PIONEER LEAGUE

Orem 9, Ogden 7 (Orem won the best-of-3 series 2-1)

Ogden got off to a good start, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. But Orem answered with four runs in the bottom half of the inning and never trailed again, putting up another run in the third, three more in the fourth and one in the sixth. Ogden scored two in the top of the sixth, one in the eighth and one in the top of the ninth, but it was too little, too late. DH Luis Jimenez, who went 4-for-4 with a triple, a home run and five RBIs, led Orem’s offense, but four other players had multi-hit games. The Owlz will now face Great Falls in a three-game series for the Pioneer League championship.
 

SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Mississippi 5, Carolina 4 in 10 innings (Mississippi leads the best-of-5 series 1-0)

Carolina got out to an early lead, scoring in the first inning and then adding on in the third and fourth. After four, the Mudcats were winning, 4-1, but Mississippi kept fighting, putting runs on the board in the fifth, sixth and eighth—on a solo home run by first baseman Kala Ka’aihue—to tie the game. In the top of the 10th, Braves third baseman Van Pope drew a two-out walk and then scored when catcher J.C. Boscan hit a double. Carolina went down in order in the bottom of the 10th, which was just the third time all game the team didn’t put a runner on base. The prospects in this game played well. Braves center fielder Jordan Schafer went 3-for-5 with two doubles, Mudcats first baseman Gaby Sanchez went 4-for-5 with a double, Mudcats center fielder Cameron Maybin went 2-for-4 with a double and Mudcats second baseman Chris Coghlan went 1-for-4 with a double.
 

This week’s installment considers all transactions reported by MLB between Aug. 30 and Sept. 5. The previous installment is available here.

It’s never too late to acknowledge fine work, so even though September callups commenced a week ago, we give credit where it’s due with this transactions installment.

It’s the time of year when upper-level prospects who’ve had good years get added to the 40-man roster for the first time. For most, though, they’ve already seen big league time this year and are simply being recalled. You’ll also note that some clubs reinstated all their injured minor leaguers from the DL, a common occurence at season’s end.

In cast you’re wondering, we’ve scuttled the plan to move transactions off the blog for now. In short, nothing is changing . . . for now. We’ll keep you posted.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Traded: RHP Chad Beck to Blue Jays for SS David Eckstein
Recalled: RHP Billy Buckner, RHP Jailen Peguero, RHP Leo Rosales, RHP Max Scherzer, LHP Doug Slaten, C Robbie Hammock, 1B Josh Whitesell, 3B Jamie D’Antona, OF Alex Romero
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Billy Buckner, RHP Leo Rosales, OF Alex Romero
Designated for assignment: RHP Emiliano Fruto
Removed from 40-man roster: RHP Emiliano Fruto
Reinstated from DL: LHP Jon Coutlangus

Whitesell, 26, enjoyed a big year in the Pacific Coast League, batting .328/.425/.568 with 26 home runs and 110 RBIs in 475 at-bats, winning the league’s rookie of the year award. It’s his second big year in a row. He batted .284/.425/.512 for Double-A Harrisburg in 2007 as a member of the Nationals system, but Washington lost him to Arizona on a spring training waiver claim.

Atlanta Braves
Granted free agency: RHP Matt DeSalvo
Recalled: RHP Matt DeSalvo, RHP Charlie Morton, LHP Jeff Ridgway, SS Brent Lillibridge, OF Jason Perry
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jorge Julio, RHP James Parr, C Corky Miller
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Charlie Morton
Removed from 40-man roster: RHP Matt DeSalvo, OF Jason Perry
Placed on 7-day DL: OF Jon Owings
Reinstated from DL: RHP Steven Figueroa, RHP Joe Johnson, RHP Rodrigo Lopez, RHP Stephen Marek, RHP Zach Schreiber, RHP Phil Stockman, LHP Eric Barrett, LHP Francisley Bueno, LHP Steve Evarts, LHP Chuck James, LHP Chad Rodgers, 3B Stephen Shults, SS Derrick Arnold, OF Joe Borchard
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Michael Nix [...] Continue Reading »

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Durham 9, Louisville 1 (Durham won the best-of-5 series 3-1)

After nearly getting no-hit by Bulls righthander Jeff Niemann on Saturday night, Louisville’s offense didn’t do much better Sunday night against righthander Wade Davis, who gave up a run on four hits, with three walks and seven strikeouts. It was the only run the Bats could bring across, as all five of their hits were singles. With 15 hits, Durham didn’t have any trouble scoring runs. Bulls right fielder Jon Weber went 4-for-5 with  two doubles and left fielder Jonny Gomes hit his second home run of the playoffs. Durham will now face Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for the Governor’s Cup.
[...] Continue Reading »

NORTHWEST LEAGUE

Spokane 6, Salem-Keizer 5 (Spokane won the best-of-5 series 3-1)

It was a close series, as the final three games of the series were decided by just one run apiece. On Friday and Saturday, Spokane won back-to-back games with the final score ending up 11-10. Yesterday’s game was more subdued. Salem-Keizer took a 5-4 lead into the eighth inning, but Spokane tied the game in the top of the eighth and it headed to extra innings. In the top of the 10th, Spokane first baseman Dennis Guinn walked, stole second and then advanced to third on a throwing error by Volcanoes catcher Trent Kline. Indians catcher Doug Hogan drove in Guinn with a single and the Indians won the game 6-5, giving them their first NWL championship since 2005 and their fourth in the last 10 years.

PIONEER LEAGUE

Great Falls 8, Billings 3 (Great Falls won the best-of-3 series 2-0)

Billings got out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the first two innings off of Great Falls righthander Dan Hudson. But the Voyager offense battled back to score eight runs, winning the game and sweeping the series. Great Falls’ two through four hitters each went 2-for-4, including left fielder Johny Celis who hit a solo home run. Hudson eventually settled down and ended up going 6 2/3 innings with no walks and seven strikeouts for the win. [...] Continue Reading »

EASTERN LEAGUE

On Friday, Trenton won the best-of-5 series against Portland, 3-0

With their backs against the wall, Portland held a 4-3 lead going into the eighth inning of Friday’s game, but Trenton quickly squashed their hopes of crawling back into the series by tying the game in the eighth and then winning it in the ninth. Portland pitchers didn’t help themselves out—they walked seven batters and hit three more.

On Saturday, Akron won the best-of-5 series against Bowie, 3-1

Akron got some help in the middle of their order from a rehabbing Travis Hafner, who hit behind left fielder Matt LaPorta. Hafner hit home runs on Friday and Saturday, helping the Aeros advance to the Eastern League championship series. [...] Continue Reading »

Midwest League

Burlington 2, Cedar Rapids 1 (Burlington wins the best-of-three series 2-0)

Burlington completed their second straight series sweep with a 2-1 victory over Cedar Rapids on Sunday. Bees starter Luis Cota (1-0) combined with LHP Brandon Sisk shut down the Kernels bats. Cota allowed just three hits and one run, striking out seven. Sisk then came in to throw two hitless, scoreless innings and strike out four. The Bees now await the winner of the South Bend/Dayton series in the Midwest League Championship Series that will begin on Tuesday or Wednesday. 

South Bend 5, Dayton 2 (South Bend leads best-of-three series 1-0)

The Silver Hawks used a three-run seventh, sparked by two Dragon errors, to take the lead and win game one of their best-of-three Eastern Division Championship Series with Dayton 5-2. The Dragons got off to a good start as Brandon Warring homered to lead off the second and give them the lead the second, they would add another in the third. However, the lead would not last long as the Silver Hawks got solo-homers from Ryne White and Matt Oxendine in the fourth and fifth to tie the game up at two. Righthander Jeff Dietz (1-0) got the win in relief (2 IP, 0 R) for the Hawks and righthander William Spottiswood closed it out (2 IP, 0 R). The series continues Monday night at South Bend at 6:30 CST with the winner of the series moving on to play for the Midwest League Championship against Burlington. [...] Continue Reading »

California League

Lancaster 9, Lake Elsinore 6  10 Innings (Best-of-five series tied 1-1)

Lancaster took game two of the best-of-five California League Semifinal series in dramatic fashion. Kris Negron smacked a walk-off three-run homer in the bottom of the tenth to tie the series between Lancaster and Lake Elsinore at one with Lancaster’s 9-6 victory. Lancaster jumped out to a big lead with a five-run first sparked by a Jon Still three-run homer. The Storm then fought back scoring in five different frames to take a 6-5 lead into the ninth before JetHawks shortstop Yamaico Navarro’s RBI single tied it at six. The Storm were led by Brian Joynt and Anthony Contreras who each homered in the game. RHP Wilton Lopez (0-1, BS 1) took the loss for the Storm giving up four runs (one earned) in 1 2/3 innings. RHP Jason Blackley (1-0) got the win with a scoreless tenth for the JetHawks.  The series will continue on Monday night at 7:08 PST at Lake Elsinore.

Stockton 7, San Jose 6 (Best-of-five series tied at 1-1)

In another California League thriller Stockton took out San Jose 7-6 with a three-run ninth. San Jose got a solid start from righthander Kevin Pucetas who went six allowing one run and striking out five. The Giants looked to have everything under control for most of the game as they got RBI’s from six different players, including a homer from Brad Boyer. The Ports then came back with six runs in the final three innings. The Ports ninth featured a two RBI game tying triple from Chris Carter, followed by a Josh Donaldson single to give Stockton the lead for the first time in the game. Righthander Michael Benacka came into to close out the game for Stockton and tie the series. Dan Otero (0-1, BS 1) took the loss for the Giants giving up all three ninth-inning runs while only recording two outs. Donaldson had the big game for Stockton as he continues his hot hitting going 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBI. The Series will resume at 7:05 PST at Stockton on Monday. [...] Continue Reading »

The tally for performance-enhancing substance suspensions levied against Latin American summer leaguers climbed to 39 on Friday with the announcement of 12 more 50-game suspensions. Prior to this season, news of suspensions for Dominican and Venezuelan summer league players were not made publicly available.

The full listing:

July 25 • Pair Of VSL Pirates Pitchers Suspended

July 29 •  MLB Suspends Trio Of DSL Cardinals

Aug. 1 • Two More DSL Suspensions Announced

Aug. 8 • Two DSL Mets Righthanders To Sit

Aug. 11 • Three DSL Reds Earn Suspensions

Aug. 12 • Three More Players Suspended (Only two were DSL players)

Aug. 13 • Three More DSL Suspensions

Aug. 14 • Suspensions Levied For Two DSL Cubs

Aug. 26 • Five Minor Leaguers Suspended

Aug. 29 • Three Minor Leaguers Suspended

Sept. 5 • Twelve More DSL, VSL Suspensions

Twelve players from Latin American summer leagues received 50-game suspensions after each tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance. The suspensions for all 12 players will be effective at the start of next season.

Five Venezuela Summer League players tested positive for metabolites of Nandrolone:

• Pirates first baseman Kelly Aponte, 17, batted .135/.220/.135 in 37 at-bats after signing in June.

• Tigers righthander Eduardo Gonzalez, 19, went 3-7, 4.73 with 27-30 K-BB in 59 innings.

• Pirates righthander Julio Joves, 17, went 0-0, 1.04 with 6-6 K-BB in 8 2/3 innings after signing in June.

• Tigers righthander Wilsen Palacios, 18, went 2-3, 1.52 with 36-15 K-BB in 41 1/3 innings.

• Phillies lefthander Ricciard Rodriguez, 20, went 2-1, 2.96 with 28-14 K-BB in 48 2/3 innings. [...] Continue Reading »

NORTHWEST LEAGUE

Salem-Keizer 5, Spokane 3 (Salem-Keizer leads best-of-5 series 1-0)

The Volcanoes got off to an early lead and never looked back, scoring two runs in the top of the first and two more in the top of the third. Salem-Keizer first baseman Mike Loberg went 2-for-3 with a double, a run scored and an RBI. Spokane righthander Wilfredo Boscon had an atypical start, giving up four runs on seven hits in five innings, while striking out just one. Boscon, an 18-year-old Venezuelan, was 9-1, 3.12 over 69 1/3 innings in the regular season with 70 strikeouts and 11 walks.
 

Prospect Of The Day

Mahoning Valley center fielder Tim Fedroff (Indians) went 2-for-4 with a run, two RBIs and his first professional triple as the Scrappers knocked off the Williamsport Crosscutters (Phillies), 5-2. Fedroff was the Indians’ seventh-round draft pick out of North Carolina and has hit well in his professional debut, putting up a .329/.396/.424 line over his first 85 professional at-bats.

Prospect Nuggets

Lowell right fielder Mitch Dening (Red Sox) went 3-for-4 with his seventh triple of the year. . . Brooklyn right fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis (Mets) went 2-for-4 with a double, his 15th of the season. Nieuwenhuis was the Mets’ third-round pick this June out of Azusa Pacific and is hitting .279/.350/.400 over 280 at-bats. . . Staten Island left fielder Dan Brewer (Yankees) hit his third home run of the season in a 1-for-4 night. . . [...] Continue Reading »

Prospect Of The Day

Great Falls shortstop Tyler Kuhn (White Sox) went 2-for-4 with a double and a triple as the Voyagers topped the Missoula Osprey (Diamondbacks), 6-1. Kuhn was the White Sox’ 15th-round draft pick out of West Virginia. The double was his 23rd of the season and the triple was his ninth, as he’s hitting .378/.429/.578 over 251 at-bats. He ranks first in the Pioneer League in triples, fourth in doubles, second in batting average and on-base percentage and third in slugging percentage. [...] Continue Reading »

Dayton 7, Lansing 3 (Dayton wins the best-of-three series 2-0)

Dayton closed out Lansing 7-3 to end the series after only two games and advance to the second round of the Midwest League Playoffs. Dayton got an excellent outing from starter RHP Enerio Del Rosario (1-0) who went seven allowing only one earned run. Dragon reliever LHP Aguido Gonzalez (1 SV) pitched the final two innings to close out the win. Dayton got another big night from Neftali Soto  who went 3-for-5 with an RBI. Jacob Kahaulelio also added three hits and two RBI’s in the victory for Dayton. Lansing got a good night from top prospect Kevin Ahrens who went 2-for-4. Dayton now must wait on the winner from the South Bend versus West Michigan series with the second round to begin on either Saturday or Sunday. 

South Bend at West Michigan PPD. Rain (South Bend leads best-of-three series1-0)

Burlington at Kane County PPD. Rain (Burlington leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Cedar Rapids at Clinton PPD. Rain (Cedar Rapids leads best-of-three series 1-0)

South Atlantic League Playoffs

No Games Scheduled

Lake County leads best-of-three series 1-0, series resumes on Friday at 7:05 EST

Augusta leads best-of-three series 1-0, series resumes Friday at 7:05 EST

EASTERN LEAGUE

Trenton 4, Portland 3 (Trenton leads best-of-5 series 2-0)

Through the first five frames of the game, Portland righthander Clay Buchholz (Red Sox) was dominating Trenton’s lineup, giving up just two hits and striking out nine. In the bottom of the sixth, however, Trenton center fielder Austin Jackson (Yankees) came up huge with his first hit of the series—a game-tying three-run home run. Trenton scratched out another run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. The series now heads to Portland with the Sea Dogs up against the ropes.
 
Bowie 11, Akron 3 (The best-of-5 series is tied 1-1)

Bowie right fielder Nolan Reimold chose a good night for the first three-homer game of his professional career. The Orioles’ second-round pick in the 2005 draft went nuts, going 4-for-5 with three home runs and eight RBIs. After hitting 25 in the regular season, Reimold now has four home runs in the playoffs. Bowie scored in all but two innings, putting 11 runs on the board to tie the series at one game apiece. [...] Continue Reading »

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Louisville 19, Durham 3  (Best-of-5 series tied 1-1)

Louisville scored early and often against Bulls righthanders Mitch Talbot and Chris Mason. The Bats jumped on Talbot in the bottom of the first, putting four runs on the board. After they scored another run in the second inning, that was it for Talbot. Mason came in to try and stop the bleeding, but Louisville’s hit parade continued as they put up nine runs in the bottom of the third. Every Bats hitter had at least one hit and seven of the 10 hitters they used drove in a run. Second baseman Danny Richar went 4-for-5 with a walk, two doubles and four runs scored. Shortstop Paul Janish went 4-for-5 with a double, a home run, four runs scored and four RBIs. Louisville righthander Homer Bailey gave up just two hits and struck out eight over six scoreless innings.

Pawtucket 3, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 1 (Best-of-5 series tied 1-1)

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre managed to scratch out just two hits against Pawtucket, but neither of them came against the Red Sox’ starter, righthander Devern Hansack, who struck out eight over six no-hit innings. Hansack did surrender Scranton’s only run, however, as the result of a walk, a wild pitch and a couple groundouts. Pawtucket right fielder Jason Lane, who was ejected from the first game of the series for arguing balls and strikes, came back with a vengeance, going 2-for-4 with a home run. Scranton righthander Ian Kennedy allowed two runs on five hits over seven innings. He struck out five and walked three.

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Oklahoma 6, Iowa 2 (Best-of-5 series tied 1-1)

A big two-out rally in the top of the second inning resulted in five runs for the Redhawks—enough to win the game and knot up the series at one game apiece. A throwing error by Iowa shortstop Andres Blanco resulted in all five runs of the inning being unearned. Oklahoma third baseman Travis Metcalf went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in the top of the third. Iowa actually out-hit Oklahoma, 10-6, but just couldn’t bring runners around to score. Four time the Cubs ended the inning with runners left in scoring position. 

Sacramento 8, Salt Lake 3 (Best-of-5 series tied 1-1)

After losing a slugfest in game one of the series, the River Cats came out swinging again, putting up eight runs to tie the series at one game apiece. Sacramento second baseman Brooks Conrad had a huge night, going 2-for-4 with two home runs, giving him three for the series. Right fielder Chris Denorfia, first baseman Casey Rogowski and shortstop Donnie Murphy all hit round-trippers as well. Sacramento righthander Sean Gallagher threw five scoreless innings for the win, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out four.

California League

Lake Elsinore 10, Inland Empire 5 (Game Suspended Due to Power, Game 1 Best-of-3 Series)

Lake Elsinore and Inland Empire opened their best-of-three series at San Bernardino on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, they will have to complete game one of the series Thursday night at Lake Elsinore. Game one was suspended with Cedric Hunter (2-for-4, 2 BB) on second and two outs in the top of the ninth. In a bizarre affair the 66ers lights went out just after Hunter’s two out double. They then came back for three pitches to 66ers 2B Eric Sogard before going out again, causing umpires to call the game. Prior to that the 66ers crowd was treated to offensive show by visiting Lake Elsinore. The aptly named Storm came out of the box hot scoring three runs in the first.  The 66ers fought back scoring once in each of the next three innings to tie the game at three. Catcher Mitch Canham had a big night with two doubles in a 3 for 4 night at the plate. The storm took control for good, scoring three in the eighth, led by 3B Brian Joynt’s (2-for-5, 3 RBI) 2-RBI double. That is where the game stands as they head to Lake Elsinore. The game will be completed at 6:05 PST at Lake Elsinore, with Game Two of the Series following immediately afterwards.  [...] Continue Reading »

Midwest League

South Bend 5, West Michigan 3 (South Bend leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Pretty it was not. In a game that featured eleven combined errors the SilverHawks managed to beat the Whitecaps in game one of their playoff series 5-3. South Bend got an effecient outing from top prospect Jarrod Parker (1-0) who went six allowing just two runs and striking out five. Daniel Schlereth then came in to throw two scoreless innings and strike out three. The SilverHawks then turned to dominant closer Clay Zavada who sealed the victory with a scoreless ninth. Sean Coughlin paced the SilverHawk offense with a 4 for 4 night driving in two. The Whitecaps pitching was not the problem as ace Jon Kibler (0-1) only allowed one earned in his four innings, but the defense could not support him.  West Michigan then got an outstanding relief effort from Paul Nardozzi who went four scoreless striking out seven. The series will continue tonight in Grand Rapids at 7 CST.  

Dayton 3, Lansing 1 (Dayton leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Pitching was the story early in the Midwest League playoff game in Dayton, Ohio, but an error in the sixth by Lansing would prove the difference as Dayton would go on to the 3-1 victory. Dayton starter Jeremy Horst (1-0) was superb  throwing 6 2/3 scoreless allowing just three hits and striking out five. Lansing starter Marc Rzepczynski (0-1) matched him pitch for pitch until the error led off the sixth. The big star for the Dragons was Neftali Soto who laced a two RBI double in the sixth that proved to be the difference. The two teams will meet again at 7:05 CST at Lansing.   [...] Continue Reading »

Prospect Of The Day

Lowell shortstop Casey Kelly (Red Sox) ripped two doubles as part of a 3-for-4 night, but Oneonta (Tigers) walloped the Spinners 16-4. Kelly has gone 11-for-29 since being promoted to the New York-Penn League.

Prospect Nuggets

Buster Posey (Giants) continues to hit, going 3-for-5 with two doubles last night as Salem-Keizer’s DH. He’s hitting .351/.467/.622 over his first 37 at-bats as a pro between the Rookie-level Arizona League and the Northwest League. . . Boise shortstop Ryan Flaherty (Cubs) went 2-for-4 with his 19th double on the year. . . Jermaine Curtis (Cardinals) went 2-for-5 as Batavia’s third baseman. The fifth-round draft pick out of UCLA has been red-hot lately, hitting .500/.536/.727 with five doubles over his last six games. . . Eugene righthander Matt Latos (Padres) struck out nine over five innings against Everett (Mariners). He gave up one run on six hits and earned his second NWL win of the season, lowering his ERA to 1.04 in the process. Over three levels this season, Latos has thrown 56 innings with a 2.57 ERA. He’s allowed 49 hits, 13 walks and has recorded 69 strikeouts. . . Ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte (Yankees) gave up two runs, snapping a 17 1/3 inning scoreless streak.  It was the first time he’d given up a run since July 21.

What To Watch For Today

The Spokane Indians (Rangers) take on the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (Giants) in the first game of the best-of-five Northwest League championship series.