2011 Draft Signings: Howard likely to sign

Dillon Howard

Some interesting comments from Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Dave Van Horn where he believes that Indians 2nd round pick right-handed pitcher Dillon Howard will sign a pro contract.  According to the report Van Horn says, "We’re still hopeful, but just hearing things through the grapevine I think he’ll probably end up getting the money he wants. I don’t think Cleveland will let him get away.”

This sounds like a man who knows something but is unable to say what he really wants to say. Until a decision is made or a signing is official, the players, teams, and anyone else associated with them typically are unable to say anything about a signing. The signing process can be a bit ridiculous with how players and teams are held hostage while MLB approves overslot signings, and it sounds like a deal may already have been struck between Howard and the Indians but that MLB won't make it official until closer to the signing deadline due to an expected way overslot price tag. The same thing occurred with a Tribe pitcher taken in a recent draft who was signed in early July but was not officially announced until closer to August due to the overslot amount of the signing.

So we wait and we wonder on Howard, but it looks like the chances are good that he will sign with the Indians, which should really be no surprise as like Van Horn said the Indians drafted him with every intention of signing him.

In the same report, Van Horn also commented on another player of his drafted by the Indians, 43rd round pick left-handed pitcher Geoffrey Davenport.  Davenport had Tommy John surgery in March and it may make sense to sign a pro contract to continue his rehab with a big league organization. Van Horn said, "I think he knows he’s got a tough route to get on the field next year. He’s got to get healthy enough to pitch and we’ve got some good pitchers returning. If the Indians want to give him enough money and take over his rehab, and get him ready, that might be the best route. I think they’ll make a good run at him before it’s over with.”

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).

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Kipnis may be on verge of a callup

Jason Kipnis (Photo: IPI)

There are a lot of reasons that the Cleveland Indians should not callup Triple-A second baseman Jason Kipnis to the big league club. He is not even up for roster protection until after the 2012 season, and he is still very green at second base since this is his second full season playing the position.

If the Indians were not contending and simply going through another sub par season as they have the past few years, there would be no chance at a callup of Kipnis for these exact reasons. But winning changes everything, and desperate times call for desperate measures.

The Indians surprisingly are in a heated AL Central battle as at the end of June they find themselves in a first place tie with the Detroit Tigers, something many people – even the Indians themselves – did not expect at this point in the season. With winning now the priority and development taking a backseat, we are seeing several of their young heralded prospects such as right-handed pitcher Alex White and third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall getting called up much earlier than expected.

Kipnis, 24, could be the next highly touted prospect to join the team.

General Manager Chris Antonetti and Director of Player Development Ross Atkins were both in Triple-A Columbus this week to see Kipnis and several other players in action to get firsthand reports on them. Maybe it was just a routine scheduled trip to see the Triple-A club, but it certainly looks like with the Indians’ top two decision makers being in town together that some assessments are being made as to who may be called up next, possibly as soon as game time on Friday night in Cincinnati.

Kipnis put up a great showing this week in front of the Tribe bosses going 7-for-12 with two homers and four RBI in the three games they were there. Overall, he is having a very good season where in 76 games he is hitting .302 with 11 homers, 48 RBI, and a .909 OPS. He also has nine triples and ten stolen bases.

“Things are going good actually,” Kipnis said in an interview this week. “The team is playing great and I am really learning a lot about this level. I only got about a week to ten days here last year so I was just kind of playing to help the team win, but this year I have kind of really developed and learned who I am as a player. I think it has gone well so far and I think it is only going to get better.”

There is no doubt that the Columbus roster is filled with a lot of options for the Indians to pull from who could help the big league roster to varying levels. Almost every player on the roster has or will play in the big leagues someday, and they could almost be a Major League expansion team with all the talent on the roster and would probably hold their own.

“Whether we can or not, we do kind of believe that as we joke around that we think we might be a mediocre Major League team or something like that,” Kipnis said. “The best part is that it is not just one guy standing out every night, it is always two or three guys every other night or a great pitching outing by someone. It is a very hard team to beat when everyone is chipping in. We expect to win everyday and when we don’t win it is a shock to us. When that’s the environment you have in the locker room, it is a real productive one.”

For a player like Kipnis who is knocking on the proverbial door to the big leagues, it can be hard to block out the distraction of waiting for a callup. Players often talk about controlling only what they can control and letting all the roster decisions take care of themselves, but it can be hard to ignore and sometimes players will try to do more to get noticed, which hurts them in the long run.

“I think when you are this close and knocking on the door you are doing what you can to get noticed to make it up there,” Kipnis said. “But at the same time we have a great group of veterans on this team who have been there who know and tell us our time will come and don’t try to force it and do something you are not used to doing.”

Kipnis got off to an okay start in April where in 21 games he hit .253 with 2 homers, 11 RBI and a .820 OPS, but since May 1st is hitting .319 with 9 homers, 37 RBI, and a .942 OPS in 55 games. His performance at the plate has been consistent almost all season, and he feels a lot of his success is the result of him maturing as a player.

“Not even talking about numbers, I think I am maturing a lot on and off the field,” Kipnis said. “I wanted to work on becoming a better all around player and teammate. People like Travis Buck who I am sure don’t want to be down here, but when they are they have been fantastic in helping me out with being a better teammate and handling slumps. I think in terms of evaluating my season I have matured a lot more than I could have hoped for so I am happy about that.”

Kipnis has a unique routine when he steps to the plate where he will setup in the box and then while holding the bat will lay it sideways in mid-air parallel to the ground so he can better wrap his fingers around it and then move it up to his shoulder area. It looks a lot like what Mickey Tettleton used to do, and while it may look silly he is not about to change what is working for him.

“I have no idea where it came from,” Kipnis laughed. “I wanted the bat in my fingertips and I didn’t know how to get it there and I didn’t want the bat wrap so that is what I came up with. As long as it keeps working I am going to stick with it. I know it looks dumb, but as long as it keeps working I can’t change it.”

There is no question that Kipnis’ bat is Major League ready. Even more ready than Lonnie Chisenhall’s was before he was called up on Monday. The question with Kipnis is whether he is ready to handle playing second base everyday at the big league level, and there is still some uncertainty with that since he has only played the position now for a year and a half.

“I am loving the competition out here as there are a lot bigger and smarter guys and the groundballs come faster,” Kipnis said. “I am enjoying it now and having a lot of fun [at second base]. It is something I have had to keep after everyday. The more groundballs you take and the more reps you get, the easier it is going to be on you. You can never take too many. They have me out for early work a lot and it really may not be to work on something but just to keep getting used to it so it doesn’t get too far away from me.”

Kipnis continues to work hard and is making strides at second base, but probably needs more time. The Indians, however, don’t have time and may have to finish him off at the big league level as his bat is too valuable and could really help a struggling offense.

“I have really worked hard with the coaches here about double plays, turns, my arm slot and everything,” Kipnis said. “I am starting to get the hang of it where it is starting to be more instinctual rather than me being a robot out there. Once instincts take over is when you really start to play the position.”

If the Indians do decide to call up Kipnis they will need to decide what to do with both Cord Phelps and Orlando Cabrera. Phelps and Kipnis are almost strictly second base options for the time being, whereas Cabrera could play almost anywhere in the infield. Kipnis was an outfielder in college and Phelps has played some third base and shortstop in the minors, but those do not appear to be options for either player at least for this season.

Though, again, when a team is desperate for answers, anything is possible.

In the meantime Kipnis continues to plug away and impress his bosses with his electric bat.

“This season I just think it is a maturing process where I am finding out who I am as a player,” Kipnis said. “I want to just keep getting better. What that means in terms of stats or a callup is nothing; it is just to keep getting better this year. I’ll let the other stuff take care of itself. For me it is just one of those things where they say that if you are going to get up there you want to stay up there, you don’t want to be going up and down. That’s the goal, to become a better player so I’ll know when I am ready and will be ready to go.”

But Kipnis would by lying if he did not admit he was excited for the opportunity to make his Major League debut.

“I always joke with Ross, my phone is always on.”

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).

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Around the Farm: June 29

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.

Jason Kipnis - 2B, Columbus: 3-4, 2 RBI, BB, K. Talk about making a strong case to be promoted. Looking at his numbers, you'd think they were video game stats. In his last ten games, he's hitting .343 (12-35), with 14 R, 3B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, and 10 BB/12 K. Also in his past ten games, he has a .489 OBP/.657 SLG/1.146 OPS. Although he's been playing out of his mind, I by no means want to see him in Cleveland in the very near future. At earliest, call him up in late August.

• Ezequiel Carrera - CF, Columbus: 3-4, 2 R, K. Carerra does nothing but produce and continues to make his case for a call up.
• Jason Donald - 3B, Columbus: 2-4, 2 R, BB. It's quite nice to see Donald healthy and performing at a high level again. Unfortunately, there's not much room for him in Cleveland.
• Tim Fedroff - LF, Columbus: 3-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI. Picking up right where he left off in Akron, Fedroff's bat continues to carry him.
• Luis Valbuena - SS, Columbus: 1-4, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB, K. It's amazing how many members of the Clippers really do belong in Cleveland. Fact of the matter is Valbuena is another player who is "suffering" as a result of being blocked in Cleveland.
• David Huff - SP, Columbus: (W, 8-2) 6 IP, 4 H, ER/R, 4 BB, 7 K, HR. Huff has really been an anchor in the Clippers rotation this season and while you probably won't see him in Cleveland soon, I still find myself rooting for the guy.
• Ben Copeland - LF, Akron: 2-4, 2 R, K. One of the newly signed players to the Cleveland organization, Copeland has hit the ground running for the Aeros.
• Juan Diaz - SS, Akron: 2-3, R, 2B, 2 RBI, BB. A guy who hasn't been talked about much this season is Diaz. He hasn't put up flashy numbers, but he's certainly proved his worth in the Aeros lineup.
• T.J. McFarlane - SP, Akron: 6 IP, H, 0 ER/1 R, BB, 5 K. McFarlane has also been flying under the radar to some extent this season. By no means has anyone given up on him as a prospect, but with the depth of starting pitching within the organization, he's been somewhat overlooked lately.
• Adam Miller - RP, Akron: IP, 2 H, 2 K. One of the feel good stories this season has been Miller's rebound from injury. We can only cross our fingers that he can stay healthy.
• Jeremie Tice - DH, Kinston: 1-3, R, RBI, K. The K-Tribe offense is beginning to sputter again and Tice has tried to change the tide.
• Rob Bryson - RP, Kinston: 2 IP, H, BB, K. One of our top relief prospects with a quality outing out of the 'pen for the K-Tribe.
• Preston Guilmet - CP, Kinston: IP, K. Guilmet has definitely risen up my prospect ranks as he continues to dominate hitters.
• Jordan Casas - CF, Lake County: 3-5, R, K. After being activated from Arizona, Casas has swung a hot bat for the Captains out of the gate.
• Bryce Stowell - RP, Lake County: 1.2 IP, 2 H, ER/R, 3 BB, 3 K. Stowell continues to work through his rehab assignment, hitting a rough patch.
• Bryson Myles - RF, Mahoning Valley: 3-5, 2 2B. After finally adjusting to the professional game, Myles has hit the ball extremely well.

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).

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Game Recaps 6/29: Fedroff's near cycle leads Clippers

Tim Fedroff (Photo: Lianna Holub)

Clippers overwhelm Mud Hens 12-4

The Clippers continue to dominate Toledo this season, taking Wednesday's matinee affair, 12-4.  The win marks the tenth win in 12 games against the Mud Hens.

After loading the bases with no outs in the bottom of the first, the Clippers came away with three runs.

Two innings later, Luis Valbuena continued his hot month of June by taking an Andrew Oliver offering out over the right field wall. Valbuena is hitting .355 with 7 home runs and 24 RBIs this month.

In the fourth, the Clippers added four more after starting off the inning with three straight infield singles. They knocked out Mud Hens starter Andrew Oliver in the inning after he allowed eight earned runs.

Outfielder Tim Fedroff contributed with his first home run as a Clipper - a two run shot in the fifth. He finished with 3 RBI on the day and was a triple shy of the cycle.

Jason Kipnis went 3-4 with three runs scored and 2 RBI. Chad Huffman also drove in two runs.

David Huff (8-2) went six innings, allowing one run off of four hits and striking out seven. Carlton Smith - who allowed two runs - and Justin Germano - who allowed one - came on to pitch three combined innings of relief.

The series moves on to Toledo, Thursday at 7 PM, as the Clippers send out Scott Barnes (6-2, 3.63) against Brayan Villarreal (0-5, 4.41).

Aeros Complete Sweep of Baysox

Beau Mills and recently named Eastern League All-Star Juan Diaz both delivered RBI doubles, as the Akron Aeros defeated the Bowie Baysox 4-1 and completed a three-game series sweep on Wednesday afternoon at Canal Park.

T.J. McFarland pitched six strong innings and earned the win, giving up just one hit and one unearned run, while striking out five. Bryan Price and Adam Miller combined for the final three innings of shutout relief, as Miller escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning to earn his first save of the season. The Aeros finished the homestand undefeated, with 3-game series sweeps of both the R-Phils and Baysox.

Right-handed pitcher Zach Clark went five innings for the Baysox (37-39), giving up all four Aeros earned runs, and suffered the loss. Pat Egan and Pedro Viola also pitched in relief for the Baysox.

The Aeros (40-39) went to work early, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Jordan Henry and Ben Copeland led off the inning with back-to-back singles. Diaz followed with an RBI double that scored both to make it an early 2-0 lead for the Aeros.

The Baysox answered in the top of the 4th inning. Greg Miclat walked and stole second to lead off the inning, and made it to third on a fielder’s choice. He eventually scored the Baysox only run after T.J. McFarland uncorked a wild pitch.

Akron finished their scoring in the bottom of the fifth inning. After a Cristo Arnal strikeout and a Henry groundout, Copeland singled to right-center field and Diaz walked. An error by Bowie’s shortstop Pedro Florimon advanced Copeland to third base. Mills followed with an RBI double to right field, scoring both Copeland and Diaz.

The Aeros begin an eight game road trip on Thursday with the first in a four-game series against the Erie SeaWolves. Akron will give the ball to left-handed pitcher Kelvin De La Cruz, who is 4-5 with a 4.30 ERA in 2011. He will face right hander Jacob Turner, who is 2-2 with a 3.01 ERA this season. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

K-Tribe Falls in Extra Innings, 4-3 to Myrtle Beach

Kinston's strong effort came up short in a 4-3 defeat in 10 innings, Wednesday night in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The contest marks the third time in as many games the Indians have needed extra innings to determine a victor. Kinston (5-2, 43-33) has not played three straight extra inning games in more than eight years.

Kinston started the night with a Tyler Holt single. A Casey Frawley walk and Anthony Gallas single then loaded the bases. Myrtle Beach starting pitcher Justin Grimm would limit the damage, allowing just one run on a sacrifice fly by Jeremie Tice.

Kinston starter Marty Popham would then labor through three tough innings as the Pelicans scored single runs in each frame. Myrtle Beach used eight hits, including four of the infield variety, to single their way to a 3-1 lead going into the fourth inning. Popham lasted four innings, walking one and striking out four.

The Indians then worked some two out magic in the top of the fourth inning. With Jeremie Tice on first base thanks to an early inning walk, Abner Abreu had a two out single. Chase Burnette then drove Tice home with a run scoring single. Doug Pickens drew a walk to load the bases. The Pelican's starting hurler Grimm then walked Tyler Cannon, as Abreu scored to tie the game at three. Grimm lasted five innings, giving up five hits and three earned runs. Grimm walked four and struck out five.

Both bullpen's were stellar sending the contest in to extras. Kinston’s bullpen trio of Kyle Landis, Rob Bryson and Preston Guilmet combined for five scoreless innings to push the game in to the tenth.

Chris Jones entered to work the tenth and caught some bad breaks in allowing the winning run to Myrtle Beach. Vinny DiFazio led off with a double and his pinch runner, Andres James, moved to third with one out, on Casey Frawley's ground ball fielding error. After intentionally walking Santiago Chirino, Jared Hoying hit a high chopper down the first base line that Jones fielded with no time to make a play at home. James crossed to give the Pelicans a game one 4-3 victory. It was the first loss for Jones (4-1) on the season.

Brett Brach will get the start for Kinston in the middle game of this short three game road trip Thursday night at 7:05 pm.

Fort Wayne Power by Captains 11-4

A pair of two run homeruns, in the first inning, by Luis Domoromo and Wes Cunningham lifted Fort Wayne to a 4-0 lead and never looked back. The TinCaps defeated the Captains 11-4 on Wednesday afternoon.

Lake County made it 4-1 in the second inning on an RBI single by Carlos Moncrief that scored Aaron Fields who reached on a single to center, his first hit of the season.

In the third inning, Domoromo singled to lead off. Connor Powers doubled to left putting runners on second and third. Domoromo scored on a Jordan Cooper wild pitch. Cunningham singled to center scoring Powers to make it 6-1.

In the fourth inning, the TinCaps made it 8-1. Tyler Stubblefield was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Cunningham drove in his fourth RBI walking with the bases full.

With the bases loaded for Fort Wayne in the fifth inning, Stubblefield singled off the foot of Bryce Stowell scoring a run, giving the TinCaps a 9-1 lead.

In the bottom half the fifth the Captains loaded the bases, with a single from Argenis Martinez and Jordan Casas and a walk to Jesus Aguilar. Moises Montero singled up the middle for his first hit and RBI of the season. Aaron Fields singled for the second time, driving in his first RBI of the year. Nick Bartolone finshed the inning with a sacrifice fly to leftfield as the Captains cut into the lead at 9-4.

In the sixth inning, Captains’ reliever Luis Encarnacion walked three and threw a wild pitch as the TinCaps scored two more for an 11-4 lead.

Mark Hardy (4-7) picked up the win for Fort Wayne tossing five innings, allowing four runs on ten hits, walking two and striking out two. Jordan Cooper (2-3) suffered the loss working 3.1 allowing a career high eight runs and 11 eleven hits, walking one and striking out four.

Lake County will continue the home stand on Wednesday as they welcome in South Bend for three beginning at 7:00PM at Classic Park. The Captains will start LHP Mike Rayl (5-2) vs. RHP Bradin Hagen s (4-3) for the SilverHawks.

Scrappers win streak stopped

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers five game winning streak came to an end on Wednesday night when they lost 5-2 to State College.

Lefty Kirk Wetmore took the tough luck loss as he and the rest of the Scrappers pitching staff were done in by four errors by their defense behind them. Wetmore ended up going five innings and allowed four hits and three runs though none were earned, and he also allowed one walk and had six strikeouts. Daniel Jimenez and Anthony Dischler combined for three good innings of relief allowing two unearned runs on a hit, walk, and had one strikeout.

The Scrappers were limited to just seven hits, with five of the seven coming from right fielder Bryson Myles who went 3-for-5 with two doubles and second baseman Todd Hankins who went 2-for-4 with a triple.

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).

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2011 Draft Signings: Barr signs

John Barr

As expected, Indians 39th round pick outfielder John Barr has signed with the Indians for a reported $2,500. He will join short season Single-A Mahoning Valley on Thursday.

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).

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Myles brings unique skill set to the Indians

Bryson Myles (Photo: Lianna Holub)

"I hit like Mays, and run like Hayes."

So goes the famous quote from the character Willie Mays Hayes played by Wesley Snipes in the fictional movie "Major League". It has been well over 20 years since Snipes uttered those words, and ever since many Indians fans have often dreamed of a player who could in fact not only be an impact hitter but also be an impact runner.

It may have finally happened with the selection of outfielder Bryson Myles in the 6th round of this year's draft.

Myles, 21, provides a unique combination of speed and power in his 5'11" 230 pound build. He has all the intangibles to be an elite runner with the ability to hit the ball out of the ballpark and be a run producer, something not commonly seen in the Indians farm system or in the game period.

Said one scout who saw him this spring, “This kid is built like Kevin Mitchell, but he [runs] like Deion Sanders.”

All hyperbole aside, Myles is ten games into his pro career with short season Single-A Mahoning Valley and so far is hitting .300 with 1 HR, 4 RBI, an .891 OPS and has 5 stolen bases.

"I feel really good," Myles said in an interview with the IPI last weekend. "I am trying to get used to everything. Playing baseball all day every day is an adjustment, but I feel like I am making it pretty good."

The speed component has always been there for Myles, but the power is something that has recently come into his game a lot more. He hit .411 with 8 HR, 36 RBI, 53 stolen bases, and a 1.065 OPS this year at Stephen F. Austin. With his very good bat speed and quick wrists to go along with his size, more power may be coming and it is something he is really focusing in on.

"Yeah, it is something I have been working on since my freshman year in college," Myles said. "I always had the speed but the power really wasn't there. I kind of started working at it and my sophomore year it started coming around more. Then this past year I started hitting for more power and for average, doing more drag bunting, and I just added a lot of different elements which help me out on the field."

Myles is a very raw baseball player as he is still learning the nuances of the game since he did not play the game full time until his freshman year at college. Prior to that the focus was always on football as he played that almost year round except for in the spring when he played baseball.

"I played [baseball] in high school, but just during the spring," Myles noted. "I did football during the fall and summer, so I didn't really get to learn the game as much as I wanted to in high school. I originally committed to TCU to play football, but it didn't work out as they ended up pulling the scholarship right before signing day my senior year. So the only place that I had to go was the junior college that I went to my freshman year. I was kind of disappointed because I played baseball because I was good at it, but I loved football."

Myles was a linebacker in football, and that impressive speed, power and size now shows on the baseball diamond rather than the gridiron. While he misses football, he is now 100% focused on achieving everything he can as a baseball player.

"My freshman and sophomore year it was kind of a struggle because I missed football a lot," Myles said. "But now I am at the point in my career where I don't even think of football and all I want to do is just make sure i get better at baseball every single day that I go to the park. It is just baseball 24/7. A lot of it has come at me fast and I struggled a lot with it early, but the more that I have been in the game and every day I am at the field the more I am learning."

Myles' little brother Candon was also drafted by the Pirates this year in the 12th round out of high school. While Myles did not get to experience being selected out of high school like his little brother, there was some interest in him.

"I did get interest, but because I was such a big football player the scouts kind of shied away from me," Myles said. "But everything happens for a reason and I am here now and everything is working out."

After being drafted this year Myles signed quickly with the Indians for a reported amount of just over $112,000. By signing early it allows him to get right into the pro game and make that transition from college to the pros and get his feet wet. Short season ball is an important step for a lot of college players that is often missed these days by a lot of the high profile picks because of how so many deals these days are waited out until the mid-August signing deadline.

"I knew going into draft that this is what I wanted to do," Myles said. "I didn't want to sit there going back and forth and miss the whole summer and not getting that experience that I may have gotten had I signed sooner. I ended up signing quickly and was here the very first day. I struggled the first couple of games, but now the game is starting to slow down and I am getting used to it. Maybe if I didn't sign as early as I did I would not have progressed at this pace so I think it was a good move."

There is no question it is an adjustment going from the college ranks to the pros, especially considering the fact that three weeks ago Myles was not even in the Indians organization. It really is a unique process with the MLB Draft where players go right from being drafted to signing and getting out on the field barely days after going into the draft with no idea where they would go. In fact, he did not even know the Indians were in on him until minutes before he was selected.

"It was really out of the blue as I really had not talked to the Indians much leading up to the draft except maybe once or twice in the spring season," Myles said. "My scout texted me right when the sixth round started and he called me as they were picking me. So it was a fun deal. I figured I was going to go a little earlier in the draft and it started getting a little nerve wrecking, but I got my name called and I celebrated with my family and here I am now."

Not only is it a feeling out process for Myles as he adjusts to pro ball, but it is a learning process for the organization and fans as they get to know him not only as a player but as a person as well. He prides himself in the way he prepares for games and how hard he plays, and has a good makeup. All of these things in addition to his talent should endear himself quickly to fans that watch him play.

"I'm a guy that just loves to play the game," Myles said. "I am going to go out there and whether I am 0-for-4 or 4-for-4 I am going to make sure I am out there having a good time with a smile on my face. I want to make sure when the fans do watch me that whether I am doing good or bad I want them to feel like that's a guy they really enjoy watching whether I am at Mahoning Valley or up with the Indians. I approach every day at the park the same. I just want to play the game the right way because that is what it is all about."

Baseball is a game of routine in the pro ranks, and one of the first things newly drafted players learn is how to manage the grind of playing the game every day for six straight months. College and high school players maybe play two or three times a week, and for three to four months, so it is something that takes a while to adjust to.

In addition to that Myles also wants to work on his consistency as a hitter while playing for Mahoning Valley this year.

"I want to get my average up and be a more consistent batter at the plate," Myles said. "I have kind of went up to the plate sometimes and given away an at bat swinging at bad pitches, watching good pitches to hit or even missing good pitches to hit. I know that along the course of the summer I will get a little better at that, and I will get a little smarter at the plate. There are a lot of things at this level that you can't do that you got away with in college. I think just being a better hitter is something I want to strive to do throughout the course of the summer."

Expectations are always high coming into pro ball. Reality quickly sets in for players once they get out to the field for the first time and see that everyone is just as talented as them. Often times the work the player puts in can be the difference in making it or not.

"I just tell myself you have to take it one day at a time," Myles said. "You have to approach every day like it is your last day. Just play hard, and as long as you do that everything is going to take care of itself. Just continue to work. I have read many stories from Major Leaguers that even when the season is over they are still out working hard every single day. Whether you are in the organization there every single day or at home you have to make sure you are going out and working hard every single day because somebody is always out there going for your job so you have to make sure you keep it."

With the start of his pro career already in motion, Myles has some lofty goals for himself now and in the future. With his skill set and makeup there is no doubt anything is possible, it just depends on how things play out going forward.

"My goal is to make it to the Major Leagues and be a hall of famer," Myles said. “That is everybody's dream. But it all starts here in Mahoning Valley, and I know that and I just have to take that path."

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).

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The K-Tribe Chronicle

(Photo: Kinston Indians)

From the Reservation:

The Kinston Indians entered the second half rolling through the Carolina League like a buzz-saw.  They came from the absolute oblivion after the first month of the season to nearly steal the first half title.

Still, it seemed at times as though manager Aaron Holbert was winning games thanks to some sort of voodoo thanks to an offense that was just plain horrible.  There wasn't one player, on paper or otherwise, that was worthy of mention as having a break-out season, or even a good one.  Yes folks, it really was that bad.

The pitching staff was good, but let's not confuse this with a dominating staff.  The starters, led by Drew Pomeranz were near the top of the league in most major categories, but there really wasn't any dominance.  Even Pomeranz, who's statistics ARE dominant, only made it to the seventh inning once, and only had two wins in 12 starts.

The bullpen perhaps has the best closer in the league, but while Preston Guilmet is having a special season, he likely won't EVER be a closer in the bigs.  While that may be a bit too strong a statement, because you never know what the deal is with regards to health in the future, Guilmet is one of those finesse closers that locates.  In other words...NOT A POWER ARM.

I know, I just spent the majority of this intro slamming a team that nearly took the first division.  Thing is, you just never really know what to expect from a team like this after an all-star break.  So...of course...they came out and won their first four games of the second half, and five of their first six.

No, they still aren't hitting the ball much, but the pitching staff DID come out dominant.  I have a feeling this is going to be one wild ride in the second half, and if this team figures out the offense...well...

Let's not get ahead of ourselves...so let's get driving...

Where We Stand after week 11:

Overall Record: 43-32 Overall, 5-1 Second Half (5-1 the past week, first place in the Carolina League Southern division, 1/2 game ahead of Winston-Salem)

Week #11 Games:

23 @ Salem, W 5-2 (WP: K. Landis; LP: M. Herold; SV: P. Guilmet)
24 @ Salem, W 4-2 (WP: C. Jones; LP: K. Volz)
25 @ Salem, W 2-1 (WP: F. Jimenez; LP: C. Hernandez; SV: P. Guilmet)
26 vs. Potomac, W 5-4 (WP: K. Landis; LP: C. Selik; SV: R. Bryson)
27 vs. Potomac, L 2-5 (WP: H. Nelo; LP: P. Guilmet; SV: R. Wort)
28 vs. Potomac, W 4-3 (WP: Flores; LP: Clegg)

This Week's Transactions:

06/24/2011 Tyler Sturdevant assigned to Akron Aeros from Kinston Indians.

The Offense:

I'd like to sit here and tell you that the K-Tribe's offense made a miraculous turnaround and came out slugging in the second-half, but that's not the case.  Still, there were signs of improvement from a select few, and we did have a few players actually bat over .300 for the week.

What this team does do well is come up with opportune hits, which is key this year as the Carolina League is a pitching-dominant league.  Add that to what appears to be a few hitters that are starting to really wake up, and we could have the spark of something special.

Three UP...

1. Adam Abraham continues to find his way at High A, and he may have finally found the groove. Abraham really bounced back-and-forth during the first half, struggling with consistency.  While he would throw in big games, there was never really a streak of ballgames that allowed him to step out from a shroud of pathetic offense.  Perhaps things are changing in the second half.  Abraham went 8-26, for a .308 average.  His overall average remains at .247, but that number really does seem misleading, because he has had a lot of HUGE hits throughout the season.  He scored three runs this week, with two doubles and a homer, and led the team with six RBI in as many games.  A big week for the third basemen, and perhaps a break-out week.

2. I still think that Tyler Cannon has a bat that will be successful wherever he plays. He absolutely lit up the Midwest League with Lake County this year before being called up to Kinston to help the struggling offense here.  Of course, he entered the Bermuda Triangle of offense, and it seemed like he couldn't hit water in an ocean in his first few weeks.  Well, that's all changed.  Cannon has been the best K-Tribe hitter over the past couple of weeks.  His ten day stat line is an impressive .389/.452/.778 for a massive 1.230 OPS.  During the first week of the second half, he hit a bit more modest .304, with two runs, two doubles, a triple, homer and three RBI.  He only walked twice, but only struck out four times.  I'm telling you, this kid has a major league bat.

3. Shortstop Casey Frawley really is similar to Adam Abraham in many ways. Call him a poor-man's Abraham.  Like Abraham, he spent the first half with several big hits, but wasn't able to string anything together.  He has decent power, and a decent glove, but he had yet to stand-out.  While he didn't explode this week, he was consistent.  He went 6-20 for a .300 average, which was his first .300 week of the season.  He scored three runs, with a double and two RBI on the week.

and Three Down...

3. I can't believe I actually said he was a player to watch in the second half. Seriously, this guy is like Lucy to my Charlie Brown.  I feel like Michael Corleone.  "He keeps pulling me back in!"  Thank you Abner, for the quick second-half reminder that I'm absolutely insane.  Abreu went 3-18, which is .167 for those of you counting at home.  He did score two whole runs, with a triple and two RBI.  He even walked four times, and considering he has 15 total for the year, that's saying something.  He only struck out four times as well, and considering his has 77 on the season, that's saying something.  The fact that those numbers are some of his best of the year really tells you just how bad Abreu has played this season.  Boy, the talent is there though (see what I mean).

2. Justin Toole has been the one consistent offensive "weapon" that the K-Tribe could count on in the first half. This week, no such luck.  Toole went 1-15.  His only hit was a double, and he had one RBI and two walks.  Toole must have stolen Abreu's K's, with seven on the week.  Toole isn't a .300 hitter by an stretch, so he's actually evening out a bit.  He's currently hitting .267, which nearly matches his .266 average in 2009.

1. Tyler Holt is flat out playing badly.  While he had moments in April that really set him apart from the other draft picks in 2010, he just hasn't played very well since.  In the second half, "not playing well" offensively just doesn't do it justice.  The K-Tribe's lead-off man went 0-18, with six walks and seven K's.  Notice I didn't mention any runs, and when your leadoff guy isn't scoring runs, that's an issue.  It didn't hurt them this week, but if it continues, I can't fathom that this team can continue to win games at the clip they currently are.  Holt really could be a straw that stirs the drink.  Lately, Holt's just made me want to drink.

This team can't keep winning with an offense as anemic as this one...can they?  Wait, did I say that last week?

The Pitching:

We're going to call this the week of the reliever, because the relief corp. absolutely dominated the Carolina league hitters.

To be fair to the starters, they pitched pretty well, but just couldn't get a win based mostly on the lack of offense.  How bad was it for the starters?  The team went 5-1, and the starters didn't record a single win.  Now, that's not necessarily surprising, but the starters had a combined 2.91 ERA, and should have gotten a few wins there.

Still, the relief corp really came through.  There was only one bad outing, and it was a two-inning performance by Preston Guilmet. Even with Guilmet's three earned runs in that appearance, the bullpen recorded a 1.44 ERA.  You take away those three runs (which gave the team their only loss this week), and the ERA drops to an incredible 0.36 ERA, with only one earned run on the week.

Yeah, they were that good, and so was the staff.  Overall, the staff had a 1.96 ERA for the week.  That, my friends, is dominating.


Six Up...

1. Francisco Jimenez has struggled for most of the season.  In the second half, he's been absolute perfection.  He made two appearances, and went three innings in each game.  In those six total innings, he gave up only three hits, while striking out seven.


2. Chris Jones continues to regain his 2010 mojo after really struggling in the first month of the season.  Jones went 4 2/3 innings in two appearances this week, giving up only four hits total.  He gave up one earned run, while striking out seven batters.

3. I really likely should have Jose Flores in the #1 slot this week.  Like Jimenez, he really struggled in the first half.  In the second though, Flores has been perfect. He made three appearances, and went one inning in each game.  His only other stat line, aside from a win, were two K's.  Like I said...perfect.

4. Kyle Landis isn't Adam Miller, but his story continues to be a good one after missing all of 2010.  He started the second half off like he was shot out of a cannon.  He made two appearances to the tune of 3 2/3 inning, giving up only one hit and one walk, while striking out four.  He won two of Kinston's five games this week.

5. Rob Bryson is back, and pitching extremely well. Bryson has an explosive arm, and he's been making the most of his time back in Kinston.  He went four total innings in two appearances, which was nice to see.  It's clear that he's healthy going forward.  He gave up only three hits, while striking out four with a save.  While Guilmet is the teams closer, Bryson may have the most electric arm...well...except for that guy Pomeranz.

6.  Steven Wright really may be the best story in the organization (well, aside from Landis and Adam Miller).  While he wasn't the best starter on the team this week, he still makes my top six because, well, I wanted him there.  He went eight innings in his first start with the team, giving up nine hits and three earned runs.  He gave up a homer and three walks as well, but that knuckleball of his struck out seven batters.  Chalk up the Carolina League as a success so far in his quest to get to the majors after the re-invention.

Week #11 Awards:

Offensive player of the week: Adam Abraham

Pitcher of the week: Francisco Jimenez
Player of the week: Adam Abraham

Weekly Awards

Week 1: 3B-Adam Abraham
Week 2: CF-Tyler Holt
Week 3: SP/RP-Toru Murata
Week 4: SP-Clayton Cook
Week 5: SP-Giovanni Soto
Week 6: RP-Adam Miller
Week 7: RP-Tyler Sturdevant
Week 8: NA
Week 9: NA
Week 10: NA
First Half: SP-Giovanni Soto
Week 11: Adam Abraham

Here comes week #12:


June 2011

29 @ Myrtle Beach, 7:05 PM
30 @ Myrtle Beach, 7:05 PM

July 2011

1 @ Myrtle Beach, 7:05 PM
2 vs. Frederick, 6:30 PM
3 vs. Frederick, 1:30 PM
4 vs. Frederick, 6:30 PM

The Rearviewmirror:

Tyler Sturdevant really is a sleeper in this organization as far as relievers go.  In my several trips to Kinston this year, every time Sturdevant took to the mound, the Tribe scouts really took an interest in documenting his progress.  On opening day, I had a chance to talk to a scout filming him pitching, and he talked about how much the organization liked his arm, and that his "stuff was really starting to come together."

Good luck in Akron Tyler...

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).

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Around the Farm: June 28

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.

Bryson Myles: CF, Mahoning Valley: 2-4, 2 R, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 2 SB (5):


Myles is just lighting up the New York/Penn League in his first season with the Scrappers.  He's built like a tank, but is as fleet-footed as they come.  Tonight, he showcased some of that speed with a triple and two stolen bases.  Overall, he's hitting .300, with a .391 OBP.  This kid absolutely screams of stardom down the road, and if he continues to play the way he has this season, the sky is the limit for this kid.


Jason Kipnis: 2B, Columbus: 2-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 K:


Kipnis had his third straight game with two-hits last night, and did it in resounding fashion with two home runs.  The homers were Kipnis' sixth homer of the month, and his 11th of the season.  Have I mentioned that this kid can hit?  So, here's what I'm thinking.  How about calling this kid up to the majors?  Frankly, I'm done with the discussion about how a call-up now would hinder his progress defensively.  While I can buy that argument, I can't buy the garbage that usually follows: "He'll get called up in September."  So, the extra two months will polish him off defensively, will it?  Call the kid up and give him his chance with Chisenhall and Phelps both.  It's time to cut the fat, and play this season with the best players they have available...period.

• Luis Valbuena: SS, Columbus: 2-4, 1 R, 1 K: So, what do you do with this kid? He's pounding the ball in Columbus, but truly doesn't have a home at this point.  How good is he playing?  He's had two hits in five of his last seven games, and four of his last five.  His ten game split is a ridiculous .364/.447/.697.
• Jared Goedert: 1B, Columbus: 3-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI:  Goedert is struggling mightily since returning to Columbus, but perhaps this can get him going.  It broke up an 0-19 slide.
• Jeanmar Gomez: SP, Columbus: 5 1/3 IP, 9 H, 3 R/ER, 2 BB, 8 K, W (8-2): This wasn't Gomez' best start by any stretch, but he did win his fourth game in five starts, and struck out eight.  Not to shabby at all.
• Chen Lee: RP, Columbus: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 K: Lee had his second outing in a row without giving up a run.
• Josh Judy: Closer, Columbus: 1 IP, 1 K, S (12): Judy got his 12th save with a perfect outing.
• Jordan Henry: CF, Akron: 2-3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 BB: Perhaps this was Henry's way of celebrating the departure of Tim Fedroff.  Henry has a solid bat, but has struggled lately.  Look for a bit second half.
• Kyle Bellows: 3B, Akron: 1-4, 1 R, 1 3B, 1 RBI: Bellows triple broke a tie in the bottom of the eighth inning for the game winner.
• Nick Weglarz: DH, Akron: 2-2, 1 RBI, 2 BB: Who is this guy, anyways? Weglarz has struggled this season with a .196 average after coming off the DL.  Still, you can see his selection with the two walks, which is rare at this level.
• Karexon Sanchez: 2B, Akron: 0-2, 2 BB, 2 SB: Sanchez, when he's playing well, can disrupt an entire game with his play.
• Austin Adams: SP, Akron: 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 6 K: Adams has another good start to the season, but doesn't get the deserved win.
• Tyler Sturdevant: RP, Akron: 1 IP, 1 BB, 1 K, W (1-0):  Keep an eye on this kid.  He could be a sleeper in the pen as early as next season.
• Cory Burns: Closer, Akron: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 K, S (20): Burns continues another incredible season at closer with his league/organizational saves lead.
• Steven Wright: SP, Kinston: 8 IP, 9 H, 3 R/ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 1 HR: Wright continues his re-progression through the system with a quality start.  I sure do hope we see him in the bigs someday.
• Francisco Jimenez: RP, Kinston: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 K: Jimenez has has had a solid start to the second half of the Carolina League season after getting lit up like a Christmas tree in the first half.
• Jose Flores: RP, Kinston: 1 IP, W (3-3): Flores continues his perfect second half with his third straight inning of perfect baseball.
• LeVon Washington: CF, Lake County: 2-4, 3 R, 1 3B, 2 RBI, 1 BB, SB (9): Well, Washington is really starting to come out of his shell.  This is his third multi-hit game in a row, and fourth in five games.  He's currently on a six-game hit streak.
• Jesus Aguilar: 1B, Lake County: 1-4, 2 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K: Aguilar hit the only home run in Lake County's 13-run barrage.  Please call this kid up to Kinston!
• Cole Cook: SP, Lake County: 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R/ER, 8 K, W (3-8): Cole has his second straight solid outing.
• Nick Sarianides: RP, Lake County: 3 IP, 2 H, 4 K: Sarianides got lit up on June 25, so three two-hit innings is a pretty good turnaround.
• Tony Wolters: SS, Mahoning Valley: 2-5, 1 R, 1 3B, 1 RBI: Wolters is batting a solid .310, early in the 2011 season.  Here's another kid that has a whole bunch of ups.
• Alex Lavisky: DH, Mahoning Valley: 2-4, 1 RBI: Lavisky is only hitting .186 on the season here in the NY/Penn league.  Just a season to forget, thusfar.

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).

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Game Recaps 6/28: Kipnis homers twice, Clippers win

Jason Kipnis (Photo: IPI)

Kipnis, Clippers homer past Mudhens

The Clippers took advantage of a friendly breeze out towards straightaway center field to power their way past Toledo, 5-4.

The teams hit a combined five home runs - two of which came off the bat of Jason Kipnis.

In the third inning, the Clippers jumped ahead 2-0 thanks to solo shots from both Kipnis and Paul Phillips.

The next two innings brought two more solo homers - from Jared Goedert in the fourth and Kipnis again in the fifth.

Kipnis, who has six home runs in June, now has 11 on the season.

A three-run homer from Danny Worth in the sixth off of Zach Putnam brought the Mud Hens back within one. The Clippers were able to get an insurance run in the bottom frame. Luis Valbuena scored with heads-up base running on an errant throw from center fielder Jeff Salazar. That run was the difference in the game because of a seventh inning solo blast over the center field batter's eye from Toledo's Ryan Strieby.

Baseballs weren't the only things flying around Huntington Park. After getting ejected for arguing with first base umpire Fran Burke, Mud Hens manager Phil Nevin tossed his hat and a bat out onto the field. Jason Donald was originally called out at first after a Worth throw pulled Strieby off the first base bag.

Clippers hitting coach Lee May was ejected for arguing the call. Immediately after, the call was overturned and Nevin came out to argue.

Jeanmar Gomez (8-2) gave up three runs over 5.1 innings and struck out a season high eight batters for the victory. Josh Judy came on in the ninth to record his twelfth save of the year.

David Huff (7-2, 3.91) goes up against Andrew Oliver (6-2, 3.63) in a 12:05 start for the final game of the Clippers' home stand.

Bellow’s triple leads Aeros to win

Kyle Bellows hit a tie-breaking RBI triple in the bottom of the eighth inning that proved to be the game-winning hit as the Akron Aeros won game two of a three-game series against the Bowie Baysox 4-2 Tuesday at Canal Park.

With the win, the Aeros (39-39) have won five games in a row, which is tied for the team’s longest winning streak of 2011. Akron also won five straight games from May 13-19.

Right-handed pitcher Armando Gamboa allowed the Bellows RBI triple and was saddled with the loss for Bowie pitching three innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits, walking three and striking out one.

Right-hander Tyler Sturdevant recorded the win for Akron pitching a scoreless inning of relief. Right-handed pitcher Cory Burns shut the door in the top of the ninth inning to earn his league-best 20th save of 2011.

Righty Austin Adams got the start for the Aeros tossing seven innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits and striking out six while walking just one.

The Aeros got on the board in the bottom of the first inning. Jordan Henry led off with a double. Ben Copeland reached on a Joe Mahoney fielding error that allowed Henry to get to third. With one out, Henry scored on a Beau Mills sacrifice fly to give the Aeros a 1-0 lead.

The Baysox (37-38) answered in the top of the third inning. Pedro Florimon led off with a single and quickly stole second. With two outs, Greg Miclat singled home Florimon to tie the game 1-1 then advanced to second on the throw to home plate. LJ Hoes followed with an RBI single scoring Miclat and giving the Baysox a 2-1 lead.

Akron tied the game 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning when Donnie Webb scored on a double play.

The Aeros retook the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. Mills led off with a single and scored on Bellows’ RBI triple to give the Aeros a 3-2 lead. Nick Weglarz followed with an RBI single to score Bellows as Akron went on to the win.

The Aeros will go for the sixth straight win and a sweep of the Baysox Wednesday. Akron will give the ball to left-handed pitcher T.J. McFarland, who is 3-4 with a 5.02 ERA in 2011. He will face right-handed pitcher Zach Clark, who is 5-6 with a 4.64 ERA this season. First pitch is at 12:05 p.m.

Big comeback gives Kinston a 4-3 win in 12 innings

Back-to-back home runs in the ninth inning tied it, a walk-off single in the twelfth inning finished it, as Kinston beat Potomac 4-3 Tuesday night at Historic Grainger Stadium. With the comeback win, Kinston (5-1, 43-32) has not lost back-to-back games since May 15th and 16th. The K-Tribe has now won 11 of their last 12 series.

The K-Tribe tied the score in the bottom of ninth inning when Chase Burnette and Tyler Cannon hit back-to-back home runs. The one-out blast off of Potomac reliever Marcos Frias was the second of the season for Burnette. Cannon followed with his fourth of the season for the K-Tribe.

Things would stay quiet for both teams until Roberto Perez led off with a walk in the bottom of the twelfth inning. Potomac reliever Mitchell Clegg then coaxed Delvi Cid into popping out on a bunt attempt. Doug Pickens followed with a grounder to third baseman Justino Cuevas that was misplayed. Perez advanced to second on the Nationals first error of the game. Casey Frawley was then inserted to pinch run for Perez. Justin Toole hit a deep fly out to advance Frawley to third base. Anthony Gallas ended the game with a deep shot to left, scoring Frawley.

Kinston knuckleballer Steve Wright gave up two runs over the first two innings when Potomac converted lead off singles into runs. Run scoring ground outs from Justin Bloxom and Eury Perez gave Potomac a 2-0 advantage.

Kinston got on the scoreboard with back-to-back doubles from Jeremie Tice and Adam Abraham in the bottom of the fourth inning. It was the team leading 41st RBI of the season for Abraham, cutting the Potomac lead to one. Potomac starter Adam Olbrychowski was solid for the Nationals, giving up one run on four hits in 6 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out three batters.

Wright settled down after the first two innings, but gave up a solo home run to J.R. Higley with two outs in the top of the sixth inning. Wright went a season high eight innings, giving up three earned runs on nine innings. He walked three and struck out seven batters, throwing 120 pitches.

Jose Flores (3-3) got the win for Kinston in relief, throwing a perfect twelfth inning. Francisco Jimenez was great from the bullpen for Kinston, giving up just two hits in three innings.

The K-Tribe hits the road for Myrtle Beach on Wednesday, game time 7:05 pm, Marty Popham on the mound for Kinston.

Captains score ten in the third for 13-3 win

The first nine hitters reached and scored in the third inning for Lake County on Tuesday night as the Captains defeated Fort Wayne 13-3. The Captains scored ten runs on four hits, with the help of four walks in the inning. Everyone in the lineup recorded a hit and a run.

Jesus Aguilar lined a ball over the wall in left center for a two run homerun in the first inning to give Lake County a 2-0 lead. It was Aguilar’s 14th of the season and pushed his RBI total to 49.

The TinCaps tied the game up at two, in the second, a two run triple by BJ Guinn, scoring Connor Powers and Wes Cunningham.

Fort Wayne picked up an unearned run in the fifth inning. Oscar Garcia reached on a single to right to get aboard. A base hit by Stubblefield and walk to Powers loaded the bases. A passed ball allowed Garcia to score making it 12-3.

The Captains came right back with a run in the bottom half of the fifth inning. Nick Bartolone lead the inning off with the single. Argenis Martinez walked for the second time. Carlos Moncrief singled up the middle scoring Bartolone for his second RBI of the night for a 13-3 lead.

Cole Cook (3-8) picked up the win for Lake County, tossing five innings allowing three runs, two earned on seven hits, walking two and striking out a career high eight. Keyvius Sampson (7-2) suffered just his second loss of the year for the TinCaps, allowing a season high seven runs on just three hits, walking four and striking out two in two plus innings of work.

Lake County and Fort Wayne will wrap up the three game set with the rubber match on Wednesday morning from Classic Park at 11:00AM. The Captains will start RHP Jordan Cooper (2-2) against LHP Mark Hardy (3-7) for the TinCaps.

Lowery clutch as Scrappers sweep Spikes

Jake Lowery drove in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the seventh inning to help Mahoning Valley sweep State College, 6-4, at Eastwood Field. The Scrappers have won five straight games and are 9-3 this season.

The Scrappers scored the first four runs of the ballgame to take a 4-0 lead, but State College scored two in the top of the fifth inning and two in the sixth to tie the game at 4-4. Mahoning Valley had runners in scoring position to start to the fifth and sixth, but couldn’t capitalize on the chances. In the seventh, Tony Wolters reached on an error with one out and came around to score on Lowery’s double.

The Scrappers added another run in the seventh on Alex Lavisky’s single. Lavisky went
3-for-4 with two RBIs. Cody Allen picked up the win in relief, tossing two innings of two-run ball. He is 2-0 this season. Ensosil Tejada picked up his first save of the season. The series moves to State College, Pennsylvania, for three games. All three games are at 7:05 pm.

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).

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Akron Air Raid: Aeros Sweep Through Reading; Bullpen Continues Dominance

Kyle Bellows (Photo Credit - Lianna Holub)

The Aeros got a big sweep this weekend over Reading, a team that has seemingly had their number this year. It was much needed after dropping two of three to Binghamton, following a week were they toiled around in last place.

Akron is now in fourth, but still remain seven games back of first.

It was an excellent week for the bullpen as you will see and aside from two starts that got a tad bit out of control, the starters contributed as well. What's encouraging is the two games where the offense busted out to score 10 and 12 runs.

Perhaps the anemic offense that was plaguing the Aeros earlier this season is starting to find it's cures. Hopefully they can overcome the promotion of their best hitter.

Latest Landings: @ Binghamton (1-2), Vs Reading (3-0)

Future Itinerary: Vs Bowie (3), @ Erie (4), @ Altoona (4), Vs Erie (4)

As it Stands: Akron is currently in fourth place in the Eastern League Western Division and 7 games back of first place.

On the Mound

Since arriving in Akron, T.J. McFarland has had some trouble with the adjustment to Double-A. They say it's the make or break level for a lot of players and perhaps we are seeing that play out with McFarland. If he's going to be a make it player, maybe his last start is a good indication in terms of him "getting it."

McFarland went seven strong innings and gave up one run off four hits a pair of walks. After two starts in which he went one and two innings respectively, McFarland put in his longest and best outing of his season. 

Another starter that may have turned a corner is Joe Gardner, who got two starts this past week. He took a no-decision after going into the sixth and giving up four earned against Binghamton, but took home an impressive seven inning victory against Reading, his fifth of the year. It's his fourth straight start of walking just two or less.

This past week's lines:

TJ McFarland

W, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K

Matt Packer

L, 5.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K

Joe Gardner

ND, 5.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R (4 ER), 1 BB, 3 K

W, 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K

Kelvin De La Cruz

ND, 3.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 2 K

Austin Adams

L, 4 IP, 6 H, 7 R (3 ER), 3 BB, 5 K

From the 'Pen

The bullpen just keeps getting better. With steady play, as in no rainouts and double-headers or crazy make-up games, and some great starting pitching, the bullpen is firing on all cylinders. The pen didn't give up a single run in the series against Reading and aside from two runs charged to Matt Langwell, they were spotless.

The star was closer Cory Burns, who picked up a win and a pair of saves with just one hit against him. He didn't walk a hitter and struck out two. Looks like the Cory Burns of early season has returned.

With CC Lee promoted, the Indians called up Tyler Sturdevant from Kinston to Akron and he is fitting in just fine.  Sturdevant did allow baserunners, but as far as letting up runs, he was good in two innings against Reading.

Relievers for this past week:

Eric Berger

2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Cory Burns

W, 2 S, 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Paolo Espino

2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Matt Langwell

2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K

Adam Miller

2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Bryan Price

2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K

Tyler Sturdevant

2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Swinging Sticks

Known more for his glove, Kyle Bellows has been proving that with his .199 average this season. Bellows though has been able to boost that up in the past few weeks, especially this past one. The third baseman was 9-for-23, with three doubles and three RBI. He scored six times only whiffed twice. Good to see Bellows find a way to contribute with the stick.

Mr. Extra-base hit would be Beau Mills.  Four of Mills' seven hits went for extra bases this past week, with a home run and three doubles. He scored three times and knocked in a week-high six runs.

Pushed into action with a recently inactive Chun Chen, Juan Apodaca has contributed offensively. Going 4-14 with three doubles, and three walks, Apodaca has held his own. The veteran backstop hasn't played this much all year, but is making the most of his recent run of starts.

The week though belonged to Jordan Henry, who looks like he may have received a transfer of the magical hitting powers that Tim Fedroff possessed. Henry was 12-for-25 with a pair of doubles and three RBI. Henry is hitting .266 on the season, a far cry from his .312 average in 2010. But he is still getting on base at a great rate with a .379 on-base percentage.

Other Hitters this past week:

Juan Apodaca
4-14, 3 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R, 3 BB, 6 K

Kyle Bellows
9-23, 3 2B, 3 RBI 6 R, 2 K

Juan Diaz
7-26, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R, 9 K

Jordan Henry
12-25, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K

Matt McBride
9-20, 3 2B, 3 R, 2 BB, 5 K

Beau Mills
7-23, 3 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, 4 K

Karexon Sanchez
5-17, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 K

Nick Weglarz
1-16, 1 2B, 3 R, 6 BB, 5 K

Hats Off to Fedroff

A bittersweet goodbye to outfielder Tim Fedroff, who is off to Columbus. With Lonnie Chisenhall called up to Cleveland and perhaps the injury to Shin-Soo Choo (which allowed Travis Buck to return to Cleveland), Tim Fedroff got the opportunity to be called up from Akron.

Hopefully it is a permanent move for Fedroff, who more than earned the call-up. The former seventh round pick out in 2008 was hitting a Eastern League high .338 with a .399 on-base percentage. Fedroff hit two home runs, 13 doubles, five triples, and knocked in 35 runs. He scored 42 times and stole seven bases. 

It's great to see the former Tar Heel get his chance, but Fedroff was one of my personal favorites to watch these past two years in Akron. He's a very good fielder in my opinion, who doesn't seem to take poor routes to the ball and this year, his bat really took off. 

One can't help but think of John Drennen forever lost his opportunity with his suspension. He could have been in position to get the call with the Columbus outfield log jam finally opening up.

Congrats to Tim and good luck with the Clippers!

Additional Notes

In addition to Tim Fedroff, a much deserved promotion for CC Lee. All made possible by a release of Jensen Lewis, Lee will finally get his opportunity with the Clippers. It is certainly long overdue with his recent success, but a simple log jam of high impact relievers has kept Lee back. To his credit, he didn't blink an eye and just continued to dominate the competition. A year after posting a 3.22 ERA over 72 innings with 82 strikeouts, Lee went 2-1 with a 2.41 ERA in 41 innings with 58 strikeouts.

In his time with the Aeros, Lee averaged just a little over a strikeout per inning. He never saved a game, but could always be counted on late in close games to go an inning or even more. The call is perhaps a few months overdue as he was especially dominant this past few weeks, but again, it was simply out of Lee's control. It's good to see him get his opportunity though. In his first outing with the Clippers he struck out two of the four batters he faced and didn't allow a baserunner.

The shakeup enabled the Aeros to gain Kinston's Tyler Sturdevant to replace Lee. Sturdevant comes up from Carolina having gone 4-2 in 21 appearances with a 1.98 in 41 innings. He struck out 44 hitters and walked just eight hitters. A great season thus far for Sturdevant.

To replace Tim Fedroff, the Indians made an outside signing. The Indians could have had an internal option if Kinston's Bo Greenwell wasn't injured, but they opted to sign free agent outfielder Ben Copeland to replace Fedroff on the roster.

Copeland is 27 years of age from the University of Pittsburgh, batting and throwing left-handed and comes over from the San Francisco Giants organization. He was drafted back in 2005 in the fourth round and has not played this season. In six minor league seasons he is a career .282 hitter with a .364 on-base percentage and he hit .280 for the Giants Triple-A Fresno team in 2010.

Transaction Report

June 21: IF Jason Donald sent to Columbus

OF Donnie Webb received from Columbus

June 16: RHP Chen-Chang Lee sent to Columbus

RHP Tyler Sturdevant received from Kinston

June 27: OF Tim Fedroff sent to Columbus

OF Ben Copeland signed as free agent, received from Cleveland

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Nino covers the Akron Aeros season-long here at the IPI. He has his own blog at The Tribe Daily and you can follow him on Twitter @TheTribeDaily.

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