Bakersfield 16, Lancaster 10
Recap | Box
W: Carlos Pimentel (7-6)
L: Leandro Cespedes (2-4)
HR: Mike Bianucci 2 (13) Erik Morrison (7) Miguel Velazquez (3) Brian Pellegrini (5) Federico Hernandez (8) Brandon Barnes (19)
Notes: Bakersfield scored nine in the 2nd inning and five in the 5th... Lancaster had a six run 4th inning... Teams combined for 34 hits... David Paisano had five hits, including two doubles, three runs and two RBI... Cody Podroza had three hits and is batting .667 through four games with Bakersfield... Mike Bianucci had three hits, including two home runs, three runs and three RBI... Miguel Velazquez drove in five runs... Carlos Pimentel allowed nine runs in five innings but only three were earned... Leandro Cespedes allowed nine runs in 1.1 IP... Jonathan Villar, acquired in the Roy Oswalt trade, debuted for Lancaster and went 0/4 with a run, RBI, walk and two strikeouts... David Flores had three hits for Lancaster... Seven players between both teams had two hit games... Attendance was 2,144...
Lake Elsinore 14, Visalia 3
Recap | Box
W: Eric Gonzalez (4-3)
L: Eric Smith (1-3)
HR: Dan Robertson (6) Allan Dykstra (11) Robert Lara (7) Alfredo Marte (7) Paul Goldschmidt (30)
Notes: Lake Elsinore had a seven run 5th inning, including a Dan Robertson grand slam, and two three-run innings... Jesus Lopez had three hits and scored twice... Four Lake Elsinore players had two hit games... Four Lake Elsinore players scored two or more runs, including Dan Robertson and Robert Lara with three... Cody Decker struck out four times... All three of Visalia's runs scored on home runs... Juan Oramas struck out five in his two inning start... Eric Smith allowed four earned runs on six hits and five walks in four innings... Attendance was 1,412...
Modesto 9, Stockton 6
Recap | Box
W: Rob Scahill (8-5)
L: Justin Marks (0-1)
S: Adam Jorgenson (23)
HR: Ben Paulsen (9) Tim Wheeler (10) Thomas Field (14)
Notes: Justin Marks allowed five earned runs in four innings in his Cal League debut... Modesto had two three-run innings... Stockton scored five runs in the last two innings... Thomas Field had four hits, including a two run home run, and three RBI... Jordan Pacheco scored three times... Rob Scahill struck out eight and allowed one run in six innings... Mike Spina struck out three times... Attendance was 4,071...
Rancho Cucamonga 4, High Desert 3
Recap | Box
W: Garrett Richards (1-0)
L: Kenn Kasparek (7-3)
S: Eddie McKiernan (22)
HR: Alberto Rosario (4) Clay Fuller (5) Gabe Jacobo (18)
Notes: Garrett Richards struck out seven and allowed one run on 10 hits in 5.2 IP in his Cal League debut... High Desert outhit Rancho Cucamonga 16-5... Gabe Jacobo's 9th inning solo home run proved to be the winning run... Johermyn Chavez, Rich Poythress and Trevor Coleman had three hit games... High Desert was 3 for 17 w/ RISP and left 12 runners on base... Eddie McKiernan converted his 21st straight save... Kenn Kasparek allowed three runs in seven innings... Attendance was 1,634...
San Jose 8, Inland Empire 6
Recap | Box
W: Oliver Odle (11-5)
L: Bobby Blevins (1-5)
S: Jason Stoffel (18)
HR: Michael Sandoval (8) Andres Perez (1)
Notes: Bobby Blevins allowed six runs in three innings in his return from AAA Albuquerque... Inland Empire scored all six of their runs in the last four innings... Wendell Fairley had a three hit game... Johnny Monell scored three times... Tony Delmonico had two hits in his return from the DL and a rehab assignment... Oliver Odle allowed two runs in six innings... San Jose used five pitchers to pitch the final three... Pedro Baez made two errors... Attendance was 3,899...
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Cal League Condensed: 7/31 Preview
Today is baseball's trade deadline, and I'm sure some some rosters in the Cal League will be affected. I'll report relevant deals on Twitter and do a wrap up post tonight or tomorrow.
Bakersfield Blaze v. Lancaster JetHawks 7:00 PM PT
Carlos Pimentel v. Leandro Cespedes
Notes: Carlos Pimentel didn't allow any earned runs in five innings in his last start... Pimentel ahs walked four batters in three consecutive starts... Leandro Cespedes is coming off a spot start with AAA Round Rock when he allowed five runs in six innings... Cespedes has given up 10 home runs in 81.1 IP across both levels this year... Game will be available on 1380 AM in Lancaster as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...
Lake Elsiniore Storm v. Visalia Rawhide 7:00 PM PT
Juan Oramas v. Eric Smith
Notes: Juan Oramas has seven straight appearances that lasted 2.1 IP or fewer... Oramas has seven walks in 14.1 second half innings after walking just 11 in 46 first half innings... Eric Smith has allowed at least four runs and pitched five or fewer innings in all three Cal League starts this season... Smith has 11 walks and just nine strikeouts with Visalia so far... Game will be available on 92.9 FM on Lake Elsinore and 1270 AM in Visalia as well as www.milb.com...
Modesto Nuts v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Rob Scahill v. Justin Marks
Notes: Rob Scahill allowed two runs in seven innings in his last start... Scahill has allowed three or fewer earned runs in nine straight starts... Justin Marks will be making his Cal League debut... Marks had a 4.92 ERA in 109.2 IP with A Kane County but also struck out 119 batters... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto and 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes v. High Desert Mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Garrett Richards v. Kenn Kasparek
Notes: Garrett Richards will be making his Cal League debut... Richards had a 3.41 ERA in 108.1 IP with A Cedar Rapids and also struck out 108 batters... Kenn Kasparek only allowed four earned runs over his last two starts since coming off the DL which have lasted 13 innings... Kasparek's complete game shutout this season came against Rancho Cucamonga... Game will be available on 1510 AM in Rancho Cucamonga and 960 AM in High Desert as well as www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...
San Jose Giants v. Inland Empire 66ers 7:05 PM PT
Oliver Odle v. Bobby Blevins
Notes: Oliver Odle has allowed five or more earned runs in his last four starts... Odle's ERA has increased each month... Bobby Blevins was recently added to the roster, so I suspect that he'll be their starter... Blevins posted a 5.80 ERA in 14 appearances, including two starts, with Inland Empire earlier this year... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire as well as www.sjgiants.com, www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...
CAL North
Bakersfield 23-12 .657
Stockton 19-16 .543 4 GB
Modesto 16-19 .457 7 GB
Visalia 16-19 .457 7 GB
*San Jose 13-22 .371 10 GB
CAL South
High Desert 20-15 .571
Rancho Cucamonga 20-15 .571
*Lake Elsinore 18-17 .514 2 GB
Inland Empire 16-19 .457 4 GB
Lancaster 14-21 .400 6 GB
Transactions
BAK: Mark Hamburger assigned to AA Frisco
IE: Bobby Blevins assigned from AAA Albuquerque
LAN: Ebert Rosario assigned to R Astros (becoming a pitcher)
LE: Aaron Breit assigned to AA San Antonio
LAN: Barry Butera assigned to A Lexington
LE: Nick Schumaker assigned from A Fort Wayne
BAK: Justin Miller assigned
Bakersfield Blaze v. Lancaster JetHawks 7:00 PM PT
Carlos Pimentel v. Leandro Cespedes
Notes: Carlos Pimentel didn't allow any earned runs in five innings in his last start... Pimentel ahs walked four batters in three consecutive starts... Leandro Cespedes is coming off a spot start with AAA Round Rock when he allowed five runs in six innings... Cespedes has given up 10 home runs in 81.1 IP across both levels this year... Game will be available on 1380 AM in Lancaster as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...
Lake Elsiniore Storm v. Visalia Rawhide 7:00 PM PT
Juan Oramas v. Eric Smith
Notes: Juan Oramas has seven straight appearances that lasted 2.1 IP or fewer... Oramas has seven walks in 14.1 second half innings after walking just 11 in 46 first half innings... Eric Smith has allowed at least four runs and pitched five or fewer innings in all three Cal League starts this season... Smith has 11 walks and just nine strikeouts with Visalia so far... Game will be available on 92.9 FM on Lake Elsinore and 1270 AM in Visalia as well as www.milb.com...
Modesto Nuts v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Rob Scahill v. Justin Marks
Notes: Rob Scahill allowed two runs in seven innings in his last start... Scahill has allowed three or fewer earned runs in nine straight starts... Justin Marks will be making his Cal League debut... Marks had a 4.92 ERA in 109.2 IP with A Kane County but also struck out 119 batters... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto and 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes v. High Desert Mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Garrett Richards v. Kenn Kasparek
Notes: Garrett Richards will be making his Cal League debut... Richards had a 3.41 ERA in 108.1 IP with A Cedar Rapids and also struck out 108 batters... Kenn Kasparek only allowed four earned runs over his last two starts since coming off the DL which have lasted 13 innings... Kasparek's complete game shutout this season came against Rancho Cucamonga... Game will be available on 1510 AM in Rancho Cucamonga and 960 AM in High Desert as well as www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...
San Jose Giants v. Inland Empire 66ers 7:05 PM PT
Oliver Odle v. Bobby Blevins
Notes: Oliver Odle has allowed five or more earned runs in his last four starts... Odle's ERA has increased each month... Bobby Blevins was recently added to the roster, so I suspect that he'll be their starter... Blevins posted a 5.80 ERA in 14 appearances, including two starts, with Inland Empire earlier this year... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire as well as www.sjgiants.com, www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...
CAL North
Bakersfield 23-12 .657
Stockton 19-16 .543 4 GB
Modesto 16-19 .457 7 GB
Visalia 16-19 .457 7 GB
*San Jose 13-22 .371 10 GB
CAL South
High Desert 20-15 .571
Rancho Cucamonga 20-15 .571
*Lake Elsinore 18-17 .514 2 GB
Inland Empire 16-19 .457 4 GB
Lancaster 14-21 .400 6 GB
Transactions
BAK: Mark Hamburger assigned to AA Frisco
IE: Bobby Blevins assigned from AAA Albuquerque
LAN: Ebert Rosario assigned to R Astros (becoming a pitcher)
LE: Aaron Breit assigned to AA San Antonio
LAN: Barry Butera assigned to A Lexington
LE: Nick Schumaker assigned from A Fort Wayne
BAK: Justin Miller assigned
Friday, July 30, 2010
Cal League Condensed: 7/30 Review
Bakersfield 10, Lancaster 5
Recap | Box
W: Wilfredo Boscan (7-8)
L: Patrick Urckfitz (4-7)
HR: Jacob Kaase (4) Lee Cruz (10)
Notes: Bakersfield scored seven unanswered runs to erase a 5-3 deficit... Bakersfield scored in six different innings including a four run 6th... Mike Bianucci had three hits, including two doubles, and scored three times... Jacob Kaase had three RBI including a two run home run... Albert Cartwright had his third straight three hit game... Federico Hernandez also had three hits... Wilfredo Boscan allowed five runs in seven innings but also struck out eight... Patrick Urckfitz allowed six earned runs in five innings... Attendance was 2,282...
Lake Elsinore 3, Visalia 0 (10)
Recap | Box
W: Nick Schumaker (1-0)
L: Billy Spottiswood (5-5)
S: Brad Brach (34)
HR: Bo Davis (2)
Notes: Bo Davis hit a three run home run in the 10th inning... Six Lake Elsinore pitchers combined for the shutout, all of them pitching two or fewer innings... Pat Corbin struck out eight in five scoreless innings in his Visalia debut... Alfredo Marte had three of Visalia's six hits... Lake Elsinore only had four hits, all by different players... Visalia was 0 for 7 w/ RISP and left nine runners on base... Billy Spottiswood walked five in two innings of relief... Attendance was 1,037...
Stockton 16, Modesto 8
Recap | Box
W: Ben Hornbeck (4-3)
L: Josh Sullivan (0-2)
S: Justin Murray (1)
HR: Ryan Peisel (4) Mike Spina (20)
Notes: Stockton had five multi-run innings, including five in the 3rd and four in the 7th... Every Stockton player had at least one hit... Yusuf Carter had three hits, four runs and four RBI... Jeremy Barfield had three hits and three RBI... Grant Green and Mike Spina scored three times... Four Ports had two hits and three had two RBI... Four Nuts had two hit games... Ben Hornbeck got the win despite allowing five runs in 5.1 IP... Three Modesto pitchers gave up four or more runs each... Attendance was 2,706...
High Desert 11, Rancho Cucamonga 7
Recap | Box
W: Blake Nation (4-4)
L: Kyle Hurst (1-2)
HR: Angel Castillo (14) Luis Jimenez (7) Johermyn Chavez (26) Rich Poythress (22)
Notes: High Desert had a five run 7th inning to break a 6-6 tie... Johermyn Chavez homered in three of his last four games and had three RBI... Rich Poythress homered and played his second game at 3B... Poythress also scored four times and had three RBI... Five Mavericks had multi-hit games including Kyle Seager with three... Six Quakes had multi-hit games including Eric Oliver with three... Ryan Chaffee and Jonathan Hesketh each allowed six runs... Attendance was 2,250...
San Jose 6, Inland Empire 1
Recap | Box
W: Jorge Bucardo (1-0)
L: Josh Walter (1-6)
HR: Johnny Monell (14)
Notes: Jorge Bucardo struck out six in six one-run innings in his Cal League debut... Johnny Monell hit a three run home run... Four Giants had two hit games... Each San Jose run was scored by a different player... Andres Perez had three of Inland Empire's seven hits... Each bullpen pitched three scoreless innings... Josh Walter allowed five earned runs in six innings... Attendance was 3,716...
Recap | Box
W: Wilfredo Boscan (7-8)
L: Patrick Urckfitz (4-7)
HR: Jacob Kaase (4) Lee Cruz (10)
Notes: Bakersfield scored seven unanswered runs to erase a 5-3 deficit... Bakersfield scored in six different innings including a four run 6th... Mike Bianucci had three hits, including two doubles, and scored three times... Jacob Kaase had three RBI including a two run home run... Albert Cartwright had his third straight three hit game... Federico Hernandez also had three hits... Wilfredo Boscan allowed five runs in seven innings but also struck out eight... Patrick Urckfitz allowed six earned runs in five innings... Attendance was 2,282...
Lake Elsinore 3, Visalia 0 (10)
Recap | Box
W: Nick Schumaker (1-0)
L: Billy Spottiswood (5-5)
S: Brad Brach (34)
HR: Bo Davis (2)
Notes: Bo Davis hit a three run home run in the 10th inning... Six Lake Elsinore pitchers combined for the shutout, all of them pitching two or fewer innings... Pat Corbin struck out eight in five scoreless innings in his Visalia debut... Alfredo Marte had three of Visalia's six hits... Lake Elsinore only had four hits, all by different players... Visalia was 0 for 7 w/ RISP and left nine runners on base... Billy Spottiswood walked five in two innings of relief... Attendance was 1,037...
Stockton 16, Modesto 8
Recap | Box
W: Ben Hornbeck (4-3)
L: Josh Sullivan (0-2)
S: Justin Murray (1)
HR: Ryan Peisel (4) Mike Spina (20)
Notes: Stockton had five multi-run innings, including five in the 3rd and four in the 7th... Every Stockton player had at least one hit... Yusuf Carter had three hits, four runs and four RBI... Jeremy Barfield had three hits and three RBI... Grant Green and Mike Spina scored three times... Four Ports had two hits and three had two RBI... Four Nuts had two hit games... Ben Hornbeck got the win despite allowing five runs in 5.1 IP... Three Modesto pitchers gave up four or more runs each... Attendance was 2,706...
High Desert 11, Rancho Cucamonga 7
Recap | Box
W: Blake Nation (4-4)
L: Kyle Hurst (1-2)
HR: Angel Castillo (14) Luis Jimenez (7) Johermyn Chavez (26) Rich Poythress (22)
Notes: High Desert had a five run 7th inning to break a 6-6 tie... Johermyn Chavez homered in three of his last four games and had three RBI... Rich Poythress homered and played his second game at 3B... Poythress also scored four times and had three RBI... Five Mavericks had multi-hit games including Kyle Seager with three... Six Quakes had multi-hit games including Eric Oliver with three... Ryan Chaffee and Jonathan Hesketh each allowed six runs... Attendance was 2,250...
San Jose 6, Inland Empire 1
Recap | Box
W: Jorge Bucardo (1-0)
L: Josh Walter (1-6)
HR: Johnny Monell (14)
Notes: Jorge Bucardo struck out six in six one-run innings in his Cal League debut... Johnny Monell hit a three run home run... Four Giants had two hit games... Each San Jose run was scored by a different player... Andres Perez had three of Inland Empire's seven hits... Each bullpen pitched three scoreless innings... Josh Walter allowed five earned runs in six innings... Attendance was 3,716...
Prospect Tracker 7/30 Edition: Hitters
Finally back to posting one of these.
Hot
Johermyn Chavez, HD: It's very likely that he's had success due to his home park, but Chavez is still hitting very well. Chavez hit 12 home runs in the first half, and he certainly showed his power. However, in the second half, Chavez has broken out and already has 13 home runs. That includes a stretch of four games in a row with a home run, and he has four in his last 10 games. In those last 10 games, Chavez is hitting .425 and getting on base at a .500+ clip. His plate approach has also shown improvement in the second half.
Kyle Seager, HD: Seager wasn't the most heralded player Seattle drafted from North Carolina in 2009, but he has certainly held his own in his first full year of pro ball. Seager recently completed a 32 game hitting streak, the longest in the Cal League this year. He's hitting for more power in the second half, and his batting average is even over .400. Seager is also hitting just as well, if not better, on the road this season, so it would be difficult to say he's just a product of High Desert.
Francisco Peguero, SJ: Peguero was one of the Cal League's participants in the Futures Game despite having a pretty average first half of the season. He was stealing a lot of bases, but he wasn't taking walks or hitting very well. He's still not taking walks, and even though his base running hasn't been very sharp, he's hitting much better. He's hitting .382 in the second half and .432 in his last 10 games. If he doesn't start walking more, he may never be a standout regular, but his speed and defense can certainly help him reach the majors.
Rossmel Perez, VIS: Perez doesn't have very good second half numbers overall, but his last 10 games have been very good. He walks a decent amount and doesn't really strike out much, but he hasn't had much success at the plate this season. Two of his four home runs this season have come in his last 10 games, and he has the same amount of walks as strikeouts. A number of Visalia players are stepping up in the second half as they try to make a playoff push, and Perez could give their lineup a lot of depth.
Tommy Mendonca, BAK: The extremely popular Mendonca has struggled for much of the season, but maybe he has turned the corner in the second half. He's hitting .300 since the All Star break, and his OPS is 244 points better. Five of his 10 hits in the last 10 games have gone for extra bases, and he's showing a little patience at the plate. The overall season numbers still aren't very good, but that could change by the end of the year. He will still need to improve against lefty pitchers though, since he's batting just .227 against them with a .584 OPS.
Not hot
Jeremy Barfield, STO: Barfield has been streaky all season, and he's currently in a bad slump. His arm is still fine as he continues to throw out runner after runner from the outfield, but he only has four hits in his last 10 games. His OPS in July is just .417 which is nearly 300 points worse than his next worst month. He's walking less and striking out more which is obviously a bad combination, and he only has two extra base hits in the month too.
Tim Wheeler, MOD: Wheeler was one of two 2009 first round picks to start the season with the Nuts, the other being Rex Brothers. While Brothers improved after an average start and earned a promotion to AA, Wheeler has gotten worse every month. His OPS has dropped about 40 points each month, and he's not showing any signs of improving. Wheeler struggles a lot against lefties, batting just .184 against them. He'll also need to hit for more power.
Tyler Ladendorf, STO: Ladendorf has been wildly inconsistent this season, performing well in one month and poorly the next. Unfortunately for him, July has been one of the bad months. He does have 10 doubles, but he's hitting just .240. His second half OPS is actually better than his first half OPS, but he's been in a slump over his last 10 games, batting just .216. He continues to be very good on the bases, but when a player walks as little as Ladendorf does, it can be hard to work out of slumps.
Mike Bianucci, BAK: It's not the first time Bianucci has been on this list, and his 2010 struggles continue. If he doesn't improve over the last month, this will be the second year he's posted a sub-.300 OBP in Bakersfield, and even his power can't overcome that. After hitting 15 home runs in just 50 games with the Blaze last year, Bianucci only has 11 this entire season. Like Ladendorf, he seems to be good one month and then do poorly the next, but his valleys may be a little worse.
Ehire Adrianza, SJ: Adrianza has struggled at the plate for most of the season and is more known for his defense, but his struggles have been a little worse lately. His July OPS is just .509, and he continues to hit for no power and make poor contact. He only has singles in his last 10 games, and although he's walking a bit, he's not getting any hits. It looked like he was showing progress in May and June, but toolsy players like Adrianza often times don't perform consistently.
Injured
Tony Delmonico, IE: Delmonico is currently on a rehab assignment in the Arizona League...
On the radar
Jake Shaffer, HD
Albert Cartwright, LAN
Thomas Field, MOD
Jimmy Cesario, MOD
Clay Fuller, RC
Gabe Jacobo, RC
Charlie Culberson, SJ
Stephen Parker, STO
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Hot
Johermyn Chavez, HD: It's very likely that he's had success due to his home park, but Chavez is still hitting very well. Chavez hit 12 home runs in the first half, and he certainly showed his power. However, in the second half, Chavez has broken out and already has 13 home runs. That includes a stretch of four games in a row with a home run, and he has four in his last 10 games. In those last 10 games, Chavez is hitting .425 and getting on base at a .500+ clip. His plate approach has also shown improvement in the second half.
Kyle Seager, HD: Seager wasn't the most heralded player Seattle drafted from North Carolina in 2009, but he has certainly held his own in his first full year of pro ball. Seager recently completed a 32 game hitting streak, the longest in the Cal League this year. He's hitting for more power in the second half, and his batting average is even over .400. Seager is also hitting just as well, if not better, on the road this season, so it would be difficult to say he's just a product of High Desert.
Francisco Peguero, SJ: Peguero was one of the Cal League's participants in the Futures Game despite having a pretty average first half of the season. He was stealing a lot of bases, but he wasn't taking walks or hitting very well. He's still not taking walks, and even though his base running hasn't been very sharp, he's hitting much better. He's hitting .382 in the second half and .432 in his last 10 games. If he doesn't start walking more, he may never be a standout regular, but his speed and defense can certainly help him reach the majors.
Rossmel Perez, VIS: Perez doesn't have very good second half numbers overall, but his last 10 games have been very good. He walks a decent amount and doesn't really strike out much, but he hasn't had much success at the plate this season. Two of his four home runs this season have come in his last 10 games, and he has the same amount of walks as strikeouts. A number of Visalia players are stepping up in the second half as they try to make a playoff push, and Perez could give their lineup a lot of depth.
Tommy Mendonca, BAK: The extremely popular Mendonca has struggled for much of the season, but maybe he has turned the corner in the second half. He's hitting .300 since the All Star break, and his OPS is 244 points better. Five of his 10 hits in the last 10 games have gone for extra bases, and he's showing a little patience at the plate. The overall season numbers still aren't very good, but that could change by the end of the year. He will still need to improve against lefty pitchers though, since he's batting just .227 against them with a .584 OPS.
Not hot
Jeremy Barfield, STO: Barfield has been streaky all season, and he's currently in a bad slump. His arm is still fine as he continues to throw out runner after runner from the outfield, but he only has four hits in his last 10 games. His OPS in July is just .417 which is nearly 300 points worse than his next worst month. He's walking less and striking out more which is obviously a bad combination, and he only has two extra base hits in the month too.
Tim Wheeler, MOD: Wheeler was one of two 2009 first round picks to start the season with the Nuts, the other being Rex Brothers. While Brothers improved after an average start and earned a promotion to AA, Wheeler has gotten worse every month. His OPS has dropped about 40 points each month, and he's not showing any signs of improving. Wheeler struggles a lot against lefties, batting just .184 against them. He'll also need to hit for more power.
Tyler Ladendorf, STO: Ladendorf has been wildly inconsistent this season, performing well in one month and poorly the next. Unfortunately for him, July has been one of the bad months. He does have 10 doubles, but he's hitting just .240. His second half OPS is actually better than his first half OPS, but he's been in a slump over his last 10 games, batting just .216. He continues to be very good on the bases, but when a player walks as little as Ladendorf does, it can be hard to work out of slumps.
Mike Bianucci, BAK: It's not the first time Bianucci has been on this list, and his 2010 struggles continue. If he doesn't improve over the last month, this will be the second year he's posted a sub-.300 OBP in Bakersfield, and even his power can't overcome that. After hitting 15 home runs in just 50 games with the Blaze last year, Bianucci only has 11 this entire season. Like Ladendorf, he seems to be good one month and then do poorly the next, but his valleys may be a little worse.
Ehire Adrianza, SJ: Adrianza has struggled at the plate for most of the season and is more known for his defense, but his struggles have been a little worse lately. His July OPS is just .509, and he continues to hit for no power and make poor contact. He only has singles in his last 10 games, and although he's walking a bit, he's not getting any hits. It looked like he was showing progress in May and June, but toolsy players like Adrianza often times don't perform consistently.
Injured
Tony Delmonico, IE: Delmonico is currently on a rehab assignment in the Arizona League...
On the radar
Jake Shaffer, HD
Albert Cartwright, LAN
Thomas Field, MOD
Jimmy Cesario, MOD
Clay Fuller, RC
Gabe Jacobo, RC
Charlie Culberson, SJ
Stephen Parker, STO
Cal League Condensed: 7/30 Preview
Bakersfield Blaze v. Lancaster JetHawks 7:00 PM PT
Wilfredo Boscan v. Patrick Urckfitz
Notes: Wilfredo Boscan pitched seven shutout innings in his last start... Boscan has allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of his last eight starts... Patrick Urckfitz has lost four straight starts... Urckfitz has only pitched three innings in his last two starts... Game will be available on 1380 AM in Lancaster as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...
Lake Elsinore Storm v. Visalia Rawhide 7:00 PM PT
Anthony Bass v. Eric Smith
Notes: Anthony Bass has only lasted a combined five innings over his last two starts... Bass hasn't won a game in the second half since his first start... Eric Smith has allowed at least four runs and pitched five or fewer innings in all three Cal League starts this season... Pat Corbin could also make his Visalia debut... Game will be available on 92.9 FM on Lake Elsinore and 1270 AM in Visalia as well as www.milb.com...
Modesto Nuts v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Josh Sullivan v. Ben Hornbeck
Notes: Josh Sullivan pitched a scoreless inning in his first Cal League appearance... Sullivan has pitched for Tri-City in four of his five professional seasons... Ben Hornbeck has a .313 BAA with Stockton this year after only allowing hitters to bat .225 against him last year... Hornbeck allowed 11 runs, five earned, in three innings in his last start... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto and 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes v. High Desert Mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Ryan Chaffee v. Jonathan Hesketh
Notes: Ryan Chaffee allowed six runs in 3.1 IP in his last start... Chaffee has a 7.39 ERA in the second half after posting a 7.58 ERA in the first half... Jonathan Hesketh has a 2.91 ERA through four Cal League starts but doesn't have a win yet... Hesketh has given up four home runs in 21.2 IP... Game will be available on 1510 AM in Rancho Cucamonga and 960 AM in High Desert as well as www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...
San Jose Giants v. Inland Empire 66ers 7:05 PM PT
Jorge Bucardo v. Josh Walter
Notes: Jorge Bucardo will be making his Cal League debut... Bucardo had a 2.21 ERA in 114 innings with A Augusta... Josh Walter finally won his first game of the season in his last start... Walter struck out a season high seven batters... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire as well as www.sjgiants.com, www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...
CAL North
Bakersfield 22-12 .647
Stockton 18-16 .529 4 GB
Modesto 16-18 .471 6 GB
Visalia 16-18 .471 6 GB
*San Jose 12-22 .353 10 GB
CAL South
Rancho Cucamonga 20-14 .588
High Desert 19-15 .559 1 GB
*Lake Elsinore 17-17 .500 3 GB
Inland Empire 16-18 .471 4 GB
Lancaster 14-20 .412 6 GB
Transactions
LAN: Jose Trinidad assigned from A Lexington
MOD: Ethan Hollingsworth assigned from AA Tulsa
BAK: Danny Gutierrez assigned from A Hickory
LAN: Jhon Florentino assigned to AA Corpus Christi
STO: Mike Hart assigned from A- Vancouver
STO: Justin Marks assigned from A Kane County
STO: Lance Sewell assigned to AA Midland
LAN: David Flores activated from DL
Wilfredo Boscan v. Patrick Urckfitz
Notes: Wilfredo Boscan pitched seven shutout innings in his last start... Boscan has allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of his last eight starts... Patrick Urckfitz has lost four straight starts... Urckfitz has only pitched three innings in his last two starts... Game will be available on 1380 AM in Lancaster as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...
Lake Elsinore Storm v. Visalia Rawhide 7:00 PM PT
Anthony Bass v. Eric Smith
Notes: Anthony Bass has only lasted a combined five innings over his last two starts... Bass hasn't won a game in the second half since his first start... Eric Smith has allowed at least four runs and pitched five or fewer innings in all three Cal League starts this season... Pat Corbin could also make his Visalia debut... Game will be available on 92.9 FM on Lake Elsinore and 1270 AM in Visalia as well as www.milb.com...
Modesto Nuts v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Josh Sullivan v. Ben Hornbeck
Notes: Josh Sullivan pitched a scoreless inning in his first Cal League appearance... Sullivan has pitched for Tri-City in four of his five professional seasons... Ben Hornbeck has a .313 BAA with Stockton this year after only allowing hitters to bat .225 against him last year... Hornbeck allowed 11 runs, five earned, in three innings in his last start... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto and 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes v. High Desert Mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Ryan Chaffee v. Jonathan Hesketh
Notes: Ryan Chaffee allowed six runs in 3.1 IP in his last start... Chaffee has a 7.39 ERA in the second half after posting a 7.58 ERA in the first half... Jonathan Hesketh has a 2.91 ERA through four Cal League starts but doesn't have a win yet... Hesketh has given up four home runs in 21.2 IP... Game will be available on 1510 AM in Rancho Cucamonga and 960 AM in High Desert as well as www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...
San Jose Giants v. Inland Empire 66ers 7:05 PM PT
Jorge Bucardo v. Josh Walter
Notes: Jorge Bucardo will be making his Cal League debut... Bucardo had a 2.21 ERA in 114 innings with A Augusta... Josh Walter finally won his first game of the season in his last start... Walter struck out a season high seven batters... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire as well as www.sjgiants.com, www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...
CAL North
Bakersfield 22-12 .647
Stockton 18-16 .529 4 GB
Modesto 16-18 .471 6 GB
Visalia 16-18 .471 6 GB
*San Jose 12-22 .353 10 GB
CAL South
Rancho Cucamonga 20-14 .588
High Desert 19-15 .559 1 GB
*Lake Elsinore 17-17 .500 3 GB
Inland Empire 16-18 .471 4 GB
Lancaster 14-20 .412 6 GB
Transactions
LAN: Jose Trinidad assigned from A Lexington
MOD: Ethan Hollingsworth assigned from AA Tulsa
BAK: Danny Gutierrez assigned from A Hickory
LAN: Jhon Florentino assigned to AA Corpus Christi
STO: Mike Hart assigned from A- Vancouver
STO: Justin Marks assigned from A Kane County
STO: Lance Sewell assigned to AA Midland
LAN: David Flores activated from DL
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Cal League Condensed: 7/29 Review
Lancaster 5, Visalia 4
Recap | Box
W: David Berner (3-5)
L: Victor Capellan (2-3)
BS: David Berner (3)
HR: John Curtis (1)
Notes: Lancaster wins the series... Albert Cartwright hit a walkoff single in the 9th to score Andy Simunic... Visalia had previously tied the game in the top of the 9th... Cartwright and Jay Austin each stole two bases... Cartwright had a three hit game... Charles Brewer made two errors... Brewer didn't strike out any batters in six innings... Teams combined for only seven strikeouts... Attendance was 1,784... Visalia heads home to face Lake Elsinore while Lancaster stays home against Bakersfield...
High Desert 12, Inland Empire 6
Recap | Box
W: Cheyne Hann (2-5)
L: Ethan Martin (9-7)
HR: Alfredo Silverio (7) Travis Denker (7) Dennis Raben (12) Kyle Seager (9)
Notes: High Desert wins the series... High Desert had back to back five run innings in the 5th and 6th... Dennis Raben had four hits, three runs and four RBI and was just a triple shy of the cycle... Jake Shaffer also had four RBI and added three hits... Maximo Mendez scored three times... Eddy Martinez-Esteve walked three times... Five 66ers had two hit games... Inland Empire turned four double plays... Brandon Mann allowed five runs in one inning of relief... Attendance was 1,160... Inland Empire travels north to play San Jose while High Desert hosts Rancho Cucamonga...
Stockton 2, Lake Elsinore 1
Recap | Box
W: Shawn Haviland (7-6)
L: Jeremy McBryde (1-3)
S: Paul Smyth (17)
HR: Cody Decker (21)
Notes: Stockton avoids a series sweep... Cody Decker's home run was Lake Elsinore's only hit... Shawn Haviland struck out eight in seven one-hit innings... Paul Smyth struck out four in two innings to earn the save... Grant Green and Mike Spina each drove in a Stockton run... Jeremy McBryde allowed two runs in 5.1 IP... Attendance was 3,411... Lake Elsinore finishes the road trip in Visalia while Stockton plays a home series against Modesto...
Rancho Cucamonga 5, San Jose 3
Recap | Box
W: Orangel Arenas (5-1)
L: Justin Fitzgerald (8-3)
S: Nick Pugliese (1)
HR: Drew Biery (13)
Notes: Rancho Cucamonga sweeps the series... Rancho Cucamonga scored three runs in the 6th inning to take a 5-3 lead... Orangel Arenas has two quality starts out of his last three... Nick Pugliese pitched three innings of relief to earn a save... Kevin Ramos had two hits and drove in two runs... Angel Castillo scored twice... Justin Fitzgerald allowed four runs in five innings... Attendance was 1,856... San Jose finishes the road trip in Inland Empire while Rancho Cucamonga heads to High Desert...
Bakersfield 5, Modesto 2
Recap | Box
W: Robbie Ross (3-1)
L: Casey Weathers (0-1)
S: Mark Hamburger (18)
BS: Casey Weathers (1)
Notes: Bakersfield sweeps the series... Bakersfield scored three in the 6th to take a 4-2 lead... Modesto was held to five hits, all by different players... Robbie Ross only allowed one earned run in seven innings... Cody Podroza hit two doubles and is hitting .714 since his promotion from A Hickory... Miguel Velazquez had two RBI... Parker Frazier only allowed one run in six innings... Casey Weathers allowed three runs in one inning of relief... Attendance was 1,012... Modesto finishes the road trip in Stockton while Bakersfield heads south to Lancaster...
Recap | Box
W: David Berner (3-5)
L: Victor Capellan (2-3)
BS: David Berner (3)
HR: John Curtis (1)
Notes: Lancaster wins the series... Albert Cartwright hit a walkoff single in the 9th to score Andy Simunic... Visalia had previously tied the game in the top of the 9th... Cartwright and Jay Austin each stole two bases... Cartwright had a three hit game... Charles Brewer made two errors... Brewer didn't strike out any batters in six innings... Teams combined for only seven strikeouts... Attendance was 1,784... Visalia heads home to face Lake Elsinore while Lancaster stays home against Bakersfield...
High Desert 12, Inland Empire 6
Recap | Box
W: Cheyne Hann (2-5)
L: Ethan Martin (9-7)
HR: Alfredo Silverio (7) Travis Denker (7) Dennis Raben (12) Kyle Seager (9)
Notes: High Desert wins the series... High Desert had back to back five run innings in the 5th and 6th... Dennis Raben had four hits, three runs and four RBI and was just a triple shy of the cycle... Jake Shaffer also had four RBI and added three hits... Maximo Mendez scored three times... Eddy Martinez-Esteve walked three times... Five 66ers had two hit games... Inland Empire turned four double plays... Brandon Mann allowed five runs in one inning of relief... Attendance was 1,160... Inland Empire travels north to play San Jose while High Desert hosts Rancho Cucamonga...
Stockton 2, Lake Elsinore 1
Recap | Box
W: Shawn Haviland (7-6)
L: Jeremy McBryde (1-3)
S: Paul Smyth (17)
HR: Cody Decker (21)
Notes: Stockton avoids a series sweep... Cody Decker's home run was Lake Elsinore's only hit... Shawn Haviland struck out eight in seven one-hit innings... Paul Smyth struck out four in two innings to earn the save... Grant Green and Mike Spina each drove in a Stockton run... Jeremy McBryde allowed two runs in 5.1 IP... Attendance was 3,411... Lake Elsinore finishes the road trip in Visalia while Stockton plays a home series against Modesto...
Rancho Cucamonga 5, San Jose 3
Recap | Box
W: Orangel Arenas (5-1)
L: Justin Fitzgerald (8-3)
S: Nick Pugliese (1)
HR: Drew Biery (13)
Notes: Rancho Cucamonga sweeps the series... Rancho Cucamonga scored three runs in the 6th inning to take a 5-3 lead... Orangel Arenas has two quality starts out of his last three... Nick Pugliese pitched three innings of relief to earn a save... Kevin Ramos had two hits and drove in two runs... Angel Castillo scored twice... Justin Fitzgerald allowed four runs in five innings... Attendance was 1,856... San Jose finishes the road trip in Inland Empire while Rancho Cucamonga heads to High Desert...
Bakersfield 5, Modesto 2
Recap | Box
W: Robbie Ross (3-1)
L: Casey Weathers (0-1)
S: Mark Hamburger (18)
BS: Casey Weathers (1)
Notes: Bakersfield sweeps the series... Bakersfield scored three in the 6th to take a 4-2 lead... Modesto was held to five hits, all by different players... Robbie Ross only allowed one earned run in seven innings... Cody Podroza hit two doubles and is hitting .714 since his promotion from A Hickory... Miguel Velazquez had two RBI... Parker Frazier only allowed one run in six innings... Casey Weathers allowed three runs in one inning of relief... Attendance was 1,012... Modesto finishes the road trip in Stockton while Bakersfield heads south to Lancaster...
Cal League Condensed: 7/29 Preview
Visalia Rawhide v. Lancaster JetHawks 7:00 PM PT
Charles Brewer v. Kyle Greenwalt
Notes: Charles Brewer pitched five scoreless innings in his last start... Brewer has only given up seven earned runs over his last five starts after allowing six in his first... Kyle Greenwalt is on a two decision win streak... Greenwalt has seven walks to just two strikeouts over his last two starts... Game will be available on 1270 AM in Visalia and 1380 AM in Lancaster as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...
Inland Empire 66ers v. High Desert mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Ethan Martin v. Maikel Cleto
Notes: Ethan Martin allowed 13 earned runs over his last three starts, which have lasted just a combined 12 innings... Martin gave up four home runs in his last two starts after only giving up one in 17 previous appearances... Maikel Cleto allowed three runs in eight innings in his last start... Cleto has given up a home run in consecutive starts... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire and 960 AM in High Desert as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...
Lake Elsinore Storm v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Jeremy McBryde v. Shawn Haviland
Notes: Only one of Jeremy McBryde's five 2010 starts has lasted five innings... McBryde has two walks in consecutive starts... Shawn Haviland hasn't gotten credit for a win since 6/16 and has a three start no decision streak... Haviland has 32 strikeouts in his last four starts... Game will be available on 92.9 FM in Lake Elsinore and 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...
San Jose Giants v. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7:05 PM PT
Justin Fitzgerald v. Orangel Arenas
Notes: Justin Fitzgerald is on a three decision win streak... Fitzgerald allowed just one run in eight innings in his last start... Orangel Arenas allowed three runs over his last two starts which totaled 11 innings... Arenas is also on a three decision winning streak... Game will be available on 1510 AM in Rancho Cucamonga as well as www.sjgiants.com, www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...
Modesto Nuts v. Bakersfield Blaze 7:30 PM PT
Parker Frazier v. Robbie Ross
Notes: Parker Frazier allowed four runs in 4.2 IP in his Cal League debut... Frazier had a 7.52 ERA in 20.1 Northwest League innings... Robbie Ross has a 3.31 ERA through three Cal League starts despite not making one quality start... Ross struck out three and walked three in his last start... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto as well as www.milb.com...
CAL North
Bakersfield 21-12 .636
Stockton 17-16 .515 4 GB
Modesto 16-17 .485 5 GB
Visalia 16-17 .485 5 GB
*San Jose 12-21 .364 9 GB
CAL South
Rancho Cucamonga 19-14 .576
High Desert 18-15 .545 1 GB
*Lake Elsinore 17-16 .515 2 GB
Inland Empire 16-17 .485 3 GB
Lancaster 13-20 .394 6 GB
Transactions
STO: Andrew Carignan placed on DL
RC: Garrett Richards assigned from A Cedar Rapids
MOD: Joseph Scott assigned to AAA Colorado Springs
Charles Brewer v. Kyle Greenwalt
Notes: Charles Brewer pitched five scoreless innings in his last start... Brewer has only given up seven earned runs over his last five starts after allowing six in his first... Kyle Greenwalt is on a two decision win streak... Greenwalt has seven walks to just two strikeouts over his last two starts... Game will be available on 1270 AM in Visalia and 1380 AM in Lancaster as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...
Inland Empire 66ers v. High Desert mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Ethan Martin v. Maikel Cleto
Notes: Ethan Martin allowed 13 earned runs over his last three starts, which have lasted just a combined 12 innings... Martin gave up four home runs in his last two starts after only giving up one in 17 previous appearances... Maikel Cleto allowed three runs in eight innings in his last start... Cleto has given up a home run in consecutive starts... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire and 960 AM in High Desert as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...
Lake Elsinore Storm v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Jeremy McBryde v. Shawn Haviland
Notes: Only one of Jeremy McBryde's five 2010 starts has lasted five innings... McBryde has two walks in consecutive starts... Shawn Haviland hasn't gotten credit for a win since 6/16 and has a three start no decision streak... Haviland has 32 strikeouts in his last four starts... Game will be available on 92.9 FM in Lake Elsinore and 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...
San Jose Giants v. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7:05 PM PT
Justin Fitzgerald v. Orangel Arenas
Notes: Justin Fitzgerald is on a three decision win streak... Fitzgerald allowed just one run in eight innings in his last start... Orangel Arenas allowed three runs over his last two starts which totaled 11 innings... Arenas is also on a three decision winning streak... Game will be available on 1510 AM in Rancho Cucamonga as well as www.sjgiants.com, www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...
Modesto Nuts v. Bakersfield Blaze 7:30 PM PT
Parker Frazier v. Robbie Ross
Notes: Parker Frazier allowed four runs in 4.2 IP in his Cal League debut... Frazier had a 7.52 ERA in 20.1 Northwest League innings... Robbie Ross has a 3.31 ERA through three Cal League starts despite not making one quality start... Ross struck out three and walked three in his last start... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto as well as www.milb.com...
CAL North
Bakersfield 21-12 .636
Stockton 17-16 .515 4 GB
Modesto 16-17 .485 5 GB
Visalia 16-17 .485 5 GB
*San Jose 12-21 .364 9 GB
CAL South
Rancho Cucamonga 19-14 .576
High Desert 18-15 .545 1 GB
*Lake Elsinore 17-16 .515 2 GB
Inland Empire 16-17 .485 3 GB
Lancaster 13-20 .394 6 GB
Transactions
STO: Andrew Carignan placed on DL
RC: Garrett Richards assigned from A Cedar Rapids
MOD: Joseph Scott assigned to AAA Colorado Springs
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Cal League Condensed: 7/28 Review
Visalia 14, Lancaster 10
Recap | Box
W: Taylor Sinclair (7-4)
L: Robert Donovan (0-2)
HR: Paul Goldschmidt (29) Federico Hernandez (7)
Notes: Visalia had two innings with five or more runs... Lancaster scored in each of the last five innings, including a five run 6th... Albert Cartwright hit three triples and scored three times... Paul Goldschmidt had four hits and four RBI, including his professional lead-tying 29th home run... Alfredo Marte and Rossmel Perez had three hit games... Marte and Marc Krauss scored three times... Robert Donovan allowed seven runs in 3.1 IP... Jay Austin and Brandon Wikoff also had three hit games... Attendance was 1,612...
Inland Empire 7, High Desert 5
Recap | Box
W: Geison Aguasviva (3-4)
L: Stephen Penney (4-3)
BS: Stephen Penney (6)
HR: Andy Van Slyke (5) Denny Almonte (18) Shaver Hansen (3)
Notes: Kyle Seager's hit streak ended at 32 games... Andy Van Slyke's third hit of the game was a 9th inning three run home run to erase a 5-4 deficit... High Desert scored all five of their runs in the first three innings... Travis Denker scored three runs... Geison Aguasviva walked one in three scoreless innings to get the win... Only eight batters struck out between the two teams... Attendance was 826...
Lake Elsinore 3, Stockton 2
Recap | Box
W: Aaron Breit (4-5)
L: Brett Hunter (2-1)
S: Brad Brach (33)
BS: Rob Musgrave (1)
HR: Jaff Decker (9)
Notes: Lake Elsinore scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 9th on a Bo Davis double... Davis had three hits and reached base five times with two walks... Stockton was 1 for 8 w/ RISP and left nine runners on base... Erik Davis struck out six in five scoreless innings... Teams combined to strike out 25 times... Seven players struck out multiple times, including four that struck out three times... Attendance was 2,370...
Rancho Cucamonga 6, San Jose 5
Recap | Box
W: Mike Piazza (1-0)
L: Brian Anderson (2-1)
S: Eddie McKiernan (21)
HR: Gabe Jacobo (17)
Notes: Rancho Cucamonga scored the eventual winning run in the 7th on an error by Giants' shortstop Ehire Adrianza... Rancho Cucamonga had a four run 4th inning... Alberto Rosario had three hits and scored twice... Francisco Peguero and Michael Sandoval had three hit games... Peguero is hitting .348 in his last 10 games, all of which are 3+ hits or zero hits... Mike Piazza struck out four in two scoreless innings of relief... Attendance was 1,631...
Bakersfield 4, Modesto 3
Recap | Box
W: Joe Wieland (2-2)
L: Kurt Yacko (6-3)
S: Mark Hamburger (17)
BS: Kurt Yacko (4)
HR: Tommy Mendonca (5)
Notes: Bakersfield scored the tying and winning runs on a wild pitch and groundout in a three run 7th inning... Modesto scored all three runs in the first three innings... Modesto was limited to four hits, two by Ben Paulsen... Paulsen had two RBI... Every player in the Bakersfield lineup struck out... Dan Houston allowed three runs and struck out eight in six innings... Joe Wieland allowed two earned runs in seven innings... Attendance was 374...
Recap | Box
W: Taylor Sinclair (7-4)
L: Robert Donovan (0-2)
HR: Paul Goldschmidt (29) Federico Hernandez (7)
Notes: Visalia had two innings with five or more runs... Lancaster scored in each of the last five innings, including a five run 6th... Albert Cartwright hit three triples and scored three times... Paul Goldschmidt had four hits and four RBI, including his professional lead-tying 29th home run... Alfredo Marte and Rossmel Perez had three hit games... Marte and Marc Krauss scored three times... Robert Donovan allowed seven runs in 3.1 IP... Jay Austin and Brandon Wikoff also had three hit games... Attendance was 1,612...
Inland Empire 7, High Desert 5
Recap | Box
W: Geison Aguasviva (3-4)
L: Stephen Penney (4-3)
BS: Stephen Penney (6)
HR: Andy Van Slyke (5) Denny Almonte (18) Shaver Hansen (3)
Notes: Kyle Seager's hit streak ended at 32 games... Andy Van Slyke's third hit of the game was a 9th inning three run home run to erase a 5-4 deficit... High Desert scored all five of their runs in the first three innings... Travis Denker scored three runs... Geison Aguasviva walked one in three scoreless innings to get the win... Only eight batters struck out between the two teams... Attendance was 826...
Lake Elsinore 3, Stockton 2
Recap | Box
W: Aaron Breit (4-5)
L: Brett Hunter (2-1)
S: Brad Brach (33)
BS: Rob Musgrave (1)
HR: Jaff Decker (9)
Notes: Lake Elsinore scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 9th on a Bo Davis double... Davis had three hits and reached base five times with two walks... Stockton was 1 for 8 w/ RISP and left nine runners on base... Erik Davis struck out six in five scoreless innings... Teams combined to strike out 25 times... Seven players struck out multiple times, including four that struck out three times... Attendance was 2,370...
Rancho Cucamonga 6, San Jose 5
Recap | Box
W: Mike Piazza (1-0)
L: Brian Anderson (2-1)
S: Eddie McKiernan (21)
HR: Gabe Jacobo (17)
Notes: Rancho Cucamonga scored the eventual winning run in the 7th on an error by Giants' shortstop Ehire Adrianza... Rancho Cucamonga had a four run 4th inning... Alberto Rosario had three hits and scored twice... Francisco Peguero and Michael Sandoval had three hit games... Peguero is hitting .348 in his last 10 games, all of which are 3+ hits or zero hits... Mike Piazza struck out four in two scoreless innings of relief... Attendance was 1,631...
Bakersfield 4, Modesto 3
Recap | Box
W: Joe Wieland (2-2)
L: Kurt Yacko (6-3)
S: Mark Hamburger (17)
BS: Kurt Yacko (4)
HR: Tommy Mendonca (5)
Notes: Bakersfield scored the tying and winning runs on a wild pitch and groundout in a three run 7th inning... Modesto scored all three runs in the first three innings... Modesto was limited to four hits, two by Ben Paulsen... Paulsen had two RBI... Every player in the Bakersfield lineup struck out... Dan Houston allowed three runs and struck out eight in six innings... Joe Wieland allowed two earned runs in seven innings... Attendance was 374...
Cal League Condensed: 7/28 Preview
Visalia Rawhide v. Lancaster JetHawks 7:00 PM PT
Taylor Sinclair v. Robert Donovan
Notes: Taylor Sinclair only gave up three earned runs over his last three starts... Sinclair only has one win in that span... Robert Donovan allowed five runs in three innings in his first start with Lancaster... Donovan had a 3.61 ERA in 18 starts and 92.1 IP with A Lexington this season... Game will be available on 1270 AM in Visalia and 1380 AM in Lancaster as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...
Inland Empire 66ers v. High Desert Mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Will Savage v. Anthony Vasquez
Notes: Four of Will Savage's six starts with Inland Empire have lasted seven or more innings... Savage won those four starts and lost the other two... Anthony Vasquez has a 5.25 July ERA, over a full run higher than his next highest month... Vasquez allowed seven earned runs in 4.2 IP two starts ago against Inland Empire, his worst start of the season... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire and 960 AM in High Desert as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...
Lake Elsinore Storm v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Erik Davis v. Fabian Williamson
Notes: Erik Davis is returning from a spot start with AAA Portland, a five inning, two run effort... Davis has four consecutive starts that have lasted exactly five innings... Fabian Williamson is on a two start sinning streak, only allowing one earned run in each start... Williamson has a 9:3 K:BB ratio in those two starts... Game will be available on 92.9 FM in Lake Elsinore and 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...
San Jose Giants v. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7:05 PM PT
Kyle Nicholson v. Manny Flores
Notes: Kyle Nicholson has allowed at least four earned runs in four straight starts... Nicholson gave up seven home runs in those four starts... Manny Flores' K/9 with Rancho Cucamonga is just 3.31... Flores has allowed a home run in three straight starts... Game will be available on 1510 AM in Rancho Cucamonga as well as www.sjgiants.com, www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...
Modesto Nuts v. Bakersfield Blaze 7:30 PM PT
Dan Houston v. Joe Wieland
Notes: Dan Houston has one quality start out of six since the All Star break... Houston allowed six earned runs in five innings in his last start against Bakersfield... Joe Wieland has an ERA over 10 in three of his five starts with Bakersfield... Wieland has 29 strikeouts to just five walks with Bakersfield so far... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto as well as www.milb.com...
CAL North
Bakersfield 20-12 .625
Stockton 17-15 .531 3 GB
Modesto 16-16 .500 4 GB
Visalia 15-17 .469 5 GB
*San Jose 12-20 .375 8 GB
CAL South
High Desert 18-14 .563
Rancho Cucamonga 18-14 .563
*Lake Elsinore 16-16 .500 2 GB
Inland Empire 15-17 .429 3 GB
Lancaster 13-19 .406 5 GB
Transactions
LAN: Leandro Cespedes assigned from AAA Round Rock
LAN: Edwin Walker assigned to AA Corpus Christi
SJ: Jorge Bucardo assigned from A Augusta
Taylor Sinclair v. Robert Donovan
Notes: Taylor Sinclair only gave up three earned runs over his last three starts... Sinclair only has one win in that span... Robert Donovan allowed five runs in three innings in his first start with Lancaster... Donovan had a 3.61 ERA in 18 starts and 92.1 IP with A Lexington this season... Game will be available on 1270 AM in Visalia and 1380 AM in Lancaster as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...
Inland Empire 66ers v. High Desert Mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Will Savage v. Anthony Vasquez
Notes: Four of Will Savage's six starts with Inland Empire have lasted seven or more innings... Savage won those four starts and lost the other two... Anthony Vasquez has a 5.25 July ERA, over a full run higher than his next highest month... Vasquez allowed seven earned runs in 4.2 IP two starts ago against Inland Empire, his worst start of the season... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire and 960 AM in High Desert as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...
Lake Elsinore Storm v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Erik Davis v. Fabian Williamson
Notes: Erik Davis is returning from a spot start with AAA Portland, a five inning, two run effort... Davis has four consecutive starts that have lasted exactly five innings... Fabian Williamson is on a two start sinning streak, only allowing one earned run in each start... Williamson has a 9:3 K:BB ratio in those two starts... Game will be available on 92.9 FM in Lake Elsinore and 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...
San Jose Giants v. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7:05 PM PT
Kyle Nicholson v. Manny Flores
Notes: Kyle Nicholson has allowed at least four earned runs in four straight starts... Nicholson gave up seven home runs in those four starts... Manny Flores' K/9 with Rancho Cucamonga is just 3.31... Flores has allowed a home run in three straight starts... Game will be available on 1510 AM in Rancho Cucamonga as well as www.sjgiants.com, www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...
Modesto Nuts v. Bakersfield Blaze 7:30 PM PT
Dan Houston v. Joe Wieland
Notes: Dan Houston has one quality start out of six since the All Star break... Houston allowed six earned runs in five innings in his last start against Bakersfield... Joe Wieland has an ERA over 10 in three of his five starts with Bakersfield... Wieland has 29 strikeouts to just five walks with Bakersfield so far... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto as well as www.milb.com...
CAL North
Bakersfield 20-12 .625
Stockton 17-15 .531 3 GB
Modesto 16-16 .500 4 GB
Visalia 15-17 .469 5 GB
*San Jose 12-20 .375 8 GB
CAL South
High Desert 18-14 .563
Rancho Cucamonga 18-14 .563
*Lake Elsinore 16-16 .500 2 GB
Inland Empire 15-17 .429 3 GB
Lancaster 13-19 .406 5 GB
Transactions
LAN: Leandro Cespedes assigned from AAA Round Rock
LAN: Edwin Walker assigned to AA Corpus Christi
SJ: Jorge Bucardo assigned from A Augusta
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Cal League Condensed: 7/27 Review
Lancaster 9, Visalia 3
Recap | Box
W: Ross Seaton (5-10)
L: Ryan Cook (4-6)
S: Brian Wabick (3)
HR: Rossmel Perez (4) Paul Goldschmidt (28) Lee Cruz (9)
Notes: Lancaster had a four run 8th inning to put the game out of reach... Visalia was outhit 12-6... Brandon Barnes had a three hit game and scored twice... Alfredo Marte made two throwing errors... Jay Austin stole his 41st base... Three JetHawks each had two RBI... Ross Seaton allowed two earned runs in seven innings of work... Ryan Cook struck out six and allowed five runs in five innings, but only two of those runs were earned... Attendance was 1,460...
High Desert 6, Inland Empire 5 (11)
Recap | Box
W: Brian Moran (2-0)
L: Matt Sartor (2-4)
HR: Johermyn Chavez (25)
Notes: Ricky Poythress hit a walkoff single in the 11th to score Kyle Seager... Seager extended his hitting streak to 32 games... High Desert took a 5-2 lead in the 7th, but Inland Empire scored three in the next two innings to force extra innings... Johermyn Chavez and Rich Poythress had four hit games... Chavez hit a two run home run, and Poythress added two doubles... Chris Gutierrez and Steven Caseres had three hit games... Alfredo Silverio scored three runs... Andrew Carraway allowed two runs in seven innings... Attendance was 837...
Lake Elsinore 14, Stockton 6 (10)
Recap | Box
W: Aaron Breit (3-5)
L: Paul Smyth (3-5)
BS: Paul Smyth (9)
HR: Bo Davis (1) Cole Figueroa (4) Jaff Decker (8) Allan Dykstra (10) Vince Belnome (11) Ryan Ortiz (8) Grant Green (11)
Notes: Brett Tomko allowed five runs in five innings, including four home runs, two of which were from the first two batters he faced... Lake Elsinore scored eight runs in the 10th inning, five before an out was even recorded... Stockton scored six runs while only getting three hits, two of which were home runs... Cole Figueroa had a three hit game plus two runs scored and three RBI... Vince Belnome also had three RBI... Eight different Lake Elsinore players had at least one RBI... Nick Schmidt struck out four in two perfect innings of work... Attendance was 1,304...
Rancho Cucamonga 4, San Jose 3
Recap | Box
W: Chris Scholl (2-1)
L: Scott Nestor (2-3)
S: Eddie McKiernan (20)
HR: Johnny Monell 2 (13)
Notes: Rancho Cucamonga scored twice in the 8th inning to break a 2-2 tie... All three of San Jose's runs came on Johnny Monell home runs... Monell added a single for a three hit game... Scott Nestor committed two errors... Luis Jimenez had three hits... Mike Trout earned his first Cal League steal... Kyle Woodruff and Manaurys Correa each allowed two runs in six innings... Attendance was 1,576...
Bakersfield 10, Modesto 3
Recap | Box
W: Yoon-Hee Nam (3-2)
L: Juan Nicasio (8-8)
HR: Ben Paulsen (8) Doug Hogan (1) Jonathan Greene (4)
Notes: Juan Nicasio pitched seven innings, but he allowed eight earned runs on 14 hits... Miguel Velazquez, Tommy Mendonca and Doug Hogan each had three hit games for Bakersfield... Hogan had four RBI, including his first home run of the season... Three Nuts had two hits each... Yoon-Hee Nam earned his first win as a starter this season... David Paisano hit two doubles and drove in two runs... Attendance was 613...
Recap | Box
W: Ross Seaton (5-10)
L: Ryan Cook (4-6)
S: Brian Wabick (3)
HR: Rossmel Perez (4) Paul Goldschmidt (28) Lee Cruz (9)
Notes: Lancaster had a four run 8th inning to put the game out of reach... Visalia was outhit 12-6... Brandon Barnes had a three hit game and scored twice... Alfredo Marte made two throwing errors... Jay Austin stole his 41st base... Three JetHawks each had two RBI... Ross Seaton allowed two earned runs in seven innings of work... Ryan Cook struck out six and allowed five runs in five innings, but only two of those runs were earned... Attendance was 1,460...
High Desert 6, Inland Empire 5 (11)
Recap | Box
W: Brian Moran (2-0)
L: Matt Sartor (2-4)
HR: Johermyn Chavez (25)
Notes: Ricky Poythress hit a walkoff single in the 11th to score Kyle Seager... Seager extended his hitting streak to 32 games... High Desert took a 5-2 lead in the 7th, but Inland Empire scored three in the next two innings to force extra innings... Johermyn Chavez and Rich Poythress had four hit games... Chavez hit a two run home run, and Poythress added two doubles... Chris Gutierrez and Steven Caseres had three hit games... Alfredo Silverio scored three runs... Andrew Carraway allowed two runs in seven innings... Attendance was 837...
Lake Elsinore 14, Stockton 6 (10)
Recap | Box
W: Aaron Breit (3-5)
L: Paul Smyth (3-5)
BS: Paul Smyth (9)
HR: Bo Davis (1) Cole Figueroa (4) Jaff Decker (8) Allan Dykstra (10) Vince Belnome (11) Ryan Ortiz (8) Grant Green (11)
Notes: Brett Tomko allowed five runs in five innings, including four home runs, two of which were from the first two batters he faced... Lake Elsinore scored eight runs in the 10th inning, five before an out was even recorded... Stockton scored six runs while only getting three hits, two of which were home runs... Cole Figueroa had a three hit game plus two runs scored and three RBI... Vince Belnome also had three RBI... Eight different Lake Elsinore players had at least one RBI... Nick Schmidt struck out four in two perfect innings of work... Attendance was 1,304...
Rancho Cucamonga 4, San Jose 3
Recap | Box
W: Chris Scholl (2-1)
L: Scott Nestor (2-3)
S: Eddie McKiernan (20)
HR: Johnny Monell 2 (13)
Notes: Rancho Cucamonga scored twice in the 8th inning to break a 2-2 tie... All three of San Jose's runs came on Johnny Monell home runs... Monell added a single for a three hit game... Scott Nestor committed two errors... Luis Jimenez had three hits... Mike Trout earned his first Cal League steal... Kyle Woodruff and Manaurys Correa each allowed two runs in six innings... Attendance was 1,576...
Bakersfield 10, Modesto 3
Recap | Box
W: Yoon-Hee Nam (3-2)
L: Juan Nicasio (8-8)
HR: Ben Paulsen (8) Doug Hogan (1) Jonathan Greene (4)
Notes: Juan Nicasio pitched seven innings, but he allowed eight earned runs on 14 hits... Miguel Velazquez, Tommy Mendonca and Doug Hogan each had three hit games for Bakersfield... Hogan had four RBI, including his first home run of the season... Three Nuts had two hits each... Yoon-Hee Nam earned his first win as a starter this season... David Paisano hit two doubles and drove in two runs... Attendance was 613...
Cal League Condensed: 7/27 Preview
Visalia Rawhide v. Lancaster JetHawks 7:00 PM PT
Ryan Cook v. TBA
Notes: Visalia won their series against Stockton, and Lancaster lost their series against Modesto... Ryan Cook took the loss in his last start, which was against Lancaster, despite only allowing two runs in seven innings... Cook only has two walks over three starts since 7/5 when he walked six batters in 1.2 IP... This would be Leandro Cespedes' turn in the rotation, but he was promoted to AAA Round Rock for a start last night... David Duncan hasn't pitched since 7/20 and has made some starts for Lancaster this year... Game will be available on 1270 AM in Visalia and 1380 AM in Lancaster as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...
Inland Empire 66ers v. High Desert Mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Jon Michael Redding v. Andrew Carraway
Notes: Each team won their last series which were against Rancho Cucamonga and San Jose, respectively... Jon Michael Redding hasn't won a game in July and has a 6.28 ERA... Redding already has six more walks than last year in 27.2 fewer innings... Andrew Carraway only allowed five runs over 20.1 IP over his last three starts... Carraway has 15 strikeouts to one walk in those starts... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire and 960 AM in High Desert as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...
Lake Elsinore Storm v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Nick Schmidt v. Brett Tomko
Notes: Each team lost their last series which were against Bakersfield and Visalia respectively... Nick Schmidt has four straight starts that have only lasted two innings... Schmidt's second half ERA is 9.64... Brett Tomko will be making his 4th rehab start... Tomko has an 8.31 ERA with Stockton and a .361 BAA... Game will be available on 92.9 FM in Lake Elsinore and 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...
San Jose Giants v. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7:05 PM PT
Kyle Woodruff v. Manaurys Correa
Notes: Each team lost their last series which were against High Desert and Inland Empire respectively... Kyle Woodruff pitched 4.1 scoreless IP in his last appearance, his first start of the season... Woodruff has a 2.65 ERA in 34 relief innings this season... Manaurys Correa allowed three runs in 5.2 IP in his first start with Rancho Cucamonga since 5/24... Correa is 1-8 in 10 starts with the Quakes... Game will be available on 1510 AM in Rancho Cucamonga as well as www.sjgiants.com, www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...
Modesto Nuts v. Bakersfield Blaze 7:30 PM PT
Juan Nicasio v. Kennil Gomez
Notes: Each team won their previous series which were against Lancaster and Lake Elsinore, respectively... Juan Nicasio allowed 13 earned runs over his last three starts, all losses... Nicasio allowed 26 hits in 17.1 IP in those starts... Kennil Gomez only allowed one run over his last two starts, totaling 15 innings... Gomez replaced Wilmer Font in the rotation when he went on the DL... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto as well as www.milb.com...
CAL North
Bakersfield 19-12 .613
Stockton 17-14 .548 2 GB
Modesto 16-15 .516 3 GB
Visalia 15-16 .484 4 GB
*San Jose 12-19 .387 7 GB
CAL South
High Desert 17-14 .548
Rancho Cucamonga 17-14 .548
Inland Empire 15-16 2 GB
*Lake Elsinore 15-16 .484 2 GB
Lancaster 12-19 .387 5 GB
Transactions
BAK: Davis Stoneburner placed on DL and assigned to R Rangers
RC/VIS: Pat Corbin goes from Rancho Cucamonga to Visalia as part of the Dan Haren trade
SJ: Craig Whitaker assigned to AAA Fresno
BAK: Cody Podroza assigned from A Hickory
LAN: Leandro Cespedes assigned to AAA Round Rock
BAK: Alberto Puello assigned from R Rangers
IE: Preston Mattingly assigned to R Dodgers
Ryan Cook v. TBA
Notes: Visalia won their series against Stockton, and Lancaster lost their series against Modesto... Ryan Cook took the loss in his last start, which was against Lancaster, despite only allowing two runs in seven innings... Cook only has two walks over three starts since 7/5 when he walked six batters in 1.2 IP... This would be Leandro Cespedes' turn in the rotation, but he was promoted to AAA Round Rock for a start last night... David Duncan hasn't pitched since 7/20 and has made some starts for Lancaster this year... Game will be available on 1270 AM in Visalia and 1380 AM in Lancaster as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...
Inland Empire 66ers v. High Desert Mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Jon Michael Redding v. Andrew Carraway
Notes: Each team won their last series which were against Rancho Cucamonga and San Jose, respectively... Jon Michael Redding hasn't won a game in July and has a 6.28 ERA... Redding already has six more walks than last year in 27.2 fewer innings... Andrew Carraway only allowed five runs over 20.1 IP over his last three starts... Carraway has 15 strikeouts to one walk in those starts... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire and 960 AM in High Desert as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...
Lake Elsinore Storm v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Nick Schmidt v. Brett Tomko
Notes: Each team lost their last series which were against Bakersfield and Visalia respectively... Nick Schmidt has four straight starts that have only lasted two innings... Schmidt's second half ERA is 9.64... Brett Tomko will be making his 4th rehab start... Tomko has an 8.31 ERA with Stockton and a .361 BAA... Game will be available on 92.9 FM in Lake Elsinore and 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...
San Jose Giants v. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7:05 PM PT
Kyle Woodruff v. Manaurys Correa
Notes: Each team lost their last series which were against High Desert and Inland Empire respectively... Kyle Woodruff pitched 4.1 scoreless IP in his last appearance, his first start of the season... Woodruff has a 2.65 ERA in 34 relief innings this season... Manaurys Correa allowed three runs in 5.2 IP in his first start with Rancho Cucamonga since 5/24... Correa is 1-8 in 10 starts with the Quakes... Game will be available on 1510 AM in Rancho Cucamonga as well as www.sjgiants.com, www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...
Modesto Nuts v. Bakersfield Blaze 7:30 PM PT
Juan Nicasio v. Kennil Gomez
Notes: Each team won their previous series which were against Lancaster and Lake Elsinore, respectively... Juan Nicasio allowed 13 earned runs over his last three starts, all losses... Nicasio allowed 26 hits in 17.1 IP in those starts... Kennil Gomez only allowed one run over his last two starts, totaling 15 innings... Gomez replaced Wilmer Font in the rotation when he went on the DL... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto as well as www.milb.com...
CAL North
Bakersfield 19-12 .613
Stockton 17-14 .548 2 GB
Modesto 16-15 .516 3 GB
Visalia 15-16 .484 4 GB
*San Jose 12-19 .387 7 GB
CAL South
High Desert 17-14 .548
Rancho Cucamonga 17-14 .548
Inland Empire 15-16 2 GB
*Lake Elsinore 15-16 .484 2 GB
Lancaster 12-19 .387 5 GB
Transactions
BAK: Davis Stoneburner placed on DL and assigned to R Rangers
RC/VIS: Pat Corbin goes from Rancho Cucamonga to Visalia as part of the Dan Haren trade
SJ: Craig Whitaker assigned to AAA Fresno
BAK: Cody Podroza assigned from A Hickory
LAN: Leandro Cespedes assigned to AAA Round Rock
BAK: Alberto Puello assigned from R Rangers
IE: Preston Mattingly assigned to R Dodgers
Monday, July 26, 2010
Kenley Jansen Reaches Majors
32 players have appeared in Cal League games in 2010 that also have some Major League experience. However, Kenley Jansen stands out. He is the only one of those 32 that started this season in the Cal League and didn't have that ML experience prior to this season. In fact, he is one of just two players to start the season in A ball and reach the majors this season, the other being Florida pitcher Jhan Marinez. Jansen's rise through the Dodgers' organization has been incredible, but it wasn't always so easy.
Kenley Jansen was originally signed by the Dodgers as a catcher from the Netherlands Antilles in the 2004 offseason. In 2005, he reported to the Gulf Coast League where he played with fellow future major leaguers in Josh Bell and Carlos Santana. As a 17 year old, Jansen showed promise at the plate, posting a .755 OPS in 102 AB. He would return to the GCL Dodgers in 2006, and despite a better plate approach, suffered from a severe drop in production.
2007 saw Jansen continue to scuffle at the plate in short season leagues, and 2008 would be the first year he started and stayed in a full season league. That season, he hit nine of his career 15 minor league home runs, but he batted just .227. His OPS was right at the league average, but it would be the last full season he would spend behind the plate.
Noted for his defense, Jansen threw out 37% of base stealers in stints with A Great Lakes, A+ Inland Empire and AAA Albuquerque in 2008 and 2009. He burst onto the international stage in the 2009 World Baseball Classic as the Netherlands' starting catcher. In the team's opening game against heavily favored Dominican Republic, Jansen threw out the speedy Willy Taveras attempting to steal 3rd as the tying run in the 9th inning. He didn't hit well at all at the plate, but that throw was key to the Dutch run to the second round and shocking the Dominicans not once, but twice.
However, just four months later, Jansen found himself moving to the mound. The Dodgers felt he had a great arm, and his development as a catcher had continued to stagnate. He was unsure of the move at first, but after experiencing success early in his stint as a reliever, Jansen was on board with the Dodgers' plan. Although he had just a 4.63 ERA in 11.2 IP with Inland Empire in 2009, Jansen struck out 19 batters and showed a lot of promise. The Dodgers added him to the 40 man roster to make sure they didn't lose him in the rule 5 draft.
Jansen struck out nine batters in 4.2 IP in the Arizona Fall League after the 2009 season, but he still didn't show much command and got hit around a little bit. Crediting Inland Empire pitching coach and former Major Leaguer Charlie Hough, Jansen began to gain a feel for pitching. The stuff was always there, but of course there is more to pitching than stuff, and Hough helped him learn the finer points of pitching and refine his game.
That time working with Hough paid off big time in 2010. Returning to Inland Empire to start the year, Jansen worked in middle relief and completely overpowered Cal League hitters. Perhaps more importantly, Jansen showed improved command, walking just six batters in 18 innings. Discussion about whether or not Jansen could make an impact in a major league bullpen began. He struck out 28 batters, and the Dodgers rewarded his progress with a promotion to AA Chattanooga.
At AA, Jansen became even more of an unhittable force. His BAA dropped from an already very good .231 with Inland Empire to an incredible .151 with Chattanooga. His K/9 also improved from 14 to 16.7, both of which would lead the league if he had enough innings to qualify. Although his BB/9 rose dramatically to 5.7, no one could deny his dominance, becoming the Lookouts' closer and posting a 1.67 ERA.
With a bullpen that had more questions than answers and two division opponents emerging as contenders, the Dodgers needed a spark. On July 23rd, Jansen was promoted to the big leagues. To make room on the active roster, the Dodgers designated Justin Miller for assignment. Miller was having a solid season and could land another job, but it's difficult to keep a player like Jansen in the minors when he was dominating the way he was.
The next day, Jansen entered the 7th inning of a tied game against the Mets. Using 14 pitches, he struck out Angel Pagan and David Wright, and then got Carlos Beltran to weakly ground out to shortstop. The next day, lacking late inning options due to some struggles and a long game on the 24th, manager Joe Torre turned to Jansen to record a save. He pitched another 1-2-3 inning, including two more strikeouts of Jason Bay and Ike Davis.
Jansen features a mid 90's fastball that can be dialed up into the high 90's, but his secondary stuff is a work in progress. He can throw a slider and changeup, and the development of those pitches are going to be the keys to continued development and success in the majors. He was able to retire minor league hitters without top notch secondary pitches, but of course the majors are a whole new ball game. With his great work ethic, I'm sure Jansen will make the necessary improvements and adjustments to be successful.
Congratulations to Kenley Jansen for reaching the majors. It's a tremendous story, and hopefully fans are exposed to the path he took to make it. Position player to pitcher conversions are becoming more common, and it's definitely not easy to do. It certainly appears that Jansen is well on his way to completing a successful transition and helping the Dodgers at the back end of the bullpen for a long time.
Kenley Jansen was originally signed by the Dodgers as a catcher from the Netherlands Antilles in the 2004 offseason. In 2005, he reported to the Gulf Coast League where he played with fellow future major leaguers in Josh Bell and Carlos Santana. As a 17 year old, Jansen showed promise at the plate, posting a .755 OPS in 102 AB. He would return to the GCL Dodgers in 2006, and despite a better plate approach, suffered from a severe drop in production.
2007 saw Jansen continue to scuffle at the plate in short season leagues, and 2008 would be the first year he started and stayed in a full season league. That season, he hit nine of his career 15 minor league home runs, but he batted just .227. His OPS was right at the league average, but it would be the last full season he would spend behind the plate.
Noted for his defense, Jansen threw out 37% of base stealers in stints with A Great Lakes, A+ Inland Empire and AAA Albuquerque in 2008 and 2009. He burst onto the international stage in the 2009 World Baseball Classic as the Netherlands' starting catcher. In the team's opening game against heavily favored Dominican Republic, Jansen threw out the speedy Willy Taveras attempting to steal 3rd as the tying run in the 9th inning. He didn't hit well at all at the plate, but that throw was key to the Dutch run to the second round and shocking the Dominicans not once, but twice.
However, just four months later, Jansen found himself moving to the mound. The Dodgers felt he had a great arm, and his development as a catcher had continued to stagnate. He was unsure of the move at first, but after experiencing success early in his stint as a reliever, Jansen was on board with the Dodgers' plan. Although he had just a 4.63 ERA in 11.2 IP with Inland Empire in 2009, Jansen struck out 19 batters and showed a lot of promise. The Dodgers added him to the 40 man roster to make sure they didn't lose him in the rule 5 draft.
Jansen struck out nine batters in 4.2 IP in the Arizona Fall League after the 2009 season, but he still didn't show much command and got hit around a little bit. Crediting Inland Empire pitching coach and former Major Leaguer Charlie Hough, Jansen began to gain a feel for pitching. The stuff was always there, but of course there is more to pitching than stuff, and Hough helped him learn the finer points of pitching and refine his game.
That time working with Hough paid off big time in 2010. Returning to Inland Empire to start the year, Jansen worked in middle relief and completely overpowered Cal League hitters. Perhaps more importantly, Jansen showed improved command, walking just six batters in 18 innings. Discussion about whether or not Jansen could make an impact in a major league bullpen began. He struck out 28 batters, and the Dodgers rewarded his progress with a promotion to AA Chattanooga.
At AA, Jansen became even more of an unhittable force. His BAA dropped from an already very good .231 with Inland Empire to an incredible .151 with Chattanooga. His K/9 also improved from 14 to 16.7, both of which would lead the league if he had enough innings to qualify. Although his BB/9 rose dramatically to 5.7, no one could deny his dominance, becoming the Lookouts' closer and posting a 1.67 ERA.
With a bullpen that had more questions than answers and two division opponents emerging as contenders, the Dodgers needed a spark. On July 23rd, Jansen was promoted to the big leagues. To make room on the active roster, the Dodgers designated Justin Miller for assignment. Miller was having a solid season and could land another job, but it's difficult to keep a player like Jansen in the minors when he was dominating the way he was.
The next day, Jansen entered the 7th inning of a tied game against the Mets. Using 14 pitches, he struck out Angel Pagan and David Wright, and then got Carlos Beltran to weakly ground out to shortstop. The next day, lacking late inning options due to some struggles and a long game on the 24th, manager Joe Torre turned to Jansen to record a save. He pitched another 1-2-3 inning, including two more strikeouts of Jason Bay and Ike Davis.
Jansen features a mid 90's fastball that can be dialed up into the high 90's, but his secondary stuff is a work in progress. He can throw a slider and changeup, and the development of those pitches are going to be the keys to continued development and success in the majors. He was able to retire minor league hitters without top notch secondary pitches, but of course the majors are a whole new ball game. With his great work ethic, I'm sure Jansen will make the necessary improvements and adjustments to be successful.
Congratulations to Kenley Jansen for reaching the majors. It's a tremendous story, and hopefully fans are exposed to the path he took to make it. Position player to pitcher conversions are becoming more common, and it's definitely not easy to do. It certainly appears that Jansen is well on his way to completing a successful transition and helping the Dodgers at the back end of the bullpen for a long time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)