Toledo (27-15)

Another day, another three home runs for the Mud Hens in a 6-5 win over the Durham Bulls. The headline going in, though, was Eddie Bonine (7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 7 K) trying to keep his record perfect. Obviously he was able to do that, but he also picked up the win in a nice seven inning effort. He struggled early, but once he settled down and started getting some ground balls (14 of 21 BIP were grounders) mixed in with his strikeouts he was alright.

He did give up a couple runs in the sixth, but the Hens had given him six runs of support by then. After Clete Thomas (2 for 4, HR) tied the game in the second with an RBI single to score Jeff Larish (3 for 3, 2B, HR), Larish homered in the fourth to take a 2-1 lead. The Hens then piled on four more runs in the sixth when Mike Hollimon (1 for 5, HR) homered and Thomas hit his second homer in two games. Thomas’s was a three-run variety that would end up being the difference.

From there, the Hens would just have to grip that lead tight because after Bonine gave up a couple, the Bulls scored two more in the eighth off Preston Larrison (1 IP, 2 H, 2 R). That still left them a run short and Blaine Neal (1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K) was able to make sure they didn’t get that last one.

Erie (15-24)

It’s really getting kind of painful to describe these SeaWolves game, as they lost again, 2-0. Bowie scored both runs in the third inning, and that was the only serious trouble Luke French (7 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 3 K) found himself in all day. He did benefit from some double plays, but he also threw a good enough game to win.

But kind of like a certain other team we all know (rhymes with Metroit Jigers), a good day on the mound didn’t jive with a good day at the plate. The SeaWolves managed just three hits and three walks and had to watch as they crept closer to another loss. Max Leon (1 for 3, BB) was the only Wolves hitter to reach twice and Dusty Ryan (1 for 3, 2B) had the only extra base hit.

Lakeland (22-18)

The Flying Tigers won a wild one over Dunedin, 8-7. Lakeland jumped ahead early with three runs in the first that included a two-run homer from Ryan Strieby (1 for 3, HR, BB). After Dunedin pulled within one in the third, a Mike Bertram (2 for 5, 3B) triple scored James Skelton (0 for 1, 3 BB) to give the Flying Tigers a little extra cushion.

It wasn’t enough cushion, though, because the Jays came back with a run in the fifth and three more in the sixth. Unfortunately, all of these were charged to Ramon Garcia (5.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 3 K), who was making his 2008 FSL debut. He was fortunate to avoid the loss, though, because Lakeland’s lineup quickly answered with four runs in the bottom of the inning.

Two came on a two-run homer by Brennan Boesch (1 for 4, HR). Later in the inning, Skelton hit a sac fly to score Santo De Leon (1 for 4) and Cale Iorg (2 for 5, 2B) knocked in Pedro Cotto (2 for 3, 2B) with a single. Dunedin came right back with another run the next inning off Derek Witt (1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K), but that was where the scoring finally stopped.

Jay Sborz (2.2 IP, 2 H, 3 K) had a lot to do with that, earning a save the hard way by having to make eight outs. He was a real life saver in the seventh, coming in with the bases loaded and just one out and shutting the Jays down.

West Michigan (20-17)

The Whitecaps wasted an early lead for the second game in a row, and even loss by the same 7-5 score. They took advantage of a sloppy first to put up three quick runs in an inning that included a wild pitch, a hit batter and a steal of home by Casper Wells (0 for 2, 2 SB). All of those things played a part in the three runs. Wells’ steal was part of a double steal that also included Kody Kaiser (3 for 4, SB), who also knocked in a run with a single.

The Caps added a run in the third when Joe Tucker (2 for 4, 2 2B, BB) led off with a double and eventually scored on a sac fly by Chris Carlson (1 for 4). From there, things would go south for the most part. Paul Nardozzi (4 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K) was solid in his spot start, but he didn’t get much help from his buddies in the bullpen. Andrew Hess (2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 2 K) gave up two runs in each of the fifth and sixth innings to tie the game.

It looked like the Caps may have pulled it out anyway when Tucker doubled again to bring Kyle Peter (0 for 4, BB) in for the go-ahead run. However, a three-run eighth for the Wizards put an end to those thoughts as Wil Garcia (2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 2 K) ended up having a difficult outing. It appeared there was some pretty bad luck in that inning, though, since Garcia didn’t let up anything but grounders until a fly out to end the inning.

Things were looking good for the Mud Hens for the Mud Hens through six innings, but a late collapse led to a 14-4 loss. Chris Lambert had what looked like a nice game. Of his six hits allowed, four were for extra bases but the low walks and twenty percent strikeout rate were nice and he left with a 4-2 lead.

He had a 4-2 lead despite the Hens getting only three hits over that span (and in the entire game, in fact). Mike Hessman (1 for 4) hit a home run in the first and Clete Thomas (1 for 4, HR) hit a two-run shot in the fourth. The Hens added another run in the fourth after an error, a single by Derek Wathan (1 for 3, BB), and walks to Mike Hollimon (0 for 1, 3 BB) and Freddy Guzman (0 for 3, BB) scored Nick Trzesniak (0 for 4). I’ve described almost the entirety of the contribution from the Mud Hen lineup on this night.

But for a while it appeared it could have been enough. Then the seventh inning happened. Francis Beltran (2 H, 3 R, 1 BB) and Matt Rusch (2 H, 3 R, 1 BB) each faced three hitters without getting an out. Each were charged with three runs as the first eight batters of the inning reached base. The last two were singles given up by Anastacio Martinez (2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 3 K) who settled down and retired the next three batters to end the six-run inning.

Of course he then gave up six more runs the next inning. The Bulls sent ten more batters to the plate, and by this point Larry Parrish must have figured there was no point in gassing another one of his relievers in this train wreck.

Erie (15-23)

I don’t feel nearly as bad for the Mud Hens as I do for the SeaWolves, though. In Luis Marte’s Double A debut, the SeaWolves lost 2-1 to Bowie when a fielding error by Will Rhymes in the bottom of the ninth let in the winning run. Now I didn’t see the play, and the bases were loaded with one out when Rhymes made the error. To keep the game going he would have needed either a double play or to get the runner at home, but when you’re going like Erie is that’s still a hard way to go out.

How is going for Erie? They’ve lost nine in a row and 13 of their last 14. Ugh.

The good news for the Wolves (and the Tiger organization) is Luis Marte (8 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 K) handled his promotion very well. He didn’t get the strikeout numbers he was posting in Lakeland, but he lasted eight innings and gave up just one run. So he may not have been putting guys away, but they weren’t having a lot of success against him either. Of the 22 balls in play, 15 were grounders.The only run he allowed came in the second inning when he gave up three straight ground ball singles and then a run scored when he got a double play grounder.

All that work, though, and he came out with the game tied 1-1. Wilkin Ramirez (1 for 4) provided the run with a homer in the fourth. That was the only non-single for Erie, who had six hits in all. Jeff Frazier (2 for 3) and Danny Worth (1 for 2, BB) were the only Wolves hitters to reach base more than once.

Getting back to that fateful ninth, Matt Righter came in for Marte and gave up a single and a walk to the first two batters he faced. After he struck out the next batter, a grounder to third seemed like it would leave him a decent shot at getting out of the inning. But an error by Caonano Cosme loaded the bases, and Tom Brookens yanked Righter for Juan Cedeno. Cedeno would only face the one batter, who hit the game-winning grounder to Rhymes.

Lakeland (21-18)

On Wednesday, it was the Flying Tigers’ turn to pick up the organization’s only win (The night before it was West Michigan carrying the load) as they bested Tampa, 1-0. Matt O’Brien (6 IP, 2 H, 2 K) picked up the start and stymied the Yankees for six innings. He was followed by Jordan Tata (2 IP, 1 BB, 1 K), who had what I believe was his first multiple inning out since the exhibition opener against Florida Southern.

Lakeland scored their only run in the eighth, between Tata’s two innings of work. Shawn Roof (1 for 3) singled to right, took third on a single by Louis Ott (1 for 3) and scored on Scott Sizemore’s (1 for 3, SB) sac fly. After Tata worked his second inning, the Flying Tigers turned to Angel Castro (1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB) to close it out. He was able to get two quick outs, but made it a little interesting with a single and a walk before finally earning the save with a fly to left.

West Michigan (20-16)

The Whitecaps lost to Fort Wayne, 7-5, despite giving up only three hits. This one started out looking very promising for the Caps, as they hopped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first. Kyle Peter (2 for 5, 3B, SB) hit a triple, and after a popout and a walk to Justin Henry (1 for 2, 3 BB, SB), he scored on a double by Casper Wells (1 for 5, 2B, SB). The second run scored on a ground out by Ronnie Bourquin (0 for 5).

A third run was added in the second on an Audy Ciriaco (3 for 4, HR) home run and built a 4-0 lead in the fourth when Ciriaco knocked in Cory Middleton (1 for 3, HR, BB) with a single. All this seemed like it would be more than enough because Brandon Hamilton (4 IP, 4 BB, 6 K) was dealing in his 2008 debut. Unfortunately, his high strikeout, high walk approach must have ran his pitch count up pretty quickly because he was pulled after four despite not having allowed a hit.

Well, once he was out Mauricio Robles (0.2 IP, 4 R, 3 BB) made his 2008 debut and it went less swimmingly. He walked the bases loaded. Three runners scored on a passed ball, a wild pitch and a sac fly and he was then pulled after hitting the next batter. I’m not a pitching coach, but control seemed to be an issue in his first outing.

Santo Mieses (2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 K) came out to replace him and gave up an RBI double to the first batter he faced, which tied the game. The Caps tied it back up with a homer from Middleton the next inning, but Fort Wayne answered with a home run of their own to knot it at five apiece. The Wizards added two more the next inning, as Mieses and Rudy Darrow (1.1 IP, 2 BB, 2 K) tag-teamed for three more walks and another wild pitch. The third walk and the wild pitch scored the decisive runs. In all, the Caps walked 11 and threw 3 wild pitches.

That nearly obscene difference between his on-base percentage and his slugging percentage is the result of his drawing 25 walks while having just 6 of his 33 hits go for extra bases. All six of those hits are doubles. That tells us he’s hit 27 singles, and do you know how many of those have made it out of the infield? Eleven. He’s had 12 infield hits, 3 bunt singles and one fluky single on a popup to second.

I predicted a while ago he would stop drawing walks because pitchers would realize there is very little danger of him moving past first if he hits the ball. So walking him is almost the result of a worst case scenario when he swings, which is a single. Except when he swings and makes contact the fielders have a shot at a play. So pitchers’ options are to throw strikes and worry about him hitting a single, or nibble and guarantee him first base by not throwing strikes. Given those options - with an exception being kind of rare - why wouldn’t you go with the one where you’ll either strike him out or put things in your fielders’ hands?

For whatever reason, he continues to draw walks, though. As long as that continues, he’ll go right on being one of the better leadoff men in the league, as his .423 on-base percentage is the second best in the league among players with more than 100 plate appearances.

But let’s not get down to a mundane discussion of the value of on-base percentage in a leadoff hitter. There are still anomalies to look at. According to firstinning.com, Peter has only hit line drives in six percent of his balls in play. That’s among the lowest in the league, but here’s the real shocker. He hits grounders 76% of the time. I reiterate. How do pitching coaches allow their pitchers to walk this man?

I don’t want to make it sound like I’m mocking Kyle Peter here. What he’s doing for the team is really quite valuable and while ending his at bat at second is rare, he does make up for the lack of power a bit with his stolen bases. In 16 attempts, he’s been successful 12 times. All the times on base and his occasional theft puts him in position to score a lot and that has allowed him to lead the team in runs with 22. So he’s certainly an asset to the team, but I just can’t help but marvel at the way he’s proving himself an asset.

Let me close with one last fact I find amazing. In 142 plate appearances, by my count he’s reached base 63 times (excluding force outs where he’s left at first) one way or another. Of those 63 times, he’s been standing on first at the end of his at bat 57 times. So over 90 percent of the time he reaches, he stops at first. I don’t know what the average is for that particular stat, but I’m guessing Peter must be among the leaders in all of baseball.

(Wouldn’t you know it? I finished this article, checked tonight’s box score, and Kyle Peter hit his first triple of the season.)

At 1, you have Eddie Bonine throwing for the Mud Hens. Bonine interests me as a potential callup because it seems like his game could translate to the majors if the jump doesn’t mess with his head. He doesn’t walk guys and keeps the ball on the ground. That got Carlos Silva $48 million dollars this offseason. Chris Lambert.

(Everything I said about Bonine still holds, but Chris Lambert is pitching today.)

At 6, Brandon Hamilton is throwing for West Michigan in his first 2008 start. He’ll probably be on a strict pitch limit, but you can sometimes get a better feel for what a guy throws listening on the radio.

Finally, you have Luis Marte making his first Double A start with Erie at 7:05. It would be great for both him and the slumping SeaWolves if he could start quickly and carry over some of the dominance he enjoyed in the FSL.

If you do take the trouble to listen to any of the games, feel free to comment at the recap tomorrow morning. Game recaps and box scores are great, but there are often nuances missed even listening on the radio can pick up. Not to mention the radio guys sometimes give information that never makes it to a newspaper.

The Mud Hens only managed seven hits and scored in only one inning in a 5-3 loss to Durham. The inning where the Hens scored was the eighth, and that was after they had already fallen behind, 5-0. To get the three runs, Mike Hollimon (2 for 4, HR, BB, SB) led off with a home run, a few batters later Jeff Larish (2 for 4) knocked in Clete Thomas (1 for 4, BB) with a single and Mike Hessman (0 for 2, 2 BB) scored on a wild pitch.

Jeremy Johnson (5 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 4 K) was the starter and he was knocked around a bit. He gave up a three-run homer in the first inning, and while he didn’t give up any more runs his final line showed that was perhaps a little good luck. What turned out to be the difference was the seventh inning. Matt Rusch (1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 BB) started the inning, and was replaced by Ian Ostlund (1.2 IP, 1 H) after a bunt single and an intentional walk.

Ostlund gave up a double to the first batter he faced, putting runners at second and third. A couple batters later, another run scored on a sac fly. Toledo came back with the inning mentioned above, but couldn’t close the rest of the gap in the ninth.

Erie (15-22)

The SeaWolves have come to the point where it feels like they’ll never win again after a 5-3 loss to Bowie in ten innings. Danny Christensen pitched well enough, but in the sixth a couple walks followed by a couple doubles gave Bowie a 3-1 lead. The Wolves’ one run to that point came from a home run by Dusty Ryan.

Even after falling behind, though, Erie was able to claw their way back to force extra innings. Ryan Roberson homered in the seventh. Jeff Frazier homered in the ninth to tie things up and from the last out of the sixth through the end of the eighth, Casey Fien kept the Baysox off the board.

Bowie had a golden opportunity to score in the bottom of the ninth, though, when two Danny Worth errors and an intentional walk loaded the bases with nobody out. Danny Zell, who was now pitching, got a grounder to first and Ryan Roberson threw home for the first out. Zell struck out the next batter before being replaced by Anthony Tomey. A line out to right ended the inning and let the Wolves wriggle off the hook.

That is, until Anthony Tomey allowed a two-run homer the next inning.

Lakeland (20-18)

The Flying Tigers lost, 3-1, to Tampa despite a quality start from Jonah Nickerson (7 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 K). Lakeland was able to tie the game in the fourth after Nickerson had allowed a solo shot in the second. Lakeland’s run came on an RBI single from Ryan Strieby (2 for 2, BB), which brought in Cale Iorg (2 for 4). Those two accounted for four of the Flying Tigers’ seven hits - all singles.

Tampa immediately answered with two runs, and that was where the scoring stopped. Nickerson settled down and threw three more innings where he allowed just one hit. Nick Martin (1 IP, 1 K) threw a scoreless eighth inning, but Lakeland couldn’t find the necessary offense to get the two runs they needed.

West Michigan (20-15)

The Whitecaps pounded out an 11-3 win over Fort Wayne, but this game was tied at one as late as the top of the eighth inning. Until then, the Caps’ run had come on an RBI double by Ronnie Bourquin (2 for 4, 2 2B, BB) which scored Justin Henry, and Jon Kibler (7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K) gave up an unearned run in the fifth.

The eighth, though, is when all hell broke lose for the Wizards’ pitchers. After a leadoff ground out, nine straight batters reached. Among all that offense, Bourquin knocked in a run with a double, Casper Wells (4 for 5, 2 HR) hit a three-run homer and Cory Middleton (2 for 5, 2B, HR) hit a two-run job a couple batters later. There was run left to be scored after Middleton’s homer, and that came when Audy Ciriaco (4 for 5, 3B) tripled and scored on a single by Joe Bowen (1 for 5). Bowen was redeeming himself after starting the inning with the ground out.

With a fresh eight run lead, the Caps turned to Wil Garcia (1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 K) and he gave one of the runs back but that was okay. The Caps scored two more in the top of the ninth. Wells hit his second homer of the game and Kyle Peter (3 for 6) knocked in Middleton - who had doubled - with a two out single.

Paul Nardozzi did the mopup duty in the ninth, and we’ll chalk the run allowed up to a lack of motivation since he was coming in with a nine run lead. In fact, we’ll give Garcia the same leeway.

Starting Pitching

These are the most common contributors to the Toledo rotation, although I’d be surprised if Jeremy Johnson wasn’t soon giving way to Armando Galarraga and heading back to the bullpen. As you can see, with the exception of Yorman Bazardo they are getting good contributions. Eddie Bonine simply refuses to give up walks and keeps the ball both on the ground and in the yard. With a good defense behind you, that kind of approach can work out very well.

Chris Lambert doesn’t keep the ball on the ground like Bonine, doesn’t strikeout as many batters and walks them over three times as often but has still somehow managed to keep all but one batted ball within the confines of the ballpark. That last part and a low BABIP are the only explanations I can give for his magical 2.21 ERA. But I have to believe with all the fly balls he allows, some of them are going to have to start leaving the yard.

Virgil Vasquez has been a bit of a hard luck case to this point. That’s a great strikeout and walk rate, but he’s been a bit prone to the long ball and an insane number of hits are falling in behind him. He’ll be alright, though, and if his luck turns I’d expect him to be the team’s number two or three starter again soon. Jeremy Johnson is kind of an average pitcher, posting numbers that hover around average right across the board. Fittingly, he’s kind of stuck between the bullpen and the rotation as the first alternative when they need a starter.

I’m not sure what’s happened to Yorman Bazardo. I thought he was a bit lucky to have the ERA he posted last season, but the wheels really seem to have come off in 2008. There was the sad incident of his father passing away back in Venezuela, and I’m sure less significant events have thrown pitchers off their game.

Relief Pitching

This bullpen isn’t blowing opponents away, but it’s certainly not terrible. Blaine Neal has been the kind of surprise you sometimes find in the bullpen, and adding to the story is the fact he was signed after the Tigers’ open tryout in Lakeland. His main support has been Preston Larrison and Ian Ostlund. Larrison’s ground ball rate is ridiculous, which would suggest his heavy sinker is working well. Ostlund has been cold-blooded, and I was surprised to see the success is pretty evenly split between left-handed and right-handed hitters.

In the rest of the current bullpen, you have a useful long man and occasional spot starter in Anastacio Martinez, another lefty in Casey Fossum and two guys who to this point have been best serve as filler, Matt Rusch and Francis Beltran. I don’t expect much from Beltran, but keep hoping Rusch can duplicate the success he had in Erie last season. Although if we’re being objective, last season was a bit of a spike in Rusch’s career as far as performance

Pitchers who moved on

These are the rest of the pitchers who’ve thrown for the Hens this season. I’m sure they secretly look forward to getting Galarraga back, and having Clay Rapada and Francisco Cruceta in the back of the bullpen wouldn’t be too shabby either. Matt Righter and Jon Connolly have gone back to levels where they’re probably better suited. Aaron Fultz asked to be released after he didn’t get the major league job given to Rapada, and you’ll forgive me for not including the unfortunate Macay McBride and his one inning of work.

Catcher

Dane Sardinha isn’t going to wow you with the bat, but that’s not why he’s on the team either. Of course, his throwing out only 6 of 21 potential base stealers isn’t going to wow you either. The Tigers seem to like what he does behind the plate, though, and in this organization he’s a perfectly acceptable place holder until one of the younger guys is ready to step up.

First Baseman

I think everybody knew what Jeff Larish brought to the table when he was assigned to Toledo at the beginning of the season. Just like in Erie last season, he was expected to play a decent enough first base, pound out some home runs, take his walks and strikeout a lot when he couldn’t make the contact to allow the home runs. That’s about precisely what he’s done this season, but I think he’s just done it a little moreso than people expected. With his isolated power checking in at fourth in the International League, his left-handed pop provides the perfect complement to Mike Hessman.

Second Baseman

I don’t know where Mike Hollimon’s power will level off, but he’s sure made his hits count to this point of the season. I’m curious to see how long the Tigers will go with Ramon Santiago over Hollimon. I’m not saying Hollimon is obviously ready for the bigs, but the Tigers have to be excited to see he’s hitting so well from the left side of the plate. Not only that, he can play both middle infield positons and probably could handle third base and left field in a pinch. The strikeouts are a little concerning, but you can certainly do worse than a switch-hitting middle infielder who can flash this kind of power.

Third Baseman

have to admit I’d be curious to see what Mike Hessman would do if you plucked him out of Toledo right now and put him in a major league lineup every day. He’s absolutely punishing IL pitchers, and the results are comical video game type numbers. I didn’t make a mistake with that isolated power and accidentally put in his slugging percentage. His ISO actually is .433. His slugging percentage is .738. My head tells me major league pitchers would expose the holes in his swing that have kept him a AAA slugger for so long. My eyes, though, just keep going back to those ridiculous numbers.

Shortstop

I didn’t really get why Derek Wathan was getting more playing time than Erick Almonte at the beginning of the season. Lately that trend has ended, though, as Almonte has been better at the plate in every way. Maybe Wathan is the better fielder, but with the difference in their performance at the plate, it would have to be substantially so. After all, Almonte’s putting up corner infielder type numbers so far. Well, corner infielders who aren’t named Larish and Hessman.

Outfielders

Somehow the Mud Hens have managed to get a good amount of playing time for each of their outfielders despite having five of them all season. Brent Clevlen’s BABIP is lending a little too much weight to his resurgence, but it’s a huge relief to see the power returning so convincingly so far. The strikeout numbers he was putting up combined with the power outage he saw for most of 2006 and 2007 had more people than just me doubting his future.

Timo Perez lives and dies with his BABIP and even though he’s surging a little lately, he’s been dying more often this season. It’s unfortunate, too, since he’s getting a lot of time as the team’s DH. Clete Thomas is a bit of an enigma, struggling so much after impressing so many during his time in Detroit. At least he’s remembered he needs to walk to be productive.

Jackson Melian is a passable fourth outfielder on this squad, and has been in that role regardless of who the other outfielders have been. Freddy Guzman has brought his speed up to Toledo after blazing through Erie. I believe he’s hit more triples than anybody else in the minor leagues between Erie and Toledo. I’d imagine the speed that allows all those triples will play well with Larry Parrish.

Bench

Trzesniak is actually the only bench player remaining not mentioned above. Larry Parrish juggles his players so much it’s often difficult to get a feel for who’s the starters and who’s the bench. He’s not really pressing Sardinha for the starting job, but he has done a good job of controlling the running game when he’s been in there (7 of 10 caught stealing).

Off the team

Here’s the rest of the players who have contributed to this fantastic Hens offense this season. Of course, some’s reason for moving on are cheerier than others. Caonabo Cosme was just a casualty of a numbers crunch, although I’m sure he left wondering what exactly he had to do to earn a steady job. Henry Mateo received even worse news when Mike Hollimon returned, as he was unconditionally released. Ryan Raburn and Curtis Granderson represent the players who have moved on for more pleasurable reasons.

I have to laugh when I hear demands that Hessman get a shot with the Tigers during his hot streak. Ryan Raburn hits at least as well as Hessman when he’s at AAA. Yet, even though he’s already on the Tigers and has pretty clearly established he can hang with major league pitchers he can still hardly get playing time.

Dontrelle Willis (5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 3 K) wasn’t particularly sharp in his second rehab start, but the Mud Hens still earned a 6-5 win over Charlotte. Five of the Hens’ six runs came from the long ball - shocking, I know. Jeff Larish (2 for 4, HR) went first with a two-run job, and then Mike Hessman (2 for 3, HR, BB), Mike Hollimon (1 for 5, HR) and Dane Sardinha (1 for 4, HR) all followed with solo shots.

In fact, the run that didn’t involve a Mud Hen trotting around the bases was a Timo Perez (1 for 4) single that brought in Clete Thomas (1 for 4, BB, SB). It must have felt good, too, because it followed an intentional walk to Brent Clevlen (1 for 3, BB). That provided the Hens’ second run of the eighth inning, but the big hit came from Sardinha. His ninth inning homer was the difference.

Blaine Neal (1 IP) was perfect in the bottom of the ninth to earn his 13th save. Actually, Willis was the only Hen pitcher to have much trouble tonight. Preston Larrison (2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 K) pitched well and earned a win for his troubles.

Erie

No game.

Lakeland (20-17)

The Flying Tigers won a wild one, 6-2, in eleven innings at Tampa. After falling behind 1-0 early, Lakeland tied the game in the seventh when Ryan Strieby (1 for 5, 2B) doubled in Mike Bertram (2 for 5). An inning later, they seemed to be in trouble again when the Yankees scored again to make it 2-1.

The Yankee run came after Zach Simons (0.1 IP, 2 BB) replaced Duane Below (7.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 10 K) - who had been masterful - with a man on first, walked the first two batters he faced and then Scott Sizemore (1 for 5) made an error after catching a popup that allowed a run to score (I’m sure that was an interesting play to see.) Simons was pulled for Nick Martin (0.1 IP, 1 K) at that point, and Martin got Lakeland out of the inning.

With their last chance in the ninth, the Flying Tigers came through. Sizemore reached on an error and took third on a single to center by James Skelton (1 for 4). With runners now at first and third with no outs, Cale Iorg (0 for 4, BB) hit into a force out that brought in Sizemore to tie the game. They weren’t able to put the game away that inning, but that would come in the top of the eleventh.

In that inning, Brandon Timm (1 for 3, 2B, BB) led off with a double, followed by a bunt single from Sizemore. After Lakeland pinch hit for Skelton with Shawn Roof, Roof walked to load the bases. Cale Iorg again came up at a crucial time, and again got the run in. This time it was a bases loaded walk. With the bases still loaded and still no outs, Bertram hit a grounder to second that I’m sure had the second baseman thinking double play.

He instead made an error on the play, letting two runners score and leaving runners at the corners. The scoring was finally completed when Strieby’s double play grounder knocked in Iorg, and that was just about it for the drama in this one. Brendan Wise (1 IP) came in for Angel Castro (2 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K) and threw a perfect inning to put this one to bed.

It’s a shame this one didn’t get really interesting until after Below left, because he certainly pitched well enough to get the win.

West Michigan (19-15)

Lauren Gagnier (7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 7 K) was another hard luck case in the system. His Whitecaps lost to Fort Wayne, 2-1, despite his throwing a gem.

The Whitecaps managed a couple threats, including a bases loaded situation in the first, but only managed a run on an Adrian Casanova (1 for 4, HR) homer. Ronnie Bourquin (1 for 3, 2B, BB) had the only other extra base hit, and Kyle Peter (2 for 4) was the only Cap to pick up more than one hit.

That’s evident when you realize they’re outscoring the rest of the league by half a run per game, but other categories may illustrate it better. They’re tied for first in doubles, second in triples, and are leading the league in home runs. But they’re not only leading the league in home runs. With 58 long balls, they have 27 more home runs than the team that’s in second for that category.

They’re not necessarily drawing a ton of walks - they’re only tied for fifth in that category - but having the third highest batting average allows them to have plenty of men on base when they’re jacking balls out of the park. That brings me to the eye-popper. In a league where only three teams clear a slugging percentage of .400, the Hens are slugging .493. That’s a full .083 points ahead of the next team. With the number of at bats the Hens have, that difference encompasses more than 100 total bases. Put another way, take the second-best power hitting team in the league. Pro rate their stats so they have the same number of at bats as the Hens, and then add 25 home runs. Now that team is slugging like Toledo.

Of course, the savvy fan may see their third-best batting average and wonder if their power is a LITTLE bit of a mirage, raised up by a good team batting average. That’s not the case either. In a league where the average isolated power is .157, the Hens are pounding the ball to the tune of a .226 ISO. That’s about 45% better than the league, which is even better than the rate they’re outpacing the league in slugging percentage. See what I mean about how they’re killing International League pitching?

We saw with Erie, though, it’s very difficult to get the job done with hitting alone. That’s where the Mud Hens separate themselves. In addition to a killer lineup, they’re actually getting some pretty good pitching and defense as well. Their .681 defensive efficiency rating (the percentage of balls in play they turn into outs) is third best in the league and a full .017 points better than the league average.

That’s very helpful, because the pitchers don’t strikeout or walk a lot of batters. The squad’s 103 walks are lowest in the league, and their 236 strikeouts are tenth despite the staff’s third highest innings pitched total. Combine that with a slightly better than league average ability to keep the ball in the yard, and you have a lot of balls in play. Turning those into outs is why the Hens’ pitchers have the sixth best ERA in the league. A low number of unearned runs is why they’re preventing runs at the third best rate in the league.

Throw all those things into the same mix and you have to this point one of the best teams in the IL, despite a fairly active shuttle between Toledo and Detroit.

5/10/08

The Mud Hens split a doubleheader with Charlotte, losing the first one 4-1 and winning as the “home team” in the second game, 5-3. In the first game, Virgil Vasquez (5 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 K) may not have been hit as hard as his line suggests - there were some infield singles and soft line drives - but it still wasn’t a game that will push him to the front of the line as the next Tiger-in-waiting. The Hens’ lone run came on a Mike Hessman (1 for 3, HR) homer that was one of just three hits for Toledo.

Game two was obviously much more of a success for the Hens. Not only did Mike Hessman (1 for 3, HR) hit another home run, but Clete Thomas (1 for 3, HR) went yard as well and Brent Clevlen (3 for 3, 2B, SB) picked up three hits and a stolen base. Just as importantly, Casey Fossum (6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K) gave Toledo a very good spot start, and despite a shaky seventh for Blaine Neal (1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K) the Hens were able to hold on for the win.

5/11/08

The Mud Hens lost a slugfest with the Charlotte Knights, 10-6. They fought back from a couple different early deficits, but couldn’t recover after Anastacio Martinez (1.1 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 1 K) and Ian Ostlund (0.2 IP, 2 H) combined to allow four runs in the seventh. Yorman Bazardo (5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 3 K) was the starter in this one and continues to struggle as he allowed three home runs in this one.

Things went better for the Hens at the plate as Brent Clevlen (1 for 3, HR, 2 BB) and Mike Hollimon (2 for 4, HR) both homered and Timo Perez (2 for 4, SB) added a couple of hits.

Erie (15-21)

5/10/08

The SeaWolves couldn’t break their funk as they were smoked by the Senators, 9-0. Ben Fritz (6 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 6 K) had to sustain a good deal of the beating to give the taxed bullpen a rest. His offense didn’t give him a lot of time to recuperate between innings either. They only managed five singles and two walks in the whole game and only two of those singles came while he was still in the game.

The only batter I’ll mention is Will Rhymes (2 for 4), who was able to pick up a couple of singles.

5/11/08

The losing continued for the SeaWolves on Sunday as they dropped a 7-6 decision to Harrisburg. After falling behind 7-3, they made a valiant attempt at a comeback in the eighth inning with three runs. That was all they could muster, though, and their tailspin continues.

If you’re looking for good news in this one, the bullpen combo of Matt Righter (1 IP), Andrew Kown (1 IP, 2 K), Danny Zell (0.2 IP, 1 K) and Anthony Tomey (0.1 IP, 1 BB) pitched a nearly perfect three innings which allowed the come most of the way back. Also, the offense got back to hitting like the best lineup in the league with five of their ten hits going for extra bases. Wilkin Ramirez (2 for 4, 2B, HR) continued to tear the cover off the ball with a double and a home run, and Kody Kirkland (2 for 4) continued his long climb back to respectability with a couple more hits.

You may have noticed Andrew Kown picked up a relief appearance. It looks like we have our answer to which pitcher is getting bumped from the rotation. He seemed like a logical choice since he had some time in the bullpen last season.

Lakeland (19-17)

5/10/08

The Flying Tigers beat Vero Beach, 6-2, and the lineup must not have been paying close attention because Rick Porcello (5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K) got the start and they put up some runs. I’d love to see Porcello start notching some strikeouts (simply because I’m afraid he’s being indoctrinated with some Tiger anti-K philosophy), but his results in this one were again pretty impressive. Seventeen (non-bunt) balls were put in play and ten of them were grounders. His infielders seem to be up to the task as only three balls in total went for hits.

Let’s not get too caught up in Porcello, though. The bullpen had to pitch the final four innings and they did a great job of it, especially Jay Sborz (2.2 IP, 1 H, 4 K).

On the other side of the lineup card, four players provided all the hits and most of the production. James Skelton (3 for 4, HR, SB) was the big bopper, getting his first extra base hit in style - a two-run homer. Scott Sizemore (2 for 5, 2B) and Ryan Strieby (2 for 4) added a couple hits each, and Shawn Roof (1 for 3, BB) reached twice with a single and a walk.

5/11/08

No game.

West Michigan (19-14)

5/10/08

The Whitecaps beat Lansing, 4-2, in what appeared to be a great game for Manny Miguelez (7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 8 K). All four hits he allowed were singles and after he gave up a run in the second he allowed just three more baserunners - a single, an error and a walk. Of course, his defense turning three of their four double plays while he was on the mound was pretty helpful but he gets credit for getting the ground balls to start them.

In addition to the eight strikeouts, he was a ground ball machine in this game (11 of 15 balls in play were grounders). I look forward to hearing an updated scouting report on Miguelez, because he seems to do well when he’s on his game.

At the plate, the Caps did enough to get the win. Only Casper Wells’ (1 for 3, HR) home run was an earned run, but Kyle Peter (2 for 4, 2B) and Justin Henry (2 for 4) both had two hits and Audy Ciriaco (1 for 3, 2B) was able to leg out a double.

5/11/08

Rained out.

It’s nice to see West Michigan get some promising young pitchers in Hamilton and Robles. The Whitecaps have been playing good ball, but they were a little long in the tooth for Lo A ball, and because of that they were short on top of the line prospects. With both of these young pitchers being just 19 years old, people will take notice if they do well.

I’ve profiled Hamilton before, but don’t know much about Robles other than what it says on the roster. He’s a smaller pitcher at 5′10″ and 160 pounds, and throws left-handed. We can, of course, look at his VSL stats from last year but those may not tell us much about what to expect when he pitches stateside. Still, you generally don’t get a shot at full season ball as a 19 year old if you don’t have a live arm.

Getting back to the Ramon Garcia move, his promotion necessitated another move by the Flying Tigers so Luis Marte was promoted to Erie. Considering how well Marte had been throwing, that’s not a surprising choice. Garcia pitched a game for Lakeland last year and while that did not go well, I’d be surprised if the way he was pitching in West Michigan didn’t earn him better results this season.

That brings us up to Erie, who once again would seem to have a rotation situation. Before Josh Rainwater went down the other night with a strained oblique, the SeaWolves had six starters on the squad. Rainwater’s injury seemed to take care of the problem in the short term, but here they are again with six starters. Performance alone would seem to call for bouncing either Danny Christensen or Andrew Kown from the rotation, but these decisions aren’t always based simply on performance.

With the surplus of starters which will only worsen when Rainwater comes back, I can’t help but wonder if Jon Connolly should be nervous about his position in the organization. A move like that wouldn’t require changing anybody else’s role on the team.

Whatever direction the Tigers decided to go, it’s exciting to see Marte in Erie. They needed help in the rotation and he steps in to instantly become what I think is their most promising arm.