Cory Harrilchak clubbed out 3 doubles for Myrtle Beach tonight.
Gwinnett 6, Rochester 3
Chris Resop probably thought he was done playing for Gwinnett after his June 10th 1-hitter and subsequent promotion to Atlanta, but he picked up right where he left off, holding the Red Wings hitless over 5 innings in his rehab appearance. His rehab performances should leave little doubt that his lone appearance in the Majors this year was a fluke caused by his injury. Brandon Beachy got touched up a little tonight, but he still managed to strike a bunch of guys out and pick up the save. Freddie Freeman drove in 2 runs, giving him more in 92 games this year than he had in 111 last year.
Mississippi - Off
Myrtle Beach 5, Salem 2
Cory Harrilchak rapped out 3 doubles tonight and he's been doing a ton of damage lately, hitting .333 with a .908 OPS in his last 10 games. Dan Nelson has been red hot as well, extending his hitting streak to 7 games, and it was his fourth straight multi-hit game. He's been tearing it up since the All-Star break, hitting .330 with a .942 OPS in 103 at bats. Zeke Spruill finally got himself stretched back out to 5 innings and dominated, shutting out the Red Sox while only walking 1. If you take out his April 16th game, where he allowed 9 earned runs in 3.1 innings, he's actually been pretty good for the Pelicans, with a 3.22 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and a 5.3 K/BB rate. Ty'Relle Harris was fantastic tonight, tossing 3 perfect innings and striking out 4 of the 9 batters he faced.
Rome 0, Greenville 4, Game 1
Bobby Rauh singled and stole a base in his Rome debut, which was one of the only real highlights in this one. Brett DeVall was victimized by poor defense, as the team managed to make 4 errors before the sixth batter of the game even came to the plate, including an error by DeVall himself. Strange night and the kind of thing that just happens in the lower Minors.
Rome 8, Greenville 1, Game 2
Things switched around entirely in the second game, as the R-Braves scored 5 unearned runs against the Drive. After hitting .326 with a .852 OPS in 46 at bats for Danville, Jace Whitmer has been oustanding since returning to Rome, hitting .450 with a 1.150 OPS in 20 at bats. Jeff Lorick dominated in his first start of the season, striking out 8 over 4 frames, and he's been oustanding all year, with a 1.04 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 34.2 innings. He's 22, so he's a bit too old to garner much attention as a prospect at this level, but he's also showing the kind of domination you would hope for from an older player.
Danville 0, Bristol 1 - Suspended After 1st
Some might look at Brandon Drury's .223 average and .570 OPS and think he's not having a very impressive season, but once you realize that he's only 17 everything is much more impressive. The Braves plucked him in the 13th round this year, and he definitely has a long way to do, but he's so young that he could spend all of next year back in the GCL and still only be 19 going into the 2012 season. Fernando de los Santos is 20, he he's a little old for the GCL, but he's playing great, with a .311 average and .832 OPS.
DSL Braves 0, DSL Rangers 1
The Braves shut out the Rangers over 11 innings, but were undone in the 12th by a pair of Oriel Cicedo walks. 17 year old Abraham Espinosa continues his domination of the DSL, as does 20 year old Elvin Garcia. Ronald Luna, a 27 year old infielder, gained some attention early in the year when he hit .384 with a .834 OPS in 86 June at bats, but he's falled off of late, hitting just .235 with a .594 OPS in 51 July at bats.
0 recs | 83 comments
Gwinnett actually won 6-3
Freeman HR’d again and Beachy struck out 8 in 4 innings of relief for Chris Resop.
Scott Coleman - July 28, 2010 via mobile
Thanks. The league’s scoreboard was empty when I did the writeup but there after you pointed it out. Weird.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
Yeah
I didn’t want to sound like a jackass and I know these take a while, but I thought i’d mention it.
Scott Coleman - July 28, 2010
No, that’s an important thing worth mentioning. I felt no blame for it either, cause when I checked it said there weren’t any games on the schedule.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
Gwinnett
wasn’t off today and Freeman homered
braves32 - July 28, 2010
So, is Beachy or Kimbrel the closer now?
justincredubil02 - July 28, 2010
I mean, I know Beachy is long relief, but leaving him in for the save et all instead of Craig. How does Beachy project as a closer anyway? You know, just in case Venters and Kimbrel don’t work out.
justincredubil02 - July 28, 2010
Seems like a split start to me ....
It was probably Beachy’s turn in the rotation, but with Resop back, he starts and goes with Beachy taking the rest. Give your relievers a day of rest.
And Drury, he’s 17 and from an Oregon HS so it’s not like he was playing a lot in early spring like some southern boys.
Mr. Sanchez - July 28, 2010
yeah
he still went 4 innings, so it was probably a split start. Interesting, i didn’t know they used those much about maybe High-A
eaheckman10 - July 28, 2010
the game that beachy was supposed to start the night before got rained out, so they went with this arrangement
telemakhos - July 28, 2010
Good point about him being from Oregon. I hadn’t realized he was so young. Doesn’t turn 18 until August 21st.
And yes, definitely a split start because of Resop’s rehab.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
Beachy was scheduled to start the game on Monday but it was a rain out, so he got a split start with Resop on Tuesday.
Dave_D - July 28, 2010
5th round pick Phil Gosselin
has been mighty impressive in Rome. In fact, when his Rome stats are combined w/ his UVA stats, it seems he’s had one helluva year of offensive production.
Don’t really have a very good idea at all, but assume the level of competition in the ACC is somewhat comparable to the rookie leagues of pro ball.
fandave - July 28, 2010
The ACC is probably more comparable to something like A ball or maybe even high A, he probably just couldn’t start anywhere other than Rome because of being blocked.
yondaime4 - July 28, 2010
I think it’s closer to Rookie ball. I think the top players from that league can end up in AA the next year, but very few ever get picked and head to High A or AA. It’s right up there with the best college leagues though. I don’t pay attention to all colleges, but I have seen three guys from last year’s UNC team playing in AA this year.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
I think I’ve read that top college conferences are around Low-A/Short-Season ball. I don’t have the source though
eaheckman10 - July 28, 2010
'07 3th round pick Brandon Hicks
(out of Texas A & M) is maybe starting to find a swing.
He’s 8 for 24, with a 2B and a HR, over his last 7 G. If he could actually figure it out and consistently hit even .260, with pop (he had 20 HR between MB and Mississippi in ’08), his speed and defense make him a MLer and very valuable piece.
fandave - July 28, 2010
3th round…I lol’d.
justincredubil02 - July 28, 2010
He hasn't touched .260, or even close to it...
since low A. Doubtful he ever develops the stick to become a vaulable piece.
Mr. Sanchez - July 28, 2010
nice article on Resop here.
fandave - July 28, 2010
Brandon Hicks, huh? Well, I hope his bat can get better than his attitude. Has anyone ever met him? The guy is a complete jerk..even most of his teammates think he’s a jerk. I am glad to see Harrilchak doing great, he is a great guy with a lot of talent. I really love that the guy is not flashy, he justs goes out there and gives his all.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
This. Hicks’ sense of entitlement is off the charts.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
Really?
Interesting
eaheckman10 - July 28, 2010
Didn’t I sign for you already?
justincredubil02 - July 28, 2010
One thing I’ve noticed over the years, he’s never hanging out with anyone after the games. Guys chat with him occasionally before, but after he’s always alone.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
Attitude makes me follow a player more than anything sometimes. Cory Harrilchak, even if he doesn’t stay a Brave I will follow him just because of the genuine goodness you can get from him in two minutes. Players like that is what makes it fun for me. I know I will get pegged for saying this, but Frenchy is the same way too. It’s all about how you carry yourself.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
Chak is a great guy and he makes you root for him by how great he is. And I’m with you on Francoeur, as much of a headcase as he is I can never forget how great he was to me on the way up and in the first few years he was in the Bigs.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
Big Zeke fan. He’s got good stuff
eaheckman10 - July 28, 2010
His start against Salem was huge too considering it was his first appearance in Salem since giving up nine runs in 3 1/3 and breaking his hand back in April. The Pelicans haven’t been able to beat Salem at all this year, so it’s refreshing to see. The team is now 3-13 against the Sawx this season.
fattums182 - July 28, 2010
And it should only get better as he fills out his frame...
let’s just hope he can keep it together, because I’d think talent/stuff wise, he’s in that tier just a step below our elite guys, and good enough to be a top pitching prospect in multiple other organizations.
Mr. Sanchez - July 28, 2010
It kills me to go to Gwinnett games and see little kids screaming “Brandon, Brandon!” and he is two feet away and he doesn’t even acknowledge them. On the flip side, you can have a hall of fame player like Ryne Sandberg set and sign autographs for people everyday for thirty minutes. I understand shunning the guys who sell autos online, but the little kids? He needs that chip knocked off he shoulder, because in my eyes ALL he ever will be in the bigs is what he was for ATL this year..a defensive replacement\pinch runner.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
And really, if you’re worried about people selling things, sign everything. It’s basic supply and demand, nobody will buy your autograph if it’s ridiculously easy to get.
I saw this yesterday at the Nats game, future Hall of Famer Pudge Rodriguez stopped after the game and signed for everyone who wanted is autograph while a bunch of other Nats couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge the fans, including Stephen Strasburg, who’s played less games in his career than Pudge has in a week. (Granted, Strasburg got hurt last night so maybe he just couldn’t sign, but this is a regular occurrence for him, he abhors the fans.) The best part, it took Pudge roughly 4 minutes to take care of everyone. Everybody was nice and friendly to him and there was nothing but good coming from it. It really is that easy.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
It’s funny, but I see the same type of attitude and what not with Schafer.
Dave_D - July 28, 2010
Are you meaning like pudge? If so I could agree I always see Shafer stop for fans.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
On a positive note, I really hope Harrilchak makes it to Mississippi before the season is over. I’m glad I got to see him play in Rome a couple of times this year.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
oh ugh....
Well, after about a billion minor league games, there one thing I would like to interject here. Every team, player, person and facility is different. There are some teams that come here to our staidum that are not allowed (per their own team rules) to have contact with ANYONE once they are on the playing field, PERIOD…that would include before and after the game. If you are lucky, you might catch them out back after the game.
Our own team is not allowed to have contact with fans during the game and due to the location of our seats there is NOTHING more annoying that people constantly climbing over us yelling “Hey # so and so, can I have a ball/bat/your glove/ autograph” etc. DURING THE GAME!!!
Sometimes, the players simply don’t come over because they are trying to get ready for the game and if they sign one, they feel obligated to sign them all and they just don’t have time. How are you gonna tell one kid “Here you go” and then tell 10 more, “sorry Kid I don’t have time for you”??? Not to mention the fact that once they come over, the pro auto seekers (usually older adults) tend to rudely shove the kids out of the way anyhow.
I’m not taking up for players with bad attitudes, but remember, as much as people want those autos, these guys are at WORK and are gettng ready for a game…..and sometimes, it’s simply all in how you ask….
Sorry… professional auto seekers are a major sore subject for me….because THEY are the ones who have ruined it for the kids, not the players for the most part. And if that makes anyone mad…sorry, that wasn’t my intent.
rbravesfan - July 28, 2010
I don't care if he doesn't sign autos.
But if he has a bad attitude and a sense of entitlement that doesn’t sit well with me
eaheckman10 - July 28, 2010
Okay I’ll grant you that…but has anyone actually ever just talked to these type guys without wanting something or are people always standing there with a card/ball/program & sharpie in hand?
So how do we form these opinions? Are they all based on the fact that they don’t come over and sign autos for little kids? Guess I’m just a little confused how everyone arrives at these opinions, (and not just B. Hicks) because I’ve heard similar conversations about other players as well….
rbravesfan - July 28, 2010
It’s all in how you approach it. If you’re making your best effort to get everyone nobody can really be that disappointed if the guy doesn’t get you. If you’re ignoring people or being surly to them, then it’s a fairly good sign you don’t care about the folks who are paying your salary.
And really, if you’re at a point in life where somebody wants your autograph, where their day will be a little better because you scrawled some junk on a piece of memorabilia, that’s a pretty great thing and and an easy way to put good into the world and it should be appreciated.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
100% agreed
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
I’ve yet to ask for an autograph at all the games I’ve been to and don’t really care for it. I’d love to sit and talk to a player or two though about baseball, but I could care less if they give me anything. I can’t stand people that hound the dugouts at Gwinnett just looking for handouts…don’t they have anything better to do?
I always thought being a coach would be fun…maybe one day.
Dave_D - July 28, 2010
I wouldn’t really lump everyone that “hordes” the dugouts as the same freebie type people that gives the hobby a bad name. I do get tired of people who are always “can I have your bat, your glove, your hat?” The person who gets the occassional auto (like me) who just happens to be there shouldn’t be considered a “horder”..lol. I do get your meaning though.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
Or should I say “hounder”
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
My all-time favorite hounder event this season happend over the weekend . A perfectly sober grown man hanging over the walkway to the clubhouse after the game yells at the top of his lungs:
“Hey Mister….you got any balls??”
Seriously.
rbravesfan - July 28, 2010
That"s awesome.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
So then, it is easier to just tell all 11 kids “I don’t have time for ANY of you.”
justincredubil02 - July 28, 2010
I think if they had it in their heart to sign one for a kid, they should atleast do that and show the kids they are trying. If they have to go in just say “I can’t sign anymore I have to go in, I’ll get you after the game.”
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
The thing that really bugs me is guys who will just ignore everyone. I know this might not work for kids, cause they just take things differently, but I’m an adult, I can handle hearing “no”. If you don’t want to sign for me, ever, just say “no”. But there’s nothing worse than a guy who will walk within arm’s reach of me and pretend like I’m not another human being speaking to him. That’s just uncalled for. (I’m talking to you Chance Chapman and Andy Oliver.)
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
Yeah it’s rude and uncalled for. I see Willie Taveras do everyone like that…LOL
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
I’m not a fan of Willy. It especially bothers me when a guy from a third world country is rude to people.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
Me too..but what comes around goes around. Enjoy your stay in the bigs Mr. Taveras? Good, because it may be your last.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
There are so few professional autograph seekers though. Typically it’s just guys like me who are adult collectors, who usually end up being the ones who can identify players and call them over in the first place, who are organized and know what they’re doing, therefore they get labeled as “professional autograph collectors”. I get people all the time who assume I’m selling stuff because I know what I’m doing, and that’s insulting.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
I agree with you. I don’t do it that often, and when I do, I am kind and considerate to the players and anyone around me. I do think there is older autographers who ruin it for everyone with bad attitudes and the prompt selling of items for unheard of sums of cash. I hate getting beat out for an auto of a favorite player because they don’t like to sign, because the guy who owns a card shop brings a page of cards a night for them. I may get one card, possibly two but thats it. Also, if anyone went to Gwinnett this weekend I’m sure you saw the massive cluster of auto horders who had been there EVERY game(and proud to tell you) of the Louisville series to get Chapman, Francisco, and Alonso. I went one day and to be honest it put me off from autographing for a while.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
That Louisville team was so frustrating when they came through Norfolk. Cause people just came out to get those guys and they’re all jerks. But the rest of the team is great but nobody paid attention to how cool they were because of how bad those guys (along with Wladimir Balentin, Gary Matthews Jr. and Edison Volquez) were.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
Chris Valakia is a great guy on that team, he was really nice to everyone, Todd Frazier was great as well. Zack Cozart seemed a little full of himself ,but he still signed a card along with Yonder Alonzo, who if he hadn’t signed for a cute little girl I would of sweared was the devil. Chapman was friendly enough you could tell English was not his strong suit, but he would smile, nod, and say that you if you said anything to him.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
well it’s usually guys with books of cards and they have players just sign one after another. I used to go down to richmond for a few games a year and get a ball or my glove signed, but there would be hoards of guys with card books monopolizing the players.
telemakhos - July 28, 2010
Yep, I dont carry card books..maybe a little case with 10 or 15 cards of different guys. Never understood why some people (try) get 15 of the same cards signed. Some players will sign them though.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
I don’t get 15 of the same card. I will get a guy to sign 15 different cards if he’ll sign them, but if he only signs 1 or 2 that’s great too.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
Richmond is the worst. The regular folks there don’t know anything and they’re incredibly rude. I go up there to see the AA games and always come away annoyed with them. They act like it’s a Major League game. It’s AA, most all of the guys are going to be cool and nice, just relax.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
Well that would be all fine and good…except the rest of the team comes and signs for the kids..so there is no getting around that.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
Has anyone had a good run in with Hicks? I mean I would like to see the other side of the debate, but I don’t know anyone who has nice things to say of him.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
He’s not a bad guy. I’ve gotten his autograph several times over the years, he’s signed maybe 7 cards, one at a time, and I’ve also tried to talk to him when I haven’t wanted his autograph and he’s always suspicious (I guess cause I’ve asked for his autograph before). Frankly I only try to get the different cards the guys have signed and after that I’ll just say what’s up, shoot the shit, talk about good stuff they did, or about how the year or their life is going, but he’s just not into that. I’m sure there are plenty of folks who know him and love him and think he’s a great guy. I don’t not like him, I’m just kind of perplexed by his stance on things. It’s really easy to put some good will out there and show some love for the fans, but that just doesn’t seem to be what he’s into. Which is fine, he doesn’t have to be. He’s not outright rude, just a little standoffish.
cbwilk - July 28, 2010
Well thats good. I have never asked him for an auto before, but have been around him at a non-autograph area an he just seemed very full of himself and you weren’t worth the time to speak to. I just don’t like that. That was the first strike on Hicks to me, after that I have just heard and seen stuff from him to make me think, who does he think he is? I couldn’t approve of it, but I could see your Heyward types being that way, but Brandon Hicks? Nope.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
Matt Young vs. Gregor Blanco
The Braves brought up Clevlan yesterday and the explanation was that Blanco had not spent his required time sent down when McLouth came off the DL. That is fine but how come they never consider Matt Young as a call up? His numbers seem more impressive than anything I see out of Blanco. Young leads the team in doubles, runs scored and stolen bases. Blanco has a grand total of 11 extra base hits in just over 200 at bats between Atlanta and Gwinnett. Also, Blanco cannot steal bases that well. Why don’t they put Young on the roster and call him up?
JimH - July 28, 2010
That is it...
Young isn’t on the 40 man roster, but Clevlen is. Granted, we only have 38 on there now, but I think that’s what it comes down to at the moment. That said, I wouldn’t mind seeing Young get his shot, as he can play 2B, pinch hit, pinch run, and backup in the OF.
Mr. Sanchez - July 28, 2010
I think we have 39 players currently on the 40 man roster, and with the trade deadline looming, most teams like to keep an open spot in case they need it when they make a trade. If nothing happens between now and Saturday, Young could be one of the “internal options” Frank Wren has talked about, but I wouldn’t look for it until after the deadline has passed.
Rhyno18 - July 28, 2010
I counted 38,...
with Valdez on the restricted list and not counting (any word at all what the deal is there?).
Mr. Sanchez - July 28, 2010
I was going from memory, and forgot about Valdez being “restricted”. I’m not sure what’s up with him. I remember he had some visa problems back in spring training, but that’s really the last thing I remember hearing about him.
Rhyno18 - July 28, 2010
Same here...
and we’ve cleared up visa issues with Salcedo and Yasser Gomez, in the least, since that time. And even if it was a visa issue, couldn’t he get work with the DSL team? He had some good numbers in AA/AAA the last few years, and I was kind of hoping he could become kind of a more consistent Acosta. The length of nothing doing with Valdez makes me think he’s thrown his last pitch for the Braves.
Mr. Sanchez - July 28, 2010
Blanco was really clutch for the Braves in his latest callup, but I really feel it’s time to give Young a chance. He really deserves it.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
In the middle of a playoff run, we gotta go with Blanco
We know what we’re getting with him
eaheckman10 - July 28, 2010
+1 blancos production caught me by surprise i all but wrote him off last time he got demoted but he put in his work and improved.he gives the ballclub a spark it feels like whenever he plays and if where not ganna make a move at the deadline we need him on the big club
SkipTOoMyL0U_ - July 28, 2010
ahhh
I give up and am just gonna take a time out from here.
The best thing that was on here recently was the top ten nice guys….It was a refreshing change from all the griping and complaining and bashing.
Adios
rbravesfan - July 28, 2010
Hey< I asked for any good opinions on Hicks too…I don’t feel like that’s too negative.
chrisdaugherty - July 28, 2010
is it too early to call up freeman?the past few weeks glaus has been playing well not like the guy from May too the break and maybe when the rosters expand could call him up..i think for bobby we should give it all we got even if it means calling him up alittle earlier than expected i think he has now as many homeruns as glaus does……just a thought
SkipTOoMyL0U_ - July 28, 2010
Is it April again? I think I’m having flashbacks.
Rhyno18 - July 28, 2010
lol sadly but true ive been praying for walks but even then hes an easy double play liability soo were fucked there too..luckily hinske been raking,problem is no1s on when he gets a hit,im up for putting him at first and diaz in LF if he keeps this shit up!last game was like watching a horrible movie i kept switching back n forth to see what the phillies where doing but they seem too be catching stride..buttt victorino went out with an oblique injury soo hopefully that slows them up a bit
SkipTOoMyL0U_ - July 28, 2010
As said to justin...
I think the leg injuries differentiate this from April, and depending on what moves are made or if he can get healthy and back to how he was jusst in June, giving Freeman a look in September isn’t a bad idea, especially if he can keep up his hot pace over the next couple months.
Mr. Sanchez - July 28, 2010
My comment about it being April again was actually about the Troy haterz coming back online now:)
Rhyno18 - July 28, 2010
i have nothing against troy or nate or ne1 on the ball club but its all about production and he just isnt getting it done right now..how long do u ride a ship before it sinks?not saying it will but just a metaphor
SkipTOoMyL0U_ - July 28, 2010
I think
Freddie Freeman is good at baseball. He is becoming one of my favorite players in the Braves organization. Freddie rules
MBL1 - July 28, 2010 via mobile
+1 n letting him gain some experiance and confidence expecially in a playoff race could benefit him for next year
SkipTOoMyL0U_ - July 28, 2010
Freddie Freeman is a baseball player.
bwellnjonesco - July 29, 2010
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Talking Chop to post a comment.