by Jason Martinez
The minor league season is coming to an end and so is our 'Knocking Down the Door' feature. You can check out all 17 weeks of picks in the 'Knocking Down the Door archive'. With word that Aroldis Chapman and Carlos Carrasco are en route to the big leagues, 68 of the 107 picks (some players were chosen multiple times) have been promoted to the big leagues (some have since been optioned back to the minors) and there should be more to follow once rosters expand tomorrow.
Of the players who were 'Knocking Down the Door' picks during the season and have yet to be promoted, the most intriguing players that could make an impact in September are listed below:
Freddie Freeman, 1B - Triple-A Gwinnett (ATL): Despite the acquisition of Derrek Lee, an appearance by the 20 year-old Freeman isn't out of the question. The left-handed slugger keeps on getting better, hitting .318 in June, .333 in July, and .394 in August while Lee is just 6-for-34 since joining the team. Freeman would have to be recalled by today to be eligible for the post-season.
Cory Luebke, LHP - Triple-A Portland (SD): It's finally happened. The Padres have lost more than 3 games in a row. While it's been mostly a lack of offense that's hurting the team during their current five game losing streak, it is clear that the team is in need of some starting pitching as Wade LeBlanc and Kevin Correia have ERA's over 6.00 in August and can't be trusted down the stretch. Meanwhile, the 25 year-old Luebke continues to shine down in Triple-A, allowing just 1 ER in his last 20 IP with 4 BB's and 14 K's. He's thrown only 114 IP this season so he's probably good for 4-5 starts in September.
Jake McGee, LHP - Triple-A Durham (TB): The Rays already have top pitching prospect Jeremy Hellickson preparing for a relief role in September and it appears to be a similar case for McGee, who has been pitching in relief for the first time in his career since a promotion to Triple-A earlier this month. The 24 year-old lefty has been absolutely dominant in his new role with 12.2 scoreless innings, 20 K's, and only 1 BB and 4 hits allowed. A call to the majors wouldn't get the same buzz as Chapman joining the Reds' bullpen, but it could turn out having just as much impact.
The Knocking Down the Door feature will return in April 2011.
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