Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[Laika]

Horwitz is destroying AAA pitching so far. Too bad he didn't have a good spring, much rather have him than Vogelbach on the roster.

 

What's with this Robertson kid? I recall him having a nice approach in spring games. He's still relatively young (26) and only has 1100 pro at bats. Strong left handed hitter and his corner defence in the outfield seems to be fine. He may have found something and will be interesting to see how he further develops.

 

He had some really good exit velocities in spring. He can crush the ball.

 

It seems like he profiles as a strong-side platoon corner OF, with plus power. No idea if the defense is any good.

 

He had a strong 2nd half in 2023, he had a 164 wRC+ after July 3rd and then was one of the best hitters in the Fall League (.279/.449/.485; ranked 15/93 in OPS). There might have been some sort of adjustment made during 2023.

[Brownie19]

Alright, a caveat then. He's a 22 yr old college pitcher in A ball, take that into account.

 

He'll be in high A in a few weeks, let's see how that goes.

 

Jim - can you establish the rules about whom we're allowed to post lines about and display some level of optimism? Is Gruber allowed to talk about some 26 year old AAA prospect?

[Jimcanuck]

Jim - can you establish the rules about whom we're allowed to post lines about and display some level of optimism? Is Gruber allowed to talk about some 26 year old AAA prospect?

 

Nah, anyone can post what they like. Even posts that bring a dose of reality.

 

In this regard, "STFU" is not an appropriate post.

[Laika]

I am cautiously excited about a lot of minor leaguers. I know it's early so it's easy to feel good but...

 

AAA

 

Robertson - crushing it

Horwitz - doing a Youkilis impersonation

Barger - good numbers

Jimenez - good numbers

Orelvis - holding serve

only real slow start is Palmegiani, as far as interesting prospecty types go

 

Y-Rod - good numbers

Danner, Little, and Fluharty - good K rates

RT had a bad start. Cooke has had a tough time with walks

 

AA

 

Gabriel Martinez, Kasevich, Roden, Hiraldo, and Rainer Nunez all had a good first week.

 

I like the names of some of the pitchers in AA. Just nice to see them healthy and on the mound. Macko, Palmer, Ven Eyk, Pardinho, Burnette, Michael Dominguez... these guys are actual depth.

 

A+

 

Jace Bohrofen has some hype and is off to a good start.

Dasan Brown and Estiven Machado are write-offs at this point I guess

 

I don't know why Ryan Jennings isn't in AA. He probably is promoted early.

Rojas is exciting.

 

A

 

Nimmala already has a HR and triple

Beltre is here. Doughty will get promoted quickly.

Keep an eye on Victor Arias, 20 years old "Arias, 19, was stateside for extended and went back to the DSL to repeat the level, which he crushed. Stocky and wielding plus bat speed, his swing path may not hold up at the upper levels."

Keep an eye on Yhoangel Aponte, 20 years old "Aponte, still 17, actually has a little less room for physical projection than Brazoban but impressed scouts during instructs coming off a decent year in the DSL." this is a year old quote

 

Irv Carter Lives

We get Landen Maroudis and Juaron Watts-Brown here, which is fun.

[glory]

He had some really good exit velocities in spring. He can crush the ball.

 

It seems like he profiles as a strong-side platoon corner OF, with plus power. No idea if the defense is any good.

 

He had a strong 2nd half in 2023, he had a 164 wRC+ after July 3rd and then was one of the best hitters in the Fall League (.279/.449/.485; ranked 15/93 in OPS). There might have been some sort of adjustment made during 2023.

 

If Horowitz could play a passable LF and they still decided to sign Kiermaier, then that makes that decision even more egregious. More likely Horowitz is a 1B/DH only which makes his path on this team a lot more difficult unless they trade Vlad between now and the start of 2025. I don’t think Horowitz is going to last as a 1B/DH with limited power. Maybe his other strengths are so good that it can compensate but that seems like a long shot. Wouldn’t mind him getting a shot though. Would have been fine if he could cover the OF. Maybe they should do it anyway and just deal with the bad defense. Varsho has been like a sub 80 wRC+ player since the trade and KK is closing in on his mid 30s so a decline there wouldn’t be shocking. They don’t even play Schneider everyday but Horowitz has the offensive skill set they seem to like so they’d probably be more patient with him.

[Orgfiller]

If Horowitz could play a passable LF and they still decided to sign Kiermaier, then that makes that decision even more egregious. More likely Horowitz is a 1B/DH only which makes his path on this team a lot more difficult unless they trade Vlad between now and the start of 2025. I don’t think Horowitz is going to last as a 1B/DH with limited power. Maybe his other strengths are so good that it can compensate but that seems like a long shot. Wouldn’t mind him getting a shot though. Would have been fine if he could cover the OF. Maybe they should do it anyway and just deal with the bad defense. Varsho has been like a sub 80 wRC+ player since the trade and KK is closing in on his mid 30s so a decline there wouldn’t be shocking. They don’t even play Schneider everyday but Horowitz has the offensive skill set they seem to like so they’d probably be more patient with him.

 

I'm pretty sure Laika is referring to Robertson as the OF that's a strong side platoon who might have plus power. There's no chance they believe Horwitz can play a passable LF or he'd have been out there for all of Spring Training. I think Horwitz takes over Vogelbach after his 45 day clause or whatever is about to reach. They're not gonna pay him his full season salary for a plug who can only hit RHP okay providing zero versatility on how to use him. Votto is a complete wildcard, if he looks alive then Horwitz is in tough luck, but more likely than not he's 40 years old and cooked.

[Brownie19]

If Horowitz could play a passable LF and they still decided to sign Kiermaier, then that makes that decision even more egregious. More likely Horowitz is a 1B/DH only which makes his path on this team a lot more difficult unless they trade Vlad between now and the start of 2025. I don’t think Horowitz is going to last as a 1B/DH with limited power. Maybe his other strengths are so good that it can compensate but that seems like a long shot. Wouldn’t mind him getting a shot though. Would have been fine if he could cover the OF. Maybe they should do it anyway and just deal with the bad defense. Varsho has been like a sub 80 wRC+ player since the trade and KK is closing in on his mid 30s so a decline there wouldn’t be shocking. They don’t even play Schneider everyday but Horowitz has the offensive skill set they seem to like so they’d probably be more patient with him.

 

Robertson.

[Brownie19]

I am cautiously excited about a lot of minor leaguers. I know it's early so it's easy to feel good but...

 

AAA

 

Robertson - crushing it

Horwitz - doing a Youkilis impersonation

Barger - good numbers

Jimenez - good numbers

Orelvis - holding serve

only real slow start is Palmegiani, as far as interesting prospecty types go

 

Y-Rod - good numbers

Danner, Little, and Fluharty - good K rates

RT had a bad start. Cooke has had a tough time with walks

 

AA

 

Gabriel Martinez, Kasevich, Roden, Hiraldo, and Rainer Nunez all had a good first week.

 

I like the names of some of the pitchers in AA. Just nice to see them healthy and on the mound. Macko, Palmer, Ven Eyk, Pardinho, Burnette, Michael Dominguez... these guys are actual depth.

 

A+

 

Jace Bohrofen has some hype and is off to a good start.

Dasan Brown and Estiven Machado are write-offs at this point I guess

 

I don't know why Ryan Jennings isn't in AA. He probably is promoted early.

Rojas is exciting.

 

A

 

Nimmala already has a HR and triple

Beltre is here. Doughty will get promoted quickly.

Keep an eye on Victor Arias, 20 years old "Arias, 19, was stateside for extended and went back to the DSL to repeat the level, which he crushed. Stocky and wielding plus bat speed, his swing path may not hold up at the upper levels."

Keep an eye on Yhoangel Aponte, 20 years old "Aponte, still 17, actually has a little less room for physical projection than Brazoban but impressed scouts during instructs coming off a decent year in the DSL." this is a year old quote

 

Irv Carter Lives

We get Landen Maroudis and Juaron Watts-Brown here, which is fun.

 

I really wish we had someone with the time to provide even weekly updates on the results of our prospects in the minors, including an update on their overall numbers. Did TL used to do that for us? or was it King? Whomever it was, I miss them. It was amazing. If the big league club is going to suck, at least we can get updates on the future.

[Laika]

I really wish we had someone with the time to provide even weekly updates on the results of our prospects in the minors, including an update on their overall numbers. Did TL used to do that for us? or was it King? Whomever it was, I miss them. It was amazing. If the big league club is going to suck, at least we can get updates on the future.

 

I think john havok, King, and TL all did it at times

[Brownie19]

I think john havok, King, and TL all did it at times

 

10-4.

 

John - let's f***ing go man. You can do it!

[glory]

I'm pretty sure Laika is referring to Robertson as the OF that's a strong side platoon who might have plus power. There's no chance they believe Horwitz can play a passable LF or he'd have been out there for all of Spring Training. I think Horwitz takes over Vogelbach after his 45 day clause or whatever is about to reach. They're not gonna pay him his full season salary for a plug who can only hit RHP okay providing zero versatility on how to use him. Votto is a complete wildcard, if he looks alive then Horwitz is in tough luck, but more likely than not he's 40 years old and cooked.

 

Ah, that’s what I get for reading/replying too fast.

[glory]

Looking at the minor league numbers so far, I think Barger is the most interesting name to me so far. Apparently has big exit velocity numbers and in 2023 made some sort of adjustment to reduce the strike outs and increase the contact. If he can combine the latter with some of the power he displayed in 2022, then he becomes an interesting guy, especially if he can cover 3B. Jays need a 3B and a LF so seems like it fits his profile as well, even though he seems to be playing more RF.

[Olerud363]

I donÂ’t think Horowitz is going to last as a 1B/DH with limited power. Maybe his other strengths are so good that it can compensate but that seems like a long shot. WouldnÂ’t mind him getting a shot though.

 

The flaw in the entire Horwitz narrative is that people are not considering what is the WAR of a .280 .360 .430 first basement with 12 homers

 

They are not considering what is the sample size population of Howritz like entities

 

THERE ARE 0 1b who are successful with 9 HOMERS ---- therefore --- howritz will fail.

 

Well there are a handful of 1b who have done 3-5 WAR with 10-15 homer power. Some of them gain power too in their late 20s. What is the population from which they come from?

 

GOOD ARGUMENT - Horwitz will fail Youkillus made it, but he was one out of 1000. Remember Bud Dookey? Remember Pat Smith? Remember Roger De Cruz? Remember Samuel P. Trent? Remember Auku Soni? Remember Tray Twotone? Remember all these guys and 1000 others? They all hit .300 .450 .450 in triple a. Happense all the time, but it is only 1 of 1000 of these guys that suceeed.

 

Went to international league game July 20th 2019... there were 8 players in the game with OPS of .900 based on .450 on base, .450 slugging, they are so common, all these guys with .420 on base percentage, so many of them, and they work at the Home Depot now telling stories of the time they lined it in the gap and took 2 walks in Scranton.

[Laika]

that post is art

[Jimcanuck]

The flaw in the entire Horwitz narrative is that people are not considering what is the WAR of a .280 .360 .430 first basement with 12 homers

 

They are not considering what is the sample size population of Howritz like entities

 

THERE ARE 0 1b who are successful with 9 HOMERS ---- therefore --- howritz will fail.

 

Well there are a handful of 1b who have done 3-5 WAR with 10-15 homer power. Some of them gain power too in their late 20s. What is the population from which they come from?

 

GOOD ARGUMENT - Horwitz will fail Youkillus made it, but he was one out of 1000. Remember Bud Dookey? Remember Pat Smith? Remember Roger De Cruz? Remember Samuel P. Trent? Remember Auku Soni? Remember Tray Twotone? Remember all these guys and 1000 others? They all hit .300 .450 .450 in triple a. Happense all the time, but it is only 1 of 1000 of these guys that suceeed.

 

Went to international league game July 20th 2019... there were 8 players in the game with OPS of .900 based on .450 on base, .450 slugging, they are so common, all these guys with .420 on base percentage, so many of them, and they work at the Home Depot now telling stories of the time they lined it in the gap and took 2 walks in Scranton.

 

Nice dose of reality

[Daniel Labude]

Tiedemann looked more like himself today with the temperature finally hitting 60 F for him. 3.2 IP, 73 pitches. 3 H (2 HR), 3 BB, 2 HBP, 2 ER, 7 K. Lots of whiffs

[Orgfiller]

Tiedemann looked more like himself today with the temperature finally hitting 60 F for him. 3.2 IP, 73 pitches. 3 H (2 HR), 3 BB, 2 HBP, 2 ER, 7 K. Lots of whiffs

 

Alek Manoah?

[Daniel Labude]

Alek Manoah?

 

At least it's not George Kirby

[John_Havok]

10-4.

 

John - let's f***ing go man. You can do it!

 

When finals are over I'll check into it again. Still have 2 weeks left before I'm out of university until fall again.

[Brownie19]

At least it's not George Kirby

 

I don't get this one.

[Brownie19]

Tiedemann looked more like himself today with the temperature finally hitting 60 F for him. 3.2 IP, 73 pitches. 3 H (2 HR), 3 BB, 2 HBP, 2 ER, 7 K. Lots of whiffs

 

Barf.

[Laika]

Tiedemann looked more like himself today with the temperature finally hitting 60 F for him. 3.2 IP, 73 pitches. 3 H (2 HR), 3 BB, 2 HBP, 2 ER, 7 K. Lots of whiffs

 

73 pitches is good to see

[Krylian]

Tiedemann looked more like himself today with the temperature finally hitting 60 F for him. 3.2 IP, 73 pitches. 3 H (2 HR), 3 BB, 2 HBP, 2 ER, 7 K. Lots of whiffs

 

Ricky hasn't gone 5 innings in an outing since 01-Jul-2022. I knew it was a while...didn't think it was that long ago.

[Daniel Labude]

Ricky hasn't gone 5 innings in an outing since 01-Jul-2022. I knew it was a while...didn't think it was that long ago.

 

Pitch count limits hurt innings pitched. He can only throw what they let him

[Daniel Labude]

I don't get this one.

 

His last two starts Kirby has looked like Manoah, not because of command, but bad stuff getting hit left and right

[Krylian]

Pitch count limits hurt innings pitched. He can only throw what they let him

 

I understand that.

 

9 of his first 10 career starts were 5 innings exactly. The last of those 9 being on 10-Jun-2022. He's only had the one 5 inning start since then. The point it is it's both unfortunate and noteworthy that he hasn't been in the position to get to that 5 inning mark in almost 2 years. Yes, he's only 21, but not being able to stay healthy for long enough to build his arm strength back up is something to take note of.

[Daniel Labude]

I understand that.

 

9 of his first 10 career starts were 5 innings exactly. The last of those 9 being on 10-Jun-2022. He's only had the one 5 inning start since then. The point it is it's both unfortunate and noteworthy that he hasn't been in the position to get to that 5 inning mark in almost 2 years. Yes, he's only 21, but not being able to stay healthy for long enough to build his arm strength back up is something to take note of.

 

Its not building up arm strength. Its the Jays specific plan going with the limited pitches. He has mentioned multiple times he is good to pitch deep even last season, but can/could only throw what the team let's him

[Krylian]

Its not building up arm strength. Its the Jays specific plan going with the limited pitches. He has mentioned multiple times he is good to pitch deep even last season, but can/could only throw what the team let's him

 

So they're babying him.

[43211234]

I think you can't be planning for Ricky Tiedemann in the majors until the All Star break or something at least.

 

Looks like he's been a bit wild.

[Daniel Labude]

So they're babying him.

 

Yep