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April 30, 2005

Minor League Recap for 4/29

Notes -- Rome was the savior once again, pulling out the only victory in Friday's slate of games. Chuck James deserved the win in Myrtle Beach, but his offense was one-hit in the loss. Andy Marte hit his fourth homer of the season in Richmond, and Kelly Johnson had another good all-around game. Watch out for Kelvin Villa in Rome, who has a 1.06 ERA in 17 innings so far this season.

Player of the day -- Chuck James (Myrtle Beach) 7 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 SO (L, 1-3, 1.52 ERA)

Richmond Braves 2, Norfolk Tides (NYN) 7 -- Box Score
3B Andy Marte hit a solo homer on a 2-for-3, one RBI night, and SS Tony Pena added a solo shot of his own, but those were the only two runs the Braves could muster, losing to the Tides 7-2.

Seth Greisinger gave up three runs in the start on nine hits, two walks, and five strikeouts in five innings. Matt Childers put the game out of reach, allowing four runs in the seventh inning, his only inning pitched. Greisinger drops to 2-3 with a 3.82 ERA.

Richmond managed just five total hits on the night. CF Kelly Johnson was 1-for-3 with a double and a walk, and RF John Barnes was 1-for-4 in the loss.

Additional Stats:
C Brayan Pena 0-4

Record: 9-14, 6 GB of Norfolk
Streak: Lost 1

West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (CHC) 2, Mississippi Braves 0 -- Box Score
Blaine Boyer had far and away his best start of the season, allowing just one run on eight hits, three walks, and two strikeouts in six innings, but West Tenn starter Ricky Nolasco was too much to handle for Mississippi, blanking the Braves 2-0.

1B Scott Thorman had the only multi-hit game for the Braves, going 2-for-4 with a double. SS Luis Hernandez also added a double on a 1-for-4 night, and RF Jeff Francoeur was 1-for-4 with two strikeouts. C Brian McCann returned to the lineup after missing a few games and was 0-for-4.

Boyer drops to 0-4 with the loss, but lowered his ERA to 6.85.

Additional Stats:
LF Onil Jospeh 1-4, 2 SO

Record: 6-16, 6.5 GB of Birmingham
Streak: Lost 3

Lynchburg Hillcats (PIT) 4, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 0 -- Box Score
Chuck James fanned ten and walked just two in seven innings in the start, but Hillcats starter Wardell Starling topped that by allowing only one base runner in his eight innings of work, blanking the Pelicans 4-0.

James gave up two runs - one earned - to pick up another hard earned loss. He falls to 1-3 on the season, with an outstanding 1.52 ERA in 29-2/3 innings.

2B Martin Prado had the lone Pelicans hit - a single in the seventh inning to break up the perfect game.

Additional Stats:
RF Matt Esquivel 0-3, 2 SO
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia 0-3

Record: 12-10, 2 GB of Kinston
Streak: Lost 1

Savannah Sand Gnats (WAS) 4, Rome Braves 5 -- Box Score
Kelvin Villa logged another solid outing, giving up just one run on five hits, a walk, and five strikeouts in six innings, but James Parr let the Sand Gnats tie it up before the Braves came back to win it 5-4.

CF Johan Silva was 2-for-3 with his third triple of the season and an RBI, and LF Matt Young drove in one, going 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. C Clint Sammons and RF Ivan Terrazas joined the two-hit parade, Sammons going 2-for-3 with two runs scored, and Terrazas going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run.

Villa's ERA sits at 1.06 in 17 IP this season. Parr backed into the win, moving him to 2-1 with a 7.31 ERA.

Additional Stats:
2B J.C. Holt 1-2, R, RBI, BB
3B Van Pope 1-4, RBI

Record: 10-11, 3.5 GB of Charleston
Streak: Won 1

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 09:32 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

April 29, 2005

Minor League Recap for 4/28

Notes -- Andy Marte got off the snide a bit in Richmond, but it is Kelly Johnson who is stealing the show. Johnson hit his fifth home run of the season in the R-Braves 9-2 victory. Mississippi lost a tough one in eleven innings for the Fox Sports South audience. Jake Stevens is coming around for Myrtle Beach, but Charlie Morton is struggling big time for Rome.

Free Tickets -- I had plans to make my first scouting trip of the season in Charleston on Monday, but a work conflict has come up and I will not be able to go. So, I have two tickets for Monday nights Rome vs. Charleston game that I would like to give away to a reader. If you live in Charleston and will for a fact use the tickets, you are welcome to them. Just email me at the link to the right, and I will figure out the best way to get them to you.

Playing Pepper -- Frequent No Pepper reader Robin sent in this article on the Braves signing of Michael Thompson, another player they plucked out of junior college:

The road to professional baseball for Thompson, who turns 20 in May, has been a winding path, however. He was 4-2 with a 1.18 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 42 innings as a senior, then played in the 2003 Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association East-West game at Comerica Park. He opted to attend Grand Rapids Community College, but was academically ineligible a year ago.

But Thompson, who had a 2.18 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 26 innings as a junior, didn't give up on baseball. He trained with his father and at the Diamond Sports Academy in Wyoming and regained a fastball that topped out in the low 90s in high school.

Thompson will start off the 2005 season with the Gulf Coast League Braves.

Transactions -- Buddy Hernandez was placed on the DL in Richmond with a strained forearm.

Player of the day -- Kelly Johnson 3-for-5, HR (5), RBI, 3 R

Richmond Braves 9, Durham Bulls (TB) 2 -- Box Score
3B Andy Marte got back on track with a 2-for-4, four RBI performance, and LF Kelly Johnson hit his fifth homer of the season on an impressive 3-for-5 night with three runs scored, as the Braves handle the Bulls easily, 9-2.

Kyle Davies worked seven solid innings in the start, allowing two runs on five hits, a walk, and five strikeouts. His two runs allowed did come on two home runs though. Davies improves to 2-0 on the season with a 2.70 ERA.

1B Carlos Mendez also homered for the R-Braves, his second of the season. C Brayan Pena was 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored, and SS Tony Pena was 2-for-5 and scored once. Tampa top prospect Bossman Junior Upton was 0-for-4 against Braves pitching.

Additional Stats:
2B Jason Bourgeois 1-4
P Kevin Barry 2 IP, 2 BB, 2 SO

Record: 9-13, 5 GB of Norfolk
Streak: Won 1

West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (CHN) 5, Mississippi Braves 4, 11 Inn. -- Box Score
The Diamond Jaxx scored once in the top of the ninth inning to tie the game at 4-4, then pushed across another in the 11th to beat the Braves 5-4 in front of a televised Fox Sports South audience. I have the game recorded, but haven't had the chance to watch it yet, so if anyone has any comments about the game, please fire away.

Anthony Lerew made it through four innings in the start, allowing two runs on eight hits, two walks, and three strikeouts. Jorge Vasquez gave up the game-tying run, and Ryan Basner gave up the game winner to fall to 0-2.

The Braves managed their four runs on just seven hits. CF Jeff Francoeur was 1-for-5 with a double, RBI, and a run scored, and both LF Onil Joseph and 1B Scott Thorman were 1-for-5 and knocked in one.

Additional Stats:
SS Luis Hernandez 1-4

Record: 6-15, 6.5 GB of Birmingham
Streak: Lost 2

Salem Avalanche (HOU) 2, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 7 -- Box Score
Jake Stevens snapped out of his funk a little bit, allowing just one run on eight hits, a walk, and three strikeouts, as the Pelicans down the Avalanche 7-2.

C Miguel Bernard was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI, and DH Jarrod Saltalamacchia knocked in two of his own on a 1-for-2, two walk night. CF Steve Doetsch was 0-for-2, but had an RBI, two walks, and a strikeout. Something seems to be clicking for Doetsch this season at the plate. RF Matt Esquivel swiped his first two bases of the season despite going 0-for-3.

Stevens evens up his record at 2-2 on the season, lowering his ERA to 4.66.

Additional Stats:
2B Martin Prado 1-4, R, SO
LF Josh Burrus 1-3, 2B, 2 R, BB, SB (4)

Record: 12-9, 1 GB of Kinston
Streak: Won 1

Savannah Sand Gnats (WAS) 10, Rome Braves 7 -- Box Score
Things just aren't going well for Charlie Morton in his second go-round in Rome. The tall righty had the strange line of the night, allowing six runs on no hits, six walks, and two strikeouts in 1-1/3 innings, as the Braves lose to the Sand Gnats 10-7. Johnnie Wiggins replaced Morton after the bases were walked full in the second and gave up a grand slam to the first batter he faced.

On the offensive side of the ledger, recently demoted 3B Ben Thomas was 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBI. He pinch hit for 3B Van Pope earlier in the game, who was 2-for-2 with an RBI at the time he left. I haven't found any details yet on why Pope left the game early. Thomas' homer was the first at State Mutual Stadium this season.

2B J.C. Holt also had a solid night at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a double, RBI, and two runs scored. Rodny Jimenez fanned six in three innings of relief.

Additional Stats:
DH Cole Armstrong 1-4
C Clint Sammons 1-3, RBI, R, BB

Record: 9-11, 4.5 GB of Charleston
Streak: Lost 4

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 11:02 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

April 28, 2005

Minor League Recap for 4/27

Notes -- Chalk up another 0-fer for the system last night, as all four teams in action lost. None of the games were blowouts - three two-run losses, and one one-run loss - but none of the offenses could score any runs despite a fair amount of hits.

Transactions -- Zach Miner was promoted to Triple-A Richmond from Double-A Mississippi, swapping places with Andy Van Hekken.

Player of the day -- Wes Timmons (Mississippi) 3-for-4, 2 2B, 3 R, BB

Richmond Braves 2, Durham Bulls (TB) 4 -- Box Score
Sam McConnell logged a quality start, allowing three runs on seven hits, no walks, and three strikeouts in six innings, but the Richmond offense had a difficult time pushing runs across the plate in their 4-2 loss to Durham.

LF Derrick Gibson hit a solo homer on a 1-for-4 night, and CF Kelly Johnson had a sac fly RBI, but was 0-for-3 at the plate. RF John Barnes and 1B Carlos Mendez each went 2-for-4, and 3B Andy Marte was 1-for-4.

Additional Stats:
SS Tony Pena Jr. 1-4

Record: 8-13, 2 GB of Norfolk
Streak: Lost 1

Huntsville Stars (MIL) 6, Mississippi Braves 4 -- Box Score
Matt Coenen had a rough go of it in the start, allowing all six Huntsville runs - five earned - on seven hits, three walks, and one strikeout in 5-1/3 innings, as the Braves fall to the Stars 6-4.

3B Wes Timmons continues to flat-out rake, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, a walk, and three runs scored, pushing him to .377/.482/.507 on the season. RF Jeff Francoeur had two doubles of his own, going 2-for-5 with an RBI, and 1B Scott Thorman was also 2-for-5 and drove in one.

Additional Stats:
SS Luis Hernandez 0-2, RBI, 2 BB
LF Onil Jospeh 0-3, 2 BB, 2 SO

Record: 6-14, 6.5 GB of Birmingham
Streak: Lost 1

Salem Avalanche (HOU) 2, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 1 -- Box Score
2B Martin Prado was 3-for-4 with a double, and CF Steve Doetsch added a double of his own on a 2-for-4 night, but the Pelicans could only manage one run against Avalanche pitching, losing 2-1.

Sean White had a solid start go to waste, giving up two runs - one earned - on seven hits, three walks, and five strikeouts in six innings. The loss is his first of the season, dropping him to 2-1 with a 2.14 ERA.

DH Scott Schade had the lone Pelicans RBI on a 1-for-3 night, and RF Matt Esquivel scored the only run, going 1-for-4 with a double in the loss.

Additional Stats:
LF Josh Burrus 1-4, 2B
1B Carlos Guzman 0-3, BB, 2 SO

Record: 11-9, 1 GB of Kinston
Streak: Lost 1

Savannah Sand Gnats (WAS) 4, Rome Braves 2 -- Box Score
Rome couldn't get much going yesterday afternoon against Savannah, giving up 13 hits to the Sand Gnats while coming up with just four of their own, as they lose by a final score of 4-2.

Johnny Venters went 5-2/3 innings in the start, allowing two runs on eight hits, three walks, and five strikeouts, and Chris Vines backed him with 3-1/3 innings of two-run ball, fanning four and walking just one, but that wasn't enough to get the job done on this day. Vines was on the hook for the loss, dropping him to 2-1 on the season.

1B Keith Eichas drove in both of the Braves runs on a double in the sixth inning for his only hit of the day. C Steve Pyzik was 2-for-3, and SS Mike Rozema was 1-for-3 with a run scored.

Collin Balester went seven strong to pick up the win for Savannah, and is one to keep an eye on.

Additional Stats:
LF Matt Young 0-3, BB, R
CF Johan Silva 0-3, SO

Record: 9-10, 4.5 GB of Charleston
Streak: Lost 3

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 08:12 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack

April 27, 2005

Minor League Recap for 4/26

Notes -- Tony Pena Jr. carried the load for Richmond, driving in all four of their runs in the early afternoon victory. Matt Wright turned the corner for Mississippi, firing 6-2/3 shutout innings, but Luis Atilano wasn't so lucky for Rome, giving up eleven hits in the loss.

Playing Pepper -- I mentioned after his last outing that Chuck James could make a strong case for the next Baseball America Hot Sheet, and that is exactly what happened. James lands at #9 on the weekly list, making him the lone Braves representative.

Bryan Smith took a look at the upcoming June Amateur Draft in his recent Baseball's NFL Draft article for Baseball Analysts. Scott Boras is going to have his fingerprints all over the top ten selections, so be prepared for extended negotiations if you team lands one of his clients.

JC from Sabernomics gives his views on the polarizing topic of Clutch Hitting, and I have to agree with him, especially this statement:

So, unless there is some reason for players to preserve some hitting effort until crucial times, and it does not seem that there is such a reason, I think batters put forth 100% effort 100% of the time. There is no incentive for a player to ever hold back, therefore there is no room for clutch ability to exist.

Jason Weitzel from Berks Phillies Fans has a series going on ex-Phillies, and hit me up for a few comments on Johnny Estrada. Last night was the first time I noticed it, but does Estrada alwayas go through the congratulatory line at the end of the game with his mask down? I don't know why, but that cracked me up.

Frank from Chromewaves is a man after my own heart, posting on consecutive days about two of my all-time favorite bands: The Wedding Present and The Mountain Goats.

Transactions -- Cole Armstrong has returned from the DL for Rome, with Xan Barksdale clearing room by returning to the DL.

Player of the day -- Matt Wright (Mississippi) 6-2/3 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 SO (W, 2-2, 6.98 ERA)

Richmond Braves 4, Charlotte Knights (TB) 3 -- Box Score
It was a big afternoon for Tony Pena Jr., whose three-run homer in the top of the seventh put the Braves ahead for good, taking the 4-3 victory over the Knights. Pena knocked in all four Richmond runs, going 2-for-4 and adding his fourth double of the season to go along with his first homer.

Dan Curtis allowed two runs on four hits, a walk, and three strikeouts in five innings in the start, but wasn't involved in the decision. In an event that calls for the help of Elias, Matt Childers picked up the win, and older brother Jason earned the save. I can't imagine that has happened too many times over the years.

The other Richmond Pena - Brayan - was a perfect 3-for-3 with a double, two runs scored, and his first stolen base of the season. That performance runs his average up to .372 in 43 at-bats, but the double was only his second extra base hit of the season. 3B Andy Marte was 0-for-3 with a walk, dropping him to .250 on the season. The freefall is going to stop soon, right?

Additional Stats:
CF Kelly Johnson 0-3, BB, SO

Record: 8-12
Streak: Won 1

Huntsville Stars (MIL) 0, Mississippi Braves 5 -- Box Score
The good Matt Wright showed up last night for Mississippi, tossing 6-2/3 shutout innings in the start, allowing just five hits, two walks, and three strikeouts in the process, as the Braves blank the Stars 5-0.

He was helped at the plate by 1B Scott Thorman and LF Mike Rosamond, who each homered in the victory. Thorman's third of the season was a two-run shot in the first inning, and Rosamond's first of the year was a solo number in the eighth. SS/2B Juan Velazquez also drove in one on a 2-for-4 night, and RF Jeff Francoeur added an RBI despite going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Wright evens up his record at 2-2 on the season. Ryan Basner and Jorge Vazquez combined for 2-1/3 innings of no-hit relief to finish it out.

Additional Stats:
3B Wes Timmons 1-3, BB
CF Gregor Blanco 2-4, 3B, R

Record: 6-12
Streak: Won 1

Salem Avalanche (HOU) 2, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 3 -- Box Score
RF Matt Esquivel hit a bases loaded single in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at 2-2, and 1B Scott Schade followed with a sacrifice fly to score 2B Martin Prado, giving the Pelicans a 3-2 come from behind victory over the Avalanche.

Juan Alvarez hung in there in the start, but it wasn't exactly pretty. He made it through six innings, allowing two runs on five hits, five walks, and two strikeouts before handing it over to Jose Ascanio to start the seventh. Ascanio gave up two hits, a walk, and struck out one in the final three innings, and was the beneficiary of the late rally, pushing his record to 3-0.

C Jarrod Saltalamacchia put up the only run on Salem starter Mitch Talbot, hitting a solo homer in the fourth inning on a 1-for-3 night. CF Steve Doetsch was 3-for-4 with a triple, and Prado was 2-for-4. DH Carlos Guzman is already on form since being called up yesterday, going 0-for-4 and striking out three times.

Additional Stats:
LF Josh Burrus 1-5, 3 SO

Record: 11-8
Streak: Won 1

Savannah Sand Gnats (WAS) 7, Rome Braves 3 -- Box Score
Luis Atilano had far and away his worst start of the season, giving up seven runs - six earned - on eleven hits, two walks, and three strikeouts, as Rome drops one to Savannah 7-3.

SS Mike Rozema was 1-for-4 with a triple and two RBI, and DH Cole Armstrong smacked two doubles on a 2-for-4 night in his first game back from the DL. 2B J.C. Holt added a triple and a run scored, going 1-for-4 in the loss.

Atilano falls to 1-2 on the season, but even after all of last night's damage, his ERA stands at 3.32 on the year.

Additional Stats:
LF Matt Young 1-4, SO
C Clint Sammons 0-3, R, BB, SO
P Zach Schreiber 1 IP, 2 SO

Record: 9-9
Streak: Lost 2

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 08:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 26, 2005

Minor League Recap for 4/25

Notes -- There were only two games scheduled last night, and neither ended up in favor of the good guys. If Kelly Johnson keeps mashing like this, he will be the first R-Brave to get the call, not Andy Marte. Zach Miner also logged a promising start for Mississippi.

Transactions -- The latest from Baseball America:

Signed RHPs Jason Childers, Arthur Santos and Michael Thompson. Placed LHP Brian Langen on restricted list. Placed RHP Sung-Ki Jung on military list.

I guess Jung isn't going to make it back anytime soon after all. Childers is the older brother of Richmond reliever Matt, and has spent the last eight seasons with the Brewers organization, posting a 2.92 ERA and 622/207 K/BB ratio in 650 career innings through 2004. Santos spent his first two professional seasons in the lower levels of the Red Sox organization. I'm not sure who Thompson is - The Cube only lists three college hitters in their database.

Update -- Ben Thomas has been sent down to Rome from Myrtle Beach, with Carlos Guzman getting the call up to the Pelicans. Thanks to Ryan Ibbotson with Myrtle Beach for the update.

Player of the day -- Kelly Johnson (Richmond) 2-for-2, HR (4), 3 RBI, BB

Richmond Braves 3, Charlotte Knights (TB) 5 -- Box Score
CF Kelly Johnson hit a three-run blast in the fourth inning on a 2-for-2 night, but that was all the offense the Braves could muster, eventually losing to the Knights 5-3. Johnson is hitting .333/.436/.636 in 66 at-bats so far this season, with four homers, six walks, and a 7/11 K/BB ratio. Not too shabby.

Andy Van Hekken took the loss for Richmond, allowing four runs on seven hits, two walks, and two strikeouts in five innings. The loss drops him to 0-3 on the season with a 9.16 ERA.

Both SS Tony Pena Jr. and 2B Scott Pratt had two hits, and 3B Andy Marte was 1-for-4 and fanned twice in the loss.

Additional Stats:
P Kevin Barry 2 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, SO

Record: 7-12
Streak: Lost 2

Huntsville Stars (MIL) 2, Mississippi Braves 1 -- Box Score
Zach Miner allowed one run on five hits, no walks, and seven strikeouts in five innings in the start, and Macay McBride backed him with four innings of one run ball, giving up three hits, five walks, and three strikeouts, but Mississippi still came up one run short in the end, losing to Huntsville 2-1. McBride's five walks were a little much, but this still has to go down as an improvement for both of these pitchers.

3B Wes Timmons was 2-for-5 with a double and 1B Scott Thorman was 2-for-4 for the Braves only multi-hit games. RF Jeff Francoeur was 1-for-4 and swiped his fifth base of the season.

Additional Stats:
SS Luis Hernandez 1-4, 2 SO (.196)
CF Gregor Blanco 1-3, R, BB, SO (.170)

Record: 5-12
Streak: Lost 1

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 07:57 AM | Comments (11) | TrackBack

April 24, 2005

Minor League Recap for 4/24

Notes -- Yesterday's 4-0 haul was quickly erased by today's 0-4 performance, but if it weren't for two bottom of the ninth losses by Mississippi and Myrtle Beach we would be sitting with a much nicer 2-2 record on the day. Richmond and Rome also lost - the former against a stud pitcher, and the latter via a shutout versus an in-state rival. Matt Harrison gave up his first runs of the season in Rome's loss.

Transactions -- It appears that outfielder Ivan Terrazas has been called up to Rome from extended spring training.

Player of the day -- Brady Endl (Myrtle Beach) 6 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 SO

Richmond Braves 2, Charlotte Knights (CHA) 7 -- Box Score
Seth Greisinger was touched up for seven runs - six earned - in 5-2/3 innings in the start, and the Richmond offense couldn't get much going off of Charlotte ace Brandon McCarthy, who fanned eight in six innings of work, as the Braves fall to the Knights 7-2

CF Scott Pratt hit his third home run of the season on a 2-for-4, one RBI afternoon, and 1B Carlos Mendez was 3-for-4 with a double and drove in one to account for most of the R-Braves offense. RF Kelly Johnson was 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored. 3B Andy Marte was 0-for-3 in the loss.

Additional Stats:
SS Tony Pena 1-4
2B Jason Bourgeois 1-4, 2B

Record: 7-11
Streak: Lost 1

Mississippi Braves 3, Mobile Bay Bears (SD) 4 -- Box Score
Gregor Blanco plated C Brian McCann on a bunt in the top of the ninth inning to give the Braves a 3-2 lead, but closer Glenn Tucker gave up a two-run homer following a Wes Timmons error in the bottom of the inning as Mississippi loses a tough one to Mobile 4-3.

1B Scott Thorman and SS Luis Hernandez each went 1-for-3 with an RBI, and both CF/LF Jeff Francoeur and C Brian McCann were 1-for-4 with a double - the only two extra base hits of the game for the M-Braves.

Ryan Basner went four innings in the start, giving up just one hit and fanning five in the process. Blaine Boyer allowed two runs on two walks and three hits in 1-1/3 innings of relief. Tucker took the loss to fall to 0-1.

Additional Stats:
3B Wes Timmons 0-3

Record: 5-12
Streak: Lost 1

Myrtle Beach Pelicans 2, Kinston Indians 3 -- Box Score
The Pelicans broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the eighth inning on a Matt Esquivel RBI single, but Bryan Digby gave up two runs on two hits and three walks without recording an out to hand the Indians the 3-2 victory. Digby walked in both the game tying and game winning run in consecutive at-bats.

C Miguel Bernard provided the only other Myrtle Beach run on a solo homer in the second inning. Bernard was 1-for-3 on the day, and both 2B Martin Prado and LF Josh Burrus went 2-for-4.

Fantastic pitching by Brady Endl and Wes Letson went to waste with Digby's implosion. Endl went six innings in the start, allowing just one run on four hits, three walks, and nine strikeouts. Letson backed him with two shutout innings, giving up just one hit and fanning four. Digby took the loss to fall to 1-1 with an 11.12 ERA on the season.

Additional Stats:
CF Steve Doetsch 0-4
DH Jarrod Saltalamacchia 0-2, 2 SO

Record: 10-8
Streak: Lost 1

Columbus Catfish 7, Rome Braves 0 -- Box Score
Matt Harrison gave up his first earned runs of the season on Sunday afternoon, allowing four runs - two earned - on five hits, three walks, and three strikeouts in 5-1/3 innings, as the Braves were blanked by the Catfish 7-0.

DH Clint Sammons was 2-for-3 with a walk, and newly arrived CF Ivan Terrazas was 2-for-4 with a strikeout in his Rome debut. Terrazas hit .282/.311/.462 in 117 at-bats for the GCL Braves last season. LF Matt Young drew two more walks and struck out once on an 0-for-2 day.

Harrison drops to 1-1 on the season, but his ERA sits at a still impressive 0.86. Dan Smith tossed 2-2/3 hitless innings of relief, walking two and striking out two. Smith and his 0.79 ERA would look pretty good in the Myrtle Beach bullpen right about now.

Additional Stats:
2B J.C. Holt 0-4
3B Van Pope 1-4, 2 SO
P Rodny Jimenez 1 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, SO

Record: 9-8
Streak: Lost 1

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 06:28 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Minor League Recap for 4/23

Notes -- Pitching was the order of the day, with Kyle Davies, Anthony Lerew, and Chuck James all turning in solid performances which led to victories by all three teams. Rome also won, but did it at the plate instead of on the mound. If I had a player of the day honorable mention category, it would have to go to Rome outfielder Matt Young, who turned in this impressive line from the leadoff spot: 0-for-0, R, RBI, 4 BB, HBP. Rocket probably had a stroke right there in the dugout. Young is getting on base at a .568 clip in 24 at-bats since replacing the injured Brandon Jones. Teammate Van Pope has run his hitting streak to ten games.

Player of the day -- Chuck James (Myrtle Beach) 6 IP, 3 H, 11 SO (W, 1-2, 1.59 ERA)

Richmond Braves 3, Charlotte Knights (TB) 2 -- Box Score
Kyle Davies is starting to find his groove for Richmond, allowing just one run on six hits, two walks, and four strikeouts in six innings in last night's start, as the Braves beat the Knights 3-2. It Was Davies first decision of the season, moving him to 1-0 with a 2.74 ERA.

Both 2B Jason Bourgeois and C J.C. Boscan were 2-for-4 with an RBI, and 3B Andy Marte was 1-for-4 and drove in one. LF Derrick Gibson doubled twice on a 2-for-4 night, and CF Esix Snead was 1-for-3 with a double and his sixth stolen base of the season in his first game back from the DL.

Additional Stats:
RF Kelly Johnson 0-4, BB
P Chris Mears 3 IP, 2 H, ER (S, 2)

Record: 7-10
Streak: Won 1

Mississippi Braves 5, Mobile Bay Bears 1, -- Box Score
RF Jeff Francoeur hit his third home run of the season - a three run shot - on a 1-for-5, three RBI night, and both C Brian McCann and 1B Scott Thorman were 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, as the Braves knock off the Bay Bears 5-1.

Anthony Lerew got back on track in the start, allowing just two hits in five shutout innings, with four walks and seven strikeouts. The win is Lerew's first of the season, moving him to 1-1 and lowering his ERA to 8.44. Jorge Vazquez fanned four in 1-1/3 innings, but mixed in two hits and a run in between outs.

Additional Stats:
3B Wes Timmons 0-1, R, 2 BB

Record: 5-11
Streak: Won 1

Myrtle Beach Pelicans 7, Kinston Indians 1 -- Box Score
Chuck James went off against the Indians, scattering three hits and striking out eleven in six innings in the start, as the Pelicans knock off the Indians 7-1.

CF Matt Esquivel, 1B Scott Schade, and DH Miguel Bernard all homered and were responsible for driving in all seven runs. LF Josh Burrus was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and his third stolen base of the season, and 3B Ben Thomas also went 2-for-4 in the win.

Despite the gaudy numbers - 31/1 K/BB, 15 hits in 22-2/3 innings - this was James' first win of the season, putting his record at 1-2. He is looking like a good candidate for the next Baseball America Hot List.

Additional Stats:
RF Steve Doetsch 1-4, SO
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia 0-3, R, BB, 2 SO

Record: 10-7
Streak: Won 1

Columbus Catfish 5, Rome Braves 10 -- Box Score
The Braves offense is really starting to click now, led last night by CF Johan Silva, who was 2-for-5 with two RBI, and 3B Van Pope, who went 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI, as the Braves double up the Catfish 10-5.

The hits didn't stop there, with both DH Xan Barksdale and SS Dean White going 2-for-5, and C Clint Sammons posting a 1-for-3, three run, two walk night. The best of the bunch may have been LF Matt Young, who drew and impressive four walks.

Charlie Morton logged his best start of the season, allowing two runs on four hits, four walks, and four strikeouts in six innings.

Additional Stats:
2B J.C. Holt 1-4, RBI, 2 SO
RF Carl Loadenthal 1-3, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB

Record: 9-7
Streak: Won 3

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 09:34 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

April 23, 2005

Minor League Recap for 4/22

Notes -- Rome was the savior on Friday, picking up the only win on the five game schedule, and J.C. Holt breaking out of a season long funk was a big part of it. Jeff Francoeur continues to put the bat on the ball for the M-Braves, but the rest of the lineup was quiet. Richmond dropped both ends of their doubleheader, and Myrtle Beach was blanked by Kinston.

Transactions -- Esix Snead was activated off of the DL in Richmond, filling the roster spot of recently suspended James Jurries.

Player of the day -- J.C. Holt (Rome) 4-for-5, 3B, 3 RBI, 2 R

Indianapolis Indians (PIT) 4, Richmond Braves 2, Game 1 -- Box Score
RF Kelly Johnson powered up for his third homer of the season on a 1-for-3 afternoon, and C J.C. Boscan also went 1-for-3 and drove in a run, but that wasn't enough for the Braves to compete with the Indians in game one of the doubleheader, losing 4-2.

Dan Curtis went five innings in the start, allowing three runs on three hits, two walks, and three strikeouts. Kevin Barry tacked on another run in two innings of relief, which actually lowered his ERA to 9.00 for the season.

Additional Stats:
3B Andy Marte 0-3
SS Tony Pena Jr. 1-2, BB, SO, CS

Indianapolis Indians (PIT) 2, Richmond Braves 1, Game 2 -- Box Score
Sam McConnell allowed two runs on four hits, a walk, and three strikeouts in 5-1/3 innings, but the Richmond offense was held in check by Indianapolis ace Zach Duke, eventually losing 2-1.

The R-Braves managed just six hits of their own in the contest, with 1B Carlos Mendez driving in the lone run. RF John Barnes was 1-for-3 with a walk, steal, and a run scored, and 2B Jason Bourgeois was 1-for-3 with a double. 3B Andy Marte was 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout, making for an 0-for-5 doubleheader.

Additional Stats:
LF Kelly Johnson 1-4, SO
P Matt Childers 1-2/3 IP, 2 SO

Record: 6-10
Streak: Lost 2

Mississippi Braves 2, Mobile Bay Bears (SD) 4 -- Box Score
RF/CF Jeff Francoeur paced the Mississippi offense with a 3-for-4, one run, one stolen base night, but the rest of the lineup managed just four total hits, falling to Mobile 4-2.

Matt Coenen worked five innings in the start, allowing two runs - one earned - on five hits, four walks, and two strikeouts, but it was Ryan Basner who was on the hook for the loss, giving up two runs in 2-1/3 innings of relief.

C Brian McCann was 0-for-2 but had the lone credited Braves RBI on a sacrifice fly. 3B Wes Timmons was 1-for-4 with a triple, walk, and run scored. While Timmons is a little old to be considered a true prospect, he has to be making some organizational noise as a major league quality utility player.

Additional Stats:
2B Jonathan Schuerholz 0-5, SO
1B Scott Thorman 0-4, SO

Record: 4-11
Streak: Lost 2

Myrtle Beach Pelicans 0, Kinston Indians 4 -- Box Score
Three hits - all doubles - by 1B Scott Schade, C Miguel Bernard, and RF Steve Doetsch was all the offense the Pelicans could muster against Indians pitching on Friday night, eventually losing 4-0.

Jake Stevens logged 4-2/3 innings in the start, allowing three runs on seven hits, a walk, and three strikeouts to take the loss and fall to 1-2 on the season. It seems like Jake has a little work to do to get fully acclimated to High-A, but hopefully he gets on track soon.

LF Josh Burrus led the battle for futility, going 0-for-4 and fanning four times. Ouch.

Additional Stats:
CF Matt Esquivel 0-3, SO

Record: 9-7
Streak: Lost 1

Columbus Catfish (LA) 3, Rome Braves 8 -- Box Score
On those nights where all of the teams above them struggle, I always look to Rome to pull through with a victory, and last night was no different. 2B J.C. Holt had his best game of the season, going 4-for-5 with a triple, three RBI, and a run scored, and CF Johan Silva also tripled on a 2-for-4, three RBI night, as the Braves hook the Catfish 8-3.

James Parr gave up three runs on four hits, two walks, and five strikeouts in four innings in the start, and the pen backed him up with five shutout innings of relief with Kelvin Villa picking up the win. Villa is now 1-1 on the season with an 0.82 ERA, 14 strikeouts, and five walks in eleven innings pitched.

Additional Stats:
3B Van Pope 1-3, 2B, R
LF Matt Young 0-3, R, 2 BB, 2 SO, CS
RF Carl Loadenthal 1-4, 2B, R, SB (2)

Record: 8-7
Streak: Won 2

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 03:25 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 22, 2005

Jurries, Rodriguez suspended for steroids

Well, that answers that question. I posted earlier today that it didn't make any sense why Ricardo Rodriguez was sent down to extended spring training, but more information has come to light: Minor League drug program violators

Rodriguez and James Jurries are first time offenders, so their suspension is for 15 games. Both players were drawing rave reviews for their performance in the early part of the season - 19 SO/1 BB in 11-1/3 innings for Rodriguez, .316/.372/.763 with five homers in 38 at-bats for Jurries. It's unfortunate that now you have to ask what role these illegal substances played in those numbers.

Thanks to all of the readers who sent me this link.

Update -- More from Jurries:

"This is a one-time mistake," he said. "I've been tested over and over and over by Major League Baseball and by the Atlanta Braves, and I've always been clean. This past [November, while playing winter ball in Venezuela], I got approached with something, and I just didn't think it through.

"I want to make this clear. This had nothing to do with any individual or any team. This is a decision I made, and I take responsibility for any decision I make."

First of all, a lot of credit goes to Jurries for admitting his mistake instead of hiding behind the "I thought it was over the counter supplements" defense. Secondly, if I have never taken steroids or any other performance enhancing drugs, I'm sure as hell not going to pick Venezuela as the time or place to start. Who knows what in the world he was taking.

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 03:13 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Minor League Recap for 4/21

Notes -- Rome plated three runs in the bottom of the ninth to come from behind and beat Columbus, and Myrtle Beach posted a solid road victory against a league rival. Mississippi, on the other hand, was on the wrong side of a Biscuits beat down.

Transactions -- Carlos Duran (appendix) and Ardley Jansen (concussion) were added to the DL in Myrtle Beach. Steve Doetsch was called up from Rome to fill the void in the outfield, and Jason Richardson was sent down from Mississippi and will join the Pelicans rotation. Ricardo Rodriguez was sent down to extended spring training from Myrtle Beach, but I'm not sure why.

Look for a big update to the depth chart later this morning.

Player of the day -- Matt Esquivel (Myrtle Beach) 2-for-3, HR (3), 3 RBI

Indianapolis Indians (PIT) at Richmond Braves -- The game was postponed due to rain and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Friday.

Record: 6-8
Streak: Won 1

Montgomery Biscuits (TB) 11, Mississippi Braves 0 -- Box Score
Matt Wright was smoked for seven runs - six earned - on eight hits, five walks, and three strikeouts in four innings in the start, and Brian O'Connor allowed four more runs - three earned - in two innings of relief, as the Braves were blanked by the Biscuits 11-0. I don't think Montgomery took kindly to our first ever win against them yesterday.

The M-Braves offense was kept in check for most of the night, with 3B Wes Timmons 2-for-4 night with a double the best of the bunch. CF Jeff Francoeur was 1-for-4 and DH Brian McCann went 0-for-3 with a strikeout.

Wright drops to 1-2 on the season with a 10.66 ERA.

Additional Stats:
2B Jonathan Schuerholz 1-4, SO
SS Luis Hernandez 1-3, SO

Record: 4-10
Streak: Lost 1

Myrtle Beach Pelicans 4, Kinston Indians 2 -- Box Score
CF Matt Esquivel hit his third home run of the season on a 2-for-3, three RBI night, and LF Josh Burrus had a well-rounded night at the plate with two doubles, two runs, and his second stolen base of the season as the Pelicans knock of the Indians 4-2 on the road.

Sean White had an excellent start for Myrtle Beach, allowing just one run on four hits, two walks, and five strikeouts in six innings to pick up the win. White stands at 2-0 on the season with a 2.40 ERA. Brian Digby earned his third save with two walks and two strikeouts in 1-1/3 innings.

RF Steve Doetsch was 1-for-4 in his Pelicans debut.

Additional Stats:
2B Martin Prado 1-4, R, SO
SS Diory Hernandez 1-4

Record: 9-6
Streak: Won 2

Columbus Catfish (LA) 4, Rome Braves 5 -- Box Score
Chris Vines was erratic in the start, allowing four runs on six hits, four walks, and six strikeouts in 4-1/3 innings, but a three-run bottom of the ninth by the home team was enough to edge past the Catfish 5-4 on Thursday night.

Back to back singles by C Steve Pyzik and CF Johan Silva got the ninth inning started, and LF Matt Young knocked in the first run with another single. Three consecutive walks by Catfish pitching brought home the game-tying and game-winning runs, and that was all she wrote.

Young was 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBI, and a runs scored, and Silva was 2-for-3 with a walk and scored twice. DH Keith Eichas drove in two early runs on a 1-for-4 night, and 3B Van Pope added an RBI of his own, going 1-for-4 in the win.

Jonny Venters picked up the win with 4-2/3 shutout innings, allowing just two hits, two walks, and striking out two.

Additional Stats:
2B J.C. Holt 1-4, BB
1B Carlos Guzman 0-4, 2 SO (0-for-15, 7 SO, 2 BB on the season)

Record: 7-7
Streak: Won 1

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 08:40 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

April 21, 2005

Minor League Recap for 4/20

Notes -- It was a big night for many of the top players in the system on Wednesday. James Jurries blasted two homers in Richmond's win, and Scott Thorman and Brian McCann each went deep for Mississippi. Macay McBride also pitched well for the M-Braves, earning them their first ever home victory. Josh Burrus did some yard work for the Pelicans, but the team lost Carlos Duran prior to the game, and Ardley Jansen during the game on a retaliation pitch to the head. From mbpelicangirl on the message board:

The Pelicans stopped their 3 game losing streak tonight, but have lost two players. Carlos Duran was taken to the hospital right before the game with stomach pains. He'll be having his appendix taken out in the morning. Josh Burrus and Jarrod Saltalamacchia had towering home runs. The story is that the opposing pitcher was so upset with Salty's home run, he got his revenge by throwing directly at Ardley Jansen. He hit Ardley solidly on the head and knocked him right off his feet. They took him to the hospital in the ambulance.

Click the link to read the entire post, but the umps didn't even eject the Winston-Salem pitcher, which is ridiculous. With another strong night in the Rome outfield, Steve Doetsch is a candidate to be called up if either player is going to miss much time.

Player of the day -- James Jurries (Richmond) 3-for-4, 2 HR (4,5), 4 RBI

Indianapolis Indians (PIT) 6, Richmond Braves 7 -- Box Score
Richmond starter Andy Van Hekken gave up five runs in the first four innings, but 1B James Jurries had his back, launching his fourth and fifth homers of the season on a 3-for-4, four RBI afternoon, as the Braves squeak past the Indians 7-6 in the battle of political incorrectness.

SS/CF Scott Pratt also homered - his second of the season - and RF John Barnes was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI. C Brayan Pena was 3-for-4, raising his average to .367, and 3B Andy Marte was 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Chris Mears (2-1) picked up the win with four scoreless innings of relief, allowing just three hits, a walk, and three strikeouts. Matt Childers picked up his first save despite allowing a ninth inning run.

Additional Stats:
CF/LF Kelly Johnson 1-4, R

Record: 6-8
Streak: Won 1

Montgomery Biscuits (TB) 2, Mississippi Braves 8 -- Box Score
C Brian McCann and 1B Scott Thorman broke out the big lumber on Wednesday night, each hitting a double and a home run on identical 3-for-4, three RBI nights, as the Braves finally beat the Biscuits 8-2, earning their first victory at Trustmark Park.

Macay McBride also showed up with his best game of the season, allowing just one run on five hits, no walks, and four strikeouts in 5-2/3 innings to earn the victory. Zach Miner notched the save, giving up one run in 3-1/3 innings.

DH Jonathan Schuerholz added an RBI on a 1-for-3 night with a double and two walks, and 3B Wes Timmons posted the same line, minus the RBI. RF Jeff Francoeur was 1-for-5 with his third stolen base of the season. The top of the Braves order is really starting to click

Additional Stats:
LF Onil Jospeh 0-4, SO
SS Luis Hernandez 0-4, 2 SO

Record: 4-9
Streak: Won 1

Winston-Salem Warthogs (CHA) 6, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 7 -- Box Score
LF Josh Burrus hit his third homer of the season and drove in five on a 2-for-4 night, and DH Jarrod Saltalamacchia added his second, going 1-for-4 with an RBI, as the Pelicans beat the Warthogs 7-6.

Diory Hernandez also continues to swing a hot bat, going 2-for-3 with a double, triple, and two runs scored from the leadoff spot. He is now hitting .348 on the season. 2B Martin Prado was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and 3B Jamie Trejo is starting to settle in, going 2-for-4 with a run scored and two strikeouts.

Jose Ascanio went seven innings in the start, allowing three runs on five hits, two walks, and two strikeouts to pick up the win and move to 2-0 on the season.

Additional Stats:
RF/LF Matt Esquivel 0-4, SO
C Miguel Bernard 1-4, 2B, SO

Record: 8-6
Streak: Won 1

Rome Braves 6, Augusta Greenjackets (SF) 7 -- Box Score
Luis Atilano tossed six shutout innings in the start, allowing six hits, walking none, and striking out three, but Johnnie Wiggins and Zach Schreiber combined to give up seven runs in the bottom of the eighth to the Greenjackets, handing the Braves a 7-6 loss.

RF Steve Doetsch paced the offense once again, going 2-for-5 with a double, triple, two RBI, and a run scored. He did strike out twice, but his 12/8 K/BB ratio in the early going at least shows he is trying to make strides in that area. SS Mike Rozema was 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI, and LF Carl Loadenthal was 1-for-5 and drove in one.

Additional Stats:
1B Keith Eichas 2-4, R, SO
3B Van Pope 1-5, RBI

Record: 6-7
Streak: Lost 1

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 07:59 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

April 20, 2005

Minor League Recap for 4/19

Matt Harrison

Notes -- Thanks goodness for the Rome Braves. They were the only ones to emerge victorious from last night's action, and join Myrtle Beach as one of the two teams with a record of .500 or better. (edit: I overlooked the Pelicans record) Rome Starter Matt Harrison improved his scoreless innings streak to start the season to 15-2/3 innings, and Rome outfielder Steve Doetsch is making noise to be moved up to Myrtle Beach if the opportunity presents itself. The only other positive note on the night was the 14 hit outburst by Myrtle Beach, but they still lost 8-5.

Playing Pepper -- The first Baseball America Hot Sheet of the season has been posted, with Richmond outfielder Kelly Johnson landing in the team photo. I'm a bit surprised that teammate Andy Marte wasn't anywhere to be found.

Speaking of Kelly Johnson, John Barten has a nice write-up at his weblog 'Til You're Blue in the Face.

And finally, my latest article for RotoJunkie.com is up, entitled Dodger Blue Bloods. Do the Dodgers trump the Braves as the most pitching rich minor league organization?

Player of the day -- Matt Harrison (Rome) 5-2/3 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 SO (W, 1-0, 0.00 ERA in 15-2/3 IP)

Indianapolis Indians (PIT) 4, Richmond Braves 3 -- Box Score
Seth Greisinger has been the best starter for Richmond this season, but he ran into a little trouble with Indianapolis last night, giving up four runs on six hits, two walks, and two strikeouts in 7-1/3 innings as the Braves lose 4-3. Greisinger's scoreless innings streak was snapped at 13-2/3 innings in the second inning of last night's loss.

RF John Barnes had the only multi-hit game for the R-Braves, going 2-for-4 with his first homer of the season. SS Tony Pena Jr. was 1-for-4 with an RBI, and LF Kelly Johnson was 0-for-4, but did have an RBI groundout. 3B Andy Marte was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

Pirates top pitching prospect Ian Snell fanned eight and walked none in seven innings for the Indians.

Additional Stats:
P Frank Brooks 1 IP, H, SO

Record: 5-8
Streak: Lost 1

Montgomery Biscuits (TB) 13, Mississippi Braves 3 -- Box Score
Blaine Boyer was torched for nine runs on twelve hits, two walks, and four strikeouts in four innings, and Ryan Basner gave up four more in two innings of relief, as the Biscuits pound the Braves into submission 13-3. Six of the M-Braves nine losses have come at the hands of Montgomery.

3B Wes Timmons was 3-for-4 with a run scored and his first stolen base of the season. Timmons is now hitting .381 (16-for-42) on the season, but only two of his hits have gone for extra bases, both doubles. 1B Scott Thorman was 2-for-4 with two RBI, and 2B Jonathan Schuerholz was 1-for-4 with a walk, steal, and two runs scored.

Jorge Vazquez tossed two innings of scoreless relief, giving up one hit and striking out one. I was surprised Vazquez started the season in Double-A to begin with, but he needs to be moved up to a more appropriate level in the very near term.

Additional Stats:
RF Jeff Francoeur 0-4, SO
C Brian McCann 1-4

Record: 3-9
Streak: Lost 3

Winston-Salem Warthogs (CHA) 8, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 5 -- Box Score
SS Diory Hernandez paced the Pelicans offensive attack with a 3-for-5, two RBI night - including his first home run of the season - but 14 total hits by Myrtle Beach wasn't enough to overcome poor pitching and sketchy defense in their 8-5 loss to Winston-Salem.

All nine Pelicans starters had at least one hit, with four having two or more. 2B Martin Prado was 2-for-5, and both 1B Scott Schade and 3B Jamie Trejo were 2-for-4. Schade also made two errors in the field, and Trejo added one.

Brady Endl had a rough go of it in the start, allowing six runs - three earned - on nine hits, two walks, and a strikeout in 5-1/3 innings to take the loss. Ricardo Rodriguez added four strikeouts in 2-2/3 innings, but also let two runs in.

Additional Stats:
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia 1-5, RBI, 3 SO
LF Josh Burrus 1-5, R

Record: 7-6
Streak: Lost 3

Rome Braves 11, Augusta Greenjackets (SF) 1 -- Box Score
Matt Harrison continues to impress for Rome, firing 5-2/3 shutout innings against Augusta, giving up six hits, two walks, and four strikeouts as the Braves blast the Greenjackets 11-1. Harrison has yet to allow a run in his first 15-2/3 innings this season.

As good as the work on the mound was, the guys at the plate took care of business as well. RF Steve Doetsch was 4-for-5 with three runs, two steals, an RBI, and a walk. If he keeps this up, someone in Myrtle Beach is going to have to step aside very soon. C Clint Sammons added three RBI on a 2-for-5 night, and CF Johan Silva added two more, going 2-for-4 in the victory.

Additional Stats:
LF Carl Loadenthal 1-6, RBI, SB (1)
2B J.C. Holt 1-5, 2 R, BB, SO

Record: 6-6
Streak: Won 1

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 09:32 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 19, 2005

Minor League Recap for 4/18

Notes -- Richmond dropped Louisville in extra innings behind a solid start from Kyle Davies, but the three other teams weren't so lucky. Mississippi ran into those pesky Biscuits again, who spoiled their hope opener. Chuck James impressed for the Pelicans, but the offense couldn't get it together for him. Van Pope was perfect at the plate for Rome, and is a good choice to replace the struggling Jamie Trejo in Myrtle Beach at the mid-point of the season, if not sooner.

Player of the day -- Chuck James (Myrtle Beach) 7 IP, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 SO (2.16 ERA, 20/1 K/BB in 16-2/3 IP this season)

Louisville Bats (CIN) 1, Richmond Braves 2, 11 Inn. -- Box Score
Now that's the Kyle Davies we have been waiting for. Davies went 7-2/3 innings in the start, allowing just one run on six hits, a walk, and five strikeouts, but it took the R-Braves eleven innings to come away with the 2-1 victory over the Bats.

LF Kelly Johnson has been hitting up a storm of late, going 2-for-5 with a double and his second home run of the season. Johnson has a seven game hitting streak in the works, with two or more hits in each of the last five. 2B Jason Bourgeois drove in the game winning run on a 2-for-5 night with a double, and RF John Barnes added two hits and a double of his own.

Davies wasn't involved in the decision, but lowered his ERA to 3.18 in 17 innings on the season. Chris Mears got the final two outs of the game and picked up the win in the process, moving him to 1-1.

Additional Stats:
3B Andy Marte 1-5, 2 SO
SS Tony Pena Jr. 0-5, 2 SO

Record: 5-7
Streak: Won 1

Montgomery Biscuits (TB) 11, Mississippi Braves 6 -- Box Score
It was the much anticipated home opener for the Mississippi Braves, but the Fighting Biscuits of Montgomery ruined the party, torching the Braves pitching staff for 18 hits en route to an 11-6 victory.

Anthony Lerew took the brunt of the damage, giving up seven runs - six earned - on nine hits, a walk, and a strikeout in five innings before taking a seat on the bench. Casey DeHart and Jason Richardson each logged an inning of relief, allowing a total of four runs on six hits. Lerew took the loss to fall to 0-1 on the season with a 12.27 ERA.

Despite the poor pitching, the M-Braves offense was clicking in the opener. 1B Scott Thorman was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI, and C Brian McCann also drove in two on a 1-for-3 night. 3B Wes Timmons was 3-for-5, and RF Jeff Francoeur was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

Additional Stats:
2B Jonathan Schuerholz 2-5, 2 R (.333)
SS Luis Hernandez 1-3, R, BB, SO

Record: 3-8
Streak: Lost 2

Winston-Salem Warthogs (CHA) 4, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 1 -- Box Score
Chuck James did everything you could hope for on the mound, allowing two runs on seven hits, no walks, and nine strikeouts in seven innings, but the Pelicans offense just wasn't up to the task, losing to the Warthogs 4-1.

1B Scott Schade drove in the lone run on a 1-for-4 night. LF Josh Burrus was 2-for-3, and DH Matt Esquivel was 2-for-4 in the loss. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia was 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.

The loss drops James to 0-2 on the season, but his good pitching continues. In 16-2/3 innings, he has struck out 20 while issuing just one walk and posting a 2.16 ERA.

Additional Stats:
2B Martin Prado 1-3, R, BB, SO
P Wes Letson 1 IP, H, SO

Record: 4-7
Streak: Lost 2

Rome Braves 3, Augusta Greenjackets (SF) 4 -- Box Score
3B Van Pope had a perfect 3-for-3 night at the plate and drove in all three Rome runs, but the rest of the offense was lacking as they drop one to Augusta 4-3.

Charlie Morton continues to post just average results, giving up three runs on five hits, two walks, and five strikeouts in the start. Dan Smith was on the hook for the loss, allowing one unearned run on two hits, two walks, and four strikeouts in 2-2/3 innings of relief.

RF Steve Doetsch was 2-for-4 with a run scored and his third stolen base of the season in the loss. LF Matt Young was 1-for-4 with a double, two runs scored, and two strikeouts from the leadoff spot.

Additional Stats:
DH Carlos Guzman 0-4, 3 SO (same as it ever was)
C Clint Sammons 1-4
CF Johan Silva 0-4, 3 SO

Record: 5-6
Streak: Lost 1

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 08:42 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

April 18, 2005

Minor League Recap for 4/17

Notes -- Rome cranked out 17 hits for the second day in a row, making a mockery of Columbus pitching once again. Jake Stevens a bit inconsistent to start the season for Myrtle Beach. Richmond and Mississippi both losing close and late.

Transactions -- See yesterday's post for all the latest moves.

Player of the day -- Johan Silva (Rome) 2-for-6, 2B, 3B, 5 RBI, 2 R

Louisville Bats (CIN) 6, Richmond Braves 4 -- Box Score
Sam McConnell logged a quality start, allowing two runs on three hits, two walks, and two strikeouts, but Buddy Hernandez imploded in relief, giving up three runs, four hits, and two walks in just 1-2/3 innings as the Braves lose to Bats 6-4.

3B Andy Marte was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, and 1B Carlos Mendez also went 2-for-4 and hit his first homer of the season. LF Kelly Johnson went 2-for-4, raising his average to .378 on the season. 2B Jason Bourgeois was 2-for-3 with a double, walk, and run scored.

Hernandez falls to 0-1 with a less than thrilling 7.11 ERA in 6-1/3 innings this year. Time to put the "Free" campaign on hold for a couple of weeks.

Additional Stats:
SS Tony Pena Jr. 0-3, BB, R
P Kevin Barry 1 IP, 2 H, ER, SO

Record: 4-7
Streak: Lost 1

Mississippi Braves 1, Jacksonville Suns (LA) 2 -- Box Score
Matt Coenen had a strong bounce back start, allowing just one run on three hits, two walks, and six strikeouts in five innings, but Jeremy Ward gave up the game winning run in the bottom of the eighth in his first action of the season, handing Jacksonville the 2-1 victory over Mississippi.

The M-Braves were held to just three hits on the afternoon, one each coming from CF Jeff Francoeur, 3B Wes Timmons, and RF Mike Rosamond. Francoeur's hit was of the two base variety, and Rosamond added his first stolen base of the season.

Additional Stats:
LF Onil Joseph 0-3, BB, SB (2)

Record: 3-7
Streak: Lost 1

Potomac Nationals 8, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 2 -- Box Score
Jake Stevens was inconsistent in his second start of the season, giving up three runs on two hits, four walks, and one strikeout in 3-2/3 innings as the Pelicans lose to the Nationals 8-2 on Sunday afternoon.

The Myrtle Beach offense wasn't quite up to the task either. CF Carlos Duran drove in both runs, going 1-for-4 with a walk. 2B Willie James was 2-for-4, and 3B Jamie Trejo, C Alonzo Ruelas, and LF Ardley Jansen each added one hit to cap off the Pelicans production at the plate.

Stevens drops to 1-1 with the loss. Matt Bush allowed one run in 3-1/3 innings behind Stevens, and Ralph Roberts gave up four more - two earned - in two innings to finish it out.

Additional Stats:
RF Matt Esquivel 0-4, 2 SO

Record: 4-6
Streak: Lost 1

Rome Braves 15, Columbus Catfish (LA) 6 -- Box Score
What the heck is in the water down there in Columbus? Once again, the Rome bats go crazy, pounding out 17 hits as they blast the Catfish 15-6.

CF Johan Silva paced the Rome attack with five RBI on a 2-for-6 day which included a double, triple, and two runs scored. 3B Van Pope knocked in three and scored twice on a 2-for-5 afternoon, and both 1B Keith Eichas (3-for-5) and C Steve Pyzik (2-for-5) brought home two RBI each. LF Matt Young has been an impressive replacement for the injured Brandon Jones, going 2-for-2 with three walks and three runs scored at the top of the order in today's victory.

Lost in the shuffle was an outstanding start by Kelvin Villa, who gave up just one run on three hits, a walk, and eight strikeouts in four innings of work. James Parr was moving along just as nicely before running into a four run ninth inning. Parr was the pitcher of record, moving to 1-1 on the season.

Additional Stats:
DH J.C. Holt 1-5, 3 R, BB, SO

Record: 5-5
Streak: Won 3

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 07:23 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

April 17, 2005

Jones out 4-6 weeks

Rome Braves outfielder Brandon Jones will miss four to six weeks after fracturing his hand in last night's 14-10 victory over Columbus. Jones was off to a hot start for the generally cold Rome offense, hitting .333/.429/.500 in 30 at-bats this season. Five of his ten hits were doubles. C/1B Cole Armstrong joins Jones on the DL with a pulled hamstring suffered in the same game. Armstrong was hitting .324/.351/.471 at the time of his injury.

Carlos Guzman was recalled from extended spring training and added to the Rome roster.

Thanks to John Druckenmiller at the Rome Braves Blog for the update.

Update: According to today's Richmond Braves press release, Esix Snead has joined Billy McCarthy on the DL with a strained quadriceps. Derrick Gibson has been called up from Mississippi to take his place.

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 12:53 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

Fan Notes: 4/15 Louisville at Richmond

Andy sent in these notes and pictures from Richmond's home opener against Louisville:

Took some pictures during the chilly (50 degrees, very windy) R-braves home opener this afternoon. They lost 5-2 with Andy Van Hekken picking up the loss. The offense was quite sluggish and impatient.

Jason Bourgeois got the start at second and displayed great range with no bat. Former Brave prospect AJ Zapp was in the lineup for the Riverbats. Van Hekken looked sharp early but didn't strike out many which came back to bite him when the Bats finally connected for some solid hits. I couldn't tell if Louisville pitcher Steve Kelly was sharp or the Braves made him look good but he sure quieted bats today.

The Richmond paper said that the Braves expected 10000 for the home opener but 3-5000 was probably more accurate. If this downtown park doesn't get built I wouldn't be surprised if the R-braves packed up their vans in the middle of the night.

Andy Marte fouls one off

Tony Pena Jr. brushed back

Andy Van Hekken delivers

Thanks for the report and photos Andy - it is greatly appreciated!

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 08:51 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Minor League Recap for 4/16

Notes -- Saturday marked the first system sweep of the season, as everybody came home a winner. Dan Curtis and Kelly Johnson both had big games for Richmond, and Rome continues break out of their offensive funk with 14 runs on 17 hits in their win over Columbus.

Player of the day -- Steve Doetsch (Rome) 3-for-7, HR (1), 4 RBI, 2 R, 2 SO

Louisville Bats (CIN) 1, Richmond Braves 6 -- Box Score
Dan Curtis plowed through the Bats lineup for seven shutout innings, allowing just four hits and striking out four, as Richmond knocks off Louisville 6-1. The win is Curtis' first of the season, lowering his ERA to 0.82 in 11 innings so far.

LF Kelly Johnson continues to make noise for the R-Braves, hitting his first homer of the season on a 2-for-4, one RBI, two run afternoon. C Brayan Pena and CF Scott Pratt each had two hits and drove in a run. SS Tony Pena Jr. extended his hitting streak to nine games with a 1-for-4 day at the plate.

Additional Stats:
3B Andy Marte 0-4, RBI, 2 SO
1B James Jurries 1-3, 2B, RBI

Record: 4-6
Streak: Won 1

Mississippi Braves 4, Jacksonville Suns (LA) 3 -- Box Score
Matt Wright had a solid night both on the mound and at the plate, allowing two runs on three hits, a walk, and five strikeouts in 5-2/3 innings, and also drove in two with the bat as the Braves down the Suns 4-3.

All Braves starters had at least one hit except for 1B Scott Thorman, who was 0-for-5. 2B Juan Velazquez had the only multi-hit night, going 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI. RF Jeff Francoeur was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and a strikeout, and C Brian McCann was 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored.

Wright evened up his record at 1-1 on the season with the win, but his ERA is still a robust 9.35. Brian O'Connor gave up his first run of the season in one inning of relief, and Jorge Vazquez earned his first save with two scoreless innings, striking out two.

Additional Stats:
3B Wes Timmons 1-4, BB
CF Gregor Blanco 1-3, 3B, BB, SO

Record: 3-6
Streak: Won 2

Potomac National (WAS) 2, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 3 -- Box Score
Sean White picked up his first win of the season for the Pelicans, allowing two runs on six hits, a walk, and three strikeouts in five innings, as Myrtle Beach beats Potomac for the second straight night. Ricardo Rodriguez was a monster in relief, fanning eight and giving up just two hits in three innings of work.

The Pelicans managed just six hits on the night, but that was good enough to get the job done. DH Ardley Jansen, SS Diory Hernandez, and 3B Jamie Trejo each had a hit and drove in a run. RF Matt Esquivel and C Jarrod Saltalamacchia both added hits as well, and both struck out twice.

Additional Stats:
CF Carlos Duran 0-4, 3 SO
LF Josh Burrus 1-3, BB
P Jacob Blakeney 1 IP, H, 2 SO (S, 1)

Record: 7-3
Streak: Won 3

Rome Braves 14, Columbus Catfish (LA) 10, 10 Inn. -- Box Score
RF Steve Doetsch broke out the big lumber, going 3-for-7 with four RBI and hitting his first home run of the season, and 2B J.C. Holt added three RBI of his own on a 2-for-6 afternoon, as the Braves feast on Catfish pitching once again 14-10 in ten innings. The rum really works!

Seven Braves had multi-hit games en route to a 17 hits on the night. LF Matt Young was 3-for-6 with an RBI and a steal, and 3B Dean White knocked in two on a 2-for-5, three run, one steal day. Even CF Johan Silva came correct, going 2-for-3 with two walks and a run scored.

The Rome pitching wasn't exactly up to par, with Jonny Venters giving up five runs in 4-2/3 innings in the start, and Chris Vines (2-0) allowing five more in 4-1/3 in the back half of the tandem. Zach Schreiber struck out two in one perfect inning of relief.

One note - Brandon Jones walked and stole a base in the second inning, but was removed in left field to start the third. I'm not sure why at this point. Cole Armstrong did leave the game in the tenth with hamstring troubles.

Additional Stats:
C Cole Armstrong 2-5, R, BB, 2 SO
SS Mike Rozema 2-4, 2B, RBI, 2 BB, 2 R, SB (3)
DH Carl Loadenthal 0-5, RBI, R, 2 BB, 2 SO (.048 on the season)

Record: 4-5
Streak: Won 2

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 08:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 16, 2005

Minor League Recap for 4/15

Notes -- Three of the four teams in action came away victorious last night, with solid individual performances all the way around. Kelly Johnson is making a case for himself in Richmond, Brian McCann with a big night for Mississippi, the Pelicans get homer happy, and the Rome Braves finally put some runs on the board.

Andy sent me some good notes and pictures from last night's Richmond home opener, so look for that post in the morning. I think the Fan Notes concept is working well so far, so keep them coming.

Also, don't forget today's game thread over at Balls, Sticks, & Stuff.

Player of the day -- Keith Eichas (Rome) 3-for-5, 3B, HR (GS), 4 RBI, 2 R

Louisville Bats (CIN) 5, Richmond Braves 2 -- Box Score
Richmond starter Andy Van Hekken was knocked around a bit in the start, allowing four runs on seven hits, a walk, and four strikeouts in 5-2/3 innings as the Braves drop their home opener to the Bats 5-2. Van Hekken is certainly no Seth Greisinger.

Kelly Johnson is stating his case for an outfield job in the near term, going 2-for-3 with a walk, raising his average to .345 on the year. Problem is, if Bobby Cox isn't playing Ryan Langerhans now, there is no way Johnson gets called up, barring injury of course. Still, it's nice to see Kelly off to a good start. SS Tony Pena was 1-for-4 with a double and RBI, and had the only other Richmond hit on the night. Yes, we were three-hit. Pena did keep his eight game hitting streak intact though. 3B Andy Marte was 0-for-4 with a strikeout.

Additional Stats:
1B James Jurries 0-4, 2 SO
2B Jason Bourgeois 0-3, R, BB, SO (.077 in 2005)

Record: 3-6
Streak: Lost 1

Mississippi Braves 7, Jacksonville Suns (LA) 4 -- Box Score
Zach Miner allowed two runs on four hits, two walks, and seven strikeouts in five innings in the start, but Macay McBride blew the lead for him before the M-Braves offense put up a four-spot in the seventh to beat the Suns 7-4.

C Brian McCann knocked in three of those four runs with a triple, on his way to a 2-for-5, four RBI night. SS Luis Hernandez was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, and both RF Jeff Francoeur and LF Onil Joseph were 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Francoeur also drew his second free pass of the season, which is always newsworthy.

McBride blew the lead prior to settling down and picking up the win, moving him to 1-1 on the season. Glenn Tucker notched his first save of the season. I'm contractually obligated to use the term "notched" at least once per entry.

Additional Stats:
2B Jonathan Schuerholz 1-4, 2B, 2 R, BB, SO
1B Scott Thorman 1-5, 3 SO

Record: 2-6
Streak: Won 1

Potomac Nationals (WAS) 4, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 7 -- Box Score
Baseballs are flying out of Coastal Federal Field at an impressive rate so far this season, with LF Josh Burrus, 1B Scott Schade, and C Miguel Bernard all going deep last night in the Pelicans 7-4 win over the Nationals. I pegged this team as being short on power prior to the season getting underway, but they are proving me wrong in the early going.

Juan Alvarez gave up two runs and fanned six in four innings in the start, and Wes Letson (1-0) picked up the win, allowing two more runs in 3-2/3 innings of relief.

CF Carlos Duran crept up to .300 following a 2-for-4, two run, two steal performance. SS Diory Hernandez was also 2-for-4, and RF Matt Esquivel was 1-for-2 with an RBI.

Additional Stats:
DH Jarrod Saltalamacchia 0-2, 2 BB, SO
2B Martin Prado 1-4, R, RBI, SO

Record: 6-3
Streak: Won 2

Rome Braves 10, Columbus Catfish (LA) 2, -- Box Score
Bats are sick. I cannot hit curveball. Straightball I hit it very much. Curveball, bats are afraid. I ask Jobu to come, take fear from bats. I offer him cigar, rum. He will come. -- Pedro Cerrano, Major League

The curse on the Rome Braves bats was lifted in the fourth inning last night, where they scored nine runs - four on a Keith Eichas grand slam - as they fry the Catfish 10-2 in Columbus.

Eichas was 3-for-5 on the night, falling just a double shy of the cycle. DH Cole Armstrong also had three hits and four RBI, and LF Brandon Jones was 1-for-3 with a walk, RBI, and two runs scored. 2B J.C. Holt was 0-for-5 with two strikeouts and needs to buy more rum.

Luis Atilano was very solid in the start, giving up just two hits in five shutout innings, with two walks and three strikeouts. He moves to 1-1 with the victory, lowering his ERA to 1.69 in the process. Johnnie Wiggins fanned two in 1-2/3 innings of relief.

Additional Stats:
CF Steve Doetsch 1-4, R, BB, SO
C Clint Sammons 0-3, R, 2 BB
3B Van Pope 1-2, 2 R, BB, SO

Record: 3-5
Streak: Won 1

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 04:06 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

April 15, 2005

Hooray! (Part 2)

After yesterday's most excellent news, MinorLeagueBaseball.com has now linked players to their individual stat pages. They don't update live - J.C. Holt is actually 3-for-31 with 15 strikeouts as I write this, not 3-for-29 with 13 k's - but it seems like they will update nightly, which is just fine in my book. Nice job of catching up by MiLB after a slow start to the season.

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 08:52 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

4/16 Braves vs. Phillies Game Thread

Fellow blogger Tom G from Balls, Sticks, and Stuff has invited all Braves fans over to his site during tomorrow's 4:05 ET Braves/Phillies tilt for an open game thread. I'm sure you have seen game threads on many other weblogs, but Tom wanted to do things a little differently this time by getting fans of the opposing team to participate. A cross-pollination, if you will, and I think it is a great idea. If you are online for the Braves game tomorrow afternoon, please stop by the official game thread and join in on the action.

Update: Feel free to go ahead and taunt about tonight's game as well - I have!

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 06:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Transaction Update

Tom Martin has finally been put out to pasture, with John Foster getting the call up from Richmond. (Mac has all the details.) The organization telegraphed that move quite nicely with the claim of Frank Brooks. Billy McCarthy has also been placed on the DL in Richmond with an ankle injury. (Richmond Braves press release)

Thanks to Merv on the message board for noticing that Baseball America has updated their transactions page. The latest Braves moves:
Signed:
RHP Gerard Oakes

Released:
LHP Ray Aguilar
LHP Luke Franzenburg
OF Roosevelt Brown
SS Juan Downing
IF Mike Hanson
RHP Mike Mueller
RHP Roberto Nieves
RHP Jesus Perez
RHP Scott Sturkie

Loaned:
OF Angel Ponce to Veracruz (Mexican).

It will probably be Monday or Tuesday before I have the depth chart updated.

Update: Devin Anderson was activated in Rome, with Nelson Payano being sent down to extended spring training to accomodate the move.

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 03:04 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Fan Notes: 4/14 Richmond at Scranton-WB

I mentioned this past offseason that I would be looking for game reports from fans at both Braves home and away games, and the response has been great so far. Betemit_7, Sam, and others had some great insight on the Mississippi/Montgomery series, and now Kristin has some notes and photos from last night's R-Braves 5-0 shutout over the Red Barons:

Greisinger pitched really well, he struck out Ryan Howard in the 1st. The triples by TJ and Kelly Johnson both were hit well, and once they hit the astroturf they just rolled to the fence. Esix Snead stole a base with no throw, and then he and Kelly Johnson double stole 2nd and 3rd. Also in the top of the 2nd Brayan Pena dropped down a bunt (looked like he was doing it for a base hit) and hustled down the line to beat it out. He caught the 3rd baseman for S/WB off guard.

(Edit: Photo removed for now. Merv is right about the hotlinking. I'll try to get it uploaded tonight.)

If anyone else has notes or photos from games they attended and would like to share, please email me (link near top right of page) or leave a note in the comments section. Brayan Pena dropping down a bunt for a hit is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for.

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 01:08 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

Minor League Recap for 4/14

Notes -- Great pitching performances dotted the Braves minor league landscape, with Seth Greisinger, Brady Endl, and Matt Harrison all having solid nights. Matt Esquivel stays as hot as ever, and Steve Doetsch drew three walks - in one game! Mississippi didn't lose, but then again, they didn't play.

Player of the day -- Brady Endl (Myrtle Beach) 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 5 SO

Richmond Braves 5, Scranton-WB Red Barons (PHI) 0 -- Box Score
Seth Greisinger plowed through the Red Barons lineup for seven shutout innings, giving up just four hits, three walks, and striking out three, as Richmond takes the shutout victory 5-0. Kudos to whoever decided to sign Greisinger to fill out the Richmond staff this season, because he has yet to allow a run in his first two starts (12-2/3 IP).

1B Carlos Mendez led the offense with two RBI on a 2-for-5 night, and LF Kelly Johnson added an RBI of his own, going 3-for-4 with a triple, stolen base, an two runs scored. 3B Andy Marte slacked off a bit, going just 1-for-4 with a double.

Greisinger earned the win to improve to 2-0. Buddy Hernandez bounced back from a shaky last outing to toss two hitless frames, issuing one walk and striking out one.

Additional Stats:
CF Esix Snead 0-4, BB, SO, 2 SB (5)
SS Tony Pena Jr. 1-5, 3B, R, SO

Record: 3-5
Streak: Won 1

Mississippi Braves -- Scheduled day off.

Record: 1-6
Streak: Lost 1

Myrtle Beach Pelicans 2, Winston-Salem Warthogs (CHA) 1 -- Box Score
Brady Endl tossed five no-hit innings in the start, and Jose Ascanio sealed the deal with four innings of two-hit relief, as the Pelicans knock off the Warthogs 2-1. Endl has been a pleasant surprise this season, allowing just a run, three hits, and striking out eleven in his first ten innings pitched. Ascanio bounced back from a mediocre start last time out, fanning three and walking one to pick up the win. He did give up a solo homer to account for the lone Winston-Salem run.

RF Matt Esquivel is the hottest hitter in the system outside of Andy Marte. He hit his second homer of the season on a 3-for-4 night, which also included two doubles. 1B Scott Schade drove him in with a double of his own in the top of the ninth to put Myrtle Beach ahead for good. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia also doubled on a 1-for-4 night and is hitting a smooth .400 so far this season.

Additional Stats:
LF Josh Burrus 0-4, 2 SO
2B Martin Prado 0-4, SO

Record: 5-3
Streak: Won 1

Rome Braves 3, Columbus Catfish (LA) 4, 12 Inn. -- Box Score
The Braves and the Catfish were knotted up at 1-1 until the 12th inning, when DH Cole Armstrong put Rome ahead with a two run homer, but Columbus came storming back and scored three of their own in the bottom half to steal away the victory 4-3.

3B Van Pope had his best night of the season at the plate, going 3-for-6 with an RBI. Maybe he can give J.C. Holt a few pointers, as he added a 0-for-6 performance to an already frustrating start to the 2005 season. He also committed a costly error in the bottom of the 12th. CF Johan Silva has fallen off a cliff since his hot start, going 0-for-5 with four strikeouts.

Lost in the shuffle was an outstanding performance by Matt Harrison, who allowed three hits, a walk, and struck out five over five shutout innings. Dan Smith fanned seven in four innings of relief, despite allowing a run and walking three. Devin Anderson took the loss, giving up two walks, a single, and a double in the decisive final inning.

Additional Stats:
RF Steve Doetsch 1-3, SB (2), 3 BB (!)
LF Brandon Jones 1-6, 2B, 2 R

Record: 2-5
Streak: Lost 3

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 06:30 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

April 14, 2005

Hooray!

Innings pitched are finally listed on the MinorLeagueBaseball.com boxscores. It's the little things that make me happy.

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 09:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Minor League Recap for 4/13

Notes -- Four games, four losses for the organization yesterday, but Andy Marte continued to shine like the brightest star in the galaxy. Jeff Francoeur also had another good game for Mississippi, but the team just can't break into the win column. Charlie Morton's second time through Rome isn't exactly going as planned, and teammate and leadoff hitter J.C. Holt's slow start isn't really helping matters. Brandon Jones is making a name for himself at the plate though.

Transactions -- The Braves claimed lefty reliever Frank Brooks off waivers from the Dodgers yesterday.

Player of the day -- Andy Marte (Richmond) 2-5, HR (4), RBI (.429/.467/.893 in 28 ab)

Richmond Braves 4, Scranton-WB Red Barons (PHI) 5 -- Box Score
3B Andy Marte cranked out his fourth homer of the season on a 2-for-5 night, and LF Billy McCarthy was 2-for-3 and drove in one, but the Braves came up one run short against the Red Barons, losing 5-4.

Kyle Davies made his second start of the season for the R-Braves, and things just aren't clicking yet. Davies allowed three runs on four hits, three walks, and four strikeouts in 4-1/3 innings in the start, but wasn't involved in the decision. Chris Mears (0-1) took the loss for Richmond, giving up two runs on three hits and three walks in the eighth inning.

1B James Jurries was 2-for-4 at the plate, including a double, walk, and a run scored, and SS Tony Pena Jr. was 1-for-5 and scored twice. Pena is a noted hot starter, but generally cools off considerably by the summer. We'll see if this season is any different.

Update: I just noticed in the R-Braves press release that McCarthy left the game with an ankle injury. No word on how serious it is at this point.

Additional Stats:
RF John Barnes 2-5
CF/LF Kelly Johnson 1-5, 2B, RBI

Record: 2-5
Streak: Lost 4

Mississippi Braves 3, West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (CHN) 8 -- Box Score
Four different M-Braves had two hits each, including 1B Scott Thorman and RF Jeff Francoeur, but the team wasn't able to push across a run until the ninth inning where they scored three. That was too little, too late, as the franchise record one game winning streak comes to an end at the hands of the Diamond Jaxx 8-3.

Both Thorman and Francoeur were 2-for-5, with Thor adding an RBI and a run scored, and Jeff lacing a double and swiping his second bag of the season. SS Luis Hernandez also drove in a run on a 2-for-4 afternoon, and 3B Wes Timmons was 2-for-5 with a run scored.

Blaine Boyer wasn't effective in the start, allowing four runs - three earned - on eight hits, a walk, and four strikeouts. He picked up the loss, dropping him to 0-2 to start the season.

Additional Stats:
C Brian McCann 0-4, SO
CF Gregor Blanco 1-4, R, 3 SO

Record: 1-6
Streak: Lost 1

Myrtle Beach Pelicans 2, Winston Salem Warthogs (CHA) 6 -- Box Score
After tossing six perfect innings his last time out, Chuck James lasted just four innings this time, allowing two runs on five hits, a walk, and four strikeouts, as the Pelicans fall to the Warthogs 6-2.

1B/3B Ben Thomas had the only multi-hit game for the Pelicans, going 2-for-4 with two strikeouts in the loss. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia was 1-for-4 with a double, as was CF Carlos Duran. DH Matt Esquivel was 0-for-4 and fanned twice. 3B Jamie Trejo seems to be completely overmatched so far this season, hitting a putrid .118 (2-for-17) in five games.

Additional Stats:
LF Josh Burrus 1-3, RBI, BB, CS
2B Martin Prado 0-3, RBI, BB

Record: 4-3
Streak: Lost 1

Augusta Greenjackets (SF) 5, Rome Braves 0, -- Box Score
Wow, is Rome ever getting off to a slow start with the lumber this season. DH Brandon Jones was the lone exception, going 2-for-4 with two doubles, but that wasn't near enough as the Braves fall to the Greenjackets 5-0.

Charlie Morton isn't exactly firing on al cylinders in his second go round with Rome either. The tall righty gave up four runs on seven hits, a walk, and three strikeouts in five innings in the start. The loss drops him to 0-1 on the season.

I know it's waaay to early to start pushing any type of panic button, but 2B J.C. Holt's slow start is a little disappointing. His 0-for-4 performance dropped him to .130 (3-for-23) on the young season. I'm confident he will start hitting soon though.

Additional Stats:
3B Van Pope 1-3
P Zach Schreiber 2 IP, H, 3 SO

Record: 2-4
Streak: Lost 2

Posted by Brad Dowdy at 08:10 AM | Comments (13) |