November 6, 2009

Minor League Update

by Kevin Goldstein

From overrated to underrated?

Wilin Rosario, C, Rockies (AFL: Scottsdale)
Yesterday's stats:3-for-4, 2 HR (3), 3 R, 3 RBI, SB

After a breakout year in the Pioneer League in 2008, Rosario hit just .266/.297/.404 at High-A Modesto this season, but there are plenty of mitigating factors, as he was one of the youngest players in the league at the toughest position and constantly beset by injuries. He clearly found a grove towards the end of the season, batting .319/.365/.507 after the break, and now he's swinging the bat well in Arizona. Ignore the overall numbers; he's still an outstanding catching prospect.

More convincing than ever

Andrew Cashner, RHP, Cubs (AFL: Mesa)
Yesterday's stats: 4 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

After giving up three runs over two innings in his first start for the Solar Sox, Cashner has given up just one in his last three—a span of 11 2/3 innings. The 2008 first-round pick has been sitting at 93-97 mph with his fastball, to go with his plus to plus-plus slider and, arguably more importantly, he's been throwing a ton of strikes, including 35 of 49 pitches on Thursday. The debates as to his future being a reliever or starter still goes on, but more and more are ending up on the side of the latter.

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