Royals Playoffs Bound 2015

The Kansas City Royals are headed to the MLB playoffs for the second year in a row. This year is even sweeter as they are the 2015 AL Central champs rather than a wild card. That guarantees at least three games rather than the one game play in the wild card teams have to gut out.

The offense is much better this season with Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas taking their games to the next level. Salvador Perez and Alex Gordon had steady seasons even with Gordon being derailed by the DL. Kendrys Morales was a huge upgrade to Billy Butler. Alcides Escobar, Jarod Dyson and Omar Infante have fallen off from last year but the pick up of Ben Zobrist helped make up for the last one. 

The pitching staff had an identity crisis after James Shields headed west as it left a vacuum for an ace. Yordano Ventura started off rocky but answered the wake up call after his yo-yo ride to the minors. Jeremy Guthrie could not repeat his unheralded performance from last year and was extremely hittable. Edinson Volquez proved to be a good pick up and challenged to be the ace but sputtered down the stretch. Danny Duffy never found the dominance he had before his 2014 injury. Kris Medlen on the other hand has been solid since returning from his elbow injury that had sidelined him with the Braves for all of 2014. Johnny Cueto has people shouting bust rather than being the ace he was rented to be. The bullpen has been nearly as stellar but the elbow of Greg Holland finally gave out after one too many heart attack performances. That bumps the capable Wade Davis to be closer, Kelvin Herrera to the 8th and Ryan Madson to the 7th. Herrera has been struggling over the past 30 plus and that is troubling. 

As hot as the Royals were in the 2014 playoffs they have been the opposite down the final stretch to close out 2015. After racing out to such a big lead in the AL Central they have started to run out of gas with a 10-17 September. That has allowed the red hot Toronto Blue Jays to edge past with the best record in the American League. Only a handful of games through Sunday with home field advantage at stake. Unless the Royals get hot and the Blue Jays falter it will be the Royals and Texas Rangers in the divisional series. That may be the more favorable match up to get their confidence and mojo back on track.

Jake Arrieta NL Player of Week 092115 to 092715

Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs was selected the National League Player of the Week for the span of September 20, 2015 through September 27, 2015. For the week he was 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 16.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 1 HBP, 1 BB, 20 K, 1 CG and 1 SHO. This season the RHP is 21-6, 1.82 ERA, 229 K, 0.88 WHIP, .187 BAA in 223.0 IP over 32 games. Over six MLB seasons with the Cubs and Orioles he is 55-38, 3.73 ERA, 710 K, 1.19 WHIP, .227 BAA in 789.1 IP over 135 games with 129 GS. This was his second award this season after also winning for the week of August 24. He was originally drafted by the Orioles in the fifth round in 2007 and was traded to the Cubs in 2013. Arrieta turned 29 on March 6th.

Kevin Pillar AL Player of Week 092115 to 092715

Kevin Pillar of the Toronto Blue Jays was selected the American League Player of the Week for the span of September 21, 2015 through September 27, 2015. For the week he hit 11 for 21, .524/.583/1.048 with 5 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R, 5 SB and 3 BB. This season the outfielder is hitting .272/.308/.396 with 12 HR, 54 RBI, 74 R, 25 SB in 155 games. Over two MLB seasons with the Blue Jays he has hit .262/.298/.387 with 17 HR, 74 RBI, 104 R, 26 SB in 243 games. He was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the 32nd round in 2011. Pillar turned 26 on January 4th.

Bryce Harper n Stephen Strasburg NL Players of Week 091415 to 092015

Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals were selected the National League Co-Players of the Week for the span of September 14, 2015 through September 20, 2015.

For the week Harper hit 14 for 27, .519/.576/1.111 with 1 2B, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 12 R, 0 SB and 5 BB. This season the outfielder has hit .336/.468/.660 with 41 HR, 95 RBI, 116 R, 6 SB in 146 games. Over his four MLB seasons with the Nationals he has hit .290/.385/.519 with 96 HR, 244 RBI, 326 R, 37 SB in 503 games. This was his third award of the season after winning for the weeks of May 4 and May 11.He was originally drafted by the Nationals with the first over all pick in 2010. Harper will be 23 on October 16.

For the week Strasburg was 2-0, 0.60 ERA, 2 GS, 15.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 24 K and .135 BAA. This season the RHP is 10-7, 3.81 ERA, 135 K, 1.15 WHIP, .241 BAA in 113.1 IP over 21 games. Over six MLB seasons with the Nationals he is 53-37, 3.14 ERA, 881 K, 1.10 WHIP, .228 BAA in 762.2 IP over 130 games. He was originally drafted by the Nationals with the first overall pick in 2009. Strasburg turned 27 on July 20.

Jose Abreu n Prince Fielder AL Players of Week 091415 to 092015

Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox and Prince Fielder of the Texas Rangers were selected the American League Co-Players of the Week for the span of September 14, 2015 through September 20, 2015.

For the week Abreu hit 11 for 24, .458/.552/.792 with 2 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB and 4 BB. This season the 1B\DH has hit .289/.347/.505 with 29 HR, 96 RBI, 87 R, 0 SB in 148 games. Over two MLB seasons with the White Sox has has hit .302/.365/.542 with 65 HR, 203 RBI, 167 R, 3 SB in 293 games. He originally signed with the White Sox in 2013 as an amateur free agent out of Cuba. Abreu turned 29 on January 29.

For the week Fielder hit 8 for 26, .308/.438/.654 with 3 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, 0 SB and 6 BB. This season the DH\1B has hit .304/.376/.465 with 22 HR, 88 RBI, 74 R, 0 SB in 149 games. Over 11 MLB seasons with the Rangers, Tigers and Brewers he has hit .287/.387/.516 with 310 HR, 974 RBI, 829 R, 18 SB in 1513 games. Her was originally drafted by the Brewers with the seventh pick of the first round in 2002. Fielder turned 31 on May 9th.

Yoenis Cespedes NL Player of Week 090715 to 091315

Yoenis Cespedes of the New York Mets was selected the National League Player of the Week for the span of September 7, 2015 through September 13, 2015. For the week he hit 10 for 29, .345/.367/.897 with 2 2B, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB and 1 BB. This season the outfielder has hit .296/.341/.634 with 17 HR, 44 RBI, 38 R, 4 SB in 51 games with the Mets after being traded by the Tigers where he hit .293/.323/.506 with 18 HR, 61 RBI, 62 R, 3 SB in 102 games with the Tigers in 2015. Over four MLB seasons with the Mets, Tigers, Red Sox and Athletics he hit .272/.319/.488 with 106 HR, 367 RBI, 333 R, 37 SB in 559 games. He originally signed with the Athletics in 2012 as an amateur free agent out of Cuba, was traded to the Red Sox in July 2014 and traded to the Tigers in December 2014. Cespedes will be 30 on October 18.

David Ortiz AL Player of Week 090715 to 091315

David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox was selected the American League Player of the Week for the span of September 7, 2015 through September 13, 2015. For the week he hit 8 for 18, .444/.545/1.111 with 3 2B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB and 4 BB. This season the DH\1B has hit .270/.357/.546 with 36 HR, 104 RBI, 70 R, 0 SB in 141 games. Over 19 MLB seasons with the Red Sox and Twins he has hit .284/.378/.546 with 502 HR, 1637 RBI, 1337 R, 15 SB in 2252 games. He originally signed with the Mariners in 1992 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Ortiz will be 40 on November 18.

Bartolo Colon NL Player of Week 083115 to 090615

Bartolo Colon of the New York Mets was selected the National League Player of the Week for the span of August 31, 2015 through September 6, 2015. For the week he was 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 17.0 IP, 13 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB, 11 K, 1 CG and 1 SHO. This season the RHP is 13-11, 4.18 ERA, 127 K, 1.24 WHIP, .281 BAA in 170.0 IP over 28 games. OVer 18 MLB seasons with the Mets, Athletics, Yankees, White Sox, Red Sox, Angels, Expos and Indians he is 217-152, 3.97 ERA, 2228 K, 1.30 WHIP, .263 BAA in 2956.0 IP over 470 games with 463 GS. Colon won the American League Cy Young in 2005 with the Angels. He originally signed with the Indians in 1993 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Colon turned 42 on May 24.

Logan Forsythe AL Player of Week 083115 to 090615

Logan Forsythe of the Tampa Bay Rays was selected the American League Player of the Week for the span of August 31, 2015 through September 6, 2015. For the week he hit 12 for 22, .545/.583/.864 with 5 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB and 2 BB in 6 games. This season the second baseman is hitting .287.361/.448 with 15 HR, 54 RBI, 60 R, 9 SB in 134 games. Over five MLB seasons with the Rays and Padres he has hit .252/.322/.377 with 33 HR, 137 RBI, 171 R, 28 SB in 472 games. He was originally drafted by the Padres with the 46th pick of the first round in 2008 and traded to the Rays in 2014. Forsythe turned 28 on January 14.

Cameron Smith Pioneer League PiOW 082415 to 083015

Cameron Smith of the Missoula Osprey was selected the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB and 4 K. This season the LHP is 7-1, 1.68 ERA, 62 K, 0.80 WHIP, .190 BAA, 1 SV in 53.2 IP over 13 games with 4 GS. He also won the award for the week of July 6. Missoula is a Rookie team of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was originally drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 36th round in 2015. Smith turned 22 on December 22.

Andrew Thome Appalachian League PiOW 082415 to 083015

Andrew Thome of the Greeneville Astros was selected the Appalachian League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 9.0 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 0 BB and 7 K. This season the RHP is 2-1, 0.87 ERA, 19 K, 1.03 WHIP, .256 BAA in 31.0 IP over 11 games with 4 GS at Greeneville and 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 K, 1.00 WHIP, .214 BAA in 4.0 IP in 1 game at Class A Quad Cities. Greenville is a Rookie team of the Houston Astros. He originally signed with the Astros in 2015 as an undrafted free agent. Thome turned 22 on January 13.

Oscar De La Cruz Northwest League PiOW 082415 to 083015

Oscar De La Cruz of the Eugene Emeralds was selected the Northwest League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2019. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 7.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB and 13 K. This season the RHP is 6-3, 2.84 ERA, 73 K, 1.00 WHIP, .211 BAA in 73.0 IP over 13 games. Eugene is the Class A short season team of the Chicago Cubs. He originally signed with the Cubs in 2012 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. De La Cruz turned 20 on March 4th.

Spenser Watkins New York-Penn League PiOW 082415 to 083015

Spenser Watkins of the Connecticut Tigers was selected the New York-Penn League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 0 BB and 7 K, This season the RHP is 5-4, 2.23 ERA, 55 K, 0.99 WHIP, .193 BAA in 64.2 IP over 12 games at Connecticut and 0-0, 3.38 ERA, 14 K, 1.45 WHIP, .288 BAA in 18.2 IP over 4 games at Class A West Michigan. Connecticut is the Class A short season team of the Detroit Tigers. He was originally drafted by the Tigers in the 30th round in 2014. Watkins turned 23 on August 27.

David Trexler South Atlantic League PiOW 082415 to 083015

David Trexler of the Kannapolis Intimidators was selected the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 5.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 1 HBP, 1 BB, 10 K and 1 SV in 2 games. This season the RHP is 0-3, 4.93 ERA, 76 K, 1.51 WHIP, .250 BAA, 7 SV in 69.1 IP over 36 games. Kannapolis is the Class A team of the Chicago White Sox. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in the 17th round in 2014. Trexler will be 26 on September 4th.

Dean Deetz Midwest League PiOW 082415 to 083015

Dean Deetz of the Quad Cities River Bandits was selected the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 7.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 2 BB and 9 K. This season the RHP is 5-1, 0.76 ERA, 29 K, 0.85 WHIP, .136 BAA in 35.1 IP over 7 games with 6 GS at Quad Cities and 4-2, 2.86 ERA, 21 K, 1.13 WHIP, .208 BAA in 28.1 IP over 7 games with 5 GS at Class A short season Tri-City. Quad Cities is the Class A team of the Houston Astros. He was originally drafted by the Astros in the 11th round in 2014. Deetz will be 22 on November 29.

Jordan Montgomery Florida State League PiOW 082415 to 083015

Jordan Montgomery of the Tampa Yankees was selected the Florida State League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 6.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 0 BB and 6 K. This season the LHP is 6-5, 3.08 ERA, 77 K, 1.17 WHIP, .240 BAA in 90.2 IP over 16 games at Tampa and 4-3, 2.68 ERA, 55 K, 1.10 WHIP, .228 BAA in 43.2 IP over 9 games at Class A Advanced Charleston. He also won the award in the South Atlantic League for the week of May 18. He was originally drafted by the Yankees in the fourth round in 2014. Montgomery turned 22 on December 27.

David Hess Carolina League PiOW 082415 to 083015

David Hess of the Frederick Keys was selected the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 7.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 CG and 1 SHO. This season the RHP is 9-4, 3.58 ERA, 110 K, 1.24 WHIP, .224 BAA in 133.1 IP over 26 games at Frederick and 1-1, 4.50 ERA, 12 K, 1.40 WHIP, .256 BAA in 10.0 IP over 2 games at Double A Bowie. He also won the award for the week of June 22. Frederick is the Class A Advanced team of the Baltimore Orioles. He was originally drafted by the Orioles in the fifth round in 2014. Hess will be 22 on July 10.

Victor Alcantara California League PiOW 082415 to 083015

Victor Alcantara of the Inland Empire 66ers was selected the California League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 8.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB and 8 K. This season the RHP is 7-12, 5.63 ERA, 125 K, 1.54 WHIP, .282 BAA in 136.0 IP over 27 games. He also won the award for the week of June 8. Inland Empire is the Class A Advanced team of the Los Angeles Angels. He originally signed with the Angels in 2012 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Alcantara turned 22 on April 3rd.

Chad Bell Texas League PiOW 082415 to 083015

Chad Bell of the Frisco RoughRiders was selected the Texas League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 8.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB and 7 K. This season the LHP is 7-13, 4.58 ERA, 118 K, 1.39 WHIP, .277 BAA in 141.1 IP over 27 games with 23 GS. Frisco is the Double A team of the Texas Rangers. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the 14th round in 2009. Bell turned 26 on February 28.

Adrian Houser Southern League PiOW 082415 to 083015

Adrian Houser of the Biloxi Shuckers was selected the Southern League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 13.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 3 BB and 7 K. This season the RHP is 4-1, 2.92 ERA, 32 K, 1.05 WHIP, .232 BAA in 37.0 IP over 7 games at Biloxi after being traded by the Astros on July 31.. Biloxi is the Double A team of the Milwaukee Brewers. He was originally drafted by the Astros in the second round in 2011. Houser turned 22 on February 2nd. 

Chad Green Eastern League PiOW 082415 to 083015

Chad Green of the Erie SeaWolves was selected the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 1-0, 0.69 ERA, 2 GS, 13.0 IP, 12 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 2 HBP, 0 BB, 14 K and 1 CG. This season the RHP is 5-14, 3.93 ERA, 137 K, 1.43 WHIP, .287 BAA in 148.2 IP over 27 games. Erie is the Double A team of the Detroit Tigers. He was originally drafted by the Tigers in the 11th round in 2013. Green turned 24 on May 24.

Eric Jokisch Pacific Coast League PiOW 082415 to 083015

Eric Jokisch of the Iowa Cubs was selected the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 2-0, 0.69 ERA, 2 GS, 13.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 1 HBP, 3 BB, 6 K and 1 CG. This season the LHP is 5-4, 4.37 ERA, 39 K, 1.49 WHIP, .289 BAA in 70.0 IP over 14 games at Iowa and 1-1, 0.79 ERA, 8 K, 1.41 WHIP, .283 BAA in 11.1 IP over 3 games at Rookie Arizona. He did have some MLB time with the Cubs in 2014 going 0-0, 1.88 ERA, 10 K, 1.53 WHIP, .290 BAA in 14.1 IP over 4 games with 1 GS. Iowa is the Triple A team of the Chicago Cubs. He was originally drafted by the Cubs in the 11th round in 2010. Jokisch turned 26 on July 29.

Logan Darnell International League PiOW 082415 to 083015

Logan Darnell of the Rochester Red Wings was selected the International League Pitcher of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he was 2-0, 0.53 ERA, 2 GS, 17.0 IP, 10 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB, 17 K, 1 CG and 1 SHO. This season the LHP is 5-1, 2.78 ERA, 66 K, 1.31 WHIP, .258 BAA in 77.2 IP over 35 games with 7 GS. He did have some MLB time with the Twins in 2014 going 0-2, 7.13 ERA, 22 K, 1.63 WHIP, .307 BAA in 24.0 IP over 7 games with 4 GS. Rochester is the Triple A team of the Minnesota Twins. He was originally drafted by the Twins in the sixth round in 2010. Darnell turned 26 on February 2nd.

Gage Green Pioneer League POW 082415 to 083015

Gage Green of the Ogden Raptors was selected the Pioneer League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 14 for 27, .519/.567/.778 with 1 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 7 R, 2 SB and 3 BB in 6 games. This season the catcher is hitting .370/.433/.536 with 4 HR, 33 RBI, 30 R, 6 SB in 47 games at Ogden, .262/.354/.333 with 0 HR, 2 RBI, 8 R, 5 SB in 14 games at Rookie Arizona and .100/.250/.200 with 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2 R, 0 SB in 3 games at Class A Great Lakes. Ogden is a Rookie team of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 35th round in 2015. Green turned 23 on August 27.

Austin Riley Appalachian League POW 082415 to 083015

Austin Riley of the Danville Braves was selected the Appalachian League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 14 for 25, .560/.600/1.000 with 5 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 0 SB and 3 BB in 7 games. This season the third baseman is hitting .351/.443/.586 with 5 HR, 19 RBI, 18 R, 0 SB in 30 games at Danville and .255/.331/.500 with 7 HR, 21 RBI, 18 R, 2 SB in 30 games at Rookie Gulf Coast. Danville is a Rookie team of the Atlanta Braves. He was originally drafted by the Braves with the 41st pick of the first round in 2015. Riley turned 18 on April 2nd.

Dylan Moore Northwest League POW 082415 to 083015

Dylan Moore of the Spokane Indians was selected the Northwest League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 9 for 22, .409/.567/.818 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 8 R, 6 SB and 7 BB in 8 games. This season the shortstop is hitting .254/.364/.439 with 7 HR, 35 RBI, 38 R, 13 SB in 65 games at Spokane and .625/.667/.625 with 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0 R, 2 SB in 3 games at Class A Hickory. Spokane is the Class A short season team of the Texas Rangers. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the seventh round in 2015. Moore turned 23 on August 2nd.

Trey Amburgey New York-Penn League POW 082415 to 083015

Trey Amburgey of the Staten Island Yankees was selected the New York-Penn League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 14 for 31, .452/.455/.710 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 7 2BI, 6 R, 4 SB and 1 BB in 8 games. This season the outfielder is hitting .373/.398/.707 with 5 HR, 18 RBI, 17 R, 7 SB in 20 games at Staten Island and .333/.404/.430 with 0 HR, 12 RBI, 28 R, 14 SB in 37 games at Rookie Gulf Coast. It was a repeat performance as he also won the award last week. Staten Island is the Class A short season team of the New York Yankees. He was originally drafted by the Yankees in the 13th round in 2015. Amburgey will be 21 on October 24

Roberto Ramos South Atlantic League POW 082415 to 083015

Roberto Ramos of the Asheville Tourists was selected the South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 9 for 19, .474/.524/1.105 with 3 2B, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB and 1 BB in 5 games. This season the first baseman is hitting .346/.417/.628 with 10 HR, 40 RBI, 33 R, 4 SB in 44 games at Asheville and .289/.386/.605 with 3 HR, 10 RBI, 11 R, 0 SB in 9 games at Rookie Grand Junction. Asheville is the Class A team of the Colorado Rockies. He originally signed with the Rockies in 2014 as an amateur free agent out of Mexico. Ramos turned 20 on December 28.

Harrison Bader Midwest League POW 082415 to 083015

Harrison Bader of the Peoria Chiefs was selected the Midwest League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 13 for 29, .448/.448/.828 with 1 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB and 0 BB in 7 games. This season the outfielder is hitting .294/.361/.487 with 8 HR, 27 RBI, 32 R, 15 SB in 52 games at Peoria and .379/.400/.655 with 2 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R, 2 SB in 7 games at Class A short season State College. Peoria is the Class A team of the St Louis Cardinals. He was originally drafted by the Cardinals in the third round in 2015. Bader turned 21 on June 3rd.

Michael O'Neill Florida State League POW 082415 to 083015

Michael O'Neill of the Tampa Yankees was selected the Florida State League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 8 for 13, .615/.706/1.154 with 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R, 2 SB and 3 BB in 4 games. This season the outfielder is hitting .213/.264/.298 with 4 HR, 25 RBI, 31 R, 14 SB in 101 games. Tampa is the Class A Advanced team of the New York Yankees. He was originally drafted by the Yankees in the third round in 2013. O'Neill turned 23 on June 12.

Victor Caratini Carolina League POW 082415 to 083015

Victor Caratini of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans was selected the Carolina League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 8 for 16, .500/.529/.813 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 2 R, 0 SB and 0 BB in 4 games. This season the catcher is hitting .259/.343/.374 with 4 HR, 53 RBI, 39 R, 0 SB in 111 games. Myrtle Beach is the Class A Advanced team of the Chicago Cubs. He was originally drafted by the Braves in the second round in 2013 and was traded to the Cubs in 2014. Caratini turned 22 on August 17.

JD Davis California League POW 082415 to 083015

J.D. Davis of the Lancaster JetHawks was selected the California League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 14 for 29, .483/.571/1.000 with 3 2B, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 15 R, 1 SB and 6 BB in 7 games. This season the third baseman is hitting .289/.370/.522 with 26 HR, 101 RBI, 92 R, 5 SB in 119 games. He also won the award for the week of August 3. Lancaster is the Class A Advanced team of the Houston Astros. He was originally drafted by the Astros in the third round in 2014. Davis turned 22 on April 27.

AJ Reed Texas League POW 082415 to 083015

A.J Reed of the Corpus Christi Hooks was selected the Texas League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 12 for 24, .500/.519/.958 with 2 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 8 R, 0 SB and 2 BB in 6 games. This season the first baseman is hitting .332/.403/.577 with 11 HR, 43 RBI, 36 R, 0 SB in 51 games at Corpus Christi and .346/.449/.638 with 23 HR, 81 RBI, 75 R, 0 SB in 82 games at Class A Advanced Lancaster. He had won the award four times this season in the California League for the weeks of May 4, June 1, June 15 and July 6. Corpus Christi is the Double A team of the Houston Astros. He was originally drafted by the Astros in the second round in 2014. Reed turned 22 on May 10.

Tyler Bortnick Southern League POW 082415 to 083015

Tyler Bortnick of the Jackson Generals was selected the Southern League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 13 for 25, .520/.586/.880 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 10 R, 1 SB and 2 BB in 7 games. This season the second baseman is hitting .275/.356/.360 with 2 HR, 27 RBI, 18 R, 12 SB in 65 games. Jackson is the Double A team of the Seattle Mariners. He was originally drafted by the Rays in the 16th round in 2009. Bortnick turned 28 on July 3rd.

Ricky Oropesa Eastern League POW 082415 to 083015

Ricky Oropesa of the Richmond Flying Squirrels was selected the Eastern League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 13 for 25, .520/.538/1.320 with 5 2B, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB and 1 BB in 7 games. This season the first baseman is hitting .251/.308/.424 with 17 HR, 75 RBI, 41 R, 1 SB in 129 games. Richmond is the Double A team of the San Francisco Giants. He was originally drafted by the Giants in the third round in 2011. Oropesa turned 25 on December 15.

Todd Glaesmann Pacific Coast League POW 082415 to 083015

Todd Glaesmann of the Reno Aces was selected the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 17 for 29, .586/.600/1.207 with 9 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R, 0 SB and 1 BB in 7 games. This season the outfielder is hitting .286/.328/.549 with 14 HR, 35 RBI, 48 R, 5 SB in 92 games at Reno, .167/.206/.250 with 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB in 24 games at Double A Mobile and .419/.424/1.000 with 4 HR, 9 RBI, 10 R, 0 SB in 7 games at Class A Advanced Visalia. Reno is the Triple A team of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was originally drafted by the Rays in the third round in 2009 and was traded to the Diamondbacks in 2013. Glaesmann will be 25 on October 24.

Audy Ciriaco International League POW 082415 to 083015

Audy Ciriaco of the Columbus Clippers was selected the International League Player of the Week for the span of August 24, 2015 through August 30, 2015. For the week he hit 11 for 28, .393/.400/.750 with 1 2B, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB and 1 BB in 7 games. This season the shortstop is hitting .241/.297/.383 with 6 HR, 37 RBI, 32 R, 1 SB in 75 games. Columbus is the Triple A team of the Cleveland Indians. He originally signed with the Tigers in 2005 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Ciriaco turned 28 on June 16.

Kris Bryant August 2015 NL Rookie of the Month

Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs was selected the National League Rookie of the Month for August 2015. During the month the third baseman hit 33 for 100, .330/.422/.620 with 6 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 20 RBI, 19 R, 2 SB and 12 BB in 28 games. This season he has hit .321/.364/.679 with 3 HR, 10 RBI, 7 R, 2 SB in 7 games at Triple A Iowa and .269/.369/.487 with 22 HR, 84 RBI, 74 R, 12 SB in 123 games with the Cubs. He also won the award in May. He was originally drafted by the Cubs with the second pick of the first round in 2013. Bryant turned 23 on Januray 4th.

Miguel Sano August 2015 AL Rookie of the Month

Miguel Sano of the Minnesota Twins was selected the American League Rookie of the Month for August 2015. During the month the 3B\1B hit 27 for 97, .278/.377/.629 with 7 2B, 9 HR, 26 RBI, 18 R, 1 SB and 16 BB in 27 games. This season he has hit .274/.374/.544 with 15 HR, 48 RBI, 55 R, 5 SB in 66 games at Double A Chattanooga and .296/.405/.620 with 15 HR, 42 RBI, 33 R, 1 SB in 51 games with the Twins. He originally signed with the Twins in 2009 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Sano turned 22 on May 11.

Jake Arrieta August 2015 NL Pitcher of the Month

Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs was selected the National League Pitcher of the Month for August 2015. During the month the RHP was 6-0, 0.43 ERA, 43 K, 0.69 WHIP, .130 BAA in 42.1 IP over 6 games. He also threw a no hitter in a 2-0 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 30, 2015. This season he is 17-6, 2.11 ERA, 190 K, 0.94 WHIP, .195 BAA in 183.0 IP over 27 games. Over six MLB seasons with the Cubs and Orioles he is 51-38, 3.90 ERA, 671 K, 1.22 WHIP, .231 BAA in 749.1 IP over 130 games with 124 GS. He was originally drafted by the Orioles in the fifth round in 2007 and was traded to the Cubs in 2013. Arrieta turned 29 on March 6th.

Dallas Keuchel August 2015 AL Pitcher of the Month

Dallas Keuchel of the Houston Astros was selected the American League Pitcher of the Month for August 2015. During the month the LHP was 4-1, 1.94 ERA, 41 K, 1.01 WHIP, .221 BAA in 41.2 IP over 6 games with 2 CG. For the season he is 16-6, 2.24 ERA, 173 K, 1.00 WHIP, .213 BAA in 192.2 IP over 27 games. Over four MLB seasons with the Astros he is 37-33, 3.58 ERA, 480 K, 1.26 WHIP, .257 BAA in 631.2 IP over 103 games. This his third award this season as he also won in April and May. He was originally drafted by the Astros in the seventh round in 2009. Keuchel turned 27 on January 1st.

Andrew McCutchen August 2015 NL Player of the Month

Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates was selected the National League Player of the Month for August 2015. During the month the outfielder hit 32 for 92, .348/.470/.609 with 7 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 18 R, 2 SB and 20 BB in 27 games. This season he is hitting .303/.404/.517 with 20 HR, 85 RBI, 76 R, 7 SB in 128 games. Over seven MLB seasons with the Pirates he has hit .299/.388/.500 with 148 HR, 547 RBI, 624 R, 150 SB in 1008 games. He was originally drafted by the Pirates with the 11th pick of the first round in 2005. McCutchen will be 29 on October 10.

Edwin Encarnacion August 2015 AL Player of the Month

Edwin Encarnacion of the Toronto Blue Jays was selected the American League Player of the Month for August 2015. During the month the 1B\DH hit 35 for 86, .407/.460/.919 with 11 2B, 11 HR, 35 RBI, 23 R, 0 SB and 9 BB in 23 games. This season he is hitting .271/.361/.541 with 30 HR, 92 RBI, 74 R, 1 SB in 436 games. Over 11 MLB seasons with the Blue Jays and Reds he has hit .266/.350/.492 with 259 HR, 796 RBI, 710 R, 52 SB in 1328 games. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the ninth round in 2000, was traded to the Reds in 2001 and traded to the Blue Jays in 2009. Encaracion turned 32 on January 7th.

Chris Heisey traded to Dodgers

Chris Heisey was traded by the Toronto Blue Jays to the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 31, 2015 for a PTBNL. The outfielder returns to the Dodgers where was released on August 7 before the Blue Jays signed him as a free agent. He had split 2015 between Triple A Oklahoma City and the Dodgers and Triple A Buffalo. He hit .236/.355/.481 with 14 HR, 37 RBI, 42 R, 2 SB in 63 games at Oklahoma City, .154/.353/.192 with 0 HR, 0 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB in 17 games with the Dodgers and .155/.269/.259 with 2 HR, 2 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB in 17 games at Buffalo. Over six MLB seasons with the Dodgers and Reds he has hit .246/.300/.417 with 50 HR, 147 RBI, 189 R, 25 SB in 560 games. He was originally drafted by the Reds in the 17th round in 2006 and was traded to the Dodgers in 2014. Heisey will be 31 on December 14.

Jonny Gomes traded to Royals

Jonny Gomes was traded by the Atlanta Braves to the Kansas City Royals on August 31, 2015. The Braves in exchange received Luis Valenzuela.

Gomes is an outfielder who hit .221/.325/.364 with 7 HR, 22 RBI, 27 R, 1 SB in 83 games with the Braves in 2015. Over 13 MLB seasons with the Braves, Athletics, Red Sox, Nationals, Reds and Rays/Devil Rays he hit .242/.334/.438 with 162 HR, 522 RBI, 493 R, 50 SB in 1191 games. He was originally drafted by the Devil Rays in the 18th round in 2001. Gomes will be 35 on November 22.

Valenzuela is a SS\2B\3B who had split 2015 between Rookie Idaho Falls and Class A Lexington. He hit .486/.472/.600 with 1 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R, 1 SB in 8 games at Idaho Falls and .333/.362/.475 with 3 HR, 15 RBI, 30 R, 8 SB in 48 games at Lexington. He originally signed with the Red Sox in 2012 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Valenzuela turned 22 on August 25.

Alejandro De Aza traded to Giants

Alejandro De Aza was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants on August 31, 2015. The Red Sox in exchange received Luis Ysla. 

De Aza is an outfielder who had split 2015 between the Orioles and Red Sox. He hit .214/.277/.359 with 3 HR, 7 RBI, 16 R, 2 SB in 30 games with the Orioles. was traded to the Red Sox and hit .292/.347/.484 with 4 HR, 25 RBI, 23 R, 3 SB in 60 games. Over eight MLB seasons with the Red Sox, Orioles, White Sox and Marlins he hit .267/.329/.407 with 45 HR, 221 RBI, 316 R, 84 SB in 656 games. He originally signed with the Dodgers in 2001 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. De Aza turned 31 on April 11.

LHP Ysla pitched at Class A Advanced San Jose where he was 3-6, 6.21 ERA, 95 K, 1.88 WHIP, .329 BAA in 79.2 IP over 33 games with 9 GS. He originally signed with the Giants in 2012 as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela. Ysla turned 23 on April 27.

Austin Jackson traded to Cubs

Austin Jackson was traded by the Seattle Mariners to the Chicago Cubs on August 31, 2015 along with cash for a PTBNL and an international bonus slot. The outfielder had split 2015 between Triple A Tacoma and the Mariners. He hit .263/.333/.289 with 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4 R, 1 SB in 9 games at Tacoma and .272/.312/.387 with 8 HR, 38 RBI, 46 R, 15 SB in 107 games with the Mariners. Over six MLB seasons with the Mariners and Tigers he hit .273/.333/.400 with 54 HR, 286 RBI, 512 R, 104 SB in 831 games. He was originally drafted by the Yankees in the eighth round in 2005, was traded to the Tigers in 2009 and traded to the Mariners in 2014. Jackson turned 28 on February 1st.

Justin Ruggiano traded to Dodgers

Justin Ruggiano was traded by the Seattle Mariners to the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 31, 2015 along with cash for a PTBNL. The outfielder had split 2015 between Triple A Tacoma and the Mariners. He hit .296/.385/.514 with 10 HR, 29 RBI, 27 R, 6 SB in 49 games at Tacoma and .214/.321/.357 with 2 HR, 3 RBI, 8 R, 3 SB in 36 games with the Mariners. Over seven MLB seasons with the Mariners, Cubs, Marlins and Rays he has hit .255/.319/.427 with 45 HR, 140 RBI, 146 R, 37 SB in 434 games. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 25th round in 2004. Ruggiano turned 33 on April 12.

Addison Reed traded to Mets

Addison Reed was traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the New York Mets on August 30, 2015. the Diamondbacks in exchange received Miller Diaz and Matt Koch.

RHP Reed had split 2015 between Triple A Reno and the Diamondbacks. He was 1-1, 1.74 ERA, 11 K, 1.26 WHIP, .200 BAA, 5 SV in 10.1 IP over 11 games at Reno and 2-2, 4.20 ERA, 34 K, 1.50 WHIP, .283 BAA, 3 SV in 40.2 IP over 38 games with the Diamondbacks. Over five MLB seasons with the Diamondbacks and White Sox he is 11-15, 4.20 ERA, 241 K, 1.28 WHIP, .250 BAA, 104 SV in 233.2 IP over 236 games. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in the third round in 2010 and traded to the Diamondbacks in 2013. Reed turned 26 on December 27.

RHP Diaz pitched at Class A Advanced St Lucie where he was 5-12, 4.71 ERA, 98 K, 1.46 WHIP, .260 BAA in 124.1 IP over 23 games in 2015. He originally signed with the Mets in 2009 as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela. Diaz turned 23 on June 22.

RHP Koch pitched at Double A Binghamton where he was 4-8, 3.46 ERA, 55 K, 1.25 WHIP, .279 BAA in 88.1 IP over 35 games with 8 GS in 2015. He was originally drafted by the Mets in the third round in 2012. Koch will be 25 on November 2nd.

MiLB Players and Pitchers of the Week 081715 to 082315

League		Player of the Week		Pitcher of the Week
Triple A
International League		Richie Shaffer		Pat Dean
Pacific Coast League		Jose Martinez		Ty Blach
Double A
Eastern League		Dominic Ficociello		Aaron Wilkerson
Southern League		Cameron Seitzer		Lucas Sims
Texas League		Ryon Healy		Ronald Herrera
Class A Advanced
California League		Brandon Bayardi		Francis Martes
Carolina League		Ben Carhart		Mikey O'Brien
Florida State League		Rhys Hoskins		Chaz Hebert
Class A
Midwest League		Nick Thompson		Sam Gibbons
South Atlantic League		Arturo Rodriguez		Chris Flexen
A Short Season
New York-Penn League		Trey Amburgey		Domingo Acevedo
Northwest League		Braden Bishop		Joseph Pistorese
Rookie
Appalachian League		Xavier Fernandez		Jhonatan Escudero
Pioneer League		Carlos Belonis		Jacob Constante