Atlanta Braves Minor League Recap: 5/14

by yondaime4 on May 15, 2009 12:04 AM EDT in Braves Minor League Recaps

Gwinnett @ Buffalo - Postponed

Mississippi 2, Jacksonville 6

M. Young 2-4 2B
J. C. Boscan 2-4 RBI
S. Diamond 7IP 6H 1R 0BB 6K

Scott Diamond comes out with his best start of the year and then the bullpen gives up 5 runs to screw him out of a win. Specifically Rafael Cruz gave up 5 runs in the bottom of the 9th. J. C. Bsocan has been in baseball since 1997 and all but 2006-2007 was with the Braves. The guy has never really hit well but he has a .483 AVG in his first 29 ABs with Mississippi this season after starting the year with Gwinnett hitting .250. Take my word though, it is the most hollow .483 in history.

Myrtle Beach 6, Frederick 7 - Final 11 Innings

D. Linares 2-6 HR(4), 4 RBI
J. Heyward 1-2 HR(6), 3 BB, K
F. Freeman 2-5 2B
C. Johnson 1-5 2B, 2K

Two games lost in the bottom of the final inning. Heyward has a lower AVG this month than last month but nearly every other stat is already equal or higher than last month. His OPS is back up to .888 and I love that his power is starting to bloom. Freeman is also turning it around, though slower than Heyward. His OPS is sitting at .801 right now and his K rate is solid though his BB rate could see some improvement. Johnson is Johnson. Our old friend Jake Stevens popped up in this game too closing it out for Frederick in the 11th to earn the win. I wonder if he punched anyone in the face.

Rome 3, Asheville 2

L. Sumoza 1-4 2B, RBI, K
S. Shults 1-4 2B, K
Z. Spruill 8IP 7H 2R 0BB 5K

Zeke Spruill must have a Webb like sinker. He instigated 13 ground balls to 4 fly balls tonight. WOW. His record on the season is now 6-0 which has to be the best in the minors and his ERA is 1.91. If he can get his Ks up he could be one of the best pitching prospects around this time next year.

Tweet Comment 44 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

You’d think that after that long, Boscan should be hitting 1.000 at AA. It’s funny though, in all those years, he only has 263 games at AA (including 7 this year) which is only about 2 full seasons. And he’s only got 121 games at AAA; in fact, if you average it out, he’s only played in about 69 games a year. For as long as he’s been around, it’s crazy that he’s played so little. Frankly, I think it’s a testament to perseverence.

Also, I’m quickly becoming a huge fan of Zeke Spruill. He was a great kid when I met him and wow he’s pitched fantastic as a pro.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on May 15, 2009 12:18 AM EDT reply actions

If Zeke can add some quality secondary stuff he’s going to be a front-line starter IMO.

He has the kind of two-seamer that he can throw 70 times a start, with ++ control. And he should add some more velocity to it as he grows. If his slider becomes a plus pitch, watch out.

Tommy Hanson 4 ROY

by timmy3 on May 15, 2009 12:23 AM EDT reply actions

Wasnt it Tommy Hanson’s turn to pitch tonight?

"Jason Heyward might be the best offensive prospect i've seen in fifteen years. His game is solid. I would trade any of the current players we have on our 25 man roster for Heyward. He's that good." - NL Scout.

by Scott Coleman on May 15, 2009 12:28 AM EDT reply actions

He just pitched 3 games ago i think

just check back on the recaps…

Penis

by justincredubil02 on May 15, 2009 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions

yep.

never thought to do that. ha. i find myself counting the days until Hanson and Medlen's next start.

P.s. go checkout the latest fanshot on Jurrjens. Its a fantastic article by a guy who writes some iffy stuff at times (like me!)

by Scott Coleman on May 15, 2009 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions

What does the great KLaw say about zeke?

anyone know?

Penis

by justincredubil02 on May 15, 2009 12:29 AM EDT reply actions

i read all of KLaws chats and non-insider stories

and he’s never mentioned him. Check the bottom of the MLB section on espn.com for his weekly chats..
he usually does a wednesday or thursday chat; if i happen to catch a chat im going to send in a question or two about Zeke. He;s good at answering questions about relatively unknown prospects.

by Scott Coleman on May 15, 2009 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah

I have read most of his articles and his chats too, and I didn’t remember seeing anything.

Penis

by justincredubil02 on May 15, 2009 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Spruill

Zeke Spruill is the big story here. At 19 years old, with excellent stuff and command, he is on the fast track now as long as he doesn’t get hurt.

by Messenger on May 15, 2009 4:35 AM EDT reply actions

i havent seen it mentioned here...

but zeke has yet to lose in his professional career with a combined 2 year record of 13-0. too early to get excited but what a start to the young man’s career.

by ryan c on May 15, 2009 9:58 AM EDT reply actions

Re: Gwinnett.

Are they playing 2 today? Because if not…I get to see Hanson tomorrow. And that would make me very giddy

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?"
President, CEO, and chairman of the Brandon Jones fan club. PLEASE COME BACK! PLEASE COME BACK! PLEASE COME BACK!

by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 11:49 AM EDT reply actions

like a little school girl

by chance13ga on May 15, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Armas doesn’t make you giddy?

If Dunn walks 30 fewer times, he'll drive in 15 more runs. This is thanks to the scientifically proven formula: RBI = (this is nonsense) (I made it all up).

Here's a stat: Wins as manager: Dusty Baker, 1,162; Bill James, 0.

by TradeAndruw on May 15, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Medlen, which makes me slightly less giddy because I’ll have to answer questions from my dad, which I wouldn’t for Hanson since we saw him in the spring

by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions

They have 2 games scheduled...

So, my guess is that unless one of them gets postponed you’re out of luck. That’s assuming he’s scheduled to pitch the second game, which I don’t know.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on May 15, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m not totally out of luck. I “only” get to see Medlen otherwise

by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions

You want some cheese with your whine?

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on May 15, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions

…kidding.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on May 15, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions

You gonna find Swagga and tell him about your undying love?

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on May 15, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Gonna try! Hopefully I can get out of work early like I plan and get to the park around 6 or so

by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Is it plunger night????

People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.

by mvandonsel on May 15, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Plunger day is Monday, I think…and I’m scheduled to work a 9 and a half hour shift. Don’t think I’ll be making the drive.

by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

That is not seriously a promotion, is it?

If Dunn walks 30 fewer times, he'll drive in 15 more runs. This is thanks to the scientifically proven formula: RBI = (this is nonsense) (I made it all up).

Here's a stat: Wins as manager: Dusty Baker, 1,162; Bill James, 0.

by TradeAndruw on May 15, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Quality.

IronPigs Plunger Giveaway, Mr. Rooter / Agentis Plumbing (2,000; 18+) ::
Date: Monday May 18, 2009
Time: 7:05 PM
First 2,000 fans 18 and older

http://www.ironpigsbaseball.com/tickets/promotions/

by mvandonsel on May 15, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

OH NO! I thought you were gonna go for plunger day! That would’ve made a spectacular story.

by mvandonsel on May 15, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m kinda considering it…I dunno. Depends on several variables, like if I can get out of work early…yeah. We’ll see, also depends on my monetary situation, which is kinda laughable right now

by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

brokejoe

by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Frenchy needs to start wearing a plunger for a helmet until he starts hitting.

If Dunn walks 30 fewer times, he'll drive in 15 more runs. This is thanks to the scientifically proven formula: RBI = (this is nonsense) (I made it all up).

Here's a stat: Wins as manager: Dusty Baker, 1,162; Bill James, 0.

by TradeAndruw on May 15, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions

+1 LOL, I feel a name change coming on for bigjoe.

by mvandonsel on May 15, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

ducktits

No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.

by royhobbs on May 15, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions

How long is the drive? Thats a toughie, i’d have to question how far i would drive for a free plunger.

"Ohhhh Shit."-Bobby Cox, 3/28/09

by 10-4 on May 15, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions

But to say that you got it as a promotion at a baseball game!!!! Quality!

by mvandonsel on May 15, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Hour-hour and a half. Its not that long of a drive, but regardless. Worse comes to worse, I’ll cut a deal with my direct superior as opposed to the store manager.

by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Seems like our starters in the minors do a real good job of limiting walks. I like this.

by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2009 12:05 PM EDT reply actions

Do they post them there walks on the skawrbawrd?

by volsandbraves on May 15, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions

The pitchers or the hitters?

"…aren’t worthy enough to hold his (Pujols) ass cheeks apart while Playboy models wipe him with thousand dollar bills after he craps out the cure to whatever previously-incurable disease." by royhobbs 1/7/09

by buzzdeadwax on May 15, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions

He’s making fun of Francoeur’s ridiculous OBP comment (I think).

If Dunn walks 30 fewer times, he'll drive in 15 more runs. This is thanks to the scientifically proven formula: RBI = (this is nonsense) (I made it all up).

Here's a stat: Wins as manager: Dusty Baker, 1,162; Bill James, 0.

by TradeAndruw on May 15, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Haha, I can see how you would get that.

by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Doh…should have put “starting pitchers” instead. Sorry.

by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I actually knew what you meant, but I was still making fun of FYF.

By the way, now that we’ve all heard unequivocally where his source of truth comes from, do you guys ever find yourselves trying to catch him looking at the scoreboard to see if OBP magically appeared up there? I wonder if he’s taken stock of all the MLB parks and knows the ones that officially frown upon him.

Knowing what a statistically conscious dood he is, I bet he’s got a database of shit like that.

by volsandbraves on May 15, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Me, too

And I was also thinking of the fanpost from last week about organizational plate discipline.

by buzzdeadwax on May 15, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I went to MiLB.com and looked at the rosters

Gwinnett, MB, and Rome are all stacked with prospects, and a lot of them look like my video game with the k:bb ratios. Spruill stands out, but there are many others like Locke, Delgado and Rohrbough (small sample size). The FO is going to have some tough decisions in the next few years regarding who to keep and who to trade.

by buzzdeadwax on May 15, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions

A very good problem to have. There’s at least 27-28 other teams wishing they had our organizational starting pitching depth. The Giants are probably the only club who can compete with us in that department.

Tommy Hanson 4 ROY

by timmy3 on May 15, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions