4/27 Minor League Scores

[Bourgeois Zee]

There's been a Bryce Bonnin sighting, and it looks like he's starting in Dayton.

Louisville tries again against Columbus. We'll see how they manage to lose tonight. Bernardo Flores takes the mound for the Bats. He'll be opposed by Konnor Pilkington, who sound like a villain in a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta. Albert Almora is currently leading the International League in hitting. Conner Overton is 6th in the league in Ks for a pitcher. So that's good. Too bad nearly everyone else is riding the struggle bus.

Chattanooga blew it early last night. Perhaps they find the magic themselves today. I think Sam McWilliams is the starter today, but I can't be sure because Chattanooga believes in subterfuge at all costs. They refuse to say anything. TJ Hopkins in the AA Southern League top five in BA, OBP, SLG, OPS, R, and SB. That would seem like a pretty well-rounded kid. Matt McLain is also in the top five in runs scored. Ricky Karcher is leading the league in K rate, while Stevie Branche is amongst the league leaders in H/9 (min. 3 IP).

Dayton faces Fort Wayne. Bonnin starts. Last year, he put up exceptional numbers in limited innings. A 2.87 ERA with a 13+ K rate and a BB rate of 3.3. Even better, 5.2 H/9. That worked out to a WHiP under 1.000. Rodonkulous numbers, but only 47 innings. He's been on the shelf this year-- this is his first start of the year. Don't expect him to go very long. But do pay attention to his stuff. His fastball sits 97 and his slider is a true out pitch some scouts already consider plus. He doesn't have much of a third offering. Fun to watch though. Speaking of fun to watch, Alex McGarry is in the top five of the Midwest League in HR, SLG, and OPS. Ashton Creal is 5th in doubles. Allan Cerda is tied for tops in HBP. (Someone must not like him very much.) Among pitchers, Frainger Aranguren is leading the league in wins. Andrew Abbott, Joe Boyle, and Connor Phillips are all in the top five in Ks. Boyle and Michael Cachutt are in the top five in H/9. Boyle, Aranguran, and Cachutt have yet to allow an earned run to dent the plate. If that continues for the rest of the season, I'm guessing all three would be considered prospects of note.

Daytona lost in extras again last night. IIRC, four of their eight losses have come in the 9th or extra innings. That doesn't auger well for bullpen arms, does it? They'll throw Rebardo Cruz and Port St. Lucie tonight. Hopefully, he pitches well and the bullpen holds it. We'll find out at 6:10. (Well, to be fair, we'll find out way later than that.) Jay Allen is 4th in the league in BBs and 2nd in SB.

[Tom Servo]

Good to see Bonnin get back on the mound

[Mitri]

With Bonnin now in the fold, that Dragon rotation is officially unfair. At least until we see some promotions.

[Bourgeois Zee]

With Bonnin now in the fold, that Dragon rotation is officially unfair. At least until we see some promotions.

Boyle has been a revelation. Abbott has been unfair. Those two are ready to move up yesterday. If Bonnin can join them (and he probably also belongs in AA, tbh), that's a filthy trio to roll into every series with.

Phillips and Proctor have shown some good things too. Kravetz finally righted his ship last night. (And needed to.)

Lots to like in Dayton.

[Rdirtypirates]

Anyone know why Chase Petty pitched relief tonight?

[Bourgeois Zee]

Anyone know why Chase Petty pitched relief tonight?

They're piggybacking starters.

[Bourgeois Zee]

AAA Louisville defeated the Clippers 7-5. Cristian Santana had a couple of hits-- a 2B and a HR (1). Lorenzo Cedrola had three singles.

The Louisville bullpen was nails. 5 innings of shut-out, four-hit, 9 K baseball. Too, Jared Solomon was apparently moved from Chattanooga to Louisville and pitched tonight. So good for him. One step closer.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Chattanooga just went up, 6-2 on the Smokies.

Matt McLain has a triple and two BBs.

It's the top of the 9th.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Dayton won 2-0.

Bryce Bonnin is going to fit right in with the rotation. He went 4 and gave up 2 hits, 3 BBs, and K'ed 4. No runs, obviously.

Alex McGarry, leading off, hit his 6th HR of the season and a 1B. Dayton struck out 18 times-- and still won.

- - - Updated - - -

Daytona took it on the chin tonight, losing 5-2.

Only three hits. 15 Ks. Reminded me of the parent club.

Sigh.

[icehole3]

Petty threw 90% breaking balls when he came into the game. Had average control over his breaking ball. His FB looked over 95 there was no radar. He did have a lot of trouble with the FB. His second inning he threw 50% breaking balls also got a DP off his FB.

His 3rd inning he threw 50% breaking balls, he had better control of his FB. 1st batter had high hopper double that was just fair. Then he had a wild pitch. Walked a batter, next batter blooped a single so that's how the run was scored. Had a force out. It looked like he was on a pitch count.

McLain drilled a 1st pitch FB to right the RF dove for it and missed for his triple. Scored on a wild pitch.

Bryce Bonnin has a mid 90's FB (94-97) with a nice breaking ball. Had some weak ground outs. Very good SP.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Bryce Bonnin has a mid 90's FB (94-97) with a nice breaking ball. Had some weak ground outs. Very good SP.

Did you notice a changeup, icehole?

I looked for it, but couldn't identify one. (Unless it's got abnormal break-- which, if that's the case, geddyup.)

[icehole3]

Did you notice a changeup, icehole?

I looked for it, but couldn't identify one. (Unless it's got abnormal break-- which, if that's the case, geddyup.)

It's hard for me to tell if there's a changeup or curve, so I just say breaking ball. If I don't see any radar I try to just go by what the announcers say. Some people will correct you if there's any misinformation.

[Old school 1983]

Chattanooga just went up, 6-2 on the Smokies.

Matt McLain has a triple and two BBs.

It's the top of the 9th.

Wonder when McLain will be pushed up to AAA. We need to see him in MLB this year IMO.