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Minor leeague executives answer t actually happens more than one might
Scoreboard ............................... ....
...............
................................ 377 think. By my count, there are 21 players
the burnning questions for 2017 ...................... 20 NEXT ISSUE who made a teams Top 10 in the 2017
INTERN
NATIONAL MARCH MADNESS Prospect Handbook who were eligible for the
In addition to every Opening Day
2016 list but did not crack the Top 30.
We wrapp up the World Baseball Classic roster, we'll also take a look at the
Most of the players who make that jump are
with waall-to-wall coverage ............................ 16 Rockies Riley Pint and the Red Soxs
like Stubbs. The typical profile of players who
Jason Groometwo of the sports most
go from unranked to Top 10 is pretty straight-
PAG E 14 intriguing arms making their full-season
PAG E 5 forward. It happens largely for international
debuts. Well also have complete cover-
signees (who usually dont even get to play a
age of all the talent from this year's
pro game before they are eligible for their first
National High School Invitational and
CLIFF WELCH
archives
as his career at Southern California was, he
FROM THE slid to the eighth round as a senior because
scouts worried about his small frame.
In his pro debut, Stubbs played in 36 games,
racking up 118 at-bats. While scouts liked his
MAY 2, defense and his advanced understanding of
1999 catching, nothing in that limited look dem-
onstrated that he was a Top 30 Prospect in a
very deep Astros farm system.
IN THIS ISSUE: A year later, Stubbs still wows scouts with
Six-foot-10 Mariners his defense but hes now shown he can do
pitching phenom Ryan that and hit, with a .304/.391/.469 stat line
Anderson always stands between high Class A and Double-A. Stubbs
ESTABLISHED 1981 P.O. Box 12877, Durham, NC 27709 Phone (919) 682-9635
EDITORIAL
EDITOR IN CHIEF John Manuel @johnmanuelba
MANAGING EDITOR J.J. Cooper @jjcoop36
JUPITER, FLA. leagues, where the brothers will stare each ASSOCIATE EDITORS Matt Eddy @matteddyba
Kyle Glaser @KyleAGlaser
Eric Zimmer keeps other down from a distance of 60 feet, 6 NEWS EDITOR Josh Norris @jnorris427
a busy schedule as an inches. Its a more novel occurrence than you WEB EDITOR Vincent Lara-Cinisomo @vincelara
SENIOR WRITER Ben Badler @benbadler
anesthesiologist in San might think. NATIONAL WRITERS Hudson Belinsky @hudsonbelinsky
Diego, but hell break Teddy Cahill @tedcahill
free whenever possible A Small Fraternity ASSISTANT EDITOR Michael Lananna @mlananna
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Carlos Collazo @CarlosACollazo
to travel to Arizona in Baseball brother acts are part of the fabric PRODUCTION
March to spend time of the game. The DiMaggios, Alous, Boyers, DESIGN & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Sara Hiatt McDaniel
with his two sons. Kyle Alomars and Molinas made their marks as
Jerry
MULTIMEDIA MANAGER Linwood Webb
is a righthander in the position players, and the Perrys, Niekros, ADVERTISING
Crasnick Royals system and
Bradley is an outfielder
Martinezes, Forsches and Deans achieved suc-
cess as pitchers. According to the Society for
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
DIGITAL SALES MANAGER
George Shelton
Larry Sarzyniak
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Edward Richards
Baseball Writer, in the Indians chain, American Baseball Research, there have also MARKETING MANAGER Abbey Langdon
ESPN.com
and its a treat for them been 15 pitcher-catcher brother batteries in BUSINESS
jerrycrasnick
@baseballamerica.com to meet up at the end the major leagues since 1876. The most note- CUSTOMER SERVICE Ronnie McCabe, Nicholas Johnson
of a long day of Cactus worthy: Rick and Wes Ferrell of the Red Sox, ACCOUNTANT Hailey Carpenter
TECHNOLOGY MANAGER Brent Lewis
League baseball with an Mort and Walker Cooper of the Cardinals
assurance that dad will pick up the tab. and Norm and Larry Sherry of the Dodgers. COLUMNISTS
JERRY CRASNICK ESPN
After one recent 90-degree grind, Kyle The Zimmers have a chance to achieve a PETER GAMMONS MLB Network
brought a couple of friends from Royals camp more unusual feat: Theyre trying to become TRACY RINGOLSBY MLB.com
JAYSON STARK ESPN
to a combination restaurant-bowling alley- the fifth brother tandem in more than 50
billiards-and-laser-tag-emporium called the years to square off when one is primarily a WHERE TO DIRECT QUESTIONS
BACK ISSUES To order back issues, visit https//www.
Main Event in the Phoenix suburbs. pitcher and the other a position player. Cory circsource.com/store/storeBackIssues.html
Its sort of an overgrown Dave & Busters, and Colby Rasmus, Ruddy and Julio Lugo, ADVERTISING george.shelton@baseballamerica.com
COLLEGES ted.cahill@baseballamerica.com
Eric said. We played some video games and Ken and George Brett and the Sherry brothers DESIGN/PRODUCTION sara.mcdaniel@baseballamerica.com
BILL MITCHELL
yukked it up and unwound a little bit. Then are the only siblings who fit the description DRAFT hudson.belinsky@baseballamerica.com
HIGH SCHOOLS hudson.belinsky@baseballamerica.com
youre done and you come out of the parking going all the way back to the early 1960s. INDEPENDENT LEAGUES jj.cooper@baseballamerica.com
lot and one of them turns left to go back to his The intra-family rivalry remains a motiva- INTERNATIONAL ben.badler@baseballamerica.com
MAJOR LEAGUES matt.eddy@baseballamerica.com
complex, and the other one turns right to go tional force as the brothers navigate the upper After having thoracic-outlet surgery last year, MINOR LEAGUES/BUSINESS josh.norris@baseballamerica.com
to his. And dad gets to stand there with a big reaches of the minors. Kyle needs to conquer Kyle Zimmer feels like his old self this spring PROSPECTS kyle.glaser@baseballamerica.com
smile and be thankful and grateful that this is an exasperating run of health issues, and REPRINTS
SUBSCRIPTIONS/CUSTOMER SERVICE
sara.mcdaniel@baseballamerica.com
ronnie.mccabe@baseballamerica.com
even happening. Bradley needs to refine his swing and make The Indians selected Bradley, who, like Kyle, WEBSITE vince.lara@baseballamerica.com
In the Zimmer familys dream scenario, more consistent contact. But theyre anxious attended the University of San Francisco, with CORRESPONDENTS
all roads will eventually converge in the big to apply the finishing touches and go head- the 21st overall pick in 2014. BILL BALLEW Asheville, N.C.; SHI DAVIDI Sportsnet Canada; MIKE DIGIOVANNA
to-head as professionals. Los Angeles Times; BOB DUTTON Tacoma News Tribune; ALAN ESKEW Topeka, Kan.;
Absolutely, weve talked about it, Eric Seizing The Day JACK ETKIN Denver; DERRICK GOOLD St. Louis Post-Dispatch; WAYNE GRACZYK The
Japan Times; SCOT GREGOR Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Ill.); TOM HAUDRICOURT
said. Well get calls from reporters or their If theres a different, more optimistic tone Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; JIM INGRAHAM Cleveland; CHRIS IOTT MLive Media
Group (Detroit); JAKE KAPLAN Houston Chronicle; GEORGE KING New York Post;
old coaches will say, We cant wait to see in Kyle Zimmers voice this spring, its because STEVE KRONER San Francisco Chronicle; ROCH KUBATKO MASNSports.com
when you guys face each other. And very his body is finally telling him what he wants (Baltimore); LACY LUSK Washington, D.C.; PHIL MILLER Minneapolis Star-Tribune;
BILL MITCHELL Tempe, Ariz.; JOHN PERROTTO Pittsburgh; NICK PIECORO Arizona
quickly you can see that gleam in their eye. It to hear. The old aches and doubts have sub- Republic; BILL PLUNKETT Orange County (Calif.) Register; MIKE PUMA New York
takes them back to when they were a 12-year- sided and he feels the ball coming out of his Post; C. TRENT ROSECRANS Cincinnati Enquirer; HARVEY SAHKER Toronto; JEFF
SANDERS San Diego Union-Tribune; JIM SALISBURY Comcast Sportsnet/csnphilly.com;
old versus an 11-year-old racing down the hand with more fluidity, the way it did in ALEX SPEIER Boston Globe; CASEY TEFERTILLER San Bruno, Calif.; MARC TOPKIN
beach in La Jolla. Its game on, and family more promising times. Tampa Bay Times; WALTER VILLA Miami; JEFF WILSON Fort Worth Star-Telegram;
GORDON WITTENMYER Chicago Sun-Times
bragging rights are on the line. Instead of just getting through the day, Im
getting up and attacking the day, he said. Its STATISTICAL SERVICE
One-Man M*A*S*H Unit the difference between getting up and saying, MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ADVANCED MEDIA
When the Royals signed Kyle for $3 mil- Oh, gosh, I hope I can get through today,
lion as the fifth overall pick in the 2012 draft, and saying, Lets go. Lets get after this. BASEBALL AMERICA ENTERPRISES
they were convinced he was better than Mark Nevertheless, the Royals dispatched Kyle
Appel, Kevin Gausman or any of the other to minor league camp after just 2.1 innings
college pitchers that year. General manager with the big club, and hes in the process of CHAIRMAN & CEO Gary Green
Dayton Moore, who previously worked in the building innings and arm strength against a PRESIDENT Larry Botel
Braves organization, watched him pitch and backdrop of skepticism. The spring has been GENERAL COUNSEL
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Matthew Pace
Amy Heart
was reminded of a young Adam Wainwright. more eventful for Bradley, who made a splash INVESTOR RELATIONS Michele Balfour
Then Kyle was beset by a mind-numbing in Clevelands spring training opener when he DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Joan Disalvo
PARTNERS Jon Ashley
run of injuries that forced him to dig deep for launched an opposite-field home run while Stephen Alepa
resolve. He had bone chips surgically removed his grandmother Cathy shouted her approval Martie Cordaro
Brian Rothschild
in 2012, spent time on the disabled list with from the Goodyear Ballpark stands. Andrew Fox
elbow tendinitis in 2013 and spent much of The brothers shared an apartment dur- Maurice Haroche
Dan Waldman
the next two seasons recovering from surgery ing Cactus League play in 2016, but theyve Sonny Kalsi
to repair his right shoulder labrum and rota- branched out this spring. Kyle is rooming Glenn Isaacson
Robert Hernreich
tor cuff. Last summer, when Kyle thought with Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield Craig Amazeen
his problems were finally behind him, he was and a minor leaguer, while Bradley is staying Peter Ruprecht
Beryl Snyder
diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome at the team hotel in Goodyear. The 20-mile Tom Steiglehner
the same malady that ended Mets starter Matt drive is far enough for them to spread their
Harveys season in July. Zimmer had surgery wings, yet close enough to have dinner when
in August to fix the problem. their schedules permit.
MANAGING PARTNER David Geaslen
Going through it is the worst thing in the After rough days, they commiserate. And CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Jonathan Segal
world, Kyle said. You can ask anybody whos when things go well, theyre more embold- CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Sue Murphy
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL CONTENT Tom Johnson
been injured for an extended period of time. It ened to focus on the ultimate goaldisplac-
rips out part of you. That competitive spirit is ing those pesky Rasmus brothers as the latest BASEBALL AMERICA (ISSN 0745-5372/USPS 591-210) April 7, 2017, Vol. 37, No. 9 is
published bi-weekly with a double issue in August and December, 24 issues per year, by
fighting to get out and its at bay for so long. pitcher/hitter big league brother tandem. Baseball America Enterprises, LLC, 4319 South Alston Ave, Suite 103, Durham, NC 27713.
Its awesome to watch your teammates suc- My impression right now is that theyre Subscription rate is $92.95 for one year; Canada $118.95 (U.S. funds); all other foreign
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ceed, but you want to be out there with them. both planning on Major League Baseball offices. Occasionally our subscriber list is made available to reputable firms offering goods
Like it or not, youre forced to learn patience. careers, Eric said. Theyre not just saying, and services we believe would be of interest to our readers. If you prefer to be excluded,
While Bradley was hitting .250 with 15 Hey, its been fun to get to Double-A or please send your current address label and a note requesting to be excluded from these
promotions to Baseball America Enterprises, LLC, 4319 South Alston Ave, Suite 103,
home runs and 38 stolen bases between Triple-A, and if it doesnt work out, thats Durham, NC 27713, Attn Privacy Coordinator.
Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus last OK. They have the skills, the talent and the POSTMASTER SEND all UAA to CFS (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NONPOSTAL & MILITARY
season, Kyle watched his games via computer readiness, and they both feel like they belong. FACILITIES send address corrections to Baseball America, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast,
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and passed along observations. If he couldnt From the moment they first kicked up sand Solutions, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. Please contact 1-800-381-1288 to start
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helping his brother progress. theyve had a lifetime to prepare. 2017 BY BASEBALL AMERICA ENTERPRISES, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE USA.
CLIFF WELCH
Steve Sanders from Cheringtons regime to run the scouting And if David Prices elbow issue lasts two or three months
department. or longerinto the season, then the Blue Jays think they have
Most important of all, Shapiro built respect between uni- a better rotation than the Red Sox. Aaron Sanchezs sinker Aaron Sanchez has true No. 1 starter upside with his turbo sinker
formed and non-uniformed personnel. He knew from Atkins makes him, as Gibbons said, an elite No. 1 starter. He is
work with the Indians that he has a remarkable ability to supported by J.A. Happ, Marco Estrada, Marcus Stroman like its 1996 all over again . . . They can trade for whomever
connect and communicate with everyone. The same is true of and Francisco Liriano, who if you talk to scouts in Florida, is they choose, and they are whittling down the payroll so they
Cherington. The same is true of holdover assistant GM Tony throwing as well as anyone here. can sign Bryce Harper or Nolan Arenado or Manny Machado
LaCava, who also worked for Shapiro in Cleveland, and farm The Blue Jays know Boston has star power, but David Ortiz after 2018. Brian Cashman has done an incredible job.
director Gil Kim. has left, and if Price and Drew Pomeranz have elbow problems, By then the Orioles might be relying on a weak farm system
To build an organization that can sustain its culture and the Red Sox have little rotation depth. The Orioles have a sus- to live year to year. The Red Sox plan to continue trading off
build accountability and values in developing players is essen- pect rotation but hit a lot of homers. The Yankee rotation is to young players to try to win in their 2016-19 window, while
tial, Shapiro said. The game is more than raw talent or num- be determined, but Masahiro Tanaka is a dominator. trying to extend Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts. Then they
bers. So were trying to build, develop and win simultaneously. So Shapiro and his front office have to focus on the now must figure out how to rebuild their pitching staff with a frac-
Several organizations have accomplished this kind of multi- and devote themselves to building a sustainable organization. tion of their former minor league talent pool to trade.
tasking that is so different from the 1980s and 90s. Theo They understand that after this year or 2018 that Bautista and But by 2020, the Blue Jays will have had four years of build-
Epstein accomplished it with the Red Sox and Cubs by build- Martin could face leaner times in their mid- to late 30s. ing their culture, one that can be sustained when they can draw
ing, developing and winning simultaneously. Other examples As one National League GM said: By 2019 the Yankees (and 3.5 million fans each year and when a million sets of eyes watch
include Dayton Moore (Royals), Neal Huntington (Pirates), their No. 2 farm system) are going to be beginning another run across Canada every night.
global roots of MLB in the big leagues since 1995, when Hideo
Nomo became a sensation with the Dodgers.
The first Japanese big leaguer was pitcher
Masanori Murakami with the 1964 Giants.
DENVER Marichal (inducted 1983) and Pedro Martinez Q Australia has produced 30 big leagu-
When it comes to the (2015)and at least four more are on the ers, including four who appeared last year,
World Baseball Classic, horizon: Vladimir Guerrero, David Ortiz, notably relievers Liam Hendriks and Peter
it is vogue to root for Adrian Beltre and Albert Pujols. Moylan.
the underdogs. If those Q Venezuela has produced 358 big leagu- Q Korea has had 22 big leaguers, including
underdogs succeed, ers, including 102 who were active last year. nine who played last year. Among them is
then interest builds on Known for shortstopsincluding the likes the Rangers Shin-Soo Choo. Chan Ho Park
Tracy an international level,
and that could mean
of Luis Aparicio, Ozzie Guillen and Omar
Vizquelthe country has also shown some
became the first Korean big leaguer in 1994.
Q Colombia has produced 20 big leagu-
Ringolsby making inroads into thunder. The Tigers Miguel Cabrera already ers, six of whom were in the big leagues last
Columnist, areas where baseball has holds the Venezuelan record with 446 home year, including top-line starting pitchers Julio
MLB.com been an afterthought. runs. The Mariners Felix Hernandez has Teheran and Jose Quintana. Edgar Renteria,
Thats why it was become the countrys top big league pitcher. the manager of Colombias WBC team, hit
so encouraging to see Q Puerto Rico has produced 257 big leagu- .286 in his career with 140 home runs. In
Israel go undefeated in the opening round of ers, 26 of whom appeared in the big leagues 1974, Angels shortstop Orlando Ramirez
this years WBC, though its Cinderella dreams last year. Roberto Clemente became the first Felix Hernandez will pass Freddy Garcia this year became the first native of Colombia to appear
turned into a pumpkin in the second round. player born outside the U.S. to be inducted to establish a wins record for a Venezuelan pitcher in the big leagues since 1902.
Its why the Netherlands advancing to the into the Hall of Fame (1973). He has been Q The Kingdom of the Netherlands has
final four in 2013 and repeating the feat in joined by Orlando Cepeda (1999), Roberto including 14 who appeared in the big leagues had 12 big leaguers, including young mid-
this installment is cause for inspiration. Alomar (2011) and Ivan Rodriguez (2017). last yearbut there is a catch. Mexico has dle infielders who grew up in Dutch ter-
Consider, there has never even been a major Q Canada has produced 246 big leaguers, its own professional leagues in the summer ritories in the Caribbeansuch as Xander
league player who was born in Israel. At the 13 of whom played in the big leagues last year. and winter, and until the breakthrough of Bogaerts, Didi Gregorius, Jurickson Profar
other extreme is the United States, where Ferguson Jenkins became the first Canadian Fernando Valenzuela in 1981, the players and Jonathan Schoopas well as Hall of
baseball is the national pastime. Hall of Famer. Larry Walker is the most from Mexico were leery about coming to the Fame pitcher Bert Blyleven.
And then there are the 14 other countries dynamic Canadian to play in the big leagues. U.S. and playing in the minor leagues. The Q Taiwan has had 11 players appear in the
who participated in this years WBC, each Q Cuba has produced 199 big leaguers, greatest Mexican player in history, Hector big leagues, including three last season. Chin-
with their own unique history of big leaguers: including 29 who appeared last season. The Espino, played just 32 minor league games Feng Chen was the first to make it to the
Q The Dominican Republic has produced production of players, however, has been in the U.S. He hit a Mexican-record 484 majors with the 2002 Dodgers.
more big leaguers (669) than any country limited because of the relations between Cuba home runs in his career, all but three in Q Italy has had seven players appear in the
other than the U.S. and had 130 appear and the U.S. Tony Perez, however, was elected Mexico. Those came when he signed with the big leagues, most notably Alex Liddi, cur-
in a big league game last year. The D.R. to the Hall of Fame in 2000. Cardinals late in the 1964 season and played rently a Mexican Leaguer who played with
also produced two Hall of FamersJuan Q Mexico has produced 121 big leaguers, 32 games at Triple-A Jacksonville. Seattle from 2011-13.
April 721, 2017 BaseballAmerica.com
7
PERSPECTIVE Early mock
BILL MITCHELL
draft history. room for deal-cutting for teams and agents. 3. PADRES. ROYCE LEWIS, SS/OF, JSERRA
One of course is Hunter Greene, the right- Second, many of the teams are under new HIGH, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIF.:
hander and infielder out of Notre Dame High management. Eight of the top 10 teams in the Everyone expects the Padres and GM A.J.
in Sherman Oaks, Calif., who has earned draft have changed general managers in the Preller to try to do what it takes to push Scouts prefer Hunter Greene on the mound, but
some Dwight Gooden comparisons from last three years, including Minnesota, picking Greene down to them at No. 3, but Lewis is hes a legit prospect as a power-hitting infielder
scouts, hit 102 mph this spring and also has No. 1, where Derek Falvey and Thad Levine an athletic bonanza and a potentially explo-
the power to be a legit hitting prospect. If the have taken over the front office with Sean sive consolation prize. However, he was off to 7. DIAMONDBACKS. ALEX FAEDO, RHP,
Twins draft Greene as a pitcher at No. 1, hed Johnson promoted from within as scouting a slow start to his prep season, and he was in FLORIDA: Fall knee surgery has put Faedo
be the first high school righthander ever to director. Only the Reds (No. 2) and Athletics danger of seeing his draft stock fall. behind schedule a bit this year, and while hes
lead off a draft. (No. 6) have any long patterns of behavior, 4. RAYS. J.B. BUKAUSKAS, RHP, NORTH pitched well and still has a double-plus slider,
The other is more of a surprise, as though the Braves (No. 5) are essentially back CAROLINA: Bukauskas has come out of the his fastball velocity has dipped, and he pitched
Louisvilles Brendan McKay has gotten off to under old management. gates much stronger than Vanderbilts Kyle poorly in a loss at Auburn. Its not the 93-96
a ridiculous start and started to earn serious Wright (stuff sound, command and perfor- weve seen in the past, one director said. Its
consideration as the top selection, even as a mance below-par) and Floridas Alex Faedo more 88-92. But he has time to get it back.
hitter. Earning comparisons to John Olerud, (performing, more modest fastball velocity). 8. PHILLIES. KYLE WRIGHT, RHP,
McKay is a lefthanded hitter and pitcher who Bukauskas has sizzled with a plus fastball, VANDERBILT: While Wrights thrown hard
entered the spring already acknowledged as 70-grade slider and improved changeup that enough, the projectable presumed next
the best pure hitter in the college class. After he threw effectively and frequently against Commodores ace was off to a slow start (0-3,
hitting 10 homers combined in 439 at-bats in Virginia. His fifth start was a 14-strikeout 4.33, 27 IP, 30 H, 28-8 K-BB ratio) due to
his first two seasons, hes hit four in 54 at-bats sizzler at Georgia Tech, and he was 3-0, 1.09 spotty command, of both his fastball and
this year while leading No. 1 Louisville to a with 51 strikeouts and seven walks in 33 his secondary stuff. He was better in a mid-
19-1 start. innings. March start at Mississippi.
If McKay keeps hitting for that kind of Im not worried about the changeup, one 9. BREWERS. PAVIN SMITH, 1B, VIRGINIA:
power, though, his combination of 70-grade evaluator said. He had it in high school, Smith has a long, trusted track record as a
hitting ability with plus power could land him weve seen it. Its the command and delivery hitter and has some offensive similarities to
in the No. 1 spot. No college first baseman has you want to see, and those are better too. McKay, with more pure hitting ability and bat
been drafted first overall; the last first baseman 5. BRAVES. AUSTIN BECK, OF, NORTH control than explosiveness. He had five home
picked that high was Adrian Gonzalez out of a DAVIDSON HIGH, LEXINGTON, N.C.: Its a runs and three strikeouts through 78 at-bats.
San Diego high school in 2000, and Gonzalez banner year in North Carolina with lefty 10. ANGELS. ADAM HASELEY, OF, VIRGINIA:
is another solid comparison point for McKay. McKenzie Gore and Bukauskas drawing in The Angels would like to take a college posi-
crosscheckers and scouting directors by the tion player with track record, and this draft is
Class Shaping Up? dozen. Both could go in the top 10 picks, but shy on those. They saw a lot of Haseley while
Other key trends shaping up now for the Beck, who has returned from a torn ACL to scouting last years first-rounder the Cavaliers
2017 draft class: show plus tools across the board, has wowed Matt Thaiss. Haseley has hit his way up the
Q Both Greene and McKay are two-way them even more than Gore. ladder as an athletic center fielder with hit-
players, viable options both as hitters and as Beck has had a couple of Roy Hobbs ting ability, emerging power and middle-of-
pitchers, leading a bumper crop of two-way performances where hes made the game look the-diamond defense. The other option for
talents. Greene has loud raw power, but most ridiculously easy, and the Rays are in heavy at the Angels would be UC Irvine DH Keston
clubs prefer him on the mound because he has No. 4 as well. Beck is the drafts fastest riser, Hiura, the toughest player to peg in the
such easy velocity, with triple-digit radar-gun and one front-office official said he had the first round. He has not played the field this
readings already this spring. Greenes in the highest upside in the draft of any position spring due to a lingering elbow injury that
conversation for being the hardest-throwing player. He also could slide back down the also limited him to DH last summer with
high school player in draft history, joining draft as teams fret about his lack of wood-bat USA Baseballs Collegiate National Team.
the likes of Tyler Kolek (2014) and Riley Pint track record, after missing last summer and However, Hiura rakes (.419/.525/.855 start in
(2016) from recent drafts. fall with his knee injury. 62 at-bats), with many scouts projecting him
Scouts are quite split on McKay; four clubs 6. ATHLETICS. JEREN KENDALL, OF, as a future plus hitter with plus power.
national evaluators split down the middle on VANDERBILT: Kendall remains the top ath- Hes likely to need elbow surgery once the
him as a hitter or pitcher, but agreed his hot lete on the college side but appears to have draft is over, and clubs have to guess as to
start at the plate and on the moundwhere fallen behind McKay for most teams as the whether or not he can play second base or
ROBERT GURGANUS
he pitches inside effectively with his fastball top college position playerat least for those settle into left field as a pro.
at an advanced levelhad pushed him to teams that consider McKay a hitter. Kendalls Teams arent likely to guess in the first 10
the top of the college board. For many clubs, swing-and-miss problems have not abated as a picks. But so far this year, they have to guess
McKay is the top prospect in the college class junior, but hes still extremely fast, has plenty as to which players deserve to be picked that
as both a pitcher, with a No. 3 starter ceiling, Adding power to his speed and center-field of raw power and is a force at the top of a high in a class where only Greene and McKay
and as a hitter. defense pushed Adam Haseled up draft boards lineup or defensively in center field. have separated themselves from the pack.
BaseballAmerica.com April 721, 2017
8
MINOR LEAGUE PREVIEW
alligator and
Jacksonville the Red Sox
Jumbo Shrimp: connection
This is just more explicitly.
Binghamton cartoonish for
Rumble Ponies:
the sake of being
This is actually an interesting nickname,
cartoonish, with
unconventional and a legitimate local
an oxymoronic
tie, though the lettering and logo
themselves dont work. nickname that is
already boring.
Ba
aseballAm
Am
Amer
meeric
riicca.c
.com
om April
p 721, 2017
10
Fastball velocity
captivates fans and
scouts alike, and few
pitchers have it like
Michael Kopech.
Acquired from the Red
Sox in the Chris Sale
trade, the White Sox
prospect ranks among
the minors hardest
throwers as he likely
heads for Double-A
Birmingham .
MINORS New brew
PHOENIX
E
ven in the midst of a snowy Wisconsin winter and the
Green Bay Packers making another NFL playoff run,
David Stearns trips to the grocery store felt like a sum-
mer stroll.
Coming off of a 73-win season and consecutive fourth-
place finishes in the National League Central, the Brewers
have a fired-up fan base.
The enthusiasm when I walk around Milwaukee, even
in the winter when its Packers time, is unbelievable, said
Stearns, the clubs 31-year-old general manager. People stop
me in the grocery store and want to talk Brewers baseball. Its
unbelievable.
Those fans are starting to have more to talk about. The
Brewers rebuild is still in its nascent stages, but after trades
restocked the farm system over the past two years and the
2016 draft netted an impressive talent haul, Milwaukee is
showing signs of hope in a division formidable enough to
quash all optimism.
Optimism has been an intermittent emotion for Brewers
fans through the years. The franchises 47-year history is
largely bereft of memorable moments.
The Robin Yount-Paul Molitor clubs averaged 86 wins per
year over the six seasons from 1978 to 1983. They won an
American League pennant in 1982 and also made the playoffs
the year before.
Then came the Ryan Braun-Prince Fielder clubs that twice
won 90 games and qualified for the postseason in 2008 and
2011, the season they recorded a franchise-record 96 wins.
As far as playoff appearances, division titles or simply
breaking through to the national consciousness, thats it for
the Brewers. They arent even famous for their futility, like
the division-rival Cubs, who went 108 years between World
Series titles, or the Pirates, who weathered a record 20 straight
losing seasons.
This is the challenge Stearns and his front office face. Can
they build a winner in a city where winning has never become
a habit? Can they build a winner in the smallest metropolitan
market in the major leagues?
We understand we have a fan base that is starving for
championship-caliber baseball, Stearns said. We understand
how special it will be when we get there and how long-lasting
those memories will be.
We recognize the challenge of competing given the (rev- Josh Hader ranked fourth in the minors last
enue) constraints we have. Thats OK, we signed up for this. year with 161 strikeouts and could bring his
LARRY GOREN
We all understand that baseball isnt a level playing field from act to Milwaukee this season
market to market. We accept that. It energizes us. Our goal is
to overcome those obstacles.
I T S G E T T I N G B E T T E R
T
he Brewers still have plenty of work to do, despite hav-
ing a system stocked with prospects. The organization BA Grades, in our Prospect Handbook, help
assess each prospects overall potential (on
checks in at No. 8 on this years talent rankings thanks the 20-80 scale) while balancing that poten-
to a system that is both top-heavy and bottom-heavy. tial with a risk grade that ranges from low to
At some point this year, Triple-A Colorado Springs could extreme. For example, a prospect with a BA
be home to outfielder Lewis Brinson, lefthander Josh Hader Grade of 50/High is considered to have a ceil-
and righthander Luis Ortiz, the Brewers top three prospects. ing of an average player, albeit with a high
A strong 2016 draft class should provide a boost at the lower risk of reaching that potential. The Brewers
levels, where first-rounder Corey Ray and second-rounder system today has many more prospects 12
Lucas Erceg could be ready for high Class A Carolina. who fit that description (12) than they
did three years ago (five). This is a sign of
The system is especially deep in outfielders and power
progress.
arms, and some prospects who struggled last year have signifi-
cant rebound potential. In particular, outfielder Brett Phillips, Prospects with
BA Grades better
catcher Jacob Nottingham and righthander Jorge Lopez will than 50/High
attempt to erase bad memories from Double-A Biloxi. 6
The Brewers have six Top 100 Prospects this year. They had
five total from 2011 to 2014. As an added benefit, this years
5 5
JOHN WILLIAMSON
HOUSER, RHP
Double-A Free agents, trade acquisitions and even
a Rule 5 draft pick filled out the majors
best pitching staff as measured by ERA.
DOMINGO But pitchers signed and developed by the
SANTANA, RHP
Projected right elder Cubs were almost completely absent.
Scanning the upper levels of Chicagos
farm system shows that this trend wont
AND BRETT change dramatically in 2017 or 2018. But
MIKE FIERS, RHP PHILLIPS, OF
there is hope lower down in the system.
No. 12 prospect
Age: 30 What once was a system stacked with
hitters now stands out most for its young
pitchers. At Class A or lower, the Cubs this
year will have righthanders Dylan Cease,
JONATHAN LUCROY, C Oscar de la Cruz, Jose Albertos, Thomas
Age: 30 Hatch, Erling Moreno and Bailey Clark plus
LEWIS lefthanders Jose Paulino, Justin Steele and
BRINSON, OF Bryan Hudson.
No. 1 prospect Its been in the making, Cubs farm
TRADED FOR
BILL MITCHELL
JEREMY JEFFRESS, RHP tional bonuses signed were also pitchers.
Age: 29 History shows that position players are
the best bet high in the draft, Madison
said of the Cubs run of first-round picks Lower-level pitchers like Dylan Cease will be key for the Cubs developing pitching pipeline
T
he Brewers have worked the margins well, but the mar- from 2012 to 2015 that included Albert
gins wont get them to their fifth playoff appearance. Almora, Bryant, Schwarber and Ian Happ. throwing his changeup. His curveball is R A I S I N G A R M S A F T E R B AT S
Thats where the trades come in. Now that we are picking No. 30, hope- erratic at times, as is the case with many
The Brewers projected Triple-A club is an assemblage of fully for the rest of the decade, well kind young pitchers. But he has much less to The Cubs draw praise for a homegrown lineup core, but
some of the best prospects in the system. Theres center fielder of look and see how things map out now. work on than he once did. they received fewer than 2 percent of total innings in
Brinson, acquired from the Rangers last year in the Jonathan Things are different when you are picking It finally feels like Im on the other 2016 by pitchers originally signed by the organization.
Lucroy deal. Hes flanked in right field by Ryan Cordell, who 30th. side of the hill. I have all the basics down,
was part of the same trade. In left field is Phillips, acquired Cease said. I have a good base, and now TRADE FREE AGENT
from the Astros in the 2015 trade that sent Carlos Gomez Leading The Charge I can go out, have fun and keep building
743
(50.9%)
638
(43.7%)
to Houston. Hader, the systems top pitching prospect, also If the Cubs are going to become pro- on it. (Before surgery) I didnt have a great
came to Milwaukee in that trade. ducers of pitching, Cease is the best bet to fundamental base under me. I didnt have
Of the systems six Top 100 Prospects, four were acquired in lead the way. He and the Cubs have had to anything to go back to if I needed to make
trades, including Brinson, Hader, Ortiz and second baseman be patient, though. A 2014 preseason high an adjustment. I had to figure it out every 2016 Cubs
Isan Diaz, whom Stearns acquired from the Diamondbacks school All-American, Cease went down day. Source of
when he traded Jean Segura. early in his senior season at Milton (Ga.) Now, (my delivery is) way looser, way Innings
You know youre going to be a part of the process. It High with an elbow injury that ended up more athletic. I think its a lot better. I dont
excites you, Brinson said. You get more excited for whats to requiring Tommy John surgery. worry about (mechanics and delivery)
come. Somethings definitely brewing here. There are a lot of The Cubs signed him for $1.5 million as anymore. Its about execution now. RULE 5
guys up there and down here (in the minors) who want to get a sixth-round pick. And then they waited. Its not just Cease who gives the Cubs 51
DRAFT (3.5%)
the Brewers back on the map. Its going to be a lot of fun. Cease made it back to the mound in time hope. De la Cruz has a chance for three 16 INTERNATIONAL
The depth of the Brewers system is commendable, but to throw 24 innings in the Rookie-level plus pitches. Everyone in the organiza- (1.1%) 11
what Milwaukee lacks is a cornerstone players to fuel playoff Arizona League in 2015. tion is excited to see what Albertos, an (0.8%)
runs. Theyre still looking for their next Braun or Fielder. Even last year, the Cubs kept Cease 18-year-old Mexican righty, does this year.
For example, the 2016 Cubs received contributions from on a tight leash. He threw 45 innings at He made only one outing last year before
The Cubs received more than one-third of total plate
blue-chip prospects such as Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, short-season Eugene and showed an being shut down with elbow soreness,
appearances by homegrown players in 2016, though
Kyle Schwarber and Javier Baez. The 2015 Royals won outstanding fastball at 95-101 mph that but he showed a 94-96 mph fastball, a trade pickups Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell were
the World Series thanks in part to Eric Hosmer and Mike led to 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings. His potentially devastating changeup and has acquired while still prospects.
Moustakas, who ranked Nos. 8 and 9 on the Top 100 control, changeup and the consistency of mixed in two breaking balls in the past.
Prospects in 2011. Wil Myers ranked No. 10 that year, and his breaking ball all need work, but it was Moreno, like Cease, is ready for full- TRADE FREE AGENT
1855 2048
Kansas City turned him into Wade Davis. a strong sign of whats to come. season ball after recovering from Tommy (31.3%) (34.5%)
Milwaukee doesnt have a top-25 prospect this year, though Now as Cease readies to head to low John surgery. Hudson is the kind of big,
its possible that Ray or second-round steal Erceg will get Class A South Bend, he gets to work like tall (hes 6-foot-8), athletic lefty teams
there one day. The Brewers also pick ninth in the 2017 draft a normal pitcher, not one rehabbing from dream of finding. After having a dearth of
2016
and have a supplemental first-round pick, giving them a injury. pitching prospects in the past, the Cubs
Cubs Source
chance to stock up again. I feel like a real ballplayer now, Cease this year will have to push pitchers or Of Plate
With the amount of young talent we have on our major said, where I can now do the same stuff hold some back because there just arent Appearances
league roster and the amount of young talent at the high as everyone else. If I want to work on my enough innings to go around.
levels of the minor leagues, were understanding this could be breaking ball or my changeup in my side We try to balance it out, Madison
the year we take a significant step forward, Stearns said. It sessions, Im not limited by my rehab said, but pitching is definitely going to
may not be. If its not, thats OK and well reassess where we schedule. Its my first real opportunity to take over as the most exciting part of our
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
are as an organization. But as we sit here in spring training, expand and grow how I want to. organization in the minor leagues as these 1471 561
our goal is to begin to take that step now. Cease still slows his arm at times when lower-level guys progress. (24.8%) (9.5%)
T
BY JIM SALISBURY he Phillies improved by eight wins in Thompson, Alec Asher, Nick Pivetta, Ben
2016 and ended the season with the Lively and Mark Appel. Each of those right-
CLEARWATER, FLA. second-youngest roster in the majors handers arrived in a trade that has coincided TRADED FOR
A
walk through the Phillies minor at a shade under 27 years old. with the rebuildEflin for Jimmy Rollins, JORGE NICK JERAD
league complex on a March game day The club added 11 prospects to its 40-man Lively for Marlon Byrd, Pivetta for Jonathan ALFARO WILLIAMS EICKHOFF
offers evidence that the organizations roster in November. No other team added Papelbon, and Thompson and Asher as part C OF RHP
No. 3 prospect No. 4 prospect No. 3 starter
rebuild is advancing. more than eight. of the package received from the Rangers for
Card collectors and autograph hounds are Two years after posting the lowest farm Cole Hamels. All of those trades were made JAKE ALEC
THOMPSON ASHER
everywhere. Have Sharpie, please sign! system winning percentage (.435), count- by former GM Ruben Amaro Jr.. RHP RHP
It wasnt this way a few years ago. The ing domestic affiliates only, and sending no Triple-A rotation Triple-A rotation
T
Phillies great run from 2007 through 2011 teams to the playoffs, Phillies farm clubs had he Hamels deal already has pushed
included five National League East titles, the best domestic mark in baseball (.595) the rebuild forward. Righthander
two pennants and a World Series title, but it and four made the playoffs in 2016. Jerad Eickhoff, who probably ranked DEC. 12, 2015
ended with an airbag-deploying thud. Among that group was a prospect-studded fourth among prospects in the deal at the Phillies trade with Astros
In subsequent years the Phillies lacked the Double-A Reading team that, led by power time, led the big league staff in starts (33),
stock of prospects to stay in the fast lane. hitters Dylan Cozens and Rhys Hoskins, innings (197.1) and ERA (3.65) last season. KEN GILES JONATHAN
You didnt need a Top 10 Prospects list to tell won 89 games, second-most in the minors. The other players in that deal, particularly RHP ARAUZ, SS
you that the organization lacked prospects. The prospect-laden Rookie-level Gulf Coast Thompson, catcher Jorge Alfaro and out- Age:
g 25 Age: 17
You could tell by the lack of collectors at the League team went 43-15 behind the con- fielder Nick Williams, are a big reason the
minor league complex, because they want tributions of center fielder Mickey Moniak, farm system has jumped from the bottom
autographs that will be worth big coin down the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft, and third to the top third over the past two years.
the road. righthander Sixto Sanchez, an eye-popping Klentaks first big deal sent young closer
The Phillies decided to stop patching what prospect who has drawn comparisons with Ken Giles to the Astros for power-armed
remained of the 2008 World Series winners the Cardinals Carlos Martinez. righty Vince Velasquez, already a member of
and embark on a full rebuild in 2015. The The Phillies did not win in the minors in the big league rotation, the enigmatic Appel
W
I understand this is a passionate town and We feel very strongly about the level of hile the Phillies have volume, they to take a big leap forward.
a passionate fan base that wants to win, he position prospects at our higher levels, club lack a surefire franchise player, such Those owners remain committed to build-
said, but it doesnt happen overnight. Were president Andy MacPhail said. Virtually as Kris Bryant, Carlos Correa or ing from the bottom up.
taking steps to get to where we want to go, every position at Triple-A will be manned by Manny Machado. The Phillies dont have The only option for me is winning,
and were pleased with where we stand. someone who we believe has a major league that guy, but maybe one will develop. Or said John Middleton, the teams billionaire
Klentak, 36, holds an economics degree future, and thats rare. Often youre signing maybe they will use some of their prospect managing partner. But we need to build
from Dartmouth, so its pretty safe to say minor league free agents to fill. depth to acquire one of those guys in a trade. this the right way. We need to be patient. If
he doesnt count autograph collectors at the The Lehigh Valley rotation could also Alternately, the organization could use one you look at the teams that are willing to stay
minor league complex as a legitimate indica- be staffed completely with young pitch- of its other strengthsmoneyto find its the course and do it the right way, they get
tor of progress. ers. Candidates include Zach Eflin, Jake franchise changer. rewardedand thats what we need to do.
BaseballAmerica.com April 721, 2017
14
Talk of the town PROSPECT PULSE
BLL MITCHELL
Scouts seeing the Padres youngsters this spring Alison Quintero at minor league camp.
have raved about their combination of tools They came to us as very advanced baseball
and advanced skills. They look much more players, Padres farm director Sam Geaney Teen Dominican shortstop Luis Almanzar leads a brigade of young position talent in the Padres system
advanced than typical 16- or 17-year-olds. said. A lot of what was attractive is they can
come quickly. so young. have a chance to impact the game at the
Field Of Teens It would be an aggressive move to send an major league level, and guys who are advanced
For even the top international prospects, international signee to a U.S. complex league Balanced Approach To Pitching for their age, Padres general manager A.J.
the path from July 2 to prominence is sup- in his first pro season. The Padres realized The Padres international spending spree Preller said. We have a group where we have
posed to be a long one. by the end of the instructional league last brought in a bevy of position players. Largely lefthanded bats, shortstops and center fielders.
But 17-year-old Dominican shortstop Luis year that they would need two Rookie-level through the $13.4 million spent in the 2016 We have guys who can come out there against
Almanzar isnt taking it slow. He saw signifi- Arizona League clubs to accommodate all draft, the Padres restocked their inventory of players who are more experienced. Its a credit
cant time with the Padres high Class A group the prospects who are ready to skip the pitchers as well. to the scouting department.
at spring training, where he played against Dominican Summer League. With players Righthanders Anderson Espinoza and Cal The Padres will field what appears to be the
players three, four and five years older than like Almanzar, its possible that even the AZL Quantrill and Cuban lefty Adrian Morejon thinnest, least talented roster in the majors in
himand he has looked like one of the better wont be enough of a challenge. are all Top 100 Prospects, while 2016 draft- 2017. But when it comes to the lower minors,
players in those games. Having two AZL affiliates also ensures that ees Eric Lauer (first round), Reggie Lawson they will be deeper than anyone else. A lot can
Almanazar has played with the high Class all four of the shortstops will be able to see (supplemental second) and Mason Thompson go wrong between the Arizona League and the
A club because Gabriel Arias, a fellow July 2 time at their natural position. (third) all but guarantee that an excellent arm majors, and assuredly for a number of these
signee from last summer, is playing shortstop A lot has been made about us having two will take the hill no matter the day. Recently prospects, something will. But there is hope
for the low Class A club. With Arias playing teams in the AZL, Geaney said. A lot of that signed Cuban lefty Osvaldo Fernandez will for the future in San Diego.
shortstop, fellow shortstop Justin Lopez slides revolves around the group of position players soon join the group. It will just require a lot of patience, even if
over to third base, even though he has out- we signed. You dont want to move them off You always want to have a balance between the prospects themselves dont seem like the
standing hands and excellent infield actions. (shortstop) and make decisions when they are guys who are projectable, who down the road patient types.
MEJIA
PRESENTS ALL-STAR, kicks off with Clevelands Francisco Mejia, who gained fame last season with
THE CLEVELAND
a 50-game hitting streak, the longest in modern minor league history (since 1963). Howev-
er, Mejia is much more than just a hitter. A converted inelder, Mejia has good athleticism
CAPTAINS and excellent arm strength that earns some 70 grades from scouts. Hes become bilingual
but is looking to improve his blocking and receiving with more experience this season. Du-
CATCHERS
rability is his other question as he adds strength to his listed 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame.
2017 CAPTAINS CATCHER AWARD WATCH LIST
AWARD
Player Team PCT G E PB SBA CS PCT
Aramis Garcia San Francisco 1.000 47 0 7 55 21 .381
Joe Hudson Cincinnati .995 66 3 12 72 29 .402
Carson Kelly St. Louis .996 92 3 6 87 27 .310
Reese McGuire Toronto .984 86 10 3 96 35 .365
Francisco Mejia Cleveland .988 87 9 6 69 30 .435
The Captains Catchers Award recognizes the Sean Murphy Oakland .983 21 3 0 25 11 .440
BILL MITCHELL
defensive qualities of minor league catchers. Tomas Nido New York (NL) .987 88 9 9 119 50 .420
Inspired by the catching skills and character of Jason Varitek,
this award is only about catching and who plays the position Will Smith Los Angeles (NL) .994 39 2 2 60 25 .417
to the fullest. The best catchers are detail oriented and driven Garrett Stubbs Houston .997 67 2 10 53 27 .509
to improve their performance behind the plate. Leadership, Jose Trevino Texas .998 100 2 8 98 47 .480
dedication, the ability to call a game, blocking, receiving, and
making plays are the primary qualities sought afterwith the
#MFRA
ultimate goal of protecting home.
MOVE FORWARD RISE ABOVE
April 721, 2017 BaseballAmerica.com
15
World Baseball Classic
LOS ANGELES
There was something different about this United
States team. That much was apparent early on.
Its predecessors in the World Baseball Classic had
been characterized largely by passivity, stoicism and,
ultimately, disappointing finishes. Whether it was
their two second-round eliminations or their fourth-
place finish in 2009, one could hardly tell at times
if the U.S. had won or lost a game based on their
players reactions.
With accomplished but famously restrained veter-
ans like Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones and David Wright
leading their teams, the U.S. simply didnt project the
energy or enthusiasm needed to compete in the two
and a half week sprint that is the WBC. That was
especially apparent against the passionate precision
of Japan, the boundless energy of the Dominican
Republic, the underdog drive of the Netherlands or
the prideful joy of Puerto Rico.
And then this team came along. It was younger, a
bit less proven, hungrier than those that came before
it. Before long, the narrative that U.S. players simply
didnt care about the WBC was quickly rendered
incompatible with the current group.
There was Eric Hosmer, pounding his chest and
BILL NICHOLS
energy and put him on the mound: Stroman, the
irrepressible 5-foot-8 righthander whose motto is
Height Dont Measure Heart and isnt afraid to let
his opponents know he thinks hes better than them.
With the U.S. in the finals for the first time,
Stroman soaked up all the energy and emotion he
Empty Trip
could from the crowd of 51,565, and performed like
he was, indeed, the best pitcher in the world.
The 25-year-old took a no-hitter into the seventh
inning and faced the minimum through six. He
Despite big league talent, Venezuela stumbles
shimmied after striking out Enrique Hernandez BY KYLE GLASER Theres nothing we can do about it, Vizquel said. We are trying to
to end the third. He snagged a comebacker from put the players there that got the opportunity to get some runs for us.
Francisco Lindor in the fourth and flicked it over SAN DIEGO I understand that Solarte also has the opportunity, but its the same
V
to first base like he didnt have a care on earth. He enezuela entered the 2017 World Baseball Classic with a legiti- case with Hernan Perez . . . So its hard for one guy to get in the lineup
walked off the mound in the seventh, biting his lip mate hope of winning the tournament and bringing joy to a sometimes. I cant really bench Altuve and Odor.
and nodding his head, letting the whole world know country that so desperately needed it. Vizquels explanation left many scratching their heads because
he had just been untouchable. The Venezuelans boasted a fearsome lineup with depth and qual- Solarte has a higher batting average, on-base percentage and OPS than
It was cocky. It was bold. ity that could be matched only by the Dominican Republic. Felix Odor both in his career and last season, in addition to being an experi-
It was exactly what was needed to silence Puerto Hernandez came back after skipping the 2013 WBC to serve as the ace enced third baseman.
Ricos dugout and fans, a task no one had accom- of a rotation of accomplished big league veterans. The bullpen had the Vizquels inclusion of Solarte in the same tier as Pereza career
plished before, and in the process robbed the oppo- desired mix of experienced arms and well regarded prospects most backup with a .255/.279/.373 slash linefurther contributed to the
nent of its greatest power source. Stroman took it teams strive for. perception that Vizquel did not properly evaluate his own players.
and made the energy his own, and before long the All the pieces were in place for Venezuela, and it was not unreason- That perception grew with Vizquels bullpen usage. In a must-win
U-S-A chants and cheers rained down on him as able to consider it one of the favorites to win the WBC crown. game against the Dominican Republic in the second round, Vizquel
he departed with a 7-0 lead to put the U.S. in posi- Instead, Venezuela was done after the second round, going 2-5 over- went to minor leaguers Jose Castillo and Arcenio Leon, pitching on
tion to win the title, which it did with an 8-0 victory. all in the tournament and getting blown out multiple times, culminat- back-to-back days, before going to big leaguers Jose Alvarez and
There was more emphasis on just winning for ing in a humiliating 13-2 loss to Puerto Ricos backups in the final game Francisco Rodriguez, decisions that backfired when both Castillo and
America, said Stroman, who was named tourna- of second-round play. Leon allowed runs to put Venezuela in a bigger hole than they started
ment MVP. Obviously, this is our first win. Weve How did it all go so wrong? How did a team with so much talent and with.
had a few early exits in the past. So each and every motivation to win perform as poorly as it did? Vizquel wasnt given many options by a bullpen unit that vastly
guy came into this with one goal, and that was to I dont know what happened, third baseman Yangervis Solarte said. underperformed, but his decisions made things even more difficult for
win it. There was no one who kind of went about it We have to figure it out the next Classic. We have to figure out every- Venezuela.
lackadaisical. Everyone was into every single pitch. thing. The players irritation at how everything unfolded was plain for all
to see by the time the team was done. One by one, Venezuelas players
A Complete Unit Errors Abound walked out of the Petco Park locker room after their final game against
The heroes were many for Team USA on its title Injuries played a part in Venezuelas subpar performance. Catcher Puerto Rico, stone-faced and refusing to talk to the media, waving off
run. Hosmer hit .385/.500/.615. Brandon Crawford Salvador Perez (knee) was lost in the first round after a collision at requests from both English and Spanish-language outlets.
slashed .385/.429/.577. Sam Dyson didnt allow a hit home plate, while Martin Prado (hamstring) and Miguel Cabrera (back) For the few who did speak, only the questions about returning to
in six scoreless innings of relief. Gregerson converted both came up lame after at-bats in the second round and were never their major league teams were answered with any joviality.
three save opportunities without allowing a hit. seen again. We didnt play the way we expected to be playing, Rodriguez told
Jones, McCutchen, Ian Kinsler and Giancarlo But a more significant cause was run prevention. Venezuela allowed assembled reporters. Weve just got to move on now, turn the page,
Stanton all took turns playing offensive standout. 55 runs in seven games. The defense committed eight errors which led find a way to learn what we did wrong to fix it in the future.
Team USA recorded a 2.25 ERA and .191 opponent to six unearned runs, including five errors in the second round.
average. Every single player was committed. The The performance led to criticism of manager Omar Vizquels deci- Whats Next?
emotions were visible, the performance measurable, sions on defensive alignment and bullpen usage. Despite being one of the most baseball-rich countries in terms of
the results undeniable. Rather than use Solarte or Prado, the teams two natural third base- talent, Venezuela has gotten past the second round only once in four
The United States is finally World Baseball Classic men, Vizquel elected to use Rougned Odor and Jose Altuve at third WBCs. Its all-time record in the event is 12-12, and its last two showings
champion, and is spreading the gospel to its next base even though neither has played the position in the major leagues. have been its worst.
generation of its players. Odor, who also never played third in the minors, committed two criti- Now, Venezuela must wait four more years to prove it can join the
I dont mean this to sound wrong, but for the cal errors in a 4-2 loss to the United States to open second-round play. ranks of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and other similarly tal-
most part, up until this point, the other countries Altuve, who hadnt played third since he was in Double-A in 2011, ented squads atop the WBC.
were probably into this event a little bit more than made an error in the finale against Puerto Rico and seemed to misread We havent gone to the next level, and I dont know what the solu-
the United States, Leyland said. But in talking to balls off the bat in his two second-round games, allowing what should tion is, Vizquel said. We thought we were going to get to the finals.
our players, I know theyre going to spread the word. have been routine ground balls to become singles. Obviously, that didnt happen. Other teams came very prepared.
Ive had some players already tell me this is the great- Meanwhile, Prado and Solarte were left to languish in left field, a They executed their plan to perfection, and they pitched much better
est experience of their life. position neither had played in years. than us and batted better than us. Simple as that.
April 721, 2017 BaseballAmerica.com
17
World Baseball Classic
FIRST ROUND
* Advanced to next round
Retooled Israel makes stirring run
POOL A BY JOHN MANUEL key has to do with the roster makeup. We brought in
Seoul, South Korea
Team W L the 25 guys that we knew wanted to be there.
W
* Israel 3 0 hat they will remember is the ride. These were the guys who were willing to go across
* Netherlands 2 1 They come together for baseball, like the world to play for Israel. All our players and coach-
South Korea 1 2 they have done for so many different teams es were under the same mindset, and when you have
Taiwan 0 3 in their careers, but this time was different. That was that, thats when you start putting together a team,
evident with the giant mensch on a bench doll not just a group of guys who come together for two
POOL B
Tokyo, Japan that became the teams mascot, and the Jew Crew or three days. We had a group of guys who wanted to
Team W L t-shirts that provided light moments to lessen the do whats right.
* Japan 3 0 tension of playing in the World Baseball Classic. Even It worked. Israel tried qualifying for the Classic once
* Cuba 2 1 the Megillah reading in the dugout before batting before, falling in the 2012 qualifier in Jupiter, Fla. That
Australia 1 2 practice to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purimit team was managed by Brad Ausmus, his first experi-
China 0 3 was all new. ence running a club before he became the Tigers
CLASSIC CUTS
MIKE JANES
15.2%
24.2%
Binghamton Rumble P onies
TIM TEBOWS FORAY IN THE MINOR LEAGUES IS _________ FOR BASEBALL
Down East Wood Ducks The results here were split into three camps: Those who like it, those who dont and those who
21.2% Florida Fire Frogs dont have a strong opinion. One answer that came up multiple times was profitable, which
respondents viewed as both good and bad. Some executives believed that their job in the minor
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrim p leagues is to bring in as many fans and sell as much merchandise as possible, while others saw
New Orleans Baby Cake s Tebows signing by the Mets as a pure financial move that dilutes the product. One executive
surveyed referred to the whole phenomenon as an uncouth cash grab.
6.1%
33.3%
OVERALL, WHAT DO YOU
THINK OF THE MINORS
WHICH OF THE NEW TEAM NAMES FOR 2017 IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE? REBRANDING TREND?
On the other end of the spectrum, there are the New Orleans Baby Cakes (Pacific Coast),
which took just 6.1 percent of the vote for favorite new logo but garnered more than half
Obviously, rebranding isnt new
in the minor leagues. Teams are 36.4%
of the votes for least favorite. allowed to change their identities
Its just something about Baby Cakes that doesnt ring a bell, one minor league executive every three seasons, and a great deal
said. It sounds like youre going down a path that you dont want to go down. have taken advantage over the past
decade or so. This years spate of 3.0%
new names and logos took a notice-
able turn toward the wacky, how-
6.0% ever, becoming a polarizing topic 33.3%
among minor league front offices.
18.2% Those surveyed were given four
choices to summarize their opinion,
27.3%
Binghamton Rumble P onies and the winner was: If it makes
money and doesnt offend anybody,
9.1% Down East Wood Ducks its fine with me. Taking second
Florida Fire Frogs place was Its good for Minor
League Baseballs overall brand and
9.1% Jacksonville Jumbo Shrim p shows were all about fun, which
shows the trend has been viewed as
New Orleans Baby Cake s mostly positive. One third of the
57.6% respondents, however, werent as
pleased. One went so far as to pick
the option saying Im embarrassed
to work in the sport now.
DANNY PARKER
arm had bothered him earlier in the season, he hurts you a lot, Crowe said two years later returning to South Carolina and proving it.
thought nothing of it. He simply didnt have while sitting in the Gamecocks trophy room
his command or the crispness that he had the at Founders Park. And I think the biggest Ace In The Hole
season before, and he wasnt sure why. thing is I couldnt help my team anymore and Crowe knew he wanted to be a Gamecock Wil Crowe returned to the mound this season
In this April matchup against Southeastern I couldnt be with the guys. I was no longer a the second he stepped on the Founders Park
Conference rival Florida, Crowe found him- part of this. field. As a high school recruit out of a heavily
self scuffling again, his team down, 3-2, enter- South Carolina was without its ace for the stocked Tennessee prep class, Crowe took the mound and was in awe of his surroundings.
The stands were empty the day he visited, but
Crowe could just visualize the hordes of rau-
cous fans. He never anticipated hed be sitting
among them.
Even though he didnt pitch in 2016, Crowe
made it a point to not miss a single game. Hed
stream all of the Gamecocks road games from
Baseball Coaching his phone, and for home games hed sit in the
first row, right behind the dugout, cheering as
loudly as he could. At timesespecially if the
VIDEOS
Gamecocks struggledCrowe would feel a
sense of helplessness.
He handled it probably better than most
would, said junior righthander Clarke
Schmidt, who emerged as South Carolinas
2017 ABCA Clinic Videos are here! worked hard, and he was always in the train-
ing room and doing extra stuff.
When Crowe announced his return to
Gary Gilmore, Coastal Carolina Jerry Weinstein, Colorado Rockies Tim Corbin, Vanderbilt; Paul Mainieri, school, he instantly elevated South Carolinas
Living the Dream A System for Controlling LSU; John Savage, UCLA Omaha chances. Along with Schmidt, who
the Running Game Championship Coaching Panel was 3-0, 1.04 in his first four starts this spring,
Casey Dunn, Samford and sophomore righthander Adam Hill (1-2,
Progression Drills for Power: Building an Mervyl Melendez, FIU Dan Sheaffer, Princeton Rays 1.54), Crowe belongs to one of the most
Aggressive Approach Building a Successful Baseball Program The Art of First Base Play formidable weekend rotations in the country.
Going 3-0, 2.73 with 36 strikeouts to 11
Marty Lees, Washington State Jake Boss, Michigan State Nate Trosky, Trosky Baseball walks in 29.2 innings, Crowe has seemingly
Double Plays, Feeds & Turns Winning With Consistent Outfield Play Making Plays! returned to his 2015 formand perhaps a
tick or two better. In his March 4 start against
Wes Johnson, Arkansas Dr. Buddy Clark, Diamond Kinetics; Dennis Rogers, Riverside City College; rival Clemson at Fluor Field in Greenville,
Building the Foundation of Your Pitching Dan Koosed, ProSwingRx Eddie Cornejo, UCSB; Rolando Garza, Crowes fastball sat comfortably in the 92-94
Staff Using Technology to Unlock a Pepperdine; Youngjin Yoon, Lotte Giants mph range, touching as high as 97. He com-
Hitters True Potential Teaching/Coaching Dynamics and Specific manded his curveball, backdooring it to his
Glenn Cecchini, Barbe H.S. (LA) Skill Set Development
Building Champions in Life Through arm side, used a low-80s slider as a swing-
Jim Schlossnagle, TCU and-miss offering, and he went to his mid-80s
Baseball Greg Elliott, San Francisco Giants
Building a Winning Program changeup often against lefthanded hitters,
MLB Groundskeeper Session with Turface coaxing several awkward swings.
Jay Johnson, Arizona Athletics
Developing a Complete Offense Todd Gongwer, Author/Coach Crowe had some anxiety when he got back
and Hitting Approach The Pursuit of your BEST in Leadership Greg Moore, Cal State Northridge on a mound for the first time after the sur-
Pitching Mechanic-Less gerywould his stuff be the same? But he
Tanner Swanson, Washington Steve Springer, Quality At Bats said he leaned on his faith to help him clear
Mindful Drill Progressions for Effective How to Get Your Players to Compete with Rusty Stroupe, Gardner-Webb his head, and he said his fastball feels livelier,
Catcher Skill Development Confidence When Theyre Not Getting Hits Character & Ethics in the Sport of Baseball and the confidence in his secondary offerings
has soared, too.
Mike Barwis, New York Mets Mike Roberts, Chicago Cubs/ Mike Curran, Esperanza H.S. (CA) I just told myself, The Lord has given me a
A Holistic Approach to Baseball Strength & Cotuit Kettleers Stealing Runs - Aggressive Offensive plan, and the Lord has given me this platform
Conditioning Sprinting and Base Stealing Baseball to shine for him. And Hes given me a process,
and if it was in His plan for me to hurt my arm
Andy Green, San Diego Padres Scott Manahan, Bishop Watterson (OH) Matt Husted, Wheaton College (IL) again, then its going to happen, and I have no
Managing Baseball Indoor Preparation for the H.S. Season Catching: You Have to Be Crazy to Do This control over that, Crowe said. I told myself
that, and it fired me up. I was instantly able to
throw the curveball and throw the slider. Didnt
ABCA members get 30% off video purchases. Join today! worry about the fastball.
Just was letting it rip.
Pain free.
BaseballAmerica.com April 721, 2017
22
Gardner steps up for
retooled Red Raiders
BY TEDDY CAHILL oclock at night after a four-hour practice still
getting 100 swings in, Gardner said. It was
Led by an experienced, veteran lineup, extraordinary to watch.
Texas Tech won the Big 12 Conference last This year, Gardner is working to improve
season and reached the College World Series in several areas of his game. He said he made
for the second time in three years. Half of last improving his arm strength a point of empha-
years regulars are now gone, including All- sis during the offseason.
American first baseman Eric Gutierrez, leav- I think Ive made some good strides in that
ing a hole in the lineup for new Red Raiders department, he said. Im just trying to go
to step up and fill. up there and have good at bats, do whatever
Texas Tech hasnt missed a beat this spring, I can to help the team win. Thats a really big
however, starting the season 17-4 and ris- thing for me.
ing to No. 8 in the Top 25 after five week- Gardner has patrolled center field for the
ends. Along with senior first baseman Hunter Red Raiders the last two seasons after playing
Hargrove (.329/.387/.553), junior outfielder some third base and right field as a freshman.
Tanner Gardner (.294/.344/.376) has been Listed at 5-foot-11, 215 pounds, he is not a
at the heart of the Red Raiders new-look plus runner and doesnt have plus raw power,
offense. limiting his upside in the draft.
After leading Texas Tech in batting last But Gardners hitting ability and track
season (.379/.484/.549), Gardner got off to record of success will likely land him some-
a slow start this spring. Ten games into the where on day two of the draft (rounds 3-10).
season, he was hitting .150/.222/.150. He No matter how professional teams evaluate
has since broken out of that slump, and hit him, Gardner has become a crucial player
.422/.458/.578 in the next 11 games to raise for the Red Raiders as they aim to repeat as
his season line to .294/.344/.376. Big 12 champions and chase a third trip to
Gardner said he was confident he would Omaha in the last four years.
break out of his slump. I think everybody aspires to have guys that
Just play through it has been my mental- can separate balls and strikes, that can run,
ity, he said. I have a bunch of positive guys Tadlock said. You can put him a few places
in the locker room that have kept my spirits on the field and go play baseball.
up. Its just the grind of the game we play and
the game that we love. FGCU Reaches New Heights
Coach Tim Tadlock said he thought Florida Gulf Coast was 18-3 through the
Gardners start to the season was probably the first five weeks of the season, the Eagles best
ANDREW WOOLLEY
worst stretch of his baseball career. But for start since they moved to Division I in 2008.
a player with his ability to impact the game FGCU also moved up to No. 12 in Baseball
in several ways, it was only a matter of time Americas rankings, its best ever.
before his bat came around. FGCUs impressive start included a 10-game Outfielder Tanner Gardner has helped Texas Tech get off to a flying start this season
From the day Tanner set foot on campus, winning streak during a stretch of 13 straight
we thought hed hit in the middle of the games against teams that played in the NCAA They believe they can beat anyone. class heavy on junior college transfers.
order, Tadlock said. So hes always been able tournament last season. The Eagles went 11-2 FGCU went 27-32 last year but reached Those newcomers are making an immediate
to hit. Hes really stuck his nose in there and during that stretch, including a 3-0 mark the championship game of the Atlantic impact. Righthander Kutter Crawford, the
dug in, not making it all about results, just against Florida and Florida State. Sun Conference tournament, losing 5-4 to younger brother of Reds prospect Jonathon
making it about winning and playing good Coach Dave Tollett said the Eagles have Stetson, falling short of its first-ever Division Crawford, has been the Eagles best pitcher.
baseball. played with confidence, thanks to the leader- I regionals appearance. He was 4-0, 1.04 with 38 strikeouts and six
Gardner said he learned a lot from playing ship their older players have displayed. Following that loss, Tollett said the return- walks in 26 innings.
with veterans such as Gutierrez, Tyler Neslony They were having a lot of fun, Tollett ing players have been focused on winning Shortstop Julio Gonzalez (.365/.427/.553)
and Stephen Smith. One of the biggest les- said. They were excited about where they as many games as they can this spring. The leads the team in hitting and has fit well behind
sons he said he learned came from seeing were. Theyre excited about coming to the Eagles had to replace All-America second leadoff hitter Matt Reardon (.272/.368/.391),
Gutierrezs work ethic. park every day. Its a loose group. Theyre fun baseman Jake Noll, a seventh-round pick of who tied a program record with eight RBIs in
Hes up at the cage at what, eight or nine to be around and they believe they can win. the Nationals, and brought in a big recruiting a win March 11 against Ohio State.
THROUGH MARCH 20
MIKE JANES
near the 2014 trade deadline in a deal that Billy McKinney
McKinney knows all about ill-timed inju- acquired German and Nathan Eovaldi in 2014 when they
also sent Addison Russell to Chicago for Jeff ries. At the end of the 2015 season, he frac- traded Martin Prado and David Phelps to the Marlins.
BALTIMORE | Orioles BOSTON | Red Sox TAMPA BAY | Rays TORONTO | Blue Jays
B Y R O C H K U B AT KO BY ALEX SPEIER BY MARC TOPKIN BY SHI DAVIDI
Wynns Takes Setback In Stride Still Searching For Control Making A Big Impression Ready For A Power Jolt
SARASOTA, FLA. Catcher Austin Wynns finally FORT MYERS, FLA. Just two years ago, it would PORT CHARLOTTE, FLA. Its hard to say how out- DUNEDIN, FLA. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds,
made it to big league camp after an ankle have been difficult to imagine lefthander fielder Jake Bauers has made a bigger impres- Rowdy Tellez looks every bit the part of the
injury he sustained playing winter ball delayed Henry Owens being among the first round sion on the Rays this spring. Is it the powerful hulking first-base slugger.
his arrival. of cuts from big league camp. way he has swung the batwhich includes Yet the 22-year-old hasnt made hitting
Orioles manager Buck Showalter finally Yet his performance in the early stages of a pair of mammoth home runsor is it the home runs a priority through his first four
gets to see what all the fuss is about. the Grapefruit Leaguea 15.95 ERA with 12 mature way he carries himself? seasons. He prefers to develop himself more
I can see why so many people like him, walks in just 6.2 inningsmade it clear that You wouldnt know he was here, first base- completely at the plate.
Showalter said after Wynns caught the late the 24-year-old has work to do. man Logan Morrison said, unless he swung I wanted to learn how to hit first and be
innings of a game against the Twins. An offseason of strength gains allowed the bat and it made a really loud noise. the best hitter I can be, because the longer you
Wynns, 26, played at three levels of the the 6-foot-7 Owens to arrive at a solid 230 Bauers is just 21 and has not played above play, the more people have an opportunity to
system last season, including eight games at pounds and had him working with better Double-A Montgomery. He is still getting figure out who you are, said Tellez, a 30th-
Triple-A Norfolk. He hit .287/.336/.416 with velocityhe pitched at 90-94 mph in his used to right field after being asked to move round selection in 2013 out of Elk Grove
six home runs in 80 games. final spring outingthan in recent years. from first base to get more playing time. (Calif.) High.
The Orioles invited Wynns, drafted in 2013 Nonetheless, inconsistent mechanics, particu- None of that has stopped him from being So if I can be the best hitter I can be,
in the 10th round out of Fresno State, to big larly out of the windup, resulted in a return one of the best stories in big league camp. people are going to be worried about me hit-
league camp, but they replaced him with trip to Triple-A Pawtucket. Im telling you, man, that dude is unbe- ting and make more mistakes. Thats when
catcher Yermin Mercedes and sent Wynns to To Henrys credit, he didnt mince words, lievable, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier said. I have to capitalize, and thats where power
their minor league complex. Red Sox manager John Farrell said. He This whole camp hes impressed everyone . . . comes into the mix.
Its awesome the first time being (in big knows hes capable of more. He knows he I cant wait to see him up on our team, so I The mature outlook, especially given his
league camp), Wynns said. Yeah, the ankle needs to pitch better. When a player articu- look at that pretty swing. He is fun to watch. age, is one of the reasons the Blue Jays really
injury (shortened my stay), but Im still glad lates it clearly, it may be the first step toward Bauers came to Tampa Bay from the Padres believe in Tellez, who hit .297/.387/.530 with
that Im here to see everybody and see how making real change and adjustments. in December 2014 as part of the three-team, 23 home runs in 124 games at Double-A New
they act and stuff like that. I feel blessed. Owens estimated that 10 of his 12 spring 11-player deal in which the Rays shipped Wil Hampshire last season.
Wynns must have felt cursed in the walks came while pitching from the windup. Myers to the Padres, and then sent two of the Even more impressive than the numbers
Dominican League, where his chances of As such, he started working on a windup that prospects they got back, Trea Turner and Joe is the way he recovered from a rough first
joining the big club early fell apart. more closely approximated his delivery out of Ross, to the Nationals for Steven Souza. month, when he batted just .164 in 19 games.
I just did something not smart, he said. the stretch. But getting, and keeping, Bauers was a big A willingness to stick with his approach, even
I was on second base, with the bases loaded, If Owens can discover a delivery that per- part of that deal. in the face of struggles at the plate, demon-
when on a line drive back to the pitcher, I mits him to unlock some of the raw materials Our staff had raved about him after seeing strated to the Blue Jays a trust in his skill set
took one step right and then leaped back with still evident in glimpses, he still possesses a him that season, president of baseball opera- atypical for someone his age.
the same (right) foot . . . It happens. I rolled swing-and-miss changeup along with a slider tions Matt Silverman said. Were thrilled we Tellez will open the year at Triple-A Buffalo.
it two years ago, too. and curveball that flash the same potential. were able to acquire him. You dont see many Ive always had power, Tellez said. Ive
As soon as it happened, of course I was A 2011 supplemental first-round pick out prettier swings. known I have power, but last year is when
bummed. I was like, First invite and now Im of high school in Huntington Beach, Calif., Bauers, a 2013 seventh-round pick by the I really started to figure it out and I started
not going anymore. But Im here now. Here Owens recognizes that the future needs to Padres out of high school in Huntington becoming much more polished as a hitter.
and 100 percent and ready to go. become the present. Beach, Calif., realizes the Rays want him Knowing what pitches were coming, set-
Fortunately for Wynns, he was greeted You wait so long for it to click and it to spend more time in the minors. He hit ting up pitchers and understanding how they
upon his return by positive scouting reports hasnt happened, Owens said the day before .274/.370/.420 with 14 homers in 135 games were going to pitch me hepled. Its not about
from Showalter. the Red Sox optioned him, but I know I at Montgomery last year and earned team your swing and your mechanics. Its about
That was awesome, Wynns said. I dont have confidence in my abilities. I have confi- MVP honors. understanding and learning and having a
look at much of those things. I stay away from dence in myself that eventually everything is His maturation and ability to handle plan and an approach as to how youre going
all of that, but thats great to hear. Whenever I going to sync up. I just keep that mentality, the game at a young age is fascinating to to hit.
get in there, Ill do the best that I can and be that same attitude, and hopefully it happens me, farm director Mitch Lukevics said.
the type of person who I am. And hopefully sooner rather than later. Generally thats not the case. JAYS CHATTER
he likes it. I think its just patience. Just being patient Q Despite repeatedly touching 100 mph, righthander
with your own game. COOL RAYS Conner Greene had a rough go in his first two spring out-
BIRD SEED QRighthander Taylor Guerrieri sustained one of the odd- ings, allowing seven runs on six hits in two innings. He needs
Q Cuban outfielder Dariel Alvarez agreed to become a SOX YARNS est injuries of the spring when he fell in the bathroom of his to harness (his fastball), Blue Jays manager John Gibbons
righthanded pitcher, and the Orioles optioned him to minor QAs the Red Sox reassigned third baseman Rafael Devers rental home one morning and hit his head on the side of the said, (and) maybe get a little bit better location. They seem
league camp to begin the process. He will DH on the days he to minor league camp, they emphasized that commitment to bathtub, requiring several stitches. right now to get some pretty good swings off him. Hes got to
isnt on the mound, but they want him working as a reliever conditioning will be critical for him to remain at third base. Q The Rays re-signed 27-year-old outfielder Jason Coats tighten up and get more consistency with that breaking ball.
and most likely will assign him to a Class A affiliate. QLefthander Jalen Beeks impressed team officials during to a minor league deal in early March after they had released QRighthander Jordan Romano, who impressed last year
Q The Orioles signed 24-year-old first baseman Michael a two-inning outing. He worked at 92-94 mph with a sharp him on Jan. 30. He had Tommy John surgery shortly after at low Class A Lansing, picked up a win for Italy at the World
Katz to a minor league deal. The Mets released him last fall. cutter and a changeup that elicited swings and misses. Tampa Bay claimed him on waivers from the White Sox. Baseball Classic in a 10-9 victory against Mexico.
BaseballAmerica.com April 721, 2017
26
NL East ORGANIZATION REPORTS
TONY FARLOW
level Danville, where he thrived. Kolby Allard
out there and do just as well or better than breaking his elbow in the Double-A Southern League playoffs
When I went to Rome, that was the first the other guy . . . It was a great atmosphere. last year. He showed no ill effects from the injury.
Life-Changing Event Rivera Gets Versatile Appel Seeks To Take Command Highest-Drafted Intern
JUPITER, FLA. John Norwood was in right field PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA. T.J. Rivera is willing to wear CLEARWATER, FLA. Though the spotlight does not WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. While scrolling through
at high Class A Jupiter last season when, as any glove in his bid to break camp on the big shine on righthander Mark Appel as brightly Twitter on his off day as an intern for the
is his custom, he said hello to the opposing league roster. as it once did, he remains a tantalizing curios- Diamondbacks last June, C.J. Picerni noticed
teams relievers as they warmed up. The Pacific Coast League batting champion ity in the organization and around baseball. that he was about to be working for a differ-
In the bullpen was Reds righthander Nick last year at Triple-A Las Vegas already has After being selected No. 1 overall by the ent organization in a more hands-on capacity.
Howard. He and Norwood talked for only a shown he can handle second base and third Astros in 2013 and dealt to the Phillies in Much to his surprise, Picerni saw that he
second, but it was their first encounter since base. This spring he is also giving first base a December 2015, Appel has been slow to live had been drafted in the 31st round by the
June 25, 2014. shot and is looking to increase his reps in the up to expectations, and his once-golden pros- Nationals. The catcher thought his playing
Thats when Norwoods life changed for- outfield, where he has played sparingly. pect label has dulled. career was over when his senior season ended
ever. I am doing it just to kind of help my Fully recovered from surgery to remove a at Division III New York University, but
On a 1-0 pitch from Howard, Norwood value, Rivera said. bone spur from his right elbow in June, the instead he became the first Violets player to
turned on a 97 mph fastball and lined a solo With David Wright likely headed to the 25-year-old Stanford product believes he is be selected in a major league draft since 1974.
homer to left field, breaking an eighth-inning disabled list with to a right shoulder impinge- poised to take a leap forward in 2017. I had been in the (D-backs) war room on
tie in the final game of the College World ment, the 28-year-old Rivera could become Theres always the hope and dream of get- the first day of the draft, and my boss (assis-
Series and leading Vanderbilt to a 3-2 win the primary backup to Jose Reyes at third ting to the big leagues, but it doesnt happen tant of baseball operations Ian Rebhan) told
against Virginia. base while dabbling at other positions. overnight, Appel said. Everybody kind of me to take the next two days off, Picerni said.
It was an unexpected blast from a player Rivera, a native of the Bronx, N.Y., who makes their own opportunity based on how Picerni had loved tracking draft-eligible
who hit just four homers in three college attended Troy and signed with the Mets they play. I know if I go out there and do the pitchers usage for the Arizona front office, but
seasons. He hit .159 as a freshman and didnt as a nondrafted free agent in 2011, hit little things that Ive been doing the last eight he happily ended his internship and reported
become a starter until 2014, his junior year. .333/.345/.476 in 33 games with the Mets or nine months since surgery . . . that Ill be to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. He
Norwood, now 24, credits his mother last year. He made his major league debut there in no time. went just 2-for-8 because of an oblique injury.
Paula Burroughs for the quality person he in August and then started at second base This is a big season for Appel, who likely This spring, though, Picerni is feeling strong
has become, even as he has navigated tough against Giants ace Madison Bumgarner will pitch at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he and not intimidated by catching promising
situations. For example, he is estranged from in the National League Wild Card Game. made eight starts and recorded a 4.46 ERA prospects. After all, in offseason workouts in
his father Clarence Norwood, a former run- Riveras double in the 3-0 defeat was the Mets before surgery last season. his native Southern California, he has trained
ning back who played with Dan Marino at only extra-base hit. Appel believes his command has improved with first-round talents Lucas Giolito, Max
the University of Pittsburgh. Rivera hit .353 in the PCL to edge team- since the surgery. He spent a month in big Fried and Jack Flaherty, all of whom attend-
Norwood starred in baseball at his New mate Brandon Nimmo for the batting title. league camp and in nine innings gave up ed Harvard-Westlake High in Los Angeles.
Jersey high school, and the Blue Jays made To get an award like that is pretty cool, seven hits and five runs. Picerni played for two years at California
him a 12th-round pick in 2011. They offered Rivera said, but that is not a players ultimate Im seeing more quality in his pitches, Lutheran and then transferred to NYU, which
$800,000, but he decided he wasnt ready for goal. Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure said. brought back baseball in 2015 after a 41-year
pro ball, mentally or physically. The big question is whether the free-swing- It looks like hes going forward. Hes not absence. Hes on track to finish his course-
Norwood went undrafted in 2014, but the ing Rivera, who represented Puerto Rico in scattering balls all over. His misses are not as work online and graduate in May with a
Marlins, who had money remaining in their the World Baseball Classic, can sustain success frequent and not as bad as they were. Im very degree in sports management.
bonus pool, signed Norwood for $275,000, in the major leagues. Last year he swung at pleased where hes at, and he should be too. The only holdup was having to restart
which is a robust bonus amount for an 54.8 percent of all pitches, the fourth-highest McClure said Appels goal for 2017 should his internship clock. Picerni was required to
undrafted player. average among NL hitters. be pitch efficiency. Former Phillies reliever complete two internships, and he eventually
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Norwood is And yet, the Mets want Rivera to maintain Larry Andersen also stressed that to Appel did that by marketing for the NYU athletic
beginning to blossom with the consistent the approach that got him to the big leagues. during his time as an instructor in camp. department and assisting the executive direc-
playing time he didnt get early at Vandy. I dont want (Rivera) to change a lot, Mets We had some conversations about the tor of the non-profit Professional Baseball
He hit 16 homers in 2015 and nine last manager Terry Collins said, because you mentality of pitching, and really just having Scouts Foundation in Calabasas, Calif.
season and appears destined for Double-A change a little bit of the aggressiveness some- confidence and not trying to throw a strike I definitely want to work in baseball, said
Jacksonville this year. times and he all of a sudden starts to struggle. but knowing youre going to throw a strike, Picerni, 24. Whether thats in a front office
I started a leg kick during the (2014) super Thats not what we want. Appel said. Theres a difference in knowing it or in facility management, I couldnt picture
regionals, Norwood said of his power. Ever in your head and kind of believing it in every doing anything else.
since then, its helped my timing. NEW YORK MINUTES fiber of your body.
Q Righthander Marcos Molina caught the attention of CAPITAL GAINS
FISH BITES team officials early in spring training. The 22-year-old missed PHILUPS QCatcher Spencer Kieboom, the older brother of Nationals
Q Reliever Tayron Guerrero, a 6-foot-8 righthander, threw last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery but Q Outfielder Andrew Pullins audition in big league camp 2016 first-round pick Carter, cleared waivers and was out-
a scoreless inning with two strikeouts for Colombia at the returned for the Arizona Fall League. was cut short by an oblique strain. righted to Triple-A Syracuse.
World Baseball Classic. Q The Mets signed 23-year-old shortstop Danny Hoy to Q Roy Halladay, the 2010 Cy Young Award winner with the Q The Prince William County, Va., board of county supervi-
Q Third baseman Brian Anderson, the organizations top a minor league contract. He helped lead Princeton to the Phillies, was in camp working with pitchers on the physical sors voted 5-3 to approve a letter of intent to build a new
position prospect, played well in the early stages of big Ivy League title last year before playing four games in the and mental aspects of pitching. He will likely stay on during $35 million ballpark for the high Class A Potomac Nationals,
league camp, going 9-for-26 (.346) with a home run. independent Frontier League. the season to work with minor leaguers. according to InsideNova.com.
April 721, 2017 BaseballAmerica.com
27
ORGANIZATION REPORTS AL Central
BILL MITCHELL
manager Rick Hahn said. Yoan Moncada
old Moncada is in big league camp this spring minor league contract. The reliever appeared in 30 games for
Guilty in past seasons of rushing prospects and has one primary goal. the Giants in 2013 and 2014.
Armstrong Shows Maturity Selectivity Is On The Menu Puckett Climbs Quickly Jaxs Future Is Up In The Air
GOODYEAR, ARIZ. Among the Indians internal LAKELAND, FLA. Dominic Ficociello took a step SURPRISE, ARIZ. Righthander A.J. Puckett went FORT MYERS, FLA. The Twins arent sure yet where
candidates, righthander Shawn Armstrong backward offensively in 2016, his first season from unheralded prospect at Pepperdine to righthander Griffin Jax will be assigned.
has the best chance to emerge as a factor in at Double-A Erie. But the first baseman has Royals big league camp within a year. It could be Fort Myers for extended
the big league bullpen in 2017. taken one step forward in the mind of Tigers I was getting ready for college Opening spring training. Or it could be Rookie-level
The 26-year-old has had brief stints with manager Brad Ausmus, who has seen plenty Day a year ago, Puckett said in the Royals Elizabethton, where Jax pitched in four games
Cleveland in each of the past two seasons. of him the past two springs. spring clubhouse, where he was surrounded last year after being drafted in the third round.
After a strong showing at Triple-A Columbus He seems to be becoming more selective by veteran starters Jason Hammel, Danny Or he could be sent to Elgin.
in 2016, and some impressive work early in at the plate, Ausmus said. Hes not chas- Duffy and Ian Kennedy. That would be the Air Force base in the
big league camp this year, Armstrong could ing out of the strike zone as often. Hes more Puckett was not considered a premium draft Florida panhandle. That uncertainty repre-
pitch his way onto the Opening Day roster. polished. prospect when his junior season began last sents the risk the Twins assumed in 2016
Or he could be the next man up should an Hes also a bit bigger. The 24-year-old year, but a scoreless streak of 45.2 innings put when they selected the 22-year-old Jax.
injury strike the bullpen. Ficociello, who is listed at 6-foot-4, 200 him on scouts must-see lists. Jax will graduate from the Air Force
He came into camp looking like he was pounds, spent a good amount of time in the Midway through the streak I kind of Academy in May, and hes not at spring
on a mission, and looking like hes really offseason working to add weight. The switch- started realizing I had a little streak going, training because the academy requires him to
matured, Indians manager Terry Francona hitter went 8-for-37 (.216) with three home said Puckett, 21. The guys on my team were complete his degree first.
said. runs and eight RBIs through spring games as starting to give me a hard time, saying they Even when Jax does report to the Twins, he
An 18th-round pick from East Carolina in of mid-March. wanted to face me to break my streak. owes the U.S. military five years of service,
2011, Armstrongs maturity and confidence The three homers Ficociello hit added up to The Royals selected Puckett in the second just like all Air Force cadets. How he fulfills
both got a boost from his strong performance more than half the total he hit in the Eastern round, making him their top pick in 2016. that obligation, however, isnt certain.
at Columbus last year. League last year. After two perfunctory starts in the Rookie- Well see what they decide, vice president
In 47 relief appearances he recorded a 1.84 Ficociello, a 12th-round pick in 2013 from level Arizona League, Puckett advanced to low for player personnel Mike Radcliff said. Air
ERA, while averaging 13.2 strikeouts and 5.1 Arkansas, hit .248/.329/.348 with five hom- Class A Lexington, where he went 2-3, 3.66 Force laid out a deferral policy before the
walks per nine innings and holding oppo- ers in 123 games last season. His OPS fell in 11 starts. draft last year to allow (Jax) to play, then serve
nents to a .160 average. Armstrong led all to .677, which was a substantial drop from I thought I could have pitched better, but in the reserves during the offseason. But you
International League pitchers with at least 40 2015, when he recorded a .765 mark at high it was just a fun atmosphere, Puckett said. never know when things might change.
innings with a strikeout rate of 35.3 percent. Class A Lakeland. It was an eye-opening experience. It was just For Jax, a big change came when his fastball
His major developmental hiccups have been Ficociello took a pass on winter ball to focus going out there and getting the whole new velocity shot from the mid-80s to the mid-
a high walk ratean average of 4.6 per nine on weight training. experience of facing professional ball players. 90s during his senior year of high school in
for his careerand controlling his emotions. I just wanted to focus on hitting the The indoctrination to minor league life Greenwood Village, Colo. Drafted by the
I remember two years ago, when he was weights hard, eating right and giving myself included a 10-hour bus ride. Phillies in 2013, Jax chose to go to college
first on the (team), he gave up a couple runs the best chance to succeed physically, In his two wins, which came in his final instead.
and was beating himself up in the dugout, Ficociello said, before I came in and worked three starts, Puckett allowed no runs over 10 He blossomed into an all-Mountain West
Francona said. on the mental stuff with (hitting coach) Lloyd innings. He walked 15 and struck out 45 over Conference pitcher at Air Force, where he
But when you see guys taking steps and (McClendon) and Brad and all the hitting 58.2 innings at both stops. recorded a 2.05 ERA in 105 innings as a
going in the right direction, you get excited guys. I need to command the zone, Puckett junior.
about that. You dont want to penalize some- His hard work paid off early. said. Walks always hurt you . . . So you Jax top out at 95 mph, Radcliff said, but he
body for immaturity two years ago. To watch Hes a little bigger, Ausmus said. He is always want to go out and throw strikes. has a polished changeup that makes his hard
where Shawn is now, its good to see, because definitely driving the ball more, especially to Puckett sits at 91-94 mph and uses both stuff even more effective. And as a military
hes on a good path right now. the opposite field. sides of the plate. He also has a plus changeup. graduate, his makeup and maturity obviously
That path could lead Armstrong to Ficociello is bound for the upper levels of His curveball is inconsistent and needs to stand out, Radcliff said.
Clevelandeventually. system and will play first base, third base and tighten up for him to develop into an impact Jax struck out eight with a 4.15 ERA in 8.2
in the corner outfield. Whether he ends up starter. innings in the Appalachian League last year.
SMOKE SIGNALS playing one position or several remains to be Puckett will likely open this season at Hes starting out a little behind, because
Q Righthander Cody Anderson had Tommy John surgery seen. pitcher-friendly high Class-A Wilmington. of his obligations, Radcliff said. But if hes
in March and will miss the entire season. The 26-year-old Hes probably a corner-infield guy, maybe given the chance, our guys think he can climb
did not appear in a spring game because he was shut down some outfield, Ausmus said. The more he ROYALTIES pretty quickly.
with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. hits, the more he plays. Q Righthander Kyle Zimmer was among the Royals
Anderson logged 152 innings for the Indians in 2015 and first spring training cuts. They optioned him to Double-A. TWIN KILLINGS
2016 and had arthroscopic surgery on his elbow following TIGER TALES The 2012 first-round pick, who has had numerous injuries, QWith Trevor May out with Tommy John surgery, lefthand-
last season. Q Righthander Sandy Baez struck out nine and allowed recorded a 7.71 ERA this spring. er Adalberto Mejia was making a case for a rotation spot
QThe Indians announced three promotions in the scouting four hits through seven spring innings. He finished last sea- Q Righthander Josh Staumont, a 2015 second-round with a spring ERA of 0.87 through 10.1 innings.
department: Dave Miller to special assignment scout, Chris son at low Class A West Michigan. pick and the systems top prospect, was reassigned to minor Q Lefthander Mason Melotakis reported to camp with a
Gale to international crosschecker and Trey Hendricks to Q Outfielder Mike Gerber had one hit (a single), no walks league camp. He allowed one run, struck out three and strained right oblique, which prevented him from taking part
international crosschecker. and nine strikeouts through 18 spring at-bats. walked two over three innings in two appearances. in spring games.
BaseballAmerica.com April 721, 2017
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NL Central ORGANIZATION REPORTS
CLIFF WELCH
big learning curve for me. I just kind of lost QWith his hamstring healthy, Davis has shown the 96 mph Blake Trahan
continue to take more aggressive swings.
my swing and lost track of the things I was I think there were a lot of games I was real fastball he lacked last season.
Smooth Move To The Pen? A Sensible Switch Eppler Banks on Unique Pitch Could Sierra Make The Jump?
MESA, ARIZ. Has righthander Pierce Johnson PHOENIX Considering the dearth of lefthanded BRADENTON, FLA. Tyler Eppler is working on a JUPITER, FLA. Cardinals manager Mike Matheny
gone from struggling minor league starter to pitchers in the organization, the Brewers new pitch this spring, one with a somewhat was so fond of what he saw from outfielder
the next Wade Davis? decided to make one from scratch. risqu name. Magneuris Sierra during spring training that
Not yet. But early in spring training, Cubs When Nick Ramirez took a step back The 24-year-old righthander, who looks he told the story a few times about how a
manager Joe Maddon made it sound like offensively last season as a first baseman at to open the season at Triple-A Indianapolis, coach with another team was even more
thats what could be coming for the first pitch- Double-A Biloxi, the Brewers suggested that has been learning to master a hybrid that is impressed.
er drafted by the organization under president he would have a better chance to advance part slider and part cutter. Eppler and minor Hes in (low Class A), Matheny later
of baseball operations Theo Epstein. as a pitcher. It wasnt a crazy notion because league pitching coordinator Justin Meccage said. I have to remind myself that. I have to
After a late-season move to the bullpen at Ramirez also served as the closer at Cal State jokingly refer to it as the slutter. remind other people who watched him play
Triple-A Iowa last year, Johnson arrived at big Fullerton before Milwaukee made him a Sometimes when we tell other people that, against them this spring.
league camp this spring as a full-time reliever. fourth-round pick in 2011. theyre like, Really? Eppler said. So its There are teams out there that could put
Its a different look. Its a different animal They mentioned it in July and I started like its our joke. I tell everybody else its a him in there and watch him compete. If they
all of a sudden, Maddon said. What he had throwing bullpens, getting back into it, said slider-cutter. had a kid like thatwho could run like that,
done last year once they put him in the pen, Ramirez, 27. When I first started, I looked Eppler hopes the pitch can get him to the who puts together the kind of at-bats like that
(he showed) the typical uptick (in velocity). like an infielder throwing off the mound. I big leagues this year after he went 9-10, 3.99 and plays that kind of defenseyou could see
(It was) kind of like a Wade Davis thing. hadnt done it in five years. in 27 starts last season at Double-A Altoona. a team saying, Lets push this kid a little bit.
Davis, the closer whom the Cubs acquired I wasnt using my lower half. I wasnt using The Pirates feel Eppler needs an extra pitch That team now could be the Cardinals.
from the Royals in December for Jorge Soler, my body. It was just a slow progression to get to complement a fastball that sits at 92-94 While Sierra isnt getting outfitted for a spot
became one of the games best closers once the back in shape and let my arm bounce back mph and a plus changeup, especially because as the teams fourth outfielder, the 20-year-old
Rays moved him to the bullpen. and all that stuff. it was hard to distinguish his curveball from center field has made his case for an acceler-
Ive heard nothing but good stuff out of With some help from Biloxi pitching coach his slider. ated assignment to start the season.
the bullpen with (Johnson), Maddon said. Chris Hook, Ramirez started to look like Its a hard pitch, an aggressive pitch, Sierra, who signed out of the Dominican
Nothing but good stuff. a pitcher again. After the season, he went Eppler said. Its got more depth than a Republic in 2012, proved to be one of the best
Johnson, a 2012 supplemental first-round to instructional league and pitched in game regular cutter would have. I think it will be outfield defenders in big league camp, and
pick out of Missouri State, always has thrown situations. He returned home to prepare more of a miss-the-barrel type pitch, and the there are scouts who believe his glove is ready
hard with a breaking ball he calls his best for being a two-way player, something the curveball will hopefully be a strikeout, miss- for the top level now. Offensively, he showed
pitch. But command problems plagued him Brewers havent had since the days of Brooks the-bat pitch. a greater sense of how to use his speedand
once he reached Double-A Tennessee in 2014. Kieschnick in 2003 and 2004. Eppler has rarely missed the strike zone how to drive the ball.
I think the conviction factor for me was The early results were encouraging. Ramirez during three seasons since being selected in The lefthanded-hitting Sierra used spring to
the biggest thing, said Johnson, 25. As a faced three hitters in an exhibition game the sixth round of the 2014 draft from Sam build off his .307/.335/.395 turn at low Class
starter I wasnt necessarily timid when I was against Wisconsin-Milwaukee and struck out Houston State. He has issued just 61 walks A Peoria last year. The Cardinals had ear-
throwing, but the conviction wasnt necessar- all three. Next time out against the Rangers, in 302.2 innings for an average of just 1.8 per marked him to be high Class A Palm Beachs
ily there for me. So being in the pen, just let- he whiffed two of three hitters. nine innings. everyday center fielder.
ting it go as hard as I can and trying to throw Somehow, my pitches got better with the However, Eppler wants his new pitch to cut The traits that could allow him to thrive in
my breaking ballI think I can live off those five-year hiatus, Ramirez said. I dont know or slide outside the zone occasionally in an the Florida State League are why the Cardinals
two (pitches) and mix in a changeupbut I how that happened, but Im happy with how effort to encourage batters to chase. were considering assigning Sierra to Double-A
really think thats what clicked for me. its going. I feel good out there. I just want to Ive always been known to throw strikes, Springfield. Regardless of where he begins, he
About moving to the bullpen, he said it go out and compete. Its a wonderful oppor- Eppler said. Its kind of a strength and a should see Double-A this summer.
gives me the freedom to just be myself and tunity and Im trying to make the most of it. weakness. If I let the hitter get comfortable, he Hes a pure joy to watch in the outfield,
just let my pitches do what they can. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Ramirez doesnt knows a strikes coming and he can sit on it. Matheny said. I would give him a great
Johnson ran up a 7.75 ERA in 11 starts have an overpowering fastball at 90-91 mph, Thats something Ive got to change. endorsement because I think hes ready for
last year but recorded 35 strikeouts, 13 walks but he has an effective changeup, a pitch he Eppler has also changed the grip on his whatever level. A kid like himyou could see
and a .176 opponent average in 22.1 relief managed to keep the feel for despite being off curveball to mimic that of Cardinals right- how that would play at this level at some time
innings. the mound for so long. hander Adam Wainwright. in the not too far future.
Thats always been my go-to pitch, he It gives more of a loose feel, and its easier
CUBBYHOLE said. Luckily, the feel never left. to rip it now, Eppler said. REDBIRD CHIRPS
Q For all the talk of pitching depth, a quiet success story Q Jordan Schafers bid to be a two-way player as a lefty
has developed with the return from shoulder-debridement MICROBREWS PITTBURGERS reliever and outfielder ended with a ligament tear that
surgery of lefthander Zac Rosscup. My expectations are just Q Lefthander Nathan Kirby, who had Tommy John sur- QFirst baseman Josh Bell, who had arthroscopic left knee required surgery. Schafer had primary repair done on his
to be healthy, he said. gery late in 2015 and missed all of last season, returned surgery in January, saw his first spring action on March 6. He left elbow, which is an alternative to Tommy John surgery.
QIan Happ, the 2015 first-round pick, came out swinging to the mound against the LG Twins of the Korean Baseball was expected to be ready for the opener April 3 at Boston. Q Cuban outfielder Jose Adolis Garcia secured his work visa
in his first big league camp. He hit .405 through 19 games. Organization in an early spring exhibition. Q The Pirates signed righthander Holden Helmink, the through Haiti in time to appear in several Grapefruit League
Everybody talks about how everybodys here and the (minor QCatcher Jacob Nottingham had an upper biceps issue in Diamondbacks 12th-round pick in 2014, out of the indepen- games. He could start at Double-A, Triple-A or extended
league) cupboard is bare, Maddon said. Not true. big league camp and was sent to minor league camp. dent Atlantic League. spring training.
April 721, 2017 BaseballAmerica.com
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ORGANIZATION REPORTS AL West
BILL MITCHELL
your ordinary scout, Dipoto said. All three Chase De Jong
become more of a groundball pitcherbut they believe he is more of a fringe hitter than the .358 hitter
(pitchers are) cut from a very similar cloth. I understand (Seattles) Safeco Field is pretty he was at short-season Everett in 2015.
Back On Track A Fitting Role Model At Home In The Bullpen A Change Of Pace
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. A year and a half removed TEMPE, ARIZ. Shortstop David Fletchers favor- MESA, ARIZ. The adrenaline surged through SURPRISE, ARIZ. Eddie Gamboa rates as one of
from his last pitch for Triple-A Fresno, right- ite player growing up in Orange County, righthander Kyle Finnegans veins. It may the most intriguingand possibly the most
hander Tyson Perez is hoping to pick up Calif., was David Eckstein, so he always has have only been the third game of spring train- entertainingnewcomers to the Rangers
where he left off. appreciated being compared with the gritty, ing, but in this case the manager and coaching spring pitching staff, but not solely because
Perez was enjoying the best season of his over-achieving shortstop and leadoff man for staff of the Athletics were watching. the 32-year-old righthanders featured pitch is
career in 2015 before an MRI revealed his the 2002 World Series-champion Angels. Finnegan responded with a shutout ninth a knuckleball. But on the mound, its all about
right arm would require Tommy John sur- Hes like David Eckstein on extra vita- inning for the save in a win against the Giants. the knuckleball.
gery. On Sept. 23 of that year, a day after mins, farm director Mike Gallego said of It was definitely exciting, said Finnegan, In Gamboa, the Rangers have a candidate
Perez watched his Fresno teammates win the Fletcher last fall. 25. I had the shaky legs. Thats what I like to be the change-of-pace reliever they like to
Triple-A national championship, orthopedic But there is one comparison to Eckstein to feel on the mound. Looking back, its just have in their bullpen and a versatile pitcher
surgeon and Astros team physician Thomas that of a slap hitter with virtually no power so cool that I was able to face some big league who could work multiple innings on consecu-
Mehlhoff performed the operation. that Fletcher would like to shed this season. guys and be around that atmosphere. tive days or make a spot start for them.
It was tough, especially 2015, said Perez, Much of his focus last winter was on strength- He may well have to get used to itthe With lefthanded reliever Jake Diekman out
27. I was feeling really good and then to get ening his 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame in an atmosphere, that is. The slender 6-foot-2 and lefty Alex Claudio possibly moving into
injured, especially at the end of the year, it was effort to add a little more power and extra- Finnegan made the move from starting to a more specialized role than he had last season
really tough. But now that Im healthy and I base hits, he said. relieving last year, and the new role could as the change-of-pace long man, Gamboa is a
feel better than ever, Im just trying to build My strength has always been my defense, make him a contender for a callup this season pitcher to watch.
on what I did that year. said Fletcher, 22. Im trying to improve on After moving up to Double-A Midland last Hes willing to fill multiple roles.
Perez, a 17th-round pick in 2011 from being more productive at the plate. year, he put together a 2.14 ERA with six The goal is to be at the big league level,
Fresno CC, resumed throwing a bit before That Fletcher is in big league camp in saves in 30 appearances. His fastball touched said Gamboa, the Orioles 21st-round pick in
spring training last year and got back into his third pro season is a testament to his 97 mph, and he complements it with a slider, 2008 out of UC Davis. Whatever they need
games in August. He pitched one inning in quick development. Undrafted out of Cypress curveball and quality changeup. is what I have prepared for.
the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and three (Calif.) High, he was a sixth-round pick out At some point you realize that his natural The Rangers acquired Gamboa in a cash
innings at short-season Tri-City. of Loyola Marymount in 2015. ability, his aggressiveness and the spike in transaction with the Rays on Feb. 14, the day
The Astros rewarded Perez for his persever- Fletcher spent most of 2016 at high Class velocity all lead to (a bullpen role), farm pitchers and catchers reported to camp, and
ance and past performance with an invita- A Inland Empire and the last month at director Keith Lieppman said. had watched him toss two scoreless innings
tion to big league camp. He pitched in five Double-A Arkansas. He hit .280/.322/.351 A 2013 sixth-round pick from Texas State, against them in the 2016 season finale.
Grapefruit League games before being reas- with three homers in 98 games. Finnegan made 24 starts in 2015 before mov- Gamboa was a September callup by the
signed to minor league camp. Fletcher has shown advanced plate disci- ing to the bullpen for his final four appearanc- Rays and recorded a 1.35 ERA in 13.1 relief
He was on track to come to camp last year pline, and he has decent speed with 16 stolen es. He spent the offseason wondering about innings. He had produced a 2.68 ERA in 27
until the injury, Astros manager A.J. Hinch bases in 19 attempts last year. his future role before he met with pitching games (12 starts) at Triple-A Durham.
said. I didnt want to miss the opportunity to Defensively, Fletcher has played mostly coordinator Gil Patterson in spring training. The only homer he allowed in 107.1 innings
(let him) know that hes still someone weve shortstop, but he projects as a second base- Ive always been the type of player where in 2016 was a Sept. 28 solo shot by White Sox
been keeping our eyes on. He had a spectacu- man in the big leagues. He has quick feet, I wanted to do whatever the coaches asked all-star Todd Frazier.
lar 2015 and obviously missed 2016. soft hands and good instincts. What he lacks of me, Finnegan said. I always knew that Gamboa throws his knuckler harder than
Perez, who was drafted by former general in arm strength he compensates for with (relieving) would probably be my end game most, much like R.A. Dickey, and is capable
manager Ed Wades regime, complements his accuracy. to move to the big leagues. of mixing speeds with it. He also tops out at
fastball with a cutter and a curveball. He was He has plus range for a second baseman, Im a little out of the mold of big league 90 mph with his fastball and throws a cutter.
a starter earlier in his career before becoming and hes a natural shortstop, so he looks starters. Im kind of a max-effort guy . . . and He can ramp it up and back it off,
a full-time reliever in 2014. good, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. I give everything to every pitch I have. Rangers pitching coach Doug Brocail said.
Im ready to go, so wherever they want to His tool set is nice. Hes athletic, quick and Listed at 170 pounds, Finnegan also lacks Knuckleballers can be really intriguing to
send me (is fine), Perez said. Its not like hes going to be able to steal a base when its the prototypical build of a starter. He had everybodyfrom fans to the pitching coach.
they need to hold the reins on me or anything. there. And hes a tough out at the plate. Hes a relieved on occasion in college.
Im 100 percent ready to go. If I go back to good little player. It wasnt something completely new to RANGER ROUNDUP
Fresno for a little bit, hopefully I just start me, he said. I think thats what made the Q The Rangers made lefthander Andrew Faulkner one
where I left off in 2015 and well see what ANGEL FOOD transition so easy. of the first pitchers sent out to minor league camp a year
happens from there. Q The Angels reassigned first-round first baseman Matt after he made the Opening Day roster. The Rangers hope the
Thaiss to minor league camp on March 9, but not before he AS ACORNS early option to Triple-A Round Rock will help him get more
SPACE SHOTS went 5-for-11 in 10 games. I think this guys got an incred- Q After a difficult season at Triple-A Nashville last year, individual coaching and have him ready for an early callup.
QThe Astros were playing Tony Kemp primarily at second ible future, but lets take one step at a time, Scioscia said. outfielder Matt Olson received hitting suggestions from As Q Shortstop Michael De Leon, who spent all of last season
base this spring after adding outfielders Josh Reddick, Lets let him work his way out of A-ball, and well see. hitting coach Darren Bush during a September callup. He at high Class A High Desert, saw regular work in Cactus
Carlos Beltran and Nori Aoki in the offseason Q Catcher Jack Kruger, a 20th-round pick who signed for has shown major improvement this spring, Lieppman said. League games as a replacement for Rangers regulars. Signed
QCatcher Garrett Stubbs was limited early in his first big $395,000 last year, also impressed the Angels before being QTop prospect Franklin Barreto made a strong impression as a slight 16-year-old international free agent in 2013, he
league camp because of discomfort in his throwing shoulder. reassigned to minor league camp. in big league camp, going 13-for-27 with a homer. said that he now weighs 195 pounds.
BaseballAmerica.com April 721, 2017
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NL West ORGANIZATION REPORTS
BILL MITCHELL
establishing a better workout routine and Willie Calhoun
der quickly. Last year the 5-foot-8, lefthanded during an early March Cactus League game and will likely
working to get his body in better shape. batter hit .254/.318/.469 in 132 games at miss the start of the minor league season.
ARIZONA | Diamondbacks COLORADO | Rockies SAN DIEGO | Padres SAN FRANCISCO | Giants
BY NICK PIECORO BY JACK ETKIN BY JEFF SANDERS BY STEVE KRONER
Herrera Has Health In Mind Pint Refines His Delivery Lockett Aims For Rotation Duggar Puts In The Work
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. After the way his past two sea- SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. The extensive offseason work PEORIA, ARIZ. Righthander Walker Locketts SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. Though he put together a
sons have unfolded, catcher Jose Herrera has Riley Pint put into his delivery brought long odds to crack the Opening Day roster solid first pro season in 2015, outfielder
relatively modest goals in mindand thats notable results at the outset of spring training. were stretched even longer when the Padres Steven Duggar realized he needed to improve.
understandable. The hard-throwing righthander spent three dipped into the free-agent bargain bin to add There were a few things that we had to
I just want to be healthy all year, he said. months at the Rockies facility getting ready Jered Weaver, Jhoulys Chacin and Trevor clean up from the offensive side of the game:
The 20-year-old Herrera has been limited for his first spring training. As a result, Pints Cahill to the rotation competition. bat path, posture and being able to drive balls
to just 60 games the past two seasons. After delivery was smoother, tighter and more That doesnt mean the 22-year-old Lockett to all parts of the field, said Duggar, a 2015
fracturing a bone in his foot in 2015, he dealt repeatable while throwing bullpen sessions isnt asserting his standing in a vastly over- sixth-rounder from Clemson.
with an elbow strain during extended spring and live batting practice before the start of hauled farm system. After working on those things with farm
training last year, then broke a bone in his games. The 2012 fourth-rounder out of high director Shane Turner, minor league hitting
hand in August that cost him the rest of the Its not like there was an extreme head school in Jacksonville breezed through four instructor Andy Skeels and then-high Class
season. whack or (he was) consistently trying to over- levels last year to land on Triple-A El Pasos A San Jose manager Lipso Nava, Duggar
Still, the Diamondbacks have seen flashes throw or looking like he was overthrowing, playoff roster, onto the Padres 40-man roster enjoyed a much better second pro season.
of the potential that compelled them to sign farm director Zach Wilson said. There was and into big league camp for the first time. The lefthanded batter boosted his slug-
Herrera for $1 million out of Venezuela in definitely some moving parts to it. There was There, the 6-foot-5 Lockett turned in a pair ging percentage from .367 at short-season
July 2013. He hit .304/.415/.380 in 79 at- probably a little more effort than you would of scoreless outings in his first exhibitions in Salem-Kezier in 2015 to .448 in 2016 when
bats in the Rookie-level Arizona League in like. It was more gaining some body control front of the big league staff. he played for both San Jose and Double-A
2015 and slashed .277/.351/.438 in 137 at- over those long limbs that he has. Its great to see a young guy come up, not Richmond. His home-run total increased
bats at Rookie-level Missoula last year. Hes learned to keep that delivery more be rattled at all and have the opportunity to from one to 10.
Since Miguel Montero reached the big compact. Hes learned how to really control show who he is, Padres manager Andy Green I think hes got a lot of tools, general man-
leagues in 2006, the D-backs have struggled the lower half (of his body) more than he ever said. I think he did that very, very well. ager Bobby Evans said. Hes got a plus bat,
to produce viable, big league-caliber catchers, has. Hes learned how to stay over the rubber The organization had high hopes for a plus arm and defense, and plus speed, so I
despite routinely targeting the position in more consistently. Lockett when they lured him away from a think theres a lot to offer.
the top 10 rounds of the draft. Most notable Pint, 19, is vying for a spot in the low Class South Florida commitment with a $393,000 The Giants liked the 23-year-old Duggars
is Stryker Trahan, their first-round pick in A Asheville rotation. He went 1-5, 5.35 in 11 payday in 2012 only to see finger and shoul- defense enough to switch him from right
2012, who has yet to advance out of Class A. starts last year at Rookie-level Grand Junction, der injuries derail the start of his pro career. fieldwhere he played almost exclusively in
The club is hopeful Herrera can break the where he pitched 37 innings after the Rockies Lockett had pitched just 31.1 innings enter- college and early in his pro careerto center
streak. Not only do they like the tools he drafted him in the first round out of high ing 2015. when he joined Richmond.
brings both to the plate and behind it, they school in Overland Park, Kan. Taking off a year later had everything to do The Giants would be excited simply to have
also believe in his makeup, citing the fact that Pints fastball sits at 96-99 mph and easily with blossoming confidence in a sinker he was a homegrown player become an everyday out-
he learned English as evidence of his com- touches 100. Wilson said Pint would flash able to spot to both sides of the plate. That his fielder. For as much success as the organiza-
mitment. plus secondary pitches in high school, but low-three-quarters arm slot created additional tion has had in recent years, its system has not
He has one of the best swings we have now more consistency with his delivery has side action made the pitch especially useful in produced a frontline major league outfielder.
in camp, farm director Mike Bell said. Its made his curveball more reliable. Additionally, a hasty introduction to Triple-A hitters late I think were recognizing thats just an area
a real clean, short swing. His catching and Wilson said Pints slider is really starting to last summer. where weve got to get better, Evans said.
throwing have been outstandinghis block- come along, and he has good arm speed with Lockett finished 2016 leading the organiza- Maybe its bad luck. Maybe its our own
ing, too. I really cant say enough good stuff his changeup. tion in innings (164) and ERA (2.96) across impatience.
about who he is and how hes prepared each Hes learning how to pitch now, Wilson his stops at all four full-season affiliates. The Giants top two picks in the draft last
of the last two years. Hes had a couple of said. Hes starting to understand what it Momentum is on his side now, and he year were outfielders. They chose Vanderbilts
unfortunate setbacks, but hes healthy and means to be a pitcher, what it means to work knows it. I keep telling everyone that it Bryan Reynolds in the second round and
ready to go now. to the glove side and the arm side, and what it sounds so clich that something just clicked Samfords Heath Quinn in the third.
Herrera likely will open the season at low means to change some eye levels. Hes starting for me last yearbut it did, Lockett said. At this point, Evans said, were really
Class A Kane County. to gravitate to learning about those things, hoping that some of the young guys in the
and to be aware of that at his age is pretty FATHER FIGURES system can emerge.
SNAKE BITES impressive. QThe Padres plan on giving second baseman Luis Urias a
Q Middle infielder Ildemaro Vargas was one of the most look at shortstop at Double-A San Antonio. The 19-year-old GIANTICS
impressive young players in big league camp during the first ROCKY ROADS saw action there early in spring training and played the posi- Q Giants first base coach Jose Alguacil had surgery on
two weeks of March. Manager Torey Lovullo was particular- Q Lefthander Ben Bowden was sidelined with a left tion for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. March 4 after getting hit in the face with a line drive. Alguacil,
ly impressed with his aggressiveness. Hes playing baseball hamstring strain. The second-round pick last year out of Q Padres lefthander Jose Castillo also made his mark in the manager at Triple-A Sacramento last season, was expect-
without the fear of making mistakes, he said. Vanderbilt went 0-1, 3.04 in 26 games at Asheville. the WBC, for Venezuela, by retiring big league hitters on ed to miss about two weeks of on-field work.
Q Lefthander Anthony Banda was another prospect who QRighthander David Hill, progressing steadily after August consecutive nights. He gave up a run against the Dominican Q The Giants optioned hard-throwing righthanded reliever
impressed in camp. He threw four scoreless innings, with one surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, will begin the year in Republic but retired Jose Reyes and Welington Castillo Ray Black to Sacramento early in spring training. He struck
walk and five strikeouts, in Cactus League play before being extended spring training. He went 4-4, 4.48 in 14 starts last in the process. A night earlier, he struck out all-stars Nolan out 53 hitters in 31.1 innings at Double-A Richmond last
reassigned to the minor leagues. season for Asheville. Arenado and Christian Yelich of the U.S. team. season.
April 721, 2017 BaseballAmerica.com
31
HIGH HEAT NHSI Preview COMPILED BY HUDSON BELINSKY
BILL MITCHELL
dominated international competition in 2015 and coach Scott Bullock returns a promising oense
2016. The righthanded Danner throws a mid-90s from last years 19-8 squad, led by seniors Jason
fastball and tight breaking ball, while also show- Uhrich, John Sorenson and Spencer Gendreau.
ing consistent game power and advanced feel for Uhrich batted .438 and lead the team with ve Aptly named Nick Brueser hit .442 with nine home runs last season for Arizona power Hamilton High
hitting. Some scouts believe the lefthanded Pratto home runs last season, while Sorenson batted
to be the best pure hitter in this years high school .400 and Gendreau hit .431. The Lobos will look to who led the team in hitting last year, touches Dillon Simmons, a Florida State commit, is an
class. He pitches in the upper 80s to low 90s and Sorenson, who went 4-3 as a junior, to make the 90 and shows promising command. Morales, a elite two-way player, batting in the four-hole and
has an outstanding changeup, but did not play next step forward in his pitching development. The lefthander, can reach into the low 90s with his touching 92 on the mound.
in last years NHSI after transferring in to play for Lobos season will just be getting going as NHSI fastball and he shows the ability to hit for both
the Oilers. Promising sophomore Josh Hahn bats rolls around. average and power.
cleanup. Santa Barbara recruit Cory Moore comple- Winder-Barrow HS, Winder, Ga.
ments Danner and Pratto in the rotation. 2017 RECORD RANKING: 12-1 (NR).
South Hills HS, West Covina, Calif. Trinity Christian HS, Jacksonville, Fla. PROMINENT BASEBALL ALUMNI: Travis
2017 RECORD RANKING: 5-1 (17). 2017 RECORD RANKING: 7-3 (NR). Demeritte, 2b/3b (Braves); Max Pentecost, c (Blue
Merritt Island (Fla.) HS PROMINENT BASEBALL ALUMNI: Jason PROMINENT BASEBALL ALUMNI: J.C. Flowers, Jays)
2017 RECORD RANKING: 7-3 (NR). Giambi, 1b (Athletics/Yankees); Cory Lidle, rhp of (Florida State); Todd Lott, of (Louisiana- Under head coach Brian Smith, the Bulldogs
PROMINENT BASEBALL ALUMNI: Clint Hurdle, (Yankees); Aaron Small, rhp (Blue Jays/Yankees); Lafayette); went 25-7 and reached Georgias 5-A state elite
of (Royals; Rockies/Pirates manager); Taylor Jordan, In 2016, South Hills was the CIF Southern Section Trinity Christian returns to NHSI after going 2-2 eight in 2016. In 2017, they bring back a strong
rhp (Nationals) Division II champion after a magical 26-7 season. in the tournament in 2016. They lost key seniors senior class that includes ve players committed
Lead by All-American shortstop Brady After all that success, the Huskies return most of (and 2016 draftees) in J.C. Flowers and Todd Lott, to play college baseball, including three who will
McConnell, the Mustangs are poised for a run in their key contributors from last years squad. The but the Conquerors return two prominent 2017 play Division I. Winder-Barrows strength should
2017 as they look to build o a strong 20-8 cam- squad is so well-rounded that it isnt clear exactly prospects in righthander A.J. Labas and shortstop be its oense. Vanderbilt commit Pat Demarco is
paign last season. McConnell, a Florida recruit, who their top prospect is. The Huskies are very Austin Martin. Labas served as the ace of the sta a high-contact hitter with plus speed, and could
oers a blend of speed, defense and pure hitting talented defensively, with senior shortstop Jacob as a junior, going 5-0, 1.19. He throws his three- be a signicant on-base threat for the Bulldogs
ability. He has the potential to be a rst-round Amaya, a Cal State Fullerton recruit, forming a pitch mix for strikes. Martin, a Vanderbilt recruit, at NHSI. Hes joined by promising hitters such as
draft pick in June. Head coach Greg Plecki will rely double play duo with junior Brandon Dieter, who has quick feet and excellent ineld actions. He Beau Hanna, a Kennesaw State recruit with power
on McConnell, senior Connor Allen (a Miami com- is committed to Stanford. Dieter will also play a key was the No. 34 prospect in Baseball Americas at the plate, and Will Hardigree, a USC Upstate
mit) and junior Mason Denaburg (a Florida com- role at the top of the rotation, where he has excel- preseason rankings. Beyond their senior stars, the commit as a two-way player with an outstanding
mit) to provide steady oense in the lineup. The lent command and pitchability. Joining Dieter in Conquerors have plenty of talented underclass- arm behind the plate. Seniors Trent Maddox and
righthanded Denaburg has a high ceiling on the the rotation, the Huskies have seniors John Dearth, men. In total, they have seven players committed Casey Thurmond add to the Bulldogs depth, while
mound, with a lively low-90s fastball and the abil- a San Diego State commit, and Karlos Morales, to play Division I baseball, and another ve who sophomore Zack Smith is a projectable talent com-
ity to generate late top-to-bottom action on his who is committed to Long Beach State. Dearth, will go on to play in junior college. Sophomore mitted to Mississippi.
S
cott Adell still remembers the first
moment he realized his son Jo was a
little bit different.
It was around 10 years ago. Scott was at a
business meeting in New Jersey and Jo was
about 8 years old at the time. Jos mother,
Nicole, was with him at one of the surround-
ing Little League fields.
You know, the little boy fields, Scott said.
I dont know what thats called, Pee Wee or
whatever. And it had a fence. And I guess that
fence was 150 feet, it was a small, little fence.
Small to someone like Scott, maybe. After
all, he had been an offensive lineman for
North Carolina State. The New Orleans
Saints took him in the 12th round of the
1992 NFL Draft, and he was used to just get-
ting smacked upside the head by extremely
large defensive players in college and the NFL.
A simple, 150-foot fence wasnt much to
Scott Adell. To an 8-year-old Jo, though, it
was a pretty big deal. But it wasnt more than
he could handle.
I remember I had to excuse myself from
the meeting because it was Jo on the other
line, Scott said. (He had) just hit one out.
And this is coach-pitch. And Nicole gets on
the phone and tells me that theyve never seen
MIKE JANES
an 8-year-old hit one out of the park before.
He hit one not only out of the park, but
into the road. And so at that point I knew Through his hard work, Jo Adell has established himself as one of the top athletes in the 2017 draft class
that this kid wanted to play baseball. I mean,
I knew it from that point forward. There was
no question that he wanted to play baseball. field, where he meets up with some fellow co- and know that my dreams can be a reality. for that. How do you run like a guy thats
A few years after Jo conquered the 150-foot ops to get some work in before practice. That was the biggest thing he taught me: If 6-foot-3? How do I gain the ground? And
fence, he still had that mindset. Baseball was Well meet up at the field early, Jo said. you want it, go out and get it. how do I be quick at the same time?
his focus. Even with his fathers history with Get some bands in, weighted balls, probably Eventually, he figured it out, and his most
football, with different middle school and do a long-toss session before practice starts Athletes All Around recent 60 time was 6.19 seconds, timed at
high school coaches beckoning him to other because we probably wont have time during Bernhardts first impression of Jo Adell was last years Perfect Game National showcase.
sports thanks to his burgeoning athleticism, Jo the practice schedule to do that. the impression that most people have when Hes probably faster now, with all the
was always drawn back to the diamond. Practice comes and goes, and if he doesnt they see him today. work hes done in the offseason, Scott said.
He always gravitated back to wanting to get the swings he is looking for he stays and I guess its the natural (impression), But hes doing it at about 210 pounds. So
play baseball, Scott said. Just getting out in gets additional reps. Bernhardt said. Ultra athletic, quick-twitch. Im really happy for him . . . (his training is)
the dirt and getting after it. The day is usually finished around 7 p.m., At the same time, pretty smooth in everything really showing some real dividends.
It was only after a call from Steve Bernhardt and then Jo repeats the entire process the fol- that he did. It seemed to come pretty easy to On top of that, Jos 41-inch vertical leap
during Jos sophomore year that Scott truly lowing day. him. would put him in the 98th percentile of the
began to realize what his son was capable of. Two things have hit home with Jo as Except that it didnt. Not really. Sure, Jo 1,706 players who participated in the NBAs
Bernhardt, the executive vice president of hes worked out with Hammer. The first? has the benefit of inheriting some NFL- draft combine.
Baseball Factory, was in charge of scouting, Everything thats done in the weight room caliber genes, but hes not even the best I think he certainly belongs in that con-
evaluating and selecting the rosters for the translates on the field later. athlete in his immediate family. That honor versation of the best athletes in this class and
Under Armour All-America Game. Whether its some band work we might goes to his sister, who plays softball and track very well may be the best one, Bernhardt
And Jo was getting invited. be doing, where were in whatever type of at Louisville. said. Everything that he brings to the table
(That) was probably the most excited that position, holding the band, thats going to As crazy as it sounds, Jo is probably as he uses in game . . . Now the speed plays
Ive ever been for Jo, Scott said. They were translate to x, y and z on the field, Jo said. good an athlete in any sport around, but his defensively and on the bases. He continues
deciding they were going to be bringing a cou- And you can really feel it. older sister Jessica is a monster, Scott said. to get stronger and thats in his power now.
ple of underclassmen to the Under Armour in The second? The importance of ensuring Shes probably the most athletic person His entire game seems to have been elevated
his first time going. . . . We didnt even know he gets into the weight room during the sea- thats ever been in this family. over the last eight-to-10 months.
that was a possibility. We didnt have any clue son. Thats been made easier with Jos smaller Jo points to how Jessica switched from The draft is approaching quickly and so is
that that was going to go on. class load but would likely still be happening playing softball to being a track star, seem- the opportunity that Scott envisioned for his
And thats the point where I made a mental without it. ingly with ease. Becoming an elite runner son back when Jo was invited to the Under
note. That this kid has got something special, Hes pretty driven right now, Scott said, didnt come so easily to Jo. Armour All-America Game. Back when he
and if he keeps working he may really get to the point at times where I need to tell him It was extremely difficult, for a couple of knew that Jo might turn into something
some opportunities down the road. to take a day off: Dude, were not swinging reasons, Jo said. I used to not always be special if he put in the work.
today. Youre not going to work out. Theres built the way Im built. Lucky enough to be And he has been putting in the work. After
The Daily Grind not going to be anything. If you want to do tall with lean muscle, and it wasnt like that all, Jo knows he cant get by on pure natural
A typical day for Jo Adell during his senior something just go downstairs and stretch a before. As a kid that was (5-foot-6), a little ability. His sister Jessica is the only one in the
year at Ballard High in Louisville goes some- little bit or something, but were not going pudgycouldnt move the way he wanted family who can do that.
thing like this: to do a whole lot today. Were going to rest to. And that was probably about four years Without that back-end work, you cant
Wake up and go to class. After getting for a day. ago really. carve that into that elite level, without that
most of his classes out of the way during his Resting isnt how Jo became one of the most His first 60-yard-dash was clocked in the constant drive, Scott said. Jos got, my
freshman, sophomore and junior years, math athletic and talented players in this years draft 7.1-7.2 range as a 14-year-old. He wanted to father used the term, a blue flame in his gut.
and English are his only classeshes a co-op class, committed to be an outfielder/right- get that time down, so he made a game out It burns really hot because he really wants
student. He goes to school until 10 a.m. and hander at Louisville, but currently projected of it, tracking his progress and always trying to be the best that he can be. And I know
then goes to work out with his strength coach, to go high in the first round as a position play- to beat his last mark. At the same time, he that sounds clich, but when youre chasing
Eric Hammer. A normal workout is from er. Its not even what Scott himself taught Jo. was growing into his current 6-foot-3 frame yourself, thats a good place to be.
around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (He) really taught me how to grind when and trying to adapt to his lengthening levers. When youre trying to improve every day
Hell grab something to eat during that it came to workouts and hitting, pitching, It was tough to know how to work those because you want to be better than you were
time and then head to practice. If he has time, outfieldwhatever it was, Jo said. And how long, moving parts at the same time, Jo yesterdaythats the mindset of somebody
hell change clothes. If not, its straight to the to just put my head down and just go for it, said. And having to learn what the form is whos chasing greatness.
BaseballAmerica.com April 721, 2017
34
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DANNY PARKER
the entire sport? looking for, say, a ball inside when hes actu-
That means a lot, Cabrera says, when he ally looking away.
hears this powerful factoid, because I can say Sometimes they see you do that, he says,
this is one of my goals. This is what I want. As great a hitter as he is, Miguel Cabrera is even better with runners on base and they say, OK, theyre going to shift (their
I focus on what I can do in this game, game plan) and go away. But you know, thats
he says. I dont have speed. Im not a guy his first full season in the big leagues. He every 23.9 PA) compared to when theres no my pitch. I want you to pitch me away.
who can have a stolen base. I wish I could, decided to pick the brains of the two best one on (one every 19.6). And that, he says, is They think, he says confidently, that theyre
but I cant. So I have to worry about, if I get hitters of that time, Barry Bonds and Albert the plan. reading himbut really hes the one read-
a chance to drive in runs and give a guy a Pujols. It depends what you want, he says. Youve ing them. So its not like trying to guess,
chance to score, he (has to) score. In 2004, Barry Bonds told me something got to always think. RBIs are RBIs. Youve got Cabrera says. Its like having a plan.
that Im never going to forget, Cabrera says. to think, well, a ground ball is going to be an
Miggy Loves Company And Albert Pujols told me, too: Why are you RBI with less than two outs. If Ive got a man The Meaning Of Numbers
It isnt unusual for the best hitters in the going to take a pitch when youve got men in on third base and they play me back, why am So of all of Cabreras Hall of Fame numbers,
game to have better numbers with runners on scoring position? Youve got to be aggressive I gonna swing hard? I want to do my same does it surprise anyone that the number he
base than they do with the bases empty. But every time. swing. I want to make sure I put the ball in cherishes most is the one he finds in his RBI
as ESPN Stats and Infos Paul Hembekides But what makes that approach work is play. . . . If you get too big, theres no sense in column?
reports, Cabrera has a significantly bigger gap that its controlled aggression. Cabrera says swinging like that. If you want to hit a double, Your average, it can go down or up in a
with men on, over the course of his career, he takes pride in sizing up every situation. home run, theres no chance youre going to season, he says. You cant control that. And
than even most historically great run produc- So if he doesnt need to get a hit to drive in a hit that guy, because theyre going to bring the home runs? I mean, I always played in big
ers: run, he couldnt care less about how it affects best stuff they have. ballparks. So I dont worry too much about
Bases Empty Men On his batting average. Hell just slap one to the home runs. But RBIs? I feel a little more
BA .310 .333 right side. It Aint Guessing proud of that because if you produce and pro-
OBP .383 .415 Only Ty Cobb has driven in more runs for duce, I can tell you, then somebody is going
Slug pct
OPS
.552
.936
.573
.988
Little Big Man the Tigers than Al Kaline. So when Kaline to look for you to have a job.
Jim Leyland managed Cabrera for six years watches his man Miggy wriggle into the box Hes the last man in baseball you would
But these numbers come as no shock to (2008-13) while he was with Detroit. From with men on base, he isnt just watching. Hes expect to be worrying about keeping his job.
Cabrera. Theyre a product, he says, of an the best seat in Comerica Park, Leyland studying. What he sees, Kaline says, is a hitter But he watched Mark Trumbo and Chris
aggressive approach to those situations. Hes gained a fascinating perspective on what who reminds him of Ted Williams. Carter spend months searching for a team
not interested in taking a walk if he doesnt makes Cabrera special. Hes a very smart baseball player, Kaline after hitting more than 40 home runs last
get that perfect pitch. Hes looking for ways to If you watch Miguel Cabrera, Leyland says of Cabrera. Thats what people dont season, and it taught him something.
get those runners home, whatever that takes. says, he swings like a little guy and hits like realize. They think its natural ability. And it Baseball is changing right now, he says.
If you want to walk me, walk me, he says. a big guy. Most guys swing like a big guy and is natural ability. But hes also a very smart Oh, its changing, all right. But one thing
But if I see something close to home plate, hit like a little guy. Hes got a nice smooth baseball player. He knows what the pitchers cant ever change. The team that scores more
I want to swing. Im the kind of guy who, swing. You dont ever, or very rarely, see him best pitch is. He knows how theyre going to wins will go undefeated for the rest of time.
if I look inside and they throw me a fastball overswing or muscle a ball up. try to pitch him in a lot of cases. And hitting And it takes more than on-base percentage to
outside and its a strike, Im going to swing. So how does that style come into play with is anticipating. I always remember talking make that happen, says the RBI king. It takes
Everything in the strike zone, Im going to runners on base? Cabrera says his only focus is to Ted Williams and I said, Ted, do you a stat hell never view as irrelevant.
swing. Doesnt matter if its a fastball, change- to find a way to get those runners in. Hes so ever guess? And he said, Al, I never guess. I Its always very important to get on base,
up, breaking ball. If its in the strike zone and uninterested in hitting the long ball in those anticipate. Cabrera says. Thats how you score. But how
its something you like, youve got to swing. spots that his home run ratio actually goes Listen to Cabrera talk about how he can you score runs if somebody is not going
That approach, he says, dates back to 2004, down with runners in scoring position (one attempts to control those critical moments to drive you in?
BaseballAmerica.com April 721, 2017
38