May 4, 2017

Minor League Update

Games of May 3

by Steve Givarz

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Hitter of the Day:

Tyler Marincov, OF, Oakland Athletics (Double-A, Midland): 3-5, 3 R, 3 HR, 5 RBI, K
This is the first time he has been mentioned in these pages, and I can’t say whether this will be the last. But if he keeps having three-homer games, I will keep name dropping him.

Pitcher of the Day:

Jefry Rodriguez, RHP, Washington Nationals (High-A, Potomac): 8 IP, H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
Featuring a tall, narrow frame, Rodriguez shows easy velocity as well as future average secondary offerings. As one AL East scout described it: “Like the stuff, don’t know if it fully comes together, reliever for me end of the day.”

Other Notable Performances:

Vladimir Gutierrez, RHP, Cincinnati Reds (High-A, Daytona): 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
Signed for $4.75 million after he defected from Cuba, Gutierrez has a plus fastball-curve combination that has been having success in the FSL. While there is a chance he could see some time in Double-A this season, he should spend most of the season in High-A to gain innings and work on his command and his changeup.

Logan Allen, LHP, San Diego Padres (Low-A, Fort Wayne): 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 9 K
Allen’s velocity has ticked up to 90-94, pairing his now above-average velocity with his swing/miss curveball. Allen has been doing well throwing strikes and mixing in his changeup, as he now projects as a back-end starter.

Ian Clarkin, LHP, New York Yankees (High-A, Tampa): 5 1/3 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 BB, 6 K
I was the high man on Clarkin last season, as I loved his athleticism, his projectability, and his arsenal. I ignored his injury history (elbow tendinitis, 2015) and went in head-first. Well, he missed most of last season with another injury, so it is good to see him back and healthy.

Trevor Clifton, RHP, Chicago Cubs (Double-A, Tennessee): 5 2/3 IP, 7 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K
With a fastball that can touch 97, and a curveball that can be a plus pitch, Clifton has those two pitches to guarantee a role in a major-league bullpen. His walk rate has improved at each level, which gives him a chance to stick in a rotation.

J.D. Busfield, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Low-A, Bowling Green): 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
A 7^th rounder from this past draft, Busfield mixes in a low-90s fastball with a host of secondary offerings, with his curveball looking the most promising.

Brock Hartson, RHP, Cleveland Indians (High-A, Lynchburg): 6 2/3 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 BB, 7 K
A 21^st rounder from 2015, Hartson also mixes in a low-90s fastball, but has a higher slot, and pitches off of his secondary offerings more.

Michael Gerber, OF, Detroit Tigers (Double-A, Erie): 5-5, 3 R, 2 2B, RBI, BB, SB
While not a big impact player, Gerber can do a little bit of everything. He can play good defense, steal bases, and provide some pop. He just needs to cut down on his swing and miss.

Leody Taveras, OF, Texas Rangers (Low-A, Hickory): 3-5, 3 R, RBI, K, SB
Speaking of impact players, see this guy. He is a true five-tool player, as he can provide talent on both sides of the ball.

Daniel Pinero, SS, Detroit Tigers (Low-A, West Michigan): 2-3, 3B, RBI
You might not expect a player who is 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds to be a smooth defensive shortstop, but Pinero surprisingly is. He has great hands, quality footwork, and enough arm strength. He won’t provide a lot with the bat, meaning his future is more utility man than everyday regular.

Willy Adames, SS, Tampa Bay Rays (Triple-A, Durham): 2-5, 2 2B, RBI
Unlike Pinero, Adames will provide a lot with the bat as he looks to be a plus hitter with average-to-better in-game power. His defense at shortstop has improved as well, looking more and more like he can stay at the position.

Nick Gordon, SS, Minnesota Twins (Double-A, Chatanooga): 2-5, 2 R, HR, RBI, 2 K
Unlike Adams, or Pinero, Gordon might not even be a shortstop at the highest level anymore. Word out of spring training was that Gordon might shift over to second base, but that hasn’t happened yet on a full-time basis.

Rowdy Tellez, 1B, Toronto Blue Jays (Double-A, New Hampshire): 3-6, R, 2B, BB
One day, you will hit for power and average, then you’ll see ... YOU WILL ALL SEE.

Daniel Johnson, OF, Washington Nationals (Low-A, Hagerstown): 3-4, R, 2B, K
I was surprised to learn that there has only been one Daniel Johnson in professional baseball. He is rawer than most college draftees but is very toolsy. He offers 70 run, plus raw power, and average defense in the outfield.

Fight Another Day:

Jorge Alfaro, C, Philadelphia Phillies (Triple-A, Lehigh Valley): 0-4, 3 K
Baseball is going to baseball.

Merandy Gonzalez, RHP, New York Mets (Low-A, Columbia): 5 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 3 HRA
Merandy was on a 28-inning scoreless streak, which all evaporated during the first inning of this outing.

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