MLB Prospect Watch

Links: Schlereth, Bard, Van Mil

• The Arizona Diamondbacks have called-up their 2008 first round draft pick, reliever Daniel Schlereth, to help fortify their bullpen, reports Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.  Schlereth has been on the fast track to the big leagues since his signing.
• Daniel Bard, the Boston Red Sox hard throwing relief prospect, appears to be getting the hang of things in the major leagues, notes Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald.
• From the tall pitcher department, the tallest pitcher in baseball has returned to the mound. The 7' 1" Loek Van Mil of the Minnesota Twins has come back from an elbow injury, reports La Velle Van Neal III of the Minnesota Star. 

Links: LaPorta, Bard

• Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer explains Matt LaPorta's recent absence from the Cleveland Indians lineup, and also mentions that when he does return, it might be at first base. Tonight's game proves Hoynes' prophecy correct.
• The hype surrounding the Red Sox call-up of reliever Daniel Bard is unlike anything we've seen in a while, notes Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald. 

Best and Worst from 4/29

BEST

• Josh Vitters (CHC) - 2-5, 2B, batting .317
• Beau Mills (CLE) - 3-5, 2 2B, batting .257
• Carlos Santana (CLE) - 2-3, 2 2B, batting .241
• Scott Cousins (FLA) - 3-6, 2B, 3B, HR, batting .225
• Andrew Lambo (LAD) - 3-4, 2B, HR, batting .321
• Brett Lawrie (MIL) - 2-3, 2B, SB,
• Ben Revere (MIN) - 3-5, SB, batting .312
• Ike Davis (NYM) - 3-6, 2B, batting .297
• Adrian Cardenas (OAK) - 3-5, 3B, 5 RBI, batting .355
• Buster Posey (SF) - 2-4, 2B, batting .366
• Brandon Erbe (BAL) - 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 K/1 BB, 0.90 ERA
• Jay Jackson (CHC) - 7 IP, 4 H, ER, 4 K/3 BB, 6.64 ERA
• Daniel Bard (BOS) - 2 IP, H, 0 ER, 4 K/1 BB, 1.42 ERA
• Alfredo Aceves (NYY) - 8 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 6 K/1 BB, 3.80 ERA

WORST

• Ryan Royster (TB) - 0-4, 2 K, batting .196
• Luis Exposito (BOS) - 0-4, 3 K, batting .235
• Blake Wood (KC) - 1 1/3 IP, 7 H, 7 ER, 3 K/1 BB, 7.56 ERA

Best and Worst from 4/22

BEST

• Todd Frazier (CIN) - 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, batting .367
• Alex Buchholz (CIN) - 3-5, 2B, 3B, batting .224
• Lonnie Chisenhall (CLE) - 2-5, 2B, HR, 5 RBI, batting .304
• Matt LaPorta (CLE) - 3-5, 2 R, batting .362
• Travis D'Arnaud (PHI) - 3-4, 2 2b, 4 RBI, batting .245
• Andrew McCutchen (PIT) - 2-6, 3B, batting .315
• Desmond Jennings (TB) - 1-3, HR, SB, batting .377
• Daniel Bard (BOS) - 1 IP, 3 K/0 BB, 1.00 ERA
• Casey Kelly (BOS) - 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 4 K/0 BB, 0.00 ERA
• Chris Withrow (LAD) - 5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 10 K/2 BB
• Cody Scarpetta (MIL) - 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 10 K/2 BB, 1.54 ERA
• Madison Bumgarner (SF) - 5 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 5 K/0 BB, 0.56 ERA
• Wade Davis (TB) - 5 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 K/3 BB, 2.08 ERA

WORST

• Dayan Viciedo (CWS) - 0-2, K, batting .191
• Daryl Thompson (CIN) - 4 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 1 K/1 BB, 15.75 ERA
• Brad Hand (FLA) - 2 2/3 IP, 8 H, 9 ER, 2 K/5 BB, 18.00 ERA
• Mike Costanzo (BAL) - 0-3, 3 K, batting .118
• Mat Gamel (MIL) - 0-3, 2 K, batting .417