High-A Kinston right-handed pitcher Marty Popham was also named the Carolina League's Pitcher of the Week on Monday. On Sunday he struck out a season high eleven batters in 5 2/3 shutout innings, and allowed just three hits and no walks in his only start of the week.
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3 comments:
Hey Tony -
Seems like Mills is doing a reverse spin! Hitting streak, then he cools off again, but instead of being a tease, he picks it up even more! Don't want to jinx him (I'm a Tribe fan, you know!), you've had a chance to see him.... has he really finally learned enough to make it to the next level? Is he in LaPorta's rear view mirror?
Btw, great game by Huff today..... long overdue.
Hope all is well.
Mills has been off the reservation as a top prospect, really, for two years after a big 2008 season in Kinston when he was named Carolina League player of the year. This year, he starts off on the DL, then comes out hot. He wasn't exactly shredding the ball, but his average was up, and he had a game here and there where he showcased some power. His numbers tailed off a bit after the start, but then, as you said, he comes back even stronger. His ten game line is .473/.548/.917. Those are first round pick numbers.
However, at the end of the day, you have to look at the body of work. Mills is absolutely making the Tribe brass take notice, but he'd have to continue the torrid numbers for an extended time before he regains the first round luster.
I agree more with Jim. While it is great that Mills is performing well at Akron, it is his 3rd year there and to be expected. That said, hopefully the light went on. I don't think we will truly get a better idea on if that is the case until Mills is promoted to Columbus. Unfortunately, as long as they screw around with Nick Johnson there, the longer Mills hangs around in Akron. If Mills were to go to Columbus and put up a good showing in 5-7 weeks there, he may be back on the radar for sure.
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