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April 8, 2011 Future ShockOpening Day MadnessNearly every weekday, Baseball Prospectus subscribers will get a Minor League Update with write-ups on three to six (sometimes more, you never know) prospects and plenty of tidbits (usually 20 or so) on notable performances in the big leagues, as well as observations from the people who were there. Those that follow me on Twitter (@kevin_goldstein) usually get some brief previews the night before. But yesterday was special, so here's an expanded version.
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Mobile (Double-A Mobile): 2-for-4, 2 HR (2), 2 R, 4 RBI, BB, K
Bryce Harper, OF, Nationals (Low-A Hagerstown): 2-for-4, RBI, K, SB, CS
Matt Harvey, RHP, Mets (High-A St. Lucie) and Shelby Miller, RHP, Cardinals (High-A Palm Beach)
Devin Mesoraco, C, Reds (Triple-A Louisville): 2-for-4, 2B, HR (1), K
Enny Romero, LHP, Rays (Low-A Bowling Green): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
Keyvius Sampson, RHP, Padres (Low-A Fort Wayne): 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K
Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees (Low-A Charleston): 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 R, 2 RBI, K
Jacob Turner, RHP, Tigers (Double-A Erie): 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K Others of Note Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros (High-A Lancaster): 2-for-4, 3B, R, K, SB. With Tim Collins in the majors, this is my new favorite short player in the minors. Lancaster will help him put up some big numbers. Chad Bettis, RHP, Rockies (High-A Modesto): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K. The second-round pick from last June has a fastball with above-average velocity and sink; he had an 8-0 ground-ball/fly-ball ratio last night. Bryce Brentz, OF, Red Sox (Low-A Greenville): 3-for-5, HR (1), R, RBI, K, CS. The 36th overall pick in last year's draft, Brentz had a brutal pro debut, batting .198 for short-season Lowell with 76 strikeouts in 69 games, but he has very real power. Darrell Ceciliani, OF, Mets (Low-A Savannah): 2-for-5, 2B, HR (1), 2 R, 2 RBI. He saw his stock rise last year with a big showing in the New York-Penn League. He's a plus runner with defense and hitting ability, but don't expect a power surge because of this one night. Christian Colon, SS, Royals (Double-A Northwest Arkansas): 2-for-4, HR (1), R, 2 RBI, K, CS. There are some scouts who think he can stick at shortstop, but will it matter with Alcides Escobar around? Jarred Cosart, RHP, Phillies (High-A Clearwater): 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 2 K. He just needs a healthy season to become a top-flight prospect. Cosart has better pure stuff than rotation-mates Brody Colvin and Trevor May. Zack Cox, 3B, Cardinals (High-A Palm Beach): 2-for-4, 2B, K. It was the full-season debut for this first-rounder. His bat will have to carry him, as his speed and defense are below average. Charlie Culberson, 2B, Giants (Double-A Richmond): 3-for-5, 2B, RBI, K. Culberson had a 2010 breakout in the California League and an even bigger showing in the Arizona Fall League; now he is finally playing (and hitting) in a more neutral environment. Chris Davis, 3B, Rangers (Triple-A Round Rock): 2-for-5, HR (1), R, 2 RBI, 2 K. There's nothing new here, as we all know Davis can mash Triple-A pitching. The question is whether his next big-league shot comes in Texas. Randall Delgado, RHP, Braves (Double-A Mississippi): 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K. He's not in the same league as Teheran, but in a less loaded system, he'd be much more well-known. Delgado has three average-to-plus pitches and plus command; he projects as an above-average big-league starter. Andy Dirks, OF, Tigers (Triple-A Toledo): 4-for-5, HR (1), 2 R, 2 RBI, K. The max-effort grinder should get to Detroit at some point during the year, but he is more of a good fourth outfielder than an everyday player. Brett Eibner, OF, Royals (Low-A Kane County): 1-for-3, HR (1), 2 R, RBI, BB, K. It was the pro debut for this second-round pick. He has plus power, speed, and arm, but he is going to strike out quite a bit. Daniel Fields, OF, Tigers (High-A Lakeland): 1-for-2, 3B, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB. He is still young for the level and still loaded with tools. If you are looking for a breakout sleeper, this might be your guy. Darren Ford, OF, Giants (Triple-A Fresno): 2-for-5, 2B, HR (1), K. If Andres Torres turns out to be a fluke, this is the next guy in line. He's an 80 runner, an excellent defender, and has power at times (like last night). Logan Forsythe, 2B, Padres (Triple-A Tucson): 2-for-3, 2 HR (2), 3 R, 4 RBI, 4 BB. He is already two-thirds of the way to last year's home-run total of three, thanks to a windy night in Colorado Springs. Forsythe is a second baseman with on-base skills and the ability to play the hot corner. He could have a good utilityman future. Grant Green, SS, Athletics (Double-A Midland): 1-for-3, HR (1), R, 2 RBI, BB. Green is one of the best offensive middle-infield prospects in the game, but far more attention will be paid to his defense this year after an error-plagued 2010. Brett Jackson, OF, Cubs (Double-A Tennessee): 2-for-4, 3B, R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, K. Jackson could be in Triple-A by July, and he could be in the big leagues by September. Fernando Martinez, OF, Mets (Triple-A Buffalo): 4-for-5, 2B, R. Don't worry, I'm sure he'll get hurt eventually. Manny Machado, SS, Orioles (Low-A Delmarva): 2-for-3, 3B, 2 RBI. This first-round pick drove in both Delmarva runs in his full-season debut; he is already the best shortstop prospect in the game. Deck McGuire, RHP, Blue Jays (High-A Dunedin): 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K. McGuire was among the most polished arms in last year's draft, so he should cruise through the Florida State League. The question will be how his stuff plays at the upper levels. Ramon Mendez, RHP, Rangers (Low-A Hickory): 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K. Acquired from the Red Sox in the Jarrod Saltalamacchia deal, Mendez hit 99 mph this spring while sitting in the mid-90s, but his secondary pitches lag well behind. Melky Mesa, OF, Yankees (Double-A Trenton): 2-for-5, 2B, R, RBI, K. Mesa created a ton of buzz this spring, and slugged 19 home runs at High-A Tampa last year—hardly an easy task. His aggressive approach could catch up to him at the advanced levels, but he is loaded with tools. Brad Meyers, RHP, Nationals (Double-A Harrisburg): 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K. Meyers is a pure finesse pitcher, but he's good enough at his craft to profile as a potential fifth starter. Mike Montgomery, LHP, Royals (Triple-A Omaha): 5 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 3 K. He wasn't so sharp after dominating in the Royals' Futures Game. Matt Moore, LHP, Rays (Double-A Montgomery): 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K. Moore has led the minor leagues in strikeouts over the last two years, and he certainly has the ability to do so again. Brandon Morrow, RHP, Blue Jays (High-A Dunedin): 2.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R (4 ER), 1 BB, 2 K, Not exactly the ideal rehab start. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, OF, Mets (Triple-A Buffalo): 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 R, RBI, BB, K. Captain Kirk has the potential for double digits in home runs and stolen bases, but no star-level tools. Andy Oliver, LHP, Tigers (Triple-A Toledo): 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K. It's hard to find lefties with his kind of size and velocity. With improved breaking stuff, he'll not only be in the big leagues, but he'll make an impact. Jordan Pacheco, C, Rockies (Triple-A Colorado Springs): 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 R, 2 RBI, SB, K. This converted catcher was one of the talks of Colorado's spring training, and he has done nothing but hit. He is still new to catching, and way too easy to run on. Wily Peralta, RHP, Brewers (Double-A Huntsville): 6 IP, 1H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K. It's an encouraging start after Peralta struggled at Double-A last year. Keep in mind that his best start of 2010 was also his first. Jurickson Profar, SS, Rangers (Low-A Hickory): 1-for-3, HR (1), R, RBI, K, SB, HBP. Power is not a huge part of his game, but he projects for double-digit home runs down the road to go with plus defense and speed. Clint Robinson, 1B/DH, Royals (Triple-A Omaha): 2-for-4, 2 HR (2), 2 R, 2 RBI, K. Almost a forgotten player in the system despite hitting .335/.410/.625 last year, Robinson's bat is his only tool, and there is no room for him in Kansas City. Joe Savery, 1B/DH, Phillies (High-A Clearwater): 4-for-4 2B, 2 R, BB. This former first-round pick is now trying to make it as a hitter after flopping on the mound. It's a long shot to be sure, but showed pro potential with the bat in college. Hayden Simpson, RHP, Cubs (Low-A Peoria): 3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K. He whiffed half of the hitters he faced in his pro debut while getting up to 94 mph with his fastball in the cold. Jonathan Singleton, OF, Phillies (High-A Clearwater): 3-for-5, R, RBI, K. Nobody questions the bat; but they do ask if can he become adequate in left field, which would give him a much clearer path to the big leagues. Giovanny Urshela, 3B, Indians (Low-A Lake County): 2-for-4, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB. Sleeper alert! This 19-year-old Colombian is an outstanding defensive prospect with a developing bat. Josh Vitters, 3B, Cubs (Double-A Tennessee): 3-for-5, 2B, 2 R. Vitters had one three-hit games in 63 Double-A contests last year; his swing is still among the sweetest around. Jemile Weeks, 2B, Athletics (Triple-A Sacramento): 2-for-5, 3B, R, 3 RBI. All he needs to do is stay healthy to take over at second base next year.
Kevin Goldstein is an author of Baseball Prospectus. 18 comments have been left for this article.
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Matt Moore 5 ip 2 h 1 r 0 bb 7 so
Hit two guys but if he doesn't have his typical early-season control struggles, watch out.