Thursday's lines for our top 30uninjured prosprcts
CLE AAA #3 Bo Naylor, C 1 2 0 1 0.220 3 BB (14),
CLE AAA #5 Brayan Rocchio, SS 5 2 3 5 0.375 2B (6), E (4),
CLE AA #8 Angel Martinez, SS 4 0 0 0 0.250
CLE AAA #11 Tyler Freeman, 2B 6 5 5 3 0.341 2 2B (4), HR (2),
CLE HiA #15 Jake Fox, 2B 5 0 0 0 0.045 E (1), Terrible start
CLE AAA #20 Jhonkensy Noel, OF 6 0 2 2 0.188
CLE AA #21 Gabriel Rodriguez, 3B 4 0 0 0 0.176 2 E (2),
CLE AAA #24 Richard Palacios, OF 4 3 1 0 0.300 BB (11),
CLE AA #25 Petey Halpin, OF 4 0 1 0 0.250 BB (3),
CLE AA #30 Bryan Lavastida, C 4 0 0 1 0.087
CLE AA #1 Gavin Williams, RHP 5.0 4 1 1 1 3 0.96 W (1-0)
CLE AAA #7 Tanner Bibee, RHP 6.0 1 0 0 2 8 0.00 W (2-0)
CLE LoA #19 Parker Messick, LHP 6.0 3 1 1 0 5 0.90 W (1-0)
Re: Minor Matters
12167Tanner Bibee has made just two starts in Triple-A Columbus this year and he still has Guardians fans talking.
“Talking” is a dramatic understatement at this point. Not a day goes by without a Cleveland fan tweeting about their desire for the 24-year-old righty to be promoted to the big leagues.
It makes sense. Bibee has turned countless heads since he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He went from unranked in Cleveland’s system to sitting at No. 5 entering the ‘23 season, according to MLB Pipeline.
He’s made two starts for Triple-A Columbus and he has yet to give up a run. He has struck out 15 and walked three in 11 innings.
It seems self-explanatory at this point, but let’s take a look at three reasons to keep a close eye on Bibee, anyway.
Peyton Battenfield
A debut is not that far away
I don’t have a crystal ball. This job would be much simpler if I did. But it doesn’t seem possible for a Major League debut to be that far out of Bibee’s reach.
“It’s very cool to think about sometimes,” Bibee told MLB Pipeline expert Jonathan Mayo on the MLB Pipeline Podcast this spring, “but if you think about it too often, it can kind of corrupt you a little bit.”
Bibee, like so many of Cleveland’s top prospects, seems to have a level of maturity about him that will help him focus on the task at hand without getting too far ahead of himself. So far, he’s proven that, considering he gave up just one hit in six innings last time out.
But not only is Bibee ready, the Guardians need starters. Hunter Gaddis and Peyton Battenfield have held their own filling in for Triston McKenzie (teres major muscle strain) and Aaron Civale (left oblique strain). Battenfield pitched well in his one start against the Yankees and is currently penciled in to get the nod on Tuesday in Detroit. But if there’s any indication that either of these guys can’t handle these roles, Bibee is eagerly waiting in Triple-A for his shot.
Tanner Bibee
Heater
The one thing missing from this rotation (aside from two of its regular arms) is velocity. Guardians starters aren’t known for breaking the radar gun. Some rely on pinpoint control, others pitch to contact, and guys like Civale seem to have 14 different pitches to choose from to help keep batters on their toes.
Bibee can bring the heat.
Last time out, he topped out at 99.4 mph, slowly inching toward his first triple-digit heave. This is a new tool with which the young righty can play around. In college at Cal State Fullerton, his fastball sat in the low 90s. Since becoming pro, he’s worked with Cleveland’s pitching development staff and has found a way to add a few more ticks to his velocity.
“Since I got here, it’s been nice to kind of lean on my fastball,” Bibee told Mayo. “In college, I kind of had to lean on everything else and not as good of a fastball. I think that has been the difference maker.”
It certainly took his strikeout numbers to new heights last year. In 25 combined starts between High-A Lake County and Double-A Akron, Bibee fanned 167 batters in 132 2/3 innings.
“My goals going into the year were to not miss a start and to strike out as many people as possible,” Bibee told Mayo. “And, obviously, throw hard while doing it because every pitcher wants to throw hard.”
Shane Bieber
Bieber comps
MLB Pipeline has compared Bibee to Shane Bieber in the past.
They have similar stories, coming from California colleges, getting drafted a few rounds later than the big names and finding a new gear once they turned professional. Bibee will have a different type of game than Bieber, assuming he’s able to hold on to his velocity throughout his career, but just like Cleveland’s ace, he wants to be a pitcher -- not just someone who can blow a heater past a bat.
“I really like mixing,” Bibee explained to Mayo. “I like keeping guys off balance or if they can’t prove they can hit something, I’ll keep throwing it. I want to be a pitcher that can throw any pitch in any count because I want to keep them as off-balance as I can. That’s how I’ve been all of my life. Just because I can throw harder now doesn’t mean I should change.”
“Talking” is a dramatic understatement at this point. Not a day goes by without a Cleveland fan tweeting about their desire for the 24-year-old righty to be promoted to the big leagues.
It makes sense. Bibee has turned countless heads since he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He went from unranked in Cleveland’s system to sitting at No. 5 entering the ‘23 season, according to MLB Pipeline.
He’s made two starts for Triple-A Columbus and he has yet to give up a run. He has struck out 15 and walked three in 11 innings.
It seems self-explanatory at this point, but let’s take a look at three reasons to keep a close eye on Bibee, anyway.
Peyton Battenfield
A debut is not that far away
I don’t have a crystal ball. This job would be much simpler if I did. But it doesn’t seem possible for a Major League debut to be that far out of Bibee’s reach.
“It’s very cool to think about sometimes,” Bibee told MLB Pipeline expert Jonathan Mayo on the MLB Pipeline Podcast this spring, “but if you think about it too often, it can kind of corrupt you a little bit.”
Bibee, like so many of Cleveland’s top prospects, seems to have a level of maturity about him that will help him focus on the task at hand without getting too far ahead of himself. So far, he’s proven that, considering he gave up just one hit in six innings last time out.
But not only is Bibee ready, the Guardians need starters. Hunter Gaddis and Peyton Battenfield have held their own filling in for Triston McKenzie (teres major muscle strain) and Aaron Civale (left oblique strain). Battenfield pitched well in his one start against the Yankees and is currently penciled in to get the nod on Tuesday in Detroit. But if there’s any indication that either of these guys can’t handle these roles, Bibee is eagerly waiting in Triple-A for his shot.
Tanner Bibee
Heater
The one thing missing from this rotation (aside from two of its regular arms) is velocity. Guardians starters aren’t known for breaking the radar gun. Some rely on pinpoint control, others pitch to contact, and guys like Civale seem to have 14 different pitches to choose from to help keep batters on their toes.
Bibee can bring the heat.
Last time out, he topped out at 99.4 mph, slowly inching toward his first triple-digit heave. This is a new tool with which the young righty can play around. In college at Cal State Fullerton, his fastball sat in the low 90s. Since becoming pro, he’s worked with Cleveland’s pitching development staff and has found a way to add a few more ticks to his velocity.
“Since I got here, it’s been nice to kind of lean on my fastball,” Bibee told Mayo. “In college, I kind of had to lean on everything else and not as good of a fastball. I think that has been the difference maker.”
It certainly took his strikeout numbers to new heights last year. In 25 combined starts between High-A Lake County and Double-A Akron, Bibee fanned 167 batters in 132 2/3 innings.
“My goals going into the year were to not miss a start and to strike out as many people as possible,” Bibee told Mayo. “And, obviously, throw hard while doing it because every pitcher wants to throw hard.”
Shane Bieber
Bieber comps
MLB Pipeline has compared Bibee to Shane Bieber in the past.
They have similar stories, coming from California colleges, getting drafted a few rounds later than the big names and finding a new gear once they turned professional. Bibee will have a different type of game than Bieber, assuming he’s able to hold on to his velocity throughout his career, but just like Cleveland’s ace, he wants to be a pitcher -- not just someone who can blow a heater past a bat.
“I really like mixing,” Bibee explained to Mayo. “I like keeping guys off balance or if they can’t prove they can hit something, I’ll keep throwing it. I want to be a pitcher that can throw any pitch in any count because I want to keep them as off-balance as I can. That’s how I’ve been all of my life. Just because I can throw harder now doesn’t mean I should change.”
Re: Minor Matters
121683 doubles and a homer, his 3rd, for Noel today. He' s only 21 and in AAA
Logan Allen II with his second good start, 4 2/3 innings, 1 run 5 hits 1 walk 9 strikeouts. too many pitches: 80 so he left early
Naylor hit his 4th homer
Palacios his 6th double and a single; hitting 322; 972 OPS. With Gonzalez on the bench makes sense to swap him back to Columbus for Richie
Logan Allen II with his second good start, 4 2/3 innings, 1 run 5 hits 1 walk 9 strikeouts. too many pitches: 80 so he left early
Naylor hit his 4th homer
Palacios his 6th double and a single; hitting 322; 972 OPS. With Gonzalez on the bench makes sense to swap him back to Columbus for Richie
Last edited by civ ollilavad on Mon Apr 17, 2023 10:39 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Minor Matters
12169Toussaint in relief: 3 innings no baseunners. He's only walked 2 in 8 1/3 IP
Re: Minor Matters
12170Noticed my post on the first page of this folder, back in ancient history:
Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus has also recently released his Top 100 listing, and the same four players appear in his listing just in a different order: Kipnis (No. 28), Chisenhall (No. 40), Pomeranz (No. 43), and [Alex[ White (No. 71).
Those 4 had careers roughly corresponding to their rankings. Pomeranz may still be around if he's not on the IL.
Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus has also recently released his Top 100 listing, and the same four players appear in his listing just in a different order: Kipnis (No. 28), Chisenhall (No. 40), Pomeranz (No. 43), and [Alex[ White (No. 71).
Those 4 had careers roughly corresponding to their rankings. Pomeranz may still be around if he's not on the IL.
Re: Minor Matters
12171Noel has 6 singles 3 doubles 3 homers and 20 strikeouts and 2 walks in 54plate appearances.
His first week was 0-18 with 11 strikeouts and 1 walk
Since he's 12-34 with 9 strikeouts and 1 walk. 353/371/706
Quick learner.
His first week was 0-18 with 11 strikeouts and 1 walk
Since he's 12-34 with 9 strikeouts and 1 walk. 353/371/706
Quick learner.
Re: Minor Matters
12172BA Q and A includes:
Not on the hot sheet this week, but off to a fantastic start is Tanner Bibee. Does the fact that he's carried over his velocity from last year (and even added to it) and is looking great in AAA mean that he'll rocket up the top 100 in the May update? Do you still have a similar evaluation of him from the offseason or has he reached a higher level of projection? Thanks!
J.J. Cooper: He will likely be moving up. He's one of the players we've been talking about for a great start. His stuff is even better this year than it was last year (which was already really good). He's thrown 80 fastballs. He's thrown 53 strikes (66%). Only 12 have been put into play (10 outs, 2 singles). He's gotten 10 called strikes, 18 foul balls and 13 swinging strikes, seven of which finished off strikeouts. And then you throw in his slider. He's thrown 27 of 44 sliders for strikes (61%), he has 6 called strikes, 4 foul balls, three balls in play for outs, 2 singles and 12 swinging strikes. It's reasonable to say he's shown he may even be a little bit better than what we thought he was going into the season, and we really liked him coming into the year.
Cleveland fans are less patient than the front office. When can we start to see Allen Bibee and Williams starting to arrive in Cleveland?
J.J. Cooper: There are three starters in the Cleveland rotation who the Guardians will likely want to give several starts to show if they can figure it out, Quantrill and Plesac in particular have enough past success to not get overly worried over slow starts. I could see one of those three replacing Gaddis in the not-to-distant future. If they can stay healthy all three will likely pitch for the Guardians at some point this year, and that's a wealth of options to choose between, something not many teams can say.
Not on the hot sheet this week, but off to a fantastic start is Tanner Bibee. Does the fact that he's carried over his velocity from last year (and even added to it) and is looking great in AAA mean that he'll rocket up the top 100 in the May update? Do you still have a similar evaluation of him from the offseason or has he reached a higher level of projection? Thanks!
J.J. Cooper: He will likely be moving up. He's one of the players we've been talking about for a great start. His stuff is even better this year than it was last year (which was already really good). He's thrown 80 fastballs. He's thrown 53 strikes (66%). Only 12 have been put into play (10 outs, 2 singles). He's gotten 10 called strikes, 18 foul balls and 13 swinging strikes, seven of which finished off strikeouts. And then you throw in his slider. He's thrown 27 of 44 sliders for strikes (61%), he has 6 called strikes, 4 foul balls, three balls in play for outs, 2 singles and 12 swinging strikes. It's reasonable to say he's shown he may even be a little bit better than what we thought he was going into the season, and we really liked him coming into the year.
Cleveland fans are less patient than the front office. When can we start to see Allen Bibee and Williams starting to arrive in Cleveland?
J.J. Cooper: There are three starters in the Cleveland rotation who the Guardians will likely want to give several starts to show if they can figure it out, Quantrill and Plesac in particular have enough past success to not get overly worried over slow starts. I could see one of those three replacing Gaddis in the not-to-distant future. If they can stay healthy all three will likely pitch for the Guardians at some point this year, and that's a wealth of options to choose between, something not many teams can say.
Re: Minor Matters
12173CLE AAA #3 Bo Naylor, C 5 1 3 1 0.271
CLE AA #8 Angel Martinez SS 4 0 1 3 0.220 BB (4),
CLE MAJ #10 Will Brennan, OF 4 0 0 0 0.256
CLE MAJ #11 Tyler Freeman, 2B 4 0 2 0 0.375 2B (6),
CLE MAJ #12 Gabriel Arias, SS 3 0 1 0 0.154 CS (1),
CLE MAJ #12 Gabriel Arias, SS 3 0 1 0 0.154
CLE AAA #20 Jhonkensy Noel, OF 4 0 0 0 0.197 BB (3),
CLE AA #21 Gabriel Rodriguez, 3B 2 2 0 0 0.185 2 BB (7),
CLE AA #25 Petey Halpin, OF 4 2 3 1 0.306 2B (2), BB (4), really good start for a 20 year old in AA
CLE AA #30 Bryan Lavastida, C 4 0 2 0 0.114 BB (5), E (2),
CLE MAJ #22 Xzavion Curry, RHP 2.0 2 0 0 0 3 3.75
CLE MAJ #26 Hunter Gaddis, RHP 5.0 8 3 3 1 1 7.64
CLE AA #29 Tanner Burns, RHP 4.2 3 0 0 3 7 3.00
Battenfield didn't make the Top 30 so he's not included here
CLE AA #8 Angel Martinez SS 4 0 1 3 0.220 BB (4),
CLE MAJ #10 Will Brennan, OF 4 0 0 0 0.256
CLE MAJ #11 Tyler Freeman, 2B 4 0 2 0 0.375 2B (6),
CLE MAJ #12 Gabriel Arias, SS 3 0 1 0 0.154 CS (1),
CLE MAJ #12 Gabriel Arias, SS 3 0 1 0 0.154
CLE AAA #20 Jhonkensy Noel, OF 4 0 0 0 0.197 BB (3),
CLE AA #21 Gabriel Rodriguez, 3B 2 2 0 0 0.185 2 BB (7),
CLE AA #25 Petey Halpin, OF 4 2 3 1 0.306 2B (2), BB (4), really good start for a 20 year old in AA
CLE AA #30 Bryan Lavastida, C 4 0 2 0 0.114 BB (5), E (2),
CLE MAJ #22 Xzavion Curry, RHP 2.0 2 0 0 0 3 3.75
CLE MAJ #26 Hunter Gaddis, RHP 5.0 8 3 3 1 1 7.64
CLE AA #29 Tanner Burns, RHP 4.2 3 0 0 3 7 3.00
Battenfield didn't make the Top 30 so he's not included here
Re: Minor Matters
12174Columbus fielded a lineup without Freeman, in Cleveland; Rocchio held out apparently because he might be needed in Cleveland;
so they had a catcher at 1st base; a catcher in RF; a catcher at DH.
Lots of relievers on the mound. Simpson, Barager and Kelly had good nights and have good Aprils.
in Akron, interesting to note: Cade Smith 6-5 230 23 year old RH reliever. 5 games, 5 saves, 5 1/3 IP 2 hits 2 walks 7 k.
Last year at 2 levels his ERA was 2.93 in 61 1/3 IP he K'd 99 but walked 35
lots of new names to learn at Lynchburg, in a 15-12 win yesterday big contributors included:
2b Nate Furman 2022 4th round bb single 2 steals [8 total0 406 1023 OPS
cf Guy Lipscomb 2022 5th round 2 singles double 2 steals [9 total] 310 942 OPS
ss Jose Devers age 19 3 singles 321 888 OPS
3b Juan Benjamin age 19 double 2 singles walk 2 steals [total 5] 343 825 OPS
so they had a catcher at 1st base; a catcher in RF; a catcher at DH.
Lots of relievers on the mound. Simpson, Barager and Kelly had good nights and have good Aprils.
in Akron, interesting to note: Cade Smith 6-5 230 23 year old RH reliever. 5 games, 5 saves, 5 1/3 IP 2 hits 2 walks 7 k.
Last year at 2 levels his ERA was 2.93 in 61 1/3 IP he K'd 99 but walked 35
lots of new names to learn at Lynchburg, in a 15-12 win yesterday big contributors included:
2b Nate Furman 2022 4th round bb single 2 steals [8 total0 406 1023 OPS
cf Guy Lipscomb 2022 5th round 2 singles double 2 steals [9 total] 310 942 OPS
ss Jose Devers age 19 3 singles 321 888 OPS
3b Juan Benjamin age 19 double 2 singles walk 2 steals [total 5] 343 825 OPS
Re: Minor Matters
12175Lynchburg has been turning the Carolina League into a track meet. After just ten games, they've recorded an incredible 39(!) steals, including nine in nine games for Lipscomb and eight in ten games for Furman.
Re: Minor Matters
12176Today has been designated: let's walk everyone day in the Guardians' farm system.
Tanner Bibee is not perfect, despite prior beliefs to the contrary. 4 innings so far tonight, he's walked 5, fanned only 4, and let in 2 runs, his ERA has soared to 1.17
No one ever accused Doug Nikhazy of perfect. 2021 2nd round pick walked 79 in 102 innings last year. Tonight he issued 7 free passes in 2 2/3. Those plus a solo homer equaled 3 runs.
Aaron Davenport has walked merely 2 in his first 2 innings, and one hit a homer. Meanwhile Captains have 6 hits in 2 innings for a yield of one run.
Lynchburg played a day game, so it's complete and they fell 5-2 and stole zero bases. their starter Austin Peterson ddin't follow the script, walking none in 4 2/3 instead allowing 9 hits but only of the 4 runs scored against him was earned. Hillcats pitched in with 4 errors.
Tanner Bibee is not perfect, despite prior beliefs to the contrary. 4 innings so far tonight, he's walked 5, fanned only 4, and let in 2 runs, his ERA has soared to 1.17
No one ever accused Doug Nikhazy of perfect. 2021 2nd round pick walked 79 in 102 innings last year. Tonight he issued 7 free passes in 2 2/3. Those plus a solo homer equaled 3 runs.
Aaron Davenport has walked merely 2 in his first 2 innings, and one hit a homer. Meanwhile Captains have 6 hits in 2 innings for a yield of one run.
Lynchburg played a day game, so it's complete and they fell 5-2 and stole zero bases. their starter Austin Peterson ddin't follow the script, walking none in 4 2/3 instead allowing 9 hits but only of the 4 runs scored against him was earned. Hillcats pitched in with 4 errors.
Re: Minor Matters
12177Gavin Williams, RHP, Guardians: The Guardians top prospect went five no-hit innings, only allowing a single walk while striking out eight. It wouldn’t be shocking to see some movement in the Guardians rotation in the next week, which could mean Williams gets the bump up to Triple-A. In a system full of exciting pitching prospects and an organization known for its ability to develop starters, Williams, Tanner Bibee and Logan Allen stand out as part of the next wave of Cleveland pitchers.
Re: Minor Matters
12178CLE AAA #3 Bo Naylor, C 3 0 0 0 0.246 BB (17) in 18 games; 2 guys in the IL have more,
CLE AAA #5 B Rocchio, SS 4 0 1 0 0.338 SB (5), E (5),
CLE AA #8 Angel Martinez, SS 6 2 2 0 0.240 3B (1),
CLE HiA #16 Juan Brito, 2B 3 1 2 2 0.308 2 2B (3),
CLE HiA #16 Juan Brito, 2B 4 2 3 1 0.308 [9 hits in his last 3 games
CLE AAA #20 Jkensy Noel, OF 3 0 0 0 0.179 BB (5),
CLE AA #21 Gabriel Rodriguez, 3B 4 1 1 1 0.176 BB (8),
CLE AAA#24 Richard Palacios, OF 5 1 1 0 0.296
CLE AA #25 Petey Halpin, OF 5 1 1 2 0.289 [steady work by the 20 year old
CLE AA #30 Bryan Lavastida, C 5 0 2 2 0.182 2B (2), BB (6),
CLE AA #1 Gavin Williams, RHP 5.0 0 0 0 1 8 0.63
CLE LoA #19 Parker Messick, LHP 2.2 3 3 0 3 4 0.71
CLE AAA #5 B Rocchio, SS 4 0 1 0 0.338 SB (5), E (5),
CLE AA #8 Angel Martinez, SS 6 2 2 0 0.240 3B (1),
CLE HiA #16 Juan Brito, 2B 3 1 2 2 0.308 2 2B (3),
CLE HiA #16 Juan Brito, 2B 4 2 3 1 0.308 [9 hits in his last 3 games
CLE AAA #20 Jkensy Noel, OF 3 0 0 0 0.179 BB (5),
CLE AA #21 Gabriel Rodriguez, 3B 4 1 1 1 0.176 BB (8),
CLE AAA#24 Richard Palacios, OF 5 1 1 0 0.296
CLE AA #25 Petey Halpin, OF 5 1 1 2 0.289 [steady work by the 20 year old
CLE AA #30 Bryan Lavastida, C 5 0 2 2 0.182 2B (2), BB (6),
CLE AA #1 Gavin Williams, RHP 5.0 0 0 0 1 8 0.63
CLE LoA #19 Parker Messick, LHP 2.2 3 3 0 3 4 0.71
Last edited by civ ollilavad on Fri Apr 21, 2023 9:17 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Minor Matters
12179More on Williams:
Some might have considered Gavin Williams unhittable in the early going this season.
That was an exaggeration coming into Thursday night's game. But it wasn't after the No. 37 prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline didn't allow a hit while striking out eight and walking one over five innings in Double-A Akron's 6-5 extra-inning win over visiting Harrisburg.
Right from the jump, Williams showed his stuff, whiffing the Senators' leadoff hitter Yasel Antuna with a fastball that nicked the inside corner. Then the right-hander induced J.T. Arruda to pop out in foul territory to third baseman Marcos Gonzalez and Will Frizzell flied out to left field to end the inning.
From there, Harrisburg hitters might have had just as much luck coming up to the plate with a pool noodle in their hands. Williams fanned two in the second, two in the third, two in the fourth and one in the fifth.
The Guardians' No. 2 prospect recorded seven of his eight punchouts with the heater.
"It was just the right time to throw it," Williams said. "You're just trying to set up the hitters. My catcher [Michael Berglund] was reading swings, I was reading swings and we were just talking between innings on what we saw during the game. So we felt comfortable going with that most of the time."
The fastball was the 2021 23rd overall pick's go-to pitch for strikeouts Thursday, but he worked on his slider throughout the offseason and will be looking to employ that more often this season.
Although it was the first time Williams posted five no-hit frames in the pros, the East Carolina product didn't really think of it any differently from his other outings.
"It's just another start really," he said. "I got another one next week, so this one's already past me. I don't really want to look at it too much."
This mentality has gotten Williams off to a hot start in the 2023 campaign. In the 6-foot-6 hurler's first start against Erie on April 6, he struck out nine over 4 1/3 scoreless innings.
In his next start on April 13, he allowed one run on four hits while fanning three against a loaded Bowie team featuring five hitters on Baltimore's Top 30 prospects list (No. 5 Heston Kjerstad, No. 9 Coby Mayo, No. 17 Cesar Prieto, No. 20 John Rhodes and No. 23 Ryan Watson.)
All of that has culminated in a filthy 0.63 ERA with 20 strikeouts and a 0.64 WHIP through three starts.
Some might have considered Gavin Williams unhittable in the early going this season.
That was an exaggeration coming into Thursday night's game. But it wasn't after the No. 37 prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline didn't allow a hit while striking out eight and walking one over five innings in Double-A Akron's 6-5 extra-inning win over visiting Harrisburg.
Right from the jump, Williams showed his stuff, whiffing the Senators' leadoff hitter Yasel Antuna with a fastball that nicked the inside corner. Then the right-hander induced J.T. Arruda to pop out in foul territory to third baseman Marcos Gonzalez and Will Frizzell flied out to left field to end the inning.
From there, Harrisburg hitters might have had just as much luck coming up to the plate with a pool noodle in their hands. Williams fanned two in the second, two in the third, two in the fourth and one in the fifth.
The Guardians' No. 2 prospect recorded seven of his eight punchouts with the heater.
"It was just the right time to throw it," Williams said. "You're just trying to set up the hitters. My catcher [Michael Berglund] was reading swings, I was reading swings and we were just talking between innings on what we saw during the game. So we felt comfortable going with that most of the time."
The fastball was the 2021 23rd overall pick's go-to pitch for strikeouts Thursday, but he worked on his slider throughout the offseason and will be looking to employ that more often this season.
Although it was the first time Williams posted five no-hit frames in the pros, the East Carolina product didn't really think of it any differently from his other outings.
"It's just another start really," he said. "I got another one next week, so this one's already past me. I don't really want to look at it too much."
This mentality has gotten Williams off to a hot start in the 2023 campaign. In the 6-foot-6 hurler's first start against Erie on April 6, he struck out nine over 4 1/3 scoreless innings.
In his next start on April 13, he allowed one run on four hits while fanning three against a loaded Bowie team featuring five hitters on Baltimore's Top 30 prospects list (No. 5 Heston Kjerstad, No. 9 Coby Mayo, No. 17 Cesar Prieto, No. 20 John Rhodes and No. 23 Ryan Watson.)
All of that has culminated in a filthy 0.63 ERA with 20 strikeouts and a 0.64 WHIP through three starts.
Re: Minor Matters
12180The Lycnchburg track meet was back in sessions yesterday.
Lipscomb 2 steals, total now 11. [3 walks]
Furman 1 steal, his 10th [single and 2 walks]
Devers 2 steasl, he's at 8. [1 walk]
Lipscomb is 22 years old and is too old for this year. Furman is 21 and could benefit from move to Lake County but the Captains, like our entire organization, is over supplied with infielders already.
Lipscomb 2 steals, total now 11. [3 walks]
Furman 1 steal, his 10th [single and 2 walks]
Devers 2 steasl, he's at 8. [1 walk]
Lipscomb is 22 years old and is too old for this year. Furman is 21 and could benefit from move to Lake County but the Captains, like our entire organization, is over supplied with infielders already.