May 2024 Review

For most of the month of May, the Beavers saw some good wins offset by an equal number of losses. The team finished strong, however, by winning the final three games to finish with a record of 16-12 for the month. The surge enabled the Beavers to end May continuing to lead the Earl Weaver Division with a 33-22 record. 

Fan interest continued to be on the rise. During the first two months attendance has averaged over 48,500 per game, an increase of 14.2% over 2023. Owner William McAllister is very pleased in that this exceeds one of the goals he set for the front office.

Top Performances

For a few years the front office team has been searching for a long-term solution in center field. In early July of last season Wilson Flores took advantage of the opportunity to play every day. He performed very well during the latter half of the season. This year he continues to demonstrate that he deserves to continue to start. In May he led the Beavers with 24 RBI. He also clubbed 6 HR, batted .302/.348/.519, and stole 7 bases in 8 attempts. 

Wilson Cruz led all pitchers by posting a 4-2 record with a 2.76 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in six starts. For the season, he leads the club with a 6-3 record and a 3.00 ERA. In his third full season with the Beavers, he continues to improve. He seems to be developing the skills necessary to contribute over time as a solid member of the rotation.

During the month of May, three-time MVP Nick Holmes was once again an offensive force. Holmes led the Beavers with 30 runs scored, was second in RBI with 22, and led the team with a .982 OPS. Two months into the season he is scoring runs at a pace that could result in 173 runs scored for the season.

Notes

During May Wilson Flores and Nick Holmes each were awarded TML Player of the Week honors.

Starting pitcher Fred Watson was suspended 10 games after a wild altercation with Frank Coleman of the Mustangs. To date Watson has been terrible, so the suspension may prove to be a blessing. He will have some time to work on his skills and, hopefully, pitch much better after he returns to action.

Current Injuries

Thankfully current injuries include only carryovers Alfonzo Alonzo and Antonio Barbarro. Alonzo's shoulder is healing as expected. He may see action in September. Barbarro will not be ready for action until next season.

Down on the Farm

Vancouver, Boise, and Eugene each are playing lousy baseball.

The emotions bubbling through the minor league organization erupted during a game involving the Emeralds and the Winfield Warriors. The principals brawled, benches cleared, and a whole lot of shoving took place among the bystanders. When the dust settled, shortstop Horiuchi Rin, of the Emeralds, and reliever Banyu Rais, of the Warriors, each were suspended for 5 games.

April 2024 Review

During April the Portland Beavers compiled an excellent 17-10 record and jumped out to a four game lead in the Earl Weaver Division. The train wreck that was 2023 is fast being forgotten by local fans as evidenced by a 12.6% increase in attendance. The Beavers are playing very well so far in the early stages of the young season.

Top Performances

Valentin Alvarado (SS) -- Signed as a free agent during the off-season, Alvarado was en fuego throughout April. For the month he registered a .306/.374/.649 slash line, launched 11 big flies, and drove home 35 runs. Also of note is that he led the club in extra-base hits, with 16, and led starting players with a wOBA of .417. The 30 year-old shortstop seemed to enjoy batting immediately after Nick Holmes!

Baber Davi (1B) -- Davi, now 23 years old, provided assurance that the excellent production and fielding prowess he contributed during his first full season in the bigs was no fluke. His April slash line of .375/.407/.571, 14 extra-base hits, and 23 runs batted in batting in the heart of the order helped fuel the offense.

Nick Holmes (LF) -- In a way, listing Nick as the third star is very positive. For the Beavers it means that two players played even better than the three-time MVP outfielder. Holmes had an excellent month in his own right ending with a .360/.431/.533 slash line. He also scored a team-leading 29 runs and walked a team-leading 15 times. Finally, he generated 27.2 runs created to edge both Alvarado and Davi for the team lead.

Notes

It is often said that the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. So true. On April 10 rookie Antonio Barbarro suffered a ruptured medial collateral ligament legging out a base hit during a game in Kansas City. At the time of the injury Barbarro was hitting .368. As important had been his defense in right field. Two outfield assists and a 1.179 EFF in six starts suggested that he might provide the upgrade in the field we had been seeking. Unfortunately the front office team must wait for next year to see him contribute. In the meantime, it's back to the drawing board.

To fill the void created by the injury to Barbarro the front office team signed free agent Mario Rivera to add outfield depth.

A record of 7-3 in head-to-head competition within the Earl Weaver Division bodes well. Clearly we need to beat up on the Jacks, Toreros, and Grays at every opportunity.

Current Injuries

Alfonso Alonzo (IF) -- Alonzo, recovering from a torn labrum injury suffered in early December, is not expected to be available for another four months.

Antonio Barbarro (OF) -- The injury sustained by Barbarro is a season-ending injury.

Down On The Farm

Determined that he deserves a shot at playing in Portland, 22 year-old shortstop Bobby Flannery recorded a .270/.383/.450 month with 21 runs scored and 10 stolen bases playing for the AAA Vancouver Canadians. 

Darren Payne launched 9 homers in the first 26 games of the AAA Vancouver season. The 26 year-old center-fielder ended the month with a .287/.376/.596 slash line. He also led the club with 21 runs scored and 23 runs batted in.

In 26 games playing for the AA Boise Hawks, 20 year-old second-baseman Mun-wah Lok registered a .316/.409/.500 slash line, 11 extra-base hits, 18 runs scored, and 7 stolen bases.

2024 Season Preview

After capturing the Earl Weaver Division pennant in 2022, the Portland Beavers entered the next spring training period with high hopes. Nick Holmes had just garnered his third consecutive MVP award, led the TML in batting for the second consecutive season, and won the TML triple crown. The front office team also had made several moves that everyone thought would improve the squad.

The optimistic mood was, however, short-lived. In the first week of spring training Holmes fractured a bone in his elbow and was lost to the team for the first half of the season. The players pulled together and attempted to remain competitive, but after a decent showing in April the team imploded. A 5-23 record in May followed by an 8-18 record in June sealed the team's fate. The silver lining was that we were able to experiment in an attempt to identify players who could play more significant roles going forward.

In early July, Wilson Flores was called up and handed the starting job in center field. Flores had been tearing it up (.411/.479/.532 in 34 games) with the AAA Vancouver Canadians. Meanwhile Takiji Ojima had been a disappointment in that role playing for the parent club. Flores settled in and played very well (.314/.367/.444 in 77 games) for the Beavers throughout the remainder of the season. It appears that Flores is here to stay, one of the more positive outcomes that resulted while the franchise struggled to win 57 games.

Looking ahead to 2024, in the early off-season the front office allowed several players who had become dead weight to become free agents. Then, in December, three players each of whom could play a key role in the upcoming season were acquired. Infielder Valentin Alvarado was signed to a three-year contract. Alvarado will assume the role of starting shortstop. Reliever Tsuneyo Kakutama was obtained via the Rule 5 draft; he will have the opportunity to strengthen the quality of the bullpen. Finally, Starting pitcher Shayne Linnie was signed to a modest, one-year contract to eat some innings as the fifth starter.

The remaining two open spots on the roster will be filled from within the organization. Antonio Barbarro will start in right field and southpaw Felix Barrera will function as a swingman who will provide support in relief and, if necessary, be available to start.

In summary, although the composition of the roster has not significantly changed the front office team believes the moves will improve overall offense and defense. Pitching remains the primary weakness, but hopefully some of the younger pitchers will exceed expectations. If it all comes together we could, once again, compete for a playoff berth. If we do, we should be able to revive fan interest, which suffered in 2023, increase attendance, and avoid the financial loss we incurred as a result. Let's have some fun, win some games, and generate a profit in 2024.

The opening day roster includes:

CATCHER - Mike Hobbs (.254, 22 HR, 66 RBI in 2023) again will catch the majority of innings and Miguel Leon (.205 in 2023 after batting .286 in 2022) catching one or two games a week and providing late-inning defensive support.

INFIELDERS – In his first full season in the bigs, Baber Davi (.291/.343/.461, 21 HR, 86 RBI), now 23 years old, sparked the offense and captured a Gold Glove award at first base. We look for him to build on this and continue to contribute for us. Two time all-star Pat Thompson (.337/.378/.482, 16 HR, 68 RBI, 22 SB) again will start and play second base. WAR totals of 3.8, 3.8, and 4.8 over the last three seasons are evidence that he is one of the better second basemen in the league. Bob Hennessey (.299/.356/.378), who has a cannon for an arm, will man the hot corner. Last season Hennessey played third for the second half and did an excellent job (+2.2 ZR, 1.016 EFF). Newly acquired Valentin Alvarado (.258, 32 HR, 93 RBI for Quebec) should generate improved run-producing punch while providing very good defensive support at the shortstop position.

Off the bench, 1B Jesus Cruz will platoon vs. left-handed starters. He can back-up at first, but he is such an awful fielder that we prefer not to hand him a glove. Dan Best will provide back-up support at the first, second, and third sacks. Fortunately the starters play multiple positions, so we should be able to juggle the lineups to cover for short-term ailments and provide players with opportunities for rest days.

OUTFIELDERS – From left to right, the outfield positions will be patrolled by Nick Holmes (.344/.445/.533 in 71 games), Wilson Flores, and rookie Antonio Barbarro (.305/.363/.478 for Vancouver). During the last half of 2023 Holmes demonstrated that he has fully recovered from the elbow injury. The entire Portland fan base is looking forward to a full season of thrills and chills generated by one of the better players on the planet. Flores is eager to play his first full season for the Beavers. Starting Barbarro at right field will enable us to move Pat Bancroft to the designated hitter role. Bancroft has regressed into a pathetic fielder (-27.0 ZR, .830 EFF). Undoubtedly Barbarro will shore up the defense.

In addition to Bancroft, Mathieu Bodin and Allen Cummings will provide back-up support. Bodin can flash the leather at all three outfield positions. Cummings can hit, but he is a one-dimensional player who can hit but stumbles around in the field.

DESIGNATED HITTER – Although Pat Bancroft is a liability in the field, he still can hit (.330/.387/.471, 42 2B, 13 HR, 71 RBI). He will start most games with Jesus Cruz enabling him to take an occasional day off when the Beavers face a southpaw.

STARTING PITCHERS – Pitching remains problematic. Until the Beavers can address the overall quality – or lack of it – of the starting five, we will have to go with what we have. We will open the season with a rotation of Nate Gary, Manuel Garcia, Fred Watson, Wilson Cruz, and Shayne Linnie. Despite a 5-17 record in 2023, Gary maintained a 4.04 ERA and accumulated a 4.0 WAR in 33 starts. In his first full season with the Beavers, Garcia registered a 9-10 record and a 4.91 ERA in 200 innings pitched. After three solid seasons, Watson was an extreme disappointment (6-17, 6.19 ERA), but he somehow accumulated a 2.1 WAR. He arrived at spring training determined to bounce back in 2024. Cruz (9-10, 4.74 ERA) showed improvement in his second full season and he is looking to continue to improve this season. With a 1.80 ERA during spring training, he appears to be primed to do so. Linnie hasn't had a great deal of success at the major league level, but a change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered. He will have an opportunity to start the season as the fifth starter. If anyone falters, untested Felix Barrera will get a shot.

RELIEF PITCHERS – After missing the second half of last season with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, Troy Fountain (11 saves, 2.60 ERA in 30 appearances) will return and anchor the bullpen in the closer role. In the setup role, Larry Foley and Weldon Hoskins will attempt to hold late-inning leads and pass the game to Fountain in a position for a save. Foley missed most of 2024 with an injury. It is good to have him back on the active roster. Hoskins (3.78 ERA in 43 relief appearances) is looking forward to a more demanding bullpen role. Other members of the bullpen include lefty Carlos Rubio, righty Pablo Alomar, and righty Tsuneyo Kakutama.

THE BOTTOM LINE

In 2024 the Beavers should bounce back at the plate. We hope to once again prove to be one of the top run-scoring offenses in the TML. If we do, we should be able to be competitive. In the field, our overall defense should improve, especially since the more significant defensive liabilities have been replaced by players with improved fielding skills. Pitching should again be an adventure. The front office team is hopeful that a better defense will translate into fewer runs scored by opposing teams, but the pitching staff must step up and produce.

The bottom line is that this is the ABL and anything can happen. In the last four seasons the Beavers have bounced around from 1^st, to 3^rd, to 1^st, and to 4^th in our division. Can we improve by about 30 wins and again be in the playoff hunt? Who knows? The opening day prognosticators believe we can compete in a hotly contested race for the Earl Weaver Division pennant. We hope they are right.

Go Beavers!

Opening Day in Portland

April 2021 - The Oregonian

Opening Day has arrived! In a few days the Portland Beavers will take the field at Waterfront Park. Ushers have been hired and trained. Sponsors have been secured. Concession businesses are eager to ply their fare at the park. Season ticket holders and baseball fans in general can hardly wait to enjoy ABL baseball right here in the City of Roses.

But, wait!! The Beavers open the season in San Francisco and then travel east to face the Maple Marauders before returning home. Opening Day in Portland must wait until Monday, April 12, when the Kansas City Tornadoes come to town.

While the players on the roster are new to most fans in the area, the Beavers will field a team that is very similar to the team that won 90 games, captured the Weaver Division pennant, and advanced to the TML championship series in the final season playing in Boston. Let's take a look at our new team.

Starting Pitching - The Beavers will open the season with Nolan Lyons, Nate Gary, Elvis Sharp, Fred Watson, and Carlos Rubio in the rotation. Gary and Watson hope to improve after solid rookie seasons. Sharp signed as a free agent in the off season. A former 20-game winner while pitching for Montreal, Sharp hopes to return to form after two poor seasons. Acquired from the Republic in an off-season trade, Rubio earned a starting role on the strength of an excellent performance (13-4, 4.09 ERA) pitching in AAA last season. If any of these pitchers fail to produce, the organization has many pitchers with suspect upsides ready to jump in and attempt to stop the bleeding.

Relief Pitching - Expectations are that the relief corps will continue to deliver solid support in the late innings. Closer Troy Fountain is eager to demonstrate to management and the fans that the inconsistency he exhibited after being acquired in a mid-season trade last season was an aberration. He will be supported by Larry Foley and Mark Huber, two pitchers who were outstanding in 2020. Colby Hoffmann, a former closer, hopes to rebound after a poor season. Eric O'Farrell, Tommy Martin, and rookie Wilson Cruz round out the bullpen.

Catchers - The Beavers again will platoon Miguel Leon and Maxime Gras behind the plate. Leon is an outstanding defensive catcher who launches an occasional tater when at bat. Gras joined the team during the season, last year, and crushed left-handed pitching. The duo is projected to combine to provide adequate production at the backstop position.

Infielders - Primary starters at the infield positions will be Jose Escobar (1B), Pat Thompson (2B), Donald Cameron (SS), and John Kelly (3B). Escobar and Kelly delivered Gold Glove performances in 2020. Escobar also knocked in 109 runs. Thompson batted .308, led the team in stolen bases with 26, and consistently set the table for the big hitters while batting second. Cameron provides an excellent glove at shortstop, is a good contact hitter, and swipes an occasional base.

Kazutoshi Samurakami continues to improve at bat and in the field. In fact, he is pushing hard to crack the every day starting lineup. Going into the season he is projected to platoon at second base against southpaws. If he continues to crush opposing pitchers, it may be impossible to keep him out of the lineup. Slick fielding, poor hitting Peter Boyd will provide backup support, primarily at shortstop.

Outfielders - The outfield positions again will be manned by very talented players. Most Valuable Player Nick Holmes (RF-CF) clearly is the star that shines the brightest. One of the most talented, young players in the ABL, Holmes has averaged .338 with a .943 OPS during his first three seasons. The Beavers are anticipating more of the same in 2021. Slugger Bob Hayes (CF-DH) hammered 40 home runs and registered 134 runs batted in while batting .299. The Portland front office team would like to see Hayes duplicate the performance at the plate, but they also would like to see him improve upon his pathetic play in the outfield. Alberto Reyes (LF) again will lead off, steal bases, set the table for the power bats, and flash some fine leather while patrolling left field.

After three years of .300+ batting averages and 200+ hits per season, Pat Bancroft had a down year and should bounce back while serving as the designated hitter and fourth outfielder. Ryan Johnson again provides depth in the outfield.

The Bottom Line - The Portland Beavers should treat fans to an explosive offensive show throughout the season. The relievers should again be strong. The starting pitchers are the key to the season. If newcomers Elvis Sharp and Carlos Rubio deliver solid seasons, the pitching staff should reduce the number of runs allowed to a total that is low enough to enable the Beavers to win 90+ games and repeat as Weaver Division pennant winners.

Go, Beavers!!

Westward Ho!! Baseball Expands in the Northwest

March 2021 -- The Oregonian

The final season in New England was a successful one for the Boston Cardinals. The team won 90 games and the Weaver division pennant by a wide margin. Then the team advanced to the TML championship series before falling to the Maple Marauders. Nick Holmes won Most Valuable Player and Silver slugger awards. Jose Escobar and John Kelly anchored the corner infield positions with Gold Glove performances. The team even attracted over 4,000,000 fans to the ballpark despite knowledge that 2020 was the final season the Cardinals would play in Boston.

Welcome back, baseball!

Fast forward through the winter months. The Portland Beavers have been reborn. Since the previous incarnation of the Beavers abandoned Rip City about ten years ago, baseball fans in the area have been thirsting for the national pastime. Now, baseball is back!!

Spring training is underway. Ballpark construction for each of the teams in the organization has been completed. Uniforms have been designed, ordered, and delivered. The front office and support staff have relocated to Portland. Players and their families have purchased new homes. Even owner William McAllister, a native of Ipswich, MA, has purchased a luxurious condo in the Pearl District near the newly constructed Waterfront Park. Everyone in the newly-named Portland Beavers organization is excited!

Downtown area surrounding the Willamette River

Speaking of Waterfront Park, a state-of-the-art facility that seats over 50,000 fans, it is located adjacent to, and slightly north of, the Pearl District. In the above photograph, taken before construction of the ballpark, it now is located north of the high-rise buildings of the central district and just west (left) of the Willamette River.

It replaces several old warehouses left vacant for many years. It is conveniently located near light rail, the streetcar, and Union Station. Several parking structures are available for fans who must rely on the automobile. Baseball fans living in surrounding communities have many transportation options available to them.

The abundance of public transportation also may prove to benefit the many pubs, restaurants, and night spots located within walking distance, or a short streetcar ride, from the ballpark. Local entrepreneurs are eagerly anticipating what could prove to be a dramatic boost in business throughout the 2021 season and beyond. The city that often is referred to as Beervana is poised to support Beavers Nation.

View from the West Hills home of outfielder Nick Holmes

With the move of the three franchise affiliates to the Northwest, baseball is indeed well-represented in the region. As a result, baseball fans who live in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia are excited. The Seattle Sasquatch and the Seattle area now are surrounded by teams affiliated with the Beavers. In 2021 Portland Beavers organization affiliates will play in the following ballparks:

• Portland Beavers (ABL) - Waterfront Park, 50,360 capacity
• Vancouver Canadians (AAA) - Stanley Park, 15,000 capacity
• Boise Hawks (AA) - Basque Block Park, 12,000 capacity
• Eugene Emeralds (A) - Prefontaine Park, 9,000 capacity

Panoramic view of the Portland skyline

The 2021 season begins in a few short weeks. The Beavers will be ready to deliver a high quality baseball experience to baseball fans living in the Northwest. Come out and support your new team!

Boston Cardinals Review - August 2020

In August the Cardinals claimed first place in the Earl Weaver Division by posting a 17-11 record and, while doing so, overpowering the rival Jacks and Toreros during an eight-game stretch in which the Cardinals notched seven wins. Although the marquee players performed as expected, numerous role players stepped up and, collectively, provided invaluable contributions.

At bat, first baseman Jose Escobar clubbed seven big flies and knocked in 25 runs in 21 games. During a recent interview, Escobar confided that "when Coach Summers dropped me from clean-up to fifth in the order early in the season, my confidence suffered for a few weeks. Then I realized that batting behind 'Holmesy' and Hayes is even more fun." He has responded with 21 homers and 89 runs batted in through the end of August. In addition, his slugging percentage has hovered around .500 and his OPS has exceeded .800 throughout the season. It appears that Jose has, indeed, adjusted to the change.

Rookie Maxime Gras, called up in July to beef up the catcher position, was outstanding during August. He played in only eleven games, but when he played he delivered at bat and behind the plate. He batted .438 with a .471 OBP, and a .500 SLG in 32 at bats. In the field he exhibited a strong, accurate arm as he nailed about 35% of hopeful burglars on the base paths. Signed to a minor league contract by the 'Quakes in 2012, Maxime has played for minor league teams associated with four ABL franchises. In March 2020 Todd Roberts, scouting director for the Cardinals, signed him as a free agent. During the first half of the season Maxime played well enough for Las Vegas and Springfield to catch the eye of other experts in the organization. When Maxime received the call, he was ready. Since then, he has not disappointed anyone. What a backup he is becoming! 

Second baseman Kazutoshi Samurakami is another unsung hero wielding a hot bat. In August Kaz delivered in his part-time role by batting .366 in 41 at bats, registering a .970 OPS, launching two, towering home runs, and driving home 13 base runners.

On the mound, the middle relievers continued to shine. Four of them combined to log a 1.74 ERA, record three wins, and save two contests in 51.2 innings pitched. After two down seasons, veteran Mark Huber has surprised the front office this season. Through August he has a 5-1 record, four saves, and a 2.18 ERA. "With two good years under my belt I expected more out of myself than I showed during the last two seasons. So, in the winter I worked my tail off following a conditioning program that seems to have paid off big time for me. I am happy to be a key member of our awesome pen. It's not who starts, man, it's who finishes that counts."

Let's hope the magic continues through late October!

Down on the Farm

August 31, 2020 - Boston Globe

As the 2020 season draws to a close, it is time to take a look at several players in the Cardinals organization who appear to be developing the skills necessary to eventually contribute at the big league level. At this point in the season sample sizes are fairly large. Who has been performing well?

Springfield Reformers (AAA)

RF Allen Cummings (27) -- Drafted in the 5th round of the 2015 draft, Allen put up excellent numbers as he progressed through the minor league system. He now appears ready to compete at the major league level. Roster considerations held him back for the majority of the current campaign; however, a recent injury opened a spot on the Cardinals roster. In Springfield, Allen pounded AAA pitchers and recorded a .319/.470/.542/1.012 slash line. For the duration of the season, Allen will log significant playing time. Soon we will have a better feel for his ability to perform in the ABL.

1B Jesus Cruz (24) -- A 6th round pick in the 2018 draft, Jesus has surprised scouts by continuing to exceed expectations. In 2019 he homered 34 times, knocked in 121 runs, and walked 110 times in AA. In 2020 he has continued to display surprising power as evidenced by 20 HR and 76 RBI through the end of August. In addition, he has been solid defensively. The Cardinals are planning to continue to closely monitor his progress.

Murfreesboro Deacons (AA)

OF Takiji Ojima (23) -- Although Takiji's batting average has hovered near the .250 mark for most of the season, this could be considered a break-out year for the young, Japanese slugger, a 3rd round pick in 2017. This season he has launched 30 HR and recorded 99 RBI through the end of August. He ended the month on a hot streak, so it will be interesting to see how he fares for the entire season.

SP Wilson Cruz (24) -- Wilson, a round 4 pick in 2019, has been outstanding this season. In 24 starts for the Deacons, Wilson compiled a 14-2 record and registered a 3.62 ERA. His four, solid pitches baffled opposing batters enough to enable Wilson to record 138 strike outs in 136.2 innings pitched. The performance earned him a recent promotion to Springfield.

SP Manuel Garcia (23) -- Drafted out of Ohio State, the 2020 NCAA Division I national champions, in the 1st round of the draft held earlier this season, Manny has been transitioning well from the college game to the professional game. Earlier in the season he endured a few rough patches, but he has settled down and exhibited improvement throughout the summer months. For the Deacons, his ERA is only about 4.50, but he ends August with a 7-3 record. The future looks promising for the youngster.

Las Vegas Lost (A)

1B Baber Davi (19) -- Baber is a raw talent with seemingly unlimited potential. A 1st round pick in 2019, he performed for the Lost for a good portion of this season before being promoted to Murfreesboro. While with the Lost, he batted .341 with a .444 OBP and a .502 SLG in 317 at bats. With the Deacons he has been much more challenged as evidenced by his stats. However, he is only 19 years old. Organization scouts are confident he will rise to the occasion and begin pounding AA pitching with more authority very soon.

SP Michael West (18) -- Michael continued to surprise the scouts with many, strong performances this season. The 8th round pick in the 2019 draft was projected to be a long shot, at best, but scouts are taking a closer look. This season with the Lost, Michael recorded a 10-4 record and a 3.37 ERA in 23 starts. Additionally he fanned 135 while walking 55 in 136.1 innings. Recently he was promoted to Murfreesboro to enable scouts to evaluate him while facing stronger competition.