Some observations from the week ending 5/16:
'Tuga Topics:
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Tyler Callihan is starting to show his hit tool. He's also
really promising in some other peripherals. Four SBs so far auger either a high baseball IQ or (similar to Nick Senzel) underrated speed. 5 BBs to 3 Ks indicated he's not overmatched as at low A as a 20-year-old. 3 errors at 2B in 9 games is worrisome. Errors tend to happen in clumps, but there's been concern for Callihan's glove since he was scouted. Reminds me a bit of Gregg Jeffries.
- Austin Hendrick's recent hot streak augers well for his readiness in low A, but the BBs are a special blessing for guys who are OBP-focused. 9 BBs in 34 PAs is an absolute
ton. They help offset his 12 Ks. This is a bit, I'm hoping, of a small sample issue. The Ks are concerning, but the pop is as advertised and the walks are a good sign as well. So, ftr, are his two SBs. I'd love to see the Reds return to the late 80s power and speed skill set that produced pre-knee injury Kal Daniels, Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, and Paul O'Neill.
- Alex McGarry has only played in five games and has three HR. He's about right for a Votto replacement in terms of climbing the minor league ladder. Just a guy to keep an eye on. So far, he's probably the most successful of the offensive NDFAs signed last season. There will definitely be bargains among those guys throughout baseball. I'm hoping McGarry is one of them.
Dragon Droppings
- Brian Rey is challenging for the league Triple Crown 10 games into the season. How good has he been? As good as anyone in the league, obviously. Does that make him a prospect? Well, maybe. This is a hot streak, but Rey has a history of good power. He's apparently a capable CF and 2B with speed. That's also good. He's got to be able to hit .300+ to be a viable first division guy if his current BB rate (less than 5%) continues. That means he'd have to be Jean Segura offensively. That's a high bar, indeed.
- Lost in the Rey-naissance, Mariel Bautista is also showing out. His 2019 dimmed a bright beginning for the powerful-armed OF. In previous stops (and half-seasons), he'd shown a very good BA and some power and speed. He's on his way to showing that in 2021 once again. What's interesting is that he's not playing every day. Six games played may indicate Red brass aren't as sold on him as the numbers indicate.
Lookout Notices
- Alejo Lopez doesn't deserve to be in AA. He needs to be challenged (or traded). But the Reds have a glut of guys in AAA who happen to play middle infield. He's played 3B as well, but again, lots of guys in Louisville who play that spot. 2B might be the most stacked position among Red prospects. India and Senzel can play the spot at the major league level (as can Moustakas). Blandino and Farmer are also 2B-capable backups. Dayton has Rey (and Johnathan Willems). Daytona has the aforementioned Callihan, Gus Steiger, and eventually Ivan Johnson. Louisville has... Brantley Bell. And Erroll Robinson. And Michael De Leon. That logjam will eventually ease. At that point, it will be fascinating to see the musical chairs of promotion.
- Speaking of promotions, Jose Garcia deserves to be in Louisville, but Chattanooga might be a better place for his development. He plays around other (better) prospects, learns how to win (relatively speaking), and sees pitching nearly as good. I'd love to see his exit velocities. Currently, Garcia is leading his league in HR and RBI. How nice is that from a SS? I'd also like to see him tighten up his glove. (3rd error last night.) Many minor league errors are due to field conditions, poor lighting, and relatively poor 1B help, but Garcia needs to be elite, if only because I tire of arguing how relatively unimportant defense is at the major league level.
- Mark Kolozsvary is playing softball in a baseball league. He's come out of nowhere to hit well for two series. I do wonder if we'll see more of this type of prospect explosion after the missed season. I do wonder how many guys are going to get noticed because they were able to put in work on their swings for an entire year. It makes sense that catchers would benefit (and older prospects), as they're so often bogged down with all the minutiae of the pitching staff and defense work that they don't have as much time (or energy) to work. There are only so many hours in a day for catchers. (Well, for all of us.)
Bat Bombs
- The Bats are bad. That's undeniable. The pitching's been okay, though. Santillan, O'Brien, and Gutierrez are interesting enough. Takahashi is perfectly cromulent as a fourth starter. Alaniz, Carle, and Brach have shown out a bit. Phillip Diehl's okay too. But man, have their other guys been horrid. It's truly a tale of Jekyll and Hyde performances so far.