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The 10 Youngest Players In The 2023 Arizona Fall League

Josh Norris — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:53:20 +0000

With the Arizona Fall League nearly here, Baseball America is taking a look at the rosters to see which players might scorch the desert over the course of the six-week season. The obvious candidates can be found among the nine members of the Top 100 who dot this year’s rosters.

Another way to unearth talent is by looking at the youngest players assigned to the league. Last year, that group included three players who made their big league debuts in 2023: Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez, Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, D-backs shortstop Jordan Lawlar.

This year’s youngest Fall Leaguers are led by a Pirates righthander from Europe and also feature a Rangers lefthander who pitched in this year’s World Baseball Classic and a Rays infielder who is one of the game’s brightest prospects.

1. Alessandro Ercolani, RHP, Pirates

The youngest player in the AFL this season will be Ercolani, a righthander from San Marino, a small, landlocked country in the middle of Italy. The 19-year-old Ercolani missed the final month of the season on the injured list but struck out 66 hitters in 65 innings with Low-A Bradenton before landing on the shelf. Ercolani works primarily with a 93-95 mph fastball, a low-80s slider and a mid-80s cutter. He will drop in the occasional curveball and changeup as well.

2. Hendry Mendez, OF, Brewers

Mendez was part of an uber young group of Milwaukee prospects in Low-A last season, when he showed a strong command of the strike zone for someone so young. He was limited by leg injuries to just 66 games, mostly at High-A Wisconsin, where he put up modest numbers but still retained his plate discipline and bat-to-ball ability.

3. Mitchell Bratt, LHP, Rangers

Bratt got on the big stage early when he was part of Canada’s squad in the World Baseball Classic. He was on the injured list from mid July until Sept. 1 with a lat injury. When healthy, he shows an intriguing fastball in the low 90s that heads a four-pitch complement. There’s projection that needs to happen, but scouts like Bratt’s feel to pitch and move his arsenal around the zone.

4. Carson Williams, SS, Rays

Williams is not only one of the youngest prospects in the AFL, he’s one of the best. The young shortstop is one of the best infield defenders in the minors and he has plenty of power in his bat as well, albeit with some swing and miss to his game. Tampa Bay’s system has plenty of talent, and Williams is near the top thanks to his potential to impact the game on both sides of the ball.

5. Adrian Placencia, 2B/SS, Angels

The 20-year-old switch-hitter signed with Los Angeles in 2019 and then had his pro debut delayed by the pandemic. He has not hit particularly well at any stop in his career but made it to the upper levels this season for the first time. The Angels believe the root of his problems lies in an overanxious approach that leads to him getting himself out on pitchers’ pitches. He’s a solid defender up the middle who got most of his time at second base.

6. Jeremy Rivas, SS, Cardinals

St. Louis signed Rivas in 2019 out of Venezuela but had to wait until 2021 to see his official pro debut after the pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 minor league season. The 20-year-old Rivas has not shown much punch at the plate—his OPS this season was just .570—but he does a decent job of making contact.

7. Harry Ford, C, Mariners

Ford was among the most patient hitters in the minor leagues this season, drawing 103 walks, third in the minors behind only Jett Williams and Justyn-Henry Malloy. The athletic catching prospect has had an inconsistent year, with scouts both internally and externally noting that polish needed to be applied to his receiving, blocking and approach at the plate. He’ll work on all those aspects in the AFL, where he’ll likely have one of the higher floors among the league’s younger prospects.

8. Cam Cauley, SS, Rangers

Cauley will flash loud tools over the course of a season, but there’s still a lot of work to be done to make them come out consistently. He’s spent this season working on adjusting his bat path to keep the barrel in the zone longer while also focusing on making better swing decisions overall. He’s also become more consistent while making the routine plays as well as the highlight-reel plays at shortstop. Cauley is a twitchy athlete with makeup the Rangers believe will help him get to his high ceiling.

9. Hao-Yu Lee, 2B, Tigers

Lee was dealt to the Tigers as the return that sent Michael Lorenzen to the Phillies. The 20-year-old missed roughly a month with a knee injury suffered when he collided with a teammate while still a part of the Phillies’ organization. He has the potential to be an offensive-minded second baseman with more hittability than power and fringe defense up the middle.

10. James Triantos, 2B, Cubs

Triantos tore his meniscus in spring training and didn’t debut until May 9 with High-A. He was noticeably leaner this season, especially in his lower half, and had an excellent season. He makes a ton of contact but doesn’t show much in the way of power, though evaluators believe he might tick up in that department as he gets a better handle on the pitches he can drive rather than simply making contact. The 2021 second-rounder could wind up as a second baseman who provides most of his value at the plate.

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2023 Arizona Fall League Rosters And Analysis

J.J. Cooper — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:50:57 +0000

The rosters for all six Arizona Fall League teams have now been released. To get you ready for the AFL season, we’ve posted the complete rosters and analyzed which players are ones to watch.

Here are links to all six teams’ rosters and analysis of which players to watch. Each story linked below has many more players to focus on for each team.

We also have a look at the 10 youngest players headed to the Arizona Fall League.

Team	Key Player To Watch
Glendale Desert Dogs	SS Colson Montgomery (White Sox)
Mesa Solar Sox	OF Kevin Alcantara (Cubs)
Peoria Javelinas	SS Carson Williams (Rays)
Scottsdale Scorpions	1B Reggie Crawford (Giants)
Salt River Rafters	RHP Jackson Jobe (Tigers)
Surprise Saguaros	LHP Ricky Tiedemann (Blue Jays)

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2023 Arizona Fall League: Mesa Solar Sox Roster Analysis

Geoff Pontes — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:22:29 +0000

The 30th season of the Arizona Fall League is nearly here. On Sept. 22, the league released its preliminary rosters for the upcoming season, which begins on Oct. 2 and runs through the championship game, which will be held on Nov. 11 at Scottsdale Stadium. The annual Fall Stars Game will be played on Nov. 5 at Sloan Park.

In addition to the traditional six-week slate, the AFL this year will feature two special site days. On Oct. 14, all three games will played at Goodyear Ballpark, the spring training home of the Guardians and Reds. Two weeks later, two of the league’s games (Salt River vs. Glendale and Peoria vs. Mesa) will be held at Hohokam Stadium, in Mesa.

This year’s rosters include nine of Baseball America’s current Top 100 prospects, led by White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery, who ranks No. 14.

Roster Analysis

Top 100 Prospects: None

Intriguing Prospects: Cubs OF Kevin Alcantara has been on and off the Top 100 list the last few years and is one of the more exciting players in the league.

Alcantara leads a talented outfield group that features fellow Cubs OF Alexander Canario and Astros center field prospect Kenedy Corona.

The infield group is led by Astros 3B Zach Dezenzo. A 12th-round pick out of Ohio State, Dezenzo has some of the best raw power in the league with strong plate skills to back it.

The Cubs positional contingent is one of the strongest in the league and in addition to Alcantara and Canario, the Cubs are also sending infielder James Triantos who has some of the best plate skills in the league this Fall.

Between Max Muncy and Brett Harris the Athletics send two infielders with upper minors experience. Harris is a well rounded hitter who could turn out to be one of the biggest sleepers entering this fall.

As far as pitching the Solar Sox will roll out two of the better swing and miss arms in the league in Oakland’s Royber Salinas and the Astros’ Miguel Ullola. In Salinas the Solar Sox may possess the best slider in the 2023 AFL and in Ullola the league’s best fastball.

Pitchers	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Baulmer, Carter	BAL	R	R	6’2	195	1/31/2002	Grimes, IA	Delmarva (A)
Blubaugh, AJ	HOU	R	R	6’2	190	7/4/2000	Mansfield, OH	Corpus Christi (AA)
Emanuels, Stevie	OAK	R	R	6’5	225	1/30/1999	Seattle, WA	Midland (AA)
Gaither, Ray	HOU	R	R	6’4	224	3/4/1998	Denton, TX	Corpus Christi (AA)
Guilfoil, Tyler	HOU	R	R	6’4	215	1/19/2000	Lexington, KY	Ashville (A+)
Henriquez, Nolberto	NYY	R	R	6’4	170	10/16/1999	La Vega, Dominican Republic	Hudson Valley (A+)
Hull, Nick	CHC	R	R	6’0	205	8/21/1999	Edmonds, WA	South Bend (A+)
Kachmar, Chris	CHC	R	R	6’3	180	9/3/1996	East Greenville, PA	Tennessee (AA)
Laskey, Adam	CHC	R	L	6’3	205	3/9/1998	Vorhees, NJ	Tennessee (AA)
McGough, Trey	BAL	L	L	6’3	190	3/29/1998	Johnstown, PA	Bowie (AA)
Melendez, Jaime	HOU	L	R	5’8	190	9/26/2001	Pubela, Mexico	Corpus Christi (AA)
Peek, Zach	BAL	R	R	6’3	189	5/6/1998	Pineville, NC	Aberdeen (A+)
Perkins, Jack	OAK	R	R	6’1	220	12/26/1999	Kokomo, IN	Midland (AA)
Romero, José	CHC	R	R	5’10	185	4/20/2001	Santa Barbra, Venezuela	Myrtle Beach (A)
Salinas, Royber	OAK	R	R	6’3	205	4/10/2001	Guarenas, Venezuela	Midland (AA)
Santana, Tyler	CHC	R	R	6’1	205	5/13/1998	Miami, FL	South Bend A+)
Stevens, Kevin	NYY	R	R	6’2	225	1/26/1998	Tucson, AZ	Tampa (A)
Stuart, Baron	NYY	R	R	6’4	209	7/24/1999	Stuart, FL	Hudson Valley (A+)
Tavera, Carlos	BAL	R	R	6’1	195	10/6/1998	For Worth, Texas	Bowie (AA)
Tur, Yunior	OAK	R	R	6’6	200	10/9/1999	La Habana, Cuba	Stockton (A)
Ullola, Miguel	HOU	R	R	6’1	205	6/19/2002	Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic	Ashville (A+)
Van Loon, Pete	BAL	R	R	6’5	210	2/18/1999	Pleasanton, CA	Bowie (AA)
Vrieling, Trystan	NYY	R	R	6’4	200	10/2/2000	Lewistown, ID	Tampa (A)
Weisenburger, Jack	OAK	R	R	6’3	220	10/8/1997	Winston Salem, NC	Midland (AA)
Catchers	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Palma, Miguel	HOU	R	R	5’8	170	1/4/2002	Caracas, Venezuela	Ashville (A+
Pavolony, Connor	BAL	R	R	6’1	185	10/25/1999	Atlanta, GA	Bowie (AA)
Infielders	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Bowens, TT	BAL	R	R	6’4	235	5/27/1998	New London, CT	Bowie (AA)
Cook, Billy	BAL	R	R	6’1	200	1/7/1999	Layton, UT	Bowie (AA)
Cowles, Ben	NYY	R	R	6’0	180	2/15/2000	Rochester, NY	Hudson Valley (A+)
Dezenzo, Zach	HOU	R	R	5’11	220	5/11/2000	Canton, OH	Corpus Christi (AA)
Durbin, Caleb	NYY	R	R	5’6	185	2/22/2000	Lake Forest, IL	Somerset (AA)
Harris, Brett	OAK	R	R	6’1	208	6/24/1998	Arlington Heights, IL	Las Vegas (AAA)
Muncy, Max	OAK	R	R	6’1	180	8/25/2002	Camarillo, CA	Midland (AA)
Triantos, James	CHC	R	R	6’1	185	1/29/2003	Fairfax, VA	Tennessee (AA)
Outfielders	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Alcántara, Kevin	CHC	R	R	6’6	188	7/12/2002	Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic	Tennessee (AA)
Canario, Alex	CHC	R	R	5’11	212	5/7/2000	Montecristi, Dominican Republic	Iowa (AAA)
Corona, Kenedy	HOU	R	R	5’10	184	3/21/2000	Maracaibo, Venezuela	Corpus Christi (AA)
Rhodes, John	BAL	R	R	6’0	200	8/15/2000	Soddy Daisy, TN	Bowie (AA)
Medina, Nelson	NYY	R	R	6’2	175	9/14/2000	San Cristobal, Dominican Republic	Scranton Wilkes-Barre (AAA)
Lazaro Armenteros	OAK	R	R	5’11	182	5/22/1999	Havana, Cuba	Midland (AA)

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2023 Arizona Fall League: Peoria Javelinas Roster Analysis

Josh Norris — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:52:56 +0000

This year’s rosters include nine of Baseball America’s current Top 100 prospects, led by White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery, who ranks No. 14.

Peoria Roster Analysis

Top 100 Prospects: Carson Williams, SS, Rays (22); Kyle Manzardo, 1B, Guardians (59); Harry Ford, C, Mariners (62); Chase DeLauter, OF, Guardians (91); Tyler Locklear, 1B, Mariners (92)

There are only nine Top 100 Prospects in the entire AFL spread across six teams. Peoria has five of them. Yes, this is easily the most prospect-heavy roster in this year’s AFL.

Other Intriguing Prospects: The group of Javelinas first basemen is impressive. In addition to Top 100 prospects Manzardo and Locklear, Peoria can also roll out Padres breakout prospect Nathan Martorella, who showed power and on-base ability during a season split between High-A and Double-A.

San Diego’s hitter group as a whole is intriguing. Graham Pauley and Jakob Marsee each put up excellent numbers. The latter finished the regular year with a .413 on-base percentage and more walks (98) than strikeouts (97) while the former went 20-20 with 23 home runs and 22 stolen bases.

Marlins shortstop Nasim Nuñez should be one of the league’s most prolific base burglars. The 2023 Futures Gamer used his blazing speed to steal 52 bases in 59 tries, moving his career total to 183 stolen bases. He also plays excellent defense up the middle and has shown modest power improvements as he’s matured.

Roster

Pitchers	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Alford, Peyton	SEA	L	L	6’0	190	8/15/1997	Florence, KY	Arkansas (AA)
Bierman, Gabe	MIA	R	R	6’2	200	9/3/1999	Jeffersonville, IN	Beloit (A+)
Buxton, Ike	MIA	R	R	6’3	208	7/18/2000	Sun Valley, ID	Pensacola (AA)
Carver, Ross	CLE	R	R	6’2	205	8/27/1999	Benton, AR	Akron (AA)
Encarnacion, Breidy	MIA	R	R	6’3	185	11/9/2000	Tamayo, Dominican Republic	Jacksonville (AAA)
Erbe, Haden	TB	R	R	6’3	225	8/13/1998	Laffaeyte, LA	Bowling Green (A+)
Hanner, Brad	CLE	R	R	6’4	210	2/10/1999	Rhoadesville, VA	Akron (AA)
Haynes, Jagger	SD	L	L	6’3	170	9/20/2002	Whiteville, NC	Lake Elsinore (A)
Joyce, Jimmy	SEA	R	R	6’2	210	1/13/1999	Rockville Center, NY	Arkansas (AA)
McCambley, Zach	MIA	K	R	6’2	220	5/4/1999	Netcong, NJ	Pensacola (AA)
Miller, Jake	CLE	R	R	6’2	210	7/14/2000	Newbury Park, CA	Lake County (A+)
Nett, Braden	SD	R	R	6’3	185	6/18/2002	Troy, MO	Lake Elsinore (A)
Paplham, Cole	SD	R	R	6’3	215	3/19/2000	Green Bay, WI	San Antonio (AA)
Pena, Francis	SD	R	R	6’1	170	1/25/2001	Piedra Blanca, Dominican Republic	Fort Wayne (A)
Pinales, Emmanuel	SD	R	R	6’2	185	4/16/2001	Bajos de Haina, Dominican Republic	Lake Elsinore (A)
Sabrowski, Erik	CLE	R	L	6’4	230	10/31/1997	Edmonton, Alberta	Akron (AA)
Sommers, Drew	TB	L	L	6’3	250	8/14/2000	Hoffman Estates, IL	Charleston (A)
Stanavich, Dale	MIA	L	L	5’11	175	6/23/1999	Amsterdam, NY	Jupiter (A)
Taylor, Troy	SEA	R	R	6’0	195	9/9/2001	Fontana, CA	Everett (A+)
Vernon, Austin	TB	R	R	6’8	265	2/8/1999	Raleigh, NC	Bowling Green (A+)
Webb, Ryan	CLE	L	L	6’1	202	4/19/1999	Marietta, GA	Lake County (A+)
Wicklander, Patrick	TB	R	L	6’1	205	12/31/1999	San Jose, CA	Montgomery (AA)
Workman, Logan	TB	R	R	6’4	215	12/6/1998	Chattanooga, TN	Montgomery (AA)
Catchers	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Ford, Harry	SEA	R	R	6’10	200	2/21/2003	Atlanta, GA	Everett (A+)
Keegan, Dominic	TB	R	R	6’0	210	8/10/2000	Methun, MA	Bowling Green (A+)
McIntosh, Paul	MIA	R	R	6’1	220	11/20/1997	Atlanta, GA	Jacksonville (AAA)
Infielders	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Berry, Jacob	MIA	S	R	6’0	212	5/5/2001	Cortez. AZ	Pensacola (AA)
Bliss, Ryan	SEA	R	R	5’6	165	12/13/1999	Burbank, CA	Tacoma (AAA)
Cairo, Christian	CLE	R	R	5’8	170	6/11/2001	Bakersfield, CA	Lake County (A+)
Locklear, Tyler	SEA	R	R	6’1	210	11/24/2000	Baltimore, MD	Arkansas (AA)
Manzardo, Kyle	CLE	L	R	6’0	205	7/18/2000	Coeur d’Alene, ID	Columbus (AAA)
Martorella, Nathan	SD	L	L	6’3	224	2/18/2001	Monterey, CA	San Antonio (AA)
Nuñez, Nasim	MIA	S	R	5’9	168	9/18/2000	Bronx, NY	Pensacola (AA)
Pauley, Graham	SD	L	R	6’1	200	9/24/2000	Alpharetta, GA	San Antonio (AA)
Williams, Carson	TB	R	R	6’1	180	6/25/2003	San Diego, CA	Durham (AAA)
Outfielders	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
DeLauter, Chase	CLE	L	L	6’4	205	10/8/2001	Frederick, MD	Akron (AA)
Marsee, Jakob	SD	L	L	6’0	180	6/28/2001	Dearborn, MI	San Antonio (AA)
Sasaki, Shane	TB	R	R	5’11	165	7/1/2000	Honolulu, HI	Bowling Green (A+)

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2023 Arizona Fall League: Scottsdale Scorpions Roster Analysis

Josh Norris — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:38:26 +0000

This year’s rosters include nine of Baseball America’s current Top 100 prospects, led by White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery, who ranks No. 14.

Below is an analysis of the Scottsdale roster, which features prospects from the Phillies, Giants, Angels, Cardinals and Nationals.

Top 100 Prospects: None

Intriguing Prospects: Phillies righthander Christian McGowan returned in July from Tommy John surgery and could make a name for himself with a strong AFL campaign. The seventh-rounder in 2021 from East Oklahoma State JC features a heavy sinker in the mid 90s and complements it with a slider and changeup that each check in around 87 mph. He used both pitches to get grounders by the bushel and struck out 28 hitters in 25.2 innings at four stops since his return.

Righthander Tekoah Roby came over from Texas in the deal that sent Jordan Montgomery to the Rangers. He’s been excellent since joining his new organization, going 0-0, 3.00 in four starts with Double-A Springfield, with 19 strikeouts and just three walks in 12 innings. Roby’s bread and butter is a combination of a mid-90s fastball and a nasty curveball in the high 70s. He also throws a mid-80s slider and high-70s changeup.

Giants prospect Reggie Crawford was drafted as a two-way player and was mostly a pitcher this season, but he’ll used exclusively as a hitter this year in the AFL. The hulking Connecticut alum took just 18 at-bats this season between Low-A San Jose and High-A Eugene, but three of his four hits (all with Low-A) went for extra bases, including his first professional home run. His performance will be fascinating given his combination of limited experience and high upside.

Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II is likely the fastest player in the league. The West Virginia alum burned up the basepaths this year with 95 stolen bases, the most in the minor leagues since 2018, when Vidal Brujan swiped 103 bags. Scott hit .303/.369/.425 between High-A and Double-A and was one of three players in the minor leagues with 20+ doubles, 10+ triples and 50+ stolen bases.

Roster

Pitchers	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Baker, Andrew	PHI	R	R	6’1	190	3/24/2000	Montgomery, AL	Reading (AA)
Bednar, Will	SF	R	R	6’2	230	6/13/2000	Pittsburgh, PA	ACL (ROK)
Chaney, Chase	LAA	R	R	6’1	199	12/16/1999	Lawrencville, GA	Rocket City (AA)
Choate, Jack	SF	L	L	6’6	294	4/18/2001	Miami, FL	Eugene (A+)
Daniel, Davis	LAA	R	R	6’1	190	6/11/1997	Atlanta, GA	Salt Lake (AAA)
Granillo, Andre	STL	R	R	6’4	245	5/12/2000	Hemet, CA	Memphis (AAA)
Herz, DJ	WSH	R	R	6’2	165	6/29/2001	San Antonio, TX	Harrisburg (AA)
Hjerpe, Cooper	STL	L	L	6’3	200	3/16/2001	Davis, CA	Peoria (A+)
Johnson, Marques	SF	R	R	6’2	210	7/4/2000	San Jose, CA	San Jose (A)
Jones, Nick	LAA	L	L	6’6	224	1/22/1999	Johns Creek, GA	Salt Lake (AAA)
Lonsway, Seth	LAA	L	L	6’2	210	10/7/1998	St. Marys, OH	Eugene (A+)
Martinez, Jordi	PHI	L	L	6’2	185	7/18/2000,	Santiago, Dominican Republic	Reading (AA)
McGowan, Christian	PHI	R	R	6’0	205	3/7/2000	Denison, TX	Jersey Shore (A+)
Murphy, Luke	LAA	R	R	6’5	190	11/5/1999	Nashville, TN	Rocket City (AA)
Neunborn, Mitch	PHI	R	R	6’0	190	6/27/1997	Johannesburg, South Africa	Jersey Shore (A+)
Nunez, Edwin	STL	R	R	6’3	185	11/5/2001	Nagua, Dominican Republic	Springfield (AA)
Paniagua, Inohan	STL	R	R	6’1	148	2/6/2000	Bonao, Dominican Republic	Peoria (A+)
Pipkin, Dominic	PHI	R	R	6’4	160	12/5/1999	Pinole, CA	Reading (AA)
Powell, Holden	WSH	R	R	6’4	170	5/3/1999	Coral Springs FL	Harrisburg (AA)
Ribalta, Orlando	WSH	R	R	6’7	245	3/5/1998	Santa Clara, Cuba	Harrisburg (AA)
Roby, Tekoah	STL	R	R	6’1	85	9/18/2001	Ashville, NC	Springfield (AA)
Sinclair, Jack	WSH	R	R	6’4	170	5/3/1999	Coral Springs, FL	Harrisburg (AA)
Torres, Eric	LAA	L	L	6’0	195	9/22/1999	Milwaukee, WI	Salt Lake (AAA)
Ward, Thad	WSH	R	R	6’3	204	1/16/1997	Fort Myers, FL	Harrisburg (AA)
Wynja, Hayden	SF	L	L	6’9	220	10/14/1994	Des Moines, IA	Eugene (A+)
Catchers	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Crooks, Jimmy	STL	L	R	6’1	210	7/19/2001	Euless, TX	Peoria (A+)
Morgan, Zach	SF	R	R	6’0	180	3/30/2000	Stockton, CA	Eugene (A+)
Pineda, Israel	WSH	R	R	5’11	217	4/3/2000	Maracay, Venezuela	Harrisburg (AA)
Ricketts, Caleb	PHI	L	R	6’3	225	5/10/2000	Newport Beach, CA	Jersey Shore (A+)
Infielders	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Crawford, Reggie	SF	L	L	6’4	235	12/4/2000	Lansdale, PA	Eugene (A+)
DiChiara, Sonny	LAA	R	R	6’1	263	7/29/1999	Homewood, AL	Rocket City (AA)
Dunn, Oliver	PHI	L	R	5’10	185	9/2/1997	Salt Lake City, UT	Reading (AA)
Howell, Carter	SF	R	R	6’0	200	2/7/1999	Fargo, ND	Eugene (A+)
Kroon, Matt	PHI	R	R	6’0	195	12/5/1996	Scottsdale, AZ	Lehigh Valley (AAA)
Lipscomb, Trey	WSH	R	R	6’2	200	6/14/2000	Frederick, MD	Harrisburg (AA)
Placencia, Adrian	LAA	S	R	5’11	173	6/2/2003	Los Alcarrizos, Dominican Republic	Inland Empire (A)
Rivas, Jeremy	STL	R	R	6’0	172	3/4/2003	Valencia, Venezuela	Peoria (A+)
Outfielders	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Hassell, Robert	WSH	L	L	6’1	195	8/15/2001	Franklin, TN	Harrisburg (AA)
Sanchez, Jadiel	LAA	S	R	6’2	185	5/10/2001	Arroyo, Puerto Rico	Rocket City (AA)
Scott, Victor	STL	L	L	5’10	190	2/12/2001	Atlanta, GA	Springfield (AA)
Rincones Jr., Gabriel	PHI	L	L	6’3	225	3/3/2001	Boynton Beach, FL	Jersey Shore (A+)

The post 2023 Arizona Fall League: Scottsdale Scorpions Roster Analysis appeared first on College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects - Baseball America.

2023 Arizona Fall League: Salt River Rafters Roster Analysis

Geoff Pontes — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:37:47 +0000

This year’s rosters include nine of Baseball America’s current Top 100 prospects, led by White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery, who ranks No. 14.

Top 100 Prospects: Jackson Jobe, RHP, Tigers (53), Jace Jung, 2B, Tigers (98).

Intriguing Prospects: Beyond Jobe – one of the top two pitching prospects in the league – you could make a case that Salt River has the most talented pitching staff.

The Rafters have multiple pitchers with MLB experience in the Braves LHP Dylan Dodd and RHP Darius Vines. Two former Top 100 prospects in the Tigers RHP Wilmer Flores and the D-Backs LHP Blake Walston, as well as talented young hurlers like RHP Tanner Kohlhepp.

Power shouldn’t be a problem for the Rafters. Tigers 2B Jace Jung hit 28 home runs this year while showing improved defense as well. D’backs 1B Ivan Melendez hit 30 home runs between High-A and Double-A. D’backs 2B/3B Sterlin Thompson has power (14 home runs) and speed (17 stolen bases).

Tigers OF Justice Bigbie is coming off one of the best seasons in the minors in 2023. He arrives in the AFL looking to cement his status as one of the breakout prospects of the 2023 season. He hit .341/.403/.532, handled a mid-season promotion to Double-A and if finishing the year in Triple-A.

Rockies OF Benny Montgomery, the team’s 2021 first-round pick, is looking to have a strong October after an up-and-down season at High-A Spokane.

Roster

Pitchers	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Barger, Alec	COL	R	R	6’2	201	3/24/1998	Champaign, IL	Hartford (AA)
Dodd, Dylan	ATL	L	L	6’2	210	6/6/1998	Elk Grove, IL	Gwinnett (AAA)
Dombkowski, Nick	PIT	R	L	6’2	210	8/9/1998	West Springfield, MA	Indianapolis (AAA)
Ercolani, Alessandro	PIT	R	R	6’2	185	4/20/2004	Borgo Maggiore, San Marino	Bradenton (A)
Flores, Wilmer	DET	R	R	6’4	225	2/20/2001	Valencia, Venezuela	Erie (AA)
Flowers, JC	PIT	R	R	6’3	195	5/19/1998	Orange Park, FL	Indianapolis (AAA)
Halligan, Patrick	ATL	R	R	6’6	230	10/4/1999	Vienna, VA	Mississippi (AA)
Hill, Jaden	COL	R	R	6’4	234	12/22/1999	Ashdown, AR	Spokane (A+)
Jobe, Jackson	DET	R	R	6’2	190	7/30/2002	Irving, Texas	Erie (AA)
Junker, Cameron	PIT	R	R	6’5	220	9/3/1997	Fort Thomas, KY	Altoona (AA)
Kohlhepp, Tanner	DET	L	R	6’4	210	5/27/1999	Eau Claire, WI	Lakeland (A)
McMahon, Chris	COL	R	R	6’2	217	2/4/1999	West Chester, PA	Hartford (AA)
McSteen, Jake	ATL	R	L	6’0	215	3/12/1996	Great Falls, VA	Mississippi (AA)
Mejia, Juan	COL	R	R	6’3	200	7/4/2000	Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic	Round Rock (AAA)
Meza, Carlos	ARI	L	L	6’1	155	2/10/2001	Charallave, Venezuela	Amarillo (AA)
Montes de Oca, Christian	ARI	R	R	6’4	230	8/30/1999	Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic	Amarillo (AA)
Petit, RJ	DET	R	R	6’8	300	9/23/1999	Rock Hill, SX	Erie (AA)
Pope, Austin	ARI	R	R	6’3	210	10/26/1998	White Plains, NY	Reno (AAA)
Rice, Jake	ARI	L	L	6’1	220	7/19/1997	Birmingham, AL	Amarillo (AA)
Samaniego, Tyler	PIT	R	R	6’4	205	1/30/1999	Huntsville, AL	Altoona (AA)
Smith, Dylan	DET	R	R	6’2	180	5/28/2000	Huntsville, AL	Erie (AA)
Vines, Darius	ATL	R	R	6’1	190	4/30/1998	Oxnard, CA	Gwinnett (AAA)
Walston, Blake	ARI	L	L	6’5	175	6/28/2001	Wilmington, NC	Reno (AAA)
Wilson, Brooks	ATL	L	R	6’2	205	3/15/1996	Lakeland, FL	Gwinnett (AAA)
Williams, Case	COL	R	R	6’3	210	2/16/2002	Akron, OH	Hartford (AA)
Catchers	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Bins, Carter	PIT	R	R	5’11	215	10/7/1998	Concord, CA	Altoona (AA)
Roberts, Caleb	ARI	L	R	5’11	195	2/9/2000	West Palm Beach, FL	Amarillo (AA)
Romo, Drew	COL	S	R	5’11	205	8/29/2001	Longmont, CO	Albuquerque (AAA)
Tolve, Tyler	ATL	L	R	6’0	200	7/16/2000	Atlanta, GA	Mississippi (AA)
Infielders	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Brannigan, Jack	PIT	R	R	6’0	190	3/11/2001	Chicago, IL	Greensboro (A+)
Jung, Jace	DET	L	R	6’0	205	10/4/2000	San Antonio, Texas	Erie (AA)
Lee, Hao-Yu	DET	R	R	5’9	190	2/3/2003	New Taipei, Taiwan	West Michigan (A+)
McCabe, David	ATL	S	R	6’3	230	3/25/2000	Oshawa, Ontario, Canada	Rome (A+)
Melendez, Ivan	ARI	R	R	6’2	225	1/24/2000	El Paso, Texas	Amarillo (AA)
Ogans, Keshawn	ATL	R	R	5’8	180	8/26/2001	San Francisco, CA	Rome (A+)
Thompson, Sterlin	COL	L	R	6’4	200	6/26/2001	Longmont, CO	Hartford (AA)
Outfielders	Team	B	T	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Birthplace	2023 Level
Bowen, Jase	PIT	R	R	6’0	190	9/2/2000	Northwood, Ohio	Altoona (AA)
Bigbie, Justice	DET	R	R	6’2	200	1/24/1999	Chesapeake, VA	Toledo (AAA)
Montgomery, Benny	COL	R	R	6’4	200	9/9/2002	Paoli, PA	Spokane (A+)
Vukovich, AJ	ARI	R	R	6’2	210	7/20/2001	Mukwonago, WI	Amarillo (AA)

The post 2023 Arizona Fall League: Salt River Rafters Roster Analysis appeared first on College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects - Baseball America.

Prospect Report: Emmet Sheehan Graduates With a Strong Start

Josh Norris — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:39:18 +0000

Emmet Sheehan, RHP, Dodgers: By the end of his first inning on Thursday, Sheehan had graduated from prospect consideration. By the end of the evening, he’d reinforced why he was valued so highly. The righthander spun 4.2 hitless innings with nine strikeouts and got 16 swings and misses out of his 93 pitches, good for a 17.2% clip. The nine punchouts established a new career high.

Kyle Harrison, LHP, Giants: San Francisco’s top prospect opposed Sheehan in a Thursday night all-prospect tilt at Dodger Stadium. In his sixth big league start, the lefthander surrendered two earned runs on three hits while striking out two and walking one. He allowed a home run to J.D. Martinez. Harrison got three swings and misses and topped out at 95 mph with his four-seam fastball.

Dom Hamel, RHP, Mets: Needing a win to reach the Eastern League Championship Series, Hamel delivered. The 24-year-old Dallas Baptist alum deconstructed Somerset over 7.2 masterful innings, striking out eight while holding the Patriots scoreless.

Homer Bush Jr., OF, Padres: San Diego selected Bush Jr. in the fourth round of the most recent draft and have already rocketed him to Double-A. So far, he hasn’t seemed out of place. The speedy Grand Canyon alum went 12 for 28 with San Antonio in the regular season and notched two hits in the Missions’ loss to Amarillo in the second game of the Texas League Division Series.

Connor Norby, 2B, Orioles: The East Carolina alum has been on fire of late. Norby’s most recent box score included four hits against Buffalo, with a double and a grand slam as part of the ledger. He’s homered in three straight games and has a 1.056 OPS in September.

Player	Team	ORG	LVL	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG	Notes
Barrosa, Jorge	Reno Aces	ARI	AAA	3	1	1	0	2	2	.273	.393	.456
English, Tristin	Reno Aces	ARI	AAA	4	2	2	3	1	0	.292	.381	.519	HR
Shewmake, Braden	Gwinnett Stripers	ATL	AAA	5	0	0	0	0	1	.234	.300	.409
Cowser, Colton	Norfolk Tides	BAL	AAA	5	0	0	0	0	2	.300	.419	.524
Holliday, Jackson	Norfolk Tides	BAL	AAA	4	1	0	0	1	2	.254	.373	.349
Mayo, Coby	Norfolk Tides	BAL	AAA	4	1	2	0	1	2	.265	.390	.500	2B
Norby, Connor	Norfolk Tides	BAL	AAA	5	1	4	2	0	1	.294	.358	.488	HR, 2B
Stowers, Kyle	Norfolk Tides	BAL	AAA	1	0	1	0	0	0	.243	.367	.495
Kjerstad, Heston	Baltimore Orioles	BAL	MLB	1	0	1	0	0	0	.278	.278	.611
Westburg, Jordan	Baltimore Orioles	BAL	MLB	1	0	0	0	1	1	.265	.317	.413
Alcántara, Kevin	Tennessee Smokies	CHC	AA	4	1	1	3	0	2	.250	.250	1.000	HR
Davis, Brennen	Iowa Cubs	CHC	AAA	5	0	2	1	0	0	.193	.304	.288
Hill, Darius	Iowa Cubs	CHC	AAA	5	1	3	2	0	1	.275	.345	.382	3B
Mervis, Matt	Iowa Cubs	CHC	AAA	4	1	1	1	1	2	.287	.404	.542	HR
Perlaza, Yonathan	Iowa Cubs	CHC	AAA	5	1	1	0	0	2	.284	.388	.537
Hopkins, TJ	Louisville Bats	CIN	AAA	5	0	0	0	0	3	.312	.414	.522
Manzardo, Kyle	Columbus Clippers	CLE	AAA	4	1	2	2	0	1	.282	.369	.648	HR
Noel, Jhonkensy	Columbus Clippers	CLE	AAA	3	1	1	0	1	2	.223	.305	.426
Rocchio, Brayan	Columbus Clippers	CLE	AAA	5	2	2	0	0	0	.281	.368	.417	2B, SB
Valera, George	Columbus Clippers	CLE	AAA	3	1	1	1	1	1	.210	.336	.369
Naylor, Bo	Cleveland Guardians	CLE	MLB	3	1	1	1	1	0	.238	.340	.449
Carreras, Julio	Albuquerque Isotopes	COL	AAA	4	0	2	0	0	1	.244	.360	.268
Romo, Drew	Albuquerque Isotopes	COL	AAA	4	0	0	1	0	1	.308	.357	.462
Schunk, Aaron	Albuquerque Isotopes	COL	AAA	5	2	1	0	0	2	.288	.349	.461
Bigbie, Justice	Toledo Mud Hens	DET	AAA	3	0	0	0	1	2	.250	.320	.318
Dingler, Dillon	Toledo Mud Hens	DET	AAA	2	1	0	0	2	1	.209	.277	.396
Keith, Colt	Toledo Mud Hens	DET	AAA	5	0	1	1	0	0	.294	.377	.532	2B
Kreidler, Ryan	Toledo Mud Hens	DET	AAA	3	0	0	0	1	2	.237	.348	.450
Leonard, Eddys	Toledo Mud Hens	DET	AAA	4	0	1	0	0	2	.305	.380	.518
Malloy, Justyn-Henry	Toledo Mud Hens	DET	AAA	2	0	1	1	2	0	.282	.422	.482
Meadows, Parker	Detroit Tigers	DET	MLB	3	1	1	0	1	2	.196	.312	.304	CS
Loperfido, Joey	Sugar Land Space Cowboys	HOU	AAA	6	2	2	3	0	2	.248	.341	.431	HR
Wagner, Will	Sugar Land Space Cowboys	HOU	AAA	4	0	0	0	1	1	.462	.500	.538
Whitcomb, Shay	Sugar Land Space Cowboys	HOU	AAA	3	0	0	0	1	1	.230	.282	.446
Gentry, Tyler	Omaha Storm Chasers	KCR	AAA	5	0	1	1	0	1	.255	.374	.419
Mann, Devin	Omaha Storm Chasers	KCR	AAA	3	0	1	0	1	2	.200	.353	.408
Taylor, Samad	Omaha Storm Chasers	KCR	AAA	3	0	0	0	2	1	.305	.423	.474
Adams, Jordyn	Salt Lake Bees	LAA	AAA	3	1	0	0	1	1	.271	.351	.473
Cabbage, Trey	Salt Lake Bees	LAA	AAA	3	0	1	0	1	1	.303	.378	.599
Martinez, Orlando	Salt Lake Bees	LAA	AAA	4	0	0	0	0	2	.248	.307	.380
Soto, Livan	Salt Lake Bees	LAA	AAA	3	0	1	0	1	1	.246	.339	.374
O’Hoppe, Logan	Los Angeles Angels	LAA	MLB	4	0	0	0	0	4	.219	.269	.465
Stefanic, Michael	Los Angeles Angels	LAA	MLB	4	0	2	0	0	0	.235	.366	.294
DeLuca, Jonny	Oklahoma City Dodgers	LAD	AAA	5	1	2	1	0	0	.306	.392	.565	2B
Vivas, Jorbit	Oklahoma City Dodgers	LAD	AAA	3	0	1	0	2	0	.232	.345	.305
Amaya, Jacob	Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp	MIA	AAA	3	1	1	0	2	0	.256	.349	.409
Burdick, Peyton	Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp	MIA	AAA	4	1	0	0	0	1	.221	.329	.454
Groshans, Jordan	Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp	MIA	AAA	2	2	1	1	2	0	.244	.340	.333
Myers, Dane	Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp	MIA	AAA	4	1	1	0	1	1	.346	.421	.530
Chourio, Jackson	Nashville Sounds	MIL	AAA	4	0	2	0	0	1	.417	.417	.583	SB
Mitchell, Garrett	Nashville Sounds	MIL	AAA	4	0	1	0	0	0	.130	.200	.217	3B
Frelick, Sal	Milwaukee Brewers	MIL	MLB	5	0	2	1	0	0	.273	.372	.394
Helman, Michael	St. Paul Saints	MIN	AAA	4	0	2	0	0	0	.284	.342	.520
Lee, Brooks	St. Paul Saints	MIN	AAA	4	1	1	0	0	1	.242	.309	.436
Severino, Yunior	St. Paul Saints	MIN	AAA	4	0	1	0	0	3	.240	.331	.512
Mauricio, Ronny	New York Mets	NYM	MLB	5	0	0	0	0	1	.277	.329	.369
Vientos, Mark	New York Mets	NYM	MLB	4	1	1	1	0	2	.226	.266	.389	HR
Florial, Estevan	New York Yankees	NYY	MLB	3	0	1	1	1	0	.200	.351	.233	2B
Davidson, Logan	Las Vegas Aviators	OAK	AAA	4	0	3	0	0	0	.267	.339	.385
Hernaiz, Darell	Las Vegas Aviators	OAK	AAA	3	0	1	1	1	0	.300	.371	.423
Kennedy, Buddy	Las Vegas Aviators	OAK	AAA	3	1	2	0	1	1	.222	.343	.222
Gelof, Zack	Oakland Athletics	OAK	MLB	4	1	1	0	0	1	.277	.342	.532
Rojas, Johan	Philadelphia Phillies	PHI	MLB	4	0	1	0	0	3	.299	.341	.433
Gonzales, Nick	Indianapolis Indians	PIT	AAA	4	0	0	0	0	4	.281	.382	.504
Smith-Njigba, Canaan	Indianapolis Indians	PIT	AAA	4	0	1	1	0	1	.280	.363	.471
Peguero, Liover	Pittsburgh Pirates	PIT	MLB	4	0	0	0	0	1	.243	.283	.387
Triolo, Jared	Pittsburgh Pirates	PIT	MLB	3	1	0	0	2	2	.265	.351	.333
Ornelas, Tirso	El Paso Chihuahuas	SDP	AAA	5	0	0	0	0	1	.290	.367	.435
Bliss, Ryan	Tacoma Rainiers	SEA	AAA	4	1	1	1	1	1	.256	.352	.461	2B, SB
DeLoach, Zach	Tacoma Rainiers	SEA	AAA	5	0	1	0	0	2	.282	.385	.476
Marlowe, Cade	Tacoma Rainiers	SEA	AAA	5	1	0	1	0	0	.256	.338	.447
Meckler, Wade	Sacramento River Cats	SFG	AAA	4	1	2	0	1	0	.347	.448	.500	SB
Luciano, Marco	San Francisco Giants	SFG	MLB	3	0	1	0	1	2	.286	.375	.357
Koperniak, Matt	Memphis Redbirds	STL	AAA	3	0	1	0	1	0	.277	.355	.430
Prieto, Cesar	Memphis Redbirds	STL	AAA	4	1	1	2	0	0	.261	.296	.366	3B
Saggese, Thomas	Memphis Redbirds	STL	AAA	4	0	0	0	0	1	.213	.245	.383
Baker, Luken	St. Louis Cardinals	STL	MLB	1	0	0	0	0	0	.200	.250	.267
Winn, Masyn	St. Louis Cardinals	STL	MLB	3	0	0	0	0	2	.170	.218	.223
Misner, Kameron	Durham Bulls	TBR	AAA	4	1	0	0	1	3	.228	.367	.461
Aranda, Jonathan	Tampa Bay Rays	TBR	MLB	4	0	0	1	0	2	.194	.321	.299
Basabe, Osleivis	Tampa Bay Rays	TBR	MLB	0	1	0	0	0	0	.213	.280	.320
Mead, Curtis	Tampa Bay Rays	TBR	MLB	1	0	0	0	0	0	.264	.350	.358
Pinto, Rene	Tampa Bay Rays	TBR	MLB	3	0	0	0	0	0	.253	.271	.458
Foscue, Justin	Round Rock Express	TEX	AAA	6	2	2	6	0	2	.265	.394	.461	HR, 2B
Langford, Wyatt	Round Rock Express	TEX	AAA	3	1	1	0	2	2	.455	.625	.545	SB
Ornelas, Jonathan	Round Rock Express	TEX	AAA	5	1	3	1	0	0	.252	.366	.361	2B
Barger, Addison	Buffalo Bisons	TOR	AAA	5	2	3	1	0	1	.251	.359	.407	2B
Martinez, Orelvis	Buffalo Bisons	TOR	AAA	5	0	1	0	0	2	.270	.341	.525
Palmegiani, Damiano	Buffalo Bisons	TOR	AAA	4	0	0	0	1	4	.274	.420	.548
Horwitz, Spencer	Toronto Blue Jays	TOR	MLB	4	0	0	0	0	0	.256	.341	.385
Schneider, Davis	Toronto Blue Jays	TOR	MLB	3	0	0	0	0	3	.280	.408	.617
Baker, Darren	Rochester Red Wings	WAS	AAA	5	0	0	0	0	1	.274	.340	.344
Millas, Drew	Washington Nationals	WAS	MLB	4	0	2	1	0	1	.304	.360	.478
Young, Jacob	Washington Nationals	WAS	MLB	3	0	1	1	1	2	.250	.318	.350

Player	Name	Org	LVL	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	ERA	Result
De Avila, Luis	Gwinnett Stripers	ATL	AAA	3.7	4	2	1	0	4	3	2.45
Hall, DL	Baltimore Orioles	BAL	MLB	1.3	0	0	0	0	0	1	4.20
Palencia, Daniel	Chicago Cubs	CHC	MLB	0.7	0	0	0	0	0	2	4.68
Cantillo, Joey	Columbus Clippers	CLE	AAA	5.0	3	2	2	0	6	4	4.64	W
Gaddis, Hunter	Cleveland Guardians	CLE	MLB	3.0	1	0	0	0	2	1	4.50
Madden, Ty	Erie SeaWolves	DET	AA	6.1	5	3	3	0	3	8	4.26	W
Klein, Will	Omaha Storm Chasers	KCR	AAA	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	1	5.82
Caceres, Kelvin	Salt Lake Bees	LAA	AAA	1.7	0	0	0	0	1	1	1.04
Joyce, Ben	Los Angeles Angels	LAA	MLB	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.25
Soriano, Jose	Los Angeles Angels	LAA	MLB	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	1	3.60
Sheehan, Emmet	Los Angeles Dodgers	LAD	MLB	4.7	0	1	1	0	4	9	5.13
Monteverde, Patrick	Pensacola Blue Wahoos	MIA	AA	6.1	5	0	0	0	1	8	0.00	W
Hamel, Dominic	Binghamton Rumble Ponies	NYM	AA	7.2	3	0	0	0	2	8	0.00	W
Vasil, Mike	Syracuse Mets	NYM	AAA	4.0	3	2	1	0	3	8	5.30
Fitts, Richard	Somerset Patriots	NYY	AA	6	5	2	2	1	1	8	3.00	L
Bolton, Cody	Indianapolis Indians	PIT	AAA	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3.86
Black, Mason	Sacramento River Cats	SFG	AAA	5.0	4	1	1	0	1	4	3.86	W
Miller, Erik	Sacramento River Cats	SFG	AAA	1.0	3	1	1	0	0	2	2.82	S
Harrison, Kyle	San Francisco Giants	SFG	MLB	5.3	3	2	2	1	1	2	4.85
Kloffenstein, Adam	Memphis Redbirds	STL	AAA	1.0	2	1	1	1	0	2	2.65
Robberse, Sem	Memphis Redbirds	STL	AAA	6.0	5	1	1	0	2	8	4.84
White, Owen	Round Rock Express	TEX	AAA	4.3	5	3	3	1	3	5	4.99
Zulueta, Yosver	Buffalo Bisons	TOR	AAA	1.3	1	0	0	0	0	3	4.06	W

The post Prospect Report: Emmet Sheehan Graduates With a Strong Start appeared first on College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects - Baseball America.

Owen Caissie: Cubs 2023 Minor League Player Of The Year

Meghan Montemurro — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Owen Caissie wanted to avoid replicating his start from 2022.

The outfielder spent that season at High-A South Bend, where he struggled to get going and was unsatisfied with his early results.

Beyond the increase in competition, jumping to Double-A Tennessee in 2023 also meant dealing with the pre-tacked baseball in play in the Southern League in the first half. That proved to be a boon for pitchers and a bane for hitters.

When the dust settled, Caissie had put together the best season in the organization.

“It was really impressive,” Cubs vice president of player development Jared Banner said. “He came into camp ready to go and got off to that fast start. He wanted to build some momentum and prove to himself that he was ready for that level.

“And he hasn’t slowed down—he’s only gotten better.”

After belting 3 homers yesterday, Owen Caissie is back at it with another jack!

The @Cubs' No. 13 prospect keeps slugging for @smokiesbaseball. pic.twitter.com/IBcrX7uJdZ
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) April 14, 2023

Caissie’s stellar April became the foundation for one of the top offensive seasons in the Cubs’ system, all while doing it as one of the youngest players in Double-A. Caissie, who turned 21 in July, faced a pitcher younger than himself in just 10 of his 518 plate appearances.

The lefthanded hitter finished with a .289/.399/.519 batting line with 22 home runs and 31 doubles in 120 games.

The Cubs acquired Caissie from the Padres in the December 2020 trade that sent Yu Darvish to the Padres. The organization believes the 6-foot-3 Caissie, a San Diego second-round pick out of an Ontario high school in 2020, still has more power potential as he continues to physically mature.

After striking out nearly 38% of the time through May, Caissie showed a better eye and swing decisions as the season progressed. He cut down on his strikeout rate and in September posted nine walks and 14 strikeouts in 59 plate appearances.

“I attribute it to his awareness and just adjusting to a new level,” Banner said. “He’s been producing the whole time, but I think he wasn’t happy with the amount of strikeouts and he wanted to make that adjustment.

“Seeing more pitches and improving his approach has really been fruitful.”

The post Owen Caissie: Cubs 2023 Minor League Player Of The Year appeared first on College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects - Baseball America.

Abimelec Ortiz: Rangers 2023 Minor League Player Of The Year

Jeff Wilson — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Heading into the summer, 21-year-old first baseman Abimelec Ortiz was trending toward becoming the Rangers’ minor league player of the year, but he didn’t become a lock until after the trade deadline.

The Rangers dealt second baseman Thomas Saggese and shortstop Luisangel Acuña, who might have had the edge on Ortiz through July. Then again, the numbers Ortiz put up were matched by only a handful of prospects.

Ortiz hit 33 home runs and drove in 101 runs in a breakthrough season split between Low-A Down East and High-A Hickory.

33 Home Runs. 101 RBI!

Abimelec Ortiz becomes the first Rangers minor leaguer with 100 RBI in a season since Joey Gallo in 2014. pic.twitter.com/DhI0qtnB0A
— Rangers Player Development (@TEXPlayerDev) September 12, 2023

Ortiz has shown power ever since he was signed as a nondrafted free agent out of Florida Southwestern State JC in 2021, but he added a hit tool to his prospect profile this season.

A native of Puerto Rico, Ortiz spent the offseason training with former all-star first baseman Carlos Delgado. He also had Lasik surgery to help his eyesight.

“He’s always had the ability to hit,” Rangers assistant general manager Ross Fenstermaker said. “He has the right people in his life. He had some vision correction that I think helped him a little bit, but ultimately he put it in the work.”

Ortiz handled the pitcher-friendly Carolina League over the season’s first five weeks, connecting for seven home runs in 29 games. The ball carries better at High-A Hickory, but Ortiz’s success wasn’t due to park factors.

He hit 26 more home runs. He also hit for average against a higher class of pitchers over a larger sample. His final line settled at .294/.371/.619 in 109 games.

While he’s seeing the ball better—literally—he is also making better swing decisions.

“As he’s progressed through our system, he’s shown the power, but now he’s marrying power plus plate discipline,” Fenstermaker said. “He’s swinging at better pitches and driving pitches more consistently.

“He’s hitting for more average because he’s staying in the strike zone a lot more frequently.”

RANGERS ROUNDUP

— Outfielder Evan Carter made his MLB debut on Sept. 7 and by Sept. 17 had set a club record for most walks (seven) by a player in his first nine games. He also connected for his first MLB home run and made a series of key defensive plays in the outfield.

— Righthander Kumar Rocker, drafted third overall in 2022, returned to Vanderbilt in August to resume working toward his college degree and to continue his rehab from Tommy John surgery. He spent the summer in Arlington rehabbing with two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom, who also had Tommy John during the season.

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Cole Young: Mariners 2023 Minor League Player Of The Year

Cameron Van Til — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In just over a year, shortstop Cole Young went from first-round high school pick to High-A standout.

The 20-year-old’s smooth, lefthanded swing, exceptional bat-to-ball skills and advanced plate discipline were on display during his first full pro season.

“We had lofty expectations for him,” Mariners farm director Justin Toole said, “and I think he’s done probably better than we even expected.”

Young opened the season with a strong first three months in Low-A Modesto, earning him a mid-July promotion to High-A Everett.

Young then put up even better numbers in Everett, batting .292/.404/.479 with six home runs in 48 games—despite being one of the youngest players in the Northwest League.

On Sunday night, Cole Young collected four hits in only his third game in Everett. Retweet this post today you could win 4 tickets to an upcoming AquaSox game courtesy of the MK Bolling Agency@WeAreFarmers pic.twitter.com/wwRTKpAp5W
— Everett AquaSox (@EverettAquaSox) July 17, 2023

He closed the season on a .396 tear over his final 12 games, helping lead the AquaSox to the league championship series.

Across two Class A levels, Young batted .277/.399/.449 with 11 homers in 126 games. He was a steady defender at shortstop and saw time at second base.

“The game is so slow for him,” Everett hitting coach Mike Fransoso said. “If it’s a tie ballgame in the ninth inning, it looks exactly (like) his first plate appearance in a nothing-nothing game.

“He never gets too high, never gets too low. Just very even-keeled.”

It starts with Young’s approach, which fits the Mariners’ “control the zone” mantra. This season, he totaled 88 walks and just 90 strikeouts.

“Some of the pitches that he lays off, it’s quite incredible,” Fransoso said. “The zone discipline is just off the charts.”

Young pairs that with a quick and polished swing, which enables him to consistently hit line drives to all fields.

“It’s so simple,” Fransoso said. “It’s relaxed. Very compact. Really loose and whippy. Very adjustable. He can hit a lot of different pitches in a lot of different locations.”

Young is primarily a line-drive hitter, but the Mariners believe his power will increase as he gets stronger.

“That power is in there,” Fransoso said. “As he gets older, as he matures and as he starts to understand when he can kind of go for a ball, it’ll start to come out more.”

MARINADE

— Jonatan Clase became the first minor league player since at least 1961 to reach 20 home runs and 70 stolen bases in a season. The 21-year-old Dominican outfielder totaled 20 homers and 79 steals in 129 games across two levels, with seven homers and 17 steals at High-A Everett and then 13 homers and 62 steals at Double-A Arkansas.

— After a hit by pitch halted his strong first half in Everett and caused him to miss two months with a broken bone in his right hand, 22-year-old first baseman Tyler Locklear returned from the injured list on Aug. 5 and earned an Aug. 23 promotion to Double-A Arkansas. The 2022 second-rounder batted .288/.405/.502 with 13 homers in 85 games this season.

— After being sidelined for more than three months with a Grade 2 hamstring strain that has delayed his pro debut, touted 18-year-old Dominican shortstop Felnin Celesten returned on Sept. 12 to play in an Arizona “bridge league” that runs between the Arizona Complex League and instructional league. Celesten was the Mariners’ top international signee this past January.

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