Call to the pen
Fansided

International League 2013 Year In Review: Chris Colabello, J.D. Martin Take Top Honors

By Tom Froemming

facebooktwitterreddit

May 25, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Chris Colabello (55) hits a single in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Most Valuable Player Chris Colabello, Rochester Red Wings (MIN)

It’s hard to believe Colabello was never drafted and was playing in the independent Can-Am League just two years ago. The 29-year-old is struggling to catch on in the majors, but just the fact that he made it to the bigs is a remarkable feat.

Colabello hammered 24 home runs in just 89 games with the Red Wings, driving in 76 runs. His eye-popping slash line of .352/.427/.639 earned him a callup even before the Minnesota Twins traded away longtime first baseman Justin Morneau. The Twins are trying to rebuild, so it’s likely they’ll turn to a younger player at some point, but Colabello certainly made an impression on the International League this season.

Most Valuable Pitcher J.D. Martin, Durham Bulls (TB)

Martin has been quite the reclamation project for the Tampa Bay Rays. The 30-year-old had an ugly 5.95 ERA last year for the Miami Marlins Triple-A affiliate. This year, Martin led the IL with 16 wins, had the lowest walks rate at 1.46 BB/9 and ranked third with a 2.75 ERA.

The right-hander was a first-round pick of the Cleveland Indians in 2001 and made Baseball America’s Top-100 for 2002, coming in at No. 88. Martin amassed 24 starts for the Washington Nationals between 2009 and 2010, posting a 4.32 ERA. A couple of arm injuries derailed his career, but Martin has regained the control he was known for.

Rookie of the Year Chris Colabello, Rochester Red Wings (MIN)
Manager of the Year Charlie Montoyo, Durham Bulls (TB)

IL All-Stars

Best Record

  • 87-57 (.604) Durham Bulls (TB)
  • 80-63 (.559) Pawtucket Red Sox (BOS)
  • 80-64 (.556) Indianapolis Indians (PIT)

Home Runs

  • 29 Mauro Gomez, Buffalo Bisons (TOR)
  • 29 Zach Walters, Syracuse Chiefs (WAS)
  • 28 Ernesto Mejia, Gwinnett Braves (ATL)
  • 25 Danny Dorn, Toledo Mud Hens (DET
  • 25 Mike Hessman, Louisville Bats (CIN)

Batting Average

  • .352 Chris Colabello, Rochester Red Wings (MIN)
  • .318 Jeff Kobermus, Syracuse Chiefs (WAS)
  • .309 Cesar Hernandez, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (PHI)
  • .304 L.J. Hoes, Norfolk Tides (BAL)
  • .301 Brandon Guyer, Durham Bulls (TB)

On-Base Plus Slugging Percentage

  • 1.066 Chris Colabello, Rochester Red Wings (MIN)
  • .854 Vince Belhome, Durham Bulls (TB)
  • .845 Luis Jimenez, Buffalo Bisons (TOR)
  • .843 Mauro Gomez, Buffalo Bisons (TOR)
  • .837 Cody Asche, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (PHI)

Earned Run Average

Strikeouts

Walks and Hits Per Innings Pitched

  • 1.06 Greg Reynolds, Louisville Bats (CIN)
  • 1.08 Jose Alvarez, Toledo Mud Hens (DET)
  • 1.13 Jake Odorizzi, Durham Bulls (TB)
  • 1.17 Kris Johnson, Indianapolis Indians (PIT)
  • 1.18 Andrew Albers, Rochester Red Wings (MIN)
Home/MLB Prospects