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Mike Olt, 3B, Rangers (Double-A Frisco): 1-for-4, HR (18), R, 3 RBI, BB, 2 K.

Olt is the hottest hitter in the minors, slugging seven home runs in his last five days to up his triple-slash line to .316/.416/.641, and it's time to start figuring out what to do with him. He's clearly not getting to Texas at the hot corner with Adrian Beltre signed long term, and while he's playing first base once in a while, it's certainly not enough to think that's where the Rangers see his path at this time. Although with the recent struggles of Mitch Moreland, it's at least something to think about.

Others Of Note:

  • Javier Baez, SS, Cubs (Low-A Peoria): 3-for-4, 3B, RBI. 2011 first-round pick has shown an explosive bat early one; 10-for-19 in last five games and .343/.410/.600 in nine.
  • Hiram Burgos, RHP, Brewers (Double-A Huntsville): 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K. Not much in the velocity department but a deep arsenal and plus command.
  • Nick Castellanos, 3B, Tigers (Double-A Erie): 2-for-5, K. 4-for-8 in two Double-A games isn't enough evidence for any real conclusion, but it's pretty clear the kid can rake.
  • Garin Cecchini, 3B, Red Sox (Low-A Greenville): 3-for-5, R, RBI, SB. Hitting .347 in last 30 games; .314/.396/.451 overall with a surprising 20 stolen bases.
  • Gerardo Concepcion, LHP, Cubs (Low-A Peoria): 5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K. Early scouting reports have not been kind; projecting as back-end starter or middle reliever.
  • Matt Den Dekker, OF, Mets (Double-A Binghamton): 3-for-4, 2B, 3B, R, BB. Big strikeout rate (60 in 220 ABs) makes one wonder how long he can keep it up; 9-for-15 in last four games and .318/.382/.545 in 54 games.
  • Tyler Cloyd, RHP,, Phillies (Triple-A Lehigh Valley): 8 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K. Doesn't have much stuff but sure knows how to pitch; 2.26 ERA in eight starts with .189 opponents average.
  • Jose Fernandez, RHP, Marlins (Low-A Greensboro): 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K. Has struck out 30 over 20 shutout innings in last four outings while allowing just nine hits. 1.34 ERA with 85 Ks in 67 innings.
  • Billy Hamilton, SS, Reds (High-A Bakersfield): 1-for-3, 2 BB, R, 4 SB (67). I guess he thought he wasn't running enough, as he has 27 stolen bases in his last 15 games; .322/.410/.452 overall.
  • Ryan Kalish, OF, Red Sox (Triple-A Pawtucket): 2-for-3, HR (2), 2 R, RBI, BB K. Sure it's two games, but it's fun to type a triple-slash line of .800/.899/2.000.
  • Ryan LaMarre, OF, Reds (Double-A Pensacola): 3-for-4, R, K. Good athletic with speed, an approach and too many Ks; .283/.374/.381 in 60 games.
  • Rymer Liriano, OF, Padres (High-A Lake Elsinore): 4-for-4, 3 RBI, CS. 16-for-29 during eight game hitting streak and up to .300/.367/.429 overall as only power has been disappointing.
  • Telvin Nash, OF/1B, Astros (High-A Lancaster): 1-for-4, HR (16), R, RBI, 3 K. One of the weirder lines around with 26 of 42 hits for extra bases and 95 strikeouts in 197 at-bats; .213/.316/.508 overall.
  • Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP, Orioles (Low-A Delmarva): 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K. 19-year-old southpaw has plenty of polish and solid stuff; 2.09 ERA with .203 opponent's average.
  • Cory Spangenberg, 2B, Padres (High-A Lake Elsinore): 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 R, RBI, BB. Hitting .350 in 35 games since ugly April; .306/.348/.417 in 58 games.
  • Oscar Taveras, OF, Cardinals (Double-A Springfield): 2-for-5, HR (12), 2 R, 2 RBI, K. Has pulled out of mini-slump with seven hits and two home runs in last two games; .318/.370/.588 overall and still 19 for two more week.
  • Chris Tillman, RHP, Orioles (Triple-A Norfolk): 6.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K. Oh, who knows?
  • Kolten Wong, 2B, Cardinals (Double-A Springfield): 2-for-5, HR (5), R, 2 RBI, 2 K. Third straight two-hit game; .315/.378/.458 in 51 games.

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sportspopery
6/07
Regarding Taveras, is there a precedent for what he's done the last season-plus? I know that he had the highest minor league average for several decades last season, but has there been a 19 year-old w/ contact and power skills like his in recent memory?
ericmilburn
6/07
Justin Upton's 2007 season @ AA might be a good comparison. Both were 19 and showed elite K/BB ratios - albeit Upton had more of each. It'd be incredible if Taveras turned out to be an Upton type of talent.
mmontice
6/07
Regarding Concepcion, a few reports have stated that he's apparently not working with his full arsenal (focusing on developing his fastball), and that if he was, he'd be performing much better. Feel free to judge the validity of that statement.
Oleoay
6/07
Billy Hamilton is so fast Chuck Norris can't catch him.
acmcdowell
6/07
How long do you think it will be before Kalish is called up?
Lassaller
6/08
I'm betting he can't play second base, so not counting injuries, September.
bheikoop
6/07
So how much is being in A-ball helping Billy Hamilton's steals numbers? Even if he has an OBP of .300 in the majors, does he have a shot at 100 steals?
Rangers100
6/08
The Rangers could use Olt to replace their replacement level DH, but that DH is a selfless team leader, so that would never be allowed.
LynchMob
6/08
Lirano with HR #3 yesterday ...

http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2012_06_07_lesafa_hdmafa_1