by Ben Davey
Hmmm…. I was going to head to the gym (still might) but a friend bailed on me and now I have no incentive to go, figured instead I would write a blog.
Opening day for minor league ball is just around the corner (Thursday) and as rosters begin to unfold, I figured I would share some info that I learned from the brilliant minds at Madfriars
I’ll start with 3B in LE/FW…I posted awhile ago that Darnell would most likely be in Elsinore while Forsythe would be in Fort Wayne. Forsythe was drafted ahead of Darnell but an injury hindered his 08′ campaign. Darnell on the other hand was a late sign but was monstrous in Eugene. Well I guess Forsythe has had an amazing Spring and has once again leap frogged Darnell. Darnell will be the everyday 3B for the Tin Caps while Forsythe will be spending most of his days patrolling 3B for Elsinore (though Baum will also get AB at 3rd)
Second, I was shocked that in the Padres embarrassing loss against the Missions, (IMO) the Mission’s best player, Kellen Kulbacki, was not in the lineup. Looking at the roster he didn’t appear there either. Turns out he will begin the season on the DL still recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. I cannot tell you much more about that (because I don’t know haha) but lets hope for a speedy recovery so he can get back on track. Until that happens though the OF in SA will be comprised of Durango (LF), Hunter (CF), and Baxter/Carter (RF)
Speaking of injuries missing from the Fort Wayne roster is fellow top 5 prospect Jaff Decker. Decker suffered a concussion in spring training, but should return shortly. As it stands the OFs in Fort Wayne are Carrol, Tekkotte, Robertson, and Mercado (with the 1st 3 getting 95% of the PT). I am guessing (and John indicated to me that this is true) that Carrol will go up to Elsinore once Decker comes off the DL.
Speaking of Elsinore, another surprise, I thought that there was a good chance that 2 Dominican players, Felix Carrasco and Yefri Carvajal, would repeat Fort Wayne. I guess Fuson and crew decided that the hitter friendly Cal league will (hopefully) help these prospects get back on track. This means that 2008 1st round pick, Dykstra, will open the season in Fort Wayne.
Other players on the DL include Drew Miller, Brian Joynt, and Matt Antonelli. I do not have a timetable for most of them.
Finally some other “sort of” surprise moves.
1) Inman is staying in SA (at least to begin the season)
2) Cumberland and Valdez will be in FtW while Figureoa and Zawadski will be in LE
3) You guys were right, Latos will be in Lake Elsinore
4) (Not really surprising but) Schmidt in Fort Wayne
5) Waiver claim, Travis Denker will be the Missions 3B (since Sogard is at 2nd)
Thats all I can think of for now….feel free to comment. Going to the Padres game tomorrow, lets hope for a better result then todays massacre.
