How many righties hit triples down the LF line? The LF was a bit off the line but still. Was there a bobble in the corner or something?
Minor league thread 2022
- Thread starter RoDaddy
- Start date
Mata rehabbing in Greenville again last night
View: https://twitter.com/SoxProspects/status/1537628349056831488?s=20&t=Qn1YYDs8oG3Gr0G3zGw5cg
View: https://twitter.com/SoxProspects/status/1537628349056831488?s=20&t=Qn1YYDs8oG3Gr0G3zGw5cg
He doesn’t have the plate approach mookie had but they both seem to have the same physical tools - most notably elite hand eye coordination which translates to strong bat to ball skills and glove work. That plus athleticism creates an exciting floor. Would love to see the underlying hitting data to understand the pop off the bat - but if that’s strong and he improves the approach at the plate he’s special.
My preseason list:
1. Casas
2. Mayer
3. Yorke
4. Bello
5. Duran
6. Groome
7. Jordan
8. Bleis
9. Wilkelman Gonzalez
10. Brandon Walter
Preseason Writeups: https://sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?threads/status-of-bostons-farm-system.31371/post-4889322
1. Casas. Mostly because he's already in AAA while Mayer is in A ball.
2. Mayer. What's not to like? He's missed some time due to injures, so maybe he's not the most durable? I'm reaching.
3. Bello. I've been pimping him for awhile. People were really overlooking him last year and earlier this year. He has a real chance to stick at SP.
4. Yorke. He drops a spot, mostly due to Bello's performance rather than Yorke's early struggles.
5. Duran. Not completely sold on him but he did hit for power on the road this year. If he can hit for power, he should stick. At least if he doesn't strike out 30% of the time.
6. Rafaela. I'm surprised I have him that high but when putting some thought into rankings... hard to put him lower. Plus arm, plus defense at all positions, plus speed and now he's mashing?
7. Bleis. I'm all aboard and I'm not parroting anyone. I thought I was extremely high on him but then other rankings came out and not so much.
8. Wilkelman Gonzalez: He's had a off and on year but I think he might have the best arm in the system. Just have to harness it.
9. Walter. He's completely dominant most of the time... but he's capable of putting up some real clunkers. I wonder how he holds up against ML hitters and I think he ultimately ends up in the bullpen. His PC have been considerably lower than Bello's.
10. Lugo. Why not? He was probably in my top 15 to start the season and he's done nothing to lower his stock since. I get the "5 half tools" argument but I think they are closer to full than half. I'm NOT comparing him to Craig Biggio but Biggio was one of those players who had no real flaws or huge strengths. He just did everything well or good enough.
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11. Mata. I was pretty giddy when he was holding his own as an 18 year old in Greenville. I was somewhat disappointed with his age 19 and 20 seasons, but given his age and level, maybe I shouldn't have been so down on him. I could see why others were excited, but he wasn't missing bats or striking people out. He's looked different since his return, but he's also doing it against lesser competition. Can't wait to see him in AAA, or Portland. I'm not sure if it's been noted.
12. Chris Murphy. I've shared my opinion on him quite often to the point he's borderline binky. If he can get lefties out, he's going to have a long career. It maybe a mediocre one, but it'll be long. There's an outside chance he could be better than that, depending on his control and ability to get lefties out.
13. Eddinson Paulino: I was tempted to put him in the top 10 too but I couldn't pull the trigger. He turns 20 in a few weeks and has been holding his own in A ball. Slashing .256/.350/.462 with 29 xbh (5 HR), 12 sb/1cs in 260 PA. He's also showing a good eye with 30bb/51k. He also started out slow with a .194/.268/.375 line in 75 April PA. Since: 178 PA, .285/.388/.503 on a .325 BAbip. 24bb/28k. He's basically doing what Nick Yorke did last year. Terrible April and then destroys the ball.
Last 11 games: .326/.453/.698, .379 BAbip. 53 PA, 10bb/11k. 8 xbh, 3 HR. Honestly, he's kind of like another Matthew Lugo.
14-20ish in no particular order: Enderso Lira, Winckowski, Song, Seabold, Jordan, Jimenez, Binelas, Groome, Brainer Bonaci, Nathan Hickey. Fitzgerald if you consider him a prospect.
-WInckowski and Seabold don't really do much for me. Winckowski has improved his K rate to 25.7% but that's still pretty pedestrian for AAA. Seabold's is even lower. They haven't walked many batters either, so that's a positive.
-Song is a footnote atm.
-I think Groome's stuff has taken a step backwards since the end of last season. Considering he's dropped on other Sox prospect lists, I'm guessing I'm not alone.
-Jordan had a terrible April (.162/.230/.250, 4bb/18k in 74 PA). He has been good since (.323/.359/.515 in May, .340/.407/.489 in June), but mostly drops in the rankings because others leapfrogged him rather than anything he's doing wrong.
-Gilberto Jimenez has impressed me this year, actually. Never been a huge fan but he's been hitting for more power. He's super athletic and doesn't turn 22 until July 8th.
-Binelas hits for power and can draw a walk, but I question if his contact skills will ever be up to snuff
-Brainer is mostly here because he's a binky and I've heard other scouts mention him. Classic overachiever type but he's going nowhere with an ISO of .057. Luis Castillo he is not.
-Nathan Hickey is kind of old for Salem but he's also a catcher. 34bb/34k in 158 PA, .256/.418/.438. If he can stick behind catcher, he might be something.
-Lira could go either way but he has all the tools to be a fast riser in the system. Arguably the Sox number 1 catching prospect too.
Lira has an amazing eye so a lot of it will depend on how he physically matures. Hard to make anything out of DSL BB/K ratios but Lira had 32bb/18k in 162 PA. He's playing in the FSL now. Off to a meh start, but it's only 15 PA. .077/.200/.077, 1bb/4k.
Bleis is off to a slow start too. Went 0/5 today with 3ks. Hitting .063 with a .336 OPS. Only 37 PA though.
Bleis is off to a slow start too. Went 0/5 today with 3ks. Hitting .063 with a .336 OPS. Only 37 PA though.
Off topic, and forgive me if this is common knowledge, but what ever happened to Cuzittt? DM if needed
Definitely excited about this kid. Hard for me to put him this high just yet but I can certainly see the argument.
This is exactly where I’m at.
You’re kind of talking me into Lugo in the top 10 but I’m just not sure who he’d bump just yet. Which brings me to my only real disagreement with your list. I get that Seabold’s stuff appears to have ticked down following the injuries last season, but man is he having a nice season in Worcester.
2.01 era
.94 whip
.179 baa
45 ip
45k
13 bb
Now if the stuff doesn’t recover I realize we could have a Henry Owens on our hands, but his potential combined with his excellent AAA numbers keep him in the top 10 for me.
EDIT: Seabold is 26, so we’re getting close to prove-it time, but the pandemic has screwed up these things a bit, and he is sort of proving it right now in the only opportunity he’s been given so far this season.
My hope is that some of these high minors guys can at least fill the pen with some live arms (that won’t walk people) that play up a bit more in multi-inning relief roles.
If out of Bello/Mata/Seabold/Winckowski/Walter/Murphy you get 1 good starter, 1-2 innings eaters, and 1-2 quality pen arms that would be a great outcome.
Groome is kind of a wildcard at this point I guess. Likely an add-on to a trade for a change of scenery.
If out of Bello/Mata/Seabold/Winckowski/Walter/Murphy you get 1 good starter, 1-2 innings eaters, and 1-2 quality pen arms that would be a great outcome.
Groome is kind of a wildcard at this point I guess. Likely an add-on to a trade for a change of scenery.
Groome does feel like a guy that has a high probability of getting moved mid-season, it’s tough to continue to rationalize a 40-man spot on him especially going forward, right? Although it doesn’t seem like he has a heck of a lot of trade value. Looking like a busted pick unfortunately.
If we’re talking just this season, we should definitely add German and Politi to the mix. I actually think they’re the most likely to get a shot in the pen after Winck and Bello. (Bello gets every shot to start long term.)
I don’t disagree but seems challenging to get those guys on the 40-man, especially considering Sale and Taylor and maybe Paxton will need to be activated. You can probably dump Valdez, Brasier / Sawamura, and maybe one of the catchers without too much angst (Refsnyder too but I think that spot needs to be taken by an OF), but ultimately they are going to need to make some deals to clear some space. Seems like a starter (Hill?) and / or maybe there’s a move to package Seabold or Winckowski with Groome for a major league piece at the deadline? Starts to get tricky.
Bello, Seabold, Mata, and Winck are already on the 40 so that helps some, but you’re right that they’re going to have to get creative here. I could see adding Downs to any trade package, too, to create a spot and perhaps give him still another fresh start in still another organization.
Yeah that makes sense; although he is the only backup IF currently on the 40-man. Seems like 1b is a likely position of need at the deadline; if Casas is deemed not ready I’d imagine Dalbec, Downs, Groome, Hernandez / Wong, one of Seabold / Winckowski are all chips.
Ejected after being called out on an infield grounder, but not before hitting a 2b and 3b. Stud.
Blaze has really turned his season around. HRs 5 and 6 tonight.
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Phew. Was worried about an injury. I’ve been following Blaze as well. He’s really raking right now. Still so young so won’t be rushed any time soon but definitely exciting.
Considering his hit tool is what got the lower grades, Jordan’s .291 AVG signals a better approach or maybe improved pitch recognition.
His .467 SLG is mostly from 18 doubles.
He’s a teenager for the rest of the season!
I’m excited to read what the evaluators have to say about his development. Here’s to hoping he finishes the season in Portland as a 19 year old!
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Just because I’ve been worrying lately that CC may be moving on to a new binky….
View: https://twitter.com/portlandseadogs/status/1538970480572612614?s=21&t=VxTuFD33j59v2C3E6vsMDw
View: https://twitter.com/portlandseadogs/status/1538970480572612614?s=21&t=VxTuFD33j59v2C3E6vsMDw
Mayer and Blaze, quite rightly, got most of the attention last year, but the Sox also took a really intriguing pitcher last year out of PR named Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz. He‘s quite young and still developing physically but is said to have a big arm. And he’s off to a nice start this season in the FCL at age 18.
June 14
4 ip
0 r
2 h
2 k
0 bb
June 20
4 ip
0 r
5 h
6 k
0 bb
Rodriguez-Cruz was taken in the fourth round, with the 105th overall pick. He’s listed at 6-3 160, so definitely some room to fill out. The consensus in the scouting reports I’ve read is that a lot of his potential is tied up in his ability to mature physically and just get stronger. Perfect Game had him ranked 59 nationally heading into the draft, with a 3 pitch mix headed by a fastball that touched 95. I recall reading recently that he’s up to 98 now, but can’t find the article. An interesting prospect to follow.
June 14
4 ip
0 r
2 h
2 k
0 bb
June 20
4 ip
0 r
5 h
6 k
0 bb
Rodriguez-Cruz was taken in the fourth round, with the 105th overall pick. He’s listed at 6-3 160, so definitely some room to fill out. The consensus in the scouting reports I’ve read is that a lot of his potential is tied up in his ability to mature physically and just get stronger. Perfect Game had him ranked 59 nationally heading into the draft, with a 3 pitch mix headed by a fastball that touched 95. I recall reading recently that he’s up to 98 now, but can’t find the article. An interesting prospect to follow.
Bello 7 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 7 K. 92 pitches, 60 for strikes.
WooSox win 5-0.
Josh Taylor threw a clean first inning in a rehab appearance.
Ort closed it out.
Arroyo 0-3 in a rehab appearance.
Wong 3-4 with a double and CS (he was caught stealing, not him throwing out a potential base stealer).
WooSox win 5-0.
Josh Taylor threw a clean first inning in a rehab appearance.
Ort closed it out.
Arroyo 0-3 in a rehab appearance.
Wong 3-4 with a double and CS (he was caught stealing, not him throwing out a potential base stealer).
Sea Dogs win 5-2 in Richmond on the strength of a 3-run 9th inning rally.
Groome 6 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 10 K. 94 pitches, 63 strikes. He really settled down after a shaky first inning. Gave up a one-out double, then a homer, then sandwiched a walk with a pair of strikeouts. Struck out the side on 12 pitches in the 4th. Gave up just a single and a walk after the first inning.
David Hamilton was 0-4 with a walk and a SB (25 in 28 attempts). Elite base stealing, but his bat has faded since a hot start. Sitting at .216/.288/.362/.650 now.
Rafaela 0-4 with a sac.
Cottam 2-4.
Groome 6 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 10 K. 94 pitches, 63 strikes. He really settled down after a shaky first inning. Gave up a one-out double, then a homer, then sandwiched a walk with a pair of strikeouts. Struck out the side on 12 pitches in the 4th. Gave up just a single and a walk after the first inning.
David Hamilton was 0-4 with a walk and a SB (25 in 28 attempts). Elite base stealing, but his bat has faded since a hot start. Sitting at .216/.288/.362/.650 now.
Rafaela 0-4 with a sac.
Cottam 2-4.
Niko Kavadas with another homer yesterday. He's hitting a blistering .377/.541/.925 with 8 homers and 5 doubles in June, his season line is now at .283/.455/.587. He is old for Salem (23), but it might be time for a promotion.
View: https://twitter.com/brendan_camp/status/1539420264878022658
View: https://twitter.com/brendan_camp/status/1539420264878022658
It's probably time to move Groome to Worcester. He isnt particularly young anymore, and I think its time to see if he can succeed as a rotation piece or if a move to the pen would make his stuff play up.
Big time BB/K numbers too. 22.0% BB rate, 27.6% K rate. Kind of wonder what his swing and miss rate is but I'm not sure where to look it up. 31 xbh in 184 AB too. I'm guessing he won't do very well as he moves up the latter but it's probably time for Greenville.
Groome has been surprisingly good if you take out his terrible 2.0 ip, 8 er performance.
2.54 era, 60.1 ip, 43 hits, 19r/17er, 5 HRA, 28bb/61k. Only a 24.7% K rate though.
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Paulino went 0/5 yesterday but is still slashing .308/.430/.600 for the month of June in 79 PA/65 ab. 13bb/15k, 10xbh/3HR.
From June 2nd-June 19th: 14 games, 68 PA, 12bb/11k, 10xbh/3HR, 6sb/0cs, .357/.471/.696.
Year: .261/.356/.465, 31 xbh, 32bb/53k in 281 PA. 13sb/1cs.
Paulino's first month at A: 17 games, 82 PA, .194/.268/.375, .260 BAbip. 6bb/26k, 8xbh/1 HR. 1sb/0 cs
Yorke's 1st month at A: 21 games, 91 PA. .195/.264/.220, ,258 BAbip, 8bb/21k. 2xbh/0 HR. 3sb/0 cs
Paulino since (not including yesterday): 198 PA, .299/.388/.518 on a .338 BAbip. 26bb/28k. 23 xbh/4 HR. 12sb/1cs.
Yorke's June-July in 2021: 179 PA, .353/.447/.513 on a .391 BAbip. 22bb/21k, 15xbh/3HR. 7sb/6cs
Of course, Yorke's August 2021 was absolutely insane: 104 PA, .414/.500/.816, .415 BAbip, 14bb/14k, 16xbh/9HR. 1sb/3cs.
Yorke finished A ball with a .323/.413/.500 line in 346 PA. 41bb/47k. 28xbh, 14 HR. I forgot just how awesome Nick Yorke's August actually was last year. Paulino has been really, really good for 2 months but not quite at Yorke's level. They both struggled in the early going with plate discipline, but by month 2, it was a strength. Both struggled to hit for average and Yorke showed 0 power. Paulino didn't show much on the base paths in the early going but it looks like he might be able to steal a handful of bases at a successful rate over the course of the year.
Some similarities in their first full year, but over all, not quite as similar as I thought. Still very positive stuff to see from Paulino.
Hopefully Yorke gets it going soon, too.
Jordan is at .293/.344/.470 for the year in 253 PA with 16bb/44k. 27 xbh, 6 HR. 19 doubles, Considering he doesn't turn 20 until December, some of those doubles will probably turn into HRs as he gains strength.
Since May 1st: 179 PA/164 AB, .348/.391/.561, .385 BAbip. 12bb/26k. 23 xbh/5 HR.
Nathan Hickey could probably use a promotion too. He's been good all year but since May 1st: 120 PA, .286/.450/.550, .344 BAbip, 28bb/26k, 14xbh, 5 HR.
Year: .278/.437/.526 in 174 PA, 38bb/37k, 19 xbh/7HR. Turns 23 in November.
Pedro Castellanos first 29 games: 123 PA/113 AB, .177/.220/.283, .220 BAbip, 5bb/32k, 7xbh/2HR.
Last 30 games: 125 PA/121 AB, .380/.392/.636, .421 BAbip, 2bb/21k, 19 xbh/6HR.
The guy is huge and he's been hitting for more power the last 2 plus years. Can't draw a walk to safe his life but makes contact and doesn't strike out that much.
Brainer Bonaci once again has more walks than strikeouts. In 232 PA, he is slashing .261/.392/.319 with 41bb/40k. He has 8 xbh/0 HR. .327 BAbip. 17.7% BB%, 17.2% K rate. Excellent. He really doesn't make any since but I love me an outlier. There are some other guys kinda like him who made the majors, but they have the benefit of speed. Maybe Oscar Robles, but that's a deep pull.
looking more into Brainer.
This year vs RHP: 196 PA, .271/.418/.310. 39bb/32k.
This year vs LHP: 36 PA, .212/.250/.364. 2bb/8k.
2021 vs RHP: 171 PA, .253/.345/.393, 19bb/34k
2021 vs LHP: 43 PA, .211/.302/.342, 5bb/11k.
Looks like a thing but sample size.
This year vs RHP: 196 PA, .271/.418/.310. 39bb/32k.
This year vs LHP: 36 PA, .212/.250/.364. 2bb/8k.
2021 vs RHP: 171 PA, .253/.345/.393, 19bb/34k
2021 vs LHP: 43 PA, .211/.302/.342, 5bb/11k.
Looks like a thing but sample size.
Kavadas just homered again. They really need to kick him up a level.
Is there any word on when Miguel Ugueto is expected to return to action?
Speaking of just homered again
Guy is just on an insane heater this year.
Blaze (7) and Niko (14) went b2b.
Guy is just on an insane heater this year.
Blaze (7) and Niko (14) went b2b.
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Blaze now has a higher OPS than Mayer, who has seemingly slumped a bit
View: https://twitter.com/SoxProspects/status/1540404288903577600?s=20&t=6tb0HvXU8uks9mhZ2YRL2g
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1B/3B Alex Binelas and C Stephen Scott promoted from A+ Greenville to AA Portland
1B Niko Kavadas and C Nathan Hickey promoted from A Salem to A+ Greenville
12:39 PM · Jun 24, 2022
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1B/3B Alex Binelas and C Stephen Scott promoted from A+ Greenville to AA Portland
1B Niko Kavadas and C Nathan Hickey promoted from A Salem to A+ Greenville
12:39 PM · Jun 24, 2022
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Blaze seems like he should be moved to a corner OF spot…. Wondering why he hasn’t been tried there. I guess insurance at 3B if Devers walks after ‘23?
Better to keep guys at more valuable positions until they either prove they can’t play there or need to be moved for a specific reason. If he were in Worcester you could make the case he should be tried elsewhere but until then it makes sense to keep him at 3b.
Seabold pulled after one inning last night
https://www.masslive.com/worcesterredsox/2022/06/woosox-notebook-connor-seabold-held-to-one-inning-could-make-spot-start-for-red-sox-ryan-fitzgerald-getting-back-on-track-at-the-plate.html
autocorrect makes his name seafood
https://www.masslive.com/worcesterredsox/2022/06/woosox-notebook-connor-seabold-held-to-one-inning-could-make-spot-start-for-red-sox-ryan-fitzgerald-getting-back-on-track-at-the-plate.html
autocorrect makes his name seafood
Good…. He has a higher ceiling as a starter than Crawford,who I think should be getting some work in as a BP arm,where his stuff looks like it could be better applied
Kavadas homered again, and Mayer hit his 5th going 3-4. Niko is on an absurd run right now. Doing everything you would want from a college masher.
Murphy goes 6 strong, 8k/3bb/1h/0r
Murphy goes 6 strong, 8k/3bb/1h/0r
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View: https://twitter.com/redsoxstats/status/1540856430701559808?s=20&t=53y8Qm3yfco-7_uQxrwTZg
… and for Greenville on June 24th and 25.
Homers in 9 of his last 11 games. Insane.
Red Sox Stats
@redsoxstats
Niko Kavadas has hit home runs for Salem on June 1st, 3rd, 8th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd.
6:36 PM · Jun 25, 2022
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… and for Greenville on June 24th and 25.
Homers in 9 of his last 11 games. Insane.
Red Sox Stats
@redsoxstats
Niko Kavadas has hit home runs for Salem on June 1st, 3rd, 8th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd.
6:36 PM · Jun 25, 2022
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The other guy (Nathan Hickey) went 2/4 with 2 doubles in his debut at Greenville.
Kavadas for the year .296/.456/.638. Flirting with an OPS of 1.100.
Kavadas for the year .296/.456/.638. Flirting with an OPS of 1.100.
Mayer aside (obviously), Kavadas was my favorite pick of the draft. Just seemed like a no-brainer “focus on what he can do, not what he can’t do” type of pick who has a real chance to be a masher as long as he keeps making contact as he gets closer to the bigs.
Castellanos was promoted to Worcester yesterday and went 1/3 with a HR and a BB. He was 1/2 with a double today.
Bello 5.2 ip, 4 hits, 2r/2er, 3bb/7k
Rafaela was 0/3 with 3k and a BB.
Groome piggy backed after the first. 3.1 ip, 2 hits, 4r/3er, 4bb/5k, 1 HRA
Kavadas was 2/3 with 2 doubles, 1bb/1k.
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Bonaci is currently 2/3 with a 2b.
Paulino is 1/3
Mayer is 0/2 with a bb/k.
Jordan is 0/3.
Bello 5.2 ip, 4 hits, 2r/2er, 3bb/7k
Rafaela was 0/3 with 3k and a BB.
Groome piggy backed after the first. 3.1 ip, 2 hits, 4r/3er, 4bb/5k, 1 HRA
Kavadas was 2/3 with 2 doubles, 1bb/1k.
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Bonaci is currently 2/3 with a 2b.
Paulino is 1/3
Mayer is 0/2 with a bb/k.
Jordan is 0/3.
Joe McDonald
@JoeyMacHockey
5m
WooSox pitcher Thomas Pannone is leaving the Red Sox organization and will sign with the KIA Tigers of the Korean Baseball League.
@JoeyMacHockey
5m
WooSox pitcher Thomas Pannone is leaving the Red Sox organization and will sign with the KIA Tigers of the Korean Baseball League.
Joe McDonald
@JoeyMacHockey
17m
WooSox' Roberto Ramos also granted his release. He'll likely sign in Korea. Left-hander Chris Murphy promoted from Double-A Portland and will join WooSox.
***
JBae has bingo. The AAA rotation is pretty, pretty good, with Bello, Walter, Murphy, Winckowski (currently in BOS), Seabold (spot starting tonight in TOR), Mata (sooner than later) and Crawford (who should be moved to the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever).
@JoeyMacHockey
17m
WooSox' Roberto Ramos also granted his release. He'll likely sign in Korea. Left-hander Chris Murphy promoted from Double-A Portland and will join WooSox.
***
JBae has bingo. The AAA rotation is pretty, pretty good, with Bello, Walter, Murphy, Winckowski (currently in BOS), Seabold (spot starting tonight in TOR), Mata (sooner than later) and Crawford (who should be moved to the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever).
I assume Mata will fill Murphy's spot in AA for now. Unfortunately, none of the Greenville starters are screaming for a promotion, although Drohan (5th round, 2020) is likely next to move up from that group.