Rookies 2006

 

                                                          Pitching Line = IP H R ER BB SO

 

14 May, 2006

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Jason Cooper CLE 1-3, BB, .242 … Jeremy Sowers CLE 7 5 1 0 2 3, 1.21 … Anthony Lerew ATL 4-1/3 5 5 5 7 3, 8.44 … Jason Bartlett MIN 2-3, 2B, R, .320 … John-Ford Griffin TOR 2-3, 4th HR, R, 2 RBI, .232 … Brandon League TOR 2-1/3 3 0 0 0 0, 0.93 … Jerry Owens CHA 3-5, RBI, SB, .226 … Josh Fields CHA 2-4, 6th HR, R, RBI, BB, .327 … Casey Rogowski CHA 1-5, 2B, R, .289 … Ryan Raburn DET 2-4, 2B, R, RBI, BB, .254 … Donald Kelly DET 1-3, 2B, R, BB, .237 … Jordan Tata DET 2-2/3 4 5 5 4 3, 16.88 … Tonys Gutierrez CIN 2-4, 2B, 4th HR, R, 3 RBI, .279 … Ryan Wagner CIN 1 2 1 0 0 1, 8.44 … Hayden Penn BAL 6-1/3 5 3 2 4 5, 1.93 … Rajai Davis PIT 2-4, RBI, SB, .248 … Tom Gorzelanny PIT 8 3 0 0 1 8, 3.02 … Matt DeSalvo NYA 0-2/3 0 5 5 5 0, 6.44 … B.J. Upton TB 1-4, SB, 0 errors, .285 … Jason Hammel TB 6 5 5 5 2 4, 4.28 … Lastings Milledge NYN 0-3, R, BB, HBP, .291 … Chase Lambin NYN 0-1, 2 R, RBI, 3 BB, HBP, .194 … Evan MacLane NYN 7 4 0 0 0 12, 0.64

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Ian Kinsler TEX 1-3, double ... Laynce Nix TEX, moved to RF, golden sombrero 0-4, 4 Ks ... Francisco Cruceta SEA 7.0 7 1 1 1 8, 4.94 ... Chris Snelling SEA 2-5 ... Jason Stokes FLO 0-4, 3 Ks ... Sun-Woo Kim COL 8.0 1 0 0 3 5 ... Juan Dominguez OAK 6.2 8 4 2 1 9 ... Daric Barton OAK 0-4, 2 Ks ... Joe Saunders LAA 8.0 4 2 2 1 7, 5-1, 3.72  ... Kendry Morales LAA 2-5, 4th homer, .269 ... Jeff Mathis LAA 1-5, homer ... Chris Young ARZ 2-5, double ... Zach Jackson MIL 7.0 6 2 1 1 5, 2.70 ... Jason Hirsh HOU 7.0 5 1 1 4 5, 3.55

EASTERN (AA)  --  Denard Span CF MIN 3-5, R, 2RBI, SB and 0-5, k ... Matt Moses 3B MIN 2-4, R, RBI and 2-5, k ... Nate Schierholtz RF SF 0-2, k and 1-5 ... Bronson Sardinha RF NYY 3-5, R, k ... Craig Anderson BAL 5 6 1 0 1 3 ... Jesse Floyd SF 6 3 0 0 3 2 ... Glen Perkins MIN 6 3 0 0 3 10 ... Jonathon Sanchez SF 2 0 0 0 1 1 ... Brent Clevlen RF DET 1-3, R, 2RBI ... Kody Kirkland 3B DET 1-4, HR, 3k ... Tim Moss 2B PHI 2-4, 2R, 2B, HR, 2RBI ... Gio Gonzalez PHI 6.2 4 6 5 2 9

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Anibal Sanchez FLO 4.2 8 7 4 3 6, 4.04 ... Carlos Villanueva MIL 9.0 1 0 0 1 8. 3.23 ... Carlos Marmol CHN 6.2 3 0 0 1 11, 2.55 ... Tony Peguero TB 6.0 8 2 2 0 5, 1.97 ... Eric Patterson CHN 2-3, 4th homer, .295 ... Scott Moore CHN 3-4, 2 homers (6), .292 ... Lance Broadway CHA 6.0 7 1 0 3 5, 1.42 ... Greg Miller LAD 2.0 1 0 0 1 4, 0.82 ... Cesar Carrillo SD 5.0 7 4 3 2 6 ... Matt Kemp LAD 3-3, 2 walks, .360 ... Andy LaRoche LAD 2-5, walk, .257

TEXAS (AA)  --  Brandon Wood LAA 1-2 & 1-4, double, .277 ... Troy Tulowitzki COL 2-3 & 0-4, .308 ... Ian Stewart COL 0-2 & 0-4, .260 ... Armando Galarraga TEX, tough season, 6.0 7 4 2 1 5, 0-6, 6.16 ... Hunter Pence HOU 1-3, 11th homer, .340 ...  catcher Kurt Suzuki OAK, batting leadoff, 3-5, double, homer, .321 ... Travis Buck OAK debut in AA, 1-4 ... Alex Gordon KC 1-3, 2 walks, .304 ... Billy Butler KC 0-5, .285 ...

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Billy Buckner KC 7.0 6 2 1 2 7, 2.31 ... Sean Rodriguez LAA 1-3, 5th homer, .325 ... Matt Chico ARZ 6.0 4 1 1 1 9, 3.32 ... Reid Brignac TB 1-4, 14th error, .343

CAROLINA (A+) --  great pitching matchup, Radhames Liz BAL 6 1 0 0 1 6 W(4-0, 1.18) ... Chuck Lofgren CLE 5 6 4 2 3 3 L(5-2, 1.93) ... Van Pope 3B ATL 2-4, double, Home Run, 2 runs, 3RBI ... Trey Webb 2B WAS 2-4, double .330 ... James Parr ATL 7 3 0 0 1 10 W ... Andrew Pinckney 3B BOS 4-5, double, triple, run, 2RBI, sb ... Wallace Torbert LF HOU 4-5, double ... Joshua Hansen DH CHA 3-4, Home Run ... Brian Bixler SS PIT 3-4 ... Chris Kelly 1B CHA 3-4, run, RBI ... Adam Russell CHA 6 7 2 2 2 2 W

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Matt Garza 5 5 3 3 4 4 L(5-1, 1.42) … Homer Bailey CIN 2 2/3 4 6 1 3 3 ND, 3.35 … Josh Wahpepah MIL 5 2/3 5 2 0 1 6 W(2-0, 1.12) … Hernan Iribarren 2B MIL 3-4 2RBI, .314 … Steve Sollmann 3B MIL 2-5 R 3RBI, .328 … Brad Harman SS PHI 3-4 2 doubles R, .256 … Marcos Vechionacci 3B NYA 2-4, .165 … Gaby Hernandez FLO 8 4 1 1 1 5 ND, 4.37 … Brett Smith NYA 6 6 2 1 2 7 ND, 3.61 … Nice FSL debut, Alberto Bastardo 7 1 0 0 0 7 W(1-0, 0.00) … Recently demoted, Kyle Yates TOR 5 6 1 1 0 2 W(1-0, 1.29) … Aaron Matthews LF TOR 2-5 RBI, .390 … Eric Harberer STL 3 2/3 6 6 5 6 2 L(1-3, 4.72) … Tyler Greene SS STL 2-4 SB(11), .235 … Returning to the line-up, Javon Moran LF CIN 3-5 double, 2R 2RBI, .444

MIDWEST (A) --  Kyle Blanks SD 1-2, 2 walks, .347 ... Justin Upton ARZ 2-4, double & 0-2, walk, .308 ...  Johnny Cueto CIN, a five-inning no-hitter, 5.0 0 0 0 2 8 ... Jaime Garcia STL, another solid outing, 6.0 3 1 1 2 6, 2.36 ... Mark McCormick STL 4.0 4 2 2 4 7, 3.12

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Chorye Spoone BAL (W, 3-1) 5 6 3 2 4 2, 2.37 ... Quincy Ascencion BAL 2-4, 3 RBI (15), .320 ... Eric Campbell ATL 1-3, BB, .273 ... Elvis Andrus ATL 2-4, 2 2B (4), 3 RBI (19), .242 ... Max Ramirez ATL 0-4, .311 ... Austin Jackson NYA 3-5, RBI (18), .298 ... Jose Tabata NYA 1-4, RBI (32), .353 ... CJ Henry NYA 2-4, 2B (5), HR (2), RBI (8), .260 ... Chris Volstad FLA (L, 4-3) 7 9 3 3 2 4, 3.99 ... Gaby Sanchez FLA 1-3, HR (10), RBI (29), .333 ... Andrew McCutchen PIT 1-4, 2B (5), 3 RBI (26), .321 ... Mark Wagner BOS 2-4, 2B (6), BB, .348 ... Jeff Natale BOS 1-3, BB, .345 ... Tom Fairchild HOU (W, 4-3), 7 5 3 2 1 6, 2.45 ... Eric King HOU 2-4, .363 ... JR Towles HOU 1-4, 2B (9), .356 ... Jacob Postelwait COL 7 1 0 0 3 7, 3.29 ... Dexter Fowler COL 2-5, 2B (12), RBI (13), SB (18), .318 ... Chris Nelson COL 1-3, 2B (11), SB (4), BB, .299 ... Eric Young, Jr COL 1-4, SB (26), .269 ... Angel Salome MIL 1-4, .304

Indy Ball - " ... Cats' starter Luke Hochevar got no decision after going five innings and permitted two runs on four hits while striking out nine and walking three."  (Fort Worth Cats)

    Troop Movements ...  BAL - activated Javy Lopez from the DL, designated Luis Terrero for assignment ... NYA placed Tanyon Sturtze on the 15 day DL, purchased the contract of Scott Erickson from Triple-A ... OAK - placed Justin Duchscherer on the 15-day DL, recalled Chad Guadin from Triple-A ... CHN - optioned Angel Guzman to Triple-A, recalled Jae Kuk Ryu ... FLO - placed Sergio Mitre on the 15 day DL, recalled Yusmeiro Petit ... MIL - acquired Brian Shouse from TEX for Enrique Cruz and PTBNL ... NYN - purchased the contract of Jeremi Gonzalez, optioned Heath Bell to Triple-A, transferred Bartolome Fortunato from the 15 day to the 60 day DL ... PHI - placed Julio Santana on the 15 day DL, recalled Geoff Geary from Triple-A ... SD - placed Woody Williams on the 15 day DL, purchased the contract of Jim Brower, optioned Ben Johnson to Triple-A  ... WAS - placed Brian Schneider on the 15-day DL, activated Robert Fick from the 15-day DL, recalled Cla Meredith from Triple-A  ...

    John Sickels, MinorLeagueBall, on Sergio Pedroza LAD :

" ...   Pedroza was drafted out of Cal State Fullerton in the third round last year. He hit .324/.458/.616 in college, including 16 homers and 38 walks in 219 at-bats. But his draft stock was hurt by his lack of speed and shaky defensive skills. He has a pretty strong outfield arm, but his range is limited. Still, as a lefthanded hitter with power and patience, he was at least intriguing. But Pedroza hit just .207 in 49 games for Columbus in the Sally League after signing ...  Pedroza has really turned things around this year, hitting .306/.477/.604 in a return engagement to Columbus. He's knocked eight homers, but his BB/K/AB ratio has returned to college standards at 29/28/111. More walks than strikeouts, with power production ... still has to prove that his defense can be at least adequate. But it's clear that he has made some positive adjustments."


13 May, 2006

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Ryan Garko CLE 2-2, 2B, R, 2 BB, .267 … Andy Marte CLE 1-4, 1st HR, R, 2 RBI, .248 … Jason Bartlett MIN 2-5, 2 2B, R, RBI, .312 … Jason Kubel MIN 2-5, 2B, R, 3 RBI, .291 … Boof Bonser MIN 6 3 2 2 4 8, 2.01 … Jerry Owens CHA 2-5, R, 2 RBI, BB, .212 … Josh Fields CHA 1-4, 5th HR, R, 2 RBI, BB, .321 … Chris Stewart CHA 2-3, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, .279 … Tonys Gutierrez CIN 2-3, 2 2B, BB, .270 … Chris Denorfia CIN 0-3, BB, .321 … Cody Ross CIN 1-3, 3rd HR, R, RBI, BB, .316 … Eli Whiteside BAL 1-3, 2B, R, .159 … Sean Burnett PIT 5-1/3 7 3 3 2 1, 6.29 … Josh Kroeger PHI 0-3 & 2-3, 2B, .220 … Matt White PHI 6 9 4 4 0 3, 3.25 … Kevin Thompson NYA 3-5, 2B, R, RBI, .297 … Carlos Pena NYA 1-4, 2nd HR, R, RBI, BB, .221 … B.J. Upton TB 1-5, 0 errors, .286 … Shawn Riggans TB 3-4, 2 2B, 3B, 2 R, .296 … Chris Seddon TB 7 6 4 4 1 5, 4.89 … Jeff Keppinger NYN 1-5, RBI, .254

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Bill Bray WAS 3.0 0 0 0 0 4, 2.92 (in 24 2/3s, 9 BB, 37 Ks) ... Kerry Wood CHN, rehab, 5.0 5 1 1 2 3 ... Jeff Mathis LAA 2-4, double ... Jason Botts TEX 4-5, 2 doubles (11), 7th & 8th homers, 5 RBI, .317 ... Ian Kinsler TEX 1-2, 2 walks ...  Chris Young ARZ 0-4, .233 ... Anthony Reyes STL 7.0 9 3 3 0 5, 3.65 ... James Loney LAD 3-4, double, .379 ...

EASTERN (AA)  --  Alay Soler NYN 6.0 4 3 3 1 5 ... CF Vic Buttler PIT 3-5, double, 2 triples & 1-3, .297 ... Davis Romero TOR 6.0 5 0 0 4 6, 4-2, 1.93 ... Carl Pavano NYA, rehab,  6.0 3 1 1 0 6 ... Daniel Haigwood PHI 6.0 1 0 0 4 10, 2.63

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Micah Owings ARZ 6.0 5 1 1 2 11, 4-1, 2.70 ... Miguel Montero ARZ 4-5, .271 ... Matt Kemp LAD 2-5, double, outfield assist, .347 ... Andy LaRoche LAD 2-5, double, .252 ... Ray Liotta CHA 7.0 8 2 1 2 3 ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL 0-3, .213 ... Luis Montanez CHN 3-4, double, walk, .384 ... Eric Patterson CHN 3-5, double, .287

TEXAS (AA)  --  Rico Washington StL, 2-3, .311 ... Chris Lubanski KC, 1-4, triple, .289 ... Alex Gordon KC, 0-3 ... Stuart Pomeranz StL, (W, 4-0) 6-2/3 5 0 0 1 3, 3.38 ... Bryan Lahair SEA, 2-3, .330 ... Thomas Diamond TEX, finally, 6.0 2 0 0 1 11, 3.72 ... Yorman Bazardo SEA, 6-2/3 4 3 0 3 4, 2.83 ... Brant Colamarino OAK, 2-4, homer, RBI ... Ben Zobrist HOU, 2-4, .317 ... Hunter Pence HOU, 1-4, RBI, .341 ... JR House HOU, 2-3, double, 2 RBI, .331 ... Jailen Peguero HOU, 9th save, 1.0 0 0 0 0 1, 1.08

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Nick Pereira SF 7.0 5 2 2 3 5, 5-0, 1.07 ...

" ... Former USF standout right-hander Nick Pereira was named as the San Francisco Giants Organizational Player of the Month for April ...  A 2005 All-West Coast Conference First Team selection, Pereira turned in a dominating month for the Class A San Jose Giants, posting a 3-0 record with a 1.13 ERA and struck out 23 batters in 24.0 innings. A 10th round selection by the San Francisco Giants in 2005 ...  Pereira was one of the key elements for USF's record breaking 2005 season ...  The ace for a USF pitching staff boasting a team ERA of 2.86, good for sixth place among NCAA Division I leaders ... Pereira completed his senior campaign with a 10-3 record and a dazzling 2.21 ERA in 16 starts."  (USF)

CAROLINA (A+) --  Brian Barton LF CLE 3-5, 2 Home Runs, 3 runs .345 ... Stephen Head DH CLE 3-5, double, Home Run, 4 runs, 2RBI .263 ... Ryan Goleski RF CLE 2-5, run, 3RBI .296 ... Brandon Jones LF ATL 3-4, Home Run, 2 runs, 2RBI .309 ... Trey Webb 2B WAS 1-4, run, RBI .323 ... Brandon Powell 3B WAS 4-5, double, RBI .323 ... Andrew Dobies BOS 7 7 2 2 3 6 ... Troy Patton HOU 6.1 5 2 2 1 10 ... Brian Bixler SS PIT 2-3, 3 runs, sb .316 ... Brad Rea DH PIT 3-4, double, run, 4RBI .258 ... Wardell Starling PIT 4 5 2 0 1 3

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Cole Bruce 1B LA 2-4 HR(4) double, .317 … Peeter Ramos 2B PHI 2-4, .311 … Yovani Gallardo MIL 6 6 3 3 2 9 L(2-3, 2.08) … Wes Swackhammer LF STL 2-3 triple, R 2RBI SB(1), .381 … Aaron Matthews LF TOR 4-4 double, triple, SB(2), .389 … Michael Devaney NYN 7 4 3 2 0 8 W(3-2, 3.00) … Phil Coke NYA 6 6 4 4 2 6 L(0-2, 3.31)

MIDWEST (A) --  mainstream attention soon to come Kyle Blanks SD 2-4 (.344) ... Daryl Jones SD 1-4, K (.290) ... pre-season sleeper still snoozing John Matulia TB 0-3 (.202) ... Zach Phillips TEX 4 7 6 6 4 4 (4.67) ... start of something? Jose Vallejo (2B) TEX 4-5 (.227) ... Robert Mosebach ANA 6 11 6 6 3 1 (ERA balloons to 2.81) ... Paul Kelly MIN 0-2, but 3 BB's ... Jason Ray OAK 4 2/3 3 1 1 5 11 (4.40)

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Carlos Carrasco PHI 8.0 3 0 0 3 9, 2.03 ... Jo-Jo Reyes ATL 7.0 3 1 1 1 7, 4-0, 3.26 ... Eric Campbell 3b ATL 1-4, 7th homer, .271 ...  catcher Max Ramirez 2-4, .324 ... Christopher Turner OF BOS 3-5, double, 2 homers (10), 5 RBI, ..252 (10 BB, 46 Ks) ... Andrew McCutchen PIT 2-7, 2 triples, .323 ... Steven Pearce 1B PIT 3-4, 2 doubles, 2 walks, .302 ... catcher Francisco Hernandez CHA 3-3, double, .276 ... catcher Justin Towles HOU 2-5, double, .361 ... 2B Eric King HOU 3-5, double, triple, 3 RBI, .358 ... CF Dexter Fowler COL 3-5, 2 doubles, .315 ... SS Chris Nelson 2-3, 3 RBI, .298 but, 14th error

    Troop Movements ...  CHA - purchased the contract of Agustin Montero from Triple-A ... SD - placed Rob Bowen on the 15-day DL, recalled Paul McAnulty & Jon Adkins from Triple-A, sent Dewon Brazelton outright to Triple-A  PHI - placed Aaron Rowand on the 15-day DL, recalled Chris Roberson, recalled Cole Hamels, optioned Geoff Geary to Triple-A ... BAL - placed Chris Gomez on the 60-day DL, purchased the contract of Ed Rogers ... HOU - activated Trever Miller from the 15-day DL, optioned Ezequiel Astacio to Triple-A ... OAK - purchased the contract of Randy Keisler from Triple-A, optioned Matt Roney to Triple-A, designated Chris Mabeus for assignment.  ... SF - activated Ray Durham from the 15-day DL ... NYA - placed Hideki Matsui on the 15-day DL, recalled Kevin Reese from Triple-A ... KC - optioned Steve Andrade to Triple-A ...  SD - Woody Williams headed to DL ... COL - activated Ryan Shealy from the 15-day DL and optioned him to Triple-A  ... TB - sent Nick Green outright to Triple-A ... LAD - placed Bill Mueller on the 15-day DL, recalled Oscar Robles ... CLE - recalled Fausto Carmona from Triple-A, designated Danny Graves for assignment

College :  Andrew Miller 6.1  7  3  1  2  8, 112 pitches, 1.87  ...  Tim Lincecum 7.0 10 4 3 2 5

" ... Washington's Tim Lincecum suffered his first Pac-10 loss of the year as the Husky baseball team fell to Stanford, 5-0 ...  Lincecum (11-3) had won seven consecutive starts and entered the week leading the nation in victories. He had won all six of his starts in Pac-10 play. The Cardinal notched four runs (three earned) on 10 hits over Lincecum's seven innings. He walked two and struck out only five, his fewest since a five-inning start opening day."  (U of Washington)

" ... Andrew Miller (10-1) suffered his first loss of the season as he allowed three runs, one earned, on seven hits in 6.1 innings for North Carolina (40-10, 18-7 ACC). He struck out eight to move into a tie for third on the Tar Heels' career list with 279."

   Prospect notes from  Bryan Smith, Baseball Analysts :

" ...  Ricky Romero looked great in his minor league debut, and should be up to the Major Leagues in short order. Given Josh Towers' struggles in the early goings, it won't take much for some aggressive promoting. Romero in Toronto by season's end? Bet on it ... If you think the support Cole Hamels has gotten for his call-up has been extensive, think about Phil Hughes' upcoming promotion. No, it won't be too soon, but an August injury could bring a phenom to New York ... Jon Lester is starting to return to his status as an elite pitching prospect. In his last four starts, spanning 18.1 innings, Lester has allowed just four earned runs. When are we going to accept he just always starts slow? ... Homer Bailey is really starting to turn on the gas, literally proving he has "no hit" stuff. With enhanced control this season, minor league baseball might not have a better pitcher once the summer hits full swing."

    John Sickels, MinorLeagueBall, Hunter Pence or Matt Kemp ?

" ...   Pence looks like a .275/.300 hitter to me, with 20+ homers in a full season. Possible outcome: A healthy Mike Sweeney with the ability to play outfield?  ... I can see Kemp being anything from a .250 to a .300 hitter, depending on how his strike zone judgment develops. He should be good for double digits in both powers and steals. Possible outcome: Raul Mondesi, circa 1997? Advantage: Kemp is younger and has better physical projection for the future. ...   I'd say that Kemp has a chance to be a more complete player, in the sense of offering more defensive ability and speed to go with his batting average and home runs. Pence will probably be more reliable in OBP terms, and in general has less of a chance to flame out on us due to his better polish. But you cannot overlook the progress that Kemp has made refining his game over the last year. He may have higher risk, but I like his trend line of improvement. "

    John Manuel, Baseball America, on Andrew Miller UNC :

" ... while Miller is the consensus No. 1, let me break down some of the issues with him, briefly. 1. He doesn't really throw a changeup. That's usually a problem for a LHP who has to handle righties. Now, his 2-seamer is virtually a change at 83-86 mph, but that's a little firm for a change. Scouts would like to see more progress there. 2. Some scouts question whether or not Miller will have the core strength in his wiry frame to maintain his mechanics over 34 starts, without breaking down repeatedly. That has some scouts saying "reliever." I've heard enough scouts who really, really like him, and I consider him a legit No. 1 overall talent, not just in a bad draft like this one but in most drafts. He's better than the top LHP in last year's draft, Ricky Romero. Not sure he has Romero's moxie, but the stuff is better. All that said . . . if the Royals believe in him as a No. 2-3 starter at least, then they would be really foolish, in my opinion, to pass on him, even for a Pelfrey contract (major league deal, $3.5 mil bonus, $5.5 overall guarantee . . . just throwing it out there). "


12 May, 2006

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Ryan Garko CLE 1-3, 4th HR, R, RBI, HBP, SB, .254 … Ben Francisco CLE 2-4, 2B, 6th HR, 3 R, 3 RBI, HBP, SB, .271 … Scott Thorman ATL 2-6, 2B, SB, .311 … Ricardo Rodriguez ATL 6-1/3 5 2 0 0 2, 0.94 … Rob Cosby TOR 2-4, RBI, .243 … David Purcey TOR 2-2/3 6 7 7 4 3, 3.73 … Josh Fields CHA 1-2, 4th HR, R, RBI, 2 BB, .324 … Ryan Raburn DET 4-5, 3B, 3 R, 3 RBI, .243 … Cody Ross CIN 1-3, 2nd HR, 2 R, RBI, BB, .312 … Ryan Wagner CIN 0-1/3 1 2 2 1 1, 9.00 … Adam Stern BOS 2-5, RBI, .230 … Hee-Seop Choi BOS 0-1, 2 R, 2 BB, HBP, .259 … Jon Lester BOS 5 6 2 1 0 6, 4.05 … Kevin Reese NYA 2-5, R, SB, .257 … Carlos Pena NYA 2-5, RBI, .219 … Darrell Rasner NYA 6 6 1 0 0 5, 2.52 … B.J. Upton TB 1-3, 2B, R, BB, SB, 0 errors, .289 … Shawn Riggans TB 2-3, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, .277 … Jamie Shields TB 7 7 3 3 1 5, 2.91

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Kendry Morales LAA 3-5, 2 R, 2 RBI .256...Jeff Mathis LAA 1-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB .333....Jered Weaver LAA getting ready for the Angels rotation 7 3 0 0 0 4 2.79 (W 3-1)...struggling, Mark Teahen KC 0-3 BB, 2 K's .071...Brendan Harris WAS 2-4 2 R, HR (4), RBI .338...JD Closser 1-3 2B, R, RBI, BB .320...Jorge Piedra COL, struggling, 0-4 .141....Felix Pie CHC 2-5, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI .269...Shin Soo Choo SEA 2-5, R, RBI .304...Stephen Drew ARZ 1-5 .299...Chris Carter ARZ 3-3, 2 R, 2 BB .317...Dustin Nippert ARZ 6 7 2 2 1 5 4.11 (W 5-0)...Junior Spivey STL 1-3 SB .168...James Loney LAD 2-4 RBI .352 (but just three extra base hits all season, all doubles) ... Ian Kinsler TEX 0-3

EASTERN (AA)  --  David Murphy CF BOS 2-4, 2R, 2B ... David Pauley BOS 6 7 3 3 1 5 ... Ismael Ramirez TOR 3 3 1 1 0 1 ... Denard Span CF MIN 1-4, BB ... Matt Moses DH MIN 0-4, 2k ... Nate Schierholtz RF SF 0-3, BB ... Pat Misch SF 7 3 0 0 1 7 ... Adam Harben MIN 5.2 8 2 2 4 2 ... James Johnson BAL 6 2 1 1 4 5 ... Tyler Clippard NYY 6 5 3 3 1 3

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Elliot Johnson 2B TB 2-3, double, .333 ... Tony Pena ARZ, now trying his hand as a reliever, 1.0 1 0 0 0 1, 1.10 ...  Joey Votto CIN 2-4, double, error, .290 ...  Luis Montanez CHN ... Taylor Tankersley 2.0 0 0 0 2 4, 1.45 ... Matt Kemp LAD, the surge continues, 2-4, 6th homer, 9th SB, .345 ... Andy LaRoche LAD 2-5, 2 SBs, 8th error ...maybe he's just  a late bloomer, Luis Montanez, the third overall pick in the 2000 draft, now the leading hitter in the Southern League, 4-5, 2 doubles, .372 ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL 0-4, 3 Ks, .218

TEXAS (AA)  --  No games scheduled.

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Marcus Sanders SF 2-5, double, 9th & 10th SB, .188 ... Travis Buck OAK 1-4, double, .350 ... Jose Arredondo LAA 6.0 7 1 1 2 8, 2.41 (57 Ks in 37 1/3 innings) ... Michael Collins LAA 3-4, double, .352

CAROLINA (A+) --  whatever happened to Jake Stevens ATL? 5.1 6 5 5 5 2, 1-5, 8.71 ... Nolan Reimold BAL 2-4, double, walk, .321 ... finally, something to cheer about for Wesley Whisler CHA 7.0 5 0 0 0 3

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Mark Rogers MIL didn't get out of the first inning, 0.1 4 4 3 1 1, 8.22 ... Ryan Braun MIL 3-3, 2 doubles, .283 ... Jair Jurrjens DET 3.0 3 2 2 0 3, 2.23 ... hot streak continues, Blake Dewitt 2B LAD 2-4, double, walk, .323 ... Ricky Romero TOR 4.2 4 1 1 1 6

MIDWEST (A) --  Jay Bruce CIN (at DH) 1-4, 2 K's (excellent .292/.345/.569, albeit with mediocre 12/28 BB/K) ... Stephen Marek ANA 5 1 0 0 1 6 (2.41) .. Hainley Statia ANA 2-5, K (.292)

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Andrew McCutchen PIT 1-4, HR (5), 2 RBI (25), .328 ... Tim Cox BOS (W, 2-1) 4 0 0 0 0 4, 2.28 ... Jeff Natale BOS 2-4, 2B (7), .336 ... Matt Maloney PHI (L, 3-3) 6 7 3 2 4 6, 1.94 ... Greg Golson PHI 0-3, .152 ... Welinson Baez PHI 0-4, .218, golden sombrero ... David Hernandez BAL (W, 1-2) 5 4 1 1 2 8, 3.12 ... Aaron Thompson FLA (W, 2-2) 6 4 0 0 2 8, 3.58 ... Gaby Sanchez FLA 1-2, HR (9), 2 RBI (27), 2 BB, .345 ... Ole Sheldon HOU 2-5, 2B (11), BB, .423 ... Eric King HOU 2-6, 2B (7), 3 RBI (15), .346 ... JR Towles HOU 2-3, 2B (7), 3 RBI (15), 2 BB, .359 ... Josh Flores HOU 3-6, 2B (5), 2 RBI (7), .246 ... Dexter Fowler COL 0-4, .303 ... Chris Nelson COL 0-3, BB, .289 ... Angel Salome MIL 1-4, .305 ... Justin Maxwell WAS 1-3, 2 BB, .250 ... Beau Jones ATL 4 2 1 1 1 5, 2.49 ... Eric Campbell ATL 1-6, RBI (23), .272 ... Elvis Andrus ATL 0-3, .239 ... Austin Jackson NYA 0-6, BB, SB (13), .295 ... Jose Tabata NYA 1-5, 3B (1), BB, .362

    Troop Movements ...  TOR - recalled Jason Frasor, optioned Dustin McGowan to Triple-A ... SD - acquired pitcher John Hudgins, 1B-OF Vince Sinisi from TEX for OF Freddy Guzman and RHP Cesar Rojas ... CIN - activated outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. from the 15-day DL, optioned outfielder Chris Denorfia to Triple-A  ... SF - optioned Kevin Frandsen to Triple-A ...  OAK - Jason Windsor promoted to Triple-A ...

    Snippets from the weekly International League report :

" ...  Jeremy Sowers continues to be one of the most dominate pitchers in the International League so far this season. The Indians' #1 draft pick in the 2004 draft picked up his fourth win on Monday, working into the 9th inning in a 3-1 win over Ottawa. Sowers has allowed more than one earned run in only one of his seven starts. His 1.40 ERA is currently 4th in the International League while his 45.0 innings pitched are tops in the League."

" ... Since rejoining Norfolk from New York for a second time on May 4, outfielder Victor Diaz is hitting .368 (7-19) with two home runs and three RBI. He has also drawn five walks and been hit by a pitch twice over that span, and his on-base percentage over that stretch is .538 (14-26). Diaz is hitting .255 in 14 games with the Tides this season."

" ... The SkyChiefs pitching staff ranks first in several overall pitching categories in the IL including ERA (2.29) strikeouts (272),and fewest walks (79), and is tied for the League Lead in WHIP (1.12). Three SkyChiefs pitchers rank in the top 10 in the IL in ERA: Brandon League is 2nd with a 1.01 ERA, Ty Taubenheim is 3rd with a 1.24 ERA and David Purcey is 9th with a 1.88 ERA."

" ... Colter Bean has remained outstanding ...  2-0 with a 0.44 ERA with 24 strikeouts in just 20 innings. Colter throws three pitches, a sinking fastball, a slider and a change. It is the third pitch that makes him special. "Beaner is the only submariner that throws a change up", said pitching coach Neil Allen. "He has been working hard on his change." Because of the angle of the release, it is a very tough pitch to master."

    2005 first-round holdout ready for his pro debut, in Indy Ball :

" ...  Cats rookie pitcher Luke Hochevar, a former Tennessee All-American, says he is looking only at Saturday -- his first scheduled start with Fort Worth -- and his day-to-day workouts to prepare for it. "That's how you have to do it," said Hochevar, a hot major league prospect who was drafted 40th overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers last June but didn't sign. "All I'm thinking about is preparing myself for Saturday. I learned last year, you cannot think down the road or any of that." More than 30 professional scouts with radar guns have been watching his every move in Cats exhibition games and will again on Saturday. Hochevar said he's not worried about it. "The bottom line is when I take the mound, I have to execute pitches," Hochevar said.  ...  The Dodgers own the rights to Hochevar, 22, until one week before the June draft, and he will re-enter the draft if he doesn't sign."  (Forth Worth Star-Telegram)

    Dustin McGowan TOR could be heading back to a starters' role :

" ...  Jays optioned Dustin McGowan to Syracuse, where he'll begin serving again as a starter -- something he has done primarily in the past, but not this season. Toronto manager John Gibbons said that McGowan could be an option to join Toronto's rotation, but that he needs time to adjust to throwing multiple innings again. "You really don't know what's going to happen, but also, [McGowan] needs to get some innings under his belt at this stage of his career," Gibbons said. "That way he can get out there and he can get all his pitches going. He could [be called up to start], but he still needs a little time to build up with that. We could go either way with him."  (MLB.com)


11 May, 2006

Thanks for your support !    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Jake Dittler CLE 5 8 4 4 1 4, 5.56 … Dan Denham CLE 1 2 1 1 0 1, 8.18 … Jason Kubel MIN 2-3, 2B, RBI, SF, .286 … Ryan Roberts TOR 1-4 & 0-3, .198 … John-Ford Griffin TOR 0-3, BB & 2-4, R, .221 … Rob Cosby TOR 0-3, .233 … Jason Phillips TOR 0-4 & 0-2, RBI, SF, .203 … Sergio Santos TOR 1-3 & 2-3, 1st HR, R, 2 RBI, .245 … Brandon League TOR 3 1 0 0 0 2, 1.01 … Josh Fields CHA 2-4, 2B, R, .320 … Tonys Gutierrez CIN 2-4, 3rd HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, .263 … William Bergolla CIN 3-5, 2B, R, RBI, .261 … Rajai Davis PIT 3-5, 2nd HR, R, 3 RBI, .243 … Dustin Pedroia BOS 3-4, 2 2B & 0-2, R, BB, .268 … Hee-Seop Choi BOS 0-3, BB & 0-2, BB, .262 … Eude Brito PHI 8 2 1 0 3 3, 1.58 … B.J. Upton TB 0-3, 0 errors, .288 … Edwin Jackson TB 6-1/3 8 6 6 1 5, 5.06

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Edinson Volquez TEX 6.0 8 1 1 5 6 ... Jason Botts TEX 1-4, 6th homer ... Daric Barton OAK 2-2, double, 3 walks, .292 ... Felix Pie CHN 0-4, .264 ... Chris Snelling SEA, back in action, two hits, nothing changes, 2-4, walk ... Larry Broadway WAS 2-4, double, homer, .345 ... Kendry Morales LAA, Triple-A a challenge, 0-4, .241 ... Stephen Drew ARZ 0-5, .303 ... Terrmel Sledge SD 3-4, 2 doubles ... Joel Guzman LAD 2-4, walk, .328

EASTERN (AA)  --  Brad Snyder RF CLE 2-4, HR, bb ... Ryan Mulhern 1B CLE 2-4, R ... Kevin Kouzmanoff 3B CLE 3-4, R, 2B, RBI ... Denard Span CF MIN 1-3 ... Matt Moses DH MIN 1-5, k ... Nate Schierholtz DH SF 2-3, R, 2B ... Brent Clevlen RF DET 0-4, k ... Kody Kirkland 3B DET 1-4, R, 2B ... Brandon Moss RF BOS 0-4, 3k ... David Murphy CF BOS 1-4, RBI, k ... Phil Seibel BOS 5 1 0 0 3 4 ... Phil Hughes NYY 6 5 2 2 1 5 ... Kurt Isenberg TOR 6 8 2 2 2 2 ... Scott Mathieson PHI 7 6 4 4 2 9 ... Brian Finch BAL 7 6 2 2 2 6 ... Matt Peterson PIT 6 4 1 1 3 5

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Joey Votto CIN 1-2, double, 3 walks, 6th SB, .283  ...  Matt Kemp LAD, rare ofer, 0-4, .341 (threw out a runner at third) ... Taylor Tankersley FLO 1.0 1 0 0 1 0, 1.62 (9 walks, 22 Ks in 16 2/3s innings) ... Scott Moore 3B CHN 4-6, double, homer, 6th SB, .293 ... Eric Patterson 2B CHN 3-7, double, .276 ... one-time top infield prospect Luis Montanez CHN now trying to progress as an OF, 4-4, double, homer, 4 RBI, .353 ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL 0-2, .226

TEXAS (AA)  --  Troy Tulowitzki COL, 1-5, 31.0 ... Ian Stewart COL, 1-4, .273 ... Jason Koshansky COL, 1-4, homer, 3 RBI, .291 ... Juan Morillo COL, looks like an injury, 2/3 1 2 2 3 1, 3.41 ... Alex Gordon KC, 0-1, .310 ... Billy Butler KC, 1-5, double, .304 ... Jim Fasano TEX, 1-5, homer, RBI, .311 ... Josh Anderson HOU, 2-5, double, RBI, .346 ... Hunter Pence HOU, emergence continues, 2-5, 9th & 10th homers, 2 RBI, .343 ... JR House HOU, 2-5, homer, 2 RBI, .323 ... Brandon Wood LAA 1-4, double, 2 RBI, .275

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Travis Buck OAk 3-4, .353 ... Matt Miller COL 2-6, .328 ...  Sean Rodriguez LAA in a little slump 0-4, 2 Ks, .325 ...

CAROLINA (A+) --  Scott Lewis CLE 4 3 1 1 1 7 ... Trey Webb SS WAS 1-3, double, run .326 ... Brian Barton DH CLE 1-4, run, sb .329 ... Wyatt Toregas C CLE 1-4, Home Run .309 ... Nolan Reimold RF BAL 2-4, 2 doubles, 2 runs, 2RBI, sb .315 ... Margan Clendenin DH BAL 2-5, 2 doubles .311 ... Brian Bixler SS PIT 0-4 .306 ... Ervin Alcantara CF HOU 2-4, double, Home Run .292 ... Jack Egbert CHA 7 3 2 2 0 10 W(2-3, 3.51) ... Chad Reineke HOU 8 8 3 2 1 4 L(3-2, 1.85)

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Scott Elbert LA 6 1 1 0 3 7 ND, 2.21 … Kevin Slowey MIN 6 2 0 0 0 9 W(2-1, 1.31) … Blake Hawksworth STL 6 2/3 7 2 2 1 2 W(4-2, 2.87) … Terry Evans RF STL 2-4 HR(9) 2R, .320 … Ryan Patterson LF TOR 2-4 2RBI, .316 … James Happ PHI 8 4 0 0 0 10 W(2-3, 2.47) … Jeff Frazier LF DET 2-6 double, R RBI SB(2), .268 … Blake Dewitt 2B LA 2-6 double, .318 … Ambiorix Concepcion CF NYN 2-5 double, R, .326 … Corey Coles LF NYN 3-5 double, .333 … Brett Gardner CF NYA 4-6 2R, .402 – 2005 third-round draft pick … Eduardo Nunez SS NYA 2-5 triple, R, .194 … Cody Ehlers 1B NYA 2-6 3RBI SB(1), .316

MIDWEST (A) --  Colby Rasmus STL 2-4, 5th HR (.299) ... on a roll Kyle Blanks SD 1-3, 13th double, BB, K ... Mark Reed CHN 1-3 ... Ramon Garcia DET 5 4 0 0 1 4 (1.29) ... Paul Kelly MIN 1-7, 3 K's ... Jay Bruce CIN 0-2, 2 BB's, K (.294) ... Travis Wood CIN 5 4 3 3 2 5 (4.64) .. Justin Upton ARZ 1-4, 4th double ... now some power, too Sean Shoffit TOR 3-5, 1st HR (.331) ... maybe he's human Wade Davis TB 5 4 2 2 4 3 (1.23)

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Brandon Erbe BAL (W, 2-2), 5 1 0 0 1 5, 2.15 ... Kyle Kendrick PHI 7 6 3 3 2 6, 2.15 ... Greg Golson PHI 0-4,.156 ... Daron Roberts CHA 3-5, 4 RBI (14), 2 SB (6), .331 ... Ole Sheldon HOU (14th rounder, 2004) 2-4, .424 ... Eric King HOU 2-5, 2B (6), RBI (12), .347 ... JR Towles HOU 2-5, HR (2), RBI (12), .348 ... Will Inman MIL 2 1 0 0 0 5, 0.69 ... Dexter Fowler COL 0-4, RBI (12), .313 ... Chris Nelson COL 2-4, .296 ...  selected hitters from the SAL :

                                G  AB  H 2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG 
Ole Sheldon          1B,HOU    27  88 37 10  0  2 21 13  5  2 .420 .532 .602
Jose Tabata          OF,NYA    32 125 46 14  0  3  4 23  6  4 .368 .398 .552
Justin Towles        C, HOU    24  84 29  6  1  1  4 17  6  1 .345 .409 .476
Gabriel Sanchez      C-1B,FLO  31 114 39  6  0  8 12 13  3  1 .342 .432 .605
Maximiliano Ramirez  C,ATL     27  93 31 11  0  3 16 23  1  0 .333 .432 .548
Andrew McCutchen     OF,PIT    30 122 40  4  1  4 13 19  2  4 .328 .393 .475
Dexter Fowler        OF,COL    28 111 36  9  2  3 12 22 17  8 .324 .411 .523
Fernando Martinez    OF,NYN    28 118 38 10  2  2 11 25  4  3 .322 .391 .492
Lorenzo Cain         OF,MIL    30 119 38  5  1  2 10 22  6  5 .319 .377 .429
Kala Kaaihue         1B,ATL    30 103 32  7  0  8 23 33  2  0 .311 .450 .612
Austin Jackson       OF,NYA    30 116 36  7  1  1 14 31 12  3 .310 .391 .414
Angel Salome         C,MIL     30 120 37 10  0  4  7 16  4  0 .308 .349 .492
Sergio Pedroza       OF,LAD    31 104 31  8  0  8 26 26  2  3 .298 .468 .606
Steven Pearce        1B,PIT    30 118 35  9  1 11  8 27  1  2 .297 .357 .669
Chris Nelson         SS,COL    29 121 35 10  1  2  9 22  3  1 .289 .343 .438
Eric Campbell        3B,ATL    30 119 33  5  1  6  7 22  6  0 .277 .326 .487
Elvis Andrus         SS,ATL    29 114 28  2  1  1 10 25 10  5 .246 .306 .307
Brandon Snyder       C,BAL     23  92 21  8  0  3  7 33  0  0 .228 .283 .413
Eli Iorg             OF,HOU    26 102 23  6  0  2  3 34  4  2 .225 .252 .343
Gregory Golson       OF,PHI    29 118 19  2  2  1 10 35  4  1 .161 .225 .237

    Troop Movements ...  CHA - called up Charlie Haeger from Triple-A & after Wednesday's start sent him right back ... FLO - placed Franklyn German on the 15-day DL, recalled Logan Kensing from Triple-A ... MIL - placed Ben Sheets on the DL, recalled Dana Eveland ... STL - signed Will Cunnane to a minor league contract ...  NYN - signed Jeriome Robertson to a minor league contract ... LAD - placed Jason Repko on the 15-day DL, recalled Willy Aybar from Triple-A ... KC - claimed Chris Booker off waivers from PHI ... PHIL - Cole Hamels set to make his MLB debut on Friday ... DET - optioned RHP Jordan Tata to Triple-A, recalled Roman Colon from Triple-A ...

" ... Hamels ... After three dominant starts blowing away the competition, the Phillies couldn't wait any longer. The prized left-hander, selected in the first round of the June 2002 First-Year Player Draft, will start on Friday in Cincinnati. Starter Ryan Madson will head to the bullpen. "You always need pitching," said manager Charlie Manuel, after Hamels' third outing. "When someone is pitching that good, it's just a matter of time until he ends up in the big leagues. ... I'm all for anything that can help our club." Help comes in the form of a 0.39 ERA and just 10 hits in 23 innings, with 36 strikeouts against one walk."

    The walking wounded ...

" ...   On the same night Jeremy Reed started in center field for the first time since April 30, Chris Snelling made his first appearance in Seattle. The outfielder was in town to work out with the big-league club and have his left knee cleared to begin a rehabilitation option, probably with the Tacoma Rainiers. "I haven't played any outfield, just DH [designated hitter]," said Snelling, who had surgery to repair a torn left ACL last August and has been performing in extended-spring-training games. "But I've been working out in the field, running, shagging flies, and I feel like I'm good to go. I just want to play." Snelling has hit well at every level of the organization while dealing with multiple injuries, and in batting practice Tuesday it appeared he hadn't lost his touch with the bat as he hit line drives all over. (Seattle Times) ...  Both the Marlins and Jeremy Hermida are uncertain when the rookie outfielder will be healthy enough to return to the lineup. ''I'm going to take it day by day,'' said Hermida, who went on the disabled list April 12 because of a strained right hip flexor. Hermida did some light jogging Tuesday and has been taking batting practice daily, but Girardi -- who originally said Hermida would return two weeks ago against Washington, then revised that to this weekend in Pittsburgh -- said he no longer would make predictions. ''He'll be here when he gets here,'' Girardi said. "  (Miami Herald) ... Ian Kinsler (dislocated thumb) played seven innings at second base in an extended spring training game and went 1-for-4 with a walk. He will play there today, then begin a rehab assignment at Frisco or Oklahoma. (Fort Worth Star Telegram) ... Detroit Tigers first-round draft pick Cameron Maybin was a last-minute scratch Monday night ... The reason for Maybin's scratch was what Walbeck described as a locked-up "trigger finger." The 19-year-old outfielder had his right index finger freeze up on him while preparing for the game and is scheduled to get a precautionary X-ray this morning. His finger felt fine and flexible following Monday's game.  (Grand Rapids Press) ... Chris Young, the Diamondbacks' center field prospect, has been out of the Tucson lineup since last Wednesday with a rib-cage injury but should return this week." (Arizona Republic)

    Via John Sickels, MinorLeagueBall, we learn of an exciting project -- a minor league data base which offers lefty/righty splits among other things -- by Jeff Sackmann at  BrewCrewBall.  Interesting to note, for example, that Ian Stewart COL is having a really tough time vs lefties (.167), as is Justin Upton (.150),  while Andy LaRoche LAD doesn't like righties (.185).   Looks like a fascinating online addition for prospectors.

    Dayn Perry, FOXSports, moves on to check out the best of the shortstop prospects.  Brandon Wood LAA tops the list, ahead of Stephen Drew ARZ and Troy Tulowitzki COL :

" ...   It's not certain Wood will remain at shortstop long term, but his bat will play anywhere. Last season, Wood crafted one of the best seasons in the history of the minors leagues (.672 SLG across two levels, 101 extra-base hits). The ball jumps off his bat, and he's made impressive strides with his pitch-recognition skills. This season, he's hitting .276 AVG/.354 OBP/.543 SLG at AA-Arkansas despite being younger than his peer group."

" ...  Tulowitzki is improving as he makes his way up in the Rockies' system. Tulowitzki is a skilled defender at short, and with the bat he'll hit for average with good gap-power numbers. His walk rates could stand some improvement, but there's time for that. His numbers at High-A Modesto last season weren't all that impressive for a college-trained hitter, but this year Tulowitzki is faring much better at Double-A Tulsa."   


10 May, 2006

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Andy Marte CLE 1-4, .255 … Fausto Carmona CLE 6 6 3 1 1 7, 4.84 … Brayan Pena ATL 2-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, .198 … Scott Thorman ATL 3-5, 2 R, BB, .310 … Terry Tiffee MIN 2-3, 2 R, .292 … J.D. Durbin MIN 6-2/3 5 0 0 2 6, 3.30 … Josh Fields CHA 2-3, 2B, R, 2 BB, 2 SB, .312 … Chris Stewart CHA 0-2, 2 BB, .278 … Sean Tracey CHA 6-1/3 6 2 2 1 6, 2.35 … Zach Miner DET 6 5 2 2 4 5, 2.02 … Justin Germano CIN 6 10 5 5 0 4, 5.03 … Carlos Pena NYA 1-4, 2B, .203 … Jeff Karstens NYA 5 10 3 3 3 1, 7.01 … B.J. Upton TB 3-4, R, RBI, SB, 0 errors, .296 … Elijah Dukes TB 2-4, 2 2B, 2 R, RBI, .318 … Shawn Riggans TB 3-4, 5th HR, R, 2 RBI, .264 … Brian Stokes TB 6-1/3 7 2 1 0 7, 1.83 … Chase Lambin NYN 2-4, 2nd HR, R, 2 RBI, .191

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Jae Kuk Ryu CHN 7.0 3 1 1 1 4, 3.21 ... Felix Pie CHN 1-6, .273 ... Jeff Mathis LAA 2-4, 2 doubles, .368 ... Chad Gaudin OAK 7.0 3 3 0 0 10, 3-0, 0.37 ... Daric Barton OAK 2-4, double, 2 errors (7), .279 ... Shin-Soo Choo SEA 2-4, triple, .310 ... Dana Eveland MIL (likely callup to take Ben Sheets' spot) 5.0 5 2 0 1 2, 0.75 ... Chris Carter 1B ARZ 3-4, double, homer, 3 RBI, .307 ... Buddy Carlyle FLO fronted a one-hitter, a homer, (and the team lost 1-0) 5.0 1 1 1 1 5, 2.35 ... Chad Billingsley LAD, torched, 1.1 6 6 6 3 3

EASTERN (AA)  --  Brad Snyder RF CLE 0-3, R, 2k … Humberto Sanchez DET 5.2 4 5 5 2 8 … Sean Smith CLE 7 4 1 1 1 8 … Mike MacDonald TOR 8 3 0 0 1 6 … Travis Ishikawa 1B SF 2-3, k … Michel Abreu 1B NYM 1-4, BB, 2k … Mike Pelfrey NYM 7 7 3 2 2 10 … Garret Broshuis SF 6 4 2 0 3 6 … Kory Castro 3B WAS 1-3, 2R, HR, 3RBI, BB … Denard Span CF MIN 2-5, 2k … Matt Moses DH MIN 0-3, BB, 3k … Justin Jones MIN 4.2 5 3 2 2 4 … Adam Loewen BAL 6 6 2 2 4 11

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Tyler Lumsden CHA 5.2 6 6 6 1 4  ...  Heath Totten LAD 7.0 7 1 1 1 7, 3.19 ... Greg Miller LAD 2 2 0 0 1 3, 0.90 (only 9 hits, but 10 walks, 20 Ks in 20 innings) ... Matt Kemp LAD 2-4, double, .351 ... Andy LaRoche LAD 1-2, double, 3 walks ... some selected prospects from the Southern League, stats through games of Monday :

                            G  AB  H 2B 3B HR BB SO  AVG  OBP  SLG 
Jose Campusano     FLO,OF  31 109 38  5  0  1  7 27 .349 .403 .422
Matt Kemp          LAD,OF  32 130 45 12  2  5 12 20 .346 .418 .585
Elliot Johnson     TB,2B   31 125 41  7  5  7 16 24 .328 .413 .632
Danny Richar       ARZ,2B  30 109 35  6  0  1 14 15 .321 .392 .404
Yunel Escobar      ATL,SS  31 115 34  7  2  0 17 24 .296 .383 .391
Tony Abreu         LAD,2B  31 125 37  7  1  2  8 22 .296 .355 .416
Micah Hoffpauir    CHN,1B  32 106 31 10  2  8 18 22 .292 .394 .651
George Kottaras    SD,C    27  90 26 11  1  5 18 32 .289 .413 .600
Joey Votto         CIN,1B  31 122 35  7  0  5 13 28 .287 .353 .467
Gabriel Martinez   TB,1B   31 102 29  6  1  4 17 27 .284 .387 .480
Eric Patterson     CHN,2B  32 127 34  5  3  3  9 29 .268 .314 .425
Miguel Montero     ARZ,C   29  97 24  6  0  5 19 16 .247 .378 .464
Andy LaRoche       LAD,3B  31 117 27  3  0  2 19 18 .231 .341 .308
J Saltalamacchia   ATL,C   29 109 24  6  0  4  9 27 .220 .309 .385
                           IP  H  R ER BB SO ERA 
Micah Owings, ARZ          44 35  9  8  7 37 1.61
Lance Broadway, CHA        44 33 13  9  5 30 1.83
Tyler Lumsden, CHA         29 21  7  7 13 28 2.12
Ray Liotta, CHA            32 32 10  9 12 26 2.48
Carlos Marmol, CHN         37 31 12 12 10 32 2.89
Anibal Sanchez, FLO        39 34 17 13 10 32 2.95
Heath Totten, LAD          35 30 15 12 18 39 3.03
Justin Orenduff, LAD       40 44 19 16  6 40 3.54
Jared Wells, SD            35 31 17 14  7 27 3.57
Cesar Carrillo, SD         37 35 20 15 12 38 3.58
Tony Peguero, TB           35 35 17 16 17 16 4.04
Andrew Sonnanstine, TB     31 33 20 15 13 40 4.31

TEXAS (AA)  --  Seth Smith COL, 2-5, .265 ... Ian Stewart COL, 1-4, triple, RBI, .274 ... Jason Koshansky COL, 2-4, 5th homer, RBI, .292 ... Dan Putnam OAK, some life 2-4, homer, 3 runs, 2 RBI, .223 ... Jason Perry OAK, 2-3, homer, double, 2 RBI, .406 ... Vasili Spanos OAK, 1-5, homer, 3 RBI, .299 ... Brad Knox OAK, W, 5.0 6 3 3 0 7, 7.71 ... Alex Gordon KC, 2-5, double, .312 ... Billy Butler KC, 2-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBI, .308 ... Kevin Mahar TEX, 1-5, 5th homer, RBI, .219 ... Mike Garciaparra SEA, 2B & SS, 2-5, .307 ... Travis Blackley SEA, 7.0 2 1 1 1 7, 3.96 ... Brandon Wood LAA 1-3, double, walk ... Hunter Pence HOU 1-4, 8th homer, .341

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Marcus Sanders SF 0-4, .176 ... Eric Hurley TEX 8.0 4 2 1 0 15, 3-1, 2.06 ... Luis Cota KC, beginning a turnaround, 7.0 6 1 0 1 7 ... Mike Stodolka KC 2-4, homer, .310 ... Shaun Cumberland TB 2-4, 2 homers (9), 4 RBI, .243 ... Reid Brignac TB 2-5, 2 doubles, .362

CAROLINA (A+) --  Trey Webb 2B WAS 2-3, double, RBI .329 ... Joe Ness CLE 5.2 3 1 1 1 7 W(3-0, 2.53) ... Trevor Crowe CF CLE 2-5, double, 2 runs, 2RBI .302 ... Stephen Head 1B CLE 2-4, double, 2RBI .252 ... Brian Bixler SS PIT 4-6, double, Home Run, 2RBI .315 ... Brandon Jones LF ATL 2-4, Home Run, 4RBI ... Garrett Olsen BAL 5 5 3 1 2 6 ... Lucas Harrell CHA 7 1 0 0 3 6 W(2-1, 2.23)

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Jose Garcia FLO 9 3 2 2 1 7 W(3-1, 2.05) … Jake Fox DH CHN 2-4 HR(10) 2R, .348 … Clete Thomas CF DET 3-5 2 doubles, HR(4) 2R 3RBI, .290 … Jeff Frazier LF DET 2-5 double, RBI, .265 … Sean Gallagher CHN 6 8 2 2 1 6 ND, 1.96 … Andrew Kown DET 5 2 1 1 3 5 ND, 2.00 … Travis Denker 3B LA 3-4 double, .240 … Alexi Casilla 2B MIN 2-4 2R 2SB(12), .331 … Garrett Guzman LF MIN 2-4 HR(3) R 5RBI, .277 … Anthony Swarzak 6 9 6 6 1 2 ND, 4.76 … Jose Sanchez NYN 6 4 3 2 2 0 1 ND, 2.18 … Zack Segovia PHI 6 2/3 7 1 0 1 7 W(5-1, 2.19) … Mark Michael STL 6 6 4 4 4 3 L(1-2, 5.59)

MIDWEST (A) --  Cameron Maybin off for 2nd straight day.... Andrew Thompson MIN 3-4, double, triple (.250) ... Lucas French DET 4 6 4 3 3 6 (3.15) ... wooden glove, leather bat John Whittleman TEX 0-3, 15th error (.228) ... Jacob McGee TB 6 5 3 2 3 7 (W, 3-4, 2.82) ... Jay Bruce CIN (at DH) 0-4, 3 K's ... and you thought he couldn't get any better Nick Adenhart ANA 7 4 0 0 1 9 (W, 5-0, 1.65) ... Frank Martinez OAK 1-4, 3 K's ... Vincent Mazzaro OAK 5 3 1 1 1 4 ... Sean Shoffit TOR 1-4, 4th triple, 8th error ... walk like a (very large) man Kyle Blanks SD 1-1, 3 BB's (.337) ... cooling off dramatically Bryan Anderson [C] STL 0-4, 2 K's (down to .329; has thrown out 9 of 22 base thieves) ... Justin Upton ARZ 1-4, K (.309)

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Sean West FLA 3 3 0 0 0 1, 0.00 ... Daniel Barone FLA 6 7 1 1 0 9, 2.10 ... Gaby Sanchez FLA 2-4, 2B (6), HR (8), RBI (25), .342 ... Ole Sheldon HOU 3-5, 2 2B (10), SB (5), BB, .420, on base over half the time so far ... Eli Iorg HOU 1-6, 2 RBI (24), .225 ... JR Towles HOU 3-6, 2B (6), .345 ... Andrew McCutchen PIT 0-5, .328 ... Steven Pearce PIT 1-4, RBI (34), BB, .297 ... Derek Miller MIL 6 4 1 1 2 5, 2.65 ... Angel Salome MIL 0-5, .308 ... Fernando Martinez NYN 1-4, .322 ... Greg Golson PHI 1-4, 2B (2), .161 ... Scott Mitchinson PHI (W, 1-1) 7 1 0 0 3 10, 2.31 ... Dan Griffin SF (W, 2-2) 5-2/3 4 3 3 3 8, 3.60 ... Brent Leach LAD 6 4 1 1 3 7, 2.75 ... Dexter Fowler COL 2-5, SB (17), .324 ... Chris Nelson COL 2-5, 2B (10), .289 ... Eric Young, Jr COL 3-4, 2 2B (9), RBI (14), 3 SB (23), BB, .272 ... Jose Tabata NYY 3-5, 2B (14), .368 ... Austin Jackson NYY 2-5, RBI (17), .310 ... Chris Vines ATL (W, 3-1) 7 7 4 4 3 7, 4.07 ... Eric Campbell ATL 2-5, 2B (5), HR (6), RBI (22), .277 ... Elvis Andrus ATL 1-4, BB, SB (10), .246 ... Max Ramirez ATL 3-5, 2B (11), HR (3), 2 RBI (15), .333 ... Clay Buchholz BOS 3-2/3 4 1 0 1 7, 0.96 ... Jeff Natale BOS 0-2, 2 BB, .330

    Troop Movements ...  CHA - placed Jose Contreras on the 15-day DL ... LAA - placed Casey Kotchman on 15-day disabled DL, recalled infielder Dallas McPherson  ...  BOS - purchased the contract of Mike Holtz  ... STL - placed Sidney Ponson on the 15-day DL, recalled LHP Tyler Johnson ... OAK - recalled Jeremy Brown from Triple-A ... ATL - placed Horacio Ramirez on the 15-day DL, purchased the contract of Chad Paronto ... NYA - placed outfielder Gary Sheffield on 15-day DL, recalled Melky Cabrera ... NYN - optioned Bartolome Fortunato to Triple-A, recalled Heath Bell ...  LAD - activated Odalis Perez from the bereavement list, optioned Oscar Robles to Triple-A, signed Giovanni Carrara to a minor league contract  ... MIL - placed Ben Sheets on the 15-day DL

    Another knuckler in a MLB rotation :

" ...  Charlie Haeger fills the temporary void left by Contreras, at least for Wednesday's start. The knuckleballer has been virtually unhittable for Triple-A Charlotte this season, posting a 3-0 record with a 0.68 ERA over six starts. Haeger has struck out 31 and allowed 26 hits and 20 walks over 40 innings. He's a slightly different pitcher than the young hurler who got knocked around during Spring Training, according to Dave Wilder, the White Sox director of player development. Of course, the thin air of Tucson, Ariz., is a tough place to check out a pitcher with Haeger's style. "I can't tell you how difficult it is to evaluate pitchers in Tucson, particularly those who have big breaking balls or, as we're finding out, knuckleball pitchers," said White Sox general manager Ken Williams. "He's not going to be scared," Wilder added. "He's going to go out there and throw his knuckleball and see what happens."    (MLB.com)

    Nate Stephens, RotoWorld.com, on, among others, Anibal Sanchez and Hunter Pence :

" ...   Back at Double-A but now in the Carolina League, Sanchez has continued performing well by showing solid command and striking out more than a batter per inning to go with a 3.58 ERA. That he developed some shoulder tightness this spring is of concern when coupled with his prior injuries, but it hasn’t limited him thus far. Utilizing a mid-90s fastball and quality secondary pitches in his curveball and changeup, the 22 year-old Sanchez should continue to advance quickly and could debut in the majors in the second half. However, it’d be best if he spent the whole year developing in the minors and proving that he can stay healthy for an extended period of time. If his right arm can stay intact, Sanchez has No.2 starter upside and is one of the better pitching prospects in the minors."

" ...  Despite only a brief trial in the Carolina League, Pence was sent to Double-A Corpus Christi to start 2006 and he’s again impressed by hitting .333 with 18 extra-base hits in 120 at-bats. That leaves Pence fourth in the Texas League with a .617 slugging percentage ... That Pence hasn’t abandoned his control of the strike zone and has adjusted quickly against advanced pitching are even more positives. If Pence keeps hitting like he has thus far, the Astros won’t hesitate in quickly advancing the 23 year-old to Triple-A. He’s on pace to crack the majors no later than early next season, and a late-season callup this year is a distinct possibility after his fast start."

    Zach Chalifour, RotoTimes, on a speed demon and a possible Mets' rotation anchor.

" ...  Corey Wimberly, 2B, Rockies ...  After swiping 36 bases in just 67 games after being taken in the sixth round in the draft last summer out of Alcorn State, Wimberly has followed up in fine fashion, stealing 18 bases through 28 games at High-A Modesto. The 5-foot-8 second baseman can hit too - he batted .381 last season and is hitting at a .360 clip this season with a .422 on-base percentage. Wimberly lacks power, with just one home run last season and only four extra-base hits (one homer) this year. The resulting high number of singles, however, is further conducive to Wimberly's sub-4.0-second speed to first base when the switch-hitter bats left-handed. With no long-term solution at second base for Colorado, Wimberly could become your one-stop source for stolen bases if he can crack the Rockies lineup in late 2007 or early 2008."

" ... Mike Pelfrey ...   If Omar Minaya cannot get a deal done to bring in another starter, he may opt to bring up Pelfrey, the ninth-overall pick from last year's draft. Due to signability issues that caused Pelfrey to fall a few spots, Pelfrey did not sign until the offseason, but he did not take long to adjust after making his professional baseball debut last month at High-A St. Lucie. A 2-1 record, 26 strikeouts, and a 1.64 ERA in 22 innings were enough to earn him a trip to Double-A Binghamton, where he has not been quite as successful in two starts, but he notably still continues to strike out over one batter per inning. Once he does have consecutive strong starts at Binghamton, look for rumors to begin swirling about his Mets debut, which should happen before September."

    Top TB prospect catches a break ... he'll play again this season.

" ...   Delmon Young was suspended for 50 games without pay by the International League on Tuesday for throwing a bat that hit a replacement umpire in the chest. IL president Randy Mobley said he believed the suspension was the longest in the league's 123-year history. Young was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 draft and was chosen the 2005 minor league player of the year by Baseball America ...  "The Tampa Bay Devil Rays fully support the decision," the team said in a statement. "As stated before, we do not tolerate this type of conduct from anyone in the Devil Rays' organization." The suspension is retroactive to April 27, the day after Young tossed his bat in a Triple-A game while playing for Durham. The 20-year-old outfielder has agreed to perform at least 50 hours of community service, and can play again June 19."  (AP)

    Luke Hochevar looking good in warmup to Indy Ball debut.  Baseball America has a report :

" ... Hochevar touched 97 mph with his fastball, throwing a number of 95 mph fastballs and also showing an above-average breaking ball. "He had a real good downhill plane," said a scout who watched his first start. "He threw fastballs right by guys at the knees. These are 27-year-old guys who have been around. They are more apt to put the balls in play than someone at Vanderbilt."


09 May, 2006

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Ben Francisco CLE 2-4, .267 … Jeremy Sowers CLE 8-1/3 6 1 1 0 3, 1.40 … rehab, Horacio Ramirez ATL 3 6 1 1 0 2, 3.00 … Jason Bartlett MIN 4-4, 3B, 3 R, RBI, BB, .319 … Jason Kubel MIN 2-4, 2nd HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, .286 … Sergio Santos TOR 2-5, 2B, R, .227 … Josh Banks TOR 8 3 1 1 0 9, 2.85 … Jerry Owens CHA 0-2, 2 R, 2 BB, Sac, .217 … Ryan Raburn DET 1-3, 6th HR, R, RBI, BB, .214 … Cody Ross CIN 3-4, 1st HR, R, RBI, BB, .444 … Ryan Wagner CIN 1-1/3 4 2 2 0 1, 7.98 … Hayden Penn BAL 5 7 3 3 3 6, 1.59 … Tom Gorzelanny PIT 5-1/3 1 2 2 3 9, 3.68 … Craig Hansen BOS 3-1/3 1 0 0 4 2, 3.38 … Chris Roberson PHI 2-5, SB, .291 … Josh Kroeger PHI 1-5, 2nd HR, R, RBI, .233 … Melky Cabrera NYA 3-5, .385 … Eric Duncan NYA 2-3, R, BB, .237 … Christian Garcia NYA 1-3, 2B, RBI, Sac, .266 … B.J. Upton TB 1-4, R, RBI, BB, SB, 0 errors, .279 … Shawn Riggans TB 2-4, 2B, 4th HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, .241 … Jason Hammel TB 6 8 1 1 2 2, 3.58 … Lastings Milledge NYN 1-3, 2 R, 2 BB, .312 … Evan MacLane NYN 7 3 3 1 1 4, 1.29

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Corey Hart MIL 0-4, .321 ... Nelson Cruz MIL 1-4, .304 ... .nice outing for Billy Traber WAS 7 5 0 0 0 4 3.81 ... Carlos Quentin ARZ 0-2, BB, HBP, R, .277 ... Stephen Drew ARZ 0-3, BB, .323 ... Chris Young ARZ still MIA ... .Mark Teahen KC 1-4, 2B, R, RBI .250 ... Jason Hirsh HOU, turning it on, 7 5 1 0 0 5 3.96 ... Feliz Pie CHC 0-4, BB .278 ... Jerome Wiliiams CHC, hit hard again, 6 9 5 5 2 1 5.00 ... Shin Soo Choo SEA, 1-4 2B, R, 3 RBI, BB, .304 ... Joe Saunders LAA 5 5 4 4 4 2 4.02 ... Laynce Nix TEX, huge game, 4-5 2B, HR (1), 4 R, 3 RBI, .326 ... Yusmeiro Petit FLA, lit up, 5 8 7 7 1 6 4.69 ... Delwyn Young LAD 3-5, 2 R, 2B, HR (3), 5 RBI, .302 ... Joel Guzman LAD 1-3, 2 BB, SB, .319 ... Tim Stauffer SD, becoming a bust, 6 7 3 3 1 0 6.05

EASTERN (AA)  --  Steven White NYA, first poor start, 6.0 9 5 5 5 2, 2.61 ... Shawn Hill WAS 8.2 4 1 1 1 3, 2.82 ... Alex Escobar WAS, still a slim chance, 2-3, homer, .338 ... Adam Miller CLE, not so hot, 5.0 5 4 4 3 6, 3.35 ... Daniel Matienzo MIN 5-7, 2 homers, 3 RBI, .267

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Lance Broadway CHA 9.0 4 0 0 0 7, 4-1, 1.61 ... Anibal Sanchez FLO 4.0 4 5 5 2 2, 3.58 ... Justin Orenduff LAD, left the game after facing two batters in the 2nd, no details available, 1.0 1 0 0 2 3 ...  Tony Peguero TB 6.0 4 1 1 0 4, 1.83 ...  Cesar Carrillo SD 6.1 4 4 1 2 8, 2.95 ... Matt Kemp LAD 3-5, 5th homer, (grand slam), 5 RBI, .346 ... Andy LaRoche LAD, the struggle continues, 0-4, .231 (but 19 walks, 18 Ks) ... Miguel Montero ARZ, slump continues, 0-4, .247 ... George Kottaras SD 2-5, double, .289 ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL 0-2, 2 walks, .220

TEXAS (AA)  --  Troy Tulowitzki COL, 0-5, .315 ... Seth Smith COL, 3-4, 2 doubles, RBI, .259 ... Ian Stewart 0-4, .274 ... Kurt Suzuki OAK, 1-4, RBI, .326 ... Manuel Corpas COL, 7th sv, 1.0 0 0 0 0 2, 2.12 ... Chris Lubanski KC, 2-5, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, .295 ... Alex Gordon KC, 1-4, double, .309 ... Nate Gold TEX, 2-4, double, .257 ... Kyle Middleton KC, 7.0 7 1 1 0 6, 3.46 ... Mike Garciaparra SEA, 1-4, .302 ... Jordan Pals StL, 6-2/3 7 2 1 2 3, 4.07 ... Brandon Wood LAA 2-5, double, 2 errors (11), .274 ...  shortstop Ben Zobrist HOU 4-5, double, .315 ... Hunter Pence HOU 3-5, 2 doubles, 7th homer, 4 RBI, .344 ...  CF Josh Anderson HOU, leadoff, 4-6, double, .346

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Billy Buckner KC 6.0 4 1 0 6 4, 2.50 ...  Mike Stodolka KC 1-4, homer, .301 ... Emerson Frostad TEX 2-3, double, .300

CAROLINA (A+) --  Nyjer Morgan CF PIT 2-4, 3 runs .320 ... Mike Carlin 1B PIT 4-5, 2 triples, run, RBI ... Nolan Reimold RF BAL 3-4, double, Home Run, 2 runs .320 ... Radhames Liz BAL 5 3 1 0 2 5 W(3-0, 1.41) ... Adam Russell CHA 6 6 3 3 0 5 ... Jimmy Barthmaier HOU 7 5 1 1 3 5

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Matt Garza MIN 8 4 1 1 1 9 W(5-0, 0.92) … Tyler Greene SS STL 3-4 double, .228 … Eric Harberer STL 6 8 3 2 3 1 ND, 3.96 … Mike Costanzo 3B PHI 2-4 triple, 3RBI, .256 … Ryan Harvey RF CHN 2-5 double, 2R 2RBI SB(1), .202 … Jake Fox C CHN 2-5 HR(9) 2R 3RBI, .342 … Matt Craig 1B CHN 2-4 2HR(4) 3R 4RBI, .281 … Marcos Vechionacci NYA 3B 2-5, .165 … Brett Gardner 2-4 2R RBI SB(12) .386 … Ryan Braun 3B MIL 2-4 R, .274 - 2 errors tonight, 9 on the season … Steven Sollmann 1B MIL 2-5 R, .337 … Ryan Patterson LF TOR 6-6 3HR(8) 2 doubles, 5R 9RBI, .323 … Aaron Mathews RF TOR 6-7 6R, .315 … Blake DeWitt 2B 2-4 2RBI, .311 ... Homer Bailey CIN 6.0 0 0 0 1 11 ... Gaby Hernandez FLO 7.0 5 1 1 0 7 

MIDWEST (A) --  Daryl Jones SD 2-3, 6th double, 5th HR (.299) ... Kyle Blanks SD 2-4, BB, K .. great first month Mark Reed CHN 3-3, double (up to .370) ... Joshua Johnson KC 2-4 (.261) ... Oswaldo Sosa MIN 6 3 1 1 4 5 (2.97) ... Justin Upton ARZ 1-4 .. Omar Poveda TEX 6 6 6 2 2 5 (4.50) ... Hainley Statia ANA 3-4, 6th SB (.280) .. Tommy Mendoza ANA 5 8 7 7 1 6 (4.10) ... Jay Bruce CIN 6th & 7th homers (.308) ... Sean Shoffit TOR 3-5, 2 doubles (.321) ... Michael Saunders SEA 1-4, double, 2 K's (.260)

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Andrew McCutchen PIT 3-5, 2 RBI (19), .342 ... Steven Pearce PIT 4-5, 2B (9), HR (11), 5 RBI (33), .298 ... Angel Salome MIL 1-4, .322 ... Jon Niese (W, 5-0) NYN 6 5 2 2 1 6, 3.34 ... Fernando Martinez NYN 1-4, .325 ...Greg Golson PHI 1-4, 3B (2), RBI (6), .158 ... Brian Peacock WAS 2-3, 2 HR (5), 2 RBI (13), .280 ... Anthony Contreras SF 3-5, RBI (11), .412 ... Chris Nelson COL 1-5, RBI (23), .284 ... Jose Tabata NYY 1-4, 2B (13), .358 ... Austin Jackson NYY 1-5, SB (12), .306 ... Chorye Spoone BAL 3-2/3 8 2 2 4 3, 2.13 ... Chris Volstad (L, 4-2) FLA 5-2/3 11 7 7 2 2, 4.01 ... Gaby Sanchez FLA 0-3, BB, .336 ... Tom Fairchild (W, 3-3) HOU 6-2/3 6 1 1 2 9, 2.43 ... Ole Sheldon HOU 1-3, 2 BB, .410 ... Eli Iorg HOU 1-4, HR (2), RBI (22), .229 ... JR Towles HOU 0-5, RBI (11), .333 ... Eric Campbell ATL 0-4, .272 ... Elvis Andrus ATL 0-4, .245 ... Kala Ka'aihue ATL 3-4, 2 HR (8), 3 RBI (23), .313

    Troop Movements ...  SF - activated Noah Lowry from Triple-A, recalled outfielder Dan Ortmeier, optioned Justin Knoedler to Triple-A, designated Jeff Fassero for assignment  ... STL - activated Larry Bigbie from the 15-day DL, optioned John Gall to Triple A ... KC - activated Denny Bautista from the 15-day DL, designated Joe Mays for assignment ... TEX - optioned Robinson Tejeda to Triple-A, recalled Scott Feldman, designated Brian Shouse for assignment ... BOS - optioned Manny Delcarmen to Triple-A ... LAA - placed Darin Erstad on the 15-day DL, activated Juan Rivera from the 15-day DL ... CHN - recalled Ryan Theriot from Triple-A, sent Michael Restovich outright to Triple-A ...

    Cole Hamels PHI, repeats as No. 1 on the Prospect Hot Sheet at Baseball America with a air of relative unknowns as the runnersup :

" ...  2. Kevin Slowey ...  might not have dominant stuff, topping out at 92 mph with his fastball, but with his secondary stuff--including a much-improved changeup--the 22-year-old righthander is shutting down hitters across the FSL. Slowey, a second-round pick out of Winthrop last year, struck out 10 and allowed one run on three hits in a 3-1 loss to the Tigers. The 10-spot brings Slowey's strikeout-walk ratio to an almost unreal 44-2 in just 35 innings."

" ... 3. Yovani Gallardo ...  might be on the same team as Brewers' No. 2 prospect Mark Rogers, but so far Gallardo is out-performing him . . . big time. In 33 innings, the 20-year-old righthander has a 48-7 strikeout-walk ratio. Gallardo pounds the zone with a fastball that tops out at 96 mph and complements it with a curveball, slider and changeup--and can throw any of them for strikes. In his last start, Gallardo allowed a run on four hits and struck out 10 over 6 1/3 innings."

    At SportsBlurb (subscription) John Franco checks out some prospects who have sustained hot starts into what could be breakthrough seasons :

" ...   Radhames Liz ...  put himself on the radar when he was part of a combined no-hitter for the Keys early in the season, and he has continued to pitch extremely well. He has dominated Carolina League hitters this season to the tune of 45 strikeouts in 27 innings (that’s 15 K/9 if you’re counting), while walking just 12 and posting an ERA of 1.67.Liz has a tremendous fastball and has made good improvements in his command, but he is still a relatively raw pitcher. If he can continue to pitch this well, he will continue to climb the list of Orioles’ prospects."

" ... Humberto Sanchez ...  was one of the few good pitchers in the AFL, posting a 2.15 ERA and 29:14 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 29.1 innings of work. After struggling at Erie last year (5.56 ERA), the Tigers sent him back this year, and the results have been much better. Sanchez has a record of 3-1 and a 1.69 ERA in his first six starts, and he has struck out 46 batters in 37.1 innings of work. He has also walked just 13 batters, showing improved command of the strike zone. With a diving mid-90s fastball and a good curveball, Sanchez should be in the Tigers’ plans for next season."

    Players / Pitchers of the Week :

" ...  J.D. Closser [COL]...  In six games, Closser went 10-17 (.588) with three doubles six RBI and a pair of home runs ...   By the week's end, Closser had racked up ten hits, lifting his season batting average from .288 to a solid .345." (Pacific Coast League)

" ...  MELKY CABRERA [NYA] entered this past week hitting .355, and actually managed to raise his average by over 20 points thanks to a stellar six-game stretch ...  led the International League in hits (11), home runs (3), RBI (8), and slugging percentage (.833), and finished second in batting average (.458) ...  second in the IL with a .376 batting average. Melky finds himself at or near the top of the IL in several other offensive categories, including hits (1st, 44), RBI (T-1st, 24), slugging percentage (4th, .564), and on-base percentage (5th, .423). 2006 marks just the second season above the Class-A level for 21-year-old Melky Cabrera." (International League)

" ... second baseman Elliot Johnson [TB] enjoyed a sizzling week at the plate, hitting .435 with 2 triples, 3 home runs, 6 RBI, 8 runs scored, 2 stolen bases, a .581 on-base percentage and a 1.000 slugging percentage to earn Hitter of the Week honors. He registered four multi-hit games over the week ... Johnson is currently leading the league with 5 triples, and is among the league leaders in several other categories including batting average (.333 - 3rd), home runs (7 - T-3rd), RBI (21 - T-4th), hits (41 - 2nd), and slugging percentage (.642 - 2nd). The 22-year-old was signed by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as a non-drafted free agent in 2002. " (Southern League)

" ... California League Matt Miller  [COL] ...  stellar week was highlighted by a spectacular performance against High Desert on Saturday. The 23-year-old left fielder went 3-for-4 with two home runs and seven RBIs ...  Miller's seven homers are tied for the most in the California League, while his 33 RBIs lead all of Minor League Baseball. "  (MLB.com)

" ... Carolina League Charles Lofgren [CLE] ... was mediocre in his first start this week ...  but turned in a star-making performance on Sunday. The 20-year-old left-hander allowed one hit in seven shutout innings while striking out nine to earn his Carolina League-leading fifth victory of the season. " (MLB.com)

" ... California League Nick Pereira  [SF] ...  ERA dropped to a California League-leading 0.77 after he tossed 11 scoreless innings this week. In two starts, the 23-year-old right-hander struck out 16 while walking just two."  (MLB.com)

" ... Florida State ...  Jacob Fox [CHN] ...   went yard three times this past week and now has eight homers on the season -- tied with Tampa's Cody Ehlers for the Florida State League lead ...  23-year-old backstop." (MLB.com)

    Scott Rex, OnDeck, picks the best of the PCL prospects :

 1. Chad Billingsley, RHP, LAD     6. Carlos Quentin, OF, ARZ
 2. Stephen Drew, SS, ARZ          7. Chris Young, OF, ARZ
 3. Joel Guzman, OF, LAD           8. Felix Pie, OF, CHN
 4. Howie Kendrick, 2B, LAA        9. Jered Weaver, RHP, LAA
 5. Anthony Reyes, RHP, STL       10. Scott Olsen, LHP, FLO

08 May, 2006

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Franklin Gutierrez CLE 1-2, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, SB & 1-4, R, SB, .275 … Ryan Garko CLE 0-2, 2 BB & 1-3, 3rd HR, R, 2 RBI, .260 … Jason Cooper CLE 0-3 & 2-3, RBI, .248 … Anthony Lerew ATL 5-2/3 5 4 4 5 9, 8.18 … Jason Bartlett MIN 2-5, 2B, .295 … Terry Tiffee MIN 2-4, 2B, R, .292 … Boof Bonser MIN 6-2/3 8 4 3 3 6, 1.87 … Ryan Raburn DET 2-5, 5th HR, R, 4 RBI, .211 … Donald Kelly DET 2-2, R, 2 BB, 2 SB, .250 … Dustin Pedroia BOS 0-3, 2 BB, .250 … Abe Alvarez BOS 6 7 0 0 0 6, 2.18 … Josh Kroeger PHI 2-5, 2B, .235 … Cole Hamels PHI 7 5 1 1 0 10, 0.39 … Kevin Thompson NYA 2-4, R, .294 … Kevin Reese NYA 2-3, R, BB, .271 … Melky Cabrera NYA 2-3, 4th HR, R, 3 RBI, SF, .376 … Chase Lambin NYN 2-3, BB, .185

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Brendan Harris WAS 3-4, 3rd homer, 4 RBI, .324 ... JD Closser COL 2-3, double, .345 ... Joel Guzman LAD 2-4, double, .319 ... Anthony Reyes STL 6.0 5 2 2 1 7, 3.62 ... Jason Botts TEX 2-4, double, 5th homer, .276 ... Dustin Moseley LAA 9.0 5 2 2 2 6, 5-1, 2.92 ... Dallas McPherson LAA, finding a groove, 2-4, 2 homers ... Daric Barton OAK 1-4, double, .279

EASTERN (AA)  --  Kory Casto WAS 2-4, triple, SB, .294 ... Glen Perkins MIN 5.1 8 6 5 1 5, 4.39 ... Matt Moses MIN 1-4, 5th homer, .337 ... Jonathan Sanchez SF 2.2 0 0 0 0 3, 1.52 (36 Ks in 23 2.3s)

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Jose Campusano OF FLO 4-5, double, .352 ... Micah Owings ARZ 8.0 5 2 2 1 5, 2.89 ... Ray Liotta CHA 4.0 7 7 7 2 1, 4.04 ... Joey Votto CIN 2-4, walk, .294 ... Eric Patterson CHN 2-4,  double, 3rd homer, 12th SB, .268

TEXAS (AA)  --  Brandon Wood LAA, 0-4, .269 ... Matthew Brown LAA, 1-3, double, .347 ... Jesse Smith LAA, (W, 3-1) 6-2/3 7 2 2 1 5, 4.28 ... Chris Lubanski KC, 0-5, .291 ... Alex Gordon KC, 2-4, 7th tater, 2 RBI, .311 ... Luke Grayson TEX, 3-5, .298 ... Thomas Diamond TEX, 5.0 6 4 4 4 7, 4.70 ... Ian Stewart COL, 1-4, .284 ... Vasili Spanos OAK, 2-3, double, RBI, .318 ... Ubaldo Jimenez COL, (L, 2-2) 5.0 4 1 1 4 3, 4.91 ... Brad Ziegler OAK, 3rd W, 7.0 4 0 0 3 4, 2.60 ... Rich Rundles StL,3rd W, 7-1/3 5 1 1 1 5, 3.13

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  catcher Michael Collins LAA 3-6, .351 ... Reid Brignac TB 2-5, triple, SB, 2 errors, .361 ... Travis Buck OF OAK 4-5, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, .345 ... finally, some offense from Cliff Pennington OAK 4-6, double, up to .150 ... Jeremy Cleveland OF SD 4-5, double, triple, walk, .287 ... Corey Wimberly COL 2-5, 18th SB, .360 ... Matt Miller CF COL 1-5, 7th homer, .331

CAROLINA (A+) --  Troy Patton HOU 5.1 7 6 5 3 5 L(0-4, 4.72) ... Chuck Lofgren CLE 7 1 0 0 1 9 W(5-1, 1.67) ... Stephen Head 1B CLE 2-4, run, 2RBI ... Brian Finegan SS CLE 2-3, 2 runs, sb ... Nolan Reimold RF BAL 2-3, run, 2RBI, sb

" ... Chuck Lofgren allowed one hit over seven scoreless innings as Kinston rolled past visiting Salem, 9-5 ... Lofgren (5-1), who has yielded just six earned runs in 32 1/3 frames this season, struck out nine and walked one. He didn't allow a hit until Wallace Torbert broke through with a one-out infield single in the fifth. He struck out the next two batters to end the inning and retired the final eight in a row."  (MLB.com)

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Carl Pavano NYA (rehab) 5 4 3 0 1 4 … Josh Wahpepah MIL 6 1/3 6 2 2 3 W(1-0, 1.31) … Ryan Braun 3B MIL 2-4 R SB(9), .266 … Jake Fox C CHN 1-3 HR(8) 3RBI, .340 … Issmael Salas 1B/2B CHN 3-4 2R RBI, .362 … Blake DeWitt 2B LA 3-4 HR(2) 2R 2RBI, .304 … Mike Costanzo PHI 3B 2-5 RBI, .248 … Brett Carroll RF FLO 2-4 triple, R RBI SB(4), .328 … Alexi Casilla 2B MIN 2-5 triple, .325 … Trevor Plouffe SS MIN 2-4 triple, R, .243 … Corey Coles LF NYN 3-4 double, 2R RBI, .317 … Mike Carp 1B NYN 3-5 R RBI, .258

MIDWEST (A) --  Jacob Rasner TEX 7 4 1 1 1 5 (W, 1-3, 3.73) ... Jay Bruce CIN (back in RF) 0-3, BB, K, 2nd error ... Jared Lansford OAK 5 5 5 3 1 1 (2.70) ... huge teenager (6' 6" 270) going great guns Kyle Blanks SD 2-3, 12th double, BB (.321) .. Fabian Jimenez Angulo SD 5 2 0 0 3 2 (3.34) ... Justin Upton ARZ 2-6, 4th SB .. wow Eduardo Morlan MIN 7 1 0 0 2 9 (1.25) ... Jose Martinez (2B) STL 4-5, double, but 5th error in just 10 games ... Robert Mosebach ANA 6 8 3 2 1 4 (W, 3-0, 1.77) ... Cameron Maybin DET 1-3, 6th SB ... never heard of the guy Kerry Wood CHN 5 1 0 0 1 12

" ...  Kerry Wood's magnificent performance ... gave the capacity crowd of 8,426 everything they came to see, looking close to untouchable, striking out 12 batters in five innings of work ...  Wood struck out the side in the first inning on 12 pitches. He allowed a walk and a hit in the second but racked up three more strikeouts. In the third he again struck out the side and added a 10th strikeout to start the fourth. Wood struck out the last two batters he faced in the fifth ...  walked off the field after the fifth to a standing ovation having thrown 70 pitches."  (Peoria Chiefs)

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Greg Golson PHI 2-4, SB (4), .155 ... Fernando Martinez NYN 1-4, .327 ... Chris Nelson COL 2-4, 2B (4), .288 (9 for his last 18)  ... Jose Tabata NYY 1-4, .362 ... Austin Jackson NYY 1-4, 2B (7), RBI (16), .311 ... Kevin Dixon CLE 6 4 1 1 1 3, 1.36 ... Brandon Snyder BAL 1-3, .228 ... Jo Jo Reyes ATL 5 3 1 0 2 6, 3.69 ... Eric Campbell ATL 3-5, .282 ... Jon-Mark Owings ATL 1-5, HR (1), RBI (1), .167, returned this week after breaking jaw in spring training ... David Sutherland LAD 1-2, HR (3), 4 RBI (24), 2 BB, .322

    Troop Movements ...  NYN - placed Victor Zambrano on the 60-day DL, purchased the contract of Jose Lima  ... PIT - recalled Jose Bautista from Triple-A, placed Joe Randa on the 15-day DL  ... HOU - placed Chris Burke on the 15-day DL, purchased the contract of Joe McEwing ... OAK - placed Milton Bradley on the 15-day DL ... 

    John Sickels, MinorLeagueBall, checks out Felix Pie vs. Andre Ethier :

" ...  Pie came into 2006 with a career mark of .298/.357/.462. His power has been increasing, his SLG marks going from .388 to .448 to .554 over the last three years. His walk rate is well below average, making his OBP highly-dependent on his batting average ...  strikeout rate is higher than ideal, but not terrible ...  Ethier came into 2006 with a career mark of .312/.382/.455. He showed consistent home run power for the first time last year, hitting 18 homers with a .497 SLG, although it is true that this was the Texas League. His walk rate isn't as impressive as it was in college, but he keeps his strikeout rate down, and so far he hasn't had problems adjusting to new levels of pitching ...  Pie has always been one of the youngest players in his leagues, and at age 21 he still has plenty of development time left. Ethier: At age 24, Ethier is much further down the development track, and has less time left to improve his game ...  I rate Ethier as having slight advantages in intangibles and performance, with Pie having the advantage in tools and projection. I picked these two guys to profile because of, not in spite of, their differences. Both are tearing up Triple-A. Because of his youth, Pie is the superior prospect, but he also comes with greater risk than Ethier since he lacks polish, and the Cubs don't exactly have a strong track record helping guys like this develop."

    Rays' Chuck Tiffany on the shelf :

" ...  Tiffany will work at the Naimoli Complex for the next 4-6 weeks as he rehabs from left shoulder tendinitis, Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "It could be shorter," Friedman said. "We're just being cautious and doing it the right way." Friedman said Tiffany, acquired from the Dodgers with Edwin Jackson in the Danys Baez trade, left Double-A Montgomery on Thursday to meet in St. Petersburg with Rays team physician Koco Eaton. "Shoulders are always a concern," Friedman said. "We're going to be sure and continue to treat him the right way."  (St Petersburg Times)

    Isaiah Ka’aihue ATL, following in his father's footsteps, as is his brother (KC prospect) :

" ...  As a boy, Ka’aihue and his brother, Kila, were the baseball equivalents of gym rats ...  Their father, Kila, played professionally for 11 years, eventually reaching Class AAA. The boys would often accompany their dad to the ballpark during home games and occasionally on road trips. “We were always around the game,” said Ka’aihue ...  The Ka’aihue brothers were both stars in the highly-competitive youth baseball leagues in Hawaii ... both Ka’aihue brothers are now working their way toward potential big-league careers. Kila is a rising star in the Kansas City organization, and is rated by Baseball America as the Royals’ No. 20 prospect. He’s hit 49 homers in four minor league seasons. Isaiah, meanwhile, is quickly making a name for himself with the Braves. He batted .282 with six homers and 22 RBIs in 40 games for the Gulf Coast Braves last season before being promoted to Danville, where he went 7-for-16 (.438) in six games. The late-season surge has carried over into this season. Going into Saturday’s game, Ka’aihue had compiled a team-leading 1.046 OPS (on-base-plus-slugging) for the Rome Braves and was tied for the team lead with 19 RBIs. Listed at 6-2, 230 pounds, Ka’aihue has also shown uncanny nimbleness around the first base bag. “He’s an above-average first baseman, defensively,” said Atlanta Braves’ general manager Dayton Moore. “And offensively, he’s done a great job of driving in runs — big runs.”   (Rome News-Tibune)
 

 
 

    
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