Christian Friedrich

Revere may return early from injury; Friedrich shut down; Wright named top Team USA prospect

College Baseball, High School Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Christian Friedrich; Photo by Matt McGee via Flickr

Latest links from around Kentucky MiLB action:

  • Aaron Fitt of Baseball America has ranked the top 20 prospects on the collegiate Team USA and lists University of Louisville infielder Ryan Wright at No. 10 on the list. (subscription required)
  • Ken Lipshez of the New Britain Herald reports Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere, thought to be out for the season after being hit in the face by a pitch earlier this month, was in the lineup for AA New Britain Thursday before being scratched due to an equipment issue.
  • Also apologies to Lexington Catholic fans after a commenter pointed out I’ve incorrectly being labeling Revere as a LCA alum recently. The problem has been corrected.
  • Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post reports former EKU left-handed pitcher and top Rockies prospect Christian Friedrich has been shut down for the season after his latest arm injury.
  • Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal writes University of Kentucky outfielder Brian Adams is in the running for playing time at wide receiver for the UK football team, though he is having some trouble transitioning from baseball to football.
  • Mike Fields of the Lexington Herald-Leader reports Paul Laurence Dunbar senior pitcher Cameron Langfels has committed to play collegiately at Eastern Kentucky University.
  • Fields also notes Forcht Bank has extended its its title sponsorship of the KHSAA state baseball tournament through 2013.

MiLB Roundup: Bats, Legends, Hot Rods all win; Friedrich injured again; Ray, Shaffer each tally three hits

Minor League Baseball

Christian Friedrich; Photo by Matt McGee via Flickr

Highlights from Wednesday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • Catcher Devin Mesoraco sent the Louisville Bats to a 5-3 win over Syracuse with a walk-off grand slam in his AAA debut. First baseman Yonder Alonso also homered in the game.
  • Louisville native Seth Bynum homered in the game for Syracuse.
  • The Lexington Legends scored a go-ahead run in the eighth inning en route to a 4-3 win over Greenville. Shortstop Jiovanni Mier was 2-4 with a home run.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods lost a shutout in the ninth inning but held on for a 6-2 win over Lake County. Left-handed pitcher Kyle Lobstein improved to 8-6 by striking out seven and walking none while surrendering just four hits in seven shutout innings.
  • Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich was injured once again, this time with a strained lat muscle in his start for AA Tulsa and had to leave after just 36 pitches.
  • Former UK first baseman and 2010 Twins draftee Lance Ray was 3-3 with two doubles, one RBI and two runs scored for short-season Beloit.
  • Former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 3-4 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored for high A High Desert.

MiLB Roundup: Bats move into first with win; Legends, Hot Rods lose; Adcock almost unhittable; Bynum homers

Minor League Baseball

Nathan Adcock; Photo by mwlguide via Flickr

Highlights from Thursday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats moved into first place in the International League’s West Division with a 10-4 win over Toledo. Outfielder Wladimir Balentien and second baseman Chris Valaika each tallied four hits in the game.
  • Former UK infielder Michael Bertram was 2-4 with a double and RBI for Toledo in the game.
  • Left-handed pitcher Brad Dydalewicz walked two batters and hit one without recording an out in the sixth inning to send the Lexington Legends to a 4-2 loss to West Virginia. Right-handed starting pitcher Juan Minaya surrendered two runs on six hits in six innings and struck out five while walking one.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods lost their second straight game to West Michigan with a 4-1 loss Thursday. Left-handed pitcher Kyle Lobstein lost his sixth game of the season despite surrendering three runs on six hits in six and one-third innings.
  • North Hardin alum Nathan Adcock improved to 9-7 on the season for high A Bradenton after surrendering just three hits in six shutout innings. Adcock struck out six and walked one.
  • Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich took a no decision for AA Tulsa after surrendering four runs on nine hits in six innings.
  • Louisville native Seth Bynum was 3-5 with a home run, double, two RBI and one run scored for AAA Syracuse.
  • One-time UK outfielder Jason Kipnis was 3-5 with a triple, run scored and RBI for AA Akron.
  • Former UK outfielder John Shelby was 3-5 with a double, run scored and RBI for AA Birmingham.

MiLB Roundup: Louisville high school alums no match for Bats; Legends win; Hot Rods lose; Lee, Revere streaking

Minor League Baseball

Ben Revere; Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Highlights from Saturday Kentucky MiLB action with a few Friday highlights thrown in as well:

  • The Louisville Bats pounded out 17 hits en route to a 10-2 win over Columbus. First baseman Yonder Alonso was 3-5 with a home run, two doubles, four RBI and two run scored.
  • Louisville Butler High School alum Marty Popham, who was promoted to Columbus before the game, took the loss after surrendering six runs in four innings. Ballard High School alum Jeremy Sowers surrendered one run in three innings for Columbus in the game.
  • The Lexington Legends were outhit 12-10 but defeated Delmarva 7-6 Saturday. Left fielder Jacob Goebbert and first baseman Kody Hinze each homered for Lexington.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods tallied nine hits but still lost 11-5 to Lansing. Third baseman Julio Cedeno was 2-3 with two runs scored for the Hot Rods.
  • Former Morehead St. shortstop and 2010 White Sox draftee Drew Lee homered and extended his hitting streak to 13 games for rookie-level Bristol.
  • Former UK right-handed pitcher and 2010 Tigers draftee Matt Little picked up his first professional win after striking out four in two scoreless innings for low A West Michigan.
  • Former UofL first baseman and 2010 Rangers draftee Andrew Clark was 3-4 with a walk and four RBI for short-season Spokane.
  • Former UofL left-handed pitcher Justin Marks was promoted to high A Stockton where he took the loss after surrendering seven runs in four runs in his debut.
  • Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich was activated from the disabled list by AA Tulsa but lasted only two and one-third innings in his return.
  • Former NKU right-handed pitcher Josh Lueke was promoted to AAA Tacoma where he pitched two scoreless innings in his debut.
  • Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere is 6-9 with three runs scored in two games and has an eight-game hitting streak.

Burns concentrating on Cape season; Ijames named Cape Cod player of week; Red Sox, Yankees want Downs

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Scott Downs; Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Updates and links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • Brewster Whitecaps General Manager Ned Monthie responded to BluGrass Baseball‘s request for an interview with former University of Kentucky infielder Andy Burns, who recently left the program, by saying, “Andy wants to concentrate on the current season and won’t make any statements at this time.”
  • University of Louisville rising redshirt junior outfielder Stewart Ijames was named the Cape Cod League player of the week after batting .423 with a home run and eight RBI for Yarmouth-Dennis.
  • Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse reports both the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have targeted Louisville native and former UK left-handed pitcher Scott Downs as a possible trade deadline acquisition. Price notes Cincinnati may also have interest in Downs.
  • Yesterday we reported former Eastern Kentucky University left-handed pitcher and Colorado Rockies prospect Christian Friedrich was hit on his pitching elbow by a line drive while pitching for AA Tulsa. Barry Lewis of the Tulsa World has a full recap of the incident with quotes from Tulsa manager Ron Gideon.
  • Jason Stella of the Louisville Bats media relations department writes former Major League outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. has been a valuable mid-season acquisition for the Bats.
  • Jim Callis of Baseball America profiles recently promoted Lexington Legends outfielder J. D. Martinez in his latest “Ask BA” column.

MiLB Roundup: Bats win; Legends, Hot Rods lose; Friedrich injured; Nidiffer streak hits 11 with homer; Ross wins

Minor League Baseball

Marcus Nidiffer, center; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Sunday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats scored four runs in the first inning and held off a late Lehigh Valley rally to earn a 5-4 win over the IronPigs. Shortstop Zach Cozart was 3-4 with a home run, double, two RBI and two runs scored. Starting pitcher Sam LeCure surrendered just two runs in seven innings and struck out 13 while walking none.
  • Former EKU infielder Neil Sellers was 1-4 in the game for Lehigh Valley.
  • Hickory Crawdads starting pitcher Jacob Brigham held the Lexington Legends to just one run in a complete game performance to lead Hickory to a 6-1 win over Lexington. Legends right-handed pitcher Robert Donovan took the loss despite surrendering just two runs in six innings and striking out six.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods tallied just six hits in a 9-0 shutout loss to Peoria. Designated hitter Gabe Cohen was 3-4 in the game.
  • Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich was forced to leave his start for AA Tulsa without recording an out after being hit under the left elbow with a line drive. Friedrich surrendered two runs on four hits. Check back to BluGrass Baseball for updates of Friedrich’s condition later as he is scheduled to be re-examined today.
  • Former UK catcher and 2010 Astros NDFA Marcus Nidiffer extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a 2-6, one home run performance. Nidiffer drove in two runs and scored twice. He is batting .356 with six home runs and 13 RBI in 24 games for rookie-level Greeneville.
  • LCA alum Robbie Ross picked up his first win for high A Bakersfield after surrendering four runs, only one of which was earned, in seven innings. Ross struck out eight and walked just one.
  • Former UofL first baseman and 2010 Rangers draftee Andrew Clark was 3-4 with a stolen base, walk, RBI and run scored for short-season Spokane.
  • Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez was 2-4 with a home run, two runs scored and two RBI for high A Augusta.
  • Former UofL right-handed pitcher Trystan Magnuson picked up his fifth save for AA New Hampshire with three scoreless innings.
  • Former WKU outfielder Chad Cregar slugged his 11th home run of the season for low A Greensboro.
  • Lexington native Jeremy Shelby was 3-6 with a double, RBI and run scored for rookie-level Greensboro.
  • Trinity High School alum Tyler Kuhn slugged his third home run of the season for AA Birmingham.

Friedrich, Martinez named players of week; Burke’s career likely over; Streiby part of Tigers’ 2011 plans

Minor League Baseball

Chris Burke; Photo by grovesa16 via Flickr

Latest links from around Kentucky Minor League Baseball:

  • Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich was named pitcher of the week in the AA Texas League. Lexington Legends outfielder J. D. Martinez was named the player of the week in the South Atlantic League.
  • Louisville native Chris Burke told Michael Grant of the Courier-Journal his baseball career is likely over after being released from the Louisville Bats roster by the Cincinnati Reds in late June, and he now wants to be a college coach.
  • Lynn Henning of The Detroit News writes former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby is blasting his way into the Detroit Tigers’ 2011 plans.
  • Lexington Catholic alum and Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Ben Revere told Bob Nightengale he expected to be traded last week if the Twins had acquired Cliff Lee.

All-Star Links: Hart will start for NL, participate in HR Derby; Kentucky players struggle in Futures Game

Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Corey Hart; Photo by Steve Paluch via Flickr

Relevant Kentucky links from All-Star Festivities:

  • Jordan Schelling of MLB.com reports Bowling Green native and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Corey Hart will start Tuesday’s game for the National League after elected starter and Braves’ outfielder Jason Hayward was removed from the roster with an injury.
  • Hart will also participate in tonight’s State Farm Home Run Derby.
  • The Associated Press reports the Brewers will knock $1 off the price of tickets in one section of Miller Park for two select games for each home run Hart hits during the Derby.
  • Tyler Kepner of The New York Times lists Hart and former Morehead State University pitcher Jon Rauch among his list of unsung 2010 stars.
  • In Sunday’s MLB Futures Game Lexington native Ben Revere was 0-3 for the U.S. team, which defeated the World 9-1. Former Eastern Kentucky University left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich retired the only batter he faced, and former University of Louisville right-handed pitcher Trystan Magnuson surrendered one run in two-thirds of an innings for the World. Louisville Bats first baseman Yonder Alonso was 1-4 for the World team.
  • Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star profiles Magnuson and writes the Canadian owes much of his success to his uncle, Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Keith Magnuson, and former Blue Jays pitching coach Mel Queen, who was influential in Roy Halladay’s career.
  • Baseball America correspondent Phil Miller awards Revere the Minnesota Twins’ mid-season best player award in the team’s organization report. (subscription required)

MiLB Roundup: Ky. teams 0-3 despite Martinez performance; Friedrich, Royse win; Ray, Sellers, Cunningham excel

Minor League Baseball

Christian Friedrich; Photo by Matt McGee via Flickr

Highlights from Thursday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • Oufielder J. D. Martinez was 5-5 with two home run, six RBI and three runs scored, but the the Lexington Legends still lost 10-9 to the West Virginia Power on a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the tenth inning.
  • The Louisville Bats pitching staff was no match for the Toledo Mud Hens in game one of a two-game series as the Bats lost 9-4. Third baseman Juan Francisco was 3-3 with one RBI.
  • Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby, playing left field for Toledo, was 2-5 with two RBI and one run scored in the game.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods dropped a 4-1 decision to the Dayton Dragons. Right-handed pitcher Jason McEachern took the loss but surrendered just four runs in seven innings. Shortstop Robi Estrada has a nine-game hitting streak.
  • Former UK outfielder Lance Ray was a home run shy of the cycle in a 4-4, two runs scored, one RBI performance for rookie-level Elizabethton.
  • Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich earned his second consecutive win after allowing one run in seven innings. Friedrich struck out 12 and walked just two for AA Tulsa.
  • Former UofL right-handed pitcher Thomas Royse picked up his first professional win after surrendering one run in five innings for rookie-level Great Falls.
  • Former WKU infielder Terrence Dayleg was promoted to High A Jupiter, where he went 0-3 in his debut.
  • Former EKU third baseman Neil Sellers was 3-3 with a double for AAA Lehigh Valley.
  • Former Murray St. first baseman Wes Cunningham was 3-5 with a home run, RBI and run scored for short-season Eugene.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t495&gid=2010_07_08_lexafx_wvaafx_1&cid=495&t=g_box

Rowland named Pioneer League POW; Friedrich honors former mentor; EKU hires new assistant coach

Uncategorized

Christian Friedrich; Photo by Matt McGee via Flickr

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • Former Campbellsville catcher Richie Rowland was named player of the week for the rookie-level Pioneer League.
  • Eastern Kentucky University has hired former Middle Tennessee State volunteer assistant coach John Petersen to be a full-time assistant coach.
  • Barry Lewis of the Tulsa World reports former EKU and current AA Tulsa left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich has changed his number from 28 to 10 to honor one of his mentors at EKU, Bryan Stevenson.
  • At least 23 MLB All-Stars will use Louisville Slugger bats this year, WDRB in Louisville reports. Depending on the final-player votes as many as two more Louisville Slugger clients could be added to the game.
  • Western Kentucky University signee Ivan Hartle has been named the Easton NJCAA Division I Baseball Defensive Player of the Year for his work at Iowa Western Community College.
  • Michael Compton of the Bowling Green Daily News reports Bowling Green Hot Rods pitcher Kyle Lobstein is turning the corner.