Dutchies in the US, part 6
The season is really nearing its end. Only two Dutchies are active in the Arizona Fall League. And there is some news about a former pitcher of the Atlanta Braves.
Jair Jurrjens
It has been a while since we heard something about Jair. But the other day, the Rockies announced that they have signed Jair Jurrjens to a minor league contract for the 2015 season. Last season, Jurrjens also pitched for the Rockies organization, at least for a part of the season. He pitchd two games at MLB level. In 9.1 innings he sported an ERA of 10.61.
At AAA level he did a better job. He pitched for two teams: the Louisville Bats (Cincinnati organization) and the Colorado Springs SkySox (back then part of the Rockies organization). For the Bats Jurrjens had a 2-3 record with a 4.46 ERA. For the SkySox, he did better ERA-wise (4.60). He appeared in eight games but wasn’t able to clinch a victory in any of them. In five games he was tabbed with the L. In three games he got the no-decision.
Shawn Zarraga
Shawn is playing for the Glendale Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League. So far Shawn has the role of taxi player. This means that he is not really on the team but steps in when needed. Shawn has played in nine games so far. Yesterday he caught the game (as he usually does when he plays in the AFL) and got two basehits out of four at bats. He drove in two runs and raised his BA to a decent .355. Shawn has received an invitation to the Brewers spring training camp.
In 31 at bats he collected 11 basehits (no extra basehits) and drew five walks. In nine games he drew five walks and struck out five times.
Spencer Kieboom (L) and Shawn Zarraga
(photo by Freek Bouw)
Spencer Kieboom
Spencer is also a catcher. Normally he plays in the Nationals organization, last season for the Hagerstown Suns, but this fall he is playing for the Mesa Solar Sox. In today’s game vs the Glendale Desert Dogs he went 2 for 5 with a strikeout. On the defensive side he allowed three runners to steal a base. So far, Spencer appeared in ten AFL games. In 34 at bats he collected nine hits (two doubles and one homerun) and he drove in seven runs. He also drew five walks and struck out four times. In tonight’s game he raised his batting average to .324.