Rookies 2005

22 May 2005

Thank you for the kind notes and expressions of condolence to the family and friends of Shane Mills. Our esteemed colleague and friend passed away Friday morning.  He was just 41.  I know the family is deeply appreciative just knowing so many people had been touched by Shane's enthusiasm, vitality and determination in spite of incredible obstacles.  Thanks again.

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Dane Sardinha C CIN 2-3, 2 2B, R, BB ... James Jurries DH ATL 2-4, 3B, RBI ... Zach Minor ATL 6 8 3 2 2 4, 4.63 ... John-Ford Griffin DH TOR 2-4, 7th & 8th HRs, 3 R, 4 RBI, BB ... Gabe Gross LF TOR 2-5, 2B, R ... B.J. Upton SS TB 0-4, R, 2 RBI, BB, 1 error (after a 14 game errorless streak) ... Jonny Gomes LF TB 2-5, 2B, 9th HR, R, 4 RBI ... Joey Gathright CF TB 2-4, 2 R, BB ... Curtis Granderson CF DET 1-5, 2nd HR, R, RBI ... Brian Tallet CLE 6 4 2 1 1 4, 2.53 ... Abe Alvarez BOS 7 6 3 3 1 2, 3.86 ... Ryan Doumit C PIT 2-4, 2B, R, RBI ... Bryan Bullington PIT 3-2/3 7 8 8 2 2, 8.04 ... Blake McGinley NYN 4 3 5 1 2 4, 4.41 ... rehab, Frank Thomas DH CHA 1-4 ... Felix Diaz CHA 5 3 0 0 3 4 1.72 ... Jason Bartlett SS MIN 2-5, R ... Boof Bonser MIN 6 5 1 1 1 4, 3.60

Friday -  Ian Snell PIT 6 4 1 1 3 8, 3.28 ... Sean Henn NYA 6 5 2 0 1 4, 2.60 ... Scott Baker MIN 6 2 1 1 1 6, 1.70

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Rickie Weeks MIL 0-4, 2K … Prince Fielder MIL 2-5 … Cha-Seung Baek SEA 5-2/3 5 2 2 2 5, (W, 3-1) … Ryan Shealy COL 1-5, homer, 2 RBI … Choo Freeman COL 3-5, solo homer, SB … Nick Swisher 1B OAK 3-4, 2 doubles … Dan Johnson LF-1B OAK 2-5, double, 3 RBI … Todd Walker CHN 3-5, 2 doubles, 2 runs … Patrick Misch SF 5 9 5 5 2 4, (L, 0-4) … Bobby Brownlie CHN 6-1/3 5 1 1 3 2, (W, 2-3) … Casey Kotchman ANA 1-5 … Jeff Mathis ANA 1-4 … Ian Kinsler, Adrian Gonzalez, Jason Botts, Marshall McDougall TEX 0-3, all of ‘em … Carlos Quentin ARI 2-3, 3 RBI, 2 runs, 2 walks … Conor Jackson ARI 3-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBI, 2 runs … Scott Hairston ARI 3-4, triple, homer, 4 runs … Sergio Santos ARI 2-3, homer, 4 RBI … Josh Willingham FLO 3-3, double, solo homer, 3 runs … Jayson Werth LA 1-3, SB, .324 … Dioner Navarro LA 1-3 … very interesting: Edwin Jackson LA 2 6 7 5 0 1, (L, 2-4), 7.23 ... Chris Snelling SEA 0-2, HBP twice (removed after the second HBP, a hint of yet another injury)

Friday -- finally a sign of talent from Jerome Williams SF 7 7 3 3 3 5 ... Chris Snelling SEA 3-4, .412, 11 game hit streak … Josh Barfield SD 2-5, 2 doubles … Dan Johnson LF-1B OAK 3-5, double … Conor Jackson ARI 2-2, 2 doubles, 2 walks, 2 RBI, 2 runs

EASTERN (AA)  --  Vince Perkins TOR, just off the DL, 5 1 1 1 3 4, 3.82 ... Joel Zumaya DET 6 5 2 2 3 10, 4.69 ... Francisco Liriano MIN 7 6 2 1 1 10, 3.47 ... Tom Gorzelanny PIT 6 5 2 2 2 5, 1.50 ... Jeff Karstens NYA 8 4 0 0 0 8, 2.62 ... Yobal Duenas 3B NYA 2-4, double, 2nd  homer

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Michael Thompson SD 9 4 0 0 1 6, 1.67 ... Kris Honel CHA, in relief,  2 4 3 3 1 1 ... Ricky Nolasco CHN 7 6 1 1 2 6, 1.96 ... Felix Pie CHN 1-6, triple, .342 ... Joel Guzman LA 2-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBI, .291 

Friday - Chuck James ATL, having no trouble adjusting to AA, 6 3 1 1 1 10 ...  Joel Guzman LA 0-4, 4 Ks

TEXAS (AA)  --  Jeff Salazar COL 2-4, homer, 4 RBI, .278 ... Justin Huber KC 2-5, .365 ... Josh Rupe TEX 7 8 2 2 1 7, 3.40 ... Brandon Larson TEX 3-5, 5th homer, 4 RBI, .370 ...  Erick Aybar ANA 2-4, double, 1st homer, 2 walks, 3 runs, 9th SB, error, .236

Friday - Brandon Larson, now in the TEX system, 3-4, double, 2 homers, 6 RBI

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  nice pro debut, Kendry Morales ANA (1B) 3-5, homer, 3 RBI ... Wes Bankston TB 3-4, 2 homers, 6 RBI ... Wladimir Balentien SEA 4-4, triple, 10th homer, 3 RBI, .302 ... Adam Jones SEA 3-6, double, 6th homer, 3 RBI, .275 ...  Daric Barton OAK, little power show, 3-3, 2 doubles, 5th homer, 3 RBI, .279 ... Ian Stewart COL 2-3, 3rd homer, 4 RBI, .231 ... Miguel Montero C ARZ 4-5, double, 4 RBI, .354 ...

Friday - Ubaldo Jimenez COL 5 5 2 2 3 7, 3.13 ... Ian Stewart COL 0-5, 3 Ks ... Eddy Martinez-Esteve SF 3-5, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, .359 ...  Kurt Suzuki OAK 2-5, 2 homers (4), 5 RBI, .287

CAROLINA (A+) --  looks like Wil Cordero WAS, rehab, 2-3, 2 homers ... Mario Delgado 1B BAL 2-4, 9th homer, .388 ... Charles Haeger CHA 6-2/3 6 2 2 2 5, 7-0, 2.42

Friday - Adam Loewen BAL, control an issue again,  4 3 2 2 6 6 

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Zach Jackson TOR 8 8 3 2 0 7, 7-1, 3.33 ... Lastings Milledge NYN 2-4, 3rd homer, .269 ... Andy Laroche LA 3-4, 2 homers (14), .354 ...  Glen Perkins MIN 7 6 3 2 2 8, 2.89 ... Jason Vargas FLO 6 5 0 0 1 6, overall - 5-2, 1.70 ... Matt Moses MIN 3-4, .336 ... CF Denard Span MIN, at leadoff, 1-3, walk, .345 .

Friday - Phillip Humber NYN 5-1/3 6 3 3 1 7 ND, 3.97 … Brett Harper DH NYN 2-4 HR(14) 2RBI … Andy LaRoche 3B LA 3-5 HR(12) 2RBI SB(4) … Justin Orenduff LA 5 2 0 0 0 8 W(3-1, 2.41)

MIDWEST (A) --  Eric Hurley TEX 5 3 2 2 5 5 (3.48) ... back for two games, showing the rust Ryan Harvey CHN 0-9, 3 K ... Matt Weber CHN 7 5 0 0 1 6 (2.78) ... Jarrett Hoffpauir STL 3-4, 1st HR (last 5 weeks .392/.436/.588) ... James Houser, Jr. TB 5 2 0 0 0 3 (3.35) ... Tarrance Patterson MIN 3-4 ... Chi-Hung Cheng TOR 6 1 0 0 1 7 (2.34)

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Troy Patton HOU 6 4 0 0 1 12, 3-0, 1.38 (59 Ks in 45 2/3s) ...  Matt Harrison ATL 7 4 1 1 0 7, 5-2, 1.96 ... Tony Sipp CLE 5 6 4 3 0 6, 1.36 ... Jason Jaramillo PHI 2-4, homer, .342 ... Michael Dzurilla PHI 2-4, homer, .388 ... Hunter Pence HOU 1-4, 14th homer, .365 ... Hernan Iribarren 2B MIL 3-5, triple, .301

Friday - Phil Hughes NYA 7 4 0 0 1 7, 1.44 ... Jeff Allison FLO  6 3 2 1 0 5, 3.92 ... Aaron Laffey CLE 6 2 0 0 1 3, 4-1, 2.78

  Troop Movements ...  CLE -- Matt Miller up (Jason Davis to AAA) ... CHN - Joe Borowski activated, Mike Fontenot to AAA ...OAK - Octavio Dotel DL , Jermaine Clark up ... ATL - Brayan Pena up (Eddie Perez DL), Mike Hampton DL, Kyle Davies up  ... BAL - James Baldwin up, Keith Reed to AAA ... BOS -- Shawn Wooten up, Doug Mirabelli to DL ... CIN - D'Angelo Jimenez designated for assignment, Luis Lopez up ... NYA - Ruben Sierra activated, Andy Phillips to AAA ... SF - Marquis Grissom to DL, Brian Dallimore up ... SEA - Pat Borders up, Rene Rivera to AA ... TB - Travis Lee activated, Chris Singleton designated for assignment ... ANA - Vladimir Guerrero to DL (partially dislocated left shoulder), Curtis Pride up ... PHI - Ryan Howard back to AAA, Jim Thome activated

    Jered Weaver joins fellow holdout Stephen Drew with the Camden club of the Atlantic League :

" ...   Weaver, a 6-foot-7 right-hander, was 15-1 with a 1.62 ERA for Long Beach State in 2004 and 37-9 in three college seasons. He had 213 strikeouts in 144 innings last year. The Angels made Weaver the 12th overall pick in last year's draft. The only other unsigned first-rounder from that draft is Stephen Drew, who is also playing for Camden ...  The Angels were not advised by Boras or Weaver of the decision to sign with Camden. "That's all his decision," Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said in Anaheim. "I assume he's doing it because he's preparing to go back into the draft."  (Fort Wayne News Sentinel)

    John M. Barten, 'Til You're Blue in the Face, on Chuck Tiffany LA :

" ... He has only average velocity on his fastball, but it has a lot of movement, and he compliments it with one of the nastier curveballs you're likely to see and a change that is already pretty good ... has some issues with command both in the zone and in keeping it in the zone, but that's partly a function of his age and partly due to the fact that everything he throws has a wiggle in it ...  currently on the DL with a minor back issue. It's not supposed to be a long-term problem and the Dodgers are being cautious ... Bottom line, he has the stuff to be a star, but he's still a couple years away. His command is what is going to mean the difference between being a good #4 starter and being a Cy Young candidate."

    John Sickels, MinorLeagueBall, on a couple of likely early pitching picks in the June draft :

" ... Luke Hochevar ...  complete pitcher with above-average attributes in all categories, including a low 90s fastball and a power slider. One thing I really like about him is his athletic background: his dad was a pro basketball player, his sister plays pro volleyball, and his mom played basketball in college. Athleticism is a very important attribute for pitchers, as it helps them repeat their mechanics and stay healthy ... .6-5, 205 pounds."

" ... Mike Pelfrey ...  All numbers excellent. Like Hochevar, Pelfrey is a complete pitcher with an above-average fastball, good breaking pitches, and the ability to throws strikes and change speeds. Like Hochevar, the only thing that might keep him out of the top ten is bonus demands. Pelfrey throws slightly harder than Hochevar, is taller and more physically projectable. He could go anywhere from top five to top 20, depending on other factors. 6-7, 210 pounds."

   Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, with notes on another pair of possible pitching picks :

" ... Cesar Carrillo ...  He's not big, and he wasn't high on the list of many entering the season, but man, has he been good. He's 12-0 with a 1.91 ERA this year and he went 12-0 last year ... stuff is better than you'd think. His fastball explodes with late life and he's shown the ability to throw 93-95 mph consistently. He also throws a two-seamer, a curve he can throw for strikes and a deceptive changeup. He's around the plate with all his pitches and goes right after hitters. Scout's view: "He's got good stuff. He's a winner. He really competes. The only thing is he's very, very slightly built ... a little non-physical. He's always pitched once a week. He might get pitched down fairly quickly and won't be flashing the 93-95. He does compete, and pitches well enough and should succeed pitching down."

" ... Wade Townsend and Jered Weaver ... The two wild cards in terms of pitching, Townsend is in the draft; Weaver will likely join him once the May 31 deadline to sign with the Angels passes ...  Neither has pitched in a competitive setting in over a year and it's hard to know what you might be getting based on workouts. Last year, Weaver was discussed as the top overall pick, a guy who might not be top-of-the rotation material, but could get to the big leagues in a hurry. Some saw Townsend as a reliever down the road, with a very intriguing knuckle-curve as an out pitch. Scout's View: I'm not willing to take a chance on what I saw on a side day."

   Allan Simpson, in the Baseball America chat room, on Wade Townsend and Jeff Clement :

" ... we hear that Townsend is the D-Rays guy, which would make it the second year in a row that he went eighth overall. Townsend was only 86-90 at a workout the D-Rays hosted at their minor league complex a couple of days ago, but it was obvious he wasn't in top shape. My understanding is they've got another workout planned next week. I don't think the D-Rays will low ball Townsend, like the Orioles did last year."

" ... Clement is the premier catcher in this year's draft, but not everyone is sold he'll hit for a high average or be an above-average defender. The power and makeup are unmistakeable, and he's improved a lot defensively at USC this year, working with Chad Kreuter, But catching is probably the most difficult position to project with any certainty. Don't be surprised if the Brewers at 5, the Rockies at 7 and the D-Rays at 8 don't make a big run at him."

   Zach Chalifour, RotoTimes, on possible first base choices in KC and CHN :

" ... Justin Huber ... , C/1B, Royals Given the lack of production from Calvin Pickering and Ken Harvey at the DH spot in Kansas City this season, rumors are beginning to swirl that Huber could soon be given a chance to step in as the Royals' new designated hitter. Huber, 22, was signed by the Mets as a free agent out of Australia in 2000, and he slowly improved his hitting as he went up through the Mets' organization before being traded to the Royals last summer. Formerly a catcher, Huber moved to first base on a full-time basis this year for Double-A Wichita, and the move has had a positive impact on his hitting, as underlined by his .333 average, six home runs and 33 RBI through 40 games. If Harvey doesn't begin to produce in the near future, the rumors that Huber could join the Royals sometime this summer will continue."

" ... Brandon Sing ... , 1B, Cubs After coming out of nowhere in 2004 to establish himself as a legitimate prospect, Sing has remained on a hitting tear in 2005. He hit just nine home runs in 2003, but he won the Florida State League MVP award while at High-A Daytona in 2004, hitting .270 with 32 home runs and 94 RBI. While he did strike out 101 times, Sing also drew 84 walks and finished with an OBP just under .400. Now at Double-A West Tenn, Sing has not only remained patient at the plate and hit for power, but he has also hit for a much better average. He is batting .333 with 10 home runs, 27 RBI, and a .461 OBP in 114 at-bats for the Diamond Jaxx this season. The 24-year-old could reach Chicago as soon as early 2006 and is now a step ahead of fellow Cubs first base prospect Brian Dopirak, who is currently struggling at Daytona."

   Scott Rex, OnDeck, has his South Atlantic Top 40, headed by a young Yankee hurler.

 1. Phil Hughes, RHP, NYA    6. Troy Patton, LHP, HOU 
 2. Chris Nelson, SS, COL    7. Mark Rogers, RHP, MIL
 3. Gio Gonzalez, LHP, CHA   8. Gaby Hernandez, RHP, NYN
 4. Neil Walker, C, PIT      9. Hunter Pence, OF, HOU
 5. Scott Elbert, LHP, LA   10. Jimmy Barthmaier, RHP, HOU

   Not looking good ... Angel Guzman CHN :

20-21 May 2005

We are deeply saddened by the loss of a teammate and friend.

Shane Mills died during the night just hours after sitting in on a regular gathering of the guys of Scorecard Harry's, one of the original Scoresheet leagues. Shane was an inspiration in our baseball hobby and in life.  It is beyond me how he managed to maintain such enthusiasm and good spirits while in such pain and fear of breaking something else. May he circle the bases forever (a single to right, steals second, steals third, edges off third ... breaks for home ... the throw ... SAFE!).

Al Tessmer, Shane's partner in Mantle, was with the diminutive giant last night and sent out the sad news to Mantle colleagues :

" ... We had seen Shane Thursday evening and shared a few beer and winks and sodas, and enjoyed talking and wheeling and dealing with our Scorecard Harry's teams. We were all pleased to see Shane and he was in bright spirits ... he had just purchased a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder and was excited and wished to show us his new wheels ...  he and Barry Fader were discussing a trip to see a game ... Shane was very proud to be a member of the Mantle League and enjoyed the camaraderie ...  he was a good baseball man who enjoyed scouring the minor leagues for the next great phenom.  He was an original owner in the Scorecard Harry's leagues since 1989 and always was willing to help or give you the shirt off his back.  Discussions of amputation of his leg had taken place during the winter because of the many fractures he has suffered because of his osteoporosis (at least 65 fractures and popped his Achilles  4 or 5 times).  He was an amazing fellow who always kept a positive attitude despite the many health problems ... we will miss Shane greatly and maybe we all can toast Shane tonight.  He was a good man, a fine Scoresheet owner and a great friend."

20 May 2005

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Andy Marte 3B ATL 2-3, 2B ... Macay McBride ATL 4 6 4 4 1 2 5.59 ... Eude Brito PHI 4 5 4 3 1 3 9.93 ... Aaron Hill SS TOR 1-4, 5th HR, 2 R, RBI, HBP ... B.J. Upton SS TB 1-5, 2B, R, 0 errors (13 game errorless streak (after 16 errors in first 29 games). But, 1 for his last 16 ABs, 5 for last 35, .143) ... Chris Shelton 1B DET 3-4, 2 2B, R ... Jeremy Guthrie CLE 7 6 1 1 1 5, 5.72 ... Ryan Doumit DH PIT 2-5, RBI ... Cory Stewart PIT 5 10 6 6 3 4 4.57 ... Jeff Keppinger 2B NYN 4-5, 2B, RBI, SB ... John Maine BAL 7 2 2 1 1 8, 3.83

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Ryan Shealy COL 3-5, homer … Jeff Baker COL 1-5, homer, 3 RBI … Choo Freeman COL 2-4 … Brandon Watson WAS 1-4 … Jason Young COL 5 5 0 0 2 2, (W, 6-2) … Josh Karp WAS 3 2 0 0 1 2, 3.18 … Todd Linden SF 1-3, double … Matt Cain SF 6 4 2 1 2 5, (L, 3-2) … Sergio Mitre CHN 6 5 0 0 2 8, (W, 3-4) … Dan Johnson OAK 1-4, double, 2 RBI … Nick Swisher OAK 1-4, 2K … Casey Kotchman ANA 0-4 … Jeff Mathis ANA 1-4, double, 2 runs … Ian Kinsler TEX 3-4, double, homer, 3 RBI, 2 runs … Chris Burke HOU 2-5 … Carlos Quentin ARI 3-4, homer, 2 RBI … Conor Jackson ARI 2-4, double … Scott Hairston ARI 2-4 … Bill Murphy ARI 6 4 0 0 2 8, (W, 1-0), 4.80 … Chris Duncan STL 1-4, homer, 2 RBI … John Gall STL 2-4, SB … Josh Barfield SD 0-3 …Josh Willingham FLO 3-5, double, triple, 3 runs … Jayson Werth LA 3-5, 3 RBI … Dioner Navarro LA 3-5, run … Franquelis Osoria LA 1-1/3 0 0 0 0 2, 2.93 … Dave Krynzel MIL 2-5, homer, 2 RBI … Rickie Weeks MIL 1-7, triple, 3 RBI … Prince Fielder MIL 2-6, 2 doubles … Brad Nelson MIL 0-7, 4K … Chris Snelling SEA 3-6 … Shin Soo Choo SEA 1-6, 2 runs ...  WOW! Anthony Reyes STL 9 1 0 0 0 6, (W, 5-1) :

" ... Reyes (5-1) allowed only a fourth-inning double to J.J. Furmaniak and struck out six without a walk en route to his fifth straight win. Tied for the Pacific Coast League in complete games and shutouts (1), the 23-year-old right-hander lowered his ERA to 2.44. The Cardinals' top pitching prospect has given up more than three runs just once in eight PCL starts and has a 1.64 ERA since his lone loss on April 16." (MLB.com)

EASTERN (AA)  --  Eric Duncan 3B NYA 0-3, .235 AVG … Melky Cabrera OF NYA 0-4, .258 AVG … Michael Bourn OF PHI 2-4, 2B (6), .276 AVG … Randy  Ruiz 1B PHI 0-4, .414 AVG … Brian Bannister NYN 7 5 0 0 0 5, W (6), 1.94 ERA … Shaun Marcum TOR 6 1 1 1 2 6, W (6), 2.42 ERA

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Dana Eveland MIL 6 8 6 1 2 4, 3.38 ... Chris  Denorfia CF CIN 2-4, double, .333

TEXAS (AA)  --  Andre Ethier OAK 1-4, R, HR(8), 2RBI(33), .373 ... Brant Colamarino OAK 1-3, R, HR(6), RBI(31), .329 ... Heating up - Jeremy Brown OAK 3-4, R, 2B, .283 .. . Brian Stavisky OAK 3-4, 2B, RBI(21), .303 ... Drew Meyer TX 2-3, R, RBI, 330 ... Juan Senreiso TX 2-4, 2R, 3B, HR, 2RBI, .275 ... Wilfredo Rodriguez TX (W,4-2) 6 6 2 2 2 6 (2.16) ... Juan Dominguez TX 1 1/3 3 2 2 1 0 (2.70) . Willits, Callaspo, Aybar ANA 3-11 ... Michael Napoli (C) ANA 1-2, R, HR(4) 3RBI(22), .269 ... Travis Hanson (3B) STL 2-3, 2R, HR(7), 3RBI(27), .285 .. Robinson Cancel (C) STL 2-3, R, HR(3), 2RBI(9), .349 ... Josh Kinney STL (S 10) 1 2/3 0 0 0 2 2 (1.37) ... Yuniesky Betancourt-Perez SEA 2-5, R, .264 .. Jesus Guzman (3B) SEA 4-5, R, 2B, HR, 3RBI, .318 ... Carlos Rodriguez HOU 2-4, R, RBI, SB, .296 ... Fernando Nieve HOU 6 6 2 2 2 8 (3.40) ... Justin Huber KC 1-5, 2R, .367 ... Cory Aldridge KC 3-5, 2R, HR(10), 3RBI(32), .294 . Mike Aviles KC 2-4, R, 2B, RBI(22) .279 ... Shane Costa KC 2-5, R, 2RBI(21), .260 ... Ryan Spilborghs COL 1-5, RBI(31), .362

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Mitch Maier KC 1-1, 22nd double (tops in the minors), .325 ... MinorLeagueBaseball reports Kahi Kaanoi, a KC pitcher, as going 3-4, with 3 RBI, at first base ... I'm guessing they've confused Kaanoi with fellow Hawaiian Kila Kaaihue, the regular first sacker ... Thomas Diamond TEX 5 3 0 0 4 5, 2.53 ... Daric Baton 1-5, 2Ks ... Wes Bankston TB 1-4, 1st homer ... Howie Kendrick ANA 3-5, 2 doubles, .376 ... Brandon Wood ANA 0-4, .315

CAROLINA (A+) --  Martin Prado ATL 1-5, R, 2 K ... Josh Burrus ATL 1-4, R, BB, K, SB (10) ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL 2-4, 2 R, double, BB, 2 K ... Michael Hall BOS 2-3, 3 R, triple, HR (5), 2 RBI, BB, K ...  Chad Spann BOS 1-4, R, triple, RBI, K ... Micah Schnurstein CHA 3-3, 3 R, BB ... Thomas Collaro CHA 4-5, 2 R, 2 HR (11), 6 RBI (32) ... Ricardo Nanita CHA 3-5, 4 R, double, 4 RBI, BB ... Dan Haigwood CHA 4-1/3 5 5 3 5 4

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Hard luck, Justin Verlander DET 8 8 1 1 0 9 L(5-2, 1.38) – 52IP 37H 13BB 64K … Stuart Pomeranz STL 6 3 0 0 2 3 W(2-5, 3.35) … Reggie Abercrombie CF FLO 2-4 2B R RBI … James Russ FLO 7 4 0 0 0 4 W(5-0, 3.21) … Lastings Milledge CF NYN 2-4 CS(8) PO … Andy Wilson DH NYN 2-4 HR(10) 2RBI … Chuck Smith NYN 5 3 0 0 3 1 ND … Casey Janssen TOR 6 7 1 1 1 3 ND … Adam Lind LF TOR 2-4 R … Scott Moore 3B CHN 2-3 2B HR(8) 2R 2RBI … Brian Dopirak 1B CHN 1-4 - .240 … Sean Marshall CHN 5 3 0 0 2 5 W(3-1, 1.62) … Kyle Smith LF CIN 2-5 2B HR(2) 2RBI … Justin Christian 2B NYA 2-4 3B 2R 3RBI SB(18) … Andy LaRoche 3B LA 3-5 R 2SB(3) - .337 … Justin Ruggiano RF LA 2-4 HR(6)

MIDWEST (A) --  wow Luis Cota KC 7 1 0 0 3 5 (1.60; last 3 starts 5 hits, 24 K's, a few walks but who cares) ... Sean Rodriguez ANA 2nd HR, 7th double (.248) ... back-to-back good starts Kyle Rogers TEX 5 3 0 0 3 6 (6.25) ... Matt Bush SD 1-4 (.236) ... Joel Santo SD 6 2 0 0 1 6 ... Javier Herrera OAK 1-4, double (.279) ... cameo appearance only Eric Patterson CHN 1-1 (.387)

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  could these numbers be right?  If so, what a weird no-hitter (a loss no less) for the BOS affiliate, no hits, but eight walks, 4 runs --  Gary Galvez, Jesus Delgado,  Kyle Jackson combined for the no-hitter, losing 4-3 to the WAS franchise. (The  4 runs scored on -- BB (steal), HBP, BB, HBP, BB, WP, BB, WP,  BB ) ... James Happ PHI 7 5 1 1 2 8, 2.40 ... Gaby Hernandez: NYN 6 3 0 0 1 9, 3.18 ... Hernan Iribarren 2B MIL 2-4, homer, .285 ... Luis Ramirez BAL 7 4 0 0 1 5, 1.97

Atlantic League: Through 57AB in 13 games, shortstop Stephen Drew, playing with the Atlantic League (IND) Camden Riversharks is hitting .386/.435/.684 with 2HR, 13R, and 9RBI.

  Troop Movements ... ARZ - Matt Kata up (Brandon Lyon DL) ... CLE - Michael Aubrey Akron AA) DL lower back irritation ... SEA - acquired Pat Borders from MIL ... MIN - recalled Luis Rodriguez (Jason Bartlett to AAA) ... TOR - Aaron Hill up (Corey Koskie DL) ... CLE - Jason Bere announced his retirement ...

    Matthew Pouliot RotoWorld.com includes notes on Adam Wainwright STL and Kelly Shoppach BOS in his weekly prospect report :

" ...  he’s reestablished himself as one of the game’s top pitching prospects by going 4-1 with a 1.82 ERA 49 H and 45/6 K/BB in 54 1/3 IP for Triple-A Memphis this year ...  back throwing in the low-90s and mixing in his great curveball and effective changeup. The Cardinals maintain last year’s elbow problem was never that significant and that the sprained ligament healed without surgery. Because he combines plus stuff with above average command Wainwright has just as much potential as his Memphis teammate Anthony Reyes. Both right-handers should be ready a promotion during the second half of the season. With Reyes probably ever so slightly ahead of him Wainwright’s best hope for starting games in the majors this year would seem to be a deadline trade."

" ...  Now obviously trade bait Shoppach ...has helped his value by getting off to a great start in his second season at Pawtucket. He projects as a solid regular behind the plate something that isn’t always easy to find. If he is traded he could move right into the starting lineup for the final two or three months of the season and become this year’s John Buck"

    Some good reading over at RotoJunkie as Brad Dowdy and Jason Collette check up prospects in some league by league reviews these from Brad's CAL report :

" ... 2004 fourth overall pick Jeff Niemann is the headliner of a solid group of prospects for Visalia. His numbers aren't jumping off of the page just yet but once he gets settled in he could move quickly. 28 strikeouts in his first 20 professional innings are a good start."

" ... Catcher George Kottaras is a name only the most ardent prospect watchers are aware of but he is one to familiarize yourself with very quickly. He already boasts an excellent bat and just needs more experience behind the dish to make a real impact at the position."

" ... Blaze" is an appropriate nickname for the team that houses the two top pitching prospects in the Rangers organization - righty Thomas Diamond and lefty John Danks. Both are former first round picks and are pitching like it so far in the early part of the season. The 19 year-old Danks is two years younger than Diamond so look for a steady progression up the ladder for him while Diamond may be pushed more aggressively. If Diamond wasn't drafted in your league this season he should be one of the top pitchers to draft next year."

    Jonathan Mayo MLB.com previewing three of the shortstop prospects for the June draft :

" ... Justin Upton ...  no question about Upton's overall ability. He's considered to be the best overall talent in the draft with the strong possibility that he'll go No. 1 overall ...  a future five-tool player the kind that makes scouts drool. He can drive the ball to all fields runs well and has soft hands at short. The only problem comes with his throws to first; he's been struggling with accuracy of late. But even as a center fielder he's still the top guy in the class."

" ... Troy Tulowitzki ...   an outstanding college player one who could make it to the big leagues quickly ...  will be able to stay at shortstop defensively and should show some power at the position ...  Scout's view: "He's a good player but you hope he's not getting a free pass because Bobby Crosby went to Long Beach State."

" ... Tyler Greene ...  had an uneven college career though he's put together some good numbers this season with a .343 average nine homers 50 RBIs and 25 steals. He's got excellent baserunning skills and a nice fluid stroke at the plate. Defensively he's much improved with easy throws that carry and fairly soft hands. It must be noted that Greene is advised by Scott Boras which could affect his draft status."

   Jim Callis Baseball America on Justin Verlander DET :

" ... I'll admit that when the Tigers took Verlander with the No. 2 overall pick last June I thought they overdrafted him a little. He had as good an arm as anyone in the 2004 draft capable of delivering mid-90s fastballs and knee-buckling curveballs but he didn't dominate mid-level college competition like someone with that stuff should. Verlander who signed a $4.5 million big league contract in October is making his pro debut in high Class A and has exceeded all expectations so far. Through seven starts he has gone 5-1 1.43 with a 55-13 strikeout-walk ratio in 44 innings. Opponents are batting .191 with one homer against him. Tigers pitching coach Bob Cluck calmed down Verlander's delivery during spring training and he has been able to make better use of his electric arsenal. If he continues to put it all together he could be a future No. 1 starter."

   In its draft coverage Baseball America has an item suggestion Jered Weaver and Stephen Drew are a lock to sign avoiding a return to the draft pool and another on four Cubans who've decided to enter the draft rather than go the free-agent route.

   David Regan, RotoAmerica, on Greg Miller LA :

" ...  Miller threw to live batters for the first time in a year and half on Monday, in extended spring training in Vero Beach. He was limited to 20 pitches by Dodger brass as he began his way back after a couple of shoulder surgeries. Miller faced five batters and allowed a single, double play, a walk, a strikeout, and a groundout. He threw mostly fastballs that ranged from 90-91 topping out at 94. He did mix in 3 curveballs, a slider, and a couple changeups. He felt no pain and may throw again on Saturday. Great news for the Dodgers. Remember, this was a kid that dominated the FSL and Southern League at 18 years old. He's still just 20 despite missing a year and a half."

   Scott Rex OnDeck has updates to his Carolina & Florida State prospect charts-  the top 10s :

 1. Anibal Sanchez RHP BOS    6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C ATL	
 2. Jeremy Sowers LHP CLE     7. Kevin Kouzmanoff 3B CLE
 3. Mike Hinckley LHP WAS     8. Mitch Talbot RHP HOU
 4. Nick Markakis OF BAL      9. Brad Snyder OF CLE
 5. Adam Loewen LHP BAL      10. Nick Pesco RHP CLE

 1. Justin Verlander RHP DET  6. Andy LaRoche 3B LA
 2. Matt Moses 3B MIN 	      7. Chuck Tiffany LHP LA
 3. Lastings Milledge OF NYN  8. Glen Perkins LHP MIN
 4. Phil Humber RHP NYN       9. Justin Orenduff RHP LA
 5. Brent Clevlen OF DET     10. Chris Lambert RHP STL

19 May 2005

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  big day Edwin Encarnacion 3B CIN 4-4 7th HR 2 R 2 RBI BB SB ... Stephen Smitherman LF CIN 1-5 1st HR R RBI ... James Jurries LF ATL 2-4 2B 3 RBI ... T.J. Pena SS ATL 2-4 R SB ... Gavin Floyd PHI 6 7 3 2 5 5 7.66 ... Brandon League TOR 5 7 4 4 2 3 6.00 ... B.J. Upton SS TB 0-3 RBI BB SF 0 errors ... Jonny Gomes LF TB 1-2 8th HR R RBI BB HBP ... Joey Gathright CF TB 2-4 R BB ... Curtis Granderson CF DET 1-4 1st HR R RBI ... Ryan Doumit C PIT 2-4 10th HR R RBI ... excellent start Zach Duke PIT 8-1/3 3 1 1 1 5 3.32 ... Jeff Keppinger 2B NYN 2-3 2 R BB Sac ... J.D. Durbin MIN 6 4 3 3 2 8 4.50

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  No games scheduled.

EASTERN (AA)  --  Dustin Pedroia 2B BOS 1-4 2B (10) .336 AVG ... Hanley Ramirez SS BOS 0-0 .284 AVG  ... Brandon Moss OF BOS 1-4 RBI (13) .226 AVG … Jared Sandberg 3B BOS 1-4 2B (10) .262 AVG … Eric Duncan 3B NYA 1-6 .240 AVG … Melky Cabrera OF NYA 3-6 2B (3) .265 AVG … Franklin Gutierrez CLE 1-4 RBI (13) .248 AVG … Tony Giarratano SS DET 2-5 2B (9) .256 AVG … David Espinosa OF DET 0-5 .313 AVG … Daniel Ortmeier OF SF 0-3 SB (11) .257 AVG … Fred Lewis OF SF 0-5 .221 AVG … Carlos Valderrama OF SF 0-0 BB .341 AVG …Michael Bourn OF PHI 2-4 .269 AVG … Randy Ruiz 1B PHI 2-4 .432 AVG … Paul Bonifay 1B PIT 3-5 2B (5) HR (7) 2 RBI (26) .280 AVG … Jake Dittler CLE 7 7 3 1 1 3 2.39 ERA … Cameron Reimers TOR 7-1/3 9 7 4 1 1 4.26 ERA … Paul Maholm PIT 3 3 2 2 1 4 4.43 ERA

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Chad Billingsley LA  6 6 2 2 1 6 3.74 ... Joel Guzman LA 1-4 10th homer (to tie for the league lead) 3 RBI (31) ...  Felix Pie CHN 2-4 8th homer .359 ... Matt Murton CHN 2-4 5th homer .406 ... Jeff Francoeur CF ATL 2-4 .280 ... Chad Orvella TB  2-1/3 1 0 0 1 3 0.42 ... Delmon Young TB 4-4 double triple walk .336 ... if the box score is correct Rick Asadoorian one-time top BOS prospect trying his hand at pitching in the CIN system 4 10 8 7 1 1

TEXAS (AA)  --  Andre Ethier OAK 0-3 R .376 ... Starting to pick things up - Jeremy Brown (C) OAK 2-5 2R 2B .265 ... Drew Meyer (2B) TX 2-4 R 2B RBI .321 ... Jason Hart TX 2-5 R HR(11) RBI(26) .230 ... Recently moved to AA - Alex Santos OAK (S.2) 1 1 0 0 1 1 (0.00) ... TJ Bohn SEA 2-4 SB(10) .324 ... Cooled off - Josh Anderson HOU 1-5 .307 ... Tim McClaskey HOU 7 7 2 2 0 2 (2.90) ... Handling AA quite well - Adam Keim (2B) KC 2-4 2R HR(3) RBI(9) SB .297 ... Justin Huber KC 1-4 .373 ... Cory Aldridge (RF) KC 2-4 R 2B HR(9) 2RBI(29) .284 ... Coming alive - Jeff Salazar COL 2-4 2R 2B RBI 275 ... Jayson Nix COL 2B RBI SB .238 ... Jonathan Asahina COL (W5-1) 9 7 3 3 1 2 (2.39) ... Reggie Willits ANA 2-3 2R .338 ... A tough start to the season - Erick Aybar ANA 0-5 .226 ... Alberto Callaspo ANA 3-4 3R 2HR(5) 5RBI(30) .295 ... David Gates 1-3 2R HR(8) RBI(30) .295 ... Tommy Murphy (RF) ANA 3-5 2R HR 3RBI(22) .300 ... Kevin Estrada (SS) STL 2-4 R 2B .300

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Ian Stewart COL 0-4 3 Ks .229 ... Steve Baker OF SD 3-4 double homer .358 ... Fernando Valenzuela Jr. SD 3-4 double triple .336 ... Billy Butler KC 3-4 .364 ... Howie Kendrick ANA 2-4 double .370 ... Brandon Wood ANA 2-5 3 RBI .323

CAROLINA (A+) --  Kory Casto WAS 2-5 2 doubles (10 11) RBI (26) K ... Brad Snyder CLE 1-2 R RBI 2 BB K SB (9) .312 ... Kevin Kouzmanoff CLE 1-4 R .359 ... Ryan Goleski CLE 2-4 R 2B HR (7) 3 RBI ... Mike Hinckley WAS (L 0-1 7.84) 5-1/3 7 3 3 2 2 ... Chad Spann BOS 2-4 R K ... Javier Guzman PIT 3-4 R 8^th double 3^rd triple 3 RBI (24) .313 ... Micah Schnurstein CHA 1-5 RBI 3 K ... Thomas Collaro CHA 2-5 2 doubles 2 RBI (26) ... Jake Stevens ATL 5-1/3 8 6 4 2 5 ... James Johnson BAL 5 7 6 3 2 9

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Brian Dopirak 1B CHN 1-4 HR(6) 2R 3RBI SB(1) … JR Mathes CHN 9 7 2 2 0 7 W(2-1 2.72) … Scott Tyler MIN 4 2/3 8 9 5 2 3 L(2-3 5.08) … Jake Blalock LF PHI 1-5 HR(5) 2R 2RBI … Juan Francia 2B DET 2-5 RBI SB(17) … Jordan Tata DET 7 4 1 1 1 9 ND – 1.76 … Justin Ruggiano CF LA 2-4 R … Lou Palmisano C MIL 2-3 … Josh Habel MIL 6 4 1 1 1 4 L … Abel Gomez NYA 7 6 0 0 1 8 W … Kurt Isenberg TOR 7 6 1 1 0 8 W(4-2 2.34) … Lee Mitchell 3B FLO 2-4 … Tim Spoonybarger FLO (rehab) 2/3 0 1 1 3 0

MIDWEST (A) --  Kevin Ool STL 1 0 0 0 0 0 (he's 24 and relieving in low-A but still he's now 8-0 1.59) ... Jarrett Hoffpauir STL 2-4 15th double

SOUTH ATLANTIC (A) --  Josh Brady 1B MIL 3-4 triple homer 5 RBI (hot in the SAL after floundering in the FSL) ... MIL infield combo hot SS Alcides Escobar and 2B Hernan Iribarren each 3-4 ... Andrew Pinckney 3B BOS 2-5 2 homers 4 RBI .292 ... Mike Carp NYN 2-4 2 doubles .317 ... rehab Kevin Gryboski 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 ... Travis Denker 2B LA 2-3 6th homer .265

  Troop Movements ...  BOS - activated  David Wells (Cla Meredith to AAA) ... CLE - Jody Gerut up (Coco Crisp DL) ... FLO - Joe Dillon up (Jim Crowell designated for assignment) ... LA -- activated Antonio Perez (Jason Grabowski to DL) ... FLO - Logan Kensing up (Travis Smith to AAA) ...

    Dayn Perry FoxSports checks in with his picks as the best of the outfield prospects.  No surprise at the top -- Delmon Young TB -- with FLO's Jeremy Hermida moving up to the runner-up slot :

" ...  Young is the best pure hitter in the minors. He boasts a powerful stroke quick wrists through the zone tremendous bat speed and a strong throwing arm in right ...  In his prime expect a .300-plus average 70 to 80 walks and 40 to 50 homers every year."

" ...  Hermida is a polished hitting talent who shows good plate discipline works counts and uses the whole field. The knock on him in previous seasons was that he hadn't tapped into his supposedly imposing power potential. Well Hermida appears to be having that long-anticipated breakout power season. Despite being young for the pitcher-friendly Southern League he's slugging a robust .622 ... The walk rate is also excellent. If he keeps this up he'll be a top five prospect going into 2006."

" ... 3. Carlos Quentin ...   the best of a number of promising Arizona outfield prospects. He's a refined hitting talent who makes good contact hits for average and shows good projectable power. In right field he's a skilled defender with Gold Glove potential. This season he's playing well at AAA-Tucson. That's a hitter's haven to be sure but Quentin's also drawn 28 walks against 108 ABs on the season which points to his improving plate discipline — his only weakness heretofore."

    John M. Barten 'Til You're Blue in the Face on Ervin Santana ANA :

" ... Santana got knocked around a little bit in his Major League debut ... but on the SportsCenter highlights every pitch they showed was a 94 MPH fastball. He also has a wicked slider and a changeup he's been working on for a couple years now ... The bottom line is health. If he can avoid the scalpel he's a damned good pitching prospect ...   wouldn't rule out a move to the pen at some point either. He won't stick around this season but barring injury he has a future."

   John Sickels MinorLeagueBall with notes on college hitters available in the June draft including :

Alex Gordon 3B   " ... clearly the best hitter available in the college ranks possessing plus power and a refined approach; he could be another Teixeira. The only questions are about his defense at third base. It looks pretty good to me; he's not a gold glove but he has a strong arm and his range and hands are at least playable. Others disagree. A lock to go in the first three picks if his bonus demands are reasonable."

Jeff Clement C  " ... Excellent power from the left side also has good plate discipline. The big thing for Clement this year is improved defense. While he won't be a gold glove his defense is good enough now that he can remain as a catcher in pro ball. New rumors have him possibly going to the Diamondbacks first overall. If that does not happen he certainly won't last past the first eight or nine picks."

   Paul Colbert Tigers Central  with an update on his DET prospect chart :

" ... 1. Okay Chris Shelton spent a year on the Tiger roster but the 2005 version (336/411/606) is not the same player. He is flashing some decent leather at first. He may not be called up if DY goes on the DL but no other player on this list has a better shot of contributing in 2006 than Shelton."

" ... 2 ... Justin Verlander ...  making a case for the varsity with a 5-1 1.43 start at Lakeland including two starts with 12 K. Bets are being taken as to when he moves up to Erie."

" ... 3. The only item missing on Curtis Granderson’s AAA resume is home runs. A noted slow starter Curtis is at 295/359/410 and hasn’t made an error in 2005."

" ... 4. The 4.93 ERA has me concerned but Joel Zumaya is still flashing signs of greatness. His 56 K over 42 IP is impressive; his 29 walks aren’t. Tiger brass have recently re-stated that Zumaya will not be moved to a closer and that his mechanics or I should say his repeatable mechanics are much improved."

18 May 2005

    INTERNATIONAL (AAA) --  Stephen Smitherman LF CIN 2-4 ... continuing to put up good numbers Steve Kelly CIN 7 4 1 0 3 0 1.88 ... Francisco Rosario TOR 6-2/3 4 0 0 1 5 3.02 ... B.J. Upton SS TB 0-3 HBP 0 errors ... Kenny Baugh DET 7 5 2 2 4 3 3.50 ... Brandon Phillips SS CLE 2-4 R ... rehab Jody Gerut CF CLE 3-4 2B R RBI ... Francisco Cruceta CLE 6 6 3 3 2 4 4.93 ... not much left to prove Kelly Shoppach DH BOS 2-3 10th HR 4 R 2 RBI 2 BB ... Brad Eldred 1B PIT 2-4 ... Angel Pagan CF NYN 3-5 2B 3B 2 R SB ... Jeff Keppinger 2B NYN 2-5 2B R 2 RBI ... Brian Anderson CF CHA 3-5 8th HR 2 R 3 RBI SB

PACIFIC COAST (AAA)  --  Todd Walker CHN 0-4 & 0-4 … Richard Lewis CHN 1-3 … Casey Kotchman ANA 1-3 & 2-4 2 RBI … Jeff Mathis ANA 0-2 walk … Dustin Moseley ANA 6-1/3 8 4 3 1 3 (L 2-3) 5.63 … Joe Borowski CHN 2 0 0 0 1 1 2.25 … John Koronka CHN 5 1 0 0 2 6 (W 3-4) … Jermaine Van Buren CHN 1 1 1 1 0 3 (S 4) 2.55 … Shin Soo Choo SEA 1-2 2 walks … Josh Willingham FLO 2-4 double run .295 … Josh Wilson FLO 2-3 double RBI run … Brendan Harris WAS 3-4 homer 3 RBI 2 runs … Dan Johnson OAK 2-4 3 runs … Adrian Gonzalez TEX 3-4 double 2 runs … Ian Kinsler TEX 1-6 run .221 … Todd Linden SF 3-5 double triple homer 3 RBI 3 runs … Jayson Werth LA 1-2 3 walks … Willy Aybar LA 2-5 … Rickie Weeks MIL 0-4 2K … Prince Fielder MIL 1-1 double … Dave Krynzel MIL 0-4 … Heath Totten LA 8 6 1 0 0 5 (W 5-2) 4.97 … Josh Barfield SD 0-4 .229 … Jon Knott SD 2-4 2 homers 3 RBI … Humberto Quintero HOU 2-3 … Carlos Quentin ARI 1-3 double … Conor Jackson ARI 0-3 … Josh Kroeger ARI 2-3 … John Gall STL 2-3 double 2 runs SB … Carmen Cali STL 2 0 0 0 1 1 (S 1) … Calvin Pickering KC 2-3 double 2 walks … Jorge Piedra COL 2-4 2 doubles 3 RBI … Jeff Baker COL 2-5 double ... Felix Hernandez SEA 1-1/3 3 4 4 1 3 (L 5-3) 3.05 :

" ... Tacoma starter Felix Hernandez was knocked out in the second inning taking a hard grounder off the left ankle and the Rainiers went on to lose to Albuquerque 5-2. Hernandez has a contusion and is questionable for his next start." (Tacoma Rainiers)

EASTERN (AA)  --  Dustin Pedroia 2B BOS 2-5 HR (5) 2 RBI (25) .338 AVG ... Hanley Ramirez SS BOS 0-4 .284 AVG  ... Brandon Moss OF BOS 3-5 2B (7) 2 RBI (11) .225 AVG … Jared Sandberg 3B BOS 1-4 .225 AVG … Eric Duncan 3B NYA 1-4 SB (4) .243 AVG … Melky Cabrera OF NYA 1-3 .255 AVG … Franklin Gutierrez CLE 2-5 .248 AVG … Tony Giarratano SS DET 1-4 .250 AVG … David Espinosa OF DET 1-4 .324 AVG … Daniel Ortmeier OF SF 1-4 HR (5) 2 RBI (24) .263 AVG … Fred Lewis OF SF 1-4 .230 AVG … Carlos Valderrama OF SF 2-5 2 2B (12) 2 RBI (13) .330 AVG … Alexander Romero OF MIN 0-3 .215 AVG … Michael Bourn OF PHI 0-2 .262 AVG … Randy Ruiz 1B PHI breakout in his 7th pro season 4-6 3 2B (10) HR (10) RBI (30) .429 AVG … Paul Bonifay 1B PIT 0-3 .260 AVG … Merkin Valdez SF 7 2 0 0 1 5 2.43 ERA … Fausto Carmona CLE 7 9 5 5 1 3 3.86 ERA … Kason Gabbard BOS 5-2/3 3 2 2 6 1 W (4) 4.12 ERA … Hayden Penn BAL 7 3 1 1 1 9 W (3) 2.86 ERA … Matt Peterson PIT 6 9 5 3 2 2 8.47 ERA … Matthew DeSalvo NYA 6 5 1 1 4 6 W (4)  3.18 ERA … Josh Banks TOR 3-1/3 5 5 5 0 4 3.50 ERA … Matt Lindstrom NYN 2 2 0 0 1 1 4.94 ERA

SOUTHERN (AA) --  Joel Guzman LA 1-4 3 RBI ... Enrique Gonzalez ARZ 7.2 5 0 0 1 6 4-1 3.04 ... Richie Gardner CIN tough season  4 7 4 4 0 1 7.89 ... Felix Pie 1-3 7th homer ... Elijah Dukes TB 2-4 6th homer ...  Chris Young CHA 2-4 8th homer .326 ... Josh Fields CHA slump continues 0-3 .242

TEXAS (AA)  --  Justin Huber KC 2-6 R 2B 3RBI(33) .377 ... Mike Aviles KC 2-6 2R 2 2B .281 ... Carlos Rodriguez HOU 3-5 R .299 ... Andre Ethier OAK 2-4 R RBI(31) .384 ... Brant Colamarino OAK 2-4 2R 2 2B 2RBI(29) .333 ... First game up in AA - Dallas Braden OAK (W1-0) 6 2/3 7 0 0 2 5 (0.00) ... Yuniesky Betancourt-Perez SEA 2-5 2R 2B HR(3) RBI .262 ... Ruddy Yan TX 3-5 2R RBI 3SB(18) .303 ... Drew Meyer TX 3-5 3R 2B RBI .314 ... Jason Hart (1B) TX 1-3 R HR(10) 3RBI(25) .224 ... Joaquin Arias TX 2-4 2R HR 2RBI .244 ... Ryan Spilborghs COL 2-4 2B SB(7) .379 ... Alberto Callaspo ANA 25) .283 ... Willits Aybar Gates ANA 1-11

CALIFORNIA (A+) --  Eddy Martinez-Esteve SF 3-3 double walk .351 ... Nate Schierholtz SF 3-4 double .302 ... John Danks TEX 6 7 2 2 2 5 2.89 ... Ian Stewart COL 1-3 .242 ... Wes Bankston TB 3-3 double .444 ... Wladimir Balentien CF SEA 2-4 9th homer 3 RBI ... Billy Butler KC 3-4 2 doubles .353 ... Howie Kendrick ANA 3-5 triple .366

CAROLINA (A+) --  Leo Daigle 3B CHA 4-4 13th double 10th homer .340 ... Anibal Sanchez BOS 6 5 1 1 0 9 2.09 (6 walks 64 Ks in 43 innings) ... Jeremy Sowers CLE  7 5 0 0 2 6 5-2 2.05 :

" ... In his longest outing to date Sowers pitched seven scoreless innings ...  On his 22nd birthday Sowers scattered five hits and two walks while recording six strikeouts. He allowed only one Potomac runner to reach third base as the Nationals loaded the bases on two singles and a walk in the fifth but Sowers was able to induce an inning-ending double play ...  For the season Sowers is 5-2 with a 2.05 ERA in eight starts for Kinston. He has allowed only 34 hits in 44 innings and has a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 46-to-10. Since pitching five perfect innings against Lynchburg on April 26 Sowers is 3-1 with a microscopic 0.99 ERA in 27 1/3 innings." (MLB.com)

FLORIDA STATE (A+) --  Chris Lambert STL 5 9 4 4 1 5 W(6-1 3.46) … Tim Moss 2B PHI 2-5 HR(7) 2R … Jake Blalock LF PHI 2-4 R … Ty Taubenheim MIL 5 2/3 3 2 1 3 6 W(7-0 1.62) … Steve Moss CF MIL 2-4 2B 3B R 2RBI … Michael McDonald TOR 7 4 0 0 2 1 W(5-1 3.42) … Adam Bostick II FLO 6 6 1 1 1 3 L(1-3 3.10) … Nate Bumstead DET 7 1 0 0 5 9 W(6-0 2.47) … Brian Pilkington 6 7 1 1 0 4 L(0-2 1.64) … Lastings Milledge CF NYN 2-3 R 2BB CS – 5/7 SB/CS … Joey Votto 1B CIN 2-4 HR(7) 2RBI … Junior Ruiz RF CIN 2-4 2 doubles …Greg Ramirez NYN 5 6 3 3 1 4 L(4-2 2.44) … Justin Mallett CIN 5 2 0 0 1 5 W(2-1 1.62) … Matt Moses 3B MIN 0-2 3BB 2R SB(9) … Errol Simonitsch MIN 8 7 2 2 1 6 W(4-2 3.30) … Carlos Marmol CHN 4 2/3 7 5 4 5 1 L(4-1 3.02) … Brian Dopirak 1B CHN 0-3 BB RBI

    
Rookie Reports Archive :

2004 -- Oct 04-17  Oct 18-31  Nov 01-14   Nov 15-28   Nov 29-Dec 12   Dec 13-Dec 31 

2005 -- Jan 01-16  Jan 17-30  Jan 31-Feb 13  Feb 14-27  Feb 28-Mar 13  Mar 14-27  Mar 28-Apr 10  Apr 11-24  
April 25-May 01  May 02-08  May 09-15  May 16-22  May 23-29 

2004 Minor League Stats 1  (Hitters by OPS by Classification OBA SLG SBs Errors)
2004 Minor League Stats 2 (Pitchers by ERA by Classification Ks & Hitters by position)

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