(Apr 16/2012)
There's a nice long list of pitching prospects scheduled to throw on this fine Monday, with one notable matchup going down in Buffalo, New York. I'll be in attendance to catch New York Mets RHP Jeurys Familia and Philadelphia Phillies RHP Austin Hyatt go head-to-head. They are two of the pitchers we're highlighting today, but take a look at the complete list below.
For today's complete Minor League schedule, visit this link to Milb.com.
Notable pitching prospects throwing today (4/16/12):
- RHP Jarred Cosart (Astros)
- RHP Joseph Gardner (Rockies)
- RHP Kyle Lotzkar (Reds)
- RHP Austin Hyatt (Phillies)
- RHP Jeurys Familia (Mets)
- LHP Christian Friedrich (Rockies)
- LHP Robbie Erlin (Padres)
- RHP Cory Mazzoni (Mets)
- LHP Grayson Garvin (Rays)
- RHP John Stilson (Blue Jays)
- RHP Felix Sterling (Indians)
- RHP Jimmy Nelson (Brewers)
- LHP Alex Burgos (Tigers)
- RHP Tyler Cloyd (Phillies)
- RHP Bobby Bundy (Orioles)
- RHP Jose Campos (Yankees)
- LHP Rudy Owens (Pirates)
- RHP Dellin Betances (Yankees)
- LHP Alex Torres (Rays)
- RHP Ethan Martin (Dodgers)
- RHP Trey McNutt (Cubs)
- LHP James Paxton (Mariners)
- LHP Martin Perez (Rangers)
- RHP Casey Kelly (Padres)
- RHP Zach Lee (Dodgers)
- RHP Jarrod Parker (Athletics)
- LHP Juan Oramas (Padres)
- LHP Chris Dwyer (Royals)
Mets RHP Jeurys Familia broke out in a big way in 2011. After returning to Class-A+ Port St. Lucie, Familia dominated through the first six starts of the season. He posted a 1.49 ERA while allowing oppposing hitters to bat just .171 against him. Promoted to Double-A Binghamton, he kept on rolling. Although he increased his strikeout rate, his outstanding ERA and opponents batting average from the Florida State League proved to be unsustainable but he still finished the season with very strong numbers. Over 23 starts, combined between the Class-A+ Florida State League and the Double-A Eastern League, Familia posted a 2.90 ERA and struck out 132 batters in 124 innings pitched. He's off to a strong start with Triple-A Buffalo as he recorded eight strikeouts in his last outing.
Phillies RHP Austin Hyatt is a favourite of mine that I've always had ranked higher on my Phillies prospect lists than most. The big knock on Hyatt is that he has always been old for his level. Now, while that may have been true, it's hard to argue with statistical succeess. Hyatt has had lots of success, as he's racked up the strikeouts over the past three minor league seasons. In the 359.2 innings he's thrown over the previous three seasons, Hyatt has struck out a whopping 441 batters. Despite the strong strikeout numbers, Hyatt records more outs in the air than he does via ground balls. That tendency wound up hurting him in 2011 as he allowed a career high 20 home runs. He's hit the ground running with Triple-A LeHigh Valley, posting two good starts to kick off the season. However, his control got away from him a bit in his last start, allowing four walks, so that will be something to keep an eye on today.
Watch Hyatt warm up during the 2011 Double-A Eastern League All-Star Game:
Cubs RHP Trey McNutt had a breakout season in 2010, posting outstanding numbers between the Class-A Midwest League and the Class-A+ Florida State League. However, his numbers took a hit once he reached Double-A at the end of that season. Although it was just three starts, McNutt stalled in a return to Double-A in 2011, and has yet to achieve success pitching above Class-A. There were some concerns about health last season, and McNutt pitched in the 2011 Arizona Fall League after the season in an attempt to make up for some lost innings, and to get a head start on the 2012 season. So far it appears to have benefitted the right-hander, as he's yet to allow a run in his first two Double-A starts of the season. He'll look to keep the ball rolling against Double-A Huntsville today.
Phillies RHP Tyler Cloyd has put up some impressive counting stats throughout his minor league career. However, his stock took a big jump last season as he returned to the rotation and saw a significant drop in his ERA. In a combined 31 games, 22 of them starts, between the Class-A+ Florida State League and the Double-A Eastern League, Cloyd pitched to a 9-4 record with a 2.77 ERA. He struck out 138 batters in 146 innings while allowing just 22 walks. Cloyd made an impressive spot start with Triple-A LeHigh Valley to open the season that has really garnered him some attention. He pitched six perfect innings, striking out eight batters before returning to Double-A Reading. His next start was impressive as well and he'll look to continue things against the Richmond Flying Squirrels today.
With all of the pitching talent that the Tampa Bay Rays have developed over the past five years, it seems like hardly anyone talks about. LHP Alex Torres. He was acquired by the Angels in the Scott Kazmir trade, and has slowly ascended the ranks of the minor league system ever since. He's been very consistent, recording roughly 150 innings pitched and 150 strikeout in each of the past three seasons while sustaining an ERA between 2.70 and 3.50. Last year may have been his best season yet, but despite pitching the entire year in Triple-A, he received only eight big league innings down the stretch. It's a good problem to have in Tampa Bay, as RHP Wade Davis has been bumped from the rotation to start the season to make room for top prospect LHP Matt Moore. It appears Torres may have to wait a while for his turn, so he's back in Triple-A to start the 2012 season. His best shot at sticking in Tampa in the short-term may be out of the bullpen, where his left-handed power arm would play well. Command is a concern, and may limit his effectiveness out of the bullpen.
Watch Rays LHP Alex Torres pitch to former Yankees C Jesus Montero during the 2011 Triple-A International League season:
For today's complete Minor League schedule, visit this link to Milb.com.
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