Phoenix Desert Dogs defeat Mesa Solar Sox 4-3

The Game: The Phoenix Desert Dogs snapped out of their losing streak by defeating the Mesa Solar Sox 4-3 on Saturday at HoHoKam Park. With the win, Phoenix improved to 11-6 and ended their two game losing streak.

The Desert Dogs jumped out to take the lead in the second inning. Brad Emaus hit a one out double to left to get things going. Corey Brown followed with an RBI double to right, scoring Emaus and giving them a 1-0 lead.

Mesa tied the game in the home half of the second inning. David Cooper led off the inning with a double to center. Copper then advanced to third on a single by Luis Exposito. PJ Phillips followed with a sac fly to score Cooper and tie the game at 1-1.

The score did not stay tied long as Phoenix regained the lead in the third inning. Jemile Weeks singled on a bunt. Weeks then stole second base and later third to move closer to home. Grant Desme followed with an RBI single to score Weeks and give Phoenix a 2-1 lead.

Both clubs exchanged runs in the fourth inning. Brad Emaus scored on a ground out by AJ Jimenez in the top of the inning for Phoenix. Then it was an RBI single by Ryan Mount to score PJ Phillips in the bottom of the inning for Mesa. But the Desert Dogs still held the lead 3-2.

The Desert Dogs added an insurance run in the fifth inning. Jemile Weeks hit an line drive triple to lead off the inning. Brandon Waring then drove him home with a sacrifice fly to left, giving them a 4-2 lead.

Mesa pulled within a run of the lead in the sixth. Luis Exposito and Casey Kelly delivered singles to put runners on the corners for the Solar Sox. Then Ryan Mount drew a walk to load the bases. Greg Burns drew a two out bases loaded walk to score Exposito. But the Desert Dogs rallied to get the third out and end the scoring chance. They kept the Solar Sox scoreless for the final frames to take a 4-3 victory.

Robert Ray earned his first victory of the season and Drew Storen his second save for Phoenix. Steve Hirschfeld was the losing pitcher for Mesa.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Brad Emaus; 4 for 4 with a double and 2 runs scored.

Rays Organization Stats:
Shawn O’Malley; 1 for 5 with 2 K’s.

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs (11-6) are off on Sunday. They resume play on Monday against the Surprise Rafters (8-9). Stephen Strasburg (2-1, 6.97) is scheduled to pitch against Matt Harrison (1-1, 6.00).

Dominican Winter League Recap from 10/30

Licey 3, Aguilas 1
Willy Aybar (Licey); 1 for 3 with an RBI

Venezuelan Winter League Recap from 10/30

Aragua 7, Caracas 2
Rayner Oliveros (Caracas); 1 scoreless inning, allowing only 1 hit.
Jose Lobaton (Caracas); 1 for 2 with a home run, drew a walk.

Magallanes 13, La Guaira 5
Carlos Hernandez (Magallanes); 4 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits while striking out 3 and walking 2 in earning the win.

Dominican Winter League Weekly Stats Update (through 10/30)

BATTERS            AVG  AB  H 2B 3B HR RBI   OBP   SLG   OPS
Willy Aybar       .000   3  0  0  0  0   0  .000  .000  .000
Henry Mateo       .667   3  2  1  0  0   3  .667 1.000 1.667

PITCHERS               W  L   ERA  G GS SV   IP  H HR SO BB  WHIP  BAA 
Winston Abreu          0  0  0.00  0  0  0  0.0  0  0  0  0  0.00 .000
Chris Andujar          0  0  0.00  0  0  0  0.0  0  0  0  0  0.00 .000
Richard De Los Santos  0  0  7.71  2  0  0  2.1  4  0  2  1  2.14 .400
Julio DePaula          0  0 12.00  5  0  0  3.0  5  1  3  1  2.00 .357

Phoenix Desert Dogs rally falls short, lose to Peoria Javelinas 5-4

The Game: The Phoenix Desert Dogs lost their second consecutive game, falling to the Peoria Javelinas 5-4 on Friday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

The Javelinas took the lead in the second inning. Jonathan Lucroy delivered his second home run of the fall, a solo shot to left field that put the Javelinas ahead 1-0.

The Desert Dogs fought back to tie the game in the seventh inning. Chris Marrero picked up his third home run of the season with a solo blast to tie the game at 1-1.

The game did not stayed tied for long as Peoria posted four runs in the eighth inning to regain the lead. Lorenzo Cain led off the inning with a walk. Jordan Danks followed with a single to move Cain to second. Then Russ Mitchell drove home the first run with an RBI single, scoring Cain and moving Danks to third. Andrew Lambo followed with an RBI single to score Danks. Justin Sellers then singled on a bunt back to the mound, loading the bases for the Javelinas. Jonathan Lucroy then drove home two more runs with a single to center, giving the Javelinas the lead 5-1.

Phoenix mounted a comeback in the home half of the eighth inning. Nevin Ashley got things started with a one out triple to center. Darin Mastroianni followed with a double to right, scoring Ashley. Mastroianni later scored on an RBI single by Shawn O’Malley, with O’Malley advancing to second on the throw. Brandon Snyder then delivered an RBI double that scored O’Malley and pulled the Desert Dogs to within a run of the lead. But Grant Desme struck out to end the inning and the Dogs rally fell short 5-4.

Paul Phillips was tagged for four runs and suffered his first loss of the fall. Phillippe Aumont earned the win and Anthony Varvaro the save for Peoria.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Chris Marrero; 2 for 4 with a home run.

Rays Organization Stats:
Nevin Ashley; 1 for 3 with a triple and a run scored, 2 for 3 in throwing out runners behind the plate.
Matt Gorgen; 1 no-hit inning with a strikeout and a walk.
Shawn O’Malley; 1 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored, 1 K.
Paul Phillips; suffered first loss, allowed 4 runs on 5 hits in 1/3 of an inning.

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs (10-6) travel to HoHoKam Park on Saturday to play the Mesa Solar Sox (5-10). Robert Ray (0-0, 4.50) will be pitching for Phoenix facing Steve Hirschfeld (0-1, 20.77) for Mesa.

Venezuelan Winter League Recap from 10/29

Caracas 8, La Guaira 5
Joe Bateman (Caracas); 1.0 IP, 2 runs on 2 hits with a strikeout and a walk in recording his 4th hold of the season.

Arizona Fall League Weekly Stats Update (through 10/29)

BATTERS            AVG  AB  H 2B 3B HR RBI   OBP   SLG   OPS
Nevin Ashley      .375  32 12  2  0  2   9  .417  .625 1.042
Cody Cipriano     .250   4  1  1  0  0   1  .250  .500  .750
Shawn O'Malley    .333  36 12  1  0  0   2  .400  .361  .761

PITCHERS           W  L   ERA  G GS SV   IP  H HR SO BB  WHIP  BAA 
Matt Gorgen        0  1 19.64  5  0  1  3.2 11  1  6  3  3.82 .500
Paul Phillips      0  0  0.00  5  0  0  6.0  2  0  3  3  0.83 .100
Heath Rollins      0  0  8.44  5  0  0  5.1 11  0  3  2  2.44 .407
Mitch Talbot       2  0  7.59  3  3  0 10.2 15  2  6  2  1.59 .319

Phoenix Desert Dogs shut out by Peoria Saguaros

The Game: The Phoenix Desert Dogs saw two streaks come to an end as they were shut out by the Peoria Saguaros on Thursday at Peoria Sports Complex. The 4-0 loss saw the end of the Desert Dogs four game winning streak. Grant Desme also saw his eleven game hitting streak come to an end by going 0-4 at the plate.

Peoria broke the scoreless tie in the home half of the fourth inning. Carlos Rivero got things started with a one out double. Freddie Freeman followed with an RBI single to score Rivero and give the Saguaros a 1-0 lead.

The Saguaros added another run to their total in the fifth inning. Lance Zawadzki drew a walk to put a runner on the bases. Zawadzki proceeded to second on a stolen base and later scored on a triple by Jonathan Gaston, giving the Saguaros a 2-0 lead.

Peoria added two more insurance runs in the eighth inning. Carlos Rivero picked up his second double of the game to get things started. Matt McBride then drew a walk to put runners at first and second. Zach Cozart drove home the first run of the inning with a single to left that scored Rivero. McBride later scored on an error by Chris Marrero and the Saguaros held on for the 4-0 victory.

James Simmons suffered the loss, falling to 1-1 on the fall. Wilton Lopez was the winning pitcher for Peoria.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Chris Marrero; only Desert Dog to record multiple hits by going 2 for 4.

Rays Organization Stats:
No Rays players made an appearance in today’s game.

A Look Ahead: The Desert Dogs (10-5) return home to Phoenix Municipal Stadium to face the Peoria Javelinas (9-6) on Friday. Brandon Erbe (0-0, 1.93) is scheduled to start for Phoenix and will pitch against Scot Drucker (1-1, 6.43).

Dominican Winter League Recap from 10/28

Licey 5, Toros 2
Willy Aybar (Licey); 0 for 3 with a K

Venezuelan Winter League Recap from 10/28

La Guaira 18, Margarita 17
Ray Olmedo (Margarita); 1 for 5 with a double, 3 RBI’s, a run scored and a stolen base.

Magallanes 6, Caracas 3
Rayner Oliveros (Caracas); 1.1 IP, 1 run on 2 hits with a strikeout.

A Whole Bunch Of Guys Released(featuring Glenn Gibson)

BaseballAmerica's latest transactions list brings the bad news for the following players:

RHP Jordi Amargos, RHP Kevin Boggan, RHP Jesse Darcy, RHP Diego Echeverria, RHP Bladimir Florentino, RHP Jose Mejias, RHP Juan Santana, LHP Glenn Gibson, LHP Ryan Morse, 2B Claudio Fukunaga, OF J.T. Hall, OF Astin Jacobo, OF Ramon Novas, OF Justin Reynolds

Jesse Darcy pitched really well for the 2008 Columbus Catfish, but he was old for the level couldn't follow it up with Charlotte in 2009. Diego Echeverria goes down as a failed experiment, as the Argentinian knuckleballer could never put it together consistently. He had an ERA over 8 with Bowling Green this year. Glenn Gibson was of course the player the Rays got back from Washington in return for Elijah Dukes. After a strong performance in the NY-P in 2007 with the Nats, Gibson battled mononucleosis and could never post an ERA under 6.50 between Hudson Valley(2008 and 2009) and Columbus(part of 2008).

Ryan Morse gave the Rays system some quality innings, making it as high as AA, but he'll turn 27 next year and I guess the Rays don't forsee having a spot for him next year. J.T. Hall also reached Montgomery, but he was eligible for minor-league free agency after six years in the system. Justin Reynolds was a mildly intriguing draft-and-follow back in 2006, but he posted a .619 OPS as a 22-year old with Bowling Green in 2009.

Phoenix Desert Dogs defeat Peoria Javelinas 11-6 in battle of the leaders

The Game: The Phoenix Desert Dogs were on the winning end of a match up that put the first place teams of each division head to head. In the end, it was the Desert Dogs defeating the Peoria Javelinas 11-6 on Wednesday at Peoria Sports Complex.

Phoenix took the lead early in the first inning and never looked back. Shawn O’Malley doubled to left to lead off the game. O’Malley advanced to third on a sac bunt by Jemile Weeks. Brandon Snyder then drew a walk to put runners on the corner. Grant Desme then cleared the bases with a three run home run, increasing his hitting streak to eleven games and giving the Dogs a 3-0 lead.

The Desert Dogs posted another run to the scoreboard in the second when Jemile Weeks doubled to center to score AJ Jimenez. They then added two more runs in the third. Grant Desme drew a walk to lead off the third. Brandon Waring followed with an RBI triple to score Desme. Waring later scored on an RBI single by Corey Brown increasing the Desert Dog lead to 6-0.

Peoria took their zero off the board in the bottom of the third inning. Lucas May doubled to left to lead off the inning. May was later erased from the base path as Cale Iorg reached on a fielders choice with May thrown out at third. Justin Sellers singled to right, advancing Iorg to second. Trayvon Robinson followed with an RBI single to score Iorg for the first run of the inning. Then Jordan Danks drove home the second run with a single to score Sellers. Casper Wells then cleared the bases with a three run home run to bring the Javelinas to within a run of the lead 6-5.

Phoenix added some separation in the fourth inning. Jemile Weeks was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Grant Desme and Brandon Snyder followed with back to back singles to load the bases. Corey Brown then hit a line drive that was deflected by the second baseman, allowing Weeks and Desme to score. Nevin Ashley followed with a sac fly to score Waring and give the Desert Dogs a 9-5 lead.

Peoria posted another run in the home half of the sixth. Andrew Lambo singled to right to lead off the inning. Joseph Dunigan doubled home Lambo to bring the Javelinas to within three runs of the lead, 9-6.

Phoenix added some insurance in the form of two more runs in the eighth inning. Shawn O’Malley led off the inning with a single. Jemile Weeks followed with an RBI double to score O’Malley, Weeks was out at third as he tried to stretch the double into a triple. Grant Desme then struck his second home run of the game, giving the Desert Dogs the 11-6 margin of victory.

Mitch Talbot improved to 2-0 on the season, earning the victory despite giving up five runs in the third inning. Josh Butler was charged with the loss for Peoria.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Grant Desme; blasted 2 home runs in the game and went 3-4 at the plate with 4 RBI’s and 4 runs scored. Also improved his hitting streak to 11 games and now has 11 home runs and is 3 away from tying the season record of 14 set in 2005 by Brandon Wood.

Rays Organization Stats:
Shawn O’Malley; 3 for 6 with a double and 3 runs scored.
Nevin Ashley; 1 for 3 with an RBI.
Mitch Talbot; improved to 2-0 by throwing 4.0 innings allowing 5 runs on 6 hits with 3 strikeouts and a walk.
Health Rollins; pitched a no hit frame in the eighth.

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs remain in Peoria to face the Saguaros on Thursday at the Peoria Sports Complex. James Simmons (1-0, 3.52) will toe the rubber for Phoenix against Wilton Lopez (0-0, 3.00) for Peoria.

Dominican Winter League Recap from 10/27

Aguilas 4, Gigantes 3
Julio DePaula (Gigantes); 0.2 IP, 2 runs on 2 hits with a strikeout.

Venezuelan Winter League Recap from 10/27

Margarita 6, La Guaira 3
Ray Olmedo (Margarita); 1 for 4 with a double and a run scored.

Caracas 5, Lara 4
Joe Bateman (Caracas); 2.1 IP, no runs on 2 hits with a strikeout.

Phoenix Desert Dogs hold on to defeat Surprise Rafters 7-6

The Game: The Phoenix Desert Dogs held off a late game rally by the Surprise Rafters to win 7-6 on Tuesday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

The Desert Dogs hit the scoreboard first in the second inning. Josh Bell was hit by a pitch and Grant Desme drew a walk to lead off the inning. Corey Brown followed with an RBI double to score Bell. Then Brad Emaus drove home Desme to give Phoenix a 2-0 lead.

Phoenix increased their lead in the fourth inning. Grant Desme walked to lead off the inning. Corey Brown cleared the bases with a two run home run to give the Desert Dogs a 4-0 lead.

Surprise reached the scoreboard in the fifth inning. Mike Moustakas led off the inning with a double to right. Marcus Lemon followed with an RBI triple to score Moustakas. Then Daryl Jones drove home Lemon to pull Surprise within two runs of the lead.

The Desert Dogs added three more runs to the scoreboard in the fifth. Danny Espinosa and Chris Marrero delivered back to back singled to get things going. Grant Desme continued his hitting streak with a two run double to left. Desme later scored on an RBI single by Brad Emaus and the Dog increased their lead to 7-2.

The Rafters began their comeback in the eighth inning as Jeff Bianchi led off with a single to left. Ike Davis drew a walk to follow, giving Surprise runners on first and second. Mitchell Moreland then struck an RBI double to score Bianchi and pull Surprise to within four runs of the lead.

The Surprise rally continued into the ninth inning. Tyler Henley doubled to left to lead off the inning. Marcus Lemon followed with a single, moving Henley to third and putting runners on the corners. Jeff Bianchi then cleared the bases with a three run homer off Matt Gorgen to pull the Rafters to within a run of the lead. But Sam Demel recorded the final two outs of the game to give the Desert Dogs a 7-6 win.

Steven Strasburg earned the win, his second of the season, allowing 1 run in 4 1/3 innings. Sam Demel picked up the save, his first of the season. Matt Harrison was the losing pitcher for Surprise.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Grant Desme; increased his hitting streak to 10 games by going 1 for 2 with double, 2 walks, 2 RBI’s and 3 runs scored.

Rays Organization Stats:
Shawn O’Malley; 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Paul Phillips; 1 IP, 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 K and 1 walk.
Matt Gorgen; 1/3 IP, 3 runs on 3 hits, 1 walk, 1 K and 1 home run.

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs travel to Peoria to play the Javelinas on Wednesday at Peoria Sports Complex. Mitch Talbot (1-0, 5.40) will be on the mound for the Desert Dogs facing Josh Butler (2-0, 11.57) for the Javelinas.

Nevin Ashley Walk-Off Grand Slam Lifts Phoenix Desert Dogs over Mesa Solar Sox

The Game: A walk off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning by Nevin Ashley was all the Desert Dogs needed to defeat the Mesa Solar Sox 9-5 on Monday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

The Desert Dogs took the lead in the first inning, striking for three runs. Danny Espinosa drew a walk and Brandon Snyder followed with a single to put two men on base. Then Grant Desme continued his hot steak at the plate with a three run homer to put Phoenix ahead 3-0.

Mesa fought back in the second inning to pull within a run of the lead. Hank Conger doubled to right to lead off the inning. Steve Singleton followed with an RBI single to score Conger. Singleton later scored on an RBI single by PJ Phillips and the Solar Sox trailed by one, 3-2.

The Solar Sox tied the game in the fourth inning. Steve Singleton got things started with a single to center. PJ Phillips drove home his second run of the game with a single to center that scored Singleton and tied the game 3-3.

But the game did not stayed tied long as the Desert Dogs drove home two more runs in the bottom of the fourth. Back to back RBI triples by Corey Brown and Jemile Weeks pushed across two more runs and the Desert Dogs regained the lead 5-3.

Mesa battled back to collect a run in the fifth and another in the ninth to tie the game once again. Hank Conger drove home Starlin Castro in the fifth. Then in the ninth, Bryan Peterson doubled to right to lead off the inning. Chris Parmelee later followed with an RBI single to score Peterson and tie the game 5-5.

But patience at the plate paid off for the Desert Dogs in the bottom of the ninth. Josh Bell singled to left to get things going. Then two consecutive walks to Cory Brown and Jemile Weeks loaded the bases. They would not stay loaded long as Nevin Ashley delivered a walk-off grand slam, winning the game for Phoenix 9-5.

Drew Storen was the winning pitcher for Phoenix, improving to 1-0 on the fall. Dustin Richardson was the losing pitcher for Mesa.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Nevin Ashley; game winning grand slam.

Rays Organization Stats:
Nevin Ashley; 1-3 at the plate with only hit was a grand slam, struck out once

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs will face the Surprise Rafters on Tuesday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Steven Strasburg (1-1, 10.50) will get the start for Phoenix facing Danny Gutierrez (2-0, 0.00) for Surprise.

Dominican Winter League Recap from 10/25

Gigantes 13, Estrellas 5
Julio DePaula (Gigantes); 1/3 no-hit inning

Venezuelan Winter League Recap from 10/25

Margarita 3, Aragua 1 (Game One)
Ray Olmedo (Margarita); 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Aragua 6, Margarita 2 (Game Two)
Ray Olmedo (Margarita); 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Caracas 7, Caribes 4
Jose Lobaton (Caracas); 2 for 4 with a double, RBI and a run scored, struck out once.

Oh, The Places They'll Go

Here's an early, early look at the 2010 affiliate rosters. It's tough to tell which guys will be let go or signed as minor-league free agents at this point, so I've only included prospects and fringe-prospects, meaning some positions aren't listed.

Durham Bulls
Catcher: John Jaso or Jose Lobaton - Both are on the 40-man roster, but neither figures to make Tampa Bay's roster.
Second base: Elliot Johnson
Shortstop: Reid Brignac - Rays will probably look to move either Brignac or Bartlett in the off-season.
Left Field: Justin Ruggiano
Centerfield: Desmond Jennings - If he hits as well as he did in 2009, he won't be in Durham for long.

Pitchers: Jeremy Hellickson and Heath Rollins

Notable absences: Sean Rodriguez, Matt Joyce, and Wade Davis all have inside tracks toward major-league jobs, while Mitch Talbot is out of options.

Montgomery Biscuits
Catcher: Nevin Ashley
Corner infield: Matt Sweeney
Middle infield: Shawn O'Malley - He's seen time at both SS and 2B in the Arizona Fall League, could play both in 2010 with the Biscuits.
Utility: Cody Cipriano - Ended the 2009 season in Montgomery; has worked as an infielder and outfielder.

Pitchers: Jake McGee, David Newmann, Alex Cobb, Alex Torres, Aneury Rodriguez, and Matt Gorgen

Charlotte Stone Crabs
Catcher: Jake Jefferies
First Base: Mike Sheridan - Tough 2009 season, but should get the promotion.
Shortstop: Tim Beckham - The next step up.
Outfield: Kyeong Kang - Finished the 2009 season very strongly; a big 2010 would establish himself as a real prospect.

Pitchers: Matt Moore, Nick Barnese, Joseph Cruz, Shane Dyer, Chris Andujar, Marquis Fleming

Bowling Green Hot Rods
Shortstop: Tyler Bortnick
Outfield: Brett Nommensen and Chris Murrill

Pitchers: Kyle Lobstein, Alex Colome, Jason McEachern, Zach Quate, Scott Shuman


As you can tell, it gets murkier the lower down you go. Projecting the short-seasons would be nearly impossible, as much of that depends on how players perform in extended spring training. Durham looks to be a relatively unexciting team prospect-wise outside of Desmond Jennings and Jeremy Hellickson, but the complement of veteran players should make for another relatively successful season. Jennings and Hellickson are on track for major-league roles by the end of the season, so the Durham roster could be pretty barren late in the year.

Montgomery really lacked in the prospect department when Jennings and Hellickson were promoted to Durham, but they should inherit much of the Charlotte Stone Crabs' 2009 pitching staff that got the Crabs within a game of winning the Florida State title. Jake McGee could skip over Montgomery and slide into Durham's bullpen with a strong spring. Even without McGee, the pitching of Alex Cobb, Alex Torres, David Newmann, and Aneury Rodriguez along with Matt Gorgen and Marquis Fleming in the bullpen should be strong. Rodriguez would be first in line for a promotion to Durham if he pitches well.

The Stone Crabs should have plenty in terms of "name" prospects, but that didn't necessarily equate to wins with Bowling Green last season. Matt Moore will headline the rotation while Nick Barnese will look to stay healthy for the season. Tim Beckham has a chance to quiet some of the critics, while Kyeong Kang could be primed for a breakout season.

Bowling Green should have a strong starting rotation for the second straight year. Kyle Lobstein and Alex Colome will certainly make the jump to full-season ball, but it remains to be seen how cautious the Rays will be with him. Unfortunately for the Hot Rods, they don't look to have the same caliber of hitting prospects that they had in 2009 with Beckham, Kang, etc. Zach Quate and Scott Shuman each had strong seasons of the bullpen in short-season ball in 2009. Quate could follow in Gorgen's footsteps and be skipped over low-A, while the reports on Shuman are positive enough that he could make the leap from Princeton to Bowling Green.

Projecting rosters is a wholly inexact science. If there's any players in particular you'd like to go more in-depth about, don't hesitate to leave a comment.

Dominican Winter League Recap from 10/24

Licey 5, Estrellas 1
Henry Mateo (Estrellas); pinch ran in the ninth, caught stealing on a pickoff

Venezuelan Winter League Recap from 10/24

Margarita 6, La Guaira 2
Ray Olmedo (Margarita); 2 for 5

Caracas 9, Magallanes 0
Joe Bateman (Caracas); 2 IP, 0 runs, 1 hit and a strikeout
Carlos Hernandez (Magallanes); 4.1 IP, 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits with 2 strikeouts and 2 walks, charged with the loss 0-1 on the season.

Phoenix Desert Dogs defeat Scottsdale Scorpions 7-3

The Game: The Phoenix Desert Dogs took over sole possession of first place with a 7-3 win over the Scottsdale Scorpions on Saturday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

Scottsdale took the lead early, striking for two runs in the first inning. Pedro Ciriaco led off the inning with a single to center. Ciriaco advanced to second on a steal and then to third on a single by Jose Tabata. Dominic Brown delivered a sac fly to score Ciriaco and put the Scorpions on the board. Then Brandon Allen struck an RBI double to right, scoring Tabata and giving the Scorpions a 2-0 lead.

The Desert Dogs rallied with two outs in the fifth inning to take the lead. Corey Brown and Brad Emaus got the rally started with back to back singles. Then AJ Jimenez delivered an RBI single to score Brown and advance Emaus to second. Matt Angle followed with an RBI single that scored Emaus. Danny Espinosa drew a walk to load the bases for Phoenix. Chris Marrero hit a single to left that scored Jimenez and Angle. Josh Bell then reached on an error to reload the bases for the Desert Dogs. Brandon Waring drew a bases loaded walk to push across the fifth run of the inning and give Phoenix a 5-2 lead.

Phoenix added two more runs in the seventh inning. Matt Angle and Danny Espinosa led off the inning with back to back singles. Angle then stole third base to put runners on the corners. Chris Marrero drew a walk to load the bases. Brandon Warning then followed with a two run double to score Angle and Espinosa, increasing the Desert Dogs lead to 7-2.

Scottsdale added another run to their tally in the eighth inning. Brandon Allen singled to left to put a runner onboard. Then Buster Posey hit an RBI double to right, scoring Allen. But they could not produce any more runs and the Desert Dogs held on to win 7-3.

Ryohei Tanaka picked up the win for Phoenix, his first of the fall. Cesar Valdez suffered the loss for Scottsdale.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Matt Angle; 3 for 5 with an RBI, 2 runs scored and a stolen base.

Rays Organization Stats:
Heath Rollins; picked up his first hold of the fall, pitching 1 inning and allowing only 1 hit.
Matt Gorgen; pitched 1 no hit inning, striking out 2 of the 3 batters faced.

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs and the rest of the Arizona Fall League are off on Sunday. Phoenix resumes play on Monday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium against the Mesa Solar Sox (4-7). Robert Ray (0-0, 3.00) will be on the mound for Phoenix facing Mike McCardell (0-0, 3.60) for Mesa.

Dominican Winter League Recap from 10/23

Estrellas 7, Licey 0
Henry Mateo; 0 for 1

Escogido 3, Gigantes 2
Julio DePaula; 2.0 IP, 0 runs, 1 hit, 3 K's in earning the victory (1-0)

Venezuelan Winter League Recap from 10/23

Margarita 5, La Guaira 4
Ray Olmedo; 2 for 5 with a run scored and 2 K's.

Caracas 9, Zulia 3
Jose Lobaton; 1 for 1
Calvin Medlock; 1 2/3 IP with 1 K earning a hold

Phoenix Desert Dogs fall to Surprise Rafters 15-12

The Game: The Phoenix Desert Dogs were on the losing end of a slugfest against the Surprise Rafters, with the Rafters holding on for a 15-12 win on Friday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Both clubs combined for thirty hits including four home runs. With the loss, the Desert Dogs fell to 6-4 and are tied for first in the Arizona Fall League Eastern Division.

The Desert Dogs took the lead in the home half of the first inning. Matt Angle singled to center to lead off the inning. Angle later advanced to second on a stolen base an then to third on a ground out by Shawn O'Malley. Brandon Snyder drove home Angle with a ground ball to third and the Desert Dogs took a 1-0 lead.

Surprise battled back in the top of the second inning. Brandon Laird singled to third to lead off then inning. Colin Curtis followed with an RBI double to center to tie the game. Then Jeff Bianchi tripled to right, scoring Curtis and giving the Rafters a 2-1 lead.

Phoenix answered back in the bottom of the second inning. Grant Desme singled to left and then later scored on an RBI triple by Jemile Weeks to tie the game 2-2. The Desert Dogs regained the lead in the third when Matt Angle drew a walk to lead off the inning. Angle then stole second and later advanced to third on a sac bunt by Shawn O’Malley. Brandon Snyder then drove home Angle to give the Desert Dogs a 3-2 lead.

The Rafters nodded things up again in the fifth inning. Daryl Jones went deep with a solo home run to right center, tying the game at 3-3. Surprise increased their lead in the sixth inning, striking for three more runs. Daniel Descalso drew a walk to start the inning and then advanced to second on a ground out by Mike Moustakas. Mitchell Moreland then drew a walk. Both runners advanced into scoring position on a balk by Justin Friend. Brandon Laird followed with a two run double to score Descalso and Moreland. Laird later scored on an RBI single by Colin Curtis and Surprise now held a 6-3 lead.

Then came the seventh inning, the inning where both teams struck for a combined sixteen runs. The Rafters got things going in the top of the seventh by posting their eight runs to the scoreboard. Daryl Jones doubled to right to lead off the inning. Daniel Descalso reached on an error allowing Jones to score. Mike Moustakas followed with a single to right, moving Descalso to second. Then Mitchell Moreland delivered an RBI single to right, scoring Descalso. Brandon Laird cleared the bases with a three run homer off Mickey Storney. The bases did not remain empty long as Colin Curtis singled and Jeff Bianchi double to put two more runners in scoring position. Bryan Anderson followed with an RBI single to score Curtis. Then Daryl Jones drove in another run with his second double of the inning, scoring Bianchi and moving Anderson to third increasing the Surprise lead to 14-3.

Phoenix matched with an eight run inning of their own in the bottom of the seventh. Nevin Ashley homer to left to lead off the inning for the Desert Dogs. Matt Angle and Shawn O’Malley followed with back to back singles, leaving runners on the corners. Brandon Snyder drew a walk to load the bases for the Desert Dogs. Chris Marrero grounds into a force out, scoring Angle but losing O’Malley at third on the force. Grant Desme then drew a walk to reload the bases. Josh Bell drove home two runs with a line drive to center, scoring Desme and Bell. Nevin Ashley the delivers an RBI single to center, scoring Brown. Matt Angle follows with a single to right, moving Ashley to third. Shawn O’Malley strikes for an RBI single, scoring his Stone Crabs teammate Ashley and pulling the Desert Dogs to within three runs of the lead 14-11.

Surprise added an insurance run in the eighth inning. Mike Moustakas drew a walk and Mitchell Moreland was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Colin Curtis then drew a walk to load the bases. Jeff Bianchi delivered a sac fly to score Moustakas and increase the Rafters lead 15-11.

The Desert Dogs posted another run to the scoreboard in the bottom of the eighth inning on a solo home run by Grant Desme. But its wasn’t enough as the Desert Dogs fell 15-12.

Justin Friend suffered the loss, dropping to 2-1 on the season. Matt Harrison earned the victory and Grant Duff the save for the Rafters.

Phoenix Desert Dogs Player of the Game: Grant Desme; went 3 for 4 with a home run, RBI and 3 runs scored.

Rays Organization Stats:
Shawn O’Malley; 3 for 4 with an RBI.
Nevin Ashley; 2 for 4 with a home run, 2 RBI’s and 2 runs scored.

A Look Ahead: The Phoenix Desert Dogs will face the Scottsdale Scorpions on Saturday evening at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Brandon Erbe (0-0, 0.00) is scheduled to face Joe Martinez (1-0, 1.50).

Now Taking Requests

There isn't a whole lot happening right now, so I turn it over to you guys: What do you want to see on this site? We'll have our top 15 hitters and pitchers starting in mid-November after the Arizona Fall League, but until then, it's kind of a blank slate. So please, anything you want to see written about, let us know in the comments and we'll see what we can do.

Winter League Stats

Here are the early winter league numbers for players from the Rays organization, through Friday's games:

BATTERS           LG   AVG  AB  H 2B 3B HR RBI   OBP   SLG   OPS
Ashley, Nevin    AFL  .308  13  4  1  0  0   2  .308  .385  .692
Cipriano, Cody   AFL  .250   4  1  1  0  0   1  .250  .500  .750
Lobaton, Jose    VWL  .000   0  0  0  0  0   0  .000  .000  .000    
O'Malley, Shawn  AFL  .143   7  1  0  0  0   0  .250  .143  .393
Olmedo, Ray      VWL  .281  32  9  2  0  0   5  .303  .344  .647

PITCHERS          LG  W  L   ERA  G GS SV  IP  H HR SO BB  WHIP  BAA   
Bateman, Joe     VWL  0  1  3.00  3  0  0 3.0  2  0  7  2  1.33 .182 
Gorgen, Matt     AFL  0  0  0.00  2  0  1 2.0  3  0  3  1  2.00 .375 
Medlock, Calvin  VWL  0  0 32.40  3  0  0 1.2 10  1  3  2  7.20 .625 
Oliveros, Rayner VWL  1  0  0.00  1  0  0 2.0  0  0  2  0  0.00 .000 
Phillips, Paul   AFL  0  0  0.00  2  0  0 2.0  0  0  1  1  0.50 .000 
Rollins, Heath   AFL  0  0 45.00  1  0  0 1.0  4  0  1  1  5.00 .571 
Salinas, Doug    VWL  0  0  1.69  2  1  0 5.1  8  0  5  1  1.69 .348 
Talbot, Mitch    AFL  0  0  6.75  1  1  0 2.2  4  1  1  1  1.88 .364

AFL is the Arizona Fall League, VWL is the Venezuelan Winter League.

It's too early to draw any conclusions, but at least you can see who has played so far. There are also 3 more winter leagues that haven't started yet in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

If you're into Twitter, you can follow the Arizona Fall League tweets @MLBazFallLeague.

Talbot Ineffective in AFL Debut

Mitch Talbot made the start for the Phoenix Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League yesterday, allowing two earned runs on four hits in 2.2 innings. He walked a batter and allowed both runs on a homerun. He threw 29 of his 45 pitches for strikes and got five outs on groundballs. Paul Phillips threw a scoreless inning in relief.

On a non-Rays note, Stephen Strasburg makes his AFL debut tonight with Phoenix.

Davis, Hellickson, and Brignac In The IL Top 10

BaseballAmerica has the International League top 20 today, and three Rays are on it: Wade Davis at #5, Jeremy Hellickson at #6, and Reid Brignac #10. In the free write-up, Josh Leventhal explains that Desmond Jennings finished 7 plate appearances short of qualifying; otherwise, he would've been in the running for the #3 spot. Here's a little tidbit from the three who did make it:

#5 RHP Wade Davis
The hulking power pitcher throws with an easy delivery and a steep downhill plane. He works off a heavy 93-94 mph fastball that sinks and fades in on lefthanders. Hitters can't sit on his heater, or else he'll put them away with a plus 77-81 mph breaking ball with three-quarters break.

#6 RHP Jeremy Hellickson
Improvements to his fastball command and his changeup were at the heart of his step forward. He now delivers his 90-93 mph fastball to both sides of the plate with plus sink, and his deceptive changeup with late fade has become his strikeout pitch.

#10 Reid Brignac
Once considered primarily an offensive shortstop, Brignac steadily has improved in the field and managers rated him the league's best defender at his position. He has good range and solid arm strength, and he can make both routine and highlight plays.

2009 Year in Review: Durham Bulls (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2009 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the Durham Bulls.

ERA:
1. Winston Abreu (1.94 in 51.0 IP)
2. Jason Cromer (2.25 in 112.0 IP)
3. Dale Thayer (2.27 in 63.1 IP)
4. Jeremy Hellickson (2.51 in 57.1 IP)*
5. Calvin Medlock (2.98 in 51.1 IP)
6. Joe Bateman (3.02 in 62.2 IP)
7. Carlos Hernandez (3.29 in 112.0 IP)
8. Wade Davis (3.40 in 158.2 IP, eighth in INT)*
9. Randy Choate (3.72 in 19.1 IP)
10. Julio De Paula (3.87 in 79.0 IP)

Pitchers with less than five appearances have been removed from top ten. This includes; Paul Phillips (2 games, 0.00 ERA in 7.2 IP), Michael Wlodarczyk (1 game, 0.00 ERA in 2.0 IP), Craig Albernaz (1 game, 0.00 ERA in 1.0 IP), Matt Hall (1 game, 0.00 ERA in 1.0 IP), Scott Kazmir (1 game, 1.50 ERA in 6.0 IP) and Rayner Oliveros (2 games, 3.48 ERA in 10.1 IP).

Wins:
1. Wade Davis (10, tied seventh in INT)*
2. Jason Childers (9)
3. Jason Cromer (7)
3. Carlos Hernandez (7)
5. Jeremy Hellickson (6)*
5. Joe Bateman (6)
7. Andy Sonnanstine (5)
8. Calvin Medlock (4)
8. Mitch Talbot (4)*
8. James Houser (4)*

Saves:
1. Dale Thayer (17, tied fourth in INT)
2. Winston Abreu (15, eighth in INT)
3. Jason Childers (5)
4. Joe Bateman (4)
5. Dewon Day (1)
5. Julio DePaula (1)

Holds:
1. Jason Childers (9, tied seventh in INT)
2. Randy Choate (8)
3. Winston Abreu (7)
4. Jose Bateman (6)
4. Julio DePaula (6)
6. Calvin Medlock (4)
6. Jon Meloan (4)
6. Jorge Julio (4)
6. Chad Orvella (4)
10. Jason Isringhausen (3)

Strikeouts:
1. Wade Davis (140, second in INT)*
2. Carlos Hernandez (81)
3. Winston Abreu (77)
4. Jeremy Hellickson (70)*
5. Jason Cromer (67)
6. Joe Bateman (64)
7. Jason Childers (63)
8. Jon Meloan (60)
9. Julio DePaula (57)
10. Dale Thayer (44)
10. James Houser (44)*

WHIP:
1. Winston Abreu (0.76 in 51.0 IP)
2. Jeremy Hellickson (0.80 in 57.1 IP)*
3. Calvin Medlock (1.13 in 51.1 IP)
4. Dale Thayer (1.17 in 63.1 IP)
5. Joe Bateman (1.24 in 62.2 IP)
6. Wade Davis (1.25 in 158.2 IP, ninth in INT)*
7. Carlos Hernandez (1.27 in 112.0 IP)
7. Jason Cromer (1.27 in 112.0 IP)
9. Randy Choate (1.29 in 19.1 IP)
9. Jason Isringhausen (1.29 in 7.0 IP)

Pitchers with less than five appearances have been removed from top ten. This includes; Michael Wlodarczyk (1 game, 0.00 WHIP in 2.0 IP), Craig Albernaz (1 game, 0.00 WHIP in 1.0 IP), Scott Kazmir (1 game, 0.83 WHIP in 6.0 IP), Paul Phillips (2 games, 0.91 WHIP in 7.2 IP), Matt Hall (1 game, 1.00 WHIP in 1.0 IP) and Rayner Oliveros (2 games, 1.26 WHIP in 10.1 IP).

* denotes 2009 Rays Prospect Top Prospect

2009 Year in Review: Montgomery Biscuits (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2009 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the Montgomery Biscuits.

ERA:
1. Jeremy Hellickson (2.38 in 56.2 IP)*
1. Matt Gorgen (2.38 in 22.2 IP)
3. Paul Phillips (2.43 in 37.0 IP)
4. Rayner Oliveros (3.25 in 69.1 IP)
5. Calvin Medlock (3.52 in 30.2 IP)
6. Heath Rollins (3.83 in 134.0 IP, tenth in SOU)*
7. Eduardo Morlan (3.99 in 70.0 IP)
8. Ryan Reid (4.17 in 58.1 IP)*
9. Brandon Mann (4.44 in 125.2 IP)
10. Aneury Rodriquez (4.50 in 142.0 IP)

Pitchers with less than five appearances have been removed from top ten. This includes; Jose Mejias (3 games, 0.00 ERA in 4.1 IP), Jason Isringhausen (4 games, 2.25 ERA in 4.0 IP), Alexander Torres (2 games, 3.12 ERA in 8.2 IP) and Chad Bradford (2 games, 4.50 ERA in 2.0 IP).

Wins:
1. Heath Rollins (9, tied seventh in SOU)*
1. Aneury Rodriguez (9, tied seventh in SOU)
3. Eduardo Morlan (7)
3. Brandon Mann (7)
5. Rayner Oliveros (5)
5. Brian Baker (5)
7. Ryan Morse (4)
7. Jason Cromer (4)
9. Jeremy Hellickson (3)*
9. Matt Gorgen (3)
9. Paul Phillips (3)
9. Chris Mason (3)

Saves:
1. Calvin Medlock (13, fourth in SOU)
2. Paul Phillips (7)
3. Michael Wlodarczyk (5)
4. Eduardo Morlan (4)
4. Matt Gorgen (4)
6. Brandon Mann (1)
6. Rayner Oliveros (1)
6. Neal Frontz (1)
6. Ryan Reid (1)*

Holds:
1. Michael Wlodarczyk (8, tied in eighth in SOU)
2. Eduardo Morlan (7, tied tenth in SOU)
2. Neal Frontz (7, tied tenth in SOU)
4. Ryan Reid (5)*
5. Chris Mason (3)
6. Calvin Medlock (1)
6. Paul Phillips (1)
6. Matt Gorgen (1)
6. Rayner Oliveros (1)
6. Heath Rollins (1)*
6. Jason Isringhausen (1)

Strikeouts:
1. Aneury Rodriguez (111, third in SOU)
2. Brian Baker (102, seventh in SOU)
3. Heath Rollins (83)*
4. Brandon Mann (72)
5. Eduardo Morlan (62)
5. Jeremy Hellickson (62)*
7. Rayner Oliveros (51)
8. Ryan Reid (50)*
9. Michael Wlodarczyk (46)
10. Neal Frontz (45)

WHIP:
1. Calvin Medlock (0.88 in 30.2 IP)
2. Jeremy Hellickson (0.97 in 56.2 IP)*
3. Paul Phillips (1.00 in 37.0 IP)
4. Rayner Oliveros (1.08 in 69.1 IP)
5. Aneury Rodríguez (1.27 in 142.0 IP, sixth in SOU)
6. Heath Rollins (1.34 in 134.0 IP, tied tenth in SOU)*
7. Matt Gorgen (1.37 in 22.2 IP)
8. Brian Baker (1.38 in 121.0 IP)
9. Eduardo Morlan (1.39 in 70.0 IP)
10. Neal Frontz (1.44 in 64.2 IP)

Pitchers with less than five appearances have been removed from top ten. This includes; Jose Mejias (3 games, 0.49 WHIP in 4.1 IP) and Alexander Torres (2 games, 1.38 WHIP in 8.2 IP).

* denotes 2009 Rays Prospect Top Prospect

Venezuelan Winter League And Mexican Pacific League Start Tonight

Two winter leagues begin play tonight, the Venezuelan Winter League and the Mexican Pacific League. Here are the players from the Rays organization that are listed on team rosters:

Venezuelan Winter League:

Bravos de Margarita - Ray Olmedo
Leones del Caracas - Joe Bateman, Jason Cromer, Calvin Medlock, Jose Angel Mejias, Rayner Oliveros, Jose Lobaton, Justin Ruggiano
Navegantes del Magallanes - Carlos Hernandez, Doug Salinas, Alexander Torres
Tiburones de La Guaira - Dioner Navarro

Mexican Pacific League:

Venados de Mazatlan - Jon Weber

The only one I question is Torres, after he threw 155.1 IP already this season as a 21 year-old.

Note: Some team's rosters aren't posted yet, some are incomplete, and all are subject to change. Let me know if you see anyone I missed.

Selig: Hard Slots And International Draft

John Manuel has the story at Baseball America:

Speaking on ESPN Radio’s "Mike & Mike" show, co-hosted today by ESPN baseball writer Buster Olney, Selig answered a question about the international draft by saying he wants one, and threw in hard slotting—as opposed to the current system, where the commissioner’s office recommends slots but has no real enforcement mechanism—as part of the equation.

"That’s one that there’s no debate in my mind," Selig said. "We need an international draft, and we need slotting. There is no question about it. I’ve had many clubs on all sides, small-market, big-market, medium-market—we’re going to have slotting, and we’re going to have an international draft. Those will be two of our great priorities in 2011. There’s no question about it. We need that. That is one that really exacerbates the differences (between organizations)."

A couple of thoughts/questions. The international draft is going to be a huge administrative and financial undertaking. How will MLB verify the ages and identities of thousands of players all over the world who might be drafted? How will this affect teams like the Rays who have already invested significant funds in academies in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Brazil? What will the age and eligibility requirements be for potential international draftees?

As to the hard slotting, can someone explain to me how the MLB Players Association can negotiate the salaries of individuals who are not members of said union? With the draft going international, are other countries going to allow Donald Fehr in New York to set the future salaries of their young citizens? Something tells me there will be a lawsuit or two over hard slots.

Durham Bulls National Championship Party October 21st

[Via email from the Durham Bulls Director of Media Relations Matt DeMargel.]

The Durham Bulls today announced plans for a National Championship celebration at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Wednesday, October 21st from 6 PM until 8 PM. The Bulls won the 2009 Triple-A National Championship last month defeating the Memphis Redbirds, 5-4 in Oklahoma City.

The event will be the Triangle’s first opportunity to view the National Championship trophy and Governors’ Cup and offer several free opportunities for the first 500 fans including:

- Photos taken with the National Championship and Governors’ Cup Trophies in the Durham Bulls locker room.
- Durham Bulls infielders Elliot Johnson and Chris Richard will be on hand to sign autographs in the Ballpark Corner Store.
- A commemorative photo of the 2009 Champion Durham Bulls.
- Dinner at the ballpark: Hot Dogs, Potato Chips, Cookies and soft drinks.
- Reserve a spot on the priority ticket list for the 2010 Tampa Bay Rays Exhibition Game and Opening Day tickets package.
- Field of Dreams! Fans may bring their gloves to play catch under the lights on the field.
- Visit with Durham Bulls mascot Wool E. Bull.

Also that evening, the Ballpark Corner Store will be open throughout the event offering up to 50% off select merchandise. Plus, fans will have the opportunity to purchase season tickets or get on the mini-plan waiting list. For more information, contact the Durham Bulls at (919) 687-6516.

2009 Year in Review: Charlotte Stone Crabs (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2009 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the Charlotte Stone Crabs.

ERA:
1. Chad Bradford (0.00 in 6.0 IP)
2. Matt Gorgen (0.57 in 47.2 IP)
3. Richard De Los Santos (0.79 in 22.2 IP)
4. Rayner Oliveros (1.24 in 29.0 IP)
5. Darin Downs (2.00 in 121.2 IP, first in FSL)
6. Alex Cobb (3.03 in 124.2 IP, sixth in FSL)*
7. Paul Phillips (3.33 in 27.0 IP)
8. Tommy Rafferty (3.38 in 42.2 IP)
9. David Newmann (3.44 in 131.0 IP, tenth in FSL)
10. Austin Hinkle (3.53 in 74.0 IP)

Please note, due to the number of rehabbing pitchers and temporary assignments this year in Charlotte, all pitchers with less than five appearances have been removed from the top ten. This includes the following; Scott Kazmir (1 game, 0.00 ERA in 4.2 IP), Mitch Talbot (1 game, 0.00 ERA in 3.0 IP)*, Josh Satow (2 games, 0.00 ERA in 2.0 IP), Joey Callender (1 game, 0.00 ERA in 1.1 IP, Deivis Mavares (1 game, 0.00 ERA in 1.0 IP) and Brian Shouse (4 games, 2.25 ERA in 4.0 IP).

Wins:
1. Jeremy Hall (14, first in FSL)
2. Darin Downs (12, fourth in FSL)
3. David Newmann (9, tied eighth in FSL)
4. Alex Cobb (8)*
5. Justin Garcia (7)
6. Matt Gorgen (4)
7. Jesse Darcy (3)
8. Richard De Los Santos (2)
8. Paul Phillips (2)
8. Austin Hinkle (2)
8. Kevin Boggan (2)

Saves:
1. Matt Gorgen (15, tied fifth in FSL)
2. Richard De Los Santos (10, tied tenth in FSL)
3. Austin Hinkle (7)
4. Justin Garcia (2)
4. Paul Phillips (2)
6. Kevin Boggan (1)
6. Tommy Rafferty (1)
6. Brian Flores (1)
6. Jose Mejias (1)
6. Brian Shouse (1)

Holds:
1. Brian Flores (4)
1. Chad Bradford (4)
3. Justin Garcia (3)
3. Kevin Boggan (3)
3. Tommy Rafferty (3)
6. Austin Hinkle (2)
6. Paul Phillips (2)
6. Rayner Oliveros (2)
9. Brian Shouse (1)

Strikeouts:
1. David Newmann (128, second in FSL)
2. Jeremy Hall (115, eighth in FSL)
3. Darin Downs (111)
4. Alex Cobb (107)*
5. Austin Hinkle (65)
6. Justin Garcia (62)
7. Matt Gorgen (59)
8. Brian Flores (52)
9. Jesse Darcy (45)
10. Tommy Rafferty (41)

WHIP:
1. Richard De Los Santos (0.79 in 22.2 IP)
2. Chad Bradford (0.67 in 6.0 IP)
3. Rayner Oliveros (0.76 in 29.0 IP)
4. Matt Gorgen (0.76 in 47.2 IP)
5. Darin Downs (1.15 in 121.2 IP)
6. David Newmann (1.18 in 131.0 IP)
6. Jeremy Hall (1.18 in 139.1 IP)
6. Alex Cobb (1.18 in 124.2 IP)*
9. Justin Garcia (1.22 in 58.0 IP)
9. Tommy Rafferty (1.22 in 42.2 IP)

Once again, all pitchers with less than five appearances have been removed from the top ten. This includes the following; Deivis Mavares (1 game, 0.00 WHIP in 1.0 IP), Mitch Talbot (1 game, 0.33 WHIP in 3.0 IP)*, Joey Callender (1 game, 0.75 WHIP in 1.1 IP), Scott Kazmir (1 game, 0.86 WHIP in 4.2 IP) and Ryan Morse (3 games, 1.07 WHIP in 9.1 IP).

* denotes 2009 Rays Prospect Top Prospect

2009 Year in Review: Bowling Green Hot Rods (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2009 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

ERA:
1. Josh Satow (2.29 in 63.0 IP)
2. Nick Barnese (2.53 in 74.2 IP)*
3. Chris Andujar (2.70 in 120.0 IP, fourth in SAL)
4. Marquis Fleming (2.86 in 63.0 IP)
5. Matt Moore (3.15 in 123.0 IP)*
6. Juan Santana (3.55 in 25.1 IP)
7. Frank De Los Santos (3.65 in 135.2 IP)
8. Michael Jarman (3.82 in 73.0 IP)
9. Tommy Rafferty (3.90 in 27.2 IP)
10. Joseph Cruz (4.04 in 98.0 IP)*

Wins:
1. Chris Andujar (10, tied fourth in SAL)
2. Matt Moore (8)*
3. Tyree Hayes (7)
4. Nick Barnese (6)*
4. Neil Schenk (6)
6. Josh Satow (4)
6. Frank De Los Santos (4)
6. Michael Jarman (4)
9. Diego Echeverria (3)
10. Marquis Fleming (2)
10. Jamie Bagley (2)

Saves:
1. Josh Satow (20, tied fifth in SAL)
2. Jamie Bagley (9)
3. Marquis Fleming (5)
4. Tommy Rafferty (1)
4. Juan Santana (1)

Holds:
1. Marquis Fleming (7, tied tenth in SAL)
1. Neil Schenk (7, tied tenth in SAL)
3. Tyree Hayes (4)
4. Jamie Bagley (3)
5. Josh Satow (2)
5. Diego Echeverria (2)
7. Tommy Rafferty (1)
7. Juan Santana (1)
7. Michael Jarman (1)
7. Shane Dyer (1)

Strikeouts:
1. Matt Moore (176, first in SAL)*
2. Joseph Cruz (99)*
3. Frank De Los Santos (81)
4. Chris Andujar (79)
5. Shane Dyer (76)
6. Neil Schenk (72)
7. Tyree Hayes (70)
8. Marquis Fleming (68)
9. Josh Satow (65)
10. Nick Barnese (62)*

WHIP:
1. Deivis Mavares (0.83 in 6.0 IP)
2. Josh Satow (1.00 in 63.0 IP)
3. Nick Barnese (1.08 in 74.2 IP)*
4. Chris Andujar (1.18 in 120.0 IP, seventh in SAL)
5. Juan Santana (1.26 in 25.1 IP)
6. Matt Moore (1.27 in 123.0 IP)*
7. Marquis Fleming (1.32 in 63.0 IP)
8. Frank De Los Santos (1.33 in 135.2 IP)
8. Michael Jarman (1.33 in 73.0 IP)
10. Tommy Rafferty (1.34 in 27.2 IP)

* denotes 2009 Rays Prospect Top Prospect

2010 Draft: First Round Order

With the Twins win, here is a preliminary look at the 2010 draft order: team (2009 record):

1. Washington Nationals (59-103)
2. Pittsburgh Pirates (62-99)
3. Baltimore Orioles (64-98)
4. Kansas City Royals (65-97)
5. Cleveland Indians (65-97)
6. Arizona Diamondbacks (70-92)
7. New York Mets (70-92)
8. Houston Astros (74-88)
9. San Diego Padres (75-87)
10. Oakland Athletics (75-87)
11. Toronto Blue Jays (75-87)
12. Cincinnati Reds (78-84)
13. Chicago White Sox (79-83)
14. Milwaukee Brewers (80-82)
15. Texas Rangers (comp pick for Matt Purke)
16. Chicago Cubs (83-78)
17. Tampa Bay Rays (84-78)
18. Seattle Mariners (85-77)
19. Detroit Tigers (86-77)
20. Atlanta Braves (86-76)
21. Minnesota Twins (87-76)
22. Texas Rangers (87-75)
23. Florida Marlins (87-75)
24. San Francisco Giants (88-74)
25. St. Louis Cardinals (91-71)
26. Colorado Rockies (92-70)
27. Philadelphia Phillies (93-69)
28. Los Angeles Dodgers (95-67)
29. Boston Red Sox (95-67)
30. Los Angeles Angels (97-65)
31. Tampa Bay Rays (comp pick for LeVon Washington)
32. New York Yankees (103-59)

Notes:

- Order is determined by 2009 record for all 30 MLB teams, from worst to best by win percentage.
- Through the 2004 draft the order was determined by alternating the first pick each year between the AL and NL, with the AL getting the first pick in odd numbered years and the NL in even numbered years. For example, in an odd numbered year the AL team with the worst record had pick #1, the NL team with the worst record had #2, the AL team with the 2nd worst record had pick #3, the NL team with the 2nd worst record had pick #4, and so on.
- Beginning with the 2005 draft the order has been determined by overall record regardless of league.
- Ties are broken by looking at the tied teams' 2008 record, with worst record getting the higher pick. If 2008 is also a tie, you keep going back through prior years until one team wins (by losing).
- The 1st half of the round (picks 1 to 15) is protected from free agent compensation. This year it is the first 16 picks since #15 is a comp pick from the 2009 draft, not a new 2010 pick.
- Picks 17-32 (except #31) can be lost if one of those teams signs a Type A free agent who was offered arbitration by his old team.
- The Rays could lose pick #17 if they sign a Type A free agent, but not #31 as it is a protected comp pick from 2009 just like #15.
- I'll post this on the sidebar for reference and Kevin and I will update it as picks change due to free agent signings. We'll also add in the 2nd and 3rd round orders at some point. Beginning with the 4th round the order above (minus #15 and #31) just repeats through to the 50th round.
- Kevin, anything you want to add or correct me on?

2009 Year in Review: Hudson Valley Renegades (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2009 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the Hudson Valley Renegades.

ERA:
1. Daniel April (0.00)
2. Zach Quate (0.35)
3. Alexander Colome (1.66, second in NYP)
4. Kyle Ayers (2.45)
5. Kyle Lobstein (2.58, eighth in NYP)*
6. Doug Salinas (2.61)
7. Jason McEachern (2.75)
8. Albert Suarez (2.79)
9. Richard De Los Santo (2.81)
10. Devin Fuller (2.92)

Wins:
1. Alexander Colome (7, seventh in NYP)
2. Doug Salinas (5)
3. Devin Fuller (4)
4. Kyle Ayers (3)
4. Kyle Lobstein (3)*
4. Angel Chapa (3)
4. Glenn Gibson (3)
8. Jason McEachern (2)
8. Richard De Los Santos (2)
8. Bladimir Florentino (2)

Saves:
1. Zachary Quate (13, second in NYP)
2. Richard De Los Santos (4)
2. Bladimir Florentino (4)
4. Glenn Gibson (1)

Holds:
1. Bladimir Florentino (4, ninth in NYP)
2. Angel Chapa (2)
2. James Hill (2)
4. Glenn Gibson (1)
4. Doug Salinas (1)
4. Devin Fuller (1)
4. Kyle Ayers (1)
4. Juan Santana (1)

Strikeouts:
1. Alexander Colome (94, first in NYP)
2. Kyle Lobstein (74, fifth in NYP)*
3. Jason McEachern (47)
4. Bladimir Florentino (37)
5. Doug Salinas (36)
6. Zachary Quate (34)
7. Devin Fuller (31)
7. Kevin Chavez (31)
9. Aaron Dott (29)
10. Angel Chapa (28)

WHIP:
1. Jeffery Cinadr (0.55)
2. Zachary Quate (0.73)
3. Daniel April (0.75)
4. Doug Salinas (0.92)
5. Kyle Ayers (0.97)
6. Alexander Colome (1.03, fifth in NYP)
6. Albert Suarez (1.03)
8. Kyle Lobstein (1.06, eighth in NYP)*
9. Richard De Los Santos (1.13)
10. Jason McEachern (1.22)

* denotes 2009 Rays Prospect Top Prospect

Rays Announce 2010 MLB Coaching Staff Changes

From the PR - The Tampa Bay Rays have announced the following with regard to Joe Maddon's 2010 major league coaching staff. Bench coach Dave Martinez, third base coach Tom Foley, first base coach George Hendrick, bullpen coach Bobby Ramos and pitching coach Jim Hickey will return. The contract of hitting coach Steve Henderson will not be renewed. The position of quality assurance coach, held by Todd Greene, will be discontinued.

Martinez, 45, just completed his second season as bench coach under Maddon, his first major league coaching experience. Martinez was Tampa Bay's Opening Day right fielder in 1998 and played three seasons with the Devil Rays.

Foley, 50, just completed his 14th season with the Rays organization, his eighth at his current post. In addition to his role as a major league coach, he has served as a minor league manager, field coordinator and director of minor league operations.

Hendrick, 59, will return for his fifth season as first base coach. He has also served on the major league coaching staffs of the Los Angeles Dodgers (2003), Anaheim Angels (1998-99) and St. Louis Cardinals (1996-97).

Ramos, 53, just finished his fourth season as Rays bullpen coach, his second tour with the organization. He also spent three seasons (1997-99) as a minor league manager. Prior to rejoining the Rays he spent six seasons with the Angels organization, including three (2000-02) on the major league coaching staff.

Hickey, 47, enters his fourth season as Rays pitching coach and is the longest-tenured pitching coach in club history. He joined the Rays in November 2006 after spending 16 seasons coaching in the Houston Astros organization.

Henderson has been with the Rays organization since 1996 including five seasons as the Rays major league batting coach and eight as Tampa Bay's minor league hitting coordinator. Greene was with the Rays for one season as quality assurance coach.

19 Leagues

There are 19 summer professional baseball minor leagues (only including those affiliated with major league organizations, and including the Mexican League, where some of the players are on loan from affiliated teams). The Rays have 9 minor league affiliates playing in 9 of the 19 leagues.

Today I want to take a look at the type of leagues the Rays affiliates play in, are they high offense or low offense, strong pitching or weak pitching. Below are the leagues ranked by offense and pitching, which is really two ways of looking at the same thing. I chose to rank the offense by OPS rather than runs per game and pitching by ERA to try and eliminate some of the effects of poor fielding at the lower levels (more on that later).

Leagues by OPS (leagues with Rays affiliates in bold):

Rk League            Level Tms BatAge    BA   OBP   SLG   OPS
1  Mexican           AAA    16   30.1  .301  .373  .438  .811
2  Pacific Coast     AAA    16   26.6  .272  .341  .418  .758
3  California        Adv A  10   22.8  .270  .341  .417  .758
4  Pioneer           Rookie  8   20.8  .273  .345  .408  .754
5  Texas             AA      8   24.1  .266  .340  .391  .732
6  Venezuelan Summer ForRk   7   18.4  .265  .345  .381  .727
7  International     AAA    14   27.1  .262  .328  .395  .723
8  Northwest         S-S A   8   21.2  .264  .342  .380  .722
9  Eastern           AA     12   24.3  .258  .332  .385  .717
10 Arizona           Rookie 11   20.2  .263  .339  .379  .717
11 Carolina          Adv A   8   22.8  .256  .329  .383  .712
12 Appalachian       Rookie 10   20.6  .257  .328  .384  .712
13 Southern          AA     10   24.5  .255  .332  .380  .711
14 Midwest           A      14   21.6  .256  .329  .373  .702
15 South Atlantic    A      16   21.5  .254  .324  .368  .692
16 Florida State     Adv A  12   22.4  .252  .322  .363  .684
17 New York-Penn     S-S A  14   21.1  .245  .320  .351  .670
18 Dominican Summer  ForRk  33   18.3  .242  .340  .330  .669
19 Gulf Coast        Rookie 16   19.5  .238  .316  .335  .652

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table Generated 10/3/2009.

So the Rays teams play in leagues mostly at the bottom of the list by OPS. Next by pitching ERA (from highest to lowest to match the offense table above):

Rk League            Level Tms PitAge   ERA
1  Mexican           AAA    16   28.7  4.98
2  Pacific Coast     AAA    16   27.0  4.51
3  California        Adv A  10   23.0  4.47
4  Pioneer           Rookie  8   20.9  4.44
5  Arizona           Rookie 11   20.7  4.37
6  Northwest         S-S A   8   21.3  4.28
7  Texas             AA      8   24.0  4.22
8  Venezuelan Summer ForRk   7   18.5  4.09
9  Appalachian       Rookie 10   20.3  4.08
10 Carolina          Adv A   8   22.9  3.99
11 Midwest           A      14   21.7  3.96
12 International     AAA    14   26.9  3.92
13 Eastern           AA     12   24.2  3.90
14 Southern          AA     10   24.4  3.85
15 Dominican Summer  ForRk  33   18.8  3.73
16 South Atlantic    A      16   21.6  3.71
17 Florida State     Adv A  12   23.0  3.56
18 New York-Penn     S-S A  14   21.4  3.50
19 Gulf Coast        Rookie 16   20.4  3.37

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table Generated 10/3/2009.

Again, the Rays teams play in the lower offense/better pitching leagues.

So what, if anything, does this mean? We all know the Rays have many more pitching prospects than hitting prospects. Is that a product of the Rays minor league teams league environments? Probably not, but maybe a better question is whether the leagues that the Rays minor leaguers play in help/hurt the development of our hitters or pitchers. Do the pitchers excel by playing in 'pitcher's leagues', and conversely, do the batters get overwhelmed? Or is it better for our hitters to face challenging environments?

Would you want the Rays really change the leagues their affiliates play in? Geography is important for transactions and scouting economy. The VSL and DSL are where they are, and the GCL and Florida State League are set by the spring training facility. So that leaves 5 teams.

At AAA, the IL makes a lot more sense than the PCL. At AA, the Southern League makes the most sense, but Eastern League is a possibility. Bowling Green is moving to the Midwest League from the Sally next year, along with Lake County, mostly due to the travel distance differences between the leagues. Smart move in my opinion. The Appy and NY-Penn also seem to make the most sense.

So long story short, we are where we should be, and where we are is in a system that favors pitchers over hitters.

I mentioned above the fielding differences between different levels. You always hear that pitchers at lower levels suffer from poor defense behind them. And it makes sense, a poor defender will either be released or moved to an easier position as they move up through the system. But is it really true at each level? To find out let's look at each of the 19 leagues by fielding percentage (I realize fielding percentage is not the most advanced defensive metric, but it's all I have for all 19 leagues, and I think it's not that bad for looking at a league as a whole as opposed to an individual player):

Rk League            Level Tms   Fld%
1  Pacific Coast     AAA    16  .978
2  International     AAA    14  .977
3  Mexican           AAA    16  .977
4  Eastern           AA     12  .976
5  Southern          AA     10  .975
6  Florida State     Adv A  12  .972
7  Carolina          Adv A   8  .972
8  Texas             AA      8  .972
9  California        Adv A  10  .971
10 Midwest           A      14  .969
11 South Atlantic    A      16  .968
12 New York-Penn     S-S A  14  .967
13 Northwest         S-S A   8  .966
14 Gulf Coast        Rookie 16  .963
15 Appalachian       Rookie 10  .961
16 Pioneer           Rookie  8  .959
17 Arizona           Rookie 11  .956
18 Venezuelan Summer ForRk   7  .954
19 Dominican Summer  ForRk  33  .948

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/5/2009.

Kind of amazing, other than the Texas League (and even there you have to go to four decimal places) every league is in order by level from highest to lowest. Was 2009 just a fluke? Let's look at 2008:

Rk League            Level Tms  Fld%
1  Pacific Coast     AAA    16  .978
2  International     AAA    14  .977
3  Mexican           AAA    16  .977
4  Texas             AA      8  .975
5  Southern          AA     10  .975
6  Eastern           AA     12  .975
7  Florida State     Adv A  12  .974
8  Carolina          Adv A   8  .972
9  California        Adv A  10  .970
10 South Atlantic    A      16  .968
11 Midwest           A      14  .968
12 Northwest         S-S A   8  .965
13 Pioneer           Rookie  8  .964
14 New York-Penn     S-S A  14  .964
15 Gulf Coast        Rookie 16  .960
16 Appalachian       Rookie 10  .960
17 Venezuelan Summer ForRk   8  .955
18 Arizona           Rookie  9  .954
19 Dominican Summer  ForRk  37  .951

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/5/2009.

Doesn't appear to be a fluke, this time only the NY-P (barely) and the Arizona League are out of order.

2009 Year in Review: Princeton Rays (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2009 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the Princeton Rays.

ERA:
1. James Hill (0.00)
2. Geno Glynn (0.00)
3. Scott Shuman (0.82)
4. Jason McEachern (1.06)
5. Alex Koronis (1.95)
6. Kirby Yates (2.39)
7. Zach Rosscup (2.68)
8. Deivis Mavares (2.81)
9. Julius Dettrich (2.92, fifth in APP)
10. Matt Stabelfeld (3.10)

Wins:
1. Deivis Mavares (5, tied sixth in APP)
1. Julius Dettrich (5, tied sixth in APP)
3. Jairo De La Rosa (4)
3. Joey Callender (4)
3. Trevor Shull (4)
6. Zachary Rosscup (3)
7. Omar Bencomo (2)
7. Tyler Oakes (2)
7. Jeffery Cinadr (2)
10. James Hill (1)
10. Geno Glynn (1)
10. Alex Koronis (1)
10. Matt Stabelfeld (1)
10. Wilking Rodriguez (1)

Saves:
1. Kirby Yates (4)
2. Alex Koronis (3)
2. Scott Shuman (3)
4. Jairo De La Rosa (2)
5. Deivis Mavares (1)
5. James Hill (1)

Holds:
1. Tyler Oakes (3, tied third in APP)
2. Joey Callender (2)
3. Alex Koronis (1)
3. Scott Shuman (1)
3. Jairo De La Rosa (1)
3. Matt Stabelfeld (1)
3. Jake Sullivan (1)

Strikeouts:
1. Wilking Rodriguez (52)
2. Trevor Shull (50)
3. Kirby Yates (49)
3. Deivis Mavares (49)
5. Julius Dettrich (36)
6. Alex Koronis (34)
7. Scott Shuman (29)
7. Omar Bencomo (29)
9. Tyler Oakes (28)
10. Jairo De La Rosa (27)
10. Zachary Rosscup (27)

WHIP:
1. Geno Glynn (0.00)
2. Jason McEachern (0.65)
3. Alex Koronis (0.98)
4. Wilking Rodriguez (1.00, third in APP)
5. Julius Dettrich (1.04. seventh in APP)
6. James Hill (1.07)
7. Kirby Yates (1.14)
8. Omar Bencomo (1.16)
9. Deivis Mavares (1.17)
9. Zachary Rosscup (1.17)

* denotes 2009 Rays Prospect Top Prospect

2009 Year in Review: GCL Rays (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2009 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the GCL Rays.

ERA:
1. Kevin James (0.00)
2. Mitch Talbot (0.82)*
3. Jacob Partridge (1.75)
4. Marcus Proctor (1.80)
5. Victor Mateo (1.98)
6. Aneuris Mercedes (2.75)
7. Shawn Smith (3.00)
8. Wilmer Almonte (3.32)
9. Eliazer Suero (3.35)
10. Andrew Bellatti (3.38)

Wins:
1. Victor Mateo (3)
1. Wilmer Almonte (3)
3. Eliazer Suero (2)
3. Enny Romero (2)
3. Jose Monegro (2)
3. Jose Molina (2)
7. Shawn Smith (1)
7. Andrew Bellatti (1)
7. Brad Furdal (1)
7. Matt Swilley (1)
7. Luis Yendis (1)

Saves:
1. Aneuris Mercedes (4)
2. Elvin Perez (3)
3. Eliazer Suero (1)
3. Brad Furdal (1)
3. Matt Swilley (1)

Holds:
1. Jose Molina (2)
1. Shawn Smith (2)
3. Aneuris Mercedes (1)
3. Andrew Bellatti (1)
3. Luis Yendis (1)
3. Jacob Partridge (1)

Strikeouts:
1. Brad Furdal (49)
2. Eliazer Suero (40)
3. Jacob Partridge (39)
4. Victor Mateo (38)
5. Wilmer Almonte (37)
6. Enny Romero (32)
7. Andrew Bellatti (29)
8. Mitch Talbot (21)*
9. Aneuris Mercedes (20)
10. Jose Molina (16)

WHIP:
1. Mitch Talbot (0.45)*
2. Marcus Proctor (0.80)
3. Kevin James (1.00)
4. Victor Mateo (1.02, tenth in GCL)
5. Jake McGee (1.04)*
6. Jacob Partridge (1.08)
7. Wilmer Almonte (1.12)
8. Eliazer Suero (1.18)
9. Andrew Bellatti (1.26)
10. Aneuris Mercedes (1.37)

* denotes 2009 Rays Prospect Top Prospect

2009 Year in Review: Durham Bulls (Hitting)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2009 season by taking a look at the offensive leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the offensive stats of the Durham Bulls.

Batting Average:
1. Desmond Jennings (.325)*
2. Rashad Eldridge (.305)
3. Akinori Iwamura (.303)
4. Jon Weber (.302, ninth in INT)
5. Rhyne Hughes (.301)
6. Reid Brignac (.282)*
7. Adam Kennedy (.280)
8. Fernando Perez (.278)*
9. Henry Mateo (.277)
10. Matt Joyce (.273)

Slugging:
1. Chris Richard (.521, fifth in INT)
2. Rhyne Hughes (.510)
3. Jon Weber (.497, ninth in INT)
4. Desmond Jennings (.491)*
5. Matt Joyce (.482)
6. Elliot Johnson (.451)*
7. Sean Rodriguez (.450)
8. Adam Kennedy (.439)
9. Reid Brignac (.417)*
10. Justin Ruggiano (.412)*

On Base Pct:
1. Akinori Iwamura (.452)
2. Desmond Jennings (.419)*
3. Fernando Perez (.395)*
4. Brandon Chaves (.394)
5. Jon Weber (.382, seventh in INT)
6. Rashad Eldridge (.376)
7. Matt Joyce (.373, tenth in INT)
8. Adam Kennedy (.366)
9. Chris Richard (.364)
10. John Jaso (.362)*

Hits:
1. Jon Weber (136, eighth in INT)
2. Justin Ruggiano (119)*
3. Reid Brignac (117)*
4. Matt Joyce (114)
5. Ray Olmedo (103)
6. Chris Richard (96)
7. John Jaso (88)*
8. Rhyne Hughes (86)
9. Henry Mateo (85)
10. Ray Sadler (69)

Doubles:
1. Jon Weber (46, first in INT)
2. Matt Joyce (35, tied fifth in INT)
3. Justin Ruggiano (28)*
3. Reid Brignac (28)*
5. Rhyne Hughes (24)
6. Chris Richard (22)
7. Henry Mateo (17)
8. John Jaso (14)*
9. Ray Olmedo (13)
9. Chris Nowak (13)

Triples:
1. Henry Mateo (4)
2. Rhyne Hughes (3)
3. Matt Joyce (2)
3. Reid Brignac (2)*
3. John Jaso (2)*
3. Ray Olmedo (2)
3. Desmond Jennings (2)*
3. Craig Albernaz (2)
9. Justin Ruggiano (1)*
9. Chris Nowak (1)
9. Ray Sadler (1)
9. Elliott Johnson (1)*

Home Runs:
1. Chris Richard (24, third in INT)
2. Matt Joyce (16)
3. Justin Ruggiano (15)*
4. Jon Weber (14)
5. Ray Sadler (13)
6. Elliot Johnson (11)*
7. Rhyne Hughes (10)
8. Reid Brignac (8)*
9. Ray Olmedo (6)
10. John Jaso (5)*

RBI’s:
1. Chris Richard (75, tied eighth in INT)
2. Justin Ruggiano (72, tenth in INT)*
3. Jon Weber (69)
4. Matt Joyce (66)
5. Ray Sadler (47)
5. Ray Olmedo (47)
7. Reid Brignac (44)*
8. Elliot Johnson (35)*
9. Rhyne Hughes (33)
10. John Jaso (30)*

Stolen Bases:
1. Justin Ruggiano (23)*
2. Desmond Jennings (15)*
3. Matt Joyce (14)
4. Henry Mateo (13)
5. Ray Olmedo (8)
5. Fernando Perez (8)*
7. Ray Sadler (5)
7. Reid Brignac (5)*
7. Rashad Eldridge (5)
10. Joe Dillon (4)

* denotes 2009 Rays Prospect Top Prospect