April 30, 2010
Former Cardinal outfielder Michael Taylor has continued his impressive spring hitting as the left fielder for the Sacramento River Cats. Hitting a .289 average so far, Taylor has driven in 12 runs in 20 games. He’s also safely come home 14 times. Taylor has also registered a hit in seven of the last ten games.
Another former Cardinal preparing to head up to the big leagues is Iowa Cubs left fielder Sam Fuld. Having already made an impact on parent club Chicago in previous seasons, Fuld has shown that he’s ready to return, hitting .333 in nine times at the plate this season. Of those nine at-bats, Fuld has been credited with three hits and three runs. Fuld’s return to Chicago, though, remains tough, competing with Alfonso Soriano for the left field spot.
Also impressive in the first month of the season has been Chris Carter. The right fielder is hitting .301 so far and has come home 9 times, including two hit out of the park. His 11 RBIs rank third on the Buffalo Bisons behind 9-year veterans Mike Hessman and Jason Pridie. Carter comes off a spring training where he just missed making the New York Mets out of Florida.
On the mound, Harrisburg Senators RHP Drew Storen has shown to be an effective closer, pitching 9.1 innings of relief with a 0.96 ERA, giving him credit for four saves. His last game against the Reading Phillies saw him close out 2.0 innings and strike out three batters in a 1-0 winning effort.
Unfortunately, not all the news from the minor leagues is good. Both Jed Lowrie and Greg Reynolds have extended their stays on the DL, with both players’ teams moving them from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL.