I know I’m a day late from my normal weekly awards posting, but with the minor league regular season ending on Labor Day, I figured I’d push it back a day to cover everything. It wasn’t a great ending for any team.

The KC Royals went 4-4 over the last eight days and still comfortably sit in third place in the American League Central (60-74). They continue their four-game series tonight at home against Texas.

Omaha finished the regular season going 3-5. It wasn’t a great final month for the Storm Chasers who had a huge lead in the American Northern Division for most of the year (finished with an 83-61 record). They begin their quest for a second straight Pacific Coast League title on Wednesday night in Omaha against Albuquerque who they just lost three of four to. Jake Odorizzi will start the playoff opener against the Isotopes’ Fernando Nieve (a former big leaguer).

NW Arkansas went just 2-6 over the final eight games to finish the second half at a disappointing 21-48. After missing out on the Texas League’s North Division’s first half title by three games, they completely fell apart in the second half.

Wilmington went 5-2 over their last eight days, including clinching the Northern Division second half title on Thursday. The Blue Rocks ended the Carolina League’s second half at 37-33. They start their quest at their first Mills Cup trophy since 1999 on Wednesday night at home against Lynchburg. Brooks Pounders will face CL Pitcher of the Year Gus Schlosser.

Kane County went just 2-6 in their final eight games and found themselves on the outside looking in in terms of a Midwest League playoff spot. The Cougars finished the second half with a 34-36 record.

Burlington blew away their division in the Appalachian League and reached the Appy League finals (41-27). Each of the three games needed extra innings to name a victor. The Royals lost the title to Elizabethton on a 12th inning walk-off grand slam.

Idaho Falls was eliminated from the Pioneer League playoffs with a 16-19 second half record (33-40 overall record). The Chukars finish their regular season on September 6th (they’ve lost seven of their last nine games).

Hitters of the Week

Majors: Even though David Lough played in just three games last week, it was a memorable three games. He made his Major League debut on Saturday and batted leadoff in all three games. He has a hit in every game and went 5-for-14 (.357) with four runs scored.

Minors: Wil Myers, Omaha. It is fitting that Omaha’s Player of the Year takes this honor in the final award posting of the minor league regular season. He is in the midst of a nine-game hitting streak and has gotten hot right when the Storm Chasers are heading to the postseason.

Myers was 13-for-33 (.394) over his last eight games. He scored five runs and drove in six. He fell a homerun short of the Minor League Baseball title (one behind Double-A Reading’s Darin Ruf).

Honorable Mention: Irving Falu, Omaha. He is also in the midst of a nine-game hitting streak. He was 14-for-32 (.438) with five runs scored and five RBIs. Falu finished the season with the seventh best batting average (.329) in the PCL.

» Continue reading “Royals Blue Aid Weekly Awards”

After a great week two weeks ago, the KC Royals fell back to earth this past week. They went just 2-4, but kept hold of third place in the American League Central. However, they fell 15 games back. The Royals finish up their series in Boston this afternoon before returning home to face Detroit, Minnesota, and Texas.

Omaha went 3-4 (just 4-4 since clinching the American Northern Division) last week. The Storm Chasers are 80-56 in the Pacific Coast League, which is the second best record. They begin a regular-season ending eight-game road trip tonight in Memphis.

NW Arkansas went just 2-5 last week. The Naturals are just 19-42 in the second half of the Texas League. Overall, they are 56-75. They finish up their series in Tulsa tonight before moving on to Arkansas for four games. The Naturals end the season at home against Tulsa.

Wilmington won just two games last week, but still hold a 1/2 game lead for the second half Northern Division title in the Carolina League (32-21). The Blue Rocks finish the regular season at home, beginning with a four-game series tonight against Myrtle Beach, who is fighting for the Southern Division title.

Kane County went 3-4 last week and dropped to 8.5 games back in the Western Division of the Midwest League. They are 31-31. The Cougars continue their series against Burlington tonight (who are three games ahead of them).

Hitters of the Week

Majors: Eric Hosmer seems to be FINALLY finding a groove at the plate (though his defense has been less than stellar of late). Last week, he went 7-for-21 (.333) with a double and a homerun. He scored three runs and drove in three runs. Hosmer has raised his average to .241.

Honorable Mention: Alex Gordon started the season as poorly as Hosmer, but found his groove and is putting up similar numbers to last season (he is up to .293). This past week, he went 9-for-24 (.375) with two doubles, two runs scored, and seven RBIs. He has moved down into the 3-spot in the order.

Minors: Justin Trapp, Kane County. He went 11-for-24 (.458) this past week from the leadoff spot. He scored six runs and drove in five. His strikeout totals are a little high on the season (seven last week), but he does draw his walks (four last week).

Honorable Mention: Michael Liberto, NW Arkansas. Despite the struggles of the Naturals, Liberto has been a bright spot since his promotion. This past week, he went 8-for-19 (.420) with six runs scored. After playing in just six games over the season’s first half in Wilmington, he has played in 33 games in Double-A.

» Continue reading “Royals Blue Aid Weekly Awards”

It was a good week to be a Kansas City Royal.

The big league Royals went 5-1 last week. They are currently in the midst of a three-game winning streak after sweeping Chicago out of Kauffman Stadium. They continue their stretch of playing playoff contenders, as they begin a three-game road series against Wild Card leading Tampa tonight.

The Royals moved into sole possession of third place in the American League Central, 11 games back.

Omaha clinched their second consecutive American Northern Division title on Saturday night and went 5-2 on the week. Currently, they have the best record in the Pacific Coast League (tied at 77-52). The Storm Chasers continue their long homestand against Nashville tonight.

NW Arkansas was eliminated from postseason competition this week, as they went 1-4. The Naturals are just 17-37 in the second half. They finish up their road trip in Frisco tonight.

Wilmington went 5-2 last week and continue to sit in first place in the Northern Division of the Carolina League (29-26). The Blue Rocks hold a 2.5 game lead over both Frederick and Lynchburg. They begin a BIG road trip tonight, with five in Frederick and three in Lynchburg.

Kane County went 2-4 last week and fell to six games back in the Western Division of the Midwest League (a tie for third place at 28-27). The Cougars continue their road trip in Burlington tonight.

Hitters of the Week

Majors: Alcides Escobar is on FIRE. He went 12-for-25 last week (.480). He scored six runs and stole four bases.

Minors: It is a tie between the left side of the Wilmington infield. Third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert is in the midst of a six-game hitting streak. Last week, he went 11-for-25 (.440) with six runs scored and three RBIs.

Shortstop Orlando Calixte has a hit in five of his last six games, including the game winner on Saturday night. He went 9-for-27 (.333) with two runs scored and four RBIs.

Pitchers of the Week

Majors: Jeremy Guthrie wins this award again, and why not? He carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning on Sunday against the White Sox. In two starts last week (totaling 14.2 innings), he allowed just two unearned runs on six hits and three walks. He struck out 13.

Minors: This is a tie between two pitchers who helped their teams have winning records last week. Ryan Verdugo picked up the victory in Omaha‘s clinching game on Saturday. In two starts last week, he allowed four runs (three earned) on 11 hits and five walks over 13 innings. He struck out 11. Verdugo has won four straight starts.

Brooks Pounders has put together two straight dominant starts, one of which came with a pie in the face. In two starts last week (14 innings), he allowed just one unearned run on seven hits and one walk. He struck out 12.

The KC Royals had a pretty successful week. They won their series in Chicago and split their four-game series in Baltimore to go 5-3. They are now tied for last place in the American League Central with Minnesota at 49-65. The Royals continue to play playoff contenders during their upcoming six-game homestand (Oakland and the White Sox).

Omaha is in the midst of a three-game winning streak, as they have gone 4-2. The Storm Chasers continue to blow away the American Northern Division of the Pacific Coast League at 72-50. Two teams in their division have already been eliminated from postseason play. They continue their road trip out west tonight, as they finish up their series in Tuscon before moving on to Las Vegas.

NW Arkansas went 3-3 this past week, but continue to sit in last place in the North Division of the Texas League at 16-33 (15.5 games back). The Naturals finish up their homestand tonight against Frisco.

Wilmington went 4-2 this past week and have a one game lead in the Northern Division of the Carolina League at just 24-24. The Blue Rocks head out on the road to Potomac for a short three-game series before heading back home.

Kane County is in the midst of a three-game winning streak, as they went 5-2. They are 26-23, in a three-way tie for second place in the Western Division of the Midwest League (four games back). The Cougars finish up their road series with Cedar Rapids today.

Hitters of the Week

Majors: Billy Butler had a very powerful week. He went 9-for-27 (.333) in seven games. Four of those hits were homeruns. Six of the nine hits went for extra bases. He drove in seven runs and scored seven runs.

Honorable Mention: Alex Gordon also had a powerful week. He went 10-for-30 (.333) with three homeruns and four RBIs. He led off two of the four games in Baltimore with homeruns.

Minors: Dean Espy, Kane County. The 2011 draft pick out of UCLA is in the midst of a four-game hitting streak. Over the past week, he was 7-for-19 (.368) with two doubles, three runs scored, and two RBIs. He has also cut down on his strikeouts (none in the past three games and just two last week).

Honorable Mention: Irving Falu, Omaha. He went 10-for-30 (.333) with three doubles, a triple, and five runs scored. All of that offense is coming from the leadoff spot.

Pitchers of the Week

Majors: Jeremy Guthrie was brilliant against first place Chicago in his only start last week. He did not allow a run or walk over eight scoreless innings. He allowed just five hits while striking out six. His next start will come Tuesday at home against Oakland.

Minors: I had a tough time choosing just one, so I’m giving a tie once again. Cuban Noel Arguelles had a tough time with his promotion to Double-A, but finally seems to be figuring it out. In two starts last week, he allowed two runs (one earned) on nine hits over 14 innings. He walked six while striking out ten. His best start of the season may have come on August 6th, when he pitched seven shutout innings, while allowing just two hits and a walk.

After pitching in relief on Tuesday for Wilmington, Matt Ridings didn’t find out he was starting on Sunday until it was less than 24 hours before the start. The short notice didn’t seem to faze him. He pitched seven shutout innings and didn’t allow a hit until the 6th inning (three hits total). Overall on the week, he allowed just one run on six hits and two walks over 11 innings while striking out eight.

It wasn’t a bad week for the KC Royals. They swept Cleveland to start the week at home, pushing the Indians closer to last place than first place. However they couldn’t continue that winning streak, as they lost two of three to Texas. Overall, they went 4-2 last week to improve to 45-62, good for last place in the American League Central (12.5 games back).

On the upside, the Royals are only four games worse than Philadelphia (who some think can creep back into the playoff picture). It doesn’t get any easier though, as they head out on the road to face first-place Chicago and then to Baltimore.

Omaha is in the midst of a three-game losing streak (after a four-game winning streak) to go 4-3 last week. Overall, they are 68-48, still sitting atop the American Northern Division in the Pacific Coast League with a 16 game lead. The Storm Chasers still have three more games in their homestand against Colorado Springs.

NW Arkansas also went 4-3 this past week, but are still in last place in the North Division of the Texas League. The Naturals are 13-30 in the second half, 16.5 games back. They even have a playoff elimination number of 12 already. They finish up their road trip against Arkansas tonight.

Wilmington went 2-4 last week, but stayed a 1/2 game back in the Northern Division of the Carolina League (everyone in the division is 4-6 in their last ten games). The Blue Rocks have off today, as they begin a six-game homestand on Tuesday against Winston-Salem.

Kane County went 3-4 this past week. The Cougars are 21-21 in the second half, good for a tie for third place in the Midwest League’s Western Division (five games back). They continue their home series against Cedar Rapids tonight.

 Hitters of the Week

Majors: The centerfield duo of Jarrod Dyson and Lorenzo Cain has been hot. Dyson is hitting .526 and Cain is hitting .400 and both have scored three runs. They are a combined 20-for-44 (.455) with five RBIs and eight stolen bases.

Minors: Tony Abreu, Omaha. There is a reason that he was promoted when Yuni was designated (and it’s not his defense). Over the last week, Abreu was 11-for-24 (.458) with three doubles, six runs scored, and 12 RBIs. His seven-game hitting streak came to an end on Friday.

Honorable Mention: Abreu’s teammate in Omaha, Johnny Giavotella. He was 8-for-28 (.286) with four runs scored and seven RBIs.

Pitchers of the Week

Majors: Over the last week, the bullpen has been used alot. Three relievers have thrown at least four scoreless innings. Greg Holland has pitched much better of late since being named the closer. Over four innings, he allowed three hits and two walks while striking out three. He picked up the victory on Sunday with their walk-off win in extra innings.

Kelvin Herrera has also not allowed a run over 4.1 innings. He allowed two hits and one walk while striking out six. He did not allow an inherited run to score over those two outings.

Lefty Tim Collins did not allow a run over three outings last week (4.2 innings). He allowed just one hit and two walks while striking out three.

Minors: This week, I have broken this award into two categories. First is the starting pitcher of the week, which goes to Wilmington’s Andy Ferguson. In two road starts, he allowed three runs on 12 hits and three walks over 13.2 innings. He struck out 15, but did not pick up a win.

The reliever of the week is a tie between Kane County‘s Jason Mitchell and NW Arkansas‘ Ethan Hollingsworth.

In two long relief outings, Mitchell threw a combined six shutout innings. He allowed just three hits and two walks while striking out two.

Hollingsworth also pitched twice and picked up the victory on August 3rd with two hitless innings of relief. Combined, he did not allow a run over 8.1 innings. He allowed four hits and two walks while striking out four. Oh an he was just named Texas League Pitcher of the week.

Since I was on a mini-vacation last week, this week’s awards will be a two week addition (from July 16th through July 29th).

The KC Royals had a tough two weeks. They only won three games (3-11) and fell into last place in the American League Central (14 games back at 41-60). The Royals played Seattle twice (both at home and on the road) and went just 2-7. They have Monday off before beginning a three-game series at Kauffman Stadium against the struggling Cleveland Indians.

Omaha wasn’t great over the last two weeks (5-9), but they still have a 16 game lead in the American Northern Division in the Pacific Coast League (64-45 which is still the best record in the PCL). The Storm Chasers have two more games at OKC before heading home for a eight-game homestand.

The last two weeks (well the whole month of July) has been tough for NW Arkansas. They went just 4-10, though they are on a two game winning streak. The Naturals are in last place in the North Division of the Texas League at 9-27 in the second half (14.5 games back). They finish up their home series tonight against Springfield before heading out on the road for seven games.

Wilmington went 6-7 and sit in third place in the Northern Division of the Carolina League (just 1/2 game back at 18-18 in the second half). The Blue Rocks have Monday off as they head out on the road to Winston-Salem and Salem.

Kane County went 5-7 over the last two weeks. The Cougars are in third place at 18-17 in the Midwest League’s Western Division (three games back). The Cougars are finishing up their series with Quad Cities right now before heading out on the road for four games in Beloit.

So which players have been doing well despite their team’s struggles?

Hitter of the Week

Majors: Billy Butler. The offense hasn’t been great of late and Butler was the only hitter that showed up this weekend in Seattle. Over the last seven games, he is 11-for-24 (.458) with three doubles, a homerun, four runs scored, and six RBIs.

Minors: Matt Fields, Wilmington. He signed with the Royals from the independent leagues, leading that league in homeruns. However, he plays at Frawley Stadium and is in a pitcher’s league. Fields has not let those factors slow him down. He has 13 total homeruns and 23 RBIs in just 34 games. He is currently in the midst of an eight-game hitting streak.

Honorable Mention: Alex Llanos, Kane County. In the last ten games, he had at least one hit in every game but one (13-for-34 or .382).

Pitcher of the Week

» Continue reading “Royals Blue Aid Weekly Awards”

With the MLB All-Star Game this past week, the KC Royals only played three games. They lost their three-game home series to the Chicago White Sox (1-2). Overall, the Royals are 38-49, good for fourth place in the American League Central (10.5 games back of the White Sox).

The Triple-A All-Star Game was also held last week, so Omaha only played one series. They split their four-game home series with Iowa. The Storm Chasers are still in first place in the Pacific Coast League’s American Northern Division at 58-37, the best record in the PCL. They are also 16.5 games up.

It has been a rough second half so far for NW Arkansas, as they went just 1-5 last week. The Naturals dropped to 5-17 and sit in last place in the North Division of the Texas League. They are 10.5 games back and begin a four-game home series versus Arkansas tonight.

Wilmington is in the midst of a five-game winning streak, as they went 5-0 this past week. The Blue Rocks are in second place (12-11) and just one game back in the Northern Division of the Carolina League. They begin a four game series in Myrtle Beach tonight.

Kane County went 3-3 this past week and finish their home series today against West Michigan before enjoying the off day on Tuesday. The Cougars are tied for first place in the Western Division of the Midwest League at 13-10.

Hitters of the Week

Majors: The Royals welcomed injured players Chris Getz and Lorenzo Cain back following the All-Star break. Getz played in two games and went 3-for-7. He also drove in a run.

Cain played in all three games, going 5-for-10. He scored three runs and drove in two runs. He also hit two doubles.

Minors: Justin Trapp, Kane County. In four games, he went 6-for-14 (.429) with four runs scored, a homerun, and two RBIs. He also walked three times.

Honorable Mention: Brian Fletcher, NW Arkansas. He seems to have finally found the stroke that got him promoted in the first place. Over the past week, he went 8-for-28 (.286) with a double, a homerun, and two RBIs.

» Continue reading “Royals Blue Aid Weekly Awards”

It was a tough week to be affiliated with the KC Royals.

They went 2-5 this past week and have lost three in a row heading into the All-Star break. That stretch has pushed the Royals further back in the American League Central (37-47). They fell to 9.5 games back and just 1.5 games ahead of Minnesota for last place. The Royals start their second half push against first place Chicago on Friday.

Omaha has also lost three straight heading into their All-Star break. They went 3-4 this past week, but are still 16 games up in the American Northern Division of the Pacific Coast League (56-35). The Storm Chasers hold the best record in the PCL and return to action at home against Iowa on Thursday (I think they play the Cubs too much in a small amount of time).

NW Arkansas went 0-7 last week and fell into last place in the Texas League’s North Division. The Naturals are just 4-12 in the second half and continue play tonight at home against San Antonio looking to break their losing streak.

Wilmington went 2-5 this past week and are in last place in the Northern Division of the Carolina League at 7-11 (three games back). The Blue Rocks finish up their three-game home series tonight against Myrtle Beach (they have lost the first two games).

Kane County was the only affiliate with a winning record last week. They were 4-3 and are sitting in a four-way tie for first place in the Western Division of the Midwest league (10-7). The Cougars finish up their series in Wisconsin this afternoon.

Even with the tough week record-wise, some players had great individual performances.

Hitters of the Week

Majors: Salvador Perez has been nothing short of impressive since returning from knee surgery. He is hitting way better than many expected and this past week was no exception. In six games, he went 9-for-22 (.409) with two homeruns and three RBIs. He also scored six runs. His 11-game hitting streak game to an end on Saturday (when he went 0-for-4 in Detroit), but he has a hit in 12-of-13 games since returning from the DL.

Minors: Brian Fletcher, NW Arkansas. He struggled right out of the gate when he was promoted to Double-A and I was hoping for a big break out because he is too good of a hitter. This past week, he has done just that. Fletcher is in the midst of a six-game hitting streak, where he is 9-for-25 (.360).

Honorable Mention: Jose Bonilla, Wilmington. The catcher is getting a chance to catch more often in the second half and has taken full advantage. This past week, he went 8-for-21 (.381).

Power hitter of the week: Matt Fields, Wilmington. Fields came over from independent ball, leading his league in homeruns. I figured he would struggle at Frawley Stadium hitting the ball out (like every other hitter). He has taken advantage of his opportunities on the road though. This past week, Fields hit five homeruns, four of which came on the road. Overall, he has six homeruns, five coming on the road.

» Continue reading “Royals Blue Aid Weekly Awards”

This past week started out really well for the KC Royals with a home sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. They then won the first game of their road trip in Minnesota. However they have now lost three in a row (they went 4-3 this past week). The Royals continue on the road in Toronto with four games, as they sit in fourth place in the American League Central at 35-42.

Omaha continues be one of the elite teams in the Pacific Coast League. The Storm Chasers went 6-1 this past week. They now have an 18 game lead in the American Northern Division at 53-31. They continue their homestand with two more games against Albuquerque.

Since the Texas League All-Star break, NW Arkansas is just 1-2 (they lost a series to Corpus Christi). The Naturals are tied for second place in the North Division with a 4-5 second half record.

Wilmington had a very successful week, going 5-2. Problem is, everyone else in the Northern Division of the Carolina League is 5-5 in their last ten games. That puts the Blue Rocks tied for last place at 5-6. They continue their road trip with two more in Frederick before heading to Lynchburg.

Kane County went 4-3 this past week and sit in second place in the Midwest League’s Western Division at 6-4 (three teams are tied). The Cougars continue their series tonight at Peoria.

Hitters of the Week

Majors: The MLB All-Stars were announced on Sunday and shortstop Alcides Escobar‘s name was not on it (despite having better numbers than the three who made the team). He earns the award this week, as he went 9-for-20 (.450) with three doubles, a homerun, and six runs scored. He also walked three times.

Honorable Mention: Could it be? Is Eric Hosmer FINALLY breaking out? He started to show signs over the last week, as he went 11-for-26 (.423) with two doubles, a homerun, four runs scored, and three RBIs. He also stole two bases.

Minors: Clint Robinson, Omaha. He didn’t let his demotion back to the minors faze him. Over the week, he went 10-for-29 (.345) with four doubles, six runs scored, and six RBIs.

Pitchers of the Week

Majors: Luis Mendoza was dominant in his start this past weekend in the Royals lone win in Minnesota. He allowed just one run on five hits over eight innings. He did not walk a batter while striking out five.

Minors: Pitching was key this past week for teams having winning records. That means that I had a difficult time choosing just one pitcher.

Will Smith had two dominant starts this past week for Omaha. He picked up two wins and lowered his ERA to 3.81. In those two starts, he allowed just one unearned run on eight hits and one walk over 13.2 innings. He struck out 16.

Sugar Ray Marimon made his first two starts for Double-A NW Arkansas. Combined, he allowed just one run on six hits over 11.2 innings. He struck out eight.

Yordano Ventura continues his dominance in the Carolina League with Wilmington. In two starts this past week, he allowed two runs on seven hits and three walks over 12.2 innings. Despite striking out 17, he did not pick up a decision.

The reliever of the week goes to Cody Fassold of Kane County. In two appearances (five innings), he did not allow a hit or a run. Fassold did walk three while striking out five.

The KC Royals went 2-4 last week and dropped to six games back of first place in the American League Central. They are now 31-39 overall and welcome the TB Rays to town tonight. The Royals are just 11-23 at home.

Omaha went 3-3 last week, but still have a commanding lead in the American North Division of the Pacific Coast League (15 games). The Storm Chasers are 47-30 overall though they continue to struggle on the road (18-19). They continue their road series in OKC tonight.

NW Arkansas went 4-3 last week, though the first half ended in the middle of a four-game home series against Tulsa. The Naturals are now 2-2 in the second half. They finish up their home series with Arkansas this afternoon (they are playing right now) before enjoying the Texas League All-Star break.

Wilmington began the second half of the Carolina League losing their first four games. The Blue Rocks continue their road series in Potomac tonight.

Kane County opened up the second half of the Midwest League and went 2-1 in Clinton this weekend. They returned home to play Beloit beginning tonight.

Hitter of the Week

Majors: Alcides Escobar hit .409 last week for the Royals (9-for-22). In six games, he doubled and drove in a run, but unfortunately scored just one run.

Minors: Max Ramirez, Omaha. He is in the midst of a five-game hitting streak and five straight multi-hit games. Over the last week, Ramirez was 10-for-22 (.455) with six runs scored and 11 RBIs. He hit three homeruns and struck out just three times.

Pitcher of the Week:

Majors: Luke Hochevar finally stepped up his game this week (hopefully it can continue). In a start at Houston, he pitched into the 8th inning and did not allow a run (over 7.2 innings). He allowed five hits and four walks while striking out six. Hochevar will look to continue his dominance with a start against Tampa Bay tonight.

Minors: It was hard for me to choose, so I’m going with a tie between veteran Doug Davis in Omaha and Michael Mariot in NW Arkansas.

Davis has won three straight starts, including two this past week. Over 12 innings, he allowed just one run on eight hits. Davis struck out nine while walking four.

Mariot also made two starts this past week, though he did not pick up a decision. Over 13 innings, he allowed just one run on 14 hits. Mariot struck out nine compared to two walks.