Graduated from Stash List #5: Christian Moore
1. Cardinals BY Joshua Baez (22, AAA)
If St. Louis leaving Baez in the minors for the rest of the season, we might see some records fall. Joe Hauser hit 63 International League home runs in 1930. Hauser played 168 games to reach that number. Baez has 26 home runs in 70 games. The season is 150 games these days, but Baez hit 15 last month (26 games). I hope this will all be trivial. Baez is also hitting .327 with a 24.6 percent slugging percentage in that streak (slugging .827!), so there’s little reason to leave him in Memphis unless I think they want to see him go there a little bit.
2. Rockies 1B/OF Charlie Condon (23, AAA)
Condon has been on the roster a lot this season as Colorado has continued to experiment with other players. He’s played well enough to stay on these pages but not quite enough to force a promotion. Until June, of course. In his last 15 games, he has hit seven home runs while slashing .364/.485/.873 with a 17.6 percent slugging percentage. It’s that last number that mainly shows the promotion. He is ready for his next challenge.
3. Mariners LHP Kade Anderson (21, AA)
His ERA and WHIP dropped to 1.22 and 0.71, respectively. 99 in 66.2 innings. It is clear that Mr. Anderson won’t be playing in Triple-A, but he’s essentially Neo in The Matrix at this level. Something needs to loosen up for trade Jerry Dipoto as the deadline approaches. If not, maybe some minor league records will fall. I think you could make the case that Kade is the number one underdog right now: a stealth ace that’s clearly hidden thanks to an incredibly deep staff.
4. Luis Lara Producers (21, AAA)
I shared thoughts on Lara’s new contract and upcoming promotions in Prospect News: Montgomery Burns The Braves or Last Call On Lara. Nothing has really changed here except that Cooper Pratt is up and playing for Milwaukee almost every day. Lara can’t be far behind.
5. Rangers 2B SS 3B OF Cameron Cauley (23, AAA)
In his last 33 games, Cauley is hitting .313/.390/.520 with five home runs and 19 stolen bases in 19 attempts. He has played a lot of shortstop and centerfield this season but has moved to second and third every once in a while. He is a vital real life roster piece for any contender and can help change the stolen base position in our leagues.
6. Marlins RHP Karson Milbrandt (22, AAA)
Although he lost a spot in Triple-A, allowing 11 walks over 15 innings over three starts including five walks in his last outing, Milbrandt still worked well on the scoreboard, giving up just two runs and eight hits in those three starts. I’m sure the fish would love to see him swim a little further upstream, but now they’re 43 and 39–just one game behind San Diego and Chicago for the final playoff spot. The oddity here is Braxton Garrett, who has a 1.77 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 56 Triple-A innings. Ryan Gusto has a spot in the rotation now, and he’s been good, but his longest outing so far is 4.2 innings.
7. Twins SS Kaelen Culpepper (23, AAA)
A left hip strain ended Culpepper’s march to the majors. He’s been on the injured list since June 16. The hip stuff can be scary, but Culpepper is one of the best defensive bats left in the minors, so he’s staying on the roster until he gets word on his recovery.
8. Dodgers RHP River Ryan (27, AAA)
The recurring issue landed Ryan on the injured list for the second time this season. Still, the combination of talent and context makes him a worthy stash.
9. Astros RHP Ethan Pecko (23, AAA)
Pecko’s innings have been a bit off in his return from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, but he has looked good in his four times on the mound and has worked seven, seven and six innings in his last three starts. He has a 0.75 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 24 innings in that stretch, a miracle given the height and heat of the Pacific Coast League.
10. Dodgers BY James Tibbs III (23, AAA)
Had he been on the 40-man roster, Tibbs III may have gotten the chance that went to Ryan Ward, but he continues with a team as deep as the Dodgers. Sure, his numbers (20 HR, 133 R+RBI) are inflated by the PCL, but he’s still posting a 148 wRC+ as a 23-year-old against guys 4.1 years his senior, on average. It’s a good season. Good spirit for the Dodgers, who look like mortals this season without GOATani.
Thanks for reading!
