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Machado Leads Bay Sox to Seventh Straight

Saturday, June 16th, 2012

Manny Machado drove in three runs with two sharp singles, one into right field and the other in centerfield to lead the Bay Sox to their seventh straight victory, this one over the Fisher Cats 9-4.  Manny also made a couple nice defensive plays at short, including a diving play into the hole, but as he tried to make the throw to second the ball glanced off his foot.  In the league leader category he is probably on top in shortstops who have hit their foot while making a throw.

Joel Carreno struggled with his control early, giving up four runs.  Two of those runs were scored on an opposite field single by Manny Machado.  He settled down after that, but Fishercats manager Sal Fasano probably left him in too long.  In the seventh inning, after the Fishercats had scored four runs to tie the game 4-4, Joel Carreno tried to make a pickoff throw to first with runners on first and second and two out.  He threw the ball into right field on an attempted pick off attempt, allowing Brandon Waring to score the go ahead run.  A single into right centerfield by Antoan Richardson scored Zealous Wheeler, especially when Cuban free agent Kenen Bailli took too long to release the ball, taking a long windup and after he threw the ball there was not a lot of pep to the throw, falling well short of home plate.

Pedro Viola had a very impressive relief outing, striking out the first five hitters he faced.  For Viola it was his second save.

For the Fishercats Keenan Bailli, who last year fled Cuba after playing for the Guantanamo Indians, has started his AA career nicely.  He went 3 for 4 today to up his average past .500 at .563.  The left handed hitter struck out in his one attempt against a left handed pitcher.

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Progress of Blue Jays Top Prospects

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

The Blue Jays are playing in the unforgiving AL East.  While the Yankees and Red Sox reside in the botttom two spots in the division this could be the best opportunity for Toronto to take advantage.  They have been diverting resources from the major league roster to player development to eventually have the depth to fill the major league rosters, or have chips that can be traded for major league level talent.  Alex Anthopoulos has focused on developing the base to filter in talent at the major league level while J.P. Riccardi preferred a top heavey approach, putting a lot of resources at the major league level and drafting college level players that were major league ready.

Below are the top ten prospects as identified by Jonathan Mayo at MLB.com.

1. Travis d’Arnaud C - Myworld saw Travis play in the World Cup in Panama.  He did not last long, escaping back to the United States after a thumb injury.  While the Blue Jays are loaded with catchers he is considered the best of the bunch because of his combination of defense, offense and experience.  The Phillies found him expendable with Sebastian Valle developing and Carlos Ruiz still a number of years away from giving up his starting job that they traded him to the Blue Jays as one of a number of players to acquire Roy Halladay.  It’s not difficult to hit in Las Vegas and D’Arnaud’s .297 average is eighth on the team for those players with 50 or more at bats.  He does have a team leading seven homeruns with 20 RBIs.  Eventually, J.P. Arencibia will have to move to first base or DH to accommodate D’Arnaud.  His defense will not match Travis.

2. Anthony Gose OF - Gose is not one of those eight players with a batting average higher than D’Arnaud.  His .253 average is extremely weak for Las Vegas.  While he can cover a lot of ground defensively and has speed to burn, if he doesn’t hit it is only window dressing.  Strikeouts are again a main bone of contention for Gose, with 48 whiffs in 42 games.  Last year, in the Eastern League when he hit .253 with 16 homeruns and 70 stolen bases the 154 strikeouts were a blip on a radar.  This year they are an elephant on his lap.  The biggest drag on his average is his .146 average against left handed pitchers.  His stolen base numbers have dropped to just 14 in 17 attempts.  Everywhere he has played he has been voted the best defensive outfielder and fastest runner.  That could earn him a platoon role to patrol centerfield for the Blue Jays against right handed pitching.

3. Jake Marisnick OF - We saw Jake in spring training usually as a defensive replacement.  He launched one homerun in the three or so at bats we witnessed.  Jake is playing in the Florida State League, one of the more difficult leagues to hit in.  His .249 average reflects that, though he has collected a team leading five triples.  While he has been playing centerfield he doesn’t have near the speed or play the defense that Gose does.  This could result in an eventual move to right field, where his above average arm will play.  If Gose continues not to hit Jake has the range to cover center field.  At 6′4″ he certainly has the height that most teams are looking for in their right fielders.

4. Noah Syndergaard RHP - The Athletics were insisting that the Blue Jays part with Noah to get one of their blue chip pitchers.  Noah was a 2010 supplemental first round pick with a 6′5″ frame and mid-90s fastball that makes him difficult to face.  He should develop his curve and change to eventually become a number two starter, but an ace is a possibility if his fastball continues to increase in velocity.  Noah is toiling in Lansing where he finished his 2011 season with two starts, finishing with a 3.00 ERA.  He could move quickly if he shows success.  Last year he only threw 59 innings in his 11 starts.  This year the Blue Jays appear to be mixing in some relief outings to keep his inning count low.  He has already thrown close to 29 innings but is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA, getting five starts and four relief appearances.  He has struck out 38 in those 28 plus innings.  He has yet to pitch more than four innings in any of his outings.

5. Daniel Norris LHP - Daniel was a 2011 second round pick last year and signed too late to pitch.  He has yet to pitch this year.  He is still down in extended spring training and may see his debut in a short season league to limit his innings.  For a lefthanded pitcher he can hit the low 90s with his fastball with excellent stuff.  He has both a slider and curve that can become solid pitches and his change is still in the development stage.

6. Justin Nicolino LHP - Justin was a 2010 second round pick and like Noah is going through the same program as Noah with five starts and four relief appearances.  None of his appearances have been over four innings, but all except one have been impressive.  He gave up three of his five total runs given up in one appearance.  He has a 1.16 ERA but as a lefthanded pitcher has been much more effective against righthanded hitters (.184) than lefthanded hitters (.283).  He throws in the low 90s with an excellent change to make the heat appear to have more velocity.  He needs to develop a breaking pitch to earn a spot in the major league rotation.

7. Drew Hutchngson RHP - Drew has already seen his brief 2-1, 2.16 Eastern League performance result in a major league promotion.  He relies on his control to get hitters out, but so far in the major leagues that control is lacking as he has walked 14 hitters in 33 plus innings.  Acceptable for some pitchers but not for Drew.  It has left his major league ERA at 4.81.  His last two outings have been quality starts, both times giving up just one run in six innings of work.  He was credited for the win in both starts though his 8/7 walk to whiff ratio is a cause for concern for future success.  His fastball is not overpowering for a right hander, sitting in the low 90s but a slider and change will keep the hitters honest.

8. Aaron Sanchez RHP - Aaron was a first round supplemental selection in the 2010 draft.  He is on the opposite side of the start/relieve pattern, getting five relief appearances and four starts.  He throws in the low 90s now but at 6′4″ 180 that should project for more as he gets stronger.  He was rated as having the best curveball in the Blue Jays system in 2011.  He is 5-0, 0.58 and has only given up one hit against a left handed bat for a .018 average.  He has walked more lefthanded hitters (13) than he has given up hits to right handed hitters (9).  Command is a problem.  Aaron has only given up two runs, both in the same outing.  He has given up only one hit in eight of his nine outings.

9. Carlos Perez C - Carlos is just one of many catchers in the Blue Jays system and with D’Arnaud and A.J. Jimenez ahead of him he may have to find another position or team to play for in the major leagues.  Carlos has both the bat and the defensive tools to survive on both sides of the diamond.  After hitting over .290 his first three seasons he slumped last year to a .256 average, hitting only three homeruns.  He may be more of a gap hitter as he matures, though his homerun output have increased by one each year, starting with zero his opening season.  This year his average is still scraping the .250 zone, but he has shown increased power, gapping 11 doubles and mashing two homeruns.  This has resulted in a .430 slugging percentage, which would be his best production if his average was a few ticks higher.  This is his second year at Lansing so he needs to show improvement with the bat.

10. Deck McGuire RHP - Last year Deck was the top Blue Jay prospect that did not see any major league time.  As a first round pick in 2010 he went right to High A and after 18 starts earned a promotion to AA.  This year he is repeating AA, but getting hit hard.  He has had two starts in which he has given up seven or more runs working five innings or less and one outing in which he could only get one out before giving up five runs.  This inconsistency will not get him a major league call-up.  His opening start in which he gave up eight runs he also gave up five of his six homeruns.  He has a low 90s fastball and a good slider which he is not afraid to slip inside.  His curve and change are still works in progress.

Other Prospects Performing Well

Yan Gomes 3B/C - Yan was the first Brazzilian born player to get promoted to the major leagues. In AAA he hit .359 with five homeruns. Yan is a utility player that can play both the infield and outfield corners as well as catch. In 10 major league at bats he is hitting .400 with one homerun.

Adeiny Hechevarria SS - Adeiny showed a potent bat during the spring and that has translated well in AAA.  He is hitting .315 with four homeruns and tied for the team lead in doubles with 12. After struggling in AA last year (.235) the dry Las Vegas air has done him good. Defensively he is ready for the major leagues.

Chad Beck RHP - Chad was moved to the bullpen this year where he has taken over the closer role.  Last year he made his major league debut with three abbreviated shutout appearances.  At AAA he is 1-0, 0.96, limiting the opposition to a .129 average.

Mike McDade 1B - Mike has a bit more power than David Cooper, who sits ahead of him in the depth chart.  As a result Mike is repeating AA and raking with a .327 average and six homeruns.  His slugging percentage is still a bit light (.484) to be considered one of the elite firstbaseman of the future.

Sean Nolin LHP - Sean could be having a break out year in Dunedin going 5-0, 2.31.  He has struck out 53 in just 50 plus innings of work.  As a lefthander he seems to have more success against right handed hitters (.190) than lefthanders (.280), though all four of his homeruns have been given up against right handed bats.

Kevin Pillar OF - Kevin is one of four players on the Lansing Lugnuts with more than 10 stolen bases this early in the season.  He is hitting .313 after raking at .347 last year in the rookie league.  His 15 stolen bases in 18 attempts have already exceeded last years figures in fewer games.

David Rolins LHP - David is not under that start one day and relieve the next rotation the Lansing Lugnuts have put their better prospects on.  All nine of his appearances have been starts and they have gone pretty solid (3-0, 2.75).  He has only worked five innings four times which puts a restriction on his abilty to pick up victories.  His April numbers (1.17) have been much more positive than his May numbers (5.06).

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Yan Gomes - First Brazzilian in Major Leagues

Friday, May 18th, 2012

Yan Gomes got called up when Adam Lind got sent down and with a 2 for 3 performance became the first Brazillian born player to play in the minor leagues.  He better not rest on his first day accomplishments because Vladimir Guerrero is working his way in shape and could be called up soon.  While Gomes played third base yesterday because of the suspension of Brett Lawrie he is not expected to get a lot of starts there.  He is also the third catcher, but J.P. Arencibia is their primary catcher.

While Gomes was born in Brazil he moved to Miami at 12 years of age and got most of his exposure to baseball in the United States.  He played college baseball for the Tennessee Volunteers where he was a backup catcher to current Blue Jay catcher J.P. Arencibia.  He was originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2008 in the 39th round but didn’t sign.  The Blue Jays made him a tenth round pick in 2009 where he signed.

In the dry Las Vegas air he was hitting .359 with five homeruns and 22 RBIs.  He only had a 6/26 walk to whiff ratio in 33 games which shows a lack of patience.  He went 2 for 3 in his first game last night and tonight goes deep for his first homerun.  That has now earned him the nickname of the “Bamboo Bomber” according to his Wikipedia biography.

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AL East - Surprise Roster Additions

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

Myworld will continue our once a month review of each of the divisions in the major leagues, focusing on a specific issue.  This month we will take a look at players who were surprise additions to the 25 man roster and also talk about the hot button issues facing the team as they finished the first weekend of the season.

New York Yankees (1) 2-3

Hot button issue - The Yankees hope they got some good news with the announcement that Andy Pettite has announced that he would like to unretire.  That adds even more depth to a flush starting rotation.  They got some bad news when their key acquisition in the Jesus Montero trade, Michael Pineda, had to be placed on the disabled list because of shoulder issues. Brian Cashman faced some extortion issues with a woman he had a relationship with that caused the dissolution of his marriage.

Surprise Roster Additions - They traded for Chris Stewart and chose him to be the backup catcher to Russell Martin on their 25 man roster, rather than Francisco Cervelli.  That left Cervelli in tears and feeling betrayed.  Yankees general manager Brian Cashman went out of his way to explain the move in an attempt to heal the hurt feelings caused by the demotion.  David Phelps is not rated high on the Yankee’s prospect list, but that didn’t prevent him from making the team as a bullpen piece.  He had a nice spring (2.08), striking out 14 in 17 plus innings.  He has justified that faith by retring all nine batters he has faced in two appearances, striking out five.

Top Prospect Performance - In their first starts both Bryan Mitchell and Jose Campos (acquired in the Jesus Montero trade) tossed six innings of one hit shutout ball.  Bryan walked one and struck out six while Campos walked one and struck out three.  Both are pitching for the Charleston River Dogs in the South Atlantic League

Significant March Transactions: They signed free agent Andy Pettite who will add significant depth to their starting rotation.  He had to first unretire to become a free agent.

Tampa Bay Rays (2) 4-1

Hot Button Issues - Evan Longoria dating Playboy’s January 2010 Jaime Edmondson is about as hot as it gets.  They also got some bad publicity when Matt Bush was arrested for a DUI, hitting and then driving over the head of a 72 year old.  He is in jail with a large bail amount and the Rays have already indicated that his days as a Ray are done.  The Padres had made Bush a first round draft pick in 2005 as a shortstop but got tired of his disappointing play and his drinking ways and eventually released him.  It appeared he was going to make a comback with the Rays as a relief pitcher, until this incident.  A civil suit against Bush, Brandon Guyer, who loaned his car to Bush who had a suspended license and the Rays is being reviewed by the family of the 72 year old.

Surprise Roster Additions - Josh Lueke, who the Rays acquired from the Seattle Mariners throws a mid-90s fastball.  He also has an arrest record for false imprisonment of a female that included a rape charge.  They traded John Jaso to acquire him.  He didn’t have a stellar spring (5.40), but he did strike out six without walking a batter in eight plus innings. The Ray fans have made less of an issue of the Lueke roster addition than Mariner fans.

Top Prospect Performance - Chris Archer is hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 2011 season.  His first start was promising with a 2-hit six inning performance in which he gave up one run and struck out eight.

Significant March Transactions: None

Boston Red Sox (3) 1-5

Hot Button Issue - Theo Epsten has departed and this looks like a franchise in disarray.  They hired Bobby Valentine and reports indicate he is clashing with some of the veteran players.  They have also alienated manager Terry Francona, who had given them two World Series, something that no manager had been able to do.  It appears the franchise has focused more on the hype of Red Sox nation, promoting their past accomplishments while spending little for winning now and in the future.  How low can it go before they bounce back.

Surprise Roster Additions - No surprise additions, but the subtraction of Marco Scutaro and Jed Lowrie left them lacking a shortstop.  Also converting Daniel Bard from relief to the starting rotation has put a hole in the bull pen that has cost them this year.

Top Prospect Performance - Jose Vinicio could eventually fill the shortstop role, but he is still a couple years away.  He is hitting .385 after his first four games, with one double, triple and homerun with two stolen bases.  Catching is a sore spot as well, but Blake Swihart has jumped ahead of Ryan Lavarnway on the depth chart, starting his 2012 season with a .353 average after five games, walking five times and whiffing just once.  Wil Middlebrooks could be the third baseman for 2013 if the Red Sox cannot sign Kevin Youkilus.  Wil is hitting .364 in six games.  At 27 Juan Carlos Linares is a bit old for AA but he is raking with a .407 average in seven games with three doubles and one homerun. The Cuban free agent is hoping to get an opportunity to show what he can do in the major leauges.

Significant March Transactions - As much as they needed pitching the Red Sox still released Carlos Silva.  Also Chris Carpenter, who was the agreed to as compensation for the departure of Theo Epstein was found to have an arm injury and is out for the year.  It doesn’t seem that the Red Sox have gotten any good April news.

Toronto Blue Jays (4) 4-2

Hot Button Issues - They have been pretty quiet this year.

Surprise Roster Additions - Kyle Drabek was a top prospect but after his performance last year (6.06) making the roster out of spring was a surprise.  Dustin McGowan had also made the rotation, but a foot injury has put him on the disabled list.  Despite missing a number of seasons due to shoulder injuries the Blue Jays still gave Dustin a two year extension on his contract.  Omar Vizquel made the roster as a utility player despite his 45 years of age.

Top Prospect Performance - Justin Nicolino only went three innings in his first start, but he didn’t give up a hit and struck out five of the nine hitters he faced.  Adeiny Hechavarria continues to show that his hot spring was not a fluke, hitting .435 in his first five games in AAA.  Noah Syndergaard struck out six hitters in his first start that went three innings.  He gave up two hits, but did not allow a runner to cross the plate.

Significant March Transactions - None

Baltimore Orioles (5) 3-2

Hot Button Issues - It is kind of like serious jock itch, more embarrassing than troubling.  The whole issue of signing a Korean player before he graduated high school got the Koreans upset.  The KBO convinced major league baseball to scold the Orioles for their action and the Koreans prohibited the Oriole scouts from attending any sanctioned games in Korea.  I wonder if this includes the 18 and under IBAF championships that will occur there in September.  This from a general manager that prides himself on his Asian knowledge and for a player who most scouts said was lacking in major league tools for a pitcher.

Surprise Roster Additions - The Orioles signed a number of free agents but as far as making the roster their were no surprises.  Rule V selection Ryan Flaherty made the team, but myworld expected that.

Top Prospect Performance - Dylan Bundy has been unhittable. In two starts he has worked six innings, faced the minimum 18 hitters and struck out 12 of the 18 hitters he has faced. Tyler Townsend is leading the Eastern League in homeruns with three. He also has a .375 average with 9 RBIs and six walks and six strikeouts in seven games.

Significant March Transactions - None

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Spring Training Progress - AL East

Sunday, March 18th, 2012

Below is the list of who is hot and who is not in spring training, injury concerns and the February transactions for the AL East.  Myworld still stays with the same order in the standings.  For the most part, spring training results will not make or break a veteran player for a starting lineup, unless that team has a hole to fill and a number of options to select for that hole.  If that is the case, it means the position is one of weakness.

New York Yankees (1)

Who’s Hot - Justin Maxwell (.412, 5 runs scored, 3 stolen bases), Dewayne Wise (.412, 2 stolen bases), Doug Bernier (.353, 5 runs scored), Alex Rodriguez (.292, 2, 6) and Russell Martin (.250, 4 stolen bases leads team).

D.J. Mitchell (0.00, 7 IP, .130 AVE), David Phelps (0.00, 7IP, .167 AVE), Mariano Rivera (0.00, 3 IP, .000 AVE), Philip Hughes (1.08)

Who’s Not - Raul Ibanez (.078), Javier Vazquez (.059), Brandon Laird (.125), Brett Gardner (.130) and Eric Chavez (.136).

Manny Banuelos (7.20), Ivan Nova (6.23)

Injury Concerns - Joba Chamberlain is not expected to be back until mid season.  Derek Jeter has been bothered by left calf soreness.  At his age, expect Giradi to be challenged to keep him fresh.  David Robertson has only appeared in one game because of foot problems.  Austin Romine has been out all spring because of back issues.  Nick Swisher has had groin issues.  Alex Rodriguez knee should be watched, but he has been healthy this spring.

February Transactions - They signed Russell Branyan, but he does not have much of a chance to make the major league roster with the Yankee’s first base depth.  Billy Hall could fill a utility role and Raul Ibanez will make it as a DH against righthanders, but his spring has been awful.  David Aardsma and Clay Rapada were signed for bullpen depth, but it will take a lot for them to make the roster.  Hideki Okajima was released because of an injury issue and they unloaded A.J. Burnett, plus a couple million on the Pirates for a couple of suspect prospects.  This trade added salary room to sign Ibanez.

Tampa Bay Rays (2) - Wild Card

Who’s Hot - Reid Brignac (.389), Desmond Jennings (.381), Matt Joyce (.250, 2, 5, 3 caught stealing)

Dane de la Rosa (0.00, 11 K’s in 5.2 IP, .261 ave), Jamie Shields (0.75, 11 K’s in 12 IP, .171 ave)

Who’s Not - Tim Beckham (.042), Carlos Pena (.105), Will Rhymes (.107), B.J. Upton (.117), Eliott Johnson (.148)

Jeremy Hellickson (9.00, .310 ave), Matt Moore (9.00, 4 walks in 4 IP), Johnny Nunez (8.31, 6 walks in 4.1 IP)

Injuries - Sam Fuld has tendinitis in the wrists.  Sean Rodriguez had an MRI on his finger reveal only a sprain.  B.J. Upton has been having back issues.

February Transactions - No significant transactions

Boston Red Sox (3)

Who’s Hot - Pedro Ciriaco (.545, 3 doubles and one homeruns, six RBIs and 3 for 4 in stolen bases), Ryan Lavarnway (.471), Cody Ross (.455, 2, 5), Lars Anderson (.429, 1, 7), Darnell McDonald (.400, 2, 3).

Michael Bowden (0.00, 2 saves, .167 ave), Josh Beckett (1.29, .133, but only 5/5 walk to whiff in 14 IP), Alfredo Aceves (1.00, .156 ave, 0/8 walk to whiff ratio in 9 IP)

Who’s Not - Jason Repko (.130), Kevin Youkilus (.158), J.C. Linares (.158)

Daniel Bard (8.22, 7 walks in 7.2 IP), Junichi Tazawa (6.75, .333 ave)

Injuries - The Red Sox have a number of injuries.  Carl Crawford had wrist surgery and may miss at least the first month of the season.  Jose Igesias is dealing with a groin injury, which will impact his ability to win the shortstop job.  Two players battling for the right field job are trying to get healthy.  Ryan Kalish is expected to miss the first month of the season as he comes back from left shoulder surgery, while Ryan Sweeney is recovering from a quad strain.  Franklin Morales has been prevented from pitching in a spring game because of shoulder issues.

February Transactions - The Cubs and Red Sox finally made a trade for the hiring of Theo Epstein.  Chris Carpenter was traded to the Cubs.  They signed Ross Ohlendorf for bullpen depth and Mauro Gomez to play first base in Pawtucket.

Toronto Blue Jays (4)

Who’s Hot - Bret Lawrie (.609, 8 RBIs, 6 doubles and 5 for 5 in stolen bases), Jonathan Diaz (.478, 7 runs scored), Jose Bautista (.348, 3, 8) , Travis Snider (.314, 4, 13, but 12 whiffs), Adeiny Hechavarria (.353, 1, 3)

Dustin McGowan (0.00, .167 ave), Luis Perez (0.00, 0.74, with 9 whiffs in 8.2 IP), Ricky Romero (0.00, .071, 8 whiffs in 9 IP), Brett Cecil (0.90, .167), Brandon Morrow (1.08, .226)

Who’s Not - Jeff Mathis (.111), Travis d’Arnaud (.143, 1 HR),

Darren Oliver (12.00), Rick Vandenhurk (9.95, .370, 6 walks in 6 IP)

Injuries - Brett Lawrie was removed from a game because of a tight groin.

Transactions - Francisco Cordero was signed to setup Sergio Santos, but he could also be used as a closer if Santos struggles in the role.  The Blue Jays lost Darin Mastroianni to the Twins on waivers and released Garrett Mock.

Baltimore Orioles (5)

Who’s Hot - Endy Chavez (.409, 1,3), Nick Johnson (.348 with 5 walks)

Jason Hammel (1.86, .219 ave), Brian Matusz (2.70, 0/13 walk to whiff ratio in 10 IP, .283 ave)

Who’s Not - Jai Miller (.206, 1/17 walk to whiff ratio in 34 at bats, 7 RBIs lead team), Wilson Betemit (.138), Matt Wieters (.100), Nolan Reimold (.167)

Jim Johnson (13.50, .444 ave), Jake Arriata (7.71, .278)

Injuries - Brian Roberts is their key player who is still trying to recover from concussion like symptoms.  He may not be able to start the season.  Taylor Teagarden has experienced back stiffness, which has prevented him from playing to compete for the backup role.  Tsuyoshi Wada had fluid removed from his elbow, but he did pitch two innings today.  He could start the season in the minor leagues if he doesn’t get enough innings in spring.

Transactions - They traded Jeremy Guthrie for Jason Hammell and Matt Lindstrom.  Jason is having a strong spring vying for a starting role while Matt could fit in the bullpen.  Luis Ayala was a free agent signing which could help the bullpen.  Nick Johnson was signed as a free agent and could take away significant playing time from Chris Davis, who could play more DH than he expected.  They lost one of their top prospects, Matt Angle to waivers to the Los Angeles Dodgers when they had to add Luis Ayala to the 40 man.

Posted in Uncategorized, Red Sox, Rays, Yankees, Blue Jays, Orioles 2b60 | No Comments »

Blue Jays Blank Rays

Friday, March 16th, 2012

Myworld was at Dunedin to watch Ricky Romero toss four innings of no hit ball to lead the Blue Jays to a 5-0 win in front of a sellout crowd of 5,500 over the Tampa Bay Rays.  The attendance was greater than the Blue Jays and the Red Sox, so perhaps Tampa/St. Pete is beginning to embrace the Rays.  They were limited to two hits in the shutout today, so there was not a lot to get excited about.

Brett Lawrie got things started for the Blue Jays in the second.  He hit a one out single, stole second and then scored on a J.P. Arencibia single to left.  Brett appeared to have his groin tighten up on him on the run home and he was replaced in the fourth inning by Jonathan Diaz.

Jonathan Diaz continued to play well, laying down a perfect bunt to the first base side of the mound, with Jeff Nieman in no hurry to cover first.  That bunt single was followed by three other singles and the departure of Nieman.  Dane de la Rosa gave up a fifth straight hit, but then struck out the last two hitters to begin a streak of four straight strikeouts.

The Rays were no hit until the sixth.  Desmond Jennings got on base twice via walks, but was erased on a double play grounder in the first inning and stranded on second in the fourth inning.  Chad Jenkins came in to start the fifth and retired the side in order.  In the sixth Brandon Guyer broke up the no hitter with a bunt down the third base side.  Chris Jimenez followed with a single that moved Guyer to third, giving the Rays first and third with no outs.   Jennings popped to third, Sean Rodriguez struck out for the third time in the game and Evan Longoria flied to left to end the inning.  The Rays only base runner in the last three innings was as a result of an Omar Vizquel error.

Travis Snider had a solo homer in the sixth to finish the scoring for the Blue Jays.

Game Notes: Ricky Romero started the game throwing five straight balls, but settled down after that, retiring 11 of the 12 hitters he faced…Mike McCoy looked good in centerfield for the Blue Jays.  This should add to his versatility.  He can also play third, second and short and runs extremely well…Elliott Johnson did not look good in center field for the Rays…Jonathan Diaz went 1 for 2 with a ground out to short…Travis Snider had a baserunning blunder after his single.  Elliott Johnson went back to the warning track for Snider’s fly ball, and when it appeared he would catch it Mike McCoy went back to tag up at second.  Johnson dropped the ball, McCoy went to third, J.P. Arencibia had rounded second, but returned when he say that McCoy had not yet reached third, but Travis Snider was already running into second.  The Rays tagged Snider out as he tried to return back to first, but McCoy was able to beat the throw home…Omar Vizquel booted a ball at second.  Myworld also saw him make a noodle throw to first that bounced in front of the first baseman for an error.  Two attempted fielding plays and two errors.  McCoy and Diaz could beat him out for the utility role if Omar does not improve his defense.

Prospect Watch:Chad Jenkins pitched three shutout innings, including getting out of a first and third with no out situation.  Chad was a first round pick in 2009, but has dropped in his prospect status.  Outings like this could give him a look at the fifth spot in the rotation, though his competetion Dustin McGowan also looked good yesterday…Jake Marisnick struck out in his only at bat…David Cooper popped to third in his one at bat as DH…Brandon Guyer broke up the Jay’s no hitter with a bunt single.  He also struck out in his two at bats…Tim Beckham flied to center in his only at bat, coming in at short as a late inning defensive replacement…Matt Bush pitched one inning and retired all three hitters he faced, but two of the outs were well hit balls to centerfield.

Posted in Rays, Blue Jays | No Comments »

Jays Overpower Astros

Thursday, March 15th, 2012

Dustin McGowan looked good, throwing three solid innings in the Blue Jays 6-3 win over the Astros.  He gave up a run in the first inning, but shutdown the Astros in the next two innings.  A walk to Jordan Schafer and a errant pickoff throw by Travis d’Arnaud allowed Schafer to advance to third, where he scored on a ground ball out.  He may eventually have scored when Carlos Lee doubled with two out.  He threw strikes, stayed ahead in the count and kept the ball in the infield.

Zach Duke was not as sharp for the Astros, giving up four runs in the first two innings, before settling down the last two innings.  In the first inning Duke did a poor job of holding runners with Rajai Davis stealing second and third off him and Eric Thames stealing second.  Thames lined a catchable ball to centerfield, but the ball glanced off Jordan Schafer as he charged for the ball, allowing one run to score and Travis d’Arnaud to advance to third.  Myworld felt an error should have been given to Schafer to allow Travis to get to third, where he scored the second run of the inning on a ground out.

In the second inning Jonathan Diaz led off the inning with a single and Anthony Gose dragged a bunt to the right side where he easily beat it out.  Gose had passed by Lee by the time Carlos picked the ball up and the pitcher was nowhere near first.  Travis Snider drove them both in with a hard line drive double down the right field line.  Duke put runners on second and third with no outs in the fourth after another Diaz single and a slow bouncer to short that Angel Sanchez tried to bare hand but the ball went past his hand and into short left field, Diaz moving to third and Gose to second.  Rajai Davis popped to short, Snider struck out for the second time in the game and d’Arnaud flied out to center to end the inning.

The Astros scored a run in the sixth when Mike Mccoy booted a grounder at third base which eventually allowed Jordan Schafer to score.  The Blue Jays got the run back in the top of the eighth on a Yan Gomes RBI double.  Jake Marisnick hit a solo shot in the ninth that went just inside the foul pole, though the ball was hit far above the pole.

Game Notes: Not impressed with the Astros possibilities for the outfield and shortstop.  It will be a long season for them.  Too many catchable balls being misplayed, though it is early in spring training…For a lefthander, Zach Duke did not hold runners on first well.  They were getting giant jumps off him…Luis Valbuena looked hopeless against the lefty Duke, striking out twice.  Four of the five batters Duke struck out were lefthanders (Snider striking out twice as well)…Francisco Abad looked good in the ninth, getting the first two hitters looking with his curveball.  Jake then pulled an inside fastball over the left field fence…Kyle Drabek pitched well for thiree innings, showing excellent command.  He retired the first six hitters he faced, striking out one and walking none.

Prospect Watch: Both Michael Crousse and A.J. Jimenez got one bat appearances and struck out, Michael swinging and A.J. looking…Jake Marisnick pulled an inside fastball high over the left field foul pole in his only at bat…Jonathan Diaz may not be a prospect, but he looked good at second, robbing Jose Altuve of a hit with a diving catch of a ground ball and getting Jose out at first.  He also got two singles in three at bats.  Diaz has been getting some playing time and looking good with the bat and in the field…David Cooper got a start and went 1 for 4, going the other way for a line drive single.  He also looked solid defensively at first, but he will fall far short of the offense needed for a first baseman…The Astros did not play any prospects, other than Marwin Gonzalez entering the game at second for defense in the top of the ninth.  It appears that they will keep their prospects in the minors for a year, not losing service time, while journeymen play the season out, giving the Astros a second straight number one pick.

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Blue Jays Stomp on Stros

Friday, March 9th, 2012

The Houston Astros weaknesses are being exposed the longer myworld sees them this spring.  The game started with a single past a diving Carlos Lee and the next batter hit what should have been a routine fly ball that appeared to be lost in the clouds by J.D. Martinez.  It dropped behind him for a double.  The Blue Jays scored two runs in the first courtesy of the Astros defense and raced to an easy 11-2 win.

Even though the Blue Jays had a comfortable 6-2 lead, they really exploded in the sixth.  Aneury Rodriguez, who looked unhittable in the fifth, with two strikeouts, could not get anyone out in the sixth.  Rookie Adeiny Hechavarria started off the scoring with a booming homerun into left centerfield, his second hit of the game.  Another rookie Travis d’Arnaud finished off the scoring by launching a 2-run homer against him.  Aneury Rodriguez was fortunate to have Anthony Gose caught stealing or the Blue Jays could still be batting.

The Astros pitching got better in the seventh or the umpires strike zone expanded.  David Carpenter struck out the last two hitters he faced in the seventh, Wilton Lopez struck out the side in the eighth and Wesley Wright struck out the leadoff batter in the ninth to give the Astros six straight whiffs.  Of course, all that damage came against the Blue Jays minor leaguers.

Six different Blue Jays finished the game with two hits.  The Astros hit into two double plays, stuck out 11 times and could only manage six hits.

Game Notes: Myworld can’t see the Astros playing the whole year with Jed Lowrie at short.  His arm has already shown its weakness by failing to get two fast runners at first on what appeared to be routine, but slowly hit ground balls.  Lowrie just doesn’t seem to have any zip in his throw.  Jonathan Villar could take over the shortstop position by mid year…Interesting to watch all the U.S. scouts sitting just behind home plate.  They are like an assembly line operation.  They all have their radar guns, point them at the pitcher when he throws, place the gun down and jot down the pitch in their book, all in unison.  There were also two Asian scouts.  They had no gun but just watched the game, taking down notes in their book.  Perhaps the game has gotten too obsessed with velocity and instead of watching the swing and the miss they are paying more attention to the speed of the pitch, even though it may be straight as an arrow with little deception…A woman caught a ball in the first inning with her bare hands shortly after J.D. Martinez missed his.  A fan shouted “Put her in left field”…Brett Lawrie showed some hustle, stealing third and tagging up to make it to second on a fly ball to center field…The Astros appear to need a lot of work going back on balls hit over their head.  They look like cat caught in twine as they twist and turn every which way to try to catch balls that fall beyond their outstretched gloves.  Jason Bourgeois was a victim of that in the fourth inning that allowed two runs to score…J.D. Martinez had a rough day.  In addition to his missed fly ball, he struck out twice and flied to right…

Prospect Watch: Anthony Gose went 2 for 3 with a double.  He also was caught stealing when he slid beyond second base…Jake Marisnick saw some time in left field.  He bounced to short in his only at bat…David Cooper was the DH.  He went 2 for 3 with a double and walk.  He drove in two runs with his double and scored a run…Moises Sierra got the start in right, going 2 for 4.  He did strike out twice and took a long time to run down a ball down the right field line…Michael Crousse made a nice over the shoulder catch in right field, but struck out in his only at bat.  Myworld saw a lot of Crousse in Panama and he has a penchant for striking out…Adeiny Hechavarria had another impressive game, going 2 for 4 with a homerun and two runs scored.  He has been putting solid barrell of the bat on the ball…Chris Hawkins got one at bat and looked very overmatched, striking out on a breaking pitch in the dirt…George Springer singled in his only at bat.  He got to play the last three innings in center field…Jonathan Singleton hustled to first on a ground ball to the shortstop and beat the ball to first after the throw was side and the sweep tag missed…Jonathan Villar struck out in his only at bat…

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Red Sox and Blue Jays Battle to a Tie

Thursday, March 8th, 2012

Myworld was in Dunedin, one of the oldest parks in Florida and smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood.  The businesses and houses in the area had raised their partking rates to $10, but perhaps those were Red Sox prices.  What was worse is that the game ended in a 3-3 tie.

Brandon Morrow did a good job for the Blue Jays, tossing two innings of shutout ball.  He gave up a leadoff double to Mike Aviles on a ball that appeared to be lost in the sun by Ben Francisco, but then retired the next six hitters he faced.  The Red Sox scored the first run off reliever Darren Oliver, Ryan Sweeney bringing in the run with a sacrifice fly.

The Blue Jays came back in the bottom frame off reliever Justin Thomas.  A single, hit by pitch and walk loaded the bases with no outs.  With one out Edwin Encarnacion found the hole between short and third to score two.  Cody Ross tried to charge the ball to make a play at home but the ball bounced off his glove, allowing Kelly Johnson to score all the way from first.

Omar Vizquel showed a weak arm in the fourth.  With two outs and runners on second and third he threw one in the dirt with no zip on the ball and when it bounced past the first baseman two runs scored to tie it at 3-3.  He did not come back out for defense in the fifth.  The Red Sox could only manage one hit in the last four innings.

The Blue Jay bats could do no better, getting a few more hits than the Red Sox but not advancing a runner past second after the third inning.  Adeiny Hechavarria led off the seventh with a double but tried to stretch it to a triple but was throw out at third.  The Red Sox threw their last pitcher two innings and after nine it was ended in a 3-3 tie.

Game Notes: The one attraction to the Dunedin park is the beer man.  Sit on the first base side if you want to hear his clever quips as he tries to sell his beer.  It is also the shady side, starting at the top of the stands and working its way down as the game progresses…Brandon Morrow threw a fastball past David Ortiz, something you would never see earlier in his career…Oscar Tejeda had two ugly swings to strikeout, getting ahead in the count 3-1, but stranding two runners on the bases…Adeiny Hechavarria made the best defensive play of the game, snagging a nasty one hopper at short.  Teammate Ben Francisco made a diving catch in the second inning and Ryan Sweeney made a nice over the shoulder catch on a drive to right field that prevented a run from scoring…Mike Aviles pulled a 6-1-3 play, something I have never seen in a game.  The shortstop tried to snag the one hopper, but it flew out of his glove into the glove of Junichi Tazawa, who threw to first to just nip Ben Francisco at first.

Prospect Watch: It was a smorgasborg of foreign prospects in the game today.  The most impressive prospect was Adeiny Hechavarria, who made an impressive defensive play at short and then raced around the bases after hitting the ball into the right centerfield gap.  It took a perfect throw to cut him down at third, but the crowd appreciated the hustle…Anthony Gose got one at bat.  He ran the count to 2-2 before grounding to short…From Canada, Marcus Knecht got one at bat, getting a base hit…Another Canadian, Dalton Pompey popped to short…With the Red Sox, another Cuban Juan Carlos Linares started in centerfield and went 1 for 2, but got on base both times after an error by Vizquel.  He showed a really quick bat, but at 28 he may no longer be considered a prospect…Bryce Brentz had a single in his only at bat, but also got picked off at first base…Che-Hsuan Lin from Taiwan got one at bat and grounded to second.  He also made a nice catch in left field going back on the ball…Lars Anderson got a start at first and went 1 for 2.  With Adrian Gonzalez at first the Red Sox would love to trade him…Oscar Tejeda got the start at second and went 1 for 2, scoring a run.  He took two really bad swings to strike out in his second at bat…Junichi Tazawa from Japan worked an inning.  He was hit hard, but got out of the inning without giving up a run.  The Red Sox seem to be grooming him for a bullpen role.

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AL East Update

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

In Decemeber and January myworld posted individual team updates.  For the next week and a half, before we head down to Florida for spring training myworld will see if anything has changed in the division after some January transactions.  For our first review, the AL East we have had some significant changes.  Initially we picked the Red Sox to win the division, but that was prior to their lack of January activity.  Since then the Yankees have picked up two starting pitchers and the Rays have signed two lefthanded bats.  Now the Red Sox will have to settle for third while the Yankees win the division.  Unless the playoffs get expanded to one more team, the Rays will still miss out on the playoffs because of the two superpower teams in the AL West.  I’ve put in parenthesis my previous ranking of the team.

New York Yankees (2)

January moves - In three days the Yankees changed this division with the trade of Jesus Montero to the Seattle Mariners for potential future number one starter Michael Pineda.  Myworld is not as high on Pineda as others, but he fills a spot in the rotation that is better than what they had.  They also signed free agent Hiroki Kuroda.  That is an addition of 22 wins and 370 innings to their starting rotation.  A.J. Burnett is now surplus.  Another transaction was the resigning of Andrew Jones to play left field and possibly DH against left handed hitters.  With 13 homeruns last year Jones still has some pop.  They also signed a couple ex-Red Sox in Manny Delcarmen and Hideki Okajima.  If either of those players make the roster it will be a slap in the face to Red Sox fans, especially Delcarmen, who was raised in the Boston area.

Key Spring Training non-Roster Invitee to Make Team - The Yankees don’t have a lot of lefthanded bullpen options so if Okajima has anything left in the tank he could surprise.  He left Japan an unheralded reliever and made the Boston roster and shined there for a couple years.  Bill Hall could make it as a utility player, especially for playing third base, since Eduardo Nunez struggled a bit defensively when he played there.  Myworld likes Jorge Vazquez to get the part time DH role against lefthanded pitching, but the signing of Andrew Jones may prevent that from happening.  Jorge strikes out a lot, but he hits for power and he is the cheap, part time DH alternative the Yankees are looking for, except for the fact that he hits righthanded.

Tampa Bay Rays (3)

January Transactions: They were quite busy signing lefthanded bats to fill their first base and DH positions.  Carlos Pena will again try to duplicate the numbers he gave the Rays during their last World Series run.  He will provide more power than Casey Kotchman but not hit for the average that Casey did.  Luke Scott was another significant signing.  When Luke gets hot there is no better hitter in baseball.  Unfortunately, when he is not hot there is a lot of quiet in that bat.  He is recovering from shoulder surgery so it will be interesting to see how he recovers.  Fernando Rodney was also signed to strenghten their bullpen.  Fernando is best used when he is not a team’s closer.  Jeff Keppinger is also an interesting signing if he can continue to rake lefthanded pitching as he did last year, hitting .290 with a .484 slugging percentage.  He also got a little time at shortstop last year, a position the Rays are still a bit weak at.

Non-Roster Invitees - Not a lot there.  There has to be some hope that Tim Beckham rakes and addresses their shortstop hole, but that still won’t get him a roster spot to begin the season.

Boston Red Sox (1)

January Transactions - They shopped at the dollar store signing free agents Pedro Ciriaco, Carlos Silva, Chorye Spoone, Jason Repko, Vincent Padilla and a cast of others.  If those names don’t sound familiar they shouldn’t.  About the only significant move they made lessoned their team’s chances of winning the division, trading shortstop Marco Scutaro for border line prospect Clayton Mortenson.  Marco is never going to enter any conversations as one of the best shortstops in the league, but he is better than what they have now, unless Jose Igelias shows he can hit.

Non-Roster Invitees - Most of them are pitchers and with health of their starting rotation taking a big hit last year expect Vincent Padilla to make a move.  He is just coming off winning a championship in Nicaragua and he is ready to throw.  He only made nine relief appearances last year, but prior to that started 16 or more games in the major leagues for nine years.  John Maine is an interesting acquisition.  If his shoulder is healthy he could also win a spot in the rotation.  The Red Sox will know they are in trouble if both of them win a spot in the rotation.

Toronto Blue Jays (4)

Significant January Transactions - They reacquired Jason Fraser to solidify their bullpen.  Fraser pitched much better when he was with Toronto (2.98) than the White Sox (5.09).  They will hope they got the Toronto version.  Darren Oliver was a free agent pickup that should help the bullpen from the left side.  Two free agent signings that could be significant if they still have any gas left in them is the aged Omar Vizquel for a utility role and the soft tossing Nelson Figueroa for the rotation.

Nonroster Invitees - Omar Vizquel has the best shot if he can still pick it with the glove.  It may still be a bit early for Anthony Gose but that centerfield job looks pretty enticing, with the much injured Colby Rasmus and Rajai Davis the only competetion in front of him.

Baltimore Orioles (5)

Significant January Transactions: Duquette continues to add players to make the roster better.  At least it won’t be a case of players making the team because they had no competetion for the spot.  It is still not enough to escape the cellar.  They acquired slugger Jai Miller who could make an impact in the outfield if he can avoid the swing and miss.  He struck out 176 times in AAA last year, but he hit 32 homers.  He also has some massive shoulders.  They signed Wei-Yen Chen as another piece to their disappointing rotation, a Taiwan pitcher that pitched in Japan last year.  That will be one less spot in the starting rotation for the young Oriole starters to compete for.  Wilson Betemit was signed as a DH option, but myworld thinks he will see a lot of time at third base.  He is superior defensively than what they have in Mark Reynolds, who they plan on using there.  They also signed a number of players from Australia, Brazil, Korea (that one got them in trouble) and even the United States to fill their minor league rosters for a possible mid-season promotion.

Non-roster Invitees - Armando Gallarraga is not too far removed from the perfect game that was taken away from him.  The rotation is crowded and his 5.91 ERA will not instill a lot of confidence, but he could make the team as a long man out of the bullpen.  Oscar Villareal has put up good numbers in the winter leagues.  He hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since 2008.  It is too bad he bats left and throws right rather than the other way around.  Ronnie Paulino has a chance to make it as the back up catcher to Matt Wieters.  The only player he has to beat out is Taylor Teagarden.

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