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 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 13: Moncrief Continues Hot Streak, Goodnight Solid in Pro Debut

Pitcher-turned-outfielder CARLOS MONCRIEF (21) continued his recent tear on Friday, going 2 for 4 with 2 2B and an RBI.  After a rough June (.167 in 42 ABs) and July (.204 in 98 ABs), Moncrief exploded in August, batting .396 through 48 at-bats.  He’s evened out his K:BB rate some (11:4, 17:11, and now 10:7), so that’s a good sign that he’s developing.  He’s also pounding out more extra-base hits.  In 42 June at-bats, he logged only 2, 8 in 98 July at-bats, and now 6 so far in 48 August at-bats.  His season average is up to .245, to go along with 9 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 16 RBI, and 6 SB.

A 2010 Tribe draftee, MICHAEL GOODNIGHT (21), made his professional debut with the Scrappers on Friday night.  The 6’4″, 215 lb. right-handed pitcher started the game against Lowell, pitching 3 scoreless innings in which he gave up 1 hit and struck out 3.  The Indians previously drafted Goodnight out of high school in 2008, but he opted to attend Houston instead.  They selected him again this year in the 13th round, as a draft-eligible sophomore.  In 2009 with Houston, he posted a 4.43 ERA with 58 K, 31 BB, and 68 hits allowed in 65 innings.  In 2010, he compiled a 5.36 ERA with 90 K, 54 BB, and 90 hits allowed in 85.2 IP.  The ERA, BB, and hits allowed are all problematic at this point, as Goodnight has some control issues.  But he throws reasonably hard (low-mid 90s) and can strike batters out.  Clearly, the Indians see some potential in him and his (walk-free) debut with the Scrappers was promising.

Kinston starting pitcher T.J. McFARLAND (21) had a solid outing spoiled by poor defense on Friday.  In 6 innings of work, he allowed 5 runs (only 1 earned) on 7 hits and no walks while striking out 6.  The 3 errors committed by his defense should not mar this solid start, one of many that he’s made this season.  In 21 appearances (16 starts), the young lefty has compiled a 2.74 ERA with 80 K, 31 BB, and a .250 BAA in 115 innings.  The Indians drafted McFarland in the 4th round of the 2007 draft out of high school.  He had a rough 2008 campaign with the GCL (rookie league) Indians (5.07 ERA, 38 K, 15 BB, .314 BAA in 55 IP), but improved last year with Lake County, compiling a 3.58 ERA with 85 K, 42 BB, and a .275 BAA in 120.2 IP.  I’m not as excited about him as I am about Joe Gardner, for instance, but he’s showing some growth.

AAA Columbus Rundown (W, 12-4):  A few big bats in this one for the Clippers, starting with leadoff man JOSE CONSTANZA.  Constanza went 4 for 4 on Friday with 3 RBI, a run scored, a BB, and missed the cycle only by a home run.  He’s batting .316 in his last 10 games with 7 RBI and a .381 OBP…  Second baseman CORD PHELPS went 2 for 5 with a HR, 5 RBI, and 2 runs scored.  He now has 3 2-game hits in a row and is batting .333 in his last 10 games…  JARED GOEDERT went 2 for 5 with a pair of 2Bs and 2 RBI.  He’s 7 for his last 20 (.350) with 5 extra-base hits in that stretch of 5 games…  DREW SUTTON went 1 for 5 with a 2-run home run, his first jack with the Indians organization.  In 6 games with the Clippers, he’s batting .286 with 5 RBI (3 K, 3 BB)…  First baseman/DH WES HODGES now has at least 1 base hit in each of his last 4 games, 3 of which are multi-hit efforts.  He went 2 for 4 on Friday with a run scored.

AA Akron Rundown (W, 11-7):  Quite a few big bats to note in this one, so let’s get to it.  As always, JORDAN HENRY led the charge, going 3 for 5 with a 3B and a pair of RBI.  In his last 7 games, he’s batting .333 (9 for 27) with a .455 OBP…  JASON KIPNIS is riding a modest 7-game hitting streak after going 2 for 5 with a HR, 2 RBI, and a SB on Friday.  He’s 11 for 32 in that stretch (.344) with 4 extra-base hits and 7 RBI…  LONNIE CHISENHALL went 1 for 3 with 2 BB and a run scored.  He’s drawn 5 walks in his last 3 games after taking none in his previous 7…  First baseman BEAU MILLS went 2 for 5 with a 2B on Friday, snapping a 4-game hitless streak (0 for 18)…  Shortstop CARLOS RIVERO went 2 for 4 with a 2B and 2 RBI.  He’s now 5 for his last 14 (.357) with 4 RBI…  Second baseman CRISTO ARNAL extended his current hitting streak to 6 games with a 2 for 4 performance in which he hit a 3B and drove in 3 runs.  During that stretch, he’s batting .304…  Catcher JUAN APODACA went 1 for 3 with a BB.  He’s now batting .467 with a .652 OBP in 6 games with Akron.  Right fielder JOHN DRENNEN went 2 for 5, pulling his season average up to .297; he’s batting .367 in his last 8 contests (12 for 33).

High A Kinston Rundown (L, 1-6):  Little to note here, as the Indians’ offense took the night off.  ABNER ABREU went 1 for 3 with an RBI and a BB.  He’s now 2 for his last 6 after being 2 for his previous 33…  KAREXON SANCHEZ went 1 for 3 with a BB.  He’s now 4 for his last 11.

Lake County Rundown (L, 2-3):  Another quiet game, although first baseman JEFF KERSTEN went 1 for 4 with a 2-run home run.  The longball was his 3rd in his last 4 games and he’s recorded exactly 1 base hit in each of his past 6 contests…  Reliever PRESTON GUILMET had another nice appearance, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings in which he gave up 1 BB and struck out 4.  In 40 IP this season, he’s struck out 57 batters while walking only 7 (2.03 ERA).

Mahoning Valley Rundown (W, 3-2):  KEVIN RUCKER went 1 for 3 with a 2B and a run scored in this one.  He’s 5 for his last 17 (.294) after going 0 for 13 before that…  JONATHAN BURNETTE went 1 for 4 with a 2B and an RBI.  He’s batting .350 in his past 10 games with 9 extra-base hits and 9 RBI in that span.

August 10: Goedert Stellar in Doubleheader, Soto Continues to Dominate

Columbus Clippers third baseman JARED GOEDERT (25) had a nice doubleheader performance on Tuesday.  After having a pair of days off, he went 2 for 3 in the first contest, hitting a 3B.  In the second game, he went 2 for 3 with a 2B, a solo HR, and a BB.  Goedert was 0 for 9 in the previous 2 games with 5 Ks, so hopefully this signals a bit of a turnaround for him.  After hitting .308 in June, he cooled off to .286 in July before hitting .258 so far in August.  On the season between AA and AAA, he’s compiled an impressive line: .305, 33 2B, 25 HR, and 73 RBI in 390 at-bats.  This is easily his best season since 2007 when he split time between Lake County and Kinston, batting .317 with 19 2B, 20 HR, and 74 RBI in 290 at-bats.  He clearly has some talent, but I hope that he can recapture something of the excellence that he displayed earlier this season.

Lake County Captains starting pitcher GIOVANNI SOTO (19) keeps on getting better and better.  On Tuesday, the young lefty gave up 2 runs on 3 hits (including a HR) and 1 BB while striking out 9 batters in 7 innings of work.  Through 3 outings with the Captains, he has a 2.00 ERA with 20 K, 6 BB, and a .107 BAA in 18 innings.  In each outing, he’s given up fewer walks (3, then 2, and then 1) while pitching more innings in each game (5, then 6, and then 7).  Of course, I love the high punch-out rate and how few hits he gives up.  He’s been nothing short of spectacular on the season as a whole (2.50 ERA, 96 K, 31 BB, and a .226 BAA in 100.2 IP with Western Michigan and Lake County) and I look forward to seeing what he does as the season winds down.

Once-lauded prospect NICK HAGADONE (24) continues his transition to relief pitching.  The Indians acquired Hagadone in the trade that sent Victor Martinez to Boston in 2009 and he had a promising minor league career as a starter until he reached AA Akron.  With high A Kinston earlier this season, he posted a 2.39 ERA with 45 K, 29 BB, and a .206 BAA in 10 starts (37.2 IP), but his first 7 starts with the Aeros were ugly (5.19 ERA, 26 K, 18 BB, .253 BAA) and he was moved to a relief role.  In that capacity, he’s posted a 2.61 ERA with 10 K, 8 BB, and a .268 BAA in 10.1 innings of work.  The big lefty (6’5″, 230 lbs.) evidently has some good stuff, but he also has some control issues and didn’t pitch far into games as a starter.  If he keeps the BBs in check, he could be a strong relief pitcher.

AAA Columbus Rundown (L, 0-1/ W, 6-3):  The only notable performance in the first game of the doubleheader outside of Goedert’s (see above) was that of starting pitcher YOHAN PINO. Pino went 6 innings, giving up 1 earned run on 3 hits (a solo HR) and 1 BB while striking out 4.  Pino’s biggest problem his season is that he’s been very hittable (.274 BAA) and that a lot of those hits are home runs (22 in 118 innings of work this season).  He has a 5.64 ERA with 89 K and 41 BB with Columbus…  There are a few more highlights in the Clippers’ game two win.  First baseman WES HODGES went 3 for 4 with a 2B.  Since returning to the Indians on August 6 after getting DFA’d, he’s 5 for 19 (.263) with 4 Ks…  JERAD HEAD swung a big bat, going 2 for 3 with a 2B and a HR and 2 RBI.  He’s 8 for his last 14 with 4 RBI in that stretch.  He’s batting .304 with 7 2B, 2 HR, and 12 RBI in 56 AAA at-bats this season…  Catcher RICHARD MARTINEZ went 2 for 3 with a BB and a run scored, lifting his AAA average to .353 through 17 at-bats (6 for 17)…  Reliever BRYCE STOWELL pitched a scoreless inning in which he struck out 2 batters.  In 14 innings of work for the Clippers this season, he has a 3.21 ERA with 21 K, 13 BB, and a .170 BAA.  He hasn’t walked any batters in his last 2 starts, so that’s a good sign that he’s turning that part of his game around…  VINNIE PESTANO picked up his 10th AAA save of the season (13th overall) after pitching a perfect inning in which he struck out 2.  In 37.1 innings this season for the Clippers, he’s recorded a .193 ERA with 49 K, 12 BB, and a .224 BAA.

AA Akron Rundown (L, 0-11):  COREY KLUBER is not looking good so far.  His second start for the Aeros on Tuesday was worse than his first one, as he gave up 6 runs (all earned) on 11 hits and 1 BB while striking out 5 in 4 innings of work.  While it was good to see him walk fewer batters in this start (1 as opposed to 5), he was still just too hittable (.487 BAA in those 2 starts)…  OMAR AGUILAR pitched a solid inning of relief, striking out 2 and walking 1.  In 52.2 innings of work this season in AA, Aguilar has struck out 64, given up 29 BBs, and maintained a .220 BAA while recording a 3.42 ERA…  Almost as good was ROB BRYSON, who pitched a scoreless frame in which he allowed 1 hit, 1 BB, and struck out 2.  He’s settling in at AA after a season at high A that saw him post a 2.25 ERA with 38 K, 8 BB, and a .108 BAA in 20 innings.

High A Kinston Rundown (L, 3-4):  First baseman JEREMIE TICE went 2 for 5 with an RBI.  In 102 high A at-bats, he’s hitting .294; .289 in his last 10 games.  On the season between Kinston and Lake County, he’s batting .285 with 11 HR and 66 RBI in 347 ABs…  Third baseman KYLE BELLOWS went 3 for 5 with an RBI.  He’s now batting .389 (7 for 18) in his last 4 games…  Shortstop JUAN DIAZ continued his recent turnaround, going 2 for 4 with a 2B and an RBI.  He’s 7 for his last 16 (.438) and is now batting .321 in August…  DOUG PICKENS went 2 for 4 with a 2B.  He’s 4 for his last 11…  Starting pitcher JOSEPH GARDNER was less dominant than usual on Tuesday, but still good.  In 7 innings, he allowed 3 runs on 7 hits and 1 BB while striking out 4.  The single walk was the fewest he’s allowed in an outing since June 26.

Class A Lake County Rundown (W, 4-3):  Shortstop CASEY FRAWLEY had another nice game, going 2 for 5 with a 3B and an RBI on Tuesday.  In his last 10 games, he’s hit 3 3Bs while batting .308…  First baseman JEFF KERSTEN had the biggest hit for the Captains, slugging a 2-run home run (his 7th on the season for the Captains and 10th overall)…  PRESTON GUILMET relieved Soto and although he blew the save by giving up a run, he earned the victory, tossing 2 innings in which he allowed 2 hits and struck out 3.  He’s now struck out 53 batters in 37.2 innings of work this season.

Short-season Mahoning Valley Rundown (W, 7-3):  CARLOS MONCRIEF continued to impress, going 1 for 2 with a 3B, 2 BB, and 2 runs scored on Tuesday.  He’s batting .517 in his last 8 games (15 for 29) with an OBP of .600…  GIOVANNY URSHELA went only 1 for 4, but drove in 2 more runs.  In 180 at-bats for the Scrappers, he’s batting .300 with 3 HR, 8 2B, and 30 RBI…  Outfielder JONATHAN BURNETTE had yet another nice game, going 2 for 5 with a 2B, a HR, and 2 RBI.  He’s hit 4 home runs in his last 7 games, as well as 4 2Bs, and is 5 for his last 14…  Second baseman and NY-Penn League All-Star DANIEL DeGEORGE went 2 for 4 with 2 2B and an RBI.  He’s 4 for his last 14…  Starting pitcher JORDAN COOPER threw a decent game, allowing 1 run on 1 hit (a solo HR) and 2 BB while striking out 3.  In 47.2 innings of work for the Scrappers this season, he’s posted a 3.78 ERA with 30 K, 12 BB, and a .291 BAA…  TAKAFUMI NAKAMURA relived Cooper and went 4 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits and a BB while striking out 6.  On the season, he’s recorded a 4.09 ERA with 28 K, 6 BB, and a .256 BAA in 33 innings of relief work.

August 9: Another Strong Day for Indians Minor League Pitchers

Kinston starting pitcher T.J. HOUSE (20) had another stellar outing on Monday, allowing 2 runs on 8 hits and 1 BB in 7 innings of work.  He struck out only one batter in the game, but he nevertheless held Salem in check.  In his last 4 outings, he’s given up a total of 3 runs (all earned) while striking out 13, walking 4, and allowing 14 hits (no home runs) in 27 innings of work.  The dip in Ks bothers me a little, but the parallel trend of fewer BBs is encouraging.  With the way that House has been pitching as of late, he doesn’t really need to strike out many batters.  On the season, he now has a 3.62 ERA with 91 Ks, 50 BBs, and a .256 BAA in 117 innings pitched.

On the other hand, Lake County starter BRETT BRACH (22) was in strikeout mode on Monday night.  In 7 innings of work, he allowed 2 runs on 5 hits (one HR) and no walks while striking out 9 batters.  Such a high number of Ks is unusual for Brach, but his dominance on the mound is nothing new.  This season with Lake County, he has a 2.88 ERA with 71 Ks, 21 BBs, and a .269 BAA in 93.2 innings.  He’s two years older than House and playing at a lower level, but I still like this guy.  He’s deserving of a promotion to Kinston, where he’ll be tested.  In his last 10 starts, he’s allowed more than 3 earned runs only once and kept his opponents under 2 earned runs in 7 of those 10 outings.

Mahoning Valley pitcher CASEY GAYNOR (23) also impressed on Monday, dominating Aberdeen.  In 5 innings of work (following Mitch Talbot’s 3-inning rehab start), Gaynor gave up no runs on 2 hits and 2 BBs while striking out 7.  On the season, he has a 4.25 ERA with 24 Ks, 12 BB, and a .270 BAA in 29.2 innings on the mound.  10 of his 12 appearances are relief outings, and he’s mostly done well in that role.  Gaynor, a graduate of Rutgers, is in his first season of professional ball.

On Monday, a trio of Mahoning Valley Scrappers were named to the 2010 New York- Penn League All-Star game.  Second baseman DANIEL DeGEORGE is batting .257 in 109 at-bats this season and had a scorching hot July in which he hit .365.  He’s in his second year of pro baseball…  Starting pitcher ALEX KAMINSKY also got the nod after posting a 2.15 ERA with 41 K, 15 BB, and a .222 BAA in 10 starts (50.1 IP) this season.  He’s in the midst of his first season of professional ball, out of Wright State…  Another starter, OWEN DEW, also receives All-Star honors.  In 47.2 innings of work for the Scrappers this season, he’s recorded a 2.64 ERA with 25 K, only 4 BB, and a .206 BAA.  A graduate of Central Florida, Dew is in his first pro season.

High A Kinston Rundown (W, 5-2):  Catcher CHUN CHEN went 2 for 4 with a run scored on Monday.  He’s batting .333 in his last 10 games and .300 in 90 at-bats on the season for Kinston…  Shortstop JUAN DIAZ went 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored.  Acquired from the Mariners earlier this season, the 21 year-old Diaz is batting only .230 with a 2B, a 3B, no HR, 10 RBI, and no SBs through 126 at-bats with Kinston after hitting .295 with 8 2B, 3 3B, 7 HR, 41 RBI, and 8 SB in 254 California League at-bats before the trade…  DOUG PICKENS went only 1 for 4, but that hit was a big 3-run home run.  In 261 at-bats with Kinston, he’s batting .230 with 6 HR and 33 RBI, but is hitting only .133 in his last 10 games…  NATE RECKNAGEL went 1 for 3 with an RBI, a BB, and a run scored.  He’s batting .222 on the season (180 at-bats) and .219 over his last 10 games…  Reliever CORY BURNS pitched a scoreless inning to pick up his 21st high A save of the season and his 33rd overall, between Kinston and Lake County.

Class A Lake County Rundown (W, 11-2):  The big bats of Lake County are back after a few games off.  DELVI CID led the charge, going 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and a stolen base, his 57th of the season.  After batting .195 in April, 182 in May, .289 in June, and .280 in July, Cid is batting .350 so far in August…  Shortstop CASEY FRAWLEY went 3 for 4 with a 2B, 3 RBI, a BB, and 2 runs scored on Monday.  He’s batting only .263 in his last 10 games, but I like his 4:5 K to BB ratio…  ADAM ABRAHAM went 2 for 5 with an RBI and 2 runs scored.  In his last 10 games, he’s batting .341 with 9 RBI and a .413 OBP…  Catcher ROBERTO PEREZ continued his recent hot streak, going 3 for 5 with 2 2B, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored.  He’s batting .394 in his last 10 games with 5 2B, a 3B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, and 10 BB to only 4 K (.535 OBP)…  Outfielder JASON SMIT went 2 for 4 with a 2-run HR and 3 total RBI.  He’s batting .306 in his last 10 games with 2 HR and 10 RBI…  Right-handed relief pitcher JOSE FLORES continued his solid 2010 campaign, tossing a scoreless inning in which he struck out one.  On the season with Lake County, he’s maintained a 2.20 ERA with 37 Ks, 5 BBs, and a .221 BAA in 28.2 innings of work.

Short-season Mahoning Valley Rundown (W, 4-1):  Another good game for CARLOS MONCRIEF, who went 2 for 3 with a 2B, a BB, and a run scored.  He’s batting .432 over his last 10 games with a .488 OBP…  GIOVANNY URSHELA remained hot, going 3 for 4 with a 2B and an RBI.  In his last 10 games, he’s batting .450 (18 for 40) with 10 RBI and no strikeouts…  JESUS AGUILAR went 0 for 2, but drove in 2 runs on sacrifice flies…  MITCH TALBOT made a rehab start with the Scrappers on Monday, allowing one run on 2 hits and a BB in 3 innings of work.

The Columbus Clippers and Akron Aeros did not play on Monday.  The Clippers game was postponed and the Aeros had a scheduled day off.

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 7: Chisenhall Hits Two Home Runs for Akron, Popham Lights Out for Kinston

Akron Aeros third baseman LONNIE CHISENHALL (21) had an excellent day at the plate on Saturday, going 3 for 5 with 2 solo home runs against New Britain.  Chisenhall had been mired in a 1 for 19 slump before the game, so the outburst was much-needed.  He now has 14 HR on the season for Akron, including 4 in his last 8 games.  As exciting as last night’s performance was, I’ll try to temper my enthusiasm.  There is much to like about Chisenhall’s talent, but he’s shown little consistency in AA this year and while he’s having a solid year, a .271 BA, 14 HR, and 57 RBI line is a bit disappointing considering his potential.  We’ll see if yesterday’s game marks the beginning of another hot streak or if he lapses into another frustrating cold spell.

Kinston starting pitcher MARTY POPHAM (23) was nothing short of outstanding on Saturday, as he shut out Lynchburg through 5 innings, giving up 3 hits and 1 BB while striking out 10.  The Indians selected Popham in the 20th round of the 2008 draft out of Union College (621st overall) and he was solid with the GCL Indians (rookie league) in 2008 and short-season Mahoning Valley in 2009.  In 2010, the Indians have bounced him around a bit, as he’s appeared in games for Lake County, Akron, and Columbus, in addition to Kinston.  In his 12 high A appearances (8 starts), he’s recorded a 4.19 ERA with 53 Ks, 12 BBs, and a .282 BAA in 53.2 innings of work.  In a spot start for Akron earlier this season, he allowed 1 run on 5 hits and no BB while striking out 6 in 6 innings of work.  The guy appears to have some talent, and Saturday’s lights-out performance showed that.

In an impressive offensive performance by Kinston on Saturday that gave Popham more than enough run support, outfielder BO GREENWELL (21) stood out.  Batting leadoff, Greenwell went 4 for 5 with 2 2B, 3 RBI, 2 runs scored, and a stolen base.  Over his last 10 games, he’s batting .368 with 3 2B, 4 RBI, 2 BB, and 2 SB.  On the season between Lake County and Kinston, he’s batting .320 with 19 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 44 RBI, and 21 SB (46 BB, 62 K) in 381 at-bats.  With Kinston, he’s hitting .338 with a .409 OBP in 133 at-bats.  The left-handed batter has yet to display much power, but he has shown a knack for getting base hits and stealing a few bags.  He’s only hitting .205 against lefties (.394 against righties) in high A, so that’s some reason for concern.  The Indians selected Greenwell in the 6th round of the 2007 draft (197th overall) out of high school; he’s the son of former major leaguer Mike Greenwell.

Outfielder MICHAEL BRANTLEY (23) was recently recalled to Cleveland from AAA Columbus.  It was an unsurprising move (Manager Manny Acta said after his last demotion that he’d be back before too long, and he raked while with Columbus in his most recent stint there), and Brantley made his presence felt against Minnesota on Friday, going 2 for 4 with a BB and 2 runs scored.  He went 0 for 4 last night.

AAA Columbus Rundown (L, 2-6):  The Clippers continued their recent slump, losing their 3rd straight to Buffalo and dropping their 7th of their last 8 contests.  Part of the problem may be that the Clippers have been without outfielder NICK WEGLARZ, who is on the DL and hasn’t played since July 26 because of a thumb injury.  He’s eligible to be activated on August 10.  He was on fire before the injury, batting .412 with 5 2B, 4 HR, and 5 RBI…  The only notable Clippers performance on Saturday was that of a new guy, ARGENIS REYES (27).  The Indians recently acquired Reyes and AA catcher Juan Apodaca (see below) from the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations.  On Saturday, Reyes went 2 for 4; he’s 4 for 7 in 2 games with the Clippers after batting .256 in 43 at-bats for Pawtucket this season.  There’s nothing much to be excited about here.

AA Akron Rundown (W, 10-6):  A nice night at the dish for a few Aeros against New Britain.  Newly acquired catcher JUAN APODACA (24) went 2 for 2 with 2 BB and a run scored in his second game with the Aeros; he went 1 for 3 with a BB on Friday.  Acquired to add catching depth to the Indians farm system after Carlos Santana’s recent season-ending injury, Apodaca was batting .209 with a .306 OBP in 43 at-bats for AAA Pawtucket before the Sox traded him…  Second baseman JASON KIPNIS went only 1 for 5, but he drove in 2 and scored a run.  In his last 10 contests, he’s driven in 9 runs while batting .350…  First baseman BEAU MILLS went 2 for 4 at the plate, doubling and drawing a walk.  He now has 20 2B on the season to go along with a .240 BA; he’s batting .273 so far in August…  Right fielder JOHN DRENNEN went 2 for 5 with a 2B and 3 RBI.  He’s batting only .146 over his last 10 games, but is 4 for his last 13…  Outfielder TIM FEDROFF went 2 for 4 with a 2B and a SB.  He’s batting .324 in his last 10 games and is 4 for his last 12…  Relief pitcher STEVEN WRIGHT tossed a pair of scoreless innings for the Aeros, allowing 1 walk while striking out 3.  In 44.2 innings of work for Akron this season, he’s posted a 4.43 ERA with 32 K, 16 BB, and a .273 BAA.

High A Kinston Rundown (W, 9-2):  Although Greenwell paced the Indians’ offense on Saturday (see above), a few other players had notable performances.  Third baseman KYLE BELLOWS went 2 for 5 with a 2B and an RBI.  He was 0 for 9 in the previous 3 games, but was still batting .297 in his last 10 overall (including 8 RBI in that span)…  JEREMIE TICE went 3 for 3 with a BB and 3 runs scored.  In his last 10 games, he’s hitting .316…  Second baseman RON RIVAS went only 1 for 4 with a 2B, but he drove in 3 runs and scored another.  He’s hitting an even .300 over his last 10 contests with 7 RBI.

Class A Lake County Rundown (L, 0-2):  The Captains were shut out for the second straight game, which comes as a bit of a surprise considering their offensive prowess in the past few weeks.  ADAM ABRAHAM went 2 for 4 at the plate, though, and is batting .375 in his last 10 games with a .468 OBP…  Shortstop ARGENIS MARTINEZ went 1 for 3 with a SB and a BB.  He’s batting only .212 on the season and the SB was his 18th…  The Captains offense wasted another solid outing by starter CLAYTON COOK, who gave up 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and 3 BB in 7.2 IP while striking out 5.  His season ERA with Lake County now sits at 3.48.

Short-Season Mahoning Valley Rundown (W, 9-6):  A few big bats erupted in this game against Aberdeen.  Outfielder and leadoff man CARLOS MONCRIEF went 2 for 4 with a solo HR and 3 runs scored.  He’s batting .324 in his last 10 contests…  Third baseman GIOVANNY URSHELA is on fire.  He went 3 for 4 on Saturday with a BB, a 2B, a HR, and 4 RBI.  He’s batting .378 in his last 10 contests with 3 HR and 8 RBI (3 BB, 2 K)…  First baseman JESUS AGUILAR continued to impress, going 1 for 3 with 2 BB and a 2-run HR.  In 7 games with the Scrappers, he’s batting .333 (9 for 27) with 3 2B, a HR, 3 RBI, and 3 BB…  Reliever NICK KIRK picked up the save for the Scrappers, allowing 3 hits and striking out 3 in 1.2 innings of work.  He’s now struck out 19 batters in his last 14.2 IP and 32 in 21.1 IP on the season.

August 6: Indians Re-Claim Hodges, AA and High A Hurlers Put Together Solid Performances

On July 27, I commented on the Indians designating AAA first baseman WES HODGES (25) for assignment.  A few days ago, the Rockies organization claimed him on waivers and he appeared set to begin playing with their AAA affiliate, the Colorado Springs SkySox.  Well, that didn’t actually happen; the Indians re-claimed Hodges and he’s back in Columbus.  After not playing for a week and a half or so, Hodges started last night for the Clippers against Buffalo, going 1 for 5 with a run scored and 2 Ks.  I’m not exactly sure what the Indians are doing here, why they are jerking Hodges around, but I do know that he is now riding a modest 6-game hitting streak.  I know that many are skeptical of his future with the Tribe, but I felt that the Indians scuttled him a bit prematurely… I’m glad to see him back.

In the Akron Aeros narrow 2-1 victory over New Britain on Friday, a pair of pitchers shined.  Starter SCOTT BARNES (22) went 7 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 BB while striking out 8.  The lefty’s overall numbers in AA this season aren’t exactly amazing (4.83 ERA with 99 Ks, 43 BB, and a .242 BAA in 110 IP), but he’s been better as of late, posting a 3.73 ERA with 44 Ks, 19 BB, and a .243 BAA in his last 10 starts.  He still tends to alternate solid outings with subpar ones, so he’ll need to work on becoming more consistent if he hopes to take the next step.  CONNOR GRAHAM (24) relieved Barnes and pitched 2 innings, allowing 1 unearned run on 1 hit and 2 BB while striking out 3.  He hasn’t allowed an earned run since July 8th (9 straight scoreless appearances) and has a 3.27 ERA in 63.1 innings of work with the Aeros this season, striking out 48, walking 38, and allowing a BAA of .258.  His numbers have been impressive over his last 10 appearances (15 IP): .60 ERA, 18 K, 5 BB, and a .190 BAA.

A pair of young Kinston pitchers performed well against Lynchburg on Friday, but endured a disappointing 2-1 loss.  AUSTIN ADAMS (23) started the game, going 5 solid innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits (including a solo HR) and no walks while striking out 5.  In 8 appearances (7 starts) for the Indians since getting promoted from Lake County, Adams has recorded a 1.47 ERA with 32 Ks, 7 BBs, and a .225 BAA in 36.2 innings of work.  The Indians’ 5th round draft pick out of Faulkner University in 2009 is quickly ascending the Tribe’s farm system after a solid showing in Lake County earlier this season (3.53 ERA, 61 K, 21 BB, .206 BAA in 52.1 innings).  Reliever CHRIS JONES (21) followed Adams with 3 innings in which he allowed 1 run on 1 hit and no walks while striking out 5.  The lefty pitched well with Lake County earlier this season, posting a 2.86 ERA with 20 Ks, 2 BB, and a .200 BAA in 22 IP before getting bumped up to Kinston.  In 50.2 innings in high A, Jones has struck out 46, walked 17, and held opponents to a .209 BA while maintaining a 1.60 ERA.

AAA Columbus Rundown (L, 5-7):  A few notable Clippers performances in this close loss on Friday to Buffalo.  Center fielder EZEQUIEL CARRERA, acquired in the trade that sent Russell Branyan to Seattle earlier this season, went 2 for 4 with a 2B and an RBI.  Since joining the Clippers, he’s batted .321 with a .379 OBP in 15 games (53 at-bats).  In his current 6-game hitting streak, he is hitting .417 (10 for 24) with a .462 OBP…  JOSH RODRIGUEZ went 2 for 5 with a double.  He’s batting .295 with 4 2B, 3 HR, and 7 RBI over his last 1o contests…  JOSE CONSTANZA went 2 for 4 with an RBI, raising his season average to .301.

AA Akron Rundown (W, 2-1):  Top prospect JASON KIPNIS remained hot, going 2 for 5 with a run scored.  He went 0 for 3 on Thursday, but is still batting .359 in his last 10 games (.405 OBP)…  Outfielder JORDAN HENRY went 0 for 4 in each of the past 2 games before Friday’s contest, but he went 3 for 4 with a BB against New Britain to regain his on-base machine form.  He’s hitting .421 with a .500 OBP over his last 10 games…  A solid but unspectacular game for first baseman BEAU MILLS, who went 1 for 3 with a BB.  After heating up a bit over the last couple of weeks, he was 0 for 7 in the last 2 games of the series with Altoona before Friday night.

High A Kinston Rundown (L, 1-2):  Little to note in this game, outside of the pitching performances by Adams and Jones (see above).  Second baseman KAREXON SANCHEZ had another solid game, though, going 2 for 4 at the plate.  He’s batting .370 over his last 7 games (10 for 27).

Class A Lake County Rundown (L, 0-3):  A rare quiet game for the Captains offensively on Friday night, although outfielder JASON SMIT went 2 for 3 with a stolen base.  He’s batting .450 over his last 5 games (9 for 20) with 2 2B, a HR, and 7 RBI…  Lake County starting pitcher TREY HALEY had a reasonably good outing, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits and 3 BB while striking out 7 in 7 innings.  On a normal day, that would have been more than enough to pick up the win for the Captains, but the offense took the night off.  Haley is having a rough season with Lake County, recording a 5.27 ERA with 75 Ks, 61 BB, and a .266 BAA in 21 starts (94 IP).  He’s only 20 and showed some flashes of potential on Friday night (and in other starts this season), but the amount of free passes that he issues is troubling…  Reliever FRANCISCO JIMENEZ looked good on Friday, pitching 2 scoreless frames, allowing 1 hit and 1 BB while punching out 3.  He’s also had a rough season with Lake County, posting a 4.31 ERA with 51 K, 18 BB, and a .276 BAA in 62.2 IP.  In his last 10 appearances, he’s recorded a 5.66 ERA with 11 Ks, 9 BB, and a .313 BAA in 20.2 IP.

Short-Season Mahoning Valley Rundown (L, 2-6):  Recent addition JESUS AGUILAR continued his hot start with the Scrappers, going 2 for 4 on Friday with a 2B.  In 6 games since his promotion to Mahoning Valley, he’s batting .333 with 3 2B in 24 at-bats…  Center fielder CARLOS MONCRIEF went 2 for 4 on Friday; he’s 7 for his last 15 and is batting .294 over his last 10 games…  Outfielder JONATHAN BURNETTE went 1 for 4 with a 2B and an RBI.  In his last 3 games, he has 5 extra-base hits (2 2B, 3 HR) and 4 RBI…  Third baseman GIOVANNY URSHELA went 1 for 3 at the dish with a BB.  He’s batting .351 over his last 10 games while striking out only twice and walking twice.  Over his last 5 games, he’s hitting .393 (11 for 28) with 2 HR and 4 RBI.

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).