SL1 Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Four Blue Wahoos Receive Invites to Arizona Fall League

Published on August 30, 2012 under Southern League (SL1)
Pensacola Blue Wahoos News Release


The Cincinnati Reds honored five of the team's top prospects with invitations to the prestigious Arizona Fall League (AFL). Blue Wahoos infielder Billy Hamilton, outfielder Donald Lutz and relief pitchers Drew Hayes and Curtis Partch will represent the organization in the AFL following the 2012 regular season. Former Blue Wahoo and current Louisville Bats infielder Didi Gregorius will also join his fellow Reds farmhands in the AFL.

All five current and former Blue Wahoos players will represent the Cincinnati Reds on the Peoria Javelinas. The season begins on October 9, 2012 and culminates in its annual championship game on November 17, 2012. In addition to the Reds, the Javelinas are also comprised of prospects from the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins.

Hamilton, who broke Vince Coleman's single-season steals record earlier this month, has hit .310 for Pensacola since his promotion on July 10 from High-A Bakersfield. Between his time with Bakersfield and Pensacola, the speedster has swiped 154 bases, breaking Coleman's previous top mark on August 21 as part of a four-steal game. The 21-year-old is ranked as the top prospect in the Reds' system according to MLB.com.

Lutz is first among all Reds Minor Leaguers with 22 home runs this year, including five with Pensacola since joining the Blue Wahoos from High-A Bakersfield on July 17. The Frankfurt, Germany native also ranks second in the Reds organization with 70 RBI in 2012. In his 35 contests at the Double-A level, Lutz owns a .231 average with 14 RBI.

Currently Hayes is tied with fellow Pensacola RHP Justin Freeman for first in the Southern League with 55 appearances, accumulating a 2-3 record and 3.52 ERA (24 ER in 61.1 IP). The right-hander has held opponents to just a .235 batting average against this season and yielded only three longballs.

After beginning the season as a starter, Partch found his niche as a reliever for the Wahoos this season, compiling a 7-2 mark and 3.58 ERA (20 ER in 50.1 IP). The 25-year-old has been successful in six of his seven save opportunities in 2012. Between May and July, he worked 21.1 consecutive scoreless innings, which at the time set a team record.

Gregorius played his first 81 contests of the season with Pensacola and recorded the first base hit in Blue Wahoos history on Opening Day. During his time in Pensacola, he dazzled spectators with his stellar glove work at shortstop. Before being promoted to Triple-A Louisville on July 10, the 22-year-old hit .278, scoring 45 runs while driving in 31 runners. Gregorius, who started at shortstop for South Division squad in this year's Southern League All-Star Game, is ranked by MLB.com as the fourth best prospect in Cincinnati's system. In 47 games at Triple-A he's hitting .238 with six home runs and 23 RBI.

The Blue Wahoos begin their final homestand of the 2012 campaign Thursday, August 30 at 7:05 p.m., hosting the Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Tickets are still available for the series and can be purchased online at BlueWahoos.com, by calling the box office at (850) 934-8444 or in person at the Hill Kelly Dodge Pickup Window at the front of Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.

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Southern League Stories from August 30, 2012


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.

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