Tarpley also playing in Connie Mack World Series

Stephen Tarpley
(Photo: Area Code Games)

The Connie Mack World Series is a hotbed for Indians draft prospects. Not only are 2nd round pick right-handed pitcher Dillon Howard and 20th round pick left-hander Dillon Peters pitching on the same Cincinnati Midland Redskins team, but 8th round pick left-hander Steven Tarpley is also pitching and playing for another one of the teams in the tournament the Arizona Firebirds. Also, 29th round pick right-handed pitcher Jared Ruxer is also on the Midland team.  There is no question that the Indians brass are present and taking in the performances of three of their top five rated unsigned picks.

Tarpley had a great outing on Monday going 7.0 shutout innings allowing 2 hits, 2 walks and had 7 strikeouts in a 2-0 Firebirds win. He allowed only one batter to reach second base all night and was in the low 90s all night with his fastball and mixed in an effective curveball, changeup and cutter.

On Tuesday night all three players squared off against each other in the same game as the Midland Redskins faced the Arizona Firebirds. Midland won 10-3, and while Peters or Tarpley did not pitch in the game Howard started for Midland and got the win going five strong innings.

Midland plays tonight in the winner’s bracket final against the Farmington Strike Zone Cardinals while the Arizona Firebirds play tonight in a loser’s bracket game against the Arecibo Lobos.  There is a good chance that Peters will get the start for Midland and Tarpley for Arizona tonight.

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: 2011 Draft News,Dillon Howard,Dillon Peters,Stephen Tarpley