Minor League Discussion & Boxes, 6-2-23

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Scheduled Games (Central Time):

Iowa vs. Columbus (resumption of game on 6/1, tied 8-8 in the 10th), 6:15 pm

Iowa vs. Columbus (game two), TBD

Tennessee vs. Chattanooga, 6:00 pm

South Bend at Fort Wayne, 6:05 pm

Myrtle Beach vs. Salem, 6:05 pm

Probable Starters:

Iowa (game two): RHP Ben Brown (24 IP, 3.75 ERA, 4.16 FIP, 36 K, 12 BB)

Tennessee: RHP Porter Hodge (35.2 IP, 4.54 ERA, 3.20 FIP, 44 K, 19 BB)

South Bend: RHP Brandon Birdsell (32.2 IP, 2.20 ERA, 3.86 FIP, 27 K, 12 BB)

Myrtle Beach: RHP Nick Hull (32.1 IP, 2.78 ERA, 2.85 FIP, 34 K, 12 BB)

[craig]

Wrong thread, but yesterday I'd asked for thoughts on Aliendo's defense.  Cubs in NY wasn't especially positive, and foresaw him as kind of an organizational guy and fringe-major leaguer.  (Quote below). 

I recall in past Tom with a comment that he's too small.  

Curiously enough, BA and Callis have somewhat more enthusiastic perspective on his defense.  I don't think they spend a lot of time on kinda obscure prospects like Aliendo, though, so grain-of-salt etc..  Just kinda interesting how different sources can perceive guys somewhat differently.  

Baseball America on Aliendo defense:

Quote

Aliendo is one of the best defensive catchers in the low minors. He is a plus receiver with soft, quiet hands and handles both premium velocity and quality secondary stuff. He is a superb athlete who moves well laterally, is a plus blocker and has a plus, accurate arm. Aliendo complements his physical gifts with elite makeup. He is an advanced game-caller for his age and is a natural leader behind the plate. He is bilingual and an excellent communicator.

Jim Callis/Pipeline on Aliendo defense:

Quote

Aliendo is quicker and more agile than most catchers. He's very flexible, has soft hands and should develop into a plus receiver and blocker once he's a finished product. He also has solid arm strength and earns praise for his game-calling and leadership ability.

18 hours ago, CubinNY said:

Aliendo- I’ve seen him 5 times in live games between SB and TN. also tv games, but it’s different. The first time I saw him in SB he couldn’t block any pitches and just had a hard time in general keeping the ball in front of him. It was quite noticeable. 
 

this year when I saw him in Montgomery he was much better, but still not good. I don’t know enough about professional baseball standards to make definitive statements, but he does not shine behind the plate. 
 

However, I’ve heard or read or both that he’s a very hard worker and the most popular guy on the team and everyone likes him in both SB and TN. That is an important skill, especially for his position. 
 

if I had to choose, I’d say he’s an organizational guy who will be around the fringes of MLB for a long time. 

 

[Tim]

fwiw, everything I've heard in the past has been pretty positive. It's possible CubinNY has just seen him on some bad days or where there are particularly wild pitchers going that would make any catcher look bad.

[CubinNY]

I trust professionals more than me. But goodness, he looks a lot different than that scouting report. Even on TV. 

[Hrubes20]

I will back up CubinNY, in that I wasn't overly impressed from my views of Aliendo behind the plate early on this year.  Certainly nothing resembling the praise that BA and Callis have bestowed upon him.  

[CubinNY]

Eh, according to MLB.com he has one error and one passed ball this year, so not bad. If his soft skills are good, maybe I’m biased. 

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Porter Hodge went 4 scoreless and then the wheels fell off in the 5th to really sour his final line:

HBP
Flyout
IF single
BB
HBP, 1 ER
Sac fly, 2 ER
BB
Triple - 5 ER
Pitching change - inherited run scores on a double (6 ER)

[CaliforniaRaisin]

 

[Transmogrified Tiger]

10 BB in his last 70 PA for PCA

[CaliforniaRaisin]

1 hour ago, Transmogrified Tiger said:

10 BB in his last 70 PA for PCA

PCA to Eric Longenhagen