Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[Krylian]

Through their first 16 games in Lansing:

 

Groshans: .387/.465/.581, 1.045 OPS, 2 HR, 9BB, 14K

 

Kirk: .350/.467/.600, 1.067 OPS, 3 HR, 14BB, 4K

 

Bichette: .383/.486/.600, 1.086 OPS, 2 HR, 11BB, 11K

 

 

Only 4K by Kirk so far through 75 PA. He seems to have incredible bat-to-ball skills. His bat might end up being better than Groshans.

 

 

His fork to mouth skills will keep that from happening.

[TheHurl]

Fat guys have the best hand eye coordination.

 

[jmomcc]

I might be about to say something dumb but is it a big deal that a catcher is fat?

 

They don’t really play every day any more and you don’t have to run much.

[Abomination]

I might be about to say something dumb but is it a big deal that a catcher is fat?

 

They don’t really play every day any more and you don’t have to run much.

 

They crouch so much that I'd imagine it would be much harder on the knees, and probably shorten their careers. I doubt it has too much effect in terms of shorter term on-field results beyond that.

[Krylian]

I might be about to say something dumb but is it a big deal that a catcher is fat?

 

They don’t really play every day any more and you don’t have to run much.

 

Can't see it helping his ability to get down quickly to block...or jump up to throw a potential base stealer out.

[Krylian]

Fat guys have the best hand eye coordination.

 

 

Gorgeous swing. Jays need to get him signed.

[BlueRocky]

Through their first 16 games in Lansing:

 

Groshans: .387/.465/.581, 1.045 OPS, 2 HR, 9BB, 14K

 

Kirk: .350/.467/.600, 1.067 OPS, 3 HR, 14BB, 4K

 

Bichette: .383/.486/.600, 1.086 OPS, 2 HR, 11BB, 11K

 

 

Only 4K by Kirk so far through 75 PA. He seems to have incredible bat-to-ball skills. His bat might end up being better than Groshans.

 

I’m happy with our kids in Lansing. Kirk has demonstrated a solid hit tool and plays a fair defensive catcher. There are some concerns though if you wanna compare him to Groshans as who is a better hitting prospect.

 

First I would point out Groshans is going through his first full year as a pro ball player, literally still in high school 12 months ago. Kirk was signed internationally out of Mexico in 2016, got into a car accident, broke his hand when hit by a pitch and lost a full season. But despite that he’s had more time to marinate under Blue Jays coaches/trainers whereas this is Groshans first rodeo drafted in 2018.

 

Groshans has an ideal body type for an infield prospect, 6-3 205lbs. Most likely third baseman but potential at SS/2B.

 

Where Kirk has a lot of question marks being 5-9 250lbs. Weight issues aside, he does not have the towering power like Rowdy Tellez standing 6-4 220lbs (prob closer to 250). Though Kirk has demonstrated HR potential and good SLG% in Lansing, when I watch his swing I don’t see an elite power hitter at the plate—he’s got some bat speed but it’s more tuned towards contact. Standing only 5-9, He obvious can’t generate the same type of loft compared to Tellez, or the consistent 110mph+ exit velos. But his bat speed also doesn’t scream power hitter, like his teammate Groshans.

 

“Why is this an issue? Kirk can hit. Who cares if he doesn’t hit for power.”

The problem is, as of right now, Kirk is a dead pull hitter. Once he goes up the system with better pitchers and fielders preventing base hits, if he can’t start using all fields or generate exit velocities he will have a hard time getting the same success at the plate. Let’s see what happens when he gets shifted every AB.

 

However his walk numbers and lack of strikeouts are very encouraging and indicative of good plate discipline. But it’s also A ball, where many pitchers have no command or even a premium breaking ball that is thrown for strikes.

 

Groshans on the other hand, his bat speed is ELITE for his age. It’s difficult to project a 19 year old but he doesn’t look overmatched playing against older kids in the Midwest league. He has a good approach, and his power tool has been well documented since his draft scouting reports. But his above average hit tool has been a pleasant surprise. For a power hitter, his 19% K rate is very reasonably supported by a 13% walk rate. And unlike Kirk, he uses all fields having pulled 40% and oppo 40%. Groshans has also demonstrated a really good arm and athleticism to possibly stick at short, though most draft scouting reports project him at third.

 

You also look at his swing, the way he strides and generates power you really can see a young Josh Donaldson there. He has middle-of-the-order bat written and stamped on his forehead. The talent there is obvious. You bundle that whole package together, with those tools, that frame, at that age. You have a legit top 100 prospect no questions.

Edited April 24, 2019 by BlueRocky

[Jimcanuck]

Paving Smith back from the dead?

[BTS]

Nice to see Gurriel crushing the ball in AAA, with 4 XBH in 5 games.

 

On the flip side, Alford' numbers are hilarious:143/200/304 with a 5% BB rate and 39% k-rate.

 

Definitely most excited to see Biggio from the AAA crowd, now that Vlad is up.

[BTS]

Paving Smith back from the dead?

 

If you're going to post about your fantasy prospects, at least post about interesting prospects. Like budding superstar Wander Franco.

[Jimcanuck]

If you're going to post about your fantasy prospects, at least post about interesting prospects. Like budding superstar Wander Franco.

 

I have no shares in Pavin, man

 

I would have posted about Wander, but it would have been unseemly. I own him in 2 leagues.

[BTS]

I have no shares in Pavin, man

 

I would have posted about Wander, but it would have been unseemly. I own him in 2 leagues.

 

My apologies. I couldn't conceive of another reason to want to discuss Pavin Smith.

[jmomcc]

Nice to see Gurriel crushing the ball in AAA, with 4 XBH in 5 games.

 

On the flip side, Alford' numbers are hilarious:143/200/304 with a 5% BB rate and 39% k-rate.

 

Definitely most excited to see Biggio from the AAA crowd, now that Vlad is up.

 

Alford is perplexing. I remember him being good at double a pre his first call up and the hamate injury.

[Olerud363]

I’m happy with our kids in Lansing. Kirk has demonstrated a solid hit tool and plays a fair defensive catcher. There are some concerns though if you wanna compare him to Groshans as who is a better hitting prospect.

 

First I would point out Groshans is going through his first full year as a pro ball player, literally still in high school 12 months ago. Kirk was signed internationally out of Mexico in 2016, got into a car accident, broke his hand when hit by a pitch and lost a full season. But despite that he’s had more time to marinate under Blue Jays coaches/trainers whereas this is Groshans first rodeo drafted in 2018.

 

Groshans has an ideal body type for an infield prospect, 6-3 205lbs. Most likely third baseman but potential at SS/2B.

 

Where Kirk has a lot of question marks being 5-9 250lbs. Weight issues aside, he does not have the towering power like Rowdy Tellez standing 6-4 220lbs (prob closer to 250). Though Kirk has demonstrated HR potential and good SLG% in Lansing, when I watch his swing I don’t see an elite power hitter at the plate—he’s got some bat speed but it’s more tuned towards contact. Standing only 5-9, He obvious can’t generate the same type of loft compared to Tellez, or the consistent 110mph+ exit velos. But his bat speed also doesn’t scream power hitter, like his teammate Groshans.

 

“Why is this an issue? Kirk can hit. Who cares if he doesn’t hit for power.”

The problem is, as of right now, Kirk is a dead pull hitter. Once he goes up the system with better pitchers and fielders preventing base hits, if he can’t start using all fields or generate exit velocities he will have a hard time getting the same success at the plate. Let’s see what happens when he gets shifted every AB.

 

However his walk numbers and lack of strikeouts are very encouraging and indicative of good plate discipline. But it’s also A ball, where many pitchers have no command or even a premium breaking ball that is thrown for strikes.

 

Groshans on the other hand, his bat speed is ELITE for his age. It’s difficult to project a 19 year old but he doesn’t look overmatched playing against older kids in the Midwest league. He has a good approach, and his power tool has been well documented since his draft scouting reports. But his above average hit tool has been a pleasant surprise. For a power hitter, his 19% K rate is very reasonably supported by a 13% walk rate. And unlike Kirk, he uses all fields having pulled 40% and oppo 40%. Groshans has also demonstrated a really good arm and athleticism to possibly stick at short, though most draft scouting reports project him at third.

 

You also look at his swing, the way he strides and generates power you really can see a young Josh Donaldson there. He has middle-of-the-order bat written and stamped on his forehead. The talent there is obvious. You bundle that whole package together, with those tools, that frame, at that age. You have a legit top 100 prospect no questions.

 

Does the data agree with you?? I've yet to see a lot of convincing studies that you can project guys based on body type or nitpicking scouting type attibutes.

 

Sure there are not a lot of great hitters that are 5'9" 250, but that's already baked in. The guys who are 5'9" 250 are working at KFC, or hitting .220 in the midwest league, or they are 5'9" 450 and stuck in bed because being 5"9' 250. they were disadvantaged and didn't make it anywhere and ate themselves into a bigger hole.

 

The logic is trikier here. You can't just say "this is my wonderful observations". That's just talk.

 

What you have to show is that

 

Guys that are 5'9" 250 with who hit apr. .350 .450 .550 in the low minors are extrememly disadvantaged vs guys who have more athletic builds and hit .320 .400 .550 with worse strikeout to k ratios.

 

Maybe you can do two groups. First group 5'11 or short, 230 or heavier, OPS 900+ k/bb amazing. Second group 6'2" and taller, athletic. OPS good but lower than group 1, k/bb good but lower than group 1.

 

You are claiming that despite the hitting advantages of group 1, group 2 hits better in the long run. Show your work.

[Jimcanuck]

Well in BA today there was a report on him getting to his power while maintaining strike zone control. And doing it in AA.

[jmomcc]

I’m happy with our kids in Lansing. Kirk has demonstrated a solid hit tool and plays a fair defensive catcher. There are some concerns though if you wanna compare him to Groshans as who is a better hitting prospect.

 

First I would point out Groshans is going through his first full year as a pro ball player, literally still in high school 12 months ago. Kirk was signed internationally out of Mexico in 2016, got into a car accident, broke his hand when hit by a pitch and lost a full season. But despite that he’s had more time to marinate under Blue Jays coaches/trainers whereas this is Groshans first rodeo drafted in 2018.

 

Groshans has an ideal body type for an infield prospect, 6-3 205lbs. Most likely third baseman but potential at SS/2B.

 

Where Kirk has a lot of question marks being 5-9 250lbs. Weight issues aside, he does not have the towering power like Rowdy Tellez standing 6-4 220lbs (prob closer to 250). Though Kirk has demonstrated HR potential and good SLG% in Lansing, when I watch his swing I don’t see an elite power hitter at the plate—he’s got some bat speed but it’s more tuned towards contact. Standing only 5-9, He obvious can’t generate the same type of loft compared to Tellez, or the consistent 110mph+ exit velos. But his bat speed also doesn’t scream power hitter, like his teammate Groshans.

 

“Why is this an issue? Kirk can hit. Who cares if he doesn’t hit for power.”

The problem is, as of right now, Kirk is a dead pull hitter. Once he goes up the system with better pitchers and fielders preventing base hits, if he can’t start using all fields or generate exit velocities he will have a hard time getting the same success at the plate. Let’s see what happens when he gets shifted every AB.

 

However his walk numbers and lack of strikeouts are very encouraging and indicative of good plate discipline. But it’s also A ball, where many pitchers have no command or even a premium breaking ball that is thrown for strikes.

 

Groshans on the other hand, his bat speed is ELITE for his age. It’s difficult to project a 19 year old but he doesn’t look overmatched playing against older kids in the Midwest league. He has a good approach, and his power tool has been well documented since his draft scouting reports. But his above average hit tool has been a pleasant surprise. For a power hitter, his 19% K rate is very reasonably supported by a 13% walk rate. And unlike Kirk, he uses all fields having pulled 40% and oppo 40%. Groshans has also demonstrated a really good arm and athleticism to possibly stick at short, though most draft scouting reports project him at third.

 

You also look at his swing, the way he strides and generates power you really can see a young Josh Donaldson there. He has middle-of-the-order bat written and stamped on his forehead. The talent there is obvious. You bundle that whole package together, with those tools, that frame, at that age. You have a legit top 100 prospect no questions.

 

Where do you get those kind of stats? Like velocity and direction of hitting?

 

This was a great comment. It was really interesting.

 

Do you think the juiced ball give more hope for guys like Kirk. He has dead pull power but he might get to triple a and realize that now he can hit oppo and it still will go out?

[Olerud363]

Where Kirk has a lot of question marks being 5-9 250lbs. Weight issues aside, he does not have the towering power like Rowdy Tellez standing 6-4 220lbs (prob closer to 250). Though Kirk has demonstrated HR potential and good SLG% in Lansing, when I watch his swing I don’t see an elite power hitter at the plate—he’s got some bat speed but it’s more tuned towards contact. Standing only 5-9, He obvious can’t generate the same type of loft compared to Tellez, or the consistent 110mph+ exit velos. But his bat speed also doesn’t scream power hitter, like his teammate Groshans.

 

How does Mookie Betts do it at 5'9" without loft ?? Do you think Tellez will easily beat Mookie's career high homerun total of 32 given how much loft Tellez has??

 

Who are the 10 most similar minor league players to Kirk?? What happened to them??

[Olerud363]

 

“Why is this an issue? Kirk can hit. Who cares if he doesn’t hit for power.”

The problem is, as of right now, Kirk is a dead pull hitter. Once he goes up the system with better pitchers and fielders preventing base hits, if he can’t start using all fields or generate exit velocities he will have a hard time getting the same success at the plate. Let’s see what happens when he gets shifted every AB.

 

However his walk numbers and lack of strikeouts are very encouraging and indicative of good plate discipline. But it’s also A ball, where many pitchers have no command or even a premium breaking ball that is thrown for strikes.

 

Did you ever read Matt Stairs biography?? I think it is called "Matt Stairs a man without loft, the 1 in a million story". In your expert opinion how did Matt Stairs do it??

 

Do you consider Prince Fielder (5'11" 275) to be classified as "short and stubby" like Stairs and Kirk?? Or is the extra 2 inches enough to give Fielder the loft he needed to hit 50 homeruns?? Would Fielder be more in a group with Ryan Howard and Aaron Judge then with Stairs and Kirk??

[Angrioter]

I have no shares in Pavin, man

 

I would have posted about Wander, but it would have been unseemly. I own him in 2 leagues.

 

we're pavin brothers. He still suck

[L54]

I’m happy with our kids in Lansing. Kirk has demonstrated a solid hit tool and plays a fair defensive catcher. There are some concerns though if you wanna compare him to Groshans as who is a better hitting prospect.

 

First I would point out Groshans is going through his first full year as a pro ball player, literally still in high school 12 months ago. Kirk was signed internationally out of Mexico in 2016, got into a car accident, broke his hand when hit by a pitch and lost a full season. But despite that he’s had more time to marinate under Blue Jays coaches/trainers whereas this is Groshans first rodeo drafted in 2018.

 

Groshans has an ideal body type for an infield prospect, 6-3 205lbs. Most likely third baseman but potential at SS/2B.

 

Where Kirk has a lot of question marks being 5-9 250lbs. Weight issues aside, he does not have the towering power like Rowdy Tellez standing 6-4 220lbs (prob closer to 250). Though Kirk has demonstrated HR potential and good SLG% in Lansing, when I watch his swing I don’t see an elite power hitter at the plate—he’s got some bat speed but it’s more tuned towards contact. Standing only 5-9, He obvious can’t generate the same type of loft compared to Tellez, or the consistent 110mph+ exit velos. But his bat speed also doesn’t scream power hitter, like his teammate Groshans.

 

“Why is this an issue? Kirk can hit. Who cares if he doesn’t hit for power.”

The problem is, as of right now, Kirk is a dead pull hitter. Once he goes up the system with better pitchers and fielders preventing base hits, if he can’t start using all fields or generate exit velocities he will have a hard time getting the same success at the plate. Let’s see what happens when he gets shifted every AB.

 

However his walk numbers and lack of strikeouts are very encouraging and indicative of good plate discipline. But it’s also A ball, where many pitchers have no command or even a premium breaking ball that is thrown for strikes.

 

Groshans on the other hand, his bat speed is ELITE for his age. It’s difficult to project a 19 year old but he doesn’t look overmatched playing against older kids in the Midwest league. He has a good approach, and his power tool has been well documented since his draft scouting reports. But his above average hit tool has been a pleasant surprise. For a power hitter, his 19% K rate is very reasonably supported by a 13% walk rate. And unlike Kirk, he uses all fields having pulled 40% and oppo 40%. Groshans has also demonstrated a really good arm and athleticism to possibly stick at short, though most draft scouting reports project him at third.

 

You also look at his swing, the way he strides and generates power you really can see a young Josh Donaldson there. He has middle-of-the-order bat written and stamped on his forehead. The talent there is obvious. You bundle that whole package together, with those tools, that frame, at that age. You have a legit top 100 prospect no questions.

 

This is a well thought out and put together post.

 

After careful consideration my Jordan Groshans comp is Carlos Correa. Wouldn't that be nice?

[P2F]

Biggio, who's playing 3B, has walked three times in today's Bisons game.

 

Gurriel has been mashing at AAA since being demoted. He's homered and walked today.

[Carlos Danger]

Biggio, who's playing 3B, has walked three times in today's Bisons game.

 

Gurriel has been mashing at AAA since being demoted. He's homered and walked today.

 

I am going to find that thread where I comped Biggio to Zobrist and everyone laughed at me and put me down.... Just wait fockers!

[Brownie19]

Biggio, who's playing 3B, has walked three times in today's Bisons game.

 

Gurriel has been mashing at AAA since being demoted. He's homered and walked today.

 

That's great news. It would be a great surprise for Gurriel to turn this around and become a ML player. That said - can he pick up the ball and throw it to first yet?

[P2F]

Ljay Newsome is on MiLB.tv right now. For those of you with a sub, he's worth watching.

[Jimcanuck]

This is a well thought out and put together post.

 

After careful consideration my Jordan Groshans comp is Carlos Correa. Wouldn't that be nice?

 

With more power.

[Ray]

It's his second go around in Dunedin, but Riley Adams is crushing: 14 games, .333/.500/.533, 2HR.

 

FSL is a notoriously hard place to hit, so it's nice to see.

[Carlos Danger]

It's his second go around in Dunedin, but Riley Adams is crushing: 14 games, .333/.500/.533, 2HR.

 

FSL is a notoriously hard place to hit, so it's nice to see.

 

Boo ya! Go Boy!

[P2F]

Carter Kieboom is on his way up to the bigs.

[Ray]

Carter Kieboom is on his way up to the bigs.

 

18 games, .379/.506/.636, 3HR, 1.142 OPS

[Spanky__99]

Fat guys have the best hand eye coordination.

 

 

lol