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 21: Cid, Chen Extend Hitting Streaks

AAA COLUMBUS (L, 4-8)

• EZEQUIEL CARRERA (23, CF):  2-3, BB.  Last 7 games: 9-31 (.290), 2 2B, 4 RBI.  Through 99 ABs with the Clippers: .263 BA, 2 2B, 3B, 10 RBI, 6 BB, 22 K (.308 OBP).
• JARED GOEDERT (25, 3B):  1-3, BB.  Last 4 games: 4-14 (.286), RBI, 3 BB.
• JORDAN BROWN (26, 1B/OF):  2-4, HR, 3 RBI.  Since return to AAA: 5-17 (.294), 4 K.
• PAOLO ESPINO (23, SP):  4 IP, 8 ER, 9 H (3 HR), 2 BB, 3 K.  In 4 AAA starts: 23.2 IP, 5.32 ERA, 17 K, 7 BB, 6 HR allowed, .258 BAA.

HIGH-A KINSTON (L, 7-8)

• KYLE BELLOWS (21, 3B):  2-5, 2B, RBI.  Last 2 games: 4-9, 2 RBI after going 0 for previous 9.
• ABNER ABREU (20, OF):  3-4, 2B, RBI.  Last 10 games: .333, 4 extra-base hits, 7 RBI, BB, 9 K, SB.  Season (369 AB): .249 BA, 20 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 50 RBI, 116 K, 17 SB (.281 OBP), 9 SB.  Low BB and high K rates alarming, and haven’t really improved over the course of the season.
• CHUN CHEN (21, C):  1-4, 2B, BB, RBI.  9-game hit streak:  12-28 (.429), 4 extra-base hits, 4 RBI, 7 BB, 6 K, SB.
• JUAN DIAZ (21, SS):  2-3, RBI.  Last 6: 9-19 (.474), 3 RBI, 2 BB.
• KAREXON SANCHEZ (23, 2B):  2-5, RBI.  Pre-all-star break: .280 BA, 18 extra-base hits, 29 RBI, 43 BB, 49 K, 7 SB in 211 AB.  Since: .234 BA, 14 extra-base hits, 16 RBI, 24 BB, 57 K, 0 SB.
• DONNIE WEBB (24, OF):  1-3, 2B, RBI, BB.  Last 10: .313 BA, 3 2B, 3 RBI, 10 K, SB.
• T.J. HOUSE (20, SP):  4 IP, 3 ER (3 unearned), 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K.  Last 2 outings combined: 9 IP, 8 ER, 15 H, 3 BB, 8 K.
• CHRIS JONES (20, RP):  3.1 IP, 5 K, H, BB.  Last 5 outings: 13.1 IP, 15 K, 3 ER, 4 BB, 8 H.  Season in high-A (61 IP): 1.62 ERA, 56 K, 22 BB, .205 BAA.
• CORY BURNS (22, CP):  .2 IP, 2 H, K, 2 unearned runs.  An rare blown save, granted he gave up no earned runs.

LOW-A LAKE COUNTY (L, 6-3)

• TYLER HOLT (21, CF):  1-4, 2B, RBI.  Through 7 games with Captains: 4-23, 2 2B, 3B, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K.
• DELVI CID (21, OF):  1-4, RBI.  8-game hit streak: 12-33 (.364), 3 RBI, 3 BB, 11 K, 4 SB.
• GIOVANNI SOTO (19, SP):  4 IP, 4 ER, 5 H (2 HR), 3 BB, 3 K.  First poor start with Lake County after 4 impressive outings: 23 IP, 6 ER, 12 H, 7 BB, 24 K.

SHORT-SEASON MAHONING VALLEY (W, 2-1)

• NICHOLAS BARTOLONE (19, SS):  1-4, RBI, SB.  Last 3 games: 4-13, 2 2B, 2 RBI.
• JONATHAN BURNETTE (22, OF):  1-4, 2B.  Last 10 games: .317, 5 extra-base hits, 5 RBI, 3 BB, 9 K.  Season (226 AB): .288 BA, 15 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 13 BB, 51 K.
• MOISES MONTERO (20, C):  2-4, 2B.  Last 3 games (part-time player): 5-13, 2 2B, HR, 3 RBI.
• JORDAN COOPER (21, SP):  5 IP, ER, 3 H, BB, 4 K.  Last 4 starts: 19 IP, 4 ER, 17 H, 6 BB, 10 K.
• NATHAN STRIZ (21, RP):  IP, K.  Second professional appearance (IP, K, BB on Aug. 18).

Last night’s Akron Aeros game was postponed because of rain and will be made up as half of a doubleheader today (08/22).

August 18: Chen Homers, Cid and Constanza Continue Hot Streaks

AAA COLUMBUS CLIPPERS (L, 2-9)

• JOSE CONSTANZA (26, OF):  3-3, 2 BB, RBI, SB.  Jose is the definition of en fuego right now.  Last 5 games: .706 BA (12-17), 4 RBI, 5 BB, and 5 SB.  He’s batting a scorching .383 overall in 60 August ABs, with 4 extra-base hits, 8 RBI, 9 BB, and 6 SB (only 5 K).  His season AAA average is up to .314, to go along with 33 SB.
• MATT McBRIDE (25, OF):  1-3, BB.  Batting .378 in this last 10 games, but with only 3 extra-base hits and 2 RBI.
• LUKE CARLIN (29, C):  2-3, HR, BB.  Recently acquired from the Pirates organization, batting .300 (3-10) in 4 games with the Clippers, with 2 BB and 5 K.
• DAVID HUFF (25, SP):  6 IP, 4 ER, 7 H (HR), 2 BB, 4 K.  In 9 AAA starts 56.1 IP): 3.99 ERA, 39 K, 15 BB, .281 BAA.

AA AKRON AEROS (L, 2-3)

• JORDAN HENRY (22, OF):  2-5.  Last 5 games: 11-23 (.478), 4 RBI, 2 BB.  AA average up to .306 (216 ABs), with a .393 OBP.
• LONNIE CHISENHALL (21, 3B):  1-3, BB.  Last 6 games: 9-20 (.450), 3 extra-base hits, 9 RBI, 7 BB (.593 OBP).
• JERAD HEAD (27, OF):  1-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB.  3-7 in 2 games since demotion from AAA.
• TIM FEDROFF (23, OF):  1-3, BB.  Last 10: .361, 6 extra-base hits, 4 BB (.439 OBP).
• CARLOS RIVERO (22, SS):  2-4.  Last 6 games: 8-24 (.333), 4 RBI.
• SCOTT BARNES (22, SP):  6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H (HR), 2 BB, 5K.  Last 10 starts: 3.36 ERA, 42 K, 18 BB, .218 BAA in 61.2 IP.  8 HR in those last 10 outings is concerning, though.
• CONNOR GRAHAM (24, RP):  2 IP, 3 K.  Last 10 appearances (17.1 IP):  1.04 ERA, 20 K, 4 BB, .169 BAA.  A vast improvement over his season totals: 3.20 ERA, 54 K, 40 BB, .253 BAA.

HIGH-A KINSTON INDIANS (L, 1-9)

• CHUN CHEN (21, C):  1-1, HR, 2 BB.  7 game hit-streak: 9-18, 3 extra-base hits, 3 RBI, 6 BB, SB.  Combined 2010 low-A and high A stats (330 ABs): .312, 32 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR, 56 RBI, .360 OBP (40 BB, 64 K).
• DONNIE WEBB (24, OF):  2-4.  Last 10 games: .324, 2 2B, 2 RBI, BB, 10 K, SB.
• JUAN DIAZ (21, SS):  2-4.  Finally settling in with Kinston.  Last 10 games: .405 BA, 3 extra-base hits, 5 RBI, SB (37 ABs).  Season with Kinston: .258 BA, 5 extra-base hits, and 14 RBI in 159 ABs.
• KAREXON SANCHEZ (22, 2B):  1-3, BB.  Last 9 games: 9-30 (.300), 5 BB, 11 K.  2010 season with Kinston: .259 BA, 18 2B, 4 3B, 10 HR, 43 RBI, 66 BB, 105 K  (.379 OBP).
• T.J. McFARLAND (21, SP):  0.2 IP, 5 ER, 4 H (2 HR), 2 BB, K.  Last 3 starts: 9 IP, 14 ER, 17 H, 3 BB, 10 K.
• TYLER STURDEVANT (24, RP):  3 IP, H, BB, 4 K.  10 appearances with Kinston: 19.2 IP, 4.12 ERA, 21 K, 9 BB, .237 BAA, 3 HR.
• BRIAN GRENING (25, RP):  2 IP, H, 5 K.  27 K in last 19.2 IP, 58 in 45 high-A IP this season.  4 HR allowed in last 10 outings (19.2 IP), though.

LOW-A LAKE COUNTY (L, 2-6)

• TYLER HOLT (21, CF):  1-3, 2B, BB.  In 4 games with Lake County: 3-11 (.273), 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K.
• DELVI CID (21, LF):  2-4, SB.  Last 3 games: 7-14, 2 BB, 3 SB.  Last 10: .333, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 6 SB.  On the season, he has 62 SB and his overall BA is up to .258 after batting .342 so far in August (73 ABs).
• JASON SMIT (20, 1B/OF):  2-3, 2B.  Last 9 games: .400, 6 extra-base hits, 7 RBI, 2 BB, 9 K, 2 SB.  Season average up to .268 after a .348 August so far (66 ABs), with 19 2B, 8 HR, 41 RBI, and 8 SB.
• CLAYTON COOK (20, SP):  2 IP, 2 BB, K.  Last 10 outings: 2.87 ERA, 37 K, 16 BB, .219 BAA in 53.1 IP.
• OWEN DEW (21, RP):  2.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 2 K.  Rough start in low-A (2 appearances): 6.23 ERA, 4 K, 3 BB, 3 ER, 5 H in 4.1 IP.
• PRESTON GUILMET (23, RP):  2 IP, ER, 2 H, 2 K.  Last 10 outings (21.1 IP): 1.69 ERA, 26 K, 4 BB, .147 BAA.

SHORT-SEASON MAHONING VALLEY (W, 4-2)

• CARLOS MONCRIEF (21, OF):  2-4.  Last 10 games: .378 BA, 5 extra-base hits, 4 RBI, 8 BB, SB.
• DIEGO SEASTRUNK (22, C):  1-4, HR, 3 RBI.  Last 8 games: .286, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 3 BB.  Season with Mahoning Valley: .193 BA, 5 2B, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 17 BB (22 K).  Solid overall K to BB ratio suggests that his recent success at the plate should continue.
• BRIAN HEERE (23, OF):  1-3, 2B, RBI, BB.  Last 7 games: .435 BA, 3 extra-base hits, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 3 K.
• MIKE RAYL (21, SP):  6 IP, 2 ER, BB, 6 K.  12 starts with the Scrappers (58.1 IP): 3.09 ERA, 44 K, 15 BB, .236 BAA.  Last 4 outings: 24 K in 20.2 IP.
• NATHAN STRIZ (22, RP):  IP, BB, K in Scrappers debut.

August 15: Kipnis and Chisenhall Remain Hot, Kluber Rebounds

AAA COLUMBUS (W, 7-3)

• YOHAN PINO (SP-27):  6 IP, 0 R, 9 H, 2 BB, 5 K.  Pre all-star break: 5.61 ERA, 76 K, 35 BB, .278 BAA in 17 starts (94.2 IP); Post all-star break: 4.60 ERA, 18 K, 8 BB, .275 BAA in 5 starts (29.1 IP).
• JOSE CONSTANZA (OF-26):  1-3, BB, SB.  Last 3 games: 7-11, 2 BB, 2 SB.  Batting .368 in his last 10 games and .306 in 330 ABs this season.
• EZEQUIEL CARRERA (CF-23):  1-3, 2 RBI.  4-14 in last 3 games after going 0-15 in his previous 4.  Batting .256 in 82 ABs with Columubus.
• CORD PHELPS (2B-23):  1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB.  9-25 (.360 BA) in last 6 games with 2 extra-bast hits and 8 RBI.
• MATT McBRIDE (OF-25):  2-4, HR.  His first HR in August, 2nd total in AAA (55 ABs) and 19th overall in 2010.  Now batting .382 in AAA.
• WES HODGES (1B/DH-25):  1-4, solo HR.  In last 6 games, batting .375 (9-24) with 3 extra-base hits and 7 K.

AA AKRON (W, 7-0)

• COREY KLUBER (SP-24):  6 IP, 0 R, 6 H, BB, 4 K.  First 2 starts with Akron: 8 IP, 9 ER, 19 H, 6 BB, 9 K.  Looks like the “real” Kluber has arrived, and he’s not that bad (3.45 ERA with 136 K, 40 BB, .259 BAA in 122.2 IP with San Diego’s AA affiliate earlier this season).
  
• JASON KIPNIS (2B-23):  2-2, HR, 2 RBI, BB.  9 game hit streak, batting .378 during that stretch (14-37) with 5 extra-base hits and 10 RBI.  Last 4 contests: 8-15 with 2 HR, 6 RBI, and 3 BB.  This guy is the real deal.  In 224 AA ABs, he’s batting .339 with 28 extra-base hits, 34 RBI, and 6 SBs.
  
• LONNIE CHISENHALL (3B-21):  2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB.  Last 4 games: 7-14 with 8 RBI and 5 BB.  He’s been streaky all season long, but he’s still batting .273 with 33 extra-base hits (15 HR), and 66 RBI in 374 ABs with Akron this season.  34 BB to go along with 56 K isn’t all that bad, either.
  
• JORDAN HENRY (CF-22):  2-5, 2B.  Last 3 games: 7-14 with 3 RBI and 2 BB.  .325 BA and .438 OBP. in last 10 contests.
• JOHN DRENNEN (OF-23):  2-5, RBI.  Last 10 games: .372 BA, 7 RBI.  He’s 10-23 (.435) in last 5.
• TIM FEDROFF (OF-23):  1-3, 3B, BB.  6 for his last 12 and batting .342 in last 10 contests.
• CRISTO ARNAL (2B-24):  1-3, BB.  8-game hit streak, batting .324 in last 10 games.
• OMAR AGUILAR (RP-25):  IP, BB, 2 K.  3.29 ERA, 67 K, 30 BB, and .214 BAA in 54.2 IP in 2010.  1.80 ERA, 16 K, 9 BB, and .171 BAA in last 10 appearances (10 IP).

HIGH A KINSTON (L, 4-6)

• ABNER ABREU (OF-20):  2-4, 3B, 2 RBI.  Last 4 games: 6-14 (.429) with 4 RBI.
• KAREXON SANCHEZ (2B-22):  2-4.  Last 5 games: 7-19 (.368).
• KYLE BELLOWS (3B-21):  2-4.  Batting .333 in last 10 games with 4 2B and 7 RBI.

LOW A LAKE COUNTY (W, 5-2)

• GIOVANNI SOTO (SP-19):  5 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, BB, 4 K.  In 4 starts with Lake County (23 IP): 2.35 ERA, 24 K, 7 BB, .162 BAA.  Overall low A total in 2010 (105.2 IP): 2.56 ERA, 100 K, 32 BB, .231 BAA.
• DELVI CID (OF-21):  4-5, RBI.  Last 7 games:  11-29 (.379), 3 SB.
• ADAM ABRAHAM (3B-23):  2-5, RBI.  Last 5 contests: 8-22 (.364).  He hit .182 with 2 HR and 11 RBI in 143 ABs before the all-star break and is hitting .321 with 8 HR and 36 RBI since (184 ABs).
• GREG FOLGIA (RF-22):  3-3, RBI.  Batting .324 in last 10 games with 6 RBI.
• ROBERTO PEREZ (C-21):  1-4, solo HR.  Last 10 contests: .323 BA, 8 extra-base hits, 7 RBI, 9 BB (.475 OBP).  Batting .232 with 30 extra-base hits and 36 RBI in 323 ABs in 2010.
• JOSE FLORES (RP-21):  IP, 2 K, SV.  In 31.2 IP this season, he has a 1.99 ERA with 41 K, 5 BB, and a .211 BAA (4 SVs).

SHORT-SEASON MAHONING VALLEY (W, 10-8)

• CARLOS MONCRIEF (CF-21):  1-3, 2 RBI, 2 BB.  Last 10 games: .378 BA, 5 extra-base hits, 4 RBI, .500 OBP.
• NICHOLAS BARTOLONE (SS-19):  2-5, SB.  In 8 games with Mahoning Valley (35 ABs), he’s batting .257 after batting .303 in 132 ABs with the AZL Indians (rookie ball).
• JONATHAN BURNETTE (OF-22):  2-4, BB.  Last 10 contests:  .325 BA, 5 extra-base hits, 6 RBI, .386 OBP.  Batting .292 in 209 ABs in 2010, with 24 extra-base hits and 27 RBI.
• KEVIN RUCKER (OF-20):  1-4, solo HR, BB.  5-14 in last 4 games with 2 solo HR.
• BRIAN HEERE (OF-23):  2-5.  Last 10 games: .333 BA and .421 OBP.
• MOISES MONTERO (C-20):  2-5, HR, 3 RBI.  In 80 ABs this season, he’s batting just .163 with 2 extra-base hits.
• SCOTT EHLERT (RP-22):  1.1 IP, H, 3 K, SV.  In 16 appearances (24.1 IP): 4.07 ERA, 35 K, 9 BB, .258 BAA.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 3: Talkin’ Starters: Espino, White, and Mahalic

RHP PAOLO ESPINO (age 23) made his AAA debut with Columbus on Tuesday, helping to fill the void after the recent promotions of Josh Tomlin and Jeanmar Gomez.  He pitched 7 fine innings against Louisville, allowing 2 runs (both earned) on 6 hits (one HR) and no walks while striking out 4.  Espnino’s final stat line in AA was a solid 4.00 ERA with 92 Ks, 35 BB, and a .245 BAA in 101.1 IP.  He’s not the most overpowering or dominant pitcher, but he appears fairly consistent and reliable.  The Indians selected Espino in the 10th round of the 2006 draft out of high school and he’s currently in his 4th year of professional ball.  I look forward to seeing what he does down the stretch, as he does a good job of issuing a modest amount of free passes and hits while also posting decent strikeout totals.

ALEX WHITE (age 21) of the Aeros, however, had a rare poor outing on Tuesday.  Against Altoona, he allowed 4 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out only 2 in 5 innings of work.  As this was an uncharacteristic performance for White, I won’t read too much into it.  This was his first subpar outing since June 19, when he allowed 3 earned runs on 8 hits (2 HR) and struck out only 1.  In the intervening 7 starts, he allowed 1 or no runs, giving up a total of 5 during that stretch; he struck out 37 and walked 5 during those 43 innings.  As this is his first season of professional ball and he’s tossed 127.1 innings between Kinston and Akron, it’s possible that he may be tiring.  But I’ll withhold further judgment on the matter until he pitches some more.

Kinston starter JOSEPH MAHALIC (age 21) was simply dominant in the Indians’ shutout of Myrtle Beach in game two of their doubleheader on Tuesday (game 1 was the remainder of Monday’s suspended game).  Mahalic went 6 scoreless innings against the Pelicans, giving up only 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8.  On the season, he’s posted a 4.20 ERA with 57 Ks, 40 BB, and a BAA of .282 in 83.2 innings of work.  He’s a bit streaky, though, as he tends to lump together a stretch of a few impressive starts interspersed with stretches of rough starts.  But his is 21 and in high A, so he has some time to develop.  The biggest task ahead of him will be cutting down on walks; he’s issued 3 or more in 6 of his past 10 games.  Tuesday’s game showed his potential, now he needs to make the necessary adjustments to make such performances more routine.

AAA Columbus Rundown (L, 3-4):  In this 12-inning game, there were no standout performances for the Clippers at the plate.  Third baseman JARED GOEDERT went 1 for 5 with a 2B and a run scored.  He’s batting only .179 with a .304 OBP over his last 10 contests…  CORD PHELPS went 1 for 4 with a 2B and a run scored.  He’s cooled off considerably since his 13-game hitting streak ended; he’s hitting only .205 with a .311 BAA over his last 10 games…  Outfielder JOSE CONSTANZA went 2 for 3.  He’s batting .300 over his last 10 games and his season average is at .302.  He’s been unspectacular with the Clippers, but consistently good…  Reliever VINNIE PESTANO logged another scoreless inning of work, striking out 1 and allowing a hit.  He hasn’t given up a single run since June.

AA Akron Rundown (L, 3-4):  Little to note in his one.  BEAU MILLS went 2 for 3 at the dish with a 2B, BB, and an RBI.  He’s hitting .333 over his lasts 10 games (12 for 36) with 4 2B, a HR, and 8 RBI (.395 OBP).  He’s done a nice job of shifting the momentum of his 2010 season in a positive direction after a very slow start (well, a slow April, May, and June)…  JORDAN HENRY went only 1 for 4 on Thursday, but still logged an OBP of .400 as he also drew a walk.  He’s gotten on base at a .568 clip over his last 10 games (.472 BA).

High A Kinston Rundown (L, 2-12 / W, 1-0):  A pretty quiet doubleheader for the Indians, outside of Mahalic’s tremendous performance on the mound (see above).  In game 1, catcher CHUN CHEN went 1 for 3 with an RBI.  He’s now batting .344 over his last 10 games with 10 RBI…  BO GREENWELL stroked 2 singles in 4 at-bats.  He’s hitting .297 over his last 10 contests…  Outfielder ABNER ABREU went 2 for 4 with a 2B and an RBI, raising his average over his last 10 games to .308 (.357 OBP)…  Second baseman KAREXON SANCHEZ was the only Indian to put together 2 good games on Tuesday, going 1 for 2 with 2 BB in the first game and 1 for 3 with a 2B in the second.  He’s hitting .333 (5 for 15) over his last 4 games with 2 2B, a HR, and 2BB…  In the second game of the doubleheader, closing pitcher CORY BURNS earned his 20th save with the Indians (32nd overall in 2010), tossing a hitless inning in which he struck out a pair.  He’s now whiffed 39 batters in 26.2 innings in high A ball.

Class A Lake County Rundown (W, 13-7):  Another offensive outburst for the Captains on Tuesday, although ADAM ABRAHAM had a fairly quiet game (1-4, BB)…  Center fielder DELVI CID again paced the Captains, going 2 for 5 with a BB, 2 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases.  He now has 56 on the season and 7 in his last 4 games.  He’s batting .474 (9 for 19) during that stretch with a .524 OBP…  Catcher ROBERTO PEREZ went 2 for 3 with a HR, 2 RBI, and 2 BB.  He’s hitting only .223 in 292 at-bats with the Captains this season, but he is 4 for his last 8…  Outfielder JASON SMIT had his second straight quality performance, going 2 for 4 with a 2B and 3 RBI.  He’s 4 for 9 in his last 2 games with 4 RBI…  Second baseman ARGENIS MARTINEZ went 3 for 5 with a 3B and an RBI.  He’s hitting only .202 in 247 at-bats with Lake County, and .262 over his last 10 contests…  DH/first baseman CHRIS KERSTEN went 2 for 5 with a 2B.  He’s logged at least 1 base hit in his last 9 games…  Every starter in the Lake County lineup got on base at least once, 8 of the 9 at least twice.  The only player to not log a base hit in the contest was GREG FOLGIA, who went 0 for 2 with 3 BB.

Short-Season Mahoning Valley Rundown (L, 1-8):  The Scrappers didn’t do much in this one against Batavia.  Third baseman GIOVANNY URSHELA went 2 for 4, raising his season average to .270.  He’s batting .324 over his last 10 games with 2 HR and 5 RBI…  JONATHAN BURNETTE went 1 for 3 with a walk…  CARLOS MONCRIEF moved to just a shade under the Mendoza line (.199) with a 2 for 4 day.

As expected, the Indians put CARLOS SANTANA on the disabled list on Tuesday.  Doctors say that the has a severely sprained left knee and have not yet determined if surgery will be necessary.  LOU MARSON got the call up and provided the Indians only offense in Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to Boston, hitting a solo HR off of Josh Beckett.

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.