Prospect Tracker 5/7 Edition: Hitters

Last week the pitcher edition debuted, so it's the hitters' turn this week. This one works the same way as last week. I use prospects listed by John Sickels on his site, and if those players are in the league at the time of the update, they'll be in the table. I'll talk about some players doing well, not well and mention injuries and players that were promoted or demoted.

. Name Pos. Age Team Org. PA R HR RBI SB CS BA OBP SLG OPS K% BB% . Engel Beltre CF 20 BAK TEX 103 12 2 12 5 3 0.258 0.34 0.371 0.711 13.6 7.8 . Mike Bianucci LF 23 BAK TEX 50 9 2 6 0 0 0.262 0.36 0.429 0.789 16 14 . Tommy Mendonca 3B 21 BAK TEX 87 10 0 4 0 1 0.218 0.279 0.321 0.6 26.4 4.6 . Johermyn Chavez RF 21 HD SEA 106 14 2 8 2 2 0.289 0.396 0.456 0.852 20.8 13.2 . Rich Poythress 1B 22 HD SEA 109 14 5 23 0 0 0.296 0.367 0.51 0.877 15.6 9.2 . Kyle Seager 2B 22 HD SEA 111 25 1 6 2 2 0.315 0.44 0.416 0.856 15.3 18 . Pedro Baez 3B 22 IE LA 89 14 2 11 4 1 0.277 0.318 0.398 0.716 21.3 5.6 . Tony Delmonico C 22 IE LA 77 9 1 3 2 0 0.316 0.48 0.368 0.848 10.4 20.8 . Austin Gallagher 1B 21 IE LA 103 8 0 11 0 1 0.266 0.32 0.34 0.66 16.5 6.8 . Kyle Russell RF 23 IE LA 117 18 4 18 2 1 0.34 0.419 0.57 0.989 25.6 10.3 . Vince Belnome 3B 22 LE SD 119 16 4 21 0 0 0.25 0.37 0.42 0.79 18.5 15.1 . Drew Cumberland SS 21 LE SD 80 22 3 13 10 2 0.408 0.463 0.534 1.096 12.6 8.8 . Allan Dykstra 1B 22 LE SD 103 11 3 14 0 0 0.216 0.33 0.364 0.894 25.2 13.6 . Jay Austin CF 19 LAN HOU 111 18 4 16 11 2 0.29 0.371 0.516 0.888 13.5 10.8 . Jordan Pacheco C 24 MOD COL 109 14 2 24 1 1 0.404 0.477 0.584 1.061 4.6 11.9 . Ben Paulsen 1B 22 MOD COL 110 7 0 18 1 2 0.307 0.33 0.396 0.726 20 4.5 . Tim Wheeler CF 22 MOD COL 111 18 2 10 3 1 0.25 0.383 0.364 0.747 23.4 15.3 . Alexi Amarista 2B 21 RC ANA 120 20 0 10 5 6 0.363 0.387 0.469 0.856 11.6 3.3 . Dillon Baird 3B 22 RC ANA 117 13 5 24 2 2 0.269 0.342 0.51 0.82 24.8 8.5

. Ehire Adrianza SS 20 SJ SF 94 8 0 3 5 2 0.185 0.283 0.222 0.505 19.1 10.6 . Brandon Belt 1B 21 SJ SF 103 21 3 13 7 4 0.392 0.505 0.62 1.125 8.7 18.5 . Francisco Peguero OF 21 SJ SF 112 14 2 14 14 3 0.283 0.309 0.415 0.724 17.9 3.6 . Jeremy Barfield LF 21 STO OAK 122 15 2 17 0 1 0.232 0.347 0.323 0.67 13.1 15.6 . Jason Christian 2B 22 STO OAK 44 5 0 2 1 1 0.162 0.295 0.162 0.458 22.7 15.9 7 Day DL . Grant Green SS 22 STO OAK 124 14 2 10 1 3 0.297 0.325 0.407 0.732 20.2 4 . Tyler Ladendorf 2B 22 STO OAK 68 7 1 4 1 1 0.295 0.353 0.393 0.746 19.1 7.4 . Ryan Ortiz C 22 STO OAK 57 7 1 8 0 0 0.196 0.339 0.326 0.665 26.3 15.8 . Paul Goldschmidt 1B 22 VIS ARI 109 14 3 9 1 0 0.252 0.294 0.427 0.721 26.6 5.5 . Marc Krauss LF 22 VIS ARI 104 24 5 15 0 0 0.344 0.413 0.602 1.106 24 10.6 . Rossmel Perez C 20 VIS ARI 72 8 0 8 0 1 0.354 0.417 0.385 0.801 8.4 9.7 . Ryan Wheeler 3B 21 VIS ARI 117 11 2 13 1 0 0.308 0.368 0.467 0.835 16.2 6.9

Drew Cumberland, LE: Cumberland has had injury problems in the past, but so far in 2010, he's been healthy and playing very well. His defense has been up and down so far, but his performance at the plate has been great. He's making great contact, walking a decent amount and has been a great baserunner. Cumberland is also younger than the average player in this league.

Jordan Pacheco, MOD: Pacheco is a bit old for this league, so he should be playing well. He should be promoted to a higher level and challenged a bit, but until then, he's dominating the Cal League. Although he isn't hitting many home runs, Pacheco is making great contact and hardly striking out. However, the Rockies have another catching prospect at AA that could keep him in this league for the season.

Brandon Belt, SJ: There has been a bit of discussion on Belt lately between Baseball America and some analysts on Twitter. He has some eye popping numbers to start the season, but right now the belief is they're probably Cal League inflated. Right now, he's dominating an age appropriate level despite not having any pro experience prior to this year, so a promotion to AA could show us if he should be a legitimate prospect.

Marc Krauss, VIS: Coming into this season, Krauss was considered to be one of Arizona's better prospects, and he hasn't done anything to affect that status this season. At Ohio University, he dominated college pitching and was named to the All-American team in 2009. After being selected by Arizona in the second round, Krauss hit .304 in the Midwest League. He picked up right where he left off at the start of this season, and he could rise quickly through the Arizona system.

Jay Austin, LAN: Austin is the youngest player on the hitter side of the tracker, and he doesn't have the polish that a lot of other players on the list do. The Astros hope it's not just a hot streak, and the light really has gone on. He already has four home runs this season compared to last year's one, and that may be inflated due to his home park. However, Austin is walking more and striking out less which is a very good sign.

Not Hot
Ehire Adrianza, SJ: Adrianza is more known for his glove, but if he's going to make the majors, at some point he'll have to hit too. The odd thing is he has some good discipline at the plate and doesn't strike out more than the average player, so I guess he just doesn't square up the ball very often.

Tommy Mendonca, BAK: I'd have to say that Mendonca could be the most popular player in the league right now. He went to high school in California, won the CWS Outstanding Player leading Fresno State to a surprising NCAA Championship and is back in his home state. He's had a number of newspaper articles written about him so far this season, but unfortunately, his production isn't up to the level that his fans would've hoped.

Pedro Baez, IE: Baez only played 79 games with the 66ers last year, so he's back for another go. Unfortunately, his production has dropped. There were questions about his plate discipline, and he has done nothing to address those concerns this season and has continued to strike out and not walk. He has nice power, but the Dodgers were hoping he could build on a solid 2009.

Austin Gallagher, IE: Gallagher is another guy who is at Inland Empire for a second time. He was first in the California League in 2008 and then went back down to the Midwest League in 2009 and wasn't the same hitter. In 2010, he continues to not be the same hitter. He's striking out less, but he's also walking less and hasn't shown the same power.

Allan Dykstra, LE: Dykstra has battled injuries in his career and almost led to him not signing with the Padres. He eventually did, but he hasn't yet lived up to San Diego's expectations. He hit just .226 last year, but he did show the power and patience he's supposed to have. If he makes more contact, Dykstra could improve his stock, but he's having the same problem in 2010.

Injured
Jason Christian, STO: Hasn't played since 4/26... Had a shoulder injury last year, but I can't find any information on this injury...

Moved on
Rey Navarro, VIS: Navarro was traded to Kansas City and assigned to A+ Wilmington...

On the radar
Nate Tenbrink, HD
Michael Collins, LE
Dan Robertson, LE
Albert Cartwright, LAN
Jimmy Cesario, MOD
Thomas Field, MOD
Roberto Lopez, RC
Stephen Parker, STO

Cal League Condensed: 5/7 Preview

High Desert Mavericks v. San Jose Giants 7:00 PM PT
Andrew Carraway v. Kyle Nicholson
Notes: High Desert lost their series against Lancaster, and San Jose won their series against Stockton... Andrew Carraway has a 15:1 K:BB ratio... However, Carraway also has a .366 BAA and has given up at least six hits in every start this season... Kyle Nicholson pitched a season long seven innings in his last start... Nicholson has given up 14 runs this year, but eight of them came in his first start which only lasted two innings... Game will be available on 92.9 FM in High Desert as well as www.sjgiants.com and www.milb.com...

Inland Empire 66ers v. Lancaster JetHawks 7:00 PM PT
Nate Eovaldi v. Dallas Keuchel
Notes: Inland Empire lost their series against Lake Elsinore, and Lancaster won their series against High Desert... This is Geison Aguasviva's turn in the rotation, but he pitched in relief last night... Nate Eovaldi gave up a season high eight hits in his last start... Dallas Keuchel allowed 10 earned runs in his first two starts and only five since... Keuchel has 13 strikeouts in his last two starts... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire and 1380 AM in Lancaster as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.jethawks.com...

Lake Elsinore Storm v. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7:05 PM PT
Juan Oramas v. Will Smith
Notes: Both teams won their previous series, against Inland Empire and Rancho Cucamonga respectively... Juan Oramas will be making his second start... Oramas struck out eight in 3.1 IP in his first start but did give up two runs... Will Smith allowed four runs in 5.2 IP in a previous start against Lake Elsinore... Game will be available on www.rcquakes.com as well as www.milb.com...

Visalia Rawhide v. Modesto Nuts 7:05 PM PT
Taylor Sinclair v. Ethan Hollingsworth
Notes: Both teams lost their previous series, against Bakersfield and Rancho Cucamonga respectively... Taylor Sinclair has given up seven hits in each of his last three starts... Sinclair has only allowed more than two earned runs in one of his five starts... Ethan Hollingsworth has a 35:3 K:BB ratio... After pitching about 60 innings with Modesto last year, Hollingsworth is probably ready to move onto a higher level... Game will be available on 1270 AM in Visalia and 970 in Modesto as well as www.milb.com...

Stockton Ports v. Bakersfield Blaze 7:15 PM PT
Kenny Smalley v. Wilfredo Boscan
Notes: Stockton lost their series against San Jose, and Bakersfield won their series against Visalia... These pitchers squared off in their last start, a 5-3 Ports win... Kenny Smalley got the win, and Wilfredo Boscan took the loss... Smalley gave up two runs in 6.1 IP... Boscan gave up five runs in five innings... Game will be available on 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...

CAL North
Visalia 16-10 .615
Modesto 15-10 .600 .5 GB
San Jose 14-11 .560 1.5 GB
Stockton 12-15 .444 4.5 GB
Bakersfield 10-14 .417 5 GB

CAL South
Lake Elsinore 16-12 .571
High Desert 15-12 .556 .5 GB
Rancho Cucamonga 15-13 .536 1 GB
Inland Empire 10-18 .357 6 GB
Lancaster 9-17 .346 6 GB

Transactions
MOD: Brad Hawpe assigned from Rockies

Cal League Condensed: 5/6 Review

Bakersfield 6, Visalia 5
Recap | Box
W: Jacob Brigham (1-2)
L: Andrew Wolcott (1-1)
S: Cody Eppley (3)
HR: Kyle Greene (2) Marc Krauss (5)
Notes: Bakersfield wins the series... First game this series in which both teams scored... Davis Stoneburner had a four hit game including two doubles and a triple... Stoneburner also had three RBI... Marc Krauss also had three RBI... Visalia scored all five of their runs in the 3rd inning... Bakersfield scored the last five runs of the game... Neither bullpen allowed a run... Attendance was 1,768... Bakersfield starts a five game series against Stockton while Visalia plays a series at Modesto...

Lake Elsinore 11, Inland Empire 7
Recap | Box
W: Zach Herr (1-0)
L: Edwin Contreras (0-1)
S: Brad Brach (10)
BS: Bobby Blevins (1) Geison Aguasviva (1)
Notes: Lake Elsinore wins the series... Manny Ramirez walked, struck out and scored tonight... Inland Empire gave up eight runs in the 8th to give Lake Elsinore 14 runs in the last two 8th innings... Michael Collins had three hits... Vince Belnome had three walks... Tony Delmonico had two errors... Lake Elsinore made four errors, including two by Drew Cumberland, and only two of Inland Empire's runs were earned... Nick Vincent gave up four unearned runs in one inning... Geison Aguasviva was supposed to start tomorrow but gave up three runs in relief... Edwin Contreras gave up three runs without recording an out... Attendance was 3,833... Lake Elsinore starts a road trip at Rancho Cucamonga while Inland Empire heads to Lancaster...

Lancaster 6, High Desert 4
Recap | Box
W: Brian Wabick (2-1)
L: Steven Richard (0-2)
BS: Marwin Vega (1)
HR: Jay Austin (4)
Notes: Lancaster wins the series... Lancaster scored four runs in the last two innings... High Desert scored all four of their runs in the 6th inning... Freddy Parejo had a three hit game... Kenn Kasparek only allowed one earned run in seven innings... Trevor Coleman made two errors... Attendance was 1,117... Lancaster will play a series at home against Inland Empire while High Desert starts a road trip in San Jose...

Rancho Cucamonga 10, Modesto 8
Recap | Box
W: Ryan Chaffee (1-1)
L: Juan Nicasio (1-2)
S: Eddie McKiernan (2)
HR: Jordan Pacheco (2)
Notes: Rancho Cucamonga wins the series... Brad Hawpe was 1/4 with a 2B, RBI and K... Rancho Cucamonga scored 23 runs in the last two games... The Quakes scored seven runs in the first three innings, all off Juan Nicasio... Gabe Jacobo had four hits including two doubles... Dillon Baird and Carlos Colmenares each had three hits... Ryan Chaffee gets the win despite giving up six runs in five innings... Robert Fish allowed his first runs of the season... Attendance was 2,368... Rancho Cucamonga begins a homestand against Lake Elsinore while Modesto finishes their homestand against Visalia...

San Jose 7, Stockton 5
Recap | Box
W: Justin Fitzgerald (3-1)
L: Murphy Smith (2-2)
S: Joe Paterson (1)
HR: Drew Biery (1) Michael Spina (3)
Notes: San Jose wins the series... San Jose scored the first seven runs of the game... Stockton scored all five of their runs in the 9th inning... Michael Spina's grand slam was his second home run in the last two games... Murphy Smith allowed no earned runs but still took the loss... Smith struck out seven in five innings... Only three of San Jose's runs were earned due to five Stockton errors, including two by Grant Green... Green also had five hits... James Simmons had three hits and three RBI... Attendance was 1,895... San Jose takes on High Desert at home while Stockton travels to Bakersfield...

Pythagorean Records: 5/6

. Team W L RS RA pW pL Difference pW% . Visalia 16 9 112 100 14 11 2 0.55166283262857 . Modesto 15 9 114 93 14 10 1 0.59208372037614 . San Jose 13 11 102 101 12 12 1 0.50450730352418 . Stockton 12 14 120 134 12 14 0 0.4496866232162 . Bakersfield 9 14 97 97 12 12 -3 0.5

. Team W L RS RA pW pL Difference pW% . High Desert 15 11 144 113 16 10 -1 0.60912570108347 . Lake Elsinore 15 12 138 143 13 14 2 0.48372289630475 . Rancho Cucamonga 14 13 136 129 14 13 0 0.52415661366445 . Inland Empire 10 17 122 140 12 15 -2 0.43736891189233 . Lancaster 8 17 112 147 9 16 -1 0.37809574346934

Unlike last week, there are actually some differences between the real standings and the pythagorean standings. A couple teams are flipped in each division, so we'll see if the real and expected standings continue to separate throughout the season. In addition, teams' expected records are starting to look different from their actual record. Last week, only two teams were two games different, and this week, four have two or more game differences.

One more note: The league's top four scoring teams are all in the south division. I guess it doesn't matter that much this early in the season, just something I noticed when putting this together.

Cal League Condensed: 5/6 Preview

Bakersfield Blaze v. Visalia Rawhide 7:00 PM PT
Jacob Brigham v. Andrew Wolcott
Notes: Rubber match of three game series... Jacob Brigham didn't allow any earned runs in his first two starts this season but has allowed seven in his last two... Andrew Wolcott has made two starts this season... Wolcott allowed one earned run in his first start but three in his second... Game will be available on 1270 AM in Visalia as well as www.milb.com...

Inland Empire 66ers v. Lake Elsinore Storm 7:00 PM PT
Aaron Miller v. Nick Schmidt
Notes: Rubber match of three game series... Aaron Miller struck out 10 and walked none in his first start but has a 16:12 L:BB ratio since... Nick Schmidt pitched his longest outing of the season in his last start, going seven innings, allowing one run... Schmidt gave up seven home runs in 48 Cal League innings last year but only one in 25.2 IP this year... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...

Lancaster JetHawks v. High Desert Mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Ross Seaton v. Kenn Kasparek
Notes: Rubber match of three game series... Ross Seaton has given up 14 runs, nine earned, in his last two starts... Prior to that, he had his best start of the season against High Desert when he struck out six and gave up just one run in six innings... On the other hand, Kenn Kasparek had his worst start of the season against Lancaster, giving up six runs on 11 hits in six innings... Game will be available on 1380 AM in Lancaster and 92.9 FM in High Desert as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes v. Modesto Nuts 7:05 PM PT
Ryan Chaffee v. Juan Nicasio
Notes: Rubber match of three game series... Ryan Chaffee had a forgettable 2010 debut in his last start, a 1.2 IP, 6 ER outing... Chaffee struck out no batters and allowed six hits and four walks... Juan Nicasio was roughed up for five runs, four earned in six innings in his last start... Nicasio had his second worst start of the year against the Quakes earlier this year when they scored three times in 5.1 IP against him... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto as well as www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...

San Jose Giants v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Justin Fitzgerald v. Murphy Smith
Notes: Rubber match of three game series... Justin Fitzgerald has been great in his transition from relieving to starting... Fitzgerald has allowed one or fewer runs in all three starts... Murphy Smith has a .359 BAA this season, 33 hits in 21 IP... Smith's best appearance this year was actually when he came out of the bullpen and gave up two runs on seven hits in 4.1 IP... Game will be available on 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.sjgiants.com and www.milb.com...

CAL North
Visalia 16-9 .640
Modesto 15-9 .625 .5 GB
San Jose 13-11 .542 2.5 GB
Stockton 12-14 .462 4.5 GB
Bakersfield 9-14 .391 6 GB

CAL South
High Desert 15-11 .577
Lake Elsinore 15-12 .556 .5 GB
Rancho Cucamonga 14-13 .519 1.5 GB
Inland Empire 10-17 .370 5.5 GB
Lancaster 8-17 .320 6.5 GB

Cal League Condensed: 5/5 Review

High Desert 11, Lancaster 10
Recap | Box
W: Stephen Penney (1-1)
L: David Berner (1-1)
BS: Ashton Mowdy (2) Stephen Penney (1)
HR: Jay Austin (3) Barry Butera (1)
Notes: Game ended on a walkoff Travis Scott single with Lancaster using a five man infield... High Desert scored both runs without an out being recorded in the inning... This came after Lancaster scored seven runs in the top half of the inning to erase a 9-3 deficit... Seven batters reached before the first out was recorded, a sacrifice fly... Kyle Greenwalt left with a leg injury in the 4th inning covering first base... Barry Butera, Scott Savastano and Denny Almonte had four hit games... Jay Austin, Nate Tenbrink and Juan Diaz had three hit games... Teams combined for 36 hits... Barry Butera, Scott Savastano and Denny Almonte had three RBI games... Johermyn Chavez walked three times... Lancaster walked nine batters, including Kyle Godfrey walking five in one inning... High Desert didn't walk any... Austin hit one home run last year and has three this year, including two in the last two games... Butera's home run was the first of his pro career... Josh Flores and Denny Almonte had two outfield assists... High Desert was 8 for 18 w/ RISP and left 15 on base... David Berner was charged with five runs, four earned in 1+ IP... Cheyne Hanne was charged with five runs without recording an out... Jake Wild only allowed one earned run over 6.2 IP with seven strikeouts... Attendance was 925...

Lake Elsinore 10, Inland Empire 9
Recap | Box
W: Colt Hynes (2-1)
L: Paul Koss (1-4)
S: Brad Brach (9)
BS: Paul Koss (3)
HR: Allan Dykstra 2 (3)
Notes: Lake Elsinore scored six in the 8th inning... Inland Empire previously had leads of 8-3 and 9-4... Manny Ramirez not in the lineup... Starters combined to give up 20 hits in 8.2 IP... Anthony Bass pitched five innings but gave up eight runs, five earned... Dan Robertson and Michael Collins had four hit games... Travis Denker, Kyle Russell, Chris Gutierrez and Drew Cumberland had three hit games... It was Denker's first game with the 66ers... Teams combined for 32 hits... Allan Dykstra had four RBI... Five players had two RBI games... Matt Wallach scored three times... Every pitcher for Inland Empire gave up at least one run, including Miguel Sanflar who gave up four while only recording two outs... Lake Elsinore's bullpen settled things down, pitching four innings of one run ball... Attendance was 1,899...

Visalia 6, Bakersfield 0
Recap | Box
W: Wade Miley (2-3)
L: Kennil Gomez (0-2)
HR: Ryan Wheeler (2)
Notes: Teams have now traded shutouts the past two days... Visalia scored five runs in the 3rd and added the 6th in the 4th inning... Kennil Gomez only lasted 2.1 IP... Bakersfield had one AB with a runner in scoring position and didn't get a hit... The Blaze left four runners on base... Visalia was 8 for 15 w/ RISP... Ryan Wheeler reached base three times... Wade Miley scattered three hits and three walks over seven shutout innings... Attendance was 1,212...

Rancho Cucamonga 13, Modesto 1
Recap | Box
W: Tyler Chatwood (2-2)
L: Dan Houston (2-2)
HR: Gabe Jacobo (4)
Notes: Rancho Cucamonga scored nine runs between the 2nd and 4th innings... Quakes also put up a four spot in the 6th... Taylor Buchholz is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and pitched a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout... Gabe Jacobo had three hits and also walked twice... Carlos Colmenares had a five RBI game... Dillon Baird had a three RBI game... Tyler Chatwood struck out nine in five shutout innings... Dan Houston allowed nine runs on 10 hits and four walks in four innings... Attendance was 682...

San Jose 4, Stockton 3
Recap | Box
W: David Quinowski (1-0)
L: Paul Smyth (0-1)
S: Edwin Quirarte (1)
BS: Paul Smyth (2)
HR: Charlie Culberson 2 (4) Michael Spina (2)
Notes: Go ahead run scored in the 8th on a Francisco Peguero single... Lead changed three times... Craig Westcott finally allowed runs, three of them, two of which were earned, in five innings... Westcott's ERA is now .78... Shane Keough stole two bases... Charlie Culberson had a three hit game... Paul Smyth has now given up three earned runs in his pro career... Attendance was 1,612...

Cal League Condensed: 5/5 Preview

Lancaster JetHawks v. High Desert Mavericks 10:35 AM PT
Kyle Greenwalt v. Jake Wild
Notes: Kyle Greenwalt walked four of his five walks on the season in his last start against Lake Elsinore... Greenwalt has only allowed three earned runs over his last three starts... Jake Wild has a 27:5 K:BB ratio... Wild has allowed five home runs in 24.1 IP... Game will be available on 1380 AM in Lancaster and 92.9 FM in High Desert as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...

Inland Empire 66ers v. Lake Elsinore Storm 6:05 PM PT
Jon Michael Redding v. Anthony Bass
Notes: Manny Ramirez is expected to continue his rehab at least the next two games... Ramirez could move from DH to LF... Anthony Bass has given up one run in 5.2 IP in each of his last two starts... Jon Michael Redding has one quality start this season... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...

Bakersfield Blaze v. Visalia Rawhide 7:00 PM PT
Kennil Gomez v. Wade Miley
Notes: Kennil Gomez has allowed a combined 30 hits+walks in 15 IP this season... Gomez has allowed three earned runs in each of his last three appearances, all starts... Both starters in this game have more walks than strikeouts this season... Wade Miley has only allowed one earned run over his last three starts... Game will be available on 1270 AM in Visalia as well as www.milb.com...

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes v. Modesto Nuts 7:05 PM PT
Tyler Chatwood v. Dan Houston
Notes: Tyler Chatwood allowed a season high three earned runs in his previous start... Chatwood allowed six hits and four walks but only one run in a previous start against Modesto... Dan Houston has allowed nine runs in his last two starts after only allowing three in his first two... First start of the season for Houston came against Rancho Cucamonga, a 5.2 IP, 2 ER outing... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto as well as www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...

San Jose Giants v. Stockton Pors 7:05 PM PT
Craig Westcott v. Shawn Haviland
Notes: Craig Westcott still hasn't allowed a run... Westcott has only given up four hits combined in his last two starts... Shawn Haviland struck out nine in 5.1 IP in his previous start... Haviland has allowed more than two runs in only one of his five starts... Game will be available on 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.sjgiants.com and www.milb.com...

CAL North
Modesto 15-8 .652
Visalia 15-9 .625 .5 GB
San Jose 12-11 .522 3 GB
Stockton 12-13 .480 4 GB
Bakersfield 9-13 .409 5.5 GB

CAL South
High Desert 14-11 .560
Lake Elsinore 14-12 .538 .5 GB
Rancho Cucamonga 13-13 .500 1.5 GB
Inland Empire 10-16 .385 4.5 GB
Lancaster 8-16 .333 5.5 GB

Transactions
SJ: Andrew Reichard placed on restricted list
IE: Cesar Suarez released
VIS: Ryan Cook assigned from AAA Reno
MOD: Taylor Buchholz assigned from Rockies
VIS: Victor Estevez assigned from A South Bend
IE: Travis Denker assigned from Dodgers
STO: Andrew Carignan assigned from XST
IE: Manny Ramirez assigned from Dodgers
IE: Jeff Weaver assigned from Dodgers
LE: Joe Agreste assigned to XST
STO: David Thomas placed on DL
LE: Blake Tekotte activated from DL

Cal League Condensed: 5/4 Review

Bakersfield 5, Visalia 0
Recap | Box
W: Carlos Pimentel (3-1)
L: Brad Gemberling (0-1)
Notes: First shutout thrown by Bakersfield this season and first time Visalia has been shutout this season... Carlos Pimentel pitched five innings, and Shane Zegarac, Cody Eppley and Tyler Tufts threw the last four... Eppley struck out four in 1.2 IP... Visalia committed three errors and only one run was earned... Victor Estevez went 2/4 in his first game with the Rawhide... Attendance was 1,068...

Inland Empire 10, Lake Elsinore 4
Recap | Box
W: Ethan Martin (3-1)
L: Jorge Reyes (2-2)
Notes: Manny Ramirez was the designated hitter and led off, batting 1/3 with an RBI and strikeout... Jeff Weaver pitched three innings, allowing two unearned runs on two hits and one walk while striking out three... He threw 28 of 42 pitches for strikes... Inland Empire scored four in both the 2nd and 3rd innings... Lake Elsinore stole five bases against Jeff Weaver and Matt Wallach... Justin Sellers had four hits and three RBI... Nick Buss had three hits and four RBI... Bridger Hunt and and Chris Gutierrez also had three hit games... Lake Elsinore was 0 for 11 w/ RISP and left eight on base... Kenley Jansen struck out all four of his outs... Attendance was 3,003...

Lancaster 8, High Desert 1
Recap | Box
W: Shane Wolf (2-2)
L: Bobby LaFromboise (3-1)
HR: Jay Austin (2)
Notes: Jay Austin's home run led off the game... Austin had three hits... Bobby LaFromboise allowed six earned runs in five innings and had only allowed five earned runs in the rest of his starts... Shane Wolf scattered seven hits over seven innings but only gave up one run... Only one walk was issued between both teams... Lancaster scored five in the 4th inning... Attendance was 746...

Modesto 5, Rancho Cucamonga 4
Recap | Box
W: Kenny Durst (3-0)
L: Manaurys Correa (0-4)
S: Adam Jorgenson (8)
HR: Angel Castillo (2) Jordan Pacheco (1)
Notes: Jordan Pacheco went 3/4 to raise his average to .398... Thomas Field also had a three hit game... No Quakes player had more than one hit... Erik Wetzel committed two errors... Manaurys Correa allowed eight hits and five runs in 3.1 IP... The Rancho Cucamonga bullpen pitched 4.2 shutout innings... Michael Marbry struck out four in two innings... Attendance was 3,477...

Stockton 8, San Jose 7
Recap | Box
W: Jose Pina (1-1)
L: Jason Stoffel (0-2)
HR: Johnny Monell (2) Francisco Peguero (2) Petey Paramore (2)
Notes: Stockton scored four in the 9th to win... San Jose had previously scored four straight runs to take a 7-4 lead... Jeremy Barfield hit a sac fly to allow Stephen Parker to score the winning run... Johnny Monell had a four RBI game... Eric Surkamp picked off two runners... Five Ports had two hit games... Petey Paramore had three RBI... Jason Stoffel has allowed eleven runs, eight earned, over his last two outings, two recorded outs... Starters combined to allow eight runs in 11 innings... Attendance was 1,273...

Cal League Condensed: 5/4 Preview

Bakersfield Blaze v. Visalia Rawhide 7:00 PM PT
Carlos Pimentel v. Brad Gemberling
Notes: Bakersfield split their series against Stockton, and Visalia won their series against Inland Empire... Carlos Pimentel has two good starts and two bad starts this season... Pimentel has allowed one earned run in two starts against San Jose and 11 earned runs in his other two starts... Brad Gemberling made his 2010 debut on April 29th and pitched four innings, allowing two runs... Gemberling replaced Josh Collmenter after he was promoted... Game will be available on 1270 AM in Visalia as well as www.milb.com...

Inland Empire 66ers v. Lake Elsinore Storm 7:05 PM PT
Jeff Weaver v. Jorge Reyes
Notes: Inland Empire lost their series against Visalia, and Lake Elsinore won their series against Lancaster... Jeff Weaver will be throwing about 45 pitches in a rehab start... Manny Ramirez will be the 66ers DH and play the field in games later this week... It's Ethan Martin's turn in the rotation, so he could follow up Weaver... Jorge Reyes pitched six shutout innings against Inland Empire in his last start... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...

Lancaster JetHawks v. High Desert Mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Shane Wolf v. Bobby LaFromboise
Notes: Lancaster lost their series against Lake Elsinore, and High Desert split their series against Rancho Cucamonga... Shane Wolf gave up a season high 10 hits and five runs in his last start against High Desert... On the other hand, Bobby LaFromboise had his best start against Lancaster... LaFromboise was named Cal League Pitcher of the Week... Game will be available on 1380 AM in Lancaster and 92.9 FM in High Desert as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes v. Modesto Nuts 7:05 PM PT
Manaurys Correa v. Kenny Durst
Notes: Both teams split their series which were against High Desert and Bakersfield respectively... Manaurys Correa has somehow only struck out six batters... Correa is coming off his best start of the year, allowing one earned run in seven innings... Kenny Durst walked five in his last start but didn't allow any earned runs... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto as well as www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...

San Jose Giants v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Eric Surkamp v. Justin Murray
Notes: Both teams split their series which were against Modesto and Bakersfield respectively... Eric Surkamp has struck out 14 batters in his last two starts after only striking out eight in his first two... Surkamp allowed three runs in six innings in his last start against Stockton... Justin Murray didn't allow any runs in 5.1 IP in his last start against San Jose... Game will be available on 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.sjgiants.com and www.milb.com...

CAL North
Visalia 15-8 .652
Modesto 14-8 .636 .5 GB
San Jose 12-10 .545 2.5 GB
Stockton 11-13 .458 4.5 GB
Bakersfield 8-13 .381 6 GB

CAL South
High Desert 14-10 .583
Lake Elsinore 14-11 .560 .5 GB
Rancho Cucamonga 13-12 .520 1.5 GB
Inland Empire 9-16 .360 5.5 GB
Lancaster 7-16 .304 6.5 GB

Transactions
VIS: Rey Navarro traded to Kansas City Royals and assigned to A+ Wilmington
HD: Fray Martinez assigned to XST
HD: Marwin Vega activated from restricted list
SJ: Joe Paterson assigned from AAA Fresno
VIS: Ryan Cook assigned to AAA Reno

Month in Review

I'm probably not going to do this every month, but the off day comes at a convenient time for something like this. I'll look at some individual and team statistical leaders and offer some other thoughts on the season so far, including a look back on how my predictions are doing so far.

Batting Average
1. Jimmy Cesario, MOD .413
2. Brandon Belt, SJ .400
3. Nate Tenbrink, HD .396
4. Roberto Lopez, RC .386
5. Jordan Pacheco, MOD .380

1. High Desert .288
2. Modesto .280
3. Rancho Cucamonga .278

Runs
1. Tyson Auer, RC 22
1. Marc Krauss, VIS 22
3. Kyle Seager, HD 21
4. Drew Cumberland, LE 18
5. Five tied with 17

1. High Desert 132
2. Lake Elsinore 124
3. Rancho Cucamonga 119

Home Runs
1. Stephen Parker, STO 6
2. Three tied with five
5. Six tied with four

1. Lake Elsinore 22
2. Rancho Cucamonga 20
3. Stockton 18

Runs Batted In
1. Rich Poythress, HD 23
2. Gabe Jacobo, RC 22
3. Roberto Lopez, RC 21
4. Jordan Pacheco, MOD 20
5. Dillon Baird, RC and Vince Belnome, LE 19

Steals
1. Francisco Peguero, SJ 12
2. Tyson Auer, RC and Jay Austin, LAN 11
4. Drew Cumberland, LE 10
5. Brandon Belt, SJ and Rian Kiniry, RC 7

1. Rancho Cucamonga 41
2. San Jose 37
3. Modesto 34

On Base Percentage
1. Tony Delmonico, IE .507
2. Brandon Belt, SJ .494
3. Jimmy Cesario, MOD .460
4. Jordan Pacheco, MOD .458
5. Nate Tenbrink, HD .455

Slugging Percentage
1. Brandon Belt, SJ .643
2. Roberto Lopez, RC .627
3. Michael Collins, LE .618
4. Marc Krauss, VIS .617
5. Jimmy Cesario, MOD .613

OPS
1. Brandon Belt, SJ 1.137
2. Roberto Lopez, RC 1.074
3. Jimmy Cesario, MOD 1.072
4. Marc Krauss, VIS 1.052
5. Nate Tenbrink, HD 1.049

1. High Desert .785
2. Modesto .764
3. Rancho Cucamonga .751

Wins
1. Three tied with 3
4. Many tied with 2

Innings Pitched
1. Ethan Hollingsworth, MOD 32.2
2. Will Smith, RC 30.2
3. Anthony Bass, LE 29
4. Kenn Kasparek, HD and Matt Shoemaker, RC 28.1

Strikeouts
1. Ethan Hollingsworth, MOD 35
2. Matt Shoemaker, RC 33
3. Shawn Haviland, STO and Jake Wild, HD 27
5. Aaron Miller, IE and Juan Nicasio, MOD 26

Saves
1. Brad Brach, LE 8
2. Adam Jorgenson, MOD 7
3. T.J. Hose, VIS and Jason Stoffel, SJ 5
5. Three tied with 3

ERA
1. Craig Westcott, SJ 0.00
2. Ethan Hollingsworth, MOD 1.65
3. Rob Scahill, MOD 2.00
4. Bobby LaFromboise, HD 2.01
5. Eric Surkamp, SJ 2.35

1. Modesto 2.89
2. Visalia 3.44
3. High Desert 3.55

WHIP
1. Ethan Hollingsworth, MOD .80
2. Eric Surkamp, SJ 1.00
3. Bobby LaFromboise, HD 1.07
4. Anthony Bass, LE 1.10
5. Craig Westcott, SJ 1.11

1. High Desert and Modesto 1.27
3. San Jose 1.28

Enough of that.

Bakersfield Blaze
Currently: 5th in CAL North
Predicted: 5th in CAL North

Performing well: Mike Bianucci and David Paisano have led an okay offense. Engel Beltre is heating up a bit repeating the level.

Disappointing: The rotation isn't as good as I thought it would be. Three starters have an ERA over 5.

I predicted Bakersfield to be last, but they're not doing it the way I thought they would. I expected them to have pretty good pitching, but the rotation has performed pretty poorly. The Blaze could lose some of their better players to promotion, which isn't good news for a team struggling to draw crowds.

High Desert Mavericks
Currently: 1st in CAL South
Predicted: 3rd in CAL South, losing in the Division Semis

Playing well: Rich Poythress and Nate Tenbrink are killing the ball. Johermyn Chavez is working towards realizing his potential, and the pitching has been great.

Disappointing: It's hard to find an issue with this team so far, but I thought Andrew Carraway would be pitching better.

High Desert has been outperforming my expectations so far despite Maikel Cleto being on the DL. They're showing their trademark high powered offense and getting surprisingly good pitching. Bobby LaFromboise really wasn't on my radar coming into the season, but he's been one of the best starters in the league.

Inland Empire 66ers
Currently: 4th in CAL South
Predicted: 2nd in CAL South, losing in Division Finals

Playing well: Kyle Russell, Andres Perez and Tony Delmonico are killing the ball. Their pitching prospects have shown flashes at times.

Disappointing: The offense has been brutal despite the performances of the above players. The starters are inconsistent.

Inland Empire has probably been the most disappointing team for me so far. Coming into the season, I thought this roster had a lot of talent, and they haven't played up to their potential. The lineup isn't deep at all, and if guys aren't getting on base for Kyle Russell, he can't do any damage. Their rotation has a lot of potential now that Nate Eovaldi is healthy and making his regular turn in the rotation.

Lake Elsinore Storm
Currently: 2nd in CAL South
Predicted: 1st in CAL South, League Champions

Playing well: Drew Cumberland has been one of the league's best hitters, and his defense has improved from early in the season. Several other hitters are having great years as well.

Disappointing: The pitching will have to be better to win a championship.

Lake Elsinore is in good shape after roughly a month, and Jaff Decker hasn't even played a game yet. They're scoring enough runs without him, but he'll be a huge weapon when he's in the lineup. Brad Brach has been solid besides one slip up the other day, and the bullpen will need to be good since the rotation seems to be average.

Lancaster JetHawks
Currently: 5th in CAL South
Predicted: 4th in CAL South

Playing well: Albert Cartwright is hitting the ball very well, and Kyle Greenwalt is improving his prospect status.

Disappointing: The other young pitchers in the rotation haven't worked out so far. The lineup is extremely shallow, and Jay Austin isn't getting results with his tools.

Lancaster has been all around bad, but they've been coming around as of late after a horrible start. Lexington's run scoring problem has carried over, and Ross Seaton not meeting expectations in the early going has been a problem. The youth in the rotation has to learn.

Modesto Nuts
Currently: 2nd in CAL North
Predicted: 1st in CAL North, Losing in League Championship

Playing well: Ethan Hollingsworth is repeating the level and has been arguably the best starter in the league this season. The lineup is putting the bat on the ball and pounding opposing pitching staffs.

Disappointing: They should probably be scoring more runs than they are.

Modesto's pitching has been outstanding one month in. Their highest ERA among starters is 4.12, which some teams would probably take at the top of their rotation. Juan Nicasio got roughed up a bit in his last start, but he's been very good. Rob Scahill's ERA is sitting at 2. Kenny Durst is having a good year too. Jimmy Cesario and Jordan Pacheco aren't hitting a lot of home runs, but they've been among the league's most productive hitters.

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Currently: 3rd in CAL South
Predicted: 5th in CAL South

Playing well: Alexi Amarista is a personal favorite prospect of mine, and his strong 2009 has carried over. Tyler Chatwood and Will Smith are proving themselves as prospects and leading a solid rotation

Disappointing: The real disappointment is how horrible my prediction for them was.

The Quakes have had one of the league's better offenses, led by Roberto Lopez. Every position player on the roster has a steal except one, and we can excuse him because he's the backup catcher. The rotation has lacked depth so far, especially after Manny Flores was promoted. The 5th starter has been a revolving door with varying degrees of success.

San Jose Giants
Currently: 3rd in CAL North
Predicted: 3rd in CAL North, Losing in Division Finals

Playing well: Brandon Belt has the league's longest hitting streak this season and improving his stock. Justin Fitzgerald became a starting pitcher and has had a great start to the season.

Disappointing: Ehire Adrianza still isn't producing at his talent level, and some of the starters are hurting their prospect stock.

Once again, the Giants are one of the league's better teams. The offense is last in the league in runs, but I expect that to improve over time. Craig Westcott, Eric Surkamp and Justin Fitzgerald have highlighted a six man rotation so far while guys like Aaron King and Ari Ronick battle ineffectiveness or injury. They don't have the top prospects last year's team had, but this group should be in contention all year.

Stockton Ports
Currently: 4th in CAL South
Predicted: 2nd in CAL South, Losing in Division Semis

Playing well: Stephen Parker is in the middle of a power surge, and Tyler Ladendorf has done well being shuffled between Stockton and Sacramento. Shawn Haviland has been great in the rotation.

Disappointing: Oakland was probably hoping first round pick Grant Green would be playing better.

I look back on this prediction and kind of wonder what I was thinking. I said the pitching would be good, and it really hasn't been. I said the offense wouldn't be very good, and it's been better than expected. The one thing I did expect that is actually happening is that the lineup would take a lock of walks, and they lead the league in that by a pretty wide margin.

Visalia Rawhide
Currently: 1st in CAL North
Predicted: 4th in CAL North

Playing well: Marc Krauss is one of Arizona's top prospects and is hitting like it. The lineup has been better than in previous years, and the pitching is still solid.

Disappointing: I thought the offense would score some more runs than they are, but they've been good overall.

Visalia is the last team, but it's one more opportunity to look at a prediction that looks pretty inaccurate so far. After a couple years of being at the bottom of the barrel in the league, the Rawhide batters are turning in a respectable 2010. Ryan Cook is having the success I thought he might, although his 1.02 WHIP might not be sustainable.

Cal League Condensed: 5/2 Review

Visalia 12, Inland Empire 4
Recap | Box
W: Taylor Sinclair (2-1)
L: Nate Eovaldi (0-1)
HR: Tony Delmonico (1)
Notes: Visalia wins the series... Teams combined for 32 hits... Visalia was 8 for 18 w/ RISP... Rossmel Perez had a four hit game... Perez also had three RBI... Seven Visalia players had two hit games... Tony Delmonico had a three hit game... Miguel Sanfler and Edwin Contreras each gave up five runs for Inland Empire... Starter Nate Eovaldi only allowed two of the 12 runs but was charged with the loss... At one point Visalia scored 10 straight runs... Attendance was 2,783... After a day off, Visalia returns home for a series against Bakersfield while Inland Empire starts a road trip on Tuesday at Lake Elsinore...

Modesto 8, San Jose 1
Recap | Box
W: Stephen Dodson (1-0)
L: Jason Stoffel (0-1)
HR: Charlie Culberson (2)
Notes: Teams split the four game series... Game was 0-0 after eight innings... Modesto only had one hit going into the 9th and finished with nine... Ben Paulsen had a three RBI game... Modesto was 5 for 10 w/ RISP... Maikol Gonzalez stole three bases... San Jose was 0 for 7 w/ RISP... Neither starter allowed a run... Aaron King struck out 10... Jason Stoffel was charged with seven runs and only recording one out... Attendance was 2,722... After a day off, Modesto will take on Rancho Cucamonga at home while San Jose starts a series in Stockton on Tuesday...

Bakersfield 14, Stockton 3
Recap | Box
W: Michael Main (1-1)
L: Anviroris Ramirez (0-5)
HR: Mike Bianucci (2) Mitch Hilligoss 2 (2) Davis Stoneburner (4) Jared Bolden (1) Josh Horton (1)
Notes: Teams split the four game series... Bakersfield scored 10 runs in the last two innings... Anvioris Ramirez gave up a season low four runs, but it was still in only 3.2 IP... Scott Hodsdon gave up five runs, but all of them were unearned... Stockton made five errors, including two by Stephen Parker... Engel Beltre had a four hit game... Davis Stoneburner, Andres James and Josh Horton had three hit games... Jared Bolden had a four RBI game... Mitch Hilligoss had a three RBI game... Attendance was 3,664... After a day off, Bakersfield has a road series at Visalia while Stockton goes home to face San Jose on Tuesday...

Rancho Cucamonga 7, High Desert 6
Recap | Box
W: Matt Shoemaker (2-2)
L: Marwin Vega (0-1)
S: Steven Geltz (1)
HR: Roberto Lopez (3)
Notes: Teams split the four game series... Rancho Cucamonga scored seven straight runs at one point... High Desert scored four in the 9th and had the tying run on third... Roberto Lopez had a four hit and four RBI game... Alexi Amarista had three RBI... Teams were a combined 10 for 19 w/ RISP... Nate Tenbrink and Scott Savastano had three hit games... Jake Shaffer had two outfield assists... Ryan Feierabend allowed four hits over three shutout innings... Feierabend was the one High Desert pitcher to not allow a run... Matt Shoemaker struck out nine... Attendance was 1,686... After an off day, Rancho Cucamonga starts a series in Modesto while High Desert takes on Lancaster at home starting Tuesday...

Lake Elsinore 13, Lancaster 6
Recap | Box
W: Erik Davis (2-1)
L: Brad Dydalewicz (0-3)
HR: Cody Decker (2) Michael Collins (5) Dan Robertson (2) David Flores (2)
Notes: Lake Elsinore wins the series... Michael Collins' home run was a grand slam... Lake Elsinore scored all 13 runs in the first four innings... Drew Cumberland and Cole Figueroa had three hit games... Figueroa also had three RBI, as did David Flores... Four JetHawks had two hit games... Brad Dydalewicz has given up 14 runs in his last two starts, only lasting a total 4.2 IP... Attendance was 5,137... After an off day, Lake Elsinore heads home to play Inland Empire while Lancaster travels to High Desert starting Tuesday...

Cal League Condensed: 5/2 Preview

Visalia Rawhide v. Inland Empire 66ers 1:05 PM PT
Taylor Sinclair v. Nate Eovaldi
Notes: Inland Empire can earn a series split with a win... Taylor Sinclair is coming off his worst start of the season, allowing five runs, four earned, in 3.1 IP against Rancho Cucamonga... Sinclair has made one start against Inland Empire this season, pitching five innings and allowing two runs... Nate Eovaldi made his 2010 against Visalia and gave up two runs in five innings... Eovaldi has seven walks in 10 IP this season... Game will be available on 1270 AM in Visalia and 1050 AM in Inland Empire as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...

Modesto Nuts v. San Jose Giants 2:00 PM PT
Rob Scahill v. Aaron King
Notes: Modesto can earn a series split with a win... Rob Scahill pitched five shutout innings against San Jose in a start against them this season... Scahill has given up six earned runs this season, five of which came in one start... Aaron King has made three starts this season with the results getting progressively worse: 2 ER in 5 IP, 3 in 3.2, 5 in 3.2... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto as well as www.sjgiants.com and www.milb.com...

Bakersfield Blaze v. Stockton Ports 2:05 PM PT
Michael Main v. Anvioris Ramirez
Notes: Bakersfield can earn a series split with a win... Michael Main has a 3.63 ERA through four starts this season... Anvioris Ramirez has allowed exactly five runs in every start so far this season... Game will be available on 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes v. High Desert Mavericks 3:05 PM PT
Matt Shoemaker v. Ryan Feierabend
Notes: Rancho Cucamonga can earn a series split with a win... Matt Shoemaker has a 24:4 K:BB ratio, but he has also given up 28 hits in 21.1 IP... Ryan Feierabend hasn't appeared in a game since 4/21...Feierabend has four innings this season... Game will be available on 92.9 FM in High Desert as well as www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...

Lake Elsinore Storm v. Lancaster JetHawks 5:00 PM PT
Erik Davis v. Brad Dydalewicz
Notes: Lancaster can earn a series sweep with a win... Erik Davis has only allowed one run in his last two starts, totaling 11 IP... Brad Dydalewicz only lasted 1.1 IP in his last start, giving up five earned runs... Dydalewicz hasn't gone longer than four innings in any start and has allowed three or more runs in all of them... Game will be available on 1050 AM in Inland Empire as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...

CAL North
Visalia 14-8 .636
Stockton 13-8 .619 .5 GB
San Jose 12-9 .571 1.5 GB
Stockton 11-12 .478 3.5 GB
Bakersfield 7-13 .350 6 GB

CAL South
High Desert 14-9 .609
Lake Elsinore 13-11 .542 1.5 GB
Rancho Cucamonga 12-12 .500 2.5 GB
Inland Empire 9-15 .375 5.5 GB
Lancaster 7-15 .318 6.5 GB

Transactions
STO: Tyler Ladendorf assigned from AAA Sacramento

Cal League Condensed: 5/1 Review

Modesto 4, San Jose 3
Recap | Box
W: Kurt Yacko (2-0)
L: Scott Nestor (1-1)
S: Adam Jorgenson (7)
HR: Jimmy Cesario (1) Ryan Lormand (1)
Notes: Brandon Belt's long hitting streak has come to an end with a three strikeout game... Two other Giants struck out three times... Jordan Pacheco had a three hit game... An 8th inning Brian Rike single broke a 3-3 tie... Ethan Hollingsworth struck out 10 batters... Hollingsworth made an error, and I only point this out because it seems like a lot of pitchers have been making errors lately... Attendance was 2,464...

Lancaster 10, Lake Elsinore 8
Recap | Box
W: David Berner (1-0)
L: Brad Brach (1-1)
BS: Brad Brach (1) David Berner (1)
HR: Allan Dykstra (1) Danny Payne (1) Albert Cartwright (2) Brandon Barnes (4)
Notes: Lancaster won on a walkoff home run hit by Brandon Barnes... Barnes has hit two walkoff home runs against Lake Elsinore this season... Lake Elsinore had scored a run in the top half of the 10th after tying it in the 9th... Lancaster outhit Lake Elsinore 22-9... Teams combined for six 1st inning runs... Albert Cartwright had a five hit game... Mark Ori had a four hit game... Freddy Parejo, Brandon Barnes and Rayner Contreras had three hit games... Juan Oramas struck out eight in 3.1 IP in his Cal League debut but allowed two runs on six hits and one walk... Attendance was 2,306...

Stockton 5, Bakersfield 3
Recap | Box
W: Kenny Smalley (2-1)
L: Wilfredo Boscan (1-4)
S: Paul Smythe (3)
HR: Engel Beltre (2) Davis Stoneburner (3) Stephen Parker 2 (6)
Notes: All of Bakersfield's runs came on home runs... Stephen Parker has hit four home runs in the last three games... Davis Stoneburner and Doug Hogan struck out three times... Tyler Ladendorf apparently back with Stockton... Kenny Smalley struck out seven but also walked four... Wilfredo Boscan has given up nine earned runs in his last two starts... Attendance was 4,094...

Rancho Cucamonga 8, High Desert 6 (10)
Recap | Box
W: Eddie McKiernan (2-0)
L: Cheyne Hann (0-2)
BS: Eddie McKiernan (2) Blake Nation (2)
HR: Denny Almonte (2)
Notes: Lead changed four times... High Desert tied it in the bottom of the 9th on a Nate Tenbrink single... Rancho Cucamonga scored two in the 10th on consecutive doubles... Alexi Amarista had a three hit game... Gabe Jacobo had a four RBI game... Will Smith allowed a season high five runs... Every pitcher for High Desert allowed at least one run... Attendance was 1,749...

Visalia 8, Inland Empire 5
Recap | Box
W: Andrew Wolcott (1-0)
L: Geison Aguasviva (1-3)
S: Billy Spottiswood (1)
Notes: Visalia scored the first six runs of the game... Paul Goldschmidt had a three hit game... Rossmel Perez had three passed balls... Teams were a combined 9 for 22 w/ RISP... Geison Aguasviva gave up five earned runs in just 2.1 IP... Aguasviva allowed five hits and four walks without striking out anyone... Andrew Wolcott pitched a season high 5.1 IP... Attendance was 2,364...

Cal League Condensed: 5/1 Preview

I thought about doing a post reflecting on the first month, but I'll save that for the off day coming up.

Modesto Nuts v. San Jose Giants 6:00 PM PT
Ethan Hollingsworth v. Kyle Nicholson
Notes: Ethan Hollingsworth has been one of the league's best starters, if not the very best in April... His worst start actually came against the Giants when he allowed three runs, two earned, in five innings in his first start of the year... Kyle Nicholson has struggled so far this season because he's allowing a lot of hits, but his command has been good and should improve... Game will be available on 970 AM in Modesto as well as www.sjgiants.com and www.milb.com...

Lake Elsinore Storm v. Lancaster JetHawks 7:00 PM PT
Juan Oramas v. Dallas Keuchel
Notes: Juan Oramas will be making his 2010 Cal League debut... Oramas struck out 25 in 15 Midwest League IP... Not much information seems to be out there on Oramas yet, but that'll change if he keeps pitching like he did in his first 15 innings... Dallas Keuchel has struggled so far this season, but his last start was his best when he allowed two runs over seven innings with a season low six hits and season high seven strikeouts... Game will be available on 1380 AM in Lancaster as well as www.jethawks.com and www.milb.com...

Bakersfield Blaze v. Stockton Ports 7:05 PM PT
Wilfredo Boscan v. Kenny Smalley
Notes: Wilfredo Boscan had his shortest, but best, start of the season against Stockton earlier this year, 2 ER in 5 IP... Kenny Smalley allowed seven runs in five innings two starts ago, but has only given up four earned runs in his other three starts combined... Game will be available on 1280 AM in Stockton as well as www.milb.com...

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes v. High Desert Mavericks 7:05 PM PT
Will Smith v. Nick Czyz
Notes: Will Smith hasn't allowed any earned runs in two of his four starts... Smith has given up six hits each in his last two starts after two starts where he allowed seven combined... Nick Czyz pitched five shutout innings in his one Cal League start this year... Czyz has pitched 14.2 IP between two levels this season... Game will be available on 92.9 FM in High Desert as well as www.rcquakes.com and www.milb.com...

EDIT: Andrew Carraway for High Desert?

Visalia Rawhide v. Inland Empire 66ers 7:05 PM PT
Andrew Wolcott v. Geison Aguasviva
Notes: Andrew Wolcott has made one appearance against Inland Empire this year, a one inning, two hit relief outing... Wolcott has made one start this year when he allowed one run in 4.2 IP against Rancho Cucamonga... Geison Aguasviva has had an up and down season... Aguasviva has two starts of just one earned run allowed, and the other two are nine runs (four earned) and three earned... Game will be available on 1270 AM in Visalia and 1050 AM in Inland Empire as well as www.kcaaradio.com and www.milb.com...

CAL North
Visalia 13-8 .619
Modesto 12-8 .600 .5 GB
San Jose 12-8 .600 .5 GB
Stockton 10-12 .455 3.5 GB
Bakersfield 7-12 .368 5 GB

CAL South
High Desert 14-8 .636
Lake Elsinore 13-10 .565 1.5 GB
Rancho Cucamonga 11-12 .478 3.5 GB
Inland Empire 9-14 .391 5.5 GB
Lancaster 6-15 .286 7.5 GB

Transactions
RC: Carlos Colmenares assigned from AA Arkansas
STO: Jose Crisotomo assigned from A- Vancouver
MOD: Chris Malone assigned to AA Tulsa
IE: Cody White assigned from XST
RC: Ivan Contreras assigned to A Cedar Rapids
IE: Cole St. Clair assigned to AA Chattanooga