Thoroughbreds Racing Report - 6/14/14

[Duane]

by Rusty Knobbs, Bluegrass Roundup
June 14, 2014

With the First Year Player Draft behind them, Thoroughbreds brass can focus on player development and organizational depth. System-wide injuries seem to have stabilized. AA CF Tom Lee remains shelved with a broken hamate bone. At Hi-A, Steve Powell has forearm tendinitis, Luis Rodríguez has a hamstring strain, and José Días is down with elbow inflammation. And since SS-A is about to begin, we can report that Francisco Pereira is still recovering from a torn rotator cuff which he suffered last August. Overall, it looks like new team trainer Colin Brown has the organization in pretty good health.

Roanoke Colonists (39-18, .684 Win %)

Ramón Gómez continues to fuel this team with his .319 average, 25 homers and 56 RBI, but he is no longer the only power source for this team. With 6 homers and a .364 average over the last 17 games, 1B Carlos Vázquez has provided support from the four-hole. Reclamation project Alan Miller was promoted to AA Parma after demonstrating his readiness with a .315 average, 5 homers, 24 RBI and 20 Runs in 124 at bats. 2013 draftee Ramón Leach has seen his average fall to .251 but he continues to power the ball, as his 14 homers and .468 SLG% demonstrate. Pitching-wise, Jason Gould has taken over the team lead in wins with six to go with his 3.99 ERA. Jorge Vargas lowered his ERA to 1.50, and George Bailey has the hottest arm with a 0.54 ERA over his last 16 appearances.

Parma Ghoulardi (41-26, .612 Win %)

In a surprise flourish, Parma has leaped into 2nd place behind Roanoke, going 21-8 in May and 6-3 so far in June. SP Enrique Gibson continues to prove that talent can be found deep in the draft (2010 13th round). He just won the GNL AMAL Pitcher of the Month Award. To make it a clean sweep, Lloyd Robinson takes home the GNL AMAL Batter of the Month Award, which should lead to his promotion to AAA Jefferson County. Winning All-Star selections are Gibson, Robinson, Aaron Stokes, and Josh Wilkerson.

Jefferson County Independence (37-30, .552 Win %)

Who’s hot in AAA? Everyone. Who’s not? No one. And with a .500 average over his last seven games, Aubrey Clark is showing signs of why the scouts love him. Don Walker has continued to make a statement that he is ready for the big league with 16 homers and 54 RBI to go with his .296 average. With all roads to Lexington blocked, GM Duane Rudis found a home for him by moving him to Reno this morning. Overall, this team has been firing on all cylinders. Top prospect Avery Parkinson leads the pitching staff with a 7-1 record and 2.51 ERA, and was named the starter for the Global Baseball Brotherhood All-Star Game. Even though teammate Preston Floyd didn’t start, he did go 1-for-1 in the game. The question now is whether Parkinson is ready for the show or not.

Kentucky Thoroughbreds (30-38, .441 Win%)

Kentucky continues to struggle. The bullpen seems to be missing the pizzazz and identity it has held for years. With three departures prior to this season, they seem to be looking for a new identity. Unfortunately, the one they have now is “IL’s worst pen”. The starters have been solid as a group, although they are showing signs of frustration and have allowed their ERA to rise to 4.06. Rumor has it that some changes are in store to shake these guys up. Offensively, the duo of William Petersen and Jamie Boyd have yet to hit stride this season, leaving Rod Young to solidify and lead this team of youngsters. The outfield continues to be an area of concern for the coaching staff. SS Travis Cruz will be leaving the team, as he was traded to Reno this morning with Walker. Travis will be missed. He has provided not only stellar defense over his four seasons in Kentucky but also a solid and reliable bat at the bottom of the order, hitting .270 for his young career. He should anchor the infield for the rebuilding Tenpinners for years to come. With his departure, Young will take over SS duties until a decision can be made about José Morán and his struggles earlier this season.

Barrow Frozen Bullies

With the draft complete, several players are in limbo. Some are waiting for signing bonuses. Others are exiled to the DFA list, their careers on the line. The start of the Surf and Snow season has arrived. The excitement here is which of the top nine draftees will show up for their first games in Barrow. Rumor has it that contracts were extended to eight draftees and that top pick Jesús López will accept. López was labeled the top overall talent in this year’s draft by both Rudis and Scouting Director Jesús Santos. When he was skipped over in the first eight picks, Kentucky had to take him. López is a leader on and off the field, has an incredible work ethic, and is very loyal to those around him. He brings plus power and speed to CF, which has been a position of difficulty. Supplemental pick Kurt Keller is not expected to sign, as he is demanding major league contract.