Baseball in Fort Wayne

Posts Tagged ‘Luis Cruz’

Here’s a brief roundup of some Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana player movement (or transactions) since the end of the season:

Veteran catcher, Chad Moeller has resigned with the Orioles.

The last player form the Wizards association with the Twins that is still associated with the Twins, Michael Cuddyer has had his option picked up by Minnesota.

The Milwaukee Brewers have claimed Luis Cruz off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Brew-Crew also claimed former Wizards catcher, George Kottaras, who was released from the Red Sox.

Possibly in preparation for the Rule 5 Draft, the Padres made some 40-Man roster changes, adding three. Among those is former Fort Wayne Wizard and this year’s Triple-A Home Run Derby champ, Chad Huffman.

Former Wizard outfielder Robert Perry has jumped from the independant Frontier League’s Windy City Thunderbolts to Minor League Baseball. He was signed by the Colorado Rockies.

The Atlanta Braves have resigned free-agent former Wizards pitcher, John Huber.

Hundley is learning that soft hands are the best way for him to catch on (SignOnSanDiego):

When (Nick) Hundley graduated from the Triple-A Portland Beavers to the Padres last summer, his reputation was for quality tools rather than refinement. He hit 50 home runs in 316 minor-league games and showed a throwing arm that Padres manager Bud Black characterizes as “major league quality for sure, maybe a little bit above.”

After getting his feet wet in 2008, Headley is eager to improve in ’09 (SignOnSanDiego)

Padres CEO Sandy Alderson described (Chase) Headley as the “quintessential” prospect of the current administration, a poster boy for being “patiently aggressive” and improving himself through attention to detail and strength training. His average of one strikeout per 3.8 at-bats in Double-A was of some concern, but considered the price of doing good business, too, because Headley often worked deep into the pitch count. He also did so as a rookie, averaging 4.2 pitches per appearance.

Because Headley’s best position is third base, it’s less likely that he and third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff will remain teammates for many years ahead.

If Headley stays in left field, he ultimately might block Kellen Kulbacki, one of the Padres’ better prospects and ticketed for Double-A this season. Several scouts say left field also is the best position for Will Venable, an older Padres prospect who, for now, is targeted for center field in Triple-A and has a subpar throwing arm for right field.

(Massarotti) Will George Kottaras be with the Red Sox Come Opening Day? (Boston.com)

…the Red Sox appear most likely to open the season with Varitek and Josh Bard as the catching tandem, though one club official recently went out of his way to suggest that George Kottaras looked sharp in the early days of camp. Kottaras is out of options and could be a threat to beat out Bard, though the more likely scenario is that the Red Sox are trying to increase Kottaras’ trade value so that they do not simply lose him on waivers.

Koskie will play for Canada in WBC (TwinsNow)

According to a source close to the situation, (Corey) Koskie, who was not on Canada’s provisional World Baseball Classic roster, will play for Team Canada in the 2009 WBC.

Playing for Canada in the WBC has been Koskie’s primary goal in trying to return to baseball. The former Twins third baseman hasn’t played since he suffered a concussion and whiplash while playing for the Brewers on July 5, 2006.

Cruz not in Classic for Mexico (MLB.com)

Despite being one of 45 players listed on Mexico’s provisional World Baseball Classic roster, Luis Cruz has declined an invitation to play with the team in next month’s tournament.

Cruz, who played with Mexico in the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic, is fighting for one of the Pirates’ final two bench spots this spring. For Cruz, that was reason enough to pass on the opportunity to once again represent his home country.

“I think I have a chance to get a spot here,” said Cruz, who made his Major League debut as a September callup with the Pirates last season. “I’m fighting for a spot here. I want to practice and get ready for the season and try to make the team.”

Barfield Adjusting to Utility Role (MLB.com)

A  second baseman by trade, (Josh) Barfield has been asked to add third base and all three outfield spots to his repertoire. The carrot dangled in front of him is a utility job with the big league club.

“I’ve got to be efficient,” Barfield said. “I can’t neglect one position or the other.”

The Indians, and manager Eric Wedge in particular, have been happy with what they’ve seen from Barfield during the team’s early workouts. Wedge said Barfield moved around well at third base and handled the outfield well.

And finally, Padnographs is featuring some former Wizards: Sean Burroughs, Dirk Hayhurst, Kyler Burke, Brian Burgamy

Jarrod Parker has been named the top prospect in the Arizona Diamondback’s organization by Baseball America. It’s hardly a surprise. He’s been highly touted since being selected number nine overall in the 2007 Amateur Draft. During his first professional season last year, he faired very well in the Midwest League, including dominating his hometown Fort Wayne Wizards for several shutout innings in the last game in Memorial Stadium history.

BA also selected Parker for the “Best Fastball” and “Best Slider” categories as well as slotting as the number two starter in the projected 2012 rotation behind current ace, Brandon Webb.

While many predict he’s at least another year away from arriving in the Majors, BA speculates that might be a bit pessimistic:

It wouldn’t be shocking to see 2007 first-rounder Jarrod Parker . . . in the big leagues at some point this year.

And while we are on the topic of Baseball America prospect rankings, a couple former Wizards have shown up in with their current organizations:

• Luis Cruz (Pirates) – Best Defensive Infielder
• Jon Link (White Sox) – Best Slider
• Yordany Ramirez (Astros) – Best Outfield Arm
• David Freese (Cardinals) – 9th Overall Top Prospect
• Kyler Burke (Cubs) – Best Outfield Arm

In case you are wondering Baseball America will unveil their ratings for the Padres organization on February 2nd.

Seems odd to be admitting this, but I have been following a lot of Pittsburgh Pirates blogs and sites lately. A lot of it is becuase of the emergence (or expected emergence) of Luis Cruz. As you may recall, he descretely made his MLB debut last year; becoming the 73rd former Wizard and 11th during the 2008 campaign to do so.

After getting off to a torrid start in Winter League play this offseason, Cruz hasn’t appeared an many games. However, he’s back at it. Afte r aslow start in his return, he’s picking up momentum again:

SS Luis Cruz doubled to lead off the 7th inning for Obregon, then moved to third base on a sacrifice bunt and scored on an RBI single, giving Obregon the tying run.  Another run, on a fielding error and a single, gave Obregon the lead.  In the 8th, Cruz hit a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded, bringing in another run.  Obregon scored two more insurance runs on a walk, a hit batter, and two wild pitches [Sandlot Swashbucklers].

Apparently, Cruz favors playing competitively all year long too, as he remains a possibility to play with the Mexican squad in the World Baseball Classic. He appeared in 5 games during the 2006 edition, but had no hits in one at-bat.

Cruz played with the Wizards in 2003 after he came to the Padres via a trade with the Boston Red Sox for 2B Cesar Crespo. He appeared in 129 games and posted a .231 average with 8 home runs, 53 RBI’s and 2 stolen bases while walking just 30 times over 481 at-bats. On the bright side, he struck out just 55 times. His lackluster offense and propensity to ground into double-plays (he led the team with 15) left much to be desired. Since that time, he’s played in a handful of other organizations, but is finally emerging as a viable ML utility middle infielder. 2009 may in fact be his year.

Lots of items being written about Wizards alumni lately. I’ve been sitting on a few of the links, so they may be a bit older, but are still relevant and worth the read. Feast on these:

Anthony Contreras (Former Saltdogs Still Chasing Big-League Dreams) is one of a handful of former Lincoln Saltdogs who have gone from Indy leaguer to minor league prospect.

Matt Teague (Relief on the way with Teague) discusses his transition from starting pitcher to reliever, changing his mechanics and his unexpected adventures at Triple-A.

David Freese is the subject of a solid Prospect Watch at rotoprofessor. Cardinals’ general manager John Mozeliak has also stated that Freese may see time at several positions during Spring Training; which is why they aren’t pursuing a backup at first or third during the offseason.

Kyle Blanks’ future with San Diego may be as trade material due to being sandwiched between Adrian Gonzalez and Allan Dykstra according to Marc Hulet at FanGraphs. Speaking of Blanks, he is number three on Project Prospects top five prospect risers in the San Diego System. Kellen Kulbacki, Cedric Hunter, Chase Headley and Steve Garrison are the others. Observers will also note that local native, Jarrod Parker makes the cut ont he Arizona list.

Luis Cruz, according to Black and Gold, still remains a viable option for the Pirates’ infield; especially if Jack Wilson is traded.

Jon Link’s walk rate went up a bit when he went from High-A to Double-A ball. SoxMachine has a theory.

JJ Furmaniak got his MLB cup of coffee with the Pirates and A’s then played 2008 in Japan after refusing his outright from Oakland. He’s back in the homeland. The Phillies gave him a non-roster invite to Spring Training. Speaking of Japan, Dirk Hayhurst’s latest NonProspect Diary talks about the Japan route a minor leaguer might take.

Freddy Guzman was traded by the Rangers to the Tigers for Chris Shelton in 2007. The Dalla Observer rates that trade a C and thinks Guzman still has a chance to be a qualify fourth outfielder.

Cory Doyne was granted free agency from Baltimore.

Matt Bush has added a new pitch. Changeup.

Former Wizards pitching coach, Steve Webber will serve in that role with San Antonio in 2009. JoJo Tarantino, who has worked with the Wizards the last three seasons, will be the Missions’ Athletic Trainer next season. former Wizards skipper, Randy Ready, is back for another round at Triple-A Portland after flirting with the job in Seattle during the offseason. Another former Wizards pitching coach, Wally Whitehurst will serve the role for the Pittsburgh Pirate’s High-A Lynchburg squad.

Finally, several former Wizards pop up on top prospect lists all over the web. Some of them include; Baseball Intellect [1-5] and [6-15], Padres Rundown [top 25], MadFriars’ (subscription required) Denis Savage [top 60] and John Conniff’s [top 30], Ducksnorts’ [top 10],

Sandlot Swashbucklers catches us up with former Wizards infielder, Luis Cruz, who is making his presence known in the Mexican League this winter. I look for him to be an everyday player in 2009. 

Luis Cruz has a 9-game hitting streak going, and he’s hitting .371 over those 9 games for the Obregon Yaquis.  His 4th inning double brought in two runs for Obregon on Nov 21st.  The next night, Cruz went 3-for-5.  He singled in the 1st inning rally, and singled again in the 7th inning, batting in the tying run for Obregon.  In the bottom of the 9th, Cruz hit the second of three consecutive singles in the game-winning rally.

See also: Luis Cruz’s MLB Debut

As evidenced by the recent call-ups of Antonelli and LaBlanc and some other recent player additions, the September callup period is in full swing. Thought I would take a moment to look into those with Fort Wayne Wizards ties:

• P Dirk Hayhurst (SD) – Has made two starts since being called up. Is 0-1.
• P Josh Geer (SD) – Made his debut on 8/31/08 – Got the win.
• 3B Matt Antonelli (SD) – Made his debut on 9/1/08
• P Wade LeBlanc (SD) – Set to start (MLB Debut) on Wednesday 9/3/08
• SS Luis Cruz (PIT) – Made his Debut on 9/2/08 (4-1)
• P Jack Cassel (HOU) -Returns for another round with the big club
• 2B Josh Barfield (CLE) – Returns after a real up-and-down season. This might be a final shot.
• P Jared Wells (SEA) – Called up yet again. Is there an All-Star roster they can cheat him out of this time?
• P David Pauley (BOS) – Called up on 8/24. Had a chance to start, but they called up Michael Bowden instead and put Pauley int he pen. Finally pitched on 9/2. Pitched two innings. Gave up one run on two hits.
• C Luke Carlin (SD) – Called up for his third stint with the Friars this season.
• C Chad Moeller (NYY) -Adding depth to their catching corp.
• Portland Manager Randy Ready – The rest of the team is there, and it’s starting to fill with former Wizards, so I guess you might as well call up the skipper who last got the Wizards into the playoffs.

This one almost got past me. Former Wizard, Luis Cruz made his Major League Debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates on 9/2/2008, becoming the 73rd former Wizard and 11th this season to do so. That means, when Wade LeBlanc takes the mound on Wednesday, he will break the 2002 record of former Wizards to make their MLB debut’s in a single season.

Cruz went 1-4  against the Cincinnati Reds, with one hit. He collected his first MLB hit in the top of the first off Aaron Harang by lining an 0-1 fastball to left field.

There’s also a nice article about Cruz and his father on MLB.com. (Note: They misspelled Luiz’s first name throughout – Bet it happens a lot).

After years of trailing his father and trying to follow in his footsteps, Luis Cruz will do something that even his father — a 16-year professional baseball player — never did: play in a Major League game.

After finishing up a coming-out season in the Minor Leagues, Cruz was the most unexpected of the 10 players the Pirates called up from Triple-A after Indianapolis’ season ended on Monday. After starting the season with Double-A Altoona and moving up in late July, Cruz made his first big league start on Tuesday night.

Luis Cruz played with the Wizards way back in 2003 after he came to the Padres via a trade with the Boston Red Sox in exchange for 2B Cesar Crespo. He appeared in 129 games and posted a .231 average with 8 home runs, 53 RBI’s and 2 stolen bases while walking just 30 times over 481 at-bats. On the bright side, he struck out just 55 times. His lackluster offense and propensity to ground into double-plays (he led the team with 15) left much to be desired.

Similar lines followed him all the way up the Padres farm ladder to Portland this season. He was released after a disappointing .168 average with 24 strikeouts in 155 at-bats.His .216 on-base percentage didn’t help his cause either.

After his release, Cruz signed with the Pitsburgh Pirates and was assigned to Double-A Altoona before being promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis. His number, again, were not overwhelming. Between the two assignments, he hit .279 with 9 home runs and 61 RBI’s. However, while in Triple-A, he hit .325 and had a .247 on-base percentage. In fact, it may have been his late season heroics while in Indy that lead to the callup.

Cruz may be one of my all-time favorite Wizards if for no other reason than the fact that I can vividly recall Ryan Schoener (I think it was Ryan at that time) announcing his name over the PA. “Now Up to bat . . . Loo-eese Crooooze!”

• 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