2008 Toledo Mud Hens Season Tracker

05/02/2008 9:35 PM ET
Willis shows command in rehab start
Southpaw tosses 51 strikes in 72-pitch outing for Toledo
By Scott McNeish / MLB.com

TOLEDO, Ohio -- Dontrelle Willis took another step forward in his journey back from the disabled list on Friday night.

The Tigers' left-hander made a rehab start for Triple-A Toledo against the Rochester Red Wings, the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, at Fifth Third Field. He allowed two runs on four hits and did not walk a batter in 4 2/3 innings.

"I thought I was very productive out there today," Willis said. "I feel like I can throw the ball over the plate. I felt good out there. We'll see how I feel tomorrow, but it was a good day."

Willis, acquired last December in a blockbuster trade with Florida, saw his first game action in his return from a hyperextended right knee. He slipped on the mound in the first inning against the White Sox on April 11 and was placed on the DL for the first time in his five-year career.

He said he felt no pain or stiffness in the knee during Friday's 72-pitch outing. He added that he feels ready for the Majors whenever the Tigers decide to call him up.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said last week he would like Willis to make two rehab starts in Toledo. He said Willis will throw a bullpen session under the supervision of Tigers pitching coach Chuck Hernandez this week in Minnesota before making another start for Toledo, likely on Wednesday against Leigh Valley, the Phillies' Triple-A club.

"It's going to be two [rehab starts] for sure," Leyland said, "and maybe more, but maybe not."

If all goes well, he could rejoin the Tigers' rotation the following week.

"Whatever [the Tigers] tell me to do," Willis said. "Whenever they feel like I'm ready, I'll be ready. I feel like I can compete at any level."

The rehab starts present Willis an opportunity to work on his control, which was shaky during Spring Training and in his first regular-season start with Detroit.

But control was not an issue in Friday's appearance. While not walking a batter, he threw 51 of his 72 pitches for strikes. He hurled first-pitch strikes to 13 of 18 hitters and only went to three three-ball counts. This all while reaching 95 mph on the radar gun.

Willis tested his knee against the first hitter of the game when Rochester's Denard Span hit a soft chopper to the left of the mound. Willis pounced on it, but had no time to stop and set his feet, so he quickly turned toward first and fired a leaping, fade-away toss off his back foot, but not in time to get the runner.

He shook his right leg periodically, but said no discomfort resulted from the play.

"No pain, no problems," Willis said.

He didn't give up another hit until the third, when he surrendered two runs on three hits. Two bloop singles put runners on first and second with two outs in the inning. Rochester's Darnell MacDonald lined a first-pitch double off the top of the right-field wall to score the runs.

Willis had a 1-2-3 fourth inning and retired the first two batters in the fifth before exiting to a loud ovation.

Scott McNeish is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

The Hens jumped on the board quickly with a lead-off home run by 2B Michael Hollimon in the bottom of the first - his third of the season. Toledo picked up another run in the second after RF Matt Joyce got on base by drawing a walk and then moving around the bases on groundouts and finally a wild pitch to score him from third.

Toledo would not score again until the bottom of the fifth. C Dane Sardinha hit his third home run of the season on a shot over the left field wall. The Hens scored again in the sixth when 1B Jeff Larish homered to right – his eighth of the season.

Despite two come-backers to the mound that sent RHP Chris Lambert (4-1) to the dirt, Lambert was still able to go 5.2 innings, allowing no runs on four hits and striking out six as he picked up his fourth win of the season. RHP Kevin Mulvey recorded the loss as he went 5 innings giving up four earned runs off of eights hits and striking out five. Before being traded to the Twins’ system, according to Baseball America, Mulvey was ranked the 4th best prospect in the Mets’ organization prior to the start of the 2008 season.

Out of the Box

Hitting At Home -- Jeff Larish has a current 8 game at home hitting streak. Larish was 2 for 4 with a HR Saturday against the Red Wings.

Hot Hollimon -- Michael Hollimon has hit in nine of the 12 games he has been a Mud Hen (3 HR, 2 3B, 5 2B, 5 RBI, 10 Runs, SB). Saturday night he was 2 for 5 with a HR and 2B.

Long Ball, Long Ball -- With Saturday’s home runs by Hollimon, Sardinha and Larish, it marks the 12th game of the season that Toledo has had at least two home runs in a game.

Let’s Play Eight -- When leading after 8, the Hens are a perfect 18-0. Conversely, the Hens are 0-8 when trailing after 8.

A Hens First -- Before Saturday, Toledo was one of two teams in the International League to not post a shut out. Lehigh Valley has yet to record a shut out this season.

You Can Bet On It -- Before Saturday night, Mike Hessman was 1 for 11 as a Toledo Mud Hen on the day of the Kentucky Derby. He went 1 for 4 Saturday.

-Eric Boye, Toledo Mud Hens

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

You Can Bet On It -- Before Saturday night, Mike Hessman was 1 for 11 as a Toledo Mud Hen on the day of the Kentucky Derby. He went 1 for 4 Saturday.

I don't know why, but I found this quite funny. As if the two events are somehow related? It's not like 1 for 11 is that bad of a streak and it's not like 1 for 4 is that great.

I'd bet any 1 of these players can play beter than maggs. Call em up and c what hapens. cant hurt

maggsbgone wrote:

I'd bet any 1 of these players can play beter than maggs. Call em up and c what hapens. cant hurt

STOP IT!!

The Mud Hens exploded out of the gate by putting up 6 runs against the Red Wings in the first inning. They loaded the bases with one out, bringing DH Brent Clevlen to the plate. He hit a bases clearing double to give the Hens a quick 3-0 lead. The inning was capped off by RF Matt Joyce, SS Erick Almonte, and C Nick Trzesniak each hitting RBI singles.

LHP Brian Duensing settled down after the first and did not give up any more runs to the Hens, allowing time for the Red Wings to build a come back.
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RHP Eddie Bonine was perfect through the first four innings of the game, until 1B Garrett Jones hit a solo home run over the left field fence in the fifth inning. The Red Wings would tack on three more runs in the sixth, bringing the score to 6-4.

The Hens added on one more run in the bottom of the seventh after 1B Jeff Larish’s RBI single and one final run in the eighth after Trzesniak’s third RBI of the day. Bonine (6-0) earned his sixth win in as many starts, making him the IL leader in wins and RHP Blaine Neal earned his eleventh save, keeping him in the top spot in the IL save category. The Mud Hens move to 20-10 on the year, their best start in the last 15 years.


Hen Nuggets

Running the Red Wings: The Hens were 2 runs shy of a Fifth Third Field record by scoring 6 runs in the first inning. The record is an 8 run inning that was set against Rochester on July 24, 2002.

Best in the West: Coming in to Sunday’s game, the Hens held a 2.5 lead in the IL West division over the Louisville Bats. This is the biggest lead the Hens have had all season.

Home Sweet Home: 3B Mike Hessman is batting .354 (23-65) with 7 HR and 16 RBI at home as opposed to his road average of .200 (9-45) with 3 HR and only 6 RBI. OF Brent Clevlen is hitting .328 (21-64) with 2 HR and 12 RBI at home but while on the road Clevlen is hitting only a .214 (9-42) with 2 HR and 5 RBI.

King of the Road: OF Jackson Melian is hitting only a .045 at home (1-22) but when the Hens hit the road he is batting .407 (11-27) with a home run and 5 RBI.


~Amy Ziemak, Toledo Mud Hens

The IronPigs scored first in the rainy contest Wednesday night. LF Brandon Watson crossed the plate after a throwing error on a first base pick-off attempt by RHP Jeremy Johnson. The Pigs continued to up the score, as RF Jon Knott hit a solo home run in the fourth and then following a 36-minute rain delay, 2B Casey Smith hit a solo shot to bring the score to 3-0. RHP Jeremy Johnson pitched 5.0 innings, giving up 4 runs on 10 hits.

The Mud Hens’ offense was quiet through the first five innings. RHP Ron Chiavacci was able to shut his former team down on only 4 hits, but left after 5.1 innings with the bases loaded. RF Brent Clevlen came to the plate and hit a triple off the right field wall, driving in all three base runners, bringing the score to 4-3, the Hens still trailing. In the seventh, C Nick Trzesniak hit his first home run of the season, a bomb to left-center field, bringing the score to an even 4-4.

The IronPigs would load the bases in the eighth inning and bring the score to 6-4. The Hens started to make a comeback when 3B Mike Hessman was able to score on a balk by RHP Gary Knotts and ended up loading the bases with two outs after an intentional walk to SS Erick Almonte. C Nick Trzesniak singled in a run, tying the game back up at 6-6.

The bottom of the ninth brought a one-out double by 3B Mike Hessman and an intentional walk to RF Brent Clevlen, but CF Clete Thomas popped out to shallow left, bringing on extra innings, which did not last long. In the bottom of the tenth, 2B Michael Hollimon launched a solo home run deep in to right field giving the Hens the victory.


Hen Nuggets

Fast Freddy: The Mud Hens promoted OF Freddy Guzman to Toledo from Erie (AA) Wednesday. He was hitting .281 with 2 HR, 19 RBI and 15 SB this season with Erie. Guzman is tied for second with the most triples (6) in all of minor league baseball. Guzman was acquired from the Texas organization over the off season and played with Oklahoma (AAA) last season where he hit .269 with 4 HR, 34 RBI and 56 SB. The 26-year-old also played 8 games with the Texas Rangers last season, hitting .167 (1-6) with a home run.

Homerin’ Hens: With C Nick Trzesniak’s home run Wednesday, the Mud Hens have hit home runs in 29 of their 33 games. Their 50 home runs lead the International League and trail just three behind Albuquerque’s 53, who lead all of minor league baseball.

Top Crop: The Mud Hens are off to the best start (22-11) of all of the Detroit Tigers’ farm teams. The Double-A Erie Seawolves are 15-16, the Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps are 17-13 and the Single-A Lakeland Tigers are 16-16.


~Amy Ziemak, Toledo Mud Hens

The Hens keep on rolling with RHP Eddie Bonine's (7-0) tremendous effort. Bonine earned his seventh straight win in as many starts by pitching a complete game allowing only one run with five strikeouts in the Toledo route of Charlotte 8-1 Friday night.

Even though Bonine needed little help, the Hens struck first with an RBI-double by OF Timo Perez and a sacrifice grounder by SS Erick Almonte put the Hens up 2-0 in the second. The offense exploded in the fifth when 3B Mike Hessman and 1B Jeff Larish hit back-to-back home runs. Hessman hit another long shot in the seventh for his second of the day.

News And Notes:

Bonine Is Fine: Friday night's starter RHP Eddie Bonine won his seventh straight start to begin 2008. In the seven outings, he has five quality starts (6 innings, 3 or less earned runs) and has not allowed more than four runs.

Who's On Fire: OF Brent Clevlen had his six game hit streak come to an end Friday but added a run and 3B Mike Hessman is 14-33 with 6 HR in his last nine games.

Long Ball: The Hens have a total of 55 HR, which leads the International League. Toledo has 16 multiple-HR games on the season. The Hens have hit home runs in 31 of their 35 games, despite being shut out twice.

~Philipp Levering, Toledo Mud Hens

The Knights poured it on early when extra-base hits by Charlotte batters got to Hens' starter RHP Virgil Vasquez (2-3). Vasquez gave up 3 runs in the first on the way to a 4-1 loss to Charlotte in game 1 of the Saturday double-header.

The lone Mud Hens run was a solo home run by 3B Mike Hessman who helps boost the team total to 56 on the year.

The Mud Hens fell 10-6 to Charlotte Sunday afternoon. 2B Michael Hollimon had two hits and a HR, RF Brent Clevlen homered, and LF Timo Perez picked up two hits. RHP Yorman Bazardo went five innings while giving up four earned runs, but it was relief pitcher RHP Anastacio Martinez (0-1) who picked up the loss.

The Knights hit back-to-back home runs off LHP Dontrelle Willis in the bottom of the second inning, but the Mud Hens answered back with four home runs of their own. 1B Jeff Larish hit a two-run home run (11) in the fourth to tie the score up at 2 apiece, 3B Mike Hessman hit his league leading 17th home run of the season to put the Hens on top 3-2 and later in the game 2B Mike Hollimon hit his sixth of the season. But the one that did it for the Hens was the ninth inning home run by C Dane Sardinha (4), putting Toledo on top 6-5.

Willis completed his second rehab start with the Mud Hens going 5.2 IP (7H/ 5 ER/ 3 SO/ 2 HR), giving way to RHP Preston Larrison. Larrison went 2.1 IP giving up only one hit and striking out two. RHP Blaine Neal came on in the ninth, earning his 13 save of the season.

LHP Dontrelle Willis STILL STINKS, I see! But Larish, Hessman and Hollimon are still on a home run tear! Wow, 11 homers so far for Larish and 17 for Hessman!

Remember, team highs for the Tigers are Maggs and Miggy with 6 each, and it has been a long time since either has hit one!

The Hens wanted revenge for Wednesday's 14-6 loss to the Durham Bulls hoping to get yet another win from RHP Eddie Bonine (8-0). Toledo got a quality start from their dominant righty, but it took a while for the offense to get going despite an early run.

Bonine gave up a homer to Bulls' LF Jon Weber in the first inning, putting his win streak in jeopardy. But 1B Jeff Larish helped protect his pitcher. In the second, Larish led off with a double and later scored on a CF Clete Thomas single to tie the game 1-1. Larish hit a solo home run (12) in the fourth to give his team the lead 2-1.

Bonine pitched tough with the score close. After the first, he held the Bulls to only two hits for the next four innings. His persistence paid off when the offense exploded for four runs in the sixth after a lead-off home run by 2B Michael Hollimon (8). Jeff Larish's third run of the night crossed the plate thanks to a three-run homer by CF Clete Thomas (4) that got the better of Bulls starter RHP Chris Mason (2-5, 5.2 IP/6 ER). Bonine finished with three earned runs through seven strong innings on the way to his eighth straight win.

The Mud Hens led 6-3 when the bullpen took the reigns. RHP Preston Larrison gave up a 2-run home run to DH Dan Johnson in the eighth inning before closer Blaine Neal came in to earn the save (14) and preserve the then one-run lead.

News And Notes:

Showing How It's Done: The Mud Hens' three homers Thursday night gives them a total of 70 on the season. The total is the highest amount of any professional organization, including the majors.

Pitchers On Fire: Closing RHP Blaine Neal continues his hot streak of save conversions, going a perfect 14-14 in save opportunities this season. Starting RHP Eddie Bonine has never lost in a Toledo uniform (9-0) and has won 10 straight starts dating back to August 21, 2007.

On Fire: 3B Mike Hessman is doing damage to opponents' pitching staffs this season especially in the last ten games. In the last 10 games, Hessman is batting .333 (12-36) with 7 HR and 8 RBI. 2B Michael Hollimon has been unstoppable in his last five, batting .316 (6-19) with 4 HR and 6 RBI.

Rejoice For Matt Joyce!: Former Hens outfielder Matt Joyce has been tearing it up in the big leagues since his promotion May 5. In eight games, he is batting .292 with 3 HR and 5 RBI.

Philipp Levering, Toledo Mud Hens

The Mud Hens have the best hitter (Hessman) and the best pitcher (Bonine) in AAA. While the Tigers are struggling to score runs and have the worst SP ERA in the majors. Doesn't make any sense! DL Sheffield and call up Hessman. Send Miner down, put Robertson in the bullpen and bring up Bonnie. And keep Galarraga in the rotation and Joyce in the lineup!

totally agree on that one.

The Hens fell behind quickly as they went down 3-0 through the first two innings. Toledo was able to get two runs back in the top of the second off of a passed ball and a sacrifice fly. However, Durham added three more runs in the bottom half. SS Erick Almonte hit a solo home run to lead off the fourth. The Mud Hens now have 71 total home runs on the season. The Bulls would add another run in the sixth and their final two in the eighth.

RHP Virgil Vasquez (2-4) lasted three innings on the hill as he gave up five earned runs off of six hits; three hits were home runs. Vasquez recorded the loss. RHP Mitch Talbot (4-3) started for Durham and went six innings while giving up three earned runs while picking up the win.

Other Mud Hen stats...

SP Chris Lambert - 46 2/3 innings - 5-1 - 2.31 ERA
SP/RP Casey Fossum - 25 1/3 inngs - 1-0 - 2.84 ERA
RP Preston Larrison - 18 2/3 innings - 2-1 - 2.41 ERA
RP Ian Ostlund - 14 1/3 innings - 0-0 - 1.88 ERA

1B Jeff Larish - 157 AB - .287 BA - 12 HR - 34 RBI
OF Brent Clevlen - 147 AB - .293 BA - 5 HR - 5 3B () - 27 RBI
2B Mike Hollimon - 99 AB - .242 BA - 8 HR - 13 RBI

STANDINGS:

1. Toledo (27-16)
2. Louisville (26-17, 1 GB)
3. Columbus (24-19, 3 GB)
4. Indianapolis (21-22, 6 GB)

I want Clevlen back.

And Clete-boy! He's awesome!

laprimamirala wrote:

And Clete-boy! He's awesome!

He's not in his slump anymore!

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

laprimamirala wrote:

And Clete-boy! He's awesome!

He's not in his slump anymore!

I can name 25 Detroit Tigers that are. Would you like me to?

HINT: Try all of them and then some!

I didn't need any hints

Maggs has still been hitting , no homers, but he went 3 for 4 last night! Dosn't help much when most of the others don't.

That's true, he did Maggs!

And he got thrown out at 2nd! I got a picture of that