4/28 MINORS FINAL THURSDAY -- G-Braves win epic in 15; Touki wins!

[rico43]

THURSDAY'S MINOR LEAGUE SCHEDULE

CLASS AAA

Gwinnett 4, Toledo 3 (15)

SP: Sims 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 11 K
Wooten 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Krol 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Ramirez 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Marksberry 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Peterson (BS) 1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
WP: Cunniff (2-1) 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Brignac 3-7, R (.316)
Bonafacio 3-7, SB (10th) (.333)
Mustelier 2-6, 2B, 3 RBI, SAC
Ruiz 0-4, 2 R, 2 BB (.329)
Kazmar 0-7
Time: 4:34

CLASS AA

Jacksonville 9, Mississippi 4

LP: Thurman (0-2) 3 IP, 8 H, 5 Er, 1 BB, 1 K
Burwawa 1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Hursh 2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER(1R), 1 BB, 0 K
Kinman 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Younginer 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Albies 3-4, 2B, R, RBI, BB (.370)
Godfrey 2-4, 2B, RBI
Schrader 1-4, 2B, R
D. Peterson 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI

ADVANCED CLASS A

Wilmington @ Carolina, ppd.

CLASS A

Rome 4, West Virginia 2

WP: Toussaint (1-3) 5 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
G. Jones 2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Caicedo (Save, 2) 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Riley 2-4, 2B (.266)
Acuna 2-5, HR (2nd), 3 RBI (.288)
Dykstra 2-4, R, SB

MOVES:
Burwawa assigned to Mississippi, Wooten returns to Gwinnett
Hyams dropped from Mississippi to Danville (procedural move)
Trepagnier released from Carolina roster

[clvclv]

Travel day - 150 mile bus ride for Rome from WV to Hagerstown.

Oops - didn't look at the times. My bad. Still have always figured that was the reason behind most morning games for pretty much everyone.

[bravesfanMatt]

THURSDAY'S MINOR LEAGUE SCHEDULE

CLASS AAA

Gwinnett (12-9) @ Toledo, 10:35 a.m.

SP: Sims (0-1).

CLASS AA

Mississippi (7-13) @ Jacksonville, 7:05

SP: Thurman (0-1).

ADVANCED CLASS A

Wilmington @ Carolina (9-11), 7

SP: E. Franco (1-1).

CLASS A

Rome (7-13) @ West Virginia, 7:05

SP: Toussaint (0-3).


I would like to see Touki take a step on this start..

[bravesfanMatt]

Gwinnett kicking off in a few.. like how Rio is now batting 5th. I think he could slot nicely as a #5 hitter.

Predicting Sims goes 6 with 1ER 9K 3BB.. Rio with 3 hits.

[nsacpi]

Predicting Sims goes 6 with 1ER 9K 3BB.. Rio with 3 hits.

that would be yuge

[nsacpi]

Sims exceeding expectations after 4 innings. Has given up just 1 hit and 2 runs. Five strikeouts so far. Impressive to see him continue to strike out more than one per inning.

[striker42]

7 Ks, 2 BBs, 2 H, and 0 R through 5 for Sims.

[zbhargrove]

If Sims keeps this up he will skyrocket the rankings mid season. He always had TOR potential. If somethings clicked for him, that's huge for us.

[nsacpi]

Predicting Sims goes 6 with 1ER 9K 3BB..

Rooting for Sims to go one more inning and give up 1 ER, 1 BB along with 2K.

[nsacpi]

If Sims keeps this up he will skyrocket the rankings mid season. He always had TOR potential. If somethings clicked for him, that's huge for us.

Yeah. It would be yuge. We've had some nice positive surprises so far in the minors and he's one of them. I also am pleased with how Albies, Ruiz and Dustin Peterson have reacted to somewhat aggressive placements.

[striker42]

Sims had something click for him last season. At the end of the year and into the AFL he was dominating. I was hoping his reduced BB total would carry over into this season but so far he's still walking more than is ideal. However, that could come in time.

Sims is a guy who will probably take a little while to adjust to the majors. I hope we don't get impatient and send him to the pen after a couple bad outings.

[striker42]

9 Ks, 2 BBs, 3 H, 0 R through 6 for Sims

[50PoundHead]

Sims is dealing today. Nice to see him step up after his promotion.

[zbhargrove]

Yeah. It would be yuge. We've had some nice positive surprises so far in the minors and he's one of them. I also am pleased with how Albies, Ruiz and Dustin Peterson have reacted to somewhat aggressive placements.

Pleased with Ruiz too but his high BABIP and high K totals make me nervous. Normally 2 big red flags for a prospect. If he doesn't make adjustments it may be a hard transition to the show. But he's still very young for AAA.

[striker42]

Looks like that will be the day for Sims with 104 pitches. He went 7, gave up 1 R (earned) on 5 H, 2 BB, and 11 Ks!!!

[50PoundHead]

Looks like that will be the day for Sims with 104 pitches. He went 7, gave up 1 R (earned) on 5 H, 2 BB, and 11 Ks!!!

Got it done in 104 pitches as well. Great start.

[Preacher]

What a job from Sims!!!!!!!!!!

One of the few Frank Wren soldiers left standing.

[Oklahomabrave]

Wonder if Sims can leap frog Folty on the depth chart.

[bravesfanMatt]

Too bad Rio crapped the bed.. I would be all in here bragging about my prediction.. Rio K'd with 2 and 3rd and no outs... Good job you bum..

[bravesfanMatt]

Gwinnett mounting a 9th inning rally.. bases loaded 1 out... come on... don't give Lucas a Loss.. he deserves better..



UGGG... second time in this game they cut a runner at home... 2 outs bases loaded..

[nsacpi]

Yuge spike up in Sims strikeout rate

[bravesfanMatt]

Alright.. Parnell made a wild throw and gifted the Braves a run.. tied at 1.. Sims is off the hook..

[striker42]

If Sims keeps this up, is he a top 50 prospect in mid-season publications? His stuff has always been highly thought of and now we're seeing results starting to reflect the talent.

[clvclv]

Wonder if Sims can leap frog Folty on the depth chart.

He did on my personal one late last season.

*** That said, it wasn't really that hard since I'm in that very small minority that has seen Folty as a late-inning guy for quite a while now.

[nsacpi]

If Sims keeps this up, is he a top 50 prospect in mid-season publications? His stuff has always been highly thought of and now we're seeing results starting to reflect the talent.

I'd say Top 100 likely. Top 50 depends on whether he can bring down the walk rate like he did today in his next 5-10 starts.

[UNCBlue012]

It's pretty great to see. I hope he can keep it up! The guy has pretty incredible stuff, there's no question about that.

[bravesfanMatt]

so would Blair 'graduate' off the prospect list by mid season updates? I would think so if he stays up..

I think Sims will be top 100 for sure.. but not sure he can jump all the way in the top 50 without several more outings like today.

[bravesfanMatt]

what a game at Gwinnett today.. G Braves score 2 in the top of the 13 to go up 3 -1.. but D. Peterson (no, not that one) blows it and gives up 2 in the bottom half to tie it up 3-3...

paging Rick Camp III.. please report to Gwinnett..

[cajunrevenge]

I am not ready to jump on the Sims hype bandwagon. I think he is still a long ways from Atlanta. He needs to string together a few consistent months for me to back on that bandwagon.

[zbhargrove]

I am not ready to jump on the Sims hype bandwagon. I think he is still a long ways from Atlanta. He needs to string together a few consistent months for me to back on that bandwagon.

He has been since the Arizona Fall League.

[bravesfanMatt]

what a game at Gwinnett today.. G Braves score 2 in the top of the 13 to go up 3 -1.. but D. Peterson (no, not that one) blows it and gives up 2 in the bottom half to tie it up 3-3...

paging Rick Camp III.. please report to Gwinnett..


Ok.. Cuniff is in to pitch the bottom of the 14th.. that should help prevent a 15th inning.. Good ball game though..

[UNCBlue012]

Ruiz is 0-4 but has 3 walks. It's the 15th inning.

[50PoundHead]

what a game at Gwinnett today.. G Braves score 2 in the top of the 13 to go up 3 -1.. but D. Peterson (no, not that one) blows it and gives up 2 in the bottom half to tie it up 3-3...

paging Rick Camp III.. please report to Gwinnett..

When they talk about the purging of Wren's draft choices, David Peterson is Exhibit A of a Wren guy who has gotten every opportunity and then some. He must have something the organization likes.

[bravesfanMatt]

Ruiz is 0-4 but has 3 walks. It's the 15th inning.

The Mud Hens are afraid to cross the Rio!!

[bravesfanMatt]

When they talk about the purging of Wren's draft choices, David Peterson is Exhibit A of a Wren guy who has gotten every opportunity and then some. He must have something the organization likes.

this org likes Johnson and peters.. #BravesWay

[nsacpi]

this org likes Johnson and peters.. #BravesWay

But they released Stiffler and traded away Wood.

[bravesfanMatt]

But they released Stiffler and traded away Wood.

so they need to find a Viagra or Cialis in the draft..

[50PoundHead]

Cunniff makes the bottom of the 15th interesting, but gets it done.

[bravesfanMatt]

good day for G. Braves.. not many hits.. but Sims made it special.

oh and Minor league Game thread pushing 3 pages with 3 games to go.. maybe out comment the Braves thread.. that is the way it should be, IMO..

[rico43]

Much more to talk about here, wouldn't you say.

No one metioned that all three Gwinnett RBIs today are from Mustelier, a 31-year-old Cuban out of the Mexican League (one year removed; he did not play organized ball in 2015) who was a Yankees prospect at one time. Yankees signed him for $50K in 2011.

[cajunrevenge]

He has been since the Arizona Fall League.


You mean the 17 innings over 6 games?

[Russ2dollas]

I am not ready to jump on the Sims hype bandwagon. I think he is still a long ways from Atlanta. He needs to string together a few consistent months for me to back on that bandwagon.

Ed: Lucas Sims has been really effective since being moved to Double A last year. I know you were high on him early in his career before things fell apart, but is he back to being a guy that can really make an impact as a starter?

Klaw: Every scout I talked to about him over the winter said future reliever, based on the stuff, especially the flat fastball. It’s also not ideal that he’s walked 14 in 19 innings this year.

[clvclv]

Ed: Lucas Sims has been really effective since being moved to Double A last year. I know you were high on him early in his career before things fell apart, but is he back to being a guy that can really make an impact as a starter?

Klaw: Every scout I talked to about him over the winter said future reliever, based on the stuff, especially the flat fastball. It’s also not ideal that he’s walked 14 in 19 innings this year.


Sounds an awful lot like Folty to me - except Folty's 3 years older.

[nsacpi]

Sounds an awful lot like Folty to me - except Folty's 3 years older.you give both every chance to develop as a starter because of the upside

[clvclv]

you give both every chance to develop as a starter because of the upside

That's almost always been "The Braves' Way" too - often resulting in missed opportunities to build better pens.

[zbhargrove]

You mean the 17 innings over 6 games?

"since"... he has 5 starts this season as well that have been very good... 11 games plus he had a 3.21 ERA with 10.57 K/9 when he was promoted to AA last year over 40 innings. So yes, he's been proving it for a while now.

[smootness]

You mean the 17 innings over 6 games?

Since being promoted to AA last year, he's made 14 starts in the minors, pitched 74.1 innings with an ERA of 2.78, and K'd 98. And that doesn't include the AFL. How long does he need to keep this up?

[Braves1976]

Much more to talk about here, wouldn't you say.

No one metioned that all three Gwinnett RBIs today are from Mustelier, a 31-year-old Cuban out of the Mexican League (one year removed; he did not play organized ball in 2015) who was a Yankees prospect at one time. Yankees signed him for $50K in 2011.

Maybe they've found another Garcia? Better that and an much cheaper Olivera. :)

[Braves1976]

Good to see my boy Sims have a very good game today. Homie making me look good defending him the last few years on here against those who doubted him. Hope he keeps it up.

As I said last year, my fear with Sims was never that he wouldn't develope it was that we'd trade him like we have so many others. Of course he could still end up a prospect traded if they favor others they brought in over him. I am just hoping they come to find him too good to do so.

[zbhargrove]

Since being promoted to AA last year, he's made 14 starts in the minors, pitched 74.1 innings with an ERA of 2.78, and K'd 98. And that doesn't include the AFL. How long does he need to keep this up?

Not to mention he's only 22 at AAA... I think cajun has just been ignoring him some stats.

[cajunrevenge]

Whats his walk rate been in that stretch?

[Garmel]

Ed: Lucas Sims has been really effective since being moved to Double A last year. I know you were high on him early in his career before things fell apart, but is he back to being a guy that can really make an impact as a starter?

Klaw: Every scout I talked to about him over the winter said future reliever, based on the stuff, especially the flat fastball. It’s also not ideal that he’s walked 14 in 19 innings this year.

Flat fastball? Where did Klaw come up with that?

[Braves1976]

you give both every chance to develop as a starter because of the upside

I agree and I'm not even high on Folty, my reasoning is that I think he can dominate enough in AAA but I doubt he amounts to much in MLB, esp. as a starter. But either way you keep him and his big arm starting and hopefully figure that out and trade him to a team that can be sold on the big arm the way we were. Once he is moved to the bullpen that is off the board, then if he struggles there again too that sure wouldn't help trade value. Bottom line: We won't be able to keep all these starting prospects anyway, plus a number of them will bust or get hurt. Folty is one for me I'd use in a trade if his value is still high enough to pull a return worth it.

PS: You know a team is pretty stacked in starting pitching prospects when they have to put some pretty decent ones in the bullpen at various levels.

[smootness]

Whats his walk rate been in that stretch?

Not particularly good. But why is that such a big deal? He's pitching really, really well. Getting the walks down is almost always the last thing top pitching prospects do. Are you looking for consistency, or are you just looking for a reason to knock him? Because he's been consistent since the middle of last year.

[bravesfanMatt]

Thurman is garbage.

[zbhargrove]

Whats his walk rate been in that stretch?

Probably about what you'd expect from a 22 year old prospect... if that was a big deal Carlos Rodon was a garbage prospect I guess.

[bravesfanMatt]

Probably about what you'd expect from a 22 year old prospect... if that was a big deal Carlos Rodon was a garbage prospect I guess.

Soon to be 22. In May. But only five years younger than the average. Scrub!!!!!

[zbhargrove]

Acuna with a homer! Touki looking decent early too

[UNCBlue012]

I really like Acuna.

[bravesfanMatt]

Acuna with a homer! Touki looking decent early too

Yes. A 3 run bomb. Hopefully a lead will relax touki into a quality start.

[Braves1976]

Thurman is garbage.

Tell me how you really feel about Thurman Matt. :)

Seriously, I cannot say I think much of him either. I know we got him in the Gattis trade but then and now I figured maybe a reliever if he makes it at all.

[bravesfanMatt]

Tell me how you really feel about Thurman Matt. :)

Seriously, I cannot say I think much of him either. I know we got him in the Gattis trade but then and now I figured maybe a reliever if he makes it at all.

seriously.. I shouldn't be that adamant.. just never seems to do well.. He is 24 and going to be buried under a ton of pitching talent..

[bravesfanMatt]

any reason why Touki was pulled after 59 pitches? good start though..

5IP/1ER/1BB/3Ks

[bravesfanMatt]

good grief Thurman/Burawa/Hursh are showing us what we used to call top prospects.. those guys are getting Killed..

Ozzie is 1 -2 and Dustin is also 1 -2 with 2 RBIs..

[zbhargrove]

any reason why Touki was pulled after 59 pitches? good start though..

5IP/1ER/1BB/3Ks

I would assume they just wanted to make sure he had 5 solid innings to get some confidence back.

[bravesfanMatt]

I would assume they just wanted to make sure he had 5 solid innings to get some confidence back.

hopefully.. just 59 pitches to get through 5 innings is pretty good.. So if that is the case, he should be very proud of that start..

[50PoundHead]

hopefully.. just 59 pitches to get through 5 innings is pretty good.. So if that is the case, he should be very proud of that start..

I imagine it's a "baby steps" thing. Get him through 5 without incidence and give him something to build on going forward.

[bravesfanMatt]

Touki with the WIN!!! Rome is rolling now..

[cajunrevenge]

Not particularly good. But why is that such a big deal? He's pitching really, really well. Getting the walks down is almost always the last thing top pitching prospects do. Are you looking for consistency, or are you just looking for a reason to knock him? Because he's been consistent since the middle of last year.


I know if he is walking 5 per 9 innings at AAA that the majors shouldnt be in his near future. As a reliever that might be okay but not as a starter. I want to see more 7 innings 2 walk starts and less 5 innings 3+ walk starts.

[jimsnores]

Most posts I've seen about bringing up Ozzie this year seem horribly opposed to it. I can completely understand that if it means losing a year of control, but if he is going to be up at the beginning of 2017 to open the new ballpark, doesn't that make bringing him up now, or later this year basically the same? Even if it somehow gives him Super 2 status, that doesn't cost a year, it just costs $$ in early arbitration, which I would suggest would be offset by increased fan excitement/attendance.

If the concern is that he "isn't ready", that's a "whole nother ballgame", although with his reportedly superior makeup and prodigious performance, I would say that this is open to debate. He's not unlike Furcal was at the same stage, and he was a great player for the Braves.

On the first point, do I misunderstand? On the second, I realize it's a matter of opinion. I just want something to be excited about besides pitching. I do feel good about the pitching going forward. This assumes Norris is released and that a good percentage of the pitching prospects don't bust. I think JT, Chacin, Wisler, Blair and Jenkins would be at least league average, probably better as far as rotations go, at least by the beginning of next year.

[smootness]

I know if he is walking 5 per 9 innings at AAA that the majors shouldnt be in his near future. As a reliever that might be okay but not as a starter. I want to see more 7 innings 2 walk starts and less 5 innings 3+ walk starts.

Nobody's talking about him coming up and pitching in Atlanta right now, just that we're excited about his progress and that his status as a big-time prospect is back.

[smootness]

Albies is ridiculous. That kid could hit .320 in the majors right now.

[rico43]

I know if he is walking 5 per 9 innings at AAA that the majors shouldnt be in his near future. As a reliever that might be okay but not as a starter. I want to see more 7 innings 2 walk starts and less 5 innings 3+ walk starts.

Sims has made exactly TWO starts in Triple-A. In his first start (four walks), he followed the first two walks with strikeouts, the second two with ground balls. I do not, in any way, worry about his control.

[yeezus]

Since 2013 and not including last night, Albies is hitting .361 with 7 2Bs and 1 3B with a 15.9% K rate and 10.3% BB rate against MLB top-20 prospects. He doesn't feast only on the scrubs.

[Nerfherders]

If it was simply a matter of talent, Albies would be up now. But his contract status is also important.

[JohnAdcox]

I really like Acuna.


Acuna Matata. What a wonderful phrase.

[clvclv]

If it was simply a matter of talent, Albies would be up now. But his contract status is also important.

It's really going to piss several people here off, but I'm betting there's a 75% chance that Albies is our SS no later than June.

[smootness]

It's really going to piss several people here off, but I'm betting there's a 75% chance that Albies is our SS no later than June.

I would be shocked at that. I think there's a chance he's up before the end of the year, but I don't think they'll be that aggressive. We'll see, though.

[Russ2dollas]

Flat fastball? Where did Klaw come up with that?

from all of the scouts he talked to per his post. I wouldn't know sims if he walked into my house so I can't tell you.

[UNCBlue012]

The depth though

[Russ2dollas]

I would be shocked at that. I think there's a chance he's up before the end of the year, but I don't think they'll be that aggressive. We'll see, though.

I would be shocked too. He's not 20 yet.

I don't know all of the rules for service time. Control and arb. But you don't want to lose a year of control for this year.

If he can get a cup of coffee with roster expansion and that does not impact control, then maybe you do that so he's ready to make an impact next year. I'm less worried about super 2 b/c my understanding is that all you are saving is money, not control.