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 17: Carrasco Dominant Again, Kipnis Keeps on Rolling

AAA COLUMBUS CLIPPERS (W, 5-1)

• JOSE CONSTANZA (26, OF):  2-2, 2 BB, 2 SB.  Batting .378 in last 10 games with 5 BB and 4 SB.  Now has 32 SB on the season to go along with a .309 BA and a .360 BA (333 ABs).
• EZEQUIEL CARRERA (23, CF):  3-4, 2B, RBI.  Last 4 games: 7-18 (.389), 2 2B, 3 RBI.  On season with Clippers (86 ABs):  .279 BA, 5 2B, 10 RBI, 5 SB.
• JORDAN BROWN (26, OF):  2-4.  First game back with Columbus after getting demoted from Cleveland.  Batted .226 (7-31) in 9 games with the Tribe.
• JARED GOEDERT (25, 3B):  1-4, RBI.  A Jekyll and Hyde season: batted .321 with 9 2B, 15 HR, and 32 RBI in 134 ABs before the AAA all-star break and just .231 with 12 2B, 3 HR, and 13 RBI since.
• CORD PHELPS (23, 2B):  1-4, 2B, RBI.  Batting .300 in his last 10 games with 2 2B, 2 HR, and 10 RBI.
• WES HODGES (25, 1B):  2-4.  Last 10 games: .316 BA, 2 2B, HR, 2 RBI, BB, 9 K.  Season: .274 BA, 25 2B, 10 HR, 49 RBI, .316 OBP.
• CARLOS CARRASCO (23, SP):  7 IP, 0 ER (1 unearned), 5 H, 0 BB, 6 K.  Last 10 starts: 2.89 ERA, 54 K, 17 BB, .234 BAA in 56 IP.  Season (23 starts): 3.71 ERA, 119 K, 44 BB, .252 BAA in 135.2 IP.  A key to his recent success has been a combination of a higher K rate, a lower HR allowed rate  (16 in 23 starts overall, 4 in last 10 starts), and a lower opponent batting average.
• JOSH JUDY (24, RP):  IP, 2K.  In 39.1 IP this season in AAA: 3.20 ERA, 46 K, 12 BB, .277 BAA.
• VINNIE PESTANO (25, RP):  IP, 2 K.  Last 10 appearances (10 IP):  1.80 ERA, 16 K, 3 BB, .189 BAA.  Has struck out 54 in 40.1 IP in AAA in 2010.

AA AKRON AEROS (W, 8-7: Completion of game suspended on 07/25)

• JORDAN HENRY (22, CF):  3-5, 2B.  More below.
• JASON KIPNIS (23, 2B):  3-4, RBI.  More below.
• BEAU MILLS (24, 1B):  4-5, 2B, SB.  More below.
• JERAD HEAD (27, OF):  3-4, 2 HR, 5 RBI.  More below.
• JOHN DRENNEN (23, OF):  2-3, RBI.  More below.
• ROB BRYSON (22, RP):  2.2 IP, 2 H, 3K.  Through 7 AA appearances: 8.2 IP, 2.08 ERA, 11 K, 9 BB, .223 BAA.
• NICK HAGADONE (24, RP):  2.2 IP, BB, K.  Last 10 AA appearances: 25 IP, 2.88 ERA, 23 K, 15 BB, .228 BAA.

AA AKRON AEROS (L, 7-9)

• JORDAN HENRY:  2-4, RBI.  Last 10 games: .375 BA, .479 OBP, 4 RBI.  In 211 AA ABs, batting .303 with a .393 OBP and 9 SB.
• JASON KIPNIS:  1-3, 2B, RBI, BB.  Batting .375 in his last 10 games with 6 extra-base hits, 11 RBI, and a .468 OBP.  Season in AA (231 ABs): .346 BA, 16 2B, 4 3B, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 6 SB, .426 OBP.  High-A and AA Combined: .325 BA, 28 2B, 7 3B, 15 HR, 67 RBI, 8 SB, .408 OBP.  I can’t say much more about this guy; the numbers speak for themselves.
• LONNIE CHISENHALL (21, 3B):  1-3, 2B, RBI, BB.  8-17 (.471) in last 5 games with 3 extra-base hits, 9 RBI, and 6 BB (.609 OBP).
• BEAU MILLS:  1-4, HR, 3 RBI.  Last 4 games: 5-17 (.294), 3 extra-base hits, 5 RBI.
• JOHN DRENNEN:  1-3, 2B.  Last 9 games: 15-38 (.395), 4 extra-base hits, 6 RBI, 2 BB, SB.  In 380 AA ABs this season: .303 BA, 20 2B, 6 3B, 5 HR, 50 RBI, .353 OBP.
• JERAD HEAD:  2-4.  First game back in AA after getting demoted from AAA, where he posted a .270 BA with 7 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI, and a .338 OBP in 63 ABs.  Solid in AA this year: .314 BA, 15 2B, 12 HR, 33 RBI, .366 OBP.
• MATT PACKER (22, SP):  5 IP, 9 ER, 9 H (3 HR), BB, K.  A disastrous outing for Packer, who when a combined 14 IP in his first 2 starts in AA with 10 K, 4 BB, 9 H, and 1 ER allowed.

HIGH-A KINSTON INDIANS (Game 1 of doubleheader: W, 3-1)

• DONNIE WEBB (24, OF):  2-4, 2 RBI.  More below.
• CHUN CHEN (21, C):  1-2, BB.  More below.
• JUAN DIAZ (21, SS):  1-2, BB, SB.  More below.
• DOUG PICKENS (25, OF):  1-2, BB.  More below.
• AUSTIN ADAMS (23, SP):  5 IP, ER, 2 H (HR), 4 BB, 4 K.  Stellar since getting the call to high-A: 1.40 ERA, 36 K, 11 BB, .217 BAA in 45 IP.

HIGH-A KINSTON INDIANS (Game 2 of doubleheader: W, 5-3)

• DONNIE WEBB:  1-3, SB.  Last 10 games: .303, 3 2B, 2 RBI.  Season with Kinston (200 ABs): .245 BA, 11 2B, 4 HR, 26 RBI, .330 OBP.
• CHUN CHEN:  1-2, 2B, RBI, BB, SB.  Last 10 games: .344, 3 2B, 2 RBI, 7 BB.  Season with Kinston (114 ABs): .307 BA, 11 2B, 2 HR, 16 RBI, .414 OBP.
• JUAN DIAZ:  1-3, HR, 2 RBI.  Started slow with Kinston, batting .222 in 99 July ABs, but batting .321 so far in August and .378 over his last 10 contests.
• DOUG PICKENS:  1-2, RBI.  Has at least 1 hit in 6 of his last 7 contests, batting .292 in that span (7-24) with 5 RBI.  Season with Kinston (280 ABs): .236 BA, 10 2B, 6 HR, 35 RBI, .301 OBP.
• BO GREENWELL (21, OF):  1-3, BB.  Solid if unspectacular so far for Kinston (165 ABs): .309 BA, 6 2B, 9 RBI, 7 SB, .384 OBP.
• MARTY POPHAM (23, SP):  5 IP, 3 ER, 6 H (HR), 2 BB, 6 K.  Last 3 outings: 15 IP, 8 ER, 19 H (3 HR), 4 BB, 19 K.
• BRIAN GRENING (25, RP):  IP, 2 K.  Season with Kinston (23 appearances): 43 IP, 3.77 ERA, 53 K, 24 BB, .200 BAA.  In AA before demotion to high-A earlier this season: 14.2 IP, 4.91 ERA, 15 K, 11 BB, .236 BAA.
• CORY BURNS (22, CP):  IP, H, 3 K, SV.  High-A save #24 on the season and #36 overall for Burns.  He’s been dominant in high-A this season: 31.2 IP, 46 K, 12 BB, .200 BAA.  In his last 2 outings (2 IP), he’s struck out 6.

The low-A Lake County Captains had a scheduled day off on Tuesday while the Mahoning Valley Scrappers enjoyed the second day of their two-day all-star break.

With the 2010 draft signing deadline just passed, I will write something up on the Indians’ top picks sometime soon.  The Tribe was able to get most of its top choices signed, including first rounder (#5 overall) Drew Pomeranz (LHP) and second rounder (#55 overall) LeVon Washington (OF).

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 12: Young Hurlers Carrasco, Rayl, and Cook Impressive in Thursday’s Starts

Clippers starting pitcher CARLOS CARRASCO (23) threw a gem on Thursday against Syracuse.  In 6 innings of work, he gave up 1 run on 3 hits and no walks while striking out 8.  He’s having a pretty good season overall in AAA, posting a 3.92 ERA with 113 K, 44 BB, and a .255 BAA in 128.2 innings.  He’s been excellent, though, since the AAA all-star break: 2.08 ERA, 24 K, 6 BB, and a .170 BAA in 5 starts (26 IP).  He has a propensity to give up some walks, but he’s been able to, for the most part, minimize them as of late (2 or less given up in 8 of his last 10 starts).  The Indians acquired Carrasco in the deal that sent Cliff Lee to Philadelphia in 2009, and his performance this season suggests that he has the potential to be, perhaps, a middle-of-the-rotation guy at the next level.

MIKE RAYL (21), a starting pitcher for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, had an absolutely dominant outing on Thursday against Staten Island.  In 5.2 innings of work, he gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 3 BB while striking out 9.  The tall lefty is having a stellar second professional season, as he has maintained a 3.10 ERA with 38 K, 14 BB, and a .240 BAA in 11 starts (52.1 innings).  In 2009, he posted a 3.74 ERA with 41 K, 10 BB, and a .267 BAA in 33.2 innings for the AZL (rookie league) Indians.  His K rate dropped this season, but he’s lately shown signs of getting back in that groove ( 18 K in his last 14.2 innings on the hill).  I like how consistent he’s been, as he’s only had one truly bad outing on the season; he’s allowed 2 earned runs or less in 10 of his 11 starts.

Lake County Captains starter CLAYTON COOK (20) had yet another solid outing on Thursday.  In 5 innings of work against Fort Wayne, he allowed 1 run on 5 hits and 1 BB while striking out 4.  In 22 starts this season for the Captains (116.1 IP), he’s recorded a 3.40 ERA with 82 K, 35 BB, and a .246 BAA.  In 10 starts since the all-star break (56.1 innings), he’s shown some improvement: 2.72 ERA, 42 K, 14 BB, and a .226 BAA.  I like that he’s increased his K rate, lowered his BB rate, and given up fewer hits as the season has progressed.  The Tribe selected Cook in the 9th round of the 2008 draft and he’s been stellar in each of his first 3 seasons of professional ball (2.52 ERA, 26 K, 8 BB, .217 BAA in 25 innings for the GCL (rookie league) Indians in 2008 and 2.79 ERA, 64 K, 26 BB, and a .224 BAA in 67.2 innings for Mahoning Valley in 2009).

Kinston relief pitcher MATTHEW LANGWELL (24) continued his solid season in high A yesterday, pitching a scoreless inning in which he gave up 1 BB and recorded his 4th save.  In his 2010 campaign, he’s posted a 2.28 ERA with 47 K, 13 BB, and a .222 BAA in 47.1 innings.  He hasn’t given up a run in his last 10 outings (11 IP), while striking out 9 and walking 2.  The Indians drafted Langwell out of Rice University in the 11th round of the 2008 draft as a starter, but after a disastrous beginning with Mahoning Valley, the Indians converted him to relief work and he’s been solid since then.  In 2009 with Lake County, he struck out 68, walked 22, and posted a .217 BAA in 68.2 innings of work.  Despite moving up a level this season, he’s maintained a similar K rate while lowering his BB rate.  He’s a bit on the older side for high A ball, but he’s done quite well this season and I look forward to seeing what he can do when he gets the call to the next level – he’s ready for it.  He’s not the flashiest or most dominant reliever, but I like his solid, reliable performance out of the Kinston bullpen.

AAA Columbus Rundown (L, 3-4):  CORD PHELPS went 2 for 4 in this one with a solo HR – his 5th in AAA this season and 7th overall (385 total at-bats).  He’s 5 for his last 13…  MATT MCBRIDE went 1 for 4 with a 2B and a BB.  He’s hitting .347 in 12 games (49 at-bats) since getting promoted from AA in late July…  EZEQUIEL CARRERA snapped a 4-game hitless streak (0 for 15) with a 2 for 6 showing on Thursday, including a 2B.

AA Akron Rundown (W, 3-2):  JASON KIPNIS had a big bat again on Thursday, as he went 3 for 5 with a 3B and an RBI against Reading.  He’s batting .366 in his last 10 games with 6 extra-base hits and 8 RBI.  The triple was his 7th on the season between high A and AA…  LONNIE CHISENHALL went only 1 for 4, but that was an RBI double.  He also walked and stole a base.  The 2B was his first hit since his 2-HR game on August 7…   Catcher JUAN APODACA went 1 for 2 with 2 BB and a run scored.  With the Aeros, he’s batting .500 (6 for 12) with an OBP of .684.  In 5 games with Akron, he’s walked 7 times and at least once each game…  JORDAN HENRY went 0 for 3 with 3 Ks, but drew 2 BBs and scored a run.  It’s good to see that he can still get on base even if he’s not swinging the bat as well as usual…  Left-handed starting pitcher SCOTT BARNES had a nice outing, going 6 innings in which he allowed 1 run on 2 hits (a solo HR) and 3 BB, striking out 5.  Barnes continues to issue a few too many free passes (21 in his last 60.2 IP), but he’s giving up fewer runs and fewer hits (3.26 ERA and .218 BAA in his last 10 games as opposed to 4.66 and .235 on the season).

High A Kinston Rundown (W, 3-1 / W, 6-5):  In game 1 of the doubleheader, KAREXON SANCHEZ went 2 for 4 with a double.  He’s 3 for his last 8 after going 0 for 11 before that…  Third baseman KYLE BELLOWS went 2 for 4 with a 2B and 3 RBI…  Shortstop JUAN DIAZ went 3 for 4 with a 2B.  He’s batting .458 in his last 6 games (11 for 24) with 5 RBI…  Left fielder DONNIE WEBB went 2 for 3 with a 2B.  He is 6 for his last 18 (.333) with 3 2Bs in that stretch…  Starting pitcher AUSTIN ADAMS started the game (on Wednesday) and tossed 3.1 scoreless innings before weather suspended the game.  In 40 innings pitched with Kinston, he’s recorded a 1.35 ERA with 32 K, 7 BB, and a .227 BAA…  TYLER STURDEVANT picked up on Thursday where Adams left off, earning the win as he tossed 2.2 scoreless innings in which he struck out 3, walked 2, and gave up 2 hits.  After walking only 8 batters in 35.2 innings with Lake County earlier this season, he’s already issued 8 free passes in just 13.2 IP with Kinston.  Fortunately, he’s still whiffing batters at a high rate (15 in 13.2 IP)…  CORY BURNS picked up his 22nd save with Kinston and his 34th overall in 2010.  In 17 IP since the all-star break, he’s posted a 1.59 ERA with 12 saves, 24 K, 5 BB, and a .169 BAA after posting a 2.13 ERA with 10 saves, 16 K, 7 BB, and a .245 BAA in 12.2 IP before the break.

In game 2 of Kinston’s doubleheader, KYLE BELLOWS had another nice showing, going 3 for 4 with a 2B, an RBI, and 2 runs scored.  He’s batting .333 in his last 10 games and .426 over his last 6 contests (12 for 26) with 7 RBI…  First baseman JEREMIE TICE went 2 for 4 with a 2B and an RBI.  The 2B was his 30th of the season between high A and A ball…  ABNER ABREU went 1 for 3 with a 2B, an RBI, and a run scored.  He’s been slumping lately, batting only .125 in his last 10 games…  Catcher/DH ALEX CASTILLO went 1 for 4 with a 2B, 2 RBI, and a stolen base.  He’s hitting only .236 in 72 high A at-bats after going 2 for 24 with AA Akron earlier this season.

Class A Lake County Rundown (W, 4-1):  Shortstop CASEY FRAWLEY is on fire, as he went 2 for 5 with a solo HR on Thursday to make it 4 consecutive games in which he has 2 or more hits.  In that span, he’s 9 for 18 (.500) with a 2B, a 3B, a HR, and 5 RBI…  ADAM ABRAHAM went 2 for 5, compiling his 4th multi-hit game in his last 6 contests.  He’s batting .333 in that span with 4 RBI…  Left fielder GREG FOLGIA also went 2 for 5, with a 2B and an RBI.  He’s batting .351 in his last 10 contests with 4 2B and 6 RBI…  Catcher ROBERTO PEREZ also had a nice game, going 1 for 2 with a 2B, 2 BB, and 2 runs scored.  He’s batting only .233 on the season, but is hitting .394 over his last 10 games with 5 2B, 9 RBI, and 9 BB…  Outfielder JASON SMIT went 1 for 3 with a 3B, an RBI, and a BB.  He’s hitting .324 in his last 10 games with 5 extra-base hits and 10 RBI.

Mahoning Valley Rundown (L, 1-4):  Unfortunately, the Scrappers didn’t back up Mike Rayl’s excellent start (see above) with some offense.  JONATHAN BURNETTE lead the meager effort, going 1 for 3 with a BB.  He’s batting .359 in his last 10 games with 8 extra-base hits and 8 RBI…  Second baseman AARON FIELDS went 1 for 4 with an RBI and a stolen base.  In 50 at-bats with the Scrappers, he’s batting .240.  He’s in his first season of pro ball after playing for Wright State.

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 5: Kipnis and Gardner Earn BA Honors, Several Young Starters Impress

Akron Aeros second baseman JASON KIPNIS (23) returned to Baseball America‘s “Prospect Hot Sheet” this week, checking in at number 8.  This past week, he posted a stellar line of .385 BA with a HR, 2 3B, a 2B, and 5 RBI (.429 OBP).  He’s been a reliable presence in the Aeros lineup since he got the call up from high A Kinston, and keeps looking better and better at second base (he’s converting from the outfield).

The other Tribe prospect to earn a mention in Baseball America‘s weekly report was JOSEPH GARNER (22).  After a disastrous start on July 25, the Kinston Indians pitcher regained his previous form in his last two outings.  In 7 innings against Lynchburg on Thursday, Gardner allowed 1 run on 4 hits and 2 BB while striking out 3.  Over his last 2 starts (12 IP), he’s allowed just 1 run on 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out 8.  He’s not exactly overpowering batters right now, but he’s getting the job done with an excellent sinking fastball.  He does have K potential, though, as he’s struck out 85 in 95 innings of work with Kinston this season.  With Lake County earlier in the season, he struck out 38 in 25 innings.  The Indians’ 3rd round selection from the 2009 draft is in his first season of pro ball, so he’s clearly got some talent if he is playing so well in high A.

GEOVANNI SOTO‘s (19) second start with Lake County went just about as well as his first one.  He went 6 strong innings on Thursday against Dayton, allowing 1 run on 2 hits and 2 BB while striking out 4.  In his first two starts for the Indians organization since being acquired from Detroit in exchange for Jhonny Peralta, Soto has pitched 11 innings, allowing 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 5 walks while striking out 11.  This young lefty clearly has some talent and I would not be in the least surprised if the Indians pushed him up to high A Kinston before the season is through.

Scrappers starter ALEX KAMINSKY (22) makes yet another appearance here, after pitching a solid game against Tri-City on Thursday.  He went 5 innings, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and 1 walk while recording 5 punch-outs.  In 10 starts with Mahoning Valley this season, this first-year pro player has a 2.15 ERA with 41 K, 15 BB, and a .222 BAA in 50.1 IP (10 starts).  Not bad for a guy that wasn’t even drafted.

AAA Columbus Rundown (L, 4-11):  The Clippers bullpen spoiled a strong start by JEREMY SOWERS, who got a rotation spot back with the promotion of Jeanmar Gomez and Josh Tomlin to Cleveland.  Sowers went 5 scoreless innings, allowing 1 hit and no walks while striking out 5.  The lefty once showed great promise for the Tribe, but his performance in recent years has been nothing short of disappointing…  Offensively, leadoff man MICHAEL BRANTLEY paced the Clippers, going 2 for 5 with a 2B and an RBI.  Since getting demoted to Columbus in late July, he’s batting .344 (11 for 32) with 4 2B, a HR, 3 RBI, and 2 SB (.432 OBP)…  MATT McBRIDE went 3 for 4 with a 2B, raising his average since his promotion to AAA to .400 in 7 games (30 AB).  He hasn’t homered since his first game with the Clippers and Thursday’s 2B was his first extra-base hit since his debut…  Third baseman JARED GOEDERT went 2 for 4 with a 2B, an RBI, and a BB.  He’s 4 for his last 12 with 2 2B and 4 RBI…  CORD PHELPS went 1 for 3 with an RBI and 2 BB.  He’s now batting .339 with Columbus and has an OBP of .417…  Catcher RICHARD MARTINEZ, stepping in for the recently (re-)promoted Lou Marson, went 1 for 3 with a 2B, an RBI, and a BB.  He’s 3 for his first 10 in AAA; all 3 of those hits are two-baggers…  Right fielder JOSE CONSTANZA went 1 for 3 with a 2B and a BB.  He’s now batting .298 on the season with a .346 OBP.

AA Akron Rundown (L, 1-6):  Another uneventful game for Akron on Thursday.  Third baseman LONNIE CHISENHALL drove in the Aeros’ only run with a single in 4 at-bats.  The hit snapped a 3-game hitless streak (0 for 11)…  Outfielders JOHN DRENNEN and TIM FEDROFF each went 2 for 4 with 2 singles.  Drennen is batting .293 on the season in AA, and only .154 in his last 1o games.  Fedroff is batting .273 on the season, and .333 in his last 10 contests.

High A Kinston Rundown (L, 1-5):  Gardner’s solid outing was the highlight of the game for the Indians in this one.  Second baseman KAREXON SANCHEZ went 2 for 4 with a 2B.  He’s 5 for his last 13…  JEREMIE TICE drove in the Indians’ lone run of the contest, going 2 for 4 with a 2B.  He’s batting an even .300 over his last 10 games with 6 2B, a HR, and 8 RBI in that span.

Class A Lake County Rundown (W, 6-1):  Another day, another DELVI CID appearance here.  He went 2 for 4 in Thursday’s game with a solo HR.  He didn’t steal a bag and was caught once (56 steals, 13 caught on the season).  He’s batting .419 over his last 7 games with a .471 OBP and 7 SBs…  Second baseman ARGENIS MARTINEZ went only 1 for 1, but drew 3 BBs and swiped 3 bags.  He’s 8 for his last 19 (.421) with a .542 OBP…  Catcher ROBERTO PEREZ had another fine game, going 2 for 4 with a HR and 2 RBI.  Over his last 5 games, he is batting .471 (8 for 17) with a .571 OBP, 1 3B, 2 HR, and 4 RBI…  First baseman JASON SMIT also socked a HR, going 2 for 4 with 3 RBI.  He’s hitting .412 in his last 4 games (7 for 17) with 7 RBI…   Reliever PRESTON GUILMET followed Soto’s six innings with 3 lights-out frames in which he allowed 2 hits and struck out 4.  In 35.2 innings for the Captains this season, he’s recorded a 2.02 ERA with 60 Ks and only 6 BBs.  Not too bad…

Short-Season Mahoning Valley Rundown (W, 3-2):  JESUS AGUILAR went 2 for 4 in this one, including a 2B.  In 5 games since getting promoted from the Arizona rookie league to Mahoning Valley, he’s batting .300 (6 for 20) with 2 2B, an RBI, and a BB…  JONATHAN BURNETTE homered again on Thursday, making that 3 solo HRs in his last 2 games.  He now sports a season stat line of .284 with 9 2B, 3 3B, 7 HR, and 21 RBI in 169 ABs with the Scrappers.  I would, however, like to see him work on that K to BB ratio (39:9).

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).

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.