chattbaseball

What are the fans supposed to do, go to the Smokies games instead of their kid's high school football games? And don't even tell me you expect people to go to the Smokies game instead of a UT football game... I see your frustrations, but that's just the way it's going to be...

I guess that remains to be seen. He showed at Boise that he's got the power to hit home runs. He needs to get his average up, but if he can hit .280 and be a power guy, I think he could be a first baseman...and it might not even be permanent...but it's going to allow him more at-bats during instructs. I know histoy hasn't been too kind to Cubs' high school hitters, but we have to keep in mind age and experience with guys like Burke and Vitters and Rundle. Vitters is barely 18 and Burke is barely 19.

Actually, several of the Minor League Coordinators have spoken to Burke earlier in the season about spending some playing time at first base. Basically, it will allow him to get more at-bats. Seems like there are more outfield prospects than first basemen...He never played first base in Boise, but he worked out quite a bit there. He played first base all the way through his freshman year in high school, so he's got some experience there. I do however think that Burke is one of the better defensive outfielders - as far as athleticism and arm strength. BUT, he fits the physical profile of a first baseman better than the other OF prospects at 6'3", 210.

I think Boise has several players who can be considered as possible major contributors down the road to the organization! ;)...at least let's hope so!

Great updates Raisin! thanks! and go Hawks!

Spoke with one of their players today and he said they MUST sweep in order to make the championship series. He didn't know what the tie-breaker was...he just said they HAD to sweep in order to win the division!

Thank you!

Batting 6th, has yet to have an AB. I'll post his Boise stats after the game. Vitters 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. His hit was a line drive single into right field in the bottom of the 8th. He grounded out in the second inning, scoring Josh Donaldson from 3rd.

You're right, pessimists are right the majority of the time....BECAUSE THATS THE WAY BASEBALL IS!!! Any player that ever makes it to the big leagues is in the MINORITY! And that's strictly because of the numbers! You make some valid points, but it's still ridiculous to be so pessimistic about a 17 year old kid.....You are entitled to your opinion though, no matter how kooky it may be!

I read more on these boards than I post, but I've noticed you guys LOVE to criticize young players who don't immediately do well. First of all, he's played in a whopping 8 games! He just turned 18 two days ago! He has never played consistently and consecutively with wood bats....you can play all of the showcases in the world, but his last season of baseball was with aluminum - and he's never faced professional pitching on a consistent basis. Putting $3.2 million into a high school hitter is a long term investment, not a get rich quick scheme! Give the kid a chance..or at least more than 8 games! It's fair to say his first 8 games have been disappointing, but you can't call him a bust already!

Big win for Boise as they beat Yakima 7-5 and remain 1 game back in the Eastern Division of the Northwest League. Bats came alive late in the game! With 6 games coming up against Spokane and 3 against Tri-City, anything can happen...

No no no, don't read into my post like that. He's been a great producer as well. I just think Wright has been the overall most valuable player for Boise this year. The lineup is littered with guys who have contributed, and Wright AND Smith deserve their credit!

I'm glad Wright's getting the bump to Peoria! He's been the most consistent hitter on the Boise squad this year. Wyatt has come on strong, but Wright has been so consistent all year long. He's proven he can hit, hit with power, and be patient at the plate! Good luck Ty Wright!

I'm going to head out to see the Smokies tomorrow (8/15)...anyone else planning on attending?

Ty Wright goes 2-for-5 also with a hit and a grand slam!

Boise Hawks lose to the Aqua Sox 5-4 in 13 innings. http://www.boisehawks.com/team/stats/index.html?autoload=gamewrap&gid=2007_07_19_boiasx_eveasx_1&sportcode=asx

I've watched at most games, and followed them pretty closely...he's hit well, and with the overcrowded catcher situation, it's a good move for him. He played at Boise in '06 as well. I haven't really paid much attention to his catching, BUT there's not been any glaring miscues!

Steve Clevenger with a two run single in the top of the first. This is his last game with Boise. He'll report to Daytona after the game!

Hope this helps, EJ: Boise - Alberto Cabrera is an 18-year old RHP who skipped Mesa. He had a good season last year in the DSL and he has a low 90s FB, good change and and a developing slider. Chris Huseby is a 19-year old RHP with a 91-95 mph FB, plus curve and a change. He's the guy who got a $1.1 million signing bonus last year in the 11th round - had TJS while in high school. LHP Arik Hempy might be someone to look for. He's a 17th rounder from South Carolina. He's big and used to throw hard before TJS (topped out at 95) and if he gets his velocity back, that'd be great. RHP Al Alburquerque had a great season in the DSL about 4 years ago but has bounced around with surgeries. He's putting up nice numbers at age 21 in Boise so he's someone to pay attention to. The catchers: Josh Donaldson is the big name, obviously. Steve Clevenger is a solid bat who's converting from second base to catcher, he's an advanced hitter. If Clevenger had stuck at 2B, he'd probably be at Daytona. Mario Mercedes is having his second straight good season with the bat at Boise. Ty Wright has posted good numbers and was thought of as a good hitter from Oklahoma St. Drew Rundle was a 14th round pick last year who got $500,000. He's raw and has had some contact problems but has a high ceiling. He started slow but has come on strong with Boise. While he has contact problems, he goes deep into counts so hopefully he can build on that. Kyler Wright came in the Barrett trade. Was a supplemental first round pick last year. Kyler Burke not Kyler Wright.

Hawks Win in 10! 14-13 on walk-off HR by Rundle!

ok, now it's 13-13 after the Hawks second balk of the night...this time with a runner on 3rd. Tom Beyers ejected for arguing the call...I watched the replay three times and didn't see anything....

Well, now it's 13-12.....Boise...

Boise back ahead 12-10. Not only did they give up 6 runs in that inning, it included: 4 errors, 1 balk, 2 hit batsmen, 2 singles, 1 double, 1 triple.... and to top it all off, all of that but one error came with TWO OUTS!!

You have to go 5 to qualify for the win, Hempy didn't. Thank you sir!