Minor League Review: Missoula Osprey

Missoula Osprey

League: Pioneer League (Rookie)

Record: 31-42 (7th of 8 teams in the Pioneer League)

Runs Scored: 409 (7th of 8 teams)

Runs Allowed: 452 (t-4th of 8 teams)

Recap: the Osprey were plagued by poor staring pitching all season long. Of the team’s five regular starters, no one had an ERA under 4.50, showcasing the problems of the starting staff. Fortunately, when the team got a lead and held it late into the game, the bullpen proved effective at slamming the door. Bracho, Parra and Ramirez were a tough trio out of the Missoula ‘pen, all showcasing minuscule WHIP’s and high K:BB ratios.

Offensively, the team wasn’t anything special but had some decent individual performances. Palka, Taylor, Mayers, Queliz and Trahan all provided pop and/or on-base skills for the team that  struggled to string together strong performances.  Park effects and rookie level defense can do wonky things to numbers, but the underlying signs are evident that the Ospreys had at least a handful of promising hitters.

Offensive MVP: Daniel Palka, 1B

Palka hit .302/.386/.502 on the season over the course of 56 games as the team’s every day first baseman. The big lefty was a third round pick in the 2013 draft out of Georgia Tech and wasted no time making an impression. His seven home runs were second on the team and he led the squad with 20 doubles. His 45:29 K:BB ratio was impressive, too, suggesting that he has a good understanding of the strikezone.

Runner Up: Chuck Taylor, RF

Taylor was a bit of a mystery entering the season, and for good reason after struggling in the Arizona Rookie League during his 2012 debut. He turned it around in a big way this year with Missoula, ranking second on the team in hits en route to putting up a .291/.385/.414 line over 60 games. A fourth round pick from 2012 out of a Texas HS, his stock is trending up after his 2013 performance.

Pitcher MVP: Silvino Bracho, RHP

Bracho served as the Osprey’s closer in 2013 and was simply stellar. His 0.99 WHIP highlights a year on the mound where he was very impressive over 24 games. His 38:3 K:BB ratio over 26.1 innings also show his dominance. On the downside, he turned 21 during the season, older than many of his counterparts. Bracho was good in the DSL in 2012 and followed it up with another good year in 2013, so look for him to be challenged in 2014.

Runner Up: Geordy Parra, RHP

Like his bullpen mate above, Parra was a dominant reliever for Missoula before getting a brief call up to the Midwest League where he held his own. For the Osprey, he posted a 1.10 WHIP and struck out 35 in 22.2 innings while walking 11. The walks were a tick higher than you’d like to see but was acceptable given his strikeout rate. Look for him to open the 2014 campaign with South Bend.

Top 5 Prospects

1. Stryker Trahan, C – still just 19-years old, he continued to flash his raw power (10 HR). The bump in his strikeout total was a little concerning, but he apparently traded contact for power. The defense is still coming around, according to reports.
2. Geordy Parra, RHP – pitched the whole year at 19-years old and did very, very well. Started a few games in 2012 and struggled, so appears a reliever all the way. Could move very quickly and has room to add weight, strength and velocity.
3. Daniel Palka, 1B – the ability to hit for power and average is rare. His defense is limited to first base, diminishing his value somewhat, but he just may be able to hit enough to carry him. Was excellent during a brief late season call-up to Hillsboro.
4. Chuck Taylor, OF – after struggling in his debut, the former fourth-rounder rejuvenated his stock. There’s not power to his game yet and he hasn’t learned to utilize his speed, but the contact skills are there as well as a good approach at the plate.
5. Felipe Perez, RHP – odd story, was a highly-touted UCLA commit who went undrafted, only to sign well after the draft before starting his college career. Was the most durable, effective starter for Missoula by generating ground balls. Needs to increase his strikeout total but is very young at just 19.