Thursday Pebble Report: Lars Davis and Christian Friedrich shine in Modesto

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 11, 2009 11:11 AM MDT in Pebble Report

Pebble Star of the Night

Catcher Lars Davis became the first Nut to drive in 5 runs in a game this season in Modesto's 8-2 win over Stockton. Davis got the start behind the dish with Christian Friedrich on the hill, pushing Wilin Rosario to the DH role. The 2007 3rd round pick fell a triple shy of the cycle but hit a 2-run double in the first inning and a 3-run HR (1) in the third inning. Despite a fairly strong BABip of .333, Davis is only managing a .282 wOBA for Modesto.

AAA Colorado Springs, Off Day - (34-24, 1st)

The Sky Sox got an off day in traveling back from Sacramento to Colorado Springs. They'll take on the Las Vegas 51's (Blue Jays) tonight at Security Service Field at 7:05 MDT. Franklin Morales (0-0, 2.03) will get his third rehab start and will face Fabio Castro. You can vote for AAA All-Stars now.

AA Tulsa, L 6-8 - (29-27, 3.0 GB)

Brandon Durden had tossed 14 consecutive scoreless innings to start his AA career, but that streak ended in a big way. The Drillers gave Durden a 4-0 lead early, but he allowed two runs in the third and was charged with four (three earned) in the fifth despite getting just one out. Jon George compounded the problem by allowing two home runs in the inning for a 8-4 deficit Tulsa could not drill its way out of.

Anthony Jackson, Cole Garner and Mike Paulk each had three hits, and the latter two recorded two doubles each. Paulk had 4 RBIs. Mike McKenry had hit safely in 8 of his last 9 games but went 0-for-5.

Jhoulys Chacin (4-4, 3.18) will take the ball against Springfield Cardinals' Trey Hearne at 5:05 MDT in Missouri. Chacin has allowed two or less runs in 6 of his past 7 starts.

High-A Modesto, W 8-2 - (35-24, 1.5 GB)

The Nuts continued their domination of the Stockton Ports by beating them 8-2 Wednesday night. Modesto is now 7-1 against the A's affiliate, and with 4 more matchups in the next 7 days, the Nuts could use them to catch Visalia.

Christian Friedrich got his first California League win by pitching seven impressive innings, allowing both runs while striking out six. He retired the first 14 Ports he faced. Perhaps due to fatigue or a Stockton adjustment, the Ports scored a run in each of his last two innings. One scored on a single followed by a double, and another scored via a walk and eventual wild pitch. I can't wait to see that Friedrich curveball at Coors Field.

Lars Davis led the offensive charge, but the whole lineup contributed to the 14 hits, sans Wilin Rosario, who was hitless after consecutive three-hit games. Jason van Kooten hit his second home run of the season.

Cory Riordan (1-5, 5.55) will take on Mathieu LeBlanc Poirier (0-1, 5.18) as Modesto attempts to complete the series sweep.

Low-A Asheville, W 5-0 - (23-36, 12.0 GB)

Tourist pitchers continued their dominance of the Lexington Legends by shutting out the Astros' affiliate for the second straight day. Dan Houston (2-4, 4.39) wasn't as good as Juan Nicasio and Co.'s one hit shutout Tuesday, but he was still very impressive, limiting the Legends to just four hits and no runs with seven strikeouts.

Every Tourist notched one hit except Delta Cleary, Beau Seabury (who struck out three times) and Carlos Martinez, who singled and doubled.

Joe Mikulik's club tries to continue their own streak at Greenville (Red Sox) tonight at 5:00MDT. Ethan Hollingsworth (3-4, 3.99) gets the call.

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Some thoughts on Asheville...

Field and Rose on the left side of the infield look a lot like Barmes and Atkins, respectively, only younger. I came away a bit more impressed with Field of the two, but Rose surprised me with his ability to hit. I don’t know if Houston’s game will work at the MLB level despite his success last night. He lacked command, but had a solid sinker albeit without much velocity, mostly around 86/87 mph according to the stadium gun. Jordan Lyles, the Astros prospect pitching for Lexington looked a lot more impressive as a future MLB pitcher.

As for the other position players, I can see what scouts and Rockies officials like in Carlos Martinez, there’s plenty of reason to stay patient with him to see if he can turn things around, doubtful as it may be that he does. Cleary and Robinson are both fast and athletic, but that’s no surprise. Cesario is very nimble and is like having a middle infielder at first. He saved Houston defensively a couple of times, including a nice leaping snag of a line drive shot in the first. If it had been Roling playing, I’m guessing that the shutout wouldn’t have happened, but then again, maybe the Tourists would have scored more. Cesario’s not a slouch at the plate, though.

I’d say Cleary is the most likely MLB player of those I saw last night, with Robinson not too far behind. Cesario and Field are going to need to grind their way into the bigs, Rose and Houston I’m just not feeling right now, and Martinez is a big wildcard.

by Rox Girl on Jun 11, 2009 11:27 AM MDT reply actions

Forgot to comment on Tyler Massey...

Too early to tell was the biggest impression I came away with. I saw glimpses of why he could be special, but at the same time, he’s got a considerable way to go to get there. If he’s going to be an MLB corner outfielder, it’s going to take quite a leap in his abilities, and I’d suspect he’ll be in the minors for another three seasons before he’s ready.

by Rox Girl on Jun 11, 2009 11:44 AM MDT up reply actions