Midland RockHounds Clinch Second Straight Texas League Title
By Jason Burke
If there were dynasties in the minors, the Midland RockHounds would certainly be at the forefront of the conversation. After clinching their second consecutive Texas League title, and 5th in the past 11 years, the ‘Hounds have become the standard.
Behind a fantastic pitching performance from Parker Frazier, who went the full nine, allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 9, Midland won easily, 7-0. If anyone were to tell you Frazier was in for such a night, they should be your new life coach. The 26-year-old righty was selected in the 8th round of the 2007 draft by the Colorado Rockies and was acquired by the A’s from Arizona in July of this year. In his previous three starts, Frazier had given up 19 runs in 15 1/3 innings. Naturals’ DH Parker Morin accounted for two of his team’s hits (perhaps Frazier went easier on his due to their common first name) while Ramon Torres accounted for the third.
The RockHound offense showed up in a big way, hanging 7 on Northwest Arkansas with their patented crooked innings–four in the 4th and three in the 6th. Renato Nunez was held without an RBI for just the second time this postseason, finishing the campaign with 12 in seven games while batting .407.
In the finale it was left fielder Josh Whitaker who would do the most damage on a 2-for-4 night that included a solo homer in the 6th, and 3 RBI on the evening. Whitaker played in just 5 of Midland’s 7 playoff games, but hit .500 when he was in the game. Jaycob Brugman was another A’s minor leaguer that had a solid postseason, batting .429 over six games with 4 long-balls and 8 driven in.
Looking ahead to next season, there are some recognizable names on the Oakland farm that could be joining the Midland RockHounds as they attempt to go for a three-peat. The most recognizable name will be Franklin Barreto, the 19-year-old shortstop acquired as the main piece of the Josh Donaldson deal in the off-season. Matt Chapman, the A’s first round pick in the 2014 draft is another that should be making the climb with Barreto, while other recent acquisitions catcher Jacob Nottingham and pitcher Daniel Mengden, acquired from Houston in the Scott Kazmir deal, should also be on the move. Casey Meisner–from the Tyler Clippard deal with the Mets–is the last of the names that most people are at least vaguely aware of.
J.P. Sportman was a joy to watch during Spring Training in Arizona with some big hits for the A’s, and should provide some excitement for ‘Hounds fans next season. He was limited due to injury this season, batting .292 with 3 HR and 27 RBI over 28 games with High-A Stockton. 23-year-old right-hander Corey Walter, the A’s 28th round selection in 2014, posted a 1.42 ERA over 57 innings with the Ports and could be a nice bullpen piece at the next level.