2010 Arizona Fall League -- Season for Brewers now complete

[Mass Haas]

Manager Mike Guerrero leads the Surprise Rafters (Brewers, Royals, Tigers, Rangers, Cardinals)

 

Final: Surprise 8, @ Peoria Javelinas 6

 

Box Score

2B Eric Farris singled twice in five trips and stole a base; Caleb Gindl, playing right field, once in four trips. RHP Mike McClendon said get me back to a big league mound with a "hold" in which he allowed two inherited runners to score, then allowed two runs of his own while recording five outs.

 

RHP's Jeremy Jeffress, Michael Fiers and Brandon Kintzler, LHP's Daniel Merklinger and Lucas Luetge, and corner infielder Hunter Morris did not see action.

 

Old friend LHP Steve Garrison threw for the opposition, representing the Yankees.

 

Recap

Hitting ground balls, as he should be...

Eric Farris strikes out swinging.

Eric Farris singles on a ground ball to second baseman Dustin Ackley, deflected by shortstop Jose Iglesias.

Eric Farris grounds out, third baseman Nate Tenbrink to first baseman Michael McDade.

Eric Farris singles on a ground ball to center fielder Juan Carlos Linares. Engel Beltre scores.

With Zack Cox batting, Eric Farris steals (1) 2nd base.

Eric Farris grounds out, second baseman Dustin Ackley to first baseman Michael McDade.

 

Caleb Gindl strikes out swinging.

Caleb Gindl singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jack Shuck.

Caleb Gindl strikes out swinging.

Caleb Gindl flies out to center fielder Juan Carlos Linares.

 

Peo Javelinas Bottom of the 6th

• Jose Iglesias reaches on throwing error by third baseman Francisco Martinez. Jose Iglesias to 2nd.
  
• Dustin Ackley grounds out sharply, shortstop Cale Iorg to first baseman Tony Cruz.
  
• Eric Thames singles on a line drive to center fielder Engel Beltre. Jose Iglesias to 3rd.
  
• Pitcher Change: Mike McClendon replaces Patrick Keating.
  
• Ryan Lavarnway reaches on force attempt, throwing error by third baseman Francisco Martinez. Jose Iglesias scores. Eric Thames to 2nd.
  
• Nate Tenbrink flies out to center fielder Engel Beltre.
  
• Michael McDade doubles (1) on a line drive to center fielder Engel Beltre. Eric Thames scores. Ryan Lavarnway to 3rd.
  
• Koby Clemens strikes out swinging.

Peo Javelinas Bottom of the 7th

• RHP Mike McClendon remains in the game.
  
• Juan Carlos Linares doubles (1) on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Ben Guez.
  
• Jack Shuck triples (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Engel Beltre. Juan Carlos Linares scores.
  
• Jose Iglesias out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Caleb Gindl. Jack Shuck scores.
  
• Dustin Ackley grounds out, second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Tony Cruz.
  
• Eric Thames called out on strikes.

 

[And That]

Fiers sitting in the low 90's with his fastball in today's AFL game, which is good, but he's getting hit around.

[Mass Haas]

Yeah, unfortunatelty Fiers only retired five of the 12 men he faced:

 

Peo Javelinas Top of the 1st

• Jack Shuck singles on a line drive to left fielder Adron Chambers.
  
• Juan Carlos Linares singles on a ground ball to left fielder Adron Chambers. Jack Shuck to 2nd.
  
• Dustin Ackley hits a sacrifice bunt. Jack Shuck to 3rd. Juan Carlos Linares to 2nd. Dustin Ackley to 1st.
  
• Eric Thames walks. Jack Shuck scores. Juan Carlos Linares to 3rd. Dustin Ackley to 2nd.
  
• Jason Kipnis strikes out swinging.
  
• Koby Clemens strikes out swinging.
  
• Jay Austin singles on a line drive to center fielder Derrick Robinson. Juan Carlos Linares scores. Dustin Ackley scores. Eric Thames to 2nd.
  
• Roberto Perez grounds out, pitcher Michael Fiers to first baseman Tony Cruz.

Peo Javelinas Top of the 2nd

• Matt Lawson grounds out, third baseman Davis Stoneburner to first baseman Tony Cruz.
  
• Jack Shuck grounds out, first baseman Tony Cruz to pitcher Michael Fiers.
  
• Juan Carlos Linares singles on a ground ball to left fielder Adron Chambers.
  
• Dustin Ackley doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Adron Chambers. Juan Carlos Linares scores.
  
• Pitcher Change: Adalberto Flores replaces Michael Fiers.
  
• Eric Thames singles on a ground ball to right fielder Joey Butler. Dustin Ackley scores.
  
• Jason Kipnis grounds out to first baseman Tony Cruz.

***

The Brewers only have three position players in the AFL (Farris, Gindl and Morris) -- none in today's starting lineup...

[Mass Haas]

In addition to Michael Fiers' day detailed above, Brandon Kintzler allowed a run in an inning of work in Surprise's 7-4 loss.

 

Peo Javelinas Top of the 8th

• Pitcher Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Matt Hoffman.
  
• Koby Clemens singles on a ground ball to left fielder Adron Chambers.
  
• Jay Austin grounds into a force out, shortstop Pete Kozma to second baseman Johnny Giavotella. Koby Clemens out at 2nd. Jay Austin to 1st.
  
• With Roberto Perez batting, Jay Austin steals (1) 2nd base.
  
• Roberto Perez doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Adron Chambers. Jay Austin scores.
  
• Matt Lawson strikes out swinging.
  
• Jack Shuck grounds out sharply to first baseman Tony Cruz.

RHP Tom Wilhelmsen threw for the opposition, continues to remain quite the story for the Mariners.

[Mass Haas]

Full update later this evening as Thursday's game is in the 7th as of this post time -- Brewers on the mound and at the plate

 

Gameday here

[Mass Haas]

Final: Mesa 11, @ Surprise 6

LHP Daniel Merklinger still working his K and BB rates, as he fanned five and walked zero in his two-inning start (one run). All five strikeouts were swinging, and he fanned the side in order in the 2nd. Yee-hah!

 

Ouch for fellow southpaw Lucas Luetge in a nine-run 4th. With three runs already in and a man on 3rd, Luetge came in with two outs.

 

Double -- double -- walk -- single -- single -- single -- single -- groundout (ERA 135.00)

 

Go get 'em next time, young man.

 

Jeremy Jeffress' 7th: Line out, walk, pop out, ground out; 18 pitches, nine strikes

 

Fine days for Eric Farris and Caleb Gindl:

 

Farris -- 2-for-4 with a walk, three runs scored

 

Gindl -- 3-for-4 with two doubles, a walk, run scored

 

Farris played second base, Gindl right field. Really psyched about Caleb's AFL participation; Farris and Gindl hit 2-3 in the lineup.

[BrewCrewForever]

Only 1 inning for Jeffress? Will all of his outings be only 1?

[Mass Haas]

Hunter Morris is seeing his first AFL action Friday (as the designated hitter). Pulled a groundout to first base in his first AB.

Otherwise quiet early on for Brewers in this one -- Gameday Link.

[Mass Haas]

Tough loss for the Surprise boys, scored two in the top of the 11th, surrendered three in the bottom to suffer a walk-off 8-7 (box score) loss on a three-run Brandon Wood double (game story).

 

Mike McClendon pitched well:

 

Mesa Bottom of the 6th

• Pitcher Change: Mike McClendon replaces Danny Gutierrez.
  
• Matt Rizzotti grounds out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Tony Cruz.
  
• Jordy Mercer strikes out swinging.
  
• Andrew Lambo strikes out on foul tip.

Mesa Bottom of the 7th

• Kirk Nieuwenhuis walks.
  
• Kai Gronauer grounds into double play, first baseman Tony Cruz to shortstop Pete Kozma. Kirk Nieuwenhuis out at 2nd.
  
• Ryan Flaherty grounds out, shortstop Pete Kozma to first baseman Tony Cruz.

***

 

Brandon Kintzler (2/3 of an inning, three runs, two earned, four hits) had a rough go of it behind McClendon:

 

Mesa Bottom of the 8th

• Pitcher Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Mike McClendon.
  
• Josh Harrison doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Derrick Robinson.
  
• Andrew Romine reaches on fielding error by shortstop Pete Kozma. Josh Harrison to 3rd.
  
• Brandon Wood singles on a line drive to center fielder Engel Beltre. Josh Harrison scores. Andrew Romine to 2nd.
  
• Matt Rizzotti singles on a ground ball to right fielder Joey Butler. Andrew Romine scores. Brandon Wood to 3rd.
  
• Jordy Mercer grounds into a force out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to shortstop Pete Kozma. Brandon Wood scores. Matt Rizzotti out at 2nd. Jordy Mercer to 1st.
  
• Andrew Lambo singles on a line drive to right fielder Joey Butler. Jordy Mercer to 2nd.
  
• Kirk Nieuwenhuis lines out to left fielder Derrick Robinson.
  
• Pitcher Change: Fabio Castillo replaces Brandon Kintzler.
  
• Kai Gronauer strikes out swinging.

***

 

Hunter Morris was 1-for-4, with a triple, walk, run scored, and RBI --

 

Hunter Morris grounds out to first baseman Matt Rizzotti.

Hunter Morris triples (1) on a line drive to center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Francisco Martinez scores.

Hunter Morris walks.

Hunter Morris grounds out, shortstop Andrew Romine to first baseman Matt Rizzotti.

Hunter Morris grounds out, second baseman Ryan Flaherty to first baseman Matt Rizzotti.

[Mass Haas]

Pretty impressive to see productive days from Brewers in the 2-3-4 spots in the Surprise lineup (way to go, Manager Mike Guerrero!)

 

Final: Surprise wins, 10-4

Box

Gameday

MiLB.com Game Story

Eric Farris was the DH Saturday -- 2-for-4, walk, SB, run scored, RBI (six singles in 13 AB's, two walks for a .533 OBP in three games)

 

***

 

First inning fun:

 

Surprise Bottom of the 1st

• Engel Beltre grounds out, shortstop Osvaldo Martinez to first baseman Freddie Freeman.
  
• Eric Farris walks.
  
• With Caleb Gindl batting, Eric Farris steals (2) 2nd base.
  
• Caleb Gindl grounds out, second baseman Jose Pirela to first baseman Freddie Freeman. Eric Farris to 3rd.
  
• Hunter Morris doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Jerry Sands. Eric Farris scores.
  
• Ben Guez reaches on fielding error by third baseman Stephen Parker. Hunter Morris scores. Ben Guez to 2nd.
  
• Zack Cox called out on strikes.

***

 

Caleb Gindl, again batting 3rd and playing right field, was 1-for-3 with a sacrifice fly, a walk and an RBI (5-for-11 with two walks thus far, 1.136 OPS).

 

***

 

Hunter Morris played first base and hit cleanup, was 1-for-4, two RBI, with the double detailed above, and also had a sacrifice fly.

 

***

 

Phoenix Top of the 9th

• Pitcher Change: Jeremy Jeffress replaces Blake King.
  
• Cory Harrilchak pops out to third baseman Zack Cox in foul territory.
  
• Osvaldo Martinez reaches on fielding error by shortstop Cale Iorg.
  
• Freddie Freeman grounds into a force out, third baseman Zack Cox to second baseman Davis Stoneburner. Osvaldo Martinez out at 2nd. Freddie Freeman to 1st.
  
• With Michael Taylor batting, wild pitch by Jeremy Jeffress, Freddie Freeman to 2nd.
  
• Michael Taylor singles on a ground ball to center fielder Engel Beltre. Freddie Freeman scores.
  
• Jerry Sands walks. Michael Taylor to 2nd.
  
• Stephen Parker walks. Michael Taylor to 3rd. Jerry Sands to 2nd.
  
• Jose Pirela called out on strikes.

 

24 pitches for Jeffress, 14 for strikes -- if not for the error, a 1-2-3 inning. A bit shaky, but he came in to close it with a seven-run cushion. According to Gameday, Jeffress pumped in 22 four-seam fastballs and threw two curveballs. 92-96 MPH, most sitting at 94 MPH.

 

***

 

Day off Sunday...

[Mass Haas]

Farris (2B) and Gindl (RF) are in the starting lineup Monday, game time is 2:30 Central if you wish to follow along via the Gameday link.

[JohnBriggs12]

Gindl with a HR to drive in Farris who had singled on the 15th pitch of an AB leading off the 5th inning.

 

Farris is 2 for 3 so far with 2 runs scored. Gindl is 1 for 2 with a HBP. I'd say the Brewer representatives are acquitting themselves quite well so far.

[battlekow]

Gindl, Farris team up in Rafters victory

Robert Emrich/Special to MLB.com

It was all Brewers all the time in Surprise on Monday.

Caleb Gindl hit a two-run homer and fellow Milwaukee prospect Eric Farris continued his torrid start in the Arizona Fall League with three hits as Surprise defeated Scottsdale, 6-4, on Monday.

Gindl's blast came in the fifth inning, with the Rafters (3-3) holding a 3-1 lead. The 22-year-old right fielder, a fifth-round pick by the Brewers in 2007, was surprised his shot went over the center-field wall, 400 feet away.

"I told myself to stay within myself, put a good swing on it and don't try to do too much," he said. "Honestly, I thought I had a double, but the ball carries well out here so I guess it had enough to get out."

Gindl, who scored twice for the Rafters, faced Scorpions reliever Bryan Woodall (Diamondbacks) once before on Sept. 4. His three-run homer off Woodall keyed Double-A Huntsville's 10-7 win over Mobile.

"I can't believe it happened again, but it did," Gindl said.

The Florida native spent the 2010 season with the Stars, batting .272 with nine homers and 60 RBIs.

"I just think you see good arms day in and day out," Gindl said of Double-A pitching. "It's definitely a difference. In the lower levels, you can focus at-bat to at-bat. Once you get to that level, you have to focus pitch to pitch. When you get your pitch, you have to hit it, because when you miss those guys can make you pay."

Farris, drafted a round earlier than Gindl, is batting .500 after Monday's performance. The 24-year-old second baseman has scored seven runs and stolen three bases in four games.

"He's a great player and he's a great teammate also," Gindl said of Farris. "He always picks you up. The kid is unbelievable, he's doing really good out here right now."

Former Royals first-rounder Mike Montgomery (1-0) picked up the win, allowing a run on three hits and fanning three over 3 2/3 innings for the Rafters.

"He was nasty from what I saw," Gindl said of the left-hander. "I've never seen him and he impressed me, that's for sure."

Tigers' first-round pick Chance Ruffin, son of former Major Leaguer Bruce Ruffin, allowed a run on one hit in the ninth inning, but earned the save.

Charlie Culberson (Giants) collected three hits, including a solo homer, for the Scorpions (4-2). Orioles farmhand Ryan Adams drove in this eighth run of the fledgling season, tying him with Brandon Wood of Mesa for the league lead.

Giants prospect Ryan Verdugo (0-1) took the loss, surrendering three runs -- one earned -- on two hits over two innings. Bruce Billings (Rockies) fanned two over two perfect frames.

http://mlb.mlb.com/images/2010/10/18/t75JQrfc.jpg

Caleb Gindl is batting .400 (6-for-15) with three RBIs in four Arizona Fall League games with Surprise.

(Michael O'Day/MLB.com)

[Mass Haas]

Brandon Kintzler was at 92-96 MPH with his four seamer Monday according to Gameday. Actually he was only at 96 early, three pitches to the first batter he faced, who walked. Dialed it down just a bit and retired the next four men he faced.

 

Scottsdale Top of the 6th

• Pitcher Change: Patrick Keating replaces Jordan Swagerty.
  
• Xavier Avery doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Caleb Gindl.
  
• A. J. Pollock walks.
  
• Brandon Belt walks. Xavier Avery to 3rd. A. J. Pollock to 2nd.
  
• Conor Gillaspie out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Engel Beltre. Xavier Avery scores.
  
• With Ryan Adams batting, A. J. Pollock steals (1) 3rd base, Brandon Belt to 2nd. Wild pitch by pitcher Patrick Keating. Brandon Belt to 2nd.
  
• Ryan Adams out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Caleb Gindl. A. J. Pollock scores.
  
• Pitcher Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Patrick Keating.
  
• Jordan Pacheco walks.
  
• With Charlie Culberson batting, Brandon Belt steals (1) 3rd base. Jordan Pacheco steals (1) 2nd base.
  
• Charlie Culberson grounds out, catcher Tony Cruz to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

Scottsdale Top of the 7th

• Michael Burgess strikes out on foul tip.
  
• Thomas Field strikes out swinging.
  
• Xavier Avery grounds out, second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

[Mass Haas]

Eric Farris is your Tuesday night DH, Caleb Gindl and Hunter Morris are not in the starting lineups.

 

Box score link here, details in the AM, particularly if Brewer relievers should take part.

[Mass Haas]

Down 5-1 after four innings, Surprise loses 5-4.

 

Eric Farris doubled in five trips, fanning twice, he's at .435 (10-for-23, two doubles, two walks, four K's, 3-for-3 in SB attempts) after five games.

 

Jeremy Jeffress was perfect, retiring all four men he faced, stranding a runner he inherited in the 4th. For this night game, Gameday did not include pitch speed data --

 

Scottsdale Bottom of the 4th

• Pitcher Change: Brandon Sisk replaces Brooks Brown.
  
• Michael Burgess singles on a ground ball to shortstop Cale Iorg.
  
• Charles Blackmon homers (1) on a fly ball to right field. Michael Burgess scores.
  
• Greg Miclat bunt pops out to catcher Jose Felix in foul territory.
  
• Steve Lombardozzi grounds out, shortstop Cale Iorg to first baseman Eric Hosmer.
  
• Xavier Avery walks.
  
• With Brandon Belt batting, Xavier Avery advances to 2nd on a balk.
  
• Pitcher Change: Jeremy Jeffress replaces Brandon Sisk.
  
• Surprise Rafters pitcher Brandon Sisk left the game due to an injured leg.
  
• Brandon Belt called out on strikes.

Scottsdale Bottom of the 5th

• Derek Norris strikes out swinging.
  
• Marc Krauss grounds out, shortstop Cale Iorg to first baseman Eric Hosmer.
  
• Ryan Adams flies out to center fielder Engel Beltre.

(That was an odd departure, did the Royals' Sisk hurt his leg somehow while on the mound, prompting the balk call?)

 

Mike McClendon also retired all four men he faced --

 

Scottsdale Bottom of the 7th

• Pitcher Change: Mike McClendon replaces Corey Young.
  
• Steve Lombardozzi grounds out, shortstop Cale Iorg to first baseman Eric Hosmer.
  
• Xavier Avery bunt grounds out, catcher Jose Felix to first baseman Eric Hosmer.
  
• Brandon Belt strikes out swinging.

Scottsdale Bottom of the 8th

• Derek Norris called out on strikes.
  
• Pitcher Change: Matt Hoffman replaces Mike McClendon.
  
• Marc Krauss strikes out swinging.
  
• Ryan Adams strikes out swinging.

25-year-old RHP Michael Fiers hopes to have a better go of things in his 2nd start Wednesday afternoon.

[And That]

Here's today's Gameday Link as the Surprise Rafters visit the hated Peoria Saguaros.

 

Hunter Morris is not only in the starting lineup for the Rafters, but he's starting at third base and playing there for the first time in his short pro career.

 

Caleb Gindl is in the lineup, playing LF. Michael Fiers is making his second AFL start of the year.

[Tedaldtada]

Calen Gindl hit his second bomb. Fiers was up to 90-91 a few times that I saw. Merklinger topped at about 88.

[battlekow]

Gindl also singled and walked. Fiers struck out two and walked none in three innings, allowing two runs on five hits; he threw 60 pitches, 35 for strikes. Merklinger struck out one, walked one, and hit a batter in a scoreless inning; Merklinger threw 10 strikes in 18 pitches. box score

EDIT: Lucas Luetge tossed a perfect inning and was 86-88 with his fastball. Morris was 0-4.

[Mass Haas]

Surprise scored in each of the first five innings en route to an 11-4 victory, but did Eric Farris leave early after scoring (perhaps a play at the plate)?

 

Farris on fire, 3-for-3:

 

1st inning -- Farris singles on a ground ball to left field, later scored as the Rafters batted around and plated four.

 

2nd inning -- Farris leads off with a line drive single to center, but made the first out of the inning on a 6-5 play on a subsequent single.

 

3rd inning --

 

• Pitcher Change: Tyler Robertson replaces David Bromberg.
  
• Cale Iorg triples (1) on a line drive to left fielder Jared Mitchell.
  
• Adron Chambers out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Ben Revere. Cale Iorg scores.
  
• Engel Beltre lines out to left fielder Jared Mitchell.
  
• Eric Farris singles on a line drive to left fielder Jared Mitchell.
  
• Ben Guez doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Ben Revere. Eric Farris scores.
  
• With Eric Hosmer batting, wild pitch by Tyler Robertson, Ben Guez to 3rd.
  
• Eric Hosmer called out on strikes.

Peo Saguaros Top of the 4th

• Defensive Substitution: Davis Stoneburner replaces second baseman Eric Farris, batting 2nd, playing second base.

***

 

Hunter Morris had a fine day, DH'ing in the six-spot, two singles (via ground ball to right, line drive to left) and a walk in five trips.

 

Brandon Kintzler needed only 11 pitches (nine strikes) to cruise through his inning, 94-95 MPH with his four-seamer, with defensive hurt and help mixed in --

 

Peo Saguaros Top of the 7th

• Pitcher Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Adalberto Flores.
  
• Eduardo Escobar reaches on fielding error by third baseman Francisco Martinez. Eduardo Escobar to 2nd.
  
• Jared Mitchell called out on strikes.
  
• Chris Parmelee flies into double play, right fielder Ben Guez to shortstop Cale Iorg. Eduardo Escobar doubled off 2nd.

***

 

Hope Farris is OK, fun to watch so far -- only hitting .500 (13-for-26).

[Mass Haas]

Friday's Gameday -- Caleb Gindl already has an RBI line drive single, en fuego. Hunter Morris at third base.

 

Eric Farris is idle -- the nature of our symbiotic relationship with the Adam's and Tom's of the "real" press: they read about our noting that Farris left after the 3rd inning Thursday, is off today, and then they get in touch with Gord Ash and inquire, and let us know. Simple!

[Mass Haas]

Eric Farris may have been absent from Friday's 7-6 Surprise victory, but his second base partner from the Royals is having just as impressive a start to the AFL season (game story). Ned Yost is going to nurture some fantastic kids from an amazing Royals' farm system the next few years.

 

After his line drive single in the 1st, Caleb Gindl flew out twice and grounded out twice.

 

Hunter Morris had another strong game at the plate, and handled all his chances cleanly at third base, including starting a 5-4-3 double play. Morris had a pair of two-out RBI singles and also walked. Morris has six RBI in his first 20 AB's. Hunter's a middle name, but it has more cache than Jeff Morris.

 

Mike McClendon only needed 13 pitches in his scoreless 8th inning. He came on with a man on and no one out. Team was up 7-6 at the time, so a big "hold".

 

Phoenix Bottom of the 8th

• Cory Harrilchak singles on a ground ball to first baseman Eric Hosmer.
  
• Pitcher Change: Mike McClendon replaces Corey Young.
  
• Austin Romine grounds into a force out, third baseman Hunter Morris to second baseman Johnny Giavotella. Cory Harrilchak out at 2nd. Austin Romine to 1st.
  
• Jerry Sands singles on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Adron Chambers. Austin Romine to 2nd.
  
• Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Matt Wallach replaces Austin Romine.
  
• Michael Taylor strikes out swinging.
  
• Ivan De JesusJr. grounds out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

[Mass Haas]

Surprise falls, 7-2.

 

I guess we can formally say that Eric Farris is sidelined now. He missed his second game since leaving after the 3rd inning Thursday. Second base was designated as a "priority" position for the Crew (still have no idea how they thought the Lawrie / Farris combo was going to play that out, but that's something you can say about AAA in 2011 as well). So if Farris was OK, he'd be seeing AB's. The AFL is off Sunday, so here's hoping it was just a precautionary day off to get Eric another day of rest.

 

Hunter Morris was 0-for-4 in the cleanup spot (two groundouts, two flyouts) and played first base; Caleb Gindl was idle.

 

Jeremy Jeffress fanned two in a scoreless inning. All of 14 pitches (10 strikes), so there's no stretching out going on here, not even a second relief inning. No pitch speed available for this contest. With a bullpen in apparent good shape going into 2011, most of us are certainly hoping to see Jeffress in Nashville's rotation to open 2011 to build up innings.

 

Mesa Bottom of the 6th

• Defensive Substitution: Davis Stoneburner replaces second baseman Johnny Giavotella, batting 1st, playing second base.
  
• Pitcher Change: Jeremy Jeffress replaces Danny Duffy.
  
• Kai Gronauer grounds out, third baseman Francisco Martinez to first baseman Hunter Morris.
  
• Jordany Valdespin strikes out swinging.
  
• Josh Harrison triples (2) on a fly ball to right fielder Joey Butler.
  
• Kirk Nieuwenhuis strikes out swinging.

With Casey Baron sidelined in 2010, 6'3", 23-year-old LHP Lucas Luetge had the inside edge to see if he could take a Mitch Stetter-like track in his development (hopefully minus the 2011 disaster Mitch campaign). LH batters had two of the three hits against him in his eventful 18-pitch, two-run inning, as the sledding remains tough for him in his fall go of things.

Mesa Bottom of the 7th

• Pitcher Change: Lucas Luetge replaces Jeremy Jeffress.
  
• Brandon Wood singles on a line drive to center fielder Engel Beltre.
  
• With Andrew Lambo batting, wild pitch by Lucas Luetge, Brandon Wood to 2nd.
  
• Andrew Lambo doubles (3) on a ground ball to right fielder Joey Butler. Brandon Wood scores.
  
• With Jordy Mercer batting, wild pitch by Lucas Luetge, Andrew Lambo to 3rd.
  
• Jordy Mercer grounds out softly, pitcher Lucas Luetge to first baseman Hunter Morris.
  
• Ryan Flaherty singles on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Joey Butler, deflected by second baseman Davis Stoneburner. Andrew Lambo scores.
  
• Joshua Satin grounds into double play, pitcher Lucas Luetge to shortstop Pete Kozma to first baseman Hunter Morris. Ryan Flaherty out at 2nd.

[Mass Haas]

Writer for ESPN.com and graduate of the MLB Scouting Bureau Scout Development Program, Jason Grey saw Jeffress Saturday night.

[Mass Haas]

Final: 9-9 tie after 11 innings; Surprise led, 8-7 after just two innings

Brandon Kintzler and Mike McClendon combined for four scorless innings, Gameday had Kintzler at 93-95 MPH --

 

Peo Javelinas Top of the 5th

• Pitcher Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Patrick Keating.
  
• Jay Austin singles on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Derrick Robinson.
  
• With Cord Phelps batting, Brandon Kintzler picks off Jay Austin at 1st on throw to Eric Hosmer.
  
• Cord Phelps walks.
  
• Jose Iglesias grounds into double play, shortstop Cale Iorg to second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Cord Phelps out at 2nd.

Peo Javelinas Top of the 6th

• Dustin Ackley strikes out swinging.
  
• Ryan Lavarnway strikes out swinging.
  
• Eric Thames grounds out to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

Peo Javelinas Top of the 10th

• Adron Chambers remains in the game as the designated hitter.
  
• Pitcher Change: Mike McClendon replaces Fabio Castillo.
  
• Brandon Barnes grounds out, shortstop Cale Iorg to first baseman Eric Hosmer.
  
• Michael McDade strikes out swinging.
  
• Nate Tenbrink grounds out sharply, pitcher Mike McClendon to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

Peo Javelinas Top of the 11th

• Jay Austin strikes out swinging, catcher Tony Cruz to first baseman Eric Hosmer.
  
• Cord Phelps flies out to left fielder Derrick Robinson.
  
• Jose Iglesias hit by pitch.
  
• With Dustin Ackley batting, Jose Iglesias steals (3) 2nd base.
  
• Mike McClendon intentionally walks Dustin Ackley.
  
• Ryan Lavarnway strikes out swinging.

I mis-spoke early in the AFL season, it's not the Yankees' Steve Garrison in the league, it's Red Sox righty Seth Garrison. That is Tom Wilhelmsen, though, who matched McClendon in the late innings.

 

Eric Farris returned as hoped, and was 1-for-5 plus an HBP, with an RBI, two runs scored, and one error.

 

Caleb Gindl was 1-for-5 plus a walk, with a run scored (three K's).

 

On Tuesday, RHP Michael Fiers gets the starting nod.