Down on the Farm - 2008 Edition

[Lefty]

Max pithed today and went six innings, giving up 3 runs while striking out nine.

 

[boondockdrunk]

Baseball America Hot Sheet:

Hot - Max Scherzer (#1)
"Scherzer pitched deep into his first start of the week (7 IP) while expending just 83 pitches, and fanned 11 of the 25 batters to oppose him, then struck out 11 of the 18 batters he faced at Sacramento on Thursday night, giving up just two hits and needing 81 pitches. Long term, Scherzer probably profiles best as a top-flight reliever, but if he keeps pitching like this, he'll make the Diamondbacks' decision difficult."

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-hot-sheet/2008/265931.html

And the Scherzer starter/reliever debate continues...

I know having Scherzer in the rotation sounds promising.... but I do not think the D'backs can go wrong here... Look at this possible bullpen: Pena (new closer?), Scherzer, Qualls, Lyon, Cruz, and Slaten... that has the potential to be the best bullpen in the majors.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Farm report for April:

Tucson (AAA) - Things have not gone well for the 6-19 Sidewinders (most notably the bullpen, which has been atrocious) but there are still a few bright spots for Arizona's AAA prospects. Of course, Max Scherzer (1st Rd. 2006) was nearly unhittable before his promotion. 1.17 ERA in 23 innings (4 starts) and a miniscule WHIP of 0.68. My favorite Scherzer stat? 38 strikeouts compared to 3 walks. Sick.

Jamie D'Antona (2nd Rd. 2003) has been heating up offensively although rarely walking, currently hitting .349/.365/.482. Hope he's been working on his glove, because his only ticket to the bigs is probably as a utility infielder playing both corners. Emilio Bonifacio (UDFA 2001) had a slow start but has been hitting better as of late .295/.359/.362 with 9 stolen bases. Billy Buckner (trade) has had a rough month, with an ERA of 9.67 in 5 starts.

Mobile (AA) - Matt Torra (1S, 2005) is officially back on the map, 1.74 ERA in 31 innings over 5 starts. Good to see him coming back strong after struggling with health issues. Brooks Brown (1S, 2006) is also doing well, with an ERA of 2.77 in 26 innings and 27 strikeouts. Yunesky Sanchez, the SS signed out of Cuba, is an interesting story. The 23 year old made the jump to AA after playing in Low A ball last season, and is hitting .408 with a SLG of .521. Just don't expect him to take pitches... 1 walk in 71 at bats! Cesar Nicolas (5th Rd. 2004) leads Mobile with 15 homers to go along with .371/.446/.629 in his second season of AA. If he keeps playing the way he has, the 6'4 first baseman from Vanderbilt could be a candidate for a midseason move to Tucson.

Visalia (High A) - Early indications on the 2007 draft class aren't bad. Catcher Ed Easley (1S 2007) is hitting .282/.378/.408 in his first complete professional season. Wes Roemer (1S 2007) is also off to a good start, 2.59 ERA and 26 Ks in 24.1 innings. Things have not gone so well for Barry Enright (2nd Rd. 2007), he has given up 18 earned runs in just 22.1 innings.

South Bend (Low A) - The only guy I've really been following is Jarrod Parker, who has done well in his limited appearances. 3 starts, 9.2 innings, 1.86 ERA, 11:1 K:BB. He has, however, given up 13 hits in that span.

 

[boondockdrunk]

Matt Torra is a guy I have always been high on. Good to see that he finally getting back to form. He has good stuff and his resurgence greatly adds to our minor league pitching depth.

I am really surprised by Barry Enright's struggles... I saw him pitch in Spring Training and thought he was one of the stronger pitchers we have in the minors.

EDIT: In 28 innings pitched Enright has give up 47 hits... That seems to be the root of his problems so far. His BB/PA (walks for plate appearances) is only at 5.9%, but his K/PA (Strikeouts to Plate Appearances) is only at 17.0%.

Looking at his individual splits he seems to have pitched decently in four of his six starts, but his other two were just atrocious. On April 8th, he went only 2 innings and gave up 7 earned runs.. then on April 29th, he went less than 6 innings again giving up 7 runs. Other than that he seems to be pitching about 5-6 innings while giving up 2-3 runs. So, with two bad starts out of six, he certainly has not pitched up to expectations but, as it is still early, the numbers are inflated. Once he starts cutting down the amount of hits against him, his numbers will greatly improve.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

It seems as if Billy Buckner might have made a handful of good adjustments in Tucson. Apparently, he was tipping pitches, but he has only given up one earned run in his last 14 innings, and took a no hitter into the 8th inning in his last start.

 

[Lefty]

Jamie D'Antona is putting up big numbers. He does strike out more than you want and he rarely walks.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/...D'Antona 3B&pos=&sid=t549&t=p_pbp&pid=452202

 

[Gaddabout]

Jamie D'Antona is putting up big numbers. He does strike out more than you want and he rarely walks.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/...D'Antona 3B&pos=&sid=t549&t=p_pbp&pid=452202

You said a mouthful right there. Or typed it. You can't really get excited about numbers like that with nightmarish plate discipline -- K to BB ration of 17-2. When you project these guys to the pros, you can pretty much cut all the good numbers in half (at least) and expect the plate discipline to transfer over straight up.

Not knowing your strike zone at AAA ... it's got to be one of the most frustrating things for a MLB GM to ponder. You have to believe he's got all the physical tools to be a great hitter, but the one red flag that forces you to sit on him and bring up a lesser-tooled player who has a better chance of producing (i.e. making contact and moving runners in late innings, etc.).

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Sure its true you'd like to see something nicer than a 17-2 K:BB ratio (although 17 Ks in 126 at bats is rather low), its pretty dang hard to walk when you're hitting .421.

 

[Gaddabout]

Sure its true you'd like to see something nicer than a 17-2 K:BB ratio (although 17 Ks in 126 at bats is rather low), its pretty dang hard to walk when you're hitting .421.

He'll cool off and start wishing he had better discipline at the plate. No stat is perfect when projecting, but the K:BB ratio is golden for hitters and pitchers alike. To use a music metaphor, it's the difference between playing the music on the page and interpreting the music as the composer intended; just because you're playing the right notes doesn't mean you're making the right kind of music.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Farm snapshot for May:

Tucson - Jamie D'Antona (2nd Rd. 2003) has continued to hit well, leading the team with a .402 average. His full line is currently .402/.431/.625 with 7 HRs and 35 RBIs. His K:BB ratio has gotten better over the last month as well, now at 26-9, hopefully that will continue to improve. This guy will probably get at least a taste of the big leagues some time this year. Emilio Bonifacio (UDFA) leads the team with 12 stolen bases. He's hitting .289, but has a disappointingly low amount of extra base hits. Billy Buckner (trade) has managed to cut his ERA in half from last month after finding out he had been tipping pitches, now sitting at 5.08 for the year. The struggles continue for Juan Gutierrez (trade), who is 1-9 in 11 starts with an ERA of 7.04. Esmerling Vasquez (UDFA), last year's Organizational Pitcher of the Year, has returned after injuring himself late last year. He has made six starts for the Sidewinders, with an ERA of 4.63. He hasn't been able to find his command yet (23 walks in 23.1 IP), but he is still one to keep an eye on. Yusmeiro Petit (trade) has adjusted well to the rotation after being sent down, with an ERA of 3.94 and a minuscule WHIP of 0.91.

Mobile - Matt Torra (Supplemental 1st Rd. 2005) continues to impress, and is Mobile's best starter. He has gone 4-4 in 11 starts, mostly due to a lack of offense as his ERA is just 2.67. In 64 innings, he has 43 strikeouts compared to just 11 walks. AJ Shappi (9th Rd. 2004) has been great in relief, holding opposing hitters to just a .229 average to go along with an ERA of 1.53. He has been able to keep the walks low, 4 in 29.1 IP with 27 K's, a recipe for success with any reliever. Brooks Brown (Supp. 1st Rd. 2006) continues to do well, contrary to his 2-6 record. His ERA stands at 3.77 for the year, will a midseason promotion to Tucson be in the cards?

Visalia - Gerardo Parra (UDFA) has been putting together a good year, with a line of .301/.381/.413 with 12 stolen bases (and caught stealing 4 times). The 21 year old hasn't hit for as much power as some would have hoped so far, but has shown better discipline than most at that age, with a 31-23 K:BB ratio in 196 at bats. Neither Barry Enright (2nd Rd. 2007) or Wes Roemer (1S 2007) have performed as well as expected. Both starters have an ERA over five so far this season, but for Enright, that is a big improvement from the way he was pitching in April where he gave up 18 earned runs in 22.1 IP.

South Bend - Jarrod Parker (1st Rd. 2007) has not pitched much lately due to some fatigue. His condition supposedly serious, but the team is being careful to limit his innings seeing how he was in high school around this time last year. Its a shame though as he has pitched well, 2.45 ERA in 36.2 IP with 30 Ks and 9 BBs.

 

[boondockdrunk]

Glad to see Torra doing well.

Scary news about Parker... I hope the team is just limiting him because of fatigue and it is not something more serious.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Parker is pitching again, went 3IP and gave up 2 earned runs Wednesday night.

 

[Lefty]

Diamondbacks starting to sign some of their draft picks.
http://diamondbacks.scout.com/2/762153.html

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

AZ Central's draft recap:

Your long overdue draft recap
The draft is more than two weeks in our rearview mirror, and many of these players have already signed pro contracts and debuted in the minor leagues. So, yeah, this is a little late.

But I wanted to make sure I spoke with enough scouts who had actually seen these players -- who could actually evaluate the Diamondbacks draft with some firsthand knowledge -- so between traveling and the daily coverage, it took me some time to get this done.

***

When the draft ends, the mind-set is same for everyone who steps out of the draft room, one scouting director said last week.
“You always walk out thinking you absolutely killed them,” he said.

In reality, that's not always the case, but scouts and scouting directors interviewed in the days after the draft seemed to think the Diamondbacks did a solid job, considering where they were picking.

Even those who don’t like the idea of picking relievers high in the draft -- something the Diamondbacks did with two of their first three picks -- liked the high-potential and the buy-low game-plan the Diamondbacks seemed to employ beyond their first few picks.
“That’s what you want to do,” said one scouting director. “Take good risks for where you’re picking.”

Here’s a breakdown of what people are saying about some of Arizona’s top picks. And if someone isn’t mentioned, it’s probably just means I couldn’t find a scout who had actually seen him. Remember, when you’re getting into the middle rounds, there are probably tons of players that even the scouting directors or cross-checkers have not seen.

First round, No. 26, Daniel Schlereth, LHP, Arizona: A hard-throwing reliever with a mid-90s fastball, a hammer curveball and a change-up. The pick almost immediately came with a red flag; one night after they picked him, Schlereth was seen in the dugout during a super regional came with an ice pack on his elbow, unable to pitch. Reports first said he had an oblique injury, then it was a lat muscle. Either way, the industry seems unanimous in the belief that if something serious, injury-wise, happened to Schlereth, you can’t blame Arizona for taking him. “There was no reason to think that he was hurt at Thursday at three o’clock when the draft started,” one scout said. Certainly the Diamondbacks are going to be diligent before signing him, making sure he is healthy. The health is expected to be a bigger question mark during negotiations than the money.
For what it’s worth, heard from multiple people the Diamondbacks were really high on Allan Dykstra, the big Wake Forest first baseman who went three picks before them to the Padres.

Supplemental round, No. 43, Wade Miley, LHP, Southeastern Louisiana: A starting pitcher, Miley sits 89-91 mph and more than one person compared him to a Nate Robertson type. Throws two solid breaking balls, one that’s like short slider, the other big three-quarters curve. One scout with another team thought that was a good spot for the Diamondbacks to get him. “We had him ranked right there,” he said. Miley struck out a ton of guys in college against weaker competition, but two scouts familiar with him think he should continue to do the same in the pros. “With that fastball/slider mix, he’ll strike guys out,” one scout said. People say he was worked hard this season, with several of 130-pitch outings, so the Diamondbacks probably won’t have him do much of anything this summer.

Second round, No. 73, Bryan Shaw, RHP, Long Beach State: Everyone said the same things about him: A two-pitch closer (fastball/slider), expected to be a fast mover in the system, with a chance to be a late-innings reliever in the major leagues soon. “The fastball’s a little above average, and I think his slider is definitely his best pitch,” a scout said. He’s already signed and pitching for Missoula.

Third round, No. 104, Kevin Eichhorn, RHP, Aptos High (Calif.): One of the team’s most interesting picks. Eichhorn doesn’t have an overpowering build, but his stuff is said to be solid and polished, particularly for a high schooler, and he does have some projection to his frame. Although he’s only about 6-foot, his dad, former major leaguer Mark Eichhorn, is 6-3. One scout said he thought the Diamondbacks reached in taking him in the third round. Another said the Diamondbacks “absolutely picked our pocket” since they were planning to take Eichhorn with their next pick. So go figure. Said the scout whose team liked him: “He can really pitch. At some point, we’ve got to start giving credit for that. The problem is, he reminds me of Maddux, and you can go bankrupt looking for the next one.” One scout described him as an 18-year-old college pitcher. He’s committed to Santa Clara, but if they can get him signed, he’ll be an interesting player to follow.

Fourth round, No. 138, Ryne White, 1B/OF, Purdue: White’s numbers dipped this season after two amazing offensive campaigns, so scouts are saying this was a good upside pick for the Diamondbacks, kind of a buy-low pick where you bank on this having been an off-year. “He could have very easily been one of those first or second round type guys,” a scout said. “This might be a really good pick for them.” One scout said he thought White might have been trying to hit for power a little too much to try to up his draft status.

Fifth round, No. 168, Collin Cowgill, OF, Kentucky: He has been described as one of those scrappy, gets-all-he-can-out-of-what-he’s-got type of players. He’s a guy who always got better from year to year in college. A good defender and he has pretty good pop (16 homers last year, 18 this year) for someone who can play center field

Sixth round, No. 198, Justin Parker, SS, Wright State: Couldn’t actually find a scout outside the organization who saw him, but the Diamondbacks are high not only on his ability but also his makeup. The younger brother of Jarrod Parker, the team’s first rounder last year, Justin sat with scouting director Tom Allison at one of his brother’s games last year. He had a great feel for the game, making a good impression on Allison. He had a shoulder injury that caused him to miss most of last season, which might be a reason some teams weren’t overly familiar with him.

Seventh round, No. 228, Miles Reagan, RHP, El Capitan High (Calif.): Another interesting pick because of his upside. Reagan was a possible high-round pick before the spring, but he had a down year. The theory is that he got overcoached and his mechanics got out of whack. He’s already signed -- a little over slot at $150,000, according to Baseball America -- and already pitching. One person in the organization who has seen him described him as “very intriguing.”

Eighth round, No. 258, Patrick McAnaney, LHP, Virgnia: The organization is hoping he’s their next Greg Smith. A left-hander with a 88-90 mph fastball, his best pitch is said to be a change-up that can be a plus pitch at times. They say he has a good build and a feel for pitching.

Ninth round, No. 288, Brett Moorhouse, RHP, Indian River CC (Fla.): Another pitcher with a good build with projection, a tall, loose body that can be compared to Scot Shields, and a really easy, smooth delivery. “He has a chance to be good,” a scout said. “There’s a foundation there to work with.”

10th round, No. 318, Daniel Hultzen, LHP, St. Albans High (Washington, D.C.): A name you’ll want to remember in three years when he’s draft-eligible again, because he ain’t signing. The Diamondbacks hoped they might have a shot to get him signed -- Josh Byrnes went to the same high school -- but apparently his dad is set on him going to school at Virginia. But everyone says he has a chance to be a special pitcher and everyone figured it was a good gamble with a 10th-round pick.

12th round, No. 378, Daniel Webb, RHP, Heath High (Paducah, Ky.): Another high upside pick. Webb was thought to be a possible first-round type guy at one point this spring, but he struggled with his command and his secondary stuff. The Diamondbacks seem serious about trying to sign him -- and it sounds like there might be a chance they get him to sign -- so we’ll see. Also, there have been reports out there saying that it will take $1 million to get him signed. I doubt the Diamondbacks go that high. He had been committed to Kentucky, but after their coaching change, that’s uncertain. He could also try the junior college route.

22nd round, No. 678, Justin La Tempa, RHP, Golden West CC (Calif.): Similar to Webb, he said to have a great arm (90-94 mph), inconsistent command and fringy secondary stuff. One difference: There’s some injury question marks surrounding him. That could play a factor in signing him.

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/NickPiecoro/26259


Makes me feel a little better that scouts and directors outside the organization are saying the Diamondbacks did a decent job.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Emilio Bonifacio and Gerardo Parra will represent the Diamondbacks organization at the Futures Game as part of the All-Star Game festivities.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Dan Schlereth has been officially signed and is now headed to Missoula.

 

[Lefty]

Josh Ellis has gone from single A all the way to Tucson this year. It will be interesting to see if he will be called up in September.

 

[overseascardfan]

Josh Ellis has gone from single A all the way to Tucson this year. It will be interesting to see if he will be called up in September.

Who is he?

 

[Lefty]

Scherzer pitched last night and allowed two hits, no runs and had six strikeouts as the Sidewinders won 6-3.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Daniel Schlereth has been promoted to South Bend.

 

[Lefty]

Max Scherzer pitched six scoreless innings and only gave up only one hit and struck out six tonight. Maybe it's time to bring him up.

 

[BC867]

Max Scherzer pitched six scoreless innings and only gave up only one hit and struck out six tonight. Maybe it's time to bring him up.

They probably want to stretch him another inning or two. Then we'll see him.

How I hope that Melvin puts Max Scherzer into the #4 spot and leaves him there. Even with off-days eliminating the need for a #5 starter

The 5th spot? Davis' needs a rest at this time. But as far as putting Petit into the #5 spot, I am wondering if he could maintain the level he's been at, if he's pitching 7 innings every 5th day.

Perhaps with him as #5, bypass him on the off day, and start Davis when Petit needs a rest.

It's a luxury to have too many starting pitchers . . . if the Manager handles it effectively. His responsibility is, of course, to do what's best for the team.

 

[Dback Jon]

No need to rush him back - that what the Dodgers did to Penny, and now he is done for the year.

 

[Lefty]

Scherzer ready to join the Diamondbacks if needed, but will continue to pitch for the Sidewinders. Also, Upton had a homer and double last night.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sports/253282

 

[TJ]

I thought the target date for Upton coming back was last Friday. I guess management thinks hes not ready