Box Score Recap – 6/13/2013

Box Score Recap

Maikel Franco strikes again. Homer #15. Brody Colvin with a respectable start for Reading after a stint in the bullpen post-injury. Severino Gonzalez, back in a bullpen role, struck out 5 of the 11 men he faced in three scoreless innings in relief of Ethan Stewart, who has walked 42 batters in his 38.1 IP this year. That’s…that’s not so good.

Florida State League All-Star Break is this weekend – there are a handful of Clearwater guys participating. I don’t see that MiLB.TV has the game. I guess it’s possible they add it between now and Saturday evening. Williamsport starts Monday. GCL, (Gulf Coast League, in case you’re new here), starts Friday.

Here’s the affiliate Scoreboard from MiLB.

http://www.milb.com/scoreboard/index.jsp?sid=milb&org=143&ymd=20130613

6-13-13 boxscores

138 thoughts on “Box Score Recap – 6/13/2013”

  1. Valle is starting to heat up a little with his bat. Of course he still isn’t walking enough.

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    1. I think it’s a case of Valle actually getting real playing time with Rupp in Lehigh. His value has been at an all time low. Hopefully he can start to gain some of it back.

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    1. I think he’s proving right now that he belongs in Reading. Nothing left to learn at A+ when you’re almost half way through the season and are 600/AB pace of 33 HR’s and 49 2B while K’ing at only 14%. He’s a man amongst boys.

      Btw, his last 43 games are even more impressive…. true “video game” numbers… (It’s something like a 1.1 OPS)

      Promote Franco!!!

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      1. I would add one other point, he’s doing this all while being 20 years old… that makes his results substantially more impressive. If he finishes the year at AA and continues to put up these numbers he’ll easily be a top 25 prospect IMO.

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        1. I dunno, it doesn’t seem like it really matters what his results are, Callis still won’t see him as top 50 because of his swing

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          1. And if that’s his evaluation, he would be entirely right. As we always hear, you can’t scout a box score. (Ask Julio Rodriguez.) It doesn’t sound like his evaluation is widely shared, though.

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            1. It also sounds as if changes were made to his swing recently. Hence it may no longer apply.

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            4. I am hopeful that is the case. I would imagine phillies maybe saw same thing. He is young enough and likely open to adjustments that will result in bigger payoff in end.

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      1. I believe that altherr is another santana type. power with ton of strikeouts. If he could cut down,. you would have something, plus being a toolsy type like altheer, it just might take him longer or the right hitting coach, to get him to make better contact. Look what joyner has done with brown, by little changes to his hands, and approach.

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        1. Except he hasn’t demonstrated that kind of power and he has a lower BB rate.

          Not to jump on you too hard roccom, but it isn’t a very good comp. At this point Altherr needs to cut down significantly on the Ks, and I do agree with you that there is reason to believe that he might do so. Even then, there is a question as to whether he will do enough other things well to be a real prospect. But I’ve cooled down on him as his Ks have risen. At one point I had him knocking on the top 10; now is is probably between 15 and 20. Dugan has certainly passed him.

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          1. Dugan is showing true prospect peripherals. 10.3 BB% is excellent, following 9.7 BB% from last season. 22.7% K rate isnt great but its 2% lower than last season at a higher level. The biggest thing is the jump in ISO as a .227 ISO is excellent for a corner outfielder. Really excited to see what he can do in Reading. If these numbers hold he’ll easily be in our top 10 by next season.

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            1. Agree completely.

              Not relevant to Dugan, but very relevant to Altherr, Exhibit #1000 supporting the proposition that a very high BABIP does indeed predict regression in BA.

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            2. Yeah I pretty much always mentally normalize stats to what they would be with a BABIP in the low .300s. Sometimes i give extra credit for speedy players and those with a really high LD %, which it seems Dugan is able to maintain.

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            3. I am still learning this stat BABIP but couldn’t this just be a case of Altherr hitting alot of hard hit balls that traditionally result in higher BABIP. His high SO would support this as its ‘all or nothing’ with his swing. You would expect more HR if he hits alot of hard hit balls but maybe he is more of gap hitter. What are your thoughts?

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            4. The website Minorleaguecentral keeps batted ball data, so that’s a good place to check out when you’re curious about a particular player.

              Altherr’s line drive % this year is his best so far- well above both his career rate and his rate from last season. So his raise in BABIP could be due partially to that. But there’s still no way that it accounts for it completely. His .409 BABIP is unsustainable, plain and simple. Nobody hits the ball hard often enough to do that.

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  6. You…. You got what I neeeeeed. But you say he’s Justin Friend but you say he’s Justin Friiiiiiiend

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    2. Hey. I Wrote that a couple of weeks ago. I thought it was funny then and im laughing again now !!!

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        1. the ‘net has many repeaters…even the NSA data mining computers experience problem logjams from all the old repetitive humor.

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  7. Franco and Dugan need to be moved to Reading especially Dugan to see if he is the future Phils RF with 1 yr @ Reading and 1 @ LV he would be 24 and be their possible starting RF . He needs to be tested at the higher level. Rube can’t believe Delvin Young is the future RF ?

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  8. ahhh the night of forgotten Prospects in Reading with Valle and Colvin.
    I wonder how the organization views the catching situation right now?
    Who knows the future for Joseph, Valle is still only in his 23 year old season, and Rupp has been rock solid since mid season last year.
    It doesnt seem like there is a high ceiling for Rupp but next season Rupp and Cooch combo?
    There shouldnt be any rush with Joseph even if he sits the rest of the season with the concussion issue.

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      1. Yeah ill believe that when he tweets a photo while holding todays newspaper .

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  9. Have any of their picks offically signed ? The Phillies web site ( under Roster ..Draft results ) does not list any signings ?

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    2. Lots of them have signed. Many of them are probably on the way to Williamsport as we speak, as there’s a media event tomorrow. Just that the club has yet to announce any of them officially. Check out the draft tracker page for the reported signings if you haven’t already.

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  10. SSS, but Severino Gonzalez’s 10.72/0.79 K/BB rate is filthy, particularly since he put up comparable splits in Venezuela the past two years. I keep waiting for a first-hand scouting report on what and how hard he throws, but have only heard vague answers. Someone help me out!

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    1. Been asking for weeks myself Mike. Would make the trip to Clearwater myself if I were certain he was pitching on a given day. His numbers are really sick – there has to be something there though I’m hoping that it’s something more than deception alone. Perhaps he’s a starter coming out of the All-Star break?

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    2. Certainly can’t help out with first hand accounts, but I would be shocked if his numbers aren’t the result of an advanced change up.

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      1. I would add he must have excellent movement with deception. His numbers suggest he almost unhittable but you would expect 93 mph and up with great stuff.

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    3. Report was out last week on SevGonza. Velo 88-89. Great curve. Julio Rodiguez but smaller frame.

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  11. I honestly don’t know if I’d trade Franco for Garin Cecchini at this point. Ceccini is in Law’s latest top 25, but Franco is 16 months younger, playing at the same level and has a lot more pop. Ceccini is very fast and walks more and is probably a better defender, but doesn’t have Franco’s pop, which is important for a corner infielder. What do you guys think?

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    1. Well, my answer is that the Phillies could have had them both. And then we wouldn’t need to worry about it. Not being sarcastic to you. It is a good question you raise. My sarcasm is directed at the Phillies.

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    2. 16 months is a huge huge difference when evaluating super star status. I’m going with Franco. That said, Cecchini has a higher floor because of that walk rate. If Franco maintained a 10-11% walk rate throughout the minors, there’s a good chance he’d be one of the top few players in the minors.

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    3. I like Franco but I think we need to tamper expectations a little on him. Expecting him to jump into the top 25 or even the top 50 this year is just too much I think. At least at this point. He should definitely make it into the 75 range though if his year continues like it is.

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      1. Also there really is no comparison when it comes to Cecchini and Franco. Cecchini currently has a 16% (!) walk rate and a 13% k rate. Franco has a 6.5% walk rate and a 14% k rate.

        Cecchini .351/.468/.541
        Franco .296/.342/.568

        Cecchini more than makes up for the age difference

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        1. His numbers are little more BABIP driven and he’s kinda old to be hanging out in High A. I think its very close between them.

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          1. I grant he does have a high BABIP, but if you show me those lines and say Cecchini is the better defender then I would probably predict Cecchini would have more future success. Asche was 22 in High A last year too. I’m sure Cecchini will be called up to AA soon.

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            1. Very high walk rates don’t necessarily guarantee success, look at Dustin Ackley for instance. Better power at a younger age is a great counter-argument for Franco.

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            2. It’s not just the walk rate, though for Cecchini. It’s the walk rate + hitting the ball well

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            3. I think you’re discounting his age far too much. Franco has significantly more projection remaining due to that age difference. If you’re talking about who the better baseball player is today, then perhaps I agree with your assessment, but if on the other hand you’re evaluating their value as a prospect, I think they’re indistinguishable in value.

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            4. Asche killed it AA . And gets no love and he takes walks and is fast . But he knock on him is no power . Kinda like ….um wait that guy some scout loves . It seems odd how some people get abused for the same thing some get praised for

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        2. I don’t know, their K rates are a push. The question is whether you prefer Cecchini’s walk rate advantage or Franco’s huge advantage in ISO. Without knowing much about Cecchini’s defense, I think it’s almost a push.

          Of course, there might be a reason scout’s like Cecchini better at this point that we’re not seeing statistically.

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        3. I agree that Cecchini has a higher floor, but I think his current slash line indicates he’s he’s not being challenged at his current level. 468 OBP? Move that kid up.

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        4. AA will be a big test for Ceccini, the pitchers there have much better control, we’ll see if his OBP skills remain this great there.

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      1. Really? baseball-reference or fangraphs has those kinds of details. But if you can’t get to them for some reason its the Red Sox.

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        1. Sorry I never heard of him and why is he even in this discussion ? are the Phillies tryting to trade for him ? Who cares about a guy in the Red Sox system . Lets talk about our prospects…..

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          3. If you don’t pay any attention or know anything about other farm systems and their better prospects how would you ever objectively know how good or bad the guys in your own system might be? It’s called benchmarking.

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          4. Dont sweat it dom . Some people are just more in the know when it comes to other farm systems .why they have to reply with smuggness is beyond all comprehension. after all we all root for the same teams here

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            1. SF Dan ….Thanks for having my back .you would think this guy Ceccini was the next Babe Ruth the way these guys rave about him . How many of the average viewers on this site even new who the hell he was ?

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            2. The thing is he was brought up as people said before as a way to compare our prospects to other teams prospects. Anyway when you don’t know who someone is or want to know who they play for you can use the good old Google. If it’s something a little more complicated like getting scouting reports then it’s perfectly reasonable to ask people. Anyway I will say nik probably got a little too dismissive with you but if you take it upon yourself to do a little Google work and use fangraphs or baseball reference you can get all sorts of good info as far as stats are concerned.

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            3. I not an expert but . The same things could be said about him . No speed. Blah blah. But nobody says he lacks the power of a traditional 3rd baseman . And it is yet to be determined if he can hit for average when he is overmatched . Im sorry but a young franco is proving that now . Sure he doesnt walk that much . But id rather rather an xbh

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    5. I wanna know why everyone values mike olt so much . Hes like 25 now and his best year came as a 24 year old in AA . Thats old for that level and he still struck out a bunch an didnt have a high average. And now hes in AAA oh my hes having a worse year than ruf . Sorry for being of subject . I m jusf saying its about time the so called experts take a look at my man FRANCO

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      1. I actually can’t answer your question, but I suspect people aren’t as high on him as they use to be.

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        1. Jon Mayo has Alt 2nd in 3rd basemen, behind Sano and right above Rendon. Go figure. Perhaps Jon Mayo has not updated his prospect status. His lists can be perplexing to say the least.

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            1. Even though the mid season thing how many 25 year old AA players get as much love as him and yet franco doesnt get any respect. I know im beating same old drum but …

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  12. From BP daily writeup:

    Position Prospect of the Day: Maikel Franco, 3B, Phillies (High-A Clearwater): 2-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, K. Franco impressed me this spring. He has the potential to be a middle-of-the-order bat. Some question his defensive ability, but scouts I have spoken with think that he will be able to stick at third without question; .342/.390/.711 with 2 2B and 4 HR in last 38 at-bats.

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    1. I’ve always heard his arm is plus, but this is very good to read. Obviously he shortened his swing, I’m hoping he’s improved his defensive range as well.

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    1. If he’s turned the corner in AA, they may as well send him up to AAA quickly (maybe after four of five more starts), since it could take him a while to figure out AAA as well. Let him get rocked at AAA this year, bring him back in the spring, he’ll falter, send him to the pen, bring him back to the rotation, he’ll be good, cup of coffee in the bigs in September, gets rocked, 2015 start him in the bigs, no good, send him to the bullpen, then back to the rotation. Rookie of the Year. Perennial All-Star Swingman.

      Yes, I’m joking. Good start last night, though. He’s still young enough to come back as a prospect – doesn’t turn 23 for two more months.

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  15. Carson Cistulli had this to say about Franco on the 5th and 12th. Nice to see Franco comped to highly regarded prospects, since these were written Franco has raised his wRC+ to 154. It also seems to me his strikeout rate has dropped a few % over the last couple weeks.

    Maikel Franco, 3B, Philadelphia (Profile)
    Though much less celebrated, Franco (a) is the same age as, (b) plays the same position as, (c) plays in the same exact league as, and (d) has posted nearly the exact regressed (although not park-adjusted) line as top-20 prospect Miguel Sano of the Twins. By way of illustration here are their defense-independent numbers, respectively. Sano: 229 PA, 13 HR, 27 BB, 58 K. And Franco: 234 PA, 11 HR, 15 BB, 32 K. Relative to Sano, Franco’s approach is more contacted-oriented, nor does he likely have Sano’s raw power. (And, in fact, upon further inspection, we find that Franco’s home park is of some benefit to right-handed power hitters, while Sano’s is decidedly not.) Still, he needn’t perform precisely like Miguel Sano to merit greater attention.

    Both isolating and regressing* their main offensive indicators (i.e. home runs, walks, and strikeouts), the 20-year-old Franco would appear to have produced the equivalent so far of a 137 wRC+ in the Florida State League, while Red Sox third-base prospect and 22-year-old Garin Cecchini would appear to have produced the equivalent of a 136 wRC+ in his High-A league, the Carolina League. Noted prospect analyst Keith Law recently added Cecchini to his top-25 prospect list. That Franco could approximate Cecchini’s offensive production at his age appears quite promising.

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  16. LarryM … you’ve been really really quiet on the Franco discussions lately, making me nervous… what’s your take?

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    1. Not much to add – I’m very excited about him. I agree a promotion to Reading is in order.

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        1. I’ll jump in here if you don’t mind my take; there’s no current reason Franco should leapfrog Biddle. For one, because the rankings of prospects are extremely variable and not necessarily indicative of value. But mostly because pitching is king. If Biddle had been putting up somewhat disappointing numbers or not showing progress this year while Franco is having the success he is currently entertaining, I could see why people would say that. But Biddle’s year has been great, and not just because his ERA stands just a shade over 3 (3.03), but because his peripherals are bordering on elite. It would be nice to see him reel in the control a little bit seeing as his BB/9 is sitting at a 4.3, but that’s not exactly a terrible number when his K/9 is 10.4 and his H/9 is 5.5. He’s also doing all of this in AA, the far greater challenge (especially for pitchers) at 21 years of age (just slightly a year older than Franco, so their trajectory is basically the same) as a LHP.

          Now while I acknowledge Jesse isn’t the next Hamels, but neither is Franco the next Rolen. The crux of the matter comes down to what you think each player reasonably accomplishes at the major league level. Jesse is currently in the process of cementing himself as a #3 starter, with a possibility for more, while Franco is probably an above average starter, maybe occasional All-Star. Jesse’s floor is higher being that he is a step closer to the majors, and his ceiling is possibly higher, too (the chance of Jesse becoming a #2 seems a tad more likely than Franco becoming a regular All-Star to me, but that’s merely conjecture). So while I would certainly agree that Franco is popping some eyes this year, I think maybe people are undervaluing Biddle’s performance. As to why that is, I’d point to the major league squad. We have good pitching in Hamels and Lee, but we are seriously hurting for some bats, so people are looking for a savior.

          All that being said, would I make much a fuss if someone said they like Franco more than Biddle? No, I can see the merits of taking a chance on a possible stud 3B when the position is so utterly barren these days. But when all is said and done, I think Biddle is likely to be a greater asset and bigger difference maker at the major league level, and when all is said and done isn’t that what prospects are all about?

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      1. That one is gonna hurt
        No matter ifits posted or not . He should be playing firsy next year for us

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  19. Franco left off BA’s Hot Sheet this week … I guess hitting 4 bombs isn’t impressive anymore.

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    2. Giving someone else a chance? I don’t know he’s been about as hot as anyone I would think.

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  20. Am I the only one who has been disappointed with Tommy Joseph. Since the trade, he was so-so at Reading, really didn’t do much in the AFL and Lehigh has been a question mark. I realize he is only 21, but I am starting to see red flags. Just wondering how long before Rupp is looked at as the next top catcher in the system.

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    2. I’ve been far cooler then just about anyone on this site with regards to TJ since the shortly after the trade. I was unable to find my older posts on here, but bottom line… I wasn’t very impressed with his results since 2011 when he was 19 in the CAL league. Looking more and more like a backup catcher, but still plenty of time for him. Was definitely a candidate to repeat AA but instead the Phillies wrongly moved him up probably due to major league need. At this point, he needs 600-1200 AAA AB’s before I consider moving him up to the majors. (1 1/2 to 2 1/2 years away from the show).

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      1. I’d add that even if it takes him 2 additional full years in the minors, he’d be a 24 year old major league call-up, fine for a catcher. My issue is his RC+ of 65 this year and general lack of walks.

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        1. Considering he missed all that time with a concussion, I’m totally giving him a pass for his 18 Hi-A plate appearances this year. His 72 plate appearances with an oddly low BABIP in AAA is nothing to freak out over either. He’s still only 21 years old and started the year, in AAA, as a catcher. I’m really not sure why so many people are worried about his performance.

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          1. For me it’s because I didn’t like his 2012 performance all that much either. That said, we’re on the same page with time, he’s got plenty of time to figure it all out.

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  21. With Dugan’s surge to prominence and once-again gained confidence, time for him to go back to switch-hitting again, which will only enhance his value in Ruben’s future package deals.

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  22. So I asked about Franco in the BA chat:

    nik (Philly): Why was Maikel Franco left off the list? 4 HR week with 3BBs and 3Ks.

    J.J. Cooper: He could have made it but the four home runs were pretty much his week. No other XBH.

    Weird explanation, They have a left fielder on the list with 4 2Bs and 1 HR. I guess they only care how many XBHs you hit.

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    1. I wouldn’t worry about it too much, I’m praying he keeps a low profile so the phillies can’t get much value from him in a trade 🙂 hehe…

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    2. I’m not one to particularly care about it but he basically said the equivalent of “no real reason”. As long as the thought process is a little deeper when it gets to ranking prospects then no harm.

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  23. Franco’s SLG is .711 in June with as much homeruns are he has had in april and may (5) in half the games. SEVEN. ELEVEN.

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  24. Since nobody else has the guts to say it. I will. as much as I love biddle. Maikel Franco is our new #1 prospect and its not close..

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    2. Not close, eh? Bold. What if Jesse Biddle strikes out 13 guys next time out?

      Look, the guy’s super hot right now, and good for him, and I think that he and Biddle are very close in my mind right now. 1a and 1b, and almost interchangable. Biddle still projects where he did before the year, and Franco, (to me anyway), still projects where he did. He looks more likely to get there than he did 3 months ago, and so his stock is fairly rising.

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  25. Mitch Walding with 1st HR of year. Lakewood explodes for 11 runs and Larry Greene goes 0 for 5 with 4 SOs. Really dude?

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  26. I think everyone is dismissing Asche this year.. He’s at .791 OPS after hitting his 7th bomb tonight. Combine that 15-20 HR power with improved defense and I’m getting exciting about the possibility that they trade Young and bring up Asche in August.

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    1. I remember reading an article this past offseason that had Dusty Wathan saying that Asche will hit between 20-30 home runs a year, and 35-45 doubles a year in the major leagues.

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      1. Seems like a bit of an exaggeration. Maybe in his best year he might manage that but averaging that? I don’t see it

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      2. Any public comments by Phillies Minor League instructors better be saying these prospects are going to be stars. Maybe enough publicity will make it true or increase their value in a trade. (I am really curious what the Phillies think of Gillies.)

        What topics the managers/coaches choose to discuss or depth of their discussion might mean a little be to me but I am sure they are not (and should) not give a full disclosure answer. That is why ‘independent’ reports are needed for true prospect evaluation.

        Having said all of that, the truth is predicting the future is hard for any evaluator so who knows how good they will become?

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        1. Wow, you really undervalue Asche! I remember Sickels saying that Utley would hit 15 home runs a year, and get 80 rbi a year.

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    2. It’s easy to overlook him with the way Franco is playing but I’ve been paying attention to Asche and he’s performing as well as I could hope. He probably does possibly deserve to play over Young at this point. It’s not like Young has set the bar high offensively this year and Asche would probably provide better defense. He should definitely see time with the big club at some point this season.

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      1. I was not as high as most on Asche and I agree he has down well at AAA. But I still see him as an average 3B in the majors. That is certainly better than a replacement level player, like Frandsen.
        Since prospects are unpredictable and M.Young is hitting quite well for the Phillies with proven track record. If the Phillies want to win this year I think M.Young gives them a better chance. If season goes under then start trading.

        I would expect Phillies call Asche up (need to clear 40man spot) in Sept to be a pinch hitter. I would plan on Asche as their 3B next season, in a platoon with Frandsen. Backup plan is likely Galvis. That would allow them to address their other gaping holes with more $$ to spend.

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        1. Young hasn’t been terrible with the bat but despite getting on base, it’s come with zero power and some of it is negated with his mess of double plays. It’s entirely possible for Asche to provide equal if not better value with the bat than Young has so far. I think unless this season really goes in the tank for Asche he will get a shot at 3rd next year

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        2. If Asche becomes an average major league 3B, that would be a good thing. We haven’t had an average 3B in quite a while. I don’t see 25-30 HR in the bigs for Asche, but 15 would be just fine, coupled with a good OBP. At a stretch, I wouldn’t be stunned if he hit 20 HR in his peak season.

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            2. Have to disagree there. The only thing comparable between the two may be in their ability to hit the ball over the fence at a modest rate. David Bell was a horrible OBP guy who had a below average hit tool and more GIDPs than Michael Young. While I don’t see a superstar in Asche necessarily, I sure hope he turns out to be more than David Bell.

              Then again, I think comparisons of young players to accomplished Pros is a ridiculous exercise to begin with.

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            3. HRs aren’t the only thing one looks for in a 3B. Asche won’t be a star. Most players aren’t. Converting a non-primo draft pick into an average MLB 3B is a big, big win. Seriously, how many guys has our farm produced in the last decade who can give you good defense and major league offense for their position? Don’t moan because the farm may be about to hit a double and you were looking for a HR, when we’ve all known there isn’t a HR coming from Asche. Solid major league starter is his ceiling. I’m fine with that. In fact, I’d be thrilled with that. There are very few guys on the farm who are high ceiling and probable enough that we should be even a tad disappointed if they become ‘only’ average major leaguers. I’d take that in an instant from Joseph, and Galvis, and Quinn, and even Franco. I know we’d all love to see that outcome from Ruf, if only for a couple of seasons at his peak. I confess to wanting more from Brown, but he’s been our only truly primo prospect in a long time. Franco could come close to that in ranking, but he’s not there yet.

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            4. Look, I’m not “moaning” but we just agree to disagree here.I think Asche has a higher ceiling than a solid regular. That’s just my opinion. You’re saying the same things about Asche, that many experts said about Utley when he was in the minors.

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            5. His ceiling, although likely not his most likely level, is a bit better than Bell, but not much. The Phillies liked Bell enough to pay him fairly big $$. Bell ran into injury issues as he hit his peak, but was a .760-.800 OPS guy at his best. Realistically, Asche is unlikely to be better than that. Of course Bell put up some awful years and wasn’t much above .700 OPS for his career.

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            6. “His ceiling, although likely not his most likely level, is a bit better than Bell”

              Is a bit better than Bell what exactly? Bell’s best season? His career average?

              Bell was altogether inconsistent from year to year and only a small portion of that inconsistency can be contributed to injury. You guys picked up a square peg to fit into a round hole and will be damned if you won’t make that square peg fit. It’s a silly comparison.

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  27. I thought Hewitt, if he played every day, had a chance to hit 20+ HR in Reading and steal 20+ bases but figured he’d still hit about .220 with .250 OBP and huge K numbers.
    Certainly his improved plate discipline is nice to see but the lack of power is an unfortunate negative for me. Hopefully, it comes back.

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  28. Hewitt is a slightly-overaged, poor defensive corner OF, who is putting up a .730 OPS in what is the best offensive season of his career. Sorry, but even if he can translate it to the bigs, it isn’t nearly enough for a poor-fielding corner OF. He has trouble being a solid reserve OF, because he can’t play CF and is a negative in the corners. His ceiling seems to be as a cheap, so-so hitting bat off the bench, who can play OF in an emergency. He’s about the defensive equivalent of Ruf, but with a lesser bat.

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    1. “His ceiling seems to be as a cheap, so-so hitting bat off the bench, who can play OF in an emergency.”

      Right – at AAA.

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      1. His ceiling, not what he is most likely to top out at, realistically is a 4th/5th OF bat off the bench in the bigs. He hasn’t worsened in performance as he has slowly moved up the ladder. With this year’s promotion to Reading, he is putting up the best numbers of his career. Can’t rule out that he can duplicate them and show a little more as he continues to slowly move up the ladder and still be young enough for a couple peak years as a fringe guy in the bigs. He certainly has more power than he has shown this year. He has shown it in past seasons.

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