Rookies 2004

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

    Game action ... INT --  Jonny Gomes (TB, LF) 2-3, 2B, R ... Doug Waechter (TB) 6.0 5 3 3 2 4 ... rehab, Brandon Larson (CIN, 3B) 1-3, 2B ... rehab, Austin Kearns (CIN, RF) 2-4, 2B, RBI ... Dustin Moseley (CIN) 6.0 7 3 2 3 2 ... Jesse Garcia (ATL, 2B) 2-4 ... Ryan Howard (PHI, 1B) 2-5, R, 2 RBI & 2-3, 2B, 8th HR (45th overall), 2 R, 2 RBI, BB ... Gavin Floyd (PHI) 5.1 8 5 5 4 3 ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, CF) 1-3 ... Russ Adams (TOR, SS) 2-6, 5th HR, R, RBI ... Guillermo Quiroz (TOR, C) 2-6, 2 2B, R ... Mike Fontenot (BAL, 2B) 2-6, BB ... Jack Cust (BAL, DH) 2-4, RBI, 2 BB ... big day, Brandon Phillips (CLE, 2B) 3-5, 2 2B, 2 R, SB & 3-4, 2B, 7th HR, 2 R, RBI ... Jhonny Peralta (CLE, SS) 2-4, R, 2 BB & 2-4, 2B, R ... Francisco Cruceta (CLE) 4.0 6 3 3 7 2

PCL --  Calvin Pickering KC on a roll, 35th homer ... 2B Richard Lewis CHN 2-5, homer, .324 ... Luis Martinez COL 7.0 7 2 2 4 6 ... Clint Barmes COL 2-3, 2 doubles (39), walk, .324 ... Hideo Nomo LA, rehab, 4.0 8 4 4 3 8 ... Dallas McPherson ANA 1-4, 18th homer (38th overall),  3 Ks, .321 ... Lance Niekro SF 3-4, 11th & 12th homers, .322 ... gets to wear the golden sombrero, Nick Swisher OAK 0-5, 4 Ks ... Justin Germano SD 7.2 5 1 1 2 4

EASTERN --  now, that's more like it, Andrew Brown CLE 6.0 1 0 0 1 3 ... Brian Tallet CLE 1.0 1 0 0 0 2 ... Merkin Valdez SF 3.1 6 5 5 3 1, 5.32 ... SS Brandon Pinckney CLE 2-3, 2 RBI, .330 ... Zach Duke PIT 5.1 5 2 2 0 4, 1.83 ... Brad Eldred PIT 10th homer, 3 RBI ... impressive debut in AA, Nick Pesco CLE 5.0 3 0 0 1 10

SOUTHERN --  Josh Barfield SD 2B 0-2, 2 BB ... Willy Aybar LA 2B 1-2, R, HR (15), RBI ... Glenn Bott LA 5.0 1 0 0 7 5, W 4-9 ... Dennis Sarfate MIL 8.0 4 1 1 4 5, W 7-10 ... Jeff Francoeur ATL OF 1-4, R, 2 K ... Ray Aguilar ATL 6.0 3 1 1 1 2 , L 1-2 ... Chris Duncan STL OF/1B 2-4, 2 R, HR (12), 3 RBI, K ... Anthony Reyes STL 7.0 4 0 0 0 11, W 6-2, hit a HR as well ... Micah Hoffpauir CHN 1-3, R, RBI, BB ... Carmen Pignatiello CHN 7.0 4 1 1 1 6, W 7-7

TEXAS --  Angel Berroa KC 1-5, homer ... Ryan Shealy COL 28th homer ... Josh Rupe TEX 5.0 5 3 2 1 1 ... Conor Jackson ARZ 2-4, double, .310 ... Ian Kinsler TEX 1-5, double (50th overall) ... Jason Botts TEX 3-4, .300

CAROLINA --  Josh Fields CHA 1-2, R, triple, 2 BB … Ryan Sweeney CHA 1-4, R, BB, K … Casey Rogowski CHA 1-4, double (26), RBI (78), 2 K … Pedro Lopez CHA 1-4, R … Mark Saccomanno HOU 2-4, R, double (23), HR (21), 3 RBI (76), K … Josh Anderson HOU 0-4, K … Rajai Davis PIT 0-3, BB, SB (46) … Donnie Murphy KC 1-5, R, 2 K … Shane Costa KC 3-5, double, 2 RBI … Mike Aviles KC 0-4, K … Dusty Hughes KC 7 4 2 1 3 2 (2.36) … Pat Osborn CLE 2-3, RBI, BB … Brad Snyder CLE 1-3, R, BB, 2 K, SB (3)

FLORIDA STATE --  Alex Romero (MIN, RF) 2-4 Double RBI … Felix Pie (CHN, CF) 2-4 … Matthew Murton (CHN, LF) 2-4 HR(1) … Jon Connolly (CHN) 6 6 2 2 1 5 L(8-5, 2.54) … Robert Andino (FLA, SS) 2-3 Double … Raul Tablado (TOR, SS) 3-4 R RBI … Jose Vaquendano (BOS) 5 3 1 0 2 9 W(3-1, 4.11) … Jeremy West (BOS, DH) 2-3 RBI … Rehab, Felix Heredia (NYA) 3 3 1 1 1 0

CALIFORNIA --  Erick Aybar ANA 2-5, .334 ... quietly, a super season, Brian Burres SF 7.2 3 1 1 1 12, 10-1, 2.83 ... Jon Zeringue ARZ 3-5, double, homer, 3 RBI, .339 ... Reggie Abercrombie ARZ 2-4, walk, .359 (just 7 Ks in 16 games, after 164 Ks in 116 games last season) ... Mark Hamilton MIL DH/P 2-4, walk, 2 RBI, .394 ... Jason Hammel TB 8.0 2 0 0 0 9, 2.49 ... Bradley Sullivan OAK 4.2 9 5 5 1 3

MIDWEST --  oops, Michael Parisi STL 5.2 8 6 6 6 5 ... 2B Hernan Iribarren MIL, promoted to the MW after hitting .439 in 46 games in the Arizona League, 2-4, double, walk ... Carlos Marmol CHN 7.0 2 1 0 3 10, 13-7, 3.30 ... Kevin Collins CHN 31st homer ... Thomas Diamond TEX 3.2 3 2 2 1 4

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL, 2-3, double, RBI & 0-2  ... Nyjer Morgan PIT, 2-3, homer (3), RBI, steal (50) ... Paul Maholm PIT, 3.1 4 3 3 3 4 (L 0-1, 7.36) ... Ricardo Nanita CHW, 3-4, double ... Micah Schnurstein CHW, 2-4, double ... Gio Gonzalez CHW, 5.1 6 2 2 3 11 (3.70) ... Michael Bourn PHI, 2-5, homer (4), triple, 3 RBI ... Jesse Floyd SF, 6.0 1 0 0 2 9 (W 3-8, 4.57) ... Ian Stewart COL, 2-4, double, RBI ... Delmon Young TB, 3-4, double, 2 runs ... Wes Bankston TB, 3-3, homer (22), 4 RBI ... Tony Peguero TB, 6.0 3 1 1 0 3 (W 10-6, 3.19) ... Jason Vargas FLA, 8.0 3 1 1 0 4 (W 1-0, 1.13) ... 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff CLE 1-3 & 1-3, 13th homer, .320 ... Jacob Stevens ATL 5.0 1 0 0 2 8, 8-4, 2.30 .

NEW YORK-PENN --  Blue Jays' supplemental 1st rounder Zachary Jackson 3.1 5 2 2 1 2, 4.50 ... BAL CF Arturo Rivas 5-6, walk, 2 doubles & 0-4  ... Anibal Sanchez BOS 6.0 3 1 1 1 10, 2.06 ... Michael Devaney NYN 6.0 2 1 1 2 4, league-leading 1.76 ERA ... nice debut, Eric Haberer STL 7.0 7 2 1 0 5 0 1.29

APPALACHIAN --  Mitch Einertson HOU 3-4, 20th homer, .292

NORTHWEST --  Eric Hurley TEX 3.1 6 3 3 0 3 ... Jud Thigpen COL 3-5, double, .326 ... Garret Gentry COL, finally back in action, 1-4 ... Matthew Tuiasosopo SEA 2-3, walk, 2 RBI, .311

PIONEER --  Sean Rodriguez ANA, 0-3, down to .366 ... 1B Bobby Mosby CIN 15th homer, .273 ... Blake DeWitt LA 4-6, double, triple ... catcher Chris Westervelt LA 3-5, double ... Billy Butler KC 2-3, double, 2 walks, .381 ... OF Geraldo Valentin KC 4-6, homer, .354 ... 2B Eddie Solis KC 3-5, double, .380 ... COL 2B Sandy Almonte 5-7, .538 ... Chris Nelson COL 2-5, homer, 3 RBI, .349

ARIZONA --  (Fri)  Jeffrey Gray OAK, first start after 12 relief appearances, 7.0 1 0 0 0 8, 3-0, 2.03

GULF COAST --   Dallas Trahern DET 5.0 8 2 2 0 1, 0.71   (Fri) Danny Borrell NYA, on the comeback trail, 4.0 1 0 0 0 3 ... Greg Golson 2-3, 8th double & 1-4, 5th triple, .295

    Troop movements ...  KC -- activated Jeremy Affeldt from the DL, optioned RHP Jorge Vasquez to AA ... MON -- Nick Johnson on the DL, Ryan Church recalled from AAA ... DET -- recalled RHP Craig Dingman from Triple-A, optioned RHP Robert Novoa to Double-A ... ARZ -- recalled shortstop Jerry Gil (12 walks, 94 Ks) from Triple-A, optioned outfielder Doug Devore to Triple-A ...

    Another look at the combined stats of some of the two-level guys and Ian Kinsler appears even more impressive, especially as his jump came from Low-A.

                        AVG  OBP  SLG  G  AB  2B 3B HR RBI BB  SO SB  E
AAA  McPherson, Dallas .321 .365 .745  50 196 13  8 18  50 14  74  2 14
AA   McPherson, Dallas .321 .404 .660  68 262 17  6 20  69 34  74  6 12
Total                  .321 .388 .697 118 458 30 14 38 119 48 148  8 26

AAA  Howard, Ryan      .307 .402 .733  20  75  8  0  8  25 11  22  0  5
AAA  Howard, Ryan      .297 .386 .647 102 374 18  1 37 102 46 129  1  7
Total                  .298 .388 .661 122 449 26  1 45 127 57 151  1 12

AA   Kinsler, Ian      .319 .415 .515  60 235 20  1  8  40 25  38  7 18
LowA Kinsler, Ian      .402 .465 .692  59 224 30  1 11  52 25  36 16 14
Total                  .359 .439 .601 119 459 50  2 19  92 50  74 23 32

AAA  Kubel, Jason      .353 .404 .577  83 326 28  0 15  68 30  33 15  2
AA   Kubel, Jason      .377 .453 .667  37 138 14  4  6  29 19  19  0  4
Total                  .360 .419 .603 120 464 42  4 21  97 49  52 15  6

    Zach Chalifour, The Roto Times, on Brad Hawpe COL :

" ... Rockies have a few hitters at Triple-A Colorado Springs who are enjoying the high altitude, but none have been as successful this season as the 25-year-old Hawpe, who has slugged 26 homers in just 75 games. Before you take his numbers with a grain of salt just because he’s playing way above sea level, it’s important to note that Hawpe has been just as successful at other levels in the minors which don’t have the mile-high effect. He had 68 career home runs in 388 games through his first four professional seasons after being picked in the 11th round of the 2000 draft. The former LSU Tiger also showed excellent plate discipline during those first four years, drawing 211 walks against 332 strikeouts. In 2004, Hawpe has hit .311 in 273 at- bats and also has driven in 67 runs, although his strikeout rate has increased slightly. He’s fanned 72 times this season and drew only 31 free passes ...  moved from first base to the outfield this season in effort to help him reach Coors Field sometime soon. He could find himself in the Rockies outfield next season and is a candidate to be a September call-up."

    Mets' notes from the NY Daily News :

" ... Because the Mets don't want to use a Thursday doubleheader pitcher, Kris Benson or Al Leiter, on short rest when the home stand opens Monday against San Diego, Aaron Heilman should get his first big-league start of 2004. Heilman has limited opponents to three runs or fewer in his past nine Tides starts. He has a 5-2 record and 2.47 ERA during that span."

" ... GM Jim Duquette left open the possibility of Kaz Matsui taking grounders at second base while in Port St. Lucie, but ruled out game action at that position. "The type of injury Joe suffered is the exact reason we wouldn't want anyone making that transition in season," Duquette said."

21 August 2004

    Game action ... INT --  Greg Norton (DET, 3B) 2-4, 2 2B, RBI ... rehab, Austin Kearns (CIN, RF) 0-2, BB ... Jason Kubel (MIN, RF) 2-4, 14th & 15th HRs, 2 R, 2 RBI ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, LF) 0-5 ... Russ Adams (TOR, SS) 2-5, 2B, R ... a little rough, John Maine (BAL) 4.0 10 5 5 2 3 ... Jamie Brown (BOS) 6.0 9 7 5 1 5 ... Michael Vento (NYA, DH) 1-4, 15th HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB ... outstanding, Ben Hendrickson (MIL) 9.0 2 0 0 1 6 ... Prentice Redman (NYN, CF) 1-4, 3rd HR, R, 2 RBI

PCL --  Clint Barmes COL 1-1, 15th homer, 2 walks & 1-3, walk, .322 ... Chan Ho Park TEX 6.1 6 4 4 2 8 ... Calvin Pickering KC 34th homer ... Maicer Izturis MON 2-4, double, walk, .347 ... Dallas McPherson ANA 3-4, double, walk, 2 RBI, .325 ... Casey Kotchman ANA 1-4, double, .357 ... Andres Galarraga ANA 5-5 ... Edwin Jackson 2.0 2 0 0 0 1 ... Jeremy Reed SEA 2-4, .313 ... a night to remember, vet AJ Zapp SEA 5-5, 24th double, 25th & 26th homers (a grand slam the winner in the bottom of the 9th), NINE RBI (94 on the season)

EASTERN --  Hanley Ramirez BOS 1-3, walk, .289

SOUTHERN --  Skip Schumaker STL OF 2-5, 2 R, 3B, RBI ... Kelly Johnson ATL OF 3-5, 2 R, 2 2B, RBI, K, SB ... Horacio Ramirez ATL 5.2 9 3 3 1 1, W 2-0 ... Jake Meyer CIN 5.0 6 2 1 0 6, W 1-0 ... Micah Hoffpauir CHN 1-5, R, HR (11), 4 RBI ... Ricky Nolasco CHN 6.2 3 1 1 2 6, W 5-3 ... Prince FIelder MIL 1B 2-4, K ... Billy Hall FLA 2B 3-5, RBI, K

TEXAS --  Denny Bautista KC 7.0 6 2 2 2 4 ... Felix Hernandez SEA 7.0 6 2 2 2 8, 3.97 ... Jeff Mathis ANA 2-5, 2 doubles ... CF Steve Stanley OAK (2nd round pick, 2002, hit just .227 in AAA, but hot since demotion) 3-3, double, walk, .440 ... Ben Kozlowski TEX 5.0 5 5 5 3 3 ... Jason Botts TEX 4-5, triple, 22nd homer, .295 ... Ian Kinsler TEX 2-5, double, .322 (on the season, 49 doubles, 18 homers, 90 RBI)  ... Conor Jackson ARZ 6th homer, 3 RBI

CAROLINA --  Rajai Davis PIT 1-3 … Devon Lowery KC (W) 5 2 1 1 1 2 (9-8, 3.57) … Ryan Sweeney CHA 3-4, R, double (20) … Casey Rogowski CHA 2-5, K … Pedro Lopez CHA 0-5, K … Mark Saccomanno HOU 1-4, R, HR (20), RBI (73), K … Josh Anderson HOU 0-4, BB … Tripper Johnson BAL 1-4, K … Matt Wright ATL 5.2 5 2 2 3 7 (3.39) … Pat Osborn CLE 2-4, R, triple, 2 RBI

FLORIDA STATE --  Scott Olson (FLA) 7 4 1 0 1 6 W(6-6, 3.25) … Jeremy Hermida (FLA, RF) 1-3 HR(8) … Manny Delcarmen (BOS) 4.1 8 4 4 1 3 … Brandon Moss (BOS, RF) 3-4 Double 2R … Jeremy West (BOS, 1B) 2-3 R … Alex Romero (MIN, CF) 1-4 HR(4) 2R … Brandon Sing (CHN, 1B) 2-4 Double 2R … Victor Mendez (DET, CF) 2-4 … Impressive FSL Debut, Gustavo Mata (MON) 7 2 0 0 2 8 W(1-0, 0.00) … First professional save for Bill Bray (MON) 1 1 0 0 0 2 S(1) … Melky Cabrera (NYA, CF) 3-6 HR(7) 2R 3RBI … Eric Duncan (NYA, 3B) 2-5 2 Doubles 2R RBI

CALIFORNIA --  Reggie Abercrombie finding a home with the D'Backs, missed the cycle by a single, 2 doubles, triple, homer, 4 RBI, .350 ... 1B Travis Hinton MIL 2-4, 35th double, 20th homer ... Rett Johnson SEA 4.0 6 3 3 2 3 ... catcher John Suomi OAK 3-4, double, 3 RBI ... Edison Volquez TEX 7.0 3 1 1 1 9, 4-0, 2.60 ...

MIDWEST --  Daric Barton STL 1-2, 2 walks, 2 RBI, 3 runs, .321 ... Ronald Bay CHN 7.0 10 2 2 1 6, 2.78 ... Kevin Collins CHN 2-6, double, 30th homer, 4 RBI ... Kevin Jepsen ANA 6.0 4 3 3 4 5 ... Scott Tyler MIN 6.1 3 2 1 4 9

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Chris Young CHW, 2-4, double ... Nate Cabrera PHI, 8.0 6 0 0 2 6 (3.21) ... Daniel Core TOR, 5.0 3 3 3 1 6 (W 9-8, 3.59) ... Ian Stewart COL, 3-4 ... Delmon Young TB, 2-5, 2 runs ... Jason Pridie TB, 3-5, triple, 2 RBI, 2 runs ... Andrew Sonnarstine TB, 5.0 4 0 0 0 5 (W 1-0, 0.48) ... Jeff Fiorentino BAL, 1-3, homer (8), RBI ... Dennis Robinson BAL, 6.0 2 1 0 0 3 (W 1-0, 0.00) ... Mitch Talbot HOU, 5.0 5 2 2 2 5 (L 9-9, 4.00) ... Jerry Owens MON, 2-5, RBI ... Kory Casto MON, 1-4, homer (14), RBI ... John Felfoldi MON, 6.0 6 2 1 2 6 (W 1-2, 1.80)

POWs in the SAL :

" ... HITTER ... Delmon Young [TB] hit .481 (13-27) with 6 runs scored, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 RBI and an .630 slugging percentage. PITCHER ...  left-hander Adam Blackley [BOS] went 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA, allowing 8 hits, 1 earned run and 3 walks while striking out 13 in 12 innings." (Minor LeagueBaseball)

NEW YORK-PENN --  Jeff Marquez NYA 6.0 2 0 0 1 1, 1.89 ... TOR 1B Chip Cannon 2-5, homer, 5 RBI

APPALACHIAN --  SS Travis Garcia NYN 2-4, 7th homer, walk, 3 RBI, .314 ... catcher Francisco Hernandez CHA 3-6, 2 doubles, 4 RBI, .324 ... CF Mitch Einertson HOU 19th homer

NORTHWEST --  Travis Metcalf 3B TEX 2-4, 12th homer, 3 RBI ... COL CF & leadoff hitter Jud Thigpen 3-6, 9th homer, .319 ... Shawn Nottingham SEA 8.0 4 1 1 1 12, 9-1, 2.81 ...

PIONEER --  OF Tom Collaro CHA 2-4, 13th homer, 5 RBI ... Seth Smith COL 3-4, double, .367

ARIZONA -- (Thursday)  Mark Rogers MIL 5.0 4 4 4 5 3, 5.48 .

GULF COAST --  (Thursday)  Philly Phenom Scott Mitchinson 7.0 5 1 1 0 7, 6-0, 1.94 (53 Ks, 1 walk in 55 2/3s) ... 1B Buck Shaw PHI 3-4, 3 homers (5), 4 RBI, .242 ... Chris Gruler CIN Gruler 1.0 0 0 0 1 1 ... Gabriel Hernandez NYN 5.2 2 1 1 2 7, 1.24

    Troop movements ... PIT -- purchased the contract of pitcher Nelson Figueroa from AAA, Nashville ... CIN -- placed Danny Graves on the DL, recalled pitcher Matt Belisle from AAA ... STL -- optioned Danny Haren to Triple-A,  purchased the contract of RHP Al Reyes from AAA ... BOS -- activated Mark Bellhorn from the DL, optioned infielder Earl Snyder to AAA ... TB -- added Randall Simon to the active roster; optioned Joey Gathright to AAA ...  NYN -- placed Joe McEwing on the DL, recalled second baseman Jeff Keppinger from Triple-A ... ARZ -- recalled RHP Brian Bruney from AAA, activated Alan Zinter from the DL, optioned Tim Olsen to AAA ...

    Not expected to return this season, Jeff Francoeur ATL, back and promoted :

" ...  Francoeur, touted as one of the top young prospects in the Atlanta Braves system, has been promoted to “AA” Greenville of the Southern League ...  comes to Greenville from “A” Myrtle Beach of the Carolina League. A right-handed hitting outfielder, Francoeur hit .293 with 15 home runs and 52 RBI in 88 games for the Pelicans ...  spent approximately six weeks on the Pelicans’ Disabled List with a fractured cheekbone ... Francoeur, 20, was the Atlanta Braves first round draft pick and 23rd overall selection in the 2002 draft out of high school." (Greenville Braves)

    More on Jeff Francis COL, in his final AAA tuneup for his MLB debut :

" ... The start was a sendoff for left-hander Jeff Francis but not exactly a wind-at-his-back passage to the Colorado Rockies ...  Francis, who is scheduled to make his major league debut Wednesday at Atlanta, threw 87 pitches, including 53 strikes ... gave up seven hits and seven runs, all earned, equaling the total number of earned runs he allowed in 38 innings in his first six starts for the Sky Sox. But Francis was charged with two wild pitches that could have been scored as passed balls on catcher Pascual Matos ... Rockies broadcaster George Frazier, a former major league pitcher, was at Sky Sox Stadium to prepare a piece on Francis that will be aired next week. Looking beyond the pitching line, Frazier saw plenty of promise. "He had good stuff down in the zone," Frazier said. "He worked both sides of the strike zone. He got one ball up in the zone and had Phil Hiatt, a veteran, take him deep. He had great poise on the mound. His first start in Atlanta, he'll be tested by a veteran team. They will be patient, and the second and third time through (the lineup) will be the key. "I think he'll win in the big leagues. He's got good stuff, great command and good poise." ... Sky Sox pitching coach Bob McClure said Francis' pitch mix was a bit different than it had been. He threw 64 fastballs, 16 curveballs and seven changeups. McClure said Francis typically throws more breaking pitches and changeups, but working with Matos, who just joined the Sky Sox, for the first time could have contributed to Francis' pitch mix. "I don't really look at this as having any effect as how he'll pitch in his next start," McClure said." (Rocky Mountain News)

    John Sickels, ESPN.com, on Zach Duke PIT :

" ... Duke is a 21-year-old southpaw, drafted in the 20th round in 2001 out of high school ... fastball is average at 87-88 mph, not overpowering. But he mixes it well with an excellent curveball. He has improved his changeup this year, while maintaining good command. Duke entered 2004 with a 16-8 record and 2.77 ERA in 202 pro innings. The fact that he has actually improved his performance this season while pitching against more experienced hitters is a very positive sign. Because he doesn't have a blistering fastball, he has to work the corners and pitch intelligently. But so far he's been able to do that. His K/BB, K/IP, and H/IP ratios are all solid. His fastball has some natural sink, which helps make it an effective pitch even if it doesn't burn the guns. Double-A is a critical level for all pitchers, but especially finesse guys. It separates the potential Jimmy Keys from the pretenders. So far so good for Duke, although he still has to show he can handle advanced hitters for a full season. But he is definitely one of the brighter lights in the Pirates farm system."

    Scott Kazmir, possibility of his MLB debut next week :

" ...Kazmir might be inserted into the team's rotation very soon. "I would think he would be the first call-up on the road trip coming up," manager Lou Piniella said. "There is a chance, probably a good chance, he'll be in our rotation when we go to Seattle." ... Kazmir was acquired in the July 30 trade with the Mets that included Rays starter Victor Zambrano ...  Overall this season, with three different minor league teams, Kazmir is 4-5 with a 2.50 ERA. He has pitched 101 innings and allowed 28 earned runs on 79 hits and 42 walks. He has 104 strikeouts in 19 starts." (MLB.com)

20 August 2004  

    Game action ... INT --  John Webb (TB) 5.0 7 4 4 2 5 ... rehab, Brandon Larson (CIN, 3B) 1-3, RBI ... rehab, Austin Kearns (CIN, RF) 1-4 ... Jorge Padilla (PHI, RF) 2-3, R, HBP, SB ... Jason Bartlett (MIN, SS) 2-4, 2B, 3rd HR, 2 R, RBI ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, CF) 2-3, 6th HR, R, 2 RBI, BB ... Ryan Ludwick (CLE, RF) 2-4, 2 2B, RBI ... Kyle Denney (CLE) 7.0 3 1 1 1 5 ... rehab, Mark Bellhorn (BOS, 2B) 0-3 ... Brad Halsey (NYA) 6.0 4 0 0 0 5 ... Jorge De La Rosa (MIL) 6.0 4 2 1 1 4

PCL --   close your eyes -- Tim Redding vs Jeff Francis, a 21-7 game -- Francis, worst start in a long, long time, 3.0 7 7 7 1 3, 3.07 .. Redding 4.1 11 9 7 1 2 ... SS Clint Barmes COL 3-6, .321 ... Brad Hawpe COL 3-6, 25th & 26th homers ... OF Shawn Garrett COL 5-6, double, 3 RBI ... Dennis Tankersley SD 6.2 3 0 0 1 5. 3.15 ... Calvin Pickering KC 33rd homer ... Ryan Church MON 4-6, double, 17th homers, 4 RBI ... Val Pascucci MON 2-5, 24th & 25th homers, 5 RBI ... Brendan Harris MON 3-6, homer, 5 RBI ... Casey Kotchman ANA 2-3, walk, .360 ... Cody Ross LA 1-3, 14th homer ... Jeremy Reed SEA 3-5, .309 ... Freddy Sanchez PIT 0-4, .246 ... Kameron Loe TEX 7.0 4 3 2 1 6, 3.62 ... Ray Lankford STL, rehab,  2-5, homer

EASTERN --  Michael Hinckley MON 7.0 6 2 2 0 8 ... Kyle Sleeth DET, looks to be in over his head, 7.0 12 7 7 2 5 ... Mitch Jones NYA 35th homer, 4 RBI ... BAL's Dave Crouthers ( 7 0 0 0 4 6) combined with relievers Andy Mitchell & Jacobo Sequea for a no-hitter ... Bobby Bradley PIT  5.0 4 1 1 2 3 .

SOUTHERN --  Rick Ankiel STL 4.0 2 1 0 1 5 (see below) ... Kelly Johnson ATL OF 3-4, R, HR (15), RBI ... Chris Seddon TB 6.0 5 4 4 4 3, L 8-8 ... Mike Thompson SD 7.0 9 1 1 0 2, W 8-2 ... Joel Guzman LA SS 1-5, R, HR (4), RBI, K ... Chad Billingsley LA 5.0 5 2 2 2 3 ... Elizardo Ramirez CIN 5.0 8 3 3 0 5 ... Josh Willingham FLA C 1-3, 2 R, HR (20), 2 RBI, 2 BB, K ... Nic Ungs FLA 6.0 7 2 2 0 5, W 9-8 ... Brian Anderson CHA OF 3-4, RBI ... ouch ... Dennis Ulacia CHA 2.2 8 7 7 3 0, L 7-7 ... Micah Hoffpauir CHN 2-5, RBI ... Bobby Brownlie CHN 5.0 3 1 1 1 4 ... Dana Eveland MIL 6.2 5 0 0 0 2, 0.00

" ...  Ankiel threw 62 pitches with 38 going for strikes in four innings ... allowed one run, which was unearned, on two hits Thursday. "Just being out there and competing is the main thing," Ankiel said. "If you're not able to compete, you're just sitting all bored. It feels good especially after throwing that many pitches, which is the most I've thrown yet. To walk away not sore or hurt is good." ... did not throw a wild pitch Thursday night and had just one passed ball. Ankiel walked one and struck out five. His fastball ranged between 89 and 90 miles per hour with his fastest reaching 93. "Once I got settled in, it was good," Ankiel said. "The main thing for me is to come out and make sure my arm and my body is going to give me what I need after the surgery." (The Greenville News)

TEXAS --  Jeff Salazar COL 1-4, triple, 3 RBI ... Huston Street OAK, first AA save, 1.0 0 0 0 0 1,1.93 ... Carlos Quentin ARZ 4-4, 19th double, 5th homer, .383 ... Conor Jackson ARZ 3-6 ... Josh Kroeger ARZ 2-4, 7th homer

CAROLINA --  Josh Anderson HOU 1-3, R, double, .305 … Pat Osborn CLE 2-4, R, HR (9), RBI, K, .340 … Brad Snyder CLE 2-3, RBI, .392 … Fernando Nieve HOU 5.2 7 2 2 1 5 (2.96) … Adam Miller CLE 5.2 2 2 2 3 5 (2.39) … Jeff Francoeur ATL 2-4, 2 R, HR (15), RBI, .293 … Brian McCann ATL 1-3, RBI, BB, .266 … Rajai Davis PIT 0-4, .318 … Blaine Boyer ATL (W) 7 4 3 1 0 2 (8-10, 2.96) … Tripper Johnson BAL 1-2, R, 2 K, .263 … Donnie Murphy KC 2-4, R, HR (8), RBI (66), K, .252 … Shane Costa KC 0-4, K, .304 … Mike Aviles KC 2-3, .295 … Josh Fields CHA 1-3, R, .274 … Casey Rogowski CHA 0-4, K, .291 … Pedro Lopez CHA 2-4, .291 …

FLORIDA STATE --  Brandon Moss (BOS, RF) 2-4 & 1-3 R … Dustin Pedroia (BOS, SS) 2-4 R RBI & 2-3 Double R … Jeremy West (BOS, DH) 2-4 Triple R & (1B) 2-3 Double 2RBI … David Murphy (BOS, CF) 1-3 RBI & (DH) 1-3 … Louis Mendoza (BOS) 7 5 2 1 3 0 W(7-6, 3.56) … Jordan Pals (STL) 5 4 4 4 4 6 ND - 2.81 ERA … Kevin Deaton (NYN) 6.1 4 1 1 2 2 W(6-2, 2.78) … Ron Davenport (TOR, RF) 2-4 Triple R … Vito Chiaravalotti (TOR, 1B) 1-4 HR(13) 2RBI … Miguel Negron (TOR, CF) 2-4 2 Doubles RBI … Rehabbing back with the Yankees, Shane Spencer (NYA, LF) 3-4 2RBI … Eric Duncan (NYA, 3B) 2 Doubles R 2RBI … Tommy Winrow (NYA, DH) 2-5 Double 3R RBI … Chin-Lung Hu (LA, SS) 3-4 Double R … Matt Merricks (LA) 3.1 11 3 3 1 1 ND - 4.11 ERA … Matthew Murton (CHN, LF) 2-4 & 1-2 2R RBI … Brandon Sing (CHN, 1B) 2-4 HR(31) Double 2R & 2-3 RBI … Felix Pie (CHN, CF) 1-2 R SB(29) & 2-4 Double Triple 2R RBI

CALIFORNIA --  Jason Perry OAK 3-4, 2 doubles (35), 20th homer, 3 RBI & 1-3, double, 2 RBI, .345 ... Matt Lorenzo TEX 6.0 2 2 2 1 7

MIDWEST --  KC kids combine on a seven inning one-hitter, 15 Ks -- Ambiorix Burgos 6.0 0 0 0 1 13 & Gabe DeHoyos 1.0 1 0 0 0 2 ... MIN 1st rounder again outstanding, Glen Perkins 7.0 4 1 1 0 8, 1.11 ... Kevin Collins CHN 29th homer ... Yankees' 1B John Urick 4-5, 23 rd double, 11th & 12th homers, 6 RBI ... STL 1st rounder Chris Lambert 5.1 7 3 2 1 6 ... Daric Barton STL 3-4, 19th double, 2 walks, .320 ... Howard Kendrick 2B ANA 3-4, double, 3 RBI, .358 ...

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Adam Blackley BOS, 6.0 6 1 1 1 5 (W 2-3, 3.40) ... Chuck James ATL, 6.0 4 2 2 1 8 (L 10-3, 1.77) ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL, 1-3 ... Ryan Bear FLA, 1-5, homer (16), RBI ... Lastings Milledge NYN 10th homer, .324 ... Ryan Harvey NYN 3-6, double, .315 ... Chuck Tiffany LA 5.0 3 1 1 2 10 ... Ian Stewart COL 1-3, 4 walks, 92nd RBI, .311 ... Delmon Young TB 3-5, double, .318 ... Wes Bankston TB 21st homer ...

NEW YORK-PENN --  Ambiorix Concepcion OF NYN 3-4, 7th homer, 3 RBI, .321 ... TOR 2B Brian Hall 2-5, 9th & 10th homers, 7 RBI, .294 ... John Jaso TB 2-4, homer ...

APPALACHIAN --  catcher Francisco Hernandez CHA 3-5, homer ... Reid Brignac TB 0-4 ...

NORTHWEST --  No games scheduled.

PIONEER --  Tom Collaro CHA 2-4, triple, 4 RBI ... Ray Liotta CHA 6.0 3 1 1 2 8, 4-1, 2.64

ARIZONA -- MIL 2B Hernan Iribarren 3-5, 8th & 9th triples, .438 ... Matt Bush SD, on the bench again

    Troop movements ...  COL -- optioned RHP Allan Simpson to AAA, purchased the contract of RHP Chris Gissell from Triple-A ... CHA -- optioned Felix Diaz to AAA, purchased the contract of LHP Josh Stewart from AAA  ... LA -- acquired Elmer Dessens and cash from ARZ for OF Jereme Milons, placed Darren Dreifort on the DL ... NYA -- placed Victor Zambrano on the DL ... PHI -- placed Brian Powell on the DL, recalled Geoff Geary from AAA ... PIT recalled pitcher Ian Snell from AA, optioned pitcher John Van Benschoten to AAA ... TB -- signed first baseman Randall Simon ...

    Jonathan O'Konis, The Sports Network, on Brad Knox OAK :

" ... At only 22-years-old, the right hander's career numbers are quite impressive. His record is 21-10 with an ERA of 2.55. For even more astonishing stats, look at his strikeout-to-walk ratio: 6:1 (267-46) ... doesn't have an overpowering fastball. He instead relies on great control and a fastball in the high eighties to get batters out. He also can throw his changeup, slider, and curve for strikes anytime in the count. Knox, a 14th round pick out of Central Arizona College in 2002, was part of the famed "Moneyball" draft ...  a perfect example of the type of pitcher the Oakland front office has targeted. Young, college educated, healthy pitchers with no history of arm injuries who don't consistently light up radar guns but consistently throw strikes and throw lots of innings."

    Quite a turnaround for Chris Young TEX :

" ...  Rangers sent John Wetteland, one of their special pitching instructors, to Memphis to watch Triple A Oklahoma right-hander Chris Young pitch Wednesday. Wetteland saw something special, and Young has emerged as the strongest candidate to pitch for the Rangers on Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins. Young, who went into the game with an overall record of 8-5 with a 3.87 ERA in the minors this year, allowed one run on two hits in seven innings for a 4-1 victory over Memphis. He is 3-0 with a 1.48 ERA in five starts at Oklahoma since being promoted from Double A Frisco. "His velocity has kind of crept up there," Rangers manager Buck Showalter said. "He's got the arm angle you can't teach and his breaking ball has gotten better." (Star-Telegram)

    Tidbits from the International League :

" ... Bisons’ infielder Jhonny Peralta set a new team record on each day this past weekend. On Friday, he collected a pair of doubles to move past Rich Aude for the most two-baggers in a single season in Bisons Modern Day history (he now has 40). On Saturday, Peralta picked up three hits to help him eclipse Jolbert Cabrera’s mark of 157 base hits in a single season (now 164). Finally, on Sunday he scored a pair of runs to give him 96 on the season, passing Cabrera’s and Alex Ramirez’s record of 94 (both set in 1998). On Wednesday, Peralta became the first Bison in the Modern Era to score 100 runs in a season."

" ... Lynx LHP Matt Riley has had some great success at the Triple-A level. In seven starts this year with the Lynx, Riley has held opponents to a paltry .181 batting average, while striking out 40 batters in only 30 innings pitched. Riley has spent most of his time with the Lynx on a limited pitch count, but that has not hampered his effectiveness, as he has only given up six earned runs with Ottawa, which works out to a stellar 1.80 ERA."

" ... Outfielder Jason Kubel continues to smoke the ball batting .389 (61-for-157) with 13 doubles, 11 home runs and 43 RBI in his last 40 games. Kubel has reached base safely in 36 of those 40 games with 18 multi-hit games during this stretch. For the season (Double-A & Triple-A numbers combined) Kubel is batting .362 (164-for-453) with 41 doubles, four triples, 19 home runs and 95 RBI in 115 games."

    Some high praise in the local press for D'Backs Josh Kroeger :

" ...  chosen in the fourth round ...in the June 2000 draft. Kroeger, a left-handed batter, is considered a potential superstar in the making. He has been compared to former major league outfielder David Justice. "At 21, he's quite a prosect with that body," Sidewinders manager Chip Hale said. "He can only get better with the bat and he will." ... The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Kroeger has made rapid strides since being placed on the 40-man roster ...  started the year with Double-A El Paso and was named to the Texas League All-Star squad. He hit .331 with nine home runs and 46 RBIs for El Paso. He was promoted to Triple-A Tucson following the all-star break. "After playing Double-A ball half a season, you've got to be impressed with the way he has come into the lineup and hit in the middle of the order and knocked runs in," Hale said. "He has done a pretty good job in the outfield. He's a very underrated outfielder. He gets good jumps on balls and can play all three outfield positions." Kroeger was hitting .286 with six home runs and 25 RBIs with the Sidewinders entering last night's game. Some predict he will be the D'backs' right fielder next season." (Tucson Citizen)

    Another start, another small step towards recovery for Jesse Foppert SF

" ...  bright spot is the continued success of Foppert, who is with the Grizzlies on a rehab assignment. Foppert allowed two runs and five hits in five innings with five strikeouts. His run total could have been lower, Stanley [manager Fred Stanley] said. "He had a bad-hop base hit, a single to center and a ball down the line," Stanley said. "So it's like he just gave up two hits. I thought he threw the ball very well." ... "He's about two months ahead of schedule," Stanley said. "There's a lot of things that can go wrong with a surgery like that, but it seems to be working for him." ... After the game, Foppert left for San Francisco, where he has an apartment, so he could pack some of his belongings. Stanley said he expects Foppert with the Grizzlies for the rest of the season." (Fresno Bee)

19 August 2004

    Game action ... INT --  hmmm, maybe the 'ol juiced balls found their way to the IL, Stephen Smitherman (CIN, LF) 3-5, 2B, 9th HR, 3 R, RBI ... Anderson Machado (CIN, SS) 2-2, 2 2B, 3 R, HBP, SB ... rehab, Austin Kearns (CIN, RF) 2-5, R, SB ... Matt Belisle (CIN) 5.2 11 5 4 1 1 ... Ryan Howard (PHI, 1B) 2-3, 7th HR, R, 2 RBI, BB ... Jason Bartlett (MIN, SS) 1-5, 2nd HR, R, 2 RBI ... Michael Restovich (MIN, LF) 2-5, 19th HR, R, 2 RBI ... Jason Kubel (MIN, RF) 3-5, 13th HR, 2 R, 3 RBI ... Terry Tiffee (MIN, 3B) 4-4, 2B, 12th HR, 2 R, RBI, BB ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, CF) 1-4, 2B, 2 R, BB ... JD Durbin (MIN) 5.0 6 2 2 5 6 ... Russ Adams (TOR, SS) 2-5, 4th HR, R, 2 RBI ... Cam Reimers (TOR) 6.0 9 5 5 2 1 ... Tim Raines Jr (BAL, CF) 3-4, RBI, SB ... Jack Cust (BAL, DH) 1-4, 16th HR, R, 2 RBI ... Matt Riley (BAL) 4.2 4 0 0 2 8 ... Ryan Ludwick (CLE, RF) 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI ... Jason Cooper (CLE, LF) 1-3, 1st HR, R, RBI, 2 BB ... Kazuhito Tadano (CLE) 5.2 7 4 4 0 4 ... rehab, Mark Bellhorn (BOS, 2B) 1-3, 2B, R ... Wilson Valdez (CHA, SS) 2-4, R, BB, SB ... Michael Vento (NYA, DH) 2-4, 2B, RBI ... Dioner Navarro (NYA, C) 2-4, 2B, RBI ... Victor Diaz (NYN, RF) 2-4, 2 R ... Jae Seo (NYN) 5.1 9 4 4 6 4

PCL --  lost this one, but still pretty solid, Jesse Foppert SF 5.0 5 2 2 0 4 (now in his AAA stint, 8 innings, 8 hits, one walk, 8 Ks) ... Cha-Seung Baek SEA 6.0 3 1 1 3 7 ... nothing like his last effort, Sergio Mitre CHN 5.0 10 4 4 2 2 ...  JR House PIT 3-5, double, .279 ... Tim Stauffer SD 6.0 9 4 3 2 3 ... Xavier Nady SD 15th homer, .322 ... Rangers' Chris Young (3rd round pick in 2000 by PIT, later traded to MON & then moved to TEX this season) continues superb run in AAA, 7.0 2 1 1 1 9, 3-0, 1.48 ... Jimmy Gobble KC 5.0 7 4 4 2 3 ... Calvin Pickering KC 32nd homer ... Mark Teahen KC 2-4, double, .279 ... MON SS Maicer Izturis 2-5, double, .346 ... Casey Kotchman ANA 2-4, double, walk, .354 ... Dallas McPherson ANA 2-3, 2 walks, .317 ... Andres Galarraga ANA 3rd homer ... Edwin Jackson LA slated to start, but didn't ... Brian Myrow LA, the former Northern League star, could, at age 28, win some September time, game-winning, grand slam ... LA 1B Luis Garcia 28th homer

EASTERN --  Mitch Jones, 26, NYA (7th rounder, 2000 draft) 34th homer ...Brandon League TOR  6.0 5 2 2 1 8 ... finding his legs at AA, Joel Zumaya DET 6.0 5 5 2 3 7, 2-0, 2.45 ... CF Curtis Granderson DET, hot streak continues, 2-5, 15th double, 20th homer, 5 RBI ... back strong from DL stint, Michael Aubrey CLE 2-4, double, homer ... Bryan Bullington PIT 7.0 8 3 3 0 4 ... PIT 1B Brad Eldred 2-4, homer, 3 RBI ... Hanley Ramirez ATL 2-4, 4th homer, walk, 2 RBI ... Walter Young BAL 3-5, 30th & 31st homers, 3 RBI, .272 ...

SOUTHERN --  Ryan Ketchner LA 6.0 6 2 2 2 3, L 7-6 ... Steve Kelly CIN 5.0 3 1 1 4 5, W 10-6 ... Jason Stokes FLA 1B 3-5, R, 2B, HR (21), 2 RBI ... Chip Ambres FLA OF 1-3, 2 R, HR (15), RBI, BB, K, SB (22) ... Trevor Hutchinson FLA 7.0 7 2 2 2 1, W 9-6 ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 2-4, R, 3B, 3 RBI, k ... Roger Deago SD 7.0 5 0 0 0 9, W 2-1 ... Kelly Johnson ATL OF 3-5, 2 RBI, SB (8) ... Brett Evert ATL 7.0 4 1 1 3 4, W 3-3 ... Micah Hoffpauir CHN 2-5, R, HR (10), RBI ... Renyel Pinto CHN 6.1 2 1 1 2 5, W 10-8

TEXAS --  Santiago Perez TX (DH) 4-6, 2R, 3B, 3RBI(17), .368 ... Ian Kinsler TX 3-5, 2R, 2B, RBI(37), .324 ... Edgar Gonzalez TX (3B) 2-5, R, RBI(40), .288 ... vet Tydus Meadows TX 1-2, R, 2RBI(57), 2BB, .271 ... a pair of failed prospects with good nights, Rick Asadoorian TX (LF) 3-5, 3R, 2B, HR(2), RBI(20), .272 and Derrick Gibson ANA (DH) 2-3, 2R, HR(6), RBI(18), .240 ... Nelson Cruz OAK (RF) 3-4, R, 2B, .284 ... Omar Quintanilla OAK (SS) 1-3, R, HR(1), 2RBI(5), .407 ... ouch - Steven Bondurant OAK 4 10 7 7 3 2, 6.55 (L 1-2) ... Brooks Conrad HOU (2B) 2-5, R, 3B, .294 ... Todd Self HOU 2-4, R, RBI(67), .300 ... Danny Sandoval COL (SS) 2-4, R, 2B, RBI(54), .324 ... Ryan Shealy COL 2-3, R, 2B, 2RBI(91), .327 ... nice game - Tim Bausher OAK 7 4 1 1 1 9, 3.99 ND ... Hunter Brown SEA (3B) 2-5, R, HR(10), RBI(46), .280 ... TJ Bohn SEA (CF) 2-4, R, HR(4), RBI(22), .261 ... Angel Berroa KC 2-5, R, HR(2), RBI(7), .357 ... Norris Hopper KC (CF) 2-4, R, 2B, .276 ... Darren Fenster KC (2B) 3-4, .404 ... Casey Smith ANA (3B) 2-4, 2B, RBI(13), .291 ... Tommy Murphy ANA (CF) 2-3, R, 2B, .264 ... EL PASO (Arizona D-Backs) puts up 22 runs!!!  -- among the big guns, Jesus Cota 2-5, double, 3 RBI ... Conor Jackson 2-5, homer, 5 RBI ... Carlos Quentin 3-4, 3 RBI ...

CAROLINA --  Donnie Murphy KC 0-4 … Shane Costa KC 0-2, BB, K … Mike Aviles KC 2-4, R … Josh Fields CHA 0-3, BB, K … Casey Rogowski CHA 2-4, double (25), 3 RBI (77) … Pedro Lopez CHA 1-1, R, 2 RBI … Josh Anderson HOU 1-4, 3 K … Pat Osborn CLE 2-4, RBI … Brad Snyder CLE 1-4, R, 2 K … JD Martin CLE 7.1 2 1 1 0 5 (4.62) … Jeff Francoeur ATL 2-4, SB (10) … Brian McCann ATL 1-4 … Rajai Davis PIT 3-3, 2 R, RBI, BB, SB (45)

FLORIDA STATE --  Jon Papelbon (BOS) 7 4 1 1 3 8 W(12-5, 2.75) … Brandon Moss (BOS, RF) 3-4 HR(2) 3RBI … Brent Clevlen (DET, RF) 2-4 Double … Robert Andino (FLA, SS) 2-4 RBI SB(5) - Jupiter's only two hits of the game … Yorman Bazardo (FLA) 3.1 3 1 1 0 6 ND - 3.27 ERA … Rehab, Felix Heredia (NYA) 2 1 0 0 2 3 … Ryan Barthelemy (PHI, 1B) 2-3 Double Triple 4RBI … Juan Richardson (PHI, DH) 2-4 Double

CALIFORNIA --  looks as if Brooks K. has started a trend, MIL's Mark Hamilton doing fine in both roles, 2-4, 3rd homer as DH & in relief, pick up his first win 4.0 4 2 0 1 5, 3.38 ... Michael Napoli ANA 3-4, 27th double, 27th homer, .296 ... Nate Schierholtz SF 2-4, double, .284 ... Jon Nelson SEA 3-5, double, .307 ... SEA OF Carlos Arroyo 2-4, homer, 2 walks, 6 RBI, .321

MIDWEST --  Brad Knox OAK, down to 2.26, 5.0 3 0 0 3 2 ... Travis Chick SD 5.1 2 1 0 2 7, 2-0, 2.82 ... Brian Dopirak CHN 1-4, double

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Delmon Young TB, 2-3, triple, steal (17) ... Chris Young CHW, 2-4, homer (22), RBI ... Micah Schnurstein CHW, 2-3, double, 2 RBI ... Jason Columbus SF, 2-3, RBI ... Ryan Harvey NYM, 2-4 ... Timothy Worthington NYM, 5.0 2 1 1 2 7 (L 1-1, 3.79) ... Michael Bourn PHI, 3-4 ... Zach Norman PHI, 2-4, 2 homers (3), 3 RBI ... what a season Ian Stewart COL, 3-5, homer (29), double (25), 4 RBI (91) ... Larry Robles COL, 7.0 4 1 1 1 7 (W 6-3, 3.56) ... Kory Casto MON, 1-3, homer (13), RBI ... Adam Boeve PIT, 2-4, double, RBI ... Leo Nunez PIT, 5.0 4 4 4 1 3 (L 8-4, 3.20) ... Xavier Paul LA, 2-5, 2 runs ... Matt Kemp LA, 1-3, homer (17), 3 RBI ... Beau Hearod HOU, 1-4, homer (23), RBI ... Thomas Mastny TOR, 5.0 5 1 1 0 6 (2.27) ... Jeff Fiorentino BAL, 1-4, homer (7), RBI ... Zach Dixon BAL, 6.0 6 2 2 1 7 (W 9-4, 2.54)

NEW YORK-PENN --  FLO 1st rounder, Taylor Tankersley 6.0 4 0 0 0 5, 0.53 ... NYP Player of the Month John Jaso, catcher TB, gunning for a repeat, 3-3, double, walk, 3 RBI, .317 ...

APPALACHIAN --  No games scheduled.

NORTHWEST --  Javier Herrera OAK 3-5, double, .346 ... Richard Robnett OAK 2-4, 2 doubles, .292 ... Landon Powell 3-3, 2 walks, .293 ... AJ Shappi ARZ 6.0 10 1 1 0 5 ...  Juan Morillo COL 6.0 1 0 0 2 8, 2.30 ... COL CF Jud Thigpen 2-5, double, .313 ...

PIONEER --  Justin Orenduff LA (2nd round pick 2004) 5.0 0 0 0 4 9. 4.06 ... Brandon Szymanski CIN, in a tough stretch, 0-3, 3 Ks, .259 ... oops, Sean Rodriguez ANA 0-4, 3 Ks, .389 ... 1B Josh Brady MIL 3-4, homer, .468 ... Seth Smith COL 3-5, walk, 2 RBI, .365 ...

    Troop movements ... CLE -- recalled RHP Fernando Cabrera from AAA, optioned LHP Cliff Bartosh to AAA, traded Scott Stewart to LA for future considerations ... PIT -- recalled RHP John Van Benschoten from AAA, designated RHP Willis Roberts for assignment ... NYN -- recalled Bartolome Fortunato from AAA, traded catcher Tom Wilson to LA for catcher Tony Socarras ... BAL -- placed Jerry Hairston Jr. & Larry Bigbie on the DL, recalled Darnell McDonald from AAA, purchased the contract of outfielder Val Majewski from AA ... HOU -- placed Andy Pettitte on the DL ... OAK -- activated Arthur Rhodes from the DL, optioned Jairo Garcia to AAA ... SEA -- placed Justin Leone on the DL, recalled Ramon Santigao from AAA ... SF -- activated LHP Wayne Franklin from the DL, optioned RHP Brad Hennessey to AAA ...  ARZ -- placed catcher Koyie Hill on the DL, purchased the contract of catcher Chris Snyder from AA, optioned infielder Tim Olson to AAA, activated catcher-first baseman Alan Zinter from the DL  ... NYA -- Yankees - activated Mike Mussina from the DL, optioned infielder Andy Phillips to AAA ... SD -- placed Jay Witasick on the DL, purchased the contract of pitcher Steve Watkins from AAA ... ATL -- placed RHP Tim Drew on the DL, purchased the contract of RHP Roman Colon from AAA ...

    Again,  Jeff Francis COL at the top of Kevin Goldstein's Prospect Hot Sheet at Baseball America. Too bad he's missing out on an Olympic experience.

Kevin has Jose Capellan ATL and Casey Kotchman ANA at 2-3.  A few interesting names from short-season ball on the list :

" ... 11. Billy Butler, 3b ... The 14th overall pick in this year's draft has done about all that could be asked of him as a pro . . . .390-6-50 in 53 games, with 57 runs scored. The 44-43 strikeout-walk ratio speaks to future success, but so does his strong, quick swing, giving him the uncanny ability to let the ball get deep at the plate while still turning on it and punishing it."

" ... 16. Seth Smith  ... The last time Smith hit like this was with Team USA last summer--and he wasn't showing this kind of power yet. The second-round pick out of Mississippi had a rough spring, but in his current 10-game hitting streak, he's 22-for-45 (.489) with five homers and 19 RBIs. His 19 doubles help boost his slugging percentage to .612; it was .473 in three years with the Rebels, and he hit .402 one of those years."

    Jim Callis, Baseball America, on Nate McLouth DET :

" ... McLouth has been one of my favorite Pirates sleepers for a while. He gets overlooked a lot because he was a 25th-round pick coming out of a Michigan high school in 2000, but he only slid that far because he was committed to the University of Michigan... has hit .290/.365/.429 with 35 homers, 197 RBIs and 109 steals in 442 pro games. McLouth has gap power, good speed and fine instincts on the bases. His walk rate has dipped a little this year, but if he could pull it back up I could see him batting first or second for the Pirates in the future. He has played center field in the past but has spent most of 2004 in right field, where he fits better defensively. If he keeps hitting like this, the Pirates probably will give McLouth a look in the second half of 2005."

    From MinorLeagueBaseball, some of the Players of the Month for July :

" ... Gustavo Chacin (23) ... youthful veteran of seven pro seasons, but found a new lease on life as a starting pitcher with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats of the Eastern League. After working in relief for the last two years, the parent Toronto Blue Jays have him starting this year with spectacular results. He won all 5 starts in July with a 0.98 ERA and is 14-2 for the season, including 10 wins in a row."

" ... Brandon Moss (20) ...  had everything fall into place this year after hitting a combined .226 in his first two seasons. The outfielder hit .344 with 27 RBIs in July for the Augusta GreenJackets of the South Atlantic League, but this is no sudden surge. He is hitting .339 for the season and his worst month’s average was .317. The parent Boston Red Sox were convinced and moved him up to Sarasota of the Florida State League."

" ... Mitch Einertson (19) ...  has a commodity that is always in demand--raw power. Drafted ... in the fifth round in June by the Houston Astros, the outfielder is having a memorable first pro season and is running away with power stats in the Appalachian League with the Greeneville Astros. He hit 13 homers with 21 RBIs and a .300 average in July and is leading the league overall with 18 homers, 54 RBIs, 30 extra base hits and a .652 slugging percentage."

" ... Ismael Ramirez (23)  ... has progressed slowly and been lightly pitched since signing with the Toronto Blue Jays as a 17-year-old. But he is more than making up for lost time this year with the Dunedin Blue Jays of the Florida State League. The righthander is leading the league with a 13-5 record and is second with a 2.78 ERA after going 5-0 and 0.79 in July. He won nine straight decisions while piling up 113 strikeouts against just 23 walks."

    Chris Kline, Baseball America has the first take on the rosters for the Arizona Fall League. Lots of top talent -- Jason Kubel, Carlos Quentin, Conor Jackson, Rickie Weeks, Gavin Floyd, Ryan Howard, Adam Loewen, Delmon Young ...

    Scott Kazmir TB, 2004 ?  Maybe :

" ...  Doug Waechter is struggling at Triple-A Durham. Seth McClung hasn't been sharp. If the Devil Rays add a pitcher anytime soon, it appears it will be left-hander Scott Kazmir from Double-A Montgomery. Neither general manager Chuck LaMar nor manager Lou Piniella said that, but it is not difficult to connect the dots. Kazmir, the hotshot acquired from the Mets in the Victor Zambrano deal, is 1-2 with a 1.44 ERA in four starts with 24 strikeouts and 11 walks in 25 innings. He pitched seven innings Tuesday and lost despite allowing one earned run and striking out seven ...  "The other kid, Kazmir, is probably more ready than any of them." LaMar said he still expects the pitchers to be promoted before the end of the season, though one may come up this month. LaMar said it's safe to assume Kazmir will get "a taste" of the majors. It may happen sooner rather than later. (St. Petersburg Times)

    Delmon Young TB, staying put :

" ... Though he entered Tuesday batting .308 for Class A Charleston with a team-high 136 hits, 21 home runs and an organization-high 99 RBIs, Delmon Young will stay with the RiverDogs the rest of the season. LaMar said the No. 1 overall pick of the 2003 draft will be moved up next season. He would not say where, but added, "He will be challenged thoroughly in this assignment." LaMar said Young is having "one of the outstanding years I can remember for an 18-year-old in professional baseball." (St. Petersburg Times)

    Back on the prospect ladder :

" ... Top prospect Jason Arnold, who missed most of his season at triple-A Syracuse because of a shoulder injury, looked sharp in his start Monday with class-A Dunedin. Arnold gave up one run over 5 1/3 innings, striking out five and walking one. He will make a few more starts with Dunedin before joining double-A New Hampshire for their post-season. After that, Arnold is being ticketed to the Arizona Fall League . (Toronto Sun)

    Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, on Franklin Gutierrez CLE and Nick Swisher OAK :

" ... Gutierrez ... promoted to Triple-A in late June and struggled upon his arrival in Buffalo ... got hurt -- bruising a ligament in his right elbow -- and landed on the DL. He hasn't played since. The home run power that he showed last year was gone, though he did have 23 doubles in 249 at-bats, and the .309 he hit for Akron was enough to get him promoted. They have a lot of outfielders in that system, so I'm not exactly sure what his prognosis will be for next year. I would say maybe he gets a shot next year, but with the time he's missed, he probably starts back in Triple-A."

" ...  Swisher, the guy everybody was excited about in the "Moneyball" draft because he has tools and a tremendous plate discipline. The man is an on-base and slugging machine. He's putting up some very good numbers in Sacramento. While the switch-hitter has hit just .254, his OBP is .399 (courtesy of 94 walks) and he's slugging at a .499 clip. I think that his skills set will translate to the big league level, probably starting next year."

    LA first-rounder making progress in short-season ball :

" ...  Scott Elbert was simply too strong for the Mustangs. The 19-year-old left-hander hurled five shutout innings ... Elbert, who was the 17th player selected overall in June's major league draft, scattered five hits - three of them infield singles ... "I think he was being really aggressive," Ogden manager Travis Barbary said of Elbert. "He was getting ahead of hitters and he was working fast. He just had a good rhythm about him." Elbert, 2-2 on the season, struck out two and walked one with his array of sliders, fastballs, curves and change-ups. He threw 76 pitches in five innings - with 49 of them strikes ... "This is probably one of his top two outings," Barbary said of Elbert, who really stymied the Billings batters with an inside slider. "He's had some good performances, but his biggest thing tonight was he was really aggressive in getting ahead of the hitters early in the count. He seemed to be on his game." ...   Elbert, who just turned 19 last week, was drafted in the first round by the Dodgers out of high school. During his senior season in Seneca, Mo., the 6-foot-2, 190-pound lefty struck out 114 batters and allowed just 13 hits in 54 innings of mound detail. His earned-run average was 0.52." (Billings Gazette)

18 August 2004

    Game action ... INT --  wind blowing out? ... Matt Diaz (TB, RF) 3-5, 2B, R ... Stephen Smitherman (CIN, LF) 3-5, 2B, R, 2 RBI ... rehab, Austin Kearns (CIN, RF) 1-5, 2 RBI ... Wilson Betemit (ATL, 3B) 1-4, 14th HR, R, RBI ... Jorge Padilla (PHI, RF) 2-4, 2B, R ... continues to roll on, Ryan Howard (PHI, 1B) 2-4, 5th & 6th HRs, 3 R, 2 RBI, BB ... Jason Bartlett (MIN, SS & 2B) 2-3, 3 R, 2 BB & 2-2, 3B, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB ... Michael Restovich (MIN, RF & LF) 2-4, 2 2B, 3 RBI & 0-4 ... Jason Kubel (MIN, LF & RF) 1-2, 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB & 2-3, 12th HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, SB ... Terry Tiffee (MIN, 1B & 3B) 2-4, 11th HR, 2 R, 4 RBI & 2-4 ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, PH-CF) 0-4 ... Scott Baker (MIN) 4.1 9 6 6 2 4 ... Russ Adams (TOR, SS) 3-5, R ... Tim Raines Jr (BAL, CF) 2-4, 2 R, SB & 0-3, R, BB, SB ... Mike Fontenot (BAL, 2B) 0-3, R, BB & 1-4, 8th HR, R, RBI ... Darnell McDonald (BAL, LF & DH) 2-4, 3 RBI & 1-2, 2B, R, BB ... Brandon Phillips (CLE, SS) 2-5, R ... hard to top this, Ryan Ludwick (CLE, RF) 3-4, 4th, 5th & 6th HRs, 3 R, 6 RBI ... Byung-Hyun Kim (BOS) 3.0 6 8 8 2 1 ... Arnie Munoz (CHA) 6.0 3 2 2 3 5 ... Michael Vento (NYA, RF) 1-5, 14th HR, R, 4 RBI ... Robinson Cano (NYA, 2B) 2-4, 5th HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, BB

PCL --  Sam Narron TEX 5.0 8 3 3 1 2 ... Scott Seabol STL 30th homer ... Travis Blackley SEA 6.1 3 1 1 4 8 ... Jeremy Reed SEA 3-4, double, 3 RBI ... Casey Kotchman ANA 3-4, double, walk, .350 ... Dallas McPherson ANA 4-5, 2 triples, 2 homers (37 overall), 6 RBI, .311 ... Joe Blanton OAK 6.0 9 4 1 1 7 ... Dan Johnson OAK 25th homer. 99th & 100th RBI ... Nick Swisher OAK 23rd homer, 2 RBI (75) ... OAK catcher John Baker 2-3, walk ... Jerry Gil ARZ 5-5, 11th homer

EASTERN --  just two frames, Ian Snell PIT 2.0 2 1 1 0 0 ... Larry Broadway MON 20th homer ... Abe Alvarez BOS  5.0 3 2 2 1 2 ... Walter Young BAL 2-3, 29th homer, 3 RBI ... Josh Banks TOR 5.0 4 1 1 2 9 ... Kenny Baugh DET 2.0 4 2 2 1 2 ... Kurt Airoso DET 2-4, 26th homer, .248 ... catcher Ryan Garko CLE 3-4, homer, .352 ... Matthew Cain SF 6.0 7 4 4 3 8 ... Ramon Ramirez NYA 9.0 2 1 1 1 7 ... Mitch Jones NYA 33rd homer, .254

SOUTHERN --  Skip Schumaker STL OF 2-4, 2 R, 2B, 2 BB ... Andy Marte ATL 3B 2-6, R, 2B, 2 RBI ... Brian Anderson CHA 3-4, 2 R, 2B, 3B, 4 RBI, BB ... Brandon McCarthy CHA 6.0 5 4 4 2 7, W 1-0 ... Scott Kazmir TB 7.0 2 3 1 3 7, L 1-2, 1.44 ... Clay Hensley SD 7.0 3 0 0 1 8, W 10-8 ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3B 2-4, R, 2 RBI ... Richard Gardner CIN 7.0 5 1 1 3 4, W4-2, 2.92 ... Rickie Weeks MIL 2B 2-3, 2 R, HR(7), 2 RBI, BB, K ... Prince Fielder MIL 1B 1-4, 2 R, HR (21), K ... Glenn Woolard 7.0 3 0 0 0 8, 2.37

TEXAS --  SS Michael Morse 2-3, homer & 2-3, double, triple, .276 ... Ian Kinsler TEX (still hitting 3rd in the lineup) 2-5, RBI, .318 ... OAK SS Omar Quintanilla 2-4, .417 ... Alberto Callaspo ANA 2-3, 2 walks, .293 ... Carlos Quentin ARZ 2-3, double, walk, .359 ... Jeff Salazar COL 2-4, double ... Ryan Shealy COL 27th homer

CAROLINA --  Christopher Ray BAL (W) 7 3 0 0 1 10 (6-3, 3.80) … Josh Anderson HOU 1-5, double (12), K, SB (26) … Pat Osborn CLE 0-3, 2 R, RBI, BB … Nathan Panther CLE 1-4, R, 2 BB, 2 K … Brad Snyder CLE 3-6, R, double, RBI … Derrick Van Dusen CLE (W) 6 5 0 0 1 7 (5-0, 1.62) … Donnie Murphy KC 1-2, 2 R, RBI (65), BB, K … Shane Costa KC 1-4, R, double, RBI … Mike Aviles KC 0-2, RBI, BB … Josh Fields CHA 2-4, 2 RBI (30) … Ryan Sweeney CHA 0-4, K … Casey Rogowski CHA 2-3, R, double (24), RBI (74), BB … Pedro Lopez CHA 2-3, 2 R, BB … Jeff Francoeur ATL 1-4, double (26), 3 K … Brian McCann ATL 1-4, double (28), RBI (55), K … Rajai Davis PIT 1-4, 2 R, K, SB (44)

FLORIDA STATE --  Melky Cabrera (NYA, CF) 3-3 R & 0-3 … Steven White (NYA) 7 2 0 0 2 4 W(5-2, 2.83) … Mike Megrew (LA) 5 6 3 3 1 8 W(6-5, 3.54) … Delwyn Young (LA, 2B) 3-4 HR(22) 2R 2RBI … Bill Bray (MON) 2.2 2 0 0 0 2 … Alex Romero (MIN, DH) 3-5 ... Shaun Marcum (TOR) 5 8 4 4 0 7 W(3-1, 3.30) … Raul Tablado (TOR, SS) 2-3 HR(20) Double 2R & 2-3 HR(21) 2R - Hitting .317 … Ismael Ramirez (TOR) 6 4 2 1 0 6 ND - 2.73 ERA … Dustin Pedroia (BOS, SS) 2-4 HR(1) Double & 0-3 … Brandon Moss (BOS, RF) 1-3 & 1-3 … Jeremy West (BOS, DH) 1-3 HR(17) … Jordan Pals (STL) 3 5 2 2 0 2 … Reid Gorecki (STL, CF) 2-2 Double & 0-2 R …  Yusmeiro Petit (NYN) 2 0 0 0 0 3 - 1.17 ERA

CALIFORNIA --  Jay Garthwaite ARZ 3-4, homer, 3 RBI, .343 ... MIL OF Ben Van Iderstine 2-5, homer, 3 RBI, .379 ... John Danks TEX 4.0 5 2 2 0 2

MIDWEST --  feast or famine, Kody Kirkland DET 4-5, double, triple, 4 RBI ... mediocre season for KC's Chris Lubanski 2-3, 2 walks, .271 ... Howard Kendrick 2B ANA 2-4, .359 ...  tough time getting acclimated in the MIN system, Justin Jones 1.2 7 8 4 2 2, 9.72 ... Drew Macias SD 2-3, homer ... CIN 1B Walter Olmstead 3-5, 12th & 13th homers, 5 RBI ... Daric Barton STL 1-1, double, 3 walks ... Brian Dopirak CHN 36th homer, 3RBI (102)

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Ian Stewart COL, 2-3 ... Chris Ianetta COL, 2-3 ... Alberto Arias COL, 6.0 6 0 0 0 6 (W 7-8, 5.03) ... Scott Mathieson (PHI) 6.0 6 1 1 3 5 (L 6-8, 4.57) ... Jerry Owens MON, 3-5, 3 RBI ... Adam Boeve PIT, 2-4, homer (25), RBI ... Travis Ishikawa SF, 1-3, 2B ... Lastings Milledge NYM, 3-4, homer (9), 2 doubles, 3 RBI, 3 runs ... Andy Wilson NYM, 3-3, double, RBI ... Beau Hearod HOU, 4-4, 2 homers (22), double, 3 runs, 6 RBI ... Derick Grigsby HOU, 6.0 4 2 2 1 8 (W 7-8, 4.36) ... Steve Doetsch ATL, 2-4 ... Robinson Diaz TOR, 3-3, 2 RBI ... Erik Rico TOR, 5.0 1 0 0 1 1 (W 2-1, 4.15) ... Christopher Britton BAL, 6.0 1 1 1 1 9 (W 7-3, 4.03) ... quietly having a solid campaign, Wes Bankston TB 2-3, 20th homer, 3 RBI, .280 ... Delmon Young TB 3-3, walk, .312 ... Jason Pridie TB 3-6, double, triple, 3 RBI ... WSox catcher Carlos Lee 2-5, double, 3 RBI, .353

NEW YORK-PENN --  No games scheduled.

APPALACHIAN --  ATL CF Carl Loadenthal 2-5, triple ... TB SS Reid Brignac, another ofer, 0-3 ... OF Seth Pietsch NYN 1-3, 11th homer, .301 ...

NORTHWEST --  OAK RF Javier Herrera 4-5, double, 9th homer, 3 RBI, .340 ... OAK CF Richard Robnett 2-5, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, .284 ... catcher Landon Powell OAK 1-3, double, .264 ... kids for the TEX franchise in Spokane fanned 26 in the Indians 2-1 victory over Tri-City ... however, the game took 23 innings to complete ... the completion of the marathon & the regular game was hard on some hitters (Brian Harrison TEX went in at .270 and, after a 1-11, finished at .258) ...  Michael Nickeas TEX 3-9, double

PIONEER --  Scott Elbert LA 5.0 5 0 0 1 2 ... Dustin Hahn COL 3B 1-3, 2 walks, 8th homer, .320 ... MIL 1B Josh Brady 3-4, double, triple, 3 RBI, .442 ... ANA SS Sean Rodriguez 2-2, 9th & 10th homers, 5 RBI, .398 ...

ARIZONA -- (Mon)  Drew Meyer TEX, rehab, 2-5, 3 RBI, SB ... Matt Bush SD 0-0, error

" ... A Padres official said yesterday that it was a hamstring ailment that caused shortstop Matt Bush, the No. 1 pick in the draft, to sit out nine consecutive days earlier this month." (San Diego Union Tribune)

GULF COAST --  Pedro Astacio BOS, rehab, 2.2 4 3 0 0 5 ... Lenny DiNardo BOS, rehab, 1.0 1 0 0 0 3 ... PHI CF Greg Golson 1-4, 1st pro homer, .289

    Troop movements ... CHA -- placed Sandy Alomar Jr. on the DL, recalled catcher Jamie Burke from AAA, claimed outfielder Alex Escobar off waivers ... BOS -- placed Kevin Youkilis, David McCarthy on the DL, activated Curtis Leskanic from the DL, purchased the contract of Earl Snyder from AAA ... MIL -- optioned Ben Hendrickson to AAA, purchased the contract of Travis Phelps from AAA ... MIN -- activated Grant Balfour from the DL, optioned Matt Guerrier to AAA ... SD -- waived Rod Beck, recalled outfielder Freddy Guzman from AAA ... ANA -- activated catcher Bengie Molina from the DL, placed infielder Robb Quinlan on the DL ...

    Pierre-Luc Laforest TB again a big hit at the Olympics :

" ... Canada's baseball team continued its perfect record after a convincing 7-0 drubbing of the Netherlands on Tuesday ...  Peter Orr, Pierre-Luc Laforest and Stubby Clapp led the Canadian attack with home runs ...  Starter Shawn Hill ...  pitched five scoreless innings of three-hit ball  ... Laforest, 26, drilled a hanging curveball over the right-field fence. The prodigious blast continued what has been a successful last six weeks for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays catching prospect. "I had a bad first half [to the season] at triple-A Durham," Laforest told CBC Sports. "In July, I had a great month. I started hitting the way I used to hit. "But my job is to do a good job with the pitchers. Hitting is a bonus. I'm always going to hit. "I just want to finish [the season] on a good note and hopefully get another shot at the big leagues." Laforest and Clapp continue to be Canada's best offensive players and will need to stay hot when they face Japan and Cuba. Laforest is hitting .500 with two homers and eight RBIs in three games, while Clapp (homer, four RBIs) has shown surprising power." (CBC Sports)

    Seth Trachtman, SportsBlurb, on the best of the 1B prospects -- with Aubrey over Prince Fielder :

" ... Michael Aubrey ... there is little doubt that he will appear on just about every top 100 prospects list that you see nowadays. The 2003 first round pick has been outstanding since being drafted and is often compared to Todd Helton. The 22-year-old hit .339-10-60 in just over 200 at-bats in High-A earlier this season, showing outstanding plate discipline. He has struggled a little more upon his call-up to Double-A, but he has not been there very long. With Grady Sizemore being called up to the majors, Aubrey us clearly the top hitting prospect in a very solid farm system. He could be starting in the majors by late next season."

Jason Stokes FLO continues to slide, ranking here at No. 5, behind Aubrey, Fielder, Dan Johnson OAK, and Ryan Howard PHI :

" ... Jason Stokes ... has been considered a big time first base prospect for the past few years due to his power. Unfortunately, his stock has dropped substantially over the last two years due to injuries and a lack of plate discipline. The 22-year-old is hitting .265-20-70 in Double-A with lots of strikeouts and less than 40 walks. He could probably produce lots of power at this point in the majors, but so can Russ Branyan."

    Zach Chalifour, RotoTimes, on Hanley Ramirez BOS :

" ... Ramirez appears to have matured while also greatly improving his production from last year's down season in which he hit just .275 at Low-A Augusta. The 20-year-old spent the majority of the season at High-A Sarasota, where he hit .310 in 62 games, though he had just one home run and 13 total extra-base hits. Ramirez did steal 12 bases, and he has continued to run at Double-A Portland, with five swipes in his first 13 games with the Sea Dogs. In those games, Ramirez has hit .328 and already has three homers, potentially showing that his power stroke is starting to come back around ...  the possibility also exists that he will get his first taste of Fenway Park with a September callup. Regardless, he will remain Boston's top prospect, and, with a few improvements to his defense as well as a couple of refinements to his hitting approach and more experience, Ramirez will soon be ready to significantly contribute at the major league level."

    TEX, COL & HOU with their lineups for the AFL (begins October 5th)  :

" ... The six players the Rangers will send to the AFL this year are first baseman Jason Botts, middle infielder Ian Kinsler, outfielder Juan Senreiso and right-handed pitchers Kameron Loe, John Hudgins and Chris Young. "I think we have a very strong group of young men going this year," said John Lombardo, the Rangers' director of minor league operations. Young and Loe are currently pitching for Triple A Oklahoma. Botts, Kinsler and Hudgins are at Double A Frisco. Senreiso was promoted from Class A Stockton to Frisco on Monday. All are among their club's top performers this season ... Outfielder Vince Sinisi, a second-round draft choice in 2003, would likely have played in the AFL this fall if not for a setback in his recovery from a broken left forearm. Sinisi has developed a bacterial infection near the site of the metal plate that was inserted in his arm, and will likely not be able to play until spring training." (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

" ... Astros farmhands who will play for the Scottsdale Scorpions are pitchers Mike Burns and Jared Gothreaux from Class AA Round Rock, Mark McLemore from Class A Salem, infielder Royce Huffman from Class AAA New Orleans and outfielders Todd Self and Willy Taveras of Round Rock." (Houston Chronicle)

" ... Third baseman Jeff Baker, who made the jump in midseason from Class A Visalia to Class AA Tulsa, is one of three position players the Rockies will send to the Arizona Fall League in October. Second baseman Jayson Nix, who also is with Tulsa, and outfielder Cory Sullivan, who is out this season because of shoulder surgery, also will play for the Mesa Solar Sox ...  the Rockies will have three pitchers on the team, but farm director Bill Geivett said the final decision on those roster spots still has not been made." (Rocky Mountain News)

    Not a good time to be an OF in the TB system :

" ... Triple-A Durham right fielder Matt Diaz can't do much more this season while hoping for a callup to Tampa Bay. Diaz went 3-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI to lead the Bulls to a 10-6 win against Charlotte. The two doubles brought Diaz's International League-leading total to 40. The 17th-rounder in 1999 out of Florida State is hitting .333/.376/.583 with 21 homers and 86 RBIs in 453 at-bats overall this season." (Baseball America)

    Ah, it's THAT Ryan Chrisitanson.  In the lineup at AAA, as a DH, and doing well :

" ... If Ryan Christianson has anything to say about it, and at only 23 years old, it would seem that he still does, the rumors that he is no longer the Mariners' "Catcher of the Future" have been greatly exaggerated. In 1999, Christianson was the Mariners' first-round draft choice (11th overall) ...  His development in 1999 only added to speculation that the Mariners finally had the power-hitting catcher they craved ... "If I happen to be the catcher of the future, that's great, and that's my goal. But right now I'm just taking it a day at a time trying to get to that point." Christianson has been used as a designated hitter in Tacoma while he works on rebuilding his arm strength. Last season, he was sidelined after having surgery on his right labrum and having his right elbow scoped. A stress fracture in his left foot cut nearly two months out of Christianson's 2002 season, and last year's arm problems cost him almost all of the 2003 season. This year, however, Christianson is showing some of the promise that made him a first-rounder five years ago. "Right now, I think I'm on the right track," he said. "My strength is getting better every day. I don't think I'll catch this season, but my arm is feeling better." While he waits for the arm to come around, Christianson ...  is looking comfortable at the plate. In 22 games with the Rainiers, Christianson is batting .297 with three home runs and 13 runs batted in, and is 12 for 32 in his past 10 games. "He's swinging the bat very well right now, and I think he can hold his own at this level," Rainiers manager Dan Rohn said. "He's had a lot of things going on with the injuries and the surgeries, and he's way too young to make a decision on yet." (Seattle Times)

    Even without Carlos Beltran, HOU with some interesting CF prospects on the way -- a pair of speedster/leadoff types, and the possibility of a middle-of-the-order banger  (stats through Mon) :

                          AVG  OBP  SLG  AB  H  2B 3B HR BB SO SB CS
  Taveras, Willy    AA   .337 .408 .386 350 118  9  1  2 35 67 50 11
  Anderson, Josh    A&A+ .318 .386 .432 500 159 23  8  6 43 83 72 12
  Einertson, Mitch  A    .287 .393 .652 181  52 12  0 18 25 60  4  4

17 August 2004

    Game action ... INT --  Matt Diaz (TB, RF) 3-5, 2 2B, 2 R, RBI ... Doug Waechter (TB) 3.0 6 6 6 0 6 ... rehab, Austin Kearns (CIN, RF) 2-5, 2B ... Dustin Moseley (CIN) 7.0 6 0 0 2 3 ... Ryan Howard (PHI, 1B) 2-4, 2B, 4th HR, 2 R, 4 RBI & 0-3 ... Gavin Floyd (PHI) 6.0 5 3 3 0 3 ... Russ Adams (TOR, SS) 2-3, 3rd HR, R, RBI & 2-4 ... Brandon Phillips (CLE, SS) 2-5, 2B, R ... Jhonny Peralta (CLE, 3B) 2-4, 14th HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB ... Ryan Ludwick (CLE, RF) 2-4 ... Josh Bard (CLE, C) 1-4, 3rd HR, R, 2 RBI ... Francisco Cruceta (CLE) 5.0 5 3 2 2 7 ... Prentice Redman (NYN, CF) 2-4, 2 R, SB ... Pat Strange (NYN) 5.0 8 6 6 4 2

PCL --  Justin Germano SD 7.0 5 3 3 0 5, 3.82 ... Dallas McPherson ANA 15th PCL homer (35th overall) ... Casey Kotchman ANA 1-3 ... another long one for Xavier Nady SD, 1-3, 14th homer ... Ryan Church MON 4-5, 2 doubles, .343 ... Jeremy Reed SEA 2-5, triple, .296 ... maybe he has some velocity back, Hideo Nomo LA 3.0 4 1 1 0 5 ... another rehab case,  Arthur Rhodes OAK 1.0 0 0 0 0 1

EASTERN --   from "can't miss" to "will he ever", Jeremy Guthrie CLE 5.2 5 1 1 5 5 ... SS Brandon Pinckney CLE 3-4, double, .321 ... Zach Duke PIT, a little off the mark for the first time in AA, 4.0 4 3 3 2 3 ... MIN 1B Garrett Jones 2-4, 25th homer ... amazing, Gustavo Chacin TOR 7.0 2 0 0 3 8, 15-2, 2.96 -- since getting whipped on June 5th (10 runs in just 2 1/3 innings, Chacin has won 11 straight ... his last six outings have been unreal, 41 innings, just 13 hits, ONE run, to lower his ERA from 4.61 to 2.96. 

     June 11   W 5-2  5.2 9 4 4 1 4 1 4.76
     June 16   N/D    4.1 6 6 4 2 3 1 5.00
     June 22   W 6-2  5.1 3 2 2 3 6 1 4.88
     June 27   W 7-2  6.0 5 2 2 1 3 1 4.73
     July 02   W 8-2  5.2 4 1 1 1 5 1 4.52
     July 08   W 9-2  7.0 5 1 0 1 4 0 4.17
     July 15   N/D    5.0 7 2 2 3 7 0 4.14
     July 20   W 10-2 7.0 0 0 0 2 8 0 3.86
     July 25   W 11-2 6.0 4 1 1 0 5 1 3.73
     July 31   W 12-2 6.0 4 0 0 2 3 0 3.53
     Aug  05   W 13-2 7.0 0 0 0 2 7 0 3.33
     Aug  11   W 14-2 8.0 3 0 0 1 5 0 3.12
     Aug  16   W 15-2 7.0 2 0 0 3 8 0 2.96

SOUTHERN --  Skip Schumaker STL OF 2-5, R, 2B, K ... wow ... Anthony Reyes STL 7.0 5 1 1 1 15, W 5-2 ... Tony Gwynn Jr MIL OF 3-5, 2 R, RBI, 2 SB (30) ... Rickie Weeks MIL 2B 3-5, R, 2B, RBI, K ... Prince Fielder MIL 1B 0-3, R, RBI, BB ... Brad Nelson MIL OF 1-3, R, 2B, 2 RBI, K ... Dennis Sarfate MIL 5.2 7 3 1 1 6, W 6-10 ... Heath Phillips CHA 5.0 7 1 1 1 4, W 11-8 ... Andy Marte ATL 3B 0-3, RBI, 2 K ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3B 2-4, 2 R, 2B ... Lance Caraccioli CIN 7.0 4 1 1 2 8, W 2-0, 1.80 ... Billy Hall FLA 2B 3-3, 3 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI, BB, SB (39) ... Chip Ambres FLA OF 4-5, 3 R, 2B, HR (14), RBI ...

TEXAS --  looking like a very nice leadoff hitter, Willy Taveras HOU 3-4, 2R, SB(50), .337... big night, Luke Scott HOU (LF) 3-4, 3R, 2B, 2HR(11), 4RBI(36), .271... Brooks Conrad HOU (2B) 2-4, .296... Sean Barker COL (RF) 3-3, 2B, .318... DJ Houlton HOU 6.2 4 0 0 2 10, 3.28, (W 9-5)... doing very well so far - Steve Stanley OAK (CF) 2-5, R, RBI(7), SB(6), .400... Nelson Cruz OAK (RF) 2-5, R, HR(10), 3RBI(32), .271... Tommy Murphy ANA(CF) 3-3, 2R, 2B, .254... still struggling - Jeff Mathis ANA 0-4, .243... Marland Williams AZ (CF) 3-5, R, HR(7), RBI(39),2 SB(36), .263... Conor Jackson AZ 2-4, R, .301... Carlos Quentin AZ 2-4, R, 2B, .354... Chris Snyder AZ 2-3, RBI(57), .300... Andrew Good AZ 4 2 1 0 0 4

CAROLINA --  Josh Anderson HOU 1-2, R, BB, K … Pat Osborn CLE 1-3, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB … Nathan Panther CLE 0-3, 2 R, BB, 2 K … Brad Snyder CLE 2-3, 3 R, RBI, 2 BB … Brian Slocum CLE (14th Win) 5 4 3 3 1 10 (14-5, 4.12) … Jeff Francoeur ATL 2-4, R, HR (14), 2 RBI (51), K … Brian McCann ATL 1-3, BB, K … Rajai Davis PIT 2-5, 2 R, HR (3), RBI, SB (43) … OUCH! … Anthony Lerew ATL (L) 1.2 8 5 5 0 2 (8-8, 3.81) … Donnie Murphy KC 1-5, R, double (28), RBI (64), K … Shane Costa KC 0-3, BB … Mike Aviles KC 1-4, double (33) … Josh Fields CHA 2-4 … Ryan Sweeney CHA 1-4 … Pedro Lopez CHA 0-4 … Dusty Hughes KC (W) 6 7 2 1 1 2 (5-4, 2.45) …

" ...  22-year-old [Brad] Snyder batted .348 (8-for-23) with a league-leading four home runs, eight RBI and .870 slugging percentage. He was also among leaders on- base-percentage with a .400 mark. The 6-3, 200 lb. Snyder hit safely in five of the six games he played in last week and eight of nine overall since being promoted to Kinston on August 5th. Previously, Snyder had batted .280 with 10 homers and 54 RBI for Lake County." (Carolina League)

FLORIDA STATE --  Clint Everts (MON) 5 3 0 0 3 5 W(2-1, 1.80) … Vincent Cordova (NYN) 7 3 1 1 0 12 L(1-2, 3.13) … A promising start for Jason Arnold (TOR) 5.1 5 1 1 0 5 W(1-1, 4.35) … Rudy Guillen (NYA, RF) 2-4 RBI … James Russ (FLA) 6 2 0 0 1 2 W(8-1, 1.80) … Jon Connolly (CHN) 7 4 1 1 0 7 L(8-4, 2.52) … Jonathan Broxton (LA) 5 2 0 0 0 3 W(10-6, 3.22) … Reid Gorecki (STL, CF) 2-4 Double R … Brandon Moss (BOS, RF) 2-4 2R SB(1) … Make-up 8/15/04 Brandon Moss (BOS, RF) 2-4 HR(1) 2RBI … Manny Delcarmen (BOS) 6 2 0 0 0 4 W(3-5, 4.10)

CALIFORNIA --  Brian Burres SF 6.2 4 0 0 0 9, 9-1, 2.95 ... Rett Johnson SEA 3.0 2 0 0 0 2 ... Bobby Livingston SEA 5.0 5 1 1 1 2

MIDWEST --  No games scheduled.

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Jake Blalock PHI, 2-5, homer (16), 3 RBI ... Michael Bourn PHI, 1-3, 2 steals (48) ... Zac Cline PHI, 5.0 4 2 1 1 4 (W 3-0, 3.54) ... Ian Stewart COL, 0-3, RBI ... Antonio Sucre MON, 2-4, double ... Adam Boeve PIT, 3-3, double, 2 runs ... Josh Shortslef PIT, 6.0 4 1 1 1 2 (3.89) ... Delmon Young TB, 1-4 ... Tony Peguero TB, 8.0 2 2 2 1 3 (3.27) ... Antonin Gray CHW, 1-4, homer 13), RBI ... Carlos Lee CHW, 1-4, homer (3), RBI ... Robert Valido CHW, 1-3, homer, 3 RBI ... Charlie Haeger CHW, 7.1 5 1 0 2 4 (0.00) ... Jason Columbus SF, 1-4, double, 2 RBI ... Lastings Milledge NYM, 0-3, steal (17) ... Blake Whealy NYM, 3-4, 2 homers (19), 3 RBI ... Yunir Garcia NYM, 2-4, homer (9) ... Matt Albers HOU, 5.0 3 1 0 0 10 (W 6-1, 3.02) ... Jeff Fiorentino BAL, 1-6, double, 2 RBI ... Adam Loewen BAL, 9.0 3 1 1 4 7 (W 4-5, 4.11)  ... Jacob Stevens ATL 4.0 4 3 2 1 7 ... offense beginning to catch up to his "D", catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL 3-4, double, triple, .268

NEW YORK-PENN --  CF Ambiorix Concepcion NYN 2-4, 6th homer, .318

TOR kid as Hitter of the Week :

" ... Auburn C Curtis Thigpen hit .563 (8-26) with 13 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 3 homers, 4 RBI and a 1.250 slugging percentage." (MinorLeagueBaseball)

APPALACHIAN --  CF Mitch Einertson HOU 2-4, double, 2 RBI ... TB SS Reid Brignac, from Hitter of the Week to ofer of the week 0-4 (1-19 in last 6 games) ... CF Carl Loadenthal ATL 5-6, double, homer, 3 RBI, .335

NORTHWEST --  Javier Herrera OAK 2-5, double, .328 ... Landon Powell OAK 2-2, double, walk, .261 ... great pitching in the match between the TEX & COL franchises, two clubs not known for mound development, 0-0 into the 17th inning as we hit upload time (3:30 am, Eastern) ...

PIONEER --  3B Andrew Toussaint ANA 2-4, 12th homer, .314 ... COL 3B Dustin Hahn 2-4, 6th & 7th homers, 4 RBI, 2 walks, 4 RBI, .315 ... Seth Smith COL 3-5, triple ... Justin Nelson COL 12th & 13th homers, 4 RBI ... Billy Butler KC 2-4, 5th & 6th homers, 4 RBI, .390 ... Brian McFall KC 3-5, .351 ... SS Geraldo Valentin KC 3-5, double, triple, walk, .341

Hitters of the Week :

" ... Idaho Falls OF Brian McFall hit .640 (16-25) with 10 runs scored, 4 doubles, 2 homers, 12 RBI and an 1.000 slugging percentage. Casper OF Seth Smith hit .500 (14-28) with 7 runs scored, 4 doubles, 4 homers, 12 RBI and an 1.071 slugging percentage." (MinorLeagueBaseball)

ARIZONA -- (Sun)  Matt Bush SD 0-4, .157

GULF COAST --  Tigers get a steal in 34th round pick Dallas Trahern 5.1 2 0 0 1 5

    Troop movements ... DET -- agreed to terms with pitcher Eric Beattie, their second-round pick in 2004 ... SD -- placed Miguel Ojeda on the DL, recalled Humberto Quintero from AAA ... TEX -- activated Mickey Callaway from the DL, placed Herbert Perry on the DL ...

    Ah, that's TB's Pete Laforest :

" ... The Canadian baseball team flexed its muscle for the second straight day with a 9-3 pounding of Italy on Monday at the Olympic Baseball Centre ... Canada (2-0), which romped over Chinese Taipei 7-0 Sunday, continues to gain momentum as it heads toward showdowns with baseball powers Japan and Cuba later in the week. Catcher Pierre-Luc Laforest hit a three-run homer and collected four RBIs, while second baseman Stubby Clapp hit a two-run triple in the second inning to power Canada's high-octane offence ... Laforest, a prized prospect with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, has been a hitting machine for Canada. Laforest is picking up the slack from power hitter Justin Morneau, who is playing with the Minnesota Twins and wasn't permitted to come to Athens. Laforest has six RBIs in two games and is Canada's best offensive weapon." (CBC Sports)

" ... Chinese Taipei blanked Australia 3-0. Pitchers Chien-Ming Wang and Chin-Hui Tsao combined on the shutout as Taipei evens its record at 1-1." (CBC Sports)

    John Sickels, ESPN.com, on Jose Capellan ATL :

" ... Capellan's headline pitch is an explosive fastball, which actually seems to have improved in spite (or maybe because) of his injury. Before blowing out his elbow, Capellan threw 90-93 mph, occasionally hitting 95. Now he throws 94-96 mph, and has been clocked as high as 100 mph on some guns. The pitch has both velocity and life, yet he shows the ability to throw it for strikes most of the time. Capellan has added a changeup and slider to his repertoire this year. Neither is an outstanding pitch at this point, but in combination with the heater they are effective. He's made progress refining his mechanics, although his delivery is still awkward at times, leading to occasional command problems. Although he has thrived as a starting pitcher this year, some scouts believe he will be better off in relief in the long run ...   At this point, I would be more worried about a shoulder injury than another elbow problem. His mechanics put some stress on his arm ...  Capellan is a big wild card, who could be immensely successful, a big failure, or anything in between."

    Another steps on the long, long journey of Rick Ankiel STL :

" ...  the club has promoted him from Class A Palm Beach to Class AA Tennessee. Ankiel worked 3 2/3 innings Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader against Vero Beach. The lefthander threw three shutout frames before allowing two runs. Ankiel allowed two hits without a walk and threw 10 first-pitch strikes to 14 batters faced. The appearance ... was Ankiel's third on a 30-day rehabilitation assignment following ligament replacement surgery to his left elbow in July 2003. Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty remained in Florida an additional two days after the Cardinals completed their series against the Florida Marlins to watch Ankiel's outing. "He pitched well," Jocketty said. He projected Ankiel will make two starts at Tennessee before completing his rehab at Class AAA Memphis, then, barring complications, rejoining the Cardinals. "He probably wouldn't have given up anything if not for some questionable defense," Jocketty said. "The main things we're looking for are arm strength, command and confidence on the mound. They were all there." Ankiel's fastball averaged 90-91 miles per hour and topped at 93, according to Jocketty. Ankiel also demonstrated command of his curveball. "His command is very good," Jocketty said. "I think he's just happy to be competing again." (STL Post Dispatch)

    Pirates begin to look at their own farm for possible 2005 help at first :

" ... Right-handed power at PNC Park wouldn't hurt ...  That's why first baseman Brad Eldred is intriguing. Eldred, 24, hit 28 home runs with Class A Hickory in 2003, then hit 21 more in 335 at-bats with Class A Lynchburg this season before being promoted to Class AA Altoona 3 1/2 weeks ago. In 56 at-bats with the Curve, Eldred had six home runs -- and 19 RBIs -- through Saturday. The Pirates might send Eldred to their Instructional League this fall so he can get more individual attention from Jeff Manto and Doug Mansolino, the Pirates' roving hitting coordinator and roving infield coordinator, respectively." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

" ...  Paul Maholm, a left-hander who was the Pirates' No. 1 draft pick last year, returned to the mound Saturday night with Hickory. Maholm, struck in his face by a line drive while pitching for Lynchburg in mid-May, allowed four hits, three walks and three earned runs in four innings. "We're very pleased with how he's able to come back," general manager Dave Littlefield said. "It's excellent news [because] he gives you the feel of being a major-league pitcher. With the injury he had -- getting hit in the face -- it takes a little time." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

    Mark Allen Haverty, at The Sporting News, on OF Josh Anderson HOU :

" ... After hitting .447 with 57 stolen bases for Eastern Kentucky University, Anderson was taken in the fourth round, 119th overall, by the Astros in the 2003 draft. Playing in the New York/Penn League (short season, A-ball), Anderson continued to display that speed, swiping 26 bags in 74 games. With just one pro season under his belt, Anderson has exploded this year, with 71 stolen bases in 118 games split between low-A and high-A. Anderson needs to work on patience at the plate, as he's not taking enough walks for a leadoff hitter, with just nine in 195 at-bats in the Carolina League. Still, he is hitting .297, with a .341 OBP and .431 slugging percentage, and has been caught in just three of his 27 stolen-base attempts since being promoted. Anderson should move up to Double-A to start 2005, but should move through the system quickly ...  might get a look at the end of the year, and should be up as an everyday outfielder by 2006. This kid has Carl Crawford-like potential, so watch him closely."

16 August 2004

    Game action ... INT --  Matt Diaz (TB, RF) 1-4, 21st HR, R, RBI ... Anderson Machado (CIN, SS) 2-5, 2 R, 2 RBI ... rehab, Austin Kearns (CIN, DH) 1-4, 2B, R, 2 RBI, BB ... Terry Tiffee (MIN, 3B) 2-5, 2B, R ... rehab, Michael Ryan (MIN, PH-CF) 0-1, BB ... outings like this will lead to a promotion, John Maine (BAL) 6.0 1 0 0 1 6 ... Jhonny Peralta (CLE, SS) 2-5, 2 R ... Josh Bard (CLE, C) 1-5, 2nd HR, R, 3 RBI ... Jamie Brown (BOS) 5.2 6 2 2 0 7 ... AAA debut, Jeff Housman (MIL) 5.0 7 1 1 2 8 ... Aaron Heilman (NYN) 6.0 4 3 3 4 6 ... Jose Capellan ATL, another superb outing, 6 2 0 0 1 8

PCL --  maybe some more help on the way for the Cubs, vet Kevin McGlinchy 7.0 1 1 1 2 7 ...  a couple of KC kids seem to getting the hang of it, Chris George 6.1 5 3 3 3 6, Jeremy Affeldt 1.0 0 0 0 0 3 ... Mark Teahen KC 1-3, 7th homer, .286 ... great promise, poor results, Derrick Turnbow 0.1 3 3 3 0 0, 5.19 ... Xavier Nady SD 1-4, homer ... OK, back to normal, Chan Ho Park TEX 5.0 9 4 4 0 7 ... Freddy Sanchez PIT 3-4, homer, .258 ... SF CF Jason Ellison (leadoff) 2-4, 2 doubles, .320 ... Antonio Perez LA 3-5, double

EASTERN --  hmmm, pitches well at AAA, then when back down, Andrew Brown CLE  4.0 7 4 4 3 ... Michael Aubrey CLE back in the lineup, 1-3 ... OF Chad Meyers DET 4-5, 3 doubles, .378 ... Walter Young BAL 28th homer ... slugger Brad Eldred PIT, finding the range, 3-5, double, 2 homers, 6 RBI ... Merkin Valdez SF 4.2 4 3 3 2 6

SOUTHERN --  Edwin Encarnacion CIN 3B 0-6, BB ... Andy Marte ATL 3B 0-5, 2 BB ... rehab ...Horacio Ramirez ATL 4.0 5 1 1 1 1, 1.50 ... Willy Aybar LA SS 2-5, R, HR (14), 5 RBI, 2 K ... Skip Schumaker STL OF 1-4, R, BB, SB (17) ... Jason Stokes FLA 1B 2-4, R, RBI, K ... Josh Willingham FLA C 0-2, 2 BB, K ... Ricky Nolasco CHN 6.0 7 2 2 1 5, W 4-3 ... MIL Fielder/Weeks combo goes 0-6, R, 2 BB, 3 K ... Brad Nelson MIL OF 2-4, R, HR (19), RBI ... Ryan Costello MIL 6.1 4 2 0 2 7, W 8-5 ... Josh Barfield SD 2B 1-4, R, 2 K

TEXAS --  No games scheduled.

CAROLINA --  Josh Fields CHA 2-4, 2 R, K … Casey Rogowski CHA 1-4, R & 1-4, K … Ryan Sweeney CHA 1-4, R, 2 RBI & 0-3 … Pedro Lopez CHA 1-4, R, double & 2-4, RBI … Tripper Johnson BAL 2-4, RBI (66), SB (14) & 0-3, K … Hayden Penn BAL (L) 6.1 7 5 5 1 4 (6-5, 3.80) … Kevin Howard CIN 1-3, R, RBI, BB, K & 0-3, RBI (73), BB … Thomas Pauly CIN (W) 6 2 0 0 0 3 (8-6, 3.03) … Donnie Murphy KC 0-3 & 2-4, R, double (27), triple, RBI (63) … Shane Costa KC 1-3, K & 2-4, double, 3 RBI, SB (9) … Mike Aviles KC 0-3, K & 0-2, R, BB … Devon Lowery KC (L) 4 7 4 4 2 4 (8-8, 3.64) … Jeff Francoeur ATL 1-4, R, BB, SB (9) … Brian McCann ATL 1-5, K … Josh Anderson HOU 3-4, R, double, RBI, SB (25) … Matt Wright ATL 7 5 1 1 0 6 (3.40) … Jason Hirsh HOU 6 6 2 0 3 7 (4.03) … Pat Osborn CLE 1-3 … Nathan Panther CLE 0-3 … Brad Snyder CLE 0-3, K … Rajai Davis PIT 2-3, R, double

FLORIDA STATE --  A shutout for the RSox franchise, but no details available.

CALIFORNIA --  SS Joaquin Arias TEX 4-5, .303 ... Antonio Osuna SD, rehab, 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 ... Michael Napoli ANA 3-5, double ... Bradley Sullivan OAK, not much to cheer about, 2.0 9 7 5 3 1 ... Reggie Abercrombie ARZ 3-4, walk, 3 RBIm .333

MIDWEST --  a model of consistency Lou Palmisano MIL 1-3, 2 BB, K (.297) ... Ken Durost MIL 5.0 4 0 0 3 6 (3.41) ... Brandon Wood ANA 2-2, 2 BB, 19th SB (.273) ... Ronnie Ray ANA 6.0 2 0 0 2 3 ... Daric Barton STL 0-3 (.310) ... Michael Parisi STL 5.0 4 1 1 2 8 ... really sinking Drew Macias SD 0-3, BB, K (.277) ... Brian Dopirak CHN 0-4, 2 K ... Carlos Marmol CHN 6.0 6 1 1 3 10 (L, 12-7, 3.48) ... Erold Andrus(CF) NYA 2-3, BB (.275) ... Kody Kirkland DET 2-5, triple, K ... Micah Furtado TEX 0-3, BB (.304) ... Brian Snyder OAK 0-3, 2 K ... Chris Lubanski KC 3-5, double

SOUTH ATLANTIC --  Michael Bourn PHI, 2-5, RBI ... Jake Blalock PHI, 1-5 ... Christian Colonel COL, 2-4, steal (30) ... Aaron Marsden 5.2 7 5 5 1 4 (L 10-7, 4.34) ... Jason Columbus SF, 1-4, homer (12), 3 RBI ... Eddy Martinez-Esteve SF, 1-4, RBI ... Jabe Bergeron NYM, 1-3, homer (2), 2 RBI ... Steve Doetsch ATL, 2-4, triple ... David Smith TOR, 4-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBI, 4 runs ... Luis Ramirez BAL, 6.0 2 0 0 4 3 (W 1-0, 0.00) ... hard-luck loser Adam Bostick FLA, 6.0 3 1 1 1 10 (L 2-8, 4.06) ... Javier Guzman PIT, 3-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBI ... Wardell Starling PIT, 7.0 3 0 0 2 8 (W 9-7, 3.94) ... Delmon Young TB, 2-5, double, 2 RBI ... Jason Pridie TB, 4-4, 2 doubles, triple, 2 RBI, 2 runs ... Antonin Gray CHW, 3-5, homer (12), RBI ... Ryan Goleski CLE 3-5, .301 ... 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff CLE 2-5, double, .325

NEW YORK-PENN --  Steve Karsay NYA, rehab, 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 ...  2004 second rounder,TOR catcher Curtis Thigpen 2-3, walk, 6th & 7th homers, .314 ... Mets' CF Ambiorix Concepcion 3-4, 3 doubles, .314 ... Jair Jurrjens DET 7.0 6 1 1 2 4

APPALACHIAN --  Mitch Einertson HOU 3-4, 11th double, 18th homer, 3 RBI, .282 ... a little step back, Kyle Waldrop MIN 5.0 5 4 4 2 7 ... three WSox kids combined on a 12-inning, one-hitter, after carrying a no-hitter into the 10th, James Casey 3.0 0 0 0 4 5 , Carlos Torres 7.0 1 0 0 2 2 and Juan Bello (W 2-1) 2.0 0 0 0 0 2

NORTHWEST --  Landon Powell OAK 2-3, walk, .239 ... 3B Simon Klink SF 3-5, 8th homer ... Ryan Harvey CHN 1-4, 13th homer, 3 RBI ... Eric Hurley TEX 4.0 5 3 2 1 2 ... Chris Carter ARZ 2-4, 12th homer, .336

PIONEER --  Adam Ricks CHA 4-4, double, triple, .306 ... Bobby Mosby CIN 14th homer, 3 RBI, .280

ARIZONA -- (Sat)  Matt Bush SD 0-3, .170 ... Kellen Ludwig SF 6.0 3 1 1 2 10, 2.19

GULF COAST --  No games scheduled.

    Troop movements ... MIL -- recalled Ben Hendrickson from AAA, optioned Jorge De La Rosa to AAA ... MON -- placed Jon Rauch on the DL, recalled Francis Beltran from AAA ... CIN -- recalled RHP Luke Hudson from Triple-A,  optioned infielder Tim Hummel to AAA ... NYN -- recalled first baseman Craig Brazell from Triple-A, placed shortstop Kaz Matsui on the DL ... COL -- optioned infielder Clint Barmes to Triple-A,  activated Brian Fuentes from the DL ... PIT -- placed Dave Williams on the DL, recalled RHP Mark Corey from AAA ... TEX -- purchased the contract of infielder Manny Alexander from AAA, designated Mike Bacsik for assignment ... LA -- placed Brad Penny on the DL,  purchased the contract of Mike Venafro from AAA ...

    Randy Miller, PhillyBurbs.com, with notes on the PHI system :

" ...  Cole Hamels' lost season took another wrong turn. The Phils' No. 1 prospect, prepping for a comeback, experienced some soreness in his biceps last week while overextending himself in the weight room and promptly was shut down for another 10 days. "There's nothing structurally wrong with Cole's arm, and he's not hurting," Heimueller said. "He just had a little bit of soreness." The latest new plan of attack has Hamels on a schedule to resume pitching this fall in the Florida Instructional League. Hamels, 21, will begin playing catch again this week. "I had really hoped to get Cole a start or two before the end of the season, mentally for him," said Mike Arbuckle, assistant GM, scouting and player development. "But my goal is I want to make sure he walks into spring training 100 percent healthy." The Phils toyed with sending Hamels to the Arizona Fall League, but decided against it. "We don't want him going there trying to prove to everyone he's healthy and then hurting himself again," Arbuckle said. Hamels (1-0, 1.13) has pitched only 16 innings over four starts all season."

" ... The Phils may have gotten a steal in the 12th round of this year's June when they nabbed RHP Joe Bisenius (0-1, 1.39) out of NAIA power Oklahoma City University. Big and strong at 6-5, 210 pounds, Bisenius, 21, is a power pitcher with the league's [NYP] best ERA and 33 Ks over 45 1/3 innings. Although still looking for his first win due to poor run support, Bisenius has been dominating, allowing one or fewer earned runs in eight of nine starts."

    Mark Haverty, at Baseball Notebook, on some sleepers for 2005 :

" ... Maicer Izturis ... known for his glove rather than his bat coming in to this season, and was voted the best defensive shortstop in the Pacific Coast League in Baseball America's annual "Best Tools" survey of league managers. After hitting just .263 in his first attempt at Triple-A last season, Izturis has shown dramatic improvement this year, and is currently hitting .351 with three home runs, 31 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. What has been most dramatic, besides the batting average, is his patience at the plate, where he has already drawn 50 walks this season, against just 23 strikeouts ... there is no one blocking him in the majors. Izturis will be the opening day shortstop in 2005."

" ... Chris Snelling embodies both the injured and prospect aspects of sleeper ... Even with all these problems, he still hit .333 in 186 Double-A at-bats, with three home runs and 25 RBI, and .269 in 67 Triple-A at-bats, with three home runs and 10 RBI. Finally, Snelling is back, making it to Rookie-ball last week for his first action of the season. It's been a long process back, but Snelling is just 22-years old, and immensely talented. More importantly, the Mariners have clearly entered the rebuilding stage, and young, quality, cheap players like Snelling are exactly what this club is looking for. Snelling will be given every chance to make the club in spring training."

    Freddy Guzman SD on the rise.

" ... The Padres have a definite need for speed in center field and at the top of their lineup. The man who could provide that spark is Portland outfielder Freddy Guzman. Padres general manager Kevin Towers has hinted the 23-year-old native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, could join the big club as early as Monday. Last year, Guzman stole 49 bases and scored 64 runs in 70 games with Lake Elsinore. He jumped to Double-A Mobile, where he stole 38 bases and scored 30 runs in 46 games. And in two games at Triple-A Portland, he stole three bases and scored a run. That's 90 steals ---- tops in minor-league baseball ---- and 95 runs in 118 games. This season, he had 17 steals and scored 21 runs at Mobile and has 45 steals and 46 runs in 63 games at Portland. His minor-league stolen-base success rate is 83 percent (250 of 301), and he's at 86 percent this season (62 of 72). Certainly, he's a minor-league phenom. But can he do it at the big-league level? Lake Elsinore manager Rick Renteria and Storm batting coach Mike Davis, both of whom played in the big leagues, answered with an emphatic, "Yes." ... Renteria said ...  "This kid can flat play center field. He covers the outfield from gap to gap like no other player I've seen. He's not just a good center fielder. He's a great center fielder." But can he hit big-league pitching? In 1,418 minor-league at-bats, Guzman has batted .271. "I think he can," Renteria said. "You only need to see him for a few days to see that. If he hits the ball on the ground, he'll hit. He beats out two-hoppers to shortstop." (North County Times)

   Ah, that's the skinny on Jason Perry OAK.  John Sickels, ESPN.com, with a look at the former Jays' basher :

" ... He began this season in Double-A, but hit just .198 in 28 games for Midland, struggling with the strike zone. Sent back to Modesto the first of June, he's been on fire ever since, and has one of the most impressive stat lines in the minors this season. Perry is a 6-foot-1, 205-pound first baseman/outfielder. He doesn't run well, but he's got some pop in his bat, and has shown he can hit for average at the lower levels. He has nothing left to prove in A-ball, but his poor start this year in Double-A leads to some doubt about his future against high-level pitching ... arm is good enough for an outfield corner, but his range is limited, so he's probably best off at first bas ...  My feeling is that he'll adjust eventually and hit Double-A pitching, but finding a spot for him in a major league lineup may be difficult. His age and his defense work against him."

    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)

    
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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)