Three Stars of the Day 6/27/09


1. Steven Johnson - RHP - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

In a game overshadowed by the presence of one Manny Ramirez, Steve Johnson pitched one of his better games of the season. Johnson pitched seven shutout innings to earn his sixth win of the season. Johnson struck out seven batters while walking just one and giving up just three hits. Johnson pitched three and two/thirds innings of shutout ball in a relief stint in his last appearance. So he is working on a 10.2 scoreless innings streak. Johnson lowered his ERA to 3.87 on the year and he a struck out 86 batters in 79 innings. His record moves to 6-4 on the year. Could we see Johnson in Chattanooga soon?

2. Tommy Giles - RF - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

After struggling early on in his Southern League career, Giles picked up his play of late and he sports a very solid slash line of .297/.404/.568. It's important to note that Giles only has 74 at-bats in the Southern League but still it's promising. In his latest outing, the Miami Hurricanes product had a perfet day at the plate. Giles was 3-3 at the plate and he also drew a walk. Two his hits were round-trippers, Giles' fourth and fifth of the season. Giles' two RBI gave him eleven in Double-A.

3. Pedro Baez - 3B - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Baez has his second two-hit game in a row with a 2-4 effort at the plate in support of Steve Johnson's brilliant start. Baez's two hits were doubles, giving him 15 for the season. Baez had two RBI, upping his total to 46 on the year. Baez been solid in the hitter friendly Cali League, OPSing .830. This coming after a season in which he was demoted to short season rookie ball in Ogden.

Three Stars of the Day 6/25/09


1. Scott Elbert - LHP - Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA)

Elbert made his debut start for the Isotopes a memorable one. In a rain shortened game, Elbert pitched six shutout winnings for his first win in AAA. Elbert was in dominant form, he struck out seven batters and walked just one. He allowed only one hit a single and both base runners were called out on the basepaths. Elbert induced seven groundouts against only two flyouts. He threw 82 pitches, 51 for strikes. Including his numbers in Double-A, Elbert has struck out 94 batters in 68.1 innings.

2. Clay Calfee - 1B - Arizona League Dodgers (Rookie A)

Calfee is a big first baseman from Texas drafted last year from Angelo State. After signing last year, Calfee was assigned to Ogden and he showed his propensity for power OPSing .757, an OPS carried mostly by his slugging percentage. This year, the Dodgers have assigned him to the Arizona Rookie League and he has been mashing very early in the season. In his last game, Calfee had a perfect day at the plate, going 3-3 with a Home Run and a double. Calfee also walked and scored twice. The Home Run was his second of the year and he has recorded a hit in each of the four games he has played in thus far. Nick Akins also hit his third Home Run in the 7-5 losing effort.

3. Jerry Sands - CF - Ogden Raptors (Rookie A)

Sands has a five game stint with Great Lakes earlier this season but struggled hitting just .118. He was demoted and was re-assigned to Ogden when short season ball started up. In his most recent game, Sands went 2-3 at the plate and he hit his second Home Run of the year. Sands also drew a walk and scored a run. Sands' Home Run was his second of the year and his two RBI gave him three on the year.

Three Stars of the Day 6/19/09


1. Kyle Russell - RHP - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

After a game in which he was 0-5. Russell had a perfect day at the plate, reaching base in all five of his plate appearances. Russell homered, doubled twice, and walked twice in the Loons 10-1 blowout win. Russell finished the day with three RBI and two runs scored. Russell's 17 Home Runs lead the Midwest league. With his thee RBI, Russell also reclaimed the RBI lead with a season total of 55. The former Longhorn also leads the circuit in slugging percentage checking in at .579. Other than his infamous strikeout rate, another knock on Russell are his lefty/righty splits. The southpaw has struggled heavily against lefties this year, OPSing just .948. Nick Buss also had a great day at the plate hitting his fifth Home Run of the year and driving in four runs. Geison Aguasviva picked up his first win in his first start of the year throwing five shutout innings and striking out four.

2. Scott Elbert - LHP - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

Elbert lost his third game of the year dropping his record to 2-3 but he continues his impressive strikeout rate. Elbert K'd ten batters in five innings, however he did walk five men. He gave up three earned runs on three hits. Elbert has struck out 47 batters in his last 29 innings (five starts). Overall Elbert has struck out 87 batters in 62.1 innings of work. Elbert who is perhaps working with a 100 pitch limit has yet to reach seven innings pitched in any of his eleven starts.

3. Pedro Baez - 3B - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Baez extended his modest hitting streak to five with a three hit effort in the 66ers 6-4 win. Baez smacked two doubles and singled. He also walked giving him a 3-4 day at the dish. Baez drove in two runs and scored twice. The two doubles gave Baez twelve on the year and his 43 RBI give him a tie for first on the team with Scott Van Slyke. Alberto Bastardo struck out eight batters in six and two-thirds innings but he earned a no decision for his efforts.

Three Stars of the Day 6/18/09


1. Jon Michael Redding - RHP - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

Redding earned his ninth win of the season by throwing eight strong innings against Lansing. Redding struck out nine batters while walking just one. One unearned run crossed the plate on Redding's watch. Redding gave up four hits, all singles. Redding is unbeaten in his last five starts, his last loss coming on May 22nd. Overall Redding is 9-2 on the season. Redding's nine wins ranks second in the Midwest League and leads the Loons. In his last three starts Redding has given up just three earned runs. With his latest effort, Redding lowered his ERA to 4.46 on the year. Redding induced four double plays that helped him get out of jams. Alfredo Silverio hit his third Home Run and was 3-4 overall in support of Redding. The Loons won 6-1.

2. Josh Bell - 3B - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

Bell's three hit night helped the Lookouts beat the Mississippi Braves 6-2. Bell extended his modest five game hitting streak by smacking two doubles and stroking a single. Bell had an RBI giving him 36 for the season and scored a run. He also stole a base giving him two stolen bases for the year. Bell has 16 doubles on the year. Eduardo Perez also contributed, hitting his third Home Run in Double-A and driving in two runs.

3. Tim Sexton - RHP - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

After dropping six straight decisions Tim Sexton finally earned his second win of the year. Sexton gave up three earned runs over seven innings. After giving up two runs in the first inning and a run in the second inning, Sexton settled down and shutout the High Desert Mavericks over the next five innings. Sexton gave up eleven hits but he struck out five batters and didn't walk one. True to form, Sexton induced twelve groundouts against just three flyouts. The 66ers won 7-4.

Three Stars of the Day 6/17/09


1. Scott Van Slyke - RF - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Van Slyke homered and doubled in the 66ers 7-5 loss. Chris Withrow took his fifth loss of the year. Van Slyke's Home Run was his second in as many games. Van Slyke's solo Home Run was his tenth of the season. Van Slyke also scored two runs and stole his sixth base of the year. Van Slyke who is a bit old for Class A - Advanced could be a candidate for promotion this summer. Here is his current slash line: .302/.360/.527.

2. Russell Mitchell - RF - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

Mitchell put up pedestrian numbers in Double-A last season but has had a putrid start to the 2009 season, Mitchell has an OPS of .558. But yesterday, Mitchell had his day in the sun. Mitchell homered and hit two singles in five at-bats for his first three hit game of the season. It was Mitchell's sixth Home Run of the year. Mitchell also drove in three runs giving him 26 on the season. The Lookouts won in a rout 13-3 with Josh Bell hitting his eighth Home Run of the year.

3. Pedro Baez - 3B - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Baez was 2-4 with two doubles and two runs driven in. Baez also crossed the plate for a run scored. The two doubles gave Baez ten on the year and his 41 RBI are second to Scott Van Slyke for the team lead.

Three Stars of the Day 6/16/09


1. Trayvon Robinson - CF - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Robinson hit his ninth Home Run and his 19th double to help the 66ers beat Lancaster 10-5. Robinson was 2-5 overall with a run driven in an two runs scored. It was Robinson's 30th RBI of the year. The switch-hitter from Los Angeles has been a consistent performer for the 66ers. It is his second year in the Cali League and he has already surpassed most of his numbers from last year or is on pace to.

2. Jamie Ortiz - 1B - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Ortiz hit his first Home Run of the season and drove two runs to give him a total of three on the year. Ortiz was recently assigned to the 66ers on May 30th. Ortiz has hit poorly thus far in limited ABs but he has shown pretty good plate discipline, he has walked nine times and K'd 13 times.

3. Scott Van Slyke - RF - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Van Slyke was 1-5 but his only hit was his ninth Home Run of the season. Van Slyke's homer was a two-run shot giving him 41 RBI on the year, good enough for the team lead.

Three Stars of the Day 6/15/09


1. Steven Caseres - 1B - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Caseres had a perfect day at the plate. Caseres went 3-3 with five runs driven in and two runs scored. Caseres had two Home Runs to go along with his RBI single. The homers were his 9th and 10th of the season. Caseres' 5 RBI gave him a total of 24 for the year. Caseres has a modest five game hitting streak, during this streak Caseres has homered four times. Caseres a lefthanded slugger was drafted last year out of James Madison in the 9th round. He has destroyed right handed pitchers this year posting up a slash line of .331/.408/.624. He has struggled against southpaws though .136/.291/.318.

2. Jason Repko - CF - Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA)

Repko, the 'Topes lead-off hitter hit two Home Runs in a losing effort. Repko accounted for all the offense for the Isotopes with his 10th and 11th Home Runs of the season. Repko's three RBI gives 26 on the year. Repko has struggled this season, posting up a .325 OBP in one of the more hitter friendly parks in the PCL.

3. Andrew Lambo - DH - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

After a hitless day at the plate, Lambo went 2-4 at the dish. Lambo's hits were his 18th and 19th doubles of the year. After a fast start to the year Lambo hit a rough patch May OPSing .591 and he has continued to struggle in June, although his numbers are up from May. Putting things in context though, Lambo is 20 years old, young for AA.

Three Stars of the Day 6/14/09


1. James McDonald - RHP - Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA)

McDonald had his second superb start in a row for the 'Topes. McDonald followed up his seven inning ten K performance with seven innings of shutout ball. McDonald struck out 13 in his latest performance. He walked one and gave up just two singles. McDonald earned his first win for the 'Topes giving him a record of 1-0. McDonald threw 106 pitches, 70 of which were strikes. McDonald has struck out 40 batters in 31.1 innings of work at the Triple-A level. Claudio Vargas pitched two innings of scoreless relief to preserve the shutout. The 'Topes won the game 4-0.

2. Scott Elbert - LHP - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

Elbert has been a strikeout machine for the Lookouts lately, racking up Ks by the handful. In his last four starts Elbert has struck out 9, 10, 9, and 9 batters respectively. In his latest outing, Elbert lasted five innings and gave up three earned runs. Elbert took the loss which balances his books for the year (2-2). Elbert 93 pitches, 57 for strikes. The Lookouts lost a close one 3-2, Josh Lindblom, Victor Garate, and Francisco Felix combined to throw three innings of scoreless relief but the bats could not come up with an equalizer.

3. Nathan Eovaldi - RHP - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

Eovaldi pitched four innings of scoreless relief behind Ethan Martin to earn his first save of the year. Eovaldi's four shutout innings extended his scoreless innings streak to 17.1 innings. Martin gave up a run in five innings while striking three and walking three. Eovaldi struck out one, walked one, and gave up just one hit. Eovaldi lowered his ERA to 4.66 on the season.

Three Stars of the Day 6/12/09


1. Devaris Gordon - SS - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

The Midwest League all star had his seventh multi-hit game of the season. Gordon's three hits included his seventh and eighth triples of the year. Gordon scored a run and also walked. Gordon has a modest three game hitting streak and he has a current slash line of .287/.352/.385

2. Chris Withrow - RHP - Inland Empire 66ers (AA)

Withrow earned his fifth win of the season, pitching five innings and giving up just a single earned run. Withrow now pitched in five consecutive games in which he has given up just one earned run. Withrow stuck out five batters in his most recent start but he walked four. Withrow limited Lake Elsinore to just two hits in his five innings of work. Withrow's record stands at 5-4 on the year.

3. Cole St. Clair - LHP - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

St. Clair earned his second save of the year, pitching two innings scoreless relief to secure the win for the Loons and Bobby Blevins who pitches seven solid innings to earn a win. St. Clair struck out four batters and walked none. After giving up two runs in his first appearance of the season, St. Clair has yet to surrender a run in his next four appearances.

Three Stars of the Day 6/9/09


1. Nathan Eovaldi - RHP - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

After a shaky start to the season, Eovaldi has found his stride lately and with his five shutout innings against Dayton, Eovaldi extended his scoreless inning streak to 13.1 innings. Eovaldi struck out three batters in his latest stint and walked one batter. He gave up three hits all singles. Eovaldi took a no-decision as the Loons won in extra innings.

2. Scott Elbert - LHP - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

Elbert had an up and down start. On one hand he struck out nine batters while walking none in six and two/thirds of an inning. On the other hand Elbert also surrendered eleven hits. Elbert gave up three earned runs and took his first lost of the year giving him a record of 2-1. Elbert threw 107 pitches, 71 of them for strikes.

3. Cole St. Clair - LHP - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

St. Clair earned his first win of the season by pitching a perfect 8th inning as the Loons won in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the 8th. St. Clair struck out one batter in his latest appearance. The former Rice stand out has pitched five innings this year and has given up two runs. He's struck out five batters.

Three Stars of the Day 6/8/09


1. James McDonald - RHP - Albuquerque Isotopes (A+)

After four mediocre starts in a row, McDonald finally put together a dominant start. McDonald went seven innings, his longest start of the season in Triple-A and struck out ten batters also a season high. McDonald walked just two and gave up four hits. Just one run was scored against McDonald. At one point, McDonald retired 15 batters in a row. He lowered his ERA to 4.24 on the season. The Isotopes would eventually lose a close one 5-4.

2. Scott Van Slyke - RF - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Van Slyke homered and singled in the 66ers losing effort against Lake Elsinore. Van Slyke's Home Run was a solo job. It was his sixth homer of the year. Van Slyke brought his RBI total up to 38 which leads the team. We could see Van Slyke earn a mid-season promotion as he is enjoying a breakout year in Inland Empire. He carries a robust .940 OPS.

3. Paul Koss - RHP - Chattanooga Lookouts (A-)

Koss pitched an inning and two-thirds of perfect relief in Chattanooga's extra inning loss to Tennessee. Koss struck out three batters in his stint. Of his 30 pitches, 20 were thrown for strikes. The ex-USC closer lowered his ERA to 2.08 on the year in nine appearances. Koss has struck out 15 batters in 13 innings. He has walked just two.

Three Stars of the Day 6/7/09


1. Chris Withrow - RHP - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Withrow threw another solid start for the 66ers, pitching six strong innings. Withrow allowed just one earned run on three hits and a walk. Withrow struck out five batters. Withrow looked to be in line for his fifth win of the year but the bullpen could not hold his lead. In his last four starts Withrow has allowed just four earned runs. Withrow lowered his ERA to 4.72 on the year and he has 58 strikeouts in 47.2 innings.

2. Pedro Baez - 3B - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Baez hit a Grand Slam in the first inning to give the 66ers and Chris Withrow the early lead that the 'pen would later blow. It was Baez's ninth Home Run of the season and his four RBI gave him total of 34 for the season. Overall Baez was 2-5 and he also scored twice. Baez is OPSing .804, with his slugging % carrying that number. His slash line is .277/.328/.476

3. Eduardo Perez - 1B - Chattanooga Lookouts (A-)

Perez hit his first Home Run since his promotion from High Class A. Perez was 2-4 on the day. Perez's homer gave the Lookouts an early lead but the Lookouts wouldn't score anymore runs and Chattanooga lost 5-2 with Josh Lindblom taking his fourth loss of the year.

Three Stars of the Day 6/6/09


1. Tommy Giles - RF - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

After tearing up the Cali League, Giles has found the Southern League in Double-A a lot tougher as he has not brought his average above the Mendoza line after 16 games played. In a 5-3 loss to Tennessee, Giles was 2-3 with a Home Run and a double. It was Giles' second Home Run in Double-A and his second double. Giles had two RBI and a run scored. Giles also walked. His slash line is a unsightly .182/.250/.424

2. Nick Buss - CF - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

Buss had his second two hit game in a row, going 2-4 in the Loons 2-1 win over Dayton. Buss hit a solo Home Run his third of the year to open the scoring for the Loons. Buss brought his RBI total up to 21 for the year. This was Buss' first Home Run in eleven games.

3. Josh Bell - 3B - Chattanooga Lookouts (A-)

Bell had his third three-hit game of the year with a double and two singles in five at-bats. Bell's double was his 14th of the year. One thing to keep an eye on for the switch-hitter. Bell has been overmatched by lefties thus far hitting just .196 against them. Bell's slash line stands at .295/.389/.489 on the year.

Three Stars of the Day 6/5/09


1. Jamie Pedroza - 2B - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

Pedroza hit for the cycle, the first in Loons history in their 16-4 rout over West Michigan. Pedroza was 4-6 on the day with three runs batted in and five runs scored. Pedroza's two-run Home Run was his eighth of the year. The triple was his third of the year and the double was his 15th. Pedroza's RBI total now stands at 33 good enough for second on the team. He also leads the team in runs scored with 45. Pedroza was in a bit of a slump before hitting the cycle. He was 5-29 in his previous eight games.

2. Josh Bell - 3B - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

Bell accounted for all the offense the Lookouts would get, hitting a 2-run Home Run in the 5th inning to give the Lookouts a lead. Unfortunately they would give up five runs and to lose the game 5-2. Bell's homer was his sixth of the year and his two RBI gives him a season total of 32. Bell was 1-3 on the day, he also walked once.

3. Geison Aguasviva - LHP - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

A recent addition to the Loons roster, Aguasviva earned his second win in as many appearances by pitching four scoreless innings of relief. Aguasviva pitched four scoreless innings striking out four and walking one. He gave up two hits both singles. Aguasviva is now 2-0 on the year.

Three Stars of the Day 6/4/09


1. Scott Elbert - LHP - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

After a nine strikeout performance in his last outing, Elbert followed it up with a ten strikeout effort in a 3-2 win against the Mobile Bay Bears. Elbert pitched six innings giving up two earned runs on three hits and four walks. Elbert's 10 Ks were a season high for the southpaw from Missouri. Elbert earned a no-decision for his efforts, his ERA stands at 3.55 on the year.

2. Kyle Russell - RF - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

Russell homered and tripled in the Loons extra inning 4-3 loss. Russell's homer was a solo job in the second inning. The Home Run was his 15th of the year. Russell's triple was his second of the year. Russell was 2-4 on the day with an RBI and two runs scored. Russell also walked. With the Dodgers getting an influx with the 2009 draft next week, we could see Russell promoted very soon. The question is if he'll go straight to AA or will he have a stint in High Class A.

3. Blake DeWitt - 2B - Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA)

The Isotopes split a doubleheader yesterday losing 3-2 in the opening game and winning 2-0 in the nightcap. DeWitt was 3-7 yesterday, including his 11th and 12th doubles of the year.

Three Stars of the Day 6/3/09


1. Alberto Bastardo - LHP - Inland Empire 66ers (A-)

Bastardo extended his scoreless innings streak to 22 and two/thirds innings before it was snapped in the 66ers 6-2 win over the High Desert Mavericks. Bastardo earned his fifth win of the year putting his record at 5-2 on the year. Bastardo has not lost a game in six starts. Against High Desert, Bastardo pitched six innings striking out three but also walking three. Bastardo lowered his ERA to 3.08

2. Trayvon Robinson - CF - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Robinson reached base four times in five plate apperances via three hits and a walk. Robinson hit his 14th double and his 5th triple of the season. Robinson drove in two runs giving him 26 RBI for the year. Robinson also scored a run. It was Robinson's 13th multi-hit game of the year.

3. Nathan Eovaldi - RHP - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

Eovaldi pitched three innings of scoreless relief for the Loons. The Loons lost 6-4 with Ethan Martin taking his third loss of the year. Eovaldi struck out two batters in his relief appearance and gave up just one hit. Eovaldi has pitched 8 and a third innings of consecutive shutout ball.

hree Stars of the Day 5/29/09


1. Scott Elbert - LHP - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

Elbert earned his second win of the season, pitching 6.1 scoreless innings. Elbert struck out nine batters and walked three. He allowed just one hit, a single. Elbert's record stands at 2-0 on the year. Elbert bounced back from a rough start in his previous outing as gave up eight earned runs in just 3.2 innings of work. Elbert has struck out 49 batters in 39.2 innings.

2. Alberto Bastardo - LHP - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Bastardo pitched seven innings of shutout ball against the Modesto Nuts to earn his fourth win of the season. Bastardo has pitched 17 consecutive innings of shutout ball. Against the Nuts, Bastardo struck out eight while walking just one. Bastardo improved his record to 4-2 on the season and he lowered his ERA to 3.25. The southpaw has struck out 54 batters in 55.1 innings and he has walked only 15 batters.

3. Kyle Russell - RF - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

Russell hit his league leading 13th Home Run of the season, a two run shot in the first inning for the Loons. Russell was 1-3 on the day with two RBI. The two RBI brought Russell's total to 39 which also leads the league. Russell was also involved on defense, his diving catch and throw doubling a runner off of second preserving a tie game in extra innings. Tony Delmonico would go on to hit a walk off Home Run to give the Loons the win.

Three Stars of the Day 5/27/09


1. Jon Michael Redding - RHP - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

After turning in his worst start the season in which Redding lasted just 1.1 innings and surrendered six runs, Redding bounced back with his best start of the season. Redding threw six innings of shutout ball. He struck out a 11 batters, a career high. Redding scattered four hits during his stint and didn't walk a single batter. Only a rain delay that lasted almost an hour could stop Redding. The Loons bullpen did its job, with Javy Guerra pitching two innings to earn his 12th save of the year. Redding earned his sixth win of the season and he improves his record to 6-2.

2. Chris Withrow - RHP - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Withrow took over for Hiroki Kuroda who was making his second rehab start and pitched five solid innings. Withrow took the loss but only gave up one run in his relief appearance. Withrow struck out ten men while walking none, and gave up three hits. The loss gave Withrow a 3-4 record. On the season Withrow has struck out 50 batters 31.2 innings of work.

3. Chin-lung Hu - 2B - Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA)

Hu's Grand Slam keyed the Isotopes come from behind win from a five run deficit. Hu has a Home Run in his last two games giving him two on the year. Hu's Homer was his only hit of the night and his four RBI upped his total to 21.

Three Stars of the Day 5/26/09


1. Nathan Eovaldi - RHP - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

Eovaldi an 11th round draft pick from a Texas high school was thought of by many as being a draft day steal. Thus far Eovaldi has not proved his supporters correct. However against Kane County, Eovaldi arguably had the best start of his young career. The Texan pitched five innings of shutout ball. He struck out four batters and walked just one. He surrendered three hits all singles. Unfortunately for Eovaldi, the bullpen imploded behind him and he was not able to earn his second win of the season. Eovaldi lowered his ERA to an unsightly 6.29. He has however had two solid starts in a row now, and hopefully he can turn his season around.

2. Jamie Pedroza - 2B - Great Lake Loons (A-)

Pedroza's solo Home Run in the 8th inning was his seventh of the season. The UCR product also hit his tenth double of the year. Pedroza was 2-4 in the Loons losing effort. Pedroza's 27 RBI is good enough for second on the team behind Kyle Russell who also had a solo Home Run. his 12th.

3. Blake DeWitt - 2B - Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA)

Down 7-1 in the bottom of the eight inning, the 'Topes mounted a rally that saw them tie the game. Rain suspended the game at the end of the ninth inning. DeWitt is 2-5 with an RBI single, he also hit his ninth double of the season. DeWitt's RBI gives him a total of 11 on the year.

Three Stars of the Day 5/25/09


1. Pedro Baez - 3B - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Baez hit his seventh and eight Home Runs of the year to account for all of the 66ers offense against Bakersfield. One of Baez's homers was a solo shot, the other a two-run Home Run. Baez's three RBI gave him 26 on the season which ties him for the team lead. The 3B is OPSing .840 this season but it is mostly being carried by is slugging percentage which is a robust .516.

2. Robert Boothe - RHP - Great Lake Loons (A-)

Boothe is has an interesting story. Born to an American father and a Japanese mother, he was the first amateur from Asia signed by the Dodgers. On Memorial Day, Boothe pitched three scoreless innings to help protect Justin Miller's win. In his first season in the Midwest league, Boothe has shown the propensity to strike batters out. His last outing was evidence of this, as he struck out six batters in three inning appearance. This season Boothe has struck out 37 batters in 23 innings of work.

3. Javy Guerra - RHP - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

Guerra struck out two batters in a perfect 9th inning to earn his 11th save of the season. Guerra has now pitched 10.1 innings of consecutive scoreless relief. Guerra has struck out 13 batters during this streak and 30 batters on the year. He has allowed just three earned runs in 24 innings. Opposing hitters are batting just .134 against against the Texan this season.

Three Stars of the Day 5/24/09


1. James McDonald - RHP - Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA)

In his second start since being demoted to the minors, McDonald pitched four innings, striking out five and walking three. McDonald gave up one earned run on three hits. McDonald's pitch count reached 69 of which 41 were thrown for strikes. In his previous start, McDonald went just two and two-thirds of an inning. The 'Topes ended up losing 3-2 against the Salt Lake Bees the Angels Triple-A affiliate.

2. Tony Abreu - SS - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

After a hitless day at the plate the game before, Abreu tripled and doubled in the Lookouts losing effort against the Carolina Mudcats. Abreu was 2-5 with two runs driven in and a run scored. Abreu's double was his fourth of the year and his triple was his first. It was Abreu's fifth multi-hit game of the season.

3. Nick Buss - CF - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

Buss, an eighth round pick out of USC in last year's draft, was assigned to Great Lakes in early May to take over for a struggling Erik Kanaby provided the offense for the Loons in their 2-1 loss to Clinton. Buss hit a solo Home Run in the fourth inning to account for the Loons' sole run. Buss' Homer was his second of the season. Buss also singled to finish the game 2-4 from the plate. It was Buss' second Home Run of the season and his 12th RBI.

Three Stars of the Day 5/23/09


1. Alberto Bastardo - LHP - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

The southpaw from Venezuela pitched six shutout innings but was robbed of his third straight win when 66ers closer Justin Orenduff blew his third save of the season. Bastardo struck out seven batters, walked just one, and surrendered four hits. It was the third straight start in which Bastardo has given up a run or less. Bastardo lowered his ERA to 3.72. He has struck out 46 batters in 48.1 innings while walking 14.

2. Preston Mattingly - LF - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

In his second game back from a stint on the diasbled list, Mattingly batting lead-off for the 66ers had a four hit night in the 66ers extra inning win over the Bakersfield Blaze. Mattingly hit his fourth Home Run of the season, a solo shot in the 8th inning to go along with his three singles, on of which drove in Elian Herrera in the top of the 10th inning to give the 66ers a short lived lead.

3. Kyle Russell - RF - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

Russell homered and doubled in the Loons' losing effort against the Clinton LumberKings. The Loons lost 12-6 as first-rounder Ethan Martin got roughed up fro the first time this year. Russell was 2-4, his 11th Home Run, a solo one. Russell's 11 Home Runs lead the Midwest League. Russell's RBI brought his tally to 36, a number which also leads the league.

Also Jason Schmidt went 2.2 innings in a rehab start in Albequrque. He gave up a two-run Home Run and didn't strike anybody out or walk anyone.

Three Stars of the Day 5/22/09


1. Andrew Lambo - LF - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

Lambo extended his hitting streak to eight games and had his first multi-hit game in five games with his three hit effort. Lambo hit his fourth Home Run of the season: a solo shot. Lambo also doubled and singled. Lambo's RBI total stands at 15 on the season. The double was Lambo's 14th of the year. It was Lambo's first Home Run since April 29th.

2. Tim Sexton - RHP - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Sexton picked up for Hiroki Kuroda who was making a rehab start after three and two-thirds innings. Sexton finished the rest of the game and was a tough luck loser. In his relief stint, Sexton struck out two and walked one and gave up just one earned run. 60% of Sexton's recorded outs have been groundouts and true to form, Sexton induced eight groundouts against only flyouts. Sexton moves to 1-4 on the season in his second year in the Cali League.

3. Chin-lung Hu - SS - Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA)

Hu was 1-3 with an RBI double. Hu was 1-3 with a walk, he also scored a run. It was Hu's sixth double of the year and his 13th RBI. Hu has not been impressive this season, his slash line is a very unimpressive .240/.305/.287 <!-- google_ad_section_end -->

Three Stars of the Day 5/21/09


1. Jamie Pedroza - 2B - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

Pedroza's Three-Run Home Run in the top of the 13th inning gave the Loons a 6-3 lead that held up when Luis Garcia nailed down his second save of the season. Pedroza was 2-6 on the day, in addition to his Three-Run Homer, Pedroza also had a RBI single in the first inning that opened up the scoring for the Loons. The UCR alum has six Home Runs on the year and 28 RBI.

2. Chris Withrow - RHP - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

After losing two straight starts, Withrow pitched well enough to earn his third win of the season and to balance his books. Withrow (3-3) went five and one-third innings striking out five batters and walking four. Withrow gave up just one earned run on five hits.

3. Trayvon Robinson - CF - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Robinson tripled and doubled to extend his hitting streak to five games. Robinson has reached base safely in his last seven games. On the day, Robinson was 2-3 to go along with two walks. Robinson has an impressive slash line of .333/.373/.538. The Los Angeles native is in his second straight year in the hitter friendly Cali League.

I hope to use the fan post to highlight 3 prospects everyday. Sorry if I'm stepping on anyone's toes regarding prospect news. I know you guys do a good job of doing updates, I just figured this would be a fun thing to do as far as following our guys and maybe highlighting some guys who aren't well known. So here goes

Three Stars of the Day 5/20/09


1. Steve Johnson - RHP - Inland Empire 66ers (A+)

Johnson was just one out away from a complete game shut out of the San Jose Giants. Unfortunately he gave up a double to Buster Posey and was pulled for Greg Miller who got the final out to nail down a 2-1 win. Nonetheless, Johnson pitched an absolute gem. In eight and two-thirds innings, Johnson struck out ten batters while walking just two, and allowing three hits. Johnson earned his third win of the season as he continues his strong start to the season in the hitter friendly Cali League. In his second go around with Inland Empire, Johnson has posted a 3.86 ERA and he has struck out 59 batters in 44 innings. Opponents are batting just .217 against him. If Johnson continues to post up strong numbers he could be a candidate for promotion to Double-A.

2. Justin Miller - RHP - Great Lakes Loons (A-)

The sinkerballer pitched true to form, inducing twelve groundouts against three flyouts in six innings of work. Miller gave up an earned run while striking out three and walking three. Miller earned a no-decision for his efforts. Considered a sleeper prospect by many, Miller has had a tough start to the year. He has an ERA of 5.27 in eight starts and opponents are batting .291 against him. 

3. Josh Lindblom - RHP - Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)

Lindblom pitched five innings of relief giving up an unearned run during his stint. Linblom struck out six batters and did not concede a walk. Lindblom has an amazing 31:3 strikeout:walk ratio on the year. 

I took the liberty of compiling this list showing where our prospects will be opening the year. I used the Baseball America Top 30 as a guide and threw in some other notables as well.

1. Andrew Lambo: Double A - Chattanooga

2. James McDonald: Los Angeles Dodgers

3. Ethan Martin: Low Class A - Great Lakes

4 . Josh Lindblom: Double A - Chattanooga

5. Scott Elbert: Double A - Chattanooga

6. Ivan DeJesus: Injuried - Broken Leg

7. Devaris Gordon: Low Class A - Great Lakes

8. Josh Bell: Double A - Chattanooga

9. Chris Withrow: Class A Advanced - Inland Empire

10. Josh Bell: Double A - Chattanooga

11. Austin Gallagher: Low Class A - Great Lakes

12. Ramon Troncoso: Los Angeles Dodgers

13. Pedro Baez: Class A Advanced - Inland Empire

14. Travis Schlichting: Triple A - Albuquerque

15. Steven Johnson: Class A Advanced - Inland Empire

16. Xavier Paul: Triple A - Albuquerque

17. Kyle Russell: Low Class A - Great Lakes

18. Jon Michael Redding: Low Class A - Great Lakes

19. Tony Delmonico: Low Class A - Great Lakes

20. Justin Miller: Low Class A - Great Lakes

21. Brent Leach: Double A - Chattanooga

22. Jamie Hoffman: Double A - Chattanooga

23. Daigoro Rondon: Class A Advanced - Inland Empire

24. Victor Garate: Double A - Chattanooga

25. Javy Guerra : Low Class A - Great Lakes

26. James Adkins: Double A - Chattanooga

27. Alfredo Silverio: Low Class A - Great Lakes

28. Lucas May: Double A - Chatanooga

29. Josh Wall: Class A Advanced - Inland Empire

30. Jordan Pratt: Low Class A - Great Lakes

Other Notables

Jamie Pedroza: Low Class A - Great Lakes

Greg Miller: Class A Advanced - Inland Empire

Justin Orenduff: Class A Advanced - Inland Empire

Timothy Sexton: Class A Adanced - Inland Empire

Preston Mattingly: Class A Advanced - Inland Empire

Trayvon Robinson: Class A Advanced - Inland Empire

Notes:

Some surprises to me are Pedroza and Gallagher being placed in the Midwest League after completing a full season in the Cali League, although the Midwest League is a tough league (Carlos Santana stuggled in this league). The Great Lakes team has a ton of talent and will be a fun one to watch.

Found it intereseting that Orenduff and Miller, two prospects who have lost their way have been sent down all the way to Class A Advanced.