Jedd Gyorko, 3B, Padres (High-A Lake Elsinore): 3-for-6, 2 2B, R, 2 RBI, K.
It's almost shocking to see Gyorko still in the California League, but moving him up would require other corresponding moves, as there is no room for him at Double-A unless James Darnell moves up, and the hot corner at Triple-A is manned by Jesus Guzman, who is one of the better insurance bats in the minors. The two doubles last night were his 33rd and 34th of the year, which leads the minor leagues by six, and with his .383/.445/.653 line, he now leads the California League in hits, doubles (of course), runs, RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases.
Others Of Note:
- Raul Alcantara, RHP, Red Sox (Rookie-level GCL): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K. Keep an eye on this one. $500,000 18-year-old is projectable as all get out, already at 91-95 mph and has feel for both a breaking ball and a changeup.
- Blake Beavan, RHP, Mariners (Triple-A Tacoma): 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K. Starting to look like a big league back-end starter again; 1.85 ERA in five June starts while figuring out how to miss more bats with 29 strikeouts in 34 innings.
- Jesse Biddle, LHP, Phillies (Low-A Lakewood): 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 6 K. Tough to wrap your head around as the stuff hasn't been as good as expected but he's pitching well.
- Kyle Blanks, 1B/OF, Padres (Triple-A Tucson): 2-for-3, 3B, HR (4), 2 R, 2 RBI, K. .390/.429/.780 in 15 games; playing more left field of late, which could lead to big league return.
- Lorenzo Cain, OF, Royals (Triple-A Omaha): 2-for-4, 3B, R, 2 RBI, K. Has a 993 OPS in June and hitting .308/.370/.520 overall; should get a look once Royals make July moves.
- Zack Cox, 3B, Cardinals (Double-A Springfield): Nothing go well at the upper levels; .217/.300/.311 in 29 games with 10 errors.
- Jeff Decker, OF, Padres (Double- A San Antonio): 3-for-4, RBI, BB. Still showing progress after ugly early-season slump; 11-for-26 with 10 walks in last eight games and up to .248/.398/.457 overall.
- Wilmer Flores, SS, Mets (High-A St. Lucie): 3-for-4, 2 R, RBI. Batting average by month: .323, .214, .317; just .276/.321/.384 overall.
- Jio Mier, SS, Astros (High-A Lancaster): 2-for-4, R, RBI, K, SB. High-A debut for 2009 first-round pick; .245/.354/.380 line in Sally League just proved he has a good approach.
- J.R. Murphy, C, Yankees (High-A Tampa): 2-for-3, 2B, R, RBI. High-A debut; was showing much improved bat at Low-A but defense still needs work.
- Guillermo Pimentel, OF, Mariners (Rookie-level Pulaski): 3-for-5, 2B, HR (1), 3 R, 4 RBI, K. First big game of year for high-ceiling Dominican with crazy raw power.
- Drew Robinson, 3B, Rangers (Rookie-level AZL): 2-for-2, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB. 2010 fourth-round pick has definite hitting ability; ultimate defensive home still up in the air.
- Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP, Orioles (Rookie-level GCL) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K. 18-year-old Venezuelan has average velo now, projects for more, with good sink and run.
- Kyle Seager, 2B, Mariners (Triple-A Tacoma): 2-for-4, R. Triple-A debut after .312/.381/.459 line at Double-A; seems stuck here with Ackley in the bigs.
- Jonathan Singleton, 1B, Phillies (High-A Clearwater): 3-for-3, 2B, 2 HR (6), 3 R, 2 RBI, BB. 8-for-11 with 19 total bases in last three games has lifted OPS 100 points in three days; .270/.388/.402 overall.
- Cory Spangenberg, 2B, Padres (Short-season Eugene): 2-for-3, 2B, R, RBI, 2 BB, K, SB. On-base percentage now .636 in first seven pro games thanks to 12 walks against just 18 at-bats.
- Donavan Tate, OF, Padres (Short-season Eugene): 2-for-5, 3B, 2 R, RBI, K. 8-for-19 in last four games with two doubles and two triples; feels like he's been around forever but still just 20 years old.
- Alex Torres, LHP, Rays (Triple-A Durham): 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 12 K. Best start of the year for lefty that slumped in May; 3.69 ERA in 14 starts with 84 strikeouts in 75.2 innings.
- Cory Vaughn, OF, Mets (High-A St. Lucie): 3-for-3, HR (1), 2 R, 2 RBI, BB. High-A debut after .286/.405/.408 line in Sally League and home run in All-Star game.
- Tony Wolters, SS, Indians (Short-season Mahoning Valley): 2-for-4, 2 3B, R, K. 2010 third-round pick who got first-round money; Can hit, and has up-the-middle tools.
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I was hoping the Guzman callup would trickle down to a Gyroko promotion ... it's overdue! ... for Darnell also, it seems.
How do teams decide when to be patient? It always seems a tough call with pro's & con's ... for a recent "con" example, see Anthony Rizzo (and, yes, I understand it's too early to draw any conclusions ... I'm just saying that he's struggling more than I/we had hoped based on his AAA success).
4th OF spelling Melky, Francouer and Gordon
I think the Omaha numbers could be a tad inflated... they have a cozy new ballpark this year built away from the city and exposed to the wind.
Who's a better prospect, Seager or Liddi? Does Liddi have the athleticism to move to LF?
What's Spangenberg's speed on the scale? How do scout's think it will translate to the basepaths? Does he have SB awareness?
Love to see Vaughn's approach at the plate being so sound but what's going on with the power?
I know it's informative to hear about the same big-name guys once or twice a week, but a big thumbs up here for more info on the lesser-known guys.