SB Nation - Brian Schlitter

Tennessee Smokies Wrap -- Game 1 Sept. 15

Josh77 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:29:49 -0000

It was a topsy-turvey game with a controversial finish, but in the end the Smokies ended up on the wrong end of a 6-5 loss in ten innings to the Jacksonville Suns. The Smokies now trail the best-of-five series one game to none.

Starter Chris Carpenter got off to a terrible start in the bottom of the first inning, giving up a bases-loaded triple that put the Smokies down 3-0. After that he settled down and Carpenter went 4.1 innings, allowing the three runs on four hits. Carpenter walked four and struck out five.

But the Smokies struck back in the top of the second inning, scoring two runs on a double by catcher Welington Castillo. The Smokies would go on to tie the game in the fourth inning when first baseman Blake Lalli and right fielder Tyler Colvin led off the inning with back-to-back doubles.

The score would remain tied at three until the bottom of the eighth, when reliever David Cales allowed a run. A leadoff single ended up on third base with nobody out. after a stolen base and a bad throw by Castillo. A strikeout and a line out made it look like Cales might pitch out of the jam, but a two-out single put the Suns up 4-3.

The Smokies have been fighting back the whole post-season, and tonight was no different. In the top of the ninth, the Smokies tied the score when second baseman Jonathan Mota singled home third baseman Marquez Smith. However, the Smokies failed to take the lead later in the inning when Mota was thrown out trying to score from third on a fly ball to center field. Smokies manager Ryne Sandberg was ejected arguing the call.

Cales pitched 1.2 innings tonight. He gave up one run on two hits. He walked one and struck out two.

The game then went into extra-innings and the Smokies fortunes looked bright when Smith singled home center fielder James Adduci to give the Smokies a 5-4 lead. Unfortunately, left fielder Ty Wright was thrown out at the plate trying to score on the same play.

Looking to get his fourth save in as many games, Smokies closer Brian Schlitter struck out the first two batters he faced. But he then fell behind 3-1 to Suns catcher Brad Davis, who deposited the next pitch over the left-center field fence. Schlitter did not retire another batter, allowing singles to the next three batters and ending the game.

The third, game-winning, single was highly-controversial. The batter was initially called out at first base after hitting a slow-roller to third. But after an argument and the Suns manager asking the first base umpire to ask the home plate umpire for help, the call was overturned and first baseman Lalli was ruled to have been off the bag, allowing the winning run to score.

Marquez Smith was the big hitting star for the Smokies, going 3 for 5 with a double. He scored twice and had one RBI. Right fielder Tyler Colvin was 2 for 5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored.

The Smokies will try to even the series tomorrow night as Jeremy Papelbon will take the mound against Suns pitcher Graham Taylor, who started at Wrigley against the Chicago Cubs on May 1st and who was almost traded to the Cubs for Jacque Jones two years ago.

Tennessee Smokies Wrap -- September 13

Josh77 — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:44:13 -0000

The Smokies are going to the Southern League Championship Series after outshining the Huntsville Stars, 3-1 this afternoon.

The game started out as a pitcher's duel as starter Hung-Wen Chen got into trouble in the first two innings, but pitched out of it each time. In particular, after a walk and an error in the second inning, Chen threw a wild pitch to put men on second and third with only one out. But a strikeout and a line out got Chen out of the inning with no runs scoring. Chen went five innings and allowed no runs on only one hit. He walked three and struck out four.

The Smokies took the lead in the bottom of the first inning when infield singles by Starlin Castro and James Adduci put two on with nobody out. After a failed sacrifice bunt erased Castro from the basepaths, first baseman Blake Lalli singled home Adduci.

That's the way it stayed until the seventh inning. Reliever Jayson Ruhlman allowed a solo home run to tie up the game in the top of the inning. Ruhlman gave up one run on two hits over 1.1 innings before giving way to Marcos Mateo.

The Smokies answered in the bottom of the seventh. They scored two runs, the first on a single by Castro and the second when pinch-hitter Russ Canzler reached on an error.

Mateo picked up the win after striking out both batters he faced in the seventh inning after relieving Ruhlman. Brian Schlitter entered the game in the ninth inning and got his third save in as many games to clinch the series. Schlitter allowed a lead-off single, but a pop out and a double play put the Smokies into the Southern League Championship Series.

Shortstop Castro was 3 for 4 today, and was the only Smokie with more than one hit.

The Smokies will play either Jacksonville or Birmingham for the Southern League Championship. Jacksonville currently leads the series 2-0. Yesterday's game 3 was suspended in the bottom of the first with Birmingham leading 1-0. They will finish that game tonight, weather permitting.

Tennessee Smokies Wrap -- September 12

Josh77 — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:47:59 -0000

Pinch-hitter Russ Canzler stepped up in a big way with a bases-loaded double in the fourth inning that propelled the Tennessee Smokies to a 5-2 victory over the Huntsville Stars. The Smokies now have a two games to one lead in the best-of-five playoff series.

Starter Andrew Cashner faced off against the Huntsville starter, former Smokie Mark Holliman. For three innings, the two pitchers held the batters scoreless. In the fourth inning, Cashner gave up a two-run double with one out and the Stars jumped out to a 2-0 lead.

But the Smokies answered in the bottom of the inning. After Holliman retired the first two batters easily, third baseman Marquez Smith doubled and catcher Welington Castillo walked. An infield single by Jonathan Mota loaded the bases for Cashner, who manager Ryne Sandberg removed for Canzler, who cleared the bases with a double.

Cashner finished the night having pitched four innings and he allowed two runs on four hits and a walk. He struck out one and got the Stars to ground into two double plays.

The Smokies bullpen shut the Stars down the rest of the way. Alex Maestri allowed three hits but no runs over 1.2 innings. He walked one and struck out one. David Cales was awarded the win with 2.1 perfect innings, striking out two. Finally, Brian Schlitter pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for the save.

The Smokies tacked on insurance runs on a Tyler Colvin sac fly in the fifth inning and a James Adduci walk with the bases loaded in the eighth.

Adduci was 2 for 3 with two walks and a stolen base tonight. Mota was 2 for 3 with a walk.

The Smokies will try to end the series tomorrow afternoon when Hung-Wen Chen takes the mound.

Tennessee Smokies Wrap -- September 11

Josh77 — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 03:15:01 -0000

The Smokies tied up their best-of-five series at a game apiece as they eclipsed the Huntsville Stars, 3-1.

The Smokies won on some dominating pitching tonight, led by starting and winning pitcher Casey Coleman. Coleman went 7.2 innings tonight and allowed only one run on four hits. He actually had a two-hitter going with two out in the eighth, but he then allowed a single and a double to put the tying run on second. He was removed for closer Brian Schlitter, who got out of the inning on a fly out and then pitched the ninth to pick up the save.

For the record, Coleman went 7.2 innings and allowed the one run on four hits. He didn't walk anyone and only struck out one. He left the game having tossed only 77 pitches, so he was very effective pitching to contact.

Schlitter threw 1.1 innings for the save. He walked one batter in the ninth, but was otherwise untouched. He did not strike out anyone.

The Smokies scored two runs in the top of the first inning, which was all their pitchers would need. First baseman Blake Lalli singled home center fielder James Adduci, who had doubled earlier. Then third baseman Marquez Smith scored on a passed ball after having earlier reached on an error.

The Smokies scored and insurance run in the sixth inning when Adduci scored on a Starlin Castro sac fly.

Adduci was the hitting star of the game, going 2 for 4 with a double and two runs scored.

The Smokies return home tomorrow for Game 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) of the series.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- September 5

Josh77 — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:55:10 -0000

I'm back. (No thanks to AT&T) Did anyone miss me?

I'm not going to bore you with the details. . .oh what the heck, I am. My DSL modem/router decided to blow up on its one month birthday on Monday. After a long call to AT&T and tech support telling me to balance it on my knee and bark like a seal while rubbing my tummy and patting my head to see if that would make it work, it was concluded that the thing truly melted down and that it was bad and had to be replaced. We were told that we would have a new one by Wednesday, Thursday by the latest. By the time we actually got a hold of someone on Friday, it became very clear that not only was a modem not coming, no one had even bothered to record that there was even a problem. And of course, because I live on the West Coast, everyone who could help us had already gone home for the Labor Day Weekend. They told us to go to an AT&T wireless store in my area and they could help me. They laughed in our faces and told me they didn't do that kind of stuff. (So clearly some CSR had just made something up to get us off the phone) Finally around 7pm tonight, I found someone who could help us--Best Buy. Of course, because I live out in the boonies now, the nearest Best Buy is a half hour away and they could only help us after we gave them $110.

So yes, I am going to start looking for alternatives to AT&T. Unfortunately, because of my current rural life, my options may be limited or even non-existent.

Let's be honest--without the internet, following the minor leagues on a daily basis is impossible. Oh, I know how the River Cats and the Grizzlies have been doing because that's in the local news, but I've had no idea what's been going on in the Cubs minors this week. So I'm going to try to get up to speed this weekend as the playoffs start this week.

I'm sorry for my absence during this critical week. But living in Hooterville along with caring for an 18 month old girl made it nearly impossible to go out and do the MLW, and beside, AT&T lied to me about how quickly this would all be taken care of.

Good news out of AA after the jump.

Iowa Cubs (71-71)

I see the I-Cubs playoff hopes went down the toilet while I was away. Tonight they lost their sixth straight game as they were atomized by the Albuquerque Isotopes, 8-3.

Ezequiel Astacio started and . . .hey, when the heck did we get him? Man, you miss a lot. Anyway, Astacio started and got the loss, giving up two runs in four innings. He surrendered six hits. Astacio walked one and struck out three.

Shortstop Darwin Barney went 2 for 3 with a double. He scored twice and had one RBI.

Tennessee Smokies (37-31)

The magic number is now one for the Smokies playoff birth as they caved in the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx, 3-1.

Last time we saw Andrew Cashner, he had been struggling. Not tonight as he threw seven shutout innings, allowing only two hits and one walk. He only struck out two, however.

Brian Schlitter collected his 22nd save with a perfect ninth inning. He struck out one.

The Smokies only had four hits tonight and were greatly aided by five Diamond Jaxx errors. Catcher Welington Castillo went 1 for 4 with a double.

I notice Brandon Guyer got promoted back to AA while I was "away." He was 1 for 4 tonight with a run scored and an outfield assist.

Daytona Cubs (30-37)

The Daytona Cubs are finishing this season out on a high note, winning their third in a row 4-1 over the Clearwater Threshers.

Craig Muschko improved his record to 7-3 with 5.2 shutout innings tonight. He gave up only one lone single. Muschko walked three and struck out nine.

I see right fielder Kevin Soto has joined the D-Cubs with the end of the rookie league team's season. Tonight Soto went 2 for 4 with a stolen base. Soto scored twice and had one RBI.

Center fielder Tony Campana was 2 for 5 with a double. Catcher Luis Flores went 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Peoria Chiefs (42-25)

The Chiefs clinched a while ago, but they haven't eased up at all. Tonight they committed regicide against the Clinton LumberKings, 8-3.

Jeffry Antigua started and got the win with five shutout innings. He gave up three hits and walked three. He also struck out three as his record in the Midwest League improved to 4-0.

Center fielder Jose Valdez hasn't had a problem with the Midwest League at all. Today we was 3 for 4 with a triple and three stolen bases. That's some impressive speed stats there--although he was caught stealing once. Valdez scored twice.

Second baseman Ryan Flaherty went 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.

Left fielder Nelson Perez hit his 11th home run tonight with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. Perez was 1 for 5.

Boise Hawks (33-42)

The Hawks were left in the dirt by the Tri-City Dust Devils, 3-2.

Starter Dae-Eun Rhee had gopheritis tonight, allowing two home runs in the two innings he pitched. He gave up all three runs on four hits. He walked one and didn't strike out a batter.

Robert Whitenack had three shutout innings of relief and Josh Lansford and Corey Martin each had two scoreless innings.

Second basema Logan Watkins was 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- August 29

Josh77 — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:48:05 -0000

Iowa Cubs (70-65)

The Iowa Cubs made it four in a row tonight with a 7-4 thumping of the Oklahoma City RedHawks.

Casey Fossum improved his record to 6-4 by allowing only one run on two hits over five innings. Fossum walked four and hit two batters. He struck out nine.

Blake Parker pitched the ninth inning and picked up his 20th save. Parker allowed one hit and didn't walk anyone. He struck out two.

First baseman Micah Hoffpauir went 2 for 4 with three RBI and a run scored. Third baseman Andres Blanco was 2 for 5 with two runs scored. Shortstop Darwin Barney was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Tennessee Smokies (34-28)

Ryno's Boys stayed tied for first place by beating the Moblie Bay Bears, 7-4.

Starter Jeremy Papelbon gave up two home runs in his five-inning start, but got the win anyway. Papelbon allowed four runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out one.

Brian Schlitter got save number twenty-one. He pitched the final 1.1 innings, allowing no runs on one hit. He didn't walk a batter and struck out two.

Right fielder Tyler Colvin hit a bases-loaded triple and a solo home run for four RBI tonight. Colvin was 2 for 4 and scored twice.

Third baseman Marquez Smith was 2 for 4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Shortstop Starlin Castro went 2 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored. Castro also stole his third base for Tennessee.

Daytona Cubs (27-34)

The D-Cubs were thrashed by the Clearwater Threshers, 6-2.

Rafael Dolis started and only went three innings. He gave up two runs on three hits, although one of the two runs was unearned. Dolis walked four and struck out three as his record dropped to 3-9. His ERA is a respectable 3.54 though.

Left fielder Marwin Gonzalez hit his second home run, a solo home run in the fifth inning. Gonzalez was 1 for 3.

DH Brandon Guyer was 2 for 4 with an RBI. Second baseman Jake Opitz was 2 for 3 wih a walk.

Peoria Chiefs (38-23)

The Chiefs shucked the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 11-1.

Austin Bibens-Dirkx continues to dominate the Midwest League. Tonight he improved his record to 7-1, tossing 6.2 innings and allowing only one run on five hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out six. The Chiefs expect Bibens-Dirkx to start the playoffs for them, but I really think he needs to get a September call-up. Please?

It was a six RBI night for right fielder Kyler Burke, including a triple and a grand slam. It was Burke's 14th homer this year. Burke was 2 for 4 with a walk. He scored twice.

DH Ryan Flaherty was 2 for 3 with a double and a walk. He scored twice and had two RBI. First baseman Rebel Ridling was 2 for 5 with an RBI and three runs scored.

Center fielder Jose Valdez made his Midwest League debut a successful one. He was 2 for 5 with two runs scored.

Boise Hawks (30-38)

The Hawks lost their sixth game in a row as they were messed up by the Tri-City Dust Devils 3-1.

Starter Robert Hernandez was pretty good tonight. He went five innings and allowed only one run on four hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out five.

Eduardo Figueroa got the loss in relief. He gave up two runs, one earned, over his 1.2 inning relief stint.

Shortstp Hak-Ju Lee was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- August 26

Josh77 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:57:17 -0000

Iowa Cubs

Rained out. They'll play a double-header tomorrow.

Tennessee Smokies (32-28)

The Smokies scored two runs in the top of the ninth to batter the Carolina Mudcats, 2-1.

Starter Casey Coleman pitched well tonight, allowing only one run over six innings. He gave up five hits, walked two and struck out three.

David Cales pitched a perfect eighth inning and got the win. Brian Schlitter faced two batters in the bottom of the ninth and struck them both out to get his 20th save.

First baseman Russ Canzler had a big two-run double in the ninth that accounted for all of the Smokies runs. Canzler was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Left fielder Ty Wright was 3 for 3 with a walk, a double and a run scored. Right fielder Tyler Colvin was 2 for 4.

Daytona Cubs (25-32)

The Daytona Cubs were blitzed by the Lakeland Flying Tigers, 7-1.

Jay Jackson started and got the loss. He went five innings and allowed three runs on five hits. One of the runs allowed was unearned. Jackson only walked one and struck out eleven in his five innings, so he had the strikeout pitch going.

The D-Cubs only had four hits tonight. Josh Vitters was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Peoria Chiefs (36-22)

A playoff spot got one step closer for the Chiefs tonight as they rounded up the Quad City River Bandits, 7-3.

Chris Archer started tonight but couldn't make it through five innings, so he didn't get the win. Archer went four plus innings (including the first two batters of the fifth) and was charged with allowing three runs on three hits. The good news is he struck out five. The bad news is that he also walked five.

Alberto Cabrera improved his record to 8-2 tonight with 3.1 innings of scoreless relief. He gave up two hits, walked three and struck out three. Ryan Buchter finished out the game, pitching the final 1.2 innings to grab his fifth save. Buchter allowed one hit and two walks. He struck out three.

Drew Rundle hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the second which gave the Chiefs a lead they would never relinquish. It was Rundle's third homer of the season. Rundle was 2 for 3 tonight with a walk and a stolen base. He scored twice and had the three RBI.

Right fielder Nelson Perez was 2 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI. Catcher Mario Mercedes had a double and a run scored in a 2 for 4 game.

Boise Hawks (30-35)

The Boise Hawks were trounced by the Spokane Indians, 7-1.

If you can't say anything nice about a game. . .

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Athletics, 5-2.

Cubs Minor League Wrap - - August 21

Josh77 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 06:20:47 -0000

Iowa Cubs (64-63)

The Iowa Cubs were zapped by the New Orleans Zephyrs, 3-0.

James Russell started and got no support on offense. He took the loss despite allowing only one run on three hits over five innings. He did have some problems throwing strikes, however, since he walked five. Russell struck out three.

The I-Cubs only managed three hits tonight.

Tennessee Smokies (29-27)

The Smokies slipped by the Carolina Mudcats, 5-4.

Chris Carpenter went five innings tonight, allowing three runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out five.

Alex Maestri got the win in relief after blowing the save. Maestri allowed one run on two walks and a hit batter over the two innings he pitched. He didn't allow any hits and struck out one.

Brian Schlitter pitched the final two innings to get the save. He allowed two hits but no runs. He didn't walk anyone and struck out two.

Second baseman Tony Thomas went 3 for 4 with a double. He had two RBI and scored once. Shortstop Starlin Castro was 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. Castro had one RBI.

Third baseman Jonathan Mota was 2 for 5 with a double. Catcher Welington Castillo had an RBI and scored once in a 2 for 4 game.

Daytona Cubs (23-31)

The Daytona Cubs harpooned the Brevard County Manatees, 5-2.

Ryan Searle started and picked up his seventh win of the year tonight. Searle allowed two runs on five hits over six innings. Searle struck out three and didn't walk anyone.

Chris Siegfried faced the final two batters and retired them both to record his first save of the year. Siegfried struck out one.

Third baseman Josh Vitters hit his second home run for Daytona. It was a three-run home run in the seventh inning. Vitters went 1 for 4. Right fielder Brandon Guyer was 2 for 4.

Peoria Chiefs (34-20)

The Chiefs aren't just winning anymore, they're humiliating opponents. Tonight they shut out the Clinton LumberKings, 8-0.

Aaron Shafer started and got the win. He pitched six innings and allowed only three hits. Shafer walked two and struck out five.

Shortstop DJ LeMahieu was 3 for 4 with four RBI and one run scored. First baseman Rebel Ridling went 3 for 5 with two runs scored. Second baseman Junior Lake tripled and scored in a 2 for 3 game. He also had one RBI. Catcher Mario Mercedes was 2 for 3 with two RBI.

The Chiefs have won nine of their last ten games. Over that ten game span, the Chiefs have outscored their opponents 83-17.

Boise Hawks (29-32)

The Hawks beat the Yakima Bears, 10-3.

Starter Jonathan Nagel allowed two unearned runs over three innings. He allowed three hits and a walk. Nagel fanned three. Josh Whitlock got the win with three innings of relief. He allowed one run on two hits. He walked two and struck out one.

Second baseman Logan Watkins was 2 for 5 with a triple and a walk. Watkins scored twice. On defense, he had two unassisted double plays. Right fielder Jae-Hoon Ha was 3 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base. He had two RBI and scored once.

Catcher Matt Williams, DH Richard Jones and third baseman George Matheus each had two singles.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Giants, 2-1.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- August 18

Josh77 — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:39:34 -0000

Sure. My internet is out all night and then comes back on just as I'm going to bed.

Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs were dammed by the Portland Beavers 6-3.

Starter Jeff Samardzija tossed four shutout innings tonight, allowing only one hit. He walked two and struck out three. The bullpen let him down, however. Justin Berg got credited with the loss after allowing two runs in the one inning he pitched.

Shortstop Andres Blanco had another 3 for 4 game with a run scored. He also stole a base. First baseman Matt Craig was also 3 for 4. Craig had two RBI. Micah Hoffpauir was 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored. Second baseman Darwin Barney went 2 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennesee Smokies snuck past the Chattanooga Lookouts, 2-1 on a Tyler Colvin solo home run in the bottom of the ninth.

Starter Jeremy Papelbon allowed only one unearned run tonight. He went six innings and allowed only four hits. Papelbon walked one and struck out six.

Brian Schlitter entered the game with two on and two out in the top of the ninth. He walked the bases loaded before getting a fly out to end the inning. He picked up the win when the Smokies scored in the bottom of the ninth.

Colvin's game-winning home run was his tenth in Tennessee. Colvin was 1 for 4.

Catcher Welington Castillo's 11th home run accounted for the other Smokies run. Castillo was 2 for 3 with a stolen base. Center fielder James Adduci was 2 for 4 with a double.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs split another double-header with the Tampa Yankees, winning the first game 5-4 and dropping the second game 1-0.

Chris Siegfried got the win in the first game in relief. Siegfried allowed one run on two hits over 2.1 innings. Siefgfried walked one and struck out two.

David Cales pitched a perfect bottom of the seventh to get his thirteenth save. He struck out one.

Four D-Cub hitters were 2 for 4 in the first game: RF Brandon Guyer, DH Josh Vitters, first baseman Mark Reed and catcher Luis Flores. Guyer and Vitters each scored a run, Flores had a double and two RBI. Left fielder Jonathan Wyatt went 2 for 3 with a walk. Wyatt had two RBI and scored twice as well.

In the second game, starter Oswaldo Martinez pitched 3.1 shutout innings. He allowed two hits an a walk while fanning two. Mike Perconte pitched 2.2 innings of relief, but got the loss when he allowed a walk, a stolen base and a game-ending single in the bottom of the seventh.

Right fielder Brandon Guyer was 2 for 3.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs are red hot right now. Tonight they crushed the Quad City River Bandits, 14-1.

Jeffry Antigua started, went six innings and picked up the win. Antigua allowed only one run. He surrendered three hits, walked one and struck out four.

Left fielder Nelson Perez hit home run #10 in the sixth inning. Perez was 1 for 4 with a walk. He scored twice and had three RBI. Right fielder Kyler Burke hit home run #12 in the seventh. Burke went 2 for 3 and also had, naturally, a double. Burke had four RBI total and scored three times.

Shortstop DJ LeMaheiu went 2 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored. Catcher Michael Brenly went 2 for 4 with a double. Brenly scored once and had two RBI.

Tempers flared in this game as there were a couple of bench-clearing incidents, although apparently no punches were thrown either time. The first was after the QC pitcher threw three balls at Brett Jackson, hitting him the third time. The second was when Erik Hamren retaliated in the next half inning. Hamren was ejected.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks lost to the Spokane Indians, 6-1.

Hawk pitchers gave up 16 hits tonight, and that's about all I want to say about this game.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Royals, 7-6 in ten innings.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- August 17

Josh77 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:48:10 -0000

Quick note: Today in Baseball Prospectus, Kevin Goldstein wrote ($) "Midwest League scouts are wondering how [Brett] Jackson dropped to the 31^st overall pick. . . Jackson's power/speed combination is moving him up prospect lists while others wait to get their pro career even started."

Thought you might want some good news.

Iowa Cubs (63-59)

The Iowa Cubs topped the Tacoma Raniers, 5-3.

Starter Casey Fossum got the win tonight, going five innings and giving up two runs on four hits. Fossum walked one and struck out three.

Blake Parker pitched the ninth inning and gave up a run, but qualified for his sixteenth save anyway. He allowed one hit, which was a solo home run. He didn't walk or strike out anyone.

I guess Andres Blanco is doing well in his "rehab" assignment. Tonight he homered and doubled in a 2 for 4 game. He scored twice and had the one RBI. Blanco also walked once.

Left fielder John-Ford Griffin was 2 for 5. Shortstop Darwin Barney went 2 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies (26-25)

The Smokies blinded the Chattanooga Lookouts, 3-2.

Chris Carpenter went five innings and allowed one run on only two hits. He did walk three batters, but he struck out four.

Dustin Sasser got the win in relief after he allowed the tying run to score in the seventh inning. Brian Schlitter retired all four batters he faced to get his 18th save. He didn't have a strikeout.

First baseman Blake Lalli was 2 for 3 with a two-run double and a walk. Right fielder Tyler Colvin was 2 for 4 with a triple. Shorstop Starlin Castro was 2 for 2 with a walk and a run scored.

Daytona Cubs (21-28)

The Daytona Cubs split a double-header with the Tampa Yankees, 3-2 and 0-13.

Ryan Searle started the first game and allowed only one run over 4.2 innings. He surrendered four hits, walked one and struck out two.

Jose Pina got the win, although he gave up a run over. 1.1 innings of relief. He didn't give up a hit although he walked two. Dan McDaniel got the final two outs for his first save without incident.

Third baseman Josh Vitters went 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Left fielder Jonathan Wyatt was also 3 for 4 with a ribbie. First baseman Jake Opitz went 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored.

In the second game, starter Billy Muldowney got rocked for five runs on six hits over 1.2 innings. He walked two and didn't have a strikeout.

Right fielder Brandon Guyer went 2 for 3. Third baseman Josh Vitters was also 2 for 3, so maybe everyone can stop panicking about him.

Peoria Chiefs (30-20)

The Chiefs continue to roll as they apprehended the Quad City River Bandits, 7-1.

No one has been a bigger surprise this year than Austin Biebens-Dirkx. Tonight he went six innings and allowed only one unearned run on two hits. ABD walked two and struck out one. Since being signed out of the independent leagues in July, Biebens-Dirkx has gone 5-1 with a 1.93 ERA. His two walks tonight were the most he's allowed in any appearance all season.

For the third straight game, DH Ryan Flaherty homered. The third inning solo shot was his 19th of the season. Flaherty was 3 for 5 and scored twice.

Right fielder Kyler Burke was 2 for 2 with a double and two walks. He scored once and had two RBI.

Boise Hawks (26-30)

The Hawks won their fourth in a row as they stopped the Spokane Indians, 5-1.

Josh Whitlock picked up the win with four innings of shutout relief. The Indians had three hits and a walk off of Whitlock, but he struck out five.

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee was 2 for 5 with two stolen bases and two runs scored. Second baseman Logan Watkins went 2 for 2 with a walk and two runs scored.

AZL Cubs

Thumped the Royals, 9-3.