Figure we can fire a Yankees minor league thread up just to keep up with the happenings of our affiliates. The only group that has gotten underway is Triple A Scranton, starting their season on 3/29. Of the MLB Pipeline Top 30 for the Yanks, Scranton features:
#6- OF Everson Pereira
#8- SP Will Warren
#14- SP Clayton Beeter
#16- IF Jorbit Vivas
#18- SP Yoendrys Gomez
Ron Marinnacio and Cody Poteet are also down there who figure to see time with the big club at various points based on pitching needs.
Scranton sits at 2-1 through the first 3 games.
Will Warren didn't even make it out of the 1st in Game 1. Gave up 5 runs in 1/3rd of an inning.
Cody Poteet went 4 shutout innings, with 1 hit, 1 walk, and 5 K's. He may be one of the first names called for SP depth for the Yanks.
Everson Pereira with an early 4-13 and 1 HR through the first 3 games. I believe the HR was 108 off the bat.
Caleb Durbin who impressed during the Spring Breakout games, with an early 4-12 with 4 RBI and 2 SBs. He'll see work all around the IF, as he opened at 3B and then played 2B for Game 2.
two Yankee pitching prospects - ( New Window )
Trenton roster - ( New Window )
AAA Scranton (4-4):
- Caleb Durbin continued his scorching hot opening week. He's a player that made a name for himself in the spring breakout games, and has played a little of everywhere in the IF (not sure where he can potentially fit on the big league roster). His 2-2 with 2 double, and 4 RBI performance yesterday brings his first 8 game line to .464 average with a 1.365 OPS. 4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, and 7 steals while getting caught 0 times.
- Everson Pereira has 2 HRs but has otherwise gotten off to a slow start with a .200 average and .766 OPS. The swing and miss problem is there with 15 Ks and 4 walks in his first 30 at bats.
- Former top prospect Jeter Downs has seen work between SS and 2B and has had a nice opening week. Up to .316 with a .970 OPS.
- Brandon Lockridge who's been a fringe prospect with strong running and defensive tools in CF is off to a nice start. .417 average with a 1.233 OPS in his first 6 games, while stealing 9 bases and being caught 0 times.
- On the pitching side of things the Saturday double header had two of our top pitching prospects in Scranton go. Will Warren bounced back from a terrible first start to go 4 innings, 3 hits, 2 walks, 5 K's, and 1 earned run over 75 pitches. In game 2 Clayton Beeter started and command was an issue, going 3.1 shutout innings with 2 hits, 5 walks, and 5 Ks.
AA Somerset (2-1, started up Friday):
- Top prospect Spencer Jones has yet to appear due to neck stiffness.
- Ben Rice, who had a breakout last year, and is now 25 years old in AA, looking to keep his momentum moving. Saw time at C and DH to open the weekend, and hit his first HR. .286 with a .833 OPS to open up.
- Agustin Ramirez probably the story of AA and below. He homered in every game of opening weekend to start out with a .286 average and 1.215 OPS. 3 HRs and 6 RBI is a nice 3 game line. 22 year old catcher that came on as sort of a darkhorse last year, and looking to climb up the prospect ranks even further.
- On the pitching side of things, Trystan Vrieling, from the article above, made his pro ball debut (right to AA which is rare for the Yanks), and impressed going 5 shutout, with only 2 hits, 2 walks, and 6 Ks.
High A HV Renegades (2-1, started Friday):
- Jared Serna, who creeped into the top 15 Yanks prospects at Fangraphs, is another who got off to a hot start opening weekend. He saw time at SS and 2B, and started .300 with a 1.400 OPS after hitting 2 HRs. Long term is probably more of a utility man, but could see a future at 2B.
- 2022 7th rounder Cam Schittler with an impressive first start. 6 scoreless with 1 hit, 1 walk, and 7 Ks.
Low A Tampa (1-2, started Friday):
- George Lombard off to a slow start. .091 average and .424 OPS.
- Roderick Arias hit his first HR, and added a 3B, but starts at .231 with a .846 OPS. Hoping he continues his breakout from last year.
- Saturday saw two of our Cade pitching prospects from the 2023 draft go back to back with impressive performances. Cade Smith started with 2.1 scoress innings, with 2 hits, 3 walks, and 4 Ks, while Cade Austin went 2.2 scoreless innings with 2 hits, and 6 Ks in relief.
Threw 45.2 innings last year over 3 different levels (A+ to AA). He had a 2.96 ERA over that stretch with a 1.25 WHIP, and struck out 22.9% of batters while walking 8.5%. Primarily a sinker ball pitcher, he had a 49% ground ball rate in his 23.2 innings at AAA last year. Started this year off with 4.2 scoreless innings in AAA, while striking out 5 and walking 1.
Did not realize we got Durbin from the Braves in the Lucas Luetge deal after we DFA'd him.
Week 1 Roundup - ( New Window )
Berti is just so redundant with Cabrera around and what we already have in the system. Cruz may be a lottery ticket, but who knows if he turns into another Alcantera?
Berti is just so redundant with Cabrera around and what we already have in the system. Cruz may be a lottery ticket, but who knows if he turns into another Alcantera?
Just my opinion here, but I think due to his really small stature (he's listed at 5'6" tall), the Yanks really weren't that high on him (after all, he was what they got for a DFA'd reliever, which in these trades usually amounts to a bag of magic beans).
However, all he has done since is hit, steal bases and play above-average offense. With that said, his defense is reported to be average at best and in the bigs, he's likely limited to 2B. On the flip side, he has yet to have a healthy season- which works against him as it seems to prove the "too small" knock against him.
Assuming he can continue to produce in AAA, there is a ready-made vacancy at the end of the year at 2B (Torres hits FA). If the Yanks are going to re-sign Soto, they will have to find savings elsewhere. Plugging in one of Peraza or Durbin would be a big budget saver at 2B.
Personally, I kind of like Durbin- he's the sort of player who carries a chip on his shoulder from people doubting him for being "too small" to make the bigs and would likely outwork everyone to prove it. You need scrappy guys on your team and he would fit the bill. Still, he is going to have to prove himself every step of the way and hold off all comers.
If the Yanks plan is to eventually move Volpe to leadoff, Durbin might be an excellent 9 hole hitter. Durbin's K to walk ratios are outstanding, though his size does limit his power. Still, a high OBP 9 hole hitter helps extend the lineup when you get back to the top of the order. The Yanks used to love having Scott Brosius in the 9 spot for just that reason.
Caleb Durbin's stats - ( New Window )
Threw 45.2 innings last year over 3 different levels (A+ to AA). He had a 2.96 ERA over that stretch with a 1.25 WHIP, and struck out 22.9% of batters while walking 8.5%. Primarily a sinker ball pitcher, he had a 49% ground ball rate in his 23.2 innings at AAA last year. Started this year off with 4.2 scoreless innings in AAA, while striking out 5 and walking 1.
Maciejewski getting the call up and pitching the 9th inning yesterday had to be huge for him. Ever since the Yanks brought him in, he has really served as an "organization" type of player- meaning that he really wasn't considered a prospect and the team sent him where ever there was a need to be filled. He has had instances where he played in A ball, then suddenly got sent to AAA for filler and then back again.
To make the big leagues, even if it isn't a permanent thing and he likely gets sent down again or DFAd in the near future had to be one of life's best moments for him. He has always quietly done what was asked of him and taken a lot of hits for the team without ever being viewed as a top prospect. Congrats to him.
- Durbin another 2-4 night with a double, and started his first pro game in CF. Trying him everywhere it seems. Up to a crazy .469 average and 1.352 OPS to start the year.
- Pereira went 2-4 with his 3rd homer of the year, 106.1 off the bat.
- Edgar Barclay, a lefty throwing pitcher who's yo-yo'd between relieving and starting with a solid 5 innings, 3 hits, 3 walks, 7 K's, 1 earned against a really strong Norfolk lineup that had Jackson Holliday in it for his final AAA game.
AA lost 8-2
- Ben Rice 0-3 with 2 walks and a SB
- Agustin Ramirez continues his hot start going 1-4 with a 2 RBI and a walk.
Low A lost 6-2:
- Rough start continues for Roderick Arias going 0-5 with 5 Ks.
- George Lombard went 0-1 with 3 walks
- Nothing too notable from the big names here, both Durbin and Pereira went 0-4 with a walk.
- The Scranton pen which has a lot of MLB options, had a nice showing. Bickford went 1.1 scoreless innings with 2 Ks, 1 walk, and 1 hit, and Marinaccio went 2 scoreless innings with 3 Ks and 1 walk. Again this is the tough Norfolk lineup, where even without Holliday, the first 5 hitters in that lineup sport OPS' north of 1.000.
Tampa loses 9-2 to move to 1-4.
- Lombard finally with some hits as he goes 2-3 with 2 walks.
- Arias goes 1-4 with a double and a walk.
Other two games were postponed.
- Durbin 0-3 with 2 walks, "down" to .385 with a 1.160 OPS
- Pereira 1-3 with a double and a walk, sitting at .220 with a .835 OPS
- Jeter Downs, still only 25, and has started at 2B, SS, and now 3B for Scranton. 2-4 with his 2nd HR, off of MLBer John Means. Up to .308 with a .982 OPS.
- CF Brandon Lockridge has really had a strong start to the year, 1-3 with a double, and his 10th SB (0 CS). Up to .353 with a 1.136 OPS. Trimming fat around the edges cost wise for the future (hopefully with the Soto extension), is going to have to come internally, hopefully some of these guys can step in).
- Yoendrys Gomez (has hovered around the top 20 or so NYY prospects), went 3 scoreless, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk, and 6 Ks.
- Yorlin Calderon also went 3 scoreless in relief, allowing 2 hits and 3 Ks. Only 22 years old, and threw 81.1 innings last year (73.1 at Low A Tampa) to the tune of a 3.10 ERA with 98 Ks and only 26 walks for a 1.18 WHIP. Looks like he skipped AA entirely, and is now at 9.2 innings this year with a .93 ERA and 7 Ks to 2 walks. Big boy at 6'3, 155, with what looks to be a solid sinker and excellent changeup (thanks Pinstripe Alley).
Somerset lost 6-3, now 2-3 on the year:
- Ben Rice 1-5
- Agustin Ramirez continues his hot start going 1-4 with his 4th HR of the year. Now at .273 with a 1.151 OPS, 4 HRs and 10 RBI. First player in AA overall with 4 HRs.
- Brock Selvidge, one of our top SP prospects made his debut. He went 4 innings, allowing 7 hits and 2 walks, with 5 Ks. Threw 80 pitches with 52 strikes.
Tampa loses again 3-1, falls to 1-5:
- George Lombard goes 0-2 with 3 more walks. Average only sitting at .176 to start the year with no extra base hits, but 12 walks (to only 8 Ks) in 6 games still has his OBP at .533.
- Rod Arias goes 1-3 with an RBI and 2 walks. Slow start as well sitting at .200 with a .726 OPS.
- Both Cade's pitched again. Cade Smith started and went 3.1 innings allowing 1 hit, 3 walks, 2 earned and striking out 6. Cade Austin came on in relief and went 3.2 innings and allowed 2 hits, 1 walk, 1 earned and struck out 6 as well.
The HV doubleheader was rained out.
- Brandon Lockridge moved to the top of the order and went 1-5 with his 11th SB (still 0 CS).
- Durbin goes 2-5 with his 6th double of the year and 8th SB (up to .386/.1.145 OPS). Double was 105 off the bat.
- Pereira goes 2-4 with a walk and his 4th HR. Added his 2nd SB of the year as well (up to .244/.926 OPS). His HR was 103.8 off the bat, and he added a 101 mph flyout.
- Jeter Downs continues his impressive start going 2-4 with a double. Both of his hits were 100mph+ off the bat, and he added his 2nd SB of the year.
- Will Warren started and went 5 innings allowing 4 hits, 2 walks, and 3 earned, along with 8 Ks. He did give up 3 HRs, again this was the strong Norfolk lineup (Kjerstad and Mayo got him for 2). Threw 82 pitches, with 52 strikes, averaged around 94mph.
Somerset blew a 8-2 lead in the 7th, to lose 10-8, falls to 2-4 on the year:
- Ben Rice 1-4 with a walk
- Agustin Ramirez continues to mash. 1-5 with his 5th HR of the year.
- Ben Cowles, a 2021 10th rounder, went 2-4 to raise his average to .409 to start the year, 1.003 OPS.
HV played a DH, lost game one 3-2:
- Roc Riggio, a 2023 4th rounder, who plays 2B, went 2-2 with 2 walks and a double. Known as a contact guy, with a great eye, and plate discpline.
- Jared Serna went 1-4 with an RBI (.286-1.158 OPS).
Game 2 they won 1-0, to move to 3-2 on the year:
- Roc Riggio went 0-1 with 3 walks (.250-.888 OPS)
- Brian Hendry, a 2023 10th rounder from OK State made his pro debut and went 5 scoreless innings allowing 2 hits and 1 walk, to go with 8 Ks. Strong debut.
The 2nd game of the Somerset DH was rained out.
- George Lombard goes 2-4 with his 3rd SB. He did have 2 fielding errors and now has 5 on the short season. Not sure if this is a long term problem or not.
- A real brutal start continues for Arias as he goes 0-3 with 2 Ks. Down to .179 with a .674 OPS
- George Lombard goes 2-4 with his 3rd SB. He did have 2 fielding errors and now has 5 on the short season. Not sure if this is a long term problem or not.
- A real brutal start continues for Arias as he goes 0-3 with 2 Ks. Down to .179 with a .674 OPS
I’m not too concerned here- this is a YOUNG team- at least 4 starters are 19 or younger. There also isn’t too much pitching there as it looks like they held back some arms in extended ST.
Remember many years ago, Jeter racked up over 40 errors in low A ball. Lombard is 18 years old, much like Jeter back then. You learn a lot playing pro ball in the minors. Reps count and much is learned from errors.
Speaking of, he’s making his debut today in Game 1 of the DH, as the DH. 0-1 with a BB so far.
Scranton won 3-0 (9-4):
- Lockridge/Durbin/Pereira went a combined 0-11 with Lockridge drawing the only walk. Also was CS for the first time this year. Pereira with the 0-4 4K line.
- Strong performance from Clayton Beeter who went 5 scoreless only allowing 1 hit, with 8 Ks. Averaged 95 on the fastball.
Somerset won both of a DH (4-4 now):
Game 1 (10-2 W):
- Spencer Jones made his debut at DH and went 2-3 with a double, a walk, and 3 runs scored.
- Bailey Dees and Kevin Stevens went 7 innings, allowing 2 total runs while striking out 10.
Game 2 (3-1 W):
- Agustin Ramirez continued mashing with his 6th HR of the year on a 2-4 night.
- Ben Cowles, a 2021 10th rounder, went 2-3 on the day with a double and 2 runs scored. Up to .407 average-1.056 OPS on the year. Have him playing both SS/3B in AA currently.
- Trystan Vrieling followed up his first start with another gem. 6 innings of 1 run ball, allowing 3 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 6. ERA and WHIP at a matching .82 through his first 11 innings (2-0).
HV won 3-0 (4-2):
- Omar Martinez, a 22 year old C down here went 1-4 with a 3B and RBI. Up to .333-.962 OPS on the early going.
- Sebastian Keane with a gem of his own (2022 18th rounder). 4.1 innings of shutout ball with 3 hits, 1 walk, and 7 Ks. 72 pitches, 46 strikes.
- Trent Sellers and Geoffrey Gilbert completed the shutout out of the pen with 4.2 scoreless innings of 1 hit, 1 walk, 7 K ball.
Tampa won 8-7 (2-6):
- Walk off single for George Lombard in a 1-4 night. 1 RBI, 2 more walks, and 2 stolen bases rounds out his night.
- Arias went 2-5 with 2 doubles.
Scranton wins 6-5 (10-4):
- Lockridge goes 2-4 with a walk and a double.
- Durbin goes 1-5 with his 9th SB
- Pereira 0-2 with 2 Ks. Looks like he was pinch hit for early, but not seeing anything.
- Josh Breaux goes 3-5 with 2 HRs and 5 RBI for nearly all the damage. Always had big power, first was 109.5 off the bat and went 430, second was 94.5 off the bat and went 390.
Somerset loses 13-9 (4-5):
- Ben Rice has really hit the skids recently, had a lot of hype coming in to the year. 0-5 with 2 Ks, down to .200-.568 OPS.
- Agustin Ramirez hot start has pitchers now avoiding him. 0-1 with 3 walks, HBP, 3 runs, and 2 SBs. Nice day to stay patient.
- Ben Cowles has been hot recently. 2-4 with a 3B, BB and 3 RBI. Up to .419-1.127 OPS for the 24 year old.
HV Played Two and Split to Go to 5-3 on the year:
G1 (5-4 loss):
- Catcher depth down here has seen two guys split time between C and DH. Omar Martinez (22) DH in G1 and went 1-4 (at .320-.890 OPS). Jesus Rodriguez (21) C this one, and went 2-4 with an RBI (.308-.795 OPS).
G2 (6-4 win):
- Roc Riggo went 2-2 with 2 walks, 3B, and an SB. Up to .294-1.009 OPS. .480 OBP and 7 walks to only 3 Ks.
- Martinez/Rodriguez swapped roles and Martinez went 1-4 with his 2nd HR of the year, and Rodriguez 0-3 with a BB.
- Cole Ayers, a 16th round pick from 2021, went 2 innings for the save, 1 BB and 4Ks. Note him because in 4.1 innings he has 9 Ks to only 1 BB.
Tampa lost 11-4 (2-7):
- Lombard 0-4 with a BB. OBP at .489 in the early going.
- Arias 0-3 with a BB and his 1st SB.
- Emmanuel Tejada is a 19 year old that's starting down here, switching between 2B/3B. 2-3 with a BB, to bring the average up to .300. No pop at all, 0 XBHs, but can put the ball in play.
At a minimum, he gives them a trade asset at the deadline with those numbers (remembering that there will be a BIG roster crunch for 40 man spots at the end of the season(.
Warren and Durbin are guys that have to be protected after the season, then you'll have some other fringe guys.
- Not much to report here on the bats, only 5 hits.
- Lockridge/Durbin a combined 0-9 with 1 walk. Everson Pereira not in the lineup.
Somerset lost 5-1 (4-6):
- Spencer Jones 0-3 with 1 walk and a caught stealing.
- Agustin Ramirez finally silenced. 0-3 with a walk.
- Ben Cowles continues to hit, 1-3 with a double and walk.
- Ben Rice continues to scuffle, 0-4 with a K. 18.7% K rate last year, and in the early going this year up to 27.9%.
- Brock Selvidge went 5 innings, allowing 5 hits, 1 walk, 4 runs (2 earned), and striking out 6. Threw 92 pitches, 61 strikes, sat 91-93.
HV won 3-2 (6-3):
- Roc Riggio 0-4 with a walk
- Jesus Rodriguez 2-4, seems to play everywhere. 3 games at C, 3 at 3B, 1 in LF so far this year.
Tampa lost 11-3 (2-8):
- Lombard goes 1-5 with 3 Ks. He has reached base safely in all 10 games to start the year.
- Arias goes 1-4 with a walk and a SB. Added 2 errors (fielding/throwing).
- Emmnauel Tejada still with no XBHs but another 3-5 day, with 2 SBs (7 on the season). Average up to .343.
Warren and Durbin are guys that have to be protected after the season, then you'll have some other fringe guys.
The 40 man is really going to be tough this offseason. Remember that the college guys or HS guys who were 19 when drafted in the 2021 draft class will now need to be protected or exposed. Just quickly looking at that group, that means Selvidge, Warren, Neely, Rice, Messinger, Watson and Dees are guys that based on performance to date need to be considered (or dealt).
All that is before we even consider the IFA guys who after 5 years of signing must be protected or exposed. That includes Agustin Ramirez, Omar Ramirez, Jared Serna.
I'm probably missing some- but that's still an impressive list of talent that could lead to some difficult decisions unless some of them are used at the trade deadline.
Selvidge will definitely be protected, the others are all interesting cases.
Just a note, we added Agustin to the 40 man prior to this year, so his clock is already ticking.
- Lombard goes 1-5 and has no reached base in all 11 games this year.
- Arias 0-4 with 3 Ks
- Tejada 0-5 to finally cool off
- The story here was SP Luis Serna. He appears in the back end of the FG Yanks top 30 prospects. Only his second Low A start and he went 4.1 innings allowing 2 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, and 9 Ks. Only 19, about 3 years younger than the average Low A player.
@NYY_Prospects
Luis Serna’s second Low-A start was phenomenal:
4.1 IP, 2 H. 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K, 17 whiffs
Curveball was deadly today. 7 whiffs on 12 swings and 24 pitches. 63 CSW%.
Maxed out at 93.4, allowed just one ball hit over 95.1 MPH.
Selvidge will definitely be protected, the others are all interesting cases.
Just a note, we added Agustin to the 40 man prior to this year, so his clock is already ticking.
Just thought of some more- Durbin, and potentially Lockridge and Rumfield
- Durbin 0-2 with 2 BBs and his 10th SB
- TJ Rumfield, a 1B who was recently promoted from Somerset (this was his 2nd game here), went 3-4 with a 2B and 2 RBI. He's a 23 year old 12th rounder from the Phillies. 7 game hit streak, and has reached base safely in all 10.
- Still no sign of Pereira
- SP Yoendrys Gomez went 3 innings, 3 hits, 1 BB, 2 earned, and 1 K. Only 57 pitches in this one. He's had elbow injuries in the past, and he's already on the 40 man, so a case of being careful with him probably.
Somerset lost 6-5 (4-7):
- Spencer Jones 1-3 with an RBI single. He was ejected trying to stretch the single into a double.
- Agustin Ramirez 1-4 with his 7th HR of the year in 10 games and a BB. At .256 with a 1.178 OPS through 10, 8 Ks to 7 BBs.
- Ben Rice finally breaks out. 3-5 with a 2B, and his 2nd HR of the year.
- Ben Cowles 1-5 with a 2B and his 3rd SB. Continues to hit at .385-1.068 OPS.
- SS Alex Vargas, a former highly thought of prospect, made his AA debut and went 0-4 with 2 Ks. His development has really stalled, as his bat hasn't matured. .206 with a .590 OPS in 103 games at Hudson Valley last year.
HV won 5-4 (7-3):
- Riggio 0-4 with a BB
- Jared Serna 0-3 with 2 BBs
- Jesus Rodriguez 2-5 and average up to .316
- Pen had a pair of arms go 2.1 after a bad starting performace. Trent Sellers allowed 3 hits, 1 BB, 1 earned and struck out 3. Through 8.2 innings he's at a 1.04 ERA and .92 WHIP with 15 Ks-4 BBs. Geoffrey Gilbert, a 2022 13th rounder, allowed 1 BB and struck out 2. He's at a 0.00 ERA and .21 WHIP through 4.2 innings this year, 6 Ks-1 BB.
Scranton won 8-4 (12-5):
- Caleb Durbin SS- 1-5 with a 2B and 2 Ks. This is noticeable because:
Caleb Durbin struck out twice today.
Only his second multi-strikeout game in the Yankees’ organization (4/15/2023).
In 371 PA in the organization, he has a K% of 7.00%.
- Everson Pereira returned with a bang. 3-4 with 2 HRs and 4 RBI. Now up to 6 HRs and 13 RBI on the year. They both came off the bat at 108mph and his single was 103. First one was off Mick Abel and went 419 feet to dead center.
- SP Will Warren twirled a gem. 6 innings, 2 hits, 1 walk, and 7 Ks. 83 pitches, 52 strikes, he topped at 95.3 and sat at 93. 16 total whiffs.
Somerset won 5-3 (5-7):
- Spencer Jones 0-4
- Agustin Ramirez 1-3 with a BB. Little Agustin nugget on why his start could be even better with a little more luck:
Agustin Ramirez has a 208 wRC+ with a .125 BABIP, by far the lowest BABIP among qualified minor leaguers with at least 200wRC+ (second lowest is .250 lmao). Has a 15% walk rate and a 17% K rate with a cool .538 ISO.
Ramirez had a K rate over 30% at the complex level when he was 19. He repeated the level the next year and shaved his K rate by nearly half. Ramirez also struggled to lift the ball the last 2 seasons. He has a GB rate of 30 percent this year.
- Ben Rice (1B) may finally be heating up. 2-4 with his 3rd HR of the year and 2 RBI. Back to back games with a HR.
- Ben Cowles continues to get on base. 0-2 with 2 walks. Has reached in all 12 games this year. (.366/.480 OBP/1.041 OPS)
- SP Bailey Dees with a quality start. 6 innings, 3 hits, 3 earned, 0 walks, 9 Ks on 90 pitches (16 whiffs). A 2021 18th rounder that's had a rough start to the year, but a big boy at 6'8.
HV wins 8-7 (8-3):
- Roc Riggio 1-4 with a BB. .400 OBP even with a low average. Made a crazy catch for a double play.
- 2023 7th rounder Kiko Romero went 1-4 with his 1st HR. He's played 1B and 3B this year. .263 average with a .838 OPS early on.
- SP Brian Hendry continues his scoreless streak to start the year. 4 innings, 2 hits, 3 walks, 3 Ks, 2 runs (0 earned). 9 total innings with 11 Ks for the 10th rounder last year.
Tampa won 9-5 (3-8):
- George Lombard was the star here. 2-2 with a double, FOUR walks, and 3 SBs (8 on the year). First XBH of the year with the double. Has reached safely in all 12 games this year and an OBP that's sitting at .492. 19 walks-15 Ks in 12 games, BB% of 31.7%. Still only 18 years old.
- Tejada 1-5 with a 2B and 2 RBI.
- SP Cade Smith went 3.2 innings allowing 3 hits, 1 earned, 2 walks, and 5 Ks on 77 pitches. 6th round pick last year is off to a solid start, 9.1 total innings with 15 Ks, ERA at 2.89.
- A name from the past, Osiel Rodriguez, signed him really young as what was supposed to be a super prospect from Cuba. He's settled in pretty nicely to a relief role, and I believe closing in Tampa. Went 2.1 innings of hitless ball with 3 walks and 1 K. Over 7.1 innings he's at a 2.45 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 7 Ks-5 BBs. Had a really strong year last year over 3 levels with a 3.62 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 37.1 innings with 53Ks-20 BBs.
Good- Warren looked more like the form displayed last season. Excellent outing- let's hope that continues.
Not sure what to make of Pereira- 6 HR in 55 ABs with a .255 BA- but also 23 Ks in those 55 ABs. Selling out for HR?
Small sample size, but Rumfield is hitting well unlike last year's .222 BA and .320 OBP. However, he appears to be tracking his 2022 season where he only hit 4 HR with a decent OBP and BA. Did the power last year come from selling out on contact? Can he hit for average and power at the same time?
Bailey Dees is interesting. They made him a reliever for 3 years- and a VERY good one- then suddenly they convert him to a SP. Strange. Very good start yesterday but prior efforts were not as good. Why the switch? He is a big guy at 6'8" 250, so maybe they figure he has the frame to carry off being a SP, but why wait 3 years to do that?
That Somerset lineup has the potential to be a monster by midseason if everyone can stay healthy!
For an 18 year old, George Lombard is displaying some serious strike zone understanding. He has 19 walks and 15 Ks in 41 ABs that results in an incredible .492 OBP. Downside is that there is no power yet- just one double and no other XBH- but he still is 18 and will likely literally grow into some power.
Another sleeper guy to watch is 1B Dylan Jasso- a kid who came out of Mexico and played at a New Mexico JC (or maybe UNM?)- went undrafted and the Yanks signed him as a UDFA. His dad was apparently a legend in Mexican baseball circles. He is displaying a good eye (11 walks and 10 K)- but the typical 1B power isn't showing yet- but its early. One to watch.
- Durbin- 1-2 with 2 walks
- Rumfield 2-4 with an RBI 2B
- Pereira 0-4 with 3 Ks
- Lockridge 0-5
- Clayton Beeter went 4 innings, 4 hits, 5 earned, 4 walks, 5 Ks. Only averaged 91.8 mph
Somerset won 1-0 (6-7):
- Don't let him get hot. Ben Rice 2-4 with a walk off HR, for his 3rd homer in as many games. 4th on the year.
- Agustin Ramirez 0-3
- Story here was SP Trystan Vrieling. Took a no-no into the 8th. Left at 100 pitches of 7.2 innings of no hit, 2 walk ball with 6 Ks, had 14 whiffs and hit 95. He's now 2-0 with a .48 ERA over his first 18.2 pro innings, with a .59 WHIP and 18 Ks-6 walks.
HV lost 6-2 (8-4):
- Riggio 0-4 with 1 BB
- Not much offensively with only 4 hits
- Geoff Gilbert continues to pitch well out of the pen. 1 inning with 2 Ks. 5.2 scoreless this year with 8 Ks-1 BB.
Tampa lost 3-1 (4-9):
- Lombard 0-4 with 2Ks. First time this year he hasn't and only 2nd time in 26 career games.
- Tejada 2-4 with a 2B. Back up to .306.
- Arias 0-3 with a BB and his 3rd SB. Real slow start for the youngster.
- Lockridge 1-4 with 2 RBI
- Durbin 0-3 with a BB
- Pereira 1-3 with a 2B
- Cody Poteet with 6.1 strong innings. 6 hits, 1 earned, 0 BBs, 6 Ks
Somerset lost 10-8 (6-8):
- Spencer Jones 2-4 with a BB and an SB
- Ben Rice 2-4 with his 4th HR in 4 games, 3 runs, 2 RBI.
- Ben Cowles 2-5 with a 3B and 2 runs
HV won 4-3 (9-4):
- Riggio 1-4 with his 1st professional HR
- Jared Serna 1-3 with a 2B
- Omar Martinez 2-3 with his 3rd HR
Tampa lost 9-8 (4-10):
- Lombard 2-5 with a BB, 2B and 4 RBI
- Tejada 2-6
- Arias 2-5 with a 100mph 2B
- Cade Austin went 2.1 innings in relief with 1 BB and 1K. ERA at 3.72 in 9.2 innings.
- Durbin 1-5 with a 2B (8th on the short year)
- Pereira 2-5 with a 2B (101.6mph), 3B (108.6mph) and RBI. .963 OPS on the year so far.
- SP Edgar Barclay could be another guy see later this year. He's a 25 year old lefty, a 2019 15th rounder. Took the loss in 4.2 innings with 5 hits, 4 runs (2 earned), 3 walks, and 5Ks. In 17.2 innings this year he's at a 3.06 ERA and 19 Ks-11 BBs.
Somerset won 8-2 (7-8):
- Spencer Jones with a big game. 3-4 with his 1st HR and 3 runs, along with 2 SBs. HR was 105 off the bat.
- Agustin Ramirez 1-4 with an RBI
- Ben Rice finally cools off. 0-3
- Ben Cowles 1-4 with his 7th 2B of the year
- SP Brock Selvidge went 5 innings, 3 hits, 2 runs (0 earned), 4 walks, and 4 Ks over 83 pitches. Had 11 whiffs.
HV lost 6-3 (9-5):
- Riggio 0-5
- Omar Martinez 1-1 with 3 walks. Only 11 games but .333 with a 1.073 OPS. 9 walks and 9 Ks. He ranks in the top 10 in a lot of organizational categories like HR, average, K%, BB%, slugging, OBP and OPS .
- SP Cam Schittler went 4 innings, 3 hits 2 runs (1 earned), 4 walks, and 7 Ks over 91 pitches. 2022 7th rounder now at a .60 ERA/1.00 WHIP over 15 innings with 19 Ks-9 BBs.
Tampa lost 8-4 (4-11):
- Tejada 1-3 with 2 BBs, solid average without a lot of pop still at .310.
- Arias 1-4 with an RBI 3B (102.4 off the bat), and a BB.
- Jorbit Vivas made his Yanks org debut at 2B and went 1-4
- Durbin started in LF 0-4
- Pereira 0-4 with 2 Ks
- Rumfield 1-3 with a 2B
- SP Yoendrys Gomez went 3.1 innings of 2 hit, 1BB ball, striking out 6. 60 pitches exactly. Looks like he sat 93-94. Being very cautious with him as this was the deepest he's gone (previous 3 starts he went 3 innings exactly). ERA down to 2.92 with a 1.30 WHIP. 15 Ks-5 BBs in 12.1 innings. Looks like he had 11 whiffs, and 10 of them were on the fastball (other was a slider).
DJL should be starting his rehab assigment with Somerset a litte later today.
- Biggest news here is that DJ played one inning, and was promptly removed from the game after feeling discomfort. Is being sent back to NY for further testing.
- Spencer Jones goes 3-5 with his 2nd HR, and a CS. That's back to back 3 hit games for the big man. 436 feet on the HR. Great start to the year for Spencer:
Spencer Jones through his first 7 games at Double-A:
.423 AVG | .692 SLG% | 227 wRC+ | 20.7% K%
- Agustin Ramirez 1-4 with 2 SBs (4 on the year), and 2 throwing errors. Still at a 1.007 OPS.
- Ben Rice 0-4 with 2 Ks
- Ben Cowles 1-2 with his 8th 2B of the year (16 games), and a BB. .345 with a 1.003 OPS in those 16 games.
- SP Zach Messinger took the loss, a 2021 13th rounder. 6 innings, 4 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 2 BB, and 9 Ks (18 whiffs). He's the Eastern League leader in Ks with 27. He appears around the 20-30 range in some org prospect lists.
HV lost 7-0 (9-6):
- Not much offensively, only 6 hits and Jesus Rodriguez had 3 of them, to bring his average up to .308 with a .761 OPS.
- Some interesting pen arms pitched in for 5 innings of 2 run ball.
- Cole Ayers (2021 16th rounder) went 2 innings of 3 hit ball, 1 earned, 1 BB, and 4 Ks. His ERA is 1.86 through 9.2 innings with a 1.03 WHIP. 14 Ks-3 BB.
- Leo Pestana went 1.2 innings of 0 hit, 1 earned ball, with 1 BB, and 4 Ks. His ERA is 2.45 through 7.1 innings with a .82 WHIP (one hit total allowed). 11 Ks-5 BBs.
- Geoffrey Gilbert (2022 13th rounder) finished it with 1.1 innings of scoreless ball, 1 hit, 1 BB, and 2 Ks. He continues his scoreless open to start the year, at a 0.00 ERA/.43 WHIP in 7 innings. 10 Ks-2 BBs (only 1 hit allowed).
Tampa lost 2-1 (4-12):
- Lombard 1-4 with his 9th SB
- Tejada keeps on hitting, 2-4 (average up to .323)
- Arias 1-3 with the only RBI and his 4th SB. The single was 103.5 off the bat.
- Gabriel Barbosa, who we selected in the minor league Rule 5 draft, went 6 innings, 4 hits, 1 earned, 1 BB, 8 Ks, in his 3rd start. Went 80 pitches, and has a 6 pitch arsenal.
- Osiel Rodriguez continues his good work out of the pen. 1 scoreless inning, 1 hit, 2 Ks. Only 2 earned runs in his first 8.1 innings this year.
Somerset lost 4-3 (7-10):
- Spencer Jones 0-5 with 2 Ks
- Agustin Ramirez 0-4 with a BB
- Ben Rice 0-1 with 3 BBs
- Ben Cowles 2-4 with his 1st HR
- SP Bailey Dees goes 5 innings, 7 hits, 4 walks, 2 earned, and 6 Ks. 90 pitches, 56 strikes.
HV lost 3-2 (9-7):
- Not much to note here. Hueston Morrill blows a 2-1 lead in the 9th in his High A debut. Offense scores 2 runs on 6 hits, and the star was Jace Avina.
- Jace Avina 3-4 with a HR, 2 RBI, and his 1st SB. We acquired him from Milwaukee in the offseason in the Jake Bauers deal. He was a 14th round pick in 2021 that plays LF and can slide to CF as well. Through his first 7 games here he's at .364 average with a 1.045 OPS. 4 BBs to 4 Ks in 22 at bats.
- Before the blown save they got 4.1 scoreless innings of relief headlined by 2.1 innings from Ben Shields, allowing 2 hits, 1 BB, 1K. His ERA sits at .64 with a .50 WHIP through 14 innings, 15 Ks-2 BBs. Signed him as a free agent last year, and as of a few days ago, was the minor league leader in batting average against (at .81 as of 4/22, now at .109.).
- Durbin 2-4 with a BB and 2 SBs (12 on the year)
- Pereira 2-5 with his 7th HR (103.4 off the bat, 379 feet)
- Jeter Downs 2-3 with his 3rd HR (105.9 off the bat, 427 ft), 2 RBI, and his 3rd SB. After a hot start, he cooled a bit, but still batting .265 with a .861 OPS.
- Lockridge 0-4 with 3 Ks. After a great start he's ice cold. Since 4/16 he's 1-25 with 11 Ks-0 BB.
- Will Warren went 6 innings of 1 run ball, 2 hits, 1 BB, and 6 Ks. Went 80 pitches, with 49 strikes, and 13 whiffs, maxed out at 95. ERA "down" to 4.22, but he's settled in nicely after the first start where he allowed 5 runs in 1/3rd of an inning. 26 Ks-9 BBs in 21.1 innings pitched.
Tampa lost 14-5 (4-13):
- Lombard 1-5
- Oscar Gonzalez is doing his rehab down here after a HBP broke his eye socket last month. He was 2-4 with his 1st HR in his 2nd game of rehab.
- Tejeda keeps hitting; 2-5 with a 2B
- Arias 3-4 with a BB. OPS slowly getting back up at .764
Yep. Roderick Arias had a 50% K rate a week ago. It’s now 39.4%.
His zone contact rate and o-zone swing rate has been trending up as well.
After the first week:
57% Z-con and 40% O-zone
After the second:
67% Z-con and 32% O-zone
After the third:
71% Z-con and 30% O-zone
Still poor plate discipline but has been steadily improving.
Also a nice note on Cowles too, who's raking in Somerset;
Benjamin Cowles prior to this season had a 29.5% K rate in his professional career. The 2021 10th rounder steadily climbed the ladder and has been very productive for the Somerset Patriots this season slashing .346/.439/.564 with an improved 19.7% K rate.
- Durbin 2-5 with his 9th 2B and 2nd HR. 2 runs, and 4 RBI along with a BB. Played 2B last night, and now has a .900 even OPS through his first 23 games.
- Pereira 1-5 with a 2B, BB and 2 RBI.
- Jeter Downs 1-4 with a BB and CS.
- SP Clayton Beeter went 5 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 earned, 0 BB, and 8Ks. Threw 81 pitches, and had 19 swings and misses while averaging 93 on the fastball. He hasn't allowed a HR through his first 4 starts, and has struck out 35% of the batters he's faced. ERA at 3.63 through 17.1 innings with 26 Ks-9 BBs.
Somerset loses 5-0 (7-11):
- Spencer Jones 1-5 with 3 Ks
- Agustin Ramirez played 1B for the 5th career time, and went 0-4 with a BB. After the electric start he's cooled off and sits at .213 average with a .899 OPS.
- Ben Rice 0-3 with a BB
- SP Trystan Vrieling has finally cooled off. 5.1 innings, 7 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 0 BBs and 7 Ks. 87 pitches, 61 strikes, and 14 whiffs. ERA at 1.88 with a .75 WHIP through his first 4 starts. 24 innings, 25 Ks-6 BBs.
HV wins 6-0 (10-7):
- Jared Serna 2-4 with a 2B, RBI, and 3 runs. Had some sleeper hype, and has started slowly.
- Jesus Rodriguez 2-4 with a RBI and BB. Average at .305.
- Omar Martinez 1-3 with an RBI and 2 BBs. Batting .300 with a .946 OPS.
- SP Brian Hendry continues his scoreless streak, but seems to have been pulled early, and not sure why. Went 2 scoreless innings, 1 hit, 2 BBs, and 4 Ks. Pulled at 46 pitches (28 strikes), and had 6 whiffs. 11 scoreless to open the year in his debut season. 0.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 15 Ks-6 BBs.
- Trent Sellers in relief had a nice showing with 3.2 scoreless innings with 2 hits, 1 BB and 5 Ks. Strong line to start the year for the 24 year old, 1.35 ERA and .98 WHIP over his first 13.1 innings, 22 Ks-5 BBs.
- Luis Arejula also a scoreless 3.1 innings with 0 hits, 0 BBs and 4 Ks. 1.29 ERA over his first 7 innings (7Ks-4 BBs).
- RP Geoffrey Gilbert placed on the 7 day IL, having a really nice start to his season.
Tampa lost 5-4 (4-14):
- George Lombard was placed on the 7 day IL, played the entire game on Wednesday, so hopefully nothing major.
- Tejeda 1-4 with a BB and a run. .324 average, and 7 game hit streak.
- Arias 0-5 with a BB and 2 Ks, 6 game BB streak.
- Dylan Jasso (bat first corner IF who had a great 17 game debut in the FCL last year- 1.060 OPS, 7 2Bs, 1 HR, 20 RBI, 11 walks). 2-6 with a 2B (4th of the year), and an RBI.
- SP Cade Smith went 6 innings, 3 hits, 2 earned, 1 BB, and 7 Ks. Threw 76 pitches, and maxed out at 95.6, 9 whiffs. Another pitcher with a nice early season line, 2.93 ERA and 1.17 WHIP through 15.1 innings with 22 Ks-9 BBs. 2023 6th rounder.
- Cade Austin had 3.1 innings of 2 hit, 2 run (1 earned), 0 BB, and 4 Ks.
- Caleb Durbin played 3B and went 1-4 with a CS
- Pereira went 2-5 with a 2B (6th)
- TJ Rumfield went 2-4 with an RBI and BB
- Jeter Downs 2-4 with 2 RBI
- Edgar Barclay, a crafty lefty, went 5.2 innings of 2 hit, 2 run ball with 2 BBs-7Ks. ERA at 3.09 with 26 Ks-13 BBs in 23.1 innings.
Somerset won 13-2 (8-11):
- Impressive performance from the top of the lineup.
- Spencer Jones 2-4 with 2 2Bs (3 on the year), 2 BBs, and a CS
- Agustin Ramirez (another game at 1B) 3-4 with a 2B, HR (8th of the year), 2 runs, 2 RBI, 2 BBs. OPS sits at 1.011 after the performance.
- Ben Rice 2-4 with a 2B and 2 BBs.
- Ben Cowles (playing 3B) 1-5 with a BB. OPS at 1.020.
- SP Blane Abeyta went 7.1 strong innings (career high) of 3 hit, 1 run (0 earned) ball, with 1 BB and 9 Ks. 93 pitches, 68 strikes, and 14 whiffs.
- This lineup, fully healthy has been quite a force:
@RyanGarciaESM
Spencer Jones: 181 wRC+
Agustin Ramirez: 178 wRC+
Ben Rice: 145 wRC+
Benjamin Cowles: 184 wRC+
How Eastern League pitchers try to pitch to Somerset is a mystery to me
HV won 5-1 (11-7):
- Jace Avina 1-3 with an RBI. .360 average/1.020 OPS
- Omar Martinez 1-4 with his first 2B. At .296 with a .934 OPS.
- Jesus Rodriguez 1-3 with a 3B and a BB. Batting .306 with a .796 OPS while playing a little of everywhere this year. Yesterday at 2B, and 7 starts at C, 2 at 2B, 5 at 3B, 1 in LF.
- Kiko Romero 1-3 with his 2nd HR
- Another strong pitching performance in the org. Sebastian Keane, a 2022 18th rounder, went 6 innings of 4 hit, 1 run ball, with 1 BB to 10 Ks (career high). 83 pitches- 60 strikes, and 17 whiffs.
Tampa loses 6-4 (4-15):
- Tejeda 1-5 with an RBI. 7 game hit streak now. Batting .316 on the year.
- Rod Arias 0-4 with a BB and 3 Ks. 7 game walk streak.
- Theme continues with SP. LHP Allen Facundo, a 21 year old, goes 4.2 innins of 2 hit, 1 run (0 earned), ball with 1 BB, and 2 Ks. Topped out at 96.5 mph, and averaged 94.4 mph.
- Durbin 2-4 with an RBI and BB
- Pereira 1-5 with 3 Ks
- Rumfield 3-5 with 2 2Bs and 2 RBI
- Jeter Downs 1-3 with his 4th HR and 2 RBI. Him and Pereira with matching .904 OPS.
- Cody Poteet another strong outing. 6 innings 3 hits, 1 earned, 2 walks and 4 Ks.
Somerset wins 9-0 (9-11):
- Top of the lineup does it again.
- Spencer Jones 2-6 with a 2 RBI 3B. OPS sits at .999. 5 multi hit games in his last 7 games.
- Agustin Ramirez 2-4 with his 9th HR, BB, and 2 RBI
- Ben Rice 1-3 with a 2B and 2 BBs
- Ben Cowles 3-5 with his 2nd HR and 3 RBI. OPS now at 1.074 to go along with a .362 average.
- Brock Selvidge with a gem. 7 innings of scoreless 2 hit ball. 11 Ks to 0 BBs, only 85 pitches- 60 strikes, 21 whiffs. His season ERA is down to 1.71 with a 1.14 WHIP. 26 Ks and 7 BBs in 21 innings.
HV lost 3-0 (11-8):
- Not much offensively.
- The two pen arms contributed 4.1 scoreless innings.
- Leo Pestana went 2.1 clean innings with 4 Ks. ERA down to 1.86 on the year in 9.2 innings, 15 Ks-5 BBs.
- Cole Ayers added 2 hitless innings, with 2 BBs and 2 Ks. ERA Down to 1.54 on the year in 11.2 innings with 16 Ks-5 BBs.
Tampa won 10-2 (5-15):
- Tejeda hitting streak snapped. 0-3 with a BB
- Oscar Gonzalez continues his rehab here, 1-4 with a 3B.
- Rod Arias goes 2-4 with his 2nd HR and a BB. 8 game BB streak now. 99.7 mph on the HR, 350 feet.
- Dylan Jasso goes 2-5 with 2 2Bs (6 on the year).
- Caleb Durbin 1-3 with a BB
- Jeter Downs 1-4 with his 2nd 2B
- SP Yoendrys Gomez goes 3.1 innings of 4 hit, 4 earned ball, with 2 BBs and 5 Ks. His final option year, so going to be curious how they deal with his future role.
Somerset lost 6-3 (9-12):
- Ben Rice 1-4 with his 6th HR of the year
- Jon Berti started his rehab and went 0-3 with 2 Ks while playing 3B
- Agustin Ramirez 1-4 with 2 Ks
- Ben Cowles 1-4 with his 3rd HR. He's #1 in the org in average at .356, OBP at .442, OPS at 1.086 and tied for 1st with Agustin with a .644 slugging. Best long term fit is probably 2B, so the 2B roster battle of the next year+ will be interesting with Vivas, Durbin, and Cowles all nearing the same level.
- 2021 11th rounder Jack Neely went 2.1 scoreless innings of 1 hit, 4 K ball. His ERA is at .82 with a 1.09 WHIP in 11 innings. 17 Ks-5 BBs. He should be in Scranton soon.
HV wins 6-3 (12-8):
- Jered Serna finally with a 3-4 with 1 BB day.
- Jesus Rodriguez with another game at 2B and a 2-4 day with his 3rd 2B of the year, add on his first 2 SBs as well. Average at .304 now.
- Cam Schlittler with a gem, 6 innings of 2 hit, 2 earned ball, with 0 BBs and 7 Ks. His ERA sits at 1.29 through his first 4 starts with a .81 WHIP. 26 Ks-9 BBs through 21 innings. He leads the org in ERA, K%, and BAA (.113) in the early going.
Tampa loses 9-3 (5-16):
- Tejeda 0-4 with 2 Ks
- Gonzalez continues his rehab down here with a 1-4 day with his 2nd HR. Imagine he'll be in Scranton soon.
- Arias 1-4 with his 8th error of the year. Single was 107.5 off the bat.
- Jasso with a 2-3 day with his first HR of the year.