- News Home
- Blogs
- Awards
- Minoring in Business
- Players of the Week
- Top 50 Prospects
- Releases
- RSS News Feeds
- Archive
- Events Home
- Winter Meetings
- Playoffs
- Promotional Seminar
- Job Fair
- All-Star Games
- First-Year Player Draft
- Rookie Career Development
Welcome to "Peek at the Week" where we endeavor to make the vast world of the Minor Leagues seem slightly less so by highlighting some of the premier matchups about to take place. Check it out:
International League Triple-A rosters are littered with former Major Leaguers, those who have previously made an impact at the highest level and are looking to do so again. The Bats feature infielder Mark Bellhorn (nine big league seasons), while the Red Sox are graced with the presence of "Super" Joe McEwing (who has also played nine seasons in the Majors). Come out to Louisville this weekend and cheer on the grizzled vets. They deserve it.
Pacific Coast League No player in the PCL has created more of a buzz than Rick Ankiel, the one-time pitching phenom who is working his way back to the bigs as a power-hitting outfielder. The 27-year-old hit three home runs in a game on June 16, and ranks among the league leaders with 19 dingers on the season. Redbirds fans should come to AutoZone Park to root Ankiel on as he puts the finishing touches on his improbable return to The Show.
Eastern League On June 21, Dallas Trahern became the first nine-game winner in the EL. The 21-year-old will get a chance to become the first in the league to reach double digits during this four-game set against the Baysox. The two clubs are neck-and-neck in the EL's Southern Division, just a few games back of the front-running Akron Aeros.
Southern League Smokies' ace Mark Holliman pitched a seven-inning no-hitter against the Huntsville Stars on June 21, and he'll get the chance to make it two in a row during this six-game set against the Mudcats. True, chances are slim that Holliman will actually be able to pull off this rare feat. But, as Journey once sang -- "Don't Stop Believing!"
Texas League Of the first five players in the TL to reach seven wins, three (Eric Hurley, Douglas Mathis, and Luis Mendoza) were on the RoughRiders. This trio, which has been bolstered by one of the best offenses in the league, was one of the primary reasons Frisco coasted to a first-half North Division title. The Travelers, meanwhile, are looking to put their lackluster first half behind them.
California League Is it too early to initiate a full-blown "Bubba Bell Triple Crown Watch"? The JetHawks' center fielder is currently tied for the league lead in batting average and home runs, and ranks second in RBIs. That's some serious offensive prowess right there. Spurred on by Bell, Lancaster finished in a tie for first place in the CL South during the season's first half. Can they win it outright in the second?
Carolina League In David Hernandez, Chorye Spoone, and Jason Berken, the Keys' feature three of the top five strikeout pitchers in the league. The chance to see the home team record plenty of K's should be reason enough to attend this series, but if you need extra motivation then please note that the club will be hosting a Cow Milking contest prior to Friday's game.
Florida State League Hot on the heels of last week's extremely successful "Billy Donovan Night" promotion, the Miracle will host "Mike Tyson Ear Night" against the Mets this Thursday. The first 1,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive an ear, and all in attendance will have the opportunity to get a Tyson-style facial tattoo. As for the product on the field...well, let's just say that both clubs are glad that the first half is over. The Miracle have already been shut out a league-record 14 times.
Midwest League The Snappers' Robert Delaney currently leads the league with 23 saves. Barring a promotion, this puts him well within reach of J.J. Trujillo's Midwest League record of 42 (set in 2000). The Kernels, who finished the season's first half 5 1/2 games behind the Western Division champion Snappers, will do everything in their power to avoid seeing Delaney on the mound.
South Atlantic League Two great teams go head-to-head in this series, as the high-powered offense of West Virginia goes up against the GreenJackets' spectacular pitching staff. Both teams compiled winning percentages over .700 in the season's first half, en route to winning the title in their respective divisions.
New York-Penn League Jeffrey Hehr, the Indians' 20th-round selection in last month's First-Year Player Draft, is sure to be a fan favorite in Mahoning Valley this season. That's because the 21-year-old is a native of the region, and who doesn't love a "local boy makes good" story? Also, don't forget that the Scrappers are holding their first-ever "Salute to a Pickle" during Tuesday's game.
Northwest League The Canadians' roster is highlighted by Sean Doolittle, the 41st overall pick in last month's draft. The slugging first baseman went 3-for-5 in his professional debut, and if he keeps that up he'll be the greatest player in the history of baseball. The Bears are last in the Minor Leagues alphabetically, but first in our hearts.
Appalachian League Bristol's roster includes second baseman Oney Guillen, the 21-year-old son of Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie. In this two-game set, he and the Sox go up against a Burlington squad that is playing its first season as a Royals affiliate after severing a long relationship with Cleveland.
Pioneer League No Minor League matchup is more fun to say than "Orem vs. Ogden". It just rolls off the tongue. It's also pretty cool that this series features an intentionally misspelled bird going up against a carnivorous prehistoric giant lizard. So, to sum it up, this series should appeal to fans of both alliteration and unorthodox team names.
Benjamin Hill is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs. |
