There is nothing like watching a prospect climb the rungs of the minor league ladder before becoming an established major league player. As a fan of the minor leagues and the draft, I’ve been trying to come up with a way to cover the Twins farm system in a manageable and reliable format. This is my first attempt to provide that coverage, and while the format is definitely subject to change, there should be regular minor league content on The Pond going forward.
So with that out of the way, let’s jump right in to the games played today.
Record for the Day: 3-2 / Record for the Year: 14-10
Rochester Red Wings (AAA):
Lost 5-3 to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Box Score)
Anthony Swarzak got the start, but fell victim to the bat of Jesus Montero who hit 2 doubles off the righty. Swarzak left the game after pitching 4.0 innings. He gave up 6 H, 3 ER and 2 BB with 1 SO. Kyle Waldrop got knocked around in his 2 innings of work, but Jim Hoey threw 2 solid, shutout innings. Trevor Plouffe, who had a 8-14 stretch over the weekend, went hitless for the 2nd straight game and is now hitting 0.348/.407/.826.
Montero may be a beast with the bat in his hands, but the Red Wings had no trouble running on the battery of Brackman and Montero. Ben Revere swiped his 3rd base of the season and Brandon Roberts stole 2nd and 3rd the one time he reached base.
Current Record: 2-4
New Britain Rock Cats (AA):
Won both games of a doubleheader (3-1 and 8-2) over the Harrisburg Senators (Game 1 Box Score / Game 2 Box Score)
Game 1 (Continuation): LHP Liam Hendriks threw 1 scoreless, hitless inning with 2 strikeouts before giving way to David Bromberg who tossed 6 shutout innings of his own. He surrendered 6 hits but didn’t issue a walk or strike anyone out. Steve Singleton went 3-5 with a double. Ray Chang, Evan Bigley and Danny Lehmann also chipped in with multi-hit games.
Game 2: RHP Santos Arias got the start and pitched 3.2 hitless, shutout innings. Steve Singleton and Chris Parmelee each had 2 hit games and accounted for 4 (1 HR and 3 2B) of the team’s 5 XBH.
Current Record: 4-2
Fort Myers Miracle (Hi-A):
Lost 3-1 to the St. Lucie Mets (Box Score)
C/OF Chris Herrmann went 2-3 with a double and a walk and is now hitting 0.529/.619/.706 in 17 AB. SS Brian Dozier accounted for the Miracle’s other extra-base hit. RHP Kane Holbrooks got the loss but pitched well in his 2nd straight start (5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO). He now has a 2.53 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 10.2 IP with 4 BB and 2 SO.
Current Record: 4-2
Beloit Snappers (Lo-A):
Won 1-0 over the Clinton LumberKings (Box Score)
A Michael Gonzalez single was the Snappers’ only hit on the night, but the team put it to good use as it moved Oswaldo Arcia, who reached on a walk, over to 3rd base. Daniel Ortiz then hit a sacrifice fly to left field which scored Arcia. Manuel Soliman held Clinton to just 2 hits over 4 shutout innings. He struck out 6 and walked just one.
LumberKings starter, Forrest Snow, threw 6 no-hit innings while striking out 8. I point this out only because I think it is hilarious that Forrest pitches for the LumberKings. That’s a perfect marriage of a player and team if you ask me.
Current Record: 4-2