3B Taylor Green
Last summer, the Cleveland Indians selected OF Michael Brantley instead of Taylor Green to complete the CC Sabathia trade. Brantley is having a rough time in with Cleveland's triple-A club hitting .264/.342/.352 to date. Green injured his wrinst during winter ball and got a late start his year, but he picked up where he left off in 2008. Green has posted a solid line in 33 games at Hunstville this year hitting .301/.382/.451 and has puts minds at ease that there would be any lingering effects from his wrist injury. Taylor Green earns our Prospect of the Week honor after posting a line of .346/.419/.654/1.073. Green was 9-16, with 2 homeruns and 4 walks.
Green was a junior college selection by the Brewers in the 2005 draft. He was named Brewers minor league player of the year award in 2007 while playing low-A ball in West Virginia. In 2008 Green posted a very solid line of .289/.382/.443/.825 in the pitcher friendly Florida state league. Last season Green showed great plate discipline with a 12.7 walk rate. Green was also good at limiting strikeouts with a 59 to 61 K/BB ratio. Green hit 15 homers from last year, which is very good power for the spacious Florida State League ballparks. On defense Green has played played both second and third base. He has settled in at third this season and projects to be at least at an average defender at that position.
The Brewers definitely have a need for more lefty bats in near future. In 2010, Green could be be called up for interleague play in the same way as Mat Gamel. Green could end up at third for the Brewers if Gamel can't stick there defensively, though there are questions of whether his power will play in a corner outfield position. Regardless where he endsup, Taylor Green is near the top of the list for the next wave of position prospects for the Brewers.
Three Up
RHP Evan Anudson: Anudson just keeps dealing with 8 1/3 IP, 1 ER and 5 K's in his start last week. You have to wonder when his promotion is coming with a 1.84 ERA and 1.04 WHIP on the season.
LHP Chris Cody: With a 1.69 ERA since being promoted to AAA Cody has answered ever challenge the Brewers have thrown at him. Another solid start 8 IP, 7 H, 4 K's and 2 ER this week. Will he get a shot in the Brewers struggling rotation soon?
C Angel Salome: 3 2B, 1 3B and 1 HR led to .777 slugging percentage this week for Salome. Hopefully his bat continues to come alive.
Three Down
C Carlos Corporan: The Brewers other AAA catcher struggled with a 1-14 week. Corporan is a great defensive catcher but a .574 OPS on the season shows he is a long way from the show with his offense.
OF Lee Haydel: Horrendous is the only way to describe Haydels line .059/.059/.118 in 17 AB's last week. With a .294 season OBP, there isn't much of a chance for Haydel to use his speed.
2B Hernan Iribarren: Iribarren was 4-29 with 0 walks and extra base hits. I guess it is not hurricane season right now.