6/5 Minor League Report! BOWMAN, Holt, VELOZ, FERNANDEZ, MARTE, HENRIQUEZ!

Binghamton 4, Connecticut 7

Brad Holt's AA debut was a solid outing, he gave up 3 runs (2 earned, due to his own error) on 2 hits and 3 walks in 6.1 innings, taking a ND after Edgar Alfonzo blew the save, allowing 3 runs in his 1.1 innings. One down, Jenrry Mejia to go for Binghamton tomorrow.

The Mets offense certainly did their job, with 12 hits and 4 walks off CT pitching, though they went just 1 for 9 with RISP and left 11 men on base. Josh Thole took the only 0-fer, while Nick Evans, Shawn Bowman and Carl Loadenthal had multi hit games.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 4, run, BB, 3 Ks, .281
1b Nick Evans 2 for 5, run, 2b, .217
c Josh Thole 0 for 2, run, RBI, 2 BBs, .350
lf Lucas Duda 1 for 5, run, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .288
3b Shawn Bowman 3 for 5, 2b, RBI, K, .276
rf Carl Loadenthal 2 for 5, 2b, RBI, K, .247
2b Jose Coronado 1 for 3, BB, .221
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 4, K, .281
Brad Holt 6.1 IP, 2 H, 3/2 R/ER, 3/3 BB/K, 2.84 era, 11:5:3
Edgar Alfonzo 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3/1 R/ER, BB, 4.22 era, BS (1), L (3-2), 2:1
Edgar Ramirez 0.1 IP, 2 H, ER, K, 5.40 era
Nick Abel IP, H, 7.54 era, 2:1

St. Lucie 5, Lakeland 3

The Mets fell behind 3-1 after 3 innings, but scored single runs in the 4th (Greg Veloz RBI single) and 6th (Carlos Guzman HR) to tie, then 2 in the 7th (Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2 run HR) to take the lead. The Mets had 10 hits and 3 walks, and were 2 for 7 with RISP, leaving 7 on base. Veloz, Guzman and Hector Pellot had multi hit games, while Ike Davis (0 for 4, run, K, .283), Francisco Pena (0 for 3, BB, .206) and Brahiam Maldonado (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .213) took 0-fers.

Brant Rustich's first start of the season was an uneven one, but he did strike out 7 over 4 innings, if you want to look for positives. Jose De La Torre worked 3 scoreless innings for the win, and Emary Frederick picked up his 4th save.

2b Greg Veloz 3 for 5, run, 2b (9), RBI (11), .264
cf, 1b Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 4, run, HR (8), 2 RBI (20), BB, .266
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 4, 3b (2), RBI (19), .238
rf, cf Carlos Guzman 2 for 4, 2 runs, HR (7), RBI (20), .293
ss Matt Bouchard 1 for 4, .212
dh Hector Pellot 2 for 3, BB, .259
Brant Rustich 4 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 7 Ks, 2.57 era, 2:3:7 ----> late addition: 91 pitches, 57 strikes, 34 balls
Jose De La Torre 3 IP, 1/2 BB/K, 4.64 era, W (2-3), 2:5:2
Emary Frederick 2 IP, H, 1/2 BB/K, 2.49 era, SV (4), 1:3:2

Savannah 3, Charleston 5

Elvin Ramirez had a flat out awful outing today, surrendering 5 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits, but the real egregious stat is the 7 walks in just 3.2 innings, to take his 4th loss of the season. In the loss, the Gnats committed 4 errors: Wilmer Flores (6, fielding), Ralph Henriquez (1, throw), Jefry Marte (22, throw), Rafael Fernandez (4, fielding).

Offensively, the Gnats had 12 hits and drew 4 walks, and were 3 for 8 with RISP, but left 9 men on and grounded into 2 double plays. Fernandez and Marte combined to go 6 for 10 out of the top 2 spots in the order, and Ralph Henriquez also had a 3 hit game for the Gnats, while Josh Satin (0 for 2, 2 BBs, K, .312), Wilmer Flores and Daniel Stegall (0 for 4, K, .129) took 0-fers.

cf Rafael Fernandez 3 for 5, 2 runs, RBI, K, .257
3b Jefry Marte 3 for 5, 2b, RBI, K, .224 (13 for last 34)
dh Sean Ratliff 1 for 4, RBI, BB, K, .313
rf Raul Reyes 1 for 3, BB, K, .299
ss Wilmer Flores 0 for 4, .244
c Ralph Henriquez 3 for 4
2b Matt Gaski 1 for 4, run, 2b, .444
Elvin Ramirez 3.2 IP, 4 H, 5/2 R/ER, 7/3 BB/K, 3.50 era, L (3-4), 2:4:3
Michael Powers 2.1 IP, H, 1/3 BB/K, 2.92 era, 1:3:3
Jacob Goldberg 2 IP, H, 1/3 BB/K, 7.20 era, 1:2:3
Sam Martinez IP, H, 3 Ks (A debut), 0.00 era

5/5 Minor League Report! Duda, HENRIQUEZ, Niesen!

Buffalo 0, Lehigh Valley 3

Nelson Figueroa gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in 5 innings, enough to take the loss as the Bisons managed just 3 hits on offense, from just two players. Jesus Feliciano (2 for 3, .311) and Ramon Martinez (1 for 3, 3 for 6) had the hits, everyone else took 0-fers.

rf Fernando Martinez 0 for 3, .278
1b Willy Mo Pena 0 for 3, K, .263
3b Mike Lamb 0 for 3, K, .083
lf Nick Evans 0 for 3, K, .103
c Robinson Cancel 0 for 2, .195
ss Jose Coronado 0 for 1, BB, K, .147
Nelson Figueroa 5 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2/5 BB/K, 2.57 era, L (0-2), 81:46:35, 7:3:5
Carlos Muniz IP, H, ER, 2 BBs, 6 era, 23:12:11, 2:1:0

Binghamton 4, Portland 1

Ryan Coultas had another very very good start for the BMets, scattering 4 hits and a run over 7 innings, as the Mets won 4-1. Coultas, who started his career as a shortstop, has 27.2 innings in 5 starts, and is holding the EL to a .240 BAA. Reportedly, he can get his fastball up into the low to mid 90s (93, 94) as a starter, so he could be a very intriguing candidate for a September callup this year.

The Mets had 8 hits and drew 5 walks, but as has been the case virtually all season, they struggled mightily with RISP, going just 2 for 13 and leaving 10 men on base. Lucas Duda had the only multi hit game, his odd season continues. He's now hitting .309/.455/.412 (roughly), with a 17/17 BB/K ratio. Odd, because he was drafted as a power hitter (especially with a 6'4/225 frame), and he's got just 4 XBH in 68 ABs. However, it is extremely encouraging to see the high average and high OBP, and power should come naturally. Jon Malo (0 for 4, BB, .286) took the only 0-fer for the Mets.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 5, 3b, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .283
c Josh Thole 1 for 3, RBI, K, .351
3b Shawn Bowman 1 for 4, 2b, .245
1b Lucas Duda 2 for 3, run, BB, .309
rf Josh Petersen 1 for 3, run, BB, .277
lf DJ Wabick 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .270
dh Mark Kiger 1 for 2, 2 runs, 2 BBs, K, .250
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 3, RBI, .247
Ryan Coultas 7 IP, 4 H, ER, 1/5 BB/K, 2.60 era, W (2-1), 9:7:5
Julio De La Cruz 2 IP, H, 2.92 era, SV (1), 3:2:0

St. Lucie 5, Palm Beach 1

Eric Niesen and Nick Carr combined to hold the Cardinals to 5 hits, and struck out 10 in St. Lucie's early morning 5-1 victory.

The Mets offense generated 10 hits and drew 7 walks, going 4 for 13 with RISP, but leaving 10 men on base. Ike Davis, Ralph Henriquez and Hector Pellot had multi hit games, while Kirk Nieuwenhuis (0 for 3, run, 2 BBs, .245), Reese Havens and Carlos Guzman (0 for 4, .284) took 0-fers.

2b Greg Veloz 1 for 5, 3 Ks, .224
ss Reese Havens 0 for 3, run, 2 BBs, K, .283
1b Ike Davis 2 for 2, run, 2b, 2 BBs, .306
c Ralph Henriquez 3 for 4, run, 2 RBI
dh Seth Williams 1 for 3, run, K, .283
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 4, RBI, K, .237
3b Hector Pellot 2 for 3, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, K, .216
Eric Niesen 6 IP, 3 H, ER, 2/5 BB/K, 2.25 era, W (1-2), 5:8:5
Nick Carr 3 IP, 2 H, 5 Ks, 1.42 era, SV (1), 1:1:5

MPH System Audit III, Part IV - Catchers

Catchers

1. Josh Thole 10/28/86 (22.29) L/R (A+ St. Lucie .300/.382/.427/.808, 104 for 347, 49 runs, 25 2b, 2 3b, 5 HR, 56 RBI, 45/38 BB/K, AFL Peoria Saguaros 22 for 69, 15 runs, 2b, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 10/6 BB/K, .319/.400/.420/.820)

Total 2008 Stats: .303/.385/.425/.810, 126 for 416, 64 runs, 26 2b, 2 3b, 7 HR, 73 RBI, 55/44 BB/K, .106 K rate, 1.2500 BB/K

The Mets selected Thole in the 13th round of the 2005 draft, and sent him to the GCL Mets, where he hit .269/.406/.337/.743 (28 for 104, 14 runs, 2 2b, 3b, HR, 12 RBI, 20/11 BB/K) in 35 games, an outstanding 1.8182 BB/K ratio, and a ridiculously low .105 K rate, both incredible numbers for an 18 year old in any setting.

Thole hit .370/.514/.407/.921 vs LHP in 2005 (10 for 27, 2b, 6/2 BB/K), with a 3.000 BB/K ratio and a .074 K rate, and .234/.366/.312/.678 (18 for 77, 2b, 3b, HR, 14/9 BB/K) vs RHP, with a 1.556 BB/K ratio, and a .117 K rate.

In 2006, Thole played in 35 games for Kingsport, getting just 96 ABs, and hitting .240/.306/.313/.619 (23 for 96, 4 2b, HR, 7/24 BB/K), a .2917 BB/K ratio and a .250 K rate, both drastically elevated from the year prior. He hit .167/.286/.208/.494 vs LHP (4 for 24, 2b, 2/6 BB/K) and .264/.313/.347/.660 (19 for 72, 3 2b, HR, 5/18 BB/K) vs RHP. Both sample sizes are too small to draw any meaningful conclusions from.

2007 saw Thole in full season Savannah, where he performed markedly better then Kingsport, hitting .267/.372/.311/.683 (104 for 389, 46 runs, 17 2b, 36 RBI, 61/57 BB/K), once again with excellent ratios, a 1.0701 BB/K ratio, and a .147 K rate.

Thole batted .301/.414/.329/.743 against LHP (22 for 73, 2 2b, 11/9 BB/K), a 1.22 BB/K ratio, and a .123 K rate. Against RHP, he batted .261/.368/.312/.680 (82 for 314, 16 2b, 52/47 BB/K), a 1.107 BB/K ratio and a .150 K rate.

Thole, as many Met prospects have done, has improved drastically across the board after making the jump from the Sally League to the pitcher friendly FSL. Thole finished the 2008 season hitting .300/.382/.427/.808 (104 for 347, 49 runs, 25 2b, 2 3b, 5 HR, 56 RBI, 45/38 BB/K), a great 1.184 BB/K ratio and an equally fantastic .110 K rate (which for much of the season was below .100).

Thole got off to a very rough start, hitting .228/.323/.386/.709 in April, and since that point, he hit .314/.393/.434/.828 (91 for 290, 42 runs, 21 2b, 3b, 4 HR, 46 RBI, 38/30 BB/K)

As has been the case throughout the majority of Thole's minor league career, he hit better against LHP then RHP, but this year, that gap narrowed considerably. He hit .333/.386/.432/.818 (27 for 81, 14 runs, 6 2b, 3b, 8 RBI, 6/8 BB/K) vs LHP, with a 0.750 BB/K ratio, and a K rate of .098, while against RHP, he hit .289/.381/.426/.807 (76 for 263, 35 runs, 19 2b, 3b, 5 HR, 48 RBI, 39/30 BB/K), with a 1.300 BB/K ratio, and a .114 K rate.

Thole played the majority of his first 3 seasons as a 1b (142 of 187 games), but in 2008, he played much more catcher, giving him infinitely more value as a player and a prospect.

THE FUTURE: Thole will undoubtedly be in Binghamton to open the 2009 season (after setting career highs in every offensive category except OBP), as the everyday catcher, and one of the few catching prospects in the upper levels of the farm system. While SAL to FSL is one test, the much bigger test for a prospect is the jump from the FSL to EL, the jump Thole will be making in 2009. Thole is solidly on pace for a prospect, playing the entire season as a 21 year old this year affords him a cushion if he were to falter on his trek through the system.

For more on Josh Thole, visit my good friend Joe DeMayo's website, NYbaseballdigest. http://nybaseballdigest.com/?p=922

A late season slump in Arizona (1 for 14, 2 RBI, 3/2 BB/K) diminished what had been a great fall league for the 21 year old catcher. Prior to the slump, he'd been hitting .382. Still, it is very encouraging to see him replicate his FSL numbers against tougher competition, especially on the heels of his first full season catching.

Thole is a high contact, high OBP, low K hitter in the mold of a Daniel Murphy or Jeff Keppinger. He knows the strike zone very well and rarely chases pitches outside of it. He improved his contact swing last season, setting a career high in AVG, OBP, SLG and OPS. He has good doubles power from gap to gap, which he displayed last year in setting a career high for XBH.

Thole, who hadn't spent a full year catching prior to 2008, improved vastly in his defense during the season. He is more athletic then most catchers, giving him an advantage in blocking balls in the dirt. He does not have the best arm behind the plate, nor the best mechanics in throwing to second, but his agility and accuracy make up for it.

Thole should open 2009 as a 22 year old in Binghamton, right on pace for a prospect. It will be a good test to see whether he emerges as a legit prospect, or fails in the jump from A+ to AA. If he does succeed, his debut date is likely to be in the second half of 2010, maybe in a backup role at first, and then a starting role in the 2011 season.

2. Francisco Pena 10/12/89 (19.29) R/R (A Savannah .264/.308/.380/.688, 105 for 397, 34 runs, 22 2b, 3 3b, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 25/95 BB/K, .239 K rate, .2632 BB/K ratio)

The 16 year old is considered a great prospect because of his hitting ability, power potential, plate approach, and his solid defense. He got a $740,000 signing bonus, and is the son of former Major League catcher Tony Pena. He is looking at a stateside debut, whether it be in the GCL, Kingsport, or Brooklyn, either way, keep an eye out for him, he could be a good one.

Pena started off in the full season A ball Sally League (at only 17), and put up atrocious stats. However, a few things to keep in mind: he is going to be only 18 years old next year, and now, with a full season of catching (103 games) under his belt, and a full season of playing in the states, at a level he had no business playing in, he should produce at a much higher clip then last season.

Well…that sort of happened. Pena, who hit .210/.263/.283/.546 last year, improved on that a bit, hitting .264/.308/.380/.688 this year. Still, that is well below average, especially when you factor in the fact he had 27 passed balls in 2008.

Despite having shown virtually nothing in two minor league seasons, Pena is still very young, just 19 years old, and much (if not all) of his game is still projection. Pena possesses very good raw power, something he will tap into as he grows/matures as a player. However, he is decidedly a pull hitter, with much of his power going to left field. He did develop a more level up the middle swing during 2008, which bodes well for what will be a very challenging 2009 in St. Lucie. Pena's plate discipline worsened considerably from 2007, with a .2632 BB/K ratio in 08 versus a .3158 ratio in 2007.

Pena's defense, while improving, is still as raw as his offense. He had 28 passed balls in 2008, and while minor league scorekeeping is extremely suspect (if not downright idiotic), that is still a cause for concern, if not alarm. Pena still needs to get himself in better shape, he's a bit beefy at 6'2/230. He does possess a good accurate arm, but needs to work on his delievery to second. During winter ball in 2008, he played some first base for Aguilas, but his future in the Mets organization is behind the plate.

Pena should open 2009 in St. Lucie at age 19, and in my opinion will struggle mightily there, which will require a repeat of the level in 2010. After that, he should ascend a level per season, making his major league debut in 2013 at age 23.

3. Dock Doyle 3/24/86 (22.83) L/R (Coastal Carolina .370/.440/.675/1.115, 90 for 243, 64 runs, 22 2b, 2 3b, 16 HR, 72 RBI, 28/29 BB/K, 4/5 SBs, R Kingsport .308/.390/.390/.780, 49 for 159, 27 runs, 11 2b, 3b, 20 RBI, 22/24 BB/K, A- Brooklyn .250/.294/.375/.669, 4 for 16, 2 runs, 2 2b, 2 RBI, 6 Ks)

Total 2008 Minor League Stats: .303/.382/.389/.770, 53 for 175, 29 runs, 13 2b, 3b, 22 RBI, 22/30 BB/K, .171 K rate, .7333 BB/K ratio

Total 2008 Cumulative Stats: .342/.415/.555/.970, 143 for 418, 93 runs, 35 2b, 3 3b, 16 HR, 94 RBI, 4/5 SBs, 50/59 BB/K, .141 K rate, .8475 BB/K ratio

Doyle was drafted by the Mets in the 5th round of the 2008 draft, 164th overall, out of Coastal Carolina University, and after signing for $167,000, he was sent to Kingsport first, and then Brooklyn. Combined over the two levels, he hit .303/.382/.389 in 175 ABs.

4. Ralph Henriquez 4/7/87 (21.83) S/R (A- Brooklyn .210/.269/.258/.527, 13 for 62, 4 runs, 3 2b, RBI, 4/15 BB/K, A Savannah .273/.273/.394/.667, 9 for 33, 2 runs, 2 2b, 3b, 3 RBI, 6 Ks)

Total 2008 Stats: .232/.270/.305/.575, 22 for 95, 6 runs, 5 2b, 3b, 4 RBI, 4/21 BB/K, .221 K rate, .1904 BB/K ratio

Henriquez was drafted in 2005 by the Houston Astros in the 2nd round. He was dealt to the Mets in the winter of 2007 for left hander Joshua Appell.

Here is a scouting report from the 05 draft on Henriquez.

Ralph Henriquez -- Henriquez was the top prospect at the Showcase and put on one of the most impressive hitting displays we've ever witnessed. We've seen Henriquez a number of times before in WWBA tournaments and while he's been a solid prospect in the past, there was no hint of this coming. Since October Henriquez has gotten stronger, especially in his upper half and changed his hitting approach some. There might very well be a connection between his improvement since then and the fact that his father, the Atlanta Braves minor league catching instructor, has been off the road during that time. Whatever the case, Henriquez showed us very good professional level bat speed from both sides of the plate. He gets excellent extension from both sides and attacks the ball with an aggressive vengeance. The Henriquez we've seen in the past was more of a gap to gap hitter with a more contact oriented approach. This Henriquez looks to hit the ball 450' and is very capable of doing so. If anything, Henriquez has a bit of wrap and is slightly longer from the left side than the right, but that's quibbling. As you would expect with the coaching he's received, Henriquez is a very sound defensive catcher with good shifting and blocking ability. His workout pop times aren't in the elite range but Henriquez "cheats" far less than most catchers and his arm strength and release are MLB quality. He's a hard worker from a baseball environment and a good student. He's a big time prospect!

5. Patrick Maat 9/15/87 (21.38) R/R (R GCL + R Kingsport .143/.235/.214/.450, 2 for 14, 2b, RBI, 2/3 BB/K, .214 K rate, .6667 BB/K ratio)

Maat was signed out of Australia during the 2005 International Free Agent signing period, and made his debut during the 2007 season, getting 42 ABs in the GCL, hitting .190/.352/.238/.590 (8 for 42, 4 runs, 2 2b, 3 RBI, 10/12 BB/K).

6/22 Minor League Report! HENRIQUEZ! KINGSPORT!

Pre-empting for breaking news: Fernando Martinez was 1 for 3 in the GCL today, but was PH for in the 9th by Valentin Ramos. That can't be a good sign, one would think. While I have the boxscore in front of me...

Fernando Martinez (dh) 1 for 3, K
Brahiam Maldonado (lf) 1 for 3, 2b, 2 RBI, .364
Darren Clark (lf) 2 for 2, .500
Cesar Peullo (rf) 1 for 5, RBI, 2 Ks, .353
Jefry Marte (3b) 3 for 4, 2 2b, 3b, BB, K, .364
Miguel Tejada (ss) 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .214
Juan Centena (c) 1 for 1, 2 runs, BB, .333

ZOMG! It's a Minor League Report that's actually posted the day of the games! What. The. Hell!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!? LOL.

New Orleans 0, Omaha 3

Nelson Figueroa had another very good game for the Zs, but the offense was a no show, getting just 5 hits. Figueroa allowed 4 hits and 2 runs (1 earned) in 7 innings, which earned him his 2nd loss of the season. The hits went to Argenis Reyes, Raul Casanova, Raul Gonzalez, Jesus Feliciano and Anderson Hernandez, who all had one apiece. Abraham Nunez (0 for 3, K, .199), Chris Aguila (0 for 4, K, .298), Val Pascucci (0 for 4, .301) and John Rodriguez (0 for 2, BB, K, .286) took 0-fers.

Argenis Reyes (2b) 1 for 4, .285
Raul Casanova (c) 1 for 4, 2b, K, .368
Raul Gonzalez (dh) 1 for 4, .326
Jesus Feliciano (cf) 1 for 3, BB, .298
Anderson Hernandez (ss) 1 for 3, .185
Nelson Figueroa 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, ER, 4 Ks, 2.89 era, L (3-2), 103:76:27, 8:9:4
Tim McNab 2 IP, 2 H, ER, 2.92 era, 18:9:9, 2:3

Binghamton 7, Trenton 3

I listened to this game via stream, and also charted Niese's pitch count, so here goes a detailed recap. Jon Niese had a very rough first two innings, throwing 44 pitches through 2, 20 in the first (14 strikes, 6 balls), and 24 in the second (11 strikes, 13 balls). The second inning was the only one in which Trenton scored, taking advantage of Niese's wildness. His line through 2 was 3 h, 3 er, 2 bb, k. After that, however, Niese settled down very nicely, throwing just 44 pitches over the next 4 innings (29 strikes, 15 balls), and allowing just one hit. He ended up throwing 88 pitches in the game over 6 innings, 54 of them for strikes, 34 balls. He left this game trailing 3-2 (as did I, to go watch Big Pelf).

Eude Brito pitched a scoreless 7th, and the Mets rallied for 3 in the top of the 8th to take Niese off the hook. They added a pair in the 9th and won 7-3, Tim LaVigne pitched 2 scoreless innings for the save.

Every regular got at least one hit, except for Salvador Paniagua, who was 0 for 3 with 2 Ks (.286). Nick Evans, Ambi Concepcion, Josh Petersen and Emmanuel Garcia each had 2 hits.

Jose Coronado (ss) 1 for 5, .259
Nick Evans (1b) 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, HR, RBI, .303
Mike Carp (lf) 1 for 5, .341
Caleb Stewart (rf) 1 for 3, run, RBI, BB, .280
Ambi Concepcion (cf) 2 for 4, run, HR, 2 RBI, .252
Josh Petersen (3b) 2 for 4, 2 runs, HR, RBI, .333
Emmanuel Garcia (2b) 2 for 4, 2b, RBI, K, .225
Mike Nickeas (c) 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .375
Jon Niese 6 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 3.05 era, 88:54:34, 8:7:3
Eude Brito IP, 2 H, 2.68 era, W (4-1)
Tim LaVigne 2 IP, 2 Ks, 2.95 era, SV (6)

St. Lucie was wained out
Savannah 3, Rome 7

It was a very rough game for Elvin Ramirez, he didn't survive the first inning, giving up 4 hits and 3 runs in just 0.2 innings of work. Nick Waechter did a great job in long relief, going 6 innings allowing just a run on 3 hits, but the offense couldn't get over the hump, pulling within 1 and 4-3 before Jose Bierd game in to give up 3 runs in the 8th.

The offense managed just 7 hits and 3 runs, one a solo homer by Juan Lagares (his only hit in 5 trips), and then RBIs by Sean McCraw and Carlos Guzman. Greg Veloz (0 for 4, BB, K, .254), Jose Jimenez (0 for 5, .244) and Richard Pena (0 for 2, run, 2 BBs, K, .239) took 0-fers.

Juan Lagares (ss) 1 for 5, run, HR, RBI, K, .308
Casey Craig (lf) 1 for 5, 3 Ks, .329
Joaquin Rodriguez (dh) 2 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .247
Sean McCraw (c) 1 for 3, RBI, BB, K, .333
Nick Giarraputo (3b) 1 for 2, 2 BBs (A debut)
Carlos Guzman (rf) 1 for 3, RBI, BB, .264
Elvin Ramirez 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, BB, 3.80 era, L (5-6)
Nick Waechter 6 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 7 Ks, HR, 3.38 era
Jose Bierd 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 Ks, 2 HR, 2.10 era (Bierd had surrendered just 2 homers in 28.2 innings before today)

Brooklyn 4, Aberdeen 2, 10 innings.

Pedro P Martinez over 2 starts has allowed 1 earned run in 10.1 innings, striking out 8. He is almost 23 years old, getting long in the tooth for the short season leagues. After Rhiner Cruz allowed a run in the 7th, Will Vogl hit a solo shot in the 9th to tie it, and the Cones scored 2 in the 10th (Tatford single, Satin sac fly) to take the lead, 4-2. Yury Santana pitched a hitless 10th to pick up his 3rd save.

The top 4 in the order (Matt Bouchard (.238, ss), Brandon Richey (.000, 3b), Kirk Nieuwenhuis (.217, cf) and Eric Campbell (.235, 1b) went a combined 0 for 19 with a run and 3 walks. Ouch. Brandon Kawal also took an 0-fer, he went 0 for 3, and is hitting .167 on the season. John Servidio and Ralph Henriquez had multi hit games.

John Servidio (rf) 2 for 4, run, 2b, .333
Jefferies Tatford (ph, dh) 1 for 2, RBI, K, .364
Josh Satin (2b) 1 for 2, run, RBI, 2 BBs, .063
Ralph Henriquez (c) 4 for 5, 2b, RBI, K, .444
Will Vogl (lf) 1 for 3, run, HR, RBI, BB, K, .250
Pedro P Martinez 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 5 Ks, 0.87 era
Rhiner Cruz 2.1 IP, H, ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 2.08 era
Jimmy Johnson 0.2 IP, 0.00 era, W (2-0)
Yury Santana IP, BB, 3 Ks, 0.00 era, SV (3)

Kingsport 13, Johnson City 4

The Mets pounded out 16 hits and drew 4 walks on their way to a 13-4 dismantling of Johnson City today, 7 of the 9 regulars had multi hit games, shockingly, Pedro Zapata managed to take an 0-fer today, he went 0 for 5 with a run scored and 2 Ks, and is now batting .080 on the season. John Holdzkom got a surprise start and had the best outing of his pro career, with 5 tremendous innings, allowing just 3 hits, striking out 8. Raul Batis piggybacked behind Holdzkom, and pitched 3 perfect innings before being roughed up for 2 hits and 4 runs in the 9th, when the game was firmly out of reach.

Ignacio Medrano (2b) 2 for 5, run, 2b, RBI, K, .368
Dan Stegall (lf) 2 for 5, run, BB, 2 Ks, .458
Wilmer Flores (ss) 2 for 5, 2 runs, RBI, .345
Richard Lucas (3b) 2 for 6, 2 runs, 2b, HR, 3 RBI, 3 Ks, .192
Jean Luc Blaquiere (c) 1 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .308
Stefan Welch (1b) 2 for 2, 2 runs, 3b, 2 RBI, 2 BBs, .313
Gabriel Zavala (rf) 3 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, 3b, 2 RBI, .400
John Holdzkom 5 IP, 3 H, BB, 8 Ks, 5.14 era, W (1-1)
Raul Batis 4 IP, 2 H, 4 ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 6.43 era, SV (1)