NEWSLETTER
There are a lot of ways to view data when it comes to evaluating prospects. The easiest (and usually the best) way would focus on season numbers. Season numbers give us the largest sample size and the smallest margin for error, and those are important factors.
However, season numbers can ignore in-season adjustments. The point of the minor leagues is for prospects to improve, and it can be hard to see those in-season adjustments and improvements if we look just at the season line. One way to combat this to monitor the delta, the rate and direction of change, of that season line. If we see numbers trending in a positive direction, that can be a good sign (even if the season numbers are still lackluster). Numbers trending in a negative direction can be a sign of trouble.
One good recent example of the benefits of looking at in-season trend data is Albert Almora. Almora’s second half surge in 2015 is what led to us studying the tape, spotting the improvements in his swing, and buying into his offensive capabilities before the 2016 season started (and he began putting to rest any lingering questions about his bat).[adinserter block=”1″]
An even more recent example might be Gleyber Torres. I don’t want to draw conclusions on Torres too quickly, but the numbers are moving in the right direction. His brutal start to the season led to a line of .113/.266/.226 as recently as April 21, but since then things have been different. Since that day Torres has hit in eight of nine games (including a pair of doubles, a triple, and a homer) and has raised his line to .198/.303/.349.
It is much too soon to say that Torres has solved High A pitching, but it does look like things are moving in the right direction.
Triple A: Iowa Cubs
Iowa 2, Nashville 1
Pitching was the key in this game, and Williams was the key pitcher.
Double A: Tennessee Smokies
The Smokies had the day off.[adinserter block=”2″]
High A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Myrtle Beach 5, Winston-Salem 2
Pitching was the key in this win as well, as Pelican pitchers allowed just four hits.
Low A: South Bend Cubs
Wisconsin 5, South Bend 4
All Wisconsin runs scored in just one inning. Other than that inning, the Cubs had some excellent pitching.
Other Notes
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