Minor League Madness

AAA - OF Jamie Hoffmann, 24, was promoted from Double-A last week to replace Xavier Paul. Hoffmann recorded at least 1 hit in 5 of his 6 games since being promoted. This is his 2nd time at the AAA level, the 1st time coming briefly in 2006. We'll continue to keep our eye on him as his career progresses, let's see how he takes to the hitter-friendly PCL this time around.

AAA - RHP Charie Haeger tossed 15 innings allowing just 3 ER last week he also struckout 14 and walked 7. Haeger, 25, is a knuckleballer who has bounced around with the White Sox and Padres. In his career he has logged 34 IP in the big leagues and he has a 6.35 ERA to go along with it.

AA - RHP Jesus A. Castillo, 24 going on 25 years old, was tabbed as the Southern League Pitcher of the Week. Castillo's line from the week: 13 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 10 K, 2 BB. On the season, Castillo had struggled before last week. Here's his current season line: 1-3, 5.03 ERA, 24 K, 16 BB in 39.1 IP

AA - 3B Josh Bell, 22, showed signs of life with the bat last week. In his last 4 games he has 7 hits in 15 at-bats including his 2nd homer of the season. The switch-hitter is listed at 6'3", 235 lbs. Here's his season line: .298 AVG, 2 HR, 20 RBI, .417 OBP, .865 OPS, 27 k / 24 BB in 34 games.

A-Advanced - RHP Jason Schmidt continues to attempt a comeback. This week was nearly historicial as Schmidt made 2 starts. Here's his line from those starts: 1-1, 2.25 ERA, 12 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 12 K, 7 BB --- It's worth noting that Schmidt threw 100 pitches in his 2nd start, a sign that his durability is improving... Rumor is that his velocity is not.

A-Advanced - RHP Chris Withrow, 20, was drafted with the 20th overall pick in the 2007 draft. Injuries limited Withrow to just 13 IP in his first 2 seasons. This season Withrow has struggled, especially in May where he has given up 12 ER in 7.1 IP. The Dodgers have expectations for this kid and will have to find a way to get him back on track. Here's his sseason line: 2-3, 7.18 ERA, 35 K, 14 BB in 26.1 IP.

A - C Tony Delmonico, 22, is a converted infielder drafted out of Florida State last season. Delmonico has a promising bat for a catcher and he showed some of that potential last week. He has collected 9 hits in last 18 at-bats including a 3-hit game on Staurday. Last year Delmonico hit .340 in 40 games in rookie-ball, here is his line this season: .331 AVG, 3 HR, 18 RBI, .439 OBP, .939 OPS, 35 K, 23 BB in 36 games --- Delmonico tends to strike out a lot, but when he puts the ball in play he is hitting .453 (aka BABIP - batting average on balls in play).