Monday’s News & Notes

 News and Notes  8 Responses »
Jun 252012
 
Team Yesterday Today Probable Pitchers
Syracuse Won, 5-2 vs. Gwinnett,
7:00 p.m.		 Atkins (5-5, 4.46) vs.
Junge (4-7, 4.71)
Harrisburg Lost, 5-3 @ New Hampshire,
7:05 p.m.		 Pucetas (5-2, 1.93) vs.
Hernandez (1-4, 3.65)
Potomac Won, 7-1 vs. Wilmington,
7:05 p.m.		 Kimball (rehab) vs.
Ventura (3-5, 3.10)
Hagerstown Lost, 5-3 @ Delmarva,
7:05 p.m.		 McKenzie (2-2, 7.28) vs.
Bridwell (2-5, 5.77)
Auburn Won, 6-5
(10 inn.)		 vs. Jamestown,
7:05 p.m.		 Baez (0-0, 11.25) vs.
Hope (0-0, 2.25)
GCL Nationals OFF DAY vs. GCL Marlins,
12:00 p.m.		 Marcelino (0-0, 6.75) vs.
Garcia (0-0, 4.91)
DSL Nationals OFF DAY @ DSL Giants,
10:30 a.m.		 P. Valdez (0-0, 6.75) vs.
C. Diaz (1-1, 7.84)

Syracuse 5 Gwinnett 2
• Duke (W, 9-3) 8IP, 7H, 2R, 2ER, 2BB, 2K
• H. Rodriguez (SV, 2) 1IP, 0H, 0R, 2BB, K
• Komatsu 4-5, 3R, HR, 2RBI
• Brown 2-5, R, 2B
• Marrero 2-4, RBI

After waiting out a 117-minute rain delay, the Syracuse Chiefs ran their win streak to seven with a 5-2 triumph over the Gwinnett Braves. Zach Duke improved to 9-3 with eight strong innings, giving up two runs on seven hits and two walks. Henry “El Infarto” Rodriguez worked around two walks in the 9th to notch the save. Carlos Rivero, Brett Carroll, and Corey Brown each extended their hit streaks to 13 games, with Erik Komatsu leading the hit parade with a 4-for-5 night.

New Hampshire 5 Harrisburg 3
• Rosenbaum (l, 7-4) 7IP, 8H, 5R, 4ER, BB, 4K, HR
• Frias 1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, K
• Perez 2-4, 3B, SB, RBI, OF assist at 2B
• Walters 2-4, R, HR, RBI

With a 5-3 loss to New Hampshire, the Harrisburg Senators fell to .500 at 37-37. Danny Rosenbaum bounced back from his worst outing of the season with a seven-inning effort, giving up five runs on eight hits and a walk and striking out four. Zach Walters smacked his first AA home run in the 9th while Eury Perez went 2-for-4 with an RBI triple and a stolen base.

Potomac 7 Wilmington 1
• Karns 8IP, 2H, R, ER, 3BB, 11K
• Carr 1IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 0K
• Keyes 3-4, R, HR, 3RBI
• Sanchez 2-4, R, 2B, HR, RBI
• Freitas 2-4, 2-2B, BB, 2RBI

Nathan Karns was sensational Sunday Afternoon In Woodbridge.

Lakewood 5 Hagerstown 3
• Meyer (L, 6-4) 6⅔ IP, 3H, 4R, 4ER, 2BB, 11K, HR
• Meza 2⅓ IP, 3H, R, ER, BB, 2K
• Souza 1-4, R, HR, RBI
• Skole 1-1, R, HR, RBI

One bad inning combined with stifling opposing pitcher were too much for Alex Meyer and Hagerstown to overcome as the Suns ace and Hagerstown lost, 5-3. The BlueClaws knocked Meyer around for four runs (three on a HR) in the first, then couldn’t touch him for the next five and 2/3rds, as the 22-y.o. allowed just two baserunners and struck out a career-high 11 batters. His opponent, Ethan Stewart, was just as untouchable and allowed just an unearned run over six. Steve Souza and Matt Skole both hit solo HRs as the Suns were held to just six hits. After a 2-2 homestand, it’s a nine-game road trip to Delmarva and Lakewood before returning home on July 4. Roster move: LHP Josh Smoker was activated from the Potomac DL and transferred to Hagerstown.

Auburn 6 Williamsport 5 (10 inn.)
• Medina 4IP, 1H, R, ER, 2BB, 3K
• Mirowski (W, 1-0) 2⅔ IP, H, 0R, BB, 4K
• Kieboom 2-3, R, BB, SAC
• Schill 2-4, 2R, 2B, BB
• Poole 2-5, R, 2B

The Doubledays went to extras again, but this time they won in the 10th, 6-5 over the Crosscutters. The lead changed hands five times through the first six innings before the game became a battle of the ‘pens. Wes Schill doubled in the 10th, took 3rd on a sacrifice by Spencer Kieboom, and came around to score on Tony Renda’s one-out single. Richie Mirowski got the win with a 1-2-3 tenth inning. After playing five of their first even on the road, Auburn returns home for a six-game homestand vs. Jamestown and Williamsport.

GCL Nationals — OFF DAY
The G-Nats are 4-2 after their first week, tied with the GCL Cardinals in the four-team GCL East.

DSL Nationals — OFF DAY
The D-Nats are 12-7, tied for second place with today’s opponent, the DSL Giants.

Sunday’s News & Notes

 News and Notes, Transactions  1 Response »
Jun 242012
 
Team Yesterday Today Probable Pitchers
Syracuse Won, 12-4 vs. Gwinnett,
5:00 p.m.		 Duke (8-3, 3.83) vs.
Lugo (1-2, 3.72)
Harrisburg Lost, 2-1 @ New Hampshire,
1:35 p.m.		 Rosenbaum (7-3, 2.57) vs.
Jenkins (3-6, 5.20)
Potomac Lost, 16-6 vs. Wilmington,
4:05 p.m.		 Karns (1-2, 4.15) vs.
Sample (1-7, 5.65)
Hagerstown Won, 10-8 vs. Lakewood,
1:05 p.m.		 Meyer (6-3, 3.33) vs.
Stewart (3-6, 3.76)
Auburn Lost, 3-2
(10 inn.)		 @ Williamsport,
5:05 p.m.		 Medina (0-0, 0.00) vs.
Joaquin (0-0, 0.00)
GCL Nationals Lost, 4-1 OFF DAY N/A
DSL Nationals Lost, 7-3 OFF DAY N/A

Syracuse 12 Gwinnett 4
• Maya (W, 5-5) 5⅓ IP, 4H, 4R, 1ER, 2BB, 3K, HR, BK
• Arnesen (H, 1) 1⅔ 1H, 0R, 0BB, 4K, 2-2 IR-S
• Teahen 2-3, 3R, 2-2B, 2RBI
• Marrero 2-5, 2R, RBI
• Carroll 1-3, R, 2B, BB, RBI

A six-run 8th ended any hopes of Gwinnett coming back from an early 5-0 deficit as Syracuse tripled them up, 12-4. The Chiefs made the most out of their 10 hits and six walks, leaving just four baserunners on, with Mark Teahen pacing the offense with a pair of doubles and two RBI. Yunesky Maya evened his record with five strong innings and shaky 1/3rd, giving up a home run, a walk and a single to the last three batters he faced. Both Syracuse errors came in the 6th, rendering three of Maya’s runs unearned. Marrero’s rehab stint was ended yesterday with his reinstatement from the DL and immediate optioning to Syracuse.

New Hampshire 2 Harrisburg 1
• Perry 3IP, H, 0R, BB, 0K
• Tatusko 3IP, 3H, R, ER, BB, 3K
• Zinicola (L, 0-1) 2IP, 5H, R, ER, 0BB, 3K
• Walters 1-3, 2B, BB
• Bloxom 1-3, BB

The Fisher Cats scored single runs in the 7th and 8th innings to edge the Senators, 2-1. Ryan Perry tossed three innings of one-hit ball in his first professional start after 212 career relief appearances. Harrisburg was held to just five hits and had two runners thrown out at home. The sole run was scored with Eury Perez leading off the 6th, stealing 2nd, and coming in to score on an RBI single by Jeff Kobernus.
Roster moves: Perez was activated from the DL, while LHP Cory VanAllen was placed on it.

Winston-Salem 16 Potomac 6
• Grace 3⅓ IP, 12H, 10R, 10ER, 2BB, 3K, HR
• Wort 1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 3K
• Oduber 3-3, R, 3B, BB
• Sanchez 3-5, R, 2B,
• Martinson 2-4, 2R, HR, BB, 2RBI

It was a good, old-fashioned ass-kicking Last Night In Woodbridge.

Hagerstown 10 Lakewood 8
• Hansen (W, 1-0) 5⅔ IP, 9H, 3R, ER, 2BB, 3K
• Barrett (SV, 9) ⅔ IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, K, 1-1 IR-S
• Goodwin 4-5, 3R, 2HR, 4RBI
• Dykstra 2-5, 2R, HR, RBI
• Skole 1-3, 2R, HR, BB, 3RBI

The Suns held off a late charge from Lakewood to take a 10-8 decision. Bobby Hansen Jr. got the win with five and 2/3rds innings pitched, scattering nine hits with the help of a pair of double plays behind him, giving up three runs (one earned) while walking two and striking out three. Brian Goodwin went deep twice, driving in four while Matt Skole and Cutter Dykstra also homered and combined to drive in four. Aaron Barrett came on in the 9th to get the save, bailing out Bobby Lucas, who was torched for four runs on three hits and a walk.

Williamsport 3 Auburn 2 (10 inn.)
• Jordan 2IP, 1H, 1R, 0ER, 0BB, 3K
• Lee 4IP, 4H, R, ER, 0BB, 4K
• Montilla 2-4
• Manuel 2-4, RBI

The Doubledays dropped their second straight, falling 3-2 in extras to the Crosscutters. Taylor Jordan, working his way back from TJ surgery, started and went the first two innings, giving up an unearned run while striking out three. Angel Montilla and Craig Manuel both went 2-for-4 to pace the Auburn offense, while rehabbing Destin Hood went 1-for-4 with a walk. Derek Self took the loss in the 10th when the first three batters reached base on a walk, sacrifice, and a double.

GCL Astros 4 GCL Nationals 1
• Mieses (L, 0-1) 5IP, 7H, 3R, 3ER, 0BB, 5K, HR
• Hollins 1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, K
• J.C. Valdez 3-4
• McQuillan 2-4, R, BB
• Lippincott 2-4

The rematch didn’t go so well yesterday in Viera as the GCL Astros beat the GCL Nationals, 4-1. Adalberto Mieses lost his second start of the week, giving up three runs on seven hits, including a two-run HR in the Astros’ three-run 5th, but walked none and struck out five. Jean Carlos Valdez led the hit sheet with three singles, but the offense as whole sputtered with 10 runners left on and a 1-for-9 mark with RISP.

DSL Giants 7 DSL Nationals 3
• Valerio (L, 0-3) 3IP, 7H, 7R, 5ER, 2BB, 4K
• Dilone 5⅔ IP, 3H, 0R, 0BB, 6K
• Atencio 1-3, BB
• Aguero 1-3, R, BB

The DSL Giants got to Maximo Valerio with three in the 2nd and four in the 3rd, cruising to a 7-3 win over the DSL Nationals. The 17-y.o. Valerio gave up seven hits and two walks but struck out four. Angelo Dilone followed with five and 2/3rds scoreless innings of relief, setting down six on strikes. The D-Nats managed just six hits total, but strung together three of them in the three-run 7th.

Saturday’s News & Notes

 News and Notes, Transactions  6 Responses »
Jun 232012
 
Team Yesterday Today Probable Pitchers
Syracuse Won, 6-2 vs. Gwinnett,
7:00 p.m.		 Maya (4-5, 3.67) vs.
Teheran (5-3, 3.24)
Harrisburg Won, 8-1 @ New Hampshire,
7:05 p.m.		 Perry (1st AA start) vs.
Pino (4-2, 3.25)
Potomac Won, 6-2 vs. Winston-Salem,
6:35 p.m.		 Grace (4-6, 5.24) vs.
Petricka (4-4, 5.34)
Hagerstown Won, 5-1 vs. Lakewood,
7:00 p.m.		 Hansen (0-0, 2.57) vs.
Kleven (4-5, 3.80)
Auburn Lost, 13-8 @ Williamsport,
7:05 p.m.		 Jordan (0-0, 13.50) vs.
Warner (1-0, 0.00)
GCL Nationals Won, 9-3 vs GCL Astros,
12:00 p.m. (DH)		 TBD vs. TBD
DSL Nationals Lost, 9-3 vs. DSL Giants,
10:30 a.m.		 Valerio (0-2, 4.97) vs.
Flores (1-1, 1.65)

Syracuse 6 Gwinnett 2
• Roark (W, 4-9) 6IP, 5H, R, ER, 2BB, 5K
• Bibens-Dirkx (H, 5) 1IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 0K
• Paul 3-4, R, 2B, RBI
• Rivero 2-4, R, RBI, SB
• Bynum 2-4, R

A pair of two-run rallies late pushed Syracuse past Gwinnett for a 6-2 win and a .500 record — the first since April 17, 2011. Tanner Roark got the win with a run on five hits and two walks over six innings. Xavier Paul lef the hit parade with two singles and a double, with a run scored and an RBI.
Roster move: OF Jason Michaels was placed on the 7-Day DL

Harrisburg 8 New Hampshire 1
• Demny (W, 5-4) 7IP, 7H, R, ER, BB, 4K, HR
• Davis 2IP, 2H, 0R, 0BB, 2K
• Walters 2-5, 2B, 2RBI
• Van Ostrand 2-5, R, HR, BB, RBI
• Kobernus 2-5, R

A five-run 6th broke open a 2-1 game as the Senators weathered a 38-minute rain delay for an 8-1 win. Paul Demny got the win with seven hits allowed over seven innings, the run coming on a solo HR in the 2nd. Eight of the nine batters got a hit as the Senators pounded out twelve for the contest, with Zach Walters, Jimmy Van Ostrand, Sean Nicol, and Jeff Kobernus each getting two hits.

Potomac 6 Winston-Salem 2
• Holder (W, 4-2) 7IP, 6H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 5K, HR
• Barthmaier 1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, K
• Taylor 2-4, R, 2RBI
• Martinson 1-4, BB, 2RBI

Lots of walks and strikeouts Last Night In Woodbridge.
Prior to the game, C Sam Palace was transferred to Potomac from Hagerstown with LHP Paul Applebee placed on the 7-Day DL to make room on the roster.

Hagerstown 6 Lakewood 1
• Kimball 1IP, H, 0R, 0BB, 2K
• Hill (W, 7-4) 7IP, 4H, 1R, 0ER, BB, 4K
• Dykstra 3-4
• Souza 2-4, R, 2B
• Skole 1-3, R, BB, HR, RBI

With HRs by Brian Goodwin and Matt Skole, the Suns put the pinch on the BlueClaws for a 5-1 win. Taylor Hill got the win in relief of Cole Kimball, his 7th, with an unearned run allowed on four hits and a walk over seven innings. Kimball started the game and struck out two while giving up a hit in the first inning. Cutter Dykstra led the hit column with three singles, followed by Steve Souza’s 2-for-4 effort.
Kimball was transferred from the GCL to the Suns as an MLB rehab assignment, while C Jeremy Mayo was transferred from Syracuse to replace Palace.

Williamsport 13 Auburn 8
• Smith (L, 1-1) 4⅔ IP, 7H, 8R, 6ER, 2BB, 2K, HR
• Montilla 3-6, R, 2RBI
• Pleffner 2-5, R, 2B, BB, 2RBI
• Schill 2-4, R, 2B, RBI

A five-run 5th broke a 5-5 tie as Williamsport took an axe to the Auburn ‘pen for a 13-8 win. Jason Smith took the brunt of the beating, giving up eight runs on seven hits and two walks over four and 2/3rds innings. Three relievers followed and none went unscathed. Angel Montilla led the Doubleday offense with a 3-for-6 night and 2RBI. Rehabbing Destin Hood was just 1-for-6 (a double) with three strikeouts.

GCL Nationals 9 GCL Astros 3
• Schwartz 2IP, 2H, 0R, 0BB, K
• Selsor ⅔ IP, 1H, 3R, 0ER, 0BB, 1K, 1HR
• Chubb 2-2, R, HR, 4RBI
• D. Eusebio 1-2, 3RBI

With three runs in the 3rd, five in the 4th, and four more in the 9th, the GCL Nationals scored 12 unanswered runs in a 12-3 rout of the GCL Astros. Five pitchers were used with Blake Schwartz getting the start and OF/DH Casey Selsor making his mound debut, getting tagged for a HR but also striking out #1 overall draft pick Carlos Correa. The G-Nats pounded out 14 hits, with four G-Nats colecting multiple hits, highlighted by Austin Chubb, who went 2-for-4 with a HR and four RBI. Lots of substitutions, so folks looking for first appearances (e.g. Deion Williams) ought to click through to the box score.
Roster move: RHP Anthony Marcelino was released on Thursday.

DSL Yankees1 9 DSL Nationals 3
• J. Rodriguez (L, 0-1) 4IP, 4H, 5R, 4ER, BB, 4K, 2HR
• Acevedo 4IP, 4H, 4R, 2ER, 2BB, 2K, 2HR
• Mercedes 2-5, R
• Marmolejos-Diaz 2-4, R, 2-2B, RBI

The DSL Yankees1 squad battered the DSL Nationals for four HRs in a 9-3 win to reclaim 1st place in the Boca Chica South Division of the DSL. Starter Jefry Rodriguez took the loss with five runs on four hits and a walk over the first four innings while giving up two HRs. Reliever Miguel Acevedo wasn’t much better, giving up four runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks over the last four innings while coughing up two HRs. “Orange” Marmolejos-Diaz doubled twice to pace the seven-hit offense.

Wednesday’s News & Notes

 News and Notes, Transactions  20 Responses »
Jun 202012
 
Team Yesterday Today Probable Pitchers
Syracuse Won, 4-3 vs. Pawtucket,
7:00 p.m.		 Atkins (5-5, 4.31)
vs. Germano (8-3, 2.49)
Harrisburg Lost, 14-0 @ Portland,
7:00 p.m.		 Pucetas (4-2, 1.63) vs.
Britton (1-0, 1.10)
Potomac ALL STAR BREAK ALL STAR BREAK N/A
Hagerstown ALL-STAR BREAK ALL-STAR BREAK N/A
Auburn Won, 8-7 @ Batavia,
7:05 p.m.		 Monar (0-0, 0.00) vs.
Cuda (0-0, 0.00)
GCL Nationals Won, 9-8 @ GCL Cardinals,
12:00 p.m.		 TBD vs. TBD
DSL Nationals Won, 14-5 @ DSL Mets1,
10:30 a.m.		 Silvestre (1-0, 2.81) vs.
Almeida (0-1, 11.25)

Syracuse 4 Pawtucket 3
• Duke (W, 8-3) 6IP, 8H, 3R, 3ER, 4BB, 0K, 2HR
• H. Rodriguez (H, 1) 1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, K, 0WP, 0HBP
• Pena (SV, 3) 1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, K
• Brown 3-4, 2R, 2B
• Komatsu 2-4

Zach Duke danced with the devil in the pale moonlight danger in each of the first four innings, walking four in the first two innings and stranding eight in the first four, but left the game with a slim 4-3 lead. Despite an appearance by rehabbing Henry Rodriguez, the Syracuse ‘pen got the “W” for Duke with three scoreless innings of relief. Corey Brown and Erik Komatsu combined to go 5-for-8 while rehabbing Chris Marrero delivered an RBI single in four at-bats. FA catcher Koyie Hill was assigned to Syracuse. Jeremy Mayo is a good bet to be transferred in the next couple of days.

Portland 14 Harrisburg 0
• Rosenbaum (L, 7-3) 3+ IP, 7H, 9R, 7ER, 4BB, 3K, HR(GS)
• Rahl 2-2, 2B
• Walters 1-3, BB, E

A grand slam chased Danny Rosenbaum from the game in the 4th as part of a nine-run inning as Portland pounded Harrisburg, 14-0. Rosenbaum was charged with nine runs (seven earned) on seven hits and four walks over three-plus innings. In his last six starts, he’s gone 2-2 but with an ERA of 5.94 and a WHIP of 1.74 (contrasted to 5-1, 0.86, 0.73 in his first eight starts). Chris Rahl singled and doubled to lead the offense. Zach Walters and Justin Bloxom both made their AA debuts, with Walters going 1-for-3 with a walk and Bloxom going 0-for-3 with a strikeout.

Potomac — ALL-STAR BREAK
David Freitas doubled, walked, scored a run, and drove a run but failed to stop any of the five stolen base attempts against him in the Carolina League’s 9-1 win over the California League last night in Winston-Salem. Rob Wort also appeared, giving up a hit but striking out speedster Billy Hamilton (80SBs in 66G) to end the game.

Hagerstown — ALL-STAR BREAK
The Sally League Northern Division beat the Southern, 3-2 last night in Charleston. Matt Skole went 0-for-3 coming off the bench and made an error while playing 3B in the 9th. Caleb Ramsey relieved the starting CF and went 1-for-2 with a run scored. Aaron Barrett got the save, but gave up both Sally South runs (one earned) on two hits with no walks and two strikeouts.

Auburn 8 Batavia 7
• Baez 4IP, 9H, 5R, 5ER, BB, 2K, HR
• Henke (W, 1-0) 2⅓ IP, H, 0R, 0BB, 0K
• Mirowski (SV, 1) 1IP, H, 0R, BB, K
• B. Miller 1-2, 3R, HR, 2BB, 3RBI
• Montilla 2-4, R, 2B, RBI
• S. Perez 2-4, R, 2B

In a back-and-forth contest, Auburn won the battle of attrition with Batavia on a sacrifice fly, 8-7. The Muckdogs scored in each of the first four innings and outhit the Doubledays 15-9, but committed three errors and hit into three double plays. Starter Gregory Baez was lit up for five runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out two. Travis Henke got the win in relief with two and a 1/3rd scoreless innings while Richie Mirowski got the save despite letting two baserunners on in the 9th. Angel Montilla, Steven Perez, and Spencer Kieboom each went 2-for-4 while Brandon Miller drove in three with a first-inning HR.
RHP Pedro Encarnacion was transferred from Hagerstown to Auburn.

GCL Nationals 9 GCL Marlins 8
• Kimball 1IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, K
• Marcelino 4IP, 7H, 4R, 3ER, 2BB, 4K
• Santana (BS, 1; W, 1-0) 1IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, K, HBP, 3-3 IR-S
• Difo 2-4, 3R, 3B, 2RBI
• Mesa 1-2, 3R, 2B, BB, HBP, RBI
• McQuillan 3-4, BB, 2RBI

After blowing an 8-5 lead in the top of the 9th, the G-Marlins couldn’t stand the prosperity and gave it right back for a 9-8 walkoff win by the G-Nats. A walk, a hit batsmen, balk, and a throwing error turned the trick. Rehabbing Cole Kimball got the “start” and tossed a scoreless inning, followed by Anthony Marcelino who was knocked around for four runs on seven hits and and two walks while striking out four. Andy Santana got the blown-save-win by giving up a bases-clearing double to the first batter he faced before retiring three of the next four batters. 33rd-rounder Mike McQuillan led the eight-hit attack with three singles and a walk while driving in two.

DSL Nationals 14 DSL Mets1 5
• P. Valdez 5IP, 6H, 5R, 1ER, 3BB, 4K, 0HR
• Aquino (W, 2-0) 4IP, 2H, 0R, 0BB, 4K
• Aguero 3-5, R, 2RBI
• Read 2-4, 3R, 2HR, BB, 4RBI
• Bautista 2-2, 3R, 2BB, SB

The D-Nats scored 14 unanswered runs in a 14-5 decision over the D-Mets1 squad. 18-y.o. Raudy Read continues to flash serious power, smacking HRs #4 and #5 while driving in four to push his slugging percentage to .517 (lg. avg. is .341). Philips Valdez got the no-decision but went five innings, giving up five runs (one earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out four. 17-y.o. Jonathan Aquino got the win with four scoreless innings of relief, with just two hits allowed and four set down by way of the K.

Shuffling The Deck: Transactions At The Break

 Transactions  16 Responses »
Jun 182012
 

A lot of transactions in this morning’s post, and more to come. So at the suggestion of a Twitter follower, let’s see if I can outline how the Nationals are shuffling the deck at the minors All-Star break…

SYRACUSE
• RHP Ryan Perry reassigned to Harrisburg — Per Geoff Morrow, he’s expected to transition to the rotation.
• RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx transferred to/from Harrisburg — Basically, a loan to help the Senators bullpen after a heavy workload the past few days.
• C James Skelton placed on 7-Day DL

HARRISBURG
• SS Chris McConnell — Morrow says he’s been told that this will be the sole organizational cut.
• C James Skelton transferred to Syracuse — until Sandy Leon is reactivated, expect this kind of shuffling to continue.
• IF Stephen King reassigned to Potomac — A move that seems reminiscent of the 2010 midyear demotions of Bill Rhinehart and Sean Rooney.
• LHP Mike Ballard placed on the DL — Elbow discomfort, per Morrow story linked above.

POTOMAC
• 3B/SS Zach Walters promoted to Harrisburg — Yes, he’s struggled with the errors, but has gotten red-hot with the bat over the last 3-4 weeks.
• 1B Justin Bloxom promoted to Harrisburg — Take away April, he’s hitting .295 with 11HR and 27RBI, a slower more steady improvement than Walters.

HAGERSTOWN
• IF Bryce Ortega reassigned from the GCL Nationals — Presuming he was sent to XST due to playing-time issues, it looks like a spot has opened up (*ahem*).
• SS Jason Martinson promoted to Potomac — Alluded by himself, confirmed by Byron Kerr

AUBURN
• RHP Taylor Jordan reassigned from the GCL Nationals — Coming back from a UCL replacement procedure in May 2011.

GCL
• RHP Dixon Anderson reassigned from Auburn — A 2011 draftee that reportedly had injury concerns and yet to make a regular-season pro appearance.
• OF Eury Perez assigned to GCL — On the DL in Harrisburg, a procedural move. Suffering from a strained oblique.
• LHP Josh Smoker assigned to GCL — On the DL in Potomac, a procedural move. Exact nature of injury/issue unknown.
• RHP Adam Carr assigned to GCL — On the DL in Syracuse, a procedural move. Recovering from shoulder surgery last summer.

###

As always, if/when more news trickles in, I’ll update this space for the next 24 hours or so.

UPDATE #1: SS Jason Martinson has been promoted from Hagerstown to Potomac.

UPDATE #2: C James Skelton placed on DL (corrected to/from transfer points)

Monday’s News & Notes

 News and Notes, Transactions  8 Responses »
Jun 182012
 
Team Yesterday Today Probable Pitchers
Syracuse Lost, 6-2 vs. Pawtucket,
7:00 p.m.		 Maya (4-5, 3.38) vs.
Cook (3-0, 1.89)
Harrisburg Lost, 4-0 OFF DAY N/A
Potomac Lost, 5-0 ALL STAR BREAK N/A
Hagerstown Lost, 5-3 ALL-STAR BREAK N/A
Auburn N/A @ Batavia,
7:05 p.m.		 Jordan (0-0, 0.00) vs.
Freeman (0-0, 0.00)
GCL Nationals N/A @GCL Marlins,
12:00 p.m.		 TBD vs. TBD
DSL Nationals OFF DAY vs. DSL Cubs2,
10:30 a.m.		 Valerio (0-2, 7.04) vs.
Araujo (1-0, 1.80)

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 6 Syracuse 2
• Roark (L, 3-9) 6IP, 10H, 6R, 6ER, 0BB, 8K, HR
• Arnesen 2IP, 1H, 0R, BB, 0K
• Brown 2-4, 2-3B
• Rivero 2-4, 2B, RBI

The Yankees got to Tanner Roark early with three runs in the 1st and cruised to a 6-2 win to take three of four at “home.” Roark allowed all six runs on 10 hits, including a solo HR in the 5th to suffer his 9th loss. Corey Brown and Carlos Rivero went 4-for-8 combined, with a double and two triples, but the Chiefs were otherwise held in check with six hits total. RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx was essentially loaned to Harrisburg, transferred to and from the Senators before and after the game. C James Skelton and RHP Ryan Perry were transferred to Harrisburg.

Trenton 4 Harrisburg 0
• Tatusko (L, 1-3) 5IP, 5H, 3R, 3ER, 2BB, 2K
• Bibens-Dirkx 3IP, 2H, R, ER, BB, 4K
• Rahl 1-2, BB
• Pahuta 1-3

Four Thunder hurlers combined on a four-hit shutout as the Senators lost, 4-0. Ryan Tatusko took the loss, giving up three runs on five his and two walks while striking out two. Chris Rahl was the sole Harrisburg player to reach base twice. Roster Moves: SS Chris McConnell was released following the game while IF Stephen King was demoted to Potomac. OF Destin Hood was transferred to Auburn for rehab purposes. LHP Mike Ballard was placed on the DL with elbow discomfort.

Myrtle Beach 5 Potomac 0
• Olbrychowski (L, 2-6) 5IP, 4H, 3R, 2ER, 3BB, 5K, HR
• Demmin 2IP, 3H, 0R, BB, 3K
• Walters 2-4
• Sanchez 2-4, 2CS

Potomac was shut out for the 10th time this season by Myrtle Beach by a 5-0 count. Adam Olbrcyhowski suffered the loss with the first three runs given up (two earned) on four hits and three walks over five innings. Zach Walters and Adrian Sanchez both went 2-for-4 to account for half of the P-Nats eight hits. If you guessed that the moves in Harrisburg meant promotions from Potomac, say goodbye to SS Zach Walters and 1B Justin Bloxom. If you’re hoping for news about which Suns are on the way to replace them, you’re going to have to champ at the bit because both Potomac and Hagerstown are coming back from half-ending road trips that had them rolling into town as late as 6:00 a.m. this morning

West Virginia 5 Hagerstown 3
• Meyers 5IP, 5H, 3R, 2ER, 2BB, 9K
• Encarnacion (L, 0-1) 2⅓ IP, 3H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 0K
• Goodwin 3-4, R, HR, BB, 2RBI, CS
• Dykstra 1-3, R, 2B, BB, 2SB (19,20), E(5)

Alex Meyer struck out a career-high nine batters, but left the game down 3-0 after five innings. Brian Goodwin’s two-run shot tied in the top of the 7th, but the ‘pen faltered for a 5-3 loss to finish the half. The Suns offense struggled in the clutch, going 0-for-8 with RISP and stranding eight baserunners. Goodwin led the attack with a 3-for-4 afternoon. Matt Skole and Jason Martinson are two obvious candidates to replace Walters and Bloxom, but as Brian Oliver noted this a.m. during a Twitter exchange, folks need to consider how the Suns roster will be restocked. As seen with King, demotions are possible – as are backfills via several players for which a release or an assignment is unknown

Auburn Doubledays — OPENING DAY
The 2011 N.Y-Penn League finalists open the 2012 campaign with a home-and-home series against the Batavia Muckdogs.

GCL Nationals — OPENING DAY
With the departure of the GCL Mets, it’s Marlins, Cardinals, Astros, home and away for 60 games this season (20 games vs. each), starting with the Marlins.

DSL Nationals — OFF DAY
The second-place D-Nats host the D-Cubs2 and D-Giants today and Saturday while playing home-and-home’s against the Mets1, and first-place Yankees1 from Tuesday through Friday.

Friday’s News & Notes

 News and Notes, Transactions  19 Responses »
Jun 152012
 

So long, Spike 2003-2012

Sorry, no writeups today. Click on the picture to go to our Facebook page, which will explain what happened to Spike. Good, Bad, and Interesting will still publish today around noon.

Team Yesterday Today Probable Pitchers
Syracuse Won, 10-0 “@” Scranton/WB,
7:00 p.m.		 Atkins (5-5, 4.32) vs.
Betances (3-5, 5.92)
Harrisburg Lost, 5-4 vs. Trenton,
7:00 p.m.		 Gilliam (1-6, 5.40) vs.
Hall (5-6, 4.14)
Potomac Won, 5-4 @ Myrtle Beach,
7:05 p.m.		 Karns (0-2, 8.53) vs.
TBD
Hagerstown Won, 8-6 @ West Virginia,
7:05 p.m.		 Hansen (1st A- start in ’12) vs.
Benedict (4-4, 3.66)
DSL Nationals Won, 10-9
(12 inn.)		 @ DSL Phillies,
10:30 a.m.		 Suero (2-0, 1.64) vs.
Dominguez (1-1, 3.27)

Syracuse 10 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 0
• Duke (W, 7-3) 5⅔ IP, 6H, 0R, BB, 5K
• Pena 1IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 2K
• Carroll 2-5, R, HR, 2RBI
• Bynum 2-4, 2R, 3B, 2RBI
• Paul 2-5, R, 2B, 2RBI

Erie 5 Harrisburg 4
• Pucetas (L, 4-2) 6⅔ IP, 5H, 4R, 3ER, 2BB, 6K, HR
• Nelo 1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 2K
• Lozada 3-4, R, 2B
• Kobernus 0-3, 3K, 2SF, 2RBI

As expected, Eury Perez was placed on the DL, retroactive to June 11.

Potomac 5 Myrtle Beach 4
• Grace (W, 4-6) 6IP, 6H, 4R, 4ER, BB, 4K
• Holland (H, 2) 2IP, 2H, 0R, 0BB, 0K
• Wort (SV, 4) 1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 2K
• Hague 2-3, R, HR, SF, 3RBI
• Kelso 2-3, 2R, BB, SB

Hagerstown 8 West Virginia 6
• Hill 5IP, 4H, 6R, 5ER, 2BB, 2K, 3HR
• Hawkins (W, 2-0) 2⅔ IP, 0H, 0R, 3BB, 2K
• Barrett (SV, 8) 1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 0K
• Ramsey 4-5, 2R, 2B, 3B, 3RBI, SB
• Newsome 2-5, R, 2B
• Burns 2-4, R, RBI

DSL Nationals 10 DSL Phillies 9 (12 inn.)
• Silvestre 6IP, 9H, 5R, 5ER, 3BB, 5K, HR
• K. Rodriguez (W, 2-0) 2IP, 3H, R, ER, 0BB, 0K
• Read 2-6, R, HR, BB, 4RBI
• Ramirez 2-4, R, 2B, BB, 2RBI

Thursday’s News & Notes

 News and Notes, Transactions  4 Responses »
Jun 142012
 
Team Yesterday Today Probable Pitchers
Syracuse OFF Day “@” Scranton/WB,
7:00 p.m.		 Duke (6-3, 4.08) vs.
Warren (4-3, 3.89)
Harrisburg Won, 8-7;
Lost, 8-2		 vs. Erie,
7:00 p.m.		 Pucetas (4-1, 1.26) vs.
De La Cruz (3-6, 3.67)
Potomac Lost, 6-5;
Lost, 5-3		 @ Myrtle Beach,
7:05 p.m.		 Grace (3-6, 5.16) vs.
Tepesch (5-3, 2.89)
Hagerstown Lost, 5-3
(10 inn.)		 @ West Virginia,
7:05 p.m.		 Hill (6-4, 4.03) vs.
Rowland (2-1, 2.86)
DSL Nationals Won, 7-5 vs. DSL Phillies,
10:30 a.m.		 Silvestre (0-0, 0.00) vs.
Santos (0-0, 2.25)

Syracuse — OFF DAY
No significant roster moves were made, nor have I been able to locate any updates on Yunesky Maya’s injury. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Mark Teahen can opt out of his minor-league deal if not called up by tomorrow.

Harrisburg 8 Erie 7 — GAME ONE
• Rosenbaum 4+IP, 8H, 3R, 1ER, BB, 3K
• Frias (W, 3-3) 2IP, 3H, R, ER, 2BB, 2K
• Rahl 3-4, 2R, BB, RBI, 2SB
• Valdez 3-5, R, 2B, 2RBI, OF assist at HP
• Marrero 2-3, R, 2B

Chris Rahl’s RBI single in the 8th was a walkoff for an 8-7 Senators win in “extras” for the first game of the doubleheader. It made a winner out of Marcos Frias, who was the third reliever after starter Danny Rosenbaum was knocked out with no outs in the 5th. Rahl went 3-for-4 with a walk and two stolen bases to lead the offense, while rehabbing Chris Marrero went 2-for-3 with a double.

Erie 8 Harrisburg 2 — GAME TWO
• Ballard (L, 1-5) 1+IP, 6H, 8R, 8ER, 2BB, K, HR
• Tatusko 4IP, 3H, 0R, BB, 2K, 1-1 IR-S
• Kobernus 2-3, R, HR, RBI, CS
• Van Ostrand 2-3, R, HR, RBI

A pair of four-run innings in the first two innings put this one away early as the Senators lost the nightcap, 8-2. Mike Ballard was torched for eight runs on six hits and two walks to take the loss. Jeff Kobernus and Jimmy Van Ostrand both went 2-for-3 with a HR, accounting for both runs and four of the six Senator hits. Geoff Morrow of the Patriot-News is reporting Eury Perez is likely headed to the DL with an oblique injury.

Winston-Salem 6 Potomac 5 (Comp.)
• Olbrychowski 3IP, 3H, R, ER, BB, 2K
• Applebee 3IP, 4H, 4R, 3ER, 3BB, K, HR
• McCatty (L, 1-1) 2IP, H, R, ER, 0BB, 2K, HR
• Walters 2-4, R, 3B, RBI
• Freitas 1-3, R, RBI

Winston Salem scored in every inning but one after play resumed in the 4th, the last being the killshot off losing pitcher Shane McCatty to break a 5-5 tie for a 6-5 win in the completion of Tuesday night’s game. Zach Walters singled and tripled to lead the hit column as the P-Nats managed to score five runs on just eight hits.

Winston-Salem 5 Potomac 3 — GAME TWO
• Ray (L, 3-3) 5IP, 6H, 4R, 4ER, BB, 6K
• Barthmaier 1IP, H, R, ER, 2BB, 0K, HR
• Bloxom 1-3, R, HR, RBI
• Ramirez 2-3

One bad inning out of five was enough to hand Robbie Ray the “L,” as the Winston-Salem Dash eliminated the Potomac Nationals from the first-half title race with a 5-3 win in seven innings. Ray gave up four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out six. Justin Bloxom connected for his league-leading 12th HR while J.P. Ramirez singled twice to lead the hit column.

Hickory 5 Hagerstown 3 (10 inn.)
• Turnbull 6⅓ IP, 6H, 2R, 2ER, 4BB, 4K
• Barrett ⅔ IP, 2H, 2R, ER, BB, K
• Dykstra 2-5, 2B
• Martinson 1-4, R, HR, RBI

After rallying for two runs to tie it a 3-3 in the last of the 9th, the Suns couldn’t stand their good fortune and returned the favor, coughing up two in the 10th to lose, 5-3. Kylin Turnbull pitched into the 7th for the first time, giving up two runs on six hits and four walks while striking out four. Hagerstown was held to just five hits, with Cutter Dykstra and Jason Martinson combining for three of them. The loss dropped the Suns back to 2½ games behind Greensboro with four to play. In what should be presumed to be a procedural move, LHP Matt Purke has been placed on the 7-Day DL.

DSL Nationals 7 DSL Pirates2 5
• Moscat 3IP, 2H, 2R, 2ER, 4BB, 4K
• K. Rodriguez (SV, 2) 2IP, 2H, 0R, 0BB, 2K
• Novas 2-5, R, HR, 4RBI
• T. Alvarez 2-3, 2R, HR, BB, RBI
• Read 2-5, 2B, RBI

Thomas Alvarez’s HR in the bottom of the 6th broke a 5-5 tie as the D-Nats would go on to win this one, 7-5. Felix Moscat made his first start of the campaign, giving up two runs on two hits and four walks over three innings. Jonathan Aquino picked up the win in relief with one and 1/3rd scoreless innings while Kelvin Rodriguez posted goose eggs in the 8th and 9th innings for the save. Randy Novas went 2-for-5 with four RBI, including a three-run HR, to lead the D-Nats’ 10-hit attack.

Wednesday’s News & Notes

 News and Notes, Transactions  1 Response »
Jun 132012
 

Team Yesterday Today Probable Pitchers
Syracuse Postponed OFF DAY N/A
Harrisburg Postponed vs. Erie,
6:00 p.m.		 Rosenbaum (7-2, 1.93) and
Ballard (1-4, 3.25) vs.
Wesson (4-3, 5.85) and
Cooper (0-0, 6.23)
Potomac Suspended,
1-1 (Top 4th)		 @ Winston-Salem,
7:05 p.m.		 Ray (3-2, 4.58) vs.
Heidenreich (5-2, 4.29)
Hagerstown Won, 4-0 vs. Hickory,
7:05 p.m.		 Turnbull (2-3, 4.68) vs.
Payano (4-3, 3.54)
DSL Nationals Lost, 4-0 vs. Pirates2,
10:30 a.m.		 A. Martinez (0-1, 7.50) vs.
Rico (0-0, 3.52)

Syracuse Chiefs — PPD
Rain postponed the series finale, which will be made up on July 29 as part of a doubleheader. Next up: a grueling four-game “road trip” vs. the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, beginning tomorrow at Alliance Bank Park.

Harrisburg — PPD
Rain postponed game one of the three-game series vs Erie, forcing a doubleheader tonight. Roster moves: 2B Jeff Kobernus was activated from the DL while MLB rehabs Chris Marrero and Ryan Mattheus were transferred from Potomac.

Potomac 1 Winston-Salem 1 — SUSP.

After a 31-minute delay to start the game, Potomac and Winston-Salem played to a 1-1 tie before the game was halted in the top of the 4th. The two teams will resume today at 5:30 p.m., then play a seven-inning contest afterwards. Prior to the game, OF Kevin Keyes and RHP Shane McCatty were activated from the DL, while IF Brent Greer was placed on the 7-Day DL and LHP Bobby Hansen Jr. was assigned to Hagerstown.

Hagerstown 4 Hickory 0 (6 inn.)
• Meyer (W, 6-3) 6IP, 2H, 0R, BB, 5K
• Goodwin 2-3
• Martinson 0-1, 2BB, SB

Hagerstown scored three times in the 4th, once in the 5th, and were about to bat when… wait for it… the rains came and the game was eventually called for a 4-0 win. Alex Meyer tossed six scoreless innings, allowing just two hits for the shutout that improved his home record to 5-0 and overall mark to 6-3. Brian Goodwin singled twice and Jason Martinson drew two walks to lead the offense. Corresponding moves for the additions of Jeremy Mayo and Hansen Jr. have not yet been announced.

DSL Pirates2 4 DSL Nationals 0
• Valerio (L, 0-2) 5IP, 5H, 1R, 0ER, BB, K
• Dilone 2⅔ IP, 4H, 0R, 0BB, 2K, 3-2 IR-S
• Aguero 1-3, OF assist at HP
• Bautista 1-3, OF assist at 3B

The D-Nats were held to just three hits in a 4-0 shutout by the DSL Pirates2. Sixteen-year-old Maximo Valerio took the loss, giving up an unearned run over five innings. Younifred Aguero and Rafael Bautista both went 1-for-3 and threw out a baserunner from the outfield.

Tuesday’s News & Notes

 News and Notes, Transactions  6 Responses »
Jun 122012
 
Team Yesterday Today Probable Pitchers
Syracuse Lost, 4-1 vs. Lehigh Valley,
10:30 a.m.		 Atkins (5-5, 4.32) vs.
Elarton (5-2, 3.36)
Harrisburg OFF DAY vs. Erie,
7:00 p.m.		 Ballard (1-4, 3.25) vs.
TBA
Potomac Lost, 15-4 @ Winston-Salem,
7:05 p.m.		 Olbrychowski (2-5, 5.83) vs.
Petricka (4-4, 5.29)
Hagerstown Won, 9-0 vs. Hickory,
7:05 p.m.		 Meyer (5-3, 3.64) vs.
Jackson (5-4, 4.73)
DSL Nationals Won, 9-5 @ Pirates2,
10:30 a.m.		 Valerio (0-1, 81.00) vs.
De Aza (0-0, 0.00)

Lehigh Valley 4 Syracuse 1
• Maya 5+IP, 2H, R, ER, 0BB, 2K; 1-2
• Mandel (BS, 1;L, 0-1) 2IP, 5H, 3R, 3ER, 0BB, K
• Brown 1-3, R, BB
• Skelton 1-1 (would you believe left w/ an injury?)

Yuneksy Maya (fielding a bunt) and James Skelton (collision at home plate) were both injured while Lehigh Valley piled on reliever Jeff Mandel in a four-run 6th as the Iron Pigs defeated the Chiefs, 4-1. Maya had allowed just two hits and gotten 11 of his 15 outs on the ground before the injury. Corey Brown reached base twice to lead the Syracuse offense.

HARRISBURG — OFF DAY
After dropping two of three in Reading, the Senators return home for six at Metro Bank Park, where Harrisburg has actually struggled (12-17). The Erie Seawolves visit for three starting tonight with the Trenton Thunder coming in over the weekend. Chris Marrero is expected to join the team for the next, um, leg of his rehab tour through the minors. Roster move: C Jeremy Mayo was assigned to Hagerstown, a sign that Devin Ivany is indeed okay.

Winston-Salem 15 Potomac 4
• Sywnenberg (L, 4-4) 1⅔ IP, 7H, 8R, 8ER, 2BB, K, 0HR
• Testa 2IP, H, 0R, BB, 4K
• Sanchez 3-5, R, 2B
• Oduber 2-3, RBI, SB
• Freitas 1-2, 2R, 2B, 3BB

Potomac’s road woes continues as an eight-run 2nd put little doubt into outcome as Winston-Salem prevailed, 15-4. Matt Swynenberg took the brunt of the beating, allowing eight runs on seven hits over an inning and 2/3rds while walking two and striking out just one. Adrian Sanchez led the hit column with a 3-for-5 night, All-Star representative David Freitas doubled and scored twice while drawing three walks, and Zach Walters hit a three-run HR for the bulk of the Potomac offense. The loss drops the elimination to three with six to play, as Lynchburg was rained out.


• Meza (W, 4-1) 5IP, 2H, 0R, 0BB, 6K
• Encarnacion 2IP, H, 0R, 0BB, 0K
• Miller 3-5, 2R, 2B, 2RBI, SB
• Leonida 3-4, 2R, 2-2B, 3B, 2RBI
• Skole 2-4, 2R, HR, RBI, BB

Christian Meza and two relievers combined on a five-hit shutout as the Suns boiled the Crawdads, 9-0. Meza gave up just two hits over five innings while striking out six to improve to 4-1 on the season. Cole Leonida doubled twice and tripled once to lead the 14-hit onslaught. Hagerstown also swiped five bases, with Cutter Dykstra and Brian Goodwin each pilfering two. Making room for Mayo (see above in Harrisburg), C Sam Palace was removed from the Hagerstown roster and placed on the Auburn roster.

DSL Nationals 9 DSL Arizona/Cincinnati 5
• J. Rodriguez 5IP, 6H, 5R, 2ER, 2BB, 4K
• Gomez (W, 1-0) 3IP, H, 0R, 3BB, 4K
• Aguero 2-2, R, HR, BB, 2RBI, SB
• De Los Santos 2-2, 2R, 2B, 2BB, RBI
• A. Martinez 2-5, 2-2B, RBI

The DSL Nationals scored six unanswered runs in their last three “ups” to beat the DSL “Redbacks” 9-5. Elisaul Gomez got the win with three scoreless innings in relief of Jefry Rodriguez, who went the first five and gave up five runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks. Both pitchers struck out four. Younifred Aguero homered, drove in two, walked, and stole a base to lead the offense. OF Dionicio Rosario and RHPs Emmanuel De La Cruz, Melvi Salazar were activated from the DL while RHP Phillips Valdez and SS Thomas Alvarez were added to the roster.

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