The Official 2018 Minor League Statline and Prospect Discussion Thread

[Troll Daddy]

 

[totdprods]

August 31, 2018

Salt Lake (70-66) lost 9-14 vs.  Fresno/HOU (8-56)

• Hermosillo (LF/CF): 0-4 2 RBI, 2 K
• Rengifo: 0-4, BB, 4 K (oof)
• Blash: 1-4, R, 2B, BB, 2 K, OF assist
• Walsh: 2-5, R, HR (8), RBI, 2 K - 29th HR on the year, 99th RBI
• Fernandez: 2-5, 2 R, HR (17), RBI - HR in 3 straight games, and in last 11 games: .364/.440/.750/1.190 with 2 2B, 5 HR, 6 BB, 3 K
• Ackley: 3-4, 3 R, 2B, RBI - in AAA (71 G/237 AB): .291/.384/.405/.789 with 18 XBH, 37 BB, only 31 K, playing LF, 1B, and 2B
• Hudson: 4-4, R, 2 2B, 3 RBI - hitting .336/.392/.542/.934 since joining the Angels org (31 G, 109 AB)
• Rhoades: 0.2 IP, K
• Jerez: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 5 ER, BB
• Way: IP, H, K - the outfielder now as a 2.84 ERA in 6.1 IP this season, allowing 6 hits, 2 ER, 2 BB, and 5 K

Mobile (65-68) lost 3-5 vs. Montgomery/TBR (77-60)

• Jones: 2-4, R, 2B, 3B, K
• Gibbons: 2-4, BB, K
• Houchins: 1-4, R, HR (11), RBI
• Justus: 2-3, 2B, RBI, E (15)
• Gatto: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, K

Inland Empire (67-70) lost 3-6 at Rancho Cucamonga/LAD (84-53)

• Hunter, Jr.: left game in 1st, HBP
• Marsh: 2-5, R, 3 K
• MacKinnon: 2-4, 2B, BB - his August slash officially ends at .363/.487/.626/1.114 with 12 2B, 4 HR, 24 BB, 19 K in 27 G, 119 PA
• Leon: 1-3, R, HR (11), 3 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
• Tavarez: 2 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 2 K

Burlington (50-82) lost 2-5 vs. Cedar Rapids/MIN (76-60)

• Rivas: 1-4, K
• Martinez: 1-4, RBI
• Menendez: 2-4, K
• Brady: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 7 K - 21 year-old reliever turned starter has had a decent conversion '18: 47.2 IP, .274 BAA, 4.72 ERA, 1 HR allowed, 15 BB, 47 K 
• Wantz: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, HR

Orem (21-49) won 3-1 at Idaho Falls/KCR (38-32) in 7 innings

• Jackson: 1-4, R, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 K - 7th HR through first 38 pro games/155 at-bats
• Maitan: 0-4, K
• Swanda: 4 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 4 K - an okay year for the '17 4th Rd. pick: 9 GS, 25 IP, 5.40 ERA, .300 BAA, 6 BB, 24 K

Orem (21-50) lost 1-6 at Idaho Falls/KCR (39-32) in 7 innings
Make-up from 7.26 postponement

• Knowles: 0-4, 2 K
• Maitan: 0-2, BB
• Del Valle: 3-3

[Angel Oracle]

Jackson showing lots of power for an 18 year-old SS

[Angelsjunky]

We talk a lot about the cream of the crop, but there are some intriguing prospects in the "sleeper/fringe" category: Way, Rojas, Justus, MacKinnon, Tavarez, Menendez, Del Valle, etc.

I think the Angels really need to give Walsh a look in September. Fernandez, too. 

[Second Base]

3 hours ago, Angelsjunky said:

We talk a lot about the cream of the crop, but there are some intriguing prospects in the "sleeper/fringe" category: Way, Rojas, Justus, MacKinnon, Tavarez, Menendez, Del Valle, etc.

I think the Angels really need to give Walsh a look in September. Fernandez, too. 

I think we need room on the 40 man to do some of that. Luckily for the Angels, there appears to be be some dead weight on the roster so theoretically, it shouldn't be a problem.

[Tank]

8 hours ago, totdprods said:

August 31, 2018

Salt Lake (70-66) lost 9-14 vs.  Fresno/HOU (8-56)

• Jerez: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 5 ER, BB

 

ouch. he started off so well. hope they can help him figure it out quickly.

[totdprods]

50 minutes ago, Tank said:

ouch. he started off so well. hope they can help him figure it out quickly.

Yeah, pretty obvious that something went off the rails with his mechanics or lost command of a pitch. Could be fatigue too.

[arch stanton]

6 minutes ago, totdprods said:

Yeah, pretty obvious that something went off the rails with his mechanics or lost command of a pitch. Could be fatigue too.

His fastball location was terrible. Way too much plate. Gotta get him back on the corners

[totdprods]

September 1, 2018

Salt Lake (70-67) lost 2-8 vs. Fresno/HOU (81-56)

• Rengifo: 2-4, BB
• Hermosillo: 0-3, RBI
• Thaiss: 2-4, 2B, BB - on the year, 34 doubles, 8 triples, 16 homers
• Walsh: 1-2, 2B, 2 BB, K
• Way: 2-4, R, K
• Rojas: 2-4, R
• Morales: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Mobile (65-68) vs. Montgomery/TBR (77-60)
Postponed, rain

Inland Empire (67-71) lost 2-16 at Rancho Cucamonga/LAD (85-53)

• Marsh: 0-4, R, BB, 2 K
• MacKinnon: 2-5, 2B, RBI, K
• Mathews: 2.2 IP, 8 H, 10 ER, 5 BB, 2 K, 1 HR
• Hanewich: IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 2 K
• Diaz: 1.2 IP, 2 BB, 3 K

Burlington (50-83) lost 2-3 vs. Clinton/SEA (68-70)

• Martinez: 0-4, 2 K
• Menendez: 2-4, RBI, 2 K
• Ortega: 5 IP, H, BB, K - last 10 games, 45.2 IP, 3.15 ERA, 22 BB, 48 K, .221 BAA
• Perez: 2 IP, 4 K

Orem (21-51) lost 4-7 at Idaho Falls/KCR (40-32)

• Jackson: 0-4, BB, K, E (8)
• Maitan: 0-4, 2 K
• Knowles: 2-3, R, 2B, 2 RBI, BB
• Del Valle: 1-3, R, HR (5), RBI, BB, 2 K
• Sala: 1-4, R, 2B, 2 K, OF assist
• Rosario: 2-4, R, CS
• Molina: 5 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 6 K - this is a nice development. Molina was one of our intl. signings in the lean days, and he's throwing very well of late
  In his last 9 starts, he's thrown 42 IP, to go with a 3.86 ERA, .188 BAA, and 15 BB to 47 K - he's fairly young at 21 too

[Docwaukee]

time for a break.  most of these guys seem like they're struggling to finish out the season.  

[tdawg87]

Marsh has been very disappointing this year.

[tdawg87]

Also lol Maitan

[totdprods]

4 minutes ago, tdawg87 said:

Marsh has been very disappointing this year.

I'd rate Marsh as an 'as expected' type of season. He had good stretches and bad, but he's played 120-130 games after missing his first year with injury, playing 39 games last year in short-season, and jumping two levels in his age 20 season up to advanced A+ in his second pro year.

On the surface, the stats are underwhelming a bit, but much like Jones, once you realize how young these two are and how quickly they've developed, it's easier to give them a little grace. 

Marsh still pulled in 41 XBH (so far), 72 walks (!!!), and has gone 18-22 in SB attempts, and 10 OF assists. I still get a Josh Reddick-type vibe from him.

[ettin]

On 8/29/2018 at 10:56 PM, Dochalo said:

why is your phone in Puerto Vallarta?  

Because I am in Puerto Vallarta!!!!! Ariba!

[Angelsjunky]

4 hours ago, totdprods said:

I'd rate Marsh as an 'as expected' type of season. He had good stretches and bad, but he's played 120-130 games after missing his first year with injury, playing 39 games last year in short-season, and jumping two levels in his age 20 season up to advanced A+ in his second pro year.

On the surface, the stats are underwhelming a bit, but much like Jones, once you realize how young these two are and how quickly they've developed, it's easier to give them a little grace. 

Marsh still pulled in 41 XBH (so far), 72 walks (!!!), and has gone 18-22 in SB attempts, and 10 OF assists. I still get a Josh Reddick-type vibe from him.

I see more of a higher average and walks, less power than Reddick: maybe more like .290, 15-20 HR, 70+ BB a year. Nick Markakis? I do think he has more power he'll tap into and eventually hit 20+.

Anyhow, I hear what you are saying, but the numbers for Marsh and Jones are disappointing. Both were expected, at least by myself, to perform better. But as you said, there are some encouraging signs as well and overall I don't feel too worried about either.

[mulwin444]

Griffin Canning was on cruise control tonight for @SaltLakeBees:
5 IP
1 H
0 R
2 BB
9 K
No. 3 on the #Angels Top 30: https://t.co/ysW3AyIqrd https://t.co/TxqXuLJZRT

[bloodbrother]

Probably his best outing since being promoted to Triple-A.

[totdprods]

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Salt Lake (71-67) won 7-0 vs. Fresno/HOU (81-57)

• Rengifo: 1-3, 3 R, RBI, 2 BB
• Hermosillo: 1-5, 2B
• Thaiss: 1-4, R, RBI
• Blash: 2-3, 2 R, HR (28), 2 RBI, BB
• Walsh: did not play...
• Way: 3-4, 2 RBI - rockin' a AAA slash of .345/.376/.412/.788 in 32 G/119 AB
• Rojas: 0-4, 2 K - not adjusting to AAA; in 18 G/67 AB, .209/.225/.239/.464 with 2 BB, 12 K
• Canning: 5 IP, H, 2 BB, 9 K - 86 pitches, 52 strikes - his second half line is decent - 9 GS, 42.2 IP, 4.43 ERA, 11 BB, 41 K, .293 BAA
• Lillis-White: 2 IP, H, 3 K
• McGuire: 2 IP, H, BB, 4 K - since Aug. 10, at MLB/AAA: 14.2 IP, 2.45 ERA, .133 BAA, 6 BB, 13 K

Mobile (65-69) lost 2-11 vs. Montgomery/TBR (78-60) in 7 innings

• Jones: 2-4, K, SB (10)
• Castillo: 5 IP, 10 H, 7 ER, BB, 3 K, HR

Mobile (65-70) lost 0-4 vs. Montgomery/TBR (79-60) in 7 innings

• Jones: 0-3, K
• Sanger: 1-2, BB - Mobile's only hit of the night
• Beasley: 3 IP, H, BB - the 22-yr old RHP likely ends his season with a 2.66 ERA, .236 BAA in 111.2 IP with 32 BB, 104 K, 7 HR allowed between Burlington, Inland Empire, and Mobile, making 18 starts in 25 games. He's likely placed himself into SP/multi-inning RP depth for 2019

Inland Empire (67-72) lost 1-14 at Rancho Cucamonga/LAD (86-53)

• Marsh: 1-3, BB, 2 K
• MacKinnon: 0-3, BB (94th walk on the year)
• Gurwitz: 1-4, R, HR (2), RBI
• Herrin: 2 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 K, HR - injured most of the year, the 22-yr old RHP has returned with 1.50 ERA in 12 IP, with a .146 BAA, 0.50 WHIP, zero walks, and 10 K
• Tavarez: IP, H, 2 BB, K

Burlington (50-84) lost 3-4 vs. Clinton/SEA (69-70)

• Rivas: 1-3, R, BB
• Martinez: 2-4, R, HR (3), 2 RBI, SB (6)
• Krzeminski: 3 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 K, 2 HR
• Del Rosario: 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K

[tdawg87]

Rengifo's plate discipline is real.

[totdprods]

20 hours ago, Angelsjunky said:

I see more of a higher average and walks, less power than Reddick: maybe more like .290, 15-20 HR, 70+ BB a year. Nick Markakis? I do think he has more power he'll tap into and eventually hit 20+.

Anyhow, I hear what you are saying, but the numbers for Marsh and Jones are disappointing. Both were expected, at least by myself, to perform better. But as you said, there are some encouraging signs as well and overall I don't feel too worried about either.

Not quite behind the Markakis comp...yet. Markakis has shown exemplary contact/BA skills his whole career, and there's a whole lot more swing and miss in Marsh's game. No doubt, the game has changed a little bit in the decade-plus since Markakis and Reddick were in the minors, so that may be skew things a bit, but...

Markakis, age 20, A Ball:
.299/.371/.470/.842, 22 doubles, 3 triples, 11 homers, 42 walks, 66 strikeouts (and 12-15 in SB attempts) in 96 G, 406 PA
Reddick, age 20, A Ball:
.306/.352/.531/.884, 17 doubles, 6 triples, 18 homers, 26 walks, 51 strikeouts (and 8-13 in SB attempts) in 94 G, 403 PA
Marsh, age 20, A Ball (Burlington only):
.295/.390/.470/.859, 12 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 21 walks, 40 strikeouts (and 4-4 in SB attempts) in 34 G, 154 PA
Marsh, age 20, A/A+ Ball (Burlington + Inland Empire):
.262/.356/.394/.750, 25 doubles, 7 triples, 9 homers, 73 walks, 157 strikeouts (and 14-18 in SB attempts) in 126 G, 574 PA

The big difference you see is that Marsh was moved up to A+ after a month, rather than playing out the full year like Reddick and Markakis. Also worth nothing, this was Reddick's first pro season. Marsh also managed to tack on an extra month's work of playing time, which drove up his counting stats, but it's nice to see his OBP remained fairly even with that of Markakis and Reddick.

So while Marsh may have struggled a bit in Inland Empire, it's encouraging that he's already moved along quicker than Markakis and Reddick did - and even when you add in Marsh's full season numbers, he's pretty close to matching where they were - just with a lower average and dramatically more strikeouts. The power is even, and the walks are even better for Marsh actually. 

I can't quite see Marsh comping with Markakis yet only because Markakis is a contact machine - he's hit .290 or better in 8 of his 13 seasons, and never lower than .269, and he's an absolute doubles machine, averaging 40 a year, to go with 10-15 HR. I think Marsh is going to fall into more of a .260-.275 guy with 25 doubles, 25 homers, 50 walks, 120 strikeouts. Kole's average line of .256/.324/.423/.747 with 28 doubles, 22 homers, 58 walks, and 138 strikeouts feels like a decent best case 'floor' for Marsh.

Next year will give us a clearer picture on Marsh. I imagine he starts at IE again with a quick promotion to Mobile if jumps off to a quick start. He'll either cut way down on those strikeouts and the BA will shoot up to the .300s, likely adding more power, and trend a little more towards the Markakis comp, or he'll improve only slightly and fall closer to a Reddick/Calhoun/Polanco type. 

Either way, a good season for Brandon. Kudos to the Angels for challenging him and throwing him into 125+ games in his second full season, a half season earlier than usual.

[totdprods]

19 minutes ago, tdawg87 said:

Rengifo's plate discipline is real.

Yeup - worst case scenario, I think he and Fletcher both become very, very good UT IFs in the Figgins/Izturis mold, which is incredibly valuable if the rest of the pieces fall into place around them. 

Obviously I have hopes they both become everyday players, but I'm feeling pretty confident that even if they don't break above utility players, they'll be exceptionally good in those roles - a lot better than the Penningtons and such we've relied on.

[totdprods]

Getting ahead of myself, but Suarez and Sandoval made their last starts of the season (presumably) today...

Suarez: 5 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, BB, 4 K, 62 pitches, 41 strikes
Sandoval: 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 69 pitches, 51 strikes

[Second Base]

Over the past few years, I've grown to trust top prospect rankings for pitchers less and less. Basically all it is, is which pitcher throws the hardest at the youngest age. They're all looking for the next Roger Clemens or Pedro Martinez. Meanwhile, half those kids end up pitching out of the bullpen anyway. 

But here we have Pat Sandoval, a kid who has completely laid waste to A+ and AA hitter this year, but is attainable by trading two months of a back up catcher away. 

Jose Suarez is 20 years old and likely could've been in the major leagues this year, but since he's built like a catcher and only throws 93, he's left off every list.

Jaime Barria at age 21 has an ERA of 3.46, in the major leagues. Never a top prospect. 

And you look around the game, and everywhere you see a bunch of no name former prospects succeeding. Matt Shoemaker, Trevor Williams, Dallas Keuchel and dozens more.  Even Felix Pena, someone who was only supposed to be a fringe reliever this year has pitched well in the major leagues, despite experiencing no significant success as a starter beyond AA.  Even someone with as good of stuff as Griffin Canning sat there unpicked until the second round due to a non-existent injury. 

So now that I think on it, the Angels decision not to pick pitchers with their top pick the last few years actually makes a ton of sense. And for those keeping score, look out for two names to climb the ladder VERY quickly next year (as in they'll finish the season in AA/AAA).... 

Aaron Hernandez and Kyle Bradish. Don't sleep on them just because the Angels rest most of their pitching prospects upon being drafted.  Hernandez has Garrett Richards written all over him, and Bradish reminds m of Mike Clevinger when the Angels first picked him.

[Angelsjunky]

Are we thinking Suarez is ready before Canning? Both should be ready sometime in the first half of 2019, even in April. Sandoval maybe by the second half.

The Angels are starting to have some nice depth in the rotation. Now they just need a couple guys to take a step forward to be at least #2s. Ohtani has the talent but it is hard imagining him starting 25+ games. Skaggs has shown flashes. Heaney reminds me of Shoe a few years ago where he had spells where he looked like an ace then spells of getting bombed. Maybe one of Canning, Suarez or Barria can step forward beyond the projected mid-rotation ceiling.

[totdprods]

1 minute ago, Angelsjunky said:

Are we thinking Suarez is ready before Canning? Both should be ready sometime in the first half of 2019, even in April. Sandoval maybe by the second half.

I think so, only because Suarez needs to be added to the 40-man this winter and Canning does not.