June 22, 2007
ATLANTA – With the start of the Cape Cod League over the weekend, all of the Yellow Jackets, both current and former, that will be playing ball this summer have begun their seasons. Here is an update on where fans can follow the Yellow Jackets, both current and former, as they play this summer.
2007 Yellow Jackets in Pro Baseball
Ten Yellow Jacket players were selected in the 2007 Major League Baseball draft, with several already beginning their pro careers.
Matt Wieters, 1st round, BaltimoreDanny Payne, 1st round (supplemental), San Diego *SIGNED*Michael Fisher, 6th round, Atlanta *SIGNED*Tim Ladd, 9th round, Atlanta *SIGNED*Wally Crancer, 12th round, Baltimore *SIGNED*Eddie Burns, 16th round, AtlantaDavid Duncan, 23rd round, WashingtonJared Hyatt, 33rd round, Texas *SIGNED*Luke Murton, 40th round, New York YankeesRyan Turner, 45th round, Texas *SIGNED*
In the Cape Cod League
Six Yellow Jackets are participating in the Cape Cod Baseball League, which opened regular season play last Friday. Infielder Jeff Ussery and outfielder Curtis Dupart are with the Cotuit Kettlers, pitcher Chris Hicks and outfielder/first baseman Luke Murton are with the Wareham Gatemen, right-hander Eddie Burns is pitching with the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, and infielder Patrick Long is with the Hyannis Mets.
Eddie Burns - 1-0, 1 Start, 1.50 ERA, 4 K, 0 BBCurtis Dupart - .429, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 2 SBChris Hicks - 2 App., 1.1 IP, 1 Sv, 2 KPatrick Long - .238, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BBLuke Murton - .053, 6 Gm, 2 RBIJeff Ussery - .000, 3 Gm, 1 BB
In the Northwoods League
Eight more Yellow Jackets are participating in the Northwoods League, including four (pitcher Zach Von Tersch, catcher Jason Haniger, outfielder Chris House and first baseman Tony Plagman) who are with the Duluth Huskies. Pitcher Andrew Robinson plays for the Alexandria Beetles, pitcher Michael Hutts and infielder Ryan Tinkoff are with the Madison Mallards and pitcher Elliott Ogawa is a member of the Eau Claire Express.
The Northwoods League began play May 31 and the following are updated stats for the Yellow Jackets, through games of June 21.
Jason Haniger - .180, 4 RBI, 3 2B, 2 SB, .240 SLGChris House - .357, 11 R, 4 2B, 11 SB, 5 RBI, .439 OBP, .464 SLGMichael Hutts - 1-2, 3.38 ERA, 5 APP, 3 GS, 17.1 IP, 6 K, 2 BB, .315 OppAvg.Elliott Ogawa - 1.64 ERA, 3 APP, 2 GS, 11.0 IP, 8KTony Plagman - .196, 1 2B, 5 RBI, 5 BB, .345 OBPAndrew Robinson - 1-1, 2.45 ERA, 5 APP, 4 GS, 20.2 IP, 16 K, .286 OppAvg.Ryan Tinkoff - .200, 3 H, 5 BB, 2 SB, .400 OBPZach Von Tersch - 3-1, 2.31 ERA, 4 APP, 4 GS, 23.1 IP, 22 K, .225 OppAvg.
Other Summer Assignments
In addition to the Cape Cod and Northwoods Leagues, four other players are participating in summer baseball leagues. Infielder Jason Garofalo and pitcher Will Hirsch are playing for the Covington Lumberjacks in the Valley Baseball League in Virginia, and pitchers Sean Devine and Charlie Blackmon play for the Colleyville Lonestars in the Texas Collegiate League. Blackmon has seen action both on the mound and in the outfield for Colleyville.
The Valley Baseball League began play June 1, while the Texas Collegiate League had their first set of games June 5. Here are the updated stats for the Yellow Jackets playing in the Valley Baseball and Texas Collegiate Leagues:
Charlie Blackmon - 2 APP, 3.0 IP, 3 K, .308 OppAvgSean Devine - 3 APP, 10.0 IP, 8 KJason Garofalo - .217, 6 RBI, 6 BB, 7 SBWill Hirsch - 3 APP, 3 GS, 2.76 ERA, 16.1 IP, 16 K, .303 OppAvg.
Alumni in the Major Leagues
Eight former Yellow Jackets are currently on Major League rosters.
Marlon Byrd, OF, Texas RangersKevin Cameron, RHP, San Diego PadresNomar Garciaparra, 1B, Los Angeles DodgersMicah Owings, RHP, Arizona DiamondbacksJay Payton, OF, Baltimore OriolesMark Teixeira, 1B, Texas Rangers (on 15-day disabled list)Jason Varitek, C, Boston Red Sox
In the Minor Leagues
Minor League Assignments of former Tech players:
Brandon Boggs, OF, Frisco (AA), RangersWally Crancer, OF, Aberdeen (A), OriolesMichael Fisher, SS, Danville (A), BravesTyler Greene, SS, Springfield (AA), Cardinals (disabled list)Garrett Groce, OF, Vero Beach (A), Devil RaysTim Gustafson, RHP, Rome (A), BravesKevin Guyette, RHP, Lancaster (A), Red SoxWes Hodges, 3B, Kinston (A), IndiansJared Hyatt, RHP, TBA, RangersLee Hyde, LHP, Myrtle Beach (A), Braves (disabled list)Steve Kelly, RHP, Louisville (AAA), RedsJeff Kindel, OF, Modesto (A), RockiesAndrew Kown, RHP, Erie (AA), TigersTim Ladd, LHP, Danville (A), BravesRichard Lewis, 2B, Omaha (AAA), RoyalsMatt Lorenzo, RHP, Hickory (A), PiratesAndy Mitchell, RHP, Norfolk (AAA), OriolesMatt Murton, OF, Iowa (AAA), CubsJason Neighborgall, RHP, Extended Spring Training, DiamondbacksDavid Newhan, OF, New Orleans (AAA), MetsMike Nickeas, C, Binghamton (AA), MetsEric Patterson, 2B, Iowa (AAA), CubsDanny Payne, OF, Eugene (A), PadresJason Perry, OF, Sacramento (AAA), AthleticsClifton Remole, OF, Rancho Cucamonga (A), AngelsWhit Robbins, OF/IF, Ft. Myers (A), TwinsJeremy Slayden, OF, Clearwater (A), PhilliesRyan Turner, LHP, TBA, RangersAaron Walker, LHP, Vero Beach (A), Devil Rays (disabled list)Blake Wood, RHP, Idaho Falls (A), Royals (disabled list)
Coaching
Former Tech players in the MLB/MiLB coaching ranks:
Darren Bragg, Hitting Coach, Dayton (A), RedsRiccardo Ingram, Manager, New Britain (AA), Twins
