March 31, 2014

Minor League Update

Spring Training Games of March 28-29

by Jeff Moore

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Friday, March, 28th

• Travis d’Arnaud, C, Mets: 1-3, R, HR. It’s been a rough spring for d’Anaud, who is coming off of a rough 2013 season, so it’s good to see him end things on a high note. We’ve been waiting a while to see d’Arnaud in action, and in the city of New York, it’ll be helpful for him to get off to a good start.
  
  
• Marcus Stroman, RHP, Blue Jays: 1 2/3 IP, 2 H, R, K. Unfortunately, this was one of Stroman’s better outings of the spring, as he allowed only d’Arnaud’s home run. Leaving balls up in the zone and getting hit was a theme of Stroman’s spring and is exactly what he cannot afford to do. It’s not a long-term problem yet, though as a short pitcher, he is susceptible to being up in the zone. He’ll get a chance to remedy it in Triple-A and should be in the majors by mid-summer.
  
  
• Michael Choice, OF, Rangers: 2-2, R, HR. Choice took his hot spring with him to San Antonio for an exhibition tune-up against the Astros. Choice will have to fight for playing time at first, but if he hits for the kind of power he showed this spring (five home runs this March), he’ll work his way into the lineup on a regular basis.
  
  
• Matt Wisler, RHP, Padres: 1 IP, 4 H, 7 R, 2 BB. When the Padres needed an additional starter late in spring training, Wisler was thought to be in consideration for the spot. This start did not help. Wisler realistically needs more time in the minors to continue his development, but he could be in the majors at some point in 2014.

Saturday, March 29th

• Xander Bogaerts, SS, Red Sox: 2-2, 2B. Don’t look now, but Bogaerts finished the spring hitting a respectable 278, driving home the ridiculousness of getting worked up about small sample sizes in spring.
  
  
• Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Blue Jays: 2 IP, 3 K. We’ve been waiting for Sanchez to take the step from talent to production. He did it this spring. If he’s able to carry over his March performance into April, he’s going to become the prospect everyone has hoped he could be.
  
  
• George Springer, OF, Astros: 3-3, 3 R, HR, 2 BB. Springer has his flaws with contact, but he’s going to deliver a lot of production despite them. He’s also going to make the Astros better immediately.
  
  
• Yordano Ventura, RHP, Royals: 3 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K. Even when he’s not completely on, he misses bats. That’s what makes him so effective. And fun. Man, I’m excited for Ventura this year.
  
  
• Arismendy Alcantara, 2B, Cubs: 1- , R, HR. Alcantara sometimes ends up being the forgotten man in a deep Cubs system when people try to figure out where Starlin Castro, Javier Baez, Mike Olt, Kris Bryant, and Anthony Rizzo will all play at once. But in most systems, Alcantara would be the focal point. He’s got speed and power, and he can play a premium defensive position. That’s a solid prospect no matter who’s blocking him.