Sunday Pebble Report: Iannetta hits first homer, Hollingsworth impressive (again)

by Bryan Kilpatrick on May 2, 2010 10:59 AM MDT in Pebble Report

Colorado Springs: L 10-6 (12-10)
The Sky Sox had an offensive outburst of sorts, racking up 14 hits (four of which were of the extra base variety), but it wasn't enough to take down the Las Vegas 51's, as the Springs' pitching staff had a massive breakdown. First it was newly-acquired starter Josh Muecke, who allowed five runs on eight hits in four innings, including a home run. Then, Edgmer Escalona, who continues to have rough outings at the Triple A level, was touched for three runs in 2.2 innings, the big blow being a two-run homer off the bat of Jarrett Hoffpauir. The Sky Sox bats, led by Chris Iannetta, did their best to try to keep up at the plate. Iannetta hit a three-run homer off of former teammate Steven Register in the seventh inning, and was 2-for-5 overall. Paul LoDuca, Michael McKenry, Jonathan Herrera, Chris Frey, and Mike Paulk all had multi-hit games as well.

Tulsa: W 7-2 (8-14)
Speaking of offensive explosions, the normally light-hitting Drillers managed to get seven runs - five in one inning - off of Springfield starter Nick Additon on their way to the victory. Ryan Harvey (3) and Jason Van Kooten (2) each homered for Tulsa, while Anthony Jackson added three hits. Cory Riordan was solid in six innings, allowing one earned run on eight hits and striking out three. Organizational fillers Chris Malone and Scott Rice combined to shut down the opposition in three innings of relief.

Modesto: W 4-3 (13-8)
Modesto was able to do something that their parent club is seemingly unable to do: beat a team from the Giants organization. The Nuts received yet another quality start from Ethan Hollingsworth, as he allowed three runs on just four hits in 6.2 innings, and he struck out ten batters. The bullpen followed with a terrific effort; Kurt Yacko and Adam Jorgenson each struck out two batters in an inning of work , and Rex Brothers got the final out of the eighth inning via strikeout. Offensively, the Nuts were led by Jordan Pacheco, who went 3-for-4 to raise his batting average to .395. Meanwhile, Brian Rike had a couple of hits and James Cesario hit a solo home run (1) and is hitting .416.

Asheville: L 9-3 (9-14)
Delmarva racked up 14 hits off of Asheville pitching, making it hard for the Tourists' offense to match. Starter Daniel Perkins allowed a couple of runs on four hits and three walks, and the bullpen didn't fare much better, combining to allow seven runs (six earned) on ten hits. The good news (I guess) is that they only walked one batter. Chad Rose was the lone pitcher not to allow a run, as he gave up one hit and struck out a batter in his inning of work. Eliezer Mesa continues to rake, adding two more hits (and a double) to his already impressive resume, which includes a .371 batting average. Orlando Sandoval had a couple of hits as well, and Joseph Sanders hit a two-run single in the bottom of the eighth.

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"Organizational Filler"

I find referencing players as “organizational filler” as insensitive and unnecessary, They are players who deserve to be recognized as players. They no doubt work as hard or harder than the “prospects” who have to do little to earn the right to continue to have a place in the organization. The Rockies stick with the guys they paid big bonuses to, no matter what………………….for a long time……………….but what does it take to be a non-prospect. Very few chances.

by pitcherwatcher on May 2, 2010 1:03 PM MDT reply actions

It's not an insult, it's what they are.

It’s no different than saying they’re a RHP, or have good speed. Players like Scott Rice are in the organization to fill spots that there aren’t enough home grown players to fill. It’s not some sort of attack, it’s a description of their role on the team.

Project Libra

by Greg Stanwood on May 2, 2010 1:15 PM MDT up reply actions

Yep, definitely not an insult.

It’s the same as referring to Paul Phillips as a backup catcher.

Just an average guy with exceptional hair. Nothing more, nothing less.
Bear Naked - My thoughts on sports, music, and life.

by Bryan Kilpatrick on May 2, 2010 2:56 PM MDT up reply actions

Besides, what else should I refer to them as?

They’re 27 and 29 years old, respectively, and they’re playing in Double-A. Should I call them career minor leaguers?

If anything, organizational filler is a better, and more accurate, way to put it.

Just an average guy with exceptional hair. Nothing more, nothing less.
Bear Naked - My thoughts on sports, music, and life.

by Bryan Kilpatrick on May 2, 2010 2:58 PM MDT up reply actions

Organizational Filler

Thank you HABB, much more eloquently spoken! Having a forum such as Purple Row should not mean it gives the right to anyone to make any sort of condescending remark about any of the players. I wonder if the writer has any idea how hard these organizational fillers have worked to be where they are, how many sacrifices they have made, how much differential treatment they have received while they continue to toil. And every now and then one of them is able to prove all the wise men of baseball wrong and they get the hit or pitch the gem that beats your team, even though they may have toiled however many years in the minor leagues as a non-prospect. Chris Malone may be old for the league, but factor in that he just lost well over a year to a broken pitching hand and give the guy a little credit! Maybe he got slowed down toiling at a lower level and being hurt. Should he be written off, should he be organizational filler, or might he be a player the Rockies felt worth waiting for in spite of the injury?

by pitcherwatcher on May 3, 2010 8:39 AM MDT reply actions