High Heels On The Field

New York Penn League: Who Will Return In 2013?

Some players proved quick to adapt at the professional level, some were repeats that needed more Class-A short-season playing time. Come next year, there will be new draft picks assigned to New York Penn. Who needs a second run in New York Penn?
And who showed they can take it to the next level and (hopefully) not look back?

There were a few glaring numbers & performances that made the repeats harder to narrow. So that list is shorter.

As I'm sure you know, these are just guesses based on observation all season.

No-Return:

*Saxon Butler, 1B/DH, Staten Island Yankees- Power, patience, plate-discipline, and presence. At the plate he was constantly composed and adjusted with each at-bat, sometimes within the at-bat, which led to a league leading 10 home runs & a promotion to Class-A Charleston. If he continues at that pace, look for Butler to see Double-A pitching as early as 2014.

*Taylor Guerrieri, Hudson Valley Renegades, Tampa Rays- Like a diamond in the rough. The RHP shined after some cleaning up and gave one of the most outstanding pitching performances of the NYPL Championship Series. He didn't lead the league in any category, but he pitched when it counted. His maturity on the mound and ability to slow the game down became more evident with each outing. He finished the season going 1-2 with a 1.07 ERA. Give him the ball a level higher and let him fire it up. When he channels that endless energy of his, he's hard to beat.

*Luis Mateo, RHP, Brooklyn Cyclones, New York Mets- What he sometimes lacked in control, he made up for with his ability to bounce back after tough moments. He allowed contact, but rarely allowed it to hurt him or his team. His league-leading 80 strikeouts wasn't all that impressed. In 73.1 innings he gave up just 9 walks and 2 home runs. Minimal damage and an ability to command all his pitches earns him a shot at the next level.

*Jeff Ames, RHP, Hudson Valley Renegades - Ames led the Renegades pitching staff in every category, striking out 70 batters. And, count it, allowed just one home run. That was over 64 innings in which he took the loss once, finishing the season 6-1. He can struggle with control, leading to 20 walks, but beyond that he made his second year of professional baseball look pretty easy-breezy.

*Jake Depew, Catcher, Hudson Valley Renegades - This might not seem like a strong candidate for a promotion, but he deserves a shot at a more competitive level. He was a consistent driving force on the team, particularly with his pitchers. His relationship with Guerrieri seemed instrumental in the pitcher's impressive growth throughout the season. Depew finished 2012 with three years of pro-ball under his cleats, but his production was down from 2011. Still, his discipline at the plate was noticeable. He was never afraid to wait for his pitch. In turn, he could be a better contact hitter with more playing time to develop his still-raw talent.

Another Tour:

*Brandon Nimmo, Outfielder, Brooklyn Cyclones - He needs to get used to that grueling schedule. Nimmo struck out 78 times (third in the league), but also excelled in a number of key areas. He worked 46 walks (second in the league) and showed his ability to drive in runs with 40 RBI (5th overall). His lopsided results and tendency to free-swing hurt him as the season winded down. Physically he tired, but mentally he often appeared overwhelmed.

*Josh Warner, RHP, Williamsport Crosscutters, Philadelphia Phillies - Warner got hit hard a lot in his team-leading 81 innings of work. He led the league in hits allowed with 86 and got tagged for 38 earned runs. The lack of home runs surrendered, 5, is a promising sign as was his solid performance throughout July. Even a half a season back in short-a could do him good.

*Tyler Greene, SS, Williamsport Crosscutters - His 85 strikeouts were the most in the league, though he showed good contact in a career-high 84 games between the South Atlantic League and New York Penn. It could take another season of short-season to get him physically and mentally prepared for a longer schedule and more competitive league. His 46 hits showed he's on the right track.

Richard Giannotti Reflects On Atlantic League Playoffs, Contemplates Retirement

In 2007, after playing three years of affiliated basebal, Richard Giannotti was pursuing more playing time. He began a new career in independent baseball, signing with the Can-Am League Nashua Pride.

It was 2008 that the outfielder joined the Atlantic League, calling it home playing for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs for the next four years.

He's 29 now, and just off an exciting year in which the Blue Crabs fought their way through injuries to earn a spot in the first round of the playoffs.

Despite not advancing, it was a shining moment in his time with the team.

"We were down two in a best-of-five series and we went to the other team's place and came back to tie it. That showed the character and determination of that team," he said.

But it might also be the end of his playing career.

"I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I'm leaning toward retirement. I'm not sure if it will be outside of baseball, but I have other passions and interests. I want to figure out and pursue those other things. Time away from the game will help me [in making decision]."

He admits that his body is betraying him a bit, the effort he's giving isn't equaling in quite the same results. He's not old. But the pace and physical requirements catch up to athletes quickly. Coaching, while still taking you away from home, is a natural progression.

"I don't rule out coaching or a front office job either," he said.

Giannotti hit .196 this season with 22 RBI and 16 walks in 77 games. He was drafted in 2004 in the 38th round by the Anaheim Angels and played in their system, as well as for the St. Louis Cardinals. He's hit .296 for his career in eight seasons, making his mark as a solid contact guy and fielder.

He attended the University of Miami where he got his business degree. He began the clothing line Bubucheek with two partners, selling women's and men's athletic and active wear.

"I looked at it as an opportunity to gain business experience. I've learned so much about running a business properly. Things that maybe your business classes don't go into as much detail about. Also, we have a long and a short term plan. We dump our revenue back in. I hope next year we can draw a salary on it."

Via his Twitter account @JustMeGee he's been active in spreading the word and garnering interest. They're also looking to attend trade shows and more events to help reach the ultimate goal.

"The long term plan is a store front in a heavy foot-traffic area," he said.

2012 might be his final season as a player, but there were moments that made him proud personally and as a teammate.

"I hit a big home run in a double-header against a division rival. The stadium was packed and it was an exciting night. As a team, clinching the playoffs. It was a culmination of everything we'd overcome."

http://shop.bubucheek.com/