Well, the clause comparing him to Bogaerts and Betts means something.JBJ is probably the second or third best CF in the game this year. That doesn't feel essential to you?
Well, the clause comparing him to Bogaerts and Betts means something.JBJ is probably the second or third best CF in the game this year. That doesn't feel essential to you?
Move the kid up already.Moncada hit his 5th HR in Portland, and is 2/3 atm.
He's played 16 games in AA and there is no clear need at the ML level asking for him to be on an expedited path to the majors. He and Benintendi are fast risers no matter what, better to avoid rushing already accelerated schedules when the only thing we get out of it is starting their service clocks that much sooner.Move the kid up already.
No clear need? Can he pitch? They're all currently hitting the DL.He's played 16 games in AA and there is no clear need at the ML level asking for him to be on an expedited path to the majors. He and Benintendi are fast risers no matter what, better to avoid rushing already accelerated schedules when the only thing we get out of it is starting their service clocks that much sooner.
Interestingly, neither Moncada nor Benintendi played in either game of the double header in Binghamton against Hartford today (if the box scores are to be believed). Nick Lovullo got the start at 2nd in both games.
Well, I am sure it is interesting there.They are in SD
The sample is tiny and probably not even worth looking into much, but the spike in HR power could also be stadium related. Most of our prospects have faired better hitting HRs in Portland than Salem. That could also be a maturation issue. Power is the last thing to develop, etc. There is no need to promote him yet, though. He doesn't even have 100 PA in AA, and the difference between AA and AAA isn't all that meaningful unless you are Garin Cecchini. DD also isn't opposed to players skipping AAA. I'd guess right now we are seeing "hot" Moncada, so the walks will be lower and the strikeouts will be higher. He's swinging the bat phenomenally well so he is being aggressive at the plate. Let's see how he adjusts to AA pitching when he isn't in the midst of an 8 game tear where he is 13/32 with 2 2bs, 2 3bs, and 4 HRs. .406/.457/2.385. Yeah, he has an OPS of 2.841 over the last 8 games. Sick.There are some negatives in this tiny sample. His K rate has gone from 1 K every 4.7 PA to 1 K every 3.6 PA and his walk rate from 1/6.3 PA to 1/24.7 PA.
This is not disqualifying stuff. But between these indicators and the spike in HR power, his approach seems completely different right now. It could be that AA pitchers are more around the plate and he is being aggressive. It may be that pitchers are trying to get away with shit since he's a kid just called up. I might let him work through that before a promotion.
Looks like thats it. All Ks swinging, only one ball hit to the outfield.5 4 0 0 1 8; 75 pitches, 49 strikes
A little bit. Groome will be in rookie ball, Kopech is still in A+. Espinoza is doing fine for his age at his level but seems to have fallen off the fast track. He'll likely be in A+ next year. Meanwhile, everyone in AA or AAA is either a never will be or has regressed terribly. And, Trey Ball has been absolutely putrid lately. Running out of excuses. Until they get some pitching prospects into the high minors, they're going to have to keep hoping to swing a trade for an impact starter to get one anytime soon.If Kopech can keep his shit together, and Groome signs, the profile of the pitching prospects changes dramatically.
“@jjcoop36: Kopech’s 105 mph pitch last night was recorded by multiple radar guns in stands. Not a stadium gun reading. https://t.co/YlwV0XHvMCI thought that was some classic Gammons prospect nonsense when I saw it, but then there is this:
Chris Hatfield @SPChrisHatfield
Have heard this was on both home and away guns where pitchers were charting behind plate. I'm still skeptical tho. https://twitter.com/pgammo/statuses/753603640565305344 …
So I don't know what to think. Listening to the broadcast last night, the highest velo they mentioned was in the 90s. If he's throwing 105 he should knock it off.
I really wish they would give up on him as a pitcher already. Seems like Casey Kelly lite at this point. Lets see what he can do in the field.Another godawful start by Ball today. ERA over 9 in his last 4.
And the guy SOSH would have picked is tearing up AA. It really hurts when you completely blow top picks like that. Terrible luck + scouting + decision making.I really wish they would give up on him as a pitcher already. Seems like Casey Kelly lite at this point. Lets see what he can do in the field.