The Better News: The Clippers have been led by players that have an excellent shot to contribute at the big league level this season.
Despite Jason Kipnis (.214) and Lonnie Chisenhall's (.211) slow starts, the top four hitters with double digit ABs are all on the short list for a quick call to the bigs. Cord Phelps, among the final contenders for the utility infield spot, has been the best of the bunch. Phelps is hitting at a .471 clip with a 1.571 OPS and leads the club with 7 RBIs (notably, Chiz is 2nd with 5). Also, Cord has continued to show himself capable at all three infield positions. Ezequiel Carrera (.412, 3B, 2 SB, 6 R), Luis Valbuena (.400, 1.000 OPS) and Luke Carlin (.300) have also made strong contributions. One would expect Carrera to be the first call for speed or outfield defense, Valbuena to always be in consideration as an extra infielder and Carlin (3 of 4 starts) to be at the top of the minor league catching depth chart.
The pitching has been tremendous as well. David Huff (W, 6 scoreless), Jeanmar Gomez (W, 3.18 ERA) and Alex White (3.60, 6 K in 5 IP) all had excellent first starts. Huff and Gomez, you may recall, were the last challengers for the 5th starter role, while everyone is excited to see White, the organization's #1 pitching prospect, on the lake sometime this summer. Jensen Lewis has saved a pair and Josh Judy, despite blowing the save on Saturday, has K'ed 5 in 3 innings.
The Clippers continue on the road this week (6:35p tonite in Louisville, Corey Kluber on the bump) with the home opener slated for the 16th, 4p against Toledo.
Other Minor Points of Interest -
Drew Pomeranz made an excellent pro debut for Kinston, tossing 5 and a third and surrendering just 2 hits. Drew struck out nine without allowing a run or a free pass.
Grady Sizemore (3-for-7, 2B, BB, RBI), Jason Donald (1-for-3) and Joe Smith (2 perfect IP, 4 K) are all progressing well in their rehab at Akron. It will be interesting who gets sent down when these guys are ready.
Austin Adams was lights out in his first AA start. Austin grabbed the win and held the opposition to a 2 hits and a walk as he wiffed six in six innings.
Mad props to my boy Tyler Tufts. Ty is off to his best start ever in pro ball. On Friday, he was credited with the win in the Myrtle Beach Pelicans opener as he struck out 4 of the 5 he faced. Yesterday, Tyler picked up the save in the second game of a (quasi) double header by tossing a perfect 9th. Everyone (including the Rangers) know that Ty belongs at AA, so here's to the kid getting back there ASAP.
Cheers.
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