Peoria Javelinas 5, Phoenix Desert Dogs 4: Former Arizona State infielder CJ Retherford, now a Chicago White Sox prospect, made sure that the Phoenix Desert Dogs did not take home their 6^th straight Arizona Fall League title. With a 2-run blast in the bottom of the eighth inning off of another Arizona State alum, pitcher Josh Perrault (Orioles), Retherford, the local kid, gave the Peoria Javelinas a 5-4 lead. He received some help in closing out the Desert Dogs from University of Miami standout Robbie Weinhardt, as the Detroit Tigers prospect pitched two shutout innings for the win. Weinhardt, the Week Five pitcher of the Week, struck out four (including the side in the 8^th) in his two innings of work.

Grant Desme in the AFL

Prior to the game, the AFL handed out a few awards. One was the MVP award, which was given to Oakland A’s prospect Grant Desme, who has not played above A ball but led the AFL in homeruns and hit .315. In an interview with the MLB Network, Desme called the award a “humbling honor…there’s a lot of talent here. It’s pretty cool…” The other award given out was the Dernell Stensen Sportsmanship Award, which was given to the LA Dodgers Russ Mitchell. Mitchell, who hit .319 with 25 RBIs, said “It’s huge…” because “it’s a team game…”

Many were disappointed by the fact that the number one pick in the 2009 draft would again not be pitching in an AFL game that was on television. However the disappointment faded as the game proved entertaining without Stephen Strasburg (Nationals) taking the mound. Strasburg’s replacement, Mitch Talbot (Rays), pitched a perfect first inning, but struggled in the second, giving up 2 runs in an inning that could have been much worse (the Javelinas left the bases loaded).

The Javelinas decided to use the bullpen in the AFL championship, starting with the Seattle Mariners Anthony Varvaro, who was just added to the Mariners 40-man roster. Despite giving up a leadoff triple to the Baltimore Orioles Matt Angle (who seemed to glide around the bases for a triple that received no throw) and an RBI groundout, Varvaro settled in to pitch 2 innings while striking out three.

The fourth was a big inning for the Desert Dogs as the league’s MVP Desme connected on a solo homerun to deep left on a fastball in from Scot Drucker (Tigers). Two batters later, Nevin Ashley (Rays) ripped an opposite field homerun to give the Desert Dogs a 3-2 lead. However in the bottom of the inning, Jeff Mandel of the Washington Nationals gave up the lead, allowing a run without giving up a hit to tie the game at 3-3. For the Javelinas, Andrew Oliver (Tigers) followed with two shutout innings (2 K). Mickey Storey (A’s), Reidier Gonzalez (Blue Jays), and Justin Friend (A’s) followed with 3 shutout innings for the Desert Dogs. In the top of the seventh against the White Sox Sergio Santos, the Desert Dogs scored to give them a 4-3 lead on an RBI single from Shawn O’Malley (Rays). This led to the heroics from Retherford in the bottom of the eighth inning to send the Javelinas to the AFL title.

It was stated throughout the game that 6 out of 10 players from the AFL make it to the big leagues. Last year, the A’s Andrew Bailey pitched in the AFL. In 2009, he was a member of the American League All-Star team and was named the American League Rookie of the Year this past week. Gordon Beckham of the White Sox and Tommy Hanson of the Atlanta Braves were also ROY candidates who played in the AFL in 2008. Who could be the 2010 ROY, who spent time in the AFL in 2009? Brent Morel of the White Sox was considered by his teammates in the AFL to have the total package (offense and defense). Casper Wells of the Tigers had 10 outfield assists in just over 80 games in Double-A Erie in 2009. Danny Espinosa of the Nationals is considered to be big league ready defensively at shortstop. Grant Desme of the A’s was the only 30-30 man in the minor leagues in 2009 (30 homeruns, 40 stolen bases). Mickey Storey of the A’s went from a 31^st round draft pick in 2008 to Triple-A Sacramento and the AFL in his first full season. We shall see who progresses to rookie stardom in 2010.

Tags:

Andrew Oliver, Andrew Varvaro, Arizona Fall League, CJ Retherford, Grant Desme, Josh Perrault, Mitch Talbot, Peoria Javelinas, Phoenix Desert Dogs, Robbie Weinhardt, Russ Mitchell

Carlos Rivero

The emergence of Asdrubal Cabrera forced the Indians to move Jhonny Peralta to third base. Carlos Rivero could force the Indians to make Peralta the player traded in 2010. Rivero, a Venezuelan signee in 2005, has regularly been one of the youngest players in whatever league he has played in. A shortstop, many scouts believe he will be better suited at third. Rivero has batting practice power that has not generated to in-game pop. At Double-A Akron, he hit .242 in 132 games with 24 doubles, 7 homeruns, and 58 RBIs. He also walked 50 times to 73 strikeouts. Ted Kubiak, the Indians minor league defensive coordinator, believes Rivero could be an All-Star because of all the potential that oozes out of the baby-faced Rivero. In the AFL, Rivero hit .318 in 22 games, with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 2 homeruns, and 13 RBIs. He has drawn comparisons to Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Peralta. The comparisons haven’t gone to his head; they just serve as motivation. He also absorbs instruction like a sponge. Rivero will be given a chance to show off his tools as he has been added to the 40-man roster.

Matt McBride in the AFL

2009 has been eye-popping in terms of Matt McBride. A catcher throughout his career, McBride spent this season in the outfield while with Double-A Akron, which made sense considering who Akron’s starting catcher was (Carlos Santana). To me the 2^nd round pick in 2006 out of Lehigh (where he was a Johnny Bench Award finalist) reminds me of another versatile Indians catcher Chris Gimenez, who made it to the big leagues in 2009 playing first base and the outfield. After hitting .405 in High-A Kinston, he was promoted to Double-A Akron, though he struggled a bit (.247 in 98 games with 42 strikeouts). He did hit 29 doubles and 12 homeruns with 63 RBIs. Coming off the Eastern League championship with Akron, McBride joined some of his teammates in Peoria in the AFL. In the AFL, he has been one of the league’s best players. In 22 games, McBride hit .378 with 4 doubles, 2 triples, 4 homeruns, and 18 RBIs. He also walked 19 times with just 9 strikeouts. He won the Rising Stars game with a 2-run homer off the Nationals first round pick Drew Storen. McBride has also been nominated for the Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award. The award is given to the player that best exemplifies hard work, leadership, and unselfishness. With Santana destined for Triple-A Columbus (or the big leagues), McBride could be the starting catcher in Akron. Or they could team him with Santana and get him at-bats in the outfield, as the DH, and at catcher, like the Indians did with Gimenez and Wyatt Toregas in Columbus. He also could be taken in the Rule V draft, as the Indians did not add him to their 40-man roster, and could make another team’s roster out of spring training due to his versatility.

The 2009 season was a bit of a waste for Josh Rodriguez. A hamstring injury cost him most of the season, though he did make it back for Akron’s playoff surge. He played in just 33 games, while hitting .295 with 4 doubles and 12 RBIs (and 23 BB/ 30 K). Drafted as a shortstop in 2006 in the 2^nd round out of Rice, Rodriguez played mostly second base with Akron. In the AFL, he has mostly played second and the outfield. He hit .222 in 15 games in the AFL with 3 doubles, a triple, a homerun, and 4 RBIs. However, he walked 5 times compared to the 23 strikeouts. The change in positions is mainly due to his lack of consistency at shortstop and the errors that have mounted each year.

Nick Weglarz

Despite a disappointing first half in terms of overall offensive numbers, Nick Weglarz was still named to the Eastern League All-Star team. Overall in 2009 with Akron, he hit just .227 in 105 games with 17 doubles, 16 homeruns, and 65 RBIs. The impressive numbers are his walks compared to strikeouts (75 BB/ 78 K) for a power hitter. The 3^rd round pick out of Canada in 2005 was the Canadian Olympic team’s best hitter in the Olympics in 2008, despite being the second youngest player. Many believed Weglarz was on the same track as Matt LaPorta, who graduated to the big leagues in 2009. In August, Weglarz suffered a leg injury that kept him in a boot throughout the Eastern League playoffs. While trying to play in the AFL, Weglarz was shut down due to the lingering pain and a rod was placed in his leg to stabilize the fracture. He played in just 8 games, hitting .240 with just 1 RBI. However he did walk 7 times, with just 7 strikeouts. Weglarz is expected to be ready for big league spring training, as he was added to the 40-man roster.

When Weglarz was removed from the Peoria roster, the Indians added outfielder Tim Fedroff. Fedroff spent the entire season in High-A Kinston, hitting .278 in 99 games. He added 23 doubles, 4 homeruns, and 39 RBIs. He also had 64 walks (95 K) and 13 stolen bases. At the end of the Carolina League season, Fedroff was named a post-season All-Star. The 7^th round pick in 2008 out of North Carolina has good strength and plate discipline. In 10 games in the AFL, he hit just .111 with 2 RBIs.

Tags:

Arizona Fall League, Carlos Rivero, Cleveland Indians, Josh Rodriguez, Matt McBride, Nick Weglarz, Tim Fedroff

The last two seasons have been disappointing for the Cleveland Indians and have led to the trades of their two CY Young pitchers (CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee), along with a few other players (Victor Martinez, Casey Blake, Ryan Garko, etc.). These trades have stocked the Indians farm system with a plethora of pitchers (Carlos Carrasco, Jason Knapp, Justin Masterson, etc.), catchers (Carlos Santana and Lou Marson), and other position players (like Jason Donald).

Connor Graham

One of those young pitchers the Indians acquired is Connor Graham, who came to Cleveland from Colorado in the deal for reliever Rafael Betancourt. He was a 5^th round pick in 2007 out of Miami (OH) University. The 6’6 righty was immediately sent to Double-A Akron and their playoff push (and eventual winning of the Eastern League title), which was his first time above A ball. In 24 games (23 starts and 118.2 innings) overall in 2009, Graham was 8-7 with a 3.72 ERA, while allowing 5 homeruns, a .239 batting average, and 66 walks to 126 strikeouts. Graham throws in the low to mid 90s with his fastball, which is his best pitch. His slider and fastball project to be plus pitches, though he has some control problems with the slider. He is working on a third pitch and many think that the development of a third pitch will determine if he will project as a starter or reliever.

If Graham can limit his control problems and the walks, he could be a front-line starter. Graham’s stuff makes it hard to get a hit off him and he rarely gives up a homerun. Even though he walks a lot of batters, he effectively limits the damage and does not allow the big inning. In the Arizona Fall League, Graham is 1-1 in 11 outings with a 6.08 ERA. He has walked more batters than he struck out (18 BB/ 16 K) and allowed a .280 batting average. He only allowed 1 homerun. Some think that he should focus on fine tuning his fastball and slider so that he can quickly become a back-end of the bullpen reliever.

Zach Putnam, a 2008 7^th round draft pick, moved quickly since moving to the bullpen. The Big Ten pitcher of the year in 2008 out of Michigan has five pitches but has settled with only regularly using three. A two-way player in college, many felt Putnam could move quickly once he focused full-time on pitching. In his first full season, he reached Double-A Akron. Scouts think he works best off his sinker which would make him useful in the bullpen. Though he started 5 games while in High-A Kinston, he moved to the bullpen full-time once he was promoted to Akron. His numbers there were good: 4-2 with a 4.13 ERA in 33 games (56.2 innings) with 2 saves, 18 BB/ 57 K, and a .261 average. However in the AFL, Putnam started 5 games (12.1 innings) and was 0-1 with an 8.76 ERA. Opponents hit .333 off of him, though he only walked 3, compared to 18 strikeouts. With the instability of the Indians bullpen the past two years, it wouldn’t be crazy to see Putnam pitching out of the Cleveland bullpen in 2010. Putnam’s goal after signing was to be a September callup in 2010. He’s well on his way to reaching that goal.

Josh Judy

The Indians have two other relievers pitching in the AFL that could see time in the big leagues in 2010. Josh Judy started out in High-A Kinston and moved up to Double-A Akron, pitching very well at both levels. Overall in 2009, Judy was 4-3 with a 2.83 ERA in 41 games (54 innings). He accumulated 14 saves, a .201 opponents batting average, and 18 BB/ 70 K. Judy, a 34^th round pick in 2007 out of Indiana Institute of Technology, has carried that momentum into the AFL. As a member of the Peoria Saguaros, he is 2-2 with a 1.59 ERA in 11 games (17 innings). Opponents only hit .210 off him with just 8 BB/ 20 K. Carlton Smith, the younger brother of former Indians first round pick Corey Smith, has moved from a starter in 2008 with High-A Kinston to a reliever in Double-A Akron. The 21^st round pick in 2004 out of Okaloosa-Walton College pitched very well in 2009. He was 6-2 with a 2.72 ERA in 37 games (79.1 innings). Smith had 3 saves to go with an opponent average of .230. Smith was also named to the Eastern League All-Star team. He has struggled though in the AFL. Smith is 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA in 12 games (14 innings). He has walked 4 and struck out 6, with opponents hitting .333 against him.

Tags:

Arizona Fall League, Carlton Smith, Cleveland Indians, Connor Graham, Josh Judy, Zach Putnam

When the Cincinnati Reds selected right hander Mike Leake with the 8^th overall pick in 2009, the Arizona State star quickly became the top pitching prospect in an organization heavy on hitting prospects. Overshadowed during the college season by Stephen Strasburg, Leake is considered to be more polished and could reach the big leagues before Strasburg. He has four pitches that he has plus-plus command with: an 88-94 mph fastball, a slider, an average curveball, and his top pitch-the changeup. Many pitchers are intimidated by pitching at homer-friendly Great American Ballpark, but not Leake because he is a groundball pitcher. When he’s getting ground ball outs, then he is pitching well. Leake has been considered undersized (5’10, 185 pounds) but he held up throughout his collegiate career. Leake has the right mindset for a prospect as he stated on his blog on MLB.com around draft time: “This is a great time in my life right now with fantastic opportunities and obstacles along the way. I will embrace the opportunities with open arms and will stay humble wherever the road takes me.” Despite a 1.72 ERA in 5 games (he is pitching his 6^th and final game today) in the Arizona Fall League, which is his professional debut, Leake is 0-2. He has 15 strikeouts, though he has given up more hits than innings pitched.

Chris Heisey while with Carolina

Chris Heisey’s appeal has grown since being a 17^th round pick out of Messiah (PA) College in 2006. He is an excellent defensive outfielder who can play all three outfield spots and has a strong arm. Heisey is a threat on the basepaths and also draws walks. His overall tools do not stand out but he plays with a chip on his shoulder due to being overlooked for so long. His overall numbers in 2009 were solid while splitting the year between Double-A Carolina and Triple-A Louisville: .314 in 134 games with 35 doubles, 3 triples, 22 homeruns, 77 RBIs, 21 stolen bases (3 CS), and  48 BB/ 77 K. In 2009, Heisey was a Southern League All-Star and a Future’s Game All-Star. Upon moving up to Triple-A Louisville, he was named the International League Player of the Week (7/13/09). While in the AFL, Heisey is hitting .297 with 6 doubles, 3 triples, 5 homeruns, and 14 RBIs. He has also stolen 5 bases, though he has been caught twice. Heisey is on the verge of joining a Reds outfield that already is filled with youth like Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs, and Chris Dickerson.

In the 2008 draft, the Reds couldn’t pass on Yonder Alonso’s bat, even with Joey Votto at first base. The first round pick out of the University of Miami has strength, plate discipline, and a short swing. The first baseman from Cuba has the rare combination of pure power and the swing to hit for a high average. The Reds have been excited about his workaholic makeup. In 2009, Alonso was a Florida State League All-Star while playing with High-A Sarasota. His overall numbers, while splitting the 2009 season between three levels (Gulf Coast Reds, Sarasota, and Carolina), were good: .292 in 84 games with 24 doubles, 9 homeruns, 52 RBIs, and 41 BB/ 46 K. While in the AFL, Alonso has a .272 average in 22 games, with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 homeruns, and 21 RBIs. He has 12 BB to 13 K, which is rare for a power hitter (think Albert Pujols). Alonso should force the Reds to make a decision on how to get both him and Votto into their big league lineup (a position change for one of them?).

Tags:

Arizona Fall League, Chris Heisey, Cincinnati Reds, Mike Leake, Yonder Alonso

Scott Mathieson pitching in Reading

It was only three years ago that Scott Mathieson was one of the prized young arms coming up through the Philadelphia Phillies farm system. After making the jump from Double-A Reading to the big leagues in 2006, many believed he would team with Cole Hamels to give a young 1-2 punch in the rotation. However in 2009, Mathieson finished up the season back in Reading and with a trip to the Arizona Fall League, this time as a reliever. The 17^th round draft pick in 2002 had a solid comeback season in 2009. He was 4-0 with a 0.84 ERA in 22 games (32.1 IP) with 2 saves, 34 strikeouts (12 walks), and a .149 opponent batting average. Despite one bad outing in the AFL (1 IP, 3H, 3R, 2HR), his numbers are solid: 3.09 ERA, 10 G, 11.2 IP, 8BB/13K, and a .225 opponent batting average.

What happened between his big league debut and now is a pitcher’s worst nightmare. On June 17, 2006, Mathieson made his major league baseball debut against the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

He described his ML debut to me: “It was a dream come true. I was in Erie, PA with the AA Reading team when I got told I was going to Philadelphia to make a start. I remember going to the gym that morning and coming back to the hotel and having 5 or 6 missed calls from my pitching coach Tom Filer. I was worried that I missed a meeting or something and was going to be in trouble. I called him back and he asked me if my roommate and I were in the room. I said yes and he told me to stay put and that he was coming up. So my mind was racing trying to figure out what I did wrong and to come up with a way out of whatever I was about to get in trouble for. He then knocked and came into the room.

I was sitting on the bed and he told me that the Phillies needed a starter for their Saturday game versus the Devil Rays and I was going to make that start. I was in shock and gave him a hug and he told me I had an hour before I had to head to the airport.  So I jumped into the shower and remember tearing up and almost being in shock. After I showered I packed and called my dad, wanting him to be the first person I told. It was around 5am back in Aldergrove, BC, so it took about ten times calling him before I got him to pick up. I then called my girlfriend (now wife) and then her parents. Saturday (the day I was starting), I was the first person to the stadium and I just walked around for awhile. When I took the mound, I remember throwing the first pitch about 55 feet and then I stepped off the mound and though to myself (even though I barely got the ball to the plate) ‘I’m now a major leaguer’. I put my game face on and went back to pitching. I had a tough first inning but after that, everything went well and I pitched 6 innings that day. I took the loss but felt like I could pitch there and couldn’t wait to make my next start.”

On September 2^nd at home against the Atlanta Braves, the nightmare began. I remember being at the game and watching him throw in the first inning—something wasn’t right. It was the second time I had seen a pitcher blow out his elbow in person. It gives you a queasy feeling in your stomach. Mathieson had Tommy John surgery on his elbow later in the month. Almost a year later, he was still having elbow problems so he underwent an ulnar nerve transposition. However in May of 2008, Mathieson underwent a second Tommy John surgery, where the recovery rate is just 30%. As of right now, Mathieson is on the right track towards the recovery rate and getting back to where he was three years ago. Newly added to the Phillies 40-man roster and considered by Baseball America to have the best fastball in the organization, Mathieson took time out in the AFL to answer some of my questions.

What was it like finally pitching competitively for an entire season and being healthy again?

It was a great feeling to finally get back out there and not just pitch again but pitch with some success. Baseball was finally fun again. Sitting on the outside was very hard for me. Having to watch and not be able to play the game that I love.

Scott Mathieson

What was it like returning to Reading and pitching in front of their fans?

Reading was a lot of fun. I had a great time in 2006 pitching there. I think this year I enjoyed it even more. Reading is a great place to play. Every player that I know that has played there talks about how great the fan support is. I really enjoyed pitching in the back end of the bullpen there with all of the support.

How would you rate your 2009 season?

I believe that my 2009 season has been a huge success. I went into this year just wanting to be able to pitch healthy and pain free at some point. Having the chance to pitch in Reading and being a part of a team going to the playoffs was a lot of fun and being able to prove to myself and hopefully the Phillies that I’m healthy and I can pitch again.

How would you rate your pitches now after surgery?

I believe that my fastball is back or very close to being back to where it was. My velocity is back up to where it was before the surgery. I believe that my changeup is better than before surgery just because that was the one pitch that I was allowed to throw early in my rehab and so I would throw it everyday in long toss and got a lot of work in on it. I had trouble with my slider this year and was babying it when I first came back. I’ve been working with our pitching coach Bob out here in the fall league a lot. He’s got me staying on top of it and throwing it a bit harder. Right now I’m throwing around 85 mph and would like to increase it by a couple mph by the time spring training comes around.

Do you see yourself strictly now as a reliever or do you think you can still be a starter?

I still believe that I could start, but I’m starting to really like pitching out of the bullpen. I believe that I’ll be in the bullpen from now on out.

What things are you working on in the AFL?

I’ve been working on my slider a lot out here. Almost everyday I work with our pitching coach on it. I’m starting to feel a lot better and more confident with it now.

What have your experiences been like in your second time in the AFL?

The first time I was out here I was in awe of getting to play in the fall league. My dad took me to see a fall league game when I was may be 10 or 11 and I remember him telling me that those guys out there were some of the best minor league players and future major league stars.

In 2005, it really helped me make the transition to AA and then onto the major leagues. This year I looked at it as a way to get more innings and to prove that I can pitch again and hopefully get back to the major leagues. This year out here, I have really tried to watch and learn from some of the pitchers on our team, since this is the first year that I have pitched out of the bullpen.

Who has been the toughest hitter for you to face so far in the AFL?

I’m not sure who the toughest hitter I’ve faced out here is because everyone is good here. It seems like every time I look up there’s a future all-star up to bat. This league is a great league and if you want to see some future all-stars, gold glovers, and hall of famers, you have to come out.

What has been your favorite ballpark to pitch in?

Major leagues, I would have to say in Philly because it was where I pitched my first major league game and my dad, my sister, and my wife’s family were able to come and watch me there. I also really liked pitching in St. Louis. They have a beautiful stadium there and I got my first win there. To top it off, my wife’s parents had a trip planned to go there and see the stadium and it just so happened that I got called up and was starting there.

Since I have never been to Arizona (and maybe some of the readers haven’t been either) I asked Scott if he had gotten a chance to check out Scottsdale. What are any of your favorite spots or places to eat?

The Breakfast Club on Scottsdale Rd. is very good and a lot of players eat there. I have also really enjoyed hiking Camel Back Mountain, but make sure you bring lots of water with you. My roommate Mike Cisco and I did it the first week we got here and brought lots of water and Gatorade, but forgot it in the car. About 20 minutes up we looked at each other and said ‘what the heck are we doing’. It was a lot harder than we thought it would be, plus it was about 95 out. But it’s a great workout and well worth the hike when you get to the top.

Where do you see yourself in 2010, especially after being added to the Phillies 40-man roster?

I see myself pitching healthy in a bullpen somewhere next year. Next year I really hope I can give a good showing in spring training and at some point in the year, help the Phillies out.

The Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro talked this offseason about looking for help at third base and in the bullpen. Scott Mathieson is hoping to help the Phillies in the bullpen in 2010.

Tags:

Arizona Fall League, Philadelphia Phillies, Reading Phillies, Scott Mathieson