This post is the first in probably a bi-weekly series. I'm going to be updating you all on how some of the Tiger's top prospects are performing in the minor leagues. I will cover all of the names that everyone knows (Turner, Castellanos, Oliver, etc), but will also throw in several names you guys may not have heard; but should be aware of.
Toledo Mud Hens (AAA)
The Usual Suspects:
Andy Oliver LHP-
Oliver hasn't been good. Guess why? Go ahead--guess. Give up? Because he has no command. Big surprise right? Through 3 starts, Oliver has pitched 14 1/3 innings, surrendering 12 hits and yielding 16 walks. 16 WALKS!!!! That's good for a WHIP of 1.95, which is off the charts horrendous. He has struck out 15 batters, which is a great number, but it does nothing to make up for the walks. At this point you have to wonder if he'll ever figure it out.
3 GS, 14 1/3IP, 12H, 16BB, 10ER, 15K, 6.28ERA, 1.95WHIP
Casey Crosby LHP-
Crosby got off to a rough start, struggling with, you guessed it, command. He rebounded nicely though, going 5 innings while surrendering 5 hits, 2 walks, and only 1 run while striking out 5 in his last start. Let's hope he keeps trending in the right direction. Crosby has been SLIGHTLY better than Oliver in terms of success thus far; but he's still getting hit pretty hard in addition to issuing far too many free passes. Remember though, his last start was encouraging.
3GS, 12IP, 14H, 8BB, 8ER, 12K, 6.00ERA, 1.83WHIP
Ryan Strieby 1B-
For those unfamiliar with Strieby, he was once considered the best hitting prospect in the Tigers system after belting 29 HR in 2008. Wrist issues have hampered his progress, and he took a major step backwards last season, sliding down many top prospect lists to out of the top 20. Strieby had a strong spring with the Tigers, and Leyland said he looks like "a different guy" due to finally being healthy. Watch out for Strieby, he could be a viable candidate for a call up should the Tigers seek a power-hitting lefty bat off the bench or at DH. He has been OK thus far in Toledo, second on the team in RBI with 12 but also tied for the lead in K's with 15. He has drawn 8 walks already though, which is encouraging in terms of keeping his OBP elevated.
15 GP, 61AB, 16H, 6 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 11R, 8BB, 15K. .263/.357/.492/.849
You May Not Have Heard Of:
Brad Eldred 1B-
A journeyman minor leaguer, Eldred is not going to be found on any prospect lists, seeing as he's at an advanced age and is in his 4th organization. However, Eldred has opened some eyes so far because he's on a season long offensive tear. Through 15 games, Eldred leads the minor leagues with 8 HR and 21 RBI, while maintaining a .350 BA. Don't be surprised to see Eldred get some run with Detroit this season as an injury replacement/bench bat.
15 GP, 60AB, 21H, 8 2B, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 15R, 5BB, 14K. .350/.418/.883/1.301
Erie Seawolves (AA)
The Usual Suspects
Rob Brantly C-
Many (including myself) consider Brantly to be the best catching prospect in the Tiger's organization. He's more advanced offensively than defensively at this point; but profiles as a hit-first MLB backup or average MLB starter. He's splitting time with John Murrian behind the dish at Erie, but still getting the majority of PT. Erie is not particularly stocked with top prospects this season; as Lakeland is chalked full of them. Brantly has done well to begin the season; however, and could potentially be in Toledo as the season wears on.
10G, 41AB, 13H, 5 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 5R, 1BB, 7K. .317/.333/.585/.919
Robbie Weinhardt RHP-
We all remember Robbie from his brief stints in Detroit. He profiles as a sinkerball pitcher that can get swings and misses out of the bullpen. That profile hasn't exactly been fitting thus far in 2012, however. I liked Weinhardt's stuff when I saw him in Detroit, but much like Rick Porcello, if your sinker is belt high its going to get launched. This is essentially Weinhardt's make-or-break season, and he hasn't started on a positive note.
5G, 10 1/3 IP, 11H, 6BB, 5ER, 3K, 4.35 ERA, 1.65 WHIP
You May Not Have Heard Of
Jordan Lennerton 1B-
Wow, look everyone, another first base prospect! Lennerton was drafted in the 33rd round in 2008 by the Tiger's, and is slowly but surely making his way through the minor leagues. Unfortunately, he is at an advanced age (26) for Double-A, but as a left-handed hitter he is making a name for himself. Splitting time with Rawley Bishop at 1B, Lennerton has provided pretty much the only pop in Erie's lineup (except for Brantly).
13G, 48AB, 15H, 2 2B, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R, 4 BB, 16 K. .313/.352/.729/1.081
Lakeland and West Michigan will be covered in a separate post done tomorrow.
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