- The Cuban southpaw registered a career-high 12 strikeouts last night versus Lancaster (Rockies). The Padres #5 prospect is the youngest arm in all of HiA. So far, the 6’0″ 175 lb lefty has been handling the hitter friendly Cali League, keeping batters to a lean .242 average and producing a 55% groundball rate. In 11 starts, Morejon has a 3.59 ERA and 10.3 K/9 rate in 57.2 innings.
- The Royals first round pick in 2015 (Lawrence North HS – Indiana) has had a rough go in the South Atlantic League in 2018. Prior to his first ever complete game last night, Watson has given up 28 earned runs over his last 34.1 innings for a 7.34 ERA. The Royals aggressively assigned the 6’2″ 195 lb righty to the SAL during his sophomore season in 2016, where he also took his lumps in 24 starts (3-11 record with a 7.57 ERA). They tried again last season and the results were the same in posting 1-10 record with a 6.78 ERA in 15 appearances (13 starts). The staff tried to push the re-set button by sending Watson down to the rookie leagues for a month. The alarming factor would be that his peripherals also remained a steady pace, compared to 2016. His third foray with Lexington is somewhat better in 2018, though he is still proving to be hittable. But there is still plenty of time for Watson to develop, who remains 21 years-old throughout this season.
- The 9th round pick from 2017 begins the 2018 season once again in the Rookie Leagues. He pitched in the Appy League during his pro debut with the Burlington Royals and posted a 3.77 ERA and an impressive 11.67 K/BB ratio (35 K / 3 BB). He turns 24 years-old in August, so the 6′ 1″ 226 lb lefty has a long road ahead.
- Altamirano was my Oakland choice for the “One to Watch” prior to the 2017 season. He was used primarily as a swingman in his first full season with Beloit was a 2017 Organizational All-Star in the relief role.
Top Relief Pitcher Performance RHP Tommy Doyle (LoA Asheville – Colorado) 22 years old 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 3.86 ERA,Win 4-4
RADAR BLIP RHP Edward Cabrera (LoA Greensboro – Miami) 20 years old 7 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 3.27 ERA, Win 3-6
Under The Radar Minors 