NEWSLETTER
The Eugene Emeralds begin their season tomorrow, and that means we will (probably) get the official roster today. Thanks to some recent roster moves by South Bend, we know the Emeralds will feature RHP Jeffrey Passantino and OF Nelson Velazquez. Both had been with South Bend for a few weeks, but the shuffle of some players from South Bend to Eugene is no great surprise. Velazquez, in particular, I expected to be with Eugene this season anyway.
Other notable players I expect to head to Eugene include 2018 first round pick SS Nico Hoerner (once he officially signs, anyway), OF Jonathan Sierra, and hopefully at some point RHP Jeremiah Estrada, a well-regarded pitcher from last year’s draft who received a fairly hefty bonus to lure him away from college (though Arizona Phil mentioned a possible injury issue this week at TCR). Given his sudden and surprising control issues, RHP Jose Albertos may also visit Eugene this season as he works his way back up to South Bend.
With both Velazquez and Sierra in the outfield (assuming it works out that way), the Emeralds should have a good defensive outfield that can put up some impressive power displays. Contact may be an issue for both players, but raw power isn’t going to be a problem. If, as I am very much hoping, stolen base specialist OF Fernando Kelli vaults over the Arizona Rookie League and into Eugene, the Emeralds might have one of the most fun outfields to watch in the league.
Look for the roster to come down in the middle of the afternoon on the East Coast, assuming we get it today at all. And when the Emeralds do open tomorrow night, you should be able to see the game on MiLB.tv.
Triple A: Iowa Cubs
Iowa 8, Reno 7
The backend of the Cubs bullpen was too much for Reno, and allowed the Cubs to preserve the win.
Double A: Tennessee Smokies
Tennessee 6, Montgomery 4
De La Cruz was not at his best, but the bullpen picked him up.
High A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Winston-Salem 3, Myrtle Beach 2
The Myrtle Beach bullpen also turned in a strong performance.
Low A: South Bend Cubs
Dayton 2, South Bend 1
Another loss, but another good bullpen game.
Other Notes
