What Would Farm Systems Do Without Indy Players? Atlantic League Team Loses 4 Hurlers in a Week

One has to wonder what the major leagues would do these days to keep their farm system rosters full if Independent Baseball teams were not available.

The Somerset (NJ) Patriotshave filled the equivalent of nearly one-third of a pitching staff all by themselves in the last week.  Four pitchers, including three starters, were purchased from the division-leading Atlantic Leagueteam in that time and Manager Brett Jodiepoints out the Pats have given up six hurlers (five starters) in all since two days before the April 24 season opener, including one hurler apiece for Taiwanand Mexico.

Washingtonhas struck twice, buying Zach Kroenkewith his 2.18 earned run average, and Kyle Newby,a perfect 0.00 for 11 relief outings, while Cincinnatitook Matt Maloney(2.79) and the Los  Angeles Angelsobtained Brett Brachafter one nifty five-inning scoreless outing in which he allowed only two hits and threw a mere 62 pitches.

It is a good thing Jodie has Director of Player Personnel Jon Huntonto help track down replacements as well as to finish games as the team’s closer, which he has done with a 1.63 ERA while posting seven saves for the 21-12 Patriots.  He had a 37-save campaign one year ago.

“We’re about 50-50” with the workload, says Jodie.  “He’s bringing a lot of names to the table.”

York Loses Two Starters, But Still Has Limonta’s Big Bat

While Somersethas really been hit, York, PA,which leads the Atlantic League’sother division, lost its second starting pitcher of the season Wednesday when Coloradore-claimed Mike McClendon( Anthony Lerewwent to the Los Angeles Angelsa week earlier), but the Revolutionstill has the potent bat of first baseman-outfielder Johan Limonta,who has 33 RBI in 34 games and recently posted an 18-game hitting streak.  Limonta cracked his fourth three-run homer of the still-young season this week (six homers total).

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Lincoln Sells 22 in Last Four Seasons

Another Independent team that has been a frequent target of major league organizations are the Lincoln (NE) Saltdogs, who have sold three players this month.  Theteam points out it has sold 22 players to MLB systems since 2011, which it says is nine more than any other American Associationfranchise in the same span.

Retirement for Nate Robertson?  Well, Maybe

Not quite so fast on Nate Robertson’sretirement.

“I plan to stay in throwing shape a little longer,” the onetime Detroit Tigersstar told me from his Wichita, KShome about a week after the Tigers released him from their top farm club in Toledoto make room for a younger pitcher even though he had a 3.43 ERA and was leading the team in mound appearances.  “ Texasis well aware of my situation,” the 36-year-old said, while explaining he had not asked  his agent to reach out to other major league teams.  “I had such a good year with them (Triple-A Round Rock, TXlast year).  I love to compete.”

(This is an excerpt from the column Bob Wirz writes on Independent Baseball.  Thirty-six columns are planned during 2014.  Fans may subscribe at www.WirzandAssociates.com , enjoy added stories on the blog www.IndyBaseballChatter.com , or comment to RWirz@aol.com .  The authorhas 16 years of major league baseball public relations experience with Kansas City and as spokesman for two Commissioners and lives in Stratford, CT.)