Former Hogs in Pro Ball

[flippinhogmana]

I dont know where all the hawgs are but I do keep up with some, mainly in MLB.  Feel free to augment the thread with any current player info at any pro level.

1. Mike Bolsinger, LA Dodgers, is now 4-1 with a 2.08 ERA.  The scouting report on him is that he has limited potential and has to keep the ball down in the lower part of the zone and hit the corners to win....so did Tommy Glavine.

2.  Logan Forsythe started the year hot and led the Tampa Rays in a lot offensive categories (hitting over 300 for a good while).  But he and the Rays have tailed off of late.  He is currently hitting .265 and is second on the team in average and rbis.

3.  James McCann has apparently been returned to backup catcher status with the Detroit Tigers.  Looks like he has only had about eight at bats since I check on him a week or so ago.  Hitting .272 with a couple of hrs.  looked pretty good defensively the couple of games I saw him on the tube.

4.  Drew Smyly is rehabbing an injury (also with the Rays) and wont be on active duty until at least late summer if then.

5.  Craig Gentry is hitting under .100 with very limited defensive play for the Oakland Athletics, this may be his last year if he doesnt pick it up.

6.  Dallas Keuchel is getting much deserved acclaim this year.  He is leading his team in wins (7), strikeouts (72) and era (1.90). 

7.  Cliff Lee is on the 60 day disabled list and has no recorded stats with the Phillies, but he is still getting paid rather well.

8.  Brett Eibner was having a good year in the minors last I saw something on him as was Zach Cox.  Its just harder to keep up with and research the progress of the minor leaguers.  Same thing with DJ Baxendale (CREDIT dotnet. from another thread on Bax and Cox being southern allstars).


I used to see on occasion a thread that told where our former hogs were, I always enjoyed that, just keeping up with the guys, seeing how they were doing.  I know there a ton more hogs out there, just dont know where they are this year. 

[bulldog04]

Forber?

[BroyledNutts]

I dont know where all the hawgs are but I do keep up with some, mainly in MLB.  Feel free to augment the thread with any current player info at any pro level.

1. Mike Bolsinger is now 4-1 with a 2.08 ERA.  The scouting report on him is that he has limited potential and has to keep the ball down in the lower part of the zone and hit the corners to win....so did Tommy Glavine.

2.  Logan Forsythe started the year hot and led the Tampa Rays in a lot offensive categories (hitting over 300 for a good while).  But he and the Rays have tailed off of late.  He is currently hitting .265 and is second on the team in average and rbis.

3.  James McCann has apparently been returned to backup catcher status with the Detroit Tigers.  Looks like he has only had about eight at bats since I check on him a week or so ago.  Hitting .272 with a couple of hrs.  looked pretty good defensively the couple of games I saw him on the tube.

4.  Drew Smyly is rehabbing an injury (also with the Rays) and wont be on active duty until at least late summer if then.

5.  Craig Gentry is hitting under .100 with very limited defensive play for the Oakland Athletics, this may be his last year if he doesnt pick it up.

6.  Dallas Keuchel is getting much deserved acclaim this year.  He is leading his team in wins (7), strikeouts (72) and era (1.90). 

7.  Cliff Lee is on the 60 day disabled list and has no recorded stats with the Phillies, but he is still getting paid rather well.

8.  Brett Eibner was having a good year in the minors last I saw something on him as was Zach Cox.  Its just harder to keep up with and research the progress of the minor leaguers. 

McCann has turned into a commodity - I wonder how long until he's traded.

[SPAL]

Duke welker was with the pirates, had tommy john, and was released. Haven't heard where he is right now.

[flippinhogmana]

McCann has turned into a commodity - I wonder how long until he's traded.

Someone said that the catcher in front of him is the brother of one of the Detroit execs...but I do know that as well as James is playing, the catcher in front of him is playing better when he isnt hurt....that I assume is why he isnt on the field. 

I dont know, a trade may be prescribed by that...but he is well liked in Detroit from what I hear also, so who knows.

[BroyledNutts]

Someone said that the catcher in front of him is the brother of one of the Detroit execs...but I do know that as well as James is playing, the catcher in front of him is playing better when he isnt hurt....that I assume is why he isnt on the field. 

I dont know, a trade may be prescribed by that...but he is well liked in Detroit from what I hear also, so who knows.

Avila has a relative in the office? Or Holaday?

From all I've read McCann is well liked there - but if Avila ever recoups it will be his show...I would like to see McCann go somewhere he could win a starting role of his own. Somewhere he's the big show. It just seems as if Detroit is grooming him to be part of a leverage trade with someone or a group of someones.

[Kevin]

Avila's brother is assistant gm

[flippinhogmana]

Avila has a relative in the office? Or Holaday?

From all I've read McCann is well liked there - but if Avila ever recoups it will be his show...I would like to see McCann go somewhere he could win a starting role of his own. Somewhere he's the big show. It just seems as if Detroit is grooming him to be part of a leverage trade with someone or a group of someones.

Avila from what I recall.  I dont know if its factual.  Perhaps I shouldn't repeat it unless I knew.  I guess my defense would be I heard it on hogille.net, had to be true, right?

[snoblind]

Avila from what I recall.  I dont know if its factual.  Perhaps I shouldn't repeat it unless I knew.  I guess my defense would be I heard it on hogille.net, had to be true, right?

Looks like Kevin has your back on your statement.

[Kevin]

Vice President, Assistant General ManagerAl Avila

[bulldog04]

Brad Ausmus is a big fan of McCann's so it may get interesting

[flippinhogmana]

Looks like Kevin has your back on your statement.

^^^^ Good man.  I trust the source when I know its him.

[ErieHog]

DJ Baxendale is pitching reasonably well for the Twins AA affiliate in Chattanooga.     He's 3-1 with a 3.47 ERA, but has had some issues with nagging injury.

The talk I tend to see is that he may be a bullpen project, long relief type, long term.   He started out on fire in rookie ball,  but then saw his K rates crater, and his control flag a little.   This season has been a nice rebound for him, though, so far.

[WilsonHog]

Michael Gunn is with the Red Sox' Class A Greenville Drive in the South Atlantic League. He was called up briefly to the Salem Red Sox. He's been working out of the bullpen, both as a closer and in middle relief. In 14.2 innings of work, Michael is 0-1 with one save, an ERA of 3.07 and a WHIP of 1.36. His K:BB ratio is 2:1 (16 Ks in 14.2 innings against eight walks).

[pg1862]

Jalen Beeks is also with the Greenville Drive. He is 6-2 in 11 starts with 3.25 ERA, 41 k's, 10 walks, 1.13 WHIP

[Wisco Pig]

Staying in the South Atlantic League, Colby Suggs pitches for the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the Miami Marlins' Class A team.   Looks like he's currently on the disabled list.  He's pitched 5.1 innings in 5 games with a save and 6 strikeouts.  His ERA is 0.

If you're into Twitter, you can follow him @papasuggs34.

[boaron]

Ryne Stanek
http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=592773#/career/R/pitching/2015/ALL

Dominic Ficociello
http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=592301#/career/R/hitting/2015/ALL

Randall Fant
http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=572840#/career/R/pitching/2015/ALL

[boaron]

Matt Reynolds
http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=608703#/career/R/hitting/2015/ALL

[Big Nasty 34]

Lots of hogs will hopefully be in bigs within a couple years!

[bulldog04]

It will be hard to keep Reynolds in the minors this year especially with the injury to Wright.

[Ray Piggers]

Looks like Andy Wilkins was traded to the Blue Jays at some point this year. Has had a solid minor league career, and I really thought he would break through with the White Sox. Laroche probably sealed his fate in Chi.

[Kevin]

Wilkins is now with the Dodgers. Hitting about .215

[flippinhogmana]

Trent Daniels, LHP, reliever, minor league modesto nuts, advanced A,  this year so far, 2.60 era, 1-2 record, 3 saves, last year A ball, 5-2, 15 saves, 3.12 era

[flippinhogmana]

Brian Anderson, outfielder, Jupiter hammerheads, advanced a league, 242 average, 5hrs, 32 rbis; last year in A ball hit 300 with 11 hr, and 49 rbs in 230 abs.

[flippinhogmana]

Nolan Sanburn, RHP, Birmingham Barons, AA, 0-2 4.91 era, 2 saves in 3 ops, last year basically the same.

[flippinhogmana]

Barrett Astin, RHP, Daytona Tortugas, advanced A, 4-1, 62 ip, 2.19 era, 51 ks to only 15 walks, a lot better ratio this year than last. 

[onebadrubi]

It will be hard to keep Reynolds in the minors this year especially with the injury to Wright.

Why am I drawing a blank on who Matt Reynolds is?

[ur]

Blake Parker- Cubs

[Waldron_Hog]

Reynolds played short and third for us. Wore number 5

[jry04]

Why am I drawing a blank on who Matt Reynolds is?

He was our best hitter on our 2012 CWS team. Drafted in the 2nd round by the Mets.

[onebadrubi]

He was our best hitter on our 2012 CWS team. Drafted in the 2nd round by the Mets.

I am not sure why but I can not for the life of me remember this guy.  I know that is awful to admit but for some reason I just can't. 

[jry04]

I am not sure why but I can not for the life of me remember this guy.  I know that is awful to admit but for some reason I just can't. 

He played at 3B mostly, and wasn't a very good hitter in 2011. He had a great summer, and came back hitting like .330. He was our only .300 hitter on that team by the end of the year, and probably our biggest HR threat. In spring training, some thought he may win a starting job with the Mets'. He plays SS in the MLB. Maybe you cannot remember since he really only had 1 really good year for us, but he is likely called up soon to the MLB.

[dotnet]

He did start and play for three season though.  His sophmore year was kind of weird.  Everyone expected him to be the best hitter on the team and he just had a down year.  His junior year was in line with what was always expected of him. 

[onebadrubi]

He did start and play for three season though.  His sophmore year was kind of weird.  Everyone expected him to be the best hitter on the team and he just had a down year.  His junior year was in line with what was always expected of him.

It's coming back to me now, thanks guys!

[Laughing Hog]

I dont know where all the hawgs are but I do keep up with some, mainly in MLB.  Feel free to augment the thread with any current player info at any pro level.

1. Mike Bolsinger, LA Dodgers, is now 4-1 with a 2.08 ERA.  The scouting report on him is that he has limited potential and has to keep the ball down in the lower part of the zone and hit the corners to win....so did Tommy Glavine.

2.  Logan Forsythe started the year hot and led the Tampa Rays in a lot offensive categories (hitting over 300 for a good while).  But he and the Rays have tailed off of late.  He is currently hitting .265 and is second on the team in average and rbis.

3.  James McCann has apparently been returned to backup catcher status with the Detroit Tigers.  Looks like he has only had about eight at bats since I check on him a week or so ago.  Hitting .272 with a couple of hrs.  looked pretty good defensively the couple of games I saw him on the tube.

4.  Drew Smyly is rehabbing an injury (also with the Rays) and wont be on active duty until at least late summer if then.

5.  Craig Gentry is hitting under .100 with very limited defensive play for the Oakland Athletics, this may be his last year if he doesnt pick it up.

6.  Dallas Keuchel is getting much deserved acclaim this year.  He is leading his team in wins (7), strikeouts (72) and era (1.90). 

7.  Cliff Lee is on the 60 day disabled list and has no recorded stats with the Phillies, but he is still getting paid rather well.

8.  Brett Eibner was having a good year in the minors last I saw something on him as was Zach Cox.  Its just harder to keep up with and research the progress of the minor leaguers.  Same thing with DJ Baxendale (CREDIT dotnet. from another thread on Bax and Cox being southern allstars).


I used to see on occasion a thread that told where our former hogs were, I always enjoyed that, just keeping up with the guys, seeing how they were doing.  I know there a ton more hogs out there, just dont know where they are this year. 

May want to try here occasionally http://www.wholehogsports.com/news/pro-hogs/

[hawkhawg]

Got to watch McCann play tonight. Detroit @ Cleveland. He had a horrible night at the plate. But he gave me someone to cheer for.

[Kevin]

What are the mets waiting on

[bulldog04]

What are the mets waiting on

What are the mets waiting on

What are the mets waiting on

I swear they are just being stubborn

[flippinhogmana]

http://media.arkansasonline.com/img/photos/2015/06/25/Yankees_Astros_Baseba_Jone_r600x400.jpg?689b03237e9432d372b8e4e059d8b6cfaff1b604

HOUSTON (AP) — Dallas Keuchel pitched a six-hitter and struck out a career-high 12 in his second shutout in less than a month to lead the Houston Astros to a 4-0 win over the New York Yankees on Thursday night.
Keuchel (9-3) gave up six singles and walked one while topping his previous best of 11 strikeouts in a shutout over the White Sox on May 30.

[flippinhogmana]

http://media.arkansasonline.com/img/photos/2015/06/21/Rays_Indians_Baseball_Jone_t610.jpg?378eb6a690ec678d137cd2e2f7ac59efca4c941c

First off I appreciate WholeHogSports for having a second on Pro Hogs as cropped below.  I took the liberty of chopping out the section on Dallas Keuchel from this story as they had an article with more recent info than was contained herein and I also added an emboldened comment on Mike Bolsinger that is more up to date than the info herein, but that in no ways indicates a lack of appreciate of WholeHog, or to the writer of the article.  Thanks guys!

Pro Hogs:
MLB report: Forsythe stays hot
By: Andrew Hutchinson  Published: Sunday, June 21, 2015  E-Mail Tampa Bay Rays' Logan Forsythe hits a single off Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Cody Allen in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, June 21, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Tampa Bay Rays' Logan Forsythe hits a single off Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Cody Allen in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, June 21, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Logan Forsythe has been on fire lately for the Tampa Bay Rays.
The former Arkansas infielder went 3-for-4 in the Rays' 1-0 loss to the Cleveland Indians Sunday, improving his batting average to .288.  The performance capped a seven-game stretch in which Forsythe is 13-for-27 (.481) with a double and three RBIs.
His batting average has risen 24 points and now ranks 21st in the American League and third among AL second basemen.
Through only 70 games, Forsythe already has a career-high seven home runs and 31 RBIs, while his .288 batting average is on pace to best his .273 average in 2012.


McCann Solid for Tigers
James McCann has been a solid replacement for Detroit Tigers' starting catcher Alex Avila, who went down with a knee injury in May.  The former Arkansas catcher went 2-for-4 with an RBI in the Tigers' 14-3 loss to the New York Yankees Saturday and is batting .258 since taking over for Avila.  His only two home runs this year – and his career – have been memorable, with the first being an inside-the-park home run against the Minnesota Twins and the second being a walk-off home run against the Houston Astros.

McCann has also been steady behind the plate. Cincinnati Reds speedster Billy Hamilton came into his game against the Tigers on June 16 with 31 stolen bases in 35 attempts, but McCann was able to throw him out at second.  For the season, he has caught 12 of 24 would-be base stealers. McCann's caught stealing percentage of 50 percent ranks first in the American League.


Bolsinger Struggles for Dodgers
Mike Bolsinger's second half of the season hasn't been nearly as dominant as his first half with the Los Angeles Dodgers.  The former Arkansas pitcher has allowed 15 earned runs in 28 innings over his last five starts, after giving up only two in 25 1/3 innings in his first four starts.

In Bolsinger's fourth start of the year, he was nearly perfect, allowing a leadoff single before getting a double play en route to retiring 23 straight batters.  From there, is has been downhill for Bolsinger. That outing lowered his ERA to a miniscule 0.71, but in his five starts since then, it has risen to 2.87.  His last start was his worst since joining the Dodgers in the offseason, as he allowed five earned runs on eight hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings of a 9-5 loss to the San Francisco Giants Friday.   This article isnt exactly current on Mike.  His last start a couple of days ago he went 4 and 2/3 and gave up two runs in a no decision that the dodgers won.  but he is struggling right now.  He is still 4-1.


Smyly Plays Catch
Drew Smyly played catch before the Tampa Bay Rays' game against the Chicago White Sox on June 13, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
It was the first time the former Arkansas pitcher has thrown since tearing his labrum in May.  Initially, it was expected that Smyly would undergo season-ending surgery, but he opted to rest and rehab it with hopes of returning to the rotation in August, as the earliest.  Before his injury, Smyly was 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three starts. He had 21 strikeouts and three walks in 16 2/3 innings of work.

[flippinhogmana]

I didnt see anyone mention Zach Cox but Zach dropped down to AA ball this year.  He was hitting above .300 but with only about 3 homers last I checked and not a lot of power otherwise.  I think this might be a pivotal year for Zach too.  He has been invited a couple of times to spring ball with the parent mlb teams that own his rights (I think at least one of those was due to his contract language).  He has been close to being called up a couple of times earlier in his career, but has now dropped down to AA.  Thats not the direction you want to be headed several years into your pro career.  He was a heck of a hitter for us, I wish him well.

[flippinhogmana]

Brandon Moore was pitching in A ball last year; has since retired.
Matt Vinson has retired;
Collin Kuhn has retired;
Geoffrey Davenport has retired;

[flippinhogmana]

Blake Parker- Cubs

Here is the latest on Blake and the Cubs:

The Cubs re-signed right-hander Blake Parker to a new minor league contract, team director of player development Jaron Madison tells Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register (Twitter link).  Parker was released by the Cubs earlier this month.  The righty posted a 3.68 ERA, 10.4 K/9 and 3.54 K/BB rate over 73 1/3 innings out of Chicago's bullpen from 2012-14, but he's been limited to only 3 1/3 Triple-A innings this season due to an elbow injury.

From another article from the cubs site:

Now according to Tommy Birch three days ago on Twitter, Theo Epstein, and Jed Hoyer have decided to bring him back on board and is currently rehabbing his elbow injury in Arizona. Bringing back Parker surely adds depth to this organization that has struggled when it comes to the bullpen.

There have been several games in which Chicago should have won, but certain relievers who were called upon to take over on the mound have let leads slip away or were unable to keep things at a stand still. Parker is a former 16th round draft pick during the 2006 amateur draft where he began his professional career in 2007 between the AZL Cubs and Boise Hawks.

Wish Blake well.

[RazorPiggie]

Brandon Moore was pitching in A ball;
Matt Vinson has retired;
Collin Kuhn has retired;
Geoffrey Davenport has retired;

I believe Brandon is done as well. He started a baseball clinic here in FS/NWA area.

[bulldog04]

I believe Brandon is done as well. He started a baseball clinic here in FS/NWA area.

On his twitter he said he had a job interview so I would assume he's out of baseball.  I was hopeful he could find a niche as a double play specialist and get to the big leagues.

[SPAL]

Killian picks up the win in his debut for the Grand Junction Rockies. Pitched 5 innings and struck out 4

[flippinhogmana]

Killian picks up the win in his debut for the Grand Junction Rockies. Pitched 5 innings and struck out 4

ty SPAL.  Is that A ball or rookie league?  Either way congrats Trey!

[SPAL]

ty SPAL.  Is that A ball or rookie league?  Either way congrats Trey!

It is rookie ball.

[flippinhogmana]

It is rookie ball.

thanks

[flippinhogmana]

this is from the school website arkansasrazorbacks.com  I want to give them full attribution up front.  I would also supply the link but for some reason this site doesn't let me do that like some others do.   Here's the info.  It doesn't tell you how the minor leaguers are doing just saying where they were when this list was put together.  There are a couple of other site that also have some info out there recently.  There is one link in this thread, and I ran across another the other day that I will post when I can think of it again.  In all this site tabulates to 32 Razorbacks still employed in some fashion in pro baseball as players, with a good many more as coaches.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The boys of summer are in full swing and Arkansas has former players all over the country at every level representing the Razorbacks in professional baseball.

Six former players have appeared in Major League Baseball this season, led by Cy Young candidate Dallas Keuchel, while James McCann, Logan Forsythe and Mike Bolsinger are all key contributors for their respective clubs as the All-Star break looms

Dallas Keuchel | Houston Astros | #VoteKeuchel | #GoBeardOrGoHome
In the midst of a Cy Young Award-type season, Dallas Keuchel continues to evolve as one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball with a 9-3 record and a 2.17 ERA through his first 16 starts of the year. He ranks third in the MLB in total wins, second in the American League in ERA and leads the Majors with three complete games. He is coming off a complete-game shutout of the Yankees on June 25, recording nine strikeouts and allowing five hits. The Astros currently have a four-game lead in the AL East.

James McCann | Detroit Tigers | #MrWalkoff
With walk-off home runs starting to become his forte, James McCann has taken over the starting catching role for the Detroit Tigers, hitting .254 with three home runs, 10 doubles and 15 runs batted in. His first collegiate home run was an inside-the-park shot, while his other two blasts were walk-off bombs, including Sunday's clincher against the Chicago White Sox in the bottom of the ninth. McCann is the first Tiger in franchise history to hit two walk-off home runs in his rookie seasons (via @EliasSports). The Tigers are currently 39-36 on the year and 6.5 games back of the AL Central-leading Kansas City Royals and 2.0 games back of the AL Wild Card lead.

Logan Forsythe | Tampa Bay Rays | #VoteForsythe
Before the All-Star break even arrives, Logan Forsythe is having the best statistical season of his six-year MLB career, hitting .297 with eight home runs and a team-best 15 doubles. He has 18 multi-hit games on the year, including six three-hit performances, most recently a 3-for-5 day against Boston on June 26. Forsythe has raised his average 33 points since June 16, hitting safely in 11 of 14 games during the stretch. The Rays are currently tied for first place in the AL East.

Mike Bolsinger | LA Dodgers
On a team loaded with pitching talent, Mike Bolsinger has quietly emerged as one of the best pitchers for the Dodgers, posting a 4-2 record and 2.95 earned run average in 10 starts. He made his Dodger Debut on April 23 and started his LA career with a 3-0 record and 0.71 ERA, allowing just two earned runs in his first 25.1 innings of work. The Dodgers currently have a 43-34 record and a 1.0 game lead on the San Francisco Giants in the NL West.

Around the Horn
•  Drew Smyly was shut down in early May with a torn labrum but was scheduled to throw off the mound over the weekend in his road to recovery. In his three starts early in the year, Smyly was 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 16.2 innings of work.
•  Craig Gentry saw action in 17 games for the Oakland Athletics early in the season, but was optioned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds where he is hitting .257 with seven doubles and three home runs.
•  Cliff Lee was placed on the 60-day disabled list for the Philadelphia Phillies back in March with a tear in his left elbow and will likely be out the remainder of the 2015 season.

Minor League Roundup
Triple-A
Matt Reynolds – Las Vegas 51s (Mets)\
Brett Eibner – Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals)
Andy Wilkins – Oklahoma City (Dodgers)
Jess Todd – Pawtucket (Red Sox)
Blake Parker – Iowa (Cubs)

Double-A
Zack Cox – Jacksonville Suns (Marlins)
DJ Baxendale – Chattanooga Lookouts (Twins)
Nolan Sanburn – Birmington Barons (White Sox)
Barrett Astin – Pensacola Wahoos (Reds)
Ryne Stanek – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays)

Single-A Plus
Trent Daniel – Modesto Nuts (Rockies)
Randall Fant – Lancaster Jethawks (Astros)
Dominic Ficociello – Lakeland Flying (Tigers)
Brian Anderson – Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins)

Single-A
Jalen Beeks – Greenville Drive (Red Sox)
Derrick Bleeker – Delmarva Shorebirds (Orioles)
Jacob Morris – Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox)
Chris Oliver – Lakewood BlueClaws (Phillies)
Colby Suggs – Greensboro Grasshoppers (Marlins)
Michael Gunn – Greenville Drive (Red Sox)

Short-season A
Eric Fisher – Batavia Muckdogs (Marlins)
Bobby Wernes – Tri-City VallyCats (Astros)

Rookie
Trey Killian – Grand Junction (Rockies)
2015 MLB Draft
Andrew Benintendi – Red Sox (Yet to Sign)
Tyler Spoon – Red Sox (Yet to Sign)