healthy season by any high Reds draft pick in recent years. We've seen lots of bad seasons by lots of prospects, but usually attributed to injuries or something. He ended the season hitting .185 in Daytona. It'll be interesting to see what they do with him next year - return him to Daytona, or have him switch spots with Tyler Stephenson? Somehow Chris Okey was in his league's All Star Game I think I saw. He really needs a strong 2018 season. RHP Jonathan Crawford, 25 - The big name in some trade that also returned that Suarez bum, he walked a remarkable 79 batters in 87.2 innings with 44 Ks and 93 hits. Those are such lost cause numbers that the only thing left to do is move him to the bullpen and see what happens. Guys I'm curious about... like, where the team assigns them and stuff.C Tyler Stephenson, 21 - He was much improved in his second go around in Dayton, hitting well and showing good plate discipline. His season ended in July with his thumb injury, after 80 games and 295 ABs. I assume he'll be promoted to A+ Daytona, but a return to Dayton might not be out of the question. For one thing, Chris Okey hasn't earned a promotion out of Daytona. TJ Friedl, 22 - It's not so much that he had a bad year, but I kinda expected him to do better as an advanced college hitter in his first full professional season. Instead he hit a respectable .273 with a .352 OBP between Dayton and Daytona. He only stole 16 bases, despite his speed and reaching base a good amount. I assume he returns to Daytona next year, but a promotion to AA Pensacola wouldn't surprise me either. RHP Vladimir Gutierrez, 21 - He did well with 94 Ks and 19 BBs in 103 innings for Daytona, but with a 4.46 ERA it'll be interesting if he starts out 2018 back in Daytona, or moves up to Pensacola. I could see it going either way. New Draftees: RHP Hunter Greene, 18 - Only threw 4.1 innings for Billings before heading to the instructional leagues. I'd like to see him start in full season Dayton in 2018, but extended spring training followed by a full season in Billings seems to make some sense, too. As the #2 overall pick I guess he'll go to Dayton, a scenario that might not make as sense for someone lesser known, less publicized, and drafted later. SS Jeter Downs, 19 - Assigned to Billings out of high school, he did fine, finishing with a .370 OBP with 27 BBs and 32 Ks. It can't be easy to go straight from high school to suddenly facing a drastically improved level of competition in guys mostly out of college - probably saw pitches he'd never seen before. I'm excited to see how he does in Dayton next year. CF Stuart Fairchild, 21 - I'd call that a very strong debut in Billings. I'm very excited to see how he does next year, presumably in Dayton. LHP Jacob Heatherly, 19 - I have no idea if he'll be sent to Dayton in 2018, or go to extended spring training and wait for Billings to start up. He probably returns to Billings, following the path Tony Santillan followed. 2b Cash Case, 18 - Hit .180 in his Arizona League debut, but with okay peripherals. The Reds really like him though, as a way over-slot 4th round pick. Definitely the worst season of the top Reds draft picks, but he's really young. Didn't realize that Dilaon Herrera was that young. I really enjoy these types of posts by you. It's rare we have ones where you're not a d-bag.
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Post by waitehoyt on Sept 15, 2017 15:55:31 GMT -5
Given the unusual circumstance of a minor league catcher spending a year in the majors - what is your expectation for Stuart Turner - assuming he is in AAA next year. Will he acquire the skills with a bat necessary to EARN his way up?
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Post by kinsm on Sept 17, 2017 10:33:42 GMT -5
Given the unusual circumstance of a minor league catcher spending a year in the majors - what is your expectation for Stuart Turner - assuming he is in AAA next year. Will he acquire the skills with a bat necessary to EARN his way up? If I were the Reds; Turner would be one of the first casualties on the 40 man roster this winter. Keep in mind, they didn't draft him because they saw untapped future greatness, but because they needed a near MLB-ready cheap 3rd catcher as a standin for Mesoraco in case he went down again. I'd DFA him, and then outright him if he clears waivers. If he didn't clear, then all they need to do is find another player just like him before spring camps (not that hard to do).
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Post by redsfanman on Sept 22, 2017 18:09:14 GMT -5
Didn't realize that Dilaon Herrera was that young. I really enjoy these types of posts by you. It's rare we have ones where you're not a d-bag. Thanks! When I'm on a rant I don't as much feel the need to respond to stupid opinions, and that's what really causes problems! The sky is BLUE, dangit! It's hard to argue with somebody who feels otherwise. If they want to argue whether that's prettier than a sunset, that's just an opinion, but people insisting the sky is green does make me angry. Yep, he turns 24 in March. After starting his pro career at age 17 and debuting for the Mets at 20 in 2014 it feels like he's been around forever. But, such important details seem, to me, like part of being reasonable. Through his age 23 season he's hit .289 with a .345 OBP in 259 games in AAA. From how Dilson Herrera is often discussed you'd think he'd hit .200 there in his age 25 season. As I said I'm often surprised that the shoulder, for better or worse, is so often left out of discussions of his readiness, when it's the primary factor. It'll ultimately decide whether he's a MLB success or a bust.
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