The Carolina Mudcats just haven't been able to find any sort of consistency in the first quarter of the season, and are slowly creeping down in the standings. This week's edition of Fishing for Mudcats takes a look at who's stepping up, and who's not, as we speed towards to all-star break...
Lake County was off, and Columbus, Akron and Carolina all got beat up pretty good. That said, this system has a slew of solid prospects, and as always, they performed well. At the top of ATF is a guy that is a bit of a sleeper at this point, but could still prove valuable as a right-handed bat. Jim takes a look at a player that's turned into a deep sleeper after a couple of years as a top prospect in another organization.
With speculation running amok with regards to Matt LaPorta, the beat goes on for the rest of the Indians' system here at ATF. In today's daily fix, Tony Wolters is slowly but surely creeping out of the offensive dungeon found in the Carolina League. Matt LaPorta is busy getting beaned multiple times, while Loek Van Mil has been rumored to have gained four inches and four MPH on his fastball. Our top spot on ATF goes to an apparent power-hitting third baseman, who's just lately found it. Check out who, after the jump...
David Huff continues working towards getting healthy, and had another outstanding start for Columbus. T.J. McFarland is doing everything he can to be the best starting pitcher in the organization (again). While those two lefties were busy doing everything they could to take the top spot in ATF, another lefty stole their thunder, and may just be ready for the big leagues. Jim Pete brings another edition of IPI, after the jump...
Jeanmar Gomez, Joe Smith, Vinnie Pestano and Chris Perez put the Marlins to sleep on Saturday with a sublime performance on the hill at progressive field. While Chris Perez would provide a few fireworks on the field and off, the Indians maintained their 3 1/2 game lead, now on Chicago, with their win. Jim Pete gives a few "Second Thoughts" of his own after Saturday's game...
Joseph Colon continues to build a name for himself at Lake County by taking a no-no into the sixth inning. Akron's offense just exploded tonight, with five hitters tallying three hits. One of those players is a guy that is slowly but surely starting to become a possible name for one of those corner infield positions in the near future. Find out who he is in today's ATF, after the jump...
The magical 40-day period is nearly over. Will the Cleveland Indians make some moves to shuffle up this roster, or will their moves prior to the 40-day deadline satisfy Antonetti and Shapiro enough to keep guys like Matt LaPorta and Jared Goedert at bay? Take a walk to the Corner of Carnegie and Ontario to find out just what has been done already, and what might still be done in the days ahead.
Sometimes things change, and sometimes they don't. The Indians system is ripe with young talent, and they just keep showing off that talent in big ways. Back in tonight's ATF is one Jared Goedert, who is hitting about .900 this season. Luigi Rodriguez continues to fill the Lake County box score with big numbers as well. Tonight's top slot goes to the best prospect in the system, and I can't wait to see where this kid is rated in the national rankings going forward. Who are we talking about? I know, another great ATF mystery right?
The Kinston Indians were pitching dominant for the past two seasons. The Carolina Mudcats haven't been, but over the past two weeks, the Muddies have started to resemble the K-Tribe in more ways than just as the Indians' High A affiliate. The pitching has really started to carry this team. How much? Hop in the outboard and let's go Fishing for some Mudcats, as Jim Pete brings the Muddies weekly notebook.
Lindor continues to rake in Lake County, and T.J. McFarland is returning back to the fold as a top prospect. The top star for ATF on Tuesday night is perhaps the best player in the system right now. Jim Pete returns with another edition of IPI's original Around the Farm.
"When it rains, it pours." While this phrase certainly describes the Carolina Mudcats and their fourth rainout in just over a month, it better describes Monday Night's top player. Joseph Colon got his third straight win and his third straight quality start. Luigi Rodriguez begged, borrowed and stole his way on base. But today's top player continued to play above superlatives and hyperbole. The next big thing for the Cleveland Indians is exactly who you think it is, and I have a feeling he's just getting warmed up.
Tim Fedroff is an absolute beast of an outfielder in Double A Akron, and just owns the pitching there. Francisco Jimenez is a starter in Carolina that you likely haven't heard of, and while there's a good reason for that, it may be time to pay attention to this kid. Tonight's top slot in ATF goes to a guy that has definitely NOT left the building. Yes folks, this kid may just be the Tribe's best lefty starter in the entire system. Jim Pete give a very special Mother's Day edition of ATF, where the words are aplenty, and so are the prospects.
It's time to rejoice in Cleveland, Dan Wheeler has been designated for assignment. The big questions now, though, is who is going take his place? Take a look at the candidates, after the jump.
Ben Copeland introduced the International League to the long ball, while Thomas Neal continued his recent uptick in production. Tonight's top slot in ATF is a former tenth round draft pick who came into 2012 with a brand new mature attitude. Don't worry folks, he's still creating havoc. Jim Pete returns to ATF for Saturday Night's minor league performances.
Will the Indians hold onto 1st place this season? Will Michael Brantley ever live up to unfair expectations? Will Ubaldo just go away? Will Boston fans admit their inner-New York? Who knows, but Jim Pete may answer one or more of these in the Mother's Day edition of Corner of Carnegie and Ontario, after the jump...
Let the rain sing you a lullaby Carolina, as the Mudcats' rainout leaves tonight's ATF a game short. With that said, there was still time for a Luigi to take over the show in Lake County, while Francisco Lindor continues to make a case for Carolina. A starting pitcher named Colon makes an eight-inning statement, and he doesn't weight 350 lbs. But the headliner of tonight's Around the Farm was just about prospect royalty for the Tribe before injuries stole that away, or did it? Jim Pete showcases that very player, after the jump...
The 2013 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!
