Anthony Banda, the pitcher who was acquired in the Gerardo Parra deal last summer is looking like a legitimate prospect with the way he pitched in the second half last year and how he is starting off in the not-so-pitching friendly California League. Through three games Banda is 3-0 with a 1.65 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 16 innings while only allowing 11 hits. Another plus is the lefty is still just 21 and has put himself square in the mix for Top 10 organizational prospect status. he's worth keeping a close eye on going forward.
Snake Stars
3 Stars: Anthony Banda, Visalia 6 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 6 K, 0 ER, W (3-0)
2 Stars: Michael Perez, Visalia 3 for 4, 2 R, 2 DBL, 1 HR (2), 4 RBI
1 Star: Gabriel Arias, Mobile 6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 K, 10 ER, W (2-0)
0 Stars: RJ Hively, Mobile 1 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 1 K, 3 ER
AAA: Reno 5 Albuquerque 4. Vidal Nuno pitched very well and even though the bullpen had a fail with solo runs allowed in each of the final three innings, they still won it in the 9th on a Mike Freeman solo home run. Nuno went 6.2 innings while striking out 9 and allowing 2 earned runs. Jake Barrett blew the save in the 9th setting up Freeman's heroics. Freeman went 3 for 4 on the night with a walk. Danny Dorn and Nick Evans each had 2 hits with a double.
AA: Game 1. Mobile 2 Biloxi 6. In a game that actually started on Saturday the Bay Bears got down early 3-0 before RJ Hively gave up 3 more in the 8th to put this one out of reach. Brandon Sinnery started and allowed 3 runs (1 earned) over 4 innings. The offense only provided 5 hits with 2 coming from Todd Glaesmann.
AA: Game 2. Mobile 4 Biloxi 0. In a 7-inning tilt Gabriel Arias was outstanding coming within one out of a complete game shutout before Enrique Burgos needed to come on for the final out. Arias allowed 6 hits and a walk while striking out one. Brandon Drury had two doubles and Alex Glenn went 2 for 3 with a double and 2 RBI.
A+: Visalia 7 @ Stockton 0. Anthony Banda was the story in this one with 6 shutout innings and Kevin Vance was very good in relief with 3 more shutout innings of his own. Michael Perez had a big game at the plate as his bat starts to warm up going 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, his second home run and 4 RBI. Domingo Leyba had 3 hits, Stewart Ijames went 2 for 4 with his 3rd home run, and Chuck Taylor had 2 hits including a double.
A: Kane County 2 @ Quad Cities 7. Brent Jones got roughed up to the tune of 5 runs on 9 hits over 5+ innings. The offense was not up to that kind of task with minor fireworks coming only from Grant Heyman who went 2 for 3 with a double and a triple.