Los Angeles Angels Prospect Report – April 5th

The Bees won a squeaker in Tacoma tonight, taking down the Rainiers 3-2. Garrett Richards was extremely effective, going 7 innings, allowing just 2 runs and striking out 7. His 12-6 curveball was freezing Rainiers hitters all night. On the other side of the ball, Conger and Trout (shocking, I know) led the way. Conger had 2 knocks, including an RBI double in 4 trips to the plate. He also looked great behind the plate, calling the gem by Richards, and blocking tough balls in the dirt. Breaking News: Mike Trout is good. Today, he went 3-5 and very well could have had a 4th knock as he smoked a ball, but it was right at the third basemen. Matt Shoemaker will make his Triple-A debut tomorrow at 7:05 PT.

The Travelers also got the “W” today, beating the Midland RockHounds 1-0. AJ Schugel started for the Travs’ and went 5 scoreless innings, surrendering 2 hits and 3 walks but also striking out 5. The 22 year old righty, had a 3.03 ERA last year between Cedar Rapids and Inland Empire. Steve Geltz came out of the bullpen for Schugel and tossed 2 nearly perfect innings, with 4 strikeouts. Andrew Taylor followed Geltz, and swiftly retired the side in order with 1 strikeout. Taylor worked very hard this off-season, as they are moving him back to the bullpen. His pitching coach has been raving about his velocity. Kevin Johnson came in and got the save with a smooth 9th. Offensively, not much went on for the Travs’. Jean Segura went 1-3 and collected the only RBI of the game. Big time prospect Johnny Hellweg will go tomorrow.

The 66ers won a great one tonight, 6-5 in 11 innings. Consequently, there were many positives from the contest. Jerome Williams made a rehab start for Inland Empire, going 5 innings and giving up just 2 runs, while striking out 5. Reports were good, and Jerome got 8 ground ball outs on the evening. Buddy Boshers and Ryan Chaffee combined for 3 scoreless innings in relief, with 5 K’s, and Dakota Robinson notched his first save of the new season, striking out the side. At the plate, Taylor Lindsey picked up right where he left off last year, going 2-5 with an RBI. He also stole a base and drew 1 walk, which is 10% of his total walks a year ago. The 20 year old, 2011 Pioneer league MVP Lindsey seems to have a very bright future with the Halos. Drew Heid also deserves a mention here, going 3-5 with a double, and being a catalyst for this 66ers offense. Tomorrow, Donn Roach will be on the bump.

The Kernels got off to a wonderful start to the season, winning the ballgame 7-2, led by the starting pitcher Austin Wood. Wood, a 6th round pick in the 2011 June draft, went 5 innings giving up 4 hits, 1 run and punching out 10 hitters! The 21 year old, 6’4″ righty had great movement on his fastball, and showed a very sharp slider. Offensively, things were cooking for Cedar Rapids. Kaleb Cowart, the Halos 1st round pick in 2010, went a whopping 4-5 with 2 singles, a double and a triple. That’s a 2.200 OPS! Cowart also flashed the leather at third base, making a nice diving play in the 8th inning. Frazier Hall, the first baseman, went 2-4 with 2 RBI doubles. He hit .355 in Rookie ball Orem last season. Finally, Chevy Clarke was a spark plug for the Kernels today. In the 2nd inning Clarke walked, then stole 2nd, and promptly stole 3rd. Chevy also added a single, and a dazzling play in center field. A chilly night in Cedar Rapids, 46 degrees, ended in victory for the Kernels. 2011 4th round draft pick Michael Clevinger will start tomorrow.

DSL notes:Eswarlin Jimenez – LHSP, 89-92 FB, ++ curve and a developing change. Cedar Rapids, no innings limit or anything. Attacks hitters, great makeup.

Nataniel Rodriguez LHRP, 95-97 FB, AZL/Orem, has for sure made one of the two.

Jean Carlos Santiago – LHSP 88-90FB, lots of ground balls. Trying to earn a spot in the AZL.

Daniel Hurtado – RHSP, 91-93 FB, sometimes wild. Same situation as JCS, trying to earn a spot in the AZL.

Pedro Toribio – SS, having Visa issues… Status as an Angel is up in the air.