Thank you for the update. The link gtj31 provided on the previous post was all positive about Puk. Have you read something different? "8 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 14 K Puk fell from his perch as prospective No. 1 overall pick last year after a rocky season at Florida, but has been lights-out in pro ball. The 6-foot-7 lefthander struck out seven in a four-inning relief stint at San Jose and followed up with seven more punchouts in four innings at Modesto last week. The quality of his control has been a surprise, with just three walks all season. With premium stuff (98 mph fastball, plus slider with vicious tilt) and his command in prime form, opponents are hitting a mere .098 against Puk this year." What kind of stats does Shore have?
Justin Shafer started the year in HiA and was tearing it up. Promoted to AA and is struggling a little now.
Brian Johnson with a complete game shutout today 0 walks, 8 so. Pretty fair outing. Then sent back to the minors http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/232801736/brian-johnson-goes-distance-in-red-sox-shutout/ BOSTON -- As far as spot starts go, Brian Johnson was spot on for the Red Sox on Saturday afternoon. The lefty was marvelous in his Fenway Park debut, firing a five-hit shutout in Boston's 6-0 victory over the Mariners, extending the Red Sox's win streak to six games. For Johnson, the masterpiece (eight strikeouts, no walks) came in just his third career start. With David Price returning to the Red Sox on Monday, Johnson was optioned back to Triple-A Pawtucket after the game. It was the second time this season he has won a start for the Red Sox on a one-day stint on the roster. "That's the reality of the game," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "Brian is aware of it. We had a chance to congratulate him and yet option him back to Pawtucket with David Price coming here Monday. But still, take nothing away from what Brian did today. He had complete command of this game." It was Johnson's first nine-inning complete game in his professional career. It was the first complete game by any Red Sox pitcher this season, and the first shutout for a Boston starter since Steven Wright on Aug. 5, 2016, at Dodger Stadium. The last Red Sox pitcher to throw a shutout in his Fenway debut? Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez in 1998, also against Seattle.
I understand wanting to find room for David Mr. Postseason Price, but it seems like they have other options. Anyway, fantastic result for Brian! Go GATORS! ,WESGATORS
Let me clarify by saying that they were scuffling a little compared to how they started. Which they both started on fire. So their numbers are still really good. Puk has a 3.43 ERA W-L 3-4 69K's in 44.2 IP with 20BB. I mean those are really solid numbers for him so not saying they are doing bad even though I did use the word struggling a little. Just a few more walks but not a ton of runs being scored in bunches. Shore still with some very solid numbers with a 3.12 ERA in 34.2 IP with 32K's and only 6 BB. Dane Dunning is still adjusting to his new assignment in Class A Advanced giving up too many walks. I am sure he will get back on track. He only had 2 walks in single A in 26 IP but already has 10BB in 14 IP in Class A Advanced.
Puk made the California League All-Star game. BA did a write-up on him. A.J. Puk, LHP, Stockton (Athletics): The No. 6 overall pick last June has been absolutely electric in his first full professional season. With a 98-mph fastball and a side-to-side slider that is one of the best secondary pitches in the minors, Puk leads all starters in professional baseball with 14.42 strikeouts-per-nine innings (87 strikeouts in 54.1 innings). He has limited opponents to a .194 batting average, one home run, and a 1.12 WHIP. Puk’s only issue is occasional wildness, but the 6-foot-7, 220-pound lefthander has been lights out, regardless. Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/california-league-star-game/#IcImhBDF5yTpyhsX.99
His issue has always been wildness. Far too many 3 ball counts and far too many walks. If memory serves, his BAA his junior year was quite low. If he can get it ironed out, the dude can be very good. I still think his slider has similarities to Randy Johnson. I love that pitch. It is awesome when on.
Randy Johnson is a good comp, and the guy I'm sure the A's are hoping Puk turns into. I just looked up his stats. For his career he averaged 3.3 BB/9 and 10.6 K/9. This year, Puk is at 3.39 and 14.46 (this # will obviously go down as he moves up). So, his walk rate isn't that unrealistic for a big power pitcher, though he could definitely stand to bring it down a touch. And, you are right about the 3 ball counts. Walks are bad, too many hitter's counts at that level are much worse.
Puk promoted to AA yesterday and Austin Maddox got called up to the show (to replace Brian Johnson who went to the DL).
Zunino is absolutely on fire since being called back up at the end of May. Had the Mariners game on tonight after CWS, and he hit two more out.
I believe he has something like 25 RBIs already just in the month of June. Ridiculous. Good for him. Hopefully this will bring his confidence back. If he can hit. 250 with some power, he can play for a long time. His tear won't last for ever, so hopefully he can stay consistent after he cools off.
A midseason prospect list: http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2017-midseason-top-100-prospects-july-7/#8jeZsktY4uv4AWZH.97 People of note: 11. Kyle Tucker, brother of Preston 27. AJ Puk 53. Alex Faedo
