Zac Rosscup traded to Rockies

Zac Rosscup was traded by the Chicago Cubs to the Colorado Rockies on June 26, 2017. The Cubs in exchange received Matt Carasiti.

LHP Rosscup had split 2017 between Triple A Iowa and the Cubs. He was 2-2, 2.60 ERA, 39 K, 1.05 WHIP, .208 BAA, 1 SV in 27.2 IP over 17 games with 1 GS at Iowa and 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0 K, 0.00 WHIP, .000 BAA in 0.2 IP in 1 game with the Cubs. Over four MLB seasons with the Cubs he was 3-1, 5.32 ERA, 57 K, 1.58 WHIP, .236 BAA in 47.1 IP over 62 games. He was originally drafted by the Rays in the 28th round in 2009 and traded to the Cubs in 2011. Rosscup turned 29 on June 9th.

RHP Carasiti was 1-1, 2.37 ERA, 43 K, 1.45 WHIP, .263 BAA, 13 SV in 30.1 IP over 27 games at Triple A Albuquerque in 2017. While with the Rockies in 2016 he was 1-0, 9.19 ERA, 17 K, 2.30 WHIP, .373 BAA in 15.2 IP over 19 games. He was originally drafted by the Rockies in the sixth round in 2012. Carasiti will be 26 on July 23.

Adeiny Hechavarria traded to Rays

Adeiny Hechavarria was traded by the Miami Marlins to the Tampa Bay Rays on June 26, 2017. The Marlins in exchange received Braxton Lee and Ethan Clark.

Hechavarria is a shortstop who hit 18 for 65, .277/.288/.385 with 1 HR, 6 RBI, 8 R, 0 SB in 20 games with the Marlins in 2017. Over six MLB seasons with the Marlins and Blue Jays he hit .255/.291/.337 with 15 HR, 185 RBI, 207 R, 26 SB in 640 games. He originally signed with the Blue Jays in 2010 as an amateur free agent out of Cuba. Hechavarria turned 28 on April 15.

Lee is an outfielder who hit 84 for 262, .321/.391/.401 with 2 HR, 16 RBI, 47 R, 12 SB in 67 games at Double A Montgomery in 2017. He was originally drafted by the Rays in the 12th round in 2014. Lee will be 24 on August 23.

RHP Clark was 3-2, 3.11 ERA, 50 K, 1.00 WHIP, .196 BAA in 55.0 IP over 12 games with 9 GS at Class A Bowling Green in 2017. He was originally drafted by the Rays in the 15th round in 2015. Clark turned 22 on October 26.

Mark Peterson traded to Phillies

Mark Peterson was traded by the Kansas City Royals to the Philadelphia Phillies on June 24, 2017 for TBD. The RHP was 2-2, 5.17 ERA, 24 K, 1.72 WHIP, .300 BAA in 31.1 IP over 17 games at Triple A Omaha in 2017. He originally signed with the Royals as a non-drafted free agent in 2012. Peterson will be 27 on September 7th.

MiLB Pitchers of the Week 061917 to 062517

Week 11 minor league pitchers of the week

International League				Pacific Coast League
Ryan Yarbrough				Luke Farrell
Durham (TB)				Omaha (KC)
Eastern League		Southern League		Texas League
Matt Gage		Ivan Pineyro		Foster Griffin
Richmond (SF)		Jackson (ARI)		Northwest Arkansas (KC)
Carolina League		California League		Florida State League
Shane Bieber		Nathan Bannister		Travis Ott
Lynchburg (CLE)		Modesto (SEA)		Charlotte (TB)
Midwest League				South Atlantic League
Ethan Clark				Thomas Szapucki
Bowling Green (TB)				Columbia (NYM)
New York-Penn League				Northwest League
Scooter Hightower				Breiling Eusebio
West Virginia (PIT)				Boise (COL)
Appalachian League				Pioneer League
none yet				Michael Petersen
				Helena (MIL)

Michael Petersen Pioneer League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Michael Petersen of the Helena Brewers was selected the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he was 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 4 BB and 6 K. This season the RHP is 0-0, 1.69 ERA, 12 K, 1.13 WHIP, .147 BAA 10.2 IP over 2 GS. Helena is a Rookie team of the Milwaukee Brewers. He was originally drafted by the Brewers in the 17th round in 2015. Petersen turned 23 on May 16.

Breiling Eusebio Northwest League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Breiling Eusebio of the Boise Hawks was selected the Northwest League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. 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, 2 BB, and 8 K. This season the LHP is 2-0, 0.75 ERA, 15 K, 0.58 WHIP, .125 BAA in 12.0 IP over 2 GS. Boise is the Class A Short Season team of the Colorado Rockies. He originally signed with the Rockies in 2013 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Eusebio turned 20 on October 21. 

Scooter Hightower New York-Penn League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Scooter Hightower of the West Virginia Black Bears was selected the New York-Penn League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2015. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 G, 1 GS, 6.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 1 HBP, 0 BB and 12 K. This season the LHP is 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 12 K, 0.00 WHIP, .000 BAA in 6.0 IP over 2 games with 1 GS. West Virginia is the Class A Short Season team of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was originally drafted by the Pirates in the 15th round in 2015. Hightower turned 23 on October 15.

Thomas Szapucki South Atlantic League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Thomas Szapucki of the Columbia Fireflies was selected the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he was 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 2 BB, and 10 K. This season the LHP is 1-1, 2.82 ERA, 21 K, 1.12 WHIP, .228 BAA in 22.1 IP over 4 GS. Columbia is the Class A team of the New York Mets. He was originally drafted by the Mets in the fifth round in 2015. Szapucki turned 21 on June 12.

Ethan Clark Midwest League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Ethan Clark of the Bowling Green Hot Rods was selected the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week the was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB, 9 K. The win was in a 1-0 victory over Quad Cities. This season the RHP is 3-2, 3.11 ERA, 50 K, 1.00 WHIP, .196 BAA in 55.0 IP over 12 games with 9 GS. Bowling Green is the Class A team of the Tampa Bay Rays. He was originally drafted by the Rays in the 15th round in 2015. Clark turned 22 on October 26.

Travis Ott Florida State League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Travis Ott of the Charlotte Stone Crabs was selected the Florida State League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he was 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 11.0 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 2 BB and 15 K. The wins were in an 5-0 victory over Palm Beach and in a 6-1 victory over St Lucie. This season the LHP is 3-1, 3.33 ERA, 34 K, 1.30 WHIP, .175 BAA in 27.0 IP over 6 GS at Charlotte and 4-2, 2.09 ERA, 38 K, 1.22 WHIP, .219 BAA in 38.2 IP over 7 GS at Class A Bowling Green. Charlotte is the Class A Advanced team of the Tampa Bay Rays. He was originally drafted by the Nationals in the 25th round in 2013 was was traded to the Rays in 2014. Ott will be 22 on June 29.

Shane Bieber Carolina League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Shane Bieber of the Lynchburg Hillcats was selected the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 8.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 1 HBP, 1 BB and 11 K. The win was in an 3-0 victory over Frederick. This season the RHP is 4-1, 3.14 ERA, 56 K, 1.14 WHIP, .282 BAA in 63.0 IP over 10 GS at Lynchburg and 2-3, 3.10 ERA, 31 K, 1.21 WHIP, .291 BAA in 29.0 IP over 5 GS at Class A Lake County. Lynchburg is the Class A Advanced team of the Cleveland Indians. He was originally drafted by the Indians in the fourth round in 2016. Bieber turned 22 on May 31.

Nathan Bannister California League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Nathan Bannister of the Modesto Nuts was selected the California League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he was 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 7.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB and 8 K. The no decision was in a 3-1 victory over Stockton. This season the RHP is 3-4, 5.74 ERA, 53 K, 1.38 WHIP, .292 BAA in 64.1 IP over 12 GS at Modesto and 0-0, 6.32 ERA, 16 K, 1.47 WHIP, .286 BAA in 15.2 IP over 3 games with 2 GS at Triple A Tacoma. Modesto is the Class A Advanced team of the Seattle Mariners. He was originally drafted by the Mariners in the 28th round in 2016. Bannister turned 23 on December 7th.

Foster Griffin Texas League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Foster Griffin of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals was selected the Texas League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he was 2-0, 0.71 ERA, 2 GS, 12.2 IP, 12 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 3 BB and 12 K. The win was in an 2-1 victory over Tulsa. This season the LHP is 5-1, 1.93 ERA, 31 K, 1.10 WHIP, .225 BAA in 37.1 IP over 6 GS at Northwest Arkansas and 4-2, 2.86 ERA, 60 K, 1.11 WHIP, .210 BAA in 10 GS at Class A Advanced Wilmington. Northwest Arkansas is the Double A team of the Kansas City Royals. He was originally drafted by the Royals with the 28th pick of the first round in 2014. Griffin will be 22 on July 27.

Ivan Pineyro Southern League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Ivan Pineyro of the Jackson Generals was selected the Southern League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. 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 12 K. The win came in a 1-0 victory over Jacksonville. This season the RHP is 6-0, 1.95 ERA, 43 K, 0.86 WHIP, .216 BAA in 37.0 IP in 12 games with 4 GS at Jackson, 0-2, 5.63 ERA, 22 K, 1.56 WHIP, .292 BAA in 16.0 IP over 3 GS at Class A Advanced Visalia and 0-0, 3.00 ERA, 3 K, 1.33 WHIP, .250 BAA in 3.0 IP over 2 games at Triple A Reno. Jackson is the Double A team of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He originally signed with the Nationals in 2011 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Rebublic, was traded to the Cubs in 2013, traded to the Marlins in 2015 and signed with the Diamondbacks in 2016. Pineyro will be 26 on September 29.

Matt Gage Eastern League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Matt Gage of the Richmond Flyings Squirrels was selected the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 1 SHO, 9.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 1 HBP, 1 BB and 3 K. The win was in a 3-0 victory over Hartford. This season the LHP is 4-4, 2.95 ERA, 50 K, 1.21 WHIP, .262 BAA in 73.1 IP over 12 GS. Richmond is the Double A team of the San Francisco Giants. He was originally drafted by the Giants in the tenth round in 2014. Gage turned 24 on February 11.

Luke Farrell Pacific Coast League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Luke Farrell of the Omaha Storm Chasers was selected the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he was 2-0, 1.29 ERA, 2 GS, 14.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 0 HBP, 0 BB and 18 K. The wins were in a 5-1 victory over Iowa and in a 5-3 victory over Memphis. This season the RHP is 7-3, 3.83 ERA, 77 K, 1.19 WHIP, .234 BAA in 82.1 IP over 14 games with 13 GS. Omaha is the Triple A team of the Kansas City Royals. He was originally drafted by the Royals in the sixth round in 2013. Farrell turned 26 on June 7th.

Ryan Yarbrough International League PiOW 061917 to 062517

Ryan Yarbrough of the Durham Bulls was selected the International League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he was 2-0, 1.59 ERA, 2 GS, 11.1 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 3 BB and 16 K. The wins were in an 3-2 victory over Norfolk and in a 10-6 victory over Charlotte. This season the LHP is 7-4, 4.10 ERA, 89 K, 1.26 WHIP, .256 BAA in 90.0 IP over 15 GS. Durham is the Triple A team of the Tampa Bay Rays. He was originally drafted by the Mariners in the fourth round in 2014 and traded to the Rays in January 2017. Yarbrough turned 25 on December 31.

MiLB Players of the Week 061917 to 062517

Week 11 minor league players of the week

International League				Pacific Coast League
Casey Gillaspie				Jordan Patterson
Durham (TB)				Albuquerque (COL)
Eastern League		Southern League		Texas League
Jiandido Tromp		Joe McCarthy		Scott Heineman
Reading (PHI)		Montgomery (TB)		Frisco (TEX)
Carolina League		California League		Florida State League
Jordan Betts		Yusniel Diaz		Peter Alonso
Salem (BOS)		Rancho Cucamonga (LAD)		St Lucie (NYM)
Midwest League				South Atlantic League
Jose Siri				Daniel Johnson
Dayton (CIN)				Hagerstown (WAS)
New York-Penn League				Northwest League
Oliver Ortiz				Malique Ziegler
Auburn (WAS)				Salem-Keizer (SF)
Appalachian League				Pioneer League
none yet				Cristian Santana
				Ogden (LAD)

Cristian Santana Pioneer League POW 061917 to 062517

Cristian Santana of the Ogden Raptors was selected the Pioneer League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 14 for 25, .560/.586/1.080 with 2 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 12 R, 0 SB and 4 BB in 6 games. This season the third baseman is hitting 16 for 29, .552/.588/1.000 with 3 HR, 9 RBI, 13 R, 0 SB in 7 games. Ogden is a Rookie team of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He originally signed with the Dodgers in 2014 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Santana turned 20 on February 24.

Malique Ziegler Northwest League POW 061917 to 062517

Malique Ziegler of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes was selected the Northwest League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 12 for 27, .444/.516/.704 with 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 10 R, 5 SB and 4 BB in 6 games. This season the outfielder is hitting 18 for 47, .383/.463/.617 with 2 HR, 3 RBI, 14 R, 9 SB in 11 games. Salem-Keizer is the Class A short season team of the San Francisco Giants. He was originally drafted by the Giants in the 22nd round in 2016. Ziegler will be 21 on September 8th.

Oliver Ortiz New York-Penn League POW 061917 to 062517

Oliver Ortiz of the Auburn Doubledays was selected the New York-Penn League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 10 for 29, .345/.424/.793 with 1 2B, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB and 1 BB in 7 games. This season the outfielder is hitting 10 for 29, .345/.424/.793 with 1 2B, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB and 1 BB in 7 games at Auburn and 11 for 58, .190/.230/.293 with 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB in 17 games at Class A Hagerstown. Auburn is the Class A short season team of the Washington Nationals. He originally signed with the Nationals in 2013 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Ortiz turned 21 on May 6th.

Daniel Johnson South Atlantic League POW 061917 to 062517

Daniel Johnson of the Hagerstown Suns was selected the South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 8 for 17, .471/.500/1.000 with 3 HR, 7 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB and 0 BB in 4 games. This season the outfielder is hitting 76 for 250, .304/.371/.564 with 16 HR, 38 RBI, 47 R, 7 SB in 67 games. Hagerstown is the Class A team of the Washington Nationals. He was originally drafted by the Nationals in the fifth round in 2016. Johnson will be 22 on July 11. 

Jose Siri Midwest League POW 061917 to 062517

Jose Siri of the Dayton Dragons was selected the Midwest League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 8 for 18, .444/.500/1.111 with 3 2B, 3  HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 2 SB and 1 BB in 4 games. This season the outfielder is hitting 66 for 241, .274/.336/.473 with 9 HR, 31 RBI, 43 R, 23 SB in 65 games. Dayton is the Class A team of the Cincinnati Reds. He originally signed with the Reds in 2012 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Siri will be 22 on July 22.

Peter Alonso Florida State League POW 061917 to 062517

Peter Alonso of the St Lucie Mets was selected the Florida State League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 12 for 29, .414/.471/.931 with 6 2B, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 9 R, 0 SB and 3 BB in 8 games. This season the first baseman is hitting 25 for 107, .234/.291/.449 with 5 HR, 20 RBI, 13 R, 1 SB in 29 games. St Lucie is the Class A Advanced team of the New York Mets. He was originally drafted by the Mets in the second round in 2016. Alonso turned 22 on December 7th.

Jordan Betts Carolina League POW 061917 to 062517

Jordan Betts of the Salem Red Sox was selected the Carolina League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 9 for 16, .563/.588/1.125 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 1 SB and 1 BB in 4 games. This season the first baseman is hitting 32 for 124, .258/.329/.484 with 6 HR, 27 RBI, 19 R, 3 SB in 38 games. Salem is the Class A Advanced team of the Boston Red Sox. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the 18th round in 2014. Betts turned 25 on October 6th.

Yusniel Diaz California League POW 061917 to 062517

Yusniel Diaz of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes was selected the California League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 9 for 19, .474/.476/1.105 with 4 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB and 1 BB in 4 games. This season the outfielder is hitting 76 for 264, .288/.352/.443 with 7 HR, 35 RBI, 34 R, 5 SB in 66 games. Rancho Cucamonga is the Class A Advanced team of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He originally signed with the Dodgers in 2015 as a free agent out of Cuba. Diaz turned 20 on October 7th.

Scott Heineman Texas League POW 061917 to 062517

Scott Heineman of the Frisco RoughRiders was selected the Texas League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 14 for 26, .538/.600/.769 with 3 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 8 R, 1 SB and 3 BB in 7 games. This season the outfielder is hitting 79 for 263, .300/.374/.456 with 6 HR, 23 RBI, 52 R, 9 SB in 64 games. Frisco is the Double A team of the Texas Rangers. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the 11th round in 2015. Heineman turned 24 on December 4th.

Joe McCarthy Southern League POW 061917 to 062517

Joe McCarthy of the Montgomery Biscuits was selected the Southern League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 6 for 17, .353/.421/.765 with 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB and 1 BB in 4 games. This season the first baseman is hitting 76 for 250, .304/.403/.444 with 2 HR, 26 RBI, 37 R, 11 SB in 69 games. Montgomery is the Double A team of the Tampa Bay Rays. He was originally drafted by the Rays in the fifth round in 2015. McCarthy turned 23 on February 23.

Jiandido Tromp Eastern League POW 061917 to 062517

Jiandido Tromp of the Reading Fightin Phils was selected the Eastern League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 10 for 22, .455/.500/1.091 with 2 2B, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB and 1 BB in 6 games. This season the outfielder is hitting 58 for 207, .280/.327/.507 with 9 HR, 28 RBI, 32 R, 1 SB in 57 games at Reading and 2 for 9, .222/.300/.333 with 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB in 3 games at Triple A Lehigh Valley. Reading is the Double A team of the Philadelphia Phillies. He originally signed with the Phillies in 2011 as an amateur free agent out of Curacao. Tromp will be 24 on September 27.

Jordan Patterson Pacific Coast League POW 061917 to 062517

Jordan Patterson of the Albuquerque Isotopes was selected the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 11 for 26, .423/.483/.846 with 2 2B, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB and 3 BB in 6 games. This season the outfielder is hitting 64 for 251, .255/.330/.470 with 12 HR, 50 RBI, 40 R, 3 SB in 68 games. Albuquerque is the Triple A team of the Colorado Rockies. He was originally drafted by the Rockies in the fourth round in 2013. Patterson turned 25 on February 12.

Casey Gillaspie International League POW 061917 to 062517

Casey Gillaspie of the Durham Bulls was selected the International League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 12 for 25, .480/.548/.800 with 5 2B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 0 SB and 5 BB in 7 games.  This season the first baseman is hitting 60 for 265, .225/.297/.363 with 7 HR, 39 RBI, 38 R, 1 SB in 70 games. Durham is the Triple A team of the Tampa Bay Rays.  He was originally drafted by the Rays with the 20th pick of the first round in 2014. Gillaspie turned 24 on January 25.

Cody Bellinger NL Player of Week 061917 to 062517

Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers was selected the National League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week he hit 10 for 27, .370/.400/1.037 with 3 2B, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB and 2 BB. He had also earned the award week 5. This season the third baseman is hitting 59 for 215, .274/.342/.679 with 24 HR, 55 RBI, 44 R, 5 SB in 57 games with the Dodgers and 23 for 67, .343/.429/.627 with 5 HR, 15 RBI, 15 R, 7 SB in 18 games at Triple A Oklahoma City.  He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the fourth round in 2013. Bellinger will be 22 on July 13.

Corey Kluber AL Player of Week 061917 to 062517

Corey Kluber of the Cleveland Indians was selected the American League Player of the Week for the span of June 19, 2017 through June 25, 2017. For the week was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 16.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 24 K, and .109 BAA. This season the RHP is 6-2, 3.24 ERA, 93 K, 1.05 WHIP, .214 BAA in 72.1 IP over 11 GS. Over seven MLB seasons with the Indians he is 64-46, 3.32 ERA, 1029 K, 1.13 WHIP, .238 BAA in 959.2 IP over 150 games with 125 GS.  He was originally drafted by the Padres in the fourth round in 2007 and was traded to the Indians in 2010. Kluber turned 31 on April 10.

Chasing 50-50 062617

This is the sixth year of my Chasing 50-50 segment which I'm reviving as the teams approach the All-Star break. It started five seasons ago as we followed Matt Kemp then of the Dodgers in his self proclaimed attempt to hit 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. The 2017 season enters week 13 and we'll check out those with the power\speed combo. As long as he is playing Kemp will always be part of this.

Matt Kemp

As he showed last season, the initial star of our showcase still has the power but not the wheels. This season he is hitting .320/.361/.547 with 12 HR, 35 RBI, 30 R, 0 SB in 62 games.

Games Braves played: 75

Home Runs: 12  --- Projected Home Runs: 26

Steals: 0 --- Projected Steals: 0

Paul Goldschmidt

The All-Star first baseman has already nearly locked in a 20/20 season and is trying for much more as he is hitting .332/.447/.606 with 18 HR, 65 RBI, 68 R, 13 SB in 76 games

Games Diamondbacks played: 76

Home Runs: 18  --- Projected Home Runs: 38

Steals: 12 --- Projected Steals: 26

Mike Trout

The defending AL MVP had launched a campaign to challenge the numbers in the title before an injury put him on the DL. He may return prior to the All-Star break but will certainly add to his numbers after. Currently he is hitting .337/.461/.742 with 16 HR, 36 RBI, 36 R, 10 SB in 47 games

Games Angels played: 79

Home Runs: 16  --- Projected Home Runs: 33

Steals: 10 --- Projected Steals: 21

Brett Gardner

The Yankees outfielder has already hit double digits in the two main categories and the surge in power might help him get his first 20/20 season as he is hitting .257/.337/.470 with 14 HR, 33 RBI, 49 R, 10 SB in 68 games

Games Yankees played: 73

Home Runs: 14  --- Projected Home Runs: 31

Steals: 10 --- Projected Steals: 22

Keon Broxton

The Brewers outfielder flashed some speed last season with his first real chance to play but is really breaking out hitting .250/.317/.496 with 13 HR, 32 RBI, 44 R, 13 SB in 73 games

Games Brewers played: 78

Home Runs: 13  --- Projected Home Runs: 27

Steals: 13 --- Projected Steals: 27

Brian Dozier

The Twins second baseman nearly had a 20\20 last season and clearly has that in his sights as he is hitting .250/.341/.446 with 13 HR, 35 RBI, 36 R, 10 SB in 69 games

Games Twins played: 73

Home Runs: 13  --- Projected Home Runs: 29

Steals: 10 --- Projected Steals: 22

Mookie Betts

The Red Sox outfielder if off the pace of last season when he challeged 30/30 but he is still off to a good start hitting .266/.343/.474 with 12 HR, 40 RBI, 46 R, 12 SB in 72 games.

Games Red Sox played: 75

Home Runs: 12  --- Projected Home Runs: 26

Steals: 12 --- Projected Steals: 26

Jose Altuve

As baseball's version of Ant-Man, the Astros second baseman is slightly behind last season but still hitting well at .319/.393/.521 with 11 HR, 36 RBI, 49 R, 12 SB in 75 games

Games Astos played: 77

Home Runs: 11  --- Projected Home Runs: 23

Steals: 12 --- Projected Steals: 25

Lorenzo Cain

The last of the debut group makes his first ever appearance in the chase as the Kansas City outfielder is hitting .280/.355/.454 with 10 HR, 27 RBI, 40 R, 14 SB in 72 games

Games Royals played: 74

Home Runs: 10  --- Projected Home Runs: 22

Steals: 14 --- Projected Steals: 31

Ghost of 62 062617

The reference in the title is the 1962 Mets who are regarded as the worst of the Modern Era for all teams after 1900. The team finished 40-120 and 60.5 games back. For the season the team hit .240/.318/.361 and scored 617 runs which was 3.8 per game. The team ERA was 5.04 and they gave up 948 runs or 5.9 per game.

This is the fourth year of this series where each week I will check in on the MLB teams with the worst win-loss records and how they measure up to 1962. This is the first segment of the 2017 season as the cellar dwellers are establishing themselves approaching the All-Star break. The seven teams entering week 13 are the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers and Oakland Athletics. 

The Phillies are 24-50, 20.5 games back and 3-7 over their last ten games. That projects to 52-110. The team is hitting .243/.305/.394 and have scored 284 which is 3.8 per game. Their team ERA is 4.87 and have given up 381 runs or 5.1 per game.

The Giants are 27-51, 24.5 games back and 1-9 over their last ten games. That projects to 56-106. The team is hitting .241/.302/.371 and have scored 293 which is 3.8 per game. Their team ERA is 4.82 and have given up 400 runs or 5.1 per game.

The Padres are 31-45, 19.5 games back and 5-5 over their last ten games. That projects to 66-96. The team is hitting .226/.294/.386 and have scored 274 which is 3.6 per game. Their team ERA is 4.71 and have given up 388 runs or 5.1 per game.

The Reds are 31-43, 14.0 games back and 2-8 over their last ten games. That projects to 68-94. The team is hitting .261/.327/.453 and have scored 363 which is 4.9 per game. Their team ERA is 5.23 and have given up 405 runs or 5.5 per game.

The White Sox are 32-42, 7.5 games back and 4-6 over their last ten games. That projects to 70-92. The team is hitting .261/.316/.417 and have scored 337 which is 4.6 per game. Their team ERA is 4.30 and have given up 341 runs or 4.6 per game.

The Tigers are 33-42, 7.0 games back and 2-8 over their last ten games. That projects to 71-91. The team is hitting .253/.328/.427 and have scored 357 which is 4.8 per game. Their team ERA is 4.85 and have given up 379 runs or 5.1 per game.

The Athletics are 34-42, 17.5 games back and 6-4 over their last ten games. That projects to 72-90. The team is hitting .243/.313/.431 and have scored 331 which is 4.4 per game. Their team ERA is 4.76 and have given up 403 runs or 5.3 per game.

NL West 061917 to 062517

Week 12 standings and top performers of week

Los Angeles Dodgers 51-26   .662

OF Cody Bellinger 10 for 27, .370/.400/1.037 w/ 5 HR, 12 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB, 2 BB in 7 games

LHP Alex Wood 1-0, 1.50 ERA, 7 K, 0.83 WHIP, .143 BAA in 6.0 IP in 1 GS


Arizona Diamondbacks 48-28   .632

1B Paul Goldschmidt 10 for 24, .417/.500/.708 w/ 2 HR, 8 RBI, 8 R, 0 SB, 3 BB in 6 games

RHP Randall Delgado 0-0, 1.29 ERA, 7 K, 0.86 WHIP, .208 BAA in 7.0 IP over 2 games w/ 1 GS


Colorado Rockies 47-31   .603

2B D.J LeMahieu 9 for 25, .360/.385/.400 w/ 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB, 1 BB in 6 games

RHP German Marquez 0-0, 1.50 ERA, 3 K, 1.00 WHIP, .200 BAA in 6.0 IP in 1 GS


San Diego Padres 31-45   .408

SS Erick Aybar 4 for 13, .308/.438/.769 w/ 2 HR, 2 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB, 3 BB in 5 games

RHP Luis Perdomo 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 6 K, 1.17 WHIP, .111 BAA in 6.0 IP in 1 GS


San Francisco Giants 27-51   .346

1B Brandon Belt 7 for 23, .304/.385/.826 w/ 3 HR, 5 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB, 3 BB in 7 games

RHP Mark Melancon 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 K, 1.00 WHIP, .143 BAA, 1 SV in 2.0 IP over 2 games

NL Central 061917 to 062517

Week 12 standings and top performers of week

Milwaukee Brewers 41-37  .526

OF Keon Broxton 9 for 22, .409/.500/.773 w/ 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 3 SB, 4 BB in 7 games

RHP Chase Anderson 1-0, 3.00 ERA, 7 K, 0.67 WHIP, .105 BAA in 6.0 IP in 1 GS


Chicago Cubs 38-37   .507

2B Ian Happ 11 for 27, .407/.429/.704 w/ 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R, 1 SB, 1 BB in 7 games

LHP Mike Montgomery 1-1, 0.00 ERA, 10 K, 0.92 WHIP, .163 BAA in 12.0 IP over 2 GS


Pittsburgh Pirates 35-41  .461

OF Andrew McCutchen 9 for 23, .391/.517/.652 w/ 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB, 6 BB in 7 games

RHP Gerrit Cole 2-0, 1.38 ERA, 10 K, 0.92 WHIP, .178 BAA in 13.0 IP over 2 GS


St Louis Cardinals 34-40  .459

OF Jose Martinez 5 for 13, .385/.467/.923 w/ 2 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB, 2 BB in 6 games

RHP Mike Leake 0-0, 3.00 ERA, 7 K, 1.08 WHIP, .220 BAA in 12.0 IP over 2 GS


Cincinnati Reds 31-43   .419

2B Scooter Gennett 11 for 26, .423/.483/.885 w/ 3 HR, 5 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB, 3 BB in 6 games

RHP Scott Feldman 1-0, 2.77 ERA, 11 K, 1.23 WHIP, .260 BAA in 13.0 IP over 2 GS

NL East 061917 to 062517

Week 12 standings and top performers of week

Washington Nationals 45-30   .600

OF Michael Taylor 8 for 18, .444/.474/1.111 w/ 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 R, 2 SB, 1 BB in 5 games

RHP Max Scherzer 0-1, 0.00 ERA, 11 K, 0.38 WHIP, .077 BAA in 8.0 IP in 1 GS


Atlanta Braves 36-39   .480

2B Brandon Phillips 7 for 27, .259/.286/.667 w/ 3 HR, 5 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB, 1 BB in 7 games

RHP R.A. Dickey 2-0, 0.64 ERA, 12 K, 0.71 WHIP, .167 BAA in 14.0 IP over 2 GS


Miami Marlins 34-40   .459

OF Marcell Ozuna 7 for 26, .269/.296/.500 w/ 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB, 1 BB in 7 games

RHP A.J. Ramos 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 6 K, 0.69 WHIP, .143 BAA, 3 SV in 4.1 IP over 4 games


New York Mets 34-41  .453

OF Curtis Granderson 10 for 22, .455/.552/1.045 w/ 3 HR, 5 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB, 6 BB in 7 games

RHP Jacob deGrom 1-0, 1.13 ERA, 7 K, 0.63 WHIP, .143 BAA in 8.0 IP in 1 GS


Philadelphia Phillies  24-50   .324

3B Maikel Franco 5 for 25, .200/.259/.360 w/ 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB, 2 BB in 6 games

RHP Aaron Nola 1-0, 1.23 ERA, 8 K, 0.82 WHIP, .154 BAA in 7.1 IP in 1 GS

AL West 061917 to 062517

Week 12 standings and top performers of week

Houston Astros 52-25   .675

OF Josh Reddick 9 for 18, .500/.550/1.111 w/ 2 HR, 4 RBI, 8 R, 1 SB, 2 BB in 5 games

RHP Mike Fiers 1-0, 1.50 ERA, 5 K, 1.00 WHIP, .158 BAA in 6.0 IP in 1 GS


Texas Rangers 38-37   .507

OF Carlos Gomez 6 for 22, .273/.333/.818 w/ 4 HR, 8 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB, 2 BB in 6 games

RHP Nick Martinez 2-0, 3.97 ERA, 5 K, 1.06 WHIP, .190 BAA in 11.1 IP over 2 GS


Los Angeles Angels 40-39   .506

C Martin Maldonado 7 for 20, .350/.350/.850 w/ 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB, 0 BB in 5 games

RHP Parker Bridwell 2-0, 3.09 ERA, 7 K, 1.20 WHIP, .220 BAA in 11.2 IP over 2 GS


Seattle Mariners 39-39   .500

2B Robinson Cano 5 for 27, .185/.267/.481 w/ 2 HR, 11 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB, 3 BB in 7 games

RHP Steve Cishek 1-0, 3.00 ERA, 5 K, 2.00 WHIP, .286 BAA, 1 SV in 3.0 IP over 4 games


Oakland Athletics 34-42   .447

OF Matt Olson 4 for 14, .286/.500/.786 w/ 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB, 5 BB in 4 games

RHP Jharel Cotton 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 3 K, 0.80 WHIP, .188 BAA in 5.0 IP in 1 GS

AL Central 061917 to 062517

Week 12 standings and top performers of week

Minnesota Twins 39-34   .534

OF Eddie Rosario 5 for 12, .417/.462/.667 w/ 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5 R, 1 SB, 1 BB in 5 games

LHP Adalberto Mejia 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 4 K, 1.40 WHIP, .105 BAA in 5.0 IP in 1 GS


Cleveland Indians 39-35  .527

3B Jose Ramirez 11 for 28, .393/.433/.750 w/ 1 HR, 1 RBI, 6 R, 1 SB, 2 BB in 7 games

RHP Corey Kluber 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 24 K, 0.50 WHIP, .109 BAA in 16.0 IP over 2 GS


Kansas City Royals 37-37   .500

OF Jorge Bonifacio 5 for 20, .250/.375/.650 w/ 2 HR, 3 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB, 4 BB in 6 games

RHP Jason Hammel 1-0, 3.00 ERA, 10 K, 1.25 WHIP, .245 BAA in 12.0 IP over 2 GS


Detroit Tigers 33-42   .440

2B Ian Kinsler 7 for 27, .259/.394/.667 w/ 3 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB, 6 BB in 7 games

RHP Anibal Sanchez  0-0, 2.45 ERA, 9 K, 0.91 WHIP, .189 BAA in 11.0 IP over 2 GS


Chicago White Sox 32-42   .432

3B Matt Davidson 7 for 25, .280/.308/.600 w/ 2 HR, 2 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB, 1 BB in 6 games

LHP Jose Quintana 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 9 K, 0.75 WHIP, .208 BAA in 6.2 IP in 1 GS

AL East 061917 to 062517

Week 12 standings and top performers of week

New York Yankees 40-33   .548

OF Aaron Judge 7 for 23, .304/.385/.696 w/ 3 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB, 3 BB in 6 games

RHP Masahiro Tanaka 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 9 K, 0.63 WHIP, .120 BAA in 8.0 IP in 1 GS


Boston Red Sox 41-34   .547

C Sandy Leon 5 for 8, .625/.625/1.250 w/ 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB, 0 BB in 3 games

LHP Chris Sale 1-0, 3.24 ERA, 10 K, 0.60 WHIP, .143 BAA in 8.1 IP in 1 GS


Tampa Bay Rays 40-38   .513

DH Corey Dickerson 8 for 24, .333/.407/.583 w/ 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB, 3 BB in 6 games

RHP Erasmo Ramirez 1-0, 3.38 ERA, 6 K, 0.94 WHIP, .111 BAA in 5.1 IP in 1 GS


Baltimore Orioles 37-38   .493

DH Trey Mancini 10 for 25, .400/.464/.680 w/ 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB, 2 BB in 7 games

RHP Brad Brach 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 K, 1.33 WHIP, .273 BAA, 1 SV in 3.0 IP over 2 games


Toronto Blue Jays 36-39   .480

OF Jose Bautista 9 for 29, .310/.412/.552 w/ 2 HR, 5 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB, 5 BB in 7 games

LHP J.A. Happ 0-0, 1.35 ERA, 5 K, 0.60 WHIP, .160 BAA in 6.2 IP in 1 GS

Trea Turner 5 for 5 vs Reds 062417

Trea Turner of the Washington Nationals was 5 for 5 in an 18-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on June 24, 2017. For the game he was 5 for 5 with 2 RBI, 4 R and 1 BB while batting lead off and playing shortstop. This season he is hitting 76 for 280, .271/.307/.418 with 7 HR, 32 RBI, 49 R, 28 SB in 64 games. Over three MLB seasons with the Nationals he has hit .303/.337/.485 with 21 HR, 73 RBI, 107 R, 63 SB in 164 games. He was originally drafted by the Padres with the 13th pick of the first round in 2014 and traded to the Nationals in 2015. Turner will be 24 on June 30.

MiLB Pitchers of the Week 061217 to 061817

Week 10 minor league pitchers of the week

International League				Pacific Coast League
Shawn Morimando				John Gant
Columbus (CLE)				Memphis (STL)
Eastern League		Southern League		Texas League
Justus Sheffield		Jordan Guerrero		Kyle Lloyd
Trenton (NYY)		Birmingham (CWS)		San Antonio (SD)
Carolina League		California League		Florida State League
Tanner Banks		Casey Meisner		Jeff Brigham
Winston-Salem (CWS)		Stockton (OAK)		Jupiter (MIA)
Midwest League				South Atlantic League
Zack Erwin				Kyle Cody
Beloit (OAK)				Hickory (TEX)

Kyle Cody South Atlantic League PiOW 061217 to 061817

Kyle Cody of the Hickory Crawdads was selected the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he was 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 8.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB, and 8 K. This season the RHP is 2-6, 3.92 ERA, 51 K, 1.31 WHIP, .247 BAA in 59.2 IP over 12 GS. Hickory is the Class A team of the Texas Rangers. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the sixth round in 2016. Cody will be 23 on August 9th.

Zack Erwin Midwest League PiOW 061217 to 061817

Zack Erwin of the Beloit Snappers was selected the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week the was 1-0, 0.82 ERA, 2 GS, 11.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB, 11 K. The win was in a 1-0 victory over Quad Cities. This season the LHP is 1-0, 1.25 ERA, 21 K, 1.06 WHIP, .229 BAA in 21.2 IP over 5 GS. Beloit is the Class A team of the Oakland Athletics. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in the fourth round in 2015 and traded to the Athletics in December 2015. Erwin turned 23 on January 24.

Jeff Brigham Florida State League PiOW 061217 to 061817

Jeff Brigham of the Jupiter Hammerheads was selected the Florida State League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. 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, 2 BB and 4 K. The win came in an 1-0 victory over St Lucie. This season the RHP is 2-0, 1.59 ERA, 14 K, 0.84 WHIP, .133 BAA in 22.2 IP over 4 GS. Jupiter is the Class A Advanced team of the Miami Marlins. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the fourth round in 2014 and traded to the Marlins in 2015. Brigham turned 25 on February 16.

Tanner Banks Carolina League PiOW 061217 to 061817

Tanner Banks of the Winston-Salem Dash was selected the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 1 SHO, 9.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 2 BB and 6 K. The win was in an 4-0 victory over Down East. This season the LHP is 6-3, 3.24 ERA, 66 K, 1.12 WHIP, .244 BAA in 80.2 IP over 13 GS. Winston-Salem is the Class A Advanced team of the Chicago White Sox. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in the 18th round in 2014. Banks turned 25 on October 24.

Casey Meisner California League PiOW 061217 to 061817

Casey Meisner of the Stockton Ports was selected the California League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 8.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB and 7 K. The win was in a 2-1 victory over Lake Elsinore. This season the RHP is 5-5, 4.12 ERA, 74 K, 1.30 WHIP, .259 BAA in 67.2 IP over 15 games with 11 GS. Stockton is the Class A Advanced team of the Oakland Athletics. He was originally drafted by the Mets in the third round in 2013 and traded to the Athletics in 2015. Meisner turned 22 on May 22.

Kyle Lloyd Texas League PiOW 061217 to 061817

Kyle Lloyd of the San Antonio Missions was selected the Texas League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he was 1-0, 2.40 ERA, 2 GS, 15.0 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB and 17 K. The win was in an 8-2 victory over Frisco. He had also earned the award week 5. This season the RHP is 6-4, 3.23 ERA, 78 K, 1.08 WHIP, .214 BAA in 78.0 IP over 13 GS at San Antonio and 0-1, 6.75 ERA, 9 K, 1.73 WHIP, .333 BAA in 17.1 IP over 3 GS at Triple A El Paso. San Antonio is the Double A team of the San Diego Padres. He was originally drafted by the Padres in the 29th round in 2013. Lloyd turned 26 on October 16.

Jordan Guerrero Southern League PiOW 061217 to 061817

Jordan Guerrero of the Birmingham Barons was selected the Southern League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 1 SHO, 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 2 BB and 4 K. The win came in a 7-0 victory over Mobile. This season the LHP is 3-7, 3.74 ERA, 94 K, 1.20 WHIP, .259 BAA in 84.1 IP in 14 GS. Birmingham is the Double A team of the Chicago White Sox. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in the 15th round in 2012. Guerrero turned 23 on May 31.

Justus Sheffield Eastern League PiOW 061217 to 061817

Justus Sheffield of the Trenton Thunder was selected the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he was 2-0, 0.69 ERA, 2 GS, 13.0 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 1 HBP, 3 BB and 11 K. The wins were in an 8-1 victory over Hartford and a 6-0 victory over Erie. He had also earned the award week 7. This season the LHP is 6-4, 2.99 ERA, 64 K, 1.30 WHIP, .249 BAA in 75.1 IP over 13 GS. Trenton is the Double A team of the New York Yankees. He was originally drafted by the Indians with the 31st pick of the first round in 2014 and was traded to the Yankees in 2016. Sheffield turned 21 on May 13.

John Gant Pacific Coast League PiOW 061217 to 061817

John Gant of the Memphis Redbirds was selected the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 8.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB and 6 K. The win was in a 1-0 victory over Colorado Springs. This season the RHP is 1-2, 3.14 ERA, 27 K, 1.26 WHIP, .255 BAA in 28.2 IP over 6 GS at Memphis and 0-0, 5.40 ERA, 3 K, 1.50 WHIP, .231 BAA in 3.1 IP in 1 game with the Cardinals. Memphis is the Triple A team of the St Louis Cardinals. He was originally drafted by the Mets in the 21st round in 2011, was traded to the Braves in 2015 and traded to the Cardinals in 2016. Over two MLB seasons with the Cardinals and Braves he is 1-4, 4.89 ERA, 52 K, 1.50 WHIP, .275 BAA in 53.1 IP over 21 games with 7 GS. Gant will be 25 on August 6th.

Shawn Morimando International League PiOW 061217 to 061817

Shawn Morimando of the Columbus Clippers was selected the International League Pitcher of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 1 SHO, 9.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 3 BB and 2 K. The win was in an 8-0 victory over Durham. This season the LHP is 6-5, 4.11 ERA, 56 K, 1.46 WHIP, .281 BAA in 85.1 IP over 14 GS. Columbus is the Triple A team of the Cleveland Indians. He was originally drafted by the Indians in the 19th round in 2011. He had a brief stint with the Indians in 2016 going 0-0, 11.27 ERA, 5 K, 3.00 WHIP, .409 BAA in 4.2 IP over 2 games. Morimando turned 24 on November 20.

MiLB Players of the Week 061217 to 061817

Week 10 minor league players of the week

International League				Pacific Coast League
Bryce Brentz				Ryan McMahon
Pawtucket (BOS)				Albuquerque (COL)
Eastern League		Southern League		Texas League
Billy McKinney		Jason Vosler		Jose Miguel Fernandez
Trenton (NYY)		Tennessee (CHC)		Tulsa (LAD)
Carolina League		California League		Florida State League
Austin Hays		D.J. Peters		Dexter Kjerstad
Frederick (BAL)		Rancho Cucamonga (LAD)		Jupiter (MIA)
Midwest League				South Atlantic League
Travis Blankenhorn				Seby Zavala
Cedar Rapids (MIN)				Kannapolis (CWS)

Seby Zavala South Atlantic League POW 061217 to 061817

Seby Zavala of the Kannapolis Intimidators was selected the South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he hit 11 for 25, .440/.517/.920 with 3 2B, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB and 2 BB in 8 games. This season the catcher is hitting 48 for 185, .259/.327/.514 with 13 HR, 34 RBI, 32 R, 0 SB in 52 games. Kannapolis is the Class A team of the Chicago White Sox. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in the 12th round in 2015. Zavala will be 24 on August 28. 

Travis Blankenhorn Midwest League POW 061217 to 061817

Travis Blankenhorn of the Cedar Rapids Kernels was selected the Midwest League Player of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he hit 11 for 27, .407/.500/.852 with 1 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R, 1 SB and 5 BB in 7 games. This season the third baseman is hitting 63 for 243, .259/.348/.457 with 8 HR, 40 RBI, 39 R, 6 SB in 66 games. Cedar Rapids is the Class A team of the Minnesota Twins. He was originally drafted by the Twins in the third round in 2015. Blankenhorn will be 21 on August 3rd.

Dexter Kjerstad Florida State League POW 061217 to 061817

Dexter Kjerstad of the Jupiter Hammerheads was selected the Florida State League Player of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he hit 7 for 16, .438/.550/1.250 with 2 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB and 0 BB in 5 games. This season the outfielder is hitting 37 for 153, .242/.304/.333 with 3 HR, 16 RBI, 18 R, 0 SB in 40 games. Jupiter is the Class A Advanced team of the Miami Marlins. He was originally drafted by the Reds in the 50th round in 2010. Kjerstad turned 25 on January 19.

Austin Hays Carolina League POW 061217 to 061817

Austin Hays of the Frederick Keys was selected the Carolina League Player of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he hit 12 for 31, .387/.387/.871 with 3 2B, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB and 0 BB in 7 games. He had also earned the award week 6 and last week. This season the outfielder is hitting 86 for 262, .328/.364/.592 with 16 HR, 41 RBI, 42 R, 4 SB in 64 games. Frederick is the Class A Advanced team of the Baltimore Orioles. He was originally drafted by the Orioles in the third round in 2016. Hays will be 22 on July 5th.

DJ Peters California League POW 061217 to 061817

D.J. Peters of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes was selected the California League Player of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he hit 9 for 23, .391/.563/.913 with 1 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB and 8 BB in 7 games. He had also earned the award week 3. This season the outfielder is hitting 63 for 241, .261/.381/.494 with 12 HR, 40 RBI, 39 R, 3 SB in 66 games. Rancho Cucamonga is the Class A Advanced team of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers with the fourth round in 2016. Peters turned 21 on December 12.

Jose Miguel Fernandez Texas League POW 061217 to 061817

Jose Miguel Fernandez of the Tulsa Drillers was selected the Texas League Player of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he hit 14 for 26, .538/.556/.846 with 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 3 R, 1 SB and 1 BB in 7 games. This season the second baseman is hitting 71 for 215, .330/.382/.484 with 7 HR, 37 RBI, 27 R, 0 SB in 62 games. Tulsa is the Double A team of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He originally signed with the Dodgers in January 2017 as a free agent out of Cuba. Fernandez turned 29 on April 27.

Jason Vosler Southern League POW 061217 to 061817

Jason Vosler of the Tennessee Smokies was selected the Southern League Player of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he hit 8 for 21, .381/.552/.857 with 1 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB and 7 BB in 7 games. This season the third baseman is hitting 59 for 215, .274/.375/.521 with 13 HR, 49 RBI, 40 R, 1 SB in 65 games. Tennessee is the Double A team of the Chicago Cubs. He was originally drafted by the Cubs in the 16th round in 2014. Vosler will be 24 on September 6th.

Billy McKinney Eastern League POW 061217 to 061817

Billy McKinney of the Trenton Thunder was selected the Eastern League Player of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he hit 10 for 26, .385/.429/.846 with 3 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB and 2 BB in 8 games. This season the outfielder is hitting 49 for 211, .232/.329/.408 with 6 HR, 29 RBI, 31 R, 2 SB in 64 games. Trenton is the Double A team of the New York Yankees. He was originally drafted by the Athletics with the 24th pick of the first round in 2013, was traded to the Cubs in 2014 and traded to the Yankees in 2016. McKinney will be 23 on August 23.

Ryan McMahon Pacific Coast League POW 061217 to 061817

Ryan McMahon of the Albuquerque Isotopes was selected the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he hit 16 for 27, .593/.586/1.296 with 4 2B, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 6 R, 1 SB and 1 BB in 6 games. This season the third baseman is hitting 32 for 76, .421/.452/.737 with 5 HR, 20 RBI, 12 R, 2 SB in 18 games at Albuquerque and 59 for 181, .326/.390/.536 with 6 HR, 32 RBI, 28 R, 7 SB in 49 games at Double A Hartford. He had also earned the award in the Eastern League in week 2. Albuquerque is the Triple A team of the Colorado Rockies. He was originally drafted by the Rockies in the second round in 2013. McMahon turned 22 on December 14.

Bryce Brentz International League POW 061217 to 061817

Bryce Brentz of the Pawtucket Red Sox was selected the International League Player of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he hit 10 for 20, .500/.583/1.050 with 2 2B, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB and 4 BB in 6 games.  This season the outfielder is hitting 50 for 195, .256/.333/.487 with 13 HR, 36 RBI, 30 R, 1 SB in 56 games. Pawtucket is the Triple A team of the Boston Red Sox.  He was originally drafted by the Red Sox with the 36th pick of the first round in 2010. Over three MLB seasons with the Red Sox he hit .287/.311/.379 with 1 HR, 9 RBI, 13 R, 0 SB in 34 games. Brentz turned 28 on December 30.

Corey Seager 3 HR vs Mets 062017

Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers hit three home runs in a 12-0 victory over the New York Mets on June 20, 2017. For the game he was 4 for 5 with a 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI and 3 R while batting second and playing shortstop. He started with a 2-run blast in the first inning, added a solo shot in the fourth and finished the trifecta with a 3-run blast in the fifth. This season he is hitting 77 for 262, .294/.400/.504 with 12 HR, 38 RBI, 54 R, 3 SB in 71 games. Over three MLB seasons with the Dodgers he has hit .307/.381/.515 with 42 HR, 127 RBI, 176 R, 8 SB in 255 games. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers with the 18th pick of the first round in 2012. Seager turned 23 on April 27.

Nolan Arenado hits for cycle vs Giants 061817

Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies hit for the cycle in a 7-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants on June 18, 2017. For the game he was 4 for 5 with a 2B, 3B, HR, 4 RBI, 1 R while batting third and playing third base. He started with a triple in the first inning, added a single in the fourth, doubled in the sixth and finished the game with a walk off 3-run home run. This season he is hitting 87 for 288, .302/.353/.580 with 15 HR, 59 RBI, 47 R, 2 SB in 73 games. Over six MLB seasons with the Rockies he has hit .287/.334/.527 with 126 HR, 435 RBI, 367 R, 10 SB in 634 games. He was originally drafted by the Rockies in the second round in 2009. Arenado turned 26 on April 16.

Trevor Plouffe traded to Rays

Trevor Plouffe was traded by the Oakland Athletics to the Tampa Bay Rays on June 17, 2017 for a PTBNL or cash. The third baseman hit 39 for 182, .214/.276/.357 with 7 HR, 14 RBI, 22 R, 1 SB in 58 games with the Athletics in 2017. Over eight MLB seasons with the Rays, Athletics and Twins he has hit .245/.306/.416 with 104 HR, 372 RBI, 356 R, 12 SB in 784 games. He was originally drafted by the Twins with the 20th pick of the first round in 2004. Plouffe turned 31 on June 15.

Jacob deGrom NL Player of Week 061217 to 061817

Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets was selected the National League Player of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week was 2-0, 0.53 ERA, 2 GS, 1 CG, 17.0 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 12 K, and .143 BAA. This season the RHP is 6-3, 3.94 ERA, 106 K, 1.33 WHIP, .243 BAA in 89.0 IP over 14 GS. Over four MLB seasons with the Mets he is 36-25, 2.93 ERA, 598 K, 1.13 WHIP, .233 BAA in 568.1 IP over 90 GS.  He was originally drafted by the Mets in the ninth round in 2010. deGrom turned 29 on June 19.

Jose Ramirez AL Player of Week 061217 to 061817

Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Indians was selected the American League Player of the Week for the span of June 12, 2017 through June 18, 2017. For the week he hit 16 for 31, .516 with 6 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 9 R, 1 SB and 1 BB. This season the third baseman is hitting 81 for 255, .318/.371/.561 with 11 HR, 34 RBI, 44 R, 7 SB in 67 games. Over five MLB seasons with the Indians he has hit .283/.338/.433 with 30 HR, 154 RBI, 210 R, 49 SB in 399 games. He originally signed with the Indians in 2009 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Ramirez will be 25 on September 17.

NL West 061217 to 061817

Week 11 standings (top performers return next week)

Colorado Rockies 46-26   .639


Arizona Diamondbacks 44-26   .629


Los Angeles Dodgers 44-26   .629


San Diego Padres 28-42   .400


San Francisco Giants 26-45   .366

NL Central 061217 to 061817

Week 11 standings (top performers return next week)

Milwaukee Brewers 38-33  .535


Chicago Cubs 34-34   .500


St Louis Cardinals 31-37  .456


Pittsburgh Pirates 31-38   .449


Cincinnati Reds 29-39   .426

NL East 061217 to 061817

Week 11 standings (top performers return next week)

Washington Nationals 42-27   .609


Atlanta Braves 31-37   .456


New York Mets 31-37  .456


Miami Marlins 30-37   .448


Philadelphia Phillies  22-46   .324

AL West 061217 to 061817

Week 11 standings (top performers return next week)

Houston Astros 46-24   .657


Texas Rangers 34-34   .500


Los Angeles Angels 36-37   .493


Seattle Mariners 34-37   .479


Oakland Athletics 31-38   .449

AL Central 061217 to 061817

Week 11 standings (top performers return next week)

Cleveland Indians 36-31  .537


Minnesota Twins 34-33   .507


Kansas City Royals 33-35   .485


Detroit Tigers 32-36   .471


Chicago White Sox 31-37   .456

AL East 061217 to 061817

Week 11 standings (top performers return next week)

New York Yankees 38-29   .567


Boston Red Sox 39-30   .565


Tampa Bay Rays 37-35   .514


Baltimore Orioles 34-34   .500


Toronto Blue Jays 33-35   .485

2017 College World Series Preview

The 2017 College World Series will be played in Omaha, NE at Ameritrade Park from June 17 thru June 27 or 28 if necessary. There will be no repeat this year as defending champion Coastal Carolina did not get selected to a regional. Five of the national seeds made it to Omaha including top seed Oregon State. All the teams have made it to Omaha before with three capturing previous championships.

The first game Saturday has 39-22 Cal State Fullerton against 54-4 top seed Oregon State. Cal State Fullerton dropped their first super regional game to host Long Beach State before recovering to win 12-0 and 2-1. Oregon State had no problem sweeping 2014 Champion Vanderbilt 8-4 and 9-2.

The Cal State Fullerton Titans are led by Head Coach Rick Vanderhook. They had a 15-9 conference record in the Big West and their campus is in Fullerton, CA. Their top eight hitters are Scott Hurst (.332), Sahid Valenzuela (.324), Timmy Richards (.301), Dillon Persinger (.296), Hunter Cullen (.271), Taylor Bryant (.266), Hank LoForte (.253) and Chris Hudgins (.227) with Hurst leading the team with 12 home runs followed by Cullen with six. The team batting average is .270 and they average 5.5 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Connor Seabold (11-5, 3.01), John Gavin (8-2, 2.67) and Gavin Velsaquez (4-3, 4.50) with Brett Conine being their main closer with 15 saves. Their team ERA is 3.57 and they have given up 3.8 runs per game. Hurst was Big West Player of the Week in week 12 and week 14. Seabold was Big West Pitcher of the Week in week 1 and week 8, Gavin in week 5 and Blake Workman in week 11.  In the 2017 MLB draft they had seven players taken: Seabold (Phillies, 3rd round), Hurst (Cardinals, 3rd), Gavin (Giants, 8th), Hudgins (Royals, 16th), Persinger (Indians, 18th), Richards (Nationals, 24th), and Bryant (Cardinals, 33rd). This is their 18th CWS appearance and won the title in 1979, 1984, 1995 and 2004.

The Oregon State Beavers are led by Head Coach Pat Casey. They had a 27-3 conference record in the PAC 12 and their campus is in Corvallis, OR. Their top eight hitters are Nick Madrigal (.383), Steven Kwan (.345), KJ Harrison (.330), Trevor Larnach (.304), Michael Gretler (.300), Jack Anderson (.288), Cadyn Grenier (.280) and Christian Donahue (.258) with Harrison leading the team with eight home runs followed by Grenier with five. The team batting average is .296 and they average 6.1 runs a game. One of their top pitchers Luke Heimlich (11-1, 0.76) is not playing which leaves Jake Thompson (14-0, 1.52), Bryce Fehmel (5-2, 3.80) and Drew Rasmussen (3-0, 0.83) with Jake Mulholland being their main closer with six saves followed by Max Engelbrekt with five. Their team ERA is 1.80 and they have given up 2.2 runs per game. Grenier was PAC 12 Player of the Week in week 5, Harrison in week 6 and Madrigal in week 7. Heimlich was PAC 12 Pitcher of the Week in week 1, week 10 and week 12, Thompson in week 5 and week 14, Fehmel in week 6 and Mulholland in week 8.  In the 2017 MLB draft they had five players taken: Rasmussen (Rays, 1st round), Harrison (Brewers, 3rd), Thompson (Red Sox, 4th), Gretler (Pirates, 39th), and Engelbrekt (Nationals, 40th). This is their sixth CWS appearance and won the title in 2006 and 2007.

The second game Saturday has 45-21 Florida State against 48-17 fourth seed LSU. Florida State swept Cinderella hopeful Sam Houston State 7-6 and 19-0 to advance to Omaha. LSU faced familiar SEC conference foe Mississippi State and got the sweep at home 4-3 and 14-4.

The Florida State Seminoles are led by Head Coach Mike Martin. They had a 14-14 conference record in the ACC and their campus is in Tallahassee, FL. Their top eight hitters are Jackson Lueck (.327), Rhett Aplin (.322), Dylan Busby (.315), Quincy Nieporte (.305), Taylor Walls (.276), Matt Henderson (.265), Drew Mendoza (.263) and JC Flowers (.239) with Busby leading the team with 14 home runs followed by Nieporter with 10. The team batting average is .272 and they average 7.4 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Tyler Holton (10-2, 2.25), Drew Parrish (6-3, 4.40) and Cole Sands (6-3, 5.05) with Drew Carlton being their main closer with six saves. Their team ERA is 3.72 and they have given up 4.5 runs per game. Busby was ACC Player of the Week in week 10. Holton was ACC Pitcher of the Week in week 2, week 3, week 7, week 13 and week 14.  In the 2017 MLB draft they had nine players taken: Walls (Rays, 3rd round), Busby (Pirates, 3rd), Nieporte (Phillies, 26th), Cobi Johnson (Angels, 29th), Carlton (Tigers, 32nd), Alec Byrd (Rockies, 33rd), Andrew Carp (Cubs, 34th), Holton (Marlins, 34th) and Jim Voyles (Cardinals, 38th). This is their 22nd CWS appearance and but no championships yet.

The Louisiana State University Tigers are led by Head Coach Paul Mainieri. They had a 21-9 conference record in the SEC and their campus is in Baton Rouge, LA. Their top eight hitters are Cole Freeman (.327), Antoine Duplantis (.322), Greg Deichmann (.320), Kramer Robertson (.319), Zach Watson (.313), Josh Smith (.289), Beau Jordan (.277) and Michael Papierski (.260) with Deichmann leading the team with 19 home runs followed by Robertson, Watson and Papierski with eight each. The team batting average is .294 and they average 7.0 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Alex Lange (9-5, 2.92), Jared Poche' (10-3, 3.42) and Eric Walker (8-1, 3.46) with Hunter Newman being their main closer with 10 saves. Their team ERA is 3.54 and they have given up 3.8 runs per game. Freeman was SEC Player of the Week in week 4, Duplantis in week 5 and Robertson in week 14. Poche' was SEC Pitcher of the Week in week 1 and week 3, Walker in week 8 and Lange in week 13.  In the 2017 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Lange (Cubs, 1st round), Deichmann (Athletics, 2nd), Robertson (Cardinals, 4th), Freeman (Nationals, 4th), Poche' (Athletics, 9th), Papierski (Astros, 9th), Hunter Kiel (White Sox, 18th) and Doug Norman (Reds, 25th). This is their 18th CWS appearance and won the title in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000 and 2009.

The first game Sunday has 41-21 Texas A&M taking on 52-10 seventh seed Louisville. Texas A&M faced the other Cinderella possibilty Davidson outlasting them 7-6 in 15 innings before breaking out the broom in a 12-6 game. Louisville advanced to Omaha by sweeping in state rival Kentucky 5-2 and 6-2.

The Texas A&M Aggies are led by Head Coach Rob Childress. They had a 16-14 conference record in the SEC and their campus is in College Station, TX. Their top eight hitters are Braden Shewmake (.335), Nick Choruby (.325), Cole Bedford (.302), Blake Kopetsky (.298), Hunter Coleman (.292), Logan Foster (.283), George Janca (.259) and Joel Davis (.253) with Shewmake leading the team with 11 home runs followed by Foster, Janca and Davis with six each. The team batting average is .275 and they average 6.2 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Brigham Hill (8-3, 3-18), Corbin Martin (7-3, 3.35) and Stephen Kolek (4-4, 3.59) with Mitchell Kilkenny being their main closer with seven saves. Their team ERA is 3.42 and they have given up 4.1 runs per game. Hill was SEC Pitcher of the Week in week 7.  In the 2017 MLB draft they had six players taken: Martin (Astros, 2nd round), Hill (Nationals, 5th), Cason Sherrod (Royals, 13th), Choruby (Nationals, 18th), Turner Larkins (Blue Jays, 21st) and Kaylor Chafin (Mets, 32nd). This is their 6th CWS appearance and but no championships yet.

The Louisville Cardinals are led by Head Coach Dan McDonnell. They had a 23-6 conference record in the ACC and their campus is in Louisville, KY. Their top eight hitters are Drew Ellis (.367), Brendan McKay (.343), Josh Stowers (.311), Devin Hairston (.306), Colin Lyman (.287), Logan Taylor (.279), Devin Mann (.270) and Colby Fitch (.256) with Ellis leading the team with 20 home runs followed by McKay with 17. The team batting average is .289 and they average 7.3 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are McKay (10-3, 2.34), Nick Bennett (5-0, 2.70) and Kade McClure (8-3, 3.43) with Lincoln Henzman being their main closer with 16 saves. Their team ERA is 2.85 and they have given up 3.4 runs per game. McKay was ACC Player of the Week in week 11 and Fitch in week 13. McKay was ACC Pitcher of the Week in week 4, week 5, week 9 and week 12.  In the 2017 MLB draft they had eight players taken: McKay (Rays, 1st round), Ellis (Diamondbacks, 2nd), Henzman (White Sox, 4th), Hairston (Brewers, 6th), McClure (White Sox, 6th), Fitch (Phillies, 13th), Taylor (White Sox, 16th) and Riley Thompson (Yankees, 25th). This is their 4th CWS appearance and but no championships yet.

The second game Sunday has 47-16 sixth seed TCU taking on 47-19 third seed Florida. TCU didn't allow Missouri State take their second ever trip to Omaha by sweeping them 3-2 and 8-1. Florida also denied Wake Forest a trip since their 1955 Championship season by outlasting them 2-1 in 11 innings and 8-6 in 11 innings to get the sweep.

The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs are led by Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle. They had a 16-8 conference record in the Big 12 and their campus is in Fort Worth, TX. Their top eight hitters are Austen Wade (.342), Luken Baker (.317), Nolan Brown (.293), Cam Warner (.292), Evan Skoug (.277), Conner Wanhanen (.273), Ryan Merrill (.243) and Elliott Barzilli (.243) with Skoug leading the team with 20 home runs followed by Baker with eight. The team batting average is .272 and they average 6.9 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Jared Janczak (9-0, 1.97), Brian Howard (11-3, 3.95) and Nick Lodolo (5-1, 4.28) with Durbin Feltman being their main closer with 17 saves. Their team ERA is 4.02 and they have given up 4.6 runs per game. Baker was Big 12 Player of the Week in week 3, Wade in week 6 and Skoug in week 12. Janczak was Big 12 Pitcher of the Week in week 5 and week 7 and Howard in week 12.  In the 2017 MLB draft they had six players taken: taken: Wade (Indians, 5th round), Skoug (White Sox, 7th), Howard (Athletics, 8th), Mitchell Traver (Angels, 20th), Warner (Tigers, 28th) and Barzilli (Marlins, 32nd). This is their 5th CWS appearance and but no championships yet.

The Florida Gators are led by Head Coach Kevin O'Sullivan. They had a 21-9 conference record in the SEC and their campus is in Gainesville, FL. Their top eight hitters are Nelson Maldonado (.304), Ryan Larson (.304), Christian Hicks (.286), Jonathan India (.280), Keenan Bell (.275), Dalton Guthrie (.272), JJ Schwarz (.271) and Nick Kolozsvary (.270) with Schwarz leading the team with 12 home runs followed by Maldonado and India with six each. The team batting average is .262 and they average 5.5 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Alex Faedo (7-2, 2.55), Brady Singer (7-5, 3.29) and Jackson Kowar (12-0, 4.00) with Michael Byrne being their main closer with 16 saves. Their team ERA is 3.55 and they have given up 4.1 runs per game. Faedo was SEC Pitcher of the Week in week 2 and week 10.  In the 2017 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Faedo (Tigers, 1st round), Guthrie (Phillies, 6th), Michael Rivera (Indians, 6th), Kolozsvary (Reds, 7th), Warner (Tigers, 28th), David Lee (Pirates, 27th), Frank Rubio (Giants, 29th) and Schwarz (Rays, 38th). This is their 11th CWS appearance and but no championships yet.

Oregon State will be the favorite after their dominating season while the SEC has flooded the rest of the bracket with three teams. Brendan McKay may the the X-Factor able to put his team on his back with both his bat and on the mound. Counting down the minutes until first pitch.