Like me get the Mets out of the way, since they will not return to Scranton this season.

 

Norfolk Tide

Friday Night

 

Angel Pagan: A switch-hitter with speed, John Sickels projects him as a reserve outfielder. Pagan showed good plate discipline, but also provided Carlos Ruiz with an opportunity to test his arm behind the plate. Worth keeping an eye on.

 

Jeff Keppinger: 4-5 performance. Keppinger hit .340 in AA last year, and is a high average hitter. He doesn't have many secondary skills, so he will need to maintain a good average. I think Keppinger should be a good reserve in MLB in the near future.

 

Brian Daubach: Odd to see him outside of the Red Sox organization. Daubach smacked a double but did little else to distinguish himself. Still, he could provide an organization with an emergency option at first base.

 

Gerald Williams: Yes, he is still playing. In fact, he hit a triple just to spite me. He could put up one of those Trenidad Hubbard AAA All-Star seasons, but he's finished as an MLB player.

 

Benji Gil: Last year it was Shawn Wooten. This year, the parade of the World Champion Angels continues to pass through Scranton. 1-5 with a double.

 

Mike Difelice: That a catching deficient organization like the Mets does not have him on their 25 man roster should say something.

 

Jae Seo: His hesitation delivery almost allowed Shane Victorino to steal home (Seo balked, giving Victorino the plate anyway). Seo allowed five runs in five innings, walked two and struck out three. He is going to have to show better stuff to make it back.

 

Craig Brazell: Walked as a pinch hitter, which considering his skill set is shocking.

 

Royce Ring: Remember, the White Sox took this guy over Joe Blanton. Of course, in 2004 the A's took a reliever themselves, but while Street made the majors, Ring is still kicking around AAA. Ring showed good stuff, walking one and allowing just one hit in two innings, while striking out two. If Ring keeps it up, and the Mets' bullpen continues to struggle, he might just make New York.

 

Heath Bell: The night's winner of the "What in Hades are you doing HERE?!?!" award. Bell struck out the side in the ninth inning, throwing 13 of 15 pitches for strikes. It is not like Bell got shelled in New York. He pitched well, posting a 3.33 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 24.7 IP, with just 6 walks. That he is in Norfolk should make Mets fans steam with rage.

Just got done watching three games between the Richmond Braves and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons. Andy Marte is ungodly hot right now, hitting .429 with 4 home runs in 28 at bats. He is the real deal. Ryan Howard also looks strong, hitting .500 in 20 at bats, with eight walks. Geoff Geary has struck out eight and walked none in 5 IP. He clearly deserves a shot at a big league job.

 

Esix Snead will never make it in the majors, in my opinion. Great speed, but bad at fundamental skills.

 

Tony Pena Jr. shows some potential. I'd love to see him reach the majors.