Monday, June 27, 2011

Empire State Braves Prospects: 6/28/11

Lots to report in this this edition of the Empire State Braves prospects blog entry. This covers two weeks (6/14-6/27) as I was busy with a little trip last week and wasn't able to post an update. One item, not included below, is that as of today, 2011 draftee Kevin McKague (West Point) has not signed with Atlanta. On to the action...


Courtesy: milb.com, ualbanysports.com

Anthony Varvaro, RHP (Triple A - Gwinnett)
Varvaro's regular use for Gwinnett continues, as he saw time in five games over the past two weeks. I said it before, but I'll say it again: Varvaro is quietly putting together a solid season for Gwinnett. He owns an impressive 10.9 K/9 rate and is slowly but surely improving his walk rate (5.4 per 9, 2.0 K/BB). Varvaro's likely behind Cory Gearrin and Jairo Asencio (although, who knows about Asencio now) on the potential Atlanta RHP reliever depth chart, but he is on the 40-man roster, so I think there's a chance we see him in Atlanta if the team still needs right-handed help in the 'pen.

Past Two Weeks: 5 G (0-0), 7.1 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 12 K, 2 BB
Season: 25 G (1-6), 1 SV, 38 IP, 2.84 ERA, 46 K, 23 BB

Cory Brownsten, C (High A - Lynchburg/Low A - Rome)
After seeing time in just his second game for the Hillcats since returning from his two-month stint on the DL, Brownsten was dropped down to Rome on June 22nd when top-prospect Christian Bethancourt was promoted to Lynchburg. I'm sure it's never preferred to be 'demoted,' but at least it has allowed Brownsten to get some more playing time as he's already made two starts at catcher since arriving in Rome.

Past Two Weeks (Rome and Lynchburg): 3 G, 4-12, 1 R
Season: (Rome and Lynchburg): 7 G, .241/.267/.310, 0 HR, 0 RBI

Dan Jurik, RHP (Low A - Rome)
Jurik earned a few outings over the past couple weeks and actually struggled a bit. He's had more success as a reliever than a starter this year, but was hit relatively hard and didn't display the control that he's shown so far this season. While it's a bit indicative of how he's been used, it's interesting to note that Jurik has yet to pick up a decision despite appearing in 14 games in 2011.

Past Two Weeks: 3 G, 6 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 6 K, 4 BB
Season (Rome and Lynchburg): 14 G (0-0), 1 SV, 32.1 IP, 3.62 ERA, 31 K, 17 BB

Dave Filak, RHP (Rookie - Danville)
Different level and location, same result for Filak. He was hammered in his first start this season for Danville, lasting just four innings. If you're looking for any positive, at least he didn't walk anyone (though he only struck out one). Filak handled Rookie-ball with relative ease last year after being drafted in June by Atlanta, so hopefully he gets back on track soon.

Past Two Weeks: 1 G, (0-1), 4 IP, 7 R (5 ER), 8 H, 1 K, 0 BB
Season: 12 G (2-6), 49.1 IP, 7.84 ERA, 33 K, 33 B

Brendan Rowland, C/OF (Gulf Coast League)
The GCL started last week and Rowland is no longer listed on the roster. I'm looking to see if he's still with the Braves organization and will post when I have something.

2 comments:

JustVisiting said...

McKague has not yet graduated from West Point, so he won't be signing this year.

Brian said...

Figured that was a pretty safe bet when the Braves selected him. Too bad, though..I would've enjoyed writing on him each week!

Post a Comment