Minor League Discussion & Boxes, 7-13-16

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Scheduled Games (All Times Central):

 

Tennessee vs. Chattanooga, 11:05 a.m.

Myrtle Beach vs. Frederick, 6:05 p.m.

South Bend at Clinton, 6:30 p.m.

Eugene at Tri-City, 9:15 p.m.

AZL Cubs at AZL White Sox, 9:00 p.m.

DSL Cubs 1 at DSL Rangers 1, 9:30 a.m.

DSL Cubs 2 vs. DSL Rojos, 9:30 a.m.

 

Iowa has the day off

 

Probable Starters:

 

Tennessee: RHP Paul Blackburn (92.1 IP, 2.83 ERA, 3.47 FIP, 60 K, 22 BB)

Myrtle Beach: RHP Jeremy Null (53.1 IP, 4.73 ERA, 4.02 FIP, 35 K, 10 BB)

South Bend: RHP Preston Morrison (81 IP, 2.44 ERA, 2.85 FIP, 73 K, 22 BB)

Euguene: LHP Bryan Hudson (17 IP, 3.18 ERA, 6.05 FIP, 8 K, 12 BB)

[raw]

I thougt I was cool and original for dropping Jason Kipnis as a loose Happ comp but then I Googled it:

 

http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/06/08/mlb-draft-tracker-first-round-picks

 

Happ is one of the most polished and talented college hitters in the draft, a commodity that is rare and prized by many teams. He hit .369 with 14 homers, 44 RBIs and 49 walks this spring despite having double hernia surgery just prior to the season, and he has a long track record with his bat. There is some uncertainty about Happ's future position—he played outfield this year but has played second and third base often in the past. Some scouts compare him to Jason Kipnis as someone who can play average defense at second base with a potential impact offensive contribution from that position.

 

Is it wrong to be slightly underwhelmed by that comp? Kipnis is a pretty good player, was hoping for a little more upside with the bat from Happ, though that could me having expectations too high.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

If Kipnis is underwhelming, what are you hoping for, Cano? Kipnis had a down year in 2014(injuries were a big factor IIRC) and between that he's put up 3.4, 4.5 and 5.2 fWAR seasons, and is well on his way to another of that caliber. He's a positive defender at 2B but that's not what gives him the bulk of his value. Kipnis would be an awesome outcome for Happ, top end of expectations.

[davell]

Oh man, I'd take Kipnis and not think twice.

[raw]

If Kipnis is underwhelming, what are you hoping for, Cano? Kipnis had a down year in 2014(injuries were a big factor IIRC) and between that he's put up 3.4, 4.5 and 5.2 fWAR seasons, and is well on his way to another of that caliber. He's a positive defender at 2B but that's not what gives him the bulk of his value. Kipnis would be an awesome outcome for Happ, top end of expectations.

 

I didn't realize he was doing as well as he is this year. I know he wasn't very good last year and IDK why I thought he was similar (but a little better) so far this year. Forget what I said.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Kyle Twomey to the South Bend DL. Don't know why.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Oscar De La Cruz is alive and starting for the AZL Cubs!

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Oscar De La Cruz is alive and starting for the AZL Cubs!

 

Sorry for quoting myself.

 

1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K. Defense behind him committed two errors.

 

Have to imagine he's done for the night.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Never mind - he pitched a second inning. Single, GIDP, ground out.

 

2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K. Optimistically could see him in South Bend by August.

[CubsWin]

Oscar De La Cruz is alive and starting for the AZL Cubs!

Nice! The baseball gods taketh (Cease & Albertos) and they giveth back. (Finally...)