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Fort Fragments (Wizards): Luis Cruz, Pierzynski, Burroughs, Quezada
By Chad Gramling | August 31, 2008
- Luis Cruz (from the 2003 Wizards’ squad) went 3-4 with a double and his second homer of the season; a two-run shot that broke a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the eighth to outlast a Louisville rally to give Indianapolis a 5-4 win Thursday night at Victory Field. He launched another homer on Friday to lead the Indians to another victory over the Bats in front of 13,558 fans at Victory Field.
- Controversy again found A.J. Pierzynski. During a rundown between second and third, Pierzynski appeared to get tagged out after falling, but umpire Doug Eddings called him safe, citing interference by Rays third baseman, Willy Aybar. Replays showed that Pierzynski initiated contact by hitting Aybar with his elbow before falling. So, Pierzynski was awarded third base and scored a couple batters later. The White Sox ended up winning by one run. Both Eddings and Major League Baseball later admitted the blown call.
- Geoff at Ducksnorts rounds out his reviews of the farm by spotlighting Portland. Looks like he’s softening his stance on Will Venable: “I like Venable’s chances a little better now than I did at the same time last year, but he still looks like a fourth outfielder to me.” He also takes a look at Matt Antonelli, Peter Ciofrone, Wade LeBlanc and more.
- Yes, you saw Sean Burroughs in the headline. Friar Forecast took a look at Burroughs’ fielding and found that his dissappointing offense underscored his above average defense. Good reading here.
- It’s a Wizards reunion in San Diego: “[Chase] Headley welcomed newcomers [Josh] Geer and outfielder Will Venable, who also was promoted from Triple-A. The trio and rookie catcher Nick Hundley, along with last night’s starting pitcher, Dirk Hayhurst, helped Double-A San Antonio win the Texas League championship last year. Rookie utility man Sean Kazmar also played for the Missions.”All six of those players are former Wizards as well.
- Midwest Leaguesaves leader, Jackson Quezada was the lone Fort Wayne representative of the Midwest League postseason all-star roster.
- Paul DePodesta takes a look at the 2008 late round draftees.
- Torii Hunter is still doing his thing in the Outfield, having robbed a couple crucial home runs lately.
- Finally, MadFriars has been going crazy with Wizards-related headlines (subscription required for the links below):
- Fort Wayne Hitting Coach Tom Tornicasa
- Fuson on Padres prospects in low minors
- The Transition Game: Several players from last year’s championship Double-A squad are getting their shot in the Majors. A great article/interview that talks about the transition from prospect to Major Leaguer and how they are handling it.
- Manager Doug Dascenzo on Wizards prospects
- Tom Gamboa on Padres Prospects
- Burke puts name on prospect map
