Last night there was lots of hubbub at the Class A+
ballgame in Jupiter, the Hammerheads playing the Charlotte Stone Crabs, as Christian
Yelich from the Miami Marlins who’s been on their DL was making a rehab
appearance. As an established major
league player he drew much attention, some of the crowd not remembering he
played for the Hammerheads only a few years.
When I saw him as a minor leaguer one could see the potential. He reminded me of Jacoby Ellsbury, then with
the Red Sox and now with the Yankees. He
has that lanky look, a quick left-handed bat, and speed around the bases. He went 2 for 4 in the Hammerheads 3-2 loss
to the Crabs, a double and a single – stealing 2nd base and going
around to 3rd on a throwing error.
He flew. I guess he’s ready to go
off the DL
A couple of other interesting items The Hammerheads started a lefty, Alex Burgos
who seemed to have ordinary stuff, went three innings, gave up four hits but no
runs and had no BB or SOs. What I found
interesting is that he was born in Regensburg, Germany, a beautiful city that
we’ve been to on the Rhine. (Not many BB players can claim that distinction.)
He played his college baseball here in Florida though. He’s knocked around the
minors for five years now, and he’s going to have to develop some finesse
pitches with pinpoint placement to make up for his lack of an overpowering fast
ball.
On the other side of the coin, Esmerling De La Rosa, the
losing pitcher (gave up one run in two innings, but with two SOs), was bringing
heat at 95 mph, and although he has had control issues in the minors, he seems
to be improving. It helps to be able to
throw in the mid 90s. So, who knows,
maybe one of these guys will make it to the majors, but there is work to be
done!
I should add that Buddy Borden, who pitched for the Crabs
(Tampa Bay affiliate), threw like a mature pitcher although only 23 years old,
fast ball in the low 90s, a good curve ball, moving the ball around. He gave up one run in five innings and thus
far this year has shown great control with only 5 walks and 21 strikeouts in 21
innings. Looks like Tampa might have a
future starter.
Beautiful night last night for BB!
