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July 2, 2015 Minor League UpdateGames of Wednesday, July 1st
Hitter of the Day: Clint Coulter, OF, Brewers (Brevard County, A+): 3-4, 2 R, 3 2B, BB, K.
Pitcher of the Day: Lucas Giolito, RHP, Nationals (Potomac, A+): 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 7 K.
Best of the Rest
Cole Tucker, SS, Pirates (West Virginia, A+): 4-5, 3 R, 2B, BB, SB, CS. Tucker has had some ups and downs in his first season as a professional, in large part because the Pirates handed him an aggressive assignment right to full-season ball less than a year removed from high-school competition. He’s handled it admirably, and in June, he added a power component to his game that he’s now carried over into July. He’s not clearing the fences very often just yet, but he’s reaching the gaps with more frequency, which is a step in the right direction.
Gleyber Torres, SS, Cubs (South Bend, A-): 3-5, 2 R, K, 2 SB. There’s no getting around the significance of what Torres is doing this season as an 18-year-old in full-season ball. The consistency with which he’s hit throughout the season is remarkable, but now he’s beginning to hit for some power as well, which is even more impressive.
Lazaro Leyva, RHP, Orioles (Aberdeen, SS): 2 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 4 K. The 20-year-old Leyva was impressive on Wednesday night, touching 99 mph during his stint, according to our own Tucker Blair, who was in attendance:
It’s a relief profile with max effort in the delivery, but a premium arm nonetheless.
Willy Adames, SS, Rays (Charlotte, A+): 2-4, R, HR, K. The tool set for Adames has always been impressive, even before the Tigers sent him to the Rays last year in the David Price trade, but he’s made progress this season in turning those tools into actual production. His power is being suppressed by the Florida State League, but he’s putting together better at-bats and showing a more refined approach. In short, he’s improving at his weaknesses, which is always a strong developmental sign.
Alex Blandino, SS, Reds (Daytona, A+): 3-4, 2 R, 2B, HR, K. Considered a high-floor potential shortstop when the Reds selected him 29th overall last year, Blandino does everything well but nothing spectacularly. He controls the strike zone quite well and has enough power to keep pitchers honest. That should be more than enough, however, to be an everyday shortstop given the state of the position in the majors right now.
Seth McGarry, RHP, Pirates (GCL Pirates): 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 3 K. The former FAU Owl was plucked out of Boca Raton, Florida, by the Pirates in the eighth round this year. McGarry was a reliever in college, but the Pirates are going to work him as a starter until be proves he can’t handle it. A fantastic athlete, he also has a solid three-pitch arsenal that could work in a rotation. He’ll only be in the GCL long enough to build up his endurance before heading to West Virginia.
Fight Another Day
Frederis Parra, RHP, Cardinals (GCL Cardinals): 5 2/3 IP, 16 H, 11 R, 0 BB, 3 K. A year ago, I came across Parra dominating the Gulf Coast League and it felt like finding a diamond in the rough. Fast-forward to Wednesday, and I saw a completely different story. His entire arsenal was a down a grade, if not more, and his fastball was particularly hittable, sitting at 88 mph, primarily down the middle and easily destroyed by a GCL Mets lineup full of teenagers. It was painful to watch, and not just because of the 101-degree heat index.
Kyle Crick, RHP, Giants (Richmond, AA): 2/3 IP, H, R, 3 BB, K. In a move that has been a long time coming, the Giants used the hard-throwing Crick as a reliever for the first time this year. His complete lack of command has long suggested a relief role, but unfortunately, his first attempt out of the ‘pen ended with more of the same.
Notable Prospect Starters
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I was at the Buffalo Bisons game last night. The defense behind Daniel Norris was terrible, several plays that should have been made that cost him earned runs (not charged as errors).
Alex Anthopolos was on the radio broadcast and was happy with the fact that there were only 2 walks. Norris may get a spot start in 5 days since the Jays don't have an off day before the all-star break and would like to give the 5 man rotation an extra days rest.