Got a fairly quick game from Mesa today, thanks in part to it being called after 9 innings with a 2-2 tie.
OF Corey Dickerson (Rockies) - I didn't want to like him while I was out here and still not sure what his ultimate ceiling is, but it is an easy to repeat lefty swing that can work for avg and power when it doesn't get long. Seen some barrel control from him. He is limited to LF (and profiles as a fringy defender) and not sure if there is enough offense to offset that.
RHP Luke Putkonen (Tigers) - First look at the righty who pitched in the big leagues this year, he is a tall, athletic guy with long arm and attacks from a H 3/4, SWU. He worked 93-96, but it played down due to lacking life in the strike zone. His CH was 84-86 w/ ok armspeed, but he had a tendency to pull the pitch and he showed a 79-81 CB that was a mdm dwnr and slowed his arm slightly for early in the count, but it did show 2-plane break as an out pitch. Interesting first look, but want to look closer at the delivery.
RHP Evan Marshall (Dbacks) - Still like this guy and he threw a sinking FB at 92-94 w/ a big SL at 82-84 and a SF at 84. Profiles as a setup guy for me and have seen him fill up the strike zone and get early outs in both outings.
As you are noticing, the writeups are getting shorter. This is because guys are starting to settle in as what I see them as. I plan to start finalizing reports this weekend for players who have exited the AFL (this list includes Javier Baez) and for guys who I have a feel for. These will be posted sporadically and will culminate with an AFL overview post about a week after the AFL has concluded.
Tomorrow, will be heading to Scottsdale to watch them take on Surprise with a first look at Justin Marks and a 2nd look at Chris Gloor.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
October 30 Doubleheader
Took in a doubleheader on the 30th and have more notes from the Scottsdale @ Peoria game then the Surprise @ Salt River game. Below is what I saw:
RHP Robert Cassevah (Angels) - Still is what he is, working with a plus sinking FB at 89-93, up to 94 and showed 2 below avg secondaries in his CT/SL and splitter.
LHP Robbie Erlin (Padres) - First look at the small, athletic left hander and he is a significantly better fit for Petco then Texas, as he is a true finesse lefty without a plus pitch. He features a solid avg FB at 88-90, up to 92, and paired it with 3 other offspeed pitches, a CH at 79-80 that had gd armspeed and was an above avg weak contact pitch, a SL at 78-81 that was solid avg and a big downer CB w/ gd spin at 71-77 that isn't a strikeout pitch. Repeatable delivery w/ feel for moving the FB around, he profiles as a back end starter. He gets high marks for pitchability and will throw any pitch in any count. Solid lefty.
RHP Michael Tonkin (Twins) - First look at the XL tall, athletic righty who comes at hitters from a L 3/4. He came at them with a moving FB at 93-95 that had above avg life and paired it with a SL that he threw once and didn't have a lot of break to it. Has been throwing the ball well here, so hope to catch him again.
OF Slade Heathcott (Yankees) - Swung a real good bat on this day, going 4-5 with 2 triples. He features a line drive oriented approach with the ability to hit gap to gap. Getting a clearer look at him and he profiles as a solid avg regular.
RHP Trey Haley (Indians) - Not as electric the last time I saw him, but was 94-96 with life and paired it with a hammer CB at 85-86 when he didn't get around it. Big time stuff.
RHP Victor Black (Pirates) - Black was the same guy I have seen, electric stuff (96-98 w/ FB, 83-84 w/ power CB) but no command.
From the night game, got looks at 2 pitchers I hadn't seen:
RHP Ryan Rodebaugh (Rangers) - 89-91 w/ an avg SL at 81-83. Pretty conventional righty reliever profiles as org depth from this look.
RHP Malcolm Culver (Royals) - 90-94 w/ run and sink and paired it with a short SL at 80 and a CH with a little fade at 82. He got pissed after giving up the go ahead HR and got up to 94 at that point. He piques my interest a bit.
RHP Robert Cassevah (Angels) - Still is what he is, working with a plus sinking FB at 89-93, up to 94 and showed 2 below avg secondaries in his CT/SL and splitter.
LHP Robbie Erlin (Padres) - First look at the small, athletic left hander and he is a significantly better fit for Petco then Texas, as he is a true finesse lefty without a plus pitch. He features a solid avg FB at 88-90, up to 92, and paired it with 3 other offspeed pitches, a CH at 79-80 that had gd armspeed and was an above avg weak contact pitch, a SL at 78-81 that was solid avg and a big downer CB w/ gd spin at 71-77 that isn't a strikeout pitch. Repeatable delivery w/ feel for moving the FB around, he profiles as a back end starter. He gets high marks for pitchability and will throw any pitch in any count. Solid lefty.
RHP Michael Tonkin (Twins) - First look at the XL tall, athletic righty who comes at hitters from a L 3/4. He came at them with a moving FB at 93-95 that had above avg life and paired it with a SL that he threw once and didn't have a lot of break to it. Has been throwing the ball well here, so hope to catch him again.
OF Slade Heathcott (Yankees) - Swung a real good bat on this day, going 4-5 with 2 triples. He features a line drive oriented approach with the ability to hit gap to gap. Getting a clearer look at him and he profiles as a solid avg regular.
RHP Trey Haley (Indians) - Not as electric the last time I saw him, but was 94-96 with life and paired it with a hammer CB at 85-86 when he didn't get around it. Big time stuff.
RHP Victor Black (Pirates) - Black was the same guy I have seen, electric stuff (96-98 w/ FB, 83-84 w/ power CB) but no command.
From the night game, got looks at 2 pitchers I hadn't seen:
RHP Ryan Rodebaugh (Rangers) - 89-91 w/ an avg SL at 81-83. Pretty conventional righty reliever profiles as org depth from this look.
RHP Malcolm Culver (Royals) - 90-94 w/ run and sink and paired it with a short SL at 80 and a CH with a little fade at 82. He got pissed after giving up the go ahead HR and got up to 94 at that point. He piques my interest a bit.
Monday, October 29, 2012
October 29 - Rafters @ Desert Dogs
Continue to see a lot of the Rafters and they put a hurting on the Desert Dogs, knocking them off 9-2. Below are some notes:
OF Kevin Pillar (Blue Jays) - Pillar had a pretty big 2012 statistically, but this is the first game of the AFL I have actually seen him hit. He showed gd barrel control in a pull heavy approach. Will be curious to continue to see him, as there may be a 4th OF there.
LHP Brian Flynn (Marlins) - My first look at the oversized, physical left hander, I was only able to watch him for an inning and he worked 91-92 w/ a SL that flashed avg at 82-84 and threw one bad CB at 75. Interesting lefty based on the 1 inning.
RHP Ryan Perry (Nationals) - Similar to the 2nd outing, just pounded the strike zone with FB's and featured the cutter a little more prominently. I think he is still a reliever, but he has definitely made strides at commanding the strike zone, though he does like to just lay some pitches down the middle in hitter counts.
RHP Cory Rasmus (Braves) - Obviously tiring, as he was 84-88 (as opposed to his usual 88-91) and showed a gd CH at 80-82 and a big CB at 72-74.
RHP Scott McGough (Marlins) - Worked 92-94 w/ a SL at 80-85 that was inconsistent and flashed avg. Also showed off his plus athleticism with a few nice defensive plays on bunts and comebackers.
LHP Chris Rearick (Rays) - Still doesn't do anything for me, as he worked 86-89 w/ a SL at 79-83 that was just ok.
LHP Santos Rodriguez (White Sox) - Up to 98 today and the slurvy CB flashed plus with hard dwnr action. Also worked in a CH at 84 that had gd armspeed. Has improved every outing of the AFL and, while he will never throw a lot of quality strikes, has been around the zone enough to force bad swings on his FB.
RHP Aaron Barrett (Nationals) - Showed more sink to his 90-92 fastball and paired it with a plus SL once again at 83-84. Can fit as a middle reliever w/ the sinker/slider mix.
RHP Brett Hunter (Athletics) - Struggled badly with command today and was 87-89 (up to 91) w/ run and sink, but no deception and hitters were teeing off. His SL was a 1-plane breaker at 81-84 and his CH at 82 had a little life, but missed well outside with it.
RHP Coty Woods (Rockies) - Woods gave up his first hits and runs of the AFL today and was 89-93 w/ hard sink and paired it with a short sweeping SL at 79-82 that had late break and a CH at 82-83 that had gd armspeed and featured later in the inning to elicit swings and misses from righties. Has a place as a situational reliever.
Tomorrow, will be on double duty. Will be attending the Scottsdale v Peoria game to see Robert Cassevah a 3rd time, but get to see Robbie Erlin (who was one of the guys I really wanted to see). Then, will be attending the night game featuring a strong matchup of Kevin Siegrist v Andre Rienzo in Salt River. Hopefully they will be fast games.
OF Kevin Pillar (Blue Jays) - Pillar had a pretty big 2012 statistically, but this is the first game of the AFL I have actually seen him hit. He showed gd barrel control in a pull heavy approach. Will be curious to continue to see him, as there may be a 4th OF there.
LHP Brian Flynn (Marlins) - My first look at the oversized, physical left hander, I was only able to watch him for an inning and he worked 91-92 w/ a SL that flashed avg at 82-84 and threw one bad CB at 75. Interesting lefty based on the 1 inning.
RHP Ryan Perry (Nationals) - Similar to the 2nd outing, just pounded the strike zone with FB's and featured the cutter a little more prominently. I think he is still a reliever, but he has definitely made strides at commanding the strike zone, though he does like to just lay some pitches down the middle in hitter counts.
RHP Cory Rasmus (Braves) - Obviously tiring, as he was 84-88 (as opposed to his usual 88-91) and showed a gd CH at 80-82 and a big CB at 72-74.
RHP Scott McGough (Marlins) - Worked 92-94 w/ a SL at 80-85 that was inconsistent and flashed avg. Also showed off his plus athleticism with a few nice defensive plays on bunts and comebackers.
LHP Chris Rearick (Rays) - Still doesn't do anything for me, as he worked 86-89 w/ a SL at 79-83 that was just ok.
LHP Santos Rodriguez (White Sox) - Up to 98 today and the slurvy CB flashed plus with hard dwnr action. Also worked in a CH at 84 that had gd armspeed. Has improved every outing of the AFL and, while he will never throw a lot of quality strikes, has been around the zone enough to force bad swings on his FB.
RHP Aaron Barrett (Nationals) - Showed more sink to his 90-92 fastball and paired it with a plus SL once again at 83-84. Can fit as a middle reliever w/ the sinker/slider mix.
RHP Brett Hunter (Athletics) - Struggled badly with command today and was 87-89 (up to 91) w/ run and sink, but no deception and hitters were teeing off. His SL was a 1-plane breaker at 81-84 and his CH at 82 had a little life, but missed well outside with it.
RHP Coty Woods (Rockies) - Woods gave up his first hits and runs of the AFL today and was 89-93 w/ hard sink and paired it with a short sweeping SL at 79-82 that had late break and a CH at 82-83 that had gd armspeed and featured later in the inning to elicit swings and misses from righties. Has a place as a situational reliever.
Tomorrow, will be on double duty. Will be attending the Scottsdale v Peoria game to see Robert Cassevah a 3rd time, but get to see Robbie Erlin (who was one of the guys I really wanted to see). Then, will be attending the night game featuring a strong matchup of Kevin Siegrist v Andre Rienzo in Salt River. Hopefully they will be fast games.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
October 27 - Peoria @ Surprise
Got a beautiful game yesterday, as the Saguaros knocked off the Javelinas 4-1 in a game that lasted 2 hours and 22 minutes and had an astounding 7 double plays. Below is what I saw:
OF Nate Roberts (Twins) - Had another 2 hits yesterday to bump his average up to .522. He puts together quality at bats, but doesn't profile to hit for enough power to play a corner, so will be interested to see him in CF one of these days.
2B Cory Spangenberg (Padres) - Spangenberg hit an oppo HR yesterday that got up in the wind and appeared to be a ball he wanted to pull, but was late and hit it out to LF. Still don't have a feel for him.
1B Chris McGuiness (Rangers) - He collected another 2 hits today with his pull heavy approach designed to hit line drives and fly balls. I am not sure if he is going to provide enough production to profile as an everyday 1B, but should have value on a bench.
OF Mike O'Neill (Cardinals) - O'Neill collected another 3 hits today with his slap approach and is another guy that doesn't profile to hit for enough power to play a corner. Another guy that grinds out at bats and it depends on how he plays in CF for what his ultimate profile would be.
RHP Kyle Simon (Phillies) - The sinkerballer attacked from a L 3/4 arm angle w/ an unathletic delivery that throws across his body. The sinker is a gd weapon, as it gets groundballs w/ velo at 89-92. He pairs it with a fringy CH at 83-86 and a cutter at 87 that is developing and showed a little tilt. Sinker is intriguing, but secondary stuff is behind.
LHP Caleb Thielbar (Twins) - 2nd look at the lefty and he was 89-93 w/ a SL at 79-82 and a CB at 72-75. Has a chance to be a 2nd lefty in a pen, but profiles as more emergency depth.
RHP Colby Shreve (Phillies) - Halfway through the outing, decided to switch to 4-seamers and those were 92-94 with a little ride while his 2 seam was 89-92 w/ a little run and sink. As a reliever, think he would be better served with the 4-seam. Paired it with an ok SL at 80-83 and a CH at 83.
RHP Carson Smith (Mariners) - 92-95 w/ a frisbee SL at 86-88 and a CH at 87. Still has the profile as a middle reliever/setup man.
RHP Josh Ravin (Reds) - Worked 98-100 w/ a CH or CT at 88 that didn't do anything and a CB at 77-78. Still profiles as more of a middle reliever then high leverage reliever, as he is a comfy AB, as he lacks deception and guys square up his velocity routinely.
RHP Boone Whiting (Cardinals) - Whiting is the same guy, adding and subtracting and was 82-92 again with his FB and paired it with a solid avg to above avg CH at 75-81, mdm downer CB at 77-79 and a short SL at 79-80. Still more of an org guy and the CH wasn't as consistently good as I last saw it last week.
RHP Chris Martin (Red Sox) - 2nd straight game where he showed gd stuff and solid command of it, as he was 91-94 w/ a little cut and paired it with a solid avg SL at 83-85 that flashed above avg.
RHP Pete Ruiz (Red Sox) - This was my 1st look at him and, according to chatter within the stands, was his most electric. He was 92-96 from a H 3/4 quirky release and paired it with a SL at 81-86 that flashed plus and a potential put away pitch. Based on this look, there is setup upside if he can develop his command.
RHP Ryan Fraser (Mets) - Like this guy as a solid middle reliever, even though he battled his command more today then I had seen previously. Worked 91-93 w/ gd angle and sink and paired it with a solid avg SL at 80 that flashed above and below avg and a CH at 85-88 that showed split life at times.
Not sure on what games I am seeing tomorrow.
OF Nate Roberts (Twins) - Had another 2 hits yesterday to bump his average up to .522. He puts together quality at bats, but doesn't profile to hit for enough power to play a corner, so will be interested to see him in CF one of these days.
2B Cory Spangenberg (Padres) - Spangenberg hit an oppo HR yesterday that got up in the wind and appeared to be a ball he wanted to pull, but was late and hit it out to LF. Still don't have a feel for him.
1B Chris McGuiness (Rangers) - He collected another 2 hits today with his pull heavy approach designed to hit line drives and fly balls. I am not sure if he is going to provide enough production to profile as an everyday 1B, but should have value on a bench.
OF Mike O'Neill (Cardinals) - O'Neill collected another 3 hits today with his slap approach and is another guy that doesn't profile to hit for enough power to play a corner. Another guy that grinds out at bats and it depends on how he plays in CF for what his ultimate profile would be.
RHP Kyle Simon (Phillies) - The sinkerballer attacked from a L 3/4 arm angle w/ an unathletic delivery that throws across his body. The sinker is a gd weapon, as it gets groundballs w/ velo at 89-92. He pairs it with a fringy CH at 83-86 and a cutter at 87 that is developing and showed a little tilt. Sinker is intriguing, but secondary stuff is behind.
LHP Caleb Thielbar (Twins) - 2nd look at the lefty and he was 89-93 w/ a SL at 79-82 and a CB at 72-75. Has a chance to be a 2nd lefty in a pen, but profiles as more emergency depth.
RHP Colby Shreve (Phillies) - Halfway through the outing, decided to switch to 4-seamers and those were 92-94 with a little ride while his 2 seam was 89-92 w/ a little run and sink. As a reliever, think he would be better served with the 4-seam. Paired it with an ok SL at 80-83 and a CH at 83.
RHP Carson Smith (Mariners) - 92-95 w/ a frisbee SL at 86-88 and a CH at 87. Still has the profile as a middle reliever/setup man.
RHP Josh Ravin (Reds) - Worked 98-100 w/ a CH or CT at 88 that didn't do anything and a CB at 77-78. Still profiles as more of a middle reliever then high leverage reliever, as he is a comfy AB, as he lacks deception and guys square up his velocity routinely.
RHP Boone Whiting (Cardinals) - Whiting is the same guy, adding and subtracting and was 82-92 again with his FB and paired it with a solid avg to above avg CH at 75-81, mdm downer CB at 77-79 and a short SL at 79-80. Still more of an org guy and the CH wasn't as consistently good as I last saw it last week.
RHP Chris Martin (Red Sox) - 2nd straight game where he showed gd stuff and solid command of it, as he was 91-94 w/ a little cut and paired it with a solid avg SL at 83-85 that flashed above avg.
RHP Pete Ruiz (Red Sox) - This was my 1st look at him and, according to chatter within the stands, was his most electric. He was 92-96 from a H 3/4 quirky release and paired it with a SL at 81-86 that flashed plus and a potential put away pitch. Based on this look, there is setup upside if he can develop his command.
RHP Ryan Fraser (Mets) - Like this guy as a solid middle reliever, even though he battled his command more today then I had seen previously. Worked 91-93 w/ gd angle and sink and paired it with a solid avg SL at 80 that flashed above and below avg and a CH at 85-88 that showed split life at times.
Not sure on what games I am seeing tomorrow.
Friday, October 26, 2012
October 26 - Mesa @ Scottsdale
Witnessed history today, as the Solar Sox finally got off the schneid with an 8-4 win at the Scorpions. Below is what I remember from seeing, as I left my notes at the office again:
1B Jonathan Singleton (Astros) - Singleton popped a 2B and a 3B and his 3B was about a 410 foot shot to CF that would have been a HR at almost anywhere else. Still a stud muffin.
OF L.J. Hoes (Orioles) - Hoes had 3 hits and shows a line drive bat with an all fields approach. He is playing either tired or doesn't feel like being here, so it will be interesting to see how slow his times to first get later on in the AFL.
1B Aaron Westlake (Tigers) - Hit a bomb to right field today that was about 400 feet and is swinging the bat better now. The swing is still long and not sure if there will be consistent success there.
OF Tyler Holt (Indians) - Holt had 2 hits today, but has underwhelmed me, as he lacks a carrying tool and I am not sure yet if he has the ability to play CF.
DH Austin Romine (Yankees) - Romine is back in the AFL and is showing a solid approach with line drive ability and he has some HR power to his pull side and to CF. Don't think he is an everyday C due to defense, but can definitely have some value in Yankee Stadium.
C Alex Monsalve (Indians) - Monsalve features a true plus arm w/ a long release, which results in solid avg pop times at 1.90. He features a pull heavy approach with some power and is young enough (19) where he can still figure out some things to be an everyday C.
RHP Jarred Cosart (Astros) - Cosart worked 94-97 w/ a fringy CB at 79-81 and a solid avg CH at 83-85. He features a wrist wrap in his delivery, which is going to cause some forearm issues (and he has already had some) and going to make it surprising for him to get through a season fully healthy consistently. The raw stuff is good, but he really struggles to command his pitches. More of a # 3 starter then a truly elite starter because of the command struggles.
RHP Nick Tropeano (Astros) - A taller version of Cosart, Tropeano attacked hitters with a sinker at 92-93 and a change at 80-82. He also showed what may have been a cutter at 86. Interesting first look.
RHP Chia-Jen Lo (Astros) - Lo showed a FB up to 97, but it was paired with a slurvy CB at 77. Didn't really command his stuff either.
LHP Chris Gloor (Giants) - The big bodied, appeared 6'8", 250, left hander is a truly finesse pitcher who showed a FB up to 91 and worked 87-89. He paired it with 3 fringy to below avg offerings in his CH at 80-82, CB at 68-76 and a SL at 78-79. He understands how to pitch and works the fringes of the zone. That being said, he is probably not a big leaguer.
RHP Trey Haley (Indians) - The pure arm strength right hander was up to 100 today and showed some life to his FB. He also featured a 1 plane SL at 85. It is a max effort delivery with a violent throw, leading questions to his ability to throw consistent strikes. The arm strength is a big calling card though and will be interesting to see how he is in later outings.
Tomorrow, will be attending the Javelinas at the Saguaros to watch the pitching matchup of Kyle Simon v Boone Whiting.
1B Jonathan Singleton (Astros) - Singleton popped a 2B and a 3B and his 3B was about a 410 foot shot to CF that would have been a HR at almost anywhere else. Still a stud muffin.
OF L.J. Hoes (Orioles) - Hoes had 3 hits and shows a line drive bat with an all fields approach. He is playing either tired or doesn't feel like being here, so it will be interesting to see how slow his times to first get later on in the AFL.
1B Aaron Westlake (Tigers) - Hit a bomb to right field today that was about 400 feet and is swinging the bat better now. The swing is still long and not sure if there will be consistent success there.
OF Tyler Holt (Indians) - Holt had 2 hits today, but has underwhelmed me, as he lacks a carrying tool and I am not sure yet if he has the ability to play CF.
DH Austin Romine (Yankees) - Romine is back in the AFL and is showing a solid approach with line drive ability and he has some HR power to his pull side and to CF. Don't think he is an everyday C due to defense, but can definitely have some value in Yankee Stadium.
C Alex Monsalve (Indians) - Monsalve features a true plus arm w/ a long release, which results in solid avg pop times at 1.90. He features a pull heavy approach with some power and is young enough (19) where he can still figure out some things to be an everyday C.
RHP Jarred Cosart (Astros) - Cosart worked 94-97 w/ a fringy CB at 79-81 and a solid avg CH at 83-85. He features a wrist wrap in his delivery, which is going to cause some forearm issues (and he has already had some) and going to make it surprising for him to get through a season fully healthy consistently. The raw stuff is good, but he really struggles to command his pitches. More of a # 3 starter then a truly elite starter because of the command struggles.
RHP Nick Tropeano (Astros) - A taller version of Cosart, Tropeano attacked hitters with a sinker at 92-93 and a change at 80-82. He also showed what may have been a cutter at 86. Interesting first look.
RHP Chia-Jen Lo (Astros) - Lo showed a FB up to 97, but it was paired with a slurvy CB at 77. Didn't really command his stuff either.
LHP Chris Gloor (Giants) - The big bodied, appeared 6'8", 250, left hander is a truly finesse pitcher who showed a FB up to 91 and worked 87-89. He paired it with 3 fringy to below avg offerings in his CH at 80-82, CB at 68-76 and a SL at 78-79. He understands how to pitch and works the fringes of the zone. That being said, he is probably not a big leaguer.
RHP Trey Haley (Indians) - The pure arm strength right hander was up to 100 today and showed some life to his FB. He also featured a 1 plane SL at 85. It is a max effort delivery with a violent throw, leading questions to his ability to throw consistent strikes. The arm strength is a big calling card though and will be interesting to see how he is in later outings.
Tomorrow, will be attending the Javelinas at the Saguaros to watch the pitching matchup of Kyle Simon v Boone Whiting.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
October 25 - Phoenix @ Salt River
In a game that featured a total of 23 runners left on base, the Rafters rode a 4 run 6th to a 6-3 win. Thoughts are below:
OF Josh Prince (Brewers) - Prince leads the AFL in hitting at .455 after a 2-5 day today. He doesn't show a lot of bat speed and features only 3 power and am not sure where his profile is yet, as this was only my 2nd look. He wore out Tepera in this game. Will be curious on his run times, as I have heard he can fly.
SS Hak-Ju Lee (Rays) - Still not swinging a great bat. He is featuring good speed, getting down the line at 4.25 and then had a well executed drag bunt and got down the line at 3.68. Not the strongest of players, he is a guy who is likely worn down from the season. He will need to continue to get stronger to make it through 162 game season without being a streaky player.
1B Kyle Jensen (Marlins) - He is playing RF, but is going to be a 1B, as he shows below avg range in RF and was unimpressed with his arm strength, though he appeared to be throwing just to hit the cut-off man. He can hit the ball a long way and turned on a ball and hit it almost to the top of the hill at Salt River. Not sure he is going to hit for much average and isn't the best of athletes, so will be interesting to watch him as we get deeper into the AZL.
OF Christian Yelich (Marlins) - Only saw avg bat speed from him, but showed a short, quick to the ball swing that profiles to hit for avg and enough power for CF, but not enough for a corner. He is a slenderly built guy, so wouldn't be surprised if he was also tired and will show better speed in season. Got down the line at 4.15 and profiles as an above average runner. Very intriguing player who profiles at least as a solid avg regular.
OF Brian Goodwin (Nationals) - Another day, another 3 hits for Goodwin with 2 doubles. I still see an above avg regular and he has all the tools to be an above avg defender in CF.
2B Carlos Sanchez (White Sox) - Finally looked a little fresher and put together a lot of quality at bats and had the big 3 run double to break the game open. Was on base 4 of his 5 appearances. I still think he profiles as a solid avg regular with a chance to be above avg depending on how the power ultimately plays.
1B Andy Wilkins (White Sox) - Still think Wilkins profiles as a solid avg regular and he collected another 2 hits today to raise his average to .395. Also has some power. ]
RHP Scott McGough (Marlins) - Arm strength appears to be closer to the Oregon version then the Dodgers version, as he worked 91-94 w/ a CH at 84-88 and a SL at 81-85. The FB showed run and sink and can work, but profiles as just an average pitch out of the pen and isn't paired with an above avg breaking pitch, with the SL being solid avg when it was 81-83. Profiles as a middle reliever.
RHP Ryan Tepera (Blue Jays) - Tepera had better pure stuff then the last time I saw him, working 91-94 w/ a SL at 84-87 and a CH at 84-86. With that said, still didn't see more then a middle reliever and the SL had inconsistent depth.
RHP Lenny Linsky (Rays) - Was a little better on this day then the last time I saw him, but he is never going to throw consistent quality strikes. Worked 90-93 w/ a SL at 80-82 and ran into another inning that had him leave early with Rasmus cleaning up his mess.
RHP Cory Rasmus (Braves) - On this day, the CH was better and the CB didn't have the same caliber of spin I saw previously. That being said, there still is not an above avg pitch in his repetoire. Was 89-92 w/ the CH at 82 and CB at 74.
RHP Cole Kimball (Nationals) - Same guy that is a shadow of his former self. Was 90-92 w/ a CB at 80-81 that was worse on this day then the previous outing and a better split at 82-83.
RHP Cory Riordan (Rockies) - First look at the tall, athletic well proportioned righty and he was 91-94 w/ a CB at 74, SL at 78-79 and CH at 82. Used the SL as the out pitch and the CB and CH as get ahead pitches. Intriguing first look that could profile as a middle reliever w/ an avg SL.
LHP Chris Rearick (Rays) - Rearick was 87-90 w/ a SL at 80-85. Needs to continue improving the SL to have a shot to stick in a pen.
RHP Kevin Munson (Diamondbacks) - Was a pure thrower today and got yanked after loading the bases. He was 92-96 w/ sink and a CH at 87-89 that had some dive and appeared to be a potential splitter. His SL was 84-85 that flashed above avg. He has all the tools, but lacks consistency with command.
RHP Coty Woods (Rockies) - The sidearmer threw a lot of strikes and was 89-90 with sink that can help him fit into a ROOGY role. His SL was 78-80 w/ 3/4 tilt and avg depth. Has the makings of a solid avg pitch. The CH was 82-83 w/ gd armspeed and can use it to keep lefties off of his FB. Intriguing righty who has the ability to be a low leverage middle reliever.
RHP James Simmons (Athletics) - The former 1st rounder was 89-92 w/ a CH at 79 and a SL at 84-85. FB showed better life today, featuring run and sink, though he didn't exhibit the same command as his last outing. His CH had gd armspeed w/ fade and sink and profiles as a solid avg pitch. The SL was worse today and was a 1 plane cutter and lacked the depth of the last outing.
Tomorrow, will be heading to Scottsdale to watch Jarred Cosart face off against the mammoth human being from the Giants, Chris Gloor.
OF Josh Prince (Brewers) - Prince leads the AFL in hitting at .455 after a 2-5 day today. He doesn't show a lot of bat speed and features only 3 power and am not sure where his profile is yet, as this was only my 2nd look. He wore out Tepera in this game. Will be curious on his run times, as I have heard he can fly.
SS Hak-Ju Lee (Rays) - Still not swinging a great bat. He is featuring good speed, getting down the line at 4.25 and then had a well executed drag bunt and got down the line at 3.68. Not the strongest of players, he is a guy who is likely worn down from the season. He will need to continue to get stronger to make it through 162 game season without being a streaky player.
1B Kyle Jensen (Marlins) - He is playing RF, but is going to be a 1B, as he shows below avg range in RF and was unimpressed with his arm strength, though he appeared to be throwing just to hit the cut-off man. He can hit the ball a long way and turned on a ball and hit it almost to the top of the hill at Salt River. Not sure he is going to hit for much average and isn't the best of athletes, so will be interesting to watch him as we get deeper into the AZL.
OF Christian Yelich (Marlins) - Only saw avg bat speed from him, but showed a short, quick to the ball swing that profiles to hit for avg and enough power for CF, but not enough for a corner. He is a slenderly built guy, so wouldn't be surprised if he was also tired and will show better speed in season. Got down the line at 4.15 and profiles as an above average runner. Very intriguing player who profiles at least as a solid avg regular.
OF Brian Goodwin (Nationals) - Another day, another 3 hits for Goodwin with 2 doubles. I still see an above avg regular and he has all the tools to be an above avg defender in CF.
2B Carlos Sanchez (White Sox) - Finally looked a little fresher and put together a lot of quality at bats and had the big 3 run double to break the game open. Was on base 4 of his 5 appearances. I still think he profiles as a solid avg regular with a chance to be above avg depending on how the power ultimately plays.
1B Andy Wilkins (White Sox) - Still think Wilkins profiles as a solid avg regular and he collected another 2 hits today to raise his average to .395. Also has some power. ]
RHP Scott McGough (Marlins) - Arm strength appears to be closer to the Oregon version then the Dodgers version, as he worked 91-94 w/ a CH at 84-88 and a SL at 81-85. The FB showed run and sink and can work, but profiles as just an average pitch out of the pen and isn't paired with an above avg breaking pitch, with the SL being solid avg when it was 81-83. Profiles as a middle reliever.
RHP Ryan Tepera (Blue Jays) - Tepera had better pure stuff then the last time I saw him, working 91-94 w/ a SL at 84-87 and a CH at 84-86. With that said, still didn't see more then a middle reliever and the SL had inconsistent depth.
RHP Lenny Linsky (Rays) - Was a little better on this day then the last time I saw him, but he is never going to throw consistent quality strikes. Worked 90-93 w/ a SL at 80-82 and ran into another inning that had him leave early with Rasmus cleaning up his mess.
RHP Cory Rasmus (Braves) - On this day, the CH was better and the CB didn't have the same caliber of spin I saw previously. That being said, there still is not an above avg pitch in his repetoire. Was 89-92 w/ the CH at 82 and CB at 74.
RHP Cole Kimball (Nationals) - Same guy that is a shadow of his former self. Was 90-92 w/ a CB at 80-81 that was worse on this day then the previous outing and a better split at 82-83.
RHP Cory Riordan (Rockies) - First look at the tall, athletic well proportioned righty and he was 91-94 w/ a CB at 74, SL at 78-79 and CH at 82. Used the SL as the out pitch and the CB and CH as get ahead pitches. Intriguing first look that could profile as a middle reliever w/ an avg SL.
LHP Chris Rearick (Rays) - Rearick was 87-90 w/ a SL at 80-85. Needs to continue improving the SL to have a shot to stick in a pen.
RHP Kevin Munson (Diamondbacks) - Was a pure thrower today and got yanked after loading the bases. He was 92-96 w/ sink and a CH at 87-89 that had some dive and appeared to be a potential splitter. His SL was 84-85 that flashed above avg. He has all the tools, but lacks consistency with command.
RHP Coty Woods (Rockies) - The sidearmer threw a lot of strikes and was 89-90 with sink that can help him fit into a ROOGY role. His SL was 78-80 w/ 3/4 tilt and avg depth. Has the makings of a solid avg pitch. The CH was 82-83 w/ gd armspeed and can use it to keep lefties off of his FB. Intriguing righty who has the ability to be a low leverage middle reliever.
RHP James Simmons (Athletics) - The former 1st rounder was 89-92 w/ a CH at 79 and a SL at 84-85. FB showed better life today, featuring run and sink, though he didn't exhibit the same command as his last outing. His CH had gd armspeed w/ fade and sink and profiles as a solid avg pitch. The SL was worse today and was a 1 plane cutter and lacked the depth of the last outing.
Tomorrow, will be heading to Scottsdale to watch Jarred Cosart face off against the mammoth human being from the Giants, Chris Gloor.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
October 24 - Scottsdale @ Mesa
Attended the game between Scottsdale and Mesa at Hohokam and watched Chris Dominguez hit a 3-run HR in the top of the 9th to allow the Scorpions to win 4-3 to extend Mesa's losing streak to 8 games. Below is what I saw:
DH Chris Dominguez (Giants) - 2nd game of his and he homered an elevated FB to prolong the losing streak of Mesa. He features a strength based approach and wish I could see him at 3B to get a feel for his defensive ability. Still not sure what he is at this point.
2B Adalberto Santos (Pirates) - Santos has a thick lower half and homered to left center. He features a long swing and has a tendency to pull his front shoulder. He didn't show gd range at 2B and think he profiles more in LF, which I don't think the bat can handle.
1B Aaron Westlake (Tigers) - Westlake is a big, physical 1B whom I graded out as one of the best collegiate 1B available in his draft year. I am concerned about his swing, as I feel there is some length there with avg bat speed in a strength based approach. There may not be as much avg there as I thought and will be curious to see him later on to see his approach, as he did hit a nice single off of a left hander.
SS Jiovanni Mier (Astros) - Mier swung the bat well today and barrelled a couple balls down the left field line for doubles. It is a pull heavy approach from a player who lacks the raw power to be able to be a solid avg offensive player with that approach. He does appear to be a bit tired at this stage, as his normally reliable glove had an error on a routine ball today.
RHP Kevin Johnson (Angels) - My first look at the big, physical right hander who has the prototypical pitcher build and he featured a sinker at 92-94 w/ gd life and a solid avg to slightly above avg SL at 83-85. Profiles as a solid avg middle reliever.
RHP Victor Black (Pirates) - More around the zone today and was 97-99 w/ a hammer CB at 82-86. If he can pitch around the zone and miss down, he can have value in a MLB pen, although he likely won't be as important as his stuff, as I really question his ability to throw consistent strikes.
RHP Kevin Rhoderick (Cubs) - The former Oregon State closer has lost velocity from his FB, now pitching 91-92, but has seen no gain in command. This really limits his ceiling despite 2 avg to above avg offspeed pitches in his SL (81-85 - late breaking sweeper, sometimes gets too big and easy to foul off) and his CH (81-82 - tendency to slow arm down, but features split like mvmt). A true max effort delivery with minimal feel for the strike zone.
DH Chris Dominguez (Giants) - 2nd game of his and he homered an elevated FB to prolong the losing streak of Mesa. He features a strength based approach and wish I could see him at 3B to get a feel for his defensive ability. Still not sure what he is at this point.
2B Adalberto Santos (Pirates) - Santos has a thick lower half and homered to left center. He features a long swing and has a tendency to pull his front shoulder. He didn't show gd range at 2B and think he profiles more in LF, which I don't think the bat can handle.
1B Aaron Westlake (Tigers) - Westlake is a big, physical 1B whom I graded out as one of the best collegiate 1B available in his draft year. I am concerned about his swing, as I feel there is some length there with avg bat speed in a strength based approach. There may not be as much avg there as I thought and will be curious to see him later on to see his approach, as he did hit a nice single off of a left hander.
SS Jiovanni Mier (Astros) - Mier swung the bat well today and barrelled a couple balls down the left field line for doubles. It is a pull heavy approach from a player who lacks the raw power to be able to be a solid avg offensive player with that approach. He does appear to be a bit tired at this stage, as his normally reliable glove had an error on a routine ball today.
RHP Kevin Johnson (Angels) - My first look at the big, physical right hander who has the prototypical pitcher build and he featured a sinker at 92-94 w/ gd life and a solid avg to slightly above avg SL at 83-85. Profiles as a solid avg middle reliever.
RHP Victor Black (Pirates) - More around the zone today and was 97-99 w/ a hammer CB at 82-86. If he can pitch around the zone and miss down, he can have value in a MLB pen, although he likely won't be as important as his stuff, as I really question his ability to throw consistent strikes.
RHP Kevin Rhoderick (Cubs) - The former Oregon State closer has lost velocity from his FB, now pitching 91-92, but has seen no gain in command. This really limits his ceiling despite 2 avg to above avg offspeed pitches in his SL (81-85 - late breaking sweeper, sometimes gets too big and easy to foul off) and his CH (81-82 - tendency to slow arm down, but features split like mvmt). A true max effort delivery with minimal feel for the strike zone.
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