MiLB roundup: Bats, Hot Rods, Legends win; Friedrich wins in first start; Duvall homers; Shaffer, Townsend have 3 hits

Christian Friedrich; Photo by Matt McGee via Flickr

Highlights from Friday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Bowling Green Hot Rods improved to 2-0 on the season with a 12-5 win over Dayton. Catcher Lucas Bailey was 4-4 with one home run, one double, four RBI and two runs scored, and former UofL infielder Phil Wunderlich was 1-4 with a double.
The Lexington Legends offense busted out for 11 runs to give the team its first win of the season, an 11-7 victory over Charleston. Catcher Chris Wallace and right fielder Adam Bailey both slugged home runs, and right-handed pitcher Tanner Bushue earned the win after surrendering four runs in six innings.
The Louisville Bats earned the team’s first win of the season with a 5-3 victory over Toledo. Right-handed pitcher Matt Klinker, who attended Madisonville North-Hopkins High School, earned the win after surrendering three runs on eight hits in six innings while striking out six batters and walking one.
Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby was 1-4 in the game for Toledo.
Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall slugged his first home run of the season for low A Augusta.
Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich earned his first win of the season after surrendering two runs, one of which was earned, on three hits in five innings while striking out four batters and walking two for AA Tulsa.
Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 3-4 with two doubles and three runs scored for AA Jackson.
LCA alum Robbie Ross is pitching out of the bullpen to start the season for high A Myrtle Beach and struck out two batters in a scoreless inning in his season debut.
South Laurel alum Jon Townsend was 3-5 with two RBI and one walk for high A Inland Empire in his season debut.

Offseason position battle: UofL shortstop

We have exhausted the offseason position battles for WKU, EKU and Morehead St., so we’ll restart the fifth round with a look at the vacant University of Louisville catching position.

The departed — San Francisco Giants draftee Adam Duvall started 61 games for UofL in 2010, including 54 games at shortstop. Duvall batted .327 with 12 home runs, 47 RBI, 68 runs scored and 10 stolen bases for the Cards last season. The middle infielder made 23 errors in 2010 and finished the season with a .928 fielding percentage. The Giants selected Duvall in the 11th round of the 2010 draft, and he batted .245 in his professional debut.

Returning candidates — Junior All-American Ryan Wright started the 10 UofL games at shortstop that Duvall didn’t start in 2010, but he is entrenched as the every-day second baseman for the Cards…Senior infielder Mark Grieshaber did not appear in a game during his first season at UofL in 2010, but could push for backup playing time this season as the Cards rely on newcomers to man the shortstop position.

Newcomers to watch — Freshman shortstops Ty Young and Alex Chittenden started each of the five games of the Fall Pizza Bowl series at shortstop for the two UofL squads. Young was 7-20 in the Pizza Bowl series with three runs scored, one RBI and two walks. The Pennsylvania native batted .505 with nine home runs, seven doubles, 13 triples, 36 RBI and 43 runs scored as a senior at Malvern Preparatory High School…Chittenden finished the Pizza Bowl series at 3-15 with three RBI and a walk. The Indiana native batted .588 with eight home runs, 16 doubles and 19 stolen bases as a senior at Lawrence Central High School…Freshman infielder Adam Engel started each of the five Pizza Bowl series games at second base, going 4-23. Since second is occupied by Wright, head coach Dan McDonnell could try Engel at shortstop if he wants to get the Ohio native into the lineup.

Wildcard — The candidates for the vacant shortstop position appear fairly straight forward, so the real wildcard in the race would come if McDonnell decided to shift the all-American second baseman back to shortstop, where he started the 2010 season. In the event he wanted to play one of the less experience infielders at second base, McDonnell could conceivably move Wright back to shortstop.

Kentucky Rookie MiLB Leaderboard

Minor League Baseball

Yesterday we looked at the hitting and pitching leaderboards for full-season Kentucky minor leaguers in advance of the BluGrass Baseball MiLB awards post. If you saw that post you already know former UK catcher Marcus Nidiffer was named the rookie of the year, but looking at the statistical leaders among players that made their professional debuts in 2010 is still helpful.

Batting Average (2.7 PA/team game)

Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – .330
Andrew Clark (SS Spokane) – .295
Richie Rowland (R Missoula) – .291
Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – .290
Lance Ray (Low A Beloit) – .289

On-base Percentage

Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – .415
Andrew Clark (SS Spokane) – .401
Lance Ray (Low A Beloit) – .372
Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – .372
Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – .372

Slugging Percentage

Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – .535
Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) — .478
Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – .449
Drew Lee (R Bristol) – .435
Lance Ray (Low A Beloit) – .417

Runs

Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – 40
Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – 34
Andrew Clark (SS Spokane) – 32
Drew Lee (R Bristol) – 32
Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – 31

Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – 14
Drew Lee (R Bristol) – 5
Richie Rowland (R Missoula) – 5
Adam Duvall (SS Salem-Keizer) – 4
Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – 4
Jayson Langfels (SS Tri-City) – 4

RBI

Andrew Clark (SS Spokane) – 41
Drew Lee (R Bristol) – 39
Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – 36
Phil Wunderlich (SS Hudson Valley) – 36
Richie Rowland (R Missoula) – 34

Stolen Bases

Cameron Conner (R Idaho Falls) – 15
Marcus Nidiffer (SS Tri-City) – 9
Matt Payton (R GCL Phillies) – 9
Wes Cunningham (SS Eugene) – 7
Chris Bisson (SS Eugene) – 5
Drew Lee (R Bristol) – 5

Hit the jump to see the pitching leaders.

Continue reading →

MiLB Roundup: Bats win; Legends lose; Adcock, Little, Popham get wins; Duvall homers; Roe loses again

Minor League Baseball

Nathan Adcock; Photo by mwlguide via Flickr

Late highlights from Tuesday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Louisville Bats opened their three-game series with Syracuse with an 8-5 win. First baseman Yonder Alonso was 3-5 with three RBI and two runs scored.
Lexington Legends right-handed pitcher Tanner Bushue surrendered two runs in five innings but still took the loss in the Legends’ 5-0 loss to Greenville. Bushue struck out five and walked three.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods were off.
Central Hardin alum Nathan Adcock improved to 10-7 on the season after surrendering one run in seven innings for high A Bradenton.
Former UK right-handed pitcher and 2010 Tigers draftee Matt Little was promoted to high A Lakeland where he earned the win in his debut.
Former UK outfielder and 2010 Braves NDFA Keenan Wiley was 3-4 with a RBI and run scored for rookie-level Danville.
Former UofL infielder and 2010 Giants draftee Adam Duvall slugged his fifth home run of the season and drove in three runs for short-season Salem-Keizer.
Former Union College right-handed pitcher Marty Popham improved to 6-6 on the season after surrendering three runs in five innings in a start for high A Kinston.
Lafayette High School alum Chaz Roe took a loss for AAA Colorado Springs after surrendering five runs in six innings.

MiLB Roundup: Bats, Hot Rods win; Legends lose; Friedrich shines; Langfels, Duvall, Richmond have big nights

Minor League Baseball

Christian Friedrich; Photo by Matt McGee via Flickr

Highlights from Thursday Kentucky MiLB action:

Rehabbing Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Homer Bailey looked ready for a return to the big leagues after leading the Louisville Bats to a 6-0 win over Norfolk. Bailey surrendered just six hits in seven innings and struck out nine while walking none.
Right-handed pitcher Kirby Yates posted his first quality start since July 15 in the Bowling Green Hot Rods 6-4 win over South Bend. Yates surrendered three runs on seven hits in six innings and struck out three batters while walking two.
The Lexington Legends scored three runs in the ninth inning, but the game was long out of reach by that point in an 8-3 loss to Hagerstown. Right fielder Jacob Goebbert was 2-4 with a double, one RBI and one run scored.
Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich earned his third win of the season after surrendering one unearned run on three hits in six innings. Friedrich struck out three and walked one.
Former EKU infielder and 2010 Rockies draftee Jayson Langfels tallied three hits, slugged two home runs and drove in six runs for short-season Tri-City.
Former UofL infielder and 2010 Giants draftee Adam Duvall slugged his third home run on the season for short-season Salem-Keizer.
Former UofL outfielder and 2010 Rangers draftee Josh Richmond slugged his second home run of the season and drove in six runs for short-season Spokane.
Ballard High School alum Jeremy Sowers got his third start of the season for AAA Columbus and took a no decision despite surrendering just one hit in five innings. Sowers struck out five and walked none.

July Awards: Kentucky MiLB Alumni

Minor League Baseball

Collin Cowgill; Photo: UK Athletics

We’ll start the July awards series by looking at the best performances from alumni of Kentucky schools across Minor League Baseball:

Hitter of the month: OF Collin Cowgill (AA Mobile)

Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill batted .327 with five home runs, 16 RBI and 16 runs scored in July. While Cowgill didn’t led Kentucky alumni with a .945 OPS in July and ranked second in home runs and third in runs scored. Cowgill’s .571 slugging percentage led Kentucky alumni for the month.
Honorable Mention: Jake Shaffer, Wes Cunningham, Drew Lee, Tyler Kuhn, Marcus Nidiffer, Adam Duvall, Andrew Clark, Phil Wunderlich, Wade Gaynor

Pitcher of the month: LHP Robbie Ross (High A Bakersfield)

LCA alum made his high A debut in July and finished the month 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA in four starts for Bakersfield. Ross struck out 21 and walked eight in 23 and one-third innings. His three wins led all Kentucky alumni for the month.
Honorable Mention: Tyler Gatrell, Thomas Royse, Nathan Jones, Daniel Calhoun, Chris Rusin, Neil Holland, Justin Marks

MiLB Roundup: Volquez excels in rehab start for Bats; Legends, Hot Rods lose; Bertram, Duvall, McClanahan homer

Minor League Baseball

Edison Volquez; Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Friday highlights from Kentucky MiLB baseball:

Cincinnati Reds rehabbing starting pitcher Edison Volquez allowed just one hit in seven innings in his third start for the Louisville Bats, who defeated the Toledo Mud Hens 3-0. Designate hitter Drew Sutton tallied two hits in the game.
Left-handed pitcher Luis Cruz earned his fourth win of the season for the Lexington Legends who defeated the West Virginia Power 4-1. Second baseman Jose Altuve and left fielder Jacob Goebbert each homered for the Legends.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods mustered just three hits in a 6-0 shutout loss to the Dayton Dragons. Right-handed pitcher Kirby Yates took the loss despite allowing just one run in five innings.
Former UK infielder Michael Bertram launched his tenth home run of the season for AA Erie.
Former UofL infielder Adam Duvall slugged his second professional home run for short-season Salem-Keizer.
Former UofL left-handed pitcher Justin Marks took a no decision for low A Cane County after allowing just two runs in five and two-third innings.
Former UofL second baseman Justin McClanahan was 2-5 with a home run and three RBI for high A Dunedin.
Former Morehead St. shortstop Drew Lee was 3-4 with a double for rookie-level Bristol.

MiLB Roundup: Bats, Legends, Hot Rods win; Strieby, Cowgill, Duvall, Rowland homer; Royse Struggles

Minor League Baseball

Ryan Strieby; Photo via Flickr by mwlguide

Highlights from Saturday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Louisville Bats scored a 2-0 shutout win over the Indianapolis Indians behind a strong pitching performance from right-handed pitcher Jesus Delgado, who surrendered just four hits in five innings. Right-handed reliever Carlos Fisher earned his first save of the season.
The Lexington Legends secured a series win against the Hickory Crawdads with a 4-1 victory. First baseman Kody Hinze was 3-5 with a run scored.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods salvaged one game of its three-game home series against the Fort Wayne TinCaps with a 6-4 victory. Right fielder Brett Nommensen was 2-5 with a home run.
Former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 2-4 with a home run, two RBI and one run scored for AA Mobile.
Former UK first baseman Ryan Streiby was 2-4 with a home run, one RBI and one run scored and has hits in his last four games for AAA Toledo.
Former UofL infielder and 2010 draftee Adam Duvall had his best professional game to-date and was 3-5 with a home run, RBI and run scored for short-season Salem-Keizer.
Former UofL third baseman Chris Dominguez was 3-6 with a double and run scored for low A Augusta.
Former UofL right-handed pitcher Thomas Royse struggled for the second consecutive start after allowing five runs in two innings for rookie-level Great Falls.
Former Morehead St. shortstop Drew Lee was 3-4 with a double and two runs scored for rookie-level Bristol.
Former Campbellsville catcher Richie Rowland hit his first professional home run to extend his hitting streak to ten games for rookie-level Missoula.
Boyd County native Tyler Gatrell picked up his third save for the rookie-level AZL Royals and hasn’t allowed a run in his first six professional innings.

2010 Draftees Minor League Debuts

Minor League Baseball

Marcus Nidiffer; BluGrass Baseball photo

Most of the 2010 draftees who have already signed professional contracts have a few Minor League games under their belt by now so I thought I’d update you on their early performances. Check out the list below, organized by draft position, with Minor League team listed and Kentucky connection in parentheses:

RHP Thomas Royse (UofL) — Great Falls Voyagers — 0-0, 1 GS, 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 SO
2B Chris Bisson (UK) — Eugene Emeralds — Has not played
OF Lance Ray (UK) — Elizabethton Twins — 5-23 (.217), 2 RBI, 2 R
SS Jonathan Roof (Paducah) — AZL Rangers — Has not played
RHP Neil Holland (UofL) — Vermont Lake Monsters — 0-0, 2 G, 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO
2B Adam Duvall (UofL) — Salem-Keizer Volcanoes — 2-11 (.182), 3 R
SS Drew Lee (Morehead St.) — Bristol White Sox — 8-23 (.348), 5 RBI, 3 R
1B Andrew Clark (UofL) — Spokane Indians — 11-28 (.393), 2 RBI, 3 R
3B Michael Mosby (Hawesville) — Bluefield Orioles — 4-10 (.400), 1 RBI, 3 R
RHP Patrick Cooper (Danville) — Not assigned to a team
3B Jayson Langfels (EKU) — Tri-City Dust Devils — 2-15 (.133), 1 RBI
1B Wes Cunningham (Murray St.) — Eugene Emeralds — 1-14 (.071), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
OF Cameron Conner (Frankfort) — AZL Royals — 3-18 (.167), 1 RBI
C Jeff Arnold (UofL) — Salem-Keizer Volcanoes — 4-14 (.286), 2 R
2B Matt Payton (WKU) — GCL Phillies — 2-19 (.105)
RHP Matt Little (UK) — Connecticut Tigers — 0-0, 4 G, 1 SV, 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO
LHP Jarrett Casey (NKU) — Bristol White Sox — 0-1, 2 G, 1 SV, 2.2 IP, 4 H, 7 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO
1B Tyler Oliver (Lexington) — 7-18 (.389), 5 RBI, 2 R
RHP Stephen Shackleford (Louisville) — 0-1, 2 G, 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO
LHP Dean Kiekhefer (UofL) — 0-1, 1 G, 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO
OF Jeremy Shelby (Lexington) — Bluefield Orioles — 1-8 (.125), 2 R, 1 SB
LHP Bart Carter (WKU) — Fort Myers Miracle — 3 G, 4 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO
RHP Matt Ridings (WKU) — Out for season after Tommy John Surgery
2B Patrick Brady (Bellarmine) — AZL Mariners — 0-4, 1 R
LHP Bob Revesz (UofL) — Johnson City Cardinals — 0-0, 1 G, 2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO
C Marcus Nidiffer (UK) — Greenville Astros — 7-16 (.438), 2 RBI, 2 R
3B Gunner Glad (UK) — Elizabethton Twins — 5-20 (.200), 3 R
RHP Tyler Gatrell (Boyd Co.) — AZL Royals — 0-0, 2 G, 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO
OF J. D. Ashbrook (Morehead St.) — 2-11 (.182), 1 R
C Richie Rowland (Campbellsville) — 9-17 (.529), 3 RBI, 3 R

Minor league assignments for 2010 draftees

Minor League Baseball

Chris Bisson; Photo: UK Athletics

Minor League Baseball short-season league play began over the weekend, and rookie leagues are set to start this week so most of the 2010 Kentucky draftees have been given their first professional assignments. You can always access these assignments for all Kentucky minor leaguers on the “Ky. in the Minors” page, but here’s a rundown of the players making their professional debuts listed in draft order:

Thomas Royse — University of Louisville — Rookie Great Falls Voyagers
Chris Bisson — University of Kentucky — Short-Season Eugene Emeralds
Jonathan Roof — Paducah, Ky., Michigan St. — Rookie AZL Rangers
Neil Holland — University of Louisville — Short-Season Vermont Lake Monsters
Adam Duvall — University of Louisville — Short-Season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
Drew Lee — Morehead State University — Rookie Bristol White Sox
Andrew Clark — University of Louisville — Short-Season Spokane Indians
Jayson Langfels — Eastern Kentucky University — Short-Season Tri-City Dust Devils
Wes Cunningham — Murray State University — Short-Season Eugene Emeralds
Jeff Arnold — University of Louisville — Short-Season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
Matt Little — University of Kentucky — Short-Season Connecticut Tigers
Jarrett Casey — Northern Kentucky University — Rookie Bristol White Sox
Dean Kiekhefer — University of Louisville — Rookie Johnson City Cardinals
Patrick Brady — Bellarmine University — Rookie AZL Mariners
Bob Revesz — University of Louisville — Rookie Johnson City Cardinals
Marcus Nidiffer — University of Kentucky — Rookie Greenville Astros
Daniel Webb — Paducah, Ky., (2009 Draftee) — Short-Season Auburn DoubleDays

There are nine other confirmed Kentucky signees from the 2010 draft that have yet to be assigned a team so look for an update later this week when Rookie level rosters are finalized.