Batter's Box Interactive Magazine - Walking-Off With the Bottom of the Lineup

Walking-Off With the Bottom of the Lineup

In Lansing, one of the team’s mostly high-touted pair of tandem starters had their first poor outing of the season. Meanwhile, Las Vegas exploded for a dozen runs in Reno behind a solid start. The Fisher Cats had a quiet day at the plate and there was an unexpected source of heroics for Dunedin.

Las Vegas 12 @ Reno 4 – Boxscore

Las Vegas had a nice night at the plate with 15 hits and 12 runs. Adeiny Hechavarria was 1-for-5 with a double, a walk, a run and an RBI. Anthony Gose had a single in two at-bats, but added three walks, a sac fly and 3 RBI. Like Hechavarraia, Travis d’Arnaud was 1-for-5 with a double, a walk and a run. Moises Sierra was 3-for-5 with a walk, an RBI and two runs. Ricardo Nanita had a double in six at-bats, but added 3 RBI.

Yan Gomes was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. The only homer for the 51’s was hit by Danny Perales, who went 4-for-6 with 4 RBI and two runs. Kevin Howard had a single and a walk in six plate appearances and Mike McCoy was 1-for-2 with two walks.

Jesse Chavez started for Las Vegas and what he lacked in being able to get deep into the game, he made up for with the quality of his performance. He threw 88 pitches for 5.1 innings pitched. Chavez allowed three hits, two walks and an earned run. He struck out six to improve to 4-1 and lower his ERA to 2.38. Robert Coello allowed three earned runs on three hits and two walks over 0.2 innings. Ryota Igarashi and Chad Beck continued to provide strong relief, combining 3 innings of one-hit relief. Beck did allow three walks and Igarashi struck out three.

Reading 4 @ New Hampshire 2 – Boxscore

Ryan Tepera started for the Fisher Cats. It didn’t seem like he had his best stuff, as he surrendered four hits, three walks and two walks over 3 innings. Tepera was able to induce 5 ground ball outs, but didn’t strike out a batter. Matt Wright took the loss on an unearned run, which came around to count on an error by John Tolisano. Fernando Hernandez had 2 innings of one-hit relief. Aaron Loup got his batter and then Danny Farquhar surrendered a run on three hits over 1.2 innings.

It was an unremarkable day at the plate for the Fisher Cats. The team only had two extra-base hits and no batter had more than one base rap. Justin Jackson had the key hit for New Hampshire, with a triple and he racked up 2 RBI. He cashed Brad Glenn and Tolisano, who were each 1-for-3 with a walk. AJ Jimenez had a double in four at-bats. Ryan Goins and Mike McDade each added singles. Brad McElroy was 0-for-3 with three K’s, but he threw out a runner at home plate.

Lakeland 4 @ Dunedin 6 – Boxscore

Dunedin scored two in the bottom of the ninth to pull out a walk-off victory against the Flying Tigers. The big hit came courtesy of Dunedin’s biggest star of the day, Ryan Schimpf, who had a fine game at the bottom of the batting order. John Stilson started for the D-Jays and gave up one run over 3 innings. He turned then ball over to Trystan Magnuson, who did fine in his first out of the year with 2 scoreless innings. Dustin Antolin got through his first frame fine, but ran into trouble in the second and allowed three runs on four hits and two walks. Lakeland was suddenly up 4-2 and things were looking dicey. Egan Smith and Danny Barnes prevented Lakeland from scoring again, but the team still needed offence.

Dunedin scored their first run in the 3rd inning when Kevin Nolan singled home Schimpf and their second in the following inning when a sac fly by Marcus Knecht scored Kevin Ahrens. However, immediately after Lakeland scored three runs off Antolin, Schimpf leveled the game with a two-run homer that scored Oliver Dominguez. In the bottom of the ninth, after Knecht struck out, Kenen Bailli walked. The D-Jays immediately set about finding a way to push the winning run across, as Michael Crouse came in to pinch-run and immediately stole second. It was all for nought, however, as Schimpf took care of everything with his bat, launching his second two-run homer of the game and giving the D-Jays a walk-off win.

In other notes, Jake Marisnick was 1-for-3 with a walk and Jonathan Jones was 1-for-4 with an outfield assist at home.

Lansing 1 @ Great Lakes 7 – Boxscore

Like in the Eastern League, there wasn’t much to write home about at the plate in this game for Toronto’s affiliate. The Lugnuts had five hits and scored their only run on a homer by Kenny Wilson in the top of the 9th inning. No Lugnut had more than one hit, with Chris Hawkins and Kellen Sweeney notching singles. Andy Burns and Kevin Pillar had doubles. KC Hobson and Carlos Perez were among the Lansing batters held hitless.

The famed two-headed monster composed of Anthony DeSclafani and Noah Syndergaard monster finally demonstrated its vulnerability last night. DeSclafani allowed four runs, three earned, over 4 innings. DeSclafani allowed seven hits and a walk and struck out one batter. Syndergaard followed him and pitched 3 innings, allowing five hits. Syndergaard struck out five and only walked one. He allowed three runs, but all were unearned as, with two out, Pillar dropped a foul pop fly and Syndergaard was unable to escape the inning, walking the next batter and then allowing three consecutive hits.

Three Stars:
3rd Star – Jesse Chavez, 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
2nd Star – Danny Perales, 4-for-6, 2 R, HR 4 RBI, 7 TB
1st Star – Ryan Schimpf, 3-for-4, 3 R, 2 HR 4 RBI, 9 TB

Posted by Thomas on Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 09:55 AM EDT.

Walking-Off With the Bottom of the Lineup | 42 comments | Create New Account

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robertdudek - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 10:15 AM EDT (#255673) #

Any ideas about when we might see Igarashi with the big club?

China fan - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 11:09 AM EDT (#255675) #

Robert, can you explain your interest in Igarashi? Do you see him as superior to Chavez, Crawford, Beck, Farquhar, Carreno, or any other pitcher in the Jays system who might be considered for a promotion if there are injuries or slumps on the major-league team?

To my casual glance at his 2010 and 2011 numbers (his age 31 and 32 years), Igarashi performed well in the minors but flopped in the majors. Looks more like a classic AAAA pitcher.

Chavez might be in that category too, but he's been a starter this year, not a reliever, so his numbers this year are more impressive. And there's a bunch of younger pitchers -- all the ones I mentioned above, plus Jenkins, McGuire etc -- who might be more deserving of a major-league call-up than Igarashi. Unless there was some kind of understanding between him and the Jays that he would sign with the Jays on condition of getting a major-league opportunity?

Thomas - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 11:18 AM EDT (#255676) #

Igarashi didn't sign with the team, he was traded to Toronto by the Pirates near the end of spring training, so I don't think there could have been an understanding reached between him and the club.

robertdudek - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 11:42 AM EDT (#255678) #

First, his performance last season for the Mets wasn't very bad - he featured a high strikeout rate and did not give up many homeruns. Walks were his difficulty, but he hasn't walked many this year so far.

Second, his performance in AAA this year is quite a bit better than last year, especially given the differences between Buffalo and Las Vegas.

Third, I want to look at ANY pitcher who puts up the kinds of numbers he has so far this season in AAA. I'm not saying he is a star-caliber player - I just want a look.

PeteMoss - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:01 PM EDT (#255679) #

Considering the worst reliever on the team is currently the closer... unless Carreno struggles you'll probably be waiting for an injury to see anyone.

Mike Green - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:03 PM EDT (#255680) #

Igarashi's minor and major league record is a puzzle. He's always had good to excellent control in the minors, but his control record in the majors was horrible. The Mets had him pitching in predominantly low leverage relief work, and he was terrible there, but when the club gave him medium and high leverage work, he was actually pretty good and performed in a way basically consistent with his minor league record. His worst work was when he came in down 4 or 5 runs late in the game.

With that background and given his age, I probably wouldn't bring him up unless I was prepared to give him predominantly medium leverage work. Las Vegas has given Beck most of the high leverage work so far, but Igarashi has been much better. You might try installing him as the club's closer/ace, and see if he might be ready for prime-time in Toronto.

92-93 - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:13 PM EDT (#255681) #

I still want to see whatever it is Pete Rose saw in Chad Beck that made him say he could handle the end of MLB games.

China fan - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:18 PM EDT (#255682) #

Thanks for the reply, Robert. I guess I'm more inclined to side with Mike on this question. Since he's only had 13 innings this season, I'd want to see a bigger sample before deciding whether to promote him. Unless the scouts have detected a major change in his command or stuff, I'd be more inclined to pay attention to his BB/9 of 6.5 in the majors last year.

robertdudek - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:18 PM EDT (#255683) #

Considering the worst reliever on the team is currently the closer... unless Carreno struggles you'll probably be waiting for an injury to see anyone.

I don't think the team wants Carreno in the long role for any length of time. He's either going to be farmed out at some point, or take Hutchison's place in the rotation.

Hodgie - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:19 PM EDT (#255684) #

What strikes me most about Igarashi's performance so far this season are his splits:

Left - 11:1 K:BB 14.14 K/9 3.56 H/9
Right - 7:0 K:BB 10.50 K/9 6.00 H/9

robertdudek - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:23 PM EDT (#255685) #

Unless the scouts have detected a major change in his command or stuff, I'd be more inclined to pay attention to his BB/9 of 6.5 in the majors last year.

If he continues to be as dominant as he has been so far, there can be no doubt that either his stuff or his command (or both) have improved.

China fan - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:31 PM EDT (#255686) #

Right. But the exact same argument could be made about Jesse Chavez. Or, on the hitting side, the same argument could be made about Hechavarria. We need a bigger sample. But no doubt the Jays are monitoring them closely. Realistically, most pitchers don't suddenly get better at the age of 32 (Igarashi) or the age of 28 (Chavez). But it's not impossible.

Mike Green - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:35 PM EDT (#255687) #

I checked Igarashi's control record in Japan. It fluctuated quite wildly, but was generally pretty decent after his recovery from TJ in 2007. He apparently throws a fastball, forkball and a split.

robertdudek - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:36 PM EDT (#255688) #

Chavez hasn't been as dominant, and his major league strikeout rate is much lower than Igarashi's. But I never said I don't want to see Chavez, just that Igarashi is more interesting to me at the moment.

robertdudek - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:39 PM EDT (#255689) #

The Mets had him pitching in predominantly low leverage relief work, and he was terrible there, but when the club gave him medium and high leverage work, he was actually pretty good and performed in a way basically consistent with his minor league record. His worst work was when he came in down 4 or 5 runs late in the game.

I don't think this is a real phenomenon, but I am open to arguments about why this is not either a fluke or something of a transitory nature.

92-93 - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:39 PM EDT (#255690) #

We don't know yet if Farrell considers Carreno his long man. It's possible that job still belongs to Villanueva/Perez.

I think it's great to have so many arms at AAA waiting for a call. There's no reason for the bullpen to ever be tired, considering that you have relievers and bench players with options.

robertdudek - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:45 PM EDT (#255691) #

We don't know yet if Farrell considers Carreno his long man. It's possible that job still belongs to Villanueva/Perez.

Well, I guess you are right. I took the liberty of thinking for him.

Richard S.S. - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:46 PM EDT (#255692) #

Noah Syndergaard has finally shown his weak side. Your teammate drops a two out pop-out extending your inning needlessly, and your response: walk and 3 hits, showing a lack of emotional control. I hope his Manager reemed him out for it, no rapid promotions for him any time soon.

92-93 - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:47 PM EDT (#255693) #

Richard's unintentional satire (I think?) is incredible.

robertdudek - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:49 PM EDT (#255694) #

Right. But the exact same argument could be made about Jesse Chavez. Or, on the hitting side, the same argument could be made about Hechavarria.

Hechavarria is a different proposition altogether. He is young and considered a top prospect so there is no reason to bring him up unless it is to be an everyday player.

China fan - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:58 PM EDT (#255696) #

Chavez has thrown 34 innings this season, versus the 13 innings that Igarashi has thrown. Bigger sample, and he's 4 years younger than Igarashi. And if he hasn't been quite as dominant as Igarashi, his numbers as a starter in the PCL are pretty impressive: he has a 0.882 WHIP and a SO/9 of 9.5.

Yes, Igarashi has better numbers than Chavez this season, but he's a reliever, not a starter, and I think that shouldn't be completely ignored.

In any event, I certainly don't have a strong opinion on this. Both of them might be worth a shot at the majors this season, especially if Hutchison and Carreno need more time in the minors.

On the Hechavarria thing: I wasn't saying he should be promoted, I was just making the point that he APPEARS to be much better than he was last season, but many people aren't completely convinced of that yet, because his sample size in 2012 is too small. It was just a point about sample sizes, and that we won't be convinced that Hechavarria is substantially improved until we see a couple more months of good numbers.

Gerry - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 12:59 PM EDT (#255697) #

Meanwhile in an alternative universe somewhere...

Noah Syndergaard finally had a good learning opportunity last night. When his teammate dropped the pop-up that would have been the third out, Syndergaard had to mentally regroup and pitch to several hitters for the second time in the game. In normally throwing just three innings, Syndergaard had rarely faced hitters more than once. In this game he learned that he needed to change his pitching pattern the second time through the order. He also learned he needed to mentally toughen up in a situation like that and "pick-up" his team mate. This learning experience will help Syndergaard grow and as he moves to pitch 4 and 5 innings it should help him develop more quickly and get that promotion sooner rather than later. His manager and pitching coach talked with him after the game to make sure he learned from the experience.

p.s I don't know what happened but unless Syndergaard deliberately ignored suggestions from the pitching coach there was no reaming.

robertdudek - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 01:04 PM EDT (#255698) #

If the Jays deem Hutchison needs more seasoning (which he does) then I would definitely choose Chavez over Igarashi to fill that spot. If we need a reliever then I'd like to see Igarashi.

As an aside, Hech hasn't produced very much with the bat this year yet. Remember this is Las Vegas we are talking about.

vonwafer234 - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 02:00 PM EDT (#255700) #

Anyone got a scouting report on Jesse Chavez? i wonder what goes into the braintrust of AA and whoever as to what makes them decide to turn a failing reliever with good to great stuff into a starter.

uglyone - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 02:11 PM EDT (#255703) #

I gotta be honest, it would crush my soul to see them replace a talented kid like Hutch with the next Jo-Jo Reyes.

Hutch has some work to do, but I think he's shown improvement in each start so far, and for the first time in ages (ever?) I'm really liking all 5 of our SP in terms of all of talent, age, current performance, and expected future performance.

It's still way too early to tell, but I'm starting to think that maybe just maybe we might have our starting 5 in place for the next few years, especially since the McGowan/Cecil/McGuire/Jenkins/Woj group doesn't look like they'll be challenging for any of their spots now or in the future, and since we're a few years away still from the next wave of Sanchez/Syndergaard/Nicolino/Stilson/Norris.

budgell - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 02:19 PM EDT (#255705) #

Hutch has some work to do, but I think he's shown improvement in each start so far, and for the first time in ages (ever?) I'm really liking all 5 of our SP in terms of all of talent, age, current performance, and expected future performance.

Couldn't agree more. Was just saying to someone today this is the first time in recent memory where I felt starters 1-5 give the Jays a decent chance to win every time out.

robertdudek - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 02:21 PM EDT (#255706) #

I don't think Carreno is a Jo-Jo Reyes type at all. He's a pretty good prospect in his own right.

sam - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 02:55 PM EDT (#255708) #

I watched Syndergaard and Desclafani last night on MILB TV. There were no radar guns so I can't speak to velocity, although the announcers noted that Desclafani threw a pitch at 93 (vis stadium radar gun) at one point. I don't have many comments that differ from Gerry's excellent report earlier this week.

On Desclafani: He's an OK looking pitching prospect who throws three pitches (Fastball, Changeup, Slider). None of the pitches are going to make BA's best organizational pitch, but together they make for an OK package. The delivery is deliberate and repeatable. His fastball is fairly straight with fairly good command. Guys were taking pretty good swings at it. His change up has some fade to it, and the slider is a nice little breaking ball. I wouldn't say there much physical projection, although he has an athletic frame and will probably add ten to fifteen more pounds before all is said and done. I think what you see is what you get in terms of long-term velocity. It's clear he doesn't unsettle hitters with any of his pitches, and because he's around the zone with all of his pitches hitters take pretty healthy swings. It's not a high-tempo delivery and there's nothing plus there so I don't know if you could project a high-leverage bullpen spot down the road. He's a guy who might fizzle as a starter at the AA/AAA with better hitters. I guess if you were to put him in a bullpen he might sit at 93-94 and be able to get some people out with the changeup or slider. But, I'm not necessarily convinced he has the stuff to be on a good major league pitching staff. Nonetheless, he's a good pitching prospect to have in the system and might win his fair share of games at the minor league level.

On Syndergaard: He's a big, athletic fellow and perhaps that doesn't get mentioned enough. During the game he towered over the hitters. I wouldn't say he has narrow shoulders, but he's not one of those broad shouldered type pitchers, which I consider a slight knock on him. It is a very good fastball. It's got good gitty-up and comes in on a nice down-ward plane. He works the corners with it and is definitely an advanced pitch in terms of velocity and command. In the start he seemed to understand that he could get outs exclusively with his fastball by overpowering hitters and elevating his fastball. Syndergaard has a very quick arm and generates most his velocity from staying tall on the rubber and letting his arm work. I have some serious reservations about his secondary offerings. With his arm speed, you might think he could spin a breaking ball but he is not able to do this at the moment. He threw only a handful of curveballs and they weren't very good at all. His arm slot changes and his arm speed slows. He does not have a feel for the pitch at the moment. His change-up looks like a solid third offering at the moment and got several of his strikeouts with the pitch. Guys were simply getting ready early for the fastball and then were out in front of the changeup. It looks to be an OK pitch, but not a put-away type pitch. Syndergaard is a long ways away from the big leagues in my opinion. I think he's a back end of the top-100 prospect list because of the advanced fastball. I would guess in the start he was 93-96. But the secondary offerings are is serious need a work. The worrying part is he doesn't exactly exhibit much feel for them either. Now, this could be because he shows such an advanced feel of the fastball, but I would not categorize him as an elite starting prospect at the moment.

sam - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 03:08 PM EDT (#255709) #

Just a tidbit on the hitters, none of them really stuck out. Some of the guys clearly had a good bat speed, but the trio of Hobson, Sweeney, and Hawkins clearly had some difficulty with the Left-hander. Hawkins is going divide a lot of scouts. He's pretty much developed physically and I would guess the muscle memory is pretty much set for his swing. Gerry is right about the swing and I think good fastballs are going to cause him all sorts of issues. The hands start in a nice position, but the path to the baseball is loopy and seems to sap some of the "omph" from the swing, not to mention makes him susceptible to good pitching. Sweeney is a good looking prospect, but is going to test people's patience. He needs to get stronger and he has the frame to do it, especially if you look at his brother. He's got a good approach but bailed on several pitches by the lefthander. Hobson is an athlete who is still trying to find his swing. Like Sweeney, he has a good approach and if he ever put it all together he might hit 20 homeruns and walk 80 times. Overall though, a lot of these guys are buying into working deep counts and taking walks.

I think you're starting to see the "Blue Jay Way" with this Lansing squad. Athletic with quality at-bats.

Gerry - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 03:27 PM EDT (#255710) #

Since I returned from Lansing I spoke with someone in the Jays front office about Hawkins' swing. His response was well he has hit everywhere he has gone and there are a lot of guys in the big leagues without perfect swings.

That comment basically confirms what the scout said to me, if Hawkins can compensate and make it work by perhaps cheating in his swing somewhat he could make it work. But we will likely see periods of poor performance followed by an adjustment, followed by another period of poor performance, until we see where it ends.

robertdudek - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 03:41 PM EDT (#255711) #

One should keep in mind that it is a LONG LONG way from the Midwest League to the American League. If you need proof, take a look at the players that played in the Midwest League 30 years ago and see how many of them had good major league careers.

uglyone - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 04:25 PM EDT (#255716) #

I don't think Carreno is a Jo-Jo Reyes type at all. He's a pretty good prospect in his own right.

Oh my bad I thought you were talking just about chavez/igarashi. My soul wouldn't be crushed if Carreno or Perez got another crack at the rotation if Hutch can't hack it right now.

vonwafer234 - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 04:39 PM EDT (#255717) #

The more I hear about Chris Hawkins and his unorthodox ways, the more he reminds me of Hunter Pence but this less arm strength and a really thick base.

dan gordon - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 04:51 PM EDT (#255718) #

A big thing to consider with Syndergaard and DeSciafani is their age. Noah is 2 years and 4 months younger. That's an enormous difference. By the time Syndergaard is DeSciafani's age, he could be in AA. With the results Syndergaard is getting at age 19 in Lansing, I think he's an excellent prospect.

TamRa - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 05:03 PM EDT (#255720) #

"p.s I don't know what happened but unless Syndergaard deliberately ignored suggestions from the pitching coach there was no reaming."

p.p.s - there was never any reason to think Syndergaard was getting a "quick promotion" anyway. I'd be pretty shocked if either he or Sanchez got out of Lansing this year no matter how well they do, and I'm not sure Nicolino will but it sure won't be before August.

if there are promotions it will be the older guys.

Mike Green - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 05:09 PM EDT (#255721) #

Personally, I don't think that anything is served in keeping a 20 year old in the Midwest League if he is absolutely dominating the level over a prolonged period. The club ought not to be in any huge rush to promote any of the top pitching prospects in Lansing, but sometimes the prospect's performance dictates the level. Hard and fast rules are not a great idea.

Hodgie - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 05:15 PM EDT (#255722) #

Agreed Mike. Further to hard and fast rules, if last season is any indication the organization places a lot of importance on playoff exposure and establishing a culture of success early. It could very well be that if current levels of performance are maintained, promotions could be dictated by the playoff prospects of Lansing, Dunedin and perhaps New Hampshire.

92-93 - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 05:33 PM EDT (#255726) #

Good stuff sam. Don't hesitate to write about what you're watching, you'll have at least one reader.

Thomas - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 06:04 PM EDT (#255728) #

Agreed. Sam, the reports are much appreciated.

sam - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 06:32 PM EDT (#255731) #

You're welcome, I enjoy writing them. I hope I haven't burst people's bubbles when it comes to Syndergaard or Desclafani. I think both are competent pitchers and Syndergaard obviously has some potential for stardom. I think though, when it comes to elite prospects perhaps greater scrutiny is sometimes needed. There is a lot to like about Syndergaard in particular. The athleticism is really something to marvel at and was on display throughout the start. Several ground balls chopped up the middle that Syndergaard had no business getting too, he made close. The fastball is a very good pitch and it says a lot considering his stat lines and his limited use of secondary offerings. But, I think before people start to question prospect rankings or reasons for promotion they might be wise to scrutinize the prospect. Obviously there are questions about Syndergaard's secondary offerings and considering the work needed on these pitches it might be best that he sticks at Low-A Lansing and works on them over the course of a whole season with one pitching coach.

Of course he is young and he often pitches against people significantly older than him so that is something to weigh here, but in my honest opinion he is a ways a way from being an elite prospect, let alone elite pitcher at the big league level.

Gerry - Thursday, May 03 2012 @ 08:13 PM EDT (#255733) #

I want to second the thanks to sam and to anyone else who wants to provide first hand or video based scouting opinions. The more opinions we get the more fullsome our evaluations will be. After all major league teams have scouts and cross checkers, they don't rely on just one opinion either.

bpoz - Friday, May 04 2012 @ 08:54 AM EDT (#255758) #

I am enjoying the excellent contributions on scouting, prospect evaluation & promotion speculation.

I for one am also looking at the minor league standings once in a while. Some teams are in the hunt still. I agree with the opinion that playoff experience has value so I am watching for ways the organization will try to maximize this happening...ie don't break up any strengths until the 1st half playoff spot is won. Within reason of course.

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