Notes From The Minors:

1.     There still seems to be some difference of opinion when it comes to whether or not P Jeurys Famila is ready to come up to Queens as a relief pitcher this season. He has pitched well lately in a starter role, but there still is a fair amount of inconsistencies involving hitting the zone, both from his primary and secondary pitches.

2.     The seats behind home plate have been filling up this week with scouts, especially in lower levels of St. Lucie and Savannah. Many a deal is made only after a team ‘throws’ in one of the kids and there seems to be a tremendous increase of interest especially in the St. Lucie pitching staff.

3.     The trading season might have kicked off today with that 10-man ‘nobody’ deal, but don’t tell that to team officials that have been handing out scout passes at a reported ‘high’ level this week. The first sign of deal making is to make sure you have everything you can get your hands on, on everybody. That’s going on as a type.

4.     OF Cory Vaughn’s troubles continue and there’s a fair amount of people beginning to question his dedication to the game. Cory, one of the nicest people you will ever meet in baseball, has always seemed to be too emotionally attached to his game, be it going well or bad. As of now, look for him to try and work out his problems in winter ball.

5.     Early word on P Rafael Montero is that the powers to be in St. Lucie (and Queens) love what they see. He will solidly finish the season in the St. Lucie rotation.

6.     Things can’t be said the same for Chase Hutchingson who hasn’t gotten out of the first inning for the last two outings. It’s the heat of the season in a very hot summer and we might start seeing some players being shut down soon.

7.     No one is quite sure how they are going to finish the Kingsport season. There has been a record amount of rainouts and some simply have scheduling problems that can’t be addressed. In addition, the team is solidly in last place and could set the all-time lowest win-loss percentage in minor league baseball history.

8.     On a positive note, look for SP Steve Matz to work his way out of these and back home to “the city” to play for the Cyclones.

9.     Lastly, SP Alex Pantelodis definitely got back on the train last night. I was at the game and so was his fiancée and parents (we missed hooking up for a quick interview… damn). Alex has had problems getting in the zone lately and he hasn’t been able to buy a strikeout in his last five outings; however, that wasn’t the case last night. The only thing I questioned was his lack of getting the pitch pitch in for a strike, which is the key to an successful outing. His whole approach to the game was different, averaging 5-10 seconds between pitching… not like the 30+ he was taking the last couple of outings. Ten strikeouts. Great job, Alex.