Rayl named an Indians top prospect by “Baseball America”
January 28th, 2012
LHP Mike Rayl was recently ranked the 17th best prospect in the Cleveland Indians organization by Baseball America. Additionally, the esteemed baseball publication also declared that Mike has the best control of any pitcher in the club’s Minor League organization.
Mike was originally drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 41st round of the 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft, and drafted again in 2009 in the 15th round by the Indians. He was one of the top JUCO pitchers in the country while starring for Palm Beach (FL) Community College.
Mike finished his Rookie League year in 2009 with a 3.74 ERA in 10 G, while racking up 41 SO in 34 IP and only 10 BB. In 2010, he pitched at both the Short-season and Low A levels and had a combined 3.18 ERA. In 2011, Mike once again dominated at the Low A level, going 5-5, 2.83 ERA, 84 SO, 13 BB in 83 IP. For his efforts, Mike was named to the Mid-Season All-Star Team. Subsequently, he was promoted to the High-A club, where he finished out the remainder of the season.
We are looking forward to a huge 2012 season from Mike!!
Dunning receives invite to Major League Spring Training!
December 24th, 2011
Congratulations to client JAKE DUNNING on receiving an invitation to the San Francisco Giants Major League Spring Training for 2012!
Jake was originally drafted by the Giants as a SS out of Indiana University in the 33rd of the 2009 MLB Amateur Draft. However, the Giants and pitching coordinator Dick Tidrow envisioned that Jake would be more valuable on the mound, similar to former All-Star closer Joe Nathan. So far, their vision has proved to be correct.
In 2010, in his first full season as a pitcher, Jake led all Northwest League relievers by averaging 11.3 K per 9 IP. He had an ERA of 2.95 in 37.0 IP, 46 SO and only 8 BB. His fastball consistently hit 94-95 mph, and he showed solid command of a curveball, slider and change-up. In 2011, Jake ended his season at High-A San Jose with an ERA of 4.74 in 76.0 IP, 71 SO, 24 BB. However, Jake flourished once he was named closer for the 2nd half of the season: 10 SV, 3.07 ERA in 29.1 IP, 32 SO, 6 BB, .231 OPP AVG.
We are looking forward to Spring Training to see Jake pick up where he left off, and are excited to watch him progress into a Major League pitcher. Good luck, Jake!!
Wells heading to Venezuela
December 10th, 2011
Former Major League Pitcher Jared Wells has reached an agreement with Caribes de Anzoategui to pitch for them in the 2nd half of the 2011 Venezuelan Winter League season.
Jared was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 31st round of the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft out of San Jacinto College, and was named California League “Pitcher of the Year” in 2005. On May 24, 2008, Jared made his Major League debut for the Padres. Shortly thereafter, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners for Korean pitcher Cha Seung Baek.
Jared spent 2009 with Seattle’s Triple-A and Double-A affiliates, and spent 2010 with the Houston Astros’ Triple-A and Double-A affiliates.
Sing sets Mexican Pacific League record
November 27th, 2011
Brandon Sing of the Mazatlan Venados in the Mexican Pacific League set a record when he homered in the first four (4) games of the 2011 Winter season. He was named “Player of the Week” for the first week of the season.
Sing, who played for the independent Sioux Falls Pheasants in 2010, also holds the American Association single-season record for HR (27) and the record for single-season SLG (.702). Over the past four (4) seasons playing independent ball, Brandon has averaged 24 HR, 80 RBI, 29 2b, and a .300 avg.
Brandon was a 20th round draft selection by the Chicago Cubs in the 1999 MLB Amateur Draft.
NPG Sports welcomes ZACH ROBERTSON, Marlins organization
September 24th, 2010
NPG Sports is proud to welcome its newest client, ZACH ROBERTSON, LHP, Florida Marlins organization!
Zach was drafted by the Marlins in the 30th round of the 2010 MLB Draft out of the University of Iowa. During his first season in pro ball, Zach saw action at four different minor league levels, finishing with the Marlins High Class A club in Jupiter, FL.
Think you can you live on a Minor League salary?
March 31st, 2010
