Speaking of participants in the 2015 College World Series, Josh Sborz is having a successful time switching from a closer to a starter. Sborz was the closer on the CWS-champion Virginia Cavaliers, earning 15 saves. The Dodgers drafted him in the Competitive Balance B round last season, and he’s moved quickly through the minors.
Of Sborz’s 13 professional appearances last season, only three were starts, but he’s started in all seven of his games this season. While his 3.48 ERA doesn’t scream future Cy Young Award winner, he is pitching in the California League, one of the worst leagues for pitchers. Also working in his favor are his 4.00 K/BB and 10 walks in 44 innings.
Over in the Carolina League, two Boston Red Sox prospects are catching fire. Andrew Benintendi, an outfielder, and Yoan Moncada, a second baseman, are powering one of the best lineups in all of minor league baseball.
Benintendi had a double and triple in the first game of the season and hasn’t slowed down. He’s leading the league in batting average (.360), is second in slugging (.600), fifth in OBP (.414) and second in wOBA (.449).
Moncada has been no mere mortal. He’s slashing .322/.449/.517 and has 21 stolen bases, most in the league. He also leads the league in runs with 36.
Next: Class A