Minor League Report 1: Scouting the Kernels

I'm catching a Kernels' series this weekend and have collected tons of footage to share (as soon as I figure out the editing software). Here are some initial observations:

• Mike Trout looked like the best player on the field for either team this weekend. Funny to see this link (hat tip, G Abbes), because there was nothing cheap about the three hits he's collected over the past two days. Even his outs have been loud. His speed is game changing (triple, stolen base, and he took two bases on a routine passed ball... he just kept on running).
• Luis Jimenez looks great at third. He made a highlight real diving stop yesterday, booted a routine grounder today, but above all else is making strong, accurate throws with his surgically repaired shoulder. I still love the bat, and think he's back on track.
• Garrett Richards has overpowering stuff.  He struggled with his control today, but racked up 8 K's anyway, mostly with just his fastball. He threw a couple of really good change-ups against lefties, which is a great sign, and his slider/curve combo looked awesome in warm-ups.

I was all set to see Fabio Martinez Mesa pitch tomorrow afternoon, but heard he's been scratched. They raced him to the hospital the other night thinking his appendix was about to burst.  Turns out it was just bad pork. He'll be fine, but we'll have to wait to see him pitch. Maybe he'll toss a bullpen session tomorrow, and I can catch that. 

I'll have the usual minor league report, encompassing all of the Angels' affiliates, up by tomorrow afternoon.