Post by Commissioner Erick on Feb 9, 2023 7:48:26 GMT -5
Canada was largely devoid of pitching talent this season, which combined with warm temperatures and favorable wind patterns to create more homers than the league's ever seen. Here are the players that took advantage of the new environment and a few we expected to see more from.
LF: Brian Mach—Athletics
Mach had a huge season in Edmonton, leading the Canadian Rookie League in batting average, OBP, and OPS. He hit .379 with 21 homers, resulting in a 1.130 OPS, and was second in WAR with 4.0
What’s surprising is that Mach was in Canada at all given that he’s played 132 GAMES IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES! Instead of demoted to Triple-A with Oakland carrying a contending PBA roster, Mach was dumped in Triple-A. The fact that he didn’t have even better stats is more concerning than his league-leading totals are praiseworthy. Mach was surprisingly happy to be in Triple-A but the 25 year old should be in Triple-A somewhere.
RF: Ricky Koonce—Phillies
A former seventh-round pick by Philadelphia, Koonce has progressed nicely in Philadelphia’s low minors and led Canada with 23 home runs this season. He was third in RBI’s with 58 and had an impressive offensive season. His OPS+ was lower than his 2028 total in Philadelphia’s Dominican League team, but Canada is generally a league with tougher competition.
Koonce’s power is his calling card, but he lacks most other skills needed to be an impact player. His defense is poor, he can’t run, and he doesn’t have a great bat. The lack of secondary skills should keep him from the PBA, but there’s a mid-minors terror there. Koonce is only 21 so he could repeat rookie ball, but after his last two seasons, a trip to Williamsport is likely in order.
2B: Andy Daniels—Phillies
Playing for the high-powered Steamwheelers, Andy Daniels had a chance to drive in a lot of runners in Mascouche and he took advantage with 66 driven in. He also clubbed 21 homers while playing good defense at Second Base.
Daniels is a former 16th rounder who struggled in Mascouche until this season, his third at the level. He doesn’t have great offensive talent, but he’s defensively versatile and his offense is good for the low minors. He’ll likely top out at High-A and may repeat the level next year with a less favorable supporting cast
CF: Alfredo Perez—Giants
A former scouting discovery out of Venezuela, Perez led Canada in steals, walks, and played an excellent Center Field. After stealing 33 bases in San Francisco’s Arizona League affiliate in 2028, he swiped 26 in Vancouver, clubbing 16 homers as well. The output resulted in 4.3 WAR to lead Canada.
Perez’ season is likely inflated by the warm spell that engulfed Canada leading to a higher home run environment—Perez does not project for much power going forward. His speed, defense, and patience make him a valuable player in the low minors who should top out at High-A eventually.
SS: Clarros Ferraz—Padres
A slick fielder, Ferraz nearly doubled Canada’s second place leader in Zone Rating as he put up a 17.9 mark at Shortstop. He committed only two errors and chipped in on the bases with 10 steals. Ferraz hit only .193 but eight homers kept him from being a total liability with the bat.
Ferraz can run and field, but ultimately when the run environment returns to normal, he’s an offensive liability when not beating out infield hits. Expect him to remain a vacuum in the Yukon until he ages out of rookie league eligibility.
LF: Silvio Buis—Rangers
After a couple of yean years in Rookie ball, Buis had a strong 2029. He hit .315, got on base at a .402 clip, and led the league with 24 doubles, expanding on the 20 he hit for Brossard in 2028.
Buis doesn’t offer much speed or defense and he doesn’t have much over-the-fence pop. He’ll likely top out at A-ball and may repeat Rookie ball next year to further refine his batting eye.
C: Scott Wheeler—Indians
A third round pick this year out of Seminole State Junior College, Wheeler didn’t play much for Blainville this year and was pretty brutal when he did. In 27 games, Wheeler hit .168, walked just six times, and had just five extra base hits for a brutal .497 OPS. With no speed or poor numbers throwing runners out, Wheeler was worth -1.2 WAR this year.
OSA sees a Double-A Catcher, but Bobby Evans envisions a Triple-A future and perhaps a PBA backup role on the horizon. Only 19 and coming off such a rough year, Wheeler should spend the 2030 season back in Blainville.
SS: Andrew Maroul—Phillies
The 30th overall pick this year out of Joshua Christian High School in Texas, Maroul struggled getting adjusted to pro ball. He batted just .115 in 62 plate appearances for Philadelphia’s Gulf Coast League team and did a little better for Mascouche but still had just a .264 average. Patience was Masoul’s biggest issue. In 133 plate appearances for Mascouche, he walked only six times. He did show some speed with three steals and a pair of triples, but it was a rough go for him.
Maroul runs well and can play the infield and outfield so he’s exceptionally versatile. Scouts project a big league future with a well-rounded game and versatility, with Evans loving Maroul’s potential to make contact while also hitting for power. He still needs to adjust to professional pitching though and should repeat Canada next year.
SP: Antonio Duenas—Pirates
A 12th round selection in 2027, Duenas had modest success in Rookie ball before leading Canada in ERA this year. He posted a tiny 1.46 mark fueled by just 15 walks in 74 innings and a single home run. Duenas allowed eight homers in 2028, but just one in 2027 so limiting homers may be a skill.
Scouts don’t see much in the way of a future for Duenas despite the home runs he limits so he may return to Lethbridge for a fourth year.
SP: Chad Liby—Cardinals
After some decent years in the Gulf Coast League, Liby had an excellent year for Saint John with a 2.44 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts in 81 innings leading to a league-leading 3.3 WAR. Liby was one of just two pitchers to strike out over 100 hitters in the league, the result of a moving fastball and splitter too good for Rookie League hitters.
Liby doesn’t project to have good control and both OSA and Bobby Evans foresee a lot of walks in his future. However, the stuff and movement are advanced for the low minors. Liby should see at least Short-A next year and should top out in A-ball.
SP: Greg Price—Rockies
Price was a workhorse for St. Lawrence last year leading the league in innings and posting a solid 1.9 WAR with seven wins and a 4.28 ERA. Price has been brought along slowly working in the Dominican League his first three years and Grand Junction in 2028 before advancing to Canada this season. Price’s best skill has been his durability—he’s never bene injured, working at least 78.2 innings each year of his career as a result.
Price doesn’t have much potential, but his stuff is solid for the low minors and he’s now 26, aging out of Rookie League play. He’ll be working for Boise in the Northwest League next season.
SP: Jose Gallegos—Rockies
A member of a traditionally dominant Sea Fish of Death pitching staff, Gallegos is the first player on St. Lawrence to lead the league in strikeouts since Diego Blanco in 2022. Gallegos struck out 115 in 86.2 innings, going 8-3 and finishing second in strikeouts-per-nine. He survived a high homer rate to post a 3.95 ERA.
Gallegos has an exceptional fastball and circle change that generate whiffs, but he doesn’t throw strikes and, as evidenced, he’s very homer prone. He may be recast as a high-risk, high-reward reliever in Short-A, but is unlikely to ever advance past A ball.
SP: Rafael Santos—Padres
A member of the Canadian Champion Yukon Gold Mining Grey Birds, San Diego’s third round pick Santos was crucial to their title. He allowed a single run in 21.1 innings, saving 16 Games with a 1-0 record and a 0.42 ERA. Santos also saved a pair of postseason games without being scored upon.
The rookie pitched for the University of Texas so was advanced for the level. Though his curveball needs refining, his break on his fastball overpowered lower-level hitters and both OSA and Bobby Evans see Santos pitching at least for Short-A next year. Neither scout believes Santos has the stuff to ultimately be much of a PBA reliever, but the movement and control he brings to the table should get him on the radar.
SP: Howard bin Najeeb—Rockies
Another member of an excellent staff, bin Najeeb tied for the league lead in wins with an excellent 9-3 mark with a 3.60 ERA. A former Florida Gator, bin Najeeb struggled for three years in St. Lawrence before mastering a slider that could conquer low-minors hitters.
The lefty will be 25 next year aging him out of Rookie ball and onto Boise’s roster. He barely touches 90 on the gun so he doesn’t have much of a full-season future, but he’ll find work in Colorado’s system as long as he wants it.
SP: Elijah Bolden—Phillies
Bolden, a former 26th round pick out of LSU, was named one of the league’s best pitchers according to OSA. The report was confounding as Bolden didn’t have much of a pedigree, than turned in a stinker of a year, working to a 6.75 ERA in 58.2 innings. Bolden was very homer prone allowing 14 homers in 58.2 innings.
A different environment should see the home run totals drop, and Bolden has good command for the low minors, succeeding for Mascouche the two years prior. He may repeat the level for one more go around before moving on to Short-A in 2031. He shouldn’t have a prominent career in full season ball.
SP: Dan Bruce—Rangers
A second round selection this year out of Montpetit High School in Montreal, Bruce should have felt right at home pitching in Canada for the Brossard Weirdly Shaped Cats. Instead, he really struggled, striking out just 22 against 17 walks in in 31.1 innings with seven homers allowed. He didn’t record a decision, but did post a 7.47 ERA and a -0.6 WAR in the traditionally pitching friendly league.
Both OSA and Bobby Evans see a pitcher who can pitch in the PBA someday with four plus pitches that can generate swings and misses, and mechanics that should lead to strikes. He pitched as a 17-year-old last year though and is still so young and undeveloped though. If he doesn’t repeat Brossard next year, it will be because he was sent instead to Arizona or the Dominican Republic to develop.
LF: Brian Mach—Athletics
Mach had a huge season in Edmonton, leading the Canadian Rookie League in batting average, OBP, and OPS. He hit .379 with 21 homers, resulting in a 1.130 OPS, and was second in WAR with 4.0
What’s surprising is that Mach was in Canada at all given that he’s played 132 GAMES IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES! Instead of demoted to Triple-A with Oakland carrying a contending PBA roster, Mach was dumped in Triple-A. The fact that he didn’t have even better stats is more concerning than his league-leading totals are praiseworthy. Mach was surprisingly happy to be in Triple-A but the 25 year old should be in Triple-A somewhere.
RF: Ricky Koonce—Phillies
A former seventh-round pick by Philadelphia, Koonce has progressed nicely in Philadelphia’s low minors and led Canada with 23 home runs this season. He was third in RBI’s with 58 and had an impressive offensive season. His OPS+ was lower than his 2028 total in Philadelphia’s Dominican League team, but Canada is generally a league with tougher competition.
Koonce’s power is his calling card, but he lacks most other skills needed to be an impact player. His defense is poor, he can’t run, and he doesn’t have a great bat. The lack of secondary skills should keep him from the PBA, but there’s a mid-minors terror there. Koonce is only 21 so he could repeat rookie ball, but after his last two seasons, a trip to Williamsport is likely in order.
2B: Andy Daniels—Phillies
Playing for the high-powered Steamwheelers, Andy Daniels had a chance to drive in a lot of runners in Mascouche and he took advantage with 66 driven in. He also clubbed 21 homers while playing good defense at Second Base.
Daniels is a former 16th rounder who struggled in Mascouche until this season, his third at the level. He doesn’t have great offensive talent, but he’s defensively versatile and his offense is good for the low minors. He’ll likely top out at High-A and may repeat the level next year with a less favorable supporting cast
CF: Alfredo Perez—Giants
A former scouting discovery out of Venezuela, Perez led Canada in steals, walks, and played an excellent Center Field. After stealing 33 bases in San Francisco’s Arizona League affiliate in 2028, he swiped 26 in Vancouver, clubbing 16 homers as well. The output resulted in 4.3 WAR to lead Canada.
Perez’ season is likely inflated by the warm spell that engulfed Canada leading to a higher home run environment—Perez does not project for much power going forward. His speed, defense, and patience make him a valuable player in the low minors who should top out at High-A eventually.
SS: Clarros Ferraz—Padres
A slick fielder, Ferraz nearly doubled Canada’s second place leader in Zone Rating as he put up a 17.9 mark at Shortstop. He committed only two errors and chipped in on the bases with 10 steals. Ferraz hit only .193 but eight homers kept him from being a total liability with the bat.
Ferraz can run and field, but ultimately when the run environment returns to normal, he’s an offensive liability when not beating out infield hits. Expect him to remain a vacuum in the Yukon until he ages out of rookie league eligibility.
LF: Silvio Buis—Rangers
After a couple of yean years in Rookie ball, Buis had a strong 2029. He hit .315, got on base at a .402 clip, and led the league with 24 doubles, expanding on the 20 he hit for Brossard in 2028.
Buis doesn’t offer much speed or defense and he doesn’t have much over-the-fence pop. He’ll likely top out at A-ball and may repeat Rookie ball next year to further refine his batting eye.
C: Scott Wheeler—Indians
A third round pick this year out of Seminole State Junior College, Wheeler didn’t play much for Blainville this year and was pretty brutal when he did. In 27 games, Wheeler hit .168, walked just six times, and had just five extra base hits for a brutal .497 OPS. With no speed or poor numbers throwing runners out, Wheeler was worth -1.2 WAR this year.
OSA sees a Double-A Catcher, but Bobby Evans envisions a Triple-A future and perhaps a PBA backup role on the horizon. Only 19 and coming off such a rough year, Wheeler should spend the 2030 season back in Blainville.
SS: Andrew Maroul—Phillies
The 30th overall pick this year out of Joshua Christian High School in Texas, Maroul struggled getting adjusted to pro ball. He batted just .115 in 62 plate appearances for Philadelphia’s Gulf Coast League team and did a little better for Mascouche but still had just a .264 average. Patience was Masoul’s biggest issue. In 133 plate appearances for Mascouche, he walked only six times. He did show some speed with three steals and a pair of triples, but it was a rough go for him.
Maroul runs well and can play the infield and outfield so he’s exceptionally versatile. Scouts project a big league future with a well-rounded game and versatility, with Evans loving Maroul’s potential to make contact while also hitting for power. He still needs to adjust to professional pitching though and should repeat Canada next year.
SP: Antonio Duenas—Pirates
A 12th round selection in 2027, Duenas had modest success in Rookie ball before leading Canada in ERA this year. He posted a tiny 1.46 mark fueled by just 15 walks in 74 innings and a single home run. Duenas allowed eight homers in 2028, but just one in 2027 so limiting homers may be a skill.
Scouts don’t see much in the way of a future for Duenas despite the home runs he limits so he may return to Lethbridge for a fourth year.
SP: Chad Liby—Cardinals
After some decent years in the Gulf Coast League, Liby had an excellent year for Saint John with a 2.44 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts in 81 innings leading to a league-leading 3.3 WAR. Liby was one of just two pitchers to strike out over 100 hitters in the league, the result of a moving fastball and splitter too good for Rookie League hitters.
Liby doesn’t project to have good control and both OSA and Bobby Evans foresee a lot of walks in his future. However, the stuff and movement are advanced for the low minors. Liby should see at least Short-A next year and should top out in A-ball.
SP: Greg Price—Rockies
Price was a workhorse for St. Lawrence last year leading the league in innings and posting a solid 1.9 WAR with seven wins and a 4.28 ERA. Price has been brought along slowly working in the Dominican League his first three years and Grand Junction in 2028 before advancing to Canada this season. Price’s best skill has been his durability—he’s never bene injured, working at least 78.2 innings each year of his career as a result.
Price doesn’t have much potential, but his stuff is solid for the low minors and he’s now 26, aging out of Rookie League play. He’ll be working for Boise in the Northwest League next season.
SP: Jose Gallegos—Rockies
A member of a traditionally dominant Sea Fish of Death pitching staff, Gallegos is the first player on St. Lawrence to lead the league in strikeouts since Diego Blanco in 2022. Gallegos struck out 115 in 86.2 innings, going 8-3 and finishing second in strikeouts-per-nine. He survived a high homer rate to post a 3.95 ERA.
Gallegos has an exceptional fastball and circle change that generate whiffs, but he doesn’t throw strikes and, as evidenced, he’s very homer prone. He may be recast as a high-risk, high-reward reliever in Short-A, but is unlikely to ever advance past A ball.
SP: Rafael Santos—Padres
A member of the Canadian Champion Yukon Gold Mining Grey Birds, San Diego’s third round pick Santos was crucial to their title. He allowed a single run in 21.1 innings, saving 16 Games with a 1-0 record and a 0.42 ERA. Santos also saved a pair of postseason games without being scored upon.
The rookie pitched for the University of Texas so was advanced for the level. Though his curveball needs refining, his break on his fastball overpowered lower-level hitters and both OSA and Bobby Evans see Santos pitching at least for Short-A next year. Neither scout believes Santos has the stuff to ultimately be much of a PBA reliever, but the movement and control he brings to the table should get him on the radar.
SP: Howard bin Najeeb—Rockies
Another member of an excellent staff, bin Najeeb tied for the league lead in wins with an excellent 9-3 mark with a 3.60 ERA. A former Florida Gator, bin Najeeb struggled for three years in St. Lawrence before mastering a slider that could conquer low-minors hitters.
The lefty will be 25 next year aging him out of Rookie ball and onto Boise’s roster. He barely touches 90 on the gun so he doesn’t have much of a full-season future, but he’ll find work in Colorado’s system as long as he wants it.
SP: Elijah Bolden—Phillies
Bolden, a former 26th round pick out of LSU, was named one of the league’s best pitchers according to OSA. The report was confounding as Bolden didn’t have much of a pedigree, than turned in a stinker of a year, working to a 6.75 ERA in 58.2 innings. Bolden was very homer prone allowing 14 homers in 58.2 innings.
A different environment should see the home run totals drop, and Bolden has good command for the low minors, succeeding for Mascouche the two years prior. He may repeat the level for one more go around before moving on to Short-A in 2031. He shouldn’t have a prominent career in full season ball.
SP: Dan Bruce—Rangers
A second round selection this year out of Montpetit High School in Montreal, Bruce should have felt right at home pitching in Canada for the Brossard Weirdly Shaped Cats. Instead, he really struggled, striking out just 22 against 17 walks in in 31.1 innings with seven homers allowed. He didn’t record a decision, but did post a 7.47 ERA and a -0.6 WAR in the traditionally pitching friendly league.
Both OSA and Bobby Evans see a pitcher who can pitch in the PBA someday with four plus pitches that can generate swings and misses, and mechanics that should lead to strikes. He pitched as a 17-year-old last year though and is still so young and undeveloped though. If he doesn’t repeat Brossard next year, it will be because he was sent instead to Arizona or the Dominican Republic to develop.