Diamondbacks pitching prospect Matt Tabor threw five innings Sunday and gave up four runs while striking out two. Mike, you’ve officially lost it man, that’s a terrible line. Indeed friend, but Sunday was only the – *counts on fingers* – yup, was only the second time all season this kid’s given up more than two runs for Single-A Kane County. On the year, he’s rocking a 2.67 ERA with 80 strikeouts and just 10 walks in 67 innings pitched. I’m starting to see Tabor’s name pop up more and more in prospect circles, so this might be a good time to buy into the 21-year-old righty, who’ll likely hit the upper minors this time next year. A lot of dynasty folks ask “who’s going to be a big riser”. This one fits that bill. Just remember he’s a pitcher, so don’t go too crazy. Here’s what else is happening around the minor leagues…
Jonathan India, 3B | CIN – 1-for-3 with a walk as he was promoted to Double-A. Thus begins his march towards Cincy. He might even get there next year if this promotion means a start in Triple-A next spring. India had hit eight bombs with seven steals in the FSL prior to the promotion. I haven’t been as crazy about India as some others, mainly because I see him as more floor than ceiling, but it’s good to have a Steady Eddie on the squad and that was good enough to rank in the top 25 midseason.
A.J. Puk, LHP | OAK – Promoted to Triple-A. His innings have been limited but his stuff has been decent, striking out 13 in eight innings at Double-A with three walks. I was pretty high on Puk in the midseason ranks (#32) and if he can stay healthy he’s one of a select number of pitching prospects with TORP potential.
Ryan Mountcastle, CI/OF | BAL – 3-for-3 with a double – riding a six-game hit streak. That’s .304 with 17 homers on the year for Mountcastle, who’s now played third, first, left, and DH in the minors this year. I’m not saying this because Grey and I both thought he’d be up two months ago, but I respect that he keeps grinding despite not getting the call. Smith Jr. is hitting .230 with 11 homers. Maybe we could just slot him there and call it a day? Chris Davis is hitting .191 with seven homers…how about there? I mean, this isn’t that hard is it?
Franklin Labour, OF | SFG – 3-for-6 with a homer (14). That’s 14 homers in 33 games for short season Salem and that’s French for labor. A lot of times people will say “Hey asshat, how come I’ve never heard of this guy before?” First of all, language. The answer is guys like Labour, who come out of nowhere, nobody takes them seriously because they are “old for their level” and then the guy in your office who doesn’t even like baseball is drafting them and riding them to glory while you and I make disgruntled noises and click refresh to see if anyone has replied to our clever comment on Razzball.
