MiLB roundup: Hot Rods win; Bats, Legends lose; Jake Shaffer, Josh Richmond homer; Chaz Roe takes a loss

Minor League Baseball

Ryan Strieby; Photo via Flickr by mwlguide

Highlights from Friday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Bowling Green Hot Rods jumped out to an early lead and added three insurance runs in the seventh inning in a 6-3 win over Lake County. Catcher Lucas Bailey was 2-4 with one home run, one RBI and two runs scored.
The Louisville Bats tallied just five hits in a 4-0 loss to Buffalo. Right-handed pitcher Chad Reineke took the loss after surrendering four runs on six hits in six innings while striking out one batter and walking two.
Left-handed pitcher Mike Foltynewicz fell to 0-5 on the season after a 5-2 loss to Hagerstown. Foltynewicz surrendered three runs on eight hits in five innings while striking out four batters and walking two.
Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 2-4 with one home run, four RBIs and one run scored for AA Jackson.
Former UofL outfielder Josh Richmond was 2-4 with one home run, three RBIs and one run scored for low A Hickory.
Former UK left-handed pitcher Andrew Albers took a no decision in his first start of the season for high A Fort Meyers after surrendering three runs on six hits in four innings while striking out two batters and walking two.
Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby was 2-5 with two doubles, one walk and one run scored for AAA Toledo.
Former UofL third baseman Chris Dominguez was 2-6 with two runs scored for high A San Jose.
St. Mary’s alum Shawn Roof was 2-3 with one walk and one RBI for low AA Hickory.
Former UofL left-handed pitcher Zach Jackson, who transferred to Texas A&M before the draft, took a no decision after surrendering three runs on eight hits in six innings while striking out two batters while walking one.
Lexington native Chaz Roe took a loss after surrendering five runs on nine hits in six innings while striking out eight batters and walking two.

MiLB Roundup: Legends, Hot Rods win; Bats lose; Lee, Dominguez, Bynum, Kuhn homer; Roe takes no decision

Minor League Baseball

Chris Dominguez; UofL Photo

Highlights from Monday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Louisville Bats‘ blew a two-run ninth inning lead in a 6-5 loss to Toledo. Two-time National League All-Star Dontrelle Willis took a no decision despite surrendering just three runs on six hits in seven innings while striking out four batters and walking two.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods used a strong pitching performance from right-handed pitcher Victor Mateo in a 2-1 win over South Bend. Mateo earned his first win after surrendering one run on four hits in six innings while striking out seven batters and walking two.
The Lexington Legends scored a single run in the bottom of the 10th inning to earn a 7-6 win over Kannapolis in game one of the team’s homestand. Shortstop Jiovanni Mier and third baseman Michael Kvasnicka both homered for the Legends.
Mt. Sterling native and former Morehead St. infielder Drew Lee was 3-4 with his first home run of the season, three RBI and one run scored for Kannapolis in the game.
Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a 2-5 performance for AA Jackson. Shaffer is batting .370 on the season.
Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 3-4 with one double, two RBI and one run scored f0r AAA Reno. Cowgill has multiple hits in gour consecutive games.
Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall was 2-5 with two RBI for low A Augusta.
Former UofL third baseman Chris Dominguez slugged his fifth home run of the season for high A San Jose.
Lafayette High School alum Chaz Roe took a no decision after surrendering three runs on seven hits in five and two-third innings while striking out four batters and walking none for AAA Tacoma.
Louisville native Seth Bynum homered for the second straight game and third time this season for AAA Syracuse.
Trinity High School alum Tyler Kuhn was 2-4 with one home run, two RBI and two runs scored for AA Birmingham.

MiLB roundup: Bats, Hot Rods, Legends all lose; Shaffer, Duvall homer; Six Ky. alumni have three hits on Wed.

Minor League Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Wednesday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Louisville Bats tied its game versus Columbus with a single run in the ninth inning, but Columbus scored a run in the bottom of the frame to send the Bats to a 4-3 loss. Two-time National League All-Star Dontrelle Willis surrendered one run on six hits in five innings while striking out four batters and walking two in a no decision.
Dayton used a four-run fourth inning to send the Bowling Green Hot Rods to a 4-1 loss. Former UofL infielder Phil Wunderlich tallied the Hot Rods’ only RBI, and left-handed pitcher Braulio Lara took the loss after surrendering three runs on two hits in three and one-third innings.
The Lexington Legends jumped out to a 4-1 lead, but surrendered four runs in the fifth inning to lose the lead in a 5-4 loss to Savannah. Catcher Roberto Pen was 2-2 with one home run, three RBI and one run scored.
Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 3-6 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored for AA Jackson.
Lafayette High School alum Chaz Roe surrendered two runs on four hits in six innings while striking out two batters and walking four for AAA Tacoma.
Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 3-5 with two RBI for AAA Reno.
Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez was 3-4 with two runs and one stolen base.
Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall slugged his third home run of the season and drove in three runs for low A Augusta.
Former UofL outfielder Josh Richmond was 3-5 with two doubles, one RBI and one run scored.
One-time UofL left-handed pitcher Zach Jackson lost his no hitter in the eighth inning but still earned a win after surrendering three runs on four hits in eight and one-third innings while striking out five batters and walking three.
Former Union College right-handed pitcher Marty Popham struck out three batters in four hitless innings in a start for high A Kinston.
Paducah native Jonathan Roof was 3-4 with one run scored for low A Hickory.
Trinity High School alum Tyler Kuhn was 3-5 with one double, one triple and two runs scored for AA Birmingham.

MiLB roundup: Bats win; Legends lose; Wunderlich’s walk-off grand slam gives Hot Rods win; Dominguez slugs 2 HRs

Minor League Baseball

Chris Dominguez; UofL Photo

Highlights from Friday Kentucky MiLB action:

The Louisville Bats won their eighth consecutive game with a 3-0 win over Indianapolis. Two-time National League All-Star Dontrelle Willis earned the win after surrendering five hits in six shutout innings while striking out six batters and walking two.
Former UofL third baseman Phil Wunderlich slugged a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 10th inning to send the Bowling Green Hot Rods to an 11-7 win over Lake County. The blast was Wunderlich’s first home run of the season. Shortstop Derek Dietrich was 3-5 with one home run, three RBI and four runs scored.
The Lexington Legends dropped a 2-1 decision to Asheville in a rain-shortened five inning game. Left-handed pitcher Brad Dydalewicz took the loss after surrendering two runs, one of which was earned, on five hits in four and one-third innings while striking out two batters and walking one.
Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez slugged two home runs and drove in four runs for high A San Jose.
Lafayette High School alum Chaz Roe took a no decision after surrendering three runs, two of which were earned, on five hits in six innings while striking out five batters and walking one for AAA Tacoma.
One-time UK outfielder turned second baseman Jason Kipnis, who transferred to Arizona St., was 3-5 with one double, one RBI and two stolen bases for AAA Columbus.
Former UofL left-handed pitcher Justin Marks took a no decision after surrendering four runs on seven hits in six innings while striking out five batters and walking two for high A Wilmington.
Former UofL first baseman Andrew Clark was 2-4 with one double and one run scored for low A Hickory.
Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby was 2-4 with one RBI for AAA Toledo.

Cowgill, Roe cut from respective MLB camps; Wright adapts to being UofL’s go-to hitter; Rauch could close for Blue Jays

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Collin Cowgill; Photo: UK Athletics

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

The Arizona Diamondbacks have re-assigned Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill to minor league camp.
The Seattle Mariners have optioned Lexington native Chaz Roe to AAA Tacoma.
Aaron Fitt of Baseball America profiles University of Louisville junior infielder Ryan Wright, who is adapting to becoming a full-time second baseman after playing shortstop and right field during his first two seasons to get his bat in the lineup. (Subscription required)
Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports Louisville native and former Morehead St. right-handed pitcher Jon Rauch could be in line to close games for the Blue Jays if injuries keep Frank Fransisco and Octavio Dotel off the Opening Day roster.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports former UK right-handed pitcher Joe Blanton was frustrated with his Tuesday start, but Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was unconcerned with the results.

Spring roundup: Jon Rauch, Chaz Roe, Sean Green and Scott Downs post scoreless appearances

Major League Baseball

Sean Green; Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Stats and highlights from Friday Kentucky Spring Training action:

Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere was 1-2 with one run scored and a stolen base for the Minnesota Twins.
Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby tallied two walks and one RBI for the Detroit Tigers.
Louisville native and former Morehead St. right-handed pitcher Jon Rauch pitched a scoreless inning for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Lexington native Austin Kearns was 2-4 with one RBI for the Cleveland Indians.
In that same game Lexington native Chaz Roe pitched a scoreless inning for the Seattle Mariners.
Louisville native and former UofL right-handed pitcher Sean Green was credited with a hold after striking out one batter in a perfect inning for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Former UK left-handed pitcher Scott Downs struck out one batter in a scoreless inning for the Los Angeles Angels.
In that same game Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 0-2 with one strikeout for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
PLD alum A. J. Ellis was 0-2 with one strikeout for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Mark Reynolds was 0-2 with one walk and two strikeouts versus the Philadelphia Phillies.

Sunday roundup: Rauch, Roe, Green have scoreless outings

Major League Baseball

Sean Green; Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Stats and highlights from Sunday Kentucky Spring Training action:

Louisville native and former Morehead St. right-handed pitcher Jon Rauch struck out one batter in a scoreless inning for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Lexington native Chaz Roe struck out two batters in a scoreless inning for the Seattle Mariners.
Louisville native and former UofL right-handed pitcher Sean Green surrendered two hits in a scoreless inning for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Louisville native Todd Wellemeyer took a loss after surrendering one run in two innings for the Chicago Cubs.
PLD alum A. J. Ellis walked in his only plate appearance and threw out a runner attempting to steal a base for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Former UofL right-handed pitcher Trystan Magnuson was credited with a blown save after surrendering two runs on three hits in two innings.
Former Kentucky Wesleyan right-handed pitcher Cory Wade was credited with a blown save after surrendering a solo home run in one inning of work for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 0-1 for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere was 0-1 for the Minnesota Twins.
Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby was 0-1 for the Detroit Tigers.
Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla, who was born in Louisville, was 1-3 with one strikeout.
In that same game Braves left-handed pitcher Jonny Venters, who was born in Pikeville, struck out one batter in a scoreless inning.

Kentuckians on MLB Spring Training rosters

Major League Baseball

MLB graphic

Pitchers and catchers have reported to Spring Training camps across Florida and Arizona. In addition to the 17 Kentuckians who appeared in the major leagues last season, several Kentucky minor leaguers are also in MLB camps this Spring. Check out the full list below, remembering that some other minor leaguers will see time during split squad games this Spring.

National League

RHP Michael Broadway — Born in Paducah, Ky. — Atlanta Braves*
2B Dan Uggla — Born in Louisville, Ky. — Atlanta Braves
LHP Jonny Venters — Born in Pikeville, Ky. — Atlanta Braves
OF Corey Hart — Greenwood HS — Milwaukee Brewers
RHP Sean Green — Male HS, UofL — Milwaukee Brewers
3B Zack Cox — PRP — St. Louis Cardinals
LHP Trever Miller — Trinity HS — St. Louis Cardinals
RHP Todd Wellemeyer — Eastern HS, Bellarmine — Chicago Cubs
OF Collin Cowgill — Henry Clay HS, UK — Arizona Diamondbacks*
C A. J. Ellis — PLD — Los Angeles Dodgers
RHP Tyler Clippard — Born in Lexington, Ky. — Washington Nationals
RHP Joe Blanton — Franklin Simpson HS, UK — Philadelphia Phillies
RHP Matt Anderson — St. X — Philadelphia Phillies*
RHP Matt Klinker — Madisonville, Ky. — Cincinnati Reds*
LHP Christian Friedrich — EKU — Colorado Rockies*
LHP Aaron Cook — Born in Fort Campbell, Ky. — Colorado Rockies

American League

LHP Scott Downs — PRP, UK — Los Angeles Angels
RHP Trystan Magnuson — UofL — Oakland Athletics
RHP Jon Rauch — Oldham Co. HS, Morehead St. — Toronto Blue Jays
2B Jason Kipnis — UK — Cleveland Indians*
OF Austin Kearns — Lafayette HS — Cleveland Indians
RHP Josh Lueke — Scott HS, NKU — Seattle Mariners
RHP Shawn Kelley — Ballard HS — Seattle Mariners
RHP Chaz Roe — Lafayette HS — Seattle Mariners
3B Mark Reynolds — Born in Pikeville, Ky. — Baltimore Orioles
RHP Brandon Webb — Boyd Co. HS, UK — Texas Rangers
RHP Cory Wade — Ky. Wesleyan — Tampa Bay Rays*
RHP Nathan Adcock — North Hardin HS — Kansas City Royals
1B Ryan Strieby — UK — Detroit Tigers
OF Ben Revere — Lexington Catholic HS — Minnesota Twins
RHP Nathan Jones — Pendelton Co. HS, NKU — Chicago White Sox

* — Denotes a non-roster invitee.

UofL loses pitcher until midseason; NCBWA ranks Cards No. 22; Paxton negotiations at impasse; Legends host caravan

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Marcus Nidiffer, center; Photo: UK Athletics

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

Brian Foley of College Baseball Daily reports University of Louisville sophomore left-handed pitcher Keith Landers is out until midseason after undergoing a second surgery on his throwing arm during the fall.
The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association has released its preseason poll with UofL at No. 22.
The Lexington Legends annual caravan will begin Wednesday in Danville. The Caravan will also make stops in Cynthiana, Lexington, Somerset, Columbia and Jackson. Kentucky minor leaguers Marcus Nidiffer, Ben Revere, Chaz Roe, Jeremy Shelby and John Shelby III will attend the Lexington event on Thursday. Former Kentucky major leaguers Willie Blair, Andy Green, John Shelby Jr., Jeff Parrett and Josh Anderson will also appear at one of the caravan stops.
Larry Stone of The Seattle Times catches up with Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik about his negotiations with former UK left-handed pitcher James Paxton. In summary, Zduriencik doesn’t sound very optimistic about Paxton signing before Spring Training.
T. R. Sullivan of MLB.com recaps the Texas Rangers’ offseason, pointing to the team’s acquisition of Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb as one of the moves that will define the success of the offseason.
In examining the Atlanta Braves’ offseason Steven Henson of Yahoo! Sports concludes second baseman Dan Uggla, who was born in Louisville, is the new face of the team.
As noted by the Legends, Andy Green has retired and will serve as the hitting coach for the rookie-level Missoula Osprey in 2011.
We’ve removed the Morehead State University lineup projection post after learning several of the choices were inaccurate. It appears Cody Gibson and Garrick Whittle are competing for a weekend rotation spot with Matthew Robertson being a midweek starting pitcher for the Eagles. Junior Matt Cartwright will likely replace Gibson as the Eagles closer. Senior Jeff Arnold may miss some time with an injury. Sophomore Austin Haney is the leading candidate to replace All-OVC shortstop Drew Lee, and freshman outfielder Duran Elmore appears unlikely to see early playing time. (I’ve decided to try the series again but remember the projections are just speculation on my part)

BluGrass Baseball 2011 predictions

College Baseball, High School Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Predictions, based on pure speculation, for 2011 Kentucky baseball that are sure to go wrong:

University of Kentucky junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer finally cashes in on the promise that had him ranked among the top prospects to attend college in 2008 with an All-SEC season. Meyer’s performance secures his status as a first-round pick this June.
Ashland native and 2006 Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb rebounds after missing most of two seasons with a shoulder injury to win 15 games for the reigning American League champion Texas Rangers.
University of Louisville junior infielder Ryan Wright is named a postseason first-team All-American after leading the Cards to their third consecutive Big East Conference championship.
The Lexington Legends unveil the new “Ale-8-One Ballpark.”
The National League all-star team features three players born in Kentucky: Corey Hart, Dan Uggla and Jonny Venters.
Western Kentucky University wins the Sun Belt Conference and enters the NCAA tournament as a two seed.
UofL (Stewart Ijames, Tony Zych, Derek Self, Ryan Wright, Drew Haynes and Gabriel Shaw) and WKU (Jared Andreoli, Kes Carter, Ivan Hartle, Matt Rice, Rye Davis and Brian Edelen) both have six players drafted in June.
Four members of UK’s vaunted junior class are selected in the draft: Meyer, Cory Farris, Chad Wright and Braden Kapteyn. Senior Taylor Black is also selected.
Kentucky’s three Ohio Valley Conference schools each see one player drafted: Eastern Kentucky University junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez, Murray State University junior catcher Jacob Rhodes and Morehead State University senior infielder Travis Redmon.
Morehead St. infielder Bud Morton wins the 2011 BluGrass Baseball freshman of the year award, Meyer wins pitcher of the year and Wright wins player of the year.
PRP alum Zack Cox wins BluGrass Baseball MiLB player of the year and former UK left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin wins MiLB pitcher of the year.
Nine Kentucky minor leaguers make their MLB debuts in 2011: Matt Klinker, Josh Lueke, Trystan Magnuson, Collin Cowgill, Christian Friedrich, Jason Kipnis, Nathan Adcock, Chaz Roe and Ryan Strieby.
Harrison County High School repeats as KHSAA state baseball champions.
Tates Creek High School outfielder and WKU signee Ryan Fucci wins Mr. Kentucky Baseball.
After losing much of its recent talent to the majors the Louisville Bats run of playoff appearances ends.
Boosted by the Tampa Bay Rays signing six players from the first three rounds of the 2010 draft, the Bowling Green Hot Rods finish 2011 as the state’s best minor league team.