(Photo by Phillip Richmond)
Trevor Reckling has given up 0 runs in his last 4 starts
By David Saltzer - Angelswin.com Columnist
1. Trevor Reckling, SP, Class A Cedar Rapids Kernels
For the Week: 2-0 in 2 starts 0.00 ERA, 16.0 IP, 8 H, 5 BB, 9 K, 0.81 WHIP
Overall: 4-2, 2.35 ERA, 72.2 IP, 53 H, 37 BB, 50 K, 1.24 WHIP, 208 BAA
If we had had a Top Prospect List last week, Reckling would have/should have been our #1 pick. So, it’s only fitting to give him that honor this week since he only played even better! Apparently there’s something to be said about getting older. Starting with the night before his 19th birthday, Trevor started blowing the competition away. He hasn’t given up a run in over 28 innings and has only had 2 non-quality starts this season! Maybe one of our historians can dig up the record, but 28 innings without giving up a run is a very impressive number! Good job!
2. Jeremy Moore, OF, Class A Cedar Rapids Kernels
For the Week: 17/35 (486), 3 Doubles, 1 Triple, 3 HRs, 7 Runs, 6 RBIs, 4 SBs
Overall: 243/288/446 with 21 SBs and 8 HRs
In writing this column, I’ve come to realize that there is an inherent problem with writing it. Since we go Sunday to Sunday, if a player has a hot-streak that goes from a Wednesday to a Wednesday, it won’t always be as attractive because of the extra days that weren’t so hot. So, with Jeremy Moore, I’m expanding the numbers to show just how hot he was for a period. There’s no doubt that Moore has the tools to excel. Right now, he needs to work on the plate discipline in order to take advantage of his tools (he has a 67:12 K:BB ratio). Hopefully he will get locked in and will continue to progress.
3. Freddy Sandoval, OF, Class AAA Salt Lake Bees
For the Week: 12/29 (414), 3 Doubles, 0 Triple, 1 HRs, 6 Runs, 8 RBIs, 1 SB
Overall: 301/362/460 with 6 SBs and 6 HRs
Freddy has always been a bit overshadowed. He’s never excelled in any one area to draw attention, and yet, has also has consistently posted solid numbers throughout his minor league career. For many teams, Sandoval could be a backup corner INFer in the mold of Quinlan. This year he is clearly hitting lefties better than righties (356 to 270), and could earn a spot like Quinlan at some point.
4. Jason Bulger, RP, Class AAA Salt Lake Bees
For the Week: 0-0, 4 Saves, 0.00 ERA, 4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 9 K, 0.50 WHIP
Overall: 2-0, 6 Saves, 0.96 ERA, 18.2 IP, 12 H, 8 BB, 32 K, 1.07 WHIP, 182 BAA
When Bulger is on, he generates strikeouts in enormous numbers. Last week, 9 out of 12 outs he recorded were by way of the “K”. When he’s not, he can be lit up. Both last year and this year, Bulger has dominated AAA hitting. Even though he’s not a ground ball pitcher, he’s dominated at a high-altitude park. The question is: Can Bulger make the leap to major league hitting this year? His numbers at SLK clearly warrant another shot—a more extensive shot than what he’s had so far. Let’s hope he can because the pressure from within the organization is building with players like Jepsen and Aldridge knocking at the door in AAA and AA.
5. Ryan Aldridge, RP, Class AA Arkansas Travelers
For the Week: 0-0 in 2 appearances 0.00 ERA, 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 4 K, 0.75 WHIP
Overall: 0-0, 5 Saves, 0.00 ERA, 12.0 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 15 K, 1.24 WHIP, 122 BAA
Ryan lost last year due to an injury. But he’s back after having elbow surgery and looking to soar through the system. In the past Aldridge dominated at Cedar Rapids logging 24 saves in 2006. After an extended Spring Training, Aldridge was promoted to AA on June 10th after Kevin Jepsen (an All-Star closer for the Travelers this year) was promoted to AAA. Eddie Bane has been really high on Aldridge, and it’s not unrealistic that he could end up with Jepsen at AAA if O’Day and Arredondo stick with the Angels.
6. Brian Stavisky, OF/DH, Class AA Arkansas Travelers
For the Week: 12/32 (375), 5 Doubles, 0 Triple, 2 HRs, 9 Runs, 8 RBIs, 1 SBs
Overall: 339/412/644
Signed out of the Atlantic Independent League on May 29th, Stavisky is no stranger to the Texas league. Stavisky played in the Texas League for Oakland in 2005 and 2006 where he established some career numbers. Unfortunately, the Travelers have suffered some major injuries to their OFers this season. Fortunately, players like Stavisky have hit the ground running and help propel the Travelers into a tie for 1st place in the league.
7. Hank Conger, C, Class A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
For the Week: 11/26 (375), 4 Doubles, 0 Triple, 0 HRs, 1 Runs, 12 RBIs, 1 SB
Overall: 308/339/481 with 1 HR and 1 SB
He’s back! And, he’s hitting. He’s still DHing, but, he should get back to catching by the end of the season. The main thing is that he is developing offensively and is staying healthy. Along with Bourjos, Norman, Trumbo, Mount and others, a drive out to see the Quakes is well worth it.
8. Hector Estrella, 2B, Class A Cedar Rapids Kernels
For the Week: 12/30 (400), 3 Doubles, 0 Triples, 1 HR, 4 Runs, 9 RBIs, 0 SBs
Overall: 319/366/436 with 2 HRs and 1 SB
Another one of our MIF prospects, Estrella is in his second year with the organization after signing out of USC. He’s improving on last year’s numbers and working his way up at our deepest position.
7. PJ Phillips, SS, Class A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
For the Week: 10/27 (486), 2 Doubles, 0 Triples, 0 HRs, 4 Runs, 11 RBIs, 2 SBs
Overall: 251/285/370 with 2 HRs and 15 SBs
Offensively raw may be the best way to describe PJ. He has the talent and the bloodline to make it as a major leaguer. He needs to work on the plate discipline (he has a 67:9 K:BB ratio) in order to generate more success.
10. Adam Pavkovich, OF, Class AAA Salt Lake Bees
For the Week: 8/27 (296), 1 Doubles, 1 Triple, 3 HRs, 4 Runs, 7 RBIs, 0 SBs
Overall: 273/329/485 with 9 HRs and 3 SBs
Another part of our MIF depth, Adam put on an offensive show this week with the 5 extra base hits, including 3 big ones. In a repeat year for Adam at AAA, he’s showing a lot more power than last year when he only clubbed 2 dingers in 88 games.
