Down on the Farm: 2017 Review- The Tri-City Dust Devils
Biggest Surprise
Luis Almanzar‘s offensive struggles
This highly regarded prospect did not have a great first taste of professional baseball. He struck out 85 times in 261 at bats, while only walking 25 times. His .299 on base percentage has to improve. Almazar is still only 17, so you have to take his numbers with a grain of salt. He came with the reputation of being a plus bat and will surely be at least average with the stick when it is all said and done. Almanzar put up a .230/.299/.299 batting line in 2017 for the Dust Devils.
Biggest Disappointment
The Dust Devils did not make the playoffs despite finishing 40-36 on the season
The team finished second in both halves of their season. They were in contention all season long, but in the end did not make it to the promised land. It was a surprise, as their staff was dominant at times. In the end, the offensive struggles on the team were too much to overcome. The Dust Devils were full of teenagers and with these young players, comes mistakes. Finishing four games above .500 usually results in a playoff appearance, but not for the developing Dust Devils team in 2017.
Other Performances of Note
Justin Lopez 66 games/281 at bats (.246/.291/.324) .615 OPS (17 BB/88 K )
The 17-year-old switch-hitter performed really well at Tri-City in 2017. He showed some pop in his bat, but failed to walk at a reasonable rate. He is an aggressive hitter, with a fierce approach at the plate. Lopez did earn a promotion to Fort Wayne for the playoffs. He is ahead of schedule in terms of growth, but still has a long way to go. Justin Lopez might be a decent prospect one day, but he will need to make changes to his mechanics and approach at the plate.
Tre Carter 68 games/261 at bats (.230/.303/.372) .675 OPS (27 BB/95 K)
At 20, there is still time for him to develop, but he has work to do. His swing has holes and the power has yet to develop. Carter is a left-handed hitter and right-handed thrower, so his swing needs refinement. He looks too top hand heavy with his swing currently. He hit .268 (15-56) off of left-handed pitchers so there are some positives to his game. He will likely repeat Tri-City, but has an outside chance at a roster spot in Indiana for 2018.
Kevin Melean 59 games/231 at bats (.229/.311/.260) .570 OPS (26 BB/47 K)
This young man is very impressive. He just turned 19 and handles the bat very well. Defensively, he has played second, third, and shortstop. The right-handed hitter from Venezuela has little power currently, and little speed. He projects as a possible utility man, but has a lot of work to do to get to the major league level. He is a noteworthy prospect, but really does not have a huge ceiling. He is worth noting as he could develop if he puts in the time.
Henry Henry (2-5) 3 .48 ERA/1.28 WHIP 51.2 IP/14 BB/43 K
The tall, lanky right-handed pitcher has electric stuff. He is still very young and learning his craft, but he should be able to reach the higher level of the minor leagues at the very least. The Dominican pitcher provides a ton of movement on his fastball. This tremendous action can hurt him as he often has trouble with command. Henry is a work in progress, but he has a very decent floor.
Osvaldo Hernandez (2-3) 5.33 ERA/1.67 WHIP 27 IP/ 8 BB/31 K
This Cuban, left-handed pitcher has flown under the radar, but has a pretty decent ceiling. The 19-year-old has above-average secondary pitches and, with that assortment, should be able to remain a starting pitcher. He made it to Fort Wayne, where he went 1-2 with a 5.27 ERA in 13.2 innings pitched. He has a good idea of the strike zone and should be a member of the TinCaps’ staff next season.
Andres Munoz (3-0) 3.80 ERA/1.31 WHIP 23 IP/16 BB/ 35 K
This fireball-throwing pitcher can reach triple digits with the fastball, but has trouble controlling it. He is 18 and has decent size (6′ 2″), but needs to put on weight (165 lbs). Once this young man fills out and his mechanics are stabilized, he could be the next big thing in the Padres’ farm system. His breaking pitches are also currently lacking, though he has shown a decent slider from time to time. Munoz made it to Fort Wayne, where he allowed one run in 2.1 innings pitched. Keep an eye on him. He will pitch in the Arizona Fall League this off-season.
Jose Galindo (1-0) 0.00 ERA/0.72 WHIP 15 IP/6 BB/29 K
This 22-year-old right-handed pitcher started in Tri-City and made it all the way to Lake Elsinore for one appearance this season. In 14 games at Fort Wayne, he was 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. He struck out 25 batters in 21.1 innings. He made this list, as his numbers in Tri-City were dominant. He went 15.1 innings there without allowing a single run. Galindo is a reliever worth noting as the 2018 season starts. He will likely start in Fort Wayne or Lake Elsinore, but could see some time in Texas next season.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.