Minor League Update: Tuesday

Well the Nationals and Bryce Harper came to an agreement last night that will pay the teenager just shy of $10 Million.  I think its more than chicks that like the long-ball from the size of that contract.  Its been reported that he will start his career at the Gulf Coast League and then head over to instructionals in the Fall (with the possibility of playing in the AFL also).  Good going Bryce - now don't go letting that money inflate the ego any further - work hard and show the people of Washington that the team is spending its money wisely.

Jeremy Jeffress has had a rocky career in the minors, to say the least.  Busted twice for tokin' it up, he is now on his last chance before he receives a lifetime ban.  Jeffress can rock a upper 90's heater but has always had trouble with throwing strikes.  Kind of reminds me of Rick Vaughn from the movie Major League.  This year (after completing the 100 game suspension he received for his second offense last year)  he has been throwing out of the bullpen and throwing strikes, mostly.  He may get a shot with the Brewers in September.  Hope he can keep his nose clean from here on out.  To date he has 38K's in 28 IP vs. 11 BB's and a sub 2.00 ERA.  

Derek Norris continues to work his way back from a wrist injury and concussion early in the year.  The .224 BA doesn't inspire much, but he does sport a .416 OBP due to an excellent eye (74 BB vs. 72K in 236 AB).  There are a couple of things that are really telling as to why he has struggled when he does swing the bat.  His BABIP is slightly low at .277 compared to ..329 and .342 in 2008 and 2009 respectively.  The biggest drop off this year compared to his break-out last year is in his line drive percentage and his fly ball statistics.  Currently he is sitting at 8.3% line drive percentage - as a note, in the range of 15% would be good.  Last year he was sitting at just over 20%.  Line drives have a much higher rate of falling safely (or at least produces an out less frequently) than a fly ball or a ground ball.  This line drive rate is low and get this - his fly ball rate is sky high this year at around 64% (mid-40%) the last couple years.  So what does all this tell me?  Norris has an excellent eye at the plate - no doubt.  When he does put the ball in play, he is popping it up and by the looks of the low line drive rate he is simply not driving the ball.  His infield fly % sits at nearly 20% - that is absurdly high.  Bottom line is when he makes contact, he isn't make solid contact.  The wrist injury that he sustained is similar to what Pedro Alvarez dealt with - everyone was wondering when the power would return.  Well it did, and he did just fine for himself.  I suspect that if Norris can maintain the excellent plate discipline then his stroke will come back and he will be moving up the ranks again quickly in Washington.  Might be a 2011 bargain for dynasty leagues as you can get him pretty darn cheap I assume.  2010 is a wash for him and next year will tell the real story of what we really should expect.

Yesterdays statistics of some of the best prospects courtesy of minorleaguesplits.com.