With the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers opening day game being postponed, we set our sights on AAA Nashville and AA Biloxi. There is no shortage of up and coming talent, some Milwaukee bound by possibly 2023. Grab your hayfork, it’s time to go to the farm and check in on our active Top 30 prospects for April 8, 2022 slate of games.
Nashville Sounds vs. Durham Bulls
Brice Turang (MLB Pipeline #4, Baseball America #2)
Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 60 | Overall: 50
It was another poor offensive showing for top prospect Brice Turang. Concerns over his lack of power can be justified when you consider he is only 21 and still has some growing to do. What can’t be excused are two instances in the same game of being caught in rundowns due to poor baserunning IQ. It doesn’t help that through 3 games played, Brice has been as cold as the weather in Tennessee. Look for a bounceback soon.
TODAY: 0 for 3, 1BB
Mario Feliciano, AAA Nashville Sounds (MLB #20, Baseball America #18)
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 40 | Arm: 55 | Field: 45 | Overall: 40
Mario Feliciano did very little in the way of offense tonight, but there is a silver lining. An excellent game was called by Feliciano as Nashville pitchers only surrendered a single run in the late innings of the ballgame. Starting pitcher Jason Alexander, not of Seinfeld fame, pitched 5 scoreless innings and his batterymate, Feliciano should get some of that credit.
TODAY: 0 for 3, 1 Passed Ball
Biloxi Shuckers @ Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Garrett Mitchell, AA Biloxi Shuckers (MLB #3, Baseball America #4)
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Speed: 70 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60 | Overall: 50
Mitchell exhibited the tools that made him “Best Athlete” on the Brewers farm in 2021, with a triple to help kick off the Shuckers rally in Pensacola. The scouting report on Mitchell says that if he can modify his swing and approach, he has a chance to be an above-average, everyday player. Today, he showed a well rounded skillset, drawing 2 walks and tripling to help start a rally that would eventually lead to victory.
TODAY: 2 for 3, 4 total bases, 2BB, 3RBI, 1R
Gabe Holt, AA Biloxi Shuckers (MLB Pipeline #27)
Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 30 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 45 | Overall: 40
Down 4-0, Gabe Holt kicked off the rally with a hustle double, seen above. This really is vintage Gabe Holt. He makes up for average tools with pure hustle. He doesn’t often get extra bases, but it’s this type of hustle that gives him chance to succeed.
TODAY: 2 for 4, 1 2B, 1BB, 2R
Joey Wiemer, AA Biloxi Shuckers (MLB #2, Baseball America #8)
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power 60 | Run: 55 | Arm: 70 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55
It’s time to accept it, you just don’t run on Joey Wiemer. An overall okay day at the plate is completely overshadowed by the amazing outfield assist at home plate preventing a Pensacola run from scoring. Joey has exhibited very good power one would expect from his large frame, but while he figures out how to get base hits when they’re needed, it’s good to have a bazooka attached to his shoulder.
TODAY: 1 for 5, 2 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 OF Assist
Freddy Zamora, AA Biloxi Shuckers (MLB #10, Baseball America #16)
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 55 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45
Sometimes it’s not how many times you got on base, it’s what happened when you did. A bases clearing double from Freddy Zamora in this seesaw matchup helped the Shuckers stay alive and eventually go home the winners. Freddy makes up for a lack of power with the ability to chip away and protect the plate during at-bats. His low strike out rate is indicative of that. Needs badly to clean up his defense.
TODAY: 1 FOR 6, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 R, 2 E (1 fielding, 1 throwing)
Felix Valerio, AA Biloxi Shuckers (MLB #11, Baseball America 21#)
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Arm: 40 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45
Saving the best for last, Felix Valerio was the hero of the day. Top of the 11th, tied at 11, probably 11 o’clock somewhere, Freddy sent one into orbit, giving the Shuckers the lead. Scouting on Valerio says his best asset is his plate discipline. He doesn’t chase and his BB/K ratio was nearly dead even in 2021. when you have that kind of eye, you can make up for a lot of deficiencies.
TODAY: 2 for 6, 2 RBI, 1 R, Game winning 2 run HR in the Top of the 11th
About the Author
Billy Graves is the host of the Hit City Podcast, covering the Milwaukee Brewers and MiLB affiliates. You can also find him on the Slashers & Screamers podcast, reviewing your favorite horror films from years past and present, and on the Monday morning show Wake Up! with Wowie & The Kid. Find out more at SlasherSports.com!
