The NSI Minor League Report: Ajax hits his 3rd homer in 7 games

Monday July 6th

Scranton swept a doubleheader. The first game was an extra inning affair, that was won by stellar relief pitching, which pitched 5 innings of shutout ball. Juan Miranda won it in the 11th inning, on a walk off single. Austin Jackson walked 3 times in the first game, and homered in the second game.

Trenton and Tampa lost. Jesus Montero was beaten out for the ESL Player of the week despite having a .391 average vs, a ,379 average for the winner. Montero had 4 home runs and a double, while the other player had a homer, triple and 4 doubles.

Andrew Brackman continues to struggle as he couldn't record an out in the 2nd inning for Charleston. He gave up 6 runs in 1 inning of work with 4 walks. In his last 5 appearances, Brackman hasn't made it to the 5 th inning. He's given up an astonishing 25 Earned Runs in the last 14.2 innings.

Scranton def Pawtucket 3-2 (11 innings, Game 1)
Kevin Russo 1-5, 2 R, RBI
Ramiro Pena 1-4, 2B, BB
Austin Jackson 0-2, R, RBI, 3 BB - Sac Fly
Juan Miranda 3-5, 2 RBI, BB - game winning hit
Shelley Duncan 0-3, BB
Yurenda de Costes (3B) 2-5, 2 K - just picked up from Independent league
Ivan Nova 5.1 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Edwar Ramirez 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Mark Melancon 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Scranton def Pawtucket 4-1 (game 2)
Kevin Russo 1-3, R, RBI, K
Ramrio Pena 1-2, R, 2 BB
Austin Jackson 2-3, R, HR (4), RBI, BB - .319. 3 home runs in last 7 games
Shelley Duncan 2-2, RBI, 2 BB
Kei Igawa 6 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K - Ties franchise record for 26 wins
Anthony Clagett 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Trenton lost to New Britain 3-1
Reegie Corona 1-3, RBI, BB, K
Jose Molina 0-3, BB, K
Eduardo Nunez 0-4, 2 K
Jorge Vazquez 2-4
Jesus Montero 1-4, 2B
Zach McAllister 6 IP, 4 H 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K - 1.87 ERA leads ESL

Tampa loses to Brevard City 6-3
Dan Brewer 1-5
Matt Cusick 3-4, 2 R, 2B, 3B
Austin Romine 1-4
Brandon Laird 2-4, 2B
David Adams 0-4, K - .194
Kevin Smith 2-4, R, 2B
Humberto Sanchez 2.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Charleston loses to Ashville 6-5
Jose Pirelea 2-5, R, 2B, 2 RBI - .315
Raymond Kruml 1-5, R, RBI
Melky Mesa 1-5, R, 2B, K
Corban Joseph 3-5
Mitch Albeita 3-4, 2 R, RBI
Neill French 2-2
Andrew Brackman 1 IP 4 H, 6 ER, 4 BB, 2 K - 1-8, 6.01 ERA
Brad Rulon 4 IP, 2 H, 0's 4 K

Staten Island def Lowell 7-2
Jimmy Parades 1-4, R, SB (11)
Zolio Almonte 1-3, 2 R, HR (2), 2 RBI, BB & K, SB (6)
Kyle Higashoika 1-4, RBI, K
Neil Medchill 1-4, R
Robert Lyerly 2-3, R, 2B
Kelvin Castro 2-3, 2 R, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, BB & K
DeAngelo Mack 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, K
Adam Warren 5 IP, 2 H, 9 R, 1 BB, 2 K (4th round pick of 2009 draft)

GCL Yanks def GCL Pirates 6-3
Kelvin DeLeon 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI - .364
Eduardo Sosa 1-4, R, 2B, RBI K
Jose Mojica 2-4, R, 2 2B, RBI
Mitch Delaney 1-2, HR (2), BB
Daniel Gil 5 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Nova and Banuelos Pitch Gems

Friday 6/12

Scranton lost behind a 3 hit game by Austin Jackson, who also stole his 12th base without getting caught. Scranton lost a valuable player in Todd Linden, who defected to Japan. Ivan Nova pitched another gem for Trenton, which won 1-0 on a Noah Hall homer in the first inning. Nova went 8 innings, giving up 3 hits, 1 walk and had 8 strikeouts. Jesus Montero seems to have gotten the hang of AA, going 2 for 4.

Jeremy Bleich also pitched a gem in Tampa, going 7 innings without giving up a run. Manny Banuelos followed suit in Charleston, going the furthest into a game in his short career. Banuelos went 7 innings with 4 hits, and 1 unearned run, without walking a batter.

Scranton loses to Gwinnet 5-4
Kevin Russo 1-4, K, SB
Austin Jackson 3-5, R, 2B, SB (12)- .341
Cody Ransom 0-3, R, BB & K
Shelley Duncan 1-4, R, HR (21), 3 RBI, K
Juan Miranda 1-4, HR (10), RBI
George Kontos 5 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Anthony Clagett 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Mark Melancon .1 IP, 0's, K

Trenon def Binghamton 1-0
Noah Hall 1-4, HR, K
Eduardo Nunez 2-4, 2 2B, K
Chris Malec 0-3
Jesus Montero 2-4 - .280
Ivan Nova 8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K - 2.70 ERA, 2 ER's in last 18 IP
Amuary Sanit 1 IP, 0's, 1 K

Tampa def St. Lucie 5-3
Eric Fryer 1-4, R
Austin Romine 0-4, 2 K
Damon Sublett 1-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB
Brandon Laird 2-4
Seth Fortenberry 2-4, R, HR 4 RBI
Jeramy Bleich 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

Charleston def Rome 7-2
Jose Pirela 3-5, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 K - .321
Dan Brewer 1-2, R< 2B, RBI, 2 BB, K
David Adams 1-4, RBI
Melky Mesa 1-5, R, 2 RBI, 2 K, SB (7)
Corban Joseph 0-4, BB
Neall French 2-3, 2B, RBI
Manny Banuelos 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Brad Rulon 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Romine Homers

Wednesday 6/10

Trenton lost, behind Christian Garcia's first clunker. He had 6 walks in 3.1 innings, but still managed to give up only one run. Jesus Montero returned behind the plate, and went 0 for 4.

Austin Romine continued to power Tampa to wins, homering and even throwing out two runners trying to steal. In Charleston, David Adams provided all the offense that David Phelps needed by scoring both of Charleston's runs, while Phelps went 8 shutout innings.

Scranton Sch day off

Trenton lost to Reading 4-1
Reegie Corona 1-4, 2B, K, E
Colin Curits 1-4, 3B, K
Eduardo Nunez 1-4
Jesus Montero 0-4 - .167, 1 SB against
Christian Garcia 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 BB, 4 K - 0.71 ERA
Kanoka Texeira 2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Eric Wordekemper 1 IP, 2 H, 0's, 3 K

Tampa def Sarasota 7-3
Austin Krum 1-2, R, 3 BB
Austin Romine 2-5, HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 K - .290, Nailed 2 attempted runners stealing
Damon Sublett 3-5, 2B, RBI
Brandon Laird 1-5, RBI
Jack Rye 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI
Lance Pendelton 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Humberto Sanchez 1 IP, 0's - It's 2 1/2 yrs since the trade now

Charleston def Augusta 2-0
Dan Brewer 0-4, K
David Adams 2-4, 2 R, 2B - E (9)
Melky Mesa 0-2, RBI, BB, K
David Phelps 8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 0's - SV (20) Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: De La Rosa Dominates

Wednesday 6/3

In Jesus Montero's first game in Trenton, his old battery mate, Wilkins De La Rosa, put on a clinic, giving up 2 hits in 6 shutout innings, with 1 walk and 8 strikeouts. Montero didn't do too badly himself, getting his first hit, with two runs and a RBI.

Scranton lost, while Tampa showed an anemic offense without Montero. Charleston won in 12 innings, while Brett Marshall continues to show reasons to be optimistic, going 7 innings with 3 hits and 1 run.

Scranton ppd

Trenton def Bowie 8-0
Justin Snyder 1-4, 2B, RBI, BB & K
Colin Curtis 1-3, 2 R, HR (1), RBI, K
Noah Hall 1-5, 3B, K
Jesus Montero 1-4, 2 R, RBI, BB & K - 2 out of 2 runners stole bases
Edwar Gonzalez 2-4, 2 R, 3B, 2 RBI
Kevin Smith 1-4, RBI, 3 K
Marcos Vechionacci 1-4, 2B, RBI, K
Wilkins De La Rosa 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
Kanoka Texeira 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa lost to Juipter 6-1
Eric Fryer 1-3, 3B, RBI, BB
Austin Romine 0-4, 2 K - 1 SB against (1 attempt)
Damon Sublett 0-4, K
Brandon Laird 2-4, K
Ryan Zink 5 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Charleston def Savannah 4-3, 12 innings
Jose Pirela 2-4, R, K
Dan Brewer 2-6, RBI, K - game winning hit
David Adams 2-6
Addison Maruszak 2-4, R, RBI
Brett Marshal 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Brad Rulon 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 1 H, 0's, 2 K Read the full post, after the jump

Jesus Montero - The Next Great Home-Grown Yankee?

Editor's Note: For the record, Alan (Yanks26) had this post ready to go on Sunday, but we held off publishing until during the week. In an interesting twist of fate, Montero was promoted to Trenton on Tuesday, making this piece even more timely. We'll spare you the Jesus jokes and get right into the meat of the story - the kid is a beast.

Jesus Montero has been promoted to AA Trenton, after ripping up the lower leagues the last two years as an underage player. Is he the real deal or another Wily Mo Pena, Jackson Melian or Drew Henson?

Montero was signed as an international free agent on October 17, 2006 for a $1.65 million bonus. There was a lot of hype behind the man child's light-tower power. How has Montero lived up to the hype?

Montero is a towering figure at 6'5" and 225 lbs, especially for a catcher. He's leading the Advanced A league in hitting at .356, Slugging (.583) and OPS at .969. In his last 10 games, Montero's hit .475, and has only struck out two times. Last year in the Sally Leagues, Montero had the 8th most hits of any minor leaguer with 171. He hit .326, with 17 home runs and 87 RBI's. That was good for second in the league in batting average average, 2nd in doubles, 4th in RBI's and 2nd in total bases.


One of the most encouraging aspects of Montero's hitting prowess is that he is able to handle off speed pitches. Many of the top "tools" hitters get exposed once they reach the upper levels of the minors and majors. Shelley Duncan has 18 homers for Scranton, and has shown that he can stay hot in The Bronx - until the major leaguers make their adjustment and throw a heavy diet of curves and change ups. Montero will need to make adjustments, but he has shown he can stay back on the off speed pitches.

In spring training this year, Montero had one at bat and homered off of a major league pitcher - not a bad first impression. He could probably hit in the majors, but for a team that isn't in the "win-now" mode. The problem is his defense, which is way behind his hitting ability. Montero is splitting the catching duties with Austin Romine, who is considered the Yanks third highest rated position prospect. Last year they alternated each game between DH and catcher. This year they play two games on and two games off behind the dish. Montero is having troubles controlling the running game, as his caught stealing ratio is below 20% and he has had several games with five stolen bases allowed - not something to brag about on your minor league catching resume. Montero's transfer of the ball is slow and he is going to need several years of seasoning if he's going to stick at catcher. Think Mike Piazza as a comp - his hitting can be that dominating, but the defense will always be an issue.

The position that Montero would have been able to play very soon is first base, but that's not going to happen, with Mark Teixeira signed to a long term contract. Montero probably does not have the foot speed to play the outfield and his offense stats show that Montero hits better when he's a DH. This year, Montero's OPS is .713 as a catcher and 1.267 as a DH. Meanwhile he has one homer as a catcher and 7 as a DH.

In AA, Montero should be able to to excel, at least as a hitter. How quickly he moves from there will depend on his continued adjustment to the new level of pitching, learning the nuances of catching and how well Frankie Cervelli performs as Posada's stand in next year when Molina isn't resigned. If Cervelli performs well and Austin Romine continues to progress, The Yanks may have the luxury of being able to rush Montero's bat and forgo the learning curve of the catcher position. If all goes well for Montero he should be call-up to the show by the end of 2010.
Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Montero's The Minors Hottest Hitter

Friday 5/29

Jesus Montero continued his hot hitting with a 2 for 4 day, in a Tampa loss. He was named by Baseball America as the hottest player in the minor leagues.

The rest of the minor league teams won their games, and Charleston won both ends of their doubleheader completion.

Scranton def Louisville 4-1
Reegie Corona 1-4, 2 K
Austin Jackson 0-4, K - .348
Todd Linden 1-4, R
Shelley Duncan 2-4, R
Juan Miranda 1-4, HR (8), 3 RBI, K - homered off a lefty
John Rodriguez 2-4
Eric Duncan 2-3
Kei Igawa 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Mark Melancon 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Trenton def Altoona 10-5
Eduardo Nunez 1-3
Colin Curtis 2-5, 2 RBI, BB, K
Chris Malec 1-5, 2B, RBI
Jorge Vazquez 2-3, R, 2 BB, E
Kyle Anson 3-3, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 RBI, 2 BB
Justin Snyder 2-5, R, 2B, RBI, K
James Cooper 2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI
Wilkins De La Rosa 5.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 3 HR's
Michael Dunn 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Amaury Sanit 1.2 IP, 0 BB, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Tampa lost to Ft. Meyers 3-0
Jesus Montero 2-4, 2B - .341, 1 SB/1 attempt
Austin Romine 1-4, 2B
Brandon Laird 0-4, K - .236
Damon Sublett 1-3 - .197
Ryan Zink 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

Charleston def Greenville 2-0 (completion of suspended game)
Abraham Almonte & Dan Brewer 0-4 (Brewer K'd 3 times)
David Adams 1-4
Melky Mesa 1-4, HR (12), RBI
Dan Joseph 1-4, R, K, SB
Brett Marshal 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
Brandon Braboy 3 IP, 0's, 2 K

Charleston def Greenville 5-4
Abrham Almonte 0-4, R, BB & K
Dan Brewer 1-2, 2 R, 3 BB, K, 3 SB (7)
David Adams 1-5, R, 2B, RBI, 2 K
Melky Mesa 1-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI, BB & K
Dan Joseph 1-3, RBI, 2 BB & K's
Hector Noesi 6.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - SV (14)
Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Montero Mashing

Thursday 5/28

Jesus Montero went deep twice yesterday, in a 3 for 4 night, with 4 RBI's. His average now stands at .338. Scranton lost as Edwar Ramirez took the loss. Charleston's game was suspended with a 2-0 lead in the 7th. Brett Marshall was pitching a gem, throwing 6 shutout innings, with 1 walk and 9 strikeouts.

Scranton lost to Syracuse 5-4
Reegie Corona 1-5
Austin Jackson 1-5, RBI, K - .356
Todd Linden 2-4, R, 2B, 2 K
Shelley Duncan 2-4, BB, K
Juan Miranda 1-5, 2B, RBI, 2 K
John Rodriguez 1-3, R, 2 BB, K
Chris Stewart 2-5, R, K
Eric Duncan 2-5, R, 2B, RBI
Casey Fossum 4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3 BB & K
Edwar Ramirez 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB & K - LP
Jonathan Albaladejo 2 IP, 1 H, 0's

Trenton losses to New Britain 7-2
Justin Snyder 1-4, RBI
Colin Curtis 1-4, R, 2B, RBI
Chris Malec 2-3, 2B
Edwar Gonzalez 0-4, K
Marcos Vechionacci 0-3 - .196
Ryan Pope 1 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Josh Schmidt 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
Kanoke Texeira 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

Tampa def Ft Meyers 8-3
Austin Krum 1-5, R, 2B, BB, K
Jesus Montero 3-4, 3 R, 2 HR (7), 4 RBI - .338
Austin Romine 1-5, R, SB (5) - 1 SB/1 attempt
Brandon Laird 2-4, R, BB, 2 K
Matt Cusick 2-3, R, RBI, 2 BB
DJ Mitchell 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Tim Norton 2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Charleston leading Greenville 2-0 (7th inning, rain suspension)
Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Montero Four Fer

Wednesday 5/13

Jesus Montero went 4 for 5 in a losing cause for Tampa, as the 19 year old has his batting average up to .369. Charleston won behind 7 innings of no ball by Hector Noesi (with only 1 walk). Closer, Pat Venditte, blew the no hitter and shutout by surrendering a solo home run in the 9th.

Scranton lost to old friend Jose Contreras, was demoted after pulling a Chien Ming Wang for the Chicago White Sox. He dominated the Scranton lineup, although Austin Jackson still managed to go 1-3 with a walk.

Trenton won, behind a 1 hit game by Ryan Pope.

Scranton lost to Charlotte 2-0 (5 hits)
Eric Duncan 1-4
Todd Linden 1-2, 2 BB, 1 K
Juan Miranda 0-4, 2 K, E (3)
Austin Jackson 1-3, BB & K
Chris Malec 0-4
Casey Fossom 5.2 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Jose Valdez 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K

Trenton def Portland 5-0
Eduardo Nunez 2-5, 2 R, 2 K, SB (4)
Reegie Corona 1-3, 2 R, 2B, BB
Colin Curtis 1-4, RBI
Jorge Vazquez 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Marcos Vechionacci 1-3, R, RBI
Justin Snyer 1-1, 3 BB
Ryan Pope 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Kanoke Texeira 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa lost to Daytona 9-6
Austin Krum 3-6, R, 3B, RBI, 3 K
Jesus Montero 4-5, RBI - .336, 4 SB/ 5 SB attempt, 10 for last 18
Brandon Laird 2-5, R, RBI
Mitch Hilligoss 3-5, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBI
DJ Mitchell 4.1 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 1 BB, 8 K - Debut after promotion from Charleston
Grant Duff 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Charleston def Lexington 3-1
Abraham Almonte 1-5, 2 K - put in the lead off spot after hot streak
David Adams 1-4, 2 K
Corbin Joseph 1-4, R, 2B, R, 3 RBI, 2 K
Neil French 2-2, 2B, 2 BB
Hector Noesi 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K - retired first 19 batters
Casey Erickson 1 IP, 0's, 1 K
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K - SV
Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Wang Doesn't Wilt

Tuesday 6/12

Chien Ming Wang had a successful start for Scranton, throwing 6 innings of shutout ball, while giving up only 3 hits. His velocity was better, at 93, but still not up to 95 MPH. He will probably get another start for Scranton, before resuming in The Bronx.

Scranton, Trenton and Tampa all lost. Jesus Montero continues to hit for Tampa, getting two hits and two RBI's. In Charleston Brett Marshall had his best game as a pro, giving up 1 hit in 6 innings.

Scranton lost to Charlotte 1-0
Todd Linden 1-3, BB
Juan Miranda 1-4
Austin Jackson 1-4, K - .361
Chien Ming Wang 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K
Anthony Clagget 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Trenton lost to Portland 6-1 (3 hits)
Reegie Corona 1-2, 2B
Colin Curtis 0-4, K
Jorge Vazquez 1-4, K
Alan Horne 3 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K - Still rehabbing from shoulder surgery
Kevin Whelan 2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Josh Schmidt 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K

Tampa lost to Daytona 6-5
Eric Fryer 1-3, 2 R, BB & K
Jesus Montero 2-4, R, 2 RBI, K - 1 SB/1 SB attempt
Damon Sublett 0-4, 3 K - .196
Brandon Laird 2-3, 2 RBI, BB
Austin Romine 1-4, RBI
Wady Ruffino 1-4, RBI
Jeramy Bleich 5.2 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K - Looked great for 3 innings and faded fast
Tim Norton 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 k

Charleston def Lexington 3-2
Dan Brewer 2-5, R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI - .371
Carmen Angelini 0-3, K - .183, was replaced in the late innings
David Adams 0-4, BB & K
Abraham Almonte 3-4, R
Melky Mesa 1-4, 2B, RBI, K
Brett Marshall 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K - SV (8)
Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Brackman Shows His Stuff

Monday 5/11

Scranton got shut out, but Austin Jackson continued his multiple hit streak, going 2 for 4 with a double. Trenton also lost, while Tampa won a 7 inning, shortened game. Dellin Betances started and gave up 3 runs and 4 hits, while getting only 1 out. There was a lengthy rain delay, and Betances didn't come back out. Jesus Montero continued his hitting spree, going 2 for 4 with a triple.

In Charleston, Andrew Brackman had his best game as a pro, going 8 innings with only 1 walk and 9 strikeouts. His velocity touched 99, and most of his strikeouts were on the knuckle curve. Charleston lost in the 14th inning.

Scranton lost to Louisville 3-0
Juan Miranda 1-3, BB & K
Austin Jackson 2-4, 2B - .368, 6 for last 12
Chris Malec 0-4, K
Josh Towers 4.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K , 2 HR
Zack Kroenke 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
JB Cox 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Jason Stevens 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Trenton lost to Portland 5-3
Eduardo Nunez 1-4, HR, K
Colin Curtis 2-4, 2B
Jorge Vazquez 0-4. 2 K
Ivan Nova 5 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, 1 K
Jon Hovis 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Tampa def Daytona 8-3 (7 innings)
Austin Krum 3-3, 3 R, BB
Eric Fryer 3-4, HR, 3 RBI
Jesus Montero 2-4, R, 3B, 3 RBI, K
Brandon Laird 1-4, 2B, RBI, 2 K
Austin Romine 0-3 - No SB attempts against
Brian Baisley 2-3, 2 R, SB - first game up after promotion
Dellin Betances .1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Rony Marte 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Adam Olbrychowski 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Charlston lost to Lexington 3-2 (14 innings)
Raymond Kruml 0-6, 3 K
Carmen Angelini 0-3, R, K - thrown out of game for arguing a called strike
Dan Brewer 2-4, R, 2B, BB
Taylor Grote 2-5, BB, 2 K
Abraham Almonte 2-6, 2 RBI, 4 K, CS
Andrw Brackman 8 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Dan Kapala 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Cory Arbiso 2.2 IP, 4 H 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor Leage Report: AJax, Montero & Romine All Raking

Editor's Note: Yanks26 was having some trouble posting this today, which is why it is late, and why it is being posted by me. Don't worry, Yanks26 should be back tomorrow with his usual early morning posting of the NSI Minor League Report.

Saturday 5/8

Our three top position players all had two hits: Austin Jackson had a double, while Montero and Romine both had two doubles. AJax is batting .354 in AAA. Manny Banuelos pitched a gem in his first game off the disabled list for Charleston. The southpaw threw 5 innings of shutout ball, giving up 1 hit, no walks and had 8 strikeouts.

Scranton lost to Louisville 3-2
Juan Miranda 0-4
Austin Jackson 2-4, 2B, K - .354
Chris Stewart 2-4
George Kontos 6.1 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Mark Melancon 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0's

Trenton def Binghamton 9-4
Reegie Corna 1-3, 2 R, 2B, 2 BB
Colin Curtis 3-5, R, 3B, 4 RBI, SB
Jorge Vazuez 2-4, R, RBI, K
Marcos Vechionacci 2-4
Seth Fortenberry 1-5, 3 R, 2 SB
James Cooper 2-4, R, 2 RBI, K
Zach Mcallister 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Koanke Texeira 2.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K - WP

Tampa def Dunedin 8-4
Mitch Hilligos 1-4, 2B, RBI, BB
Jesus Montero 2-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI
Brandon Laird 0-4, R
Austin Romine 3-4, R, 2 2B, 2 RBI, K
Lance Pendelton 5.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Charleston def Asheville 2-0
Raymond Kruml 0-4, 2 K
Carmen Angelin 0-4, 3 K
David Adams 0-3, K
Brian Baisley 1-3, 2B
Abraham Almonte 1-2, R, K
Melky Mesa 1-3, R, HR (8), 2 RBI
Matt Lyon 2-3, 2B, K
Manny Banuelos 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
Casey Erickson 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: De La Rosa Debut A Gem

Friday 5/7

The Yankees Minor Leaguers swept all 4 games. Scranton continues to dominate, behind John Rodriguez's 4 RBI's and two by Juan Miranda. Trenton was helped by Jorge Vazquez's grand slam and a gem by Wilkins De La Rosa in his first start in AA - after being promoted from Tampa. De La Rosa threw 6 innings of shutout ball, while issuing 1 walk and fanning 9. The southpaw is a converted outfielder who hits 93 on the radar.

Tampa won despite a slumping Jesus Montero, who's average has dipped below .300, and a slew of relievers who had to piece together 9 innings, due to all of the pitching promotions. Charleston won a 2-1, 10 inning game. Both runs were RBI's from Brian Baisley.

Scranton def Louisville 11-5
Kevin Russo 1-4, 3 R, RBI, BB, E (2)
Eric Duncan 0-5 - .239, 4 for his last 35
John Rodriguez 2-4, HR, 4 RBI, K
Juan Miranda 1-3, 2 R, 2 BB
Austin Jackson 1-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
Chris Malec 2-5, R, 3 RBI
Eric Hacker 4 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Jason Stephens 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, BB & K

Trenton def Binghamton 9-2
Eduardo Nunez 1-4, 3 R, RBI
Reegie Corona 2-3, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB
Colin Curitis 0-3, R, BB
Jorge Vazquez 1-4, HR, 4 RBI - Grand Slam
Kevin Smith 3-4, 2 R, 2B
Wilkins De La Rosa 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K - Nice debut. Most K's for Trenton this yr.

Tampa def Dunedin 8-6
Austin Krum 1-2, R, 3B, 3 BB
Jesus Montero 0-4, R, BB, 2 K - .397, No SB attempts against
Damon Sublett 3-5, 2 R, 2 2B, HR, RBI, K
Brandon Laird 1-4, 2 RBI, BB, K
Austin Romine 1-5, R
Wady Ruffino 2-3, 2 R, HR, BB, K
Matt Cusick 2-4, R, HR, 2 RBI
Grant Duff 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Jon Heyer 1.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Tim Norton 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Jon Ortiz 1.2 IP, 3H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Charleston def Ashville 2-1 (10 Innings)
Carmen Angelini 1-4, R, BB, K, 2 SB, E (17)
David Adams 1-4, BB
Brian Baisley 3-5, 2 RBI
Abraham Almonte 1-3, BB, K
David Phelps 7 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K - blow save, 1st ER
Brad Rulon 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K - WP
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