Minor League Watch

Lots of action in the farm system these last few days with the start of the short season Connecticut Tigers in the NY-Penn League. The FSL had its all-star game with three players from Lakeland making good appearances. But there are also some very disappointing things. Here's a brief analysis:

A. Class A Short-Season:

Personally apart from a few guys whose names I remember from Matt's articles about the depth of the system at each position, like Samir Rijo, Javier Azcona and Edwin Gomez, I know nothing about the others. So I would appreciate a comment from the experts on this community about the guys we should watch, while also waiting for some of the recent to draftees to hopefully sign and start playing.

A+ All-Star Game:

Gustavo Nunez was 0-2 with 1BB, 1SB and 1 run scored, while batting lead-off. Tony Plagman was 1-2 with a double and had a HBP. Kenny Faulk struck out the side in 1IP of relief. That looks like a very solid effort for all three youngsters. Congratulations.

AA Casey Crosby:

He is on the DL again. Does anyone know how serious it is this time? It's a pitty because he is having a very good season despite the 55/40 K/BB in 65IP. If you are concerned about that keep note on the other hand that he has given up only 3 HR (let's not talk about the other starters about this stat), which means that he generally keeps the ball down.

AA Robbie Weinhardt:

What is wrong with him? Is he injured and hiding it? Even at AA he gets badly beaten up. Any info?

AA Francisco Martinez:

He's on fire.

AAA Jose Ortega:

When Weinhardt was DFAd he had a ERA somewhere between 8 and 9. At the same time Ortega (the Tigers' No10 prospect according to BA) had an ERA above 16. A few weeks later it still is above 10 and Ortega seems unable to come out of his slump.

CWS

Three recent Tigers' draftees take part in the College World Series. 1B Aaron Westlake of Vanderbilt was 0-3 with a SF and a RBI in his team's win over NC. He was batting 3rd. C Curt Casali, batting 4th, was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 RBI. SS Brandon Loy was 2-4 for Texas in its 4-8 loss from Florida. Looking good and let's hope they sign soon.

These are comments about the most familiar names in farm system, so any interesting news on some less well-known guys will be most welome.