The pitching at the lower levels is really shining these days, and it already feels like summer. So let’s take a peek…
Pawtucket 9, Buffalo 5
Zach Lutz’ error opened the flood gates to a PawSox five run fifth which downed the Bisons. Jordanny Valdespin had two more hits as part of Buffalo’s 13 hit attack, but it was not enough.
Portland 5, Binghamton 3
First off, whenever I se SS Sean Kazmar’s name in the lineup for the B-Mets, I do a double take. Next, the starting pitcher for the Seas Dogs was Billy Buckner. Before 2004, do the Red Sox really sign even a minor leaguer with that name? Maybe he would play beside Bebe Ruth? Anyway, once and current Mets farmhand Kevin Mulvey (once sent to the Twins in the Johan Santana trade), walked the first three batters he saw in the sixth and they all scored, which sealed the deal. Juan Ligares went 3 for 5 with a run scored, but he is only hitting .259. After hitting .355 between Hi-A and AA last year, a lot of fans were excited about him, but scouts in the industry still want to see the 24 year old produce at AA.
St. Lucie 2, Palm Beach 1
Yohan Almonte gave up a run in the first, but that was all the Cardinals got. Almonte, followed by Taylor Whitenton and Jeffrey Kaplan tossed goose eggs the rest of the way – and the trio combined for nine strikeouts. Wilmer Flores was back, playing third, was back and knocked in a run and Cory Vaughn had two more hits.
Savannah 6, Augusta 0
Yes, the Sand Gnats rode a six run fourth to top the Green Jackets, but the real story in general is Savannah’s second straight shutout and in particular, Domingo Tapia. The young fire baller went seven strong innings allowing only three hits while striking out 8. Marcus Camarena finished off the Green Jacket with two perfect innings of relief.
3 comments
srt
4/15/2012-8:36am at 8:36 am (UTC -4)
I didn’t know Mulvey was back in the Mets system. Just goes to show prospect wise what a good deal Omar made there. Not sure if I was the Twins I would have settled for any prospect in that deal that was so raw.
Cory Vaughn……..so far no matter what level, this kid seems to be a consistent hitter. Will be curious to see if his skills translate to the ML someday.
Stickguy
4/15/2012-9:32am at 9:32 am (UTC -4)
he needs to start putting up the big numbers soon though. 24 in A+ ball is not exactly fast tracking!
Bryan
4/15/2012-9:41am at 9:41 am (UTC -4)
He definitely needs to earn a AA promotion by mid-season, or his stock will plummet.
Also, Cesar Puello was back in the lineup last night after missing a little over a week.