Gems By Clemens and Lopez And Salcedo's Streak Highlight Wednesday's Atlanta Braves Minor League Action
by cbwilk on May 12, 2011 2:20 AM EDT
in Braves Minor League Recaps
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Paul Clemens continues to dominate for Mississippi, tossing another gem tonight, while Edward Salcedo just keeps getting on base for Rome, and veteran Rodrigo Lopez tossed a gem of his own for Gwinnett.
Gwinnett Braves 2, Pawtucket Red Sox 0
- Jordan Schafer CF 1-4, 2B, RBI, .276 AVG
- Matt Young LF 1-2, RBI, 2 BB, .SB (5), 316 AVG
- Rodrigo Lopez 7 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 7 K, W (5), 1.79 ERA
- Jairo Asencio 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 K, SV (4), 2.61 ERA
Rodrigo Lopez improved his record to a perfect 5-0, blanking the Paw Sox over 7 innings, fanning 7 in the process. The 35 year old has had no problem dominating AAA, with a 1.79 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in 45.1 innings. If the Braves can't use him down the stretch, you'd have to believe they could trade him for a player they could use, perhaps a righty slugger for the bench. Jordan Schafer is on a bit of a roll. His RBI double today extended his hitting streak to 6 games, and over his last 10 he's hitting .326 with a .341 OBP, and a .829 OPS. Matt Young drove in Schafer on a single, and he managed to reach base in 3 of his 4 plate appearances. After struggling in his first taste of the Majors, in very limited playing time, he's been the same old Matt in AAA, with a .316 average, a .435 OBP, and a .803 OPS in 57 at bats.
Julio Teheran returns to AAA, starting the final game of the series Thursday.
Mississippi Braves 4, Jackson Generals 1
- Myke Jones CF 0-1, 3 BB, .150 AVG
- Tyler Pastornicky SS 2-4, 2 RBI, .317 AVG
- Jeff Fiorentino DH 1-2, 2B, 2 BB, .267 AVG
- Paul Clemens 8 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K, W (3), 1.90 ERA
Paul Clemens picked up his third consecutive win and he's really putting together the breakout year that people have been expecting from him for a while now. Through 42.2 innings, the righty has a 1.90 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, 6.3 H/9, 3.6 BB/9, and 8.2 K/9. Myke Jones didn't help his average by striking out in his only official at bat, but he did do his job as a leadoff hitter, reaching 3 times on walks. Tyler Pastornicky continued his fine work, picking up a pair of singles, driving in 2 runs with one of them. Jeff Fiorentino reached base 3 times tonight, and he's had a good first week with his new organization, hitting .267 with a .917 OPS in 5 games.
Righty JJ Hoover takes on the Generals tomorrow.
Lynchburg Hillcats 3, Frederick Keys 6
- Andrelton Simmons SS 1-2, RBI, 2 BB, E (10), .347 AVG
- Barrett Kleinknecht 3B 2-4, .250 AVG
- Keenan Wiley RF 2-4, RBI, .359 AVG
- Zeke Spruill 7 IP, 5 R, 3 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K, 3.51 ERA
The biggest story of this game might be that Todd Cunningham went 0-4, ending his torrid 8 game hitting streak. Andrelton Simmons did get a hit, extending his hitting streak to 14 games, though he also commited a throwing error, his 10th error of the season. Barrett Kleinknecht, filling in at third base for Joe Leonard, who's home sick with the flu, rapped out a pair of hits, as did Keenan Wiley, who has fared well in a fill-in role for both Rome and Lynchburg, combining to hit .325 with a .794 OPS in 80 at bats between the two stops. Zeke Spruill didn't pitch that poorly, but his own shoddy defense led to 1 of his 2 unearned runs.
Cory Rasmus takes the hill for the Hillcats tomorrow.
Rome Braves 5, Augusta Greenjackets 2
- Edward Salcedo SS 2-3, 2B, BB, SB (7), .302 AVG
- Robby Hefflinger DH 1-5, HR (1), RBI, .276 AVG
- Christian Bethancourt C 2-5, .231 AVG
- Chris Garcia 1B 2-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, .217 AVG
- Hilton Richardson CF 2-4 .213 AVG
- Caleb Brewer 6 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 4 K, W (1), 2.95 ERA
- Ryan Weber 2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K, 2.30 ERA
Edward Salcedo reached base 3 times and stole a base, extending his on base streak to 25 games and his hitting streak to 8 games in the process. Robby Hefflinger clubed out his first homer of the season and Chris Garcia hit his second in 3 games, a 3 run shot in the 3rd inning that gave the R-Braves all the runs they would need to get Caleb Brewer his first win of the season. Brewer has been solid all year, with a 2.95 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP in 42.2 innings. He's kept the hit totals relatively low all season, allowing 5.5 H/9 this season, and in his last few starts he's reeled in the walk totals, with a 2.8 BB/9 rate, compared to a 5.2 BB/9 rate in his first 5 starts.
Steve Kent pitches Thursday as the R-Braves look for a series split against the Greenjackets.
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When is the organization moving Salcedo up?
Is his glove holding him back from the next level or is it his age or he is just on a hot streak right now?
by romone_braves91 on May 12, 2011 2:36 AM EDT reply actions
He’s only 19. He’s right where he should be. A nice, successful full season with Rome is just what his development needs. Besides, they wouldn’t move him up unless they were ready to move Pastornicky to AAA and Simmons to AA at the same time.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
i wouldn't be against this,
especially given the fact that we may lose Sea Bass after this year. Do you think it would be smart to see if we can’t speed track one of them to be ready to take over for him? Especially since Pastornicky is tearing it up at Mississippi
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while." - Dave Cameron
I don't see why it has to be now...
baseball is a long season. If they are all tearing it up come June, some shuffling may be in order, but let’s have these kids enjoy 2-3 months of a stable situation and some strong success.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
I think Pastornicky would be able to step in and play next season as a rookie if that’s the route the team decides to go. He’d be hitting 8th and really counted on to play good defense.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
so you dont think
he would need any time at Gwinnett? I know the jump to AA is the tougher one.
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while." - Dave Cameron
The jump from AA to AAA is incredibly tough, but for some reason people ignore that reality. But no, I think he’ll be with Gwinnett in July and August of this year. Personally, I think the Braves would do well to re-sign Alex Gonzalez for next season, but if they decide, for whatever reason, not to do that, Pastornicky would be fine as a rookie starter.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
Would Lucas, Hicks, and Hernandez not limit his chances for AAA?
or would Pastornicky’s age and potential upside trump those 3 who seem to have reached their ceiling (as players on the borderline between AAA and MLB).
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Lucas isn’t blocking anyone. They got him to supplement the team, if they have an actual prospect he’ll move somewhere else or just won’t play. One of Hernandez and Hicks is going to be in the Majors, so one of them won’t be blocking anyone. And whichever other one is in AAA would end up playing 2B and 3B with Pastornicky playing SS and they could say it was so that guy could become more versatile. None of those guys are going to get in the way of the guy with the best future.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
Salcedo has taken huge strides this year
I’d love to see him end the season with a month or two at Lynchburg. Even if that means Simmons and Pastornicky would have to be promoted, that wouldn’t be the worst thing. All 3 are on fire and currently hitting over .300.That would set Salcedo up for a possible promotion to Mississippi by mid summer next year.
I’ve got Jack Johnson and Tom O’Leary waiting for ya, right here
surprised no teams have been calling about lopez. hes been dominating so far
ESPN can give the Philthies all the verbal BJs they want, Braves will still clinch the east!
by suicide bunting is a sin on May 12, 2011 6:57 AM EDT reply actions
maybe they have
People are like at least I'm not that guy on stage. That guy on stage is like at least I'm not that guy in the looney bin. The guy in the looney bin are like at least I'm an orange
I know it’s becoming repetitive, but I love these recaps.
Simmons .347 average just cracks me up. That guy wants to play SS….he’s begging not to go to the mound.
"Bunting's my favorite." Fredi G
LOL
I don’t think he’s gonna hit enough for SS. He needs to bumb his AVG up 100 points before i’m convinced
Admired as a saint. Defined by my rank. Combined with my strength. My time and my length.
To be fair though, plenty of 21 year olds have dominated at High A and not been able to hit at the higher levels. The .347 average is fantastic, but he’s also not walking much, with only 7 in 108 plate appearances, good for a .400 OBP, and he’s not slugging at all, with only 5 of his 35 hits going for extra bases, good for a .406 slugging percentage. The average is going to come back to reality, if not at High A, then certainly at AA or AAA, and without the high average, he’s not being very productive with the bat.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
Maybe
But i believe a .270 – .280 hitter with a great glove, good OBP, and speed will be just fine with me. And i truly believe he will be capable of that. Yes he doesn’t walk and he do need to improve. but he also isn’t striking out much either. Whether he hit 0 HRs or 10, we really dont need for him to hit for power.
Admired as a saint. Defined by my rank. Combined with my strength. My time and my length.
But will he have that good OBP, or even that .270-.280 average at the highest levels? Even if he hits for that average, he’s looking at having something like a .310-.320 OBP, which isn’t exactly great. I not saying I’m not happy with how he’s doing this year, but I still see a skinny kid with little ability to drive the ball who I think is going to get overmatched with the bat at the higher levels, enough so that even his defense won’t be able to make up for it.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
You know a lot more than me and you are one of the main people on here that i really like to hear and respect your opinion so I can be wrong about this but I truly believe that this is not a fluke. No i am not saying that he will hit .347 the rest of the year. But i truly believe that he have learned and made the needed adjustment with his bat. I see him as a Andrus type player with a bettet bat. Everybody will get overmatched at some point but i believe he will make the needed adjustments and continue to hit in the 270 – 280 range. He has made great strides while completely skipping a full level and he will continue to get better.
Admired as a saint. Defined by my rank. Combined with my strength. My time and my length.
I don’t think he’s even remotely in the same class as Andrus. That kid was so much more impressive at the same level, and he was much younger. As far as making the adjustments, right now he’s just riding a ridiculously hot streak. Remember a frew weeks ago when he couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn? The kid is a work in progress, I definitely don’t think he’s turned any mythical corners, he could just as easily go back to hugely struggling as he could keep on hitting.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
I don’t think he’s even remotely in the same class as Andrus. That kid was so much more impressive at the same level
In A+, Andrus hit .257/.338/.343. Not all that impressive. The only thing he really had on him is SBs.
I’ve got Jack Johnson and Tom O’Leary waiting for ya, right here
actually
it’s his arm. he’s got TONS of errors so far.
by apoxonbothyourhouses on May 12, 2011 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
so did Andrus
when at Rome and Myrtle. That means little at this level.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Well, Andrus is 22 now and still can’t hit
I’ve got Jack Johnson and Tom O’Leary waiting for ya, right here
He's also in the bigs...
13 months older than Simmons, and he’s in his 3rd MLB season instead of A+. His last minor league game came at 19, in 2008, and he hit near .300 in AA that year, with a .350 obp. His on base was a respectable .342 last year, and he’s a career .266 hitter in over 1200 at bats. He can’t hit FOR POWER, but the boy ain’t nearly as bad offensively as he’s made out to be. His avg and obp are better than our current MLB SS, and have been since he arrived in the bigs. His wOBA was better than Sea Bass as a rookie, and is better this year too.
Can’t hit FOR POWER, but there’s a lot worse than him.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
As i said before, Andrus had 407 games played and 1789 PA compared to Simmons’s 89 G and 381 PA’s. Elvis might had been younger but he also was more experienced than Simmons.
Admired as a saint. Defined by my rank. Combined with my strength. My time and my length.
He was more experienced...
in all likelihood because he was better. There is a reason Andrus was breaking in to the bigs around the same age Simmons was beginning at a JUCO.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
If all you’re looking at is stats, sure. If you’re actually out seeing what the guys are made of, it’s a different story.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
How raw was he on arrival?
have you been able to get a sense of how developed he was after the JUCO? has he been stateside for a while, was it a good juco, etc? Could he have been extremely raw as a hitter, and developing fast now that he’s getting better coaching?
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
I think Simmons has a good idea of what to do with the bat, and he doesn’t try to play outside of his game, so he’s not likely to hit a homer and spend the next two weeks trying to hit homers. But still, he’s really gonna have to slash and burn at the higher levels if he can’t drive the ball, and I just don’t think he’s fast enough for that.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
I wish there were accurate measures in MiLB stats...
I’d love to see just how selective Simmons is. Does he swing at anything and is just good at making contact ala Vlad Guerrero without the power? Or is he pretty selective with his eye, but when he gets a pitch to hit he puts it in play? Basically, is he swinging at anything and getting lucky, or being selective and just really good at putting his first swing in play? I can’t wait to see how he does at a higher level, and if you take just this year alone, I’m probably more interested to see how Simmons develops than any other prospect on the farm.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Man, I’m excited about Edward. Have been since the first day I saw him last Spring. The kid is as physically skilled as any player in the system and he’s putting things together this year. It’s gonna be fun to watch him over the next few years.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to see how a lot of them grow,...
including Salcedo. But Salcedo is young enough to have time to grow through mistakes or be tripped up at higher levels, etc. Simmons, because of his big time defensive talent, at a position of near need next year, and the questions about can he or can’t he hit, make him my most curious prospect for THIS year.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
ummm
I don’t think he’s gonna hit enough for SS.
you do know we are the organization that started Jeff Blauser and Rafael Belliard for years, right?
he’ll hit just fine for a SS. he’s Julio Iglesias-esque BUT with more iso potential. Give the kid some time.
by apoxonbothyourhouses on May 12, 2011 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Any word on how well Myke Jones...
is transitioning to CF? How far away do you think he is from contributing at higher levels as a utility player?
by TBuzz on May 12, 2011 12:23 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Myke is doing great as an outfielder. He took to it very easy and he’s a hard worker. His bat will tell you how long it will take. He tends to get off to slow starts then get things going after an adjustment period. I think he’ll spend all of this year and most if not all of next in the Minors. After that it’s up to the team’s needs and how he’s performing.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
I've got to figure
We’ll move Rodrigo Lopez before too long.
Not that he’ll get us all that much, but we could get something that might help at some point.
maybe the wrong thread but...
With Linebrink stinking up the Atlanta Bullpen and Lopez shredding AAA why not send Linebrink to AAA and call up Lopez as a reliever?
I do not have intimate knowledge of the procedural mechanisms of AAA-MLB moves, so if that would be a problem please explain.
he would have to clear waivers
which would probably happen, unfortunately…. hes getting paid too much to be in Gwinnett
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while." - Dave Cameron
thanks abraves
I am of the philosophy that disregards how much a player is getting paid as that is, economically speaking, a sunk cost. If Linebrink cannot pitch at the MLB level he should not pitch for the MLB team, when we have adequate replacements.
McLouth forgot how to hit, so he was sent to AAA to rediscover his swing. If Linebrink has lost his touch, he should be traded, released, or sent to AAA. Since he does not have much value a trade is unlikely, since he does have some potential value, releasing him does not make sense…therefore why not send him to AAA and call up Lopez until something changes.
We could use either Martinez or Lopez for Extra Inning relief…
by Santaklose11 on May 12, 2011 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
this is true
but part of me thinks that if we do try and demote him, Linebrink may just take it as a sign that he needs to retire, which wouldn’t be bad at all.
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while." - Dave Cameron
At this point
I would be fine with that.
That way at least there is no possible temptation to put him in a close game to see if he can “redeem himself”.
by Santaklose11 on May 12, 2011 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Paid way too much.
LInebrink is getting paid way too much to just walk away. Keep in mind, we are not the only team paying him this year.
Like McLouth last year...
or KK in AA? No such thing as “paid too much to be in Gwinnett”.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
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