2010 Official AZL/DSL Indians Thread

[GhostofTedCox]

Anybody know if Adam Miller is down there?

[TonyIBI]

Anybody know if Adam Miller is down there?

Yes, he is there. But obviously not pitching. I don't believe he will get into any AZL games, though may slip in for a game or two at the tail end of the season if things go well. I still believe his ETA is Instructs.

As for Knapp, he is supposed to be active in LC or KIN here in the next 5 -10 days, or so I was told a short time ago. May see a domino of moves this week with Reyes (and maybe White) to Columbus, McFarland (or Gadner) to Akron, Packer to Kinston, and then Knapp to LC.

[artgold]

OK...what is the story behind Felix Sterling, a 17 year old right handed starting pitcher (listed as 6'3", 200 lbs)?

In the thin air AZL he is doing rather well. He is currently 17th in ERA, however almost all of the 16 guys ahead of him are 3-4 years older. He is the youngest in the group by over a year, and only one other pitcher is less than two years older than Sterling.

He is also 8th in the AZL in total strikeouts. Again, of the seven guys ahead of him, he is over a year younger than all of them, most are 3-4 years older than Sterling.

His performance yesterday kind of caught my eye. He was roughed up a little in the first inning, giving up a few hits and a couple of runs. He then came back and pitched three strong shutout innings. So, it appears he doesn't rattle.

Tony, I know in an earlier writeup about Sterling you stated:

"supposedly a power pitcher, but his full arsenal and ability is not known at this time and information on that is still being gathered"

Any updates about his stuff?

[TonyIBI]

Tony, I know in an earlier writeup about Sterling you stated:

"supposedly a power pitcher, but his full arsenal and ability is not known at this time and information on that is still being gathered"

Any updates about his stuff?

I agree he has been very interesting so far, though know that he is a guy the Indians were (cautiously) excited about after signing him this year.

I am scheduled to soon talk to the Indians about the International Signing Deadline stuff and will at the same time inquire about some of these new Latin guys in the AZL. I'll post the info soon. I'll see if I can get a quick hit from someone on his stuff.

[TonyIBI]

Knapp to start again tomorrow (8/4)....might be last rehab outing before possible assignment to LC/KIN.

[Jamooky]

Glad to see that Strongsville (and Kent State) product Anthony Gallas is swinging the bat well in AZ. I'm suprised he hasn't hit any homers yet, but the adjustment to wood hasn't seemed to affect him other than that. Currently he's a smidge over .300 and doing himself proud considering he went (suprisingly) undrafted.

[TonyIBI]

Was told to keep an eye on Cespedes who was just promoted to Lake County from AZL. Also, got back a report on Sterling....very interesting guy.

Sterling is one of many good arms the Indians have out in the AZL. He is a big, strong, physical pitcher who at 17 already has a fastball at 90-94 MPH with good secondary pitches (slider/changeup). He has a starter's arsenal, and while his command/control is improving he shows a good feel to pitch. Like most Latin kids he came into the organization as a thrower rather than a pitcher, but unlike most Latin pitchers he had some secondary pitches in place. Has really made a lot of strides during his time out in Arizona. Definitely a guy to highlight and watch.

[artgold]

Thanks Tony, I'll add him to my "watch list".

[tpaquette78]

Knapp 1st inning no hits no walks and 2 strikeouts.

[tpaquette78]

Knapp in the second gave up 2 hits no runs and a strikeout.

[tpaquette78]

Knapp third inning no hits no runs and struckout the side.

So far 3 innings pitched 2 hits no runs no walks and 6 strikeouts.

[artgold]

Knapp third inning no hits no runs and struckout the side.

So far 3 innings pitched 2 hits no runs no walks and 6 strikeouts.

Nice little outing there by Knapp.

Now that Hagadone likely won't be a starting pitcher, Knapp appears to be the "highest ceiling" starter in our system.

Hope he can stay healthy.

[tribe9597]

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb ... pid=593444
Look at Luigi's triples this season... it's incredible.

[TonyIBI]

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=593444
Look at Luigi's triples this season... it's incredible.

Was told last year when they picked him up he may be the fastest guy they have ever had in their system.

[danh8]

Intrigued by both Sterling and Luigi. I'm a big speed guy. Really like the dynamic and pressure it applies to
game situations. If he's the fastest guy we've ever brought in, then that's saying something. Have to follow him
closely.

[tribefan611]

Intrigued by both Sterling and Luigi. I'm a big speed guy. Really like the dynamic and pressure it applies to
game situations. If he's the fastest guy we've ever brought in, then that's saying something. Have to follow him
closely.

Luigi also has more walks than strikeouts. Sounds impressive.

[tribefan611]

Knapp: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

The two runs were given up by the reliever after he left the game. A-ball yet?

[TonyIBI]

Knapp: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

The two runs were given up by the reliever after he left the game. A-ball yet?

No, heard he will get at least one more appearance in AZ.

[tribefan611]

Knapp: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

The two runs were given up by the reliever after he left the game. A-ball yet?

No, heard he will get at least one more appearance in AZ.

Seems like they say that after every one of his starts.

[dnosco]

Wow, Hunter Jones signed and then starts playing almost immediately. 2-9 to begin his pro career.

[MattM]

What's going on with Steve LeBron? He was suspended for PED last year, and he's apparently a player/coach now.

Roster (look at the coaches) http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb ... os&cid=616

His stats http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb ... pid=598723

[TonyIBI]

What's going on with Steve LeBron? He was suspended for PED last year, and he's apparently a player/coach now.

Roster (look at the coaches) http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb ... os&cid=616

His stats http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb ... pid=598723

Just a typo and incorrect data entry by someone at MILB.com...actually see these roster errors from time to time, especially with the lower level guys.

[tribefan611]

Thought Rondon was supposed to pitch today. Doesn't look like the Arizona team is playing.

[TonyIBI]

Thought Rondon was supposed to pitch today. Doesn't look like the Arizona team is playing.

Likely a sim game.

[Upper Box Woodchuck]

What's going on with Steve LeBron? He was suspended for PED last year, and he's apparently a player/coach now.

Roster (look at the coaches) http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb ... os&cid=616

His stats http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb ... pid=598723

Just a typo and incorrect data entry by someone at MILB.com...actually see these roster errors from time to time, especially with the lower level guys.

Amen. DSL roster is a mess. I gave up posting their transactions because they never publicize any releases or DL moves. I've had to dig deep for info on some moves by the Tribe's U.S.-based affiliates, but it's never been anything insurmountable. The Dominican is a different story altogether.

[Lloyd Christmas]

Is Knapp making any more starts in Arizona?

[TonyIBI]

Is Knapp making any more starts in Arizona?

I believe he is starting for lake County on Friday, though unconfirmed.

[tpaquette78]

Lavisky and Brown in the starting lineup for Arizona tonight!

[dazindiansfanuk]

Lavisky and Brown in the starting lineup for Arizona tonight!

Lavisky with a K and Brown a GIDP in their first ABs, not that it means anything.

[tpaquette78]

Lavisky and Brown in the starting lineup for Arizona tonight!

Lavisky with a K and Brown a GIDP in their first ABs, not that it means anything.

Rough opening night for Lavisky 0-4 with 3 K's.

[MattM]

Boscan is playing today but is on the released list from earlier today.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb ... pid=598724

[TonyIBI]

Boscan is playing today but is on the released list from earlier today.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb ... pid=598724

Interesting. I just went back and checked, and the Indians sent a press release to the media on March 19th after he was suspended for testing positive for PEDs and getting a 50-game suspension that he was released at no cost to the club. I guess they picked him back up. I will update.

[tribefan611]

Wolters and Washington both 1-1 in their first professional game!

[Rocky55]

Wolters has 2 Runs, 2BB & 2 SB to go with his one hit.

I love this years' draft.

[JP_Frost]

Why was Washington lifted after just one AB?

[Rocky55]

Why was Washington lifted after just one AB?

Maybe he got promoted to the Valley? j/k

How do they get AB's for Bradley, Brown & Washington. And Siliga. Az has a lot of OF's.

[artgold]

Sterling with another nice outing, allowing only 2 hits and 0 runs in a 6 inning stint.

He has now walked only 2 batters in his last 4 outings, spanning 18 innings. In contrast, in his 18 innings prior to this recent run he gave up 11 walks.

[JP_Frost]

I wanted to ask about Sterling since I'm intrigued by his numbers, age and size. Is the kid legit? Do we need to keep an eye on him?

[Upper Box Woodchuck]

Thought Rondon was supposed to pitch today. Doesn't look like the Arizona team is playing.

Likely a sim game.

Yep. He's not even on the AZL roster and hasn't shown up in the stats. I think he's still in the "simulated game" phase of his rehab.

[dnosco]

Great starts for Wohlers and Washington. Lavisky is showing rust.

It is going to be REALLY interesting to see the development of these guys over the years. Given the AZL team has only 8 games left and ends on Aug. 28th and the MV team plays until Sept 5th and has like 17 games left, you might see some movement up to MV for a couple of these late signings.

Nice to see some familiar names on these rosters, though. It was a bleak season following both MV and our AZL team. When we are getting most excited about a non-drafted college free agent, that tells you something right there.

BTW, Siliga is an interesting prospect. Has definitely held his own this year, much to my surprise for a guy drafted that low who signed that quickly. I will go out on a limb and say that we have much more there than we expected.

[tpaquette78]

Interesting no Wolters, Washington and Lavisky tonight for Arizona.

[JP_Frost]

So no info on Sterling?

[TonyIBI]

So no info on Sterling?

Look a little earlier in this thread....up the page......

[JP_Frost]

So no info on Sterling?

Look a little earlier in this thread....up the page......

Thanks Tony. That sounds very interesting. Love those high upside arms.

[dnosco]

I am wondering about Hunter Jones. I am always intrigued about the sons of former major leaguers. While they still may wash out on talent I don't think they are as likely to be ground down by the nature and rigors of professional baseball as they are grounded in that at a young age. So far, so good for the kid, although, like all guys in the AZL, he has a long way to go.

[indianinkslinger]

I am wondering about Hunter Jones. I am always intrigued about the sons of former major leaguers. While they still may wash out on talent I don't think they are as likely to be ground down by the nature and rigors of professional baseball as they are grounded in that at a young age. So far, so good for the kid, although, like all guys in the AZL, he has a long way to go.

I watched him play a couple of times in HS Dennis. I was surprised the Indians drafted him at 11 but he has some plusses. He is a good sized kid who projects to get bigger IMO. That may not be a good thing in his case. His best tool is his speed which is probably around a 70. Good mechanics in his throwing look like about 60 with some potential. I didn't see a lot of bat speed but. again, his mechanics were sound. His footwork is not good. Reminds me a bit of Chisenhall in that respect. That is not unusual at this age and size. Some improve but some, like Chisenhall, don't. They move to positions where footwork is less essential to range. The big differences between Chisenhall comes at the plate and Jones superior speed. Although mechanically sound, Jones lacks the impact speed in the zone that was apparent in Chisenhall in HS. Chisenhall never had Jones foot speed. Jones should do well in the early minors with his solid mechanics but I do not think his advancement is as easily defined as Chisenhall. Then again, Chisenhall was a 1st rounder that most scouts had going earlier than 29th and Jones is an 11. Unfair to Jones to do the comparison but you asked and Chisenhall, another HS SS, came most to mind as a reference comp. The surprise I was referring to was they drafted him 6 rounds earlier than Siliga. But, as I said, his mechanics look real solid.

[Jake Taylor]

Wolters and Lavisky back in the AZL lineup tonight, but no Washington.

[artgold]

Sterling with another nice outing, allowing only 2 hits and 0 runs in a 6 inning stint.

He has now walked only 2 batters in his last 4 outings, spanning 18 innings. In contrast, in his 18 innings prior to this recent run he gave up 11 walks.

Yet another good outing by Sterling tonight. Goes 5 innings with no earned runs, and allows 2 hits (both singles) and 2 walks, while striking out 5.

[TonyIBI]

Sterling with another nice outing, allowing only 2 hits and 0 runs in a 6 inning stint.

He has now walked only 2 batters in his last 4 outings, spanning 18 innings. In contrast, in his 18 innings prior to this recent run he gave up 11 walks.

Yet another good outing by Sterling tonight. Goes 5 innings with no earned runs, and allows 2 hits (both singles) and 2 walks, while striking out 5.

I think someone in the lower levels has caught the fancy of Mr. Gold.

[artgold]

Yeah, he certainly has caught my attention a bit.

One thing that isn't so clear to me is how he has such a pronounced fly ball tendency, yet hasn't given up much in HR's so far this season. In looking at other pitchers who have low HR rates in the AZL, they seem to have strong ground ball tendencies.

Don't know if this means that these fly balls are going to become problematic as he advances, or if he is just good at getting guys to keep it in the yard even though he is a fly ball pitcher (so far, limited sample size).

Just one of those attributes I'm watching in his game to game performance. But like you state, I do find him a bit interesting especially based on his age.