Nationals Farm Authority

The Nationals official release came out and it included the GCL staff

• Manager Bobby Henley
• Pitching Coach Franklyn Bravo
• Hitting Coach Paul Sanagorski
• Coach Cesar Cedeno
• Trainer Allen Wood

Henley, who is also the organization’s catching coordinator, returns to the GCL in 2008. Joining him again in 2008 is Bravo. Sanagorski was a hitting coach for the Double-A Carolina Mudcats (Marlins) in 2007. Cedeno, who served as a Spring Training instructor with the Nationals in 2007, has been named a coach with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Nationals.

Bill Ladson has the news …

The Nationals added pitchers Garrett Mock (RHSP) and Justin Jones (LHSP), first baseman Josh Whitesell and center fielder Roger Bernadina to the 40-man roster on Tuesday

Mock was acquired in 2006 from the Arizona Diamondbacks along with LHSP Matt Chico in exchange for RHSP Livan Hernandez. After being shut down in late 2006 with a knee injury (one that required surgery), Mock had a disappointing 2007 battling a sore shoulder. The righthander was a combined 2-7 in 15 games (14 starts) split between the GCL (7 2/3IP), Potomac (6IP), and Harrisburg (51 1/3IP). He had a 5.79ERA and 1.83WHIP in Double-A. Mock is currently pitching in the Arizona Fall League where he has no decisions over three appearances (7IP) allowing three unearned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. The 24-year old Mock will likely be given an opportunity to compete for a spot in the Nationals rotation in 2008.

Jones was added by the Nationals in December 2006 as part of the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft from the Minnesota Twins. Jones spread his season between Hagerstown (2G - 12 2/3IP), Potomac (17G - 91IP), and Harrisburg (3G - 17 1.3IP). He was a combined 11-8 with a 3.72ERA and 1.40WHIP. The 23-year old lefthander should begin the season in Harrisburg and could very make his major league debut some time in mid-2008.

The 25-year old Whitesell had a break out season for Harrisburg in 2007, hitting 284/425/512 with 21 home runs and 74RBI. He has surpassed Larry Broadway as the top 1B in the Nationals organization. Whitesell should begin 2008 in Columbus but depending upon the health of Nick Johnson and the free agent signings, Whitesell could possibly have an outside shot at the backup 1B role as he was tabbed by coaches as the top defensive 1B in the Eastern League.

The 23-year old Bernadina split his season between Harrisburg and Columbus where he hit a combined 259/338/356 with 40/54 stolen bases. He is still developing as a hitter and should begin 2008 as the starting center fielder for the Columbus Clippers.

The Nationals currently have one open spot on their 40-man roster.

Update: My best guess of players who might still be removed from the 40-man roster:

• RHP Joel Hanrahan
• LHP Mike O’Connor
• LHP Billy Traber
• RHP Ryan Wagner
• 1B/OF Robert Fick
• OF Ryan Langerhans
• OF Nook Logan

An additional note, GM Jim Bowden stated that Justin Maxwell will be given an opportunity to compete for the starting center fielder role (though they project him to Double-A).

Baseball America has begun their top prospect rankings with the Gulf Coast League. OF Michael Burgess was ranked the #1 overall prospect.

Of all the players with a draft pedigree or a solid international background, just one performed to where he stood out among all the rest. The lone exception was Nationals outfielders Michael Burgess, a supplemental first-round pick who leads our GCL prospects list.

“He doesn’t run real well, but when you hit it as far as he does it doesn’t matter,” said one scout from a National League club. “He was very aggressive in all phases of the game. He had something to prove. Pitchers really went after him and challenged him, and he just ate that up.”

Across the Affiliates 2007 - DSL (1 of 7)

Unlike last season where pitching was the primary area of strength (Colton Willems, Yunior Novoa, Adam Carr, Edulin Abreu, Marco Estrada) the 2007 GCL Nationals showed an strong menu of hitters primarily from the 2007 draft, especially power hitters.

The 2007 GCL Nats finished the season with a 23-31 record (identical to their 2006 finish) placing them fourth in a five team division, easily dominated by the GCL Dodgers who finished with forty victories. The GCL Nats could only manage a 7-20 record against the Dodgers and Marlins (teams one and two in their division) but held their own with a 16-11 record against the other also-rans (Mets [9-5] & Cardinals [7-6]).

STATISTICS

Hitting

Pitching

As it is clear, the GCL Nats pitching was their Achilles heel. While their strikeouts were better than the league average, the GCL Nats were worse than average in practically every other pitching rate statistic. Conversely, the GCL Nats slugged their way to league average in hitting spearheaded by players like Michael Burgess or Jake Smolinski.

As with the DSL, there is some value to consider the relative age of the players comprising the roster for the GCL Nats, though not as pronounced as the DSL

The GCL Nats had their fair share of younger prep bats from both the 2007 draft as well as carryover from the 2006 draft (the equivalent of a college freshman) which led them to a younger than average everyday lineup. With the exception of 1B Clint Pridmore who was 20 years old, every other starter for the GCL Nats was between 17-19 years of age. As for their pitching, the GCL Nats did feature some prep arms in their rotation, however, their strongest performers were players such as LHPs Ross Detwiler (21) & Atahulpa Severino (22) and RHPs Randy Matias (20) & Kyle Gunderson (22).

Regular Lineup

The overall story of the Nationals 2007 draft was the signing of arguably three of the top lefthanded pitchers (Detwiler, Josh Smoker, and Jack McGeary). But the story in Viera was the performances of the bats where Burgess, Smolinski, Englund, King, Gonzalez and Lopez demonstrated the Nationals may have begun the long process towards establishing an offensive pipeline.

Top 10 GCL Nationals Prospects

1. Michael Burgess RF
2. Smiley Gonzalez SS
3. Jake Smolinski LF
4. Stephen Englund CF
5. Stephen King 2B/SS
6. Yhonson Lopez OF
7. Brad Peacock RHSP
8. PJ Dean RHSP
9. Steven Souza 3B
10. Atahaulpa Severino LHP

Burgess was, by far, the top GCL Nats prospect and likely right at the top of the GCL overall. The 18-year old slugger led the GCL in OBP, SLG, and by extension OPS. Though he played in only 36 games, he finished tied for third in home runs and sixth in both BA and RBI. Adding to the offensive package is Burgess’ arm in right field where he has one of the strongest arms in the organization (he threw in the mid-90s as a pitcher in high school). Burgess finished the season in Vermont and is likely to start the 2008 season in Hagerstown.

While Smiley Gonzalez’ batting average was only 0.245, he showed remarkable patience for such a young player with a 0.382 OBP. Gonzalez is already ahead of schedule with his glove and if his plate discipline can be built upon could develop into a top of the order presence with an above average glove. It’s still too early to guess how much power he might develop but he could be a presence for the Nationals in three years or so. It’s unsure what the Nationals will do with Smiley, Hagerstown may be a bit aggressive but the Nationals might want to challenge him in 2008.

A broken foot ended Smolinski’s season in late July but the Nationals have to be impressed with the combination of extra-base power (9/32 hits for extra bases) and his speed (7/9 in SB attempts). Scouts are impressed with his approach hitting and believe that as he gets older, his 6′0″ 195lb frame should fill out and allow Smolinski the chance to develop as an above average hitter with middle of the order power. Assuming Smolinski has recovered from his broken foot, he seems destined to start the season in Short Season Vermont.

This is Englund’s second straight season on the GCL Top 10 list. A thumb injury derailed the start of Englund’s 2007 season but upon his return, he showed tremendous plate patience (28 walks in 107 plate appearances) and great speed on the base paths (13/17 in SB attempts). It was enough to earn Englund a late season promotion to Vermont. Scouts believe that Englund might still develop some power. The Nationals just might have a center fielder with 20+ stolen bases and 15-20 home runs in their pipeline. Englund should begin 2007 in Hagerstown.

Scouts have referenced the names Bobby Crosby and JJ Hardy when they discuss Stephen King. King was likely over-assigned at the start of the season in Hagerstown where he struggles forced the Nationals to hit the reset button and bring him back to the GCL. While King needs to cut down on his strikeouts (47 in 161AB), he showed some impressive power for a middle infielder. King is likely to get a second crack at Hagerstown in April of 2008.

Lopez might be an unfamiliar name for many but the 18-year old lefthanded outfielder did just about everything the Nationals asked of him in 2007. He played all three outfield positions as well as a couple games at 2B. Lopez showed some developing power and above average speed. While he does not seem to project as an elite outfielder, he appears to have the tools necessary to turn into a valuable utility player who can fill in around the diamond. Vermont seems to be his jumping off point in 2008.

Peacock was the GCL Nats best starter given his age. Over thirteen appearances, Peacock struck out 7.8 batters per nine innings with a 1.35WHIP and 3.92ERA.  Peacock has a low-90s fastball and likely projects as a middle to back of the rotation starter. Expect the Nationals to challenge Peacock in 2008 with an assignment to Potomac.

Dean is all about projectability. The 6′3″ 175-lb right hander from Texas has a 87-91 mph fastball and a hard breaking ball. If he can fine tune his command and mechanics, Dean is the type of pitcher where things can all of a sudden just click. Given his current performance, expect Dean to make his 2008 debut in Vermont where the Lake Monsters appear to again be on the verge of having a stable of highly projectible arms.

Souza struggled in his professional debut, hitting only 194/299/340 in 44 games as the GCL Nats third baseman. But Souza already has plus bat speed and has shown flashes of power. He’s likely headed for extended spring training in 2008 and a start in Vermont.

Severino continued his battle back from Tommy John surgery. After absolutely dominating the DSL in 2006, the 22-year old lefty made a brief stop in the DSL in 2007 before making his US debut with the GCL. Severino has started so far in his professional career but he might be project best as a lefthanded setup man or even a closer. Severino seems a likely candidate to begin 2008 in the Hagerstown rotation with the possibility of a quick promotion to Potomac if he performs well.

Columbus split a doubleheader with Indianapolis, getting shutout 7-0 in game one and returning the favor 3-0 in game two (box1/box2). Matt Chico took the loss in game one, allowing four runs on eight hits and a walk over five innings of work with four strikeouts. The Clippers only managed four singles on offense, one each by CF Ryan Langerhans, RF Abraham Nunez, 3B Brent Abernathy, and SS Manny Alexander. In the second game, Levale Speigner and three relievers combined on a five-hit shutout. Speigner pitched the first four innings allowing three hits and two walks with two strikeouts. Jon Albaladejo picked up the win with one inning of relief striking out two. Winston Abreu struck out one in his inning of work. And, Chris Booker picked up his 30th save of the season striking out two in the seventh. Langerhans was 1/3 with a double and a run scored. Abernathy was 1/4 with one RBI. And 1B, Larry Broadway was 2/3 with a solo home run, his eleventh of the season. Notes: It appears that RHRP Hector Carrasco was released from Columbus to make a space for Perez.

Tonight: RHP Beltran Perez (NR) takes on Indianapolis LHP Michael Tejera (8-4, 3.93) at 7:00PM

Harrisburg rallied back from an early 7-1 deficit, scoring ten unanswered runs to dump the Erie Seawolves 11-7 (box/gamer). The Senators fell behind early as starting pitcher Mike O’Connor was touched up for three home runs among his nine hits over four innings. O’Connor was charged with seven earned runs. Devin Perrin picked up the win in relief, going two scoreless, striking out three. Zech Zinicola picked up his sixth save on the season with three perfect innings striking out two. DH Tony Blanco (2/4) hit a two-run home run in his return from the DL (OF Dee Brown was placed on the DL making a space for Blanco). CA Luke Montz was 1/4 with a home run and three RBI. 1B Dan Dement was 1/4 with three RBI. And, CF Roger Bernadina was 3/5 with a double, one RBI and two runs scored.

Tonight: LHP Jeremy Plexico (1-5, 4.55) versus Erie RHP Andrew Kown (5-8, 4.63) at 6:35PM

Potomac completed the four-game sweep of Myrtle Beach, winning the suspended first game 6-0 and holding off a late Pelicans charge for a 4-3 win in the regularly scheduled game (box1/box2/gamer). Ross Detwiler took over for Sunday starter Craig Stammen and showed signs of what made Detwiler a first round selection in 2007. Detwiler kept the Pelicans off-balance for six innings, allowing only two hits and one walk while striking out three. Detwiler let his defense help him out, inducing nine groundball outs. RF Mike Daniel was 2/4 with a pair of runs scored. 2B Matt Rogelstad was 1/2 with a double, run scored and three RBI. DH Marvin Lowrance was 3/3 with a home run and three RBI. In the second game, Cory VanAllen struck out eight Pelicans in his five innings of work, allowing only one run on five hits. CF Justin Maxwell was 2/3 with a double and one RBI. Matt Rogelstad was 2/2 with a triple and a run scored. And DH Devin Ivany was 0/2 but socred once and drove in two runs.  Notes: The Potomac News profiled Justin Maxwell.

Tonight: Potomac opens up their final home series of the season against Lynchburg at 7:35PM. RHP Brad Meyers (0-0, 9.00) matches up with RHP Todd Redmond (7-10, 4.62)

Hagerstown ended up splitting the four-game home & home with Lakewood, losing both games in Hagerstown including Monday’s 3-1 defeat (box/gamer). Yunior Novoa picked up his 12th loss of the season allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits over six innings of work. Novoa struck out five ‘Claws hitters without walking a batter. Yader Peralta pitched the final three scoreless innings allowing only one hit. CF Francisco Plasencia was 2/4 with a solo home run for the Suns.

Tonight: Hagerstown opens a three-game home series with Delmarva with tonight’s 7:05PM game. RHP Erik Arnesen (5-7, 5.22) takes un RHP Kyle Schmidt (6-8, 3.69)

Vermont was swept away at home by Brooklyn as the bullpen faltered in a 7-6 loss (box/gamer). Colton Willems pitched a solid five shutout innings scattering six hits and two walks with one strikeout. Randy Matias took the loss allowing four runs on three hits and two walks in only 1 1/3 innings. Luke Pisker struck out the side in the ninth. LF Boomer Whiting was 2/5 with two RBI and two stolen bases. SS Dan Lyons was 1/2 with one RBI and one stolen base. DH Aaron Seuss was 2/5 with three RBI. RF Michael Burgess was 0/3 with a pair of walks ond one run scored.

Tonight: RHP Hassan Pena (4-4, 3.86) opens Vermont’s series at Tri-City against RHP Carlos Ladeuth (0-4, 2.94)

The GCL Nationals wrapped up their season with a 2-2 tie with the GCL Marlins (box). Brad Peacock started going two innings allowing one run on two hits while striking out two. Justin Phillabaum pitched three scoreless innings allowing only one hit and one walk while stirking out two. SS Frank Cruz was 1/2 with a walk and a stolen base. RF Yhonson Lopez was 1/3 with a two-run home run.

Columbus took two out of three games over the weekend against Louisville, winning 12-9 on Friday (box/gamer); winning 3-2 on Saturday (box/gamer); and losing 3-1 on Sunday (box).

• Friday: The Clippers won a slugfest led by CA Brandon Harper who was 4/5 with a three-run home run and two runs scored. 2B Bernie Castro was 3/6 with three runs scored. LF Kory Casto was 2/6 with three RBI. 1B Larry Broadway was 2/5 with a double and two RBI. RF Abraham Nunez was 2/4 with one RBI and two runs scored. Collin Balester started but did not figure in the decision, going four innings allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks. Chris Booker picked up his 28th save of the season with a scoreless ninth.
• Saturday: Abraham Nunez’s (2/3) two-run home run in the seventh tied the game and a sacrifice fly by CA Juan Brito (0/2) put the Clippers ahead to stay. Billy Traver gave Columbus five strong innings allowing only a solo home run among his five hits while striking out six. Jon Albaladejo picked up the win in relief with two innings allowing a solo home run and striking out one. Chris Booker  added his 29th save striking out two in a perfect ninth.
• Sunday: Columbus missed ou on the three-game road sweep as they could muster only four hits (two for extra bases, doubles by Bernie Castro and Melvin Dorta). Chris Michalak took the loss allowing three runs on seven hits over six innings of work.
• Notes: RHP Beltran Perez was added from Harrisburg. LHP John Lannan was sent down from Washington (he’ll likely not pitch and only occupy a roster spot there until September 1st roster expansion). RHP Jason Bergmann was activated from the DL

Tonight: The Clippers open a series in Indianapolis with a doubleheader starting at 6:00PM. LHP Matt Chico (1-0, 0.00) & possibly RHP Beltran Perez (NR) throwing for Columbus.

Harrisburg split a four-game series in Altoona. After losing on Thursday, the Senators won 6-5 on Friday (box/gamer); lost 7-6 on Saturday (box/gamer); and won 6-3 on Sunday (box/gamer).

• Friday: Jim Magrane scattered four runs and eight hits over 6 2/3 innings but it took a pair of solo home runs in the top of the ninth for the Senators to pull out the win. Adam Carr picked up the win with 1 1/3 innings allowing one run on one hit and two walks.  David Trahan got the save with a scoreless ninth. CF Roger Bernadina (1/4 with two runs and one SB) and LF  Frank Diaz (2/4 with two runs and one SB) hit solo home runs in the top of the ninth giving Harrisburg the lead for good. 3B/LF Dan Dement was 3/5 with two doubles and three RBI in his first game back since the birth of his second child.
• Saturday: Harrisburg blew a 6-2 lead, kicking away an ugly game in which they made five errors. 2B Brandon Powell was 3/4 with a double and two runs scored. RF  Frank Diaz was 2/5 with a double and a run scored. CA Luke Montz was 2/4 with a double and three RBI. Garrett Mock started for Harrisburg allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits and three walks over 5 1/3 innings of work. A more promising sign was his 9/4 groundball/flyball ratio, Mock is at his best when he gets groundballs. The bullpen (Carlos Martinez, Alex Morales, and Zech Zinicola) allowed five runs (three earned) on four hits and four walks over the final three innings.
• Sunday: Justin Jones made his return to Harrisburg, picking up the victory with six innings allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out six and not walking a batter. David Trahan and Brett Campbell pitched the final three scoreless innings allowing only one baserunner. Roger Bernadina was 1/5 with a double, two RBI and his 39th stolen base of the season. SS Marcos Yepez was 3/4 with a double and a run scored. LF Sheldon Fulse was 2/4 with a double and two runs scored. 3B Ofilio Castro was 3/4 with a pair of doubles, two RBI and one run scored.
• Notes: LHP Justin Jones was added from Potomac, replacing RHP Beltran Perez. Geoff Morrow of the Patriot News says give 1B Josh Whitesell a shot at the majors.

Tonight: Harrisburg opens up their final homestand of the season with LHP Mike O’Connor (3-6, 6.50) taking on Erie RHP Eulogio De La Cruz (4-5, 3.57) at 6:35PM

Potomac battled both the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the elements over the weekend. On Friday, they defeated the Pelicans 5-1 (box/gamer); were rained out on Saturday; and only got half of their doubleheader in on Sunday, taking the first game 4-1 (box) and having game two suspended after an inning with the P-Nats leading 4-0. The game will be completed this evening as part of a doubleheader with the regularly scheduled game (two seven inning games).

• Friday: Marco Estrada held the Pelicans scoreless over six innings allowing only four hits and striking out seven without walking a batter. Estrada is now 3-1 with a 2.52 ERA over four August starts.Jack Spradlin and Clint Everts pitched the final three innings allowing three hits and one unearned run while striking out four. SS Ian Desmond was 2/4 with a double, run scored, and two RBI. CF Mike Daniel was 1/3 with a triple, run scored, and two RBI. And LF Chris Marrero was 2/4 with one RBI.
• Sunday: Shairon Martis threw a seven inning complete game allowing only one run on five hits with five strikeouts. Martis moved to 13-8 on the season. CF Justin Maxwell was 1/2 with a solo home run, his tenth in the Carolina League and 24th overall. LF Mike Daniel was 2/2 with a double and two RBI. Daniel is hitting 297/363/463 since his promotion to Potomac.

Today:  The P-Nats resume Sunday’s second game at 5:35PM with LHP Ross Detwiler (1-2, 6.57) taking over for Potomac against Myrtle Beach RHP Jeff Lyman (0-5, 9.39). In the second game, either LHP Cory VanAllen (2-6, 6.14) or RHP Clint Everts (3-10, 5.12) will take the mound for Potomac against Pelicans RHP Ryan Drese (0-1, 3.60)

The Hagerstown Suns played a four-game home & home series with the Lakewood BlueClaws the first two in Lakewood followed by two in Hagerstown). On Friday, the Suns defeated the BlueClaws 7-4 (box); on Saturday, they won again in Lakewood 3-1 (box); but lost the first game of their home series 10-2 (box). The fourth game is scheduled for this evening.

• Friday: 1B Robby Jacobsen was 2/4 with a double and three RBI. Newcomer RF  Robby Tolan was 2/5 with a pair of doubles and two runs scored. Tolan was signed by the Nationals this year as an undrafted minor league free agent. CF Francisco Plasencia was 2/5 with one RBI and one run scored. SS Michael Martinez was 3/5 with a run and a stolen base. Jeff Mandel picked up the win allowing three runs on four hits and two walks over five innings with six strikeouts. Yader Peralta picked up the save with two hitless/scoreless innings striking out four.
• Saturday: Hagerstown used four pitchers to hold the BlueClaws to one run on six hits . Chris Lugo started and went 4 1/3 innings allowing the only run on four hits with three strikeouts. Coby Mavroulis picked up the win with 1 2/3 innings of one-hit shutout relief and Josh Wilkie got his 10th save of the season with a scoreless ninth. Michael Martinez was 2/4 with one run scored and a stolen base. 3B Trevor Lawhorn was 2/4 with a pair of doubles and two RBI. DH Marcos Cabral was 1/4 with a double, RBI and run scored. Robby Tolan was 1/3 with a walk.
• Sunday: The Suns return home was error-filled as Hagerstown made four errors leading to five unearned runs. Zach Baldwin took the loss allowing eight runs (three earned) on seven hits over five innings. Marcos Cabral was 2/3 with one RBI. Robby Tolan was 2/4 with a run scored and his a hit in all three of his games for Hagerstown.

Tonight: LHP Yunior Novoa (5-11, 4.44) takes on Lakewood RHP Darren Byrd (8-10, 4.15) at 7:05PM

Vermont got one strong starting pitching performance, one average one, and one clunker as the Lake Monsters beat Staten Island 10-0 on Friday (box/gamer); lost two to Brooklyn 14-3 on Saturday (box/gamer) and 8-2 on Sunday (box/gamer).

• Friday: Jordan Zimmermann pitched six shutout innings allowing only four hits while striking out seven and not walking a batter. Randy Matias picked up the save with three innings of three-hit relief, striking out five. DH Boomer Whiting was 2/4 with two RBI, two runs and one stolen base. 2B Stephen King was 2/4 with a double, run scored and two RBI … King has got at least one hit in all six of his games in Vermont. 1B Bill Rhinehart was 2/4 with a two-run home run. 3B Anthony Benner was 3/4 with one RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base.
• Saturday: Glenn Gibson was blasted for seven runs on five hits and two walks in only 1 1/3 innings of work. RF Michael Burgess was 1/4 with a solo home run, his first in Vermont. DH Stephen Englund was 1/2 with a double, two walks and one run scored. 1B Jean Alvarez was 2/4 with two RBI and actually finished the game on the mound with one inning allowing no runs on one hit and one walk with two strikeouts.
• Sunday: Adrian Alaniz allowed three runs on four hits over five innings of work, striking out six. Boomer Whiting was 1/3 with a double, walk, and one run. Anthony Benner was 1/3 with one RBI.
• Notes: LHPs Josh Smoker and Jack McGeary have both joined the Lake Monsters and were seen in uniform in the dugout for yesterday’s game … OF Mark Gildea was activated from the DL, while OF Garrett Bass was placed on the DL … 2B Stephen King & 1B Bill Rhinehart are nursing sore hamstrings

Tonight: RHP Colton Willems (3-1, 2.03) wraps up the three-game series with Brooklyn and RHP Dillon Gee (2-1, 2.58) at 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals game on Friday was postponed by rain. On Saturday, they dropped a 9-6 12-inning decision to the GCL Mets (box). And were not scheduled to play on Sunday. Patrick Arnold started on Saturday, allowing three runs on three hits and three walks over three innings with five strikeouts. Bradley Clark made his second appearance,a llowing two runs on two hits with five strikeouts over 3 1/3 innings. 1B Zach Booker was 2/5 with a double and two RBI. 2B Angel de Castro was 2/5 with a double. SS Frank Cruz was 0/5 but stole two bases. LF/3B Clint Pridmore was 1/4 with two RBI and one stolen base.

Today: The GCL Nationals wrap up their season with a 10:00AM game against the GCL Marlins

The DSL Nationals2 wrapped up their season dropping a 4-3 game to the DSL Padres (box). Joel Campana-Ventura started, striking out three over two scoreless innings. The DSL Nats2 managed only two hits, a single by Felix Fermin Jr and a double by Jose Altuve.

Minor League News & Notes: The Washington Times profiles RHP Adrian Alaniz … (Please note, I will be out of town so the Across the Affiliates will not be updated over the weekend. Look for updates and catch up on Monday morning).

Jason Bergmann’s latest rehab start was his best as yet. Bergmann pitched seven shutout innings allowing only six hits while striking out nine as Columbus blanked Louisville 6-0 (box). Jon Albaladejo and Dan Foli pitched the final two innings allowing only two hits and striking out four. 2B Bernie Castro was 0/2 with a pair of walks, two runs scored and four stolen bases (30 on the season). RF Abraham Nunez was 1/3 with a two-run home run and two runs scored. 1B Larry Broadway was 1/4 with a triple and two RBI.

Tonight: RHP Collin Balester (2-2, 4.54) takes the mound in Louisville against Bats RHP Richie Gardner (4-4, 4.97) at 7:05PM

Harrisburg opened their series in Altoona with a 2-1 loss (box/gamer). Beltran Perez took the loss allowing only two runs on eight hits over six innings of work, striking out two. Brett Campbell finished off the game with two shutout innings of one-hit ball with two strikeouts. LF Dee Brown (2/3) accounted for the Senators only run with a seventh inning solo home run. CF Roger Bernadina was 1/4 with his 37th stolen base of the season.

Tonight: RHP Jim Magrane (5-8, 3.97) versus Altoona RHP Yoslan Herrera (6-7, 4.32) at 7:05PM

Potomac did not play on Thursday.

Tonight: Potomac opens their final homestand of the season as RHP Marco Estrada (3-3, 5.83) takes on Myrtle Beach RHP Jairo Cuevas (6-11, 3.53) at 7:35PM

Hagerstown managed to salvage one game in Delmarva, winning 8-6 on Thursday evening (box). SS Michael Martinez  was 3/5 with three runs scored. DH Francisco Guzman was 2/5 with one run and one RBI. 3B Trevor Lawhorn was 3/5 with a three-run home run. 1B John Poppert was 2/4 with a pair of doubles. Erik Arnesen started, going four innings allowing six runs on eight hits. Coby Mavroulis picked up the victory with 1 1/3 innings of shutout relief striking out three and Josh Wilkie got his ninth save of the season pitching the final 1 2/3 innings.

Tonight: Hagerstown opens a series in Lakewood with RHP Jeff Mandel (3-6, 6.29) taking on Blue Claws RHP Carlos Monasterios (10-10, 4.62) at 7:05PM

Vermont once again allowed nine runs in an inning and thirteen overall runs to Staten Island as the Yankees dumped the Monsters 13-9 (box). Cole Kimball and Edulin Abreu were torched for nine runs (six earned) on seven hits and five walks over 4 1/3 innings. Monsters pitching combined to walk twelve Yankees hitters. LF Boomer Whiting  was 3/4 with a double, RBI, and run scored. SS Dan Lyons was 2/4 with one RBI and one run scored. 1B Bill Rhinehart had a solo home run. DH Aaron Seuss was 2/4 with a home run and three RBI. Of the three new guys, RF Michael Burgess was 1/4 with a run scored; 2B Stephen King was 1/5 getting a hit in his sixth straight game; and, CF Stephen Englund was 1/5 with a double and two runs scored.

Tonight: Vermont looks to salvage one game from Staten Island as RHP Jordan Zimmermann (3-1, 2.09) takes on RHP Zachary McAllister (3-3, 3.05) at 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals were doubled up by the GCL Dodgers, losing 10-5 on Thursday afternoon (box). Wuillys Bravo allowed five runs on eight hits in his four innings of work. Justin Phillabaum struck out five hitters over two innings of one-hit shutout relief. 3B Steven Souza was 2/4 with a double, run scored and RBI. CA Derek Norris was 1/4 with a solo home run.

Today: The GCL Nationals host the GCL Cardinals at 12:00PM

It appears that the game between the DSL Nationals1 and Nationals2 was postponed by rain (no box score or confirmation as of 7:30AM).

The DSL Nationals1 season is over. The DSL Nationals2 visit the DSL Padres at 11:00AM

The Columbus Clippers split a doubleheader with Louisville dropping the opener 3-1 in 11 innings before blanking the Bats 1-0 in the second game (box1/box2). In the first game, it was all hands on deck as six Columbus pitchers combined to allow three runs on eight hits and three walks over eleven innings. Chris Michalak started, going five innings allowing only a solo home run and striking out four. Billy Traber, Chris Booker, Arnie Munoz, and Winston Abreu pitched the next five shutout innings allowing only two hits and two walks (all by Booker) while striking out four. Leval Speigner took the loss getting knocked around for five hits (all singles) and two runs in the top of the eleventh. Every Clipper starter had at least one hit though none came after the bottom of the seventh inning. 2B Bernie Castro was 2/5 with his 26th stolen base of the season. In the second game, Matt Chico and Edward Valdez combined on a two-hit shutout. In his first appearance for Columbus, Chico went six  allowing only one hit but walking four while striking out three. Valdez picked up the save with a scoreless ninth. Castro scored the only run of the game in the first inning, singling, moving to third on an errant pickoff throw, and scoring on a Brent Abernathy groundout. RF Abrham Nunez had the other Columbus hit.

Tonight: RHP Collin Balester (2-2, 4.54) wraps up the series with Louisville (pitcher TBA) at 7:05PM

Harrisburg split a doubleheader of their own, getting blanked 6-0 in game one before returning the favor and shutting out Connecticut 2-0 in game 2 (box1/box2/gamer). Mike O’Connor  took the loss in game one surrendering six runs on five hits and four walks over five innings with five strikeouts. The Senators could only muster two hits on offense, singles by 1B Josh Whitesell adn RF Steve Mortimer. The Senators managed only one hit in the second game, a two-run single by CA Javi Herrera but it was enough offense for Harrisburg to gain the split. In the second inning, Whitesell and CF/RF Frank Diaz both walked and moved to 2nd and 3rd on a sacrifice by Dee Brown. After an Ofilio Castro strikeout, Herrera brought them home with a single. Those three were the only Harrisburg baserunners of game two. Gerald Plexico made the spot start going four innings allowing four hits and one walk while striking out five. Alex Morales picked up the win with two scoreless innings striking out four. And Zech Zinicola picked up the save with a scoreless ninth.

Tonight: Harrisburg opens a series in Altoona with RHP Beltran Perez (6-5, 4.45) facing off with Curve LHP Josh Shortslef (3-12, 4.45) at 7:05PM

2007 5th round selection Brad Meyers made his Carolina League debut going three innings in a 6-3 Potomac win over Kinston (box). Meyers struck out two and allowed three runs on five hits and two walks. No word on whether it was pitch count or other reason for his early evening. Craig Stammen picked up the win with 3 2/3 innings of one hit/one walk relief, striking out four. In August, Stammen is 1-0 in four appearances allowing no runs, only four hits & one walk while striking out twelve over eleven innings of work. CF Justin Maxwell was 2/5 with a double, run scored and RBI. RF Mike Daniel was 1/5 with a two-run home run. LF Chris Marrero was 3/5 with two double and one RBI. 3B Leonard Davis was 1/4 with a double and a run scored and is batting 0.275 since his promotion from Hagerstown. And, 1B Brett McMillan was 1/2 with a pair of walks and two runs scored. Over his last twn games, McMillan is batting 0.355 with five runs, five RBI and five walks.

Potomac does not play today.

Hagerstown dropped another game in Delmarva, losing 4-2 on Wednesday evening (box). Yunior Novoa allowed three runs on seven hits over five innings to take the loss, though he did strike out seven Shorebirds. DH Marcos Cabral was 2/3 with a run scored. CF Francisco Plasencia was 2/4 with a run scored. And, 3B Trevor Lawhorn was 1/4 with a double and two RBI.

Tonight: The Suns look to salvage a game in Delmarva at 7:05PM tonight. RHP Erik Arnesen (5-7, 4.79) takes on RHP Kyle Schmidt (6-8, 3.49)

Hassan Pena and Randy Matias were torched for eleven runs (nine earned) over less than four innings of work as the Lake Monsters were blown out by Staten Island 13-2 (box/gamer). Pena was touched up for six runs on four hits and five walks in onl 3 2/3 innings of work. Matias had it even worse allowing five runs (three earned) on three hits, one walk and a hit batter without recording an out. SS Dan Lyons drove in the only two Vermont runs with a double. LF Aaron Seuss, CA Sean Rooney, and 3B Jake Rogers each had two hits for Vermont. 2B Stephen King was 1/4 and his had a hit in all four of his Lake Monsters starts.

Tonight: RHP Cole Kimball (2-4, 4.03) takes on Staten Island RHP Jason Stephens (3-0, 1.05) at 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals defeated the GCL Marlins 7-2 (box). LF Clint Pridmore was 2/4 with one run and one RBI. DH Derek Norris was 2/5 with a double, triple, run and two RBI. 1B Zach Booker was 2/3 with a pair of walks, one run scored and two RBI. CF Chris Blackwood was 1/4 with one RBI and two stolen bases. And 3B Steve Souza was 0/3 with a pair of walks, two runs scored and one stolen base. Atahaulpo Severino picked up the win with five shutout innings allowing only two hits and striking out six. Kyle Gunderson pitched the final two scoreless innings, extending his scoreless inning streak to 13 2/3 innings.

Today: The GCL Nationals visit the GCL Dodgers at 12:00PM

The DSL Nationals1 game with the DSL Padres was cancelled due to rain. The DSL Nationals2 defeated the DSL Mets 4-3 in a rain-shortened game (box). 21-year old RHP Yael Arias allowed three runs on three hits over three innings of work with three strikeouts. 20-year old RHP Ruben De La Rosa picked up the win with four shutout innings allowing only three hits and striking out nine. 3B Felix Fermin Jr was 2/3 with a run scored.

Today: The DSL Nationals1 & 2 face off at 11:00AM. It’s the last scheduled game for the DSL Nats1. The DSL Nats2 have one game after today’s

Micah Bowie made another rehab start for the Clippers but left after four innings with a sore groin. Bowie allowed one run on four hits with three strikeouts but the Clippers bullpen faltered in a 4-3 loss to Louisville (box). Hector Carrasco allowed two solo home runs in the seventh and Arnie Munoz allowed a solo homer in the eighth. Winston Abreu pitched a perfect ninth striking out the side. LF Kory Casto was 2/4 with a run scored and CA Brandon Harper was 2/4 with one RBI.

Today: LHP Chris Michalak (5-6, 3.11) & RHP Collin Balester (2-2, 4.54) pair up with Louisville RHP Matt Belisle (0-1, 3.00 ERA) and TBA at 5:35PM (two seven inning games)

The Harrisburg game in Connecticut was potponed by rain. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader this afternoon. Notes: Geoff Morrow of the Patriot News profiles CF Roger Bernadina.

Today: LHP Mike O’Connor (3-5, 6.12) & RHP Beltran Perez (6-5, 4.45) in Connecticut against Defender RHPs Nick Pereira (7-9, 3.75) & Dave McKae (5-3, 4.46)

Justin Jones picked up his seventh win of the season as Potomac won a rain-shortened game in Kinston 6-1 (box). Jones allowed one run on six hits and one walk over five innings while striking out six. LF Chris Marrero was 1/3 with a solo home run. RF Mike Daniel was 1/3 with his 14th stolen base of the season. CF Justin Maxwell was 1/2 with a sacrifice fly. 1B Brett McMillan was 1/2 with a double, run scored and RBI.

Tonight: RHP Marco Estrada (3-3, 5.83) wraps up the series in Kinston against RHP Kevin Dixon (10-4, 3.69) at 7:00PM

Delmarva throttled Jhonny Nunez and the Hagerstown bullpen as the Shorebirds dumped the Suns 8-1 (box). Zach Baldwin started for the Suns striking out five and allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings of work. Nunez pitched and inning of relief allowing a grand slam in one inning of work. The Suns managed only five singles on the night with 1B Robby Jacobsen tallying the only RBI.

Tonight: LHP Yunior Novoa (5-10, 4.40) taking the mound in Delmarva against LHP Wilfredo Perez (5-3, 1.96) at 7:05PM

Vermont split a doubleheader in Oneonta on Tuesday evening, winning the first game 7-3 and dropping the second one 4-1 (box1/box2/gamer). The new additions from the GCL paced the Monsters in game one as Michael Burgess, Stephen King, and Stephen Englund were a combined 5/10 with four RBI and two runs scored. RF Burgess was 3/4 in his New York/Penn League debut with a run scored and two RBI. 2B King was 1/3 with a double and a run scored. And, CF Englund was 1/3 with two RBI. DH Boomer Whiting and SS Dan Lyons both scored twice for Vermont. Adrian Alaniz moved to 7-1 on the season with five innings of five hit/two run ball, not walking a batter and striking out five. Luke Pisker picked up his first professional save with a scoreless ninth. In the second game, Colton Willems took the loss despite allowing only one unearned run. In four innings, Willems allowed three hits and three walks, striking out two. 1B Bill Rhinehart was 1/3 with a double and one RBI. King and Englund were both 1/3, each has at least one hit in their first three games in Vermont.

Tonight: Vermont returns home with RHP Hassan Pena taking the mound against Staten Island RHP Ryan Pope (1-0, 2.19) at 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals did not play on Tuesday. Notes: There were questions about RHP Bradley Clark. He missed the 2006 season with a shoulder injury.

Today: The GCL Nationals visit the GCL Marlins at 12:00PM. Some time this week, expect LHPs Josh Smoker and Jack McGeary to make their professional debuts.

The DSL Nationals1 rally came up short as they lost 7-6 to the DSL Tigers (box). 18-year old RHP Marcos Frias struck out four over his five innings allowing two runs on four hits and a walk. 19-year old RHP Julio Perez allowed a run on two hits and a walk over two innings striking out three. 22-year old RHP Carlos Peralta took the loss allowing four runs on three hits and a walk in only 2/3 of an inning. 21-year old DH Danny Taveras was 1/3 with two walks, two RBI, and his 27th stolen base on the season. 19-year old SS Dani Arias was 2/5 with a pair of stolen bases (16 on the season). 21-year old LF Juan Beltre was 3/5 with one RBI and a run scored. 20-year old CA Yan Carlos Hiciano was 1/3 with a double, run scored and three RBI.

Today: The DSL Nationals1 visit the DSL Padres at 11:00AM

The DSL Nationals2 did not play on Tuesday.

Today: The DSL Nationals2 host the DSL Mets at 11:00AM

The Columbus game with Louisville was postponed by rain. it will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon.

Today: LHP Micah Bowie (0-2, 4.66) makes a rehab start for the Clippers this afternoon at 12:05PM against Louisville RHP Tom Shearn (6-10, 4.25)

Harrisburg won it’s fifth straight game with a 6-5 victory over Connecticut (box). LF Frank Diaz was 1/4 with three RBI in his return from the DL. 2B Brandon Powell was 2/3 with one RBI, two runs scored and three stolen bases. Since his promotion to Harrisburg, Powell is batting 432/488/568 with one home run, fifteen RBI and four out of five in stolen bases. CF Roger Bernadina was 2/5 with a run and his 36th stolen base of the season. Garrett Mock started for the Senators allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks over four innings of work. Carlos martinez picked up the win with three innings of one-hit shutout relief, striking out four. And Adam Carr got his first Double-A save with two scoreless innings of relief striking out three.

Tonight: LHP Mike O’Connor (3-5, 6.12) matches up with Connecticut RHP Nick Pereira (7-9, 3.75) at 7:05PM

Ross Detwiler finally won his first professional game throwing five shutout innings allowing only three hits in a 9-6 Potomac win (box). Detwiler walked three and struck out three as he lowered his ERA from the 11s to 6.57. Relievers Eddy Baeza and Clint Everts made things interesting surrendering six runs (five earned) on five hits and four walks in only two innings of work. Josh Perrault picked up his third save with two scoreless innings allowing two hits and one walk while striking out one. Perrault is 1-0 with three saves and a 2.35ERA over his last ten appearances. In 15 1/3 innings, he has struck out seventeen and walked only four. CF Justin Maxwell was 3/5 with a three-run homer, double, stolen base and four total RBI. After struggling through a 162/227/273 July, Maxwell has turned it on in August, hitting 343/434/700 with seven home runs, twenty RBI and eight stolen bases in nine attempts. DH Marvin Lowrance was 1/4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored. 3B Leonard Davis was 1/4 with a solo home run. 2B Greg Thissen was 2/4 with a run scored. And, 1B Brett McMillan was 4/4 with two RBI and two runs scored.

Tonight: LHP Justin Jones (6-8, 4.08) takes on Kinston RHP Erik Stiller (3-4, 2.34) at 7:00PM

Hagerstown was off on Monday.

Tonight: LHP Zach Baldwin (4-3, 3.70) opens the series in Delmarva against RHP Zach Clark (2-2, 2.68) at 7:05PM

Vermont’s game in Oneonta was postponed by rain. It will be made up tonight as part of a doubleheader (two seven inning games).

Tonight: RHP Adrian Alaniz (6-1, 1.74) & RHP Colton Willems (3-0, 2.22) against Oneonta (pitchers TBA) at 6:00PM

After taking an early 2-0 lead, the GCL Nationals allowed nine runs over the final four innings losing 9-4 to the GCL Mets (box). Brad Peacock started, going two no-hit shutout innings striking out four. Robert Almonte threw the next three shutout innings allowing only one hit and one walk. Noel De Leon took the loss surrendering four runs on three hits and two walks in only 1/3 of an inning. 3B Steve Souza was 0/3 with a walk, run scored, and two stolen bases. RF Yhonson Lopez was 2/3 with a walk.

The GCL Nationals are off today.

The DSL Nationals1 were off on Monday.

Today: The GCL Nationals1 visit the DSL Tigers at 11:00AM

The DSL Nationals2 were scheduled to play the DSL Padres on Monday. As of 7:30AM, there is no box score and no official word whether the game was postponed.

The DSL Nationals2 are off today.