March 21, 2014

Minor League Update

Spring Training Games of March 20

by Jeff Moore

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• Cody Asche, 3B, Phillies: 0-5, 2 K. Asche, who was thought to be the incumbent third baseman in Philadelphia this season, is now hitting just .139 this spring. Stats don’t matter much this time of year unless you’re an unproven prospect who is really struggling. Asche isn’t technically a prospect any more, but I made an exception today because he’s the only thing blocking…
• Maikel Franco, 3B, Phillies: 0-4, K. There would be more heat on Asche if Franco were having a good spring, but he’s been as putrid as Asche (and the rest of the Phillies offense, for that matter). Franco, however, will head to Triple-A where he can get things fixed under the dimmed lights of the International League.
• Kolten Wong, 2B, Cardinals: 1-1, 2B. Wong is having no such troubles this spring in holding on to the job that was essentially given to him when the Cardinals traded David Freese this winter. Wong has hit all month and could be making a case for hitting in front of his talented teammates instead of behind them.
• Billy Hamilton, OF, Reds: 2-4, R, K. If Hamilton hits anywhere near the .325 mark he's managed this spring, he’s going to be a dynamic force in the National League.
• Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Rays: 4 IP, 6 H, 4 ER (3 R), BB, 3 K. Not a strong appearance for Odorizzi, who has generally been pretty good as he prepares to take on the fifth spot in the Rays rotation this year. He did notch his second spring training save, however, so… yeah.
• Arodys Vizcaino, RHP, Cubs: 1 IP, 0 R. Cubs fans have high hopes for Vizcaino as a late-inning arm, and that outcome is still within reach. For now, it’s just good to see him healthy again after two years without throwing a regular-season pitch.
• Michael Choice, OF, Rangers: 0-4, K. Choice is expected to make the Rangers' roster, partly thanks to the strong spring he’s having, and should be the right-handed half of a platoon with Mitch Moreland. Don’t be surprised to see him steal more at-bats than that, however, in what is certain to be a musical chairs lineup for Texas this season.