Minor league update part 4: Charleston RiverDogs

Charleston RiverDogs: 24-14 (1st in South Atlantic League Southern Division Standings, 4.5 game lead)

Overall: The Charleston RiverDogs have built a sizeable lead in the SAL Southern Division standings thanks to contribution from solid prospects, and prospects that are not very familiar names. Still, this is one of the most solid class-A teams with many guys that will surely reach Tampa this year, and some that will be knocking on the door to Double-A Trenton by season’s end. They are over performing their preseason expectations, but with the depth of their roster, there is not any reason they can't sustain the success they've enjoyed thus far in 2016.

Trey Amburgey: The 13th round draft pick in 2015 hit .346 in his first season as a pro. Through 16 games he was hitting .281, but was placed on the disabled list with a lower body injury. When he returns, I look for him to be a huge piece to this team. If he continues hitting the ball, you’re going to see him in many top 30 Yankee prospect boards.

Picture Credit: Jerry Coli-Pinstriped Prospects

Kyle Holder: The Yankees selected Kyle Holder with the 30th pick in the 2015 MLB draft. Regarded as the best defensive shortstop in the draft, the only question marks were with his bat. He’s working to silence the critics this season hitting .280/.306/.354 through 22 games in 2016. While he’s never going to be a great hitter, he does have the ability to become a major leaguer if he improves at the dish. Above all, his stellar defensive ability is noteworthy.

Thairo Estrada: Ranked #19 on our preseason top prospect rankings, Thairo Estrada has been the best qualified hitter on the Charleston RiverDogs in 2016. His current slash line sits at .285/.328/.447 with 3 doubles, 1 triple and 5 homers already in 31 games. At just 5’10”, 155 pounds, his sneaky power has been an unexpected addition to his arsenal.

Photo Via My Yes Network

Hoy Jun Park: Another lesser-known name in the Yankees farm system was our 21st ranked Hoy Jun Park. His youth at age 20, and raw tools are what prompted him nearly creaking the top 20 prospects in the organization. Unfortunately, he did not have a great season in 2015 and is off to a mediocre start in 2016 hitting .254, but his 7 doubles and 6 triples are eye-opening. He’s a player you’re going to want to keep an eye on.

Domingo Acevedo: Domingo Acevedo is the best Yankee prospect that you still (somehow) may not have heard of. He cracked the top 5 on our preseason rankings (at #5) and he’s performing like a top prospect in the making. Standing at 6’7” with a fastball that routinely touches triple digits, Acevedo has a record of 2-1 with an ERA of 2.43 in 6 starts. He has 37 strikeouts compared to just 5 walks in 33.1 innings. He just turned 22, so he should fast-track to the big leagues from here on out. I look for him to reach Trenton by the time the season comes to a close.

Picture Credit: Martin Griff-Pinstriped Prospects

Andrew Schwaab: The RiverDogs closer has been nothing short of spectacular through 13 appearances out of the bullpen, and 6 saves already. His ERA sits at 2.57 with 18 strikeouts and 4 walks in 14 innings of work. The 23-year-old is not a well-known prospect, but after a great 2015, and another good year in the making, he’ll turn some heads with his performance.

Yefrey Ramirez: Yefrey Ramirez has been one of the best starters in the farm system so far in 2016. In 4 starts, he posts a 1.35 ERA with a WHIP of a jaw-dropping 0.95. He has 22 strikeouts and 7 walks through 20 innings.  Ramirez is 23, so he may not have a future as a big leaguer, but it’s hard for the time to not push him to the next level of the minors when he’s mowing down hitters the way he is so far.

Article by: Chad Raines

Follow me on twitter @Chad_Rain

Follow the BBB @BronxBomberblog