Around the Farm: April 19

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.

Justin Toole-2B, Kinston: 4-for-5, 4 RBI: Toole is really starting to make a name for himself in the organization.  With this performance, he bounced his average up to .435 on the season.  Toole can play every position, and this season, he's played equal games at first, second and third base.  In an offense that has been nothing short of decrepit this season, he's one of the few bright marks.  He carried Kinston yesterday with his clutch hitting, and really is making waves as a future Super-Utility guy.

Brett Brach-P, Akron: 6 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 4 K, W (1-0): Brach has never been considered a top prospect with the club since he was drafted in the 10th round in 2009, but he was shaping up to be a very good starter, at least in the lower levels.  Then he ran into the pitching heavy Kinston Indians last season, and was relegated to the bullpen.  This year, he started in Kinston, but made his first surprising start in Akron, and wow did he make it count.  He has a deceptive delivery that's hard to replicate, but when he does, he's super effective.  I don't know that he'll translate into a big league starter, but he certainly has some ability in spot starts, as he showed yesterday.

• Lonnie Chisenhall-3B, Columbus: 1-for-4: Chis continues to struggle at the plate, to the point that he was jokingly asking for help on Twitter yesterday.  Don't worry, he'll come around, let's just hope it's soon.
• Jason Kipnis-DH, Columbus: 0-for-4: Much like Chisenhall, Kipnis is in a severe drought.  Both seemed like a lock to make an appearance in Cleveland soon, but perhaps there really is a little more seasoning to be had.  Of course, it's still early.
• Scott Barnes-SP, Columbus: 5 IP, 4 H, 4 R/3 ER, 5 BB, 3 K: Barnes followed up his last electric start scuffling.
• Jensen Lewis-RP, Columbus: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 K: Remember Lewis? He's right on par with what we've come to expect from him, and that's dominating triple A.  If he could just find consistency in the majors.
• Carlton Smith-RP, Columbus: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K: This was a bit more of a struggle, but Smith got out of the jam, which makes five straight games without giving up a run.
• Juan Diaz-SS, Akron: 1-for-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI: Diaz continues to show power.  If this continues, he immediately becomes someone to watch.  He only had eight homers all of last season.  He already has two this season.
• John Drennan-RF, Akron: 1-for-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 K: Drennan hits a bomb, to continue his seven game hit streak.
• Matt Lawson-3B, Akron: 3-for-4, 2 CS: Lawson could have had a big day, but was picked off twice stealing.
• Karexon Sanchez-2B, Akron: 1-for-4: Sanchez is one of my favorite players, but he's really struggling with the stick, hitting only .038 on the year.  He has to step up soon, or his time may pass.
• Bryan Price-RP, Akron: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K, H (2): Price was a piece of the Martinez deal.  Don't let the 7.36 ERA fool you.  One bad outing does not make a season.  He's been solid.
• Bo Greenwell-LF, Kinston: 1-for-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 1 SB, 1 CS: Greenwell keeps ambling along at .297.
• Abner Abreu-RF, Kinston: 2-for-5, 1 K: Abreu moves to right field, perhaps to get the offense on track.  Two singles for Abreu, but no pop.
• Tyler Holt-CF, Kinston: 2-for-5: Holt has a hit in seven of ten games so far.  I have a feeling that the offense will go, once he really puts it together.  Holt and Greenwell could really create some havoc.  Hmmmm...Tyler "Havoc?"
• Adam Abraham-3B, Kinston: 2-for-5, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 K: Abraham continues to be the one player that has been consistent offensively, as well as show off some power.  He could be in line for a big year.
• Drew Pomeranz-SP, Kinston: 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R/ER, 3 BB, 5 K: Pomeranz started off unhittable, but ended up human.  He still will be moving on soon, but this let us know that he needs a few more starts before being proclaimed a savior.
• Travis Turek-RP, Kinston: 4 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K: Turek was awesome yesterday, as the roller coaster ride continues.  His ERA is a staunch 0.87.  Perhaps this is the year it all clicks.
• Preston Guilmet-Closer, Kinston: 1 IP, 3 K: This was only the third time the big righty made an appearance, but it was dominant.  His ERA is currently 0.00, with 5 K's and 0 walks in three appearances.

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,Brett Brach,Justin Toole