Hitter of the Day:
Hudson Potts, 3B, San Diego Padres (Low-A Fort Wayne): 2-4, R, 2B, HR, RBI, 2 K
We’re getting down to the dregs here in terms of still-happening playoff series providing options here, but Potts had himself yet another nice night at the dish. Heck, we might as well rename this site Hudson Potts Prospectus, what with all the hot Potts #content we’ve been churning out lately. You want some notes from the field? Boom. Or maybe you’re a longer-form fella or gal? Boom. There’s a bunch of youthful impatience underlying his present approach, but he just hit his 20th dinger as an 18-year-old in full-season ball, so perhaps some patience is warranted here.
Pitcher of the Day:
Michel Baez, RHP, San Diego Padres (Low-A Fort Wayne): 5 IP, 2 H, BB, 7 K
Doin’ his part in a three-hit shutout to clinch a playoff series, because that’s how Michel Baez do. Between Baez’s Low-A breakout and Doug Fister’s restored juju, 2017 has been the Year of the 6-Foot-8 Right-Hander. In case you missed it, there are NSFW .gifs of Baez’s work available for your viewing pleasure here. Don’t operate heavy machinery after watching.
Other Prospects of Note:
Nate Pearson, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (Short-Season Vancouver): 4 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K
The 28th overall pick in June has the kind of straight cheddar that’s a bit much for short-season hitters, as the 11 measly hits he’s allowed through his first 28 pro innings can attest. Now, can he consistently harness his 6-foot-6, 245-pound frame and keep those triple-digit laser beams honed in the strike zone? Well, we’ll all learn that together. So far, however, he’s done a reasonable job.
Jesus Luzardo, LHP, Oakland Athletics (Short-Season Vermont): 5 IP, H, BB, 5 K
Yes, they’ve mostly been three- and four-inning affairs as he’s worked his way back from Tommy John, but Luzardo has allowed more than one run in exactly one of his 13 turns this season (he allowed two in that lone start). Most recently he’s been dominating exclusively on my nights holding down this here fort.
Cory Abbott, RHP, Chicago Cubs (Short-Season Eugene): 3 IP, H, 2 BB, 3 K
Abbott’s draft stock improved about as much as anybody’s in the country this past spring, with a shiny new slider delivering the goods during a perfect game in March and ultimately landing him in the second round in June. Deception righties aren’t generally afforded a ton of slack, but Abbott’s stuff has played effectively in his first taste of pro ball.
Andy Yerzy, C, Arizona Diamondbacks (Rookie Missoula): 2-4, R, HR, 2 RBI
And now Yerzy’s also stalking me. He’s been crushing the ball throughout the season’s second half, making strides with his approach while tapping into a bunch of power.
Leonardo Rivas, SS, Anaheim Angels (Rookie Orem): 1-4, R, 3B, K
If you dig scrappy underdogs, Rivas might just be the dude for you. The 19-year-old former J2 signee tips the scales at a buck-fifty soaking wet, but that hasn’t stopped him from walking 59 times (to 45 whiffs) across Rookie ball and a taste of full-season. A heady player with a wildly keen eye, Rivas will no doubt be challenged to maintain his approach without significant strength gains as he moves up the ladder, but the foundations for an excellent hit tool are present. He’s a solid runner with a good feel for picking his spots, and the defensive instincts are on point at the six, too. It’s an open question as to whether the arm’ll ever get strong enough to keep him on the left side, however.
Thank you for reading
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