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Rehabbing O’s, Brittons Lead Bay Sox Past the Curve

Sunday, May 27th, 2012

Big brother Buck Britton launched a 2-run homerun to support his brother, rehabbing Zach in a 9-6 Bay Sox win that had three major leaguers rehabbing for the Orioles.  Brian Roberst decided to sit this one out.

Endy Chavez played leadoff and scored two runs.  Mark Reynolds was in prime form, showing that he can make errors and whiff in a minor league game just as impressivly as he can in a major league game.  He struck out twice, had a ball go through his legs for an error and another that glanced off his glove that was ruled a hit.  He did walk and get a hit in five at bats.  Zach Britton did not have command of his curveball, but still survived five innings, giving up two unearned runs as a result of the Reynolds error.  He struck out six, walked two and gave up three hits.  He survived against AA pitching without the consistency of his curveball and will need at least one more rehab appearance to get that back.

Nathan Baker got the start for the Altoona Curve and could not find the plate, walking five in three innings of work.  Quincy Latimore had a 3-run homer for the Curve to produce their only highlight.

The win ended a four game losing streak for the Bay Sox against the Curve but they still find themselves in last place in the Eastern League Eastern Division.

Posted in Orioles, Pirates | No Comments »

Curve Down Bay Sox in Wright Debut

Saturday, May 26th, 2012

Mike Wright became the first player of the Orioles 2011 draft to reach AA.  Mike was a third round pick last year and survived a rough start that was helped by his porous outfield to go six innings, walking none and striking out seven.  He gave up four runs in his first two innings.  The Curve hit all four of their doubles in the first two innings, two of them by Robbie Grossman to take an early 4-0 lead.  One of the doubles glanced off a retreating Steven Bumbry that his dad may have had settle in his webbing.  Jimmy Farrell, who was batting less than .200 when he started the game, launched a Wright curve off the top of the Bay Sox scoreboard in the sixth inning to finish off the scoring against Wright.

The Bay Sox were helped by the generosity of Tim Alderson, who walked four and couldn’t survive past the fifth inning to get the win.  He was lucky that the rehabbing Brian Roberts swung at and fouled back a 2-0 pitch after he had thrown 10 straight balls.  Brian is probably not on rehab to take pitches, but instead of walking with the bases loaded he hit a hard line drive to the left fielder that resulted in a sacrifice fly in the second inning.  A walk could have made the rally so much more.

Today the Bay Sox will have rehabbing Zach Britton pitching for them, with Endy Chavez, Brian Roberts and Mark Reynolds also on possibble rehab assignments.  That is almost a major league team out there.

Mike Wright RHP - At 6′5″ he has a nice, smooth delivery.  His fastball is only 92 and his curveball was very inconsistent last night.  He struggled to get it over the plate in the first couple of innings.  The Curve were waiting on the fastball and strafing the Bay Sox outfielders, taking advantage of their limited range to track down the line drives.  If Mike can get more consistency with the curveball and add a mile or two to his fastball velocity a back of the rotation starter could be in his future.

Michael Belfiore LHP - He was the pitcher that was acquired from the Diamondbacks for Josh Bell.  The scoreboard radar readings were showing 89 but the slap in the catcher’s mitt seemed to indicate he was throwing harder.  The Curve bats had trouble getting around his fastball.

Manny Machado SS - Manny committed his 11th error, a throwing error that bounced to the first baseman on a routine ground ball.  That is a high number of errors for a player in his 45th game.  Perhaps as the season progresses he will get more consistent.  He also swung and missed at three straight 89 mile an hour fastballs from lefty Tim Alderson.  That is not what you like to see from your slugger, but he’s still a teenager.  Not everyone is a Bryce Harper.  Manny had five swings and misses off pedestrian fastballs before he finally made contact with a pitch in his fifth at bat.  Besides his two strikeouts he had a walk and was hit by a pitch in his first four at bats.

Jonathn Schoop 2b - Perhaps he can act like a sixth player on the basketball court.  After Brian Roberts gets his two at bats Schoop gets the call to finish the game at second base.  He has been hot in that back up role, getting five hits in his six at bats.  That has raised his average to .250.

Tim Alderson LHP - He has the height at 6′6″ but his fastball at 89 is only a mystery to Manny Machado.  He walked four and an error by Jeremy Ferrell prevented him from finishing the fifth inning to get the win.  He is still only 24 but the Pirates have not gotten what they expected from him after his 13-4, 2.79 season with the Giants San Jose team when they traded Freddie Sanchez for him.  He is back in AA for his fourth season.  Fortunately for the Pirates the only thing the Giants have gotten from Freddie Sanchez is a lot of injuries.

Kris Harvey RHP - The son of Brian Harvey, started his career as an outfielder but shifted to the bullpen to follow in his dad’s footsteps.  at 28 years of age that move may be a little late in his career.  He has his father’s Fu Manchu mustache but he lacks his fastball.

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McCutchen Leads Pirates Over Nats

Friday, May 18th, 2012

Andrew McCutchen is one of the better all around players in the game with his speed, power and defensive ability giving him an easy five tools.  He showed that last night with two bombs and a leaping catch against the wall to give the Pirates a 5-3 win against the Nationals and a split in their two game series.  He could have had a third homerun, but the ball he hit in the third inning drifted just to the foul side of the foul pole.  Both homeruns were solo shots, but they proved the difference in the game.

James McDonald had one of his better outings of the season for the first five innings.  Or the Nationals had one of their worst.  McDonald had at one point struck out six Nationals in a row and 10 in the first five innings.  The only baserunner through the first five was a Bryce Harper walk in the fifth.  McDonald was perfect through the first four with nine strikeouts.

Jordan Zimmerman pitched well if not for three bombs.  After striking out his first two hitters McCutchen unloaded on him with a solo shot into the right field bullpen for the first run.  In the fourth, after a 2-out walk to Casey McGehee put a runner on first Rod Barajas took advantage, smacking a 2-run homerun, his second against the Nationals within a two week time frame.  He had hit a walk off homerun when they faced off in Pittsburgh.  McCutchen cranked another solo shot in the sixth that traveled over the left field bullpen into the first couple rows of seats over the bull pen area.

In the sixth McDonald transformed into a different pitcher, but poor defensive play by Jose Tabata assisted the Nationals rally.  Jesus Flores started the inning off with a double down the left field line.  Steve Lombardozzi pinch hit for Jordan Zimmerman and was generously give a double with a hit to left field that glanced off the left fielder’s glove.  Flores stopped at third but Lombardozzi slid into second ahead of the throw.  I suppose the score keeper felt that Lombardozzi was going for second before the ball glanced off the left fielder’s glove so you can’t assume an out.

It appeared the rally would end after Ian Desmond grounded to third and Roger Bernadina became McDonald’s 11th strikeout victim.  Ryan Zimmerman came through lining a clutch hit into right field for a single and advancing to second on the throw home.  Adam LaRoche followed by lifting a high fly to left field that Tabata could not catch off the wall.  The ball bounded into mid left field and LaRoche glided into third with an RBI stand up triple.  That won’t happen for awhile.  Bryce Harper popped out to the catcher in front of the pitcher’s mound to end the inning.

The Pirates scored their fifth run in the top of seventh when Neil Walker grounded to short and the Nationals attempted to turn a double play.  Walker beat the throw to first and Josh Harrison, who had started the inning with a double down the left field line off Craig Stammen came home to score the Pirates fifth run.

The Nationals wasted a big opportunity in the bottom frame.  Danny Espinosa started the inning with a double.  The ball actually was in Tabata’s glove after a long run, but then bounced out.  Rick Ankiel walked and a bunt sacrifice by Jesus Flores advanced the runners.  This brought up one of their hottest hitters in Steve Lombardozzi, who had stayed in the game to play left field.  He got ahead in the count 2-1 but bounced one back to the pitcher.  Ian Desmond struck out to end the inning, his third of four strikeouts in the game.  He would also strike out in the ninth inning to end the game with runners on first and second.

game notes: The Nationals had more swings and misses tonight.  It resulted in 14 whiffs for the evening.  Ian Desmond was credited with four and Ryan Zimmerman three to account for half the whiffs.  Other than the opposite field single to right field Zimmerman was just one swing and miss all evening…Bryce Harper has a big swing but pitchers are feeding him nothing good that travels over 82.  His aggressive approach at the plate is making it tough for him to put the barrell of the bat on the ball…Roger Bernadina pulled a ball foul in the second deck in right field.  It was an impressive shot, but ultimately he went 0 for 3 when trying to hit the ball in fair territory…Rod Barajas had a three hit night.  He is upping that average against Nationals pitching…It is rare to see Pirate pitchers who throw hard.  Everyone they brought in from the right side tonight in James McDonald, Juan Cruz, Jason Grilli and Joel Hanrahan hit at least 95 on the radar gun.  The lefty Tony Watson only faced Bryce Harper and he got him to pop out to catcher.  Pitchers don’t want to throw Bryce anything with some heat on it, though Tony did fire a couple low 90 fastballs out of the strike zone against Bryce.

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Curve Knock Bay Sox to Cellar

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

When two teams are fighting for last place in the Western Division of the Eastern League, there are not a lot of prospects to get excited about.  The Altoona Curve are the AA team of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Bowie Bay Sox are the AA team of the Baltimore Orioles.  The Bay Sox had lost to the Curve the previous day to fall seven games under .500.  They had never been seven games below .500 since the 2006 season when they finished 67-74.  Even with Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop on the team the Bay Sox are hurting for players who can catch fly balls in the outfield.

The Curve notched the Bay Sox down anther notch with a 4-3 extra inning win.  The Curve have now leap frogged the Bay Sox to jump out of last place.  Kelsey Brown finished a 3 for 3 day with an RBI triple to drive in the game winning run in the top of the tenth.  The Bay Sox outfield is where triples go to multiply.  Robbie Grossman had a triple to lead off the game when Steven Bumbry allowed the ball to bounce past him after it hit off the fence.  The next hitter Kelsey Brown hit a line drive to Bumbry who dropped the ball.  Kelsey was generously given a sacrifice fly even though the runner at third had no real thoughts of going until Bumbry dropped the ball.  To think that this is the son of Orioles great Al Bumbry.  Perhaps some father/son talks about outfield play are in order.

The two players we liked the most were the two Curve relief pitchers Vic Black and Duke Welker.  Vic is the 19th rated Pirate prospect by Baseball America but Welker is the better pitcher.  He may not be a better prospect because he is two years older than Black, but he throws his fastball 97-99.  Black can only hit the mid 90s and has an awkward delivery.  He seemed to lose his balance with a man on third, stopped and had a balk called against him to allow the tying run to score.  Welker is the only player on the Curve team who is on the 40 man roster.  He pitched the last two innings to get the win.  Black pitched the two innings prior to Welker.

The Curve also have first round draft choice Tony Sanchez hitting third in the lineup.  He is only slugging .370 and hitting .260 so third seems to be an optimistic thought for him by the manager.  He has been hobbled by injuries but is still rated as the Pirates seventh best prospect by Baseball America.  We didn’t come away from the game impressed.  He had a passed ball and went 0 for 4 day at the plate.

Robbie Grossman had a nice AFL season which put him at number 8 on the Baseball American prospect ranking.  He is only hitting .235 but his 20 walks lead the team, putting his OBA at .338.  Not bad for a leadoff hitter.  His 30 strikeouts also lead the team, not good for a leadoff hitter.  He does show some nice power.  His three homeruns lead the Curve and he almost led the game off with a homerun, hitting the ball off the fence for a triple.  He finished 1 for 5 with two strikeouts.

Not on the prospect list is shortstop Kelsey Brown.  He was hitting a solid .315, but he seems more the utility player of the team.  Brock Holt is the starting shortstop, but Kelsey Brown has more RBIs in half as many at bats.  In 2011 he had a .888 fielding percentage at shortstop after making 11 errors, so perhaps he is best at the position in small doses.  At 25 years of age his best bet to make the major leagues is to continue his utility role, but showing a bat that can hit.  He was a homerun short of the cycle in last night’s game.

Jonathan Schoop made a couple of nice pivots at second base to turn two double plays.  Looking at both Machado and Schoop and their physical traits my money would be on Schoop being the better shortstop.  Machado appears bottom heavy, doesn’t run with a lot of speed and seems to have third base etched in his future.  He fields the ball well but they prefer the Cal Ripken builds to play third base in this day and age if there is a better shortstop option.  The future will tell.  Both Schoop (.242) and Machado (.256) are struggling with the bat.

Brandon Waring has finally figured out AA pitching.  This has to be about his fourth year in AA.  He holds the Bay Sox career record for homeruns with 44.  He has six this year, but better yet he is hitting .282.  He would like to leave is homerun mark at Bowie and try another one at Norfolk.

The win put the Curve and Bay Sox at a dead even race for the bottom of their division.  Tonight’s game will determine who avoids being the cellar dweller.

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Barajas in Walkoff in Bucs Win

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

In his previous at bat he had popped out to third to go 0 for 3.  Hitting less than .150 the chants were coming from the stands “We want Doumit” even though he no longer plays for the Pirates.  Rod Barajas took the first pitch from fireballing Henry Rodriguez and hit a no doubter over the left field fence to give the Pirates a 5-4 win over the Nationals.

It helped that Rodriguez had thrown back to back wild pitches to advance Alex Presley to third.  Alex had stroked a pinch hit bloop single over the shortstop’s head.  With a runner on third and less than two out Henry was hesitant to throw his curveball.  After getting ahead of pinch hitter Yamaico Navvarro 0-2, he threw the back to back wild pitches, then went back to the fastball to strikeout Navarro.  Barajas had to be keying on fastball because no one pulls a 98 mile an hour fastball like he did.

The Nationals appeared to have rallied for two runs in the top of the ninth off Pirate closer Joel Hanrahan.  Ryan Zimmerman returned from the disabled list and lined a single to defensive replacement Nate McClouth, who tried to make a sliding catch of a low liner, but it glanced off his glove.  Adam LaRoche followed with a deep drive to center field to give the Nationals a 4-3 lead.

The Nationals had struck first.  Wilson Ramos connected with a homerun off the first pitch leading off the third to drive in the first run.  With runners on first and third and one out, Danny Espinosa again failed to make contact.  Rick Ankiel bailed him out with a single into right field to give the Nationals a 2-0 lead.

The Pirates only had five hits in the game and three of them were homeruns.  Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones hit solo shots in the fourth to tie the game.  Jones homerun was a high fly ball that settled deep into the right field bleachers.

The Pirates scored their third run when pinch hitter Nate McClouth drew a walk off of Tyler Clippard.  Clippard had gotten ahead in the count 1-2.  McClouth broke for second on the first pitch to Jose Tabata and he grounded it hard up the middle.  Since Ian Desmond had broken for second it appeared the ball was headed right at him for an easy double play.  Fortunately for the Pirates the ball scooted underneath Ian’s glove.  Neil Walker was able to drive the ball deep enough to score McClouth with the go ahead run.

Game Notes: The PNC park not only has the velocity of the pitch, but it has the horizontal and vertical break of a pitch…The racing Presidents made an appearance at PNC park, Lincoln and Jefferson racing two pierogis.  The two peirogis finished 1-2 in the race.  Teddy and George just cheered on the sideline in this four team race…A young lady carried a card board sign that asked Bryce Harper to call her.  She stood over the visitor dugout with her phone number on the sign.  The ushers finally asked her to leave after Bryce went into the on deck circle.  The press were taking pictures of her sign so it will be interesting to see how many people get access to her phone number…Not a lot of seats in the outfield area…The Nationals saw Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche return to the lineup.  Three bats really struggled today.  Ian Desmond struck out twice and grounded into two double plays.  Danny Espinosa failed to make contact on three of his four at bats.  He did ground out to second base.  Finally, Roger Bernadina finished an 0 for 4 day with two whiffs and two ground outs to the pitcher.

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AL Central - Surprise Roster Additions

Saturday, April 28th, 2012

Myworld takes a look at the AL Central.  Despite the hot start by the Cardinals and their four game lead we are still not tempted to put them in first place.  It is a long season in a race that is won by those running a marathon rather than a sprint.  Of course, as I write this the Cardinals maul the Brewers 13-1.

Milwaukee Brewers (1) 9-11

Hot Button Issue: The loss of Prince Fielder left a hole in their lineup.  They hope to address his loss of production with the signing of Aramis Ramirez to play third, keeping the pressure off of rookie Matt Gamel, who is expected to fill his position.   Ramirez has gotten off to a slow start, hitting just .211 with one homerun and eight RBIs in 19 games.  Gamel is doing a little better with a .262 average, one homerun and six RBIs.  One thing the Brewers did not count on is their speed as the two have combined for a perfect 5 for 5 in stolen bases.

Surprise Roster Addition: Travis Ishikawa didn’t get much of a chance with the Giants, used more in a backup role.  That will be his role with the Brewers.  He is currently hitting .211, but with two homeruns.  Cesar Izturis only got to play 18 games last year with the Orioles because of an injury that ended his season early.  He is more a defensive player with a career OPS of less than .650.  He made the team as a utility player.

Top Prospect Performance: Jed Bradley did not give up an earned run in his first three starts covering 19 innings.  He got hit hard in his fourth start for seven runs, four earned, but his ERA still sits at 1.50.  Tyler Thornburg also got off to a quick start, giving up only two earned runs in his first three starts.  After five starts his ERA is 1.93, with a 7/33 walk to whiff ratio in 28 innings and a .172 opposition average.  Jimmy Nelson is another pitcher with five quality starts resulting in an ERA of 1.76 ERA.  Jimmy is in the same Florida State League rotation as Jed while Tyler is in AA.  Scooter Gennett won the player of the week honors with his second week of hitting, but a slump has dropped his average to .312.  The big concern with him is his 2/16 walk to whiff ratio, not what you want to see from a leadoff hitter.

Significant March Transactions: None

Cincinnati Reds (2) 9-11

Hot Button Issues: They had hoped to move Aroldis Chapman to the starting rotation.  His arm issues and the injury to Ryan Madson have put him back in the pen.  Without a third pitch his best role may be out of the bullpen, with a possible opportunity as the closer.  In eight appearances he has yet to give up a run and has a 2/20 walk to whiff ratio in just 11 innings of work, limiting the opposition to a .105 average.  The one concern is his inability to pitch in back to back games.  He doesn’t seem to have a lot of bounce back.

Surprise Roster Addition: Alfredo Simon was released by the Orioles.  The Reds must have seen something that the Orioles didn’t because they picked him up on waivers and he is now in the Reds bullpen.  Don’t expect that to last long.

Top Prospect Performance: Many wondered how many bases Billy Hamilton could steal if he could hit for average.  To start 2012 he is hitting .377 with 23 stolen bases in just 20 games.  He has also drawn 11 walks for a .456 OBA.  That is the ideal leadoff hitter.  Didi Gregorius is a premium defensive player, but if he can keep his average at .337 while playing AA the Reds may have to find a position for him in the major leagues.  Zack Cozart is his biggest impediment at shortstop and Brandon Phillips just signed an extension to his contract.  Tony Cingrani has been unhittable with a 0.39 ERA after four starts in High A.  Three of his four appearances have been shutouts covering 19 innings.

Significant March Transactions: None

St. Louis Cardinals (3) 13-7

Hot Button Issue: They didn’t resign Albert Pujols.  In fact, Albert felt he was insulted by their offer.  The team may be better off without him, using the extra money to purchase a number of different pieces to fill their roster and moving Lance Berkman to first base, a position he is more suited for than right field.  The biggest loss may end up being the retirement of Tony Larussa.  So far, Mike Matheny has put them four games in first place.  Time will tell whether he can keep that pace.

Surprise Roster Additions: Erik Komatsu made the team as a Rule V selection.  He was acquired by the Nationals from the Brewers in the Jerry Hairston Jr. trade but now the Cardinals will try to use his defensive abilities in the outfield to overtake the Brewers.  Matt Carpenter has been a pleasant surprise, replacing the injured Lance Berkman at first base.

Top Prospect Performance: Oscar Taveras is continuing his assault of minor league pitchers, hitting .318 with 5 homeruns and 19 RBIs in AA.  Last year he hit .386 in Low A so the Cardinals felt pretty confident in his abilities by having him skip High A.  Teammate John Gast has four quality starts to put his ERA at 1.71.  The opposition is hitting him at a .198 pace.

Significant March Transaction: They did release veteran infielder Alex Cora.

Pittsburgh Pirates (4) 8-11

Hot Button Issue: Nothing can be hotter than breaking that 19 year losing streak.  No profesional franchise, regardless of the sport has seen such ineptness.  While the Pirates have a burgeoning farm system, based on the current roster it does appear that they will have to see a 20 year losing streak before they can even think of breaking .500.  Once Gerritt Cole, Jameson Taillon and Starling Marte arrive that losing streak should became a streak of the past.

Surprise Roster Addition: Yamaico Navarro is the biggest surprise since he bounced around two teams until landing with the Pirates because of perceived character deficiencies.  He is a player that has never been questioned for his talent, but his willingness to bring out that talent has always been a problem.  He had an impressive spring that put him on the roster as a utility player.

Top Prospect Performance: Top Prospect Jameson Taillon has gotten off to a good start in the Florida State League with a 1.93 ERA after four starts.  He has a 3/24 walk to whiff ratio in just 18 innings of work, limiting the opposition to a .176 average.  The Pirates have made no secret of the fact that if they had the first pick in the 2010 draft they would have selected Taillon over Bryce Harper.  Starling Marte is hitting .303 but he has nine stolen bases.  Many have said that when he makes the Pirates team Andrew McCutchen will have to move to left field.  Alen Hanson is bucking to become the next Starling with his .385 average and four homeruns.  He also has eight stolen bases.  On the downside, he has struck out 21 times in 21 games played.

Significant March Transactions: They traded Ryota Igarashi to the Toronto Blue Jays for cash then picked up pitcher Robby Rowland in a trded with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Chicago Cubs (5) 7-13

Hot Button Issue: The arrival of Theo Epstein has created some excitement in Chicago, especially after he took the Red Sox to two World Series wins.  That excitement dissippated a little bit when he spoke of rebuilding.  He backed off the “r” word when he got negative press but if it smells like a pig, looks like a pig and squeaks like a pig it is a pig.  All of Epstein’s moves are indicative of a rebuilding club.  Now it is just a matter of time when he will trade Bryan LaHair to turn the first base job over to Anthony Rizzo.  Bryan gave himself some value by getting off to a hot start.  The trade of Marlon Byrd has left no African Americans on either of the 40 man rosters for the Chicago teams.

Surprise Roster Addition: One team’s garbage is another team’s diamond in the rough.  Scott Maine had just been released, but lefthanded pitchers tend to have many lives to make a major league roster.  The Cubs picked him up and he has been getting hitters out.  Blake DeWitt had been sent down by the Cubs when Darwin Barney had taken over his position.  The Cubs like him again as a utility player.  Ian Stewart has yet to show teams that he has discovered the art of hitting, but the Cubs like his defense for third base.  The Cubs are a collection of surprise roster spots.

Top Prospect Performance: Anthony Rizzo continues to rake minor league pitching at a .380 clip with seven homeruns and 21 RBIs.  Unfortunately for him, he has the equally hot Bryan LaHair occupying his position at first base in the major leagues.  Trey McNutt had a rough season last year, but this year his four starts have been a welcome sight (0.61 ERA).  He has only worked 15 innings in those four starts and walked seven, so there are still command issues that need to be addressed.

Top March Transactions: They signed Cuban defecter Gerardo Concepcion, who as an 18 year old was a top pitcher in the Cuban professional league.  In his first start in the United States he was lit up for five runs.

Houston Astros (6) 8-12

Hot Button Issues: This will be the last year for the Astros in the National League.  They have made no secret about their willingness to trade veterans Carlos Lee, Wandy Rodriguez and Bret Myers for prospects.  For Houston fans this could result in the worst record in baseball, but also give them a number one pick in a market that is clearly lacking a number one.

Surprise Roster Addition: We were surprised to see Rhiner Cruz make the roster.  When my world saw him pitch he couldn’t get anyone out.  He must have impressed someone with his velocity because he has made the team and is pitching well out of the bullpen.  Lucas Harrell had an excellent spring, outpitching Jordan Lyle to force the Astros to make room for him in the starting rotation.  Travis Buck has been a career minor leaguer that gets an opportunity on a major league club.  He has yet to play in more than 82 games in a year in the major leagues, a perfect role for a fourth outfielder.

Top Prospect Performance: There could be an opening at first base with the departure of Carlos Lee.  Jonathan Singleton is hoping to fill that role, hitting .375 with three homeruns in AA.  Mike Foltynewicz has a 1.98 ERA after five starts in Low A.  That is still a long way from the majors, but he could make issues interesting in 2013.  Paul Clemens time is now with his 1.59 ERA in three AAA starts.  He has not been quite as dominant as his ERA would indicate with only 13 strikeouts in 17 innings of work and a .233 opposition average.  Telvin Nash is crushing baseballs in the California League with nine homeruns in 20 games.  He has only driven in 15 runs and his .247 average and 28 strikeouts proves that he has contact issues.  Nick Tropeano is lighting it up in Low A with a 1.29 ERA in three starts and a 6/32 walk to whiff ratio in just 21 innings of work.

Significant March Transaction: They traded two pieces of their major league roster who would probably get limited playing time to acquire a young prospect from the Kansas City Royals.  Catcher Humberto Quintero and outfielder Jason Bourgeois went to the Royals for relief pitcher Kevin Chapman.  They released veterans Jack Cust, Zach Duke and Livan Hernandez, choosing to fill their roster with younger players.

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Posted in Cardinals, Astros, Brewers, Cubs, Pirates, Reds | No Comments »

Dinesh Patel Update

Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

While Rinku Singh is still pitching for the Pirates, many wonder what happened to his other half, pitching partner Dinesh Patel.  Rinku and Dinesh won the Indian show million dollar arm, and though neither won a million dollars, because they did not reach the 95 mile per hour velocity required to win that amount, they did win the contest, which still got them $100,000.  It also got them contracts with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Dinesh was released in 2010, but his life continues on in India.

Rinku pitched in Australia this past year and should find himself on the Pirates Low A fullseason roster in 2012.  Dinesh is back in India attempting to resurrect his javelin throwing career.  He has also used some of his winnings to pay for his sister’s wedding, improving his family’s house in India and buying a plot of land to eventually build his own house.  One thing he is not doing is playing baseball, since there are no real established leagues there.  He did get involved in teaching school children baseball in Delhi for a couple days and assisted his village males to prepare for the second million dollar arm contest, but his career now revolves around the javelin.  He hopes to get a job with the government at some point.

While with the Pirates he got to shake hands with President O’Bama and party with Barry Bonds.  He will also have a movie made about him.  So the world has not heard the last of Dinesh Patel, especially if the movie becomes the next slumdog millionaire in the Oscar comparisons.  Of course, that is asking a lot, but asking if he would be pitching in the minor leagues was also a stretch.

To read the story about what he is doing now you can go here: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/baseball-dream-ends-but-23yrold-varanasi-youth-returns-a-winner/928720/0

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Spring Training - NL Central

Monday, March 26th, 2012

The injury to Ryan Madson knocks the Reds down to second.  The fact that Ryan Braun will play the full year moves the Brewers to the top spot.  He may not be as effective if he lets the hecklers bother him.  The Cardinals will find that the loss of Pujols, LaRussa and Duncan will be too great and drop to third.

Milwaukee Brewers (3)

Who’s Hot: Jonathan Lucroy (.469) has had a hot spring.  Alex Gonzalez (.400, 2, 6) will play a more important role for the Brewers playing with them a full year.

Zack Greinke (0.73, .196, 20 K’s in 12.1 IP) is staying off the basketball courts this spring and could be heading for a Cy Young type of year for the Brewers.

Who’s Not: Ryan Braun (.095) can’t let the hecklers control his season.  One of his two hits is a homerun.  Cesar Izturis (.150), Brooks Conrad (.184) and Brock Kjeldgaard (.000) are struggling.  Brock struck out nine times in his 15 at bats.

Wily Peralta (8.53) will have to convince management that he is ready with a good year in AAA.

Significant Injuries: Corey Hart may not be able to start the season with a knee injury.  Shaun Marcum has had some shoulder issues which may delay the start of his season.

February Transactions: None

Cincinnati Reds (1)

Who’s Hot: Zack Cozart (.452) is not having any problem winning the shortstop position.  Chris Valaika (.391) is not making it easy for him.  Todd Frazier (.270, 4, 9, 9 runs scored) leads the team in RBIs and runs scored.

Matt Latos (1.93) is pitching like an ace.  Aroldis Chapman (1.50, just two walks in 12 IP) is being extended to start, but with the season ending injury to Ryan Madson, may have to turn into the closer.  Logan Ondrusek (2.16, 10 K’s in 8.1 IP, one save) could be more valuable for the bullpen with the injury to Madson.

Who’s Not: Joey Votto (.194, 0, 4, 14 K’s) is saving all his hits for the regular season.  Juan Francisco (.139, 1, 3, 11 K’s) won’t win a starting spot without showing a better bat.  Dioneer Navarro (.143) has only four hits, but two of them have been homeruns.

Homer Bailey (7.98, .364 ave.) and Bronson Arroyo (7.62, .346) could be losing their rotation spots, though Homer is fighting for the fifth spot.

Significant Injuries: The big injury is the loss of Ryan Madson for the year because of Tommy John surgery.

February Transactions: Signed free agent Ryan Ludwick to compete for the left field job.  Wirfin Obispo was signed as a free agent out of Japan to provide depth in the pitching staff.  Other free agent pitchers signed are Brett Tomko and Jeff Francis.

St. Louis Cardinals (3)

Who’s Hot: Matt Holiday (.469, 3, 9) is having a nice spring.  Daniel Descalso (.326, 1, 4, 10 walks) could have won the second base job, especially with a .456 OBA.  Yadier Molina (.395, 1, 9), Matt Carpenter (.350, 1, 8) and Lance Berkman (.346) all hope to pick up the slack for the loss of Albert Pujols.

Eduardo Sanchez (0.00, .154, 14 K’s 8 IP) was optioned to the minors, but with those numbers it won’t take long before he reappears in the Cardinals pen.  Adam Wainwright (0.00, .114 ave.) has not given up a run in four starts.  Jake Westbrook (0.00, .146) has not given up a run in three starts.

Who’s Not: Alex Cora (.208) was released.  Skip Schumaker (.190) may lose the second base job.  David Freese (.219, 3, 10, 13 K’s) leads the team in strikeouts and RBIs.

Significant Injuries: Chris Carpenter has had nerve problems in his shoulder, which could cause him to miss significant time.  World Series hero Allen Craig is still recovering from knee surgery and may not be available for the start of the season.  Skip Shumaker has an oblique tear.

February Transactions: Alex Cora was a significant free agent signing, but they released him in March.  Scott Linebrink is having a good enough spring to win a spot in the bullpen.

Pittsburgh Pirates (4)

Who’s Hot: Starling Marte (.520, 3, 4) has gotten himself noticed.  Josh Harrison (.500, 8 runs scored) may not have the size of most third baseman, but he is hitting himself onto the 25 man roster.  Matt Hague (.417, 4, 9) may be putting his name back on the prospect ladder.  Andrew McCutchen (.382, 2, 10) could be in for a monster year.  Nate McLouth (.382) could be working his way back into the starting lineup, but his 1 for 4 success rate in stolen bases is not good.  Yamaico Navarro (.366) could make the team in a utility role.

Shairon Martis (0.00) has pitched well, but a .286 average against shows he has been hittable.  Daniel Moskos (0.00, .154) could soon give the Pirates some useful years in the pen.  Jeff Karstens (2.08, .188) could be the glue to the rotation until the prospects are ready.

Who’s Not: Nick Evans (.077) will need to prove himself in AAA.  Pedro Alvarez (.133, 13 K’s) has still not shown he can hit major league pitching.  Perhaps he should have played winter ball.  Gorky Hernandez (.150) will not make the team with this kind of spring.

Jo-Jo Reyes (12.86, .421 ave.) and Brad Lincoln (10.50, .345 ave.) will have trouble making the starting rotation.  Daniel McCutchen (9.45, .344) and Ryota Igarashi (8.64, .324) may not make the pen.

Significant Injuries: A.J. Burnett is recovering from a broken bone underneath his eye.  Gustavo Nunez, a rule V pick has an ankle injury that will keep him on the DL for an extended period.

February Transactions: They acquired A.J. Burnett from the Yankees to enhance their starting rotation, getting a few million to pay his salary while giving up only a couple of lower level prospects.

Chicago Cubs (5)

Who’s Hot: Joe Mather (.432, 3, 12) has made himself noticed for a possible reserve outfielder spot.  Alfonso Soriano (.351, 6, 14) is showing that 2012 could be a return to power for him.  Anthony Rizzo (.364, 2, 5) is still going to AAA despite his hot spring.

Rafael Dolis (0.00, 0.91, two saves) throws three digit gas and could find himself in a closer role by mid-season.  Randy Wells (0.00, .174) could earn another spot in the starting rotation.  Paul Maholm (0.90, .216) and Chris Volstad (0.90, .189) have earned spots in the rotation.

Who’s Not: Junior Lake (.143, 2, 4) had a rough spring after his hot AFL showing.  David Dejesus (.182) had a rough spring.  Bryan LaHair (.280) has not hit a homerun and has struck out 15 times, but he will still be the starting first baseman.

The Cubs paid a lot for Travis Wood (17.28, .429) so his rough spring has them worried.  Kerry Wood (10.80, .500) will still make the bullpen despite his rough spring.  Carlos Marmol (9.95, .308) will lose his closer role if these results continue into the regular season.

Significant Injuries: None

February Transactions: None

Houston Astros (6)

Who’s Hot: Jordan Schafer (.391) has won the centerfield job with his spring efforts.  Angel Sanchez (.375) would like to win the utility role.  Travis Buck (.345) is bucking for the extra outfielder role.  Chris Johnson (.325, 4, 7) needs to show the same power once the regular season starts.

Kyle Weiland (2.25) is pitching well enough to make the rotation.  Fernando Rodriguez (2.57, 10 K’s in 7 IP) should find himself in a bullpen role.

Who’s Not: Marwin Gonzalez (.138) needs to make the roster if the Astros want to keep him.  Brian Bogusevic (.171) should not have trouble winning the right field job while Justin Ruggiano (.167) will have a tough time making the roster as an extra outfielder.  Fernando Martinez (.174) did not show enough not to be sent down.

Wandy Rodriguez (8.10, .349, 7 walks in 10 IP) is struggling with his command, but he should still be the opening day starter.  Myworld has yet to see Rhiner Cruz (7.94) get anyone out in two appearances, but his results show he is getting someone out.  Zach Duke (11.30, .379) won’t be in the starting rotation with those numbers.

Significant Injuries: Jordan Schafer sprained his wrist diving for a ball in centerfield.

February Transactions: They signed free agent Justin Ruggiano, but he needs to show more in spring.

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Posted in Cardinals, Astros, Brewers, Cubs, Pirates, Reds | No Comments »

Pirates Outhit Astros

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

It was a comedy of errors, but the Pirates ripped 20 hits, twice as many as the Astros to win in 10 innings 9-7.  Kelson Brown drove in the first run with a single, after a wild pitch had advanced Matt Hague to second.  Daniel Govatt blooped a ball into the centerfield triangle, where it dropped between the hesitant trio of fielders for a double to drive in the second run.  A popup that was lost in the sun allowed the tying run to score in the top of the ninth for the Pirates.

The Astros jumped out into an early 3-0 lead with a solo homerun from Jed Lowrie in the first and a 2-run homer in the second by Chris Snyder to take a 3-0 lead.  Brad Linclon was able to shut the Astros down the next two innings.

J.A. Happ was no mystery to the Pirates.  He benefited from a double play in the first and second innings to shut down the Pirates, but the Pirate bats kept on swinging.  Happ gave up single runs in the next three innings to allow the Pirates to tie the game.  In his five innings of work he gave up 9 hits and walked three, striking out just one.  Yamaico Navarro stroked two singles and an RBI triple against Happ.  Navarro has had opportunities with the Red Sox and Royals, but a poor work habits have prevented him from advancing with those two teams.

Jarred Cosart came on in the sixth for the Astros and was dominant in his first inning, striking out the side.  He was a different pitcher in the seventh, giving up five hits, including a fourth hit by Navarro.  Cosart showed a nice fastball and good curveball, but he lacked command of those pitches, especially in the seventh inning, where he gave up four consecutive singles and five hits in all to allow three runs to score.

The Astros came back in the bottom of the seventh off Chris Leroux.  Two walks and a single loaded the bases with no outs.  J.B. Shuck surprised everyone by socking a ball over the shallow centerfielder’s head for a bases clearing triple.  With a runner on third and one out Brad Mills chose to bat Jarred Cosart and he struck out.  Jimmy Van Ostrand struck out to end the inning and ruin the opportunity for the Astros to take the lead.

The Astros took the lead in the eighth when Ben Orloff hit an infield single.  The Pirates had chosen to play the infield in, but a diving stop by Clint Barmes prevented a second run from scoring.  With a runner on third and one out Collin Delome struck out and Brandon Barnes flied to center to end the inning.

The Pirates took control after that with a run in the ninth to tie and two in the tenth to win.

Game Notes: The 300 pound Jose Diaz and his 95 mile per hour fastball made an appearance.  He struggled by walking three, one intentionally.  With one out and the bases loaded he struck out Carlos Corporan and got Joe Thurston to ground to second to give the Pirates a chance to win in the tenth.  He high fived with the fans along the right field line…Jed Lowrie battled Brad Lincoln, fouling off a number of two strike pitches before lofting a 3-2 pitch over the right field wall…The Astros outfield played better today.  J.D. Martinez doubled off Josh Harrison at first and Brian Bogusevic showed a strong arm in right field.  There were no bad routes by the outfielders either.

Prospect Watch: Jarek Cunningham played second base and got one hit in two at bats.  His pop up lost in the sun that turned into a fielder’s choice brought in the tying run in the ninth.  He also singled in the tenth…Yamaico Navarro went a perfect 4 for 4 with an RBI triple.  His hot spring could win him a utility role with the Pirates…Matt Hague got three at bats.  His one out single in the tenth began the 2-run rally that won the game.  He did almost get thrown out at second on a wild pitch when he went into the base standing at about the same time the throw reached the bag…Jared Hughes pitched an inning, giving up a run on three hits.  He did strike out a batter with a runner on third with one out…J.B. Shuck got a key 3-run triple in the seventh for his only hit in four at bats.  He played centerfield, but doesn’t show much of an arm…Brandon Barnes doubled in two at bats…Jarrod Cosart showed a good fastball and curve, but struggled in one inning.  He finished his outing working four innings, giving up four runs and six hits.  In the seventh inning he gave up four consecutive hits that allowed three runs to score.  Jared is the number two rated prospect by Baseball America.

Posted in Astros, Pirates | No Comments »

Pirates Down the Netherlands

Monday, March 12th, 2012

One team is the World Cup baseball champions, while the other team has not had a winning record in 19 years.  One would think that this game would not be a contest, and it wasn’t.  Only the team that has not had a winning record in 19 years spanked the World Cup Champions 8-2.

The Netherlands were a shell of their national team, with starters at critical positions playing spring training games with other major league teams.  One of their top starters, Shairon Martis actually pitched for the Pirate team that they played against in the ninth inning.  The Pirates roster only had a couple major league players who made the trip.

The Netherlands booted the game away in the second inning.  Two walks and an error by Dwayne Kemp, who dropped a flip from the shortstop loaded the bases with one out.  Michael McHenry then unloaded off David Bergman, lining a pitch over right fielder Bas DeJong’s head.  Myworld didn’t think Bas ran after the ball with great urgency, but once he retrieved the ball all the bases runners had scored and the slow footed McHenry was standing on third.  Pitcher Jeff Karston drove him in with a single to put the Pirates up 4-0.  They loaded the bases again with a walk and another error by Dwayne Kemp, but escaped without allowing a run.

Michael McHenry struck again in the third inning, blasting a 2-run homerun over the left field fence to give the Pirates a 6-0 lead.  They had scored 6 runs on only three hits, while the Dutch had scratched out four hits in the first three innings without scoring a run.  In the fourth, Robbie Grossman slapped one over Eugene Kingsale’s head for a triple.  A Nick Evan single scored him, putting the Pirates ahead 7-0.

The Dutch were able to score their first run in the sixth on a fluke double by Rafael Jozefa.  He hit a high bouncer to first base that took a bad high bounce over the first baseman’s head down the right field line.  If he was paying attention to his third base coach he probably should have gotten a triple, but he stopped at second.  Danny Rombly drove him in with a fly to shallow left.  Rafael should have been thrown out at home, but he was fortunate to have Jake Fox in left field, who threw the ball way off line to home.  Danny Rombley also drove in the second run with a sacrifice fly out to centerfield in the eighth inning.

The Dutch lost out on a great opportunity to take the lead in the top of second when they had runners on second and third with no out.  Mark Jan Moorman took a called third strike, Bas Nooij flied out to shallow center and Michael Duursma struck out.

Game Notes: The woman’s National softball team were in attendance at the game and helped me with the spelling of many of the Dutch players names.  Myworld thanks them for that…Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven was in attendance at the game…The Dutch team lacked any real speed.  Eugene Kingsale has really slowed down since his days in the major leagues.  There was also a big difference in the crispness of play.  The Dutch pitchers had problems with their command and were high on many pitchers.  The infielders were also more hesitant in fielding grounders.  Josh Harrison turned an excellent double play while the Dutch were less fluid…Dwayne Kemp did show some muscle despite his small frame by doubling to the gap in left center despite being jammed on the pitch.

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Posted in Netherlands, Pirates | No Comments »

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