SB Nation User Blog: steve S

minor lines, 7/17/08

steve S — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:43:36 -0000

AAA: Fresno had the third day of its three-day all-star break

AA: Connecticut defeated Binghamton 9-5

Connecticut: C Pablo Sandoval: 3 for 5, HR, 2 2B, SO
Connecticut: 1B Adam Witter: 3 for 5, 2B
Connecticut: LF Eddy Martinez-Esteve: 3 for 4, BB

Connecticut: RHP Garrett Broshuis: 5.0 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 2 K--1 HR
Connecticut: LHP Paul Oseguera: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 K--1 E
Connecticut: RHP Kelvim Pichardo: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K
Binghamton: RHP Orlando Hernandez: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K--2 WP

Sandoval, Witter and EME each had three of the Defenders' fourteen hits, raising their respective AVGs to .342, .235 and .313. All three of Sandoval's hits were for extra bases, giving him 3 HRs and 7 doubles in 20 games since his promotion.

Broshuis allowed more than 3 ER for the first time since the end of May, raising his ERA to 3.61. Oseguera has had 0 ER in 2.0 IP in both of his appearances since coming off the DL. Pichardo retired just one of three batters he faced. The Mets' Hernandez faced seven batters in his one-inning rehab start.

A+: San Jose lost to Lancaster 8-7
(allowing four runs in the 8th and 9th innings)

San Jose: LF Tyler Graham: 1 for 5, SO, 4 SB
San Jose: 3B Brad Boyer: 2 for 3, 3B, 2B, 2 BB, 3 SB

San Jose: RHP Kevin Pucetas: 1.0+ IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K--1 HB
San Jose: RHP Steven Edlefsen: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
San Jose: LHP Joe Paterson: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 K--1 HR

Boyer continues to swing a very hot bat, hitting .403/.500/.537 in 67 AB since rejoining the Giants in late June. He and Graham combined for seven of the Giants' eight steals. Graham now has 38 SB this year in 53 games, but he also has a SLG now below .300.

Pucetas left the game after facing one batter in the 2nd inning. Paterson and Edlefsen, the 10th and 16th round picks a year ago, both have 3.38 ERAs in the Cal League.

A-: Augusta defeated Hagerstown 4-0

Augusta: DH Thomas Neal: 2 for 2, 2B, BB, HBP
Augusta: SS Charlie Culberson: 2 for 4, CS

Augusta: RHP Daryl Maday: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Augusta: LHP Ryan Paul: 1.0 IP, 2 K
Augusta: RHP David Mixon: 2.0 IP, 3 K
Hagerstown: RHP Colton Willems: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 3 K--3 HB

Reaching base four times, Neal continues to swing a very hot bat. Over his last eight games, he has 13 H (with 3 HRs and 3 doubles) and 9 BB among 27 AB. Culberson was the other GreenJacket with a multi-hit performance. After hitting .104 in April, his AVG has been above .285 in May, June and so far in July.

Maday has allowed no runs in five of his last seven starts. The latest start in this string dropped his ERA back below 1.50. Paul and Mixon struck out five of nine batters faced in three perfect innings to finish the shutout. The Nationals' Willems, the 22nd overall pick two years ago, allowed just an unearned run in one of his better starts of the season.

ssA: Salem-Keizer lost to Everett 9-3

Salem-Keizer: RF Francisco Peguero: 1 for 4, HR, SO
Salem-Keizer: CF Damon Wright: 2 for 2, 2B, BB, SB

Salem-Keizer: LHP Eric Surkamp: 3.0 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K

Batting eighth in the lineup, Wright reached based in all three trips to the plate. But his AVG remains below .250. Peguero didn't have another multi-hit game, but he did connect for his first NWL HR and his 3rd HR of the year.

After two relief appearances in the AZL, Surkamp, the Giants' 6th round choice last month, made his NWL debut, striking out half of the dozen batters he faced. With a 3/0 GO/FO line, he did not allow a fly ball out. The three relievers who followed Surkamp each gave up multiple earned runs.

R: Giants lost to Rangers 7-6

Scottsdale: CF Wendell Fairley: 1 for 1, BB, HBP, SB
Scottsdale: RF Ryan Mantle: 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SF, HBP, SB

Scottsdale: RHP Jose Casilla: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Surprise: RHP Brandon McCarthy: 3.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K--1 WP

Fairley reached base in all three trips to the plate, before leaving the game immediately after being hit by a pitch in the 5th inning. Mantle also reached base three times. Both players also had their 3rd SB.

After setting a career high with 9 K in 6.0 IP in his third start, Casilla has managed starts lasting just 3.0 IP and 2.2 IP since then. He allowed 2 ER after having allowed 2 ER total in his previous four starts, although he has also allowed five unearned runs this year too. The Rangers' McCarthy made his second rehab start.

DSL: Giants defeated Royals 8-6

Dominican: 2B Carlos Willoughby: 2 for 4, 3B, BB, 2 SB
Dominican: RHP Marcos Prada: 5.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K--1 WP

Willoughby (19.8 y.o.) had his first mutli-hit game of the month, helping to maintain his AVG at .315 after 111 AB. He also now has a 15/1 SB/CS line. A year ago he hit .291 in 86 AB with a 12/3 SB/CS line. Prada (17.11 y.o.) may be wearing down in his second pro season. He allowed just 2 ER through his first four pro starts, then 3 ER in each of his next two starts and now 13 ER combined over his last two starts.

minor lines, 7/16/08

steve S — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:32:50 -0000

AAA: Fresno had the second day of its three-day all-star break

The PCL defeated the International League 8-5 in the AAA all-star game
(after trailing 2-0 entering the 9th inning)

PCL: 3B Matt Brown: 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SO
IL: 2B Joey Thurston: 3 for 4, BB, SO
IL: 3B Mike Hessman: 0 for 5, 4 SO
IL: DH Chris Cater: 1 for 5, HR, 2 SO

PCL: LHP Geno Espineli: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 3 K
IL: LHP David Purcey: 2.0 IP, 3 K

The Angels' Brown and the Red Sox' Thurston led each team in hitting. The Tigers' Hessman suffered the sombrero, while the Red Sox' Carter (not to be confused with the A's prospect of the same name and who plays the same position, at least until recently, and who both are ex-D'backs) connected for the game's only homer.

Espineli, the only Grizzly to appear in the game, struck out three of the four batters he faced, throwing 12 of 19 pitches for strikes. Purcey, the starter for the IL, who had two starts for the Blue Jays earlier this season, was the only pitcher to pitch more than an inning, and he retired all six batters he faced on 21 pitches (14 strikes).

AA: Connecticut had the second day of its two-day all-star break.

The North defeated the South 5-3 in the Eastern League all-star game

North: 2B Olmo Rosario: 2 for 2, 2B
North: SS Kyle Haines: 0 for 3, SO
South: CF Greg Golson: 2 for 5, HR, 2 SO, E
South: SS Jason Donald: 2 for 3, 2B, BB, HBP, SB

North: RHP Justin Hedrick 1.0 IP
North: RHP Joe Martinez: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO

The Defenders' Rosario was the North's only hitter with a multiple-hit line. Haines, the Defenders other position player to appear in the game, started at shortstop after playing second base most of this season. The South was led offensively by two Phillies, Golson and Donald, the latter who has had a breakout year hitting .301/.381/.493 in his first year in the upper minors.

Hedrick was the first reliever to appear in the game, pitching a perfect top of the 2nd inning. Martinez, the other Defenders' pitcher to appear in the game, was the only pitcher to pitch more than an inning. He threw 18 of 27 pitches for strikes during a scoreless 5th and 6th innings.

A+: San Jose lost to Lancaster 6-2

San Jose: RF Mike Mooney: 1 for 4, HR
San Jose: C Jackson Williams: 0 for 1, 2 BB, SO, PB
Lancaster: SS Yamaico Navarro: 4 for 4, 2 2B, BB, CS

San Jose: LHP Clayton Tanner: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K--1 HB
San Jose: RHP Juan Trinidad: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K--1 HR, 1 HB, 1 IBB, 1 WP

Mooney connected for his 11th HR this year. Williams reached base in two of three trips to the plate, but he also allowed his 5th PB in sixteen Cal League games. The Red Sox' 20-year-old Navarro had an impressive line reaching base five times in his Cal League debut. He had hit .280/.341/.412 in 325 AB in the Sally League.

Tanner made his second start since coming off the DL. In his last four starts, he has allowed 27 H and 12 ER in 13.1 IP. Trinidad allowed an earned run for the first time in over a month. His ERA remains below 2.00.

A-: Augusta defeated Hagerstown 2-0

Augusta: DH Thomas Neal: 1 for 4, HR, 2 SO
Augusta: 1B Angel Villalona: 2 for 3, E

Augusta: LHP Madison Bumgarner: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 11 K--2 PO
Augusta: LHP Andy De La Garza: 1.0 IP, 1 K

Neal connected for his third homer in his last two games, his 11th HR of the year. Villalona was the only GreenJacket with multiple hits, raising his AVG to .248. He committed his 10th error.

Making his seventeen start of the season, all of them on exactly five days' rest, Bumgarner had perhaps his best start of the season, including a new career high with 11 K. He now has more K than IP this season, and a K/BB ratio of 7.75. With two more pickoffs, he faced just two batters over the minimum, as he struck out nearly half (11 of 23) of the batters he faced. De La Garza worked a perfect 9th inning for his 5th save.

ssA: Salem-Keizer lost to Vancouver 4-1

Salem-Keizer: RF Francisco Peguero: 2 for 4, 2 SO
Salem-Keizer: 3B Josh Flores: 2 for 4, SO
Salem-Keizer: DH Damon Wright: 0 for 3, 3 SO

Salem-Keizer: RHP Mike Loree: 5.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K--1 IBB, 1 WP
Salem-Keizer: RHP Joe Edens: 3.0 IP, 3 K

Peguero and Flores each had two of the Volcanoes' six hits, all singles, raising their respective AVGs to .381 and .257. Peguero had nine hits over his last four games. Wright managed the hat trick in just three trips to the plate. Edens pitched three perfect innings, in his longest outing of the year (at least in terms of IP).

After three incredible starts, Loree had his least effective start of the year. The 3 ER matched his season total from his previous five starts. His ERA remains an impressive 1.59.

R: Scottsdale had its regular off-day (every fifth day)

Giants on AZL leaderboards:
--Hitters:
SLG: Ziegler 8th
OPS: Ziegler 10th
HR: Ziegler 3rd
2B: Monell 3rd, Ziegler 5th, Mantle 5th
TB: Ziegler 5th
AB: Fairley 1st, Ziegler 5th
RBI: Ziegler 2nd
R: Mantle 9th
--Pitchers:
ERA: Casilla 1st
WHIP: Casilla 5th
IP: Bucardo 10th
ER: Hernandez 7th
HR: Bucardo 2nd
HB: Kerth 5th
W: Casilla 3rd

DSL: Giants lost to White Sox #2 10-5

Dominican: 2B Julio Izturis: 0 for 2, 3 BB, SB
Dominican: LHP Diego De La Cruz: 4.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K--1 WP

With three more walks, as well as his 12th SB, Izturis continues to get on base at a very high rate (.468 OBP). After eight starts, De La Cruz (19.5 y.o.) has an ERA of nearly 7.00.

minor lines, 7/15/08

steve S — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:41:55 -0000

AAA: Fresno had the first day of its three-day all-star break

Grizzlies on PCL leaderboards:
--Hitters:
HR: McClain 10th
3B: Schierholtz 2nd
2B: McClain 6th
TB: McClain 8th
BB: McClain 8th
RBI: McClain 3rd
R: McClain 5th
SB: Ochoa 1st
CS: Ochoa 1st, Velez 2nd
--Pitchers:
ERA: Palmer 10th
K: Palmer 2nd
BB: Palmer 2nd
R: Pereira 5th
ER: Pereira 7th
HR: Hennessey 8th
HB: Palmer 5th, Pereira 9th
W: Pereira 8th
L: Pereira 10th, Palmer 10th

AA: Connecticut had the first day of its two-day all-star break

Defenders on Eastern League leaderboards:
--Hitters:
AVG: Martinez-Esteve 10th
OBP: Martinez-Esteve 10th
3B: Copeland 1st
2B: Rosario 9th
BB: Witter 9th
SO: Maroul 5th
SB: Richardson 1st, Copeland 5th
--Pitchers:
ERA: Martinez 3rd
WHIP: Martinez 2nd, Broshuis 5th
IP: Cowart 5th, Broshuis 6th
H: Cowart 2nd, Broshuis 9th
HB: Bump 1st
W: Broshuis 4th, Cowart 7th
L: Martinez 10th
Sv: Romo 7th, Matos 10th

A+: San Jose had an off-day
(Their next scheduled off-day is August 4.)

Giants on Cal League leaderboards:
--Hitters:
AVG: Sandoval 1st
OBP: Sandoval 5th
SLG: Sandoval 1st, Downs 8th
OPS: Sandoval 1st
HR: Downs 7th
2B: Sandoval 8th
H: Felmy 10th
TB: Sandoval 7th
AB: Felmy 9th
SO: D'Alessio 5th
RBI: Sandoval 8th, D'Alessio 9th
R: Sandoval 6th, Downs 8th
SB: Graham 3rd
CS: Downs 5th, McBryde 5th, Graham 8th
--Pitchers:
ERA: Snyder 1st, Pucetas 2nd, English 4th, Alderson 9th
WHIP: Pucetans 2nd, Snyder 5th, English 7th, Alderson 9th
K: English 2nd, Alderson 6th
IP: Alderson 10th
W: Alderson 3rd, English 3rd, Snyder 7th, Pucetas 7th
Sv: Wilding 6th

A-: Augusta had an off-day
(Their next scheduled off-day is July 24.)

GreenJackets on SAL leaderboards:
-Hitters:
3B: Noonan 2nd
H: Noonan 7th
BB: Jordan 3rd
AB: Noonan 8th
RBI: Neal 5th
R: Noonan 10th
SB: Jordan 10th
--Pitchers:
ERA: Maday 1st, Bumgarner 5th
WHIP: Maday 1st, Bumgarner 6th
K: Bumgarner 4th
H: Odle 8th
G: DeLaGarza 3rd, Turpen 9th
W: Bumgarner 6th
Sv: Otero 5th

ssA: Salem-Keizer defeated Vancouver 9-8

Salem-Keizer: LF Casey Bond: 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, SO, CS
Salem-Keizer: RF Francisco Peguero: 3 for 3, 3B, BB, CS

Salem-Keizer: LHP Ari Ronick: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K--1 HB, 1 WP
Salem-Keizer: RHP Mike Eifel: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Leading the Volcanoes offense by reaching base four times each were Bond and Peguero, who raised their respective OBPs to .339 and .442.

Ronick retired just two of the eight hitters he faced in the 1st inning. Since he had allowed just 2 ER in his previous 19.2 IP as a pro, his ERA nearly tripled, but only to 2.66. Eifel provided long relief. Among his seven appearances, it was his third appearance of three innings or longer.

R: Giants lost to Angels 5-2

Scottsdale: CF Wendell Fairley: 1 for 4, HBP, 2 SO, CS
Scottsdale: SS Josh Lopez: 1 for 2, BB, SO
Tempe: RF Kendry Morales: 4 for 4, 2B

Scottsdale: RHP Kyle Nicholson: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Fairley and Lopez, who is nearly a year younger than Fairley but playing his second pro season, were the only two Giants to reach base twice. Morales had a big game in his third rehab appearance with the rookie Angels.

Nicholson's fourth pro start was his first start in which he has not allowed fewer hits than innings pitched. He has allowed 2 ER in each of his last three starts.

DSL: Giants defeated Ray 8-5

Dominican: SS Julio Izturis: 3 for 4, BB
Dominican: RHP Argenis Sanchez: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K--1 HB, 1 WP

Izturis (18.11 y.o.) had three hits to raise his AVG to .260. He hit .246 a year ago. Sanchez (18.8 y.o.) set a new career high with 8 K. It was also just second start among eight starts with no walks, although he did hit a batter. His K/BB ratio is just of 3.00, and his BAA is just .185. The ERA is relatively high at 2.95 because hitters have an AVG nearly .100 points higher with runners on base than with the bases empty.

minor lines, 7/14/08

steve S — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:53:00 -0000

AAA: Fresno defeated Colorado Springs 2-1

Fresno: SS Jake Wald: 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SO
Fresno: LF Brett Harper: 2 for 4, HR, SO

Fresno: RHP Brad Hennessey: 9.0 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Harper had two of the Grizzlies' five hits, including his 11th HR. Also reaching base twice was Wald, playing his third game since rejoining the Grizzlies after two and a half months in Connecticut.

Hennessey had his best start of the year with the complete-game victory. He allowed just one run in the 6th inning, but his ERA remains above 5.00. He threw 72 of 102 pitches for strikes and had a 15/9 GO/FO line.

AA: Connecticut defeated New Hampshire 4-1

Connecticut: RF Ben Copeland: 2 for 4, HR, 2B
Connecticut: 3B Ryan Rohlinger: 1 for 1, HR, 2 BB
New Hampshire: DH J.P. Arencibia: 3 for 4

Connecticut: RHP Adam Cowart: 5.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Connecticut: RHP Kelvim Pichardo: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 K
Connecticut: RHP Justin Hedrick: 1.0 IP, 1 BB, 1 K

Rohlinger connected for his 3rd Eastern League HR and 10th HR of the year. Copeland had his 4th HR. The Blue Jays' Arencibia had his second three-hit game of the series.

Cowart had his second straight very good start, although he pitched less than six innings. He still gave up a fair number of hits, but his 8/3 GO/FO line was encouraging considering his GO/AO ratio below 1.00 in June when opposing batters hit close to .400 against him. Pichardo and Hedrick each had a scoreless inning.

A+: San Jose lost to Stockton 3-0

San Jose: DH Andy D'Alessio: 2 for 4
Stockton: CF Corey Brown: 0 for 4, 3 SO
Stockton: 3B Chris Carter: 1 for 3, HR, SO

San Jose: LHP Jesse English: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 9 K--1 HR, 1 WP
San Jose: LHP Joe Paterson: 2.0 IP, 4 K

D'Alessio had two of the Giants fives hits, but even with a .283 AVG, he still has more strikeouts than hits. Brown, whom the A's drafted in the supplemental first round a year ago, hit a very good .270/.358/.483 in 300 AB in the Midwest League, but in his fifth game in the Cal League, he suffered his first oh-fer there, including a hat trick, giving him 11 SO through his first 22 AB. Carter went deep for the second consecutive night, raising his impressive HR total to 26.

On the down side, English allowed more than 2 ER for the first time in over a month. On the up side, he matched what is perhaps a season high, maybe even a career high, with 9 K. His peripheral stats after eighteen starts are now 79 H, 32 BB and 100 K in 96.0 IP. Paterson had perhaps his best appearance of the season, at least statistically.

A-: Augusta defeated Delmarva 5-2

Augusta: 1B Angel Villalona: 2 for 4, 2B, 2 SO
Augusta: DH Thomas Neal: 3 for 4, 2 HR, SO

Augusta: RHP Oliver Odle: 5.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K--1 HB

Neal, who had 6 HRs in April and then just 2 HRs since then, connected for 2 HRs. Villalona was the only other GreenJacket with multiple hits, although he still has more strikeouts than hits (73 H and 81 SO among 299 AB for a .244 AVG).

Odle has now allowed no runs in two of his three July starts, bringing his ERA below 4.00.

ssA: Salem-Keizer defeated Vancouver 6-5

Salem-Keizer: SS Wladimir Frias: 3 for 4, E
Salem-Keizer: 1B Mike Loberg: 2 for 3, BB

Salem-Keizer: RHP Andrew Reichard: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K--1 HB
Salem-Keizer: RHP Orlando Yntema: 1.2 IP, 2 K
Salem-Keizer: RHP Edwin Quirarte: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K--1 WP

Frias and Loberg both reached base three times, improving their respective OBPs to .373 and .363.

Reichard made his third start, the shortest of his three starts. Returning from the DL, Yntema made his first appearance with the Volcanoes, being better than perfect with five outs while facing four batters. He earlier made fourteen appearances (five starts) for Augusta this year. Quirarte allowed an earned run after seven straight appearances without an earned run.

R: Giants defeated Cubs 8-6

Scottsdale: RF Ryan Mantle: 3 for 4, 2B, BB
Scottsdale: 3B Josh Mazzola: 3 for 5, 2 2B

Scottsdale: LHP Meroly Nova: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Mantle and Mazzola both had three hits, raising their respective AVGs to .300 and .267.

Nova's fourth start of the season was his first one without allowing an earned run. His ERA remains above 7.00.

DSL: Giants defeated Red Sox 9-8
(despite allowing six runs in 8th inning)

Dominican: 3B Cesar Osuna: 1 for 4, HR, SO
Dominican: RHP Edward Concepcion: 5.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K--1 HB

Osuna (17.7 y.o.) connected for his first pro HR. Concepcion (19.9 y.o.) had 9 K, nearly doubling his previous season high of 5 K, accomplished four times in his previous seven starts.

An overdue update to my "Future Forty" list:
1. RHP Timothy Alderson
2. LHP Madison Bumgarner
3. 1B Angel Villalona
4. RHP Henry Sosa
5. 2B Nick Noonan
6. RF Nate Schierholtz
7. SS Emmanuel Burriss
8. CF Wendell Fairley
9. C Pablo Sandoval
10. LHP Alex Hinshaw
11. RHP Merkin Valdez
12. 2B Travis Denker
13. RHP Sergio Romo
14. RHP Osiris Matos
15. LHP Clayton Tanner
16. LHP Ben Snyder
17. RHP Billy Sadler
18. RHP Kelvin Pichardo
19. 1B Travis Ishikawa
20. SS Brian Bocock
21. 2B Matt Downs
22. RHP Joe Martinez
23. LHP Jesse English
24. RHP Wilbur Bucardo
25. SS Charlie Culberson
26. LF Brian Horwitz
27. LHP Erick Threets
28. 3B Ryan Rohlinger
29. LHP Paul Oseguera
30. CF Clay Timpner
31. RHP Brian Anderson
32. RHP Edwin Quirarte
33. LF Eddy Martinez-Esteve
34. CF Michael McBryde
35. RHP Waldis Joaquin
36. RHP Kevin Pucetas
37. C Jackson Williams
38. RHP Justin Hedrick
39. LHP Geno Espineli
40. RHP Daryl Maday

minor lines, 7/13/08

steve S — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:17:53 -0000

Futures Game: U.S. lost to World 3-0

World: 1B Pablo Sandoval: 0 for 1, BB, CS
World: 1B Angel Villalona: 0 for 2
World: CF Che-Hsuan Lin: 2 for 2, HR
U.S.: 3B Mat Gamel: 0 for 0, 2 BB
U.S.: 1B Matt LaPorta: 1 for 3, BB, SO
U.S.: RF Nate Schierholtz: 0 for 4, SO

World: RHP Henry Rodriguez: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 3 K
World: RHP Shairon Martis: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB
U.S.: RHP Trevor Cahill: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 K
U.S.: LHP Brett Anderson: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB
U.S.: RHP Will Inman: 1.0 IP, 1 K
U.S.: RHP Kevin Pucetas: 1.0 IP, 2 H

Two Giants farmhands, Sandoval and Villalona, manned first base for the world squad, and they reached base one time in four plate appearances. Schierholtz, the other Giants' hitter to appear in the game, had an oh-fer. Gamel and LaPorta, who until recently were teammates with the Brewers' double-A affiliate until the Brewers traded LaPorta to the Indians in the Sabathia deal, reached base twice each for the America squad. The Red Sox' 19-year-old Lin, who had just 5 HRs in 319 AB in the Sally League, was the game's hero with his two-run, two-out HR in the 7th inning, although Sandoval's RBI groundout in the 1st inning had already given the World team the only run they would need.

Pitching the 9th inning for their respective teams were Martis, the ex-Giant farmhand, and Pucetas, a current Giants farmhand. Both pitchers threw nine strikes, Martis over 19 pitches and Pucetas over 12 pitches. The Padres' Inman was the only American pitcher (with eighteen different pitchers in the game having exactly 1.0 IP each) not to allow a baseunner. The A's had three different pitchers--Cahill, Anderson and Rodriguez--appear in the game. The three, who all began the season in the Stockton rotation, combined for 2 H, 2 BB and 5 K in 3.0 IP.

AAA: Fresno defeated Colorado Springs 8-1

Fresno: 2B-LF Matt Downs: 3 for 5, HR, 2B, SB
Fresno: 3B Scott McClain: 2 for 5, 2B

Fresno: RHP Jesse Foppert: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Fresno: RHP Billy Sadler: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 K

Downs' three hits, including his 2nd PCL HR, paced the Grizzlies' eleven-hit attack. His third straight multi-hit game raised his AVG to .260 in twenty games with Fresno. McClain, who had his 27th double, was the only other Grizzly with multiple hits.

After 21 relief appearances, Foppert made his first start of the year, and statistically it appears as one of his better appearances. His ERA remains over 7.00. Two more scoreless innings for Sadler lowered his ERA to 0.78, but what may be more important for getting him back to the majors is more strikes and fewer walks. Today 24 of 42 pitches were for strikes.

AA: Connecticut lost to New Hampshire 9-2

Connecticut: DH Carlos Sosa: 0 for 2, BB, HBP, SO
New Hampshire: PR-LF Travis Snider: 3 for 4, 2 2B

Connecticut: LHP Ben Snyder: 4.0 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 2 K--2 HR
New Hampshire: LHP Ricky Romero: 8.0+ IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K--1 HB, 1 WP

Sosa was the only Defender to reach base twice, but his OBP remains just .319. Snider, the Blue Jays' top prospect, had another strong game, improving the 20-year-old's season line to .271/.340/.480. Romero, often maligned given his status as the sixth overall pick in 2005, had eight shutout innings before surrendering a couple runs in the 9th inning. Still, his ERA remains above 5.50.

A+: San Jose lost to Stockton 18-5

San Jose: 2B Travis Denker: 2 for 4, HR, BB, E
San Jose: RF Dan Ortmeier: 0 for 3, 2 BB, 3 SO
San Jose: 1B Brett Pill: 3 for 5, HR, 2B, 2 SO
Stockton: 3B Chris Carter: 2 for 5, HR, 2B

San Jose: RHP Henry Sosa: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 3 BB, 5 K--1 HR
Stockton: RHP Craig Italiano: 0.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 1 K--2 HR

Leading the Giants with three of their dozen hits, Pill continues to swing a very hot bat. He went deep for his 8th HR to lead off the 4th inning. Ortmeier had a couple walks and hat trick in his sixth rehab game. Denker had a huge game in his second game following his reassignment to the minors. The jump down to the lower minors may seem surprising, but with Fresno away on a road trip and starting its three-day all-star break tomorrow, the alternative assignment to San Jose makes sense. Carter, whom the A's acquired during the off-season, went deep for the 25th time this year. The A's shifted him across the diamond defensively from first base to third base about three weeks ago. After a mediocre April and a poor May, his bat really came alive last month, as he hit .319/.452/.714 in 91 AB in June.

Sosa had his worst start of the year. He had allowed 13 ER through his first nine starts before allowing 9 ER today, raising his ERA by a run and a half from 2.68 to 4.18. Italiano, the A's second round pick in 2005, had re-emerged as a prospect this year with a 1.16 ERA through fourteen starts in the low-A Midwest League, but he was hit hard today. He allowed just 9 ER in the Midwest League but has now allowed 19 ER in four appearances in the Cal League.

A-: Augusta lost to Delmarva 2-0

Augusta: CF Shane Jordan: 2 for 4, SB

Augusta: RHP Chance Corgan: 5.0+ IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K

With two of the GreenJackets' six hits, Jordan had the team's only multi-hit line, and he also had his 25th SB, which is just a couple shy of the organization lead.

After six starts, Corgan now has solid but not great peripheral stats of 30 H, 11 BB and 23 K in 29.1 IP. I think that the 6 K today established a new career high as a pro.

ssA: Salem-Keizer defeated Yakima 7-3

Salem-Keizer: DH Francisco Peguero: 3 for 4, 2B, BB

Salem-Keizer: RHP Wilbur Bucardo: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Salem-Keizer: RHP Trey Webb: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Salem-Keizer: LHP Dan Runzler: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 K

Batting third in the lineup, Peguero led the Volcanoes' ten-hit attack with three hits of his own that improved his AVG to .323, the best in tonight's Volcanoes' lineup.

Bucardo had his longest and best start of the year, including a new season high with 5 K. It was his second start without a walk. After six starts, his peripheral stats are now 29 H, 6 BB and 17 K in 28.2 IP. Plus he has a 2.37 GO/AO ratio. Runzler had one of his best appearances of the season as he struck out three of the five batters he faced and stranded three inherited runners. He inherited the three runners when Webb was ejected after issuing a bases-loaded walk.

R: Giants lost to Rangers 4-3

Scottsdale: CF Wendell Fairley: 2 for 5, HR, SO
Scottsdale: 2B Dan Cook: 3 for 4, SB

Scottsdale: RHP Jorge Bucardo: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K--1 HR
Scottsdale: LHP Scott Barnes: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K--1 WP

Fairley had his first pro HR, as well as his second straight multi-hit game. Cook led the offense with three hits that raised his AVG to .225 in ten AZL games. He began the season going 5 for 13 in six games with Salem-Keizer before being reassigned.

Making his fourth start, Bucardo had his longest start of the year. His last two starts have been more effective than his first two starts at least. Barnes, making his third pro appearance, was credited with the blown save and the loss, although the go-ahead run scored after he left the game.

DSL: The Giants had their typical Sunday off-day

minor lines, 7/12/08

steve S — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:36:53 -0000

AAA: Fresno lost to Colorado Springs 6-5 (10 innings)

Fresno: LF Dave Roberts: 2 for 3, BB, CS
Fresno: 2B-LF Matt Downs: 2 for 5, 2B, HBP, SO
Fresno: CF Clay Timpner: 2 for 4, BB, CS
Fresno: C Steve Holm: 2 for 4, 2 2B, BB, IBB

Fresno: RHP Victor Santos: 7.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K--1 WP
Fresno: LHP Erick Threets: 1.0 IP, 1 BB, 1 K
Fresno: LHP Geno Espineli: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER
Colorado Springs: RHP Jason Hirsh: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K--1 IBB

Roberts, Downs, Timpner and Holm each had two hits while reaching base three times. Roberts has a line of .417/.588/.917 over the first five games of his rehab assignment. Timpner's line of .244/.306/.330 would suggest that his 40-man roster spot could be in jeopardy later this year if those numbers do not improve.

Santos had a quality start, improving his ERA to 4.07. At altitude, he threw 120 pitches, with nearly two thirds (78) for strikes. Threets was the only one of three Grizzlies relievers not to allow an earned run. Espineli allowed a truly manufactured run in the bottom of the 11th inning. A leadoff single was followed by a sacrifice bunt, a steal of third base and a sac fly. Hirsh, who made 22 of his 25 starts last year in the majors for the Rockies, made his ninth appearance of the year as he attempts to come back from injury. He has struggled with his control as his K/BB is below 1.00.

AA: Connecticut lost to New Hampshire 4-3

Connecticut: CF Antoan Richardson: 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SO, SB
New Hampshire: RF Travis Snider: 1 for 4, HR, HBP, SO

Connecticut: RHP Joe Martinez: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 K--1 HR, 1 HB
Connecticut: LHP Paul Oseguera: 2.0 IP, 2 BB, 3 K
Connecticut: RHP Justin Hedrick: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 3 K

Leading the Defenders' offense, Richardson reached base three times, improving his OBP to .351. He has a 27/5 SB/CS line. Snider, the Blue Jays' top prospect, delivered the big blow with a three-run HR in the 3rd inning, the 20-year-old's 18th HR of the year.

Martinez has now allowed 13 ER over his past four starts, after allowing 0 ER in his four starts before that. Not to give the wrong impression, two of those last four starts were still "quality starts." His ERA remains an impressive 2.61. Oseguera, making his first appearance in nearly four weeks, made his first relief appearance of the season. His health has limited him to 32.0 IP so far this year. Two more scoreless innings for Hedrick lowered his ERA below 1.50. He has not allowed an earned run in over four weeks.

A+: San Jose lost to Stockton 12-5

San Jose: 3B Brad Boyer: 2 for 2, 3 BB
San Jose: 1B Andy D'Alessio: 2 for 4, HR, SO
Stockton: C Josh Donaldson: 3 for 4, HR, 2B, SO, PB

San Jose: RHP Chris Begg: 2.0+ IP, 8 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 BB, 2 K--2 HR
San Jose: RHP Craig Whitaker: 4.0+ IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K--1 HR, 1 HB, 1 WP

Boyer reached base in all five trips to the plate, raising his season OBP above .400 (including his time in the Eastern League). D'Alessio connected for his 11th HR, his first long ball of the month. Donaldson, whom the A's just acquired from the Cubs earlier this week, had a huge game. He tore up the NWL last year, before struggling this year in low-A. The A's immediately promoted him to high-A , and he has torn it up offensively in three games, although he has also allowed 3 PB.

Begg had the disaster start in his fifth start of the year. Whitaker provided long relief, with just one run through his first four innings, but was then charged with three runs in the 7th inning.

A-: Augusta defeated Delmarva 16-5 (15 innings)

Augusta: RF James Simmons: 3 for 6, 2B, BB, SB
Augusta: 1B Thomas Neal: 3 for 5, 2B, 2 BB

Augusta: RHP Gib Hobson: 2.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 2 K--1 HR
Augusta: RHP T.J. Brewer: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Augusta: LHP Andy De La Garza: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K--1 IBB
Augusta: RHP Ryan Paul: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 5 K
Augusta: RHP Waldis Joaquin: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 K

Simmons and Neal each had three hits, accounting for nearly half of the GreenJackets' thirteen hits. They raised their respective AVGs to .246 and .265.

Hobson's fifth start of the year (like Begg's in San Jose) was a short, ineffective start. Brewer, who had been a starter all season, until his two relief appearances this month, provided long relief in the 5th through 8th innings. De La Garza, Paul and Joaquin shut out the Shorebirds the rest of the evening, in a game that lasted just short of four and a half hours.

ssA: Salem-Keizer lost to Yakima 2-1

Salem-Keizer: 2B Shane Lindsley: 2 for 3

Salem-Keizer: RHP Andrew Bowlin: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K--1 HB, 3 WP

Lindsley's two singles were half of the Volcanoes four hits. His season line remains a fairly impressive .277/.414/.319 in 47 AB considering that Lindsley had not had a multi-hit line in his last ten games, although he has been a late-game defensive replacement in four of those games.

Bowlin made his fifth start of the year. He has yet to pitch more than four innings in any start, though, and has just 15.2 IP so far in his pro career, over which time also has an unsightly 5.74 ERA.

R: Giants defeated A's 14-5

Scottsdale: CF Wendell Fairley: 2 for 4, BB, HBP
Scottsdale: 1B C.J. Ziegler: 2 for 5, HR, BB, SO
Scottsdale: C Johnny Monell: 3 for 4, 2B, 2 BB

Scottsdale: RHP Javier Hernandez: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 K--1 HR, 1 HB, 1 WP

Ziegler and Mondell continue to destroy the AZL with their hitting, Ziegler with his 4th HR and Monell with his .400 AVG. Fairley, the last of the Giants' three first rounders a year ago, had a multi-hit line for just the second time in his pro career. He is now hitting .219/.297/.250 through his first 64 pro AB in sixteen games.

DSL: Giants defeated Yankees #1 9-2

Dominican: C Hector Sanchez: 3 for 4, 3B, HBP
Dominican: RHP Miguel Ferrer: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Sanchez (18.8 y.o.) was one of three Giants with three hits each. He had his first triple in two pro season and raised his AVG to .318. Ferrer (17.11 y.o.) bounced back from the worst start of his pro career with this solid performance, which raised his K/BB ratio to an even 2.00. Hernandez had perhaps his least effective start of the season, raising his ERA above 7.50.

minor lines, 7/11/08

steve S — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:47:47 -0000

AAA: Fresno defeated Colorado Springs 6-5

Fresno: RF Nate Schierholtz: 3 for 5
Fresno: 1B Travis Ishikawa: 3 for 5, HR
Colorado Springs: 3B Ian Stewart: 2 for 4, HR, BB, SO

Fresno: RHP Nick Pereira: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 6 K--1 WP
Fresno: RHP Vinnie Chulk: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 K
Colorado Springs: RHP Kiep Wells: 4.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 3 K--1 HR, 1 WP

Escaping California's Central Valley heat and poor air, Schierholtz and Ishikawa responded in Colorado Springs' altitude with three hits each, including Ishikawa's 4th PCL HR. Schierholtz raised his AVG back above .300. Stewart may have struggled with the strikeouts when he has been called up by the Rockies, but he connected for his 19th PCL HR this year with one out in the 9th inning to cut the Grizzlies' lead in half.

Pereiera had a decently effective start at altitude, but his walk rate remains high with four or more walks in five of his last seven starts. Chulk had two scoreless innings in his third appearance since his demotion. Wells, who pitched so well out of the Rockies' bullpen earlier this year with a 2.29 ERA over ten appearances (including one start), was hit hard in his fourth rehab start, raising his ERA to nearly 9.00.

AA: Connecticut defeated New Hampshire 18-5
(putting the game away with eleven runs in the 6th and 7th innings)

Connecticut: DH Pablo Sandoval: 4 for 5, BB
Connecticut: 3B Ryan Rohlinger: 3 for 5, 2 2B
New Hampshire: DH J.P. Arencibia: 3 for 5, HR, SO

Connecticut: RHP Garrett Broshuis: 5.0 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K--1 HR
Connecticut: RHP Kelvim Pichardo: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Sandoval's four hits paced the Defenders' nineteen hit attack and improved his line to .310/.347/.465 in 71 AB since his promotion. Rohlinger had two of the Defenders' four XBHs, all doubles, helping to improve his line to .328/.377/.516 in 64 AB since his promotion. The Blue Jays' Arencibia had another outstanding game. He is now hitting .313/.313/.578 in 83 AB since his promotion to the upper minors just a year after he was drafted.

Broshuis had his streak of five straight starts with 2 ER or less in 7.0 IP snapped. This was only the third time in his last ten starts he has allowed more than five hits. Pichardo's ERA rose to 2.61.

A+: San Jose defeated Visalia 7-1

San Jose: LF Bobby Felmy: 1 for 4, HR, 2 SO, SB
San Jose: 1B Brett Pill: 2 for 4, 2B, E

San Jose: RHP Tim Alderson: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K--1 HR
San Jose: RHP Taylor Wilding: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 3 K

Felmy connected for his 6th HR. He had 15 HRs a year ago. Pill's fourth multi-hit line in his last six games has raised his AVG to nearly .250.

Alderson allowed 1 ER or less for the sixth time in his last eight starts. Earlier in the day Baseball America had proclaimed him among the top 25 prospects in baseball (excluding prospects now in the majors or just signed this year). He improved his ERA to 3.24. Wilding had his first relief appearance in three weeks without allowing an earned run, and he was credited with his 9th save for his extended apperance.

A-: Augusta lost to Delmarva 5-2

Augusta: DH Thomas Neal: 2 for 4, 2B, CS

Augusta: LHP Craig Clark: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Augusta: RHP Dan Turpen: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 K

Neal had the only multi-hit line for the GreenJackets, who lost their fourth straight game. Neal's AVG remains below .260, despite his hot hitting in April.

Clark had as many as 6 K for the first time since the end of May, but his ERA crept up a bit, now at 4.37. Turpen, the Giants' 8th rounder a year ago, has been pitching more effectively recently. After an ERA close to 7.00 in ten May appearances, his ERA is 2.70 in twelve appearances since.

ssA: Salem-Keizer lost to Yakima 2-1
(allowing two runs in the bottom of the 9th inning)

Salem-Keizer: RF Francisco Peguero: 1 for 3, HBP, SO, SB
Salem-Keizer: 1B Michael Ambort: 2 for 4, SO

Salem-Keizer: RHP Mike Loree: 7.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Salem-Keizer: RHP Shane Kaufman: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Ambort and Peguero reached base twice each, but the rest of the Volcanoes managed only a single, and that batter was subsequently picked off first base.

Okay, talk about ridiculous, but 50th round selections aren't supposed to be nearly this good. First rounders aren't even this good. Two starts after six perfect innings, Loree followed that up with seven perfect innings, and in the start in between, the only baserunner he allowed was a solo HR. Will he ever pitch from the stretch again? The peripheral stats in his first two starts this year were pretty good with 7 H, 0 BB and 6 K in 9.0 IP; but his 1 H, 0 BB and 21 K in 20.0 IP in his three starts since are ridiculous. Kaufman, the Giants' 28th round selection this year was one out away from the combined perfect game when he allowed a walk, a triple and a single to the final three batters he faced.

R: Scottsdale had its regularly scheduled off-day

DSL: Giants defeated Cubs #2 11-10

Dominican: DH Victor Santana: 4 for 4, 2B, BB
Dominincan: LHP Franklin Noel: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 K--1 HB

Santana (19.9 y.o.) reached base in all five trips to the plate, but he still has an OPS of just .680 in 103 AB this year. After the Giants' starter allowed 9 ER in 2.1 IP (including two bequeathed runners who scored), Noel (19.8. y.o.) entered the game in long relief and lowered his own ERA to 1.82 in thirteen appearances this year.

minor lines, 7/10/08

steve S — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:44:08 -0000

AAA: Fresno lost to Portland 4-2 (11 innings)
(with the game tied 1-1 after nine innings)

Fresno: LF Dave Roberts: 0 for 1, 2 BB, CS
Fresno: 2B Matt Downs: 3 for 5
Fresno: SS Justin Leone: 2 for 5, 2B
Portland: CF Max Venable: 2 for 5, HR, 2 SO

Fresno: RHP Matt Palmer: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Fresno: RHP Billy Sadler: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Portland: RHP Justin Germano: 6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

With three of the Grizzlies' eight hits, Downs got his PCL AVG back above the Mendoza line. Roberts and Leone, the latter who played shortstop with Ichoa called up and Bocock still on the DL, were the only two other Grizzlies to reach base twice. With the bases loaded and two outs in the 1st inning, Roberts was caught trying to steal home (2-6-2). Venable, who is among the Padres' better prospects, connected for his 9th HR, the decisive three-run blast in the top of the 11th inning.

Palmer and Germano, who made 23 starts for the Padres last year, each had one of their better starts this season, lowering their respective ERAs to 3.99 and 4.67. It was Palmer's third straight start with just 1 ER allowed. Sadler pitched a scoreless 9th and 10th inning, improving his PCL ERA to 0.86 in 21.0 IP.

AA: Connecticut lost to Binghamton 7-4

Connecticut: CF Ben Copeland: 4 for 5, SB
Connecticut: 3B Ryan Rohlinger: 2 for 3, BB

Connecticut: RHP Dave McKae: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K--1 HR
Connecticut: LHP Jason Waddell: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB--2 HR
Connecticut: RHP Justin Hedrick: 1.1 IP, 2 K

Copeland's four singles raised his AVG to .250, a somewhat disappointing mark to follow up on his .280 AVG a year ago in the Cal League. Rohlinger reached base three times as two singles raised his AVG above .300.

Back in the rotation, McKae had an effective start improving his ERA to 4.39. Waddell had perhaps his worst appearance of the year, allowing HRs to two of the eight batters he faced and seeing his ERA ballon to 4.26. Another fine appearance for Hedrick further lowered his ERA to 1.53.

A+: San Jose lost to Visalia 5-3

San Jose: LF Dan Ortmeier: 2 for 4, HR, SO
San Jose: RF Mike Mooney: 1 for 4, HR

San Jose: LHP Clayton Tanner: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Going deep for the Giants were Ortmeier in his fourth rehab game and Mooney in his first game back with San Jose after his time with Fresno.

Tanner had his second straight start with just 4.0 IP, although those two starts were separated by nearly a month as he missed time on the DL. He now has a 4.41 ERA after fifteen starts.

A-: Augusta lost to Lakewood 3-2

Augusta: 1B Angel Villalona: 2 for 3, BB

Augusta: LHP Madison Bumgarner: 7.0 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K--1 HB

Villalona reached base three times, propelling him to be recognized as Baseball America's prospect of the day for the Sally League.

Bumgarner allowed more than 1 ER for just the second time in his last ten starts, but his ERA remains below 2.00. It was also the second time in his last three starts, he has had just 2 K, and his K/IP is now below 1.00 Still, Baseball America recognized him the following day as being one of the top 25 prospects in baseball (excluding prospects now in the majors or just signed this year).

ssA: Salem-Keizer defeated Yakima 5-0

Salem-Keizer: DH Michael Ambort: 3 for 4, HR
Salem-Keizer: 1B Mike Loberg: 1 for 4, HR

Salem-Keizer: LHP Ari Ronick: 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K--1 HB
Salem-Keizer: RHP Edwin Quirarte: 1.0 IP

Ambort connected for his 4th HR of the year, driving in three insurance runs in the 8th inning, six innings after Loberg had connected for his pro HR.

Ronick, the Giants' 11th rounder this year, continues with his outstanding pro debut. In three starts after three relief apperance, he has a sub-1.00 ERA through his first 19.2 IP as a pro. Quirarte, the Giants' 5th rounder this year, pitched a perfect 9th inning.

R: Giants lost to Mariners 6-5

Scottsdale: LF Jose Medina: 1 for 5, HR
Scottsdale: 1B C.J. Ziegler: 3 for 5

With the only multi-hit line for the rookie Giants, Ziegler continues to look like a man among boys. Medina, in his seventh game on U.S. soil, connected for his 1st HR here. The 21-year-old had 8 HRs a year ago in the DSL and 2 HRs in 35 AB earlier this year in the DSL.

DSL: Giants lost to Marlins 9-4

Dominican: SS Julio Izturis: 3 for 5, 2B, 2 SB
Dominican: LHP Ebert Fernandez: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K

Izturis (18.10 y.o.) had three hits, including just his second double, to raise his AVG to .262. Fernandez (17.10 y.o.) was the Giants third pitcher of the 1st inning, with each getting one out in the five-run frame. Fernandez had his longest appearance as a pro and more than doubled his career strikeout total. In six relief appearances, he now has 4 H, 10 BB and 13 K in 10.0 IP.

minor lines, 7/9/08

steve S — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:52:00 -0000

AAA: Fresno defeated Portland 8-7
(rallying with three runs in bottom of 9th inning)

Fresno: RF Nate Schierholtz: 3 for 5, 2B
Fresno: 3B Scott McClain: 3 for 4, SF, SO
Fresno: 1B Travis Sihikawa: 3 for 4, 3 2B
Portland: 1B Vince Sinisi: 3 for 5, HR, 2 2B

Fresno: RHP Brad Hennessey: 5.0+ IP, 10 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K--1 HR

Schierholtz, McClain and Ishikawa each had three hits, while the rest of the Grizzlies had just three hits combined. They raised their respective AVGs to .298, .314 and .328. Ishikawa has certainy hit for power since joining the PCL, with 15 of his 20 H going for XBH, including his 9th, 10th and 11th doubles last night. The Padres' 26-year-old Sinisi, a college teammate of Aardsma, had a big game with 3 XBH that included just his 2nd HR of the season.

Hennessey has allowed 5 ER or more in five of his last seven starts, raising his ERA to 5.61. He was in the strike zone with two thirds of his pitches (71 of 115), but he still threw a lot of pitches as the 10 H raised his BAA to .312.

AA: Connecticut defeated Binghamton 9-0
(including a six-run outburst in the 6th inning)

Connecticut: CF Antoan Richardson: 2 for 5, SO, 2 SB
Connecticut: 3B Ryan Rohlinger: 1 for 3, HR, SH, SO

Connecticut: RHP Adam Cowart: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Richardson was one of two Defenders with two hits. He got his SLG back above .300 and increased his team-leading SB total to 26. Rohlinger connected for his 2nd HR among 56 AB since being promoted to the upper minors.

Cowart had his most effective start since at least mid-May. His ERA remains just a shade above 4.00, and his K/IP below 0.50.

A+: San Jose lost to Visalia 9-2
(allowing six insurance runs in the 9th inning)

San Jose: DH Brett Pill: 2 for 3, BB
San Jose: DH Dan Ortmeier: 0 for 4, 2 SO, E

San Jose: LHP Jesse English: 6.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K--1 HR, 2 HB
San Jose: RHP Danny Otero: 0.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 B--1 HB

Pill had two of the Giants' six hits as he reached base three times, although his OBP remains below .300. In his third rehab game, Ortmeier had two of the Giants' three strikeouts. He is 1 for 10 with 2 BB.

English had 6.1 scoreless IP to start the game before the last three batters he faced singled, reached on an error and homered. His ERA rose slightly to 2.50. Otero had the worst appearance of his pro career. Excluding the SAL all-star game, he had allowed just 6 R and 5 ER total in 53 previous pro appearances. Then he allowed 6 ER last night, and it could have been worse, but both of his bequeathed runners were stranded.

A-: Augusta lost to Lakewood 6-5 (10 innings)
(after allowing three runs in bottom of 9th inning)

Augusta: SS Charlier Culberson: 1 for 3, 3 BB, 2 SB, CS
Augusta: DH Thomas Neal: 1 for 2, 3 BB, IBB

Augusta: RHP Daryl Maday: 6.1 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K--1 WP
Augusta: RHP Waldis Joaquin: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER

With three walks each, Culberson and Neal both reached base four times, improving their respective OBPs to .285 and .342. Culberson now has a 5/5 SB/CS line.

After three straight starts with 0 ER, Maday allowed a couple runs in this start, nudging his ERA back up to a still very impressive 1.57. Joaquin allowed two of three inherited runners with one out to score in the bottom of the 9th inning before suffering the walk-off loss in the 10th inning.

ssA: Salem-Keizer defeated Yakima 13-5

Salem-Keizer: 3B Jose Flores: 3 for 6, 3B, 3 SO
Salem-Keizer: RF Francisco Peguero: 4 for 5, 2 2B

Salem-Keizer: RHP Andrew Reichard: 4.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K--1 BK
Salem-Keizer: RHP Eric Stolp: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 K--1 HB

Peguero's four hits paced the Volcanoes' eighteen-hit onslaught and raised his NWL AVG to .316. Flores' three hits raised his AVG to .268, but with the hat trick he still has as many hits as strikeouts.

Making his second start and fifth appearance, Reichard saw his ERA rise to 4.50. Stolp pitched effectively in relief until he was ejected after hitting his final batter.

R: Giants lost to Brewers 3-2 (10 innings)

Scottsdale: C Johnny Monell: 1 for 4, 2B, 2 SO

Scottsdale: RHP Kyle Nicholson: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K--1 HB, 1 WP
Scottsdale: LHP Scott Barnes: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 5 K
Maryvale: RHP Jake Odorizzi: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 K

Monell's 5th double of the season was one of just six baserunners for the rookie Giants. The 22-year-old has a line of .355/.412/.613 through 31 AB.

Nicholson, the Giants' 7th rounder a year ago, made his third pro start, his longest so far, although not his most effective. Barnes, the Giants' 8th rounder this year, made his second pro appearance, striking out five of the seven batters he faced. Odorizzi, a high school pitcher selected by the Brewers in the supplemental first round this year, made his pro debut with two scoreless innings to start the game.

DSL: Giants defeated Dodgers 6-2

Dominican: CF Ronedluis Fuents: 2 for 4
Dominican: RHP Argenis Snachez: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Dominican: RHP Raymundo Montero: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 5 K

The lanky (listed at 6'4", 180 lb.) Fuentes (19.10 y.o.) had his fifth multi-hit game in his last seven games which has raised his AVG to .307 in 114 AB. Sanchez (18.8 y.o.) had had a quality start, including his second highest strikeout total of the year. Montero (18.8 y.o.) followed up with dominant relief that matched his highest strikeout total.

minor lines, 7/8/08

steve S — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:41:43 -0000

AAA: Fresno defeated Portland 10-6

Fresno: LF Dave Roberts: 3 for 3, HR, 3B, 2B, BB
Fresno: C Steve Holm: 2 for 3, 2B, SF

Fresno: LHP Pat Misch: 5.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 4 K--1 HR
Fresno: LHP Erick Threets: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 K
Fresno: RHP Scott Munter: 2.0 IP, 2 H
Portland: LHP Wilfredo Ledezma: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 K

Playing in his second rehab game, Roberts was a single short of the cycle. Holm, playing in his fourth game since being optioned to the minors, also had multiple hits.

Misch allowed a season-high 6 ER, raising his PCL ERA to 5.29. Threets and Munter combined for a 7.2 GO/FO line while pitching scoreless relief. The Padres' Ledezma, who was sent to the minors in mid-June after issuing 30 BB in 44.2 IP, now has a 13/3 K/BB line in 13.I IP in the PCL.

AA: Connecticut defeated Binghamton 4-1 (7 innings) in game 1

Connecticut: C Pablo Sandoval: 2 for 3, HR, 2B
Connecticut: 3B Ryan Rohlinger: 2 for 3, 2 2B, GiDP
Binghamton: CF Fernando Martinez: 2 for 3

Connecticut: LHP Ben Snyder: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Connecticut: RHP Kelvin Pichardo: 1.0 IP, 2 K

Sandoval and Rohlinger, who both began the season with San Jose, were the two Defenders with multiple hits, and all four of their hits went for extra bases. They both raised their AVGs to .283 and their number of Eastern League doubles to four. Martinez, the Mets' top prospect, had two of the Mets' four hits, raising his AVG to .298.

Snyder's third Eastern League start was his best so far. Pichardo picked up his 7th save this season and 4th this month.

AA: Connecticut lost to Binghamton 1-0 (7 innings) in game 2

Connecticut: 1B Pablo Sandoval: 1 for 3, 2B

Connecticut: RHP Brooks McNiven: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K--1 PO
Binghamton: RHP Eddie Kunz: 1.0 IP, 1 H

No one reached base twice for the Defenders, and Sandoval provided their only XBH.

McNiven took the tough luck loss, allowing just an unearned run. He improved his Eastern League ERA to 1.42. The Mets' Kunz, who has improved his walk rate over the past few games, earned his 23rd save.

A+: San Jose lost to Visalia 6-3
(allowing all six runs in the 8th inning)

San Jose: 1B Prett Pill: 3 for 4, 2 2B
San Jose: SS Sharlon Schoop: 2 for 4, 2B, SB

San Jose: RHP Kevin Pucetas: 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
San Jose: RHP Taylor Wilding: 1.0+ IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Pill's three hits, which accounted for nearly half of the Giants' seven hits, included his 19th and 20th doubles. Schoop also had multiple hits, but both he and Pill still have AVGs below .250.

Pucetas had perhaps the best start of his entire pro career. In fifteen starts this year, his stats are now 67 H, 17 BB and 65 K in 78.2 IP with a 2.52 ERA. Wilding pitched a scoreless 7th inning but then failed to retire any of the three batters he faced in the 8th inning.

A-: Augusta lost to Lakewood 6-4
(allowing five runs in the 6th and 7th innings)

Augusta: RF James Simmons: 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SO, SB
Augusta: LF Taylor Creswell: 1 for 3, BB, SO, 2 SB, E

Augusta: RHP Oliver Odle: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K--1 HR

No one had multiple hits for the GreenJackets, but their two corner outfielders both had a hit, a walk and a steal. Simmons' 7th double was the team's only XBH. Simmons now has 16 SB, although that trails Noonan by two for the team lead.

Odle had a quality start that included just his second walk since the end of April. He has been more susceptible to the long ball, allowing another HR after he allowed 6 HRs in June.

ssA: Salem-Keizer had a scheduled off-day
(the first of three off-days during the NWL season)

Volcanoes on NWL leaderboards:
--Hitters:
AVG: Loberg 8th
HR: Ambort 5th
3B: Loberg 1st, Wright 2nd
2B: Bond 2nd, Loberg 8th
H: Loberg 2nd, Bond 8th
TB: Loberg 3rd
AB: Loberg 1st, Bond 7th
BB: Flores 2nd
SO: Flores 7th
RBI: Kline 7th, Loberg 7th
R: Bond: 3rd, Lormand 8th
SB: Bond 2nd, Curry 2nd
CS: Curry 1st, Kline 4th
--Pitchers:
ERA: Loree 2nd
WHIP: Loree 1st
K: Loree 9th
IP: Bucardo 8th, Loree 10th
H: Buchardo 6th
HB: Bowlin 5th
G: Edens 3rd
W: Neitz 2nd, Reichard 2nd
Sv: Quirarte 4th

R: Giants lost to Royals 8-5
(with all five runs coming in the 9th inning)

Scottsdale: LF Ben Woodbury: 3 for 5, 2B

Scottsdale: LHP Meroly Nova: 4.2 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K--1 HB, 1 IBB

Woodbury had the second multi-hit game of his of his pro career, raising his AVG to .500 through 14 AB.

Nova still has an ERA above 9.00 through his first three starts.

DSL: Giants defeated Blue Jays #1 13-9

Dominican: RF Jose De La Cruz: 3 for 4, 2B, BB, SB, CS, E
Dominican: RHP Edward Concepcion: 3.0+ IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 5 K--1 WP

De La Cruz (17.2 y.o.) had three hits, breaking out of his recent slump of 3 for 35 during his previous nine games and raising his season AVG back to .229. Concepcion (19.9 y.o.) pitched well through three innings but then failed to retire any of the six batters he faced in the 4th inning. It was the first time he allowed more than 2 ER this year, raising his ERA to 3.60.