Rookies 2004

15 August 2004    Pitching line = IP H R ER BB SO

    Game action ... INT --  John Webb (TB) 6.0 4 1 1 3 5 ... adjusting to AAA nicely, Ryan Howard (PHI, 1B) 4-5, 2B, 2nd & 3rd HRs, 2 R, 6 RBI   on the season, 24 doubles, 1 triple, 40 home runs, 115 RBI !    ... Jason Bartlett (MIN, SS) 2-4, 2B, R, BB ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, LF) 2-4, 2 2B ... Russ Adams (TOR, SS) 2-5, RBI, SB & 0-3 ... Cam Reimers (TOR) 3.0 1 0 0 0 2 ... Jhonny Peralta (CLE, SS) 3-4, 2B, 3B, R ... nice showing, Kyle Denney (CLE) 8.2 1 1 0 2 8 ... Josh Stewart (CHA) 6.0 5 0 0 1 5 ... Victor Diaz (NYN, RF) 2-4, R, RBI

PCL --  Kameron Loe TEX  6.0 5 1 1 3 4 ... back to his winning ways, this could have been a win for Canada at the Olympics, Jeff Francis COL 6.0 1 0 0 3 7, 1.66 ... Brad Hawpe COL 2-3, 24th homer ... Arthur Rhodes OAK, rehab, 1.0 0 0 0 1 2 ... 1B Brian Myrow LA, bidding for a September call,  4-5, 2 homers, .360 ... Dennis Tankersley SD 7.0 4 2 2 3 4, 3.34 cooled off Casey Kotchman ANA 0-4 ... Freddy Guzman SD 3-4, walk, .297 ... Xavier Nady SD 3-4, homer, 3 RBI, .326 ... ARZ 3B Brian Barden 3-4, double, homer ... Brendan Harris MON 3-4, homer, .310 ... Jeremy Reed SEA 0-3, .288

EASTERN --  Francisco Rosario TOR, much better,  6.0 6 3 3 0 10, 6.36 ... same goes for Kyle Sleeth DET 6.0 5 1 1 0 9, 6.83 ... John-Ford Griffin TOR 20th homer, but .247 ... Bobby Bradley PIT 6.0 5 3 3 1 2 ... Michael Hinckley MON, still lookin' awfully good, 7.0 5 0 0 1 8, 5-1, 2.70 ... Hanley Ramirez BOS 3-5, double, homer, .328 ... Francisco Liriano MIN 4.0 9 3 3 1 6, 2.70 ... Kevin West MIN 25th homer

SOUTHERN --  Joel Guzman LA SS 1-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI, BB ... Derek Thompson LA 5.0 6 2 1 3 4 ... Skip Schumaker STL OF 4-6, R, RBI ... Huntsville top 4 Gwynn, Weeks, Fielder and Nelson combine to go 1-16, 3 K's ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 0-4, 2 K's ... Paul Stewart MIL 5.0 5 1 0 0 4, 2.61 ... Mike Thompson SD 6.0 5 1 1 2 4, W 7-2 ... Andy Marte ATL 3B 2-4, RBI, 2 K ... Brian Moehler ATL 7.0 2 1 1 2 3 ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3B 1-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI ... from Philly ... Elizardo Ramirez CIN 5.0 8 4 4 0 3 ... Jason Stokes FLA 1B 0-1, 3 R, 4 BB ... Josh Willingham FLA C 3-3, 2B, 3 RBI, BB ... Nic Ungs FLA 6.2 7 3 3 1 11, W 8-8 ... Adam Greenburg CHN OF 2-4, 2 R, HR (2), RBI, K ... Brian Anderson CHA OF 0-4, K ... Dennis Ulacia CHA 6.0 8 3 2 2 3, L 7-6 ... Jason Cromer TB 7.0 5 0 0 1 2, W 7-9

TEXAS --  not a bad first start on the COL farm, Chris Narveson 7.0 6 2 2 3 5, but beaten by Corey Lee TEX 7.0 4 0 0 0 4 ... Matt Chico ARZ 4.1 9 5 5 2 4 ... Ben Kozlowski TEX 3.1 6 4 3 2 5 ... Colt Griffin KC 2.1 2 2 2 1 3, 5.23 ...

CAROLINA --  Jeff Francoeur ATL, thought to be gone for the season, back for the final couple of weeks,  1-4 … Brian McCann ATL 2-4, R, 2 doubles … Josh Anderson HOU 0-3, K … Blaine Boyer ATL (L) 6 5 2 2 2 4 (7-10, 3.05) … Fernando Nieve HOU (W) 8 7 0 0 1 3 (10-6, 2.95)

FLORIDA STATE --  Rick Ankiel (STL) 3.2 2 2 0 0 4 - 2.08 ERA and still no walks (more below) … Jordan Pals (STL) 5 4 3 2 1 2 L(3-1, 2.03) … Matt Merricks (LA) 5 6 4 4 2 3 L(1-1, 3.00) … Chin-Lung Hu (LA, SS) 2-3 Double 3RBI & 1-3 Double 2R  ... " Ankiel worked 3.2 innings allowing two unearned runs on two hits with no walks and four strikeouts in a 54-pitch no decision. The left-hander threw 10 of 14 first pitch strikes and retired the first nine batters he faced, throwing 36 strikes. His top speed reached 93 MPH, averaged 91 MPH and continued to showcase his 12-6 curveball ranging from 68-74 MPH."

CALIFORNIA --  TB catcher Brent Cordell 3-5, 17th double, 10th homer, .273 ... MIL OF Ben Van Iderstine 5-6, walk, .388

MIDWEST --  Trent Peterson OAK 6.0 3 0 0 2 4 (W, 7-3, 3.02) ... Chris Lubanski KC 0-4, K (.264) ... short but supersweet Thomas Diamond TEX 4.0 0 0 0 2 10 ... Adam Jones SEA 0-4, 3 K, 27th error ... Scott Tyler MIN 6.0 3 1 1 4 6 (2.82) ... Kyle Geiger MIN 0-5, 3 K ... mixed bag Lou Palmisano MIL 2-5, 3 K ... call it "ineffectively wild" Kevin Jepsen ANA 4.0 6 5 5 6 3 (L, 8-8, 3.33) ... Brandon Wood ANA 1-5, K, 18th SB, E ... Warner Madrigal ANA 3-5, HR, K (.324 in 37 AB) ... Cal Hayes STL 3-5 (.327 in 101 AB) ... Daric Barton STL 2-5, BB ... smooth MWL debut Vern Sterry SD 6.2 6 2 2 1 6 ... Brian Dopirak CHN 1-4 (.306) ... Ronald Bay CHN 7.1 7 1 1 1 5 (W, 10-7, 2.79) ... Kody Kirkland DET 0-4, K (.241)

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Ian Stewart COL, 3-5, double, 3 RBI ... Jordan Czarnecki COL, 3-4, homer (14), double, RBI, steal (24), 5 runs ... Chris Ianetta COL, 1-4, homer (3), 3 RBI ... Jeff Fiorentino BAL, 2-5 ... Wes Bankston TB, 2-4, homer (19), double, 4 RBI ... Delmon Young TB, 1-4, steal (16) ... Jon Benick PIT, 3-4, homer (27), 2 doubles, 4 RBI ... Paul Maholm PIT, 4.0 4 4 3 3 5 (6.75) ... Antonin Gray CHW, 1-2, homer (11), 2 RBI ... Ryan Rodriguez CHW, 7.0 2 0 0 5 8 (W 10-8, 4.18) ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL, 1-4, homer (10), RBI ... Steve Doetsch ATL, 3-4, 2 doubles, steal (15), 3 runs ... Chuck James ATL, 5.0 5 1 1 2 7 (W 10-2, 1.71) ... Mitch Talbot HOU, 4.0 8 7 6 2 2 (L 9-8, 4.02) ... Xavier Paul LA, 2-4, double, RBI ... Joey Reiman TOR, 2-3, double, 2 RBI ... Daniel Core TOR, 7.0 3 1 1 1 9 (W 8-8, 3.52) ... Jarrett Gardner, zooming up the BOS chart, 7.0 2 0 0 0 5, 12-5, 2.38 ...

NEW YORK-PENN --  SS Ben Zobrist HOU 3-6, walk, homer, 3 RBI, .333 ... CF Matt Van Der Bosch BOS 4-7, double, homer, .302 ...

APPALACHIAN --  nice effort by Chris Marini MIN 6.0 2 0 0 0 10, 3.27 ... Reid Brignac TB 1-4, .439

NORTHWEST --  SF with a couple of big bats, John Bowker 3-5, 2 RBI, .372 & Brian Horwitz 2-3, double, .346 ... Chris Carter OF ARZ 11th homer, 4 RBI, .333 ... OAK OF Richard Robnett (who takes over CF, shifting Javier Herrea to RF) 2-4, 1st pro homer, .292 ... Shawn Nottingham 7.0 8 3 3 2 3, 8-1, 3.00 ... Matthew Tuiasosopo SEA 2-4, walk, .375

PIONEER --  KC OF Brian McFall on a nice roll, 2-3, walk, .345 ... WSox 1B Tom Collaro 12th homer, .242 ... Chris Nelson COL 3-5, .360 ... Seth Smith COL, very strong pro start, 2-4, 19th double, 9th homer, 3 RBI (53), .360 ... Sean Rodriguez ANA 2-3, double, 3 walks, 3 RBI, .391 ... ARZ catcher Richard Mercado 3-4, double, homer, .323

ARIZONA -- (Fri) 2B Hernan Iribarren MIL 2-5, 2 SBs (13), .440 ... Mark Rogers MIL, 5th overall pick this season, 3.0 4 5 3 4 4, 0-3, 5.00 ... TEX SS Drew Meyer, rehab, 1-4

GULF COAST -- LA lefty Marshall Looney 3.0 1 0 0 0 3, 1.98 in six starts ... 1B James Peterson LA 2-4, 5th homer, .325 ... Mets' Gabriel Hernandez tossed a five-inning, CG no-hitter 5.0 0 0 0 1 9 (now, 38 IP, 21 hits, 9 walks, 43 Ks) 1,18) ...

    Troop movements ... CIN -- placed Paul Wilson on the DL, recalled pitcher Joe Valentine from AAA, announced Luke Hudson would be recalled to start Sunday  ... COL -- recalled Clint Barmes from AAA, optioned pitcher Adam Bernero to AAA ... TB -- placed Rocco Baldelli on the DL, recalled Joey Gathright from AAA ... NYA -- recalled Andy Phillips from AAA, optioned pitcher Bret Prinz to AAA ... KC -- placed Nate Field on the DL ... PIT -- released first baseman Randall Simon, activated Daryle Ward from the DL ...

    Even in Denver, criticism of the Rockies' decision to block Jeff Francis from the Olympics.  Troy E. Renck, Denver Post :

" ... Frankly, what I would like to see is this: let Francis go to the Olympics - the kid really wants to do this and I don't blame him - then bring him up to the Rockies for a couple of September starts. I know the organization prefers to see its prospects in August - manager Clint Hurdle believes it gives a better read than the final month when teams' rosters are in upheaval. But if this kid is as good as the Rockies believe, it's not going to matter if he makes his debut in August or September. Let him go for the Gold then celebrate with a cup of September coffee in the bigs."

    Jesse Foppert ... have to be cheering for the kid :

" ... Friday night, Foppert returned to Grizzlies Stadium -- 11 months removed from elbow surgery -- and threw 51 pitches ... reached his pitch limit in three innings, throwing 33 strikes and 18 balls. The 6-foot-6 right-hander's delivery appeared free and smooth, his fastball reaching 91 mph on pitching coach Ross Grimsley's radar gun. Not bad for someone expected to miss the entire 2004 season after going on the operating table Sept. 16. The normal recovery time for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction is anywhere from nine to 18 months, Grizzlies trainer Richard Stark said. "I felt all right," said Foppert, who made four starts at Class-A San Jose and pitched in multiple simulated games before joining the Grizzlies. "I've thrown better since I've been back, but my command was decent and I made some pitches when I had to. "I'm just trying to stay within myself, stay nice and easy and let it come naturally," Foppert said ... Foppert is slated for at least two more Triple-A starts with increasing pitch counts. San Francisco Giants manager Felipe Alou has said Foppert will not be promoted before rosters expand Sept. 1. "I've worked so hard to get to this point, I want to meet my goal of pitching [in the majors] in September," Foppert said." (Fresno Bee)

   Confirmed :

" ... Top pitching prospect Ervin Santana will sit out the remainder of the minor-league season and try to get back on the mound when Instructional league play begins Sept. 16. Santana was 2-1 with a 3.30 ERA in eight starts for Double-A Arkansas when he was put on the DL with elbow tendinitis, something that had bothered him during spring training. During his rehab, Santana injured his hamstring and Angels director of player development Tony Reagins decided to shut down Santana for the season." (LA Times)

14 August 2004  

    Game action ... INT --  Matt Diaz (TB, RF) 2-4, 20th HR, R, 2 RBI ... now that's a good day, Matt Belisle (CIN) 8.0 2 0 0 2 6 and he homered too! ... Jason Bartlett (MIN, SS) 2-5, 3B, R ... Michael Restovich (MIN, LF) 2-4, 18th HR, R, 4 RBI ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, DH) 1-4, 5th HR, R, RBI ... JD Durbin (MIN) 3.2 9 10 3 2 4 (and, see below, item written previous to his shellacking) ... Mike Fontenot (BAL, 2B) 2-5, 7th HR, R, RBI & 1-2, 2 BB ... Darnell McDonald (BAL, LF) 2-4, 2B, R, 2 RBI, SF ... Matt Riley (BAL) 4.0 2 2 2 1 7 ... Jhonny Peralta (CLE, SS) 0-3, R, 2 BB & 2-3, 2 2B, 2 R ... Josh Bard (CLE, C & DH) 2-5, 2 2B, R & 0-3, R, RBI ... Kazuhito Tadano (CLE) 4.1 9 5 4 2 6 ... Wilson Valdez (CHA, SS) 2-3, R, Sac ... Brad Halsey (NYA) 7.0 5 0 0 1 8 ... Jae Seo (NYN) 6.0 4 0 0 0 4

PCL --  John VanBenschoten PIT, dropping to 4-11, 6.0 6 5 5 3 7, 4.72 ... JR House PIT 2-4, 13th homer, .275 ... Sergio Mitre CHN, with a gem, 9.0 1 0 0 1 9, 2.15 ... Justin Wayne FLO 7.0 3 0 0 2 3 ... Jesse Foppert, to AAA in his rehab, more solid work, 3.0 3 1 1 1 4 ... Scott Downs MON 9.0 2 0 0 0 4 ... Cha-Seung Baek SEA 6.0 7 4 3 3 2 ... Chris Young TEX  6.0 6 1 1 1 9 ... Jimmy Gobble KC 6.0 4 3 3 1 9 ... Brad Hawpe COL 23rd homer ... Antonio Perez LA 3-4, double, triple, 2 walks ... Nick Swisher OAK 2-6, 22nd homer ... catcher John Baker, moved up to AAA, 2-5 ... Tim Stauffer SD 5.0 4 3 3 2 1 ... Xavier Nady SD 3-4, homer, walk, 5 RBI ... ANA's Casey Kotchman Express rolls on, 2-4, 2 doubles ... Dallas McPherson ANA 3-5, double, homer (34th overall)

EASTERN --  Bryan Bullington PIT 6.0 6 2 2 3 2, 4.19 ...  pretty fine AA debut, Joel Zumaya DET 5.0 4 4 1 1 11 ... Ryan Garko CLE 2-3, double, homer, .348 ... Curtis Granderson DET 2-4, 17th & 18th homers, 4 RBI, .306 ... Boof Bonser MIN 6.2 5 2 1 0 9, 4.66

SOUTHERN --  Todd Moser STL 6.1 6 2 2 0 5, W 2-1 ... Skip Schumaker STL OF 2-3, R, BB, SB (13) ... Ryan Ketchner LA 6.0 5 3 3 2 5, L 7-5 ... Roger Deago SD 5.0 5 2 0 3 3 ... Chris Seddon TB 6.0 2 1 1 2 5 ... Andy Marte ATL 3B 2-5, R, HR (20), RBI ... Brett Evert ATL 5.0 4 2 2 1 4 ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3B 1-5, R, 2B, K, SB (16) ... Steve Kelly CIN 5.0 5 3 1 4 5 ... Trevor Hutchinson FLA 7.0 7 2 2 2 3 ... Renyel Pinto CHN 6.0 3 1 1 4 7

TEXAS --  Ryan Shealy COL 2-4, 2 doubles, 3 RBI & 2-4, 26th homer, 3 RBI, .328 ... Jeff Mathis ANA 1-3, double ... RA Dickey TEX, rehab, 3.0 3 1 0 0 0 ... Juan DominguezTEX 2.1 0 1 1 1 4 ... Angel Berroa KC 2-5, homer ... Ian Kinsler TEX 2-3, walk ... reliever Huston Street OAK, moved up to AA, 1.0 2 0 0 0 0 ... SS Omar Quintanilla OAK 3-4, double

CAROLINA --  Brian McCann ATL 2-4, R, double … Josh Anderson HOU 2-4, double, RBI … Pat Osborn CLE 1-3, R, BB … Nathan Panther CLE 0-3, R, BB … Brad Snyder CLE (CF) 1-4, R, HR (3rd in 2 games), RBI, K … Rajai Davis PIT 0-4, 2 K … Adam Miller CLE (W) 7 3 2 2 1 5 (1-1, 2.18) … Josh Fields CHA 2-3, RBI, K … Casey Rogowski CHA 0-4 … Ryan Sweeney CHA 0-4, K … Pedro Lopez CHA 2-4, R, double … Tripper Johnson BAL 0-3, BB, K …

FLORIDA STATE --  All games postponed.

CALIFORNIA --  Jon Nelson SEA 2-4, 16th homer ... Steven Shell ANA 9.0 5 0 0 0 13, 10-5, 3.55 ... Jay Garthwaite ARZ 2-3, homer, .329

MIDWEST --  can't even hope to contain him Brian Dopirak CHN 2-4, 35th HR ... Hector Made (SS) NYA 2-4, E (.283) ... Brandon Harmsen NYA 7.0 10 4 3 0 3 (3.06) ... Juan Francia DET 2-5 (.332) ... just called up from the Idaho Falls Chukars (that's the dully-colored Indian partridge, of course) Justin Sherman KC 6.0 5 2 2 1 4 ... Chris Lubanski KC 2-4, BB ... we're waiting Dan Putnam OAK 0-4, 2 K (.263) ... Lou Palmisano MIL 1-3, BB, K (.295) ... superb, again Glen Perkins MIN 6.0 4 0 0 1 9 (W, 2-1, 1.07) ... Adam Jones SEA 1-5, double, K, E (.266) ... Brendan Ryan STL 3-5, double, K (.335) ... Chris Lambert STL 6.0 3 0 0 2 11 (W, 1-1, 2.63) ... Daric Barton STL 1-3, 13th HR ... Sean Thompson SD 6.0 3 1 1 2 7 (3.48)

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Chuck Tiffany LA, 5.0 2 1 1 2 12 (4.21) ... Mike Nixon LA, 1-3, homer (5), 3 RBI ... Ryan Goleski CLE, 1-3, homer (24), 2 RBI & 1-4, .297 ... Caleb Stewart NYM, 3-3, 4 RBI & 2-3, homer, 2 RBI ... Jerry Owens MON, 4-4, 2 doubles, RBI ... Erick San Pedro MON, 3-3, homer (1), 2 RBI ... Antoin Gray CHW, 3-4, 2 runs & 1-3, walk, .299 ... Leo Daigle CHW 3-4, homer (15), 4 RBI & 0-3 ... Chris Young CHW, 2-4, steal (31) &  2-3 ... Kory Casto MON 3-4, double, 4 RBI & 1-4, RBI ... Michael Bourn PHI, 2-5, double, steal (45) & 2-3, 2 walks, 2 runs, .310 ... Jake Blalock PHI, 1-3, 2 runs ... Nate Cabrera PHI, 7.0 2 0 0 3 8 (W 5-3, 3.46) ... Bryan Bass BAL, 3-4, 2 homers (6), 7 RBI ... Zach Dixon BAL, 5.0 6 4 1 2 7 (W 8-4, 2.51) ... Ian Stewart COL, 1-4, homer (28), RBI ... Jordan Czarnecki COL, 1-5, homer (13), RBI ... Chris Ianetta COL, 1-4, homer (2), RBI ... Delmon Young TB, 1-3 ... Adam Boeve PIT, 2-4 ... Leo Nunez PIT, 5.2 4 1 1 3 7 (3.04) ... Matt Esquivel ATL, 1-4, RBI, 3 strikeouts ... Thomas Mastny TOR, 6.0 2 1 1 0 8 (W 8-3, 2.28) ... nice debut for BOS catcher Argimiro Guanchez 3-3, double, 4 RBI

" ... The 18-year old [Delmon] Young led the league in hits with 12 and on-base-percentage with a .593 mark. He batted .522 for the week (2nd) and had a rather impressive slugging mark of .870, belting two homers and two doubles of his 12 hits last week ...  For the season, Young leads his club in batting at .308, homers with 21, and RBI with 98. He has 20 doubles and has scored 72 runs, while stealing 15 bases in 108 games this season." (South Atlantic League)

NEW YORK-PENN --  Kurt Ainsworth BAL, rehab, 3.2 2 1 1 2 4 ... Steve Karsay NYA, rehab, 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 ...

APPALACHIAN --  SS Reid Brignac TB 0-2, walk & 0-1, 2 walks, .459

NORTHWEST --  Ryan Harvey CHN 12th homer ... OF John Bowker SF 4-5, double, homer ... the streaky Lachlan Dale 2-4, 14th double, 14th homer, .251 ... Matthew Tuiasosopo SEA 2-5, double, triple, SB, .361 ... catcher Omar Falcon SEA 4-4, walk, 2 doubles, homer, 4 RBI, .254

PIONEER --  Brian McFall KC 2-4, double, .340 ... Blake DeWitt LA 2-4, 2 doubles, .278 ... Tom Collaro CHA 11th homer, 3 RBI ... can you imagine how this might play in Coors?, Stephen Edsall COL  2.2 12 11 11 1 1 ... SS Chris Nelson COL 3-5, .346 ... Dustin Hahn 3B COL 4-4, 17th double, 5th homer, walk, .314 ... Seth Smith COL 2-5, 8th homer, 3 RBI, .358 ... Sean Rodriguez ANA 8th homer, .386

    Troop movements ... MIL -- placed RHP Brooks Kieschnick on the DL, recalled LHP Jorge De La Rosa from AAA ... KC -- acquired pitcher Matt Kinney off waivers from MIL, designated catcher Mike Tonis for assignment ... CHN -- signed Grant Johnson, 2nd round pick ... NYN -- placed Jose Reyes on the DL, recalled Pedro Feliciano from AAA ... SF -- waivers on Neifi perez, recalled Kevin Correia from AAA ... TB -- released Robert Fick, optioned Jeremi Gonzalez to AAA, recalled Jorge Cantu from AAA, purchased the contract of pitcher Franklin Nunez from AAA ... DET -- Activated Gary Knotts from the DL, optioned John Ennis to AAA, promoted Joel Zumaya to AA ...

" ... The Chicago White announced ... pitcher, Brandon McCarthy, has been promoted to AA Birmingham. McCarthy, in eight starts with the Warthogs, was 6-0 with a 2.08 ERA. McCarthy struck out 60 hitters and walked only three in 52 innings pitched. In a start at Myrtle Beach on July 31, McCarthy struck out a career high 16. In a combined 23 starts between low A Kannapolis and Winston-Salem, McCarthy was 14-5 with a 3.08 ERA. In 146 innings, McCarthy struck out 173 and walked only 24 ...   rated as the 11th best prospect in the Chicago White Sox organization by Baseball America." (Winston-Salem Warthogs)

    John Sickels, ESPN.com, on new Twin Justin Jones :

" ... The Cubs drafted Jones in the second round in 2002 ... At 6-4, he can hit 94 mph and has an excellent changeup. He posted a 2.28 ERA in 16 starts for Class A Lansing last year, and returned to that level this season but pitched less effectively, with a 3.78 ERA in 15 starts. His ratios are generally good, and being a strike-throwing 19-year-old lefty with a good arm, he has a bright future. The caveat is health: he's been shutdown several times with shoulder woes. While surgery has been avoided thus far, and the problems are not said to be serious, the risk of injury is at least as bad as for any other pitcher his age, and maybe worse. That said, this is still a trade you make if you're the Twins, adding another promising, if risky, arm to the minor league stable, while giving up a major league salary that was excess to your needs."

    More on MIL's Lou Palmisano from Jeremy Deloney, Baseball Miscellany :

" ...  The Brewers front office has been delighted with the offensive and defensive package that Palmisano brings to the table. The 6'1" 205 pound righthanded hitter offers quick wrists resulting in good bat speed and power at the plate. Though mostly unrealized power, Palmisano has shown maturity with the bat by hitting effectively the opposite way. Once he becomes more confident in his pitch recognition skills, he'll start to pull the ball more resulting in more home runs. He projects to become a .300 hitter with 20+ HR power at the major league level. It is a cliche, but Palmisano does "run well for a catcher". In order to get better offensively, he'll need to tone down his aggressiveness at the plate. That is just a minor quabble, however. From a defensive standpoint, Palmisano is very polished for a 21 year old catcher. He is very athletic behind the dish, with agility, quickness, and good blocking skills. He also has soft hands, a strong arm, and calls a good game. Much like most young catchers, he'll need to work on a quicker release on his throws to second but that will improve with more experience. It is entirely possible for Palmisano to skip high A next season, though the Brewers might be hesitant to do that based upon the hitters park that he would be playing at in High Desert. He is clearly the top catching prospect in the organization and one of the top ten in the minor leagues. The only thing standing between Palmisano and the majors is experience."

    Some ANA kids in line to win September MLB time :

" ... Galarraga, first baseman Casey Kotchman and utility player Shane Halter are expected to join the Angels by Sept. 1, when rosters can be expanded. But don't be surprised if one or two lesser-known minor leaguers, such as triple-A infielder Zach Sorensen or Class-A infielder Erick Aybar, are called up in September. The Angels are mindful of the impact speedster Chone Figgins had on their World Series run in 2002, and they believe players such as Sorenson, who has 17 stolen bases in 21 attempts at Salt Lake, and Aybar, who has 44 stolen bases in 76 attempts at Rancho Cucamonga, could make similar contributions. "We definitely want to insert some instant offense, guys who can be a force with the bat off the bench or as a pinch-runner," Scioscia said. Third-base prospect Dallas McPherson, who hit .321 with 20 homers and 69 RBIs at double-A Arkansas and is batting .289 with 13 homers and 34 RBIs at Salt Lake, will be considered, but not as a reward for a stellar minor league season. "If you're just going to reward a guy because he's having a good season, you're going to have 42 guys in the clubhouse and possible dysfunction," Scioscia said. "Dallas is in the mix, but we have enough depth coming off the bench. The criteria [for being called up] is the guy has to have a role to help us win a championship." (LA Times)

    Big time arm ... and mouth -- JD Durbin MIN :

" ... You come up against a pitcher like him, you can't make any mistakes,” interim Ottawa manager Dave Cash said. “You don't see that kind of fastball in this league.” Durbin was clocked at 97 mph and regularly hit 95. His mouth runs at about the same speed, and he seems to enjoy talking as much as pitching. “I say what I mean and mean what I say,” he says with a smile. “If I don't like you I'll tell you. “I've always been that way.” No surprise that his idol is Charles Barkley, who was as famous for his outrageous quotes as his basketball skills. “Barkley said what he felt and backed it up,” says Durbin (1-0), who has a 1.38 ERA in two Red Wing starts. “I loved that about him.” Durbin has been the same way for most of his 22 years. Selected by the Minnesota Twins in the second round of the 2000 draft, he labeled himself “The Real Deal” before his pro debut ...  win over Ottawa improved his career record to 36-12. He was so respected in the Double-A Eastern League this year that he made the mid-season All-Star team despite missing seven weeks with a frayed labrum ... The Twins pride themselves on signing players with good character, and Wings manager Phil Roof believes the gregarious Durbin fits right in. “His confidence is a plus-plus,” Roof says. “He's cocky, and he shows it in his body posture. You'd much rather have him be that way than the other way. “He can take a knock or two and still feel good about himself.” ...  Durbin mixes his blinding fastball with a sharp breaking ball, a deceptive changeup and a slider that hits 87 mph. “If he's on, you're not going to beat him,” Roof says ... Durbin figures to earn his first shot at the major leagues next month, when rosters expand to 40. “He's on the fast track,” Roof says. “J.D. Durbin is going places.” (Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)

  Jeremy Deloney, Baseball Miscellany, reviews the status of BOS catcher Kelly Shoppach :

" ... Shoppach, 24, was a 2nd round draft pick in 2001 ... known mostly as a sound defensive catcher with some power potential. He's starting to realize the power potential and has gotten even better behind the plate, but the question remains if Shoppach will be able to hit enough to become a big league regular. Playing with Pawtucket, Shoppach is hitting .231/.310/.465 with 18 doubles and 20 HR. He's accumulated 36 walks and struck out 116 times ... Shoppach shines brightly behind the dish. He has above average catch and throw skills and his quick release on throws is as good as any catcher in professional baseball. He's known as a good blocker and a solid leader. The Red Sox rave about his work ethic and his willingness to get better. There are no worries about how his defensive prowess will translate into the Majors. Offensively, on the other hand, there are some legitimate questions. Shoppach has never been a .300 hitter and doesn't profile to become that. He usually goes to the plate with a solid approach, but has regressed this year by chasing bad pitches and trying to hit the ball out of the park too often ...  profiles to be a .250-.260 hitter with 20+ HR abilities in the big leagues at peak."

  Non-college guy one of the A's emerging prospects -- OF Javier Herrera :

" ...   Herrera has made a full recovery from an injury he sustained last year in the Arizona League, when he ran into the center-field fence chasing a line drive and lost feeling in his legs. He was airlifted to a Phoenix hospital then wore a neck brace for almost a month, and when he came back he was not the same explosive player he had been before the injury. Herrera went just 6-for-32 (.188) with one home run and one stolen base after returning. A's farm director Keith Lieppman said Herrera has turned the corner this year, though. He had a strong extended spring training and has kept it going for the Canadians despite playing in a pitcher-friendly park, batting .331-7-30 with 12 stolen bases. "He's really one of the guys that's a real typical tools player," Lieppman said. "He runs well, he has the ability to steal bases, a great throwing arm, outstanding range in the outfield. There are a lot of tools guys, but he's really making something of them, and with the power, he's got a lot going for him." (Baseball America)

  Ted Lukacs, The Minors First, has some notes on a pair of Yankee prospects in the FSL :

" ... 3rd Baseman Eric Duncan, the Yankees' #2 prospect, has lived up to the hype thus far. He was the Yanks' 1st rounder in 2003, and hit well in the GCL and NYP Leagues. This season, after whacking 23 doubles and 12 HRs in 78 games in the Midwest League, the Yankees promoted him to Tampa and dropped him into the #3 slot. He is hitting .240, but that is deceptive because he has 17 walks in about 100 official AB's. 10 doubles and 4 HRs, and an OPS of 780. He has a quick bat and generates lots of power. Does not appear to be that good a fielder--botched a couple of balls during the series. But you have to love that bat. He is 19, though, and could improve, though BB America seems to think he will eventually move to 1st."

" ... OF Melky Cabrera ... signed out of the Dominican Republic. He is 19, and after a successful 2003 in the NYP League, he moved up to the Midwest League. After 42 games there, he was hitting .333 with an OPS of .850. No HRs, but 16 doubles. So rather than wait until mid-season, they moved him up to Tampa even before Duncan moved up. At Tampa, he is hitting .300 with an OPS of 820, and has 18 doubles and 5 HRs. With three weeks left in the season, he now has 34 doubles. He is listed at 5'11, 170, and the 170 looks optimistic. Lots of speed and he made some terrific plays in the field against St. Lucie."

13 August 2004

    Game action ... INT --  Matt Diaz (TB, RF) 2-4, RBI ... Jason Kubel (MIN, RF) 2-3, 2B, R, BB ... Terry Tiffee (MIN, 1B) 3-4, RBI ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, LF) 1-2, Sac, SB ... Byung-Hyun Kim (BOS) 5.0 9 5 5 0 3 ... David Krynzel (MIL, CF) 1-5, 6th HR, R, 2 RBI, Sac

PCL --  just one game on the schedule, Josh Karp MON 5.1 6 4 3 1 8, 5.50 ... Mark Teahen KC 3-4, 2 doubles, 6th homer, .291 ... Brendan Harris MON 2-4, double, .273

EASTERN --  Ian Snell PIT 5.0 1 0 0 4 11, 10-6, 3.24 ... Brad Eldred PIT 2-5, 2 homers, 4 RBI ... Kevin West MIN 3-5, 24th homer ... Garrett Jones MIN 2-5, 24th homer

SOUTHERN --  Prince Fielder MIL 1B 2-2, R, HR (20), RBI, 2 BB ... Peter Bauer FLA 7.0 5 1 1 0 5 ... Josh Axelson STL 7.0 3 1 1 4 2 ... Heath Phillips CHA 5.0 2 0 0 1 4, W 10-8 ... Micah Hoffpauir CHN 3-5, R, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 K ... Richard Gardner CIN 5.0 10 4 2 0 5, W 3-2 ... Scott Kazmir TB 6.0 2 0 0 3 7, 1.50 ... Glenn Woolard MIL 7.0 2 0 0 3 4, 2.65

TEXAS --  Jeremy Brown OAK (C) 3-3, 2 RBI(40), .267 ... Welcome to AA, Omar Quintanilla OAK (SS) 2-4, RBI(1, .500 ... Michael Morse SEA (SS) 2-3, R, HR(5), 3 RBI(30), .263 ... Adam Haley AZ (SS) 2-3, RBI(10), .244... the Arizona trio with trouble again - Quentin, Jackson, Snyder a combined 1-8 against - Jared Gothreaux HOU 7 4 0 0 0 7, 3.69 (W 9-6) ... Willy Taveras HOU (CF) 2-4, 2R, 2B, .335... Brooks Conrad HOU (2B) 2-4, R, 2B, RBI(73), .289... Jeff Salazar COL (CF) 1-5, R, HR(1), RBI(14), .248 ... Danny Sandoval COL (SS) 3-5, 2R, 2 2B, .317 ... this guy is gonna LOVE Coors, Ryan Shealy COL (1B) 3-5, R, HR(25), 3RBI(82), .324 ... Alberto Callaspo ANA 1-4, R, HR(6), RBI(41), .291 ... Nick Gorneault ANA (DH) 3-4, 2R, HR(15),2RBI(70), .287 ... Jeff Mathis ANA 2-4, 2B, RBI(51), .247 ... Mike Eylward ANA (1B) 3-4, R, 2RBI(56), .266...  dunno about the glove, but the bat seems to be fine, Angel Berroa KC 2-5, 2SB(3), .474... Justin Gemoll KC (3B) 2-4, R, 2B, .278... Ian Kinsler TX (SS) 2-5, .311... Jeff Waldron TX (C) 2-4, .342... Mike MacDougal KC 1 1 0 0 0 0, 2.16

CAROLINA --  Josh Fields CHA 2-4, R, 2 K … Casey Rogowski CHA 1-4, R, K … Ryan Sweeney CHA 1-4 … Pedro Lopez CHA 1-4 … Donnie Murphy KC 3-5, R, triple, 2 RBI (63), 2 K … Shane Costa KC 1-4, RBI … Mike Aviles KC 2-3, R, double, BB … Sean Tracey CHA 7 5 0 0 1 7 (3.08)

FLORIDA STATE --  Melky Cabrera (NYA, CF) 2-3 Double R … Rudy Guillen (NYA, RF) 2-4 Double RBI … Chris Isaacson (NYA) 7 6 2 2 3 2 ND - 3.12 ERA … Alex Romero (MIN, DH) 2-3 R … Ron Davenport (TOR, DH) 2-4 … James Shanks (FLA, CF) 3-5 HR(5) 2R 2RBI … Scott Olson (FLA) 5 7 5 1 1 6 ND 3.44 ERA … Delwyn Young (LA, 2B) 2-4 2 Doubles 2R 3RBI … Andy Laroche (LA, 3B) 2-5 Double RBI

CALIFORNIA --  Rett Johnson SEA 1.0 0 0 0 2 2 ... Enrique Gonzalez ARZ  7.0 5 0 0 3 7, 12-5, 3.38 ... Reggie Abercrombie ARZ 2-4, 2 doubles ... MIL 1B Travis Hinton 2-3, double, 19th homer ... Antonio Osuna SD, rehab, 1.0 0 0 0 0 1

MIDWEST --  this is a hitter, Howie Kendrick (2B) ANA 8th HR (.359/.389/.554) ... Brandon Wood ANA 1-3, 2 BB, 2 K (.271) ... Daric Barton STL 2-3, BB (.312) ... Chris Lubanski KC 2-4, K (.264) ... Kody Kirkland DET 0-3, 2 K ... now THAT'S a pitchers duel Christhian Martinez DET 8.0 3 0 0 2 7 (3.07) versus Travis Chick SD 7.0 2 0 0 2 10 (3.71) ... Micah Furtado TEX 0-3, K (.305) ... same old same old Brad Knox OAK 6.0 3 1 1 2 10 (2.33, #2 Midwest League ERA) ... "effectively wild" Adam Harben MIN 6.1 1 2 2 7 13 (2.81) ... Kyle Geiger MIN 4-9, K (.338) ... in relief Justin Jones MIN 3.0 1 1 1 3 3 (down to 6.75) ... Brian Dopirak CHN 1-9, double, BB, 5 K (.304) ... Billy Petrick CHN 6.0 4 1 0 1 4 (3.67)

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Jeff Fiorentino BAL, 3-5, homer (6), double, 3 RBI ... James Johnson BAL, 6.0 7 2 2 2 6 (3.29) ... Ian Stewart COL, 2-4, homer (27), 2 RBI ... Chris Ianetta COL, 2-4, double ... Jason Pridie TB, 3-5, homer (15), double, RBI ... Delmon Young TB, 0-4 ... Josh Kranawetter TB, 6.1 5 4 2 2 9 (L 3-2, 1.79) ... Andrew Sonnastine TB, 1.2 0 0 0 0 4 (0.84) ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL, 3-4, double, 2 RBI ... Martin Prado ATL, 2-5, 2 doubles, steal (12) ... Ervin Alcantara HOU, 1-3, homer (15), 3 RBI ... Derick Grigsby HOU, 6.0 8 2 2 0 8 (4.44)

NEW YORK-PENN --  Steve Karsay NYA, rehab, 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 ... FLO's first rounder Taylor Tankersley 4.0 1 2 1 2 5 ... OF Adam Lind TOR 3-3, 16th double, 5th homer, 5 RBI, .337

APPALACHIAN --  HOU CF Mitch Einertson (also, see below) 3-4, 17th homer, walk, 4th SB, .283

NORTHWEST --  OAK CF Javier Herrera 4-5, 10th double, 8th homer, 14th SB, 3 RBI, .344 ... Matthew Tuiasosopo SEA 1-4, 2 Ks, .355 ... well, there goes the phenom tag, AJ Shappi ARZ 5.0 13 5 5 1 4, 1.69 ... OF Chris Carter ARZ 2-5, 10th homer, .338 ... Colt Morton SD 2-4, 14th homer, 3 RBI, 289

PIONEER --  Billy Butler KC 3-5, .401 ... Brian McFall KC 2-4, 11th homer, .337 ... ANA 2B Joshua Leblanc 3-3, walk, double, homer, .301

ARIZONA -- (Wed) Matt Bush SD back in the lineup, dropped from leadoff to the No. 2 slot, 0-3, error, .182 ... Joey Piekarz OAK, 2004 signee as an undrafted FA, first start, 4.0 1 0 0 1 8, 2.01

GULF COAST --  catcher Neil Walker PIT 1st rounder, 4th homer, .255 ...  (Wed) Scott Mitchinson PHI 7.0 6 4 4 0 5, 2.03 (K/BB ratio, 46-1) ... Neil Walker PIT  1-3, 3rd homer ...  Yanks pretty cautious with their 1st rounder Philip Hughes 2.0 1 0 0 0 4, now three starts, total of 5 IP, no runs, no walks, 8 Ks ...

    Troop movements ... NYN -- optioned Pedro Feliciano & Matt Ginter to AAA, recalled Dan Wheeler & Wilson Delgado from AAA ... FLO -- activated RHP Armando Benitez from the DL, optioned Ben Howard to AAA ... CIN -- placed outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. on the 60-day DL, purchased the contract of Darren Bragg from AAA ... TEX -- optioned RHP Nick Regilio to AAA, recalled LHP Erasmo Ramirez from AAA ... CLE -- once high-promising Alex Escobar released ...

    John Manuel, Baseball America, has his picks as the best of the third base prospects with Andy Marte ATL and Ian Stewart COL ranking ahead of ANA's Dallas McPherson :

" ... Just 20, Marte has a combination of tools, production and experience that gives him an edge on Ian Stewart and Dallas McPherson. He doesn't quite have McPherson's power, but he has more than enough, especially to the opposite field. He has good pitch recognition and is the kind of hitter who should be even better as pitchers are around the plate more at higher levels ...  slugging .553 while playing excellent defense at third. His defense--few doubt that his arm and athletic ability will allow him to stay at the position--also gives him an edge."

And, if you're looking for a sleeper ... ranked No. 5 is LA's Andy LaRoche :

" ...  has shown a high ceiling and aptitude for his new position. A shortstop in junior college, LaRoche has range and mobility more befitting a third baseman, and more than enough arm strength. A bigger question was his power, but he's shown enough to profile for third. He has strong hands and good bat speed to catch up to good fastballs, and he had 10 homers in his first 161 at-bats since a promotion to high Class A (and 23 on the year overall). With more experience, LaRoche should continue to learn which pitches he can drive and could have 30-homer potential."

    Over at SportsBlurb, Seth Trachtman, has begun a position-by-position review of the top prospects.  BJ Upton took the cake at shortstop, with another recent callup at No. 2 and an emerging star right behind :

" ... Jose Lopez...  20-years-old and also performed admirably in Triple-A. Lopez's tools are a step below Upton's right now, but he still has the ability to be a 20/20 man based on his minor league numbers to this point. He was hitting .295-13-39 with 16 walks and five steals in 275 at-bats at Triple-A Tacoma prior to his call-up. He is considered a solid defensive shortstop, though I do have quite a bit of concern with his walk rate. Still, there is no doubt that this is going to be a solid real and fantasy shortstop for years to come."

" ... Joel Guzman ...   was considered one of the most talented prospects in the game a couple years ago, but he has not started hitting until this year. The 19-year-old hit .307-14-51 in Low-A earlier this year and has been hitting just as well since his call-up to Double-A. Plate discipline is a major issue that will need to be corrected if he wants to stick in the Dodgers organization, but his ceiling could be even higher than Miguel Tejada."

And, at 2B, Trachtman rates Rickie Weeks as the top young gun with HOU's Chris Burke as the runnerup :

" ...  Burke is a former first round pick that could be similar to the Craig Biggio that Astros fans remember. The 24-year-old has been a decent average hitter with good base stealing ability at all levels, but this season he has also added 14 homers in Triple-A. Add very good plate discipline and good defense and you have a player that could be one of the top fantasy second basemen in the game for a long time. Weeks has more upside, but Burke is a sure thing."

    Rob Blackstien, CREATiVE SPORTS, on a promising OF future for ARZ :

" ... The Arizona outfield of the future looks all-world, starting with Conor Jackson, moved from third base this year. Jackson began the year at high Sinle-A Lancaster where he scored 64 runs off of 89 hits good for 145 total bases ...  a .345 BA with a whopping 1000 OPS. Carlos Quentin also began the year with Lancaster ...  delivering 75 hits, 136 TB, 14 2B, 1 3B, 15 HR, 51 RBI, 25 BB, 5 SB, a .310 batting average and an OPS of 990. Jackson and Quentin were promoted to Double-A El Paso together and neither has missed a beat ...  Joining the Lancaster Jethawks as Jackson and Quentin departed, was the D-Back’s second-round pick this year, Jonathan Zeringue, the final member of this trio of star Arizona OF prospects. In his professional debut, former LSU star Zeringue hasn’t had a tough time adjusting: 31 G, 131 AB, 16 R, 46 H, 10 2B, 1 3B, 4 SB, .351 BA and .511 SLG. However, of concern is his strikeout to walk ratio of 25/3."

    Tim Polko, RotoHelp, with a short-term outfield possibility for the D'Backs :

" ... Josh Kroeger, 21 ...  his solid BA and power production make him a strong candidate for a September cup-of-coffee, which could lead to a starting job at either corner outfield spot for Arizona next spring. He rebounded nicely after a slow start with Tucson and now ranks as the next likely call-up on the Sidewinders. Although I don't expect Kroeger to secure a long-term job at the BOB with Conor Jackson, Carlos Quentin, Luis Terrero, and possibly Scott Hairston and Sergio Santos as outfield competition, he possesses intriguing short-term potential as a power source in a home field very conducive to his skills."

   Jeremy Deloney, Baseball Miscellany, with his take on Brad Sullivan OAK :

" ... He's struggled this year in his first full minor league season. With high A Modesto, Sullivan is 6-8 with a 4.28 ERA in 21 starts. He's walked 39 and struck out 81 in 117.2 innings. Sullivan lost some velocity on his fastball late last season and it continued at the start of this year. It's now back in the high-80s and sometimes touches 90-91. His former late-breaking 82-85 slider now works in the high 70s-low 80s. The Athletics aren't worried, however. Due to some mechanical changes in his delivery, Sullivan is just starting to get comfortable. His changeup is improving and the velocity is coming back. Despite the lackluster year, Sullivan could still see the Majors in 2006."

   Giants may get an unexpected bonus for the September stretch run :

" ... Jesse Foppert is well on his way to returning to the big leagues after missing nearly a season following Tommy John surgery last Aug. 20. He'll make his first rehabilitation start at Triple-A Fresno on Friday, throwing 50 pitches. He has made several rehab starts at Single-A San Jose. Foppert is on schedule for a September comeback. "I'm glad for him that he's been able to do that, but I wouldn't say I'm excited yet," Alou said. "I'm happy for him. We don't want to get excited yet until we make sure he's feeling good and continues to do what he's doing." (Contra Costa Times)

   Already, the rosters begin to take shape for the Arizona Fall League :

" ...  second baseman Rickie Weeks, the Milwaukee Brewers' top draft pick a year ago, is scheduled to take part in the Arizona Fall League, which bills itself as a finishing school for top prospects.Weeks, who is batting .255 with six homers, 34 RBI and a .368 on-base percentage for the Stars this season, will play for the Scottsdale Scorpions. Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said that Weeks, who will not be called up to the big leagues in September, will be joined by Class AAA Indianapolis centerfielder David Krynzel, who missed much of the season with a broken foot, and four pitchers: right-hander Jesse Harper and lefty Jeff Housman (Huntsville), and lefties Manny Parra and Mitch Stetter (Class A High Desert).  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

   Matthew Pouliot, RotoWorld, on a pair of on-rushing shortstop prospects :

" ...  Erick Aybar ... establishing himself as the Angels’ shortstop of the future.  A 20-year-old signed out of the Dominican Republic ... he’s batting .350/.394/.519 with 44 steals in 457 AB for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. Aybar has a chance to be Edgar Renteria offensively. The switch-hitter shows decent power from both sides of the plate and currently projects as someone who could average 30 doubles and 10 homers per year. I’m just not convinced he won’t regress. Instead of watching them go by, Aybar turns offerings out of the strike zone into groundouts too often. He’ll need to do a better job of finding his pitch if he’s going to be a Renteria-type hitter. Otherwise, we’re talking about another Cristian Guzman. Defensively, Aybar is talented but inconsistent ...  With 2003 first-round pick Brandon Wood one level behind him and last year’s Midwest League batting champion Alberto Callaspo ahead of him, Aybar is going to need to keep producing in order to make it to the majors."

" ... Matt Tuiasosopo  ... The Mariners were without a pick in the first two rounds of this year’s draft, so they targeted a first-round talent with the 93rd overall selection, luring Tuiasosopo away from a University of Washington football scholarship. Time will tell if Tuiasosopo is really a shortstop, but he is a tremendous athlete and he’s hit better so far than anyone could have expected. He certainly has upside."

   Notes from the International League :

" ... Right-handed pitcher Ben Hendrickson is setting his sights on the IL ERA title. The 23-year-old needs four more innings to qualify for the minimum number of innings pitched (115) to compete for the honor. It is conceivable that he could get three more starts before the year ends. After Wednesday night’s performance at Columbus, Hendrickson has posted a 2.19 ERA and remains the league leader by a wide margin over Charlotte’s Felix Diaz (2.97 ERA)."

" ... By going 0-4 Wednesday night against Pawtucket, Bisons’ infielder Brandon Phillips was finally kept off the base paths. Phillips had reached base safely in the previous 51 games, setting the International League-high for the season. The stretch lasted June 15-August 10, and included hit streaks of 18 games (6/20-7/10(1)) and 16 games (7/11-7/30). Over the span, Phillips hit .365 (74-203) with 18 doubles, two triples, two home runs and a .431 on-base percentage."

   So far, so good ... MIL's hopes for a the development of a catcher for the Brewers :

" ...  Lou Palmisano ... knows there aren't a lot of catching roadblocks between him and the big leagues in the upper rungs of the organizational ladder. That doesn't mean Palmisano is on the lookout for housing in the Milwaukee area just yet. First things first ... A third-round pick in the 2003 draft, Palmisano is enjoying a solid season with the Snappers. Entering play Wednesday night, Palmisano was batting .298 with 20 doubles, four home runs and 51 RBI. The Brewers like Palmisano as much for his take-charge nature behind the plate, which earned him the nickname "Captain Lou" last year with the rookie Helena club. Palmisano was so impressive at Helena, where he batted .391 with six homers and 43 RBI in only 47 games, he was voted league MVP despite missing the final month with a broken ankle. Baseball America magazine ranks Palmisano as the No. 5 catching prospect in the minors this season, noting his athleticism behind the plate and ability to hit to all fields ... Brewers officials are keeping tabs on Palmisano. When he was having trouble with his throwing mechanics earlier in the season, he was summoned to Miller Park for a couple of private sessions with coach Rich Donnelly. "I was having trouble finding my release point," said Palmisano. "I was concentrating on my hitting and got away from working on my footwork and release point. After those sessions, I saw a huge difference." Palmisano has been encouraged to keep the proper balance between offense and defense in his work sessions. As for the possibility of advancing quickly through the Brewers' system, he tries not to think too far ahead. "I'm taking it year by year," said Palmisano. "Where they put me is where I'm going to play. They haven't told me any plans for next year." (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

   Astros all smiles over the progress of a power-hitting CF :

" ...  thrilled to be able to nab Mitch Einertson in the fifth round of this year's draft, making him only one of two high school players the Astros drafted in their first 17 picks ... off to a fast start at rookie league Greeneville of the Appalachian League, hitting .275 with a team-leading 10 doubles, 15 homers and 44 RBIs in 149 at-bats. "I had expectations, but I've exceeded a lot of them," said Einertson, who turned down a scholarship to San Diego State to sign the Astros. "The pitching here is a lot different than high school. I'm pretty happy with the way I've been able to adjust to the pitching." He also has been able to adjust to being away from home for the first time ...  Einertson has made a solid first impression on Greeneville manager Tim Bogar. "I think he's got an outstanding idea at the plate," Bogar said. "His swing has got that power type swing to it. He generates a lot of power with his body and his hands. He's got a quick bat for a young kid. He sits back on breaking balls pretty well. "Lately he's been struggling with that, but for being 18 years old and facing some of the pitching he's facing now, it's pretty impressive how he can take some pretty good breaking pitches like he does." ... He leads all short-season minor-league players with 15 home runs, and Bogar said his power numbers should get better. "He's got a small-frame body (5-10)," Bogar said. "I'd compare him in size to Craig Biggio."

12 August 2004

    Updated listings for the Top 10s by Team, Top Prospects by League.

    Game action ... INT --  Matt Diaz (TB, RF) 2-4, 3B, R ... Doug Waechter (TB) 2.2 2 1 1 3 2 ... Dustin Moseley (CIN) 6.0 9 5 5 2 6 ... Jason Bartlett (MIN, SS) 2-5, 3B, R, RBI ... Jason Kubel (MIN, RF) 2-5, RBI ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, DH) 0-4 ... Scott Baker (MIN) 8.2 7 3 3 1 5 ... Russ Adams (TOR, SS) 2-5, 3B, R, 2 RBI ... Ryan Howard (PHI, 1B) 1-5, 1st HR, R, RBI ... Josh Bard (CLE, C) 2-4 ... Francisco Cruceta (CLE) 6.0 5 3 3 4 7 ... Arnie Munoz (CHA) 5.1 8 4 4 4 3 ... Michael Vento (NYA, RF) 3-5, 2 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI ... Robinson Cano (NYA, 2B) 3-5, RBI ... Chien-Ming Wang (NYA) 6.0 3 1 1 1 3 ... rehab, Mike Mussina (NYA) 3.0 2 0 0 0 5 ... Ben Hendrickson (MIL) 6.0 9 2 1 1 6

PCL --  Travis Blackley SEA, spanked again, 6.0 7 6 6 2 4 ... Chris Burke HOU 0-1, 3 walks, 30th SB, .320 ... Justin Germano SD 6.2 5 1 1 1 6 ... Sam Narron TEX 8.0 5 1 1 1 2 ... Cubs' 2B Richard Lewis 2-4, homer, 3 RBI, .452 ... Casey Kotchman ANA 2-4, RBI, .355 ... Joe Blanton OAK 8.0 9 3 3 1 6, 4.42 ... Clint Barmes COL 2-4, .324 ... Brad Hawpe COL 2-4, 21st & 22nd homers ... Ryan Church MON 2-4, 16th homer ... Brandon Lyon ARZ, obviously not ready, 0.1 4 4 4 1 1 ... Freddy Sanchez PIT 3-5, double ... hot streak continues, Cody Ross LA 3-5, 2 doubles, triple, 4 RBI, .295

EASTERN --  might be his best game of the season, Kenny Baugh DET 7.0 7 0 0 1 6, 3.65 ... an amazing run of success, Gustavo Chacin TOR 8.0 3 0 0 1 5, 14-2, 3.12 ... Zach Duke PIT, quite spectacular too in his AA stint, 6.0 4 1 0 2 4, 0.90 ... SS Aaron Hill TOR, showing some spark lately, 2-4, triple, 9th homer, .285 ... Hanley Ramirez BOS 2-3, homer, 2 walks ... Matthew Cain SF 7.0 3 0 0 4 5, 6-1, 2.33 ... maybe he's just a late bloomer, Josh McKinley, the Expos top pick in the 1998 draft, now seems to "have it" ... 3-6, 7th & 8th homers, 5 RBI, .286 (since getting blanked on July 23rd, McKinley, playing CF, has been on base in 16 straight games)

SOUTHERN --  Andy Marte ATL 3B 2-4, R, HR (19), 2 RBI ... Kyle Davies ATL 6.0 1 0 0 3 6, W 4-0, 2.80 ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 0-3, BB ... Jim Bullard CHA 6.1 6 2 2 3 5, W 8-3 ... Lance Caraccioli CIN 6.0 3 0 0 3 7, W 1-0, 2.00 ... Carmen Pigantiello STL 5.0 5 2 2 1 8, L 6-6 ... Jeff Fulchino FLA 8.0 3 2 2 2 8, W 4-5

TEXAS --  Hunter Brown SEA (3B) 2-3, R, .283 ... Michael Morse SEA (SS) 1-4, R, HR(4), 2RBI(27), .254 ... Chris Buglovsky SEA 5.2 2 1 1 2 7, 3.13 (W 6-5) ... didn't this guy used to be a big prospect? - Emiliano Fruto SEA 1.1 1 0 0 0 1, 5.65 ... Quentin, Jackson & Snyder AZ a combined 1-11 ... they ran into the buzzsaw that is? - Tim McClaskey HOU 7.2 4 0 0 1 6, 3.82 (W 6-6) ... and - Santiago Ramirez HOU 1.1 1 0 0 1 0, 2.84 (S 29) ... Brooks Conrad HOU (2B) 2-3, 2RBI(72), .286 ... Darren Fenster KC (2B) 2-5, R, .455 .. down to work on his glovework - Angel Berroa KC 3-5, 2R, 2B, .500 ... Chad Santos KC (1B) 3-5, 2R, 2B, 3RBI(59), .265 ... tearin it up all of a sudden - Norris Hopper KC (LF) 3-4, 2 2B, 3RBI(34), .266... Ian Kinsler TX 2-3, .309... Tydus Meadows TX (RF) 2-4, R, HR(14), RBI(51), .259 ... Kyle Middleton KC 7 4 1 1 3 6, 5.15 (W 6-8) ... Justin Thompson TX 1.2 3 3 0 2 2, 2.55 

CAROLINA --  Rajai Davis PIT 1-5, R, double (17), 2 K … Kevin Howard CIN 2-4, R, HR (11), 3 RBI (71), K … Josh Fields CHA 2-4, triple, 4 RBI (27) … Casey Rogowski CHA 1-5, R, triple, 2 RBI (73), K … Ryan Sweeney CHA 1-2, R, BB … Pedro Lopez CHA 2-4, 2 R, BB, 2 K … Dusty Hughes KC (L) 5 7 3 3 2 5 (4-4, 2.51) … Tripper Johnson BAL 3-5, R, double, HR (20), 3 RBI (65), K, SB (13) … Josh Anderson HOU 1-4, R, double, RBI … Christopher Ray BAL (W) 6 6 3 3 1 2 (5-3, 4.21) … Pat Osborn CLE 2-5, K … Nathan Panther CLE 2-5, 2 K … Brad Snyder CLE (CF) 2-4, 3 R, 2 HR, 4 RBI, BB … JD Martin CLE (W) 5 5 4 3 3 6 (10-9, 4.82) … Anthony Lerew ATL 5 7 4 4 2 5 (3.51) … what is this guy doing in A ball? three consecutive gems… Brandon McCarthy CHA (W) 8 4 0 0 0 8 (6-0, 2.08) -- in his first start in the Carolina, McCarty went 5.0 5 3 3 0 5, then check out his next seven starts (including Wednesday's -- a perfect game into the 6th -- one walk, 49 Ks in his last five starts) :

        IP  H R ER BB SO
 ND     6.1 6 2  2  1  4
(W 1-0) 6.0 2 0  0  1  2
(W 2-0) 6.2 7 4  4  0 10
(W 3-0) 6.0 4 2  2  1  7
(W 4-0) 7.0 2 0  0  0 16
(W 5-0) 7.0 1 1  1  0  8
(W 6-0) 8.0 4 0  0  0  8

FLORIDA STATE --  Mike Megrew (LA) 4.2 7 3 3 3 5 L(5-5, 3.44) … Jeremy Hermida (FLA, RF) 2-5 R RBI … James Shanks (FLA, CF) 2-5 Double R … Inauspicious professional debut for  first-round (#13) pick Bill Bray (MON) 1.2 3 3 2 0 1 L(0-1, 10.80) … Matt Lindstrom (NYN) 4 6 5 2 0 3 ND - 3.73 ERA … Ryan Barthelemy (PHI, 1B) 2-4 Double 2R … Back-to-back multi hit games in a lost season for Juan Richardson (PHI, 3B) 2-4 RBI - Still hitting just .209 coming back from last years injury … Not much left to prove in A-ball, Tommy Winrow (NYA, CF) 4-4 2R & 2-3 HR(4) 2R 2RBI - Hitting .359 … Finally showing why he was promoted, Eric Duncan (NYA, 3B) 3-3 2HR(4) Double 3R 3RBI - average up to .252 … Rudy Guillen (NYA, RF) 2-4 … Steven White (NYA) 6 4 1 1 1 3 W(4-2, 3.44) … Reid Gorecki (STL, CF) 3-4 HR(7) Double 2R 4RBI … Andy Sisco (CHN) 3.1 5 7 7 4 5 L(3-9, 4.65) … Dustin Pedroia (BOS, SS) 2-4 2R … Jeremy West (BOS, 1B) 2-4 HR(16) Double 5RBI … Nice A+ Debut for Brandon Moss (BOS, RF) 2-3 R … Ismael Ramirez (TOR) 6 5 1 1 0 6 W(13-5, 2.78) … Brent Clevlen (DET, RF) 2-3 & 2-2 2R  - Hitting .221 … Ron Davenport (TOR, 1B)  2-3 Double 2R … Miguel Negron (TOR, CF) 3-4 Triple 2R 3RBI … Raul Tablado (TOR, DH) 2-4 Double 2R 3RBI

CALIFORNIA --   MIL OF Ben Van Iderstine 3-4, triple, SB, .381 ... Bobby Livingston SEA 7.0 6 1 1 1 4 ... John Danks TEX 5.0 4 2 2 4

MIDWEST --  Dan Putnam OAK 1-5, K (.278) ... Micah Furtado TEX 1-3, BB, K (.309) ... Lou Palmisano MIL 0-4, BB, K ... Abel Gomez NYA 5.0 6 6 6 2 5 (L, 9-7, 3.49) ... slipping some Miguel Montero(C) ARZ 0-3, BB, K (.277) ... Kody Kirkland DET 1-5, 9th HR, K (.246) ... Juan Francia DET 3-5, K (.334) ... back in the lineup Howie Kendrick ANA 3-5, HR (.361) ... Brandon Wood ANA 2-5, HR, 2 K ... Daric Barton STL 3-5, HR ... Brendan Ryan STL 2 doubles (332)

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Adam Loewen BAL, 5.0 5 3 2 6 4 (L 3-5, 4.48) ... Ian Stewart COL, 1-3, double ... Jordan Czarnecki COL, 2-4, homer (12), RBI ... Ryan Goleski CLE, 2-4, homer (23), 3 RBI ... Jamar Hill NYM, 2-3, homer (20), RBI ... Greg Ramirez NYM, 7.0 4 2 2 0 9 (1.49) ... Jake Stevens ATL, 6.0 3 1 0 0 7 (2.33) ... Matt Albers HOU, 5.0 3 1 1 0 8 (3.20) ... Travis Ishikawa SF, 3-5, homer (15) 2 RBI ... Eddy Martinez-Esteve SF, 1-4, triple, 2 RBI ... Mickey Hall BOS, 2-4, double, RBI, steal (9) ... Delmon Young TB, turning up another notch, 4-4, double, .310 ... Jon Benick PIT 3-5, .323 ... lefty Wesley Whisler CHA 2nd rounder 5.0 5 3 2 1 4, 4-1, 3.38 ...

NEW YORK-PENN --  Rodrigo Escobar HOU, first start after 18 relief appearances, (W 6-0) 5.0 3 1 1 0, 6-0, 1.59 (13 walks, 49 Ks in 39 2/3s)

APPALACHIAN --  (Tuesday) MIN first rounder Kyle Waldrop with a nice debut in the APPY, 6.0 5 1 1 1 6

NORTHWEST --  Eric Hurley TEX 3.0 0 0 0 1 2, 4.20 ... all part of the learning experience, Matthew Tuiasosopo SEA 0-4, 3 Ks, .370 ...

PIONEER --  dips below .400, Sean Rodriguez ANA 0-4, walk, 3 Ks, .395 ... 3B Blake DeWitt LA 10th double, 10th homer, 2 RBI, .270 ... pair of WSox kids combine on a no-hitter with 16 Ks -- Eric Everly (42nd round, 2003) 6 0 0 0 0 10 & Demertrius Banks 3 0 0 0 0 6 ...

GULF COAST --  (Tuesday)  Philly kids Kelvin Pichardo and Matt Linder combined on a no-hitter (with 12 Ks).  Pichardo went the first six, 6.0 0 1 1 2 9, 3.27 ...the best pitcher on the squad is Aussie righty Scott Mitchinson who offers some eye-popping numbers -- 5-0, 1.51, 41 2/3s 26 hits, 1 walk, 41 Ks

    Troop movements ... CLE -- placed Lou Merloni on the DL, recalled LHP Cliff Bartosh from AAA ... CIN -- acquired RHP Elizardo Ramirez from PHI to complete the Cory Lidle deal ... OAK -- activated Billy McMillon from the DL, optioned Esteban German to AAA ... NYN -- placed Mike Piazza on the DL, recalled infielder Danny Garcia from AAA ... STL -- recalled Jason Simontacchi from AAA, optioned So Taguchi to AAA ...  COL -- acquired LHP Luis Martinez and LHP Chris Narveson from the Cardinals to complete the Larry Walker trade (Martinez optioned to AAA, Narveson to AA) ... DET -- released RHP Danny Patterson ... KC -- recalled Aaron Guiel from AAA, placed Dee Brown on the DL ... NYA -- optioned Bubba Crosby to AAA, recalled Bret Prinz from AAA ... BOS -- promoted OF Brandon Moss to A+ ...

    Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, on Ian Stewart COL :

" ... not only is a gifted hitter with a power stroke ... a developing defender with Gold Glove potential ...  hasn't stopped hitting since he began his professional career ... hit .317 in his debut with Casper in the rookie-level Pioneer League, while hitting 10 homers in 57 games ...  As of August 6, Stewart was tied for the SAL league with 25 homers. His .571 slugging percentage was third best in the circuit and he continues to show an advanced knowledge of the strike zone, evidenced by his .375 on-base percentage. He's even swiped 14 bases to boot. In Baseball America's annual Best Tools Survey, Stewart was voted by league managers as the best batting and power prospect, as well as the most exciting player. "We couldn't be happier with his progress," Rockies director of professional scouting Coley Brannon said. "He's made tremendous progress on the field, but also with the kind of person he is. You forget how young he is with the kind of big league approach he has." ...  The one supposed weakness in his game -- his defense -- has improved so much that Rockies instructor Walt Weiss said he has the potential to be like Scott Rolen with the glove. And while he accepts whatever path the Rockies choose for him, he'd like to get to Colorado sooner rather than later. "I don't really have a timetable," Stewart said. "I'd like to get there in my early 20s, 21 or 22, I guess. [Getting there] in 2007 would be pretty amazing." Even though he's worked tirelessly at third, it still remains to be seen if Stewart will still be at the hot corner when he does make it to Coors Field. The Rockies have a bit of a glut at the position, with Garrett Atkins hitting .345 in Triple-A and Jeff Baker earning a promotion to Double-A after raking in the California League."

    Dayn Perry, FoxSports, has shortstop Ian Kinsler atop his updated TEX prospect chart :

" ...  absolutely laid waste to the Midwest League, hitting .402 AVG/.465 OBP/.692 SLG. That's simply amazing production for a shortstop, even if he was a tad old for the circuit. The Rangers were so impressed that they skipped him past the Cal League all the way to AA-Frisco. There, he's hitting .304 AVG/.412 OBP/.497 SLG. Kinsler has excellent plate discipline, an ability to hit for average and a good power for the position. This season was a complete surprise, but he's nonetheless emerged as one of the best prospects in the game."

Kinsler finished ahead of lefty John Danks.  A sleeper down at No. 10 :

" ... John Hudgins, RHP, Age: 22 ... selected by the Rangers in the third round of the 2003 draft ...  a four-pitch, command guy without overwhelming stuff, which means he may have troubles getting hitters out at the highest level. Still, this season he sparkled in the Cal League, and he continued thriving after a promotion to AA-Frisco. The Rangers were amply impressed and almost promoted him to major league rotation at one point. So far so good, and he's earned himself a September call-up."

    Jeremy Deloney, Baseball Miscellany, on the Tigers' Joel Zumaya :

" ... The stats show that Zumaya has walked too many hitters, but has been difficult to hit. This is entirely the story of his young career. Zumaya uses a mid-90s fastball which occasionally touches 97-98 on the gun. He hasn't thrown as hard this season as he's been working on fine-tuning his maximum-effort delivery and mechanics ... In addition to his raw, power arm, Zumaya throws a mid-to-high 80s curveball which has the potential to be a dominating pitch. He lacks consistency with it, but is unhittable when it has true hammer action to it. Zumaya will also occasionally throw a changeup, though it is a true developmental pitch ... Zumaya is only 19 years old and is learning how to transform from a power pitcher to a complete pitcher ... no reason to think that Zumaya can't succeed at Double A next season ...  Zumaya will be given 2-3 years to hone his arsenal in the minors. Keep an eye on his development - he is a MAJOR sleeper."

    International League tidbits :

" ... shortstop Brandon Phillips doubled off Adam Johnson leading off Tuesday's game. Phillips has reached base safely in 51 consecutive games for Buffalo ...  Inching closer: Wings right fielder Jason Kubel went 3-for-5 Tuesday and is three plate appearances shy of qualifying for the International League batting race. Kubel's .352 batting average would be 15 points higher than current leader Jhonny Peralta of Buffalo. Kubel has been sizzling for the Red Wings recently, hitting .389 (49-for-126) with 9 home runs and 31 RBI in his past 32 games." (Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)

" ...  infielder Jhonny Peralta went 3-for-5 with three RBIs, and collected his 37th double and 13th home run of the season. "He's the best pure hitter I've seen this year," manager Marty Brown said. "And he's become more disciplined as the season's gone on. The first few years he was in the system, I've heard about him having a different stance in every AB, but that certainly hasn't been the case this year. He's refined his approach and has been a very good situational hitter for us." (Baseball America)

   A ploy to get Sowers signed or serious interest in Morales?

" ... The Indians are interested in Cuban defector Kendry Morales and could use the $2.2 million they've offered No. 1 pick Jeremy Sowers to try and sign him ...  Negotiations, meanwhile, between the Indians and Sowers, a left-handed pitcher, are stalled. If Sowers doesn't sign, he can return to Vanderbilt for his senior year. The Indians would lose control of him as soon as he starts classes. John Mirabelli, Indians director of scouting, talked with Sowers and members of his family last week. "Unfortunately, there has been no progress," Mirabelli said ... Mirabelli saw Morales in Panama last year during the Olympic qualifying tournament. "We've contacted his agent and we're going to take a look at him," Mirabelli said. Morales, 22, is a switch-hitter who can play first and third base, and left and right field." (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

11 August 2004

    Game action ... INT --  Matt Diaz (TB, RF) 1-3, 19th HR, R, RBI ... Joey Gathright (TB, CF) 2-4, R, RBI ... Jorge Cantu (TB, 2B) 1-3, 22nd HR, R, 2 RBI ... rehab, Austin Kearns (CIN, DH) 0-2 ... Wilson Betemit (ATL, 3B) 2-4, 12th HR, R, RBI ... Dan Meyer (ATL) 5.0 6 4 4 1 4 ... Jason Bartlett (MIN, SS) 3-5, 2 R, RBI, 2 SB ... Jason Kubel (MIN, DH) 3-5, 2B, 11th HR, 2 R, 2 RBI ... huge day, Terry Tiffee (MIN, 3B) 3-5, 2B, 8th & 9th HRs, 2 R, 5 RBI ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, DH) 0-4 ... Gavin Floyd (PHI) 7.0 8 3 0 2 4 ... Tim Raines Jr (BAL, CF) 2-3, R, RBI, SF, SB ... Mike Fontenot (BAL, 2B) 3-4, RBI, BB, 2 SB ... John Maine (BAL) 6.0 8 2 2 0 7 ... Brandon Phillips (CLE, SS) 2-5, 2B, 3B, 2 R ... Jhonny Peralta (CLE, 3B) 3-4, 2B, 13th HR, 2 R, 3 RBI ... Jamie Brown (BOS) 6.0 6 4 1 2 2 ... Michael Vento (NYA, RF) 2-4, R, RBI, SF ... Corey Hart (MIL, DH) 2-5, 3B, R, SB ... Danny Garcia (NYN, 2B) 2-4 ... Craig Brazell (NYN, 1B) 2-4, 21st HR, 2 R, RBI ... Victor Diaz (NYN, RF) 1-4, 20th HR, 2 R, 2 RBI

PCL --  hmmm two strong efforts in a row for Chan Ho Park TEX, 5.0 4 0 0 1 1 ... Adrian Gonzalez TEX 2-3, double, triple & 0-3 ...  after a long dry spell, Joe Dillon FLO with his 25th AAA homer (34th overall)  ... Maicer Izturis MON 1-2, walk, homer & 2-4, 2 doubles, .356 ... a little progress, Joel Hanrahan LA 5.1 7 1 1 2 3 & 2-2 ... the breakout continues, Casey Kotchman ANA 2-4, double & 1-4, .350 ... Cody Ross LA, on a tear, with homers in five straight games he was blanked in the opener  0-2, but went 2-4, 13th homer in the nightcap ... now CF Jason Repko LA seems to have revived his career, 2-4, double, .321 ...

EASTERN --  step forward, step back, Hanley Ramirez BOS 0-6, 3 Ks ... Matt Peterson PIT 6.0 5 2 2 2 6 ... Nate McLouth PIT 2-4, 2 doubles, .325 ... Garrett Jones MIN 1B 2-4, double, 23rd homer ... Michael Cervenak SF 3-4, 2 doubles, triple, .341

SOUTHERN --  Glenn Bott LA 7.0 6 2 2 2 3, L 3-8 ... Ray Aguilar ATL 6.0 4 1 1 0 5, W 1-0 ... Tony Blanco CIN OF 3-5, 2 R, 2 HR (6 & 7), 3 RBI, K ... Scott MacRae CIN 5.0 9 3 2 1 7, W 2-0, 2.81 ... Micah Hoffpauir CHN 1B 3-5, R, RBI ... Josh Willingham FLA C 2-4, R, HR (19), RBI, K ... Jason Lehl FLA 5.0 5 1 1 5 1, W 1-0 ... Brian Martin TB OF 3-4, 2 R, HR (8), RBI, K ... Prince Fielder MIL 1B 2-4, R, 2B ... Brad Nelson MIL OF 3-3, R, HR (18), 3 RBI, BB ... Ryan Costello MIL 7.0 6 2 1 0 8, W 7-5 ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 2-4, 2 R ... Normand Martel CHA OF 4-5, 2 R, 2B, 2 HR (7 & 8), 2 RBI ... Ryan Meaux CHA 6.0 3 1 1 3 6, W 6-8

" ... outfielder Skip Schumaker was named the Southern League Topps Player of the Month for July ...  Schumaker, 24, was a 2004 Southern League All-Star. For the month, he led the Southern League in hits (40), tied for first in runs scored (23), and ranked second in batting average (.370). Schumaker, a fifth round draft pick of the Cardinals in 2001, is ranked the #29 prospect in the St. Louis system by Baseball America." (Southern League)

TEXAS --  Justin Hampson  COL 6.0 9 4 2 5 4, 3.51 ... Alberto Callaspo ANA 3-4, 2 doubles, .291 ... Ian Kinsler TEX 1-4, double, .303 ... Shin-soo Choo SEA 3-4, .311 (see below) ... Conor Jackson ARZ 2-4, double, 3 RBI, .318

" ... Ryan Shealy [COL] has been named the Topps Texas League Player of the Month for July. In 29 games, Shealy batted .333 and led the league with a .694 slugging percentage. His .430 on-base percentage was also one of the highest in the league for the month. Shealy leads the Texas League in home runs with 24 after bashing a league best 10 in July ... Through August 9, in addition to leading the league in home runs, Shealy is first in the loop with 78 RBI and first in on-base percentage with a .415 mark. He is also second in the league in batting with an average of .319." (Texas League)

CAROLINA --  HOU CF Josh Anderson 1-4, 24th SB, .299 ... Mitch Maier KC 2-4, homer, 2 RBI ... ATL's Matt Wright running into some hurdles, 4.0 8 4 4 3 4, 3.54 ... CLE's Derrick Van Dusen 7.0 2 1 1 3 8, 4-0, 1.88

FLORIDA STATE --  Jonathan Broxton (LA) 6.2 4 2 2 3 4 L(9.6, 3.36) … Matt Overman (FLA) 5 3 0 0 0 2 W(6-3, 2.96) … Jamie Shanks (FLA, CF) 2-3 2R & 3-4 2HR(4) … Andy Laroche (LA, 3B) 3-4 HR(10) … Robert Ranson (CHN) 5 8 3 3 0 3 ND - 2.12 ERA … Felix Pie (CHN, CF) 2-5 Double 2R … Brandon Sing (CHN, 1B) 2-2 HR(30) Double … Tommy Winrow (NYN, DH) 2-5 Double R RBI … Dave Murphy (BOS, RF) 2-4 … Jason Arnold (TOR) 3 7 3 3 0 3 L(0-1, 7.20) … Jon Papelbon (BOS) 6 3 0 0 3 6 W(11-5, 2.85) - 110.2 IP 87H 135K 37BB

CALIFORNIA --  Rett Johnson SEA, finally back on the mound, 1.0 1 0 0 1 1 ... Reggie Abercrombie ARZ 2-4, homer, .273 ... Jon Nelson SEA 2-4, 15th homer ... Brad Sullivan OAK  5.0 5 3 3 3 1 ... SS Omar Quintanilla OAK 3-4, 31st double, 11th homer, .313 .

MIDWEST --  Brian Dopirak CHN 2-4, 34th HR, K (.308) ... Carlos Marmol CHN 5.0 5 0 0 4 2 (W, 12-6, 3.57) ... Brendan Ryan STL 2-4, K, E ... Chris Lubanski KC 0-3, BB (.261) ... Lou Palmisano MIL 1-5, K (.298) ... Adam Jones SEA 1-3, double, 2 BB, 2 K (.269) ... Hector Made NYA 4-8, double, BB, K (.281) ... Tyler Clippard NYA 7.0 4 1 1 3 5 (3.21) ... Juan Francia DET 2-5, 33rd SB, K, E ... Daniel Zell DET 5.0 2 0 0 2 3 (W, 3-4, 2.72) ... Brandon Wood ANA 0-5, K (.269) ... Justin Mallett CIN 6.0 6 2 2 1 5 (W, 3-3, 3.08)

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  No games scheduled.

NORTHWEST --  Matthew Tuiasosopo SS SEA 1-4, 2 Ks, .435 ... OF Chris Carter ARZ 2-3, 8th homer, 2 walks, 3 RBI, .340 ... SD 1B Lachlan Dale 2-4, 12th & 13th homers, 6 RBI, but .242

" ... Spokane catcher Mike Nickeas was named the Rangers' Organizational Player of the Month for July. The fifth-round pick hit .323 for the month and drove in 23 runs. He is hitting .319/.434/.576 overall, in 144 at-bats." (Jamey Newberg, Rangers Minor League Report)

PIONEER --  LA 1st rounder struggling, Scott Elbert 4.0 3 3 3 4 3, 5.34 ... OF Tom Collaro CHA 3-4, 10th homer, but .244 ... Ben Stanczyk MIL 4.2 4 1 1 1 7 ... 3B Tony Festa MIL (a 23rd round pick) 2-3, 6th homer, 4 RBI, .335 ... OF Seth Smith COL 2nd rounder, 6-6, 16th & 17th doubles, 6th & 7th homers, 4 runs, 5 RBI (46), .361 ... OF Brian McFall KC 4-6, double, 5 RBI, .330 ... Eddie Solis KC 4-5, .411 (39th rounder in 2003)

ARIZONA -- (Monday)  Chris Snelling SEA 1-4, double, 3 RBI ...

GULF COAST --  (Monday)  Neil Walker PIT 2-3, SB, .256 .. wow, Dallas Trahern DET (who went six innings to front a combined no-hitter last time out) 5.0 4 1 0 1 3, no earned runs in his first 15 pro innings  ... PHI first rounder Greg Golson finding a groove, 3-3, 6th double, 3rd triple, 10th SB, .314 ... MIN supplemental first rounder Jay Rainville 4.1 8 3 1 1 6,  2.13 ... Paul Maholm PIT, back on the hill, 4.0 5 1 1 1 2

    Troop movements ... CIN -- activated John Riedling from the bereavement list ... COL -- activated Joe Kennedy from the DL, designated Travis Driskill for assignment, placed catcher Todd Greene on the DL, recalled catcher J.D. Closser from AAA ... KC -- recalled shortstop Andres Blanco and pitcher Jorge Vasquez from AA, optioned Ryan Bukvich to AAA, shortstop Angel Berroa to AA ... PHI -- activated Vicente Padilla from the DL, optioned Geoff Geary to AAA,  designated Paul Abbott for assignment ... SEA -- purchased the contract of outfielder Hiram Bocachica from AAA, optioned Cha Seung Baek to AAA ... HOU -- placed LHP Darren Oliver on the DL, optioned RHP Tim Redding to AAA, recalled LHP Carlos Hernandez & RHP Chad Qualls from AAA  ... ANA -- activated outfielder Jeff DaVanon from the DL, optioned catcher Wil Nieves to AAA ... BAL -- activated outfielder Jay Gibbons from the DL, designated catcher Ken Huckaby for assignment ... MIN -- optioned LHP Aaron Fultz to AAA, recalled RHP Matt Guerrier from AAA ...

One more young gun gone for the season :

" ... The Mariners ... said that right-hander Rafael Soriano, a key member of their bullpen last season, has a torn ligament in his pitching elbow and will require Tommy John surgery. Soriano, 24, is 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA in six games and 3 1-3 innings. He was placed on the disabled list on May 10. In 2003, Soriano was 3-0 with a 1.53 ERA in 40 games spanning 53 innings. He had one save." (Seattle Times)

    It's the white hot Casey Kotchman atop the latest edition of Kevin Goldstein's Prospect Hot Sheet at Baseball America.  He pushes Jeff Francis off the top rung, but not very far :

" ... 1. Casey Kotchman ...  One week ago today, Kotchman's average set at .250 and he was in the midst of an 0-for-22 slump. Six days later, he's at .348 after going 17-for-24 (.708) in his last five games — much more in line with his career .335 minor league batting average."

" ... 2. Jeff Francis ... gave up four runs over seven innings in his first home start in the elevated atmosphere of Colorado Springs, which is almost the equivalent of a shutout. The Rockies aren't letting him go to Athens, and with a Triple-A strikeout-to-walk ratio of 13:1, it might because he's going to pitch in Colorado sooner rather than later."

    John Sickels, ESPN.com, on Nick Swisher OAK :

" ... Swisher struggled at times in 2003, but has rebounded with a solid campaign in '04 and is one of the more intriguing offensive players at the Triple-A level ...  A switch-hitter, he has above-average power from both sides of the plate ... probably won't hit for a great batting average, but he controls the strike zone very well and draws lots of walks, giving him a high OBP. His defense draws mixed reviews. Oakland front office officials praise his defensive ability in the outfield, particularly his strong arm. Some feel he has the range for center field, due to excellent instincts. He runs good routes to fly balls. But his running speed is below average, and many observers think he'll end up in right field eventually ...   record is marked by mediocre batting averages but very high walk rates and good power production. His .265 batting average at Sacramento this year would translate to about .230 at the major league level, but with enough power and patience to still be useful. At age 23, a normal growth curve projects him as a .260ish hitter down the road. Keep in mind that a "natural .260ish" hitter can hit .230 as easily as .290 through random chance. If the walks and power carry forward, he'll be a solid regular due to strong secondary skills ... My thinking is that he may have some adjustment problems at first, but that given sufficient time to adjust, Swisher will emerge with major league numbers very similar to what he has posted in the minors."

    John Manuel, Baseball America, has a feature on Clint Barmes the likely 2005 shortstop for the Rockies :

" ... He's a good, blue-collar guy who gets better every year," Rockies farm director Bill Geivett said of Barmes, a 10th-round pick in 2000 out of Indiana State. "We consider him to be an everyday guy in the big leagues. There's really nobody standing in his way next year; it's pretty much going to be up to him." ...  Barmes consistently has forced the Rockies to raise expectations for him, showing them he could handle the everyday defensive responsibilities at short, where he excels at making the routine play. The 6-foot, 175-pounder has a solid arm and good footwork, though his range is fringy. "For me, he's played extremely well at shortstop; that's been the biggest area where he's progressed," Geivett said. "He told me a couple of weeks ago that this is the most comfortable that he has felt at shortstop." Barmes also has gotten comfortable at the plate. He's hitting .323/.368/.498 with 14 home runs, 43 RBIs and 36 doubles. He was leading the Pacific Coast League in hits (151) and doubles, and was tied for the league lead in runs scored (90). Importantly, Barmes' numbers aren't solely a creation of Colorado Springs; the Sky Sox, after all, have team numbers similar to Barmes with a team .495 slugging percentage and .368 OBP. While Barmes' numbers clearly get a boost at home (.342, .556 slugging), he's hit on the road as well (.305, .444 slugging)."

    Jeremy Deloney, Baseball Miscellany, takes a liking to SEA's Shin-soo Choo :

" ... Choo is a gifted all-around player with very few weaknesses. His best attribute is his outstanding defense in centerfield. His speed and range will play well in Safeco Field for many years to come. Choo's arm is also considered well above average. He's currently working on his approach at the plate. The Mariners would like him to be more aggressive early in the count. Now a gap hitter, Choo figures to become a long ball threat once he shortens his swing and adds a little more leverage to it. He stands 5'11" 180 pounds and figures to hit 20+ HR at the big league level. Because of his speed, Choo will accumulate a fair number of doubles and triples. His baserunning instincts are also very solid ... ISome compare Choo to Athletics OF Mark Kotsay. I think Choo will be much better than that. Look for Choo to become one of baseball's best centerfielders in 5 years."

10 August 2004

    Game action ... INT --  Stephen Smitherman (CIN, LF) 1-3, 8th HR, 2 R, RBI, BB ... Wilson Betemit (ATL, 3B) 3-4, 2B, 2 RBI ... Michael Restovich (MIN, LF) 2-4, R ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, DH) 2-4, R ... Tim Raines Jr (BAL, CF) 2-4 ... Mike Fontenot (BAL, 2B) 2-4, 6th HR, 2 R, RBI, HBP ... Jhonny Peralta (CLE, 3B) 3-5, 2B, 2 R ... Josh Bard (CLE, C) 2-4, 2 R, BB ... Kyle Denney (CLE) 5.0 5 2 1 1 8 ... Kelly Shoppach (BOS, C) 2-4, 2B, 20th HR, 2 R, 3 RBI ... Robinson Cano (NYA, 2B) 2-4 ... David Krynzel (MIL, CF) 2-4, 5th HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, Sac ... Corey Hart (MIL, DH) 3-5, 2 2B, R, 2 RBI ... Danny Garcia (NYN, 2B) 1-3, 2nd HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, BB, HBP ... Pat Strange (NYN) 9.0 5 3 3 0 3

PCL --  Brandon Duckworth HOU 8.0 7 3 3 1 6 ... Jason Dubois CHN 2-4, 25th homer ... signs of life from Todd Linden SF 4-6, 15th & 16th homers, 4 RBI, .268 ... Freddy Sanchez PIT 0-3, .204 ... Chin-hui Tsao COL 1.2 4 3 3 2 2 ... Nick Swisher OAK 2-4, 21st homer ... Brad Hawpe COL 1-4, 20th homer ... Casey Kotchman ANA, looks like he's trying to make up all the lost ground in a week, 4-5, double, 2 RBI, .348 (Kotchman returned from the DL on August 1st and proceeded to go 0-13 in his first three games back, then -- just 17 for 24, .708, with 6 doubles, a homer, 9 RBI in his last five games to bring his average from .250 to .348)

EASTERN --  Hanley Ramirez BOS 3-5, double, 1st homer, 3 RBI, .333 ... Francisco Liriano MIN 5.2 5 1 1 3 5, 1.42 ... MIN 1B Garrett Jones 2-4, 22nd homer ... after an oh-so-brief MLB fling, Merkin Valdez SF back in a starting role, 5.0 2 2 1 2 3 ... Michael Cervenak SF 2-5, 20th homer, .336

PIT outfielder and MIN SP the best of the week in the EL :

" ... Nate McLouth ...  5'11", 170 lb. slugger had an outstanding week for the Curve, hitting .433 (13- for-30) with one homer, five RBI, 11 runs scored, four steals and a .633 slugging percentage in seven games. The 22-year old broke his own club record by reaching base in his 31st straight game ...  leads the Eastern League in hits (136) and is also ranked among the league leaders in batting average (.324-4th), runs scored (72-5th), stolen bases (26-5th) and doubles (28-6th)."

" ...Boof Bonser ...  2-0 with 16 strikeouts and a 1.93 ERA for the Rock Cats last week. In his first start of the week the 22-year old gave up two runs on eight hits while striking out 12 batters to earn a win against the Norwich Navigators. In his second appearance of the week Bonser gave up three runs on six hits and struck out four batters to pick up a win against the Portland Sea Dogs. The 6'4", 230 lb. hurler has a league-best 125 strikeouts this season and is also ranked sixth in the league in innings pitched (130.1)." (Eastern league)

SOUTHERN --  James Loney LA 1B 2-4, 2B, K ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 1-3, K ... Dennis Ulacia CHA 5.2 6 3 3 0 1, W 7-5 ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3B 2-4, 2 R, 2 HR (12 & 13), 4 RBI ... Skip Schumaker STL OF 2-4, R, 2B, K ... Brad Cresse STL C 3-3, 3 R, 2B, 2 HR (4 & 5), 4 RBI, BB ... ugh ... Nic Ungs FLA 5.0 8 6 6 0 7, L 7-8 ... Brad Nelson MIL OF 2-3, R, HR (17), 3 RBI

TEXAS --  Conor Jackson AZ 0-4, .313... Carlos Quentin AZ 1-2, 2B, .377... Brooks Conrad HOU (2B) 4-5, 3R, HR(9),4RBI(70), .281... Todd Self HOU 3-5, 2R,2 RBI(65), .300... Wandy Rodriguez HOU 8 4 0 0 1 7, 4.71 (W 10-6)... Shin-soo Choo SEA 2-4, R, HR(12), 3RBI(68), .306... Felix is back on track - Felix Hernandez SEA 6 3 1 1 1 7, 3.58 (W 3-1) (obviously there was an error in a California League box score of last week showing Felix with a start in the CAL) ... slowly raising that avg. - Jeff Salazar COL 2-4, 3R, 2B, .256... Casey Smith ANA (C) 3-5, 2R, 3B, 3RBI(11), .237... doing fairly well of late - Norris Hopper KC 2-5, 2R, .262... Jeff Waldron TX (C) 2-4, R, 2RBI(4), .367...

CAROLINA --   a pair of former top prospects trying to battle back from injuries -- Richard Stahl BAL  6.0 4 1 1 0 6 & Mike Stodolka KC 5.2 6 0 0 2 3 ... 3B Mitch Maier KC 2-2, walk, .281

FLORIDA STATE --  Yusmeiro Petit (NYN) 6 4 1 1 1 11 ND- 1.24 ERA … Aarom Baldiris (NYN, 3B) 2-4 2 Doubles RBI … Frank Diaz (MON, RF) 2-4 Double 2R … Alex Romero (MIN, RF) 1-4 HR(2) & 2-3 Triple R … Jon Connolly (CHN) 6 9 4 3 0 2 ND - 2.59 ERA … Doubling his ERA, Jordan Pals (STL) 5 8 4 4 4 3 ND 1.80 ERA … Shaun Marcum (TOR) 4 6 4 3 0 3 ND - 2.92 ERA … Ron Davenport (TOR, RF) 3-5 Double 2RBI … Raul Tablado (TOR, DH) 2-4 Double 4RBI … Jeremy West (BOS, 1B) 2-5

CALIFORNIA --  just one game ... SF's pick up from PHI, struggling, Alfredo Simon 3.0 6 5 5 2 3, 7.00 ... TEX SS Joaquin Arias 4-5, .297 ... TEX CF Juan Senreiso 3-4, double

MIDWEST --  two shortstops fighting for a batting title Juan Francia DET 2-4, double (up to .329) and Brendan Ryan STL 0-4, 23rd SB (down to .329) ... Chris Lubanski KC 3-5, K ... Dirk Hayhurst SD 6.0 6 3 3 2 4 (L, 9-4, 2.66) ... Brandon Wood ANA 1-5, K ... Kevin Jepsen ANA 6.0 1 0 0 3 5 (W, 8-7, 3.07) ... Joey Votto CIN 0-1, 3 BB (.302) ... ack Anthony Boughner CIN 5.0 7 7 3 2 0 (L, 2-3, 3.25) ... Brian Dopirak CHN 1-4, 2 K (.307) ... not the anticipated duel Ronald Bay CHN 6.2 7 7 4 1 6 (L, 9-7, 2.87) badly beaten by Scott Tyler MIN 6.0 4 0 0 4 7 (W, 5-3, 2.93) ... Lou Palmisano MIL 1-4, 2 K ... Adam Jones SEA 2-5 ... Michael Moorhead SEA 8.0 6 2 2 2 11 (W, 8-8, 3.26) .. Dan Putnam OAK 1-4, triple, 2 K (.284) ... Thomas Diamond TEX 5.0 5 1 1 0 5

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Jon Benick PIT, 1-4, homer (26), RBI ... Wardell Starling PIT, 7.0 7 3 1 2 5 (W 8-7, 4.18) ... Josh Burrus ATL, 2-3, double ... Steve Doetsch ATL, 2-4, RBI ... Delmon Young TB, 3-4, homer (21), 2 RBI ... Jason Pridie TB, 1-4, homer (14), 2 RBI ... Colt Simmons TB, 2-4, homer (2), double, 2 RBI ... Brandon Moss BOS, 0-3, 2 RBI ... Jarrett Gardner BOS, 7.0 4 0 0 0 4 (W 11-5, 2.63) ... Fredy Deza BAL, 6.0 9 4 2 0 1 (L 8-11, 3.31) ... Jai Miller FLA, 2-4, homer (12), double, RBI ... Kevin Kouzmanoff CLE, 2-3, RBI ... Nick Pesco CLE, 5.0 4 2 2 2 9 (3.92) ... Julio Pimentel LA 5.0 6 3 3 2 4, 3.23 ... CHA supplemental 1st rounder, lefty Gio Gonzalez 5.0 3 0 0 0 3 ... Kory Casto 2-3, .295 ... Ian Stewart COL 1-4, walk, .302

NORTHWEST --  OAK CF Richard Robnett 2-3, walk, .313 ... Landon Powell OAK 1-4, .163 ... COL 3B Matt Macri 2-3, walk, .355

PIONEER --  look out Dallas McPherson, ANA 3B Andrew Toussaint 4-6, 11th homer, 3 RBI (47), .328 ... LA 3B Blake DeWitt 2-5, 9th homer, .273 ... KC OF Brian McFall 4-4, 2 doubles, .319 ... 3B Eddie Solis KC 3-5, triple, 3 runs, .400 ... CHA 2nd rounder Ray Liotta  6.0 2 1 0 2 7, 3-1, 2.61

ARIZONA --  (Sunday) Chris Snelling SEA 2-4, 2 doubles, .375

    Troop movements ...  CHA -- recallled pitcher Felix Diaz from AAA ... CIN -- traded Cory Lidle to PHI for outfielder Javon Moran, pitcher Joe Wilson and a player to be named later ... DET --  placed Alex Sanchez on the DL, recalled Nook Logan from AAA ... OAK -- placed Chad Bradford on the DL, recalled Jairo Garcia from AAA ... SEA -- announced the retirement of Edgar Martinez ... TEX -- activated Doug Brocail from the DL, optioned Rosman Garcia to AAA ... 

    Rockies not winning any fans in Canada as they deny Jeff Francis an opportunity to pitch for Canada in the Olympics.  Pat Rooney, Rocky Mountain News :

" ...  big-league debut is just around the corner. Francis met with Rockies general manger Dan O'Dowd following the Sky Sox's 9-5 loss against Fresno and said he was told he would not pitch for his native Canada in the Olympics in Athens later this month. The Rockies have said if Francis did not go to Greece it would be because they were prepared to bring him to the majors. The likely scenario is Francis will make two more starts for the Sky Sox, the second of which will be in Colorado Springs, and will join the Rockies for a two-week trip the final week of August and first week of September. Francis would be in line to make his first three major league starts during the trip that has stops in Atlanta, Florida, San Francisco and San Diego, then debut at Coors Field the second week of September. "Obviously, everybody would love to play for their country in the Olympics, but maybe it means that there is something else in store," Francis said. "All I can do is wait and see what their plans are." Francis is a big part of the Rockies' plans, now and in the future, and he got a first-hand glimpse of pitching at altitude Sunday when he allowed four runs in seven innings. He suffered only his third loss in 22 starts at Class AA Tulsa (Okla.) and Colorado Springs. O'Dowd, along with his special assistant, Marcel Lachemann, were on hand to watch Francis, the Rockies' first-round draft choice out of the University of British Columbia two years ago. O'Dowd would not comment on when Francis will make his Rockies debut but said he liked the way Francis dealt with adversity. "He's got so much on his mind right now," O'Dowd said. "I'm sure it's difficult for him to maintain his focus right now. I thought he kept his composure. It was a tough strike zone and a club that swung very early in the count because they knew he would be around the plate the whole time. And I think he did fine." ...  Francis had allowed only three earned runs in 25 innings in his four previous starts with Colorado Springs after compiling a 1.98 earned-run average at Tulsa."

    John Manuel, Baseball America, reports yet another top pitching prospect likely done for the season :

" ... Angels righthander Ervin Santana was on a throwing program in Mesa, Ariz., after having an MRI to diagnose pain in his elbow. The MRI showed no structural problems, and farm director Tony Reagins said Santana probably would not pitch again this season. "We are probably being a bit cautious," he said. "However our medical people feel that this is the best course of action to take with Ervin. We plan to continue his progression and get him additional work in instructional league." Santana hasn't pitched since June 23 and has thrown just 44 innings this season at Double-A Arkansas."

    Braves' Jose Capellan on the verge of MLB time :

" ...  Richmond Braves pitching coach Guy Hansen equates Triple-A baseball to "finishing school." It's the level where young prospects come, hopefully, to learn some hard lessons and polish their skills. At the rate Jose Capellan is going, he may not be around for many classes. The prized 23-year-old right-hander with the mid-90s fastball continued to accelerate what's supposed to be a learning curve, allowing just three hits in seven shutout innings ...  A season removed from elbow surgery to transplant a tendon, Capellan caught the attention of the baseball world last winter when he topped the magical 100-mph barrier. He began this season in Single-A with Myrtle Beach, was promoted to Double-A Greenville, then was elevated to Richmond two weeks ago. In his three Richmond starts, covering 19 innings, Capellan has allowed only three earned runs. "He's made it look easy," R-Braves manager Pat Kelly said. Capellan is 12-3 with a 2.10 ERA at all three stops. He has allowed just 95 hits and 35 walks in 115 2/3 innings. His strikeout total stands at 130, including seven yesterday. "He's something special," R-Braves second baseman Jesse Garcia said. This is uncharted territory for Capellan. His workload in five previous seasons never topped 68 innings. The Braves have had to be careful because of his youth and the elbow surgery. Capellan doesn't seem to be showing any signs of wearing down. During the seventh inning, when he fanned two Mud Hens, his fastball roared in between 94 and 97 mph. "I'm feeling strong," Capellan said. "I'm working every day on my body, my running, everything. I need more innings." And some finishing work on a changeup to complement his heater. Hansen has made him throw at least eight in every start. "He needs to develop that pitch," Hansen said, "and he's doing it."  (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

    Jeremy Deloney, Baseball Miscellany, on JD Durbin MIN :

" ... Durbin, 22, has been among the Twins best pitching prospects for the past two seasons ... an intense competitor with a great arm. Size and durability could be a future issue with Durbin - he stands only 6'0" 188 pounds. Durbin started the season with Double A New Britain in the Eastern League. He was 4-1 with a 2.52 ERA in 13 starts covering 64.1 innings. He walked 22 and struck out 53 while yielding a .253 average. Durbin missed some time due to minor shoulder surgery and he's throwing as good as ever. He now is in Triple A Rochester where he's gone 1-0 with a 1.36 ERA in his first two starts. He's also rung up 19 batters in his 13 innings while walking only 1. Durbin utilizes a mid-90s heavy fastball with sinking action. He'll keep his velocity late in the game and uses it to set-up his 87 mph slider and developing curveball. Because of his recent shoulder injury, he's been reticent to use his slider too often ... does have a max-effort delivery but seems to keep a consistent arm slot. If starting doesn't work out, he would make an excellent reliever due to his velocity and high-energy approach to pitching."

09 August 2004

    Game action ... INT --  Matt Diaz (TB, RF) 0-3 & 2-3 ... Jesse Garcia (ATL, 2B) 4-5, 3 R, RBI, HBP ... nice, Jose Capellan (ATL) 7.0 3 0 0 1 7 ... Jason Kubel (MIN, RF) 2-3, BB ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, DH) 0-4 ... JD Durbin (MIN) 6.0 7 2 2 1 6 ... Cam Reimers (TOR) 6.2 8 3 3 2 6 ... Darnell McDonald (BAL, RF) 2-4, R ... Matt Riley (BAL) 3.1 3 1 1 1 4 ... Brandon Phillips (CLE, 2B) 3-5, 2B, 3 R ... Jhonny Peralta (CLE, SS) 3-5, 2 RBI ... AAA debut, Andrew Brown (CLE) 5.0 4 0 0 3 4 ... Kelly Shoppach (BOS, C) 2-4, 19th HR, 2 R, RBI, BB ... Josh Stewart (CHA) 6.0 6 4 4 4 6 ... Dioner Navarro (NYA, C) 2-3, 1st HR, R, 3 RBI ... Brad Halsey (NYA) 7.0 4 0 0 1 5 ... Corey Hart (MIL, DH) 2-4, 2B, R, 3 RBI ... Victor Diaz (NYN, RF) 2-4, 19th HR, 2 R, 4 RBI

PCL --  Brendan Harris MON 1-5, .217 ... Dallas McPherson 2-4, 13th homer (33rd overall), 4 RBI (102 overall), .292 ... Casey Kotchman ANA 4-5, 3 doubles, .327 ... Mark Teahen KC 2-4, double, .279 ... Jeff Francis COL, his first so-so effort in a long while, at home, (one of the best hitters' parks on the continent) 7.0 9 4 4 0 7, 1.97 ... Lance Niekro SF 2-4, 2 homers, 3 RBI ... Carlos Hernandez HOU  6.2 4 1 1 3 4 ... Dennis Tankersley SD 4.2 5 2 2 2 4

EASTERN --  Kyle Sleeth DET 7.1 8 5 5 2 6 ... Hanley Ramirez BOS 1-5, .294 ... Michael Hinckley MON 5.1 6 2 2 2 7 ... Bobby Bradley PIT 6.0 8 3 2 2 5 ... another rehab try, Steve Karsay NYA 2.0 0 0 0 2 1 ... not the kind of season TOR imagined, Francisco Rosario 2.1 7 4 4 2 1, 0-4, 6.85 ... SS Aaron Hill TOR 3-5, double ... Walter Young BAL 2-4, 27th homer

SOUTHERN --  Prince Fielder MIL 1B 3-4, R, 2 2B, 2 RBI ... Billy Hall FLA 2B 1-4, 2 R, BB, 2 SB (34) ... Jason Stokes FLA 1B 2-5, R, HR (20), 3 RBI, K ... Josh Willingham FLA C 1-4, R, HR (18), RBI, BB ... Trevor Hutchinson FLA 7.0 5 2 2 2 1, W 8-6 ... Renyel Pinto CHN 6.0 5 1 1 4 11, L 9-8, 3.07 ... Eduardo Villacis CHA 6.2 5 0 0 1 3, W 4-3, 2.65 ... Chris Seddon TB 6.0 4 2 2 2 7, W 8-7, 4.50 ... ouch ... Chad Billingsly LA 4.2 6 6 6 7 6, 3.18 ... batting sixth now ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 0-4, .252 ... Roger Deago SD 8.0 6 1 1 2 1, 1.58

TEXAS --  Darren Fenster KC (2b) 2-5, HR(1), RBI(4), .571... Byron Gettis KC (RF) 3-5, 2 2B, .362... Norris Hopper KC (LF) 2-3, R, 2B, 2RBI(31), .259... Danny Sandoval COL (SS) 1-3, R, HR(7), RBI(47), .311... he is ready for "the show" - Carlos Quentin AZ 3-4, R, HR(4), 2RBI(28), .375... Chris Snyder AZ (C) 2-4, R, 2B, .304... Dan Uggla AZ (3B) 2-3, 3R, HR(4), RBI(30), SB(10), .268... Shane Bazzell OAK 8 11 5 3 0 5, 2.75 (L 11-3)... Alberto Callaspo ANA 2-3, 2R, .286... Nick Gorneault ANA (LF) 3-4, 2R, 2B, 2RBI(66), .284... still struggling - Jeff Mathis ANA 0-5, .247... Willie Collazo ANA 8.2 6 0 0 2 6, 4.41 (W 4-7)... Willy Taveras HOU (CF) 2-4, R, .336...

CAROLINA --  Tripper Johnson BAL 0-2, BB, K … Hayden Penn BAL (L) 6.2 3 1 0 2 8 (6-4, 3.49) … complete game shutout … Fernando Nieve HOU (W) 9 1 0 0 3 4 (9-6, 3.13)

FLORIDA STATE --  No games scheduled.

CALIFORNIA --  Jon Zeringue ARZ 2-4, triple, .355 ... Steven Shell ANA 7.0 5 2 2 1 8 ... Erick Aybar ANA 3-5, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, .350 ... Brian Stavisky OAK 2-3, 33rd double, 17th homer, .348 ... looking almost too good to be true on a strong return from surgery, Jesse Foppert SF 3.1 0 1 1 2 4 (in his four games with San Jose, 9 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 2 runs, 4 walks, 11 Ks) :

" ... He has stayed incredibly healthy," Alou said. "There hasn't been one setback of any kind ... come September we're going to see how the kid is, how we're going to use him."  (SF Examiner)

MIDWEST --  Brendan Ryan STL 2-5, K (.333) ... Daric Barton STL 1-5, double ... crash Chris Lambert STL 4.1 6 6 6 5 3 (3.50) ... Chris Lubanski KC 1-5, 2 K (.259) ... Brian Dopirak CHN 2 doubles, BB, K ... oops Sean Thompson SD 4.0 9 9 9 5 5 (L, 7-6, 3.58) ... Adam Jones SEA 0-4, K (.267) .. slow start to A-ball Warner Madrigal ANA 0-4 (1-12 so far) ... Lou Palmisano MIL 2-5, 2 doubles, K (.300) ... sombrero time Joey Votto CIN 4 K's in 4 AB's ... Kyle Geiger(C) MIN 2-4 (now .341 in 126 MWL at-bats after bombing in high-A) ... Glen Perkins MIN 5.2 7 2 1 1 5

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Ian Stewart COL, 4-6, homer (26), double, 3 RBI ... Eddy Martinez-Esteve SF, 1-3, walk ... Chuck James ATl, 5.0 2 2 2 4 3 (1.70) ... Martin Prado ATL, 3-5, 2 doubles ... Delmon Young TB, 2-3, walk ... Mitch Talbot HOU, 7.0 3 0 0 1 3 (W 9-7, 3.71) ... homer tear Ryan Bear FLA, 1-4, homer (15), RBI, homered in each of the last three games ... Jai Miller FLA, 1-3, homer (11), 2 RBI ... Ryan Goleski CLE, 1-4, RBI ... Kevin Kouzmanoff CLE, 2-3, double ... Brandon Moss BOS, 0-4 ... Beau Vaughn BOS, 5.0 7 4 4 4 7 (L 7-2, 2.82) ... Josh McCurdy BAL 2-4, 2 homers (5), 2 RBI ... Jake Blalock PHI, 1-5, RBI ... Erick Arteaga PHI, 9.0 6 1 1 0 2 (W 8-7, 4.36) ... Kory Casto MON, 1-4, homer (12), RBI ... Rogearvin Bernadina MON, 2-3, double, 2 steals (20) ... Thomas Mastny TOR, 5.2 8 3 3 1 4 (2.32) ... Matt Kemp LA, 1-4, 2 RBI

NEW YORK-PENN --  Kurt Ainsworth BAL, on the road back, 3.0 0 0 0 1 4 ... Yankee kids combined for a 14 K performance, led by Eric Abreu 5.0 6 1 1 0 7, 3-0, 1.59

APPALACHIAN --  TB SS Reid Brignac 2-4, .579, and, sound familiar, an error ... Deacon Burns MIN 2-4, .325

NORTHWEST --  Ryan Harvey CHN 3-5, 11th homer, 3 RBI, .286 ... Landon Powell OAK 0-3, .154 .. rare collar for SEA's SS sensation, Matthew Tuiasosopo 0-5, .500 ... TEX catcher Michael Nickeas 1-3, double, 3 walks, .317

PIONEER --  Sean Rodriguez ANA 2-4, double, .424 ... COL 1st rounder Chris Nelson 0-1, 3 walks, .347 ... MIL 3B Tony Festa 3-4, 5th homer, 3 RBI, .331

ARIZONA -- (Saturday)  Chris Snelling SEA 1-3, SB, .350 ...

GULF COAST --  (Saturday)  Yankee 1st rounder Phil Hughes with an appearance, 1.0 1 0 0 0 1

    Troop movements ... ARZ -- recalled Shane Nance from AAA, optioned Randy Choate to AAA ... CLE -- optioned  Kaz Tadano to AAA, designated Alex Escobar for assignment ... COL -- placed pitcher Aaron Cook on the DL, recalled pitcher Javier Lopez from AAA ... CHA -- optioned Jamie Burke to AAA ...

    The St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rockies will get a Tripe-A outfielder and Double-A starter as part of the deal for Larry Walker :

" ... The club confirmed both unnamed players are on the major- league roster, but has yet to disclose that they are stymied Memphis left fielder John Gall and Tennessee (Class AA) righthander Chris Narveson. Gall, the Cardinals' 11th-round choice in the 2000 amateur draft, has hit better than .300 his past four seasons but had been labeled by the club as defensively suspect. Gall, 26, never received consideration for a call-up this season despite hitting .298 with 21 home runs and 72 RBIs for the Redbirds. After a torrid start that earned him a berth in the Class AAA All-Star Game, Gall is fighting a profound slump. He entered Saturday with one home run since June 24 and only eight RBIs in his past 33 games. Narveson, 22, was the 53rd overall selection of the 2000 draft and until recently considered one of the organization's top three pitching prospects. After an impressive spring training, Narveson appeared to plateau. He is 4-10 with a 4.43 ERA in 22 starts after going 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA at the same level for a half-season last year. Without confirming the players involved, manager Tony La Russa said the club included a pitching prospect only because of the trade's significance. "I think our position was it had to be a significant deal," La Russa said. "You balance how much future you're giving up compared to what you're taking on."

    ARZ, at least down at the A+ level, taking a liking to Reggie Abercrombie, the former LA prospect :

" ... Abercrombie - who could very well turn out to be the most attractive piece in the deal for big leaguers Steve Finley and Brent Mayne - comes to the JetHawks with tall expectations. The Dodgers selected the 24-year-old outfielder in the 23rd round of the 1999 draft as a draft-and-follow, a find considering Abercrombie stole 146 bases in his first four seasons, has shown plenty of power potential and has drawn comparisons to big leaguers Torii Hunter and Preston Wilson with the way he roams center field. JetHawks manager Wally Backman thought highly of Abercrombie when he managed in the Southern League and has even loftier praise now that he gets to throw him into his lineup on a daily basis. "He's by far the best outfielder in this league," Backman said. "By far. There's not even a comparison. There hasn't been an all-around outfielder as good as he is in this league for the whole year." ...  "He makes us a lot better," Backman said. "He takes a lot of pressure off guys because he's a guy who moves right into the middle of the order."  (Antelope Valley Press)

    Correspondents -- INTERNATIONAL (Herb Walters), EASTERN  (Ralph Marston), SOUTHERN (Ken Savage), TEXAS (Aman Reaka), FLORIDA STATE (Wayne Stevens), CAROLINA (Troy Salvior), MIDWEST (Bob Reed), SOUTH ATLANTIC (Brad Dowdy), NEW YORK-PENN (Chris Carlson), APPALACHIAN (Scott Howes)

    
Rookie Reports Archive :

1999   2000    2001 -- Jan-July   Aug-Dec   2002 -- Jan   Feb   Mar-July   Aug   Sept-Oct   Nov-Dec

2003 -- Jan    Feb   Mar-Apr  May-June   July   Aug   Sept   Oct   Nov  Dec 01-07  Dec 08-14  Dec 15-21   Dec 22-28

2004 -- Dec 29-Jan 04   Jan 05-11  Jan 12-18  Jan 19-25  Jan 26-Feb 01  Feb 02-08  Feb 09-15  Feb 16-22  
Feb 23-29  Mar 01-07  March 08-14  March 15-21  March 22-28   Mar 29-Apr 04   Apr 05-11  Apr 12-18   Apr 19-25  Apr 26-May 02   May 03-09   May 10-16   May 17-23   May 24-30   May 31-June 6   June 7-13   June 14-20  
June 21-27   June 28-July 4   July 5-11  July 12-18   July 19-25  July 26-Aug 1  Aug 02-08  Aug 09-15  

2003 Minor League Stats 1 (Hitters, by OPS, by AAA, AA, A, Short Season, OBA, SLG, Walks, Ks, SBs, Errors)

2003 Minor League Stats 2 (Pitchers, by ERA, AAA, AA, A, Short Season, Ks & Hitters by position)