Around the Farm: April 18

Around the Farm takes a quick look at some of yesterday's performances by Indians prospects throughout the system. The positions listed below are where the player was playing in yesterday's game.

Kelvin De La Cruz-SP, Akron: 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 1.80 ERA, W (1-2): De La Cruz may have gotten lost in the shuffle a bit after injuries ended his 2010 season. De La Cruz has rebounded nicely in 2011, and tonight may be the stepping stone to regaining his spot as one of the top starters in the organization. The big lefty gave up a run in each of the first two innings, but shut the door over the next three. The nine K's against only one walk is certainly a good sign, as De La Cruz had given up seven walks in his previous two games.

• Lonnie Chisenhall-3B, Columbus: 0-for-2, 1 run, 2 BB, 1 K: Chis continues to sputter a bit at the beginning of the season.  He's only one for his last 16.
• Chad Huffman-RF, Columbus: 1-for-2, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB: Huffman is riding a three game hit streak that has righted the ship a bit on a struggling start.  In a deep system, Huffman has to continue to perform to stay relevant.
• Wes Hodges-1B, Columbus: 1-for-4, 1 2B, 2 RBI: Remember when Hodges made himself a prospect? He's treading water at Columbus.
• Carlton Smith-RB, Columbus: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K: Smith is another guy that's a bit under the radar, but in four appearances, has gone five total innings without giving up a run.  He has a big arm, but is hidden behind bigger names.
• Juan Diaz-SS, Akron: 2-for-4, 1 R: Diaz has a bunch of potential, but is struggling to put it all together consistently, and is currently hitting .196.
• Matt McBride-DH, Akron: 2-for-4, 2 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 K: McBride continues with a solid season, blasting a two-run homer in the first inning.
• John Drennen-RF, Akron: Drennen is currently on a six-game hit streak, nearly hitting .500 over that time.
• Nick Hagadone-RP, Akron: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 K: Hagadone has been absolutely dominant this season pitching out of the bullpen.  He's yet to give up a run, and may have found his permanent home.
• Cory Burns-Closer, Akron: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R/ER, 2 K, 1 HR: Well, Burns is human.  He gave up a homer, but still closed the door and got save number five.  How is Burns NOT going to be a closer in the bigs if he continues this pace?
• Tyler Holt-CF, Kinston: 1-for-4, 1 K, 2 SB: Holt is only batting .235, but his OBP is a decent .350, and he's starting to wreak havoc on the basepaths.
• Chase Burnette-1B, Kinston: 3-for-4, 1 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI: There's a lot of potential with Burnette, but he needs to become more consistent to become a factor.
• T.J. House-SP, Kinston: 4 IP, 6 H, 4 R/ER, 2 BB, 2 K: House is full of potential, but he needs to start showing his ability much more consistently.  An 8.10 ERA isn't going to cut it in this organization.
• Alex Lavisky-C, Lake County: 2-for-5, 1 R, 2 RBI: All the sudden, Lavisky has three two-hit games in a row, and a four-game hit streak.
• Anthony Gallas-RF, Lake County: 1-for-4, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K: Gallas extends his hit streak to seven games.
• Alex Monsalve-DH, Lake County: 2-for-5, 1 R: Monsalve has three two-hit games in a row, is riding a six-game hit streak, and has hits in eight of his last nine games.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI. Also, his latest book the 2011 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is available for purchase for $20.95 to customers in the US (shipping and handling extra).

Posted in: Around the Farm,Kelvin De La Cruz