Results tagged ‘ AZL Athletics ’
A’s Farm in Top 10 MLB Blogs in 2012!
Josh Reddick gave A’s Farm a taste of things to come in spring training!
Well, the results are in – and in our first year out of the box, A’s Farm was ranked in the Top 10 MLB blogs for 2012! At our peak late in the season, we were averaging almost 5,000 hits per week and almost 20,000 hits per month. And we want to be sure to thank all you devoted A’s fans who are obviously committed to learning as much as possible about the organization from top to bottom.
We also want to thank MLB Trade Rumors for repeatedly featuring A’s Farm as one of their top blog picks of the week, Baseball Reference for regularly featuring us in their player news section, and A’s Nation who asked us to provide a weekly minor league update during the season for the hordes of A’s fans who get their A’s news from the biggest and best A’s blog on the web.
In 2012, A’s Farm profiled the A’s new players and top prospects, offered progress reports on the team’s top draft picks, named the A’s organizational all-stars, and featured interviews with GM Billy Beane, along with players like Josh Reddick, Derek Norris and Sean Doolittle, and front office personnel like assistant GM David Forst, scouting director Eric Kubota and director of player personnel Billy Owens. And in one of our most popular pieces of the year, A’s Farm profiled A’s super-scout and Moneyball bad guy Grady Fuson. All that in addition to our daily updates on all the A’s minor league affiliates – the Sacramento River Cats, Midland RockHounds, Stockton Ports, Burlington Bees, Vermont Lake Monsters and the Arizona League A’s.
Stay tuned for much more right here in 2013, and be sure to like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm to keep up to date on all the A’s minor league teams and top prospects down on the farm!
A’s Farm’s 2012 Post-Season Organizational All-Star Team!
A’s top prospect Addison Russell
With the 2012 minor league season now complete, it’s a good time to take a step back and determine who the true standouts on the field really were in the A’s system in 2012. And with that in mind, we’re naming A’s Farm’s 2012 Post-Season Organizational All-Star Team!
Below you’ll find the primary starting players at each position for Triple-A Sacramento, Double-A Midland, High-A Stockton, Class-A Burlington, Class-A Short-Season Vermont and the Rookie League Short-Season AZL A’s in 2012. Offensive starters were selected from the players who had the most games played at each position for each team, with notable players not leading in games played at a particular position listed in the designated hitter category. Starting pitchers were selected from hurlers who had at least 100 innings pitched for each club, while closers were selected from each team’s saves leader. The asterisks denote players with combined statistics from multiple minor league teams within the A’s system, and players’ major league statistics were not included.
Below the list of contenders, you’ll find A’s Farm’s selection of Organizational All-Stars at each position. The winners were determined based purely on performance, not potential. Remember, we’re not selecting the top prospects here, we’re choosing the top performers on the field this season. So take a good look at the candidates for yourself and feel free to chime in with your own thoughts and selections!
A’s Farm’s 2012 Post-Season Organizational All-Star Team – The Contenders
CATCHER
Sacto – Derek Norris (9 HR / .271 AVG / .329 OBP / .477 SLG / .806 OPS)
Midland – Ryan Lipkin (4 HR / .193 AVG / .222 OBP / .297 SLG / .519 OPS) *
Stockton – Max Stassi (15 HR / .268 AVG / .331 OBP / .468 SLG / .799 OPS)
Burlington – Nick Rickles (6 HR / .220 AVG / .257 OBP / .328 SLG / .584 OPS)
Vermont – Bruce Maxwell (0 HR / .277 AVG / .356 OBP / .349 SLG / .705 OPS) *
AZL A’s – Phil Pohl (3 HR / .292 AVG / .381 OBP / .450 SLG / .831 OPS) *
FIRST BASE
Sacto – Daric Barton (8 HR / .255 AVG / .411 OBP / .425 SLG / .835 OPS)
Midland – Anthony Aliotti (10 HR / .292 AVG / .385 OBP / .426 SLG / .811 OPS)
Stockton – A.J. Kirby-Jones (21 HR / .248 AVG / .382 OBP / .461 SLG / .843 OPS)
Burlington – Max Muncy (4 HR / .275 AVG / .383 OBP / .432 SLG / .816 OPS)
Vermont – Jacob Tanis (2 HR / .261 AVG / .333 OBP / .336 SLG / .670 OPS)
AZL A’s – Matt Olson (9 HR / .282 AVG / .352 OBP / .521 SLG / .873 OPS) *
SECOND BASE
Sacto – Eric Sogard (5 HR / .331 AVG / .417 OBP / .484 SLG / .901 OPS)
Midland – Tyler Ladendorf (9 HR / .240 AVG / .324 OBP / .358 SLG / .682 OPS)
Stockton – Ryan Pineda (5 HR / .241 AVG / .325 OBP / .367 SLG / .692 OPS) *
Burlington – Chih Fang Pan (2 HR / .243 AVG / .300 OBP / .324 SLG / .625 OPS)
Vermont – Chris Bostick (3 HR / .251 AVG / .325 OBP / .369 SLG / .694 OPS)
AZL A’s – Melvin Mercedes (0 HR / .381 AVG / .440 OBP / .495 SLG / .935 OPS)
SHORTSTOP
Sacto – Brandon Hicks (18 HR / .244 AVG / .350 OBP / .506 SLG / .856 OPS)
Midland – Dusty Coleman (15 HR / .201 AVG / .284 OBP / .363 SLG / .647 OPS)
Stockton – Michael Gilmartin (9 HR / .256 AVG / .339 OBP / .360 SLG / .699 OPS)
Burlington – Sean Jamieson (11 HR / .244 AVG / .354 OBP / .389 SLG / .743 OPS)
Vermont – Wilfredo Solano (1 HR / .217 AVG / .263 OBP / .286 SLG / .549 OPS)
AZL A’s – Addison Russell (7 HR / .369 AVG / .432 OBP / .594 SLG / 1.027 OPS) *
THIRD BASE
Sacto – Stephen Parker (7 HR / .256 AVG / .327 OBP / .390 SLG / .717 OPS)
Midland – Miles Head (23 HR / .333 AVG / .391 OBP / .577 SLG / .968 OPS) *
Stockton – B.A. Vollmuth (14 HR / .261 AVG / .336 OBP / .405 SLG / .741 OPS) *
Burlington – Wade Kirkland (8 HR / .237 AVG / .306 OBP / .398 SLG / .705 OPS)
Vermont – Chad Lewis (3 HR / .219 AVG / .271 OBP / .289 SLG / .559 OPS) *
AZL A’s – Renato Nunez (4 HR / .325 AVG / .403 OBP / .550 SLG / .953 OPS)
LEFT FIELD
Sacto – Grant Green (15 HR / .296 AVG / .338 OBP / .458 SLG / .796 OPS)
Midland – Conner Crumbliss (10 HR / .257 AVG / .414 OBP / .391 SLG / .805 OPS)
Stockton – Josh Whitaker (20 HR / .259 AVG / .325 OBP / .472 SLG / .796 OPS)
Burlington – Royce Consigli (5 HR / .211 AVG / .292 OBP / .336 SLG / .628 OPS)
Vermont – Austin Booker (0 HR / .253 AVG / .337 OBP / .300 SLG / .637 OPS)
AZL A’s – Herschel Powell (0 HR / .306 AVG / .383 OBP / .315 SLG / .698 OPS)
CENTER FIELD
Sacto – Jermaine Mitchell (6 HR / .252 AVG / .345 OBP / .386 SLG / .731 OPS)
Midland – Michael Choice (10 HR / .287 AVG / .356 OBP / .423 SLG / .779 OPS)
Stockton – Chad Oberacker (15 HR / .267 AVG / .336 OBP / .443 SLG / .779 OPS) *
Burlington – Aaron Shipman (0 HR / .206 AVG / .319 OBP / .261 SLG / .580 OPS)
Vermont – Brett Vertigan (1 HR / .266 AVG / .338 OBP / .375 SLG / .713 OPS)
AZL A’s – B.J. Boyd (1 HR / .301 AVG / .401 OBP / .434 SLG / .835 OPS)
RIGHT FIELD
Sacto – Michael Taylor (12 HR / .287 AVG / .405 OBP / .441 SLG / .846 OPS)
Midland – Jeremy Barfield (13 HR / .272 AVG / .322 OBP / .415 SLG / .737 OPS)
Stockton – Dusty Robinson (27 HR / .239 AVG / .310 OBP / .448 SLG / .758 OPS) *
Burlington – Bobby Crocker (6 HR / .268 AVG / .347 OBP / .369 SLG / .716 OPS)
Vermont – John Wooten (4 HR / .276 AVG / .316 OBP / .391 SLG / .706 OPS) *
AZL A’s – Vicmal De La Cruz (3 HR / .230 AVG / .291 OBP / .378 SLG / .668 OPS)
DESIGNATED HITTER
Sacto – Kila Ka’aihue (15 HR / .256 AVG / .367 OBP / .496 SLG / .863 OPS)
Midland – Josh Horton (9 HR / .280 AVG / .349 OBP / .414 SLG / .763 OPS) *
Stockton – Tony Thompson (11 HR / .276 AVG / .344 OBP / .442 SLG / .785 OPS)
Burlington – Douglas Landaeta (10 HR / .244 AVG / .283 OBP / .377 SLG / .660 OPS)
Vermont – Miguel Marte (3 HR / .230 AVG / .275 OBP / .331 SLG / .606 OPS)
AZL A’s – Daniel Robertson (5 HR / .241 AVG / .330 OBP / .400 SLG / .730 OPS) *
STARTING PITCHER
Sacto – Graham Godfrey (104 IP / 98 H / 38 ER / 26 BB / 60 K / 3.29 ERA / 1.19 WHIP)
Midland – Sonny Gray (152 IP / 158 H / 72 ER / 58 BB / 99 K / 4.26 ERA / 1.42 WHIP) *
Stockton – Josh Bowman (151 2/3 IP / 164 H / 62 ER / 35 BB / 130 K / 3.68 ERA / 1.31 WHIP) *
Burlington – Drew Granier (162 2/3 IP / 149 H / 58 ER / 53 BB / 167 K / 3.21 ERA / 1.24 WHIP)
Vermont – Andres Avila (66 IP / 68 H / 28 ER / 16 BB / 60 K / 3.82 ERA / 1.27 WHIP)
AZL A’s – Vince Voiro (37 1/3 IP / 35 H / 15 ER / 8 BB / 41 K / 3.62 ERA / 1.15 WHIP)
CLOSER
Sacto – Evan Scribner (35 2/3 IP / 26 H / 12 ER / 10 BB / 38 K / 3.03 ERA / 1.01 WHIP / 8 SV)
Midland – Jonathan Ortiz (62 1/3 IP / 58 H / 26 ER / 18 BB / 50 K / 3.75 ERA / 1.22 WHIP / 15 SV)
Stockton – Zach Thornton (53 2/3 IP / 57 H / 27 ER / 19 BB / 70 K / 4.53 ERA / 1.42 WHIP / 16 SV)
Burlington – Jonathan Joseph (93 2/3 IP / 93 H / 52 ER / 43 BB / 89 K / 5.00 ERA / 1.45 WHIP / 12 SV) *
Vermont – Austin House (28 1/3 IP / 15 H / 4 ER / 11 BB / 36 K / 1.27 ERA / 0.92 WHIP / 5 SV) *
AZL A’s – Dakota Bacus (30 IP / 12 H / 4 ER / 5 BB / 35 K / 1.20 ERA / 0.57 WHIP / 7 SV)
A’s Farm’s 2012 Post-Season Organizational All-Star Team – The Winners
CATCHER
AZL A’s / Vermont Lake Monsters
(3 HR / .292 AVG / .381 OBP / .450 SLG / .831 OPS) *
FIRST BASE
Sacramento River Cats
(8 HR / .255 AVG / .411 OBP / .425 SLG / .835 OPS)
SECOND BASE
AZL A’s
(0 HR / .381 AVG / .440 OBP / .495 SLG / .935 OPS)
SHORTSTOP
AZL A’s / Vermont Lake Monsters / Burlington Bees
(7 HR / .369 AVG / .432 OBP / .594 SLG / 1.027 OPS) *
THIRD BASE
Midland RockHounds / Stockton Ports
(23 HR / .333 AVG / .391 OBP / .577 SLG / .968 OPS) *
LEFT FIELD
Midland RockHounds
(10 HR / .257 AVG / .414 OBP / .391 SLG / .805 OPS)
CENTER FIELD
AZL A’s
(1 HR / .301 AVG / .401 OBP / .434 SLG / .835 OPS)
RIGHT FIELD
Sacramento River Cats
(12 HR / .287 AVG / .405 OBP / .441 SLG / .846 OPS)
DESIGNATED HITTER
Sacramento River Cats
(15 HR / .256 AVG / .367 OBP / .496 SLG / .863 OPS)
STARTING PITCHER
Burlington Bees
(162 2/3 IP / 149 H / 58 ER / 53 BB / 167 K / 3.21 ERA / 1.24 WHIP)
CLOSER
AZL A’s
(30 IP / 12 H / 4 ER / 5 BB / 35 K / 1.20 ERA / 0.57 WHIP / 7 SV)
Be sure to like A’s Farm’s page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm to keep up with all the news down on the farm!
Friday, August 31st: Robinson’s 5 RBIs Lead Ports to Victory while Ynoa Wins 1st for Vermont and AZL A’s Drop Championship Game
A’s Farmhand Of The Day
Stockton Ports outfielder Dusty Robinson (3 for 4 / Home Run / 5 RBIs)
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (TRIPLE-A)
Sacramento River Cats 6
Salt Lake Bees 10
(LP – Hernandez 3-2 / 4.15)
Farmhand Of The Game:
First Baseman Daric Barton
(Home Run / 2 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Starter Carlos Hernandez had a rough outing on Friday, allowing 7 runs, 6 earned, on 9 hits over 4 innings to take the loss. First baseman Daric Barton hit his 8th home run and drove in 2 runs, while outfielder Michael Taylor doubled in a pair of runs for the River Cats.
TEXAS LEAGUE (DOUBLE-A)
San Antonio Missions 4
Midland RockHounds 2
(LP – Castro 2-7 / 4.63)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Catcher David Freitas
(Home Run / Double / 2 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Starter Fabio Castro allowed 3 runs and struck out 7 over 5 1/3 innings to take his 7th loss, while catcher David Freitas, acquired from the Nationals in the Kurt Suzuki deal, doubled, hit his 1st home run for the RockHounds and drove in 2 runs in the loss.
CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (HIGH-A)
Visalia Rawhide 2
Stockton Ports 6
(WP – Murphy 8-8 / 4.80)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Outfielder Dusty Robinson
(3 for 4 / Home Run / 5 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Outfielder Dusty Robinson had a big night for the Ports, collecting 3 hits, including his 17th home run and driving in 5 runs. Starter Sean Murphy had a solid outing for Stockton, tossing 6 scoreless innings to earn his 8th win.
MIDWEST LEAGUE (CLASS-A)
Burlington Bees 3
Clinton LumberKings 5
(LP – Lamb 3-3 / 5.03)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Third Baseman Wade Kirkland
(Home Run / 2 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Starter Chris Lamb allowed 4 runs, 3 earned, on 7 hits over 6 innings to take his 3rd loss, while third baseman Wade Kirkland blasted a 2-run homer, his 8th, for the Bees.
NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE (CLASS-A SHORT-SEASON)
Tri-City ValleyCats 2
Vermont Lake Monsters 3
(WP – Ynoa 1-3 / 8.15)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Third Baseman Jacob Tanis
(3 for 4 / Double / 2 Runs)
Worth Noting: Third baseman Jacob Tanis collected 3 hits, including a double, and scored 2 of Vermont’s 3 runs on Friday night. Starter Seth Streich, allowed just 1 hit and struck out 3 over 3 scoreless innings of work, while Michael Ynoa picked up his 1st win for Vermont after giving up 2 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2 in 3 scoreless innings of relief.
ARIZONA LEAGUE (ROOKIE SHORT-SEASON)
AZL Rangers 3
AZL Athletics 1
(LP – Paulino 0-1 / 5.06)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Third Baseman Renato Nunez
(Home Run)
Worth Noting: The A’s, who finished the season with a record of 37-17, fell to the Rangers in the Arizona League championship game on Friday night. Starter Gregory Paulino allowed 3 runs and struck out 7 over 5 1/3 innings to take the loss. Hot-hitting Renato Nunez did his part by homering for the A’s only run of the game.
Saturday’s Games:
Sacramento @ Salt Lake – 6:05pm PT
Midland @ Frisco – 7:00pm CT
Visalia @ Stockton – 7:05pm PT
Wisconsin @ Burlington – 6:30pm CT
Tri-City @ Vermont – 6:05pm ET
Be sure to like A’s Farm’s page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm to keep up with all the news down on the farm!
Thursday, August 30th: Oberacker’s 2 HRs Lead Ports to Victory while Cats Win and Hounds & Bees Fall
A’s Farmhand Of The Day
Stockton Ports outfielder Chad Oberacker (2 Home Runs / 4 RBIs)
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (TRIPLE-A)
Sacramento River Cats 3
Colorado Springs Sky Sox 2
(WP – Banwart 9-5 / 3.85)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher Travis Banwart
(6 IP / 2 ER / 1 K / Win)
Worth Noting: Starter Travis Banwart had a solid outing for Sacramento, allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits over 6 innings to earn his 9th win. Daric Barton singled in a key run with 2 outs in the 4th inning to help give the River Cats the win on Thursday night.
TEXAS LEAGUE (DOUBLE-A)
San Antonio Missions 3
Midland RockHounds 2
(LP – Bowman 0-1 / 5.40)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Second Baseman Josh Horton
(Home Run)
Worth Noting: In his first start with Midland since being promoted from Stockton, right-hander Josh Bowman allowed 3 runs on 7 hits over 5 innings to take the loss. Right-hander Paul Smyth came on to strike out 5 in 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, while second baseman Josh Horton hit his 9th home run for the RockHounds.
CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (HIGH-A)
Stockton Ports 9
Modesto Nuts 3
(WP – Huttenlocker 3-1 / 5.40)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Outfielder Chad Oberacker
(2 Home Runs / 4 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Outfielder Chad Oberacker had a big night for Stockton, hitting his 11th and 12th home runs and driving in 4 runs on the night. Catcher Ryan Ortiz doubled and drove in 3 runs, and third baseman Tony Thompson doubled and drove in 2. A.J. Huttenlocker, getting his first start of the season, allowed 2 runs and struck out 7 over 5 innings to earn the win, while right-hander T.J. Walz struck out 5 of the 6 batters he faced in 2 perfect innings of relief.
MIDWEST LEAGUE (CLASS-A)
Burlington Bees 1
Clinton LumberKings 3
(LP – Peters 2-6 / 3.16)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher Tanner Peters
(6 2/3 IP / 3 ER / 8 K)
Worth Noting: Starter Tanner Peters allowed 3 runs while striking out 8 in 6 2/3 innings to take his 6th loss. The Bees managed just 3 hits on Thursday, 1 apiece from third baseman Wade Kirkland, second baseman Sam Roberts and shortstop Addison Russell. Outfielder John Wooten and right-handed reliever Austin House both made their debuts with Burlington on Thursday night after being promoted from Vermont, with House tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief and Wooten going 0 for 4 in the loss.
NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE (CLASS-A SHORT-SEASON)
Vermont Lake Monsters 8
Lowell Spinners 0
(WP – Vail 3-3 / 3.83)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher Tyler Vail
(6 IP / 0 ER / 9 K / Win)
Worth Noting: Starter Nolan Sanburn struck out 4 in 3 scoreless innings of work, while right-hander Tyler Vail allowed just 1 hit and struck out 9 over 6 scoreless innings to earn his 3rd win for Vermont. Shortstop Daniel Robertson collected 3 hits and drove in a pair of runs in the win.
ARIZONA LEAGUE (ROOKIE SHORT-SEASON)
AZL Cubs 3
AZL Athletics 15
(WP – Massey 1-0 / 0.00)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Third Baseman Renato Nunez
(Home Run / Triple / 5 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Third baseman Renato Nunez continued his hot-hitting in Thursday’s Arizona League semi-final game, collecting 3 hits, including a triple and a home run, and driving in 5 runs. Catcher Phil Pohl and outfielder Herschel Powell drove in a pair of runs apiece. Starter Vince Voiro struck out 6 in 3 scoreless innings, while left-hander Taylor Massey picked up the win with 2 innings of scoreless relief.
Friday’s Games:
Sacramento @ Salt Lake – 6:05pm PT
San Antonio @ Midland – 7:00pm CT
Visalia @ Stockton – 7:05pm PT
Burlington @ Clinton – 6:30pm CT
Tri-City @ Vermont – 7:05pm ET
AZL Rangers @ AZL Athletics – 7:00 PT
Be sure to like A’s Farm’s page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm to keep up with all the news down on the farm!
Wednesday, August 29th: Weeks Helps Cats Clinch Division Title while Hounds Win and Ports & Bees Fall
A’s Farmhand Of The Day
Sacramento River Cats 2B Jemile Weeks (Double / 2 RBIs)
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (TRIPLE-A)
Sacramento River Cats 4
Colorado Springs Sky Sox 3
(WP – Ross 6-2 / 2.67)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Second Baseman Jemile Weeks
(Double / 2 RBIs)
Worth Noting: With Sacramento down 3-2, second baseman Jemile Weeks doubled in 2 runs with 2 outs in the 9th inning to help the River Cats clinch their 6th straight Pacific Coast League division title on Wednesday night. In his first game with the team since being acquired from the Cubs for Anthony Recker, catcher Blake Lalli collected 3 hits, including a home run. Starter Bruce Billings allowed 2 runs over 6 innings of work, while right-hander Tyson Ross picked up the win with 2 innings in relief. The River Cats will face the PCL Northern Divison winner in the first round of the playoffs starting at Raley Field in Sacramento on September 5th.
TEXAS LEAGUE (DOUBLE-A)
San Antonio Missions 4
Midland RockHounds 5
(WP – Gray 6-9 / 4.14)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher Sonny Gray
(8 IP / 1 ER / 6 K / Win)
Worth Noting: Starter Sonny Gray turned in another strong outing for the RockHounds on Wednesday, allowing 1 run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 6 over 8 innings to earn the win. Designated hitter Matt Rizzotti homered and drove in 3 runs for the RockHounds.
CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (HIGH-A)
Stockton Ports 2
Modesto Nuts 5
(LP – Long 4-4 / 5.12)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Shortstop Michael Gilmartin
(2 for 2 / Home Run)
Worth Noting: Starter Nate Long had another rocky outing for the Ports, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits over 5 innings to take his 4th loss. Shortstop Michael Gilmartin and third baseman B.A. Vollmuth both homered in the loss.
MIDWEST LEAGUE (CLASS-A)
Burlington Bees 3
Clinton LumberKings 6
(LP – Mye 4-1 / 3.92)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Shortstop Addison Russell
(Double / 2 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Starter A.J. Cole had another solid outing for the Bees on Wednesday, allowing 2 runs on just 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4 over 5 innings of work, but left-hander Chas Mye gave up 2 runs in 1 inning of relief to take the loss. Shortstop Addison Russell had 2 hits, including a double, and drove in 2 of the Bees’ 3 runs on the night.
NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE (CLASS-A SHORT-SEASON)
Vermont Lake Monsters 0
Lowell Spinners 6
(LP – Powers 0-7 / 5.88)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher Brent Powers
(5 IP / 2 ER / 3 K)
Worth Noting: Starter Brent Powers allowed 2 runs over 5 innings but ended up taking the loss on Wednesday night. Vermont could only manage 3 hits, with first baseman Miguel Marte doubling for the team’s only extra base hit of the night.
ARIZONA LEAGUE (ROOKIE SHORT-SEASON)
AZL Athletics 9
AZL Giants 8
(WP – Cruzado 3-1 / 5.52)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Third Baseman Renato Nunez
(Triple / 2 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Third baseman Renato Nunez tripled and drove in 2 runs, while catcher Rhett Stafford, outfielder Dayton Alexander and second baseman Franklin Contreras each drove in a pair of runs in the win. Right-hander Fernando Cruzado allowed 1 earned run in 3 innings to pick up his 3rd win, while this year’s 25th-round draft pick Derek Hansen struck out 5 over 2 2/3 innings of relief to earn his 1st save.
Thursday’s Games:
Sacramento @ Colorado Springs – 5:05pm PT
San Antonio @ Midland – 7:00pm CT
Stockton @ Modesto – 7:05pm PT
Burlington @ Clinton – 6:30pm CT
Vermont @ Lowell – 7:05pm ET
Be sure to like A’s Farm’s page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm to keep up with all the news down on the farm!
Monday, August 27th: Robinson’s Slam Leads Ports to Victory while Cats & Hounds Win and Bees Fall
A’s Farmhand Of The Day
Stockton Ports outfielder Dusty Robinson (Grand Slam)
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (TRIPLE-A)
Sacramento River Cats 8
Colorado Springs Sky Sox 2
(WP – Griffin 4-2 / 3.07)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher A.J. Griffin
(5 IP / 1 ER / 3 K / Win)
Worth Noting: After struggling his first time out, A.J. Griffin looked much more impressive in his second rehab start for Sacramento on Monday, allowing just 1 run on 3 hits over 5 innings to earn the win, and it now seems likely that the right-hander will end up re-joining the A’s rotation before the end of the week. In his first game with the River Cats, right-hander Jesse Chavez gave up just 1 run in 4 innings in relief to earn the save. Catcher Jason Jaramillo had 2 hits and drove in 3 runs, while second baseman Jemile Weeks doubled and drove in 2 runs in the win. In other news, the A’s traded long-time Sacramento catcher Anthony Recker to the Cubs for 29-year-old catcher/first baseman Blake Lalli, who could be expected to be added to the River Cats roster soon.
TEXAS LEAGUE (DOUBLE-A)
Frisco RoughRiders 1
Midland RockHounds 2
(WP – Gil 1-0 / 0.00)
Farmhand Of The Game:
First Baseman Anthony Aliotti
(Double / RBI)
Worth Noting: With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 13th inning, first baseman Anthony Aliotti doubled to drive in the game-winning run for the RockHounds on Monday night. Catcher David Freitas doubled in Midland’s only other run of the game in the 4th. Starter Murphy Smith had a solid outing, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits over 6 innings of work, but it was infielder Leonardo Gil who picked up the win by pitching 1 perfect inning in relief.
CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (HIGH-A)
Stockton Ports 8
Visalia Rawhide 3
(WP – Brown 6-10 / 5.01)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Outfielder Dusty Robinson
(Grand Slam)
Worth Noting: Outfielder Dusty Robinson clubbed a grand slam in the 1st inning to give the Ports a lead that would prove to be insurmountable on Monday. Starter Jacob Brown held Visalia to 3 runs while striking out 7 over 5 1/3 innings to earn his 6th win for the Ports.
MIDWEST LEAGUE (CLASS-A)
Burlington Bees 0
Kane County Cougars 4
(LP – Granier 11-9 / 3.10)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher Drew Granier
(6 IP / 2 ER / 9 K)
Worth Noting: Starter Drew Granier had another solid outing, allowing 2 runs on just 3 hits while striking out 9 over 6 innings of work. But Burlington couldn’t push a run across the plate on Monday, and the right-hander ended up taking his 9th loss for the Bees. Outfielder Bobby Crocker collected a pair of hits, and first baseman Max Muncy, outfielder Douglas Landaeta and catcher Nick Rickles all doubled in the loss.
NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE (CLASS-A SHORT-SEASON)
Connecticut Tigers 7
Vermont Lake Monsters 4
(LP – Menna 0-9 / 5.08)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Second Baseman Chris Bostick
(2 Doubles / 3 RBIs / Stolen Base)
Worth Noting: Starter J.C. Menna had a rocky outing, allowing 5 runs and striking out 7 over 5 innings to take the loss, while second baseman Chris Bostick had a pair of doubles and drove in 3 runs for Vermont.
ARIZONA LEAGUE (ROOKIE SHORT-SEASON)
AZL D-backs 3
AZL Athletics 1
(LP – Bahramzadeh 1-2 / 7.30)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher Dakota Bacus
(2 1/3 IP / 0 ER / 3 K)
Worth Noting: The A’s lineup collected only 4 hits on Monday, while starter Kayvon Bahramzadeh allowed 2 runs, 1 earned, and struck out 6 over 3 innings to take the loss. This year’s 9th-round draft pick Dakota Bacus struck out 3 in 2 1/3 perfect innings of relief to lower his ERA to 1.20 in his first 30 innings of pro ball.
Tuesday’s Games:
Sacramento @ Colorado Springs – 5:05pm PT
San Antonio @ Midland – 6:30pm CT
Stockton @ Modesto – 7:05pm PT
Burlington @ Kane County – 6:30pm CT
Connecticut @ Vermont – 7:05pm ET
Be sure to like A’s Farm’s page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm to keep up with all the news down on the farm!
Sunday, August 26th: Bees Win while All Others Fall on Sunday
A’s Farmhand Of The Day
Burlington Bees second baseman Sam Roberts (2 for 4 / Triple / 3 RBIs)
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (TRIPLE-A)
Salt Lake Bees 4
Sacramento River Cats 2
(LP – Peacock 12-8 / 5.62)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Outfielder Michael Taylor
(2 for 4 / Double / RBI / Stolen Base)
Worth Noting: Starter Brad Peacock allowed 3 runs in 4 2/3 innings to take his 8th loss, while outfielder Michael Taylor had 2 hits, including a double, drove in a run and stole a base, and second baseman Jemile Weeks collected a pair of hits in the loss.
TEXAS LEAGUE (DOUBLE-A)
GAME #1
Frisco RoughRiders 4
Midland RockHounds 2
(LP – Castro 2-6 / 4.59)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Outfielder Eliezer Mesa
(2 for 3 / Double / RBI)
Worth Noting: Starter Fabio Castro allowed 4 runs, 3 earned, on 7 hits and 5 walks over 6 innings to take his 6th loss. Outfielder Eliezer Mesa had 2 hits, including a double, and drove in a run for the RockHounds.
GAME #2
Frisco RoughRiders 11
Midland RockHounds 4
(LP – McSwain 1-1 / 10.80)
Farmhand Of The Game:
First Baseman Anthony Aliotti
(2 for 3 / 2 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Starter Matt McSwain had a rough outing, allowing 6 runs on 10 hits in just 2 innings of work to take the loss. First baseman Anthony Aliotti, serving as the designated hitter in Sunday’s 2nd game, collected 2 hits and drove in a pair of runs for the RockHounds.
CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (HIGH-A)
Stockton Ports 6
Visalia Rawhide 11
(LP – Murphy 7-8 / 5.08)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Second Baseman Ryan Pineda
(2 for 3 / Double / 2 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Starter Sean Murphy had a rocky outing and, once again, the long ball was the culprit. The right-hander gave up 8 runs on 8 hits, 4 of which were home runs, to take his 8th loss on Sunday. Second baseman Ryan Pineda had 2 hits, including a double, and drove in a pair of runs for the Ports.
MIDWEST LEAGUE (CLASS-A)
Burlington Bees 7
Kane County Cougars 6
(WP – Eppley 1-1 / 10.00)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Second Baseman Sam Roberts
(2 for 4 / Triple / 3 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Second baseman Sam Roberts had 2 hits, including a triple, and drove in 3 runs, including the tying and winning runs, for the Bees on Sunday. Starter Chris Lamb allowed 5 runs, 4 earned, in 5 innings of work, while right-hander Nate Eppley picked up the win with 2 scoreless innings in relief.
NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE (CLASS-A SHORT-SEASON)
Vermont Lake Monsters 4
Tri-City ValleyCats 9
(LP – Ynoa 0-3 / 9.82)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Third Baseman Jacob Tanis
(2 for 2 / Double / 2 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Former top prospect Michael Ynoa had a rough outing, allowing 8 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out 2 over just 1 1/3 innings to take his 3rd loss. This year’s 6th-round draft pick Seth Streich came on to strike out 5 in 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, while third baseman Jacob Tanis collected 2 hits, including a double, and drove in a pair of runs in the loss.
ARIZONA LEAGUE (ROOKIE SHORT-SEASON)
AZL Angels 5
AZL Athletics 2
(LP – Paulino 4-4 / 5.70)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Third Baseman Renato Nunez
(2 for 3 / 2 Doubles / RBI)
Worth Noting: Starter Gregory Paulino allowed 2 runs on 9 hits in 5 innings to take his 4th loss, while third baseman Renato Nunez collected 2 doubles and drove in a run for the A’s on Sunday.
Monday’s Games:
Sacramento @ Colorado Springs – 5:05pm PT
Frisco @ Midland – 6:30pm CT
Stockton @ Visalia – 6:00pm PT
Burlington @ Kane County – 6:30pm CT
Connecticut @ Vermont – 7:05pm ET
AZL D-backs @ AZL Athletics – 7:00pm PT
Be sure to like A’s Farm’s page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm to keep up with all the news down on the farm!
Saturday, August 25th: Kirby-Jones Hits 21st HR as Ports Win while Cats and Bees Both Fall
A’s Farmhand Of The Day
Stockton Ports first baseman A.J. Kirby-Jones (Home Run / 3 RBIs)
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (TRIPLE-A)
Salt Lake Bees 4
Sacramento River Cats 3
(LP – Hernandez 3-1 / 2.04)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Outfielder Grant Green
(2 for 4 / Home Run)
Worth Noting: Starter Travis Banwart allowed 2 runs and struck out 4 over 5 innings of work, while left-hander Carlos Hernandez came on to give up 2 runs in 3 innings of relief to take the loss. Grant Green, getting the start in left field, homered in the 2nd inning to temporarily give the River Cats the lead, while second baseman Jemile Weeks collected 2 hits and third baseman Brandon Inge went 0 for 4 in the loss.
TEXAS LEAGUE (DOUBLE-A)
Frisco RoughRiders
Midland RockHounds
POSTPONED
CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (HIGH-A)
Stockton Ports 13
Visalia Rawhide 5
(WP – Bowman 6-10 / 3.62)
Farmhand Of The Game:
First Baseman A.J. Kirby-Jones
(Home Run / 3 RBIs)
Worth Noting: First baseman A.J. Kirby-Jones hit his team-leading 21st homer and drove in 3 runs to give him 67 on the year, while infielder Michael Gilmartin collected 4 hits and drove in 2. Starter Josh Bowman allowed 4 runs and struck out 9 over 6 innings to earn his 6th win for the Ports.
MIDWEST LEAGUE (CLASS-A)
Burlington Bees 3
Kane County Cougars 4
(LP – Peters 2-5 / 3.06)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher Tanner Peters
(7 IP / 1 ER / 5 K)
Worth Noting: Starter Tanner Peters had a solid outing, but was undone by a shoddy defense that committed 3 errors behind him. The right-hander allowed 4 runs, just 1 earned, while walking none and striking out 5 over 7 innings of work but ended up taking the loss on Saturday. First baseman Max Muncy doubled in Burlington’s first run of the game to briefly give the Bees the lead, while outfielder Bobby Crocker had 2 hits and 2 stolen bases and drove in a run in the loss.
NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE (CLASS-A SHORT-SEASON)
Vermont Lake Monsters 2
Tri-City ValleyCats 9
(LP – Vail 2-3 / 4.34)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Second Baseman Chris Bostick
(Triple / Double / RBI)
Worth Noting: Starter Nolan Sanburn allowed just 1 run and struck out 3 over 3 innings of work, but right-hander Tyler Vail came on to give up 5 runs in 2 2/3 innings to take the loss. Second baseman Chris Bostick doubled, tripled and drove in a run for Vermont in the loss.
ARIZONA LEAGUE (ROOKIE SHORT-SEASON)
AZL Athletics 6
AZL Angels 4
(WP – Voiro 3-2 / 3.62)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Third Baseman Renato Nunez
(Home Run / 2 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Third baseman Renato Nunez hit a 2-run homer in the 1st inning to give the A’s the lead, which they never relinquished. Second baseman Melvin Mercedes had 3 hits, including a double, and drove in a run in the win. Right-hander Fernando Cruzado and 2011’s 8th-round draft pick Colin O’Connell both tossed 2 scoreless innings, while this year’s 15th-round pick Vince Voiro allowed 1 run and struck out 6 over 3 innings to earn his 3rd win.
Sunday’s Games:
Salt Lake @ Sacramento – 6:05pm PT
Game #1 – Frisco @ Midland – 5:00pm CT
Game #2 – Frisco @ Midland
Stockton @ Visalia – 6:00pm PT
Burlington @ Kane County – 1:00pm CT
Vermont @ Tri-City – 5:00pm ET
AZL Cubs @ AZL Athletics – 7:00pm PT
Be sure to like A’s Farm’s page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm to keep up with all the news down on the farm!
Friday, August 24th: Cole Pitches Bees to Victory while Weeks Has Big Debut for Cats
A’s Farmhand Of The Day
Burlington Bees pitcher A.J. Cole (5 IP / 0 ER / 5 K / Win)
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (TRIPLE-A)
Salt Lake Bees 4
Sacramento River Cats 3
(LP – Billings 7-6 / 4.03)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Second Baseman Jemile Weeks
(3 for 4 / Double / 2 RBIs / 2 Walks / Stolen Base)
Worth Noting: Second baseman Jemile Weeks started off strong in his first game back at Sacramento, collecting 3 hits, including a double, walking twice, driving in 2 runs and stealing a base. Third baseman Brandon Inge went 0 for 2 with a walk in his second rehab game with the River Cats, while starter Bruce Billings allowed 4 runs over 6 innings to take his 6th loss for Sacramento.
TEXAS LEAGUE (DOUBLE-A)
GAME #1
Midland RockHounds 4
Corpus Christi Hooks 2
(WP – Krol 1-1 / 5.40)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Infielder Leonardo Gil
(2 for 4 / RBI / Run)
Worth Noting: In the completion of Thursday’s suspended game, infielder Leonardo Gil had 2 hits and drove in the tying run for the RockHounds. First baseman Anthony Aliotti, designated hitter Matt Rizzotti and shortstop Dusty Coleman drove in a run apiece in the win. Starter Shawn Haviland allowed 2 runs on 6 hits in 4 innings of work, while left-hander Ian Krol followed up with 3 scoreless innings to earn his 1st win for Midland.
GAME #2
Midland RockHounds 6
Corpus Christi Hooks 7
(LP – Ortiz 4-6 / 4.09)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher Sonny Gray
(6 IP / 2 ER / 9 K)
Worth Noting: Starter Sonny Gray had a solid outing on Friday, allowing 3 runs, just 2 earned, on 4 hits while striking out 9 in 6 innings of work. But Midland’s bullpen gave up 4 runs in the 8th and 9th innings, with right-hander Jonathan Ortiz taking the loss for the RockHounds. Third baseman Miles Head had 3 hits, including a double, and drove in a pair of runs in the loss.
CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (HIGH-A)
Stockton Ports 4
Visalia Rawhide 6
(LP – Long 4-3 / 4.88)
Farmhand Of The Game:
First Baseman Tony Thompson
(Home Run / 2 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Starter Nate Long had a rocky outing, allowing 4 runs, 3 earned, on 9 hits over 4 innings to take his 3rd loss. First baseman Tony Thompson and second baseman Ryan Pineda each homered, and third baseman B.A. Vollmuth collected 3 hits, including a double, in the loss.
MIDWEST LEAGUE (CLASS-A)
Clinton LumberKings 1
Burlington Bees 4
(WP – Cole 6-3 / 1.99)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher A.J. Cole
(5 IP / 0 ER / 5 K / Win)
Worth Noting: Starter A.J. Cole delivered another impressive outing for Burlington on Friday, allowing just 4 hits while walking none and striking out 5 over 5 scoreless innings to lower his ERA to 1.99 and post his 6th win for Burlington. Outfielder Aaron Shipman tripled in 2 runs and stole his 9th base, while shortstop Addison Russell also tripled and stole a base for the Bees.
NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE (CLASS-A SHORT-SEASON)
Vermont Lake Monsters 4
Tri-City ValleyCats 7
(LP – Powers 0-6 / 6.10)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Outfielder Brett Vertigan
(2 Doubles / Triple / 2 Runs)
Worth Noting: Outfielder Brett Vertigan had a big night on Friday, collecting 2 doubles and a triple and scoring twice for Vermont. But starter Brent Powers had another rough outing, allowing 6 runs over 4 innings to take his 6th loss.
ARIZONA LEAGUE (ROOKIE SHORT-SEASON)
AZL Athletics 4
AZL Giants 6
(LP – Hollstegge 5-1 / 4.83)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Third Baseman Chad Lewis
(Home Run)
Worth Noting: Starter Jose Torres allowed 3 runs over 5 innings of work, and Tyler Hollstegge gave up another 3 runs in just 1 2/3 innings to take the loss. Right-hander Dakota Bacus wrapped things up by striking out all 4 of the batters he faced, while third baseman Chad Lewis hit his 2nd home run for the AZL A’s.
Saturday’s Games:
Salt Lake @ Sacramento – 7:05pm PT
Frisco @ Midland – 7:00pm CT
Stockton @ Visalia – 7:00pm PT
Burlington @ Kane County – 6:30pm CT
Vermont @ Tri-City – 7:00pm ET
AZL Athletics @ AZL Angels – 7:00pm PT
Be sure to like A’s Farm’s page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm to keep up with all the news down on the farm!
Tuesday, August 21st: Murphy Pitches Ports to Victory while Cats & Bees Win and Russell & Ynoa Impress
A’s Farmhand Of The Day
Stockton Ports RHP Sean Murphy (6 IP / 0 ER / 7 K)
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE (TRIPLE-A)
Las Vegas 51s 2
Sacramento River Cats 6
(WP – Peacock 12-7 / 5.61)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Shortstop Brandon Hicks
(Home Run / Double / 2 RBIs)
Worth Noting: Shortstop Brandon Hicks doubled and hit a 2-run homer, his 16th, while outfielders Shane Peterson and Michael Taylor contributed 2 hits apiece in the win. Starter Brad Peacock had another strong outing for Sacramento, allowing 2 runs on just 2 hits while striking out 4 over 5 1/3 innings to earn his 12th win on Tuesday. Catcher Jason Jaramillo doubled in his 1st game with the River Cats, while pitcher Graham Godfrey was designated for assignment and second baseman Jemile Weeks was optioned to Sacramento.
TEXAS LEAGUE (DOUBLE-A)
Midland RockHounds 1
Corpus Christi Hooks 7
(LP – Castro 2-5 / 4.52)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Catcher Beau Taylor
(2 for 4 / RBI)
Worth Noting: Starter Fabio Castro allowed 3 runs over 5 1/3 innings on Tuesday to take his 5th loss, while catcher Beau Taylor had a pair of hits and drove in the RockHounds’ only run of the game.
CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (HIGH-A)
Modesto Nuts 0
Stockton Ports 1
(WP – Murphy 7-7 / 4.56)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher Sean Murphy
(6 IP / 0 ER / 7 K / Win)
Worth Noting: Starter Sean Murphy turned in an impressive outing for the Ports, striking out 7 over 6 scoreless innings to earn his 7th win on Tuesday. First baseman Tony Thompson doubled in the only run of the game for the Ports.
MIDWEST LEAGUE (CLASS-A)
Kane County Cougars 3
Burlington Bees 6
(WP – Lamb 3-2 / 4.88)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Shortstop Addison Russell
(3 for 5 / 2 Runs / RBI / Stolen Base)
Worth Noting: The A’s top draft pick of 2012, shortstop Addison Russell, had a big game for the Bees, collecting 3 hits, scoring twice, driving in a run and stealing a base. His batting average now stands at .333 after his first 4 games with Burlington. Starter Chris Lamb allowed 3 runs, 2 earned, over 5 1/3 innings to earn his 3rd win for the Bees.
NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE (CLASS-A SHORT-SEASON)
Vermont Lake Monsters 3
Staten Island Yankees 5
(LP – Tanner 0-1 / 18.00)
Farmhand Of The Game:
Pitcher Michael Ynoa
(2 2/3 IP / 0 ER / 5 K)
Worth Noting: Starter Seth Streich allowed 2 runs on 4 hits over 2 innings of work, but former top prospect Michael Ynoa had his best outing so far this season, striking out 5 over 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Catcher Bruce Maxwell, serving as the designated hitter for the day, doubled in a run, while outfielders Brett Vertigan and John Wooten contributed 2 hits apiece in the loss.
ARIZONA LEAGUE (ROOKIE SHORT-SEASON)
AZL Athletics 1
AZL D-backs 3
(LP – Paulino 4-3 / 5.89)
Farmhand Of The Game:
First Baseman Michael Soto
(Triple / RBI)
Worth Noting: Starter Gregory Paulino allowed 2 runs over 5 innings to take his 3rd loss, while first baseman Michael Soto tripled in the team’s only run of the game on Tuesday.
Wednesday’s Games:
Salt Lake @ Sacramento – 7:05pm PT
Midland @ Corpus Christi – 7:05pm CT
Modesto @ Stockton – 7:05pm PT
Clinton @ Burlington – 6:30pm CT
Vermont @ Staten Island – 7:00pm ET
AZL Athletics @ AZL Dodgers – 7:00pm PT
Be sure to like A’s Farm’s page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm to keep up with all the news down on the farm!
