Minor league game recaps -- Aug. 9
Hey, everyone, I'm back from vacation -- and so are the minor league recaps.
Let's get right into the action.
Earlier today, the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds added right-handed pitcher Aaron Swenson to their roster. In order to make room for him, Delmarva placed right-hander Tom Phelps on the disabled list.
Also, catcher Adam Donachie was added to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides to take catcher Craig Tatum's roster spot when he was promoted to the Orioles.
Norfolk Tides (AAA)
Score: Norfolk Tides 9, Indianapolis Indians 1 (Box score)
Recap: Center fielder Matt Angle was 4-for-5 with a double, triple and two RBIs as the Tides cruised to a 9-1 victory on the road against Indianapolis.
Norfolk shortstop Robert Andino contributed a pair of triples and an RBI, while third baseman Scott Moore hit a two-run home run in the second inning.
Tides starting pitcher Chris Tillman tossed 6 2/3 innings, giving up one run and eight hits. Tillman struck out nine batters, throwing 72 of his 112 pitches for strikes.
First baseman Brandon Snyder added two doubles and two runs scored for the Tides, and right fielder Jeff Salazar was 1-for-4 with two RBIs.
Frederick Keys (A)
Score: Frederick Keys 6, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 3 (Box score)
Recap: Infielder Miguel Abreu was 3-for-4 with a double and four RBIs as the Keys came from behind for a 6-3 win over Myrtle Beach.
Frederick right fielder Ronnie Welty added two hits, including a double, an RBI and two runs scored, while left fielder Kyle Hudson picked up his 31st stolen base of the season.
Keys starting pitcher Zach Clark (2-1) held the Pelicans to three runs and five hits in seven innings, while relief pitcher Josh Dowdy retired the final three batters for his second save of the year.
Delmarva Shorebirds (A)
Score: Lexington Legends 6, Delmarva Shorebirds 4 (Box score)
Recap: Third baseman Tyler Kelly was 3-for-4 with a stolen base and two RBIs, but the Shorebirds dropped a 6-4 decision to Lexington at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.
Delmarva catcher Justin Dalles hit a solo home run, while first baseman Mike Flacco and right fielder T.J. Baxter each added a single and a run scored.
Shorebirds starting pitcher Patrick Kantakevich (0-5) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings. He struck out three hitters, issued two walks and hit one batter.
Aberdeen IronBirds (A)
Score: Mahoning Valley Scrappers 4, Aberdeen IronBirds 1 (Box score)
Recap: Starting pitcher Justin Moore was charged with three runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings as the IronBirds fell, 4-1, to Mahoning Valley.
Aberdeen first baseman David Anderson hit a double in the loss, while center fielder Trent Mummey picked up the team's only RBI.
Catcher Austin Rauch scored the only run for the IronBirds.
Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)
Score: Bluefield Orioles 7, Pulaski Mariners 2 (Box score)
Recap: Starting pitcher Angel Cespedes (3-3) held the Pulaski to one run and six hits in seven innings as the Orioles won, 7-2, at Bowen Field.
The Mariners committed eight errors in the game, while Bluefield had two defensive miscues.
Orioles first baseman Corey Thomas was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, while left fielder Chris Clinton and catcher Janensis Guerrero each added a double and an RBI.
Shortstop Jonathan Schoop contributed a double and a run scored for Bluefield.
GCL Orioles (Rookie)
Score: GCL Orioles 5, GCL Red Sox 1 (Box score)
Recap: Right fielder Jaynnertt Melenciano was 3-for-5 with a double, a stolen base, an RBI and two runs scored as the GCL Orioles won, 5-1, over the GCL Red Sox.
Orioles relief pitcher Jim Johnson tossed a scoreless frame, striking out two batters, to start the game for the Gulf Coast League affiliate.
Orioles outfielder Lou Montanez was 1-for-5 with a run scored and a strikeout in an injury rehab assignment. Montanez is 3-for-12 in three games for the GCL Orioles.
Right-handed pitcher Douglas Ferguson (4-2) took over for Johnson and tossed 4 2/3 scoreless innings, while closer Jose Mota recorded the final out for his sixth save of the season.
Orioles second baseman Pedro Rodriguez was 2-for-4 with an RBI in the victory, while designated hitter Gino Moranci added two RBIs.
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
Dean,
I enjoy your game recaps, but it would be great if every month you could do a column in which you summarize how the Orioles' top 20 prospects are performing. That might make for grim reading just at the moment, but it'd be interesting.
RESPONSE FROM DEAN: NDH, that's a very good idea. It's a little late in the season to start this now, so maybe I'll do a "season recap" for them all at the end of the year. Then, it's something to consider for next season. Thanks for the suggestion.
Posted by: NDH | August 10, 2010 9:02 AM
Has there ever been talk of switching Matt Angle to second base. He has the tools of a lead off guy. The O's don't seem to have anyone in their system who appears close to being Roberts replacement. I just thought it would be an interesting question. Matt is probably not going to unseat Adam Jones.
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Jeff Z's reply: Probably Matt's biggest asset is his speed and defense and in the outfield. So you'd be taking those things away with a position change. If he proves he's ready and he's beter then what they have, then they'll find a space for him.
Posted by: Butch | August 10, 2010 10:29 AM
Hey Dean, what do you think the chances are of Joe Mahoney being brought up in September? Although he is only in Bowie, I would have to think he would be given a look over Snyder, no?
Also, would you think Reimold, assuming he continues to hit for the month of August, gets the call over Angle? I don't see them both being brought up. So, which one do you think it will be?
It would be nice to get a look at Britton, but I think he will be shut down early. Assuming that is the case, do you think he will be given a chance to start in the rotation at the beginning of next season if we don't bring in an ace? Or, do you think he will start next season at Norfolk and have to dominate before getting the call?
What are the chances of the O's sticking with the young pitchers to make up a rotation of Matusz, Arrieta, Bergensen, Tillman, and Britton next season?
Thanks.
Posted by: Frank Rizzo | August 10, 2010 11:53 AM
seems like Flacco is off to a better start at Delmarva...but how can a guy that big have absolutely 0 power?
Posted by: popdan | August 10, 2010 12:27 PM
Frank - Mahoney is a beast, I've been on his bandwagon since I heard his name in AA. Also, regarding next years rotation, where are you going to fit Guthrie in there? He's been lights out of late and we still have him next year.
Posted by: popdan | August 10, 2010 1:33 PM
popdan,
I agree. Mahoney is a best. He is 6'7 and 255. He is improving and younger than Reimold, Snyder, Waring, Widlansky (what happened to him by the way?), etc. I think Waring could be a power bat as well, but he strikes out an awful lot. He has not made the adjustments from Frederick to Bowie. Mahoney on the other hand has looked even better making the jump. He has no where else to go since Snyder, Hughes, and Aubrey have him blocked. Even Reimold gets some play at 1B so where does he go from here? At what point do you cut these prospects if they can't make the team? Are they even prospects anymore? I don't think so. I think Mahoney is the guy who can be the future 1B. I would love to see him get a shot when they expand the roster. Most likely, they will put him in the Arizona Fall League. I don't think that would be the right move though.
I thought about where to put Guthrie and that is why I asked about Britton. I would have to think if Britton starts the season in Norfolk, then Guthrie will stay in the rotation. However, if they start Britton in the rotation, I think Guthrie would be trade bait. I don't think we would resign Guthrie as a free agent since Britton should HOPEFULLY be able to take his spot. With one year left on his contract, we should package him up in a deal with some prospects to get a big bat in the lineup. I would like to see us try and trade for a SS that can hit and field. Sorry, but Izzy just doesn't cut it for me. He would be a good back up. I think if the young pitchers can finish strong, you have to seriously consider bringing Britton up to start the season. The "youth movement" is what we have been waiting for so why not?
Posted by: Frank Rizzo | August 10, 2010 2:52 PM