Prospect Probables: Who’s Pitching This Week?

While looking at the 453rd Google Alert item mentioning Collin Balester’s major league debut tomorrow against the Florida Marlins, I noticed that Clayton Kershaw is also scheduled to pitch.  This revelation led me to the MLB Schedules page at ESPN.com, where it quickly became apparent that many top pitching prospects will take the mound for their teams in the coming week.

And just like that, another weekly feature was born.

Call me biased toward the Red Sox and Yankees, but I think the most interesting matchups are slated for next weekend in The Bronx.  On Saturday, Boston youngster Justin Masterson goes against New York veteran Mike Mussina; the following day, the Yankees counter with their own prospect, Joba Chamberlain, against Sox elder statesman Tim Wakefield. 

Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Kansas City @ Baltimore – Luke Hochevar (63) vs. Radhames Liz (69)
Texas @ New York Yankees – Kevin Millwood vs. Joba Chamberlain (3)
Washington @ Florida – Collin Balester (86) vs. Mark Hendrickson
Los Angeles Dodgers @ Houston – Clayton Kershaw (7) vs. Wandy Rodriguez

Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Detroit @ Minnesota – Eddie Bonine vs. Nick Blackburn (56)

Thursday, July 3, 2008
Milwaukee @ Arizona – Manny Parra (72) vs. Brandon Webb
Philadelphia @ Atlanta – Brett Myers vs. Jair Jurrjens (49)
Chicago Cubs @ San Francisco – Sean Gallagher (82) vs. Tim Lincecum
Washington @ Cincinnati – John Lannan vs. Johnny Cueto (34)

Saturday, July 5, 2008
Boston @ New York Yankees – Justin Masterson (64) vs. Mike Mussina
Texas @ Baltimore – Eric Hurley (77) vs. Brian Burres

Sunday, July 6, 2008
Washington @ Cincinnati – Collin Balester (86) vs. Edinson Volquez
Texas @ Baltimore – Scott Feldman vs. Radhames Liz (69)
Kansas City @ Tampa Bay – Luke Hochevar (63) vs. James Shields
Los Angeles Dodgers @ San Francisco – Clayton Kershaw (7) vs. Matt Cain
Boston @ New York – Tim Wakefield vs. Joba Chamberlain (3)

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Photos of the Elusive Minotaur

Bus Leagues correspondent Will G. took a pilgrimage from his home in Brooklyn last week in hopes of photographing the elusive Minotaur, also known as Clayton Kershaw. We are a blog with a minor league focus, but during the first season of a player’s call-up, we definitely like to follow them and see how things turn out.

Here’s Kershaw pitching against the New York Mets in Shea, with Will’s commentary:

On the DiamondVision. It was the second consecutive walk, to Castillo in the bottom of the third, that precipitated the visit. Pitching coaches hate that.

Bottom of the third. Reyes walked, Castillo walked, Wright walked. Reyes is about to score on Beltran’s sac fly to center. Could’ve been a lot worse; Beltran hit it pretty well.

Kershaw at rest.

Kershaw in action. Kind of like an ’82 Topps card.

Bottom of the fourth. Three straight singles, two fielder’s choices, and a walk, and that was all she wrote.

Chan Ho Park would get the final out, no further damage done. There was a small smattering of applause for the Minotaur.

Looks like a nice night out at the ballpark. Even though the Minotaur had a rough outing, it must have been nice to actually see how the legend compared to reality. Thanks again for the great pics, Will!

[Will’s flickr photo set]

The Z-Meter: 5/29/2008 – Chasing Headley

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)

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)

Oh glorious day, caloo, callay! (Sorry, I have a five-year-old, must be too much Dr. Seuss) Both Jay Bruce and Clayton Kershaw cashed in their golden tickets this week, so we’re sending up the Z-meter a couple days early in celebration. Time to find someone new to fixate on – I plan to obsess over Ian Stewart now, personally.

I’m adding a couple of statistical marvels from the minor-league ranks to take the place of our two stalwarts who have gone on to their reward. Nelson Cruz has a ridiculous .705 slugging average for Oklahoma Redhawks (Rangers), and Jhoulys Chacin is mowing down batters for the Asheville Tourists (Rockies), with eight wins and just one loss (check out his ridiculous strikeout numbers below). Welcome, fellas.

UPDATE: Reader Will, a minor-league road tripper extraordinaire, has been lobbying for the inclusion of Chase Headley, and he’s right, the Beav needs to be here. Added.

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.

Chase Headley, LF – Portland Beavers (San Diego): .301 – 38R – 9HR – 27RBI – 0SB – 19BB – .524 SLG – .888 OPS

Homer Bailey, RHP – Louisville Bats (Reds): 11GS – 4W – 4L – 4.05 ERA – 29BB – 54K

Andrew McCutchen, CF – Indianapolis Indians (Pirates): .304 – 35R – 7HR – 24RBI – 17SB – .480 SLG – .869 OPS

Carlos Gonzalez, RF – Sacramento River Cats (Athletics): .292 – 20R – 4HR – 24RBI – 1SB – .435 SLG – .778 OPS

Ian Stewart, 3B (Reserve List) – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .281 – 43R – 12HR – 43RBI – 6SB – .614 SLG – .988 OPS

Joe Koshansky, 1B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .298 – 33R – 10HR – 44RBI – 0SB – .569 SLG – .948 OPS

Colby Rasmus, LF – Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals): .197 – 31R – 7HR – 19RBI – 6SB – .332 SLG – .629 OPS

Nelson Cruz, RF – Oklahoma Redhawks (Rangers): .338 – 42R – 14HR – 40RBI – 14SB – .688 SLG – 1.142 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.

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

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

Jacob McGee, LHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 10GS – 5W – 2L – 3.59 ERA – 23BB – 51K

Cameron Maybin, CF – Carolina Mudcats (Marlins): .247 – 34R – 7HR – 17RBI – 13SB – .416 SLG – .775 OPS

Wade Davis, RHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 11GS – 5W – 3L – 3.17 ERA – 25BB – 48K

Elvis Andrus, SS – Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers): .268 – 31R – 0HR – 19RBI – 12BB – 19SB – .316 SLG – .638 OPS

Jeff Samardzija, P – Tennessee Smokies (Cubs): 11GS – 3W – 5L – 5.76 ERA – 33BB – 32K

Luke Montz, C – Harrisburg Senators (Nationals): .347 – 19R – 9HR – 37RBI – 16BB – 0SB – .636 SLG – 1.055 OPS

Travis Snider, RF – New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays): .248 – 21R – 8HR – 29RBI – 0SB – .473 SLG – .830 OPS

Antonio Bastardo, LHP – Reading Phillies (Phillies): 6GS – 2W – 2L – 4.09 ERA – 19BB – 26K

Matt LaPorta, CF – Huntsville Stars (Brewers): .285 – 39R – 13HR – 46RBI – 1SB – .575 SLG – .967 OPS

Mat Gamel, 3B – Huntsville Stars (Brewers): .383 – 49R – 11HR – 44RBI – 3SB – .659 SLG – 1.102 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): .329 – 36R – 14HR – 40RBI – 29BB – 1SB – .677 SLG – 1.131 OPS

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

Rick Porcello, RHP – Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit): 11GS – 3W – 5L – 2.48 ERA – 14BB – 35K

Matt Wieters, C – Frederick Keys (Orioles): .346 – 35R – 12HR – 32RBI – 25BB – 1SB – .615 SLG – 1.051 OPS

Mike Moustakas, SS – Burlington Bees (Royals): .254 – 21R – 7HR – 24RBI – 3SB – .429 SLG – .732 OPS

Jhoulys Chacin, RHP – Asheville Tourists (Rockies): 11 GS – 8W – 1L – 1.64 ERA – 21BB – 73K

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

The Minotaur and History

20-year-old Clayton Kershaw made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, limiting St. Louis to two runs on five hits in six innings.  He struck out seven Cardinals and walked just one.  In light of that impressive performance by one of baseball’s top prospects, I thought it might be interesting to look at some of the best pitchers of the past twenty or so years and see how they fared in three areas: first batter faced, first game, and first season.

For Kershaw, we know two of those pieces – the first batter he faced, Skip Schumaker, struck out, and the pitching line for his debut is above – but only time will tell on number three. 

Roger Clemens (21)
First Batter: Brett Butler (groundout to first, unassisted)
First Game: 5.2 IP, 4 ER, 11 H, 4 K, 3 BB
First Season: 9-4, 4.32 ERA, 126 K, 133.1 IP

Greg Maddux (20)
First Batter: Craig Reynolds (groundout to second)
First Game: 1 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 1 K
First Season: 2-4, 5.52 ERA, 20 K, 31.0 IP

Okay, Maddux’s major league debut fascinates me because he didn’t make his first appearance as a pitcher.  Instead, he pinch-ran in the 17th inning of a 7-7 game against the Houston Astros – a game that had originally been started by Nolan Ryan and Jamie Moyer (did they supply the pitchers with water from the Fountain of Youth that day?).  Maddux took the mound for the first time the following inning, gave up a homerun to the second batter he faced, Billy Hatcher, and received the loss.  Five days later he made his first start, going the distance against Cincinnati (3 ER, 11 H, 4 K, 3 BB) for the win.  He also recorded two hits.

Is this common knowledge?  Am I the only one who didn’t know about this unusual set of circumstances surrounding Maddux’s first games in The Show?

Tom Glavine (21)
First Batter: Gerald Young (flyout to center)
First Game: 3.2 IP, 6 ER, 10 H, 1 K, 5 BB
First Season: 2-4, 5.54 ERA, 20 K, 50.1 IP

Randy Johnson (25)
First Batter: John Cangelosi (groundout to second)
First Game: 5 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 5 K, 3 BB
First Season: 3-0, 2.42 ERA, 25 K, 26.0 IP

Pedro Martinez (20)
First Batter: Reggie Sanders (foulout to catcher)
First Game: 2 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 K, 1 BB
First Season: 0-1, 2.25 ERA, 8 K, 8 IP

Now Pitching For The Los Angeles Dodgers…

All season, the Los Angeles Dodgers organization has handled Clayton Kershaw, Baseball America’s 7th ranked prospect, with kid gloves, limiting the 20-year-old third-year pro to 43.1 innings in nine starts in order to keep him available for as long as possible.  Presumably, that meant keeping him in the minor leagues, at AA Jacksonville, until the Dodgers needed his golden left arm in their rotation.

Okay.  The Dodgers need his golden left arm in their rotation.

Los Angeles put the call in for Kershaw on Saturday, lining him up to make his major league debut on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.  He will become the youngest player in the major leagues this season and the first ever born in 1988.  I feel so old.

Kershaw pitched well for Jacksonville in 2008, going 0-3 with a 2.28 ERA and 47 strikeouts in the aforementioned 43.1 innings.  He has thrown only eleven innings since May 7.  Esteban Loaiza was DFA and Yhency Brazoban was sent to AAA Las Vegas to make room for Kershaw on the 40 and 25-man rosters, respectively.

Previous “Now Batting”: Evan Longoria (Rays); Jed Lowrie (Red Sox), Jeff Clement/Wladimir Balentien (Mariners)

Previous “Now Pitching”: Justin Masterson (Red Sox); Jeff Niemann (Rays); Luke Hochevar (Royals); Max Scherzer (Diamondbacks); Nick Adenhart (Angels)

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

Pitchers’ Duel Impacts Z-Meter Standings

In a rare bit of kismet, two of the starting pitchers we are following on their journey through the Bus Leagues met in Kodak, Tennessee last night. Southpaw Clayton Kershaw drew the road start for the Jacksonville Suns (Dodgers), as they faced the Tennessee Smokies (Cubs), and righty Jeff Samardzija.

Samardzija became known to U.S. sports fans as a wide reciever at Notre Dame, but his minor-league career has been working in his favor so far. In last night’s head-to-head matchup with Kershaw, the less-heralded Cubs prospect took home the win in a hard-fought pitchers’ duel. The 2-0 score probably reflects a slight differential in seasoning, as Kershaw, 20, gave up the two runs in the first inning before settling in. Samardzija, 23, acknowledged that his mental approach to the game has matured.

“I was throwing the sinker early and often in the count,” said the former Notre Dame All-American wide receiver. “I had good command and worked in some of my other pitches as the game went on.”

“I have a little different approach this year,” he said. “I don’t mind letting the hitters hit the ball. You got to have confidence in the guys behind you.”

[milb.com]

By not trying to strike every batter out, Samardzija was able to pitch into the seventh inning, which has been a rarity in his career so far.

Kershaw did get the best of the matchup in one area, however, striking out eight batters. Samardzija was victimized twice at the plate.