Mexican Pacific League Recap from 11/10

Obregon 5, Mazatlan 4
Jon Weber; 1 for 3 with a double and 1 K

Dominican Winter League Recap from 11/10

Gigantes 5, Estrellas 3
Julio DePaula (Gigantes); earned second hold of season, allowed 1 run on 1 hit with a strikeout and a walk in 1 1/3 innings.

Toros 5, Licey 4
Willy Aybar (Licey); 0 for 3 with 1 walk and run scored

Venezuelan Winter League Recap from 11/10

Margarita 1, Aragua 0
Ray Olmedo (Margarita); 0 for 3 with 2 K’s and a walk.

Magallanes 6, Caribes 1
Carlos Hernandez (Magallanes); improved to 2-1 with the win, 6.0 IP, 1 run on 4 hits with 2 K’s and a walk.

Top 30 Prospects in Review: 1-15

We looked back at the lower half of our 2009 pre-season top 30, now let's see how we did in the first 15. They were:

1. David Price
2. Wade Davis
3. Tim Beckham
4. Jeremy Hellickson
5. Jeff Niemann
6. Reid Brignac
7. Mitch Talbot
8. Desmond Jennings
9. Nick Barnese
10. Matt Moore
11. Heath Rollins
12. Jake McGee
13. Fernando Perez
14. Alex Cobb
15. John Jaso

Everybody and their brother had David Price as the #1 guy, but it was #5 Jeff Niemann who had the better rookie season in the Rays rotation. Wade Davis and Jeremy Hellickson are the next wave of arms to arrive, and I expect they'll occupy the #2 and 3 spots in most 2010 lists, but it'll be a split decision on which to rank higher. Neither of the Tim Beckham and Reid Brignac shortstop brigade did a whole lot to help their stock, but neither was so bad they'll fall far in the rankings.

Mitch Talbot at #7 is the first real over-rank, and after an injury-plagued 2009 season he might be out of the Rays organization as he's out of options and would have the make the team out of spring training or be exposed to the waiver wire. Desmond Jennings is obviously the big riser, staying healthy for the first time as a pro and catapulting his way into the conversation about the game's best prospect.

Matt Moore vs. Nick Barnese was a toss-up heading into the season, but Moore made SAL hitters look silly and figures to rise into the top 5, while Barnese fought shoulder tendonitis and treaded water in terms of prospect status. #11 Heath Rollins, #13 Fernando Perez, and #15 John Jaso all had rough 2009 seasons. Rollins' fringy stuff was exposed somewhat at the higher levels, Perez suffered a major shoulder injury and missed of the year, while Jaso just plain didn't hit. Perez is no longer has prospect eligibility, while Rollins and Jaso will likely slide to tail-end of the list.

It's tough to get a read on Jake McGee, who pitched limited innings returning from Tommy John surgery. His strikeout rate was in line with his career average, but he got hit around in Charlotte to the tune of a 6.45 ERA. Alex Cobb continued to post solid numbers, but neither his stats or stuff jump out at you. I think he's one of the more interesting prospects in terms of how much the opinion on him varies.

Tomorrow: Personal top 30 lists!

Phoenix Desert Dogs shut out by Scottsdale Scorpions

The Game: The Phoenix Desert Dogs dropped their third game in a row as they were shut out by the Scottsdale Scorpions on Tuesday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

Scottsdale picked up their first run in the first inning. Pedro Ciriaco led off the game with a double to left field. Ciriaco later scored on an RBI single by Domonic Brown to give them a 1-0 lead.

The Scorpions added another run in the next inning. Steve Susdorf drew a walk with one out to get things started. Hector Gomez followed with an RBI double to left that scored Susdorf and gave Scottsdale a 2-0 lead.

The Scottsdale pitching staff worked to keep the Desert Dogs off the board as they picked up the four hit shut-out victory.

James Simmons suffered the loss for Phoenix, falling to 1-3 on the season.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Nevin Ashley; 1 for 3 with a stolen base.

Rays Organization Stats:
Nevin Ashley; 1 for 3 with a stolen base.
Shawn O’Malley; 0 for 3 with a walk, turned a double play in the field.

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs (13-11) travel to Scottsdale Stadium for a rematch against the Scottsdale Scorpions (10-13). Brandon Erbe (0-0, 2.00) will be on the mound for Phoenix facing Michael Cisco (0-1, 3.86) for Scottsdale.

Phoenix Desert Dogs fall to Peoria Javelinas 4-3

The Game: The Phoenix Desert Dogs lost to the Peoria Javelinas 4-3 on Monday at the Peoria Sport Complex.

The Desert Dogs took an early lead, striking for two runs in the first inning. Brandon Snyder got things started with a two out double to right. Chris Marrero followed with an RBI double to left. Marrero then scored on a single by Grant Desme and Phoenix took a 2-0 lead.

The Phoenix lead held until the seventh inning when Peoria struck for four runs to take the lead. Brent Morel singled to left to put a runner on the bases. Joseph Dunigan then delivered a two run home run to tie the game. Justin Seller followed with a single. Lorenzo Cain then drew a walk to put another runner on the bases for Peoria. Sellers then advance to third on a wild pitch and Cain took second with a steal to put both runners in scoring position. Jonathan Lucroy then struck a two run double to give the Javelinas a 4-2 lead.

The Desert Dogs tried to mount a comeback in the eighth inning. Grant Desme was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Desme then advanced to third on a single by Corey Brown and then later scored on a wild pitch. But Phoenix would strand the runner in scoring position and were not able to pick up a run in the ninth as they fell 4-3.

Josh Wilkie suffered the loss, surrendering all four of the runs in the seventh.

Rays Organization Stats:
Mitch Talbot; pitched a no-decision in the four inning start, allowing no runs on 4 hits while striking out 4 and walking 1.

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs return home to face the Scottsdale Scorpions on Tuesday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

Dominican Winter League Recap from 11/9

Estrellas 6, Toros 4
Henry Mateo (Estrellas); 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts.

Mexican Pacific League Recap from 11/8

Mazatlan 13, Mochis 3
Jon Weber (Mazatlan); 2 for 5 with 4 RBI’s and a run scored.

Dominican Winter League Recap from 11/8

Gigantes 3, Escogido 2
Julio DePaula (Gigantes); 1 1/3 no hit innings with a strikeout.

Venezuelan Winter League Recap from 11/8

Margarita 13, Zulia 7
Ray Olmedo (Margarita); 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI’s, 3 runs scored

Caracas 8, Magallanes 6
Jose Lobaton (Caracas); 0 for 5 with a strikeout.

East All-Stars lose lead and game 8-7

The Game: Despite posting a seven run first inning, the Eastern Division All-Stars could not hold on to win. The West Division rallied to win the Arizona Fall League All-Star Game 8-7.

The East All-Stars came out of the gates swinging, collecting seven runs in the first inning. Jose Tabata and Starlin Castro delivered back to back singles to lead off the inning. Grant Desme then singled home Tabata for the first run of the inning. Brandon Allen followed with the East’s only home run, a three run shot to increase the lead to 4-0. The bases did not remain empty long as Buster Posey delivered a single followed by a double by Domonic Brown to put runners back in scoring position. Brown then scored on an error on a pick-off attempt. Jose Tabata then delivered his second hit of the inning, an RBI single to push the East’s lead to 7-0.

The West followed with two runs of their own in the bottom of the first. Dustin Ackley led off the inning with a walk. Chris Heisey then hit a two run home run to put the West on the board 7-2.

The West pulled closer to the lead with a three run third inning . Carlos Triunfel led off the inning with a solo home run to left. Mike Moustakas later delivered a single to right followed by back to back to back doubles by Chris Heisey, Yonder Alonso and Daryl Jones. Matt Gorgen took over the mound and worked out of the jam but the damage was already done as the West pulled to within a run of the lead 7-6.

The West took the lead in the eighth inning. Lance Zawadzki lead off the inning with a single to second. Then Matt McBride delivered a two run homer to left to give the West All-Stars a 8-7 victory.

Michael Dunn earned the win for the East and Drew Storen the loss for the West.

Rays Organization Stats:
Matt Gorgen; earned a hold by pitching 1 1/3 no hit innings with a strikeout and a walk.

Mexican Pacific League Recap from 11/7

Mazatlan 9, Mochis 2
Jon Weber (Mazatlan); 2 for 5 with a double, 2 RBI’s and a run scored.

Dominican Winter League Recap from 11/7

Toros 8, Estrellas 6
Henry Mateo (Estrellas); 1 for 2 with a home run, 2 RBI’s and a run scored while drawing 2 walk.

Venezuelan Winter League Recap from 11/7

Game One: Margarita 4, Zulia 3
Ray Olmedo (Margarita); 0 for 2 with a strikeout.

Game Two: Zulia 7, Margarita 5
Ray Olmedo (Margarita); 1 for 3 with a strikeout.

Caracas 9, Caribes 7
Rayner Oliveros (Caracas); no decision in the start, pitched 3 innings allowing no runs on 4 hits with 3 K’s and a walk.

Mexican Pacific League Recap fro 11/6

Mochis 3, Mazatlan 1
Jon Weber (Mazatlan); 2 for 5 with a run scored and a walk.

Dominican Winter League Recap from 11/6

Toros 4, Gigantes 2
Julio DePaula (Gigantes); 2/3 no hit inning of relief

Licey 3, Aguilas 0
Willy Aybar (Licey); 2 for 3 with a double, RBI, run scored and drew a walk.

Venezuelan Winter League Recap from 11/6

Zulia 7, Margarita 6
Ray Olmedo (Margarita); 1 for 4 with a walk

Arizona Fall League Weekly Stats Update (through 11/6)

BATTERS            AVG  AB  H 2B 3B HR RBI   OBP   SLG   OPS
Nevin Ashley      .381  42 16  2  1  2  11  .417  .619 1.036
Cody Cipriano     .250   4  1  1  0  0   1  .250  .500  .750
Shawn O'Malley    .333  51 17  1  0  0   5  .433  .353  .786

PITCHERS           W  L   ERA  G GS SV   IP  H HR SO BB  WHIP  BAA 
Matt Gorgen        0  1 12.71  7  0  1  5.2 12  1  9  4  2.82 .444
Paul Phillips      0  1  6.14  7  0  0  7.1  9  0  3  4  1.77 .310
Heath Rollins      0  0  9.00  7  0  0  9.0 18  1  4  4  2.44 .462
Mitch Talbot       2  0  6.75  4  4  0 14.2 20  2  9  2  1.50 .339

Phoenix Desert Dogs fall to Scottsdale Scorpions 8-4

The Game: The Phoenix Desert Dogs fell to the Scottsdale Scorpions 8-4 on Friday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

Scottsdale took the lead in the second inning, posting two runs to the scoreboard. Wilin Rosario delivered a solo home run to score the first run. Hector Gomez followed with a double to left and then later scored on an error by Brandon Waring to take a 2-0 lead.

The Scorpions added another run in the third inning. Thomas Neal hit a double to right. Cole Gillespie followed with an RBI single to center to increase the lead to 3-0.

Scottsdale’s offense continued to dominate, striking again in the fourth inning. Pedro Ciriaco singled to left to lead off the inning. Troy Hanzawa then reached on an error. Ciriaco and Hanzawa then pulled a double steal to move both runners into scoring position. Jose Tabata followed with a walk to load the bases. Domonic Brown also drew a walk with the bases loaded to push across the fist run of the inning. Thomas Neal drove home another run with a ground ball to second, giving Scottsdale a 5-0 lead.

Phoenix ended the shut-out in the home half of the fourth inning. Danny Espinosa lead off the inning with a double to center. Espinosa advanced to third on a ground out by Brandon Snyder and then later scored on a passed ball for the Desert Dogs first run of the game.

Scottsdale answered with more runs of their own in the fifth inning. Wilin Rosario, Hector Gomez and Pedro Ciriaco delivered back to back to back singles to lead off the inning and load the bases. Troy Hanzawa drove home the first run with a sac fly. Then Chase d’Arnaud delivered a sacrifice for the second run and the lead increased to 7-1.

But Phoenix generated a few more runs in the bottom of the fifth to make things interesting. Brandon Warning led off the inning with a solo home run to left. Then Darn Mastroianni and Shawn O’Malley drew back to back walks. AJ Jimenez followed with an RBI double to score Mastroianni and move O’Malley to third. Matt Angle delivered a sac fly to score O’Malley and pull the Desert Dogs to within three runs of the lead 7-4.

Scottsdale added an insurance run in the eighth on an RBI single by Jose Tabata. The Scorpions held on for an 8-4 win.

Robert Ray suffered the loss for Phoenix, falling to 1-1 on the season.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Toshiyuki Yanuki; two scoreless frames on the mound with two K’s, still holds 0.00 ERA in 8 1/3 innings this season.

Rays Organization Stats:
Shawn O’Malley; 1 for 2 with a run scored and drew a walk
Heath Rollins; 4 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits with 2 walks in 2 2/3 innings pitched.

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs are off on Saturday for the Arizona Fall League’s Rising Star Game at Surprise Stadium. The game cane be seen at 8:00 ET on MLB Network. Matt Gorgen will be the lone representative for the Rays.

Phoenix Desert Dogs hold on to win slugfest against Peoria 12-11

The Game: Phoenix Desert Dogs were on the winning side of a high scoring shoot-out against the Peoria Saguaros 12-11 on Thursday in Peoria.

The Desert Dogs came out scoring in the first inning posting four runs on the scoreboard. Jemile Weeks singled to center to lead off the inning. Weeks then stole second and Danny Espinosa drew a walk to put runners on the corners. Brandon Snyder then delivered a two run triple to score Weeks and Espinosa. Chris Marrero followed with a sac fly that scored Snyder. Then Grant Desme hits a line drive double to left to put another runner in scoring position for Phoenix. Desme then advanced to third on a passed ball and later scored on a sacrifice by Nevin Ashley to give the Desert Dogs a 4-0 lead.

Peoria got on the scoreboard in the third inning as Mitch Canham led off the inning with a triple to center. Jose Vellejo drove Canham home with a single to second, bringing the Saguaros within three, 4-1.

Phoenix added another run in the fourth inning. Danny Espinosa was hit by a pitch to get things going. Espinosa then stole second and later scored on an RBI single by Chris Marrero to increase the lead to 5-1.

The Saguaros tied the game in the bottom of the fourth. Yonder Alonso and Brandon Hicks delivered back to back singles to lead off the inning. Jonathan Gaston then cleared the bases with a three run home run. Josh Rodriguez followed with a double and then later scored on a grounder by Tim Fedroff to tie the game 5-5.

Phoenix regained the lead in the sixth inning as Danny Espinosa singled to lead off the inning. Corey Brown later followed with an RBI single to score Espinosa and give them a 6-5 lead.

But the Desert Dogs lead did not last long as Peoria posted three more runs in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead. Josh Rodriguez and Mitch Canham delivered back to back singles with one out to get things started. Jose Vallejo then cleared the bases with a three run homer to give Peoria a 8-6 lead.

The Saguaros added an insurance run in the form of a solo home run by Matt McBride in the seventh inning. The homer increased the Peoria lead to 9-6.

Phoenix then mounted a two inning comeback that would eventually give them the win. The Desert Dogs struck for three runs in the eighth inning. Danny Espinosa lead off the inning with a double. Espinosa then scored on an RBI single by Chris Marrero. Corey Brown cleared the bases with a two run homer to tie the game.

The Desert Dogs rally continued into the ninth inning as they pushed across the go ahead runs. Nevin Ashley singles to left to get things started. Adam Loewen then drew a walk to put runners on first and second. Jemile Weeks then reached on an error to load the bases. Danny Espinosa followed with a two run single that scored Ashley and Loewen. Chris Marrero then walked to reload the bases. Weeks later scored on a passed ball and the Desert Dogs now had a 12-9 lead.

Peoria rallied in the home half of the ninth, posting two runs to the scoreboard on a an RBI single by Brandon Hicks and another by Mitch Canham. But the Desert Dogs held on for the win 12-11.

Drew Storen earned the victory, improving to 2-0 on the season. Josh Perrault picked up his first save of the season for Phoenix.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Danny Espinosa; 3 for 3 with a double, 2 RBI’s, 4 runs scored and drew 2 walks, also picked up a stolen base.

Rays Organization Stats:
Nevin Ashley; 2 for 3 with an RBI and a runs scored with a walk and a strikeout at the plate, was 1 for 1 in throwing out base runners behind the plate.

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs return home to Phoenix Municipal Stadium to play the Scottsdale Scorpions on Friday.