ZACK ATTACK

The Detroit Lions activate former Clovis High star Zack Follett.

By George Takata
VSP Senior Writer:

The wait is over for Zack Follett.

The Lions have taken the former Clovis High School linebacker off the practice squad and put him on their active roster in hopes of waking up their struggling special teams unit. He is expected to make his NFL regular season debut Sunday against the Steelers.

The Lions waived linebacker Darnell Bing to make room for Follett, who was drafted in the seventh round by Detroit.

As a senior at Cal, Follett was a semi-finalist for the Bednarik Award and named the team’s Defensive MVP. He was an All-Pac 10 Conference first-team selection, leading the league and ranked third in the nation with a career-high 23.0 tackles for loss. He led the Bears with 10.5 sacks.

The Lions also had several players in for a tryout Tuesday, including former Fresno State defensive back Vernon Fox.

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COMEBACK COMPLETE

Visalia native Aaron Hill is the American League’s Comeback Player of the Year.

By Jordan Bastian
mlb.com:

The Blue Jays simply did not know what to expect from Aaron Hill (Redwood High School) this year. The concussion that the second baseman suffered last season was serious enough that the team admittedly had its doubts about his ability to return to the diamond.

“Sometimes people don’t come back from concussions,” Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said earlier this year. “That certainly was a worry on our part — his, too.”

As it turned out, Hill returned in a big way for Toronto.

After one of the most prolific offensive showings in club history, Hill has been named the American League’s Comeback Player of the Year in voting by 30 MLB.com beat reporters. Hill received 14 first-place votes, five second-place votes and three third-place votes to finish ahead of Red Sox catcher Victor Martinez and Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer in balloting.

Toward the end of last season, while Hill was coping with not being able to return to Toronto’s lineup, someone told him about the Comeback Player honor. Hill was determined enough on his own to prove that he could return strong this season, and at the time he joked with former general manager J.P. Ricciardi about capturing the accolade.

“I told J.P., ‘I’m going to win that Comeback Player of the Year thing,’” Hill recalled with a laugh this past September. “He probably wouldn’t remember that, but I do.”

Hill’s prediction was made in jest, but he delivered in the end.

“I really did want to prove everybody, not wrong, but just know that I could be back and I’m fine,” Hill said during a conference call on Monday. “That was the main goal. That was really the only goal this year.”

Over 158 games this season for the Blue Jays, Hill finished with a .286 average, 36 home runs, 37 doubles and 108 RBIs. He also ended with 195 hits, 103 runs scored and 340 total bases along the way. Among Major League second basemen, Hill ranked first in home runs, RBIs, total bases and at-bats (682).

Hill, who boasts one of the stronger arms among players at his position, also gave the Blue Jays an elite defender in the field. Among all Major League second baseman, Hill ranked first with 798 total chances, 484 assists and 129 double plays, finishing the season with just seven errors and a .991 fielding percentage.

All of this comes after Hill appeared in just 55 games in 2008 for the Blue Jays.

On May 29 of last year, Hill was chasing down a fly ball in shallow center field in Oakland, where he collided with former Jays shortstop David Eckstein. Hill — struck on the side of the head by Eckstein’s right elbow — missed the rest of the season and was plagued for months by headaches, sleepless nights and dizzy spells.

Hill met with numerous neurologists, consulted a concussion speciliast in Pittsburgh and sought advice from other athletes who had experienced a similiar injury and symptoms. It took months before Hill could even ride a stationary bike without feeling light-headed.

“The most difficult thing, really,” Hill said. “With any other injury, they could say, ‘Well, your knee is this — two-to-four weeks, or four-to-six weeks,’ or whatever it may be. There was never an answer for a concussion. They gave me a, ‘Well, some people come back in a couple days, some people a couple weeks and some people have been dealing with them their whole lives.’ That was the answer I got.

“It really wasn’t the answer I was looking for. The fact that my whole life if there’s a problem you, not attack it, but you just know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and how long it’s going to take. That was the only thing that was difficult for me, mentally, was that there was no answer.

“I didn’t really know what to do. I tried not to do anything and I didn’t really know how to do that and they didn’t give me a time table. It’s nice that it’s in the past, I’ll tell you that.”

Gaston knew how hard it was for Hill to sit idle while the Blue Jays played on without him.

“We were all worried about him last year,” Gaston said. “I know that he wanted to try to come back last year. Every time I’d see him when he was around the team, he wanted to come and play. I told him, ‘Hey, we want you back, but we want you back healthy. Take your time.’”

The team’s patience paid off.

On June 28 against the Phillies, Hill belted two home runs to give him 19 on the season, establishing a new single-season club record for long balls by a second baseman with three months to play. When it was all said and done, Hill’s 36 homers and 108 RBIs set franchise marks for single-season production by a middle infielder.

Hill’s home run total — the third-highest ever for an AL second baseman — was also the most in one season for a player at his position since Alfonso Soriano clubbed 38 for the Yankees in 2003. The 108 RBIs that Hill collected were the most in one campaign by a second baseman since Bret Boone’s 117 with the Mariners in ‘03 as well.

Through it all, Hill appreciated how fortunate he was to come back as well as he did.

“I just keep it in my mind that it’s a blessing to be back, it really is, to be back in a uniform,” Hill said.

For his efforts, Hill was named to his first All-Star team this year, joining ace Roy Halladay as the Blue Jays’ representatives in St. Louis. Toronto finished with a losing record for the first time since 2005 this season, but Hill provided a feel-good story amidst all the other issues. For Halladay, Hill is what the pitcher will remember most about the 2008 campaign.

“The biggest thing has got to be Aaron Hill coming back and being the player that I think everybody thought he would be,” Halladay said following his final home start of the season. “For me, looking back, it’s going to be Aaron Hill. What he came off of last year and what he’s done this year, I think it’s remarkable.”

Even Hill’s peers were thrilled to see how he came back from last year’s incident.

“I think everyone’s excited about the way he’s played this year after what he went through,” said Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who was a teammate of Hill’s on Team USA during their days as collegiate stars. “A couple years ago, he had a great year and then last year he gets hurt.

“You never want to see anybody get hurt, especially like that. I talked to him at the end of the year there and he said everything he did, he’d get so tired. The way he loves baseball, you never want to see that. That’s why everyone, we’re so happy for him.”

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AHMADY SUSPENDED 50 GAMES

The former Fresno State first baseman tests positive for an amphetamine.

By George Takata
VSP Senior Writer:

The third time is not the charm, but a nightmare for former Diamond Dogs first baseman Alan Ahmady.

Ahmady, a third baseman in the Cardinals farm system, will sit out the first 50 games of the 2010 season after testing positive for an amphetamine. He has violated the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Ahmady says he took medication prescribed by a doctor. He says he also took sudafed, and has no idea what he could have taken to get him suspended.

This is the third suspension for Ahmady in less than a year. Fresno State shut him down twice for violating athletic department policy, once at the start of the season, the other at the very end.

Ahmady missed the WAC Tournament and NCAA Regional in Irvine, ending his junior year. He entered the draft and was selected in the 11th round by the Cardinals. He worked out for St. Louis on the same day as Fresno State’s regional matchup against San Diego State.

Ahmady batted .292 with three home runs and 32 RBIs in 67 games for Class A Batavia and played in the New York Penn League All-Star Game. He says he is under contract with the Cardinals for next season.

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SIXTH SENSE

Former Bulldog Bernard Berrian catches his first TD pass from Brett Favre Monday night.

By George Takata
VSP Senior Writer:

Ah, the joy of six.

Bernard Berrian (Fresno State) caught a 31 yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre Monday night in the Vikings 30-23 win over the Green Bay Packers. It was Favre’s first game against his old team.

Berrian caught six passes for 75 yards. It was his first touchdown reception from Favre, who got his revenge against the organization that let him go two seasons ago.

Berrian is averaging 11.1 yards per catch. He has 16 receptions for 177 yards and a touchdown this season.

The Vikings improved to 4-0 on the season.

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THE VALLEY’S FINEST

The final 2009 statistics of every Major League Baseball player from the Central Valley:

HITTERS

AARON HILL, Toronto Blue Jays Second Baseman
Redwood High School (Visalia)
2009 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
158 games played, .286 Batting Average, 36 HR, 108 RBI, .330 OBP, .499 SLG, 103 runs scored, 195 hits, 37 doubles

CASEY MCGEHEE, Milwaukee Brewers Third Baseman
Fresno State
116 games played, .301 batting average, 16 HR, 66 RBI, .360 OBP, .499 SLG, 58 runs scored, 107 hits, 20 doubles

PITCHERS

BRIAN FUENTES, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Closer
Merced High School, Merced College
2009 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
65 Games Played, 1-5 Record, 3.93 ERA, 48 Saves, 55 Innings Pitched, 24 Walks, 48 Strikeouts
LED MAJORS IN SAVES

TED LILLY, Chicago Cubs Starter
Yosemite High School, Fresno City College
2009 NATIONAL LEAGUE ALL-STAR
27 Games Played, 12-9 Record, 3.10 ERA, 177 Innings, 36 Walks, 151 Strikeouts

MATT GARZA, Tampa Bay Rays Starter
Washington Union High School, Fresno State
32 Games Played, 8-12 Record, 3.95 ERA, 203 Innings, 79 Walks, 189 Strikeouts

JEFF WEAVER, Los Angeles Dodgers Spot Starter, Reliever
28 Games Played, 7 Starts, 6-4 Record, 3.65 ERA, 79 Innings, 33 Walks, 64 Strikeouts

DOUG FISTER, Seattle Mariners Starter
Golden Valley High School (Merced), Fresno State
11 Games Played, 10 Starts, 3-4 Record, 4.13 ERA, 61 Innings, 15 Walks, 36 Strikeouts

GARRETT OLSON, Seattle Mariners Starter, Reliever
Buchanan High School (Clovis)
31 Games Played, 11 Starts, 3-5 Record, 5.60 ERA, 80.1 Innings, 34 Walks, 47 Strikeouts

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FINAL MINOR LEAGUE STATS

Here are the final 2009 combined statistics of every minor league baseball player from the valley. The team listed is the one he finished his minor league season with. Some have played with more than one minor league team this year. If we missed someone, please let us know! Statistical information compiled by Bryan Grace.

OMAR AGUILAR (Merced College), Brevard County Manatees (Brewers, A): 3-1, 4.72 ERA, 41 games, 14 saves, 27 walks, 70 K’s

ALAN AHMADY (Clovis West/ Fresno State), Batavia Muckdogs (Cardinals, A): .292 Avg, 67 Games, 46 Runs, 71 Hits, 3 HR, 32 RBI

RYAN BLAIR (Golden West High School), Kinston Indians (Indians, A): .212 Avg, 76 Games, 26 Runs, 55 Hits,2 HR, 18 RBI

DAYTON BULLER (Yosemite High School, FCC) Tulsa Drillers (Rockies, AA): .261 Avg, 26 Games, 8 Runs, 24 Hits, 1 HR, 7 RBI

MICHAEL COLLA (Clovis West) Lynchburg Hillcats (Pirates, A): 6-3, 4.31 ERA, 37 Games, 19 Walks, 52 K’s

RYAN COOK (Clovis High School) South Bend Silver Hawks (Diamond Backs, A): 11-11, 3.66 ERA, 25 Games, 44 Walks, 103 K’s

MARQUISE COOPER (Edison High School) GCL Marlins (Marlins): .193 Avg, 39 Games, 19 Runs, 27 Hits, 1 HR, 14 RBI

SHANE COSTA (Visalia) Omaha Royals (Royals, AAA): .500 Avg, 1 Game, 1 Hit

LEONARD DAVIS (Dos Palos High School/ FCC) Syracuse Chiefs (Nationals, AAA): .273 Avg, 126 Games, 51 Runs, 120 Hits, 16 HR, 55 RBI

JASON DONALD (Buchanan High School) Columbus Clippers (Indians, AAA): .238 Avg, 70 Games, 40 Runs, 64 Hits, 2 HR, 18 RBI

THOMAS EAGER (Merced High School) Palm Beach Cardinals (Cardinals, A): 4-6, 5.25 ERA, 52 Games, 46 Walks, 75 K’s

DOUG FISTER (Golden Valley High School/ Merced College/ Fresno State) Tacoma Rainiers (Mariners, AAA): 7-4, 3.62 ERA 24 Games, 12 Walks, 84 K’s (Promoted to Mariners)

EDDIE GAMBOA (Merced High School) Bowie Baysoxs (Orioles, AA): 11-0, 1.08 ERA, 39 Games, 3 Saves, 17 Walks, 75 K’s

BRADIN HAGENS (Merced College) Missoula Osprey (Diamond Backs, Rookie): 1-1, 3.42 ERA, 15 Games, 4 Saves, 6 Walks, 13 K’s

PERNELL HALLIMAN (Edison High School) Idaho Falls Chukars (Royals, A): 5-1, 5.59 ERA, 15 Games, 1 Save, 28 Walks, 39 K’s

SEAN HALTON (Fresno High School/FCC) Helena Brewers (Brewers, Rookie): .345 Avg, 69 Games, 40 Runs, 88 Hits, 6 HR, 45 RBI

GABE JACOBO (Tulare Western) Cedar Rapids Kernels (Angels, A): .257 Avg, 118 Games, 59 Runs, 113 Hits, 10 HR, 72 RBI

JAKE JEFFERIES (Buhach Colony High School) Bowling Green Hot Rods (Rays, A): .261 Avg, 116 Games, 54 Runs, 115 Hits, 8 HR, 50 RBI

JORGE JIMENEZ (Porterville JC) Portland Sea Hogs (Red Sox, AA): .289 Avg, 133 Games, 63 Runs, 144 Hits, 13 HR, 87 RBI

OZZIE LEWIS (Fresno State) Beloit Snappers (Twins, A): .272 Avg, 108 Games, 43 Runs, 109 Hits, 7 HR, 53 RBI

BRANDON MARTINEZ (Fowler High School) AZL Dodgers (Dodgers): 0-4, 9.86 ERA, 10 Games, 11 Walks, 23 K’s

TOM MENDONCA (Fresno State) Bakersfield Blaze (Rangers, A): .290 Avg, 60 Games, 38 Runs, 67 Hits, 9 HR, 28 RBI

JUSTIN MILLER (Fresno State) Bakersfield Blaze (Rangers, A): 1-2, 3.34 ERA, 24 Games, 4 Saves, 17 Walks, 37 K’s

BEAU MILLS (Fresno State) Akron Aeros (Indians, AA): .267 Avg, 134 Games, 59 Runs, 138 Hits, 14 HR, 83 RBI

GARY MORAN (Madera High School/FCC) Salem-Keizer Vlocanoes (Giants, A): 4-0, 3.04 ERA, 23 Games, 5 Walks, 16 K’s

NICK MORESI (Fresno State) Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros, AA): .223 Avg, 101 Games, 45 Runs, 71 Hits, 11 HR, 32 RBI

GARRETT OLSON (Buchanan High School) Tacoma Rainiers (Mariners, AAA): 3-5, 5.70 ERA, 29 Games, 34 Walks, 41 K’s

CURTIS PARTCH (Merced College) Sarasota Reds (Reds, A): 12-9, 4.49 ERA, 27 Games, 59 Walks, 104 K’s

ADAM PETTYJOHN (Fresno State) Buffalo Bisions (Mets, AAA): 4-11, 4.09 ERA, 27 Games, 31 Walks, 57 K’s

BEAU RIPORTELLA (Tulare Union/COS) Batavia Muckdogs (Cardianls, A): .191 Avg, 42 Games, 16 Runs, 22 Hits, 2 HR, 12 RBI

RICHIE ROBNETT (Fresno State) Trenton Thunder (Yankees, AA): .231 Avg, 86 Games, 28 Runs, 59 Hits, 4 HR, 21 RBI

DUSTY RYAN (Golden Valley High School/Merced College) Toledo Mud Hens (Tigers, AAA): .257 Avg, 63 Games, 25 Runs, 52 Hits, 10 HR, 35 RBI

KENT SAKAMOTO (Fresno State) Lynchburg Hillcats (Pirates, A): .189 Avg, 72 Games, 34 Runs, 46 Hits, 7 HR, 29 RBI

JARRETT SANTOS (Corcoran High School) Jacksonville Suns (Marlins, AA): 8-8, 3.85 ERA, 40 Games, 17 Walks, 55 K’s

CHRIS SCHWINDEN (Fresno Pacific) St. Lucie Mets (Mets, A): 10-6, 3.34 ERA, 23 Games, 18 Walks, 92 K’s

JAMESON SMITH (Clovis West/FCC) Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins, A): .243 Avg, 49 Games, 18 Runs, 36 Hits, 1 HR, 13 RBI

KYLE SMITH (Buchanan High School) Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Indians, A): .242 Avg, 51 Games, 26 Runs, 46 Hits, 12 RBI

HOLDEN SPRAGUE (Bullard High School/Fresno State) Jamestown Jammers (Marlins, A): 1-3, 3.93 ERA, 15 Games, 9 Walks, 35 K’s

ERIC STOLP (Yosemite High School/Fresno Pacific) Augusta GreenJackets (Giants, A): 3-2, 4.17 ERA, 32 Games, 29 Walks, 24 K’s

STEVE SUSDORF (Fresno State) Reading Phillies (Phillies, AA): .324 Avg, 85 Games, 41 Runs, 99 Hits, 7 HR, 44 RBI

CHRISTIAN VITTERS (Fresno State) Stockton Ports (A’s, A): .216 Avg, 82 Games, 33 Runs, 66 Hits, 8 HR, 39 RBI

STEPHEN VOGT (Central Valley Christian High School) Charlotte Stone Crabs (Rays, A): .171 Avg, 10 Games, 6 Hits, 3 RBI

MARCUS WALDEN (Central High School/FCC) Dunedin Blue Jays (Blue Jays, A): 2-1, 8.64 ERA, 4 Games, 10 Walks, 8 K’s

ERIK WETZEL (Fresno State) Asheville Tourists (Rockies, A): .300 Avg, 13 Games, 7 Runs, 12 Hits, 2 RBI

JAKE WILD (Kingsburg High School) High Desert Mavericks (Mariners, A): 6-8, 4.09 ERA, 34 Games, 37 Walks, 116 K’s

JUSTIN WILSON (Fresno State) Lynchburg Hillcats (Pirates, A): 6-8, 4.50 ERA, 26 Games, 55 Walks, 94 K’s

JAKE WOODS (Kingsburg High School): Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Phillies, AAA): 5-2, 3.46 ERA, 42 Games, 29 Walks, 53 K’s

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FORMER BULLDOG ELY SIGNS WITH KINGS

Fresno State’s all-time leading scorer hopes to revive his career in Sacramento.

By George Takata
VSP Senior Writer:

Melvin Ely (Fresno State) signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Sacramento Kings Monday, and is on the team’s training camp roster.

The 6′10″ 261 pound Ely, who played for Jerry Tarkanian at Fresno State, is averaging six points and three rebounds per game for his seven year NBA career. Sacramento is his fifth team going into his eighth NBA season.

Ely was the Clippers first round pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, the first senior selected that year. He can play center or power forward, and could provide depth off the bench for the Kings if he makes the team. His most productive season was with the Charlotte Bobcats in 2005-2006, when he started 22 of the 57 games he played, averaging 10 points and five rebounds a game in 24 minutes per contest.

Ely is the only former Bulldog basketball player to win an NBA title (2007 with the Spurs). He was not on San Antonio’s playoff roster, however.

Check out Ely’s interview with the Sacramento Bee at Kings Media Day here (with a Fresno reference):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU9-NSDIeMY

For a look at Ely’s career stats, click here:
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/melvin_ely/career_stats.html

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GREEN DAY

Former Buchanan High and Fresno City College standout Matt Giordano signs with the Green Bay Packers.

By Tom Silverstein
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:

Desperate for a healthy safety who could play right away, the Green Bay Packers signed free agent Matt Giordano and released safety Aaron Rouse to create a spot for Giordano on the 53-man roster. Rouse was the Packers third round draft pick this year.

There was some question whether Rouse would be ready to play this week after suffering a neck stinger against Cincinnati on Sunday, but the bottom line was that his poor play against the Bengals convinced the team it was time to move on.

Giordano was cut after the Indianapolis Colts were awarded linebacker Cody Glenn on waivers.

Giordano practiced with the team Wednesday and is expected to be available for backup help and special teams if needed. He got off on the right start with two interceptions in practice, but admitted he has a lot of work to do to memorize the different calls.

He has not played in a 3-4, but he didn’t think it was an issue.

“I’m just excited to be here,” Giordano said. “It’s an opportunity, but the thing I have to do is retain as much information, know the defense as quickly as possible and execute my assignment.”

Giordano played in 55 games for the Colts, including six starts. He has close ties to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a teammate in college at California -and a junior college opponent before that. Giordano played at Fresno City College, the only team to beat Rodgers’ Butte College team in 2002.

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HILL OF A SEASON

Visalia native Aaron Hill’s 100th RBI of the season is a game winner against the Orioles.

By Jordan Bastian
mlb.com:

Aaron Hill (Visalia, Redwood HS) tried to turn away, but there was little the Blue Jays’ second baseman could do to avoid the 97-mph fastball that was headed his way in the eighth inning on Tuesday night. The errant pitch from Danys Baez sailed high and inside on Hill, bending frighteningly close to his head.

The baseball struck Hill high on his left shoulder, sending him tumbling to the ground during the Blue Jays’ 6-5, 11-inning victory over the Orioles. For a moment, a hush fell over Rogers Centre as everyone waited for the second baseman to get back on his feet.

That included Baez.

“I lost the grip,” Baez said. “I was scrambling a little bit when the ball left my hand. I was kind of afraid to hit Hill with that ball, especially in the face or the head or something like that. It just really affected me a little bit at that moment. You don’t want to hit anybody, especially him. He’s a really professional player.”

It was an eerie reminder of what Hill went through last season, when an on-field collision with then-Jays shortstop David Eckstein at the end of May resulted in a serious concussion, ending the second baseman’s season. This time around, Hill quickly shifted to his feet and headed to first base, shaking off the close call.

Then, in the 11th inning, Hill showed just how far he has come since that fateful day last year.

After Jose Bautista drew a leadoff walk, Hill sent a pitch from Baltimore’s Dennis Sarfate bouncing into the right-center-field gap for a game-winning double, setting off a celebration that ended with Vernon Wells emptying a Gatorade cooler on him.

“I knew I was going to wear it,” Hill said with a smile.

Hill’s run-scoring double broke a 5-5 tie and brought a satisfying end to a contest that included a pair of home runs from Edwin Encarnacion. It also gave Hill 100 RBIs in this comeback season of his. The second baseman drove in No. 99 with his team-leading 33rd home run in the third inning.

“Nothing like a game-winning RBI to get your 100th,” Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said. “That’s great for him. He’s a kid that plays hard every day for you.”

For Hill, the milestone itself did not mean much in the grand scheme of things. He was more thrilled about being given a chance to come through with the decisive hit after striking out with the bases loaded two innings earlier. That whiff came after Bautista was hit by a pitch to bring in the game-tying run in the ninth.

“I’ll tell you what, I’ll take any one of them,” Hill said. “It’s something that you’re not really trying to get to, but it’s one of those things that’s in the back of your head. It’s nice to get it over with, so you can just play. It wasn’t that big of a deal for me. It was just one more, but now everyone will stop talking about it.”

That does not mean Hill has not taken the time to appreciate what he accomplished. As the majority of his teammates stormed the field after his double, Lyle Overbay headed to the outfield to retrieve the baseball. Hill can put it alongside the ball he kept after launching his 30th homer of the year earlier this season.

“That was nice,” said Hill, referring to Overbay’s gesture.

Hill was hardly the lone hero in the latest win for the Jays (68-83), though.

After Hill’s long ball off Orioles lefty Mark Hendrickson in the third, Encarnacion followed with a shot of his own to knot the score at 2. Encarnacion, who was acquired from the Reds on July 31 in the trade that sent third baseman Scott Rolen to Cincinnati, added a two-run homer after Hill was hit by the pitch from Baez in the eighth.

“Let’s hope he keeps swinging like that for the next year or two,” Gaston said.

Hill also might be a little sore after the pitch he took off his arm. Not that he’s going to complain in light of the game’s end result and the milestone he achieved.

“Walk-offs are great,” Hill said. “That’s a great part of baseball. It’s fun seeing everybody running out of the dugout coming to get you. That’s what you work for. Any time you help your team get on top, it’s fun. It’s a great time.”

AARON HILL BY THE NUMBERS:
GAMES: 147
BATTING AVERAGE: .286
HOME RUNS: 33*
RBI:100*
HITS: 182*
RUNS: 94*
* = career highs

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SCHEPPERS SIGNS WITH RANGERS

The wait is over for the former Fresno State ace, who will begin his pro career immediately.

By T.R. Sullivan
mlb.com:

A partially torn rotator cuff kept Fresno State pitcher Tanner Scheppers from being one of the top picks in the past two First-Year Player Drafts.

The Rangers, after having Scheppers take two physicals, believe the right shoulder is not going to be a long-term problem. That’s why they were willing to take him with the 44th overall pick this year and why they were willing to give him the highest bonus ever paid to a supplemental first-round pick.

Scheppers agreed to a $1.25 million bonus this week, the Rangers officially announced on Thursday. Scheppers underwent a physical at the Medical Center of Arlington on Wednesday before the agreement became official.

“It’s a great feeling to be a part of the Texas Rangers,” Scheppers said at a news conference Thursday on an off-day at the Ballpark in Arlington. “It’s a great organization and it’s great to get started. … It’s great to be a part of this organization. It’s awesome.”

Scheppers pitched for St. Paul in the independent American Association and was not bound by the Aug. 17 deadline for players enrolling in or going back to college. The Rangers originally had hopes of signing Scheppers quickly after the Draft, moving him through the system and possibly having him be a September callup. Instead, it took over three months to get him signed.

“Obviously, I’ve lost a lot of time the past two months,” Scheppers said. “But I’ve been doing a lot of work in the bullpen on my mechanics and taken some good steps. It shouldn’t hold me back next year. I’m going to definitely try to get up here as quickly as possible. Hopefully, it won’t take too long.”

Scheppers will report to instructional league on Friday. He already took part in the first workout earlier this week before coming to Texas for his physical. The plan is also for him to pitch in the Arizona Fall League as a reliever for the Surprise Rafters.

“That’s the plan,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “We want to get him going in instructional league and then we’ll evaluate how many innings he’ll pitch in the Fall League.”

The Rangers have not committed to inviting Scheppers to Major League camp next spring, but Daniels said it’s a possibility.

Scheppers was the second player taken in the Draft by the Rangers. They were unable to sign pitcher Matt Purke, their first-round pick out of Houston Klein High School, who has since enrolled at Texas Christian University. But Daniels said that did not make them even more motivated to sign Scheppers.

“We still wanted to sign Tanner,” Daniels said. “From where we are as an organization, we are so committed and so reliant on developing our own young players, and we wanted to keep that pipeline flowing. This was very important.”

There was a time when Scheppers would have been rated higher than Purke in a pre-Draft analysis.

He was 8-2 with a 2.93 ERA in 12 games, including 11 starts, for the Fresno State Bulldogs in 2008. But he came down with a shoulder injury prior to the playoffs and missed out on the Bulldogs’ run to the 2008 College World Series title.

The injury was originally diagnosed as a stress fracture, but a second examination by Dr. Lewis Yocum showed a partial tear in the rotator cuff. Scheppers did not have surgery but instead chose to address the injury through rehabilitation and exercise. The Pirates took him with the 48th overall pick in the 2008 Draft but did not come close to signing him.

Scheppers worked out last spring for scouts at a junior college in Southern California, and the Rangers were usually in attendance. He then signed with St. Paul and pitched four games for the Saints prior to the Draft. Texas scouted all four of those games. Scheppers also willingly submitted to a pre-Draft physical with the Rangers in June.

“That was very unusual,” Daniels said. “Not many players or agents willingly submit to a pre-Draft physical.”

The Rangers were satisfied with the results. When Scheppers fell to the 44th spot, Texas took him.

“We were very happy, although not surprised,” Rangers scouting director Ron Hopkins said. “There was an issue with a past injury, but our scouts saw him six or seven times this spring, and he was throwing free and easy and throwing hard.”

Scheppers was clocked at 98 mph in St. Paul, but Texas was also intrigued that he was throwing four pitches for strikes. Scheppers has been throwing four times a week since the Draft out in California, and the Rangers were monitoring his sessions. They also had him take a second physical prior to the signing to make sure there were no changes since June.

The shoulder remains a concern, but Scheppers has been told by doctors that if he maintains a proper conditioning program and continues to strengthen the shoulder, he shouldn’t have any problems.

“I’m definitely motivated to show people something,” Scheppers said. “I’m very excited to get my career going with the Rangers and get ahead as soon as possible.”

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