Re: Minor Matters
13576Velezquez with only his 2nd and 3rd hits of the season; they were also his 2nd and 3rd homeruns.
Re: Minor Matters
13577Saturday early game, Jose Devers elevated to leadoff his having a wonderful day; He's driven in all 4 Lake County runs with his 3rd homerun, his 2nd double and a pair of singles He's stolen his first 2 bases of the season.
Real solid start by Jackson Humphries: 4 innings, 1 hit, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts.
Real solid start by Jackson Humphries: 4 innings, 1 hit, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts.
Re: Minor Matters
13578
Guardians First Base Prospect Keeps Turning Heads In Double-A
April 11, 2025
By Andres Chavez
In the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft, the Cleveland Guardians took a rock-solid offensive player.
First baseman C.J. Kayfus has hit in every level he has played in: Single-A, High-A, and Double-A.
Last year, the slugger posted a solid 139 wRC+ and 10 home runs in 67 Double-A games.
However, since he struck out 28.2 percent of the time at the level, the team wanted him to bring that down before considering a call-up to Triple-A.
The minor league season is very, very young still, but Kayfus is off to a fantastic start and not only made huge gains in contact (in the first few games, at least), but he has also retained the power that separates him from the rest.
He had another amazing game on Thursday.
Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old (1B) prospect C.J. Kayfus reached base 3x tonight for Akron (1-2 2BB) against Altoona.“Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old (1B) prospect C.J. Kayfus reached base 3x tonight for Akron (1-2 2BB) against Altoona. He’s currently hitting .522 over his first six games of the season. 12-23 6R 2(2B) 1(3B) 1HR 7RBI 5BB. AVG .522, OBP .607, SLG .826, OPS 1.433,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
He's currently hitting .522 over his first six games of the season.
12-23 6R 2(2B) 1(3B) 1HR 7RBI 5BB
AVG .522
OBP .607
SLG .826
OPS 1.433
It’s only six games, sure, but if that’s any indication, he won’t be with the Akron RubberDucks for long.
Triple-A awaits if he can keep some of his contact gains for a few weeks.
Kayfus is highly regarded as a prospect, currently the eighth-best in the organization according to MLB Pipeline.
He won’t keep getting on base 60 percent of the time, no one does it over a full season.
However, the team does hope he can maintain the 14.4 percent strikeout rate he is currently running or something below the 20 percent mark.
He has been the talk of the RubberDucks to open the year, and for good reason.
<
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller
Democracy Dies In Darkness - WAPO
-- Bob Feller
Democracy Dies In Darkness - WAPO
Re: Minor Matters
13579Kayfus and Bazzana sat out yesterday, and Burgos failed to homer, but he hit a double and single.
Austin Peterson extended his scoreless streak to 9 innings, he walked none, struck out 4 and allowed 3hits in 5 innings Friday. He's issued no walks yet and fanned 8 in his first two starts. In half season in Akron last year he had 2.88 ERA, in 75 innings walked 15 struck out 72.
Austin Peterson extended his scoreless streak to 9 innings, he walked none, struck out 4 and allowed 3hits in 5 innings Friday. He's issued no walks yet and fanned 8 in his first two starts. In half season in Akron last year he had 2.88 ERA, in 75 innings walked 15 struck out 72.
Re: Minor Matters
13580
Guardians Underrated Prospect Throws Another Gem In Triple-A
April 11, 2025
By Andres Chavez
Most of the attention the Cleveland Guardians’ farm system gets goes to their impressive group of position players.
Travis Bazzana, Jason Chourio, Cooper Ingle, Angel Genao, C.J. Kayfus, and other hitters are highly regarded by prospect evaluators around the league, more so than the Guards’ pitchers.
Maybe the league should really start paying attention to left-hander Parker Messick because Cleveland might have a good one in him.
On Thursday, the southpaw tossed yet another gem in Triple-A to extend his excellent run of form.
Cleveland #Guardians 24yr old LHP prospect Parker Messick remains unscored upon on the season striking out eight Worcester batters tonight over five scoreless innings for Triple-A Columbus.“Cleveland #Guardians 24yr old LHP prospect Parker Messick remains unscored upon on the season striking out eight Worcester batters tonight over five scoreless innings for Triple-A Columbus. Line – 5.0(IP) 5H 0R 0ER 0BB 8SO (73 Pitches 50 Strikes). 2025 season: 9.0(IP) 8H 0R 0ER 2BB 10SO 0.00 ERA,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Line - 5.0(IP) 5H 0R 0ER 0BB 8SO
(73 Pitches 50 Strikes)
2025 season:
- 9.0(IP) 8H 0R 0ER 2BB 10SO 0.00 ERA
Guardians Underrated Prospect Throws Another Gem In Triple-A
Most of the attention the Cleveland Guardians’ farm system gets goes to their impressive group of position players.
Travis Bazzana, Jason Chourio, Cooper Ingle, Angel Genao, C.J. Kayfus, and other hitters are highly regarded by prospect evaluators around the league, more so than the Guards’ pitchers.
Maybe the league should really start paying attention to left-hander Parker Messick because Cleveland might have a good one in him.
On Thursday, the southpaw tossed yet another gem in Triple-A to extend his excellent run of form.
“Cleveland #Guardians 24yr old LHP prospect Parker Messick remains unscored upon on the season striking out eight Worcester batters tonight over five scoreless innings for Triple-A Columbus. Line – 5.0(IP) 5H 0R 0ER 0BB 8SO (73 Pitches 50 Strikes). 2025 season: 9.0(IP) 8H 0R 0ER 2BB 10SO 0.00 ERA,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Messick has yet to allow a run in nine innings of work in the hardest minor league level of all.
He doesn’t have huge velocity, sitting in the 92-93 mph range and topping out at 94 mph, but his fantastic changeup is a perfect complement to the heater and he rarely hurts himself by walking people.
On Thursday, Messick generated an incredible 18 whiffs, which is a strong indicator of future success because it means he can easily fool hitters and get swinging strikes.
Of those 18 whiffs, eight came on his changeup, six on the fastball, three on the curveball, and one on his cutter.
Man, this is an impressive start for Parker Messick.
18 whiffs, 8 on his changeup, 6 on the fastball. For only averaging 90-92 and topping out at 94, he had six whiffs and a z-contact % of 69%.
It's cold and hard to hit right now. But also not easy to feel for your pitches too
That right there is why Cleveland is so high on the lefty: he can get whiffs with virtually all his pitches, and that’s a manager’s dream.
Don’t be surprised if you see Messick in Cleveland in a few weeks.
<
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller
Democracy Dies In Darkness - WAPO
-- Bob Feller
Democracy Dies In Darkness - WAPO
Re: Minor Matters
13581Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/12/25
Next Year in Cleveland - Guardians Farm System Coverage
To: me · Sun, Apr 13 at 7:19 AM
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/12/25
Kafyus and Bazzana's start continue to stand out
Justin Lada
Apr 13
SCOREBOARD
Columbus Clippers at Worcester Red Sox (PPD, snow)
Akron RubberDucks 4, Altoona Curve 3
Lake County Captains 5, West Michigan Whitecaps 4
Kannapolis Cannonballers 16, Lynchburg Hillcats 11 (Game 1)
Lynchburg Hillcats 8, Kannapolis Cannonballers 2
HIGHLIGHTS
CJ Kayfus (LF, Akron): 1-2, 3B, BB, HBP SB - This was an all around interesting performance for Kayfus. He legged out a triple, drew another walk, even stole a base and manned left field. Kayfus was on base three times thanks to the hit, walk and hit by pitch. I’ve heard people who think Kayfus should be able to be “hidden” in left, but of course the question is when that would happen with Steven Kwan in Cleveland, and first base might be taken by Kyle Manzardo. Still, Kayfus is off to an interesting start and it will be interesting to see how his value rises.
Travis Bazzana (2B, Akron): 1-3, 3B, BB, RBI - Bazzana also legged out a triple and drew a walk. He did get beat down the middle by Pirates pitching prospect Anthony Solometo, after working a 2-0 count to start the game. His strikeout rate is still higher than it should be for someone with his contact skills because of his passivity, but that could improve in as he moves up and sees more pitches in the zone. At least it will need to.
Aaron Davenport (SP, Akron): 5IP, H, 5K - Davenport dazzled with 59 pitches in five innings with five strikeouts. The 24 year old is in his second year in Double-A so far and we know the Double-A ball (which is different from the Triple-A/MLB baseball) enhances spin. At some point we’ll need to see how he adjusts to Triple-A, but it’s crowded there right now and it seems like other arms are more a priority.
Jose Devers (SS, Lake County): 4-4, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB - There’s been some questions about Jose Devers occupying such high spots in the Captains lineup, so of course he comes up with two extra base hits including a homer. Devers can hit the ball hard on occasion when he makes contact and there’s defensive skills. He shows flashes on both sides of the ball with big days like this. He’ll just need to find more consistency.
Jackson Humphries (SP, Lake County): 4IP, H, BB, 6K - Humphries rebounded from a mixed start control-wise in his first outing to show better control in this one. He stayed around 92-93 and showed his big breaking ball.
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Jogly Garcia (SP, Lynchburg): 4IP, 2H, ER, BB, 9K - The 21 year old right hander had seven outings in Lynchburg last year that were…a struggle to say the least. This year he’s off to a much better start.
Tommy Hawke (LF, Lynchburg): 3-4, 3 SB, BB - Four times on base is an impressive feat even in a game where it was all offense and no pitching of game 1 of the Kannapolis/Lynchburg double-header. A bit surprising that Hawke is repeating Single-A given his college environment (Wake Forest) but Cleveland wants its players it values to get consistent playing time to work on the things they need to improve on and that’s where Hawke is at right now.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Jonah Advincula (LF, Lake County): 2-4, SB - Advincula has good defensive skills and contact skills, as well as speed. The bat might be a little light overall but he’s had some good moments in High-A last year and so far this year.
Jaison Chourio (CF, Lake County): 1-4, BB, CS - It’s nice to see Chourio get on base twice as he’s struggled to find success early in the season so far. It’s definitely the first time he’s ever had to play in frigid temps coming from Venezuela, then playing in the Dominican, Arizona and then Virginia last year. So hopefully as the weather heats up, Chourio’s bat will too. He chased a little more than I would have liked to see in my look at him on Friday.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
Yakiel Mijares (3B, Lynchburg): 2-3, 2 RBI - There haven’t been tons of great offensive performances in Lynchburg to start his year but Mijares has been one of the few bright spots, hitting over .300 for now.
Jose Pirela (RF, Lynchburg): 1-4, 3B, 3 RBI, 2K - I liked Pirela’s data a few years in complex ball (good power, K%/BB%, pull/FB%) but it didn’t carry a ton last year, which shows how unreliable data is at those levels. He’s not off to a great start this year but I am curious to see if the skills are there.
Yanki Jean-Baptiste (1B, Lynchburg): 1-3, 2 RBI, 2BB - Baptiste was thought to have a good hit tool when he signed (at least contact skills, which doesn’t always mean good hit, because impact and approach all factor in) and I’m looking to see Baptiste improve that with more performances like this one.
Logan McGuire (RP, Lynchburg): IP, 8H, 11ER, BB, K - McGuire makes the ‘notable Performances’ for the wrong reason. After Rafe Schlesinger started and allowed three hits and two walks in the fourth inning without getting an out, a pair of errors befouled McGuire in trying to finish the fourth inning. McGuire came out for the fifth and allowed eight hits and a walk, through at least two of those hits might have been errors or just poor defensive skills on some batted balls, so it’s not all McGuire. And that’s something you have to be careful about in the minors with pitchers is that sometimes defense impacts their stats and line as it could in the minors, but we look at lines in the minors as something that shows actual player talent, when there are other factors that influence outcomes and stats. This is one of those cases for McGuire. He certainly didn’t pitch great, but his line being out of hand is hurt by errors and defense as well.
Welbyn Francisca (SS, Lynchburg): 2-4, RBI - Francisca has seen more positive results in recent days which isn’t unexpected as the talent is too good not to succeed at this level. It’s the upper levels we’ll see where his approach succeeds or not.
Jeffrey Mercedes (2B, Lynchburg): 2-3, 2 RBI, SB - The 20 year old switch hitting infielder is also off to a good start so far this year though he’s played just four games so far above the complex levels after three years.
Donovan Zsak (RP, Lynchburg): IP, BB, K - Zsak had a much better outing here after things went disasterous last time out.
Next Year in Cleveland - Guardians Farm System Coverage
To: me · Sun, Apr 13 at 7:19 AM
Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/12/25
Kafyus and Bazzana's start continue to stand out
Justin Lada
Apr 13
SCOREBOARD
Columbus Clippers at Worcester Red Sox (PPD, snow)
Akron RubberDucks 4, Altoona Curve 3
Lake County Captains 5, West Michigan Whitecaps 4
Kannapolis Cannonballers 16, Lynchburg Hillcats 11 (Game 1)
Lynchburg Hillcats 8, Kannapolis Cannonballers 2
HIGHLIGHTS
CJ Kayfus (LF, Akron): 1-2, 3B, BB, HBP SB - This was an all around interesting performance for Kayfus. He legged out a triple, drew another walk, even stole a base and manned left field. Kayfus was on base three times thanks to the hit, walk and hit by pitch. I’ve heard people who think Kayfus should be able to be “hidden” in left, but of course the question is when that would happen with Steven Kwan in Cleveland, and first base might be taken by Kyle Manzardo. Still, Kayfus is off to an interesting start and it will be interesting to see how his value rises.
Travis Bazzana (2B, Akron): 1-3, 3B, BB, RBI - Bazzana also legged out a triple and drew a walk. He did get beat down the middle by Pirates pitching prospect Anthony Solometo, after working a 2-0 count to start the game. His strikeout rate is still higher than it should be for someone with his contact skills because of his passivity, but that could improve in as he moves up and sees more pitches in the zone. At least it will need to.
Aaron Davenport (SP, Akron): 5IP, H, 5K - Davenport dazzled with 59 pitches in five innings with five strikeouts. The 24 year old is in his second year in Double-A so far and we know the Double-A ball (which is different from the Triple-A/MLB baseball) enhances spin. At some point we’ll need to see how he adjusts to Triple-A, but it’s crowded there right now and it seems like other arms are more a priority.
Jose Devers (SS, Lake County): 4-4, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB - There’s been some questions about Jose Devers occupying such high spots in the Captains lineup, so of course he comes up with two extra base hits including a homer. Devers can hit the ball hard on occasion when he makes contact and there’s defensive skills. He shows flashes on both sides of the ball with big days like this. He’ll just need to find more consistency.
Jackson Humphries (SP, Lake County): 4IP, H, BB, 6K - Humphries rebounded from a mixed start control-wise in his first outing to show better control in this one. He stayed around 92-93 and showed his big breaking ball.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
Jogly Garcia (SP, Lynchburg): 4IP, 2H, ER, BB, 9K - The 21 year old right hander had seven outings in Lynchburg last year that were…a struggle to say the least. This year he’s off to a much better start.
Tommy Hawke (LF, Lynchburg): 3-4, 3 SB, BB - Four times on base is an impressive feat even in a game where it was all offense and no pitching of game 1 of the Kannapolis/Lynchburg double-header. A bit surprising that Hawke is repeating Single-A given his college environment (Wake Forest) but Cleveland wants its players it values to get consistent playing time to work on the things they need to improve on and that’s where Hawke is at right now.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Jonah Advincula (LF, Lake County): 2-4, SB - Advincula has good defensive skills and contact skills, as well as speed. The bat might be a little light overall but he’s had some good moments in High-A last year and so far this year.
Jaison Chourio (CF, Lake County): 1-4, BB, CS - It’s nice to see Chourio get on base twice as he’s struggled to find success early in the season so far. It’s definitely the first time he’s ever had to play in frigid temps coming from Venezuela, then playing in the Dominican, Arizona and then Virginia last year. So hopefully as the weather heats up, Chourio’s bat will too. He chased a little more than I would have liked to see in my look at him on Friday.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
Yakiel Mijares (3B, Lynchburg): 2-3, 2 RBI - There haven’t been tons of great offensive performances in Lynchburg to start his year but Mijares has been one of the few bright spots, hitting over .300 for now.
Jose Pirela (RF, Lynchburg): 1-4, 3B, 3 RBI, 2K - I liked Pirela’s data a few years in complex ball (good power, K%/BB%, pull/FB%) but it didn’t carry a ton last year, which shows how unreliable data is at those levels. He’s not off to a great start this year but I am curious to see if the skills are there.
Yanki Jean-Baptiste (1B, Lynchburg): 1-3, 2 RBI, 2BB - Baptiste was thought to have a good hit tool when he signed (at least contact skills, which doesn’t always mean good hit, because impact and approach all factor in) and I’m looking to see Baptiste improve that with more performances like this one.
Logan McGuire (RP, Lynchburg): IP, 8H, 11ER, BB, K - McGuire makes the ‘notable Performances’ for the wrong reason. After Rafe Schlesinger started and allowed three hits and two walks in the fourth inning without getting an out, a pair of errors befouled McGuire in trying to finish the fourth inning. McGuire came out for the fifth and allowed eight hits and a walk, through at least two of those hits might have been errors or just poor defensive skills on some batted balls, so it’s not all McGuire. And that’s something you have to be careful about in the minors with pitchers is that sometimes defense impacts their stats and line as it could in the minors, but we look at lines in the minors as something that shows actual player talent, when there are other factors that influence outcomes and stats. This is one of those cases for McGuire. He certainly didn’t pitch great, but his line being out of hand is hurt by errors and defense as well.
Welbyn Francisca (SS, Lynchburg): 2-4, RBI - Francisca has seen more positive results in recent days which isn’t unexpected as the talent is too good not to succeed at this level. It’s the upper levels we’ll see where his approach succeeds or not.
Jeffrey Mercedes (2B, Lynchburg): 2-3, 2 RBI, SB - The 20 year old switch hitting infielder is also off to a good start so far this year though he’s played just four games so far above the complex levels after three years.
Donovan Zsak (RP, Lynchburg): IP, BB, K - Zsak had a much better outing here after things went disasterous last time out.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Minor Matters
13582Messick in AAA, Peterson in AA have been very impressive in their first couple of starts. Middle or back of the rotation ceilings, but starting depth is vital
Re: Minor Matters
13583Sunday afternoon games:
Clippers, now 9-4 after an 8-5 loss.
On the mound, Velazquez 4 innings 3 runs 4 walks 3 hits
Webb 3 innngs 4 runs 5 hits 1 walk
Walters 1 inning, 1 run 2 hits 1 walk 2 strikeouts
At bat: Brito 2nd HR and sac fly for 2 rbi. Huff 2 hits, 261; Brennan 2 hits, 315; JRod 1-4 with 2K; that makes him 2-12 with 8 strikeouts--- aiming to be DFA'd?
Wilson 3 walks
Akron [7-2 record] with another 13-1 win,
Bazzana 3B, single, 2 walks [344/1118]. Kayfus triple, 2 singles [516/1476]; Mooney double triple, single, 2 steals; Frias single, double, homer; Lampe 2 singles 2 walks
Magnus Ellerts in relief: 2 innings, 6K, 2 hits, no runs or walks.
Lake County [6-3 record] after an 8-4 win.
Velazquez with his 4th homer and his first single of the year; C Tincher 3 hits; C Cozart 2 hits; OF Gonzalez 2 hits
Lynchburg about ready to slip to 4-5, trailing in the 9th inning. C Bennett Thompson 2 hits [400/1038]; Francisca 2 walks [160/523]
Zibin 2 1/3 3 runs 3 walks 2 hits 2 strikeouts
FWIW, the 4 minor league teams are a combined 26-14 after a couple weeks of success.
Clippers, now 9-4 after an 8-5 loss.
On the mound, Velazquez 4 innings 3 runs 4 walks 3 hits
Webb 3 innngs 4 runs 5 hits 1 walk
Walters 1 inning, 1 run 2 hits 1 walk 2 strikeouts
At bat: Brito 2nd HR and sac fly for 2 rbi. Huff 2 hits, 261; Brennan 2 hits, 315; JRod 1-4 with 2K; that makes him 2-12 with 8 strikeouts--- aiming to be DFA'd?
Wilson 3 walks
Akron [7-2 record] with another 13-1 win,
Bazzana 3B, single, 2 walks [344/1118]. Kayfus triple, 2 singles [516/1476]; Mooney double triple, single, 2 steals; Frias single, double, homer; Lampe 2 singles 2 walks
Magnus Ellerts in relief: 2 innings, 6K, 2 hits, no runs or walks.
Lake County [6-3 record] after an 8-4 win.
Velazquez with his 4th homer and his first single of the year; C Tincher 3 hits; C Cozart 2 hits; OF Gonzalez 2 hits
Lynchburg about ready to slip to 4-5, trailing in the 9th inning. C Bennett Thompson 2 hits [400/1038]; Francisca 2 walks [160/523]
Zibin 2 1/3 3 runs 3 walks 2 hits 2 strikeouts
FWIW, the 4 minor league teams are a combined 26-14 after a couple weeks of success.
Re: Minor Matters
13584Stats leaders:
Burgos still tops the EL with 4 homers 12 RBI and 897 SLG and second to CJ with a 1329 OPS
Kayfus still tops the EL with his 516 average; 16 hits; and with 605 OnBase%; and his 1476 OPS; and 2nd with 871 SLG
Bazzana leads with 9 runs scored
Bazzana and Kayfus are the only 2 with 3 triples
Velazquez' 4 homers lead the Midwest League
Hawke tied for carolina League lead with 8 runs; second with 8 steals;
Burgos still tops the EL with 4 homers 12 RBI and 897 SLG and second to CJ with a 1329 OPS
Kayfus still tops the EL with his 516 average; 16 hits; and with 605 OnBase%; and his 1476 OPS; and 2nd with 871 SLG
Bazzana leads with 9 runs scored
Bazzana and Kayfus are the only 2 with 3 triples
Velazquez' 4 homers lead the Midwest League
Hawke tied for carolina League lead with 8 runs; second with 8 steals;
Re: Minor Matters
13585Just watched the Ducks game free on MiLB. Very impressive performance today.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller
Democracy Dies In Darkness - WAPO
-- Bob Feller
Democracy Dies In Darkness - WAPO
Re: Minor Matters
13587BA's Weekly Hot Sheet
Obviously includes:
3. C.J. Kayfus, 1B, Guardians
Team: Double-A Akron (Eastern)
Age: 23
Why He’s Here: .556/.652/1.000 (10-for-18), 6 R, 1 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 4 BB, 4 SO, 1 SB, 1 CS
The Scoop: Triples are one of the most exciting and rarest plays in baseball. There are 15 MiLB teams who have yet to hit a triple this season and another 38 who have hit just one. But here’s Kayfus, who has never been described as a speedster, sporting three triples in just eight games. Only 25 MiLB teams have hit more triples than Kayfus. The chances of Kayfus leading the minors in triples still seems pretty slim, but the chances he could lead the minors in batting average is higher. He’s a career .303 MiLB hitter and he’s off to a sensational start with a .516/.605/.871 line. (JJ)
[N.B. Travis Bazzana also has 3 triples!]
Had to pay high for Lane Thomas
10. Alex Clemmey, LHP, Nationals
Team: High-A Wilmington (South Atlantic)
Age: 19
Why He’s Here: 0-0, 0.00, 5IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 10 SO, 0 HR
The Scoop: There’s little question that Clemmey has the stuff to dominate. Whether he can put it in the strike zone often enough, however, remains uncertain. In his second start of the season, he produced strikes in great quality and quantity. His strike rate for the day was 61.4%, about 1.4% higher than the clip he produced in 2024. The 10 strikeouts he racked up was a career
Obviously includes:
3. C.J. Kayfus, 1B, Guardians
Team: Double-A Akron (Eastern)
Age: 23
Why He’s Here: .556/.652/1.000 (10-for-18), 6 R, 1 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 4 BB, 4 SO, 1 SB, 1 CS
The Scoop: Triples are one of the most exciting and rarest plays in baseball. There are 15 MiLB teams who have yet to hit a triple this season and another 38 who have hit just one. But here’s Kayfus, who has never been described as a speedster, sporting three triples in just eight games. Only 25 MiLB teams have hit more triples than Kayfus. The chances of Kayfus leading the minors in triples still seems pretty slim, but the chances he could lead the minors in batting average is higher. He’s a career .303 MiLB hitter and he’s off to a sensational start with a .516/.605/.871 line. (JJ)
[N.B. Travis Bazzana also has 3 triples!]
Had to pay high for Lane Thomas
10. Alex Clemmey, LHP, Nationals
Team: High-A Wilmington (South Atlantic)
Age: 19
Why He’s Here: 0-0, 0.00, 5IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 10 SO, 0 HR
The Scoop: There’s little question that Clemmey has the stuff to dominate. Whether he can put it in the strike zone often enough, however, remains uncertain. In his second start of the season, he produced strikes in great quality and quantity. His strike rate for the day was 61.4%, about 1.4% higher than the clip he produced in 2024. The 10 strikeouts he racked up was a career
Re: Minor Matters
13588Today's BA featured players for Sunday games include:
Travis Bazzana, 2B, Guardians: Bazzana went 2-for-4 with his third triple in the past four games on Sunday for Double-A Akron. That odd run of triples means that Bazzana is tied with teammate C.J. Kayfus and Rochester's Drew Millas for the MiLB lead with three triples. No MLB hitter has more than two despite having played a bit longer this season. Bazzana's Sunday triple was a pretty straightforward one. He ripped a ball into the right field corner and sped out of the box. His triples on Thursdays and Saturday relied in part on outfielders' unsuccessful dives.
Travis Bazzana, 2B, Guardians: Bazzana went 2-for-4 with his third triple in the past four games on Sunday for Double-A Akron. That odd run of triples means that Bazzana is tied with teammate C.J. Kayfus and Rochester's Drew Millas for the MiLB lead with three triples. No MLB hitter has more than two despite having played a bit longer this season. Bazzana's Sunday triple was a pretty straightforward one. He ripped a ball into the right field corner and sped out of the box. His triples on Thursdays and Saturday relied in part on outfielders' unsuccessful dives.
Re: Minor Matters
13589Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/13/25
Next Year in Cleveland - Guardians Farm System Coverage
To: me · Mon, Apr 14 at 5:42 AM
Message Body
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Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/13/25
The Akron Offense Puts on a Show Again; Lake County Doubles West Michigan in Series Finale
Matthew Kennell
Apr 14
READ IN APP
SCOREBOARD:
Worcester Red Sox 8, Columbus Clippers 5 (Statcast)
Akron RubberDucks 13, Altoona Curve 1
Lake County Captains 8, West Michigan Whitecaps 4
Kannapolis Cannonballers 8, Lynchburg Hillcats 7
HIGHLIGHTS:
Dayan Frias (SS, Akron): 3-for-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBIs, DP - Frias anchored an offense that once again torched the Altoona pitching staff for the second 13-1 game in the series. His three-hit day featured 75% of the cycle and the Ducks only homerun of the day. This marks the first three-hit game of the season for Frias with his first homerun of the year.
Alex Mooney (3B, Akron): 3-for-4, 2 R, 2B, 3B, 3 RBIs, BB, SB - The 22-year-old entered the game with one hit in 21 at-bats but quadrupled his season total with a three-hit day on Sunday. Mooney tied with Frias for the team lead with three RBIs in the game. He also showed off the legs with his second stolen base of the season.
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Travis Bazzana (2B, Akron): 2-for-4, 2 R, 3B, 2 RBIs, 2 BBs, DP - Bazzana has unlocked triples alley inside Canal Park with his third triple of the series against Altoona on Sunday. The number one overall pick reached base four times with a pair of walks as well. Bazzana is one of four players in the Eastern League with an OPS above 1.100 (1.118).
Joe Lampe (LF, Akron): 2-for-4, 3 R, RBI, 2 BBs - Lampe was able to reach base four times as well with two hits and two walks. His traffic on the basepaths resulted in a team-high three runs scored. He has come around to score six times this season already despite a .179 batting average and .368 on-base percentage.
CJ Kayfus (1B, Akron): 3-for-6, R, 3B, DP - Almost lost in the midst of an offensive outburst was a three-hit day from Kayfus. His 1.476 OPS leads the Eastern League and he notched his third triple of the season, a statistic I did not expect him to league the league in along with his teammate Bazzana.
Johnny Tincher (DH, Lake County): 3-for-4, R, 2B, 3 RBIs - The former Washington University Husky led the Captains with three hits and three RBIs in the series finale against West Michigan. He was able to squeak a single up the middle with the bases loaded to score two runs and plated the game-tying run in the midst of a six-run bottom of the seventh inning to secure the victory.
Bennett Thompson (C, Lynchburg): 3-for-4, 3 RBIs, BB - Thompson has now hit safely in all six games this season and this was his top performance thus far with three singles and a walk to reach base four times. His walk came with the bases loaded to score one and he had a two-run single to draw the Hillcats to within one in the ninth.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
Juan Brito (1B, Columbus): 1-for-3, R, HR, 2 RBIs, SF, DP - Brito had the lone extra-base hit of the game for the Clippers in the series finale with his second homerun of the young season. The 23-year-old launched the ball with an exit velocity of 107.3 mph and tied the game at one in the fourth inning. He added an additional RBI on a sacrifice fly in the fifth. Brito has now reached base safely in nine consecutive games after he did so in all five games played in Worchester.
Kody Huff (C, Columbus): 2-for-3, RBI, BB, DP - Huff reached base three times in the loss and gave the Clippers the lead in the top of the eighth with an RBI single to left field. His single in the fourth inning was tracked at nearly 104 mph off the bat.
Magnus Ellerts (RP, Akron): W (1-0), 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, 6 Ks - Ellerts pitched the fourth and fifth innings for the RubberDucks and shut down the opponents with all six of his outs on strikes. He did allow his inherited runner to score, but settled in for six straight punchouts.
Jack Jasiak (RP, Lake County): W (2-0), 2.2 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 3 Ks - Jasiak had a great long relief appearance for the Captains and was able to lock up the victory in the closing innings. He entered in the seventh and left the inherited runner stranded and then worked around a lead-off single in the eighth and two-out walk in the ninth.
Ralphy Velasquez (1B, Lake County): 2-for-5, 2 R, HR, RBI - Velasquez has five hits this season, four of them have left the yard, including one in the Sunday finale. Make it back-to-back days with multiple hits for the 19-year-old.
Christian Knapczyk (2B, Lake County): 2-for-3, R, RBI, BB - Knapczyk has driven in at least one run in each of his last three games with a hustle single on the right side of the infield. That hit gave Lake County the lead in the seventh and he reached base three times in total on Sunday with two hits and a walk.
Jacob Cozart (C, Lake County): 2-for-4, 2 R, BB - Cozart would do the same with a pair of hits and a walk. After struggling in the series, these were his first hits against West Michigan (four games this series).
Garrett Howe (SS, Lynchburg): 2-for-5, 2 RBIs, GIDP, CS - Howe was responsible for three runs that scored for Lynchburg, however he grounded into a double play on one of his opportunities with runners in scoring position. He made the most of his chance in the seventh with a two-run single.
Welbyn Francisca (DH, Lynchburg): 0-for-2, 3 R, 3 BBs - The 18-year-old failed to record a hit, but his presence on the basepaths with three walks was key as all three times he came around to score.
Sean Matson (RP, Lynchburg): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, 2 Ks - The Harvard University product retired all five batters he faced on Sunday with a pair of strikeouts.
Next Year in Cleveland - Guardians Farm System Coverage
To: me · Mon, Apr 14 at 5:42 AM
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Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/13/25
The Akron Offense Puts on a Show Again; Lake County Doubles West Michigan in Series Finale
Matthew Kennell
Apr 14
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SCOREBOARD:
Worcester Red Sox 8, Columbus Clippers 5 (Statcast)
Akron RubberDucks 13, Altoona Curve 1
Lake County Captains 8, West Michigan Whitecaps 4
Kannapolis Cannonballers 8, Lynchburg Hillcats 7
HIGHLIGHTS:
Dayan Frias (SS, Akron): 3-for-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBIs, DP - Frias anchored an offense that once again torched the Altoona pitching staff for the second 13-1 game in the series. His three-hit day featured 75% of the cycle and the Ducks only homerun of the day. This marks the first three-hit game of the season for Frias with his first homerun of the year.
Alex Mooney (3B, Akron): 3-for-4, 2 R, 2B, 3B, 3 RBIs, BB, SB - The 22-year-old entered the game with one hit in 21 at-bats but quadrupled his season total with a three-hit day on Sunday. Mooney tied with Frias for the team lead with three RBIs in the game. He also showed off the legs with his second stolen base of the season.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
Travis Bazzana (2B, Akron): 2-for-4, 2 R, 3B, 2 RBIs, 2 BBs, DP - Bazzana has unlocked triples alley inside Canal Park with his third triple of the series against Altoona on Sunday. The number one overall pick reached base four times with a pair of walks as well. Bazzana is one of four players in the Eastern League with an OPS above 1.100 (1.118).
Joe Lampe (LF, Akron): 2-for-4, 3 R, RBI, 2 BBs - Lampe was able to reach base four times as well with two hits and two walks. His traffic on the basepaths resulted in a team-high three runs scored. He has come around to score six times this season already despite a .179 batting average and .368 on-base percentage.
CJ Kayfus (1B, Akron): 3-for-6, R, 3B, DP - Almost lost in the midst of an offensive outburst was a three-hit day from Kayfus. His 1.476 OPS leads the Eastern League and he notched his third triple of the season, a statistic I did not expect him to league the league in along with his teammate Bazzana.
Johnny Tincher (DH, Lake County): 3-for-4, R, 2B, 3 RBIs - The former Washington University Husky led the Captains with three hits and three RBIs in the series finale against West Michigan. He was able to squeak a single up the middle with the bases loaded to score two runs and plated the game-tying run in the midst of a six-run bottom of the seventh inning to secure the victory.
Bennett Thompson (C, Lynchburg): 3-for-4, 3 RBIs, BB - Thompson has now hit safely in all six games this season and this was his top performance thus far with three singles and a walk to reach base four times. His walk came with the bases loaded to score one and he had a two-run single to draw the Hillcats to within one in the ninth.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
Juan Brito (1B, Columbus): 1-for-3, R, HR, 2 RBIs, SF, DP - Brito had the lone extra-base hit of the game for the Clippers in the series finale with his second homerun of the young season. The 23-year-old launched the ball with an exit velocity of 107.3 mph and tied the game at one in the fourth inning. He added an additional RBI on a sacrifice fly in the fifth. Brito has now reached base safely in nine consecutive games after he did so in all five games played in Worchester.
Kody Huff (C, Columbus): 2-for-3, RBI, BB, DP - Huff reached base three times in the loss and gave the Clippers the lead in the top of the eighth with an RBI single to left field. His single in the fourth inning was tracked at nearly 104 mph off the bat.
Magnus Ellerts (RP, Akron): W (1-0), 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, 6 Ks - Ellerts pitched the fourth and fifth innings for the RubberDucks and shut down the opponents with all six of his outs on strikes. He did allow his inherited runner to score, but settled in for six straight punchouts.
Jack Jasiak (RP, Lake County): W (2-0), 2.2 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 3 Ks - Jasiak had a great long relief appearance for the Captains and was able to lock up the victory in the closing innings. He entered in the seventh and left the inherited runner stranded and then worked around a lead-off single in the eighth and two-out walk in the ninth.
Ralphy Velasquez (1B, Lake County): 2-for-5, 2 R, HR, RBI - Velasquez has five hits this season, four of them have left the yard, including one in the Sunday finale. Make it back-to-back days with multiple hits for the 19-year-old.
Christian Knapczyk (2B, Lake County): 2-for-3, R, RBI, BB - Knapczyk has driven in at least one run in each of his last three games with a hustle single on the right side of the infield. That hit gave Lake County the lead in the seventh and he reached base three times in total on Sunday with two hits and a walk.
Jacob Cozart (C, Lake County): 2-for-4, 2 R, BB - Cozart would do the same with a pair of hits and a walk. After struggling in the series, these were his first hits against West Michigan (four games this series).
Garrett Howe (SS, Lynchburg): 2-for-5, 2 RBIs, GIDP, CS - Howe was responsible for three runs that scored for Lynchburg, however he grounded into a double play on one of his opportunities with runners in scoring position. He made the most of his chance in the seventh with a two-run single.
Welbyn Francisca (DH, Lynchburg): 0-for-2, 3 R, 3 BBs - The 18-year-old failed to record a hit, but his presence on the basepaths with three walks was key as all three times he came around to score.
Sean Matson (RP, Lynchburg): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, 2 Ks - The Harvard University product retired all five batters he faced on Sunday with a pair of strikeouts.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Minor Matters
13590Cleveland Guardians Prospect Scouting Report: #17 RHP Chase Mobley
Next Year in Cleveland - Guardians Farm System Coverage
To: me · Mon, Apr 14 at 2:01 PM
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2025 Cleveland Guardians Prospect Scouting Report: #17 RHP Chase Mobley
The Guardians invested big money into the 10th round pick - what do they see?
Justin Lada
Apr 14
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Bio
Age (2025 season): 19
Acquired: Draft (2024, Round 10)
2024 Level: High school
Height: 6’6
Weight: 200
Throws: RIght
First impression
Tall, lanky and projectable body. Big arm speed and big stuff. High ceiling, high risk of all high risks types in terms of future projection.
2025 Scouting Grades
Fastball: 60
Curveball: 50
Slider: 50
Changeup: 55
Command: 35
Overall: 46
Risk: Extreme
ETA: 2029
What Makes Mobley Fun
What’s not to love about a tall high school right hander with a very projectable frame that can already hit 101 and has the arm speed to pull off a deceptive changeup? The fun part about Mobley is the upside, and he has so much of it. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and can touch 101, and has arm side run and sink to it. His changeup falls off the table with armside run as well, pairing well off his fastball and his natural arm speed sells it very well. He has a late, tight bullet type slider. Curveball has flashed as average too. The type of arm you dream on to be a top of the rotation type of a big high leverage reliever.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
What Could Hold Mobley Back
If you somehow have been living under a rock, like, forever, high school pitchers are just about the riskiest demographic developmentally (save for maybe catchers). And if you’ve avoided living under the rock but still aren’t paying attention, Cleveland hasn’t exactly been a hotbed for high school pitcher development. CC Sabathia, Sam Hentges and Triston McKenzie are about their most recent success cases here. Mobley has steps to make in terms of control and command, first and foremost. His delivery has a lot of effort and some violence. He gets great hip hinge into his lower body, but his short, inverted arm swing looks like it’s a bit delayed and could cause timing issues. His arm speed might make up for how late it looks, but could be an injury concern at some point.
Key Metric
$1.8M - Mobley shattered the record for the highest bonus received by a 10th round pick, beating his now org mate Jacob Zibin (who has yet to throw a professional pitch I might add).This was a very strategic pick by Cleveland, saving money this late in the draft when most people thought Mobley would end up at Florida State.
Intangibles
Mobley has had to overcome and handle losses at home at a young age, and managed to work hard to achieve becoming a draft pick to chase a big future.
Future
Under old rules, we’d likely never see Mobley in 2025 outside of the Arizona complex leagues. But new roster rules make it so Cleveland has to be a bit more ‘aggressive’ than usual. Alex Clemmey spent all of his 2024 season with Cleveland in Lynchburg. Mobley may not go right to Lynchburg to start 2025, but as long as he’s healthy, he’s a good bet to pitch there for a decent time in 2025. Cleveland will be as cautious as they can with Mobley and the progression path for a pitcher like this often takes time. With health, in five years we could be talking about Mobley as an exciting, top of the rotation prospect or at least a high leverage relife arm, and at worst, one of the high school arms that unfortunately can’t deliver on potential.
Role/Risk
45/Extreme - Big, top of the rotation/backend bullpen arm with high risk error bars
Next Year in Cleveland - Guardians Farm System Coverage
To: me · Mon, Apr 14 at 2:01 PM
Message Body
Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
2025 Cleveland Guardians Prospect Scouting Report: #17 RHP Chase Mobley
The Guardians invested big money into the 10th round pick - what do they see?
Justin Lada
Apr 14
READ IN APP
Bio
Age (2025 season): 19
Acquired: Draft (2024, Round 10)
2024 Level: High school
Height: 6’6
Weight: 200
Throws: RIght
First impression
Tall, lanky and projectable body. Big arm speed and big stuff. High ceiling, high risk of all high risks types in terms of future projection.
2025 Scouting Grades
Fastball: 60
Curveball: 50
Slider: 50
Changeup: 55
Command: 35
Overall: 46
Risk: Extreme
ETA: 2029
What Makes Mobley Fun
What’s not to love about a tall high school right hander with a very projectable frame that can already hit 101 and has the arm speed to pull off a deceptive changeup? The fun part about Mobley is the upside, and he has so much of it. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and can touch 101, and has arm side run and sink to it. His changeup falls off the table with armside run as well, pairing well off his fastball and his natural arm speed sells it very well. He has a late, tight bullet type slider. Curveball has flashed as average too. The type of arm you dream on to be a top of the rotation type of a big high leverage reliever.
Next Year in Cleveland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Subscribed
What Could Hold Mobley Back
If you somehow have been living under a rock, like, forever, high school pitchers are just about the riskiest demographic developmentally (save for maybe catchers). And if you’ve avoided living under the rock but still aren’t paying attention, Cleveland hasn’t exactly been a hotbed for high school pitcher development. CC Sabathia, Sam Hentges and Triston McKenzie are about their most recent success cases here. Mobley has steps to make in terms of control and command, first and foremost. His delivery has a lot of effort and some violence. He gets great hip hinge into his lower body, but his short, inverted arm swing looks like it’s a bit delayed and could cause timing issues. His arm speed might make up for how late it looks, but could be an injury concern at some point.
Key Metric
$1.8M - Mobley shattered the record for the highest bonus received by a 10th round pick, beating his now org mate Jacob Zibin (who has yet to throw a professional pitch I might add).This was a very strategic pick by Cleveland, saving money this late in the draft when most people thought Mobley would end up at Florida State.
Intangibles
Mobley has had to overcome and handle losses at home at a young age, and managed to work hard to achieve becoming a draft pick to chase a big future.
Future
Under old rules, we’d likely never see Mobley in 2025 outside of the Arizona complex leagues. But new roster rules make it so Cleveland has to be a bit more ‘aggressive’ than usual. Alex Clemmey spent all of his 2024 season with Cleveland in Lynchburg. Mobley may not go right to Lynchburg to start 2025, but as long as he’s healthy, he’s a good bet to pitch there for a decent time in 2025. Cleveland will be as cautious as they can with Mobley and the progression path for a pitcher like this often takes time. With health, in five years we could be talking about Mobley as an exciting, top of the rotation prospect or at least a high leverage relife arm, and at worst, one of the high school arms that unfortunately can’t deliver on potential.
Role/Risk
45/Extreme - Big, top of the rotation/backend bullpen arm with high risk error bars
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain