May 9, 2017
Minor League Update
Games of May 8th
by Steve Givarz
Hitter of the Day:
Victor Caratini, C/1B, Chicago Cubs (Triple-A, Iowa): 4-5, R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, K
Can Caratini catch? Eh…let’s talk about how well he hits! A switch-hitter, Caratini has bat speed from both sides with some pop. He uses the whole field, which helps him avoid the shift and can work counts. What position does he play? Maybe C? Maybe go back to 3B?
Pitcher of the Day:
Antonio Santillan, RHP, Cincinnati Reds (Single-A, Daytona): 6 IP, 2 H, ER, 0 BB, 10 K
This is what it looks like when Santillan has everything working. His arsenal is as electric as anyone’s in the minors. The fastball and curveball can be double-plus offerings at future, he has the body to eat innings, and he has outstanding makeup. He just needs to rein in his delivery and keep himself under control.
Other Notable Performances:
Jonathan Hernandez, RHP, Texas Rangers (Low-A, Hickory): 5 2/3 IP, 6 H, ER, 2 BB, 10 K
Another projectable Latin arm from the Rangers organization? Hernandez, like many others in this organization, has a big fastball, feel for spin, and a lean, projectable body. But unlike other arms, Hernandez has more command at his age than others and could be in top 10 consideration next season.
Andrew Anderson, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Double-A, Reading): 7 IP, 3 H, ER, 0 BB, 10 K
After Tommy John surgery in 2015, Anderson showed off more fastball velocity than before as he was up to 96 in short outings. Right now his fastball is above-average and he pairs it with a quality curveball and lots of strikes.
Jon Duplantier, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Low-A, Kane County): 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Duplantier just keeps on chugging along, he might get to visit our friend Wilson Karaman and the Visalia desert sooner rather than later.
Ethan Clark, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Low-A, Bowling Green): 5 IP, H, BB, 5 K
A 15th-round draftee in 2015, Clark is more or less an arm-strength pitcher with a plus fastball, but little else.
Jonathan Harris, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (Double-A, New Hampshire): 7 IP, 7 H, ER, BB, 6 K
Speaking of 2015 draftees, this first-rounder finally got his first quality outing under him in Double-A. Both W. Adam McInturff and Grant Jones saw Harris last season (Adam’s report) (Grant’s report) as a mid-rotation starter.
Braden Webb, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers (Low-A, Wisconsin): 5 2/3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
A third-rounder in 2016, Webb was a rare freshman-eligible pitcher at South Carolina after redshirting his first season with Tommy John surgery. His fastball can feature plus-plus velocity, but tends to sit in the low-to-mid-90s. His big curveball is also a future average offering.
Carson Kelly, C, St. Louis Cardinals (Triple-A, Memphis): 3-5, 2 R, 2 2B, 4 RBI
It won’t be long until Kelly gets to hold down the everyday catching job for someone in the major leagues.
Joe McCarthy, OF, Tampa Bay Rays (Double-A, Montgomery): 2-5, 2 R, 2 3B, K
Drafted as ad advanced college hitter in the 2015 draft, McCarthy shows all the tools to be a starting outfielder. He projects to be an average defender in the corners, with average power, speed, and hit tool.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B, Toronto Blue Jays (Low-A, Lansing): 3-3, 2 R, 2 2B, RBI, 2 BB
We probably should’ve ranked him in our top 101.
Richie Martin, SS, Oakland Athletics (Double-A, Midland): 2-4, 2 R, K, 2 SB
A great defensive SS, Martin has all the tools to stay at SS including a plus arm, soft hands, and above-average range. He is also starting to hit better in Double-A, utilizing the whole field more now and starting to tap into some of his power.
Alex Jackson, C, Atlanta Braves (High-A, Florida): 2-5, R, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, 2 K
Jackson now has 10 home runs this season, read Javier’s thoughts on Alex here.
Fight Another Day:
Eric Jenkins, OF, Texas Rangers (Low-A, Hickory): 0-4, 3 K
While Jenkins is arguably an 80 runner, his lack of on-base skills limit how much his speed actually plays on the field.
Tyler Alexander, LHP, Detroit Tigers, (Double-A, Erie): 1 2/3 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Because Alexander is in the zone so much, he is bound to have days like this. Fortunately his FB command is very advanced and he can avoid more outings like this.
Steve Givarz is an author of Baseball Prospectus.
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Minor League Update: G... (05/08)
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Closer Report: Week 6
Tom Eshelman, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Triple-A Lehigh Valley) in his AAA debut: 8.0-IP, 4-H, 1-BB, 0-ER, 6-K