Dodgers 8/24/12 Minor League Report - Near Cycles Lead Loons, Raptors

Minor League Player of the Day – Darnell Sweeney (LoA) - 4 for 5, 2 2B's, 1 3B, 3 Runs. Sweeney's overall stats aren't all that impressive, but he's heating up in August with an OPS of almost .900. In addition it seems that every time I watch a Loons game he's hitting the ball hard and getting on base, and I think of him as a bit of a sleeper prospect for the organization.

AAA – The Isotopes lost a tough game on Friday, falling to the Redbirds (Cardinals) 9 to 8. Starter Derrick Loop, who has alternated good and bad starts over the past month, stayed true to the trend as he gave up 5 hits, 3 walks, and 6 runs while lasting just 3 innings. He still managed to leave the game with a lead, but unfortunately Ramon Troncoso gave up 3 more runs in relief to lose the game. The Albuquerque offense was playing a few men short due to promotions and trade rumors but they still managed 8 runs, with 2 of them coming on Josh Fields 13th homer of the year. Tim Federowicz drove in 3 with a single and a double, while Scott Van Slyke's two-bagger rounded out the club's extra base hits.

AA – The Lookouts outhit the Generals (Mariners) 10 to 3 on Friday, but they still ended up with a 2 - 1 loss. Starter Matt Magill was a bit wild as he walked 4, but he only gave up the 3 hits in his 7 innings of work and allowed 2 runs while striking out 7. A trio of relieves held Jackson hitless over the final 2 frames, but it didn't matter as the offense could only score 1 run. That was mostly because all 10 the Chattanooga hits were singles, and were spread throughout the whole game. That being said everyone in the lineup except for Griff Erickson had at least 1 hit, with Bobby Coyle going 3 for 4. One final note is that old friend Logan Bawcom recorded the save for the Generals.

HiA – The Quakes lost to the Giants 9 to 4 on Friday as their playoff hopes continue to dwindle. Both starters in this game were rehabbing big leaguers as Brad Penny threw for San Jose, and for the Quakes it was Matt Guerrier who made his 4th rehab appearance and gave up a run on 2 hits. Angel Sanchez allowed just 3 hits over 5.1 innings of "relief", but he walked 6 and in total permitted 4 runs to score. The two other bullpen arms also struggled as Juan Noriega and Bret Montgomery combined to give up the final 4 runs. At the plate Rancho actually outhit San Jose, but Scott Wingo's triple was the only base knock that went for extra bases. Even in the loss there is no stopping Joc Pederson as he went 3 for 5 and drove in 2 runs to increase his average to .322. Pedro Baez and Alexis Aguilar both had a couple of singles, but that's it for the offensive highlights.

LoA – The Loons had an offensive outburst for the second game in a row as Great Lakes defeated Lansing (Blue Jays) 8 to 3. Shortstop Darnell Sweeney had arguably the best game of his young professional career as he went 4 for 5 with 2 doubles, a triple, and 3 runs scored, and he narrowly missed hitting for the cycle as his second double of the game hit off the top of the wall. O'Koyea Dickson also chipped in with his 15th homer of the season, while Joe Winker had just 1 single but drove in 3 runs. On the mound Gustavo Gomez had one of his better outings as he allowed just 3 hits and 2 runs over 6 innings. The two recent signees, Amalio Diaz and Daniel Carela, finished off the game without much trouble.

Rookie Ogden – The Raptors brought out the lumber on Friday as they tamed the Mustangs (Reds) 14 to 4. Jesus Valdez had another big game as he went 3 for 5 with a double, a homer, and 4 RBI's, so he nearly hit for the cycle as well. Corey Seager upped his batting average to .317 with 2 singles while driving in a pair, and Bladimir Franco went 3 for 5 with a double and 2 RBI's. It's also worth mentioning that Delvis Moreales, Noel Cuevas, and Austin Cowen all had 2 hits a each. On the mound Lindsey Caughel threw a good game as he allowed 6 hits and 3 runs over 7 innings, without issuing a walk. Carlos De Aza pitched the final 2 frames and gave up a run on 2 hits.

Rookie Arizona – The Arizona Dodgers scored 4 late runs on Friday to defeat the Reds 5 to 2, and with the win they have just about wrapped up a playoff spot. Starter Jonathan Martinez was outstanding as he allowed just 3 hits over 5.2 innings without issuing a walk, and neither of the runs he gave up were earned. Jordan Hershiser recorded the win in relief thanks to the late scoring, while Travis Jones finished the game with 2 perfect frames to pick up the save. At the plate Brian Cavazos-Galvez continued his rehab and went 2 for 5 with a double and drove in a run, while Paul Hoenecke had the same stat line plus one RBI. John Sgromolo had the only other notable game as the plate as he went 3 for 4.

DSL – Game cancelled due to rain. Saturday's game has already been canceled as well, so it looks like the Dominican Dodgers season is over

Coming up – With the Lookout starter TBD, the rest of the pitchers set to throw on Saturday are rather unappealing. Fernando Nieve gets the ball for the Isotopes, and Jarret Martin will take the mound for the Quakes. Greg Wilborn and Gregg Downing will start for the Loons and Raptors, respectively.

Minor League Transactions – AAA: Dee Gordon was added to the Isotopes roster for his rehab assignment, and as well all know Alex Castellanos was called up to the Dodgers. AA: Chris Reed was activated from the DL, while Eric Eadington was sent back down to the Quakes. LoA: Noel Cuevas was removed from the Loons roster and was sent to Ogden.

Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)

Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)

Great Lakes Loons Box Score (LoA)

Ogden Raptors Box Score (Rookie)

Arizona Dodgers Box Score (Rookie)

Minor League Central - Daily Dodger Recap