Impressive Night For Hayhurst, Guyer, Mayora, and Lobaton

by BWoodrum on Apr 14, 2011 7:00 AM EDT

Daniel Mayora dares you to call him Mayora McCheese one more time.

Thanks to rglass44 for summing some stuff up in the thread last night.

AAA -- Durham Bulls 5, Charlotte Knights 2

Dirk Hayhurst (1-0) dazzled the crowds tonight in his second start of the season (and of the last few years). He out-dueled a rehabbing Jake Peavy, needing only 75 pitches to go 6 innings deep. His final line for the night: 6 IP, 2 hits (1 being a solo homer), 0 walks, and -- count 'em -- 7 strikeouts. Andy Sonnanstine might not be the go-to 6th starter if this keeps up.
Brandon Guyer -- yet another outfielder from that delightful Matt Garza trade -- made Peavy his prison wife, clapping 2 doubles off the man, finishing the night 3 for 4 with a walk.
Jose Lobaton has continued his mind-bottling stretch of fine hitting, adding a 4 for 4 evening to the books all singles except for one probably-amazing triple. Surprisingly, Sanchey -- known for his defense -- was "promoted" to the DH and cleanup hitter's spot tonight.
Russ Canzler (former Cub farmhand, but not acquired during the trade) went 2 for 3 with a homer.

AA -- Montgomery Biscuits 10, Tennessee Smokies 12

Matt Moore in a word: Ouch. Four and a third innings, yet a fistful of hits and runs. The good news is he limited his walks. Can't remember where, but someone suggested maybe the extra hits game from pounding the zone. Let's hope. Moore's final line: 4.1 IP, 10 Hs, 6 ERs, 5 Ks, and 2 HRs.
Daniel Mayora, we meet again. Mayora McCheese (the mystery second baseman from Spring Training) fell a homer short of the cycle tonight, going 3 for 4 (1 single, 1 double, and 1 triple). Apparently we got McCheese from the Rockies this off-season. Here's something Marc Hulet said about him in 2009:

Two more infielders, Hector Gomez and Daniel Mayora, are being talked about in the Rockies system... Mayora is less athletic and lacks the first-step quickness needed to be a stolen-base threat or to play shortstop regularly. He was left unprotected in the Rule 5 draft despite a career .297 average and potential above-average power for a middle infielder.

Ooh. Thrilling.
Matt Sweeney said, "I'mabe the next great True Outcome Man," going 0 for 2 with 2 strikeouts and 3 walks. He was a homer shy of the Three True Outcome cycle.
Tim Beckham joined a number of his multi-hit comrades, collecting a double while going 2 for 5 with a steal.

A+ -- Charlotte Stone Crabs 5, Palm Beach Cardinals 4 (in a dramatic 10th inning finish)

Alex Colome had, eh, a day. He went 6 innings, but allowed 3 ER on 3 hits, 3 walks, and a homer, striking out 4 batsmen.
Brett Nommensen went 1 for 3 with a pair of walks.
Michael Sheridan added a pair of singles and a walk, but the only extra base hit came from Tyler Bortnick's bat -- a double off the starter, Shelby Mills.

A -- Bowling Green Hot Rods 2, Fort Wayne TinCaps 3 (TinCaps?!)

Eh, not much to see here. Jake Blackwood went 2 for 3 with double. Jose Dore (a 19-year-old outfielder) went 1 for 4 with a triple.
There were a combined 5 errors and 3 un-earned runs in this game.

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Comments

Nice to see Beckham performing well in the early going.

I’m encouraged.

by MikeB. on Apr 14, 2011 8:59 AM EDT reply actions

Ehh... too many strikeouts and not enough walks.

by mr. maniac on Apr 14, 2011 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions

At this time last year in A+

His walk rate was 4.4% and his K rate north of 30%. Its not a bad start and he should hopefully adjust to the level and see his rato improve.

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by FreeZorilla on Apr 14, 2011 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions

I wasn't comparing it to last year, but I guess it is improvement.

by mr. maniac on Apr 14, 2011 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions

What I'm saying is it's his first two weeks at a new level

It should improve over the season. He’s improved year/year for the same calender month which is likely a good way to analyze it.

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by FreeZorilla on Apr 14, 2011 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Also, it's two weeks into the season.

It’s way too early to make any kind of statement about his plate discipline.

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on Apr 14, 2011 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions

side note: BJ's slash line is currently 280/360/490 rounded. I'd be pretty happy if that ended up being his line at season end.

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on Apr 14, 2011 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions

It is also too early to say he has been batting well....

I’m just saying that I wish he was doing better with the strike zone.

by mr. maniac on Apr 14, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions

IIRC 3 of his Ks early were 3-2 counts where he struck out looking. I'll take those from a young guy anyday of the week.

If it’s a 50-50 pitch than your OBP is .500 in that situation.

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions

In 26 plate appeareance so far this season, Beckham is averaging 4.27 pitches per PA. Just for comparison (a worthless one maybe), last season in the majors, Bobby Abreu was at 4.30 pitches/PA, good for 6th in the MLB.

I don’t think he’s doing bad at all in terms of plate discipline.

by Ben Tumbling on Apr 14, 2011 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

oh come on

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm being serious.

I want to see results while he commands the zone.

by mr. maniac on Apr 14, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions

He's the 8th youngest player in the league, and a SS.

He’s OPSing .853 right now. Give it time.

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions

"I don't like that he's hitting the ball! THIS IS BULLSHIT!"

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on Apr 14, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Yep, look to ol Russ Canzler as to what time can do.

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by FreeZorilla on Apr 14, 2011 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Canzler indeed has become my new fringy player of choice

TPR post should be coming soon. 3rd best ISO in the Southern league last year out of nowhere. Teammate of Guyer and Chirinos. Same age as Guyer, two younger than Chirinos. Power in intriguing. More walks less Ks than Rhyne Hughes.

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by FreeZorilla on Apr 14, 2011 9:09 AM EDT reply actions

I was looking at Canzler's numbers last night, they're pretty impressive for someone signed as a nontender(?)

by firemangreg on Apr 14, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions

He was minor lg free agent due to minor lg service time

The Cubs made bid along with other teams to sign him. They could have added him to the 40 to protect him, but failed to do so.

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by FreeZorilla on Apr 14, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions

In any case, the numbers are good. It would be nice if he could make an impact.

by firemangreg on Apr 14, 2011 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Let me know when the post is up, I'll link to it on the front page and bump the rest of this stuff way down

The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "rape trial program substances"

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Apr 14, 2011 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

h/t (R/A!)

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Have at it

http://theprocessreport.com/2011/04/14/russ-canzler-and-friends-trek-to-durham-from-tennessee_robinson-chirinos_brandon-guyer/

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by FreeZorilla on Apr 14, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions

is not actually going to do that

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Apr 14, 2011 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions

TGN with an agenda

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by FreeZorilla on Apr 14, 2011 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

You left off Dietrich's 1/3, 3B, BB. He's raking.

Great stuff though.

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 9:38 AM EDT reply actions

Did anyone ever hear anything about why Thompson hasn't made his second start?

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 9:42 AM EDT reply actions

LEFT OF THE LUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think he did throw out a runner and hit a double.

by mr. maniac on Apr 14, 2011 9:44 AM EDT reply actions

both true

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

I had no idea they were stretching Hayhurst out to be a potential starter.

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on Apr 14, 2011 9:45 AM EDT reply actions

That's cool, why would you pay attention to baseball?

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Apr 14, 2011 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

You're right, what the shit was I thinking, ignoring the GREAT GARFOOSE.

/dismissive wank motion

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on Apr 14, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Minor league pitching is literally the only thing this team has going for it, you think maybe you'd give a bit more of a F

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Apr 14, 2011 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Go

Dirk!

by hans k on Apr 14, 2011 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I think it's just to fill a need.

Richard De Los Santos and Edgar Gonzalez are in the rotation too, after all.

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 14, 2011 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Found this nuggest from Matt Eddy

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2011/04/sights-from-spring-training-in-southwest-florida/

Speaking of Beckham, the 2008 No. 1 overall pick carried forth his positive conditioning habits from last season into this year. Though he’s not a burner, he looks more like a shortstop than he did in ’08 or ’09, and the Rays believe he has the tools to stick at the position.

Tampa Bay gave B.J. Upton ample time to work through his issues at shortstop, and while that ultimately proved fruitless, the organization’s patience does provide a template for how they may develop Beckham. The two players feature different strengths, however. Upton drew raves for his speed, strike-zone management and surprising power, tools that have served him well as a big league center fielder. Beckham’s strongest tools are above-average power and arm strength, giving him more of a third base/right field profile if he doesn’t pan out at shortstop.

There’s other nice nuggets regarding Matt Moore, De La Rosa, Thompson, and Sweeney
Scroll to Monday, March 27

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by FreeZorilla on Apr 14, 2011 9:50 AM EDT reply actions

w00t

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions

What time would we be looking at Beckham arriving in MLB?

Because if Longoria’s still here and Beckham has to move, wouldn’t it make more sense to move him to 2B?

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on Apr 14, 2011 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Longo to SS

@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide

by Sandy Kazmir on Apr 14, 2011 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Do you think he can still field SS? Would it affect his bat significantly?

by firemangreg on Apr 14, 2011 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions

I think he could be a +15 WAR SS, you heard it here first

@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide

by Sandy Kazmir on Apr 14, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions

How about in four years or however long until whoever moves him off 3B is ready?

by firemangreg on Apr 14, 2011 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions

In that case +20 WAR

@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide

by Sandy Kazmir on Apr 14, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Verdict rendered.

by firemangreg on Apr 14, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions

They can take their time

No reason to feel pressure from the #1 pedigree to rush him up. If he ends up off SS, let him really develop as a hitter in AAA.

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by FreeZorilla on Apr 14, 2011 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Of course, I was just speculating.

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on Apr 14, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

I think Beckham is at least 3 years away

unless he drastically improves.

I'm an F18, Bro

by Sveet on Apr 14, 2011 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions

He doesn't have to be on the 25-man until 2017.

At which point he could play 3B, Longo would be gone, and he’d be 26.

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions

2016 rather.

So he’d be 26 and it would be Longo’s last year.

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions

TRADE HIS MULLET AND BRING UP TIMMY BEX

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on Apr 14, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Trade Longo for the entire Royals farm system

I'm an F18, Bro

by Sveet on Apr 14, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions

4 years is a lot of time in AA and AAA

But whatever. Trades and the like are always a possibility. A lot happens in 4 years that cannot be predicted

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by FreeZorilla on Apr 14, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Exactly.

Not saying it will happen, just saying that’s the timeframe. I still think, like Chirinos, if he can’t stick at SS catcher may be an option. He’s got the strong arm and build (shorter, stockier base).

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions

If he is still in the minors in 2015

That’s probably not a good sign

I'm an F18, Bro

by Sveet on Apr 14, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Meh, like it's been said, we have no need to rush him, so why not let him gel?

Brignac has SS locked down for at least the next two-three years.

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on Apr 14, 2011 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions

That is a long long time to be in the high minors

5 years???

If he is any good he will not be in the minors in 2015 barring injury

I'm an F18, Bro

by Sveet on Apr 14, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Depends on the reason.

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

The only one would be a serious injury

I'm an F18, Bro

by Sveet on Apr 14, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

If he's blocked it's fine.

You really need to relax about Bex. I think you might have a heart attack with all the belly-aching.

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Yep, no shame in having him up here for his prime years vs rushing him based on the traditional approach

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by FreeZorilla on Apr 14, 2011 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

It all depends on the bat.

If it breaks out, then we are looking at 2013. If not, he could see a few years at AAA.

by mr. maniac on Apr 14, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions

To be truthful, it also depends on the glove and Brignac as well.

by rglass44 on Apr 14, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions

What about Leslie Anderson who is of equal prospect status to Beckham?

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 14, 2011 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Leslie is garbage.

Seriously though, the guys who called him a “prospect” have thankfully cooled down. Mediocre bat speed without much power. Guys who love milb numbers need to get over it.

by mr. maniac on Apr 14, 2011 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions