AAA
Louisville 6, Durham 5 12 innnings
25 year-old Cody Ross won the game in the bottom of the 12th inning with an RBI single. Since going back to AAA, Ross is hitting .273/.442/.545 in 42 plate appearances.
26 year-old Brad Salmon in his first game since being promoted to Louisville pitched 3 solid innings giving up just 2 hits and striking out 5. In 23 innings at Chattanooga he recorded a 2.70 ERA with 24 Ks and 16 BBs.
AA
21 year old Travis Chick was beat around like a red-headed stepchild again. The centerpiece of the Joe Randa deal gave up 7 H, 3 BB, and 7 ER in just 3 innings. His ERA jumped to 4.88 on the year. He has 29 Ks in 31 IP, with 12 BB. Even though his numbers aren’t stunning he is still very young for this level. I wouldn’t give up on Mr. Chick just yet.
25 year-old Luis Bolivar went 3 for 5 with a 2B, and 2 R. The Venezuelan 2nd sacker, who posted 3 years of sub .670 OPS hitting at single A, is doing quite well at Chattanooga hitting .364/.417/.436 in his first 60 plate appearances.
HIGH A
25 year-old Jeremiah Piepkorn went 2 for 4 with a 2B, and a HR to account for the Reds only run. For the season the undrafted free agent 3rd basebaman is hitting .254/.276/.452. Uh son, could you maybe take a pitch or two? I recommend reading The Science of Hitting, by Ted Williams.
LOW A
Last years’ #1 draft pick Jay Bruce returned to the field (Right Field instead of his traditional Center) and went 3 for 3 with a 2B, a HR, a BB, and 2 RBI. Seeing Bruce back in the DOTF is a sight for sore eyes. The 19 year-old Bruce is bucking for a promotion hitting .288/.348/.568 in 160 plate appeances. He is walking in about one of every 10 plate appearances which is about the minimum, but he is hitting it hard and often, and he is still just a teenager. This guy should have a bright future.
I think the Science of Hitting should be required reading at Rookie Ball. It would sure beat the heck out of something like a mandate to take the first pitch.