Tanner Bushue

Chris Wallace, Tanner Bushue win April Legends’ awards

Minor League Baseball

Chris Wallace; BluGrass Baseball photo

In the third April MiLB awards post, we will look at the best hitting and pitching performances from the Lexington Legends:

Hitter of the month: C Chris Wallace

  • Stats: .398, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 20 R
  • Honorable Mention: Daniel Adamson, Adam Bailey, Telvin Nash
Pitcher of the month: RHP Tanner Bushue
  • Stats: 3-0, 2.70 ERA, 11 SO/5 BB, 26.2 IP
  • Honorable Mention: Carlos Quevedo, Gabriel Garcia, Jason Chowning

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

Minor League Baseball

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.

Chowning, three first rounders highlight Legends 2011 roster

Minor League Baseball

The Lexington Legends have released the team’s Opening Day roster, which is highlighted by three former first-round picks and an Eastern High School alum. Louisville native Jason Chowning will become the second Kentucky native to play for the team when the season begins, joining Lexington Legends Hall of Famer Josh Anderson. Check out the full roster below with each player’s hometown and acquisition info listed.

Pitchers

  • RHP Jason Chowning — Louisville, Ky. — 28th round (2010)
  • RHP Ruben Alaniz — La Grulla, Tex. — NDFA (2008)
  • RHP Tanner Bushue — Kinmundy, Ill. — 2nd round (2009)
  • RHP Jorge DeLeon — La Cega Azua, DR — FA (2006)
  • LHP Brad Dydalewicz — Spicewood, Tex. — 8th round (2008)
  • RHP Mike Foltynewicz — Minooka, Ill. — 1st round (2010)
  • LHP Gabriel Garcia — Charallave, VZ — FA (2007)
  • RHP Murilo Gouvea — Sau Paulo, Brazil — FA (2010)
  • RHP David Martinez — Cumana, VZ — FA (2005)
  • RHP Juan Minaya — Maimon, DR — FA (2008)
  • RHP Carlos Quevedo — Valencia, VZ — FA (2006)
  • LHP Alexander Sogard — Austin, Tex. — 26th round (2010)
  • RHP Brian Streilein — Point Pleasant, N. J. — 37th round (2010)

Catchers

  • Roberto Pena — Caguas, PR — 7th round (2010)
  • Chris Wallace — Cypress, Tex. — 16th round (2010)

Infielders

  • Telvin Nash — Belleview, Fla. — 3rd round (2010)
  • Jhonny Medrano — Tucupita, VZ — FA (2005)
  • Delino Deshields Jr. — Ocala, Fla. — 1st round (2010)
  • Enrique Hernandez — Toa Baja, PR — 6th round (2009)
  • Jiovanni Mier — Las Vegas, Nev. — 1st round (2009)
  • Mike Kvasnicka — Lakeville, Minn. — 1st supplemental round (2010)
  • Tyler Burnett — Murfreesboro, Tenn. — 17th round (2010)
  • Ben Orloff — Simi Valley, Cal. — 9th round (2009)

Outfielders

  • Adam Bailey — Monument, Colo. — 23rd round (2010)
  • Daniel Adamson — Spring, Ala. — 20th round (2010)
  • Bryce Lane — Phoenix City, Ala. — 41st round (2010)

Legends among Astros’ top prospects; Webb wants to throw in game situation; Finwood, players shave heads for charity

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Jimmy Paredes; BluGrass Baseball photo

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com ranks 2010 Lexington Legends shortstop Jiovanni Mier, outfielder J. D. Martinez, right-handed pitcher Tanner Bushue and second baseman Jimmy Paredes among the top 10 prospects in the Astros’ organization. Likely 2011 Legends Delino DeShields Jr., Mike Foltynewicz and Austin Wates also are included on the list.
  • Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com reports Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb feels he is ready to pitch in a game situation, but the Rangers have not decided what his next step will be.
  • David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez will start the season with a left-handed pitcher Jonny Venters, who was born in Pikeville, sharing the closer role with right-handed pitcher Craig Kimbrel.
  • Mike Rutsey of the Toronto Sun reports Louisville native and former Morehead St. right-handed pitcher Jon Rauch has been a key mentor for some of the Blue Jays young pitchers this spring.
  • Nick Baumgardner of the Bowling Green Daily News reports Western Kentucky University head coach Chris Finwood and 11 player shaved their heads following their Friday win versus Middle Tennessee to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation that supports the fight against childhood cancer.

Lexington Legends among Astros top prospects; Dan McDonnell highlights fall practice standouts

College Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Jordan Lyles; Photo: Lexington Legends

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • John Manuel of Baseball America has published the magazine’s top 10 Houston Astros’ prospect list with several current, former and future Legends included in the rankings. The list is headlined by 2009 Legend Jordan Lyles, who is followed by 2010 Legends Jiovanni Mier (No. 5), J. D. Martinez (No. 6), Jimmy Paredes (No. 7) and Tanner Bushue (No. 8). Three players on the list, Delino Deshields Jr. (No. 2), Mike Foltynewicz (No. 4) and Austin Wates (No. 9), could open 2011 in Lexington.
  • University of Louisville head coach Dan McDonnell recently completed an interview with College Baseball Daily in which he touches on a number of topics including newcomer standouts from fall practice.
  • The University of Illinois has announced it will play a three-game series at Western Kentucky University on March 11-13 to replace its scheduled appearance in the Metrodome Tournament. The Metrodome suffered a roof collapse on Dec. 12 an officials have announced the facility will not be ready to host previously scheduled college baseball games this spring.
  • UofL assistant coach Xan Barksdale will speak at the American Baseball Coaches Association Convention this weekend about preparing catchers for success.
  • Nick Evans of the Louisville Bats media relations department notes the Cincinnati Reds Caravan will stop at Louisville Slugger Field on Jan. 27.

End of season awards: Lexington Legends

Minor League Baseball

The 2010 Minor League Baseball regular season is in the books for the state’s three minor league teams. Today we’ll start a series looking at the season’s best performances from each team and Kentucky alumni in the minors. In the first season awards post we’ll look at the Lexington Legends.

Hitter of the year: OF J. D. Martinez

  • Outfielder J. D. Martinez was selected as the South Atlantic League most valuable player, so picking him as the Legends best offensive player was a no brainer. Martinez batted .362 with 15 home runs, 64 RBI and 83 runs scored in just 88 games. Despite spending the final two months of the season in AA, Martinez still recorded enough SAL plate appearances to win the league batting title. He also led the league in slugging and on-base percentage.
  • Honorable Mention — Outfielder Jacob Goebbert set new Legends records with 98 RBI and 48 doubles…First baseman Kody Hinze also broke the previous team RBI record with 97 and slugged 19 home runs….Second baseman Jose Altuve was named All-league after batting .308 in 94 games.

Pitcher of the year: RHP Jose Cisnero

  • Right-handed starting pitcher Jose Cisnero led the Legends with eight wins, a 3.65 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 133 innings. Cisnero made 26 starts on the season and boasted a 1.29 WHIP. His 126 strikeouts ranked seventh in the South Atlantic League
  • Honorable Mention — Left-handed pitcher Luis Cruz fell just short of qualifying for the league ERA race but boasted a 3.61 mark with 88 strikeouts in 99 and two-third innings…Closer Kirk Clark set the Legends’ single-season and career saves record with 29…Right-handed pitcher Tanner Bushue led the team with 133 and two-third innings pitched.

August Awards: Lexington Legends

Minor League Baseball

In the second August monthly awards post, we’ll look at the best performances from the Lexington Legends for the month:

Hitter of the month: OF Jacob Goebbert

  • Stats: .390/.453/.520, 1 HR, 27 RBI, 24 R
  • Honorable Mention: Ben Heath, Jimmy Paredes, Kody Hinze, Jiovanni Mier

Pitcher of the month: RHP Tanner Bushue

  • Stats: 2-2, 2.64 ERA, 21 SO/11 BB, 30.2 IP, 5 GS
  • Honorable Mention: Jose Cisnero, Luis Cruz