The Big Blue Wrecking Crew

[quote]

loneymiller:

Well Jones has to be healthy and if Pierre keeps trying to run defense for Kemp he won't be around long either. I still have confidance in Paul and that arm is absolutely filthy. I think it is better than Modesi's was. At Dodgertown he unleashed a throw from the warning track to home plate that bounced once and never was above 12 -15 feet.

If Logan White was the GM, Paul would already be in the show. But, until that happens, we will have to hope that Colletti comes to his senses and realizes that the kids need to play to see if they can sink or swim. Playing time for Pierre, Jones, Kent and the rest of PVL's need to be curtailed, so that we can plan for the future. But, I am a broken record on this issue.

[quote]

loneymiller:

Well Jones has to be healthy and if Pierre keeps trying to run defense for Kemp he won't be around long either. I still have confidance in Paul and that arm is absolutely filthy. I think it is better than Modesi's was. At Dodgertown he unleashed a throw from the warning track to home plate that bounced once and never was above 12 -15 feet.
I'll never forget one throw Paul made in Vero. Apparent double hit down the right field line. The ball nestled at the base of the foul pole. The X-Man threw it on the fly on top of second base. The hitter/baserunner came cruising into second base standing up and was the most surprised person in Holman Stadium when the ball got there ahead of him!

I am ready for Paul to come up. I know we probably won't see it until rosters expand but it would awesome having to replace Pierre late in games. If Jones never comes back Paul would be a nice upgrade.

Here is a really good article about James McDonald from Baseball America:

Four years ago, James McDonald's pitching career was over.

After striking out 47 batters, walking 15 and posting a 3.33 ERA in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League as a 19-year-old in 2003, McDonald injured his right elbow that fall during instructional league.

"I didn't know what was wrong with it," McDonald said. "They sent me home early. I came back to spring training, still hurt, had an MRI and they said I needed to build up the muscle tissue in my elbow because it hyper extended too much. The X-ray reveled that there was something wrong with it, so I strengthened it up for a while. I started pitching again. The first outing I got on the mound and I was throwing like 88, 85 miles an hour maybe. And they were like, 'It's not the same, just go to the outfield.'"

So McDonald didn't pitch at all in 2004 and instead played outfield for parts of two Rookie-level seasons, htting a combined .225. Hitting wasn't going to take him to the big leagues.

"It was OK, but I didn't have a passion for hitting the way I do for pitching," McDonald said. "I was in Ogden, I wasn't happy and I wasn't playing a lot. My arm was starting to feel good, like really good—it just didn't bother me anymore. I wasn't afraid to unleash it. So I asked my pitching coach if I could pitch. He said yeah, but the head coach wasn't for it really. So I understood, but the pitching coach took me to the side and let me throw bullpens anyway."

According to McDonald, 23, one of those bullpen sessions came in front of then-farm director Terry Collins, who decided to convert McDonald back to a pitcher full-time for the 2006 season. It was the position McDonald always envisioned himself playing, a belief buoyed by the confidence that Dodgers scouting director Logan White had in him as a pitcher.

"Logan White knows," McDonald said. "I have respect for him. I think he has a good eye for seeing what you're going to excel at. So he's the one who said he wanted me to be a pitcher—I wasn't going to argue with him. He knows."

Even though McDonald lost two years of potential experience the mound, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. McDonald got to rest his elbow for two years—he said he hasn't missed a start now in the last two seasons—and he has also learned from his experiences as a hitter to make him a better pitcher.

"I learned that you can throw an offspeed pitch in a fastball count sometimes and that would screw them up and make your fastball that much better-looking," McDonald said. "I saw some stuff that I didn't like as a hitter and I saw what some guys struggled with, and I tried to work on that when I came back to pitching."

James McDonald article (continued...):

Back On The Hill

McDonald, a long, lanky righthander at 6-foot-5, 195 pounds, has made quite an impression since returning to the mound. In his first season back on the mound in 2006, both his talent and his absence from the mound the last two seasons were evident. McDonald struck out 146 batters in 142 innings in the low Class A South Atlantic League, but he also walked 65 en route to a 3.98 ERA.

Last year, McDonald's command improved and he enjoyed an outstanding season. After posting a 3.95 ERA and a 104-21 K-BB mark in 82 innings for Inland Empire in the hitter-friendly high Class A California League, McDonald received a promotion to Jacksonville. He handled Southern League hitters, going 7-2, 1.71 with a 64-16 K-BB mark in 53 innings. McDonald credited Inland Empire pitching coach Charlie Hough with helping him make significant developmental strides.

"Last year I feel like I gained two whole years by playing with Charlie Hough," McDonald said. "He talked to me a lot—he's helped my mechanics, but he helped me a lot mentally too.

"To this day, if I have a bad start or something, I might call him because he knows me so well. He's seen me so much that he'll know what I need to fix, so I just work on that in my next bullpen."

Working off a three-pitch mix McDonald had a 3.90 ERA, 62 strikeouts and 19 walks in 62 innings this year. In a start at Carolina in late May, McDonald showed an 87-90 mph fastball, a curveball that was at times a hard pitch that reached 77 mph but mostly sat at 71-72, and a devastating 74-77 mph changeup.

Perhaps one reason for the quality of McDonald's secondary pitches is the size of his hands and fingers. "You shake his hand and he's scratching your forearm," Dodgers pitching coordinator Marty Reed said.

McDonald uses his extremely long, flexible fingers to impart spin on his curve and to maintain an easy grip on his changeup.

"My fingers will wrap around the ball so much that I can almost just grab the ball with my pinky finger and my thumb, and I can wrap them around for my curve," McDonald explained as he wrapped his fingers around the circumference of a baseball. "I could just have it sit here in my fingers and I won't really grip it."

Cunning Deception

His fastball isn't overpowering, but there's plenty of deception there to keep hitters off balance.

"If you watch the way the ball comes out of his hand, it gets on you a little bit," Suns pitching coach Glenn Dishman said. "I think it's just the way the ball comes out of his hand. You watch him play catch, he'll be throwing half-speed and the ball keeps carrying and carrying and carrying. Then he gets to the mound and you're like, 'It's not that hard, but man, it gets on you.'"

McDonald said Hough taught him to raise his glove-side arm and get his front side up to enhance the deception in his windup.

"If you sat on the side and watched him throw, you'd think, 'It's pretty good,'" Reed said. "But put a glove on and get down there and receive the ball, and then all of sudden—boom, the ball is on you. He has that deception."

Adding to his deception is a changeup that has developed into a pitch straight out of a cartoon. McDonald said he used to struggle when he would push the pitch, something Hough helped him with last season. Now McDonald maintains his arm speed on his changeup, which routinely comes in anywhere from 10-15 mph slower than his fastball.

If McDonald makes it to the big leagues as a starter with his current organization, he'll get another chance to hit every five days, and a great-hitting pitcher can make a difference in the National League. So how are those hitting skills?

"Not very good," Dishman said. "That's why he's a pitcher."

Does anyone have any new on Scott Elbert and whether his arm is okay? Giving him a shot at a start would be something I'd love to see.

[quote]

JamesMiranda:

Does anyone have any new on Scott Elbert and whether his arm is okay? Giving him a shot at a start would be something I'd love to see.

It seems that the organization has plans to make him a full time reliever at this point. There have always been whispers that might be where he'd end up (in the back-end of the bullpen) because of his devasting fastball and lack of a true secondary out-pitch. He's pitched well in his short time AA (you can track his outings at Baseball America under the stats section), so let's hope that he's somebody we can use in 2009.

[quote]

jpldodger:

[quote]

JamesMiranda:

Does anyone have any new on Scott Elbert and whether his arm is okay? Giving him a shot at a start would be something I'd love to see.

It seems that the organization has plans to make him a full time reliever at this point. There have always been whispers that might be where he'd end up (in the back-end of the bullpen) because of his devasting fastball and lack of a true secondary out-pitch. He's pitched well in his short time AA (you can track his outings at Baseball America under the stats section), so let's hope that he's somebody we can use in 2009.[quote]

jpldodger:

[quote]

JamesMiranda:

Does anyone have any new on Scott Elbert and whether his arm is okay? Giving him a shot at a start would be something I'd love to see.

It seems that the organization has plans to make him a full time reliever at this point. There have always been whispers that might be where he'd end up (in the back-end of the bullpen) because of his devasting fastball and lack of a true secondary out-pitch. He's pitched well in his short time AA (you can track his outings at Baseball America under the stats section), so let's hope that he's somebody we can use in 2009.[quote]

jpldodger:

[quote]

JamesMiranda:

Does anyone have any new on Scott Elbert and whether his arm is okay? Giving him a shot at a start would be something I'd love to see.

It seems that the organization has plans to make him a full time reliever at this point. There have always been whispers that might be where he'd end up (in the back-end of the bullpen) because of his devasting fastball and lack of a true secondary out-pitch. He's pitched well in his short time AA (you can track his outings at Baseball America under the stats section), so let's hope that he's somebody we can use in 2009.

Its too bad, he was only a few surgeries removed from being one the best rated lefty prospects in the game. I really thought that the Dodger rotation of the future would have Billz, Kershaw, and Elbert as the starting three. and two others.

It is actually the opposite. They still see him as a starter, but are working him back in as a reliever to build stamina against actual competition, rather than instructional league. He has made two appearances so far, one for 1 inning and one for 1.2 innings. Once he is able to go 3 or 4 innings at a time, or about 50-60 pitches, you will probably see him get a start. This is kind of like his spring training right now, so it is just a matter of building him up slowly. I doubt you will see him make more than 80 pitches in any appearance this year.

Keeping fingers crossed while posting:
Torg mentioned in another thread, but Greg Miller went 2 innings last night, giving up 2 hits, no walks, 3 K's, no runs, lowering his ERA to 4.99.
37 pitches, 25 for strikes.
Encouraging, considering how he started the first month. Someone check hell, see if it is starting to frost. If he can keep throwing strikes, it will be very interesting to see what route they take, whether keeping him as a reliever, or try and get him to start again.
Or ultimately, a good trade option too. (ducking, I know) I would rather utilize him as a player, not a chip.

[quote]

BLUEFAN:

It is actually the opposite. They still see him as a starter, but are working him back in as a reliever to build stamina against actual competition, rather than instructional league. He has made two appearances so far, one for 1 inning and one for 1.2 innings. Once he is able to go 3 or 4 innings at a time, or about 50-60 pitches, you will probably see him get a start. This is kind of like his spring training right now, so it is just a matter of building him up slowly. I doubt you will see him make more than 80 pitches in any appearance this year.

do you know when his most recent surgery took place?

[quote]

hagdag:

Keeping fingers crossed while posting:
Torg mentioned in another thread, but Greg Miller went 2 innings last night, giving up 2 hits, no walks, 3 K's, no runs, lowering his ERA to 4.99.
37 pitches, 25 for strikes.
Encouraging, considering how he started the first month. Someone check hell, see if it is starting to frost. If he can keep throwing strikes, it will be very interesting to see what route they take, whether keeping him as a reliever, or try and get him to start again.
Or ultimately, a good trade option too. (ducking, I know) I would rather utilize him as a player, not a chip.
I have Miller on my fantasy team's minor league roster. A couple of times I have come close to cutting him, but it seems like he is regaining his stuff while struggling with his control. When doing the "math" I still come up with his ceiling remaining high enough to compensate for his low likelihood of coming thru. I think that pretty much sums it up - he still shows the stuff that could make him special, and that is just enough to continue to go with him in the hope he regains his control.

[quote]

kennerbuggy:

[quote]

hagdag:

Keeping fingers crossed while posting:
Torg mentioned in another thread, but Greg Miller went 2 innings last night, giving up 2 hits, no walks, 3 K's, no runs, lowering his ERA to 4.99.
37 pitches, 25 for strikes.
Encouraging, considering how he started the first month. Someone check hell, see if it is starting to frost. If he can keep throwing strikes, it will be very interesting to see what route they take, whether keeping him as a reliever, or try and get him to start again.
Or ultimately, a good trade option too. (ducking, I know) I would rather utilize him as a player, not a chip.
I have Miller on my fantasy team's minor league roster. A couple of times I have come close to cutting him, but it seems like he is regaining his stuff while struggling with his control. When doing the "math" I still come up with his ceiling remaining high enough to compensate for his low likelihood of coming thru. I think that pretty much sums it up - he still shows the stuff that could make him special, and that is just enough to continue to go with him in the hope he regains his control.
That, and he is still only 23 years old. It seems like he has been on the radar for quite a while, but he had his breakout year when he was 19 in AA. I think even if he doesn't factor with the big club next year, it would be stupid to just let him go for nothing.

Afternoon, Campers! Finally back on the job after the draft has shook itself out. I am glad to see Greg Miller start to look like the pitcher he was when he was 19. This looks to be another example of the patience of the Dodger minor league staff that has paid off. Just like Kuo, two years ago, Miller is beginning to look like he is ready for the next step. This seems to be a tradition with the Dodgers, they will show patience with the big time arms and it usually pays off. The only instance I can think of where it didn't pay off was Jonathan Figueroa, who couldn't get into decent enough shape to warrant the investment.

Lots of offense on the farm as two of the four teams scored in double figures and the Suns tallied nine runs in their game with Carolina. The pitching was a bit spotty as only the Sixers were the only team who were able to mount a good team effort on the hill. Jesus Castillo and Greg Miller had good individual efforts, but those were countered by weak efforts by the whole Loon staff and Greg Jones, who pulled a Scott Proctor.

Down 8-0 going into the bottom of the sixth, the 51's turned it around with a thirteen-spot (yep, you heard me right, thirteen runs) in defeating the Beavers, 14-8. The 51s' first nine hitters reached base in the sixth with the big hits being doubles by Jason Repko and Sergio Garcia, plus a bases clearing triple by AJ Ellis. Both Repko and Garcia had three hits, while Ellis, Angel Chavez, Greg Jacobs and John Ford Griffin each had two hits. Justin Orenduff started and was racked around for six runs on nine hits before he was relieved by Greg Jones, who took it on the nose, also. Greg Miller brought the game back to sanity by working two very good innings with three strikeouts and no walks.

A three run, first inning homer by Jamie Hoffman and a two-run single from Jesus Castillo led to a six run first as the Suns took an early lead and held on for a 9-5 victory over the Mudcats. Hoffman's homer was his only hit, but it put the Suns up to stay. Castillo's bases-loaded single plated two and the third run came home on an error by the centerfielder. Castillo tossed a strong six plus innings, giving up only one hit and one run before being removed for Scott Elbert. Elbert struggled for the first time this year as he gave up three hits and a walk which led to three runs and put the game in jeopardy. Aside from Hoffman and Castillo, Matt Berezay and Mark Bellhorn each had two hits, including a home run from Bellhorn.

The Sixers opened up the game by scoring ten runs over the first four innings to crush the Storm, 10-1. Josh Wall got the win, going six innings and allowing only two hits, but walking five. He was the recipient of four double plays, though. Gabe White allowed the only Storm run on a homer from Jeremy Hunt, but Jordy Pratt finished it up with two more shutout innings for the win. On the offensive end, Tommy Giles, Carlos Santana and Austin Gallagher all had two rbis, while Andrew Locke scored a pair of runs.

Down 2-1 going into the bottom of the fifth, Kyle Smit and Matthew Sartor combined to walk seven hitters and hit another as the SilverHawks tallied a nine spot on their way to a 13-2 victory over the Loons. The first three Loon pitchers combined to walk twelve hitters before Travis Vetters, an outfielder, held the SilverHawks scoreless in the ninth. Erik Kanaby had two hits and drove home a run, while Joseph Becker also added two hits and Alex Garebedian notched a double.

Las Vegas 14, Portland 8
Sergio Garcia (.333) 3-5, 2-2b(3), 2r, 3-rbi(14)
Jason Repko (.245) 3-6, 3b(3), 2b(9), r, 3-rbi(20), sb(10)
AJ Ellis (.318) 2-4, 3b(4), 2r, 3-rbi(29), bb, k
Angel Chavez (.275) 2-6, 2-rbi(40), k
Justin Orenduff (5.50) 5ip, 9h, 6r, 4bb, 4k
Greg Jones (3-3, 5.02) 1ip, 3h, 2r, 1bb
Greg Miller (4.99) 2ip, 2h, 3k

Jacksonville 9, Carolina 5
Mark Bellhorn (.244) 2-4, hr(2), r, rbi(11), k
Matt Berezay (.182) 2-4, 2-2b(2), r, k
Jamie Hoffman (.288) 1-4, hr(3), r, 3-rbi(27)
Jesus Castillo (4-3, 3.33) 6.2ip, 1h, 1r, 3bb, 4k
Scott Elbert (6.75) 1.1ip, 3h, 3r, 1bb

Inland Empire 10, Lake Elsinore 1
Tommy Giles (.274) 2-3, hr(6), 2b(14), r, 2-rbi(39), bb
Carlos Santana (.300) 2-4, r, 2-rbi(55), k, sb(4)
Andrew Locke (.304) 2-4, 3b(2), 2r, rbi(21)
Josh Wall (5-3, 5.55) 6ip, 2h, 5bb, 2k
Gabe White (8.10) 1ip, 1h, 1r, 1bb, 1k

South Bend 13, Great Lakes 2
Erik Kanaby (.303) 2-4, rbi(10)
Joseph Becker (.218) 2-3, 2b(4), k
Kyle Smit (1-4, 6.28) 4ip, 4h, 5r, 4er, 5bb, 1k
Matthew Sartor (4.75) .2ip, 2h, 6r, 4bb, 1k
Jonathan Dutton (5.20) 2.1ip, 5h, 2r, 3bb, 4k

Orenduff has been awful this year.

Morning, Campers! A nigh onto perfect day on the farm. Wins all over the place, except for the Loons and we have the return of Terry Tiffee, the Legend. Some great pitching up and down the farm as Cody White made his debut in Jacksonville and it looks like we have a third in the Sun rotation. Given Kutz made his first start for the Loons and it looks like he will get a second. Jason Johnson continues to win at Las Vegas and the Sixers played into the wee hours of the morning.

John Lindsey had four hits and Jason Johnson picked up his ninth win of the season as the 51's doubled up the Beavers, 8-4. Lindsey led a potent 51's attack with two doubles, two singles and two rbis. Terry Tiffee, Xavier Paul and Jason Repko all had two hits including a two-run homer for Repko and a pair of runs each for Tiffee and Paul. Jason Johnson went six innings, giving up two runs on five hits. Greg Miller had a bit of bad luck as a bloop, off-field double plated two runs against him, but Mike Koplove and the Borg shut down the Beavers the rest of the way.

Cody White made his first start in AA a memorable one as he shut down the Stars in leading the Suns to a 10-1 victory. White went six plus innings, allowing only three hits and one run, while striking out five and getting a hit, too boot. Adam Godwin and James Tomlin each had three hits to pace the offense, while Juan Gonzalez and Ivan DeJesus added a pair of hits and both Godwin and Gonzalez had three rbis. Brian Akin finished up White's game with two plus innings of shut out ball.

Ryan Rogowski's two out single plated Esteban Lopez one batter after a diving stop in the hole robbed Carlos Santana of the game winning hit as the Sixers defeated the Storm, 4-3 in sixteen innings. The sixteenth started with Lopez singling up the middle for his first hit in seven at bats, Trayvon Robinson sacrificed him to second and after Justin Fuller was walked intentionally, Santana was robbed but Rogowski came through. Tim Sexton started and left the game in the top of the eighth with a 3-0 lead, but Paul Koss and Jacobo Mecque gave up three runs to put the game into extras. Javy Guerra tossed three plus innings of shutout ball and Joe Jones picked up the win with nearly the same line as Guerra. Christian Lara had three hits for the Sixers, while Andrew Locke, Santana and Rogowski all had two knocks.

Michael Oxendine's two out single plated the winning run as the Wizards took a 4-3 decision from the Loons in the bottom of the ninth. Miguel Sanfler came in to pitch the ninth and gave up a double, a sac bunt and two intentional walks before getting a pop out and then giving up the game ending hit. Given Kutz started and went eight innings giving up three runs on seven hits with six strikeouts. Alex Garabedian was a double from the cycle and has raised his average to .337 over the past several weeks. Garabedian plated all three Loon runs, while Andrew Lambo also had three hits and Parker Dalton notched a pair in the defeat.

Las Vegas 8, Portland 4
John Lindsey (.341) 4-5, 2-2b(17), 2-rbi(49)
Terry Tiffee (.421) 2-5, 2r, 3k
Xavier Paul (.303) 2-4, 2r, k, sb(12)
Jason Repko (.258) 2-4, hr(5), 2b(11), r, 3-rbi(24), k
Jason Johnson (9-3, 4.40) 6ip, 5h, 2r, 3bb, 5k
Mike Koplove (2.89) 1.1ip, 1bb, 1k

Jacksonville 10, Huntsville 1
Adam Godwin (.289) 3-3, 2b(9), r, 3-rbi(19), 2bb
James Tomlin (.293) 3-5, 2b(17), r, rbi(19), sb(6)
Ivan DeJesus (.303) 2-4, 2r, bb, sb(8)
Juan Gonzalez (.286) 2-4, 2b(11), 2r, 3-rbi(33), bb, k, error(11)
Cody White (1-0, 3.09) 6.2ip, 3h, 1r, 3bb, 5k

Inland Empire 4, Lake Elsinore 3 (16 innings)
Christian Lara (.256) 3-7, 3b(4), 2b(8), k, sb(4)
Carlos Santana (.299) 2-7, 2-2b(25), 2r, bb
Andrew Locke (.315) 2-4, 2b(16), 2-rbi(24)
Ryan Rogowski (.286) 2-3, rbi(23), sb(17)
Tim Sexton (5.05) 7ip, 7h, 4k
Javy Guerra (5.04) 3.2ip, 2h, 1bb, 1k
Joe Jones (2-2, 3.02) 3ip, 1h, 2bb

South Bend 4, Great Lakes 3
Alex Garabedian (.337) 3-4, hr(1), 3b(1), r, 3-rbi(12)
Andrew Lambo (.288) 3-4, 2b(19), r, k
Parker Dalton (.253) 2-4, 2b(6), k
Given Kutz (2.59) 8ip, 7h, 3r, 1bb, 6k
Miguel Sanfler (1-1, 3.29) .2ip, 2h, 1r, 2bb

Is Hu on the DL in AAA? He didn't show as a reserve for the 51st the last two days.

[quote]

loneymiller:

Is Hu on the DL in AAA? He didn't show as a reserve for the 51st the last two days.
Yes, he has a eye problem. Read it was "blurred vision".

Baseball Prospectus quick recap of the Dodgers draft:

Draft Philosophy: While the first-round pick was exactly the type of talent one normally associates with the Dodgers, after that there was a surprising focus on college talent.

First Pick: Ethan Martin, RHP, Stephens County HS (GA) (15th overall)
How High He Could Have Gone: If the scenario that had one of the top college talents in the draft falling to Texas did not come to fruition, he could have gone high as 11.
Path To The Big Leagues: Martin has tremendous upside on the mound, but he’s probably going to move on the standard development path, taking three to four years.

Rest of the First Day:
2. Josh Lindbloom, RHP, Purdue: A college reliever, he has a Lee Smith body and almost as much stuff.
3. Kyle Russell, OF, Texas: Plus-plus raw power and arm strength, but it comes at a cost in average and strikeouts.
4. Devaris Strange-Gordon, SS, Seminole CC (FL): Tom Gordon’s son has crazy-good tools, but very limited experience and refinement.
5. Jon Michael Redding, RHP, Jacksonville CC (FL): A strike-throwing machine with solid fastball/slider mix.
6. Tony Delmonico, SS, Florida State: The son of a coach who plays the game the right way, but profiles as more of a utility type.

Best Second-Day Selections:
7. Cole St. Clair, RHP, Rice: Expected to go higher, but an undefined arm injury made teams nervous; talent-wise he’s not far below Joe Savery, another Rice product who was a first-round pick last year.
16. Kyle Conley, OF, Washington: Size and power to spare, but he's a left fielder at best who will struggle to hit for average.
20. Zach Cox, 3B, Pleasure Ridge HS (LA): Built like a linebacker and with plus in-game power, Cox will need a significant bonus to sign.

I will say it one more time. The blue need to call up the X man.
He is on pace to drive in over 100 and score over 100 steal 30+ bases and hit 35 2bs and 15 homeruns while hitting over .300 with an SLG% of .436 and an OBP of .371. Oh and he would be the best arm we have (if not better) than Mondesi. I know the numbers are at Vegas but his numbers get better with runners on. http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Paul%20%20CF&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=449082

Johnson, Italiano draw starting nods

Whoever you see on the mound in the first inning of the Thursday night's All-Star Game, you'll be seeing a terrific story of overcoming adversity to find what was once considered sure-fire success. And both might not be in the Midwest League for much longer.

Great Lakes Loons starter Steven Johnson came here to Midland with high hopes at the start of the 2007 season. After a strong campaign with Ogden in the Pioneer League, the right-hander who had been a 13th-round draft pick in the 2005 Draft was given the Opening Day start in the first-ever regular-season game at the Dow Diamond. It didn't go as planned, and he went 3-6 with a 4.85 ERA and missed two months of the season with a shoulder injury.

He's bounced back this year in a repeat tour of the Midwest League and is tied for the lead with eight wins and 10th overall with his 2.60 ERA. After picking up the first start and first strikeout in this ballpark, getting to start the All-Star Game here is a nice reward for all the hard work.

"He's come a long way," said Dodgers farm director De Jon Watson, who was in attendance Monday. "He's getting back to the Steven Johnson we knew. He's established himself well in this league. I'm really excited for the kid."

Watson and Johnson himself point to his performance in Hawaii Winter Baseball as a bit of a turning point for the 20-year-old. After returning to Great Lakes last summer and posting a 2.48 ERA in six August games, he finished seventh in Hawaii with a 2.05 ERA and a boatload of confidence.

"Last year was tough and I just wanted to do well in Hawaii," Johnson said. "It definitely helped my confidence. It showed me that I can do it, that I can go back to the way it was.

"The biggest part was that I wanted to keep it going. [Getting the All-Star Game] start is big. It's pretty special. Someday I'll be able to look back at this -- that I had the first start here and the first All-Star Game start -- and really appreciate it."

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080616&content_id=418438&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

Notes: Midwest League All-Star game is being held at our own Dow Diamond tonight at 7:30 pm ET

Afternoon, Campers. I better get back to my usual routine on these things and seeing as how there will be no golf today - Mary is sneezing her head off - I am gonna try to get back up to speed. Damn good day on the farm, even though we had a power outage in Orem (lights died in the most exciting part of the game) and some serious power for Sixers as they lit up the Blaze. Nomar made his first rehab start and the Midwest League had their All Star game which featured four Dodger farmhands - Andrew Lambo, Miguel Ramirez, Steven Johnson and Kenley Jansen.

Jason Repko singled home John Lindsey and the 51's added two more runs in a three-run eighth to take a 5-2 decision from Tacoma. Nomar made his first rehab start and homered in his second at bat to put the 51's on the board and he played shortstop too boot. Only had one chance, got the assist on a stolen base attempt. Xavier Paul (LM's favorite 51) went 3-5 and only came up a homer short on the cycle. John-Ford Griffin and Angel Chavez each had two hits for the 51's. Jason Johnson continues to impress on the hill as he went seven strong, giving up one run on six hits, while striking out eight. Matt Riley picked up the win, even though he gave up the tying run, while The Borg notched his thirteenth save.

Cody White gave up two runs in the first then pitched shutout ball over the next six innings as the Suns took a 7-2 decision from the Barons. White only gave up five hits over his seven innings and Scott Elbert finished up the game by only allowing one base runner in the last two innings. On the offensive end, Mark Bellhorn, Lucas May and Russell Mitchell each had three hits with each getting at least one double and May also blasting a triple. Ivan DeJesus added two hits including a triple, but also made his twelfth error of the season.

The Sixers broke open a close game with a seven run eighth inning as they jolly stomped the Blaze, 14-8. Jaime Pedroza and Austin Gallagher combined for eight hits, six doubles, a home run and five runs to pace the offense. Gallagher, who hasn't even reached one hundred at bats, already has fifteen extra base hits and, after a slow start, has pushed his average to nearly .300. Ryan Rogowski added three hits and two stolen bases to the hit parade. Carlos Santana knocked home his 58th and 59th runs of the season and continues to impress with his work behind the plate. Tim Sexton started and was rocked for six runs in three plus innings, but Jordy Pratt shut down the Blaze and Paul Koss picked up the win, even though he gave up two runs in the bottom of the eighth.

In a game that featured a power outage and four double plays turned by Devaris Strange-Gordon, it took four straight hits in the bottom of the thirteenth to push across the winning run as the Owlz defeated the Raptors, 6-5 in both teams' opener. Brandon Tuten started the thirteenth great by striking out the first two hitters, but then gave up four straight hits to take the loss. Geison Aguasviva started and went six innings, striking out seven and giving no earned runs. The Raptors managed to take a 5-3 lead going into the bottom of the eleventh, but Marcel Prado couldn't earn the win as he allowed two runs before Javier Solano shut the door on the Owlz. Solano was as impressive as has been reported as he struck out four in his two innings and the comparisons to Carlos Zambrano look to be valid as he was hitting the upper nineties with ease according to the internet broadcast. Kyle Orr paced the offense with four hits and two rbis, while Pedro Baez, down from Great Lakes, added two hits and two ribs.

Las Vegas 5, Tacoma 2
Xavier Paul (.306) 3-5, 3b(3), 2b(15), r, k
John-Ford Griffin (.286) 2-4, r, k
Angel Chavez (.275) 2-4, 2b(14), rbi(42)
Nomar (.333) 1-2, hr(1), r, 2-rbi(3), k
Jason Johnson (4.14) 7ip, 6h, 1r, 1bb, 8k
Matt Riley (1-1, 3.23) 1ip, 1h, 1r, 2k
The Borg (3.82) sv(13), 1ip, 1h

Jacksonville 7, Birmingham 2
Mark Belhorn (.248) 3-5, 2-2b(11), r, 3-rbi(18)
Lucas May (.266) 3-5, 3b(1), 2b(17), r, k
Russell Mitchell (.286) 3-5, 2b(9), rbi(36)
Ivan DeJesus (.300) 2-4, 3b(1), r, rbi(27), bb, k, error(12)
Cody White (2-0, 2.89) 7ip, 5h, 2r, 2bb, 1k
Scott Elbert (3.38) 2ip, 1bb

Inland Empire 14, Bakersfield 8
Jaime Pedroza (.274) 4-5, 4-2b(17), 3r, rbi(26), sb(8)
Austin Gallagher (.293) 4-5, hr(2), 2-2b(13), 2r, 4-rbi(14), error(6)
Ryan Rogowski (.288) 3-5, 2b(11), 2r, 2-rbi(27), 2-sb(22)
Tim Sexton (5.75) 3.1ip, 7h, 6r, 4er, 1bb, 2k
Jordy Pratt (5.15) 2.2ip, 2h, 4k
Paul Koss (1-0, 3.18) 2.2ip, 3h, 2r, 2bb, 2k

Orem 6, Ogden 5 (13 innings)
Kyle Orr (.667) 4-6, 2-2b(2), 2r, 2-rbi(2), 2k
Pedro Baez (.333) 2-6, 2b(1), 2-rbi(2), 2k, error(1)
Geison Aguasviva (0.00) 6ip, 8h, 2r, 0er, 7k
Marcel Prado (9.00) 2ip, 2h, 1bb, 4k
Javier Solano (0.00) 2ip, 4k
Brandon Tuten (0-1, 13.50) .2ip, 4h, 1r, 2k

BA reports the following transactions: 1B Cory Dunlap recalled off of the inactive list, and then released. RHP Rick Asadoorian, RHP Jon Haldis & RHP Eduardo Quintana also were released.

Juan Rivera being trade for Berroa was already known, as was the call-up of LaRoche, and sending Hu and Tiffee back down.

What is the deal with Chris Withrow? Wasn't he supposed to start the short season with Ogden?

According to Logan White, on the chat they had at Dodgers.com, he will start in Florida where they can monitor him more closely. Their season starts either tomorrow or Monday, I will check on that.

Good riddance to Cory Dunlap, who never cared enough to get his fat arse in shape.

So this is interesting, the Yanks have an switch pitcher in their midst, who apparently is twisting up the minor league umps:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8267012?MSNHPHMA

YES! Some really good news from the farm, Mitch Jones is back on the 51's. I guess he got released in Japan and the Blue snapped him up. I really liked the way the kid hits.

Plus, Ogden lost again and is still searching for their first win, but Kyle Russell hit his first bomb and is hitting .400. I know, small sample, but I wouldn't be unhappy if he is the power hitter we have been searching for, all these years.

[quote]

grabarkewitz:

YES! Some really good news from the farm, Mitch Jones is back on the 51's. I guess he got released in Japan and the Blue snapped him up. I really liked the way the kid hits.

Plus, Ogden lost again and is still searching for their first win, but Kyle Russell hit his first bomb and is hitting .400. I know, small sample, but I wouldn't be unhappy if he is the power hitter we have been searching for, all these years.

Great news, I agree if Russell can prove some critics wrong and mash with the wood then we'll have what we need on the big club in a rather short period of time.

[quote]

doctyper:

So this is interesting, the Yanks have an switch pitcher in their midst, who apparently is twisting up the minor league umps:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8267012?MSNHPHMA
I read about that, but didn't understand the "controversy" about who would get the final choice when a switch hitter faced him. It would seem obvious that once the batter stepped into the box, the pitcher could then decide which arm to use to pitch. There was actually an ambidextrous pitcher in the league I played in the Air Force in Germany, and that's the way they handled it then.

Ogden again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory to keep their streak alive at 0-6. Today it is Michael Watts against Idaho Falls (Finally somebody other than the Owls for a day or two). Tomorrow, Robert Boothe is scheduled for his second start. He struck out eight in five innings in his first start, but gave up four runs on some shakey defense and a couple of hits and the left the game at 4-4. It will be interesting to see how he does tomorrow.

[quote]

Greji:

Ogden again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory to keep their streak alive at 0-6. Today it is Michael Watts against Idaho Falls (Finally somebody other than the Owls for a day or two). Tomorrow, Robert Boothe is scheduled for his second start. He struck out eight in five innings in his first start, but gave up four runs on some shakey defense and a couple of hits and the left the game at 4-4. It will be interesting to see how he does tomorrow.

Yes, Robert Boothe has been one of the few Raptor pitchers who is actually pitching well. I think half of their pitchers have ERAs above ten. Typical of the Pioneer League, but the sticks are doing as well as can be expected, especially Kyle Russell, Kyle Orr and Clay Calfree.

While I am here, Jerry Sands of the GCL Dodgers is off to a fast start to his professional career, he has two homers in two games and his first homer was a grand slam. This kid was compared to Matt Kemp and so far it looks like his power is better than Kemp's when he started.

We have only one result from the farm tonight as Steve Johnson won his ninth game against two loses and combined with Matthew Sartor on an eight hit shutout as Great Lakes defeated Lansing, 2-0. Johnson struck out seven in six innings, while walking only one and allowing six hits. Sartor picked up his third save of the season, giving up two hits over the last three innings. The Loons scored their first run on a Jovanny Rosario single, an Erik Kanaby ground out and a two base error on an Andrew Lambo fly ball to left. The Loons scored their other run in the third on three straigh singles by Kenley Jansen, Rosario and Kanaby. Kanaby led the offense with three hits while both Rosario and Jansen had two. Francisco Lizaragga returned to the Loons after his short stay at Las Vegas to man shortstop while Chin Lung Hu was out with his blurred vision.

No scores from the GCL, even though the game started at 4pm, our time. The only other games on the farm are in the PCL and the Pioneer League. I will try to get those results as soon as they are available.

Where is the X-Man, and when is Hu due back?

Morning, Campers. Great day on the farm as long as one didn't have to work overtime, unfortunately, overtime was the word as three of the five games got to play free baseball.

Nice return for our favorite former Giant as Ramon Martinez put up a four hit game. Lucas May, Steven Caseres, John Ford Griffin and Mitch Jones all did some yard work and good starting pitching was the word around the farm.

The 51's scored in every inning but the seventh and ninth as they clubbered the Sidewinders, 11-3. Big offensive doings by Lucille 2 as he stroked four hits, including a double to lead the Aliens. Might not a be a bad idea to bring up Lucille 2 to play short, he has got to be better than what we have now. John Lindsey and John-Ford Griffin each had three hits including a homer and a double for Griffin. Jason Repko and Mitch Jones each contributed a pair of hits with Jones getting a double and a homer and Repko added a double. Dwayne Pollak picked up the win, but it was Matt Riley who dazzled the fans by striking out all six batters he faced. I wonder if there is room on the Dodgers for a lefty with a 2.75 ERA in the PCL? DFA Proctor!

Lucas May belted a three run homer, while James McDonald, Scott Elbert and the very flammable Zach Hammes combined to shut down the Lookouts for a 5-2 victory. May went 2-4 with a homer and a double while scoring two runs. Mark Bellhorn added two runs as they were pretty much the whole Suns' offense. James McDonald started and went five innings, struggling a bit with his control as he walked four. Scott Elbert worked his longest outing of the season, going three innings and his only mistake was a leadoff, solo homer to Sean Henry in the seventh. Zach Hammes picked up the save with one inning of shutout ball.

A great outing by Justin Miller went to waste as the Loons could only manage six hits over eleven innings as they fell to the Lugnuts, 2-1. Miller went eight plus innings, giving up one run on six hits and four walks, but Miguel Ramirez gave up four straight hits in the eleventh to end the game. The Loons scored their only run on an Alfredo Silverio single, a balk, a walk and a Parker Dalton soft liner to center. The chance to add more runs died when Kenley Jansen lined out to end the inning.

The Raptors, again, found a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory as their four errors, including two by first baseman, Kyle Orr, led to a 7-4 defeat, in twelve innings to the Chukars. The Raptors wasted a fine pitching performance by both Robert Boothe and Javier Solano in this game. Boothe worked six innings, allowing only three hits, one earned run and striking out five. Solano stopped the bleeding the bottom of the eighth when the Chukars plated two runs to tie the score. Solano ended up going two plus innings, striking out three and only allowing one baserunner. Brandon Tuten took the loss, giving up three runs on three hits in the last inning. Elian Herrera and Devaris Strange-Gordon paced the offense with two hits apiece and Steve Caseres added a solo homer.

Three straight singles in the top of the twelfth inning by the Mets gave the Dodgers their first loss of the GCL season, 5-4. The Dodgers wasted a fine performance by Edwin Contreras as he went five innings and didn't give up a run. Unfortunately, Gari Tavarez opened the floodgates by giving up four runs in two plus innings to get the Mets even. Luis Ferreras took the loss, giving up four hits in three innings. Keyter Collado paced the offense with three hits, while Franklin Jacobs, Johan Garcia and Pedro Guerrero added a pair of hits, each.

Las Vegas 11, Tucson 3
Lucille 2 (.344) 4-5, 2-2b(4), r, rbi(5), bb
John Lindsey (.314) 3-5, r, rbi(59)
John-Ford Griffin (.296) 3-4, hr(8), 2b(14), 3r, 2-rbi(45), bb, k
Mitch Jones (.250) 2-5, hr(2), 2b(1), 3r, 2-rbi(4), k
Dwayne Pollok (5-3, 4.04) 6ip, 8h, 3r, 4k
Matt Riley (2.75) 2ip, 6k

Jacksonville 5, Chattanooga 2
Lucas May (.259) 2-4, hr(9), 2b(18), 2r, 3-rbi(39), k
Mark Bellhorn (.248) 1-3, 2r, bb, k
James McDonald (4-2, 3.42) 5ip, 3h, 1r, 4bb, 5k
Scott Elbert (3.68) 3ip, 1h, 1r, 1bb, 2k
Zach Hammes (6.16) sv(3), 1ip, 1bb, 1k

Lansing 2, Great Lakes 1 (11 innings)
Alfredo Silverio (.272) 2-5, r, k
Parker Dalton (.255) 1-4, rbi(12), k
Justin Miller (3.05) 8.2ip, 6h, 1r, 4bb, 6k
Miguel Ramirez (1-5, 1.65) 2ip, 5h, 1r, 3k

Idaho Falls 7, Ogden 4 (12 innings)
Elian Herrera (.192) 2-6, 2b(3), r, 2k
Devaris Strange-Gordon (.250) 2-4, 2b(2), r, 2-rbi(4), k, error(6)
Steve Caseres (.278) 1-6, hr(1), r, rbi(3), 3k
Robert Boothe (4.09) 6ip, 3h, 2r, 1er, 1bb, 5k
Javier Solano (5.06) 2.1ip, 1bb, 3k
Brandon Tuten (0-2, 10.32) 1ip, 3h, 3r, 2er, 1k

Mets 5, Dodgers 4 (12 innings)
Keyter Collado (.444) 3-5
Franklin Jacobs (.400) 2-5, r, bb, 2k, sb(1)
Edwin Contreras (0.00) 5ip, 3h, 1k
Luis Ferreras (0-1, 1.80) 3ip, 4h, 1r, 3k

Morning, campers. This is gonna be quick as I forgot all about this while playing MLB '08 with the boy. Game is fun. I am terrible, don't have the muscular thumb like the boy.

Anyway, good night on the farm as there were only three games, two wins and a loss. Got some very good starting pitching from Jesus Castillo, Victor Garate and Jonathan Dutton. Plus, the Raptors got off of the schneid.

A three run sixth, highlighted by Mark Bellhorn's two run homer were more than enough runs as the Suns defeated the Lookouts, 6-0. Bellhorn's home run followed Ivan DeJesus' sac fly which broke a 0-0 tie. The Suns notched three more runs in the seventh to make the game a blow out. Jesus Castillo, Travis Schlichting and Brent Leach combined on the five hit shutout with Schlichting taking the win. Castillo went five to start the game, giving up four hits and striking out seven.

Victor Garate continues to impress, but the Loons could only scratch out one run as they fell to the Lugnuts, 2-1. Garate went six, gave up two runs on five hits with eight strikeouts. Alex Garabedian scored the only run and Andrew Lambo was the only Loon with multiple hits.

Now, for the big news, the Raptors scored eight early runs and rode the fine start by Jonathan Dutton to defeat the Chukars, 10-2. Steve Caseres led the offense with three hits and two rbis, while Steve Caseres added a two-run bomb. Dutton went five innings, giving up only three hits, one run, while striking out five. Cal Stanke tossed a very nice three innings, only giving up one run.

Jacksonville 6, Chattanooga 0
James Tomlin (.284) 2-4, 3b(1), 2b(20), 2r, bb, k
Mark Bellhorn (.256) 2-4, hr(4), r, 3-rbi(22), 2k
Jamie Hoffman (.293) 1-2, r, rbi(36), 2bb
Jesus Castillo (2.85) 5ip, 4h, 2bb, 7k
Travis Schlichting (2-1, 2.74) 3ip, 1h, 1k
Brent Leach (2.36) 1ip, 1bb

Lansing 2, Great Lakes 1
Andrew Lambo (.280) 2-3, bb, sb(1)
Alex Garabedian (.296) 1-3, 2b(9), r, bb, 2k
Victor Garate (4-3, 2.14) 6ip, 5h, 2r, 3bb, 8k
Miguel Sanfler (4.20) 1ip,

Ogden 10, Idaho Falls 2
Steve Caseres (.348) 3-5, 2b(2), r, 2-rbi(5), k
Clay Calfee (.360) 2-3, hr(3), 2r, 2-rbi(6), 2bb, k
Kyle Russell (.333) 1-4, 2b(3), r, rbi(7), bb, 2k
Devaris Strange-Gordon (.258) 1-3, r, bb, k, sb(1)
Jonathan Dutton (1-0, 1.80) 5ip, 3h, 1r, 5bb, 5k
Cal Stanke (8.00) 3ip, 1h, 1r, 3bb

Morning, Campers. Gonna hope I can get through the next two days as Hell has broken loose in my abode. Decent enough day on the farm, although the bullpens in two locales would like do-overs. Some decent starts on the farm and the usual spate of homers in Ogden. Justin Orenduff did his best Bert Blyleven impersonation as he gave up four homers in four innings of work.

Justin Orenduff gave up four homers which added up to six runs and the 51's couldn't make the comeback as they fell to the Grizzlies, 7-2. After getting through the first inning unscathed, Orenduff proceed to get rocked for a three spot in the second, a single run in the third and a 2-run drop in the fourth, before he was pulled. At least the 51's got some good bullpen work from Greg Miller and Mike Koplove, but it was for naught. John Lindsey and John-Ford Griffin scored the only runs for the 51's as they could only manage six hits.

BJ LaMura tossed a strong six innings, holding the Lookouts to only two runs as the Suns took a 6-4 decision. LaMura allowed only two runs on five hits, while striking out five for his second win of the season. Jacobo Meque picked up the save, although he gave up an unearned run in the ninth. Adam Godwin paced the offense with three hits, a run and a stolen base, while Mark Bellhorn added a solo homer.

After managing to take a 5-4 lead going into the bottom of the ninth, the Sixers gave up a two spot on a two-out, bases loaded single to right to fall to the JetHawks, 6-5. Just prior to the game-winning hit, Ryan Rogowski nailed a runner at home for the second out, but then Javy Guerra gave up a walk to load the bases and a bloop single plated the winning runs. Rogowski led the offense with two hits and three rbis, while Andrew Locke and Jaime Pedroza added a pair of hits, also.

Given Kutz gave up two first inning runs, but that would be all the Lugnuts would get as the Loons took a 4-2 decision. Kutz, who picked up his third win, gave up five hits in his five innings of work, while being backed by Gabe White and Matthew Sartor as they shut down the Lugnuts the rest of the way. Andrew Lambo paced the offense with three hits and an rbi. Erik Kanaby added a pair of hits and a stolen base while Javier Ortiz added a solo homer, his ninth.

The Raptors were riding along with a 3-1 lead going into the top of the eighth inning when the bullpen reverted to form and gave up five runs over the last two innings to fall to the Owlz, 6-5. The Raptors had the tying and winning runs on third and second but Steve Caseres struck out for the second time with runners in scoring position to end the game. Luis Garcia started and only allowed one over the first four innings, but the Raptors could only plate three runs in the first seven innings, all coming on home runs. Kyle Russell led the offense with a double and homer, while Kyle Orr and Caseres each hit a solo bomb. Devaris Gordon added two hits and scored the run to put the Raptors within one in the ninth.

Fresno 7, Las Vegas 2
John-Ford Griffin (.296) 1-4, r, rbi(46)
John Lindsey (.314) 1-3, 2b(20), r, k
Justin Orenduff (2-4, 6.55) 4ip, 8h, 6r, 2bb, 2k, 4hr
Greg Miller (4.86) 1ip, 2k
Mike Koplove (3.27) 1ip, 1h, 1k

Jacksonville 6, Chattanooga 4
Adam Godwin (.283) 3-4, r, rbi(22), k, sb(17)
Mark Bellhorn (.266) 2-3, hr(5), r, rbi(23), bb, k
BJ LaMura (2-2, 3.60) 6ip, 5h, 2r, 2bb, 5k
Jacobo Meque (0.00) sv(1), 1ip, 0h, 1r, 0er, 1bb, 2k

Lancaster 6, Inland Empire 5
Ryan Rogowski (.289) 2-4, 3b(3), 3-rbi(30), bb, error(3)
Andrew Locke (.300) 2-4, 2b(20), rbi(32), 2k
Jaime Pedroza (.287) 2-4, 3b(5), 2r, k, sb(9)
Alberto Bastaro (6.00) 5ip, 6h, 4r, 2bb, 4k
Joe Jones (3.94) 2ip, 1h, 1bb
Javy Guerra (1-2, 4.80) 1.2ip, 4h, 2r, 3bb, 3k

Great Lakes 4, Lansing 2
Andrew Lambo (.286) 3-4, r, rbi(48), sb(2)
Erik Kanaby (.290) 2-5, 2b(6), k, sb(12)
Javier Ortiz (.219) 1-2, hr(9), r, rbi(25), 2bb
Given Kutz (3-1, 3,89) 5ip, 5h, 2r, 1k
Gabe White (0.00) 3ip, 2h, 2bb, 4k
Matthew Sartor (3.98) 1ip, 2k

Orem 6, Ogden 5
Kyle Russell (.353) 2-4, hr(3), 2b(4), 2r, rbi(8), bb, k
Devaris Gordon (.290) 2-4, 2b(3), r
Steve Caseres (.333) 1-4, hr(2), r, 2-rbi(7), 2k
Kyle Orr (.297) 1-4, hr(2), r, rbi(8), 2k
Luis Garcia (4.00) 4ip, 2h 1r, 4bb, 4k
John Michael Redding (8.31) 2ip, 4h, 3r, 5k
Javier Solano (0-1, 5.68) 1ip, 4h, 2r, 1er, 1k

Morning, Campers. Gonna have to make this short as I forgot the kid has a game this morning at 11:30 and an engagement party, tonight. Pretty good day on the farm as the Blue did very well taking five of seven games (the GCL squad took both games of a double dip), but the Suns got their arses handed to them by the Lookouts and the Raptors are inventing new ways to lose.

Heath Totten made his first start after serving his suspension for PEDs and made it a good one as he went five to lead the 51's to a 5-4 victory over the Griz. John-Ford Griffin's three run homer in the fifth was the big blow, but Wilken Ruan's pinch hit triple proved to be the game-winning hit as it plated Angel Chavez with the fifth run for the 51's. Mike Koplove picked up the save after Tanyon Sturtze shut down the Griz.

The Lookouts scored in every inning, but two, including a seven spot off of second baseman/sacrifice victim Adolfo Gonzalez to take a 16-0 decision. The Suns managed five hits in this debacle, two each by James Tomlin and Gonzalez, plus a single by Adam Godwin. Jesus Rodriguez took the loss, but only gave up five runs in five innings.

The Sixers took advantage of four errors and Justin Fuller stole home to lead them past the JetHawks, 9-6. Carlos Santana notched four hits, including a double and added three runs and three rbis to lead the offensive explosion. Ryan Rogowski added three hits, two runs and stolen base, while Bridger Hunt and Fuller each had two hits. Francisco Felix picked up the win after Josh Wall was ineffectual in his four innings. Paul Koss picked up his fourth save by working two shutout innings.

Bryan Morris tossed his first professionl complete game shutout (albeit a five inning, rain-shortened affair) to lead the Loons to a 3-0 victory over the Silver Hawks. Morris allowed only two hits, while striking out three to win his first game of the season. Jaime Ortiz provided enough offense for the Loons with his two run homer, while Kenley Jansen doubled home Francisco Lizarraga for the other Loon score.

Brandon Tuten invented a new way to lose a game as he gave two runs on wild pitches in a 5-3 decision for the Owlz. The Raptors had a 3-1 lead going into the seventh inning when the bullpen failed them again. Geison Aguasviva probably is wondering what he has to do to win a game as he held the Owlz to one run over six innings. Devaris Gordon and Pedro Baez each hit solo homers to lead the Raptor offense.


The Dodgers scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh, on a wild pitch and a dropped pick off throw to come from behind to defeat the Marlins in the first of two, 2-1. Gorman Erickson paced the offense with two hits and his second hit started the game-winning rally. Chris Jacobs added a double to the offense. Eduardo Perez tossed five strong innings, holding the Fish to one run and Kyle Wilson picked up the win with two shutout innings.

In the second game, Albie Goulder, Ramon Jean and Johan Garcia each had two hits as the Dodgers scored three runs early and made it stand up in a 3-2 victory. Andres Santiago went four innings, but Carl Webster picked up the win with one inning of work, while Fredy Quintero picked up the two inning save.

Las Vegas 5, Fresno 4
Terry Tiffee (.393) 2-4, r, bb
Rene Rivera (.265) 2-4, hr(1), r, rbi(2)
John-Ford Griffin (.296) 1-3, hr(9), r, 3-rbi(49), bb, k
Heath Totten (1-0, 5.40) 5ip, 7h, 3r, 1k
Tanyon Sturtze (2.70) 1.2ip, 2bb, 1k
Mike Koplove (3.19) sv(5), 1ip, 2k

Chattanooga 16, Jacksonville 0
James Tomlin (.287) 2-4, 2b(21)
Adolfo Gonzalez (.275) 2-3, 2b(8), k
Adam Godwin (.284) 1-3
Jesus Rodriguez (0-1, 9.00) 5ip, 6h, 5r, 3bb, 2k
Adolfo Gonzalez (13.50) 1ip, 5h, 7r, 3er

Inland Empire 9, Lancaster 6
Carlos Santana (.303) 4-5, 2b(27) 3r, 3-rbi(69)
Ryan Rogowski (296) 3-5, 2r, sb(25)
Bridger Hunt (.258) 2-5, 2r, rbi(13), k
Justin Fuller (.246) 2-3, r, 2bb, k, sb(3)
Josh Wall (5.70) 4ip, 6h, 5r, 3bb, 4k
Francisco Felix (5-2, 2.68) 3ip, 4h, 1r, 1k
Paul Koss (2.86) sv(4), 2ip, 1h, 1bb, 2k

Great Lakes 3, South Bend 0 (5 innings)
Jaime Ortiz (.217) 1-2, hr(10), r, 2-rbi(27)
Kenley Jansen (.239) 1-2, 2b(7), rbi(18)
Andrew Lambo (.288) 1-2, 2b(27), r, k
Bryan Morris (1-3, 3.88) 5ip, 2h, 3k, cg(1)

Orem 5, Ogden 3 (10 innings)
Devaris Strange (.300) 2-5, hr(1), r, rbi(5), 2k, error(7)
Pedro Baez (.256) 2-4, hr(1), r, rbi(6), 2k
Geison Aguasviva (2.76) 6ip, 8h, 1r, 3k
Brandon Tuten (0-3, 9.59) 2ip, 2h, 2r, 1bb, 2k

Dodgers 2, Marlins 1
Gorman Erickson (.600) 2-3
Chris Jacobs (.385) 1-3, 2b(1), k
Eduardo Perez (2.00) 5ip, 6h, 1r, 1bb, 3k
Kyle Wilson (1-0 , 0.00) 2ip, 2h, 1bb

Dodgers 3, Marlins 2
Albie Goulder (.400) 2-2, 2b(1), r, bb
Ramon Jean (.444) 2-4, r, k
Johan Garcia (.412) 2-4, rbi(3), sb(2)
Andres Santiago (2.70) 4ip, 4h, 2r, 1bb, 1k
Carl Webster (1-0, 0.00) 1ip, 2h, 1bb, 1k
Fredy Quintero (7.36) sv(1), 2ip, 1bb, 1k

Hey Torg, any idea what happened to Kevin Howard on the 51s? Is he hurt or has he just not been memorial thread worthy?

Thanks again for the posts, it makes following the minors enjoyable and digestable.

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TBoneShelby:

Hey Torg, any idea what happened to Kevin Howard on the 51s? Is he hurt or has he just not been memorial thread worthy?

Thanks again for the posts, it makes following the minors enjoyable and digestable.

For some reason Howard is playing the GCL for the Dodgers...must be a rehab. BTW when is Hu coming back and why did the X-man miss so many games?

Thanks Loney, much appreciated.

Scott Elbert struck out seven in three hitless innings Saturday for Double-A Jacksonville.

The Dodgers are slowly building Elbert back up as he continues his rehab from shoulder surgery. He currently has a 2.93 ERA in eight relief appearances covering 15 1/3 innings.

Couple of thoughts.
1. How long until Russel gets move up to the Loons at least? He is killing the ball in Ogden.
2. Why is the X-Man only starting twice a week the last two weeks?
3. Where is Hu I thought his blurred vision problem was over?
4. Does McDonald get moved up to AAA soon?
5. Does Santana get moved up to AA to pass May (I admit he has earned it)?

Check out the game log at Ogden half of both teams were ejected in the first inning.

Diamond with minor league news:

Class AA Jacksonville left-hander Scott Elbert pitched three innings Wednesday in his first start in more than a year after shoulder surgery.

Another top draft pick, 2007 first-rounder Chris Withrow, currently has a tender right elbow and is working out in Class A Inland Empire.

Also, the Dodgers signed 33rd round pick Melvin Ray, who reportedly said he is a distant relative of Jackie Robinson's.



Also, this article right here says that 9th round 1B Steven Caseres is the only guy we signed for over-slot money. I particularly liked this line from his college coach in NY:

"I was proud he got the money he wanted," McFarland said. "He was pretty adamant about that. He stuck with it, even when he was taken by his favorite team. He was prepared not to go if he didn't get the money."

Love that an east coast Dodger fan got taken!

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Mike Scioscias tragic illness:

Diamond with minor league news:

Class AA Jacksonville left-hander Scott Elbert pitched three innings Wednesday in his first start in more than a year after shoulder surgery.

Another top draft pick, 2007 first-rounder Chris Withrow, currently has a tender right elbow and is working out in Class A Inland Empire.

Also, the Dodgers signed 33rd round pick Melvin Ray, who reportedly said he is a distant relative of Jackie Robinson's.



Also, this article right here says that 9th round 1B Steven Caseres is the only guy we signed for over-slot money. I particularly liked this line from his college coach in NY:

"I was proud he got the money he wanted," McFarland said. "He was pretty adamant about that. He stuck with it, even when he was taken by his favorite team. He was prepared not to go if he didn't get the money."

Love that an east coast Dodger fan got taken!

That's funny, the rumors surrounding the Matt Magill signing is that he got a bonus around the same quarter million as Caseres and he was taken in the 31st round. There is also a story that Ethan Martin is close to signing. Wish I could say the same about Nathan Eovaldi, the rumors are that he is still intending on attending Texas Tech. No word on when (or if) Delmonico or St. Clair will sign.

Oh yeah, before I forget, Jason Schmidt got gave up three earned runs in his two plus innings tonight against the Buzz.

Anyone else concerned about our absence from the international signings that have been taking place? The freaking Padres are signing tons of guys and boosting thier system, yet I haven't heard of a single signing by us. I would love to hear the explanation or rational of that decision.

Tbone, we did sign a pitcher the other day. I dont have the info handy from my phone right now, but we havent been shut out.

In the game at Mobile Elbert was complaining that there were 8 starters on the team and that management had told him that he wasn't starting anymore and that he was only working 2-3 innings at a time. There is now a ton of SP in Jax with very little offense. The relievers (mostly Elbert) were also complaining about May's ability to block balls in the dirt and that they couldn't throw anything down with him.

DeJesus was playing 2B and looked pretty good I guess they are still trying to make him more flexible. Got to love his OBP well over .400 and still playing great D. I wouldn't blink on Jamie Hoffman because I see flashes but he still needs to put it all together. I am looking forward to seeing some offense get called up from the 66ers.