IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Bisons' Offense Taking Team to Next Level

June 6, 2016 - International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


A.J. Jimenez of the Buffalo Bisons
A.J. Jimenez of the Buffalo Bisons
(Buffalo Bisons)

With an athletic build and cat-like reflexes, A.J. Jimenez has built a solid reputation as a defensive catcher. Calling a strong game for one of the league's top pitching staffs has always been good enough for Jimenez, but lately he's become one of the catalysts in a resurgent Buffalo offense.

"The defensive part is my priority. Sometimes when you do one thing good, other good things happen," said the 26-year-old.

Jimenez's ability to hit took a step back this spring as he had limited time at the plate, returning from an injury he sustained last fall. The catcher tried to get in some extra reps over the offseason but things didn't go as well as he had hoped.

"I started to play winter ball and had a setback unfortunately. The very first game I had some soreness in my wrist so I shut it down after one game."

Also hindering Jimenez's start to the season was a two week waiting period after he cleared waivers, preventing him from playing with the Bisons until April 18. With his average as low as .130 on May 8th, Jimenez started to get some regular playing time, platooning every other game with Tony Sanchez.

"The more reps I got, the better I got. I was a little bit cold coming from spring training. I spent two weeks in the complex working on that," noted No. 2 before commenting on his current approach.

"I'm just trying to make it simple. See the ball, hit the ball, try to stay to the middle of the field and swing at good pitches. So far it's working. I'm going to just try and keep it there."

The consistency in playing time has paid immediate dividends. Over the last month, the native of Puerto Rico has not only been making more contact, he's been supplying some power as well. Jimenez has gone 21-for-49 since May 13, bring his average up to .282 on the season while using 12 extra-base hits to help drive in 18 runs.

Montero remains a model of consistency

While the majority of the Bisons' bats stayed cool to start the season, one man could still be found in the top ten of nearly every offensive category.

Jesus Montero sits eighth in the International League with a .309 average and is just five RBI back of the leader, Toledo's Chad Huffman.

"He's a professional hitter. He's dangerous at the plate. He's got a lot of power and a lot of juice," said manager Gary Allenson following what was another four-RBI performance by his designated hitter.

After having his nine-game hit streak come to an end last Tuesday, Montero has bounced back with seven hits, one of which was his first triple of the year, and five RBI in his last four games.

Now with the entire team heating up around him and first place in the division on the line, Montero knows his team is ready to challenge for top spot all summer.

"We're just trying to compete every single time. We don't give in on any at bats or on any pitches we throw. We're trying to compete and trying to win games," noted the Venezuelan slugger.

"We're going to do whatever we can to win. We've been working really hard before games and it's been good for us."

Montero's 63 hits this season has him tied for third in the I.L.

Pompey picking up where he left off

Dalton Pompey had an 11-game hit streak going while away from Coca-Cola Field before the Herd returned home on Memorial Day. In that holiday tilt with the Clippers, the centerfielder was forced to leave the game after he crashed into the wall while attempting to make a catch.

Four days later, the young Canadian returned to his regular leadoff spot in the lineup, helping his team to a fourth straight win.

"It was nice to have Pompey back. He had a couple great at bats," said Allenson, referring to a pair of walks and a single by Pompey in his return to action on Friday.

"To sit around for four or five days and then go out there and put together those at bats where you're seeing tough pitches and getting a piece of the ball and getting on base -- that's pretty good."

Pompey's walk to start a three-run seventh inning was most impressive to his field general as the 23-year-old saw 11 pitches before earning the free pass.

In 33 games this year, Pompey has 36 hits, 15 walks, and six stolen bases.

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A.J. Jimenez of the Buffalo Bisons
A.J. Jimenez of the Buffalo Bisons
   



International League Stories from June 6, 2016


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