MINORS FINAL 5/9: Reyes of sunshine; Mitchell 3 HR night!

[rico43]

Two of the bright spots in the Atlanta system in 2014 are infielder Elmer Reyes and outfielder Victor Reyes. While they've been talked about plenty, today we compare and contrast the two.

Elmer Reyes (5-11, 175) is 23, from Nicaragua, and was signed as a FA May 19, 2009 by Marvin Throneberry, the son of the infamous Mets first baseman. He started fast, as he was the August Player of the Month in the DSL. The 2010 season was a big one for him, as he began it as the Braves' No. 21 prospect, was named the GC Braves Player of the Month in June and Danville's Player of the Month in August. Growing pains hit him in 2011, hit only .177 in Rome. Made 27 errors in 2012 as he played SS most of the Year. Set personal highs in nearly every category in 2013, his first for Lynchburg (125 hits, 30 doubles, 60 RBIs). This spring was wiped out by an oblique injury, and played only 12 games in April (but hit .383 in those games).

Victor Reyes (6-3, 170) doesn't turn 20 until October. A Venezuela native, he was signed July 2, 2011, by Rolando Petit. Hit .296 in his 2012 pro debut, but 45 of his 48 hits were singles. Last year, he had 11 doubles and a triple among his 62 hits, but hit .342 combined for the GCB and Danville. Moved up to Rome this year, and so far is hitting an astounding .374 with 42 hits in 36 games (six doubles). Expect to find his power stroke as he matures. Only 17 strikeouts in 123 PAs. He's a switch-hitter!

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CLASS AAA

Gwinnett 9, Lehigh Valley 8

SP: Schlosser 4 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K.
WP: Buchter (!-0) 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K.
Mitchell 3-4, 3 HR (3), 4 RBIs.
Terdoslavich 2-4, 2 2B, R, RBI.
Bethancourt 0-3, 2 RBIs.
Cunningham 2-5, 2B, R, RBI, SB. (Go-ahead RBI in 9th)

CLASS AA

Mississippi (17-17) @ Mobile, ppd.


ADVANCED CLASS A

Wilmington 3, Lynchburg 2

SP: Ross 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K.
LP: Chaffee (BS, 0-1) 1 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K.
Wren 2-3, SB (17th).
Skinner 1-4, 3B, R, RBI.

CLASS A

Charleston 9, Rome 2

LP: Salazar (1-4) 3.1 IP, 4 H, 6 ER, 6 BB, 3 K, HBP.
Otero *debut** 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K.
Moranda 2-5, RBI.
Caratini 1-4, 2B.

[nsacpi]

He's a switch-hitter!

I was wondering about that because I believe he was listed as a lefty hitter before this year. Sort of like Gil going from a righty to a lefty this year. Amazing what they can do with Tommy John surgery these days.

[50PoundHead]

I've always been higher on Elmer Reyes than most, but I'll be the first to admit that he likely tops out as a solid middle IF back-up. His offensive production thus far this season surprises me.

On Victor Reyes, the kid has hit at every level and he's a young Latin signee who has moved to full season ball rather quickly as he cleared both rookie levels last year at age 18. We may have something here. Like nsacpi, I kind of laughed when the actual B/T's were adjusted for some of the Latin kids. Gil had always been listed as a RHP and Reyes as a LHH.

Nice to see Seth Moranda is still alive!

[clvclv]

Keep a close eye on Andy Otero - has really struggled with injuries. Lefty from Panama with big-time upside if he can ever get past them, and still young enough to have time.