Penn League Report

Early thoughts on Brandon Nimmo

Brooklyn, gunning for their eleventh win of the season tonight do so with their number eight hitter batting only .195. That number eight hitter isn't just any old prospect, he's Brandon Nimmo. I've received several emails and questions on Twitter regarding the 19-year old's slow start to the season, as well having had many conversations with others who have seen him play. Here are a few thoughts on Nimmo.

I know for a fact that no one in the Mets organization or on the Cyclones staff is concerned one bit about Nimmo and the fact that he's done nothing in the Cyclones first fifteen games. I'm a conservative evaluator, but still wouldn't have any reason to be concerned about Nimmo. Prospects take time and most certainly aren't expected to hit in short-season ball similarly to what their upside projects them to be. Additionally, struggling is a positive sign, as Nimmo is seeing what he's doing wrong and learning through his manager and hitting coach how to fix it.

That said, until today I was totally unaware of his low average. That's because it's not something that I pay attention to in the minors. I hate minor league stats and hardly use them. In fact, the only stats that I really use when evaluating minor league talent are strikeouts and walks. I do so solely because statistics don't project a player two or three years from now and they most certainly tell me anything about his projection, which are two of the most prominent points of scouting.

Nimmo has actually looked pretty good at the plate. He's been swinging-and-missing a bunch but is still showing pretty decent plate discipline along with good speed up the line. When he makes contact it's been fairly solid and he's looked good tracking down balls in the outfield. He looks good in a baseball uniform and his athleticism is so much fun to dream on. He projects to be a solid, every day outfielder and to be that there are bound to be struggles along the way.

Nimmo's plate coverage needs some refining, but he's definitely able to catch up to a fastball. He has faced at least two opposing pitchers this season who threw 93+ and caught up to both of their fastballs. Looking at him and his upside reminds me a little bit of Hunter Pence. He's much less wirey but has body that looks somewhat similar to Pence and projects to possibly be a 18-25 home run type of guy, also similar to Pence. I'm not a big comparison guy, though, as they are almost always used recklessly and without purpose.

I expect Nimmo to take plenty of time as he really is a project. The Mets aren't in any rush to get Nimmo to the big leagues, so they'll surely take as much time and commitment needed to ensure that Nimmo was  indeed worth the expensive investment. 

Scouting notes on Hansel Robles' first Brooklyn start

5'11, 185 lb starters are rare, but if they can maintain their stuff and gets hitters whiffing enough they have a shot at surviving in the big leagues. Hansel Robles is that guy for the Cyclones, and he definitely showed starter stuff tonight against the Staten Island Yankees.

Although he is 21-years of age, which is somewhat old for prospects in the New York-Penn League, Robles threw four controlled pitches and repeated his delivery. I've preached this many times in the past, but the ability for a starter at this level to repeat his delivery is integral if he has any hopes of progressing as a pitcher rather fast. The small righty threw on a consistent, downhill plain while attacking hitters and missing bats. His fastball touched as high as 94 MPH, though he regularly sat at 91-92. He threw a slider that had some bite, and although it isn't anywhere close to being a plus pitch, it has some projection. He threw a curve at 80-or-so MPH but at times hung it and didn't use it economically.

One of the biggest bright spots of Robles' start was his line of seven strikeouts in five innings. Almost all seven of the Ks came on fastballs that were thrown slightly away from the batter. His fastball does have some outward cut to right-handers, so I suppose it helped him out in that sense. Additionally, he pitched with lots of confidence and worked fast. Working fast sometimes hurts pitchers at low levels if they speed up and fail to maintain their delivery and stuff, but Robles wasn't letting down at all.

Next time out, I'll be keeping an eye on his stuff more than anything. If his fastball continues to be his swing-and-miss pitch than that's a very good sign and a very bad one for opposing hitters.

Scouting notes on Gabriel Encinas' first Staten Island start

Gabriel Encinas, arguably the biggest prospect amongst the young Staten Island pitching staff took the mound yesterday and hurled two innings of work. I sat in the scout section last night and has my gun, notepad & stopwatch on hand and wasn't really scouting the Brooklyn hitters. I spent all of the first two innings paying attention to Encinas.

For me, one of the most substantial methods of finding a diamond in the rough at this level (in terms of pitchers) is repeating of deliveries. More often than not, velocity, command & stuff flow and improve as a pitchers gets better at repeating his delivery. In Encinas' case, he was still showing decent stuff whilst failing to repeat his delivery. He wasn't that inconsistent, but when he missed the target his front foot was about five or six inches closer to third base than it should have been.

The right-hander was constantly missing to left-handed batters away and that was because he planted his foot down much earlier than he should have. Additionally, doing so failed to give his slider the "oomph" that it had when he was maintaining his delivery properly. He only pitched two innings, so I most certainly couldn't have seen everything that Encinas had to offer, but I still got a nice read on him. The left foot issue was really the only thing that I found fault with.

He was throwing his fastball at 91-92 MPH with a slider at 83 MPH, a 12-6 curveball at 78 MPH and a change-up at 79-80 PH which he hardly threw. He doesn't have as good a feel for it as his other pitches, but it still had some fade and got several hitters chasing. a Penn League pitcher with the ability to throw four pitches is very valuable and definitely enhances his prospect status, and it could definitely drive Encinas up the charts should he continue to develop a better feel for them.

Next time out, I'll mostly be focusing on his delivery and whether or not he can repeat it consistently. Obviously, he has plenty of time to fix any issues that he has on the mound, but it's hard to imagine how much opposing hitters at this level will struggle against him if he continues to progress.

Staten Island Yankees Official Roster

Update: Ravel Santana will start the year with the Staten Island Yankees as well.

Although it has not yet been released to the public, I have confirmed that the roster listed below is in fact the official Staten Island Yankees roster for the upcoming season. Subject to change, of course, here is the current roster as of now...

 

• Jackson Valera
• Taylor Garrison
• Evan DeLuca
• Derek Varnadore
• Saxon Butler
• Iasias Tejeda
• James Pazos
• Excarido Cayones
• Jose Rosario
• Matt Duran
• Fu-Lin Kuo
• Wes Wilson
• Danny Oh
• Stefan Lopez
• Matthew Snyder
• Jamal Orozco
• Claudio Custodio
• Conor Mullee
• Dietrich Enns
• Andrew Benak
• Eric Erickson
• Gabriel Encinas 
• Nicholas Goody
• Daniel Lopez
• Taylor Dugas
• Taylor Morton
• Alexander Smith
• Charles Basford

NOTE: the roster currently sits at 28 players. That will, of course, be trimmed down sometime before Monday's opener.

Eastern League Recap and Transactions - 4/16

New Britain 10 - Portland 5 (11)
New Britain pushes its winning streak to four games with the win in extra innings.

Andrew Albers got the start for New Britain tonight and was roughed up early. He gave up one run in the third and three more in the fourth. In his five innings of work he allowed four runs on eight hits (one home run), did not hand out any walks and struckout four. Brett Jacobson was first out of the pen and allowed one run on one hit, one walk, and two strikeouts. From there, the New Britain bullpen was nearly unhittable. Blake Marin would allow one hit and strikeout one. In two innings of work Luis Perdomo gave up one hit and struck out three. Daniel Turpen went the last two innings, striking out one and picked up the win. 

Chris Martin started for Portland and was efficient through his six innings of work, needing 79 pitches to get that far. He allowed two runs on three hits (one home run) and three strikeouts. From there, the Sea Dogs bullpen would do the complete opposite of New Britain's. Jeremy Kerht got the ball rolling, allowing one run on one hit, one walk, and one strikeout. Aaron Kurcz had the hammer dropped on him. In 2.2 innings of work tonight he allowed seven runs (six earned) on four hits (one home run), three walks and two strikeouts. Caleb Clay would end close out the implosion, mercifully, giving up a hit and striking out one in one-third of an inning. 

After all of that, New Britain would only have two hitters collect multiple hits. Chris Colabello outpaced all hitters going 2-5 with a double, home run, and four runs batted in. Pedro Florimon and James Beresford would both drive in two for the Rock Cats. 

Kolbin Vitek (3), Ronald Bermudez (2), and Jeremy Hazelbaker (2) would all collect two hits for Portland. Reynaldo Rodriguez drove in two runs with his only hit of the night, a home run.

Binghamton 1 - New Hampshire 2
The Fisher Cats broke a five-game losing streak with the win.

Mark Cohoon started for the B-Mets tonight, and if there ever was a tough luck loser, it would be him. Cohoon scattered seven hits, two runs, two walks, and one strikeout in six innings. If you believe in such a thing as a 'quality start,' Cohoon turned one in. Elvin Ramizer was the only other pitcher to throw for Binghamton. In two innings of work he allowed two hits, one walk, and struckout four.

Ryan Terpa got the nod for New Hampshire tonight. In his 5.2 innings of work he allowed only one run on four hits, four walks, and five strikeouts. The night very easily could have turned out worse for him. The bullpen would be solid the rest of the night. Matt Daly would allow a walk and strikeout one in his one inning of work. Aaron Loup would allow two hits in his one inning of work. Ronaldo Uviedos got his third save of the season, working 1.1 innings and striking out one.

Matt Den Deker and Oswaldo Navarro would be the only Mets hitters to collect two hits each, Navarro driving in the lone run.

Mike McDade (3), A.J. Jiminez (2), and Kolby Clemens (2) would be the only Fisher Cats hitters to collect multiple hits.

Reading 5 - Richmond 3

Tyler Cloyd got the start for Reading and would be knocked around, but allow minimal runs. Cloyd did not have his best stuff tonight allowing 1o hits and three runs in six innings. True to form he did not walk a batter and did strikeout two. Michael Cisco came out of the bullpen and would work 1.2 innings before being lifted due to an apparent leg injury. He struck out three and allowed one hit in 1.2 innings of work. Jay Johnson would finish out the last of the eighth, picking up a strikeout. 

Craig Westcott fought through six innings and would not figure in the decision by the end of the night. In six innings of work he allowed three runs on six hits, no walks, and five strikeouts. Austin Fleet came out and worked two full innings, picking up the loss in the process. He allowed one run on two hits, one walk, and three strikeouts. Jake Dunning allowed one run (unearned) to score in his one inning of work, striking out one along the way. 

Tyson Gillies (2) and Troy Hanzawa (2) were the only R-Phils to collect multiple hits. Also picking up a triple and double, respectively. Hanzawa and Leandro Castro would both drive in two runs.

Tommy Joseph had himself a good night at the plate, going 2-4 with two doubles (one just missed going out to left center) and driving in a run. Gary Brown also picked up two hits, one being a double. 

Trenton 6 - Erie 3

Shaeffer Hall got started on the mound for Trenton tonight and pushed his record to 2-1 on the season. In five innings of work he allowed three runs on eight hits (one home run), one walk, and two strikeouts. Michael Dubee worked two innings, allowing one hit and two strikeouts. Preston Claiborne got his first save of the season, going two innings and allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out four. 

James Avery took the loss for Erie. In his 5.2 innings of work he allowed six runs (four earned) on nine hits (three homeruns), one walk, and six strikeouts. Ryan Robowski was nearly perect in his 1.2 innings of work, striking out two and allowing a lone hit. Michael Morrison also worked 1.2 innings tonight, allowing two hits, one walk, and three strikeouts. 

Offensively, the Thunder had a great night at the plate, obviously. Ronnie Mustelier, Zolio Almonte, Cody Johnson, Melky Mesa, and Jose Gil all had two hits each for Trenton. Cody Johnson and Melky Mesa both had home runs and two runs driven in. 

Niuman Romero had the best night at the plate for Erie, going 4-5 and driving in a run. Brent Dulgach would also collect multiple hits for Erie.

Altoona 5 - Harrisburg 2

Aaron Poreda got the start, and win, for Altoona. He is now 2-o on the season. In six innings of work he allowed two runs on five hits, one walk, and six strikeouts. Victor Black allowed one hit and struck out two in his one inning of work. Kris Harvey also got one inning of work allowing one hit and striking out one. Tim Anderson worked a perfect inning, striking out one, to get his first save of the year. 

Paul Demny got the loss in his start for Harrisburg tonight. It would take him 79 pitches to get through 3 innings. In those three innings he allowed three runs on four hits, five walks, and two strikeouts. Erik Davis got four innings of work in relief. He allowed two runs on four hits (one home run), one walk, and three strikeouts. Marcos Frias allowed one hit in his one inning of work. Christian Garcia would walk one, strikeout one, and allow a walk in his one inning of work.

Jarek Cunningham and Ramon Cabrera were the offensive leaders at the plate for Altoona. Cunningham went 2-4 with a home run and Cabrera would drive in three runs while going 3-4.

Jeff Kobernus and Chris Rahl would both get two this each for Harrisburg. 

Bowie 3 - Akron 6

Bobby Bundy was not as sharp tonight as he was in his last start. In 4.2 innings he allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits (one home run), three walks, and three strikeouts.  Pat Eagan worked a perfect 1.1 innings. Ross Wolf got two innings of work, allowing two hits and striking out one.

Toru Murata started for Akron tonight and went three innings. He allowed two runs on four hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. Bryce Stowell got the win for his three innings of work. He allowed two hits and struck out seven. Cody Allen allowed one hit and struck out two in his two innings of work. Preston Guilmet allowed one run on one hit (a home run) in his one inning of work to close out the game. 

For Bowie offensively L.J. Hoes and Antoan Richardson both collected two hits. Manny Machado drove in two runs and Brandon Warning got his third home run of the season. 

For Akron Jared Goedert (2), Chen-Hsiu Chen (3), and Adam Abraham (2) each collected multiple hits. Ryan Rholinger made his one hit count, a three-run home run.

Transactions:

Altoona 
Jeremy Farrell assigned to Altoona from Indianapolis 

Binghampton
Rylan Sandoval assigned to Binghamton Mets from St. Lucie Mets

Erie
Ramon Garcia assigned to Erie from Toledo Mud Hens
Patrick Cooper assigned to Lakeland from Erie

Harrisburg
SS Chris McConnell assigned to Harrisburg Senators from Syracuse Cheifs
Josh Johnson assigned to Syracuse Chiefs from Harrisburg

New Britain
RHP Brett Jacobson reactivated from 7-Day DL

New Hampshire
Yohan Pino assigned to New Hampshire from Las Vegas
Clint Everts assigned to New Hampshire from Las Vegas 

Portland
Matt Spring assigned to Pawtucket from Portland
Jonathan Hee assigned to Pawtucket from Portland 

Eastern League Recap and Transactions - 4/13

New Hampshire 6 - New Britain 1 

Deck McGuire's struggles continue and he dropped his second straight decision. He would go five innings allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and five strikeouts. Matt Wright would work 2.1 innings allowing one run on one hit and two strikeouts. Danny Farquhar would close out the last 1.2 innings allowing one run on two hits (one being a home run), two walks, and one strikeout.

Steve Hirschfield got the start for the Rock Cats and would go five innings allowing no runs on four hits, two walks, and four strikeouts. Luis Perdomo would allow the only Fisher Cat run in two innings of work. He would give up four hits and strikeout two. Lester Oliveros would go one innings allowing one walk and strikeout two. Daniel Turpen would work a perfect ninth.

 Ryan Goins would be the sole Fisher Cat to collect two hits and Jonathan Diaz would drive in the only New Hampshire run. Chris Colabello (NBR) would lead all hitters going 2-3 with a double, homerun, and drive in four runs. Chris Hermann and Pedro Florimon would both add two hits apiece. 

Binghamton 3 - Portland 4
The B-Mets would jump out early, but the bullpen falters late and gives up the game.

Binghamton jumped all over Portland's starter Chris Hernandez and took advantage of poor defense to put up three runs in the first frame. Hernandez would finish the game after five innings allowing six hits (one homerun), no earned runs, one walk, and three strikeouts.  Eammon Portice would go one inning allowing three hits, one walk, and one strikeout. Caleb Clay would pick up the win, going two perfect innings. Aaron Kurcz would get his first save of the year, working a perfect ninth and striking out two.

Zach Wheeler (Mets) would not factor in the decision after going six innings allowing one run on five hits, no walks, and nine strikeouts. Erik Turgen would get the loss going 1.2 innings allowing three runs on four hits (two home runs) and one strikeout. Bradley Holt would work a third of an inning and strikeout one. 

Jaun Carlos Linares would lead the Sea Dog hitters going 2-4 with a home run and two runs batted in. Oscar Tejada would add two hits as well for Portland and Bryce Brentz would hit the other home run. Pedro Zapata and Matt Den Dekker would collect two hits apiece, hitting a triple and double respectively. Eric Campbell would go 1-3 driving in all three runs with a homerun. 

Altoona 6 - Richmond 0
Altoona took advantage of two timely Richmond errors to even the series.

Nathan Baker got the start for Altoona in the second game of the series and was near un-hittable. He would go six innings allowing two hits, no runs, three walks, and one strikeout. Victor Black would work one inning of near perfect relief, allowing one hit and striking out one. Tim Alderson would go the last two innings allowing two hits and striking out three.

Chris Heston would fight to get to six innings allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits, two walks, and five strikeouts. Jake Dunning would get shelled in his only inning of work, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks. Edwin Quirarte would go two innings allowing two hits and one strikeout.

Matt Curry would be the only Altoona hitter to pick up two hits. Ramon Cabrera would drive in two runs as a pinch hitter. Ehire Adrianza, Chris Dominguez, Wes Hodges, and Ryan Cavan would collect the lone hits for Richmond.  

Bowie 2 - Erie 6
Bowie scores early but the bullpen can not hold the game late.

Zack Segovia got the start for Erie and would go six inning allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits (one home run), two walks, and two strikeouts. Michael Morrison would pick up the win going two innings in relief allowing one hit, two walk, and striking out one. Kenny Faulk would allow one hit in his one inning of work. 

Cole McCurry (Bowie) would go 5.1 innings allowing two runs on five hits (one home run), one walk, and four strikeouts. Ross Wolf would be the first out of the bullpen for the Bay Sox. He would be near perfect walking one and striking out two in 1.2 innings of work. Wynn Pelzer would get the loss as he would allow two runs on one hit, one walk, and one strike out in two-thirds of an inning of work. Pedro Viola would not have much luck either. In his one-third of an inning of work he would allow two runs on two hits (one home run) and one strikeout. 

Jordan Lennerton (Erie) would lead all hitters going 2-4 with a home run and driving in two. Brandon Douglas would collect two hits for the SeaWolves as well. Caleb Joseph (Bowie) would go 1-4 with a home run and Robbie Widlansky would be the only Bowie hitter to collect two hits. 

Reading 3 - Harrisburg 6
Harrisburg rides a three-run seventh inning to put away the game late.

Reading would jump out early against the Senators starter Daniel Rosenbaum, but he would settle down and work 6.2 innings. He would allow three runs (two earned) on six hits and six strikeouts. Hector Nelo would get the win in his 1.1 innings of one-hit, two strikeout relief. Pat Lehman got his third save of the year going one inning and striking out one.

David Buchanan would go six innings for Reading, allowing three runs on seven hits (one home run) and two strikeouts. J.C. Ramierez would get the loss going two innings allowing three runs (no earned), one walk, and striking out two.

Eury Perez, Tim Pahuta, and Josh Johnson would each collect two hits apiece for Harrisburg. Pahuta and Jesus Valdez would both drive in two runs. Michael Spindale would be the sole R-Phil to collect two hits.

Trenton 1 - Akron 2
Akron would score two runs in the fifth inning to win this pitchers duel.

Steven Wright got the start for Akron and would up his record to 1-1 on the season. He went 5.2 innings allowing one run on two hits, four walks, and seven strikeouts. Toru Murara would work 1.1 innings in relief, allowing two hits. Coldy Allen would work two perfect innings to close out the game, striking out two along the way.

Cory Arbiso would do his part to keep Trenton in the game late. He pitched four innings of five hit, no run ball. He would walk one and strikeout three. Preston Claiborne would get the loss in his two innings of work. He would allow two runs on four hits, one walk, and three strikeouts. Ryan Flannery would work two perfect innings to close out the game, striking out two along the way.

Walter Ibarra would be the long Thunder batter to collect two hits. Tim Fedroff and Nick Welgarz would collect two hits apiece for Akron. 

Transactions:
Bowie Baysox -  
Released OF Edgardo Baez

Trenton Thunder -
Chase Whitley assigned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees

Akron Aeros -
Michel Hernandez assigned to Columbus Clippers 

New Hampshire Fisher Cats -
LHP Evan Crawford recalled to Toronto Blue Jays 

 

Eastern League Recap and Transactions - 4/12

Heading into the second weekend of the season the story around the Eastern League this day would be pitchers helping their cause at the plate. Game recaps and transactions follow.

Binghamton 5 - Portland 1
All the scoring was done by the third inning, after that it was a battle of the bullpens as the B-Mets take game one of the series. 

Collin McHugh got the start for the Mets and went 6.2 innings scattering seven hits and allowed one run. He would up his record to 1-1. The only run he would allow was a solo homerun to Juan Carlos Linarea. He would go on to collect six strikeouts while walking none. Elvin Ramirez would work 1.1 innings of perfect relief while striking out four. Josh Edgin would finish off the game with one innings of work and would allow two hits. 

Brock Huntzinger got roughed up in his start for Portland. He would go four inings allowing five runs on six hits, three walks, and three strikeouts. He falls to 0-2 on the year. Jeremey Kehrt woud eat up some innings out of the bullpen. He would work four innings allowing one hit, walk two and strikeout five. Josh Fields would get one inning of work, striking out one. 

Matt Den Dekker was the only Binghamton hitter to collect two hits. Jefry Marte went 1-3 driving in three runs and Josh Rodriguez went 1-4 driving in the other two runs. Juan Carlos Linares and Heiker Menesse would both collect two hits for the Sea Dogs. 

Game Two is Saturday night at 6 PM. Probables are Wheelers (Mets) and Hernandez (Sea Dogs)

Bowie 6 - Erie 1
Bowie jumped out early and never looked back, pounding out sixteen hits.

The Bay Sox jumped all over SeaWolves starter Jay Voss early and would not relent. It is a bit of a wonder more runs were not scored by Bowie. Voss (0-2) would go 4.2 innings allowing three runs (one earned) and handing out eigth hits. He would also walk one and strikeout five. Robbie Weinhardt worked 1.1 innings of relief and would allow one run on three hits. Ryan Robowski would also get 1.1 innings of relief and he would give up three hits and one unearned run and would strikeout one. Jared Gayhart would go a third of an innings walking two and striking out one.  Patrick Cooper would be the final pitcher for Erie on the night. He would work 1.1 innings allowing one run on two hits, one walk, and one strikeout. 

Jacob Pettit would go six quality innings for Bowie allowing a run on four hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. Pat Egan would come in as first relief and work two innings of three hit ball and striking out one. Pedro Viola would come in and work one inning allowing a single hit and striking out two. Viola would lower his ERA to 33.75.

Buck Britton would lead all hitters going 5-6 with two doubles and driving in one. Brandon Waring (Bowie) would go 3-5 with a double and driving in two. Bryan Pounds would lead the SeaWolves hitters going 2-4 and driving in a run. 

Game two is at 6:35 PM Saturday. Probable are McCurry (Bowie) and Segovia (Erie)

New Britain 5 - New Hampshire 3
New Britain takes game one of the Cat Series behind eight strong innings for Jason Marquis

Jason Marquis, in what probably is his last tuneup start before rejoining the Twins, went out and was close to dominant against the Fisher Cats. It took him 89 pitches to get through eight full innings of work. He would allow two runs on five hits (one being a homerun), walk none, and strikeout seven. Deolis Guerra would close out the game going one inning allowing one run on one hit, walking one, and striking out two.

Chad Jenkins would get the start for New Hampshire and go seven innings allowing five runs on five hits (three of those hits being homeruns), walking one, and striking out five. Fernando Hernandez would go the rest of the way allowing two hits, walking one, and striking out three in two innings of work.

Deibinson Romero would lead all hitters going 2-4 with two homeruns and driving in three. Aaron Hicks continued his revival tour going 2-3 with a double, homerun, and drive in two runs. Justin Jackson (New Hampshire) would continue his blistering start,  going 3-3 with two doubles. Koby Clemens (New Hampshire) would go 1-3, that one hit being a homerun.

New Britain and New Hampshire get the early game on Friday, first pitch is 5:05. Probables are Hirschfield (New Britain) and McGuire (New Hampshire).

Reading 4 - Harrisburg 1
Reading got on the board early and pulled away late to take game one.

Trevor May pushed his record to 2-0 as he continues to show that he should be the top prospect in the Phillies system. May would go seven innings allowing one run on four hits, walking one, and striking out six. All done on 85 pitches (59 strikes). Tyson Brummett would work a perfect inning of work. B.J. Rosenberg got his second save of the season working one innings allowing one hit and striking out one.

Jeff Mandel would take the loss even though he would turn in what could be called a 'quality start.' He would work six innings allowing two runs on three hits, two walks, and striking out five. Patrick McCoy would allow one run on three hits and striking out three in two innings of work. Christian Garcia would allow one one on one hit in his inning of work. 

Steve Susdorf would go 2-3 with a walk and a run driven in and a double. Cesar Hernandez would also add two hits, one being a double. Sebasitan Valle, Miguel Abreu, and Trevor May would drive in a run each. Sandy Leon would drive in the lone run for Harrisburg going 1-3. 

Probables Friday for the 7 PM first pitch are Buchanan (Reading) and Rosenbaum (Harrisburg).

Trenton 1 - Arkon 4
The Aeros put this game away early and rode their starter to the win.

T.J. McFarland would raise his record to 2-o on the season after going six outstanding innings. He would not allow a run on three hits, one walk, and four strikeouts. Bryce Stowell would be the first out of the bullpen, working a perfect innings of relief and striking out two. Matt Langwell had to ruin the part as he would allow a run on two hits in his one inning of work. Preston Guilmet would work one inning allowing no runs on one hit, one walk, and two strikeouts.

Brett Marshall (1-1) got hit around early as it would take him 87 pitches to get through four innings of work. He would allow five runs on nine hits (one being a homerun), two walks, and four strikeouts. Michael Dubee would bounce back from his last outing and works a scoreless inning, walking two and striking out one. Lee Hyde would allow a run (unearned) on a hit, a walk, and two strikeouts in one inning. Kelvin Perez would go the last two innings walking two and striking out three.

Ronnier Mustelier, Kevin Mahoney, and Walter Ibarra would all collect two hits in the losing effort for Trenton. Kyle Bellows (Akron) would lead all hitters going 2-2 with two walks, a homerun, and driving in three runs. Juan Diaz would add two hits as well and would drive in one run. 

Trenton and Akron are the late game on Friday, getting away at 7:05. Probables are Arbiso (Trenton) and Wright (Akron).

Altoona 3 - Richmond 7
Richmond got on the board early thanks to errors and timely hits. They would ride Jason Stevenson to their third consecutive home opening win and take game one of the series. 

Jason Stevenson (1-1) spoke earlier in the week how he felt that he let the home crowd down late last year. His last start was against New Hampshire in the Eastern League Championship Series. New Hampshire would win the game, and the series, that night. Getting the Opening Night nod, Stevenson went out and produced seven quality innings, using 86 pitches, for the Flying Squirrels. He would allow two runs (none of them earned, thanks to his own error on a sacrifice bunt) on five hits, two walks, and five strikeouts. Brett Bochy would come into the game and work a scoreless inning, striking out the side while allowing one hit. Tom Vessella would close the door but not before allowing a run one one hit, one walk, and two strikeouts. 

Mike Colla (0-1) did not help himself out, nor did he get help from his defense. Two timely errors from his catcher and third basemen along with the strong bats of Richmond would do him in last night. He would fight his way to five innings allowing six runs (four earned) on nine hits (one being a homerun), one walk and two strikeouts. Kris Harvey would come in and work two innings allowing a run on one hit and three strikeouts. Kyle Cofield would work a perfect inning of relief, striking out one. 

Wes Hodges would lead the Richmond hitters going 2-4 with a homerun. Chris Dominguez, Juan Perez, and Ryan Cavan would all add two hits for the Flying Squirrels. Jason Stevenson even got into the hit parade, beating out a bases loaded infield single to drive in a run. Brock Holt was the lone bright spot for Altoona, going 2-4.

Richmond and Altoon get going at 6:35 Friday night. Probables are Baker (Altoona) and Heston (Richmond).

Transactions:
Busy day for the transaction wire, so let us break it down by teams.
Akron - Cody Allen assigned to Akron from the Carolina Mud Cats
Altoona - Anthony Norman assigned to Altoona from the Pirates Extended Spring Training
Bowie - Daniel Klein (RHP) activated from the 7-Day DL.
Luis Lebron (RHP) activated from the 7-Day DL.
Casey Lambert (LHP) assigned to Bowie
Zelous Wheeler assigned to Bowie
New Hampshire -  Matt Wright assigned from the Dunedin Blue Jays to New Hampshire?
Trenton - Robert Lyerly (3B) placed on 7-Day DL, retroactive April 11.
Activated C Jeffrey Parnham from the 7-Day DL
Placed Jose Pirela (SS) on 7-Day DL
Placed Gustavo Molina (C) on 7-Day DL
Kevin Mahoney (2B) assigned to Trenton from Tampa Yanks
Francisco Rondon assigned to Trenton from Tampa Yanks 

 

Eastern League Recap and Transactions - 4/11

It was getaway day for the Easter League but weather did for two postponements. Akron at Altoona and Erie at Binghamton were both postponed due to weather. That still leaves four other games, so let us recap those and take a look at the daily transactions.

Harrisburg 8 - New Britain 4
Harrisburg won this game going away, erasing a four run deficit in three innings. 

Paul Demny got the start today for Harrisburg and would work three clean innings before running into trouble. Overall on the day he would go 4.2 innings, allowing four runs on five hits, walking five and strikingout one.  Erik Davis was the vulture as he picked up his second win of the season going 3.1 innings in relief.  He would allow one hit, walk two and strikeout three. Marcos Frias worked a perfect inning for Harrisburg, picking up a strikeout along the way. 

Andrew Albers got the nod for the Rock Cats and would go five innings, surrendering four runs on six hits. He would pickup two strikeouts and would get the no decision. Bobby Lanigan would work two innings of relief and would be pegged with the loss. In two innings of work he would allow four runs on four hits, two walks, and one strikeout. Lester Oliveros and Blake Martin would both get an inning of work with out surrendering another run. 

Harrisburg would have three batter collect multiple hits. Jose Lozada would lead them all going 3-4 while driving in a run. Chris Rahl and Destin Hood would both collect two hits apeice. Offensively for New Britain Deibinson Romero was the lone bright spot in the lineup, going 2-4 while driving in two runs.

Portland 1 - Trenton 10
This was another pitchers duel going into the late innings of the game, but eight runs by Trenton in three innings helped close the door and take the series.  

Shaeffer Hall would go seven quality inning for Trenton and would even his record back to 1-1. In those seven innings he would allow one run on four hits and strikeout three. Ryan Flannery would get an inning of work and would allow two hits, but nothing else. Ryan Pope would come on and close out the game for Trenton, allowing a hit and striking out two. 

Chris Martin would take the loss and push his record to 0-2 on the season. He would work 4.2 innings of work allowning two runs (one earned) on three hits, one being a homerun. He would also walk one and strikeout five. He would toss 81 pitches in those 4+ innings.  Will Latimer would come in and get shelled in 2.2 innings of work. He would allow five runs on six hits and would collect two strikeouts. Michael Lee did not fun much relief himself. In his two-thirds of an inning of work he would allow three runs on three hits and one walk. 

Addison Maruszak would led the Trenton batters, going 2-4 with two doubles and drving in three. Ronnie Mustelier and Jose Gil would add two hits and drive in two runs each. Oscar Tejada was the only Sea Dog to collect two hits in the game. 

New Hampshire 2 - Reading 4
New Hampshire would jump out early, but Reading would come back and win this one in the middle innings. 

Tyler Cloyd would get the start for Reading and would allow two runs in the first inning. After that, though he would settle down and work six innings. Overall he would scatter six hits and pickup six strikeouts. One of the hits allowed was a homerun. Michael Cisco would go two innings, walking one and striking out three. Justin Friend would get his third save on the young season allowing two hits and striking out one.

Ryan Terpa would be find until the fourth inning, when he would allow Reading to tie the game at two. Overall he went five innings allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits, two walks, and three strikeouts. Matt Daly would be shouldered with the loss as in his one inning he would allow two runs on four hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. Evan Crawford would strikeout the side in his inning of work and Aaron Loup would work a clean inning.

Darin Ruf and Jiwan James both collected two hits for Reading and Cesar Hernandez would drive in two runs. For New Hampshire Ryan Goins (2), Brian Van Kirk (2), and Brad Glen (2) would all collect multiple hits. Van Kirk would drive in the only two runs for the Fisher Cats.

Richmond 6 - Bowie 11
Richmond made a run late but Bobby Bundy and the Bowie bats provided to be too much for Richmond. 

Craig Westcott go the start in the rubber game of the series and worked from behind most of the game. Westcott had trouble locating his pitches early and was forced to throw his fastball often in the zone to try to get back into the count. And when those pitches came in the zone, the Bay Sox feasted. Westcott would go 5.1 innings allowing six runs on thirteen hits and walking one. Edwin Quirarte would come in for 1.2 innings of relief and, like normal, would give up runs. This time Edwin would allow two runs on three hits and strikingout one. Ari Ronick would be the last one out of the bullpen and would get roughed up for three runs on two hits (one being a homerun) in one inning of work.

The Flying Squirrels were held in check by a very good Bobby Bundy. The last time Bundy faced the Squirrels he allowed eight runs in three innings. This time, he was on. In six innings he would give up only two hits, walk two, and collect two strikeouts. Eddie Gamboa would come on in relief and would work an easy seventh inning, but would run into trouble in the eighth, . In his two innings of work Gamboa would allow four runs (only one would be earned)  on five hits, two walks, and one strikeout. Robert Hinton would run into trouble as well in his only inning of work. Hinton also would not get any help from his defense and only one of his two runs allowed would be earned. He would walk one and pickup two strikeouts along the way.

Offensively, Daniel Mayora and Chris Dominguez both picked up two hits for the Flying Squirrels. Bowie would have six players collect multiple hits. They were all led by Robbie Widlansky who went 4-5, one of those hits being a homerun and driving in four runs. Manny Machado was the only Bowie batter to not collect a hit, but he did walk twice and score a run. 

Transactions for 4/11 - 
- Patrick Cooper was assinged to the Erie SeaWolves from the Lakelany Flying Tigers.
-  Ramon Garcia was assigned to the Toledo Mud Hens from the Erie SeaWolves.

Eastern League Recap and Transactions - 4/10

It is getaway day in the Eastern League, first pitch is at 10:35 in New Britain, so before the games start today let us recap what happened last night, highlight the top performers, and take a look at the daily transactions. 

Akron 1 - Altoona 6
Altoona would put this game away early when they put up six runs against Akron's starter Eric Berger in the fourth. Kyle Landis and Rob Bryson would both end up throwing two innings each of scoreless relief, both giving up only one hit and striking out one and five batters respectively. 

Aaron Poreda got the start for Altoona and worked some magic to amazingly not have given up any runs. He threw five innings of one-run ball giving up three hits, walking five, and striking out two. Kris Johnson and Tim Alderson would both throw two innings of scoreless relief with both striking out one. 

Elevys Gonzalez led the day for both teams offensively going 2-3 with a homerun and driving in three runs. Ramon Cabrera (Altoona) would be the only other batter to collect multiple hits going 2-4. Matt Curry (Altoona) would go 1-4 and drive in two runs. Tim Fedroff, Jared Goedert, Chun-Hsiu Chen, Adam Abraham, Kyle Bellows, and Roberto Perez would all collect one hit of Akron in a losing effort.

Erie 6 - Binghamton 1
Erie started the scoring early and pulled away late in evening up the series at a a game a piece. 

James Avery when five solid innings for Erie, walking three, striking out three, and allowing three hits and no runs. Jared Gayhart would struggle in his inning of relief, allowing a run on four walks and striking out one. Kenny Faulk and Michael Morrison would both work perfect relief, striking out two each.

The Binghamton rotation could not miss bats a day after holding Erie to no runs on four hits. Mark Cahoon got the start and would allow two runs on three hits (one being a homerun), three walks, and three strikeouts in five innings. Edgar Ramirez would work two innings in relief giving up a run on two hits. Robert Carson would allow three hits, one being a homerun, in his innings of relief. Bradley Holt could not keep the game close late, giving up two runs on three hits, two walks, and two strikeouts.

 Bryan Pounds (Erie) had the best offensive day going 2-3 with both hits being homeruns, driving in three, and walking once. John Murriman (2), Tony Plagman (3), and Niuman Romero (2) would all collect multiple hits for Erie. Matt Den Dekker, Jeffry Marte, and Josh Rodriguez would collect the lone hits for Binghamton.

Harrisburg 7 - New Britain 1
 Luke French was able to keep Harrisburg in check early, but the bats broke out and the Senators would put up seven runs in the last three innings to even up the series. 

Robert Gilliam got the start for Harrisburg and went seven innings scattering seven hits, striking out five and allowing two runs. Patrick McCoy and Pat Lehman would both work an inning each of perfect relief, with Lehman strikingout two. 

Luke French got off to a good start but faltered late. He would finish the day going 6.2 innings giving up three hits, two runs, walking one, and striking out four. He would also record 10 groundouts to four flyouts. Luis Perdomo would be tagged with both the blown save and the loss, firsts this year for him, in 1.1 innings giving up a run on three hits and strikingout one. David Bromberg would open the floodgates for Harrisburg as he did not fool anyone. In two-thirds of an inning of relief he would allow four runs on six hits and one walk. Blake Martin finished out the last third of an inning.

Jeff Kobernus led the way for Harrisburg going 3-5 with a double and driving in two runs. Eury Perez (2), Sandy Leon (3), and Tim Pahuta (2) would all collect multiple hits for the Senators. Aaron Hicks led the way for New Britain collecting two hits, one of those being a homerun. Nathan Hanson would also add two hits for the Rock Cats. 

New Hampshire 3 - Reading 2
The Reading Phillies would make a late run at the Fisher Cats, scoring two runs in the last two innings, but would come up just short in the end.

Drew Hutchinson may not have had his best stuff, but he was able to keep the R-Phil in check for six full innings. He would scatter eight hits and a walk but would not strikeout any hitters. Danny Farquhar would toss two-thirds of an inning of perfect relief, collecting one strikeout. Aaron Loup would finish off the last third of inning in the seventh without trouble. Ronald Uviedos would work two innings of relief and would allow the Phils to creep back into the game allowing two run on two hits, both homeruns, and strikingout two.

Jonathan Pettibone (Reading) would go 6.2 decent innings allowing eight hits, three runs, walking two, strikingout three, and allowing a homerun. Jay Johnson would work 1.1 innings in relief allowing a hit and strikingout one. Juan Morillo would go an inning of perfect relief strikingout one

Brad Glen would led the way for New Hampshire going 3-4 with a homerun and scoring two runs. Mark Sobolewski would also collect multiple hits for the Fisher Cats and drive in a run. Steve Susdorf would lead the charge for Reading, going 2-4 with a homerun. Jiwan James would also add multiple hits, one being a homerun, and Darin Ruf would sneak in with three hits.

Portland 7 - Trenton 1 
This was a nice little pitchers duel until the eighth, when Portland would put up five runs to ice the game and tie the series. 

Chris Balcom-Miller (Portland) built on a good first start and got the win this time around. He would go six innings allowing one run on three hits, three walks, and three strikeouts. Aaron Kurcz would go two innings allowing a hit and strikingout two in relief. Caleb Clay would shut the door allowing two hits in his one inning of work.

Craig Heyer got the start for Trenton and would go 4.2 innings allowing two runs (only one earned) on five hits, walked two, and striking out three. Michale Dubee would go two-thirds of an inning walking three and striking out two. Lee Hyde would also work two-thirds of an inning in relief. Preston Claiborne got no help from his defense, but did not exactly help himself either. In 1.1 innings of work he would allow five runs (none of them were earned) on two hits, three walks, and two strikeouts. 

Juan Carlos Linares would be the only Sea Dog to collect multiple hits, going 3-4 with two doubles, driving in a run, and scoring a run. Zolio Almonte would be the only Trenton Thunder hitter to collect multiple hits, going 2-4 scoring a run. 

Richmond 5 - Bowie 4
Richmond jumped out early but the bullpen would get a bit unlucky and let Bowie sneak back into the game before closing the door on the game and taking the series. Richmond and Bowie have now played 21 of their 56 games to a one-run ending.

For a full recap of the game, visit Squirrels Baseball. 

Transactions 4/10:
- Greg Picart was assigned to the Indy Indians from the Altoona Curve 
-  Jose De La Torre assigned to the Columbus Clippers from the Akron Aeros
- Yohan Pino was assigned to the Las Vegas 51's from the New Hampshire Fisher Cats

 

Eastern League Transactions

Let us take a look at some of the recent transactions to happen in the Eastern League:

Harrisburg Senators - Michael Morse and Rick Ankiel were assigned to the Hagerstown Suns.

Reading Phils - RHP Chirs Kissock was placed on the 7-Day DL with Turf Toe. RHP Tyler Cloyd was assigned to Reading from Lehigh Valley. 

Altoona Curve - RHP Ryan Beckman was placed on the 7-Day DL with a right elbow injury. 

Trenton Thunder - Graham Stoneburner was placed on the 7-Day DL for unknown reasons. RHP Michael Dubee was assigned to Trenton.

 

There is a full Eastern League schedule today. Akron and Altoona get it started at 6:30.