Romeo Crennel: “Focus on the Game”
October 10, 2008Wait, How Many Octobers Are There?
October 10, 2008Surprise 8, Scottsdale 7 – 10 Innings (box)
First, let me get something out of the way: Matt Wieters is the real deal. I don’t know if he’ll get a crack at the Orioles roster on day one, but it won’t be too long before this kid is getting All-Star votes. As the designated hitter in yesterday’s AFL game, Wieters went 4-for-4 with two doubles, a walk, two runs scored and an RBI. The Rafters scored in the first inning, thanks to Wieters’ double; and then not again until the fourth, with Wieters crossing the plate. I know that it’s been a small sample size of AFL ball, but you can’t blame Orioles fans for being excited about this kid.
Oh, and some Indians farmhands also played pretty well…
Beau Mills hit third yesterday. Though hitless, Mills walked twice and scored a run. He’s yet to get a hit in the AFL, but give him time as he isone of the few Single-A players on the roster. Batting behind Mr. 700 Matt Wieters was Wes Hodges, who had a very solid day. The third baseman went 3-for-5 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored.
The home run was a three-run shot in the eighth that scored the aforementioned Mills and Wieters. It was also very timely as Scottsdale put up three runs of their own in the top half of the inning. The downside to that is that it was Erik Stiller (of the Aeros) that gave up the three-spot thanks to a four-hit inning. Our pitching out of the pen has been very Indians-esque these last few days, so let’s hope they get it going.
In regard to a few other issues, on top of his hitless day, Beau Mills had two errors in the game; one throwing, the other fielding. Ouch. Also, infielder Josh Rodriguez was 1-for-4 with a walk and an RBI, but was caught stealing twice in the game. He had 21 stolen bases in 2007 (caught eight times), but regressed to 12 swipes this past season with only 18 attempts. With his regression in power as well (20 HRs in ’07, seven in ’08), Rodriguez obviously needs to get back in gear if he plans on making an impact with the big league team.
Today and tomorrow will slate the Rafters against the Mesa Solar Sox, featuring prospects of the Phillies, Cubs, Tigers, and Marlins.
3 Comments
Even if these updates don’t generate a ton of comments, they are appreciated. Well, I speak for myself at least.
Thanks, LM! I know that it can be tough to care about winter baseball when the Browns are mid-season and the Cavs are a few weeks away.
Agreed. i appreciate the updates even if I don’t chime in with something witty every day.
it’s amazing the change in following the game since i was a little kid 20 years ago. i used to just watch (or listen to!) the big club and, occassionally, a new “rookie” would emerge from seemingly nowhere. now, we know all about these guys before they even step a foot in Cleveland.