By Peyton Wesner
Big time competition with a small town feel...that is what Triple-A baseball is all about. For prospects ready to showcase their talents in the Major Leagues, great performances at the Triple-A level are a must, but the case is the same for major league veterans stuck in the minors looking for their next opportunity to add to their "Big League" totals. Over the duration of the season, I will cover the action transpiring in the Triple-A league of the East, the International League.
Chris Colabello (Buffalo)
.338 BA, 5 HR, & 16 RBI.
---365 days ago, current Buffalo Bisons first basemen Chris Colabello was starting at first base for the Minnesota Twins. Unfortunately for him, he is not in the Major Leagues, but with how he has played to begin this season for Buffalo, the time for a call-up could be very soon. While the 2013 Triple-A All-Star started right where he left off from 2013, Colabello has improved his overall game by taking pitches and getting on base via walks. In the last ten games, the former Independent League product has bashed three of his league high five homeruns while collecting eleven RBIs with a batting average of .421. Toronto may have finally found a hidden gem this offseason that could be seen in the Rogers Centre prior to the All-Star Break.
International League Cy Young of April
Brian Johnson (Pawtucket)
3-1 Record, 0.86 ERA, 24 Ks in 21.0 IP with 1 Complete Game Shutout.
---The Pawtucket Red Sox rotation is by far the most talented in the International League as it contains two top 100 prospects (Henry Owens and Eduardo Rodriguez) in addition to Matt Barnes and...Brian Johnson? Who is Brian Johnson? Well, Brain Johnson has actually been the best pitcher not only on his team, but in the league! Last season, the 2012 First Round pick from Florida baffled Eastern League hitters by hurling two complete games in twenty starts. In fact, he only gave up threw more earned runs in Double-A than the number of starts made for Portland. This year, he has made two more starts (4) THAN earned runs allowed (2). A must noted concern about Johnson is that he is only averaging 5.1 innings pitched per outing, but besides that, no complaints from me about this left-handed prospect.
Top 100 Prospects (according to MLB.com) in the International League
4. Francisco Lindor (SS)
Cleveland-Columbus
.267 BA, 1 HR, 8 RBI, & 6 SB.
19. Blake Swihart (C)
Boston-Pawtucket
.338 BA, 0 HR, & 11 RBI.
20. Henry Owens (LHP)
Boston-Pawtucket
1-1 Record, 4.29 ERA, 19 Ks in 21.0 IP
29. Alex Meyer (RHP)
Minnesota-Rochester
1-1 Record, 6.27 ERA, 22 Ks in 18.2 IP
38. Jose Peraza (2B)
Atlanta-Gwinnett
.263 BA, 0 HR, 3 RBI, & 5 SB.
51. A.J. Cole (RHP)
Washington-Syracuse
0-0 Record, 2.40 ERA, 10 Ks in 15.0 IP
54. Maikel Franco (3B/1B)
Philadelphia-Lehigh Valley
.318 BA, 1 HR, & 11 RBI.
68. Matt Wisler (RHP)
Atlanta-Gwinnett
0-3 Record, 6.75 ERA, 20 Ks in 20.0 IP
73. Nick Kingham (RHP)
Pittsburgh-Indianapolis
1-2 Record, 4.85 ERA, 29 Ks in 26.0 IP
77. Mike Foltynewicz (RHP)
Atlanta-Gwinnett
0-3 Record, 2.08 ERA, 30 Ks in 21.2 IP
***Recalled by Atlanta today, makes Braves' debut tonight versus Cincinnati.
87. Eduardo Rodriguez (LHP)
Boston-Pawtucket
2-0 Record, 1.93 ERA, 16 Ks in 18.2 IP
90. Alen Hanson (SS/2B)
Pittsburgh-Indianapolis
.234 BA, 0 HR, 7 RBI, & 7 SB
97. Steven Moya (OF)
Detroit-Toledo
.208 BA, 0 HR, & 2 RBI
International League Standings
North
1. Buffalo (TOR) 14-7
2. Pawtucket (BOS) 14-8 (0.5 GB)
3. Rochester (MIN) 12-8 (1.5 GB)
4. Scranton/WB (NYY) 10-12 (4.5 GB)
5. Syracuse (WSH) 7-14 (7.0 GB)
6. Lehigh Valley (PHI) 6-16 (8.5 GB)
South
1. Charlotte (CWS) 13-7
2. Durham (TB) 12-10 (2.0 GB)
3. Norfolk (BAL) 11-10 (2.5 GB)
4. Gwinnett (ATL) 8-13 (5.5 GB)
West
1. Indianapolis (PIT) 12-10
2. Columbus (CLE) 11-10 (0.5 GB)
3. Toledo (DET) 10-10 (1.0 GB)
4. Louisville (CIN) 8-13 (3.5 GB)
Overview:
Once again this season, the North Division is looking to claim the Wildcard spot as Buffalo and Pawtucket have raced off to great starts. Ironically, the Bisons and the Red Sox couldn't be more different personal-wise since Buffalo contains a roster full of much major league experience while Pawtucket has many young prospects that are looking to get their call to the "Big Leagues."
In the West, the Indianapolis Indians have turned heads, that is, considering that in their first two games they scored a total of ZERO runs! Since the opening series against Columbus, the Tribe's offense has came to life thanks to Deibinson Robinson (.320 BA, 4 HR, and 14 RBI) and former Washington National and Baltimore Oriole Steve Lombardozzi (.375 BA and 11 RBI). But Indy better beware, Columbus is 6-4 in their last ten while Cleveland Indians' top prospect Francisco Lindor has scorched pitching with an .393 average in his last seven outings and the Toledo Mud Hens have finally gotten Detroit Tigers' top prospect Steven Moya back in the lineup after a foot injury.
Good Knight Dan Black and Matt Davidson! At least give the opposing pitchers a chance! The duo manning the corners for Charlotte have collected phenominal numbers to begin 2015 after disappointing seasons as they have combined for nine homeruns and twenty-seven runs batted in. While "Black and Matt" are pacing the offensive attack, Erik Johnson has been amazing in four pitching appearances (three starts and one in relief) in addition to Jairo Asencio, who is a perfect six for six in save opportunities.
If the Playoffs Started Today:
Indianapolis at Charlotte (5 Game Series)
Pawtucket at Buffalo (5 Game Series)
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