March 6, 2014

Minor League Update

Spring Training Games of March 5

by Jeff Moore

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The Good

• Matt Skole, 3B, Nationals: 1-3, R, HR, 2 K. Skole’s power is for real, but the big news for the Nats is that he was back playing third base, something he hasn’t done in the regular season since 2012. He was moved to first base before tearing his UCL and missing most of the 2013 season, but he offers plus power and a patient approach at the plate.
• Xander Bogaerts, SS, Red Sox: 1-2, R, HR, BB, K. In case you wondered if the power is real… yeah, it’s real.
• Javier Baez, SS, Cubs: 1-3, R, HR, K. Baez has had 12 at-bats this spring, and he’s homered twice. Even by his standards, that’s good.
• Billy Hamilton, OF, Reds: 2-3, R. The Reds speedster doesn’t have to worry about making a case for a major-league roster spot, as he’s already been handed a starting role, but the more he hits, the more the Reds can justify batting him atop their lineup.

The Bad

• Anthony Ranaudo, RHP, Red Sox: 1 1/3 IP, 6 H, 5 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 0 K. After a strong first start, Ranaudo imploded on Wednesday, struggling with both command and control. Ranaudo’s biggest problem has been consistency, and this fluctuation from start to start is exactly what is keeping him from reaching his ceiling as a mid-rotation starter.
• Matt Purke, LHP, Nationals: 2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, BB, 2 K. Today’s bad portion of the MLU is apparently going to former college standouts who have failed to live up to their previous billings in pro ball. Purke is still far too inconsistent to be counted upon, and he is no longer the pitcher he was in his freshman year at TCU.
• Jesus Aguilar, 1B, Indians: 0-4, BB, K. After an incredibly hot winter, Aguilar is now 0-for-11 on the spring.

Notable Innings of Work*

• Shae Simmons, RHP, Braves: 1 IP, 2 K.
• Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, Astros: 2 IP, K.
• Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Blue Jays: 2 IP, 2 K. (And most importantly, no walks)
• Keyvius Sampson, RHP, Padres: 2 IP, 2 K.
• Deolis Guerra, RHP, Twins: 1 IP, H, BB, 3 K. Winter league standout continues to miss bats.

*During spring training, there are a lot of pitchers getting work in short stints that don’t really tell us a whole lot. I’ll include them here each night without commentary, because there’s not much you can tell from one inning unless it’s exemplary or disastrous, but it’s still nice to keep tabs on who’s getting work.