Arizona Fall League recap -- Oct. 22
In his second start in the Arizona Fall League, Nationals minor league pitcher Stephen Strasburg didn't look like someone who is ready to go directly to the major leagues.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft allowed eight runs (seven earned) and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings as the Phoenix Desert Dogs suffered a 9-6 loss to the Peoria Javelinas.
Strasburg gave up three home runs and walked one batter. He also collected four strikeouts.
One of the Javelinas' home runs was a grand slam hit by Detroit Tigers minor league outfielder Casper Wells, who played in college at Towson. The 24-year-old outfielder is batting .476 (10-for-21) with two home runs and 11 RBIs in five games in Arizona.
The Desert Dogs remain in first place in the AFL East Division with a 6-3 record, one game ahead of the Scottsdale Scorpions.
Phoenix Desert Dogs
Score: Peoria Javelinas 9, Phoenix Desert Dogs 6 (Box score)
Recap: Brandon Snyder served as the designated hitter for the Desert Dogs in the loss to the Javelinas.
Snyder was 1-for-4 with a sacrifice fly, and he struck out once. As of Thursday afternoon, Snyder was tied for the league lead with 13 RBIs for the Desert Dogs.
Orioles minor league relief pitcher Josh Perrault walked two batters, but he didn't allow any runs in one inning for Phoenix.
The 27-year-old right-hander only threw nine of his 20 pitches for strikes. Perrault has given up one run and four hits in 4 1/3 innings in the fall showcase.
None of the other Orioles minor leaguers played in today's game for Phoenix.
Comments
Dean
Thanks for giving us some Orioles news when things are slow (I won't watch the Yankees) for baseball.
Posted by: ray from tampa | October 23, 2009 7:55 AM
Looks like they are giving Brandon Snyder as many at bats as he can handle. What are the chances that he makes the opening day lineup? Or, do you think they will put him back at Norfolk until he proves he is ready to be brought up? It is just strange how much he struggled at Norfolk, and in Arizona he tears it up. If the O's are unable to sign a legitimate 1B, I think he should be there opening day and let the learning curve begin.
RESPONSE FROM DEAN: Frank, I still think Snyder is in Norfolk at the beginning of the 2010 season. Still, the experience that he is getting is only helping.
Posted by: Frank Rizzo | October 23, 2009 9:11 AM
Dean,
Great stuff...appreciate your work. On a realated topic, and assuming the O's don't sign or acquire a third baseman in the offseason, what do you think the chances of Josh Bell being the opening day third baseman for Baltimore in 2010?
RESPONSE FROM DEAN: I'd say they are similar to Snyder's chances. I think both start the year in Norfolk and need to earn their way into the major leagues.
Posted by: doug | October 23, 2009 9:37 AM
Hey Dean, love your blog. I enjoy reading it several times a week.
My question deals with FA this off-season. I'm hearing talks we're looking to sign a 1b or 3b to a semi-long contract. What is the point in doing that when Snyder and Bell are only half a season to a year away from breaking into the majors? Thanks.
Posted by: Adam Pendergraph | October 23, 2009 2:00 PM
Adam, I know you directed your question towards Dean, but I would like to give my take since it is a good question.
I think the Orioles are looking for such a player because they want to have insurance. They do not want to have to rush Bell or Snyder if they don't feel they are ready. By signing someone to those positions it mainly helps the depth of the team.
I think if they sign someone, it does not mean that either Bell or Snyder could beat that person out to start at those positions. Plus, if the guy we sign is decent enough and the contract is reasonable, the Orioles could get something back in trades.
Posted by: Steve | October 23, 2009 5:12 PM