Essex-Middle River Minor League Baseball Update

Welcome to a new feature on my blog, where I'll be highlighting minor league players with local roots, along with the fairly local Aberdeen IronBirds. If you're ever reading this and feel a player is being left out that deserves attention, please e-mail me (ewalker795@gmail.com).

The Players

Bruce Pugh, Kenwood graduate (2006), Right-handed pitcher: Pugh was drafted by the Twins in 2008 and has quickly made a name for himself in the minor leagues. This is his fourth professional season and he has reached the Double-A level, pitching for the New Britain Rock Cats. 

Pugh has been a relief pitcher this season, and is currently struggling to adjust himself to the higher level of competition in Double-A, carrying a 9.69 ERA in 13.0 innings of work into tonight's game. 

Steve Johnson, St. Paul's graduate (2005), Right-handed pitcher: Steve Johnson is one of the brighest pitching stars in the Orioles' farm system and looks poised to reach the major leagues this season. Although Johnson grew up in Kingsville, he has strong ties to the area, as his father, former Orioles star Dave Johnson, is a native of Essex/Middle River. 

This season, Johnson has reached Triple-A, the highest level of minor league competition after tearing up Double-A Bowie. With Bowie, the right-hander put up a 5-1 record with a 2.16 ERA in 10 starts.

In his first start after being promoted on June 19, Johnson had some serious control problems, as he walked seven batters, which caused him to give up 10 runs in only 3.2 innings of work. In his second start on June 24 against the same Buffalo Bisons, Johnson calmed down and went six innings, only allowing two runs.

Greg Ross, Loch Raven graduate (2007), Right-handed pitcher: Ross, a former Loch Raven Raider, signed quickly after being drafted by the Braves earlier in June, and has already made his first professional appearance for the Danville Braves. Danville is a Rookie League team in the Appalachian League, and Ross made a three-inning relief appearance on June 24 against the Bluefield Blue Jays (formerly the Bluefield Orioles). In that appearance, Ross allowed two runs and struck out two batters.

The IronBirds

Aberdeen IronBirds (Short Season Single-A): The IronBirds have struggled out of the gates to start the season, going 2-10 in their first 12 games. Although the record may seem a bit mediocre, keep in mind that the club has lost 6 of 10 games by only one run. 

One of the bright spots on the team thus far has been Parker Bridwell, a 19-year old right-handed starting pitcher who is one of the Orioles' most promising prospects. In three starts, Bridwell has gone 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA, striking out 17 batters in 13.0 innings pitched.

Mychal Givens, another top Orioles prospect, has arguably been the best offensive player on the team in the first 12 games of the season. He's hitting .295 with a .392 on-base percentage, along with two stolen bases, two doubles, and a home run. 

Check back early next week for another edition of "Minor League Update."