2011 Kinston Indians Thread

by **TonyIBI** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 6:09 pm

Ok, time to start rolling these official threads out. Let's try to keep all talk with the team to this thread. Separate threads for specific issues/players are welcomed, but the daily banter of the season and the team should be kept here.

Hopefully we get some roster info for the teams by the end of the weekend.

by **timdav** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 12:57 pm

Should be an emotional year for the fans/residents around the Kinston, NC area....with the K-Tribe moving to a much-larger market in east-central NC in 2012.

Kinston should have a very good starting rotation by mid-season with Drew Pomeranz, Jason Knapp, Soto, House, and Blair.

Roberto Perez may never hit enough to be a legitimate #1 starting catcher in the majors, but everything I've read says he's an excellent defensive catcher. And, Delvi Cid can fly.

Tony: any comments about the most-promising of the expected 2011 Kinston roster? Thanks.

by **elrod enchilada** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 2:27 pm

You also have Greenwell, Abreu, Holt and Smit. All are legit prospects to varying degrees, and the first three will be in AA in 2012, if not before the end of the season this year.

But the story at Kinston will be primarily the rotation.

by **TonyIBI** » Sun Apr 03, 2011 12:33 am

No official roster yet...but some names going to Kinston: Preston Guilmet and Roberto Perez.

by **TonyIBI** » Sun Apr 03, 2011 11:35 pm

UPDATE: No rosters yet, but here are some confirmed names in Kinston:

Tyler Holt: Kinston
Casey Frawley: Kinston
T.J. House: Kinston
Bo Greenwell: Kinston
Clayton Cook: Kinston
Preston Guilmet: Kinston
Roberto Perez: Kinston
Giovanni Soto: Kinston
Chase Burnette: Kinston

by **Edible14** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 12:25 am

TonyIPI wrote:UPDATE: No rosters yet, but here are some confirmed names in Kinston:

Tyler Holt: Kinston
Casey Frawley: Kinston
T.J. House: Kinston
Bo Greenwell: Kinston
Clayton Cook: Kinston
Preston Guilmet: Kinston
Roberto Perez: Kinston
Giovanni Soto: Kinston
Chase Burnette: Kinston

Cook and Burnette are mild surprises. Blair being announced in LC is also slightly surprising (given that cook is 20 and Blair is 22 & a higher-round pick). So, some questions for this year for Kinston:

Who gets promoted to Akron first: Knapp or Pomeranz?
Is this the year for Abner Abreu?
Which corner infielder gets to Akron this year? Burnette, Tice, Abraham or none of the above?
How much will Roberto Perez' offense improve?
Which pitchers end up in piggyback roles?
Which outfielder gets promoted first? Greenwell, Cid or Abreu?

by **TonyIBI** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 1:03 am

Updated Kinston roster:

Drew Pomeranz: (LHP)
Preston Guilmet (RHP)
T.J. House (LHP)
T.J. McFarland (LHP)
Giovanni Soto (LHP)
Clayton Cook (RHP)
Bo Greenwell (OF)
Tyler Holt (OF)
Abner Abreu (OF)
Delvi Cid (OF)
Roberto Perez (C)
Doug Pickens (C)
Chase Burnette (1B)
Casey Frawley (SS)
Ronald Rivas (SS)
Justin Toole (INF)
Jeremie Tice (1B)
Adam Abraham (3B)

by **elrod enchilada** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 7:54 am

Delighted to see Burnette in Kinston. At age 23, starting at low A would have been saying this guy has no future as a prospect and is just pure filler. Still a super longshot, but he is in the game with a big season.

by **TonyIBI** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 9:48 am

Here is your K-Tribe roster:

Drew Pomeranz: (LHP)
Preston Guilmet (RHP)
T.J. House (LHP)
T.J. McFarland (LHP)
Giovanni Soto (LHP)
Clayton Cook (RHP)
Brett Brach (RHP)
Chris Jones (LHP)
Joey Mahalic (RHP)
Marty Popham (RHP)
Tyler Sturdevant (RHP)
Travis Turek (RHP)
Jose Flores (RHP)
Bo Greenwell (OF)
Tyler Holt (OF)
Abner Abreu (OF)
Delvi Cid (OF) (open on DL)
Roberto Perez (C)
Doug Pickens (C)
Chase Burnette (1B)
Casey Frawley (SS)
Ronald Rivas (SS)
Justin Toole (INF)
Jeremie Tice (1B)
Adam Abraham (3B)
Greg Folgia (OF)

One extra player Cid, who will open on DL. Had some groin issues in spring he is still working through.

by **GeronimoSon** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 10:58 am

Who gets promoted to Akron first: Knapp or Pomeranz?
Is this the year for Abner Abreu?
Which corner infielder gets to Akron this year? Burnette, Tice, Abraham or none of the above?
How much will Roberto Perez' offense improve?
Which pitchers end up in piggyback roles?
Which outfielder gets promoted first? Greenwell, Cid or Abreu?

Jason Knapp is going to be coddled starting of the 2012 season while Drew Pomeranz is considerbly further ahead in his ability. Easy decision: It's Super Drew-per...

Abner Abreu: His maturity, tools and skill set have him on the verge of a break out year.. His lack of success at Kinston last year put a damper on his rise to prospectdom-ness (<=== is that a word?..) as he swung and missed a lot..too much.. Starting/repeating High Class A could be just the ticket.. this is his "odd" numbered year, so expect a BA north of .300 and the earliest promotion of an Outfielder..

-C-IF'er: none make it to akron

-Robert Perez: Offense will improve only if he stops dropping the right shoulder and gets his hands back sooner.. Otherwise..he's still got a long swing.. long swings produce more power, but contact with the baseball becomes less frequent...

-Piggyback.. meh..

by **ChadS17** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 7:30 pm

Pomeranz is looking pretty good to say the least.

by **dazindiansfanuk** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 9:59 pm

Yep

5.2IP, 2H, 0R, 0BB, 9K for Pomeranz in his pro debut.

by **npc29** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 10:23 pm

Ready to start the "When is he getting promoted to Akron?" questions? Haha... Kidding of course, but a nice debut for Pomz..

by **Upper Box Woodchuck** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 11:04 pm

npc29 wrote:Ready to start the "When is he getting promoted to Akron?" questions? Haha... Kidding of course, but a nice debut for Pomz..

I think Hammy mentioned the same thing during the broadcast.

by **Edible14** » Sat Apr 09, 2011 1:41 am

Upper Box Woodchuck wrote:
npc29 wrote:Ready to start the "When is he getting promoted to Akron?" questions? Haha... Kidding of course, but a nice debut for Pomz..

I think Hammy mentioned the same thing during the broadcast.

He'll get promoted, but Akron and CBus already have some depth to sort through. An injury or trade needs to happen for Pom to get promoted, unless they decide to put Austin Adams in the bullpen.

by **ClevBuck** » Sun Apr 10, 2011 6:56 pm

According to the around the farm article on april 8th he hit 97 a few times

I thought his max was around 94 and he sat around 90-93

by **Rocky55** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:54 am

npc29 wrote:Ready to start the "When is he getting promoted to Akron?" questions? Haha... Kidding of course, but a nice debut for Pomz..

Pomeranz had about 100 IP in college last year. He signed at the deadline & had quite a gap when he wasn't pitching at all. Curious to see what kind of IP schedule they have him on this year.

by **homerawayfromhome** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:42 pm

From the buzz I had heard early last yr was Pomeranz was a potential 1st overall choice. He pitched on team USA to go along with pitching at Ole Miss. The report I saw on him had him topping out at 96 and sitting 90-95. He pitched with a pectoral injury that seemed to affect his velocity last yr. If he can work hard on a solid change the sky is the limit.

by **npc29** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 10:59 pm

Rocky55 wrote:
npc29 wrote:Ready to start the "When is he getting promoted to Akron?" questions? Haha... Kidding of course, but a nice debut for Pomz..

Pomeranz had about 100 IP in college last year. He signed at the deadline & had quite a gap when he wasn't pitching at all. Curious to see what kind of IP schedule they have him on this year.

After seeing how they handled Alex White last year, I think that is the ultimate question. Does he have enough innings in his limit and can he do enough with those to make a lot of progress in the system this year?

by **ClevBuck** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:39 am

Pomeranz so far

2 IP 0 Hits 3 Ks 0 walks

by **Upper Box Woodchuck** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:00 pm

Does anybody know how to get the K-Tribe webcast to work?

by **ClevBuck** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:08 pm

4 IP 1 walk 5 ks 0 hits 0 ER so far

by **danh8** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:10 pm

Upper Box Woodchuck wrote:Does anybody know how to get the K-Tribe webcast to work?

I don't see the game today listed as being broadcast by MiLB..

by **danh8** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:12 pm

ClevBuck wrote:4 IP 1 walk 5 ks 0 hits 0 ER so far

Pomeranz isn't gonna be there in NC for long. As soon as the weather warms up in Akron, he's there IMHO. Am hearing he's throwing consistent mid 90's already..

by **Upper Box Woodchuck** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:21 pm

danh8 wrote:
Upper Box Woodchuck wrote:Does anybody know how to get the K-Tribe webcast to work?

I don't see the game today listed as being broadcast by MiLB..

I meant the audio stream. I click on the "Kinston Indians: Listen" button on milb.com and I get a weird screen where the "listen" button prompts me to save a playlist file to my computer.

by **ClevBuck** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:22 pm

5 IP so far
0 hits
7 k
1 walk
0 ER

Funny thing is he's pitching vs the same team he got his first start vs and they still can't figure him out

by **ClevBuck** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:43 pm

A friend at the game told me he hit 97 again today but he also saw 98

Pomeranz had a rough 6th by his standards, walked the 1st guy strike out the next then the next barer hit into a force out. The runner on 1st got to 3rd on a throwing error to 2nd when he tried to steal then the next batter got an rbi single and Pom was taken out the next pitcher got the next batter out game tied at 1

5.2 IP
8 Ks
2 walks
2 hits
1 ER

So far on the year

11 IP
17 Ks
2 Walks
2 Hits
1 ER

0-0 Record

by **danh8** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 2:09 pm

ClevBuck wrote:A friend at the game told me he hit 97 again today but he also saw 98

Pomeranz had a rough 6th by his standards, walked the 1st guy strike out the next then the next barer hit into a force out. The runner on 1st got to 3rd on a throwing error to 2nd when he tried to steal then the next batter got an rbi single and Pom was taken out the next pitcher got the next batter out game tied at 1

5.2 IP
8 Ks
2 walks
2 hits
1 ER

So far on the year

11 IP
17 Ks
2 Walks
2 Hits
1 ER

0-0 Record

Some were saying he was another Sowers before the draft... Obviously he wasn't near 100% last year because he's easily surpassing the velocity he was at last year..

by **Lloyd Christmas** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 3:00 pm

The BA guy at the game said he was throwing 91-93 pretty much all game except for his last inning when it dropped a couple mph

by **dc101** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 7:02 pm

ClevBuck wrote:A friend at the game told me he hit 97 again today but he also saw 98

Pomeranz had a rough 6th by his standards, walked the 1st guy strike out the next then the next barer hit into a force out. The runner on 1st got to 3rd on a throwing error to 2nd when he tried to steal then the next batter got an rbi single and Pom was taken out the next pitcher got the next batter out game tied at 1

5.2 IP
8 Ks
2 walks
2 hits
1 ER

So far on the year

11 IP
17 Ks
2 Walks
2 Hits
1 ER

0-0 Record

The box score on Kinston's site said that the run was unearned. So still a 0.00 ERA for Pomeranz! :good:

by **Timmyb** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 10:16 am

Does anyone else think that Bo Greenwell should be moved to akron soon? I have never seen him play, but according to his states his offense in Kinston have been good. How is his defense?

by **danh8** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 12:29 pm

Timmyb wrote:Does anyone else think that Bo Greenwell should be moved to akron soon? I have never seen him play, but according to his states his offense in Kinston have been good. How is his defense?

I'm hoping he makes it to AA around midseason, but, again ...this organization is so stacked with his type talent that progression is going to be very difficult due to legitimate prospects already in place in Akron that are in his mold. They are working him into CF now, so they will likely give him some extended time working at that new position in Kinston.

by **Timmyb** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 1:38 pm

danh8 wrote:
Timmyb wrote:Does anyone else think that Bo Greenwell should be moved to akron soon? I have never seen him play, but according to his states his offense in Kinston have been good. how is his defense?

I'm hoping he makes it to AA around midseason, but, again ...this organization is so stacked with his type talent that progression is going to be very difficult due to legitimate prospects already in place in Akron that are in his mold. They are working him into CF now, so they will likely give him some extended time working at that new position in Kinston.

Do you think he has that type of range to be a CF going forward? The boy does have the pedigree and a good teacher in his father. I would truly hate for him to get lost in the shuffle, could become a excellent 4th outfielder in my opinion.. I think we will see what type of prospect he will be when he gets to akron that seems to be were the pretenders get unmasked...

by **TonyIBI** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 2:37 pm

danh8 wrote:
Timmyb wrote:Does anyone else think that Bo Greenwell should be moved to akron soon? I have never seen him play, but according to his states his offense in Kinston have been good. How is his defense?

I'm hoping he makes it to AA around midseason, but, again ...this organization is so stacked with his type talent that progression is going to be very difficult due to legitimate prospects already in place in Akron that are in his mold. They are working him into CF now, so they will likely give him some extended time working at that new position in Kinston.

I agree Dan. Greenwell is likely going to remain in Kinston for at least half a season. The outfield situation in Columbus and Akron will prevent an immediate callup, but even so he needs Kinston at bats. Way to early to get all excited about the numbers, I mean, remember what happened in Lake County after his hot April last year.

by **ktriber** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 6:03 pm

Timmyb wrote:Does anyone else think that Bo Greenwell should be moved to akron soon? I have never seen him play, but according to his states his offense in Kinston have been good. How is his defense?

Haven't seen him play yet this year, but he looked a little shaky in CF last year to me. He was moved there towards the end of the year last year. Didn't really take good routes to the ball or get good jumps, but he had been playing LF most of the year. I am sure that will improve, but I don't know that he would stay in CF. He seems to be more of a LF to me.

by **Upper Box Woodchuck** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 2:12 pm

Any word on a move to fill in for Brach? I haven't seen one yet.

by **InsaneJedi** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:25 pm

Upper Box Woodchuck wrote:Any word on a move to fill in for Brach? I haven't seen one yet.

RHP Toru Murata was assigned from EST.

by **TonyIBI** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 8:43 am

Brach expected to return to Kinston, and he probably slots into the Kinston rotation with McFarland going up to Akron.

by **Upper Box Woodchuck** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 2:19 pm

TonyIPI wrote:Brach expected to return to Kinston, and he probably slots into the Kinston rotation with McFarland going up to Akron.

Wouldn't surprise me. When I called the K-Tribe FO re: a countermove, the guy who answered the phone said that McFarland had been the one called up to Akron (he was unaware that the K-Tribe even had a player by the last name of "Brach").

by **Upper Box Woodchuck** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 2:40 pm

Actually, McFarland had been assigned to Akron yesterday and was activated today with the Brach send-down.

by **homerawayfromhome** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 6:39 am

I'm a bit confused I read something the other day that said when Kinston moves it will no longer be part of the Indians org. Is that true, I thought they would remain a Tribe farm team when they move? If so then who replaces them?

by **Lloyd Christmas** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 7:45 am

I believe they will be the Carolina Mudcats and will be the Indians A+ affiliate

by **homerawayfromhome** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 11:45 am

Weren't the Mudcats part of the Marlins org.? I checked that out and they are now part of the Reds, if I recall the team there is moving to florida is that right?

by **martyinnewyork** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:46 pm

Pomeranz out after 3 innings tonight, hope there is no injury...

by **Edible14** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:17 pm

homerawayfromhome wrote:Weren't the Mudcats part of the Marlins org.? I checked that out and they are now part of the Reds, if I recall the team there is moving to florida is that right?

Yes. The AA team is moving to Pensacola, but the new "Carolina Mudcats" will be in High-A, just as the K-tribe is now.

by **Upper Box Woodchuck** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 12:23 am

Here's the breakdown of the K-Tribe/Mudcats move situation:

First, it is necessary to separate the business organization and the franchise:

Because of the need to keep exactly 30 teams at each level (one-to-one affiliation), full-season minor league franchises are kind of like energy: They cannot be created or destroyed. The affiliation follows the franchise

Business organizations, on the other hand can fold, be founded, or switch levels.

So, with that in mind, here's what's happening:

The Kinston Indians business organization is folding.

The Carolina Mudcats business organization is buying the Carolina League (High-A) franchise (along with the Indians affiliation) from the Kinston Indians.

A new business organization (at least to affiliated ball, I don't know if it's the same people running the Pensacola Pelicans independent team) in Pensacola is buying the Southern League (AA) franchise (along with the Reds affiliation) from the Carolina Mudcats.

Make sense?

by **ktriber** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:45 am

martyinnewyork wrote:Pomeranz out after 3 innings tonight, hope there is no injury...

Pomeranz appeared to tweak his right hamstring in the 1st inning last night. He made it through the 3rd but he wasn't quite the same. It certainly didn't look like anything serious, but it could but an issue for a week or two I suppose. He looked really good before the injury, hitting 95 with that nasty curve.

by **petes999** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:06 am

ktriber wrote:
martyinnewyork wrote:Pomeranz out after 3 innings tonight, hope there is no injury...

Pomeranz appeared to tweak his right hamstring in the 1st inning last night. He made it through the 3rd but he wasn't quite the same. It certainly didn't look like anything serious, but it could but an issue for a week or two I suppose. He looked really good before the injury, hitting 95 with that nasty curve.

Thanks for the update. Without Tony around, I was wondering when we would find out what was up with the short start.

And, I assume you mean "hitting 95 with FB plus a nasty curve" ... a 95 curve would be nasty if not impossible to hit. :yahoo:

Do you know what he is hitting with FB consistently? Just curious if he added a bit from college as the other thread on Pom said he was around 91/92 in college - but with hitting 95, I hope he is around 93 or so. Add to it a change, and we got a #2 start in a few years.

by **homerawayfromhome** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 9:43 am

I've heard Pomeranz has been hitting 96-97 on occasion. It's interesting bc last yr he had a minor pectoral injury that limited him a bit and quite likely affected him on the mound as well. There was talk he was a potential #1 overall pk last yr going into the season. He didn't perform quite to expectations though and the rest is history. If it is true Pomeranz is up to 96-97 he could be a top of the rotation starter the Tribe needs IF he can develop a solid 3rd pitch (change).

by **ktriber** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 10:32 am

petes999 wrote:
ktriber wrote:
martyinnewyork wrote:Pomeranz out after 3 innings tonight, hope there is no injury...

Pomeranz appeared to tweak his right hamstring in the 1st inning last night. He made it through the 3rd but he wasn't quite the same. It certainly didn't look like anything serious, but it could but an issue for a week or two I suppose. He looked really good before the injury, hitting 95 with that nasty curve.

Thanks for the update. Without Tony around, I was wondering when we would find out what was up with the short start.

And, I assume you mean "hitting 95 with FB plus a nasty curve" ... a 95 curve would be nasty if not impossible to hit. Do you know what he is hitting with FB consistently? Just curious if he added a bit from college as the other thread on Pom said he was around 91/92 in college - but with hitting 95, I hope he is around 93 or so. Add to it a change, and we got a #2 start in a few years.

Your right, that was a key omission :biggrin:

This was the first time that I have seen him pitch. He was in the 91-93 range mostly until the injury and then he was 89-91. I suspect he would have topped 95 occasionally once he really got warmed up if he had been right. He is such a big guy that 92-93 looks really effortless for him.

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