Down on the Farm, KC style

[SubGod22]

Teams have started to pitch backwards to him. He's adjusting. And as soon as he does, they'll call him up. I think they'll have run out of excuses after this.

Zephyrs use two long balls to down Omaha

Johnny Giavotella smashed a solo home run, his 10th of the season, to put Omaha ahead 1-0 in the first inning and extend his hitting streak to 21 games. The New Orleans native finished the night a triple shy of hitting for the cycle and is 8-for-10 in the series with a pair of walks.

Davis starts

Prades Powers Naturals to Win

SPRINGDALE, AR- Yem Prades gave the Naturals the lead with an eighth inning home run that propelled them to a 3-2 victory over the Tulsa Drillers on Thursday night at Arvest Ballpark. The victory snaps the Naturals six game losing streak.

]Arguelles starts tonight

Wilmington was rained out in the third. Game will be finished on the road at a date and time to be determined. Pounders will take the mound for the Blue Rocks tonight.

Zimmer suffers loss in Cougars' debut

Zimmer arrived at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark as the fifth overall pick in June’s Major League Baseball Draft, and Thursday became the highest selection to don Cougars’ colors in more than a decade. He at least made his mark on the radar gun, routinely touching the mid-90s in four innings of one-run, five-hit ball. About the only thing that wasn’t agreeable was the result, a 4-0 Cougars loss to Wisconsin.

“I thought I did all right,” Zimmer said. “I felt like I rushed a little on a few pitches a little bit here and there, but for the most part, my stuff felt pretty good.”

Zimmer navigated a perfect first inning in 11 pitches and threw 42 of his 57 pitches for strikes. Each of the Timber Rattlers’ hits came on balls he left up in the strike zone. All but one was lightly hit.

Chukars had yesterday off. No word on who's pitching today.

Ford, Leonard go deep in Royals ninth straight win

After a lead-off single by Cameron Gallagher in the second inning, Fred Ford connected for a two-run home run that put Burlington in the lead. Ford's 10th homer of the season garnered him sole possession of the league home run lead. It was the first time Ford led the category on his own all year, as he broke a tie with teammate Patrick Leonard. Burlington played off of Ford's momentum and got doubles from Mark Threlkeld and Bubba Starling to help plate two more runs.

TBD

AZL lost 1-11

DSL lost 3-9

Diamonds in the Rough 7.16
POD - Ryan Dennick
HOD - Johnny Giavotella
RLPOD - Patrick Leonard

[SubGod22]

Omaha held scoreless over final 17 innings of series
Omaha's offensive struggles continue

Omaha responded in the fourth with a Wil Myers solo home run, his team-leading 17th, that cut the lead to 4-1 and ended a 20-inning scoreless drought for the visitors. Myers had entered the game in a 7-for-54 slump and wound up reaching base four times with a single and two walks.

Slumbering Storm Chasers Offense Reawakens

Oklahoma City, OK - Wil Myers drove in three runs and Derrick Robinson scored three times in support of Jake Odorizzi, who was solid through 5 2/3 innings, as Omaha crushed Oklahoma City, 11-1, Sunday evening in the second of four meetings at Bricktown Ballpark. The Storm Chasers pounded out 15 hits to end a three-game slide and improve to 64-45 on the season and 6-4 on their 12-game road trip.

Adcock scheduled to take the hill today

Cardinals' Big Inning Beats Naturals
Naturals Blowout Cardinals
Naturals Take Second Straight

Montgomery (2-2) went seven innings allowing six hits and two runs, while walking two and striking out three. The outing was the longest of the season in Double-A for Montgomery

Ventura gets the nod today

POUNDERS AND OFFENSE SHINE IN ROCKS WIN

Pounders went six strong innings, allowing just one run with six strikeouts and no walks. After the first inning, the righty only faced two batters over the minimum.

Matt Fields continues to mash
BIG SIXTH INNING AND RAIN PROPELS MUDCATS

For a second straight night, and the 13th time in 25 games, Matt Fields crushed a home run and went 2-for-4. His seventh straight game with a hit crested his average to a season-best .317. He has been particularly powerful this month, hitting to a triple slash of .364/.438/.838 with 13 homers and 19 RBIs over 25 games played. His (un)lucky 13 dingers lead the team and ranks seventh in the Carolina League.

ANOTHER BIG INNING FROM MUDCATS DOWN ROCKS

KC lost 1-4, won 3-2 and 5-1.

Home (Not So) Sweet Home for Chukars
Chukars End First Half with Loss
They won 9-8 yesterday

Six-run fifth propels Burlington to 10th in a row

Leonard's home run, his league-leading 11th of the year, followed up an Humberto Arteaga walk and a Bubba Starling double to make it 4-2 Burlington. Two batters later, the damage continued. A single by Fred Ford and a double off Chris Elder's bat paved the way for the surging Mark Threlkeld. The Royals' first baseman belted his fourth home run of the year to complete the six-run game-changing frame.

Streak halts in Pulaski

The Mariners and Royals traded blows over the first few innings, with each team grabbing slim leads. Burlington, however, appeared to pull away in the fifth. A Patrick Leonard two-run double, followed by a two-run homer off Kenny Diekroeger's bat, gave Burlington a 6-3 lead. But, that was all the Royals' offense could muster.

Junis, Diekroeger power Burlington past Rays

Diekroeger's three-run triple was followed by a flare single by Cameron Gallagher to put the Royals in front 4-0 after one inning. Burlington tacked on another run in the second, but the early offensive success ended abruptly thereafter.

Gallagher also with a nice defensive play to help secure the win. Rodgers pitches today.

AZL didn't play Friday, lost the completion of their July 4 game 4-6, had the Saturday night game PPD and won 5-4 Sunday

DSL lost 5-6 and won 9-6

Diamonds in the Rough 7.27
POD - Brooks Pounders
HOD - Matt Fields
RLPOD - Mark Threlkeld
Diamonds in the Rough 7.28
POD - Michael Mariot
HOD - Mario Lisson
RLPOD - Patrick Leonard
Diamonds in the Rough 7.29
POD - Aaron Brooks
HOD - Tim Ferguson
RLPOD - Ramon Torres
The Starting 9

[SubGod22]

Omaha whittle magic number for second straight division crown down to 19 - Dwyer to make the start today

Cardinals Cruise Late

Naturals' starter Yordano Ventura was pulled from the game after an inning and two-thirds with an injury. Ventura allowed four hits and four runs, while walking two and striking out one.

Not good news. Marimon starts next

Ferguson slated to start for Wilmington today

Cougars notch first sweep since early July

Chukars won 4-3

Royals stifled by Rays in 8-2 loss

Offensively, Burlington was held to two runs on four hits. Rays starter Alex Keudell pitched five innings of two-hit ball to earn his second win of the season. One of the two hits against Keudell was a Bubba Starling solo home run. The long ball to left was Starling's fifth of the season and he added a double later to go 2-for-4. Starling's homer was Keudell's only major miscue.

Rodgers stumbled for the first time. Will be interesting to see how he comes back from this one.

AZL won 10-7

DSL won 8-7

Diamonds in the Rough 7.30
POD - Andrew Triggs
HOD - Wil Myers
RLPOD - Bubba Starling

[SubGod22]

Omaha wraps up impressive road trip with another big come-from-behind win

Myers knocked in a run in the eighth with a sacrifice fly and finished the series with nine hits, including four long balls, and a dozen runs driven in while Abreu also collected nine hits and knocked in eight during the four-game set.
Dwyer settled down and earned the win by allowing just two hits over his final four innings and left after yielding six hits while issuing three walks and recording six strikeouts. Brandon Sisk tossed a scoreless eighth inning and Blaine Hardy worked a shutout ninth to wrap up the Storm Chasers 10th win in the finale of the 16-game season series.

Davis starts

Pina Punishes Drillers

Sugar Ray Marimon (2-3) turned in his best start in Double-A this season. The Naturals' right-hander went seven shutout innings scattering three hits, while walking three and striking out just one.

Arguelles scheduled to start

OFFENSE STALLS IN SERIES OPENER

Winston-Salem, NC - In the Carolina League's most hitter-friendly ballpark, against the circuit's most potent offense, Wilmington starter Andy Ferguson more than did his job. The second-year pro tied his career-high marks for innings pitched (7) and strikeouts (8), but saw his own offense stymied all the more by four Winston-Salem pitchers as the Dash (66-41-1, 22-16) shut out the Blue Rocks (47-60, 18-19), 2-0. The Blue Crew has lost three in a row to fall back below .500 on the half.

Ridings set to lead the Rocks

KC lost 4-9

IF won 7-4

Rays hand on for 1-0 win, take series 2-1

AZL lost 2-8 and have today off

DSL was rained out.

Diamonds in the Rough 7.31
POD - Andy Ferguson
HOD - Tony Abreu
RLPOD - Miguel Almonte

Also of note, the two new aquisition to the organization are both ranked in the top 10 of our farm system now. JC Sulbaran is in at #6 and Daniel Joseph is in at #8.

[SubGod22]

Stats are good as of July 31 games

Omaha Storm Chasers
Free Gio - .330, 17 2B, 2 3B, 10 HR, 56 RBI, 43 BB, 33 SO (Why isn't he given a legit shot in KC?)
Falu - .320, 13 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 35 RBI, 19 BB, 27 SO, 15 SB (I'd take him over YuniGetz as well)
Abreu - .318, 35 2B, 5 3B, 8 HR, 68 RBI, 13/67 (Another second baseman I'd rather see...)
Ramirez - .298, 13 2B, 13 HR, 62 RBI, 42/59
Free Wil - .297, 12 2B, 4 3B, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 34/73 (There's no longer a good excuse to leave him in Omaha)
C Rob - .292, 27 2B, 12 HR, 58 RBI, 59/52 (I'd like to see him get a shot somewhere)
Seratelli - .290, 10 2B, 2 3B, 16 HR, 58 RBI 35/70, 13 SB (Would make a nice utility guy)
Lough - .284, 15 2B, 10 3B, 7 HR, 53 RBI, 19/47, 23 SB (Should package him in a deal. Not going to make KC but would be good 4th OF)
D Rob - .276, 9 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 46/70, 18/9 SB/CS

Verdugo - 7-3, 3.82, 20/17 (G/GS), 99.0, 86/48 (K/BB) (Wouldn't mind seeing him get a few more starts in KC)
Monty - 3-6, 5.69, 17/17, 91.2, 67/43 (Recently demoted to AA)
Smith - 4-4, 3.61, 15/15, 89.2, 74/22 (Currently in KC)
Odorizzi - 8-1, 3.09, 13/12, 70.0, 61/26 (Should be in KC soon)
Davis - 5-2, 3.52, 13/9, 1 CG, 64.0, 46/22 (Surprised he wasn't called up to give some stability a while back)
Adcock - 6-3, 5.71, 12/11, 63.0, 40/25
Mazzaro - 2-1, 3.99, 14/8, 58.2, 51/18 (MIGHT make an ok middle reliever some day)
Jeffress - 5-4, 4.97, 37/0, 58.0, 61/25 (Weakest link of the Greinke trade?)
Bueno - 1-4, 2.85, 34/0, 53.2, 52/14
Sisk - 3-2, 3.24, 40/0, 50.0, 52/26 (Would like to see some September action)
Hottovy - 2-2, 3.02, 29/0, 38.2, 47/12 (Lives on I-29)
Teaford - 4-0, 1.09, 7/6, 33.0, 25/8 (I like this guy. In KC)
Dwyer - 2-2, 6.75, 4/4, 24.0, 17/10

Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Free Wil - .343, 11 2B, 1 3B, 13 HR, 30 RBI, 16/42 (Obviously in AAA and should be in KC)
Colon - .298, 9 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 29/26, 12 SB (Hope he can become a decent 2B)
Pina - .290, 2 2B, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 12/13 (Only 20 games since returning from injury. Should be our backup C in '13)
Van Stratten - .276, 5 2B, 2 3B, 13 RBI, 3/17
Fletcher - .269, 6 2B, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 6/51 (<---Ouch)
Testa - .255, 15 2B, 4 3B, 13 HR, 46 RBI, 36/84
Prades - .253, 18 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 30 RBI, 8/82 (Needs to work on his BB/SO ratio...)
Whittleman - .220, 18 2B, 1 3B, 15 HR, 44 RBI, 67/109

Mariot - 4-3, 3.26, 26/11, 91.0, 68/24 (Probably a pen guy if he makes it to MLB, MAYBE back end rotation)
Dwyer - 5-8, 5.25, 17/16, 85.2, 71/44 (In AAA. Probably a future in the pen if he makes it.)
Arguelles - 2-11, 7.58, 19/19, 84.1, 35/49 (Not looked at as much of a prospect anymore)
Marks - 3-4, 3.86, 14/14, 72.1, 60/33 (Potential back end of rotation type)
Pimentel - 2-5, 6.17, 17/7, 54.0, 40/21 (Maybe a bullpen arm)
Marimon - 2-3, 3.63, 7/7, 39.2, 24/16 (Probable middle relief. Maybe back of rotation)
Odorizzi - 4-2, 3.32, 7/7, 38.0, 47/10 (In AAA. Projects as a 2 or 3 starter)
Monty - 2-2, 5.84, 4/4, 24.2, 14/9 (Lost his shine)
Melville - 2-1, 7.71, 6/5, 23.1, 19/15 (Possible future in pen)
Ventura - 0-2, 5.68, 4/4, 19.0, 17/10 (Ceiling at top of rotation, probably a 3 or power closer)

Wilmington Blue Rocks
Graterol - .329, 9 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 3/18
Fields - .313, 6 2B, 1 3B, 13 HR, 23 RBI, 16/46 (Been on a tear lately)
Fletcher - .289, 15 2B, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 19/51 (Currently in AA)
Franco - .285, 13 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 24/33
Calixte - .259, 6 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 9/38 (Promoted to Wilmington mid-season)
Merrifield - .258, 19 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 35 RBI, 41/68, 23 SB
David - .251, 9 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 23 RBI, 11/48 (Future backup C)
Cuthbert - .223, 12 2B, 7 HR, 48 RBI, 31/60
Adams - .216, 5 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 12/34 (Former MSU recruit)
Eibner - .196, 20 2B, 5 3B, 11 HR, 42 RBI, 48/132 (Has one more season as a hitter and will probably be moved to the mound)

Adam - 3-11, 3.80, 21/21, 123.0, 98/29 (Projects as a 3)
Sample - 1-8, 5.71, 23/15, 88.1, 78/46 (No longer a prospect)
Ventura - 3-5, 3.30, 16/16, 76.1, 98/28 (Currently in AA)
Marimon - 4-2, 2.12, 14/9, 68.0, 60/18 (Currently in AA)
Billo - 5-4, 4.35, 12/10, 60.0, 56/20 (Currently on the shelf with TJS)
Runion - 3-1, 2.36, 27/0, 49.2, 39/12 (Finally seems to be healthy)
Pounders - 4-3, 5.44, 10/9, 46.1, 42/18
Perez - 3-3, 3.67, 13/6, 41.2, 27/10
Ferguson - 1-2, 4.68, 4/4, 25.0, 24/3 (Bright future. Just promoted to High A)
Ridings - 2-1, 3.04, 7/3, 23.2, 16/4 (Been a pleasant surprise)
Graffeo - 0-1, 3.86, 14/0, 21.0, 19/6 (Step-son of Seitzer)

Kane County Cougars
Llanos - .302, 9 2B, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 6/26
Adams - .298, 13 2B, 4 3B, 5 HR, 44 RBI, 21/48, 11 SB (Now in High A)
Aparicio - .287, 3 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 6/22 (Recently promoted from Idaho Falls)
Bonifacio - .287, 19 2B, 6 3B, 10 HR, 59 RBI, 28/79 (Keep an eye on this one)
Trapp - .257, 12 2B, 5 3B, 8 HR, 35 RBI, 35/83, 20 SB
Calixte - .241, 13 2B, 4 3B, 10 HR, 34 RBI, 21/44 (Now in High A)
Antonio - .219, 18 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 52 RBI, 22/56 (Another one to watch)
Lopez - .201, 4 2B, 4 HR, 6/26 (They have some pretty high hopes with this kid. I believe he's 19 and in his first year of pro ball)

Brooks - 9-9, 4.65, 21/21, 1 CG, 122.0, 87/19
Moen - 3-8, 5.50, 21/19, 104.2, 97/27
Baez - 6-3, 2.87, 12/11 1 CG, 59.2, 63/23
Pounders - 3-2, 3.28, 12/8, 50.2, 57/19 (Currently in High A)
Brickhouse - 2-3, 5.66, 7/7, 35.0, 33/17
Smith - 1-1, 3.74, 7/7, 33.2, 42/12 (Looks really good so far)
Zimmer - 0-2, 10.50, 2/2, 6.0, 7/3 (2nd start didn't go well. He'll finish in KC and start '13 in Wilmington. Could be in rotation '14)

Idaho Falls Chukars
Chapman - .346, 5 2B, 6 3B, 17 RBI, 18/21, 14 SB
Goris - .310, 2 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 1/5
Mondesi - .297, 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 11/36 (Yes, that Mondesi. First year in the States)
Cuckovich - .281, 7 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 24 RBI, 17/39
Hernandez - .226, 8 2B, 2 3B, 21 RBI, 7/35 (5 tool CF. One to watch)

Williams -2-3, 5.14, 8/7, 35.0, 39/12
Selman - 4-0, 1.67, 7/6, 32.1, 44/8 (Should finish in KC and start in Wilmington with Zimmer in '13)
Sneed - 1-0, 6.44, 7/6, 29.1, 26/14
Ferguson - 2-0, 1.14, 4/4, 23.2, 21/6 (Currently in High A)
Mills - 0-2, 3.86, 11/2, 23.1, 26/6 (Had a pretty good debut in pro ball)
Smith - 1-0, 1.80, 1/1, 5.0, 11/1 (Currently in Low A)

Burlington Royals
Moreno - .375, 4 2B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 3/11
Gallagher - .298, 7 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 7/11 (He's been good behind the plate too)
Starling - .288, 5 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 15/34, 5 SB
Threlkeld - .280, 10 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 5/18
Gore - .271, 3 2B, 2 3B, 9 RBI, 18/27, 18 SB
Ford - .267, 8 2B, 1 3B, 10 HR, 22 RBI, 20/39
Arteaga - .266, 8 2B, 2 3B, 20 RBI, 4/12
Diekroeger - .246, 3 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 10/29
Leonard - .244, 2 2B, 11 HR, 29 RBI, 20/32

Hernandez - 2-0, 2.70, 7/7, 36.2, 33/3
Junis - 2-2, 4.15, 7/6, 34.2, 22/5
Caramo - 3-1, 3.71, 7/5, 34.0, 24/4
Conroy - 3-0, 3.27, 7/5, 33.0, 26/9
Rodgers - 3-1, 1.52, 7/7, 29.2, 14/9
Stumpf - 2-1, 1.45, 12/0, 18.2, 23/5
Binford - 0-1, 1.80, 4/4, 15.0, 10/2

Arizona League Royals (I'm leaving out rehab assignments)
Goris - .425, 6 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 2/10 (Currently at Idaho Falls)
Rivera - .402, 3 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 12/10, 8 SB
Ramos - .333, 7 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 11/22
Escalera-Maldonado - .317, 3 2B, 1 3B, 9 RBI, 4/24
Torres - .312, 4 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 17/12, 10 SB

Lovvorn - 0-1, 7.67, 8/4, 29.1, 21/19
Sons - 3-1, 4.73, 8/4, 26.2, 15/19
Zimmer - 1-0, 0.90, 3/3, 1 CG, 1 SHO, 10.0, 13/0 (Currently at Kane County)

Dominican Summer League Royals - I'm gonna let you look for yourself. Some of the pitchers names look familiar, but it's tough with these guys.

[SubGod22]

The Chasers Trump the Aces, 6-3, on Wednesday

OMAHA, Neb. - The Omaha Storm Chasers erased a three-run deficit to trump the Reno Aces, 6-3, on Wednesday night. Johnny Giavotella went two-for-four at the plate and knocked in a trio of runs while southpaw Doug Davis picked up his sixth win of the season after allowing three runs in six innings of work to go with his eight strikeouts. The victory shrinks the Chasers' magic number to clinch their second straight division title to 17 games as well as snapped their five-game Werner Park losing streak.

Verdugo starts for Omaha today

Drillers Down Naturals

Yem Prades blasted a lead-off solo home run to start the fourth inning and bring the Naturals back within one. The home run was the eighth of the season for Prades. The Drillers again answered back in the bottom of the fourth inning when Mike Mitchell scored on a wild pitch by Arguelles.

Mariot takes the hill for NWA

WATTS, BELTRE PACE HIGH-SCORING TRIUMPH

Starter Matt Ridings got his first win as a Wilmington starter with the longest outing of his pro career. He allowed three runs over 6.1 innings on five hits and no walks. He has issued just one free pass over 22 innings as a starter with the Blue Crew.

Pounders will get the start fro the Rocks tonight

Cougars rally but fall to Snappers

In the fifth, the Cougars (53-55, 19-19) began to fight back against Beloit starter Taylor Rogers. Dean Espy ignited the rally with a solo homer while the Cougars managed three straight singles after Henry Moreno was hit by a pitch to plate three more runs. Justin Trapp delivered a two-run hit and scored on a fielder's choice off the bat of Danny Mateo.

Chukars Drop First Game of 2nd Half

Heading into the game the Greybirds were confident of their ability to remain undefeated, as Chukars ace and reining Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week Sam Selman started the game. Selman was not his usual self however, as the southpaw walked a season high five batters while lasting just four innings. Despite his command struggles, Selman was still able to hold the Raptors to just one run on two hits with 7 strikeouts.

Patton will start for IF

Royals fall short to Twins in extras

Burlington took the initial lead in the second inning. Second baseman Kenny Diekroeger launched his eighth home run of the year to left-center field to take a 1-0 lead. That advantage held up until the sixth, when Quesada scored on a single up the middle by Niko Goodrum

Hernandez to start

AZL had the day off

DSL lost 3-5

Diamonds in the Rough 8.1
POD - Matt Ridings
HOD - Geulin Beltre
RLPOD - Yender Caramo

[SubGod22]

Royals Prospect Profile: Matt Ridings - Fair report from everything I've read on him the last couple of years. He could find a spot in the pen some day. If nothing else, he'll be a guy who reaches AAA and gets some up and down opportunities. Very likeable player that I'm pulling for to get a shot someday.

[SubGod22]

Omaha Defeats Reno, 4-2, for Fifth Straight Win

OMAHA, Neb. - The Omaha Storm Chasers defeated the Reno Aces, 4-2, on Thursday night to win their fifth consecutive contest. Tony Abreu went two-for-four at the plate with a three-run bomb in the fifth inning while left-hander Ryan Verdugo earned his eighth win of the year as held the Aces to two runs over four hits in 6.0 innings on the hill. With the victory, the Storm Chasers shrink their magic number to clinch their second-straight division crown to 16 games.

Chasers Fall 5-3, Five Game Win Streak Snapped
Omaha Loses to Reno, 4-2, on Saturday
Irving Falu drives in two in Sunday's losing effort - Davis to start today

Kouzmanoff Slams Drillers

Michael Mariot (5-3) picked up the win for the Naturals going seven innings and allowing seven hits and two runs, while walking one and fanning four.

Naturals Rally in the Ninth for Win

Naturals' starter Mike Montgomery also got a no decision in the contest. The left-hander went seven innings scattering five hits and allowing three runs, while walking two and striking out five.

Piazza Puzzles Naturals

JC Sulbaran went four innings in his debut with the Royals organization. The right-hander allowed three hits and one run, while walking three and striking out two.

Marimon Marvelous on the Mound - Arguelles set to start for NWA

IN A PINCH, HANKERD'S BLOW BESTS BLUE ROCKS

Each team plated a run in the first as both starters showed shaky command. Matt Fields doubled in the Rocks' run while Trayce Thompson singled in a score for the hosts. But Brooks Pounders settled from that point on for Wilmington, striking out a career-high-tying eight over his 5.1 innings.

FIELDS NAMED TOPPS PLAYER OF THE MONTH

In 27 July games, Fields hit .355 with 13 home runs and 19 RBIs. He scored 18 runs in the month, belted six doubles and added a triple. He recorded an on-base percentage of .425 and a slugging percentage of .794 for a 1.219 OPS. In the 23 games he played first base, he only made one error. His slugging percentage led all of minor league baseball thanks to his MiLB-best home run total on the month. His July OPS placed third in the minors while his average ranked second in the Carolina League.

COYLE'S HOMER PUSHES SALEM TO VICTORY
WALK-OFF WALK DOOMS BLUE ROCKS
PITERSON POKES BLUE CREW TO TRIUMPH

Starter Andy Ferguson allowed just one run over his 6.2 innings, striking out seven.

Pimentel to start today.

KC won 7-5, lost 1-8 and 2-5 then won 5-4.

Chukars Drop Rubber Match 4-1
Chukars Survive Wild Game 10-9
Owlz Shutout Chukars 4-0
Greybirds Offense Lackluster Again in Loss

Chukars starting pitcher Alec Mills kept his team in the game despite the lack of offensive support, as the right-hander held the top offense in the Pioneer League to just two runs on two hits over his six innings pitched. Despite the good outing in which he didn't walk a man and struck out six, Mills proved to be the goat for the Chukars offensive ineptitude by taking the loss.

Appears that Williams will start

Burlington pounds Twins, breaks out of slump

Four more runs crossed the plate in the seventh, then two in the eighth and one in the ninth. Burlington's offense was not only relentless, it was all-inclusive. Every Royal had multiple hits and every Royal contributed at least one run. Tops in production was Mark Threlkeld, who drove in five runs and scored twice as part of a 4-for-6 night. The first baseman was one of three Royals to homer, including Arteaga and Bubba Starling. Threlkeld and Arteaga each finished a triple shy of the cycle.

M's offense dictates game one

The Royals mounted a comeback attempt in the sixth. Bubba Starling's seventh home run, which came on the day after his 20th birthday, helped Burlington put up three runs and make it a four-run ballgame.

Burlington wins 6-3 behind Diekroeger double

Fred Ford gave the pitching staff insurance in the fifth and eighth. The right-fielder singled through the right side to score Patrick Leonard in the fifth. Then, in the eighth, Ford tied Leonard for the Appalachian League home run lead with a towering drive to center. Ford's 11th home run gave Burlington its sixth and final run.

Looks like Binford will start for the B-Royals

AZL lost 0-2, 4-5, 7-23 (Yes, 23) and 4-5. They're off today.

DSL won 3-1, lost 5-11 and 0-3.

Diamonds in the Rough 8.2
POD - Ryan Verdugo
HOD - Tony Abreu
RLPOD - Burlington Royals Lineup!
Diamonds in the Rough 8.3
POD - Mike Montgomery
HOD - Brian Fletcher
RLPOD - Adalberto Mondesi
Diamonds in the Rough 8.4
POD - Nate Adcock
HOD - Orlando Calixte
RLPOD - Bubba Starling
Diamonds in the Rough 8.5
POD - Andy Ferguson
HOD - Irving Falu
RLPOD - Fred Ford
The Starting 9

[SubGod22]

Chasers Outlasted by the Sky Sox, 10-7 - Starter TBD

Naturals Shutout Travelers

Noel Arguelles (3-12) was brilliant on the mound for the Naturals. The left-hander threw seven shutout innings allowing just two hits while walking one and striking out five.

Hollingsworth Named Pitcher of the Week - Naturals are off today

Blue Rocks had yesterday off. Pimentel will start today.

Big inning lifts Kane County past the Kernels

Kane County's 4-run 6th inning was the difference in the ballgame. The Cougars plated 4 runs in the inning against Kernels reliever Nick Mutz to take a 5-4 lead. Michael Antonio and Dean Espy drew back to back walks to start the inning. Tim Ferguson's RBI single plated Antonio. Kevin David's 2-RBi triple plated Espy and Ferguson to tie the game. After the triple, Mutz exited the game for Mike Johnson. Johnson's wild pitch allowed David to score, giving the Cougars the one run lead.

Kyle Smith is slated to start today.

Chukars won 6-5

Binford carries Royals past M's in first win

Binford was solid over the first five innings of work. He allowed three hits during that stretch and only allowed one runner to get into scoring position. The starter began to taper off toward the end of his start. Binford gave up three runs on three hits in his sixth and final inning of work, but held on to put himself in line for the win.

Burlington will play a DH today

AZL had the day off

DSL completed a game that was suspended in mid July with a 9-6 win. Then they won 3-2 in the completion of a game that was suspended the very next day and then they lost 5-6 in the regularly scheduled game.

Diamonds in the Rough 8.6
POD - Noel Arguelles
HOD - Carlo Testa
RLPOD - Cam Gallagher

[SubGod22]

Christian Colon has been promoted to Omaha. Seems a bit odd as I don't think he projects as a SS in the Majors and Omaha has three guys capable of playing 2B right now in Gio, Falu and Seratelli. The latter two can play multiple positions though.

[SubGod22]

Chasers Ground the Sky Sox and Win, 6-1

Ryan Verdugo (9-3) started for the Storm Chasers (69-49) and pitched excellently as he held the Sox (62-56) to one run over six hits in 7 innings while striking out five. Donnie Joseph pitched the final two innings in relief of Verdugo and allowed just one hit while punching out a trio.

Odorizzi will pitch todays noon game

Naturals had the day off. Mariot starts today. Whit Merrifield was called up from Wilmington to take Colons' spot on the roster.

THOMPSON'S DROP OPENS DOOR FOR ROCKS VICTORY

Elisaul Pimentel started for Wilmington and threw five innings of shutout baseball. He allowed just two hits and one walk while ringing up six strikeouts.

Pounders set to start tonight

Kernels can't stomach Smith's pitching

Smith certainly did his part in the pace department, needing 91 pitches to complete seven innings, his longest outing of the season. Relying on a quality curveball, he struck out 12 and scattered three hits, helping send the Kernels to 45-69 (13-31).

Idaho Falls prevailed 7-1 yesterday.

Royals come back in game one, split doubleheader - Hernandez will start tonight.

AZL lost 1-7

DSL won 7-2

Diamonds in the Rough 8.7
POD - Kyle Smith
HOD - Daniel Mateo
RLPOD - Sam Selman

[SubGod22]

Omaha Falls 4-2 in Wednesday Matinee - Odorizzi pitched well but didn't get the run support needed. Omaha is off today.

Merrifield Makes Mark

SPRINGDALE, AR- Whit Merrifield made his mark in his first Double-A game blasting a home run and scoring the winning run, as the Naturals defeated the Midland RockHounds 5-4 on Wednesday night at Arvest Ballpark.

Monty will take the hill for NWA tonight.

COLLOP LEADS DASH IN THREE-HIT SHUTOUT - Perez will start for the Rocks.

Clinton clubs four home runs to beat Cougars - Baez will start for KC

Chukars lose 6-8

Perez's brilliant start fuels Braves past Royals - Conroy scheduled to start for the B-Royals

AZL lost 3-9

DSL was postponed.

Diamonds in the Rough 8.8
POD - Jake Odorizzi
HOD - Whit Merrifield
RLPOD - Diego Goris

[SubGod22]

Off day yesterday for the Chasers. Adcock takes the hill today.

Naturals' Rally Falls Short

Naturals' starter Mike Montgomery (2-3) went four and a third innings allowing seven hits and three runs. The left-hander walked three and struck out five.

Sulbaran will make the start for NWA. I won't be surprised to see Monty traded in the offseason.

DASH POUND ROCKS IN HEAD-TO-HEAD FANALE

Geulin Beltre picked up his 19th outfield assist when he gunned down Michael Earley in the seventh inning. His total is good enough for second in the Carolina League behind Potomac's Michael Taylor. With knocks in 14 of his last 17, Beltre has hit .387 (24-for-62) in lifting his average by 34 points to .240. That marks his best contact clip since going 1-for-4 in his Wilmington debut on April 6

Adam will start for the Blue Crew

Mitchell solid in loss

Mitchell allowed four hits over his five shutout innings while punching out five.

Zimmer slated to start for the Cougars today.

Late Innings Fatal Again for Chukars

Surprisingly, IF had an article but Burlington doesn't this morning. B-Royals won 10-2 and Conroy is slated to pitch game one of a DH.

AZL lost 1-11

DSL lost 1-3 and won the completion of yesterdays game 4-3.

Royals Stock Watch

The minor league season is in its twilight with less than a month worth of games for teams that miss the playoffs. With that being the case lets take a quick look at players have improved or hurt their stock prior to the year end rankings.

Diamonds in the Rough 8.9
POD - Jason Mitchell
HOD - Nick Van Stratten
RLPOD - Mark Threlkeld

[SubGod22]

Five pitchers help to topple Tucson

Tucson, AZ - Anthony Seratelli hit the game-winning home run as Omaha edged Tucson, 4-3, Friday night in the opener of a four-game series at Kino Stadium. The Storm Chasers won their fourth straight road game to improve to 70-50 on the season and reduce their magic number to clinch a second straight division title to 10.

Dwyer starts for Omaha

Fletcher Finishes RockHounds

SPRINGDALE, AR- Brian Fletcher hit a three-run home run, and knocked in another run as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals defeated the Midland RockHounds 5-4 on Friday night at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals took two of three from the RockHounds.

Sugar Ray will start for NWA. NWA will also host the 2013 Texas League All-Star Game.

EXTRA-BASE HITS GALORE FOR ROCKS IN BLOWOUT

Jason Adam (4-11) started for Wilmington and was extremely efficient. He tossed seven innings of one-run ball (unearned), allowing two hits and one walk to go with six strikeouts. It was his third win in six starts after earning only one victory in his first 17 nods. Nick Graffeo came on in the eighth and tossed two scoreless frames, allowing just one hit and a walk with two strikeouts

Fields also had 2 HRs and 4 rusn scored. Ferguson will start for the Blue Crew

Zimmer earns 1st win as a Cougar

Zimmer (1-2) had a career-high 10 strikeouts while recording 62⁄3 shutout innings and limited the LumberKings (52-63, 29-18) to only three hits. Clinton never had a man reach third base. Neither team scored a run until the top of the seventh inning when the Cougars (58-59, 24-23) broke through against reliever Josh Corrales (3-4).

Brickhouse will start for KC

Idaho Falls won 12-5 against Orem yesterday.

]Royals win suspended game, lose second

Still down by three, the Royals loaded the bases again in the top of the fifth inning. Starling fanned for the second out, leaving it up to Leonard to take advantage of the opportunity. The third baseman did not disappoint, hammering a grand slam deep over the left field wall and flipping the score to a 5-4 Royals lead. Leonard's homer was his first grand slam of the year and his 12th long-ball to put him back into a tie for the league lead.

Pitcher TBD

AZL won 6-5

DSL lost 2-11

Diamonds in the Rough 8.10
POD - Kyle Zimmer
HOD - Matt Fields
RLPOD - Nick Delguidice

[SubGod22]

Omaha continues success away from home

The Omaha left-hander finished strong, setting down 13 of the final 15 batters he faced and did not permit a runner past first base after the fifth inning. Dwyer gave up eight hits, walked four and fanned four in authoring Omaha's first nine-inning complete game since Luis Mendoza's near no-hitter in Memphis on July 19 of last season. It was also Dwyer's first nine-inning route-going performance since June 13, 2010 when he was pitching for Wilmington in the Class-A Carolina League.

Storm Chasers Go Crazy Offensively in Rout of Padres

Tucson, AZ - Wil Myers, David Lough and Mitch Maier all hit home runs as Omaha absolutely dismantled Tucson, 20-3, Sunday night in the third of four meetings at Kino Stadium. The Storm Chasers reached season-highs in runs and hits, with an astounding 33, in claiming victory in their sixth straight road game to improve to 72-50 and reduce their magic number to clinch a second straight division title to seven

Verdugo expected to start

RoughRiders Rock Naturals
RoughRiders Rally Late

Arguelles worked seven innings for the second consecutive start. The left-hander allowed seven hits and two runs, while walking five and striking out five.

Mars slated to start

FERGUSON LEADS CHARGE IN ROCKS TRIUMPH

Ferguson (2-2) tossed a dandy. He went seven innings on one-run ball, allowing five hits and one walk. Robinson Yambati followed Ferguson with two scoreless frames, surrendering just a hit and a walk to go with three strikeouts, to garner his second save.

RIDINGS AND ROGERS SHUT OUT SALEM

Ridings (5-1) had his best start as a pro. He tossed seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits while fanning three Sox batters. The seven frames mark a career-high in his two years as a pro ballplayer. Nick Rogers followed him in the eighth and pitched two scoreless innings on one hit with three strikeouts.

Pounders looks to start on Tueday as the Rocks are off today.

Brickhouse pitched KC to a 4-3 victory on Saturday.
Kane County drops Kernels 9-5 on Sunday afternoon

Kyle Smith (3-1) went five innings for the Cougars victory, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits. He struck out 4 and walked 1

Aaron Brooks to get the start today

Idaho Falls won 6-4 on Saturday. They were off yesterday and play tonight.

Binford's gem helps secure 7-2 win

Royals starter Christian Binford reached career highs in both innings and strike outs, dominating the Bluefield Blue Jays for a 7-2 win. Binford threw seven innings, striking out seven and allowing one run on three hits.

Starling also went deep to move into a tie for 4th in the Appy in HRs.
Burlington drops rubber match to Jays

AZL was off Saturday. Won 10-8 Sunday.

DSL won 17-3 on Saturday.

The Starting 9 - 7 pitchers on the list this week.
Diamonds in the Rough 8.11
POD - Andy Ferguson
HOD - Christian Colon
RLPOD - Christian Binford
Diamonds in the Rough 8.12
POD - Matt Ridings
HOD - Wil Myers
RLPOD - Ramon Torres