August 26, 2014

Minor League Update

Games of Monday, August 25th

by Jeff Moore

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Hitter of the Night: Delino DeShields, Jr., OF, Astros (Corpus Christi, AA): 4-6, 3 R, 2B, 3B, 2 HR, BB, 2 K.
It’s been a big step back this year for DeShields, who hasn’t hit since leaving the California League and hasn’t seen his power translate to Double-A. This is a massive game for any prospect, though it should be noted that his team scored 23 runs in the game, so there may have been something in the air.

Pitcher of the Night: Parker Bridwell, RHP, Orioles (Frederick, A+): 8 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, 13 K.
This isn’t just the best-pitched game tonight, it’s one of the best of the minor league season. Bridwell is maddeningly inconsistent and has been his entire professional career, but it’s outings like this that keep people coming back to him as a prospect. He’s got a major-league arm, but there are still big questions about whether or not he’ll ever develop enough consistency to be a starter.

Best of the Rest

Jesus Aguilar, 1B, Indians (Columbus, AAA): 5-6, 3 R, 2 2B, HR. Aguilar is still likely a role player at best, but he has hit for more power this season, which gives him a fighting chance. His showing in a brief stint in the majors earlier this season certainly doesn’t help him make a case, but it came in much too small of a sample for us to put any stuck into it.

Steven Moya, OF, Tigers (Erie, AA): 4-5, 2 R, 3 2B. Moya is a big man putting up even bigger numbers, but there are questions about the long-term application of his hit tool. Opinions differ on his future role, especially due to his extremely aggressive approach at the plate, but no one doubts the raw power. Its utility in games, though, remains to be seen.

Greg Bird, 1B, Yankees (Trenton, AA): 2-3, 2 R, HR, 2 BB, K. Getting out of the Florida State League has been good for Bird, whose power has played better in the more hitter-friendly Eastern League. His patient approach helps him generate more value as a hitter even when he’s not hitting for power, though it can get him in trouble and into pitchers’ counts when he gets too passive.

Yorman Rodriguez, OF, Reds (Pensacola, AA): 4-4, 3 R, 2 2B, HR. Rodriguez has been on a roller coaster of production this season, but it’s culminating with one of his best months as a professional. He’s seen his walk rate spike, hitting .291/.408/.532 in August, but it may be too little too late.

Dwight Smith, Jr., OF, Blue Jays (Dunedin, A+): 3-5, 2 R, 2B, HR. The occasional home runs are nice to get from Smith, but they’re not really a part of his game. He’s going to sneak into double digits, which makes him atypical of a corner outfielder, but his hit tool and on-base skills should help counter that and give him a ceiling of a third outfielder.

Nick Travieso, RHP, Reds (Dayton, A-): 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K. The second go-‘round in Dayton has gone better for Travieso after a disappointing first shot at it last year. He hasn’t turned out to have the power arsenal to miss bats that was expected when he was taken in the first round in 2012, but he may be turning things around and making himself into a usable arm.

Notable Pitching Performances

• Justin Nicolino, LHP, Marlins (Jacksonville, AA): 7 IP, 4 H, R, 0 BB, 3 K.
• C.J. Edwards, RHP, Cubs (Tennessee, AA): 5 IP, H, R, 3 BB, 8 K.
• Robert Stephenson, RHP, Reds (Pensacola, AA): 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 5 K.