Yonder Alonso

MiLB roundup: Bats, Legends, Hot Rods lose; Duvall homers; Lee has big night versus hometown team again

Minor League Baseball

Adam Duvall; BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights from Monday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats scored six runs through eight innings but did not score again in a 7-6, 18-inning loss to Rochester. Left Fielder Yonder Alonso, batting leadoff, was 3-8 with two doubles, two RBI and one run scored.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods left 10 men on base in a 2-1 loss to Great Lakes. Left-handed pitcher C. J. Riefenhauser took the loss after surrendering two runs on four hits in four innings while striking out seven batters and walking two.
  • The Lexington Legends at one point trailed Kannapolis by seven runs but could not finish the comeback in a 9-6 loss. Right fielder Adam Bailey was 3-3 with two doubles, two walks and two runs scored.
  • Mount Sterling native and former Morehead St. infielder Drew Lee was 2-4 with one triple, one RBI and one run scored in the game for Kannapolis.
  • Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall was 2-4 with one home run, two RBI and two runs scored for low A Augusta.
  • Former UK outfielder Lance Ray was 2-5 with two runs scored for low A Beloit.
  • Paducah native Daniel Webb took a loss after surrendering seven runs on 10 hits in five and two-third innings in a start for low A Lansing.
  • Former Madisonville resident Matt Klinker took a no decision after surrendering five runs on eight hits in five innings in a start for AA Carolina.

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: Legends, Hot Rods win; Bats lose; Cowgill still hot; Duvall, Dominguez homer; Payton has 3-hit debut

College Baseball

Colling Cowgill; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Sunday Kentucky MiLB baseball:

  • The Lexington Legends held off a late rally in a 5-4 win over Augusta. Designated hitter Michael Kvasnicka was 3-4  with two RBI, and shortstop Jiovanni Mier was 2-4 with two doubles and two runs scored.
  • Louisville native and former UofL infielder Adam Duvall slugged his fourth home run of the season for Augusta. Louisville native Jason Chowning was credited with a hold for Lexington after pitching two scoreless innings of relief.
  • The Bowling Green Hot Rods used a quality start from right-handed pitcher Victor Mateo to earn a 5-2 win over Dayton. Mateo improved to 2-2 on the season after surrendering two runs on three hits in six innings while striking out six batters and walking none.
  • The Louisville Bats blew surrendered three runs after the sixth inning in a 5-2 loss to Norfolk. Left fielder Yonder Alonso was 2-3 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a 2-4 performance for AAA Reno. Cowgill posted his eighth multi-hit game during the streak and is batting .392 on the season with four home runs, 14 RBI and 21 runs scored.
  • Hawesville native and former WKU infielder Wade Gaynor was 4-5 with two doubles, one triple and three runs scored for high A Lakeland.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Andrew Albers earned his second win of the season with four and two-third scoreless innings of relief for high A Fort Myers.
  • Louisville native and former WKU infielder Matt Payton made his season debut for high A Clearwater and was 3-4 with two runs scored.
  • Former UofL infielder Chris Dominguez slugged his sixth home run of the season for high A San Jose.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder John Shelby was 2-4 with one run scored for AA Montgomery.
  • One-time UK infielder turned outfielder Jason Kipnis, who transferred to Arizona St., was 2-4 with one double, one walk, one RBI and two runs scored.
  • Lexington Catholic alum Ben Revere was 2-5 with one run scored for AAA Rochester.
  • Paducah native Eric Roof was 2-4 with one double, two RBI two runs scored and two walks.

Dodgers option Ellis to AAA; Hart should return this week; UK, WKU catchers honored for academic work

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

A. J. Ellis; Photo by frankat1stbase3 via Flickr

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • Steve Dilbeck of The Los Angeles Times reports the Dodgers have optioned PLD alum A. J. Ellis to AAA Albuquerque to make room for previously injured catcher Dionner Navarro.
  • Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports Bowling Green native Corey Hart will return to the Milwaukee Brewers today, but may not be immediately activated from the disabled list.
  • Jason Grey of ESPN.com has posted an in-depth breakdown of Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb‘s rehab appearance in extended spring training on Monday
  • Michael Grant of the Courier-Journal profiles Louisville Bats outfielder Danny Dorn, who only committed to baseball full time after a shoulder injury ended his football career in high school.
  • John Fay, writing for Baseball America, reports the Reds are happy with Bats’ slugger Yonder Alonso‘s transition to left field so far but caution the transition will be slow going. (Subscription required)
  • University of Kentucky redshirt junior catcher T. J. Daugherty was named the UK male scholar athlete of the year at Monday’s Catspy Awards.
  • Former Western Kentucky University star pitcher Matt Ridings notes via Twitter that WKU senior catcher Matt Rice was named the school’s male scholar athlete of the year at a Monday banquet.

MiLB roundup: Bats win; Jake Shaffer streak hits 10 games; Collin Cowgill, Seth Bynum homer; Rusin takes no decision

Minor League Baseball

Colling Cowgill; Photo: UK Athletics

Highlights from Sunday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • The Louisville Bats received a strong start from rehabbing Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Homer Bailey and pounded out 13 hits in a 9-0 win over Toledo. Bailey surrendered three hits in five and one-third shutout innings while striking out six batters and walking one. Designated hitter Yonder Alonso, first baseman Eric Eymann and second baseman Kris Negron each homered in the game.
  • Walton native and former NKU outfielder Jake Shaffer extended his hitting streak to 10 games and was 3-6 with one double, two RBI and two runs scored for AA Jackson. Shaffer is batting .368 with three home runs, 10 RBI and 13 runs scored on the season.
  • Lexington native and former UK outfielder Collin Cowgill was 2-5 with one triple, one home run, one RBI and two runs scored for AAA Reno.
  • Former UK left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin took a no decision after surrendering three runs, two of which were earned, on seven hits in five innings while striking out three batters and walking one for AA Tennessee.
  • Louisville native Seth Bynum slugged his second home run of the season for AAA Syracuse.
  • Trinity alum Tyler Kuhn was 2-4 with one double, one triple, one RBI, one walk and two runs scored for AA Birmingham.

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

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)

Robbins named Sun Belt POW; Riddle named SEC FOW; A’s option Magnuson to AAA; Reds option seven to Louisville

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Logan Robbins bats vs. UK in 2010; BluGrass Baseball photo

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • Western Kentucky University junior shortstop Logan Robbins was named Sun Belt Conference player of the week.
  • University of Kentucky freshman right fielder J. T. Riddle, who was the BluGrass Baseball freshman of the week, has been named the Southeastern Conference freshman of the week.
  • The Oakland Athletics have optioned former UofL right-handed pitcher Trystan Magnuson to AAA Sacramento.
  • The Louisville Bats‘ 2011 roster is starting to take shape after the Cincinnati Reds optioned left-handed pitcher Daniel Ray Herrera, shortstop Kris Negron, infielder Zack Cozart, first baseman Yonder Alonso, right-handed pitcher Carlos Fisher, right-handed pitcher Jordan Smith and utility man Todd Frazier to Louisville.
  • Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports the Rangers pushed back Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb‘s batting practice session to Wednesday or Thursday due to rain. Grant notes Webb will begin his rehab by alternating starts between AAA Round Rock and AA Frisco depending on which team is home.
  • John Wagner, writing for Baseball America, reports now that former UK first baseman Ryan Strieby is healthy his path to the Tigers’ MLB roster is still blocked by Miguel Cabrera. (subscription required)
  • Dick Kaegel of MLB.com reports Elizabethtown native Nathan Adcock is among eight candidates still in the running for the final five spots in the Kansas City Royals’ bullpen.

Aroldis Chapman leads Kentucky prospects on top 100 list

Minor League Baseball

Jordan Lyles; Photo: Lexington Legends

Baseball America has released its annual list of the top 100 prospects in Minor League Baseball.  The top 100 includes several players with Kentucky connections. I’ve listed them below but also check out the links to the full BA list and explanations of the rankings at the bottom of the post.

Baseball America Top 100 Prospects

  • LHP Aroldis Chapman — 2010 Louisville Bats — No. 7
  • LHP Matt Moore — 2009 Bowling Green Hot Rods — No. 15
  • RHP Jordan Lyles — 2009 Lexington Legends — No. 42
  • 2B Jason Kipnis — Former UK outfielder — No. 54
  • 3B Zack Cox — Pleasure Ridge Park HS — No. 63
  • 1B Yonder Alonso — 2010 Louisville Bats — No. 73

BA links

Freidrich, three Bats among top 50 prospects; Dominguez’s power, infield arm rated best in Giants’ system

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Aroldis Chapman; Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com ranks former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich the No. 50 prospect in MiLB. He ranks 2010 Louisville Bats left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman No. 6, catcher Devin Mesoraco No. 45 and first baseman Yonder Alonso No. 49. Former Bowling Green Hot Rods left-handed pitcher Matt Moore checked in at No. 27, and Mayo ranked 2009 Lexington Legends right-handed pitcher Jordan Lyles No. 31.
  • Andy Baggarly of Baseball America rates former UofL third baseman Chris Dominguez as having the best power and best infield arm in the San Francisco Giants’ system.
  • Baggarly also answered a couple of Dominguez questions in the online chat accompanying the prospect rankings. Baggarly speculates the Giants might try Dominguez on the mound if he were to fail as a third baseman. (Subscription required)
  • Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb talks to ESPN Dallas about his decision to sign with the Rangers.
  • Aaron Fitt of BA reports the NCAA denied former University of Kentucky third baseman Andy Burns‘ request for a waiver allowing him to play immediately at Arizona. Burns will have to sit out the 2011 season as a transfer.
  • Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports the Cincinnati Reds’ caravan will stop in Bowling Green, Ashland and Lexington this weekend.