Minor League Discussion & Boxes 4-16-2008

[Outshined_One]

Box Scores

 

Iowa won 6-4 Box Score

 

LF M. Murton 3/5, R, 2 RBI, K

RF J. Kroeger 3/5, R, 2B (5), 2 K, SB (1)

1B J. Fox 1/5, 2 RBI, 2B (4), 2 K

C/3B C. McGehee 0/4, BB, RBI, K

SP R. Keisler 4 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4/4 K/BB, WP, 5-3 GO-FO

RP J. Mateo 2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1/0 K/BB, HR, 0-5 GO-FO

RP C. Pignatiello 1 IP, 1 ER, 1/0 K/BB, HR, 2-0 GO-FO

RP J. Ascanio 1 perfect, 0-3 GO-FO

 

Tennessee lost 3-2 Box Score

 

SS J. Simokaitis 1/4, E (3, fielding)

DH T. Colvin 2/4, R, 2 RBI, HR (2)

RF R. Harvey 0/4, 3 K

3B K. Reynolds 1/4, 2 K

1B D. Deeds 1/4, K

CF M. Camp 1/4, 2 K

SP D. Veal 5.2 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 3/0 K/BB, HR, 6-7 GO-FO

 

Daytona lost 3-0 Box Score

 

2B T. Thomas 0/4, K

CF J. Wyatt 1/3, K

LF T. Wright 0/3, K

C S. Clevenger 1/3, K

DH W. Castillo 0/3

3B J. Lansford 0/3, K

1B R. Canzler 0/3, K

SP J. Russell 5 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 2/1 K/BB, 7-6 GO-FO

 

Peoria won 2-1 in the bottom of the 12th on a Nate Samson walkoff HR Box Score

 

LF C. Andersen 1/3, 2 BB, 2 K

2B N. Samson 2/3, R, RBI, HR (1)

SS M. Gonzalez 0/4, K

C J. Donaldson 0/4, K

3B M. Smith 2/4, 2B (4)

RF K. Burke 0/4

1B J. Rosa 0/4, 2 K

CF D. Rundle 1/3, BB, R, 2B (3), SB (6), CS (1)

SP A. Cabrera 5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3/5 K/BB, 7-4 GO-FO

 

OVERALL: 2-2

Edited April 17, 2008 by Outshined_One

[Guest]

Probable Starters:

 

Iowa: LHP Randy Keisler (0-1, 4.00 ERA, 9 IP, 9 K/2 BB, .286 BAA)

Tennessee: RHP Mitch Atkins (1-0, 1.80 ERA, 10 IP, 10 K/3 BB, .237 BAA)

Daytona: LHP James Russell (0-0, 0.82 ERA, 11 IP, 5 K/2 BB, .256 BAA)

Peoria: RHP Alberto Cabrera (1-1, 5.19 ERA, 8.2 IP, 4 K/4 BB, .294 BAA)

[craig]

A friend attended the Iowa game on Monday (and also saw them earlier.) He's seen a number of AA games last year as well. Monday was the game when Holliman was at his best. I thought I'd pass along his scouting comments.

 

"JR-01 - Apr 14, 2008 8:07 pm (#326 of 344)

I got to watch the Iowa game from the 4th inning on tonight. ...

Holliman really was outstanding tonight, probably the best I've ever seen him. His curveball was really biting and from my amateur eye was as nasty as Gallardo's tonight. And it looked like his fastball had good movement on it, as the hitters were generally off balance and swinging through a few of them. I talked to one of the scouts holding the gun, and he had Holliman at 88-90 mph on the fastball. He was efficient, threw strikes, and had about as good of stuff as I've seen from him.

 

Ascanio: 2-1-1-1-0-2, HR, BS

 

Ascanio served up a first pitch, game tying homer to Russell Branyan to lead off the bottom of the 9th. I guess it probably wasn't too horrible of a pitch, since Branyan had to hit it to the opposite field power alley, but it was a true no doubter the moment he hit it. Still, I wonder why he'd serve up anything close to a guy who either hits a homer or strikes out, when there's no one else behind him who can do that type of damage.

 

Otherwise Ascanio was showing off filthy stuff again tonight. His slider truly is one of those pitches that just falls off the table, and he was blowing his fastball past people. I didn't quite get the sense that his stuff was quite as electric during his second inning, but the Sounds still didn't hit anything good off of him in the 10th."

 

I thought that was some helpful info. In college Holliman was touted as throwing well into the low 90's, last year not so much. Perhaps interesting that even at his best, his fastball was in the 88-90 range. Not very fast, and I assume there will be nights when he's not as on or when it's July and he's got 100 innings on his arm when he'll be slower. Still, how much difference is 88-90 versus 90-93? Better movement and location would clearly make the 88-90 fastball more useful. Still, I felt a bit mixed; if he'd surprised me and said his velocity was clicking 89-93, I'd have liked it better. But Holliman seems to know how to pitch. I wouldn't rule out the possibility that he might be able to be kind of Lieber-esque someday, or an alternative to bad Marquis.

 

JR also watched Ascanio earlier, and was very impressed. So the note from AZ Phil that he might be having some arm trouble earlier this spring seems to not be a problem. And some former BA scouting reports that all he uses is his fastball also seems out-of-date, based on JR's comments about how sharp his slider is.

 

Given Howry's problems, given that Wuertz has had a couple horrible outings straight, and given that hart has been decent but not great thus far, I think it's fair to assume that sooner or later one of the existing relievers will end up on the DL or be returned to the minors. If Ascanio's arm is humming, hopefully he'll be able to put himself into position where he can be a good option if/when the need arises.

 

And hopefully Holliiman as well as Gallagher can position so that if/when a rotation need arises, it won't be the end of the world. Nice to have some anti-awful candidates.

[Outshined_One]

Donnie Veal got the start in Tennessee. His final line:

 

5.2 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 3/0 K/BB, HR, 6-7 GO-FO

 

Tennessee is currently down 3-2 in the 9th.

 

Daytona, on the other hand, got two hit and lost 3-0 to Palm Beach. Wyatt and Clevenger got the only hits. Russell went 5 and gave up 8 hits, 1 walk, and three earned runs while striking out three.

[Guest]

Is that the first time Veal hasn't walked anyone at AA? Nice. And this on the heels of Ceda's 0 walk outing yesterday.

 

Harvey with 3 more strikeouts. He now has 16 in 36 AB and just 2 walks. .278/.341/.444/.785. Tyler Colvin hit his 2nd HR of the season.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think Veal may regain his status as a top prospect this year.

 

I'm excited by the notes on Holliman. That reminded me of the performance I saw him throw last year vs Mississippi.

[jersey cubs fan]

Is that the first time Veal hasn't walked anyone at AA? Nice. .

 

Was he facing the 2005-2006 Chicago Cubs?

[ChiefsVoice]

Oneri will join me on air in the 2nd inning tonight...

[Flames24Rulz]

Iowa just scored four in the top of the 5th to take a 4-2 lead. Murton is 2/3 with two RBI's and a run scored. Jake Fox has a double and also has two RBI's.

 

Peoria is headed to extras as they are tied at 1. Cabrera went 5 innings allowing 3 hits, 1 run, 3 K's/5 BB's, 7 GO's/4 FO's.

[Guest]

Peoria is headed to extras as they are tied at 1. Cabrera went 5 innings allowing 3 hits, 1 run, 3 K's/5 BB's, 7 GO's/4 FO's.

 

Nate Samson hits his first career HR and Peoria wins it 2-1 in 11.

[Wrigley Rat]

Oneri will join me on air in the 2nd inning tonight...

Any chance you could summarize what he said for us? Thanks in advance!

[Guest]

AZ Phil was at Fitch on Wednesday

 

• Scott Eyre's rehab has progressed to the live BP phase.
  
• Al Alburquerque done for the season with shoulder surgery.
  
• Rafael Dolis shut down with a sore shoulder.
  
• Leon Johnson and Jeffrey Rea are close to heading to full season.
  
• 1B Bryan Jost (2007 44th rounder) has been impressing.
  
• Marcus Hatley had another strong outing.

[badnews]

A friend attended the Iowa game on Monday (and also saw them earlier.) He's seen a number of AA games last year as well. Monday was the game when Holliman was at his best. I thought I'd pass along his scouting comments.

 

"JR-01 - Apr 14, 2008 8:07 pm (#326 of 344)

I got to watch the Iowa game from the 4th inning on tonight. ...

Holliman really was outstanding tonight, probably the best I've ever seen him. His curveball was really biting and from my amateur eye was as nasty as Gallardo's tonight. And it looked like his fastball had good movement on it, as the hitters were generally off balance and swinging through a few of them. I talked to one of the scouts holding the gun, and he had Holliman at 88-90 mph on the fastball. He was efficient, threw strikes, and had about as good of stuff as I've seen from him.

 

Ascanio: 2-1-1-1-0-2, HR, BS

 

Ascanio served up a first pitch, game tying homer to Russell Branyan to lead off the bottom of the 9th. I guess it probably wasn't too horrible of a pitch, since Branyan had to hit it to the opposite field power alley, but it was a true no doubter the moment he hit it. Still, I wonder why he'd serve up anything close to a guy who either hits a homer or strikes out, when there's no one else behind him who can do that type of damage.

 

Otherwise Ascanio was showing off filthy stuff again tonight. His slider truly is one of those pitches that just falls off the table, and he was blowing his fastball past people. I didn't quite get the sense that his stuff was quite as electric during his second inning, but the Sounds still didn't hit anything good off of him in the 10th."

 

I thought that was some helpful info. In college Holliman was touted as throwing well into the low 90's, last year not so much. Perhaps interesting that even at his best, his fastball was in the 88-90 range. Not very fast, and I assume there will be nights when he's not as on or when it's July and he's got 100 innings on his arm when he'll be slower. Still, how much difference is 88-90 versus 90-93? Better movement and location would clearly make the 88-90 fastball more useful. Still, I felt a bit mixed; if he'd surprised me and said his velocity was clicking 89-93, I'd have liked it better. But Holliman seems to know how to pitch. I wouldn't rule out the possibility that he might be able to be kind of Lieber-esque someday, or an alternative to bad Marquis.

 

JR also watched Ascanio earlier, and was very impressed. So the note from AZ Phil that he might be having some arm trouble earlier this spring seems to not be a problem. And some former BA scouting reports that all he uses is his fastball also seems out-of-date, based on JR's comments about how sharp his slider is.

 

Given Howry's problems, given that Wuertz has had a couple horrible outings straight, and given that hart has been decent but not great thus far, I think it's fair to assume that sooner or later one of the existing relievers will end up on the DL or be returned to the minors. If Ascanio's arm is humming, hopefully he'll be able to put himself into position where he can be a good option if/when the need arises.

 

And hopefully Holliiman as well as Gallagher can position so that if/when a rotation need arises, it won't be the end of the world. Nice to have some anti-awful candidates.

 

Is it just me, or does everything written about Ascanio sound like fairly outrageous hyperbole? For a guy who has put up generally unimpressive numbers and was, what, like The Braves' 25th best prospect even after the Teixeira trade, I think the words "filthy" and "electric" have been badly overused with this guy. He sounds like a combinationf of Joba Chamberlain and J. J. Putz for crying out loud.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Michael Wuertz never showed up on a list of Cubs top prospects, and he still has one of the filthiest sliders in the game, or at least one that is whiffed on the most.

[TruffleShuffle]

matt murton

[ChiefsVoice]

AZ Phil was at Fitch on Wednesday

 

• Scott Eyre's rehab has progressed to the live BP phase.
  
• Al Alburquerque done for the season with shoulder surgery.
  
• Rafael Dolis shut down with a sore shoulder.
  
• Leon Johnson and Jeffrey Rea are close to heading to full season.
  
• 1B Bryan Jost (2007 44th rounder) has been impressing.
  
• Marcus Hatley had another strong outing.

 

I believe Leon Johnson is joining us for the 6 game road trip...not sure who is going where...

 

As for my time with Oneri on the air yesterday we talked a lot about cold weather starts and pitching being ahead of hitting. He loves Rhee and is very impressed with his attitude, abililty to learn/adapt and on-mound demeanor.

We also talked about our coaches Desi Wilson, Rich Bombard and Min Sung who is also Korean and helps with Rhee.

 

He likes Kyler Burke's bat from the left side and thinks his power will come this season. Talked about Donaldson's arm and then also the new positions for players...Johnston in LF and Rosa at 1B.

[Guest]

Hey Nate,

 

Ever thought about having an archive available for your broadcasts? I'd love to be able to hear more games, but I'm not often able to dedicate the time online during the games.

[Guest]

I believe Leon Johnson is joining us for the 6 game road trip...not sure who is going where...

 

Guessing it will be Rundle back to extended if he doesn't get going.

[Guest]

Knoxville News-Sentinel[/url]"]Donnie Veal pitched on three day's rest and found his command.

 

...

 

Sixty-two of Veal's 88 pitches were for strikes. He struck out three and walked none.

 

"He pitched well enough to win," Bailey said. "I'm glad we got him off the hook for the loss."

 

Said pitching coach Dennis Lewallyn: "He got better as the game went along."

 

Peoria Journal-Star[/url]"]"I went up there in the 11th just trying to get on base," Samson said. "I looked down to third and Ryno gives me the home run sign to try and hit the ball hard in the gap somewhere."

 

The first pitch from Mieses, who now has given up two game-ending home runs in the young season, ended up amongst the palm trees.

 

"I was looking for a good pitch to hit and I got it," Samson said. "It just so happened to carry out."

 

Said Chiefs manager Ryne Sandberg: "He put an aggressive swing on it. It was a big shot for him."

 

...

 

The Chiefs bullpen extended its scoreless streak to 28 innings.

 

"(Cabrera's) command was slightly off for him, but again we had some good stuff (from the bullpen) and good defense," Sandberg said. "They battled and put us in position to win."

[Transmogrified Tiger]

It bothers me quite a bit that there's a sign for "try to hit the ball hard in the gap somewhere".

[ChiefsVoice]

Hey Nate,

 

Ever thought about having an archive available for your broadcasts? I'd love to be able to hear more games, but I'm not often able to dedicate the time online during the games.

Tim-

 

I believe they are archived on the MILB Gameday Audio page. We don't have the bandwidth on our website to archive them all. but MILB is supposed to.

[Guest]

Hey Nate,

 

Ever thought about having an archive available for your broadcasts? I'd love to be able to hear more games, but I'm not often able to dedicate the time online during the games.

Tim-

 

I believe they are archived on the MILB Gameday Audio page. We don't have the bandwidth on our website to archive them all. but MILB is supposed to.

Cool. I'll search for it tonight. Thanks

[NCCubFan]

Hey Nate,

l

Ever thought about having an archive available for your broadcasts? I'd love to be able to hear more games, but I'm not often able to dedicate the time online during the games.

Tim-

 

I believe they are archived on the MILB Gameday Audio page. We don't have the bandwidth on our website to archive them all. but MILB is supposed to.

Cool. I'll search for it tonight. Thanks

This link takes you to the MiLB.com Gameday Audio main page (free with registration). There's an icon showing archived broadcasts, and you can click on the link for a particular broadcast. For a previous day click on Select Date, then choose the day you want from the calendar and click on the link for the archived game.

[Flames24Rulz]

It bothers me quite a bit that there's a sign for "try to hit the ball hard in the gap somewhere".

 

Yeah. First time I've ever heard of something like that.