Before we get to the minor league report , the 2011 draft signing deadline has now passed and the Dodgers have signed 17 of their top 20 picks. In addition to the official signing of 4th round pick Ryan O'Sullivan (for $100,000), it appears that the Dodgers have also signed 36th rounder Kevin Taylor, a 2nd baseman from Nevada who didn't play during the 2011 college season due to an injury. By my unofficial count, 29 of the 50 Dodger picks signed.
Minor League Player of the Day – Tim Sexton - 7 IP, 0 Runs, 2 Hits, 1 Walk, 4 K's. Jamie Hoffmann had another great game, but I'm going with Sexton because he threw a gem for the Loons. After getting crushed during his final few outings of AAA, Sexton has rebounded nicely back in the Midwest League and will continue to fight for his baseball career despite the recent demotion.
AAA – The Isotopes beat the Grizzlies on their home turf for the 3rd game in a row with a 8 to 4 win over Fresno (Giants). Albuquerque pounded out 16 hits, with 4 of them coming from reigning PCL player of the week Jamie Hoffmann. Hoffmann fell a triple shy of the cycle and drove in 3 runs to give him a crazy OPS of 1.615 over the past 10 games. Jerry Sands connected on his 23rd homer of the year, while Tim FedEx had 3 hits including a double. Starter Mike Parisi gave up 5 walks, 6 hits, and 4 runs over 6 innings, but picked up the win to move to 4 and 1. Roy Corcoran and Ramon Troncoso combined to finish off the game with 3 hitless innings of relief.
AA – Off day
HiA – The bottom of the Quakes lineup did the majority of the damage at the plate on Monday as Rancho punched the Ports (A's) 8 to 1. The 6 - 9 batters all doubled and had at least 2 hits, with Ramon Jean collecting 3 base knocks and Pedro Guerrero pounding out a couple of two-baggers. Nick Buss also came up big again with 3 runs driven in, while Angelo Songco crushed his 25th homer to right field. Andres Santiago put together a solid game on the mound as he punched out 8 batters in 7 innings and allowed just 1 run. Jordan Roberts threw a scoreless 8th, then Logan Bawcom finished off the win with a hitless 9th that included 2 K's.
LoA – The Loons and Whitecaps (Tigers) didn't give beat writer Hugh Bernreuter a whole lot of time to chat on Monday as Great Lakes shutout West Michigan 1 - 0 in just 2 hours and 16 minutes. This game was actually scoreless through 7 frames, and it was the unlikely homer of Leon Landry that broke the tie and gave the Loons the victory. It was Landry's second hit of the night, while Jonathan Garcia and Bobby Coyle both doubled. The home team's pitching staff was brilliant as Great Lakes gave up just 2 singles, both to Tiger prospect Nick Castellanos. Tim Sexton threw 7 of the innings and allowed both hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. Juan Rodriguez fired the final 2 frames and was very sharp according to Hugh, dialing it up to 98 mph while flashing a 81 mph curveball. He did not allow a baserunner and K'ed 3.
Rookie Ogden – The Raptors started their seven game road trip off on the right foot as Ogden defeated the Helena Brewers 7 to 2. Starter Brandon Martinez was a bit wild as he walked 4 in 4 innings, but he struck out 6 and ended up allowing just 1 run on 3 hits. Yimy Rodriguez took over in relief and put up similar stats to Martinez, except for the walks, as he struck out 7 in 4 frames while also giving up a run on 3 hits to record the win. At the plate, Matt Kirkland had a strong game as he went 3 for 4 with a double and a RBI. Alexis Aguilar also doubled and drove in 2 runs, while Scott Schebler had a two-bagger as well. Joc Pederson went 0 for 4, but still managed to swipe 2 bags to reach the 20 stolen base threshold.
Rookie Arizona – Off day
DSL – Box scores not available
Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)
Great Lakes Loons Box Score (LoA)