Farmers Only: State of the Farm (05.28)

by BK on May 28, 2009 4:49 PM EDT in Farmers only Comment 50 comments

Another off day, and another look at how the Reds minor leaguers are performing.

Teams:

LOUISVILLE BATS (AAA) - The Bats are 21-25 and 3rd out of 4 in the IL West, 3 games back of Columbus. Drew Stubbs and Norris Hopper are currently 12th and 14th in the IL in hitting, which is a huge improvement from the last time we checked in on them. Jonny Gomes, despite having been on the big league club for the last week, is tied for 3rd in the IL in home runs, is 6th in slugging percentage, and 7th in OPS. Looking for more HAVOC in the outfield? Drew Stubbs is 2nd in the IL in stolen bases with 16, and is 2nd in doubles. On the pitching side, Matt Maloney is 7th in ERA, and at 5-2, the newly acquired Justin Lehr is tied for 2nd in the league in wins. Matt Maloney is also 2nd in innings pitched and 7th in strikeouts.
CAROLINA MUDCATS (AA) - The Mudcats are 22-24, but that's good for 2nd in the SL North, 2.5 games back of Huntsville. Chris Heisey is still the man down here, with a 1.016 OPS to lead the Southern League. He's also 4th in OBP, 4th in AVG, 2nd in SLG, 7th in HR, and 5th in stolen bases. Juan Francisco is also hitting with some pop in his bat, as he's 3rd in the SL in HR and 2nd in RBI. The pitching is also another huge piece of the puzzle there, as Travis Wood is leading the league in ERA at 1.38. Also, Jordan Smith is 4th in that category and James Avery is 8th. Woody is also 7th in strikeouts and Smith is 3rd in WHIP.
SARASOTA REDS (A+) - Sarasota's 18-25 and in 5th place in the FSL South, 10.5 games behind Fort Myers. Yonder Alonso is 7th in the FSL in OPS, 6th in HR, and tied for 1st in RBI. Unfortunately, he's pretty much the only Sarasota Red that's hitting. Zach Stewart is 6th in the league in ERA, and is now in Carolina. Jeremy Horst is 9th in ERA and 2nd in innings pitched. Philippe-Alexandre Valiquette is tied for 6th in saves with 6.
DAYTON DRAGONS (A) - The Dragons are 18-28 and 5th in MWL East, and are 13 games back behind West Michigan. Featured Farmhand Cody Puckett is 10th in the MWL in OPS, 3rd in the league in HR, and 9th in RBI. Outfielder David Sappelt is 8th in stolen bases. Matt Fairel is 3rd in strikeouts.

Red Reporter Top 15 Prospects List:

#1 Yonder Alonso - 1B - .290/.367/.490, 6 HR, 35 RBI (Sarasota)
Yonder's hitting now, really in the swing of things. I wouldn't be surprised to see him make the jump to Carolina soon.
#2 Neftali Soto - 3B - .264/.296/.377, 4 HR, 13 RBI (Sarasota)
We're seeing a really disappointing season for Neftali so far. Still plenty of time for him to turn things around, but he's been unimpressive so far.
#3 Todd Frazier - LF/1B - .308/.346/.450, 2 HR, 23 RBI (Carolina)
Todd's still putting up solid numbers across the board, except still not hitting many home runs. He could stand to walk more too, with a 22/10 K/BB ratio.
#4 Drew Stubbs - CF - .311/.405/.444, 1 HR, 15 RBI (Louisville)
Stubbs is looking like the leadoff hitter of the future, and putting himself in a pretty nice position for a September callup. His 16 SB is more than the current big league leadoff hitter, and he's got an 80% success rate.
#5 Chris Valaika - SS - .161/.210/.290, 3 HR, 7 RBI (Louisville)
Not much better than last time we checked, but he's been injured since May 7th.
#6 Juan Francisco - 3B - .247/.271/.458, 9 HR, 33 RBI (Carolina)
Same story as before. Solid numbers, and lots of power, but no plate discipline (47/7 K/BB).
#7 Daryl Thompson - SP - 1-2, 6.59 ERA, 8 K, 6 BB (Louisville)
Not great in 6 starts. Has gone pretty far to establish himself as below Matt Maloney and Ramon Ramirez on the depth chart.
#8 Kyle Lotzkar - SP
Kyle is still in extended spring training. Players have started to come out of there lately, so hopefully Lotzkar will be next. I'm anxious to see what he can do this year.
#9 Chris Dickerson - OF - .229/.369/.349, 2 HR, 7 RBI (Cincinnati)
Dickerson has turned into the solid 4th outfielder everyone thought he could be. Way to be, Dickie.
#10 Josh Roenicke - RP 1-0, 4 SV, 4.15 ERA, 16 G, 17.1 IP, 21 K, 2 BB (Louisville)
He's giving up more runs than he did last year, but his control has been stellar. Also, don't be alarmed with that saves number, Louisville seems to be doing a closer-by-committee thing this year.
#11 Devin Mesoraco - C - .185/.287/.319, 2 HR, 13 RBI (Sarasota)
From most reports, Devin's getting better with the pitchers, but the bat still hasn't come around. Time to be concerned?
#12 Danny Dorn - OF - .191/.256/.326, 5 HR, 12 RBI (Louisville)
Dorn isn't hitting either. He's been better lately, but still under the Mendoza line.
#13 Yorman Rodriguez - OF
Still extended ST, will probably start in the GCL.
#14 Zach Stewart - RP - 2-1, 1.69 ERA, 42 K, 10 BB (Sarasota/Carolina)
Z-Stew is putting together a hell of a season so far. In his 11 innings in AA so far, he hasn't given up a run yet.
#15 Juan Duran - OF
Same as Rodriguez, probably headed to the GCL.

5 Top Hitters (min 100 AB)

Chris Heisey (Carolina) - .357/.438/.577, 1.016 OPS
Jonny Gomes (Louisville) - .282/.361/.580, .941 OPS
Cody Puckett (Dayton) - .299/.347/.548, .895 OPS
Yonder Alonso (Sarasota) - .290/.367/.490, .858 OPS
Drew Stubbs (Louisville) - .311/.405/.444, .850 OPS

5 Top Pitchers (min 20 IP)

Logan Ondrusek (Carolina) - 3-0, 0.74 ERA, 16 K, 7 BB
Enerio Del Rosario (Sarasota) - 2-1, 1.32 ERA, 21 K, 5 BB
Travis Wood (Carolina) - 3-3, 1.38 ERA, 41 K, 29 BB
Zach Stewart (Carolina) - 2-1, 1.69 ERA, 42 K, 10 BB
Derrik Lutz (Carolina) - 1-2, 2.08 ERA, 17 K, 10 BB

10 More Prospects To Watch

Norris Hopper (OF, Louisville) - .305/.336/.405, 0 HR, 15 RBI
Zack Cozart (SS, Carolina) - .262/.340/.384, 2 HR, 19 RBI
Tony Brown (OF, Sarasota) - .267/.353/.383, 2 HR, 11 RBI
Byron Wiley (OF, Dayton) - .245/.393/.400, 2 HR, 15 RBI
Carlos Mendez (3B, Dayton) - .316/.347/.376, 1 HR, 13 RBI
Robert Manuel (RHRP, Louisville) - 2-2, 2.77 ERA, 22 K, 8 BB
Jordan Smith (RHSP, Carolina) - 4-0, 2.45 ERA, 22 K, 7 BB
Alexander Smit (LHSP, Carolina) - 1-0, 3.23 ERA, 35 K, 17 BB
Jeremy Horst (LHSP, Sarasota) - 2-4, 2.19 ERA, 36 K, 15 BB
Lance Janke (LHSP, Dayton) - 1-2, 2.90 ERA, 32 K, 5 BB

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Comments

Only two walks for Roenicke

That makes me all kinds of tingly.

by Brendanukkah on May 28, 2009 5:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Zach Stewart's numbers make me tingly

Of course, Soto’s numbers make me limp and noodly

Isn't there a slanket somewhere you should be filling with your farts?

by nycredsfan on May 28, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Mudcats writeup kinda reads like I wrote it.

The Mudcats are 22-24, but that’s good for 2nd in the SL North, 2.5 games back of Huntsville. Chris Heisey is still the man down here, with a 1.016 OPS to lead the Southern League. He’s also 4th in OBP, 4th in AVG, 2nd in SLG, 7th in HR, and 5th in stolen bases. Juan Francisco is also hitting with some pop in his bat, as he’s 3rd in the SL in HR and 2nd in RBI. The pitching is also another huge piece of the puzzle there, as Travis Wood is leading the league in ERA at 1.38. Also, Jordan Smith is 4th in that category and James Avery is 8th. Woody is also 7th in strikeouts and Smith is 3rd in WHIP.

Then again, you only used the word twice in the rest of the post.

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on May 28, 2009 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Look at all those losing records!

Our boys down there need to show some moxie. To learn to be a winner, you must win. Take away their television sets and their world wibe webs and make them play pepper. I prescribe two hours of pepper a day. That’ll cure what ails ’em.

And what’s more, they need to stop babying these pitchers. In my day, a lad threw 150 pitches before he milked the chickens in the morning. He threw 200 more before his ma would let him eat dinner. Oblique strain? I’m straining obliquely to figure out what in tarnation that even is. Doesn’t sound like anything throwing both games of a doubleheader couldn’t fix!

Give ’em hell, Red Stockings!

tellin' tales of drunkenness and cruelty

by Colin Auscapee on May 28, 2009 5:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not worried about young Devin yet

His numbers are much better in May than they were in April, and his BABIP is still only .241. The FSL is a bitch to hit in and he’s only 20 still. If he’s still sucking it up at the end of the year, then I’ll be worried.

Apparently there’s some newfangled magic at minorleaguesplits.com that adjusts for luck, and says his OPS should be .766 right now. I’ll take that out of my catcher every day.

Isn't there a slanket somewhere you should be filling with your farts?

by nycredsfan on May 28, 2009 5:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

im not worried about him at all

and im still a long way from even passing judgment. we knew Mesoraco was a big ol’ project when he was drafted, and it will likely be another few years before he turns it on. if he’s 23 and still hitting like this, then i will be worried.

by Charlie Scrabbles on May 28, 2009 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree

A kid from a small, northern high school isn’t going to develop in a year or two.

by ken on May 29, 2009 7:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Neftali Soto

Soto is hitting just fine. Look at his numbers in May. They look like the rest of his career to this point. He had a rough April, but has really turned it around since then.

Also with Lotzkar, there is some concern that he hurt his arm again. I don’t think we will be seeing him anytime soon.

www.redsminorleagues.com
www.MinorLeagueNotebook.com

by dougdirt on May 28, 2009 5:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

with Soto

the walk rate has to be a pretty big concern. Its now at 3%(a career low) and its going to be hard for him to be successful with that rate.
Have you or anyone heard why Stewart was pulled from last night’s game?

by davidmac84 on May 28, 2009 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Soto and Stewart

Soto’s walk rate is a little concerning, but not nearly as much as a guy like Francisco because Soto makes a lot of contact. With that said, Soto didn’t walk at all in April. He has walked 5 times in May. He isn’t likely to be a high walk guy ever, but as long as he continues to strike out at a low rate I maintain his bat can be Aramis Ramirez like.

Stewart is not hurt or anything. The Reds are just trying to keep his innings/pitches down and he threw 100 the game before so they figured it was as good of a time as any to take him out early and pump the brakes ever so slightly on his work load. he is scheduled to pitch again Tuesday I believe.

www.redsminorleagues.com
www.MinorLeagueNotebook.com

by dougdirt on May 28, 2009 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks for the reply

great information- and obviously as you say with Soto hes extremely young.

by davidmac84 on May 28, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Photo

That pic says, I sure am tired of eating this grass; those greens look greener on the other side of the fence. Potatoes….yummmmmmm. Sort of like the Reds have been on the losing side of the fence for so long, and sure enough, it is sweeter on the winning side.

by Sparcells on May 28, 2009 6:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

NoHo?

I did not know that Norris Hopper was a “prospect.”

If so, what are his prospects?

And Adam Dunn's spirit, ranging for revenge / With Ate by his side come hot from hell, / Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice / Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war...

by Paul Householder on May 28, 2009 7:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah i was shocked to see noho as a prospect to watch

but maloney not listed, what does that guy need to do, does he need to kill a man?

Bloop

by justin007000 on May 28, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wanted to put a hitter and pitcher from each level

and since Stubbs is already on the list, nobody other than NoHo is hitting down there. Is he the future of the franchise? Probably not, but he’s hitting right now, so why not give him some props for it?

"We, as for me all seasons you are affected peculiarly in the edge of my seat and are happy concerning the fact that the Adam Dunn fan has been mixed up exactly." - Reynard-san

by BK on May 28, 2009 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you know one day the reds are gonna call up Maloney and he is gonna to me look a fool

/belisle’d

Bloop

by justin007000 on May 28, 2009 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anybody following...

…Homer vs. the Baby Beantowners?

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on May 28, 2009 8:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

since richmond no longer has the braves

do the bats play anywhere near dc? i’d like to see them. i was actually planning on seeing them in richmond this summer, but when i went to check the schedule, i sadly discovered they had moved away.

Baseball worshiped here.

by Daedalus on May 28, 2009 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is North Carolina near enough?

The Bats play the Charlotte Knights and Durham Bulls. And the Norfolk Tides.

Though I think only the Charlotte Knights series hasn’t been played yet this year.

Speaking of the Knights, they went a little nuts today. The manager was ejected, and so was second basemen (and former Red) Andy Phillips. Andyfan hasn’t trashed any Gatorade dispensers, but he does get pretty irate with the umpires. He was never like that with the Yanks, but in the minors and in spring training, it’s a different story.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on May 28, 2009 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Norfolk isn't in NC...

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on May 29, 2009 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think everyone knows that

The Charlotte series is the only one that hasn’t been played this year yet, though.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on May 29, 2009 6:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahhh, yeah.

Is that how it works? They only have one home and one away series with each team? Or are they in different divisions?

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on May 29, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wtf

Stubbs in in RF and McNugget is in CF? Rick Sweet needs an ass whoopin.

by Charlie Scrabbles on May 28, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

See my comment in the Farmers Only post

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans

by Farneyismycopilot on May 28, 2009 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wilkin Castillo

back down already. Now that’s a cup of coffee.

Did he even get to play in the big leagues?

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on May 28, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nope

but he was only up for what, 3 days?

by Charlie Scrabbles on May 28, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it probably isn't sweet's decision

i feel like minor league line up cards are drawn up by the organization, with the manager having the right to rest tired player. The Reds may also want Stubbs to get comfortable in a corner outfield spot too. Griffey said it was a tough transition from center to right, because he wasn’t use to seeing the ball from an angle, so he struggled to get good jumps.

Bloop

by justin007000 on May 28, 2009 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well

Homer only gave up two runs in 6 innings.

But 11 hits, 3 walks, and 1 SO doesn’t seem very good.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on May 28, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a good lookin' donkey

/Brantley’d

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans

by Farneyismycopilot on May 28, 2009 8:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The Mets channel

is airing a triple-A game tonight. (Actually played earlier today – it’s “encore” showing.) The Lehigh Valley IronPigs and the Buffalo Bisons.

A lotta familiar faces in this game. Jason Ellison in CF. Miguel Cairo at SS.

Gary Majewski pinch-hit, then took over as a relief pitcher. (Who does he think he is, Micah Owings?) Javier Valentin is playing 1B. Wily Mo Pena is in RF.

I’ll be going to see the Bats and the SWB Yanks tomorrow. In fact, I got tickets to the entire series. I usually don’t buy tickets before game day, but I did this time.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on May 28, 2009 9:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Were those buy three get one free?

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans

by Farneyismycopilot on May 28, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no

One was a “rain check.”

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on May 28, 2009 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AHHH

Got it. Good deal.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans

by Farneyismycopilot on May 28, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

what's an iron pig?

one that’s immune to swine flu?

Baseball worshiped here.

by Daedalus on May 28, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's a reference to pig iron

Which Lehigh Valley was known for, back when we were a manufacturing economy.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on May 28, 2009 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice to see Justin Lehr back after his tour of duty in Korea.

Bloop

by justin007000 on May 28, 2009 10:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I love Yonder Alonso

But with Votto at first will we perhaps move him to 3B, or an outfield spot?

"Carpe Diem"

by Duckerr on May 28, 2009 10:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Votto's more likely to be moved to the OF

"We, as for me all seasons you are affected peculiarly in the edge of my seat and are happy concerning the fact that the Adam Dunn fan has been mixed up exactly." - Reynard-san

by BK on May 28, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

or alfonso could be traded for another big time prospect who is blocked in his organization

Bloop

by justin007000 on May 28, 2009 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep. LF

"I just wanted to be like my dad, Jesus. He was a good shortstop.
Johan Santana

by Madville on May 28, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alonso's hittin' 'em way over yonder in the minor leagues

“Ain’t nobody that can swing like me.”

by ken on May 29, 2009 7:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the Reds' line-up ever did this I think I would shit my pants

Crestview’s Nos. 3, 4 and 5 hitters went a combined 6-for-9 with five home runs (two grand slams), 12 RBI and seven runs scored. They also walked three times (once each).

Yes. That actually happened at a regional softball game I was at today.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans

by Farneyismycopilot on May 28, 2009 10:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dickerson? Prospect?

IMO a 27 year old can’t be a prospect. He’s a fine fourth outfielder as you noted, but he’s no “prospect”.

by RampantRedsFan on May 29, 2009 9:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you

but I didn’t make the list. The list was chosen by the readers of the site before the season started.

"We, as for me all seasons you are affected peculiarly in the edge of my seat and are happy concerning the fact that the Adam Dunn fan has been mixed up exactly." - Reynard-san

by BK on May 29, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs