April 12, 2017

Minor League Update

Games of April 11th

by Steve Givarz

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Pitcher of the Day:

Connor Sadzeck, RHP, Texas Rangers (Double-A, Frisco): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 9 K
His first start did not go well as he did not even record an out while giving up four earned runs on four walks. This time everything was working. His fastball is a comfortable plus-plus offering, while offering promising secondaries, he just needs more consistency from day to day.

Hitter of the Day:

Carson Kelly, C, St. Louis Cardinals, (Triple-A. Memphis): 2-4, 2 HR, 2 RBI
St. Louis’ top position prospect. While the path to clear playing time might be foggier given the Yadier Molina extension, you can never have too much catching. Featuring a plus arm and outstanding hands, he doesn’t even need to do that much offensively for potential everyday work.

Other Notables:

Ryan Castellani, RHP, Colorado Rockies, (Double-A, Hartford): 5 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 8 K
At 21, Castellani is younger than most starters in Double-A. Featuring a plus fastball with sink, and two potential above-average secondaries, Castellani could be making a visit to Colorado this season if they need an extra arm.

Nick Neidert, RHP, Seattle Mariners, (High-A, Modesto): 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 8 K
An advanced prep arm, the velocity is in the low 90s now, but he has great command of his entire arsenal. When he grows into his body he has potential to pitch in the middle of a rotation.

Aaron Slegers, RHP, Minnesota Twins, (Triple-A, Rochester): 6 IP, 0 H, 3 BB, 7 K
One of the tallest players in minor league baseball (6-foot-10), he throws from a traditional three-quarters slot but gets great extension on pitches, which helps his otherwise average arsenal play up.

Forrest Whitley, RHP, Houston Astros, (Low-A, Quad Cities): 5 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 6 K
Touching 98 in this game, Whitley was the prototypical “big Texan” of last year’s draft, signing for $3,178,000 to forego his college commitment. Unlike most other former prep arms, Whitley has a four-pitch mix, with the curveball and fastball the best offerings.

Zachary Lovvorn, RHP, Kansas City Royals, (Double-A, NW Arkansas): 6 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
While smaller for a typical starter, Lovvorn can sit 91-93 and touch 95, while featuring a potential above-average curveball and a usable change.

Josh Ockimey, 1B, Boston Red Sox, (High-A, Salem): 4-5, 2B
I should’ve mentioned him yesterday, but fortunately he stayed hot so I could mention him today. While it is a first base-only profile, if he shows the power and contact ability he did last year, he could be a potential regular.

Cole Tucker, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates, (High-A, Bradenton): 2-6, RBI, 3 SB
Tucker is a plus runner with outstanding athleticism and the potential to hit for average power. All of this wrapped around a player with a plus arm and the ability to stick at short for the future.

Josh Naylor, 1B, San Diego Padres, (High-A, Lake Elsinore): 1-2, 2 BB, 2B
The power for Naylor is very real, hence why his first-round selection in 2015. Unfortunately, his contact ability and his lack of defensive skills put a lot of pressure on his bat to perform.

Jahmai Jones, OF, Los Angeles Angels, (Low-A, Burlington): 3-6, HR, 2 RBI, BB, K, SB, CS (DH)
Our top-rated Angels prospect, Jones has five-tool potential, great baseball IQ, and can make an impact everywhere on the field.

Fight Another Day:

Mickey Moniak, OF, Philadelphia Phillies, (Low-A, Lakewood): 0-7, 4 K
In a 15-inning affair, Moniak struck out four times, hit it to the second base twice, and one to the center for good measure. He’ll be fine, it’s just baseball.

Casey Meisner, RHP, Oakland Athletics, (High-A, Stockton): 2 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
California can be a rough place for a pitcher who is struggling with his mechanics. Meisner, who Oakland acquired in exchange for Tyler Clippard a couple years back, is repeating the level and has struggled in the past couple seasons.

Steve Givarz is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @SteveGivarz
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