Minor League Preview - April 9

Here is today's preview of the action around the Braves' farm system.

RICHMOND

After a nice win and a good performance from Jo Jo Reyes Tuesday night, the Braves host Buffalo in game three of a four-game series at the Diamond. Buddy Carlyle will pitch for Richmond against Indians’ prospect Aaron Laffey. Richmond is 3-2 on the season.


MISSISSIPPI

The suspension of center fielder Jordan Schafer is undoubtedly a blow to the Mississippi team, but they will carry on tonight with their home opener in Pearl against the Mobile BayBears. Lefty Dan Smith will go for Mississippi against right-hander Brooks Brown, a former Braves’ draft pick (2003, 21st round) and star at the University of Georgia. The Braves have just not hit yet as a team, posting a .186 team batting average. And now they’ll have to try to end a five-game losing streak with their best hitter out for the next fifty games.


MYRTLE BEACH

The Pelicans play game two of the series in Potomac against the Nationals. Tommy Hanson, who was remarkable (five no-hit innings, 13 strikeouts) will pitch for Myrtle Beach against right-hander Adrian Alaniz. The Pelicans are 3-2 so far this season. They need to get the offense going a bit, as they have scored only 12 runs in their five games.


ROME

It was a bad night at State Mutual Stadium Tuesday as the Braves got walloped 14-1 by Columbus. Lefty Jeff Locke had arguably his worst outing as a professional pitcher, as he allowed eight earned runs in 3.1 innings. The Braves will try to get back on track tonight against the Catfish. Lefties Scott Diamond and Chad Rodgers are scheduled to pitch for the Braves, who are now 2-4 on the season.



Bill Shanks is the author of Scout's Honor: The Bravest Way To Build A Winning Team, a look inside the Braves‘ traditional scouting and player development philosophies. He can be heard on 680 the Fan in Atlanta and 105.5 the Fan in Macon. Email Bill at .