Given how much he was touted during the preseason, you’d think Shelby Miller would’ve already surfaced in St. Louis after injuries to big league starters Chris Carpenter and Jaime Garcia. But a poor spring training followed by a brutal first half in the Pacific Coast League forced the Cardinals to turn to Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly instead. Whatever was bothering Miller during the first four months of 2012 — mechanics, command, velocity… all of the above — whatever it was, he seems to have worked through it. In 40.2 IP over his last seven outings with Triple-A Memphis, he’s posted a 42/4 K/BB along with a 3.32 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. Miller is once again commanding his mid-90s fastball and he truly looks to be back on track as an elite prospect. With the Cardinals welcoming back Jaime Garcia to their rotation today, however, it seems unlikely that we’ll see him pitch in the bigs this year. Still, at just 21-years-old, Miller’s ceiling remains enormous. He should help in all formats next year.
Dylan Bundy | RHP, Orioles – The O’s sent injured slugger Jim Thome to scout Bundy’s Double-A debut in order to gain a veteran big leaguer’s take on their prized pitching prospect. Bundy didn’t dominate quite so much as usual in the outing (5.1 IP, 8 baserunners, 2 ER, 3 K), but Thome returned to the Baltimore with rave reviews, nonetheless. The Orioles seem to be seriously considering using the 19-year-old come September.
Billy Hamilton | SS, Rangers – At the time of my writing, Hamilton has 142 SB, three short of Vince Coleman’s all time record. Check out what Grey had to say about him in this week’s Buy / Sell.
Mike Zunino | C, Mariners – The third overall pick this June, Zunino was promoted from short season ball all the way to Double-A this week. 10 homers in 29 games in the Northwest League surely prompted the three-level jump.
Michael Wacha | RHP, Cardinals – Wacha is another 2012 first rounder who reached Double-A this past week. In seven pro outings this year the 21-year-old out of Texas A&M has been outstanding: 0.69 ERA, 0.46 WHIP, 31/1 K/BB in 13 IP.
Gerrit Cole | RHP, Pirates – Cole tossed six frames in his most recent outing with Double-A Altoona, whiffing nine and walking none. The 2011 No. 1 overall pick has been impressive over the past month and is on pace for arrival in Pittsburgh next year.
Jameson Taillon | RHP, Pirates – The Pirates have promoted Taillon to Double-A Altoona. The 20-year-old has been pushing through the Pittsburgh system nicely, still projecting as a frontline arm.
Leonys Martin | OF, Rangers – Martin has been on fire at Triple-A Round Rock. Last ten: .409/.458/.795, 4 HR, 13 RBI.
Anthony Rendon | OF, Marlins – Rendon is off to a slow start at Double-A, having reached base only twice in his first 17 PA. For more on him, check out this Scouting the Unknown post from Wednesday.
Julio Teheran | RHP, Braves – After dominating Triple-A a year ago, Teheran has struggled this year at the same level. His most recent start, however, is reason for hope, as the 21-year-old allowed only one run through 8 IP while walking zero and striking out nine. He’ll remain a top pitching prospect heading into 2013, but another rough year would damage his stock considerably.
Matt Adams | 1B, Cardinals – Adams has undergone elbow surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. Before this news broke, he seemed primed for a return to St. Louis come September. The Cards expect him to be ready in time for spring training.
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August 19, 2012
