Batter's Box Interactive Magazine - Minor League Update: June 1

The Memorial Day fireworks went off in Syracuse and Charleston yesterday as the SkyChiefs and Alley Cats enjoyed offensive explosions. New Hampshire and Dunedin battled hard, with the Blue Jays emerging victorious and the Fisher Cats… well, they’ll get ‘em next time!

Syracuse 11 @ Durham 1

The SkyChiefs put the hurt on Tampa Bay's AAA affiliate despite only 3 extra-base hits; 10 singles and 4 walks were plenty as Syracuse put up a 7 in the 4th inning. 1B Shawn Fagan and 3B Glenn Williams hit home runs. Leadoff hitter SS Russ Adams had two singles and a walk, as did DH Gabe Gross out of the #5 spot. CF Marvin Benard and C Tim Whittaker collected two singles each.

David Bush got the start against the Bulls and turned in a tidy 6 innings of shutout baseball - 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K. Mike Nakamura turned in 2 perfect innings of relief, striking out 3.

Non-Jays Commentary: 23-year-old Jonny Gomes launched his 11th bomb of the AAA season for the Bulls. He's currently blocked in Tampa "Last Place" Bay by 30-year-old Robert Fick, 36-year-old Tino Martinez, and 40-year-old Fred McGriff, all three of whom were acquired this past off-season. Devil Rays front office, I'd like to introduce you to a novel concept called "roster management".

Boxscore - MinorLeagueBaseball.com. Recap - Post-Standard

Portland 5 @ New Hampshire 3

Gustavo Chacin started for the Fisher Cats and was doing just fine through 5, allowing a solitary run, but things fell apart in the 6th as the Sea Dogs scored 4 runs. John Ogiltree and Dan Jackson combined for 3-1/3 innings of shutout relief.

The New Hampshire offense was lackluster, collecting 4 singles, 2 doubles, and 5 walks. The 5 walks might sound decent, but outside of DH John-Ford Griffin's 0-for-0 with 4 free passes, the rest of the Fisher Cats hacked their way to 10 strikeouts and a solitary walk.

Boxscore - MinorLeagueBaseball.com. Recap - Union-Leader

Clearwater 2 @ Dunedin 3

Ismael Ramirez spotted the Threshers a 2-spot in the first, then shut them down through the 7th, when the D-Jays scored two of their own. Tracy Thorpe came on for 2 innings of shutout relief, and was awarded the W as Dunedin plated the winning run in the bottom of the 9th. 1B Vito Chiaravalloti drove in all three Dunedin runs as he had two hits and a walk. CF Miguel Negron batted cleanup and collected three hits, including a double, and also walked once. 3B Raul Tablado hit two singles.

Big-leaguer Chris Woodward made a re-hab appearance and went hitless in two at-bats before being replaced.

Boxscore - MinorLeagueBaseball.com.

Charleston 9 @ Lake County 3

2B Ryan Roberts and 1B Clint Johnston led the way in Lake County as the Alley Cats tripled the Captains. Roberts was good for 2 home runs and a walk, while Johnston collected 3 hits, including a double. Shaun Marcum was dominant but for 2 pitches that went for solo homers. His line for the night reads 6-1/3 innings pitched, 2 runs on 5 hits, 9 strikeouts and 0 walks. The Brothers Romero tossed 1-2/3 perfect innings in relief, and in the ninth an impressive streak came to an end as Brian Reed allowed his first earned run of the season.

Boxscore - MinorLeagueBaseball.com. Recap - Charleston Gazette

Three-Star Selection!

The Third Star: David Bush, Syracuse. 6 shutout innings, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K.

The Second Star: Miguel Negron, Dunedin. 3 for 4 with a double and a walk.

The First Star: Ryan Roberts, Charleston. 2 jacks and a walk.

Posted by Jonny German on Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 09:52 AM EDT.

Minor League Update: June 1 | 54 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.

Mike Green - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 10:28 AM EDT (#60718) #

Nice update, Jonny.

Today's games: Syracuse (Douglass) at Durham at 7, New Britain at New Hampshire (Ozias) at 7:05 and Clearwater at Dunedin (Isenberg) at 7. Charleston has the day off.

_Jacko - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 10:31 AM EDT (#60719) #

The First Star: Ryan Roberts, Charleston. 2 jacks and a walk.

By my count, that is Roberts' 4th multi-homer game this season.

Wow.

_R Billie - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 11:20 AM EDT (#60720) #

Roberts and Marcum should be moving to Dunedin soon, assuming they don't skip a level.

_goatboy - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 11:30 AM EDT (#60721) #

Though Mike has already confirmed it Todd Ozias is going to start tonight. I posted yesterday that Josh Banks would be starting today, that is incorrect. In my defence thought both Josh Banks and Mike Basso stated on the pregame show yesterday he would be starting tonight.

_goatboy - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 11:34 AM EDT (#60722) #

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/radio/mlb_radio_index.jsp
For those that are interested mlb.com is having a mock draft today starting at 12:00 COMM

Note mlb has a audio archive so you can listen to the mock draft later if you want to.

_King - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 12:14 PM EDT (#60723) #

Jonny, Negron did not bat cleanup yesterday Vito batted cleanup. I would think that driving in all 3 runs, one hit to tie the game and then the next to win it (bottom ninth), would warrant a star.

_Jacko - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 12:25 PM EDT (#60724) #

Jonny, Negron did not bat cleanup yesterday Vito batted cleanup. I would think that driving in all 3 runs, one hit to tie the game and then the next to win it (bottom ninth), would warrant a star.

Speaking of which, is there a link on Da Box for the 2004 "star rankings"?

_Jonny German - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 12:32 PM EDT (#60725) #

King, you're right about Vito batting cleanup, my mistake. As for giving Vito a star, this was one of those days where there was some good competition for recognition. Vito had a nice game, but I tend to look for accomplishments that aren't situation-based, i.e. Who had the best game rather than who made the biggest difference in a game. Did Vito demonstrate that he's a Clutch Hitter and an RBI Machine? I guess you could argue that, but I think both are mythical animals.

_Steve Z - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 12:40 PM EDT (#60726) #

Roberts now has FIVE two-HR games, accounting for 10 of his 11 jacks:

April 17
April 24
May 23
May 25
May 31

_Steve Z - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 12:43 PM EDT (#60727) #

Thanks to milb.com!

Craig B - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 12:56 PM EDT (#60728) #

Did Vito demonstrate that he's a Clutch Hitter and an RBI Machine? I guess you could argue that, but I think both are mythical animals.

Bah. I say both are real, very real! VITO C., BABY!

_Steve Z - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 12:56 PM EDT (#60729) #

is there a link on Da Box for the 2004 "star rankings"?

No, not at the moment. You might have to wait a few days for the updated rankings. My guess is Roberts and Banks are distancing themselves from the pack! We'll have to see...

Craig B - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 01:03 PM EDT (#60730) #

By the way, according to Baseball America, Roberts still isn't a prospect. He doesn't get reviewed in their daily prospect report e-mails.

_goatboy - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 01:20 PM EDT (#60731) #

Here's today's mlb.com mock draft, only the first 15 picks where selected today. Picks 15 - 30 be selected tomorrow

Keep in mind this is just mlb.com talking to people who cover thier respected teams and involves alot of speculations. So take these selections with a gain of salt

1, Padres - Jered Weaver, rhp, Long Beach State
2, Tigers - Jeff Niemann, rhp, Rice
3, Mets - Wade Townsend, rhp, Rice
4, Devil Rays - Chris Nelson, ss, Redan HS, Decatur, Ga.
5, Brewers - Phil Humber, rhp, Rice
6, Indians - Stephen Drew, ss, Florida State
7, Reds - Jeremy Sowers, lhp, Vanderbilt
8, Orioles - Justin Verlander, rhp, Old Dominion
9, Rockies - Matt Bush, ss, Mission Bay HS, El Cajon, Calif.
10, Rangers - Neil Walker, c, Pine Richland HS, Gibsonia, Pa.
11, Pirates - Trevor Plouffe, ss, Crespi HS, Northridge, Calif.
12, Angels, - Homer Bailey, rhp, La Grange (Texas) HS
13, Expos - Thomas Diamond, rhp, New Orleans
14, Royals - Scott Albert, rhp Missouri HS
15, Diamondbacks - Eric Hurley, rhp, Wolfson HS, Jacksonville

robertdudek - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 01:30 PM EDT (#60732) #

By the way, according to Baseball America, Roberts still isn't a prospect. He doesn't get reviewed in their daily prospect report e-mails.

Baseball America is always late to the party where guys who don't look like ballplayers but play like them are concerned. Give them a year or two and Mr. Roberts will sudenly pop onto their list.

_Sneeps - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 01:41 PM EDT (#60733) #

Hopefully in a year or two, Mr. Roberts pops up on our big league roster.

_JaysFan - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 01:58 PM EDT (#60734) #

http://www.dunedinbluejays.com/team/transactions.php
Andy Torres was moved up to NH COMN

_Steve Z - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 02:12 PM EDT (#60735) #

Random observation of the day: Tyrell Godwin has 16 SB (3 CS); The rest of the Jays minor league system has 43 (with Noah Hall in second place, with 4)... Josh Anderson is tops in pro-ball with 38 SB!! (5 CS) through 50 games for Houston's Sally League team in Lexington.

Gerry - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 02:13 PM EDT (#60736) #

http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=38499
NH staff is hurting right now, COMN. Lee and Rosario are injured. Torres is probably going up to replace Ryan Houston who will start in Rosario's spot. It sounds from the story that Rosario might have to go on the DL.

Craig B - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 02:24 PM EDT (#60737) #

Since the Jays pick at 16, we can use the mlb.com list as a nice "let's pretend" so see who might still be on the table.

The following players seem like possible candidates:

College position players

Dustin Pedroia
Josh Fields
Mike Ferris
B.J. Szymanski
Eddy Martinez-Esteve
Jon Zeringue
Danny Putnam

High School position players

Greg Golson
Dexter Fowler
Um, I don't know? Can anyone suggest any infielders other than those already taken?

College LHP

Zach Jackson
David Purcey
Taylor Tankersley

College RHP

Micah Owings
Justin Orenduff
Chris Lambert
Huston Street
Michael Rogers

High School Pitchers

Ha ha ha ha ha ha... yeah, right.

_Brent - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 02:31 PM EDT (#60738) #

I'm starting to like the idea of the Jays picking up Martinez-Esteve, although with his perceived lack of glove, perhaps he'll slide to the Jay's sandwich pick ... or possibly lower.

Similarly, I can't see Street being picked that early, but he might fit in the sandwich pick range. It seems if I were to put my money on it, I would say Purcey, but I am frequently wrong.

robertdudek - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 02:32 PM EDT (#60739) #

J.P. Howell

_Dean - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 02:33 PM EDT (#60740) #

Craig B, your assessment of High School Pitchers is sad but true as far as this organization is concerned. I was very disappointed to read JP say the Jays are a couple of years away from drafting prep talent.

_Moffatt - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 02:38 PM EDT (#60741) #

J.P. Howell

Wasn't he the millionaire on Gilligan's Island?

_JohnnyS99 - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 02:42 PM EDT (#60742) #

23year old players in Low A, are not prospects. If Ryan Roberts was Continues to peform after a promotion, we would have different story.

_JohnnyS99 - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 02:43 PM EDT (#60743) #

Thats Thurston Howell the 3rd.

_goatboy - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 02:45 PM EDT (#60744) #

It could be a very interesting draft if guys like Trevor Plouffe, who is projected as a sandwich pick or a second round pick, and Scott Albert, and I am not sure where he is ranked, are picked early in the first round, like they were in the mock draft. If they do it should mean an interesting guy maybe Josh Fields, maybe a pitcher could fall to the jays with the 32nd pick.

_goatboy - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 02:52 PM EDT (#60745) #

23 year players in low A generally are not prospects, but you have to remember Ryan Roberts is still only in his first pro year. Personally I'd like to see the jays challenge Roberts and move him to AA. At 23 he should be mature enough to handle that kind of promotion

_Brent - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 02:56 PM EDT (#60746) #

What about Kurt Suzuki? Worth a second rounder? Will Oakland select him before that? A penny for your thoughts...

Mike Green - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 03:10 PM EDT (#60747) #

EMI...oh no, never mind the bollocks..EME.

_goatboy - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 03:10 PM EDT (#60748) #

Suzuki would be a nice pickup, a good defensive cather who has a chance to hit. Oakland once again has a bunch of picks 4 or 5 I believe in the first 2 rounds, with that many picks you can take a flyer on a guy you like.

_goatboy - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 03:12 PM EDT (#60749) #

Re: never mind the bollocks

The sex pistols, Mike you've just brought a tear to my eyes

_goatboy - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 03:17 PM EDT (#60750) #

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/2004draft/040601padres.html
What's up in San Diego?

There's a report in todays BA that San Diego is going to take Steven Drew first over all in this years draft. Wow that is unbelievible!!
Here's the article. COMM

_Carl T. - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 03:22 PM EDT (#60751) #

Minor League Baseball transactions has Josh Towers promoted to Toronto.

Gerry - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 03:47 PM EDT (#60752) #

The Jays would have to clear a roster spot for Towers, unless someone else goes on the 60 day DL.

_Jordan - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 03:48 PM EDT (#60753) #

I could see the Jays taking a high-school hitter in the first three rounds at some point, even as early as this June. But a high-school pitcher? I'd be shocked. And anway, "high-school" is not exclusively synonymous with "high-upside." Names like Clemens, Schilling, Mussina, (Randy) Johnson, Prior, Hudson, Zito, Mulder and Sheets, to name a few, all came from the college ranks. I don't think the Jays are sacrificing upside by sticking more or less completely with college hurlers.

_Jacko - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 04:00 PM EDT (#60754) #

Hijack: ASK J.P. QUESTIONS

Is "Ask J.P" going to happen before the game on Wednesday this week?

I'd like to know

(a) Where is the 800K Taiwanese bonus baby playing?
(b) What happened to Chad Hermansen? Is he hurt?

_R Billie - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 04:11 PM EDT (#60755) #

Cheng is probably in extended spring training if he isn't hurt. If it's the former then he'll likely join a short season team in a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to see if Edward Rodriguez plays on a short season team this year as well.

Craig B - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 04:17 PM EDT (#60756) #

Robert, J.P. Howell throws in the mid-80s. I don't think anyone's going to spending any first round picks on him.

_JohnnyS99 - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 05:24 PM EDT (#60757) #

Pulaski is the likely Destination for Cheng and Rodriguez, Auburn would be the more advanced team, filled with the tons of holdovers arleady in spring training and this years College draftees.

_JohnnyS99 - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 05:55 PM EDT (#60758) #

I would not take JP in the first 3 rounds, how many pitchers with Jamie Moyer type stuff actually succeed?

_Thorn - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 06:41 PM EDT (#60759) #

Just read on ESPN transactions that Justin Miller went on DL. Josh Toowers had his contract purchased from AAA and Jesse Harper was removed from the 40 man roster. If I understand the rules, Harper has to clear waivers to remain property of the Jays. Other teams have 48 hours to claim him and place him on their 40 man roster.If that is the case, will he clear waivers or will somebody else grab him at this point in his career?

_Steve Z - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 07:21 PM EDT (#60760) #

Is Harper really less valuable to the franchise than JFG at this point? I'm pretty sure Harper won't be claimed, but taking Griffin off the 40-man would seem like a less risky move, IMO.

_Nigel - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 07:32 PM EDT (#60761) #

Steve - I think you could at least support the decision if it was a choice between which prospect to jettison from the 40 man roster. You could say that the Jays lack of position prospects anywhere let alone at AA or above makes JFG more valuable than Harper (I don't agree with that but at least its arguable). But as I noted on the other thread, you can't defend keeping a Dave Berg over Harper.

_JohnnyS99 - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 07:34 PM EDT (#60762) #

Alot of teams would consider adding Harper to their 40 man roster

Gerry - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 08:55 PM EDT (#60763) #

Syracuse up 2-1 after 6, Douglass looks to be pitching well

NH up 4-1 after four.

Dunedin down 3-0 after 4.

_Sneeps - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 09:47 PM EDT (#60764) #

Clearwater once led 8 nothing, but Dunedin and there potent offense has scored 11 straight and take an 11-8 lead into the 8th.

Mike Green - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 09:52 PM EDT (#60765) #

Sky Chiefs won 3-2 as Luke vultured a win from Sean Douglass. Jeff Guiel was the hitting hero. The F-Cats and Dunedin are ahead late 8-2 and 12-8 respectively.

_goatboy - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 09:53 PM EDT (#60766) #

It's good to see Bob File pitching so well. He had another 2 score less innings to day.

_goatboy - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 10:20 PM EDT (#60767) #

Raul Tablado continues to hit well since coming off the DL with another 2 hits tonight. I believe he 8 for 16 since coming back, and he also managed to get a couple tonight as well.

Mike Green - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 10:35 PM EDT (#60768) #

http://milb.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=minorbaseball&page=milb-fs/scores/final/boxscore.aspx?GAMEID=18259
And speaking of vultured wins, Robert Nunley's today for Dunedin is a masterpiece. Kurt Isenberg left the game in the top of the 7th with a 7-3 lead, and runners on 1st and 2nd. Nunley walked a batter, wild pitched in a run, gave up a 3 run homer, and then another homer before retiring the side. Dunedin scored 5 in the bottom of the 7th to take the lead for good. Nunley did not come out for the 8th. COMN for all the gory details. I say that Nunley owes Isenberg dinner out at the least.

_johnnnyS99 - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 11:46 PM EDT (#60769) #

How about Miguel Negron, he keeps on hitting as well, another walk tonight too, looks like the JP philosphy is rubbing off.

_goatboy - Tuesday, June 01 2004 @ 11:57 PM EDT (#60770) #

With Raul Tablado what I ment to say was he also got a couple of walks as well tonight. duh!!

_Irv - Wednesday, June 02 2004 @ 12:04 AM EDT (#60771) #

Jonny - the D Rays did give Jonny Gomes a chance recently when they called him but his 1 for 14 showing didn't impress them that plus the looming call up of McGriff didn't help either.

Minor League Update: June 1 | 54 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.