Road to the Show: Chez Angeloni

Chez Angeloni was an unheralded un-drafted free agent who signed with the Red Sox immediately following the 2009 draft. Working as a starter for division III Johns Hopkins University, he compiled an 18-7 career record while winning the Most Outstanding Player award for the 2008 Division III College World Series. In the first game of the series, Angeloni threw a complete game eight strikeout performance to hand Trinity its lone loss of the season. Chez split his 2009 professional season between the GCL Red Sox and the Lowell Spinners, becoming a key member of the Lowell bullpen during their playoff run. Angeloni took some to answer some questions with the Spinners Blog.

You were signed as an un-drafted free agent, can you tell us what the process was like in signing with the Red Sox, and was there any interest in you by any teams during the draft?

Chez Angeloni continued his college success in a new role in Lowell this past season

It was pretty sweet, I got a phone call one day that they had a spot open in Fort Myers. I was like seriously, I’m going to play for the Red Sox? I just flew down there, got my stuff together and got started. In terms of interest before the draft, there wasn’t a whole lot, a few times took some looks, I didn’t know what to expect. In the end, this is a dream come true, it’s better than I could have imagined.

You were a starter at John’s Hopkins, but this season you have come out of the Spinners bullpen, which role do you prefer?

I prefer starting because I have done it my entire baseball career before getting here. However, I just want to do whatever it is that helps the team win and gets me innings. If that means that I am in the bullpen, then that’s where I will be and work my hardest at.

Can you tell us a bit about the pitches you feature?

I throw a sinker, a cut fastball, a slider, a changeup and a four-seam fastball.

Your team at John’s Hopkins had a lot of success, including making it to the college world series, what was your most memorable moment in college?

Two years ago in the CWS we faced Trinity, which is interesting because I am played with a few of those guys here in Lowell (DiBenedetto, Killeen, Bayer). Unfortunately, we ended up losing to Trinity but it was a great experience that I am sure will help me down the line in similar playoff type of situations.

Even though you spent a short time in Lowell this season, what stood out to you most about playing here?

This is a great place to play, everybody is happy to be here, the fans are just amazing. The personnel that works with us here on a day to day basis is just world class, they really put us in the best position to be better each and every day.

If you could attribute your success to one thing what would it be?

My success comes when I throw strike one. Getting ahead of the hitter is probably the most important way to be successful as a pitcher. Another thing that makes me successful is getting my sinker down in the zone and inducing ground balls. When I can do both things, I am going to have a good day.

You were named most outstanding player of the college world series in 2008, how did you feel about that honor?

At first I didn’t want to think about it since we had lost the World Series, winning as a team is much better than any award I could be given. I was disappointed, but after some time I realized what a great honor it was and I was very happy to have received it. I think it really served as a motivational tool for me to make it back to the CWS this year.

What is something about Chez Angeloni that most people don’t know?

I’ve got some serious hops, I can dunk a basketball no problem.

Gibson, Former Spinners Honored by Red Sox End of Season Awards

The Boston Red Sox released their end of season Minor League Awards and Derrik Gibson and a trio of former Spinners were honored for their great 2009 seasons.

Spinners shortstop Derrik Gibson picked up the first honor, earning the Baserunner of the Year title for his great season on the basepaths. Gibson, who made a cameo with the Spinners at the conclusion of the 2008 season, was phenomenal for the Spinners in 2009 stealing 28 bases in 33 attempts, ranking second on the Spinners behind Wilfred Pichardo’s organizational leading and franchise record 32 stolen bases. One of the fastest players in the organization, Gibson utilized his speed, often taking extra bases turning groundouts into close plays or infield hits, singles into doubles and what would be a double for most into one of his four triples.

Gibson's 28 stolen bases ranked second on the Spinners in 2009 as well as second in Spinners franchise history.

In addition to Gibson, three recent Spinners were also honored for their strong play in 2009, led by 2008 Lowell Spinners shortstop Casey Kelly, who was selected as the Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Kelly, who did not pitch after being drafted in the first round of the 2008 Draft, playing solely at short, split the season pitching at Low-A Greenville and Hi-A Salem compiling a 7-5 record and 2.08 ERA in 95 innings pitched. His strong season on the mound concluded with a scoreless inning in the All-Star Futures Game, where he retired the side of Double-A hitters in order.

Defensively, a third member of the 2008 Lowell Spinners was honored, as Ryan Dent was selected as the Defender of the Year. In 112 games, split between Greenville and Salem, Dent made 15 errors, two more errors than he made in 58 games in Lowell in 2008. Dent earned a late season promotion to Salem after batting .252 with six home runs and 48 RBI in 99 games with the Drive.

A 2008 Lowell Spinner, Dent was the Red Sox Defender of the Year in 2009.

A special player with the Spinners in 2006 before suffering a broken hammate bone, Ryan Kalish was finally at full strength in 2009 and it showed as he was named the Red Sox Minor League Player of the Year after a strong showing that saw the 21-year-old advance to Double-A Portland after batting .304 with five home runs and 21 RBI to start the season in Salem. After a slow-start in Portland Kalish came on strong to finish the year with a .271 average with 13 home runs and 56 RBI, adding 14 steals in 17 attempts.

Kalish's smooth swing has the Red Sox 2009 Minor League Player of the Year on the path to Fenway!

Keury De La Cruz and Juan Rodriguez were selected as the Latin America Player and Pitcher of the Year respectively, two names to keep an eye on toward the 2010 as potential Spinners.

All of the above will be honored at Fenway Park in the coming weeks prior to a Red Sox home game. Congratulations to all!

Road to the Show: Wilfred Pichardo

Welcome to our latest installment of Road to the Show with Spinners outfielder Wilfred Pichardo. Pichardo has had a breakout season in 2009, hitting .302 and setting the Spinners single season record for stolen bases with 32. Pichardo was named the NY-Penn League Player of the Week for the week August 17-24, 2009. Wilfred has served primarily as the Spinners leadoff hitter this season, after playing briefly in Lowell last season before a hamstring injury ended his season.

Signed out of the Dominican Republic as a sixteen year old in 2006, Pichardo showed prowess in all parts of his game, including his defense, as he continues the transition from second base to centerfield. Wilfred took some time to answer a few questions for the Spinners blog with the assistance of Hitting Coach Luis Lopez to translate.

You originally played second base, now you have transitioned to center field, how has the transition gone for you and what position do you feel more natural at?

I feel more comfortable playing the outfield. It hasn’t been easy to transition from playing second base to playing centerfield there are a lot of differences between the two positions. I have really dedicated myself to working hard to learn the outfield the best I can.

You’ve had a lot of success here in Lowell in 2009, what if anything would you attribute this success to?

I have been very happy with my success this season; a big part of it is separating from a lot of things that had distracted me in the past. I feel I have matured and broken away from some things that were holding me back, it really gives me a new perspective. I always want to get better and even though this season has been successful for me, I feel like I have a long road ahead of me and I know that I have to work hard every day to become the player I know I can be.  The use of my speed has been something that has helped me not only in taking bases, but legging out base hits and being able to play quality defense.

Speaking of base stealing, you have had a lot of success stealing bases this season, what approach do you take when you are looking to steal a base?

The most important thing is to read the pitcher, I like to study the pitcher’s motion toward the plate and get a feel for when is the best time to take off.  I find the key to stealing bases is getting a good jump; this comes from reading the pitcher and figuring out the best moment to take off. When you are trying to steal bases you have to be confident, have no fear. If you believe in your speed and you put in the work reading pitchers, you can steal bases pretty naturally.

Wilfred Pichardo has been a big part of the Spinners success this season, setting the team record for steals in a season and hitting .343 since the All Star Break

You were named NY-Penn League player of the week for the week of August 17-24^th, how did you feel about this honor?

I was excited when I first heard about it, I’m not a guy who goes out seeking awards, I just like to go out and play hard. The award is really a testament to my teammates and my coaches helping me become a better player. I am surrounded by so many great guys here and this is their award just as much as it is mine. The award means a lot to me because it means that my hard work is paying off and that I am making a statement with my play on the field.

What was the signing process like with the Red Sox?

I spent a little over ten days back in 2006 working out for the Red Sox in their Dominican Academy. I played in front of a bunch of scouts and it was really just “lights-out”, they told me the loved what I could do and wanted to get me signed. It was a fairly smooth process after that and I have just moved through the system ever since, just working hard wherever I go.

How has the transition been from the D.R. to America?

I am still adjusting and it’s a constant work in progress. The biggest things are the language barrier and the difference in cultures. I haven’t been here in America that long and already I feel like I am doing well in acclimating myself as much as I can to the culture and also learning English the best that I can. Just like I work to improve my game, I have to work to learn English and the culture of America.

What moment during this season has been the most memorable and why?

There was a game this season where we played Oneonta on August 23^rd.  We scored a lot of runs and I feel like I really acted to set the pace for that game by getting on base and distracting the pitcher on the base paths (Pichardo went 2-3 with 2 BB’s and a stolen base). I did what I needed to do to help the team, I scored quite a few runs that day and that’s a big part of my game, getting on base, scoring runs, that’s what helps the team win.

What are your goals for the rest of this season and the future?

Just keep working hard, finish this season strong and work hard every day. I really don’t want to look to far ahead because I know there’s a lot of work that has to be done to bring my game to the next level. Anything I can do to help the team I find myself on win and anything I can do to improve myself are goals that I constantly have.

Stay tuned for further Road to the Show interviews coming soon!

Playoff Baseball Returns to LeLacheur

Today is the day! Playoff baseball returns to LeLacheur Park and it’s Red Sox vs. Yankees as the Spinners (45-30) take on Staten Island (47-29). This season the teams split six games against each other with each team sweeping the other in it’s respective home stadium.

This season has been an exciting one for the Spinners, as they have really come together lately, having a torrid month of August to charge into the playoffs and win their second straight Stedler Division title.

The buntings are out, the weather is perfect and it’s playoff time here in New England, come out and support the Spinners as we look to beat down the Yankees and prove that Boston always beats New York.

Game one of the series will be here in Lowell tonight as Jose Alvarez (8-3, 1.52), the Spinners franchise leader for wins in a season (8) and the winner of the NY-Penn League ERA title (1.52) will face Adam Warren (4-2, 1.42). Games two and three will be in Staten Island in the best of three series.

Your 2009 Stedler Division Champion Lowell Spinners

Butler Promoted to Salem

Congratulations to catcher Dan Butler, who has made quite the jump, moving from Lowell to Salem. Butler was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona, playing in 22 games with the Spinners posting a .179 average. Butler is known for his strong defense and throwing arm, and become a vital part of the Spinners playoff run behind the plate. Congratulations Dan!

Dan Butler has earned a promotion to Salem after helping the Spinners behind the plate this season

Pichardo/Alvarez Set Spinner Records

Congratulations to Wilfred Pichardo and Jose Alvarez, both of whom have had record breaking seasons for the Lowell Spinners. For Pichardo, he has set the Spinners all time stolen base mark, he currently sits at 31 steals, breaking the previous record of 28 set by Matt Van Der Bosch in 2004. Pichardo has also been a big part of the reason the Spinners have broken the team stolen base record for a season, they stand currently at an even 100. The previous team record was 96, set back in 2003.

Alvarez, with his win last night, set the Spinner’s record for win’s in a season with 8 and also the Spinners record for shutouts with two. Alvarez is currently leading the NY-Penn League in ERA at 1.52. Congratulations Wilfred and Jose!

Jose Alvarez has been nothing short of outstanding this season, breaking the Spinners franchise record for wins in a season with 8 and holding the league lead in ER

Wilfred Pichardo has been a menace on the basepaths for opposing teams this season, setting a Spinners single season record for stolen bases, he now stands at 31 for the season, eclipsing the previous record of 28

Spinners Are Your 2009 Stedler Division Champions

The Spinners clinched their second consecutive Stedler division title last night with a 13-0 thrashing of second place Oneonta. The Spinners have won 11 of their last 14 games and have opened up a 7.5 game lead on Oneonta since entering play on August 22nd tied with the Tigers for first place.

Starter Jose Alvarez (8-3, 1.52) threw a complete game shutout, only allowing five hits and striking out six over his seven innings of work. With the win, Alvarez broke the Spinners record for victories in a season with 8. He also remains atop of the NY-Penn League in ERA (1.52).

Your 2009 Lowell Spinners, Stedler Division Champions

The Spinners wasted no time opening up an early lead by scoring six times in the first and five times in the second on their way to an 18 hit output on the night. Every starter had at least one hit, led by Derrik Gibson’s perfect night at the plate. He was 3 for 3 with two walks, reaching base five times. Gibson, in his last four games, is hitting a blistering .667. Chris McGuiness and Ken Roque each had three hits and Michael Almanzar added a double, triple and three RBI’s.

The Spinners also won game two of the twinbill 6-2 as Willie Holmes was 3-3 with a HR and Wilfred Pichardo stole three bases in breaking the Spinners single season record for stolen bases. Pichardo now stands at 31, the record was previously 28, set by Matt Van Der Bosch in 2004. Carson Blair and Doug Wogee made thier Spinner debuts, with Blair going 1 for 2 with a double and Wogee pitching a scoreless inning in relief.  Spinners starter Alex Wilson was again dominant in his three inning stint, striking out three and only allowing one hit. The Spinners look to continue their hot streak with the final game of the series tonight in Oneonta. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

Road to the Show: Drew Hedman

Welcome to our most recent Road to the Show interview with Spinners 1B/OF Drew Hedman. Hedman was drafted in the 50th and final round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of Division III Pomona College. He dominated competition this year, hitting 24 home runs, batting .489 and posting a .569 OBP. Hedman has had a successful first professional season thus far in Lowell and hit .320 in August. Drew sat down with the Spinners blog to answer a few questions.

You were picked in the 50th and final round of the 2009 MLB Draft, what was draft day like for you and what was the level of interest in you before the draft by the Red Sox and other teams?

There was definitely some interest both from the Red Sox and other teams; I probably talked to 15 different teams in all so I figured I’d be picked up by someone. Draft day was pretty stressful really, I obviously had to wait until the 50^th round, everything I heard was for sure I would be taken on the second day, but that didn’t happen. I had to wait until the third day it was a stressful process but I was happy to hear my name called and especially by a franchise like the Red Sox.

You dominated at Pomona this season, hitting 24 home runs; can you describe your time at Pomona and talk about your favorite college moment?

My time at Pomona was great; it’s a division three small school, a different baseball experience than most big time programs. This year we were ranked the number one team in D3 for quite awhile. We had a great team; I have a lot of great memories. My favorite moment was either my sophomore year when we won our league for the first time in a while or this year when we flew up to Oregon for regionals; really seeing the team come together was something I will never forget.

Would you say Power is a big part of your game?

Drew Hedman is hitting .343 since the All Star break, helping the Spinners charge toward their second Stedler Division title

Not necessarily, I feel like its something that just happens. A lot of the home runs I hit I think were line drives that I hit well that just cleared the fence. As you can tell by my numbers here it’s been a lot of doubles, no home runs as of yet. It’s nice to get extra base hits; I’m not focused on hitting home runs. I feel like if I hit the ball well then the home runs will come, I consider myself more of a gap to gap line drive hitter.

You have played the outfield as well as first base this season, which position do you feel suits you better and why?

Right now I still feel more comfortable at first, that’s where I played most of my college career. I’m starting to feel more comfortable in the outfield; my first game out there was a bit different. You have different angles; it’s a long way away from home plate. I’m a good first baseman and a good outfielder, whatever helps the team and gets me in the lineup is where I’ll play.

Describe how it was to play in your first professional game here in Lowell compared to what you were accustomed to in college and high school.

It was great, opening night there was 5,000 people here. My first at bat I got hit in the ribs, I was jogging down to first thinking wow welcome to professional baseball Drew. I’ve had a great time here, at Pomona I was playing in front of like 50 people, half of which being students the other half being family. I just make sure to have fun every step of the way.

You have had a hot month of August, is there any reason for your recent success?

I think it’s just the process of getting acclimated to professional ball, getting used to playing every day, finding what works well for you. Recently I have started getting into a groove, getting consistent at bats and playing time. You get into a rhythm and I think this month I’ve started to find that groove.

What are your goals for the future?

Just to get better every day as a player. I want people to say “hey this guy was picked in the 50^th round and he made it to the show”. Obviously making it to Fenway would be my long term goal, for now just making strides in my game and just moving along the ladder.

What is something about Drew Hedman that most people don’t know?

I studied in Spain for four months during college so I lived there for awhile; another thing is I like to play the piano, that’s something I’m sure people would never guess.

What teammate has impressed you most this season and why?

There are a lot of good players here, obviously Ryan Westmoreland stands out. He is really impressive, I feel bad for him just getting hurt like he did the other day, but he has had a great first season. Everyday he’s very consistent in his approach, he gets the job done day in and day out and that’s what it’s all about.

What is your most memorable moment from the season?

I would say opening night, realizing that it’s not college ball anymore and this is what I’m being paid to do. I remember coming into the clubhouse seeing all the guys who played here who are in the majors, and realizing that you are now on the same path that they once were, just truly amazing to realize that.

Just because the Spinners season is coming to a close, doesn’t mean you’ve seen the last of the Road to the Show series, stay tuned for interviews with Wilfed Pichardo, Drew Dominguez, Chez Angeloni, Alex Wilson and Jordan Flasher.

Spinners Stay Hot, Twirl Cyclones in 8-5 Win

The Lowell Spinners inched closer to their second consecutive Stedler Division title with their 8-5 win over the Brooklyn Cyclones Monday night. Yeiper Castillo (6-1, 2.76), pitched a gem going six innings, allowing three hits and striking out five. The Spinners offense exploded in the fourth inning, taking advantage of Brooklyn miscues. Derrik Gibson was hit by a pitch to force in the first run and Chris McGuiness walked with the bases loaded to score the second run of the inning. Two wild pitches by Cyclone relievers scored two more Spinners and finally, an error on a routine groundball by Jordany Valdespin scored McGuiness with the inning’s final run.

Derrik Gibson and Chris McGuiness led the offensive charge in the fourth inning for Lowell. For Gibson, he is one stolen base away from tying the Spinners single season record (28)

The Cyclones did not go away easily, chasing Lowell reliever Jeremiah Bayer from the game with a two-run single, and then going right after Michael Bugary, scoring three more times in the inning on a two-run double and a single up the middle. However, Dennis Neuman came on to strike out the final batter of the inning and tossed a scoreless ninth inning for his team-leading seventh save.

Monday night also saw the retirement of Jim Rice’s number 14 here at LeLacheur Park, and tonight will feature the retirement of Johnny Pesky’s number six. A Spinners win, coupled with an Oneonta loss will clinch the Stedler Division for the second straight year for Lowell. Drake Britton takes the mound tonight to be followed by Ryan Pressly. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

Lowell Continues Charge Toward Playoffs Beat Cyclones 3-1

The Lowell Spinners continued their charge toward the playoffs as they beat a rattled Brooklyn Cyclones team 3-1. The Spinners are now 8-2 in their last 10 games and hold a 5.5 game lead on second place Oneonta in the Stedler Division.

Brooklyn started off strong, scoring one run quickly off of Spinners starter Pedro Perez in the first inning. The Spinners tied the game in the fifth on Derek Gibson’s RBI double, which plated Wilfred Pichardo.

Drew Hedman laced a key one out double to help the Spinners top the Cyclones 3-1 Sunday Night

The game remained tight until the eighth when Ronald Bermudez hit a single up the middle to plate Drew Hedman who had hit a one out double.  The Cyclones then became rattled as SS Robbie Shields was ejected by 1B umpire Tim Rosso for arguing about a previous close play at first and just pitches later an easy out was allowed to fall between catcher catcher Dock Doyle and first baseman Alex Gregory. The Spinners extended the lead to 3-1 when Dan Butler’s groundball was thrown away by Cyclones reliever Brandon Sage.

Jordan Flasher picked up the save after getting out of trouble in the ninth, striking out Dock Doyle looking to end the game.

The Spinners are closing in on their second straight playoff berth and tomorrow night, the team will retire the #14 of longtime Red Sox left fielder and 2009 Hall of Fame Inductee Jim Rice during the game, and hand out bobble heads of manager Gary DiSarcina as the gates open at 5:30 p.m. to the first 1,500 fans. Yeiper Castillo (5-1, 3.02) gets the start with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Road to the Show: Derrik Gibson

Derrik Gibson was the Red Sox fourth pick (2nd round, 77th overall) in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. Gibson started last season with the GCL Red Sox before making a cameo in Lowell. He was twice named the Delaware High School Player of the Year and three times the All-State performer at Seaford Senior High School. Gibson was also named a 2008 Baseball America First-Team High School All-American after hitting .636 with five homers and 29 RBIs.

In addition to being a star at the plate, Gibson also won fifteen games as a pitcher over his last two high school seasons. Gibson is known for his speed, being deemed the fastest base runner in the Red Sox organization by Baseball America. In Lowell this season, Gibson got off to a hot start, hitting .471 in June; he slumped in July, but has hit .381 so far in August and leads the Spinners with 20 stolen bases. Derrik took some time to talk with the Spinners Blog.

You got off to a great start, hitting .471 in June, what would you attribute your early success to?

I would have to say my success came from just working with some coaches to refine my swing and just my approach. I told myself to stay middle of the field, go gap to gap. If you stay in the middle of the field it’s the biggest part of the field, you’ll have success with balls over the plate, you won’t pull off of the ball. That’s what I try to tell my self, stay middle of the field, go gap to gap, and I’ll be alright.

After your hot start, you’ve had some struggles, is there anything you can attribute this to?

Going off of what I said before, I got away from my approach that I used in the beginning of the season. I was trying to pull balls over the plate, its one of those things being younger you get away from things that have made you successful and you feel invincible. You start thinking to yourself, I’ve been doing great, and I’ll be able to do this. That’s how it happened with me, I thought I could just rip the ball and I found out real quick I couldn’t do that. Once I figured it out, I’ve gotten back to the approach that made me successful and I can see a difference. The results may not be there all the time, but I can be happy with my at bats and the counts that I am able to work. I think I am getting back to where I was in June with my at bats recently.

This is your second go around here in Lowell, what are your goals for this season? What part of your game are you working on the most?

Compared to last year, things have slowed down for me. Last year everything seemed like it was a thousand miles an hour, I didn’t focus and slow it down. Now I feel comfortable with the setting and playing in front of people. The thing that Coach Disarcina preaches the most is slowing things down and I think I’ve done a good job of that so far. In terms of goals we all just want to win this division and play consistent baseball and success will take care of itself.

Which teammate has impressed you the most this season?

Ryan Westmoreland has definitely impressed me a ton. He’s just been unbelievable; he’s super consistent I haven’t seen him throw too many at bats away. He drives the ball gap to gap with as much power as I’ve seen or played with. You name it he’s doing it right now. The best part is he’s a good clubhouse guy too he keeps it loose and fun and everybody loves him.

Derrik Gibson has put together a solid season in Lowell in only his second professional campaign

You currently are leading the team in steals, is speed a big part of your game? Do you see yourself as a top of the order table setter?

Getting on base is always my goal, just being able to disrupt what the pitcher is doing and set the tone of the game. Speed is definitely a big part of my game; if I don’t take bases then I’m just limiting myself. The one or two spot in the order is where I am comfortable. I think leading off the game you set the tone. In that first inning if you get on and score it takes a lot of pressure off your pitcher and your defense. I like being that guy that just tries to disrupt things for the opposing pitcher. I take it as a challenge.

You were a pitcher in High School and put up some impressive numbers, did you ever see yourself playing professionally as a pitcher?

I don’t know if I would call myself a pitcher or a thrower, I didn’t really see myself continuing with pitching in the pros. I wanted to play everyday and teams saw that as well. There were pros and cons to pitching. You set the tone for the game; you have the ball in your hand every pitch. You basically are the director of the game out on the mound. It’s great if you have a good game, not so great if you have a bad game. I really just had that itch to play everyday. I liked it, I enjoyed it, but I enjoy playing short or second more, even though I think there are more pros than cons to pitching.

You were drafted by the Red Sox in the second round in 2008, were you expecting to go to the Red Sox? What are your impressions of the organization so far?

It was honestly one of those things where you go into it just hoping for the best. I had no idea what team was going to take me. I just woke up draft day with an open mind and watched the draft with my family. When I did get that call it was an unbelievable experience it took me awhile to get off of cloud nine. I think one of the biggest things for me on draft day was seeing some of the guys that I played with get taken like Casey Kelly, who got taken before me in the first round.

Playing with Casey was special, we actually played together at USA baseball tryouts, he played short and I played second. It’s ironic that we ended up in the same organization and played together down here in Lowell.

Do the Red Sox have any specific goals for you this season and this offseason?

They didn’t give me anything specific, but their big thing was having a full season under my belt. Fielding wise my goals are to learn both second and short to the point where I am comfortable. Hitting wise I would have to say just staying with my approach and not getting away from what I do best. Overall, I think the Red Sox just want me to be athletic and do what I’ve been doing so far this year. I try to go at the game 110 percent and give it my all.

You’ve mainly played short during your time here in Lowell, do you see yourself as a shortstop or can you see yourself moving to a different position?

Right now I would say short is where I am most comfortable. Everything feels natural to me there. You throw to first base and you’re moving that way, on double plays you’re throwing that way, it’s just all natural movement. Second base feels a little awkward to me right now because it’s not like short, you don’t have that natural movement toward first. Short is not the easiest position to play, but its where I see myself eventually settling down.

Growing up who were your favorite team and player?

Being from Delaware, it would have to be the Orioles. I was probably the biggest Cal Ripken fan. Ever since I was little my parents would tell me Cal Ripken does this, Cal does that, and if he did it I did it. I loved watching him on a daily basis, the consecutive game streak was awesome, but just the way he played the game, he gave it his all. I definitely have a new found appreciation for Cal now that I play every day. When we’re about 40 games in, during a long road stretch, and your body aches or you are just fatigued, it takes a lot to give it your all. Cal went out there and did that for his entire career. It’s amazing how he played that many games in a row and played as hard as he did.

You had a commitment to UNC before signing with the Red Sox, was it a hard decision to make to pass up UNC?

Coach Fox and the whole program were very good to me. It’s hard when you build that relationship for about six months and then you have to tell them your going to sign and that you have to walk away from everything that you’ve built up over time. It’s such a great program and with them making the college world series, having a great staff, a new stadium, all that tradition, it was really hard. I really am happy with the decision I made though, I couldn’t envision a better organization to play for than Boston.

What is your most memorable moment in baseball and why?

Playing in front of these fans here is the best thing I can think of.  The appreciation they have for us, it’s amazing that the Spinners have such a long sell out streak. They don’t call this Red Sox Nation for nothing; these fans love baseball and root for you no matter what. The players really appreciate it when you can play in front of fans that are so passionate and really pull hard for you.

Check back Thursday for our next installment with rookie sensation Alex Hassan

Red Sox Announce July Minor League Performance Awards

The Red Sox have announced their performance awards for July 2009. Amongst the winners are current Spinner Derrik Gibson, who is fast approaching the Spinners record for stolen bases which was set by Matt Van Der Bosch with 28 in 2004. Gibson currently has 20 steals. Former Spinners Kris Negron (2006), Adam Mills (2007) and Will Middlebrooks (2008) are also amongst this month’s winners. Congratulations to all!

Red Sox Performance Award Winners July 2009

Base Runner of the Month- Kris Negron (Salem Red Sox) (7 Steals, 0 CS)

Kris Negron, July 2009 Base Runner of the Month

Defender of the Month- Anthony Rizzo (Salem Red Sox) (.997 Fielding Percentage)

Anthony Rizzo, July 2009 Defender of the Month

Base Stealer of the Month- Derrik Gibson (Lowell Spinners) (13 Steals, 1 CS)

Derrik Gibson, July 2009 Base Stealer of the Month

Player of the Month- Will Middlebrooks (Greenville Drive) (.337, 5 HR’s, 26 RBI’s, .949 OPS)

Will Middlebrooks July 2009 Player of the Month

Pitcher of the Month- Adam Mills (Portland Sea Dogs) (6-0, 2.31 ERA, 2:1 K:BB)

Adam Mills, July 2009 Pitcher of the Month

Spinners Send 5 To All Star Game

The NY-Penn League All Star teams have been announced and the Spinners will be well represented with five players heading to State College.

Ryan Westmoreland

Ryan Westmoreland (.287, 6 HR's, 27 RBI, 14 SB, .896 OPS)

Derrik Gibson

Derrik Gibson (.282, 18 RBI's 20 SB's 50 Hits)

Chris McGuiness

Chris McGuiness (.255, 5 HR's, 31 RBI, .806 OPS)

Jose Alvarez

Jose Alvarez (5-3, 1.74 ERA, 57 IP, .88 WHIP)

Yeiper Castillo

Yeiper Castillo (3-1, 2.04 ERA, 53 IP, 49 K's)

Once again congratulations to all of our all stars, we can’t wait to see you represent the Spinners down in State College!

Road to the Show: Alex Hassan

Welcome to the latest edition of Road to the Show, with one of the top prospects thus far from the Red Sox 2009 draft, Alex Hassan.

Alex Hassan originally hails from the Boston area, and is now the everyday right fielder for your Lowell Spinners. He joined the team later than most, making his professional debut August 1 after signing a contract to forego his senior season at Duke. Scouted as both a position player and relief pitcher in college, he has seen action only in the outfield thus far in Lowell.

Hassan has waisted no time in establishing himself as one of the more potent bats in the Spinners’ lineup. Through twelve games, Alex has batted .383 to go along with an impressive .408 OBP and .855 OPS. All three of these stats would place him near the league lead in the NYPL if he had enough at-bats to qualify. Recently, Hassan took some time out of his busy schedule to sit down and answer a few questions for the blog.

Playing high school baseball at B.C. High makes you the prototypical ‘native son’ considering your place in professional baseball now. Growing up so close to Boston, you must have been exposed to the Red Sox from quite a young age. How does it feel now to now be playing for the Red Sox franchise?

Between living in Milton and going to school in Dorchester, I definitely was always around the city. It’s really neat now getting to play for the Red Sox organization, especially after growing up as big of a Sox fan as I was. It’s just something that I’m really fortunate to be able to do. I honestly couldn’t be happier with the place I’m at right now.

Speaking of B.C. High, you must have had some incredible times there. Not only did you win Massachusetts Louisville Slugger Player of the Year honors in 2006, but you also won team state championships in both AAU and Legion play while excelling as a pitcher. If you had to pick one memory from those years, what would it be and why?

My favorite moments really came with the Legion Team Post 114, just because it was kids that I grew up with. Most of the kids were from Milton, so I knew a lot of them really well outside of the game, some were even my best friends. Being able to win a state title with those guys was something that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Those were definitely some of the best times I’ve ever had in baseball, even to this day.

The individual award was a nice pat on the back for all the hard work, but it didn’t mean as much to me. The team accomplishments will always hold a bigger place for me.

Your college recruitment process must have been interesting considering how much you had to offer. How did you navigate through all this and eventually find your way to Duke?

The decision about where I’d play on the field was a big thing for me in my college search. I wanted to make sure I had the opportunity to give both pitching and the outfield a try before figuring it out. At first I was recruited more as a pitcher. Then once the scouts came, they’d see me hit a few times in practice and eventually I got interest for both positions.

A lot of programs told me that they wanted me for both, including my eventual choice Duke. Once I got there it was pretty much the same story. It went back and forth throughout my college career as to what I’ve been better at. But like I said, I think the right decision has ultimately been made here (focusing on outfield).

It came down to Duke, BC, and Notre Dame. I had those three schools finalized for a while. Once I actually visited Duke’s campus though, I knew immediately that was where I’d end up. It was clear to me at that point, and there was very little doubt.

Alex Hassan has had a hot start to his professional career

Obviously then, Boston College was one of your final cuts when arriving at a choice for school. Did you ever feel any pressure, either internally or externally, to head down the street and play ball in Chestnut Hill for the hometown Eagles?

They recruited me just like any other school. One thing I wanted to avoid going into it was shutting out my other options just because I went to B.C. High. There’s definitely a connection there, but I really wanted to look around and evaluate each school for what it offered as a whole. Once I did that, it was clear to me that Duke was going to be it.

Your freshman season at Duke was quite a roller coaster. Playing in 54 games total, you saw action as an outfielder and a pitcher. Your statistics were not overwhelmingly impressive in either category, but you remained more than respectable in both roles. Did this workload hurt your performance at all down the stretch that season, or was it more of an adjustment to the college game overall?

Yeah, I think it took a toll on me physically more than anything. Being a starting pitcher and playing the outfield as a true freshman, it was tough. Looking back on the time, it was definitely something where I didn’t want to admit how much of a challenge it was for me.

Especially being a guy that young, I wasn’t as physically developed as most guys on the team.

I’m really fortunate that I was given that opportunity, even though I had my fair share of struggles that season. Everything I went through that year helped me become the player that I am now. Doing both allowed me to sort a lot of things out.

At this point in your college career, was there any indication as to which position you would choose as your long term best fit?

There actually was some talk in that off-season that I wouldn’t pitch as much the following year. I was probably heading for a reserve bullpen role, but then our closer got injured and everything changed. I stepped in for him, and it ended up being a lot easier on my body than starting. Even though I got used more often, the fewer innings helped keep me fresh to play in the field.

Can you expand at all on how closing helped you develop your entire game?

Closing was a pretty unique opportunity for me. I had the chance to really contribute to the team every game, even ones where I had gone 0 for 4 at the plate. When my offensive game wasn’t there, I would lean on closing as a way to stay positive. Normally, I’d play the field for the first 6 innings, then head out to the bullpen in some sort of double switch. Getting tired was never a problem. It served me in so many ways, I can only be grateful.

With the hardware to prove it (08 Rawlings Gold Glove Team), you are known amongst scouts as a very strong defensive outfielder. Even in your short time in Lowell, you already have multiple run-saving assists. Has your time spent on the mound helped you at all develop this dimension of your game?

I think, more than anything, it has helped me with my accuracy. For some reason, I feel like arm accuracy is always overlooked from a defensive standpoint. It doesn’t matter how hard you throw or how big your arm is if you can’t hit a target. Pitching has absolutely helped me develop those skills that I otherwise wouldn’t have developed.

On top of your duties at Duke, you also played for Orleans of the Cape Cod Baseball League in each of the last two summers. This past season, you were named to the League’s All Star Team after success in (no surprise) a multi-position role. How did your time in the Cape help you as a player, and how did it feel to be recognized in one of the nation’s truly elite settings?

That’s where I first started getting looked at as a pitcher, for the most part at least. I can honestly say that I probably learned more that first summer than I ever have playing any full season of baseball elsewhere. I had a number of failures, but I think that it made me a lot stronger mentally both as a person and a baseball player.

I made [the all-star team] as an outfielder. I expected the same thing going in this season that I had last summer there, so it was a little more comfortable with the playing time. Most of the staff was the same as it was from 2008, so I have to credit them with helping me along.

I knew the Red Sox were going out there to originally watch me as a pitcher, so I just went in with the expectations to close out every game I could and still get some at-bats in the outfield.

At some point along the way, you must have felt like picking one position would be best for your long term development. How were you able to put this aside and take on such demanding roles from nearly every team you’ve played on?

I always knew that id be better if I could just concentrate on one. At Duke though, they needed me to play both ways. It was something out of team need more than anything. Ideally I would have been able to focus on one and try and get better throughout my time there, but that’s just not the way it turned out. I’m really happy with how my career ended up, and it feels special to have played both spots for so long.

You have been extremely successful since arriving here in Lowell. Your numbers do more than speak for themselves, but tell us how you’ve stepped in to be so efficient in your first action as a professional?

I just think that the coaching staff and players here have really done a really god job of making me feel welcome. I can honestly say that the transition has been really easy for me just because of how comfortable I’ve felt from day one. There aren’t many places that would be so open, but I can’t say enough about this group of guys. I’ve felt like a part of the team ever since I walked through the door.

So, just to clarify, are there any plans to return as a pitcher at some point?

No, to my knowledge there really aren’t. Now I’ve just accepted the decision and I’m really excited to finally specialize. One of the final times they scouted me in the Cape, they came up and told me how I would be used. It was a little surprising that day, but I think their track record speaks for itself so I will not argue.

Check back early next week for our next installment featuring Ryan Westmoreland!

Road to the Show: Ryan Westmoreland

Welcome to our most recent Road to the Show interview with Spinners DH/OF Ryan Westmoreland. Westmoreland is one of the Red Sox top prospects, ranking sixth in the system, and putting together a solid offensive season in his first professional campaign. Westmoreland is tied for the team lead in home runs, leads the team with a .846 OPS and is second on the team with 28 RBI’s.

Westmoreland was drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of Portsmouth (RI) High School. He missed all of last season with a shoulder injury and just played his first game in the outfield last night after serving as the Spinners DH for the entire season. Westmoreland started his professional career by reaching base in his first 25 games and will be appearing in the NY-Penn League All Star game tomorrow in State College, PA. Ryan, growing up locally, has always had a life long dream of playing for the Red Sox. Westmoreland took some time to talk with the Spinners Blog.

How has your experience in Lowell been so far? What would you say are the best things about Lowell, the most memorable?

Everything’s been great, the fans are great here, I mean growing up in Red Sox nation is one thing, but seeing how the fans treat the players is amazing. No moment really sticks out but the most memorable experiences are the walk off wins we have, because it really brings our team together, and its obviously exciting baseball. Hopefully we can make the playoffs and get to experience all that brings along with it.

You came out of High School as a highly regarded player, you had scouts following you, what was it like to play under that spotlight? Did you ever feel the pressure?

I felt a little pressure the first few times the scouts came because it was a new experience, but after the third or fourth game, I just blocked it out. You just have to let your ability speak for itself on the field, and believing in yourself is ultimately what will help get you through any nervousness you ever experience on the field.

A lot of people have compared you to Rocco Baldelli, do you know Rocco and what do you think of the comparison to Rocco?

I’ve known Rocco since I was about twelve, I was the Rays bat boy in 2002 and I’ve known him ever since. He’s a great player and just an overall wonderful person. The comparisons to him are amazing, us both being from Rhode Island and him being where I want to eventually be, I am honored to even be talked about in the same breath as Rocco.

You also pitched in high school; did any teams show interest in drafting you as a pitcher? Do you enjoy pitching or playing the field more?

I don’t remember any professional teams looking at me as a pitcher, a lot of college teams did though. I like playing everyday, I got bored pitching every five days and not being able to get out there and play every single day.

Ryan Westmoreland is viewed by many as one of the Red Sox top prospects, he is shown here showing his lighter side on "Star Wars Night"

You played in the Dominican Instructional League, what was that experience like?

It was a great experience; I got to see a whole new world, met a bunch of great guys, and picked up some Spanish. Being able to learn some Spanish, and be around a different culture was really useful now that I find myself in such a multicultural clubhouse such as ours.

You had shoulder surgery this past year, do you feel the surgery has set you back, do the Red Sox have you on their shoulder program?

I don’t really know if it set me back, I would have loved to play last year. I don’t feel like it really pushed me back from where I wanted to be though. As far as my shoulder, I am on a bunch of different strengthening programs and the Red Sox throwing program. I’m feeling good right now and look forward to being able to get time playing in the field.

Can you tell us a bit about what it was like to play in your first game here in Lowell and what it was like to collect your first homerun?

First game here in Lowell was amazing, I never played in front of more than like 50-100 people. I came out of the dugout and there was like 5,000 people. It was overwhelming at first; I had some butterflies my first at bat, but then I settled down. The home run was one of those pitches that come at you in slow motion. Before the pitch, I was hoping it would be inside, when he released it I saw it was inside and the ball looked big and I drove it out to right.

You grew up in Rhode Island, who was your favorite player growing up?

My favorite players were definitely Nomar Garciaparra and Pedro Martinez. I idolized Nomar, it was tough seeing him leave for Chicago, but great to see him get that ovation when he came back to Fenway with the A’s.

What is something about you that most people wouldn’t know?

I do a lot of things opposite from the way you would think. I play ping pong lefty but tennis lefty. In golf, I drive righty but putt lefty. I’m a big video game guy as well. I was into Call of Duty and Halo for a while and now I am into Tiger Woods and Madden, so I will definitely challenge you to a game.

You were going to play for Vanderbilt before signing with the Red Sox, how did you feel about playing for Vanderbilt, why did you decide to sign with the Red Sox instead of playing at Vanderbilt? Do you have any plans to get a college degree in the future?

I really respected the whole program, and it wasn’t easy to turn down playing for such a great program. At the same time, after getting drafted, I realized if I signed out of High School that it gave me my best chance to make it to the pros quickly. I knew once I was picked by the Red Sox that I wanted to sign and get started. Of course, being the Red Sox who drafted me helped make my decision a lot easier.

What was the process like when you were drafted and signed with the Red Sox?

I think it was a two day draft, the first few rounds the first day, the rest the second day. I had been hearing a bunch of different things from different teams, some said first round, some third, etc. It was a long day, and I was following the draft online, then a few minutes before their pick in the fifth round, the Red Sox called me to tell me they were taking me with the pick. I was super excited that it was them calling, it was my hometown team. After I got drafted, they wanted to see me play some more in the summer. The negotiations went up right to the wire. The day before the deadline we got it done after some lengthy negotiations.

Ryan Westmoreland is living out his dream of playing for his home town team, while putting up impressive numbers thus far

You are a local player, did you ever dream of playing for the Red Sox and in Fenway Park, and what do you think of that possibility in the future?

I’ve always been a Red Sox fan, growing up in Rhode Island I always had a dream of playing in Fenway. I can’t wait until the day comes, but for now I am focused on staying grounded and doing my best wherever I find myself playing.

What Goals do you have for this season and for the future?

The main goal is to help this team win; we will see where that takes me as well as the team. I really just want to get my feet wet professionally and show what I can do on and off the field.

If you could give young players one tip what would it be?

The biggest thing is it’s what you do during practice that makes you the player you are. If you go out and dog it during practice, you might get away with it for awhile, but down the line when everyone starts getting better, your going to be exposed for not putting in the work during practice. What you do in practice is just as, if not more important than what you do during the game.

Ryan, you’ve had a lot of success at the plate this season, you lead the team with six homeruns, OPS, and OBP, what do you attribute your success to at the plate?

I think it’s really about going out everyday and sticking to the same routine. Working with (hitting coach) Luis Lopez, and staying consistent. Luis stresses going up to the plate with the same plan, instead of changing your plan every at bat, remembering what you’re trying to accomplish and sticking with that plan.

A lot of people are interested in seeing you play the field, what is the timetable for you playing the outfield and how would you describe your play in the field?

Mid to late August I should be out in the field full time. I would characterize my play in the field as consistent. I don’t do anything too flashy; I just go out and try to make all the plays in a consistent manner.

I have to ask you about the trade rumors that circled around you near the trade deadline, how did you feel about the rumors? Did you have any contact with the Red Sox regarding the trade rumors? How would you have reacted had you actually been traded?

I didn’t really hear anything directly. I hear it initially on ESPN, and then the next day I had a ton of text messages from people asking what was going on. It’s not like I wouldn’t go to another organization, I love the Red Sox, I wouldn’t necessarily want to leave, but that’s the business of baseball. If I did get traded, it just means I’m playing for another organization; I’d go out and work hard just like I did here.

What teammate here has impressed you the most?

Derrik Gibson, he goes out every night and gives 100 percent no matter what. He’s fun to watch, unbelievably fast, a great player, a great hitter, just an all around five tool guy. He’s going to be something special. He’s also one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.

A number of players have told us that you are a leading force in the clubhouse, do you find yourself as a leader amongst the team and how do you go about being a leader?

I wouldn’t call myself a vocal leader. I’m not a rah-rah guy, I lead by example. I won’t get in someone’s face for something they did. I just go out and play the game right, and hope everyone follows my lead.

You appeared in a Futures at Fenway commercial, talk a bit about that whole experience.

I haven’t seen the commercial yet. I’ve gotten a lot of messages, people laughing, and making fun of me. I went to Framingham, and there was a birthday party going on, they had the whole scene set up where I had to go bash a piñata, with a bunch of young kids. It was fun for sure. It was weird wearing a Sea Dogs jersey, but very interesting seeing how long it took to shoot what eventually turns out to be a 15 second commercial. I loved doing it for sure.

Check back later this week for our Road to the Show feature with Alex Wilson

Spinners Dunk Doubledays 8-6

The Spinners got solid starting pitching from Ryan Pressly, and a big night by Dan Butler to help them defeat the Auburn Doubledays 8-6, and snap their three game losing streak. The Spinners remain in a tie atop the Stedler Division for first place.

Ryan Pressly was dominant in his six innings of work, only allowing two runs and striking out eight

Pressly got off to a rough start, allowing two runs in the first, but settled down and struck out 8 and did not allow any further runs in his six innings of work.

The Spinners took the lead in the third as Dan Butler lead off with a triple, followed by an RBI single by Wilfred Pichardo, an RBI double by Ryan Westmoreland, a walk to Chris McGuiness, a single to Willie Holmes and an RBI on a fielder’s choice by Alex Hassan.

In the fifth, the Spinners added two more runs on RBI singles by Holmes and Christian Vazquez. Auburn mounted a comeback against Spinners reliever Cesar Cabral. Hassan made a game saving play by throwing out Karim Turkamani at the plate to preserve a one run lead in the 7th.

Butler would grab two more RBI’s in the bottom half of the inning and Hassan added an extra insurance run in the 8th. Auburn charged back and had the tying run at the plate, but Cesar Cabral was able to wiggle out of trouble to pick up the save.

Every Spinners starter reached base as the team had thirteen hits. The Spinners look to take 2 out of 3 from Auburn as their ace Yeiper Castillo (4-1, 1.98) takes the mound at 7:05.

Hassan, McGuiness Promoted to Greenville

Congratulations to Alex Hassan and Chris McGuiness, who were both promoted to the Greenville Drive after last nights game.

Chris McGuiness

In 46 Games, McGuiness had 6 HR's, 34 RBI's and an .824 OPS along with 16 doubles

Alex Hassan

In 17 games, Hassan hit .350 with 21 hits and 5 RBI's

Spinners “Monster” Plans Coming to Life

The Lowell Spinners have cleared one of the first major hurdles in their quest to build a replica “Green Monster” wall in left field of LeLacheur Park. The Lowell Arena Commission unanimously agreed to approve the project, with the next step being the City Council voting on the 8th.

The plan calls for a new section of seating to be placed just in front of the wall, which would shorten the left field fence to 313 feet, two feet short of regulations. The move also has to win approval from the Red Sox and Minor League Baseball.

The Spinners also put forth a list of park improvements that it hopes to implement before the 2010 season:

* improvements to the secondary roof coverings on the home clubhouse, visitor’s clubhouse and press box a combined estimated cost of $196,000;

* replacement of the entire outfield wall at an estimated cost of $60,000;

* an upgrade to the mechanical cooling system in the front and ticket offices at an estimated cost of $22,500;

* repairs to the basement slab at the edge of the home clubhouse to prevent flooding of offices and storage areas at an estimated cost of $5,000;

* replacement of the HVAC units that service the office and clubhouses, with no cost estimate available;

* installation of metal flashing from the edge of the deck to the existing gutters on the roofs of both clubhouses at an estimated cost of $17,500.

Spinners Tame Tigers, Alvarez Ties Record

Jose Alvarez picked up his seventh win in yesterday's 12-2 pasting of Oneonta, tying a Spinners franchise record for wins in a season

The Lowell Spinners are rolling, their latest victim was their division foe the Oneonta Tigers. The first five Spinners reached base in yesterday’s game and chased Tigers starter Jose Diaz before he even recorded an out.

The Spinners scored four in the first on an RBI single by Ryan Westmoreland, an RBI double by Michael Almanzar, an RBI single by Joantoni Garcia and a sacrifice fly by Dan Butler. Almanzar addd an RBI single in the second and Drew Hedman’s RBI groundout extended the lead to 7-0.

The Tigers rough day continued in the third, as Michael Rockett and hitting coach Luis Quinones were ejected for arguing balls and strikes and Westmoreland added an RBI double to extened the Spinners lead to 9-0.

Spinners starter Jose Alvarez continued his dazzling season with another stellar performance, pitching six innings, allowing only two hits and striking out eight. He earned his seventh win of the season, tying the Spinners franchise record for wins in a season. Chez Angeloni followed with two innings in relief before Dennis Neuman pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

Wilfred Pichardo was 2 for 3 as the leadoff hitter, extending his hitting streak to nine games and raising his batting average to .303. The Spinners now lead the Stedler division by two games over Oneonta and open a three game series vs. Aberdeen tonight at 7:05. Pedro Perez (1-4, 3.08), takes the mound in game one.

Jacoby Runs Into Record Books

Congratulations to former Spinner Jacoby Ellsbury, who yesterday set the Red Sox single season record for stolen bases, after he stole third base in the first inning of last nights game. Ellsbury now has 55 steals, which breaks the previous record of 54 which was achieved by Tommy Harper in 1973.  Ellsbury played for the Spinners in 2005 in his professional debut and swiped 23 bases in 35 games.

Jacoby Ellsbury has run his way to the record books, setting the Red Sox single season record for steals with 55

Kyle Rutter Promoted to Greenville

Congratulations to Kyle Rutter, who was promoted to Greenville recently. Kyle pitched in 15 games for the Spinners, compiling a 1.50 ERA and striking out 21 batters in 18 innings. Rutter was drafted in the 41st round of the 2009 Draft and previously played for NC State. Kyle was one of the players featured in this year’s Road to the Show interviews. Kyle’s interview can be found here. Congratulations Kyle and good luck in Greenville!

Kyle Rutter had been sparkling this season for Lowell before being promoted to Greenville on 8/25

Spinners Shoot Down Ironbirds 8-2

Last night the Spinners defeated the Aberdeen Ironbirds 8-2, and increased their division lead to 2.5 games with Oneonta’s loss. The Spinners had big nights from Derrik Gibson (SB, 2 R) and Ryan Westmoreland (3-5, 2B, RBI, 2 SB) on their way to the win.

Michael Almanzar's double opened up a close game in the ninth in the Spinners 8-2 victory last night

For Gibson, his stolen base was his 25th, moving him within three of the club record. The Spinners opened up a close game in the ninth when Michael Almanzar knocked in two with a bases-loaded double. Willie Holmes and Ronald Bermudez knocked in the other runs with a single and a sacrifice fly, respectively. The Spinners offense is on a roll, except for last nights game, the team is hitting .341 in their last five victories.

The Spinners look to take the series tonight in Aberdeen when they send Drake Britton to the mound, in his 2009 Spinners debut, at 7:05. Britton will be followed by Ryan Pressly.

Pichardo Draws Accolades

Congratulations to Wilfred Pichardo, on being named NY Penn League Player of the Week for August 17-23rd. Pichardo was also named SoxProspects.com player of the week for the same period.

Pichardo posted a .450/.542/.600 line in 20 at-bats in 5 games with 3 doubles, 7 RBI, and 7 steals. Pichardo is batting .296/.348/.383 on the season and has 23 steals, good for second on the team to Derrik Gibson who has 25. The team record for stolen bases is 28, set by Matt Van Der Bosch in 2004.

Wilfred Pichardo is hitting .325 in August with 11 stolen bases in 20 games

Tom DiBenedetto Promoted to Greenville

Congratulations to Tom DiBenedetto, who has been promoted to Greenville following last night’s game.

DiBenedetto batted .286 in 42 at bats this season. DiBenedetto was drafted in the 37th round of the 2008 and split last season between Greenville and GCL.

Tom DiBenedetto has been promoted to Greenville after 18 games this season in Lowell

Road to the Show: Drake Britton

Welcome to our latest installment of Road to the Show, with Spinners starter Drake Britton. Britton was drafted in the 23rd round of the 2007 Amateur Draft by the Boston Red Sox after sliding down draft boards due to a strong commitment to Texas A+M. Britton eventually signed for a sizeable bonus for a late round pick and began his career in Lowell last season. Drake’s season was cut short by injury and eventual Tommy John surgery.

After a lengthy rehab, Britton made four appearances in the GCL before making his way back to Lowell this past Wednesday. Britton is a highly regard prospect, being a southpaw who’s fastball reaches the upper nineties, a 12-6 curve and a changeup. Drake took some time to answer some questions for the Spinners Blog.

Drake, you started your career in Lowell last season, talk about how this season compares to last season?

Last season, I was really unsure about my delivery and I hurt my arm August 3rd of last year. I had a year to get everything back on track pitching wise, so I feel like I came back a lot stronger this year than I was last year. It was hard knowing you weren’t a hundred percent and having to battle that as well as hitters the entire season.

When I had my surgery, they told me it was a gradual tear of my ulnar collateral ligament that was created over two or three years. I remember feeling it just give out on me when I was throwing a pitch in that game on August 3rd of last year. I knew right away that it was going to be awhile until I was back on the mound.

You were drafted in 2007, what was draft day like for you and the process leading up to your signing?

Draft day was out of sync for me, I really didn’t know what to expect or where I was going to end up. I tried not to put a lot of thought into it and I was just hoping for the best. The Red Sox called me on the second day, telling me they picked me and wanting to get me in the fold. The Sox wanted to see me pitch some more before signing me so I had to pitch all throughout the summer; it wasn’t a done deal after the draft at all. I was very excited it was the Red Sox who drafted me; I had to go through a long process of meetings and negotiations to get my deal finally wrapped up.

Drake Britton has come back strong from offseason Tommy John surgery.

Do you have anything special you do to prepare for a game?

I like to pray before every inning it’s just something I like to do to mentally prepare myself to take the mound.

You were drafted out of Tomball High in Texas, how was it playing in Tomball?

I loved Tomball, I got called up to varsity when I was a sophomore, I played three years on varsity and we had a great team every year. I really enjoyed my time there, just playing with a bunch of great kids and having a great time playing baseball. I did play some football freshman year but I think I was a backup defensive lineman so nothing special, baseball was where I was focused.

You were committed to Texas A+M before signing with the Red Sox, was that hard to pass up?

It was, I went to a couple of games out there and I loved the surroundings, the fans, it was a tough choice to turn it down. I wanted to play pro ball earlier than I thought after seeing the situation I was going to be getting myself into with the Red Sox. Just seeing the success they have had with development of young players over the years and knowing they would take good care of me went a long way toward my decision to sign.

Has the surgery affected you at all, how do you feel you have come back from it?

I have felt no ill effects from the surgery, I feel stronger than ever, which is completely opposite from last year. In 2008, I never really felt I was at my best. Even though nobody ever likes to have surgery or be injured, I feel like it was a great thing for me to have the surgery, because I am pitching better than I ever have right now.

Growing up who were your favorite team and player?

I didn’t really have a favorite team; I loved Ken Griffey Jr., so I am happy to see him back with the Mariners where he belongs.

What goals do you have for this season and the future?

This season I just want to stay healthy and keep my arm strong. I want to work hard in the off-season and come back to spring training looking to take my game to the next level.

What is your most memorable baseball experience?

The one moment that sticks out to me most came in my junior year when I pitched against Cy Fair High School (Cypress, TX). They beat me the first part of the year, and we had to beat them to make the playoffs. That first time facing them I got absolutely hammered, then that game we needed to win, I absolutely shut them down so it was amazing being able to come through like that for my team.

What is something about you that most people don’t know?

I am a huge entourage fan, other than that I’m just an ordinary easy going guy.