Heels On The Field: A Baseball Blog : July 2013

2013 Twitter Twenty: Twenty Best Minor League Players To Follow

This marks the third year of this list and it's only gotten harder. It also marks the first year the list has been moved to this blog (debuted for 'Baseball Digest') More minor leaguers are joining Twitter everyday, so the full list gets more challenging to narrow. There are many changes to this year's list, with a brand new #1, and guys moving from 'Honorable Mentions' to the 'Twenty.' Plus HM's are expanded.

But no wasting time. This is really all you want to know....

1. Cody Decker @Decker6 - This was won in one brilliant social media moment. That moment will forever be known as ‘Weightgate.’ After a writer got the first baseman's weight wrong, Decker responded with acidy humor, stunned by the writer's presumption. It was the perfect use of social media, and Twitter, not to mention national media, which had a field day with the story. It also summed up the struggle of many minor league players, in answering the question, 'Is he a prospect?' Favorite joke ever was this tweet of his: 'Hell hath no fury...like my girlfriend slightly inconvenienced.' Daily jokes and fan interaction are always great. (Padres)
2. Michael Schlact @michael_schlact - He remains one of the most connected, expressive players on Twitter. Always enthusiastic and tweets inspirational advice to his legion. You'll notice there's no team beside his name. The pitcher is currently rehabbing from shoulder surgery, with hopes to pitch professionally again. He's shared every step of the process, and for that he couldn't be excluded.
3. Jeremy Barfield @Baseclogger - Criticism of his omission the past two years is understandable. After finally discovering his content, it's clear Barfield built a following by staying deeply connected to fans. And the Twitter handle is inventive. (Athletics)
4. Justin Jackson @JaxChillinONE - Has such a genuine way of interacting. His tweets anticipating Spring Training made him seem like an everyday baseball fan. He announced his transition from the outfield to the mound on Twitter, providing a great modern example of players controlling their own press. Following him through the process gave a front-row seat to the unique baseball experience of switching positions. (Blue Jays)
5. Marcus Stroman @Mstrooo7- So much fun to read and love the daily updates about minor league life. And the 10,000-plus follower count is impressive. (Blue Jays)
6. Wes Wilson @wtwilson5 – Personality plus. He was vocal during the Presidential election, showing a thoughtful serious side, mixed with good-natured humor. He moved into the top twenty, after debuting as an Honorable Mention in 2012. He also hosts 'Wes's Womb' a pre-game addition to the Charleston Riverdogs pre-game show. (Personal note: I covered him in the NYPL, and what you see is what you get) (Yankees)
7. Kevin Vance @SorryBoutIt10 - Interesting and a little off-kilter. Tweets unapologetic passion for romantic comedies. His tweets about getting stuck spending the night in an airport (“#LosingIt”) were highly entertaining. (White Sox)
8. Ian Kadish @TheBearJew_36 – The Twitter handle is perfection. But the main thing is that, as always, he's a laid back guy, with a sunny personality and that always shows. Loves- LOVES- connecting with fans. (Blue Jays)
9. Jiwan James @Jiwan23 - His big energy comes through in his tweets. Loves to chat with teammates and fans. (Phillies)
10. Corey Black @CblackCHC - After his recent trade to the Cubs from the Yankees, he took to Twitter almost immediately to express his emotions about leaving one team and starting over with another. He did it with grace & humor, and documented his trip to join the Cubs squad. Love how down to earth he always is. It's a quality fans most want when connecting with players on Twitter. He does that perfectly. (Cubs)
11. Cole Cook @C_M_Cook – A good dose of biting, smart humor. Never boring. (Indians)
12. Beau Wright @LeftbutWright35 - Really speaks off the cuff and puts himself out there. (Marlins)
13. Anthony Giansanti @GianSanity - Answers fan questions and shares on a personal level that has to endear him to fans (“Here he is! Baby Roman.” Nephew #3 got some big Twitter mileage.) (Cubs)
14. Matt Bywater @byweezie - Sociable and silly. (Lincoln Salt Dogs)
15.Taijuan Walker @tai_walker - Open with fans and updates regularly. Has built a strong following. (Mariners)
16. Bryan Harper @BryanHarper45 - Made the jump from last year's HM's to the top twenty. Socially 'gets it'. Chats with fans, and lets his personality shine through. He doesn't take the bait when critics tweet him snide remarks about kid brother, Bryce, and excitedly tweeted about Bryce's participation in the Home Run Derby. Keeps it cool and fun. (Nationals)
17. Trevor May @Trevmay54 - Music chats, fan giveaways, plus a great balance of what he shares almost daily. (Twins)
18. Ryan Verdugo @teachmetodugi11 – Genuine, honest, and a lot of fun to read. And, like any good pitcher, he mixes it up- always has something interesting to say about a lot of things. (Royals)
19. Justin Toole @Tooleyj24 - Friendly, upbeat, and, well, his “walkout” music is 'Night Train' by Jason Aldean. Country music and baseball just go together, people. (Indians)
20. Josh Fellhauer @The_Felly_3- 'Fellosophies.' Gotta love 'em. (Reds)

Honorable Mentions:

These guys are too good not to include.

Ryan Gunther @Gunther_7 (Braves)
Stew Brase @sbrase12 (White Sox)
Jake Diekman @JakeDiekman (Phillies)
Tony Thomas @GoldGlover2B (Red Sox)
Bubba Jones @ItsBubbaJones (Yankees)
Tucker Jensen @Tucker_Jensen (Gateway Grizzlies)
Lane Adams @LadamsKC (Royals)
Jarrett Casey @Jcasey13 (White Sox)
Cody Livesay @Livec1(Braves)
Cale Coshow @c_coshow (Yankees)
John Mincone @Jmincone (Mets)
Lance Durham @LanceBullDurham (Tigers)
Guido Knudson @Gknudson15 (Tigers)
Rookie Davis @rookdavis24 (Yankees)
Taylor Guerrieri @TaylorG1201 (Rays)
Brandon Thomas @brandonthomas6 (Yankees)
Brandon Nimmo @You_Found_Nimmo (Mets)
Elliot Glynn @ElliotGlynn07 (Brewers)
Brandon Douglas @BrandonDouglas5 (Tigers)
Chris Balcom-Miller @C_Bmiller22 (Red Sox)
Nick DelGuidice (Fargo Moorehead Redhawks)
Scott DeCecco @Dececco33 Mariners
Scott Carcaise @SCarcaise (Marlins)
Blake Hauser @JBHauser (Mariners)
Deck McGuire @deckmcguire (Blue Jays)
David Fischer @FaveDischer (Nationals)
Greg Nappo @Nappo41 (Marlins)
Brett Geritse @brettgerritse (Yankees)
Kevin Comer @kevcomer (Astros)
Saxon Butler @SaxonHolt33 (Yankees)
Jordan Cote @JordanCote603 (Yankees)
Cody Buckel @Cheatcode07 (Rangers)
Erik Turgeon @ErikTurgeon (Pirates)
Jason Van Skike @Van_Strike (White Sox)
Matt Stites @matt_stites (Padres)
Justin Fitzgerald @jfitzgerald31 (San Francisco Giants)
Courtney Hawkins @Chawkins10 (White Sox)
Rob Whalen @RobWhalen38 (Mets)
Robby Rowland @Robby_Row12 (Pirates)
Ryan Dent @RDdeucess (Red Sox)
Jeremy Dowdy @Dowdy413 (White Sox)
Cameron Monger @CameronMonger (Fort Worth Cats)
Chris Kirsch @ChrisKirsch9 (Rays)
Rob Wooten @RobWooten35 (Brewers)

Posted at 11:29 AM in Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Minor League Prospects | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Checking In With....Marlins Fifth Rounder, Muckdogs Catcher Chad Wallach

Staten Island, New York- "He's the big read head," said someone in the duguout, as BP concluded and players started herding toward the steps.

Hard to miss the 6'3" catcher with the, yes, very red hair. And since making his debut with the Batavia Muckdogs of the Class-A New York Penn League (short season) he's slowly putting a productive season together. The average (.189) doesn't look so hot. But in the past few games something has clicked, and he's been more consistent.

After being selected in the 13th round of the MLB Draft by the Marlins, Wallach, whose father Tim was a Major League third baseman for sixteen years, was assigned to Batavia, and in seventeen games, he has ten hits with seven walks, putting together a six-game hitting streak to start July. As he's adjusted to pro ball, he's cut down on strikeouts in the last few games; he hasn't K'ed in four straight games, getting two hits and scoring two runs.

He sat down for a quick chat before a game at Richmond County Ballpark, home of the Staten Island Yankees, as the Muckdogs prepared for a three-game series against SI.

"Nothing really difficult. It's baseball. It's the same game. Playing and hitting everyday is different. If you go through a little struggle, you have more time to work it out."

On College Days at Cal State Fullerton, where he batted .303 with thirteen doubles as a junior: "The relationships with the guys I played with made it easy and fun. It was the most fun I've had playing baseball yet."

On the MLB Draft, in which the Marlins almost picked him earlier, but held out, drafting INF/3B Ben DeLuzio instead, and hoped Wallach was still available on Day 2: "You kind of have an idea of where you'll go. Sometimes it's better, sometimes it's worse. You just gotta kind of prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. It was awesome to go earlier than I did. I couldn't have been any happier."

On the Quick Decision to Sign His Professional Contract: "I was ready to sign. I was just ready to play. And the area scout that drafted me really represented what the Marlins are all about."

On How He's Adapting to Pro Ball: "You've got to find your routine everyday. Catching the pitchers is a lot different here. They throw a lot harder, and with more movement."

On Defense: "I think almost every catcher would say the same thing: defense comes first. There's just so much to it. Working with your staff, than the work behind the plate, in between games, calling games. So defense comes first."

"I think you just really need to know your guys. Which guys need a pat on the butt, or some guys you've got to get in their face to get them going if they're struggling. So I think, just knowing them is so important."You can follow him on Twitter @Chadwallach29

Posted at 11:47 AM in Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Minor League Prospects, New York Penn League | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Checking In With... Mets LJ Mazzilli Hitting 'Em Hard For Brooklyn

New York, New York- LJ Mazzilli has risen to the challenge of his first few weeks of professional baseball.

The Mets have to like the way the second baseman has consistently produced quality at-bats for the Brooklyn Cyclones of the short-season New York Penn League. When he's at the plate, there's little nervous energy coming from him. He looks like a guy that has a plan. And that plan has been well-executed.

In twenty-seven games, he has 32 hits; in six games he has eleven hits, with four multi-hit games. He's struck out just seven times. If he's out, he's usually made contact. The ball is hard hit more often than not. He's also worked twelve walks. He's stolen just three bases so far, after stealing twenty-nine bags for the University of Connecticut this year as a senior, when the Mets selected him in the 4th round of the MLB Draft.

The Cyclones are finishing up a week-long road trip, returning to MCU Park on Wednesday, and Mazzilli spoke by phone about how it's going, and what he's learning.

Daily Grind: It's going pretty good. I'm getting back into the zone. I'm trying to do it LJ's way, and stay within myself with each at-bat. I'm focused on what I do well.

Better At-Bats: At the plate, I'm hitting pitches that maybe I sat back on, or took. I'm driving the ball more. I just feel very comfortable out there right now.

Teamwork: All of us are just getting more comfortable. I feel like we're getting the ball rolling more. We're playing well, but we're also beating ourselves in some games.

Coach Work: We're working on simplifying. I'm trying to spray line drives. I'm trying to be ready to hit my pitch, and and when I hit, to attack. I'm also working on getting more quality balance up there.

You can follow LJ Mazzilli @LJMazz24

Read my continued prospect coverage, including the New York Penn League, on FanGraphs.

Posted at 06:27 PM in Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Minor League Prospects, MLB Draft, New York Penn League | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Michael O'Neill Fullfills Wish Joining Yankees Organization

Staten Island, New York- Talent is not enough.

Michael O'Neill learned that, focused on that as a junior in college, and it might've made all the difference in getting him to professional baseball.

"Before I had an approach, it was just sort of, see ball, hit ball, and just letting your talent take over," he said earlier this week. "And for the first time, I worked on my approach and visualizing to make an even bigger step to the next level."

Taken by the Yankees in the 3rd round out of the University of Michigan, the outfielder finished his college career 7th all-time on the Michigan's stolen bases list, with 49. In the Staten Island Yankees lineup, usually hitting 3rd or 4th, he's been consistent and productive. Through 18 games, he has 11 hits, including a current five-game hitting streak with five hits, including two doubles, in that stretch. He hasn't used the wheels to make trouble much yet, with just one stolen base. But overall, he's starting out of the gate on solid ground.

"I actually thought it was going to be a bigger adjustment than it was, but other than that, I had some butterflies. I was nervous. It's been pretty smooth-sailing so far. I've been working on some things with our hitting coach daily.

O'Neill, who hails from Powell, Ohio, is working on loading his bat, an important timing mechanism, and being a productive contact hitter. His talent hasn't failed him, but he quickly picked up on the advanced ability of the guys on the mound.

"The miles per hour on the pitches is obviously a little harder."

The Phillies and Mets both had interest in him- he's also the nephew of former Yankee Paul O'Neill- but when it came time for the Yankees to pick, O'Neill was still on the board.

"I was pretty sure it was going to be [with this team]. Those teams picked before them. Once [they] passed, I knew it was going to be the Yankees."

Throughout his college career he worked on developing a plan, something he believes helped him have such a successful final college season, and, ultimately, put him in position to be selected in the early rounds of the MLB Draft.

To be drafted at all and play professionally is, of course, the overall goal. But some players have a preference or attachment. For O'Neill, there was no doubt.

"I wanted to be a Yankee."

Follow him on Twitter @MichaelONeill10

Read my continued coverage of the New York Penn League for FanGraphs, Pirates Prospects, and the rest of the minor leagues on MLB.com

Posted at 08:05 PM in Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Minor League Prospects, MLB Draft, New York Penn League | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Rays Chris Kirsch Talks Battling, And Growing Up A Phillies Fan

Staten Island, New York- For Chris Kirsch, the direct approach isn't difficult. He doesn't mince words when asked about his recent start.

"Lack of command. The past two starts," he said Saturday, before his Hudson Valley Renegades faced the Staten Island Yankees at their home park.

When asked what's going on, and if mechanics is the problem, he explains there's more to the story.

"Partially that. And a little bit of my mind set. I'm having trouble pitching at home, I guess."

In his start last week, the lefty suffered the loss, pitching five innings, allowing six runs on ten hits. But those numbers don't match up with how he started the season. Before being promoted to Class-A New York Penn League, he logged ten innings of work, finishing 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA in the Florida State League. In his first two outings for Hudson Valley, he turned out two quality starts; through eleven innings he allowed three runs, one earned, and one walk, striking out eight and earning his first Penn League win, his first time out. Whatever he's struggled with, walks haven't been an issue. He's allowed just six this season.

There's a clear focus on what works and what doesn't. Changing things is not always the answer. Staying the course is. But there's a limit.

"I stay with the same routine and everything...unless it gets really bad. And then I look at video, go over things, to try and see what I'm doing wrong."

He spent 2012 in the Appalachian League, pitching through an injury (he was also injured for part of 2011), finishing 2-2 with an 8.10 ERA for Princeton. He doesn't waste words here either.

"I was terrible. And they tried changing a lot of things, mechanically and pitch-wise." he said. "I didn't really get acclimated to the changes until this year."

Part of the change was trading in his curveball for a slider, and learning how to throw the changeup. There was also some work on his mechanics.

"I gained a lot more control," he said, and saying he needs to work the ball down more, something he hasn't felt he's done in his last two starts.

He was assigned to the Appalachian League after being drafted for- count 'em- the third time in the fourteenth round by the Tampa Rays. In 2010 the Cardinals drafted him, then the Pirates in 2011. He passed on both. The process of that decision was very deliberate. Kirsch was, again, honest with himself.

"It was more a maturity thing. I just didn't feel I was ready. My parents and I agreed, I should get a college education. Or at least the experience."

Attending Lackawanna Junior College and going 10-1 with a 1.80 ERA, he was committed to Virginia Commonwealth University, but opted to begin his professional career.

A native of Delaware County- he was born in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania- he had a definite allegiance growing up.

"I was a Phillies fan. I went to a game once at [Veteran's Stadium] and I've been to Citizens Bank Park numerous times," he said.

He cites Ryan Howard as his favorite player, but, from a pitching standpoint, it's the Doc he most admires.

"Roy Halladay has an incredible work ethic. I like that. Even if he doesn't have his best stuff, he just always goes out and battles."

He recalls being a kid that just loved baseball, loved being on the field, but the mound was where he was most comfortable early on.

"I played all over. I did a little bit of everything. Pitching was just always what I was best at, and being a starting pitcher."

None of the struggles he's endured have changed his focus. The growing process can be exhaustive in the minor leagues, and guys can be slowed by many factors. But Kirsch took the experience of last year, and what he's dealt with of late, and turned that all into fuel.

"It's on to the next start."

You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisKirsch9

Read my continued minor league coverage, with a focus this year on the New York Penn League, including the Hudson Valley Renegades, on FanGraphs and Gotham Baseball Digest.

Posted at 01:59 PM in Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Minor League Prospects, New York Penn League | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Mets Prospect LJ Mazzilli Stays Focused

Staten Island, New York- The usual demeanor is so steady and even, that to see LJ Mazzilli slap his hands in frustration when grounding out with players on base, down two runs in the 8th, catches the eye.

He is otherwise the picture of calm. And after a storm of Mets media attention, that's a positive sign in a career that has just begun.

Five hits in two games? Not enough. He wanted to knock that run in, move that runner, something more for the Brooklyn Cyclones. Lately, he's had a little more trouble connecting, but that demeanor does not change.

"My dad has been here a lot. He's helping me mentally. He knows what it's like. He steps in, and helps me out. Like a little angel on my shoulder. Always whispering in my ear, letting me know, just keep going on the right path."

Lee. The former Met. It's what the hype was fueled by, and his son knows that. He embraced it. But he also knows that what he does on the field is about him. He's concentrating on getting used to professional baseball.

Through fourteen games, he's hitting .263 with fifteen hits, three RBI, and six walks. He finished his first few weeks of professional baseball hitting .213 with 10 hits in twelve games.

"The everyday grind of things, is more demanding than it is in college. It's an everyday process."

Part of that is figuring out how to be more prepared for those demands.

"It's about preserving energy. I have to get the right quality reps in. Not overusing myself. Because it's a long season."

The second baseman also credits the Cyclones coaches for helping keep his energy level up in advising him.

Coaching himself comes fairly easy. In pro-ball, he hasn't changed his approach under the lights. What he did before, he's sticking with.

"I'm always comfortable in the box. Lately, I haven't been getting too much luck where I'm hitting the ball. But I can't get too frustrated or read into anything. I'm hitting it hard. You just gotta kind of fight up there in the box."

But it's his even-keeled demeanor that keeps him unfazed when the fight is over.

"After you win it or lose it, turn the page, and go out there with the same intensity."

Follow him on Twitter @LJMazz24

Posted at 11:34 AM in Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Minor League Prospects, MLB Draft, New York Penn League | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Heels On The Field: A Baseball Blog

July 2013

July 31, 2013

2013 Twitter Twenty: Twenty Best Minor League Players To Follow

July 19, 2013

Checking In With....Marlins Fifth Rounder, Muckdogs Catcher Chad Wallach

July 15, 2013

Checking In With... Mets LJ Mazzilli Hitting 'Em Hard For Brooklyn

July 07, 2013

Michael O'Neill Fullfills Wish Joining Yankees Organization

Rays Chris Kirsch Talks Battling, And Growing Up A Phillies Fan

July 03, 2013

Mets Prospect LJ Mazzilli Stays Focused

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