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November 30, 2004
More From Diamond Futures
Michael from Diamond Futures stopped by yesterday to add a few words on his Braves Top 10 list, so please take a look at the comments section to see what he had to say. A short snippet:
As you yourself evidence the difference in ranking a prospect can be influenced by many things ego, development time, injuries, position switches, just to name a few. There are times I look at the ranks and say OUCH I don't agree with that. With my background in scouting I am well prepared to discuss the listings with anyone and to remind them that a person should look at MANY different ways of ranking players before deciding who the top ten are in any system.On that note, the Diamond Futures Catcher Rankings are up, with two Braves prospects landing in the top ten: Brian McCann at #7, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia at #9. Sweet swinging Daric Barton form the Cardinals organization tops the list. Looking at his score (94.076) and grade (A), he will likely land in the top ten overall prospects in the minors when that list comes out at Diamond Futures.
In other prospect news, John Sickels Baseball Prospect Book 2005 is now available for pre-order through John's website. Last years edition was great - I probably used it more than any other book I purchased last season. I placed my pre-order this morning, and if you have any interest in the minor leagues and prospect rankings, then you should too.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 09:25 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 28, 2004
Braves Top 10 from Diamond Futures
Diamond Futures is a great looking website, but one I find extremely difficult to navigate, so I haven't been a very frequent visitor. On a tip from JDM, I have located the updated Braves Top 10 prospect list, but first, you need to know how the ranking system works, so click on the glossary to figure it all out. In a nutshell, it is a points based system using OBA, SLG, OPS, and SEC for the position players, all compared to league averages, and also age relative to league. For pitchers, it is HR/IP, K/IP, K/BB, H/IP, and BB/IP, all compared to league averages and age relative to league. There are a few other caveats such as no players ranked below full season ball, defense isn't accounted for, pitchers must throw 75+ innings, etc. Seriously, read the glossary for all of the details. There is a full points scale and letter grade chart as well.
With all of that out of the way, here is the Diamond Futures Braves Top 10, and in parentheses, their respective ranking in the No Pepper Top 50:
1. Andy Marte (1)
2. Kyle Davies (5)
3. Jake Stevens (7)
4. Gonzalo Lopez (31)
5. Jeff Francoeur (2)
6. Brian McCann (6)
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (18)
8. Chuck James (10)
9. Ryan Langerhans (9)
10. Gregor Blanco (20)
The two lists mesh fairly well, with the major difference being Gonzo Lopez. On numbers alone his season was very strong, and he probably should have at least been in the low 20's of my list, if not upper teens. I still want to see him make it through a full season without injury or off the field problems before I really push him up the charts. I think he will do it in Myrtle Beach in 2005. Salty was one I thought I ranked too low when I originally did the list. If I did it again right now, I'd have him at least at #13, if not higher. I think you will see him in the top 10 of many Braves lists this offseason. As far as Blanco goes, I'm a little more bullish on him than others, but I'm content with the original ranking I put on him after the season. He is stinking up the joint in winter ball right now, but is likely to start the 2005 season in Mississippi.
Be sure to check out Diamond Futures for their upcoming position, league, and overall rankings in the coming weeks.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 05:26 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
November 27, 2004
AFL Top 20 Prospects
Chris Kline from Baseball America has listed his Top 20 Prospects from the 2004 AFL season, with Jeff Francoeur coming in at #3 and Brian McCann landing in the #14 spot:
3. Jeff Francoeur, of, Grand Canyon RaftersOnly Tampa OF Delmon Young and Milwaukee 2B Rickie Weeks were ranked ahead of Francoeur. And, as I discussed earlier, I believe McCann's difficulties at the plate were mainly due to inconsistent playing time.
Francoeur uses the whole field; his short, compact stroke allows him to make quick adjustments and turn on inside pitches. Adjustments aside, Francoeur needs to learn how to harness his aggression at the plate--he walked just twice in 99 at-bats. Francoeur has the instincts to play all three outfield positions but played exclusively in right in 2004. He makes good reads, takes good routes and has more than enough arm to field the position. Francoeur best profiles as a No. 2 or No. 3 hitter in the big leagues with 25-30 homers annually.14. Brian McCann, c, Grand Canyon Rafters (Braves)
An offense-first catcher, McCann hit just .241-0-5 and showed little plate discipline, striking out 13 times compared to two walks.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 07:51 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 26, 2004
Winter Leagues Stat Update
The Puerto Rican Winter League is underway, but in a quick scan of the players, I don't see anyone from the Braves organization. If I am overlooking anyone from that league, or any other, please let me know.
Venezuelan Winter League stats (through games of 11/26):
Hitters
Gregor Blanco -- .180 (9-for-50), 2 3B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 18 SO, 2 SB
J.C. Boscan -- .367 (29-for-79), 5 2B, HR, 13 RBI, 7 BB, 14 SO
Carlos Duran -- .286 (4-for-14), RBI, BB, 2 SO
James Jurries -- .270 (27-for-100), 5 2B, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 11 BB, 25 SO
Billy McCarthy -- .250 (7-for-28), HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 10 SO
Jackson Melian -- .571 (8-for-14), 2 2B, 2 RBI, BB, SO
Pete Orr -- .261 (37-for-142), 4 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 7 BB, 27 SO, 5 SB
Jorge Velandia -- .190 (16-for-84), 7 2B, 3B, 10 RBI, 11 BB, 26 SO, SB
Pitchers
Kevin Barry -- 0-0, 2 Saves, 6.00 ERA, 6 IP, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 SO
Buddy Hernandez -- 0-2, 3.60 ERA, 20 IP, 17 H, 4 BB, 15 SO
Notes -- Boscan is currently second n the league in hitting, and Orr is tops in stolen bases. Barry, McCarthy, and Melian had no change in their stats from the last update.
Dominican Winter League stats (through games of 11/24):
Hitters
Miguel Bernard -- .200 AVG/.273 OBP (4-for-20), 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, BB, 3 SO
Wilson Betemit -- .163/.245 (7-for-43), 2B, HR, 6 RBI, 5 BB, 17 SO
Napoleon Calzado -- .303/.333 (20-for-66), 2 2B, 3B, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 8 SO, 3 SB
Nick Green -- .253/.372 (20-for-79), 5 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 8 BB, 21 SO, SB
Damon Hollins -- .133/.212 (4-for-30), 2 2B, 3 BB, 8 SO
Tony Pena Jr. -- .000/.000 (0-for-3), SO
Andy Marte -- .260/.368 (20-for-77), 5 2B, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 15 BB, 24 SO, SB
Brayan Pena -- .342/.412 (26-for-76), 6 2B, 2 RBI, 9 BB, 11 SO
Adam Stern -- .278/.310 (15-for-54), 5 2B, 3B, 5 RBI, 3 BB, 10 SO, 4 SB
Pitchers
Jose Capellan -- 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 6 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 7 SO
Roman Colon -- 0-1, 6.75 ERA, 5 1/3 IP, 8 H, 4 BB, 7 SO
Dan Curtis -- 1-1, 2.14 ERA, 21 IP, 22 H, 10 BB, 11 SO
Notes -- Marte has cooled off a bit after a hot start. Tony Pena has joined Aguilas now that the AFL season is over. Colon has also arrived and joined Escogido. Brayan Pena is third in the league in hitting and in doubles. Capellan made an additional start that isn't yet showing in the stats, allowing two runs - one earned - on four hits and four strikeouts in six innings.
Mexican-Pacific League stats (through games of 11/26):
Pitchers
Isauro Pineda -- 2-1, 5.33 ERA, 25 1/3 IP, 26 H, 12 BB, 24 SO
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 06:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Rotoworld Rule 5 Draft Preview
Matthew Pouliot does a nice job previewing the players available for the upcoming Rule 5 draft, taking place on December 13th. For each player listed, he designates a percentage chance that they will be selected. Here are the Braves entries from the article linked above:
Kevin Barry - RHP Braves - Age 26 - 30 percent 1.79 ERA and 71/35 K/BB in 60 1/3 IP between Double- and Triple-A. Needs better command, but his fastball could get him an opportunity.The only decent Braves prospect not mentioned was RHP Zach Miner, who I don't think will be drafted.Buddy Hernandez - RHP Braves - Age 26 - 20 percent
Taken by Oakland two years ago but failed to stick. Hernandez had a 2.42 ERA in 67 innings for Triple-A Richmond last season. He deserves an opportunity.James Jurries - 1B Braves - Age 25 - 20 percent
.267/.336/.487 for Triple-A Richmond. Jurries is a decent player, but he’s not quite a regular.Adam Stern - OF Braves - Age 25 - 10 percent
.322/.378/.480 with 27 SB for Double-A Greenville. Not quite good enough to stick.
The Braves usually aren't too active in the draft, but here are some of the top remaining players available:
80% -- LHP Blake McGinley (NYM), SS Drew Meyer (TEX), LHP Andy Sisco (CHC)
70% -- OF Jason Cooper (CLE)
60% -- RHP Dan Denham (CLE), RHP David Pauley (SD), OF Alex Romero (MIN)
Update: Marc from the Batter's Box has another excellent Rule 5 preview. Not many Braves get mentioned in the article besides Napoleon Calzado, but all of the above are discussed in the comments section.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 04:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 23, 2004
40-Man Roster Finalized
The Atlanta Braves added seven players to their 40-man roster, including top prospects 3B Andy Marte and RHP Kyle Davies. Also added were IF Pete Orr, SS Luis Hernandez, OF Billy McCarthy, RHP Anthony Lerew, and LHP Macay McBride, bring the total to 37 players on the roster, leaving room for additional offseason transactions.
So who was left off, and therefore left exposed for the Rule 5 draft? The top names are OF Adam Stern, 1B James Jurries, RHP Kevin Barry, RHP Buddy Hernandez, and RHP Zach Miner. Out of that group, Jurries and Hernandez have the best chance of being selected and sticking with a major league ballclub, followed closely by Stern and Barry, who may be selected, but I'm not sure that they will hang around. I think Miner has a chance to be a contributor at the major league level in the future, but I don't think he is ready yet and will likely be passed over in the draft.
Two questionable names who hung on to their 40-man roster spots are 1B Mike Hessman and OF Onil Joseph. It has been jokingly mentioned on the message board that Hessman has been bequeathed Keith Lockhart's picture stash and that's why he has been able to hang around these last few seasons. Joseph is a puzzling one since his addition to the 40-man last season. He has some talent, but he so far from being able to play in the majors in any capacity that I don't think he would be snatched up in the Rule 5 if he was left off the roster. I would much rather have protected Jurries and Stern than Hessman and Joseph, who not so coincidentally match up positions perfectly.
The Organizational Depth Chart has been updated to reflect the changes.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 07:47 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 21, 2004
Just to clear things up
With winter baseball talk in full swing, a friendly reminder from DMZ at the U.S.S. Mariner:
Anytime you see it as “Rule V” you can safely assume the author doesn’t know what they’re talking about. It’s in the books as “Rule 5″. I have no idea why this misconception persists. I can tell you that there are writers out there that have their editors change the correct designation to the incorrect one.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 08:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Final notes on the AFL
With the 2004 Arizona Fall League officially in the books, it's time to take a look at the final stats, and what, if anything, we can take from the respective players performance this fall.
OF Jeff Francoeur
Final AFL stats: .283/.301/.404 (28-for-99), 7 2B, 3B, HR, 14 RBI, 2 BB, 19 SO, SB, CS
First of all, 99 at-bats is a very small sample size. Secondly, Jeff's lack of plate patience is certainly a trend. Outside of that one not so minor issue, he just oozes skills. If he shows even moderate improvement in that area over the next couple of seasons, we are looking at a perennial all-star caliber player, as opposed to a maybe once or twice in his career all-star.
Stock after the AFL: Unchanged - still very high.
C Brian McCann
Final AFL stats: .241/.279/.328 (14-for-58), 5 2B, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 13 SO
McCann went into the offseason as arguably the top catching prospect in the game. He had a slightly disappointing AFL, possibly due to splitting time behind the plate nearly 50/50 with Minnesota catcher Rob Bowen. It's hard to find your groove at the plate in a situation like that.
Stock after the AFL: Unchanged.
SS Tony Pena
Final AFL stats: .321/.369/.397 (25-for-78), 4 2B, 3B, 5 RBI, 5 BB, 12 SO, SB, 2 CS, 5 E
Pena had the best fall of any of the Braves representatives. Coming off a lackluster regular season at the plate, Tony Jr. got off to a hot start in the desert and was able to ride it all the way to the house. Still made five errors in only 19 games though.
Stock after the AFL: Rising - trade him now.
1B Scott Thorman
Final AFL stats: .269/.309/.308 (14-for-52), 2 2B, 5 RBI, 3 BB, 14 SO
Thorman was looking to solidify his position on the Braves 40-man roster this fall, and while it appears that he was successful in that aspect, it was a rather lackluster performance overall. He was on the Rafters taxi squad, meaning he played only twice a week, so keep that in mind when looking at the final numbers.
Stock after the AFL: No change.
2B Aaron Herr
Final AFL stats: .196/.240/.217 (9-for-46), 2B, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 6 SO
Joining Thorman on the taxi squad, Herr was a disappointment for the Braves in the AFL. I imagine the organization was expecting more following a .272/.341/.431 season for Double-A Greenville.
Stock after the AFL: Falling - possible Triple-A lifer.
LHP Macay McBride
Final AFL stats: 0-1, 6.11 ERA, 28 IP, 39 H, 8 BB, 29 SO
McBride was knocked around a bit, but posted a solid 28/9 K/B ratio, which gives me hope heading into 2005 after a poor 2004 season.
Stock after the AFL: No change.
RHP Zach Miner
Final AFL stats: 2-2, 5.92 ERA, 24 1/3 IP, 24 H, 12 BB, 24 SO
Despite the high ERA, 24 hits and 24 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings pitched is ok by me. Lose a few of the walks, and it would look even better.
Stock after the AFL: Slight rise, but still won't be selected by anyone in the Rule 5 draft.
LHP Matt Coenen
Final AFL stats: 0-4, 10.26 ERA, 16 2/3 IP, 22 H, 9 BB, 14 SO
Matt was looking to impress after a strong finish for Greenville in 2004, but things didn't break his way. He had a few good appearances in the middle of the AFL season, but surrounded it with inconsistency. Looking at a possible return to Double-A for the start of the 2005 season.
Stock after the AFL: Falling.
Mark Bowman recaps the Braves AFL season for MLB.com:
The Braves' farm system is one of the game's most fertile, and right now it might be at its very best. By the start of the 2006 season, Francoeur, McCann and Pena likely will be beginning what appears to be very promising Major League careers.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 07:20 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
November 14, 2004
Out of town
I'll be out of town all of next week, with a likely return next Sunday. The Braves 40-man roster situation should be finalized by then, so I'll dig into that, plus take a closer look at the players left exposed for the Rule 5 draft, and who of that group might be chosen.
See you then!
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 05:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 12, 2004
Mark It Down
Not that I expected anything different to happen, but Tony Pena Jr. will remain on the Braves 40-man roster:
Statistically, Pena has been the most successful Braves prospect in the AFL this year. Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann, a couple of 20-year-olds who are among the best prospects in the fruitful Atlanta organization, have slumped recently.The article states that Pena will be fighting it out with Wilson Betemit, Nick Green, and possibly Mark DeRosa for the utility infielder spot in spring training, and may also be eyeing a starting spot in 2006 with Rafael Furcal's free agency looming.Through Wednesday, Francoeur was hitting .289 (22-for-76). McCann, considered by many to be the top catching prospect in the minors, has seen his batting average dip to .256 (10-for-39).
Francoeur, McCann and Pena are all expected to be invited to big league camp next spring. Because the Braves don't have to protect Francoeur or McCann yet, Pena will be the only one of the three on the 40-man roster.
I've gone on record many times concerning the Pena situation, but he has a lot of work to do before he even sniffs the big club as a backup, regardless of how much the organization is in love with him.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 09:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Marte Hot, Hollins Not
From the first Dominican Winter League Report from Baseball Prospectus:
The Braves' Andy Marte is hitting a solid .289/.393/.467 in 45 at bats and leading the league in RBIs with 11. Marte has just one homer, but is second in the league in doubles with five, and his team--Azucareros--plays at Francisco Micheli Stadium, a horrendous offensive environment.Marte's numbers look even better now that the context of his home field is known. And Hollins, what can I say besides not surprising.Outfielders Damon Hollins and Cody Ross, both with Escogido, were the first two foreign players to be fired this season. Hollins hit just .133/.212/.200 in 30 at-bats, and reportedly wasn't able to adapt well to the country. Hollins was highly recommended by players like Rafael Furcal, who plays for both the Braves and the Lions.
Winter Reading
The fine folks over at The Hardball Times (Aaron Gleeman, Bryan Smith, Alex Belth, Craig Burley to name a few) have released the 2004 Hardball Times Baseball Annual, a retrospective look back at the 2004 season. I just purchased and downloaded my electronic copy this morning, and I'm sure I'll have more to post about the book once I have a chance to fully peruse it. It is also available in paper form, and will soon be available at Amazon.com and various booksellers around the country. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
Transactions
A couple of quick ones to note: Matt Whiteside was signed by the Blue Jays, and Travis Smith was inked by the Marlins. Both deals were of the minor league variety.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 10:39 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 10, 2004
AFL Recap, News and Notes
I haven't had the chance to update much over the past few days, so here is a quick look at some of the AFL box scores I missed:
11/5 -- Grand Canyon Rafters 3, Mesa Solar Sox 4
SS Tony Pena was 1-for-4 and RF Jeff Francoeur was 0-for-4 as the Braves contingent wasn't much help in the Rafters 4-3 loss to the Solar Sox. Pena also committed an error in the field, his fourth in 15 games. C Brian McCann entered the game late and did not have a plate appearance. Matt Coenen was the only pitcher to see any action, tossing 1 1/3 hitless innings, walking two and striking out three.
11/6 -- Mesa Solar Sox 2, Grand Canyon Rafters 7
C Brian McCann, 1B Scott Thorman and 2B Aaron Herr each went 1-for-4 with an RBI, and SS Tony Pena was 1-for-3 with a run scored, as the Rafters take down the Solar Sox 7-2. Thorman had the only extra base hit of the bunch, hitting his second double of the fall.
11/8 -- Grand Canyon Rafters 13, Scottsdale Scorpions 7
Macay McBride had a solid start, allowing two runs on five hits, a walk, and seven strikeouts in four innings, as the Rafters beat up on the Scorpions 13-7. C Brian McCann was 1-for-5 with a run scored, and RF Jeff Francoeur was 0-for-5 with an RBI. Both McCann and Francoeur struck out twice. Francoeur is riding an 0-for-17 slump in his last four games played.
11/9 -- Scottsdale Scorpions 6, Grand Canyon Rafters 8
Zach Miner worked four innings in the start, allowing three runs - one earned - on three hits, four walks, and five strikeouts as the Rafters make it two in a row over the Scorpions. Miner was the only Brave to see action in this contest.
Transactions -- The Braves have come to terms with C Miguel Bernard, 1B Carlos Guzman, and P Jason Richardson. C Bryce Terveen has been released.
Notes -- Rome has finalized its staff for the 2005 season, with Manager Rocket Wheeler and hitting coach Bobby Moore set to return. Joining them will be newcomers Jim Czajkowski, who takes over as pitching coach, and Mike Dart, who will be the new Athletic Trainer. Czajkowski was part of the Danville staff for the past three seasons, and Dart spent the last two with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.
Myrtle Beach also set their coaching staff, with Manager Randy Ingle and pitching coach Bruce Dal Canton both returning. They will be joined by hitting coach Franklin Stubbs, who was previously the roving hitting instructor for the organization. Drew Van Dam takes over as trainer after spending the last two seasons in Rome.
The Mississippi Braves website is up and running, and has been added to the sidebar. I will be adding the remainder of the links as the season gets closer.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 08:30 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 08, 2004
Jeff Francoeur Q&A
From AJC.com (reg. required). A few highlights:
Q: Do you anticipate getting an invitation to major league camp in spring training?Click on the link above for the entire transcript.A: "I'll have to wait and see what they decide. In two weeks I'm going home and going to the beach for Thanksgiving with my family. When I get home, I'm not picking up a bat until January.
I'll lift when I get home, though. I'm hoping to come back a little bigger for spring training. It's a big year for me. I want to be ready."
Q: Are you looking to break into the majors next season? Maybe a September call-up?
A: "I'm figuring I'll open the year in Jackson. If I go there and play the best I can, you never know what's going to happen. There's so much unsettled now. I want to put up a good year and put myself in a good situation. (A September call-up) is one of my goals. It would be an honor to be up there any time next year. A lot depends on what happens and how I start my year off."
Q: Your mom said you still have Parkview T-shirts you like to wear. Yes?
A: "Yeah, I have shorts and state championship T-shirts. I wear it around the house, playing XBox or Nintendo. I can't wear it to the stadium. They rag me. Other guys are 24 and 25 and have been out of high school seven years."
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 11:39 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 07, 2004
Winter Leagues Stat Update
AFL stats (through games of 11/5):
Hitters
Jeff Francoeur -- .289/.308/.395 (22-for-76), 6 2B, 1 3B, 9 RBI, 1 BB, 15 SO
Aaron Herr -- .200/.237/.229 (7-for-35), 2B, RBI, 2 BB, 5 SO
Brian McCann -- .257/.316/.343 (9-for-35), 3 2B, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 7 SO
Tony Pena -- .345/.397/.431 (20-for-58), 3 2B, 3B, 4 BB, 10 SO, SB
Scott Thorman -- .216/.256/.243 (8-for-37), 2B, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 10 SO
Pitchers
Matt Coenen -- 0-3, 7.30 ERA, 12 1/3 IP, 15 H, 5 BB, 10 SO
Macay McBride -- 0-0, 6.05 ERA, 19 1/3 IP, 27 H, 6 BB, 19 SO
Zach Miner -- 2-1, 5.40 ERA, 18 1/3 IP, 14 H, 6 BB, 17 SO
Venezuelan Winter League stats (through games of 11/5):
Hitters
Gregor Blanco -- .179 (7-for-39), 2 HR, 3 RBI, BB, 14 SO, SB
J.C. Boscan -- .400 (18-for-45), 2B, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 6 SO
Carlos Duran -- .286 (4-for-14), RBI, BB, 2 SO
James Jurries -- .245 (12-for-49), 5 2B, HR, 8 RBI, 8 BB, 15 SO
Billy McCarthy -- .250 (7-for-28), HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 10 SO
Jackson Melian -- .571 (8-for-14), 2 2B, 2 RBI, BB, SO
Pete Orr -- .272 (22-for-81), 3 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 6 BB, 14 SO, 4 SB
Jorge Velandia -- .158 (6-for-38), 4 2B, 6 RBI, 8 BB, 14 SO
Pitchers
Kevin Barry -- 0-0, 2 Saves, 6.00 ERA, 6 IP, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 SO
Buddy Hernandez -- 0-0, 5.00 ERA, 9 IP, 9 H, BB, SO
Notes -- There is a Luis Hernandez who has turned up in the stats, going 0-for-2 in one game played. I'll try to confirm if it is our guy or not. After a hot start, Jackson Melian hasn't played since the last update. Pete Orr has picked things up a bit, leading the league in stolen bases and is fourth in runs scored with 15. J.C. Boscan is third in the league in AVG. Both Kevin Barry and Buddy Hernandez have taken a step back in their last few innings.
Dominican Winter League stats (through games of 11/4):
Hitters
Miguel Bernard -- .211 AVG/.250 OBP (4-for-19), 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, BB, 3 SO
Wilson Betemit -- .278/.316 (5-for-18), 2B, HR, 4 RBI, BB, 5 SO
Napoleon Calzado -- .429/.500 (3-for7), RBI, BB, SO, SB
Nick Green -- .308/.386 (12-for-39), 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 10 SO, SB
Damon Hollins -- .133/.212 (4-for-30), 2 2B, 3 BB, 8 SO
Andy Marte -- .333/.366 (12-for-36), 5 2B, HR, 10 RBI, 3 BB, 9 SO
Brayan Pena -- .259/.333 (7-for-27), 2 2B, RBI, 3 BB, 2 SO
Adam Stern -- .270/.300 (20-for-37), 3 2B, 3B, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 9 SO, 3 SB
Pitchers
Jose Capellan -- 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 IP, H, 2 SO
Dan Curtis -- 0-0, 1.13 ERA, 8 IP, 7 H, 4 BB, 5 SO
Notes -- Andy Marte leads the league in RBI and doubles, and is tied for seventh in the league in AVG. Half of his 12 hits have gone for extra bases. Nick Green is tied for the league lead in runs scored. Jose Capellan made his first appearance in the Dominican, allowing one unearned run in two innings.
Mexican-Pacific League stats (through games of 11/6):
Pitchers
Isauro Pineda -- 1-0, 4.11 ERA, 15 1/3 IP, 15 H, 5 BB, 19 SO
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 04:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 06, 2004
Learn this name
Brian McCann.
If you are a regular reader of this website, you already know it. The outside world is starting to catch on as well, as evidenced by Mark Bowman's latest column on MLB.com. Dayton Moore, Braves director of player personnel, is on board as well:
"There are a lot of things to like about Brian McCann," Braves director of player personnel Dayton Moore said.I ranked McCann at #6 on my end of season Top 50 list, and it wouldn't take much arm twisting to get me to bump him up another few spots. He was also named by Baseball America as the 1st team catcher on their end of season All-Star Team, which comprises all of the minor leagues. That's no small accomplishment.McCann will likely play at Double-A Pearl, Miss., during the 2005 season. But with Eddie Perez's days in Atlanta likely over at the end of next season, the young backstop could be in Atlanta by the start of the 2006 season.
"He's a very even-keeled individual," Moore said of McCann. "There's a lot of naturalness about the way he plays the game. I can't say enough about what he's done."
The homegrown talent this organization is going to bring up over the next few seasons is certainly going to be exciting to watch.
Side note - I'm a bit behind on my winter league stats, so I will try to run a big update of all players on Monday, so stay tuned.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 04:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 05, 2004
AFL Recap
11/3 -- Grand Canyon Rafters 4, Peoria Javelinas 9
2B Aaron Herr was the only one of three Braves prospects in action to get a hit, going 1-for-3 with a run scored, as the Rafters fall to the Javelinas 9-4. C Brian McCann was 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored, and 1B Scott Thorman was 0-for-4 with a strikeout.
11/4 -- Peoria Javelinas 1, Grand Canyon Rafters 5
RF Jeff Francoeur was 0-for-4 with a strikeout, but the Rafters exact revenge on the Javelinas, beating them 5-1.
Speaking of Jeff Francoeur and strikeouts, JDM has posted the latest BB/K ratios for the AFL, with Jeff bringing up the rear.
Bryan Smith breaks down his Top 25 LHP prospects in the minors, with three Braves making the cut: #4 Dan Meyer, #10 Jake Stevens, #17 Chuck James. Click on the link for the full list and commentary.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 08:08 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 03, 2004
2004 Draft Report Card
Baseball America is in the midst of posting their annual draft report cards, and the NL East is finally up to bat. Since this is a premium article, I'm just going to post the highlights. To see the whole thing, subscribe to BA, or purchase their prospect handbook next spring, which will also contain this information.
Best Pro Debut, Best Pure Hitter, Fastest Runner, Closest To The Majors -- J.C. Holt
Best Athlete, Best Fastball, Best Braking Ball -- James Parr
Best Raw Power -- Eric Campbell, Jon Mark Owings, and Adam Parliament
Best Late-Round Pick -- Tyler Wilson and Parliament. Gotta love this quote from scouting director Roy Clark on Parliament - ""We call him Canseco."
The One Who Got Away -- 18th rounder Brad Emaus, who is heading to Tulane.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 09:32 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
AFL Recap
11/1 -- Phoenix Desert Dogs 4, Grand Canyon Rafters 12
SS Tony Pena was 3-for-5 with his third double and two runs scored, and C Brian McCann was 1-for-3 and also scored a run, as Grand Canyon pounds Phoenix 12-4. RF Jeff Francoeur was 0-for-4 with a strikeout. Macay McBride went four innings in the start, allowing three runs on four hits, two walks, and a strikeout. Matt Coenen followed with two shutout innings, giving up a hit, a walk, and striking out two.
11/2 -- Grand Canyon Rafters 12, Phoenix Desert Dogs 6
RF Jeff Francoeur was 2-for-5 with his sixth double, an RBI and two runs scored, and SS Tony Pena was 2-for-4 with two runs and his first stolen base, as the Rafters double up the Desert Dogs 12-6. Zach Miner got the start for Grand Canyon, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks in 2 1/3 innings.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 09:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 01, 2004
AFL Recap
10/29 -- Grand Canyon Rafters 6, Scottsdale Scorpions 4
RF Jeff Francoeur was 2-for-4 with his second triple of the fall, and also scored twice, as the Rafters beat the Scorpions 6-4. SS Tony Pena wasn't as fortunate as Francoeur, going 0-for-5 with four strikeouts. Yikes. C Brian McCann entered the game late and did not have an official at-bat.
10/30 -- Scottsdale Scorpions 8, Grand Canyon Rafters 2
1B Scott Thorman was 1-for-4, and 2B Aaron Herr was 0-for-3 with an RBI sacrifice fly, as the Rafters lose to the Scorpions 8-2.
Grand Canyon sits at 8-11 on the season, 5 1/2 games behind division leading Phoenix.
Posted by Brad Dowdy at 07:53 AM | Comments (0)