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That’s a no-no . . .

Simon Castro, RHP, Padres (Low-A Fort Wayne)
Tuesday’s stats: 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K
While it hasn’t been the best of years for the Padres on a big-league level, the minor league system has had a wonderful year, as a large number of prospects have taken a big step forward. Add Castro to the list, as the 21-year-old Dominican fired a seven-inning no-hitter, with a hit batter his only flaw on the night. A 6-foot-6 beast who can get up to the mid-90s with his fastball at times while featuring a rapidly developing slider, Castro’s 3.71 ERA might not blow anyone away, but his 142 strikeouts in 123 2/3 innings against just 32 walks in borderline eye-popping.

. . . and this is part of one

Jhoulys Chacin, RHP, Rockies (Triple-A Colorado Springs)
Tuesday’s stats: 5.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K

The best pitching prospect in the Rockies’ system, Chacin made the jump from Double-A to the major leagues in late July, but control troubles (nine walks in 7 2/3 innings) are not the kind of thing to inspire confidence in one’s manager during a playoff hunt. He still had control problems in his Triple-A debut, throwing just 38 of 68 pitches for strikes, but at the same time he was unhittable… just like in the big leagues. Beyond the walks, even major leaguers went just 3-for-24 against him.

Power surge

Brett Wallace, 3B, Athletics (Triple-A Sacramento)
Tuesday’s stats:2-for-5, HR (11), 2 R, RBI

Fine, I’ll quit saying there are scouts out there questioning Wallace’s power, as he’s now hit home runs in three straight games to lift his averages since the trade to .299/.361/.505. No matter what the debate is over his offense, it always comes out as above-average; it’s his ability to stay at third base that will define his future as a great player, or merely a good one.

The value of patience

Kyler Burke, OF, Cubs (Low-A Peoria)
Tuesday’s stats: 2-for-3, HR (12), 2B, 3 R, 4 RBI
Burke’s second-half explosion continued on Tuesday, as he’s now hitting .328/.437/.508 since the All-Star break. Beyond the overall averages, the most striking part of the run is that Burke has suddenly turned into a walk machine as he’s drawn a pair of free passes in each of his last four games, and 20 in his last 18. It’s the perfect combination, as he’s waiting for his pitch, and then doing damage when he gets it.

Why doesn’t this guy get more pub?

Johermyn Chavez, OF, Blue Jays (Low-A Lansing)
Tuesday’s stats: 4-for-4, HR (20), R, 3 RBI
Maybe it’s because he’s repeating the level, but the Venezuelan is still young for that level at 20 years of age, and is undoubtedly having a breakout campaign. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Chavez has always been an impressive physical specimen, and after batting .431 in his last 15 games, he’s now batting .287/.349/.493 overall. His approach at the plate is still a bit raw, but his youth and tools are providing plenty of reason for excitement.

Sleeper alert!

Tim Collins, LHP, Blue Jays (Double-A New Hampshire)

Tuesday’s stats: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Generously listed at 5-foot-7 and 155 pounds, Collins has been confused for his team’s bat boy more than once. With arm speed that borders on freakish, he delivers fastballs than can get into the low 90s that add extreme deception due to his delivery. Scouts still aren’t sure what to make of a player so physically unique, but after striking out 197 is his first 133 pro innings across two A-level clubs, his Double-A debut was as dominating as ever. Although he’s one of those guys who needs to prove himself at every level, he’s certainly doing that so far.

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beaversnkings
8/19
Saw Chavez in South Bend last week. While I was distracted by simultanously chasing around my 6 year-old, Chavez LOOKS like a ballplayer and had a couple of nice at-bats. Opposite field hit, very quick bat.
mswain784
8/19
I think you got the wrong stat line from Burke, he homered and doubled last night.
rawagman
8/19
Thanks for the positive attention to the Jays' system - after the draft debacle, it's nice to know that there are still things worth looking forward to.
attackemu
8/19
Interesting that you called Chacin the best prospect in the Rockies system. Glad to hear it, actually, but do Christian Friedrich and Tyler Matzek have cases?
dtrainmets
8/19
Wilking Rodriguez had no hit the K-Mets through five innings,
he came out after that but why is he not mentioned here even if he's not a big prospect
rawagman
8/19
For presumably the same reason that fresh Jays' draftee Dennis Tepera was not mentioned after he no-hit the GCL Tigers in a 7-inning game last week. Non-prospect, low-level, short game is not as interesting as real prospect at a high level in a full(er) game.
JKiersky
8/19
Is Eduardo aldama (k-mets) any sort of prospect? His august line has been dominant- 1-0, 1.83 ERA, 19.2 IP, 15 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 21 K. Or just a gcl hot streak?
irablum
8/20
Last night Martin Perez threw his second game in Frisco. While it wasn't all that great (3 runs on 6 hits in 4 innings) he does have 7 k's in 6.1 innings. Note that Perez won't turn 19 till next april.

Conjunction
8/20
Martin Perez is my favorite prospect ever.