The Z-Meter: 7/1/2008

The Z-meter tracks the story arcs of 25 top prospects (or players we just like) on their way to the bigs. It is named after current Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, who made the transition from anchoring the University of Virginia to starring in MLB in one year.

Promoted:

Evan Longoria, 3B, Durham (AAA) to Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
Luke Hochevar, RHP, Omaha (AAA) to Kansas City Royals (MLB)
Max Scherzer, RHP, Tucson (AAA) to Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Jacksonville (AA) to Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Jay Bruce, OF, Louisville (AAA) to Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
Homer Bailey, RHP, Louisville (AAA) to Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
Ian Stewart, 3B, Colorado Springs (AAA) to Colorado Rockies (MLB)
Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Sacramento (AAA) to Oakland (MLB)
Chase Headley, 3B, Portland (AAA) to San Diego (MLB)
Eulogio De La Cruz, RHP, Albuquerque (AAA) to Marlins (MLB)
Joe Koshansky, 1B, Colorado Springs (AAA) to Rockies (MLB)

Justin Masterson, RHP, Portland (AA) to Boston (MLB)

Jeff Samardzija, RHP, Tennessee (AA) to Iowa (AAA)
Luke Montz, C, Harrisburg (AA) to Columbus (AAA)

Antonio Bastardo, LHP, Clearwater (A) to Reading (AA)
David Price, LHP, Vero Beach (A) to Montgomery (AA)
Matt Weiters, C, Frederick Keys (A) to Bowie Baysox (AA)

Travis Snider, OF, Dunedin (A-Advanced) to New Hampshire (AA)

Ian Gac, 1B, Clinton (A) to Bakersfield (Advanced A)
Jhoulys Chacin, RHP, Asheville (A) to Modesto (Advanced A)

Josh Vitters, 3B, Boise (Short A) to Peoria (A)

Since we’ll all be traveling and BBQing during the upcoming long weekend, I’m just going to go ahead and post the Z-meter early, and hopefully just take the time to update it on Saturday or Sunday to keep us all current.

The dam broke this week. Several players who had been playing well for long stretches got their marching orders. Jeff Samardzija moved up from AA to AAA, as did Catcher Luke Montz. Matt Weiters and David Price made the move from A to double-A. Ian Gac and Jhoulys Chacin parlayed hot first halves in low A into second seasons in high A.

Samardzija is the strangest mover of all. He has lost far more games than he has won. He doesn’t strike a lot of guys out. And yet he advances easily. If anyone has a theory or, better yet, inside info on the improbable rise of The Shark, let me know.

**Update** Here’s an exchange that took place in Paul Sullivan’s Mailbag regarding Shark:

Paul, why did the Cubs promote Jeff Samardzija to Triple-A rather than Donald Veal? Veal has much better numbers at Double-A. Is it the large contract given to Samardzija, or do the Cubs think he has a higher MLB upside? –Randy, Denver

The Cubs say Samardzija earned the promotion due to his recent success in Double-A, and he’s pitched well at Iowa in his first couple of starts. I would imagine they’re getting him ready to come up as a right-handed reliever for the stretch run, and since they gave him a $10 million contract, they probably figure they need to start getting their money’s worth, starting this year. Lots of pressure on Samardzija? Of course. But I think he dealt with a little bit of that on Saturday afternoons in South Bend, so he should be able to handle it.

[ChicagoSports.com]

So, you know… he might not be ready, but we paid him a lot of money, so here goes!

Let’s see who else is hot this week:

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The top level. These prospects are in AAA in the prime of their youth, and ready for the call that will change their lives.

Andrew McCutchen, CF – Indianapolis Indians (Pirates): .281 – 47R – 8HR – 33RBI – 21SB – 35BB – .415 SLG – .777 OPS

Matt Tuiasosopo, 3B – Tacoma Rainiers (Mariners): .252 – 41R – 5HR – 36 RBI – 24BB – 1SB – .395 SLG – .730 OPS

Colby Rasmus, LF – Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals): .253 – 53R – 11HR – 36RBI – 12SB – 48BB – .410 SLG – .765 OPS

Nelson Cruz, RF – Oklahoma Redhawks (Rangers): .352 – 71R – 24HR – 69RBI – 18SB – 47BB – .705 SLG – 1.157 OPS

Jeff Samardzija, RHP – Iowa Cubs (Cubs): 2GS – 1W – 1L – 3.00 – 8BB – 9K

Luke Montz, C – Columbus Clippers (Nationals): .000 – 1R – 0HR – 0RBI – 1BB – 0SB – .000 SLG – .125 OPS

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These guys also have the potential to skip straight to the majors, but are more likely to get promoted to the top of this meter first.

Kila Kaaihue, 1B – Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Royals): .281 – 36R – 18HR – 48RBI – 54BB – 3SB – .567 SLG – .999 OPS

Austin Jackson, OF – Trenton Thunder (Yankees): .2874 – 47R – 7HR – 46RBI – 41BB – 13SB – .428 SLG – .783 OPS

Jacob McGee, LHP (injured) – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 15GS – 6W – 4L – 3.94 ERA – 37BB – 65K

Cameron Maybin, CF – Carolina Mudcats (Marlins): .266 – 54R – 12HR – 36RBI – 42BB – 16SB – .472 SLG – .833 OPS

Wade Davis, RHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 17GS – 7W – 6L – 4.14 ERA – 39BB – 69K

Elvis Andrus, SS – Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers): .279 – 45R – 1HR – 31RBI – 19BB – 26SB – .337 SLG – .676 OPS

Travis Snider, RF – New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays): .273 – 40R – 11HR – 45RBI – 30BB – 1SB – .458 SLG – .816 OPS

Antonio Bastardo, LHP (injured) – Reading Phillies (Phillies): 9GS – 2W – 3L – 3.11 ERA – 29BB – 39K

Matt Wieters, C – Bowie Baysox (Orioles): .214 – 4R – 0HR – 2RBI – 2BB – 0SB – .286 SLG – .598 OPS

Matt LaPorta, CF – Huntsville Stars (Brewers): .294 – 52R – 19HR – 63RBI – 41BB – 2SB – .592 SLG – .999 OPS

Mat Gamel, 3B – Huntsville Stars (Brewers): .379 – 69R – 15HR – 70RBI – 37BB – 5SB – .636 SLG – 1.078 OPS

David Price, LHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 1GS – 1W – 0L – 3.00 ERA – 4BB – 7K

Fernando Martinez, CF – Binghamton Mets (Mets): .299 – 23R – 4HR – 19RBI – 8BB – 0SB – .443 SLG – .778 OPS

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These guys have vast potential but need to work out some kinks in A-ball before they can advance.

Ian Gac, 1B – Bakersfield Blaze (Rangers): .438 – 4R – 1HR – 4RBI – 0BB – 1SB – .750 SLG – 1.152 OPS

Lars Anderson, 1B – Lancaster JetHawks (Red Sox): .304 – 45R – 8HR – 37RBI – 41BB – 0SB – .474 SLG – .877 OPS

Jhoulys Chacin, RHP – Modesto Nuts (Rockies): 1GS – 1W – 0L – 0.00 ERA – 1BB – 8K

Rick Porcello, RHP – Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit): 15GS – 4W – 6L – 2.73 ERA – 20BB – 46K

Mike Moustakas, SS – Burlington Bees (Royals): .242 – 39R – 12HR – 41RBI – 21BB – 4SB – .414 SLG – .712 OPS

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Prospects chosen from Diamond Cutter’s Top 25, Baseball America, and my own irrational sense of whimsy.

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The Z-Meter: 5/22/2008

The Z-meter tracks the story arcs of 25 top prospects (or players we just like) on their way to the bigs. It is named after current Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, who made the transition from anchoring the University of Virginia to starring in MLB in one year.

Promoted:

Evan Longoria, 3B, Durham (AAA) to Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
Luke Hochevar, RHP, Omaha (AAA) to Kansas City Royals (MLB)
Max Scherzer, RHP, Tucson (AAA) to Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)

Justin Masterson, RHP, Portland (AA) to Pawtucket (AAA)

Antonio Bastardo, LHP, Clearwater (A) to Reading (AA)

Travis Snider, OF, Dunedin (A-Advanced) to New Hampshire (AA)

Josh Vitters, 3B, Boise (Short A) to Peoria (A)

What the hell does a guy have to do to get called up around here? Since last week’s Z-meter, our hero Jay Bruce has improved upon his already stellar triple-A stats, hitting three more homers, raising his averages by double-digits, and putting runs on the board any way he can. The kid is as good as we think he is. Call him up, Cincy!

And, not to be lost in our Bruce-worship, Ian Stewart is doing roughly the same thing in Colorado, throwing gasoline on the fire that he’s been stoking since the season began. Play him or Trade him, Rocks!

Lars Anderson of the Lancaster Jethawks (Boston) went through a rough ofer stretch early in May, but has rebounded in a big way, hitting .550 over his last four games. Ian Gac is doing the reverse, getting donuts in his last two games, which has not had much effect on his mountain of numbers… yet.

UPDATE – Travis Snider is heating up fast. He hit two dingers for 3 RBI and 3 runs since I posted this morning. I’d say he’s adjusting to AA ball pretty well. Get out there and see him, OMDQ!

Let’s see who else is hot this week:

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The top level. These prospects are in AAA in the prime of their youth, and ready for the call that will change their lives.

Jay Bruce, CF – Louisville Bats (Reds): .366 – 32R – 10HR – 37RBI – 8SB – .665 SLG – 1.059 OPS

Homer Bailey, RHP – Louisville Bats (Reds): 9GS – 4W – 4L – 3.88 ERA – 20BB – 44K

Andrew McCutchen, CF – Indianapolis Indians (Pirates): .283 – 29R – 6HR – 21RBI – 14SB – .451 SLG – .828 OPS

Carlos Gonzalez, RF – Sacramento River Cats (Athletics): .295 – 16R – 3HR – 15RBI – 1SB – .434 SLG – .783 OPS

Ian Stewart, 3B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .283 – 43R – 12HR – 43RBI – 6SB – .635 SLG – 1.014 OPS

Joe Koshansky, 1B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .280 – 26R – 7HR – 34RBI – 0SB – .520 SLG – .885 OPS

Colby Rasmus, LF – Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals): .182 – 23R – 6HR – 16RBI – 5SB – .309 SLG – .579 OPS

Justin Masterson, RHP – Pawtucket Red Sox (Red Sox): 8GS – 1W – 3L – 4.23 ERA – 16BB – 37K

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These guys also have the potential to skip straight to the majors, but are more likely to get promoted to the top of this meter first.

Clayton Kershaw, LHP – Jacksonville Suns (Dodgers): 9GS – 0W – 3L – 2.34 ERA – 15BB – 45K

Fernando Martinez, CF (injured) – Binghamton Mets (Mets): .280 – 19R – 3HR – 16RBI – 3SB – .408 SLG – .721 OPS

Jacob McGee, LHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 8GS – 3W – 2L – 4.20 ERA – 17BB – 39K

Cameron Maybin, CF – Carolina Mudcats (Marlins): .247 – 26R – 6HR – 13RBI – 10SB – .416 SLG – .789 OPS

Wade Davis, RHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 9GS – 4W – 2L – 3.23 ERA – 21BB – 39K

Elvis Andrus, SS – Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers): .271 – 23R – 0HR – 19RBI – 10BB – 14SB – .322 SLG – .640 OPS

Jeff Samardzija, P – Tennessee Smokies (Cubs): 10GS – 3W – 4L – 6.14 ERA – 32BB – 28K

Luke Montz, C – Harrisburg Senators (Nationals): .330 – 16R – 8HR – 33RBI – 10BB – 0SB – .659 SLG – 1.049 OPS

Travis Snider, RF – New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays): .228 – 17R – 7HR – 22RBI – 0SB – .465 SLG – .815 OPS

Antonio Bastardo, LHP – Reading Phillies (Phillies): 4GS – 2W – 1L – 2.66 ERA – 8BB – 20K

Matt LaPorta, CF – Huntsville Stars (Brewers): .304 – 35R – 11HR – 39 RBI – 0SB – .602 SLG – 1.018 OPS

Mat Gamel, 3B – Huntsville Stars (Brewers): .372 – 41R – 10HR – 38RBI – 2SB – .661 SLG – 1.097 OPS

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These guys have vast potential but need to work out some kinks in A-ball before they can advance.

Ian Gac, 1B – Clinton LumberKings (Rangers): .346 – 35R – 14HR – 40RBI – 22BB – 1SB – .738 SLG – 1.198 OPS

Lars Anderson, 1B – Lancaster JetHawks (Red Sox): .277 – 28R – 7HR – 23RBI – 0SB – .484 SLG – .867 OPS

Rick Porcello, RHP – Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit): 9GS – 3W – 4L – 1.72 ERA – 14BB – 28K

Matt Wieters, C – Frederick Keys (Orioles): .345 – 31R – 11HR – 29RBI – 21BB – 1SB – .619 SLG – 1.049 OPS

Mike Moustakas, SS – Burlington Bees (Royals): .244 – 14R – 4HR – 16RBI – 3SB – .372 SLG – .672 OPS

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Prospects chosen from Diamond Cutter’s Top 25, Baseball America, and my own irrational sense of whimsy.

The Z-Meter: 5/15/2008

The Z-meter tracks the story arcs of 25 top prospects (or players we just like) on their way to the bigs. It is named after current Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, who made the transition from anchoring the University of Virginia to starring in MLB in one year.

Promoted:

Evan Longoria, 3B, Durham (AAA) to Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
Luke Hochevar, RHP, Omaha (AAA) to Kansas City Royals (MLB)
Max Scherzer, RHP, Tucson (AAA) to Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)

Antonio Bastardo, LHP, Clearwater (A) to Reading (AA)

Travis Snider, OF, Dunedin (A-Advanced) to New Hampshire (AA)

Josh Vitters, 3B, Boise (Short A) to Peoria (A)

Mets pitching prospect Eric Niesen is out as his ERA climbs skyward. Josh Vitters from Peoria hasn’t picked up any stats for two weeks due to an injured hand, so we’re going to have to let him go for this season unless he starts tearing it up. Matt LaPorta and Mat Gamel from Huntsville are in. Colby Rasmus is hanging by a thread.

We’ve been keeping a close eye on the nice stats of Clayton Kershaw, who was on schedule to make his big-league debut despite having a difficult time putting wins on the board. MiLB.com says that promotion to the Dodgers is now on hold, after Kershaw got knocked around by the Mobile BayBears (Diamondbacks). Jay Bruce continues to scorch triple-A, and we’re all just waiting with bated breath to see him in a Reds uni. Elvis Andrus stole three bases and hit .750 in a single game on the 14th, so we’re giving him the red line. Mike Moustakas is slowly clawing his way out of his early doldrums, hitting .500 since May 9th.

Let’s see who else is hot this week:

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The top level. These prospects are in AAA in the prime of their youth, and ready for the call that will change their lives.

Jay Bruce, CF – Louisville Bats (Reds): .352 – 25R – 7HR – 30RBI – 7SB – .613 SLG – .991 OPS

Homer Bailey, RHP – Louisville Bats (Reds): 8GS – 4W – 3L – 3.55 ERA – 14BB – 40K

Andrew McCutchen, CF – Indianapolis Indians (Pirates): .282 – 24R – 6HR – 19RBI – 11SB – .470 SLG – .844 OPS

Carlos Gonzalez, RF – Sacramento River Cats (Athletics): .303 – 12R – 3HR – 13RBI – 1SB – .424 SLG – .785 OPS

Ian Stewart, 3B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .268 – 33R – 9HR – 32RBI – 3SB – .587 SLG – .945 OPS

Joe Koshansky, 1B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .282 – 24R – 6HR – 29RBI – 0SB – .527 SLG – .904 OPS

Colby Rasmus, OF – Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals): .194 – 22R – 6HR – 15RBI – 5SB – .329 SLG – .612 OPS

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These guys also have the potential to skip straight to the majors, but are more likely to get promoted to the top of this meter first.

Clayton Kershaw, LHP – Jacksonville Suns (Dodgers): 7GS – 0W – 3L – 2.21 ERA – 11BB – 40K

Justin Masterson, RHP – Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox): 7GS – 1W – 2L – 3.06 ERA – 14BB – 34K

Fernando Martinez, CF – Binghamton Mets (Mets): .277 – 19R – 3HR – 15RBI – 3SB – .406 SLG – .718 OPS

Jacob McGee, LHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 7GS – 3W – 2L – 4.58 ERA – 16BB – 36K

Cameron Maybin, CF – Carolina Mudcats (Marlins): .241 – 22R – 5HR – 11RBI – 6SB – .409 SLG – .775 OPS

Lars Anderson, 1B – Lancaster JetHawks (Red Sox): .246 – 23R – 5HR – 18RBI – 0SB – .435 SLG – .801 OPS

Wade Davis, RHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 8GS – 3W – 2L – 3.64 ERA – 16BB – 35K

Elvis Andrus, SS – Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers): .281 – 21R – 0HR – 18RBI – 10BB – 14SB – .333 SLG – .671 OPS

Jeff Samardzija, P – Tennessee Smokies (Cubs): 8GS – 3W – 3L – 4.81 ERA – 24BB – 23K

Luke Montz, C – Harrisburg Senators (Nationals): .346 – 14R – 7HR – 31RBI – 9BB – 0SB – .667 SLG – 1.073 OPS

Travis Snider, RF – New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays): .182 – 15R – 4HR – 7RBI – 1SB – .351 SLG – .666 OPS

Antonio Bastardo, LHP – Reading Phillies (Phillies): 3GS – 1W – 1L – 3.06 ERA – 5BB – 15K

Matt LaPorta, CF – Huntsville Stars (Brewers): .314 – 32R – 10HR – 38 RBI – 0SB – .629 SLG – 1.049 OPS

Mat Gamel, 3B – Huntsville Stars (Brewers): /367 – 37R – 9HR – 35RBI – 2SB – .665 SLG – 1.091 OPS

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These guys have vast potential but need to work out some kinks in A-ball before they can advance.

Ian Gac, 1B – Clinton LumberKings (Rangers): .357 – 32R – 14HR – 40RBI – 22BB – 1SB – .762 SLG – 1.233 OPS

Rick Porcello, RHP – Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit): 8GS – 3W – 4L – 1.74 ERA – 13BB – 23K

Matt Wieters, C – Frederick Keys (Orioles): .333 – 26R – 8HR – 22RBI – 18BB – 1SB – .581 SLG – 1.003 OPS

Mike Moustakas, SS – Burlington Bees (Royals): .240 – 14R – 4HR – 13RBI – 3SB – .364 SLG – .659 OPS

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Prospects chosen from Diamond Cutter’s Top 25, Baseball America, and my own irrational sense of whimsy.

The Z Meter – 5/8/2008

The Z-meter tracks the story arcs of 25 top prospects (or players we just like) on their way to the bigs. It is named after current Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, who made the transition from anchoring the University of Virginia to starring in MLB in one year.

Promoted:

Evan Longoria, 3B, Durham (AAA) to Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
Luke Hochevar, RHP, Omaha (AAA) to Kansas City Royals (MLB)
Max Scherzer, RHP, Tucson (AAA) to Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)

Antonio Bastardo, LHP, Clearwater (A) to Reading (AA)

Travis Snider, OF, Dunedin (A-Advanced) to New Hampshire (AA)

Josh Vitters, 3B, Boise (Short A) to Peoria (A)

Our man with the great name and even better arm, Antonio Bastardo, was called up from A to AA this week. That makes him a Reading Phillie, so we’ll reset his numbers and see how he does at this level (he already has one win). Clayton Kershaw gets a hot line even though he hasn’t won a game. This is because he hasn’t allowed an earned run since April 15, so he’s clearly doing his job – can’t blame him for the team’s failures. Royals phenom Mike Moustakas has hit three home runs and stolen two bases since last week, so we’ll give him a red line even though his overall numbers are poor – he’s obviously figuring some stuff out recently.

Let’s see who’s hot this week:

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The top level. These prospects are in AAA in the prime of their youth, and ready for the call that will change their lives.

Jay Bruce, CF – Louisville Bats (Reds): .320 – 19R – 5HR – 23RBI – 7SB – .541 SLG – .884 OPS

Homer Bailey, RHP – Louisville Bats (Reds): 7GS – 4W – 3L – 2.72 ERA – 12BB – 39K

Andrew McCutchen, CF – Indianapolis Indians (Pirates): .288 – 23R – 6HR – 17RBI – 9SB – .504 SLG – .890 OPS

Carlos Gonzalez, RF – Sacramento River Cats (Athletics): .343 – 11R – 3HR – 10RBI – 0SB – .514 SLG – .925 OPS

Ian Stewart, 3B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .254 – 26R – 9HR – 29RBI – 3SB – .568 SLG – .904 OPS

Joe Koshansky, 1B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .279 – 22R – 5HR – 19RBI – 0SB – .532 SLG – .916 OPS

Colby Rasmus, OF – Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals): .200 – 19R – 5HR – 14RBI – 5SB – .344 SLG – .641 OPS

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These guys also have the potential to skip straight to the majors, but are more likely to get promoted to the top of this meter first.

Clayton Kershaw, LHP – Jacksonville Suns (Dodgers): 6GS – 0W – 3L – 1.08 ERA – 11BB – 37K

Justin Masterson, RHP – Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox): 6GS – 1W – 2L – 3.25 ERA – 10BB – 34K

Fernando Martinez, CF – Binghamton Mets (Mets): .250 – 15R – 1HR – 12RBI – 3SB – .350 SLG – .630 OPS

Jacob McGee, LHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 6GS – 3W – 2L – 34.20 ERA – 13BB – 30K

Cameron Maybin, CF – Carolina Mudcats (Marlins): .252 – 19R – 4HR – 10RBI – 6SB – .423 SLG – .818 OPS

Lars Anderson, 1B – Lancaster JetHawks (Red Sox): .264 – 21R – 5HR – 15RBI – 0SB – .471 SLG – .840 OPS

Wade Davis, RHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 7GS – 3W – 2L – 3.51 ERA – 13BB – 29K

Elvis Andrus, SS – Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers): .266 – 15R – 0HR – 13RBI – 7BB – 9SB – .305 SLG – .624 OPS

Jeff Samardzija, P – Tennessee Smokies (Cubs): 7GS – 3W – 2L – 3.44 ERA – 20BB – 21K

Luke Montz, C – Harrisburg Senators (Nationals): .364 – 14R – 7HR – 31RBI – 9BB – 0SB – .701 SLG – 1.127 OPS

Travis Snider, RF – New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays): .143 – 7R – 2HR – 4RBI – 0SB – .250 SLG – .544 OPS

Antonio Bastardo, LHP – Reading Phillies (Phillies): 1GS – 1W – 0L – 1.59 ERA – 3BB – 4K

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These guys have vast potential but need to work out some kinks in A-ball before they can advance.

Ian Gac, 1B – Clinton LumberKings (Rangers): .375 – 29R – 12HR – 35RBI – 16BB – 1SB – .798 SLG – 1.278 OPS

Rick Porcello, RHP – Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit): 7GS – 2W – 4L – 1.98 ERA – 12BB – 22K

Josh Vitters, 3B – Peoria Chiefs (Cubs): .214 – 1R – 0HR – 1RBI – 0BB – 0SB – .429 SLG – .643 OPS

Matt Wieters, C – Frederick Keys (Orioles): .340 – 22R – 5HR – 18RBI – 15BB – 1SB – .540 SLG – .960 OPS

Mike Moustakas, SS – Burlington Bees (Royals): .213 – 12R – 4HR – 9RBI – 3SB – .333 SLG – .607 OPS

Eric Niesen, P – St. Lucie Mets (Mets): 5GS – 0W – 3L – 5.33 ERA – 13BB – 21K

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Prospects chosen from Diamond Cutter’s Top 25, Baseball America, and my own irrational sense of whimsy.

Opinion Polls & Market Research

The Z-Meter: 5/1/2008

The Z-meter tracks the story arcs of 25 top prospects (or players we just like) on their way to the bigs. It is named after current Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, who made the transition from anchoring the University of Virginia to starring in MLB in one year.

Promoted:

Evan Longoria, 3B, Durham (AAA) to Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
Luke Hochevar, RHP, Omaha (AAA) to Kansas City Royals (MLB)
Max Scherzer, RHP, Tucson (AAA) to Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)

Travis Snider, OF, Dunedin (A-Advanced) to New Hampshire (AA)

Josh Vitters, 3B, Boise (Short A) to Peoria (A)

This week, OMDQ and I collaborated to add a few more lower-league reps to the Z-meter. In are Justin Masterson with the AA Portland Sea Dogs, bringing his pile of Ks with him. Also Ian Gac of the Clinton LumberKings, the Midwest League entrant for the Texas Rangers. And, finally, a most wonderful confluence of silly name and true ability: meet Antonio Bastardo of the Advanced-A Clearwater Threshers (Phillies), who is striking out batters at an epic rate.

Let’s see who’s hot this week:

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The top level. These prospects are in AAA in the prime of their youth, and ready for the call that will change their lives.

Jay Bruce, CF – Louisville Bats (Reds): .309 – 15R – 5HR – 18RBI – 6SB – .543 SLG – .876 OPS

Homer Bailey, RHP – Louisville Bats (Reds): 5GS – 3W – 2L – 1.95 ERA – 7BB – 22K

Andrew McCutchen, CF – Indianapolis Indians (Pirates): .273 – 18R – 5HR – 14RBI – 4SB – .515 SLG – .889 OPS

Carlos Gonzalez, RF – Sacramento River Cats (Athletics): .343 – 11R – 3HR – 10RBI – 0SB – .514 SLG – .925 OPS

Ian Stewart, 3B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .281 – 23R – 6HR – 21RBI – 2SB – .584 SLG – .953 OPS

Joe Koshansky, 1B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .321 – 20R – 5HR – 17RBI – 0SB – .642 SLG – 1.075 OPS

Colby Rasmus, OF – Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals): .218 – 16R – 5HR – 12RBI – 4SB – .386 SLG – .702 OPS

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These guys also have the potential to skip straight to the majors, but are more likely to get promoted to the top of this meter first.

Clayton Kershaw, LHP – Jacksonville Suns (Dodgers): 5GS – 0W – 3L – 1.40 ERA – 10BB – 31K

Justin Masterson, RHP – Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox): 4GS – 1W – 0L – 0.95 ERA – 5BB – 23K

Fernando Martinez, CF – Binghamton Mets (Mets): .266 – 14R – 1HR – 7RBI – 3SB – .367 SLG – .672 OPS

Jacob McGee, LHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 4GS – 2W – 1L – 3.32 ERA – 9BB – 21K

Cameron Maybin, CF – Carolina Mudcats (Marlins): .214 – 13R – 3HR – 7RBI – 4SB – .369 SLG – .734 OPS

Lars Anderson, 1B – Lancaster JetHawks (Red Sox): .298 – 20R – 5HR – 14RBI – 0SB – .543 SLG – .937 OPS

Wade Davis, RHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 5GS – 3W – 1L – 3.10 ERA – 9BB – 15K

Elvis Andrus, SS – Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers): .260 – 9R – 0HR – 10RBI – 4BB – 5SB – .310 SLG – .612 OPS

Jeff Samardzija, P – Tennessee Smokies (Cubs): 5GS – 2W – 2L – 3.12 ERA – 12BB – 14K

Luke Montz, C – Harrisburg Senators (Nationals): .371 – 9R – 5HR – 24RBI – 6BB – 0SB – .677 SLG – 1.098 OPS

Travis Snider, RF – Dunedin Blue Jays (Blue Jays): .103 – 3R – 0HR – 1RBI – 0SB – .103 SLG – .361 OPS

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These guys have vast potential but need to work out some kinks in A-ball before they can advance.

Antonio Bastardo, LHP – Clearwater Threshers (Phillies): 5GS – 2W – 0L – 1.17 ERA – 10BB – 47K

Ian Gac, 1B – Clinton LumberKings (Rangers): .390 – 22R – 9HR – 24RBI – 10BB – 1SB – .817 SLG – 1.302 OPS

Rick Porcello, RHP – Lakeland Tigers (Detroit): 5GS – 1W – 4L – 2.13 ERA – 6BB – 20K

Josh Vitters, 3B – Peoria Chiefs (Cubs): .214 – 1R – 0HR – 1RBI – 0BB – 0SB – .429 SLG – .643 OPS

Matt Wieters, C – Frederick Keys (Orioles): .353 – 15R – 5HR – 15RBI – 11BB – 1SB – .632 SLG – 1.059 OPS

Mike Moustakas, SS – Burlington Bees (Royals): .190 – 6R – 1HR – 4RBI – 1SB – .226 SLG – .479 OPS

Eric Niesen, P – St. Lucie Mets (Mets): 4GS – 0W – 3L – 5.73 ERA – 12BB – 14K

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Prospects chosen from Diamond Cutter’s Top 25, Baseball America, and my own irrational sense of whimsy.