A 1 PM Intra-squad scrimmage today on Ashburn Field. Here are some observations …
On the Hill :
RH Carlos Betancourt - went three innings and produced six strikeouts … after yielding four runs in the first inning he settled in to retire the last six batters he faced. Good to see him extended to multiple innings as he’s battled injuries the past couple seasons.
RH Jean Cabrera - had an excellent outing retiring all nine batters he faced in three innings of work, he had three strikeouts. Very smooth and compact delivery, gets the ball and goes, little wasted effort or time. Don’t know the radar gun reads but fastball was thrown by a couple batters.
RH Matt Russell - two scoreless frames, four strikeouts and only one hit allowed.
LH Joel Valdez - three scoreless innings - five strikeouts … punched out five of the first six batters he faced. Seems to have a lively fastball … again no readings as I observe from the right field gate but he was throwing it by people and also seemed to have a sharp breaking slider to boot.
LH Maikel Garrido - battled command in his two innings, left too many balls over the plate and they were squared up for knocks. Has a big arm, has to figure out consistency and location.
RH Estibenzon Jimenez - three strong innings with four strikeouts - from my view didn’t yield a hit, the innings pitched began with runners on base to simulate and practice select game conditions. I believe his fastball range generally sits 90-93.
At the Plate :
Johan Rojas doubled in the first inning and plated two runs. Adony Mejia ( 20 yr old catcher ) tripled and knocked in a run. Jamari Baylor had two singles. Erick Brito, Marcus Lee Sang, Alexeis Azuaje, Jadiel Sanchez, Baron Radcliff and Freylin Minyety each had base knocks.
Other Notes :
Lee Elia visited the complex today, he was kind enough to stop and say hello on his way out. The security team had an extra copy of my most recent book in the shed so was able to give him a copy, very nice and super knowledgeable baseball man. Always great to chat with him even in brevity.
Many scouts and baseball ops folks on hand today for team off season planning meetings. My viewing area is right by the entry gate … I see them but they don’t see me … it’s all good. 🤓
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
