Baseball in Fort Wayne

Oliver Perez on the 2008 Former Indians All-Star Team

Of the 63 former Indianapolis Indians who finished the 2008 season on a Major League 40-man roster, 17 are highlighted on the 2008 Former Indians All-Star team.  Former Wizards Pitcher, Oliver Perez, was among them. Perez played in Fort Wayne in 2001 after signing as an undrafted free agent by the Padres in 1999. He was traded by Padres with Corey Stewart and Jason Bay to the Pirates for Brian Giles in 2003 and then was traded by Pirates with Roberto Hernandez to Mets for Xavier Nady in 2006.

September Call-Ups: Drew Macias and Will Venable 

MadFriars’ John Conniff interviews the former Wizard outfielders, Drew Macias and Will Venable (subscription required). Macias talks about his early season struggles in his third stint at Double-A, a new batting stance, while Venable dishes on his newfound power an patience. I still say you should look for him to be a starter in SD next season. Also look for Denis Savage’s interview with recent Wizard, Angel Mercado, who started with the Wizards this season and was demoted to low-A Eugene.

What Does the Future Have in Store for Peavy?

Well, the New York Yankees may be interested in former Wizards pitcher and NL Cy Young Winner Jake Peavy, but it will take a lot to pry him from San Diego. Although, keep in mind that his salary from this year will more than double by 2010 and continue to rise through 2012.

Soria wins September’s DHL Award

Former Wizards Pitcher, Joakim Soria’s perfect September had a perfect ending. The Royals’ right-handed closer, was named the winner of the DHL Presents the Major League Baseball Delivery Man Award. Soria was 9-for-9 in save opportunities and had a 1-0 record and a 0.00 ERA in 10 appearances. He gave up just three hits in 10 1/3 innings.

“He’s had a tremendous impact,” Royals manager Trey Hillman said. “Just looking at the statistics and the number of saves in comparison to the number of team wins. And there’s just a psychological advantage there for the whole team, just knowing that he’s available and the consistency of the product he brings to the mound.”

Soria had a 1.60 ERA in his 63 games, a 2-3 record and 66 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings. Opponents batted just .169 against him.

Daryl Jones is 9th Best Indy Leaguer

Former Wizards first baseman and DH, Daryl Jones suffered from the logjam at the lower levels and never really got his career into motion despite an impressive first half MWL All-Star performance during his first year with Wizards that saw him split time with Kyle Blanks. Baseball America recently listed him as the 9th best prospect in Indy ball. Injuries and ineffectiveness led the Pares to release the former fourth round pick following the 2007 season. He caught on with Edinburg where he worked on his swing and showed off some speed.

… now Jones has a flatter swing that gives the ball some backspin that helps it carry further. He showed the ability to hit the ball out of the ballpark from foul pole to foul pole.

At 6-foot-4 with some nimbleness around the bag, Jones is very solid defensively and gives infielders a big target to aim for. He also runs well for a big man (4.2 seconds to first base), and he was second in the United League with 32 steals. But as you would expect for a first baseman, it will be his power potential that could get him back to affiliated ball.