Minor League Highlights 4/16

AAA Durham Bulls

It's Jeff Bennett day which means there's not much to discuss. Bennett threw 8 consecutive balls to begin the game and was removed. Dan Johnson hit his third home run of the season and Hank Blalock returned to action at third base with a pair of singles and three strikeouts.Justin Ruggiano and Elliot Johnson were each 2-4 with a walk. Heath Rollins retired a pair of hitters in relief inducing four whiffs in 11 pitches with one strikeout.

AA Montgomery Biscuits

Aneury Rodriguez took the hill for the Biscuits and failed to extend the streak beyond four of consecutive shutout appearances of starting pitchers. He still pitched well allowing two runs on 3 hits and a walk in six innings of work. He struck out four and generated 11 swinging strikes in 79 pitches. The offense exploded for 8 runs led by John Matulia's 2-4 performance including a double and a home run. Greg Sexton was 3-4 with two doubles and a walk and Drew Anderson was 4-5 with a double.

Better Know a Biscuit: Matt Fields

First baseman Matt Fields was selected by the Rays in the 44th round of the 2004 draft out of Green River Community College. The 24 year-old right-hander brings solid pop to the plate but appears to be void of any discipline which will most likely keep him from ever reaching the major leagues.  Fields posted a career high walk rate of 6.2% in Advanced A ball in 2008. Coupled with a strikeout rate that hovers around 30%, he makes RhyneHughes look like Carlos Pena. Fields has shown the ability to hit the long ball with18 home runs in 2008, and 16 last season which was split between Charlotte and Montgomery. Fields is off to a sizzling start in 2010 with the Biscuits leading the team in OPS at .930. Fields is 8 for 25 with a pair of home runs. However his 1 walk to 11 strikeouts so far is a good indicator his success is not sustainable. His BABIP will decline and the walks are not there to boost his on-base percentage. Nonetheless with a somewhat watered-down offense in Montgomery, Fields' punch will be relied upon to put some runs on the board for this elite pitching staff.

A+ Charlotte Stone Crabs

Tonight's most dominant effort came from Nick Barnese who went seven strong shutout innings allowing three hits and a walk while striking out five. Zach Quate slammed the door on the shutout allowing one hit in two innings while striking out a pair. Matt Sweeney continued to mash with his third home run and third double on the season. He also drew a walk. Tim Beckham made his first start of the year going 1-4 with  a stolen base, a double play, and two strikeouts. Ky Kang added a triple and walk.

A Bowling Green Hot Rods

Shane Dyer allowed one run in five innings giving up four hit and three walks while striking out three. First baseman Eli Sonoqui was 2-4 with his first home run of the season and is now batting .308.