Yardbarker: Bobby Livingston

Pirates Minor Leaguers Become Free Agents

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:51:19 -0500

A bunch of Pirates minor leaguers have become free agents. Indulge your inner minor-league geek here: Pittsburgh Pitchers: RHP Jason Davis, RHP Eric Hacker, LHP Corey Hamman, RHP Lincoln Holdzkom, RHP Jorge Julio, LHP Bobby Livingston, RHP Juan Mateo, RHP Scott Nestor, RHP Jeremy Powell, RHP Dionis Rodriguez, RHP Ty Taubenheim, RHP Virgil Vasquez Catchers: Hector Gimenez, Steven Lerud, Miguel Perez, Milver Reyes, Steven Suarez Infielders: Chris Barnwell, Josh Bonifay...

Minor Issues: Let's cover our bases

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 06:45:00 -0500

WHAT'S THE NEWS

So it's been a few days.

I haven't had time to breath, let alone do nothing more than tweet about the Indians.

A great minor league happenings, that updates things like playoff races and other stuff. Part one and part two.

So here is the past six or so days in the minor leagues. From Tuesday the 11th to the action that happened on Sunday. Good Monday Morning, I'm at work. Read my catch-up later for all the other news and links.

COLUMBUS

Record: 3-3 - All Against Indianapolis

3-3 against Indy this week in their week long series.

Transactions: Bobby Livingston Added, Jose Veras and RJ Swindle Added to Reserve), Andy Cannizaro Traded

Cannizaro was sent to Chicago (Charlotte) for cash. Veras cleared waivers and accepted his assignment, but him and the newly claimed RJ Swindle are on reserve for now.

Notable Performances

8/11: Carlos Carrasco - W (9-9), 8 IP, 1 ER, 10 SO, 0 BB; Lou Marson - 3/4, 1 R, 1 RBI
8/12: Ryan Edell - L (0-4), 5 IP, 2 ER, 1 BB; Matt LaPorta - 1/3, BB, Solo HR
8/13: Hector Rondon - W (4-2), 6.2 IP, 1 ER(4R), 8 SO, 1 BB; Jason Donald - 3/4, 3 R, 2B; Wes Hodges - 1/3, 1 R, 2 RBI
8/14: 9 Innings of Suck from Ken Ray, Bobby Livingston, Michael Tejera; Matt LaPorta - 4/4, 3 R, 2 Solo HR; Stephen Head - 2/4 1 R, Solo HR
8/15: Matt LaPorta - 1/2 2BB
8/16: Carlos Carrasco - W (10-9), 7.2 IP, 1 ER, 6 SO, 2 BB; Stephen Head - 3/4, 2-R HR; Josh Barfield - 2/3, 2 2B

As you can see, Matt LaPorta had a few good games and he's really ripping it up. He's hitting .303 on the season with a .386 OBP, 17 HR, and 60 RBI.

Let me just say, I knew he was a power hitter, we all did, and I was pretty sure the OBP would be high because of that, because even if he's a free swinger, he'll still get walks from pitchers pitching around him.

But that average is higher than I thought he'd maintain. Last year with Huntington he had a .288 average and his Akron average was .233. So really, this is pleasantly surprising.

Rondon and Carrasco keep putting forth great starts and Carrasco put in his best start yet with a 10 punch-out, 8 inning gem. No walks too? Sunday's start wasn't as good, but still good and this guy is an innings eater.

Frank Herrmann in his last ten games.. 1-1, 18 IP, 15 K, 2 BB, 2.00 ERA. He's got a 2.78 ERA on the season.

I wonder if the Indians are going to give him a shot next month, or if they want to avoid putting him on the 40-man until next season. He certainly deserves it.

AKRON

Record: 3-3 - Connecticut (2-1), New Britain (1-2)

Won the series against Connecticut, but dropped the first two to New Britain before winning the finale on Sunday.

Transactions: Added Scott Barnes

Vinnie Pestano is officially out for the rest of the season. Josh Judy will continue to close.

Notable Performances

8/11: Carlos Santana - 3/5, R, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, HR short of Cycle; Jose Constanza - 1/4, 1 R, 2 RBI, 32nd SB
8/12: Scott Barnes - W (1-0), 5 IP, 2 ER, 6 SO, 0 BB; Lonnie Chisenhall - 1/5, 3-R HR; Jared Goedert - 2/3, 1 R, 2B, 2-R HR, 3 RBI, BB; Beau Mills - 2/5, 2B, 1 RBI; Carlos Santana - 2/4, 1 R
8/13: Eric Berger - 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 SO, 3 BB; Carlos Santana - 2/3, 2 BB
8/14: Jeanmar Gomez - 4 IP, 1 H, 3 SO, 3 BB, Offense 1 Hit by Cristo Arnal
8/15: Connor Graham - L (0-2), 5 IP, 4 ER, 5 SO, 2 BB; Carlos Santana, 2B
8/16: Josh Tomlin - W (12-8), 5 IP, 1 ER, 6 SO, 0 BB; Steven Wright - 3 IP, 0 ER; Matt McBride - 3 R HR; Carlos Rivero - 2/4, 2 Solo HR; Beau Mills - 1/3, SF, HR, SF, 2 RBI

Constanza ended up stealing another base, which puts him eight behind the Aeros franchise record of 41.

Carlos Santana is now hitting . He's really boosted his average with this rip he's been on, to add into his run production, which has been steady all year.

Eric Berger was much better in his second Akron start, showing the first start was just nerves. Barnes had a good debut at the new level. Gomez did not get injured in the game he went just 4 innings, he simply had thrown too many pitches. He ran into trouble in the fourth and his pitch count became too high to send him back out.

KINSTON

Record: 5-1 - Lynchburg (2-1), Salem (3-0)

Kinston continues to win at all costs, really making a playoff push and sweeping Salem.

Notable Performances

8/11: Paolo Espino - W (4-6), 6 IP, 0 ER, 6 SO, 1 BB; Alex Castillo - 2/4, 1 R, 2 RBI; Roman Pena - 2/4, 1 R, 2 RBI, SB
8/12: Lucas Montero - 3/5, 2 R, RBI; Tim Fedroff - 2/4, 2 R, RBI; Cord Phelps - 2/4, RBI, SB
8/13: Tim Fedroff - 2/4, 2 R, 3B, 2 RBI; Bo Pickens - 1/4, 3 R HR; Roman Pena - 1/3, 2 R, 2-R HR
8/14: Bryan Price - 6 IP, 1 ER, 2 SO, 0 BB; Tim Fedroff - 2/5, 2 R, 2 2B, RBI; Cord Phelps - 2/5, 2-R HR, 3 RBI; Adam Davis - 3/3, 1 R, 2B, BB
8/15: Scott Lewis - 3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 SO, 1 BB; Tim Fedroff - 2/4, 2 RBI; Adam Davis - 3/5, R, RBI, 2 2B, SB
8/16: Paolo Espino - W (5-6), 0 ER (1R), 5 SO, 1 BB; Tim Fedroff - 2/3, 2 RBI, 2 2B; Adam Davis - 2/5, SB, RBI; All but two K-Tribe starters had RBI

Scott Lewis' start was a rehab start and Bryan Price keeps pitching awesome.

Tim Fedroff is absolutely on fire. In his last ten games, before Sunday, he's hit .452 with 10 RBI and 11 Runs. He's now carrying a 16 game hit streak and he's hit in 18 of his last 19. He's also got 34 hits in that span.

Great report on Bryan Price.

LAKE COUNTY

Record: 3-3 - Augusta (1-2), Rome (2-1)

Took the series against Rome.

Transactions: Added Roberto Perez from AZL, Sent Michael Valdez to AZL, Activated Jason Knapp

There's a lot of moving around, the Captains are practically running with a six-man rotation. I think Hagadone and Knapp are going to start following each other rather than starting, since both are only going three innings in each game.

Notable Performances

8/11: Jason Knapp - 1st Start, 2 IP, 1 ER(2R), 2 SO, 2 BB; Trey Haley - L, 2 IP, 4 ER(5R), 1 SO, 4 BB; Karexon Sanchez - 2/5, 2 RBI; Jeremie Tice - 2/4, R, RBI, 2B
8/12: Nick Hagadone - 2.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 SO, 2 BB; Chris Jones - 5.1 IP, 0 ER, 7 SO, 1 BB; John Allman - 2-R HR; Adam Abraham - 2/4
8/13: TJ McFarland - W (7-4), 6 IP, 0 ER, 2 SO, 1 BB, Francisco Jimenez - 3 IP , 0 ER, 3 SO, 0 BB; Nate Recknagel - 2/2, 2 BB; Chris Nash - 2/4, 2B, RBI; Donnie Webb - Solo HR
8/14: TJ House - W (5-8), 5.2 ER, 2 ER, 4 SO, 0 BB(11 H); Delvi Cid - 2/3, SB, Donnie Webb - 1/4, 2B, SB; Bo Greenwell - 2/4, 2 R, RBI; Roberto Perez - 2/4, RBI (LC Debut)
8/15: Danny Salazar - L (5-5), 7 IP, 3 ER, SO, BB; Delvi Cid - 1/3, SB, Jeremie Tice and John Allman - 2B Each
8/16: Jason Knapp - 3.2 IP, 2 ER(3R), 5 SO, 0 BB; Mark Thompson - 3/3, 3 R, 3-R HR, SB, 2 BB; Nate Recknagel - 3/3, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 BB, 3 RBI; Donnie Webb - 3/5, 1 RBI; John Allman - 2/4, 3-R HR

Delvi Cid is now at 27 and Donnie Webb is at 34 in the stolen base department. What a duo they are.

Jason Knapp made his LC debut and threw enough pitches before his three inning limit. Hagadone made start number two and same result. Like I said earlier, they might start working in the same game since they are both only going 3 IP or 50 pitches. Remember though, TJ House is going to start making less starts and they used Haley out of relief.

So really there are six pitchers they are rotating around to get starts and innings.

Knapp's second start on Sunday was more than three innings. He must have needed to go more than three to get at least enough pitches in.

MAHONING VALLEY

Record: 3-3 - Brooklyn (1-2), Lowell (2-1)

Notable Performances

8/11: Vidal Nuno - 6 IP, 1 ER, 5 SO, 0 BB; Kyle Bellows - 1/3, 2 R HR, BB, SB; Casey Frawley - 2/3, 2B
8/12: Clayton Cook - W (4-2), 5 IP, 0 ER, 4 SO, 1 BB; Jordan Henry - 3 R, RBI; Jason Kipnis - 3 R, 3 BB, RBI; Kyle Bellows - 2/5, 2 3B, 5 RBI; Greg Folgia - 2 H, 2B, 3 RBI; Jesus Brito - 2 H, 2 BB
8/13: Brett Brach - 5.1 IP, 0 ER, 3 SO, 2 BB; Jordan Henry - 1 H, 2 BB; Chun-Hsiu Chen - 2 H, 2B
8/14: Preston Guilmet - 3 IP, 1 ER(5 R), SO, BB; Matt Packer - 3 IP, 2 SO, 0 H, 0 BB (Debut)
8/15: Marty Popham - W (5-1), 5 IP, 3 ER, 7 SO, 0 BB; Jason Kipnis - 2/5, RBI; Kyle Bellows - 2/3, 2 R; Greg Folgia - 1/2, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB; Jesus Brito - 2/3, 3 RBI
8/16: Vidal Nuno - W (4-0), 7 IP, 0 ER (1R), 6 SO, 0 BB; Tim Palincsar - 1/3, Solo HR, 2 RBI

The pitching continues to be awesome. That's all. Matt Packer made his debut and went three innings.

Jordan Henry has 17 SB on the year. Nice little player there.

ARIZONA LEAGUE

Record: 2-2 - Padres (2-0), L Rangers, L Brewers

Remarkably, the AZL team is in the playoff hunt with a few weeks left

Transactions: Added Dwight Childs, Lost Roberto Perez, Added Michael Valdez

Michael Valdez went all the way to the AZL level, for what reason? Well Valdez is being converted to a pitcher. We'll see how that goes.

Notable Performances

8/11: Justin Toole - 3 RBI, Joel Torres - 3/4, 2 R
8/12: Mike Rayl - 4.0 IP, 0 ER(1R), 6 SO, 0 BB; Argenis Martinez - 3/5, 3 R, 3 RBI; Chris Kersten - 3/5, 2B, 3-R HR, 4 RBI; Roberto Perez - 2/4, 2 R, 2-R HR; Kelvin Rucker - 2 RBI
8/13: Justin Toole - 3/3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2B; Chris Kersten - 2/5
8/15: Danny Jimenez - 6 IP, 1 ER, 3 SO, 2 BB; Chris Kersten - 2/6, 2B, SB; Joel Torres - 2/4, 3B, R, 2 BB, SB; Giovanny Urshela - 2 RBI

Everything Update Issues: Call-ups a-comin?

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:53:00 -0500

With no game yesterday, there (as you would expect) isn't really much to talk about concerning the major league team.

But that doesn't stop us from speculating or talking.

Check it out.

We've got one link, a new Indians Inbox, which posses the question of Matt LaPorta's status.

For information, LaPorta has a tweaked hamstring right now and is day-to-day.

From AC.
LaPorta's absence is a function of several developments, most notably the Indians' insistence on going with a 13-man pitching staff because of the inconsistency of their starters. Then you've got Grady Sizemore's elbow condition, which creates the need for a true backup in center field. The Indians want to leave Shin-Soo Choo locked in on the corners, so they have Trevor Crowe to back up Sizemore. They have Chris Gimenez up here so he can help out in left field, first base and behind the plate. Let's also remember that this guy will be a cornerstone, or at least, hopefully a cornerstone of this franchise sooner rather than later. However we are a little unsure about guys like Andy Marte. So it's better to give them a shot while we have the time and he is running out of it. LaPorta will be here soon enough. I'm frustrated we don't have a spot for him right now, but he'll be here and he'll be contributing.

I'm going to now quote this question and the answer, which goes back to the attendance and payroll and money issue that was sort of bandied about last week.

In last week's Inbox, you wrote, "Attendance directly impacts payroll, which directly impacts the quality and depth of the Major League team, which directly affects performance, which directly affects attendance. It's a vicious cycle that, combined with the difficulties of being a mid-market club in a sport without a payroll, is not easily overcome." That may be true, but so is the inverse. The product on the field affects attendance, which affects revenues, etc.

I think sometimes the Dolans have it backward. To quote a famous baseball movie, "If you build it, they will come." Agree?
-- Jeff H., Bay Village, Ohio

No, I don't agree, actually. The Indians were a win away from the World Series in 2007, but still had modest attendance figures at the start of '08 (and keep in mind that as disappointing as the '08 season was, the Indians were either in first place or within five games of it for the season's first two months). There was not significant attendance carryover, and, as mentioned in last week's Inbox, the attendance in '07 didn't pick up until August.

True-that. Sorry but as AC would later go onto say. It's a football town that also has LeBron James, a megastar in the sport. That isn't even the root of the issue. Indians fans suck. I mean, I suck too. But really we refuse to go out and support the Tribe unless they are like contending. I mean the passion is great, and when Progressive Field is filled up, with playoff atmosphere (I was there twice in 2007, nothing like it), there isn't a crowd louder or prouder of their team.

But if this team is in the dumps, or it's early in the season, or the team is mid-road trying to contend. Attendance is going to suck unless Tom Hamilton fireworks are going on or a Grady Sizemore promotion is being given away.

Okay so let's move to the goods.

WHAT'S THE NEWS

This is sort of major league related, actually very major league related. So count on this double-way. Only a few minor league games, so it's a combined effort today.

But Bobby Livingston, because Scott Barnes was promoted to Akron, has been shuttled to Columbus. Which means someone in Columbus is outtie. Either there is an injury or someone is getting ready to get called up.

Tony from IPI thinks Carrasco or Rondon could get the call. But obviously they'd be in the rotation. So who'd be out? Are the Indians going to give it a go with six starters like they sort talked about when they traded Pavano? It could happen, just to get guys looks. Maybe rotate the final starting spot and get the other pitcher throwing side sessions, or come out of the bullpen in the same game just to get their work in.

Or maybe they'll just move Jeremy Sowers to the bullpen, who knows. Either way, Tomo Ohka's time is just about up.

As mentioned though, Barnes is headed to Akron and that now gives them a rotation with no dummie retreads.

Congrats to Preston Guilmet, who was named New York-Penn League Pitcher of the Week.

Finally, a nice story on IPI about Jerad Head, Akron utility man. We don't realize that some of these organizational players, as they are labeled by the likes of us, actually have dreams and have on more than one occasion, bucked the trend and overcome the odds to do it.

Which is why I like reading the stuff Head had to say in the story.

COLUMBUS

So here is an oddity. Columbus faced Indianapolis for the entire week. They'll play three in Indianapolis and then come to Columbus for four more. Weiiiiiiiird. Game one didn't go the Clippers way though.

Would you believe the piggyback duo of Mike Gosling and Kenny Ray gave up just two runs in all eight innings though? Ya, I didn't think so, but they did. Combined seven hits, two runs, two walks and seven strikeouts.

The run the Clippers scored was courtesy of Lou Marson, who drove in Wes Hodges, who had one of four doubles on the night. Marson, Brantley, and Head had the others.

AKRON

The Aeros resume today in Connecticut. Scott Barnes to start on Wednesday.

KINSTON

Kinston picks up in Lynchburg.

LAKE COUNTY

The other team in action on a very silent Monday was Lake County and they pulled out a nice win over Augusta.

Nate Recknagel and Bo Greenwell each knocked in a run, with Greenwell and Jeremie Tice collecting two hits. John Allman and Mark Thompson each knocked in runs, with Allman and Adam Abraham doubling. Abraham scored twice.

It was Karexon Sanchez who had the big day. He was 2-4 with a double and a three-run homer for a three RBI night.

Danny Salazar picked up the win by going 5.1 innings, giving up just four hits and two walks in scoreless frames. He struck out three.

Jason Knapp makes his much anticipated debut tonight. He's going three innings or fifty pitches. Tomorrow, Nick Hagadone will follow the same guideline as he makes another start.

MAHONING VALLEY

The Scrappers welcome Brooklyn into the Valley for a three-game stand today.

ARIZONA LEAGUE

The Arizona League Indians did play a game and they beat the Dodgers, 8-6. Chris Kersten knocked in three runs and hit both a double and a triple.

Importantly though, Scott Lewis made a rehab start, going four innings, giving up a run off three hits and no walks with six strikeouts.

Minor Issues: Aeros win Sixth Straight, Kinston Breaks Streak

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 06:24:00 -0500

WHAT'S THE NEWS

It's time to get back in tune with everything. We've not done the normal rotation in about a week and it feels like things are a bit out of whack.

So here we are, with me working just one day next week, and not till Wednesday the week after, things are going to get back to normal for a bit.

I feel out of tune with the minor league teams, so let's get back into tune.

COLUMBUS

I have to wonder why we're continuing down this road of retread city. The Gwinnett Braves collected 21 hits and scored 15 runs, with 10 of them being charged to Zach Jackson.

Michael Tejera gave up three runs in relief.

The point is this.

With all the infusion of young pitchers, there are definitely arms at the lower levels to replace someone if they do a chain of call-ups.

So just release Bobby Livingston and Michael Tejera or Kenny Ray. Call up Ryan Edell to Columbus, Eric Berger to Akron, Bryan Price fits into the Kinston rotation, and

Anyway, moving on. Jordan Brown doubled and had two hits that knocked in two runs on the night. Damaso Espino knocked in the other two runs via a two-run home run.

AKRON

Speaking of... Ryan Edell pitched six scoreless in the Aeros win over Binghamton. Six straight for Akron.

Edell gave up five hits and one walk with four strikeouts and he is now 4-1 with a 2.32 ERA. I'd get him up there.

Not a good night for the mascot, Zach Putnam, who gave up four runs, three earned in just 1.1 innings of work.

Neil Wagner struck out three to get his first save.

The offense was rolling and the big blast came off the bat of Carlos Rivero, who finally displayed that power we all know he has.

His fifth jack of the year was a grand slam home run in the third inning. It was his lone hit of the night, but it was a big one. It's his third home run in as many games and his fourth in the last ten. We all knew he had it in him.

Beau Mills had a four hit night that knocked in two runs, scored one, and doubled.

McBride went 0-5 a night after killing everyone, it happens.

KINSTON

There's a win for Kinston! The K-Tribe beat Myrtle Beach 7-0 to snap that ugly losing streak.

Bad news though... Alex Perez left the game after facing just one hitter with an undisclosed injury. He struck out the leadoff hitter and was then replaced by Bryce Stowell.

Stowell combined with Jonathan Holt, CC Lee, and Kyle Landis to give up just four hits and four walks and strike out 11 in the shutout.

A few hitters with a few hits, but Tim Fedroff had the best night. Fedroff is heating up and after homering last night, he had three hits and three runs batted in, with a double and a run scored.

LAKE COUNTY

Welcome back!

Jeremie Tice returned to the Captains this week and last night, he got back into the swing of things by swinging his bat and connecting four times in the Captains win over Kannapolis.

Between Tice and Donnie Webb, the Captains didn't need much.

Tice went 4-4 with two RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base. Webb was 3-4 with two runs scored, and his 29th stolen base. Nate Recknagel also knocked in a run.

Chris Jones got the win by going five innings and giving up just one run. Steve Smith pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up save number 18.

MAHONING VALLEY

More dominant pitching for the Valley, how nice it is.

The Scrappers beat Batavia 2-0 behind Clayton Cook's gem.

Cook went six innings, gave up just three hits and two walks with four punch outs. He picked up his second win while Tyler Sturdevant picked up save number two and finished off the four-hit shutout.

Kyle Smith the shortstop and Casey Frawley knocked in the runs for the Scrappers, with Frawley collecting two hits. He's hitting .321 since getting called up.

ARIZONA LEAGUE

The AZL Pads kicked the AZL Indians in the teeth last night.

Kirk Wetmore gave up four runs in four innings to fall to 0-2. Jose Flores followed him up with four more runs, but only one earned.

Nick Sarianides with three scoreless innings and just one hit and four strikeouts to stop the bleeding.

The two runs were knocked in by Moises Montero, who had a double. Roberto Perez continues to hit his head off with two more runs and a double.

Minor Issues: Kipnis Signs, Smith Replaces Pestano on EL AS Team

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:14:00 -0500

WHAT'S THE NEWS

Since we last talked earlier this week, more retreads have been purged. Sort of.

Both Jack Cassel and Kirk Saarloos were placed on the disabled list earlier this week.

Vinnie Chulk is on the DL as well. Room needed to be made for Rafael Perez, Jeremy Sowers, and Hector Rondon and with Wyatt Toregas going through an injury issue, the Clippers needed to temporarily add a catcher, Dwight Childs, this year's 18th rounder currently at Mahoning Valley, just in case something happens to Damaso Espino.

I'm trying to update the boards, had them done on Wednesday until excel froze on me and ruined everything.

There is one more injury to note. Down in Akron, Vinnie Pestano was placed on the Disabled List. Now if you remember, The Gangster was on the EL All-Star team, so he'll need a repalcement. Lucky for the Aeros, the replacement is being taken from their team in Carlton Smith.

Congrats to Carlton.

Instead of recapping the past few days that I've missed, just read the new Minor League Happenings. Rondon and Popham were very good this past week going deep into their games with perfection.

Also... Check out this story on Jason Smit, who's ripping it up for the Valley.

Finally, one more left... With the signing of second round pick, Jason Kipnis, the Indians have just one more big draft pick to get inked in Alex White.

Kipnis officially signed with the Indians. Once White signs his deal, that would give the Indians control of their top 20 picks.

COLUMBUS

Well... The Indians have been pretty down on having Carmona return right out of the All-Star Break and last night's game won't help his cause.

Carmona was good for awhile, then he gave up a four run inning. He would end up giving one more in his seven innings of work off eight hits and two walks.

I'm guessing Carmona is going to have to give it one more go.

Jensen Lewis pitched a perfect frame by striking out the side in the eighth.

Two hits and a RBI each for Michael Brantley and Jordan Brown. Brantley scored twice and stole a base, while Brown doubled.

Andy Marte knocked in a run and swiped a base.

AKRON

Erie beat Akron, in large part to a rough first-inning for starter Bobby Livingston.

Livingston gave up four runs in that inning, six total in his six innings of work. Newly named All-Star Carlton Smith stated his case by going two scoreless.

Nick Weglarz and Carlos Santana knocked in a run a piece while Johnnie Drennen doubled twice.

KINSTON

Kinston beat Potomac yesterday behind a successful Kinston debut by Alexander Perez.

Perez went six scoreless, giving up six hits and two walks with six strikeouts.

Bo Pickens and Ron Rivas had two hits and a run batted in, Lucas Montero doubled in a run, and Roman Pena knocked in two runs. Lonnie Chisenhall scored a run and had two hits.

LAKE COUNTY

In a game in which the Captains committed three errors and gave up 12 hits...they lost. Duh.

Kaimi Mead took the loss after he gave up five runs in 3.2 innings of work after Brian Grening went 2.1 innings. Mead only gave up on earned though.

Bo Greenwell had two hits, including one of the Captains two runs knocked in.

MAHONING VALLEY

Clayton Cook didn't need much run-support after his six scoreless innings in which he gave up just three hits and a walk.

But that didn't stop the Scrappers from scoring 8 runs.

Ben Carlson and Lurvin Basabe knocked in two runs each, including Carlson's double. Basabe hit his first home run of the year and scored twice.

Greg Folgia knocked in a run with two hits and Rafael Vera also knocked in a run.

ARIZONA LEAGUE

The AZL Indians put up another big crooked number with 16 runs off 21 hits against the Mariners back on the ninth of July.

Jesus Brito - 4/6, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B, 3B
Chris Kersten - 5/6, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B
Darling Read - 2/3, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2B, HBP
Casey Frawley - 3/5, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2B, SB

Trent Baker, Roberto Perez, and Rolando Petit all had two hits. Kelvin Rucker was the lone AZL starter wtihout a hit, but he walked twice and scored.

Minor Issues: Rondon called up, Aeros Sweep DH

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:44:00 -0500

WHAT'S THE NEWS

It's official. Hector Rondon has been called up to Triple-A Columbus.

Part of two of this past week's minor happenings is up. Interesting on the part of Ryan Morris getting hit in the stands as a spectator rather than a player. As you will see later, it didn't seem to bother him much in his latest start.

COLUMBUS

It was a tie game heading into the seventh inning and just a one run game heading into the eighth.

By the time the game ended, Columbus had beaten Toledo 8-1, thanks in large part to a Trevor Crowe grand slam.

Crowe had two other hits on the day, as did Mike Brantley who scored twice, walked, and stole his 32 base of the year.

Jordan Brown and Niuman Romero knocked in two runs each with Romero doing it off three hits.

Fausto Carmona went five innings, giving up the one run in the first inning, but allowing five hits and one walk with five strikeouts. He threw just 87 pitches.

Rafael Betancourt might be ready to go. He picked up the win after tossing a scoreless sixth frame and striking out two.

Jensen Lewis could be ready to join him. He went two scoreless, giving up two hits, but he struck out five hitters as well.

AKRON

Two wins for the Aeros after they sweep a double-header with Harrisburg. In game number one, Bobby Livingston made a successful debut with Akron to pick up the win 6-2.

Livingston went all seven innings, gave up two runs off five hits and a walk.

Everyone in the Akron lineup except Matt McBride and Jared Goedert had hits. Carlos Rivero had three and Beau Mills had two and both of them had a RBI. Santana, Drennen, and Constanza all knocked in runs as well.

The Aeros shut out Harrisburg in game two with a bullpen effort.

Steven Wright went the first three innings, Erik Stiller struck out four in the next two, Matt Meyer struck out two for a hold in the sixth, and Vinnie Pestano picked up save 24.

Just four hits for the Aeros in this one, but one of them was enough for two runs. Armando Camacaro provided the runs with a two-run shot in the second innings.

KINSTON

Great win for Kinston on Sunday, a 2-0 shutout over Wilmington.

Ryan Morris pitched seven shutout frames, giving up just three hits and striking out seven. Dave Roberts pitched two perfect innings to finish it up with the save, his first for Kinston.

Ron Rivas and Lucas Montero with two hits each and Cord Phelps with one of the two runs knocked in.

LAKE COUNTY

Lake County could only muster one run in the eighth as they fell to Greensboro on Sunday.

Matt Willard had the RBI and Mark Thompson had two hits and the run scored.

Alex Perez went five innings, giving up three runs off seven hits and three walks. Travis Turek was brilliant in relief, going three innings and giving up just one hit.

MAHONING VALLEY

A late push wasn't enough for the Scrappers as they fell to Jamestown by one run.

They scored six times, but only two players recorded RBIs. Ben Carlson and and Jason Smit. Tim Palinscar and Rafael Vera with two hits.

Clayton Cook went four innings and gave up four earned off five hits and four walks.

ARIZONA LEAGUE

No game for the AZL Indians.

Indians Sign Bobby Livingston

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:42:48 -0500

According to Anthony Castrovince at MLB.com, the Indians signed LHP Bobby Livingston to a minor-league deal yesterday. Livingston had been granted his release from the Orioles on July 2nd, and he'll now slide into the rotation at Double-A affiliate Akron. This marks another scrap-heap acquisition for the Indians, who have been shuffling their vaunted bullpen.

Minor Issues: Scrappers, AZL Tribe produce offense

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:04:00 -0500

WHAT'S THE NEWS

The signing of pitcher Bobby Livingston is now official and this means the next start Hector Rondon makes, will be in Columbus for the Clippers.

Livingston meanwhile is a former fourth round pick for the Mariners. He's spent the past few years bouncing around teams and this year he's been with Baltimore.

Livingston had the MLB record for most hits by a pitcher in a game with four. He's made 10 starts for the Reds back in 2007, going 3-3 with a 5.27 ERA. He only has seven career hits, so most of his hits came in that one game.

Remember, Fausto Carmona goes for Columbus today.

COLUMBUS

The Clippers fell to Toledo yesterday after Zach Jackson was ambushed early.

Jackson ended up going six innings, but he gave up seven earned in the first four innings. He gave up nine hits and a walk while striking out five. Frank Herrmann pitched two scoreless to follow.

The Clips had 13 hits, more than Toledo's 11, but they only scored three runs and they came off a pair of home runs. Stephen Head hit a two run shot and Tony Graffanino hit a solo homer. Andy Marte went 2-4 with a run scored and a pair of doubles, and Matt LaPorta had three hits, including one double. Head also had three hits.

Wes Hodges was 0-4 in his return to Columbus, he DHed.

AKRON

After trailing most of the game to Harrisburg, the Aeros put together a four run seventh and added on an insurance run in the ninth to pull off the win.

Carlos Santana had himself a time, hitting two solo home runs one in the third and the other in the ninth. He had another RBI hit to up his RBI total to 54.

The other four runs came from Jose Constanza and Matt McBride. Constanza doubled and had three hits with two RBI and a run scored.

McBride had two hits and two RBI. Jerad Head also had two hits and a run scored.

Jeanmar Gomez went three innings as the starter, gave up five runs off eight hits and four walks. Not a good start at al.

Josh Judy picked up the win after striking out five and giving up just one hit in three innings. The mascot Zach Putnam and Neil Wagner pitched scoreless frames, with Putnam striking out two, as did Vinnie Pestano who picked up save 23.

KINSTON

Wilmington pulled off a one run win after Santo Frias couldn't hold the game in the seventh after Paolo Espino went six innings, giving up three runs, two earned, off seven hits and two walks.

Ryan Blair and Eric Perlozzo had a hit and a RBI each. Ron Rivas had two hits, including a double, and a run scored.

LAKE COUNTY

The Captains were charged by a pair of home runs and a solid outing for starter TJ McFalrand to pull off a 5-3 win.

McFarland went 5.2 innings, giving up two runs off five hits and a walk. Matt Langwell finished the sixth and pitched two more innings, giving up a run himself, while Steve Smith pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up save number 14.

Mark Thompson hit a solo shot and Donnie Webb had the big two-run homer. Michael Valdez also knocked in a run.

Delvi Cid had three hits and Nate Recknagel had three hits as well, but managed to score two runs.

MAHONING VALLEY

The Scrappers laid an absolute beat down on Jamestown with ten runs off 15 hits.

Jordan Henry the leadoff man scored three times after reaching base with two hits and two walks on the night. Lurvin Basabe was right behind with two runs off two hits.

Jason Smit doubled and scored twice as well with his three hits and John Allman had two hits that knocked in a game high four runs.

Ben Carlson and Chun-Hsiu Chen knocked in runs and Chen scored a run had two hits.

Kyle Smith also had two hits and two runs batted in.

Vidal Nuno and Jose Urena both went four innings each with Nuno giving up two runs, one earned, and striking out four. Urena also struck out four but gave up no runs off four hits. Nick Kirk pitched a scoreless ninth.

ARIZONA LEAGUE

AZL Indians scored 8 runs to dismiss the AZL Brewers yesterday. All eight runs came in two innings in which they scored five and three.

Jesus Brito and Rolando Petit with the big nights, knocking in two runs each, with Brito having three hits and Petit getting two. Argenis Martinez, Dan DeGeorge, Kevin Rucker and Chris Kersten all had two hits and Roberto Perez and Joel Torres both had three hits. Torres, Rucker, Martinez, and Kersten with RBIs.

Every starter had at least two hits, except leadoff man Trent Baker who had just one.

Alex Morales went five innings and gave up one run to improve to 2-0. He also struck out eight. The pen pitched four scoreless.

O's Grant Livingston His Release

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:31:25 -0500

According to Dean Jones Jr. of the Baltimore Sun, minor leaguer Bobby Livingston exercised a clause in his contract this afternoon to gain his release from the Orioles.Livingston, 26, was 6-2 with a 3.62 earned-run average in 13 appearances (12 starts) with the Double-A Bowie Baysox. The clause in his contract allowed him to ask for his release if he wasn't on the major league roster by July 1. Livingston last appeared in "the bigs" with the Reds in 2007. He holds a 6.31 care...

Bowie Baysox Continue Dominance of Erie SeaWolves with 3-1 Win

Sun, 17 May 2009 20:18:51 -0500

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com- BOWIE, Md. - Bobby Livingston tossed five strong innings, while first baseman Brandon Snyder continued to be an RBI machine as the Baysox took down Erie 3-1 ...

Bowie Baysox Edge Erie SeaWolves 2-1 - Eastern League

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:05:50 -0500

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com - ERIE, PA - The Baysox got five solid innings from Bobby Livingston and Brandon Snyder stayed red-hot, crushing a go ahead home run in the sixth inning as the Baysox bullpen slammed the door on Erie . . .

AAA season is over, Bring on the bench players!

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:49:12 -0500

With the triple-A loss tonight, which eliminated them from the playoffs, we get the pleasure of bringing up guys that Dusty Baker won't play. God I hate Dusty Baker

Here is the list of AAA players who are on the 40 man
Pitchers:
Homer Bailey
Danny Herrera
Todd Coffey
Bobby Livingston
Daryl Thompson
Tyler Pelland

Position Players:
Craig Tatum
Paul Janish
Danny Richar
Adam Rosales

Other guys who I would like to see is Drew Stubbs, Josh Roenicke and Matt Maloney, but I don't want to get my hopes up.

Freel to have surgery, Hairston to DL, Cabrera back, Livingston to AA

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:19:11 -0500

Other stuff that happened a couple days ago was Jerry Hairston went on the DL with a strained hammy, and is supposedly going to be back at the end of that DL stint. Jolbert Cabrera call activated. The other move that I forget to update everyone about was Bobby Livingston getting taken off the 60 day DL after labrum surgery. He was sent to AA to continue his recovery. He is an interesting candidate for some starts at the end of the year if the Reds decide to shut down one of the younger starters. Of course I really doubt the Reds are a smart enough franchise to limit the innings of Cueto, Bailey, or Volquez.