AA Montgomery Biscuits (33-35)

Morlan Activated-Biscuits RHP Eduardo Morlan has been activated off of the Disabled List; he was expected to arrive in Montgomery last night and could see game action as soon as today in Mobile. Morlan, placed on the DL April 25th with a sore right (pitching) shoulder, was rehabbing at the Naimoli complex in St. Petersburg. Acquired in the off-season as part of the Delmon Young trade from the Minnesota Twins, Morlan had struggled in six appearances for the Biscuits prior to going on the shelf, giving up six earned runs in 6.2 innings of work. Regarded as the organization's finest relief pitching prospect, Morlan will presumptively return to the closer's role that he had occupied prior to the injury.

BISCUITS 1, Mobile 0 (13)-The Biscuits and visiting BayBears exchanged zeros for 12 innings at Riverwalk Stadium on Friday night before two errors doomed Mobile in the bottom of the 13th. CF Rashad Eldridge came in to score when Mobile C John Hester dropped the incoming throw from 3B Cesar Nicolas that, executed properly, would have started a 5-2-3 double play to get Mobile out of the inning. Instead, 3B Chris Nowak reached base safely on the play, and his league-leading double play count stood pat at 15. RHP Wade Davis pitched seven shutout innings for the Biscuits to rebound from his poor start last Saturday.

BISCUITS Up Next-at Mobile, 8:05 EST (LH James Houser)

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A+ Vero Beach Devil Rays (32-33)

Ft. Myers 6, V-RAYS 2-With the scored tied at two in the bottom of the ninth, Devil Rays RHP Brian Baker gave up a grand slam home run to the Miracle's Juan Portes, resulting in a 6-2 win for Ft. Myers in the second game of the four game series. Vero Beach had taken a 2-0 lead through three innings, but the offense would manage just two hits over the remainder of the ballgame, contributing to the defeat.

V-RAYS Up Next-at Ft. Myers, 7:05 EST (LH Ryan Morse)

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AAA Durham Bulls (34-30)

BULLS OFF-Durham had the day off on Monday. They will return to action today against the Rochester Red Wings at 7:05. The game begins a road trip for the Bulls that will see them play three other games in Rochester, as well as four in Buffalo against the Bisons. The Bulls next play at home on June 19th, when they face the Norfolk Tides. Starting for Durham this evening is RHP Chris Mason, who will be opposed by Minnesota Twins phenom Francisco Liriano.

BULLS Up Next-at Rochester, 7:05 EST (RH Chris Mason)

AA Montgomery Biscuits (31-34)

News-The Rays have placed Montgomery RHP Richard De Los Santos and 1B Rhyne Hughes on the seven day disabled list due to a sore pitching shoulder and a left hamstring strain, respectively. De Los Santos missed his scheduled start on Monday night due to the soreness, although since the Rays backdated the move to June 5th, he could potentially make his next start as scheduled on Sunday.

The Biscuits did not immediately make a roster move to replace De Los Santos, instead relying on LHP Jino Gonzalez to make a spot start on Monday evening. Stacy Long of the Montgomery Advertiser speculates that this could mean that RHP Eduardo Morlan is soon to return, and that he will take that spot. Morlan was placed on the DL in late April with a sore right shoulder and is in rehab at Extended Spring Training. The second possibility that Long raises involves the call-up of LHP David Price from High A Vero Beach.

Regardless of the posturing on the De Los Santos move, the Biscuits did move quickly to replace Hughes, re-instating C Alex Jamieson to the active roster. Although Jamieson had traveled with Montgomery for several weeks, he was technically on the roster of the Short-Season Hudson Valley Renegades.

Birmingham 4, BISCUITS 3 (10)-Birmingham drove in the winning run with a walk-off sacrifice fly in the tenth off of RHP Colter Bean to clinch the SL South's first-half division title over second place Montgomery by a 4-3 final. Four Barons personnel, the manager, a coach, and two players, were all ejected over the course of the game by home plate umpire Chris Ward due to their difference of opinion on ball and strike calls.

BISCUITS Up Next-OFF Today

A+ Vero Beach Devil Rays (32-32)

Ft. Myers 6, V-RAYS 4-LHP Brandon Mann was crushed in Fort Myers' five-run fifth inning, and the Miracle held on to win 6-4. 

V-RAYS Up Next-at Ft. Myers, 7:05 EST (LH Mike Wlodarczyk)

A- Columbus Catfish (24-40)

CATFISH 2, Savannah 1-RHP JESSE DARCY allowed a first inning run, and then he and the two pitchers who followed him did not allow another over the remaining eight innings of the ballgame. The Catfish offense scored just two runs on eight hits, but that would prove to be enough as Columbus won 2-1 for their fourth win in six games following a 12 game losing streak.

CATFISH Up Next-at Savannah, 7:00 EST (RH Jason Ragan)

AAA Durham Bulls (34-30)

BULLS 3, Charlotte 2-Durham tied the game in the eighth, and then LF Nathan Haynes drove in SS Reid Brignac with an RBI single in the bottom of the ninth as the Bulls earned a split of their two game home set against the Charlotte Knights. The Bulls now hit the road to play Rochester and Buffalo; they will not return home again until June 19th. 

BULLS Up Next-OFF Today

AA Montgomery Biscuits (31-33)

BISCUITS 6, Birmingham 2-After five scoreless innings from both sides, the Biscuits finally took the edge by scoring six in the final four frames to best division-leading Birmingham 6-2. 3B Chris Nowak drove in five of Montgomery's runs and LHP James Houser did not surrender a run in his return from the DL.

BISCUITS Up Next-at Birmingham, 8:05 EST (LH Jino Gonzalez)

A+ Vero Beach Devil Rays (32-31)

V-RAYS 6, Sarasota 0-RHP Heath Rollins threw a complete game, three hit shutout against the Sarasota Reds, relying primarily on good fastball command and the effectiveness of his off-speed pitches in racking up ten strikeouts. Four Devil Rays players had multiple hits in backing up Rollins' strong outing, and Vero Beach moved a game over .500 by winning three of four in the series.

V-RAYS Up Next-at Ft. Myers, 7:05 EST (LH Brandon Mann)

A- Columbus Catfish (23-40)

CATFISH 5, Rome 2-The Catfish picked up their first series win since April 15-16 (when they beat Rome) by scoring four in the final two innings. LHP Glenn Gibson, pitching for the first time out of the bullpen after a posting a 7.85 ERA in 12 starts to begin the year, picked up the win by working two scoreless frames in relief. 

CATFISH Up Next-at Savannah, 7:00 EST (RH Jesse Darcy)

AAA Durham Bulls (33-30)

Charlotte 6, BULLS 2-Durham starter Jeremy Cummings ceded the lead to division-rival Charlotte by giving up five runs in the fifth and sixth innings, and the Bulls' offense could not keep up as they dropped the first of a two game set to the Knights. 

BULLS Up Next-vs Charlotte, 5:05 EST (RH Ben Hendrickson)

AA Montgomery Biscuits (30-33)

Birmingham 12, BISCUITS 4-RHP Wade Davis was rocked for six runs in just two innings of work, and the Biscuits could never get closer than 7-4 in being thumped by the Birmingham Barons. 

BISCUITS Up Next-at Birmingham, 3:05 EST (LH James Houser)

A+ Vero Beach Devil Rays (31-31)

V-RAYS 7, Sarasota 3-LHP David Price showed that he was mortal, surrendering his first runs in his fourth start as a professional, but the Vero Beach bullpen held the Sarasota Reds at bay while the offense scored six runs in a two inning span late as the Devil Rays won 7-3.

V-RAYS Up Next-vs Sarasota, 1:00 EST (RH Heath Rollins)

A- Columbus Catfish (22-40)

Rome 3, CATFISH 2 (11)-An error by 3B Greg Sexton, one of four Columbus errors and one of seven total in the game, led to the winning run scoring as the Catfish allowed a strong start by RHP Alex Cobb to go for naught in an 11th inning loss. 

CATFISH Up Next-at Rome, 2:00 EST (RH Jeremy Hall)

AAA Durham Bulls (33-29)

BULLS 10, Richmond 2-The Bulls lineup broke out for ten runs on nine hits, while RHP Mitch Talbot and RHP Dale Thayer did not give up an earned run as Durham won their second straight to earn a four game series split with the Richmond Braves.

BULLS Up Next-vs Charlotte, 7:05 EST (RH Jeremy Cummings)

AA Montgomery Biscuits (30-32)

BISCUITS 6, Birmingham 3-LHP Jake McGee gave up a run in each of the first three innings, but settled down while Montgomery scored four in the top of the fourth inning to key a 6-3 win over the Barons. 

BISCUITS Up Next-at Birmingham, 8:05 EST (RH Wade Davis)

A+ Vero Beach Devil Rays (30-31)

Sarasota 12, V-RAYS 3-LHP Ryan Morse was bad, RHP Wilton Noel was worse, and not even CF Desmond Jennings' 3 for 3 day could save Vero Beach from going down in defeat 12-3 to the Sarasota Reds. 

V-RAYS Up Next-vs Sarasota, 6:00 EST (LH David Price)

A- Columbus Catfish (22-39)

CATFISH 11, Rome 1-Columbus won for the second time in three days following a 12 game losing streak, walloping the Rome Braves 11-1 behind seven strong innings from LHP Brian Flores and a 14 hit day from the lineup.

CATFISH Up Next-at Rome, 7:00 EST (RH Alex Cobb)

AAA Durham Bulls (32-29)

BULLS 3, Richmond 0-Jeff Niemann, Juan Salas, and Scott Dohmann combined on a six hit shutout of the visiting Richmond Braves, while SS Reid Brignac doubled in two of Durham's three seventh inning runs.

BULLS Up Next-vs Richmond, 7:05 EST (RH Mitch Talbot)

AA Montgomery Biscuits (29-32)

Birmingham 3, BISCUITS 1-Montgomery was able to manage just four hits off of Barons pitching, scoring their lone run in the ninth inning. PH John Jaso struck out with runners on the corners to end the game.

BISCUITS Up Next-at Birmingham, 8:05 EST (LH Jake McGee)

A+ Vero Beach Devil Rays (30-30)

V-RAYS 5, Sarasota 1-SP Jeremy Hellickson pitched a perfect five innings, while RF John Matulia and 1B Matt Fields had four and three hits, respectively, to lead the Vero Beach offense.

V-RAYS Up Next-vs Sarasota, 6:30 EST (LH Ryan Morse)

A- Columbus Catfish (21-39)

Savannah 5, CATFISH 0-Columbus reverted back to their losing ways a day after snapping a 12 game losing streak, getting shut out 5-0 by the Savannah Sand Gnats.

CATFISH Up Next-at Rome, 7:00 EST (LH Brian Flores)

2008 MLB Draft  2:00; ESPN 2 Lake Buena Vista, FL

As you all know, the Rays have the No. 1 overall selection in today's MLB draft for the second year in a row, and they will take Georgia High School SS Tim Beckham with the No. 1 overall pick. Here is some information on Beckham:

via bp2.blogger.com

From Baseball Prospectus' preview of the Top 50 talents:

1. Tim Beckham, SS, Griffin HS (GA)
What He Is: That up-the-middle player who offers the best combination of tools and potential in the draft.
What He’s Not: A guy who grades out as well as the Upton brothers did, so let’s end those comps here and now.
In A Perfect World He Becomes: An All-Star shortstop who hits 20 home runs, steals 40 bases, and plays above-average defense
Backup Plan: Center field
Open Issues: Arguments remain over his ability to stay at shortstop--the athleticism is there, but his fundamentals are shaky--and ultimate power ceiling.

From Baseball America's profile (Sub only):

Beckham solidified his status as the nation's top high school position player last year when he produced the most impressive overall performance on the summer showcase circuit. He was consistently the best player at each event he attended and capped his performance by winning MVP honors at the Aflac Classic at the end of the summer. A wiry, athletic shortstop, Beckham hasn't produced eye-popping performances this spring, but his track record and projection make him the nation's most coveted high school prospect. He has five legitimate tools. At the plate he has the ability to be an above-average hitter with average power. He's a solid runner and his athleticism is a part of his everyday game. In the field, Beckham has smooth major league actions with an above-average arm. He has drawn comparisons to the Upton brothers, though he has more aptitude in the field and not quite the lightning in the bat. His makeup is a plus, as he displays an enjoyment of the game and energy on the field. He has a commitment to Southern California, but Beckham won't reach campus as he's a likely top 10 pick.

From BrewerFan.net's profile:

Beckham is the type of athlete that makes everything he does look easy. He glides to balls hit deep in the hole to either side of him, and runs the bases gracefully, stretching singles into doubles and doubles into triples. He has good arm strength, soft hands and good instincts that should allow him to star at shortstop for years to come. While his defense draws more raves that his bat, he has improved at the plate over the last year and is now considered a legitimate threat, as he stings the ball to all parts of the field and has also shown the ability to hit the ball out as his body continues to mature and add strength.

From SaberScouting's Bio:

Bio: 6′0, 188, Bats R, Throws R, 18 years old
 The Skinny: Beckham has been coming on hard toward the top spot since the pre-season high school showcases, where he was wowing scouts at each stop. Beckham flashed elite glovework that will play at short in the big leagues, an advanced bat, and the athleticism, makeup, and aptitude to project across the board. Some question his power projection and prefer surer bets from the college ranks. On the other hand, there’s a chance for 5 plus tools and a team willing to take some risk has a good chance at having a future star at the most premium position. Beckham’s the favorite to go #1 to Tampa Bay.
 Pros: Athleticism, Glove, Bat
 Cons: Power, Distance from MLB
 Comparison: Edgar Renteria with more power

MiLB.com has a profile of Beckham along with all of the other top draft candidates, and their page has video as well. Their take on Beckham:

A bonafide five-tool player at a premium position, there's a reason why Beckham is at or near the top of Draft lists everywhere. He's got tools galore, with some idea of how to use them. He'll need to iron out some things mechanically and fundamentally, but he's got the ability and potential to hit, hit for power, steal bases and stay at shortstop at the big-league level.

From his Perfect Game profile:

Tim Beckham is a 2008 SS with a 6'2'', 191 lb. frame from Kennesaw, GA who attends Griffin HS. Strong athletic build. Top level athlete, extremely fast (6.33) with fast twitch actions. Electric hands with bat, explosive quickness, ball jumps hard, simple hitting approach, sees the ball and attacks it, power to all fields. Fluid defensive actions, has some flash, can make all the plays. Elite level athlete with baseball skills.

And here are Beckham's statistics:

.500/.782/.795
 
 AB: 78
 Runs: 40
 Hits: 39
 Doubles: 9
 Triples: 3
 HR: 5
 Total bases: 62
 Walks: 22
 Strikeouts: 5
 Sacrifice flies: 4
 Stolen bases: 16
 RBI: 31

Some other good Beckham-related links:

Baseball America

Baseball Digest Daily (includes swing analysis to B.J. Upton)

RiseMag

USC Trojans31

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Sports Illustrated

Aflac All American Profile

Camden Depot

USA Today

McCovey Chronicles

AP Report on Beckham's basketball love

CBS News report on Beckham

TSN.ca draft report

Credit (and blame, should the need arise) goes to R.J. for the research.

Lastly, we wouldn't want to forget the other four rounds in which the Rays are drafting today. This link will take you to the complete order of the draft, with supplemental rounds and all, but to be succinct, here are the Rays' other selections today:

Round 2 (47th Overall)

Round 3 (78th Overall)

Round 4 (113th Overall)

Round 5 (143rd Overall)