Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Random Thoughts…
Billy Carlson and Jaden Fauske are progressing nicely in Low-A. Everyone says there’s pop in Billy’s bat and it is just a matter of time till we see it. And Jaden continues to get bigger and stronger.
Javier Mogollon is one of the hottest hitters in the Carolina League in May, hitting .392 going into last night’s game. At 5’8, 160, his sweet swing generates a lot of bat speed. And he was flashing the leather big-time last night, including a first-inning defensive gem with a runner on third base that saved a run. He and Billy Carlson form quite a duo up the middle. I can see why manager Jayson Nix cited the defense as one of the reasons the pitching has been so good. It is always fun to watch a well-played baseball game and right now the Ballers are playing elite defense. And they take a lot of pride in it, as evidenced by the fact that the infielders hold themselves accountable by doing pushups after infield practice for any miscues.
I met Alexander Albertus and he strikes me as a thoughtful guy who is mature for his age (21). He’s also quite the physical specimen. I asked if we could do an interview so folks can get to know him. He said he’s happy to chat but prefers not to have the interview shared on socials. I can respect that. I also talked to 2 of his teammates about him and both praised his contributions on and off the field.
And then there’s Max Banks. A 6-inning shutout with no walks. Let’s get him up to Winston-Salem to see how his game plays against High-A hitters.
The White Sox have some dedicated minor-league managers. I went to Winston-Salem on Sunday and watched Guillermo Quiroz working tirelessly pregame, first tidying up the dugout and then working with one of his catchers in the bullpen. Then, after a long day, he was still gracious enough to chat with me postgame. It was more of the same in Kannapolis, as Jayson Nix did one-on-one drills with a couple of infielders before holding fielding and batting practice. And it was stifling hot as the temps pushed 90.
Insights from players and managers are fascinating. I’m not sure fans appreciate how hard these guys work. But my interviews often are only possible because of the awesome support from
@awmurphy50,
@dan_helotie in Kannapolis and Doug Maurer with
@KnightsBaseball. Thanks, guys!
Javier Mogollon extends his hit streak to 10 with a 401' 2R bomb to LCF. Carlson (BB) scores. 7-0
#Ballers.