MLB Prospect Watch

Links: Prospect Struggles in Major Leagues

• Arizona Diamondbacks lefty Daniel Schlereth, a 2008 draft pick and recent call-up, continued his up-and-down act with a rough outing against the same Padres team he was so impressive against earlier in the series, reports Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.  The Diamondbacks should expect as much from the young reliever, as he was fast-tracked to the majors and is still inconsistent with his fastball command.
• In his much anticipated debut, Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Tommy Hanson had his own up-and-down act, notes Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.  The young righty dominated the Milwaukee Brewers the first time through the lineup (he was perfect through 3) only to get roughed up his second time around.
• Zachary Levine of the Houston Chronicle reports that Astros rookie pitcher Felipe Paulino left his last start in the 2nd inning with a strained groin.

Links: Callups and Updates

• Thanks to a rainout Thursday night in Atlanta, Tommy Hanson will now have to wait until Sunday to make his major league debut, reports David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
• The Cincinnati Reds will also have a pitcher making his major league debut this weekend.  John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Reds have called up left-handed pitcher Matt Maloney to start on Saturday against the Cubs.

Links: Lots of Braves News

On a busy day for the Atlanta Braves, which saw them release a 300-game winner, here are some links to keep you up to speed:

• Part of the reason for the surprising release of Tom Glavine may have been to save some money for Nate McLouth.  In order to get the Pirates center fielder, the Braves were forced to give up Charlie Morton and two prospects (which were the centerpiece of the deal), pitcher Jeff Locke and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez.  David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution has all the details.  Locke is a solid but a superstar pitching prospect in the same fashion that McLouth is a solid but not a superstar outfielder.  Hernandez was the other half of the return for the Braves in the deal in which they sent Edgar Renteria to the Detroit Tigers and also received Jair Jurrjens.  In the end, the Braves have to be happy they received a player like McLouth (who automatically becomes their best hitting outfielder and third best hitter behind Chipper Jones and Brian McCann) without giving up either of their top two pitching prospects (Tommy Hanson or Kris Medlen) or their top hitting prospect (Jason Heyward).  That alone makes it a slight victory for the Braves, even though the Pirates will enjoy Hernandez and probably Locke as well.
• Speaking of Hanson, someone had to be called up to start right?  Well not necessarily.  Even though Glavine was released, he was not yet penciled in to make any starts.  It fact, it was just yesterday that we reported that Kris Medlen would be making Saturday's start for the Braves against the Milwaukee Brewers.  Now, David O'Brien is reporting that Hanson will in fact be making that start.  Kris Medlen will move to the bullpen for the time being.
• For the Pirates, now that McLouth is out of the way in center field, look soon for a call up of their top prospect Andrew McCutchen to fill the void.

Best and Worst from 5/31

BEST

• Josh Vitters (CHC) - 2-4, HR, batting .356
• Todd Frazier (CIN) - 3-4, 2B, HR, batting .330
• Gordon Beckham (CWS) - 3-4, SB, batting .467 in Triple-A
• Matt Dominguez (FLA) - 2-5, HR, batting .222
• Jason Castro (HOU) - 2-4, HR, batting .297
• Eric Hosmer (KC) - 2-4, HR, batting .267
• Ike Davis (NYM) - 2-4, 2B, HR, batting .282
• Wilmer Flores (NYM) - 2-4, HR, batting .261
• Chris Carter (OAK) - 2-3, HR, batting .291
• Andrew McCutchen (PIT) - 2-5, HR, batting .295
• Alex Liddi (SEA) - 3-5, 2B, HR, batted .364
• Tim Beckham (TB) - 2-3, HR, batting .299
• Brad Emaus (TOR) - 2-4, HR, batting .284
• Tommy Hanson (ATL) - 5 2/3 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 8 K/0 BB, 1.49 ERA
• Brian Matusz (BAL) - 7 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 4 K/1 BB, 2.37 ERA
• Brad Holt (NYM) - 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 6 K/1 BB, 3.05 ERA

WORST

• Kevin Mulvey (MIN) - 7 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 6 K/1 BB, 4.08 ERA
• Vance Worley (PHI) - 6 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2 K/3 BB, 3.13 ERA
• Michael Burgess (WAS) - 0-4, 3 K

Best and Worst from 5/26

BEST

• Jason Heyward (ATL) - 3-4, 2B, batting .295
• Matt Wieters (BAL) - 4-4, 2B, 4 RBI, batting .305
• Josh Vitters (CHC) - 2-4, HR, batting .359
• Jordan Danks (CWS) - 3-4, HR, batting .383
• Tommy Hanson (ATL) - 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 9 K/2 BB, 1.48 ERA
• Brian Matusz (BAL) - 7 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 5 K/2 BB, 2.68 ERA

WORST

• Matt Antonelli (SD) - 0-2, batting .151
• Kris Johnson (BOS) - 2 2/3 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 4 K/1 BB, 7.41 ERA
• Jon Meloan (CLE) - 3 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 2 K/1 BB, 6.91 ERA
• Andrew Brackman (NYY) - 3 1/3 IP, 1 H, 3 ER, 1 K/10 BB, 3.83 ERA