Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the minor leagues from a fantasy baseball perspective in the week 16 minor league report.
The Milwaukee Brewers recalled center field prospect Lorenzo Cain from the minor leagues last week, but in typical line up mismanagement that has plagued the team the last few years, for some reason they still want to run out Carlos Gomez and Jim Edmonds to center field. It makes one wonder why Cain was promoted in the first place. Cain has received only three at bats after hitting .326 between two stops in the minor leagues this year with three home runs and 25 stolen bases.
Third basemen Mike Moustakas was promoted to Triple-A by the Kansas City Royals after hitting .347 in Double-A with 21 home runs and 76 RBI. Assuming he fares well at the new level, he should head into the 2011 season as the favorite to start at third base.
The Royals also prom0ted first basemen Eric Hosmer to Double-A. Hosmer is off to a good start with three home runs in his first five games after hitting .354 with seven home runs and driving in 51 runs in A ball. The third overall pick from the 2008 draft, Hosmer has exhibited great plate discipline so far in his career with 46 walks against only 40 strikeouts this season.
Just like the Chicago White Sox did with Daniel Hudson last season, the team is wasting little time in getting Chris Sale headed to the major leagues. Sale was the 13th overall pick just last month and has already been promoted to Triple-A. Between two levels in relief, he has a 2.70 ERA in 6 2/3 innings with 10 strikeouts. Right now the tall lefty has a fastball – change up repertoire which will serve him well in the bullpen.
If the Chicago Cubs do move Ted Lilly in a trade, they could dip down into Triple-A for help from Jay Jackson. Jackson is 6-6 on the season with a 3.55 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 101 1/3 innings. Turning 23 in October, he is someone to keep an eye on in NL only keeper leagues.
American League only owners looking for bullpen help should take a look at Jonathan Albaladejo in New York. He was recalled due to the injury suffered by Andy Pettite and will serve in a set up role after serving as a closer in Triple-A. Albaladejo had 31 saves with a 0.96 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings in the minor leagues this season.
Speaking of the Yankees, Jesus Montero is finally starting to show a little life at the plate in Triple-A. After starting the season slowly, Montero has picked up the pace over his last ten games, hitting .441 with four home runs and nine RBI. He is now hitting .271 on the season with 10 home runs and 42 RBI.
