DHonks

Rogers showing he still knows how to handle pitching in AZ. Nice to see Hill in there, as he's my sleeper for this year, like that Hun fella last year

I can't believe Krynzel will be there, he's well down on the prospect scale these days Al, in past years working the league, we've seen different organizational philosophies. For instance, the DRays sent a hodge-podge. They sent two undrafted overachievers (Elliot Johnson, Brian Stokes), a college stud who held out (Wade Townsend), a decent power prospect at the corners (Wes Bankston), and a decent pitching prospect who had almost pitched himself out of organized ball before he had a revelation (Jamie Shields, now on the DRays). The Braves sent us Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Ryan Basner, Paul Bush, Jonathon Schuerholz, Josh Burris, and Ryan Tucker...how many of them are top prospects? The Dodgers sent us James Loney, Matt Kemp, Andy LaRoche, Tony Abreu, Eric Hull, and Beau Danmiller. That's pretty darn good. Oh, and Greg Miller was there about two weeks. In two years, the A's have sent Shane Komine (starting today), John Baker, Jeremy Brown, Andre Ethier, Kurt Suzuki, Huston Street, etc. The Dbacks have sent Stephen Drew and Casey Daigle-Finch (just kidding). But just as the Braves only sent one stud, the Philles sent us Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, and a bunch of AA/AAA fodder. The Angels sent a bunch of guys in '04 that have seen big league time, but the only impact player of the group was Mike Napoli. Some teams like to send their top arms, as the Brewers have sent Hendrickson, Sarfate, Eveland, etc. Some like to send rehabbing pitchers, since it can help them make up for missing a chunk of time. Some refuse to send top pitchers. Some send their best hitters, while others send just about anyone. Remember, the teams have priority players. While I've never been in on a meeting, it basically comes down to 6 farm directors sitting around (or conference call) and saying "well, I'd like to send Fielder and have him play each day." "I'd like to send Brandon Wood and have him play each day". The priority guys must play 5 of the 6 days each week, unless hurt.

wow, Dillard and Eveland give us 7+, and now we have two guys go 8 IP on low pitch counts in A and Rookie? wow (again) edit: well, now the AZ line shows Peralta taking them to the 9th instead of Ramirez...still good to see

Colby, just wondering if we still have the draft-day scouting report on this kid. He's lighting it up in AZ, and it appears he held his own there last year in limited playing time.

so I was thinking about it, and it wouldn't surprise me to see the Brewers allocate Gwynn, Nix, and/or Krynzel to the AFL. Perhaps Sarfate as closer, or Hendrickson as a reliever. The reason is that several are out of options, and the Brewers likely will be making decisions on them.

I felt that Escobar and Iribarren weren't being considered, because I'm pretty sure the league has a rule where a player cannot play in the AFL unless the team's in his native country don't want him. In Escobar's case, he wasn't good enough to make his nation's winterball clubs, so he was elligible for the AFL.

So, who would people like to see represent the Crew in the Fall League? Generally a team gets 6 players. I would like to see them send: Steve Hammond Manny Parra Narron/Jones/Rogers Ryan Braun Brendan Katin/Rottino Lou Palmisano I figure 3 pitchers, heavily leaning towards rehab guys and college picks. I don't figure we have a worthy 2b, SS, or 1b to send from the AA/AAA levels, and Escobar and Iribarren should be in winter ball. I listed Katin as our OF, since he's in A+, and a fall league club can have 1 or two A ballers, total. Rottino could be in his place, playing all over. And I'm sure they'd love to send Palmisano to try to get him on the right track

As usual, Will Inman seems to only get angry when he gets lit up...and other teams don't like him when he's angry. Also, wouldn't it be interesting if Mike Jones were to get his ERA to 3.10 or lower to finish the year.

a bright note is a no-run outing for Mercedes. Sure would be nice to see some results from him, Peralta, Periard, and Pascual And, WOW Dennis Sarfate. Keep up the good work

just wondering what has happened with Wahpepah. He started out throwing well and was an allstar, but now he's had a horrible couple of months.

so what do we know of this Rivas kid?

nice to see Stanczyk with a good outing. He was someone I loved following in link reports last year, but has been forgotten this year

wow, a very tasty menu tonight.

nice job there...Brady just missed it. but good to get the 4-spot so far. how about another run or two ??

i actually feel good about Geoff right here

nice night for the W. Va boys. And how about those Power pitchers? all three with sparkling ERA's tonight

what would help is that hitters often swing at the first good pitch they see off a reliever, whereas with a starter they tend to try to work the count and see pitches for later at bats. So it should help him become more efficient with his pitches. Like everyone else has said, it should also mean a possible promotion.

too bad for Robbie, as he was very good in Helena two straight years. He--like Josh Baker--is someone I expected to thrive in W. Va in '05, and it never happened

too bad for Robbie, as he was very good in Helena two straight years. He--like Josh Baker--is someone I expected to thrive in W. Va in '05, and it never happened

He should be in AA with Yo It would seem logical that they are: a) keeping him in W. Va to help them make a playoff run b) planning on skipping him to AA next year, c) planning on moving him up for the month of August as they've done with some in the past.

wow, De La Rosa with a gem. That's 3 good ones and one bad one. He'd be better than Jackson for a few starts at least. And anyone think Gillespie will be in W. Va soon?

Great outing by Hammond. I'm just worried a bit about Parra. shutout innings yet being pulled...yuck. And boy does that Huntsville lineup look improved. Finally, go Hurricane

Also, is it wrong of me to have been relieved to see that W. Va lost, but Inman didn't give up a run?

Brett Whiteside goes the distance behind the plate in the 102 degree "dry heat" -- tell me that isn't a workout with those mound performances; Actually Mass, it isn't a dry heat. I just came back to Wisconsin from there, and Arizona is experiencing an early Monsoon. Last week temperatures were around 100-110, with humidities at least in the 50% range. I'd estimate that 105 with 50% humidity is as uncomfortable as Wisconsin's 90 with 75+% humidity. Although in general, 100 in Arizona is rather comfortable as long as you're not in downtown Phoenix. Most of the day has steady breezes, and you really don't sweat in dry heat. I swear half of what makes it uncomfortable is the sweat, which is a product of humidity.

I rarely critique them, but I'm curious why Jeffress isn't being stretched out. Are they working on things with him, is he just getting his arm ready to go to Helena, is he exceeding the organization's per inning pitch limit?