I’m terrified of jazz. Growing up, there was only one way for me and my brothers to know what kind of mood my dad was in – the radio station he had on in the car. If it was 93.3 WMMR classic rock, we were good to go. Dad was in a great mood. If it was smooth jazz 106.1? God help us. We were one well-placed backhand away from decapitation. You see, my dad only listened to smooth jazz when it was the only thing between him and homicide as he tried desperately to calm down after a shit day at work. 15 years of therapy later, I’m able to listen to Kenny G again. Jazz Chisholm (2-for-4 with a homer, his 18th of the year) is doing just fine without hypnosis or puppets. His average this year is hot garbage, but with 18 homers and 13 steals in Double-A and a much more palatable .260 average in July, he’s doing enough to stay afloat. Here’s what else is happening around the minor leagues…
Casey Mize, RHP | DET – Six innings, six strikeouts, a run, and a walk. That’s the first Mize-ish start since the injury, so hopefully it’s a sign that’s he rounding back into form. It might be a day late and a dollar short for this season, but I’d expect Mize to very much be a part of the rotation conversation next spring. So many interesting arms for next season…Mize, Anderson, Gore, Manning, Luzardo. Pitching prospects are the gift that keeps on giving and that gift is devastating injuries.
Kyle Tucker, OF | HOU – Playing first base. Normally this would be big news and might hint at an imminent call to the majors, but Tucker is just as blocked at first and DH by Gurriel and Alvarez respectively as he is at the outfield positions. Unless something happens at the deadline, and I’m not sure it will, I don’t think anything other than an injury is going to bring him up before September. This goes against what I’ve been saying all year, but I’m just as tired of waiting as you are.
Jesus Luzardo, LHP | OAK – Throwing simulated innings this week. Excellent. I’ll simulate me not drafting you in the spring and we’ll all be happy in our grand delusion. Still liking Luzardo a lot for next season (see above), but I think it’s a stretch to assume he’ll make an impact this year.
Sean Murphy, C | OAK – 3-for-5, 3 homers (4, 5, and 6), and six runs batted in. My fourth favorite Murphy after Charlie, Eddie, and Brown. Murphy’s only 30ish games back from a torn meniscus. If he finishes the year healthy, he’ll be right back up there with the better catching prospects for fantasy. Comparable to Danny Jansen coming into this year, hopefully with less growing pains.
Ronnie Dawson, OF | HOU – 4-for-4 with a homer (17). Like Jazz, Dawson has shown power and speed (12) but a poor average (.226). Unlike Jazz, Dawson gets caught on the basepaths a lot and I can listen to him without wetting myself.
