One year, a world of difference.

That’s the best way to summarize Eric Arnett’s turnaround from 2008 to 2009.

A season after moving between the bullpen and the starting rotation in which he went 4-5, 5.45 in 66 innings of work, Arnett’s 2009 numbers were staggering–12-2, 2.5, 108 innings–en route to garnering All-American and co-Big Ten pitcher of the year honors.

The result? [...] Continue Reading »

NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE

Batavia 9, Jamestown 3 (Batavia won the best-of-3 series 2-0)

After nearly losing their team in the offseason, the Batavia Muckdogs (Cardinals) responded by winning the New York-Penn League championship, sweeping the Jamestown Jammers(Marlins) 2-0. On Friday, the Jammers scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth to take a 3-2 lead, but Batavia answered with two runs in the top of the ninth for the win. Saturday’s game was rained out, but Batavia stayed hot by beating Jamestown 9-3 for the series sweep and the NYP championship. Center fielder Frederick Parejo had a big game for the Muckdogs, going 4-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Right fielder Shane Peterson went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, hitting .409 in the post-season, and catcher Charlie Cutler went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Muckdogs closer Adam Reifer picked up his second save of the postseason by striking out three over 1 2/3 innings.
 

NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE

Batavia 3, Lowell 2 (Batavia won the best-of-3 series 2-1)

Batavia righthander Adam Veres cooled Lowell’s hot bats, giving up just one run on two hits over seven innings while walking one and striking out seven. Coming into the game, the Spinners were averaging 10 hits per game in the month of September. Batavia righthander Ramon Delgado struck out the side in the eighth inning and manager Mark DeJohn handed the ball to righthander Adam Reifer to close out the game. Things got tense when Reifer—who blew a save on Tuesday—walked the first batter, Lowell second baseman Ryan Dent. Dent stole second and right fielder Mitch Dening singled him home. But Reifer got out of the inning and the Muckdogs came away with the series victory. Batavia will now face the Jamestown Jammers for the New York-Penn League championship—a title neither team has ever won.
 

NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE

Batavia 13, Lowell 9 (The best-of-3 series is tied 1-1)

It was a rollercoaster ride for the Batavia Muckdogs. In a must-win game to keep their season alive, Batavia got out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. It didn’t last long, however, as Lowell put up three runs in the top of the second, one in the top of the third and another in the top of the fifth. Heading into the sixth inning, Batavia trailed 5-2 and it was about to get worse. Lowell scored three more runs in the top of the sixth to go ahead 8-2. But, like The Goonies, Muckdogs never say die. Batavia stormed back with a vengeance, scoring six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game at eight apiece. The hot bats carried over to the next inning, when they put five more runs on the board for a 13-8 lead. Lowell scored one run in the top of the ninth, but Batavia hung on for the win and the chance to play another day. Lowell’s offense was led by third baseman Will Middlebrooks, who went 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI. Middlebrooks has been on fire during the playoffs, hitting .667.  Leading the Muckdogs offense was catcher Charles Cutler, who went 4-for-4. Left fielder Shane Peterson went 3-for-4 with a double and DH Chris Swauger went 2-for-5 with two doubles.

Jamestown 4, Staten Island 1 (Jamestown won the best-of-3 series 2-0)

Jamestown got out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. Staten Island answered with a run in the bottom half of the inning, and that would be all they would get all night. Jamestown righthander Elih Villanueva carved up Staten Island, allowing just the one run on four hits over six innings, while walking one and striking out 10. Jammers catcher Robert Taylor went 1-for-4 with a home run—a solo shot in the seventh inning that was icing on the cake. Jamestown will now face the winner of the Batavia-Lowell series.
 

NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE

Lowell 4, Batavia 3 in 12 innings (Lowell leads the best-of-3 series 1-0)

Lowell got out to an early lead, putting one run on the board in the bottom of the first inning. That would hold up until the sixth when the Muckdogs busted out for three runs in a crazy inning that included two walks, a hit-by-pitch, an error and two wild pitches. Lowell didn’t give in and scored another run in the bottom of the eighth—cutting the lead to 3-2. Batavia closer Adam Reifer had the second-most saves in the league this year, but was a bit wild last night, walking two batters, hitting another and throwing a wild pitch. He also served up a game-tying home run to Lowell third baseman Will Middlebrooks, resulting in his third blown save of the year. Middlebrooks’ home run came as part of a 3-for-5 night. Lowell second baseman Ryan Dent also had a good night at the plate. He went 0-for-2, but drew four walks. Batavia pitchers combined for 11 walks in the game. [...] 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.

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

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.

Prospect Of The Day

Eugene right fielder Dan Robertson (Padres) went 4-for-5 with a double last night against Everett (Mariners). His last hit of the night was his 114th on the season, setting a new Northwest League record for hits. The record previously belonged to James Buckner, who had 113 hits with the Lewiston Broncs in 1972. Robertson, a 33rd-round pick this year out of Oregon State, was named the NWL MVP last week and is hitting .380/.446/.500 over 300 at-bats with 21 doubles, three triples, three home runs and 20 stolen bases on the year. [...] Continue Reading »

Prospect Of The Day

Josh Vitters (Cubs) continued his assault on the Northwest League yesterday. Showing off his line-drive stroke, Vitters went 3-for-4 with three doubles, giving him 25 on the season. The only unanimous selection for the Northwest League All-Star squad, Vitters is hitting .327/.360/.504 on the year.

Prospect Nuggets

Mahoning Valley shortstop Lonnie Chisenhall (Indians) went 3-for-4 with two doubles, giving him 20 on the season, as the Scrappers took down Auburn, 6-1. . . Jason Castro (Astros) got a day off from behind the plate as the designated hitter for the Tri-City Valley Cats and went 3-for-4 with his ninth double and second home run of the year. The 10th-overall pick in the draft is hitting .276/.382/.398 over his first 123 professional at-bats. . . [...] Continue Reading »

Prospect Of The Day

Returning from an oblique injury, Eugene righthander Mat Latos (Padres) has had two outstanding starts in his first two outings in the Northwest League. Latos went 6 1/3 innings on Thursday, allowed one earned run and struck out eight. He should be a good prospect to watch, as he was our No. 3 prospect in the Padres’ system prior to the beginning of this season.

Prospect Nuggets

Sticking with Eugene, right fielder Dan Robertson (Padres) was named the Northwest League’s Most Valuable Player yesterday. Robertson was a 33rd-round draft pick this summer after spending a year at Oregon State and he is leading the league in hitting (.373) and is third in the league in RBIs (41). Robertson proceeded to go 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI on Thursday. [...] Continue Reading »

 Prospect Of The Day

Eugene third baseman James Darnell (Padres) continued his assault on the Northwest League with a solid showing at the plate. He went 2-for-4 with his first professional home run, a double and six RBIs. He also took three walks to cap a very impressive day.

Prospect Nuggets

Center fielder Blake Tekotte (Padres) joined Darnell with a 4-for-6 day that included a double, three runs, three RBIs and a stolen base. Eugene scored 21 runs on 19 hits and scored in eight of nine innings. . . Lowell righthander Kyle Weiland (Red Sox) threw five no-hit innings, walked one and struck out eight. He lowered his ERA to 1.13. . . Salem-Keizer third baseman Conor Gillaspie (Giants) went 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs, but committed his second error. . . Brooklyn righthander Brad Holt (Mets) had another solid outing. He went five innings and allowed one run on four hits, walked three and struck out five. . . Aberdeen righthander Oliver Drake (Orioles) pitched in his second game since a promotion from the Appalachian League. The 43rd-rounder from Navy went three scoreless innings and picked up a save. [...] Continue Reading »

Prospect Of The Day

State College shortstop Chase D’Arnaud (Pirates) has really impressed in the second half of the New York-Penn League season. He hit his first home run in the first game of a doubleheader on Tuesday. In the second game, D’Arnaud went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

Prospect Nuggets

Righthander Kyle Drabek (Phillies) allowed two runs in six innings in his second start for Williamsport, but fell to 0-1 after he couldn’t get any run support. . . Spokane righthander Neil Ramirez (Rangers) threw four shutout innings, scattered three hits and walked two. He struck out seven, as Spokane’s pitching continues to carry the team to the postseason. . . [...] Continue Reading »

Prospect Of The Day

Seventeen-year-old lefthander Martin Perez (Rangers) finally won his first game in short-season ball. Perez went five shutout innings, holding Tri-City to four hits and two walks. He struck out four. Add his name to the deep list of quality pitching prospects on that Spokane team.

Prospect Nuggets

Everett played two against Vancouver and Jharmidy DeJesus (Mariners) had a monster day. In the first game, the third baseman went 2-for-3 with a home run, a double and four RBIs. He was quieter in the nightcap, going 1-for-3 with a run but it was perhaps his best day yet in short-season ball. Meanwhile, his teammate Dennis Raben (Mariners) played for the first time in three weeks. He went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the first game. Then, Raben entered as a pinch-hitter and had an RBI double. . . [...] Continue Reading »

Prospect Of The Day

Some of the late signing prospects are trickling into rookie and short-season leagues. James Darnell (Padres) is one such prospect. The third baseman from South Carolina has made a splash with Eugene that includes a 2-for-5 day on Sunday. He had a triple and an RBI and is hitting .375/.464/.500 through six games.

Prospect Nuggets

Righthander Zach Putnam (Indians) is another late sign and he made his debut with Mahoning Valley on Sunday. He went 1 1/3 innings, allowed a hit, walked two and struck out one. . . Prospect-laden Boise showed off its hitting and pitching. Third baseman Josh Vitters (Cubs) continued his tear, going 2-for-5 and secondbaseman/shortstop Marwin Gonzalez (Cubs) went 2-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs. Meanwhile, righthanders Andrew Cashner and Chris Carpenter (Cubs) each allowed one earned run in four innings. Carpenter got the win to move to 4-0. . . [...] Continue Reading »

Prospect Of The Day

Righthander Kyle Drabek (Phillies) was promoted from the Gulf Coast League and debuted with short-season Williamsport. He allowed an unearned run in 4 1/3 innings and gave up just one hit, walked three and struck out five.

Prospect Nuggets

The New York-Penn League resumed play, but several teams showed signs of an all-star break hangover. Brooklyn righthander Scott Shaw (Mets) threw 6 2/3 innings of one-hit ball and struck out 10, while Richard Zagone (Orioles) went six shutout innings allowing one hit and walking three. . . The Gorgen borthers both pitched well on Thursday. Righthander Scott Gorgen (Cardinals) started for Batavia and threw five shutout innings and struck out nine. Hudson Valley righthander Matthew Gorgen (Rays) notched his 12th save with a scoreless inning. . . [...] Continue Reading »

Prospect Of The Day

Padres’ second round pick James Darnell joined Eugene on Tuesday and is 4-for-9 through two games, including a 2-for-5 effort with a double on Wednesday. The third baseman was the 69th pick overall out of South Carolina.

Prospect Nuggets

Boise third baseman Josh Vitters (Cubs) went 0-for-5 and struck out twice to snap his 26-game hitting streak, which tied the Northwest League record. . . Right fielder Kyler Burke and shortstop Ryan Flaherty (Cubs) helped out in Boise’s cause. Burke doubled and homered in four at-bats and Flaherty doubled twice in five at-bats. . . Designated hitter Conor Gillaspie (Giants) went 2-for-5 with an RBI. . . A couple of righthanders staged a pitching showdown in the Northwest League. Everett’s Kenn Kasparek (Mariners) gave up just a hit in three innings and struck out seven. His counterpart, 23-year old Andrew Reichard (Giants) allowed one run on one hit, walked one and struck out 11 in five innings.

What To Watch For Today

The New York-Penn League returns to action following its all-star break. Righthander Casey Erickson (Yankees) is among those to take the mound this evening.
 

Third base David Flores’ (Astros) two-run double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth helped the National League All-Stars walk off with three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning on Tuesday to win the New York-Penn League All-Star Game 4-3.

After the American League used a three-run seventh to take a 3-1 lead, righthander Tyler Stohr (Tigers) came in to close things out. But shortstop Chase D’Arnaud (Pirates) led off with a double and advanced to third on a ground out. D’Arnaud scored on a single by outfielder Jack Shuck (Astros). After a walk and a strikeout, Flores doubled home Shuck and catcher Charles Cutler (Cardinals). [...] Continue Reading »

Prospect Of The Day

Boise third baseman Josh Vitters (Cubs) led the Hawks’ onslaught of Vancouver. He went 3-for-5 with his 19th and 20th doubles of the season and had two runs and two RBIs.

Prospect Nuggets

Boise had 16 runs on 24 hits and scored in eight of nine innings to crush Vancouver 16-9. First baseman Ryan Keedy (Cubs) continues to lead the league in hitting after going 3-for-4 with a double, second baseman Marwin Gonzalez (Cubs) went 4-for-5 with three RBIs and catcher Carlos Perez (Cubs) went 2-for-6 with two doubles. Righthander Chris Carpenter (Cubs) started and pitched well, allowing one run on two hits in four innings. However, he walked three and struck out just one. Righthander Andrew Cashner (Cubs) came on in relief and gave up two unearned runs in 2 2/3 innings, but Vancouver had five hits and walked twice off him. [...] Continue Reading »