Tom's Sports Blog

Yankees MILB 4/7: Caleb Durbin is on Fire!

News:

Spencer Jones continues to be out of action with his stiff neck. Get that man a sleep number bed and memory foam pillow.

Scranton (4-4) (Defeated Syracuse, 7-2)

2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-2, 2 2B (4), SF, 4 RBI, RS, 2 SB (7), 2 BB
The Yankees received a player with legitimate MLB potential (perhaps as a super-utility type) for Lucas Luetge. Luetge is someone they revived after years of not pitching in MLB. He is now 13-for-28 (4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 6 R, 8 BB, 2 K, 7-for-7 SB)
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, SB (1), HBP, 4 K
Pereira is 6-for-30 with a whopping 15 strikeouts.
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-1, 3 BB
Narvaez is 3-for-20 but has 11 walks.
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
C Luis Torrens: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, K
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-3, 2 RS, HBP, K
SS Jeter Downs: 0-for-3, RS, HBP, K
6-for-19 with a triple and a homer.
RF Luis Gonzalez: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
1B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, BB

RHP Cody Poteet: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 1 BB,7 K
The 29-year-old is on the 40-man roster. If you like “kitchen sink” types, you will like him. He featured six pitches today, averaging 93 with his 4-seamer and 92.1 with his sinker. He allowed two homers in the fifth inning.
RHP Phil Bickford: (W, 1-0) 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Mauricio was cutter-heavy today (57% of his 37 pitches). He also featured a 4-seamer and a slider. The 27-year-old pitched to a 3.14 ERA and 45/19 K/BB in 48.2 innings for Somerset in 2023.
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: (S, 1) 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (2-1) (Shut down Richmond, 8-0)

DH Ben Rice: 2-for-4, RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
Rice is 4-for-14 with a homer.
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-5, HR (3), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
Ramirez has homered in three straight games to start his campaign. He is 4-for-14 with six RBI.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-1, RS, SB (1), 3 BB
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RS, SB (1), BB
He has the athleticism to play an up-the-middle position. Can he stay healthy and hit a little? We’ll see.
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, RS, K
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
SS Ben Cowles: 3-for-4, 2B (2), 3 RBI
Cowles was their 10th-round pick in the 2021 draft (Maryland). The Yankees have played him at 2B/SS/3B (plus two outs in left field)
RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
This is his professional debut (yes, he was thrown right into the Double-A fire). He was drafted in the third round of the 2022 draft but missed the 2023 season. He did make five starts (10.2 innings) in the Arizona Fall League.
RHP Tanner Myatt: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Health and control have been issues for the 6’7″ Myatt, who has 232 strikeouts in 194 innings.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
The 6’6″ lefty pitched well last season (2.17 ERA in 37 games).
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Watson could make his MLB debut in 2024, even though he isn’t on the 40-man roster. He is a tall kid with a funky motion who pitched to a 1.58 ERA in 62.2 IP with an 82/25 K/BB in 2023.

Hudson Valley (2-1) (Shut down Bowling Green, 3-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (1), K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
After going 28 games without a home run at this level, he has homered in back-to-back games.
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, BB, K
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, RS, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-4, SB (1), 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 1-0) 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
The 6’6″ 23-year-old was drafted in the 7th round of the 2022 draft (Northeastern). He pitched to a 4.11 ERA and 50/21 K/BB over 46 innings last year (FCL/Tampa/Hudson Valley)
LHP Ben Shields: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Signed as a non-drafted free agent, this is the 25-year-old’s professional debut. I know nothing about him beyond the fact that he pitched for George Mason in 2023. The baseball-reference linker will take you to a pitcher from the early 1900s. That Shields went 4-0 with an 8.27 ERA in his brief career.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Gilbert was their 13th-round pick in the 2022 draft.

Tampa (1-2) (Lost to Fort Myers, 5-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, RS, SB (2), 2 BB
The 18-year-old is 1-for-11 but has drawn four walks and stolen a pair of bases. This is his first 2024 start at shortstop, as they switched Lombard and Arias today. We’ll see more of that.
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 3 K
Nobody said baseball is easy, teenager! He is 3-for-13 with a triple, a homer, and seven strikeouts. You should expect a mixed bag from a teenager making his full-season debut. The goal is for the good to outweigh the bad.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (2), K
Speaking of teenagers, Tejeda will play this entire year as a 19-year-old. He is 4-for-12 with four runs batted in.
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-4
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, SB (1), 2 BB, K
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-3, SB (2), BB, K
The 19-year-old is 2-for-10 with a double, two walks, and two stolen bases.
RF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-3, 2B (1), SB (1), BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, BB
Drafted in the 15th round in the 2023 draft out of North Carolina, this represents his professional debut.

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 0-1) 3.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 6 K
This is Grosz’s professional debut. The 21-year-old was drafted in the 11th round out of East Carolina. He throws a sinker/slider/change, a mix the Yankees like to work with.
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
According to Savant, Gabonia used a 5-pitch mix among his 11 pitches. There could be an error in the tracking, of course. His fastball/sinker was in the lower 90s.
RHP Montana Semmel: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Semmell maxed out at 94.4 MPH, equally mixing his 4-seamer and slider. He had some long-term buzz about him when he was drafted out of high school in 2019 and is still young enough (22) to tap into that potential.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/6: Omar Martinez: 4 Hits, HR

News:

No news is good news, except when it isn’t.

Scranton (3-4) (Lost a doubleheader to Syracuse)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-2)

RF Greg Allen: 1-for-1, RS, SB (3)
Allen left the game early.
RF Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3
LF Caleb Durbin: 0-for-3, RS, SB (5), BB
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-2, SB (1), 2 BB, K
Narvaez is 3-for-19 with eight walks. That is how you turn a .158 batting average into a .393 OBP.
DH Everson Pereira: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
1B Luis Torrens: 0-for-2, RBI, BB, K
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-1, SF, RBI, BB, K
2B Jeter Downs: 0-for-3, K
3B Jordan Groshans: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-2, 3 SB (7), BB, K

RHP Will Warren: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Warren didn’t pitch well in not-so-ideal Opening Day conditions. He bounced back tonight.
LHP Tanner Tully (L, 0-1): 3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 3 K
Tully cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton, where he will eat some innings as needed.

Game 2 (Lost, 9-6, in eight innings. Remember that minor-league doubleheaders are 7-inning games. Syracuse scored five in the 7th to take the lead, only for Scranton to answer with three. However, Syracuse pulled away in the 8th).

CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 SB (9), 2 BB
Lockridge has nine stolen bases in six games. He stole 40 in 92 games in 2023.
SS Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, K
Durbin is 11-for-26 (2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 5 R, 6 BB, 2 K, 5-for-5 SB). So far this season, he has already played 2B/SS/3B/LF/DH. This kid has serious “fan favorite” ability because he can do so many things.
DH-1B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
The 31-year-old depth piece has three homers in five games.
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, 2 K
6-for-26 (.231) with a pair of home runs. He has four walks and 11 strikeouts.
1B-2B Luis Torrens: 1-for-3, RS, BB
LF Luis Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K
3B Jeter Downs: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, BB, K
C Josh Breaux: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
2B-P Josh VanMeter: 0-for-2, RS, BB, K

RHP Clayton Beeter: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 5 K
As usual, Beeter was fastball/slider-heavy. He topped out at 94.5 MPH but averaged 91.8. On a good note: He generated 12 whiffs. There’s talent here – I still wonder where that talent is best utilized.
LHP Clayton Andrews: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos (L, 0-1): 0.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
De Los Santos is throwing hard (95.9 MPH sinkers). With the injuries happening with the big club, there will be opportunities for some of these relievers to shine. That can change once Tommy Kahnle/Scott Effross/Lou Trivino emerge from their injuries.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Josh VanMeter: 1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
VanMeter was forced into some relief duty. It isn’t foreign to him, as he has three games of MLB experience on the hill. Those games didn’t go much better.

Somerset (1-1) (Lost to Richmond, 13-3)

C Ben Rice: 1-for-5, RS
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (1), BB, K
Rumfield’s HR spiked from four homers in 2021-2022 to 17 in 2023. If the power game continues to develop, he will become interesting.
DH Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
After his promotion last year, he hit two home runs in 31 games. This year? Two home runs in two games. You will hear about whether the 22-year-old can stick behind the plate. Remember this: We heard that about Austin Wells since day one. I like that Fangraphs said that he isn’t ready to be an MLB catcher YET instead of making a decisive prediction on his future position.
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-2, 2 K
I think many were hoping that Dunham would get some MLB at-bats last year. However, he had a tough year. I don’t know why he was pulled today.
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, 3B (1), RS
LF J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, 2B(1), BB, K
Typically a 1B/DH, this is Escarra’s first career game in the outfield. He was signed to a minor league contract over the winter.
3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-4
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 3 K
2B Aaron Palensky: 0-for-1, 2 BB, HBP, K
Anthony Seigler at 2B yesterday…Aaron Palensky (typically an OF) today! He played one game at 2B in 2023.
SS Max Burt: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Bailey Dees (L, 0-1): 3.1 IP, 5 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 3 K
Dees is undergoing a role change, it appears. With that will come growing pains, as we saw tonight. He is listed at 6’8″, 255 pounds.
LHP Clay Aguilar: 1.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 1 K
Typically reliable, Aguilar had a tough time today in his Double-A debut (he pitched four games for Scranton last year).
RHP Kevin Stevens: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Stevens (26) was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He didn’t pitch in 2023. This is only his sixth career game.
RHP Carlos Gomez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (1-1) (Walloped Bowling Green, 14-2)

2B Jared Serna: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB
I wrote last night about his lack of home runs since joining Hudson Valley last year. It must feel good to get that first one out of the way finally.
PH-2B Beau Brewer: 0-for-1, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-6, RS, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 4-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 RS, BB
The left-handed hitting catcher hit .291/.367/.445 with 18 HR in 105 games for Tampa last year. He was one of the few performing prospects who did not receive a promotion, but I wouldn’t read into that.
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS, K
RF Kyle Battle: 0-for-0, HBP
LF Anthony Hall: 0-for-5, RS, BB, K
DH Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS
The 23-year-old C/1B spent the entire season here last year, hitting .259/.346/.366 with eight home runs.
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (1), HBP, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, RBI, BB
Vargas has the glove to stick at SS. However, the bat has yet to develop.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-5, RBI, RS, SB (1), K
Gabrielson was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. MLB shortened the draft a few years ago, so talented kids will slip through.

LHP Kyle Carr: 2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Carr (21) is receiving a lot of buzz. This represented the professional debut for the 21-year-old, who was drafted in the third round in the 2023 draft out of Palomar College.
RHP Trent Sellers: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
Professional debut for the 24-year-old Sellers, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. In 15 starts for Oregon State, he posted a 4.86 ERA and 106/32 K/BB over 74 innings. It looks like he continued the strikeout tradition tonight.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
LHP Joel Valdez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Tampa (1-1) (Lost to Fort Myers, 6-4)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, K
A homer and triple in his first two games? We’ll take it.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (1)
This looks like it will be the infield configuration early. It is smart, as Arias should play a lot at SS. It should change as players eventually move around levels. Plus, there will be off days, DH days, etc. Back to Tejeda: He stole 24 bases in 30 attempts in the FCL last year.
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, RS, 3 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, RS, K
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-3, RBI, SB (1), BB, K
Montero was productive last season, but only stole five bases. In 2022, he stole 16 in 53 games.
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
The toolsy Arias didn’t perform well here last season (.217/.335/.318 with six home runs)
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, BB, K
The 21-year-old played ten games at this level in 2023 (11-for-35).

RHP Ryan Harvey: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
The 23-year-old was the Yankees 11th round pick in the 2022 draft. He pitched to a 3.94 ERA with a 48/22 K/BB ratio over 45.2 innings last year (his debut year).
LHP Allen Facundo: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Fucando threw one of his 4-seamers 96.1 MPH. His sinker? Maxed at 97.4. That will get my attention, as will the 127 strikeouts in 80.2 career innings.
RHP Jordy Luciano (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Throughout his brief career, the 22-year-old’s issue has been control.
RHP Kris Bow: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
The Yankees drafted Bow in the 14th round of the 2022 draft. He is a sinker/slider type, who threw one sinker 94.8 MPH tonight. Control has been an issue in his short career.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/5: Roderick Arias Homers in Tampa Debut

News:

OF Spencer Jones was scratched from tonight’s lineup in Somerset due to a stiff neck.

The Yankees signed veteran infielder Rougned Odor to a minor league deal with a July 1st opt-out. Odor hit .202/.286/.379 in 102 games for the 2021 Yankees. I never thought I would need to relive those days.

His calling card is the home run (178 home runs in 4,424 plate appearances) but his MLB value is limited. I am not a fan, but minor-league depth is always welcome. I doubt he is going to take time away from Caleb Durbin. He will likely rotate with the other non-prospect veterans.

Scranton (3-2) (Doubled up Syracuse, 8-4)

LF Greg Allen: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-2, HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 RS, 2 SB (4), 3 BB
If Durbin adds extra-base hit power to his profile, he could become more than a hypothetical to start the 2024 season as the Yankees’ second baseman. It is too early to go that far, but he is off to an incredible start (10-for-19, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 4 R, 5 BB, 1 K, 4-for-4 SB)
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, 3 BB, K
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
1B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, HR (2), 4 RBI, RS, BB, K
3B Luis Torrens: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
I have nothing against Torrens (who is typically a catcher), but this is why Odor has room to get some playing time without upsetting the apple cart.
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-3, 2 SB (2), 2 BB, 2 K
DH Jordan Groshans: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
RF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
This is a big season for Gomez, who is out of options in 2025. Unless they trade him, we should see him in MLB this year.
RHP Phil Bickford: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
Bickford was recently signed to add more pitching depth.
RHP Cody Morris: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski: (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Marinaccio is on the 40-man, but the Yankees chose to bring up Dennis Santana instead. Some of the shine may be off, but he can still work his way back.

Somerset (1-0) (Defeated Richmond, 5-4)

DH Ben Rice: 1-for-5, HR (1), RBI, RS, 3 K
Rice homers in his first at-bat of the season. While he is in Double-A (for now), there is a possibility that he will make his debut this season. He is eligible for the Rule 5 this winter.
C Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-5, HR (1), RBI, RS
Ramirez, who jumped from Tampa to Hudson Valley to Somerset last season (impressive for anyone, but especially for a catcher) went back-to-back with Rice to start the game.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB
Rumfield underwent a power spike in 2023.
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, K
Cowles received some playing time in the Arizona Fall League. He hit .290/.405/.551 in 20 games with four homers.
CF Grant Richardson: 3-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, RS, K
Richardson’s ability to play CF adds to his value. He went 18-for-53 with five home runs and five stolen bases in his first taste of Double-A in 2023.
LF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, 2 BB
Seigler, once a promising catching prospect, makes his 14th career start at second base.
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, BB
3B Max Burt: 1-for-2, 2B (1), RBI, 2 BB
The 27-year-old Burt has served as a utility player for Somerset over the last four seasons (he played some for Trenton in 2019, as well!). Sometimes when a player hangs around this long, you feel that the Yankees see something beyond just playing ability.

RHP Zach Messinger: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
Messinger, who is better than his career record, has a solid 2024 debut. His main issue is walks, something that can be fixed. He is relatively new to starting games.
RHP Luis Velasquez (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
In 2023, Velasquez pitched to a 1.74 ERA in 62 innings with a 77/33 K/BB. He pitched for Tampa and Hudson Valley.
RHP Jack Neely (S, 1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Neely is tall (6’8″) and has an opportunity to make his MLB debut in 2024.

Hudson Valley (0-1) (Lost to Bowling Green, 6-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, 2 K
Riggio (left-handed bat drafted in the 4th round last year) is an emotional gamer. He is the type of player you love if he is on your side but may annoy fans on the other side.
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, K
Serna isn’t big but has shown pop in his minor-league career. He is still looking for his first High-A homer (123 plate appearances). He hit 19 while in Tampa last season.
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS
Rodriguez was my favorite under-the-radar prospect to follow last year. He played C/1B/3B/LF and maintained solid offense (.310/.399/.450 in 460 plate appearances). He was the only player in the system to hit over .300 (amongst those with 350+ PA). Ben Rice and Everson Pereira also hit over .300 if I drop that to 300+ plate appearances.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2 K
Moylan, out of East Carolina, was a highly sought-after undrafted free agent last year.
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, HBP, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 4 K
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, 2 K

RHP Sebastian Keane: (L, 0-1) 1.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Keane has a rough first outing, but no big deal. Move on to the next one!
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
His stint in Scranton was a “we need an arm” thing.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Tampa (1-0) (Defeated Fort Myers, 4-2)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
Lombard was their first-round pick in the 2023 draft. This is not his Low-A debut (.273/.415/.303 in a small sample size last year).
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K
Arias, who has superstar potential (we’ll see) struck out in his first two Low-A plate appearances before turning his night around in a hurry. His homer broke a 2-2 tie in the 7th.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (1), 3 K
Like Lombard and Arias, Tejeda can play shortstop. In the FCL, he hit .307/.465/.458 in 50 games.
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, SB (1), 3 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, BB, HBP
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, 3B (1), 2 K
Castillo is a 20-year-old who went undrafted last year.
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, 2B (1), K
Montero drove in 43 runs in 47 games in the FCL last season.
DH Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4
C Edinson Duran: 0-for-3, RS, BB
The 21-year-old Duran hit .314/.405/.457 in 32 FCL games last year. This is not his full-season debut as he went 0-for-2 in a random game for Scranton.

RHP Cade Smith: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
Smith is a 21-year-old drafted in the 6th round in the 2023 draft out of Mississippi State. This was his professional debut, so it is understandable if he was amped. I don’t even care about the walks – I like those strikeouts. BaseballSavant registered six pitches (4-seam, slider, curve, sinker, change, cutter). However, the cutter only registered once, which might be an error. Impressively, he generated six whiffs on his 18 sliders (ten swings).
RHP Cade Austin: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Austin is a 22-year-old drafted out of South Carolina in the 19th round of the 2023 draft. This was his professional debut, as well. The Yankees tend to develop these types of pitchers so I wouldn’t dismiss him based on draft position.
RHP Hueston Morrill (Huey Morrill on baseball reference): (W, 1-0) 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Morrill was signed in 2022 out of Oklahoma State. He was a two-way player for the Cowboys (SS was his other position),
RHP Aaron Nixon: (S, 1) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
You guessed it – this is the 22-year-old’s professional debut. He went undrafted out of Mississippi State.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/4: Everson Pereira Goes Yard

News:

The Yankees released the Somerset/Hudson Valley/Tampa rosters this week. I don’t read too much into that, to be honest. The Yankees have their reasons for placing players at certain levels.

The biggest surprise, to me, was Keiner Delgado not being assigned to a full-season level. While it is true that George Lombard Jr. and Roderick Arias are occupying spots in Tampa, they could have found playing time for Delgado.

However, it isn’t a life sentence. Delgado will get to Tampa soon enough is my guess.

Tomorrow begins the insane portion of the season, as Somerset, Hudson Valley, and Tampa are scheduled for their openers. The weather looks chilly but fine for Somerset and Hudson Valley (road against Bowling Green (Kentucky)), while Tampa’s trip to Fort Myers should be met with plenty of sunshine.

RHP Zach Messinger is announced as the starter for Somerset, while RHP Sebastian Keane and LHP Cade Smith are listed as the scheduled starters for Hudson Valley and Tampa. For Smith, it will be the 2023 draftee’s professional debut. Keane pitched mostly out of the bullpen in 2023 but made a pair of starts for Low-A Tampa.

Scranton (2-2) (Lost an ugly game (especially in the 9th) to Syracuse, 5-4)

CF Greg Allen: 0-for-5, 4 K
2B Caleb Durbin: 4-for-5, 3B (1), RBI
Not known for his power, three of Durbin’s first eight hits have gone for extra bases (two doubles, one triple).
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
It is easy to toss a prospect out of your mind when their first taste of MLB doesn’t go well. I wouldn’t dismiss Pereira quickly, especially since many people weren’t surprised by his initial struggles. For now, he is MLB depth and a potential trade piece.
1B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, K
C Luis Torrens: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
Torrens’ first official game back with the organization since September 5, 2016. Since he is on the 40-man, Narvaez is the default #3 catcher but Torrens (with his MLB experience) is also in the mix.
SS Jeter Downs: 2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (1), RBI, RS, 2 K
I can’t be the only one hoping that Downs earns at least a cup of coffee with the big club. This home run went an impressive 409 feet.
LF Luis Gonzalez: 1-for-4, K
3B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RS

LHP Edgar Barclay: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Barclay survived the Rule 5 over the winter. Last season, he pitched well as a reliever for Somerset before struggling as a starter for Scranton. Barclay doesn’t throw hard (topped out at 91.6 MPH tonight, averaged 89.8) so he relies more on commanding his stuff than overpowering you. He also featured a changeup (41%) and curve (16%) tonight. He generated nine whiffs amongst the 19 swings when he threw the changeup.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
Underwood threw a changeup that registered 91.3 on the gun. That could be an error.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
De Los Santos threw a 94.9 MPH sinker – that is not likely an error.
LHP Clayton Andrews: (L, 0-1) 0.1 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 0 K
Ooph.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
He had a chance to stop the bleeding, but couldn’t do it.

Somerset (0-0)

The season starts on 4/5.

Hudson Valley (0-0)

The season starts on 4/5.

Tampa (0-0)

The season starts on 4/5.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Ex-Yankees Prospects: Where are they?

A look at the prospects the Yankees have traded/lost over the last several years. This list is comprehensive (in my opinion) but not complete.

The Jameson Taillon deal:

RHP Roansy Contreras – The “big fish” in the deal for Pittsburgh, Contreras has struggled to the point where the Pirates moved him to the bullpen.

RHP Miguel Yajure – Yajure compiled an 8.69 ERA in 39.1 innings for the Pirates before moving to the Giants’ organization. Last year, he pitched at three levels, compiling a 6.07 ERA in 65.2 innings. He elected free agency at the end of the campaign and signed with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Many players have earned their way back to MLB using this route.

OF Canaan Smith-Njigba – Still a member of the Pirates organization, Smith-Njigba went 5-for-25 in spring training with three home runs. Designated for assignment at the end of spring training, he passed through waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A.

IF Maikol Escotto – Still only 21, Escotto has been unable to get on track after a big debut season for the Yankees DSL squad. At the very least, he is a cautionary tale about taking rookie league numbers too seriously.

The Pirates are hoping that Contreras salvages this deal for them by pitching well out of the bullpen.

The Joey Gallo deal:

RHP Glenn Otto – The Rangers designated Otto for assignment in September. The Padres claimed him and he made three late-season starts for their Triple-A ballclub in El Paso. He is on the injured list due to a “Right teres major strain.”

UTIL Ezequiel Duran – Duran seemingly was having a breakout to start 2023, but slowed down considerably to the point where he wasn’t included on the postseason roster (he was eventually added to the World Series roster when Adolis Garcia went down in Game 3). He made the Rangers’ Opening Day roster.

UTIL Josh H. Smith – Smith earned his World Series ring by playing a variety of positions for the Rangers in 2023. The bat wasn’t there (.185/.304/.328), but the Rangers’ offense was dominant enough to absorb it. This season, he has played two games at third base and an inning at shortstop so it appears his role will be similar.

UTIL Trevor Hauver – Hauver is now in Triple-A after hitting .260/.374/.429 in 107 games for Double-A Frisco in 2023. Hauver was Rule 5 eligible this past winter but went undrafted.

This isn’t a group of All-Stars, but the Rangers must be happy about the return.

The Anthony Rizzo deal:

RHP Alexander Vizcaino – After failing to report to the Cubs last year, Vizcaino resurfaced in the Dominican Winter League, where he pitched to a 2.70 ERA in five games. I have no idea what his plans are.

OF Kevin Alcantara – Alcantara is the #5 prospect in the Cubs organization (Pipeline). At 20 years old, he made it to Double-A in 2023 after posting a .286/.341/.466 line in 408 plate appearances for High-A South Bend. His ETA is in 2025, but he can push up that timetable. He is on the 40-man roster with a pair of options remaining.

The Andrew Heaney deal:

RHP Janson Junk – Junk has since moved on to the Brewers, where he made two appearances (one start) in 2023. His 2024 began in Triple-A Nashville.

RHP Elvis Peguero – After the Yankees traded Junk/Peguero to the Angels, the Angels packaged them again in a trade to the Brewers. Peguero made the team out of spring training and has picked up two wins in two relief appearances to start 2024. Nice pace.

The Yankees traded a pair of spare parts for Heaney. It is good to see that both have lived out their MLB dreams.

The Clay Holmes deal:

UTIL Hoy Park – Park hasn’t played in MLB since 2022. After signing with the Braves organization in 2023, he moved on to the Oakland Athletics in 2024. Park had an incredible spring training (21-for-44 with five doubles and a homer). On a team as bad as Oakland’s, that could have been enough to earn him the #3 spot in the lineup. However, they sent him off to Triple-A instead.

UTIL Diego Castillo – Castillo was briefly a property of the Yankees this spring after they claimed him off waivers. After being designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks, he took a mid-Atlantic tour, being claimed by the Mets, the Yankees, and the Phillies before settling in with the Orioles. The Orioles also designated him for assignment, but he passed through waivers and is in Triple-A.

This trade didn’t look like much, but the Yankees struck gold.

The Jose Trevino deal:

LHP Robby Ahlstrom – Ahlstrom (24) pitched in 40 games between High-A and Double-A in 2023. He compiled a 3.68 ERA in 58.1 innings with a 79/32 K/BB. Ahlstrom was traded to the Rangers before appearing in the Yankees organization.

The Andrew Benintendi deal:

RHP Beck Way – Way had a tough time in Double-A, pitching to a 6.67 ERA in 79.2 innings. With that, he was invited to Spring Training in 2024 where he appeared in two games.

RHP Chandler Champlain – Champlain is the #12 prospect in the Royals organization. After a dominant start in High-A, he was pushed to Double-A, where he pitched to a respectable 3.82 ERA in 73 innings with a 64/25 K/BB. He could profile as a bottom-of-the-rotation innings eater or multi-inning reliever.

LHP T.J. Sikkema – Sikkema has moved on to the Cincinnati Reds organization after being drafted in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. Sikkema was roughed up in Double-A last year, pitching to a 5.85 ERA in 72.1 innings.

This trade seems to be all about what happens with Champlain.

The Scott Effross deal:

RHP Hayden Wesneski – Wesneski received an extended look in 2023, pitching to a 4.63 ERA (5.48 FIP) in 34 games (11 starts) with a 21.9% K and 8.4% BB. His strikeout rate spiked to 25.6% as a reliever (however, his BB% spiked to 11.9%). He starts the season in Triple-A Iowa.

Wesneski will be back. His future role is to be determined.

The Frankie Montas deal:

LHP Ken Waldichuk – Waldichuk has a bullpen session coming after undergoing surgery in October to address a couple of arm issues (sprained UCL/damaged flexor tendon). He is on the 60-day injured list. Last season, Oakland forced him to battle through his struggles (5.36 ERA/5.30 FIP in 141 innings) and we’ll see if that pays off going forward.

RHP Luis Medina – Medina is on the 15-day injured list to address a right knee MCL sprain. Like Waldichuk, Oakland gave him the ball and told him to run with it in 2023. He finished the season with a 5.42 ERA (4.76 FIP) over 109.2 innings. The inconsistency that plagued him with the Yankees continued. In June, he owned a 25/21 K/BB over 26 innings. In July, he improved that to 27/5 over 22 innings. August/September? 30/21 over 34 innings. The tantalizing talent remains but can he harness it?

LHP JP Sears – Sears went 5-14 with a 4.54 ERA (5.15 FIP) in 172.1 innings last year, allowing 34 home runs. He didn’t fare well in his first outing in 2024. For a pitcher like Sears, Oakland seems like a good place to be. He is just good enough to continue to accumulate service time.

IF Cooper Bowman – Bowman went 5-for-16 in spring training following his .262/.358/.435 line in 319 Double-A plate appearances. He stole 35 bases in 38 attempts. Bowman played primarily second base with a handful of games at shortstop and a game in center.

The Athletics received three pitchers who ate considerable innings in 2023. Whether they become a part of their future remains to be seen. Bowman has MLB potential in some capacity.

The Greg Allen deal:

RHP Diego Hernandez – Hernandez spent 2023 on the injured list and has yet to pitch in the Red Sox organization. He is 19 years old.

The Keynan Middleton deal:

RHP Juan Carela – Between the Yankees and White Sox High-A affiliates, Carela pitched to a 3.58 ERA in 115.2 innings with a 136/43 K/BB. The Yankees likely traded him due to his Rule 5 status. However, he wasn’t protected by the White Sox and slipped through.

Carela isn’t an upside pitcher, but the White Sox did fine in acquiring him for a rental reliever.

The Alex Verdugo deal:

RHP Richard Fitts – Fitts, who has a bulldog mentality, had a solid season in Somerset, pitching to a 3.48 ERA in 152.2 innings. He is ranked 12th on the Red Sox prospects list (Pipeline). I would be surprised if Fitts doesn’t make it to MLB as he is a relatively “safe” pitching prospect.

RHP Nicholas Judice – The 22-year-old Judice hasn’t made his professional debut. He was drafted in the 8th round by the Yankees in the 2023 draft out of Louisiana-Monroe.

RHP Greg Weissert – Weissert is in the Red Sox bullpen, where he has tossed three scoreless innings with a 4/1 K/BB to start his campaign. If the walks remain low, he can be effective. Can he do that, though?

The Juan Soto deal:

RHP Drew Thorpe – Thorpe was flipped to the White Sox when the Padres acquired Dylan Cease in mid-March. Using his advanced changeup to his advantage, Thorpe went 14-2 with a 2.52 ERA and an 182/38 K/BB over 139.1 innings between Hudson Valley/Somerset in 2023. His performance was enough to earn him the Minor League Pitching Prospect of the Year award.

RHP Jhony Brito – Brito was a useful utility arm for the Yankees in 2023. His first four appearances for the Padres haven’t gone well (six runs in four innings).

RHP Randy Vasquez – Vasquez started the season in Triple-A after a decent showing for the Yankees last year (2.87 ERA/4.98 FIP in 37.2 innings).

RHP Michael King – I am including King because he was a part of the package, even though he is no longer a prospect. King is having trouble locating to begin this season (ten walks in 7.1 innings) but a pitcher with his talent (2.88 ERA (3.13 FIP) in 219 innings between 2021-2023) is unlikely to suddenly “lose” it). Whether or not he truly is a starter or better off in the multi-inning relief role is to be determined.

The Victor Gonzalez/Jorbit Vivas deal:

SS Trey Sweeney – The Yankees’ first-round pick in 2021 started the season in Triple-A Oklahoma City for the Dodgers. He is 3-for-15 with a homer and five walks. He went 6-for-20 in spring training. While there has been talk about moving Sweeney off of shortstop in the past, he has yet to play a professional game elsewhere.

The Caleb Ferguson deal:

RHP Christian Zazueta – The Yankees acquired two left-handed relievers from the Dodgers. In this deal, they gave up Matt Gage (since released by the Dodgers) and Zazueta. Zazueta has pitched the last two years in the DSL, compiling a 4.54 ERA and 75/22 K/BB over 73.1 innings.

The Jon Berti deal:

OF John Cruz – The intriguing teenager hit 15 home runs in 426 PA between the DSL/FCL in 2022-2023. Last season, his performance created a buzz, as he compiled a .907 OPS in 48 games. He is a good long-term “get” for the Marlins.

The Clayton Andrews deal:

RHP Joshua Quezada – This was your prototypical lottery ticket for a depth player move. Quezada is a teenager who pitched to a 3.69 ERA in 46.1 innings in the DSL in 2023. That was his professional debut.

The Cody Morris deal:

OF Estevan Florial – Florial, who was around the organization forever, won his freedom this winter. After an 8-for-52 spring, he made the Guardians’ Opening Day roster (it was either that or expose him to waivers). So far, he is 1-for-7 with a triple and stolen base.

Others:

RHP Mitch Spence – The Athletics chose Spence in the Rule 5 draft. Last year, he tossed the most innings in minor league baseball (163) while compiling a 4.47 ERA (5.21 FIP) and 21.8% K rate. Spence made the Athletics’ roster out of spring training (rather than returned to the Yankees) and has appeared in a pair of games.

RHP Matt Sauer – Another Rule 5 loss, Sauer was chosen by the Royals. So far, he has appeared in one game, tossing a scoreless inning. Sauer received some notariety on August 25, 2022, when he struck out 17 batters for the Somerset Patriots.

RHP Carson Coleman – The 25-year-old Coleman (also selected in the Rule 5 draft) had some buzz as a Yankees’ relief prospect after a solid 2022 campaign. However, a shoulder injury cost him all of 2023 and he is currently on the 60-day IL for the Rangers.

LHP Matt Krook – The groundball-heavy Krook had a rough time in his 2023 MLB debut. The Yankees traded him to Baltimore for cash this past winter and he is currently at Triple-A Norfolk.

UTIL Oliver Dunn – The Phillies went crazy in the minor league phase of the 2022 Rule 5 draft, selecting seven players. The seventh player was Dunn, an 11th-round pick by the Yankees in 2019. Acquired by the Brewers from the Phillies over the winter, he made the roster out of spring training and is 3-for-12 with an RBI in four games. He is primarily a 2B/3B type, though he has played some SS and LF.

1B Eric Wagaman – Wagaman was chosen by the Angels in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. Now 26, he hit .320/.382/.500 in 35 games for Somerset in 2023.

C/1B Mickey Gasper – Taken by the Red Sox in the minor league phase, Gasper hit. 269/.388/.423 in 52 games for Somerset. He struggled in 22 games for Scranton. Gasper has hit for average and taken walks in the minors, setting himself up as someone with a real shot to make it.

RHP Michael Gomez – Taken by the Rays in the minor league phase, Gomez is at their Triple-A affiliate in Durham.

3B Marcos Cabrera – Taken by the Pirates in the minor league phase, Cabrera has 31 homers in 1,022 career plate appearances. While there might be some pop to tap into, the rest of his offensive game needs work. He is a .219/.328/.386 career hitter with a 30.4% K rate.

Yankees MILB 3/31: Brandon Lockridge: 2 Hits, BB, SB

News:

LHP Nick Ramirez was designated for assignment after the Yankees promoted LHP Tanner Tully to the big league club. Just in case you missed the news, Tully replaces Clayton Beeter, who will now get regular rotation turns in Scranton until he is needed again. While I think Beeter’s future might be in the bullpen, there isn’t a need to put him there permanently now. Plus, who says I’m right? I am wrong more than I am right. I am just not afraid to admit it.

“Why Tully?”

It’s simple: 1. He has a starter’s pedigree, so he can eat innings out of the bullpen as needed; 2. He is expendable. If he has to pitch four innings out of the bullpen, he can be designated for assignment the next day. That sounds harsh, but for many MLB players, this is their way to earn some paychecks.

Not that Will Warren was available anyway, but you aren’t going to add him to the 40-man roster for this purpose.

RHP Yorlin Calderon was added to the roster with the need for an arm in Scranton. He made an appearance in today’s game. Further information is in his blurb below.

Ramirez being designated for assignment may seem like a surprise. In 32 games (40.2 IP) for the big club last year, he compiled a solid 2.66 ERA and 2.94 FIP. With the need for relief arms throughout baseball, I will be surprised if he isn’t claimed. However, I’ve been surprised many times before.

Scranton (2-1) (Lost to Buffalo, 4-3)

RF Luis Gonzalez: 1-for-5, 3B (1), RBI, RS, 3 K
DH Caleb Durbin: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, SB (2)
Durbin is off to a 4-for-12 start with a pair of doubles, 4 RBI, and two stolen bases.
1B Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, BB, K
The Yankees need first base depth. Narvaez played 16 games at the position last year and started a game today. As stated the other day, he is also the organization’s #3 catcher.
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, K
2B Kevin Smith: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Jordan Groshans: 2-for-4, 2B (1)
SS Jeter Downs: 1-for-3, RS, SAC
C Josh Breaux: 1-for-4, K
LF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, RS, BB, SB (4)
Lockridge is off to a 3-for-6 start with a pair of doubles, three walks, and four stolen bases.

RHP Cody Morris: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
The Yankees acquired the 27-year-old Morris from Cleveland for Estevan Florial. He owns a 3.41 ERA in 31.2 career MLB innings (13 games/5 starts) with a 32/18 K/BB. As expected, Florial made the Guardians’ Opening Day roster (just like when he was with the Yankees, he would need to go through waivers if they decide to send him down).
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
Calderon is 22 years old and hadn’t pitched above High-A until today. In 2022, in his Low-A debut, Calderon tossed a 7-inning no-hitter. This could be a situation where Scranton needed an arm for a day, and he was readily available to provide that. Calderon doesn’t appear on many (if any) Top 30 lists, but he did receive a blurb on the Fangraphs list last year, where he was praised for his breaking ball and potential to add velocity.
LHP Clayton Andrews: (L, 0-1) 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
The organizational debut for Andrews, who the Yankees acquired for minor league RHP Joshua Quezada. He didn’t have any fun in his MLB debut last season (27.00 ERA in four games), but he pitched well for their Triple-A affiliate. Walks appear to be an issue, but he did touch 95.4 on the gun today. That’s valuable for an LHP if you can figure out everything else.
RHP Dennis Santana: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Santana allowed two inherited runners to score.

Somerset (0-0)

The season starts on 4/5.

Hudson Valley (0-0)

The season starts on 4/5.

Tampa (0-0)

The season starts on 4/5.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 3/30: Cody Poteet: 4 Scoreless Innings

News:

I have nothing interesting to report.

Scranton (2-0) (Defeated Buffalo, 4-3)

CF Greg Allen: 0-for-4, K
3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, 2B (2), K
I mentioned Durbin’s speed and versatility yesterday. What did I leave out? His insane (in a good way) strikeout rate. In 22 games for Hudson Valley, he struck out at a 9.3% rate. “OK, so what did he do in the higher minors? Haha! Bet it wasn’t so great!” The answer: 4.6% in 47 games for Somerset. Amongst all minor leaguers with at least 250 PA, his 6.2% combined rate was second to 27-year-old Ernie Clement (Toronto). FYI: I wrote that blurb before his fourth AB, where…of course, he struck out.
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, RS, CS (1), BB, K
Pereira hit a 102.7 MPH bullet for an out. The hit? 30.2 MPH.
1B Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, 2B (1), 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB
PR Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-0, RS, SB (3)
1B Jordan Groshans: 0-for-0
SS Kevin Smith: 2-for-4, RBI, K
Game-winning RBI single in the 9th.
RF Luis Gonzalez: 1-for-3, 2B (1), SF, RBI, K
Is Brian Cashman trolling us by signing a player named Luis Gonzalez?
DH Josh Breaux: 0-for-3, 2 K
Breaux has 67 home runs in 316 minor league games. The power isn’t in question – the rest of his offensive game (plus his position) are questions.
2B Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, 2 K
VanMeter is a depth utility player. His bat hasn’t done much in his MLB career (.206/.293/.347 in 841 PA). His 39.00 ERA in three games doesn’t make him the ideal Isiah Kiner-Falefa replacement either.

RHP Cody Poteet: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
Poteet, signed as a free agent over the winter, is on the 40-man roster. The 29-year-old has 19 games of MLB experience (9 starts) between 2021-2022 with the Marlins. He posted a 4.45 ERA. Today, he featured his 4-seamer (27%), sinker (29%), and change (27%) while mixing in some curves (10%) and sweepers (6%).
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
Underwood is no stranger to professional baseball, given that his debut was in 2012. Players like him tend to bounce around, but the Yankees are only his third organization (Cubs, Pirates). He has 144 games of MLB experience between 2018-2023, compiling a 4.63 ERA (4.08 FIP) in 144 games. Not bad for a depth guy.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
If you hung around for the entire 2023 season (you are forgiven if you didn’t), you will recognize Misiewicz, who pitched in three games for the big club.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: (W, 1-0) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
De Los Santos was a dark horse to make the MLB roster at the beginning of spring training. He (typically) keeps the ball on the ground, which we know Matt Blake loves.

Somerset (0-0)

The season starts on 4/5.

Hudson Valley (0-0)

The season starts on 4/5.

Tampa (0-0)

The season starts on 4/5.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 3/29: Opening Day!

Notes:

C/1B Ben Rice appears to be starting his campaign in Somerset. The left-handed slugger hit .327/.401/.648 in 222 PA for Somerset last year, so hopefully this is temporary.

Scranton (1-0) (Defeated Buffalo, 12-8)

CF Greg Allen: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, 3 RS, 2 SB (2)
Allen starts the season off with a lead-off home run. If they need a player in a pinch, he will be on the list of early call-ups.
2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 3 RBI, RS, HBP, SB (1)
Durbin is somewhere on the MLB depth chart. He has speed and versatility. Last season, he stole 36 bases in 69 games (an injury kept him out of action for a while)
C Carlos Narvaez: 2-for-4, 2B (1), SF, 3 RBI, BB
Narvaez is often overlooked, but stop doing that. He is our #3 catcher, after all.
LF Everson Pereira: 2-for-6, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K
Pereira didn’t have a great start to his MLB career but is in the #5 outfielder mix.
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
The veteran utility type hasn’t played in MLB since 2022. He is depth.
SS Kevin Smith: 1-for-5, BB, K
Smith has MLB experience but isn’t much of a bat.
1B Jordan Groshans: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
Groshans was a Pipeline and Prospectus Top 100 prospect as recently as 2022 (Baseball America listed him in 2021). In 17 games for the 2022 Marlins, he hit .262/.308/.311 with a homer. They are taking a flyer here.
3B Jeter Downs: 2-for-4, 2 RS, SB (1), BB, K
A main piece in the trade that sent Mookie Betts to the Dodgers, Downs has yet to live up to the hype. Like with Groshans, you take a flyer. If it doesn’t work out, you have some minor-league depth.
RF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-3, 2B (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, 2 SB (2)
I often talk about Lockridge having a Tim Locastro-like ceiling, and I still believe that. Will he ever be a Yankee? I don’t know – but, just like Oliver Dunn (former Yankees prospect who made the Brewers’ roster out of spring training), he can find opportunities elsewhere in the future.

RHP Will Warren: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 0 K, HR
A tough first outing, but we’ll let it slide given the weather. It would be a surprise if he didn’t make his MLB debut this season. He would require a 40-man roster move.
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Maciejewski has been in the system since 2018, filling a variety of roles. Last year, however, he was a reliever for all 30 of his appearances.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: (W, 1-0) 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Danny Santana: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
I don’t even need to describe who Santana is – this line does it for you.
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
It would be great if Marinaccio got back on track.
LHP Nick Ramirez: 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Ramirez is on the 40-man and could be on the shuttle this season.

Somerset (0-0)

Season starts on April 5th.

Hudson Valley (0-0)

Season starts on April 5th.

Tampa (0-0)

Season starts on April 5th.

FCL (0-0)

DSL (0-0)

NCAA Basketball: My Final Field of 68

My final field of 68 is below. Teams in bold and italics are the bubble squads.

If you don’t want to go through all of it, here is my bubble:
In: Dayton, Florida Atlantic, Colorado State, Texas A&M, TCU, Seton Hall
Out: St. John’s, Oklahoma, Virginia, Indiana State

This is not an easy bubble to sort through. You can find points and counterpoints for every team above. Seton Hall has a high NET. The Pirates also beat UConn and Marquette, went 2-1 against St. John’s, and played a 3-OT game against Creighton that had its share of controversy.
So, what works against them? They didn’t play well in the non-conference. So, how do you weigh neutral court losses to Iowa and USC against going 13-7 in the Big East? Like every team, they could only play DePaul and Georgetown twice. Their other nine wins are quality.

Meanwhile, St. John’s has a better NET and a non-conference win over Utah. However, when it came to playing UConn, Marquette, and Creighton, they went 1-5 on top of their 1-2 mark against Seton Hall. This is a case where Seton Hall, by a whisker, outshines St. John’s despite the Red Storm’s better NET.

Oklahoma and TCU required a similar scrub. Neither team played a strong non-conference slate. TCU has an extra Quad 1 win, a slightly better NET, and nine neutral/road wins (Oklahoma has six). Both teams could be in, but Oklahoma’s resume is not quite there.

Indiana State, in many years, would get heavy consideration. I don’t see them surviving all the weekend chaos. Dayton and Florida Atlantic? Let’s say that Florida Atlantic should thank the basketball gods for that win over Arizona. However, the Owls also defeated Texas A&M, a team that improved their resume late.

Full field:

Atlantic Sun (1):
Auto: Stetson

America East (1):
Auto: Vermont

AAC (2):
Auto: UAB
In: Florida Atlantic
Out: South Florida

A-10 (2):
Auto: Duquesne
In: Dayton

Atlantic Coast (4):
Auto: North Carolina State
In: North Carolina, Duke, Clemson
Out: Virginia, Wake Forest, Pitt

Big 12 (8)
Auto: Iowa State
In; Houston, Baylor, Texas Tech, BYU, Kansas, Texas, TCU
Out: Oklahoma, Cincinnati, Kansas State

Big East (4)
Auto: UConn
In: Marquette, Creighton, Seton Hall
Out: St. John’s, Providence, Villanova, Butler

Big Sky (1)
Auto: Montana State

Big South (1)
Auto: Longwood

Big Ten (6)
Auto: Illinois
In: Purdue, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Nebraska, Michigan State
Out: Iowa, Ohio State

Big West (1)
Auto: Long Beach State

CAA (1)
Auto: Charleston

Conference USA (1)
Auto: Western Kentucky

Horizon (1)
Auto: Oakland

Ivy League (1)
Auto: Yale
Out: Princeton

Metro (1)
Auto: St. Peter’s

Mid-American (1)
Auto: Akron

MEAC (1)
Auto: Howard

Missouri Valley (1)
Auto: Drake
Out: Indiana State

Mountain West (6)
Auto: New Mexico
In: San Diego State, Nevada, Boise State, Utah State, Colorado State

Northeast (1)
Auto: Wagner

Ohio Valley (1)
Auto: Morehead State

Pac-12 (4)
Auto: Oregon
In: Arizona, Washington State, Colorado
Out: Utah

Patriot (1)
Auto: Colgate

SEC (8)
Auto: Auburn
In: Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi State, Texas A&M

Southern (1)
Auto: Samford

Southland (1)
Auto: McNeese

SWAC (1)
Auto: Grambling

Summit (1)
Auto: South Dakota State

Sun Belt (1)
Auto: James Madison

West Coast (2)
Auto: Saint Mary’s
In: Gonzaga

WAC (1)
Auto: Grand Canyon

#1 seeds (in order):
UConn, Purdue, Houston, North Carolina

North Carolina over Arizona because:
– Nine Quad 1 wins (Arizona has eight)
– Zero Quad 3/4 losses (Arizona has one)

Arizona’s counterpoint:
– Better NET (4th vs. 7th)
– Better KenPom (6th vs. 9th)
– Better non-conference schedule

Arizona gets neutralized because one of their most impressive non-conference wins (road against Duke) is counteracted by North Carolina going 2-0 against Duke.

North Carolina over Iowa State because:
– The non-conference schedule ranking is absurd. No matter which computer you use, North Carolina’s non-conference schedule is approximately 300 places better than Iowa State’s. It’s a testament to how well Iowa State played in the Big 12 (plus winning the tournament) that they are even in a #1 seed conversation.

Iowa State’s counterpoint:
– 16 Quad 1 games (10-6). North Carolina had 12 (9-3)
– Won the Big 12 conference tournament. The Big 12 has widely been considered the best conference in basketball.
– Their two wins over Houston were of higher difficulty than North Carolina’s two wins over Duke.

The NET and KenPom rankings are close, with North Carolina a hair better in the NET and Iowa State a few hairs better in the KenPom.

This all comes down to whether the committee values a tougher non-conference schedule vs. the team that won the toughest conference.

I am going with the former.

Conference Tournament Preview: Ivy League

History: Until 2017, the Ivy League awarded their automatic bid to the regular-season champions. In the five tournaments played starting in 2017 (remember, the 2020 and 2021 tournaments were canceled), Princeton and Yale have won two apiece. The other title went to Penn. Three champions entered the tournament as the #2 seed, while two entered as the #1 seed.

While the Ivy League has some history in the NCAA Tournament, last year’s Princeton squad was the first to win an NCAA Tournament game in the Ivy League Tournament Era. Cornell has never won the tournament, but their 2010 regular-season title catapulted them to the Sweet 16 as a #12 seed.

Returning Champion: Princeton

Losing the tie-breaker to Yale, the Tigers entered the tournament as the #2 seed. They defeated the Bulldogs by nine before pulling off a major NCAA Tournament upset, defeating Arizona in the 15-vs-2 game.

Format: Four of the eight teams make the compressed field. With Brown earning the #4 seed this year, only two teams have never qualified: Dartmouth (at least they can unionize), and Columbia.

Favorite: Princeton (24-3, 12-2)

The Tigers were in the early bubble discussion, but a pair of in-conference road losses shattered those dreams. However, their #48 NET ranking is better than South Carolina, Northwestern, Virginia, Utah, Ohio State, and Seton Hall. The KenPom ranks them 56th, and they have the 28th most efficient offense in the nation.

They didn’t play any Quad 1 games, though they did defeat Rutgers on a neutral court and Hofstra/Duquesne on the road. You may laugh at those two wins, but they are in Quad 2, while the Rutgers win sits in Quad 3. Two sophomores lead the way, as guard Xaivian Lee averages 17.7 points/5.9 rebounds/3.7 assists while forward Caden Pierce averages 16.3/9.3/3.2. They commit only 8.1 turnovers (362nd) and try to kill you with volume 3-point shooting (their 10.5 makes per game rank 9th).

If they are in the lead late, fouling them is nearly fruitless as they shoot 81.3% from the line, the second-best number in the nation.

Contenders: Cornell (22-6, 11-3), Yale (20-9, 11-3), Brown (12-17, 8-6)

Live Long Shot: None, as only four teams make it.

Preview:

As dominant as Princeton may appear, Cornell and Yale each came within a game of matching them. The three top teams all split with each other. The tie-breaker for the #2 seed came down to computer rankings. Does it matter? No, as the tournament is played on a neutral court (Columbia). The tiebreaker is all about which team gets to wear their home uniforms.

Cornell played Syracuse within 11 on the road and defeated Patriot League juggernaut Colgate by 13 at home. Their win over Princeton (83-68) easily outshines their loss (79-77). While Princeton is as efficient as any team in the country, Cornell piles up the points (83.0; 16th). The Big Red has an incredible 62.7% rate from 2-point range, the top number in the nation. While only two players average double-digits, six players average 8.8+ points. Instead of a star, they are a collection of solid players. You can see why they are tough to beat.

Yale was pesky in the non-conference. One may not brag about a pair of 15-point losses, but they came on the road against Gonzaga and Kansas. The 2-vs-3 game against Cornell promises to be good, as they defeated Cornell by two and lost to them by three. Five players average between 10.0 and 14.4 points. 7’0″ sophomore forward Danny Wolf averages 14.4 points/9.7 rebounds. Additionally, the big guy shoots 35.7% from three.

Brown is the misfit in the field, but don’t tell them that. Percentage-wise, they have the third-worst record in the conference, but they cruised to the #4 seed by three games over Harvard. They finished the regular season on a 6-game winning streak. They defeated Cornell and Yale on the road during the streak. Yes, one of the reasons why Cornell and Yale couldn’t keep up with Princeton was because they lost to Brown. Kino Lilly is an Ivy League scoring machine, averaging 18.4 points. He relies on volume, as he shoots 38.6% from the field.

Bottom Line:

Brown is hot but didn’t fare well against their first-round opponent (Princeton). The hard way to choose the winner would be to “guess” who wins the Cornell-Yale game and pick them to dethrone Princeton.

Winner: Why not be daring? I pick Cornell to defeat Yale and Princeton to take the title.