Monday's Minor League Update

by grover on Apr 20, 2009 12:00 AM PDT Comment 58 comments

UPDATE, 12:45 PDT
Today's A's-Yankees game has been postponed due to rain. -Nico

Two weeks of games is really too little time to make definitive claims regarding any team, much less a minor league affiliate that’s still figuring out its roster. So this week’s update will focus on highlighting some performances of note and not so much on team analysis.

Sacramento River Cats (5-6)

S. Doolittle 326/396/488 2-1-1 (D-T-HR) 4/8 (BB/K) 42 AB

C. Denorfia 300/364/350 2-0-0 (D-T-HR) 4/6 (BB/K) 40 AB

E. Patterson 289/372/447 3-0-1 (D-T-HR) 5/8 (BB/K) 38 AB 5-0 SB

V. Mazzaro 3 GS 14.0 IP 9 H 7/12 (BB/K) 2.75 GO/AO 1.93 ERA

C. Schroder 4 G 6.0 IP 2 H 3/7 (BB/K) .83 GO/AO 0.00 ERA

GO/AO rate means the number of ground outs vs. air outs a pitcher gets. 1.1 GO/AO is about average, so Mazzaro’s 2.75 GO/AO shows him to be an extreme ground ball pitcher.

Midland Rockhounds (7-3)

A. Cardenas 405/457/690 7-1-1 (D-T-HR) 4/8 (BB/K) 42 AB

C. Brown 357/471/464 3-0-0 (D-T-HR) 5/9 (BB/K) 28 AB

C. Carter 286/353/476 5-0-1 (D-T-HR) 5/15 (BB/K) 42 AB

S. Demel 5 G 4.2 IP 3 Sv 2 H 1/5 (BB/K) 3.50 GO/AO 0.00 ERA

Stockton Ports (1-10)

M. Smith 269/321/423 1-0-1 (D-T-HR) 2/5 (BB/K) 26 AB

D. Gordon 3 G 8.0 IP 3 H 0/11 (BB/K) .63 GO/AO 0.00 ERA

C. Hernandez 2 GS 11.0 IP 11 H 3/9 (BB/K) 2.67 GO/AO 3.27 ERA

Why do I have Matt Smith’s batting line posted up here? Because he’s the Ports’ leading hitter. Here’s a bit of analysis for you: The Ports’ line-up is wretched!

Kane County Cougars (7-3)

D. Coleman 324/425/618 2-1-2 (D-T-HR) 5/9 BB/K 34 AB

S. Haviland 2 GS 11.0 IP 9 H 1/12 (BB/K) 1.00 GO/AO 2.45 ERA

S. Deal 3 G 6.0 IP 2 H 3/9 (BB/K) 1.25 GO/AO 0,00 ERA

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Matt Spencer

Could someone tell me a little bit about Matt Spencer?

All I’ve seen is that with the Phillies he was considered a potential elite power prospect, but his numbers hadn’t been particularly good until he was traded to the A’s last year…

he’s now homered in three straight games, I was wondering if anybody knew his story/projections/scouting report, etc…?

"Life is a horizontal fall" -Jean Cocteau

by King Richard on Apr 20, 2009 12:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

In brief

He started his career as a power prospect, but just never hit (read: at all) in recent history. Most people thought he was a failed prospect.

Beane tool out a flier on him in the Blanton trade, and Stockton seems to have jogged his “hitting” memory (read: Josh Donaldson). He’s a sleeper in the system; he could be good or he could really be a failed prospect.

Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.

by Threepwood XX on Apr 20, 2009 12:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

re

Wouldn’t be surprised if he gets called to Midland tomorrow. Everidge is a good organizational player, but he’s clearly not a prospect. And Archie Gilbert is a little bit interesting, but he shouldn’t stand in a guy like Spencer’s way. Then again, I don’t really get why Spencer is in Stockton in the first place, so, who knows…

by AgitationStation on Apr 20, 2009 2:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

he's in Stockton

because Carter is in Midland and Doolittle in Sac – 1B looks to be the position they’re pursuing with Spencer.

by oakballnack on Apr 20, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

couple links

spencer played for 2 high profile college programs at UNC/ASU

http://phuturephillies.com/2007/06/08/draft-review-day-1/

http://www.pgcrosschecker.com/draft/2007/notebooks/allansimpson/draft_2007.aspx

Q: John from Tempe, Arizona asks:
Do you think Matt Spencer from ASU has solidified himself as a potential 1st or 1st supplemental Round type player. He played amazing against UCLA this weekend with a 9-12 effort and pretty much did it all on Saturday with 2 HR’s and game winning RBI single as well as pitched. What about Sogard, Kiel Roling and Tim Smith, where do you think they will be drafted?
A:

Aaron Fitt: That’s a huge weekend for Spencer, no doubt, but there’s no way he goes in the first couple of rounds — the bat has just been too inconsistent. His tools are very impressive — serious raw power, but it’s still largely untapped, and he runs well, and he’s got arm strength. He just needs to put it all together for an extended period — at times he gets anxious and jumpy at the plate.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/chat/2007/263901.html

by Asfan4ever723 on Apr 20, 2009 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stockton may seem more wretched than they are because they played the Giants

a bunch of times. They’re still not good of course.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 6:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Suggestion

Given that it’s still pretty early to learn too much from hitting numbers, perhaps one thing people would want a heads-up on would be the progress of various players at new defensive positions, like: Doolittle in the OF, Cardenas at SS (which I believe someone mentioned is over??), Carter at anywhere other than DH, etc…

Just a thought, and by no means a criticism. I appreciate all the minor league updates on AN.

by rageon on Apr 20, 2009 7:21 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Other notables:

Sacramento:

Daric Barton — .158/.265/.237
Jack Hannahan — .114/.184/.229

James Simmons — 8.1 IP, 9.72 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, 9:4:0 K:BB:HR
Gio Gonzalez — 7.0 IP, 2.57 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 7:5:1 K:BB:HR
Ryan Webb — 8.0 IP, 6.75 ERA, 2.38 WHIP, 9:8:2 K:BB:HR

Midland:

Chen Yung-Chi — .389/.450/.472
Josh Donaldson — .200/.400/.300

Arnold Leon — 7.2 IP, 2.35 ERA, 4:3:0 K:BB:HR

Stockton:

Tyson Ross — 14.1 IP, 4.40 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 8:6:3 K:BB:HR
Craig Italiano — 7.1 IP, 7.36 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 7:7:0 K:BB:HR
Scott Mitchinson — 10.2 IP, 0.84 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 10:5:0 K:BB:HR
Daniel Thomas — 3.1 IP, 8.10 ERA, 2.10 WHIP, 6:1:2 K:BB:HR

Kane County:

Jason Christian — .278/.316/.389
David Thomas — .289/.341/.421
Grant Desme — .257/.333/.343 (after starting 0-20)
Petey Paramore — 0 for 8

Anthony Capra — 9.1 IP, 0.96 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 11:4:0 K:BB:HR
Pedro Figueroa — 8.0 IP, 4.50 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 10:2:0 K:BB:HR
Brett Hunter — 3.0 IP, 6.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP, 3:5:0 K:BB:HR

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 7:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Anything on Nino Leyja?

"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."

by mikev on Apr 20, 2009 8:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Extended ST

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The A's are taking it easy with both Leyja and Dixon because they have such high hopes for each and don't want to set them up to fail.

Kane County has a rep for decimating a hitters potential, especially during the spring months, so don’t be shocked if you see Dixon and maybe Leyja showing up in Kane County sometime in May.

Both are obviously better then “short season,” but I think the A’s feel the worst thing they could do is set them up to fail.

Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.

by Threepwood XX on Apr 20, 2009 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW Cardenas was featured in Goldstein's Ten Pack

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 7:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

stockton cant buy a win

they have some interesting prospects like thomas/ross/keough/spencer/mitchell/hernandez etc so some talent is there. should improve since i think capra/08 draft infielders/paramore might be bumped up in a month or two.

by Asfan4ever723 on Apr 20, 2009 8:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Dusty Coleman is hitting the cover off the ball.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Coleman was the fist one moved up to make room for Leyja in Kane County.

Also, don’t forget the injured players like Weeks and Richardson who will make a huge difference then they come back.

Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.

by Threepwood XX on Apr 20, 2009 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Leyja could also play 2B. Coleman's at SS and Christian's at 3B right now.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

PG crosschecker says that he has the ability to play SS well at the MLB level

Why would you mess around with him if you can help it?

Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom

by designatedforassignment on Apr 20, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because you have 3 SS at the A level and you don't want another non-versatile Crosby

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Completely off topic

But in MLB 2K9 where is all of the good prospects???

Basesball is just a game-RIP Nick Adenhart

by robbo650 on Apr 20, 2009 9:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

They're pretty bad about keeping track of prospects

You’ve got Anthony Recker, Javier Herrera, Fautino de los Santos… not too many others. They’re mostly just roster filler.

I just remembered I love Eric Chavez.

by Joey C. on Apr 20, 2009 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thing is they dont have lisence for Minor Leaguers

so they fudge the names. Like Matt Weiters was named like Mike Wallace or something. Just look for initials of players in the positions they should be in.

"Their Triple-A rotation, led by Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson, could be better than some big-league rotations; Michael Ynoa is the best Latin American prospect of the decade; 2008 draftees Jemile Weeks and Rashun Dixon bring much-needed tools to an advanced group of hitters." - BaseballProspectus.com

by Syphon on Apr 20, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, I get that

What I’m saying is, you won’t find a lot of current minor leaguers in there. Ryan Webb. Josh Donaldson. Sean Doolittle. They don’t even have jacked up names to change with those guys. Even the prospects they do include (Bailey, Cahill, Anderson) are of the wrong race. Still. They really don’t have an excuse to not keep current with the minor league system, if’n you ask me.

I just remembered I love Eric Chavez.

by Joey C. on Apr 20, 2009 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well if you get on Xbox live they update rosters.

They added Cahill/Anderson/Bailey.

by Syphon on Apr 20, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do and I have, which is why I know they're all black in the game

Which I’m cool with, because if I had a chance to be in a baseball video game, I wouldn’t care if they made me Filipino with green dreadlocks. I just think that it’s inexcusable for 2K to not have a better base of knowledge concerning the minor leagues. At least make sure ya got BA’s top 10 prospects or something.

I just remembered I love Eric Chavez.

by Joey C. on Apr 21, 2009 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mike Mitchell

It appears that he’s still rehabbing his injury from last season? Any news?

by inbillywetrust on Apr 20, 2009 12:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Mazzaro

Is his excellent GA/AO ratio pretty typical of him? Something that’s been a known plus for him since he’s been on the radar? He had his great stint at Midland to go with his nice start at Sac this season, but otherwise both his mainstream and peripheral stats are pretty bland.

by Mark H on Apr 20, 2009 12:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes

Mazzaro pitches off of a really nice sinker that gives him a lot of ground ball outs.

Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom

by designatedforassignment on Apr 20, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Man the Corners

I’m ready to play Doolittle at first, Cardenas at third, and package Barton, Crosby, Patterson, Outman and an ace bandage for a minor league shortstop with upside.

by DavidS on Apr 20, 2009 12:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

With this team can we really afford the loss of depth in the medical supply department?

Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom

by designatedforassignment on Apr 20, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Lol, rec'd.

A completely valid concern.

by NateHST on Apr 20, 2009 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

S.O.B.

All I was looking forward to today was watching the game. Figures it’d be rained out.

by Syphon on Apr 20, 2009 12:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Are both teams off Thursday?

Seems like they would try to shift the series to Tues-Thurs if possible.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Apr 20, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes.

They both have thurs off.

by Syphon on Apr 20, 2009 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

no, according to SuSlu

The game will be made up when the team returns to New York in late July, either on the offday (July 23) or as part of a day-night doubleheader.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Apr 20, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doubleheaders are evil! Play it July 23rd

(because off days are even MORE evil!!!).

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Apr 20, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

(fast forward to July) And Giambi will not be out for the second game tonight

as he and Nomar have collapsed in ice baths in locker room following the 14th inning of the first game complaining of leg stiffness.

alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)

by ak_A on Apr 20, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

me too...too bad...

by OaklandSi on Apr 20, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me too... and its my birthday :-(

Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom

by designatedforassignment on Apr 20, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Happy Birthday!

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Apr 20, 2009 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks...

it was suppose to be occupied with some A’s baseball but alas…

Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom

by designatedforassignment on Apr 20, 2009 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm actually glad

I have to work late tonight, so I was going to miss the game…

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Apr 20, 2009 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Same - it saves me from missing most of the game

so I’m not complaining.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Apr 20, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, it sucks

I took the day off to watch the game. Oh well, poker day.

by AgitationStation on Apr 20, 2009 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

With all the amenities and facilities of new Yankee Stadium...

such as internet access in each locker, underwater treadmill, and a Hard Rock Cafe….

Where’s the retractable roof?!?!

I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.

by franks a lot on Apr 20, 2009 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where the hell is JD Pruitt?!?!?

I want to see him put up some more .220/.440/.300 lines!

by Emmett89 on Apr 20, 2009 2:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Traded to the Padres for Chad Reineke.

by OldhamA on Apr 20, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was hoping the A's would be able to test out the -- ahem-- jetstream at Yankee Stadium

If popups become homers so easily because of this aerial phenomenon, shouldn’t the Yankees be the most homerunningest team in the majors right now? Is “homerunningest” a word?

Green and Gold Lantern Corps

by oaklandSMASH on Apr 20, 2009 4:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

So quick thoughts

Gio… throw strikes more often.

Could Patterson be the utility man that the team seems to want Crosby to be? If so can Billy hurry up and deal Crosby so Patterson can come up?

What is the over under on Doolittle manning 1st sack? June 1st? And when he does would anyone even want to trade for Dale?

Who is more like Timmah Hudson, Maz or Cahill?

by jeffro on Apr 20, 2009 4:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Patterson isn't really a utility guy

He plays 2B poorly, can’t play SS or 3B at all, and can manage an averagish LF. He isn’t really the guy to back up the A’s beat-up infield.

At this point I’m content to let Patterson mash at AAA and hope some team will convince themselves that he can be a big league second basemen if he’s just given a shot. Then maybe we could get a decent relief arm for him.

by DiegoAsFan on Apr 20, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hopefull mazzaro will be ready

to take Outman’s spot in the rotation soon. His numbers look like it could happen soon. I think they should think about calling him up since Outaman is doing so poorly and Gallagher hasn’t looked good enough to join the rotation. Might as well have all 3 of Mazzaro, Anderson, and Cahill in the rotation.

by BIGa's on Apr 20, 2009 5:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

ESPN conspiracy

The game was rained out so they wouldn’t have to put the A’s on their damn station. Probably knew that it was going to rain using the farmer’s almanac. Those fargin iceholes!

Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?

by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 20, 2009 5:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I was watching th Baseball tonight they were showing instead of the game

they were talking about the Yenkees then the announcer said Now, not everyone is tuning in to watch the Yankees, i suppose… I laughed. Then Kruk talked crap about the A’s after.

by BIGa's on Apr 20, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I took special joy in seeing the Cubs-Cards game rained out last night,

as ESPN had no other game they could show.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Apr 20, 2009 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

same here. but really, and it makes sense to have, but I just

did not notice that tonight’s game would have been on one of the ESPN channels. Damn, I am bummed, that does not come around very often for us. I got mlbtv on the mac again, opting not to go Comcast EI, so real tv would have been a treat.

alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)

by ak_A on Apr 20, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

check out the A's minor league DL....

Link

Oakland Athletics
Released: RHP Lee Land, 3B Danny Hamblin
Recalled: RHP Dan Giese
Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Jerry Blevins
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Andrew Carignan, RHP Fautino de los Santos, RHP Jose Fragoso, RHP Jason Glushon, RHP Michael Madsen, RHP Michael Mitchell, RHP Scott Moore, RHP Jason Ray, RHP Henry Rodriguez, RHP Steven Sharpe, RHP Jimmy Shull, RHP Jerome Williams, LHP Brad Kilby, LHP Lance Sewell, C Eric Munson, C Curtis Thigpen, 2B Joe Dillon, 2B Jemile Weeks, 3B Christian Vitters, OF Yusuf Carter, OF Aaron Cunningham, OF Javier Herrera, OF Matt Sulentic
Reinstated from DL: RHP Jason Glushon
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Lee Land, 1B Danny Hamblin

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Apr 20, 2009 7:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That's a pretty decent team:

C – Thigpen, Carter
1B – Munson
2B – Weeks
SS – Nobody but Horton’s day-to-day
3B – Dillon
LF – Herrera
CF – Cunningham
RF – Sulentic
SP – de los Santos, Williams
RP – Rodriguez, Carignan, Kilby, Sewell

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Apr 21, 2009 7:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs