Thursday, December 8, 2011

Diamondbacks take Brett Lorin in Rule 5 Draft



Another year, another Marauder chosen in the Rule 5 Draft.

This time, it was pitcher Brett Lorin, who was picked by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday.

The Kansas City Royals chose Nathan Adcock during last year's draft, and the pitcher wound up becoming the first Marauder to reach the majors.

Lorin, 24, spent all of last season in Bradenton, and went 7-6 with a 2.84 ERA in 25 games and 17 starts. He walked just 19 in 117 1/3 innings and limited opponents to a .230 average en route to making the Florida State League's South Division All-Star team.

The Pirates acquired Lorin, along with Adcock, Jeff Clement and Aaron Pribanic, in a 2009 trade that sent Jack Wilson and Ian Snell to Seattle.

The Mariners drafted Lorin, who attended Long Beach State, in the fifth round of the '08 draft. He is 18-16 with a 3.03 ERA in 76 professional appearances.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The Marauders' mission - beat Zack Wheeler

(minorleaguebaseball.com)

Standing between the Bradenton Marauders and elimination is one of the best prospects in baseball and the centerpiece to one of this season's biggest trades.

Zack Wheeler goes for the St. Lucie Mets in Game 2 of tonight's South Division Championship Series at Digital Domain Park. The Mets beat the Marauders 4-2 on Tuesday in Game 1 and lead the best-of-three series 1-0.

Wheeler, 21, was the San Francisco Giants' first pick in 2009. Ranked the 55th-best prospect by Baseball America, Wheeler was dealt to the New York Mets at the trade deadline in exchange for outfielder Carlos Beltran.

Wheeler went 2-2 in six starts with St. Lucie but recorded a 2.00 ERA, allowing six earned runs and striking out 31 in 27 innings and walking five. He was 1-0 with a 0.90 ERA in two starts this year against the Marauders.

Prior to the trade, Wheeler went 7-5 with a 3.99 ERA with the Giants' high Single-A affiliate in San Jose.

"The advantage he has is his overall stuff," Mets manager Pedro Lopez told tcpalm.com. "Whenever you have a guy with that kind of repertoire, it'll make it difficult for any club."

The Marauders will counter with Brett Lorin, who went 7-6 with a 2.84 ERA en route to making the FSL South's All-Star team.

First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

M's lose 4-2



The Marauders lost 4-2 in Game 1 of the South Division Championship Series at McKechnie Field.

They need to Game 2 Wednesday in Port St. Lucie,to stay alive and force Game 3, which would be played Thursday back in Port St. Lucie's Digital Domain Park.

Game 2 starts at 6:30 p.m.

M's trail 4-2, down to their final three outs

The Bradenton Marauders are down to their final three outs in Game 1 of the South Division Championship Series.
Jose Coronado ripped a two-out, two-run double to deep center off reliever Diego Moreno to give the St. Lucie Mets a 4-2 lead in the top of the ninth inning.
The Marauders initially caught a break earlier in the inning when Francisco Pena ripped a line drive down the left-field line that easily would have scored Jefry Marte from first. But the ball rolled into the Mets' bullpen and was ruled a ground-rule double, forcing Marte to stop at third.
But Coronado's double made it moot.
The Marauders will send up Elevys Gonzalez, Evan Chambers and Cole White in the bottom of the ninth against Mets reliever Jeff Kaplan, who had 12 saves this season.

All tied up, Foster in from the 'pen



The St. Lucie Mets have drawn even with the Bradenton Marauders, and needed just one hit to do so.

The Mets tied the score at 2-2 in the seventh, a rally that began when Cesar Puello was hit by pitched. He went to third on a soft single by Cory Vaughn and wound up scoring when Francisco bounced into a 4-6-3 double play.

But Jose Coronado singled, chasing Marauder starter Brandon Cumptom. The right went 6 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, and striking out seven and walking one.

Cumpton gave way to Zachary Foster, who needed just one pitch to retire Pedro Zapata on a fielder's choice.

It's 2-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh.

Mets make a dent, trail 2-1



The St. Lucie Mets are showing some life in Game 1 of the South Division Championship Series, and now trail 2-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth.

Wilmer Flores dumped a two-out double off the glove of a sliding Evan Chambers in center. Stefan Welch, above, followed a run-scoring single to right. But Marauders' starter Brandon Cumpton quelled the rally by retiring Jefry Marte on a grounder to first.

Marauders give Cumpton more support, lead 2-0

(photo by Paul Videla)

The Bradenton Marauders have given pitcher Brandon Cumpton more room to work during the fifth inning of their South Division Championship Series opener with the St. Lucie Mets.

Ramon Cabrera grounded a two-out single to right in he fifth, scoring Bengie Gonzalez and giving the Marauders a 2-0 lead.

Gonzalez started the rally with a one-out hit and moved to third on Adalberto Santos' third hit of the night. Cabrera, who drove in the game's first run with a first-inning sacrifice fly, followed.

Cumpton escapes, preserves M's 1-0 lead



The Marauders lead the Mets 1-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning thanks to starter Brandon Cumpton, who pitched into and out of his first jam of the night in the top of the fifth.

Jefry Marte led off the inning with a single and stole second before Cumpton struck out Cesar Puello. An infield single by Cory Vaughn put runners on the corners, but Cumpton responded by striking out Francisco Pena and Jose Coronado.

Cumpton has allowed three hits, two of which have not left the infield, and struck out six through five innings. He has walked one.

Cumpton cruising, Marauders winning



The Marauders lead the St. Lucie Mets 1-0 heading into the bottom of the third inning in Game 1 of the South Division Championship Series.

Robbie Grossman led off the first with a walk, went to third on a double by Adalberto Santos and scored on a sacrifice fly from Ramon Cabrera, the FSL batting champion.

After allowing an infield single to Pedro Zapata leading off the game, Marauders' pitcher Brandon Cumpton has retired eight straight, striking out three.

Playoff baseball: Lineups



It's Game 1 of the South Division Championship Series at McKechnie Field, where the Marauders are set to host the St. Lucie Mets.

Here are the lineups:


METS

Pedro Zapata, dh

Gilbert Gomez, lf

Wilmer Flores, ss

Stefan Welch, 1b

Jefry Marte, 3b

Cesar Puello, cf

Cory Vaughn, rf

Francisco Pena, c

Jose Coronado, 2b

Darin Gorski, p


MARAUDERS

Robbie Grossman, rf

Adalberto Santos, lf

Ramon Cabrera, c

Calvin Anderson, dh

Elevys Gonzalez, 3b

Evan Chambers, cf

Cole White, 1b

Kelson Brown, 2b

Bengie Gonzalez, ss

Brandon Cumpton, p

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Former Marauders win awards in Altoona



The Double-A Altoona Curve announced their season-ending awards Sunday, and all of the winners are former Marauders.

Awards are listed below:

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Starling Marte

PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Kyle McPherson

FIREMAN OF THE YEAR: Bryan Morris

IRON MAN: Brock Holt

UNSUNG HERO: Mike Colla

PIRATES COMMUNITY COMMITMENT AWARD: Aaron Pribanic

Former Marauder Marte named Eastern League Rookie of the Year

(minorleaguebaseball.com) Starling Marte's sterling season at Double-A Altoona did not go unnoticed.
Marte, 22, has been named the Eastern League's Rookie of the Year, making him the first Curve to win the award.
Marte led the league in hitting (.332), hits (177) and tied the for the lead in doubles (38). He was second in runs (90) and total bases (267) while hitting 12 home runs, driving in 50, stealing 24 bases and slugging .501.
Marte batted .315 in 60 games last season with Bradenton. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an undrafted free agent in 2007.


Tuesday, August 30, 2011

A Florida State League playoff primer

The Bradenton Marauders are headed back to the Florida State League playoffs, clinching the South Division title Tuesday with a 6-3 win over Palm Beach.
Here is a quick look at what to expect when the postseason begins next week.

THE OPPONENT: The Marauders face the St. Lucie Mets, who won the South Division during the first half, in the best-of-3 South Division Championship Series.
THE DATE: Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday 7 p.m. at McKechnie Field. Game 2 and, if necessary, Game 3, will be played in Port St. Lucie.
LAST YEAR: The Marauders fell to the Charlotte Stone Crabs in the Division Series. Bradenton took Game 1 at McKechnie Field before the Stone Crabs won Games 2 and 3 when the series shifted back to Charlotte Sports Park. Charlotte lost to the Tampa Yankees in the championship series.
TO THE WINNER...: The South Division champion advances to the play the champion from the North in a best-of-5 League Championship Series.
THE NORTH: The Daytona Cubs won the North Division during the first half and doesn't yet know their postseason opponent. The Dunedin Blue Jays are currently in first place, but are just 1 game up on the Clearwater Threshers and 1 1/2 up on the Tampa Yankees heading into the final week of the regular season.
THE PAST: Tampa has won the last two Florida State League championships, while Daytona won in 2008 and Clearwater took the crown in '07. The last South Division team to win the FSL title was St. Lucie, which swept Dunedin in '06.


Monday, August 29, 2011

Marauders up big, Cardinals lose



Good news, Marauders fans: the Marauders lead the St. Lucie Mets 11-3 in the eighth inning here at steamy McKechnie Field.

Better news, Marauders fans: the Palm Beach Cardinals lost 3-0 to Jupiter, which means barring a big collapse, the Marauders can clinch the South Division with a win Tuesday night in Palm Beach.



Gonzalez, Grossman make FSL Postseason All-Star Team



Third baseman Elevys Gonzalez and outfielder Robbie Grossman have been selected to the Florida State League's Postseason All-Star Team, which was announced Monday.

Grossman is batting .297 with 13 home runs, 54 RBIs and 140 hits, including 32 doubles. Grossman has scored 123 runs and drawn 104 walks, making him the first minor-league since Nick Swisher (2004) to score 100 runs and walk 100 times in the same season. Grossman leads the league in runs, walks and on-base percentage (.424).

Gonzalez is hitting .318 with 79 RBIs in 120 games for Bradenton. He also has 32 doubles and six triples, and is slugging .455.

The Marauders are 38-23 and 3 1/2 games up on second-place Palm Beach in the FSL South Divsion. Their magic number to clinch a second straight South Division title is 4.

The Marauders host St. Lucie, which won the division during the first half, 7 p.m. tonight for Budweiser Buy Out Night.

Tickets are compliments of Budweiser and can be picked up at the McKechnie Field box office.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Getting to know Victor Black...



Victor Black, a reliever from the Pirates' low Single-A team in West Virginia, has been optioned to Bradenton. He will take the place of reliever Duke Welker, who was promoted to Double-A Altoona early Saturday.

Black, 23, hails from Amarillo, Tex. He was a 41st-round pick of the New York Mets in 2006 but did not sign. He attended Dallas Baptist University before the Pirates took him in the compensation round of the 2009 draft with their 49th overall pick.

Black went 1-2 with a 3.33 ERA in 13 games, seven starts, with the Pirates' short-season New York-Penn League in State College, Pa., in 2009, before injuries limited him to just two starts in 2010.

He has spent all of this season coming out of the bullpen for the Power, appearing in 22 games, and is 2-1 with a 5.28 ERA and one save. He has struck out 23 and walked 16 while allowing 30 hits 29 innings.

Welker, 25, went 3-5 with a 2.25 ERA in 36 relief apperances with the Marauders. He struck out 41 and walked 25 in 56 innings while allowing just 33 hits.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Jeff Locke promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis

(minorleaguebaseball.com)

Jeff Locke, a former Bradenton Marauder, has been promoted to the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate in Indianpolis, according to MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch.

Locke, a pitcher, is 7-8 with a 4.03 ERA in 23 games (22 starts) with Pittsburgh's Double-A team in Altoona, Pa. Locke went 9-3 with a 3.54 with the high Single-A Marauders last summer before he was promoted to Double-A.

A second-round pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2006, Locke was dealt to Pittsburgh in '09 as part of the trade that sent outfielder Nate McLouth to the Braves.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Robbie Grossman's MVP campaign gets a Facebook page

(photo by Tiffany Tompkins-Condie)

The Bradenton Marauders have created a Facebook page pushing for outfielder Robbie Grossman to be named Most Valuable Player of the Florida State League.

The page includes pictures of Grossman, along with a biography, his current stats and links to stories about him.

Grossman entered Tuesday leading the league in runs (104) and walks (94), and is second in on-base percentage (.422). He is tied for sixth in the league in hits (118) and tied for fifth in doubles (26), and it may help his cause that the Marauders began play Tuesday with a three-game lead in the FSL's South Division.

Grossman's season could be a historic one - he needs six walks to become the first minor-leaguer since Nick Swisher (2004) to score 100 runs and draw 100 walks in a single season.

Grossman, who turns 22 in September, was a sixth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2008.

The FSL MVP award is voted on by the league's managers, broadcasters and official scorers.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Wrapping it up: Marauders 4, Hammerheads 1.



THE STORY: Nathan Baker (above) allowed one run on two hits in 6 2/3 innings, and Ramon Cabrera and Carlos Paulino homered as the Marauders beat the Jupiter Hammerheads for their franchise-best ninth-straight win in front of 5,256 fans at McKechnie Field.

It was floridacentral Credit Union Complementary Ticket Night.

David Rubinstein drove in a run and Adalberto Santos had three hits for the Marauders.

Zach Foster, Diego Moreno and Duke Welker teamed for 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, with Welker pitching a perfect ninth for his sixth save, tying Ryan Beckman for the team lead.


THE STAR OF THE GAME: Baker. He struck out six and walked two, upping his record to 7-7 and lowering his ERA to 3.77. Baker shares the team lead in wins with Brett Lorin.


THE RECORD: The Marauders are 28-16 in the second half and 58-56 overall.

Nine outs from ninth-straight win...



The Bradenton Marauders lead the Jupiter Hammerheads 3-0 after six innings in front of a large at floridacentral Credit Union Complementary Ticket Night at McKechnie Field.

The Marauders struck first in the fourth, taking a 1-0 lead when Adalberto Santos scored on David Rubinstein's fielder's choice.

An inning later, a fly ball off the bat of Ramon Cabrera bounced off the fence in right field and ricocheted off the Bradenton sign for a two-run home run.

Pitcher Nate Baker has made it stand up, limiting to Hammerheads to one hit while striking out six.

Lineups: Hammerheads vs. Marauders



The Marauders are looking for a franchise-best ninth straight win tonight at McKechnie Field. Tickets are complements of the floridacentral Credit Union, so a big crowd is expected.

Here are the lineups:


Hammerheads

Alfredo Lopez, 3b

Chase Austin, lf

Danny Pertusati, cf

Kyle Jensen, rf

J.L. Ortiz, 1b

Taylor Krick, c

Dallas Poulk, 2b

Gregg Glime, dh

Jose Torres, ss

Matt Montgomery, p


Marauders

Robbie Grossman, rf

Chase d'Arnaud ss

Ramon Cabrera, dh

Evan Chambers, cf

Elevys Gonzalez, 3b

Carlos Paulino, c

Adalberto Santos, 2b

Cole White, 1b

David Rubinstein, lf

Nathan Baker, p


Elevys Gonzalez named FSL Player of the Week

(www.bradentonmarauders.com)

Marauders third baseman Elevys Gonzalez has been named the Florida State League's Player of the Week for the week ending Aug. 7th.

Gonzalez went 12-for-20 (.600) during that stretch with two home runs, eight RBI and a pair of four-hit games.

Gonzalez, 21, is batting .314 in 102 games with the Marauders, with 68 RBI. He is second in the FSL with 30 doubles.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Series preview: Hammerheads at Marauders



The surging Marauders, winners of six straight, begin a three-game series 7 p.m. tonight against the Jupiter Hammerheads at McKechnie Field. Bradenton has won 35 home games this season, second in the Florida State League to Daytona (36).

Here is a quick glance at the series with Jupiter.


JUPITER HAMMERHEADS, SOUTH DIVISION

Record: 17-24, fifth place, 8 GB; 49-62 overall.

Last 10: 4-6.

Players to watch: OF Kyle Jensen (.315 batting average, 21 HR, 64 RBI, 202 total bases); SS Jeff Dominguez (103 hits, 22 stolen bases); closer Alejandro Ramos (20 saves, 2.06 ERA, 54 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings).


BRADENTON MARAUDERS, SOUTH DIVISION

Record: 25-16, first place, 2 games up; 55-56 overall.

Last 10: 7-3.

Players to watch: OF Evan Chambers (83 hits, 44 RBI, 17 stolen bases); OF Robbie Grossman (.425 on-base percentage, 114 hits, 103 runs, 23 stolen bases); P Brett Lorin (7-5, 2.59 ERA, 88 strikeouts, 16 walks in 97 1/3 innings).

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Wrapping it up: Marauders 5, Miracle 4



THE STORY: Elevys Gonzalez's run-scoring single with one out in the eighth proved to be the difference as the Marauders beat Fort Myers 5-4 on Wednesday at McKechnie Field. Coupled with Charlotte's loss to Palm Beach, the Marauders (23-16 in the second half) move into sole possession of first place in the Florida State League's South Division.

Carlos Paulino and Adalberto Santos homered for the Marauders, and Tyler Waldron pitched two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win.

Duke Welker pitched a perfect ninth to record his fourth save.


THE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Santos (above). His home run in the sixth tied the score at 4, and he also singled and scored during the Marauders' two-run first inning.


THE RECORD: The Marauders are 23-16 in the second half and 53-56 overall.

4-4, top 7



It's hot and humid here at McKechnie Field, and the wind is blowing out.

Consequently, the Marauders and Miracle have teamed for four home runs, and the score is 4-4 after six innings.

The Marauders struck first in the first when Ramon Cabrera's groundout scored Robbie Grossman, and an Evan Chambers' sacrifice fly plated Adalberto Santos.

Fort Myers, however, tied the score in the second on a home run by Josmil Pinto.

Bradenton reclaimed the lead in fourth on Carlos Paulino's home run - only to see the Miracle reclaim the lead in the fifth thanks to another two-run homer, this one off the bat of Angel Morales.

But Santos squared things in the sixth with a home run of his own.

Lineups: Marauders vs. Miracle

This is John Lembo, coming to live from McKechnie Field where the Marauders, tied for first in the Florida State League's South Division, host the Fort Myers Miracle. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Here are the lineups:

MIRACLE
Angel Morales, lf
James Beresford, ss
Aaron Hicks, cf
Oswaldo Arcia, rf
Dan Rohlfing, 1b
Josmil Pinto, c
Nick Romero, 3b
Danny Rams, dh
Estarlin De Los Santos, 2b
Pat Dean, p

MARAUDERS
Robbie Grossman, rf
Adalberto Santos, lf
Ramon Cabrera, c
Evan Chambers, cf
Elevys Gonzalez, 3b
Carlos Paulino, dh
Kelson Brown, 2b
Cole White, 1b
Bengie Gonzalez, ss
Nathan Baker, p

Fryer sent down; Baker a hit in Keys' debut



The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that catcher and former Marauder Eric Fryer has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis to make room for Ryan Doumit, who was reinstated from the disabled list.

Fryer was the first Marauder to make the Pirates roster and batted .269 in 10 games with Pittsburgh.

Speaking of former Marauders, first baseman Aaron Baker made a splash Tuesday during his first game as a Frederick Key. Baker went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs in leading the Keys to a 7-4 win over Lynchburg, helping Frederick (25-12) maintain its four-game lead in the Carolina League's Northern Division.

The Keys are a Single-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Baker was dealt to Baltimore last Saturday in exchange for first baseman Derrek Lee.

As for the current crop of Marauders, they host the Fort Myers Miracle 7 p.m. tonight at McKechnie Field.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Series preview: Miracle at Marauders

The Marauders return to McKechnie Field on Wednesday to open a three-game series with the Fort Myers Miracle at 7 p.m. It also marks Bradenton's first game against a Florida State League South Division foe since a July 7 game against Palm Beach.
Here is a closer look at the series with Fort Myers:

FORT MYERS MIRACLE, SOUTH DIVISION
RECORD: 15-23, sixth place, 7 GB; 49-59 overall.
LAST 10: 1-9
PLAYERS TO WATCH: 2B James Beresford (102 hits, hitting .366 over last 10 games); DH Anderson Hidalgo (.283 batting average, .405 slugging percentage); P Logan Darnell (8-2, 3.39 ERA).

BRADENTON MARAUDERS, SOUTH DIVISION
RECORD: 22-16, tied for first place, 0 GB; 52-56 overall.
LAST 10: 6-4
PLAYERS TO WATCH: OF Robbie Grossman (.290 batting average, 23 steals, 101 runs, 94 walks, looking to become first minor-leaguer since Nick Swisher in '04 to have 100 runs and 100 walks in the same season;) 3B Elevys Gonzalez (103 hits, .298 batting average); P Duke Welker (2.39 ERA, .194 opponents' batting average in 32 relief appearances).

Monday, August 1, 2011

Cole White takes Baker's place on roster

(minorleaguebaseball.com)

The Marauders announced Monday that first baseman/outfielder Cole White will take Aaron Baker's spot on the roster.

White, 26, began the year in Bradenton before being sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates' low Single-A affiliate in West Virginia. He batted .288 with five home runs and 23 RBIs in 35 games with the Power, and .206 in 19 games with the Marauders.

He was a 42-round pick by the Pirates in 2008.

Baker, a first baseman, was dealt to the Baltimore Orioles late Saturday night in exchange for Derrek Lee. Baker will report to the Orioles' Single-A affiliate in Frederick, Md.

The Marauders are 22-16 and in first place in the Florida State League's South Division, a half-game up on Charlotte. They finish their series tonight in Brevard County against the Manatees, are off Tuesday and and return to McKechnie Field on Wednesday to host the Fort Myers Miracle.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Aaron Baker reportedly traded to Orioles



Marauders first baseman Aaron Baker appears to be on the move.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded Baker, first baseman for high Single-A Bradenton, to the Balitmore Orioles in exchange for first baseman Derrek Lee, according to the Baltimore Sun's Dan Connolly.

Baker, who turns 24 in September, was the Pirates' 11th-round pick in 2009. He was hitting .282 with 15 home runs and 73 RBIs in 103 games with the Marauders, and ranks third in the Florida State League in RBIs and is tied for fourth in home runs.

Baker was named the MVP of the Florida State League All-Star Game.

Though the Orioles do not have a FSL team, Baker probably hasn't played his last game at McKechnie Field - the Orioles spend their springs in nearby Sarasota, and play the Pirates frequently during the Grapefruit League season.

Lee, 35, is hitting .248 with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs for the Pirates. He has 324 career home runs and won a World Series ring with Florida Marlins in 2003.

Friday, July 29, 2011

A day after beating Marauders, two Threshers dealt to Houston

Thursday, Jarred Cosart threw seven shutout innings at The Bradenton Marauders.
Friday, he was part of a package that helped bring Houston's Hunter Pence to the Philadelphia Phillies, the parent club of the high Single-A Clearwater Threshers.
The Threshers beat Bradenton 3-1 Thursday, when Cosart allowed no runs on six hits in seven innings.
He beat the Marauders twice this season, not allowing a run in 14 innings against them.
Considered one of the Phillies' best prospects, Cosart, 21, is 9-8 with a 3.82 ERA.
Joining him will be Threshers' first baseman Jonathan Singleton. Just 19, Singleton is batting .282 with nine home runs and 47 RBIs for Clearwater - though his future with Philadelphia was murky considering Ryan Howard, the team's All-Star first baseman, is just 31.
The Astros will also receive another player to be named later from Clearwater, along with pitcher Josh Zeid, according to ESPN.com. Zeid is 2-3 with a 5.65 with the Phillies' Double-A team in Reading, Pa.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Wrapping it up: Threshers 3, Marauders 1

(minorleaguebaseball.com)

THE STORY: Marauders starting pitcher Brandon Cumpton retired the first 12 hitters he faced, but was touched up for two runs on four hits in the fifth and the host Clearwater Threshers beat the Marauders 3-1. Clearwater starter Jarred Cosart (pictured above) blanked the Marauders for seven innings, despite walking three and allowing six hits.

Cosart (9-8) didn't allow a run to the Marauders in 14 innings this season.

Aaron Baker, Kelson Brown and Ramon Cabrera had two hits each for Bradenton, which lost three of four to the Threshers.

Cumpton (1-1) struck out eight and walked one in six innings. He didn't allow a hit before or after the fifth inning.


THE STAR OF THE GAME: Cosart. The 21-year-old is one of the Philadelphia Phillies' top prospects, and according to ESPN.com, was nearly packaged in a deal earlier this week for Houston's Hunter Pence. Cosart wasn't dominant Thursday, but he was good when it counted, especially in the sixth, when he struck out Elevys Gonzalez with two outs and the bases loaded.


THE RECORD: The Marauders, who begin a four-game series Friday night in Brevard County, are 19-16 in the second half and 49-56 overall.

Threshers 2, Marauders 0, bottom 6



The Clearwater Threshers lead the Marauders 2-0 after five innings here at gorgeous Bright House Field.

Marauders starter Brandon Cumpton retired the first 12 batters he faced before Darin Ruf singled leading off the fifth. That ignited a rally that included run-scoring singles from Cesar Hernandez and Troy Hanzawa, as the Threshers touched Cumpton up for four hits in the inning.

Cumpton has struck out seven and walked none.

His counterpart, Jarred Cosart, one of the Philadelphia Phillies' top prospects, pitched out of a jam in the sixth when he struck out Elevys Gonzalez with two outs and the bases loaded.

Robbie Grossman looking to join the 100-100 club

(photo by Grant Jefferies)Marauders outfielder Robbie Grossman is running and walking his way toward a rare feat.

The 21-year-old enters tonight's game in Clearwater with 95 runs scored and 90 walks, and with 35 games left on the schedule, he is well on track to score 100 runs and draw 100 walks in the same season.

The last minor-leaguer to do that was Nick Swisher, who walked 103 times and scored 109 runs for the 2004 Sacramento River Cats, a Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.

Grossman is batting .292 with a .429 on-base percentage. He leads all of minor-league baseball in walks and runs scored.

Here comes the rain...

The skies are dark and the rain is falling here in Clearwater, where the grounds crew has just finished putting tarp on the infield here at Bright House Field.
I'm willing to wager the game won't begin at 6:30 p.m. as scheduled. But the radar doesn't look too bad, so maybe we will get this one in.
We'll let you know when play begins.

Live from Bright House Field...

This is John Lembo, and I am road-tripping with the Bradenton Marauders, who tonight face the Clearwater Threshers at beautiful Bright House Field.
(Well, I live in northeast St. Petersburg, so Bradenton is more of a road trip for me than Clearwater. But anyway...)
The Marauders are 19-15, and are tied for first with the St. Lucie Mets in the Florida State League's South Division. The Threshers are 16-17, and in third place in the North Division, three games back of the Tampa Yankees.
The lineups:

MARAUDERS
Robbie Grossman, rf
Adalberto Santos, lf
Ramon Cabrera, c
Aaron Baker, 1b
Evan Chambers, cf
Elevys Gonzalez, 3b
Carlos Paulino, dh
Kelson Brown, 2b
Benjamin Gonzalez, ss
Brandon Cumpton, p

THRESHERS
Jiwan James, cf
Jeremy Barnes, 3b
Jonathan Singleton, 1b
Darin Ruf, dh
Sebastian Valle, c
Brandon Tripp, lf
Cesar Hernandez, 2b
Troy Hanzawa, ss
Brian Gump, rf
Jarred Cosart, p

Monday, July 25, 2011

Series preview: Marauders at Clearwater Threshers

The Bradenton Marauders continue their run against FSL North Division teams tonight when they begin a four-game series on the road against the Clearwater Threshers.
Here is a quick look at the series:

BRADENTON MARAUDERS, SOUTH DIVISION
RECORD:
18-13 second half, tied for first place, 0 GB; 48-53 overall.
LAST 10: 6-4
PLAYERS TO WATCH: 1B Aaron Baker (70 RBIs are third-best in the league; 101 hits in 97 games); OF Robbie Grossman (.290, 103 hits, 20 stolen bases, league-leading 91 runs scored); OF-DH Adalberto Santos (.312, 103 total bases in 71 games).

CLEARWATER THRESHERS, NORTH DIVISION
RECORD: 14-16 second half, tied for third place, 2 GB; 53-46 overall.
LAST 10: 5-5
PLAYERS TO WATCH: 1B Darin Ruf (team-best 10 HRs and 60 RBI); OF Jiwan James (20 stolen bases, 108 hits, 63 runs scored); SP Julio Rodriguez (12-6, 3.17 ERA, .189 opponents' batting average).

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Local Baseball Star Returns

The Bradenton area has always been a hot spot for great baseball and great baseball players. The same trend typically occurs as players practice and refine their talents here, but then take them elsewhere. However, Thursday night JR Murphy of the Tampa Yankees took his talents and brought them back to his home town of Bradenton. Thursday marks the beginning of a four-game series that the Bradenton Marauders open against the minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees. Murphy was a standout high school player and caught the eye of the Yankees. He impressed them so much that they used their 2nd round pick in 2009 to try and entice Murphy to become a professional baseball player instead of attending the University of Miami. Murphy took the chance to put on the pinstripes and began his professional career in rookie ball. It took him only nine games to advance to single A; where he recieved all-star honors with the Charleston RiverDogs. The next step in Murphy's journey goes through Tampa where he recently was called up to the Tampa Yankees. As Murphy climbs the minor league ladder en route to the majors he will make a few stops to oppose the Marauders. Thursday night the Marauder faithful made it seen that although Murphy had been gone the past two years, his family, friends and supporters were still right behind him. Murphy recieved a big ovation when his name was announced in the Yankee starting lineup. As for the game Murphy's highlights were throwing out a runner trying to advance and later nearly picking off a runner at first after a pitch. Murphy exited the game after he fouled a ball off of his foot. Even though he was in too much pain to play, he still took the time to be with his family and friends after the game. He stayed until the fans were told to leave by security. Not only should Bradenton be proud of the player it has produced here, but also the human being. Murphy will be in town with the Tampa Yankees for the weekend so don't miss the chance to come out to McKechnie and see a rising star from Bradenton in action.

By Eric Williams

Final Three Innings and Game Summary: Tampa Yankees vs. Bradenton Marauders

Brett Marshall completed five scoreless innings to keep the Yankee lead at four going into the bottom of the seventh. The Yankees now call on Dan Burawa to mimic Marshall's performance and perserve the lead. The Marauders looked like they were going to score a run in the bottom of the seventh as Carlos Paulino hit a soft line drive that looked like it would fall over the second baseman. However the Yankees second baseman, Ronnier Mustelier made a spectacular catch to keep the lead at four and quell the danger in the inning. Brian Leach has been doing a valient job in relief as he has pitched three scoreless innings for the Marauders and has kept the game from getting out of hand. The Marauders went down silently in their final innings to lose by a final score of 5-1.

Despite good relief pitching from the Marauders, the Yankee staff showed their consistency by only allowing a run. Their offense was supplied by two two-run home runs. One was by Neil Medchill and the other was by Luke Murton. That would be all the run support the Yankees needed as they won tonight's contest 5-1. Tonight's players of the game are Brett Marshall and Dan Burawa from the Yankee bullpen. They combined for eight shutout innings and kept the potent Marauder lineup off balance all night.

The Marauders (16-12) take on the Yankees (15-12) in game two of a four game series tomorrow night 7:00pm.

In-Game Update: Tampa Yankees vs. Bradenton Marauders

The Yankees struck again by use of the long ball in the top of the fourth. Neil Medchill recorded his second hit of the night as he hit a towering home run over the fence in left center. The Yankees reliever, Brett Marshall really has settled in as he has thrown three scoreless innings so far. He also has only yielded a single hit. The Yankees bats continued to stroke as back to back doubles by Abe Almonte and Eric Chavez increased the lead by one. There was no scoring in the sixth and the Yankees hold a 5-1 lead.

In-Game Update: Tampa Yankees vs. Bradenton Marauders

The Marauders scratched across the first run against a Rafael Soriano: a 2010 all-star. Adalberto Santos got things rolling when he pulled a double down the left field line. After Santos stole third base, Ryan Doumit scorched a ball off the mound that got through the middle. However the lead was not long lived. In the top half of the second the Yankees rallied from bases empty two outs to score two runs. Designated hitter Luke Murton smoked a ball over the left field fence after Neil Medchill doubled. Also in the inning Carlos Paulino has replaced Ramon Cabrera at the Catcher position after Cabrera appeared to be hit in the throat by a foul tip. Brett Marshall enters the game to pitch for the Yankees in the bottom of the second as Soriano is replaced. JR Murphy got in the game as he threw out a runner attempting to steal second base in the bottom of the third. As we go to the top of the fourth, Yankees lead 2-1.

Marauders Look to Continue Strong Start to Second Half of the Season

Its a beautiful night for baseball here at McKechnie Field. Big crowds are expected all weekend as the Tampa Yankees (14-12) come to town to open up a 4-game series. The fans will be treated to plenty of major league talent. Tonight's designated hitter for the Marauders (16-11) is Ryan Doumit who is on a rehab assignment. This year he is hitting .269 through 34 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Eric Chavez controls the 2 hole for the Tampa Yankees. He has won numerous gold gloves for the Oakland Athletics and hit 34 home runs while driving in 109 runs in his 2002 campaign. Although he has not put up numbers like that in a while, he is still a dangerous hitter. The starting pitcher for the Tampa Yankees is Rafael Soriano who was signed this offseason in a 3 year deal worth over 30 million dollars. Soriano recorded 45 saves for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010. Soriano's battery partner is JR Murphy who grew up in Bradenton and played for the Pendleton School at the IMG academies. Murphy is a 2nd round pick of the Yankees in 2009. He recently was promoted from Charleston to join the Yankees. Now that you know the stars of the night lets take a look at the rest of the lineups.

For the Tampa Yankees:

1-Abe Almonte-CF

2-Eric Chavez-3B

3-Ronnier Mustelier-2B

4-Kyle Roller-1B

5-Rob Segedin-RF

6-JR Murphy-C

7-Neil Medchill-LF

8-Luke Murton-DH

9-Kelvin Castro-2B

SP-Rafael Soriano-RHP


For the Marauders:

1-Robbie Grossman-RF

2-Adalberto Santos-2B

3-Ryan Doumit-DH

4-Aaron Baker-1B

5-Elevys Gonzalez-3B

6-Evan Chambers-CF

7-Ramon Cabrera-C

8-David Rubenstein-LF

9-Bengie Gonzalez-SS

SP-Brett Sinkbeil-RHP

Temperature: 89 degrees
First Pitch: 7:03 pm

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Pirates Tabata added to Marauders' roster

(bradentonmarauders.com)

Another Pittsburgh Pirate is on rehab with the Marauders.

Outfielder Jose Tabata was added to the roster today as he works his way back from a quad injury. The Marauders begin a four-game series in Dunedin tonight.

Pirates such as Chris Snyder, Joe Beimel and Pedro Alvarez have also logged time with the high Single-A Marauders during rehab stints this summer.

Tabata was acquired from the New York Yankees during the summer of '08.

He is batting .265 in 71 games this year with the Pirates, with 15 RBIs and 14 stolen bases.

Series preview: Marauders at Dunedin Blue Jays

The Bradenton Marauders begin a four-game series tonight in Dunedin against the Blue Jays.
Here is a quick look at the series:

BRADENTON MARAUDERS, SOUTH DIVISION
RECORD: 10-9 second half, fourth place, 1 GB; 40-49 overall.
LAST 10: 3-7.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: 1B Aaron Baker (team-high 65 RBIs and 92 hits)...2B Jarek Cunningham (team-high 15 home runs and 158 total bases)...OF-DH Adalberto Santos (.286 batting average in 60 games).

DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS, NORTH DIVISION
RECORD: 10-8 second half, tied for first place, 0 GB: 49-39 overall.
LAST 10: 6-4.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: OF Brad Glenn (17 home runs, 56 RBIs, .507 slugging)...DH Sean Ochinko (47 RBIs, .730 on-base plus slugging)...closer Wes Etheridge (minor-league leading 30 saves, 1.42 ERA, .193 opponents' batting average).

Friday, July 8, 2011

Rained out



Tonight's game has been rained out, and a doubleheader has been scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday.

Gates open at 4 p.m.

Staring lineups: Lakeland at Bradenton

This is John Lembo coming to you live from a rainy McKechnie Field, where the Marauders are set to host the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 7 p.m.
The tarp is on the field, but the game, as of now, is a go. So let's check out the lineups:

FLYING TIGERS
Brent Wyatt, lf
William Bergolla, ss
Tony Plagman, 1b
Jordan Lennerton, dh
Wade Gaynor, 3b
Avasail Garcia, rf
Corey Jones, 2b
Daniel Fields, cf
Julio Rodriguez, c
Jared Wesson, p

MARAUDERS
Robbie Grossman, rf
Jarek Cunningham, 2b
Elevys Gonzalez, 3b
Aaron Baker, 1b
Adalberto Santos, dh
Evan Chambers, cf
Carlos Paulino, c
David Rubinstein, lf
Bengie Gonzalez, ss
Brett Lorin, p

Series preview: Flying Tigers at Marauders



Welcome a to a new feature here at Marauders' Memos, where we look at the Marauders and their opponent in the upcoming series.

Providing the weather holds up, the first-place Marauders host the Lakeland Flying Tigers 7 p.m. tonight for the first of a four-game series at McKechnie Field.


LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS, NORTH DIVISION

RECORD: 5-7, second half, fifth place, 2 GB; 41-41 overall.

LAST 10: 4-6.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: OF Brent Wyatt (.295 average, 102 total bases, .422 on-base percentage)....DH Tony Plagman (11 HR, 61 RBIs, .430 slugging, team-high 82 hits)....closer Kenny Faulk (19 saves, 2.16 ERA in 32 games).


BRADENTON MARAUDERS, SOUTH DIVISION

RECORD: 9-6 second, tied for first place, 0 GB; 39-46 overall.

LAST 10: 5-5.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: OF Robbie Grossman (77 runs, 84 hits, 18 steals, .421 OBP)....2B Jarek Cunningham (15 HR, 49 RBIs, .867 on-base plus slugging)....1B Aaron Baker (team-high in hits with 88 hits and RBIs with 60, .288 average, 10 home runs).

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Jarek Cunningham named FSL Player of the Week

(minorleaguebaseball.com)

Marauders second baseman Jarek Cunningham has been named the Florida State League's Player of the Week for June 27-June 3.

Cunningham batted .333 (8 for 24) during the stretch with three home runs, 10 RBIs, five runs and three doubles. He also boasted a .429 on-base percentage and slugged .833.

Cunningham, 21, enters tonight's game at Palm Beach batting .266 with 15 home runs (tops on the team), 48 RBIs and a team-best 21 doubles.

Friday, July 1, 2011

July 1st 2011, Game Summary for Palm Beach Cardinals vs. Bradenton Marauders

The Marauders survived a late game scare by the Palm Beach Cardinals to take the rubber match of the series 3-2. The win gives Bradenton sole possesion of first place in the second half standings (7-2). Pedro Alvarez hit a two run home run in his rehab stint with the Marauders and Jerek Cunningham provided the third RBI in the lineup. Cunningham is tonight's player of the game. At the plate he went 3 for 4 and aided in setting the table for Pedro Alvarez. Brandon Cumpton picks up the win behind six strong innings. Despite his strong performance, Kevin Siegrist is tagged with the loss. Duke Welker came in for the Marauders and closed the door, pitching the eighth and ninth. He did not allow a runner to reach second base. The Marauders are next in action Saturday night as they host St. Lucie at 7 pm.

Tonight's Blog has been Provided by Eric Williams

July 1st 2011, In-Game Update for Palm Beach Cardinals vs. Bradenton Marauders

Kevin Siegrist finished a solid outing as the Cardinals took him out before the bottom of the seventh. He did not allow a run and was not in any real trouble besides when the Marauders tagged him for three runs in the bottom of the fifth. Brandon Cumpton seemed to be cruising through the game until Edgar Lara hit a soft single that dropped into right field. Cumpton still did not seem to be in any trouble but Domnit Bolivar stepped up and belted a ball over the leftfield fence. Out of nowhere Brandon Cumpton was replaced by Duke Welker and the Marauder lead was no longer comfortable at 3-2. Going into the bottom of the eighth the Marauders looked to create some room to breathe before the ninth. Cumpton's final line was six innings pitched, one walk, six strikeouts and two earned runs.

July 1st 2011, In-Game Update for Palm Beach Cardinals vs. Bradenton Marauders

The Marauders finally got on the board in the bottom of the fifth. Jairo Marquez led off the inning with a double that sizzled over Adam Melker's head in centerfield. Bengie Gonzalez got Marquez to third with a sacrifice bunt. Jarek Cunningham used timely hitting to score Marquez with two outs. However the real damage in the inning came from Pedro Alvarez. Alvarez showed his power as he hit an opposite field home run that cleared the fence about 20 feet inside the left field foul pole. The Marauders took a 3-0 lead that looks very commanding behind the pitching of Brandon Cumpton. Cumpton has not walked anyone and has allowed only 4 hits through six innings. After six complete innings, the Marauders lead 3-0.

July 1st 2011, In-Game Update for Palm Beach Cardinals vs. Bradenton Marauders

Joe Beimel was perfect in his only inning of work. To start the game he struck out the first two batters that Palm Beach sent up and retired the side in order. In the Marauder half of the inning, Pedro Alvarez worked a walk but no damage was done. Brandon Cumpton was sent out to take over after Beimel was pulled to begin the second. Cumpton yielded one hit but escaped unharmed to keep the game scoreless. Pitching has dominated the game thus far as there have been no extra base hits. Between the two teams there have only been five hits. Brandon Cumpton and Kevin Siegrist look to continue keeping the hitters off balance as they move through the lineup for a second time.

July 1st 2011, Palm Beach Cardinals vs. Bradenton Marauders

Today's game features some experienced major league talent. Starting pitcher for the Marauders is southpaw Joe Beimel. Although Beimel is starting tonight for the Marauders, he has served largely as a reliever at the major league level. Over his 11 year career he has accumulated a 4.19 ERA. On the offensive side, Pedro Alvarez, the second overall pick of the Pirates in the 2008 draft will be batting third. Alvarez already has MLB experience as he hit 16 homeruns in his rookie campaign in 2010.


Here's todays starting lineups:

Palm Beach Cardinals:

1-Greg Garcia-2B

2-Adam Melker-CF

3-Alan Ahmady-LF

4-Xavier Scruggs-1B

5-Rainel Rosario-RF

6-Niko Vasquez-3B

7-Edgar Lara-DH

8-Domnit Bolivar-SS

9-Luis de la Cruz-C

SP-Kevin Siegrist-LHP


For the Marauders:

1-Robbie Grossman-RF

2-Jarek Cunningham-2B

3-Pedro Alvarez-3B

4-Aaron Baker-1B

5-Adalberto Santos-DH

6-Evan Chambers-CF

7-David Rubenstein-LF

8-Jairo Marquez-C

9-Bengie Gonzalez-SS

SP-Joe Biemel-LHP

Blog Updates Today are Provided by Eric Williams

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Wrapping it up: Cardinals 9, Marauders 3



THE STORY: Niko Vasquez (above) hit two home runs, including an eighth-inning grand slam, to lead the Cardinals to a 9-3 win and draw them even with the Marauders for first place in the FSL South Division.

Cardinals' pitcher Carlos Martinez, 19, went six innings to earn the win in his FSL debut. Ranked the St. Louis Cardinals' third-best prospect by Baseball America, Martinez went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits. He struck out seven, walked four and hit two batters.

Jarek Cunningham homered, his team-best 14th, and Carlos Paulino and Bengie Gonzalez also drove in runs for Bradenton.


THE RECORD: The Marauders are 6-2 in the second half and 36-42 overall.


THE STAR OF THE GAME: Vasquez is an easy pick. The 22-year-old third baseman was taken by the Cardinals during the third round of the 2008 draft, and began the day batting .212 in 27 games with Palm Beach. He now has four home runs and 14 RBIs on the season.

Cards blow it open, Foster ejected

(minorleaguebaseball.com)

Niko Vasquez's two-out grand slam has given the Palm Beach Cardinals a 9-3 lead in the top of the eighth inning here at McKechnie Field.

It was the second home run of the year for Vasquez, who was batting .211 and had six RBIs entering Thursday.

The next offering from Marauders pitcher Zachary Foster sailed behind Starlin Rodriguez, and Foster was promptly ejected by home-plate umpire Jake Woods.

He was replaced by Jason Erickson.

Cardinals 9, Marauders 3, bottom 8.

Stretch time: 4-3 Cardinals

The Marauders trail the Palm Beach Cardinals 4-3 heading into the bottom of the 7th at McKechnie Field.
Bradenton scored twice in the sixth on a run-scoring single by Carlos Paulino and an RBI groundout by Bengie Gonzalez.
Jarek Cunningham just blasted a home run off the scoredboard in left center, giving him the team lead with 14.

Marauders down 3-0 after four



Palm Beach phenom Carlos Martinez has blanked the Marauders through four innings, and the Cardinals lead 3-0.

Martinez, 19, is ranked as the St. Louis Cardinals' third-best prospect by Baseball America and is making is high Single-A debut tonight. Despite loading the bases in first, Martinez has been good, allowing two hits, walking two and striking out five.

Strikeouts are Martinez's thing - he entered Thursday with 128 strikeouts in 97 2/3 professional innings, which averages out to 11.8 K's every nine innings.

Cardinals-Marauders lineups



The first-place Marauders are about an hour away from hosting the Palm Beach Cardinals at McKechnie Field.

This is John Lembo, and I will be here blogging as the Marauders (6-1, second half) try and stay a step ahead of the second-place Cardinals (5-2) in the FSL South Division.

The lineups:


CARDINALS

Adam Melker, cf

Alan Ahmady, lf

Xavier Scruggs, 1b

Raniel Rosario, rf

Edgar Lara, dh

Niko Vasquez, 3b

Starlin Rodriguez, 2b

Robert Stock, c

Ted Obregon, ss

Carlos Martinez, p


MARAUDERS

Robbie Grossman, rf

Jarek Cunningham, 2b

Pedro Alvarez, 3b

Aaron Baker, 1b

Adalberto Santos, lf

Evan Chambers, cf

Carlos Paulino, c

Elevys Gonzalez, 3b

Bengie Gonzalez, ss

Nate Baker, p

M's to face Cards' third-best propsect tonight

(minorleaguebaseball.com)



The surging Marauders will be facing one of the St. Louis Cardinals' brightest prospects tonight when Carlos Martinez makes his high Single-A debut for the Palm Beach Cardinals 7 p.m. at McKechnie Field.

The 19-year-old Martinez has been ranked as the Cardinals' third-best prospect by Baseball America. The Cardinals signed Martinez, who hails from the Dominican Republic, as an undrafted free agent in April 2010.

He went 3-2 in 12 starts last season in the Dominican Summer League and Carolina League, but posted a 0.76 ERA, limited opposing hitters to a .144 batting average and struck out 78 in 59 innings.

Martinez began this season with the Cardinals' low Single-A affiliate in Quad Cities, going 3-2 with a 2.33 ERA in eight starts. Oppposing batters hit .196 againt Martinez, and struck out 50 in 38 2/3 innings.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Breaking down Altoona's All-Stars

(minorleaguebaseball.com)

Five former Bradenton Marauders are headed to the Eastern League All-Star Game as members of the Double-A Altoona Curve.

The selections were announced today and the game will be played Wednesday, July 13 at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester, N.H.

Here is a closer look at each of the players:


JEREMY FARRELL, 3B: Farrell, whose dad, John, manages the Toronto Blue Jays, is second on the team in RBIs (33) and third in hits (72), and is batting .285 with the Curve. The 24-year-old Farrell, who was an eighth-round pick by the Pirates in 2008, hit .298 with nine home runs and 43 RBIs with Bradenton last year despite appearing in just 75 games because of injuries.


BROCK HOLT, 2B: Holt is another guy whose Marauders career was cut short by an injury last year after he tore a ligament in his knee. Holt has responded well this season, however, hitting .289 with 22 RBIs and 12 steals. His 85 hits are second on the team and fifth in the league. Holt hit .351 in 47 games last season with Bradenton.


STARLING MARTE, OF: Baseball America lists Marte as the Pirates' fourth-best prospect, and he has lived up to the billing this season with the Curve, batting .337 with a league-high 97 hits and a team-high 16 steals. The 22-year-old Marte will play for the World Team during next month's Futures Game, and he is a career .305 hitter in 305 games in the Pirates' organization. He hit .315 with 33 RBIs in Bradenton last season despite appearing in just 60 games after undergoing hand surgery.


JEFF LOCKE, P: Locke was promoted to Altoona late last season and helped the Curve win the league title. He is 5-6 this year with a 4.29 ERA in 15 starts, and leads the team in strikeouts (75) and innings (77 2/3). Locke was 12-5 with a 3.56 ERA in 27 starts with Bradenton and Altoona in 2010.


AARON PRIBANIC, P: Pribanic has thrown Altoona's lone shutout and complete game this season and is 5-5 with a 3.52 ERA in 15 games and 14 starts. Hitters have had to earn their way on against Pribanic, who has walked just nine in 76 2/3 innings, which amounts to 1.1 walks in every nine innings, tops among Eastern League pitchers who have thrown at least 40 innings. Pribanic went 7-6 and pitched to a 3.33 ERA in 27 starts last year with the Marauders, and beat the Charlotte Stone Crabs during Game 1 of last year's Florida State League South Division Championship Series. It was the first postseason game in Bradenton's brief history.