Rookies 2006

 

                                                          Pitching Line = IP H R ER BB SO

 

07 May, 2006

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Ryan Garko CLE 0-1, 2 BB, HBP, .263 … Jason Cooper CLE 2-4, .242 … Ben Francisco CLE 3-4, 2B, 5th HR, R, 2 RBI, .263 … Scott Thorman ATL 2-4, .314 … Casey Rogowski CHA 1-2, 3rd HR, R, RBI, BB, SB & 0-2, BB, .333 … Tonys Gutierrez CIN 1-2, .271 … William Bergolla CIN 0-3, .240 … Sean Burnett PIT 4 4 2 2 1 2, 6.63 … Adam Stern BOS 2-4, 1st HR, R, RBI, SB, .246 … Jon Lester BOS 5 4 0 0 1 4, 4.57 … Chris Roberson PHI 2-4, .288 … Matt White PHI 8 3 1 1 2 4, 2.82 … Kevin Thompson NYA 1-2, R, 2 BB, .286 … Melky Cabrera NYA 2-4, .368 … Darrell Rasner NYA 7 5 0 0 3 6, 3.03 … B.J. Upton TB 1-4, 2B, 0 errors, .280 … Elijah Dukes TB 0-1, .312 … Chris Seddon TB 4-2/3 7 8 8 4 6, 4.83 … Jeff Keppinger NYN 2-4, .276

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  coming out of his slump, Felix Pie CHC 4-5, 2B,CS ... Joel Guzman LAD 1-4, .312 ... Corey Hart MIL 1-3 3B, RBI, .352 ... Nelson Cruz MIL 3-3 2B, RBI, .320 ... Dallas McPherson LAA, showing signs, 2-4, 6th HR, .232 ... Jered Weaver LAA, looking solid again, 6 5 1 1 1 8 3.34 ... Jack Cust SD, on fire, 7th HR, .291 ... Stephen Drew ARZ, 2-5 2 R, RBI, .339 ... Carlos Quentin ARZ 1-4, 2 R, RBI, .284 ... Dustin Nippert ARZ, solid again, 6 6 2 2 1 6

EASTERN (AA)  --  Nate Schierholtz DH SF 1-4, R … Danny Borrell NYY 5 4 1 1 1 1 … Pat Misch SF 6 9 1 1 1 6 … Adam Lind LF TOR 3-4 … Michel Abreu DH NYM 2-4, 2R, 2B, HR, k … Alay Soler NYM 6.2 7 1 1 0 9 … Daniel Haigwood PHI 6 7 3 2 1 4 … Brent Clevlen RF DET 1-4, R, 2B, RBI, 2k … Kody Kirkland 3B DET 1-4, HR, 3RBI, 2k … Kory Castro 3B WAS 1-3, HR, bb, 2k … Preston Larrison DET 5.1 5 2 2 3 2 … David Murphy CF BOS 3-6, 2R, 2B, RBI … Brandon Moss RF BOS 2-5, 2 2B, 3RBI, bb … Denard Span CF MIN 1-5, 2R … Matt Moses DH MIN 1-5 … Adam Harben MIN 2 7 5 3 4 … Brad Snyder RF 1-4, R, 2k … Ryan Mulhern LF CLE 2-4, R, 2RBI … Nick Pesco CLE 5 6 2 2 3 6 … Richard Stahl BAL 5 6 3 3 1 4

" ...  Alay Soler allowed one run on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings as Binghamton edged visiting New Hampshire, 3-2, on Saturday. Soler (1-0) struck out nine without conceding a walk in his first game since being called up from St. Lucie. He allowed just two runs in 28 innings with 32 strikeouts in five undefeated starts in the Florida State League.  (MLB.com)

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Travis Chick CIN 5.0 1 1 1 1 5, 2.96 ... Joey Votto CIN 3-4, .287 ... Eric Patterson CHN 3-5, .261 ... Spike Lundberg, seems revitalized in the LAD system, 7.0 8 5 3 2 3, 4-1, 2.48 ... Andy LaRoche LAD 2-3, walk, .248 ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL 1-4, .225

TEXAS (AA)  --  Chris Lubanski KC, 3-5, homer, double, 2 RBI, .304 ... Billy Butler 2-4, .314 ... Kurt Suzuki OAK, 2-5, 2nd homer, triple, 2 RBI, .330 ... Ray Aguilar OAK, 26-year old, 6-1/3 4 1 1 1 8, 3.48 ... Troy Tulowitzki COL, 2-4, BB, K, 6th & 7th errors, .343 ... Ian Stewart COL, 1-3, double, 2 RBI (20), .286... Nick Masset TEX, 5-2/3 8 3 3 3 10, 2.57

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  back on track, Mike Stodolka KC 2-4, 2nd homer, .320 ... Matthew Miller CF COL 2-4, 2 homers (6), 6 RBI, .336 ... Corey Wimberly 2B COL, leadoff, 3-5, double, 16th SB, .358 ... Nick Pereira SF 5.0 4 0 0 1 8, 0.77 ...  catcher Michael Collins LAA 3-5, .343

CAROLINA (A+) --  Nolan Reimold RF BAL 3-4, run .290 ... Andrew Dobies BOS 6 7 4 4 2 4 W(4-0, 2.91) ... Wade Robinson 2B HOU 2-2 .359 ... Nyger Norgan CF PIT 2-4, 2 runs, 2RBI, sb .313 ... Brad Correll RF PIT 3-3, double, run, 3RBI .324

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Ricky Romero's first start after being sidelined since the start of the season with a sore elbow, Romero TOR 3 4 1 1 1 6 … Jair Jurrjens DET 6 1/3 5 3 2 3 5 W (3-0, 1.93) … Terry Evans RF STL 3-5 R RBI 2SB(12) .327 … Phil Coke NYA 5 2/3 1 1 0 1 5 ND – 1.64 … Yovani Gallardo MIL 6 1/3 4 1 1 0 10 ND – 1.64 … Grant Psomas 3B FLO 2-5 double, .346 … Camilo Vazquez CIN 5 1/3 8 2 2 1 5 ND – 2.56 … Alexi Casilla 2B MIN 2-4 2R SB(10), .322 … Garrett Guzman LF MIN 2-4 R RBI, .283 … Ambiorix Concepcion CF NYN 2-4 double, R, .333

MIDWEST (A) --  Justin Upton ARZ 1-4, BB, K (.315/.403/.426 in 54 AB) ... Carlos Rosa KC 7 5 1 1 0 4 (2.64) ... a sign of life? Chris McConnell KC 2-4 (.184) ... Cameron Maybin DET 1-4 (.330) ... Mitch Atkins CHN 4 1/3 2 2 2 3 4 (2.01) .. Mark Reed [C] CHN 2-3, stealer gunned (.326) ... not looking great in the 'pen Alexander Smit MIN 1 1/3 2 2 2 2 0 (6.59) ... Daryl Jones SD 1-3, 4th HR, 2 BB's (.289; 16 walks but 30 whiffs in 90 AB) ... Jeffrey Dominguez SEA 2-5 (.337) ... cuffed around Zach Phillips TEX 5 13 5 4 2 2 (3.52) ... Jose Vallejo TEX 2-3 (.228) ... back-to-back 3-hit games Jay Bruce CIN 3-5, 10th & 11th doubles (.310) ... teen lefty is Mr. Consistent Jaime Garcia STL 5 3 1 1 3 7 (2.06 ERA; 40 K's and 10 BB's in 35 IP)

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Matt Maloney PHI 6-2/3 4 0 0 2 10, 1.77 ... Fernando Martinez NYN 0-4, .337 ... Gaby Sanchez FLA 2-5, 2B (5), RBI (24), .346 ... Andrew McCutchen PIT 2-5, HR (4), RBI (17), BB, .330 ... Russ Mitchell LAD 3-4, 2B (14), 3 RBI (21), BB, .322 ... Andrew Locke LAD 2-5, 3B (2), 5 RBI (20), .319 ... Chris Nelson COL 2-5, RBI (22), .280 ... Eric Young, Jr COL 2-5, 2B (7), HR (2), 4 RBI (13), .260 ... Jose Tabata NYY 1-4, HR (3), 2 RBI (31), .366 ... Ole Sheldon HOU (he's 23 and might be a DH type, but a 1.000+ OPS) 4-4, 2 2B (8), 2 RBI (12), BB, .412 ... JR Towles HOU 1-5, RBI (10), BB, .356 ... Eli Iorg HOU 2-5, 2B (6), 5 RBI (21), .228 ... Angel Salome MIL 0-3, RBI (23), .324 ... Michael Bowden BOS 5 3 2 2 1 4, 4.12 ... Elvis Andrus ATL 0-4, SB (9), .255 ... Eric Campbell ATL 1-3, HR (5), 2 RBI (21), .267

    Troop Movements ...  NYN - placed John Maine on the 15-day DL, recalled Bartolome Fortunato ... ATL - activated Horacio Ramirez from the 15-day DL, placed Chuck James on the 15-day DL ... PHI - activated Julio Santana from the 15-day DL, optioned Clay Condrey to Triple-A ... LAD - purchased the contract of Aaron Sele from Triple-A, placed Odalis Perez on the bereavement list ...

    Top Mariners' prospect on the shelf :

" ...  Jeff Clement, the third overall pick in the 2005 June draft, has had surgeries to his left knee and left elbow, the team announced on Saturday. Clement, 22, a catcher who has been at Double-A San Antonio this season, is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks. He had a torn meniscus in his left knee repaired and also had a bone chip removed from his left elbow ...  Clement began his rehabilitation in Seattle on Saturday night. He will later go to Peoria, Ariz., to complete his rehab at the team's spring training facility, said Greg Hunter, the team's director of professional scouting ...  played 15 games with the Missions of the Texas League this season, hitting .288 (17-for-59) with two home runs and 10 RBIs. "It's a shame because he's going to miss some time, but it could have been a lot worse," Hunter said. "Jeff's been swinging the bat real well. He's been seeing the ball well." ... Hunter said Clement would return to San Antonio after he completes his rehab.  (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)


06 May, 2006

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Jake Dittler CLE 6 4 3 2 2 1, 5.28 … Ricardo Rodriguez ATL 6-1/3 6 0 0 6 3, 1.21 … David Purcey TOR 6 4 1 1 1 7, 1.88 … Ryan Raburn DET 0-4, .200 … Donald Kelly DET 0-2, 2 BB, SB, .230 … Eli Whiteside BAL 1-2, 2 R, 2 HBP, .145 … Eude Brito PHI 6 2 1 1 1 7, 1.97 … Melky Cabrera NYA 2-5, 3rd HR, R, 2 RBI, .364 … Eric Duncan NYA 0-3, .227 … Matt DeSalvo NYA 5-1/3 6 2 2 5 3, 5.03 … B.J. Upton TB 1-4, 3rd HR, R, RBI, 0 errors, .282 … Shawn Riggans TB 2-4, 3rd HR, R, 3 RBI, .225 … Jamie Shields TB 8 7 1 1 0 9, 2.72 … Lastings Milledge NYN 1-4, 3rd HR, 2 R, RBI, BB, .333 … Jeff Keppinger NYN 2-5, R, .267 … Chase Lambin NYN 1-4, .176

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  In an 18-inning affair (suspended at 4-4) ... Larry Broadway WAS 3-6, walk, .354 ... Ryan Shealy COL 2-4, triple ... JD Closser COL 2-2, double, homer, 2 walks, .329 ... Felix Pie CHN 2-5, .267 ... looks like he's ready to rejoin LAA, Juan Rivera 4-5, 2 doubles, homer, walk, 6 RBI ... Jeff Mathis LAA 2-4, double ... Dallas McPherson LAA 1-5, 5th homer, .220 ... Erick Aybar LAA 1-5, homer, .306 ... Adam Jones SEA 1-4, 6th homer, .270 ... Edinson Volquez TEX 3.1 6 7 7 6 1 ... maybe he's turned a corner, Dan Meyer OAK 6.0 4 1 1 3 7, 3-1, 3.73 ... Daric Barton OAK 0-4, .286 ...

EASTERN (AA)  --  Brandon Moss RF BOS 3-5, 3R, 2 2B, RBI … Denard Span CF MIN 0-4, k … Matt Moses 3B MIN 3-4 … Brent Clevlen RF DET 2-5, 2R, HR, 2k … Nate Schierholtz RF SF 2-3, 2B, HR, 3RBI and 0-3, bb … Scott Mathieson PHI 6 6 5 3 2 6 … Matt Peterson PIT 6 7 5 5 3 5 … Adam Lind LF TOR 2-4 … Ismael Ramirez TOR 6 5 0 0 4 8 … Willie Collazo NYM 8 6 0 0 0 6 … Ryan Mulhern 1B CLE 2-4, RBI … Brad Snyder RF CLE 0-3, bb … Bear Bay 5 7 3 2 3 3 … James Johnson BAL 5 8 3 3 2 3

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Eric Patterson 2B CHN 0-4, .246 ... Micah Hoffpauir 1B CHN 2-3, triple, 8th homer, .299 ... Elliot Johnson 2B TB 2-5, triple, 5th homer, 5th SB, .339 (On-Base .400+, SLG .600+) ... Yunel Escobar 3B ATL 3-6, 3 doubles, 2 errors, .292 ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL 0-6, 3 Ks, .224 ... after 15 scoreless innings to start the season, an off-night for Greg Miller LAD, 3.0 3 2 2 2 2 ... Matt Kemp LAD 3-5, .345

TEXAS (AA)  --  some things to learn after all, Alex Gordon KC 0-4, CS, picked off, error, .318 ... Chris Lubanski KC, leadoff, 2-3, walk, .290 ... finally, some good news on John Danks TEX, 6.0 4 1 1 1 10, 2-4, 5.97 ... Ian Stewart COL 0-4, 2 Ks, .284 ... Hunter Pence HOU 2-4, 6th homer, .345 ... Bryan LaHair SEA 3-4, double, .340

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  CF Matt Miller COL 2-5, double, .330 ... Corey Wimberly 2B COL, leadoff,  2-4, walk, .346 ... Reid Brignac TB 3-4, 5th & 6th homers, 3 RBI, walk, .357 ... Landon Powell OAK 3-5, 5th homer, 4 RBI, .308 ... Cliff Pennington OAK, leadoff, 0-6, .111 ... Marcus Sanders SS SF, leadoff,  1-5, .190

CAROLINA (A+) --  Gary Galvez BOS 6 4 2 2 0 7 W(2-1, 3.38) ... Paco Figueroa 2B BAL 1-2, Home Run, sb .270 ... Chris Kelly 1B CHA 2-3, double, 2 runs, RBI .330 ... Wes Whisler CHA 6 4 2 1 0 4 W(3-3, 5.34) ... Mike Rozema SS ATL 2-4, Home Run, 2 runs .290 ... Brian Bixler SS PIT 3-5, double, run, RBI .293 ... Wardell Starling PIT 6 3 0 0 2 4 W(2-1, 2.78)

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Kevin Slowey MIN 6 3 1 1 0 10 L(1-1, 1.53) … Scott Elbert LA 6 7 3 3 3 5 W(1-3, 2.64) … Blake DeWitt 2B LA 2-5 HR(1) 2RBI, .290 … David Nicholson SS LA 2-3 R 2RBI, .307 … Blake Hawksworth STL 6 8 4 4 0 5 L(3-2, 2.90) … Ambiorix Concepcion CF NYN 2-4 R RBI SB(11), .327 … Brett Gardner 3-4 triple, R 2RBI SB(11), .393 … James Happ PHI 7 7 4 4 1 6 L(1-3, 3.03) … Grant Psomas 3B FLO 4-4 2 doubles, RBI, .343 … James Avery CIN 5 4 0 0 0 3 W(2-0, 3.38) … Drew Anderson 2B CIN 3-4 double, triple, R 3RBI, .330 … Alexi Casilla 2B MIN 2-4 RBI, .316 … Kevin Ardoin DET 7 2/3 6 1 1 0 6 W(3-2, 3.32) … Kevin Whelan DET 1 1/3 1 0 0 2 1 S(7)

MIDWEST (A) --  cooling a bit Pedro Ciriaco ARZ 0-4 (.300) ... Colby Rasmus STL 1-2, 9th double, 3 BB's ... Scott Taylor CHN 6 5 1 1 0 2 (W, 1-1, 1.72) ... Michael Saunders SEA 1-3, 3rd triple ... Travis Wood CIN 5 2/3 3 4 4 2 7 (4.50) .. Jay Bruce CIN (DH again) 3-4 ... working in relief Juan Jimenez TEX 5 1/3 6 1 1 1 3 (1.69) ... Cameron Maybin DET 1-3, 5th SB ... little lefty on a tear Ramon Garcia DET 6 4 1 1 2 9 (W, 5-1, 1.46) ... Paul Kelly MIN 0-2, 2 BB's (.273) ... wild, but it works Wade Davis TB 5 2 1 1 6 3 (0.85) ... Kyle Blanks SD 0-4, 2 K's (still .309) ... Frank Martinez OAK 2-4

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Kyle Kendrick PHI 5-1/3 4 2 2 5 6, 1.85 ... Greg Golson PHI 1-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI (4), 2 BB, .152 ... Brandon Erbe BAL 4 7 5 3 3 4, 3.00 ... Brandon Snyder BAL 0-3, BB, .225 ... Elvis Andrus ATL 1-4, .255 ... Eric Campbell ATL 1-3, 2B (4), RBI (19), BB, .265 ... Dexter Fowler COL 1-4, BB, SB (16), .321 ... Chris Nelson COL 2-5, 2 2B (8), 3 RBI (21), .275 ... Ryan Tucker FLA 4 3 2 2 5 4, 4.82 ... Gaby Sanchez FLA 1-3, 2B (4), RBI (23), BB, .343 ... Kris Harvey FLA 0-4, .293 ... Andrew McCutchen PIT 0-3, BB, .327 ... Steven Pearce PIT 1-4, .274 ... Fernando Martinez NYN 2-4, 2B (8), BB, SB (4), .352 ... Will Inman MIL 5 2 0 0 1 5, 0.75 ... Angel Salome MIL 2-5, HR (4), 3 RBI (22), .333 ... Mike Bell MIL 1-4, HR (2), RBI (5), SB (1), .294 ... John Lannan WAS 7 3 3 2 1 4, 1.84 ... Daron Roberts CHA 3-7, 2 RBI (7), SB (3), .330 ... Aaron Cunningham CHA 2-4, 2B (7), HR (4), 2 RBI (10), BB, .272 ... Eric King HOU 2-4, .341 ... Ole Sheldon HOU 0-4, .382 ... JR Towles HOU 0-3, BB, .362 ... Bryan Villalona  NYA 5.0 0 0 0 2 4, 2.48 ... Jose Tabata NYA 3-4, 2nd homer, 3 RBI, 5th SB, .370 ...

" ... Junior Tim Lincecum struck out 16 batters over eighth innings to become the Pac-10's career strikeouts leader ... Lincecum (11-2), the nation's lead in both strikeouts and victories, finished the game with 460 career strikeouts ...  He struck out the side in order in the second and the fifth, when all three were on called third strikes. He also fanned four in the eighth, thanks to a third-strike wild pitch. In his eigtht innings of work, he allowed four runs on five hits, walking five."  (U of Washington)

    Troop Movements ...  LAD - placed catcher Dioner Navarro on the 15-day DL, recalled Russell Martin ...  KC - optioned Mark Teahen to Triple-A, recalled Aaron Guiel ...  PHI - placed Mike Lieberthal on the 15-day DL, recalled Carlos Ruiz ... DET - activated Dmitri Young from the 15-day DL, designated Alexis Gomez for assignment ... TB - purchased the contract of Chad Harville, recalled Matt Roney, optioned Chad Gaudin to Triple-A, activated Aubrey Huff from the 15-day DL, activated Julio Lugo from the 15-day DL, placed Dan Miceli on the 15-day DL ... TOR - optioned Vinnie Chulk to Triple-A, recalled Francisco Rosario ... BAL - activated Luis Matos from the 15-day DL, placed Javy Lopez on the 15-day DL ... MIL - recalled Jared Fernandez  ... COL - activated Todd Helton from the 15-day DL, optioned Ryan Spilborghs to Triple-A  ... NYN - Alay Soler promoted to Double-A, debut scheduled for Saturday

    Some high promise, so few results, except for bad breaks :

" ...  Left-hander Matt Riley has once again torn the ligament in his left elbow and is facing the possibility of a second Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery. Riley felt the elbow pop earlier this week while throwing in extended Spring Training, and the Rangers were hoping it was just scar tissue. It was not. "It's sad," manager Buck Showalter said. "He's got some decisions. A few days ago he was 93 miles per hour, the next day he's contemplating what he's going to do with the rest of his life."  (MLB.com)

    Troy E. Renck, Denver Post, on Ian Stewart COL :

" ...  It would be interesting to see if the Rockies would consider moving either Atkins or Stewart to the outfield. I am not sure they would entertain the thought. Of the two, Stewart is more suited for the switch. He's 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, still growing and very athletic. I have received conflicting reports on Stewart. People I really trust believe he can become a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman. While multiple scouts have told me they think Stewart will outgrow the position and is better off as a slugging outfielder. If nothing else, it leaves the Rockies in the enviable position of having too much talent for too few positions. At that point, shrewd trades could elevate this team to the next level."

    Shortstops ... Drew, Tulowitzki, Wood... best pure hitter, power, defense ?  Jim Callis, Baseball America responds :

" ...  Those three stud shortstops split those three attributes evenly among them. Drew is the best pure hitter, as evidenced by stepping right into pro ball last year after a long layoff and batting .320 with 14 homers in 65 games between high Class A and Double-A. He hasn't slowed down at all, hitting .339 with six homers in Triple-A this season. He should become a .300-plus hitter in the majors, while Tulowitzki (if he were in a neutral park) and Wood project as .280 hitters. Wood, who led the minors with 43 homers and the Arizona Fall League with a record 14 last year, is the best power hitter. He picked up where he left off, going deep in his first game this year and eight times in his first 27 contests. Both Drew and Tulowitzki have above-average power that's well above average for a middle infielder. Tulowitzki is the best defender, with plus range, arm strength and instincts. Drew and Wood are more average with the glove. Both are good enough defensively to stick at shortstop, and Drew probably will. Wood could move to third base because of the Angels' needs, as he has enough bat to play there and they also have Orlando Cabrera and Erick Aybar at shortstop."


05 May, 2006

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Fausto Carmona CLE 6-1/3 7 6 6 2 6, 6.06 … Dan Denham CLE 1 3 2 2 0 1, 8.14 … Brayan Pena ATL 0-4, .189 … Terry Tiffee MIN 2-5, 2 RBI, BB, .307 … Jason Kubel MIN 2-5, RBI, .291 … J.D. Durbin MIN 6 5 4 3 6 4, 4.24 … Ryan Sweeney CHA 2-2, 2nd HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB, .301 … Josh Fields CHA 3-5, 3rd HR, R, RBI, .314 … Casey Rogowski CHA 3-4, 2nd HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, SB, .337 … Charles Haeger CHA 5 7 3 1 3 8, 0.68 … Zach Miner DET 7 8 3 3 0 3, 1.85 … Justin Germano CIN 4 5 4 3 3 2, 4.59 … Ryan Wagner CIN 1 3 1 1 0 0, 7.42 … Rajai Davis PIT 2-4, R, RBI, HBP, .235 … Jose Bautista PIT 2-4, R, BB, .280 … Chris Roberson PHI 3-4, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, SB, .282 … Josh Kroeger PHI 2-4, 2B, 2 R, .241 … Carlos Pena NYA 1-4, 1st HR, R, RBI, .234 … Jeff Karstens NYA 5 9 5 3 1 2, 7.28 … B.J. Upton TB 0-2, R, 2 BB, SB, 3(13) errors, .283 … Edwin Jackson TB 5-1/3 5 4 3 4 1, 4.21 … Lastings Milledge NYN 1-5, 2nd HR, R, 2 RBI, .337 … Jeff Keppinger NYN 2-5, .260

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Dana Eveland MIL 7.0 2 1 1 3 7, 3-0, 0.87 ... Corey Hart MIL 2-4, 5th SB, .367 ... Felix Pie CHN, 1 hit in last 18 trips, 0-3, .260 ... Jason Botts TEX 1-2, 4th homer, .290 ... Stephen Drew ARZ 1-3, double, .339 ... Carlos Quentin ARZ 0-4, .287

EASTERN (AA)  --  Nate Schierholtz RF SF 1-3, R, 3B, RBI … Eddie Martinez LF SF 1-2, HR, 3rbi … David Murphy CF BOS 2-4, 2B, k … Brandon Moss RF BOS 1-4, R, 2B, 2RBI … Phil Seibel BOS 5 5 5 0 0 4 … Jonathon Sanchez SF 1.2 1 0 0 1 2 … Michel Abreu 1B NYM 3-5, R, RBI … Brad Snyder RF CLE 4-5, 2R … Kevin Kouzmanoff 3B CLE 5-5, R, 3RBI … Mike Pelfrey NYM lit up: 4 13 5 5 1 3 … Kory Castro 3B WAS 3-5, R, 3RBI, BB … Denard Span CF MIN 3-5, 2R, 2 2B … Matt Moses 3B MIN 2-4, 2R, HR, 3RBI … Justin Jones MIN 2.1 5 5 2 4 1 … Brent Clevlen RF DET 2-3, R, 2B, RBI, BB … Humberto Sanchez DET 7.1 4 2 2 3 5 … Brian Finch BAL 5 5 0 0 4 4 … Kurt Isenberg TOR 5.1 8 3 3 0 3 … Adam Loewen BAL 5 7 1 1 3 6 ... Philip Hughes NYA 6.0 7 4 4 2 3 ...

SOUTHERN (AA) --  a little noise from Joey Votto CIN 4-6, double, homer, .274 ... Chris Shaver CHN 6.0 3 1 1 1 8, 2.05 ... Tyler Lumsden CHA 6.0 5 3 2 3 3, 2.48 ... Matt Kemp 1-3, double, .336 ... 1B Gaby Martinez TB 3-4, 2 doubles, .318

TEXAS (AA)  --  Jordan Czarniecki COL, 2-4 & 0-3, RBI, .330 ... Joe Gaetti COL, 1-4 & 0-3, 2nd homer, 2 RBI, .290 ... Kevin Mahar TEX, 2-3, homer, 2 RBI, .229 ... Troy Tulowitzki COL, 1-3, .333 ... Ian Stewart COL, 1-2, double, CS, .296 ... Alberto Arias COL, (W, 3-1) 5.0 1 0 0 2 4, 2.13 ... Alex Gordon KC, 2-4, 2 K, .330 ... Billy Butler KC, 1-2, BB, .309 ... Kurt Suzuki OAK, 0-4, .329 ... Kevin Melillo OAK, 1-2, homer, 2 RBI, .308 ... Jason Windsor OAK, (W, 4-1) 5.0 3 1 1 4 4, 2.97 ... Josh Anderson HOU, 2-6, 2 doubles, .339 ... Ben Zobrist HOU, 1-3, homer, 2 RBI, SB, .299 ... Hunter Pence HOU, 3-5, triple, RBI, .339 ... Rico Washington StL, 2-5, triple, RBI, .322 ... Reid Gorecki stL, 1-4, 10th homer, RBI, .302 ... Matt Albers HOU, (W, 4-1) 5.0 7 4 3 2 5, 2.19 ... Mike Garciaparra SEA, 3-4, 2 doubles, RBI, .318 ... Jesus Guzman SEA, 3-4, homer, 2 RBI, .277 ... Brandon Wood LAA, 3-5, 2 homers (8), 5 RBI, .282 ... Yorman Bazardo SEA, (W, 2-1) 5.0 5 1 1 2 4, 3.38

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Reid Brignac TB 2-4, double, 11th error, .343 ... Carlos Gonzalez ARZ, quietly improving, but no big breakout, 1-2, 2 walks, .281 ... Travis Buck OAK 2-5, 2 doubles, walk, .327 ... Cliff Pennington OAK 0-3, 2 walks, .119

CAROLINA (A+) --  Sean Smith CF CHA 1-4, Home Run .287 ... Luis Matos CF BAL 2-5, RBI, sb .333 ... Garrett Olson BAL 6.2 6 1 1 2 8 W(3-2, 3.31) ... Brandon Powell 3B WAS 3-4, double, run, 2RBI .338 ... Collin Balester WAS 7 4 2 2 2 5 W(1-2, 6.67) ... Wyatt Toregas C CLE 1-3, double, 2 runs, RBI .351 ... Ryan Goleski RF CLE 3-3, Home Run, 5RBI .233 ... Nyger Morgan CF PIT 3-5, double, 2 runs, 2RBI, sb(19) .297 ... Brad Correll RF PIT 3-5, run, 4RBI .302 ... Aaron Laffey CLE 5 6 4 2 1 4 ... Kyle Bloom PIT 6 5 3 3 2 4 W(2-1, 3.05) ... Matt Harrison ATL 8 8 3 3 0 2 ... Chad Reineke HOU 7 3 1 1 5 6 W(3-1, 1.77)

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Anthony Swarzak MIN 5 7 3 3 2 8 L(1-3, 3.86) … Jose Shanchez NYN 7 2 0 0 0 5 W(3-1, 2.04) … Mike Carp 1B NYN HR(4) 3RBI, … Tyler Greene SS STL 2-3 HR(2), .209 … Mark Michael STL 7 3 2 2 1 7 L(1-1, 5.52) … Marcos Vechionacci 3B NYA 2-4 RBI, .161 … Mike Costanzo 3B PHI 3-4 HR(4) 6RBI, .255 … Zack Segovia PHI 7 5 2 2 1 5 W(4-1, 2.53) … Travis Denker 3B LA 3-6 double, R, .207 … Blake DeWitt 2B LA 2-6 , .286 … Jake Fox C CHN 2-4 2HR(7), .344 … Sean Gallagher CHN 6 6 2 1 0 8 ND, 1.78 … Jose Garcia FLO 7 3 2 1 2 8 W(2-1, 2.06) … Jeff Larish 1B DET 2-2 HR(4) double, 3RBI SB(1), .260 … Clete Thomas CF DET 3-6 HR(3) double, 2R 2RBI, .273 … Jeff Frazier LF DET 2-5 double, R 2RBI, .288 … Kevin Whelan DET 1 0 0 0 0 2

MIDWEST (A) --  overlooked southpaw pitching well Lucas French DET 7 4 1 0 1 6 (W, 4-1, 2.75) ... Cameron Maybin DET 2-4 (.333) ... Jay Bruce CIN 1-5, 5th HR (.279) ... bleccch Daryl Jones SD 0-5, 3 K's ... Vincent Mazzaro OAK 3 9 9 7 3 2 (ERA explodes to 7.24) ... rough night Sean Shoffit TOR 0-3, 2 K's, 6th error .. Todd Blackford CHN 5 1/3 5 1 1 4 5 (5.10) ... Mark Reed CHN 0-3, 3rd SB ... Henry Sanchez MIN 2-4, 6th & 7th doubles, 2 K's (.244) ... sort of a breakout? Kyle Waldrop MIN 7 3 2 1 1 3 (4.32) ... Jeffrey Dominguez SEA 0-4 ... Justin Upton ARZ 1-5, 2 K's, runner gunned ... Jacob McGee TB 5 7 4 3 2 5 (2.78) ... Bryan Anderson STL 3-6, triple ... Colby Rasmus STL 3-6, 8th double (.302, after a 1-26 start) ... wow, again Nick Adenhart ANA 7 4 2 1 1 7 (W, 4-0, 1.96)

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --   Greg Golson PHI 0-8, BB, .144 ... Welinson Baez PHI 1-7, 2B (7), 2 RBI (10), .212 ... Jeremy Slayden PHI 2-5, 2B (4), BB, .318 ... Brandon Snyder BAL 1-3, 2B (8), 2 RBI (15), BB, .233 ... Elvis Andrus ATL 0-3, .255 ... Eric Campbell ATL 2-4, HR (4), 2 RBI (18), .263 ... Dexter Fowler COL 2-4, BB, .324 ... Chris Nelson COL 3-4, 2 RBI (18), SB (3), BB, .268 ... Aaron Thompson FLA 7-2/3 7 0 0 1 6, 4.26 ... Gaby Sanchez FLA 1-3, RBI (22), .343 ... Kris Harvey FLA 0-4, .307 ... Andrew McCutchen PIT 1-4, .337 ... Steven Pearce PIT 1-4, HR (10), RBI (28), .275, leads SAL in HR & RBI ... Jeff Natale BOS 0-3, .333 ... Austin Jackson NYA 1-4, BB, .323 ... Jose Tabata NYA 3-3, 2B (12), RBI (26), BB, .356 ... Reegie Corona NYA 1-4, RBI (9), SB (5), .341 ... Fernando Martinez NYN 1-4, BB, .345 ... Justin Maxwell WAS 1-3, 3B (1), RBI (4), BB, .227 ... Brian Bogusevic HOU 0 7 8 7 0 0, 10.66, at least he didn't walk anybody ... Josh Flores HOU 1-3, 3B (2), .227 ... Eric King 1-3, 2B (5), RBI (11), BB, .333 ... Ole Sheldon HOU 1-3, .403 ... Eli Iorg HOU 0-3, .218 ... JR Towles HOU 2-3, 2B (5), .379 ... Angel Salome MIL 2-4, HR (3), 2 RBI (19), .330 ... Mat Gamel MIL 3-4, 2 HR (4), 4 RBI (14), .299 ... Mike Bell MIL 3-4, 2B (2), HR (1), 3 RBI (4), .300 ... Dan Griffin SF 5 7 3 3 1 4, 3.33 ... Andrew Locke LAD 3-4, 2B (5), 3 RBI (14), BB, .305

    Troop Movements ...  TB - designated Nick Green for assignment, optioned Sean Burroughs to Triple-A ... BOS - activated Hee-Seop Choi from the 15-day DL & disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A ... CIN - placed Rich Aurilia on the 15-day  DL, recalled infielder Ray Olmedo  ... LAA - placed Chris Bootcheck on the 15-day DL, recalled Tommy Murphy ... NYN - signed Jose Offerman to a minor league contract ...

    At RotoAmerica, David Regan moves on to the second base prospects.  No surprise at the top - Howie Kendrick LAA. 

" ...  2. Dustin Pedroia ... Prior to trading for Mark Loretta and signing Alex Gonzalez this offseason, it was thought that Pedroia’s bat was ready for Fenway. He’ll benefit from another ...  in the minors, and with Loretta and Gonzalez being short-term solutions, look for him to man either 2B (his better position) or SS for the Sox next year. He can hit for average, draw walks, and knock 20+ homers."

" ... 3. Blake DeWitt ...  A converted third baseman, his skill set and the presence of Andy LaRoche in the system make a move to 2B a good one for his long term prospects for cracking the Dodgers’ lineup. Jeff Kent’s contract expires after 2007, and DeWitt should be ready by then. He’s got a great stroke and good plate discipline. Think .300 with 20 homers and 75 walks. Not bad at all for a second baseman."

    Meanwhile, Dayn Perry, FOXSports, ranks the top prospects at the hot corner and goes with Alex Gordon over Andy Marte with Ian Stewart at No. 3.    Not much confidence in a 2005 fav, who does no better than No. 6 :

" ...  6. Andy LaRoche ...  spent the first half of the 2005 season at High-A Vero Beach of the pitcher-friendly Florida State League. There, LaRoche hit .333 AVG/.381 OBP/.651 SLG with 21 homers in 249 at bats. His numbers dropped after a mid-season promotion to AA-Jacksonville, and this season he's once again struggling in the Southern League. LaRoche's power is quite good, and he's also a skilled contact hitter. However, this season raises doubts that he's going to be on schedule in adapting to the high minors."

" ... 7. Josh Fields ...  The White Sox had great luck with the last OSU third baseman they drafted in the first round (Robin Ventura), but Fields isn't on that level. Fields does have good bat speed and some power, but he's not likely to hit for high averages or draw many walks. In 2006, Fields is putting up quality numbers at Triple-A Charlotte. Long-term, think Joe Crede without the defense."

    A couple of notes from the weekly report from the International League :

" ...  THE HITS KEEP COMING:  ...   Clipper outfielder, Melky Cabrera, has also been making some noise with his bat. Dubbed the Yankees' best hitter for average by Baseball America, Cabrera has collected an IL-leading 38 hits and sports a .373 average. Both of those numbers are good for tops among all Yankee Minor Leaguers. He is also 4th in the organization in RBI, at 14, after finishing last season tied for 4th with a career high 77."

" ... FINDING A WAY ON: Tides outfielder Lastings Milledge is batting a team-leading .344, and has reached base safely in 17 consecutive contests, which is 4th in the IL. Milledge leads the League with a .479 on-base percentage, is second in the IL with 18 walks drawn, and has also been hit by a pitch seven times this year, which is tied for first in the League (with Buffalo's Ryan Garko). The 7 times hit by a pitch has already passed the Tides season-high from a year ago and is tied for 4th in all of Minor League Baseball (Mike DiFelice was hit 5 times to lead the Tides in '05)."

    Young Cards' catcher, Bryan Anderson, on a roll after an opportunity in Spring Training with the big club :

" ...  A fourth-round selection of the Cardinals in the 2005 draft, Anderson ...  has been the Swing’s [Swing of the Quad Cities, Midwest League] early-season leader at the plate. His .368 average through 26 games leads Quad-Cities, after a .331 effort last season at short-season Johnson City which led all Cardinals short-season players. But offense is only part of Anderson’s game. “So much of what a catcher does is the work he puts in behind the plate, and while I work on my offense every day, a lot of what I’m learning has to do with what I do behind the plate,” Anderson said ... The 19-year-old left-handed hitter was the youngest player invited to the Cardinals’ major-league camp, an opportunity offered to Anderson to catch the large number of pitchers St. Louis invited to camp early this spring ... Swing manager Keith Mitchell likes the approach he has seen from Anderson. “You can tell he’s a winner, that competing and winning means a lot to him and guys like that valuable to any team,” Mitchell said."  (Quad City Times)

    Scott Rex, OnDeck, has posted the first of his Triple-A updates, the best of the prospects in the International League.  Cole Hamels moving up right behind Delmon.

 1. Delmon Young, OF, TB	 6. Jon Lester, LHP, BOS
 2. Cole Hamels, LHP, PHI	 7. Jeremy Sowers, LHP, CLE
 3. Dustin McGowan, RHP, TOR	 8. Hayden Penn, RHP, BAL
 4. Andy Marte, 3B, CLE	         9. Elijah Dukes, OF, TB   
 5. Lastings Milledge, OF, NYN	10. Jason Kubel, OF, MIN

04 May, 2006

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Andy Marte CLE 2-4, 2B, .295 … Ben Francisco CLE 1-4, 4th HR, R, 3 RBI, .250 … Jeremy Sowers CLE 5-1/3 7 2 1 3 2, 1.47 … Ryan Roberts TOR 2-5, 2 R, RBI, .218 … John-Ford Griffin TOR 2-5, 2B, 3rd HR, R, RBI, .230 … Rob Cosby TOR 1-5, RBI, .268 … Jason Phillips TOR 0-4, BB, .208 … Sergio Santos TOR 1-4, R, .205 … Josh Banks TOR 5 8 4 1 1 0, 3.27 … Hayden Penn BAL 7 0 0 0 2 6, 0.00 (93 pitches, 62 strikes, ) … rehab, Hee-Seop Choi BOS 2-6, 2 R, .313 … Chris Roberson PHI 2-4, R, HBP, SB, .264 … Carlos Ruiz PHI 3-5, 2 RBI, .398

" ... After missing a weekend start due to a stomach flu, Hayden Penn came back with seven no-hit innings as visiting Ottawa beat Rochester, 5-3 ... Penn (1-0) left after tossing his 93rd pitch to end the seventh, finishing with six strikeouts and two walks. The 21-year-old right-hander had a perfect game until Garrett Jones led off the fifth with a walk. "I'm feeling a lot better," Penn said. "Tonight the fastball command was there. I was getting ahead of hitters. And any time I'm getting ground-ball outs, I know that's the kind of pitcher I need to be." (MLB.com)

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Noah Lowry SF 6.0 5 3 3 1 6 ... Tim Stauffer SD 5.2 10 5 5 3 2  ... Paul McAnulty SD 2-5, 6th homer, .321 ...Yusmeiro Petit FLO 6.0 8 2 2 3 5 ... Chad Billingsley LAD 7.0 7 3 3 1 9, 2.04 ... Steven Shell LAA 7.0 5 2 2 1 3 ... Erick Aybar LAA 3-4, .311 ... now that's more like it, Jason Hirsh HOU 8.0 2 0 0 1 7 ... Corey Hart MIL 2-5, homer, .357 ...

EASTERN (AA)  --  Adam Miller CLE 5.0 6 3 1 2 6, 2.76 ... Kevin Kouzmanoff CLE 2-4, double, .418 ... Brett Roneberg OF PIT 5-6, .395 ... Craig Anderson BAL 6.1 6 3 3 0 7, 3-0, 1.95 ... Adam Lind TOR 2-4, double, .275 ... Steven White NYA 6.0 6 2 2 3 3, 1.78 ...

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Lance Broadway CHA 4.2 6 2 2 3 4, 2.02 ... Justin Orenduff LAD 5.0 5 3 3 3 5, 4.45 (37 Ks in 30 1/3 innings) ...  Matt Kemp LAD 2-3, walk, .336 ... Phil Avlas ARZ 3-4, double, .423 ... Anibal Sanchez FLO 5.0 7 4 3 2 7, 2.67 ... Cesar Carillo SD 5.1 7 5 4 2 4, 3.24

TEXAS (AA)  --  Jim Fasano TEX, 2-4, RBI, .500 ... Chris Lubanski KC, 3-5, homer, double, 3 RBI, .283 ... Alex Gordon KC, 1-4. RBI, 7th SB, .324 ... Kyle Middleton KC, (W, 1-2) 5.0 7 2 2 0 6, 3.94 ... Kurt Suzuki OAK, 0-3, .347 ... Troy Tulowitzki COL, 0-4, .333 ... Ian Stewart COL, 0-2, 1st SB, .292

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Eric Hurley TEX 6.0 6 1 0 3 5, 2.27 ... Luis Cota KC, rough season, 4.1 9 7 7 1 2, 8.01 ... Ronald Prettyman SEA 4-4, 4 doubles, 4 RBI ... Matt Tuiasosopo SEA 4-6, double, SB, 2 RBI, .320 ... Cesar Nicolas 1B ARZ, getting untracked, 3-4, 2 doubles ... Travis Buck OAK 2-5, double, .323 ... Michael Collins LAA 2-4, 3rd homer, 3 RBI, .326

CAROLINA (A+) --  Trey Webb 2B WAS 2-5, double .320 ... Brandon Powell 3B WAS 2-3, run, sb .315 ... Luke Montz 1B WAS 3-4, 3RBI .293 ... Mike Hinckley WAS 6 6 1 1 2 1 W(1-1, 3.71) ... Tommy Hottovy BOS 5.2 5 0 0 0 4 ... Joshua Hansen DH CHA 1-4, Grand Slam HR .224 ... Luis Matos BAL rehab? CF 1-4, Home Run ... Radhames Liz BAL 7 4 4 2 4 6 ... Brian Barton OF CLE 2-4, triple, Home Run .339 ... Joe Ness CLE 5.2 4 2 1 1 1 ... Clayton Hamilton PIT 6 3 1 1 1 7 ... Matt Young 2B ATL 3-5, run, 3RBI, sb .286 ... Brandon Jones LF ATL 1-5, double, 2RBI .288 ... Mike Rozema SS ATL 2-3, double, 2 runs, sb .294 ... Ervin Alcantara CF HOU 3-5, double, 2 runs, sb .309 ... Neil Sellers 1B HOU 1-4, double, 2RBI .307 ... Scott Robinson DH HOU 3-6, double, 2 runs, 3RBI .276 ... Jimmy Barthmaier HOU 4 7 6 6 4 5

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Matt Garza MIN 7 3 1 1 0 6 W(4-0, 0.86) … Coming of six innings of no-hit ball, Homer Bailey CIN 5 1/3 6 5 5 2 4 L(1-3, 3.98) … Marcos Vechionacci 3B NYA 2-4 HR(1) 2R 4RBI, seventh error, .146 … Drew Anderson 2B CIN 1-4 HR(3), .325 … Eric Nielsen RF TOR 3-5 HR(1) 2R, .299 … Grant Psomas 3B FLO 3-4 HR(4) 4RBI, .333 … Gaby Hernandez FLO 5 1/3 4 3 2 2 6 L(3-2, 5.93) … Hernan Iribarren 2B MIL 1-4 HR(1) 2RBI, .320 … Alexi Casilla 2B MIN 2-4 RBI, .309 … Cole Bruce DH LA 2-4 HR(3), .298 … Matt Merricks LA 5 2/3 4 0 0 1 10 ND, 4.32 - Left in the 6th with a sore shoulder … Ryan Harvey RF CHN 2-3 double, R, .198

" ... Garza was his usual dominant self in a 3-1 Miracle victory ... Garza used 82 pitches, 57 for strikes in keeping the Tigers at bay. The only inning he ran into trouble was the sixth and it wasn't all his doing ...  Garza went 7.0 innings allowing one run on three hits while striking out six and earning his fourth victory of the season."  (Fort Meyers Miracle)

Merricks hurt?

" ... For 7 1/2 innings, the Dodgers were in control thanks to a dominating performance from starter Matt Merricks. He did not allow a run in 5 2/3 innings. For one stretch, Merricks struck out five straight and fanned a total of 10 in the game. However, he had to leave in the 6th with what appeared to be a sore shoulder."  (Vero Beach Dodgers)

MIDWEST (A) --  No games scheduled.

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Daron Roberts CHA 1-4, HR (1), 3 RBI (5), .316 ... Brandon Allen CHA 2-4, 2B (4), HR (3), RBI (11), .191 ... Justin Maxwell WAS 1-3, 2B (2), BB, .211 ... Tom Fairchild HOU 7 6 1 1 1 5, 2.65 ... Angel Salome MIL 0-3, .323 ... Josh Flores HOU 0-1, 3 BB, .224 ... Eric King 1-3, 3B (1), 2 RBI (10), BB, .333 ... Eli Iorg HOU 1-4, .226 ... Josh Outman PHI 5 6 2 1 1 8, 3.04 ... Jeremy Slayden PHI 1-3, 2B (3), RBI (3), .294 ... Greg Golson PHI 1-4, SB (3), BB, .157 ... Welinson Baez PHI 0-4, BB, .218 ... Chorye Spoone BAL 5-1/3 4 1 1 3 3, 1.66 ... Brandon Snyder BAL 1-4, 2B (7), .229 ... Elvis Andrus ATL 2-4, RBI (16), .260 ... Eric Campbell ATL 1-4, .253 ... Quentin Davis ATL 2-4, 2 2B (6), RBI (8), .356 ... Dexter Fowler COL 2-4, (15), .316 ... Chris Nelson COL 1-4, HR (2), RBI (16), .247 ... Chris Volstad FLA 5 8 3 2 2 3, 2.92 ... Gaby Sanchez FLA 0-3, .344 ... Kris Harvey FLA 2-4, 2B (5), .321 ... Andrew McCutchen PIT 1-3, 2 BB, .340 ... Brent Leach LAD 6-2/3 4 0 0 2 8, 3.00 ... Jon Niese NYN 5 3 3 3 4 4, 3.42 ... Fernando Martinez NYN 3-6, HR (2), 2 RBI (10), .349 ... Jeff Natale BOS 0-2, 2 RBI (25), 2 sac flies, .344, leads the SAL with 1.125 OPS ... Austin Jackson NYA 1-4, 2B (6), .326 ... Jose Tabata NYA 1-3, BB, .333 ... Reegie Corona NYA 1-5, .346 ... Mario Holmann NYA 3-4, 4 SB (8), .203

    Troop Movements ...  KC - placed Mike Sweeney on the 15-day DL (expected to miss 5 weeks), recalled Justin Huber ... MIL - placed Tomo Ohka on the 15-day DL ... ATL - placed Lance Cormier on the 15-day DL, recalled RHP Peter Moylan ... FLO - claimed Joe Borchard off waivers from SEA, designated Matt Cepicky for assignment ... PIT - activated Ryan Doumit from the 15-day DL, optioned Mike Edwards to Triple-A ...  LAA - optioned Jeff Mathis to Triple-A, recalled Mike Napoli ...

    In TB, Delmon Young isn't the only problem child :

" ... outfielder Elijah Dukes was sent home to Tampa last week from Triple-A Durham after getting into several shouting matches with a teammate and coach, according to the Tampa Tribune. Perhaps trying to show some leadership, Dukes blew up at an unnamed Bulls pitcher when the pitcher left the dugout for the clubhouse after being taken out of the game. But after he got on the pitcher, he got into it with hitting coach Richie Hebner, and the Rays had enough. According to some reports, Tampa Bay has suspended him for a week. The Devil Rays did not return comment ."  (Baseball America)

    John Sickels, MinorLeagueBall, offers an Eric Hurley /Homer Bailey comparision :

" ...  Scouts say that Bailey projects to be a Number One starter at the Major League level, assuming that he can harness his command. Both his fastball and curveball are (or will be) plus major league pitchers, and if the changeup develops as expected, he can really dominate ...  Hurley projects as a Number Two type starter, not exciting scouts with his stuff quite as much as Bailey does, although Hurley is hardly a soft-tosser. Like Bailey, he needs to refine his changeup and stay healthy to reach his ceiling ...  I find this quite interesting, that BP's projected VORP for Bailey is significantly better than Hurley's. This agrees with the scouting consensus that Bailey has a higher upside than Hurley, even if he is currently less refined, though it should be noted that Hurley's upside is still high ...  It is extremely close with physicality/tools, with Bailey having (perhaps) a slight advantage. Hurley has better current performance and polish. Bailey has an edge in upside, though Hurley's is still respectable. Overall, it looks like Bailey comes out a bit ahead, but it's very close, and both of these guys have a good chance to be successful (granted all the usual caveats about young pitchers)."

    David Regan, RotoAmerica (some subscription), rates the first base prospects -- Daric Barton, Kendry Morales, Justin Huber 1-2-3 :

" ...  Daric Barton  ... The poster child for plate discipline, Barton came to Oakland in the Mark Mulder trade and has become Oakland’s top prospect ...  projects as a 15-20 HR, .420 OBP type along the lines of a Nick Johnson."

" ... 5. Stephen Head  ...  the 62nd overall pick out of college in the 2005 draft. Tore through rookie ball in 10 games (1.526 OPS) before slowing down at High-A. He’s back at that level and off to a slow start ... but his bat should carry him to the big leagues."

    Bryan Smith, Baseball Analysts, noting some April success stories - some players who would now make his Top 75 prospect list.

" ...  Nick Adenhart ...  poster boy of the Angels' newest draft strategy, Adenhart fell hard in the 2004 draft when it was discovered his elbow needed Tommy John surgery. Prepared to enroll in at the University of North Carolina, Adenhart was given a surprise when the Angels drafted him late with a high bonus proposal. After spending much of 2005 rehabbing his elbow, Adenhart gradually grew stronger as the short season went on. This year the power right-hander has come out strong, making the Angels gamble look good. I'm a bit worried how Adenhart's flyball tendencies will hold up when he is eventually promoted to Rancho Cucamonga, but he'll always have the ability to miss bats. "

" ... Wade Davis ...  At this point, Davis is taking the Anibal Sanchez breakout path, showing validity in dominant short-season numbers. After pitching so well in limited action last year, Davis became a prominent breakout candidate touted by both Baseball America and John Sickels. Kudos to them, as Davis has been as impressive as any minor league starter. Control is the only problem that Davis currently has, as his hellacious stuff has produced otherwise great peripheral statistics. A promotion to the Cal League would do Davis well at this point, as he must be shown that at some point, walks will come back to hurt you."

    Michael Aubrey CLE finally getting back in the lineup, joining Kinston from extended spring training :

" ...  Aubrey, who spent the first half of the 2004 season with Kinston, will split time at first base and designated hitter with Stephen Head as Aubrey works toward recovery of a lower back injury that limited him to 28 games with Double-A Akron last season. “The first step here is getting him some games under the lights in regular action, and we’ll see how it goes,” Sarbaugh [manager Mike Sarbaugh] said  ... Aubrey, 24, has battled injuries since being promoted to Double-A Akron in 2004."  (Kinston Free Press)

    Peter Schmuck, Baltimore Sun, with a Hayden Penn suggestion for the O's :

" ... In a perfect world, the Orioles would be foolish to waste those valuable service days with Penn (or Adam Loewen later in the summer), but it might be necessary to avert an early-season tailspin that the franchise can ill afford with attendance already testing the major principles of Newtonian physics. Most teams prefer to develop their top pitching prospects in the roles they are projected to fill at the major league level, an approach that is supported by the current salary structure of the sport. There is value, however, in the experience that Penn would get in a long relief/spot starter role, and it is fair to question the logic of leaving a couple of hundred quality innings in the minors when the major league team is in such dire need of help. Don't be surprised if the Orioles' brass reaches that conclusion sooner rather than later."


03 May, 2006

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Jason Bartlett MIN 2-4, 2B, .315 … Boof Bonser MIN 7 2 1 1 1 7, 1.47 … Francisco Rosario TOR 6 9 4 4 0 8, 4.43 … Chris Stewart CHA 2-4, 1st HR, R, RBI, .271 … Sean Tracey CHA 7 1 0 0 3 6, 2.22 … Donald Kelly DET 2-5, R, SB, .246 … Wil Ledezma DET 4-1/3 4 2 2 2 2, 2.65 … Ryan Wagner CIN 0-2/3 2 2 2 2 1, 7.30 … rehab, Paul Wilson CIN 6 6 2 2 1 1, 3.00 … Jose Bautista PIT 2-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI, .270 … rehab, Ryan Doumit PIT 2-4, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, .318 … Tom Gorzelanny PIT 5-1/3 7 2 2 2 6, 3.73 … Abe Alvarez BOS 6-1/3 7 3 3 2 1, 2.55 … Cole Hamels PHI 9 2 0 0 1 12, 0.00(2 starts in AAA, 16 I, 5 H, 1 BB, 26 K) … Kevin Thompson NYA 2-4, 2B, 2 R, HBP, SB, .293 … Melky Cabrera NYA 3-5, 2nd HR, R, 3 RBI, .373 … B.J. Upton TB 2-3, R, BB, 0 errors, .289 … Brian Stokes TB 7 3 0 0 1 4, 1.93

" ... Hamels  ... tossed a two-hit complete game shutout as visiting Scranton Wilkes-Barre rolled to a 5-0 victory over Richmond. The 2002 first-round pick has spent the bulk of the past two seasons on the disabled list but showed just how dominating he can be when healthy. He struck out 12 batters while walking just one, retiring the first 11 hitters he faced in the ballgame before surrendering a two-out single to Scott Thorman in the fourth inning. The only other Richmond batter to hit safely was Wes Timmons, who doubled with one out in the ninth frame. Despite Timmons' two-bagger, Hamels showed no signs of wearing down as the game went on. In fact, six of the last nine outs he recorded were strikeouts, and he fanned the side in the ninth inning. All told, the 22-year-old lefty threw 114 pitches, 76 for strikes. And if all that wasn't enough, Hamels helped his own cause with a ninth-inning single that drove in the third of the Red Barons' five runs."  (MLB.com)

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Alberto Callaspo ARI, 1-3, BB, .224... Carlos Quentin ARI 1-3, HR(2), RBI(12), BB... staying hot Paul McAnulty SD 1-3, HR(5), 2 BB, K, .316... just missed the cycle Matt Watson OAK 4-4, 3B, HR(4), 6 RBI(23), .284... rehab Todd Helton COL 1-3, K, .333... SS of future in SEA? Asdrubal Cabrera SEA 1-3, 2B, BB, K, .353... undefeated so far Renyel Pinto FLA 7 1 0 0 2 5... Russell Martin LAD 3-5, 2B, K, .306... Joe Saunders LAA 6 7 2 1 3 2... waiting for the call Anthony Reyes STL 6 5 3 3 2 8... Corey Hart MIL 4-5, 3 2B, 3 RBI(13), SB(3), .353

EASTERN (AA)  --  Bronson Sardinha RF NYY 3-6, R, 2 2B, BB … Gio Gonzalez PHI 5 6 4 4 4 6 … Rafael Alvarez DH PIT 3-4, 2R … Tony Giarratano SS DET 3-4, 3B, RBI … Jason Roach PIT 7 4 0 0 0 4 … Brad Snyder RF CLE 0-4 … Rafael Perez CLE 6.2 9 2 2 1 5 … Denard Span CF MIN 0-5, 2k … Matt Moses 3B MIN 1-4, R, BB, 3k … Shawn Hill WAS .2 6 5 5 0 1

SOUTHERN (AA) --  George Kottaras SD 1-2, double, walk, .309 ...   Ray Liotta CHA 6.0 4 0 0 2 3, 2.56 ... Matt Kemp LAD 0-3, 16 game hit streak over, .327 ... Lou Palmisano MIL, had a brief fling on the top catchers' list, 2-4, 2nd homer, .266 ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL 1-5, 4th homer, .238

TEXAS (AA)  --  Rico Washington StL, 1-3, double, BB, .317 ... Sebastein Boucher SEA, 2-5, .219 ... Mike Garciaparra SEA, 3-5, .296 ... Jim Fasano TEX, 3-5, 2 homers, double, 4 RBI, .500 ... Alex Gordon KC, 1-2, 2 BB, 6th SB, .327 ... Thomas Diamond TEX, better (W, 2-1) 6.0 3 0 0 1 5, 4.00 ... Brandon Wood LAA, 0-4, .267 ... Matthew Brown LAA, so far so good, 1-3, 6th homer, RBI, .349 ... Ben Zobrist HOU, 2-4, .298 ... Hunter Pence & JR House HOU, 0-4 & 0-4 ... Daniel Davidson LAA, (W, 1-2) 8.0 6 2 2 0 3, 3.72 ... Rich Thompson LAA, 2nd sv, 1.0 0 0 0 0 2, 2.70 ... Jason Perry OAK, 2-5, homer, 3 RBI, .416 ... Troy Tulowitzki COL, 2-4, 2nd homer, RBI, .349 ... Ian Stewart COL, 1-4, .298 ... Jordan Czarniecki COL, 1-5, 2 RBI, .321

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Ryan Mattheus COL 8.2 2 0 0 0 8, 3.03 ... Matthew Miller COL 2-4, 2 doubles, .337 ... Carlos Gonzalez ARZ 2-4, double ... Travis Buck OAK 3-5, double, .319 ... Christopher Mason TB 8.0 1 2 1 1 6, 1.86 ...  catcher Emerson Frostad TEX 3-4, double, homer, .328

CAROLINA (A+) --  Clint Everts WAS 4.2 6 1 0 1 7 ... Chuck Lofgren CLE 5.0 6 3 3 1 4, 4-1, 2.13 ... Trevor Crowe CLE 2-3, 2 walks, 3 runs, .305 ... Troy Patton HOU 4.0 4 5 2 2 2, 3.80

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Alexi Casilla 2B MIN 2-4 2SB(8), .302 … Ryan Barthelemy 3B STL 2-4 HR(3) 2RBI, .299 … Eric Harberer STL 7 3 2 2 1 3 L(1-2, 4.15) … Michael Devaney NYN 8 4 1 1 0 8 W(1-2, 3.16)

MIDWEST (A) --  Johnny Cueto CIN 5 2 2 2 2 4 (3.24) ... Jay Bruce CIN (at DH) 2-8, 9th double, 4th HR ... bouncing back very well from a shelling Omar Poveda TEX 6 3 0 0 2 2 (4.95) ... Frank Martinez OAK 2-7, double, 3rd SB ... Oswaldo Sosa MIN 6 1/3 4 0 0 1 6 (3.33) ... Paul Kelly MIN 2-4, 2 BB's, 7th double ... Fabian Jimenez Angulo SD 5 3 0 0 2 4 (4.01) ... Hainley Statia ANA 2-5 (.281) .. a gem from the 18-year-old Tommy Mendoza ANA 7 2 0 0 1 8 (2.95) ... Justin Upton ARZ 2-4, K ... Donald Veal CHN 5 1 0 0 6 9 (2.64) ... Cameron Maybin DET 2-4, 7th double, runner gunned ... Sean Shoffit TOR 1-3, 4th double, BB (.330)

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Daniel Barone FLA 5 7 4 4 2 4, 2.22 ... Gaby Sanchez FLA 1-4, .355 ... Kris Harvey FLA 1-4, 2B (4), .312 ... Andrew McCutchen PIT 1-4, RBI (14), .340 ... Brent Lillibridge 2-4, 2B (4), SB (10), .307 ... Moises Hernandez ATL 5 4 2 1 1 6, 2.91 ... Elvis Andrus ATL 1-4, RBI (15), SB (8), .250 ... Eric Campbell ATL 1-4, 2B (3), RBI (16), .253 ... Max Ramirez ATL 2-3, 2 2B (9), 2 RBI (13), BB, .348 ... Dexter Fowler COL 1-4, 2B (9), SB (14), .309 ... Chris Nelson COL 1-4, 3B (1), .247 ... Ryan Shaver SF 7 4 0 0 1 5, 2.96 ... Mike Mooney SF 3-4, 3B (1), HR (2), 3 RBI (12), SB (6), .282 ... Jeff Natale BOS 1-3, 2 BB, .352 ... Tony Granadillo BOS 2-4, 2B (7), RBI (13), .344 ... Austin Jackson NYA 2-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI (14), .330 ... Jose Tabata NYA 1-4, 2B (11), RBI (25), .337 ... Reegie Corona NYA 2-4, RBI (8), .356 ... Derek Rodriguez CHA 6 3 2 0 1 10, 5.23 ... Angel Salome MIL 3-5, HR (2), 4 RBI (17), .333 ... Josh Flores HOU 2-4, RBI (4), BB, .226 ... JR Towles HOU 0-4, SB (6), .365 ... Eli Iorg HOU 2-4, 2 2B (4), 2 RBI (16), .225 ... Ole Sheldon HOU 1-3, 2 BB, .406 ... Justin Maxwell WAS 1-5, 2B (1), .188

Dexter Fowler COL making progress in a transition to a switch hitter :

" ...  Fowler said he has more power as a lefty, but hits for average as a right-handed batter. Either way, he hit a home run from each side of the plate in the Tourists’ season opener — but it almost never happened. “I was actually in a cage down at (the instructional league) and I was just goofing around and hitting left-handed. Our hitting instructor, Jim Johnson, saw me and told (then Colorado farm director) Bill Geivett that I could hit left-handed. I was kind of surprised.” Through Thursday, Fowler was hitting .357 as a right-handed batter and .282 as a lefty. “It’s not easy to do, to get on that left side and start swinging,” Asheville manager Joe Mikulik said. “He just needs more games, more at-bats.” ... “Basically, you just got to be patient. Like they told me, ‘Don’t worry about results.’” Fowler has always been a highly touted recruit. He slipped to the 14th round in the 2004 major league draft in part because teams thought he was going to attend the University of Miami. He’s drawn praise for his defense and speed on the bases (eight stolen bases in 12 tries). Now, he’s carving a niche as a switch-hitting leadoff man with a patient eye."  (Asheville Citizen Times)

    Troop Movements ...  ARZ - placed Russ Ortiz on the 15-day DL, recalled Casey Daigle from Triple-A  ... LAD - recalled Andre Ethier from Triple-A, placed Ricky Ledee on the 15-day DL ... BAL - designated catcher Eli Whiteside for assignment, purchased the contracts of Julio Manon, Kurt Birkins, designated Jim Brower for assignment, optioned Eddy Rodriguez to Triple-A  ... COL - activated Jorge Piedra from the 15-day DL ...  TEX - recalled Robinson Tejeda from Triple-A, placed Fabio Castro on the 15-day DL ... TOR - activated Scott Downs from the bereavement list, optioned Brian Tallet to Triple-A ... CIN - released Tony Womack ...  CHA - signed Jeff Nelson to a minor league contract ... STL - purchased the contract of Brian Falkenborg from Triple-A, optioned Skip Schumaker to Triple-A ... CIN - placed Cody Ross on the 15-day DL, recalled Chris Denorfia from Triple-A ...  CLE - optioned Brian Slocum to Triple-A, activated C.C. Sabathia from the 15-day DL ...

" ... Outfielder Jeremy Hermida could also be a ways away after coming out of his first minor-league rehab start after three innings Monday. Hermida, who played six games before straining his right hip flexor, went 1 for 2 with a run scored for the Marlins' Florida State League affiliate in Jupiter, but said his leg was sore so the team will not play him in an extending spring training game today. He is unlikely to return to the lineup this week as originally hoped. ''We'll reevaulate him [Tuesday],'' Girardi said."  (Miami-Herald)

    Nate Stephens, RotoWorld.com, with a note on Alex Gordon KC :

" ... was invited to spring training with the big club and again acquitted himself nicely by hitting .333 with good plate discipline. Assigned to Double-A Wichita to start the season, he’s yet to disappoint by recording a .326/.388/.609 line that includes six homers, five steals, and a 22/9 K/BB ratio in 92 at-bats. Although he’s just 22 years old, there’s not much more Gordon will need to learn in the minors. Another month or two of continued success should lead to a promotion to Triple-A, and on talent alone he’ll reach the majors before the year is out. The question is where he’ll be playing when he does break into the majors as a starter. Gordon possesses the ability to stick at third base and has been playing there thus far in Double-A, but he could end up at first base depending on the Royals’ roster moves this winter."

    Alay Soler NYN beginning to live up to the promise, although there is no unanimity of opinion :

" ...  The Cuban defector was dynamite yet again last [Monday] night in high Class A St. Lucie's 1-0 win against Brevard County, allowing just one hit and no walks while striking out seven in seven brilliant innings. The 26-year-old righthander improved to 2-0, 0.64 with 32 strikeouts, eight walks and a .128 opponents' batting average in 28 innings this year. His command has been impeccable since he walked six batters in 10 innings over his first two starts of the season. Because of his age and background, Soler doesn't figure to be long for the FSL ... his stuff (91-94 mph fastball and low-80s slider with exceptional depth) could put him on the fast track to pitch in the majors later this summer."  (Baseball America)

" ... The curious case of Alay Soler has taken yet another twist through the first month of the season. While the latest turn has been a positive one for the Cuban defector, there are no guarantees that the quick start he's enjoyed in the Florida State League will ultimately land him in New York in 2006 ...  "The Florida State League has been a little easier than the league in which I pitched in Cuba," said Soler, who signed in 2004 but spent a year working out in the Caribbean before he and the Mets were able to clear up his visa issues last fall. "The league is full of younger guys and with my experience I can get outs better than others. Baseball is baseball, though. I'm ready to pitch anywhere. Wherever the team wants me to pitch, I'll pitch." … Still, there are those who are skeptical as to just how far Soler will be able to go with his low 90s fastball and a slider that hovers in the mid-80s. Dominating the youngsters in the Florida State League is one thing. Whether he'll be able to duplicate those numbers in Binghamton or Triple-A Norfolk will provide clearer answers ...  one American League executive who saw Soler pitch recently said. "For a guy who has been around as long as he has, he'd better get those guys out, though. I just didn't see anything for him in terms of a role in the big leagues. "Maybe he's a middle reliever. But for what they invested in him, you would think they would have gotten more. Right now, I think you can find a guy like him in Triple-A or Double-A anywhere."  (MiLB.com)

    John Sickels, MinorLeagueBall, on Justin Orenduff LAD :

" ...   Orenduff actually reached Double-A last year, but his ERA rose to 4.07 (compared to 2.24 in A-ball) and his velocity was down due to a sore shoulder. A first round pick out of Virginia Commonwealth in '04, he has an excellent slider, and has made strides with his changeup. His goal this year is to stay healthy, prove his shoulder is OK, and see if he can dominate hitters the same way he did in A-ball. How Is He Doing?: 4.26 ERA in his first five starts, with a 32/8 K/BB in 25 innings, 27 hits allowed. He has had some poor defensive support and has given up five unearned runs. His fastball is reportedly sitting at 90 MPH according to a report from a reader. The good news is that there has been no recurrence of his shoulder problems from last year, but it remains to be seen if he can truly dominate over an extended period."

    RotoTimes on Radhames Liz BAL :

" ...   When the award for minor league pitcher of the month comes out, Liz will likely be at or near the top of many lists. The 22-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has been absolutely un-hittable in his first four starts at High-A Frederick. In 20 innings, Liz has allowed just nine base hits and given up only three runs, good for a 1.35 ERA, and we're not even at the good stuff yet. Averaging just short of two punchouts per inning (1.95 K/IP to be exact), Liz has already tallied 39 strikeouts while walking eight. Most people consider Liz to be somewhat raw, and while his eight walks show he has room to improve his control, he has thrown his mid-90s fastball very well and has made great use of his secondary pitches. Liz is a strikeout machine wherever he goes, and the most pressing question surrounding him is whether he'll reach Baltimore as a starter or reliever. Look for him no sooner than late 2007."

    A little catchup from RotoAmerica (some subscription) ... David Regan with the top catching prospects :

1. Jarrod Saltalamacchia    6. Neil Walker 	
2. Russell Martin 	    7. Mike Napoli 	
3. Jeff Clement 	    8. Miguel Montero 	
4. George Kottaras 	    9. Brandon Snyder 	
5. Francisco Hernandez 	   10. Angel Salome 	

" ...  Brandon Snyder  ...  the 13th overall pick out of high school in 2005. Snyder is one of the more impressive teenage hitters in the minors. He knows how to work the count (14.2% walk rate in his debut – wow!) and already shows impressive power for a teenager (eight homers in 172 at-bats). Snyder donned the tools of ignorance for the first time in his senior year, so he remains a work in progress defensively. The Orioles have Ramon Hernandez locked up through 2009, which could coincide nicely with Snyder’s arrival on the scene. He could top this list a year from now ... 10. Angel Salome ...   The main strike against Salome is his size. You simply don’t see a lot of 5’7” catchers. Salome’s calling card is his bat, and so far over two brief minor league seasons, he’s hitting .321/.370/.514. Had just a .734 OPS however against Sally League pitching after being promoted last year, so I’ll wait to see how he does repeating that league before I bump him up much on this list (he does have a .950 OPS through six games as of this writing). Salome still has a lot of work to do with the glove, but he’s still just 19."


02 May, 2006

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Ben Francisco CLE 2-4, 2B, RBI, .260 … Scott Thorman ATL 1-3, 4th HR, R, 2 RBI, BB, .318 … Anthony Lerew ATL 7 2 0 0 1 4, 8.56 … Jason Bartlett MIN 2-5, R, RBI, .306 … Terry Tiffee MIN 2-3, 2B, R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, .307 … Brandon League TOR 3 3 0 0 2 3, 1.31 … Casey Rogowski CHA 2-4, R, RBI, .321 … Donald Kelly DET 2-4, 2B, R, 2 RBI, BB, .234 … Rajai Davis PIT 2-4, RBI, SB, .224 … Dustin Pedroia BOS 2-5, RBI, Sac, .269 … Adam Stern BOS 1-4, 2 BB, SB, .222 … rehab, Hee-Seop Choi BOS 1-3, R, 2 BB, .328 … Jon Lester BOS 5 3 2 2 2 4, 5.94 … Matt White PHI 5 5 3 2 4 2, 3.26 … Kevin Reese NYA 2-5, RBI, .299 … Melky Cabrera NYA 2-4, HBP, .361 … Christian Garcia NYA 2-4, SB, .275 … Carlos Pena NYA 2-3, 2B, RBI, 2 HBP, .231 … B.J. Upton TB 0-3, BB, 0 errors, .277 … Jason Hammel TB 6-2/3 7 4 4 1 3, 4.15 ... for Hayden Penn owners, he missed his Sunday start due to the 'flu

" ...  Davis Romero threw a complete-game one-hitter as New Hampshire blanked Bowie, 9-0, at home Monday. Romero (3-1) carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning, but Tony Alvarez lined a single into right with one out to break up the bid. The 23-year-old lefty issued one walk and struck out four. The Panama native has given up only seven earned runs in 31 innings in five starts to produce a stellar 2.03 ERA."  (MLB.com)

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Felix Pie CHN down to .284, 0-5 ...  2B Brooks Conrad HOU 4-4, 2 doubles, homer ... Justin Huber KC 2-4, 7th homer, .301 ...  maybe there's just no hope, Adam Johnson OAK 4.0 3 6 6 6 4 ... Daric Barton OAK 1-4, .325 ... Freddy Guzman SD 2-5, bases-loaded double, base-loaded triple, 6 RBI, 9th SB, nine putouts in CF ... Dustin Nippert ARZ 3-0, but 4.70, 7.0 3 3 3 3 5  ... Chris Young ARZ, getting comfortable, 3-4, walk, homer, 3 runs, 2 RBI

EASTERN (AA)  --  Nate Schierholtz RF SF 0-4, k … Eddie Martinez-Esteve LF SF 1-3 … David Murphy CF BOS 2-4, R, 2B, k … Jessie Floyd SF 5 4 3 1 1 3 … Kason Gabbard BOS 6 2 0 0 0 10 … Adam Boeve RF PIT 2-5, 2R, k … Preston Larrison DET 7 10 5 5 1 2 … Josh Shortslef PIT 7 3 1 1 1 7 … Davis Romero TOR 9 1 0 0 1 4 … Richard Stahl BAL 6 4 3 3 3 6 … Denard Span CF MIN 2-5, R, BB, k … Matt Moses 3B MIN 2-5, 2B, BB, k … Glen Perkins MIN 6 4 5 5 3 8 … Justin Echols WAS 4 4 2 2 3 3 … Joe Inglett SS CLE 4-5, 3R, 2 2B … Brad Snyder RF CLE 2-4, R, 2B, 2RBI, BB, k … Kevin Kouzmanoff 3B CLE 3-4, 2R, RBI … Nick Pesco CLE 6 6 2 2 3 3 … Daniel Haigwood PHI 5 4 4 3 2 7

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Greg Miller LAD 2.0 1 0 0 1 2, 0.00 in 15 innings, 3 hits allowed, 7 walks, 15 Ks ... Matt Kemp LAD, on a roll, 3-5 (hit streak at 16 games), 11th double, 2nd triple, 4th homer, .337 ... Andy LaRoche LAD 2-5, .236

TEXAS (AA)  --  Jim Fasano TEX, 3-4, RBI, .444 ... Alex Gordon KC, 1-4, K, 5-4-3 DP, .323 ... Brandon Wood LAA, (not sure he will promote as fast as people hope) 1-4, .277 ... Matthew Brown LAA, (3B) 3-5, double, 2 RBI, .350 ... Josh Anderson HOU, 3-5, double, triple, RBI, .343 ... Vasili Spanos OAK, 1-1, double, 2 BB, .304 ... Brant Colamarino OAK, 3-4, double, 3 RBI, .277 ... Kurt Suzuki OAK, 1-3, RBI, .361 ... Troy Tulowitzki COL, 2-4, double, .342 ... Ian Stewart COL, 0-2 ... Jeff Clement SEA, 1-4, .288 ... Rich Rundles StL, (W, 2-1) 7.0 5 2 2 2 2, 3.60 ... Ryan Feierabend SEA, 6.0 3 1 1 2 3, 3.62

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Travis Buck OAK 2-4, 2 doubles, .302 ... Carlos Gonzalez ARZ, big disappointment so far, 1-3, .256 ... Sean Rodriguez LAA 2-4, 5th SB, 3rd CS, .388 ... Nick Pereira SF 6.0 6 0 0 1 8, 4-0, 0.90 (19 hits allowed in 30 innings, 5 walks, 31 Ks) ... Chase Headley 3B SD 3-5, homer, .258

CAROLINA (A+) --  Trey Webb 2B WAS 3-6, 2 doubles, 3RBI, sb ... Claudio Arias LF BOS 3-6, 3 doubles, run, RBI ... Andrew Dobies BOS 6 2 1 1 1 3 ... Michael Moat CHA 5 5 2 0 2 4 W(1-0, 0.63) ... Matt Whitney 3B CLE 3-5, 2 doubles, 3RBI

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Alay Soler NYN 7 1 0 0 0 7 W(2-0, 0.64) – 28 innings pitched, 12 hits, 8BB and 32K so far … Clete Thomas CF DET 2-5 3K, .260 … Blake DeWitt 2B LA 2-4 R RBI, .281 … Jake Fox C CHN 3-4 double, R 2RBI, .345 … Ryan Harvey RF CHN 1-5 R 3RBI, .181 … Grant Psomas 3B FLO 2-5 R, .315 … Jeremy Hermida RF FLO (rehab) 1-2 R

MIDWEST (A) --  Colby Rasmus STL 3-7, 4th HR (.298) ... Jaime Garcia STL 5 5 2 0 0 7 (2.10) .. ack Bryan Anderson STL 1-7, 3 K's ... 22-year-old needs a promotion Billy Carnline TOR 6 2 0 0 0 6 (0.32) .. Frank Martinez OAK 2-6, 3 K's, 2nd SB .. Jared Lansford OAK 5 2 0 0 2 5 (debut) ... Zach Phillips TEX 3 10 5 5 1 1 (still just 2.81) ... Jay Bruce CIN 3-8, 8th double, 3rd HR (.286) ... strong yet again Mitch Atkins CHN 6 5 0 0 1 8 (1.67) ... Cameron Maybin DET 2-4, 4th SB (.317) ... Jose Escalona SEA 5 1/3 4 1 0 1 4 (W, 4-1, 2.16) .. Jeffrey Dominguez SEA 3-6, 2 BB's, 3rd SB, but 8th error (.354) ... Robert Mosebach ANA 8 7 0 0 1 6 (1.52) ... Justin Upton ARZ 1-4

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Jose Tabata NYA 0-4, RBI (24), .330 ... Brandon Snyder BAL 0-4, .228 ... Kevin Dixon CLE 6 6 3 0 1 2, 1.34 ... Carlos Carrasco PHI 6 4 2 2 2 6, 1.88 ... Greg Golson PHI 1-4, .152 ... Welinson Baez PHI 0-3, BB, .230 ... Jeremy Slayden PHI 2-4, 2B (2), .333 ... Michael Bowden BOS 5 2 0 0 1 10, 4.26 ... Jeff Natale BOS 1-3, HR (6), RBI (23), .341 ... Justin Maxwell WAS 0-5, .182 ... Jo Jo Reyes ATL 7 1 1 1 1 11, 4.39 ... Elvis Andrus ATL 2-5, RBI (14), .250 ... Eric Campbell ATL 1-3, HR (3), 3 RBI (15), BB, .253 ... Quentin Davis ATL 1-5, BB, .354 ... Dexter Fowler COL 1-4, RBI (11), 2 SB (12), BB, .311 ... Chris Nelson COL 0-4, BB, .247 ... Sergio Pedroza LAD 2-4, 2 RBI (21), .307 ... David Sutherland LAD 3-5, 2B (4), .286

    Troop Movements ...  LAD - sent Hong-Chih Kuo to Triple-A, recalled Joe Beimel, recalled Jonathan Broxton, optioned Lance Carter to Triple-A  ... SD -  acquired Josh Bard, Cla Meredith and PTBNL for Doug Mirabelli ... KC - purchased the contract of Steve Andrade, designated Luke Hudson for assignment ... OAK - placed Esteban Loaiza on the 15-day DL, recalled Bobby Kielty from Triple-A ... CHN - recalled Rich Hill from Triple-A, optioned David Aardsma to Triple-A ... NYN - recalled RHP John Maine from Triple-A, recalled RHP John Maine from Triple-A ...

    Pitchers take the first four spots in Chris Kline's Prospect Hot Sheet at Baseball America - Cole Hamels, Chad Billingsley, Wade Davis, Radhames Liz.  A couple of not-so-familiar names in the Top 10 :

" ...  7. Matt Harrison lhp, Braves  ... just seems to be getting stronger as the season rolls along. After going nine innings over his first two starts, the 20-year-old lefthander turned it up a notch--with 20 innings pitched over his next three outings. He also turned in two performances this week, fanning seven over six shutout innings in his last start."

" ... 9. Corey Wimberly ...  2b, Rockies  ...  Batting .048 on April 14, Wimberly has been on a tear ever since--with 12 multi-hit games over his last 15 games. The even better news for Rockies fans is he's doing it from both sides of the plate--hitting .444 from the right side and .333 from the left. Add plus speed to that and you have one of the top leadoff hitters in the minors--with 12 steals in 16 attempts."

    John Franco, SportsBlurb, (subscription) checks out the top two draft picks for the last four years, including Alex Gordon and Delmon Young :

" ...   Gordon is a natural third baseman with the defensive skills to play there in the major leagues, but the Royals want his bat in the lineup ASAP, and the presence of Mark Teahen may push him to the outfield temporarily. Gordon started the season at AA Wichita and through 20 games, he is hitting .341-5-10 with 8 doubles in 82 at-bats. The only concern is his high strikeout total: 19 strikeouts so far, for a contact rate of just 77 percent. The Royals would be wise to give Gordon a full season in the minor leagues between AA and AAA, but they have never been known to be patient with their prospects."

" ...  Young hit .320-25-115 with 21 stolen bases at Low-A Charleston in 2004 to establish his credentials, then hit .336-20-71 with 25 stolen bases in just 84 games at AA Montgomery last year to establish himself as arguably the best prospect in baseball. His tremendous power, good speed, solid defense and strong arm make him a potential superstar in the major leagues. There were some minor concerns about his attitude last year as he was suspended for three games for chest-bumping an umpire, and he also criticized the Devil Rays for not promoting him to the major leagues. This season, Young was off to a good start at AAA Durham, hitting .329 in 79 at-bats, but on Wednesday he threw a bat at an umpire after being called out on strikes in the first inning. Young has been suspended indefinitely for the incident, and could miss 20-40 games or even most of the season. While his talent is undeniable, his attitude has dimmed his star a bit."

    Scott Rex, OnDeck, continues with his league-by-league rankings with his choices as the best prospects in the South Atlantic League. 

1. Fernando Martinez, OF, NYN    6. Brandon Snyder, C, BAL
2. Jose Tabata, OF, NYA          7. Brandon Erbe, RHP, BAL
3. Andrew McCutchen, OF, PIT     8. Austin Jackson, OF, NYA
4. Elvis Andrus, SS, ATL         9. Dexter Fowler, OF, COL
5. Chris Volstad, RHP, FLO      10. Sean West, LHP, FLO

    Look who's back.  Well, in the PCL at least "

" ...  In a week that included an impressive stretch of reaching base 19 times in 20 plate appearances with the only exception coming on a sacrifice fly, Portland Beavers left fielder Jack Cust is the PCL's top player for the week ...  Cust ignited his award-winning week by reaching base in all of his five plate appearances going two-for-two with three walks and a home run while knocking in three runs for the Beavers. Cust followed up with another two for two outing on the 29th and a two home run-game on the 30th  ...  finished the week with eight hits, nine RBI, 11 walks, and nine runs scored to compliment a gaudy 1.385 slugging percentage."  (Pacific Coast League)

    Players/Pitchers of the Week :

" ...  Scott Mathieson, a right-handed starting pitcher for the Reading Phillies, is the Eastern League's Pitcher of the Week ... The 6'3, 190 lb. hurler made two starts for the R-Phils last week, going 2-0 with 18 strikeouts and a 1.29 ERA. In his first appearance of the week Mathieson ...  struck out 11 batters and walked two while giving up one run on five hits in seven innings of work to earn a victory ...  In his second appearance of the week the 22-year old surrendered one run on four hits while striking out seven batters  ... who is currently ranked second in the league in strikeouts (37) and innings pitched (32.1), was selected by the Philadelphia Philles in the 17th round of the June 2002 draft."  (Eastern League)

" ... outfielder RYAN SWEENEY has picked up where he left off in 2005 when he hit .298 in 113 games at Double-A Birmingham. In fact, he's matched that .298 average through his first 23 Triple-A contests. Over the past week, Sweeney hit safely in all six games he played in, including five multi-hit performances. He also scored ten runs to lead the IL over that period ...  amazing week for Sweeney in which he hit .522, scored 10 runs, and had a slugging percentage of .739. 21-year-old Ryan Sweeney was a 2nd round draft choice of the White Sox in 2003 ... entered 2006 with a career .294 batting average with 10 HR and 122 RBI in 276 Minor League games."  (International League)

" ... Florida State League Kevin Slowey ...   week consisted of a pair of six-inning, two-hit, one-run games. The only significant difference between his two outings was that on Monday he got a no-decision, while on Sunday he finally earned his first win of the year. And he deserved it: his 1.53 ERA is fourth in the league, while his 34 strikeouts rank second. Somebody get this guy some run support."  (MLB.com)

" ... Midwest League Wade Davis ... scorching start to the season continued unabated this week as the 20-year-old allowed just one run over 11 innings, earning a pair of victories in the process. The amazing thing about Davis' week is that the one run he allowed raised his season ERA to 0.67. Meanwhile, his 18 strikeouts pushed his league-leading total to 40."  (MLB.com)


01 May, 2006

    Lots of rain outs ...

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Franklin Gutierrez CLE 2-4, 2B, 2 R, BB, .309 … Ryan Garko CLE 1-3, R, RBI, 2 BB, .301 … Dan Denham CLE 3-1/3 10 6 5 1 1, 7.65 … Scott Thorman ATL 2-4, BB, .318 … Luis Hernandez ATL 1-4, 1st HR, R, RBI, .192 … Peter Moylan ATL 2 4 0 0 0 2, 7.27 … Jason Bartlett MIN 2-5, 2B, R, RBI, .300 … Terry Tiffee MIN 1-5, 1st HR, R, 2 RBI, .294 … Jason Kubel MIN 3-5, .342 … David Purcey TOR 6 3 0 0 4 4, 1.99 … Jerry Owens CHA 3-7, 2B, 3 R, RBI, .240 … Ryan Sweeney CHA 3-5, 4 R, RBI, BB, .298 … Josh Fields CHA 4-5, 3 2B, 3 R, 5 RBI, BB, .315 … Casey Rogowski CHA 2-6, R, 2 RBI, SB, .311 … Eli Whiteside BAL 2-3, 2B, 2 R, RBI, .143 … Jose Bautista PIT 3-4, 2nd HR, 3 R, RBI, .272 … Sean Burnett PIT 0-2/3 7 6 5 1 0, 7.20 … Carlos Ruiz PHI 3-5, 2B, .403 … Eude Brito PHI 7 5 0 0 2 4, 2.08 … Melky Cabrera NYA 4-6, 2B, R, 2 RBI, .355 … Christian Garcia NYA 2-4, RBI, BB, .262 … Darrell Rasner NYA 6-2/3 5 3 3 0 4, 3.97 … B.J. Upton TB 0-2, 2 BB, 0 errors, .286 … Chris Seddon TB 4 9 6 6 0 2, 3.00

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Luke Scott HOU 2-3, 6th homer, .269 ... Edinson Volquez TEX 7.0 5 2 1 1 5, 3.68 ... Jason Stokes FLO 3-4, 2 doubles, triple, .316 ... getting hard to ignore vet Aaron Sele LAD 5.0 2 0 0 0 5, 2.43 ... Jonathan Broxton LAD 0.2 0 0 0 0 2, no runs in 11 1/3, 3 walks, 18 Ks ... Kendry Morales LAA scuffling, 1-4, .235 ... Dallas McPherson LAA, at least some power 1-4, 4th homer, 3 Ks, .221 ... Dan Meyer OAK 6.0 4 2 1 1 0

" ... Corey Hart hit two home runs, including a grand slam, to power the Nashville Sounds to a 12-4 rout of the New Orleans Zephyrs on Sunday. Hart went 3-for-5 with five RBIs and three runs scored. The 24-year-old outfielder cranked a solo shot in the first inning, then stroked a grand slam -- his third homer in two days -- in the sixth to cap the scoring for the Sounds. After starting the season with the Milwaukee Brewers, Hart was assigned to Nashville in mid-April. He is 9-for-24 during a five-game hitting streak with three homers and seven RBIs."  (MLB.com)

EASTERN (AA)  --  Jeff Fiorentino LF BAL 2-4, 2R, 2B, HR, k … David Murphy CF 2-4, HR, 2B, 4RBI, k … James Johnson BAL 5.2 5 3 3 3 4 … Chris Smith BOS 7 4 1 0 0 4 … Tony Giarratano SS DET 1-4, 2B, RBI … Frank Diaz CF WAS 3-4 … Scott Mathieson PHI 7 4 1 1 1 7 … Nate Schierholtz RF SF 1-2, 2B, RBI, 2BB … Pat Misch SF 6 2 0 0 3 6 … Ismael Ramirez TOR 6 4 2 2 2 6 … Denard Span CF MIN 3-5, k … Alex Romero LF MIN 3-4 … Matt Moses 3B MIN 0-5 … Adam Harben MIN 6.1 5 0 0 2 3 … Brad Snyder RF CLE 0-4, 2k … Ryan Mulhern 1B CLE 1-4, R, 3B, 2k … Bear Bay CLE 5 3 1 1 1 6

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Phil Dumatrait CIN 7.0 2 0 0 3 10, 2.14 ... Ben Julianel FLO, hard luck loser, 0-3, 2.17, 5.0 2 1 1 2 5 ... 2B Elliot Johnson TB 4-5, double, triple, .310

TEXAS (AA)  --  Brandon Wood LAA, 1-4, RBI, 2 BB, K, .278 ... Matthew Brown LAA, 2-5, RBI, .337 ... Ben Zobrist HOU, 2-6, BB, K, .287 ... Hunter Pence HOU, 3-5, 3 runs, triple, RBI, 2 BB, .354 ... Chance Douglass HOU, 6.0 5 1 1 2 5, 4.07 ... Vasili Spanos OAK, 2-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBI, .294 ... Jason Perry OAK, 2-3, double, RBI, .426 ... Alex Gordon KC, 0-4, 2 K, .326 ... Billy Butler KC, 0-3, 2 BB, .312 ... Mike McCoy StL, leadoff 1-3, 2 runs, 3 BB, .279 ... Nick Stavinoha StL, 2-4, double, 4 RBI, .324 ...  Jeff Clement SEA, finally some life, 5-5, 3 doubles, 3 RBI, .297 ... Bryan LaHair SEA, 2-4, 2 doubles, RBI, .345 ... Troy Tulowitzki COL, 2-4 & 2-3, homer, 2 doubles, 2 RBI, error, .333 ... Seth Smith COL, 3-4 & 1-2, 2 doubles, RBI, .243 ... Ian Stewart COL, 0-3 & 2-3, double, triple, 2 K, .307 ... Jordan Czarniecki COL, 2-4 & 1-3, double, 6th SB, .333 ... John Danks TEX, (Still ugly) 4-2/3 12 8 4 1 7, 7.15 ... Juan Morillo COL, (W, 3-1) 7.0 4 3 1 2 7, 2.70 ... Luke Grayson TEX, 2-3, 2nd homer, RBI, .322 ... Alberto Arias COL, (W, 2-1) 5.0 2 1 1 1 3, 2.66

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Brian Horwitz DH SF 2-4, 2nd homer, 3 RBI, .350 ... Corey Wimberly 2B, leadoff, COL 3-5 walk, 12th 2B, .369 ... Travis Buck OAK 2-5 2 doubles, .293 ... catcher Landon Powell OAK 1-3, 4th homer, .302 ... Matt Tuiasosopo SEA, a nice spurt, 2-4, .325 ... Sean Rodriguez LAA 4-5, double, 4th homer, 4 RBI, 4 runs, .388 ...  Cody Fuller OF LAA 3-6, 2 doubles, 4 RBI, .415

CAROLINA (A+) --  BAL - Kevin Hart 6.0 4 1 1 2 11, 2.31 ... Jed Lowrie BOS, tough month, 1-4, .226, 2 errors (9)

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Ryan Braun 1-3 HR(4), .291 … Josh Wahpepah MIL 6 3 0 0 3 5 ND, 0.96 … Clete Thomas CF DET 3-6 2 doubles, RBI SB(5), .253 … Jeff Frazier LF DET 2-7 HR(5), .293 … Jair Jurrjens DET 7 2 2 0 1 4 ND, 1.74 … Camilo Vazquez CIN 6 1 1 1 3 5 ND, 2.39 … Kevin Slowey MIN 6 2 1 0 0 5 W(1-0, 1.53)

MIDWEST (A) --  a bit of everything Justin Upton ARZ 3-5, 1st HR, 1st & 2nd errors, 2nd CS ... Pedro Ciriaco ARZ 2-5, triple (.347) ... Mark Reed (CHN) 0-2, 2 K's (.353) ... overmatching the league Wade Davis TB 6 4 1 1 1 11 (0.68)

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Matt Maloney PHI 6 4 0 0 1 5, 2.17 ... Welinson Baez PHI 0-3, .239 ... Brandon Snyder BAL 1-3, HR (3), 2 RBI (13), BB, .240 ... Alberto Bastardo LAD 6 2 0 0 3 6, 1.65 ... Dexter Fowler COL 1-3, RBI (10), 2 BB, .314 ... Chris Nelson COL 1-4, HR (1), 4 RBI (15), BB, .259 ... Justin Maxwell WAS 1-2, SB (1), BB, .333 ... Jeff Natale BOS 2-3, 2 2B (6), 3 RBI (22), .341 ... JR Towles HOU 0-4, .390 ... Eli Iorg HOU 3-4, 2B (3), RBI (14), SB (4), .211 ... Ole Sheldon HOU 1-4, .409 ... Andrew McCutchen PIT 2-3, 2B (4), 2 RBI (15), 2 BB, .344 ... Steven Pearce PIT 2-5, 2 HR (9), 5 RBI (26), .289 ... Gaby Sanchez FLA 1-3, BB, .360 ... Angel Salome MIL 1-4, .319 ... Daron Roberts CHA 2-4, 2 2B (11), RBI (2), .341 ... Austin Jackson NYA 1-5, .321 ... Jose Tabata NYA 1-4, RBI (23), .344 ... Elvis Andrus ATL 2-5, .241 ... Eric Campbell ATL 1-5, .250 ... Max Ramirez ATL 3-5, 2B (7), .339 ... Quentin Davis ATL 1-4, BB, .365

    Troop Movements ...  BAL - placed Brian Roberts on the 15-day DL, recalled Brandon Fahey from Triple-A, activated Todd Williams from the DL, optioned Chris Britton to Double-A ... CLE - optioned Fausto Carmona to Triple-A, activated Fernando Cabrera from the DL ... KC - placed Shane Costa on the 15 day DL, called up Kerry Robinson ... LAA - optioned Reggie Willits to Triple-A, recalled Chris Bootcheck ... MIN - placed Ruben Sierra on the 15-day DL, recalled Denny Reyes from Triple-A ... NYA - activated Aaron Small from the DL, optioned Matt Smith to Triple-A, promoted Phil Hughes to Double-A ... SEA - placed Julio Mateo on the 15-day DL, called up Sean Green ... TEX - activated Mark DeRosa from the DL, optioned Adam Hyzdu to Triple-A ... TOR - placed Scott Downs on bereavement leave, recalled Brian Tallet from Triple-A ... ATL - activated Macay McBride from the DL, optioned Tony Pena to Triple-A ... COL - activated Byung-Hyun Kim from the 15-day DL,  assigned Miguel Asencio to Triple-A

    Jim Callis, Baseball America, on 17-year-old Fernando Martinez, NYN ... if he were available for the draft :

" ...  Martinez signed for $1.4 million out of the Dominican Republic last summer ...  he'd do better this June. In a draft crop that's very thin on position players and is getting the worst early reviews since the 2000 bunch, Martinez would be coveted. Realistically, he's at least three years away from the major leagues, so that might keep him from going No. 1 overall, but he'd likely be one of the first five or 10 picks. He's better than any high school position player available, and you could argue him against the top college position players. Martinez has a higher ceiling than Long Beach State third baseman Evan Longoria, and scouts believe he's a safer bet to hit than Texas outfielder Drew Stubbs. Martinez already is an advanced hitter and he also has above-average power potential. With solid speed and a strong arm, he projects as a quality all-around right fielder."

    Chris Kline in the chat room at Baseball America :

Phil Hughes NYA  " ...  Hughes' command has been awesome in the Florida State League this season with a 24-1 strikeout-walk ratio. What happens in Double-A? The Eastern League is a tough league, totally different animal. But I think he'll make the adjustments he needs to have success. And that success will determine the remainder of his path this season. You're saying Columbus, but I'm hearing rumors that he could be in the big leagues before the season's out."

Chuck Lofgren CLE  " ... I think he's a Top 100 guy once we re-visit that this season, yes. His stuff in his last start wasn't as great it was over his first few, but he still battled. That's key for him--learning to pitch without his best stuff, as it is with any young pitcher. Very high ceiling."

    Mark Allen Haverty, TheSportingNews, on Scott Mathieson PHI :

" ...    pitching in the Double-A Eastern League ...  Mathieson continues to put up sick strikeout numbers (30 in 25.1 innings). Prior to moving up to Double-A, Mathieson had struck out 237 in 259 innings across three levels of A-ball. Mathieson's minor league numbers remind me of the Phillies era Curt Schilling. The ERA might not always be spotless, but the strikeouts will pile up. Look for him to put on the uniform Schilling once wore starting next year."
 

 
 

    
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