Bus Leagues Express: August 17

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Canzler homers against old org: In 2011, Russ Canzler was acquired by the Rays and assigned to Durham where he went on to win International League MVP with a .930 OPS. His impressive season earned him his first (brief) ML callup in September, and in the offseason, he would eventually be claimed on waivers by Cleveland. He’s not having the same kind of season with Columbus, but the Pennsylvania native hit his 18th home run of the season Thursday against Durham, tying his 2011 total. In the 3rd inning of Columbus’ 7-1 win over Durham, Canzler went back to back with fellow infielder Cord Phelps to provide early insurance for starter T.J. McFarland who cruised to earning his 6th win in AAA.

Rosario taken to hospital after home plate collision: In the 3rd inning of Arkansas’ 5-1 loss against Corpus Christi, Alberto Rosario had to be rushed to the hospital after a home plate collision with Jonathan Singleton. The big first baseman probably has a 50 pound advantage compared to Rosario, and the Travs’ catcher lied motionless on the ground before being transferred to an ambulance on the field. It was later reported that Rosario regained movement in his arms and legs and remembered the collision, certainly both positive signs. At this point, it would certainly seem likely that his season is over, but there’s surely more information to come.

Crumbliss hits three homers: Can’t Predict Ball exists for unlikely occurrences in the majors, and Conner Crumbliss hitting three home runs in a game would certainly qualify for a minor league version. He’s one of the most unique players in the minors, and power is not part of his skillset at 5’8 and 175 pounds. This three homer game brings him up to eight for the season, a new career high. Unlike the usual small, sparkplug second baseman profile, Crumbliss doesn’t have a good hit tool and is batting just .255 this season. His best quality is his outstanding pitch selection. In 111 games this season, he already has 103 walks.

De La Cruz drives in seven: Keury De La Cruz is having one of the best breakout seasons in the Red Sox organization, and his two homer, seven RBI game Thursday may have been his best of the season. Although his plate approach is still a tad aggressive, the 5’11, 170 pound outfielder is hitting and hitting for power. He’s top four in the South Atlantic League in average, home runs, slugging and OPS and is only 20 years old, still young for the level. In Asheville, Greenville needed every bit of his production in their 10-5 win. His 5th and 8th inning home runs provided the insurance the Drive needed to secure a win against Asheville’s deep lineup.

Gallo hitless in Spokane debut: After beating Wladimir Balentien‘s Arizona League home run record with 17 and adding one more for good measure, the Rangers promoted first rounder Joey Gallo to the Northwest League for a tougher challenge. While his power display and .293/.435/.733 slash line was impressive, it’s important to remember it was just a complex league, and he’s going to have to make adjustments now. In his Thursday Northwest League debut, Gallo went 0/3 with a walk and pair of strikeouts. His power may have been unmatched in the 2012 draft with the pitch selection to match, but he did strike out in over 25% of his plate appearances in the Arizona League. Despite the high batting average, he will have to work on making better contact.

Kevin Comer heads to Houston: Draft picks cannot be traded until a year after signing, so yesterday was a big day for players to be named later. After signing on deadline day last year, Kevin Comer could officially be traded from Toronto to Houston to complete the massive J.A. Happ trade from a month ago. Comer was a first rounder from last year with a high 80′s fastball and projectable frame. Although his velocity hasn’t improved the way analysts hope, he’s still a very good addition to Houston’s farm system. Ryan O’Sullivan was also traded a year after signing on deadline day. He represents the PTBNL in the Joe Blanton to Los Angeles trade.

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