Mid-Week Minor League Round-up

The first week of Minor League baseball is under way.

I am pleased to announce that we have yet to witness any serious injuries (knock on wood). Last year, there were some unfortunate injuries/illnesses to Anthony Rizzo, Nick Hagadone, and Austin Bailey.  Coincidentally, all of them happened in Greenville.

This week hasn't been the most eventful, but there has been quite a few surprises:

Josh Reddick (Portland): .381/.435/1.048 (yes, that's his SLG percentage, not OPS) with 4 HR.

He's been hitting lead-off for the Sea Dogs thus far, in hopes to see more pitches in order to improve his sub-par pitch recognition. I must say, he really is giving Ellsbury something to worry about. He's a pure 80 on his arm and while he is playing RF right now, he could potentially be the Sox's future in CF if he continues to hit advanced pitching. 

Junichi Tazawa (Portland): 1-1, 1.64 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 10 K/3 BB in 11 IP. Has pitched exclusively out of the stretch, per usual.

According to reports, has sat in the low-90's and has been very efficient on the mound. Will definitely have to rely on hitting the corners throughout his career, but that won't be an issue. He keeps the ball low and produces weak contact early in the count. Has struggled with command later in games, which could be an issue at the Major League level as he nit-picks much similar to Dice-K. Incredibly polished.

Casey Kelly (Greenville): Had a very nice debut on the mound for last year's first pick, going five innings and giving up four hits, while striking out four and walking one. He has as smooth of a delivery on the mound as you can imagine. Very clean arm action. He piggy-backed with fellow first rounder, Caleb Clay, in 2006, who pitched four scoreless innings, striking out four and walking none. 

Mark Wagner (Portland): Mark continued his hot streak from the AFL last fall, coming out hitting .286/.545/.786 as a catcher. Known as a defensive catcher throughout his career, this is quite a treat to see him finding his batting groove. He hit two home runs this week, while walking an impressive eight times in 22 at-bats. 

Tim Federowicz (Greenville): Another defensive catcher in the organization is impressing with the bat so far. A seventh rounder out of UNC last year, Tim has belted two home runs and has quietly put up a mid-900 OPS. Nice line-drive hitter that has great tools behind the plate. Could struggle against advanced pitching, as his swing is a bit long and slow.