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

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

AAA COLUMBUS (W, 1-0)

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

AA AKRON (W, 12-2)

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

HIGH A KINSTON (L, 1-3)

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

LOW A LAKE COUNTY (L, 2-4)

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

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

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

August 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 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 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 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 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.

August 2: Santana Injured, Cid Remains Hot

Last night, it appeared that the Indians’ future might have taken a devastating blow when Ryan Kalish of the Red Sox collided with Carlos Santana during a play at the plate and the latter’s leg buckled in a disturbing manner.  After lying on the ground for a few minutes, Santana was carted off the field, his leg in an air cast.  However, he didn’t leave the stadium during the game and the team’s medical crew’s initial examination revealed that Santana’s knee performed surprisingly well during their tests.  He will head back to Cleveland for an MRI today.  Hopefully the initial reactions to the injury were indeed exaggerated and Santana makes a speedy recovery.  Santana is the core of the Indians’ future, so his well-being is a priority for the club.  In the meantime, Chris Gimenez will assume catching duties and with Santana’s trip to the disabled list looming ahead (perhaps for the remainder of the 2010 season), LOU MARSON will likely receive the call up from AAA Colombus.  Although Marson struggled mightily during his 141-AB stay with the Indians earlier this season, his bat recently came to life in Columbus.  He’s hitting .303 over his last 10 games with 3 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, and an OBP of .395.

The Columbus Clippers and Akron Aeros had scheduled days off, while the Kinston game was suspended (rain) and will be finished later today.  So, today’s brief discussion will center on Lake County and Mahoning Valley.

Lake County outfielder DEVLI CID (age 21) continued his recent hot streak against South Bend on Monday.  He went 2 for 5 at the dish, doubling and driving in 3.  He also swiped his 54th bag of the season and has now logged a stolen base in 3 straight contests and in 6 of his last 7.  Over his last 4 games, Cid is batting .444 (8 for 18) with 6 RBI and 5 SB.  He’s struck out 3 times while walking once during that span.  His recent turnaround has been most impressive, as it was not that long ago that I expressed some serious concerns about his propensity to strike out and his difficulty in getting on base.  I look forward to seeing if his recent success fades before too long or if Cid has truly turned a corner.  I sure hope that it’s the latter case;  this guy has tremendous potential.

Recent call-up JESUS AGUILAR (age 20) has gotten off to a good start with the Class A Short-Season Mahoning Valley Scrappers.  The first baseman went 2 for 4 on Monday with a double.  It was his second start since his promotion; he went 1 for 4 with an RBI on Sunday.  He spent the earlier part of the season with the Indians’ Arizona League (rookie ball) affiliate, going .259 with 2 2B, a 3B, 7 HR, and 22 RBI (5 walks, 33K) in 112 at-bats.  He spent the previous two seasons with the Tribe’s Dominican Summer League (also rookie ball) affiliate, struggling in 2008 with a .209 BA, 12 2B, 4 HR, and 45 RBI (235 AB) before improving last year to .305 with 15 2B, 5 HR and 46 RBI (200 AB).  He’s struck out a lot this year, but I like his size (6’3″, 241 lb.) and that he’s only 20.

Lake County Rundown (L, 7-8):  The game ended up being a high-scoring one, but Lake County starter CLAYTON COOK started the game off well enough for the Captains.  In 6 innings, he allowed 3 runs on 9 hits and 1 walk while striking out 6.  Hardly a dominant outing, but a solid one for the 20 year-old righty.  In his last 10 starts, Cook has allowed more than 3 runs only once and exactly 3 runs only twice…  Outfielder GREG FOLGIA had another nice game, going 2 for 4 with a double and a pair of RBI.  He also drew a walk.  He’s now batting .444 in his last 10 games with 4 2B, 2 HR, and 10 RBI (.475 OBP)…  Right fielder JASON SMIT went 2 for 5, driving in a run and stealing  a bag.  He was 0 for his last 9 heading into this game and batting only .194 over his last 10 games, so this solid game might help break him out of that slump.  On the season with Lake County, he’s hitting .244 with 13 2B, 6 HR, 28 RBI, and an OBP of .286 in 234 ABs.  The most alarming statistic is that he’s drawn only 9 walks while striking out 70 times.  Not good…  Big first baseman CHRIS KERSTEN (6’4″, 225 lb.) had a solid performance, going 1 for 3 with a double, a BB, and 2 runs scored.  He’s old for A ball (24) and struggled with high A Kinston before getting demoted to Lake County (.167 BA in 96 AB with Kinston), so I won’t be getting to excited about this guy.  Like Smit, he strikes out a lot while walking little (12 BB, 85 K this year).  He’s batting .270 with 7 2B, 6 HR, and 23 RBI in 141 at-bats with Lake County, but that’s hardly impressive considering his age.

Mahoning Valley Rundown (L, 3-6):  The Scrappers did little offensively in this game and the only hits collected by players not named Jesus Aguilar (see above) were the 2 by GIOVANNY URSHELA.  He went 2 for 4 with a 2-run home run.  He’s batting .314 over his last 10 games with 2 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, and a .361 OBP…  Scrappers starter OWEN DEW continued a solid first season of professional ball.  On Monday, he went 6 innings, 1 run on 3 hits (a solo HR did the damage) and 1 walk while striking out 4.  The 21 year-old Dew was the Indians’ 21st-round pick in the 2010 draft out of Central Florida.  He’s looked good so far with the Scrappers, posting a 2.53 ERA with 22 Ks, 4 BB, and a BAA of .195 in 8 starts (42.2 IP).