MLB Prospect Watch

Blogs Track Teams - 4/10/11

• IndiansProspectInsider.com has the details on Jason Kipnis' 3-RBI day and Alex White's no-decision, as well as other Indians info.
• TalkingChop.com has the info on Matt Lipka's removal from his game after one inning and other Braves happenings.
• Steve Foster of InsidetheRockies.com comments on Tyler Matzek's up and down day, Tim Wheeler's hot hitting, and other Rockies results.
• Jared Massey of LAdodgertalk.com updates us on the performances of Dee Gordon, Scott Elbert and Leon Landry, and other Dodgers prospects.
• Jack Dempsey of PineTarPress.com has the details on the first starts of the season for Danny Duffy and Will Smith, a rough day for Mike Moustakas, and other Royals prospect happenings.
• Tim Williams of PiratesProspects.com mentions Starling Marte's big day at the plate and other Pirate performances.
• Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com tells us about Dave Sappelt and his continued hot start, Juan Duran's first good day at the plate this season, and other Reds info.
• Jordan Tuwiner of Orioles-Nation.com checks in with results on Manny Machado's double-header day and other Orioles outcomes.
• FutureRedbirds.com makes note of Maikel Cleto's solid debut and other Cardinal prospect notes.
• Josh Norris of MinorMatters.com mentions Jesus Montero's homer, Slade Heathcott's extra-base power, and other Yankee updates.

 

Position Battles - Pineda, Emaus, Elbert, Collins

• Michael Pineda appears close to claiming a spot in the Mariners starting rotation, and that has a lot to do with the development of his change-up this spring, according to Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times.
• With the demotion of Justin Turner, Rule V draft pick Brad Emaus appears to be in line to be the Mets Opening Day second baseman, reports Andrew McCarron of the New York Daily News.
• Scott Elbert took another step closer to claiming a job in the Dodgers bullpen, pitching on back-to-back days for the first time this spring, says Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
• Tim Collins has been nothing short of impressive this spring, and is one of just two lefties in competition for a spot in the Royals bullpen, notes Dick Kaegel of MLB.com.
• The Braves will use Craig Kimrbel as a closer, but he will share the role with Johnny Venters, notes TalkingChop.com.

 

Prospect Performances - Harper, Lawrie, Rizzo, Moustakas

• Bryce Harper showed why he is so highly regarded on Thursday, but also why he's still learning the game, making a nice defensive play in right field and turning a blooper into a hustle double, but also making a throwing error that cost the Nationals the game, says Bill Ladson of MLB.com.
• Ryan Adams homered for the second straight day and is making a case for more playing time from the Orioles, notes Ashley Marshall of MiLB.com.
• Brett Lawrie homered for the Blue Jays on Thursday, raising his spring batting average to .381, reports Kelly Thesier of MLB.com.
• Alex Liddi hit his second grand slam in as many days for the Mariners, this one coming off of Angels prospect Ryan Chaffee, reports Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times.
• Brett Jackson hit a walk-off RBI single to give the Cubs a victory, reports Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.
• Anthony Rizzo had four hits for the Padres on Thursday while Simon Castro threw a perfect inning and earned a win, notes Ashley Marshall of MiLB.com.
• Scott Elbert showed improvement with his control in his return to the mound for the Dodgers, walking only one in a scoreless inning of work, says Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
• Aaron Crow threw two hitless innings in one of the Royals split-squad games on Thursday, says Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, while Mike Moustakas drove in the winning run in the other, reports Lyle Spencer of MLB.com.
• Lucas Duda continues to hit for the Mets, blasting another home run yesterday in a loss, says Bill Ladson of MLB.com.

 

Prospect Potent Potables - Pomeranz, Royals, Elbert

• Drew Pomeranz made it look easy pitching for the Indians in relief on Sunday, striking out three batters in two perfect innings of work, notes Bud Shaw of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• John Lamb and Will Smith are impressing people in Royals camp this spring, says Dick Kaegel of MLB.com.
• Scott Elbert was held out of game action over the weekend while he works on some mechanical issues by throwing batting practice to Dodgers hitters, reports Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
• Andrew Brackman is trying to prove to the Yankees that he can be a part of their pitching solution, says Caulton Tudor in the Boston Herald.

 

Position Battles - Trumbo, Elbert, Britton, Moskos, Morel

• The Angels first base situation rests on the rehabilitation of Kendry Morales' ankle, but in the mean time, prospect Mark Trumbo is making it known that he's ready to fill-in if need be, says Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times.  Angels manager Mike Scioscia says Trumbo is getting a good look for a roster spot regardless of whether Morales has returned.
• After being a part of the Dodgers playoff run in 2009, most figured Scott Elbert would head to the majors in 2010 and never look back.  After another season in Triple-A and some self-inflicted time away from the game, the left-handed pitching prospect is looking for a return to the majors, and this time his goal is the bullpen, says Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
• If Justin Duchscherer's hip continues to act up, Zach Britton could be the one to take his place in the Orioles rotation, says Chris Girandola of MLB.com.
• WIth Joe Beimel in camp, the Pirates won't be forced to keep Daniel Moskos on their major league roster before he's ready, but that's not stopping him from proving he belongs there anyway, says Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.
• Mark Teahen is working with Brent Morel to help him learn the ropes of the major leagues, which may ultimately lead to Morel unseating Teahen as the White Sox starter at the hot corner, notes Scott Merkin of MLB.com.