2017 Minor League Thread

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

They moved him pretty quickly last year when he was dominating (9 starts and 49.1 IP at Mahoning Valley). How soon are you thinking he moves up assuming he keeps up his current play?

I'd imagine he's on pace to hit Akron in the second half of this year--and if he keeps being lights out, next year split between Akron and Columbus... he could be major league ready in two years.

Now, I doubt he keeps up this trajectory--he's bound to hit a wall at some point. But man, with our starting rotation already in place, Clevinger and McKenzie make me drool. That's ignoring all the AAAA guys like Plutko, Merritt, etc.

 

[BimboColesHair]

They moved him pretty quickly last year when he was dominating (9 starts and 49.1 IP at Mahoning Valley). How soon are you thinking he moves up assuming he keeps up his current play?

As Rafter man said, 2nd half. Indians always like letting their guys get recognized by their leagues before moving them up, especially the real young guys. So after the Carolina League All Star game we should start watching close.

But I think it's all but guaranteed, barring an injury, that he finishes the season in Akron. Biggest jump for pitchers is A+ to AA, so throw him in the fire and let him see what adjustments he has to make heading into his offseason.

Curious to see how he rises in rankings at the midpoint of the season. Been saying it for a few years, but he has a "top prospect in all of baseball" ceiling...and he continues to show why I believe that.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

As Rafter man said, 2nd half. Indians always like letting their guys get recognized by their leagues before moving them up, especially the real young guys. So after the Carolina League All Star game we should start watching close.

But I think it's all but guaranteed, barring an injury, that he finishes the season in Akron. Biggest jump for pitchers is A+ to AA, so throw him in the fire and let him see what adjustments he has to make heading into his offseason.

Curious to see how he rises in rankings at the midpoint of the season. Been saying it for a few years, but he has a "top prospect in all of baseball" ceiling...and he continues to show why I believe that.

So, I've never watched McKenzie pitch... but based off his build and his ability, would his ceiling look something like Johan Santana? Lefty, slight build, great control, great stuff, not going to blow you away with his fastball?

 

[Derek]

So, I've never watched McKenzie pitch... but based off his build and his ability, would his ceiling look something like Johan Santana? Lefty, slight build, great control, great stuff, not going to blow you away with his fastball?

I think you might be thinking of someone else. McKenzie is a 6'5" skinny righty.

 

[AZ_]

Natural power to center, the ball just jumps of Zimmer's bat:

 

[Derek]

Clippers dropped a 10 spot in the top of the 11th yesterday.

Zimmer went 2-5 and is slashing .273/.352/.509 for an .861 OPS

He has 10 doubles in 29 games so far

 

[BimboColesHair]

So, I've never watched McKenzie pitch... but based off his build and his ability, would his ceiling look something like Johan Santana? Lefty, slight build, great control, great stuff, not going to blow you away with his fastball?

You can't really compare him to anyone right now, because he has so much projection left. I'm sure he gives people right-handed Chris Sale vibes with his body type, but that would be a poor comparison on the entire pitcher.

Right now he is a smart pitcher who can command any pitch in any count, and is way advanced in the mental side of pitching. But his lack of size and strength shows later in games.

But he's a 6'5 string bean right now, and he's dominating. If his body catches up with his mind for pitching, I think it's a simple comp for him. Adam Wainwright. He'll never be as big, body wise, as Wainwright...but similar arsenal, pounds the zone, same hard to deal with high release point, and similar length which seems to make the ball appear right on top of you after he lets go of the pitch.

But he's still so much projection right now, which makes comps hard right now, because he is still pretty far away from being a finished project.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

I think you might be thinking of someone else. McKenzie is a 6'5" skinny righty.

Damn, I always thought for some reason he was a lefty and Hillman was a righty.

I'm just dead wrong

 

[Derek]

A couple notes from yesterday's minor league action:

Zimmer had his 3rd straight multi-hit game along with a SB to bring him to .281/.357/.509 with 8 steals in 11 attempts

Mike Papi went 2-4 yesterday to improve to .302/.414/.438 for the RubberDucks. Not nearly as many XBH as Zimmer, but the guy has a great approach at the plate, and draws a ton of walks.

 

[BimboColesHair]

A couple notes from yesterday's minor league action:

Zimmer had his 3rd straight multi-hit game along with a SB to bring him to .281/.357/.509 with 8 steals in 11 attempts

Mike Papi went 2-4 yesterday to improve to .302/.414/.438 for the RubberDucks. Not nearly as many XBH as Zimmer, but the guy has a great approach at the plate, and draws a ton of walks.

Another one tonight, including his 5th HR.

 

[DJTJ]

Big Head Zimmer makes met wet with excitement.

 

[Derek]

Zimmer went 2-4 today with his 11th double

 

[ajz20]

Zimmer went 2-4 today with his 11th double

Look forward to his updates on the regular tribe thread vs the minor league thread in June. What is the date that the contract no longer matters for service time?

 

[BimboColesHair]

Look forward to his updates on the regular tribe thread vs the minor league thread in June. What is the date that the contract no longer matters for service time?

We're past that date. Past that date the 2nd week of the season. So no contract issues to weigh on the decision right now. Think it's only a matter of time. Said before the year starts, but the 200 AB range is where I'd start paying attention (what they did with Lindor). At 126 right now. So in ~3 weeks I think we start to hear chatter. Wouldn't be shocked if he is added to the 40 man when Guyer comes off the DL and Robertson eats a DFA.

 

[Derek]

We're past that date. Past that date the 2nd week of the season. So no contract issues to weigh on the decision right now. Think it's only a matter of time. Said before the year starts, but the 200 AB range is where I'd start paying attention (what they did with Lindor). At 126 right now. So in ~3 weeks I think we start to hear chatter. Wouldn't be shocked if he is added to the 40 man when Guyer comes off the DL and Robertson eats a DFA.

Have to think if Almonte continues to struggle, it could be even sooner.