Knocking Down the Door Wrapup
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.
Labels: knocking down the door
Transactions Recap - August 30, 2010
by Jason Martinez
Two more days until rosters can expand. Here's what's happened over the past few days ...
AL EAST
Baltimore Orioles
Jim Johnson was activated from the 60-Day DL after missing time with a slight tear in his elbow. The 27 year-old, who saved 10 games for the team in '09, has tossed one scoreless inning since his return. Armando Gabino (7 ER's in 4.2 IP) was optioned to the minors and Jason Berken (torn labrum) was transferred to the 60-Day DL to create roster space.
Labels: transactions
Tommy John Surgery Tracker
by Jason Martinez
Scroll to the bottom of the page for a full list of players that are currently recovering from, or very likely to undergo Tommy John surgery. I'll remove them from the list once they pitch again in a regular season game.
You can add Stephen Strasburg, the guy who many argue is the greatest pitching prospect of all-time, to the list of baseball players who have undergone or will require Tommy John surgery, known in medical practice as Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction. Many have recovered from the procedure to become successful major league pitchers. It just takes awhile. Typical recovery is 12-18 months for a pitcher (usually less time is necessary for a position player).
Labels: stephen strasburg, tommy john
PROSPECT TALK: Minor Leaguers with 400-HR Potential
by Jeff Moore
Power.
Like speed, and velocity, it is one of the un-teachable skills of the game of baseball. Sure, coaches can help a player un-tap the power inside of him, or develop more power out of his swing, but if it’s not there, it’s not there. Some players have “natural power” and some simply don’t.
In celebration of one of the greatest decade-long displays of power that baseball has ever seen – Albert Pujols’ career and subsequent crossing of the 400 homerun barrier last night – I wanted to look toward the future to see what prospects in the minors have the potential to ever reach the 400 homerun plateau.
Transactions Recap - August 26, 2010
by Jason Martinez
The last three day's worth of roster activity ...
AL EAST
Boston Red Sox
One of the team's three injured catchers, Kevin Cash, was activated from the DL. The 32 year-old had been out with a strained hamstring. Dusty Brown, who had a two-run double in his only at-bat during his latest stint with the team, was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.
Labels: transactions
'Under the Radar Minor League NL Pitching Performance of the Week (August 18 - August 24)
by Jim Brown
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League NL Pitching Performance of the Week
LHP Tom Milone, Double-A Harrisburg (WAS)
season stats: 11-5, 2.93 ERA, 144.1 IP, 148 H, 44 ER, 22 BB, 143 K in 25 starts
August 18-August 24 stats: 2-0, 13 IP, 11 H, BB, 20 K in 2 starts
'Under the Radar Minor League NL Hitting Performance of the Week (August 18 - August 24)
by Marc Hefferan
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League NL Hitting Performance of the Week
1B Ty Moore, Hi-A Potomac (WAS)
season stats: .263 BA, 28 HR, 102 RBI, 40 2B, 3 3B, 34 BB, 118 K in 118 games
August 18-August 24 stats: .440 BA (11-for-25), 4 HR, 13 RBI, 2 2B, 3B, 3 BB
Labels: adam eaton, cody puckett, ty moore, under the radar
Knocking Down the Door (Pitchers) - August 23, 2010
by Jason Martinez
*Players on the verge of a big league call-up are considered to be 'Knocking Down the Door'.
Aroldis Chapman, LHP - Triple-A Louisville (CIN): No team has more Triple-A prospects ready to come up and help the team in September. But the only one that is likely to impact the post-season is Chapman, a left-handed reliever that can hit triple-digits on the radar gun. Whether the team faces the Padres, Braves, or Phillies in the playoffs, Chapman would be one lethal weapon to have in the Reds' arsenal to face Adrian Gonzalez, Jason Heyward, Brian McCann, Chase Utley, or Ryan Howard in the late innings of a close ball game.
Knocking Down the Door (Position Players) - August 23, 2010
by Jason Martinez
*Players on the verge of a big league call-up are considered to be 'Knocking Down the Door'.
Dustin Ackley, 2B - Triple-A Tacoma (SEA): With the Mariners not likely to pick up Jose Lopez' $5M club option for 2011, the door is wide open for Ackley to claim the team's starting second base job next year. And since Lopez is having a miserable season with a .607 OPS and .953 fielding percentage at third base, why wait until next year? Chone Figgins would have to shift back to third base, but it's inevitable unless the team is planning on moving Ackley to another position. He played first base and outfield in college.
Transactions Recap - August 22, 2010
by Jason Martinez
Getting you caught up on all of this weekend's roster activity ...
AL EAST
Boston Red Sox
It appears that Dustin Pedroia was rushed back from his stint on the DL with a broken foot. The 27 year-old, who is hitting .288 with 12 HR's and 41 RBI's in 75 games, was placed back on the DL with soreness in the same foot after just two games. Infielder Yamaico Navarro, 22, had his contract purchased from Triple-A Pawtucket after just 16 games at the Triple-A level. He was hitting .275 with 11 HR's, 61 RBI's, and 18 SB's between Double-A Portland and Pawtucket.
Labels: transactions
Transactions Recap - August 20, 2010
by Jason Martinez
Getting you caught up on all of yesterday's roster activity as Derrek Lee makes his Braves debut ...
AL EAST
Boston Red Sox
Yet another Red Sox catcher is injured as Jarrod Saltalamacchia was placed on the DL with a leg infection. The 25 year-old switch-hitter was 2-for-6 with two doubles since being recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket. Dusty Brown, who was 2-for-11 in an earlier stint with the team, was recalled to take his spot.
Labels: lance berkman, pedro feliz, transactions
Pirates Headed in Right Direction?
by Jeff Moore
Considering they’ve had almost two decades to rebuild their farm system and get back to playing competitive baseball, the recent progress the Pirates have made seems like they’re still collecting knives for their yearly gunfight. But armed with a new mentality, more aggressive spending on amateur talent, what appears to be an actual long-term plan for the first time in a generation, the Buccos (and their fans) finally have a genuine reason for excitement along the Allegheny.
Transactions Recap - August 18, 2010
by Jason Martinez
Three days worth of roster activity ...
AL EAST
Baltimore Orioles
Setup man Jason Berken, who is having a terrific season out of the 'pen (3.03 ERA in 41 relief appearances), was placed on the DL because of a slight tear in his right labrum and rotator cuff inflammation. It is not yet know whether or not he will need surgery but he is likely done for the season. Rick VandenHurk, acquired from the Marlins at the trade deadline for Will Ohman, was recalled. The 25 year-old had posted a 2.18 ERA in three starts for Triple-A Norfolk.
Labels: transactions
'Under the Radar Minor League AL Pitching Performance of the Week (August 11 - August 17)
by Jason Martinez
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League AL Pitching Performance of the Week
LHP Jonathan Hesketh, Hi-A High Desert (SEA)
season stats: 6-8, 3.85 ERA, 114.2 IP, 113 H, 43 BB, 128 K in 22 starts (14 starts w/Lo-A Clinton; 8 starts w/Hi-A High Desert)
August 11–August 17 stats: 2-0, 13 IP, 2 ER, 10 H, 3 BB, 15 K in 2 starts
Labels: under the radar
'Under the Radar Minor League AL Hitting Performance of the Week (August 11 - August 17)
by Jason Martinez
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League AL Hitting Performance of the Week
1B Rawley Bishop, Double-A Erie (DET)
season stats: .286 BA, 15 HR, 80 RBI, 28 2B, 49 BB, 112 K, 10 SB (66 games w/Hi-A Lakeland; 47 games w/Double-A Erie)
August 11-August 17 stats: .478 BA (11-for-23), 3 HR, 14 RBI, 3 2B
'Under the Radar Minor League NL Pitching Performance of the Week (August 11 - August 17)
by Jim Brown
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League NL Pitching Performance of the Week
LHP John Gast, Short-Season Batavia (STL)
season stats: 3-0, 0.50 ERA, 18.0 IP, 13 H, 2 BB, 21 K in 5 games (3 starts)
August 11-August 17 stats: 1-0, 6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 11 K in 1 start
Labels: a.j. pinera, erik stavert, john gast, under the radar
'Under the Radar Minor League NL Hitting Performance of the Week (August 11 - August 17)
by Marc Hefferan
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League NL Hitting Performance of the Week
3B Chris Henderson, Rookie Level Ogden (LAD)
season stats: .339 BA, HR, 17 RBI, 9 2B, 14 BB, 12 K, 2 SB in 32 games
August 11-August 17 stats: .593 BA (16-for-27), 3 2B, 9 RBI, 4 BB
Labels: under the radar
Draft Pick Signings
by Jason Martinez
All top draft picks (first 5-7 picks of each team) that signed contracts are now listed in the 'Minor Leaguers You Should Know' section for each team unless they've been placed on a full-season affiliate. I'm sure there are a few that I've missed so please feel free to let me know if that is the case. If a top pick went unsigned, that is noted at the bottom of the page.
Labels: 2010 draft update, draft
Knocking Down the Door - August 16, 2010
by Jason Martinez
Nothing new and exciting with any minor leaguers so I'm going to take a week off from this feature and then wrap it up next week with a look ahead at some potential September call-ups. Also working on a few new features to be revealed very soon. Stay tuned ...
Labels: knocking down the door
Transactions Recap - August 15, 2010
by Jason Martinez
In case you had better things to do this weekend than keeping up with all of the roster activity in the majors, let me help you get caught up ...
AL EAST
Boston Red Sox
For the third time this season, Jacoby Ellsbury has been placed on the DL because of a rib injury. The 26 year-old, who could miss the rest of the season, has a .192 BA with 4 2B's and 7 SB's in just 18 games this season. He had been 4-for-34 since being activated from his second DL stint.
Labels: transactions
Transactions Recap Archive
Each post includes roster activity from the past 1-3 days so there is not an individual recap for every single day. i.e. The recap for August 22nd includes all roster activity on August 21st and August 22nd.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Follow MLBDepthCharts.com on Twitter.
Become a fan of MLBDepthCharts.com on Facebook.
Check out 'The Spreadsheets at MLBDepthCharts.com'.
Labels: transactions
Transactions Recap - August 13, 2010
by Jason Martinez
Wishing you a Happy Friday the 13th with all of the roster activity from the past two days ...
AL EAST
Baltimore Orioles
Outfielder Lou Montanez was activated from the DL and optioned to the minors. The 28 year-old, who had been out of action since late June because of a strained oblique, was 3-for-4 with a double in the last game of his rehab assignment yesterday with Double-A Bowie. He was just 8-for-57 with the O's in 26 games.
Blocked Prospects
September, in the mind of the baseball fan, is the month when seasons are won and lost. It is the month that determines whether six months of work will pay off or be for naught. It is the month when memories are made.
Transactions Recap - August 11, 2010
by Jason Martinez
Better late than never ...
AL EAST
Boston Red Sox
Jarrod Saltalamacchia was recalled from the minors, less than two weeks after being acquired from Texas. The 25 yar-old switch-hitter was 5-for-21 with 3 doubles in five games for Triple-A Pawtucket. Overall, he was hitting .243 with 11 HR's and 35 RBI's in 68 games between Pawtucket and Triple-A Oklahoma City. He takes the roster spot of backup catcher Kevin Cash (.176 BA, 2 HR in 40 games), who was placed on the DL with a strained hamstring.
'Under the Radar Minor League AL Pitching Performance of the Week (August 4 - August 10)
by Jason Martinez
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League AL Pitching Performance of the Week
RHP Jacob Brigham, Lo-A Hickory (TEX)
season stats: 4-8, 4.96 ERA, 101.2 IP, 107 H, 40 BB, 77 K in 20 games (18 starts - 49.1 IP w/ Hi-A Bakersfield, 52.1 IP w/Lo-A Hickory)
August 4–August 10 stats: 16 IP, ER, 9 H, 3 BB, 22 K in 2 starts
'Under the Radar Minor League AL Hitting Performance of the Week (August 4 - August 10)
by Jason Martinez
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League AL Hitting Performance of the Week
'Under the Radar Minor League NL Pitching Performance of the Week (August 4 - August 10)
by Jim Brown
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League NL Pitching Performance of the Week
season stats: 4-0, 0.67 ERA, 26.2 IP, 17 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 23 K in 9 games (2 starts)
Labels: greg wilborn, jared rogers, pedro lora, under the radar
'Under the Radar Minor League NL Hitting Performance of the Week (August 4 - August 10)
by Marc Hefferan
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League NL Hitting Performance of the Week
OF Wagner Mateo, DSL Diamondbacks (ARI)
season stats: .268 BA, 4 HR, 45 RBI, 13 2B, 4 3B, 32 BB, 71 K, 15 SB in 60 games
August 4-August 10 stats: .323 BA (10-for-31), 2 HR, 11 RBI, 2B, 3 SB
Transactions Recap - August 10, 2010
by Jason Martinez
One of the slowest days of roster activity in recent memory ...
AL CENTRAL
Cleveland Indians
Catcher Luke Carlin was acquired to complete the July 12th deal that sent utilityman Brian Bixler to the Pirates. The Indians have now added two minor league catchers, Carlin from Pittsburgh and Juan Apodaca from the Red Sox, to the organization via trade since the season-ending injury to Carlos Santana. The 29 year-old Carlin, who will likely join the Triple-A Columbus affiliate, was hitting .229 with 2 HR's and 23 RBI's for Triple-A Indianapolis. Bixler has since been traded from Pittsburgh to Washington for cash considerations.
Labels: derrek lee, geovany soto, transactions
Transactions Recap - August 9, 2010
by Jason Martinez
Today's edition includes all of the roster activity from the last two days ...
AL EAST
Baltimore Orioles
Backup catcher Craig Tatum was recalled from the minors. He was hitting .271 in 32 games with the O's before he was sent to Triple-A Norfolk on July 25th. Lefty Troy Patton, who was optioned to the minors to make room, has now been recalled to join the team twice but has yet to appear in a game. Look for him to get some relief work once the rosters expand in September.
Labels: transactions
Knocking Down the Door (Pitchers) - August 9, 2010
by Jason Martinez
*Players on the verge of a big league call-up are considered to be 'Knocking Down the Door'.
Kyle Drabek, RHP - Double-A New Hampshire (TOR): The Jays have plenty of young pitching prospects so they've been able to exhibit patience with Drabek, who might be the best of the bunch. Even in a tough AL East, Toronto's starting rotation is in good shape for 2011 with Ricky Romero (9-7, 3.37 ERA), Shaun Marcum (10-5, 3.44 ERA), Brett Cecil (9-5, 3.62 ERA), and Brandon Morrow (9-6, 4.45 ERA), who might have pitched the most dominant game of 2010 yesterday (9 IP, 0 R, H, 2 BB, 17 K), all returning. Lefties Brad Mills and Mark Rzepczynski are also ahead of the 22 year-old Drabek on the depth chart but the Jays might want to get an early look at a guy who many project to be a top-of-the-rotation starter for the Jays.
Knocking Down the Door (Position Players) - August 9, 2010
by Jason Martinez
A's prospect Chris Carter (.321 BA, 12 HR, 34 RBI since July 1) was going to be on this week's list but with word that he was on his way to join the team before their game in Seattle today, I had to exclude him.
*Players on the verge of a big league call-up are considered to be 'Knocking Down the Door'.
Brandon Allen, 1B - Triple-A Reno (ARI): The 6'2" first baseman makes his second appearance on the list in the last six weeks. While there was a strong chance that the team would trade Adam LaRoche to open up a spot for Allen before the deadline, especially after the 24 year-old posted a 1.146 OPS in June, current interim Manager Kirk Gibson and interim GM Jerry DiPoto might want to keep the red-hot LaRoche (.471 BA, 4 HR, 9 RBI in August) around as they are not guaranteed jobs next season and might be more motivated to win games rather than focus on a youth movement.
Transactions Recap - August 7, 2010
by Jason Martinez
I'll usually bundle all of the weekend roster activity for one recap on Sunday or Monday but what the heck ...
AL EAST
Boston Red Sox
Two-time All-Star Carlos Delgado has agreed to a minor league deal that includes an opt out clause if he's not in the majors by September 1st. The 38 year-old first baseman will likely spend a few weeks in Triple-A and would split time with Mike Lowell if the Sox decide to add him to the 25-man roster. Delgado posted a .914 OPS in 26 games last season but didn't play after May 10th because of a hip injury.
Transactions Recap - August 6, 2010
by Jason Martinez
Started off as a pretty slow day, but it's turned into a pretty busy one. Get caught up right here ...
AL EAST
Boston Red Sox
Setup man Hideki Okajima is the latest Red Sox player struck by the injury bug. The 34 year-old, having his worst season (5.85 ERA in 40 relief appearances) as a major leaguer, was placed on the DL with a strained hamstring. Okajima had a 2.72 ERA with 74 holds in three seasons with Boston coming into 2010. He has been replaced on the roster by 22 year-old lefty Felix Doubront, who has made three starts for the Sox this season (1-2, 4.11 ERA) but will get a shot to show what he can do out of the 'pen in Okajima's absence.
Labels: jordan lyles, nyjer morgan, transactions
PROSPECT TALK: A Look Ahead for Newly-Dealt Prospects
by Jeff Moore
Now that the action has subsided for the time being, let’s recap just which of the biggest names went where and what they’re up to with their new organizations. Some players stayed at the same level, while others were promoted immediately, speeding up their timetables for arrival in the majors.
Transactions Recap - August 5, 2010
by Jason Martinez
Another crazy day of roster activity. Read through this and you'll be all caught up...
AL EAST
Baltimore Orioles
David Hernandez was placed on the DL after spraining his ankle in Wednesday night's game. The 25 year-old has worked primarily out of the 'pen after failing to hold down a rotation spot earlier in the year. Although he had struggled as of late (5 ER in last 7.2 IP), his overall numbers as a reliever are good (4-3, 3.29 ERA, 27.1 IP, 27 H, 8 BB, 33 K). Armando Gabino, who was having an excellent season with Triple-A Norfolk (7-0, 2.12 ERA, .199 BAA) had his contract purchased from the minors to take Hernandez' place.
Labels: matthew rizzotti, transactions, wilin rosario
Transactions Recap - August 4, 2010
by Jason Martinez
Helping you get caught up on all of the day's action ...
AL EAST
Boston Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury was activated from the DL. The 26 year-old, who is 11-for-44 on the season, has now spent two stints on the disabled list and missed over three months because of fractured ribs. With Mike Cameron on the disabled list because of a sports hernia, Ellsbury will take over full-time in center field. Daniel Nava (.290 BA, HR, 16 RBI in 30 games) was optioned back to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room on the 25-man roster.
Labels: chris sale, j.p. arencibia, mike sweeney, transactions
'Under the Radar Minor League AL Pitching Performance of the Week (July 28 - August 3)
by Jason Martinez
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League AL Pitching Performance of the Week
RHP Joe Wieland, Hi-A Bakersfield (TEX)
season stats: 10-6, 4.33 ERA, 129 IP, 133 H, 21 BB, 119 K in 22 starts (15 starts in Lo-A, 7 starts in Hi-A)
July 28–August 3 stats: 14 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, BB, 19 K in 2 starts
'Under the Radar Minor League AL Hitting Performance of the Week (July 28 - August 3)
by Jason Martinez
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League AL Hitting Performance of the Week
2B Tyler Bortnick, Lo-A Bowling Green (TB)
season stats: .313 BA, 6 HR, 35 RBI, 31 2B, 2 3B, 52 BB, 61 K, 34 SB in 98 games
July 28-August 3 stats: .500 BA (15-for-30), 4 2B, 3B, 5 RBI, 4 BB, 3 SB
'Under the Radar Minor League NL Pitching Performance of the Week (July 28 - August 3)
by Jim Brown
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League NL Pitching Performance of the Week
RHP Austin Hyatt, Hi-A Clearwater (PHI)
season stats: 10-5, 3.22 ERA, 117.1 IP, 98 H, 33 BB, 151 K in 22 games (20 starts)
July 28-August 3 stats: 2-0, 12 IP, ER, 5 H, BB, 15 K in 2 starts
Labels: austin hyatt, under the radar
'Under the Radar Minor League NL Hitting Performance of the Week (July 28 - August 3)
by Marc Hefferan
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League NL Hitting Performance of the Week
3B Zach Lutz, Double-A Binghamton (NYM)
season stats: .291 BA, 13 HR, 30 RBI, 9 2B, 28 BB, 41 K in 41 games
July 28-August 3 stats: .381 BA (8-for-21), 4 HR, 10 RBI, 3 2B, 4 BB
Labels: under the radar, zach lutz
Knocking Down the Door (Pitchers) - August 2, 2010
by Jason Martinez
*Players on the verge of a big league call-up are considered to be 'Knocking Down the Door'.
Tim Collins, LHP - Triple-A Omaha (KC): Collins, recently traded to Kansas City just two weeks after being acquired by Atlanta, has already moved up a step without throwing a pitch for his newest organization. He is set to join Triple-A Omaha after spending the season with Double-A New Hampshire (TOR) and Double-A Mississippi (ATL). If he continues to dominate as he has, not only in 2010 (2.29 ERA, 51 IP, 31 H, 19 BB, 87 K), but throughout his minor league career (2.38 ERA, 221 K in 151.2 IP - 2007-09), it won't be long before he joins Joakim Soria in the Royals bullpen.
Knocking Down the Door (Position Players) - August 2, 2010
by Jason Martinez
Good day for the 'Knocking Down the Door' feature as recent picks Peter Bourjos (LAA), Thomas Diamond (CHC), and Jeremy Hellickson (TB) are all en route to the big leagues. Just a few more of these before the minor league season comes to an end so enjoy.
*Players on the verge of a big league call-up are considered to be 'Knocking Down the Door'.
Dan Johnson, 1B - Triple-A Durham (TB): Johnson has been on my radar all season as he's been at the top of the OPS leaderboard in the International League since mid-April. But I do my best to ignore 30 year-old journeymen with major league experience when it comes to this feature. That is, until opportunity presents itself, as was the case for Jesus Feliciano, Chris Denorfia, R.A. Dickey, and Joaquin Benoit, who all earned big league call-ups shortly after making the list earlier in the season.
MLBDepthCharts.com's July All-Stars (AL)
by Jason Martinez
The Yankees and Rays, each 19-7 in July, continue to be the class of the AL but the White Sox continued their mid-season resurgence with 18 wins in the month. While it was Paul Konerko, Carlos Quentin, and Alex Rios who led the initial charge by the Sox, it was the double-play combination of Alexei Ramirez and Gordon Beckham who have gotten hot in July. However, the Twins are just 1/2 game out in the AL Central after closing the month on a seven-game winning streak. The Rangers have separated themselves in the AL West but it was the A's (14-10) who were the best team in the division last month. They have overtaken the Angels and are now in 2nd place at 8.5 games back.
MLBDepthCharts.com's July All-Stars (NL)
by Jason Martinez
We already knew that the Giants had one of the best pitching staffs in baseball coming into this season. It was their mediocre offense that was holding them back. In the month of July, we found out just how good this team is with a potent offense behind them. Led by rookie Buster Posey, veteran Aubrey Huff, and journeyman Andres Torres, the team won 20 games, closing the NL West lead to 1.5 games behind the 1st place Padres, who went 14-10 in the month.