May 3, 2012

Future Shock Blog

Minor League Update: Games of May 2

by Kevin Goldstein

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Jake Smolinski, OF, Marlins (Double-A Jacksonville): 4-for-6, 3 2B, 2 , RBI, BB, SB

So I know this guy whose job it is to evaluate baseball players. Three years ago he told me that it was going to take a while, but Jake Smolinski was going to hit for average and be a doubles machine. A second-round pick by the Nationals, the doubles have always been there, but the average, not so much. Still, he's one of those guys I've always kept in the back of my head, because this guy has made me look smart on many occasions. As a corner guy, Smolinski really needs to hit, and he's doing just that with a .368/.486/.596 line in 15 games that includes nine doubles in 57 at-bats. Keep an eye on this one.

Others Of Note:

• Jesus Aguilar, 1B, Indians (High-A Carolina): 4-for-4, 2B, 2 R, RBI. Bat-only prospect, but a good bat; .325/.396/.518 in 24 games.
• Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies (Double-A Tulsa): 2-for-5, RBI, 2 K. First multi-hit game since 4/22; .312/.393/.441 in 26 games.
• Manny Banuelos, LHP, Yankees (Triple-A Empire State): 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K. Encouraging return after three-week layoff; removed after hitting 60 pitch count.
• Ryan Brett, 2B, Rays (Low-A Bowling Green): 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 R, RBI, BB, SB, CS. Another one of those little second baseman who just flot-out hits; .304/.337/.446 in 21 games.
• Nick Castellanos, 3B, Tigers (High-A Lakeland): 3-for-4, HR (2), R, 2 RBI, BB, K. Was one of the best young hitters in the Midwest League last year and only getting better; 9-for-17 in last four games and .417/.453/.583 overall.
• Tony Cingrani, LHP, Reds (High-A Bakersfield): 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K. With a 0.32 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 28 innings, scouts want to see if he can do it at Double-A as he's coming at hitters with plus velocity and command, but not much of a breaking ball.
• C.J. Cron, 1B, Angels (High-A Inland Empire): 3-for-4, HR (4), 3 R, RBI, BB. Has not exactly been the power/on-base machine that was expected; .240/.295/.406 in 26 games.
• Johnny Giavotella, 2B, Royals (Triple-A Omaha): 2-for-5, HR (4), R, 3 RBI, BB, SB. 14 hits in last seven games and up to .301/.360/.460; deserves another big league look.
• A.J. Griffin, RHP, Athletics (Double-A Midland): 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K. Should be more well-known due to combination of solid stuff and outstanding command; 1.93 ERA in six starts with 41 Ks and 5 BB in 37.1 innings.
• Robbie Grossman, OF, Pirates (Double-A Altoona): 3-for-5, 2B, 3B, R, 2 RBI, BB, SB. Best game of the year after ugly April; .209/.314/.319 in 24 games.
• Reese Havens, 2B, Mets (Double-A Binghamton): 2-for-4, RBI. Healthy for now and 5-for-10 in three games.
• Francisco Lindor, SS, Indians (Low-A Lake County): 3-for-5, 2B, 2 R, SB. 14-for-26 in last six games and .327/.379/.467 overall; among youngest players in the league and might already be too good for the level.
• Jarret Martin, LHP, Dodgers (Low-A Great Lakes): 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K. Last week's sleeper in the Midwest League Notebook; big lefty gets up to 94 mph.
• Bryson Myles, OF, Indians (Low-A Lake County): 3-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, K, CS. Fullback-sized outfielder has solid power and speed; 12-for-23 during six-game hitting streak and .319/.354/.486 overall.
• Mike Olt, 3B/1B, Rangers (Double-A Frisco): 2-for-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI, K. If you want to read into things, he's suddenly playing first base once in a while; 8-for-16 in last four games and .274/.373/.547 overall.
• Trayvon Robinson, OF, Mariners (Triple-A Tacoma): 2-for-3, 2B, HR (3), 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB. Two walks are what's noticable as with 29 Ks and 5 BB his approach has collapsed; .255/.286/.415 in 25 games.
• Tyler Sample, RHP, Royals (High-A Wilmington): 5 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 9 K. Physical beast with impressive stuff and nothing resembling consistency.
• Miguel Sano, 3B, Twins (Low-A Beloit): 3-for-5, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI. The only bad news here is two more errors at third base; .293/.430/.598 in 26 games.
• Domingo Santana, OF, Astros (Low-A Lancaster): 4-for-4, 2B, R. Has been a strikeout machine early in the year but starting to come around; .267/.353/.450 in 16 games.
• Tyler Thornburg, RHP, Brewers (Double-A Huntsville): 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K. Took 93 pitches; 1.80 ERA with 40 Ks, 7 BB in 35 innings. 

Kevin Goldstein is an author of Baseball Prospectus. 
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