Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Update on Allen, Krauss, Miley, Smith

Brandon Allen continues his hot hitting, going 2-4 with a double and his 9th homer of the year. On the week he's hitting .324/.425/.765 with 3 doubles, 4 homers, and a 4:7 K:BB ratio.

Marc Krauss continued his hot hitting as well, going 4-4 with a double and his 12th homer. He raised his batting average 12 points from 300 to 312. He also had his first stolen base of the year. On the week, he's hitting .500/512/952.

Wade Miley threw 7 innings, allowing only one run, and striking out 5. He did allow 4 hits and 5 walks though. One thing worth noting is his 2.85 groundball to fly ball ratio between Visalia and Mobile. What's even more amazing is his 8.67 groundball to fly ball ratio in Mobile. I'll probably end up taking a look at Miley sometime in the near future. On the season, Miley has a 2.86 ERA with 63:43 K:BB ratio. He's allowed a total of one HR in 94.1 innings.

Eric Smith went 6 innings, giving up one run, and striking out 9. He didn't walk any batters, and only gave up 4 hits. On the season, Smith is 5-3 with a 2.64 ERA and a 61:23 K:BB ratio. He's allowed 3 HRS in 75 IP.

Barry Enright Primer

Barry Enright (born March 30th, 1986) was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 draft. He signed quickly, and played for three teams in 2007 (Yakima, South Bend, Visalia) where he threw 15 scoreless innings with 17 strikeouts and 5 walks.

In 2008, Enright was assigned to HI-A Visalia, where he threw 164.1 innings. He posted a 4.44 ERA (3.52 FIP) with 143 strikeouts and 35 walks. In 2009, Enright was assigned to AA Mobile, where he threw 156 innings and posted a 3.98 ERA with 103 strikeouts and 37 walks. He also had a 930 OPS(14 for 34 with 2 doubles and 2 walks).

Assigned to Mobile again, Enright has an excellent season, posting a 2.88 ERA with 83 strikeouts against just 15 walks in 93.2 innings. At 5.53, Enright has the best K:BB ratio of any pitcher in our organization. He's continued his hitting as well, with a .973 OPS(7 for 25, but 6 of his hits were doubles, and the other one was a homer)

Enright is typical of the class of pitchers the Diamondbacks like to draft. He's a college-trained innings eater. He has an average but workable fastball that sits in around 89-92 and mixes in a slider, curveball, and changeup. He throws strikes, but relies on his defense to support him.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Brandon Allen

As I mentioned earlier today, Brandon Allen is hitting .321/.468/617 with five doubles, two triples, five home runs, and a 25:21 BB:K ratio in June. On the year he's hitting 259/411/488 with 10 doubles, two triples, eight home runs and a 41:43 K:BB ratio in year where he's missed time due to a shoulder injury.

What's amazing about Allen's year is the improved plate discipline. His batting average is 65 points lower than it was in his stint in Reno last year, but his on base percentage is only two points lower than last year. That's a direct result of his increased walk rate. He's walked 41 times this year in 166 at bats. Last year in Reno, he walked 20 times in 145 at bats. His strike-outs are up a bit though, with 43, compared to 25 last year.

Another amazing thing is how much Allen's numbers are brought down by his poor April and May. He had only 85 at bats in April and May, and they were pretty piss poor with a 757 OPS in April, and a .305 OPS in May, although he only had 11 at bats in May.

I think it's safe to trade LaRoche if Allen continues to hit well in Reno. I think he might even be worth calling up before that happens so he can play left field as well as spell Laroche at first on occasion. He's played 13 games in left field this season and 36 at first.

15th and 21st round picks, Mike Bolsinger and Raoul Torrez sign, will report to Yakima

source: http://arkansasnews.com/2010/06/28/bolsinger-signs-with-arizona-diamondbacks/
source: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/asu/articles/2010/06/28/20100628asu-sun-devils-baseball-2-players-sign-pro-deals.html



FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas right-handed pitcher Mike Bolsinger has agreed to terms with the Arizona Diamondbacks and will begin his pro career in Yakima, Wash.

“They asked me what I want to do and I told them I’d like to start out relieving right now,” said Bolsinger, who was selected in the 15th round. “Just so I can fit comfortably here.”


ASU senior third baseman Raoul Torrez signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks and will start his pro career with the Class A Yakima Bears (Wash.)

Random Updates

Diogenes Rosario pitched 5 scoreless innings for South Bend, striking out 3, while walking four.

Kevin Eichhorn went 6.0 innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks, while striking out 3. He earned his first win of the year. He lowered his ERA down to

Wagner Mateo hit his second home run of the year. He's hitting 250/351/464 with eight doubles, two triples, and two home runs. He's got seven stolen bases in eight attempts. He's got a solid 13:22 BB:K ratio.

Brandon Allen is hitting .321/.468/617 with five doubles, two triples, five home runs, and a 25:21 BB:K ratio in June. On the year he's hitting 259/411/488 with 10 doubles, two triples, eight home runs and a 41:43 K:BB ratio in an injury shortened year. I'll probably do a post about Brandon Allen soon.

Collin Cowgill hit his 7th home run of the year. On the year he's hitting 288/360/452 with 23 doubles, two triples, and seven home runs. He's got 14 stolen bases, but he's been caught stealing 8 times. His walk to strike out ratio is 29:43.

Barry Enright to get the call.

Right-hander Barry Enright will get the call from Double-A Mobile to start against the Cardinals on Wednesday.

Enright has gained a reputation in the organization as much for his ability to swing the bat as for his tendency to pound the strike zone.

Let’s start with his pitching. He’s not a big stuff guy – he throws his fastball in the 88-92 range – and also features a slider, curve and change-up. But he’s aggressive with it, pounding the strike zone and hitting his spots.

Think of him in the Jon Garland/Jeff Suppan mold, with a ceiling as a solid, back-of-the-rotation type.

He’s having a strong year in his second stint with Double-A Mobile, where he has a 2.88 ERA with 83 strikeouts (and only 15 walks) in 93 2/3 innings.


Credit to Nick Piecoro for the news. One thing worth noting is Enright has the best K:BB ratio(5.53) in the Dbacks organization, slightly edging out Dan Haren's 5.23 K:BB ratio.

Paul Goldschmidt

Like his teammate Marc Krauss, Paul Goldschmidt has been on fire the last ten games. He's hitting 289/370/684 with 5 homers. Last night he went 2-3 with two homers. On the season he's hitting 293/340/541 with 23 doubles, a triple, 16 homers, and a 23;83 BB;K ratio.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Marc Krauss on fire.

Marc Krauss has been on fire as of late. In his last 10 games, he's got a 1.240 OPS. In that ten game stretch he's 17 for 41 with four doubles, four home runs, 3 walks, and 11 strikeouts. On the season, Krauss is hitting .300/.369/.495 with 15 doubles, 3 triples, and 11 home runs. He has a 30:67 walk to strike-out ratio.

If Krauss keeps hitting, he should see himself in Mobile before the end of the year. If that's the case, we could see him in the majors by next summer. I really like Marc Krauss. The dude has been compared to a young Adam Dunn(both the good and the bad). I think he may end up being the solution to left field for a long time to come, and I'm hoping he's ready for the big leagues sometime next year.

Starting Pitchers

Taking a look at the starting pitchers in the Diamondbacks farm system.

Jarrod Parker

Despite having to take a year off from pitching due to Tommy John surgery, Parker remains our top pitching prospect, and top prospect overall. Jarrod's recovery is actually going (from what I can tell) faster than most had expected. He's at 75-80 percent and he's been throwing off the mound twice a week for the last month (As mentioned in yesterday's SnakeBytes). I wouldn't hold my breath on him getting on the mound this summer, but he'll more than likely see some action in the Arizona Fall League. Even if (and that's a big IF) he throws well, and gets control back fairly quickly, and has a ridiculous spring training, I don't think he's very likely to make the big league rotation out of the gate next year. I think the most likely scenario is that he starts next year in Reno, and then gets called up in June if he's dominating the minors. I think the Diamondbacks should be conservative with Parker, and not call him up until he's shown that he has nothing left to prove in the minors.

Chase Anderson

Chase Anderson (born 11/30/1987) has absolutely rocketed up the Dbacks top prospect list since being drafted in the ninth round of last years draft. At this point, I consider him to be our best pitching prospect not named Jarrod Parker. According to Anderson himself, he patterns his game after Timmeh Lincecum. I don't think his upside is as high as Timmeh, but he could probably end up being a solid two or three starter. In 38.1 Innings pitched at South Bend, Anderson posted a 2.82 ERA, a 31:9 strike-out to walk ratio, and a complete game shutout. In the 34 innings he's pitched since being promoted to Hi-A Visalia , he's had a 2.65 ERA, with a 39:8 strike-out to walkratio, with a ridiculous 1.16 FIP. Combined across two levels, his FIP is 2.03. He's given up a total of two homers in 72 innings pitched.

Eric Smith

Drafted in the second round of the 2009 draft, Eric Smith (born 10/15/1988) is 5-3 in 69.0 innings pitched for Class A South Bend, with a 2.74 ERA(3.21 FIP), 52:23 strike-out to walk ratio, and only 3 HRs allowed, along with a complete game. In addition he's got a solid 1.83 GO/AO ratio. He has a heavy sinker that's got some serious drop to it. For a great article on Eric Smith, I'd suggest you read this article (which was written by Snakepit expat IHSB). You'll find a great write up, along with some video of Smith pitching.


Wade Miley

Drafted in the 1st round of the 2008 draft with the 43rd overall pick, Wade Miley is a left handed pitcher who was supposed to move quickly through the farm system. Instead, his ascension has been slow and steady. In 80.1 innings pitched in Visalia, Miley posted a 3.25 ERA(3.49 FIP) with a 50:37 strike-out to walk ratio, and only one home run allowed. In his first start since being promoted to AA Mobile, Miley threw seven innings, giving up no runs, and striking out eight, while walking one. Miley's ceiling is probably that of a number three starter, but he's most likely to end up being a 4th/5th starter.

Michael Belfiore

Drafted in the first round of the 2009 draft with the 43rd overall pick, the 21 year old lefty began his professional career by dominating the pioneer league to the tune of a 2.17 ERA to go along with a 55:13 strike-out to walk ratio. This year he's been slightly less dominating, with a 3.88 ERA with a 59:27 strikeout-walk ratio. His 3.18 FIP suggests he's been a tad unlucky this year. Belfiore was a closer in college, but was converted to starting after being drafted. His ceiling is probably that of a middle of the rotation starter.

Charles Brewer

Drafted in the 12th round of the 2009 draft, Brewer(born 4-7-1988) has dominated the Midwest League in his 69.0 innings pitched with a 1.83 ERA(2.33 FIP) and a 78:20 strike-out to walk ratio. He's was my sleeper pick going into this year, and I think he could be a solid second or third starter.

Bryan Augenstein

Don't think you've heard the last from Bryan Augenstein, who has been royally screwed by bad luck this year. He's got a 5.89 ERA even though he has a 3.38 FIP and a 71:28 Strike out to walk ratio. Once his ridiculous .537 BABIP falls back down to earth, he'll look a lot better.


Josh Collmenter

Collmenter (born 2-7-1986) has had a crazy season. He started out the year in Hi-A Visalia, where he went 2-0 with a 2.40 ERA with a 21:3 strike-out to walk ratio in 15IP.. Promoted to AAA Reno, he posted a 4.70 ERA in 4 starts with a 18:9 strike out to walk ratio. Then he was demoted to Mobile, where he's had a 1.68 ERA with a 41:15 strikeout to walk ratio in 48.1 innings pitched. He's been named minor league pitcher of the week two weeks in a row this year, back in May. His FIP combined across all three levels is 2.98.

Scottie Allen

One of two high school pitchers the Diamondbacks drafted in the 2009 draft(the other being Patrick Schuster) , The eighteen year old(until July 3rd) Scottie Allen has more then held his own in the Midwest league, with a 5.25 ERA and a 32:13 strike out to walk ratio. His 3.17 FIP suggests he's pitched better than his ERA suggests.

Kevin Eichhorn

The son of former major leaguer Mark Eichhorn, Kevin Eichhorn was drafted in the third round of the 2008 draft. The Diamondbacks have limited the 20 year old's innings since he's been drafted. Kevin's era across two levels is a lackluster 8.03 in his 12.1 innings, but he's go a 1.53 combined FIP to go along with a 10:0 strike-out to walk ratio. Has a relatively high ceiling, but he needs more innings before we can really pass judgement. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on.

Patrick Schuster

One of two high school pitchers drafted in the 2009 draft, the left handed Patrick Schuster (born 10/30/1990) is famous for having thrown four consecutive no-hitters in high school. Assigned to rookie-level Missoula, Schuster's season has just started, as the Pioneer league is a short season league. In 10 innings pitched he has a 2.70 ERA with a rather lackluster 4:6 strike-out to walk ratio. Keep an eye on this guy.

Barry Enright

Barry Enright (born March 30th, 1986) was drafted in the second round of the 2007 draft. Assigned to Mobile this year, Enright has dominated the Southern league in 93.2 innings with a 2.88 ERA(3.02 FIP) and a 83:15 strike-out to walk ratio. He doesn't have the highest of ceilings, probably no better than a third or fourth starter.

And two other guys worth mentioning:

Diogenes Rosario, a 21 year old pitcher of the Dominican Republic who's posted a 2.58 ERA with 40:12 strike-out to walk ratio. Rosario has been in South Bend's bullpen, but has recently been given a spot in South Bend's rotation.

Matt Torra has a 3.96 ERA with a 45:15 strike-out to walk ratio in 91.0 IP for AAA Reno.

Nine Offensive Prospects

Matthew Davidson, Third Base/DH, Mid-A South Bend
Currently hitting 294/373/494 with 20 doubles, a triple, and 9 homers to go along with a 23/65 BB:K ratio. The walk to strikeout ratio is actually better than it looks, considering how few walks Davidson drew in the beginning of the season. His OPS is 169 points better than the midwest league's average of .698. In addition, at 19 years old, he's 2 years younger than Midwest League's average age of 21. Could he be the third basemen of the future? He's looking like a better hitter than Bobby Borchering right now, although if Borchering develops more as a hitter, Davidsoncan always end up at first or in left field.


Ollie Linton, Center Field, AA Mobile
Hitting 311/425/358 with 5 doubles, two triples, and a much improved 30:45 BB:K ratio. The power isn't there, but the improved on base percentage and plate discipline is a breath of fresh air. His OPS 783 OPS is slightly better than the .722 league average. Linton could be the center fielder of the future. Could be ready to be in the majors as soon as next year.

Paul Goldschmidt, First Base, Hi-A Visalia
Currently hitting 299/347/533 with 23 doubles, a triple, 13 homer and a BB:K ratio of 21:76 in 274 ABS. Last year in 287 ABS he had a 334/408/638 with 27 doubles, 3 triples, 18 homers, and a 36:74 BB:K ratio. His 879 OPS is 123 points better than league average. Great power numbers, but he does need to work on his plate discipline. He could make Brandon Allen just a stopgap solution at first base, especially if he continues hitting like he has. At 22, he's at the right age to be in the Cal league. Could be ready for the major leagues by 2011/2012


Marc Krauss, Left Field, Hi-A Visalia
Hitting 287/362/446 with 14 doubles, 3 triples, 7 homeruns, 30:63 BB:K ratio and has an OPS 66 points better than league average. Like Goldschmidt, he's the right age to be in the Cal league. I invision Krauss as the left fielder of the future. If he doesn't have any struggles, he could be ready for cup of coffee in the major leagues next September.


Konrad Schmidt, Catcher, AA Mobile
The 25 year old(26 in August) is leading the mobile baybears in hitting with an overall line of 314/346/484 with 12 doubles, a triple, 6 homers, and a 7:26 BB:K ratio. Schmidt has a reputation as being solid defensively as catcher, and he could end up being the backup catcher of the future if John Hester and Sean Coughlin don't pan out. He's a little old, but catchers tend to take a little longer to develop, so i'll give him a pass on that.

Chris Owings. Shortstop, Mid-A South Bend

Hitting 298/323/447 with 19 doubles, 2 triples, and 5 home runs. Owings' 770 OPS doesn't look that impressive at first, but once you consider his age(18 until August), his position(Shortstop), and that the league average OPS is only 698, it becomes quite apparent. The only area that Owings has really dissappointed is with his plate disciple: he's struck out 50 times, while walking only 9 times. Could be the shortstop of the future, but he won't be ready for a couple years.

Bobby Borchering, Third Base, Mid-A South Bend
He hasn't exactly lit the world on fire, but the Dbacks' 19 year old number one pick of last years draft has been slightly above average this year, hitting 252/327/400 with 13 doubles, 8 homeruns, and a solid 27/58 BB:K ratio. His 727 OPS is 29 points better than league average. Could be the third basemen of the future, but he's going to have to outplay Davidson and Ryan Wheeler.

Wagner Mateo, Center/Right Field, DSL Diamondbacks
Currently hitting 234/347/422 with 9(7 doubles, triple, homer) of his 15 hits going for extra bases. In addition he has been successful 5 out of 6 times on the base paths and he has a 11:17 BB:K ratio. Although his .769 OPS doesn't seem that impressive at first glance, it is once you consider the fact that the league average OPS for the Dominican Summer League is .651 and that Mateo is only 17.

Brandon Allen, First Base/Left field, AAA Reno
Currently hitting 245/403/449 with 8 doubles, 2 triples, and 6 homers in 147 ABS. His plate discipline has been impressive, as he's walked almost as much as he's struck out (37:40 BB:K ratio). His season has been shortened by injury, but it's good seeing him play well after coming back. His presence should make trading Adam LaRoche less painful.