It was a good day for the Columbus and the Netherlands, 21-year old RHP Shairon Martis struck out 12 over 5 2/3IP, 24-year old Roger Bernadina was 1/2 with a pair of walks, run & stolen base and 28-year old 3B Yurendell de Caster’s second inning two-run home run put the Clippers ahead to stay in a 4-1 victory over Pawtucket (box/gamer). Martis allowed one run on five hits and two walks to pick up his first Triple-A victory. A rehabbing Lastings Milledge was 1/4 with one RBI.
Record: Columbus 56-46, 3rd place IL West (3GB)
Tonight: RHP Tyler Clippard (6-7, 4.30) versus Pawtucket RHP Devern Hansack (4-9, 4.45) 7:05PM
Harrisburg could muster only three hits on offense and Senators pitching allowed three home runs in a 4-1 loss in Bowie (box/gamer). 23-year old 1B Bill Rhinehart was 2/4 with a double and 25-year old CA Devin Ivany was 1/4 with a single accounting for all of the Senators hits. 24-year old RHP Adrian Alaniz fell to 0-3 allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits an one walk over six innings.
Record: Harrisburg 56-45, 3rd place IL West (3GB)
Tonight: LHP Justin Jones (2-0, 5.56) at Bowie RHP Brad Bergesen (11-3, 3.05) 7:05PM
23-year old RHP Luis Atilano and three relievers combined on a three-hit shutout as Potomac blanked Kinston 8-0 (box/gamer). Atilano allowed only one hit and one walk over five innings of work, striking out one. 23-year old LHP Atahaulpa Severino provided two innings of one hit relief, striking out three. The P-Nats were led on offense by 25-year old 3B Trevor Lawhorn who was 1/4 with a three-run home run. 24-year old 1B Andrew Lefave was 3/5 with a double & two runs; 25-year old DH Dee Brown was 2/2 wityh a walk, double, two RBI & three runs scored; 23-year old RF Aaron Seuss was 2/4 with a double & RBI; 24-year old CF Francisco Plasencia was 2/4 with a double & run scored; and 22-year old CA Jhonathan Solano was 1/4 with a double & two RBI.
Record: Potomac 18-12, 1st place Carolina North (3 games ahead)
Today: RHP Zack Segovia (2-1, 3.25) versus Kinston LHP Kelvin De La Cruz (NR) 12:05PM
Hagerstown’s offense continues to struggle as they could manage only one run on five hits in a 7-1 loss to Greenville (box/gamer). 19-year old RHP Colton Willems scattered seven hits, one walk and four runs (two earned) over 5IP with five strikeouts. 22-year old CF Mark Gildea was 1/3 with a walk & run scored and 23-year old LF Jesus Valdez was 1/4 with the lone RBI.
Record: Hagerstown 14-18, 4th place Sally North (9GB)
Today: RHP Cole Kimball (3-6, 6.24) at Greenville RHP Ryne Lawson (4-2, 3.53) 11:05AM
19-year old LHP Patrick McCoy and 21-year old RHP Randy Matias held the Cyclones scoreless through seven as Vermont beat Brooklyn 6-1 in their series opener (box/gamer). McCoy allowed three hits and four walks over 4 1/3IP while striking out three and Matias picked up the win with 2 2/3 one-hit innings of relief, striking out three. 22-year old RHP David Slovak picked up his fifth save, pitching the final 1 1/3 innings. 22-year old 2B Blake Stouffer was 3/5 with a double & RBI; 19-year old DH Derek Norris was 2/3 with two runs & one RBI; 21-year old RF Michael Guerrero was 2/4 with one RBI; and 21-year old 1B Tyler Moore was 2/4 with a double & three RBI.
Record: Vermont 18-14, 1st place NYP Stedler (1.5 games ahead)
Tonight: RHP P.J. Dean (2-0, 0.41) versus Brooklyn 7:00PM
The GCL Nationals split a doubleheader with the GCL Mets, scoring five unearned runs in an 8-7 win in game one (box) before losing game two 3-2 (box). A rehabbing Mike O’Connor made the start in game one, allowing five runs (one earned) on four hits and on one walk over 5 1/3IP with six strikeouts. 21-year old 1B Ronnie Labrie was 2/2 with his first professional home run, a solo shot. 20-year old CF Chris Curran was 1/4 with two runs scored. And 20-year old DH J.R. Higley, 22-year old 1B J.P. Padron, and 19-year old CA Dan Killian each had one RBI for the Nats.
Three products of the Nats effort in the DR, 21-year old 2B Francisco Soriano, 18-year old SS Smiley Gonzalez, and 20-year old 3B Yeurys Tejeda, each had a hit for the GCL Nats in the loss. 22-year old RHP Chris Kelley allowed two runs on nine hits over 5 2/3IP with three strikeouts.
Record: GCL Nats 14-12, 2nd place GCL East (2.5GB)
Today: GCL Nats at GCL Marlins 12:00PM
The DSL Nationals1 scored five early runs and held on for a 5-2 victory over the DSL Tigers (box). 22-year old RHP Juan Martinez moved to 7-0 on the season allowed only an unearned run on five hits over 7IP while striing out four. 20-year old 1B Eduardo Urbina was 2/5 with a double, triple, RBI & two runs; 18-year old CF Eury Perez was 2/4 with two stolen bases & a run; 19-year old RF Angelberth Montilla was 3/4 with a run & two RBI; 17-year old 2B Adrian Sanchez was 2/5 with a double & run scored; and 19-year old SS Justino Cuevas was 2/4 with a double.
The DSL Nationals2 won a 7-6 see-saw game with the DSL Padres (box). 19-year old RHP Luis Jimenez started for the Nats2, allowing two runs on one hit and five walks over 2 2/3IP. 21-year old RHP Wanel Vasquez picked up the win in relief despite blowing the save, giving up a run on one hit and two walks over 2IP and 20-year old RHP Rafael Castillo picked up the save, allowing a run on no hits & two walks over 2IP with three strikeouts. The DSL Nats2 were 8/10 in stolen bases for the game … 18-year old 2B Hendry Jimenez (1/4 with a double & two runs) stole one base; 19-year old CA Andruth Ramirez (1/3 with one RBI) stole a base; 21-year old LF Isidro Montesino (1/4 with a run) stole three bases; 19-year old RF Weeseley Hernandez (0/1 with four walks & two runs) stole one base; 20-year old 3B Earving Fernandez (2/4 with one RBI) stole a base; and 19-year old 1B Juan Urdaneta (0/4) stole a base. 20-year old DH Jose Altuve was 2/5 with two runs & three RBI.
Record: DSL Nats1 38-6, 1st place DSL S.D. West (18 games ahead); DSL Nats2 17-28, 3rd place DSL S.D. West (21.5GB)
Today: DSL Nats1 versus DSL Padres; DSL Nats2 versus DSL Tigers; both games at 10:30AM
Chris | 23-Jul-08 at 8:51 am | Permalink
Made the trip out to Brooklyn to see the game and McCoy looked very solid. I hope the radar gun was broken as no one broke 85 the whole night. McCoy had a nice curveball to keep people off balance tho. He looked very mature out there, not overmatched at all. Matias looked really good, he looked to be throwing a lot harder than McCoy (although it was still about 85) and had a lot of energy.
There were a couple of great defensive plays with Arata making an over the shouldar catch down the lf line, but Souza made the play of the night laying out to catch a pop up in 5th with teh bases loaded to get Matias out of the inning
Norris runs very well, doesnt look like a catcher at all. He beat out a inf single and stole a base. Everyone was very agressive on the basepaths.
Moore’s 3 run double was the hardest hit ball all night, he was sitting fastball 3-2 and ripped it down the line. I was impressed by Guerrero also, he flew out deep to right and ripped a single in the 1st
I was very impressed by the team overall. They did all the little things like pitchers covering bases, backing up throws, hitting cutoff men. The defensive infield is very strong (esp Stoufer and Arata). And they all seem to really like each other. McCoy was bummed out when he had to come out and Norris(played DH) came out to meet him and talk to him. Everyone was pumped up by Matias’ energy and Souzas play in the 5th too.
Brian Oliver | 23-Jul-08 at 8:54 am | Permalink
Chris - Thanks for the firsthand report
MO Nats Fan | 23-Jul-08 at 9:22 am | Permalink
Any idea when the two newest Nats will get their debut?
Also, who gets the call-up to AAA to take Mock’s spot in the Clippers rotation?
Brian Oliver | 23-Jul-08 at 9:29 am | Permalink
Mock seems likely to be an arm out of the pen. He started on Monday, so I would not expect to see him until this weekend … maybe Saturday.
The only chance that changes is if Odalis Perez or Tim Redding are dealt and Mock assumes their spot in the rotation.
As for Bonifacio, if Lopez or Belliard are dealt, I’d guess he gets the call. Aside from that, September roster call-up.
In Columbus, it could be Mike O’Connor coming off of the DL to take that spot. He pitched in the GCL yesterday and could just return vice making another rehab start.
Chris | 23-Jul-08 at 9:49 am | Permalink
No problem, my pleasure
dd | 23-Jul-08 at 10:00 am | Permalink
Nats commented on Bonifacio’s speed after making the trade.
Who is the fastest baserunner in the system now? People have previously mentioned Boomer Whiting. Anyone know if GCL’s Chris Curran is a good prospect? He is among the leaders in SB.
Ronny | 23-Jul-08 at 10:00 am | Permalink
Brian- Do you have any idea when Bonifacio is going to play his first game for Columbus?
Brian Oliver | 23-Jul-08 at 10:03 am | Permalink
dd - Whiting was probably among the fastest in the system.
Ronny - Ideally, I’d expect him to start tonight but nothing official yet.
Marcus | 23-Jul-08 at 10:38 am | Permalink
What are peoples thoughts of Mock as a reliever?
Nats fan in NJ | 23-Jul-08 at 10:48 am | Permalink
Marcus - I was going to ask the same question. I’m thinking that Mock might make a good 8th inning set-up guy or possibly even closer material.
Brian - What are your thoughts?
With regard to the trade, I am in Brian’s boat. I’m not opposed. I would have liked to have gotten more, but don’t see where the market is allowing for more. Plus, a 23-year old AAA all-star 2B who needs to improve his hitting eye is a nice prospect to have. Lets just keep him away from Lenny Harris!!
Brian Oliver | 23-Jul-08 at 10:55 am | Permalink
Marcus/NFiNJ - I have thought the same thing. The biggest hurdle Mock is going to face is the flatness of his fastball. If he can somehow find a way to deal with that, he has a shot as a RHRP. He really only needs two solid pitches to have a chance of success as a reliever (Mock has four solid pitches).
Berndaddy | 23-Jul-08 at 11:06 am | Permalink
Brian can you explain flatness in a thrown ball and how it comes about? Can it be fix by changed mechanics.
Brian Oliver | 23-Jul-08 at 11:12 am | Permalink
Bern - It basically means his fastball comes in very straight. No movement up or down; left or right. It is considerably easier for a major league hitter to tee off on a pitcher who has little movement on his FB.
Berndaddy | 23-Jul-08 at 11:16 am | Permalink
Is that because his speed? Chad Cordero’s pitches flattened out then as his speed never got in the 90’s where in the past at 90+ it had late movement. Is this part of what your talking about.
Berndaddy | 23-Jul-08 at 11:19 am | Permalink
Sorry to sound naive I’ve just never known some terminology and I’ve been watching for a long time.
Thx Brian
Brian Oliver | 23-Jul-08 at 11:20 am | Permalink
Sometimes by taking a little off the speed of the pitch might allow for more movement. I’m not sure if that’s the case with Mock but it’s worked for others in the past.
Tofu Dog | 23-Jul-08 at 11:49 am | Permalink
Speaking of teeing off, I saw Alaniz at Bowie last night and it wasn’t his fastball that they were hitting, it was his curve, but it wound up out of the park three times and he was hit harder than that in the early innings.
Marc | 23-Jul-08 at 11:49 am | Permalink
Bern,
The physics of a “straight” fastball means that it’s very predictably in the same spot - all pitches move downward as they travel from the pitcher’s hand to the catcher’s mitt, but “straight” fastballs travel on a predictable, downward sloping straight line from the hand to the glove. “Sinking” fastballs fall faster than expected - they travel along the expected path, and then in the last 10 feet or so drop more sharply. “Rising” fastballs fall less than expected, holding on to more of their vertical distance, so appear to actually “rise” in the last 10 feet or so.
Like Brian said, “straight” fastballs are hittable, because the ball stays where the hitter expects it to be, based on the trajectory it has coming out of the pitcher’s hand. A “straight” fastball is also more likely to get hit hard as opposed to a “sinking” fastball, because the late drop in a sinking fastball will mean that batters more frequently hit the top half of the ball, resulting in higher numbers of groundballs.
Sorry if you know all this already - once I got rolling, I just kept going. I think part of Cordero’s problem is that he doesn’t really have any break on his FB, the key for Cordero is his ability to locate his FB precisely with enough speed (90-92) to induce weak contact. If the shoulder injury costs him control, he may have a hard time returning as an effective pitcher.
Nats fan in NJ | 23-Jul-08 at 11:50 am | Permalink
Brian - Question about Martis. Outside of Nats world, I’ve seen a few items that don’t necessarily think very highly of him. He’s ranked fairly high in terms of arms, but nobody seems to place him above a #3 starter (at best).
So, here’s my question. The kid is 21 years old. I don’t know too much more about him than what I read here. He’s having a tremendous year and, based on his age, you’d think he’d only get better.
What is your honest take on this kid’s ceiling?
Brian Oliver | 23-Jul-08 at 12:01 pm | Permalink
NFiNJ - Middle of the rotation seems the most likely ceiling in my opinion. If he turns into a #3 SP, the Nationals should be ecstatic. It’s more a function of his assortment of pitches. He has solid stuff from what I have seen/heard/read, but it’s not blow you away good. He is the type of guy who most teams are happy to develop, not your ace, but a guy who can go out there and give you 6 innings every 5 days and keep you in the game. I think he has the same type of ceiling as a Tim Redding. He’ll have those eye-popping games from time to time but can also run into trouble once his pitch count gets up there.
Dick | 23-Jul-08 at 12:58 pm | Permalink
Souza is a baseball animal. Will run through fences. A real gamer. I can’t judge if he is talented enough to be a real prospect or not. Opinions?
Marcus | 23-Jul-08 at 1:02 pm | Permalink
IMO if he can fix his bat he’ll be a prospect. Just right now his bat is way to inconsistent. But I’ve heard multiple ppl say he looks good on the field.
MO Nats Fan | 23-Jul-08 at 1:19 pm | Permalink
Marc, I think your book on Cordero is backwards. Cordero had tons of movement on his fastball and mediocre control (how many times did he walk the bases loaded and then strike out the side?). His injury didn’t affect his control as much as cut all his velocity to the point that anyone could pick up his movement and crush his pitches.
If he gets his velocity back he can still be an effective reliever, though long term he probably isn’t an elite closer.
Berndaddy | 23-Jul-08 at 1:24 pm | Permalink
Thanks Marc and Brian.
Now I know…
Suns Fan | 23-Jul-08 at 2:27 pm | Permalink
Part of the thing with minor league baseball is that some of the offense is dictated by the lineup the player is in. Souza was on Hagerstown earlier this year when Hagerstown’s offense was the best in the SAL. Because he was surrounded by good hitters, he got pitches to hit. And he did well, hitting .260 here. Part, though not all, of the difference can be explained by being in a weaker lineup. Another part of it can be explained by the fact that all players go through streaks and slumps. Souza does play hard, and made some great plays while he was here. Both Souza and King have outstanding potential. They could be a good side of the infield for the Nationals some day…I think King could probably play short stop in the major leagues. Souza, I think he’s more of a third baseman.