Marlins Notes - September 2011

[Orioles]

• 9/3
• MINORS NOTES
  
  Marlins player happenings from around the minors...
  

  John Hellweg, RHP, Angels (High-A Inland Empire): 5.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K. Six-foot-nine righty has converted from closing to starting; 2/12 ERA in rotation with 80 strikeouts in 63.2 IP and upper 90s fastball.
  
  Domingo Santana, OF, Astros (Low-A Lexington): 2-for-4, 3 RBI, K. .397/.462/.707 in 14 games since trade; 19-years-old and physically a monster.
  
  Dustin McGowan, RHP, Blue Jays (Double-A New Hampshire): 3.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K. From the remember me files; hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2008 due to arm ailments, but showing plus velo with nearly a strikeout per inning.
  
  (BaseballProspectus.com)

[Orioles]

• 9/4
• MINORS NOTES
  
  More Marlins player happenings from around the minors...
  

  IN THE TEAM PHOTO
  
  When the Angels moved RHP Johnny Hellweg to the starting rotation, it was done more to get him innings than for any thought of a long-term role as a starter. But it's worked out better than than the Angels could have expected. Hellweg has always had control issues, but lately he's started throwing more strikes. With a fastball that has flirted with 100 mph, Hellweg always has been hard to hit, and that's become quite apparent recently. The 22-year-old has gone 4-1, 2.12 in 64 innings as a starter with 80 strikeouts, 50 hits allowed and 28 walks. This week he struck out 17 in nine innings. When you consider that he's pitching in the California League, those numbers become all the more remarkable (BaseballAmerica.com, Prospect Hot Sheet Sept. 2)

[Orioles]

• 9/5
• PLAYER NOTES
  
  The Marlins get an unexpected boost in the rotation down the stretch with the actviation of 29-year-old RHP Dustin McGowan. Out of the bigs since 2008 with a mess of different injuries, McGowan looked so good (hitting 95+) coming back from his most-recent shoulder surgery that the Jays stretched him out in the minors with the long term intent that he return to the rotation. For now, he'll be filling a role in the Toronto pen, re-acquainting himself with major league hitting.
  
  McGowan was released by the Marlins in June 2010 amidst whispers his career was done. In a move that surprised no one, the Fish re-acquired McGowan in trade with division-rival Philadelphia a year later (May 29) for Javy Guerra and Marcell Ozuna. Hopefully his arm stays attached this time.
  

  TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays activated right-hander Dustin McGowan off the 60-day disabled list before Monday's home game against the Boston Red Sox. (AP)

[Orioles]

• 9/21
• MINORS NOTES
  
  
  Marlins farmhands popping up on the BA league top 20s....
  
  AZL TOP 20 PROSPECTS
  
  1. Yoan Alcantara, of, Padres
  2. Phillips Castillo, of, Mariners
  3. Elvis Araujo, lhp, Indians
  
  GCL TOP 20 PROSPECTS
  
  3. Luis Heredia, rhp, Pirates
  4. Brenny Paulino, rhp, Tigers
  5. Jose Osuna, 1b/of, Pirates