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The affiliates racked up 30 runs in three games but that was only enough for one win. New Hampshire's game was cut short and will play two today.

Buffalo 14 Rochester 1

George Springer had nothing to do with the Herd's beatdown of the Nationals affiliate as he went 0-for-4 in this one. He grounded out twice, lined out to short and flied out to center. He played center field, catching a pair of fly balls and fielding a single.

Richard Ureña homered twice and drove in five runs and Kevin Smith put the ball over the wall twice to go along with a single and a walk. Jared Hoying homered, doubled twice and singled. Cullen Large homered, singled and walked and Logan Warmoth went deep as part of a two-hit night. Christian Colón doubled and added two singles.

Jacob Waguespack pitched 5-2/3 innings, giving up a run on seven hits and a walk and striking out five. Casey Lawrence struck out all four men he faced, stranding the bases loaded for Waguespack. Dany Jiménez and Bryan Baker worked a scoreless inning apiece. Call them up!


Hartford New Hampshire - Suspended

Simeon Woods Richardson struck out the side swinging in the first inning before the game was called due to wet grounds. He threw 16 pitches to finish the frame. Call him up!


Everett 16 Vancouver 9

The Mariners affiliate scored a converted touchdown against Sean Wymer in the second inning as he only recorded three outs. Willy Gaston was whipped for five more runs in three innings. Marcus Reyes gave up a run over three innings and Justin Maese allowed three more runs over the final two frames.

The C's offence didn't wake up until they were down 12-0. They responded with a converted TD of their own in the sixth. Cameron Eden and Ronny Brito both homered with Brito adding a double and walking twice. Eden had two hits as well along with Tanner Kirwer and Philip Clarke. Tanner Morris heard ball four four times. Both teams made four errors in a game that was 11 minutes shy of the four-hour mark.


Clearwater 9 Dunedin 7

The Phillies affiliate jumped on Trent Palmer for five runs over 1-2/3 innings. Four of the runs were earned and they came on four hits and three walks. Palmer struck out two. Sean Mellen stranded the two runners Palmer left behind and pitched 1-1/3 shutout frames of one-hit ball with one K. Jol Concepion gave up four hits and four walks that led to three runs in 2-2/3 innings while whiffing four. Julian Valdez stranded the bases loaded but gave up a run on four hits in two innings, striking out three. Gabriel Ponce made sure Valdez's two runners did not score as he worked 1-1/3 shutout frames with one punchout.

Harrison Ray belted his first two professional home runs and drew a walk. Leo Jimenez doubled and was hit by a pitch in the third inning. He would later score on a Miguel Hiraldo base hit but was taken out of the game in the next half-inning. Zac Cook and Zach Britton both singled and walked. Orelvis Martinez was 0-for-4 with a walk.


*** 3 Stars!!! ***

3. Harrison Ray, Dunedin

2. Richard Ureña, Buffalo

1. Kevin Smith, Buffalo
Hay-Ray for Urena & Smith! | 27 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
greenfrog - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 09:05 AM EDT (#400185) #
Kevin Smith has had an interesting progression through the minors:

2017 (Rookie): .778 OPS
2018 (A/A+): .886 OPS
2019 (AA): .666 OPS
2020 (COVID-19): n/a
2021 (AAA): .994 OPS

As has been pointed out, one of his impressive accomplishments is a big jump in his walk rate, from about 6% in previous seasons to about 14% this season. His power output has spiked this year as well.
greenfrog - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 09:21 AM EDT (#400188) #
In the first half of June, Smith is hitting .386/.509/.773 with five doubles, four home runs, five stolen bases (zero times caught stealing), and 10 walks (with only 10 strikeouts).

That is elite performance, in a small sample of course. His performance in May was pretty respectable, too (.810 OPS).
jerjapan - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 10:49 AM EDT (#400197) #
Smith is a fun prospect.  I like seeing him rebound after his failed tinkering in 2019, but that's the sign of an intelligent player who continues to focus on how to make that most out of his skill set.  he is successful because of this willingness to tinker, and looks like a big league roster player right now with over-achiever upside. 

He might even force a callup, if he keeps this up.  But this org is not flexible, so much, so I don't think they will deviate from whatever plan they had in place for him this year. 

For real, call up any one of the top relievers in Buffalo and try them out.  Or demote Saucedo and quit wasting the roster spot. 

 
hypobole - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 11:12 AM EDT (#400199) #
One caveat for all minor league performances, and this year especially, is the the quality of competition.

The Jays tattooed Weber the day. He's not a major league pitcher. The starter the Bisons teed off on for 10 runs last night shouldn't even be a AAA pitcher. Bisons have only faced 4 teams so far. Nats, Yankees, Red Sox and Mets. This is only the 2nd time I've noticed the opposing pitcher - they faced Deivi Garcia, Nick Goody, Adam Warren one other game.

How are Bisons hitters and pitchers doing vs legit prospects, AAAA types or scrub fillers is something the Jays should know, but we don't.
scottt - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 11:15 AM EDT (#400200) #
They need someone for tomorrow's spot start, so that could be who gets the call to replace Edwards Jr.
I'd hate to have a bullpen day and see Mayza, Castro, Payamps, Dolis, etc get all used up.
In limited action, Beasley has very good numbers with the Bisons.
Maybe they have somebody that's better, but I doubt Montoyo would use them except in low leverage. 

I'm the opposite of Joe Siddall, in a loss, I don't want to see my best pitchers, I want to see what the other guys can do.
I prefer my best pitchers to be used in wins.

scottt - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 11:16 AM EDT (#400201) #
It's possible to look it up, if you have the time, it's all in the boxscores.
Mike Green - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 11:34 AM EDT (#400202) #
How do we know that Tyler Eppler is not a triple A pitcher?  He is 28 years old, pitched in triple A with a fair degree of success in 2017 and 2018, was in Japan in 2019 where he struggled but not mightily and did not pitch in 2020 because of COVID.  This could have been the career of a triple A pitcher in 2005 or 2015; it has often been home to the superannuated.
hypobole - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 12:12 PM EDT (#400207) #
OK, I was hyperbolic. Eppler is a AAA pitcher because he's pitching in AAA. He came into the game with a 6+ ERA, one of the worst marks in the league. He now has the highest xFIP, FIP and only Matt Manning's 8.07 ERA is worse than Eppler's 8.06 among qualified AAA East pitchers. Whatever Eppler was, he seems pretty awful now.

Interestingly Manning is now about to be an MLB pitcher - supposed to start for the Tigers Thursday.
hypobole - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 12:15 PM EDT (#400208) #
It's possible to look it up, if you have the time, it's all in the boxscores.

scottt, I'm like most people. Too busy voicing opinions to have the time to check facts.
Gerry - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 12:16 PM EDT (#400209) #
The Jays wanted Smith to change his swing in 2019 because he had a hole in it that pitchers could exploit. Could it be that AAA pitchers are not good enough to pick that spot but major league pitchers are?

We don't know if Smith has gone back to his 2018 swing or had he evolved into a new swing.

There is one sure way to find out but Smith is not on the 40 man roster so I would guess he will be waiting for a while. Also, if Smith has a newish swing, he needs more than six weeks to ingrain it.
Mike Green - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 12:21 PM EDT (#400211) #
Sure, Eppler's awful now.  Prior to last night's shellacking though, his ERA was 6.48 and in his previous 2 starts, he had given up 3 runs in 6 innings and then threw a 7 inning 1 hitter.  Just an ordinary bad triple A pitcher...
92-93 - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 12:58 PM EDT (#400216) #
Smith has had a good month at the plate, for sure, but how is his defense? That's really all that matters right now with respect to the Jays, as they already have an MLB-calibre bat at 3B in Biggio. Smith only looks interesting for this roster if he can field like Espinal, who looks much more comfortable starting DPs at the hot corner than Biggio.
John Northey - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 01:49 PM EDT (#400220) #
Smith right now is just an injury backup - if Semien, Bo, or Biggio go down for more than 10 days then he'd be a high choice to come up. For short 10 day stints though it'd be Espinal/Panik platooning (as we've seen). But Smith's 287/394/600 line has to be opening eyes - best OPS for any 2B/3B/SS in the system (majors or minors), just above Samad Taylor's 317/385/600 AA line. Also over 900 is Addison Barger 287/368/543 in low A. But Smith isn't on the 40 man so it'd take a major injury for the Jays to call him up I suspect (ie: a 60 day IL injury). The only 40 man infielder not in the majors is Otto Lopez, 22 in AA - 333/371/428 at 2B/CF/RF/LF/DH.

Right now there won't be paths to the majors for infielders, not until 2022 if Semien signs elsewhere (as expected) or Biggio is part of a trade (possible, but unlikely). The Jays are hitting a good problem - log jams of talent at positions. The infield is close to it, the OF is overflowing already (4 ML regulars but no real strong prospects), as is catcher (although none have done well, we have 4 guys who should be in the majors at least as backups with a star kid pretty much ready in Gabriel Moreno 381/436/639 in AA at 21). The rotation has a few kids almost ready (Pearson, SWR, I like Zach Logue so far, Elvis Luciano is a forgotten man in AA for example) and one up here doing well in Alek Manoah. The 2022 and beyond Jays look good. More depth in pitching would be nice of course, but you take what you can get.
hypobole - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 02:13 PM EDT (#400223) #
Somewhat regretting my milb TV decision, but I'm keeping my heels dug in for now. Was hoping The Athletic would do some Jays minor league coverage as Lott and Stoeten did, but McGrath's stuff is almost solely parent club.

Did find this at Future Blue Jays though:

https://futurebluejays.com/2021/06/10/samad-taylor-getting-to-his-power/
hypobole - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 02:23 PM EDT (#400224) #
And Austin Martin:

https://futurebluejays.com/2021/06/08/what-makes-austin-martin-so-good/
hypobole - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 02:32 PM EDT (#400225) #
Might have already been posted, but here's a Gabe Moreno. Note the Vlad comment

https://twitter.com/fishercats/status/1401320578615857160?s=21
uglyone - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 02:47 PM EDT (#400228) #
Smith's good enough defensively that he's stuck at SS all these years despite iffy prospect status. And his secondary position every year has been 3B, not 2B.

He's now crushing AAA at a level that indicates he has the chance to be an above average MLB bat right now, which is much more than Gurriel Biggio Tellez (Panik, Espinal) have been this year.

Worth a look imo.
bpoz - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 03:28 PM EDT (#400231) #
I have been considering the Jays as seller and buyers at the trade deadline. TB is 18 games over 500 and Cleveland in 6th is 8 games over 500. So we most likely are going for a WC spot.

Also considering next year's team. Probably no Semien. Maybe add K Smith in Nov who will have 3 options left if he needs them. He would need to play everyday anyway so AAA most likely or traded.

I am not sure about adding an established closer in the off season. He would be expensive and Romano could match him. Borucki and Merryweather are great if/when healthy. Kay, Thornton and Hatch all have options left and are either #4/5 rotation or reliable long/short pen arms. There are others that can help the pen like Castro and hopefully P Murphy.

Stripling is the swing man (#6) next year with Ryu in the rotation. Manoah and Pearson given 2 spots depending on their whole season performance this year. There will be $ for 2 SP gambles like Ray, Matz etc... No Chase Anderson $10 mil (2020) or Roark $12 mil. Aim for 1 big SP signing.
hypobole - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 03:46 PM EDT (#400232) #
Here's a Prospect Live take on Smith:

"Another player that may end up dealt between now and the deadline that might end up in the majors immediately with his new team."
scottt - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 04:51 PM EDT (#400233) #
I think Smith is a candidate for 3B next year, unless someone offers the moon for him.
Groshans might need another year.

SWR should be in the rotation next year.
I'd try to extend Ray. If it's possible to offer a QO, that helps negotiations quite a bit.
They tried to sign Gausman last year and he's having an incredible season. Already 7-1 with a 1.43 ERA.
Probably too expensive now.

Everything else is set, so just need to go after relievers.
Basically replace Yates, Phelps, Dolis and move Stripling back to the pen.


greenfrog - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 07:30 PM EDT (#400239) #
The NH prospects are off to a good start tonight. Samad, Martin, Lopez, Moreno and Groshans are a combined 7/19 with three doubles and a walk.

And of course SWR with the 1 0 0 0 0 3 performance, cut short by the rainout.

Game 2 to start later this evening, it looks like.
Gerry - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 08:54 PM EDT (#400245) #
Nate Pearson pitched very well tonight, a two hitter over six innings on 85 pitches.

Kevin Smith reacting to the call-up talk is 0-3 with three K's.
greenfrog - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 10:48 PM EDT (#400272) #
Couple more home runs for Samad Taylor (11). OPS 1.025

Good night for Lopez and Groshans.
finch - Wednesday, June 16 2021 @ 10:53 PM EDT (#400273) #
Samad Taylor was a fave of mine when I saw him in Vancouver. Reminded me of Jose Reyes lite; I said it then and saying it now.

I’m a big fan of his and he looked like a MLB ballplayer.
cascando - Thursday, June 17 2021 @ 08:50 AM EDT (#400278) #
I also liked Samad Taylor in Vancouver, but admit that he didn't strike me as that good, just considerably more talented than Logan Warmoth. He was very young then though, I think only 18 or 19. If he has turned into a serious prospect that is a testament to his work ethic.

Also Taylor seems to wear glasses now which I don't recall him doing in the past. I wonder if that has anything to do with the improvement?
hypobole - Thursday, June 17 2021 @ 10:04 AM EDT (#400282) #
The big thing I've heard noted is that Samad has packed on muscle without sacrificing his athleticism.
bpoz - Thursday, June 17 2021 @ 11:17 AM EDT (#400289) #
Samad will be 23 on July 11. He is growing into his strength.
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The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.