Buffalo Game Notes

TODAY’S GAME:

Tonight, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Rochester Red Wings in the first game of a two-game set at Coca-Cola Field (7:05 p.m.). The Herd is coming off a 2-1 series loss in Rochester, as the Bisons lost the series finale 5-4 yesterday. Buffalo went 3-6 on their season-long nine-game roadtrip. The Bisons begin their final homestand of the 2009 season tonight, in which they host Rochester and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for two games a piece.

vs. THE WINGS:

The Bisons are 5-9 against the Red Wings this season. The teams will face each other the next two days to close out their season series. The Herd has an overall .548 (103-85) winning percentage and a .564 (53-41) percentage at home against Rochester since returning to the I.L. in 1998.

ROLLING STONE:

RHP Tobi Stoner gets the start on the mound for the Bisons in tonight’s game. The righty has won his last two decisions and has posted a 1.50ERA in his last three starts. In his last outing, Stoner allowed just one run on three hits in six innings in a no-decision on Wednesday in Pawtucket. In the three-game span, he has allowed just 14 hits while striking out 14 in 18.0 innings of work.

HIT MACHINE:

The International League hit competition continues to be a two-man race. Neither OF Jesus Feliciano or Gwinnett’s INF Barbaro Canizares registered a hit yesterday. That means Canizares kept his one-hit lead, 141-140. Feliciano’s nine-game hit streak came to an end yesterday, during which he averaged .389 (14-36).

CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK:

OF Chip Ambres had a solid day at the plate in yesterday’s game. The veteran went 2-5 with a run and an RBI. Ambres has been clutch for the Herd with runners in scoring position all season long, going 22-70 (.314) with two home runs and 28RBI. The outfielder currently leads the Bisons with a four-game hit streak. In this span he has a .353 average (6-17) with two runs, two doubles and three RBI.

BISONS BITS:

INF Javier Castillo had his fourth three-hit game and fifth two RBI game of the season in yesterday’s game...The Bisons have just nine games left this season. Buffalo has a doubleheader on September 4 in Lehigh Valley.

Roster Moves: Lucy to B-Mets

Send OF – Kirk Nieuwenhuis and IF – Zach Lutz to Binghamton (AA)

Minors Stuff

B-Mets:

Ike Davis drove in three of Binghamton’s five runs Sunday afternoon and Eric Brown tossed six, strong innings for the win in the B-Mets 5-3 triumph at Canal Park. Playing in right field for the second straight day, Davis rapped three hits and finished a triple short of the cycle, including his team-leading 12th homer of the season.Binghamton (51-81) wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning. Jose Coronado doubled into the left-centerfield gap off starter Bobby Livingston with one out in the frame. Davis followed with a two-bagger into the right-field corner, plating Coronado. Then, Livingston hung an 0-2 breaking ball to D.J. Wabick with two outs that was spanked into center scoring Davis to make it 2-0 B-Mets.Akron (81-53) responded with a run in the bottom of the first on an RBI single from Jerad Head. The Aeros got the inning started with two outs thanks to an error at first committed by Salvador Paniagua, who was starting for just the fifth time at the position.Paniagua got the run back for Binghamton to start the second inning. He stung a first-pitch fastball from Livingston over the left-center field wall for his second homer of the year.In the fourth, Davis extended the lead to 4-1 with a two-out solo homer to right off Livingston, who had only given up three homers all year previous to allowing two Sunday.The Aeros closed to within two on an RBI double from Armando Camacaro in the fourth. However, Davis would extend the lead back to three with a broken-bat single to center with two outs in the eighth off Livingston, scoring Ruben Tejada, who had walked earlier.

http://www.bmets.com/viewarticle.asp?a=1929

Lucy:

Activate Pitcher Will Morgan from DL
Place Pitcher Salvador Aguilar on DL


Clones:

Starter Collin McHugh, who has been good all year long, was dominant, yielding just three hits in six innings, striking out five and lowering his earned run average to 2.54 while picking up his eighth win of the season. The Cyclones made it easy for McHugh, scoring in the first inning on a Jordany Valdespin bunt single, a Richard Lucas single and a Luis Rivera RBI groundout. After the Lake Monsters tied the score in the third on a double and a single, McHugh settled down, giving up just one more hit. The Cyclones got the winning run in the fourth, thanks to a Rivera leadoff triple and a Sam Honeck SAC fly

http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/32/34/32_34_gk_game_sum_64.html

Queens:

September arrives this week and something feels different on the local baseball scene.

No New York Mets

The Phillies entered the last two Septembers chasing their neighbors to the north, but this year the Mets are an afterthought in the National League East. The Phillies have a comfortable lead in the division, and barring what would be an embarrassing collapse, should win it for the third year in a row.

Have to be honest here: We miss the Mets.

Baseball came alive again in Philadelphia in 2007 and the Mets, who blew a late, seven-game lead, had a lot to do with it. The drama, excitement and entertainment value created by the Phillies' late surge that season was heightened by the Mets' misery. It's always fun for a team when its fiercest rival becomes its foil, and that's what happened for the Phillies the last two Septembers.

http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/newsstand/discussion/philadelphia_inquirer_salisbury_dear_mets_we_miss_you


Mets Alumni:

At 25 years old, is Kazmir really finished?From 2005-8, when Kazmir anchored the Rays rotation, he racked up a 45-34 record with a 3.51 ERA in 689.2 innings with a K/BB ratio of 2.39, striking out 742.Out of his 144 career starts, 36 -- or 25 percent of all his starts -- have come against the vaunted Red Sox and Yankees. What has he done in those starts? Try 208.1 innings, 3.20 ERA, 220 whiffs. This was all at the ages of 20-24. That's certifiably insane.Kazmir spent some time on the disabled list early on in 2008 with a strained left elbow then assumed a big workload en route to the Rays' first postseason -- and World Series -- appearance. Kazmir got 2009 off to a fine start before tumbling fast and being placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right quad strain May 22. He was activated from the disabled list June 27 and only recently started firing the ball better. You can see here that he's struggled with his K/9 all year, the struggles coming with his injury woes.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/blog_article/is-scott-kazmir-really-done-as-an-ace

Roster Moves To Lucy

Sean Ratliff and Josh Statin were promoted from Savannah to St. Lucie.

Gnats shut out Rome in final home game of 2009

The Savannah Sand Gnats played their final home game of the 2009 season 0n Sunday afternoon shutting out the Rome Braves, 2-0.
Starting Sand Gnat pitcher, Jeurys Familia, became the 1st Gnat pitcher to win 10 games. He struggled in the 1st inning giving up a hit and walking two and pitched behind in the count. Familia settled down and pitched 5 innings, gave up 6hits, no runs, 5 strike outs, and 3BB.
The Gnats scored their first run in the second inning when Eric Campbelled doubled and moved to third on Nick Giarraputo's single. Michael Moras hit a scracrifice fly to right field scoring Campbell.
In the third inning, Evan Leblanc led off with a single, and Wilmer Flores singled moving LeBlanc to third. Josh Satin flied to center, scoring LeBlanc from third.
Gnat reliever, Mike Lynn entered the game in the 6th inning and gave up 0 hits, no runs, 0BB and struck out three. Jimmy Johnson closed out the nineth inning retiring the three batters he faced.
For the game the Gnats had 7 hits. Both Evan LeBlanc and Nick Giarrputo went 2for3. Both Satin and Campbell doubled.

Ike Davis Hits 19th HR

Ike Davis drove in three of Binghamton’s five runs Sunday afternoon and Eric Brown tossed six, strong innings for the win in the B-Mets 5-3 triumph at Canal Park. Playing in right field for the second straight day, Davis rapped three hits and finished a triple short of the cycle, including his team-leading 12th homer of the season.

Binghamton (51-81) wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning. Jose Coronado doubled into the left-centerfield gap off starter Bobby Livingston with one out in the frame. Davis followed with a two-bagger into the right-field corner, plating Coronado. Then, Livingston hung an 0-2 breaking ball to D.J. Wabick with two outs that was spanked into center scoring Davis to make it 2-0 B-Mets.

Akron (81-53) responded with a run in the bottom of the first on an RBI single from Jerad Head. The Aeros got the inning started with two outs thanks to an error at first committed by Salvador Paniagua, who was starting for just the fifth time at the position.

Paniagua got the run back for Binghamton to start the second inning. He stung a first-pitch fastball from Livingston over the left-center field wall for his second homer of the year.

In the fourth, Davis extended the lead to 4-1 with a two-out solo homer to right off Livingston, who had only given up three homers all year previous to allowing two Sunday.

The Aeros closed to within two on an RBI double from Armando Camacaro in the fourth. However, Davis would extend the lead back to three with a broken-bat single to center with two outs in the eighth off Livingston, scoring Ruben Tejada, who had walked earlier.

Livingston threw a season-best 7.2 innings, but took the loss. The veteran southpaw allowed five runs on nine hits and struck out three.

Brown recorded just his second win as a starter and sixth overall with a quality start of six innings with two unearned runs allowed. He allowed just five hits and walked one.

Jose De La Torre faced some adversity in the ninth due to an error and a walk, but the righty buckled down and retired the side after allowing a run to earn the save. He hurled the final three innings in hitless fashion for his second save in five chances.

The two teams finish up the four-game set tomorrow night. Binghamton will give the ball to LHP Mike Antonini (7-3, 4.84) and Akron will counter with RHP Jeanmar Gomez (10-4, 3.09). The first pitch is slated for 7:05 and the radio broadcast on Newsradio 1290 WNBF begins at 6:50 with the Horizons Federal Credit Union Pre-Game Show.

72 Losses - A Silver Lining

As of the end of last night's game, the Mets record now stands at 58-72.

If the season ended last night, the Mets would be granted the 8th pick in the first round of the 2010 draft.

Also, as of last night, the Mets are tied with three teams (Oakland, Cincy, and Arizona) with 72 losses; however, at this point in the schedule, the Mets have more wins than these three teams.

It's conceivable that the Mets could be in possition for the 5th pick by early this week.

When I did my first mock draft earlier this month, I had the Mets pick at 10th, and chose a good pitcher, RHP Jamison Taillon, but there's a big difference in talent from the 10th to the 8th pick alone, no less the 5th.

On my chart, the 8th pick would get the Mets 2B/OF Levon Washington, who passed on being signed this year after being drafted in the first round. He's easily the top second baseman in the draft, and also plays outfield.

But the 5th pick would snag C Yasmani Grandal, who easily would have been the first catcher chosen in 2010 if Bryce Harper didn't come out early.

Or, the Mets could pick the best bat in the draft, OF Bryce Bentz, who I had ging 7th to Arizona.

Bentz, Washington or Grandal would offer the Mets a future star at positions they desperately need depth.

Remember.... 2010 is not considered a talented draft, so there are only around 10-15 projected "A" prospects in the entire process.

I know we're not supposed to root for losses, but if they continue to happen, there will at least be a little more light at the end of the tunnel.

Josh Thole To Mets Sept 1

According to Adam Rubin/NYDN, Josh Thole will be the first player called up to Queens come September 1st. According to Rubin, Thole will be the only player called up at that point and others should follow as various minor league teams come to the end of their season.

Thole will be the first Met player that played in Savannah to make it to Queens, and no one deserves it more. Josh is a realy good guy, who worked so hard to get where he has. I remember the first time I met him, on the day he arrived at Grayson Stadium for his first press day, I asked him if he was excited to play here, and he said " yeah, but I'm not sure at what position. Josh was a fiirst baseman with catching experience, but the Mets had Sean McCraw and Frankie Pena on the roster and began that season alternating at first base with D.J. Wabick.

Eventually, Thole went on to playing 117 games at first, hitting .267 and earned his stripes to Lucy.

Congrats to Josh and we look forward to watching him in Queens.

Akron 13, Binghamton 3

In stark contrast to Friday night, when Eric Niesen held the Aeros to one hit, B-Mets pitchers allowed 19 hits leading to a 13-3 loss at the hands of Akron at Canal Park Saturday night. Starter Dylan Owen was roughed for 10 of the 19 hits and allowed seven runs over four innings to draw the loss, his 10th.

The Aeros got to Owen in the second inning after the right-hander had struck out the side in the first inning. Matt McBride doubled to left with one out and then with two away Jerad Head followed suit with a double of his own to plate McBride. Then, Carlos Rivero plated Head with a single to left-center, pitting the Aeros a 2-0 lead.

Binghamton (50-81) responded with a run in the next half inning. Emmanuel Garcia started the third with a four-pitch walk issued by starter Eric Berger. Josh Thole singled to center with one out moving Garcia up to third. Ike Davis grounded into a fielder’s choice to second that scored Garcia to cut the lead in half at 2-1.

After Akron (81-52) returned the favor with a run in the last of the third, the B-Mets came back to tie in the fourth. Shawn Bowman got the ball rolling with a double off the fence in right-center. Caleb Stewart followed with a single to move Bowman to third. The next hitter, D.J. Wabick, lined a single off the back of Berger, which scored Bowman from third and moved Stewart to third. Jose Coronado plated the tying run with a sac fly to center, making it 3-3.

However, that was as close as Binghamton would get. The Aeros scored 10 unanswered the rest of the way to make a winner out of Berger, who tossed 5.2 innings of three-run ball for his second AA win.

Both Thole and Ruben Tejada enjoyed two-hit days and combined to account for half of the B-Mets four hits.

Head led the way for Akron with a 3-4 night including two doubles and four RBIs. McBride and Rivero also output three hits each to lead the charge.

The two teams return to the diamond tomorrow for an afternoon tilt with the series tied at a game apiece. The B-Mets will call upon RHP Eric Brown (5-14, 6.38) Akron will counter with LHP Bobby Livingston (2-4, 5.55). The first pitch is scheduled for 1:35 and the radio broadcast on Newsradio 1290 WNBF begins at 1:20 with the Horizons Federal Credit Union Pre-Game Show.

Gnats beat Braves,6-2 to even the series at 1-1.

The Savannah Sand Gnats won the second game of the series with the Rome Braves, 6-2 Saturday night.
The Braves started their 1st round 2009 draft pick from Vanderbilt, Mike Minor, who looked good in his limited performance. The lefty went 4 innings, allowed 3 hits, no walks, 4 strike outs and gave up 1 earned run. He lost his first game.
Gnat starter, Kyle Allen, had another quality outing. He had a seasons-high 9 strike outs. Allen pitched 6.2 innings, alowed 3 hits, 1BB and gave up 1 run. He won the game improving his record to 9-6.
In the first inning, the Gnats scored one run. Josh Satin doubled and went to third on Ratliff's ground out. Eric Campbell doubled scoring Satin.
The Gnats scored 5 runs in the 5th inning. Raul Reyes singled. Luis Alen walked and Jose Jimenez was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Josh Satin walked and a run scored. Sean Ratliff walked and a run scored. Eric Campbell doubled and three runs scored.
Reliever, Brad Burns entered the game in the 7th inning and pitched 2.1 innings. He gave up 1 run on 4 hits, struck out 6, and did not walk anyone.
Eric Campbell drove in 4 runs with his two doubles. He also made two outstanding fielding plays at third base.

Updated - Top Infielders in 2010 MLB Draft

1B:

1. Andy Wilkins - Arkansas … 6-2, 225, R/L… junior… excellent swing… can hit for power to all fields … 2009: .319, 19-HR, 58-RBI, 48-BB

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: lefty power plus with solid skills at 1b. Runs good for a big kid and upside left. Project to a 280 type hitter with 20+ HR power. Playing for Team USA this summer.


2. Christian Yelich – Westlake HS (CA) – 6-3, 190, L/L - also plays OF… runs 60-yd in 6.8… arm strength questionable… projects out at 1B… one of the best pure hitters in draft…

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: solid power, lefty stroke, make solid contact and adjusted well enough seeing several pitchers with different deliveries, could be a solid contributor at the ML level in 4-5 years

8-10: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/ – Area Code Games - Yelich is a and tall and thin lefthanded hitter whose sweet swing produced a long triple to right center in today’s morning game. He followed that in his next at bat with a sharp double down the left field line.

3. Troy Scott - (down from #1) - Univ. of Washington – 6-5, 205, L/R, sophomore -


4. Daniel Palka – Greer HS (SC) – 6-2, 190… also is LHP…

PG Cross Check has Plaka as the #2 high school prospect out of South Carolina and #124 in the nation

5. Chris Brooks – South Aiken HS (SC) – 6-3, 190…
PG Cross Check has Brooks ranked as the 5th SC prospect and the 216th overall in the nation…
6. Kevin Patterson – Auburn – 6-4, 220, L/R -

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: power stroke, upper cut, 250-270 type hitter, also OF, not a great runner, however gets it done. Glove is ok with adequate range. Power numbers are intriguing.

7. Kyle Roller – East Carolina – senior… L/R

7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .326, 4-HR, 13-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game

8. Mickey Wiswall – Boston College – junior… L/R…

7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .323, 2-HR, 18-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game

9. Mike Giller – Illinois – DH/1B – 6-3, 220, senior, L/R… played the 2009 summer for the Waterloo Bucks…

7-24 – Fr. http://www.rivals.yahoo.com/: The skinny: Giller didn’t have much of a spring for the Fighting Illini, but is making the best of his summer with the Bucks. Giller finished this past season hitting just .231 in only 13 at bats. With the Bucks, though, the veteran is a force at the plate. Giller is hitting .363 with 11 doubles, two homers and 34 RBIs. He also has walked and struck out 17 times each. Giller appears to be readying himself for a strong senior campaign for the Illini.

10. Kevin Koziol – Brother Rice HS (IL) - 6-2, 195 -

7-29: From: http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - Koziol has a big, strong frame that produces some raw power from the right side of the plate. He has good hands in the field to go along with a solid throwing arm and he runs a 7.2-second 60-yard dash.

11. Marcus Littlewood – Pineview HS (UT) – 6-2, 185 -

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: played wherever the coaches wanted, displayed solid contact from both sides of the plate, solid arm strength, running speed is adequate and has room to fill out, will be someone to follow through college for sure.

12. Kris Bryant – Bonanza HS (NV) – 6-5, 205, R/R…

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: power stroke, however didn't display contact ability or ability to adjust to pitching, 5 k's in 9 abs, seemed to press at the plate. Showed plus pwr in BP, wish I had seen it in the games however. Solid arm strength, best spot at 1b in pro ball, another one who should go to college and see where he develops in the next 3-4 years.

13. Jeff Jackson – Wauconda HS (IL) – 6-3, 195 -

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: mostly DH'd during tourney, made solid contact, better power showed in BP, needs a position, 1b seems to be the best bet for him. Good face too! Will contribute solidly in college, so a solid watchful player next 3-4 years.

14. Ryan Ford – Plano West HS (TX) -
8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Ford is a powerful hitter, with natural lift and pull-side power. Ford drops his bat head on the ball quickly and the ball explodes off his bat. He is smooth at first base and has potential above-average ability there.




2B:

1. LeVon Washington – (new) - CF/2B… Buchholz HS; Gainesville, FL - Specs: 5′10, 170, Bats L, Throws R… fast… 6.21 60-yard dash… signed with Florida… ranked No. 2 in the state of Florida according to Prospectswire.com, No. 1 OF… ranked No. 20 on Baseball America's list of Top 100 High School Prospects… ranked No. 25 on PG CrossChecker.com list of Top High School Prospects… 2008: batted .363 with 41 runs, 35 stolen bases, 21 RBI and four homers as a junior… 2007: .375 clip, 20 stolen bases, 16 RBI and five homers as a sophomore… 1ST ROUND PICK – Tampa Bay

8-17: unsigned 1st round… will be eligible to draft again in 2010


2. Michael Bortolotti – Milton HS – 5-7… average speed… can hit to all fields,,, average fielding at SS… projects out as 2Bman…

3. Colin Walsh – Stanford – junior… S/R…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .292, 5-RBIs, 4-SB… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game

4. Nick Crawford – UAB – junior… L/R…

7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .341, 6-SB… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game


5. Garin Cecchini – Barbe HS (LA) - -6-3, 200 – verbally committed to LSU…
7-29: from http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - Cecchini is athletic at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. He has good power from the left side of the plate. In the field, he’s fundamentally sound with a good arm, above-average speed and he plays the game hard.

6. Jeff Yamaguchi – Lakewood HS (CA) – 6-1, 175, catcher also –

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: will have to find a spot for him, 2b would be a good spot for him, solid hitting stroke, hits the ball where it's pitched, made adjustments, aggressive contact, solid arm strength, 45 right now, runs ok, not a clogger and deceptive physical strength.

7. Justin O’Connor – (new) - Cowan HS (IN) -

8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - O’Conner had a rough game, going 0-2 with 2 strikeouts, but I was able to see him all week and he is a great player with some pop in his bat. He had some great BP sessions and is able to generate a lot of power with his 6’1,190 pound frame. He has smooth actions in the middle infield and has a solid arm. He also threw an inning in the game, reaching the low 90’s. He is a great two-way talent, who to me is better as a position player.


8. B.J. Guinn – Cal – 6-1, 165, R/R –

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: can switch hit, best at RHH, solid defensively, runs at least ave.

9. Matt Lipka – McKinney HS (TX) –

8-9: from Keith Law/ http://www.espn.com/: - The Texas club was lead by Matt Lipka a 2B/SS from McKinney HS, TX. He draws comparisons to Orlando Hudson showing good speed and an easy swing designed for contact.


SS:

1. Christian Colon – Cal State Fullerton – excellent defense… only 11 errors as a sophomore… projects out as catcher… handles the bat well… could be best infielder in the draft… toolsy… led the 2008 US National team with 26 hits… hits to all fields… excellent defensive player with strong arm, great hands, and incredible range… excellent power for middle fielder… great bat speed… walked only 7.8% in 2009… drafted in the 10th round in 2007 by the Padres… freshman All-American… hit .352 as sophomore… projected as second baseman.

7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/: Colon was very highly thought of out of high school, winning the MVP of the Aflac All-American game in 2007, but slid to the 10th round due to a mediocre spring and a strong commitment to the baseball factory in Fullerton. A full-time starter from the day he set foot on campus, Colon managed a .357/.442/.529 line in 2009 with 26 of his 91 hits going for extra bases. Colon shows great contact ability, only whiffing 8.0% of the time last year. Defensively he has a strong arm, solid range and outstanding instincts. Colon has always been seen as a very smart player who maximizes his abilities. While he doesn’t have the raw tools of a Grant Green or Brandon Crawford, Colon looks like a very solid bet to be an average big leaguer.

7/08: Colon became the new USA Baseball National Team (Collegiate) record holder for stolen bases in a game after he tallied four.

7-09: Fr. Keith Law/ http://www.espn.com/ : His speed is suspect and that's usually a red flag for playing shortstop, but Law insists that he can play the position at the pro level.
7-13: As of July 13, hitting .400 with a pair of homers and 27 RBIs.

7-14: hit a three-run home run in the fourth to lead Team USA to an 8-4 victory over Japan in game three of the 37th Annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate Championships. Also, hit a three-run HR.

7-20: homered in the first inning , scored on a wild pitch in the 8th, and doubled in the 9th, for Team USA win over Team Canada

7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 7. Pittsburgh Pirates - Christian Colon Shortstop Cal State Fullerton - -Even with a deeper class, Colon has all the tools to be the best infielder in 2010. Colon, who participated on the 2008 US National Team and led the team with 26 hits, has incredible bat control and great speed. He hits the ball to all fields and has shown some flashes of power that could develop once he begins to inch closer to the major league level. Colon is the best defender in this class, as he has incredible range, great hands, and a strong arm.

7-23: hit 2-run home run for Team USA in 10-2 win over Team Prince George Axemen

7-24: Colon broke both his tibia and fibula, on his left leg, during a game he played for Team USA against Team Canada. He is expected to be out from 2-3 months.

8-2: from 6-16 article http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/: Colon has special hands defensively and is one of the steadiest defenders in college baseball, making only 11 errors as a sophomore. Some scouts have expressed a desire to move him behind the plate as a pro because his range is fringy at the pro level, and he has a squat body and plenty of arm strength. But Colon has middle-infield actions that are increasingly hard to find at the college level, and handles the bat well, with enough power to demand respect.

8-24 fr. www.baseballamerica.com: - Amidst the kudos for Colon's intangibles and makeup, it's easy to overlook his talent, and his production. A second-team All-American as Cal State Fullerton's sophomore shortstop this spring, Colon ratcheted his game to another level this summer, hitting .362/.459/.617 and leading Team USA in slugging, home runs (five), RBIs (37), runs (31) and stolen bases (24 in 26 attempts). He also drew 11 walks and struck out a team-low six times despite registering a team-high 94 at-bats. For his impressive offensive production—and, yes, for his valuable leadership—Colon is Baseball America's Summer Player of the Year…

8-24 fr. www.baseballamerica.com: - But Colon's summer was cut short in Team USA's penultimate game against Canada. Colon was covering second base on a bunt to third, and he received the throw in plenty of time to get the out and fire a relay to first. But the runner slid hard and late, colliding with Colon's shin. Colon suffered breaks in his fibia and tibia, forcing him to miss the title game of the World Baseball Challenge two days later. Both breaks were clean, and Colon was already walking around 15 days after the surgery, albeit with a limp. He is expected to make a full recovery well before the start of the 2010 season, but he will likely miss all of fall ball.


2. Yorby Cabrera – Lakeland HS (FL) – 6-3, 195 – verbally committed to Miami… father Tigers’ minor league coach… also a pitcher but projected as a third baseman… FB 94 range… pro arm in the field…

From: http://www.baseballfactory.com/ - Cabrera is a physically mature young man with two-way talent. In the infield he shows a quick first step, sure hands and a plus arm. At the plate, he uses strong wrists and hands to generate plus bat speed with pull side power. Although he is more appealing as a position player prospect at this time, Cabrera also throws a low 90s fastball on the mound. He attended a Team One Preview in Floria and played in the Under Armour Fall Tournament as a member of the All-American Prospects – a UA Franchise Team. He has verbally committed to the University of Miami.

8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Cabrera has a pro body and all the tools you look for in a young player. At the plate, he has strong wrists and forearms that generate good bat speed and produce hard line drives. The Miami recruit runs a 6.6-second 60-yard dash with fluid actions and above-average arm strength in the field and on the mound, where he touches 92 mph.

8-17 from http://www.baseballamerica.com/ re: AFLAC games - The home run derby was won by Yordy Cabrera (Lakeland, Fla., HS). Cabrera is an older, more mature high schooler whose uppercut, pull-oriented swing enables him to drive the ball deep to left center. He'll be 20 years old a few months after his graduation in 2010.

8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - A physically imposing high schooler, Cabrera is listed at 6’4, 190 pounds. His body looks pro ready already, although he is much older than the other players at the event. Cabrera showed off his power all week long, including hitting eight homers during the first round of the home run derby at the University of San Diego, then hitting five out at PETCO. He hit some monster shots at USD and he makes it look easy. He was dead pull all week and it will be interesting to see how he handles the outside pitch, and if he is able to go the other way with it. He has good bloodlines, as his father is a coach in the Detroit Tigers system.



3. Tony Wolters – (new) – Ranco Buena Vista HS (CA) -

8-17 from www.baseballamerica.com re: AFLAC games - Middle infielder Tony Wolters, who was named MVP of the game, is noticeably unimpressive in build and tools, but inevitably impressive in results. Wolters (Rancho Buena Vista HS, Vista, Calif.) looks more like the neighborhood paper boy than a top prospect. Charitably listed at 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, Wolters has a squat build and possesses no standout tools. As an example, he ran a pedestrian 7.15 60-yard dash in the SPARQ testing at the Area Code Games. Wolters' strengths are subtle. He won't hit 500-foot homers, get down the line in 3.9 seconds, or throw a 95 mph heater. As Leo Durocher once said of Eddie Stanky, "All the little (guy) can do is win." A lefthanded-hitting middle infielder who profiles as a second baseman in pro ball, Wolters is an intelligent hitter with an advanced approach. He ripped an outside 92 mph fastball to left for a hit early in the game. In the ninth, Wolters smartly dropped the bat head down to catch up to a low inside pitch, driving it down the right-field line for a triple which tied the score. Defensively, Wolters reads the ball coming off the bat unusually well, permitting him to add crucial steps to his lateral range. He exhibits quality fielding actions, an accurate arm and the ability to make difficult and routine plays efficiently and without flash.

8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Wolters was the game’s Most Valuable Player, going 2-4 with an RBI triple to tie the game late. He is a fun player to watch because he is very undersized at 5-10, 165. He does all the small things well, and he has a cannon for an arm across the diamond. Very solid defensive player and can handle the fastball well at the plate. It will be very interesting to see where he ends up in the draft, or if he heads to college next season. He is going to be a special player.

4. Josh Rutledge - Alabama –7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/: the University of Alabama should have the most talented left side of infield in college next year as SS Josh Rutledge and 3B Ross Wilson both have solid tools with decent power potential.7-17: went 2-3, 1-R, 1-RBI for Yarmouth-Dennis of the Cape Cod League


5. Rick Hague - Rice – junior… 6-2, 190, R/R… excellent fielder and capable hitter… great attitude and team player… from the Rice web site: Wayne Graham said -- "We view Ricky Hague as one of the top shortstops in college baseball and expect him to be one of the better hitters around. We expect big things both in the field and with the bat."7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/: SS’s Derek Dietrich of Georgia Tech and Rice’s Rick Hague have big time problems making contact, Hague is the only sure bet to stick at short, where he is very, VERY good…

.
7-23: went 3-4 for Team USA (HR) in 10-2 win against Prince George Axemen

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: smooth fielders, 60 arm, 60 hitter with 50 power, runs ok, 4.28 to 1b, better on the way runner, could be first IF taken in 2010 draft. Playing for team USA also this summer.

6. Zach Alvord – South Forsyth HS (GA) – 6-0, 180 –

7-29: From http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - Zach is a two way player at SS and on the mound with a tall, thin frame that does show projection as it continues to physically mature. He does project best at SS where he has a ton of athletic ability. Foot speed is outstanding as indicated by his 6.91 60 time and he utilizes his quick, athletic feet well in coming to get and playing through, displaying plus foot work. At the plate, hitting abilities are superior with outstanding power. Hands are quick and direct, generating bat speeds with a solid feel for the barrel. On the mound, Alvord has abilities. Fastball shows solid arm side run with 2 solid average off speed pitches. He throws strikes and attacks hitters working ahead. Zach has a big upside and future in the game of baseball and will get a lot of attention from the college coach and scouts.

8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Alvord had a great junior year. He hit .336 and, of his 41 hits, 32 of them went for extra bases—16 doubles and 16 home runs. He didn't hit his first single until 12 games into the season. Alvord is athletic with good power for his size.

8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Alvord is a great shortstop prospect who can really hit the ball. During the week he put on some of the best BP sessions in San Diego. Alvord has a lot of pop in his bat and is one of the best power hitters in the country. He is also a smooth defensive shortstop and it was great to see him taking tips from Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith during the week. Alvord went 0-2 with a walk, but hit the ball hard and far in his second at bat against Peter Tago


7. Marcus Littlewood - Pineview HS, St. George, Utah –


8. Derek Dietrich – Georgia Tech – 6-1, 200, L/R -

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: solid hitter with plus power potential, solid arm strength at least a 60 with good glove, range for SS however still a question, appears more like a power hitting 3b or 2b in pro ball, however he'll have to play his way out of being a SS early in pro ball.

9. Ross Wilson – Alabama – 5-11, 175, R/R –

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: gamer, tools are there to be solid ML, winner mentality, 50 runner at the least, better on the way. Gotten a lot of ink lately!

10. Garin Cecchini – (up from #17) - Barbe HS (LA) – 6-3, 190 -

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: looks great in a uniform, live body, should get bigger and stronger with natural maturity, solid HR power to RF, runs well, better underway, ML arm strength and good hands to stay at SS.

8-15: from XMLBScout on www.perfectgame.com: Garin Cecchini, what can you say? Played all out and didn't allow being hit by pitches to slow him down. Can you say "DEDICATION"?!!! Nice projection to play the hot corner eventually in the bigs! Gamer!



11. Brad Miller – Clemson – Sophomore… 6-0, 175… drafted in the 39th round by the Rangers in 2008… batted only .273 as freshman

12. Brandon Drury – Grants Pass HS ( OR) – 6-1, 180, R/R – excellent arm strength… good body control defensively… pure right hand swing…

13. James Harris – Etowah HS (GA) – 6-1, 190, L/R – very athletic… all-around toolsy talent…

14. Blake Kelso – Houston – junior… R/R…

7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .286, 11-RBI, 14-SB… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game

15. B. A. Vollmuth – Southern Miss – sophomore – R/R…

7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .289, 1-HR, 9-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game

16. Jacoby Jones – Richton HS (MS) –

8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Jones is an extremely good athlete that is exciting to watch. With a strong arm and a wirey frame with quick-twitch muscles, Jones has the tools to play multiple positions, including shortstop, third base and center field. He's an above-average runner with a high ceiling and has a verbal commitment to Louisiana State.

17. Sean O’Brien – Clearwater HS (FL) –

8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - at 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, O'Brien has a pro body and the makings of five good tools. He has a quiet approach in the batter's box with good balance. He consistently gets the barrel on the ball and hits hard line drives. In the field he is fluid with a strong arm.







3B:

1. Victor Sanchez –– San Diego – 6-2, 180, R/R – was drafted 25th by Cubs in 2007… lots of raw power… 12 HRs as freshman… injured most of sophomore year… shortstop in high school…

7-21: Fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com/: - My favorite of that group (of 3Bmen) and minor sleeper come draft day is Victor Sanchez from California.

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: has pop in his bat and body to fill out, 15-20 type HR power, solid ML arm, runs ok, better between the bases, glove can play at 3b, future might be 2b.

2. Nick Castellanos – (up from #3) Archbishop McCarthy HS, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – 6-4, 205 –

From: http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - One of the top hitters in the 2010 class, Castellanos generates plus bat speed and has legitmate home run power to all fields. He has a tall, broad-shouldered frame similar to Scott Rolen and makes all the plays at 3B with ease. He projects as a middle-of-the-order hitter at any level. We have seen a lot of Nick as he has attended an Under Armour National Tryout, Dodgertown World Series and played in an Under Armour SE Tournament. He also plays for UA Franchise Team, the All-American Prospects. He has verbally committed to the University of Miami.

8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - A strong, solid corner infielder, Castellanos can flat out rake. He has a big frame, and is very athletic for his size. Castellanos has a good feel for the game and has a strong arm from the left side of the diamond.

8-9: from http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Castellanos was the driving force behind Baseball Factory’s win. He went 4-for-4 with four doubles, three RBIs, two runs scored and a walk. He hit the ball to all fields, squared it up and also made a very nice play up the third base line to kick the game off.

8-15: from XMLBScout on www.perfectgame.com: I saw him a couple games in Cary and he showed the ability to make solid contact, however, yesterday he appeared to show better on the way speed and if comparing him to anyone currently in the ML, I'd say Zimmerman 3B with the Nats. John moved up several projection charts for 2010 for sure!!


3. Zack Cox - Arkansas – draft-eligible sophomore… 3B tools and excellent bat speed… has had back problems.

7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .388, 7-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game

7-25 fr. http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - The fans and dozens of scouts were treated to strong pitching and a two-hit, two-RBI day by Cotuit third baseman Zack Cox (Arkansas), who was named the game's offensive MVP for the victorious West squad. "What you saw tonight is Zack Cox: Most of his hits are up the middle or the other way," said Roberts, who coaches Cox at Cotuit. "If he has one thing he'd like to do better down the road it's on certain pitches he'd like to turn on them better. But he's what I'd call a country Enos Slaughter. He's a country slasher, and he understands hitting."

8-2: from 6-16 article http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/: A freshman this season, Cox will be draft-eligible as a sophomore in 2010. He has battled a bad back this spring, but seemed to be loosening up and getting into a hitting rhythm as the Razorbacks tore through the postseason. Cox has third-base tools with plenty of bat speed to profile him to produce above-average power down the road. He's shown the ability to catch up to good fastballs and needs to learn to trust his hands to handle offspeed stuff.

18. Kris Bryant - Bonanza HS, Las Vegas

8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Power is his calling card. He is a giant at the plate, at 6’5,205 and he generates a ton of power in his swing. Bryant went 0-2 with a walk in the game, but the days before is where he shined. It was great to watch him during BP as he makes it look almost too easy to hit for that much power. He has a solid arm across the diamond and should be able to stay at third base as he moves up during his career.



4. Ross Wilson – – Alabama –

7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/: the University of Alabama should have the most talented left side of infield in college next year as SS Josh Rutledge and 3B Ross Wilson both have solid tools with decent power potential.


5. Derek Dietrich - Georgia Tech



6. Joey Kenworthy – Texas Tech – Senior… 5-5, 152, S/R… 2009: .335/.378/.417 in 220 Abs… 17 errors…

7. Jedd Gyoko – West Virginia – Junior – 5-10, 195… played SS in 2008… played 3B in 2009 Cape Cod League… hits for average and power… excellent middle fielder in past

7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .294, 8-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game


8. Ryan Albert – Newport Harbor HS (CA) – 5-11, 170, L/R – raw power… also throws 88-fastball, 76 curve… projects out at third due to his excellent hitting ability…

9. Josh Anderson – Poway HS (CA) – 6-0, 205, R/R – also pitches with 84-87 fastball… well above average tools… but slow…

10. Bryan Soloman – Memorial HS (NJ) – 6-4, 245, R/R – raw power and excellent extension threw contact… also pitches with good command…

11. Chad Lewis – Marina HS (CA) – 6-2, 190, R/R…

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: one of best power strokes in the tourney, solid ML arm from the corner, moves feet well enough to stay there, reminds me some of Mike Schmidt when I was a kid watching the Phillies.

12. Mike Antonio – 6-1, 185, R/R –

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: solid stroke from right side, went with the pitch, showed alley power/extra base type power, eventually will develop 15-20 HR type power, runs well underway, 4.5 home to 1st, a step slow, but is not a clogger, solid arm and glove, to stay at 3b, eventually move to RF or 1b.

13. Scott Woodward – Coastal Carolina – 6-1, 200, L/R –

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: solid player, put himself on the map with solid spring as a freshman in 2008, grades across the board at ave with gamer mentality.

Mets Promote SP Jose Sanchez

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2009

Bisons Add RHP Jose Sanchez to Roster

Sanchez to Start TONIGHT in Rochester (7:05 p.m.)

The Buffalo Bisons, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, today announced that RHP Jose Sanchez has been promoted to the team from Single-A St. Lucie. Sanchez is scheduled to start for the Herd TONIGHT against the Rochester Red Wings at Frontier Field (7:05 p.m.). Sanchez, 25, has posted a 3.68ERA in four games and one start with the St. Lucie Mets (7.1IP, 12H, 3R, 3ER, 2BB, 4K). He began the 2009 season with Binghamton (AA) and was 1-6 with a 6.88ERA in 10 starts with the B-Mets (52.1IP, 72H, 42R, 40ER, 22BB, 33K). He missed all of June and July this year due to illness (mono).

In 2008, Sanchez was 13-7 with a 3.83ERA in 29 games (26 starts) with Binghamton.

Q&A - Chris Carter, 2010 Roster

Ben Testa asked: If this Carter guy is a player than why have the Red Sox gone out and traded for LaRoche, Kotchman and than for Victor Martinez. And I trust Theo's evaluation much, much more than Minaya's. BTW... do you remember Darrin Reed. A perennial home run hitter the Mets had in triple A, but could never do anything on the major league level. That’s who this guy reminds me of. But I do agree about how the Mets draft as a factor of making this deal as opposed to draft picks. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this other player they get truly has potential.

Mack: Ben, You make good points. All I know is, if the Mets would have not traded Wagner, and took the supplemental picks, we'd have to wait at least 4 years before we had any idea if the person who was drafted was worth picking. Imagine if the Mets did go the supplemental way, picked a kid outfielder/first baseman, and he hits 124 home runs and 505 RBIs in his first 6 years.... I'm sure we'd all be very happy with this pickup for someone who was leaving anyway. Lastly, I see Carter in a Mike Jacobs sort of role. He'll compete for the 2010 first base job and save the Mets a ton of money, rather than resign Delgado, Then, in 2011, the Ike Davis era begins. Smart move by Omar.

Stacy and Steve Wilson asked: I have been watching Rod Barajas with Toronto,he would be a good backstopper along with Santos. Also the Mets have Francoeur for right field. I still think the Mets should go after Halladay. Here is my lineup wish list. 1b Murphy/Evans, 2b Castillo, 3b Mr Wright, ss Reyes, lf Fmart/evans, cf Beltran, rf Francoeur, c Barajas, c Santos, bench A Hernandez, Pagan, Tatis, SP Santana, Halladay, Pelfrey, Wolf, Niese, Pen K-rod, Parnell, Feliciano, Kunz, Stokes, Maine, Bostick.

Mack: Your roster is close to mine. I build my rosters like I used to take tests in school. I answer all the questions I’m sure I’m right, take a deep breath, add up what I have so far, and see how close I am to passing. Roster wise, I’m taking a deep breath right now because, the team isn’t far off, if everyone gets and remains healthy. Same needs as we said in the spring.
You left out a starter, which I assume would be John Maine.

Opinion: Don't Hang Last Night's Loss On Stokes- Hang It On Jerry!

Don’t hang last night’s loss of Brian Stokes- hang it on Jerry Manuel! Earlier this year Jerry Manuel was brought to task by the Media for over working Pedro Feliciano, last night his mishandling of the bullpen came to bear its head once again.

On Thursday, Gary & Keith were surprised that Stokes had come into a game that was well within hand.

If you look at Stokes appearances in the month of August, you will see he has pitched in 5 out of the last 6 days. For a guy who was seldom used prior to this month, it would see he was taxed. I watch virtually every game and he simply was not sharp.

Was it a case of “one of those days”? Or was it a case of over use? Based on Stokes in ability to execute pitches like he did the previous 13 outings (where he did not give up an earned run), I am going to go with the latter. I was simply shocked to see Stokes come out in Thursday’s blow out and I can’t help but think Brian Stokes wouldn’t be public enemy number one this morning if Jerry gave his one inning Thursday to Lance Broadway! This reoccurring mismanagement is another reason that the Mets shouldn’t be so quick to anoint Manuel as the manager of the 2010 team. Injuries or no injuries- this kind of miscalculation, this late in the year, would not sit well with anyone if the Mets happened to be in a pennant chase!

B-Mets 3, Aeros 1

The skies opened up for the seventh-inning stretch, halting the progress of Friday night’s game at Akron after six and a half innings. With five innings complete, however, it meant a 3-1 win for the B-Mets at Canal Park over the Eastern League-leading Aeros. Lefty Eric Niesen allowed just one hit in six innings to earn his third win.

Akron grabbed the lead in the second inning against Niesen, who walked Jerad Head with one out. Head was on the move for second when Carlos Rivero struck out looking and slid in ahead of the tag of Jose Coronado for his sixth stolen base. With two outs, Jared Goedert pulled a seeing-eye single into left to score Head and put the Aeros ahead 1-0.

Binghamton (50-80) came back to tie the next half inning, however. Ruben Tejada opened the inning with a triple to center over the head of Jose Constanza off Akron (80-52) starter Scott Barnes. Josh Thole plated him with a sacrifice fly to left center.

The B-Mets pushed ahead in the fourth when Caleb Stewart doubled to left. The ball was mishandled in left by Head allowing Stewart to advance to third to start the inning. D.J. Wabick lined his second hit of the game to center off Barnes with a full count, scoring Stewart to make it 2-1.

Ike Davis laced a one-out double down the right field line in the fifth and eventually scored on back-to-back wild pitches from Barnes to tally the B-Mets third run.

Niesen was credited with the win, his third. He worked six innings and allowed just one run on one hit with five strikeouts.

Barnes surrendered three runs on seven hits in 4.2 innings to drop to 1-2 on the season.

The four-game set with Akron continues Saturday night. The B-Mets will send RHP Dylan Owen (4-9, 5.60) to the bump and the Aeros will go with LHP Eric Berger (1-1, 3.18). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 and the radio broadcast on Newsradio 1290 WNBF begins at 6:50 with the Horizons Federal Credit Union Pre-Game Show.

Rome wins opener over Gnats,5-2

The Savannah Sand Gnats opened a three game series with the Rome Braves Friday night.The Gnat relievers were not able to stop the Braves, who won 5-2. The Gnats had 10 hits and left 12 men on base.
Starting Gnat pitcher, Eric Beaulic, entered the game leading the Gnat pitchers with the most strikeouts (113) and completed 6 innings and added 11 more strikeouts to his total. He gave up 8 hits,1BB, and 2 runs(earned). Beaulic was effective when he threw his curve ball around the knees. The 11 strikeouts was a career-high for Beaulac.
The Gnats scored their two runs in the 3rd inning. Evan LeBlanc was hit by a pitch leading off the inning. After two fly outs to left, Sean Ratliff singled moving LeBlanc to third. Eric Campbell walked to load the bases. Raul Reyes singled to score LeBlanc and Ratliff.
Wilmer Flores went 2for 4. Nick Giarraputo continued his hot hitting going 2for4 and raising his average to.415-he has had at least one hit in every game he has played(10). Michael Moras caught his 3rd game and was 2for3 raising his average to.545.
With the score tied at 2 all, Phillips Orta took the mound in the 7th inning to replace Beaulac.
Orta pitched 1.1 innings, walked 3, allowed 2 runs and took the loss(1-3). John Church followed Orta giving up 1 run on two hits, two wild pitches, in 1.2 innings.
The picture of Eric Beaulac was taken at a recent golf tournament.

Buffalo Bisons Game Notes

TODAY’S GAME:

Tonight, the Buffalo Bisons face the Rochester Red Wings in the first game of a three-game set at Frontier Field (7:05 p.m.). The Herd has gone 2-4 so far on their season-long 9-game roadtrip that has already stopped at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Pawtucket. On Tuesday, the Bisons return to Buffalo for their final four home games of the season.

vs. THE WINGS:

The Bisons are 4-7 against their closest rivals so far this season. The Herd has not won a series against Rochester in 2009, earning just one split of a four-game set at Frontier Field, July 4-6. Dating back to last season, the Bisons are just 5-16 in their last 21 games against the Red Wings.

NOT SO PETTY:

LHP Adam Pettyjohn is 2-3 with a 3.00ERA in his six appearances for the Herd. The southpaw pitched well enough to win on Sunday against the Yankees as he allowed just two runs in seven innings in a 2-1 defeat to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Pettyjohn has allowed two runs or less in three of his last four starts, including seven shutout innings on August 16 in Syracuse.

MOUND WORK:

Bisons starting pitchers have been dominating of late. In the team’s last 10 games, the rotation has combined to post a 2.10ERA. Herd starters have allowed just 13 runs in 55.2 innings with 41 strikeouts to only 11 walks. LHP Adam Pettyjohn has contributed back-to-back quality starts as part of the rotation’s recent success.

THE HIT-MAN:

OF Jesus Feliciano hit streak reached seven games last night. Since August 21, the outfielder has averaged .429 (12-28) with a pair of doubles and an RBI. However, Feliciano fell one back of Gwinnett’s Barbaro Canizares for the league lead in hits. Canizares had two hits last night, so his total of 139 is just ahead of Feliciano’s 138. Feliciano still leads the Bisons in runs (51), doubles (29) and stolen bases (12).

HOMERING HERD:

The Bisons got their 23rd home run in August last night as INF Javier Castillo went deep for the Herd. The blast was Castillo’s seventh on the year and his fifth with the Bisons. The 23 home runs are the most for the Bisons in any month of the season. The team hit 20 homers in 30 games in May. Buffalo had just 10 long balls in each of the last two months.

SP Mike Minor vs. Sand Gnats Saturday

Atlanta Braves first-round pick Mike Minor is scheduled to start Saturday night’s game for the Rome Braves when they visit the Savannah Sand Gnats at 7 p.m. Minor was taken with the seventh overall pick in this year’s draft out of Vanderbilt. Minor, 21, was a three-year starter at Vanderbilt before the Braves picked him in the first round. The Tennessee native posted a career record of 22-10 with the Commodores in three seasons and ranks fourth best in the school’s history with his 303 career strikeouts. In his junior year, Minor went 6-6 with a 3.09 ERA and had three complete games in his last five starts. Saturday night’s start with Rome will be his third of the season and his second against the Gnats. He made his pro debut at home versus the Charleston RiverDogs on August 20 and threw two innings before the game was postponed due to rain. Minor threw four days later against the Gnats and allowed two hits in three innings while striking out a pair. The start on Saturday will also be his first on the road. Once the 2009 season ends, Minor will join the Peoria Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League where he will continue to develop. The Fall League is a stepping stone for highly touted prospects along with Double and Triple-A players to hone their skills as they progress toward the Major Leagues.

Jerks!

There is no way on God's green earth that the Yankees have any legitimate interest in Chris Carter. Mark Teixeira is signed to play first base for the next 200 years, and the Yankees are not going to hand the DH job to a 27-year-old career minor leaguer, not with as much as $40 million coming off their payroll next season.

No, the Yankees claimed Carter on waivers yesterday for one reason only - to stick it to the Red Sox and the Mets. It's been an open secret that Carter was one of the two players going to the Mets in the Billy Wagner deal earlier this week, and Carter was almost certain to see time at first base in September.

For Carter, his development stalls even further - the Red Sox are too loaded at first base and DH to give Carter more than 10 at-bats in September and he certainly won't be on their postseason roster. The Mets won't get a chance to see what he can do for them and his chances of winning a starting job next season just took a hit.

It still will not surprise me in the least to see a Carter/Daniel Murphy battle for the first base job in 2010, with Ike Davis as the dark horse in the race.

(Read the entire post at Productive Outs and Crackerjack.)

Portland 8, Binghamton 7

Shawn Bowman smacked his ninth homer of the season, a three-run shot, in the eight to tie the score at seven apiece, but Portland pushed across a run in the ninth to edge by the B-Mets 8-7 Thursday night at NYSEG Stadium. Ruben Tejada was the only Binghamton player with multiple hits, going 2-5 with a double.

The B-Mets entered the eighth in a 7-4 hole but got a rally started with a Tejada single off reliever Chad Rhoades. Jose Coronado replaced Tejada on a fielder’s choice to second. Then, Ike Davis lined a single through the right side of the infield to join Coronado on base. Bowman followed with the big blow on a hanging slider from Rhoades sending the ball onto the railroad tracks over the left field wall to even the score at seven.

Portland (62-67) recovered in the ninth, however, to take the lead. Lars Anderson dropped a double just inside the left field line with one out against reliever Edgar Alfonzo. With a right-handed hitter scheduled next, manager Mako Oliveras went to the bullpen for righty Julio De La Cruz. De La Cruz promptly allowed a double to Luis Exposito, which plated pinch-runner Matt Sheely from second propelling the Sea Dogs over the B-Mets, 8-7.

Binghamton (49-80) got the tying run to third in the ninth against closer Bryce Cox. However, Cox worked around a single and a walk to nail down his 11th save and second of the series.

Jenrry Mejia made the start for the B-Mets and struggled with his command. Mejia allowed four runs on six hits and issued three walks in four innings of work.

Sea Dogs starter Ryne Lawson retired 11 in a row at one point and worked six innings, allowing four runs, two earned, in the no-decision.

Gnats beat GreenJackets,5-1 to win 2 out of 3 for the series.

The final game of the three game series between the Augusta GreenJackets and the Savannah Sand Gnats was played Thursday evening at Grayson Stadium. The Sand Gnats beat the GreenJackets,5-1 to win two out of three games for the series.
Armando Rodriquez first start of the season as a Gnat was very impressive. He gave up his only hit of his 5.2 outing in the fourth inning after two outs. Rodriquez gave up 1 run(ER), 4BB and had 9 strikeouts. In the 6th he would leave the game after walking the bases loaded. Reliever Rhiner Cruz walked the first batter he faced to give the GreenJackets their only run of the game. Cruz went 2.1 innings, gave up 1 hit, 0 runs, 1BB and one strikeout. Jimmy Johnson pitched the nineth and gave up 1 hit and and struck out the last two batters he faced.
The Gnats had 11 hits for the game. Raul Reyes had a triple and a single, Michael Moras had two singles, Nick Giarraputo singled and doubled. Sean Ratliff and Eric Campbell each doubled.
Legendary "Frank the Beer Man" attended the game with his wife,Cathy. Frank worked at Grayson for 14 years. It was his birthday and the 2,974 fans sang Happy Birthday to Frank.

Bisons Game Notes

TODAY’S GAME:

Tonight, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Pawtucket Red Sox in the second game of a two-game set from McCoy Stadium (7:05 p.m.). The Bisons are looking for the split as the Red Sox were 3-2 winners last night. Buffalo is now 2-3 on their season-long nine-game roadtrip. Buffalo plays three games in Rochester, August 28-30 before returning to Coca-Cola Field for the final four home games of the season, August 31 - September 3.

vs. THE PAW SOX:

Tonight, the Bisons face the PawSox for the final time this season. Buffalo needs a win tonight to split the season series (7-8). The Bisons have won five of the last seven games between the teams, including a two-game sweep in Pawtucket, July 9-10 and a 3-1 series win in Buffalo, July 28-31.

THE INSIDER ON SNYDER:

Starting tonight is RHP Kyle Snyder, who is 2-1 with a 2.53ERA in his last four outings. The veteran has allowed just six runs while striking out 14 batters in his last four starts (21.1IP). In four games against the Red Sox this season, Snyder has posted a 2.70ERA while giving up five runs in 13.1 innings with 14 strikeouts.

MOUND WORK:

Bisons starting pitchers have been dominating of late. In the team’s last nine games, the rotation has combined to post a 1.95ERA. Herd starters have allowed just 11 runs in 50.2 innings and nearly have as many strikeouts (41) as hits allowed (44). The quality work has lowered the team’s season ERA from 4.07 to 3.92 (9th best in International League).

THE HIT-MAN:

OF Jesus Feliciano is now tied for the IL lead in hits (137) with Gwinnett’s Barbaro Cannizares. The outfielder went 1-for-3 last night with a walk. Feliciano’s .306 batting average is tied for 6th-best in the IL. The outfielder has 39 more hits than any of his teammates (INF Mike Lamb, 98) and also leads the Bisons in runs (51), doubles (29) and stolen bases (12)

BISONS BITS:

C Robinson Cancel has hit .400 (14-35) in 12 games in August. The catcher had a double and a triple last night...INF Mike Lamb has averaged .327 (32-98) with runners in scoring position. He leads the team with 46RBI on the season...RHP Jim Ed Warden has struck out 19 batters in only 12.2 innings with the Herd.

Minor Thoughts

A few things...

1. The Mets current losing streak has them tied, with Cleveland, with 70 loses. This moves the Mets close to the 9th pick for next year's draft, but look at the teams around them: Oakland: 71 loses, Cincinnati 71, Pittsburgh 72, Arizona 72. Yes, the Mets could easily wind up with 5th pick in the draft if they keep losing at this ratio.

2. Yes... the team that traded away every player (Pittsburgh) only has two more loses than the Mets.

3. Both the DSL and VSL teams have concluded the season. The GCL Mets and Kingsport end theirs next week.

4. A few things I have planned for the off-season:

a. I will feature a series on the 100 Met minor league players that have earned a paycheck next year with the Mets. This isn't a prospect list, though all the right names are here. It included anyone that has had a good season and deserves a bump up or, people like OF Jesus Feliciano, who did their job well and should be invited back. I will post one or two of them daily with a bio.

b. I will also update my analysis, by position, which a lot of you like

5. I was close to a major sponsor that would have given me the funds to go out to the AFL this winter, but it fell through. To date, I haven't made a penny from this blog yet, and most of you already know that I live solely on my disability income. I refuse to post a donation request, but if any of you know how I can obtain some sponsors for this site, it would be greatly appreciated.

6. We're still waiting for official word on the PTBNL for the Wagner trade... and, while I'm on this subject, doesn't the Mets still owe a couple of teams a PTBNL for early on deals they made this year?

7. I saw an article on the fact that the Mets are close to 100mil on the disabled list. That's simply unbelievable. You would get fined by MLB if you sent the current team to represent you at a spring training away game.

Mack

Binghamton 3, Portland 2

Ike Davis’ two-run shot in the seventh inning erased a two-run deficit and provided the difference in Binghamton’s 3-2 win over Portland Wednesday night at NYSEG Stadium. The win broke a four-game losing streak for the B-Mets.

Binghamton (49-79) tallied in the second inning to get the run-scoring started. D.J. Wabick singled off Sea Dogs starter Ryne Miller and was pushed up to second on a passed ball by Luis Exposito. Salvador Paniagua reached next on an error by the shortstop Yamaico Navarro, which moved Wabick to third. Jose Coronado brought home Wabick with a sac fly to left, putting the B-Mets on top 1-0.

Portland (61-67) quickly tied the score in the third against starter Mike Antonini. After Daniel Nava and Ryan Kalish reached on a single and a double, respectively, Jorge Jimenez brought in Nava with a sac fly to left, which ended the inning when Kalish was tagged out in a rundown between second and third.

In the sixth, the Sea Dogs took the lead. With one out, Kalish roped his second double of the game down the right-field line. Ryan Khoury, who entered the game after Jimenez was tossed in the third, came to the plate for the first time in sixth following Kalish. He promptly lined a single into center scoring Kalish, making it 2-1.

Davis struck the deciding blow off reliever Tommy Hottovy in the seventh. Shawn Bowman opened the inning with a single on a payoff pitch. Then, Hottovy loaded the count against Davis. With the first baseman expecting fastball, Davis unloaded on a Hottovy offering sending it out of the park to right-center, putting the B-Mets ahead for good, 3-2.

Two of the B-Mets previous four games have been lost in the final at-bat and disaster seemed to be imminent in the ninth. After Roy Merritt allowed a one-out single, Jose De La Torre was summoned from the pen. De La Torre walked the first two men to load the bases. However, Iggy Suarez struck out swinging and then Nava grounded out to second to end the game.

Antonini tied a season-best with seven innings and allowed two runs on seven hits to pick up his seventh win.

Miller acquitted himself well in his first career start, with five innings of one-run work along with eight strikeouts. However, he took the no-decision as Hottovy picked up the loss for allowing the Davis homer.
The rubber match of the series occurs Thursday night. The B-Mets will send RHP Jenrry Mejia (0-4, 4.11) to the bump and Portland will go with RHP Ryne Miller (3-11, 6.27). The first pitch is scheduled for 6:30 and the radio broadcast on Newsradio 1290 WNBF begins at 6:15 with the Horizons Federal Credit Union Pre-Game Show.

Gnats edge GreenJackets, 4-3 in 11 innings

The Savannah Sand Gnats had to rally in the second game of the series with the Augusta GreenJackets to win 4-3 in 11 inning.
Starting pitcher for Augusta, Andrew Reichard, pitched 7 innings and gave up 4hits, no runs and struck out seven. Gnats starter, Robert Carson, pitched 5 innings, gave up 1 run(earned), 4 hits, and struck out four. Carson had to pitch out of several jams.
The Gnats threatened in the first when Jefry Marte singled and advanced to second on a ground out. Sean Ratliff singled and Marte raced from second and was taged out on a close play sliding into home. Marte did not return to the field and was replaced at 3rd by Eric Campbell.
In the 9th inning, Sand Gnats sent 9 batters to the plate. One base on balls and 5 singles produced 3 runs to tie the game and extend to extra innings.
Wilmer Flores won the game for the Gnats in the 11 inning when he singled and Josh Satin scored from second to win the game.
Sean Ratliff went 4for 5 -he hit four singles, stole a base and scored a run. Nick Giarraputo continued his hot hitting-he singled in the fifth inning. Catcher Mike Moras played his first game as a Gnat and had two singles. The GreenJackets tested Moras throwing arm by stealing 5 bases-he threw out one runner.
Gnats relievers, Mike Lynn pitched 4 innings gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and John Church pitched two scoreless innings and did not give up a hit. Church got the win(1-2)
Leaving the game , I saw New York Mets General Manager, Omar Minaya, walking down the steps talking to fans and heading for the Savannah Sand Gnats locker room.

B-Mets Game Notes

LAST GAME:

Last night Binghamton faced Portland lefty Felix
Doubront for the sixth time this season, and Doubront got the
better of the B-Mets in the Sea Dogs 3-1 win at NYSEG Stadium.
The southpaw tossed six innings and allowed just a run
on four hits for his eighth win of the season, and his second
over Binghamton. Portland plated a run in the fourth off
starter Eric Brown courtesy of an RBI double by Jon Still. The B
-Mets promptly answered by loading the bases in the fourth
with nobody out against Doubront. However, Binghamton only
plated one run against the 21-year old on a walk issued to
Emmanuel Garcia. With the game tied at one, the Sea Dogs
retook the lead on an RBI single from Daniel Nava, who went
3-4 in the game with two doubles and an RBI. Portland plated
an insurance run in the eighth off Jake Ruckle to take a tworun
lead, which they would not relinquish. Binghamton got the
tying run to the plate in the ninth against Bryce Cox, but the
Sea Dogs closer nailed it down for his 10th save. Brown
hurled 4.2 innings and allowed two runs on seven hits to drop
his 14th decision.

STARTING PITCHING MATCHUP:

LHP Mike Antonini gets the
call for the B-Mets tonight for his 18th start. He won for the
first time since June 28 in his last start when he fired five
innings of two-run ball against the North Division-leading Connecticut
Defenders August 21. Antonini battled to the win
despite allowing eight hits. He is 6-3 with a 5.00 ERA in 95.1
innings. Over four starts in August, Antonini is 1-0 with a 2.04
ERA in 17.2 innings with 14 strikeouts to 2 walks. Last season,
Antonini made eight starts for the B-Mets with a 1-3
record and 3.74 ERA in 45.2 innings, allowing 10 home runs.
He was the Mets’ 18th-round selection in 2007 out of Georgia
College & State University.

After 11 appearances out of the pen, RHP Ryne Miller will
make his first professional start with Portland tonight. He is 2-
2 with a 2.28 ERA in 23.2 innings as a reliever with the Sea
Dogs. Miller opened the season with Salem (High-A) where he
tallied an 8-2 record and a 2.77 ERA in 55.1 innings of stellar
relief for the Red Sox. Last season, Miller relieved for
Greenville (Low-A) and was 2-3 with a 5.68 ERA in 50.2 innings.
He was signed by Boston as a non-drafted free agent in
July 2007 after pitching for Weatherford College (TX).

BROWN TIES LOSS RECORD:

By losing his 14th decision of the
season last night, Eric Brown tied the Binghamton Mets team
record for loss by a right-hander. The mark was previously set
by Arnold Gooch in 1998. Gooch was 11-14 with a 3.90 ERA
over 163.2 innings in his record-setting season. The team
record for losses in a year is 15, set by Jason Saenz in 2001
when he was 8-15.

Buffalo Bisons Game Notes

TODAY’S GAME:

Tonight, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Pawtucket Red Sox in the first game of a two-game set from McCoy Stadium (7:05 p.m.). The Bisons are coming off a split of a four-game series with the Yankees. After the short series in Pawtucket, the Bisons will complete their nine-game roadtrip with three games against Rochester before returning to Coca-Cola Field for the final four home games of the season, August 31 - September 3.

vs. THE PAW SOX:

The Bisons are 7-7 against their North-division rival so far this year. That includes a 3-3 record at McCoy Stadium. The Bisons have won five of the last six games between the teams, including a two-game sweep in Pawtucket, July 9-10 and a 3-1 series win in Buffalo, July 28-31.

MARVELOUS MOUND WORK:

Over the last eight games, Buffalo’s pitching staff has allowed just 12 total runs. Over that span, Bisons starters have not surrendered more than two earned runs in any start and have compiled a 2.01ERA. The relief pitching has been even more impressive for the Herd of late, allowing just two runs over their last 17.1 innings pitched (1.04ERA). The last time the bullpen surrendered a run was August 20, eight games ago.

TOBI TIME:

It is RHP Tobi Stoner’s time to add to the impressive streak of starts for the Bisons after new-comer RHP Chris Mason threw seven scoreless innings last night. Stoner is in search of his third straight win and quality start after three consecutive losing decisions. In his last two outings, Stoner has allowed just two runs in 12.0 innings pitched. Stoner has taken a decision in 12 of his 13 starts (5-7) for the Herd this season.

THE HIT-MAN:

OF Jesus Feliciano is now tied for the IL lead in hits (136) with Gwinnett’s Barbaro Cannizares. The outfielder went 3-for-5 last night with a double. Feliciano’s .306 batting average is 7th-best in the IL. The outfielder has 38 more hits than any of his teammates (INF Mike Lamb, 98) and also leads the Bisons in runs (51), doubles (29) and stolen bases (12)

BISONS BITS:

LHP Arturo Lopez has posted a 1.65ERA in his last seven relief appearances (16.1IP)...INF Mike Lamb has averaged .330 (32-97) with runners in scoring position. He leads the team with 46RBI on the season...RHP Jim Ed Warden has struck out 19 batters in only 12.2 innings with the Herd.