July 8, 2016

Minor League Update

Games of Thursday, July 7th

by Mark Anderson

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Prospect of the Day:

Taylor Clarke, RHP, Diamondbacks (Double-A Mobile): 8 IP, 2 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 10 K.
Clarke has found success at three levels in 2016, running through Low-A and High-A before hitting some speed bumps in Double-A recently, but this start harkens back to his A-ball performances of just a few weeks ago. He’s not going to miss bats like this consistently, but with three average to slightly above-average pitches and solid command, he has a chance to work as an inning eating number four starter at the big-league level.

Others of Note:

Lucas Sims, RHP, Braves (Double-A Mississippi): 5.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R/ER, 3 BB, 6 K. Sims was through five innings having allowed just one hit and one walk when things came unraveled last night. Scouts remain mixed on his future role, but Sims has put together some solid outings this season, including this start that showcased much of what he can offer.

Delvin Perez, SS, Cardinals (Short-Season GCL): 2-4, RBI, SB. After falling on draft day, Perez has gotten off to a nice start with the Cardinals, including two knocks and a stolen base yesterday.

Gleyber Torres, SS, Cubs (High-A Myrtle Beach): 4-6, R, HR, 4 RBI, K, SB. While there’s little reason to be concerned over Torres’ long-term ability, he could use a few more nights like this to restore faith and put the shine back on his prospect star.

Tyler O’Neill, OF, Mariners (Double-A Jackson): 2-2, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB. A couple more hits and another bomb for O’Neil, who has seen plenty of scouts come around and begin believing in him more this year thanks to his Double-A success.

Amed Rosario, SS, Mets (Double-A Binghamton): 3-4, 2 R, 3B, 2 RBI. The promotion to Double-A hasn’t slowed Rosario’s breakout season with the Mets. He garnered considerable discussion during our recent BP Top 50 development, and I would expect his continued performance will force us to discuss him more – and in a higher class – during the off-season.

Franchy Cordero, OF, Padres (Double-A San Antonio): 2-5, 2 R, 3B, HR, RBI, K. As many had hoped when he was signed, Cordero’s bat has taken off this year as he has shown an improved approach and an ability to bring his power into games. There’s work to do, particularly as he gets more games in Double-A this year, but Cordero is blossoming into a quality prospect.

Dinelson Lamet, RHP, Padres (Double-A San Antonio): 6 IP, 2 H, R/ER, 2 BB, 8 K. Already 23 years old and in just his third pro season after signing out of the Dominican Republic, Lamet reached Double-A this year after handling the California League with aplomb. He offers a 91-93 mph fastball that can reach higher in bursts, and a potentially above-average slider that give him good projection as a reliever.

Joey Gallo, 1B, Ranges (Triple-A Round Rock): 4-5, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI. The home run looks normal here, but three singles, no walks, and no strikeouts? Something doesn’t seem right.

Yoan Moncada, 2B, Red Sox (Double-A Portland): 3-5, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, K, SB. Moncada is an absolute freak that can contribute in just about every way on the offensive side of the ball, just as he did last night with two singles, a home run, and a stolen base. He hasn’t skipped a beat since bumping to Double-A and it’s easy to see him in the big leagues at some point in 2017.

Michael Kopech, RHP, Red Sox (High-A Salem): 4 IP, H, 0 R/ER, 3 BB, 6 K. In his second start since returning from suspension, Kopech again lasts four innings without giving up a run. The stuff is undeniable, but he has to refine his command and outgrow makeup concerns that have dogged him to date.

Luis Alexander Basabe, OF, Red Sox (Low-A Greenville): 2-3, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB, K, 4 SB. Much to the chagrin of BP’s Wilson Karaman, I wouldn’t shut up about Basabe toward the end of last season and throughout the off-season. This type of performance, while infrequent this year, is exactly why Basabe warrants attention from prospect watchers. It may take a while to come together, but there’s so much talent that the payoff could be huge.

Christin Stewart, OF, Tigers (High-A Lakeland): 1-2, R, HR, RBI, 2 BB, K. That makes 19 home runs in 80 games for Stewart during his first full season of professional baseball, all in a league that is really tough on home run hitters.

Francis Martes, RHP, Astros (Double-A Corpus Christi): 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, BB, 7 K. Entering the year Martes stock was soaring and he was looked upon as possibly one of the “next guys” among top flight pitching prospects in baseball. He’s had some trouble in Double-A this year, but this start looks more like the power arm people were expected to start the season.

J.P. Crawford, SS, Phillies (Triple-A Lehigh Valley): 3-5, 2 2B. The newly minted top prospect in the BP halls, Crawford enjoyed his new title with two doubles as part of a three-hit night.

Lewis Brinson, OF, Rangers (Double-A Frisco): 3-4, 2 R, 2 3B, RBI, BB, SB. Even without his offensive game fully developing to the point where he can do this regularly at the big league level, he can still impact a big league roster with his speed and defense. That said, Brinson will be given every chance to continue his development and bring this type of offensive game to bear more consistently.

Mark Anderson is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @ProspectMark
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