Down on the Farm

[Desert Glory]

MLB.com re-ranked their top 20 players of each team a few days ago, there is some good info if you guys want to read it too.

Archie Bradley tops new Arizona Diamondbacks' Top 20 Prospects | dbacks.com: News

DBacks Top 20 Prospects List:

(For scouting grades players are graded on a 2-8 scale for both present and future tools. 2-3 is well below average, 4 is below average, 5 is average, 6 is above average and 7-8 is plus.)


1. Archie Bradley RHP, Age: 20, DOB: 08/10/1992, Height: 6' 4", Weight: 225, Drafted: 2011 = 1st (7) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Fastball: 6/7 | Curveball: 4/6 | Changeup: 4/6 | Control: 3/5 | Overall: 5/7

Other Lists: 100 Prospects (#7) | Top 10 RH Pitcher Prospects (#2)



2. Matt Davidson 3B, Age: 22, DOB: 03/26/1991, Height: 6' 2", Weight: 225, Drafted: 2009 = 1st (35) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Hit: 4/6 | Power: 5/6 | Run: 2/2 | Arm: 5/5 | Field: 4/5 | Overall: 5/6

Other Lists: 100 Prospects (#72) | Top 10 3rd Base Prospects (#4)



3. Adam Eaton OF, Age: 24, DOB: 12/06/1988, Height: 5' 8", Weight: 185, Drafted: 2010 = 19th (571) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Hit: 4/6 | Power: 2/2 | Run: 7/7 | Arm: 7/7 | Field: 5/6 | Overall: 4/5

Other Lists: 100 Prospects (#82)



4. Chris Owings SS, Age: 21, DOB: 08/12/1991, Height: 5' 10", Weight: 180, Drafted: 2009 = 1st (41) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Hit: 3/5 | Power: 3/5 | Run: 5/5 | Arm: 5/5 | Field: 5/5 | Overall: 4/5

Other Lists: 100 Prospects (#92)



5. Braden Shipley RHP, Age: 21, DOB: 02/22/1992, Height: 6' 3", Weight: 190, Drafted: 2013 = 1st (15) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Fastball: 6/7 | Curveball: 4/5 | Changeup: 4/5 | Control: 4/5 | Overall: 4/6



6. David Holmberg LHP, Age: 22, DOB: 07/19/1991, Height: 6' 3", Weight: 225, Drafted: 2009 = 2nd (71) - CWS

Scouting Grades (present/future): FB: 5/6 | Curve: 4/5 | Slider: 4/6 | Changeup: 5/6 | Control: 4/5 | Overall: 4/6

Other Lists: Top 10 LH Pitcher Prospects (#10)



7. Zeke Spruill RHP, Age: 23, DOB: 09/11/1989, Height: 6' 5", Weight: 190, Drafted: 2008 = 2nd (70) - ATLScouting Grades (present/future): Fastball: 6/6 | Slider: 4/5 | Changeup: 5/5 | Control: 5/6 | Overall: 4/5



8. Jake Barrett RHP, Age: 22, DOB: 07/22/1991, Height: 6' 3", Weight: 230, Drafted: 2012 = 3rd (120) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Fastball: 6/6 | Slider: 5/6 | Control: 5/6 | Overall:5/6



9. Andrew Chafin LHP, Age: 23, DOB: 06/17/1990, Height: 6' 2", Weight: 205, Drafted: 2011 = 1st (43) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Fastball: 5/6 | Slider: 5/6 | Changeup: 3/5 | Control: 4/5 | Overall:5/5



10. Stryker Trahan C, Age: 19, DOB: 04/25/1994, Height: 6' 1", Weight: 215, Drafted: 2012 = 1st (26) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Hit: 4/5 | Power: 4/5 | Run: 5/4 | Arm: 4/5 | Field: 3/4 | Overall: 4/5



11. Anthony Meo RHP, Age: 23, DOB: 02/19/1990, Height: 6' 2", Weight: 185, Drafted: 2011 = 2nd (63) - LAA

Scouting Grades (present/future): Fastball: 5/6 | Slider: 4/5 | Control: 4/5 | Overall: 4/5



12. Jake Lamb 3B, Age: 22, DOB: 10/09/1990, Height: 6' 2", Weight: 200, Drafted: 2012 = 6th (213) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Hit: 3/4 | Power: 3/6 | Run: 4/4 | Arm: 6/6 | Field: 5/5 | Overall: 4/5



13. Michael Perez C, Age: 20, DOB: 08/07/1992, Height: 5' 11", Weight: 180, Drafted: 2011 = 5th (154) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Hit: 3/5 | Power: 3/5 | Run: 2/2 | Arm: 5/5 | Field: 5/5 | Overall: 3/5



14. Nick Ahmed SS, Age: 23, DOB: 03/15/1990, Height: 6' 3", Weight: 205, Drafted: 2011 = 2nd (85) - ATL

Scouting Grades (present/future): Hit: 3/5 | Power: 3/4 | Run: 6/6 | Arm: 6/6 | Field: 5/6 | Overall: 4/5



15. Jose Munoz SS, Age: 19, DOB: 12/28/1993, Height: 6' 3", Weight: 195, Drafted: 2012 = 2nd (90) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Hit: 3/5 | Power: 3/5 | Run: 4/4 | Arm: 5/5 | Field: 4/5 | Overall: 3/5



16. Brandon Drury 3B/1B, Age: 20, DOB: 08/21/1992, Height: 6' 2", Weight: 190, Drafted: 2010 = 13th (404) - ATL

Scouting Grades (present/future): Hit: 3/5 | Power: 3/5 | Run: 3/3 | Arm: 5/5 | Field: 4/5 | Overall: 3/5



17. Aaron Blair RHP, Age: 21, DOB: 05/26/1992, Height: 6' 5", Weight: 230, Drafted: 2013 = CBA (36) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Fastball: 6/7| Curveball: 4/5 | Changeup: 4/5 | Control: 5/6 | Overall: 4/5



18. Evan Marshall RHP, Age: 23, DOB: 04/18/1990, Height: 6' 2", Weight: 220, Drafted: 2011 = 4th (124) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Fastball: 6/6 | Slider: 5/5 | Changeup: 5/6 | Control: 4/5 | Overall:4/5



19. Evan Marzilli OF, Age: 22, DOB: 03/13/1991, Height: 5' 11", Weight: 175, Drafted: 2012 = 8th (273) - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Hit: 3/5 | Power: 3/3 | Run: 6/6 | Arm: 5/5 | Field: 5/6 | Overall: 3/5



20. Felipe Perez RHP, Age: 19, DOB: 01/22/1994, Height: 6' 3", Weight: 190, Signed: Aug. 9th, 2012 - ARI

Scouting Grades (present/future): Fastball: 5/6 | Curveball: 3/5 | Changeup: 3/5 | Control: 4/5 | Overall: 3/5
​

 

[Desert Glory]

I'd like to also take this moment to give some props to Spruill. He went 8 innings and didn't give up a run yesterday in AAA. That sounds amazing but that is not even the best part, look his last 5 starts in AAA Reno:

8 IP, 0 ER, 0 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 5 K
5 IP, 0 ER, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K
1.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 K *See below
8 IP, 0 ER, 0 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K
9 IP, 0 ER, 0 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 2 K

*This start was around the time he got called up to the Dbacks 2 times within a few days. He was pitching on short rest and was only scheduled for 2 innings because he was getting called back up again. He did give up 3 runs but they were unearned because of a Davidson error. Only 1 of the 3 scored with him on the mound, the other 2 were given up by a reliever.

In his last 31.2 innings he has not give up an ER in the fucking hitters league PCL! If only we were smart enough to give him a start instead of the worthless Ian Kennedy. If this guy pans out though, we might have destroyed the Braves in that trade.

 

[Arizona_Sting]

Barrett, Davidson and Owings all need to be up soon or I will be upset. Even Zeke out of the pen would be nice.

 

[Desert Glory]

Barrett, Davidson and Owings all need to be up soon or I will be upset. Even Zeke out of the pen would be nice.

I would use Zeke as a starter to compete with Skaggs / Cahill / McCarthy. We haven't given him one shot as a start and I think he has earned it with his play in the minors.

 

[Arizona_Sting]

Davidson to replace Kubel
Owings to replace Cliff

 

[Arizona_Sting]

I would use Zeke as a starter to compete with Skaggs / Cahill / McCarthy. We haven't given him one shot as a start and I think he has earned it with his play in the minors.

I agree, but I think our FO will give more starts to Cahill, and McCarthy than they should... look at all the money they are getting paid. As of now... Corbin, Miley, and Delgado have spots locked in. Kennedy could get replaced by Cahill once he's ready. They might try Kennedy out of the pen... who knows?
Basically I expect the rotation to look like:

Corbin, Miley, Delgado, Cahill, McCarthy (in no order)

 

[Desert Glory]

Davidson to replace Kubel
Owings to replace Cliff

I agree. We need something that gives us that spark we got when Goldy was brought up a few years ago. Kind of like what Puig did for LA. I'm starting to take on the "Damn it! Do something you fuckers!" attitude. I understand if they don't trade but our team is basically bending over and letting the Dodgers have their way with us. And Gibby keeps playing any and every loser on the team, at least call some of these guys up so Gibby can't play them.

 

[Desert Glory]

Here is an article on Spruill from AZ Snake Pit:

Dbacks Minor League Round-Up 7/27: Spruill Stellar Again - AZ Snake Pit​

That's 19 hits allowed in 30 innings, in the PCL of all places. Yeah, I know he's not a strikeout pitcher. And I have also been one to question that very fact and how those types of pitchers often get beat up at the highest level. But for Pete's sake, what does a guy have to do? He's basically the same age as Delgado and he looks as ready as he'll ever be. You either give him a try or you trade him for something else. In either case, he's added some real value to the organization, and if nothing else is putting another small chit in KT's column regarding the Upton trade.

It also talks about Bradley who made a start yesterday and was ehh.

Double A: Mobile 1 @ Birmingham 4. Archie Bradley made the start for Mobile and was very wild, walking 7 in 5 innings, though he did keep the game close by only allowing 2 runs. The offense only managed one run to counter to that on 5 singles.

 

[AZ Sun]

When do you think we will give Barrett, Holmberg and Shipley chances if we ever do?

 

[AZ Sun]

Pennington isn't exactly Derek Jeter but I like him getting some time for us. He plays great defense and has improved a bit with the bat, not to mention he's clutch. He could be an x-factor if we make a run this year.

 

[Orange602]

Spruill needs to be given a shot in the rotation before this year is over.

 

[Desert Glory]

When do you think we will give Barrett, Holmberg and Shipley chances if we ever do?

Both Holmberg and Barrett would be ready for an expanded roster call up or sooner but I don't know if our front office would do that. Maybe they give 1 of the 2 a shot after rosters expand. Shipley is probably an at earliest late next season call up, just a guess though.

 

[AZ Sun]

Davidson is going to be a star, I know it. I just wish the FO would give him a chance like they did Goldy and let his play do the talking.

 

[Desert Glory]

Spruill needs to be given a shot in the rotation before this year is over.

I'm hoping they keep Cahill and McCarthy on short leaches and at the first sign of trouble they replace them with Spruill. Both of them already have struggled this year and we need to try something else. I can understand giving them a last shot, but no more after that.

I think Sting is right though, this team will probably treat both of them like its the start of a new year.

 

[Arizona_Sting]

Davidson is going to be a star, I know it. I just wish the FO would give him a chance like they did Goldy and let his play do the talking.

I think Davidson will end up being really good too, It's the same feeling I had with Goldy when he was brought up... I just knew he was going to be good. Plus the name Matt Davidson just sounds like a good baseball name. lol

 

[Desert Glory]

Speaking of Davidson, he hasn't played for about 4 games. I believe one of his grandparents passed away. So rest in peace Davidson grandparent.

 

[Jonas_steven]

I have been asking why spruill is not on this team! He actually looked pretty good during his few appearances on the big stage. I don't care if it is in the bullpen or as a starter, he needs to be on this team! We practically fleeced the braves if spruill pans out!

 

[Desert Glory]

I have been asking why spruill is not on this team! He actually looked pretty good during his few appearances on the big stage. I don't care if it is in the bullpen or as a starter, he needs to be on this team! We practically fleeced the braves if spruill pans out!

I definitely remember you asking for them to call up Spruill for awhile now.

Honestly though, I don't really want him to get called up if we are going to use him as a reliever. I rather keep him in the minors, than have him come up and be forced to change his mentality from what he is used to as a starter. When / if they bring him up, I want him here only as a starter. He already got called up as a reliever once and he didn't show what he has been showing the minors. I know he only gave up 1 run in 4 appearances (4.1 IP), which is a 2.08 ERA, but he had trouble with his command. He gave up 4 hits and 3 walks which is a not impressive 1.62 WHIP.

I always felt taking a starter to the bullpen is never an easy transition and not every pitcher is cut out for that. Not everyone can Collmenter that shit!

I know Spruill isn't the name that everyone thinks of when they look at our future pitching rotation, but if you were projecting what our future rotation would be, there are 2 spots available that no one has really claimed. We know Corbin, Miley and Delgado will most likely be there, but after that its not so clear. Bradley would probably be a good bet for 1 spot, but he is still going to be a rookie, a superstar rookie but a rookie none the less. Skaggs has been a favorite to claim one of those spots as well, but he hasn't really produced even though he has electric stuff. And then theres Kennedy, McCarthy and Cahill who have all been under achieving. Spruill doesn't have the hype that Skaggs and other guys like Shipley have, but all that matters to me is if they produce.

 

[Jonas_steven]

I definitely remember you asking for them to call up Spruill for awhile now.

Honestly though, I don't really want him to get called up if we are going to use him as a reliever. I rather keep him in the minors, than have him come up and be forced to change his mentality from what he is used to as a starter. When / if they bring him up, I want him here only as a starter. He already got called up as a reliever once and he didn't show what he has been showing the minors. I know he only gave up 1 run in 4 appearances (4.1 IP), which is a 2.08 ERA, but he had trouble with his command. He gave up 4 hits and 3 walks which is a not impressive 1.62 WHIP.

I always felt taking a starter to the bullpen is never an easy transition and not every pitcher is cut out for that. Not everyone can Collmenter that shit!

I know Spruill isn't the name that everyone thinks of when they look at our future pitching rotation, but if you were projecting what our future rotation would be, there are 2 spots available that no one has really claimed. We know Corbin, Miley and Delgado will most likely be there, but after that its not so clear. Bradley would probably be a good bet for 1 spot, but he is still going to be a rookie, a superstar rookie but a rookie none the less. Skaggs has been a favorite to claim one of those spots as well, but he hasn't really produced even though he has electric stuff. And then theres Kennedy, McCarthy and Cahill who have all been under achieving. Spruill doesn't have the hype that Skaggs and other guys like Shipley have, but all that matters to me is if they produce.

There are very few pitchers on any MLB team that can come out like the Ferris wheel and consistently keep their team in the game until the offense comes alive. I don't care about big names or hype, I only care about production! If Joe Schmo can walk off the street and give me 12-15 wins or produce 30-40 saves, that is the guy I want on my team!

 

[Desert Glory]

Minors Update for 7/29/13 (Season stats in parentheses):

Reno

Matt Davidson had his first game in 5 days and it showed: 0-5, 1 K (372 AB, .290 BA, 16 HR, 64 RBI, 48 R)
Chris Owings: 2-5, 2 R, 1 K (464 AB, .347 BA, 12 HR, 67 RBI, 88 R, 16 SB)
Josh Wilson homered today too, so yeah.


Mobile

Nick Ahmed: 0-4, 1 K (360 AB, .225 BA, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 42 R, 17 SB)
David Holmberg: L, 7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 1 HR, 2 K (130.1 IP, 5-6, 2.90 ERA, 90 K, 1.19 WHIP)


South Bend

Brandon Drury: 3-4, 1 RBI (402 AB, .321 BA, 12 HR, 71 RBI, 50 R)
Michael Perez: 0-1, 1 K in a PH (179 AB, .228 BA, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 21 R)


Missoula

Stryker Trahan: 0-3, 3 BB, 2 R, 2 K (116 AB, .276 BA, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 26 R)
Jose Munoz: 2-4, 1 RBI, 2 R, 1 K (113 AB, .310 BA, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 18 R, 3 SB)