The Stash List – Intriguing Profiles

Hey y’all!  This week’s Stash List should be pretty interesting.  Two of the guys I had previously written off, either due to injury or underperformance.  One of the hitters is a utility type player that may be hitting his way into an everyday role.  Lastly, one of the pitchers was properly chosen by his team and is really turning heads in the lower levels of the minors.

Travis Blankenhorn (MIN AA) 3B Age 22 ETA 2020

Travis Blankenhorn was picked by the Twins in the third round of the 2015 draft.  The Twins have been playing him at third and second base, as well as left field. Blankenhorn has above-average power with an average to slightly below average hit tool.  Due to his size, I doubt he is able to stick in left field, but he will be able to stick at DH. He started the season at A+, as he missed some time last year due to a lower back strain.  After 15 games and hitting .269/.377/.404 with a 14.8 BB% and 19.7%, the Twins decided he was ready to move up to AA.

With the promotion, the walks and strikeout regressed back to his career average, he is actually hitting for more power.  He ISO has increased from .135 to .224. Not only has he hit 13 home runs but also has 11 doubles and is hitting balls to all fields. For all of you deep leaguers out there, take a flyer on Blankenhorn. I could see him being a utility type for the Twins that can contribute in the power department.

Trent Grisham (MIL AAA) OF Age 22 ETA 2020

The Brewers used their first-round pick of the 2015 draft on Trent Grisham, one of the best prep players in the draft class.  He was assigned to the AZL right after being drafted and quickly moved to Low A. He has never been known for his batting average, his highest average is .233 last year, so to see Grisham hitting .254 in AA is very encouraging.  His walk percentage has always been double digits but he has decreased his strikeout rate to 17%. Grisham has, it seems, been selling out for a bit more power.

He used to have an all fields approach but his pull percentage has increased from around 30% to almost 50%.  With all the gains Grisham has made, the Brewers decided to promote him to AAA this past week. Prior to this season, I had written Grisham off but I back in. If you play in an OBP, Grisham is a must pick up prospect, if he is available on the waiver wire.

Braxton Garrett (MIA A+) Age 21 ETA 2021

In an interesting move during the 2016 draft, the Marlins used their first-round pick on Braxton Garrett.  He had a well developed three-pitch mix and it was thought he could move quickly through the Marlins system.  Unfortunately, he fell victim to injury had not pitched professionally since 2017. The Marlins started Garrett this season A+ and he has really been impressive.  In 63.1 innings, he has an ERA of 2.86, a WHIP of 1.14, and 82 strikeouts. Garrett projects to be a mid-three starter type with strikeout upside.

With the advanced nature of his pitch mix, he should continue to dominate the lower levels.  I will be interested to see how he does in AA and feel we should see that soon. In dynasty, I would take a flyer on Garrett. I checked in my leagues and he was still available in most of them. Also, with the pitching, Miami has developed recently (Gallen, Lopez, Smith, and Richards) I trust their development staff more than other teams.

Sean Hjelle (SFG A+) Age 22 ETA 2021

Sean Hjelle was selected in the second round of last years draft by the Giants.  It seemed fitting Hjelle would be drafted by the Giants, seeing that he is a 6’11’’ 215 giant righty.  After being drafted, the Giants assigned him to low A and his 21 innings he was hit around a bit. He had a 5.06 ERA and 1.31 WHIP.  Even with his struggles late last year, the Giants assigned him to A ball to begin this year. Hjelle excelled in his 40.2 innings, with a 2.66 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 14.1 SwStk%. 

He was promoted to A+ a few weeks ago and the promotion has not slowed him down. What is very intriguing to me is Hjelle command for being such a tall pitcher. His highest walk rate is 5.5%, which is pretty low, even for a regular sized pitcher.  If Hjelle is able to maintain his control while being this tall, he should be a strikeout machine in the majors. If I was in a deep league, I would take a chance on Hjelle. In a more shallower league, I would wait to see what he does in AA before I invest.

 





3 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
mattryangoldmanMember since 2020
5 years ago

Hjelle isn’t left handed