Minor League Update: Games of April 24

Hitter of the Day:

Edwin Rios, CIF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Double-A, Tulsa): 5-5, 2 2B, 4 RBI
The heartthrob of one Mr. Wilson Karaman, Rios has plus to better raw power and can utilize it in games, but he has a lot of swing and miss and is likely to be a 1B only given his 20 run and lack of quickness at 3B.

Pitcher of the Day:

Spencer Adams, RHP, Chicago White Sox (Double-A, Birmingham): 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 10K
Hey remember this guy? While the body hasn’t filled out as hoped, and he now pitches with an average fastball, he throws a ton of strikes. While this is good, he does offer an above-average slider and changeup as swing-and-miss pitches.

Other Notable Performances:

Travis Eckert, RHP, Kansas City Royals (Low-A, Lexington): 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, BB, 5 K
While not much of a prospect, Eckert pitches with an above-average fastball and throws lots of strikes. His curveball shows some promise as a future average offering.

Chance Adams, RHP, New York Yankees (Double-A, Trenton): 5 2/3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
Adams’ fastball and slider are both plus to better offerings and he could have been fast-tracked as a reliever. But the Yankees gave him a rotation spot and has not looked back and could be a No. 3/4 starting pitcher option.

Keury Mella, RHP, Cincinnati Reds (Double-A, Pensacola): 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, BB, 4 K
When I saw Mella last year, I was skeptical of him in a starting rotation spot given his lack of control at times for his sinker/slider combo and thought he was more of a fit for the bullpen. While those struggles do appear from time to time, he has looked better in Double-A.

Conner Greene, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (Double-A, New Hampshire): 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB, 4 K
A much better outing than his others to start the season, the key for Greene is throwing more strikes. His fastball is really good and he has the makings of a rotation stalwart, but if his control issues continue to plague him, he will end up in the bullpen.

Daniel Brito, SS, Philadelphia Phillies (Low-A, Lakewood): 3-5, R, 2 K
Brito, who signed for $650K in 2014 looks to be a very talented hitter. He barrels up a lot, and while he lacks strength now, he is still 19 and has the body to add muscle without losing flexibility.

J.P. Sportman, 2B, Oakland Athletics (Double-A, Midland): 2-5, 3 R, HR, 3 RBI, K
While this is the first time his name has been mentioned here, I hope it isn’t the last because that is a great name.

Jake Rogers, C, Houston Astros (Low-A, Quad Cities): 2-3, 3 R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, BB, K
Rogers, a third-rounder in 2016 from Tulane, is a no doubt catcher. He has a 70 arm, and projects to be a plus defender behind the plate. While he has power and can work a walk, he can get pull happy and lacks premium bat speed.

Ray Henderson-Lozano, 2B/C, Houston Astros (Low-A, Quad Cities): 2-5, 2 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI, K
Besides being the owner of a great moustache, I do not have anything else to offer for Mr. Henderson-Lozano. But good job last night.

Joe Rizzo, 3B, Seattle Mariners (Low-A, Clinton): 4-5, 2B, 2 RBI
While small in size, Rizzo can hit a baseball. He has plus bat speed, great hand-eye coordination, and an advanced approach at the plate. He isn’t lacking in strength as he has loft and punch to potentially be an average power hitter. He just lacks a position and isn’t a great runner, leaving his ultimate defensive home up in the air.

Greg Allen, OF, Cleveland Indians (Double-A, Akron): 2-5, R, RBI, 2 SB
Allen looks to fit in the fourth outfielder box as he features plus speed, plus defense, and a potential above-average hit tool. He can play all over and has a discernable eye, which has helped him in his initial foray into Double-A.

Fight Another Day:

John Norwood, OF, Miami Marlins (Double-A, Jacksonville): 0-4, 3 K
When watching Norwood last year, a scout told me he believed that Norwood was a potential 20-20 guy in the outfield. I disagreed.

Kohl Stewart, RHP, Minnesota Twins (Double-A, Chatanooga): 3 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
Oh Kohl, where art thou?