Minor League Roundup: 4/21

Richmond:
This team is terrible. There is no way around it. They can't hit or pitch or do pretty much anything else for that matter. Their record reflects this at 4-11, which is good for last place in the international league. Another reason they must be terrible, their best pitcher thus far has been Travis Smith who has a 1.80 ERA in 3 starts. Kevin Barry has struggled since being put into the rotation and top pitching prospect, Anthony Lerew, has struggled all year as well. Wes Obermueller, who actually had a couple of good starts, has accepted a contract to pitch in Japan and is no longer with the team. Phil Stockman was called up from AA-Mississippi and has tossed 2.2 scoreless innings in relief.

The hitting is just about as bad. "Regulars" Cesar Crespo, Luis Hernandez, and Jonathan Schuerholz are hitting .167, .171, .091 respectively. James Jurries has yet to catch fire and his hitting .235. I would think that he would be the one called up if and when Brian Jordan goes down.

Mississippi:
It's still April and we've already had our first player called up to Atlanta straight from Mississippi. His name is Martin Prado. He is not a very well known prospect but has had some pretty good years. He is currently batting .302 for Mississippi and can play 2B or 3B which will really help Atlanta with the injures to Chipper, Edgar, and Giles.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia had his six game hitting streak come to an end last night.

Christ Waters pitched great for 8 innings last night and lowered his ERA to 1.89.

One of my personal favorite prospects, Will Startup, continued his stellar pitching last night. He has yet to give up a run in 9.2 innings so far between Rome and Mississippi. Startup is one of many talented lefties in the Braves organization. I don't know if the Braves have any intentions of letting him start but he is being used out of the bullpen right now and got his first save last night by striking out the side.

Another one of my favorite prospects is Paul Bush. He is also having a very solid year with 2 wins and a 2.45 ERA in 5 appearances.

Macay McBride has made four rehab appearances with Mississippi and should be on his way to Atlanta some time soon.

Myrtle Beach:
Brandon Jones returned to the lineup last night after spending some time with his ailing mother. He went 2-4 and drove in a run.

The biggest disappointment has to be Jake Stevens. There is still a lot of time left in the season but his first starts have been terrible. And coming off a bad season last year, Stevens is quickly losing his prospect status.

Keep an eye on three other starters; Luis Atilano, Matt Harrison, and Jose Aciano. Also, James Parr has not allowed a run in 9 innings.

Rome:
Jaime Trejo has been called up to Mississippi to take Martin Prado's place on their roster. Derrick Arnold has been added to Rome's roster. Arnold played last year with Danville.

This team is red hot. They are 10-2 and atop the South Atlantic League. Pitching has been a real strong spot. Recent draft picks Beau Jones and Jeff Lyman are adjusting extremely well to their first full season of baseball in the minors. Moises Hernandez has also pitched very well in his first season since being traded from Baltimore. Tyler Bullock, Jo-Jo Reyes, and Jairo Cuevas have also provided some good starts this season.

Jeff Blauser is a rookie manager this year and has been doing an excellent job so far.