With B.J. Upton moving to third base (see the "Trade to affect Biscuits" thread), does this mean the Wes Bankston experiment at third is about to end?
Bankston already has the bat, but the Devil Rays decided to move him from first to third this spring. If Upton settles in at third, there's no reason for Bankston to stay at third, where he's looked uncomfortable and has made a lot of errors.
Bankston was a Southern League All-Star because of his bat (remember the Opening Night home run that cleared the scoreboard?), though he missed six weeks with an oblique injury. He wasn't an All-Star because of his play at third.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Trade to impact Biscuits
The Rays traded major-league third baseman Aubrey Huff to the Houston Astros today for two minor-leaguers that may join the Biscuits.
Starting pitcher Mitch Talbot and shortstop Ben Zobrist are coming to the Devil Rays, who announced the two will come to Class AA Montgomery, but I'm not so sure.
Zobrist, however, was hitting .328 at Corpus Christi, led the Hooks with 25 doubles and the Texas League with six triples. He had also drawn 55 walks and struck out only 46 times, so he may be ready to go to Class AAA. But B.J. Upton is the shortstop at Durham. One could be trying out a new position soon.
Zobrist was a starter in last month's Texas League All-Star Game. Upton is one of the top prospects in the minors, but has been error-prone.
The Rays were already suffering a system-wide shortage of quality third basemen before Huff's departure. That's one reason Wes Bankston moved to third this spring. Upton has been committed to shortstop, but his glove at the position has left him in the minors. His hitting has been ready for the big leagues for a few years. (Evan Longoria, this year's first-round draft pick, is a third baseman, but he's at high-Class A Visalia.)
Talbot seems a lock to come to the Biscuits. He was 6-4 with a 3.39 ERA at Corpus Christi. He's walked 29 and struck out 98 this year. His arrival means the Biscuits will rearrange their rotation.
Starting pitcher Mitch Talbot and shortstop Ben Zobrist are coming to the Devil Rays, who announced the two will come to Class AA Montgomery, but I'm not so sure.
Zobrist, however, was hitting .328 at Corpus Christi, led the Hooks with 25 doubles and the Texas League with six triples. He had also drawn 55 walks and struck out only 46 times, so he may be ready to go to Class AAA. But B.J. Upton is the shortstop at Durham. One could be trying out a new position soon.
Zobrist was a starter in last month's Texas League All-Star Game. Upton is one of the top prospects in the minors, but has been error-prone.
The Rays were already suffering a system-wide shortage of quality third basemen before Huff's departure. That's one reason Wes Bankston moved to third this spring. Upton has been committed to shortstop, but his glove at the position has left him in the minors. His hitting has been ready for the big leagues for a few years. (Evan Longoria, this year's first-round draft pick, is a third baseman, but he's at high-Class A Visalia.)
Talbot seems a lock to come to the Biscuits. He was 6-4 with a 3.39 ERA at Corpus Christi. He's walked 29 and struck out 98 this year. His arrival means the Biscuits will rearrange their rotation.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
System check
Look for our All-Star "special" section in Sunday's paper.
Stats through Friday.
CLASS AAA, DURHAM BULLS
International League South
RF Delmon Young has 14 hits and 11 RBIs in his last seven games. He has a .368 average in 38 games.
RHP Brian Stokes gave up no earned runs over seven innings in a win Thursday. He walked one and struck out a season-high eight. He's 5-4 with a 3.34 ERA.
SS B.J. Upton has reached base in 11 straight games and scored 12 runs. He has a .378 on-base percentage, has scored 55 runs and is 35-for-49 on steals this season.
C Shawn Riggans is 2-for-20 in his last five games. He's hitting .285 with 37 RBIs and 31 runs scored this year.
RHP Jason Hammel gave up nine earned runs in 2.1 innings Monday. He's 3-7 with a 4.97 ERA. He's lost five straight decisions.
HIGH-CLASS A, VISALIA OAKS
California League North
CF Fernando Perez was 4-for-4 with five RBIs Tuesday. He's 20-for-52 in his last 11 games with 13 runs scored and six steals. This year, Perez has a .397 on-base percentage and 70 runs in 81 games.
3B Evan Longoria homered twice Thursday. He has nine hits, seven runs scored and eight RBIs in seven games since his promotion.
SS Reid Brignac has scored 16 runs in his last 11 games. He's hitting .325 with 21 doubles, 16 home runs, 60 RBIs and 68 runs scored.
1B Chris Nowak was 5-for-6 with five RBIs and four runs scored Monday. He has a .322 average and 63 RBIs.
RHP Chris Mason is 9-3 with a 3.34 ERA. He's won seven of his last eight starts.
RHP James Houser has won five straight decisions and is 6-4 with a 3.93 ERA.
LOW-CLASS A, SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN DEVIL RAYS
Midwest League East
3B Cesar Suarez is hitting .322 with 20 runs scored, 13 doubles and 18 RBIs in 38 games.
RHP Wade Davis snapped a five-start losing streak with a win Tuesday. He gave up four runs over 6.2 innings. He's 5-6 with a 2.81 ERA this year.
RHP Greg Reinhard is 3-1 in his last four decisions, making him 3-6 with a 5.25 ERA.
C Alex Jamieson has a .278 average.
SHORT-SEASON A, HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES
New York-Penn League McNamara
OF Josh Hamilton doubled in his first game back from a drug suspension. Because of injuries and suspensions, Hamilton hadn't played since July 2002. He's 1-for-8 after three games.
RHP Jeremy Hellickson is 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA after four starts. In 19 innings, he's given up nine hits, walked six and struck out 21.
RHP Erik Walker is 2-0 with two saves in five appearances.
ROOKIE, PRINCETON RAYS
Appalachian League East
LHP Chad Pendarvis is 2-0 after throwing five shutout innings in each of his last two starts.
OF Desmond Jennings has a .359 average.
RHP Aneudi Cuevas has allowed one hit in three relief appearances. He's walked two and struck out four.
WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays
2B Fernando Cortez is 2-for-20 in his last six games at Class AAA Omaha (Royals). He's hitting .222.
RHP Jose Diaz saved games Wednesday and Friday for Class AAA Oklahoma (Rangers). He has a 3.81 ERA, 17 walks and 30 strikeouts in 26 innings.
OF Frank Moore has 11 hits in his last nine games for Class AA Carolina (Marlins). He has a .219 average in 33 games.
3B Rico Washington has a .128 average and eight walks in 17 games at Class AAA Memphis (Cardinals).
RHP Travis Minix has a 2.52 ERA at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Phillies). He's 0-3 with three saves.
RHP John Webb is 4-6 with a 4.41 ERA with Class AAA Memphis (Cardinals). Hitters have a .311 average against him.
C Iker Franco is hitting .260 with Class AA Springfield (Cardinals).
RHP Carlos Hines is 1-0 with two saves and a 4.60 ERA at Class AAA Fresno (Giants). He's allowed 37 hits in 29.1 innings.
OF Jesus Feliciano has a .239 average at Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals).
IF Jace Brewer is hitting .244 for Class AAA Oklahoma (Rangers).
RHP Willie Glen is 6-2 with a 4.52 ERA at independent Gary.
C Robinson Cancel has a .292 average, 30 RBIs and 31 runs scored for independent Edinburg. He has 12 doubles, eight home runs and 14 steals in 45 games.
Stats through Friday.
CLASS AAA, DURHAM BULLS
International League South
RF Delmon Young has 14 hits and 11 RBIs in his last seven games. He has a .368 average in 38 games.
RHP Brian Stokes gave up no earned runs over seven innings in a win Thursday. He walked one and struck out a season-high eight. He's 5-4 with a 3.34 ERA.
SS B.J. Upton has reached base in 11 straight games and scored 12 runs. He has a .378 on-base percentage, has scored 55 runs and is 35-for-49 on steals this season.
C Shawn Riggans is 2-for-20 in his last five games. He's hitting .285 with 37 RBIs and 31 runs scored this year.
RHP Jason Hammel gave up nine earned runs in 2.1 innings Monday. He's 3-7 with a 4.97 ERA. He's lost five straight decisions.
HIGH-CLASS A, VISALIA OAKS
California League North
CF Fernando Perez was 4-for-4 with five RBIs Tuesday. He's 20-for-52 in his last 11 games with 13 runs scored and six steals. This year, Perez has a .397 on-base percentage and 70 runs in 81 games.
3B Evan Longoria homered twice Thursday. He has nine hits, seven runs scored and eight RBIs in seven games since his promotion.
SS Reid Brignac has scored 16 runs in his last 11 games. He's hitting .325 with 21 doubles, 16 home runs, 60 RBIs and 68 runs scored.
1B Chris Nowak was 5-for-6 with five RBIs and four runs scored Monday. He has a .322 average and 63 RBIs.
RHP Chris Mason is 9-3 with a 3.34 ERA. He's won seven of his last eight starts.
RHP James Houser has won five straight decisions and is 6-4 with a 3.93 ERA.
LOW-CLASS A, SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN DEVIL RAYS
Midwest League East
3B Cesar Suarez is hitting .322 with 20 runs scored, 13 doubles and 18 RBIs in 38 games.
RHP Wade Davis snapped a five-start losing streak with a win Tuesday. He gave up four runs over 6.2 innings. He's 5-6 with a 2.81 ERA this year.
RHP Greg Reinhard is 3-1 in his last four decisions, making him 3-6 with a 5.25 ERA.
C Alex Jamieson has a .278 average.
SHORT-SEASON A, HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES
New York-Penn League McNamara
OF Josh Hamilton doubled in his first game back from a drug suspension. Because of injuries and suspensions, Hamilton hadn't played since July 2002. He's 1-for-8 after three games.
RHP Jeremy Hellickson is 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA after four starts. In 19 innings, he's given up nine hits, walked six and struck out 21.
RHP Erik Walker is 2-0 with two saves in five appearances.
ROOKIE, PRINCETON RAYS
Appalachian League East
LHP Chad Pendarvis is 2-0 after throwing five shutout innings in each of his last two starts.
OF Desmond Jennings has a .359 average.
RHP Aneudi Cuevas has allowed one hit in three relief appearances. He's walked two and struck out four.
WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays
2B Fernando Cortez is 2-for-20 in his last six games at Class AAA Omaha (Royals). He's hitting .222.
RHP Jose Diaz saved games Wednesday and Friday for Class AAA Oklahoma (Rangers). He has a 3.81 ERA, 17 walks and 30 strikeouts in 26 innings.
OF Frank Moore has 11 hits in his last nine games for Class AA Carolina (Marlins). He has a .219 average in 33 games.
3B Rico Washington has a .128 average and eight walks in 17 games at Class AAA Memphis (Cardinals).
RHP Travis Minix has a 2.52 ERA at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Phillies). He's 0-3 with three saves.
RHP John Webb is 4-6 with a 4.41 ERA with Class AAA Memphis (Cardinals). Hitters have a .311 average against him.
C Iker Franco is hitting .260 with Class AA Springfield (Cardinals).
RHP Carlos Hines is 1-0 with two saves and a 4.60 ERA at Class AAA Fresno (Giants). He's allowed 37 hits in 29.1 innings.
OF Jesus Feliciano has a .239 average at Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals).
IF Jace Brewer is hitting .244 for Class AAA Oklahoma (Rangers).
RHP Willie Glen is 6-2 with a 4.52 ERA at independent Gary.
C Robinson Cancel has a .292 average, 30 RBIs and 31 runs scored for independent Edinburg. He has 12 doubles, eight home runs and 14 steals in 45 games.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Kazmir an All-Star
Scott Kazmir was picked to play in the major-league All-Star Game, marking the first former Montgomery Biscuit to play in the midsummer classic.
Kazmir was with the Biscuits for only four starts -- and one at Riverwalk Stadium -- but was impressive as a pitcher (obviously) and a person. He was promoted straight from Montgomery to Tampa Bay and I remember talking to him just before he left for the airport.
He admitted it had been a whirlwind few weeks. He had been traded from the New York Mets to the Devil Rays and had barely spent any time in Montgomery.
Because the Rays had a rule requiring formal attire on road trips, and because Kazmir had all of his suits at home in Houston, he had to be measured for a new suit before he left.
This year at spring training, he either remembered me, or did a mighty fine job acting like he did. Either way, he seemed sincere, was generous with his time and acted like someone you hope does well. He has.
Kudos, Kazmir.
Kazmir was with the Biscuits for only four starts -- and one at Riverwalk Stadium -- but was impressive as a pitcher (obviously) and a person. He was promoted straight from Montgomery to Tampa Bay and I remember talking to him just before he left for the airport.
He admitted it had been a whirlwind few weeks. He had been traded from the New York Mets to the Devil Rays and had barely spent any time in Montgomery.
Because the Rays had a rule requiring formal attire on road trips, and because Kazmir had all of his suits at home in Houston, he had to be measured for a new suit before he left.
This year at spring training, he either remembered me, or did a mighty fine job acting like he did. Either way, he seemed sincere, was generous with his time and acted like someone you hope does well. He has.
Kudos, Kazmir.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
System check
statistics through Friday
CLASS AAA, DURHAM BULLS
International League South
RF Delmon Young was 3-for-3 with four RBIs and his first home run of the season Friday. In 11 games since his suspension, he's 15-for-38 with 11 RBIs.
RHP Brian Stokes pitched 6.1 shutout innings to win last Sunday. He's 4-4 with a 3.46 ERA.
LHP Jeff Ridgway picked up his first Class AAA win Friday. He's 1-2 with a 2.37 ERA in 19 innings.
RHP Juan Salas has allowed four hits and struck out 12 in 10 innings. He'll play in the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game next Sunday in Pittsburgh.
SS B.J. Upton hit .206 with 15 runs scored and 11 RBIs in June.
LHP Chris Seddon is 6-4 with a 4.91 ERA.
RHP Chad Orvella has a 2-0 record and a 1.08 ERA in 16.2 innings. He's struck out 21 and walked six.
1B Kevin Witt hit his 20th home run Friday. He has a .293 average and 55 RBIs.
HIGH CLASS A, VISALIA OAKS
California League North
SS Reid Brignac has 10 hits and nine runs scored in his last four games. He's hitting .337 with 15 home runs, 20 doubles and 58 RBIs. He was 2-for-4 with an RBI in Tuesday's HCA Virginia Carolina League vs. California League All Star Game and won the California League's MVP award.
3B Evan Longoria was 2-for-5 in his Visalia debut Friday. He hit .424 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in eight games at Hudson Valley before his promotion. The move was planned soon after the first-round draft pick signed.
C Joey Reiman has a .313 average, 18 walks, 23 runs scored and 26 RBIs in 42 games.
LOW CLASS A, SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN DEVIL RAYS
Midwest League East
RHP Greg Dupas has 18 saves, a 1.36 ERA and a 2-2 record. He's walked nine and struck out 31 in 33 innings.
RHP Kevin Lynn is 4-1 with a 2.23 ERA.
OF James Hall's .272 average includes 25 extra-base hits and 39 RBIs.
2B Hunter Vick is hitting .215.
SHORT-SEASON A, HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES
New York-Penn League McNamara
SS Jairo de la Rosa has seven extra-base hits in 10 games.
RHP Lewis Rollins has thrown 9.2 innings and struck out 12.
1B Matthew Fields has 22 strikeouts in 42 at-bats. He's hitting .143.
ROOKIE, PRINCETON RAYS
Appalachian League East
RHP Aneudi Cuevas gave up one hit, walked one and struck out two in his one-inning debut Wednesday.
OF Desmond Jennings is 3-for-3 on steals and has six hits in five games.
WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays
2B Fernando Cortez has a hit in all seven games since he joined Class AAA Omaha (Royals). He has a .310 average.
C Iker Franco has a .274 average, six home runs and 29 RBIs with Class AA Springfield (Cardinals).
OF Joey Gomes is hitting .279 at Class AA Mobile (Padres).
RHP Franklin Nunez is 1-5 with two saves and a 4.58 ERA for Class AAA Richmond (Braves).
3B Rico Washington is 0-for-26 in his last eight games at Class AAA Memphis (Cardinals).
IF Jace Brewer is hitting .246 for Class AAA Oklahoma (Rangers).
RHP Carlos Hines has a 4.15 ERA, two saves and 24 strikeouts in 26 innings at Class AAA Fresno (Giants).
OF Jesus Feliciano is hitting .230 for Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals).
2B Dan DeMent has a .240 average and 84 strikeouts in 73 games at Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals).
RHP Jose Diaz has gone nine straight appearances without allowing a run at Class AAA Oklahoma (Rangers).
C Robinson Cancel is hitting .302 and is 14-for-14 on steals for independent Edinburg.
RHP Josh Parker is 2-5 with a 6.22 ERA at independent Amarillo.
CLASS AAA, DURHAM BULLS
International League South
RF Delmon Young was 3-for-3 with four RBIs and his first home run of the season Friday. In 11 games since his suspension, he's 15-for-38 with 11 RBIs.
RHP Brian Stokes pitched 6.1 shutout innings to win last Sunday. He's 4-4 with a 3.46 ERA.
LHP Jeff Ridgway picked up his first Class AAA win Friday. He's 1-2 with a 2.37 ERA in 19 innings.
RHP Juan Salas has allowed four hits and struck out 12 in 10 innings. He'll play in the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game next Sunday in Pittsburgh.
SS B.J. Upton hit .206 with 15 runs scored and 11 RBIs in June.
LHP Chris Seddon is 6-4 with a 4.91 ERA.
RHP Chad Orvella has a 2-0 record and a 1.08 ERA in 16.2 innings. He's struck out 21 and walked six.
1B Kevin Witt hit his 20th home run Friday. He has a .293 average and 55 RBIs.
HIGH CLASS A, VISALIA OAKS
California League North
SS Reid Brignac has 10 hits and nine runs scored in his last four games. He's hitting .337 with 15 home runs, 20 doubles and 58 RBIs. He was 2-for-4 with an RBI in Tuesday's HCA Virginia Carolina League vs. California League All Star Game and won the California League's MVP award.
3B Evan Longoria was 2-for-5 in his Visalia debut Friday. He hit .424 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in eight games at Hudson Valley before his promotion. The move was planned soon after the first-round draft pick signed.
C Joey Reiman has a .313 average, 18 walks, 23 runs scored and 26 RBIs in 42 games.
LOW CLASS A, SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN DEVIL RAYS
Midwest League East
RHP Greg Dupas has 18 saves, a 1.36 ERA and a 2-2 record. He's walked nine and struck out 31 in 33 innings.
RHP Kevin Lynn is 4-1 with a 2.23 ERA.
OF James Hall's .272 average includes 25 extra-base hits and 39 RBIs.
2B Hunter Vick is hitting .215.
SHORT-SEASON A, HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES
New York-Penn League McNamara
SS Jairo de la Rosa has seven extra-base hits in 10 games.
RHP Lewis Rollins has thrown 9.2 innings and struck out 12.
1B Matthew Fields has 22 strikeouts in 42 at-bats. He's hitting .143.
ROOKIE, PRINCETON RAYS
Appalachian League East
RHP Aneudi Cuevas gave up one hit, walked one and struck out two in his one-inning debut Wednesday.
OF Desmond Jennings is 3-for-3 on steals and has six hits in five games.
WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays
2B Fernando Cortez has a hit in all seven games since he joined Class AAA Omaha (Royals). He has a .310 average.
C Iker Franco has a .274 average, six home runs and 29 RBIs with Class AA Springfield (Cardinals).
OF Joey Gomes is hitting .279 at Class AA Mobile (Padres).
RHP Franklin Nunez is 1-5 with two saves and a 4.58 ERA for Class AAA Richmond (Braves).
3B Rico Washington is 0-for-26 in his last eight games at Class AAA Memphis (Cardinals).
IF Jace Brewer is hitting .246 for Class AAA Oklahoma (Rangers).
RHP Carlos Hines has a 4.15 ERA, two saves and 24 strikeouts in 26 innings at Class AAA Fresno (Giants).
OF Jesus Feliciano is hitting .230 for Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals).
2B Dan DeMent has a .240 average and 84 strikeouts in 73 games at Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals).
RHP Jose Diaz has gone nine straight appearances without allowing a run at Class AAA Oklahoma (Rangers).
C Robinson Cancel is hitting .302 and is 14-for-14 on steals for independent Edinburg.
RHP Josh Parker is 2-5 with a 6.22 ERA at independent Amarillo.
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