Independent Baseball Chatter – by Bob Wirz One of the best things that can happen for a baseball organization is to keep the pipeline filled. Major league players get the most attention although any good personnel director also likes to have quality players coming along at every level of the minor league system. Almost like...Read More

Independent Baseball Chatter – by Bob Wirz Seattle southpaw James Paxton (Grand Prairie 2010) has made two appearances so far in the Arizona Fall League, posting a 1.42 ERA for 6.1 innings. In early Venezuelan League action, Junior Guerra (Wichita 2011, 2013), who recently moved from the Chicago White Sox to Milwaukee’s 40-man roster, has...Read More

Courtesy Sioux City Explorers Media Relations SIOUX CITY, IA – The Sioux City Explorers announced today that the Boston Red Sox have purchased the contract of Explorers RHP Rob Wort.  Wort will report to spring training with the Red Sox when pitchers and catchers report in the spring of 2016 to earn a spot within...Read More

Durham, N.C. — The contract of Wichita Wingnuts OF Jayce Ray has been purchased by the Boston Red Sox organization, the American Association announced on Tuesday. In his first season with Wichita, Ray led his team with a .310 average and 17 stolen bases, to go along with 15 doubles, 35 RBI and 57 runs scored as the Wingnuts...Read More

Independent Baseball Chatter – by Bob Wirz The American Association was the first professional stop for two pitchers whose teams still are battling to reach the American League Championship Series and possibly the World Series although the stories of these relief pitchers have gone in two different directions this fall. Luke Hochevar (pictured, Fort Worth...Read More

American Association alumni continue to perform in affiliated baseball, with 14 alums in the major leagues in 2015, over 35 in affiliated minor leagues, and 12 player contracts purchased by big-league organizations. The Baseball America Top Independent Prospects list was loaded with American Association players in 2015, with five of the ten players on the list coming...Read More

Independent Baseball Chatter – by Bob Wirz LaRussa Weighs in on Peralta’s Big Year Not much can beat praise from the boss, regardless of the profession. Arizona outfielder David Peralta (Wichita 2012, Amarillo 2013), still only two years removed from playing for Amarillo and three from being with Wichita, has been praised by Hall of Fame...Read More

Courtesy Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Media Relations FARGO, N.D. – The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks have sold the contract of LHP Brandon Mann to the Oakland Athletics. Mann is the 65th player in franchise history to have his contract sold to a Major League organization. Mann, 31, became the American Association single-season strikeout king in 2015 has he recorded...Read More

St. Paul, Minn. — The St. Paul Saints were named the American Association’s Organization of the Year on Tuesday, as voted on by the league’s managers and media members. CHS Field, the Saints’ new ballpark in the Lowertown neighborhood, opened to rave reviews from players, front office and media members throughout the season.  The 7,210-seat...Read More