Talking Chop

IL All Stars 2, PCL All Stars 1

None of the Gwinnett players started the game, but their team took the victory. Barbaro Canizares had a pinch hit single in the 8th inning. Wes Timmons pinch ran in the 5th inning then flew out in his only at bat in the 7th. Mike Dunn had the best showing of the Braves players, throwing a scoreless 8th inning to pick up the hold, while allowing 1 hit and striking out the side.

Mississippi 3, Huntsville 9

In 67 at bats with Mississippi Jesus Sucre has hit .388 with a .905 OPS. He doesn't have a consistent track record with the bat, but he has has spurts of greatness. Since he's a superior defender he has a good shot at becoming a backup catcher in the Major Leagues. Richard Sullivan throws a scoreless 1.1 innings out of the bullpen, the only role he's had any success in this year. If the Braves keep him in the pen he could find himself in Atlanta within a year.

Myrtle Beach 3, Lynchburg 5

Myke Jones had another nice game, but he continues to be plagued by errors, making two of the throwing variety in this game. Jordan Kreke had a great debut for the Pelicans, collecting 3 hits and driving in a run. Zeke Spruill is still recovering after missing time with broken hand, thus the short outing. Ty'Relle Harris was great in relief, striking out the side while throwing a scoreless 8th inning.

Rome 3, Hagerstown 5

The R-Braves didn't string together many hits and their defense let the pitchers down, as 4 of the runs that Cory Rasmus allowed were unearned. Of course, he gave up a ton of hits on his own and that didn't help matters. 22 year old Andrew Wilson, a 36th round pick in last year's draft, has been great in relief this year. An interesting side note: Hagerstown's hitting coach is Tony Tarasco, who hit .263 with a .700 OPS in 167 at bats for the Braves between 93 and 94.

Danville 3, Elizabethton 2

Carlos Perez is putting himself in position to be the second straight Danville Brave to win the Appy Leauge Pitcher of the Year award. The 18 year old lefty has only allowed 1 earned run this season, and that came in his first start. This year's 6th round pick, 21 year old Joey Terdoslavich, extended his hitting streak 5 games, but also made his 6th error of the year at the hot corner, racking up that total in just 21 games.

GCL Braves 5, GCL Tigers 0

Matt Lipka is having an outstanding first season. He extended his hitting streak to 7 games, clubbing out a double and a triple, while driving in 2 runs and stealing a base. David Rohm is having a fine season as well, though you'd expect a 20 year old with JuCo experience to do well in the GCL. 20 year old catcher Ramon de los Santos hardly plays, with just 19 at bats in 8 games, but they really should get him in there more, since 4 of his 7 hits have gone for extra bases; he's hitting .368 with a 1.189 OPS. This year's 25th round pick, 23 year old Dan Jurik, has dominated in his 19 inning for the Orlando Braves, with a 0.95 ERA and a 0.74 WHIP, but as a 4 year college player he's way too expereienced for the league. Still, he can't help where the Braves placed him and he's doing everything in his power to get promoted.

DSL Braves 4, DSL Angles 5

19 year old outfielder Felix Marte hit his team leading 5th home run and he's gone 5 for his last 8 with a double, a homer and 3 RBI. 19 year old third baseman Carlos Franco has been hot lately, hitting .308 with a .840 OPS and 10 RBI in his last 10 games. 18 year old outfielder Hector Garcia has been hot as well, going 6-13 in his last 3 games.