updates

Let's check on some former BlueClaws outside the system:

Juan Richardson- this original BlueClaw is in the Kansas City system, and leads the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in hitting. Juan is batting .293 with 15 doubles, a triple, 6 homers and 35 RBI.

Mike Dubee-Mike is in high A with the White Sox' Winston-Salem Warthogs and has been getting a regular turn in the rotation. In 11 appearances so far (9 starts), Dubee is 3-4 with a 4.69 ERA. In his last start Tuesday, he only pitched 2 innings before being removed from the game and placed on the DL. I have an inquiry in at the Warthogs office hoping to find out what the injury and prognosis are.

Eude Brito- another original BlueClaw, Eude had a tough start in the Nationals system this year and was released by Washington. The Mets have signed him, he has been assigned to Binghamton in the Eastern League and seems to have found his groove. He is 3-1, 2.80 in 18 games with the Mets, giving up just 11 earned runs on 30 hits in 35.1 innings of work.

C.J.Henry- one of our champions is back in the Yankees system and has recently come off the DL to start his 2008 season with the Tampa Yanks. He made his debut against Clearwater last Monday and has played just 4 games so far, going 3 for 16. I know I am in the minority around Lakewood, but I persist in my belief that the ability is in this player and he could move up through the ranks of the New York system. I, for one, will be rooting for him.

Scott Mitchinson- Scott is having a great year for the Kane County Cougars, single A team in the Oakland system. In 11 starts, Mitchinson is 5-2 with a stellar 1.80 ERA in 67.1 innings of work. He has 65 strike outs with only 10 walks. The only fly in this ointment is the fact that he has not pitched in 11 days. He has not been put on the DL, and I have inquired at the Cougars office about him. I will post when I receive a reply.

Let's go off the beaten track here into some independent leagues where we find

Vinny DeChristofaro- Yes, the big lefty is still chasing the dream with the Grand Prairie Airhogs(I kid you not!!). Vinny is having a good year closing games for the Airhogs, posting a 1-0 record with a 1.40 ERA and 3 saves in 20 appearances so far in the American Association. Opponents are hitting just .214 against him.

Paige Dumont- The former Phillies draft pick and 2007 BlueClaw is also in the American Association pitching for the Sioux City Explorers. He has posted a 1-1 record with a 2.45 ERA in 25.2 innings of work. He has struck out 25 and walked just 2.

Lee Gwaltney- signed by the Fort Worth Cats on May 29, Gwaltney has a 3-0 record in 5 appearances (4 starts), posting a 1.63 ERA so far, as the American Association continues to provide a home for wayward 'Claws!!

Mario Delgado- signed by the Lincoln Saltdogs on May 21. Mario is hitting .333, with 4 doubles, 4 home runs and 11 RBI in 27 games with Lincoln.

Sean Gamble was released by the Pensacola Pelicans on June 3, I have not found him anywhere else, yet. But I did find Zack Cline playing for the Pelicans!! Zack is 2-2 with a 3.31 ERA in 5 starts for the Pelicans.

Closer to home, I notice that Matt Sweeney is still pitching for the Newark Bears. Matt is 1-5 with a 6.75 ERA(ouch!!) in 11 games. Also on the Newark roster, for my Clearwater friends, is Cory Willey. Cory is having a very good season, going 5-0, 2.79 in 22 games for the Bears.

Danny Gonzalez-Danny seems to have found a home with the Lancaster Barnstormers. In 53 games this year, Danny is hitting .283, with 9 doubles, 2 triples, 7 home runs, and 30 RBI in his 3rd season with Lancaster.

Matt Padgett- I had the pleasure of meeting Padgett and his parents in spring training in 2007, and while he never played in Lakewood, it is good to see him still playing. Matt is with the York Revolution, batting .248 in 48 games.