Yesterday the Voice of the 66ers Sam Farber gave us a great breakdown of some Angels prospects who have the potential to land in the Inland Empire in April.
Our friends at AngelsWin.com took it a step further and have listed the top 50 prospects in all of the Angels system. Take a look now and hopefully we’ll see some of these guys in 66ers uniforms after Spring Training.
Click here for a direct link to the article.
It’s a new year with a new affiliation for the Inland Empire 66ers, and that means a whole new crop of future big league stars will be making their way to Arrowhead Credit Union Park in the coming months. I think it’s time we gave you a peak of who MAY be coming to the California League to play for the 66ers this year.
Before we get started, I’ll let you know that we’re only including players who have had no more than a cup of coffee in the California League prior to 2011 (meaning they may have played in less than a handful of games leading up to a playoff run at the end of the season).
This eliminates listing players like Mike Trout — who would top my list — but does not mean he’ll for sure be absent the 66ers roster to start the season. The Angels place players within their system. As a team, the 66ers have zero say in who plays for its team. I have no idea who will or won’t be sent to the Inland Empire, so please don’t read into this list as indication of who will or won’t fill our roster this season. With that in mind, here is my list!
Worth Mentioning:
(Here are some guys that are all from the most recent draft, who if they have a Trout-like freshman year, may make it to the Inland Empire.)
Kaleb Cowart- Angels first 1st round pick (selected out of a Georgia High School). Speedy position player who can switch hit, play multiple infield spots and was a stud pitcher in High School as well (Gatorade Player of the Year for 2010). Showed very good speed in high school with solid pop with the metal bats, and as a former pitcher has a good arm. If he has a huge start to the season he could come to the Inland Empire.
Cameron Bedrosian- Angels second 1st round pick (from Georgia like Cowart). Has great bloodlines (son of Steve Bedrosian), but at just 19 years old, with no starts outside of the Arizona rookie league, may take some time to rise to High-A.
Chevez Clarke- Angels third 1st round pick (guess where he’s from…yep, a Georgia High School). Reason he might rise faster: played more during his draft year recording three homers and nine stolen bases in 38 games. Reason he might not get to the 66ers in 2011: he hit .216 and struck out 55 times in Arizona.
Donn Roach- Slightly older for the draft class, Roach had a nearly 4-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio with rookie level Orem. But he had a 6+ ERA and opponents hit .294 against him so he might be a mid-year call up depending on performance at his next stop.
Max Russell- 4th round pick but might be the most likely of this group to start with Inland Empire next year. A 22-year-old who had a better than five-to-one K-BB ratio, but saw a big jump in his batting average against (BAA) and ERA from the rookie level to Low-A after being drafted. A possibility perhaps, but like the others more likely to join the 66ers half way if at all as I see it.
My Top 5:
5. David Carpenter (RP)- I love under the radar guys who put up great numbers, especially with pitchers. This guy has put up great numbers the last two years, particularly in the clutch. Carpenter went eight-for-eight in save opportunities last year with Low-A Cedar Rapids. He didn’t give up a run in his last six outings (6.1 innings) and showed an ability to stretch himself by pitching two or more innings seven times — all but one of them without allowing an earned run. Perhaps best of all, there was only a slight rise in his ERA and BAA during his jump from the rookie level to Low-A. He may not be the 66ers closer for 2011, but he sure looks like he could be a go to bullpen guy for Inland Empire in 2011.
4. Daniel Tillman (RP)- He would have a bit further to rise than Carpenter, but is the 2010 draft pick (2nd round) most likely to make it to High-A to start 2011. He had a 1.95 ERA, five-to-one strikeout to walk ratio, didn’t allow a home run all year and opponents hit just .195 against him in 22 rookie league appearances. At 21 he’s at an age where the California League is a real possibility, and if he makes it, he would be a favorite to close for the 66ers next season.
3. Randal Grichuk (OF) – The Angels first 1st round pick of 2009 (one pick ahead of Michael Trout!) is slightly against the grain of the Angels normal draft patterns of speed, speed and more speed. Grichuk was a big time power hitter in high school with 21 home runs in 75 at bats (hit .613 overall). In two years of pro ball he has 18 home runs in 117 games but is still hitting .310 lifetime (.292 last year in 50+ games at Low-A Cedar Rapids). He is very young, very talented, and if he plays the full season, he could put up some serious numbers for the 66ers next year both for power and average.
2. Fabio Martinez Mesa (P) – There are rumors that a move to the bullpen could be in this flamethrower’s future, but whatever role he takes, expect excitement from Fabio Martinez Mesa. As a starter last year in Cedar Rapids, Martinez Mesa went 7-3, striking out 141 batters in 103 1/3 innings while allowing just 80 hits. He did walk 76 batters last year (third most in the Midwest League), hence some scouts speculation of a future in the bullpen. If he stays a starter he could be out on the hill opening day. If he goes to the bullpen, he could be the Kenley Jansen of 2011.
1. Jean Segura (2B) – Pound-for-pound Segura may be the best prospect in the Angels system (tips the scales at 155). He led the Midwest league in hits (161) last season, and was top-5 in batting average (3rd– .313), stolen bases (3rd– 50), runs scored (4th– 89), and triples (4th– 12), all while committing just 13 errors in 125 starts at second base last season. He also led the team in Home Runs (10) and RBI (79), so he could bring a little pop to Inland Empire as well. The soon to be 21 year old is my top prospect among potential 66ers for 2011.
Again, none of these guys are a lock to appear on the 66ers roster in 2011, but any one of them could leave Spring Training for the Inland Empire! Let me know what you think of the list, and tell me who you’re most excited to see this season.
A View from the Press Box comes to you every Tuesday from Director of Broadcasting, Sam Farber. To contact Sam, e-mail him at sfarber@ie66ers.com.
Let me be the first to wish you a Happy New Year from all of us at 66ers Baseball!
We had an amazing last minute rush of ticket buyers before the holiday break, taking advantage of the free Angels vouchers that came with the purchase of a 66ers Holiday Package. If you missed out on this opportunity, don’t fret, we are working to get a few more vouchers from the Angels and our Blog readers will be the first to know, if we do.
As the season approaches, we are always looking to expand upon the experiences that season seat holders receive when visiting the ballpark. Whether you are currently a season seat holder or are planning on becoming one in the future, I’d like to know some of the perks that you would like to see included. It is our main goal to ensure that you not only enjoy competitive and entertaining baseball, but that each game you attend is a memorable experience. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and hopefully implementing some of them.
Finally, we will be announcing our 2011 promotions soon and while I cannot reveal them to you right now, all I can say is that our 24 Premier Game plan is going to be a very exciting ticket package. Keep an eye on 66ers.com for the list of promotions. Here’s a hint, we’ll be honoring our past as well as promoting our future with the Los Angeles Angels. That’s it for now. The ticket office is always open at 909-495-7638 if you need anything from us or e-mail me at joey@ie66ers.com.
With just a few days left before the holidays, the 66ers want to extend a big thank you to a couple of our blog partners.
The guys at Halos Heaven and Angelswin.com have helped us get our name out to the world of Angels fans since we started this blog a few weeks ago. The transition from a Dodgers affiliate to an Angles affiliate has been pretty smooth, and we’re so happy to keep our fans from previous years, and to bring in new ones because of the switch. We’re confident that fans in the Inland Empire choose to come to 66ers games because of the fun and entertaining family atmosphere we provide, but we also know that our fans are very knowledgable about the game.
That’s why we’re so excited to team with these great Angels blogs. Each post from these guys is a true inside look at what’s happening in Anaheim — and as you know, what happens in Anaheim has more than just at trickle effect in San Bernardino!
With interviews, breaking news, opinions and just about anything else Angels you could imagine, these two blogs are some of the premier access points for Angels fans across the country. And with only a couple months left until players invade Florida and Arizona for Spring Training, news is really starting to pour out of Angels Stadium. You won’t want to miss a beat, so check out our partners at Halos Heaven and Angelswin.com!
Go Angels and Go 66ers!
Happy Holidays, 66ers fans! Hopefully Santa’s kinder to you than he was to Bernie.
Happy Holidays, 66ers fans! Hopefully Santa’s kinder to you than he was to Bernie.
One of the most exciting things about the winter months for fans of baseball is when their home town team releases their promotional schedule. Maybe they’ll have the opportunity to collect a bodacious bobblehead, plan a group outing around a fleece blanket giveaway, or even go for the thrill of seeing a dog riding monkey herd sheep at the ballpark. With the multitude of promotions coming to San Bernardino in 2011, it’s easy to see why there’s such a buzz about the much anticipated release of the 66ers Promotional Calendar.
While I cannot reveal all of our promotional plans, I feel that since it is the time of giving, I can provide a preview of two promotions that 66er fans can look forward to in 2011. In regards to weekly promotions, the most notable difference will be “Turn Back the Clock” Tuesdays when the 66ers will wear Spirit jerseys in tribute to San Bernardino’s first California League Franchise, the San Bernardino Spirit. For you younger fans, the San Bernardino Spirit featured some of baseball’s brightest stars at a young age, most notably Ken Griffey, Jr. Other successful ballplayers that played for the Sprit include Mike Hampton, Paul Konerko, Ted Lilly, and Jeff Nelson amongst others. For those of you who were big fans of $2 Tuesday don’t fret as our $2 ticket, beer, and parking specials will still apply on all 2011 home games.
As far as giveaways go, one item that will sure to be a hit will be the fleece (don’t call it a snuggie) blanket with sleeves. The first 1,200 fans in attendance for the Saturday, April 9th game will receive one of these functional (yet fashionable) blankets. What’s even better is that people can stay warm as they cheer their 66ers on against their arch rivals, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
Stay tuned for more information on upcoming promotions leading up to our official release of the entire promotional schedule in early January. And remember, a great way to reserve your seats for all of our promotional giveaway nights is to buy the 24 game ticket plan. Until then, have a great holiday season and a happy new year.
Hello and Happy Holidays to everyone in Angels/66ers Land!
Before I introduce myself, I want to let you know that I’m going to need your help by the end of this post.
My name
is Jason Hilderbrand and I am the Head Groundskeeper for the Inland
Empire 66ers. The upcoming season will be my third with the team. Before heading
out west to California, I interned with both the New York Mets and the
Brooklyn Cyclones (A-short season Mets affiliate).
I have high hopes for
the field at Arrowhead Credit Union Park for 2011. One thing people ALWAYS notice at a ballpark is the design of the field. The field diamond will always look the same, but in order to differentiate ourselves from other stadiums, we’re looking to deviate from simple diamond, checkerboard and straight away patterns. We’ll use different stripe widths and angles.
If you’ve been to a ballpark before, you’ve likely seen how different fields can look. Let me know what types of patterns are your favorites!
In an effort to dominate the California League in Group Sales this summer, the 66ers have hired a fearsome trio of Event Planners: Director – Steve Pelle, Assistant Director – Joe Rugo and Community Groups Manager – Dave May.
Steve, a California native, has worked in sales for years and begins his second year with the 66ers. He enjoys long walks on the beach and back massages. Sorry ladies but he’s taken!
Joe, an Alaskan native, actually grew up wrestling polar bears and living in an igloo. He begins his second season with the 66ers. He enjoys skipping arm in arm with his best pal Bernie.
Dave, is a transplant from the East coast and begins his first year with the 66ers, but second overall in the Elmore Sports Group. He enjoys soft fluffy bunnies and playing Hide-and-Go-Seek with Bernie during the off season.
These three look forward to building long lasting relationship with the great people of the Inland Empire during the 2011 baseball season. Their main goal is to make sure everyone is having a good time, whether you’re enjoying an all-you-can-eat picnic, cooling off in our air conditioned suites, or catching the game amongst a few thousand other 66ers fans in our box seats. So if you want to get your group on this summer, you know who to call!
“The 3 Best Friends That Anyone Could Ever Have” is a weekly update from the Group Sales Department. If you have any questions or would like to bring your friends, family or coworkers out to the ballpark this year, contact Steve, Dave or Joe today!
If you check our Facebook page from time to time, you know our staff traveled to Anaheim yesterday to meet with some members of the Angels front office. Now, when we say front office, don’t confuse that with Tony Reagins and the rest of the baseball operations side.
Our goal is to always find new ways to further entertain you, the fan that comes to Arrowhead Credit Union Park. Anything that happens between the foul lines is up to the Angels. We have no say on our roster, our coaching staff, player moves…nothing! The same reason why we ventured to Florida last week, our meeting with the Angels was to learn new ways to make your experience at the ballpark as best it can be.
We met with their businesspeople. Their marketing coordinators, ticket officials — some of the most creative individuals in the big leagues.
We can’t really disclose a lot right now, but just know that the 66ers are thrilled to be with the Angels beginning in 2011. There are opportunities now that we may not have ever been able to accomplish. Much of our branding efforts will coincide with the Angels and we’ll coordinate promotions with them. Basically, just know that you have things to look forward to…
We’re very fortunate to have our Major Leage affiliate within driving distance. Most Minor League teams don’t have this luxury. Because of this, we can create a partnership that teams in the Midwest, Carolina, Texas, Florida State and other leagues envy. Really envy.
The New Year is close. And with the New Year comes only a month or two without baseball before players make their way to Florida and Arizona for Spring Training. Baseball is just over the horizon, and we couldn’t be more excited. Just know that with the new affiliation with the Angels, YOU have a reason to be excited, too!
Not much has been said from an on-field stand point about what the affiliation change means for 66ers baseball. Obviously we all expect a better win-loss ratio than last year’s, which saw record, or near record, lows in more categories than I have time to mention. The thing to keep an eye out for next year is an Angels running philosophy like no other farm system in baseball.
Angels’ farm clubs tend to be the Oregon football offense of their respective leagues. They run, and run, and run. I’ve worked in three leagues now, the majority of which have had an Angels affiliate, and every year the Halo feeders have either led the league in stolen bases or made a pretty good run at the top spot, pun intended.
There are some people out there who say they don’t like baseball because it’s too slow, there’s not enough action. If that’s the excuse some of your friends gave you as to why they didn’t join you for a 66ers game in the past, get them a seat for a game in 2011. We expect to see a lot more activity on the base paths in the season to come.
A View from the Press Box comes to you every Tuesday from Director of Broadcasting, Sam Farber. To contact Sam, e-mail him at sfarber@ie66ers.com.
The Inland Empire Insider 