NationalsProspects.com

Monday’s News & Notes

A shutout for the Sens highlights a 3-3 split on sundae, um, Sunday

The Quick Rundown…

Team Yesterday’s Result Today’s Game Pitching Probables
Syracuse Chiefs Won, 9-2 @ Rochester, :05 p.m. Tom Milone (5-5, 3.86) vs.
Scott Diamond (4-6, 4.94)
Harrisburg Senators Won, 6-0 @ Richmond, 7:05 p.m. Tanner Roark (4-3, 5.72) vs.
Henry Sosa (3-0, 0.56)
Potomac Nationals Lost, 5-4 @ Kinston, 6:30 p.m. Danny Rosenbaum (4-3, 2.65)
vs. TBD
Hagerstown Suns Lost, 8-4 vs. Lakewood, 7:05 p.m. Chien-Ming Wang (rehab) vs.
David Buchanan (8-4, 3.21)
Auburn Doubledays Lost, 7-1 @ Williamsport, 7:05 p.m. Ryan Demmin (2-0, 0.90) vs.
Leonel Bastidas (1-1, 5.73)
GCL Nationals Won, 9-5
@ GCL Marlins		 OFF DAY N/A
DSL Nationals OFF DAY @ DSL Yankees1, 10:30 a.m.

Syracuse 7 Rochester 1
• Detwiler (W, 6-6) 5IP, 4H, 2R, ER, 2BB, 4K
• J Martin (H, 3) 3IP, 0R, 0BB, 4K
• J Flores 2-4, R, HR, 3 RBI, SF
• Antonelli 1-2, 2R, 3B, 3BB
• J Valdez 1-4, 2R, GS HR, 5RBI, BB

The Syracuse offense exploded for six runs in a third-inning rally that helped put away the Rochester Red Wings for a 7-1 win. Seven Chiefs reached base safely before Rochester recorded an out. The big blow was a Jesus Valdez grand slam that scored Gregor Blanco, Steve Lombardozzi (1-4, six-game IL debut hit streak), and Matt Antonelli. Syracuse received strong pitching from Ross Detwiler, who turned in five innings and allowed two runs to improve his June record to 3-1 while lowering his ERA to 4.64. Detwiler has not allowed more than three earned runs this month (five starts), an improvement from May when he did not give up less than four in six starts. J.D. Martin and a rehabbing Chad Guadin combined to pitch four innings of scoreless relief. Jesus Flores also homered in the rout.

Harrisburg 6 Altoona 0
• Martis (W, 5-3) 8⅓ IP 3H, 0R, 0BB, 10K
• R Martin ⅔ IP, 0R, 0BB, 0K
• Ivany 2-4, 2R, 2R HR, 3RBI
• Tucker 1-3, R, RBI, BB

In Harrisburg’s best pitching performance of the season, Sharion Martis dominated the Altoona Curve in a 6-0 victory, striking out ten batters and walking none while pitching into the 9th inning. The near complete game shutout helped Martis lower his ERA to 2.37 over his last ten starts. Harrisburg did most of its damage in a four-run fourth inning that included a leadoff single by “The Godfather” Bill Rhinehart, an RBI single by hitting star Devin Ivany, a key double by Chris McConnell, and a two-out run-scoring strikeout/wild pitch of Shairon Martis. Ivany helped put the game out of reach with a two-run homer in the 8th to finish the scoring at 6-0 and complete the three-game sweep.

Kinston 5 Potomac 4
• Selik (L, 2-5) 5IP, 4H, 5R, 1ER, 2BB, 1K, HBP, 2WP
• Clegg 2IP, 1H, 0R, 2BB, 0K
• Cuevas 3-4, 2B, 2RBI
• Higley 1-4, 2R, HR, 2RBI

Poor defense offset opportunistic offense as the P-Nats lost their third straight, 5-4 to Kinston. Potomac had four runs on just four hits, as the Kinston pitchers issued five walks and hit a batter to help set up the runs. Unfortunately, four errors made four of the five runs Kinston got unearned, which is roughly the same consolation as breaking the same limb twice. Cameron Selik took the loss with four hits allowed and two walks issued over his five innings. Mitchell Clegg and Josh Smoker combined for three scoreless innings of relief and allowed just three baserunners. Justino Cuevas got three of the hits, including a two-run double, while J.R. Higley got the fourth while also driving in two runs.

Greensboro 8 Hagerstown 4
• Ray (L, 2-1) 4⅔ IP, 5H, 6R, 5ER, 2BB, 6K, 2HR
• Brown 1⅓ IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 1K
• Nicol 3-4, R
• Freitas 2-4, 2B, 2RBI

A sloppy bottom of the fourth was Hagerstown’s undoing as a double error on a pickoff attempt after an RBI double turned a 3-3 tie into a 5-3 deficit as Greensboro would pile on three more runs agains the the Suns ‘pen for an 8-4 win and a split of the four-game series. Robbie Ray suffered his worst outing to date with six runs allowed on five hits (including two HRs) and two walks over four and 2/3rds innings. He also struck out six. Four Suns would get multiple hits, as the team collected 12 total, with Sean Nicol leading the way with three singles and David Freitas collecting two RBIs on a first-inning single.

Williamsport 7 Auburn 1
• Bates (L, 1-1) 5IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 2BB, 3K
• Henke 1⅓ 4H, 5R, 5ER, 2BB, 1K
• Barrett 1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 1K
• Moldenhauer 2-4, 2-2B, RBI
• Jimenez 2-4, 2B, SB

A five-run seventh by Williamsport broke open a 2-1 game as the Crosscutters felled the Doubledays, 7-1. Colin Bates went the first five innings, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while setting down three on strikes. Travis Henke was the victim of the Williamsport 7th, charged with the five runs on four hits and two walks. Russell Moldenhauer and Hendry Jimenez both went 2-for-4, hitting back-to-back doubles in the 4th for the sole Doubleday run. The loss was the third straight for Auburn, and the fourth in four home games this season.

GCL Nationals 9 GCL Marlins 5
• Chico (W, 1-0) 5IP, 2H, 0R, 1BB, 3K
• McKenzie 1IP, 1H, 0R, 1BB, 2K
• Ramos 2-4, 2R, 2B, HR, BB, RBI
• E Fernandez 3-5, R
• JC Valdez 3-5, 2R, 2B

Three straight big innings in the fourth through sixth innings put the GCL Nationals up 9-0 as they cruised to a 9-5 win over the GCL Marlins. Matt Chico went five innings for some inapparent reason, allowing two hits, no runs, one walk, and getting three strikeouts. Anthony Marcelino got hammered for the second time in as many relief appearances, allowing all five G-Marlins runs on four hits and two walks over three innings. Erick Fernandez, a 2011 25th-rd pick, and Jean Carlos Valdez both went 3-for-5 to pace the G-Nats offense, which pounded out 16 hits total.

DSL Nationals — OFF DAY
Since beginning the season 6-3, the DSL Nationals have lost 11 of the last 15 and have not won back-to-back games in nearly three weeks. After just one road game last week, it’s just one home game this week, as they look to cut into the 5½ game deficit in the Boca Chica South Division.

31 Commments

  1. Any idea why Harper hasn’t been playing recently? Is he still feeling his jammed thumb?

  2. I had written Martis off for some reason. Can he still be part of the solution for the Nationals?

    1. Martis is younger than all but two of the Senators pitchers, all of the Chiefs pitchers, and six of the Potomac pitchers. If he’s conquered his control problems, he can be a useful pitcher.

      1. Maybe he just found the right ‘medication’ because there is no way that guy strikes out 10… or he sold his soul to the devil.

        Sue, any insights on Raphel Martin? Rizzo touted him when he signed as something of a hot prospect, but since has has really fallen off the map. Is this normal development for the guy or did I just misread the enthusiasm when he signed?

        1. Martin was a roll of the dice that will likely fall short. I didn’t see him pitch last year and was merely whelmed when I did see him in Potomac. He had an interesting backstory, but as we’ve seen with the likes of Cordero, Hill, Nieves sometimes folks have a hard time separating personality from performance.

          As for Martis, “soft-tosser” is not what I’d call him. Sure, he doesn’t throw 95 but he doesn’t throw 85, either. When I looked up scouting reports for him, it was 88-93 and those were from 2009. More likely: He’s a AAA pitcher pitching at AA.

    2. Martis is a soft tosser, so his control means everything. He would have had a complete game, but after giving up a double it was time for the lockdown (beer league) bullpen. There’s no reason he can’t be a terrific pitcher in the major leagues. Just needs to fine tune his control.
      I sure hope this outing by Ray was just a one-off thing.
      Freitas just keeps raking.

      1. I’m not sure I’d go with terrific, but if Tom Milone could dominate the Eastern League with his stuff, I see no reason why a Shairon Martis with better control could handle the league on a hot streak. It’s a welcome luxury to have somebody like him putting pressure on the more heralded prospects. This world of pitching depth is a new found luxury.

        I must say looking at Martis’ box scores beats Aaron Thompson eyesores. My eyes still hurt from that carnage.

  3. Martis obviously was rushed up to the big club WAY too soon because of the dearh of starting pitching in the organization. Thank goodness those days are over. Much as I’m sure Brad Peacock is just itching to show what he can do in The Show, it is nice that we have so much depth that they can take their time even promoting him to AAA.

    No more John Lannan–from High A to MLB in just four months–for this club anymore. 🙂

    1. I tend to agree with bdrube in the case of Martis; Another one of Bowden’s fast-track mistakes. While possessing good, but not overpowering stuff, he needs to change both speeds & elevation, as well as working both corners of the plate to be effective. His problem in 2009 was that he seemed to lose the will (or direction) to work inside often enough to keep hitters honest; They started digging in & hammering his FB on the outside corner.

      He may have finally overcome that, but will probably never be more than a #5SP on a ML staff. However, given his age I’d love to see him continue to have good outings, as he could still hold value as a trade chip.

  5. Can someone give me a summary of what has been going on with Nate Karns? I remember a lot of people were really high on him when we took him out of Texas Tech a few years ago. We were able to sign him near the deadline and then he appeared to disappear for a few years. Did he blow out his arm or need TJ right after signing? Good to see him finally pitching.

    1. Hoping Todd Boss or Peric can fill in this one because I can’t seem to find anything that’s either not a question asking about Nathan Karns in the comments section of a site or blog or pre-2009 draft hype.

      1. Two excellent starts in GCL so far. But Nate Karns is now an older prospect (born 1987). Signed way over slot in 2009. Probably its going to unfold like Cameron Selik. Fast ball in the high nineties. Brian Oliver projected him as a future closer.

        1. peric: I think Rob’s question was related more toward his near-total dissapearance between the time he was signed and now. There were vague rumours of some medical problems, but it was like he fell of the face of the earth in terms of any solid reports between July 2009 and May 2011. He was one of your early favorites as I recall – Any background information?

  6. The editorial sentence in the post says it all, but why is Chico getting starts in the GCL? so weird.

    Martis; is moving backwards in the organization it seems. Once he cleared waivers and got off the 40-man, it was going to take something special to get him back in the good graces of the team. He’s behind at least 6-7 other guys in the pecking order, no matter how good he pitches in AA.

  8. Here’s a little tidbit from the recent South Atlantic League All Star game. During their fanfest autograph session, they had a sign posted saying 2 autographs per player. Golden Boy Harper would only sign one. So someone asked him why when the sign said 2, and his reply was (forgive if the quote is not exact, but the colorful adjective is), “I’m only f***ing signing one.” Then someone asked him when he was being promoted to Potomac. His response was, “I hope I never go to that f***ing place.” Now does anyone want to continue to try and defend his behavior? Is being 18 really an excuse for talking to people that way? If this brat is the face of the Nationals’ franchise, then they need a facelift immediately.

    1. If the above is true, I rest my case. 🙂 I was down in Ocean City with my kid during the entire All-Star period and we didn’t go to ANYTHING because we’re tired of Harper. My season tickets to the Suns entitles me to enough of this stuff on a regular basis. LOL

      Potomac really does have a not-so-good field, stadium, etc. I’ve been to some local high school fields that are better. 🙁

    2. Any different from Riggleman and Marquis? WTF is their excuse?

      Harper is probably piqued for having his weenie whacked over the kissing incident. He probably harbors a good bit of resentment.

      Now compare HIS behavior to Jim Marty Sheen Riggleman? And Jason the Wild Thing Marquis? How about Werth’s terrible offensive numbers and rather “aloof” but really more brusque behavior with fans?

      Sheesh. Maybe the pundits are right they do need Kasten (or someone like him) back in the saddle again.

    3. The kid sounds like he needs a good brow-beating from his mom & dad. Either that, or a series of visits from his local LDS bishop & a couple of elders suggesting that he should more strongly consider a mission as part of his life’s calling. If childish athletic arrogance is the core of the problem, that would help him grow up fast.

      1. Put him in Afghanistan like many of our other 18 year old men who risk dying on a daily basis. Talk about having to grow up quicker than you wanted to.

  9. I’ve always been told to try and end with a positive, so I’m going to start with AA Harrisburg.

    Tanner Roark, aka Guz 2b, sucks! I know we had to make the trade but I just think we got rooked getting Tatusko (I know he’s done a little better in AAA but I am still waiting to see his true colors show up there) and Roark who stunk it up again. I like results and I just don’t see it from these guys. Next you have Barthmaier; I shivver every time this guy takes the mound. How did he ever get to the bigs? Uggh!

    To close (positively), Syracuse hit tonight. Lombo, Valdez, Marrero, practically the whole team produced offense like I’ve been waiting to see. To compliment the offense, Milone was masterful, going 8IP with 6K, no BB, and only 3 hits. Great job Chiefs!

    1. Guzman is out of baseball at the moment and did nothing for the Rangers; he wasn’t even on their playoff roster. Tatusko and Roark were instrumental in helping Harrisburg get to the playoffs last year and still have an outside of shot of making it as relievers. A little bit of hope and a little bit of help makes it hard for me to see how we got rooked.

      Now Cutter Dykstra? Maybe we got rooked there.

  10. I think Dixon Anderson (9th rounder) from Cal is a junior not a senior, as listed in the draft tracker…

  11. What to do with Lombardozzi and maybe Antonelli? Both seem ready for a shot soon. Will the Nats stick with Desmond? Desmond’s offense has been missing and the Nats need help there.

    1. I don’t know if Antonelli’s ready for a shot yet. He’s had a hot year, but he feels kind of AAAA to me. He doesn’t really play short well enough to boot a guy like Cora out of the mix (and if we’re going to keep Stairs FAIL we’re going to keep Cora on the roster). Do you like him that much better than Bixler on the big club?

      As for Lombardozzi, I’m diggin’ the hit streak, but let’s give him two trips through the league before we begin anointing him as the chosen 2B.

      1. Agree across the board. If the big club lets go of Stairs at the end of the 1st half, they’ll likely bring in a RP (Gaudin – ouch!) before another hitter. The infield is already deep in WSH, with Morse / Cora at 1B, Espinosa / Cora / Hairston / Bixler at 2B, Desmond / Cora / Espinosa at SS, and RZim / Hairston / Bixler at 3B.

        With Hairston & Bixler also capable of playing in the OF, I can’t see room for Antonelli until the rosters expand in September, unless a trade shakes things up.

  12. Pingback: Minor League Rotations Cycle #16: good/bad/soso « Nationals Arm Race

Comments are closed.