Fairel/Mesaraco Carolina debut

[muddie]

Although it would have been a lot nicer to have won the game, having these two guys join the team is something to really appreciate. The Mudcats have the highest team ERA in the Southern League. That's not a mystery if you see them play frequently, starters don't last. Fairel went a solid seven in his first start and really was in command the entire time. Other than Cochran, there is no one established as reliable yet. Webb and Fairel will add a lot here. Fairel threw 92 pitches in seven innings, 54 of which were strikes. I really look forward to seeing him pitch again.

Mesoraco was impressive. He was 1-3 with a solo shot. The kid did take a hard hit when a runner scored from third and he was waiting for the throw on his knees in front of the plate. He dropped the ball so the runner was safe. He got up slowly and strolled out to the mound to gather himself. We were sitting just behind the plate and I know it shook him up but after the stroll to the mound he was back. Everything he does behind the plate, he makes it look easy. He looks very relaxed during a game. Listed at 6'1" and at 220, he brings a little bit of size to the position as well.

I think Kingspoint asked about wheather or not Mesoraco would take signals from the dugout. The first time through the lineup, yes and no. Between batters he would look into the dugout for a minute and then generally did not look over again until the next batter was headed for the plate. It was like he was getting a download on the upcoming batter. As the game progressed and situations warranted, he looked to the dugout more frequently, sometimes for every pitch. Having Fairel on the mound probably made this simpler than it would have with another starter. The last two innings he caught Reuben Medina. Medina has been inconsistent for a while now. To Mesoraco's credit, he went out in one situation and talked to Medina...the guy was struggling...and it appeared to help.

It was an absolutely beautiful day for baseball and it would have been nice had Fairel gotten a win but I'm sure he made Tom Brown and David Bell very happy. West Tenn has the second highest team batting average in the league.

The guys headed out yesterday afternoon and will be in Jacksonville for a 1 o'clock first pitch today. Guess I'll tune this one in on the radio on the deck with a Bass Ale or two.

[mace]

Nice report, muddie. Thanks. The interesting thing to me was your remark that Mesoraco makes it look easy. That's a different song that we heard his first year or two, when he reportedly had a very loose grasp on the position.

[gedred69]

The report is much appreciated! Always good to hear from someone actually seeing prospects, rather than analyzing stat sheets.

[Birdman007]

Thanks for the report. I can't wait to see Devin get to the majors some day. I think he can be very good.

[Degenerate39]

Any chance Mesaraco makes it to Triple A this year?

[lollipopcurve]

thanks for the report, muddie. I look forward to hearing more of your impressions of Mesoraco.

Pretty psyched that he homered in his first start.

[Kingspoint]

Thanks, muddie. Very nice report. Hope it didn't take away from enjoying your time with your family. That you were behind home plate was fantastic. Such a wonderful place to watch a game, especially in a Minor League Park.

Ditto on looking forward to any future reports you care to share.

Happy Memorial Day.

[GIDP]

Any chance Mesaraco makes it to Triple A this year?

If I had to guess he might see some near the end. Id expect him to be at AA the rest of the year.

Of course that could all change if he hits like he did in A ball.

[muddie]

I tend to agree with with the Mudcats radio guy Patrick Kinas, I believe Mesaraco will spend the remainder of this year here in Carolina. The kid is a couple weeks shy of 22 years of age. He'll be doing well to get AA under his belt this year.

Kingspoint, not a problem at all. If I can ever help out let me know. I'm at a lot of the games anyway. I've gotten so much insight from you guys on this board I'm more than happy to try to contribute where I can.