He went on record with Baseball Digest to discuss the upcoming season and reflect on his development in 2011.

1. What was the biggest adjustment from High-A To Double-A?

This biggest adjustment for one was being away from my family. I was spoiled playing in San Jose with my family catching 20 of my 27 starts.  But on the baseball end of things it was the patience of the hitters and establishing the inner half of the plate. Each pitch has a purpose in setting up hitters later in counts and the 2nd and 3rd times through the lineup. Taking something off your fastball, pitching inside, purpose pitches, and not being scared to trust your stuff and know its good enough to get that guy out.

2. You spent a full season with Richmond. What did you feel you’d improved the most at the end of it?

I really struggled with my command early in the season. I was walking a lot of guys and I wasn’t burying hitters like I wanted to. I was able to make a few adjustments in my mechanics stretch and windup which allowed me to throw a lot more quality strikes with my fastball. I also made an adjustment to my slider grip which allowed more of a biting action. Being able to throw my 4 pitches for strikes late in the season was my biggest improvement.

3. You pitched a ton of innings in 2010 & 2011. Were there any changes in your throwing program over those two years?

Switching from reliever to starter was supposed to be a huge adjustment. At first it was. But, because the Giants let me know as soon as the 2009 season was over that I would be making the switch it gave me the opportunity to get into the groove of what its like to prepare as a starter in the off-season. First, it was my training schedule. The Giants sent me to Fischer Sports Physical Therapy and Conditioning in Phoenix, AZ where I get top notch training and conditioning opportunities as well as treatment opportunities to keep my arm fresh. As far as throwing I started my bullpens slightly earlier and added long toss twice a week out to 200 feet.

4. Break down your pitches. What is your out pitch, what pitch improved the most in 2011, and how was your command last season?

I throw a 4 seam fastball, 2 seam (sinker) fastball, Slider, Spike Curveball, and a circle changeup. To right handed hitters if I am in need of a strikeout I tend to go towards my slider and to a lefty I more often throw the Spike CB. But, it all depends on situations and hitters with what pitch I will go with. A lot of it also has to do with how certain pitches feel that particular start. Like I said in question 2 my command improved a lot throughout the season. Small tweaks and feel for mechanics made the difference.

5. You’ve been given an invitation as a non-roster invitee to spring training camp. What are your goals going into camp?

My goals going into camp are to be in the best shape possible, work as hard as I can once I get there, listen and learn from veterans to get a feel for what it takes to be in the big leagues, and leave a lasting impression amongst the staff with my work ethic and performance.

6. Have the Giants told you what they expect of you? Is there something you told you at the end of the season that stuck with you?

There hasn’t been anything in specific but continue to stay in shape and be ready for every chance that they give me. They have been awesome at giving me the opportunity to showcase the type of pitcher I have become and a lot of credit goes to the people they surround us with year in and year out. As of now its be the best starter you can be and perform when called upon. Hopefully in Fresno this year if not wherever they do send me.

7. Finally, would you be disappointed if you had to start the season with Richmond and not with Fresno?

I won’t lie it would be a slight disappointment but it would not get me down. I can still prove I am a worthy pitcher in the Eastern League.  I still have a job and I am still playing the game I love. I am going to work hard regardless because I have one goal in mind just like each and every player that puts a uniform on and that’s to perform at the highest level possible.

You can follow Justin @jfitzgerald31

The unveiling of the MLB.com Top 100 prospects has become an annual ceremonial event. At least for those wrapped up in that sort of thing. For baseball people, fans, players and scribes alike, there is much excitement and conversation leading up to the day.

We probably can’t appreciate the amount of work that goes into such an effort by Jonathan Mayo and yet there’s always intense criticism. He’s gone on record with ‘High Heels On Field’ (a blog by yours truly), as well as written about the process to help readers better understand what it entails, but there’s still bound to be a backlash.

This year’s list wasn’t full of surprises, particularly in the top ten. Bryce Harper came in the second spot, with LHP Matt Moore ranking first overall. Moore was a revelation for many in 2011 when he made his major league debut with the Tampa Rays. His development has seen an improvement in a number of key areas and he projects as a front of the rotation starter. For a system full of exciting talent, Moore is the shining star of the highly anticipated crop coming up now.

Two Royals outfielders, Wil Myers and Bubba Starling, ranked 17th and 19th, respectively. Myers had a particularly challenging 2011 season, but with a recent spring training invite from the big club he’s got an early chance to make an impression in 2012. Royals have a ton of depth in the outfield and Myers is an integral part of the picture.
Also released this week was Project Prospect’s Top 100, an independent site infamous for their sharp and informative prospect reports. The site, founded by Adam Foster, has become  popular among prospect diehards. The list usually goes a bit against convention and often varies from other top prospect lists. For PP, Moore ranks third, and Angels Mike Trout, #1 on MLB.com in 2011, takes the top slot.

For an alternative view on prospects, Project Prospect continues to rise above the various prospect lists that seem to multiply every year.

Don’t worry…the answer is no. Not ever.

Brewers Logan Schafer, Caleb Gindi Might See Big League Time

While Ryan Braun’s 50 game suspension would create a number of questions for the Milwaukee Brewers, there could be an opportunity for outfield prospects Logan Schafer and/or Caleb Gindi.

Schafer’s health is a bit of a question (wrist injury), but the reports have been positive. He or Gindi could very well be getting some work off the bench, though the Brewers have a number of options. Despite what might be a limited amount of time to show their stuff, it’s an experience worth having. They also earned it in the minors in 2011. And, for Shafer, even earned it in a couple of plate appearances during the Brewers playoff run.

Schafer hit well splitting time between two levels,  .Double-A where he hit .302 and  Triple-A hitting .331.

Gindi hit .307 at Triple-A for the season, playing in 126 games.

But Cody Decker brushes that off. He does so with a mix of cool confidence, extreme focus, and a whole lot of humor.

“Pitchers aren’t necessarily better, just more polished.  They know what they are trying to do and they are very good at executing it.  But honestly baseball is baseball, no matter where you play it.  But as my teammate Crash told me:  I’m just happy to be here, hope I can help the ballclub.”

You’re getting to know him quickly. And there’s no overstating his energy and attitude can make a difference in a sport that requires daily maximum drive.

Decker, 25, suffered a sprained ankle in May, his first career injury, which caused him to miss three months.

“The injury was unfortunately pretty rough, and I don’t think I fully recovered for the remainder of the season. I was however extremely happy to get back on the field and somewhat salvage the season I missed the majority of,” he said.  “My team had a great playoff run, winning the Texas League, and I’m happy that I was able to play a major role.”

He played in 49 games for the Double-A San Antonio Missions knocking in 38 runs, with 14 home runs. In 2010 he played for the Advanced-A Lake Elsinore Storm, where he put up career numbers. He finished the season with 90 RBI, 28 home runs, and worked 60 walks.

The Padres system has vastly improved this off-season through a number of significant trades. It is easy to get left behind when new talent is developing every year, all the time. Decker has the benefit of versatility. He embraces the challenge of a possible position change, something the Padres should be pleased to hear.

“I happy to play any position anyone asks.  In college I was listed as a C/1B/LF/DH/OF.  And I still find it cruel that 3B didn’t make it onto my 11 cent college baseball card.  I played 3B in winter ball, for all 3 hours I played there, and have no problem moving around.  As for DH-ing, I have no problem with that either.”

Defensively the first baseman is confident, though he is well aware of the criticism in that area.

“I have never received very much credit for my defensive ability.  And I highly doubt anyone will be tooting that horn anytime soon.  I completely disagree with those nay-sayers, but there is always room for improvement,” he said, then adds, “At the plate, a few less strike outs would be nice.”

He credits hitting coach’s Bob Skube and Tom Tornincasa (named the Padres Minor League Coach of the Year for 2011) for helping him the most in his development.

“A couple of great, not just hitting coach’s, but all around baseball coach’s.”

Like many minor league players trying to make it to the majors, Decker is part of the Twitter presence of prospects. His content is never boring, rarely small talk. He’s a straight shooter. And with trademark humor he explains his Twitter game. And his (apparent) reaction to his ranking on the Baseball Digest Twitter Twenty.

“I rarely take things too seriously, and my amazing Twitter account is no different.  I have fun with it.  Usually telling jokes and making fun of things.  Getting a chance to interact with fans is fun, somewhat get my name out there and let them know that I’m not Jaff Decker.  My blog is more or less the same.  Just an insight of what Minor League baseball is like.  Much like everything else, I have fun with it.  As for the top 20, it is a suspect list at best listing me at 12….. The writer of this list should be ashamed and I hope they miss several hours of sleep over this…..  I mean, come on, 12?!”

It’s up to you discern what part of that he’s serious about.

What he is serious about is the joy of baseball. And hitting, hitting, hitting.

“I’m like a 7 year old, hitting is my favorite thing to do, and as long as I’m doing that, you’ll never hear a complaint from me.”

On the Blue Crabs offer, major league possibilities:

– For me, this is a win win situation. I can still be signed by a MLB team, or I can go play ball with a fantastic coaching staff and the best group of guys I’ve ever played ball with. The Atlantic League is known for its caliber of play, so there are bound to be scouts there.

On whether keeping a positive attitude gets difficult:

– Honestly, no. What you see is what you get. I pride myself in being authentic. Sure, I’ll have times where I’m down, but I have such an amazing wife, family, and friends that are there for me. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. You’ve got to enjoy the journey!

On what he enjoys about the team and the league:

– The style of play that our manager Patrick Osborn demands is nothing short of intense. We are there to win. Sure, it’s fun. The group of guys on that team make it that way. But, when it’s time to work, we work. The league is notorious for having big name players come through and for its high level of play. Last year, I faced some of the best competition of my career in the Atlantic League.

On the power of social media/the brand of being well-known:

– I feel like social media has helped show that professional baseball players are normal dudes with cool opportunities. Personally, what you see is what you get. Ask anyone who knows me, the Twitter/Facebook me = real me. Being a pro athlete, you’re already a brand. Marketing is key, especially throughout free agency. So yes, I believe social media has helped me!

If he focuses on the indy leagues being a bride to the majors:

– I play the game because I love it. My ultimate goal is the big leagues. However, I’m enjoying every second of having the opportunity to wear a uniform. I work as hard as I can every single day. I’m confident that if I don’t make it, I can say I explored every avenue and gave it everything I had.

On the challenges ahead:

– The #1 challenge for me is proving my health. Shoulder surgery has a way of black listing guys sometimes, and I want to show everyone that I’m stronger than ever. Going through that surgery and rehab process actually made me stronger mentally and physically. All I can ask for is an opportunity!

On doing more long toss this off-season:

– My arm has been feeling fantastic so far this off-season. I have pitching conversations with CJ Wilson fairly often, and we talk a lot about building arm strength before getting on the mound. I decided to put that into play this off-season, and so far it’s been great. I’ll still get plenty of bullpens in before the season, but taking that extra few weeks to really make sure my arm is strong will be key!

On who the comedian of the team is:

–I have played with some awesome guys over the years. The comedians of my most recent crew are definitely Richard Giannotti and Christian Lopez. Those guys cracks me up daily. I could really go down last year’s roster of Blue Crabs and tell you why each guy is deserving of a mention for this question. That’s the great part about our team. We’re all like brothers. I’ve never seen such camaraderie like we have in that Blue Crab clubhouse.

In 2011 Schlact went 6-4  with a 4.31 ERA for the Crabs. You can follow him on Twitter @michael_schlact and read his blog The Schlact Stories 

The Winter Issue and Convention Guide is available for FREE download here:

http://gothambaseball.com/GB006_WINTER2011.pdf

Gotham Baseball covers the past, present and future of New York baseball, and in this latest issue, which features a pair of aces; New York Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia and New York Mets southpaw Johan Santana. Gary Armida profiles Sabathia’s return in “The Big Man is Back”, while Healey opines that for the Mets, “The Ace is The Whole”.

Also in the issue:

The Catcher Says Bye – Yankees catcher Jorge Posada is retiring. Armida takes a look at his great career.

The Magic is Back? – Joseph M. Lara tries to make some sense of the current Mets by looking at the past Mets.

Reading By The Hot Stove – Jerry Milani reviews some of his top choices for offseason reading.

The issue also includes a comprehensive guide to the three-day event, which will once again feature some of the world’s top baseball instructors in a range of settings, including new Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine, New York Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long, pitching guru Rick Peterson and softball star Jennie Finch.

Baseball Digest’s online editor Mark Healey, who is the founder of Gotham Baseball, will also be in attendance, manning BD affiliate Gotham Baseball’s booth with GB Co-Publisher Joseph M. Lara.

The Winter Issue and Convention Guide is available for FREE download here:

http://gothambaseball.com/GB006_WINTER2011.pdf

For more info visit the official site for the event or call 860.674.1500

On second reaction, no, not really.

Not only do the Yankees have an impressive pool of catching prospects to pick from over the next several years, they never seemed to shy away from the possibility of trading Montero.  The Yankees reportedly considered letting Montero go on several occasions, but only for high quality starting pitching. The deal had to give the Yankees what they most desperately needed. Ultimately, they needed a proven starter far more than they needed the unproven right-handed power bat of Jesus Montero. His potential aside, the decision was made based on most pressing need. It was simple, really.

Along with Montero, pitching prospect Hector Noesi was also traded. Noesi pitched 30 innings for the Yankees last season, mostly working out of the bullpen. The Yankees received Michael Pineda, a star of the 2011 season for his dazzling rookie performance.   Also impressive was their acquisition of RHP Jose Campos. At nineteen he led the Northwest League with 85 strikeouts in 81 innings. In addition, they signed pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, a veteran who spent the last four years pitching for the Dodgers. He capped 2011 with a 3.45 ERA.

For the offensive-minded, trading a prospect of Montero’s caliber is a ridiculous risk. Why would you part with a bat that developed, who hasn’t even reached his potential?  Montero’s talent cannot be undercut in comparison to the other catchers in the Yankees system.  There’s no denying that the Yankees gave up quite the hitter and possibly only Gary Sanchez will come close to Montero’s power.

And then we’re back to pitching. If you’re pitching-minded in this squabble, then you’re looking at the Yankees starting rotation, firmly grasping exactly why the trade made sense in January, only months away from opening day. You don’t need to worry much about that bullpen. But questions about the Yankees rotation were far too difficult to answer without a big move.

We can dig deeper. And perhaps this doesn’t count for much right now, but there’s an issue worth exploring if the rumors are correct that Seattle plans on continuing to develop Montero as a catcher.

Buried beneath the discussions of Montero’s extraordinary talent, struggles at the plate, and reports on his development behind the dish at Triple-A Scranton, there was the matter of behavioral issues.

In 2010 Montero was benched for failing to run out a grounder. The general feeling was that it was an indication he might be getting too comfortable with his uber prospect status. While these moments pop up even with major league players, alarm bells sounded. The incident didn’t become an ongoing problem, at least not according to any published reports. Mentioning it might seem pointless. But this is a player who, for all his offensive talent, doesn’t figure to be at the position he was drafted. A lack of discipline would kill his chances at developing at the position, which most don’t believe he’ll play for his career.

Discipline might not be a huge issue, but if the Mariners continue the Montero catching experiment, that discipline is crucial.

During Montero’s exciting run with the Double-A Trenton Thunder, what he lacked, he really lacked, but what he excelled at, he mastered. The difficulty in considering his future was how to get past the defensive question. The answer, of course, was as a pure designated hitter for the future- an Edgar Martinez or David Ortiz for the next generation. For a generation of Yankees fans facing the impending retirement of Jorge Posada, the possibility of a new leader behind the plate seemed a nice passing of the torch. But that didn’t appear realistic. Yankees fans heard the votes of confidence from GM Brian Cashman and other front office people, but as much effort was being put into it, the reality became clearer. So, there was a puzzle. Where did he fit in? Where did more defensively skilled catching prospect Austin Romine fit in? What about Russell Martin? And in a couple of years, what’s the solution to Gary Sanchez?

The pieces were being shifted, but there was one missing. Giving up on Jesus Montero meant getting the piece that helped complete the overall team picture. The catching part of the picture suddenly makes more sense.

At the end of the 2012 baseball season, there will be plenty of opinion on whether the sacrifice benefitted the Yankees enough.  And there will be plenty of opinion on Montero’s impact and if he can develop into a good enough catcher.

Montero came with questions in the Yankees system.  He takes all the same ones to Seattle.

There’ll be no ‘Five Questions With…’ this week, but next week a Pirates prospect steps into the spotlight.

The first baseman has begun again in a new organization after being traded by the Red Sox to the Padres, when Hoyer and Epstein were still the Red Sox Assistant GM and GM. Rizzo’s time with the Padres was short-lived, but the Padres are doing plenty right in stocking up on young talent this off-season.

They are intertwined with the Padres and Red Sox in a chip-trading bonanza that has changed each organization in significant ways.

Padres
91 losses – that’s how the Padres ended their 2011 regular season. But they ended the year and began 2012 winning in off-season acquisitions & loading up on top young talent.  That doesn’t mean instant success, but does give them a big jump in the reconstruction of the club.

The Padres parted with RHP Mat Latos, giving the Reds the righty starter they needed, and the Padres acquired two prospects in a four-player package, infielder/outfielder Yonder Alonso and catcher Yasmani Grandal, ranked 3^rd and 4^th in the Reds system by Baseball America.

If projections are correct, Alonso, already an advanced hitter, despite some struggles developing more power should be in the Padres lineup in the next two to three years. He spent 2011 with Triple-A  Louisville hitting .296 with 56 RBI. The Reds called him up in July after he’d made his MLB debut in 2011, getting a September call. The Reds desire to get him to the big leagues and not be blocked by first baseman Joey Votto led to converting him to left field, but that wasn’t a great success. Alonso’s value is in his bat, but the Padres could turn to him to take over first base heading into the future.

Grandal a 23-year old catcher with high upside spent 2011 at three levels, finishing the season with Triple-A Louisville hitting .305 overall.  Grandal dealt with injuries in 2011, including a concussion, both during the regular season and in Arizona Fall League, where he was shut down with an injury to his left middle finger. He’s a shoo-in to start the season at Triple-A and needs to put together consistent solid results.

With Austin Hedges also in the system, the Padres best catching prospect, this gives San Diego a couple of excellent options behind the dish. At nineteen Hedges needs a lot more developing and Grandal provides the club with a more seasoned young catcher to bring up if needed. Cory Spangenberg is ahead of him, but having this much catching in the system is a nice problem to have.

Cubs
While the Padres made various flashy moves, the acquisition of first baseman Anthony Rizzo singular power can’t be overstated.

Rizzo blazed his way through Triple-A pitching in 2011, hitting .331 in 356 at bats and collecting 101 RBI along the way.

The Padres AGAIN acquired a top prospect, with the Cubs giving up a lot AGAIN in singular form – pitching prospect Andrew Cashner couldn’t have been easy to deal. Cashner had shoulder issues last season, but he’s not on the high risk side.  The twenty-five year old has a 4.29 ERA in 60 appearances. If he goes to the bullpen, he adds a bit more depth to an area in need of improvement. Along with Cashner they also traded minor league outfielder Kyung-Min Na.

Rizzo could be a difference maker for a team that seems determined to build a farm system that will produce major league success.

Red Sox
The Red Sox have taken their hits. Looking at what they’ve lost over the past two seasons – Rizzo, as well as pitcher Casey Kelly to (a pattern here) the Padres – you could say that hurt them deeply in the future talent department. But that’s not the case.  In 2010, when the Red Sox gave up Kelly and Rizzo, as well as Reymond Fuentes and Eric Patterson, they got first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, one of the best in the game. They also signed Carl Crawford. Those two moves upgraded their lineup. At the end of 2011, when they fell to pieces in historical fashion, they looked like hard-luck losers in a game of failure.

But they have some excellent talent in the pipeline.  Pitching wise, Anthony Ranaudo is their top righty in the wings. He passed a big part of the test in his professional debut in 2011, pitching 127 innings between two levels (Low and High A), completing the season with a 3.97 ERA and 117 strikeouts. He needs a full season at High-A Salem, or possibly split-time between there and Double-A. But he’s going in the direction the Red Sox need.

Third baseman Will Middlebrooks is the Sox best prospect and proved himself between High-A, Double-A and Triple-A in 2011. The Red Sox will surely start him in Triple-A Pawtucket, where he can get more at-bats, with the majority of them coming at Portland, with 356. In terms of major league readiness he’s close.

Their current rotation- a work in progress- has the ability to succeed with the benefit of good health, a bounce-back performance from Jon Lester, as well as a successful transition of Daniel Bard to starter, to right the ship. Their lineup is a force.

The three teams have made each other interesting now and a few years down the line, when all this acquiring and sacrificing will show who really won the trading game.

Five Questions With Yankees Brad Meyers
The Yankees picked up pitcher Brad Meyers in the Rule 5 Draft, nabbing him from the Nationals. In four years with Washington, the 26-year old pitched at every level, ending 2011 with Triple-A Syracuse going 6-5 in 92 innings, and a 3.48 ERA. The righty agreed to the ‘To The Farm’ five…

Jessica Quiroli: You pitched a lot at the Double-A level the last couple of years, but saw some time in Triple-A last season. What was the biggest difference in facing Double-A and Triple-A hitters?

Brad Meyers:  The biggest difference is that triple A hitters make adjustments pitch to pitch rather than at bat to at bat.  They recognize pitching patterns a lot quicker and will exploit them.  Triple A hitters play more off the weaknesses of a pitcher as opposed to double A hitters who will wait a couple of at bats to get the pitch they are looking for.  Also, triple A was the first time that I had to throw balls intentionally instead of strikes.  I never thought I could throw too many strikes, but there is definitely a balance between walking people and giving up more hits.

 Quiroli:  Is there a pitch you still struggle with that you are continuously trying to improve?

Meyers:  My slider can be inconsistent at times.  I would like to add some depth to it without dropping off too much velocity.

Quiroli:  What did you improve most in 2011?

Meyers: Last year was the biggest jump for me from double A to triple A.  I learned a lot about the type of pitcher that I am, what hitters are trying to do against you in certain counts/situations, and really did a better job at controlling the running game.

Quiroli: Switching gears. Do you have a horse in the football playoffs?

Meyers: I’m not a big football guy, but I do enjoy Sunday fun-day every couple weeks.  I got into a playoff pool and…

Quiroli: A team you’re rooting for to be in the Super Bowl?

Meyers: I have the Saints beating the Pats in the super bowl.  Tough to go against Rodgers, but I’ve liked what I’ve seen from the Saints offense all year.

RHP’s Brad Peacock and A.J. Cole, catcher Derek Norris, and LHP Tom Milone – all top ten ranked in the Nationals system – were traded to Oakland in exchange for starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez.

Most of the focus has been on the considerable loss of Milone and Peacock. Cole has the least amount of minor league service time, and is still extremely young and unproven at 19. But he was a top five prospect in the Nationals system, spending 2011 in Class-A Hagerstown, and finishing with a 4.04 ERA. His journey has just begun and with Oakland, but the fallout can still be felt in Washington. Nationals fans have a heck of a lot to look forward to, with Bryce Harper on the horizon and Stephen Strasburg still waiting to achieve his full potential.

The Nationals get points for fearlessly pursuing the future, by trading guys thought to be a certain part of that future.

Note: The Nationals also received righty pitching prospect Robert Gilliam.

Five Questions With…

Phillies Brian Gump

Brian Gump spent 2011 with the Clearwater Threshers, his second stint with the Phillies Class-A affiliate. The outfielder finished the season hitting .286 in a career high 86 games.

He’s in the spotlight in the first installment of ‘Five Questions With…’

1. This will be your **third year at the pro level. What is your focus, what would you like to improve going into spring training?

I’m always trying to improve on my game across the board, inch by inch. This off season though, I was really focused on gaining strength as opposed to just being in really good shape. On top of that, getting more consistent with a few things in the hitting department that Mizerock and Hendu worked with me on last year. Mainly, finishing lower to stay through the ball/zone longer (which I would go in and out of and saw great results when I was consistent with it which is very promising) and working on shifting my approach to less of an opposite field approach first and more of a go ahead and be aggressive and pull the ball first mindset.

2. You had a strong 2011 at Clearwater. Did you make any adjustments or changes in your approach?

Although not being an everyday player is presents its own set of challenges and difficulties, in my mind that’s a generous assessment of my 2011 season if you’re looking strictly at batting statistics. With that being said, last season I feel like I matured the most as a ball player and as a man than I have in a while. **It was my first real full season because my initial full season I missed a chunk when I broke my arm. I learned a lot both physically and even more so mentally about the day in and day out approach you need to bring to the field and the importance of controlling your thoughts in game and off the field. Your mind can be your best weapon or your worst enemy, especially for a 4th outfielder type like I was last year where your last at bat can simmer in your head for a few days before you get another one. I did a good job at times and other times I admittedly did not do a good job of filtering my thoughts and using it for my benefit. Baseball is a game of failure so controlling your thoughts and attitude in the face of failure is paramount to a professional baseball players success.

Physically, I worked on pulling the ball a bit more (and still am) and felt I was much better about identifying and laying off changeups and other off speed pitches. I was also able to start to pick up on what the battery was trying to do each game to our offense as a whole and to myself personally.

3. Best advice you’ve gotten from someone within the Phillies organization?

That’s a tough one to isolate. As players in the Phillies system, we are pretty damn lucky to have so many high quality instructors around us on a daily basis helping us develop as ball players and men. I’ve received countless bits of wisdom and advice across the board so its tough to really pick one out. I guess the first thing that flashed in my head when I read the question though was from [Chase] Utley. Its strange how sometimes the smallest things resonate in your head. He told us in my first spring when he was talking to the hitters, “you hit a great off speed pitch by hitting the fastball that’s thrown before it”. There is nothing more true in baseball than that.

4. A little fun. What is your favorite baseball movie character and why?

Ah man, its got to be between Crash Davis and Nuke LaLoosh. I love Bull Durham. Both of those characters are classic.

5. And, finally, what’s your favorite winter sport? A team you root for?

Football and then Basketball. I grew up a 49ers fan so this has been a really exciting season for me to see them finally getting back to being an elite team. Basketball wise, again, born and raised a Lakers fan. This year is going to be an interesting one for them after the CP3 fiasco. I’m really bummed to see Odom go like he did, but my man Kobe always has some tricks up his sleeves, and by sleeves I mean legs, even if those legs ARE starting to get older.

METS GCL TEAM FOLDS

The 23-year old Gulf Coast Mets have closed their clubhouse doors after the big club decided to not continue fielding a team in that league. While the move might seem small, there’s no mistaking that the decision is part of the bigger plan. The Mets need to cut costs in order to build a better club and this is a small step in that direction.

The bigger picture also includes an improved farm system, something the Mets are putting their efforts into. Shutting down one of their affiliates might seem counter-productive, but the focus shouldn’t be in question. Guys such as Zack Wheeler,  Matt Harvey, and Jeurys Familia – all RHP’s- are close to major league ready. There’s young pitching at the higher levels waiting to be plucked for a big league debut, and their development, though not without bumps, has gone very well. Wilmer Flores and Reese Havens are still question marks. And the Mets don’t have a young catcher in the wings. But the system is in overhaul.  Cutting the team could prove helpful in reorganizing a slowly improving system. Even more important is a front office that might be willing to spend more in the June Draft.

Consistency – Like their game on the field, this was of the highest importance. Consistent, fairly frequent content…

Content – Sharing updates and engaging with followers is what baseball fans are looking for from their team’s rising stars.

Humor – All the guys chosen get high marks in that area.

Finally, Personable – Sounds silly, but I see plenty of guys completely ignore compliments, recommendations, and questions. That’s not good Twitter etiquette.

These ten players utilize the social media tool to reach baseball fans, relating their unique experiences, and making even more of a name for themselves off the baseball field.

I also decided to include independent baseball players, despite not being affiliated with the major leagues, indy league has become more important to major league teams. And certainly more popular. And had I not allowed them, I would’ve had to omit the number one pick. And that would’ve been impossible.

1. Michael Schlact @michael_schlact Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (Atlantic League)

2. Ryan Westmoreland @RWesty25 Boston Red Sox

3. Deck McGuire @deckmcguire Toronto Blue Jays

4. Jiwan James @jiwan23 Philadelphia Phillies

5. Justin Jackson @JaxChillinONE Toronto Blue Jays

6. Richard Giannotti @JustMeGee Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

7. Brandon Douglas @BrandonDouglas5 Detroit Tigers

8. Ian Kadish @BearJew36 Toronto Blue Jays

9. Zack Wheeler @WheelerPro45 New York Mets

10. Kevin Rath @KRath702 Chicago White Sox

Twitter has been a source of controversy and debate in connection with athletes, but those ten players have successfully reached baseball fans on social media. It’s an interesting concept. Athletes, particularly young ones, are hotly protected by their teams and agents. But there’s a way to be themselves and socialize, as well as increasing their visibility, without embarrassing themselves or those invested in them.

In the future, more minor league players will surely join with the hope of creating a following before they’ve made it to the majors. They can look to these ten to know exactly how it’s done and the value of the experience.

All players were listed with team they were with in 2011. Free agency wasn’t taken into account.

Drew Cumberland – The future is full of possibilities for Cumberland and the Padres needn’t have worried about losing the infielder.

There wasn’t much doubt he’d remain with the team that drafted him in . After a forced early retirement due to a condition that caused concussion symptoms, such as migraines and blurred vision, Cumberland hadn’t played in 2011. He received clearance to continue his career, but the Padres, understandably, left him exposed. There was no reason to assume he’d return.

His minor league career had so far proven him to be a solid defense man and hitter, despite a history of injuries. The Padres will continue to develop the 22-year old, but with a new aspect involved. The question is whether or not he can be an everyday major league player in the future with a condition that could cause a number of issues.

Pat Venditte - A reliever who can pitch lefty or righty, Venditte is a valuable asset in a number of situations. But his Yankees possibilities might not be endless. Rule 5 eligibility was perhaps the best thing for him, but he went unselected. The Yankees aren’t hurting for bullpen arms, but he could be an extra option late in the season. Venditte, who is 26, has proven himself to be tireless and teachable, no matter what happens.

But after two years at Double-A Trenton, an opportunity to face more advanced hitters would be a valuable one.

Brad Meyers – The Yankees selected the RHP from the Nationals, the team that drafted him in 2007. Meyers has consistently achieved, logging an impressive number of innings every season since his debut. He pitched at three levels – -Harrisburg, Auburn, and Syracuse- finishing at Triple-A Syracuse with a 2.43 ERA in nine starts. In an interesting move, the Yankees decided to convert Meyers from a starter to a reliever, deepening their organizational pitching. Meyers has an opportunity to continue the excellent results he posted in 2011. By giving him spot starts and using him in long relief, he learns more about the kind of pitcher he is and whether he’s comfortable in a relief role.

Should he be offered back, no telling whether the Nationals would convert him back.

Jordan Danks – Danks was left exposed, but remains with the White Sox, his exclusion from the 40-man a bit surprising to begin with.  The twenty-five year old is a highly touted outfielder, but more than that, in his second stint with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights he improved in several areas. His total RBI (65) was up from 2011, as were walks (57), but he tends to strike out a lot and he only hit 14 home runs, a very slight improvement from the previous season.

He’s got the potential to develop a bit more power and could certainly be a late-inning replacement

The twenty-eight-year-old is also a successful businessman, with a popular urban clothing line, Bubucheek, that he started with friends.

He spoke with Baseball Digest about the Atlantic League, the importance of his defense, and playing pranks with Michael Schlact.

Jessica Quiroli, Baseball Digest: Since being drafted in 2001, do you think it’s gotten harder for guys to make it to the majors?

Richard Giannotti: Back in 2001, I remember being told the percentages for a high school signee vs. a college signee of making it to the majors and the numbers were astounding.  I’m sure ten years later it has gotten harder due to advanced scouting in foreign countries.

BD.com: Major League teams are increasingly tapping into independent leagues. What has your experience been?

Giannotti: It has been an eye-opening one for sure.  Playing Independent baseball wasn’t the path I saw myself being on in 2004 when I was drafted out of college, but the talent level is extremely competitive.  It is a great opportunity for guys to continue their careers as well as learn from coaches that have had an imprint on the game at the Major League level.  The Atlantic League does a great job of providing the players with a reasonable travel schedule as well as supplying top notch coaching (Butch Hobson, Sparky Lyle, Willie Upshaw and Andy Etchebarren to name a few).  These managers genuinely care about their players and work hard to develop and get them signed back with an affiliated organization.

BD.com: What have you learned in indy ball and what has been the most difficult part?

Giannotti: I have learned a lot about what it takes to keep my body in shape and healthy as well as hone my approach at the plate.  The biggest part of this game is to be discipline and consistent in everything that you do – whether it is hitting, fielding or off the field training.  I feel like the most difficult part of this game is to remain confident in your abilities.  Baseball is a game of failure and learning how to deal with that failure in order to turn it in to a positive is something that is paramount to a player’s development.  I always use the analogy that “If a baseball player (hitter) fails 7 out of 10 times – people revere him because he is a .300 hitter.  But if that same player fails 8 out of 10 times he doesn’t have a job”.  And that’s the main reason why I say learning how to deal with failure is important because there is such a minimal window between success and failure.

BD.com: A little bit about last season. What went well and what do you think you could’ve improved?

Giannotti: I’ll start with the positives because that is what I prefer to focus on.  Defense has always been a strong part of my game and I had a good year defensively.  I believe to become a successful outfielder, you need to have a good game plan on where you’re going to position yourself for each hitter as well as work hard during batting practice to sharpen your reads and jumps on batted balls.  In game adjustments, depending on the pitcher and the way the hitter swings that night, is equally important too.  I would like to say that I was discipline in my approach at the plate this past year, but I still see room for improvement.  As I have gotten older, I’ve noticed a change in my game or what I need to alter to remain successful.  I’m 28 years old now and not what I used to be known as a “burner” on the bases.  Years ago, I was more of a lead-off type hitter that’s job was to get on base, steal, score runs and play great defense.  Now that I’m older and a step slower, getting on base is still important but I don’t steal as much as I used to and have to rely on hitting more doubles and driving in runs now.  This is a perfect example of knowing what you need to do to remain relevant and successful in this game if you want to stick around – and also something the Atlantic League has taught me from playing with Major League veterans like Michael Tucker, John Halama and Ken Harvey.  As for what I could have done better, STAYING HEALTHY has always been my Achilles heel (pun completely intended).  I believe this is important for any player and there is an old baseball cliché that is absolutely true, “You can’t make the club in the tub”, when referring to a player that is always in the ice tub (training room) instead of being on the field getting better.

BD.com: Looking ahead. Would you re-sign with the Blue Crabs in 2012?

Giannotti: I would definitely like to return to the Blue Crabs if I don’t get an opportunity with an affiliated organization.

BD.com: Finally, I’d like to ask you about teammate and Twitter favorite Michael Schlact. What’s it like playing with him? Any memorable story you can share?

Giannotti: Michael Schlact = Calm..Cool..Collected.  On the field, Schlact was playing in his first season since having his shoulder operated on and was extremely impressive as he built his workload up.  As a hitter, I can tell you how deceptive and difficult it is to face a guy his height (6’8”) that throws a hard sinker.  As far as off the field, he has a little prankster side to him which I immediately exploited right away as I’d like to think of myself as the guy that likes to keep everybody loose throughout the season.  Schlact helped me scheme numerous pranks.  Whether it was dressing up somebody’s locker, setting up the new guy with the “devil dance” complements of relief pitcher Bryan Dumesnil (often replicated, never duplicated) or a water bomb via the roof on the dugout – I always got a big laugh out of Michael Schlact.  I still would have to say that my fondest memory with Schlact was when we were having breakfast in York one morning at the restaurant in the hotel and I happened to throw out another one of my “one-liners” and he laugh so hard that he spit his food across the table all over me.

You can follow Richard Giannotti on Twitter @JustMeGee
You can also purchase merchandise at the official Bubucheek website.

His history with the Mets makes him a meaningful candidate for a future big league managerial job, but he’s also clocking plenty of experience in the bus leagues. His familiarity with many of the players gives him a keen understanding of their tendencies and growth. Binghamton finished 2011 with a 65-76 record. Backman has been a consistent part of the organization, beginning his road back with the Class-A (short season) Brooklyn Cyclones in 2010. He led that club to a historical 51-24 finish.

Backman also dealt directly with the difficulty of top prospect Reese Havens development. He’d been forthcoming and encouraging when it came to Havens. While saying last year that Havens will likely always struggle with injuries, he also championed the infielder’s potential. There is also a strong possibility Havens will join his Binghamton manager in Buffalo.

Backman’s loyalty to the Mets was displayed recently, when he rejected an offer to join the Nationals coaching staff. Whatever disappointment Backman harbored being passed up to manage the Mets, he’s clearly staying the course.

If he’s not earned a job with the big club just yet, he’s certainly earned a promotion to the Bisons.

John Gibbons Mission to Accomplish
John Gibbons joins a San Antonio Missions club that won the Texas League in 2011. But the team’s new manager has plenty of developmental league experience to draw from.

The 49-year old spent twelve seasons in the Mets system in several roles. That includes managing four Mets teams to league titles.

Required of Gibbons is to simply continue the crucial development of the Padres best young talent. Last year’s team included terrific performances by Casey Kelly and reliever Juan Oramas. The Padres history at the developmental level is filled with missteps, but through trades they’ve greatly improved. While the team doesn’t have all the pieces they need to be highly competitive at the major league level, they’re putting needed emphasis on developing talent. Kelly is an important part of that. The acquisition of the power pitcher righty was important, but at 22, he may not have all the needed seasoning. He is also not likely to be in Gibbons starting rotation. Kelly has spent the last two seasons at the Double-A level (with the Red Sox and Padres) and despite growing pains, he’s on tap for a promotion. His growth has been considerable from his first year in Double-A , when he often struggled with control.

Gibbons could be seeing the Padres top prospect Rymer Liriano in 2012. The 20-year old outfielder split 2011 between Low-A and Advanced-A, finishing with career high numbers in RBI (68), walks (53), stolen bases (66), and home runs (12).

Arizona Fall League play concluded on Thursday, ending what was a high quality showcase of talent.

Hardest to ignore was nineteen-year old Bryce Harper. Putting the capper on his first pro season, the Nationals top prospect came out swinging a hot bat for most of the schedule. He finished hitting .333 with six home runs in 93 at-bats.

The Nationals plans are still up in the air, but a stint at Triple-A, which he’s yet to experience, would give him more time to improve  defensive weaknesses. Harper’s acclimation to Double-A last season was impressive for several reasons. While he displayed the power that was expected of him, he showed an ability to bounce back from frustrating moments and consistently proved he could handle the burn of the national spotlight on him.

His participation in the Arizona Fall League gave him extra at-bats, allowing him to further prove his readiness to the Nationals brass. All eyes will be on him to have a strong spring, but the Nationals don’t appear to be hasty in putting their star prospect in a major league uniform before they feel he’s absolutely ready. Whether the Nationals are motivated to delay Harper’s arbitration clock remains to be seen. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him get some time in Triple-A, considering how protective the team has been of the teenager. A player that young, and with that much pressure on him, requires a tremendous amount of patience.

Here are a few thoughts on Harper, and other Nationals standouts in the AFL, by Nationals blogger David Huzzard:

On Harper:

“The expectations are so high it is hard to be impressed with a double, RBI single, and a walk, but Harper looks like he has filled out his frame.”

“His defense still needs work as he took a bad route on a fly ball that went just over his outstretched glove for a double, and had communication issues with his centerfielder in a different game. He continues to show great range and has the athletic ability to play outfield but needs to hone his instincts.”

“All the reports on [Matt] Purke were that he had lost velocity on the fastball, but when I saw him he sat around 94-95 and touched 97 once. He had trouble controlling his breaking pitch and was constantly missing low. He did have a good 15 MPH differential between the fastball and change, and he looked composed and confident on the mound and retired all three batters he faced despite control issues.”

On Derek Norris: He continues to show great plate discipline and power and has improved defensively. He did have a defensive miscue in the game I saw him in when he threw a ball into centerfield trying to throw out a base stealer. Other than that he called a good game and had no issue blocking balls in the dirt.

You can follow David at @Evolution33 and read his work by clicking here.

TOP PLAYERS IN AFL: Rangers prospect Mike Olt (Surprise Saguaros) led the the league in RBI (43) and home runs (14). Miguel De Los Santos led in wins (5, the only pitcher to do so) and strikeouts (40).

RULE 5 DEADLINE
The deadline has come and gone for teams to protect their players by adding them to the 40-man roster. One notable Yankees name now eligible to be Rule 5 drafted is switch pitcher Pat Venditte. Venditte pitched 90 innings for Double-A Trenton in 2011 and finished the season with a 3.40 ERA. But he’s up against a lot at this point, and that includes his age. At 26 the reliever has never played above Double-A, after being drafted by the Yankees in 2008.

While his velocity is better on his right side (88-90), his fastball velocity is not a strength and that likely hurt his chances of getting a chance to contribute at the big league level. Still, his curveball is effective on both sides. Teams are always looking for guys to bring up from the farm to add arms to the bullpen late in the season, so his value is there. A break from the Yankees is likely best;  a solid minor league career could increase his chances of getting selected by another team.

In 2010, the Baltimore Orioles decided to move Sean Gleason to the bullpen. He started at Class-A Frederick and finished at Double-A Bowie with an overall 3.02 ERA in 65 innings pitched between there and Frederick.

“You have to be ready in a lot shorter amount of time,” he said Friday before a game with the Mesa Solar Sox. “It took me about a month. It’s all about throwing less pitches.”

Gleason’s participation in Arizona Fall League came after a season split between Frederick and Triple-A Norfolk. He finished the season with Norfolk, putting in 9 appearances with six innings pitched, and finishing with a 4.22 ERA.  He made the jump with a fair amount of ease.

“I gained confidence to compete at the next level. I went there and wasn’t over matched at any point.”

There is a strong possibility he starts 2012 there, and a call to the majors is entirely possible. At twenty-six he’s proved he could pitch effectively at every level. Fall League is set to be followed by a stint in winter ball. While in Arizona has been a place to do a bit more of what he’s focused on. Throwing the change more frequently.

“I’m facing better hitters here and emphasizing throwing that pitch, and different sequences. It’s a great opportunity to do that. The changeup is a big pitch. It’s about throwing it more and more.”

His time with the Orioles has come to what could be a turning point. If he’s not put on the 40-man he’ll be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft in December. Players will not tell you that they’re too worried about those decisions, but if they are, it helps to have a good focus on what they have going for them.

“Number one, I’m healthy. This is a good time for me to make an impression and it’s all been a good learning experience.”

*You can follow Sean on Twitter @s_gleason

“I’m trying to work on some things with my swing, make hard contact, and let what happen, happen,” he said over the weekend.

His first full season at the Double-A level proved successful, and although the numbers  slightly dipped from 2010, he’s produced at every level. He finished 2011 hitting .277, with 58 RBI, and 59 walks. He also hit 38 doubles, a few more than in 2010, between Trenton and Class-A Tampa.

Currently playing for the Phoenix Desert Dogs, Joseph is batting .221 with 10 RBI, and 5 walks in 77 at-bats.

While he’s trying to do some extra work at the plate, the second baseman is also putting in maximum effort to improve at his position.

“Really focusing on defense mainly here. Defense has been the key with me. I will always have to work on that.”

That’s an area the Thunder failed at as a team, setting a franchise-worst record with 158 errors committed. The Thunder were contenders for a playoff spot going into the last few games, but fell short, due in part to poor defense. They also lost some of their best players, including team MVP Ray Kruml, and top Yankees pitching prospects, Dellin Betances and Manuel Banuelos. For his part, Joseph was a mid-season Eastern League All-Star and after getting healthy following wrist surgery in 2010, he feels he stepped up in key areas.

“I think I ran the bases a lot better this year then I did in the years past. Not stealing bases but just knowing the situation ahead of time and being able to react to balls in the gap, tag when I needed to and really try and put pressure on outfielders.”

There are plenty of questions regarding his future with the Yankees. Despite efforts to restructure his contract, Robinson Cano, possibly the best American League hitter in 2010, isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But Joseph has the utmost respect for what the Yankees decisions regarding his career.

“I let them tell me what Ineed to work on. I have faith knowing they know whats best for me as a player. All I want to do is play to my best ability everyday and I feel like they know that and have faith in me that I will play hard.”

Once fall league concludes, he already knows what his game plan is.

“This offseason i am going to devote time to getting stronger, improve defense, and also work a lot of agility/speed stuff to improve on reaction.”

Challenges of Being A Woman In MILB:

I think some people found it easier to brush me off because I am a woman but I continue to try and get my foot in the door with those people and do what I can to extend my network.  I have been fortunate to have great support from the club owners, that has helped me network and deal with any adversity I may have seen.  I grew up with 3 brothers and several close male cousins, I actually prefer working with men.  I think it is a challenge for men to work with woman in my position, I wouldn’t say difficult.  Usually it is a challenge because it is something different for the men because it is something they are not used too. – Liz Kern, General Manager of the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

The most difficult part about working in baseball is the time spent away from your family and friends. As we dedicate ourselves to our teams and our communities it means we can miss out on some aspects of our personal lives. I would say that although baseball requires long work hours, the Reading Phillies are a second family for me, a home away from home. This season was an interesting one for me because I had my first child in May. I am fortunate that my R-Phils family worked even harder, covering for me so that I could have time at home with my son. I know that it will be a challenge for me to continue to balance being a mom while being the Assistant General Manager but it’s one that I look forward to. I feel that my son will be lucky to have the opportunity to grow up with the extended family we have here and that being a mom will make me better at my job. – Ashley Peterson, Vice President of the Reading Phillies

The Value of Women in the Front Office in MILB:

I think it is good to have women working in all levels of the sports industry, it gives younger women people to look up to and contact with questions.  I think baseball is commonly considered a man’s game on and off the field and I think having women in the front office of clubs helps remind everyone it is a sport/career for all. – Liz Kern

I think it’s valuable to have women in front offices to help bring a female perspective to every aspect of the operation. Minor league baseball is known as being affordable, family entertainment and as we aim to increase attendance and bring out more families we need to understand how to get to the decision maker of the household who is often, the woman. – Ashley Peterson

33 years…

What sticks out most for me is the breadth of roles women now hold throughout the industry. Each new generation of women that enters the game has a stronger and deeper foundation upon which to build and ascend. It takes time for that to develop and I am so grateful for the women before me whose perseverance and courage laid the groundwork for all who followed. – Tina Gust, Vice President of MILB

I’m proud of the number of women I see when I attend Baseball functions and the positions that they hold. I remember the first Winter Meetings that I attended, the females stood out because there were so few of us.  Now, during the Winter Meetings there is an annual “Working Women in Baseball” event where females get together for networking and career development. It’s great that there are so many females working hard and sharing their passion for the game and their local communities. My hope is that baseball continues to diversify. Baseball will strengthen by having men and women and hopefully more minorities working together to grow America’s Pastime. – Ashley Peterson

Where We Stand:

It reaffirmed for me the importance of trusting your instincts and understanding what your core objectives and values are – as an individual and an organization. Having that foundation is critical to the decision-making process.  My biggest challenge this year has been figuring out how to get more than 24 hours in day…I’m still working on that one! – Tina Gust

I think it is up to women to continue to pursue opportunities and show a passion for the sport.  The more women that work towards jobs in baseball, the more positions they will occupy and the more clubs will see the value of having women involved.  – Liz Kern

Future of Women in Baseball:

Ultimately it is the good of the individual, some woman prefer working at the minor league level, so it all depends on the goal of the individual.  I think baseball is a sport for all and more and more woman enjoy it and I think as more woman learn and understand the sports industry and see it has a business opportunity as well as a sport, I think more woman will pursue and get opportunities at the MLB level. – Liz Kern

I believe women executives will have a tremendous influence on the future of the sport. We are seeing more and more women progress to advanced executive roles, in all levels of professional baseball, where they make decisions daily that impact the direction of their organization.  In addition to this direct influence, what I get so excited about at the minor league level is the opportunity we have to reach countless young girls in communities large and small throughout the U.S. – not only to help cultivate a love for the sport to grow our fan base, but also to plant the seed of career opportunities within our game.  Girls no longer have to imagine what it would be like to work for or run a baseball team – they have women who are doing it that they can emulate. – Tina Gust

I read recently in an issue of Yankees Magazine devoted to women that “Progress is never complete…” I hope and expect we will continue to see women impact every facet of the game through continued growth and advancement. – Tina Gust

Title photo courtesy of Erika Lynn.

It was a night filled with agony and anticipation mixed with a pulsating sense of dread, fear, and hope. Finally, exhalation, for the Rays and Cardinals. The Red Sox and Braves fell to earth and saw all hope shattered. Rookie Freddie Freeman’s face as he grounded into a double play to end the Braves chances, put the harsh period on what looked like a sure thing. The heartache etched into his young face as he watched the opponent celebrate.

In the mix of all the action young rookies and hopeful prospects such as Freeman were trying to make an impact, rising to the occasion  to show the team what they are capable of. For them it’s one part sports contest, one part audition.

For Yankees pitcher Dellin Betances it was a chance not to help the team clinch a playoffs spot, that was done, but it was to showcase a little bit more of his talent. He allowed one hit and two walks, striking out two Orioles batters. It looked good early for the Yankees and the game appeared to be in cruise-control. But Betances name will now be attached to one of the greatest comebacks in baseball history. The Rays rallied from a seven-run deficit to defeat the Yankees 8-7. Betances did what he needed to do, pitching two innings, allowing a hit and two walks. He also struck out two. Looking ahead to 2012, he can rest assured that he’s passed a very big test. The Rays were simply entering into some sort of unimaginable destiny.

On September 4th Tampa was nine games back in the Wild Card on September 3rd, trailing the confident Red Sox. On September 28th they were down seven runs going into the eighth inning and preceded to win the game 8-7 in the 12th inning. Evan Longoria was the star of the upset, but the bullpen had a one-run lead to protect. Rookie relievers Jake McGee and Brandon Gomes played a big part in the Rays holding on.  Gomes pitched a scoreless 11th and McGee did the same in the 12th when the ball was handed over to closer Kyle Farnsworth. McGee had pitched 33 innings for Triple-A Durham before his call-up in May, finishing with a 2.70 ERA and 38 strikeouts. His Durham teammate Gomes had put in 25 innings for the Bulls with a 1.07 ERA. The Rays called on him in May after sending McGee back to the minors.

The Yankees pen also brought out a few young arms including George Kontos, possibly the Yankees most major league ready reliever, and Andrew Brackman pitched in the loss. Kontos pitched 2/3 an inning allowing no runs and no hits. Brackman also pitched in short-relief , also scoreless in his 1/3 of an inning of work.  The Phillies were also not in a do-or-die situation, nothing more than winning a ballgame and setting a franchise record with 102 wins, they too put some of their young pitchers in the spotlight. Justin De Fratus picked up his first major league win when he pitched a scoreless 12th. Michael Schwimmer pitched two innings of one-hit baseball.  De Fratus made his major league debut on the day the Phillies clinched the National League East, add the 28th, a second non-pressure situation to his major league resume. Not a bad way to begin. Career milestones and Phillies milestones seem to go hand in hand for him.

The Phillies National League rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, called Allen Craig up in June from Triple-A Memphis with 42 at-bats under his belt between there and Double-A Springfield.  Playing the role of spoiler, the Houston Astros could do nothing with Chris Carpenter whose glittering start included eleven strikeouts. Craig went 2-5 with a home run in the Cardinals 8-0 victory. It was a comeback no one believed would happen. The Braves were in control with an 8 1/2 game lead for the wild card.

As the Cardinals fought their way back, Braves closer Craig Kimbrel was closing in on a most unfair destiny. Will people remember that the 23-year old rookie set a major league record with 54 saves in 79 appearances? Hopefully, but add him to the Braves disastrous ending. September was his undoing. He blew three saves in eight opportunities. Let it also be remembered that the Braves were not hitting and the Braves pen was worn out. It was a nothing game to the Phillies. Not a game they needed anyway. The Braves season ended in a 4-3 loss to their long-ago longtime rival.

Ryan Lavarnway was behind the plate for the Red Sox when Robert Andino hit the game-winning single that gave the Orioles, a team with nothing but pride to play for, the 4-3 victory. Lavarnway’s was another face in a crop of prospects that experienced that historic day in baseball. All Lavarnway can do is look forward to his bright future. One that all who watched that brilliant night of baseball got a good look at.

“Never in the history of Minor League baseball has there been a healthcare initiative of this magnitude,” said Randall, host of Remember When on SIRIUS-XM’ MLB talk channel 89 and Ed Randall’s Talking Baseball on WFAN-AM in New York.  “I want to thank Walgreens and Minor League Baseball for allowing us to educate men about the benefits of early detection for a very treatable form of cancer.  As a survivor myself, I am honored to play a role in educating an under-served constituency from coast-to-coast.”

In 2011, 175 teams hosted Prostate Cancer Education nights at their ballparks, an increase from 137 in 2010.  MiLB’s total attendance for the 2011 season was 41,228,029.  Among the stops of the Bat For The Cure Tour were the top five ball clubs in average attendance: Lehigh Valley, Louisville, Columbus, Round Rock and Sacramento.

“All men over the age of 30 received a palm card detailing information about prostate cancer and urging them to get a simple PSA blood test to save their lives,” said Bat for the Cure CEO and founder, Ed Randall, a prostate cancer survivor.  “In the time it takes to play a baseball game, 72 men across this country will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. More than 230,000 will be diagnosed this year, yet there is a 96-to-97% cure rate if prostate cancer is detected early. I’m one of those lucky guys.”

Prostate Cancer Facts

• Every man over age 40 should have a conversation with his primary care physician about his personal risk for prostate cancer; almost every male is at some degree of risk for prostate cancer.
• One in every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in his lifetime.
• Prostate cancer has a 96-97% cure rate… if it is caught early.
• A man is 33% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than a woman is breast cancer
• Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men.
• African-American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than Caucasians. Rates of prostate cancer are 60 percent higher among African-American men.
• Men with a father or brother who has had prostate cancer have more than twice the risk of being diagnosed themselves.
• Regular physical exams of the prostate and PSA blood tests are recommended.
• Age is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. The chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. Almost 2 out of 3 prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65.
• Famous prostate cancer survivors include: Rudy Giuliani, former NYC Mayor; Bob Dole, U.S. Senator; Robert DeNiro, Oscar-winning actor; Harry Belafonte, singer.

Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure is a 501 c(3) charity and an Official Charitable Partner of Minor League Baseball.

“My first day in the major leagues we clinch the NL East,” said De Fratus on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park. ” I mean, you can’t ask for a better first day to go. I mean, some people play their whole careers and never see the post-season.”

His debut was in front of family that came to witness the exciting moment. He allowed no runs, no hits and one walk. Five pitches was all he needed. There was also that foul ball that landed in the stands, right in his brother Chris’s hands courtesy of the Cardinals John Jay. The Phillies needed more help out of the bullpen heading toward a playoffs berth and De Fratus was in Triple-A, pitching for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. He finished his time there with a 3.73 ERA in 41 innings of work. He began the season with Double-A Reading going 4-0 with a 2.10 ERA before his promotion.

It was a strange time to enter the Phillies picture. The division celebration, though exciting, was not necessarily his to celebrate. His excitement about arrival was tempered by respect for the job he was there to do. And the job the Phillies had already done.

“Obviously, I know, I didn’t spend any time here. It was still cool to be part of it. I kind of just stayed in the back and just understood this wasn’t my team. I wasn’t part of it and go through the struggles they did or even experience the great time. It was still great to have guys dump champagne on you.”

Triple-A hadn’t been easy for him. He got hit hard as he tried to acclimate to the smarter, more polished hitters at that level. “My first two weeks, and even the first month and a half at Triple-A I got destroyed.” He was able to fall apart and put the pieces back together before the big club called on his services. It was the right place to safely pitch through a rough patch.

“There were certain things I needed to understand. I wasn’t going to get by on stuff anymore. I had to learn how to pitch. Triple-A was great to learn that. If I had struggled here, the fans would’ve roasted me. So it’s good I had time to do that. There were times in Lehigh where some of the fans wanted to kill me. But I’d rather deal with that in front of 10,000 people rather than 40,000.”

Phillies fans are infamous for all the wrong reasons, but they are stuffed with success over five years, bloated with long-awaited satisfaction. De Fratus joins a team widely regarded as the best in the Phillies storied history. Fans are experiencing a Phillies era that has produced not only tremendous farm-grown talent, but, via trade with some of that fine talent, some of the top pitchers in baseball. De Fratus knows many of those gentlemen well and it has only added to the positive experience.

“The comforting part is that I played with a bunch of these guys in spring training. So I got to know them a little bit. It wasn’t like when I went to Triple-A [Lehigh Valley] from Double-A [Reading]. I was actually more nervous going to Triple-A, because I didn’t know any of the guys. Here, at least I had spent a month and a half with these guys. There was already a comfort level with these guys.”

Comfort on the mound has been fairly easy to achieve. The numbers reflect his ease, but he had his rough moment. Two days after his debut he had a shaky outing against the Washington Nationals, allowing two runs, one earned, and a walk over two innings.

“I think the first problem with adjusting that I’ve had was the other night. I went out after throwing well the first two times and I might have gotten a little cocky and tried too hard. I tried to do a little too much and it hurt me. I dealt with nerves the first time and even a little bit the second time.”

But, he goes on to say, “The transition has been nothing but fun.”

That transition was made easier by his highly supportive family. The whirlwind actually didn’t slow down until, he says, he was on his own.

“I haven’t had time to slow down. They all went home. It’s great having them here, but now is the time when it’s really going to sink in.”

The years he’s descended through the Phillies system have been valuable. Each step for the 23-year old has given him a chance to learn something new. Triple-A time is not always a stop on the ladder to the majors, but for many, it’s hugely beneficial.

“As a young mindset, if you’re told, ‘hey, you’re going to go to every level and spend this amount of time at this level,’ you’re going to get frustrated. And obviously at the time you’re just thinking you want to be in the major leagues, but now that I look at it, I needed it. Had I gone straight from Double-A to here, I would’ve got rocked.”

De Fratus goes forward now with the Eastern League champion Phillies, a team that becomes more his a little bit more each time he takes the mound. But he humbly admits there could be much more to learn in the bus leagues.

“If I have to go back to Triple-A next year and work out some more kinks, then so be it. At least now I’ll be mature enough to understand that’s why I’m there.”

Austin Romine – New York Yankees – The common belief was that Austin Romine should be out of Double-A where he’d spent 2010 and 2011. But Jesus Montero was blocking him at Triple-A Scranton. Montero got an anticipated call to the Bronx. Romine got an unanticipated call to the Bronx. After finally getting a promotion to Scranton on the final day of the Trenton Thunder’s home schedule, the reaction was that at least he’d get some Triple-A at-bats. But September 12th. he arrived at Yankee Stadium and made his major league debut. His first experience in Yankees pinstripes was catching Mariano Rivera’s 599th save. Romine isn’t the exciting bat that Montero is. What he has is a toolbox of skills that he has quietly developed over the past two seasons at Trenton. Those skills need even more polishing, and by getting behind the plate in the playoffs, he would get to improve upon an already excellent ability at his position. He gives the Yankees options. And he gets to show the Yankees (and fans) why he should be the catcher of the future.

Justin De Fratus- Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies bullpen is a weakness on a team that is being called the best in franchise history. Post-season baseball requires the services of the bullpen more than any other time of the season. Justin De Fratus arm could be immensely helpful to a pen that, like any, is feeling the wear and tear of the season. De Fratus split his time between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, finishing with a 2.99 ERA in 75 innings pitched.

Leonys Martin – Texas Rangers – His inspiring story has made the rounds and made his debut all the more special among this pack. Martin defected from Cuba and began the pursuit of his baseball dream. The twenty-three year old fully earned his call-up, hitting .348 at the time for Double-A Frisco. The outfielder is getting his opportunity due to Nelson Cruz going on the DL, but it would be a shock not to see him remain on the roster for post-season play.

Jacob Turner – Detroit Tigers – The Tigers 2009 first round pick has certainly made a fast trip to the majors. And he’s put a heck of a lot of work in during a short period. His first professional season in 2010 ended with a 3.28 ERA in 115 innings combined for Class-A West Michigan and Advanced-A Lakeland. He began 2011 at Double-A Erie, but ended it at Triple-A Toledo. Turner threw 131 innings, struck out a career-high 110 batters, and posted a 3.44 ERA. The Tigers plans appear to include him in the post-season, despite a rough start to begin his major league career. Turner has 9 innings under his belt, with a 7.45 ERA in two games. After all he’s accomplished so far, there’s no reason to count him out.