It was a successful couple of weeks for the A's affiliates recently, despite a rash of injuries. In this episode, I discuss the development of Oakland's newest MLB hitter, chronicle the improvements of a former first-round pick, and examine the promise of the organization's two youngest full-season pitchers.

Timestamps:

3:47—Las Vegas

27:37—Midland

58:15—Lansing

1:31:34—Stockton

In conjunction with the Top 50 A's Prospects list I published at the site this week, in this special episode, I review where things stand in the Oakland minor league system at the midpoint of the 2022 season. How good is the system overall? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Who have been the system's biggest risers and fallers so far this year? And what players have the most riding on their second-half performance? I go through these various issues and others in my usual excessive detail.

This week, I explore the unique and fascinating layer cake that is Hogan Harris' profile, detail some promising adjustments from Lawrence Butler, analyze Garrett Acton's initial Statcast data, emphasize the superlative nature of Shane McGuire's approach at the plate, and bring you up to speed on everything else that's been going on in the A's minor league system.

Is Adrian Martinez ready for a spot in the A's rotation? Where did Max Schuemann come from, and now that he's here, what's he all about? Now that we're two months into his 2022 resurrection, what can we conclude about Austin Beck's approach? And why should we get to know the name Yehizon Sanchez? I answer these questions and recap the week that was in the A's system.

I get you prepared for Jared Koenig's first start as an Oakland Athletic by detailing his incredible backstory, pitch profile, and prospects for success. I also discuss the interesting evolution of Jeff Criswell's arsenal over the past two years, Max Muncy's successful first full professional season, and why we shouldn't dismiss JJ Schwarz's chances to stand in a major league batter's box one day. Finally, in a bonus segment, I preview the rosters of Oakland's ACL and DSL teams and talk about the challenges of evaluating players at the Rookie level.

I talk about the excitement generated by the debuts of Jonah Bride and Blake Beers at their new levels, Jordan Diaz's hot May and the extremes of his profile, and promising signs from toolsy outfielder Pedro Pineda.

What is this show? Who am I? What am I doing here?

I get the podcast started by offering a different perspective on Oakland's rebuild, the organization's new #1 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, two finesse artists pitching well in Double-A, and two possible low-minors breakouts.