August 22: Gardner Stellar Again, Constanza Continues Recent Tear

AAA COLUMBUS (L, 2-4)

• JOSE CONSTANZA (26, OF):  2-4.  9-game hit streak: 17-35 (.486), 3 extra-base hits, 4 RBI, 6 BB, 2 K, 5 SB.  Season stats (354 ABs):  .314 BA, 9 2B, 6 3B, HR, 30 RBI, 30 BB, 50 K, 33 SB (only 5 CS).
• EZEQUIEL CARRERA (23, CF):  2-4.  Last 8 games: .314, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 8 K, SB.
• AREGENIS REYES (27, 2B):  2-4, RBI.  In 9 games with Clippers: .333 (10-30), 2B, 2 RBI, BB, 3 K.
• CARLOS CARRASCO (23, SP):  7.2 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, BB, 8 K.  Last 10 outings: 56.2 IP, 3.02 ERA, 54 K, 16 BB, .230 BAA.

AA AKRON (Game 1 of doubleheader: L, 1-6)

• JORDAN HENRY (22, CF):  1-3, BB.  Last 10 games: .357 BA, 6 RBI, 4 BB, 8 K.
• LONNIE CHISENHALL (21, 3B):  2-3, 2 2B, RBI.  Last 10 games: .400 BA, 5 2B, HR, 13 RBI, 7 BB, 8 K, SB.
• COREY KLUBER (24, SP):  5.1 IP, ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K.  Last 2 outings: 11.1 IP, ER, 11 H, 3 BB, 7 K.
• NICK HAGADONE (24, P):  2 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K, Loss.  Has given up at least 1 run in each of his past 5 appearances (10.2 IP).

AA AKRON (Game 2: L, 1-2)

• JOHN DRENNEN (23, OF):  1-1, BB.  Last 10: .389 BA, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 4 BB, K, SB.
• CARLOS RIVERO 22, SS):  3-3, RBI.  Last 10: .342 BA, 2 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, BB, 7 K.
• MATT PACKER 22, SP):  5 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, BB, 4 K.  Through 4 AA appearances (24 IP): 4.50 ERA, 15 K, 6 BB, .282 BAA.

HIGH-A KINSTON (W, 9-2)

• BO GREENWELL (21, OF):  2-4, RBI.  August: .246 BA, 2 2B, 7 RBI, 7 BB, 17 K, 2 SB in 69 AB.
• KAREXON SANCHEZ (23, 2B):  1-3, 2B, 2 BB, SB.  After batting just .216 in July, he’s hitting .271 so far in August (70 AB).
• CHUN CHEN (21, C):  0-1, RBI, 2 BB, SB.  9-game hit streak ends, but still manages to produce.  Batting .414 with a .538 OBP in last 10 games.  High-A totals: .312 BA, .427 OBP, 12 2B, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 3 SB, 26 BB, 30 K in 125 ABs.
• DONNIE WEBB (24, OF):  1-2, BB.  Last 6 games: .421 BA (8-19), 2 2B, 3 RBI, 3 BB, SB.
• JUAN DIAZ (21, SS):  1-4, 2B, 2 RBI, SB.  7-game hit streak: .435 BA (10-23), 3 extra-base hits, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 2 SB.
• JEREMIE TICE (23, 1B/3B):  1-2, 2 BB.  Last 10 games: .250 BA, 3 extra-base hits, 2 RBI, 5 BB, 10 K.
• ABNER ABREU (20, RF):  2-3, RBI.  Last 10 games: .400, 4 extra-base hits, 9 RBI, BB, 9 K, SB.
• JOSEPH GARDNER (22, SP):  5 IP, 2 runs (1 earned), 2 H, 0 BB, 4 K.  Last 5 starts: 29 IP, 6 ER, 23 H, 9 BB, 21 K.  Season with Kinston: 20 starts (112 IP), 2.81 ERA, 98 K, 42 BB, .201 BAA.  Not bad for a guy in his first season of pro ball (3rd round pick in 2009 draft).
• TYLER STURDEVANT (24, RP):  IP, H, 3 K.  3.92 ERA, 24 K, 9 BB, .238 BAA  in 20.2 IP in high-A this season.

LOW-A LAKE COUNTY (L, 7-12)

• TYLER HOLT (21, CF):  2-3, 2B, BB, SB.  3 for last 7 with 2 2B after going 0 for previous 8.
• DELVI CID (21, OF):  0-2, BB, SB.  Snapped an 8-game hitting streak, but SB was number 63 of the year.
• CASEY FRAWLEY (22, SS):  1-4, 2B, BB, 3 RBI.  Last 4 games: 6-15, 2 extra-base hits, 4 RBI, 2 BB, SB.
• ADAM ABRAHAM (23, 3B):  1-5, HR, 2 RBI.  Last 10 games: .286 BA, .348 OBP, 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 3 BB, 5 K.

SHORT-SEASON MAHONING VALLEY (L, 4-0)

• JONATHAN BURNETTE (22, LF):  1-3.  Batting .321 in 78 August ABs with 8 2B, 4 HR, 10 RBI, and 4 BB.
• BRIAN HEERE (23, OF):  1-2, BB.  6-game hit streak: 9-17 (.529), 2 RBI, 4 BB.

August 18: Chen Homers, Cid and Constanza Continue Hot Streaks

AAA COLUMBUS CLIPPERS (L, 2-9)

• JOSE CONSTANZA (26, OF):  3-3, 2 BB, RBI, SB.  Jose is the definition of en fuego right now.  Last 5 games: .706 BA (12-17), 4 RBI, 5 BB, and 5 SB.  He’s batting a scorching .383 overall in 60 August ABs, with 4 extra-base hits, 8 RBI, 9 BB, and 6 SB (only 5 K).  His season AAA average is up to .314, to go along with 33 SB.
• MATT McBRIDE (25, OF):  1-3, BB.  Batting .378 in this last 10 games, but with only 3 extra-base hits and 2 RBI.
• LUKE CARLIN (29, C):  2-3, HR, BB.  Recently acquired from the Pirates organization, batting .300 (3-10) in 4 games with the Clippers, with 2 BB and 5 K.
• DAVID HUFF (25, SP):  6 IP, 4 ER, 7 H (HR), 2 BB, 4 K.  In 9 AAA starts 56.1 IP): 3.99 ERA, 39 K, 15 BB, .281 BAA.

AA AKRON AEROS (L, 2-3)

• JORDAN HENRY (22, OF):  2-5.  Last 5 games: 11-23 (.478), 4 RBI, 2 BB.  AA average up to .306 (216 ABs), with a .393 OBP.
• LONNIE CHISENHALL (21, 3B):  1-3, BB.  Last 6 games: 9-20 (.450), 3 extra-base hits, 9 RBI, 7 BB (.593 OBP).
• JERAD HEAD (27, OF):  1-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB.  3-7 in 2 games since demotion from AAA.
• TIM FEDROFF (23, OF):  1-3, BB.  Last 10: .361, 6 extra-base hits, 4 BB (.439 OBP).
• CARLOS RIVERO (22, SS):  2-4.  Last 6 games: 8-24 (.333), 4 RBI.
• SCOTT BARNES (22, SP):  6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H (HR), 2 BB, 5K.  Last 10 starts: 3.36 ERA, 42 K, 18 BB, .218 BAA in 61.2 IP.  8 HR in those last 10 outings is concerning, though.
• CONNOR GRAHAM (24, RP):  2 IP, 3 K.  Last 10 appearances (17.1 IP):  1.04 ERA, 20 K, 4 BB, .169 BAA.  A vast improvement over his season totals: 3.20 ERA, 54 K, 40 BB, .253 BAA.

HIGH-A KINSTON INDIANS (L, 1-9)

• CHUN CHEN (21, C):  1-1, HR, 2 BB.  7 game hit-streak: 9-18, 3 extra-base hits, 3 RBI, 6 BB, SB.  Combined 2010 low-A and high A stats (330 ABs): .312, 32 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR, 56 RBI, .360 OBP (40 BB, 64 K).
• DONNIE WEBB (24, OF):  2-4.  Last 10 games: .324, 2 2B, 2 RBI, BB, 10 K, SB.
• JUAN DIAZ (21, SS):  2-4.  Finally settling in with Kinston.  Last 10 games: .405 BA, 3 extra-base hits, 5 RBI, SB (37 ABs).  Season with Kinston: .258 BA, 5 extra-base hits, and 14 RBI in 159 ABs.
• KAREXON SANCHEZ (22, 2B):  1-3, BB.  Last 9 games: 9-30 (.300), 5 BB, 11 K.  2010 season with Kinston: .259 BA, 18 2B, 4 3B, 10 HR, 43 RBI, 66 BB, 105 K  (.379 OBP).
• T.J. McFARLAND (21, SP):  0.2 IP, 5 ER, 4 H (2 HR), 2 BB, K.  Last 3 starts: 9 IP, 14 ER, 17 H, 3 BB, 10 K.
• TYLER STURDEVANT (24, RP):  3 IP, H, BB, 4 K.  10 appearances with Kinston: 19.2 IP, 4.12 ERA, 21 K, 9 BB, .237 BAA, 3 HR.
• BRIAN GRENING (25, RP):  2 IP, H, 5 K.  27 K in last 19.2 IP, 58 in 45 high-A IP this season.  4 HR allowed in last 10 outings (19.2 IP), though.

LOW-A LAKE COUNTY (L, 2-6)

• TYLER HOLT (21, CF):  1-3, 2B, BB.  In 4 games with Lake County: 3-11 (.273), 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K.
• DELVI CID (21, LF):  2-4, SB.  Last 3 games: 7-14, 2 BB, 3 SB.  Last 10: .333, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 6 SB.  On the season, he has 62 SB and his overall BA is up to .258 after batting .342 so far in August (73 ABs).
• JASON SMIT (20, 1B/OF):  2-3, 2B.  Last 9 games: .400, 6 extra-base hits, 7 RBI, 2 BB, 9 K, 2 SB.  Season average up to .268 after a .348 August so far (66 ABs), with 19 2B, 8 HR, 41 RBI, and 8 SB.
• CLAYTON COOK (20, SP):  2 IP, 2 BB, K.  Last 10 outings: 2.87 ERA, 37 K, 16 BB, .219 BAA in 53.1 IP.
• OWEN DEW (21, RP):  2.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 2 K.  Rough start in low-A (2 appearances): 6.23 ERA, 4 K, 3 BB, 3 ER, 5 H in 4.1 IP.
• PRESTON GUILMET (23, RP):  2 IP, ER, 2 H, 2 K.  Last 10 outings (21.1 IP): 1.69 ERA, 26 K, 4 BB, .147 BAA.

SHORT-SEASON MAHONING VALLEY (W, 4-2)

• CARLOS MONCRIEF (21, OF):  2-4.  Last 10 games: .378 BA, 5 extra-base hits, 4 RBI, 8 BB, SB.
• DIEGO SEASTRUNK (22, C):  1-4, HR, 3 RBI.  Last 8 games: .286, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 3 BB.  Season with Mahoning Valley: .193 BA, 5 2B, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 17 BB (22 K).  Solid overall K to BB ratio suggests that his recent success at the plate should continue.
• BRIAN HEERE (23, OF):  1-3, 2B, RBI, BB.  Last 7 games: .435 BA, 3 extra-base hits, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 3 K.
• MIKE RAYL (21, SP):  6 IP, 2 ER, BB, 6 K.  12 starts with the Scrappers (58.1 IP): 3.09 ERA, 44 K, 15 BB, .236 BAA.  Last 4 outings: 24 K in 20.2 IP.
• NATHAN STRIZ (22, RP):  IP, BB, K in Scrappers debut.

August 15: Kipnis and Chisenhall Remain Hot, Kluber Rebounds

AAA COLUMBUS (W, 7-3)

• YOHAN PINO (SP-27):  6 IP, 0 R, 9 H, 2 BB, 5 K.  Pre all-star break: 5.61 ERA, 76 K, 35 BB, .278 BAA in 17 starts (94.2 IP); Post all-star break: 4.60 ERA, 18 K, 8 BB, .275 BAA in 5 starts (29.1 IP).
• JOSE CONSTANZA (OF-26):  1-3, BB, SB.  Last 3 games: 7-11, 2 BB, 2 SB.  Batting .368 in his last 10 games and .306 in 330 ABs this season.
• EZEQUIEL CARRERA (CF-23):  1-3, 2 RBI.  4-14 in last 3 games after going 0-15 in his previous 4.  Batting .256 in 82 ABs with Columubus.
• CORD PHELPS (2B-23):  1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB.  9-25 (.360 BA) in last 6 games with 2 extra-bast hits and 8 RBI.
• MATT McBRIDE (OF-25):  2-4, HR.  His first HR in August, 2nd total in AAA (55 ABs) and 19th overall in 2010.  Now batting .382 in AAA.
• WES HODGES (1B/DH-25):  1-4, solo HR.  In last 6 games, batting .375 (9-24) with 3 extra-base hits and 7 K.

AA AKRON (W, 7-0)

• COREY KLUBER (SP-24):  6 IP, 0 R, 6 H, BB, 4 K.  First 2 starts with Akron: 8 IP, 9 ER, 19 H, 6 BB, 9 K.  Looks like the “real” Kluber has arrived, and he’s not that bad (3.45 ERA with 136 K, 40 BB, .259 BAA in 122.2 IP with San Diego’s AA affiliate earlier this season).
  
• JASON KIPNIS (2B-23):  2-2, HR, 2 RBI, BB.  9 game hit streak, batting .378 during that stretch (14-37) with 5 extra-base hits and 10 RBI.  Last 4 contests: 8-15 with 2 HR, 6 RBI, and 3 BB.  This guy is the real deal.  In 224 AA ABs, he’s batting .339 with 28 extra-base hits, 34 RBI, and 6 SBs.
  
• LONNIE CHISENHALL (3B-21):  2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB.  Last 4 games: 7-14 with 8 RBI and 5 BB.  He’s been streaky all season long, but he’s still batting .273 with 33 extra-base hits (15 HR), and 66 RBI in 374 ABs with Akron this season.  34 BB to go along with 56 K isn’t all that bad, either.
  
• JORDAN HENRY (CF-22):  2-5, 2B.  Last 3 games: 7-14 with 3 RBI and 2 BB.  .325 BA and .438 OBP. in last 10 contests.
• JOHN DRENNEN (OF-23):  2-5, RBI.  Last 10 games: .372 BA, 7 RBI.  He’s 10-23 (.435) in last 5.
• TIM FEDROFF (OF-23):  1-3, 3B, BB.  6 for his last 12 and batting .342 in last 10 contests.
• CRISTO ARNAL (2B-24):  1-3, BB.  8-game hit streak, batting .324 in last 10 games.
• OMAR AGUILAR (RP-25):  IP, BB, 2 K.  3.29 ERA, 67 K, 30 BB, and .214 BAA in 54.2 IP in 2010.  1.80 ERA, 16 K, 9 BB, and .171 BAA in last 10 appearances (10 IP).

HIGH A KINSTON (L, 4-6)

• ABNER ABREU (OF-20):  2-4, 3B, 2 RBI.  Last 4 games: 6-14 (.429) with 4 RBI.
• KAREXON SANCHEZ (2B-22):  2-4.  Last 5 games: 7-19 (.368).
• KYLE BELLOWS (3B-21):  2-4.  Batting .333 in last 10 games with 4 2B and 7 RBI.

LOW A LAKE COUNTY (W, 5-2)

• GIOVANNI SOTO (SP-19):  5 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, BB, 4 K.  In 4 starts with Lake County (23 IP): 2.35 ERA, 24 K, 7 BB, .162 BAA.  Overall low A total in 2010 (105.2 IP): 2.56 ERA, 100 K, 32 BB, .231 BAA.
• DELVI CID (OF-21):  4-5, RBI.  Last 7 games:  11-29 (.379), 3 SB.
• ADAM ABRAHAM (3B-23):  2-5, RBI.  Last 5 contests: 8-22 (.364).  He hit .182 with 2 HR and 11 RBI in 143 ABs before the all-star break and is hitting .321 with 8 HR and 36 RBI since (184 ABs).
• GREG FOLGIA (RF-22):  3-3, RBI.  Batting .324 in last 10 games with 6 RBI.
• ROBERTO PEREZ (C-21):  1-4, solo HR.  Last 10 contests: .323 BA, 8 extra-base hits, 7 RBI, 9 BB (.475 OBP).  Batting .232 with 30 extra-base hits and 36 RBI in 323 ABs in 2010.
• JOSE FLORES (RP-21):  IP, 2 K, SV.  In 31.2 IP this season, he has a 1.99 ERA with 41 K, 5 BB, and a .211 BAA (4 SVs).

SHORT-SEASON MAHONING VALLEY (W, 10-8)

• CARLOS MONCRIEF (CF-21):  1-3, 2 RBI, 2 BB.  Last 10 games: .378 BA, 5 extra-base hits, 4 RBI, .500 OBP.
• NICHOLAS BARTOLONE (SS-19):  2-5, SB.  In 8 games with Mahoning Valley (35 ABs), he’s batting .257 after batting .303 in 132 ABs with the AZL Indians (rookie ball).
• JONATHAN BURNETTE (OF-22):  2-4, BB.  Last 10 contests:  .325 BA, 5 extra-base hits, 6 RBI, .386 OBP.  Batting .292 in 209 ABs in 2010, with 24 extra-base hits and 27 RBI.
• KEVIN RUCKER (OF-20):  1-4, solo HR, BB.  5-14 in last 4 games with 2 solo HR.
• BRIAN HEERE (OF-23):  2-5.  Last 10 games: .333 BA and .421 OBP.
• MOISES MONTERO (C-20):  2-5, HR, 3 RBI.  In 80 ABs this season, he’s batting just .163 with 2 extra-base hits.
• SCOTT EHLERT (RP-22):  1.1 IP, H, 3 K, SV.  In 16 appearances (24.1 IP): 4.07 ERA, 35 K, 9 BB, .258 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 11: Kaminsky Keys Scrappers’ One-Hitter, Packer and Cid Continue to Impress

ALEX KAMINSKY (22) and four other Mahoning Valley pitchers combined to one-hit the Staten Island Yankees on Wednesday.  Kaminsky pitched the first 5 innings, giving up 1 hit and 1 BB while striking out 4.  His season stats with the Scrappers now stand at a 1.95 ERA, 45 Ks, 16 BB, and a .210 BAA through 11 starts (55.1 innings).  Although Kaminsky has impressed since making his debut with Mahoning Valley shortly after the Indians drafted him in June of this year, some numbers suggest that he’s improved.  For instance, he’s walked only 3 total batters in his last 4 outings (20 IP) after he walked 13 in his previous 7 starts (35.1 IP).  He hasn’t given up more than 2 runs in an outing since June 30th and has held is opponents under 2 runs in 7 of his 11 starts this season.  The 22 year-old righty out of Wright State certainly earned his selection to the NY-Penn League All-Star squad.

Good news and bad news out of AA Akron.  First, the bad.  Rehabbing starter ANTHONY REYES (28) had another terrible outing.  In 1 inning of work, he allowed 7 earned runs on 6 BB and 1 hit while striking out 1.  After a solid rehab appearance on July 27, he’s had two ugly outings, allowing a combined 16 runs on 7 hits and 10 BB in 2.2 IP.  His command appears to be nowhere to be found.  Reyes is recovering from right elbow surgery and hadn’t pitched since August 1 because of back soreness…  Okay, the good news.  The guy who relieved Reyes, lefty MATT PACKER (22), looked good again, tossing 7 scoreless innings in which he allowed 3 hits, 3 BB, and struck out 4.  This was his second appearance for Akron.  In his first one, he gave up 1 earned run (2 total) on 6 hits and 1 BB while striking out 6 in 7 innings.  Packer received the call directly from Lake County to Akron, bypassing high A Kinston.  With Lake County, he posted an excellent stat line of a 1.60 ERA, 92 K, 14 BB, and a .218 BAA in 95.2 IP (24 appearances, 13 starts).

Lake County Captains outfielder DELVI CID (21) performed well again on Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with 2 2B, 2 RBI, a BB, 2 runs scored, and a stolen base.  Although his season average is sitting only at .252, he had a rough April and May before turning things around in June (.289), doing well enough in July (.280), and raking so far in August (.333).  He did have a recent 1 for 12 streak over the course of 3 games (Aug. 6 – Aug. 8), but he’s been looking good again in his last 3 games, going 5 for 13.  He now has 58 stolen bases on the season, and has been caught 13 times.  I’d still like to see him narrow that K to BB ratio, though (9 to 3 in his last 10 games).

AAA Columbus Rundown (L, 3-7):  First baseman WES HODGES had a nice game, going 2 for 4 with a 2B (his 25th of the season).  He’s 5 for his last 8 with 2 2B.  Is he finally heating up?…  Second baseman CORD PHELPS had another solid if unspectacular game, going 2 for 4.  He has at least 1 base hit in 7 of his last 8 games and is hitting .331 on the season for Columbus (181 at-bats)…  DREW SUTTON, whom the Indians claimed off of waivers from the Reds on August 6, went 2 for 3 on Wednesday with 2 RBI and a BB.  In 13 at-bats so far for the Clippers, the 27 year-old middle infielder is 3 for 13.  He batted .262 with 16 2B, a 3B, 3 HR, and 27 RBI in 263 for AAA Louisville earlier this season.

AA Akron Rundown (L, 6-7):  On-base machine JORDAN HENRY continues to get the job done.  He went 1 for 4 on Wednesday with a BB and a stolen base.  He’s cooled off a bit as of late, but he’s still done an excellent job of turning his season around.  Before the AA all-star break, he was batting only .228 with a .316 OBP (101 ABs); since then, he’s hitting .345 with a .439 OBP (84 ABs)…  JASON KIPNIS went only 1 for 5, but he doubled and drove in a pair of runs.  He has at least one base hit in 8 of his last 9 games and is batting .333 (12 for 36) during that span with 7 RBI…  Outfielder JOHN DRENNEN had a stellar game, going 3 for 5 with a 2B and a run scored.  The left-handed batter is hitting .295 on the season in 356 at-bats, but only .250 since the AA all-star break (80 ABs)…  Recently acquired catcher JUAN APODACA continues to thrive with the Aeros; he went 1 for 3 with a 2-run HR and a BB.  Since getting traded to the Indians organization, he’s batting .500 (5 for 10) with 5 BB (.667 OBP)…  Shortstop CARLOS RIVERO went 2 for 4 with a 2-run HR.  He’s batting only .228 on the season in AA (356 at-bats), and .211 in his last 10 games.

Class A Lake County Rundown (L, 6-10):  Shortstop CASEY FAWLEY caught my eye again, as he went 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored on Wednesday.  He’s now 7 for his last 13 with 3 RBI.  Over his last 10 games, he’s hitting .359 with 8 RBI despite having a stretch of 3 hitless games mixed in there…  Third baseman ADAM ABRAHAM went 2 for 4 with a 2B, 2 RBI, and a BB.  Before the all-star break, he was batting just .189 with 2 HR, 6 2B, and 11 RBI (8 BB, 33 K) in 143 at bats.  In 166 ABs since the break, he’s hitting .319 with 12 2B, 8 HR, and 35 RBI (19 BB, 27).  That’s tremendous improvement across the board…  First baseman CHRIS KERSTEN went 1 for 4 with a solo jack against Fort Wayne.  He’s now homered in consecutive games and has the frame (6’4″, 225 lbs.) to hit more…  Left-handed relief pitcher FRANCISCO JIMENEZ made another dominant appearance, pitching 3 scoreless innings in which he gave up no hits, 1 walk, and struck out 3.  He has a 4.11 ERA in 65.2 IP for the Captains this season, as well as 54 K, 19 BB, and a .266 BAA.

Short-season Mahoning Valley Rundown (W, 2-0):  JONATHAN BURNETTE went 1 for 3 in Wednesday’s game, also drawing 2 walks.  He’s looked good as of late, going 6 for his last 17…  Right fielder KEVIN RUCKER went deep for the Scrappers, going 2 for 3 with a BB and 2 runs scored to go with his solo shot.  He’s now 4 for his last 30…  Left fielder BRIAN HEERE went 2 for 3 with a 2B, an RBI, and a BB.  After a poor June (.091 BA in 22 at-bats), he had a better July (.218 in 87 ABs) before turning it up so far in August (.316 BA in 36 ABs)…  Shortstop NICHOLAS BARTOLONE went 2 for 5, raising his average with the Scrappers to .316 (6 for 19) through 4 games with the Scrappers.

The Kinston Indians game was suspended due to weather and will be completed on Thursday, August 12.

August 4: Burnette Goes Deep Twice, Kipnis and Rodriguez also Homer

Mahoning Valley Scrappers outfielder JONATHAN BURNETTE (22) had an outstanding game on Wednesday, going 3 for 4 with 2 solo HRs and a 2B.  Although he’s batting only .200 (.243 OBP) over his last 10 games, his bat has started to come to life in his last 5 games, as he is 7 for 18 (.389) during that stretch with 2 2B and a .425 OBP.  On the season, he’s logged a .285 average with the Scrappers, along with 9 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, and 20 RBI (.324 OBP).  I’m not a big fan of the K to BB ratio (28:9), but he is only in his first season of pro ball after getting drafted by the Indians in the 18th round of this year’s draft.  It appears that his recent slump is behind him and I am mildly excited about his potential.

JASON KIPNIS (23) of AA Akron continues to have an excellent season.  On Wednesday, the second baseman went 2 for 4 with a solo HR and a 3B.  His 2 hits and 1 run provided the Aeros’ only offense in the game.  Over his last 10 contests, Kipnis is batting .366 with 2 2B, 3 3B, 1 Hr, and 8 RBI (.409 OBP) and in his last 3 games, he’s 6 for 11 (.545) with 2 3B and 3 RBI.  As good as he was with high A Kinston earlier this season (.300 with 12 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, 31 RBI, .387 OBP in 203 AB), he’s been even better with Akron (.337 with 13 2B, 3 3B, 7 HR, 24 RBI, .413 OBP in 184 ABs).  His AA split stats suggest impressive consistency: he’s batting .348 against lefties and .330 against righties, while he hits .357 at home and .314 on the road.  He’s definitely one of the most promising and exciting prospects in the entire Indians farm system.

AAA second baseman JOSH RODRIGUEZ (25) also went yard on Wednesday, going 1 for 4 with a solo shot and a BB.  Over his last 10 games, Rodriguez is batting .325 with 3 2B, 3 HR, and 8 RBI (5 BB, 9 K).  He’s surpassed pretty much anyone’s expectations this season by logging a .315 BA with 14 2B, 11 HR, and 40 RBI in 216 AAA at-bats (29 BB, 47 K).  The Indians’ second round draft pick out of Rice University in 2006 (57th overall), Rodriguez did hit 20 HR for high A Kinston in 2007, but his career batting average was in the .250-range.  As he is getting on the older side for a prospect, I hope that the Tribe gives him a shot in the show before he’s overtaken by Kipnis.

Kinston starting pitcher T.J. HOUSE (20) put together his 3rd straight dominant outing on Wednesday, shutting out Myrtle Beach through 7 innings on 3 hits, 1 walk, and 3 Ks.  In his last 3 contests combined (20 IP), he’s allowed only 1 run on 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out 12.  The young lefty appears to be turning a corner and, provided he continues to produce somewhere near the level he has lately, we should see him in AA Akron next season.  This year with Kinston, he’s maintained a 3.68 ERA while striking out 90, walking 49, and allowing a .252 BAA in 110 innings of work.  The BB rate has declined as of late, so that’s a further sign that he’s improving.

BRETT BRACH (22) also had a fine outing on Wednesday, this one for Class A Lake County.  In 7 innings of work, he allowed 1 run on 7 hits and no walks while striking out 4.  Like House, he’s had 3 straight dominant starts, allowing 2 runs on 17 hits and 2 BB in his last 23 innings of work.  His control has improved a bit as of late (fewer BBs issued), negating the fact that he’s given up a fair amount of hits.  In his last 10 starts, he’s given up 2 or fewer earned runs in 8 outings and 7 of those were 1 or no runs.  On the season with Lake County, he’s recorded a 2.91 ERA with 62 Ks, 21 BB, and a BAA of .274 in 86.2 IP.  Barring any setbacks, he should start next season with Kinston.

AAA Columbus Rundown (W, 9-8):  The Clippers survived a very offensive game with Louisville with the help of some big bats.  CORD PHELPS had his first multi-hit game since July 28th, as he went 3 for 5 with 2 2B, and an RBI.  He’s still batting .340 0n the season with Columbus (.412 OBP)…  JARED GOEDERT went 1 for 3 with a 2B, a BB, and a pair of RBI.  He’s been slumping since late July, witnessing his BA drop to .288 after a scorching June and a mostly solid July…  Catcher RICHARD MARTINEZ, who got the call up from high A Kinston to replace Lou Marson in the wake of the Santana injury, went 2 for 4 with 2 2B and 4 RBI in his second AAA game.  He went 0 for 3 with an RBI and a BB on Tuesday.  Between Mahoning Valley and Kinston, he was batting well under the Mendoza line with 5 2B and 16 RBI in 181 ABs…  BRYCE STOWELL had another impressive relief appearance on Wednesday, striking out 3 while allowing 1 hit and 1 walk in 1.2 IP.  He’s had a great year, logging a 1.36 ERA with 92 K, 32 BB, and a .195 BAA in 59.2 IP between Kinston, Akron, and Columbus.  For Columbus alone, he’s recorded a 3.75 ERA with 18 K and 13 BB in 12 IP.  The walks are a bit concerning, but considering he was much less liberal with the BBs at both Kinston and Akron, I won’t worry too much about it.

AA Akron Rundown (L, 1-5):  Other than Kipnis’s big game (see above), the Aeros did virtually nothing in this one.  COREY KLUBER‘s Aeros debut was quite forgettable, as he gave up 4 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits and 5 walks in 4 IP while striking out 4.  I won’t read into this one too much.  Considering Kluber’s track record, that was an extremely wild showing on many levels.  Expect his next start to be much closer to his 3.45 ERA, 136 K, 40 BB, .259 BAA standard that he established in AA San Antonio this season.

High A Kinston Rundown (L, 1-5):  A disappointing loss in this one considering T.J. House’s excellent start.  Catcher CHUN CHEN went 2 for 4 with a 2B, raising his average over his last 10 games to .375 (.500 OBP)…  Center fielder BO GREENWELL went 1 for 3 with an RBI and a BB; he’s hitting .324 over his last 10 contests (.359 OBP)…  First baseman NATE RECKNAGEL was solid, going 2 for 4 with a 2B at the dish.  He’s batting only .222 in 171 ABs for Kinston this year, with 11 2Bs, 5 HR and 21 RBI…  Unfortunately, it was TYLER STURDEVANT who spoiled House’s dominant start.  Sturdevant had been mostly solid in 5 appearances with Kinston before Wednesday, but he gave up 5 runs on 3 hits and 2 BB in .2 IP against Myrtle Beach.  It was an exceptionally bad outing for Sturdevant, as he had been otherwise excellent this season (1.85 ERA, 64 K, 12 BB, .188 BAA in 43.2 IP, including Thursday’s debacle).  I expect him to bounce back very soon.

Class A Lake County Rundown (W, 8-2):  DELVI CID didn’t steal any bases on Wednesday, but he still went 1 for 4 at the plate with a 2B, an RBI, and a BB.  He’s batting .407 (11 for 27) in his last 6 games with a .462 OBP…  Third baseman ADAM ABRAHAM extended his current hitting streak to 8 games, going 2 for 3 with a 2B and 2 BB.  He’s hitting .415 over his last 10 games with 4 2B, 3 HR, 14 RBI, and a .510 OBP (8 BB, 6 K)…  Catcher ROBERTO PEREZ had another fine game at the plate, going 1 for 1 with a 3B and 2 BB.  He’s 6 for his last 13 (.462) with an OBP of .588.  He has a good batting eye, as he has nearly a 1:1 K:BB ratio on the season (68:67) in 293 at-bats…  Second baseman ARGENIS MARTINEZ went 2 for 4 with a 2B, 3 RBI, a BB, and a SB.  He’s hot right now: 5 for 9 in his last 2 games with 4 RBI.

Short-Season Mahoning Valley Rundown (W, 7-2):  A good game for the Scrappers on Wednesday, beginning with their starting pitcher, JORDAN COOPER.  Cooper went 5 innings against Tri-City, allowing no runs, 6 hits, and no walks while striking out 1.  In 9 starts for the Scrappers, he has a 4.01 ERA with 27 Ks, 10 BB, and a BAA of .302 in 42.4 IP.  He’s pretty hittable and the HR ball has been a bit of a problem (7 this season).  But he’s 21 and in his first season of pro ball, so we’ll see what happens…  Left-handed reliever NICK KIRK earned the save (his 5th of the season) after pitching 2.1 innings in which he allowed 3 hits and no walks while striking out 3.  In 19.2 innings pitched for the Scrappers this season, he has a 2.75 ERA with 29 Ks, 6 BB, and a .200 BAA.  He’s 23 and in his second season of pro ball (drafted out of the University of Northern Iowa in 2009), so he should be moving up soon…  The recently hot CARLOS MONCRIEF batted leadoff for the Scrappers and did some damage, going 3 for 4 with a BB, an RBI, and a run scored.  After a slow start to the season, the pitcher-turned-outfielder is looking good at the plate, finally raising his average above the Mendoza line to .213…  Outfielder BRIAN HEERE went 2 for 4 with a BB and 2 RBI.  The Indians drafted Heere in the 41st round of the 2010 draft out of the University of Kansas; he’s batting just .208 in his first professional season, but is showing some signs of life with a .257 BA over his last 10 games…  GIOVANNY URSHELA had a solid game, collecting 3 singles in 5 at-bats.  He’s hitting .333 over his last 10 games (12 for 36)…  Shortstop KEVIN FONTANEZ went 3 for 4 at the dish, doubling and driving in a run.  He’s batting only .214 on the season, but is now hitting .282 over his last 10 games (11 for 39).