Around the Bases - June 18, 2009

Brian Matusz has now reeled off 26 straight scoreless innings

It’s about time…
After breaking out with an .838 OPS in the Pioneer League last summer, it looked like we would see big things from 20yo Twins’ prospect Angel Castillo, but the jump to full season ball has been difficult, as Castillo has posted an .583 OPS in 225 Midwest League At Bats. Last night his bat came alive as he had a double, a walk and a home run in four trips to the plate.

Looking more and more like a 4A player…
25yo Steven Pearce went 3 for 3 with a home run last night, raising his OPS to .832 on the year. Unfortunately for Pearce, between his defensive limitations, his age, and his inability to translate Minor League success, it looks like we are finding his ceiling.

Just keeps mowing them down…
In case you’re not familiar with the Rays’ Matt Moore, between his velocity and movement he has some of the Minor’s best pure ‘stuff’. Barely a 20yo…Happy Birthday Matt…he still has bouts of control issues, but SAL hitters can’t touch him (batting average against is .171 on the year). 6 2/3 innings last night, allowing 1 run, 1 hit and 2 BB, while fanning 10; leaves him 86 K’s in 58 IP on the season.

Apparently it’s all downhill after 18…
At least if you are Delois Guerra. The centerpiece in the bounty for Johan Santana, Guerra was frightful in the FSL last season, and a repeat trip this year isn’t turning out much better. Yesterday’s 4 inning, 8 ER, 10 Hit, 2BB outing was easily the night’s worst.

Ugly Performance of the day…
23yo Rangers’ prospect Greg Golson went 0 for 6 with 3 strikeouts.

Waiting for the phone to ring…
After a couple of failed attempts at the Major Leagues, 23yo Reds’ right-hander, Homer Bailey, honestly appears to be ready for the show. Yesterday’s 8 inning, 7 hit, 1 walk shutout, with 7 Ks, gives Bailey 31 innings now with only 1 run allowed and a 30:5 K:BB ratio over that time.

Apparently worth the money…
The Indians gave 16th round pick T.J. House $750,000 to keep him from attending college last summer. The 19yo tossed a 7 inning shutout, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks while fanning 6 yesterday, lowering his ERA to 2.74 on the year.

Minor League hitter of the day…
The A’s 23yo, Aaron Cunningham, went 3 for 5, with 2 home runs.

Next stop Baltimore…
It has taken a little longer than he had hoped, but Orioles, 22yo left-hander, Brian Matusz has the express train rolling. After 20 straight scoreless innings in the Carolina League, Matusz made his Eastern League debut with 6 more shutout innings. He allowed a mere 3 hits and 1 walk, while fanning 10. Expect him to be in Baltimore before the year is out.