Minor League Discussion & Boxes, 7-24-15

[ctcf]

Scheduled Games (All Times Central):

 

Iowa at Memphis, 7:05 p.m.

Tennessee vs. Chattanooga, 6:05 p.m.

Myrtle Beach at Lynchburg, 5:30 p.m.

South Bend at West Michigan, 6:05 p.m.

Eugene vs. Salem-Keizer, 6:00 p.m.

AZL Cubs vs. AZL Athletics, 9:00 p.m.

DSL Cubs vs. DSL Brewers, 9:30 a.m.

VSL Cubs at VSL Phillies, 10:30 a.m.

 

Probable Starters:

 

Iowa: RHP Carlos Pimentel (91.2 IP, 3.14 ERA, 4.79 FIP, 80 K, 45 BB)

Tennessee: RHP Ryan Williams (41.1 IP, 2.61 ERA, 2.21 FIP, 35 K, 7 BB)

Myrtle Beach: LHP Michael Heesch (46 IP, 1.37 ERA, 3.33 FIP, 33 K, 15 BB)

South Bend: LHP Tommy Thorpe (49.1 IP, 4.38 ERA, 4.00 FIP, 34 K, 21 BB)

Eugene: LHP Ryan Kellogg (7 IP, 1.29 ERA, 5.32 FIP, 4 K, 2 BB)

Edited July 25, 2015 by ctcf

[weis21]

I''m getting pretty excited about Ryan Williams. He pretty much flew under the radar even when playing for ECU (though it was easy to be overshadowed pitching alongside Hoffman). I wish I could remember the date when Theo/Jed were in town to watch Hoffman pitch. Would be interesting to see if they got a glimpse of Williams that day.

[CubsWin]

I''m getting pretty excited about Ryan Williams. He pretty much flew under the radar even when playing for ECU (though it was easy to be overshadowed pitching alongside Hoffman). I wish I could remember the date when Theo/Jed were in town to watch Hoffman pitch. Would be interesting to see if they got a glimpse of Williams that day.

I can see getting excited about a 10th round college senior turning into anything that can contribute at the major league level, but I wouldn't expect Willams to turn into anything more than a 5th starter and even the odds on that are slim. The fact that he's done as well as he has thus far is a surprising victory of sorts, and he certainly has a better chance now in my mind than at the beginning of the season.

[Guest]

I think labeling him a 5th starter at best is a little unfair. There's a lot that matches to Hendricks in Williams' minor league performance, and Hendricks is quite a bit better than a 5th starter. It's not an exact match, both good(Williams throws harder) and bad(I don't think Williams has the same command despite similar control, Hendricks is a bit of an exception), but Williams has made himself worth paying attention to. Control guys are often underrated by the scouting community, and WIlliams is showing that his hit and HR prevention was more than just overwhelming teenagers at the lower levels with his AA performance.

[CubsWin]

I think labeling him a 5th starter at best is a little unfair. There's a lot that matches to Hendricks in Williams' minor league performance, and Hendricks is quite a bit better than a 5th starter. It's not an exact match, both good(Williams throws harder) and bad(I don't think Williams has the same command despite similar control, Hendricks is a bit of an exception), but Williams has made himself worth paying attention to. Control guys are often underrated by the scouting community, and WIlliams is showing that his hit and HR prevention was more than just overwhelming teenagers at the lower levels with his AA performance.

There's certainly room for disagreement here. One, he could still improve, and two, you're correct that his velo is a bit better than Hendricks', but, for me, having a 91-92 FB with decent location abilities isn't as rare as having 89-90 FB with very good location and a plus CU to go with it. They have similarities for sure, but I wouldn't quite call it apples to apples. Perhaps I'm misinformed as to Ryan's scouting report. Correct me if I am. Right now, I'm happy and surprised but still skeptical of any meaningful ceiling.

[TruffleShuffle]

baez hit by pitch in his first plate appearance, which is probably not what the cubs want for a guy coming back from a broken bone.

[TruffleShuffle]

carl edwards jr, who some people would like to see pitching in the majors, walked another 3 batters and only recorded 2 outs.

[CubsWin]

carl edwards jr, who some people would like to see pitching in the majors, walked another 3 batters and only recorded 2 outs.

Yeah, I agree he's not ready yet. Someone who looks like he's getting closer is Armando Rivero. In his last 4 appearances, 4 innings, 1 hit, no runs, 1 walk, 4 Ks. Don't know what's up with Carl, could be pressing, but really his control hasn't been right since returning from injury. Rivero and Rosscup might be the best shots at internal bullpen help right now.

[Vinestal]

baez hit by pitch in his first plate appearance, which is probably not what the cubs want for a guy coming back from a broken bone.

Was hit in the shoulder according to Arizona Phil.

[davell]

According to some reports, Edwards is having issues commanding his curve.