Thrust into the most important game of the season, junior righthander Cody Schumacher threw a complete game shutout to keep Missouri State’s season alive with a 7-0 victory today at Hammons Field. The Missouri Valley Conference Tournament win pushes MSU through to Thursday to face the loser of tonight’s Southern Illinois-Bradley game and ends Wichita State’s season.

Schumacher struck out 8 batters, walking 3 and allowing just two hits. Taking the place of Clay Murphy in the starting rotation, who is out with elbow problems, Schumacher faced just 5 batters above the minimum and is now 8-1 on the season.

Today
Game 5 — (5) Evansville 8, (1) Indiana State 5
Game 6 — (2) Missouri State 7, (3) Wichita State 0
Game 7 — (8) Creighton vs. (4) Illinois State – 4:00 p.m. – GameTracker – Watch
Game 8 — (6) Southern Illinois vs. (7) Bradley – 7:30 p.m. – GameTracker – Watch

Thursday’s schedule
Game 9 (Loser Gm 7 vs. (5) Evansville) – 9:00 a.m.
Game 10 (Loser Gm 8 vs. (2) Missouri State) – 12:30 p.m.
Game 11 (Winner Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 9) – 4:00 p.m.
Game 12 (Winner Gm 8 vs. Winner Gm 4) – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday’s scores
(4) Illinois State 10, (5) Evansville 3 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch
(8) Creighton 5, (1) Indiana State 0 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch
(6) Southern Illinois 6, (3) Wichita State 3 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch
(7) Bradley 5, (2) Missouri State 3 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch

Missouri State squandered eight innings of one-run ball from Nick Petree and fell 5-3 to seventh-seeded Bradley Tuesday night (subscription) in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Hammons Field.

The shocking loss places MSU’s season and potential postseason in jeopardy as the Bears will face third-seeded Wichita State today at 12:30 p.m. WSU was upset by sixth-seeded Southern Illinois 6-3 Tuesday. MSU sports information has confirmed that first-round draft prospect Pierce Johnson is starting for the Bears today.

(Thanks to our friends at MissouriStateBears.com. The links below are theirs.)

Tuesday’s scores
(4) Illinois State 10, (5) Evansville 3 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch
(8) Creighton 5, (1) Indiana State 0 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch
(6) Southern Illinois 6, (3) Wichita State 3 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch
(7) Bradley 5, (2) Missouri State 3 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch

Today
Game 5 (#5 Evansville vs. #1 Indiana State) – 9:00 a.m. – GameTracker – Watch
Game 6 (#3 Wichita State vs. #2 Missouri State) – 12:30 p.m. – GameTracker – Watch
Game 7 (#8 Creighton vs. #4 Illinois State) – 4:00 p.m. – GameTracker – Watch
Game 8 (#6 Southern Illinois vs. #7 Bradley) – 7:30 p.m. – GameTracker – Watch

Looking forward to Thursday?
Game 9 (Loser Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 5) – 9:00 a.m.
Game 10 (Loser Gm 8 vs. Winner Gm 6) – 12:30 p.m.
Game 11 (Winner Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 9) – 4:00 p.m.
Game 12 (Winner Gm 8 vs. Winner Gm 4) – 7:30 p.m.

Matt Palmer

Former Missouri State pitcher Matt Palmer was called up from Triple-A Tucson by the San Diego Padres Tuesday. He made his Padres debut Tuesday against St. Louis, throwing a scoreless inning and striking out a batter.

It’s the third big league team the 33-year-old Palmer has played for after being a 31st round pick in the 2002 draft by the San Francisco Giants. In all, he’s 13-7 in 61 MLB appearances for San Francisco, the Los Angels Angels and now the Padres. He’s made 20 starts and carries a 4.49 ERA spanning 184 1/3 innings, striking out 97 and walking 92. His best season was 2009 with the Angels where he made 40 appearances — 13 starts — and had a 3.93 ERA in 121 1/3 innings.

Palmer got off to a rough start at Triple-A Tucson until he missed a start because of a blister. After skipping a turn in the starting rotation, Palmer had won his last 3 starts, allowing just 4 earned runs in 18 innings.

For weekly updates on current MLB players with local roots, click here for SGFers in the Bigs.

Everyone likes see the local athlete succeed. That’s why we created SGFers in the Bigs, a snapshot of where they are playing and how they are playing. Because it’s likely with all of these athletes, we’ve watched them do something incredible — and now we can all brag on them.

All stats are through Tuesday’s games (May 22).

Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers (Missouri State)

Marcum had his worst start of the year Tuesday against San Francisco, allowing 6 runs in 6 innings on just 5 hits — 2 of which were home runs by Buster Posey and Joaquin Arias. Marcum made the start in spite of reports he was dealing with shoulder stiffness. Stay tuned.

Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks (Missouri State)

Ziegler pitched on three consecutive days last week, earning wins on back-to-back games — one against Colorado and another against Kansas City. He blew the save vs. KC, but the offense rallied to bail him out. However, Tuesday against Los Angeles was miserable. He allowed 3 runs — 2 earned — and didn’t record an out. It blasted his ERA up an entire run.

Jeff Gray, Minnesota Twins (Missouri State)

When you’re a reliever, one bad outing can cripple your ERA. That’s what happened to Gray on Sunday — his most recent outing. In Milwaukee’s 16-4 win over the Twins, Gray allowed 5 runs on 4 hits, including a home run, all without recording an out. Ironically, the game before he earned his third victory.

Scott Elbert, LA Dodgers (Seneca HS)

Elbert hasn’t pitched in a week. That’s what happened when you are a situational lefty. He’s not hurt, nor has he been demoted. It’s just a function of getting great starting pitching.

Ross Detwiler, Washington Nationals (Missouri State)

Detwiler has cooled off in the last month. The red-hot Baltimore Orioles got to him, touching him up for 6 runs in 5 innings, including 2 home runs. The bad news? His ERA has jumped more than 3 runs over his last 5 starts. The good news? His ERA is only 3.65.

Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros (Ozark HS)

Harrell overcame his defense again, beating the defending American League champion Texas Rangers Saturday, despite allowing 4 runs — only 1 earned. It evens his season record at 3-3 and lowers his ERA to 4.09. It keeps the streak of Harrell allowing an unearned run to 5 straight games and on the season he’s allowed 30 runs, but just 23 earned.

Matt Palmer, San Diego Padres (Missouri State)

Palmer rewarded reward San Diego’s patience. The former MSU hurler tied Nashville up in knots on Thursday, pitching 7 shutout innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 walks, whiffing 3. That’s 3 straight wins in as many starts, allowing just 4 runs in his last 18 innings. That’s why he was called up Tuesday and he didn’t disappoint, throwing a scoreless innings at St. Louis.

MAJORS

MINORS

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies (Missouri State)

There is still no timetable for Howard’s return from Achilles surgery, an injury he suffered on the final out of the Phillies’ NLDS loss to his hometown St. Louis Cardinals. However, reports say his daily activity has increased in the past week. Take that for what it’s worth.

SGFers in the Minors

Scott Carroll, Cincinnati Reds Triple-A (Missouri State)

Carroll rebounded from a miserable stretch by not allowing a run over his last 3 2/3 innings (2 appearances). He struck out 6 in that span and allowed only 1 hit. His big-league future isn’t clear, but at this point, he’s just trying to hold on to his job.

Buddy Baumann, KC Royals Double-A (MSU & Rogersville HS)

Baumann made one appearance in the past 7 days, throwing 2 1/3 scoreless innings at Arkansas Saturday. He allowed one hit and one walk, striking out none.

Mike Kickham, SF Giants Double-A (Missouri State and Glendale HS)

Mike Kickham followed up his best Double-A Start (6 1/3 scoreless innings) with his worst Double-A start (3 2/3 IP, 7 runs, 6 hits, 3 walks). As with most pitchers who progress through the minors, Kickham is struggling to find consistency. Still, he’s shown flashes of MLB brilliance.

Pat Doyle, Cincinnati Reds High-A (Missouri State)

Doyle returned to the bullpen after causing a buzz with a dominant spot start — and it was with mixed reviews. He allowed 3 runs in one inning to Visalia, giving up a homer. His peripheral numbers are still strong, though.

Tyler Clark Detroit Tigers High-A (Catholic HS)

Free Tyler Clark. In the past week, all he did was make two scoreless and hitless appearances spanning 3 1/3 innings. He lowered his ERA to 0.95, lowered his average against to .148 and earned another victory. In all, he’s allowed 17 baserunners in 19 innings, striking out 23. Very sick stuff.

Aaron Meade, LA Angels Low-A (Missouri State)

Meade continues to impress, extending his scoreless start to 10 1/3 innings over 5 appearances. In the past week, he shut down Kane County (Royals) and Peoria (Cubs) through 4 innings. Yes, these stats below are true — and very impressive.

Wait, I thought they were in pro baseball…

• Former MSU slugger Josh Mazzola has signed with the Winnepeg Goldeyes of the American Association. It’s the same league former MSU closer/Glendale HS alum Dan Kickham will play in with the KC T-Bones.
• Warsaw graduate Johnny Eierman is in extended Spring Training with Tampa Bay after being a third-round pick by the Rays last season. In 59 at-bats, he hit /254/.328/.424 with the Gulf Coast League Rays. Per his Twitter account, he expects: “I’ll either be in west Virginia in the Appalachian league or in the new York penn league In june.”
• Former MSU infielder Toby Gardenhire retired and was named as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
• Per MSU coach Paul Evans, former MSU ace Brett Sinkbeil’s has retired. He received some offers
• All information points to former MSU catcher Dallas Hord catcher having retired.
• Former Rogersville HS slugger Seth Conner has reported to extended spring training, but told us he has been told by Toronto field coordinator Doug Davis that he is switching to being a full-time catcher. “They told me they liked my leadership qualities and my work ethic. They think I can pull it off, and once my confidence is up, I think I can, too.”
• Former MSU and Kickapoo pitcher J.C. Casey has reported to extended spring training and hopes to get assigned to a full-season team soon.

Anything or anyone we missed? Send it to me at allen@tagsgf.com

Nick Petree

We’ve been chronicling the season of Missouri State sophomore righthanded pitcher Nick Petree all season long, and to no one’s surprise, he was named the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year.

Petree finished the regular season with the following line:

10-3, 0.91 ERA, 99 1/3 IP, 10 ER, 102 K, 33 BB, 72 H, .201 BAA

But, it was Petree’s ridiculous ERA that was a gateway to his amazing season. At 0.91, it led the nation as the only number below 1 run per 9 innings.  After allowing 4 runs in 6 innings Thursday vs. Indiana State it ended two amazing streaks. It snapped a span of 38 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings and 73 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run (March 2-May 17).

We’ve broken it down by each game during that 76-day span:

• March 2, 8-3 W vs. Northwestern State: 7 IP, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 H, 4 BB, 5 K (W, 2-1)
• March 9, 3-0 W vs. SIU-Edwardsville: 6 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 8 K (W, 3-1)
• March 17, 5-0 W vs. Oral Roberts: 8 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 9 K (W, 4-1)
• March 24, 7-0 W vs. Creighton: 9 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 10 K (W, 5-1)
• March 31, 8-4 W vs. Dallas Baptist: 7 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 5 K (W, 6-1)
• April 6, 2-1 L vs. Bradley: 8 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 6 K (L, 6-2)
• April 14, 14-4 W vs. Illinois State: 5 1/3 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K (W, 7-2)
• April 20, 6-0 W vs. Wichita State: 6 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 9 K (W, 8-2)
• April 27, 1-0 W vs. Southern Illinois: 7 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 9 K (ND)
• May 4, 7-0 W vs. Air Force: 8 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 12 K (W, 9-2)
• May 11, 2-0 W vs. Evansville: 8 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 9 K (W, 10-2)
• May 17, 6-3 L vs. Indiana State: 6 IP, 4 R, 4 ER, 12 H, 4 BB, 5 K (L, 10-3)

Petree was a 3-time MVC Pitcher of the Week and an NCBWA Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist, who becomes the third MSU pitcher to earn top MVC honors in the last 5 seasons and the fifth MSU pitcher to earn MVC POY accolades.

A total of 9 Missouri State baseball players were selected for all-conference honors Monday by the league’s head coaches. Petree, Kevin Medrano and MVC Freshman of the Year Tyler Burgess were all chosen for the Valley’s first team, while four other Bears were tabbed for second-team honors and two more picked up honorable mention recognition.

Medrano was named first-team All-MVC for the fourth consecutive season and batted .332 with 17 doubles. Burgess, the Bears’ closer, had 11 saves in 22 appearances with  1.24 ERA in 36 1/3 innings, striking out 30 and walking 14.

In addition to the Bears’ three first-teamers, seniors Brock Chaffin, Brent Seifertand Spiker Helms, along with junior Luke Voit were chosen for the league’s second team, while juniors Keenen Maddox and Cody Schumacher were named honorable mention All-MVC. Finally, both Petree and Medrano were among the honorees for the Valley’s All-Defensive squad.

Despite winning this past weekend’s series at Indiana State, Missouri State still finished as the second seed in this weekend’s Missouri Valley Conference baseball tournament at Hammons Field.

Of course, the importance of the tourney is imperative — win and you’re going to the NCAA Tournament. Here is the tournament schedule:

Tuesday

• Game 1 (#5 Evansville vs. #4 Illinois State) – 9:00 a.m.
• Game 2 (#8 Creighton vs. #1 Indiana State) – 12:30 p.m.
• Game 3 (#6 Southern Illinois vs. #3 Wichita State) – 4:00 p.m.
• Game 4 (#7 Bradley vs #2 Missouri State) – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday

• Game 5 (Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Gm 2) – 9:00 a.m.
• Game 6 (Loser Gm 3 vs. Loser Gm 4) – 12:30 p.m.
• Game 7 (Winner Gm 1 vs. Winner Gm 2) – 4:00 p.m.
• Game 8 (Winner Gm 3 vs. Winner Gm 4) – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday

• Game 9 (Loser Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 5) – 9:00 a.m.
• Game 10 (Loser Gm 8 vs. Winner Gm 6) – 12:30 p.m.
• Game 11 (Winner Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 9) – 4:00 p.m.
• Game 12 (Winner Gm 8 vs. Winner Gm 4) – 7:30 p.m.

Friday

• *Game 13 (Winner Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 9) – 12:30 p.m.
• *Game 14 (Winner Gm 8 vs. Winner Gm 10) – 4:00 p.m.

*If necessary

Saturday, May 26

• Game 15 (Winner Brkt 1 vs. Winner Brkt 2) – 7:07 p.m.

Missouri State as the host will play the 7:30 p.m. game of the first day of the tournament. The order of the other games will be determined by seeds. Seeds 1, 4, 5 and 8 will be in one bracket. Seeds 2, 3, 6 and 7 will be in the opposite bracket. Seed 1 will play Seed 8, Seed 4 will play Seed 5, Seed 2 will play Seed 7 and Seed 3 will play Seed 6 in the opening round.
Ticket Information

All Tournament Prices

All Tournament – Season Ticket Holder $40.00
All Tournament – Non-Season Ticket Holder $50.00
All Tournament – Fac/Staff Season Ticket Holder $40.00
All Tournament – Fac/Staff Non-Season Ticket Holder $50.00

Single Game Prices

• Adult $10.00
• Student/Child over 2 (Includes any college student with ID) $5.00
• Children under 2 Free

This is from the night Pierce Johnson struck out 16 Creighton batters earlier this season.

UPDATED: In his initial MLB mock draft, ESPN.com’s Keith Law has Missouri State righthanded pitcher Pierce Johnson going No. 29 to the Arizona Diamondbacks (subscription link).

This is what Law said in his synopsis:

He could have gone in that 13-16 range if healthy, but a forearm strain has left his status unclear. He could still go that high if the medicals come back clean.

Earlier this week, Law Johnson as the country’s 59th best prospect. There was hype at the beginning of the season, positioning Pierce Johnson as a Top-60 MLB draft prospect, and Johnson’s done nothing to diminish his standing. If nothing else, he’s strengthened it. At 59 overall, he’s the 31st pitcher on the board, and the 12th best college pitcher.

It’s been well-chronicled how dominant this year’s pitching staff has been at MSU, and Johnson has been a huge part of that. Currently, he’s 2-6 with a 2.85 ERA in 11 starts with 3 complete games. He’s pitched 75 2/3 innings, striking out 94 while walking 25 and allowing 24 earned runs. His 94 strikeouts rank him 25th in the country and he ranks 12th in the country in strikeouts per 9 innings (11.18).

After missing a few starts in the middle of the season, Johnson has seemed to have worked through soreness in his right forearm.

MSU will travel to Indiana State this weekend. The Bears currently trail the Sycamores by 1.5 games heading into the final weekend of the season.

Everyone likes see the local athlete succeed. That’s why we created SGFers in the Bigs, a snapshot of where they are playing and how they are playing. Because it’s likely with all of these athletes, we’ve watched them do something incredible — and now we can all brag on them.

All stats are through Tuesday’s games (May 15).

Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers (Missouri State)

Marcum had his second-best start of the season, allowing one run and striking out 6 over 7 innings in an 8-2 win over the Cubs Saturday. He’s pitching so well that trade rumors say he’s being dangled in potential deadline deals, assuming the Brewers won’t be able to afford him in free agency — which is this summer.

Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks (Missouri State)

Ziegler pitched in all three games against St. Louis last week, allowing no runs and only three baserunners in 3 2/3 innings (sign the guy as a free agent?). He followed that up on Saturday with a scoreless frame against San Francisco. An odd note, 5 of Ziegler’s last 6 appearances have been in losses (but not his losses).

Jeff Gray, Minnesota Twins (Missouri State)

Sure, the Twins are the worst team in baseball — and it’s not really close — but Gray is dazzling in his role. He threw two more scoreless innings over two appearances, striking out 3. He seems to be settling in, finally getting his strikeout number above his walk total.

Scott Elbert, LA Dodgers (Seneca HS)

Elbert bounced back recently, throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings over three appearances. It lowered his ERA by an entire run. In two of those, he retired one batter, throwing only 8 pitches in the two appearances. On Tuesday, he threw a full inning in a victory over Arizona, striking out two.

Ross Detwiler, Washington Nationals (Missouri State)

Detwiler made two starts since our last update, and they weren’t as dazzling as what the Nationals have been used to. Despite throwing a quality start (6 IP, 3 R), he lost 4-2 to Pittsburgh. On Monday, he allowed 5 runs (4 earned) in 5 innings to San Diego. Washington won, but the two starts raised his ERA more than a run.

Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros (Ozark HS)

Harrell is starting to show some consistency — and so is his porous defense. On last Wednesday, Harrell allowed 3 runs (2 earned) in 5 1/3 innings in a loss to Miami. He got a no decision. But, on Monday, he was outdueled by Philadelphia’s Joe Blanton in a 5-1 loss. Harrell allowed 3 runs (2 earned) in 5 2/3 innings. It’s tough to rely on ground balls when your defense consistently lets you down. Houston has allowed an unearned run in each of Harrell’s last 4 starts.

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies (Missouri State)

There is still no timetable for Howard’s return from Achilles surgery, an injury he suffered on the final out of the Phillies’ NLDS loss to his hometown St. Louis Cardinals. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro said this on May 11: To get full strength will take probably a lot longer than a season. In fact, it may take a long, long time. That’s just the nature of the surgery.”

SGFers in the Minors

Matt Palmer, San Diego Padres Triple-A (Missouri State)

After returning from a blister problem that cost him a start, Palmer is 2-0 in two starts for Tucson. At New Orleans, Palmer went 6 innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned), 8 hits and 2 walks, striking out 6. In his past two starts, he’s lowered his ERA nearly 3 points.

Scott Carroll, Cincinnati Reds Triple-A (Missouri State)

Things are not going well for Carroll, a former MSU ace and QB. In two appearances in the past 7 days, he’s allowed 4 runs in 2 2/3 innings, boosting his season EAR to nearly 9. Against Lehigh Valley Monday, he picked up his third loss when he allowed 3 runs and 4 hits in 1 2/3 innings.

Buddy Baumann, KC Royals Double-A (MSU & Rogersville HS)

Baumann’s workload has been odd all season. He’s pitched multiple innings at a frequent pace all season, but in the past 7 days, he only made one appearance. However, it was a good one. He pitched a scoreless innings against Springfield, giving up a hit and walking one. Against SGF, Baumann has thrown 6 1/3 innings and allowed 2 runs — 1 earned.

Mike Kickham, SF Giants Double-A (Missouri State and Glendale HS)

Mike Kickham did Bowie dirty on Saturday. The Glendale grad earned his second win of the season by throwing 6 shutout innings, striking out 4. The most important number, however, is zero walks. Control issues had plagued the southpaw in his past two starts, but not Saturday.

Pat Doyle, Cincinnati Reds High-A (Missouri State)

Of Doyle’s 71 career minor-league appearances, 69 of them have come in relief. However, one of those two starts came Tuesday and it was sparkling. Doyle threw 6 shutout innings of one-hit ball to complete a doubleheader sweep of Stockton. It might have been the shot in the arm he needed, as it lowered his ERA a run and a half.

Tyler Clark Detroit Tigers High-A (Catholic HS)

All Tyler Clark does is make hitters look feeble. In two more appearances, he’s thrown 2 1/3 more scoreless innings, striking out 3. The only baserunners he allowed were the 3 he walked Monday vs. Tampa, but he escaped the jam. Look at his ERA. It’s insane.

Aaron Meade, LA Angels Low-A (Missouri State)

Meade made two more appearances for Cedar Rapids, throwing not only 4 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball, he didn’t allow a hit. He walked 2 against Quad Cities (St. Louis Cards affiliate), but that was all. It’s quite the debut for Meade, who joined the team late after adapting a new delivery in Extended Spring Training. In all, he’s allowed 1 hit in 6 1/3 innings.

Wait, I thought they were in pro baseball…

• Former MSU slugger Josh Mazzola has signed with the Winnepeg Goldeyes of the American Association. It’s the same league former MSU closer/Glendale HS alum Dan Kickham will play in with the KC T-Bones.
• Warsaw graduate Johnny Eierman is in extended Spring Training with Tampa Bay after being a third-round pick by the Rays last season. In 59 at-bats, he hit /254/.328/.424 with the Gulf Coast League Rays. Per his Twitter account, he expects: “I’ll either be in west Virginia in the Appalachian league or in the new York penn league In june.”
• Former MSU infielder Toby Gardenhire retired and was named as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
• Per MSU coach Paul Evans, former MSU ace Brett Sinkbeil’s has retired. He received some offers
• All information points to former MSU catcher Dallas Hord catcher having retired.
• Former Rogersville HS slugger Seth Conner has reported to extended spring training, but told us he has been told by Toronto field coordinator Doug Davis that he is switching to being a full-time catcher. “They told me they liked my leadership qualities and my work ethic. They think I can pull it off, and once my confidence is up, I think I can, too.”
• Former MSU and Kickapoo pitcher J.C. Casey has reported to extended spring training and hopes to get assigned to a full-season team soon.

Anything or anyone we missed? Send it to me at allen@tagsgf.com

The inside of Nick Petree's hat.

No one sees it but his teammates and himself, but a few words neatly written underneath the bill of Nick Petree’s Missouri State baseball cap bill sums up this season’s historic starting rotation dominance.

“Hate to lose more than you love to win.”

Using that as not only a mantra, but words to live a life by, has given Petree and rotation-mates Pierce Johnson and Clay Murphy the edge to not only capture a Missouri Valley Conference title, but become the most effective starting trio in MSU baseball history.

Think about that statement for a second. These guys are the most dominant from a program that has a history of producing MLB pitchers? These guys? Think about the MSU lineage: Scott Bailes pitched for the Cleveland Indians in the 1980s. Shaun Marcum (Milwaukee Brewers) and Ross Detwiler (Washington Nationals) are current big league startiers. At one point, MSU had four guys on one staff pitch eventually pitchin in the big leagues when Brad Ziegler, Jeff Gray, John Rheinecker and Matt Palmer threw in 2001. Has there been a more dominant MSU trio?

Clay Murphy, Pierce Johnson and Nick Petree. Photo by Alex Stocksdale/For TAGsgf.com

“Not with the results they’ve been able to produce,” said MSU manager Keith Guttin. “You can look at those numbers and say, ‘I don’t know if we’ve had three guys that have produced that number.’ Not to say we haven’t had great pitchers, because we have — tremendous ones — but not all at this one time.”

The starting trio’s numbers are so impressive, that even if all three got their collective heads kicked in over the last month, they’d still be too good to be true. That’s why it’s worth mentioning that each starter had an earned run average of 2.85 or below in a climate of obese ERAs well above 4. Petree, a redshirt sophomore righthander from Clinton, leads the way at 0.58 (6 earned runs in 93 1/3 innings), followed by Murphy (Illinois native, junior righthander) at 1.37 (9 in 59) and Johnson (Colorado native, junior righthander) 2.85 (24 in 75 2/3). Those are three of the Missouri Valley Conference’s top 10 starting pitcher ERAs. Exclamation points and capital letters don’t make all of it appropriately jump off the page.

(Editor’s note, as of mid-April, Murphy was ruled out for the rest of the season because of elbow trouble. A tough break, for sure.)

The whole dichotomy of MSU’s’ pitching staff is a story in itself because of where each player’s skill set and physical appearance meet. While it’s not fair, it’s taken three years for reality to exceed perception. The main catalyst: Competition, and the will to win.

While competition is the essence of sports, it’s not always the main ingredient. How many times have we seen talented athletes not live up to their potential because they don’t compete enough? They don’t seem to want to work hard or do what’s necessary to be great. Well, MSU’s trio heard about their potential and rewrote the scouting reports.

Nick Petree leads the nation in ERA at 0.63. Photo by Alex Stocksdale/For TAGsgf.com

“It’s not always about stuff,” said MSU pitching coach Paul Evans, referring to raw pitching talent. “It’s not always about location. We try to compete. Get out there and whatever your ability, you figure out a way to get it done. There’s always a way to get out of a jam if you think you can get out of it. These guys in particular draw on that.”

In other words, these guys draw on adversity. Petree only had one D-I offer. Murphy was thought to be undersized for mid-to-high D-I ball. Many weren’t sure if Johnson was going to figure it out after being was a 15th-round draft pick out of high school. This group that roomed together as freshman and was recruited in the same class, has all faced it, they all embrace it and use it to compete. They also use their contrasting styles to befuddle hitters.

Petree hasn’t allowed an earned run since March 2. As a recruit, he wasn’t a flamethrower — and still isn’t — but had savvy. Then, after his senior year of high school, he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair his right elbow. When he came back, he threw harder, in the higher 80s, which went nicely with the rest of his complete game. Not only does he mix speeds well and can throw strikes, but Guttin and Evans say he fields his position and holds runners on. Opponents haven’t stolen a base off him all season.

This is from the night Pierce Johnson struck out 16 Creighton batters on Friday night.

Johnson is the future pro of the group. In the preseason, he was ranked as a Top 60 MLB prospect. It’s actually improved, as he’s been ranked as high as 49 by ESPN, which would place him with the first two rounds. But as a freshman, he was an unfulfilled talent who could throw hard, but struggled with a 7.52 ERA in 40 2/3 innings. But last season, he found himself. In 2011, he struck out 8.56 batters per 9 innings, and excelled in midweek games against power conference teams, including Arkansas and Mizzou. This season, he’s been dealing with tightness in his right forearm, which has kept him out most of April, but he put his imprint on the season with a 16-strikeout performance against Creighton and even with a few missed starts will be amongst the country’s leaders in Ks.

Actually, it’s weekends like March 23-25 against Creighton that illustrate the way this trio uses each other as measuring sticks. On Friday, Johnson whiffed 16 in 9 shutout innings. Petree followed on Saturday with 10 Ks in a shutout.  Murphy said”I was like, ‘Man, I’m going to have to keep this going.’” After allowing 3 runs – one earned – in the first, that was it in a 5-3 win.

Unbridled competition can be a dangerous thing, especially if you can’t harness it. Evans said each has had personal struggles, but found ways to stay confident and then take that confidence and make it a permanent part of the bloodstream.

“You have to physically mature, but also mentally and emotionally mature,” Evans said. “Sometimes (pitchers) don’t have the confidence they need. Sometimes they need a kick in the rear and find that moment of confidence to say, ‘I am that good.’ Some guys have it and get there quicker than others.”

It’s that maturation that blends with competition on the field, and competition off the field — like Dr. Pepper drinking contests, Call of Duty video games battles and numerous other things, that sets Petree, Johnson and Murphy apart, not only from the rest of the MVC, but the rest of MSU pitching lineage.

“Success is one of the greatest feelings you can ever experience,” Petree said. “You have to work hard, and we’ve always been able to do it.

Now we’ll just wait and see how far it carries MSU.

Upcoming MSU home games at Hammons Field

Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, May 22-26 (Tuesday-Saturday)

While most SGFers grew accustomed to former SGF Cardinals manager Pop Warner’s laid-back style, current Cardinals manager Mike Shildt is making sure we know he’s not the same guy.

The Texas League has suspended Shildt for 3 games after he made inappropriate contact with an umpire while arguing balls and strikes during a game with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in Springdale. Upon reading the News-Leader’s story, it’s described as incidental. But after watching this video, I’m no so sure. Of course, the ejection came the night after SGF was no-hit by NWA.

Either way, understand that with Shildt frisbeeing his batting helmet at an ump and hitting coach Phil Wellman being best-known for the greatest managerial blowup in minor-league history, the SGF Cardinals are now equipped with the most entertaining coaching staff any fan could ask for.

The Springfield Cardinals were no-hit Thursday night by the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in a 2-0 loss in Springdale, Ark. NWA is the Kansas City Royals’ Double-A affiliate, and it’s the first time in franchise history the SGF Cards didn’t get a hit in a game.

The last time the Springfield Cardinals left Hammons Field, it ended in an 0-8 road trip. This time, things couldn’t have started out worse.

NWA started rehabbing big-league reliever Greg Holland, who pitched a clean first. He was followed by lefthanded starting prospect Chris Dwyer, who pitched 6 2/3 no-hit innings where he struck out 5 and walked two — the last time Dwyer pitched against SGF, he allowed 10 runs. Reliever Brendan Lafferty got the final out of the eighth and closer Kendal Volz pitched a clean ninth.

The Cards will continue their four-game set against NWA tonight at 7:30. Michael Blazek will start for Springfield against Jake Odorizzi of the Naturals.

Everyone likes see the local athlete succeed. That’s why we created SGFers in the Bigs, a snapshot of where they are playing and how they are playing. Because it’s likely with all of these athletes, we’ve watched them do something incredible — and now we can all brag on them.

All stats are through Tuesday’s games (May 8).

Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers (Missouri State)

Marcum started Sunday and earned a no-decision in San Francisco, going 6 innings and allowing 3 runs. He’s overcome early-season shoulder trouble and is again one of the more durable starters in baseball.

Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks (Missouri State)

Ziegler has pitched three times in the past week — twice against the St. Louis Cardinals — and he picked up a win against the Mets on Friday. He’s only allowed one earned run in his last 14 appearances.

Jeff Gray, Minnesota Twins (Missouri State)

Gray pitched two innings in the past week, allowing a home run to Seattle’s Kyle Seager on Saturday. He’s still pitching in losing games, as the only two victories he’s appeared in, he has earned the win both times.

Scott Elbert, LA Dodgers (Seneca HS)

It hasn’t been the best start to the season for Elbert. He looked good on Monday in a clean inning against the Giants, but on Friday against the Cubs he gave up two hits, one walk and a run in a loss. Two nights before, he allowed a walk-off home run to Jason Giambi in a loss to the Rockies.

Ross Detwiler, Washington Nationals (Missouri State)

Detwiler continues to be a huge part of why the Nationals have one of the best starting pitching rotations in all of baseball. He tied the Pirates up in knots Thursday, allowing one run on just three hits in 6 innings. He’s won 3 of his 6 starts this season.

Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros (Ozark HS)

Harrell earned a win against a home-state team, beating the Cardinals on Friday. It wasn’t the prettiest start, but the offense supported him. The one thing he is doing is proving his durability and ability to go at least 5 innings. He lasted 5 1/3 innings, allowing 3 earned runs (4 unearned) and 7 hits.

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies (Missouri State)

Howard hit at extended spring training for the first time all season, according to reports. There is no timetable for his return from Achilles surgery, an injury he suffered on the final out of the Phillies’ NLDS loss to his hometown St. Louis Cardinals.

SGFers in the Minors

Matt Palmer, San Diego Padres Triple-A (Missouri State)

Palmer had a start pushed back because of a blister, but it looks like the time off might have done him some good. He earned a victory after 5 innings of 2-run ball against Sacramento, allowing 6 hits and walking only one.

Scott Carroll, Cincinnati Reds Triple-A (Missouri State)

Carroll is going through one of the roughest stretches of his career. Although he pitched a scoreless inning Monday, he allowed 6 runs on 7 hits in 2 2/3 innings against Durham (Tampa Bay). Even with Monday’s scoreless inning, he’s allowed 11 runs in his past 6 innings out of the bullpen.

Buddy Baumann, KC Royals Double-A (MSU & Rogersville HS)

After two scoreless appearances while NWA was in town, Baumann allowed 2 runs and four hits in 2 1/3 innings Tuesday at home against Tulsa. His strikeout numbers are good, but he’s not regularly getting hitters out.

Mike Kickham, SF Giants Double-A (Missouri State and Glendale HS)

After setting Double-A on fire, Kickham has now lost his last two starts, and it’s walks that are the most problematic. Although he only allowed 3 runs, he lasted only 4 1/3 innings, walking 4 and striking out just two. In 25 2/3 innings, he’s walked 20 while striking out 21.

Pat Doyle, Cincinnati Reds High-A (Missouri State)

Doyle doesn’t seem to be getting much help from his defense, as he’s allowed 4 runs in his past 4 1/3 innings, but only two are earned. Still, he’s getting extended work. He’s earned a win (at Modesto) and a loss (Lancaster) in his past two appearances.

Tyler Clark Detroit Tigers High-A (Catholic HS)

Clark is back in the groove of slicing up High-A hitters. In his last 6 innings of relief, he’s allowed no runs and three hits, while striking out 8 and walking none. Surely he will get a more prominent role at Lakeland, or possibly a promotion. It’s just too easy right now.

Aaron Meade, LA Angels Low-A (Missouri State)

After a tweak in mechanics — to more of a sidearm deliver — Meade has been promoted to Low-A Cedar Rapids of the Midwest League, the same as the Cardinals’ Quad Cities. He made his first appearance Saturday against Wisconsin and dazzled. Hopefully there’s more to come.

Wait, I thought they were in pro baseball…

• Former MSU slugger Josh Mazzola has signed with the Winnepeg Goldeyes of the American Association. It’s the same league former MSU closer/Glendale HS alum Dan Kickham will play in with the KC T-Bones.
• Warsaw graduate Johnny Eierman is in extended Spring Training with Tampa Bay after being a third-round pick by the Rays last season. In 59 at-bats, he hit /254/.328/.424 with the Gulf Coast League Rays.
• Former MSU infielder Toby Gardenhire retired and was named as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
• Per MSU coach Paul Evans, former MSU ace Brett Sinkbeil’s has retired. He received some offers
• All information points to former MSU catcher Dallas Hord catcher having retired.
• Former Rogersville HS slugger Seth Conner has reported to extended spring training, but told us he has been told by Toronto field coordinator Doug Davis that he is switching to being a full-time catcher. “They told me they liked my leadership qualities and my work ethic. They think I can pull it off, and once my confidence is up, I think I can, too.”
• Former MSU and Kickapoo pitcher J.C. Casey has reported to extended spring training and hopes to get assigned to a full-season team soon.

Anything or anyone we missed? Send it to me at allen@tagsgf.com

Petree has been dealing since Rick Santorum thought he could win the Republican nomination.

0.70

That number doesn’t represent a speed limit. That’s not a blood alcohol content reading. It’s Missouri State righthanded pitcher Nick Petree’s earned run average. That’s right, his ERA.

It represents a ton of things, none of which is Petree receiving the amount of respect it deserves. Because, when you look at the history of MSU baseball and all of the greats that have pitched here, he’s about to statistically top them all.

He’s allowed only 6 earned runs in 77 1/3 innings this season, spanning 11 starts. Yes, that 0.70 leads the NCAA by four-tenths of a run – or 57 percent of his entire ERA (Army’s Chris Rowley is at 1.10 in 73 2/3.). He hasn’t allowed any sort of run in 30 innings, besting an MSU record held by Greg Reed’s 29 1/3 streak in 1988. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in 64 2/3 innings, a span that stretches back to March 2.

By the way, do you know what was happening on March 2? Let’s recap:

• NCAA March Madness hadn’t begun yet. For crying out loud, Missouri State’s season came to a screeching halt with a 72-64 loss to Evansville.
• March 2 was the first day anyone reported the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal existed.
• A full slate of MLB Spring Training games hadn’t happened yet.
• Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich were getting ready for Super Tuesday on March 6, hoping to knock off Mitt Romney.

The inside of Nick Petree's hat.

The coolest part? Aside from MSU’s current 34-14 record and half-game lead in the Missouri Valley Conference with two weeks to play, Petree doesn’t throw that hard. All the professional attention is being paid to teammate Pierce Johnson, who many feel is a sure-fire first-round pick. But, it’s Petree who is carving with the fastball that moves at 85-87 and assortment of breaking balls, who is straightjacketing opposing hitters. As noted in this month’s TAG Magazine feature (that will be hitting the Web Friday), Petree is in the top 2 percent of competitors in the world. If you take a peek inside his hat, it says:

Hate to lose more than you love to win

Strong words, for sure. For more on Petree, look for a TAG Magazine at more than 500 locations around SGF, or drop by TAG HQ at 334 E. Walnut B (upstairs). But, for now, just marvel at the stats.

[[Show as slideshow]]
photos by Brett Johnston

Everyone likes see the local athlete succeed. That’s why we created SGFers in the Bigs, a snapshot of where they are playing and how they are playing. Because it’s likely with all of these athletes, we’ve watched them do something incredible — and now we can all brag on them.

All stats are through Tuesday’s games (May 1).

Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers (Missouri State)

Marcum had two starts in the past 7 days, the last one coming in the form of 7 shutout innings at San Diego. He ended up with a no-decision, but induced 10 ground ball outs and 6 strikeouts. His walks are up, but his ERA is still very low.

Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks (Missouri State)

The Miami Marlins got to Ziegler for his first loss of the season Saturday. Otherwise, the former MSU pitcher is cruising right along. Saturday’s loss snapped a string of eight-consecutive scoreless outings.

Jeff Gray, Minnesota Twins (Missouri State)

Gray continues to find work, even if it is sporadic. He pitched one-third of an inning in a loss to Kansas City Friday and pitched a clean inning against the Angels Tuesday. His ERA continues to sink to where he might get trusted with more prominent roles.

Scott Elbert, LA Dodgers (Seneca HS)

Elbert has returned to a specialist role recently, pitching just one-third of an inning his past three appearances. The last one came Tuesday against Colorado, where he picked up his third hold of the season.

Ross Detwiler, Washington Nationals (Missouri State)

It looks like Detwiler is human after all. After a tremendous start that saw him give up 1 earned run in 16 innings, he was tagged for the loss at the Dodgers Friday. It still wasn’t a bad outing, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings. His ERA is still 1.64.

Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros (Ozark HS)

Harrell has had to make his last four starts on the road and the last one didn’t turn out so well. He was saddled with his second loss Saturday, this one at Cincinnati. His season looks like this: Two good starts, three no-so-good starts.

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies (Missouri State)

Howard has been cleared to move forward with baseball activity and he is heading to Clearwater, Fla., to try to do just that. The plan is to gradually increase baseball activities and continue to build strength in the leg. He’s recovering from Achilles’ surgery.

SGFers in the Minors

Matt Palmer, San Diego Padres Triple-A (Missouri State)

Nothing is going right for Palmer. He leaves the Angels organization to join the Padres and he gets beat up at Triple-A Tucson to start the season. He was scratched from his last start with a blister. Hopefully he can regain his form.

Scott Carroll, Cincinnati Reds Triple-A (Missouri State)

Carroll got blown up in his last two relief appearances, including two runs and four hits in two innings at New Orleans. It’s ballooned his ERA to 5.65 and his batting average against to .375.

Buddy Baumann, KC Royals Double-A (MSU & Rogersville HS)

Baumann’s not getting much help from his defense. He’s allowed three unearned runs — to go along with 3 earned runs — in his last two appearances. That includes two unearned runs in an inning in front of the hometown crowd at Hammons Field last night. He didn’t allow a hit, but walked two.

Mike Kickham, SF Giants Double-A (Missouri State and Glendale HS)

After his first loss of the season last week, Kickham put together two interesting starts. He pitched 5 innings of one-run ball, but then flashed wildness with 5 walks, 4 hits and 2 runs in just 3 1/3 innings vs. Bowie. His overall body of work is still strong, even if his walks are very high.

Pat Doyle, Cincinnati Reds High-A (Missouri State)

Doyle delivered back-to-back scoreless performances in the past week, throwing 3 scoreless innings. In his last 6 innings, he’s only alowed 3 hits and one run, striking out 7. That’s the kind of stuff that got him a brief stint at Triple-A last season.

Tyler Clark Detroit Tigers High-A (Catholic HS)

Clark finally had his first rough outing of the season at Lakeland, but it could have been much worse. The Mizzou grad gave up 5 hits, but only one run on Thursday. He turned around against the same team and pitched two scoreless innings last night, earning his first victory.

Wait, I thought they were in pro baseball…

• Former MSU slugger Josh Mazzola has signed with the Winnepeg Goldeyes of the American Association. It’s the same league former MSU closer/Glendale HS alum Dan Kickham will play in with the KC T-Bones.
• Warsaw graduate Johnny Eierman is in extended Spring Training with Tampa Bay after being a third-round pick by the Rays last season. In 59 at-bats, he hit /254/.328/.424 with the Gulf Coast League Rays.
• After talking to MSU pitching coach Paul Evans, former MSU pitcher Aaron Meade, a 10th round pick in 2010, has not been assigned to a full-season team yet after ending with Orem of the short-season Pioneer League. However, after messing around during a bullpen and throwing sidearm, the Angels coaches want him to experiment with that arm slot. Once he’s ready, he’ll be deployed.
• Former MSU infielder Toby Gardenhire retired and was named as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
• Per MSU coach Paul Evans, former MSU ace Brett Sinkbeil’s has retired. He received some offers
• All information points to former MSU catcher Dallas Hord catcher having retired.
• Former Rogersville HS slugger Seth Conner has reported to extended spring training, but told us he has been told by Toronto field coordinator Doug Davis that he is switching to being a full-time catcher. “They told me they liked my leadership qualities and my work ethic. They think I can pull it off, and once my confidence is up, I think I can, too.”
• Former MSU and Kickapoo pitcher J.C. Casey has reported to extended spring training and hopes to get assigned to a full-season team soon.

Anything or anyone we missed? Send it to me at allen@tagsgf.com

Each homestand for the Springfield Cardinals offers a ton of baseball value. Not only do we get a chance to evaluate potential future St. Louis Cardinals talent, but we get to pull back the curtain and see other future Major Leaguers. Each time a new team comes to Hammons Field, we will offer up a Homestand Report, detailing what happening with the Springfield Cardinals and their opponents.

Springfield Cardinals

Record: 8-16

Opponent: Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals)

Series: 4 games, Tuesday-Friday

Well, here’s the good news. You didn’t miss any of Springfield’s wins while they were on the road. Why not? Because the Cardinals have lost 10 straight games, including all 8 on a recent road trip to NWA and and Tulsa.

They lost games in every way imaginable, mixing poor offense with good pitching, great offense with poor pitching, bullpen implosions, etc. SGF returns tied for the worst record in the Texas League, tied with San Antonio at 8-16. Just 24 games into the season, SGF is already 10 game behind first-place Tulsa (18-6).

The good

Taveres

• Oscar Taveres, OF: Tavares continues to hit, raising his average 34 points since you saw him last. His .340 batting average ranks him fourth in the Texas League, but he’s doing it with power. His .670 slugging percentage is second in the T-L, thanks to his tied-for-second 6 home runs.

And, he’s doing all of this at just 19 years old. He doesn’t turn 20 until June.

2012: .340/.374/.670, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 4 BB, 13 SO, 1 SB (0 CS)

Conley

• Kyle Conley, OF: While Conley has played well, you can tied the 10-game losing streak directly to Conley. After all, the 7th round pick in the 2009 draft out of Washington has been up for how long? 10 games.

After batting just .154 at High-A Palm Beach, Conley was promoted and hasn’t looked back. He’s playing every day and has maintained a .928 OPS over the 10-game losing streak.

2012: .297/.333/.595, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 12 SO, 0 SB (0 CS)

Freeman

• Sam Freeman, LHP: Freeman is on the 40-man roster, so success shouldn’t be a surprise. Still, his level of dominance is impressive, especially considering there aren’t that many close late-game situations right now.

He’s only struck out 6 in 14 innings, but opponents are hitting just .196 against him. While many assume lefthanded pitchers are specialists who only face lefthanded batters, that’s not Freeman’s role. He’s out there to get everyone, facing more righties than anyone. That doesn’t mean he’s not especially tough on southpaw hitters, though. In 6 1/3 innings, he’s giving up just 4 hits (.178)

2012: 0-2, 1.29 ERA, 14 IP, 6 K, 3 BB, 10 H, .196 BAA

The bad

Scruggs

• Xavier Scruggs, 1B; Niko Vasquez, 3B and Audry Perez, C:These three guys were expected to help Taveres provide power and depth to the lineup. Instead, each of them are hitting .200 or worse.

Perez has lost considerable playing time to the eternal veteran Nick Derba, who is actually hitting this year. If Perez was hitting, they’d let him iron out of defensive troubles. However, he’s hitting .200/.213/.267≥

Scruggs continues to ruin minddle-of-the-order at-bats. He’s hitting just .176 over 85 at-bats. He has light-tower power, but you have to make contact for that to happen. He’s struck out 29 times, nearly twice as many as his 15 hits.

And then there’s Vasquez. Niko is a sad story, a high school product who was thought to be a dynamic offensive talent. But if you looked at his .149/.231/.170 hitting line, you can see he’s 7-for-47 with one double. He’s been benched in the favor of other light-hitting infielders and he may be an early release when rosters start to move.

Perez: .149/.216/.213, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 4 BB, 18 SO, 0 SB (1 CS)
Scruggs: .176/.263/.306, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 9 BB, 29 SO, 1 SB (2 CS)
Vasquez: .149/.231/.170, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 5 BB, 16 SO, 0 SB ( CS)

Who’s new?

Conley was added to roster at the end of the last homestand, taking the roster spot of Tommy Pham. Pham was placed on the DL on April 20.

This series’ probable starting pitching matchups

• Today, 7:08 p.m. — NWA, LHP Noel Arguelles (0-2, 6:05 ERA)vs. SGF, LHP Tyler Lyons (0-3, 4.58 ERA)

• Wednesday, 12:08 p.m. — NWA, LHP Justin Marks (1-1, 7.13 ERA) vs. SGF, RHP Scott Gorgen (0-2, 4.38 ERA)

• Thursday, 7:08 p.m. — NWA, RHP Tim Melville (1-1, 6.89 ERA) vs. SGF, LHP John Gast (3-2, 3.20 ERA)

• Friday, 7:08 p.m. — NWA, LHP Chris Dwyer (1-3, 5.64 ERA) vs. SGF, RHP Scott Gorgen (0-1, 2.63 ERA)

Promotions

• Today —Drury University Red T-shirt giveaway; Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day

• Wednesday — CoxHealth Healthy Living Educational Day

• Thursday — Cardinals World Series Championship Replica Ring Giveaway; Johnsonville Buck a Brat Night

• Friday — AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks

————————–

Northwest Arkansas Naturals

So far, Tulsa is the class of the Texas League, and has jumped out to a league-best 9-3 record, including 5 straight wins and a sweep over Corpus Christi earlier this week.

And, to make it better — or worse — for local fans, the Rockies’ Double-A roster is loaded with prospects. Tulsa boasts 10 of its franchise’s top 30 prospects according to Baseball America.

The studs

Wil Myers

• Wil Myers, OF: Last year was a perfect example of how everyone needs to take a deep breath when judging/evaluating young baseball players. See, Wil Meyers was on such a fast track, many thought he’d ace Double-A and shoot to the big leagues around the time of his 21st birthday. Instead, he spent much of 2011 either injured or slumping. He still finished with 354 ABs and .254/.353/.393 with 8 home runs and 49 RBIs. It was very disappointed.

So, as people jumped off the Myers bandwagon, it seemed to lighten his expectations. And with that, he’s raking at Double-A this season. So far, he leads the Texas League in OPS (1.065), is third in average (.349, trails by 4 points) and is fourth in on-base percentage (.402). His 6 home runs are tied for second in the Texas League.

This was what people were expecting to see. He might not be long for Double-A, with this type of performance. He’s the Royals’ No. 3 prospect behind LHP Mike Montgomery and wunderkind prospect Bubba Starling.

2012: .349/.402/.663, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 7 BB, 25 SO, 3 SB (0 CS)

Colon

• Christian Colon, SS: Colon hasn’t been the fast-track major leaguer many expected. After being the fourth pick of the 2010 draft, Colon was lackluster at Double-A last season and is starting here again. While it’s anticipated his big-league future is at second base, he’s still at shortstop and with a .728 OPS, he’s producing good offense and defense.

Over his last 10 games, Colon is .371/.436/.571. He’s not a burner on the basepaths, but on the season, he’s walked nearly as many times (6) as he’s struck out (7). Not bad for 92 ABs.

He’s the Royals’ No. 11 prospect.

2012: .286/.333/.551, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 4 BB, 8 SO, 5 SB (1 CS)

• Chris Dwyer, LHP: Dwyer is full of promise as the Royals’ No. 9 prospect according to Baseball America. He’s a 6-foot-3, 215-pound southpaw who has the ability to throw hard and drop a 12-to-6 curveball. However, outside of a solid 2010, where he aced High-A and 4 Double-A starts, he’s been uneven.

In 2011, he made 27 Double-A starts, ending with a 5.60 ERA. An ERA that high doesn’t quite make sense with his .238 batting average against, but he struck out 126 and walked 78, as well.

It’s expected for him to read Triple-A at some point this season, but he’s going to need better results than he’s had so far for NWA. You’ll see him in Friday’s series finale.

2012: 1-3, 5.64 ERA, 22 1/3 IP, 20 K, 11 BB, 24 H, .273 BAA

• Other Baseball America Top 30 prospects: No. 4, Jake Odorizzi RHP; No. 6 John Lamb, LHP (DL); No. 17 Noel Arguelles, LHP; No. 19 Tim Melvile, RHP

Everyone likes see the local athlete succeed. That’s why we created SGFers in the Bigs, a snapshot of where they are playing and how they are playing. Because it’s likely with all of these athletes, we’ve watched them do something incredible — and now we can all brag on them.

All stats are through Tuesday’s games (April 24).

Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers (Missouri State)

Marcum pitched another quality start, lasting 6 innings and allowing 3 runs against the Chicago Cubs in a no-decision. This is exactly what Marcum can give you — lots innings without walking a lot of guys. His WHIP is 1.05.

Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks (Missouri State)

Ziegler pitched 3 clean outings in the last 7 days and only allowed one baserunner. He was so efficient that in the last two — against Atlanta and Philadelphia — he got three outs in just 5 pitches.

Jeff Gray, Minnesota Twins (Missouri State)

Gray’s role is clear — pitch in losing games and try to keep it close. In a blowout loss against Boston Tuesday, Gray had his best outing, lasting 2 1/3 innings, striking out 4 while not allowing a baserunner.

Scott Elbert, LA Dodgers (Seneca HS)

Elbert appeared the last three games for the Dodgers and delivered. He pitched three scoreless innings, helping get his numbers back under control. Elbert has never been a groundball pitcher, but in the last three games, he’s had 6 fly outs and 3 strikeouts.

Ross Detwiler, Washington Nationals (Missouri State)

Detwiler is one of the feel-good starts in all of baseball, not just locally. He’s made three starts and won two of them, all by allowing just one earned run in 16 innings. He’s keeping his walks under control and striking out nearly one batter an inning. As their No. 5 guy, he makes the Nationals one of the best starting rotations in the National League.

Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros (Ozark HS)

Harrell has pitched twice since our last post, losing his first start Monday against Milwaukee by allowing 5 runs in 5 innings. The start before that, he dueled with Washington’s Jordan Zimmerman with 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball. After not walking anyone in his sparkling debut, he’s walked at least three batters in each of his past three starts.

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies (Missouri State)

Reports indicate Howard will see a wound specialist on Monday to see if he can be cleared for baseball activities. It will then be the start of his Spring Training with a June or July return date, if all goes well.

SGFers in the Minors

Matt Palmer, San Diego Padres Triple-A (Missouri State)

Tucson hasn’t been nice to Palmer. Considered to be a guy with big-league experience who could make an emergency spot start, Palmer was blown up in his start Tuesday night, allowing 7 runs in just one-third of an inning against Salt Lake City. It’s unfortunate because he won his first start of the year Thursday, allowing one unearned run in 6 innings at Colorado Springs.

Scott Carroll, Cincinnati Reds Triple-A (Missouri State)

Carroll pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings Monday vs. Indianapolis and is yet to allow a home run on the season. On the road, the former MSU pitcher and football quarterback has thrown 4 2/3 scoreless innings.

Buddy Baumann, KC Royals Double-A (MSU & Rogersville HS)

When you’re a long reliever, sometimes you face warmed-up bats. Baumann has now allowed runs in his last three appearances, including two against Arkansas in 2 1/3 innings Saturday. Still, he’s making teams beat him, keeping his walk rate down and the ball in the park.

Mike Kickham, SF Giants Double-A (Missouri State and Glendale HS)

Kickham lost his first start of the season, getting touched for four runs in three innings against Altoona. He allowed his first home run of the season and saw his batting average against rise 100 points. But here’s the good news — the first two starts were so good, the numbers are still impressive, especially since he skipped High-A.

Pat Doyle, Cincinnati Reds High-A (Missouri State)

Doyle picked up a win in relief Friday vs. San Jose and continues to find work in the bullpen. Statistically, Doyle is struggling with runners on as batters are hitting .375 against him in that situation.

Tyler Clark Detroit Tigers High-A (Catholic HS)

Clark gave up his first run of the season, even though he didn’t allow a hit against Dayton. He gave up a leadoff walk to a guy who then stole second and third and scored on a wild pitch. In all, Clark has only allowed one hit in 6 2/3 innings. That’s one hit allowed in 24 plate appearances. That will get him promoted, if he keeps it up.

Wait, I thought they were in pro baseball…

• Former MSU slugger Josh Mazzola has signed with the Winnepeg Goldeyes of the American Association. It’s the same league former MSU closer/Glendale HS alum Dan Kickham will play in with the KC T-Bones.
• Warsaw graduate Johnny Eierman is in extended Spring Training with Tampa Bay after being a third-round pick by the Rays last season. In 59 at-bats, he hit /254/.328/.424 with the Gulf Coast League Rays.
• After talking to MSU pitching coach Paul Evans, former MSU pitcher Aaron Meade, a 10th round pick in 2010, has not been assigned to a full-season team yet after ending with Orem of the short-season Pioneer League. However, after messing around during a bullpen and throwing sidearm, the Angels coaches want him to experiment with that arm slot. Once he’s ready, he’ll be deployed.
• Former MSU infielder Toby Gardenhire retired and was named as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
• I haven’t found any information on Brett Sinkbeil’s whereabouts. He was last in Pittsburgh’s system, playing at Double-A Altoona.
• All information points to former MSU catcher Dallas Hord catcher having retired.
• Former Rogersville HS slugger Seth Conner has reported to extended spring training, but told us he has been told by Toronto field coordinator Doug Davis that he is switching to being a full-time catcher. “They told me they liked my leadership qualities and my work ethic. They think I can pull it off, and once my confidence is up, I think I can, too.”
• Former MSU and Kickapoo pitcher J.C. Casey has reported to extended spring training and hopes to get assigned to a full-season team soon.

Anything or anyone we missed? Send it to me at allen@tagsgf.com

Each homestand for the Springfield Cardinals offers a ton of baseball value. Not only do we get a chance to evaluate potential future St. Louis Cardinals talent, but we get to pull back the curtain and see other future Major Leaguers. Each time a new team comes to Hammons Field, we will offer up a Homestand Report, detailing what happening with the Springfield Cardinals and their opponents.

Springfield Cardinals

Record: 6-6

Opponent: Tulsa Drillers, Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies

Series: 4 games, Thursday-Monday

Springfield’s 12 games have come against two teams — Frisco and Midland. While here in SGF, the Cards went 1-2 vs. Frisco and 2-1 vs. Midland. Well, down in Texas against those two teams, the Cards duplicated the outcome, going 1-2 vs. Frisco and 2-1 vs. Midland.

The Cardinals are home for only 4 games, but aside from being painfully inconsistent with pitching and hitting, the Tulsa Drillers are in town and feature 10 of the franchise’s top 30 prospects.

The good

Wong

• Kolten Wong, 2B: Wong is proving to be worth the hype. Last year’s first-round pick has hit safely in 9 of his 11 games played, and one of those was as a pinch hitter on a day off. For those who think he’s just a singles hitter, he’s leading SGF in slugging percentage (.634) and his OPS is north of 1.000 (1.081).

Honestly, if he keeps this up, he won’t be in SGF long.

2012: .366/.447/1.081, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 3 3B, 6 BB, 5 SO, 1 SB (0 CS)

Taveres

• Oscar Taveres, OF: After getting off to a slow start, Taveres has quietly worked his numbers back to where many hoped. He’s hit safely in 10 of his 11 games, missing April 12′s game with Frisco. For what it’s worth, he did reach base on a walk that day. Overall, he’s 9 for his last 23 at the plate and he already has three 3-hit games.

For those worried about his extra-base power, he’s slugging .612 with 2 home runs, 5 doubles and 2 triples. If you’re looking for a negative, he’s only walked once, but even then, you’re nitpicking.

2012: .306/.320/.612, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 1 BB, 9 SO, 0 SB (0 CS)

Gast

• John Gast, LHP: It’s hard to ask for a better start. Underwhelming in his 2011 season at 9-8, 4.02 ERA in 161 1/3 innings, the 6th round pick in the 2010 draft is scorching in 2012. He’s won all 3 of his starts, lasting at least 6 1/3 innings each time and striking out at least 6. Actually, all the numbers are sick.

Opponents only have 10 hits off him in 20 innings, hitting .149. He hasn’t allowed more than 6 baserunners in any of his starts and he’s striking out one batter per inning pitched. Bonus stat? With runners on base, batters are hitting .067 when he’s pitching out of the stretch.

2012: 3-0, 1.33 ERA, 20 1/3 IP, 20 K, 5 BB, 10 H, .149 BAA

The bad

Scruggs

• Xavier Scruggs, 1B: SGF is showing its faith in Scruggs, a 19th round pick in the 2008 draft, but so far, it’s not paying off. Scruggs is 7-for-47 on the season (.149) and he’s not been able to make good on his one good tool — power. He’s only had one extra-base hit, a homer in the team’s fourth game. Plus, he’s struck out 18 times and walked 4, meaning he’s whiffing in more than a third of his at-bats. Not good.

However, SGF is still batting him 4th behind Wong and Taveres. No wonder Taveres has only scored 4 times this season.

2012: .149/.216/.213, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 4 BB, 18 SO, 0 SB (1 CS)

• Michael Blazek, RHP: Blazek was supposed to be back at Double-A to master it, not get owned by it. But, in two starts, he hasn’t made it out of the fifth, allowing 11 runs in 8 1/3 innings. Walks are part of the problem, but it’s hit and extra-base hits that aren’t homers. His WHIP is north of 2 and he’s walked twice as many as he’s struck out (6-3)

Lefthanders are hitting him hard, too, batting .375 with 2 home runs and his ERA against them is 21.60. He’s starting Friday’s game.

2012: 0-2, 11.88 ERA, 8 1/3 IP, 3 K, 6 BB, 13 H, .361 BAA

Who’s new?

Actually, as of now, there are no new additions to the SGF Cardinals roster. We will keep you updated on this.

This series’ probable starting pitching matchups

• Today, 7:08 p.m. — Tulsa, RHP Dan Houston (1-1, 5.25 ERA) vs. SGF, RHP Trevor Rosenthal (0-2, 7.27 ERA)

• Friday, 7:08 p.m. — Midland, RHP Parker Frazier (1-1, 1.50 ERA vs. SGF, RHP Michael Blazek (0-2, 11.88 ERA)

• Saturday, 2:08 p.m. — Midland, LHP Nick Schmidt (0-0, 6.10 ERA) vs. SGF, LHP Tyler Lyons (0-2, 5.69 ERA)

• Sunday, 2:08 p.m. — Midland, RHP Joe Gardner (0-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. SGF, RHP Scott Gorgen (0-1, 2.63 ERA)

Promotions

• Today — Cardinals World Series Championship Replica Ring Giveaway; Johnsonville Buck a Brat Night

• Friday — World Series Trophy Appearance; AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks; Taco Bell Coupon Giveaway

• Saturday — World Series Trophy Appearance; 1927 Throwback Jersey Night

• Saturday — World Series Trophy Appearance; Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday; Kids Run the Bases

————————–

Tulsa Drillers

So far, Tulsa is the class of the Texas League, and has jumped out to a league-best 9-3 record, including 5 straight wins and a sweep over Corpus Christi earlier this week.

And, to make it better — or worse — for local fans, the Rockies’ Double-A roster is loaded with prospects. Tulsa boasts 10 of its franchise’s top 30 prospects according to Baseball America.

The studs

Arenado

• Nolan Arenado:  A second-round pick in the 2009 draft out of El Toro (Calif.) High School, Arenado is regarded as one of baseball’s top 40 prospects after a huge 2011 season. He led all minor leaguers with 122 RBIs at High-A Modesto and then turned around won won MVP honors of the Arizona Fall League.

While he’s just 21 years (as of Monday), he’s expected to get a crack at Colorado very soon, especially if he keeps up his torrid pace. This season, he’s doing almost everything right. His OPS is above 1.000 (1.030) and is 6-for-11 vs. lefthanded pitching. He’s one of the most high-profile players to ever visit Springfield.

2012: .364/.462/.568, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 5 BB, 7 SO, 0 SB (0 CS)

Rutledge

• Josh Rutledge, SS: Like Arenado, Rutledge lit up the California League last year, too. A third-round pick out of Alabama in 2010, Rutledge missed most of 2010 with a wrist injury. But, in the second half of 2011, he broke out, hitting above .400,  launching all 9 of his home runs and amassing a 27-game hitting streak. It’s not likely he’ll play shortstop for Colorado, so he’ll likely move to second base in the future. But, he’s Tulsa’s SS right now.

2012: .286/.333/.551, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 4 BB, 8 SO, 5 SB (1 CS)

Gardner

• Joe Gardner, RHP: : Gardner was a third-round pick by the Cleveland Indians in the 2009 draft out of UC-Santa Barbara and was flipped to the Rockies in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal last season. Colorado GM Dan O’Dowd is on record as saying Gardner will end up in a big-league bullpen, but because of his Double-A success as a starter, he’s staying put. He’s scheduled to pitch Sunday for Tulsa at Hammons Field and has a 3.00 ERA after two starts, even though his last was 3 1/3 innings of scoreless ball.

He specializes with a sinker that comes from a three-quarter arm slot, but doesn’t grade out with any more above-average pitches.

2012: 0-0, 3.00 ERA, 9 IP, 8 K, 4 BB, 11 H, .282 BAA

• Other Baseball America Top 30 prospects: No. 3 Chad Bettis (DL), RHP; No. 8 Kent Matthes, OF; 18. Edwar Cabrera, LHP; No. 23 Ben Paulson, 1B; No. 28 Parker Frazier, RHP; No. 29 Coty Woods, RHP; 30 Michael Mabry, RHP

Texas League Standings

	North	W	L	PCT▼	GB	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Tulsa Drillers (COL)	9	3	.750	-	5-1	4-2	8-2	W5
	Springfield Cardinals (STL)	6	6	.500	3.0	3-3	3-3	5-5	W2
	Northwest Arkansas Naturals (KC)	5	7	.417	4.0	3-3	2-4	4-6	W1
	Arkansas Travelers (LAA)	4	8	.333	5.0	2-4	2-4	3-7	W1

	South	W	L	PCT▼	GB	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
	Frisco RoughRiders (TEX)	8	4	.667	-	4-2	4-2	7-3	L1
	Midland RockHounds (OAK)	6	6	.500	2.0	3-3	3-3	5-5	L2
	Corpus Christi Hooks (HOU)	5	7	.417	3.0	3-3	2-4	4-6	L4
	San Antonio Missions (SD)	5	7	.417	3.0	3-3	2-4	4-6	L1

Everyone likes see the local athlete succeed. That’s why we created SGFers in the Bigs, a snapshot of where they are playing and how they are playing. Because it’s likely with all of these athletes, we’ve watched them do something incredible — and now we can all brag on them.

All stats are through Tuesday’s games (April 17).

Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers (Missouri State)

Marcum pitched better in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Atlanta and rookie Mike Minor than he did in his season-opening victory. Either way, it looks like Marcum’s shoulder problems look to be over and he’s still one of the top No. 3 starters in all of baseball.

Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks (Missouri State)

The D Backs put Ziegler to use in the past week, pitching in 4 games and only allowing 4 baserunners in 3 2/3 innings. None of them scored, and he did pick up his first hold of the season Thursday at San Diego.

Jeff Gray, Minnesota Twins (Missouri State)

Gray earned wins in back-to-back bullpen appearances against the Los Angeles Angels. They were functions of good timing, rather than great pitching, as he was brought in for one batter each time, lasting just 1/3 of an inning. He retired Peter Bourjos and Howard Kendrick. Looks like he’s carved out a role in the Twins bullpen.

Scott Elbert, LA Dodgers (Seneca HS)

Elbert picked up his first two holds of the season last week, both against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a situational reliever with outings of 1/3 and 2/3 of an inning. So far, he’s only pitched 2 1/3 innings, but he’s made 4 appearances and is in high-leverage situations. And, it doesn’t help to play for the team with the best record in the majors (9-2)

Ross Detwiler, Washington Nationals (Missouri State)

Detwiler’s second start of the season wasn’t as eventful. The former Missouri State ace was bailed out by his offense and received a no decision against Cincinnati, who tagged Detwiler for 5 runs — but only 1 earned — and 6 hits. He pitched 5 innings, but with a 0.90 ERA through 10 innings, Detwiler looks to have nailed down that No. 5 spot in the starting rotation.

Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros (Ozark HS)

Harrell’s second start didn’t live up to the lofty expectations he set for himself. Pitching at Miami, Harrell allowed 4 runs and 7 hits in 4 innings, efforting 85 pitches. His team came back late, giving Harrell a no-decision. He makes his third start tonight against the red-hot Washington Nationals and will face Jordan Zimmermann.

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies (Missouri State)

The former Missouri State slugger still hasn’t been cleared to return to normal baseball activities, according to this report. The Phillies need him, too. They rank 27th in runs scored and 28th in home runs.

SGFers in the Minors

Matt Palmer, San Diego Padres Triple-A (Missouri State)

At Salt Lake City, Palmer was roughed up in 3 2/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and 5 walks. He only struck out one. It has been a rough start for Palmer, who is trying to position himself as the next guy to start for San Diego if an injury comes to the starting rotation.

Scott Carroll, Cincinnati Reds Triple-A (Missouri State)

Carroll hadn’t allowed a run until last night against Toledo, where he gave up 3 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks in just an inning. But, before that, he’d had 5 scoreless outings. Of his 6 appearances, he’s pitched an inning or more each time.

Buddy Baumann, KC Royals Double-A (MSU & Rogersville HS)

Baumann’s last two outings for Northwest Arkansas weren’t the prettiest. He allowed 2 runs in 2 2/3 innings to Corpus Christi and then 1 run in 2/3 of an inning to San Antonio. He’s getting a reputation as a fly ball pitcher as his Ground Out/Air Out ratio is 0.27.

Mike Kickham, SF Giants Double-A (Missouri State and Glendale HS)

Kickham shook his Double-A nerves and showed he can dominate. In his second start, Kickham threw 6 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits and 3 walks, striking out 6. He was ranked as the Giants’ No. 20 prospect by Baseball America, but might shoot up the rankings if he can keep this up.

Pat Doyle, Cincinnati Reds High-A (Missouri State)

Doyle pitched his first scoreless outing Saturday at San Jose, but then got tagged for 3 runs in 1 1/3 innings Tuesday at Visalia. His strikeout rate is high, but his WHIP is 1.6.

Tyler Clark Detroit Tigers High-A (Catholic HS)

Clark continues to dazzle in his High-A tenure, this time, pitching 3 scoreless innings across two appearances in the last week. He allowed his first — and only — hit Friday and overall, he’s only allowed 3 baserunners in 5 innings. On Tuesday, he pitched the ninth with a 5-0 lead. As a college guy, if he has success in middle relief, he could be upwardly mobile.

Wait, I thought they were in pro baseball…

• Warsaw graduate Johnny Eierman is in extended Spring Training with Tampa Bay after being a third-round pick by the Rays last season. In 59 at-bats, he hit /254/.328/.424 with the Gulf Coast League Rays.
• After talking to MSU pitching coach Paul Evans, former MSU pitcher Aaron Meade, a 10th round pick in 2010, has not been assigned to a full-season team yet after ending with Orem of the short-season Pioneer League. However, after messing around during a bullpen and throwing sidearm, the Angels coaches want him to experiment with that arm slot. Once he’s ready, he’ll be deployed.
• Former MSU infielder Toby Gardenhire retired and was named as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
• Former MSU slugger Josh Mazzola was in Giants camp, but was cut on March 29. He has not been picked up anywhere else, yet.
• I haven’t found any information on Brett Sinkbeil’s whereabouts. He was last in Pittsburgh’s system, playing at Double-A Altoona.
• All information points to former MSU catcher Dallas Hord catcher having retired.
• Former Rogersville HS slugger Seth Conner has reported to extended spring training, but told us he has been told by Toronto field coordinator Doug Davis that he is switching to being a full-time catcher. “They told me they liked my leadership qualities and my work ethic. They think I can pull it off, and once my confidence is up, I think I can, too.”
• Former MSU and Kickapoo pitcher J.C. Casey has reported to extended spring training and hopes to get assigned to a full-season team soon.
• Former MSU and Glendale pitcher Dan Kickham was released by the Detroit Tigers on March 27.

Anything or anyone we missed? Send it to me at allen@tagsgf.com

Ryan Rippee warms up outside Drury's practice facility during Spring Break. Photo by Alex Stocksdale/For TAGsgf.com

Sitting at the Springfield Tip Off Club awards luncheon in early March, a fidgety Ryan Rippee is surrounded by his teammates and a reporter. He’s busy on his cell phone and joking with teammates, but the nerve-calming has nothing to do with knowing his Kickapoo High School Chiefs aren’t going to win any awards. For that alone, he should be commended.

See, this year, Rippee had one of the best seasons in Kickapoo basketball history. He averaged more than 25 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game, and became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,485 points, outdoing household names like Deven Mitchell, Spencer Laurie, Shane Laurie, NBA-bound Anthony Tolliver and Kyle Kirk (1,431), the guy he passed on the list.

But still, the 6-foot-5 senior just sat there. And he joked some more. He knew national sports phenomenon Dorial Green-Beckham was winning the individual MVP award, because while 1,485 is impressive, DGB scored more than 2,000 points in his career.

And then, with one sentence, it all made sense. He turned to his friend and teammate, Robert Schroff, and said: “Today’s the first day of baseball practice. I haven’t been this excited in a long time.” The look on his face was of pure joy.

It says a lot about Ryan Rippee, the son of Dick Rippee, his coach at Kickapoo and a former assistant at Evangel University. Because while Ryan Rippee has spent his life around basketball — and becoming a star at it — it’s baseball that he loves the most. It just might turn out that’s where he can shine the most.

Ryan Rippee is Kickapoo basketball's all-time leader in points scored, but college baseball is likely his future.

As a basketball player, Rippee is a 6-5, 200-pound monster who can score from the perimeter as easy as he can attack the basket. But as a baseball player, he’s a power-hitting right fielder with a cannon for an arm — one that just might produce 90 mph fastballs off the mound one day.

Guys as tall as and as athletic as Rippee are crawling all over Division I basketball. But in D-I baseball? He’s the prototype.

“He’s got the raw ability to play at the next level, there’s no doubt,” Kickapoo coach Jason Howser said.

His potential for the game is a blend of skill, aptitude and passion.. Most people would assume he would play basketball for as long as he could, because it’s in his blood. His father’s a coach and he’s been around it all his life, so why not?

“There’s just something about baseball,” Ryan Rippee said. “I learn something new every day and it fascinates me. It’s my passion. I love basketball, too, but I enjoy baseball more.”

Rippee has immense potential as a pitcher. Photo by Alex Stocksdale/For TAGsgf.com

Rippee comes from an athletic family. Not only did Dick Rippee play college baseball at Central Missouri State, Ryan’s mother, Shelly, is the second-leading scorer in Kickapoo history and played basketball at then-CMSU. Dick Rippee said when they transferred to Missouri State, she tried out and made the volleyball team, but CMSU wouldn’t release her from her scholarship.

While Dick Rippee was a basketball coach to Ryan, he’s also a father. He has fond father-son memories of the two playing catch, sometimes in the back yard, other times outside at Miller Park in Milwaukee, waiting for the gates to open to watch their favorite team, the Brewers. Just like any father, Dick Rippee wants what’s best for his son.

“I want my kids to do the things they love doing,” Dick Rippee said. “There probably is a message in there. Basketball is such a huge part of our lives. Maybe it’s too much. Maybe it was too much for them. … You try to coach them up and think they’re really be thankful for those things. And they’re not. They despise it. It took me a while to figure that out, but when I did, it has helped.”

While Ryan Rippee said he’s not sick of basketball, in the least, getting basketball out of his system might be the best thing for his baseball game. Like most multi-sport athletes who split the calendar year’s seasons and off-season workouts in half, Rippee has never solely focused on one sport.

“I think I’ll be able to really improve on my swing and my pitching,” Ryan Rippee said. “Really, I’ll be able to improve that much more and maybe be able to play at the highest level.”

Currently, Rippee doesn’t have any scholarship offers for baseball, but many schools are “looking at him,” according to his father. Division I schools are watching, but see potential, not results. Smaller colleges have probably tried, but he knows he can do better. And then, there are the junior colleges — a likely landing spot.

D-I stars and future pros come through junior colleges all the time. Just recently, the Kickham twins, Mike and Dan, went from Glendale HS to Crowder College in Neosho to Missouri State to professional contracts (San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers, respectively). Also, Howser, Rippee’s coach, was one of the best players in Crowder history.

But, if it’s basketball, he has a full ride waiting at Evangel University, his father said. The family is taking the spring and seeing how everything progresses, but hope to have a decision sooner than later.

As for that baseball potential, whether as a power-hitting outfielder or as a flame-throwing pitcher, the most growth might come from the pitcher’s mound. Former MSU and Kickapoo pitcher J.C. Casey, who is currently in the Chicago White Sox minor league system, has been helping out at a few practices. He liked what he saw from Rippee.

“He’s got a lot of potential,” Casey said. “I know he’s raw, but he’s big and he has good mechanics. He could turn out to be a very good one.”

But in the end, it’s all about potential with Ryan Rippee. He might not have a great season and decide to play basketball, because he has options and a full scholarship to a good school. Or, he might dominate and end up a Division I scholarship in baseball. Either way, while basketball has given him a ton, his passion for baseball might lead him to where he wants to be.

Listen to a web-exclusive interview with San Francisco Giants prospect Mike Kickham. The former Missouri State hurler made his first 2012 start for Double-A Richmond Monday and still owns a spotless 0.00 ERA. Kickham, a left-hander, from Glendale High School is regarded as a top-20 prospect for the Giants.

Former Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa was tremendous last night at the Boy's and Girl's Club Steak and Steak Dinner.

As I sat there and listened to former St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa speak at the Boys and Girls Club’s Steak and Steak fundraiser at University Plaza last night, I caught myself with my hands holding my face in a still position, staring at the stage. My wife reached over and said, “Are you falling asleep?”

I jerked out of a baseball trance, wrapped up in stories about the 2011 World Series season, and replied, “No way. Not at all.” Then I thought to myself, “This was the best Steak and Steak I’ve been to.”

Why? because LaRussa went baseball dork on all of us, and I was loving it. He didn’t just talk about the nuances of the decisions and the background of the Cardinals’ 2011 World Championship, he went inside the nuances, pointing out minutiae that made someone like me, who regard baseball seasons as what life sometimes revolves around, fascinate with delight.

• He didn’t think Colby Rasmus was a part of the heart and guts of the 2011 team?
• Telling them to play each game like it was the last of their lives really worked?
• He really thinks Yadier Molina is really the best catcher of all time?
• He thinks Albert Pujols is a perfect player, and he told him he was the best player he’d ever managed after his rookie season?
• Rickey Henderson really was an arrogant, and not-really-that-smart SOB?
• He managed Ozzie Guillen with the White Sox and said he talked too much then?

It was incredible. Now, to be fair, I haven’t been to all of them in the past couple decades, but the ones I’ve seen are memorable. Drew Brees. Roy Williams. The Mannings. Bill Russell. There are more to name, but the point of even writing this is, this one was different. With shrimp and steak in my belly mixing with the perfectly poured J&B scotch, I’ve never been so enthralled listening.

But, to others, it must have been excruciating.

2011 was LaRussa's 3rd World Series title.

Out of my baseball trance, I looked around at the rest of the room. It seemed to be a mixed bag. Many women weren’t paying attention, even checking their cell phones (Not my rock star wife, for the record.) And, for every 10 guys who seemed to be hanging on every detail pouring out of LaRussa’s mouth — like me — there were a couple that looked bored.

The even didn’t end until well after 10:30, and after I thought about it, this might have been the most unique Steak and Steak in a while, partly because of LaRussa’s circumstances. He retired as the third-winningest manager of all time, and did so with his last game being Game 7 of the 2011 World Series, clinching his third championship.

But it was the details within the details within the details that got me — the stuff that if you care about it, it enhances your experience, and if you don’t care, will put you to sleep.

I’m not here to regurgitate what LaRussa said, but the way he explained the essence of the 2011 season was so simple, yet elegant, it completely makes sense.

LaRussa explained how at the end of the 2010 season, he felt like his team was very talented, but wasn’t playing hard enough. It bothered him. So, as the 2011 team was in Spring Training, he sought the fix, as much of the team remained intact.

But then, Adam Wainwright went down, and LaRussa explained how significant the loss was. But, what he didn’t do, was give the general sports fan description. He didn’t describe Wainwright as the 2009 and 2010 Cy Young runner-up or as an emerging ace. He was speaking to hard core Cardinals fans, and didn’t make apologies to those who didn’t know. He had too much other to get to.

Adam Wainwright

He eventually described the season as one where the Brewers went nuts, making the Cardinals’ injury-weakened season pale in comparison. But, he still believed in the “hearts and guts” of the team. Owner Bill DeWitt and General Manager John Mozeliak approached LaRussa to get his assessment of the team and its future. They explained former SGF Cardinal Colby Rasmus was the only trade chip they had, and if they made a deal, would it get the Cards to the playoffs.

As he said at the end of 2010 and early in 2011, he believed in the core guys on the team — the heart and guts. He instructed Mozeliak to trade Rasmus, who, in this moment, wasn’t a part of the heart and guts. He didn’t go out of his way to point that out, but it was obvious when it came out of his mouth.

But, the motivation part still had to kick in somehow. That’s when LaRussa smirked, laughed and said he told them to play each game like it was their last. Embrace the pressure. You know, all the old coaching cliches available.

And it worked.

Once, they were used to handling the pressure  — that they are taught to deal with all through the minor leagues — and tried playing as hard as possible, it clicked. Sure, they caught some breaks and luck, but by the end of the playoffs, they were just as talented and dangerous as he thought they were back in 2010.

Now, I didn’t even come close to telling that story as well as LaRussa did, but the point is, that was just one small bullet point that was explained in so much detail, it made a baseball nerd like me zone out. It made me put my head in my hands and lose myself.

So, if you hear anyone today mention they didn’t like LaRussa’s appearance, it means they’re not a Cardinals fan or a baseball nerd. There’s nothing wrong or right with that, but this Steak and Steak was different from any one I’d been to.

That’s why it was my favorite.

Everyone likes see the local athlete succeed. That’s why we created SGFers in the Bigs, a snapshot of where they are playing and how they are playing. Because it’s likely with all of these athletes, we’ve watched them do something incredible — and now we can all brag on them.

All stats are through Tuesday’s games.

Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers (Missouri State)

Marcum made his season debut Monday and earned a win over the Chicago Cubs. It was typical Marcum, grinding out another quality start. He’ll start again Saturday against Atlanta and rookie Mike Minor.

Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks (Missouri State)

The D Backs are red-hot, but Ziegler didn’t make his season debut until Tuesday, and ended up with a blown save. He had a 2-1 lead in the seventh, but couldn’t get out unscatched, allowing San Diego to tie the game at 2. Arizona, however, came back to win the game and is now 4-0.

Jeff Gray, Minnesota Twins (Missouri State)

Gray, who many expected would be a long reliever, has made two short appearances — both against Baltimore. He’s only allowed one hit in one inning, but he’s walked 2. But, every day he hangs on the roster, it strengthens his chance to last the entire season.

Scott Elbert, LA Dodgers (Seneca HS)

Elbert is the only lefthander in the Dodgers bullpen, so his numbers shouldn’t cause any panic — he’s there to stay. Actually, he should get a lot of work this season. The Dodgers beat Pittsburgh yesterday in LA’s home opener, and continue this week.

Ross Detwiler, Washington Nationals (Missouri State)

Detwiler earned the victory in his first start of the season, shutting out the previously undefeated New York Mets on Tuesday. The No. 6 pick in the 2007 draft kept the Mets from going 5-0 for the first time since 1985. Detwiler threw just 71 pitches before being pulled

Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros (Ozark HS)

Harrell couldn’t have enjoyed a better debut than Saturday vs. Colorado, where he threw 7 shutout innings, allowing only 3 hits and walking none. He controlled the strike zone and didn’t give in to hitters by putting them on base. It was a reflection of his spring, and counting his last two outings before the regular season began, he’s thrown 18 consecutive scoreless innings.

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies (Missouri State)

Cardinals fans remember Ryan Howard’s last at-bat, which was a ground out to end the Phillies’ season and propel St. Louis to the NLCS and eventually the World Series. But, on that ground out, Howard ruptured an Achilles tendon and will be out until at least June. It will be a blow for the Bears alum, and could result in a lost season for the former NL MVP.

SGFers in the Minors

Matt Palmer, San Diego Padres Triple-A (Missouri State)

Palmer started Monday and lost to Sacramento. It wasn’t a horrible start as he lasted just 5 innings, but only allowed 3 runs. After spending his entire career in the Angels organization, Palmer is now with San Diego, and wouldn’t that be a great place to pitch for Palmer — Petco Park?

Scott Carroll, Cincinnati Reds Triple-A (Missouri State)

Carroll looks to be pitching out of the Louisville bullpen, which might not be the worst thing for him. He wasn’t having success as a starter, and his relief numbers look clean, thus far.

Buddy Baumann, KC Royals Double-A (MSU & Rogersville HS)

Baumann is still pitching multiple innings out of the NWA bullpen, and so far looks great. He’s struck out 8 batters in 5 innings over two appearances, with just one wals. If you add up his stats, it looks like a good starter’s performance. His value might be in bullpen, and he’s adapting to that role great.

Mike Kickham, SF Giants Double-A (Missouri State and Glendale HS)

Kickham is in the middle of the most important stretch of his career after skipping High-A to land at Double-A Richmond. His first start didn’t include any earned runs, but was shortened by walks —  4 of them. He allowed an unearned run and one hit, but threw 71 pitches in just 3 2/3 innings. He should make his home debut Saturday.

Pat Doyle, Cincinnati Reds High-A (Missouri State)

Doyle has given up a run in each of his 2012 appearances, but pitched two full innings on Monday. He’ll continue to pitch middle relief and hope to string together a bunch of strong performances.

Tyler Clark Detroit Tigers High-A (Catholic HS)

After being a late add to the Lakeland roster, Clark sparkled in his High-A debut against Brevard County Tuesday. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing only a baserunner on a walk and no hits, striking out 3. He pitched the 5th and 6th innings after a brief start by Shawn Teufel.

Wait, I thought they were in pro baseball…

• Former MSU infielder Toby Gardenhire retired and was named as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
• Former MSU slugger Josh Mazzola was in Giants camp, but was cut on March 29. He has not been picked up anywhere else, yet.
• I haven’t found any information on Brett Sinkbeil’s whereabouts. He was last in Pittsburgh’s system, playing at Double-A Altoona.
• All information points to former MSU catcher Dallas Hord catcher having retired.
• Former Rogersville HS slugger Seth Conner has reported to extended spring training, but told us he has been told by Toronto field coordinator Doug Davis that he is switching to being a full-time catcher. “They told me they liked my leadership qualities and my work ethic. They think I can pull it off, and once my confidence is up, I think I can, too.”
• Former MSU and Kickapoo pitcher J.C. Casey has reported to extended spring training and hopes to get assigned to a full-season team soon.
• Former MSU pitcher Aaron Meade, a 10th round pick in 2010, has not been assigned to a full-season team yet after ending with Orem of the short-season Pioneer League.
• Former MSU and Glendale pitcher Dan Kickham was released by the Detroit Tigers on March 27.

Anything or anyone we missed? Send it to me at allen@tagsgf.com

Ozark native Lucas Harrell is back in the big leagues, and he had a great 2012 debut on Saturday.

Riding high after his dominating start against the Colorado Rockies — 7 shutout innings — Ozark native and Houston Astros pitcher Lucas Harrell joined TAG sports editor Allen Vaughan for a special High Road extra podcast, live at the new TAG HQ in downtown SGF (334 E. Walnut).

Lucas and Allen discuss his first start, his second-start expectations, the near-300 text messages he received — before the game was over – his ever-expanding cooking acumen.

Sponsored by Bud Light, Harbell’s Grill and Sports Bar, Millwood Golf and Racquet Club, Laurel Bryant, Murney Realtors and the Bank of Urbana.

Ozark native Lucas Harrell dominated the Colorado Rockies last night.

Not to spoil it, but Harrell shut down one of the best lineups in baseball with the following line:

7 innings, 0 runs allowed, 3 H, 0 BB, 4 Ks

Of course, coming into Spring Training, Harrell was simply fighting for a spot on the roster. At the end of camp, he found himself the club’s No. 2 starter.

Click here to watch the video.

Each homestand for the Springfield Cardinals offers a ton of baseball value. Not only do we get a chance to evaluate potential future St. Louis Cardinals talent, but we get to pull back the curtain and see other future Major Leaguers. Each time a new team comes to Hammons Field, we will offer up a Homestand Report, detailing what happening with the Springfield Cardinals and their opponents.

Springfield Cardinals

Record: 1-2

Opponent: Midland Rockhounds, Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics

Series: 3 games, Sunday-Tuesday

Here’s the good news and the bad news about the early returns on the Springfield Cardinals. The pitching? Better. The hitting? Worse.

After wasting a good bullpen outing on the home opener on a cold Thursday night, and another solid outing from emerging prospect Trevor Rosenthal Saturday, The Cards did muster a win behind a sparkling start from southpaw John Gast (7 IP, 1 ER, 7 Ks)

Now, the Midland Rockhounds come to town for 3 more before the Cards go on a road trip of of their own to Texas.

Click here for our other preseason coverage.

The good

Wong

• Kolten Wong, 2B: Wong is on the fast track for a reason. The Cards’ first pick last year is off to a blistering start, living up to his reputation as a pure hitter. He’s 5-for-11 in 3 games -— all batting second — and has 3 of the teams’ 5 RBIs. He’s also got 2 of the team’s 6 extra base hits, and they’re both triples. He’s also drawn two walks.

2011: .445/.818/1.357, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2 3B, 2 BB, 3 SO

Melker

• Adam Melker, OF: Melker has profiled as a high-average, low-power corner outfield option in the lower minors and nothing so far has disproved that. Still, it’s hard to hate because he’s a 44th round pick and he’s 5 for his first 12 — all singles.

I’m not comparing him to Shane Robinson, whatsoever, but remember when he showed up? We thought he was an undersized singles machine and turned into a guy on the big-league bench. Sure, Robinson was a high draft pick, but so far, Melker has a lot of Sugar Shane in him.

2011: .417/.417/.417, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 5 SO, 0 SB (1 CS)

Freeman

• Sam Freeman, LHP: Relievers who aren’t closers aren’t overly exciting, but in an organization who can’t produce a bullpen lefty, Freeman just needs moderate success to make a move up the ladder. That’s why we’ll keep track of who he’s facing and when. So far, he’s pitching the 8th and the 9th in ties or losing situations. He’s thrown two innings, both perfect, and struck out 2. He’s faced 3 lefties and 3 righties. He’s only needed 9 pitches to dispose of 3 lefties — which is very impressive.

Even though Jorge Rondon got the Cards’ only save, I still feel like Freeman will emerge as the closer. He is on the 40-man roster, by the way.

2011: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 IP, 2 K, 0 BB, 0 H, .000 BAA

The bad

Jorge Rondon is back with his 9.16 ERA from a season ago.

• The offense: We have a ton of respect for the Frisco RoughRiders and their pitching staff, which includes 3 of the Texas Rangers’ top 30 prospects, but scoring 1 run per game is unacceptable. Of course, the offense isn’t perfect and truly lacks power hitters — excluding Xavier Scruggs — but if that’s the case, higher averages and on-base percentages are needed.

Tommy Pham is off to a rough start at 0-for-11 at the plate with 6 strikeouts. Niko Vasquez is 1-for-8, Scruggs is 2-for-11 and super-prospect Oscar Taveres is just 2-for-12 — both doubles. It should get better, but right now, it’s rough to watch.

Who’s new?

• The Cardinals have added 3 new players. LHP Nick Greenwood was called up to Triple-A Memphis, while catcher Kleininger Teran and pitcher Deryk Hooker were both placed on the 7-Day DL.

Here are the new guys:

OF

Raniel Rosario Born: 03/29/1989 Birthplace: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 188 Bats: R Throws: R

Year	Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	K	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
2011	PMB	FSL	.270	122	455	52	123	19	6	9	70	181	40	112	15	8	.333	.398	.730

The recently-turned 23-year-old Rosario led Palm Beach in hits (123), triples (6) and RBIs (70) in 2011 and is a leadoff candidate in a crowded SGF outfield. Also, 9 homers at Palm Beach isn’t anything to sniff at as the slender Rosario fills out. He’s got some speed, too, which might harken back to memories of Adron Chambers.

LHP

Justin Wright Born: 08/18/1989 Birthplace: Chesterfield, VA College: Virgina Tech Height: 5′ 9″ Weight: 175 Bats: L Throws: L

Year	Team	League	W	L	ERA	G	CG	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	GO/AO	AVG
2011	CAR	GCL	0	0	0.00	1	0	0	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.50	.000
2011	QC	MID	5	1	1.26	17	0	4	35.2	20	8	5	1	9	54	1.00	.155
2011	PMB	FSL	0	0	0.57	14	0	1	15.2	7	1	1	1	9	16	1.45	.140

A 47th round pick out of Virginia Tech in 2010, Wright wasn’t given much of the benefit of the doubt, starting last season in the lowly GCL. But, he quickly proved he was better than that as a lefty reliever and ended up playing at three levels. In all, he allowed only 6 earned runs and 43 baserunners in 52 2/3 innings. With Greenwood’s promotion, Wright was the next lefty on the depth chart.

RHP

Jesse Simpson Born: 01/29/1987 Birthplace: Baton Rouge, LA Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 180 Bats: R Throws: R

Year	Team	League	W	L	ERA	G	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	GO/AO	AVG
2011	PMB	FSL	6	1	1.54	37	2	46.2	40	10	8	1	18	40	1.94	.233
2011	SGF	TEX	1	0	5.56	18	1	22.2	25	14	14	5	7	17	1.72	.278

Simpson reached SGF last season and fit right in with the rest of the subpar bullpen. It was disappointing because of the way the 40th round pick mowed through Palm Beach. With Hooker’s DL stint, Simpson is the a situational righty who will get a shot to stick.

This series’ probable starting pitching matchups

• Today, 4:08 p.m. — Midland, RHP Shawn Haviland (6-12, 7.08 ERA, 27 2011 Double-A starts) vs. SGF, RHP Michael Blazek (11-6, 5.45 ERA, 24 2011 Double-A starts)

• Monday, 7:08 p.m. — Midland, RHP Gary Daley (10-8, 4.90 ERA, 28 starts at 3 levels) vs. SGF LHP Tyler Lyons (9-4, 4.50 ERA, High-A)

• Tuesday, 12:08 p.m. — Midland, RHP A.J. Griffin (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. SGF, RHP Scott Gorgen (0-1, 3.38 ERA)

Promotions

• Today — Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday, Kids Run the Bases

• Monday — None

• Tuesday — Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Nature Educational Day, Great Southern $1 Dog Day

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Midland Rockhounds

For all the acclaim the Oakland Athletics received for Moneyball, including a resuscitation of the ideology with the Oscar-nominated movie, the results have been lackluster for the last decade. In fact, the only thing the A’s seem to be winning is accumulation of prospects – not victories.

Every year, Midland features a handful of the Athletics’ top prospects, but very few that have made an impact at the major league level. In fact, many seem to hit their ceiling in the Texas League. This year, Midland features 3 of the team’s top 13 prospects, including Nos. 2 and 3.

The studs

Gray

• Sonny Gray, RHP: Selected as the 18th overall pick in last year’s draft, Gray has already ascended to Double-A and is ranked as Oakland’s No. 2 prospect, only trailing fellow righthanded pitcher Jarrod Parker, acquired in a trade with Arizona

Actually, he finished with Midland last season and the numbers aren’t fair: 5 starts, 0.45 ERA, 18 Ks, 6 walks, 20 innings. The innings load was so low because he threw 130 innings at Vanderbilt, helping the Commodores to the College World Series with a 12-4 record, 2.34 ERA and 123 Ks.

He throws in the mid 90s, but has 4 big league pitches, including a sinker, a changeup and a curveball.

2011: 1-1, 0.82 ERA, 22 IP, 6 starts, 20 K, 6 BB, 19 H, .241 BAA

Choice

• Michael Choice, CF: Choice was the 10th overall pick in the 2010 draft out of little-known University of Texas-Arlington — his only official college scholarship offer. He turned raw athleticism into legitimate baseball tools, and after an up-and-down first professional year, Choice massacred High-A Stockton for 30 home runs and 82 RBIs while holding on to a .285/.376/.542 slash line.

He’s still roaming center field, too. While not the biggest guy at 6-foot, he’s got the speed and the arm to earn the right to patrol the middle of the field.

2011: .285/.376/.542, 30 HR, 82 RBI, 61 BB, 134 SO, 9 SB (5 CS)

Griffin

• A.J. Griffin, RHP: : Griffin was a closer at San Diego and the A’s made him a 13th round pick in 2010. He spent 2011 in the starting rotation because he has the frame (6-foot-5, 215 pounds) to handle the wear and tear. Not blessed with great velocity — 89-92 mph — Griffin does have multiple quality pitches. He pitched at four (!) different levels last season, including a cameo at Triple-A and 6 starts at Double-A Midland. He suffered a tough-luck loss in his only Triple-A appearance and got roughed up at Double-A.

Griffin is starting Tuesday’s series finale.

2011: 11-7, 3.47 ERA, 160 2/3 IP, 27 starts, 156 K, 32 BB, 145 H, .238 BAA

• Other Baseball America Top 30 prospects: No. 28 Ryan Ortiz (C)