Mississippi's rotation was domiant this week, while Barrett Kleinknecht had a nice debut with Lynchburg, and Arodys Vizcaino and Donell Linares both returned from the DL with a vengence.
Who's Hot?
Randall Delgado RHP, Brett Oberholtzer LHP, Paul Clemens RHP, JJ Hoover RHP, Mississippi Braves - 5-1, 42 IP, 9 ER, 30 H, 7 BB, 36 K - It wouldn't be fair to not acknowledge how fantastic this foursome has been for Mississippi this year, and they turned things up a notch this week, combining for 5 wins in 6 starts, a 1.93 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP, 6.4 H/9, 1.5 BB/9, 7.7 K/9, and 5.1 K/BB. The Braves have an embarrassment of riches in the Minors, and that might not be more true anywhere than on their AA team.
Barrett Kleinknecht 3B, Lynchburg Hillcats - 9-24, 2B, HR, 4 RBI - Kleinknecht was promoted to the HIllcats because of a rash of injuries and made the most of his opportunity, hitting .375 with a .917 OPS in his first week with the team. The 22 year old also showed off his versatility, playing games at third base, first base, and shortstop.
Arodys Vizcaino RHP, Lynchburg Hillcats - 1-0, 7 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 6 K - A back injury limited Vizcaino to just 3 innings in his April 25th start, and just 3 innings in his 2 starts after that, but this Friday he more than doubled that total, tossing 7 shutout innings against his old team, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Vizzy has caught flak for being injury prone, but starts like this show why the Braves will benefit from allowing him all the time he needs to recover and develop. UPDATE: Vizcaino was named the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for his performance last week.
Donell Linares 3B, Mississippi Braves - 7-10, 2B, 3 RBI, BB - Linares didn't play much, only appearing in 3 games after being activated from the disabled list, but he made the most of those at bats, hitting .700 with a 1.527 OPS.
Honorable Mention: Rodrigo Lopez, Jose Lugo, Mike Minor, Matt Young, Juan Abreu, Jair Asencio, Julio Teheran, Gwinnett; Benino Pruneda, Richard Sullivan, Willie Cabrera, Matt Kennelly, Tyler Pastornicky, Mississippi; Matt Crim, Joe Terdoslavich, Lynchburg; Danilo Alvarez, Evan Gattis, Carlos Perez, Chris Garcia, Edward Salcedo, Hilton Richardson, Rome
Who's Not?
Jacbob Thompson RHP, Gwinnett Braves - 0-2, 3 IP, 12 ER, 11 H, 5 BB, 7 K - Thompson's week wasn't just bad, a 36.00 ERA and a 5.33 WHIP in 2 starts, it was career ending. After his start Saturday night, in which he allowed 7 earned runs without getting out of the 3rd inning, the 24 year old retired from the game.
Myke Jones CF, Mississippi Braves - 3-10, HR, 2 RBI, 4 BB, 1 DUI - Jones actually had a good week at the plate, hitting .333 with a 1.100 OPS, but he also was arrested and charged with a DUI Thursday night, leading to his immediate suspension from the team. Jones enter the year full of hope, learning the outfield and second base while taking part in his first Major League Spring Training, but his season has been a total loss, due to missing the first month with a fractured foot and now because of his terrible decision making.
Matt Lipka 2B, Rome Braves - 7-34, 2 RBI, BB, K - Lipka didn't retire or get arrested this week, but he did struggle, hitting just .206 with a .435 OPS and his .229 OBP was just unacceptable for a leadoff hitter. The 19 year old, Atlanta's first selection in the 2010 draft, has struggled all year, hitting .231 with a .521 OPS in 147 at bats while failing to record and extra base hit.
Elmer Reyes 3B, Rome Braves - 5-28, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 4 K - Lipka's teammate didn't fare very well this week either, hitting just .179 with a .429 OPS. The 19 year old, who combined to hit .301 with a .835 OPS in 216 at bats between the GCL and Danville last season, has struggled mightily this year, hitting just .191 with a .510 OPS in 136 at bats for Rome.
Dishonorable Mention: Yohan Flande, Brandon Hicks, Ed Lucas, Jordan Schafer, Stefan Gartrell, Gwinnett; Billy Bullock, Tim Gustafson, Jordan Kreke, Cory Harrilchak, Mississippi; Chris Masters, Cory Rasmus, Phil Gosselin, Todd Cunningham, LV Ware, Lynchburg; Wes Alsup, Steve Kent, Ronan Pacheco, Matt Suschak, Robby Hefflinger, David Rohm, Rome.