Stock Watch: Week 3 (April Review)

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As a new month begins, it’s time to look at how the Toronto Blue Jays full-season minor league affiliates faired in this edition of Stock Watch. We have a lot to cover to lets get right to it with the Blue Jays Triple-A affiliate.

Buffalo Bisons

The Buffalo Bisons finished April atop the North International League with a 14-7 record. Currently, they are on a 2 game win streak and are 7-3 in their past 10 games. Boston’s Pawtucket Red Sox on hot on their heels with a 14-8 record, but are 5-5 in their past 10 games.

The Bisons just finished a 4-game series against Norfolk in which they earned a split and will open May with a 3-game set against Louisville. The Bats (8-13), Cincinnati Reds, haven’t started the season strong and are holding down last place in the West division and are 3-7 in their last 10 games.

As a Team

At the Plate the Bisons are hitting .262 (5th), 7 home runs (12th out of 14 teams), 72 RBI (11th), and 174 hits (10th) with 35 extra base hits. On the bases they have 11 steals, but were caught 7 times. The Herd have benefited from quality at-bats, 84BB (3rd) and 123 (13th). A good approach at the plate has allowed the team to get runners on base, moving runners up, and scoring, despite being in the bottom third of the league in hits.

On the Mound Buffalo’s pitchers have carried the team with shutouts and seven 1-run games. As a team they led the IL with a 2.11ERA, hits allowed (145), runs allowed (48 and 42ER), home runs allowed (5), walks allowed (48), and WHIP (1.08). The starters have picked it recently, but it’s been the bullpen that’s carried the team.

Leaders

BA- Matt Hague (.353)

HR- Chris Colabello (5)

RBI- Chris Colabello (16)

2B- Matt Hague (5)

SB- Ezequiel Carrera (6)

W- Randy Wolf (3)

ERA(*)- Ryan Tepera (0.77)

SV- Bo Schultz (5)

K- Randy Wolf (17)

Top Bisons

Batters

Chris Colabello leads the team in home runs and RBI. Manager Gary Allenson is mostly using Colabello at 1st base and DH, but he’s seen some time (2GP) in RF. Leading the IL in HR and RBI.

Matt Hague has consistently produced productive at-bats. He has walked (11) more than he’s struck out (5). He doesn’t have elite home run power, but there is plenty of extra power in that bat. His batting average will come down some given his high .373BABIP, but don’t expect him to stop hitting doubles (.154 ISO).

Pitchers

Scott Copeland is not what you would consider a prospect, but don’t be shocked if he shows up in Toronto if Daniel Norris and Aaron Sanchez struggle. Scott is dominating the IL, but you won’t see his name atop many of the leader boards. He is a contact pitcher and has done a great job using the guys playing behind him. He has an impressive 2.88 GO/AO rate has done a great job getting ahead in counts.

Really the bullpen as a whole has impressed. Preston Guilmet has become one of Gary Allenson’s favourite options in the pen, pitching 11.1IP, holds a 0.79 ERA and 0.71WHIP. Bo Schultz, Rob Rasmussen, and Ryan Tepera have gotten a lot of work in the first month. Steve Delabar continues to make a case for himself and should garner call-up consideration.

Player Movement 

Andy Burns, and A.J. Jimenez have gotten the call from New Hampshire. Burns has started his Bison’s career off well with a .311 average and is having productive AB’s. Jimenez is filling in nicely (not with the bat) for Josh Thole.

Keep an eye on RP Luis Perez as he continues his comeback. Could be a valuable LHP as the season progresses.