All Things Valley League

Valley League Schedule Available!

The Valley League has released the 2008 schedule, which is making those die hards among us even more itchy for VBL baseball.  You can find the schedule here.

The season opens on May 31st with the following games:

New Market vs. Woodstock
Staunton vs. Winchester
Luray vs. Harrisonburg
Haymarket vs. Fauquier
Covington vs. Front Royal

Waynesboro will begin the defense of their championship the next night.

Another important date is July 6- the All-Star game at Covington.

The last scheduled games are for July 27; barring rainouts (hah!), the playoffs will start immediately. 

Mark those calendars!

New York Yankees Prospects

Welcome to the Brett Gardner (New Market 03-04) show!  In Baseball America's Top Prospect list for the Yanquis, Gardner comes in at #8, up two spots from a year ago. Brett split his 2007 season between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton, and finished with a line of 281/369/378, with 39 stolen bases.  BA was sufficiently impressed to name him the fastest baserunner and the hitter with the best strike-zone judgment in the system. They also listed him as the starting left fielder in the Yankees' 2010 lineup.

There has been considerable press about Gardner being as hot a prospect as the Red Sox's Jacoby Ellsbury; most media outlets feel like that comparison is a stretch, but there is an undeniable buzz around Brett. Therefore, there were three questions that mentioned him in John Manuel's chat:

"Q: Abedin from Utica, NY asks: I'm really high on Dan McCutchen; I think he's underrated by most. Then again, I'm probably his biggest fan. What kept him from the top 10 over, say, Brett Gardner?   

A:  John Manuel: Everyone seems to think McCutchen's stuff will play up as a setup man, and that he's fairly average stuff, plus compete, good command as a starter, kind of a poor man's Ian Kennedy. He throws harder and has sharper stuff in relief (touches 94 mph with FB, which he rarely does as a starter according to the Yanks), and I think that's his future role, whereas Gardner's ceiling is as a Juan Pierre who walks CF. That ceiling is higher to me, and Gardner's probability of reaching that ceiling also is higher. Gardner's a year younger and a year ahead in terms of development, with a better health record. Several reasons to rank Gardner higher."

This is the first I've heard this comparison- Juan Pierre (another Valley Leaguer, by the way) who walks!

"Q:  Dean from San Francisco asks:  Your projected 2011 outfield lineup of Gardner, Jackson and Tabata seems very week in the power category. I'm especially surprised that you would include Gardner over Melky Cabera. What are the odds that this lineup will ever occur? 

A:  John Manuel: Well, Melky doesn't hit for a ton of power, and in fact when Matsui didn't play, Cabrera, Damon and Abreu, that's not a power plant. Tabata wouldn't rank so highly if people didn't think he would eventually hit for power, and he did what he did with a bad hand-slash-wrist this year. Jackson projects to hit for average power as he goes on as well. Chances of that lineup? Very small, because the Yankees don't have to rely only on homegrown players. Point of the future lineup is to reveal strengths and weaknesses of the org, and one Yankees weakness as an org is—you guessed it—lack of power prospects. Very few in full-season ball, really."

Ok- so what are the odds that Gardner is still in the Yankees' organization in 2010?  Probably pretty slim, I would guess.

"Q:  Jimmy from Da Bronx asks: It seems to me brett gardener would fit the yankee lineup perfectly as a bottom of the order hitter. I feel like brett gets hated on for his lack of power but he is what he is, no one ever expected him to hit 15+ homers. Seems like the big league club could use more brett gardeners. Thoughts?   

A:  John Manuel: Gardner would have to beat out Melky Cabrera but I think I like Gardner's ceiling better. I haven't seen Cabrera ever touted as a guy who would develop power and he has yet to slug over .400 in two big league seasons; it was a .432 slugging percentage in the minors, pretty similar if I recall to Jacoby Ellsbury, only he's not the defender Ellsbury is, nor the basestealer. Melky brings energy but to me, Gardner's ceiling is higher and he's also an energy guy. So I'm with you, as long as Gardner hits with enough authority to keep pitchers honest. If he doesn't, then he's Jason Tyner."

Maybe Brett is a gardener, but... Heh. I'm wishing that I had a memory of Brett playing for the Rebels- we had just moved back to the States in late June of '04, and while I watched a couple games, my memories are pretty slim.  (I remember Tim Norton (New Market) and Nick Pereira (Harrisonburg) for sure.) 

At any rate, Brett should make his major league debut at some point in 2008. ATVL will be there (in spirit only, probably) when he does!

Whoa!

I'll just go ahead and say it: you're going to read quite a bit about Yonder Alonso (Luray 06) on this site this year. He's ranked in Baseball America's top 5 of all college prospects for the upcoming draft, and he showed why in the Cape Cod League last year. Yonder will garner quite a bit of attention this year.

But I was still surprised when I stumbled on this article from the Miami Herald's Sarah Rothschild: Yonder has a new workout buddy- three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez!  A-Rod is notoriously private with his workouts, but he opened his circle to include Alonso.  Seeing how one of the best, if not the best, players in the major leagues prepares for the long grind of a season can do nothing but help.  (I don't have the same vitriol towards A-Rod as many others.  Maybe it's because he's been a linchpin on my Strat-O-Matic teams the last two years... Admit it, John G- you would take him if you could!)

At any rate, I'll be reporting on Alonso during the season, and obviously, on draft day. His name may be called in the first round come June! 

Red Sox Prospects

Annnnnddddddd, we're back. If you're a regular visitor to this site (and I thank you, of course), you already know that Baseball America posts a top ten list of the prospects in each organization, along with an accompanying chat (my dream? BA asks me to do the Valley League list. I'm not holding my breath...).

BA finished up the National League and started on the American League earlier this month.

We'll start with the Red Sox.  Click here to see the top ten list, and here to read Jim Callis's chat (subscription required).  Callis answered questions about two former Valley Leaguers: Josh Papelbon (Loudoun 04) and Chris Carter (Waynesboro 01).

First, Papelbon:

"Q:  Kevin from FL asks: What are your thoughts on Josh Papelbon? The last name alone has to score him some points right? And some chicks!   

A:  Jim Callis: Josh has his brother's competitive edge but not nearly the same stuff. I wouldn't rule out that he'll fight his way to Boston, though."

I really don't know about the "chicks" thing, but Josh had a decent, not great, 2007 season for Greenville. He went 5-8, 3.91, with 18 saves, a 1.41 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9, and 6.8 K/9.

Second, Carter:

"Q:  Robert Goldberg from Lyndhurst, NJ asks: Just curious - did Chris Carter crack the top 30? He may be horrific in the field, but he can hit and draw walks, and I'm sure he can produce in the big leagues, at least offensively.  

A:  Jim Callis: He did sneak in."

Carter started the 2007 season in Triple-A Tucson in Arizona's system, and ended it in the Red Sox's Triple-A club in Pawtucket. He came over via trade: Carter was the "Player to be Named Later" in the Wily Mo Pena trade.   He hit a combined 316/377/504 at the two stops, and has plastered the ball this winter, playing for Tiburones de la Guaira in the Venezuelan Winter League (336/382/474 in 152 at-bats). By the way, I'll be purchasing the Handbook at some point, when I can give a rundown of each Valley Leaguer listed.

Carter has a shot to make the Red Sox this spring, possibly as a backup at first base.

Top 10 Wrapup

I thought a quick post wrapping up my much-longer-term-than-I-thought-project would be appropriate. 

I listed 32 total players in my three categories: best hitters, best relievers, and best starters.  The team breakdown goes like this:

1. Luray- 6  (Cruz, Kuhn, Gilliam, Umberger, Gutierrez, Jordat)

    Harrisonburg- 6 (Taylor, Brantley, Tolliver, Wheeler, Reinhart, Parker)

3. Waynesboro- 5 (Davidson, Dages, Brewer, Williamson, Stanley)

4. Winchester- 4 (Cueto, Sontag, Greinke, White)

5. Staunton- 3 (Kalafos, Sherman, Hernandez)

6. Covington- 2 (Kipnis, Andrews)

   Woodstock- 2 (Eidell, Schenk)

8. Haymarket- 1 (O'Neill)

    New Market- 1 (Stanley)

    Front Royal- 1 (Brookens)

    Fauquier- 1 (Blakney)

By college team (what team they are with right now):

Colleges with 2: Arkansas-Little Rock (Taylor, Tolliver); Arizona State (Kipnis, Sontag)

28 colleges have one!

By year in school (what year they are rising to):

Senior: 12

Junior: 10

Sophomore: 8

Redshirt Freshman: 1 (Brewer)

Pro Ball: 1 (Brantley)

I thought we might be able to make some deductions from the breakdowns, but.... I'm not seeing any connections. The best players in the Valley League last year came from all over the country, were at all levels of experience, and each team had at least one.

Maybe after another season we can see some patterns.

Adam Everett and David Eckstein Sign

Back in 1996, Adam Everett patrolled shortstop for the Winchester Royals, while David Eckstein played the same position for the Harrisonburg Turks (he also played in the 'Burg in 1995). I wonder if they imagined, sitting on a bus hauling up and down I-81, 12 years ago, that they would eventually be free agents in the major leagues, and sign contracts worth millions.

Both players have signed with new teams this offseason. Everett, basically forced to leave Houston because of Miguel Tejada (steroids or no steroids), has signed with the Minnesota Twins for $2.8 million. Eckstein left St. Louis for Toronto and $4.5 million.  Everett has earned $5.8 million over his career, while Eckstein is up to $13.3 million (salary numbers courtesy of baseball-reference.com). (It should also be noted that Eckstein has two World Series rings, while Everett played in a Series.)

Well, there you go- if current players in the Valley League have ever needed motivation, this would be it...

Staunton Roster Released

Steve Cox, the Staunton Braves General Manager, forwarded the Braves' 2008 preseason roster my way last week, which brings the number of rosters available to six.  As usual, preseason rosters are a work in process, as some players will get drafted and turn pro, some will be injured, and some will take another opportunity.

The Braves have three players returning for another year in the Valley. They are Tyler Truxell, a lefthander from William and Mary, Luke Padgett, a utility player from Virginia Tech, and K.J. Sobolewski, a catcher from Bluefield.  They also have Teddy Kaufman, a lefthander from South Florida, who not only changed college teams (from Miami to South Florida), but also Valley League teams (he pitched for Luray in 2007).

Staunton also has some locals coming to play. Donovan Huffer, a shortstop from Concord, played for Buffalo Gap in high school. Adam Kruitoff, a righthander from VMI, played high school ball at Western Albemarle.

Many colleges have fall "World Series," and two future Braves were MVPs of their respective teams. Matt Hamlet, freshman infielder at Boston College, won BC's MVP of the fall, while Luke Padgett won the MVP at Virginia Tech.

As these rosters trickle in, I'm more and more interested in the upcoming season: everyone looks strong so far!  I can't imagine writing a preseason "prediction" post at this point (alliteration!).

Staunton is currently working on their website, so to download the roster, click 2008_preseason_roster.doc (word file).

Woodstock Roster Out

Woodstock has recently released its roster for the upcoming season! 

The River Bandits have some very interesting players returning this summer: Carlos Pertuz, a lefthanded pitcher from Miami-Dade, Seth Fowler, a righthanded pitcher from St. Leo, Zach Rosenbaum, a rightie from UNC Charlotte, Gary Kahn, a rightie from Grinnell, Ryan Schmidt, a rightie from Western Illinois, Grant Escue, an infielder from Bradley, Cody Brown, and infielder from Tennessee (played for the Bandits in 2006), Kevin Villa, a catcher from Florida Tech, and Kory Hollensteiner, an outfielder from Indiana Wesleyan.  That's eight players returning from 2007, and one from 2006- that's huge!

The Woodstock website also says this about Gary Kahn: "[Kahn] came on as a clutch reliever while being the heart and soul of the River Bandits team."  Anyone who has met Gary and/or witnessed the hilarious pregame ritual of "Korean Rock, Paper, Scissors" knows that the comment is true. 

Woodstock was a very good team in the second half of 2007, and they almost, almost upended Waynesboro in the first round of the playoffs.  Looks like the Bandits will be strong in '08!

Ostlund Remains With Detroit

One of All Things Valley League's favorites, Ian Ostlund (Harrisonburg 98-00), has signed a contract to remain in the Detroit Tigers' organization.

Ostlund, a graduate of Turner Ashby High School and Virginia Tech, was a six-year free agent after the 2007 season.  Ian said, "I was thinking I'd test the waters; see if there was any interest out there." However, the Tigers called Ian's agent within two days with extreme interest in keeping his services. The agent was in contact with the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros, but in the end, Ian felt that his heart was with the Tigers. "I'd really like to make the majors as a Tiger," he said.

Ostlund explained the process as "nerve-wracking." He wanted to stay with Detroit, but he wanted a Triple-A contract with "X" dollars per month. The Tigers offered a Double-A contract, with less money. Ian still decided to stay with his heart, and when the contract arrived from Detroit, it was, indeed, a Triple-A contract and met his monetary wishes as well.  It's almost as if Detroit was testing Ian, to see if he really wanted to stay.

Ian is coming off a 2007 in which he threw very well- when he could throw. He was off to an excellent start in Triple-A Toledo when a line drive off the bat of John-Ford Griffin broke Ian's foot. He spent a month at home, and then a month in rehab back with Toledo. When he returned to the mound, his foot still wasn't right, so he was sent back to Double-A Erie to recuperate some more.  Even with that setback, Ian's final numbers were very strong: he went 2-1, 3.26, with 1 save, 1.14 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9, and 9.3 K/9 in 38 2/3 innings over the two levels.

Ian will next report to spring training on February 19th, with a fully healthy foot and arm. Maybe this will be the year that Jim Leyland will notice a lefthander from Dayton, Virginia....

To see ATVL's interview with Ian, click here (Part I) and here (Part II).

Bocock Does, Too

Another former Valley Leaguer has received an invitation from a major league club: Brian Bocock (Luray 04).

Bocock, in the San Francisco Giants system, played at low-A Augusta and high-A San Jose in 2007.  He probably isn't going to make the major league team (Omar Vizquel is the starter; Kevin Frandsen is the backup), but the exposure will be, at the least, pretty cool. (Too bad Barry Bonds won't be around.)

MiLB wrote about Brian: "Bocock, 22, will make his first appearance at big league camp to open his third professional season. A fleet-footed shortstop, he combined to post a .243 average with 28 doubles, four triples, five home runs, 57 RBIs and 41 steals in 126 games last season with San Francisco's Class A affiliates in Augusta and San Jose."

Congrats, Brian!