Statistical Notes From the Eugene Emeralds’ First Game

The Padres’ short-season A-ball team, the Eugene Emeralds, kicked off its season last night with a 6-3 win over the A’s affiliate in the Northwest League.

I thought I’d do a quick rundown of some notable players and performances in the game, just to talk about some players who haven’t really been mentioned much on this blog before and have sort of slipped out of our consciousness in extended spring and such.

Be aware, of course, that all this is one game, so it’s nothing to draw definitive conclusions from.

First off, the big offensive headliner of the game was Rymer Liriano. Liriano was dreadful in Fort Wayne this year, with a .526 OPS, but he was 3-for-3 with a triple and a steal yesterday at the lower level. Keep in mind that Liriano just turns 19 tomorrow and played in Rookie ball last year, so Eugene is still a step up and he has plenty of time.

The other batter of note was Dan Meeley, the 18th round selection for the Padres in this year’s draft. Meeley, who turns 21 on July 1, put up some tremendous numbers in juco ball last season. The outfielder was DHing yesterday, and he smacked a homer and a single in his first pro game.

Second round pick Jedd Gyorko made his pro debut nice and early. He started at third base, which could be an indication the Padres will try him there rather than second. Gyorko played shortstop in college but was considered too unathletic to play there in pro ball.

On the pitching side, the story was Keyvius Sampson. Last year’s much-hyped fourth-rounder and owner of a deadly fastball-curve combo, Sampson threw five shutout innings, striking out seven, walking one, and allowing just three hits. The 19-year-old appears to be living up to his stuff.

Also of note is Dexter Carter, the 23-year-old former top prospect who just lost it in Low-A. Carter threw a perfect inning in relief; hopefully more are to come.

Anyway, as more developments happen in Eugene and the soon-to-begin Arizona Summer League, you can count on Chicken Friars to update you with all the key information!