October 24, 2014

Minor League Update

Games of Thursday, October 23rd

by Jeff Moore

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Wei-Chung Wang, LHP, Brewers (Glendale, AFL): 4 IP, 3 H, R (0 BB), BB, 2 K. Wang had no business being in the majors last year, but he was forced to stay there for an extended period of time due to his Rule Five status. The Brewers liked him enough that they spent a portion of the year with a short bullpen in an attempt to retain his rights.

Kaleb Cowart, 3B, Angels (Mesa, AFL): 2-3, R, 3B, BB. One of the few guys thought to have major-league tools in what has become the weakest farm system in baseball, Cowart has disappointed in back-to-back seasons while repeating Double-A. There is a reason why the upper minors are considered the hardest jump to make on the developmental ladder, and Cowart’s lack of patience and power outside the California League has been exposed the past two seasons in the Texas League.

Rob Whalen, RHP, Mets (Scottsdale, AFL): 4 IP, 2 H, R, BB, 5 K. Whalen is one of the guys in the AFL making up for lost time from this season, as the right-hander lost a large chunk of time due to an infection. Before and after the ailment, however, he was highly effective as a 20-year-old in the full-season South Atlantic League. The Mets will look to gradually build up his innings next year, and, while he won’t turn heads like the bigger-name prospects in the deep system, Whalen is a guy who could provide them with major-league depth in their rotation down the road.

Danry Vasquez, OF, Astros (Leones del Caracas, VWL): 3-3, R, BB. There are some questions about Vasquez, but there are also some things to like. He doesn’t hit for much power, if any, but he squares the ball up consistently and puts it in play frequently. He’s a corner outfielder, which makes for a tough profile without power, meaning he’ll probably end up as a bench bat. Still, the bat could be strong enough to earn some time in the big leagues in that role.

Jace Peterson, SS, Padres (Surprise, AFL): 2-3, R, BB. Peterson’s brief major-league cameo couldn’t have gone much worse, but his track record as an offensive player is strong. He doesn’t profile to hit for much power (if any), but his on-base skills could be enough to be a top-of-the-order hitter if the bat holds up enough. If not, his speed and ability to play shortstop could make him a valuable utility man.