PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL NEWS August 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
On the Minor League Mound Yesterday:
Starting pitchers Josh Geer (2-4, 4.38), Kenny Baugh (4-3, 4.26), Lucas Luetge (6-7, 4.74) and Bryan Price (3-8, 6.16) lost their games while Jared Gayhart (1-0, 3.86) and Bobby Bell (3-1, 2.70) took no-decisions. And, closer Bryce Cox (1-5, 2.79) earned his 10th save in 13 tires as Portland topped Binghamton, 3-1.
Arizona Fall League:
Yesterday, initial rosters for the Arizona Fall League, which begins on October 13, were announced. Owls headed to The Valley of the Sun are Brian Friday (Scottsdale Scorpions), Tyler Henley (Surprise Rafters) and Josh Rodriguez (Peoria Saguaros).
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
On the Mound Yesterday:
David Aardsma (3-5, 2.38) pitched a shutout 9th inning to earn his 29th save in 33 tries as Seattle defeated Oakland, 3-1. And, Jeff Niemann (12-5, 3.87) bested Roy Halladay with a gutsy performance as Tampa Bay toppled Toronto, 12-7. He continues to lead all rookies in Major League wins.
Monday, August 24, 2009
On the Mound Yesterday:
Joe Savery (3-1, 4.75) won his 3rd Triple-A game as Lehigh Valley topped Pawtucket, 4-2, while Bryce Cox (1-5, 2.84) won his 1st game of the season as AA Portland defeated Harrisburg, 3-2. And, Cole St.Clair (4-1, 2.87) earned his 13th save out of 14 tries as Class-A Great Lakes edged South Bend, 3-2.
Jeff Niemann:
Tonight, Jeff Niemann (11-5, 3.71) is scheduled to start for Tampa Bay at Toronto. Click here for the MLB.com preview entitled "Composure key for young Niemann".
Owls in the News:
Humber a little surprised, but happy to be back in majors (Longview News-Journal)
IronPigs' Savery making progress (The Morning Call PA)
Arizona Fall League:
Strasburg expected to make pro debut in AFL (MLB.com)
2009 First-Year Player Draft (Thanks, Dan Hyde!):
Restoring Sanity to Baseball's Economics (New York Times)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
At the Plate Yesterday:
Aaron Luna homered with Tyler Henley on base in the 2nd and walked with the bases loaded in the 7th to account for all of Springfield's run production as the Cardinals clipped the Corpus Christi Hooks, 3-1.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Paul Janish:
Baker: Phillips won't go back to shortstop (Cincinnati Enquirer)
Brock Holt:
Brock Holt has gone 3-for-4 for the last 2 nights, raising his average from .256 to .275.
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
Some programs escape draft in good shape (Rivals' Kendall Rogers)
Big name programs suffer tough losses (Rivals' Kendall Rogers)
Amateur draft takes two former Owls (The Rice Thresher)
Friday, August 21, 2009
On the Mound Yesterday:
David Aardsma (3-5, 2.43) failed to convert a save opportunity for just the 4th time in 32 tries as Detroit defeated Seattle, 7-6.
In minor league action, there were a number of strong performances by Owl pitchers. One of the most noteworthy was relief pitcher Jared Gayhart (1-0, 4.30) who replaced the starter at the last minute when he was lifted due to an injury without throwing a pitch. Jared responded by throwing 5 shutout innings (1 hit, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts) for his first AA win as Erie blanked Trenton, 2-0.
Owls in the News:
Slow and Easy Works Well for Savery (PhillyBaseballNews.com, subscription content)
Rodriguez in lineup after a long recovery (Akron Beacon-Journal)
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
Slamming the Slots (Baseball America's Aaron Fitt, subscription content)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
On the Mound Yesterday:
David Aardsma (3-4, 2.13) pitched a shutout 9th inning to earn his 28th save in 31 tries as Seattle defeated Detroit, 3-1. And, Jeff Niemann (11-5, 3.71) won his 11th game as Tampa Bay topped Baltimore, 3-1. Click here for the MLB.com recap entitled "Question answered: Niemann delivers". After 119 games, he leads the Tampa Bay starters in wins and ERA. And, he has more wins than any other rookie in the Major Leagues.
Aaron Luna:
Friends Luna, Daniel in similar situations (Springfield News-Leader)
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
Draft Blog (Baseball America's Jim Callis)
Deadline Winners and Losers (Baseball America's Aaron Fitt, subscription content)
Surprise signings (Rivals' Kendall Rogers)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Josh Rodriguez:
After missing 101 games due to a hamstring injury, Double-A Akron activated Josh Rodriguez from the DR for last night's game in which he played the first 3 innings.
Jeff Niemann:
Tonight, Jeff Niemann (10-5, 3.86) is the probable starter for Tampa Bay against Baltimore.
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
NBA Could Be Model for New Baseball Draft (New York Times)
Draft Blog (Baseball America's Jim Callis)
Draft deadline creates much suspense (Rivals' Kendall Rogers)
Williams, Texas' top recruit, signs with Padres (Austin American-Statesman)
Cardinals beat the clock with first-rounder Shelby Miller (MLB.com)
LSU loses 2 baseball signees to majors (MLB.com)
ECU's roller, Harris spurn pros for a year (Bonesville.net)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
On the Mound Yesterday:
Cole St. Clair (4-1, 297) earned his 12th save out of 13 tries as the Loons defeated Lansing, 7-5.
Philip Humber:
Yesteday, Minnesota called up Philip Humber from Triple-A Rochester.
Brock Holt:
Tonight, the New York-Penn League All-Star game will be played in State College PA. Brock Holt is ont he roster of hte National League All-Star team.
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
Strasburg leads flurry of first-round deals (MLB.com)
Rangers lose top draft pick Matt Purke to TCU (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Draft Blog (Baseball America's Jim Callis)
National Stuff, Aug. 18th (Eric Sorenson)
Monday, August 17, 2009
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
Draft Blog (Baseball America's Jim Callis)
Status of Unisgned Draft Picks Through top10 rounds (Baseball America's Jim Callis)
Countdown to draft deadline: Sunday scoop (Rivals' Kendall Rogers)
Caught in a Stare Down (Washington Post)
Sunday, August 16, 2009
On the Mound Yesterday:
Josh Geer (2-2, 4.50) allowed 2 runs in 5 innings but took a no-decision in an eventual 3-2 loss to Triple-A Omaha. And, Bobby Bell (3-1, 2.78) was the losing pitcher as Hi-A Daytona no-hit Dunedin, 4-0.
Paul Janish (Thanks, Guy Rollins!):
Check out Friday night's Top Plays by EPSN SportsCenter, where "Paul Janish it's all about you!". See plays 4 and 10.
Globalization in Boise:
Foreign Talent Loads the Bases in Minor League (Wall Street Journal)
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
Draft Blog (Baseball America's Jim Callis)
Status of Unisgned Draft Picks Through top10 rounds (Baeball America's Jim Callis)
Countdown to draft deadline: Friday's juice (Rivals' Kendall Rogers)
Saturday, August 15, 2009
On the Mound Yesterday:
Kenny Baugh (4-2, 4.30) resumed his winning ways as AA Corpus Christi defeated Arkansas, 6-2, while Bryan Price (3-6, 5.25) only allowed 1 run in 6 innings but did not factor in the decision as Hi-A Kinston ultimately defeated Salem, 6-4.
And, Cole St.Clair earned a save for the 2nd night in a row and no. 11 overall as Class-A Great Lakes edged Fort Wayne, 6-5. Adam Zornes homered for the TinCaps in the 4th but wasn't around to watch Cole's perfect 9th.
Jeff Niemann (Thanks, Larry George!):
Rays might have another Rookie of the Year in Rice's Jeff Niemann (Houston Chronicle, Richard Justice)
Paul Janish:
Reds deal Gonzalez to Red Sox (MLB.com)
A Cafe au Lait and Beignet:
After 1 appearance in 3 days, Kyle Gunderson was reassigned from Triple-A New Orleans to Hi-A Jupiter on Thursday.
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
Draft Blog (Baseball America's Jim Callis)
Friday, August 14, 2009
Paul Janish:
Yesterday, Paul Janish discussed his winter plans with the Oxford Press (OH).
On the Mound Yesterday:
Winning pitcher Philip Humber (7-7, 5.28) allowed 4 runs in 6 innings as Triple-A Rochester bested Buffalo, 9-4. With the win, he is 5-1 since July 5.
In other action, Cole St.Clair earned his 10th save of the year. And, in the 10th, Bryce Cox (0-5, 2.98, 9 SV) gave up a walk-off single to Brian Friday as Altoona edged Portland, 9-8.
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
Countdown to draft deadline: Thursday's juice (Rivals' Kendall Rogers)
Draft Signee Tracker (Rivals' Kendall Rogers)
Signing Bonuses: Top 10 Rounds (PGCrosschecker.com, updated August 13)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Lance Berkman:
Houston activated Lance Berkman from the DL for last night's game and he went 2-for-3 with 2 doubles, 2 walks, 2 runs and 2 RBI. Click here to listen to the Big Puma talking to Richard Justice about his return (3:44).
On the Mound Yesterday:
Bobby Bramhall (5-7, 5.50) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief to earn his first win since June 25 as Huntsville defeated Mobile, 6-4.
Joe Savery:
Click here to listen to Joe Savery on the Sports Bash on 97.3 ESPN FM (12:35). He (2-0, 2.45) is scheduled to take the mound tonight for Triple-A Lehigh Valley against Louisville.
Josh Rodriguez:
Josh Rodriguez, who was placed on the DL by Double-A Akron in May, has substantially recovered from his strained right hamstring injury. Earlier this week, he returned to Akron and he expects to being playing again shortly.
Tyler Henley:
From an interview with St. Louis GM John Mozeliak in yesterday's Springfield News-Leader: "I wouldn't say we're surprised (by the way Tyler Henley is playing), but he's got an exciting bat. He's handled himself very well. I definitely think he's a prospect. He's put himself on the map".
Brock Holt:
Yesterday, Brock Holt was named to the New York-Penn League Natinoal League All-Star team. The All-Star game will be played in State College PA nexxt Tuesday (8/18).
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
Several unsigned players still on table (Rivals' Kendall Rogers)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
David Aardsma:
With his 27th save yesterday, David Aardsma set the Owl record for MLB saves in a single season, surpassing Norm Charlton who saved 26 games for the Reds in 1992. Matt Anderson occupies third place, with 22 saves for the Tigers in 2001.
And, last night David Aardsma (3-4, 2.04) was trying for back-to-back saves but he failed to convert a save opportunity for just the third time in 30 chances this season. In fact, he took the loss as Chicago defeated Seattle, 3-1.
At the Plate Yesterday:
Brock Holt went 2-for-4 with a double, home run, 2 runs and a 4 RBI to lead Short Season State College to a 9-4 comeback win over Oneonta.
Jeff Niemann:
This afternoon, Jeff Niemann (10-5, 3.73) is scheduled to start for the Tampa Bay Rays at the Los Angeles Angels. Click here for the MLB preview.
Ryan Berry:
According to a report yesterday by Baseball America's Jim Callis, Baltimore agreed to terms with Ryan Berry (9, 266) for $417,600.
Eddie Degerman:
Eddie Degerman, who was released by AA Springfield on July 28, is now playing for the River City Rascals, an independent team in the Frontier League.
McCoy Stadium, Pawtucket RI (Thanks, Nancy Shelby!):
Almost LIke Fenway, For A Fraction Of The Price (NPR)
2010 First-Year Player Draft:
On Monday, PGCrosschecker.com's Allan Simpson ranked Rice commitment Jameson Taillon (Woodlands) as the no. 3 prospect in next year's draft.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
On the Mound Yesterday:
David Aardsma (3-3, 1.55) pitched a shutout 9th inning to earn his 27th save out of 29 chances as Seattle defeated Chicago, 6-4.
Mark Quinn:
Former major leaguer to give kids Royal treatment (Houston Chronicle, Ken Hoffman)
Player Moves:
Yesterday, Kyle Gunderson was promoted from Hi-A Jupiter to AAA New Orleans and Daniel Cooper was promoted from Short Season Everett to Class-A Clinton.
Tyler Henley:
From the Cardinal Nation's Dustin Mattison: Tyler Henley has put together a tremendous season at Double-A. He ranks among the top five in the Texas League in batting average and slugging. If not for a crowded outfield at Memphis, surely he would have been promoted by now.
Ryan Berry:
According to a report yesterday by the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network's Roch Kubatko, the Orioles are "on the verge" of signing Ryan Berry (9, 266) and 2 other players taken within the first 10 rounds of the draft. He was in Baltimore yesterday, taking his physical and visitng Camden Yards.
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
Signing Bonuses: Top 10 Rounds (PGCrosschecker.com, updated August 10)
Monday, August 10, 2009
On the Mound Yesterday:
Bobby Bell (3-0, 2.44) won again in a starting role as Hi-A Dunedin defeated Dayton, 7-1. And, Bryan Price (3-6, 5.60) pitched his new team to a victory over his old one as Hi-A Kinston doubled up Salem, 6-3.
Pitch Count (Thanks, Larry George and Dan Hyde!):
Arms-Control Breakdown (New York Times)
A Proposal to Rework the Pitch Count (Wall Street Journal)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
On the Mound Yesterday:
Philip Humber (6-7, 5.24) "pitched a gem", only surrendering 2 runs (0 earned) in 7 innings as Triple-A Rochester edged Louisville, 3-2. With the win, he is 4-1 since July 5.
And, Joe Savery (2-0, 2.45) won his second straight Triple-A start as the 'Pigs defeated the Yankees, 4-3. Overall, he has won 14 games this year, tied for the Minor League lead.
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
A day after signing UT signee Colt Cain (8, 235) for $1.125 million and Baylor signee Zackry Dodson (4, 115) for $600,000, Pittsburgh agreed to terms with LSU signee Zack Von Rosenberg (6,175) for $1.2 million, according to a report by Baseball America's Jim Callis.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
On the Mound Yesterday:
Seattle defeated Tampa Bay, 7-6, last night. Starting Rays pitcher Jeff Niemann (10-5, 3.73) allowed 4 runs on 5 hits in 6.1 innings for a no-decision. Mariners closer David Aardsma (3-3, 1.58, 26 SV) pitched a shutout 10th inning.
In other action, Bryce Cox and Cole St.Clair both earned their 9th saves of the year and Matt Langwell his 6th hold.
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
Yesterday, Pittsburgh signed UT signee Colt Cain (8, 235) for a reported $1.15 million bonus. Also, the Pirates signed Baylor signee Zackry Dodson (4, 115). The amount of his signing bonus was not reported but it was confirmed to be less than Cain's.
The signing deadline is midnight ET, August 17.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Mini Reunion in Seattle:
David Aardsma (3-3, 1.61, 26 SV) and Seattle play host to Tampa Bay this weekend. Jeff Niemann (10-5, 3.62) is scheduled to start tonight's game. Click here for the MLB.com preview entitled "Niemann coming into his own for Rays".
Brett Marshall:
The Baytown Sun reported that Brett Marshall, the prospective Rice signee who turned pro with the the Yankees last year, had Tommy John surgery last Friday.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
David Aardsma (Thanks, Larry George!):
When Buying a Bullpen, It's Better to go Cheap (Wall Street Journal, August 3)
The Boils of War (The News Tribune WA)
Teamwork:
Last night, Josh Geer (2-1, 2.25) and Craig Stansberry led Triple-A Portland to a 6-2 win over Albuquerque. Winning pitcher Geer limited the Isotopes to 1 run (0 earned) on 2 hits in 6 innings while Stansberry went 3-for-4 with a double, triple, homerun and a walk, driving in 1 run and scoring 3.
Bryan Price:
The Rice Message Board's own stompclapwhoosh has just launched her own blog entitled "un pink hats". Click here for her entry weighing in on the recent Bryan Price trade.
2009 First-Year Player Draft:
Clock ticking for teams to sign top picks (MLB.com)
Where We Sit With The First Round Picks (Sports Agent Blog)
Signing Bonuses: Top 10 Rounds (PGCrosschecker.com, updated August 5)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Ryan Berry (Thanks, At Ease!):
Last night, the Baltimore Sun reported that Ryan Berry is "due in Baltimore next week to take a physical and finalize a deal".
Player Moves:
Last Friday (7/31), Lance Pendleton was promoted from Hi-A Tampa to AA Trenton. Yesterday, Aaron Luna was promoted from Hi-A Palm Beach to AA Springfield and Bryan Price, who was traded by Boston to Cleveland last week, was assigned to Hi-A Kinston.
On the Mound Yesterday:
It wasn't textbook but David Aardsma (3-3, 1.61) pitched a shutout 9th inning to earn his 26th save out of 28 chances as Seattle edged Kansas City, 7-6.
In "his best start since being converted from a reliever", Bobby Bell (2-0, 2.54) threw 6 shutout innings as Hi-A Dunedin defeated Clearwater, 6-1. Also, Bryan Price (1-0, 0.00) only gave up an unearned run in 6 innings to win his debut for Hi-A Kinston, a 15-3 blowout over Lynchburg.
At the Plate Yesterday:
Brian Friday went 3-for-4 with 2 doubles, a walk, 1 run and 2 RBI to help lead AA Altoona to a 12-6 win over Portland. And, Aaron Luna doubled in first AA at-bat, although Springfield ended up losing to Arkansas, 7-2. He is expected to join Tyler Henley in the outfield for the Cardinals.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Wade Townsend:
Yesterday, Wade Townsend was released by Tampa Bay.
On the Mound Yesterday:
Joe Savery (1-0, 1.50) won his Triple-A debut as Lehigh Valley ripped Rochester, 10-4. And, Kenny Baugh (3-1, 4.15) won his 3rd straight as AA Corpus Christi defeated Midland, 12-5.
At the Plate Yesterday:
Adam Zornes hit a solo home run for Class-A Fort Wayne, his 5th of the year. And, Tyler Henley hit a grand slam for AA Springfield, his 2nd grand slam and his 11th long ball of the year.
Looking Ahead:
David Aardsma (3-3, 1.64, 25 SV) and Seattle play host to Tampa Bay this weekend. Jeff Niemann (10-5, 3.62) is scheduled to start the Friday night game.
Adam Zornes:
Padres Prospect Interview: Adam Zornes (MadFriars.com) (Subscription content)
Arizona Fall League:
AFL teams boast seasoned coaches (MLB.com)
Monday, August 3, 2009
Aaron Luna:
Last night, Missouri QB Chase Daniel tweeted: "My best friend Aaron Luna has just got moved up to AA minor league ball with the Cardinals in Springfield, MO! Show him some love Missouri!!
On the Mound Yesterday:
Lucas Luetge and Cole St.Clair earned their 6th and 4th wins, respectively. Also, Kyle Gunderson recorded his 12th save.
Joe Savery:
Tonight, Joe Savery is scheduled to make his Triple-A debut for Lehigh Valley at Rochester.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Jeff Niemann:
Yesterday, Jeff Niemann (10-5, 3.62) pitched Tampa Bay to a 7-1 win over Kansas City and became the first Rays hurler to reach double-digit wins this season. Also, he leads all major league rookies in wins.
Philip Humber:
Today, Philip Humber (5-7, 5.78) is scheduled to start for Triple-A Rochester against Lehigh Valley. He was 3-2 for the month of July.
Springfield Cardinals:
Families often feel the pain (Springfield News-Leader)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Norman Charlton (Thanks, John Witten!):
Norm Charlton '86, who triple majored in policial science, physical education and religion at Rice, is 1 of 10 players on the Reds Hall of Fame Ballot for the Class of 2010. This year, fans can vote for up to 3 candidates, beginning today until September 2 at reds.com/HOF. Please vote for "The Sheriff" who is the winningest Owl pitcher in MLB history (51-54).
Bryan Price:
Yesterday, Boston traded Bryan Price, Nick Hagadone and Justin Masterson to Cleveland for Victor Martinez. Click here for an interview with him 16 minutes after he was traded. The Indians will reportedly send him to HI-A Kinston (NC).
Brock Holt:
Yesterday, Brock Holt's home run was the difference as Short Season Sate College blanked Aubunr, 1-0. Click here for hte recap entitled "Holt the Hero as Spikes shut out D-Rays".
Jeff Niemann:
Today, Jeff Niemann (9-5, 3.81) is scheduled to start for Tampa bay against Kansas City. Click here for the MLB.com preview entitled Niemann coming up large for Rays".
2/14 
