October 28, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Fall/Winter Roundup: Ferguson has big week, Brannon belts long homer
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Arizona Fall League
Max Ferguson (pictured) had a tremendous week at the plate, going 5 for 14 (.357) with two singles, two doubles, and one home run. He reached base in all four games that he played in, drove in four runs, stole a base, and also drew a pair of walks. For the season he is batting .293/.408/.463 in 11 games with four doubles, eight RBI, seven runs scored, and eight walks. Brooks Brannon and Caden Rose had very similar weeks, as each went 2 for 12 with a single and a home run. Brannon also drew a walk and struck out six times. The catcher's home run was an absolute blast, going 468 feet. Rose added two walks and a stolen base to his week. On the season, Rose is hitting just .184 but he has a very solid .340 OBP due to an impressive nine walks in 13 games.
On the mound, Cooper Adams made one start and lasted three innings while surrendering three hits, three earned runs, and one home run. The 24-year old right-hander struck out four and walked just one. Danny Kirwin also made one appearance and pitched very well, tossing three innings of one-run ball. He picked up the win while striking out four without issuing a free pass. Tyler Uberstine had one appearance, allowing five hits and two earned runs across 1 2/3 frames. He punched out three and walked three. Left-hander Zach Fogell got into one game as well and only allowed one unearned run on one hit to go along with four strikeouts and no walks in 2 1/3 innings. Conor Steinbaugh did not see any action.
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Dominican Winter League (LIDOM)
Infielder Enmanuel Valdez is playing for Estrellas Orientales and has struggled to get it going so far. He played in four games this past week and went 3 for 22 with three singles and no walks. In 39 plate appearances on the year, he is hitting just .135/.180/.135, but with only three strikeouts.
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Mexican Pacific League (LMP)
Alex Speas, a right-handed pitcher who was claimed off waivers from Houston this past June, is the lone Sox representative in this league playing for Venados de Mazatlan. So far, he has appeared in five games and thrown 5 2/3 innings. He has given up three hits, three earned runs, and one home run. His ERA is 4.76 despite a terrific WHIP of 0.706. He has five strikeouts and just one walk. He is 26 years old and has four career MLB innings under his belt.
Photo Credit: Max Ferguson by Kelly O'Connor