October 5, 2011

Future Shock Blog

Minor League Update: Games of October 4

by Kevin Goldstein

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• Matt Adams, 1B, Cardinals (Javelinas): 3-for-5, 2B, 3 R, 3 RBI, SB. Somewhere around 280 pounds and he stole a base; we need video.
• Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies (Rafters): 2-for-4, 2B, 2 R, RBI, BB. Minor League RBI leader impressed scouts as much with his defensive improvements this year as his hitting ability.
• Brad Boxberger, RHP, Reds (Desert Dogs): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K. Thrived in his first full year as a reliever; has chance to earn big league job next spring.
• Alex Castellanos, OF, Dodgers (Rafters): 3-for-6, 2B, 3B, 2 R, 3 RBI, K. Came out of nowhere this year, but scouts say the hitting ability is legit.
• Michael Choice, OF, Athletics (Desert Dogs): 3-for-5, 2B, HR (1), 2 R, 3 RBI. Plus-plus raw power in a system desperate for it.
• Jaff Decker, OF, Padres (Javelinas): 4-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB. Has a lot to prove after ugly .236/.373/.417 showing at Double-A.
• Adam Eaton, OF, Diamondbacks (Rafters): 2-for-4, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K. SB. The only real tool is the bat, and without a center field profile, he might be a tweener.
• Anthony Gose, OF, Blue Jays (Desert Dogs): 2-for-5, 2B, HR (1), 2 R, 3 RBI. Tools are incredible; still needs to convince that he can make consistent contact.
• Jedd Gyorko, 3B, Padres (Javelinas): 3-for-5, R, K. Minor League hit leader picking up where he left off; other tools fall short.
• Robbie Grossman, OF, Pirates (Solar Sox): 2-for-4, HR (1), R, 2 RBI, BB, K. On-base machine could improve stock greatly with strong performance against more advanced pitching.
• Josh Vitters, 1B, Cubs (Solar Sox): 2-for-4, 2 HR (2), 2 R, 5 RBI, SB. The progress is incremental, but it is in the right direction, and the swing is still awfully pretty.  

Kevin Goldstein is an author of Baseball Prospectus. 
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