August 22: Gardner Stellar Again, Constanza Continues Recent Tear

AAA COLUMBUS (L, 2-4)

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

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

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

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

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

HIGH-A KINSTON (W, 9-2)

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

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

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

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

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

August 16: Espino Earns IL Weekly Honors, Gardner Solid Again for Kinston

AAA Columbus Clippers starting pitcher PAOLO ESPINO (23) was named the International League’s Pitcher of the Week after a brilliant August 14 start against Louisville in which he tossed 7 innings of shutout ball, allowing only 3 hits and 2 BB while striking out 8.  In 3 starts with the Clippers this season, he has a 2.75 ERA with 14 K, 5 BB, and a .203 BAA in 19.2 innings of work.  This comes after a promotion from AA Akron, where he posted a 4.00 ERA, 92 K, 35 BB, and a .245 BAA in 101.1 IP.

HIGH-A KINSTON (W, 2-1)

• JOSEPH GARDNER (SP, 22):  5 IP, ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 5 K.  An unusually wild outing for Gardner, but still stellar.  Last 4 starts (24 IP): 5 ER, 15 H, 9 BB, 17 K.   He’s now 10-5 on the season with Kinston, posting a 2.86 ERA, 94 K, 42 BB, and a .198 BAA.  He’s among my favorite Indians pitching prospects.
  
• TRAVIS TUREK (RP, 22):  2 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K.  4.04 ERA with 39 K, 27 BB, and a .282 BAA in 71.1 IP this season, but 8.80 ERA with 10 K, 5 BB, and a .379 BAA in last 15.1 IP.  Last 2 outings more promising, though: 4 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 5 K.
• MATTHEW LANGWELL (RP, 24):  IP, K.  Has been so far in excellent in August (0 R, 2 H, BB, 4 K in 5.1 IP) after a rough July (6 ER, 10 H, 4 BB, 11 K in 11.1 IP).
• CORY BURNS (CP, 22):  IP, 3 K, SV.  Last 10 appearances: 9.2 IP, 0 ER (2 unearned), 3 H, 4 BB, 12 K, 7 SVs.  Season with Kinston: 1.76 ERA, 43 K, 12 BB, .198 BAA, 23 SVs.  Has 35 total saves in 2010 (12 with Lake County).
• CHUN CHEN (C, 21):  2-3, RBI, BB.  Last 4 games:  6-14 (.429), 2 BB.  Batting .300 with a .403 OBP in 110 high-A ABs in 2010.
• JEREMIE TICE (1B/3B, 23):  1-4, 3B, RBI.  Last 10 games: .282.  Batting .281 with 30 2B, 11 HR, and 66 RBI in 370 at-bats with Lake County and Kinston this season.  The down side: 91 Ks, only 22 BB.
• JUAN DIAZ (SS, 21):  2-4.  Batting .333 in last 10 games and .247 overall in 150 high-A ABs in 2010.  Batted .295 in 254 high-A California League ABs before getting traded.

LOW-A LAKE COUNTY (W, 11-10, 11 innings)

• DELVI CID (OF, 21):  1-5, 2 BB, 2 SB.  Last 4 games: 7-17 (.412) with 3 BB and 3 SB.  He now has 61 SBs in 112 games this season.  Has really turned his season around after batting just .213 with a .271 OBP before the all-star break (235 ABs); he’s hitting .304 with a .358 OBP since (207 ABs).  Meanwhile, his K rate has decreased (91 to 47) and he has been stealing more bags (29, up to 32).
• ARGENIS MARTINEZ (2B, 20):  1-6, RBI, BB, SB.  Currently has a 10-game hitting streak.  Batted just .171 in 152 ABs before the all-star break, but is hitting .271 in 133 ABs since.  The SB was his 20th of the season.
• GREG FOLGIA (LF/RF, 22):  5-7, RBI, SB.  8-10 in last 2 games, batting .359 with 6 RBI in his last 10 contests.
• JASON SMIT (OF, 20):  4-6, 2 2B, 3 RBI, SB.  Has an 8-game hitting streak in which he’s 12-32 (.375) with 5 extra-base hits, 7 RBI, and 2 SB.  In August, he’s batting .333 with 8 extra-base hits and 14 RBI in 63 ABs.  His K to BB ratio is gradually evening out (21:1 in May, 18:1 in June, 26: 6 in July, 4:16 in August).
• CHRIS KERSTEN (1B/DH, 24):  1-4, solo HR, BB.  Has exactly 1 hit in 8 of his past 9 games, 4 of which are home runs.  He’s hit 10 in 191 ABs with Lake County this season to go along with a .257 BA and 30 RBI.  He started the season with Kinston, but was demoted after batting .167 with 3 HR and 4 RBI in 96 ABs (42 K).
• KYLE SMITH (2B/SS, 22):  3-6, 2B, 2 RBI.  Batted .293 in 188 ABs before the all-star break, but only .203 in 118 ABs since.
• AARON LAFFEY (SP, 25):  IP, H, 3 K.  A solid first rehab assignment for Laffey, who was suffering from left (pitching) shoulder fatigue.
• FRANCISCO JIMENEZ (RP, 21):  2.1 IP, 2 H, 3 K, win.  Last 3 appearances:  7.1 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 9 K.
• TREY HALEY (SP, 20):  5 IP, 2 ER (4 unearned runs), 6 H (HR) , 2 BB, 7 K.  Last 10 appearances (40.2 IP): 6.42 ERA, 41 K, 27 BB, .280 BAA.  Season (23 outings, 103 IP):  5.50 ERA, 85 K, 67 BB, .272 BAA.

AAA Columbus and AA Akron had scheduled days off on Monday.  Short-season Mahoning Valley also did not play because of the New York-Penn League all-star break.

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 10: Goedert Stellar in Doubleheader, Soto Continues to Dominate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 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).

July 29: McBride Bursts into AAA, White Solid Again

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

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

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

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

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

July 27: Tomlin Stellar in MLB Debut, Hodges Designated for Assignment

JOSH TOMLIN (age 25) made his major league debut on Tuesday for the Indians, and in impressive fashion.  He went seven strong innings against the New York Yankees, allowing 1 run on only 3 hits and no walks while fanning a pair.  Although that start might have surprised some, those who followed his progress this season were likely not among them.  On the season with the Clippers, he made 20 appearances (17 starts), posting a 2.68 ERA with 80 Ks and 33 BB in 107.1 innings of work while opponents batted a paltry .212 against him.  In short, he earned that start with the Tribe and that performance merits an encore.  Although I like Jeanmar Gomez, it’s difficult to argue with Tomlin’s numbers this year.  He isn’t much of a strikeout pitcher, but he’s evidently difficult to hit well and gives up only a moderate number of walks.  Those facts point to continued success down the road.

WES HODGES (age 25) is no longer with the Indians organization.  Today, the Tribe designated him for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Tomlin.  Hodges will likely find a new home before too long, as he demonstrated some potential at the plate as recently as the 2008 season and recently showed some signs that he was regaining his old form.  Unfortunately, Hodges really had nowhere to fit in with the big league club.  His atrocious defense forced the Indians to convert him from third to first and even then he still struggled in the field.  With Matt LaPorta settling in at first base and Travis Hafner still somehow clinging to the DH slot (with a bevy of other guys able to fulfill that role), the Tribe simply no longer needed Hodges.  It’s just perplexing that the organization is still hanging onto Andy Marte.  Sure, the guy has a better glove, but it’s abundantly clear at this point that he just can’t hold his own at the plate (he’s hitting .193 in 83 at-bats this season).  I’ve always been a Hodges fan, so I wish him nothing but the best of luck wherever he signs.

Outfielder MICHAEL BRANTLEY is back in Columbus.  During his recent 17-game stint with the Indians, he hit .156 in 70 at-bats.  If there’s a silver lining here, it’s that he struck out only 4 times during that span while drawing 7 walks.  Word is that Tribe manager Manny Acta expects him to be back in Cleveland soon.  It’s way too early to give up on Brantley, but I’m not sure how much more he can do in AAA (.315 BA with a .391 OBP in 241 at-bats this year).  Meanwhile, JORDAN BROWN had another solid game for the Clippers on Tuesday, going 1 for 3 and driving in a run while taking over first base duties from Hodges.  Despite missing the early part of the season (39 games), he’s still racked up 61 RBI.  He has driven in 15 runs in his last 10 games (.366 BA) and 8 in his last 3 contests.  He isn’t getting any younger (he’s 26), so the Indians should give him the call and take a long look at him before they even think about promoting Brantley again.

Another great game for JORDAN HENRY (age 22) yesterday.  The Aeros outfielder went 3 for 4 at the plate with 2 doubles and a run scored.  Including the July 25 game that got postponed, Henry is batting .692 (9 for 13) in his last 4 contests.  I like his ability to get base hits and take walks while striking out little.  Before getting the call from Kinston to Akron in June, he logged a .333 batting average with 30 walks to 27 strikeouts in 162 at-bats.  With Akron, he only has a .265 average so far (although that is quickly rising), but has walked 18 times while striking out 23 times (136 at-bats).  After a slow start to July, he’s hitting .371 over his last 10 games.  During that stretch, he’s drawn 5 walks while striking out 3 times.  He hits for no power, though, compiling only 8 doubles, 1 triple, and no home runs in 77 games (298 at-bats) between high A and AA this season.  And although his tall, slim 6’3″ 175 lb. frame suggests that he could add some muscle and power during the coming years, he won’t need it if he continues to be an on-base machine.

After a couple of brief starts with the AZL Indians, ANTHONY REYES tossed 3 strong innings in his first rehab start with the Aeros on Tuesday.  He held Bowie scoreless, allowing only 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 1.  I look forward to seeing him back in Cleveland, so I will be monitoring his progress closely.  ROB BRYSON (age 22) relieved Reyes, pitching 1 inning of scoreless ball, giving up 1 hit and 1 walk while fanning 1.  He now has 4 Ks in 2 innings of work in AA.  CONNOR GRAHAM (age 24) followed Bryson with 2 scoreless innings and 2 strikeouts.  Although he’s given up 36 walks to 38 Ks on the season with Akron, Graham has been better as of late, striking out 14 and walking 5 in his last 15 innings of work (10 appearances).  BRYAN PRICE (age 23) finished the shutout for the Aeros, giving up 3 hits and striking out 4 in 3 IP.  In 48.2 innings of work with Akron, he has struck out 54 batters while walking 13.  He’s been downright dominant in his last 5 outings, allowing no earned runs on 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 13 in 11.2 innings.

The Rundown:   Columbus third baseman JARED GOEDERT went 1 for 3 last night, but also drew two walks while belting a solo jack.  He now has 17 home runs during his tenure in AAA and 24 total on the season…  JOSE CONSTANZA of the Clippers went 3 for 4 on Tuesday, scoring a run and stealing a bag.  He’s swiped 27 bases this season while getting caught only twice.  During his last 10 games, he’s batting .326 (362 OBP) with 5 steals…  Aeros outfielder MATT McBRIDE smacked another home run on Tuesday, a 3-run shot.  He now has 17 on the season to go along with 64 RBI and a respectable .285 average.  He’s hitting .361 with 3 HRs and 13 RBI in his last 10 games…  AA third baseman LONNIE CHISENHALL earned another mention here with a 1 for 3, RBI performance last night.  He has 4 hits in his last 13 at-bats, including a home run and 4 RBI…  Third baseman KYLE BELLOWS (age 21) of the high A Kinston Indians looked good on Tuesday, going 3 for 5 with a triple and 3 RBI.  He is batting only .237 over his last 10 games and .254 on the season with Kinston, so let’s hope that this youngster is turning a corner…   Teammate JEREMIE TICE remained hot, going 2 for 5 against Winston Salem on Tuesday, doubling and driving in a pair of runs.  He is now hitting .390 over his last 10 games with 6 doubles and 8 RBI…  Kinston right fielder ABNER ABREU went 0 for 2 on Tuesday, but drew 3 walks and scored 2 runs.  That is pretty remarkable because he usually walks very little; in 73 high A games this season, he’s drawn a total of 16 free passes (including yesterday’s 3).  If this is any indication that he’s starting to be more selective at the plate, that .252 batting average will soon begin to rise…  Both the Lake County Captains and Mahoning Valley Scrappers had Tuesday off.

July 25: Promising Performances in the Lower Reaches of the Indians Farm System

ADAM ABRAHAM (age 23) makes his 5th straight appearance in this blog.  On Sunday, the Lake County Captains first baseman continued his recent tear, going 2 for 4 with a solo HR while making a spot start at third base.  He’s now homered in back-to-back contests and 4 times in his last 7 games.  In his last 10 games with the Captains, he’s batting .385 with 4 2Bs, 4 HRs, and 10 RBI.   My only criticism is that he has only 1 walk during that time to go along with 7 strikeouts.  After a dismal start to the season, batting .146 in April and .167 in May, he hit .286 in June and .284 so far in July to bring his season average up to .232.  He’s far from a surefire prospect, but his recent play suggests that he has the potential for further development, especially if he starts being more patient at the plate.

Third baseman JEREMIE TICE (age 23) of the Kinston Indians is adapting to high A ball.  He started the season with Lake County, where he batted .282 with 19 doubles, 1 triple, 9 home runs, and 51 RBI (19 walks to 59 strikeouts) in 66 games (245 at-bats).  On Sunday, he went 2 for 5 with a double and an RBI for Kinston, making his overall stat line in high A .294 with 6 2Bs, a HR, and 8 RBI in 13 games (51 ABs).  Over his last 10 games, he is batting .333.  His main problem continues to be the strikeouts, as he has whiffed 13 times during his time with the Indians, as opposed to drawing only 1 walk.  He will need to improve his eye at the plate if he hopes to take the next step.  The Indians drafted Tice in the 6th round of the 2008 draft (201st overall), out of the College of Charleston.

Lake County Captains starting pitcher VIDAL NUNO (age 23) put together an impressive start against Peoria on Sunday.  He pitched 6 innings, allowing 1 earned run on 5 hits and no walks while striking out 8.  The young lefty is in only his second season of professional ball after getting drafted by the Indians out of Baker University (Kansas) in the 48th round (1,445 overall) of the 2009 draft.  On the season, he has posted a 4.88 ERA in 12 appearances (10 starts), striking out 58 and walking only 8 in 55.1 innings of work.  That excellent K:BB ratio bodes well for his future, but he must cut down on the number of hits that he allows (.284 opponent batting average).  He has improved steadily over the course of this season, posting a 8.10 ERA in May, a 6.00 ERA in June, and a 3.25 ERA in July.  He clearly has some good stuff and I look forward to seeing how he does for the balance of the season.

A trio of Mahoning Valley Scrappers pitchers put together a solid day on the mound against State College on Sunday.  Starter ALEX KAMINSKY (age 22) went 6 strong innings, allowing 1 earned run on 4 hits, a walk, and 2 strikeouts.  His season ERA with the short-season Scrappers dropped to 1.96 in 8 starts (41.1 IP).  Left-handed relief pitcher JAMES REICHENBACH followed with 2 innings of shutout ball, allowing no hits and no walks while striking out 3.  His season ERA now sits at 3.66; he’s struck out 16 and walked 6 in 19.2 innings of work.  JAMES EHLERT finished the game for the Scrappers, striking out 1, walking none, and allowing no hits in 1 inning.  Ehlert’s been stellar this season, posting a 2.41 ERA with 26 strikeouts and 4 walks in 10 appearances (18.2 IP).  Despite this fine combined performance, Mahoning Valley still lost 1-0.

Several hitters in the Akron Aeros lineup got off to great starts in yesterday’s game before it got postponed in the 4th inning because of inclement weather.  JASON KIPNIS was 2 for 2 with an RBI while BEAU MILLS was also a perfect 2 for 2 with a rare stolen base.  JOHN DRENNEN had 1 hit in 2 at-bats, driving in a run and scoring one himself.  Centerfielder JORDAN HENRY was off to a scorching start at the dish, going 3 for 3 with a double and a run scored.  The Aeros are scheduled to finish the game on August 17th.

The Rundown:  Clippers outfielder  NICK WEGLARZ went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI against Pawtucket on Sunday, lifting his average over the past 10 games to .389…  CORD PHELPS just keeps on hitting.  The AAA second baseman went 1 for 3 with a walk on Sunday, extending his hitting streak to 13 games.  He’s batting .444 in his past 10 games with only 3 strikeouts to 7 walks…  JOSH RODRIGUEZ went 1 for 3 with a walk, driving in a run and scoring another after homering in his previous 2 games…  Columbus’s JORDAN BROWN (age 26) went 2 for 5 with a double, 3 RBI, and a stolen base.  He’s hitting .295 with 5 doubles, 2 HR, and 12 RBI in his last 10 games…  Teammate JOSE CONSTANZA (age 26) continues to put together a solid year for the Clippers, as he went 3 for 5 with a run scored on Sunday.  He’s batting .318 in his last 10 games and .307 on the season.  I like that average, but he’s got to start taking a few more walks (18 in 254 at-bats this season)…  Kinston catcher CHUN CHEN went yard yesterday.  He finished the day 1 for 4 with a walk.  After getting a slow start to high A ball, he’s hitting .281 in his last 10 games with Kinston.  Although he’s struck out 8 times during that stretch, he’s also walked 9 times…  KAREXON SANCHEZ had an impressive day, going 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored.  Both hits were triples.  He’s struck out 8 times in his last 10 games while drawing 10 walks and batting .278…  Kinston outfielder BO GREENWELL also did well at the plate on Sunday, hitting 2 singles in 4 at-bats.