August 20: Tribe Acquires RHP Zach McAllister, Chisenhall Earns BA Weekly Honors

The Indians received their “player to be named later” from the New York Yankees, as the other half of the trade that sent major league outfielder Austin Kearns to New York.  ZACH McALLISTER (22) is a promising young pitcher that has had a rough go of it in AAA this season.  In 24 starts with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he recorded a 5.09 ERA with 88 K, 38 BB, and a .308 BAA in 132.2 IP.  Not only has he been quite hittable, but he’s been a frequent victim of the gopher ball (20 HR allowed this season).  But he’s only 22 and has a solid minor league career.  In 2009 with AA Trenton, he posted a 2.23 ERA with 96 K, 33 BB, and a .220 BAA (only 4 HR allowed) in 121 IP.  In 2008 between low-A and high-A, he recorded a 2.09 ERA with 115 K, 21 BB, and a .233 BAA (9 HR allowed) in 151 IP.  He has solid control and his track record suggests that he’s better than his 2010 stats suggest.  I suspect that he will turn things around before too long.

AAA COLUMBUS (L, 5-7)

• JOSH RODRIGUEZ (25, 2B):   2-4, 2B.  Pre-all star break: .333 BA, 10 2B, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 21 BB, 29 K in 138 AAA ABs.  Since: .220 BA, 7 2B, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 15 BB, 35 K in 123 ABs.
• JARED GOEDERT (25, 3B):  1-3, 2 BB.  Last 10 games: .270 BA, 5 extra-base hits, 5 RBI, 4 BB.
• JOSE CONSTANZA (26, OF):  1-4, 2B, BB.  Last 10 games: .410 BA, 4 extra-base hits, 7 BB, 5 SB.
• CORD PHELPS (23, 2B):  2-5, RBI.  Last 10: .317 BA, 2 2B, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 2 BB.
• JOSH JUDY (24, RP):  2 IP, 0 ER, H, 2 BB, 3 K.  Last 3 outings: 3.1 IP, 0 ER, H, 2 BB, 6 K.
• VINNIE PESTANO (25, RP):  IP, H, K.  Last 5 outings: 5 IP, 0 R, H, 0 BB, 8 K.

AA AKRON (L, 1-5)

• LONNIE CHISENHALL (21, 3B):  1-3.  8-game hit streak: 12-28 (.429), 3 2B, HR, 12 RBI, 7 BB, SB.  Earned the #5 spot on Baseball America’s most recent prospect hot sheet with last week’s excellent string of performances and looks poised to continue his recent success.
• TIM FEDROFF (23, OF):  2-3, solo HR, BB.  Last 9 games: 11-31 (.355), 4 extra-base hits, 2 RBi, 7 BB, 7 K.
• ALEX WHITE (21, SP):  5.1 IP, 2 ER (2 unearned), 8 H, 3 BB, 5 K.  Through 4 August starts: 5.91 ERA, 14 K, 8 BB, .302 BAA in 21.1 IP.  A couple of weeks ago I speculated that he might be tiring near the end of his first professional season and it’s appearing that I might be correct.  Still, his overall season stat line between high-A and AA is solid: 2.57 ERA, 112 K, 45 BB, .224 BAA in 143.2 IP.
• CONNOR GRAHAM (24, RP):  1.2 IP, 3 K.  Keeps on looking good.  Last 3 starts: 5.2 IP, 0 ER 2 H, BB, 7 K.
• CHEN LEE (23, RP):  IP, K.  Last 10 appearances: 12 IP, 11 K, 2 BB, 4 H, 1 unearned run.

HIGH-A KINSTON (W, 6-4):

• CHUN CHEN (21, C):  2-5.  8 game hit streak: 11-24 (.458), 3 extra-base hits, 3 RBI, 6 BB, SB.
• KYLE BELLOWS (22, 3B):  2-4, RBI.  Last 10: .316 BA, 3 2B, 7 RBI.
• ABNER ABREU (20, OF):  1-4, 2B, 2 RBI.  Last 8 games: 9-28 (.321), 3 extra-base hits, 6 RBI, SB.
• JUAN DIAZ (21, SS):  1-3, 2B, BB.  Last 10: .361 BA, 4 extra-base hits, 4 RBI, 2 BB, SB.
• DOUG PICKENS (25, OF):  2-3, RBI.  Last 9: .333 BA, 2 extra-base hits, 6 RBI.
• DONNIE WEBB (24, OF):  1-3, 2B, BB.  Last 10: .344 BA, 3 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, SB.
• RYAN LANGWELL (24, RP):  1.1 IP, 2 K.  Last 5 outings (5.1 IP): 4 K, BB, 0 H, 0 R.  Season with Kinston (49.2 IP): 2.17 ERA, 50 K, 13 BB, .213 BAA.  Hasn’t given up any runs in a month (11 scoreless IP since July 22).
• CORY BURNS (22, CP):  IP, K, SV.  Business as usual: high-A save number 25, number 37 overall in 2010.  72 K in 48.1 innings.

LOW-A LAKE COUNTY (W, 5-3)

• CASEY FRAWLEY (22, SS):  3-3, solo HR, BB, SB.  Last 10 games: .385 BA, 4 extra-base hits, 7 RBI, 2 BB, SB.  Slumped in July, batting just .206 88 ABs, but has rebounded in a big way in August with a .338 through 65 ABs.  Season stats: .269 BA, 22 2B, 8 3B, 10 HR, 61 RBI, 8 SB, 42 BB, 79 K.
• ADAM ABRAHAM (23, 3B):  1-5, 2B, 3 RBI.  Last 10: .317 BA, 3 extra-base hits, 7 RBI, 4 BB, SB.
• DELVI CID (21, OF):  1-4, RBI.  7-game hitting streak: 13-29 (.448 BA), 3 BB, 4 SB.  Still striking out a lot, though: 12 times in last 10 games and 114 times in 454 total ABs in 2010.
• JASON KNAPP (19, SP):  4 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 2 BB, 7 K.  Season debut with Captains after 5 starts with AZL (rookie) Indians (12. IP, 1.45 ERA, 18 K, 4 BB, .119 BAA).  Acquired as part of the trade that sent Cliff Lee to Philadelphia in 2009.

SHORT-SEASON MAHONING VALLEY (L, 4-6)

• CARLOS MONCRIEF (21, OF):  3-5, 2B, RBI.  Last 10 games: .316 BA, 5 extra-base hits, 5 RBI, 8 BB.
• JONATHAN BURNETTE (22, OF):  1-5, RBI.  Has at least 1 hit in each of his past 10 games, batting .317 during that stretch with 4 extra-base hits, 6 RBI, and 3 BB.
• AARON FIELDS (22, 2B):  1-3, 3B, 2 RBI, BB.  4 RBI in last 3 games; only playing part-time (56 ABs in 2010: .232 BA)
• KIRK WETMORE (21, P):  3.1 IP, o ER, H, 2 BB, 3 K.  Last 2 outings: 7.1 IP, ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 8 K.  Through 44.2 IP in 2010: 6.65 ERA, 38 K, 22 BB, .291 BAA.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 1: Chisenhall Homers Again, Big Bats Drive Lake County to Victory

Aeros third baseman LONNIE CHISENHALL (age 21) remained hot on Sunday, going 2 for 4 with a 2B, 2 RBI, and a HR in his second straight contest.  Over his last 10 games, he’s hitting .325 with 4 HR and 12 RBI.  My only concern about his recent performance (other than his continued shaky defense at third) is his lack of selectivity at the plate – only 1 BB to go along with 6 Ks in his last 10 games.  The K numbers aren’t all that alarming, but taking a few more walks would be beneficial.  Chisenhall has done some damage during his last 7 contests in particular, batting .379 with 3 HR and 11 RBI.  His season average is now up to .279, with 15 2B, 12 HR, 53 RBI, and 27 BB to 47 Ks.  He has the talent to continue his recent success and carry it into AAA and perhaps beyond.  The Indians selected Chisenhall in the 1st round of the 2008 draft (although he was previously selected in 11th round of the 2006 draft by Pittsburgh).

The bats came alive for Class A Lake County again on Sunday and some regular subjects of this blog put forth good games.  Center fielder and leadoff man DELVI CID (age 21) went 3 for 5 with 2 RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base.  The SB was his 53rd on the season; he’s been caught 10 times.  In the last 2 games, he’s done a good job of cutting down on strikeouts (1 in 9 at-bats) while logging base hits (5 for 9) and continuing to be a monster on the basepaths (4 SBs).  It’s a small sample size, but it shows that he at least has the talent to steal lots of bags and get on base to do it, something that I recently expressed some concern about.  Shortstop CASEY FRAWLEY (age 22) broke out of a 3-game hitless streak (0 for 11) by going 3 for 4 on Sunday with 2 triples and 3 runs scored.  He’s batting only .242 over his last 10 games, but I like that he can take a walk (.366 OBP over that time).  If he can become more consistent at the plate (most of his production came in the form of big games as of late), he will be a solid ballplayer.  On the season, he is hitting .264 with 21 2B, 7 3B, 8 HR, 51 RBI, 7 SBs, and 36 BB to 39Ks (364 AB).  Outfielder GREG FOLGIA (age 22) continued his recent hot streak, going 3 for 5 with a 2B, an RBI, and a stolen bag.  He’s batting .500 (13 for 26) over his last 10 games, along with 2 HR, 3 2B, and 7 RBI.  On the season, though, Folgia (a switch hitter) has hit lefties well (.328 BA) but has struggled against righties (.213).    He’s hitting .242 with 11 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, and 30 RBI with 61 Ks to 22 BBs in 244 ABs for the Captains this year.  The biggest bat on Sunday, though, belonged to third baseman ADAM ABRAHAM (age 23) who went 2 for 4 with a double and 5 RBI.  This is his 2nd 5-RBI game in 5 games and he now has 18 RBI in his last 10 games, with 13 of those coming in his last 5.  In those past 5 games, he is batting .500 (11 for 22) with 2 HR, 2 2B, and 4 BBs to go along with only 2Ks.  His season average is now at .251 with 15 2B, 10 HR, and 42 RBI in 271 ABs (22 BB to 53 Ks).

Mahoning Valley Scrappers starting pitcher MIKE RAYL (age 21) put together his 5th straight quality outing on Sunday.  In 5 innings, he allowed 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 4.  Over his last 5 starts, he hasn’t allowed more than 2 runs in an outing.  Over those 26 innings, he’s struck out 12, walked 5, and allowed 8 runs (7 earned) on 22 hits.  In 9 starts with the Scrappers this season, Rayl has had only one bad outing (a 2 IP, 5-run shelling on July 3), but he’s been otherwise solidly consistent, giving up 2 runs or less in 8 outings.  His season ERA stands at 3.16 and he has 24 Ks in 42.2 IP with only 8 BB and a BAA of .268.  Although not a strikeout pitcher at this point, the big lefty (6’5″) has demonstrated some potential over his first two seasons of professional ball (3.74 ERA, 41K, 10 BB, .267 BAA in 33.2 IP in the Arizona Rookie League last year).

AAA Columbus Rundown (L, 2-3):  Little to note for this game, beyond two performances at the dish for the Clippers.   Shortstop JOSH RODRIGUEZ continued his breakout season, going 3 for 5 with a 2B and an RBI.  He’s now batting .333 over his last 10 games with 3 2B, 4 HR, and 11 RBI (.409 OBP).  Between Akron and Columbus this year, he’s batting .319 with 21 2B, 11 HR, 50 RBI, and a .401 OBP…  MICHAEL BRANTLEY continues to show why he no longer belongs in the minors, going 4 for 5 with 3 2B and an RBI.  Since getting sent back down to AAA from Cleveland on July 27, he’s hitting .421 (8 for 19)..

AA Akron Rundown (L, 3-11):  ANTHONY REYES’ second rehab start with the Aeros was something of a disaster, as he allowed 9 earned runs on 6 hits and 4 BB in 1.2 innings of work.  As he is rehabbing in the wake of a major reconstructive surgery on his throwing elbow, I won’t worry too much about this outing, especially since his previous rehab start went relatively well (3 scoreless innings)…  Reliever CONNOR GRAHAM had another nice appearance, striking out 3 and allowing 1 hit in 1.1 inning of work.  He hasn’t allowed a run since July 11 (he gave up 4 unearned runs in that game) and during that stretch of 6 appearances (9 IP), he’s walked none and struck out 12 while allowing 4 hits…  Upcoming Wigwammers favorite ROB BRYSON also logged some time on the mound on Sunday, striking out 2 while walking 1 and giving up 1 hit in 2 innings of work.  Through 4 appearances with the Aeros (4 innings), he’s given up 1 earned run on 3 hits and 6 walks (4 in one outing) while striking out 6…  Other than Chisenhall (see above), only JORDAN HENRY had a notable day at the plate.  He went 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored.  The outfielder is now batting .486 over his last 10 games and getting on base at a .571 clip.

Class A Lake County Rundown (W, 11-9):  Not much to note here beyond the offensive explosion discussed above.  On a day when good pitching was short in supply (for both teams), PRESTON GUILMET shined for the Captains, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings, striking out 2, allowing 1 hit and 1 walk while picking up the victory.  He’s now struck out 46 in 32.2 innings with Captains, maintaining a 2.20 ERA while walking only 6 batters.

Mahoning Valley Rundown (L, 3-5):  Few highlights in this one, although JONATHAN BURNETTE went 2 for 4 with  a 2B and a run scored.  He has 3 hits in his last 2 games (8 at-bats) after going hitless in his previous 6 contests (21 at-bats).  He’s hitting .277 with 8 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, and 18 RBI with a .311 OBP in his first season of pro ball (155 AB)…  CARLOS MONCRIEF, who is making the transition from the mound to the outfield this season, hit a 2-run home run on Sunday.  He’s batting only .196 on the campaign (.281 OBP) with 6 2B, 4 HR, and 13 RBI in 143 at-bats.

Class A Advanced Kinston had the day off.

July 30: Young Hurlers Dominate in Akron, Kinston

There were several notable pitching performances in the Indians farm system on Friday, and we’ll start with the combined shutout tossed by 3 Akron hurlers.  21 year-old lefty KELVIN DE LA CRUZ started the game, going six strong innings, giving up 3 hits and 3 BB while striking out 7.  This was one of his best starts of the season in AA, as he currently holds a 4.73 ERA and has allowed 47 walks while striking out 59 in 15 starts (72.1 IP).  Before getting the call to Akron, he posted a 2.91 ERA with 28 Ks and 8 BB in 6 starts (34 IP) with Kinston.  The biggest obstacle impeding De La Cruz’s pursuit of success has been his control; over his last 10 starts, he has given up 3 or more walks 7 times (included are 2 5-BB outings).  Although he walked 3 on Friday, he was largely unhittable and struck out batters at a greater rate than his season average.  He’s an intriguing young talent, since he’s a 6’5″ lefty and is already in AA at age 21 (he turns 22 on August 1), but he will have to minimize those walks in order to be consistently solid.  Reliever CHEN LEE (age 23) followed De La Cruz with a shutout inning in which he walked 1 and struck out a pair.  On the season, he has a 3.93 ERA with 62 Ks and 19 BB (.246 BAA) in 55 IP, but he’s allowed no earned runs over his last 10 appearances (15 IP) while striking out 22, walking 4, and allowing only 4 hits.  He’s shown tremendous improvement during the past month or so, so I look forward to seeing what he does over the balance of the season.  CONNOR GRAHAM (age 24) tossed the final 2 frames for the Aeros, allowing 1 hit while striking out 3.  On the season, he’s walked 36 while striking out 41 in 59 IP (3.51 ERA), but over his last 10 appearances, he’s shown some improvement; during that stretch, he’s logged 16 Ks and 5 BB in 15 IP (2.40 ERA).

Kinston starter JOSEPH GARDNER (age 22) got back on track Friday against Wilmington.  In his last outing on July 25 (also against Wilmington), he got knocked around in 4 innings, giving up 6 earned runs on 7 hits (2 HR) and 2 BB.  On Friday, he pitched 5 fine innings, allowing only 2 hits and 2 BB while striking out 5.  This last outing is in line with his overall performance this season (2.97 ERA, 82 K, 35 BB, .197 BAA in 88 IP with Kinston), so that previous rough outing against Wilmington is nothing to worry about.  In fact, he demonstrated an excellent ability to adjust to his opponent between these last 2 outings, and that is an invaluable skill.  If Gardner does not get the call to Akron this season (to fill a spot if Alex White gets promoted, for instance), he should be with the Aeros next season… he certainly has good stuff on the mound and has pretty much mastered high A ball.

Clippers reliever VINNIE PESTANO (age 25) pitched another lights-out inning on Friday, striking out the side against Buffalo.  The appearance mirrored his last outing against Pawtucket, in which he also fanned all 3 batters that he faced.  Over his last 10 games (11.1 IP), Pestano has allowed no runs while compiling 16 Ks to only 3 BB.  His season totals with AAA Columbus stand at a 1.62 ERA with 45 Ks, 10 BB, and a BAA of .214 in 33.1 innings of work.  It appears that he’s developing into a fine reliever and should find a home with the Indians before too long.  Considering that he’s 25 and has dominated at the AAA level, he’s due for a shot in the show.

AAA Columbus Rundown (L, 1-3):  The Clippers stumbled into an offensive black hole on Friday, scrounging only 2 hits against wily veteran Ramon Ortiz.  JOSH RODRIGUEZ, coming off a 2-HR game, went 1-4 with a double.  JARED GOEDERT drove in Rodriguez with a single to account for the Clippers’ only run.

AA Akron Rundown (W, 6-0):  The Aeros’ offense rewarded their pitchers’ strong day by giving them more than enough run support.  JORDAN HENRY continued to get on base at a torrid pace, going 1 for 3 with 2 BB.  He’s now batting .533 (8 for 15) with an OBP of .682 over his last 5 games…  JASON KIPNIS went only 1 for 5 on the day, but he swiped his 5th bag of the season and scored a run.  He is batting .349 with 3 2B, a 3B, 2 HR, and 7 RBI over his last 10 contests…  LONNIE CHISENHALL continued his recent streak of consistent play, going 1 for 3 with an RBI.  Over his last 5 games, he is batting .400 (8 for 20) with 8 RBI.  His season average is now up to .278…  BEAU MILLS went 1 for 3 with an RBI and a BB.  He’s now recorded a hit in 6 straight games and 3 of those are 2-hit performances (9 for 24, .375 BA).  He also has 3 2B, a HR, and 6 RBI in that stretch.

High A Kinston Rundown (W, 4-0):  Second baseman KAREXON SANCHEZ led the charge offensively for Kinston, going 3 for 5 with a double and a solo HR.  He went 0 for 10 over his previous 3 games, so let’s hope that he’s heating up again after his recent hot streak…  Third baseman KYLE BELLOWS also had a nice game, going 2 for 3 with a triple, an RBI, and a BB.  He’s now hitting .444 (8 for 18) over his last 5 games with a 2B, 2 3B, a HR, 7 HR, and 2 BB…  ABNER ABREU went 2 for 4 with a 2B and an RBI.  He’s batting .308 over his last 10 games with 2 2B, 2 3B, and 7 RBI…  CORY BURNS logged his 19th high A save of the season with a perfect 9th inning appearance.

Class A Lake County Rundown (L, 0-1):  There were few offensive bright spots in this game, but ADAM ABRAHAM continues to shine.  He went 2 for 4 with a stolen base and is now batting .421 over his last 10 games…  GREG FOLGIA went 2 for 3 and is now hitting .432 over his last 10 contests…  Starting pitcher BRETT BRACH pitched well enough, allowing 1 earned run on 3 hits (1 HR) and 1 BB while striking out 3 in 7 innings.  This makes two strong starts in a row for Brach (he pitched a complete game shutout in his last outing on 07/24), so I look forward to seeing what he does in his first August start…  Newly acquired starting pitcher GIOVANNI SOTO will make his Lake County debut tonight against South Bend.

Class A Short Season Mahoning Valley Rundown (L, 0-5):  It was rough going for the Scrappers against Jamestown, as they accumulated only 5 total hits on the day.  DANIEL DeGEORGE continued his recent tear, going 2 for 3 at the dish.  He’s now batting .367 over his last 10 games and .615 (8 for 13) over his last 4…  Starting pitcher ALEX KAMINSKY really didn’t do all that badly.  In 4 innings of work, he allowed 2 earned runs on 6 hits, no walks, and 6 Ks.  I like his control and ability to strike batters out.

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 28: Indians Acquire Soto for Peralta, Several Captains Shine in Slugfest

The Indians made another move on Wednesday, trading third baseman Jhonny Peralta to the Detroit Tigers for minor league pitcher GIOVANNI SOTO (age 19).  Soto is a promising left-handed pitcher who had a solid year so far in the Class A Midwest League with Western Michigan.  In 16 starts (82.2 innings pitched), he maintained a 2.61 ERA, striking out 76 while walking 25 and tossing 2 complete game shutouts.  Opponents were batting .248 against him with only two longballs.  Soto has tremendous potential and his dominating performances in A ball at only 19 suggest that he’s ready for the next level.  With Peralta under-performing this season and likely having his best days with the Indians behind him, I am quite happy with this trade and I look forward to seeing what Soto does going forward.  He’s been assigned to Lake County.  The Indians recalled LUIS VALBUENA from AAA to take Peralta’s roster spot.  Andy Marte is now the club’s starting third baseman.  Awesome.

A few Captains stood out in the team’s 16-14 slugfest loss to Western Michigan last night.  A favorite of this blog, ADAM ABRAHAM (age 23) led the charge for Lake County, going 3 for 5 with a double, a HR, a walk, and 5 RBI.  Over his last 10 games he’s now batting .425 with 4 2B, 5 HR, and 15RBI.  Shortstop CASEY FRAWLEY (age 22) also had a tremendous game, going 2 for 4 with 2 HR, 2 BB, and 5 RBI.  The second-year player, drafted in the 17th round of the 2009 draft out of Stetson, is batting .300 over his last 10 games with 2 2B, a 3B, 2 HR, and 11 RBI with 7 walks to 9 strikeouts.  On the season, he’s hitting .264 with 21 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HR, 51 RBI, and 8 stolen bases (67 Ks to 33 BBs).  Switch-hitting right fielder GREG FOLGIA (age 22) also impressed, going 3 for 5 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI.  Over his last 10 games, Folgia is hitting .316 with 3 2B, 2 HR, and 11 RBI.  However, he’s struck out 11 times while only drawing 2 walks.  In 228 at-bats with Lake County this season, he’s hitting .224 with 10 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 28 RBI, and an OBP of .297.  This is only his second season of professional ball, as he played with Mahoning Valley in 2009 after the Indians picked him in the 40th round out of the University of Missouri, Columbia.

CHUN CHEN (age 21) continues to settle in with high A Kinston.  The young catcher had a stellar day at the plate on Wednesday, going 2 for 3 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI, 2 walks, and 2 runs scored.  Over his last 10 games, he’s batting .281 with a .419 on-base percentage and 4 doubles, 1 HR, 8 RBI, as well as a stolen base.  After getting off to a slow start with Kinston, his high A average is now up to .278.  One of the impressive things about Chen is that he demonstrates excellent patience at the plate, drawing 12 walks while striking out 11 times through 16 high A games (54 at-bats).  Although I’d like the see him in an Indians uniform someday, the presence of Carlos Santana in the big leagues forestalls some of my excitement about Chen’s potential.  If he continues to improve, he may at the very least end up being a key component of a trade package at some point.  Or Santana’s replacement after the Tribe trades him or lets him go during free agency.  Oh, yes.  I am clearly a diehard Cleveland fan.

Speaking of young catchers in the Indians farm system, it appears that LOU MARSON (age 24) might finally remembering why he was a key piece of the trade that sent Cliff Lee to the Phillies in 2009.  On Wednesday, he went 2 for 3 at the dish, doubling, driving in a pair, and drawing a walk.  Although he’s batting only .193 in 109 at-bats after getting demoted from Cleveland after posting a similar .191 average through 141 at-bats in the show, he’s hitting .281 over his last 10 contests with 3 doubles and 6 RBI to go along with a 5:7 K to BB ratio.  I’m going to withhold any optimism here until Marson shows that he can sustain such modest numbers over a substantially longer period of time.  Even if he does get it together in AAA, he has a formidable roadblock in the form of Santana ahead in the majors.  Marson had his chance with the Indians over the last two seasons and he didn’t capitalize on his opportunity.

The Rundown: JEANMAR GOMEZ put together his third consecutive quality start, giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits and 1 walk in 7 innings of work for Columbus against Buffalo on Wednesday.  He struck out 4 and picked up the win…  On the offensive side, JOSH RODRIGUEZ helped the Clippers win by going 1 for 3 at the dish, walking twice, doubling, and driving in a pair.  He’s now hitting .307 on the season in AAA, cooling off considerably after a hot start in June (.380 BA in 70 ABs)…  Outfielder MICHAEL BRANTLEY had a decent showing in his return to Columbus, going 1 for 3 at the plate with 2 walks…  Kinston third baseman KYLE BELLOWS impressed again on Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with a double, a HR, and 3 RBI against Winston Salem.  In the series, he’s 6 for 12 with a 2B, a 3B, a HR, and 6 RBI through 3 games…  Captains starting pitcher CLAYTON COOK pitched decent on Wednesday, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits (1 HR), 1 walk, and 1 strikeout in 4.2 innings.  Hardly a dominating outing, but at least serviceable…  Outfielder DELVI CID had another one of his trademark games, going 1 for 5 with a run scored, a walk, and a stolen base (48 on the year).  He struck out 4 times, making that 12 punchouts in his last 10 games and 91 in 93 contests this year (359 at-bats).  His season average sits at .242 while he gets on base at only a .297 clip.  I love his talent on the basepaths, but it’s going to be wasted if he can’t improve on his ability to get on base…  Akron had the day off on Wednesday and the Mahoning Valley game against Jamestown was suspended (it will be finished on 07/29).

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.

July 24: White Stellar Again, Brach and House Also Impress

ALEX WHITE (age 21) pitched another gem for the Aeros on Saturday, allowing earned 1 run on 8 hits and no walks in 7 innings of work.  He struck out 7.  The righty’s AA ERA now sits at 1.48 through 73 innings (12 starts).  Although his K rate dropped after his promotion from high A Kinston to Akron (41 Ks in 44 IP for Kinston, 49 Ks in 73 IP for Akron), he’s struck out 21 batters over his last 3 starts (20 innings).  He hasn’t given up any home runs since June 25 and has allowed only more than 1 earned run in 1 of his last 10 starts (3 earned runs on June 19 against Portland).  Perhaps the most impressive stat is that he’s walked only 3 batters in his past 7 starts (42.1 innings).  With his strikeout rate on the rise, his free passes on the decline, and opposing batters finding it difficult to hit him (.207 average in his last 10 starts), White is showing why the Indians selected him in the first round of the 2009 draft (15th overall).  He has a legit shot of cracking the Indians starting rotation next season and settling in as a solid #2 starter within the next couple of years.

Lake County Captains starting pitcher BRETT BRACH (age 22) was also very impressive yesterday.  He tossed a complete game shutout against Peoria, allowing 7 hits, walking 1, and striking out 5.  In 14 starts for the Captains (72.2 innings), he’s maintained a 3.22 ERA with 55 strikeouts and 20 walks while posting a .287 opposing batting average.  Brach was selected by the Indians in the 10th round of the 2009 draft out of Monmouth University.  In his first season of professional ball, he made 15 starts for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, recording a 2.19 ERA with 20 walks and 61 strikeouts in 78 innings of work while holding opposing batters to a .215 batting average.  He began this season with a pair of relief appearances for Kinston (1 earned run, 2 Ks, 1 BB in 2.2 IP), but was sent to Lake County to start.  He’s shown some improvement over the course of the season, raising his K rate (42 Ks in his last 10 starts, 54.2 IP) and cutting down his opponents’ batting average (.259 over his last 10 starts).  Although he’s far from the most flashy or promising pitching prospects in the Tribe’s minor league system, his performance this season merits some attention.

T.J. HOUSE (age 20) of the Kinston Indians also pitched very well on Saturday.  He threw 6 innings against Wilmington, allowing 1 earned run on 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 5.  On the season, he’s posted a 4.18 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 97 innings.  Although his BAA (batting average against) is a serviceable .268, the high number of walks that he has issued is a bit alarming (46).  He started off the season strong, but has slipped as of late, recording a 4.38 ERA in his last 10 games while witnessing a drop in his K rate (only 34 in 49.1 IP) and a jump in his BAA (.284).  Fortunately, the lefty is only 20 and already in high A ball, so he has time to get back on track.  Saturday’s performance suggests that his turnaround might have already begun.

LUIS VALBUENA (age 24) of the Columbus Clippers had the best day at the dish of any Indians MiLB player yesterday.  Against Pawtucket, he went 3 for 5 with 2 doubles, a HR, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored.  Although Valbuena has been impressive in AAA this year (.326 average, 8 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HRs, 15 RBI, 14 BB, and 18 K in 86 at-bats), he struggled mightily in the big leagues earlier this season, recording a dismal .166 BA with 6 doubles, 2 HR and 14 RBI along with a 37:20 K to BB ratio in 49 games (151 at-bats).  Although his 5’10”, 195 frame suggests that he has little power, he has hit at least 10 home runs in 4 of his 6 seasons of professional ball (he hit 10 in 2009 for the Tribe, along with a .250 BA and 31 RBI).  His solid performance in AAA over the past 3 seasons indicates that he has the ability to hit for average, but it’s beginning to appear that he might be one of those AAAA-type guys, very good in AAA, but just doesn’t have what it takes for the MLB.  He’ll likely get another shot in the bigs before too long, but he’s running out of time with the Tribe, especially since he has to compete with the likes of Kipnis, Rodriguez, and Phelps.

The Rundown:  Quite a few Indians minor leaguers had good showings at the plate on Saturday, so I’ll just get to it.  A regular star on the field and in this blog, Aeros second baseman JASON KIPNIS, had another good game, going 2 for 6 and scoring 2 runs against Reading.  He’s now batting .329 on the season in AA…  Teammate BEAU MILLS went 1 for 4 at the dish, smacking a HR, driving in 3, and drawing a walk.  Mills is now hitting .278 over his past 10 games, pulling his season average up to .234, with 8 HRs and 53 RBI.  He’s just getting started…  Akron outfielder MATT McBRIDE continued to rake, going 2 for 4 yesterday with 2 doubles and 2 RBI.  He’s now batting .371 over his last 10 games and .285 on the season…  LONNIE CHISENHALL also had a good game, smacking 2 doubles and driving in 1 run in 5 at-bats.  Over his past 10 games, he is hitting .306…  Outfielder JOHN DRENNEN (age 23) went deep for the Aeros, collecting 2 hits in 5 trips to the plate while driving in 3 runs.  He’s posted a healthy .311 average in AA this season, with 4 HRs and 41 RBI…  CORD PHELPS now owns a 12-game hitting streak, as he went 2 for 3 on Saturday with 3 runs scored for the Clippers…  JOSH RODRIGUEZ had only 1 hit in 4 at-bats against AAA Pawtucket, but it was a big one, a 3-run jack.  He also drew a walk…  First baseman WES HODGES continued his recent turnaround, logging 2 hits in 4 at-bats on Saturday, driving in 1 run and drawing a walk…  EZEQUIEL CARRERA (age 23), a center fielder acquired from the Mariners in the recent Russell Branyan trade, went 3 for 4, walking once, doubling, and driving in 3 runs.  The 5’10”, 175 lb. lefty has no power (0 HRs in 260 minor league at-bats this season) and does not run much (12 stolen bases), but his ability to get base hits (.281 BA on the season) and take a walk (25 walks to 39 strikeouts) makes him worth tracking…  Starting pitcher DAVID HUFF had a serviceable outing for the Clippers on Saturday, allowing 3 earned runs on 11 hits and 1 walk in 7 innings of work while striking out 5.  The young lefty has done little to impress during his brief time in the majors over the past couple of seasons, but, like Valbuena, he will get another shot with the Tribe before too long…  After a rough debut with AA Akron on July 20 against Altoona (issuing 4 straight free passes, walking in a run before getting pulled from the game without recording a single out), ROB BRYSON rebounded nicely against Reading on Saturday, allowing 1 hit and striking out 3 in an inning of work.  This guy has tremendous potential as a relief pitcher with his ability to strike out hitters, so I’ll be following his performances…  Last but not least is my daily ADAM ABRAHAM report.  Yesterday, the Captains first baseman went 1 for 3 against Peoria, slugging a HR and driving in a pair of runs.  He’s now batting .351 over his past 10 games with 3 HRs and 9 RBI.

July 23: Young Guns Power Clippers, Captains to Victory

Lake County Captains starting pitcher MATT PACKER (age 22) pitched another gem on Friday.  He went 6.2 innings, allowing 3 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits, 1 walk, and 7 strikeouts.  Over his last 10 starts (61.2 IP), he’s posted a 1.17 ERA while striking out 61, walking 10, and holding opponents to a .228 batting average.  In only one of those outings did he allow more than 1 earned run, and that was only a 2-spot.  The lefty was the Indians’ 32nd round pick in the 2009 draft, out of the University of Virginia.  After proving his mettle in A ball all season long, he’s ready for the next level.

JEANMAR GOMEZ (age 22) is showing why the Indians gave him a spot start a week ago.  He responded to being sent back to AAA Columbus after his first big league start (7 shutout innings) with another stellar performance on Friday, allowing 1 earned run on 6 hits and no walks while striking out 7 in 8 innings of work against the Pawtucket Red Sox.  After these two performances, he is likely the first in line should the Indians make the call to AAA for a starter anytime soon.  Over his last 10 starts, there has been a direct correlation between his strikeout totals and overall performance.  In the 4 outings where he posted more than 4 strikeouts, he allowed 4 earned runs in 26 innings of work for a 1.38 ERA.  In the 6 starts where he recorded 4 strikeouts or less, he gave up 28 earned runs in 33.2 innings for an ERA of 7.59.  Not every pitcher is a strikeout pitcher, nor can they all be, but Gomez thrives in general when he can make batters whiff.

Outfielder KEVIN RUCKER (age 20) of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers is quietly putting together a solid season.  The Indians’ 47th round pick in 2007 (1,381st overall), Rucker spent the 2007-2009 seasons in rookie-level ball before moving up to the Class A Short-Season Scrappers this year.  Last night, he went 2 for 3 with a double and a walk, raising his season totals to .308 with 2 doubles, a triple, and 7 RBI in 21 games (65 at-bats).  Over his past 10 games, he’s shown some growth at the plate, batting .387 and getting on base at a .429 clip.  However, he will have to continue cutting down on the strikeouts and try to take more walks; he’s posted a 19:4 strikeout to walk ratio on the season.

Akron Aeros outfielder TIM FEDROFF (age 23) continues to streak, going 2 for 5 at the plate on Friday with a solo home run.  During his past 10 games, he’s hitting .350 with 4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, and 6 RBI with 6 strikeouts to 2 walks.  Selected by the Tribe in the 7th round of the 2008 draft out of the University of North Carolina, he possesses little power (MiLB career high of 4 HRs in 378 at-bats last season) and modest speed (only 6 this season after 13 last year).  After batting .319 for the Scrappers in 2008, he hit only .278 for Kinston last year and .271 for Akron this season.  Although he’s struck out at a lower rate this year than last, he’s also drawn fewer walks.  If he hopes to make it to the major league level, he’ll need to become an on-base machine.

The Rundown:  CORD PHELPS extended his current hitting streak to 11 games on Friday with a single in 3 at-bats.  He also walked.  The Clippers second baseman is now hitting .432 in his past 10 games (.512 OBP) and .373 (.439 OBP) in 118 AAA at-bats.  At this point, he’s probably more likely to get a late-season call-up to the Indians than…  JOSH RODRIGUEZ (age 25), who went 1 for 4 with a solo jack in Friday’s game.  After a hot start in AAA, he’s cooled off considerably, batting only .227 with 2 doubles, 1 HR, and 7 RBI with 2 walks to 8 Ks in his past 10 games.  He’s batting .314 on the season for Columbus (172 at-bats) with 11 doubles, 7 HRs, and 29 RBI (23 walks to 36 strikeouts)…  BEAU MILLS went 0 for 4 on Thursday, but rebounded with a 2 for 4 performance on Friday, slugging a double, driving in 1 run, and stealing a base.  His season batting average is now up to .233…  Akron teammate MATT McBRIDE continued his power surge, smacking a 3-run home run on Friday.  He now has 16 on the season, 4 of those coming in his past 10 games – he’s hitting .324 during that stretch, with 2 doubles and 11 RBI…  Another appearance here for ADAM ABRAHAM, the Lake County Captains first baseman.  He went 2 for 3 on Friday against Burlington, raising his season average to .226.  He’s improved that season figure drastically over the past 10 games, batting .368 during that span with 4 doubles, 2 HR, and 8 RBI (not to mention a decent 4:7 K to BB ratio).  He’s one of my favorite guys in the lower echelons of the Indians farm system.