The Bill Shelley Memorial Farm Thread
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz December 2011
    Thanks. Meant to say that but tapping on the iPhone tends to make me want to shorten sentences.

    Reed at five is a joke. I feel that Tolleson, Sanchez and Ames are more worthy of being in the top ten.
  • saeldway December 2011
    grabarkewitz said:

    Thanks. Meant to say that but tapping on the iPhone tends to make me want to shorten sentences.

    Reed at five is a joke. I feel that Tolleson, Sanchez and Ames are more worthy of being in the top ten.



    Ya, I completely forgot about Tolleson, thanks.  The guy is Kershaw's age and pedigree, and if not for an arm injury in high school they could have been 1,2 high school pitchers selected.  How he doesn't make it for what he's done is foolish.
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz December 2011
    saeldway said:

    grabarkewitz said:

    Thanks. Meant to say that but tapping on the iPhone tends to make me want to shorten sentences.

    Reed at five is a joke. I feel that Tolleson, Sanchez and Ames are more worthy of being in the top ten.



    Ya, I completely forgot about Tolleson, thanks.  The guy is Kershaw's age and pedigree, and if not for an arm injury in high school they could have been 1,2 high school pitchers selected.  How he doesn't make it for what he's done is foolish.


    What gripes me is that Reed is given a pass because he was a first round draft pick, albeit an overdraft if there ever was one.   He was bad to mediocre for his first two seasons and then becomes a fair reliever/closer as a junior for a program that has a history for burning out pitchers before they sign their first contract.    To be perfectly honest, I think he goes the way of Scott Elbert and becomes a serviceable lefty arm in the pen, but I don't think he will ever develop the pitches to be a starter.    Tolleson and Ames look to be potential closers while Sanchez is, at worst, a number four starter and at best, a number two with a power arm.   
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz December 2011
    DoppelgangBang said:

    Formatting ANGER :)

    I know some of you can't resist debating a top-10!  Thoughts?



    Fed Ex, number 10?   Geez, just another example of Baseball America being so far up the collective backside of Red Sox Nation to think that any of their lower level prospects are top rated in other organizations.  Kind of like Casey Kelly and Rey Fuentes, two guys the Padres got for AGon and neither are that special.  Fuentes might be David DeJesus, if he is lucky and Kelly could be a decent number four or five, IMO. 
  • Hagdag26Hagdag26 December 2011
    I wonder if this is the year White gets tabbed as the Houston GM after being passed over the last time around?
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz December 2011
    Hagdag26 said:

    I wonder if this is the year White gets tabbed as the Houston GM after being passed over the last time around?



    I seriously doubt it.  I still think the job will go to someone who is willing to bust his ass building the farm for four years only to be fired just before the fruits of all of his hard work is about to be harvested.  
  • saeldway December 2011
    Luckily, Cole St. Claire and Gorman Erickson remain in Dodger hands after the Rule 5.
  • saeldway December 2011
    In an effort to get over the Dodger despair of the last 24 hours (plus add CP3) I was looking at the Dodger drafts under Logan White.  It really gives me hope for the future.  Its really amazing what a talented farm director like Logan White and talented staff like DeJon Watson can do. 

    This is a list of ALL the players the Dodgers drafted with a positive career WAR in the 4 years immediately before Logan White(98-01):
    Shane Victorino
    Joel Hanrahan
    Edwin Jackson
    David Ross
    Victor Diaz
    Jason Repko
    Eric Junge
    21 players total ever made it to the majors.  Only the top 4 on that list have a career WAR above 1.

    NOW, In the first 4 years of Logan White, same qualifications, players with a positive career WAR:
    '02
    James Loney
    Jonathan Broxton
    James McDonald
    Eric Stults
    Russell Martin
    Robert Ray
    Luke Hachovar

    '03
    Chad Billingsley
    Matt Kemp
    AJ Ellis
    Travis Denker
    Marc Malencon

    '04
    Scott Elbert
    Blake Dewitt
    Javy Guerra
    Cory Wade
    Joe Savery
    David Price
    Michael Stutes

    '05
    Hachovar(again)
    Tony Cruz

    Total players that made it to the majors in this time: 38 (almost double)
    Number of players with career WAR above 10? 4(White) vs 1(Non)

    This doesn't include obviously Kershaw and the 2006 draft.

    Other observations: 
    No offense to the 2003 draft of Kemp and Billz but the 2006 draft will probably have more players with a career WAR above 10 in Kershaw, Alex White, and Paul Goldschmidt. 
    2008 will probably not have an individual player that reaches Kemp's stature but it is probably as well balanced as and fruitful as any White has drawn, with: Lindblom, Gordon, Eovaldi, Sands, St. Clair, Webster, and Zack Cox among his picks.  That's pretty stout for a 3 year old draft.

    So if you want something to be proud of as an organization, this is your reminder.

  • DoppelgangBangDoppelgangBang February 8
    KLAW just dropped his ratings and has the Dodgers farm system ranked 15th overall ... I don't have a stupid INSIDER sub ... anyone mind letting me know what informed his decision?
  • SamAdamsSamAdams February 8
    saeldway said:

    In an effort to get over the Dodger despair of the last 24 hours (plus add CP3) I was looking at the Dodger drafts under Logan White.  It really gives me hope for the future.  Its really amazing what a talented farm director like Logan White and talented staff like DeJon Watson can do. 

    This is a list of ALL the players the Dodgers drafted with a positive career WAR in the 4 years immediately before Logan White(98-01):
    Shane Victorino
    Joel Hanrahan
    Edwin Jackson
    David Ross
    Victor Diaz
    Jason Repko
    Eric Junge
    21 players total ever made it to the majors.  Only the top 4 on that list have a career WAR above 1.

    NOW, In the first 4 years of Logan White, same qualifications, players with a positive career WAR:
    '02
    James Loney
    Jonathan Broxton
    James McDonald
    Eric Stults
    Russell Martin
    Robert Ray
    Luke Hachovar

    '03
    Chad Billingsley
    Matt Kemp
    AJ Ellis
    Travis Denker
    Marc Malencon

    '04
    Scott Elbert
    Blake Dewitt
    Javy Guerra
    Cory Wade
    Joe Savery
    David Price
    Michael Stutes

    '05
    Hachovar(again)
    Tony Cruz

    Total players that made it to the majors in this time: 38 (almost double)
    Number of players with career WAR above 10? 4(White) vs 1(Non)

    This doesn't include obviously Kershaw and the 2006 draft.

    Other observations: 
    No offense to the 2003 draft of Kemp and Billz but the 2006 draft will probably have more players with a career WAR above 10 in Kershaw, Alex White, and Paul Goldschmidt. 
    2008 will probably not have an individual player that reaches Kemp's stature but it is probably as well balanced as and fruitful as any White has drawn, with: Lindblom, Gordon, Eovaldi, Sands, St. Clair, Webster, and Zack Cox among his picks.  That's pretty stout for a 3 year old draft.

    So if you want something to be proud of as an organization, this is your reminder.



    Thanks for the input!!!  How do we get your outstanding research into the hands of the new owner?


  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz February 8
    DoppelgangBang said:

    KLAW just dropped his ratings and has the Dodgers farm system ranked 15th overall ... I don't have a stupid INSIDER sub ... anyone mind letting me know what informed his decision?



    Actually, he has us at twelve. The Angels are at fifteen. He says that if pitching wins championships then we are in good shape but we are weak with position players. Surprisingly, a very astute description by Law.
  • DoppelgangBangDoppelgangBang February 8
    Jon Weisman has a terrific interview with DeJon Watson...

    http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/7555302/los-angeles-dodgers-farm-system-bumper-crop-pitchers-rise
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz February 9
    Keith Law's list of our top ten prospects.  Tend to agree with the exception of Barlow.  I would like to think that either Tolleson or Baldwin are better names at ten.   Aside from Pederson, who is listed as a right handed pitcher (I would like to see that seeing as he is left handed and swings a mean bat), but as you can see we are loaded with power arms 1-10.  


    Los Angeles Dodgers
    1. Zach Lee, RHP (41)
    2. Allen Webster, RHP (61)
    3. Nate Eovaldi, RHP (79)
    4. Chris Reed, LHP
    5. Garrett Gould, RHP
    6. Angel Sanchez, RHP
    7. Chris Withrow, RHP
    8. Joc Pederson, RHP
    9. Josh Lindblom, RHP
    10. Scott Barlow, RHP
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz February 15
    Finally got my BA Prospect Handbook and here are the Dodgers' Top Thirty prospects;

    1.  Zach Lee rhp
    2.  Allen Webster rhp
    3.  Nate Eovaldi rhp
    4.  Alfredo Silverio of
    5.  Chris Reed lhp
    6.  Garrett Gould rhp
    7.  Chris Withrow rhp
    8.  Josh Lindblom rhp
    9.  Joc Pederson of
    10. Tim Federowicz c
    11. James Baldwin of
    12. Angel Sanchez rhp
    13. Jonathan Garcia of
    14. Scott Barlow rhp
    15. Shawn Tolleson rhp
    16. Aaron Miller lhp
    17. Ethan Martin rhp
    18. Alex Santana 3b
    19. Alex Castellanos of-2b
    20. Kyle Russell of
    21. Scott Van Slyke 1b-of
    22. Angelo Songco 1b-of
    23. Ryan O'Sullivan rhp
    24. Josh Wall rhp
    25. Pratt Maynard c
    26. Ivan De Jesus 2b
    27. Jake Lemmerman ss
    28. Gorman Erickson c
    29. O'Koyea Dickson 1b
    30. Blake Smith of
  • jWerthfanjWerthfan February 21

    # 26 - Ivan De Jesus


    Man, you have to wonder if anything would have been different had he not suffered the broken leg [ankle?]. It wasn't that long ago he was viewed as an eventual Dodger starter by many.

  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz February 21
    jWerthfan said:

    # 26 - Ivan De Jesus


    Man, you have to wonder if anything would have been different had he not suffered the broken leg [ankle?]. It wasn't that long ago he was viewed as an eventual Dodger starter by many.



    I tend to think that he, not Mark Ellis, would be our starting second baseman.   Then again, there is talk that Ned didn't care for the kid's attitude or desire on the field.   For all we know, the broken leg is just a convenient excuse for Ned to exclude the kid from our future plans. 
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz February 21
    grabarkewitz said:

    Finally got my BA Prospect Handbook and here are the Dodgers' Top Thirty prospects;


    1.  Zach Lee rhp
    2.  Allen Webster rhp
    3.  Nate Eovaldi rhp
    4.  Alfredo Silverio of
    5.  Chris Reed lhp
    6.  Garrett Gould rhp
    7.  Chris Withrow rhp
    8.  Josh Lindblom rhp
    9.  Joc Pederson of
    10. Tim Federowicz c
    11. James Baldwin of
    12. Angel Sanchez rhp
    13. Jonathan Garcia of
    14. Scott Barlow rhp
    15. Shawn Tolleson rhp
    16. Aaron Miller lhp
    17. Ethan Martin rhp
    18. Alex Santana 3b
    19. Alex Castellanos of-2b
    20. Kyle Russell of
    21. Scott Van Slyke 1b-of
    22. Angelo Songco 1b-of
    23. Ryan O'Sullivan rhp
    24. Josh Wall rhp
    25. Pratt Maynard c
    26. Ivan De Jesus 2b
    27. Jake Lemmerman ss
    28. Gorman Erickson c
    29. O'Koyea Dickson 1b
    30. Blake Smith of


    Having finally had a chance to look at the list from BA, I am shocked that Blake Smith is not higher, like around fifteen or sixteen.   He is one of the few hitters in our system who's power does translate to the show and he showed marked improvement since moving from the mound to being a position player.   Matter of fact, I hold him in higher regard than Garcia, Russell or Baldwin - until Baldwin can maintain his production for more than a month, I think of him as more suspect than prospect at this point.  

    What really surprised me is that Chris O'Brien and Justin Boudreaux did not get in the top thirty.   O'Brien is already a polished hitter and his defense was much better than advertised and Boudreaux actually looks like an offensive middle or corner infielder with some speed and a good arm.   

    On the other side of the coin, I think that Dickson (his power is questionable), Miller (cannot stay healthy and may need to moved back to being an outfielder), O'Sullivan (nothing about this kid impresses me) and Federowicz (aside from being a Ned get, he hasn't shown me diddly) are all overrated.  
  • saeldway February 21
    We all have our breakout candidates.  Who is the prospect you are most interested in following?  I've given names in the past as my breakout but I really want to see how Reed does every time out.  I am as skeptical as most, but I want to be proven wrong.
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz February 21
    saeldway said:

    We all have our breakout candidates.  Who is the prospect you are most interested in following?  I've given names in the past as my breakout but I really want to see how Reed does every time out.  I am as skeptical as most, but I want to be proven wrong.



    I am going with Smith, I can see him putting up big numbers in Chattanooga, if Watson decides to push his advancement.   An outfield of Kemp, Sands and Smith would not be one to run on and all three could have thirty homer power in the show. 
  • hunteralan February 21
    saeldway said:

    We all have our breakout candidates.  Who is the prospect you are most interested in following?  I've given names in the past as my breakout but I really want to see how Reed does every time out.  I am as skeptical as most, but I want to be proven wrong.



    I tend to watch the pitchers, all for varying reasons.

    Can Lee live up to his billing?

    Which, if any, of the unheralded trio of Webster, Eovaldi, and Gould can continue to improve and impress and ultimately make a name for themselves in the Show?

    Will Withrow and/or Martin ever 'get' it and begin to put their considerable talent to good use?  Can the performance ever match the potential?


  • BluePastorKyleBluePastorKyle February 22
    I'm personally keeping an eye on Angelo Songco, Scott Van Slyke, and Jake Lemmerman.

    Songco is a bit old for A+ ball, but he's shown some good power and a good glove at 1B.

    SVS has the genes and body type to do very well.  He tore it up in full season in AA (1.022 OPS).  And he's 24.  I see him getting an opportunity this season, so we'll see if he takes advantage of that.

    And Lemmerman is ready to bust out, IMO.  He may get a September call up this season, and I wouldn't be surprised if they moved him over to 2B this year, given our 2B situation.
    Kyle
    CrossRoads
  • loneymillerloneymiller February 22
    I am looking for a breakout year from someone we have overlooked the last couple of years a la SVS.  My top choices are Tony Delmonico, Pedro Baez, Austin Gallagher and Kyle Russel.
  • saeldway February 22
    Who in the system is most likely to go the route of Brock, Ashley, angel Pena?
  • BLUEFANBLUEFAN February 22
    If you are speaking specifically of being unable to make contact .... Kyle Russell.

    If you are talking about being over hyped ... Alfredo Silverio (unless his plate discipline improves).
  • loneymillerloneymiller February 23
    Who in the system is most likely to go the route of Brock, Ashley, angel Pena?
    Fedex and Castellanos.  Fedex never hit like that before and Castellanos is just as likely to revert to his pre Dodget time although I am hoping that Castellanos shows he can hit and play 2B.
  • scdodgerfan February 23
    Scott Wingo may not have all the tools you look for, but he is a "win anyway" type of player. Maybe like Eddie Stankey?
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz February 23
    scdodgerfan said:

    Scott Wingo may not have all the tools you look for, but he is a "win anyway" type of player. Maybe like Eddie Stankey?



    I love Wingo's intangibles, but he will have to dazzle because his skills are not loved by the scouting community. That being said, I kind of hope they tie him together with Boudreaux for the time being because I think they have some potential as a DP combo.  
  • loneymillerloneymiller February 29
    Cool article/interview with Tolleson on MiLB http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120228&content_id=26902200&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz March 4
    Just saw this, earlier today - Alfredo Silverio suffered some bumps and bruises in a bad auto accident in the Dominican, but the worst of it is a concussion that will likely have him start the season on the 'topes' DL list.   Also, Angelo Songco played last season on a stress fracture in his leg.  Well, the fracture became full blown and a rod was inserted in his leg, so he will also start the season on the DL.  I tend to look at this as more of the Curse of McCourt. 
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz March 26
    Definitely a sign that it isn't business as usual at Dodger Stadium.   According to Gurnick, we signed a highly rated Dominican pitching prospect named Bryan Munoz for $300,000.  He is a sixteen year old righty who has been clocked at 90 and has projectable stuff.   Of course he could turn into Joel Guzman or Omar Moreno, but given that I have to think that Logan White weighed in on the kid and he does know pitching, the kid could be something special.  
  • SamAdamsSamAdams March 27
    Yeah, I'm kind of surprised that McCockroach signed off on that.  To me the Parking Lot Attendant is like someone selling a house.  If it's not visibly falling apart, he's not going to repair it.  Maybe it's a token effort on McScum's part to make the house presentable.
  • Vinsandlosses March 28
    I can't wait for Minor League Rosters to be announced.  I'm planning on attending games in San Jose for Giants v. Quakes.  If I am right, I should be able to get an early look at Lee, Gould, and a few other 2011 Loons.

    No worries, I'll bring video back for the rest of y'all.
    http://atthedeli.blogspot.com
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz March 28
    Vinsandlosses said:

    I can't wait for Minor League Rosters to be announced.  I'm planning on attending games in San Jose for Giants v. Quakes.  If I am right, I should be able to get an early look at Lee, Gould, and a few other 2011 Loons.

    No worries, I'll bring video back for the rest of y'all.



    I kind of think one will have to go to Chattanooga to see Lee. I am thinking he is on the fast track to the show. It is more likely that the Quakes rotation will be Gould, Reed, Sanchez, Miller and either Christenson or Wilborn.
  • Vinsandlosses March 28
    grabarkewitz said:

    Vinsandlosses said:

    I can't wait for Minor League Rosters to be announced.  I'm planning on attending games in San Jose for Giants v. Quakes.  If I am right, I should be able to get an early look at Lee, Gould, and a few other 2011 Loons.

    No worries, I'll bring video back for the rest of y'all.



    I kind of think one will have to go to Chattanooga to see Lee. I am thinking he is on the fast track to the show. It is more likely that the Quakes rotation will be Gould, Reed, Sanchez, Miller and either Christenson or Wilborn.


    No A+ stop for him.  While I would be happy to see him promoted aggressively, I would miss out on a live performance.  Perhaps he will get two weeks with the A+ club, as the games I am looking at are in mid April.  I could live with that.
    http://atthedeli.blogspot.com
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz April 6
    Nice start for Zach Lee at RC - 5ip, 1h, 1bb, 5k.   Scott Van Slyke went yard for the Topes, but they dropped an 8-4 decision and Allen Webster had control issues as he walked five in 3.1 innings. 
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz April 6
    Not a good start of the farm.  Three games, three losses.   Some good numbers, though.  Zach Lee, as previously noted, had a great start and Scott Van Slyke had a good first game for the Topes.   There were also some poor outings.  Allen Webster couldn't find the plate, the defense for the Quakes was awful and the Topes will be pitching challenged for the most part.  

    The Topes fell to the Storm Chasers, 8-4.   Mike Parisi made a decent start, but was victimized by some bad bullpen work from Josh Wall and a huge error by Jeff Baisley.    Brett Leach took the loss, giving up three runs (only one earned) in his inning and two thirds of work, but it was Wall who struggled mightily as he gave up two runs in a third of an inning.   On the offensive side, Scott Van Slyke belted his first homer of the season and finished 2-4 with an rbi, a run and a walk.   Alex Castellanos tripled, stole two bases, scored and drew two walks while playing an errorless game at second base.  Tim Federowicz went 1-3 with two walks and run scored.   

    The Lookouts couldn't put the ball in play as they struck out thirteen times in losing to the Smokies, 4-1 in their home opener.  Three Smokie pitchers combined for the thirteen strikeouts while allowing only five hits, one walk and the single run.   On the other side of the coin, three of the four Lookout pitchers had issues - Allen Webster only lasted 3.1 innings (79 pitches) and couldn't find the plate as he walked five along with giving up seven hits and two runs.   Geison Aguasviva had a strong first game as he pitched 2.2 innings of perfect ball.   Javier Solano added two innings, striking out four, but giving up a solo homer.  Luis Vasquez also gave up a run in his only inning of work.   On the offensive side, it was pretty pathetic.   Luis Nunez, who came into the game late, had two hits while Pedro Baez doubled for the Lookouts' only extra base hit.  Both Griff Erickson and Blake Smith got the hat trick, not a good start for two players I expect to have great seasons. 

    The Quakes wasted a great start by Zach Lee to fall to the Sixers, 6-5 in eleven innings.  As I have spoken before, Zach Lee was impressive as he went five innings, only throwing thirty pitches of which 26 were strikes, allowing only a single with five strikeouts with one walk - if my math is right, he only threw non strikes to one hitter, wow.   Unfortunately errors by Chris O'Brien, CJ Retherford and Charley Mirabal were painful as the Quakes gave up four unearned runs.   Brett Montgomery, PJ Zocchi, Jordan Roberts and Juan Rodriguez, with Rodriguez taking the loss, followed Lee with varying degrees of success.  Rodriguez struck out three in his two innings of work, but also walked two and gave up three hits.   Brett Montgomery picked up the blown save as he gave up a two-run homer to Travis Witherspoon in his only inning of work.  The offense had the same issues as the Lookouts, too many strikeouts (14) and not enough patience at the plate (four walks).  Nick Akins, Austin Gallagher (did this guy sign a lifetime contract with the Quakes?), Mirabal and O'Brien all had two hits with Akins belting a solo homer.   Leon Landry added a double while Casio Grider tripled to open the game. 
  • BLUEFANBLUEFAN April 6
    Why take out Lee after 5 innings if he is cruising and has only thrown 30 pitches?  That makes no sense!!!  Even being early in the season, he should be good for at least 60.  He should have gone at least a couple more.
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz April 6
    BLUEFAN said:

    Why take out Lee after 5 innings if he is cruising and has only thrown 30 pitches?  That makes no sense!!!  Even being early in the season, he should be good for at least 60.  He should have gone at least a couple more.



    My thoughts exactly.  I cannot even think of a good reason to pull a pitcher after thirty pitches, especially one who is dealing. 
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz April 7
    Another dispiriting day on the farm as the losses and balsa wood bats abound.   At least we have a win, but the lack of offense is troublesome, already.  

    The Loons wasted a great pitching effort by Jarret Martin, Juan Noriega and Jose Dominguez when a walk, an error by shortstop Delvis Morales and a seeing eye single plated the winning run in the bottom of the eighth as they fell to the Lugnuts, 3-2. Martin started and aside from his three errors (yes, the pitcher made three errors, all on throws) he tossed a stunning five innings, striking out six, walking three, picking off two runners at first, but giving up two unearned runs.  Juan Noriega was even more impressive.  The diminutive righty (5'7") went two innings, striking out one, walking one and allowing only one hit.   Dominguez took the loss as he was charged with only earned run by the Lugnuts in his only inning of work.   On the offensive side, Pratt Maynard and Joe Winker each had two hits with Maynard notching a double and scoring a run while Justin Boudreaux knocked home both of the Loon runs.  Troubling aspect, fourteen strikeouts which seems to be a problem early in the organization. 

    The Quakes again couldn't do anything offensively and Chris Reed was bp for two innings before righting the ship as the Sixers took a 3-0 decision.  Reed got the first two outs in the first inning, but then gave up a double and a single which plated what proved to be the winning run.   He had two outs in the second with a runner on second, when he couldn't get the third out as he gave up an rbi single followed by a double to put the Quakes down 3-0.   After that, Reed was nails and the pen was equally up to snuff.  Reed finished after five innings of work, striking out six, walking none (that is important IMO as his control is a worrisome aspect for me), giving up five hits and three runs.  Freddie Cabrera went the next three innings, allowing three hits and one walk. Greg Wilborn finished the game, going an inning with a walk and a strikeout along with picking off a runner at first.  I wish I could find something positive about the offense, but five singles hardly are impressive. At least the strikeout were down as the Quakes only whiffed four times.  

    Same melody, different lyrics as the Lookouts also wasted a strong pitching effort as they fell to the Smokies 1-0.   Ethan Martin made the start and while he was on the razor's edge during his outing, he managed to work 4.2 innings of shutout ball (his pitch count was Billzesque as he reached ninety pitches with two outs in the fifth) despite giving up three hits and walking four.  He did manage to strike out six before getting pulled.  Blake Johnson took the loss, as he gave up the game's only run on a home run to former Nationals uber-prospect Michael Burgess.  Otherwise Johnson threw well as he worked 2.1 innings, giving only one other hit with two strikeouts.  Steven Ames finished out the game with two innings of sterling work, striking out one and allowing only one baserunner.   The Lookouts managed to outhit the Smokies, but couldn't put together any offense as Rafael Ynoa, again, had two hits while Kyle Russell, Pedro Baez, Matt Wallach and Travis Denker banged out singles.   Both Russell and Baez managed hat tricks, though and Blake Smith added a pair of strikeouts. 

    Four straight extra base hits, including home runs from Scott Van Slyke and Tim Federowicz propelled the 'topes to the first victory on the Dodger farm as they took a 5-2 decision over the Storm Chasers.  Down 2-0 in the top of the seventh and with things looking bleak, Scott Van Slyke reversed a Ryan O'Sullivan fastball over the left field fence to open the deluge.  Doubles by Trent Oeltjen and Josh Fields tied the score and then Fed Ex roped a two-run bomb to left to put the 'topes up for good.   The 'topes added an insurance run in the eighth on a Van Slyke single and another Josh Fields double.  This offensive largesse backed up some fine pitching as Michael Antonini started, allowing only a fifth inning home run to former Dodger, Tony Abreu, to mar his otherwise sterling outing as he allowed only four hits while striking out two and not walking a hitter.  Will Savage gave up three hits and a run in his two innings, but picked up the win.  Wil Ledezma and Scott Rice (got the save) retired all six hitters they faced to clinch the win.   The 'topes accounted for twelve hits as Luis Cruz led the way with three singles while SVS, Fed Ex, Fields and Alex Castellanos had two hits each.
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz April 8
    A 50-50 day on the farm, sort of.  The bats are still asleep in Albuquerque and the Loons dropped both ends of a double dip.  On the positive side, the Lookouts found out you can actually hit the ball and Quakes broke through into the win column.  

    We knew there would be some yips when it was decided to move Alex Castellanos to second base, but some would hope that his yips wouldn't be so devastating as his throwing error in the first inning.    With bases loaded and two outs, Castellanos made a bad throw to first that would eventually allow the Storm Chasers to score four runs in the first and pretty much end a 5-0 win over the 'topes.  Not that it mattered much as starter Stephen Fife was struggling mightily anyway as he only managed to last an inning and a third when his pitch count was nearly at sixty.  The pen did yeoman work though, as Francisco Felix, Cole St. Clair and Ramon Troncoso shut down the Storm Chasers on four hits over the next 6.2 innings.  As for the offense, there was no offense.  Extremely worrisome is Jerry Sands struggles as he is still hitless after three games.  Matt Angle, Scott Van Slyke and Josh Fields each had a single as they amounted to the 'topes' offense.

    The Lookouts looked to be well on their way to another offensive struggle when they exploded for a nine run sixth inning that featured eight hits, only one of the extra base variety, and four walks as they defeated the Smokies, 10-2.   There wasn't really a big hit as there were no two-rbi hits or anything that spectacular, just a conga line around the bases.  Red Patterson was the recipient of this largesse as he relieved Aaron Miller in the third inning after Miller reached his sixty pitch limit and he held the Smokies to one run over his 3.1 innings.   Miller wasn't awful, but he struggled with his control as he threw nearly as many balls as strikes.   Luis Vasquez and Shawn Tolleson shut down the Smokies over the last three innings, only giving up one hit while combining to strike out four.  On the offensive side, Nick Buss, JT Wise and Kyle Russell each had three hits with Russell getting a pair of doubles.  Jake Lemmerman added a double and a single while Travis Denker notched a pair of singles. 

    The sixth inning also proved fortuitous for the Quakes as they opened up for four runs to defeat the Sixers for a 5-4 victory.   Down 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth, Tyler Henson roped a two-run homer to left to tie the game and with runners on first and second with one out, Tony Delmonico tripled to deep center field to give the Quakes a lead they would not lose, this time.    Garrett Gould's initial start was nearly perfect with the exception of one pitch, a fastball that Sixer catcher, Jeff Bandy redirected over the left field fence.  Gould did go five, striking out seven, with one walk and allowed only seven hits.   Scott McGough picked up the win, even though he gave up one run on one hit with a walk and three strikeouts over two innings.  Logan Bawcom picked up the save, pitching perfect ball while striking out three in his two innings of work.   Henson led the offense with two hits, two rbis, a walk and a stolen base as the Dodgers are trying to convert him from the outfield to second base.  Chris O'Brien and Jonathan Garcia each added a pair of singles for the Quakes. 

    The Loons played a double dip, last night, and the results were strangely similar as they dropped both games to the Lugnuts by scores of 4-2 and 4-3.   The nightcap was especially irritating as highly regarded (by some scouts) righty, Ryan O'Sullivan did his best lit match impersonation.   With the exception of Jesus Arredondo's three-hit game the Loons were pretty much inoffensive.  Arredondo notched two singles, a double, a run and a walk from the lead off spot.  Kevin Taylor doubled and singled as the only other Loon with multiple hits.  Joe Winker and Jan Vazquez each had a double.  On the hill, Brandon Martinez started and picked up the loss, going 4.1 innings, giving up three runs on five hits with three strikeouts.  He was efficient, as he only threw 35 pitches in his outing.  Matt Shelton went the rest of the way in the shortened game, going an inning and two thirds, giving up one run on two hits with two strikeouts. 

    In the nightcap, the Loons came back from a 3-1 deficit to tie the game only to see Ryan O'Sullivan give the game winner in the bottom of the eighth as they fell to the Lugnuts, 4-3.   Starter Matt Laney really only made one mistake, a bases loaded double in the second inning as he was otherwise able to overcome his four walks over his five innings of work.  Laney finished by giving up only four hits, while striking out three.   Yimi Garcia kept the Lugnuts at bay as he held them scoreless over the next two innings before O'Sullivan ended it.  On the offensive side, Devin Shines led the offense with two hits including a double and an rbi.  Scott Schebler added an rbi double and Jesus Arredondo added a run and an rbi.  
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz April 8
    Nice outing by Matt Magill for the Lookouts.  Five innings, two walks, five strikeouts and no hits!
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz April 10
    Sorry, guys, I am already behind.  Spent yesterday choking on my own phlegm and today isn't starting out well, either.  I hate my freaking allergies.   I may go and burn down the neighbor's Star Jasmine plants today, futzing things are like my Kryptonite.   I cannot even go outside without coughing, sneezing and the eyes swell up right nice.  

    I will try to get it back up to date, later today, God willing and the river don't rise. 
  • Moose April 15
    Man, I got really excited for a second.  According to the Albuquerque Isotopes stats page, Alex Castle is playing 3b.  It took me a moment to realize this was a typo, as hardly anyone else is playing 2b.  Regardless, I'm glad he's seeing time in the infield.
  • loneymillerloneymiller April 16

    Ok...where is Joc Pederson?

  • saeldway April 16
    Injured groin. In AZ awaiting assignment per his twitter
  • grabarkewitzgrabarkewitz April 16
    loneymiller said:

    Ok...where is Joc Pederson?



    Same with Scott Wingo.  What is really worrying me is the very slow start of James Baldwin Jr.  He has only one hit so far, but it is his first time with a full season club.   On the other side of the coin, after a slow start, Scott Schebler is tearing the cover off of the ball for the Loons.  
  • Vinsandlosses April 16
    Going to see Reed pitch tonight for the Quakes (in San Jose).  Gould pitching tomorrow.  I will give you my impressions on thursday.
    http://atthedeli.blogspot.com
  • saeldway April 16
    When are the Dodgers going to admit the futzed up with EMart and convert him to 3B before losing all hope?  He can pitch about as good as Urine can hit.
  • saeldway April 17
    saeldway said:

    Injured groin. In AZ awaiting assignment per his twitter



    Answering my own post.  Looks like he got his assignment and they pushed him all the way to HiA RC.  He made his debut tonight, batting 3rd, went 0 for 3, no k's
  • Vinsandlosses April 17
    Just got home from RC playing in SJ.  Rancho lost 3-2, all SJs runs coming on a 3 run home run in the 2nd inning.  A few observations.

    Chris Reed did not pitch well.  He did not command the strike zone.  He did not induce any soft contact all night.  He walked 5 batters, three of those on four pitches.  He only allowed 3 hits, but nearly all his outs were loud At 'Em balls or fantastic plays by Mirabal and Henson up the middle.  All around poor showing by Reed.  His stuff looks pretty good, but he was behind in the count 80 percent of the batters.  He was 2-0 and 3-1 all night.  

    However, the stuff is there.  It's not Withrow good, but still pretty good.  It will be interesting to see how he fares all year.

    Not much to write about the offense.  Pederson is back - his first game this season.  He went 0-4, 2 of those outs coming on solid contact.  Henson, who made a great play at 2nd, had a home run early in the game.  I missed it, but I was told that it was down the line in left and didn't clear the fence by much.

    I'm planning on going again tomorrow to see Gould pitch.  That means I'll be writing here again in about 24 hours.
    http://atthedeli.blogspot.com
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