Saturday, September 10, 2005
Andruw Jones for MVP?
There has been a lot of clamoring about Andruw for MVP lately, and with due reason. Andy's season has been spectacular. He had the breakout season that everyone was projecting for this year (and many years in the past for that matter). He is producing at right about the level that was expected of him in the minors. He is playing above average defense (although I don't know if its still as top notch as a couple years ago) with an average that fits right in with his minor league numbers (although i do think he can hit for higher average) and exceptional power and RBI numbers. He has become a true force in the middle of the order and maybe the top power hitter in all of baseball. But is he the MVP. He's got a good case, but Pujols has had another spectacular year. He is almost a shoe in every year for .330/40/120 and he is going to pull that again this year. The only problem against Andruw really is his low BA at .274 he is significantly lower than the other three candidates (Pujols - .338, Lee .345, Cabrera - .333) who all incidentally rank 1-2-3 in the league. If Andruw Jones eventually leads the league in RBI and Homers with, say, a 53/140 line does that make him a sure fire MVP? Not really. Because he will lead two of the triple crown categories (which are important, no matter what some people say) but will be outdone by the other three in all other categories save maybe Slugging. And that is gonna be close because of Andruws odd lack of Doubles. (Although A-Rod doesn't hit many double either). What could win Andruw is his close and late numbers. His poor avg w/RISP has been documented @ .222 for the season. But his close and late numbers are .295 with 9 HR and 17 RBI. He also has something like 19-20 game winning RBI, which can be misleading since if he hits a solo homer in the first and that is the only run of the game that is considered a GW RBI. But he has been clutch, which is decidedly anti-Andruw from most other years. I know how valuable he has been to the Braves this year in the absence of Chipper and any other real threat in the line-up, but not being a Cardinals, Cubs, or Marlins fan i can't tell you how valuable the other guys have been to the other teams. I know the Cards have been depleted this year but they have a huge lead in their division. Cabrera has been amazing at 22 years old but his team has floundered. Lee, has a good shot still but the Cubs are out of it. I think Andruw will probably win the award in the end because of some huge moments he had, almost like the Heisman moments they always say a Heisman winner should have. But Pujols probably deserves it for a more consistent and overall body of work. I don't think this will be either one of their last chances though.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Final Standings
Well the minor league seasons have all come to an end save for the playoffs but unfortunately Braves fans in all cities don't have to worry about that now.
Richmond 56-88
The R-Braves finished the season with the worst record in the league. Throughout the season they had Andy Marte, Scott Thorman, Anthony Lerew, Kyle Davies, Brayan Pena, Carlos Duran, James Jurries, Chuck James, Joey Devine and Josh Burrus. If that had been the team all year they may have had the best record in the league, but with the big club relying so heavily on the minors this year only Jurries spent the entire year at the AAA level. It will interesting to see which of these returns here next year. (Crosses fingers against Marte).
Mississippi 36-34 (First Half) 28-34 (Second Half)
The M-Braves had to cancel the last 2 weeks of the season in their first year in Pearl in the wake of the Katrina aftermath. This team was hit hard by promotions also seeing the entire middle of the order (Francoeur, McCann, Thorman) get the call up and also seeing some of the better pitchers get promoted out (Lerew, Boyer, James). Some good things came from this club though. Martin Prado established himself as one of the better hitting 2B in the minors and maybe a future incumbent of Marcus Giles. Luis Hernandez started slow and was streaky for the rest of the year but wasn't completely horrible as a hitter in AA and actually did well when put in the #2 hole. Brian O'Connor was also among the league leaders in ERA for most of the year. Carlos Duran was hurt again this year but spent most of it here not doing too poorly.
Myrtle Beach 33-37 (First Half) 28-42 (Second Half)
The Beach had several of the players with the best all around seasons in its confines at one point or another this season. Chuck James started here dominating and left after only 8 starts. Jarrod Salty Dog (not typing that name if i don't have to) was the best catcher in the minors in the worst hitters park hitting .314/.394/.519 on the season with 19 bombs and 81 RBIs and rave reviews on his improved defense. Now the question is does he surpass McCann in a couple years or does someone switch positions. Tough call for the Braves. Brandon Jones also finished here on the season and I love him. I think he is the best OF we have in the minors right now and could end up being a very solid LF. He'll push Kelly Johnson in a couple years. Also Carl Loadenthal, Steve Doetsch, and Matt Esquevil all bear watching in the outfield as they move up to a more hitter friendly eviron next season. Diory Hernandez could go big too. More on the pitchers later.
Rome Braves 39-29 (First Half) 33-36 (Second Half)
Matt Harrison emerged as the next lefty tradebait for the Braves. I don't think all the Braves lefty's serve as trade bait, I think Chuck James is the real deal, but Harrison doesn't seem all that exciting to me. James Parr Does. At 19 he posted a sub 3.5 ERA and he sports a good mid 90s fastball. We'll see. Yunel Escobar is good enough to maybe make the leap to the majors next year. They like him that much. Matt Young, i don't even know who he is, but he hit .312 with excellent plate disc. Jurich didn't do as well as I had hoped but he did take a ball to the face to start the season. JC Holt was horrible for 4 months, but was brilliant the last month to reestablish himself as a great 2B prospect. I still like him a lot.
Danville 47-20 (lost to Elizabethtown in a three game series for the Championship)
The only minor league affiliate to make the postseason and oddly enough against the Twins. Why is that Odd? The Braves and twins are the two clubs who focus the most on drafting HS players. Also both teams are opposed to MLB eliminating some of the low minors like the Appy League because it would hinder their draft philosophy. Anyways, Eric Campbell made this league his bitch. He led the league in Homers, RBI, slugging, and everything you can think of. Max Ramirez wasn't far behind leading the league in AVG as a catcher. Jon Owings (Brother of Micah from Gat Tech/Tulane fame) was an above average hitter with Ovandy suero providing speed and AVG at the top of the order. Jairo Cuevas was dominant in the rotation posting 69/55 K/IP ratio and a 1.95 ERA.
GCL Braves 24-28
I don't know much about most of these guys cause they all got drafted this year. The most notable was Elvis Andrus. He is a 16 year old SS, 16...years....old. He hit in the .350 range for much of the season and then tailed off near the end to hit .295. He didn't hit for much power, but that is to be expected of a 16 year old. He had very good plate disc, again especially considering his age. Most people considered him the best prospect in the GCL and the Braves have been raving about him since spring training. It'll be interesting to see where he goes next year.
Richmond 56-88
The R-Braves finished the season with the worst record in the league. Throughout the season they had Andy Marte, Scott Thorman, Anthony Lerew, Kyle Davies, Brayan Pena, Carlos Duran, James Jurries, Chuck James, Joey Devine and Josh Burrus. If that had been the team all year they may have had the best record in the league, but with the big club relying so heavily on the minors this year only Jurries spent the entire year at the AAA level. It will interesting to see which of these returns here next year. (Crosses fingers against Marte).
Mississippi 36-34 (First Half) 28-34 (Second Half)
The M-Braves had to cancel the last 2 weeks of the season in their first year in Pearl in the wake of the Katrina aftermath. This team was hit hard by promotions also seeing the entire middle of the order (Francoeur, McCann, Thorman) get the call up and also seeing some of the better pitchers get promoted out (Lerew, Boyer, James). Some good things came from this club though. Martin Prado established himself as one of the better hitting 2B in the minors and maybe a future incumbent of Marcus Giles. Luis Hernandez started slow and was streaky for the rest of the year but wasn't completely horrible as a hitter in AA and actually did well when put in the #2 hole. Brian O'Connor was also among the league leaders in ERA for most of the year. Carlos Duran was hurt again this year but spent most of it here not doing too poorly.
Myrtle Beach 33-37 (First Half) 28-42 (Second Half)
The Beach had several of the players with the best all around seasons in its confines at one point or another this season. Chuck James started here dominating and left after only 8 starts. Jarrod Salty Dog (not typing that name if i don't have to) was the best catcher in the minors in the worst hitters park hitting .314/.394/.519 on the season with 19 bombs and 81 RBIs and rave reviews on his improved defense. Now the question is does he surpass McCann in a couple years or does someone switch positions. Tough call for the Braves. Brandon Jones also finished here on the season and I love him. I think he is the best OF we have in the minors right now and could end up being a very solid LF. He'll push Kelly Johnson in a couple years. Also Carl Loadenthal, Steve Doetsch, and Matt Esquevil all bear watching in the outfield as they move up to a more hitter friendly eviron next season. Diory Hernandez could go big too. More on the pitchers later.
Rome Braves 39-29 (First Half) 33-36 (Second Half)
Matt Harrison emerged as the next lefty tradebait for the Braves. I don't think all the Braves lefty's serve as trade bait, I think Chuck James is the real deal, but Harrison doesn't seem all that exciting to me. James Parr Does. At 19 he posted a sub 3.5 ERA and he sports a good mid 90s fastball. We'll see. Yunel Escobar is good enough to maybe make the leap to the majors next year. They like him that much. Matt Young, i don't even know who he is, but he hit .312 with excellent plate disc. Jurich didn't do as well as I had hoped but he did take a ball to the face to start the season. JC Holt was horrible for 4 months, but was brilliant the last month to reestablish himself as a great 2B prospect. I still like him a lot.
Danville 47-20 (lost to Elizabethtown in a three game series for the Championship)
The only minor league affiliate to make the postseason and oddly enough against the Twins. Why is that Odd? The Braves and twins are the two clubs who focus the most on drafting HS players. Also both teams are opposed to MLB eliminating some of the low minors like the Appy League because it would hinder their draft philosophy. Anyways, Eric Campbell made this league his bitch. He led the league in Homers, RBI, slugging, and everything you can think of. Max Ramirez wasn't far behind leading the league in AVG as a catcher. Jon Owings (Brother of Micah from Gat Tech/Tulane fame) was an above average hitter with Ovandy suero providing speed and AVG at the top of the order. Jairo Cuevas was dominant in the rotation posting 69/55 K/IP ratio and a 1.95 ERA.
GCL Braves 24-28
I don't know much about most of these guys cause they all got drafted this year. The most notable was Elvis Andrus. He is a 16 year old SS, 16...years....old. He hit in the .350 range for much of the season and then tailed off near the end to hit .295. He didn't hit for much power, but that is to be expected of a 16 year old. He had very good plate disc, again especially considering his age. Most people considered him the best prospect in the GCL and the Braves have been raving about him since spring training. It'll be interesting to see where he goes next year.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Future Schedule
In the next couple of weeks I will be doing a prospect list of the top 30-50 braves in the system. I haven't decided quite how many yet. I also considered doing one for all organizations and maybe a minor league depth chart or all prospect team. I don't know yet. Anyways if anyone is reading this let me know what you think and if there is anything that you would like to see.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Lerew
Anthony Lerew got the promotion to the majors yesterday. Not a huge surprise here as the more prospects they call up the more insurance they have in the bullpen for the stretch run. None of them called up after Sept. 1 are eligible for the postseason though unless someone on the 25 man roster gets injured and then you can replace them in the postseason with anyone in your system. Its a dirty little trick the Angels used to win the World Series (see Frankie Rodriguez). Lerew is one of my personal favorite pitchers in the organization. A year and half ago he was good pitcher who could top out as a #3 starter in the majors. Then midseason of 2004 he got a 5 mph boost in his fastball apparently due to mechanical changes and he lost a little control. If you had been following him based purely on his stats you would have seen him dominate the first half of the season with an ERA in the 2s somewhere and then start to lose it in the second half. Strange indeed. But he came back this year, learning to harness his newfound velocity that puts him up in the 97 mph range This year at Mississippi he wass 6-2, 3.93 in 75 inn with 64/32 K/bb and at Richmond he was 4-4 3.48, 73 inn. and 53/29. His walk rates are high but they will decrease as he learns his velocity better and his K rates will get better with his better control and improved off speed stuff. He made his pro debut today with .2 inn and a K. He now has slight potential as a #1 if he figures stuff out a little more. Delmon Young said he was the best of the three between him, Davies, and James. We'll see.
Friday, September 02, 2005
September Call Ups
Well nothing too exciting to report on this front. Kyle Davies, Jim Brower, Brayan Pena, Brian Jordan (off the DL), and Andy Marte the only real surprise call up. The Braves were apparently fulfilling their promise to Brower about bringing him back. Never promise anything to a bad pitcher. He proved them dumb tonight by giving up the game tying runs and blowing a big lead. Kyle Davies however looked great out of the pen for the Big Club. He pitched three scoreless innings but still had a pitch count around 50. Once he gets his pitch counts down he will be an effective no. 2 starter i think. Marte got the call presumably because A. they already got his major league clock ticking by calling him up earlier this season and figured why not let him keep hitting in the pros and B. as insurance for Chipper down the stretch. Marte will be real good, just needs to get that first major league homer. Joey Devine didn't get called back up. He got rocked last night in Richmond which continues a trend for him since his last couple of outings at AA up to the majors and now at richmond. Maybe he is tired. I think he'll be back with the big club before the season is out.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
MLB News
Also the Braves picked up Todd Hollandsworth from the Cubs for minor league pitchers Angel Burrows and Todd Blackford. So we basically got him for nothing so it can't be a bad trade. Burrows was a OF turned relief man. He had a strong arm but won't show up in any top 10 lists for the braves (and probably not top 30). Blackford was picked in the 2004 draft and is still playing short season ball. Nothing really impressive about him. Hollandsworth gives us some insurance in left for Johnson and Langerhans. Francoeur is going to play everyday no matter what. It will be interesting to see how Bobby platoons the LF spot now.
Rumors are flying about Furcal going to the Cubs in the off season. I'd love to keep him but i have some crazy scenarios that we could do to get a lead off hitter if we can't. We'll see if he wants to take a home town discount to stay with us.
And finally September call ups will be happening soon. Davies will be back for sure and B Pena. After that i don't know really know. I would put good money on Chuck James getting the call and maybe getting a start or two and with an equally good shot at making the post season roster as a lefty specialist. His number against LH hitters this year are something unreal. I need to find a site with good minor league stats. Others that might get a call: Andy Marte (if they think they can use him), Anthony Lerew RHP (they would want to get him a start or two, which would be hard but his fastball could help the pen if there are problems there still), Tony Pena SS, Jon Schuerholtz Jr. Util (for the name only).
Rumors are flying about Furcal going to the Cubs in the off season. I'd love to keep him but i have some crazy scenarios that we could do to get a lead off hitter if we can't. We'll see if he wants to take a home town discount to stay with us.
And finally September call ups will be happening soon. Davies will be back for sure and B Pena. After that i don't know really know. I would put good money on Chuck James getting the call and maybe getting a start or two and with an equally good shot at making the post season roster as a lefty specialist. His number against LH hitters this year are something unreal. I need to find a site with good minor league stats. Others that might get a call: Andy Marte (if they think they can use him), Anthony Lerew RHP (they would want to get him a start or two, which would be hard but his fastball could help the pen if there are problems there still), Tony Pena SS, Jon Schuerholtz Jr. Util (for the name only).
Away
I haven't posted in a while. I went on vacation and have worked pretty solid since i got back. I'll update as best as possible as soon as I can. The seasons are coming to an end soon. GCL action has already ceased and saw the callup of Elvis Andrus to Short Season Danville where he has been hitting fairly well. He looks to be one of those guys who won't have any power at all until his body fills out. I mean damn, he's 16 years old. I forget how young that is to be playing some level of pro baseball.
Friday, August 19, 2005
New Friend
I just wanted everyone to know that i added a new link on the right hand side. MLB Heaven. You guys should go check it out. The blog covers the whole MLB and he takes questions and what not and does some similar things to me.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Andy Marte
How good is he? Very good I think. Since his full season debut at Macon in 2002 (where he was only 18) most of his primary stats (HR, AVG, SLG etc..) have remained steady but still uspectacular. He is one of those guys that can lull you to sleep unless you look at things closely and in persepctive. This year Andy is 21 year old at AAA. That is quite young, especially when you consider that AAA is full of older guys waiting in the wings to be called up. His average has always remained in the .265-.280 ranges yet people constantly say that in his prime they expect several seasons akin to Adrian Beltre's 2004 (.334, 48 HR & 1017 OPS). I find that a strange prediction considering his highest AVG in the minors has been .285. I am willing to be though that it is based on his improving plate discipline and age relative to league. With a more indepth look at his stats you see that every year, despite being one of the youngest players in the league each year, his K/BB numbers increase: 2.8 to 1 in 2002, 1.7 to 1 in 03, 1.8 in 04, and so far in 05 he is down to 1.3 to 1 and has struck out around 20 less times through the same number of ABs as last year. Just since last year he went from striking out 27% of the time to 21%. In 550 ABs that pro rates out to 115-120 Ks not too bad for a projected 45 HR hitter especially if he walks 85+ times. The reason why so many people like him is because is projectable and his projections are quite high. He reminds me of Mark Texeira in that regard. Well there is my first prospect bio what do you think?
Andy Marte
How good is he? Very good I think. Since his full season debut at Macon in 2002 (where he was only 18) most of his primary stats (HR, AVG, SLG etc..) have remained steady but still uspectacular. He is one of those guys that can lull you to sleep unless you look at things closely and in persepctive. This year Andy is 21 year old at AAA. That is quite young, especially when you consider that AAA is full of older guys waiting in the wings to be called up. His average has always remained in the .265-.280 ranges yet people constantly say that in his prime they expect several seasons akin to Adrian Beltre's 2004 (.334, 48 HR & 1017 OPS). I find that a strange prediction considering his highest AVG in the minors has been .285. I am willing to be though that it is based on his improving plate discipline and age relative to league. With a more indepth look at his stats you see that every year, despite being one of the youngest players in the league each year, his K/BB numbers increase: 2.8 to 1 in 2002, 1.7 to 1 in 03, 1.8 in 04, and so far in 05 he is down to 1.3 to 1 and has struck out around 20 less times through the same number of ABs as last year. Just since last year he went from striking out 27% of the time to 21%. In 550 ABs that pro rates out to 115-120 Ks not too bad for a projected 45 HR hitter especially if he walks 85+ times. The reason why so many people like him is because is projectable and his projections are quite high. He reminds me of Mark Texeira in that regard. Well there is my first prospect bio what do you think?
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Recap 8/17/05
Richmond
Buffalo 0
Richmond 5
Seven scoreless inning from Kyle Davies put this one in the bag with James Jurries going 2-4 with a two run homer. Andy Marte was 1-4 with a K. I look at some of his minor league numbers and reminds me a little of Andruw except Marte's plate discipline has developed at each level. Still one of my favorite players.
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Mississippi
Jacksonville 9
Mississippi 4
Joey Devines blew the save in the ninth without allowing an earned run. Of course he did allow 5 of the unearned variety. He apparently gave up a grand slam after an error in the inning with two outs. Nothing else was even interesting in the box score. Luis Hernandez didn't start after hitting well lately. I don't know what to think about this team. It had some good prospects earlier in the year. Now it seems empty except Josh Burrus and Martin Prado.
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Myrtle Beach
Pelicans 4
Lynchburg 7
Matt Lorenzo didn't pitch particularly well and really only Diory Hernandez seemed to have a solid night at the plate. He was 2-3 with a solo homer and a walk. Continuing his resurgence of late. Doetsch and Esquivel were both 1-4 with a double. Salty Dog was 0-3 with a walk. Nothing else too spectacular in this one.
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Rome
Rome 10
Columbus 6
In the first game of a doubleheader the top of the order really took care of business. Matt Young, J.C. Holt and Yunel Escobar went a combined 10-14 with 5 runs and 3 RBI. THat is setting the table. And all of a sudden the Braves minor league system has seen a revival of sorts in the middle infield. Holt is up to 255 on the year and escobar just rakes hitting .331 at Rome. Ivan Terazzes went 3-4 with a 3B and a HR with 4 RBI. James Parr went 6 strong giving up 2 runs and striking out 4 with no walks. Not bad for a 19 year old.
Rome 1
Columbus 4
Not as exciting in the second game. At least not for the Braves. Matt Young was the offense. He was 2-3 with a homer. That was all of the hits although not many of the regulars were playing.
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Danville
Princeton 5
Danville 4
Eric Campbell hit his 15th HRand had 2 RBI with a BB. Quentin Davis was 3-4. There were a few other hits scattered around.
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GCL Braves
Braves 2
Phillies 7
Brandon Monk doubled for 2 runs and that was it. Andrus was 0-4 as the DH. Valenzuela pitched and gave up 2 runs through 4 innings with only one strike out. Greg Creek had his 5th error at 3rd. Again nothing else too exciting here.
Buffalo 0
Richmond 5
Seven scoreless inning from Kyle Davies put this one in the bag with James Jurries going 2-4 with a two run homer. Andy Marte was 1-4 with a K. I look at some of his minor league numbers and reminds me a little of Andruw except Marte's plate discipline has developed at each level. Still one of my favorite players.
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Mississippi
Jacksonville 9
Mississippi 4
Joey Devines blew the save in the ninth without allowing an earned run. Of course he did allow 5 of the unearned variety. He apparently gave up a grand slam after an error in the inning with two outs. Nothing else was even interesting in the box score. Luis Hernandez didn't start after hitting well lately. I don't know what to think about this team. It had some good prospects earlier in the year. Now it seems empty except Josh Burrus and Martin Prado.
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Myrtle Beach
Pelicans 4
Lynchburg 7
Matt Lorenzo didn't pitch particularly well and really only Diory Hernandez seemed to have a solid night at the plate. He was 2-3 with a solo homer and a walk. Continuing his resurgence of late. Doetsch and Esquivel were both 1-4 with a double. Salty Dog was 0-3 with a walk. Nothing else too spectacular in this one.
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Rome
Rome 10
Columbus 6
In the first game of a doubleheader the top of the order really took care of business. Matt Young, J.C. Holt and Yunel Escobar went a combined 10-14 with 5 runs and 3 RBI. THat is setting the table. And all of a sudden the Braves minor league system has seen a revival of sorts in the middle infield. Holt is up to 255 on the year and escobar just rakes hitting .331 at Rome. Ivan Terazzes went 3-4 with a 3B and a HR with 4 RBI. James Parr went 6 strong giving up 2 runs and striking out 4 with no walks. Not bad for a 19 year old.
Rome 1
Columbus 4
Not as exciting in the second game. At least not for the Braves. Matt Young was the offense. He was 2-3 with a homer. That was all of the hits although not many of the regulars were playing.
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Danville
Princeton 5
Danville 4
Eric Campbell hit his 15th HRand had 2 RBI with a BB. Quentin Davis was 3-4. There were a few other hits scattered around.
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GCL Braves
Braves 2
Phillies 7
Brandon Monk doubled for 2 runs and that was it. Andrus was 0-4 as the DH. Valenzuela pitched and gave up 2 runs through 4 innings with only one strike out. Greg Creek had his 5th error at 3rd. Again nothing else too exciting here.
Jeff "Frenchy" Francoeur
As I am sitting here I am watching the Braves game against the Dodgers and i just can't believe what i am seeing. Jeff Francoeur, one of the biggest coups that John Schuerholtz has ever pulled off (a top 10 draft talent that JS got on something like the 27th pick) is blowing Atlanta and the national media up. Tonight alone he has a rally starting triple, got his ninth outfield assist gunning Odaliz Perez at second, and hit a two run homer, his tenth in just over 100 ABs. The kid is penomenal. There were so many people at the beginning of the season killing his plate discipline and saying how it would hold him back. And they had a valid point. He was never one to strike out a ton, but it was really the fact that he walked so much. Now that everyone has seen him play they all realize he just loves to swing the bat and there isn't much he can't hit. Was he bored with the minors? I mean why now? I don't find his performance this year akin to Charles Thomas from last year. I think this is how Jeff is going to be. He was born to be an Atlanta Brave.
Game Recaps 8/16/05
Richmond
Buffalo 3
Richmond 1
Lerew pictched a solid 6.1 giving up two runs with 3 Ks but no run support. Marte was 1-3 with the only XBH (a 2B) for the Braves. Only Jurries had a multi-hit performance @ 2-3. T Pena knocked in the run and had his 30th error. I don't see him as our shortstop next year.
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Mississippi
Jacksonville 6
Pearl 4
The Braves faced the daunting Chad Billingsley, one of the best pitching prospects in the minors. He held them to two runs and two hits through 6 innings. The Braves staff did keep Andy Laroche at bay with an 0-2 night. Ryan Basner gave up all 6 runs for the Braves in a little more than 4 innings. Josh Burrus had two RBI on a single, one of only three hits the Braves had.
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Myrtle Beach
The Beach 7
The Burg 5
Good production from the top of the order as Loadenthal and D Hernandez go 6-8 with 4 runs, 2 2B, a SB and 2 RBI. Not bad. Salty Dog was 1-4 with a 2B and RBI. Brandon Jones may have been pulled from the game early but I'm not sure about it yet. Chris Waters pitched a decent 7.1 giving up 3 earned.
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Rome
ROME v COLUMBUS
RAIN
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Danville
Princeton 3
Danville 2
Susp. Rain
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GCL Braves
Tigers 6
Braves 4
Elvis Andrus was 1-4 with a 2B and Greg Creek was 2-4 and is batting .331 with only 17 Ks in 140 ABs. I should find out who he is. Pedro Rayo went 4 hitless and struck out 5 allowing only a walk and lowered his ERA to 1.50. Need to find out who he is too.
Buffalo 3
Richmond 1
Lerew pictched a solid 6.1 giving up two runs with 3 Ks but no run support. Marte was 1-3 with the only XBH (a 2B) for the Braves. Only Jurries had a multi-hit performance @ 2-3. T Pena knocked in the run and had his 30th error. I don't see him as our shortstop next year.
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Mississippi
Jacksonville 6
Pearl 4
The Braves faced the daunting Chad Billingsley, one of the best pitching prospects in the minors. He held them to two runs and two hits through 6 innings. The Braves staff did keep Andy Laroche at bay with an 0-2 night. Ryan Basner gave up all 6 runs for the Braves in a little more than 4 innings. Josh Burrus had two RBI on a single, one of only three hits the Braves had.
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Myrtle Beach
The Beach 7
The Burg 5
Good production from the top of the order as Loadenthal and D Hernandez go 6-8 with 4 runs, 2 2B, a SB and 2 RBI. Not bad. Salty Dog was 1-4 with a 2B and RBI. Brandon Jones may have been pulled from the game early but I'm not sure about it yet. Chris Waters pitched a decent 7.1 giving up 3 earned.
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Rome
ROME v COLUMBUS
RAIN
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Danville
Princeton 3
Danville 2
Susp. Rain
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GCL Braves
Tigers 6
Braves 4
Elvis Andrus was 1-4 with a 2B and Greg Creek was 2-4 and is batting .331 with only 17 Ks in 140 ABs. I should find out who he is. Pedro Rayo went 4 hitless and struck out 5 allowing only a walk and lowered his ERA to 1.50. Need to find out who he is too.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Best Tools
The Best Tools issue of Baseball America arrived at my house today. Andruw Jones got best Defensive Outfielder and Best OF Arm for the NL while Smotlz was #2 in Best Slider. Furcal also was 2nd in Fastest Baserunner and had the Best IF Arm. In the minors there wasn't a whole lot of Braves Praise. Andy Marte received Best Def. 3B for the International League. Josh Burrus was voted the fastest baserunner for the Carolina League and Matt Harrison had the Best Control in Sally League.
On a side note i think will start putting together a top prospects list for the end of the month when the minors season ends.
On a side note i think will start putting together a top prospects list for the end of the month when the minors season ends.
Quick Recaps
Ok this just in, King Felix is good. He goes 8 strong against KC gives up one, Ks 11, 11!! And has found excellent control since the promotion as he only walked one also. I really hope he stays healthy but if you know anything about top of the line Seattle pitching prospects you know they don't stay healthy. They have handled him with kid gloves. Just pray cause he could be a GREAT one.
Richmond
Buffalo 0
Richmond 1
Yeah so this also just in. Chuck James = filthy. James is finally in an age relative context that i feel comfy with (23 @ AAA) and he is still dominating. He gives up one hit over eight innings but does walk 3 with only 4 Ks. R Braves only needed one run with Chuckie on the hill.
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Mississippi
Off Day
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Myrtle Beach
The Beach 7
Lynchburg 6
Well Jake Stevens continues his rocky season. Wasn't he supposed to break out at the friendlist pitchers park around? I don't know. He got the win anyways. Salty Dog goes 2-5 with an RBI and Diory Hernandez is hitting again with a 3-5 effort. I always did think he was better all around than Luis H. We'll see, we seem to have a few SS around most of them are just too low to replace Furcal right now. Maybe Betemit for a year then Escobar. Sidetracked sorry. Brandon Jones playing CF also went 2-4 with and RBI and pushes his seasonal average back up to .300
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Rome
Greeneville 5
Rome 6
Continuing the one run wins Rome puts away Greenville in the battle of Braves affiliates. My man Escobar goes 2-4 with an RBI, BB, and K. B Jordan on rehab continues to pretend to hit with a 3-4 2B, 2RBI performance. I don't want him back. Clint Sammons adds to the organizational pitching depth with a 3-4 game. And finally one of my personal favorites (although he hasn't produced much yet this year) Mark Jurich with a 2-5 game and an RBI. Atilano wins but gives up 5/4 earned in 7 innings followed by good relief appearances from Paul Bush and Will Startup who could both be in line to help the MLB pen by next season along super closer Joey Devine.
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GCL Braves
Braves 1
Tigers 7
I don't really know quite enough about these guys yet to comment on thm too much except future super prospect went 0-4 from the leadoff. Other wise the only other name i know is Adam Parliament who drove in the only run of the game for the Bravos with a 1-3 day.
Richmond
Buffalo 0
Richmond 1
Yeah so this also just in. Chuck James = filthy. James is finally in an age relative context that i feel comfy with (23 @ AAA) and he is still dominating. He gives up one hit over eight innings but does walk 3 with only 4 Ks. R Braves only needed one run with Chuckie on the hill.
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Mississippi
Off Day
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Myrtle Beach
The Beach 7
Lynchburg 6
Well Jake Stevens continues his rocky season. Wasn't he supposed to break out at the friendlist pitchers park around? I don't know. He got the win anyways. Salty Dog goes 2-5 with an RBI and Diory Hernandez is hitting again with a 3-5 effort. I always did think he was better all around than Luis H. We'll see, we seem to have a few SS around most of them are just too low to replace Furcal right now. Maybe Betemit for a year then Escobar. Sidetracked sorry. Brandon Jones playing CF also went 2-4 with and RBI and pushes his seasonal average back up to .300
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Rome
Greeneville 5
Rome 6
Continuing the one run wins Rome puts away Greenville in the battle of Braves affiliates. My man Escobar goes 2-4 with an RBI, BB, and K. B Jordan on rehab continues to pretend to hit with a 3-4 2B, 2RBI performance. I don't want him back. Clint Sammons adds to the organizational pitching depth with a 3-4 game. And finally one of my personal favorites (although he hasn't produced much yet this year) Mark Jurich with a 2-5 game and an RBI. Atilano wins but gives up 5/4 earned in 7 innings followed by good relief appearances from Paul Bush and Will Startup who could both be in line to help the MLB pen by next season along super closer Joey Devine.
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GCL Braves
Braves 1
Tigers 7
I don't really know quite enough about these guys yet to comment on thm too much except future super prospect went 0-4 from the leadoff. Other wise the only other name i know is Adam Parliament who drove in the only run of the game for the Bravos with a 1-3 day.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Tidbits
Just a little bit of info for tongiht. I won't be posting until later because of a going away party for a good friend of mine from work. A couple of things to keep an eye on though. At the major league level King Felix makes his third MLB start. He was dominant in his last start going 8 scoreless and not surrendering a run (or a walk for that matter). For the Braves Chuck James throws for the R Braves tonight. If you don't know about him yet, shame on you. He has a great story and a ridiculous career in the minors. Interesting prospect all around and he can't be ignored any more. It will be interesting to see what he can do in his second start at AAA after dominating High A and then AA. I'll be back tonight to put up some game recaps since i don't have work tomorrow.
Game Recaps 8/14/05
Richmond Braves
Richmond 5 Game 1
Charlotte 0
This one was completed after 7 innings due to the doubleheader. The R Braves take the win on a solo homer by Scotty Thorman in the 2nd inning. He went 2-4 on the day. They topped off the offense with a 4 run 5th. Andy Marte chipped in with a 2-run single on a 2-3 (with a walk) day and journeyman minor league outfielder Kerry Robinson went 3-4 on the day. Kevin Barry went 6.1 with seven Ks and only gave up 4 hits and 3 BBs. Jason Childers finished off the last two outs of the game to get the save.
Richmond 1 Game 2
Charlotte 6
Charlotte turned the tables on the Braves in the second game of the day. The Bombers dropped 5 runs on Dan Curtis in his return to Richmond after an eight game stint in AA Mississippi. Only two of the runs were earned but it doesn't seem like it mattered as the offense was shut down by the bombers pitching. The Braves only mustered 3 hits and a run in seven innings of play. Jurries gets the only RBI and XBH. Marte and Thorman combine for 0-6 and a K.
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Mississippi
Mississippi 0
Chattanooga 11
Yeah, so the Lookouts outdid us in the pitching and hitting departments in this one with Josh Burrus and Gregor Blanco getting the only hits for the M Braves. (Although Burrus did walk twice which is always impressive for him.) Sean White got ripped for 8 runs in 5.1. Not much else to say about this one.
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Myrtle Beach
The Beach 1
Salem 8
The Pelicans didn't handle things any better @ Salem. The erratic Kevin Villa gave up 6 runs in 3.1 and gave up a homer to power machine Hunter Pence. On the offensive side Bradon Jones knocked in the only run of the game for the Pelicans with an RBI 2B. Maybe figuring things out after starting @ .190 after his promotion to the Beach. Jarrod Saltalamacchia did go 1-4 as the DH. He has been one of the hottest hitters in all of the minors over the last month as evidenced by his appearance in Baseball America's Hot Sheet. Again nothing else really to speak of with this game.
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Rome
Greeneville 2 Game 1
Rome 6
Some good news here. Charlie Morton, tabbed by many before the seasonto be the Braves biggest breakout candidate in the minors has been mostly bust througout the season posting an ERA in the 5.00 range. Today was one of his best starts so far going 5 inn. striking out 2 and giving up 2 runs (1 earned). Will Startup pitched the last two innings for the save giving up only a hit. He is a 2005 draftee and apparently a good reliever. Ardley Jansen continues his recent power surge hitting his 11th homer on the year. Leadoff hitter Matt Young goes 3-3 all singles on the day. One of my favorite players already in the minors for us is SS Yuniel Escobar. We drafted him this year out of Cuba (as a defector). He went straight to Danville and just destroyed them and quickly got the promotion to Rome where he has continued to hit over .300 with OK plate discipline. There has even been some talk of him jumping all the way up to become the starting SS for the big club next year when we let Furcal walk. I don't see that being really possible but you never know. Anyways. Brian Jordan went 2-4 in a rehab start and has hit pretty well since starting his rehab, but i don't want him back with the big club. The kids are fine without him.
Greenville 6 Game 1
Rome 4
Offensively, Escobar goes 2-2 with a walk, Brian Jordan knocks in two and Cole Armstrong was 3-3 with a 2B and RBI. Arthur Santos (really don't know who he is) pitched fine in the start giving up 2 runs in 5.0 inn. but giving way to Michael Nix, a 2005 draftee, who allowed 4 runs in 2.0 inn. There ya go.
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Danville
Danville 4
Burlington 8
All the way down in the Appy League the baby Braves continue to hit the ball. Especially Eric Campbell (2004 2nd rd pick) who hit his 13th & 14th home runs and 47th RBI which both lead the circuit. Ovandy Suero, a speedy 2B, played LF and was 2-5 with his 31st stolen base which also leads the league, and Max Ramirez, another Braves catching prodigy, was 1-5 and is hitting .371 to lead the league and is second to Campbell in RBIs in the league with 38. Blackford gave up 6 runs and the offense left too many on base for it to matter though.
Richmond 5 Game 1
Charlotte 0
This one was completed after 7 innings due to the doubleheader. The R Braves take the win on a solo homer by Scotty Thorman in the 2nd inning. He went 2-4 on the day. They topped off the offense with a 4 run 5th. Andy Marte chipped in with a 2-run single on a 2-3 (with a walk) day and journeyman minor league outfielder Kerry Robinson went 3-4 on the day. Kevin Barry went 6.1 with seven Ks and only gave up 4 hits and 3 BBs. Jason Childers finished off the last two outs of the game to get the save.
Richmond 1 Game 2
Charlotte 6
Charlotte turned the tables on the Braves in the second game of the day. The Bombers dropped 5 runs on Dan Curtis in his return to Richmond after an eight game stint in AA Mississippi. Only two of the runs were earned but it doesn't seem like it mattered as the offense was shut down by the bombers pitching. The Braves only mustered 3 hits and a run in seven innings of play. Jurries gets the only RBI and XBH. Marte and Thorman combine for 0-6 and a K.
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Mississippi
Mississippi 0
Chattanooga 11
Yeah, so the Lookouts outdid us in the pitching and hitting departments in this one with Josh Burrus and Gregor Blanco getting the only hits for the M Braves. (Although Burrus did walk twice which is always impressive for him.) Sean White got ripped for 8 runs in 5.1. Not much else to say about this one.
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Myrtle Beach
The Beach 1
Salem 8
The Pelicans didn't handle things any better @ Salem. The erratic Kevin Villa gave up 6 runs in 3.1 and gave up a homer to power machine Hunter Pence. On the offensive side Bradon Jones knocked in the only run of the game for the Pelicans with an RBI 2B. Maybe figuring things out after starting @ .190 after his promotion to the Beach. Jarrod Saltalamacchia did go 1-4 as the DH. He has been one of the hottest hitters in all of the minors over the last month as evidenced by his appearance in Baseball America's Hot Sheet. Again nothing else really to speak of with this game.
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Rome
Greeneville 2 Game 1
Rome 6
Some good news here. Charlie Morton, tabbed by many before the seasonto be the Braves biggest breakout candidate in the minors has been mostly bust througout the season posting an ERA in the 5.00 range. Today was one of his best starts so far going 5 inn. striking out 2 and giving up 2 runs (1 earned). Will Startup pitched the last two innings for the save giving up only a hit. He is a 2005 draftee and apparently a good reliever. Ardley Jansen continues his recent power surge hitting his 11th homer on the year. Leadoff hitter Matt Young goes 3-3 all singles on the day. One of my favorite players already in the minors for us is SS Yuniel Escobar. We drafted him this year out of Cuba (as a defector). He went straight to Danville and just destroyed them and quickly got the promotion to Rome where he has continued to hit over .300 with OK plate discipline. There has even been some talk of him jumping all the way up to become the starting SS for the big club next year when we let Furcal walk. I don't see that being really possible but you never know. Anyways. Brian Jordan went 2-4 in a rehab start and has hit pretty well since starting his rehab, but i don't want him back with the big club. The kids are fine without him.
Greenville 6 Game 1
Rome 4
Offensively, Escobar goes 2-2 with a walk, Brian Jordan knocks in two and Cole Armstrong was 3-3 with a 2B and RBI. Arthur Santos (really don't know who he is) pitched fine in the start giving up 2 runs in 5.0 inn. but giving way to Michael Nix, a 2005 draftee, who allowed 4 runs in 2.0 inn. There ya go.
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Danville
Danville 4
Burlington 8
All the way down in the Appy League the baby Braves continue to hit the ball. Especially Eric Campbell (2004 2nd rd pick) who hit his 13th & 14th home runs and 47th RBI which both lead the circuit. Ovandy Suero, a speedy 2B, played LF and was 2-5 with his 31st stolen base which also leads the league, and Max Ramirez, another Braves catching prodigy, was 1-5 and is hitting .371 to lead the league and is second to Campbell in RBIs in the league with 38. Blackford gave up 6 runs and the offense left too many on base for it to matter though.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
My First Blog
This is a Blog I have created in order to find a release for my favorite fetish: minor league baseball, and specifically, Braves Minor league baseball. Here, hopefully, I will be posting near daily game updates from throughout the Atlanta Braves minor league system. I don't know how this will go or how many people will actually see it but at this point all I really care about is getting my thoughts and ideas about minor league baseball down in some public medium. I will also, from time to time, enter my own prospect lists and anything else my expected readership might find enjoyable. Well I'll get started soon.
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