Today on the off day, we'll take a look at who's hot right now in the minor leagues and recap the weekend's games. To judge the hitters we're looking at who's performed the best so far in June (min 25 AB or 10 IP).
Who's Hot (Hitters)
-
10. Juan Francisco (3B, AA Carolina) - June stats: .288/.351/.519, .870 OPS
El Nino Destructor's OPS is still pretty high because 3 of his 15 hits in June so far have been homers. His 12 round-trippers are good for 2nd in the Reds minor league system so far.
-
9. Drew Stubbs (CF, AAA Louisville) - June stats: .357/.391/.500, .891 OPS
Wow, that line would look pretty nice in the major league outfield right about now, wouldn't it? He's the most ready prospect the Reds have, and really needs a shot at the next level.
After an abysmal April and a pedestrian May, Dorn has come on lately in a big way. He should continue to play everyday in AAA, and could potentially position himself for a September callup with a strong su
mmer.
Frazier is picking up right where he left off in May, and one has to wonder what this guy needs to do to get a shot in AAA with Luis Bolivar and Michael Griffin manning 3rd for the Bats right now.
-
6. Denis Phipps (OF, A+ Sarasota) - June stats: .353/.452/.529, .981 OPS
A former undrafted FA and Midwest League All-Star last season, Phipps is putting together a quietly nice season in Sarasota, and sadly, is the only S-Red on this list.
-
5. Zachary Cozart (SS, AA Carolina) - June stats: .313/.421/.604, 1.025 OPS
Our current Featured Farmhand, after struggling a bit in May, Cozart is back in a big way. He's also gained his power stroke, hitting 4 of his 6 HRs in June.
-
4. Chris Heisey (CF, AA Carolina) - June stats: .313/.389/.667, 1.056 OPS
This is probably the first list of this kind that Heisey hasn't been at the top of. The difference between Heisey and the other guys on this list? This is his worst month so far.
-
3. Danny Richar (IF, AAA Louisville) - June stats: .433/.452/.633, 1.085 OPS
The lost part of the Griffey/Masset deal, Richar is on fire in June. He's likely not the answer long-term, but I'd rather see him on the roster right now over Alex Gonzalez.
-
2. Wes Bankston (3B/1B, AAA Louisville) - June stats: .372/.426/.721, 1.146 OPS
7 of his 16 hits so far this month have gone for extra bases. I'm not very convinced that he can cut it in the big leagues, but he's got the hot bat right now.
-
1. Drew Sutton (IF, AAA Louisville) - June stats: .294/.442/.706, 1.148 OPS
Here's the guy I'd like to see in red as soon as possible. The return from the Jeff Keppinger deal, Sutton is tearing the cover off the ball, and would make a terrific replacement for Adam Rosales.
Honorable Mention: Devin Mesoraco (C, Sarasota), Kevin Coddington (C, Dayton), Darnell McDonald (seriously)
Who's Hot (Starters)
-
T5. Lance Janke (LHP, A- Dayton) - 2.25 ERA in 12 IP
A 14th rounder last year, Janke has spent this season switching between the rotation and the bullpen. He's been pretty solid so far.
-
T5. Ramon Ramirez (RHP, AAA Louisville) - 2.25 ERA in 12 IP
In his 4 starts in Louisville after his stint in Cincinnati, 3 of them have been quality. Hitters are hitting just .213 off of him in June.
-
T3. Zach Stewart (RHP, AA Carolina) - 1.00 ERA in 18 IP
Stewart has picked up right where he left off in Sarasota and is putting together a fine season. His ERA in AA so far is 0.62 in 5 starts.
-
T3. Josh Ravin (RHP, A- Dayton) - 1.00 ERA in 18 IP
After struggling earlier in the season, Ravin's been great lately. Last year's 14th round pick, he may be on the move when the new prospects arrive in Dayton.
-
2. Homer Bailey (RHP, AAA Louisville) - 0.39 ERA in 23.1 IP
Homer has been dominant so far in June. His control has been very good as well, with 23 strikeouts to just 4 walks.
-
1. Travis Wood (LHP, AA Carolina) - 0.00 ERA in 22 IP
Woody is putting together an awesome season. He deserves a shot at the next level more than anyone right now, but there's a logjam of starters in Louisville right now.
Relievers who haven't given up a run yet in June (min 5 IP)
- Logan Ondrusek (AA Carolina) - 9 IP
- Joseph Krebs (A+ Sarasota) - 9 IP
- Sean Watson (AA Carolina) - 8 IP
- Josh Roenicke (AAA Louisville) - 5.2 IP
- Robert Manuel (AAA Louisville) - 5.1 IP
Weekend Recap:
- Louisville won both games in Columbus over the weekend. On Saturday they won 7-2 in a game where our very own Charlie Scrabbles was in attendance. Drew Stubbs, Wes Bankston, and Darnell McDonald all had 3 hits for the Bats, and Justin Lehr pitched a complete game 3-hitter for his 8th win of the season. In Sunday's game, the Bats won 7-5. Sam Lecure started the game and kept the Bats close, and Robert Manuel, Pedro Viola, and Josh Roenicke shut the Clippers down with 4 scoreless innings of relief. Danny Richar and Drew Stubbs had 3 hits each, and Wes Bankston hit his 11th HR of the season. Up next: Ben Jukich takes on Norfolk at 7:05.
- Carolina lost 10-3 on Saturday against West Tenn. Jordan Smith struggled in his start, and Jerry Gil broke the game open in relief, giving up 3 runs in 2/3 of an inning. Chris Heisey went 2-for-5 with his 12th HR of the year to lead the offense, and Jose Castro went 2-for-4. In Sunday's action, the Mudcats won 4-3 on a strong start from Dallas Buck, fresh off the DL. He only went 4 inning but giving up 2 runs on 4 hits in his first start back is a good sign. Sean Watson pitched 3 one-hit innings to get the win in relief. Sean Henry was the star for the offense, going 4-for-4. Chris Heisey hit his 13th HR of the year too. Up next: The Mudcats played today at noon and (spoiler alert) they won 2-0 in 5. More details to come tomorrow.
- Sarasota split a pair of games against Lakeland. They lost on Saturday 7-1, as starter Travis Webb got lit up. Jake Kahaulelio went 2-for-4 and drove in the S-Reds only run. On Sunday, they won 11-7, behind a 3-run HR from Neftali Soto. Jake Kahaulelio, Jason Bour, and Mariekson Gregorius had 3 hits each, and Rafael Gonzalez pitched a quality start for his 1st win of the season. Up next: Luis Montano takes on Clearwater at 7.
- Dayton split their games over the weekend as well. On Saturday, they lost to Fort Wayne 7-2. Matt Fairel got lit up and Andrew Means went 2-for-4 with a run batted in. On Sunday, they dismantled Lansing 13-0 behind 6 shutout innings from Josh Ravin. Ravin struck out 8 and walked 2 while only giving up 2 hits. Byron Wiley hit a grand slam for the Dragons, and David Sappelt was 2-for-4 with a 3-run shot. Up next: Curt Partch takes on Lansing at 7.
- Roster Moves: Reilever Mark Pawelek was assigned to Sarasota. He was the Cubs first rounder in 2005.