NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



International League

2013 International League Preview

March 29, 2013 - International League (IL1) News Release


BUFFALO BISONS

Triple-A Affiliate of the TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Web: Bisons.comTwitter: @BuffaloBisons

Manager: Marty Brown (4th year in Buffalo overall)

Coaches: Bob Stanley (1st year), Jon Nunnally (1st year)

Governors' Cups: 1933, 1936, 1957, 1961, 1998, 2004

2012 Finish: 67-76, 6th in North (-16.5)

Ballpark: Coca-Cola Field (18,025)

Probable Starters: C - Josh Thole; 1B - Lars Anderson; 2B - Jim Negrych;

SS - Ryan Goins; 3B - Andy LaRoche; LF - Ryan Langerhans; CF - Anthony Gose;

RF - Moises Sierra; DH - Luis Jimenez; Utility - Mike McCoy.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Ramon Ortiz, RH Todd Redmond, RH Claudio Vargas,

RH Justin Germano, RH Dave Bush. Relievers - RH Brad Lincoln, RH Bobby Korecky,

LH Tommy Hottovy, LH Juan Perez, RH Chad Beck, RH Buddy Carlyle, RH Neil Wagner.

Strengths of the Club: All starters have MLB time and substantial Triple-A experience. Ortiz was a big winner last year for Scranton/WB, Germano threw a perfect game with Columbus, and Redmond has been among the League's top strikeout pitchers since 2011...... Defense in the outfield looks to be strong. Gose is a thoroughbred in center and Sierra made a SportsCenter Top 10 catch in the WBC semifinals going over the wall in foul territory in LF in San Francisco.

Weaknesses of the Club: Bullpen roles are uncertain...... Is there enough power in the lineup other than Jimenez, a Triple-A All-Star Game HR Derby participant last year in Buffalo while with Tacoma?...... Infield defense will need time to mesh with three free agents expected to start.

Top Prospects: Fleet-footed outfielder Anthony Gose stole 34 bases last year at Las Vegas and 70 in 2011 at Double-A New Hampshire. He batted .223 in 56 big-league games in 2012. Only 22, he needs to cut down on strikeouts (averaged 157 over the last two years)...... Moises Sierra has averaged 18 HR with 65 RBI over the last two years with Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Las Vegas.

Other Organizational Prospects: Ricky Romero, former ace and Opening Day starter of the MLB staff, was sent to Class-A Dunedin to work out mechanics after a 13-game skid last year. He is likely to spend some time in Buffalo as he works his way back to the majors...... Kyle Drabek and Drew Hutchison are both potential Bisons in 2013. The hope is to get second-half rehab work for both after elbow surgeries following injuries in Toronto last June.

Veterans to Watch: Jim Negrych, a Triple-A All-Star with Syracuse in 2012, is a Buffalo native who signed to play with Toronto and hit .394 in big-league camp...... Lars Anderson, Ryan Langerhans, and Andy LaRoche are all key free-agent signings with plenty of IL experience that should be able to contribute offensively...... Josh Thole caught for Bisons in 2010 and has been a regular in the big leagues the last couple of years with the Mets. He caught Johan Santana's no-hitter last season a day after being in Buffalo on rehab...... Ramon Ortiz was a 13-game winner for Scranton/WB last year and has thrown 296 career MLB games. He was a 15-game winner for 2002 World Series champion Angels....... Bobby Korecky had 69 saves for Rochester from 2006-2008. He was the middle man last year in Las Vegas.

Items of Interest: 2013 is the first year of a new affiliation with Toronto after the Mets were the parent club from 2009-2012. A bump in attendance is expected with Blue Jays fans traveling over the Peace Bridge from Southern Ontario. Expect to see more Canadian themed items at the ballpark...... The team has developed a completely new set of uniforms...... Manager Marty Brown returns for second tour of duty. He was the manager in 2003-2005 in the Cleveland chain, winning the '04 Governors Cup and '05 North Division title.

LEHIGH VALLEY IRONPIGS

Triple-A Affiliate of the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Web: IronPigsBaseball.comTwitter: @IronPigs

Manager: Dave Brundage (1st year in Lehigh Valley)

Coaches: Ray Burris (1st year), Sal Rende (3 rd year)

Governors' Cups: 0

2012 Finish: 75-68, 3rd in North (-8.5)

Ballpark: Coca-Cola Park (10,000)

Probable Starters: C - Tommy Joseph; 1B - Josh Fields; 2B - Cesar Hernandez;

SS - Michael Martinez; 3B - Cody Asche; LF - Daren Ruf; CF - Tyson Gillies;

RF - Jermaine Jackson; DH - Cody Overbeck.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Tyler Cloyd, LH Adam Morgan, RH Jonathan Pettibone,

RH Ethan Martin. Relievers - RH Justin De Fratus, RH Justin Friend, RH Phillippe Aumont,

LH Joe Savery, LH Jake Diekman.

Strengths of the Club: This is the most prospect-laden Phillies Triple-A team since the 2003 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons. That team included Marlon Byrd, Nick Punto, and Chase Utley...... The IronPigs should have a strong pitching staff, both the starters and bullpen...... the offense should be productive.

Weaknesses of the Club: The IronPigs will have a lot of youth, which means general inexperience at the Triple-A level.

Top Prospects: Tommy Joseph was obtained from Giants in the Hunter Pence deadline deal. According to Baseball America he is the third-ranked prospect in the system. Joseph hit .290 at Richmond before the trade and .250 for Reading after the deal. He threw out 40.4 percent of base runners in Eastern League..... Eastern League MVP Darin Ruf broke Ryan Howard's Reading record with 38 HR to lead Minor League Baseball in 2012. He hit 20 in August to join Sammy Sosa as only pro players believed to have hit 20 in a calendar month. Ruf is transitioning from 1B to LF this year...... Cody Asche ended his first full pro season in 2012 at Double-A Reading. He combined to hit .312 with 12 HR between Clearwater and Reading...... Tyson Gillies hit .304 in 68 G at Reading after missing most of the previous two seasons with hamstring issues. He is considered to be the best defensive CF in the system...... Ethan Martin was obtained from the Dodgers in the Shane Victorino deadline deal. The No. 6 prospect for the Phillies posted a combined record of 13-6 between Chattanooga and Reading last season, including going 5-0 with a 3.18 ERA in 7 starts at Reading...... Jonathan Pettibone is the No. 4 Phillies prospect according to Baseball America. He finished 10th in the Eastern League with a 3.30 ERA and was also 4-1 with a 2.66 ERA in 7 starts for the IronPigs.

Other Organizational Prospects: LHP Adam Morgan is Philadelphia's No. 5 prospect in the Baseball America rankings. He posted a 3.29 ERA in 21 starts at Clearwater before moving up to Reading (4-1, 3.53 in 6 starts). He will be starting just his second professional season...... OF Leandro Castro hit .287 with 35 doubles, 10 HR, and 71 RBI at Reading last season.

Veterans to Watch: OF Jermaine Mitchell, the A's fifth-round pick in 2008, is a career .281 hitter...... INF/OF Josh Fields was a White Sox first-round pick in 2004. He finished 7th in the 2007 AL Rookie of Year award voting...... Tyler Cloyd was the International League Most Valuable Pitcher in 2012 (12-1, League-low 2.35 ERA). He went 15-1 between Reading and Lehigh Valley and also 2-2 with a 4.91 ERA in 6 starts for the Phillies.

Items of Interest: New manager Dave Brundage takes over for Ryne Sandberg, who moved on to Phillies as third-base coach. Also new pitching coach Ray Burris replaces Rod Nichols, the long-time Triple-A pitching coach who is now Phillies bullpen coach.

2013 International League Preview - North Division

PAWTUCKET RED SOX

Triple-A Affiliate of the BOSTON RED SOX

Web: PawSox.comTwitter: @PawSox

Manager: Gary DiSarcina (1st year in Pawtucket)

Coaches: Dave Joppie (1st year), Rich Sauveur (6th year)

Governors' Cups: 1973, 1984, 2012

2012 Finish: 79-65, Wild Card Club, Governors' Cup Champions

Ballpark: McCoy Stadium (10,031)

Probable Starters: C - Ryan Lavarnway; 1B - Mauro Gomez; 2B - Brock Holt; SS - Jon Hee; 3B - Drew Sutton; LF - Jeremy Hazelbaker; CF - Jackie Bradley, Jr.; RF - Alex Hassan;

DH - Mark Hamilton.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Allen Webster, RH Rubby De La Rosa, LH Chris Hernandez,

RH Terry Doyle, RH Steven Wright. Relievers - RH Alex Wilson, RH Daniel Bard,

LH Ryan Rowland-Smith, RH Pedro Beato, RH Chris Carpenter.

Strengths of the Club: Potentially the top of the rotation looks strong in Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa to go along with a deep bullpen....... If Jackie Bradley Jr. plays a significant number of games in Triple-A, the PawSox again could be a playoff contender.

Weaknesses of the Club: Daniel Bard is a major question mark plus the infield defense may not be of Gold Glove caliber...... If Jackie Bradley Jr. winds up playing for Boston, the PawSox will take a major hit both offensively and defensively.

Top Prospects: Jackie Bradley Jr. is a potential five-tool player who's rated by Baseball America as Boston's No. 2 prospect. He is a possible successor to Jacoby Ellsbury in center field if Ellsbury signs a free agent contract after this season...... Allen Webster was acquired by Boston from the Dodgers as part of the Adrian Gonzalez-Carl Crawford deal. He throws a sinker that generates groundballs. Webster is rated as Boston's No. 4 prospect by Baseball America......

Bryce Brentz hit .296 with 17 home runs and 76 RBI last season with Double-A Portland. Eastern League managers last season rated him as having the league's best outfield arm.

Other Organizational Prospects: Shortstop Xander Bogaerts might be in Pawtucket soon. Boston has had a revolving door at SS ever since Nomar Garciaparra was traded to the Cubs. Bogaerts could lock down that position possibly by the 2014 season...... Right-hander Anthony Ranaudo was limited by injury to nine starts last season with Portland. When he was healthy, his fastball was clocked in the 93-96 range and his curveball also showed the potential to be rated as a plus pitch.

Veterans to Watch: Catcher Ryan Lavarnway basically has little to prove in the minors. The question is can he show enough to persuade Boston that he's ready to be a major league catcher?

...... If Daniel Bard can ever regain the form he showed in 2009 and 2010, when he threw plus fastballs replete with command and control, he could be an invaluable future addition to Boston's bullpen.

Items of Interest: The PawSox replaced the entire McCoy Stadium playing surface and made improvements to the irrigation system. The project was financed solely by the PawSox. A total of 100,000 square feet of 100% Kentucky blue blend sod was rolled out...... For the first time since 1985, the Pawtucket Red Sox enter the season as the defending Governors' Cup champions...... With former manager Arnie Beyeler moving to the Boston Red Sox staff as first base coach this season, former big leaguer Gary DiSarcina will be at the helm in Pawtucket.

ROCHESTER RED WINGS

Triple-A Affiliate of the MINNESOTA TWINS

Web: RedWingsBaseball.comTwitter: @RocRedWings

Manager: Gene Glynn (2nd year in Rochester)

Coaches: Tim Doherty (1st year), Marty Mason (1st year)

Governors' Cups: 1939,1952,1955-56,1964,1971,1974,1988,1990,1997

2012 Finish: 72-72, 4th in North (-12.0)

Ballpark: Frontier Field (10,840)

Probable Starters: C - Drew Butera/Chris Hermann; 1B - Chris Colabello/Jeff Clement;

2B - Brian Dinkelman; SS - Ray Olmedo/Doug Bernier; 3B - Mark Sobolewski;

LF - Oswaldo Arcia; CF - Clete Thomas; RF - Joe Benson; DH - Colabello or Clement.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Kyle Gibson, RH P.J. Walters, LH Pedro Hernandez,

RH Virgil Vasquez, RH Sharon Martis. Relievers - RH Alex Burnett, RH Caleb Thielbar,

RH Luis Perdomo, LH Tyler Robertson, LH Jason Lane, RH Daniel Turpen, RH Anthony Slama.

Strengths of the Club: Experience is a strength. Most of the starters have played at Triple-A and/or the majors....... Colabello, Clement, Sobolewski and Arcia are all capable of 15-20 homer power. Benson also has power potential...... Closer Anthony Slama has a career 2.00 ERA in six minor league seasons but can't catch a break with the Twins.

Weaknesses of the Club: Dinkelman is projected to be the starting second baseman but has spent most of the past few years in right field...... The starting rotation won't scare opponents on paper...... Team speed could be an issue.

Top Prospects: Oswaldo Arcia is only 21, but the Venezuelan owns a .318 minor league average in four seasons. He is one of the Twins' rising stars. He hit 17 homers with 98 RBI between Single-A Fort Myers and Double-A New Britain last season. The left-handed hitter is on the Twins' 40-man roster...... Joe Benson had a horrible 2012 season, hitting .179 in 28 games with Rochester and then .184 in 37 games with New Britain. He missed much of the year with injuries. This is a pivotal season for the 25-year-old, who is still considered a prospect.

Other Organizational Prospects: The Twins' middle infield situation is precarious, and if there is movement in Rochester, a likely promotion from Double-A New Britain would be in order for shortstop James Beresford. The Australia native has a career .279 batting average, albeit with only one home run in six minor league seasons.

Veterans to Watch: Chris Colabello is ready to shine. He spent seven years in the independent leagues, then got his chance with New Britain last year and hit .284 with 19 homers and 98 RBI...... Mark Sobolewski hit 20 homers between Double-A and Triple-A in the Blue Jays system and turned heads in Twins camp this spring...... Kyle Gibson missed much of 2012 following Tommy John surgery but looks healthy and is a former top prospect. He should be the ace of the Wings' staff.

Items of Interest: The Red Wings have Frontier Field all to themselves after loaning it out to the transplanted Scranton/Wilkes-Barre club for 40 games last season...... The Wings won the Governors' Cup in 1997, their first year at Frontier Field, but have made the playoffs just once since then (2006, losing in five games to the Toledo Mud Hens in the Governors' Cup finals). The Wings finished 72-72 last year, ending a terrible two-year stretch in which they twice lost 90-plus games and finished with the worst record in Triple-A Baseball.

2013 International League Preview - North Division

SCRANTON/WB RAILRIDERS

Triple-A Affiliate of the NEW YORK YANKEES

Web: SWBRailRiders.comTwitter: @SWBRailRiders

Manager: Dave Miley (7th year in Scranton/WB)

Coaches: Scott Aldred (5), Frank Menechino (3), Butch Wynegar (7)

Governors' Cups: 2008

2012 Finish: 84-60, 1st in IL North, Lost to PAW in First Round

Ballpark: PNC Field (10,000)

Probable Starters: C - Austin Romine; 1B - Dan Johnson; 2B - Corban Joseph;

SS - Gil Velazquez; 3B - Ronnier Mustelier; LF - Thomas Neal; CF - Melky Mesa;

RF - Zoilo Almonte; DH - Luke Murton.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Brett Marshall, RH Adam Warren, RH Dellin Betances,

RH Chien-Ming Wang, LH Vidal Nuno. Relievers - RH Chris Bootcheck, LH Juan Cedeno,

RH Mark Montgomery, RH Chase Whitley, LH Josh Spence, RH Preston Claiborne.

Strengths of the Club: The defense up the middle should be good, with Romine, Velazquez and Mesa...... Dan Johnson and Luke Murton, who hit 25 homers at Double-A Trenton last season, should provide a powerful presence in the middle of the order...... Utility men Addison Maruszak and Reegie Corona are among the League's most versatile players...... The starting rotation has several veterans, led by Wang, who won't be surprised by what they see at Triple-A...... The coaching staff, led by manager Dave Miley, has been together since 2009...... The club has a stout bullpen, with youngsters Chase Whitley and Preston Claiborne coming off strong 2012 seasons and Mark Montgomery ready to establish himself at Triple-A.

Weaknesses of the Club: The RailRiders don't have much depth in the outfield...... There is no true base stealer in the projected starting lineup...... This team has questions about consistency.

Top Prospects: Austin Romine, the Yankees' highly regarded catcher, is finally healthy and looking to begin his long-awaited first full season at Triple-A...... Second baseman Corban Joseph burst onto the scene in 2012, hitting 13 home runs with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre...... Talented center fielder Melky Mesa hit nine home runs in a short stint at Triple-A last year. Mesa is also one of the best defensive outfielders in the Yankees system...... RHP Brett Marshall underwent Tommy John surgery in 2009 but has been a consistent winner since. The sinkerballer tallied 13 wins last season at Double-A Trenton...... Enigmatic would be the word to describe Dellin Betances, a tall, hard-throwing right-hander who pitched so badly at Triple-A last season that he was demoted to Double-A. He still might have the best pure stuff of any pitcher in the upper minors for the Yankees...... Mark Montgomery is a potential future closer for the Yankees. Montgomery's slider is one of the best in the minors.

Other Organizational Prospects: Other prospects in the organization who could reach Triple-A later this year include OF Slade Heathcott, OF Tyler Austin, and OF Ramon Flores.

Veterans to Watch: 1B Dan Johnson is a perennial MVP candidate in the IL who won the award with Durham in 2010. Johnson can provide the middle-of-the-order presence the young RailRiders sorely need...... RHP Chien-Ming Wang was signed in March to a minor league deal. The Yankees are hoping Wang can recapture the form that led him to back-to-back 19-win seasons with New York in 2006 and 2007...... RHP Chris Bootcheck is a veteran reliever and a former All-Star closer with Toledo who may be getting the ball in the ninth for the RailRiders in 2013.

Items of Interest: The RailRiders will be in their first season with a new name. They were the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees from 2007 through 2012...... The team played the entire 2012 season on the road while PNC Field underwent a $43 million renovation that has made it one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in Minor League Baseball.

SYRACUSE CHIEFS

Triple-A Affiliate of the WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Web: SyracuseChiefs.comTwitter: @SyracuseChiefs

Manager: Tony Beasley (2nd year in Syracuse)

Coaches: Greg Booker (4th year), Tony Gingrich (2nd year)

Governors' Cups: 1935,1942,1943,1947,1954,1969,1970,1976

2012 Finish: 70-74, 5th in North (-14.0)

Ballpark: Alliance Bank Stadium (11,071)

Probable Starters: C - Carlos Maldonado/Jhonathan Solano; 1B - Chris Marrero; 2B - Will Rhymes; SS - Zach Walters; 3B - Carlos Rivero; LF - Corey Brown; CF - Eury Perez;

RF - Erik Komatsu; DH - Josh Johnson/Mike Costanzo.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Chris Young, RH Tanner Roark, RH Yunesky Maya,

RH Ross Ohlendorf, RH Jeff Mandel. Relievers - RH Jeremy Accardo, RH Matt Torra,

LH Bill Bray, RH Pat Lehman, RH Christian Garcia, RH Hassan Pena, LH Fernando Abad,

RH Erik Davis, RH Ryan Perry, LH Brandon Mann.

Strengths of the Club: With the Nationals roster basically set on a day-to-day basis, the Chiefs will benefit from having some stability on the roster. Of course, the injury bug can always strike, but with Washington not in need of too many bodies Syracuse's roster and rotations should remain pretty consistent in a game that demands it...... For the first time in the Nationals affiliation with the Chiefs, the manager is coming back for a second season. Returning alongside Tony Beasley are coaches Greg Booker and Troy Gingrich, another mark of consistency...... From the X's and O's point of view, Beasley can run out a pretty balanced lineup day-to-day. Perez and Josh Johnson have good speed, Will Rhymes and Mike Costanzo are veteran hitters, and Brown or Marrero can homer in any at-bat.

Weaknesses of the Club: There are only three left handed pitchers on the Chiefs roster right now. In fact, left-handed pitching is a pretty scarce commodity overall for Washington, which could be an issue this season...... If Washington is in a division chase as they were last season, there are a lot of likeable pieces playing in Syracuse that could be part of a trade to bring in the aforementioned left-handed pitching help or something else. That would upset the consistency, but it could clear out room for lower-level talent to come to Syracuse and contribute.

Top Prospects: Eury Perez is the top prospect who will begin the season on the Chiefs. He is a really, really fast player. While that's not the most exciting definition of Perez, it is safe to say he is quicker than most wits out there. He went to the big league club last fall and impressed with his wheels. He needs to add some bunting to his game and improve his defense (he played mostly infield for the WBC Champion Dominican Republic team).

Other Organizational Prospects: The biggest name in the organization is Anthony Rendon, who will be starting the season in Double-A...... Pitcher Nathan Karns could also get some time in Triple-A, but he starts the season in Harrisburg as well.

Veterans to Watch: Corey Brown would be a major leaguer in many other organizations. Brown was arguably the Chiefs MVP last year and was in the top-ten in most of the International League's offensive categories throughout the season...... Chris Young will be in Syracuse as most accounts say he is the Nationals sixth-best starting pitcher currently. He would be in a situation similar to that of John Lannan last year, but it seems to be much more positive going into the season.

Items of Interest: The Chiefs no longer play in Alliance Bank Stadium. The team hasn't moved, but the stadium was recently re-named NBT Bank Stadium...... The Short Season Class-A Nationals affiliate Auburn Doubledays play just 30 miles from Syracuse, marking the closest proximity of a Short Season Class-A and Triple-A affiliate in all of baseball.

2013 International League Preview - West Division

COLUMBUS CLIPPERS

Triple-A Affiliate of the CLEVELAND INDIANS

Web: ClippersBaseball.comTwitter: @CLBClippers

Manager: Chris Tremie (1st year in Columbus)

Coaches: Tony Arnold (1st year), Phil Clark (2nd year)

Governors' Cups: 1979-81, 1987, 1991-92, 1996, 2010-11

2012 Finish: 75-69, 2nd in West (-14.0)

Ballpark: Huntington Park (10,100)

Probable Starters: C - Yan Gomes; 1B - Mike McDade; 2B - Cord Phelps;

SS - Juan Diaz; 3B - Luis Hernandez; LF - Cedric Hunter; CF - Matt Carson;

RF - Jeremy Hermida; DH - Chun Chen.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Trevor Bauer, RH Corey Kluber, RH Daisuke Matsuzaka,

RH Fernando Nieve, RH Carlos Carrasco, RH Joe Martinez. Relievers - LH Scott Barnes,

LH Eric Berger, RH Rob Bryson, RH Matt Capps, RH Jerry Gil, RH Preston Guilmet,

RH Matt Langwell, RH Bryce Stowell.

Strengths of the Club: This is a veteran team built to provide depth for the Indians so it should be fundamentally solid...... Bauer is the only electric prospect in this group although there are good, young arms in the bullpen....... Huntington Park is a hitter's dream location.

Weaknesses of the Club: The Clippers won't have much in the way of team speed...... Huntington Park is not a pitcher's dream location.

Top Prospects: Bauer, 22,is the top Cleveland pitching prospect according to Baseball America. The third overall pick in the June 2011 draft by Arizona, he was the Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2012 for the Diamondbacks. He was 12-2 with a 2.42 ERA for Double-A Mobile and Triple-A Reno. He struck out 157 in 130.1 innings...... Diaz, 24, is the most advanced of the organizational shortstop prospects, which includes fast-rising Francisco Lindor, Dorssys Paulino and Ronny Rodriguez. Diaz, a switch-hitter, batted .259 with 11 home runs and 52 RBI for Double-A Akron and finished last season with the Clippers, hitting .306 with two home runs and 11 RBI.

Other Organizational Prospects: Jesus Aguilar, 22, is a power-hitting first baseman who will open the season at Double-A Akron. Aguilar hit a combined .280 for High-A Carolina and the Aeros last season with 15 home runs and 71 RBI...... Trey Haley, 22, a power-armed right-handed relief pitcher, has had shoulder inflammation this spring. A healthy Haley hits 100 mph with his fastball...... T.J. House, 23, was a combined 10-5 with a 3.56 ERA as a left-handed starter for high-A Carolina and Akron last season.

Veterans to Watch: Carrasco, 26, underwent surgery in his right elbow in August 2011 and missed all of last season. Before the injury, Carrasco had a tantalizing stretch of starts for Cleveland going 7-2 with a 2.55 ERA. As soon as that Carrasco shows up in Columbus, the Indians will plug him back into their rotation...... Matsuzaka, 32, is five seasons removed from his rock star status with the Boston Red Sox and nearly two years past Tommy John surgery on his right elbow...... Phelps, 26, was an IL All Star last season. The Indians are planning to make him a super utility player so he will see time at all four infield positions and the corner outfield spots...... Matt LaPorta, 28, will open the season on the disabled list (hip surgery). The former Cleveland first baseman and one-time top prospect will try to re-establish his career with the Clippers when he returns.

Items of Interest: Manager Chris Tremie replaces Mike Sarbaugh, who was promoted to Cleveland after three seasons in Columbus. Tremie managed Double-A Akron to the Eastern League championship in 2012.

INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS

Triple-A Affiliate of the PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Web: IndyIndians.comTwitter: @IndyIndians

Manager: Dean Treanor (4th year in Indianapolis, 3rd as manager)

Coaches: Tom Filer (3rd year), Mike Pagliarulo (1st year)

Governors' Cups: 1963, 2000

2012 Finish: 89-55, 1st in West, Lost to CLT in First Round

Ballpark: Victory Field (14,500)

Probable Starters: C - Tony Sanchez; 1B - Clint Robinson; 2B - Ivan De Jesus, Jr.;

SS - Jordy Mercer; 3B - Jared Goedert; LF - Alex Presley; CF - Felix Pie; RF - Jerry Sands;

DH - Matt Hague.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Gerrit Cole, RH Phil Irwin, RH Kyle McPherson, LH Andy Oliver, LH Kris Johnson. Relievers - LH Mike Zagurski, RH Vic Black, RH Duke Welker,

RH Bryan Morris, RH Erik Cordier, RH Vin Mazzaro, RH Ryan Reid.

Strengths of the Club: Cole, Irwin, and McPherson will give the Indians a strong trio in the rotation. Even if one of those guys moves up, the Indians will get guys like Jameson Taillon from Double-A...... The Indians will also have strong defense up the middle, with Sanchez behind the plate, Mercer and De Jesus Jr. in the middle infield spots, and Pie in center.

Weaknesses of the Club: Control could be an issue for some members of the pitching staff. Andy Oliver has a 5.5 BB/9 in his career in Triple-A. Duke Welker and Vic Black are both hard throwers, but both have experienced some lapses in control in their careers. Erik Cordier and Mike Zagurski have also had control problems in the upper levels.

Top Prospects: Gerrit Cole is the top prospect in the system, and one of the top pitching prospects in the game. He can hit triple digits with his fastball, and throws a slider that gets up to 92 MPH....... 2009 first round pick Tony Sanchez made the jump to Indianapolis at the end of the 2012 season, and will return in 2013. He is strong defensively behind the plate, and started to hit for power last year in Triple-A...... Kyle McPherson just missed out on the major league rotation, and will return to the Indianapolis rotation to start the year. He's got a good three pitch mix, and some of the best control in the system...... Phil Irwin had 28 strikeouts in 21 innings last year with the Indians, and had a great spring in major league camp...... Vic Black and Duke Welker are hard throwing relievers who have both hit triple digits with their fastball.

Other Organizational Prospects: Top prospect Gerrit Cole will start the year in Indianapolis, while the number two pitching prospect Jameson Taillon could reach the level by the end of the year. Taillon has a 96-98 MPH fastball, a plus curveball, and is a consensus top 20 prospect in the game...... Matt Curry and Adalberto Santos were both held back in Double-A due to the depth of position players in Triple-A. Both had strong numbers last year with Altoona, and could make the jump to Indianapolis by the end of the 2013 season.

Veterans to Watch: Kris Johnson will be stretched out to pitch in the rotation. He threw well for Indianapolis last year, but really made some noise over the offseason when he led his Dominican Winter League team to a championship...... Jared Goedert has shown some power in the International League the last few years, and should be a boost to the lineup. In parts of three seasons he has 49 homers in 928 IL at-bats...... Felix Pie had great numbers in major league camp, and will look to carry those over to Indianapolis as the starting center fielder...... Alex Presley also had a great spring training and has had some strong numbers in previous years while with the Indians.

Items of Interest: The Indians should feature the top two prospects in the system during the year with Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon.

2013 International League Preview - West Division

LOUISVILLE BATS

Triple-A Affiliate of the CINCINNATI REDS

Web: BatsBaseball.comTwitter: @LouisvilleBats

Manager: Jim Riggleman (1st year in Louisville)

Coaches: Tony Jaramillo (1st year), Ted Power (7th year)

Governors' Cups: 2001

2012 Finish: 51-93, 4th in West (-38.0)

Ballpark: Louisville Slugger Field (13,131)

Probable Starters: C - Corky Miller; 1B - Neftali Soto; 2B - Henry Rodriguez;

SS - Kris Negron; 3B - Mike Hessman; LF - Ryan LaMarre; CF - Billy Hamilton;

RF - Denis Phipps; DH - Felix Perez.

Key Pitchers: Starters - LH Tony Cingrani, RH Daniel Corcino, RH Pedro Villarreal,

RH Chad Reineke, RH Armando Galarraga. Relievers - RH J.J. Hoover, RH Nick Christiani,

RH Mark Prior, LH Wilkin De La Rosa, LH Chris Manno, RH Lee Hyde.

Strengths of the Club: The Bats bring in a veteran manager with 12 years of MLB experience in Jim Riggleman. He will be in his second year in the Reds organization, having spent 2012 managing Double-A Pensacola...... Louisville will also have a surplus of speed on the base paths. Along with Billy Hamilton, the Bats should return super utility man Kristopher Negron (17 SB in 2012 in 74 games) and could also have Ryan LaMarre (30 SB in 2012). Outfielder Derrick Robinson (four years of 50-plus steals) was signed to a minor league contract in the offseason.

Weaknesses of the Club: Stability may be an issue, especially with the pitching rotation. Last year Reds starting pitchers never missed a start, which isn't likely to happen again.

Top Prospects: Center fielder Billy Hamilton is rated by Baseball America as Cincinnati's top prospect after stealing 258 bases over the past two seasons. Because of Zack Cozart filling the Reds' starting shortstop needs, Hamilton moved to the outfield this past fall...... Southpaw Tony Cingrani made his MLB debut in September 2012 and allowed only one run in five innings over three games with the Reds. He was 10-4 with a 1.73 ERA in 26 starts between High-A Bakersfield and Double-A Pensacola prior to his September call. Cingrani is currently rated as the third-best Reds prospect by Baseball America.... Righty Daniel Corcino was 8-8 with a 3.01 ERA in 26 starts with Pensacola and threw eight no-hit innings as part of a combined no-hitter on June 16 against Mobile. Baseball America rates Corcino, a 2012 mid-season Southern League All-Star, as the fourth-best Reds prospect.

Other Organizational Prospects: Tucker Barnhart is highly touted as one of the best defensive minor league catchers. He hit .247 with six home runs and 34 RBI between Bakersfield and Pensacola in 2012..... The slugging 1B/OF Donald Lutz launched 22 home runs and knocked in 71 runs last year with the AZL Reds, Bakersfield and Pensacola. Baseball America rates Lutz, a 2012 mid-season California League All-Star, as the best power hitter in the organization.

Veterans to Watch: Catcher Corky Miller will put on a Bats uniform for the ninth different season, a franchise record, and enters the campaign 70 games shy of tying the franchise record held by Bill Lyons. He needs just 45 hits (currently has 427) and eight doubles (currently has 90) to become the franchise's leader in those categories...... Infielder Mike Hessman is Minor League Baseball's active leader in home runs with 384. He has 31 career home runs against Louisville, including 12 at Louisville Slugger Field. He has four multiple-home-run games against Louisville, one of them a three-home-run effort in 2008.

Items of Interest: There is a possibility that both Armando Galarraga and Jason Donald could be on the Bats roster. Galarraga, while on the Detroit Tigers, was denied a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians on June 2, 2010 when Donald reached on an infield single with two outs in the top of the ninth, a call later admitted to be incorrect by umpire Jim Joyce.

TOLEDO MUD HENS

Triple-A Affiliate of the DETROIT TIGERS

Web: MudHens.comTwitter: @MudHens

Manager: Phil Nevin (3rd year in Toledo)

Coaches: Leon Durham (13th year), A.J. Sager (6th year)

Governors' Cups: 1967, 2005, 2006

2012 Finish: 60-84, 3rd in West (-29.0)

Ballpark: Fifth Third Field (10,300)

Probable Starters: C - Bryan Holaday; 1B - Danny Dorn; 2B - Kevin Russo;

SS - Argenis Diaz; 3B - Danny Worth; LF - Nick Castellanos; CF - Quintin Berry;

RF - Avisail Garcia, DH - John Lindsey.

Key Pitchers: Starters - LH Casey Crosby, RH Shawn Mill, LH Duane Below, RH Pat Misch, RH Luke Putkonen, LH Jose Alvarez. Relievers - RH Luis Marte, RH Jose Ortega,

LH Matt Hoffman, RH Carlos Monasterios, RH Jess Todd.

Strengths of the Club: There is plenty of depth in the starting rotation, with a number of talented and experienced arms for manager Phil Nevin to choose from...... The offense should get power from Lindsey, Castellanos, Garcia and Danny Dorn...... Berry will add speed at the top of the lineup.

Weaknesses of the Club: Defense may be a question, especially since Castellanos is inexperienced in the outfield...... There isn't a clear-cut closer in the bullpen, although there are a number of solid options.

Top Prospects: OF Nick Castellanos is the Tigers' top prospect according to Baseball America after hitting .405 with Lakeland last season...... OF Avisail Garcia is ranked second on Detroit's prospect list and played in the World Series with the Tigers last year...... LHP Casey Crosby is Detroit's eighth-best prospect and was 7-9 with a 4.01 ERA with the Mud Hens last season...... RHPs Luis Marte, Jose Ortega and Luke Putkonen are all hard-throwing prospects with experience pitching for Toledo last season.

Other Organizational Prospects: OFs Tyler Collins and Daniel Fields both will begin the season in Double-A Erie but could be promoted to Toledo if they hit well for the SeaWolves...... RHP Tyler Clark will likely begin the season in the Erie bullpen but could earn a promotion if he continues to pitch well.

Veterans to Watch: DH John Lindsey joined the team last midseason and hit .270 with 15 homers and 47 RBI in just 65 games. He also lends a veteran presence to the clubhouse......

INF-OF Kevin Russo provides versatility with his ability to play multiple positions and has experience at this level after spending time with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre...... OF Quintin Berry stole 19 bases in just 39 games with the Hens last season and added 21 steals without getting caught with Detroit...... RHP Shawn Hill is a starter with major league experience pitching for the Expos, Nationals, Padres, and Blue Jays...... RHP Pat Misch also has experience in both the IL and majors.

Items of Interest: The Mud Hens will have post-game fireworks 23 times this season, the first coming May 31...... Toledo will host three "School Celebration Days" with 10:30 a.m. starts on May 15, May 20 and May 21.

2013 International League Preview - South Division

CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS

Triple-A Affiliate of the CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Web: CharlotteKnights.comTwitter: @KnightsBaseball

Manager: Joel Skinner (2nd year in Charlotte)

Coaches: Rich Dotson (6th year), Brandon Moore (1st year)

Governors' Cups: 1993, 1999

2012 Finish: 83-61, 1st in South, Lost to PAW in Gov. Cup Finals

Ballpark: Knights Stadium (10,002) - Moving to BB&T Ballpark in 2014

Probable Lineup: C - Josh Phegley; 1B - Seth Loman; 2B - Drew Garcia;

SS - Carlos Sanchez; 3B - Brent Morel; LF - Jared Mitchell; CF - Jordan Danks;

RF - Stefan Gartrell; DH - Randy Ruiz.

Key Pitchers: Starters - LH Charles Leesman, RH Andrew Rienzo, RH Matt Zaleski,

RH Simon Castro, RH Scott Carroll. Relievers - RH Jhan Marinez, RH Brian Omogrosso,

RH Deunte Heath, LH Santos Rodriguez, LH Daniel Moskos, RH Dan Remenowsky,

RH Ramon Troncoso.

Strengths of the Club: Manager Joel Skinner returns; in his first year with the Knights in 2012, Skinner led the club to their first playoff appearance since 2006. The former Cleveland Indians manager took the Knights all the way to the Governors' Cup finals a year ago despite 17 players being promoted to the White Sox and 173 total roster moves....... Charlotte should be solid in the offensive department, with home run hitters and on-base threats throughout the lineup.

Weaknesses of the Club: Due to injuries and trades a season ago, the Knights lost key members of the bullpen to the White Sox on several occasions, a scenario which could be repeated.

Top Prospects: Carlos Sanchez is ranked by Baseball America as the third-best prospect in the White Sox system. After beginning 2012 with Winston-Salem (High-A), Sanchez quickly rose through Chicago's system. As a member of the Dash he hit .315 over 92 games - leading the Carolina League in batting (tied for first). He then went to Birmingham where he hit an impressive .370 over 30 games. He spent the final 11 games of the season in Fort Mill with the Knights. His solid defense and timely hitting make him an attractive player to the White Sox for the near future...... Jared Mitchell was a first round selection of the White Sox in the 2009 draft out of LSU. The former two-sport athlete, who helped lead his school to championships in baseball and football, spent the majority of 2012 in Double-A with the Barons. He led the Southern League in triples with 12, and earned a promotion to the Knights in late July.

Other Organizational Prospects: Knights fans caught a brief glimpse of Trayce Thompson in 2012 and hope to do so again during the course of the 2013 season. The talented Thompson combined to hit 25 home runs with 96 RBI over three levels, while also swiping a career-best 21 bags. Thompson is the son of former NBA number-one overall pick Mychal Thompson and the brother of NBA players Klay and Mychel.

Veterans to Watch: Stefan Gartrell returns to the Knights. Gartrell, a former 31st round selection of the Sox in the 2006 draft, spent the majority of 2011 and all of 2012 with Gwinnett and hit 45 home runs and added 146 RBI. In 2010, Gartrell was outstanding for the Knights - launching 27 home runs to go along with 80 RBI......Jordan Danks hit .317 for the Knights last year in 64 games and also earned his first promotion to the majors. Jordan, who is the younger brother of Chicago's starting pitcher John Danks, enters the 2013 season ranked as the Best Defensive Outfielder in the White Sox system by Baseball America.

Items of Interest: The 2013 season will be the 24th and final season at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill. The Knights, who opened the ballpark in 1990 as the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, will move to Uptown Charlotte and BB&T Ballpark beginning in 2014. Over the years, the Knights have been affiliated with the Cubs, Indians, Marlins, and White Sox.

DURHAM BULLS

Triple-A Affiliate of the TAMPA BAY RAYS

Web: DurhamBulls.comTwitter: @DurhamBulls

Manager: Charlie Montoyo (7th year in Charlotte)

Coaches: Neil Allen (3rd year), Dave Myers (5th year)

Governors' Cups: 2002, 2003, 2009

2012 Finish: 66-78, 3rd in South (-17.0)

Ballpark: Durham Bulls Athletic Park (10,000)

Probable Starters: C - Chris Gimenez; 1B - Leslie Anderson; 2B - Tim Beckham;

SS - Hak-Ju Lee; 3B - Mike Fontenot; LF - Brandon Guyer; CF - Rich Thompson;

RF - Wil Myers; DH - Shelley Duncan.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH Chris Archer, LH Alex Torres, LH Mike Montgomery,

RH Jake Odorizzi, RH Matt Buschmann. Relievers - RH Brandon Gomes, RH Dane De La Rosa, RH Juan Sandoval, RH Josh Lueke.

Strengths of the Club: Starting rotation is a strength for the Bulls. Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi give Durham two power arms at the top of the rotation...... The combination of power and speed in lineup in impressive. Wil Myers, Brandon Guyer, Leslie Anderson and Shelley Duncan will combine to make a tough middle of the batting order...... The bullpen should also be a strength. Brandon Gomes nearly made the Rays roster after a strong spring.

Weaknesses of the Club: It does not appear the bullpen will have any dominant left-handed arms.

Top Prospects: OF Wil Myers, baseball's No. 4 prospect, hit 37 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A last year in the Kansas City organization. He was traded to Tampa Bay in the James Shields deal this winter. Several publications and media outlets are suggesting Myers has the best chance of any player this season to follow in the footsteps of Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, last year's MLB Rookies of the Year....... RHP Jake Odorizzi led all of Minor League Baseball with 15 wins last season on his way to being named Kansas City's Minor League Pitcher of the Year. He was also involved in the Shields trade.

Other Organizational Prospects: RHP Taylor Guerrieri was a first-round pick in 2011. Guerrieri impressed in his first professional season at Low-A Hudson Valley last summer. He posted a 1.04 ERA in 12 starts and walking just five batters in 52 innings.

Veterans to Watch: OF Brandon Guyer is coming off a lost season in 2012 where he was sidelined with a shoulder injury and played only 22 games for Durham. In 2011, Guyer batted .312 with 14 home runs and 61 RBI with Durham and made two appearances with Tampa Bay....... Leslie Anderson was an International League All-Star in 2012...... Chris Archer was the 2012 International League strikeout king...... Shelley Duncan was the 2009 International League Most Valuable Player.

Items of Interest: Last September Durham played host to the 2012 Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game. On the heels of that successful event, it was announced this offseason that Durham Bulls Athletic Park will be the host site for the 2014 Triple-A All-Star Game...... Chris Archer (from Clayton, North Carolina) and Wil Myers (from Thomasville, North Carolina) are both local favorites who starred in local high school baseball before suiting up for the Durham Bulls.

2013 International League Preview - South Division

GWINNETT BRAVES

Triple-A Affiliate of the ATLANTA BRAVES

Web: GwinnettBraves.comTwitter: @GwinnettBraves

Manager: Randy Ready (1st year in Gwinnett)

Coaches: Jamie Dismuke (5th year), Marty Reed (3rd year)

Governors' Cups: 0

2012 Finish: 62-82, 4th in South (-21.0)

Ballpark: Coolray Field (10,427)

Probable Starters: C - Jose Yepez/Matt Pagnozzi; 1B - Ernesto Mejia;

2B - Blake DeWitt/Sean Kazmar; SS - Tyler Pastornicky; 3B - Joe Leonard;

LF - Jose Constanza; CF - Todd Cunningham; RF - Joey Terdoslavich/Jordan Parraz;

DH - Josh Kroeger/Corey Wimberly.

Key Pitchers: Starters - RH David Hale, RH Gary Moran, LH Sean Gilmartin,

RH Tim Corcoran, LH Daniel Rodriguez, LH Yohan Flande. Relievers - RH Wirfin Obispo,

RH David Carpenter, LH Dusty Hughes, LH Ryan Butcher, RH Andy Russell, RH Cory Rasmus, LH Cole McCurry.

Strengths of the Club: The lineup should be strong, with Ernesto Mejia, Joey Terdoslavich, Jordan Parraz and Josh Kroger supplying power and Jose Constanza, Tyler Pastornicky, Corey Wimberly and Todd Cunningham providing speed.

Weaknesses of the Club: The pitching staff is young and mostly unproven at the Triple-A classification. David Hale could be a surprise, though, after showing promise in Double-A last season.

Top Prospects: Sean Gilmartin, a first-round draft choice in 2011 out of Florida State, reached Gwinnett late last season and goes into this season as the likely fill-in starter in Atlanta if one is needed. He went 1-2 with a 4.78 ERA in seven starts for Gwinnett between late July and early September...... The Braves are also high on Daniel Rodriguez, signed out of the Mexican League...... Todd Cunningham hit .309 at Double-A Mississippi last season and Joey Terdoslavich hit .395 with Atlanta in spring training.

Other Organizational Prospects: J.R. Graham is now the Braves' top pitching prospect with Julio Teheran making the jump to Atlanta and catcher Christian Bethancourt is the top position prospect. But both will start the season with Double-A Mississippi before likely making the jump to Gwinnett in midseason. Graham has just seven starts in Double-A and Bethancourt played only half the season at Mississippi last year because of injuries.

Veterans to Watch: Jose Constanza topped the IL with a .314 average last season...... IL Rookie of the Year Ernesto Mejia was the leader in RBI (92), hits (152) and total bases (258) while batting .296 with 24 homers...... Jordan Parraz was limited to 34 games in 2012, twice breaking his left hand when hit by pitches.

Items of Interest: The big change for the G-Braves is the manager, with Randy Ready getting the job after Dave Brundage left to take over at Lehigh Valley...... This is the team's fifth season in Gwinnett and the team will mark the occasion by having bobblehead nights for five former Gwinnett players now in Atlanta - Brandon Beachy, Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, Kris Medlen and Craig Kimbrel.

NORFOLK TIDES

Triple-A Affiliate of the BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Web: NorfolkTides.comTwitter: @NorfolkTides

Manager: Ron Johnson (2nd year in Norfolk)

Coaches: Mike Griffin (5), Jose Hernandez (1), Denny Walling (2)

Governors' Cups: 1972, 1975, 1982, 1983, 1985

2012 Finish: 74-70, 2nd in South (-9.0)

Ballpark: Harbor Park (12,067)

Probable Starters: C - Luis Exposito; 1B - Travis Ishikawa; 2B - Yamaico Navarro;

SS - Jonathan Schoop; 3B - Danny Valencia; LF - Russ Canzler; CF - Xavier Avery;

RF - L.J. Hoes; DH - Lew Ford.

Key Pitchers: Starters - LH Zach Britton, RH Steve Johnson, RH Jair Jurrjens, RH Zach Clark, RH Joel Pineiro. Relievers - RH Daniel McCutchen, LH Daniel Schlereth,

RH Manny Delcarmen, RH Jairo Asencio, LH Zach Braddock, LH Mark Hendrickson,

RH Adam Russell.

Strengths of the Club: The rotation is a solid mix of successful veterans (Jair Jurrjens & Joel Pineiro) and young pitchers who have posted great numbers with Norfolk in the past (Zach Britton, Steve Johnson, Zach Clark). Baltimore pulled heavily from Norfolk's rotation last season (resulting in 25 different pitchers making a start for the Tides), so having an excess of qualified starting pitchers is a good problem to have.

Weaknesses of the Club: Harbor Park has been notoriously tough on right-handed power hitters in the past, and many of Norfolk's projected starters hit from the right side.

Top Prospects: Fresh off an impressive World Baseball Classic with the Netherlands, Jonathan Schoop is slated to be Norfolk's everyday shortstop. Schoop, 22, is rated as the #3 prospect in the Baltimore system according to Baseball America. He hit .245 with 14 homers and 56 RBI last season in 119 games with Double-A Bowie..... Both L.J. Hoes (#6 prospect) and Xavier Avery (#7 prospect) are likely to open the season in the Norfolk outfield after impressing with the Tides in 2012. Hoes, 23, hit .300 in 82 games with Norfolk last season while Avery, 23, hit nine home runs and stole 28 bases between Norfolk and Baltimore.

Other Organizational Prospects: 20-year-old Dylan Bundy, rated by several publications as the top pitching prospect in all of baseball, is likely to open the 2013 campaign with Double-A Bowie. Bundy posted a 9-3 record and a 2.08 ERA in 23 starts last year, striking out 119 while allowing just 67 hits in 103.2 innings..... Kevin Gausman, Baltimore's first round pick in 2012 out of LSU, is the #2 prospect in the O's system and will also likely begin the 2013 season at Double-A. Gausman, 22, has been one of the more impressive Orioles this spring and seems to be on the fast track to Baltimore.

Veterans to Watch: Tides manager Ron Johnson should have plenty of veteran outfielders to choose from, with Lew Ford, Chris Dickerson, Conor Jackson, Steve Pearce, Trayvon Robinson, Jason Pridie and 2011 International League MVP Russ Canzler all joining the Orioles system for 2013...... Travis Ishikawa and Danny Valencia have both had major league success and should man the corner infield positions.

Items of Interest: Harbor Park added four new ribbon scoreboards that will improve the fan experience at the park...... Tides skipper Ron Johnson enters the 2013 season with 1,335 career wins, the seventh-most among active minor league managers.

Check out the International League Statistics

• Discuss this story on the International League message board...

International League Stories from March 29, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central