August 20: Tribe Acquires RHP Zach McAllister, Chisenhall Earns BA Weekly Honors

The Indians received their “player to be named later” from the New York Yankees, as the other half of the trade that sent major league outfielder Austin Kearns to New York.  ZACH McALLISTER (22) is a promising young pitcher that has had a rough go of it in AAA this season.  In 24 starts with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he recorded a 5.09 ERA with 88 K, 38 BB, and a .308 BAA in 132.2 IP.  Not only has he been quite hittable, but he’s been a frequent victim of the gopher ball (20 HR allowed this season).  But he’s only 22 and has a solid minor league career.  In 2009 with AA Trenton, he posted a 2.23 ERA with 96 K, 33 BB, and a .220 BAA (only 4 HR allowed) in 121 IP.  In 2008 between low-A and high-A, he recorded a 2.09 ERA with 115 K, 21 BB, and a .233 BAA (9 HR allowed) in 151 IP.  He has solid control and his track record suggests that he’s better than his 2010 stats suggest.  I suspect that he will turn things around before too long.

AAA COLUMBUS (L, 5-7)

• JOSH RODRIGUEZ (25, 2B):   2-4, 2B.  Pre-all star break: .333 BA, 10 2B, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 21 BB, 29 K in 138 AAA ABs.  Since: .220 BA, 7 2B, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 15 BB, 35 K in 123 ABs.
• JARED GOEDERT (25, 3B):  1-3, 2 BB.  Last 10 games: .270 BA, 5 extra-base hits, 5 RBI, 4 BB.
• JOSE CONSTANZA (26, OF):  1-4, 2B, BB.  Last 10 games: .410 BA, 4 extra-base hits, 7 BB, 5 SB.
• CORD PHELPS (23, 2B):  2-5, RBI.  Last 10: .317 BA, 2 2B, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 2 BB.
• JOSH JUDY (24, RP):  2 IP, 0 ER, H, 2 BB, 3 K.  Last 3 outings: 3.1 IP, 0 ER, H, 2 BB, 6 K.
• VINNIE PESTANO (25, RP):  IP, H, K.  Last 5 outings: 5 IP, 0 R, H, 0 BB, 8 K.

AA AKRON (L, 1-5)

• LONNIE CHISENHALL (21, 3B):  1-3.  8-game hit streak: 12-28 (.429), 3 2B, HR, 12 RBI, 7 BB, SB.  Earned the #5 spot on Baseball America’s most recent prospect hot sheet with last week’s excellent string of performances and looks poised to continue his recent success.
• TIM FEDROFF (23, OF):  2-3, solo HR, BB.  Last 9 games: 11-31 (.355), 4 extra-base hits, 2 RBi, 7 BB, 7 K.
• ALEX WHITE (21, SP):  5.1 IP, 2 ER (2 unearned), 8 H, 3 BB, 5 K.  Through 4 August starts: 5.91 ERA, 14 K, 8 BB, .302 BAA in 21.1 IP.  A couple of weeks ago I speculated that he might be tiring near the end of his first professional season and it’s appearing that I might be correct.  Still, his overall season stat line between high-A and AA is solid: 2.57 ERA, 112 K, 45 BB, .224 BAA in 143.2 IP.
• CONNOR GRAHAM (24, RP):  1.2 IP, 3 K.  Keeps on looking good.  Last 3 starts: 5.2 IP, 0 ER 2 H, BB, 7 K.
• CHEN LEE (23, RP):  IP, K.  Last 10 appearances: 12 IP, 11 K, 2 BB, 4 H, 1 unearned run.

HIGH-A KINSTON (W, 6-4):

• CHUN CHEN (21, C):  2-5.  8 game hit streak: 11-24 (.458), 3 extra-base hits, 3 RBI, 6 BB, SB.
• KYLE BELLOWS (22, 3B):  2-4, RBI.  Last 10: .316 BA, 3 2B, 7 RBI.
• ABNER ABREU (20, OF):  1-4, 2B, 2 RBI.  Last 8 games: 9-28 (.321), 3 extra-base hits, 6 RBI, SB.
• JUAN DIAZ (21, SS):  1-3, 2B, BB.  Last 10: .361 BA, 4 extra-base hits, 4 RBI, 2 BB, SB.
• DOUG PICKENS (25, OF):  2-3, RBI.  Last 9: .333 BA, 2 extra-base hits, 6 RBI.
• DONNIE WEBB (24, OF):  1-3, 2B, BB.  Last 10: .344 BA, 3 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, SB.
• RYAN LANGWELL (24, RP):  1.1 IP, 2 K.  Last 5 outings (5.1 IP): 4 K, BB, 0 H, 0 R.  Season with Kinston (49.2 IP): 2.17 ERA, 50 K, 13 BB, .213 BAA.  Hasn’t given up any runs in a month (11 scoreless IP since July 22).
• CORY BURNS (22, CP):  IP, K, SV.  Business as usual: high-A save number 25, number 37 overall in 2010.  72 K in 48.1 innings.

LOW-A LAKE COUNTY (W, 5-3)

• CASEY FRAWLEY (22, SS):  3-3, solo HR, BB, SB.  Last 10 games: .385 BA, 4 extra-base hits, 7 RBI, 2 BB, SB.  Slumped in July, batting just .206 88 ABs, but has rebounded in a big way in August with a .338 through 65 ABs.  Season stats: .269 BA, 22 2B, 8 3B, 10 HR, 61 RBI, 8 SB, 42 BB, 79 K.
• ADAM ABRAHAM (23, 3B):  1-5, 2B, 3 RBI.  Last 10: .317 BA, 3 extra-base hits, 7 RBI, 4 BB, SB.
• DELVI CID (21, OF):  1-4, RBI.  7-game hitting streak: 13-29 (.448 BA), 3 BB, 4 SB.  Still striking out a lot, though: 12 times in last 10 games and 114 times in 454 total ABs in 2010.
• JASON KNAPP (19, SP):  4 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 2 BB, 7 K.  Season debut with Captains after 5 starts with AZL (rookie) Indians (12. IP, 1.45 ERA, 18 K, 4 BB, .119 BAA).  Acquired as part of the trade that sent Cliff Lee to Philadelphia in 2009.

SHORT-SEASON MAHONING VALLEY (L, 4-6)

• CARLOS MONCRIEF (21, OF):  3-5, 2B, RBI.  Last 10 games: .316 BA, 5 extra-base hits, 5 RBI, 8 BB.
• JONATHAN BURNETTE (22, OF):  1-5, RBI.  Has at least 1 hit in each of his past 10 games, batting .317 during that stretch with 4 extra-base hits, 6 RBI, and 3 BB.
• AARON FIELDS (22, 2B):  1-3, 3B, 2 RBI, BB.  4 RBI in last 3 games; only playing part-time (56 ABs in 2010: .232 BA)
• KIRK WETMORE (21, P):  3.1 IP, o ER, H, 2 BB, 3 K.  Last 2 outings: 7.1 IP, ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 8 K.  Through 44.2 IP in 2010: 6.65 ERA, 38 K, 22 BB, .291 BAA.

August 14: Espino and White Stellar on the Mound, Chisenhall Goes Deep

In an effort to save some time, I’m trying out a new format today.  We’ll see how it goes.  Of course, your feedback is always welcome.  Featured performances are italicized.

AAA COLUMBUS (W, 1-0)

• PAOLO ESPINO (23-SP):  7 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 0 ER, 8 K (3 starts in AAA (19.2 IP): 2.75 ERA, 5 BB, 14 K, .239 BAA)
• JOSE CONSTANZA (26-OF):  2-4, SB (Last 10: .368 BA, .429 OBP)
• MATT McBRIDE (25-LF):  2-2, RBI (13 games in AAA (51 ABs): .373 BA)
• DREW SUTTON (27-2B):  1-3, 2B (7 games with Columbus (24 ABs): .292 BA, .370 OBP)
• BRYCE STOWELL (23-RP):  IP, 2 K (14 appearances in AAA (16 IP): 3.38 ERA, 13 BB, 25 K, .167 BAA)
• VINNIE PESTANO (25-RP):  IP, 2 K, SV (36 appearances in AAA (39.1 IP): 1.83 ERA, 12 BB, 52 K, .215 BAA)

AA AKRON (W, 12-2)

• ALEX WHITE (21-SP):  6 IP, 3 H, BB, ER, 3 K (A nice rebound after giving up 11 ER in his last 2 starts (10 IP))
• LONNIE CHISENHALL (21-3B):  3-4, HR, 5 RBI (5-11 in last 3 games, now has 15 HR and 66 RBI in 2010)
• JORDAN HENRY (22-CF):  2-4, RBI, 2 BB (5-12, 4 BB, 3 RBI in last 3 games)
• JASON KIPNIS (23-2B):  1-3, RBI, BB (8 game hit streak, 8 RBI during that stretch)
• BEAU MILLS (24-1B):  2-5, 2B, 2 RBI (4 for last 10 with 2 2B, 22 2B and 61 RBI in 2010)
• JOHN DRENNEN (23-OF):  2-5, RBI (8-18 in last 4 games, .299 BA, 49 RBI in 2010)
• CARLOS RIVERO (22-SS):  2-5 (7-19 in last 5 games with 4 RBI)
• TIM FEDROFF (23-OF):  3-5 (.343 in last 9 games)
• CRISTO ARNAL (24-2B):  2-5 (.324 in last 9 games)
• JUAN APODACA (24-C):  2-3, 2 BB (In 7 games with Akron: .500 (9-18), 10 BB (.679 OBP))

HIGH A KINSTON (L, 1-3)

• JOSEPH MAHALIC (21-SP):  5 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 0 ER (2 unearned), K (Last 10 starts (47.1 IP): 30 BB, 25 K, 25 ER)
• ABNER ABREU (20-OF):  2-4, SB (4-10 in last 3 games)
• DONNIE WEBB (24-OF):  1-3, 2B, BB (7 game hit streak (.320 BA))
• BO GREENWELL (21-OF):  2-4, RBI (.318 BA, .393 OBP in 154 ABs in 2010 with Kinston)
• CHUN CHEN (21-C):  1-3, BB (.282 BA, .389 OBP in 103 ABs in 2010 with Kinston)

LOW A LAKE COUNTY (L, 2-4)

• BRETT BRACH (22-SP):  7 IP, 8 H, 0 BB, 2 ER (1 unearned), 6 K (Last 1o starts (62.2 IP): 2.15 ERA, 8 BB, 56 K, .258 BAA)
• DELVI CID (21-OF):  1-3, SB, BB (59 SB in 2010)
• JASON SMIT (20-1B/OF):  1-3, 2B, BB (6 game hit streak, .318 BA during that stretch)
• ARGENIS MARTINEZ (20-2B):  1-4, 3B, RBI (10-29 (.349 BA) in last 9 games with 7 BB (.472 OBP))
• TYLER HOLT (21-CF):  1-4, 3B, RBI (Professional debut – drafted out of Florida State)
• OWEN DEW (21-P):  2 IP, H (HR), 2 K (Low A debut – 2.64 ERA, 4 BB, 25 K, .206 BAA in 9 starts (47.2 IP with Mahoning Valley)

SHORT-SEASON MAHONING VALLEY (L, 3-4)

• CASEY GAYNOR (23-P):  5 IP, 5 H, ER,BB, 3 K (Last 4 appearances: 18.2 IP, 13 H, 5 BB, 14 K)
• DIEGO SEASTRUNK (22-C):  3-4, RBI (.190 BA in 105 ABs in 2010, .229 BA in last 10 games)
• BRIAN HEERE (23-OF):  3-3, 3B, RBI, BB (9-28 in last 9 games)

August 8: Nuno Solid Against South Bend, Moncrief Continues to Rake

In a day in which ALL of the Indians’ minor league affiliates (above rookie ball) lost their respective games, there are understandably few individual performances to highlight.  After all, the five teams mustered a whole 18 runs between them, with Mahoning Valley accounting for 8 of those.  But I’ll do my best…

Lake County Captains starting pitcher VIDAL NUNO (23) pitched a good game on Sunday, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits and no walks while striking out 8 in 6 innings of work.  The 2 home runs that he allowed were his downfall, as he pitched an otherwise stellar game.  Longballs are a general problem for him, though, as he also gave up 2 in his last outing and has allowed a total of 10 in 70 innings pitched this season.  As a matter of fact, he’s given up just as many HRs as BBs this season.  If he can cut down on the HRs, he has BB and K numbers (10 and 72) that suggest he could be more effective.  His .289 BAA is also on the high side, as is his 5.01 season ERA.

Mahoning Valley Scrappers outfielder CARLOS MONCRIEF (21) continued to impress, going 3 for 5 on Sunday with a stolen bag and a run scored.  Over his last 6 games, he is batting .500 (12 for 24) with a .538 OBP, 2 SB, a HR, and 2 RBI.  Moncrief is a former pitcher in the midst of his first season after converting to the outfield.  He had a rough start to the season, batting .167 in June and .204 in July before exploding in August (.419).  On the season, the left-handed batter is hitting .234 with 6 2B, 5 HR, 16 RBI, and 6 SB.  He’s showing some talent right now, so I am interested to see how things continue to progress.

AAA Columbus Rundown (L, 3-6):  The Buffalo Bisons completed their 4-game sweep of the Clippers in this one.   Starting pitcher PAOLO ESPINO, whose debut with the Clippers on August 3 went well (7 IP, 2 runs, 6 hits, 0 BB, and 4 K), had a rough outing on Sunday.  In 5.2 innings, he allowed 4 runs on 6 hits and 3 BB while striking out 2.  The home run ball has been a problem for Espino, who gave up 2 on Sunday and 1 in his previous start…  JOSE CONSTANZA batted leadoff and went 2 for 4 with a BB.  He went 6 for 15 in the series with Buffalo, with 2 RBI and 2 BB…  Recent acquisition ARGENIS REYES went 2 for 4 with an RBI, lifting his BA with the Clippers to .545 (6 for 11) after 3 games…  WES HODGES went 1 for 3 with a BB.  He’s 2 for 12 since getting re-acquired by the Indians just a few days ago…  The biggest bat in the Clippers lineup on Sunday was that of 27 year-old outfielder JERAD HEAD, who went 3 for 4 with 2 2B, an RBI, and a run scored.  He went 6 for 16 in the series with Buffalo with 3 2B and 2 RBI.  He’s batting .283 with 6 2B, a HR, and 10 RBI in 53 at-bats with the Clippers after hitting .299 with 15 2B, 10 HR, and 28 RBI in 177 AA at-bats earlier this season.

AA Akron Rundown (L, 3-11):  Starter ALEX WHITE had his second consecutive poor outing, giving up 7 runs (all earned) on 8 hits (2 HRs) and 2 BB while striking out 4.  White just hasn’t been himself as of late.  The 6 total BB issued in his last 3 outings contrasts starkly with the total of 3 that he issued in his previous 7 outings.  The 2 HRs that he gave up on Sunday were the first since June 25…  Second baseman JASON KIPNIS‘s bat remained hot as he went 1 for 3 with a 2B and a BB on Sunday.  He’s now hitting .345 so far in August with a .424 OBP…  TIM FEDROFF went 2 for 4 with a 2B.  He’s batting .333 over his last 10 contests (12 for 36)…  Part-time catcher MIGUEL PEREZ got the start on Sunday and went 2 for 4 with a 2B and an RBI.  In limited action this season (101 at-bats), he’s hitting .277 with 8 2B and 9 RBI for the Aeros.

High A Kinston Rundown (L, 3-8):  After a strong start on August 3 that merited a discussion here (6 IP, 2 H, 0 runs, 1 BB, 8 K), JOSEPH MAHALIC pulled the other half a Jekyll-Hyde act on Sunday.  In only 3.2 innings of work, he gave up 4 runs on 3 hits (1 HR) and 8 BB while striking out 1.  Much of this season has been a roller coaster ride for Mahalic and his control issues appear to be the culprit; he’s walked 48 in 87.1 innings of work while striking out 58 and allowing a .281 BAA…  Center fielder BO GREENWELL went 1 for 4 with a SB.  He’s recorded at least 1 hit in each of his last 6 games and in 9 of his last 10…  Catcher CHUN CHEN batted cleanup and went 1 for 4 with a 2B.  He’s batting .343 in his last 10 games with 6 2B and a .415 OBP.

Class A Lake County Rundown (L, 2-5):  Another offensive disappointment for Lake County, as the team mustered only 2 runs on 4 hits in this one.  Second baseman ARGENIS MARTINEZ had the only notable performance at the plate, going 1 for 2 with 2 BB and a SB.  In his last 10 games he’s batting .333 with 7 SBs.

Short Season Mahoning Valley Rundown (L, 7-8):  Shortstop NICHOLAS BARTOLONE had a stellar debut with the Scrappers, going 2 for 5 at the plate with a pair of RBI.  Before getting promoted to Mahoning Valley, the 19 year-old recorded a .303 BA with 3 2B, 9 RBI, and 15 SB in 132 at-bats with the AZL (rookie league) Indians…  GIOVANNY URSHELA went 1 for 4 with a 2B, an RBI, and a run scored.  He’s batting .405 over his last 10 games with 9 RBI…  Outfielder JONATHAN BURNETTE went 2 for 5 with a 2B.  He’s batting .289 over his last 10 games with 4 2b, 3 HR, and 5 RBI…  JESUS AGUILAR had another fine game in his thus far short stint as a Scrapper, going 2 for 2 with a 2B, 2 BB, and an RBI on Sunday.  In 8 games with Mahoning Valley, he is batting .379 (11 for 29) with 4 2Bs and 4 RBI (5 BB, 5 K)…  Switch-hitting DIEGO SEASTRUNK went 1 for 4 with a 3-run home run.  In his first season of professional ball, the 22 year-old Rice University graduate is batting .176 with 5 2B, 3 HR, and 11 RBI in 91 at-bats for the Scrappers.  He has a respectable K to BB figure  of 18:15.

August 3: Talkin’ Starters: Espino, White, and Mahalic

RHP PAOLO ESPINO (age 23) made his AAA debut with Columbus on Tuesday, helping to fill the void after the recent promotions of Josh Tomlin and Jeanmar Gomez.  He pitched 7 fine innings against Louisville, allowing 2 runs (both earned) on 6 hits (one HR) and no walks while striking out 4.  Espnino’s final stat line in AA was a solid 4.00 ERA with 92 Ks, 35 BB, and a .245 BAA in 101.1 IP.  He’s not the most overpowering or dominant pitcher, but he appears fairly consistent and reliable.  The Indians selected Espino in the 10th round of the 2006 draft out of high school and he’s currently in his 4th year of professional ball.  I look forward to seeing what he does down the stretch, as he does a good job of issuing a modest amount of free passes and hits while also posting decent strikeout totals.

ALEX WHITE (age 21) of the Aeros, however, had a rare poor outing on Tuesday.  Against Altoona, he allowed 4 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out only 2 in 5 innings of work.  As this was an uncharacteristic performance for White, I won’t read too much into it.  This was his first subpar outing since June 19, when he allowed 3 earned runs on 8 hits (2 HR) and struck out only 1.  In the intervening 7 starts, he allowed 1 or no runs, giving up a total of 5 during that stretch; he struck out 37 and walked 5 during those 43 innings.  As this is his first season of professional ball and he’s tossed 127.1 innings between Kinston and Akron, it’s possible that he may be tiring.  But I’ll withhold further judgment on the matter until he pitches some more.

Kinston starter JOSEPH MAHALIC (age 21) was simply dominant in the Indians’ shutout of Myrtle Beach in game two of their doubleheader on Tuesday (game 1 was the remainder of Monday’s suspended game).  Mahalic went 6 scoreless innings against the Pelicans, giving up only 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8.  On the season, he’s posted a 4.20 ERA with 57 Ks, 40 BB, and a BAA of .282 in 83.2 innings of work.  He’s a bit streaky, though, as he tends to lump together a stretch of a few impressive starts interspersed with stretches of rough starts.  But his is 21 and in high A, so he has some time to develop.  The biggest task ahead of him will be cutting down on walks; he’s issued 3 or more in 6 of his past 10 games.  Tuesday’s game showed his potential, now he needs to make the necessary adjustments to make such performances more routine.

AAA Columbus Rundown (L, 3-4):  In this 12-inning game, there were no standout performances for the Clippers at the plate.  Third baseman JARED GOEDERT went 1 for 5 with a 2B and a run scored.  He’s batting only .179 with a .304 OBP over his last 10 contests…  CORD PHELPS went 1 for 4 with a 2B and a run scored.  He’s cooled off considerably since his 13-game hitting streak ended; he’s hitting only .205 with a .311 BAA over his last 10 games…  Outfielder JOSE CONSTANZA went 2 for 3.  He’s batting .300 over his last 10 games and his season average is at .302.  He’s been unspectacular with the Clippers, but consistently good…  Reliever VINNIE PESTANO logged another scoreless inning of work, striking out 1 and allowing a hit.  He hasn’t given up a single run since June.

AA Akron Rundown (L, 3-4):  Little to note in his one.  BEAU MILLS went 2 for 3 at the dish with a 2B, BB, and an RBI.  He’s hitting .333 over his lasts 10 games (12 for 36) with 4 2B, a HR, and 8 RBI (.395 OBP).  He’s done a nice job of shifting the momentum of his 2010 season in a positive direction after a very slow start (well, a slow April, May, and June)…  JORDAN HENRY went only 1 for 4 on Thursday, but still logged an OBP of .400 as he also drew a walk.  He’s gotten on base at a .568 clip over his last 10 games (.472 BA).

High A Kinston Rundown (L, 2-12 / W, 1-0):  A pretty quiet doubleheader for the Indians, outside of Mahalic’s tremendous performance on the mound (see above).  In game 1, catcher CHUN CHEN went 1 for 3 with an RBI.  He’s now batting .344 over his last 10 games with 10 RBI…  BO GREENWELL stroked 2 singles in 4 at-bats.  He’s hitting .297 over his last 10 contests…  Outfielder ABNER ABREU went 2 for 4 with a 2B and an RBI, raising his average over his last 10 games to .308 (.357 OBP)…  Second baseman KAREXON SANCHEZ was the only Indian to put together 2 good games on Tuesday, going 1 for 2 with 2 BB in the first game and 1 for 3 with a 2B in the second.  He’s hitting .333 (5 for 15) over his last 4 games with 2 2B, a HR, and 2BB…  In the second game of the doubleheader, closing pitcher CORY BURNS earned his 20th save with the Indians (32nd overall in 2010), tossing a hitless inning in which he struck out a pair.  He’s now whiffed 39 batters in 26.2 innings in high A ball.

Class A Lake County Rundown (W, 13-7):  Another offensive outburst for the Captains on Tuesday, although ADAM ABRAHAM had a fairly quiet game (1-4, BB)…  Center fielder DELVI CID again paced the Captains, going 2 for 5 with a BB, 2 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases.  He now has 56 on the season and 7 in his last 4 games.  He’s batting .474 (9 for 19) during that stretch with a .524 OBP…  Catcher ROBERTO PEREZ went 2 for 3 with a HR, 2 RBI, and 2 BB.  He’s hitting only .223 in 292 at-bats with the Captains this season, but he is 4 for his last 8…  Outfielder JASON SMIT had his second straight quality performance, going 2 for 4 with a 2B and 3 RBI.  He’s 4 for 9 in his last 2 games with 4 RBI…  Second baseman ARGENIS MARTINEZ went 3 for 5 with a 3B and an RBI.  He’s hitting only .202 in 247 at-bats with Lake County, and .262 over his last 10 contests…  DH/first baseman CHRIS KERSTEN went 2 for 5 with a 2B.  He’s logged at least 1 base hit in his last 9 games…  Every starter in the Lake County lineup got on base at least once, 8 of the 9 at least twice.  The only player to not log a base hit in the contest was GREG FOLGIA, who went 0 for 2 with 3 BB.

Short-Season Mahoning Valley Rundown (L, 1-8):  The Scrappers didn’t do much in this one against Batavia.  Third baseman GIOVANNY URSHELA went 2 for 4, raising his season average to .270.  He’s batting .324 over his last 10 games with 2 HR and 5 RBI…  JONATHAN BURNETTE went 1 for 3 with a walk…  CARLOS MONCRIEF moved to just a shade under the Mendoza line (.199) with a 2 for 4 day.

As expected, the Indians put CARLOS SANTANA on the disabled list on Tuesday.  Doctors say that the has a severely sprained left knee and have not yet determined if surgery will be necessary.  LOU MARSON got the call up and provided the Indians only offense in Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to Boston, hitting a solo HR off of Josh Beckett.

July 29: McBride Bursts into AAA, White Solid Again

Just hours after getting the call from AA Akron to AAA Columbus on Thursday, outfielder MATT McBRIDE (age 25) put on yet another power display in his debut for the Clippers.  Against Buffalo, he went 4 for 5 at the dish, hitting a double, a HR, and driving in 3 runs.  Such a showing is consistent with his performance of the last month or so with Akron, where he hit .364 with 11 HR in 23 July games.  Although he started the season slowly, his AA line stood at .285 with 25 doubles, 17 HR, 64 RBI, and a .349 OBP (30 BB, 62 K).  As the season winds down and the Indians look toward the future, considering the future of Austin Kearns in particular, it will be interesting to see if McBride can compete with the likes of Michael Brantley, Nick Weglarz, and company for a spot with the Tribe in 2011.  But if he keeps up his torrid pace, it might not be much of a competition.

ALEX WHITE (age 21) had another solid outing on Thursday, “starting” after Kerry Wood pitched an inning of rehab work.  White threw 5.1 innings, allowing 1 earned run (including 4 unearned) on 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8.  It’s all the more impressive that White made this appearance on only 4 days rest, after tossing 7 strong innings against Reading on July 24.  Although he has only 57 strikeouts in 78.1 innings pitched at the AA level this season, White has showed some lethal stuff as of late, striking out 29 batters in his last 25.1 innings on the mound.  During that same stretch, he has walked only 3 batters and allowed only 3 earned runs.  At this point, I am not sure how much more he has to prove at the AA level.  He’s been downright dominant and deserves a shot in AAA sooner rather than later.  This guy is demonstrating that he has the stuff to be a key component of the Tribe’s rotation for years to come.

I’m not convinced that JOSH RODRIGUEZ‘s (age 25) early success with Columbus was a flash-in-the-pan.  He’s cooled off as of late, but he had a great day at the plate yesterday, only to be overshadowed by Matt McBride’s monster AAA debut.  Rodriguez went 3 for 5, slugging 2 home runs and driving in 3.  Over his last 7 games, he’s hitting .308 with a 2B, 4 HR, and 10 RBI to go along with a 7:5 K to BB ratio.  His AAA season stats stand at .314 with 12 doubles, 10 HR, and 48 RBI (28 BB and 42 Ks).  I like how he hits both RHPs and LHPs well, for both average and power (.323 with 5 HR in 65 ABs against LHPs and .310 with 5 HR in 129 ABs against RHPs).  If Rodriguez maintains his recent hot streak while CORD PHELPS (age 23) remains cool in the aftermath of his recent hitting streak (3 for 16 since July 25), he should become the Tribe’s clear-cut top AAA second baseman.

A trio of Kinston Indians pitchers combined to shut out high A Wilmington on Thursday.  T.J. HOUSE (age 20) started on the mound for the Indians, giving up 2 hits and 2 walks in 6 innings while striking out 4.  In his last 2 starts combined, he’s allowed 1 earned run on 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 9 in 12 innings of work.  One key to his recent success appears to be that he’s issued fewer free passes than usual.  If he keeps minimizing those walks, his success should continue.  TYLER STURDEVANT (age 24) relieved House, tossing 2 innings of 3-hit ball.  Through 5 appearances with Kinston (7.1 IP), he’s allowed only 1 earned run on 9 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7.  Surprisingly, he failed to tally a single K in Thursday’s outing, but that will be rare for him.  CORY BURNS (age 22) closed the door on Wilmington, recording his 30th save of the season (18th with Kinston) with 1 inning of work in which he allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3.  Burns has a 2.23 ERA between Lake County and Kinston this season with 62 strikeouts and 12 walks in 40.1 innings (.221 BAA).   Those are strong numbers for a guy in only his second season of professional ball; the Indians drafted him in the 8th round of the 2009 draft out of the University of Arizona.

The Rundown:  Thursday was a busy, productive day in the Indians’ farm system, so without further ado…  Clippers left fielder JORDAN BROWN continues to be an RBI machine.  He added 2 more to his season total (now 63, even after missing the first 39 games of the season) in a 2 for 5 performance at the dish.  He deserves a shot with the Tribe…  Teammate JARED GOEDERT looks to be turning around his recent slump.  Third baseman went 2 for 5 yesterday with a double.  He’s batting .282 over his last 10 games with 5 2B, a HR, 3 RBI, and 8 walks to 7 Ks…  Outfielder MICHAEL BRANTLEY continued his dominance in AAA, going 2 for 3 with a solo HR, 2 SBs, and 2 BBs.  He’s 3 for 6 with 4 BBs in 2 games since his most recent demotion from Cleveland…  LOU MARSON had another good game on Thursday, going 2 for 4 with a HR and 2 RBI.  He’s now batting .333 in his last 10 games and .381 (8 for 21) in his last 6.  In those last 6 contests, he also has 3 2B, a HR, 6 RBI, and 4 BB to 2 Ks.  If he keeps playing this well, he could become valuable in a trade package unless the Indians want to keep him around as insurance in case something happens to Carlos Santana…   Aeros third baseman LONNIE CHISENHALL just keeps on heating up.  On Thursday, he went 3 for 4 with a 3B and 3 RBI.  He’s now hitting .325 in his last 10 games and .412 (7 for 17) over his last 4.  In those last 4 games, he’s also logged a 3B, a HR, and 7 RBI.  His season average is now up to .277…  First baseman BEAU MILLS pulled his season BA up to .240 after going 2 for 5 with a double and a run scored on Thursday.  He’s hitting .333 in his last 10 games with 6 doubles, a triple, 2 HR, and 10 RBI…  JORDAN HENRY continues to be an on-base machine.  Against Reading on Thursday, he outfielder went 1 for 2 with 2 BBs and a run scored.  Over his last 10 games, he is batting .371 and getting on base at a .450 clip.  Over his last 5 games, he’s batting .500 (8 for 16) with an OBP of .619…  In Wilmington, catcher CHUN CHEN had another impressive day for Kinston, going 2 for 3 at the plate with a BB and a run scored.  He’s now batting .344 with a .465 OBP in his last 10 games (4 2B, a HR, and 8 RBI as well).  In his last 4 games, he’s hitting .429 (6 of 14) with an OBP of .556 (HR, 2 2B, 4RBI)…  Third baseman JEREMIE TICE remained hot on Thursday, going 2 for 4 at the plate with a solo home run.  He’s hitting .390 over his last 10 games with 5 2B, a HR, and 8 RBI…  ADAM ABRAHAM of Lake County went 1 for 4 on Thursday, doubling, driving in a run, and drawing 2 walks.  Over his last 10 games, he’s hitting .436 with 5 2B, 5 HR, 16 RBI, and 4 BB to 5 Ks (.488 OBP).  He’s on fire…  Outfielder DELVI CID somehow managed to swipe another base on Thursday, his 49th of the season, even though he went 0 for 6 with a K.  Just imagine if he could get on base at a rate better than his current season average of .238 and .293 OBP…  MATT PACKER made yet another impressive start for the Captains, tossing 7 innings, allowing 1 earned run on 5 hits and no walks while striking out 7.  Over his past 10 starts, he’s posted a 1.14 ERA with 63 Ks and 10 walks in 63 innings of work while holding opponents to a .219 batting average.  What is this lefty still doing in A ball?  Get him up to Kinston, and now…  PRESTON GUILMET followed Packer with 2 innings of shutout ball in which he allowed 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out a pair.  He’s now struck out 44 batters in 29.1 innings of work for the Captains this season while maintaining a 2.45 ERA…  The only notable performance in the Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ doubleheader (game 1 was the remainder of Wednesday’s suspended contest) was that of second baseman DANIEL DeGEORGE, who went 5 for 7 with a double, a stolen base, and 2 runs scored between the two games.  He’s batting .279 on the season with the Scrappers, but .367 over his last 10 games with a .441 OBP.

July 24: White Stellar Again, Brach and House Also Impress

ALEX WHITE (age 21) pitched another gem for the Aeros on Saturday, allowing earned 1 run on 8 hits and no walks in 7 innings of work.  He struck out 7.  The righty’s AA ERA now sits at 1.48 through 73 innings (12 starts).  Although his K rate dropped after his promotion from high A Kinston to Akron (41 Ks in 44 IP for Kinston, 49 Ks in 73 IP for Akron), he’s struck out 21 batters over his last 3 starts (20 innings).  He hasn’t given up any home runs since June 25 and has allowed only more than 1 earned run in 1 of his last 10 starts (3 earned runs on June 19 against Portland).  Perhaps the most impressive stat is that he’s walked only 3 batters in his past 7 starts (42.1 innings).  With his strikeout rate on the rise, his free passes on the decline, and opposing batters finding it difficult to hit him (.207 average in his last 10 starts), White is showing why the Indians selected him in the first round of the 2009 draft (15th overall).  He has a legit shot of cracking the Indians starting rotation next season and settling in as a solid #2 starter within the next couple of years.

Lake County Captains starting pitcher BRETT BRACH (age 22) was also very impressive yesterday.  He tossed a complete game shutout against Peoria, allowing 7 hits, walking 1, and striking out 5.  In 14 starts for the Captains (72.2 innings), he’s maintained a 3.22 ERA with 55 strikeouts and 20 walks while posting a .287 opposing batting average.  Brach was selected by the Indians in the 10th round of the 2009 draft out of Monmouth University.  In his first season of professional ball, he made 15 starts for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, recording a 2.19 ERA with 20 walks and 61 strikeouts in 78 innings of work while holding opposing batters to a .215 batting average.  He began this season with a pair of relief appearances for Kinston (1 earned run, 2 Ks, 1 BB in 2.2 IP), but was sent to Lake County to start.  He’s shown some improvement over the course of the season, raising his K rate (42 Ks in his last 10 starts, 54.2 IP) and cutting down his opponents’ batting average (.259 over his last 10 starts).  Although he’s far from the most flashy or promising pitching prospects in the Tribe’s minor league system, his performance this season merits some attention.

T.J. HOUSE (age 20) of the Kinston Indians also pitched very well on Saturday.  He threw 6 innings against Wilmington, allowing 1 earned run on 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 5.  On the season, he’s posted a 4.18 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 97 innings.  Although his BAA (batting average against) is a serviceable .268, the high number of walks that he has issued is a bit alarming (46).  He started off the season strong, but has slipped as of late, recording a 4.38 ERA in his last 10 games while witnessing a drop in his K rate (only 34 in 49.1 IP) and a jump in his BAA (.284).  Fortunately, the lefty is only 20 and already in high A ball, so he has time to get back on track.  Saturday’s performance suggests that his turnaround might have already begun.

LUIS VALBUENA (age 24) of the Columbus Clippers had the best day at the dish of any Indians MiLB player yesterday.  Against Pawtucket, he went 3 for 5 with 2 doubles, a HR, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored.  Although Valbuena has been impressive in AAA this year (.326 average, 8 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HRs, 15 RBI, 14 BB, and 18 K in 86 at-bats), he struggled mightily in the big leagues earlier this season, recording a dismal .166 BA with 6 doubles, 2 HR and 14 RBI along with a 37:20 K to BB ratio in 49 games (151 at-bats).  Although his 5’10”, 195 frame suggests that he has little power, he has hit at least 10 home runs in 4 of his 6 seasons of professional ball (he hit 10 in 2009 for the Tribe, along with a .250 BA and 31 RBI).  His solid performance in AAA over the past 3 seasons indicates that he has the ability to hit for average, but it’s beginning to appear that he might be one of those AAAA-type guys, very good in AAA, but just doesn’t have what it takes for the MLB.  He’ll likely get another shot in the bigs before too long, but he’s running out of time with the Tribe, especially since he has to compete with the likes of Kipnis, Rodriguez, and Phelps.

The Rundown:  Quite a few Indians minor leaguers had good showings at the plate on Saturday, so I’ll just get to it.  A regular star on the field and in this blog, Aeros second baseman JASON KIPNIS, had another good game, going 2 for 6 and scoring 2 runs against Reading.  He’s now batting .329 on the season in AA…  Teammate BEAU MILLS went 1 for 4 at the dish, smacking a HR, driving in 3, and drawing a walk.  Mills is now hitting .278 over his past 10 games, pulling his season average up to .234, with 8 HRs and 53 RBI.  He’s just getting started…  Akron outfielder MATT McBRIDE continued to rake, going 2 for 4 yesterday with 2 doubles and 2 RBI.  He’s now batting .371 over his last 10 games and .285 on the season…  LONNIE CHISENHALL also had a good game, smacking 2 doubles and driving in 1 run in 5 at-bats.  Over his past 10 games, he is hitting .306…  Outfielder JOHN DRENNEN (age 23) went deep for the Aeros, collecting 2 hits in 5 trips to the plate while driving in 3 runs.  He’s posted a healthy .311 average in AA this season, with 4 HRs and 41 RBI…  CORD PHELPS now owns a 12-game hitting streak, as he went 2 for 3 on Saturday with 3 runs scored for the Clippers…  JOSH RODRIGUEZ had only 1 hit in 4 at-bats against AAA Pawtucket, but it was a big one, a 3-run jack.  He also drew a walk…  First baseman WES HODGES continued his recent turnaround, logging 2 hits in 4 at-bats on Saturday, driving in 1 run and drawing a walk…  EZEQUIEL CARRERA (age 23), a center fielder acquired from the Mariners in the recent Russell Branyan trade, went 3 for 4, walking once, doubling, and driving in 3 runs.  The 5’10”, 175 lb. lefty has no power (0 HRs in 260 minor league at-bats this season) and does not run much (12 stolen bases), but his ability to get base hits (.281 BA on the season) and take a walk (25 walks to 39 strikeouts) makes him worth tracking…  Starting pitcher DAVID HUFF had a serviceable outing for the Clippers on Saturday, allowing 3 earned runs on 11 hits and 1 walk in 7 innings of work while striking out 5.  The young lefty has done little to impress during his brief time in the majors over the past couple of seasons, but, like Valbuena, he will get another shot with the Tribe before too long…  After a rough debut with AA Akron on July 20 against Altoona (issuing 4 straight free passes, walking in a run before getting pulled from the game without recording a single out), ROB BRYSON rebounded nicely against Reading on Saturday, allowing 1 hit and striking out 3 in an inning of work.  This guy has tremendous potential as a relief pitcher with his ability to strike out hitters, so I’ll be following his performances…  Last but not least is my daily ADAM ABRAHAM report.  Yesterday, the Captains first baseman went 1 for 3 against Peoria, slugging a HR and driving in a pair of runs.  He’s now batting .351 over his past 10 games with 3 HRs and 9 RBI.

JULY 19: White Impresses, McBride Slugs, Greenwell Rakes

Starting pitcher ALEX WHITE (age 21) continues to impress during his first season of professional ball.  On Monday, he pitched seven strong innings for the Akron Aeros, allowing 1 earned run on 6 hits and no walks while striking out 7.  He started the season in high A Kinston, posting a 2.86 ERA with 41 strikeouts and 19 walks with opponents batting a paltry .204 against him in 8 starts (44 innings).  Since getting the call to Akron, he’s been even better.  In 11 starts (66 innings), White has struck out 42 and walked 16 while maintaining an ERA of 1.50 – AA opponents are batting .194 against him.  Although he’s striking out guys at a lower rate in AA, White’s command has improved, as he’s walked fewer guys in more innings while with Akron.  White, probably the most promising pitching prospect in the Indians system right now, should be in AAA Columbus before the season is through and perhaps cracking the MLB squad as early as next season.  He was the Indians’ first round selection in 2009 (15th overall pick), out of the University of North Carolina.

One would be hard pressed to find a hotter player at any level of professional baseball than Aeros’ outfielder MATT McBRIDE (age 25).  On Monday, he went 3 for 4 with a double, a home run, and 2 RBI.  Over his past 10 games, McBride is hitting .421 with 5 doubles, 5 HR, and 15 RBI while posting a 5:6 BB:K ratio.  On the season, he’s batting .280 with 21 doubles, 15 HR, and 56 RBI (30:56 walk:strikeout ratio).  Although he’s on the older side for an AA player, he won’t be sticking around Akron much longer.  He will likely get the call to Columbus before the season is through, perhaps to replace Nick Weglarz after he gets called up to the Tribe.  McBride has been in the Indians farm system since they drafted him in 2006 (second supplemental round) and has the power potential and build (6’2″, 215 lbs) to be a 20-HR guy in the show.  I wouldn’t expect to see him in an Indians uniform until perhaps sometime next season.  Even then, he should have a hard time trying to squeeze into the Tribe’s outfield with the likes of Brantley, Crowe, Weglarz, Choo, Sizemore, etc. ahead of him.

BO GREENWELL (age 21) of the Kinston Indians had another solid night at the plate Monday, smacking 2 singles in 4 at-bats.  Over his last 10 games for Kinston, Greenwell is hitting .421 with a double, 2 RBI, 3 walks, and a stolen base.  Overall, in 20 high A games (73 at-bats), he’s batting .370 with 3 doubles, 4 RBI, 9 walks, and 4 stolen bases.  Before getting the call to Kinston, he posted a line of .310 with 13 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HRs, 36 RBI, and 15 stolen bases (including a 32:34 BB:K ratio) for Lake County.  Although he’s hit for little power, especially since his promotion to high A, Greenwell has the tools to hit for average, take walks, and be something of a threat on the basepaths.  His build (6′, 185 lbs.) doesn’t suggest that he will ever hit for much more than average power, but if he keeps being an on-base machine, he won’t need it.  He looks promising, but is still a couple of years away from the show.

The Rundown:  Speaking of NICK WEGLARZ (also see yesterday’s blog), the AAA outfielder went 2 for 3 with a HR, a double, 2 RBI, and 2 walks yesterday.  The home run came against top Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Jeremy Hellickson.  Over his last 10 games, Weglarz is hitting a robust .359 with 2 jacks, 4 doubles, and 4 RBI…  Another game, another great performance for Aeros second baseman JASON KIPNIS.  He went 3 for 3 with a double against Altoona, raising his AA average to .336…  SHIN-SOO CHOO began his rehab assignment with the Aeros, going 1 for 3…  ASDRUBAL CABRERA continued his rehab with the Aeros, logging 2 hits in 4 at-bats, one of which was a home run.