Tweet dump from Fall Instructs

by rooster on Sep 23, 2011 3:01 PM CDT

JC's tweets

9/23

Ronald Guzman putting on a nice show in batting practice. Impressive raw power.

Wilmer Font, working his way back from TJ surgery, is throwing a simulated game on a back field.

Gunman's first at-bat: line drive single. Mazara's first: strikeout looking.

Guzman works count full and walks in his second plate appearance. Masada frozen on a curve for another K. Guzman really impressive so far.

The Rangers took the huge leg kick out of Mazara's swing so he may be a little slower to come around.

Denny Peralta, a 6-foot-4 righty, was 89-94 mph in his first inning back from Tommy John. He was an upper-80s feel guy before surgery.

9/24

Good first inning for Luke Jackson. Fastball 91-95 mph. Two K's on good downer curveball. Changeup is inconsistent but flashes plus.

#Rangers prospect David Perez really struggling w/ mechs and control, working 90-91(93). Flying open and jerking head. Very loose arm

David Perez was phenomenal in extended spring, getting downhill and commanding 92-96 mph velo. Mechanics have been a big issue since, though

9/26

Hearing good things about Rangers 8th rd pick Kyle Hendricks so far. Dartmouth product throws strikes w/ 90-94 mph fastball and plus change.

RHP Carlos Melo at 93-96 mph for the second consecutive outing. Throwing more strikes. Saw him in Spokane at 90-93 throwing no strikes.

Melo still has a few issues but today was easily the best stuff I've seen out of him.

Drew Robinson with a 400-plus foot HR to CF. Had a great extended spring, struggled big in Spokane, and off to a good start at instructs.

Jordan Akins showing definite development in BP. When asked to go the other way, he can do it with authority. It's looking easier for him.

Ronald Guzman and Jordan Akins are knocking the hell out of the ball going back-to-back in BP. Fun to watch.

Can definitely see plus defensive projection in young SS Luis Marte. Smooth actions, good range, strong arm.

Guzman single up the middle and Akins follows with a two-run homer to left-center.

Akins takes a fastball down and in for a double down the left field line and steals third two pitches later. Impressive day for him.

9/27

The Royals' Cheslor Cuthbert and Rangers' Christian Villanueva taking infield at 3B before the advanced instructs game. That's a nice duo.

Nice first inning of work for lefty Will Lamb, the Rangers' second round pick. Working 91-94 mph with a good hard slurve between 77 and 83.

Jurickson Profar with singles in each of his first two at-bats. One from the left and one from the right.

Rough inning for Fabio Castillo with mechanics and fastball all over the place at 91-94 mph. Disappointing year for the 40-man roster guy.

A couple nice at-bats from Engel Beltre. Worked count full from 0-2 and hustled out an opposite-field double then drew a walk.

Interesting inning for Ryan Rodebaugh. Two first-pitch outs, a four-pitch walk, and a pickoff. Out of the inning after throwing two strikes.

Inconsistent inning from Francisco Mendoza but fastball was up to 96 mph, slider up to 89. He was dominant late in the season with Hickory.

Matt West strikes out the side around two singles. Sat 94-95 mph, reached 97. All three K's on the 79-81 mph curve with two-plane break.

West has easy heat, and he often sat at 95-97 this year. The breaking ball command was extremely impressive.

9/28

Impressive raw power in batting practice from 3B Smerling Lantigua today. He was an under the radar Dominican Summer League guy.

Ryan Strausborger playing second base in instructs game today. Was a plus CF this year but being groomed as a super-utility type.

Roman Mendez at 92-95 for second straight outing. SL looks like a future plus pitch with late bite. Change is a work in progress but flashes

Rangers instructs lineup currently found Akins, Alfaro, Guzman, Mazara. Alfaro is 2-for-2 with a pair of singles.

Kellin Deglan has been scuffling, but he just jumped on a fastball and crushed it way out to RF. Swing still a bit long but has raw power.

3-for-3 with 3 singles for Alfaro. One infield to 3B and two hard grounders - one up the middle and one to right. And now doubled off 1st.

9/29

Here's some video of OF Jordan Akins taking batting practice from yesterday – http://vimeo.com/29786439

Here's a video of infielder Nick Urbanus taking batting practice from yesterday. He's been impressive so far – http://vimeo.com/29788125

Lots of 99 mph fastballs from Carlos Melo today. Sitting 96-99 so far.

The positive on Melo: 96-99 with late life. The negative: four walks in that inning. At least the stuff is there now, though.

Francisco Mendoza's 87-90 mph slider is one of the better breaking balls in the system. Sharp break with late tilt. Commands it pretty well.

9/30

almost definitely either AZL or Spokane. RT @OrMoyal: @LoneStarDugout Any possibility Guzman is on a stateside roster next year?

Heard that Jurickson Profar just helped turn a triple play in the advanced instructs game. Luckily I'm not there. #playoffs.

On second thought that advanced instructs game sounds nice. #shoppach'd

10/2

Here's a video of Ronald Guzman taking batting practice at instructs – http://vimeo.com/29916090

Featuring and interviewing 19-year-old infielder Nick Urbanus, who has impressed at instructs – http://bit.ly/qXnFe2

Here's a video of a Nomar Mazara at-bat. It's just a few pitches (and a K), but you can at least see him – http://vimeo.com/29917341

@Tex2044 Raw. Good athlete but raw. Struggled to pick up balls and the arm didn't flash plus. He's going to take some time across the board. --> @LoneStarDugout How did Mazara look moving in the OF?

@MarkCMoore @Tex2044 Perhaps. He can definitely play it better than RF now. He sees the ball better off the bat and gets better reads in CF. --> @Tex2044 @LoneStarDugout Speaking of Akins ... he's an absolute physical specimen. Can he stick in CF?

Going over my notes from instructs...in Francisco Mendoza's last game, he threw a 90 mph slider two pitches after a 91 mph fastball.

JP's tweets

9/24

Well hello, Arizona. It's good to see that you are still ridiculously warm and bland. I feel my #want slipping away by the second.

My new favorite prospect, Francisco Lindor, just made a major league play at short, diving to 3B side to snag line drive in air.

9/26

Arizona Fall Instructional League Beer Update: Jack y coke. #want

#Rangers RHP Carlos Melo showing nasty stuff today; he just hit 99 on the gun. Been sitting 93-96 w/ some natural weight.

#Rangers prospect Ronald Guzman with one of the more remarkable BP displays in recent back field memory. Great hands and easy power. #want

After a day of Ronald Guzman viewing, I'm tempted to say something sensational like Guzman is the best 16 y/o hitter I've ever seen.

Guzman: top 5 prospect in system. RT @wfaasports: @ProfessorParks Tempted.. but are you saying it? The people need something to obsess over!

@wfaasports The bat is crazy fast; the hands are special.

@Tex2044 I saw Alfaro at 16. Guzman is a more gifted hitter

@basejaw I've seen Mazara; leg kick gone but power still there. Not on same level as Guzman, though.

@Tex2044 @basejaw Mazara clearly has elite power potential, but Guzman isn't a slouch in that dept and a better all-around hitter.

@Tex2044 Yeah. It's early, but Akins looks awesome. Marte as well.

9/27

Breaking News: #Rangers uber-prospect Jurickson Profar lines out to LF on 3-0 count and greatly disappoints the ten people in attendance.

9/28

Tasked w/ following Akins and Guzman in cage, Dutch prospect Nick Urbanus won the day showing plus bat speed and pop to pull-side.

#TheLegend Jorge Alfaro with a 4.16 to 1B on infield single. That's #want. He will probably go yard next AB. #Rangers

9/29

@TreyCumby Nothing like Telis. Low walk rates, but exceptionally high ceiling, w/ 80 arm and 70 future power. Telis is all empty contact

9/30

#Rangers FIL Notes (9/27-29): texasfarmreview.com/fall-instructi… featuring, Ronald Guzman, Luis Marte, Matt West, Victor Payano, etc

@lonestarball Yes. Guzman is even more impressive. It's not just his easy power, it's his easy swing and easy contact to all fields. --> From @ProfessorParks "I will continue to claim that Guzman is the most impressive 16 year-old prospect I’ve ever seen," -- even #theLegend?

Matt Moore: Good

10/1

After a week+ of FIL action, I'm on my way back to NYC. Sucks. I actually enjoy spending 5 hours a day in 100+ degrees watching baseball

@tjco1006 Thanks. Lindor was impressive; Ronald Guzman is legit; saw Carlos Melo hit 99 several times; Jordan Akins is developing --> @ProfessorParks did u see anyone that really surprised you in AZ? btw ur moneyball poster review was pulitzer worthy. Awesome.

Going over pitch charts while waiting to takeoff. The old lady to my left asked about Moneyball. I told her the poster was pretty cool.

Poll

Is this a good idea?

Yes

63 votes

No

3 votes

Yes/No answers suck

6 votes

72 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 30 comments | 8 recs |

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Comments

100% with the yesses

heh

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Sep 23, 2011 3:02 PM CDT reply actions

When I read the title I thought your Father In Law was some interesting person to follow on twitter.

This is much better.

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.--Albert Einstein

by bioaggie on Sep 23, 2011 3:10 PM CDT reply actions

Heh. I wondered if I should NOT use an acronym when I posted it.

In fact, I think I’ll change it.

Rock the J2, JD!

by rooster on Sep 23, 2011 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions

Rec it.

by octoberty on Sep 23, 2011 3:29 PM CDT reply actions

Settle down.

"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz

"Baseball's all that's real" - JB

by Ryin A on Sep 23, 2011 3:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

x

ProfessorParks Jason Parks
#Rangers RHP Carlos Melo showing nasty stuff today; he just hit 99 on the gun. Been sitting 93-96 w/ some natural weight.

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

"do you a jet ski rental place would work here" - Mike E, 5/10/2011, in response to me saying I would rather face the Thunder than the Grizzlies in the WCF.

by Aqua on Sep 26, 2011 3:34 PM CDT reply actions

A few years ago, the picture below would've been all us Rangers' fans would've had to look forward to this time of year.

Rock the J2, JD!

by rooster on Sep 26, 2011 3:43 PM CDT reply actions

Seeing the lineup card makes Mazara and Guzman seem more real

by Jobu. on Sep 26, 2011 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Newberg

NewbergReport Jamey Newberg
The Mazara Leg Kick: Dead and gone. Still plenty of explosion. And Darren Oliver was a big leaguer when he was born.
13 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Did he just quote a T.I. / JT song?

by Jobu. on Sep 26, 2011 3:57 PM CDT reply actions

Akins

LoneStarDugout Jason Cole
Jordan Akins showing definite development in BP. When asked to go the other way, he can do it with authority. It’s looking easier for him.
1 minute ago Favorite Retweet Reply

61 OFP, anyone?

by Jobu. on Sep 26, 2011 4:16 PM CDT reply actions

I am interest.

My mind just says throw ball throw hard and strike. - Marteen

by Keynes on Sep 26, 2011 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions

And

LoneStarDugout Jason Cole
Guzman single up the middle and Akins follows with a two-run homer to left-center.
34 seconds ago Favorite Retweet Reply

by Jobu. on Sep 26, 2011 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Are there any other threads I can put this in?

I’m really excited about it….

by Jobu. on Sep 26, 2011 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions

As am I, my friend.

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

"do you a jet ski rental place would work here" - Mike E, 5/10/2011, in response to me saying I would rather face the Thunder than the Grizzlies in the WCF.

by Aqua on Sep 26, 2011 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions

x

LoneStarDugout Jason Cole
Can definitely see plus defensive projection in young SS Luis Marte. Smooth actions, good range, strong arm.

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

"do you a jet ski rental place would work here" - Mike E, 5/10/2011, in response to me saying I would rather face the Thunder than the Grizzlies in the WCF.

by Aqua on Sep 26, 2011 5:40 PM CDT reply actions

Ah jeez

ProfessorParks Jason Parks
After a day of Ronald Guzman viewing, Im tempted to say something sensational like Guzman is the best 16 y/o hitter I’ve ever seen. #Rangers
21 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

by Jobu. on Sep 26, 2011 7:14 PM CDT reply actions

Just to push it over the edge

ProfessorParks Jason Parks
Guzman: top 5 prospect in system. RT @wfaasports: @ProfessorParks Tempted.. but are you saying it? The people need something to obsess over!

by Tex2044 on Sep 26, 2011 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Then in response to a question about Guzman's bat speed

ProfessorParks Jason Parks
@
@wfaasports The bat is crazy fast; the hands are special.

by Tex2044 on Sep 26, 2011 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions

That shit is fucking awesome.

Fucking love a quick bat.

"I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else." by Earl Weaver

by Brad on Sep 26, 2011 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions

I was just coming here to post that

Between Guzman and Akins it sounds like it was a good day in Arizona. It will be awesome if these guys come close to hitting their ceilings.

by Fox6271 on Sep 26, 2011 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Uh, holy shit.

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

"do you a jet ski rental place would work here" - Mike E, 5/10/2011, in response to me saying I would rather face the Thunder than the Grizzlies in the WCF.

by Aqua on Sep 26, 2011 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions

I know.

It’s gonna be a long 3 years waiting.

"I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else." by Earl Weaver

by Brad on Sep 26, 2011 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Ey, any way you could date the tweets?

I ask…because I care.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Sep 26, 2011 11:24 PM CDT reply actions

I'm not positive, but it's close

Friday 23, Sep from JC

Ronald Guzman putting on a nice show in batting practice. Impressive raw power.

Wilmer Font, working his way back from TJ surgery, is throwing a simulated game on a back field.

Gunman’s first at-bat: line drive single. Mazara’s first: strikeout looking.

Guzman works count full and walks in his second plate appearance. Masada frozen on a curve for another K. Guzman really impressive so far.

The Rangers took the huge leg kick out of Mazara’s swing so he may be a little slower to come around.

Denny Peralta, a 6-foot-4 righty, was 89-94 mph in his first inning back from Tommy John. He was an upper-80s feel guy before surgery.

Good first inning for Luke Jackson. Fastball 91-95 mph. Two K’s on good downer curveball. Changeup is inconsistent but flashes plus.

#Rangers prospect David Perez really struggling w/ mechs and control, working 90-91(93). Flying open and jerking head. Very loose arm

David Perez was phenomenal in extended spring, getting downhill and commanding 92-96 mph velo. Mechanics have been a big issue since, though

Monday 26, SEP from JC

Hearing good things about Rangers 8th rd pick Kyle Hendricks so far. Dartmouth product throws strikes w/ 90-94 mph fastball and plus change.

RHP Carlos Melo at 93-96 mph for the second consecutive outing. Throwing more strikes. Saw him in Spokane at 90-93 throwing no strikes.

Melo still has a few issues but today was easily the best stuff I’ve seen out of him.

Drew Robinson with a 400-plus foot HR to CF. Had a great extended spring, struggled big in Spokane, and off to a good start at instructs.

Jordan Akins showing definite development in BP. When asked to go the other way, he can do it with authority. It’s looking easier for him.

Ronald Guzman and Jordan Akins are knocking the hell out of the ball going back-to-back in BP. Fun to watch.

Can definitely see plus defensive projection in young SS Luis Marte. Smooth actions, good range, strong arm.

Guzman single up the middle and Akins follows with a two-run homer to left-center.

Akins takes a fastball down and in for a double down the left field line and steals third two pitches later. Impressive day for him.

by Tex2044 on Sep 26, 2011 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Jason Parks

Saturday 24, SEP from Parks

Well hello, Arizona. It’s good to see that you are still ridiculously warm and bland. I feel my #want slipping away by the second.

My new favorite prospect, Francisco Lindor, just made a major league play at short, diving to 3B side to snag line drive in air.

Arizona Fall Instructional League Beer Update: Jack y coke. #want

Monday 26, SEP from Parks

#Rangers RHP Carlos Melo showing nasty stuff today; he just hit 99 on the gun. Been sitting 93-96 w/ some natural weight.

#Rangers prospect Ronald Guzman with one of the more remarkable BP displays in recent back field memory. Great hands and easy power. #want

After a day of Ronald Guzman viewing, I’m tempted to say something sensational like Guzman is the best 16 y/o hitter I’ve ever seen.

Guzman: top 5 prospect in system. RT @wfaasports: @ProfessorParks Tempted.. but are you saying it? The people need something to obsess over!

@wfaasports The bat is crazy fast; the hands are special.

@Tex2044 I saw Alfaro at 16. Guzman is a more gifted hitter

@basejaw I’ve seen Mazara; leg kick gone but power still there. Not on same level as Guzman, though.

@Tex2044 @basejaw Mazara clearly has elite power potential, but Guzman isn’t a slouch in that dept and a better all-around hitter.

@Tex2044 Yeah. It’s early, but Akins looks awesome. Marte as well.

by Tex2044 on Sep 26, 2011 11:59 PM CDT up reply actions

If you haven't subscribed to Parks' scouting site, you might want to just for updates this fall.

Lot’s of tantalizing tools, and some heartbreaks, on the field in Arizona.

Rock the J2, JD!

by rooster on Sep 27, 2011 7:42 AM CDT reply actions

Definitely worth checking out

You should definitely subscribe to both Parks’ and Cole’s sites.

Parks with an easy 80 grade 1980 word report on what he’s seen out there so far

http://www.texasfarmreview.com/fall-instructional-league/fall-instructional-league-notes-924-926/

Cole
www.lonestardugout.com

by Tex2044 on Sep 27, 2011 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions

I saw Cole, and, since it was right after Parks' link, I thought it was "Cone", and I couldn't figure out why

his name would be highlighted from Parks’ review.

Rock the J2, JD!

by rooster on Sep 27, 2011 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions

K, I'm irrationally loving Guzman

by Jobu. on Sep 27, 2011 10:15 AM CDT reply actions

Somehow I missed this thread when creating the new one

Sorry.

"By MLB.TV, we can see J. Hamilton's homer, M. Young's clutch, and N. Feliz's explosive. All about Rangers things can be our interest" --South Korean Rangers fan

I'm a Web & TV Sports Producer at WFAA. Feel free to email me about anything.

by Conjunction on Sep 27, 2011 3:23 PM CDT reply actions