Your Bowie Baysox open the 2009 season just like they ended 2008, in Akron playing the Aeros.
April 8 – (RHP) Hector Rondon vs. (RHP) Jason Berken
April 9 – (LHP) Frank Herrmann vs. (TBA) – my guess (LHP) Troy Patton
April 10 – (RHP) Josh Tomlin vs. (TBA) – my guess (RHP) Jake Arrieta
April 11 – (RHP) Steven Wright vs. (TBA) – my guess (RHP) Brandon Erbe
The Akron Aeros won a controversial Eastern League championship series against the Baysox with a little help from a fellow named Travis Hafner. The Aeros should be in the hunt in 2009, as well.
Akron’s opening day starter, Hector Rondon is compared to Fausto Carmona by those in the know. Last year, he had a 9.00 K/9 and an equally impressive 3.45 K/BB as a 20-year-old in Carolina League.
Catcher Carlos Santana was named the California League MVP despite missing the final month of the season after being traded to the Indians organization. He compares favorably to Victor Martinez at the same age, but may have more power, a better arm and more speed.
Right fielder Nick Weglarz is a 6’3”, 245-pound left fielder with significant power and a great batting eye. He’s often compared to Jim Thome. Like Thome he doesn’t move particularly well, so he could join the crowded line of future first basemen in the Cleveland organization.
First baseman/DH Beau Mills is the son of Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills. The 2008 Carolina League MVP and Cleveland’s minor league player of the year has great power, but could stand to fine tune his hitting approach especially now that he’s moved from third to first base for good.
Shortstop Carlos Rivero is often compared to Jhonny Peralta. Rivero is a rare middle infielder with power and player to watch in 2009.
