Graduated from Stash List #2: Horton, Can You Hear Me?: Cade Horton, Coby Mayo
1. Diamondbacks SS Jordan Lawlar (22, AAA)
In addition to slashing .340/.417/.597 with six home runs and 13 stolen bases, Lawlar is further refining his plate skills, striking out at a 17.4 percent and drawing a 9.3 percent walk rate over his last month. I find the delay here confusing, which has often presaged a promotion over stash list history. Lourdes Gurriel homered on Friday and has gone deep thrice in the past week, so maybe he’s not the path, but I just don’t see how they can justify leaving Lawlar down much longer.
2. Red Sox OF Roman Anthony (20, AAA)
What appeared to be a window for Anthony slammed shut when Rafael Devers refused to try his luck at first base. Feels like it’s still in play though. He’s reportedly set to meet with ownership about it this weekend. Still 20 years old for a couple more days (May 13), Anthony is hitting .250 with only singles and walks to show for his last ten games
3. Pirates RHP Bubba Chandler (22, AAA)
Nobody wants to see someone get fired, but it’s especially frustrating to see Derek Shelton get canned while his bosses are hoarding the organization’s best young arms in the minors. Chandler finally got binged in his latest start, allowing nine baserunners and three earned runs in 2.2 innings, which brings his ERA to 2.25. He’s allowed just 15 hits and recorded 41 strikeouts in 28 innings on the season. Interim manager is going to look so smart with Chandler, Thomas Harrington and Hunter Barco on the staff, not to mention a serviceable Bednar.
4. Brewers RHP Jacob Misiorowski (23, AAA)
If he keeps throwing strikes the way he has been, Misiorowski has a case for the top of this list. I traded him away in a couple leagues when I thought the time was right, but I’m worried I’m going to wind up regretting that. He’s got a 1.49 ERA and 0.92 WHIP and 54 strikeouts in 42.1 innings, and I would not have traded him if I thought this is where we’d be in mid May. I should’ve known better than to bet against Milwaukee maximizing a pitcher.
5. Twins RHP Zebby Matthews (24, AAA)
I figured Zebby would be a Twinkie by now, but they went to Festa first, and Chris Paddack has clung to his rotation spot. Not Zebby’s fault, is all I mean to say. He’s got a 2.30 ERA and 34 strikeouts through 27.1 innings. He has given up 25 hits, I guess, and he did get smoked in his cup of coffee last year, but he’s throwing harder now and warrants another shot.
6. Royals 1B Jac Caglianone (22, AA)
Can’t keep him in Double-A much longer. Not sure why he’s there now, slashing .325/.400/.600 with nine home runs in 31 games. Bit of a gift horse situation for a club that needs a boost on offense.
7. Phillies RHP Andrew Painter (22, AAA)
The long road back gets shorter every day, as Painter made his Triple-A debut this week with three shutout innings. It’s impossible to predict the timeline on this one, but I’m siding with Sooner in the case of Sooner vs. Later. He looks healthy. Once he goes five innings a few times, I’m bringing him up if I run the Phillies. Then again, there’s the post-season to consider, but I wouldn’t let that interfere with whatever I thought was best for this player at this moment. He’s too important to get wrong because you’re trying to be cute.
8. Phillies OF Justin Crawford (21, AAA)
Slashing .328/.393/.418 with 12 stolen bases. It’s not always pretty, of course. 30 strikeouts in 32 games is a lot for a speedy leadoff type. Nonetheless, he’s thriving as one of the youngest players at the level, and there’s only one level left to go.
9. Red Sox SS Marcelo Mayer (22, AAA)
Perhaps I’m galaxy braining this a bit, but I don’t see why Mayer couldn’t kick over to first base for a little while. I mean, cut to Ron Washington in Moneyball, but Mayer’s a decent defender on the left side and should be able to handle the task. He’s slashing .283/.345/.504 with seven home runs in 32 games. They’re trying Vaughn Grissom first, it seems, and he’s probably a decent fit, too. Would be nice for them to recoup some value on that Chris Sale trade.
10. Guardians LHP Parker Messick (24, AAA)
As a changeup heavy lefty with plus command, Messick has a mix that should work early in his career. In 27.2 innings, he’s recorded 39 strikeouts with 3.25 ERA. Cleveland could wish him into their rotation (and ours) at any time.
Thanks for reading!
And Happy Mother’s Day!
