Hitter of the Day
Eloy Jiménez, OF, Chicago Cubs (Mesa Solar Sox) 1-3, 2B. The Solar Sox will play in the championship game, which means Jiménez will likely get just a smidge more playing time, but if this were his last game of 2016 it’s a solid end to a spectacular season. Jiménez busted out with a loud and productive season at Low-A South Bend. Double-plus raw power, still room to add some more strength, solid contact skills, what’s not to like?
Pitcher of the Day
Michael Kopech, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Surprise Saguaros) 5 IP, 2 RA, 1 BB, 6 SO. Kopech throws hard; I saw him touching 100 mph with a fastball that still had wiggle to it. His effort is similarly hard, which casts some doubt on his ability to start, but regardless this is a profile backed up with big-time stuff and he’ll get outs in the majors no matter the role.
Best of the Rest
Nick Tanielu, 2B/3B, Houston Astros (Glendale Desert Dogs) 2-4, 2B. Tanielu produced well in the Arizona Fall League, but as I illustrated yesterday I don’t see much in the way of a major-league player. He’s organizational depth for me.
Cody Bellinger, 1B/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Glendale Desert Dogs) 1-3, 2B, BB, SO. Bellinger’s game is so visceral and easy to appreciate. He swings hard and when he connects the ball goes very, very far. He isn’t done growing yet, he has more room for muscle on his frame, and there’s every likelihood he can reach double-plus raw power.
Francis Martes, RHP, Houston Astros (Glendale Desert Dogs) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 RA, 2 BB, 7 SO. Martes had an up-and-down season in 2016, so it’s good to see the talented righty end it on an up note. Martes’ mechanics and command can slip, creating risk within the profile. His arsenal can be special, though, making the risk worth it.
Travis Demeritte, 2B, Atlanta Braves (Salt River Rafters) 2-4, 2B, HR. Demeritte has some pop and shows a solid approach at the plate. The overall profile isn’t sexy, but if the power manifests he can be a solid player.
Franklin Barreto, SS, Oakland Athletics (Mesa Solar Sox) 2-5. He’s a talented player with a quick trigger and power potential. Where he fits on the diamond is still a question mark.
Bradley Zimmer, OF, Cleveland Indians (Mesa Solar Sox) 2-3, 2B. Zimmer was on the schneid for the better part of 2016. He had a weird AFL year hitting for power and drawing walks, but hitting for a low average. Zimmer’s glove is ahead of his bat at this point.
Yairo Munoz, SS, Oakland Athletics (Mesa Solar Sox) 2-4, 3B. Solid night for a hard-swinging shortstop prospect. He stings the ball well, just needs to scale back the aggressiveness.
Fight Another Day
JaCoby Jones, OF, Detroit Tigers (Salt River Rafters) 0-4, 2 SO. Tough way to end the year for Jones. He has speed, but it doesn’t show up defensively and he has work to do with the bat still.
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