Mark Maloney on Kentucky sports

South Atlantic League baseball

Coming up

Lexington Legends vs. Asheville (N.C.) Tourists

What: Three-game series

When: Monday through Wednesday (7:05 each night)

Where: Applebee’s Park

Tickets: Call    (859) 422-7867   

Probable pitchers (Legends listed first): Monday, RH Robert Bono (5-2, 1.93) vs. RH Parker Frazier (1-5, 6.48); Tuesday, RH Kyle Greenwalt (3-5, 3.10) vs. RH Juan Nicasio (0-0, 1.00); Wednesday, RH Jordan Lyles (2-5, 3.13) vs. RH Dan Houston (1-4, 5.03).

David Christensen

Tourist to watch: RF David Christensen (6-foot-1, 195 pounds, from Margate, Fla.) is among the top 10 in the league in triples (5), homers (9), RBI (31), total bases (94), slugging percentage (.540) and OPS — on-base plus slugging percentages (.854). Also, he is hitting .259, has scored 27 runs and stolen nine bases over 47 games. Selected by the Rockies in the second round of the 2006 draft, Christensen played the past two seasons with the Casper Ghosts of the Pioneer League. He led the club last season with nine homers and 62 games. He also stole seven bases.

Eric Suttle

Legend to watch: RF Eric Suttle (6-0, 190, from Marietta, Ga.) is hitting .333 (8-for-24) in seven games since joining the Legends last Monday. He also has drawn five walks, boosting his on-base percentage to .448. Suttle played the last two seasons for the Southern Illinois Miners of the independent Frontier League, hitting .271 with six homers and 54 RBI over 144 games in 2008. He led the team with 47 walks last season and, just as in 2007, he totaled five outfield assists. The Astros purchased his contract rights March 11. Suttle began this season in extended spring training and was promoted in mid-May to High-A Lancaster of the California League. In 12 games with the JetHawks, Suttle was 12-for-32 (.375) with seven RBI and four runs. He has reached safely in all seven games with the Legends and takes a six-game hitting streak into Monday’s game.

Radio: WLXG AM-1300

South Atlantic League Baseball

Coming up

Lexington Legends vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods

What: Three-game series

When: Tuesday through Thursday (7:05 Central each night)

Where: Bowling Green (Ky.) Ballpark

Tickets:   (270) 901-2121  

Probable pitchers (Legends listed first): Tuesday, RH Robert Bono (5-1, 1.98) vs. pitcher to be named; Wednesday, RH Kyle Greenwalt (2-5, 2.98) vs. LH Frank De Los Santos (3-3, 3.38); Thursday, RH Jordan Lyles (2-5, 3.31) vs. RH Joe Cruz (1-2, 2.08).

Joe Cruz

Hot Rod to watch: Thursday’s starter, RHP Joe Cruz (6-foot-4, 190 pounds, from Baldwin Park, Calif.), hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in any of his seven starts, and he’s only allowed two runs once. Over 30 1/3 innings, he has 34 strikeouts to eight walks, holding opponents to a .280 average. Selected by Tampa Bay in the 30th round of the 2007 draft, out of East Los Angeles Junior College, Cruz appeared in 16 games over the last season-plus (three games in 2007) for Princeton of the Appalachian League, where he went 3-3 with a 2.71 ERA, 75 strikeouts and 17 walks. Baseball America rates him 23rd among Tampa Bay prospects, noting that he has “demonstrated a live arm with above-average control.” He comes armed with a 90-94 mph fastball, a curveball and changeup.

Brian Pellegrini

Legend to watch: 1B/OF Brian Pellegrini (6-1, 240, from Willoughby, Ohio) joined the Legends on May 16 after starting the season with High-A Lancaster. He was Lexington’s primary power hitter last season, when he hit 21 homers and drove in 69 runs over 87 games. He hit .226, with a .331 on-base percentage and .503 slugging. Selected by the Astros in the 12th round of the 2007 draft, out of St. Bonaventure University, he was Atlantic 10 player of the year and an all-star in 2006. At Lancaster this season, Pellegrini hit .171 with seven homers and 15 RBI over 30 games. In 15 games with the Legends, he is hitting .294 with four homers and 12 RBI. He also has drawn nine walks and struck out 14 times. Monday, his three-run homer in the first inning fueled a 5-0 victory over the Augusta GreenJackets.

Jay Austin

Also of note: The Legends made a roster change Monday. CF Jay Austin was placed on the disabled list. He suffered a concussion when he collided with SS Jorge De Leon during the first inning of Saturday’s game. Taking Austin’s spot on the roster is OF Eric Suttle, who comes from Lancaster. In 12 games with the JetHawks, Suttle hit .375 and drove in 12 runs. He played for Southern Illinois of the Frontier League last season. He made his Legends debut Monday, batting second and playing in left. Suttle was 0-for-2, but drew two walks and scored a run in a 5-0 win over Augusta.

Radio: WLXG AM-1300

Coming up

Lexington Legends vs. Augusta GreenJackets

What: Four-game series

When: Friday through Monday (7:05 each night, except Sunday at 2:05 p.m.)

Where: Applebee’s Park

Tickets: Call   (859) 422-7867  

Probable pitchers (Legends listed first): Friday, RH Kyle Greenwalt vs. LH Eric Surkamp (2-1, 4.54); Saturday, RH Jordan Lyles (2-4, 2.96) vs. RH Kyle Nicholson (3-4, 4.14); Sunday, LH Brad Dydalewicz (3-0, 0.38) vs. LH Ari Ronick (3-3, 3.76); Monday, RH Ross Seaton (5-4, 2.88) vs. LH Aaron King (1-2, 5.27).

Juan Perez

GreenJacket to watch: 3B Juan Perez (5-foot-11, 185 pounds, from Bronx, N.Y.) comes in with a six-game hitting streak (7-for-21, 4 RBI, 4 runs). Overall, he is hitting .279 with five homers, 19 RBI and 23 runs over 43 games. He is tied for fourth in the South Atlantic League (through Wednesday) with 15 doubles and tied for 12th with 46 hits. He also has six stolen bases in seven attempts. After batting .215 in April, Perez is hitting .337 in May. The Giants selected Perez in the 13th round of last year’s draft, out of Western Oklahoma State Junior College.

Brad Dydalewicz

Legend to watch: Sunday starter Brad Dydalewicz (6-1, 180, from Spicewood, Texas) will be making his first home appearance since April 17. He spent three weeks on the disabled list before being activated May 20 at Charleston, S.C. He pitched two innings that night, and was the winner with a five-inning start Monday at Savannah. Over those two games, he has given up a run, five hits and five walks, while striking out four. Overall, Dydalewicz has worked 24 innings over five starts, allowing just two runs (one earned), while going 3-0 with an 0.38 ERA. The Astros selected him in the eighth round of last year’s draft, out of Lake Travis (Texas) High School.

Phil Disher

Ricky Bennett

Also of note: Legends 1B Phil Disher is scheduled to travel to Houston for evaluation by team doctors. He has been bothered most of the season with a hip injury. … C Max Sapp, a member of the Legends the past two seasons, continues to recover at his home in Florida after suffering a life-threatening bout of viral meningitis and seizures. According to Ricky Bennett, assistant general manager and director of player development for the Astros, Sapp is schedule to remain on medication until mid-July. Bennett said he doesn’t expect Sapp to play this season, but may make his return in fall instructional ball or in a winter league. … Friday is Blue Grass Energy Night and Cartoon Character Night at Applebee’s Park. The Cat in the Hat, Franklin the Turtle, Buzz Lightyear, Wilma Flinstone, George Jetson and some of the characters from Scooby Doo are scheduled to be on hand. Miss Kentucky USA, Maria Montgomery of Danville, will throw a ceremonial first pitch. A fireworks show is scheduled after the game. … Saturday’s game will include entertainment by Chicago-based percussion group The Bucket Boys. A Girl Scout campout in the outfield will follow the game. … Sunday’s game will be preceded by a youth baseball clinic. After the game, kids can run the bases. … Monday is “Kids Eat Free Night.” Children under 12 will receive vouchers for a kids’ combo meal (hot dog, chips and drink) as they enter the park. 

Radio: WLXG AM-1300

South Atlantic League baseball

Coming up

Lexington Legends vs. Charleston RiverDogs

What: Four-game series

When: Wednesday through Saturday (7:05 each night)

Where: Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, Charleston, S.C.

Probable pitcher (Legends listed first: Wednesday, LH Brad Didalewicz (2-0, 0.00) vs. RH David Phelps (3-1, 3.07); Thursday, RH Ross Seaton (3-1, 1.59) vs. RH Andrew Brackman (0-4, 4.01); Friday, RH Robert Bono (4-1, 2.08) vs. LH Manny Banuelos (1-1, 3.38); Saturday, RH Kyle Greenwalt (2-3, 2.50) vs. RH Brett Marshall (1-3, 5.35).

Brandon Braboy

RiverDog to watch: RHP Brandon Braboy (6-foot, 195 pounds, from Kevil, Ky.) is 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA over 11 relief outings. In 22 innings, he has struck out 20 and walked three, holding opponents to a .212 average. Out of Heath High School and the University of Indianapolis, Braboy was selected by the Yankees in the 18th round of last June’s draft. After going 8-3 with a 3.61 for his college team, Braboy was 2-1 with a 3.21 ERA for the Yankees’ rookie team at Staten Island.

Marques Williams

Legend to watch: OF Marques Williams (6-0, 185, from Los Angeles) joined the Legends last weekend, promoted from extended spring training. After going hitless in his first two games, Williams doubled. He wound up scoring the decisive run in a 2-1 victory over Savannah, swiping home on a delayed double steal. Williams, 23, was selected by the Astros in the 43rd round of the June 2007 draft, out of Compton Community College. He played seven games for Greeneville in 2007 and 46 for Tri-City last year, batting a combined .212 with 11 RBI and five stolen bases.

Radio: WLXG AM-1300

South Atlantic League baseball

Coming up

Lexington Legends vs. Savannah Sand Gnats

What: Four-game series

When: Friday through Monday (7:05 p.m. Friday, Saturday; 2:05 Sunday; 10:05 a.m. Monday)

Where: Applebee’s Park

Tickets: Call   (859) 422-7867  

Probable pitchers (Legends listed first): Friday, Arcenio Leon (3-1, 3.26) vs. RH Jeffrey Kaplan (3-1, 1.13); Saturday, RH Robert Bono (4-1, 1.91) vs. LH Robert Carson (2-3, 2.20); Sunday, RH Kyle Greenwalt (2-3, 2.38) vs. RH Eric Beaulac (2-1, 2.81); Monday, RH Jordan Lyles (1-4, 4.04) vs. RH Elvin Ramirez (2-2, 3.41).

Sean Ratliff

Sand Gnat to watch: LF Sean Ratliff (6-foot-3, 185 pounds, from Oklahoma City) was a fourth-round draft pick of the Mets last June, out of Stanford. With Brooklyn of the New York-Penn League last season, the left-handed hitter and thrower batted .229 with seven homers and 22 RBI over 59 games. He hit . 208 before the all-star break, .288 the rest of the way. This season, through Wednesday, Ratliff is hitting .346 with four homers and 18 RBI. Of his league-leading 45 hits, 19 have been for extra bases. He also leads the league in total bases (74) and ranks in the top 10 in average, doubles, homers, slugging percentage and OPS (on-base-plus-slugging percentages).

Jorge De Leon

Legend to watch: SS Jorge De Leon (6-0, 168, from Azua, Dominican Republic) burst onto the Lexington scene Monday, when he made his team debut against Charleston. All he did was go 3-for-5 and drive in the winning run with a two-out single in the 14th inning. (He also reached base when hit by a pitch.) De Leon, 21, hit .235 with a homer and 14 RBI over 32 games last season with Greeneville of the Appalachian League. He hit .343 over 43 at-bats in July. He spent the previous two seasons playing for the Dominican Summer League Astros. De Leon reported to the Legends from extended spring training to plug the hole left when Ricardo Bonfante (dislocated shoulder) went on the disabled list.

Radio: WLXG AM-1300

South Atlantic League baseball

Coming up

Legends vs. Charleston (S.C.) RiverDogs 

What: Four-game series

When: Monday through Thursday (7:05 each night)

Where:  Applebee’s Park

Tickets: Call   (859) 422-7867        

Probable pitchers (Legends listed first): Monday, RH Robert Bono (4-1, 1.61) vs. RH Andrew Brackman (0-4, 4.55); Tuesday, RH Kyle Greenwalt (2-2, 1.86) vs. RH Brett Marshall (0-3, 6.66); Wednesday, RH Jordan Lyles (1-3, 4.11) vs. RH Hector Noesi (0-0, 0.00); Thursday, RH Ross Seaton (4-2, 1.51) vs. TBA.

RiverDog to watch: Pat Venditte (6-foot-1, 180 pounds, from Omaha, Neb.) is second in SAL saves, behind only Legends right-hander Daniel Meszaros. What

Pat Venditte

makes Venditte unusual is that he pitches with both hands, and well. Over his 12 appearances, Venditte is 2-1 with seven saves and a 0.61 ERA. He has allowed three runs, one earned, while holding opponents to a .204 batting average over 14 2/3 innings. The Yankees selected Venditte in the 20th round of last June’s draft, out of Creighton University. With Staten Island of the New York-Penn League last summer, Venditte was 1-0, 23-for-23 in save situations, with a 0.83 ERA and was named the league’s Reliever of the Year.

Legend to watch: 2B Andy Simunic (6-0, 175, from Collierville, Tenn.) joined the Legends last week, called up from extended spring

Andy Simunic

training after Albert Cartwright suffered a broken forearm. In his first five games, Simunic is 5-for-18 (.278), with a double, walk and stolen bases. He comes home with a four-game hitting streak. Selected by the Astros in the 17th round of last June’s draft, out of Tennessee, Simunic hit .234 and drove in 14 runs over 53 games with Tri-City last summer. He was the team’s Defensive Player of the Month in July.

Also of note: What happens when an ambidextrous pitcher encounters a switch-hitter? Rules state that the pitcher must declare which arm he will use to throw. Each side is then allowed to switch once. . . . The Legends expect to have a roster addition Monday, as SS Ricardo Bonfante suffered a dislocated left shoulder when he attempted a head-first slide Friday at Rome.

Radio: WLXG AM-1300

There’s a change in probable pitching matchups for Saturday’s game between the Lexington Legends and Rome Braves, at Rome.

The Braves have changed their Saturday probable from RH Randall Delgado to RH David Francis (1-1, 4.19).

David Francis

That leaves the probable matchups this way (Legends listed first): Wednesday, RH Kyle Greenwalt (2-1, 0.78) vs. RH Jacob Thompson (0-2, 4.28); Thursday, RH Jordan Lyles (1-2, 4.94) vs. LH Brett DeVall (0-1, 4.91); Friday, RH Ross Seaton (4-1, 0.91) vs. RH Zeke Spruill (4-0, 2.39); Saturday, RH Henry Villar (0-0, 2.37) vs. RH David Francis (1-1, 4.19).

Reds Alert

A tip of the hat to Rob Butcher, Cincinnati Reds director of media relations, for the following:

SS Alex Gonzalez left Monday’s game at Florida after the 10th inning due to a strained left oblique muscle. He received a cortisone shot Tuesday and will be evaluated at the ballpark Wednesday. … 3B Edwin Encarnacion (chip fracture, left wrist) is to have his cast removed Wednesday. He will be examined and then fitted with a removable splint.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Reds’ four shutouts over a six-game span is something that has happened for the Reds only twice before in the live-ball era. The starters in this week’s shutout victories

Brandon Phillips

were Edinson Volquez, Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto and Volquez. Starters in the previous instances: Elmer Riddle, Johnny Vander Meer, Joe Beggs and Vander Meer in 1943; and Gary Nolan, Jim McGlothlin, Jim Merritt and Nolan in 1970.

In Tuesday’s 7-0 win over the Marlins, Brandon Phillips matched his career high of six RBI, the third time he has done so. During the expansion era, only three other starting second basemen have had at least three six-RBI games: Jeff Kent (7), Bret Boone (5) and Ryne Sandberg (3).

South Atlantic League Baseball

Coming up 

Lexington Legends vs. Rome Braves

Jordan Lyles

Kyle Greenwalt

What: Four-game series

When: Wednesday through Saturday (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday at 7 p.m.; Thursday at 10:30 a.m.)

Where: State Mutual Stadium (Rome, Ga.)

Probable pitchers (Legends listed first): Wednesday, RH Kyle Greenwalt (2-1, 0.78)

Ross Seaton

Henry Villar

vs. RH Jacob Thompson (0-2, 4.28); Thursday, RH Jordan Lyles (1-2, 4.94) vs. LH Brett DeVall (0-1, 4.91); Friday, RH Ross Seaton (4-1, 0.91) vs. RH Zeke Spruill (4-0, 2.39); Saturday, RH Henry Villar (0-0, 2.37) vs. RH Randall Delgado (1-3, 4.03).

Brave to watch: 1B Gerardo Rodriguez (6-foot-1, 195 pounds, from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) leads the Braves in hits (28), triples (3), homers (5), RBI (15) and total

Gerardo Rodriguez

bases (54), and shares the team lead in doubles (5). Also has played error-free ball at first base. Originally signed by the Yankees after the 2004 season, when he was 17. Joined the Braves in 2008, leading Danville in homers (13) and RBI (49). the latter total ranking third in the Appalachian League. 

Arcenio Leon

Legend to watch: RHP Arcenio Leon (6-1, 162, from Maracaibo, Venezuela) has notched wins in his last three appearances, all in relief. Overall, Leon is 3-0 with a 2.12 ERA over seven appearances (one start) and 17 innings. He has held opponents to a .136 batting average. Two of his wins came last week against Rome. Signed by the Astros Feb. 7, 2005, Leon went 3-6 over two seasons in the Venezuelan Summer League. He spent the past two seasons with Greeneville of the Appalachian League, going 0-7, 4.67 in 2007 and 3-1, 3.33 in 2008.

Charley Taylor

Albert Cartwright

Also of interest: Legends pitching coach Charley Taylor continues to recover at his Northern Kentucky home after undergoing surgery to remove his prostate and  cancerous bladder. Taylor says he hopes to be able to visit the team at Applebee’s Park in early June. … Legends 2B Albert Cartwright suffered a broken ulna (left forearm) as a result of being hit by a pitch

Brian McCann

during Monday’s game at Augusta. He is expected to be sidelined six-to-eight weeks. Cartwright hit .316 (25-for-79) over 23 games, with three homers, 13 RBI and 16 runs. … Taking Cartwright’s roster spot is IF Andy Simunic, a 17th-round draft pick out of the University of Tennessee last June. Simunic, 23, had been in the Astros’ extended spring training camp. Last year, he hit .234 with 14 RBI and 20 runs over 53 games with Tri-City of the New York-Penn League. … Atlanta Braves C Brian McCann was scheduled to make a rehab start Wednesday against the Legends, but the Braves changed the assignment Tuesday night to High-A Myrtle Beach. McCann, who helped Rome to the 2003 SAL championship, has been on the disabled list since April 25 due to an infected left eye.

Radio: WLXG AM-1300

Astros Minor League Players of the Month

Legends Players of the Month for April, as announced by the parent-club Houston Astros, are Daniel Meszaros, Ebert Rosario and Albert Cartwright.

Daniel Meszaros

Ebert Rosario

Meszaros is the team’s Pitcher of the Month, converting all seven of his save opportunities without allowing an earned run. Over 7 1/3 innings, he struck out 12.

Rosario, a third baseman, is Offensive Player of the Month. He hit .375 (21-for-56) with seven doubles, eight RBI and 10 runs scored in April.

Cartwright, a second baseman, is the Defensive Player of the Month. Over 20 games and 112 chances, Cartwright compiled a .973 fielding percentage (three errors).

Several former Legends earned organizational Player of the Month honors:

SS Tommy Manzella is Defensive Player of the Month for 3A Round Rock (18 games, .964 fielding percentage).

RH Brad James is Pitcher of the Month for 2A Corpus Christi (1-0, 2.81, 16 innings).