Dave Sappelt

Dave Sappelt, Dontrelle Willis wins April Bats’ awards

Minor League Baseball

In the second April Awards post check out the month’s best performances from the Louisville Bats below:

Hitter of the month: OF Dave Sappelt

  • Stats: 29-85 (.341), 4 HR, 11 RBI, 12 R, 2 SBs
  • Honorable Mention: Jeremy Hermida, Devin Mesoraco, Yonder Alonso
Pitcher of the month: LHP Dontrelle Willis
  • Stats: 2-0, 1.13 ERA, 4 GS, 19 SO/7 BB, 24 IP
  • Honorable Mention: Scott Carroll, Chad Reineke, Tom Cochran

MiLB roundup: Bats sweep DH; Legends split DH; Hot Rods lose; Lee, Ray homer; Cowgill slugs two HRs

Minor League Baseball

Drew Lee; BluGrass Baseball photos

Highlights from Thursday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats swept a double-header from Durham with a 3-2 win in game one and an 11-5 win in game two. Offseason Louisville resident Matt Maloney surrendered one run on three hits in his first start of the season for the Bats in game one. Center fielder Dave Sappelt was 2-4 with one home run, three RBI and one run scored in game two.
  • The Lexington Legends split a double-header with Kannapolis with a 3-2 win in game one and a 3-1 loss in a rain-shortened game two. Right-handed pitcher Carlos Quevedo surrendered two runs on five hits in five innings while striking out eight batters and walking none in game one. Right-handed pitcher Ruben Alaniz took the loss in game two after surrendering two runs in three innings.
  • Mt. Sterling native and former Morehead St. infielder Drew Lee was 3-6 with one home run, one double, one RBI and two runs scored for Kannapolis in the double-header.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods never overcame a five-run first inning from Great Lakes in a 12-5 loss. Third baseman Robi Estrada was 3-4 with one home run, one double, two RBI and two runs scored.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 4-7 with two home runs, two RBI and four runs scored for AAA Reno.
  • Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a 1-5 performance for AA Jackson.
  • Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere was 4-4 with one run scored for AAA Rochester.
  • Former UK outfielder Lance Ray was 2-4 with one home run, one double, one RBI and one run scored for low A Beloit.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder John Shelby was 3-4 with one RBI for AA Montgomery.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Logan Darnell took a no decision after surrendering two runs on two hits in six and one-third innings while striking out four batters and walking one.
  • Former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby was 2-5 with one run scored for AAA Toledo.
  • Former UofL third baseman Chris Dominguez was 2-4 with two runs scored for high A San Jose.
  • Former UofL outfielder Boomer Whiting was 2-5 with one run scored for AAA Syracuse.
  • Hawesville native and former WKU infielder Wade Gaynor was 2-5 for high A Lakeland.
  • Louisville native Zack Cox extended his hitting streak to five games with a 2-4 performance for high A Palm Beach.
  • Trinity alum Tyler Kuhn was 2-3 with one RBI for AA Birmingham and his hits in four consecutive games.
  • Lexington native Robbie Ross took a loss for high A Myrtle Beach after surrendering six runs on eight hits in four innings.
  • Danville native Patrick Cooper took a loss in his first start of the season for low A West Michigan after surrendering three runs on one hit in three and one-third innings.

Mesoraco headlines top Kentucky MiLB team prospects

Minor League Baseball

Throughout the minor league season BluGrass Baseball maintains a list of the top 10 prospects on the three Kentucky minor league teams and the top 10 prospects among Kentucky alumni. With the 2011 season underway it is time to update the top 10 prospects list for the three minor league teams. Check out the list below, remembering that the top prospect list is always available on the “Top Prospects” page on the left sidebar here.

  1. C Devin Mesoraco — Louisville Bats
  2. 1B Yonder Alonso — Louisville Bats
  3. 2B Delino Deshields Jr. — Lexington Legends
  4. RHP Mike Foltynewicz — Lexington Legends
  5. LHP Enny Romero — Bowling Green Hot Rods
  6. SS Zach Cozart — Louisville Bats
  7. 3B/LF Todd Frazier — Louisville Bats
  8. RHP Tanner Bushue — Lexington Legends
  9. LHP Braulio Lara — Bowling Green Hot Rods
  10. OF Dave Sappelt — Louisville Bats

MiLB roundup: Bats, Legends win; Hot Rods lose; Cowgill, Gaynor homer; Cox has four hits; Bushue’s streak at 15 IP

Minor League Baseball

Colling Cowgill; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Tuesday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • Chad Reineke improved to 3-0 on the season with the Louisville Bats‘ 4-2 win over Columbus. Reineke surrendered two runs on four hits in six innings while striking out one batter and walking three. Left fielder Dave Sappelt was 3-5 with one double and one triple.
  • Tanner Bushue extended his scoreless inning streak to 15 and improved to 3-0 on the season with the Lexington Legends‘ 2-0 win over Savannah. Bushue surrendered two hits in six shutout innings while striking out two batters and walking two.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods dropped to 7-6 on the season with a 7-2 loss to Dayton. Center fielder Todd Glaesmann was 2-3 with one home run, one RBI and one run scored.
  • Louisville native Zack Cox was 4-6 with one run scored for high A Palm Beach.
  • Hawesville native and former WKU infielder Wade Gaynor was 2-5 with one home run, two RBI and two runs scored for high A Lakeland.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 1-3 with one home run, two walks, one RBI and three runs scored for AAA Reno.
  • Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich took a no decision after surrendering two runs on five hits in five innings while striking out five batters and walking two for AA Tulsa.
  • Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall was 2-5 with one double and one run scored for low A Augusta.

MiLB roundup: Bats, Hot Rods, Legends win; Kuhn has four hits; Glad has three hits in support of Darnell’s stellar start

Minor League Baseball

Logan Darnell; BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights from Thursday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats w0n their seventh consecutive game with a 5-2 victory over Indianapolis. Right-handed pitcher Chad Reineke improved to 2-0 after surrendering two runs on six hits in six and two-third innings. Left fielder Dave Sappelt, third baseman Todd Frazier and center fielder Kris Negron all homered for Louisville.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods used a three-run fifth inning to earn a 4-1 win over Fort Wayne. Left-handed pitcher Braulio Lara earned the win after surrendering one run on two hits in five innings, and left-handed pitcher Chris Rearick earned the save after surrendering one hit in four shutout innings.
  • The Lexington Legends held 2010 No. 1 pick Bryce Harper to just one hit in a 7-0 shutout win over Hagerstown. Right-handed pitcher Tanner Bushue improved to 2-0 after surrendering five hits in eight shutout inning while striking out four and walking two. Designated hitter Telvin Nash and center fielder Daniel Adamson each homered for Lexington.
  • Louisville native Tyler Kuhn was 4-4 with one stolen base for AA Birmingham.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 3-6 with one RBI, two runs scored and one stolen base.
  • Former UK third baseman Gunner Glad was 3-6 with one double for low A Beloit.
  • Glad’s performance backed a stellar pitching performance from former UK left-handed pitcher Logan Darnell, who took a no decision despite surrendering just two hits in eight shutout innings while striking out six batters and walking none for Beloit.
  • Former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich took a loss after surrendering seven runs on eight hits in six innings in a start for AA Tulsa.
  • One-time UofL left-handed pitcher Zach Jackson, who transferred to Texas A&M from UofL, took a no decision after surrendering five runs on nine hits in seven innings while striking out four batters and walking none.

MiLB roundup: Bats win; Hot Rods lose; Legends split DH; Shelby has three hits; Ray homers; Wiley, Shaffer streaking

Minor League Baseball

John Shelby; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Wednesday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats scored five runs in the first inning and added some late insurance in a 10-4 win over Indianapolis. One-time Madisonville resident Matt Klinker earned the win after surrendering three runs on eight hits in five innings while striking out two batters and walking one. Center fielder Dave Sappelt was 3-5 with one home run, two RBI and three runs scored.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods‘ late rally fell just short in a 3-2 loss to Fort Wayne. Right-handed pitcher Eliazer Suero surrendered two hits in five scoreless innings of relief while striking out two batters and walking none.
  • The Lexington Legends split a double-header with Hagerstown with a 1-0 loss in game one and a 6-4 win in game two. In game one right-handed pitcher Mike Foltynewicz took the loss despite surrendering just one run on five hits in six innings while striking out three batters and walking one. In game two first baseman Tyler Burnett was 2-2 with one home run, one RBI and two runs scored. Hagerstown right fielder Bryce Harper, the 2010 No. 1 pick, slugged his first professional home run in game two.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder John Shelby was 3-5 with one RBI and two runs scored for AA Montgomery.
  • Richmond native and former UK outfielder Keenan Wiley extended his hitting streak to five games for low A Rome with a 2-4, one double, one walk and two runs scored performance.
  • Former UK first baseman Lance Ray slugged his first home run and scored three times for low A Beloit.
  • Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer extended hits hitting streak to five games with a double for AA Jackson.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin took a no decision despite surrendering six runs on nine hits in four innings in a start for AA Tennessee. Rusin struck out five batters and walked one.
  • Paducah native Daniel Webb struggled in his season debut for low A Lansing and took a loss after surrendering seven runs on 10 hits in three innings.

MiLB roundup: Bats win; Hot Rods, Legends lose; Glad homer is not enough for Darnell; Revere steals two bases

Minor League Baseball

Gunner Glad, left; UK Athletics photo

Highlights from Saturday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats scored two runs in the first inning then held on for a 2-1 win over Toledo. Center fielder Dave Sappelt was 3-4 with one run scored and is batting .500 on the young season. Right-handed pitcher Chad Reineke earned the win after surrendering one run on four hits in five innings while striking out five batters and walking one.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods dropped their first game of the season with a 5-4 loss to Dayton. Former UofL infielder Phil Wunderlich had a double, and third baseman Steven Tinoco was 2-4 with one run scored.
  • Charleston scored four runs in the eighth inning to break open a 3-3 tie and send the Lexington Legends to a 7-3 loss. Left-handed pitcher Brad Dydalewicz took a no decision after surrendering two runs on three hits in five innings.
  • Former UK infielder Gunner Glad was 2-3 with one home run, three RBI and two runs scored for low A Beloit.
  • Glad’s home run was not enough to get his former UK teammate Logan Darnell a win. Darnell took the loss for Beloit after surrendering five runs on five hits in three innings while striking out four batters and walking one in his first start of the season.
  • Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez was 2-5 with two RBI and two runs scored for high A San Jose.
  • One-time UofL left-handed pitcher Zach Jackson earned the win for AAA Round Rock after surrendering four runs on nine hits in five and one-third innings in his first start of the season.
  • Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer was 2-5 with one RBI for AA Jackson and is 5-9 (.556) on the young season.
  • Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere was 2-5 with one walk, one RBI and two stolen bases for AAA Rochester.

Top Reds’ prospects highlight Bats Opening Day roster

Minor League Baseball

The Louisville Bats have unveiled the team’s Opening Day roster, which is highlighted by five of the Cincinnati Reds’ top 10 prospects according to Baseball America. The Bats will also feature right-handed pitcher Matt Klinker, who spent some time at Madisonville North Hopkins High School before moving to Ohio. Check out the full roster below:

Pitchers

  • RHP — Scott Carroll — Kansas City, Mo. — 3rd Round (2007)
  • LHP — Tom Cochran — Wilmington, Del. — 20th round, Red Sox (2003)
  • RHP — Carlos Fisher — West Covina, Cal. — 11th round (2005)
  • RHP — Jerry Gil — San Pedro de Macoris, DR — FA, D’Backs (1999)
  • LHP — Daniel Ray Herrera — Odessa, Tex. — 45th round (2006)
  • LHP — Jeremy Horst — Cheyenne, Wyo. — 21st round (2007)
  • RHP — David Johnson — Los Angeles, Cal. — 15th round, Brewers (2004)
  • RHP — Matt Klinker — Peru, Ind. (Madisonville, Ky.) — 15th round (2007)
  • LHP — Joseph Krebs — Denton, Tex. — 14th round (2007)
  • RHP — Kyle McCulloch — Houston, Tex. — 1st round, White Sox (2006)
  • RHP — Chad Reineke — Defiance, Ohio — 13th round, Astros (2004)
  • LHP — Dontrelle Willis — Oakland, Cal. — 8th round, Cubs (2000)

Catchers

  • Devin Mesoraco — Dubois, Penn. — 1st round (2007)
  • Corky Miller — Yucaipa, Cal. — NDFA (1998)

Infielders

  • 1B — Yonder Alonso –Havana, Cuba — 1st round (2008)
  • SS — Zack Cozart — Memphis, Tenn. — 2nd round (2007)
  • 1B — Daniel Dorn — San Dimas, Cal. — 32nd round (2006)
  • 1B — Michael Griffin — Corpus Christi, Tex. — 14th round (2005)
  • SS — Kris Negron — Willingboro, N. J. — 7th round, Red Sox (2006)
  • 2B — Chris Valaika — Santa Monica, Cal. — 3rd Round (2006)

Outfielders

  • Brian Barton — Los Angeles, Cal. — NDFA (2004)
  • Todd Frazier — Point Pleasant, N. J. — 1st supp. round (2007)
  • Jeremy Hermida — Atlanta, Ga. — 1st round, Marlins (2002)
  • Dave Sappelt — Graham, N. C. — 9th round (2008)

Adcock overcomes two hits in MLB debut; Friedrich excels in scrimmage; Ellis to serve as Dodgers’ primary backup

Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

 

Nathan Adcock; Photo by mwlguide via Flickr

Latest links and notes from around Kentucky baseball:

 

  • Elizabethtown native Nathan Adcock surrendered two hits in a scoreless inning in his MLB debut in the Kansas City Royal’s loss to the Angels on Opening Day.
  • Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com reports PLD alum A. J. Ellis will serve as the Dodgers’ primary backup catcher until Dioner Navarro returns from injury.
  • Barry Lewis of the Tulsa World reports former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich impressed Colorado Rockies manager Jim Tracy by throwing six shutout innings in a start against the big league team to end Spring Training.
  • John Fay, writing for Baseball America, profiles Louisville Bats outfielder Dave Sappelt, who impressed the Reds with a .564 batting average in Spring Training. (Subscription required)

Corey Hart injured; Mariners close to signing Paxton; Blanton shakes off trade rumors; Brandon Webb throws off mound

Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Corey Hart; Photo by Steve Paluch via Flickr

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Bowling Green native Corey Hart suffered a slight strain of his right side during defensive drills Saturday. Hart may miss a couple of days with the injury according to Brewers manager Ron Roenicke.
  • Following a night full of Internet rumors, Keith Law of ESPN.com reports via Twitter that former UK left-handed pitcher James Paxton has not signed with the Seattle Mariners yet, but the deal is “getting close.” Paxton was the team’s fourth-round pick in 2010 after he was ruled ineligible during his senior season at UK for having his agent, Scott Boras, negotiate directly with the Toronto Blue Jays following the 2009 draft.
  • Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports former UK right-handed pitcher Joe Blanton shrugged off the rampant offseason trade rumors and the his status as forgotten man in the Phillies rotation to post a stellar Spring Training debut.
  • Jeff Caplan of ESPNDallas.com reports Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb threw off a mound for the first time this Spring on Sunday.
  • John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports Louisville Bats outfielder Dave Sappelt was the start of the Reds’ Saturday intrasquad scrimmage.