The Kids Are All Right

No, not the lesbian meets the sperm donor movie. No, not the Who's classic song (Happy 67th birthday to Roger Daltrey today). I'm talking New York Yankees prospects.

Remember when all those highly touted kids were in the low minors? Well now they will be in Trenton, Scranton, and the Bronx. So far this spring training the youngsters have been shining.

Weekend Update (No, not SNL)

The Yankees split a home and home series with the Phillies over the weekend, winning on the road with a number of the youngin's. First Saturday though...a 5-4 loss to the Phillies that followed another ceremony honoring George Steinbrenner at the field named in his honor. Jorge Vazquez made the loudest noise of the kids hitting a long 2-run home run to dead center. It actually went over the black batter's eye in centerfield and was not wind aided in any way.

Hector Noesi, one of the guys who has an outside shot at the #4 or #5 spot, threw two scoreless innings on just eight pitches. And all eight pitches were strikes. Catcher Austin Romine was 1-2 and Eduardo Nunez, battling for the utility spot, was 1-3 with a run scored and a stolen base.

Though he's been in the league for a few years Joba Chamberlain is still a young guy and he impressed in his season debut. Much has been made about his increase weight which Chamberlain said is muscle. That being said GM Brian Cashman was upset about the added weight. However, in seeing Chamberlain for the firs time on Sat., he definitely did not look fat. He looked thicker through his core and it seemed to back up his explanation of added muscle. More importantly, Chamberlain threw a solid inning and even hit 94 mph on the radar gun.

On Sunday Ivan Nova made his first bid for the rotation a good one. 10 pitches, two innings, two strikouts, and six up and six down. Dellin Betances threw a no contact inning in relief - one walk and struck out the side. Adam Warren allowed a run in an inning, but threw decently.

Offensively, Vazquez went deep for the second straight day- this time going deep against Brad Lidge. Jesus Montero did a nice job behind the plate and was 1-3 with an RBI single.

Monday

The Yankees came up short to the Tigers on Monday in a 6-2 loss, but after two encouraging innings from CC Sabathia, Manny Banuelos was the third pitcher used and tossed a scoreless inning.

No kid, but Mark Prior in his comeback attempt threw one scoreless inning as well.

NYDN's John Harper with a nice feature on Betances and Montero working their way to the bigs.

Sanchez Heart Surgery Successful

Toh to @jnorris427 who always does a great job covering the Trenton Thunder and informing us of Yankees' prospect news. It was reported by George King of the post last week that catcher Gary Sanchez had undergone tests on hearts, but no further details were given.

It turns out an EKG showed an extra heart nerve that had been there from birth. Doctors cauterized the nerve and Sanchez will be ready to resume spring training workouts on Monday.

BD Hot Stove: AL Central Prospects | Baseball Digest

Is 2011 the arrival date for Mike Moustakas?

BD Hot Stove: AL Central Prospects | Baseball Digest

This is it. Are you excited? Are you ready to go? You do know what I am talking about right? It’s the last Friday before pitchers and catchers report! It’s finally here…spring training! It also means this is the last edition of the Baseball Digest Hot Stove. It’s been a great pleasure to have brought you all the hot stove news, rumors, and transactions this off-season, as well some in-depth analysis of the best players in the game right now and those who are on the horizon.

But have no fear! Beginning Monday we’ll be bringing you a daily spring training report with news from all the camps. And of course we will still let you know about any rumors we hear about and any transactions that unfold right up until opening day.

Today though we take a look at the top prospects on each team in the AL Central.

Twins: Minnesota has developed what seems like an endless number of good young pitchers over the years so it’s no surprise that their #1 prospect is a pitcher. Kyle Gibson passed when the Phillies selected him in the 36th round of the 2006 draft and attended the University of Missouri instead. The move helped Gibson become the 22nd overall selection by the Twins in the 2009 draft. He would have gone even higher if not for a stress fracture in his elbow.

Gibson made his professional debut last season and made appearances at three different levels. The 6’6″ right-hander was 4-1, 1.87 in the Florida State League (High ‘A’), which earned him a quick promotion to Double-A New Britain. He put up solid numbers there as well, allowing 91 hits in 93 innings, and struck out 77 while walking just 22 hitters. That success earned him a three game look at Triple-A Rochester late in the season. His command wasn’t as good (five walks, nine K’s), but he allowed just three earned runs in 15.2 IP.

ESPN’s scouting report had this to say about Gibson: “He’s tall and projectable, already showing a solid-average fastball at 89-93 mph with good downhill plane. His changeup is ahead of his slider, although both project as above-average pitches; he turns the changeup over well and gets good fading action on it, while the slider is less consistent, at times showing good bite and tilt but at others going a little soft. On days when he has the sharp slider, he’ll miss plenty of bats. His command and control have always been above-average.”

Gibson has received an invite to the Twins spring training camp and will start the season in Triple-A. With the back end of the Minnesota rotation on somewhat shaky ground, an impressive start to the season could land Gibson in the Twin-Cities in the second half of the season.

Indians: Like Gibson, Lonnie Chisenhall didn’t sign after being drafted in ’06 (Pirates, 11th rd), and instead played JUCO ball in North Carolina. The Indians then selected him with the 29th overall pick in the 2008 draft. Chisenhall immediately made a solid impression with his bat in rookie ball (NYPL), hitting .290 with 45 RBI in 68 games. He followed that up with a good season at High ‘A’ Kinston in ’09, producing 18 HR and 79 RBI with an .838 OPS. It earned him a 24 game stint at Double-A Akron, but it was too much too soon as Chisenhall hit below .200 and struck out at a high rate.

Last season Chisenhall returned to Akron and showed improved hitting skills. He cut down on his strikeouts (90-77) from the previous season, and produced similiar numbers from his prior season in ‘A’ ball (.278-17-84, .801 OPS). Chisenhall’s defense is another matter though. While scouts all like Chisenhall’s bat, he’ll need to improve his skills at the hot corner where he’s averaged 20 errors per season.

Tigers: Just like Rick Porcello, #15 prospect (MLB.com) Jacob Turner would like to make the trip to Detroit’s Comerica Park a quick one. Turner was the 9th pick in the 2009 draft out Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis, but didn’t make his professional debut until this past season. MLB.com had this to say about the 6’5″ Turner prior to the 2010 season: “Turner is what you look for in a high school right-hander — big, strong and projectable. Thought to be one of the better prep arms in the class, it was unclear whether he’d live up to advanced billing. He has a good arm and there’s likely to be more velocity, especially if he can correct some delivery flaws. His secondary pitches lag behind somewhat and his command can be inconsistent as he sometimes elevates his pitches.”

Turner split his 24 appearances last season almost exactly in half between ‘A’ and Advanced ‘A’ ball. Combined he was 6-5, 3.28, 102 K in 115.1 IP, and walked just 23 batters. Baseball Analyst Jonathan Mayo had this to say after the season, “He’s got the stuff, a feel for pitching and the mound presence to keep moving quickly. Once just a hard thrower, he’s much more of a pitcher now, having made significant progress with his secondary stuff.”

Royals: Kansas City fans have been hearing about Mike Moustakas for a long time. The former shortstop turned 3rd baseman was the 2nd player drafted (behind David Price) in the 2007 amateur draft out of Chatsworth (CA) HS. There were some doubts about whether it was a valid selection after a mediocre offensive season in 2009. A .250 average, 16 home runs, 90 strikeouts, and a .718 OPS saw Moustakas drop from the 13th rated prospect by Baseball American to #80 prior to the 2010 season.

But 2010 saw Moustakas destroy Double-A and Triple-A pitching to re-establish himself as one of the top prospects in the game. The 22-yr old tore up the Midwest League to the tune of an 1.100 OPS, 21 HR, and 76 RBI in 66 games. That earned him a promotion to Omaha (PCL) where he added another 15 HR and 48 RBI in 52 games. Overall, Moustakas’ split was .322/.369/.630 with 36 HR, 124 RBI. It’s the type of numbers that has the KC front office wondering if it’s time for Moustakas to play Major League Baseball or have him get a little more experience under his belt. It will probably be the latter, but with Mike Aviles and Wilson Betemit currently sharing the hot corner, Moustakas’ time could come very soon.

White Sox: Pitcher Chris Sale is the top talent in the organization; he was the 13th pick in last June’s draft and was promoted to the majors after just 11 appearance in the minors. He’s assured of a spot either as a starter or reliever this season after his 21 appearances in the bigs last year. That makes our #1 minor leaguer shortstop Eduardo Escobar, who has been in the organization since 2006 when he was signed out of Venezuela.

Baseball analyst Kevin Goldstein: “Shortstop prospects who really are shortstops are a rarity, and it’s surprising the Escobar doesn’t warrant more attention. The 21 year-old Venezuelan has above-average range and a plus-plus arm, and his bat started to show some signs of life in 2010, as Escobar showed a surprising ability to drive balls into the gap. In a system desperate for prospects, as a good defender with some offensive value, Escobar is the real deal.”

The now 22-yr old played 87 games in High ‘A’ ball before a 49 game promotion to Double-A. With his bat stilling needing work, Escobar will probably start the 2011 season in Double-A. Especially since current White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez recently signed a new deal that would take him through 2015.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

The Dodgers signed reliever Juan Rincon to a minor league deal.

Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday has volunteered to defer some of his salary to help the team sign Albert Pujols to a new deal. So far the two sides are far apart.

Jeremy Guthrie and the Orioles avoided arbitration by agreeing on a one year, $5.75M deal.

Michael Bourn is the latest player to hire Scott Boras as his agent. Nick Swisher was rumored to be considering switching to Boras as well, but instead hired Dan Lozano. Swisher could become a free agent after the 2011 season if the Yankees don't pick up his club option for 2012.

The Mariners have signed reliever Manny Delcarmen to a minor league deal.

BD Hot Stove: AL East Prospects | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: AL East Prospects | Baseball Digest

The Hot Stove turns to the the beasts of the east today with a look at the AL East prospects. The division produced three Rookie of the Year winners in the last decade – Eric Hinske (2002), Dustin Pedroia (2007), and Evan Longoria (2008).

Yankees: From the moment George Steinbrenner and company signed Jesus Montero out of Venezuela at age 16, Yankees fans have been drooling at the prospect of seeing Montero reach the majors. The $2M bonus baby is a presence behind the plate at 6’4″, 225 lbs, a factor that has many scouts wondering if that’s where his future lies. Early in this off-season Montero was nearly guaranteed a chance to prove himself at the majors in 2011, but then the Yankees signed Russell Martin and told the former Dodger that he would be the starting catcher. That left Jorge Posada as the full-time DH/part-time catcher and Montero wondering what the immediate future holds for him. GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees front office must decide whether to let Montero be mentored at the major league level by Martin, Posada, and coach Tony Pena or have him start the season at Triple-A Scranton. Montero’s spring training performance will certainly have an impact on that decision.

The Yankees aren’t too concerned with the hard hitting catcher’s bat, but know he needs to prove himself defensively. In his four seasons in the minors Montero has a .314 career batting average and .882 OPS. He has also averaged 19 home runs over the past two seasons. The now 21-yr old was nearly dealt at last season’s trade deadline for Cliff Lee, but instead remained in the organization and caught fire at the plate. His hitting coach Butch Wynegar told the NY Times, “Initially it bothered him. He didn’t come out and say it exactly, but I could tell it in his demeanor. He wants to be a Yankee, and I think that did motivate him a little bit, knowing that nobody’s untouchable around here. It kind of shook him up a little bit, like, ‘I’ll show them.’ ”

“Monty was a joy to be around, and he’s still raw and growing,” said Wynegar. “That’s why I call him a beast. That’s why I think he can be a monster.” Ranked the ninth best prospect by MLB.com, the Yankees hope 2011 is the arrival of the monster.

Red Sox: When Casy Kelly and a package of prospects were sent to San Diego for Adrian Gonzalez, shortstop Jose Iglesias became Boston’s number one prospect. The Red Sox have had stalwarts at all infield positions, but shortstop since the team traded Nomar Garciaparra during the 2004 season. Marco Scutaro, in his second season in Boston, holds down the position for now. Jed Lowrie has also seen time there, but the long term plans for him in the organization are unknown. GM Theo Epstein is hoping that Iglesias, a native of Cuba that signed in 2009, will be the shortstop for many years to come. The 21-yr old played the majority of his first season at Double-A Portland, but missed a substantial amount of time after being hit on the right hand with a pitch. His return from injury included a 13 game stint in the New York-Penn league (rookie ball).

Iglesias’ time in Portland showed that his bat still needs work. Though he hit .285, he posted just a .695 OPS- nearly 80% of hits were singles and he lived up to his reputation as a free swinger by drawing just eight walks. Iglesias’ glove work is well ahead of his bat though. He’s got very good range, an excellent arm, and soft hands. Despite the missed time, Iglesias was still ranked the #42 prospect for 2011 by MLB.com. Spring Training will determine whether Iglesias starts the season in Portland or Pawtucket (Triple-A).

Rays: Tampa Bay lost many players via free agency this winter and dealt others, but this is an organization stocked with very good prospects. One of them is outfielder Desmond Jennings, who is the heir apparent to Carl Crawford. But the name on everyone’s lips after his brief 2010 stint in the majors is right-handed pitcher Jeremy Hellickson. The fourth round pick in the 2005 amateur draft (Hoover HS- Des Moines, IA) has got the goods. Only Mike Trout is rated as a higher prospect in Major League Baseball.

Hellickson throws a steady fastball that hits the mid-90s and can throw both his curve and changeup for strikes. He has excellent composure on the mound and is aggressive in his approach towards hitters. The Iowa native averaged 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings at Triple-A Durham last season while posting a 1.173 WHIP. He made his Major League debut on August 2, holding the Twins to two runs and three hits over seven innings to earn his first win in the bigs. Hellickson allowed just three earned runs in his first three starts, all of which he won. The Rays monitored his innings, however, and of his seven additional appearances, just one was as a starter.

With nothing left to prove in the minors, Hellickson will go to spring training trying to win the final spot in the rotation. If he doesn’t, the Rays will then have to decide whether to use him out of the pen or send him back down to Triple-A.

Blue Jays: Another right-handed pitcher with tremendous potential is in the #1 spot for the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek, acquired in the Roy Halladay deal, is on the precipus of what many feel should be a long and illustrious career. Drabek’s big pitch is his nasty curveball. Padres pitcher Mat Latos had the chance to play with Drabek earlier in his career and had this to say, “It’s (Drabek’s curveball) pretty filthy. I’ve seen a lot of curveballs and some nasty sliders, but not a curveball like that. All I could think was, ‘I’m glad I’m not a hitter.”’

Drabek’s four seam fastball is in the low 90′s, while his two-seamer is is around 88-90 mph and has plenty of movement. Like Hellickson, Drabek has receivEd High mark for his mound composure. He’ll need it since he should be in the Blue Jays starting rotation opening day and facing the best the AL East has to offer.

Orioles: The Orioles have developed some fine young talent of late- catcher Matt Wieters and pitcher Brian Matuz immediately come to mind. Shortstop Manny Machado was rated the best pure hitter and defensive infielder in the O’s organization by Baseball America and the 24th best prospect by MLB.com. He’s the highest pick by the Orioles since they draft pitcher Ben McDonald out of LSU in 1989.

Just 18 years old, Machado was the 3rd overall selection in last June’s amateur draft from Brito Miami (FL) High School. He didn’t sign until mid-August though, so the Orioles got to see him play just nine games, seven of which were for Aberdeen of the NY-Penn League. In that short stretch, Machado impressed with 10 hits in 29 AB (.345) and an .855 OPS. Being from Miami and having a 6’3″ frame, Machado has already drawn comparisons to fellow Miami native Alex Rodriguez. There are some in the organization who feel Machado, like A-Rod, will eventually move to 3rd base once his body matures.

The comparisons to A-Rod end there though. Machado is expected to hit for average with some power. He gets high marks for his fielding ability and for his hard work. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has known Machado since he was 10. “He’s hungry. (Machado) wants to be good. … I’ve see this kid prove himself day by day, week by week, year by year, to get better. I never thought he would be this good.” Machado will start the season in ‘A’ or Advanced ‘A’ ball.

Rumors, News, Transactions

MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian and Fox’s Ken Rosenthal have reported that the Cleveland Indians and infielder Orlando Cabrera have agreed to a deal. Rosenthal expects Cabrera to compete for the 2nd base job.

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein told reports that 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez is ahead of schedule in his recovery from shoulder surgery.

The Texas Rangers and centerfielder Josh Hamilton have agreed to a new two year, $24M deal.

The Angels Jered Weaver lost his arbitration hearing and will “only” make $7.37M this season. He had been asking for $8.8M.

Rumors are spreading that the Twins are thinking of dealing lefty Francisco Liriano, though they have him under control through 2012.

BD Hot Stove: AL West Prospects | Baseball Digest

It's only a matter of time before Mike Trout is shredding MLB pitching

BD Hot Stove: AL West Prospects | Baseball Digest

It’s time for the Hot Stove to switch over the Junior Circuit to take a look at the top prospects in the American League. Let’s begin with the AL West, which produced the last two AL Rookie of the Year Award winners (Neftali Feliz, Andrew Bailey). In fact, the West has produced 44% (11/25) of the AL winners since 1985.

Mariners: Seattle is doing their best not to rush Dustin Ackley to the major leagues, but considering the Mariners’ horrendous 2010 season, it’s easier said than done. The 2nd overall pick in the 2009 amateur draft (U of NC) played 82 games at Double-A before a promotion to Triple-A for 52 games. His average was pedestrian – .267, but Ackley drew 75 walks and slugged .407. Ackley’s season wasn’t done though; he went on to the Arizona Fall League and was named MVP after putting up a remarkable .424/.581/.758 split. His numbers included four home runs, 26 walks, 10 doubles, 19 RBI, and five stolen bases.

Ackley, the #5 prospect in the bigs according to MLB.com, is destinted to play 2nd base for the Mariners. The question is whether it will be this year or next year.

Rangers: Having a stud left-hander at the top of the rotation helped Texas reach the World Series for the first time last season. The Rangers hope Martin Perez can be that guy some day. Signed out of Venezuela in 2007, Perez made a big splash on the scene in rookie and ‘A’ ball, but has yet to master the Double-A level. The soon-to-be 20 year old has nasty stuff, but doesn’t have complete command as of yet (101 K’s, but 50 BB in 99-2/3 innings last season).

ESPN’s Keith Law had this to say about Perez last summer, “He’s stumbling a little, especially with control, although one brutal outing on June 18 spiked his ERA by a run. If Texas dangled him in a trade, they could probably name their price, given how good he is and how highly regarded he is by other clubs.”

Perez has a four-seam fastball that is from the low- to mid-90′s, a sharp breaking curve, and a good changeup. Jason Parks of Baseball Times compares Perez to a mix of Johan Santana and Greg Maddux. Texas should be so lucky.

Athletics: Grant Green said “no thanks” to the San Diego Padres when they made him their 14th round pick out of high school. Green wisely waited and became the 13th overall pick in the 2009 draft by Oakland out of USC. The 6’3″ shortstop made an immediate impression last year in his first full season in the minors. Playing for Advanced ‘A’ Stockton, Green smacked 20 home runs, drove in 87 runs, hit .318, slugged .520, and scored 107 runs. Some naysayers point to the fact that the Cal League’s hitter-friendly environs aided Green and that his low walk (38)/high strikeout counts (117) are a better indicator of his ability. Green will have the chance in Double-A this season to prove them wrong.

Green’s defense, however, is a concern to all who have scouted him, and there’s every reason to believe that shortstop will not be the position he plays if and when he makes it to the majors.

Angels: The last prospect the Hot Stove will take a look at today is the best prospect in all of baseball.Mike Trout is ranked as the #1 guy by MLB.com, Baseball America, and others. Drafted out of Millville (NJ) High School (25th overall) in 2009, Trout has torn up opposing pitching in his two seasons in the minors. Just 19-yrs old, the outfielder has a .344 career average and .915 OPS. Last season, in addition to hitting .341 at ‘A’ and Advanced ‘A’ ball, Trout drew 73 walks and showed some developing power (10 HR). Oh, and the kid is fast, too…he stole 56 bases, which aided him in scoring 106 runs.

Trout is 6’1″, 217 lbs, and has the build of a more veteran player. MLB Fanhouse’s Frank Piliere had this to say about the centerfielder’s swing, “Many young hitters struggle to learn to trust their hands and they continue to lunge at off-speed pitches. That hasn’t been an issue for Trout and, in fact, it’s a strength. Trout showed me that he was able to lay off some tough pitches, and if a pitcher came in the zone with a breaking ball he was able to lay back and use his hands very well. He isn’t just staying back and hitting singles to right field either. He’s driving the ball with authority into the gaps on these pitches.

In other words, Trout is not a guy you have to worry about being a pure fastball hitter as he moves up the ladder. He has the luxury of excellent bat speed, plus a calm approach and demeanor at the plate, so that he can trust himself to still be able to turn around the fastball if he gets it. There aren’t many players out there that profile as pure high-average hitters, but he is one of them. From what I saw in Peoria, Trout has the look of a perennial .300 hitter, and given his speed, he is a potential batting title contender. With his feel with the bat head, plus bat speed and good pitch selection, I could also see him developing into a 25-homer threat.”

The question is not whether Trout can play Major League Baseball, the question is how soon he will arrive.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Alfredo Aceves has signed a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, reportedly worth $650K with another $100K available through incentives. Aceves had been non-tendered by the Yankees in December after breaking his clavicle while riding a bicycle. The Red Sox also signed lefty Dennis Reyes to a minor league contract.

Ken Rosenthal reports that the Blue Jays are interested in moving Juan Rivera and his $5.25M salary. Rivera was acquired as part of a package from the Angels in the Vernon Wells deal. The Jays already moved Mike Napoli who was also picked up in the trade.

The Mets signed veteran left-hander Casey Fossum to a minor league deal.

Once a highly touted prospect, 1st baseman Ryan Shealy has inked a minor league deal with the Blue Jays.

The Pirates’ Ross Ohlendorf beat the team in an arbitration hearing and will earn $2.025M this season.

The Yankees added veteran right-hander Luis Ayala to their compilation of minor league pitchers. The Giants did the same with Elmer Dessens.

BD Hot Stove: NL East Prospects | Baseball Digest

Mets prospect Wilmer Flores hopes his bat can live up to the Miguel Cabrera comparisons.

BD Hot Stove: NL East Prospects | Baseball Digest

It’s time for the Hot Stove to wrap up the top prospect look in the National League by concentrating on the NL East.

Phillies: Ever since the Phillies drafted outfielder Domonic Brown in the 2006 amateur draft (20th round) they’ve waited excitedly and patiently for his presence on the big league roster. Phillies fans got a taste last year when injuries caused a call up for Brown in late July. Brown doubled, drove in two runs and scored twice in his major league debut, but things weren’t so easy after that. Brown’s splits (.210/.257/.335) showed he wasn’t ready for prime time yet after just 28 games at the Triple-A level. But his time in the minors in 2010 did show he’s getting very close.

Brown is a tremendous athlete (He turned down a football scholarship to the U of Miami) and it showed in his game last year. The 23-yr old hit 15 HR and drove in 47 runs in just 65 games at Double-A Reading before a promotion to Lehigh Valley of the Int’l League. There he added another five home runs and 21 RBI in 28 games. He also stole 17 bases between the two levels and played all three outfield positions. With Jayson Werth gone, he’ll get a chance to battle Ben Francisco for playing time in the Phillies outfield.

Mets: Pitcher Jenrry Mejia was the most talked about player in the Mets organization last year and is still ranked as their top prospect in some circles. But we’re going with shortstop Wilmer Flores as the top youngster in the Mets organization. The now 19-yr old was signed as a 16-yr old out of his native Venezuela in 2007. He made an immediate impression in rookie ball when he slugged eight home runs and drove in 42 runs and has already drawn comparisons to his fellow countrymen Miguel Cabrera.

Flores struggled mightily in ‘A’ ball in 2009, but bounce back last year, splitting his season of 133 games nearly in half between Savannah (‘A’) and Port St. Lucie (‘A+’). Flores hit 11 home runs, drove in 84 runs, and recorded a decent .758 OPS. Flores is a contact hitter who needs to learn to show more patience at the plate (He drew just 32 walks last season.). Listed as 6’3″, 175 lbs, Flores won’t last at shortstop much longer as he gets bigger and stronger. The only question is where will he go, to the outfield or to a corner position?

Marlins: Florida has had some pretty good hitting 3rd baseman in their 18 year history. Mike Lowell, Miguel Cabrera, Bobby Bonilla, Gary Sheffield (the latter two saw limited time there.)…Lowell provided Gold Glove defense to boot (or in this case should it be “not to boot”?). Could Matt Dominguez be next in line? He’s shown the glove so far, but he’ll hit have to improve offensively to stick in the major leagues. Dominguez was the Marlins 1st round pick (12th overall) in the 2007 amateur draft out of Chatsworth (CA) High School. Power came quickly to Dominguez in the minors- he hit 18 home runs as an 18-yr old at Single-A Greensboro in 2008. He added 16 doubles, a .296 average, and an impressive .853 OPS. But Dominguez took a step back the last two years to the type of player the scouts feel is the truer picture. A .250 hitter with 15 home run power and a decent run producer (81 RBI, 61 runs at Double-A Jacksonville last season).

Marlins hitting instructor John Mallee had this assessment of Dominguez early last year. “(Dominguez is) a hitter whose swing had gotten long, who was chasing balls out of the zone with two strikes and who was not staying behind the ball. But he was encouraged that Dominguez still had good pitch recognition. He’s getting better and better at staying behind the ball and when he does that he’s really going to hit. He’s coming. I think he’s going to be legitimate.”

With Wes Helms manning the hot corner this season for Florida, Dominguez will have an excellent shot at taking over the job in 2012.

Braves: It would be hard to top the splash Jason Heyward made on Major League Baseball last season, but right-handed pitcher Julio Teheran may not be too far away from creating a commotion of his own. Teheran was signed as a 16-yr old by the Braves out of his native Colombia after impressing scouts with a low 90′s fastball. After playing rookie ball for two years, Teheran spent 2010 at three different levels last season, making an impression at each stop. All told, Teheran struck out 159 hitters in 142 2/3 IP (10.0 per 9 innings) and had a 4:1 strikeout to walk ratio.

Braves GM Frank Wren had this to say about Teheran: “The first time I saw him, I thought of Pedro — a little taller Pedro. I still see that. He’s live-bodied. When you watched Pedro, you could see by the way he carried himself that he knew he was good and knew he was going to get you out. He exuded that, and Julio is kind of that way.”

Teheran has a consistent mid-90′s fastball, a good curve that breaks low in the zone, and an even better changeup. He’s received an invite to the big league camp, but will start the season in Triple-A. He definitely has a great shot to get a pre-September call up in 2011 and an even better shot at being in the rotation in 2012.

Nationals: I’ll give you one guess who the Nationals top prospect is. If you didn’t say Bryce Harper, go directly to jail and don’t collect $200 (Haven’t seen any new Monopoly boards lately, is it still just $200?). Harper is of course the teen phenom that (along with his parents) ticked off people by skipping out of high school two years (he did get his GED) early to play ball at the JUCO level. The 18-yr old was the #1 selection in last year’s amateur draft. Right at the signing deadline, he inked a five year, $9.9M deal that included a $6.25M signing bonus

Harper’s first professional exposure came in the Arizona Fall League, where he torn things up in a nine game stint for the Scottsdale Scorpions. A .410 (12-35) average included three doubles, two triples, and a home run. Harper drove in seven runs and posted a 1.039 OPS. There’s no question Harper can hit, but the organization has not decided yet whether to have him play outfield or to catch, the latter of which would slow his progression to the major leagues.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Michael Young is mad as hell and isn’t going to take it any more. He may not throw a television out the window, but Young wants out of Texas..NOW! Feeling disrespected and misled by the Rangers front office, Young has demanded a trade. And Texas is happy to oblige, though it may not happen too quickly because of the $48M still owed the 3rd baseman.

Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore hopes to begin playing spring training games by mid-March as he continues his recovery from microfracture surgery on his knee. His teammate, catcher Carlos Santana, is making an even quicker recovery from his knee injury and has been cleared to hit and catch bullpen sessions.

Needing room on the 40-man roster for Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, the Rays designated outfielder Justin Ruggiano for assignment.

White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy continues his way back from shoulder surgery and threw off of a mound earlier today.

Free agent catcher Bengie Molina has still not decided whether to play or not in 2011.

It’s not risky or even risque, but the Orioles have signed pitcher David Riske to a minor league deal. The Dodgers have done the same with infielder Aaron Miles.

Q & A with David Adams

David Adams was the Yankees 3rd round selection in the 2008 amateur draft after a stellar career at the University of Virginia. With Robinson Cano and other second base prospects like Damon Sublett in the organization, Adams knows he has his work cut out for him to make it to the Yankees major league roster one day. But he's got the work ethic, motivation, and skills to do it.

We had the chance to do a Q & A with him recently to talk about not only being drafted by the Yankees, but the Tigers as well, and what the transition has been like to pro ball.


Q: Who was the ball player or players you looked up to as a kid?

A: Ken Griffey Jr. was always my favorite player to watch. I think everybody my age idolized Jr..

Q: Back in 2005, the Tigers took you in the 21st round out of Grandview Prep High School. Was it a difficult decision opting between pro ball and the University of Virginia?

A: It definitely was a difficult decision coming out of high school. My family and I were in awe throughout the whole recruiting and draft process. It is one of those things every kid dreams of. But at the same time, I wasn't sure what I wanted, so I was just taking it all in as it came.

Q: Your final season at UVA wasn't up to your standards when it comes to hitting. What do you think happened?

A: I have been asked that question regarding my final year at UVA many times... To this day I am still puzzled as to what happened. I had never struggled that badly in my life at the plate, and it seemed like no matter what I tried to do, it just spiraled downhill in the wrong direction the entire season.

Q: The Yankees were keeping tabs on you for a long time, all the way back to your high school days. What went through your mind when you found out they had taken you in the 3rd round in last year's amateur draft? Who gave you the good news?

A: I received a call from the local area scout Scott Lovekamp while my family and I were at dinner. I was pleasantly surprised. Going into the day I didn't know what to expect because of my struggles in my junior year, but to hear that the best team, historically speaking, had just drafted me, I thought to myself what better situation to be in.

Q: You played in 31 games for Staten Island after leaving UVA. How difficult or easy was it to make the transition to pro ball?

A: The transition was a little tough, only because of the physical adjustments I had to make. Coming out of college I felt a little lost with my mechanics at the plate, so days after I was drafted the Yankees sat down with me and set up a plan for a more comfortable setup. So, I spent the entire short season trying to master my new setup, which I now feel very comfortable with.

Q: Unfortunately, the Baby Bombers got swept in the first round of the NY-Penn League playoffs by the Jamestown Jammers. But you did collect 3 hits and an RBI in your first post-season game. How do you balance out the exhilaration of a big game with a bad loss?

A: I think the most important thing players must remember is to respect the game. And by doing that, the team is always first. So, whether or not I go 3-3 or 0-3, if my team wins then I am a happy camper. There is always room to improve regardless of personal success.

Q: Do you expect to start this season at Charleston?

A: I have high expectations for where I play this year, but it is out of my control. I have to go out there and perform, and let my play speak for itself. Whatever happens in the business aspect of baseball is out of my control.

Q: What's your daily routine to get ready, for let's say, a 7 PM game?

A: For a 7 pm game, I like to be at the field early... I will get some breakfast and then head up to field around noon or so for a pregame lift. This will allow some relax time and lunch time before we have to be on the field for pregame routines.

Q: What do you feel you need to work on most this season?

A: I think the most important part of my game I need to work on this season is consistency. I think the aspect of the game that separates big leaguers from minor leaguers, is consistency throughout the entire season.

Q: Which would you rather do, deliver the big hit or the make the big defensive play?

A: How about deliver the big defensive play and then the big hit to win it all, or vice versa. I think anybody would say both.

My Pinstripes: Thanks David and good luck this season!

David Adams: You're very welcome!

Q & A with Damon Sublett

Damon Sublett was a two time all-state player at Northwest High School in Wichita, KS before enjoying a starring two year stint at Wichita State. He was the Valley Conference Player of the Year in his sophomore year and received All-American honors as well.

Time will tell if Damon Sublett replaces Robinson Cano at second base, but for now he's a hard working young prospect trying to work his way up the Yankees system. We had the chance recently to do a Q & A with him and here are the results:

Q: Who was your favorite player(s) growing up? When did you first get a sense that maybe you could make it to the major leagues one day?

A: I was always a big Kirby Puckett fan when I was little.

After I went to the Team USA tryouts, and then played in the Cape, I realized that I could play with those guys, and so maybe I have a chance. I also think that if I hadn't been coming straight off of my hamate surgery, I would have done better at both of those places.

Q: You went to Northwest High School in Wichita and then didn't have to go far for college, Wichita State. Was there ever any doubt that you would be a Shocker?

A: Wichita State was always my first choice, ever since I was a little kid. It wasn't a difficult decision, even though there were several other D1's (Division I schools) who were interested in me.

Q: Gene Stephenson is a legend at the college ranks. What was it like playing for him?

A: Gene is a great coach. He can be a tough guy to play for, and he definitely demands a lot out of his players, but how can you argue with his success?

Q: You had success as a pitcher in college. Ever wish you were still on the mound?

A: I will admit there are times I miss pitching. I loved closing. It was such a rush to be the last guy on the mound to finish the game in a big situation.

Q: The Yankees selected you in the 7th round of the 2007 amateur draft. Were you considering returning to school or was the Yankees offer one you "couldn't refuse"?

A: I was ready to play pro ball. I really didn't consider going back to school. I was ready to move on.

Q: You certainly made a smooth transition from college to rookie ball in Staten Island (.326, 8 HR, 53 RBI, and an impressive .957 OPS in 68 games). Why do you think that was? What was it like going from Kansas to the Metropolitan area?

A: Well, I didn't start out very well at SI. I think it was just a lot of hard work with the coaching staff out there. I loved working with Ty Hawkins (Staten Island's hitting coach). Also, I think a large part of it was because I stayed healthy.

It wasn't a big deal coming from Kansas; I've traveled a lot so it wasn't like something I've never seen before.

Q: You were injured much of last season, limiting you to just 42 games at Tampa. What happened and are you healed up now? Do you still have any lingering effects from the hamate surgery you had while in college?

A: I rolled my left ankle, rupturing two ligaments, and I had to wear a walking boot for two months before I could even start rehab. It's tough to miss that many games, but that type of injury has to be brought back slowly. I'm doing good now. I'm just ready to get back out there.

My hamate surgery has been no big deal. It might have slowed me down a bit for a short time afterwards because I kinda rushed my return, but now I would never even know that I had the surgery if it wasn't for the scar.

Q: What's the best part of your game? What do you think you need to work on most?

A: I guess the best parts of my game are probably my patience at the plate, and my drive to keep learning and getting better. I probably don't have the most amazing tools in any one area, but I think I have a good all-around game and can do most things pretty well.

I think I need to work on my running game and my defense the most, but I want to improve on just about everything. You can always get better, just have to keep learning and working.

Q: What do you do to relax during down time? Who are your closest friends among your fellow prospects?

A: I read sometimes and like to keep up with what's going on in the world. Also, I enjoy playing Xbox from time to time.

I got to be pretty good buddies with all the guys I went to Hawaii with- (Austin) Romine, (Andrew) Brackman, and (Jeremy) Bleich.

Q: You got to play winter ball in Hawaii this off-season. How cool was that?-

A: It was a very good experience. I got to play with some great players, and to make friends with some guys that I didn't have the chance of meeting in the FSL (Florida State League).

Q: Have the Yankees given you any indication of what level you will be playing at this season?

A: I really have no idea where I'll be headed this year, but I know that I just need to keep working hard no matter where I am.

Q & A with George Kontos

George Kontos was a stand out baseball player at Niles West High School in Skokie, IL, and also lettered in golf and basketball. He then went on to the same school, Northwestern University, which Joe Girardi attended. His junior year he set a school record with 16 starts and was then selected in the fifth round of the amateur draft by the Yankees. It's been all up the organization ladder since. We had a chance to speak with him on the same day he reported to the major league training camp.


Q: Besides pitching, did you play any other positions at Niles West High School?

A: Other than pitching I mainly played third base in high school. I dabbled a bit at shortstop and in center field but I was mainly at third base when I wasn't pitching.

Q: You attended Northwestern U. just as the Yankees skipper, Joe Girardi, did. Not many players study economics. What drew you to it?

A: Studying economics is something that was not anticipated. I was very unsure of things my freshman year at NU and a few of my teammates and close friends that were a year older than me were studying economics so I looked into it and realized that it was something that I would enjoy. Thankfully math has always been an easier subject for me.

Q: The Yankees took you with a fifth round choice in 2006. Did you seriously consider staying in school or was there no way you were going to miss out on the opportunity to go pro?

A: Draft day was probably one of the most frustrating days of my life. When my name finally showed up on the draft tracker I can't tell you how elated I was. Seeing my friends and former teammates' names going and going is very frustrating just because you want it to be your turn already!! My cutoff was the fifth round though. I'd like to say that I would have been strong willed enough to stick to that but had I gotten selected in the 6th round I really don't know what I would have done. But since I was taken in the 5th the choice was easy.


Q: Your brother Chris is following in your footsteps, attending and playing college ball at Northwestern. Was his big brother a big influence on his decision?

A: I'd like to think I was a deciding factor in Chris' decision. I know he looks up to me and he and I are very close so I'm sure my going there was a very swaying factor in his reason for attending NU. He is a great athlete and a great student so I'm glad he chose to go there.


Q: You burst on to the scene at Staten Island in 2006, going 7-3, 2.53 in 14 starts, with 82 strikeouts in 78.1 innings. Was it an easy transition to pro ball?

A: I wouldn't say it was an easy transition, because the level of competition was definitely better than college but the main factor for me was being able to pitch to the inner part of the plate. It gave me a lot more confidence pitching to wooden bats. I didn't have to nibble anymore and I just let my stuff work and I got very good results.


Q: Your name was thrown around last year when the Xavier Nady/Damaso Marte trade was going down. What is like to hear yourself mentioned in trade rumors?

A: The whole Pittsburgh trade thing was a whirlwind. I was charting in the stands when a member of our press came down and said to me that I was the fourth guy in the trade. I really had never been in a position like that before and I had quite a few emotions. My initial reaction was, "Well OK, I'm not going to be with the Yankees anymore and I'll have to say bye to all my friends here and go make new ones." The way I looked at that whole situation was if I went to Pittsburgh it would have been a good situation, but the fact that I stayed with New York, to me, meant that the organization valued me enough to keep me. So it was a win/win situation.

Q: The situation calls for a big strikeout- which pitch do you probably throw?

A: Big situation pitch would definitely be my slider. That's my go-to pitch.


Q: A bunch of factors lead to an up and down 2007 season at Tampa, but you bounced back nicely this past year at Trenton. What made the difference?

A: There were a few things that myself and Scott Aldred worked on this past season, but the main things were I was getting ahead in the count more often which allowed me to pitch with more confidence and go after hitters more; and secondly we worked on a few things mechanically which allowed me to stay back over the rubber and get on top of the ball which made my delivery more consistent. A more consistent delivery yields more consistent strike throwing.

Q: Who are your closest friends in the organization? What do you do to blow off steam?

A: I have a lot of guys in the organization that I consider close friends. We are all a very tight knit group which is nice.

For me, lifting is the best way to blow off steam. Getting the Ipod and going into the weight room and hitting the weights hard. A good workout does wonders for me if I need to cut loose a little bit.


Q: If you could pick any teammate to bat in a big spot, who would it be?

A: This one is a tough question. It's tough to have to pick one teammate for this big a question, but I think I'd have to go with Colin Curtis or Austin Jackson in a big spot. They are both very clutch players.

Q: What went through your mind when you got invited to the big league camp this Spring? What number did they give you?

A: I'm very happy and excited to have been invited to major league camp. It's going to be a great experience to have the chance to be around all of those guys. We had our physicals today and I am number 93. Not something I'm used to but I like it.

Q: Have the Yankees given you an indication of what level you'll be starting the season at? If not, do you think you have a good shot at the Scranton rotation?

A: The Yankees have not given me any insight on where I might start. But for now I'm preparing to pitch well in ML camp and start the season in the Scranton rotation. It's obviously out of my control but where ever I start out the season I'm going to go out there and keep doing what I did at the end of last season. Get ahead in the count and throw strikes using all my pitches.

My Pinstripes: Great answers George. Thanks and good luck this year.

George Kontos: Thanks. I look forward to seeing this.

Q & A with Dan Giese

It's easy to root for Dan Giese. He's the guy that gets overlooked, the underdog, the every man. Dan is a devoted family man and a man of deep faith. It's that faith that helped guide him through tough times and made the good times even better.

We had the chance to do a recent email interview with him. This is one genuine guy.

Q: You are just the second player out of Rubidoux High School in Riverside, CA to make it to the Major Leagues. What does that mean to you?

A: I think back to when I was a freshman in high school and how much I looked up to the upper classmen. I thought to myself, “These guys are awesome! I hope I can be as good as they are some day!” I used to think they were all the next Ted Williams. To be one of only two guys to ever reach the Major Leagues out of the entire history of the school is just mind boggling to me because I wasn’t that good. I just made sure I was one of the first guys to the field and one of the last guys to leave.

Q: When you were in high school could you ever have imagined pitching in the big leagues?

A: For some reason in the back of my mind, even when I was terrible, I knew I was going to someday play in the big leagues. I didn’t know if it was going to be as a pitcher or a position player, but for some reason I knew I was going to make it. I just never gave up.

Q: How/Why did you choose to attend University of San Diego?

A: I chose the University of San Diego because my brother went there and they offered me a partial baseball scholarship. I was very familiar with the school and it was close to home. USD has a large spot on my heart because it is where I met my wife, it is where I met some of my closest friends, and I matured the most in my life.

Q: The Red Sox selected you in the 34th round in 1999. Suddenly a California boy was playing pro ball in Lowell, MA. What was that transition like?

A: I remember getting the phone call from my scout (Harry Smith) and he told me to get a sport coat because I was going to Lowell, Mass. to play in the New York Penn League. Two days later I was on a plane and on my way to a dorm room at UMASS Lowell, with no air conditioning, no TV, and making $850.00 a month before tax and rent. I was in Heaven! I never got paid in my life, so a check of any amount was great. I signed for $1000.00, which was one trip to Best Buy to buy a video camera that I have used maybe 10 times.

Q: Despite putting up good numbers for the Sox organization you were dealt back home in 2002 to the Padres for Alan Embree. What was your initial reaction when you found out you were traded?

A: I was fired up! I thought I was going to have a Tony Gwynn career and play my entire career at home. I went from Trenton, New Jersey (AA Red Sox) to Mobile, Alabama (AA Padres) and sweat my butt off in the most humid weather of my life. I enjoyed my time with the Padres even though it wasn’t for long. It was great to be a part of a Major League trade and go to an organization that wanted you.

Q: You spent the next several years in AA and AAA in the Padres and Phillies organizations without a call up. Did you ever get to the point where you felt like giving up and looking for a new career?

A: I did. In 2005, I was in AAA for the Phillies coming off of my best year ever in 2004, when my wife was in a minor car accident while pregnant with our first child. It really put things in perspective. I was very frustrated with baseball and at that time I felt it would be better to go home and be with my wife than to continue playing baseball in AAA for the 3^rd straight year. I retired from baseball, went home and finished my degree at the University of San Diego. After getting a taste of the real world, I wanted to give it one last shot. So here I am today.

Q: 2007 things start to turn around professionally for you and the Giants call you up for an eight game stint. Who told you that you had been recalled? What went through your mind on September 8, 2007 when you made your MLB debut?

A: I had my best year ever in 2007 in the Pacific Coast League. At the end of the season our manager Dan Rohn called me into the office and said, “You did a great job for us this year but we don’t have room for you.” I was disappointed. I thought to myself, “If I don’t get a shot after the year I had this year, I don’t think I will ever get a chance.”

Then the manager said, “But they have room for you in San Francisco!” I was in shock. I couldn’t believe it. All those years of blood, sweat and tears had finally paid off. I made it to the Major Leagues. I immediately called my wife and was weeping like a baby. My entire life I just wanted to get one out in the big leagues and I was able to do just that. Everything now is just a bonus!

My first Major League game was against the Dodgers at AT&T Park. That is a huge rivalry. The game was sold out and was a tight ball game. Because the game was close I didn’t think I had a chance to pitch, but sure enough, “Get Giese going!” I couldn’t even feel the ball. The bullpens in SF are right on the field, so if you throw a ball in the dirt it rolls all the way down to home plate and you stop the game. Needless to say, I was petrified! Once I got onto the mound I settled down and pitched two good innings.

Q: You signed with the Yankees prior to last season. The Yankees rarely have a position open on the MLB roster, but suddenly there you are taking the hill on June 3 against the Blue Jays. What was it like pitching in Yankee Stadium?

A: The first time at Yankee Stadium was crazy. It was Joba’s first start and I was going to be pitching right after him. He only had a pitch count of around 50. I remember seeing all these fans lined up to see Joba’s first start. I just remember telling myself, “Lord, I am surrendering this outing to you, because if I try to do this on my own I am going to mess this up.”

I was able to relax and go out and have a quality first outing. I don’t think I threw a single strike warming up in the bullpen. I think Harkey (Bullpen Coach) thought, “Who is this guy, he’s terrible!”

There is nothing like running from the bullpen to the mound at Yankee Stadium. I felt like I was in a movie. I couldn’t believe that it was happening to me. All I remembered were all the World Series games I watched on television there and now I get to play on that field. It was definitely a dream come true.

Q: How does it feel coming to Spring Training knowing you're on the 40 man roster?

A: I think with the Yankees it doesn’t matter if you are on the roster. If you are the guy they want on the team, and you pitch well enough to deserve a spot, they are going to make a move to put you on the roster and take someone off. I am in a position where you have to have a sense of urgency, a “nothing to lose” mentality. You can never be complacent. I enjoy having this kind of pressure on me to do well. If I don’t pitch well, they can very easily take me off the roster. I think when guys get comfortable, that is when someone that is hungrier will take their spot. You can bet, I will be the most prepared and focused player that I can be on a daily basis. I just surrender each and every moment to the Lord and go to work as if I were working for Him.

Q: What do you do in your down time to relax?

A: I enjoy being active. My favorite activities are surfing, fishing, golfing and hanging out with friends and family.

My Pinstripes: Thanks, Dan for your open and refreshing answers! Good luck this Spring!

Dan Giese: You're welcome and God Bless.

Minor League Recap - 7/24

Games of 7/23

Mark Melancon continued his impressive season, improving to 6-0 last night in Trenton's 3-1 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. With the game tied 1-1 in the 9th, Austin Jackson led off with a double and Chris Malec followed with an RBI triple. Joe Muich's RBI single added some insurance. Muich was only in the game due to a nasty injured suffered by catcher P.J. Pillitere. A foul ball ricocheted off the screen and hit Pillitere square in the face, breaking several bones in his nose. Mike Ashmore has more on Pillitere's injury.

	July 23, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Trenton 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 9 0 New Hampshire 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 Recap | Box | W: M. Melancon (6-0, 1.93); L: Z. Dials (2-3, 3.74) HR: None.

The Tampa Yankees also won in the 9th inning, 6-4, over the Brevard County Manatees. Josh Kreuzer was the hero with a walk off 2-run home run. Kreuzer had once been a highly touted prospect in the Blue Jays organization, including winning the Florida State League's MVP award, but was released in mid-June.

	July 23, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Brevard County 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 4 6 2 Tampa 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 2 6 10 1 Recap | Box | W: W. Arias (4-0, 2.61); L: E. Shanks (0-1, 3.21) HR: TAM: J. Kreuzer (2).

You guessed it, the Charleston River Dogs also won the in the 9th. They trailed the Greensboro Grasshoppers 3-1, but Justin Snyder belted a 2-run home run to tie the game up and Jesus Montero delivered a pinch-hit single to put the Dogs ahead. Wil De la Rosa started for Charleston, allowing 1 run in 5.2 innings pitched, with 8 strikeouts.

	July 23, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Charleston 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 4 8 0 Greensboro 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 7 2 Recap | Box | W: J. Ortiz (3-2, 1.85); L: S. Cishek (2-5, 4.40) HR: CHA: J. Snyder (5).

No late inning heroics for Staten Island as the Baby Bombers fell to the Jamestown Jammers 7-2. Mike Lyon did hit his third home run of the season.

July 23, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Staten Island 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 10 1 Jamestown 4 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 X 7 9 0 Recap | Box W: D. Clothier (2-0, 4.05); L: N. Asselin (0-1, 4.50); SV: A. Campbell (1) HR: STA: M. Lyon (3).

The GCL Yankees are struggling for runs this season, they got only one last night on a Jose Pirela RBI single, and it showed again last night in a 7-1 loss to the GCL Braves.

	July 23, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E GCL Braves 0 0 1 1 4 1 0 0 0 7 9 0 GCL Yankees 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 7 2 Recap | Box W: B. Oberholtzer (3-0, 1.90); L: R. Marte (1-1, 1.40) HR: None.

Rain had a big effect last night, postponing Scranton's game with the Richmond Braves.