Around the Minors; Waker Tosses 5 Shutout Frames

Jul 14, 2013; Flushing , NY, USA; USA pitcher Taijuan Walker throws a pitch during the second inning of the 2013 All Star Futures Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Just some notes from around the minors on the same day as Rollie Finger’s 300th career save and Babe Ruth’s 600th career home run.

>Mariners’ premium pitching prospect, Taijuan Walker hurled 5 scoreless frames, striking out 6 while allowing only 3 hits. It’s been an up and down season for the former #7 overall prospect as he’s posted an average 3.86 ERA in AAA. He’s still striking out batters – 9.6 k/9 – but, as evidenced by his four walks last night, he can’t maintain command. If he can corral his wildness and get his 4.4 BB/9 rate down, then he may be able to quickly earn a callup from  GM Zach Zdurendzik, who was in attendance at last night’s game.

>Mets CF prospect Brandon Nimmo went 3/5 last night with a run scored. The 20 year old former first round pick has now hitting .393/.543/.508 (AVG/OBP/SLG) in the month of August after a July that saw him hit .212 with a .625 OPS. While still very young, the athletic youngster exudes talent, giving him a possible spot on our pre season top 100 prospect list if he can keep up his recent hot streak.

>George Springer, a top Center Field prospect for Houston, hit his 36th home run last night. The outfielder now has 36 home runs and 39 stolen bases, giving him a shot at becoming the first player since Len Tucker in 1956 to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in one minor league season. Ranked by us as the 27th overall prospects going into the year, Springer has only improved his stock his monster campaign and will likely be patrolling the outfield of Minute Maid Park come 2014.

>Diamondback’s pitching phenom Archie Bradley earned his 10th AA win of the year last night as he gave up only two earned runs over five strong innings. With a 2.07 ERA and a 8.9 K/9, the former first round pick is just waiting to be called up to the AAA, or more likely, the majors.

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