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Position Player of the Week: Dariel Alvarez – OF

.500/.526/.778 (9/18) with 2 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 SB (A+)
The second Cuban in the system has started out hot for Frederick. Alvarez has already displayed his terrific throwing arm, shown some speed on the bases, and shown a decent approach at the plate. Bat speed seems to be there, but it remains to be seen how that is displayed against some higher competition. The scout I talked to about Alvarez earlier in the month said that he has a lot to work on still and might not have a high ceiling. I still think it’s probably too soon to say anything has changed on that front. Remember, he is 24 at A+ ball. While the start is good, expectations should be tempered for now. It is also important to remember that this is a different situation from Henry Urrutia.

Starting Pitcher of the Week: Parker Bridwell – RHP

1 GS, 8.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 14 K (A)
Just when you almost turn the page on Bridwell, he blows you away again. He tossed arguably the best start of the year (on paper) within the entire system. However, this should not be a surprise, as he has the stuff to do this every week. When it clicks, he is terrific. It really comes down to command with him. When he has command of his fastball with good life and sink, he can be one of the most dominant pitchers within the system. He’s still learning how to pitch as well, which should never be discounted.

Relief Pitcher of the Week: Alexander Santana – RHP

2 G, 6.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 10 K (A-)
Santana continues to dominate in the NYPL. He has racked up 43 K in only 29.1 Innings, and all of this is with a fastball that only tops out around 88-90 at best right now. That works though when the pitch has explosiveness and deception. He really does a solid job of sneaking this pitch by hitters, and it truthfully looks more like 91-92 than 88-90. His curve is also a good pitch, especially in the NYPL. I think it’s about time for Santana to get a cup of coffee at Delmarva, where he most likely starts next season.

Other Notables:

Trey Mancini – 1B – (A-) .333/.400/.611 (6/18) with 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K
Connor Biefeldt – OF – (A-) .412/.565/.765 (7/17) with 3 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 6 BB, 2 K
Michael Ohlman – C – (A+) .423/.500/.538 (11/26) with 3 2B, 2 RBI, 4 BB, 7 K, 1 SB
Jonathan Schoop – SS – (AAA) .275/.323/.414 (8/29) with 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 6 K

Mitch Horacek – RHP – (A-) 1 GS, 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 8 K
Bennett Parry – LHP – (A) 1 GS, 6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Tim Berry – LHP – (A) 2 GS, 12.0 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 7 K
Mike Wright – RHP – (AA) 2 GS, 13.0 IP, 11 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 15 K
Clay Schrader – RHP – (AA) 2 G, 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 6 K
Eduardo Rodriguez – LHP – (AA) 1 GS, 5.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
Mike Belfiore – LHP – (AAA) 2 G, 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Eddie Gamboa – RHP – (AAA) 1 GS, 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 7 K

Tucker Blair
Tucker Blair

Tucker Blair was born and raised in the Baltimore area and currently lives in Elkridge, Maryland. He graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a B.S in Entrepreneurial Studies and is currently a Project Analyst for a Management Consulting Firm in Federal Hill, Baltimore. Tucker was previously the Managing Editor at Orioles Nation, where he worked on prospect lists, reports, and analysis on the Orioles minor league system. He also previously wrote his personal blog, The EntreprenOriole.

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