Bus Leagues Express: August 26

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Sands homers amid trade rumors: Although he was officially not officially traded to Boston in their blockbuster deal with the Dodgers, Jerry Sands suited up as usual for Albuquerque and played a key role in their 4-2 win at Memphis. His two run homer in the 1st inning proved he will be a factor for the Isotopes over the season’s final few weeks as they look to clinch a PCL playoff berth. It was his 25th home run of the season, four shy of his total with Albuquerque last season. Although the ballpark inflates his power a bit, Boston believes he can be a useful part timer in the majors once he’s finally traded. Due to roster and waiver complications at this time of year, he may not join the Red Sox organization until the offseason.

Clemens pitches Hooks into playoffs: Three hours down the gulf coast where Roger Clemens made his return to professional baseball, Paul Clemens was sharp as Corpus Christi clinched their first playoff berth since 2006, the only year they’ve taken home the Texas League Championship. In the 5-2 win over San Antonio, the Hooks scored two runs in both the 1st and 2nd innings, including a 1st inning homer by Jake Goebbert. The Missions are considered to be Corpus Christi’s #1 rival, and it’s been San Antonio that’s had a lot of success lately. Corpus Christi has seen a number of the organization’s top prospects come through this season such as Jonathan Singleton, Jonathan Villar, Jarred Cosart and now George Springer.

Boise clinches playoff berth: With their 8-6 win over Vancouver Saturday, the Boise Hawks have clinched the Northwest League’s second half title for the Eastern division. Once the playoffs begin, they’ll take on first half winner Yakima who is just 14-18 in the current half. It’s the Hawks’ second straight year in the postseason, and they’ll be looking to end an eight year championship drought. With some of the firepower they’ve added late in the year in Albert Almora and Dan Vogelbach, they could be the favorites to win the title.

Dahl headlines Pioneer League All-Stars: It’s no surprise that David Dahl and Sam Selman were named the Pioneer League’s Player and Pitcher of the Year respectively. Both are 2012 draft picks to raise their stocks in their brief careers so far. Dahl was one of the top power hitters in short-season ball, and he put together a 27 game hitting streak in July and August. Selman was picked out of Vanderbilt where he had plenty of experience pitching against top competition. That’s allowed him to excel in this rookie league, leading the league in ERA and strikeouts. Seth Mejias-Brean represented Billings and the NCAA Champion Arizona Wildcats.

GCL Red Sox parlay fast start into playoff berth: On the last day of the regular season, it came down to the GCL Red Sox and GCL Twins for the league’s final playoff spot. The Red Sox scored one in the 1st and at one point led 4-0 in their 4-1 win over the Twins to advance to the postseason. With the early offense at his back, Mario Alcantara took the ball and threw five scoreless innings to earn his 3rd win of the season. On Monday, the GCL playoffs will begin, barring any weather related problems. The wild card GCL Pirates will travel to Jupiter to play the GCL Cardinals, and the Red Sox will head up the gulf coast to Lakeland to play the GCL Tigers. The winners of those games will compete in a best of three series.

Clemens sharp in return to mound: It was only an Atlantic League mound, but the 50 year old Roger Clemens returned to the diamond Saturday night. He obviously doesn’t have the stuff or athleticism he once did, but that didn’t stop him from only needing 37 pitches to throw 3.1 scoreless innings for the Sugar Land Skeeters. He allowed just one hit to former Giants farmhand James Simmons and struck out two batters. He hasn’t committed to pitching more than this outing, but people believe he’s angling for a return to the majors.

On tap today

MiLB.TV schedule

Rudy Owens still looking for first Astros win

Shelby Miller has chance to move to .500

Jameson Taillon makes second start with Altoona

Jesse Hahn hopes to continue momentum