Down On The Farm

Down on the Farm Here’s a look at how local grads are playing in the Minor Leagues.

Darren Ford San Jose Giants Single A-Advanced Outfield Vineland H.S.’04 G Avg. AB 52 .238 185

R 35

H 44

2B 6

3B HR 2 2

RBI 23

BB 30

SB OPS 12 .674

A month ago, Ford was battling to keep his batting average above .200. Since ending an experiment as a switch-hitter to hit exclusively from his natural right-hand side, Ford has made a complete 180-degree turnaround at the plate. He is hitting .400 in nine runs batted in over his last 10 games.

Mike Trout Arizona League Angels Rookie Outfield Millville Senior H.S. ’09 G Avg. AB 4 .571 14

R 6

H 8

2B 1

3B 2

HR 0

RBI 2

BB 6

SB OPS 2 1.629

Right off the bat, Trout picked up where he left off in the high school season. He tripled in his first at-bat, then stole two bases in his fourth professional game. He is 2-for-2 with runners in scoring position.

Chris McConnell Northwest Arkansas Naturals Double A Shortstop Delsea Regional H.S.’04 G Avg. AB 49 .223 148

R 20

H 33

2B 7

3B HR 1 0

RBI 11

BB 12

SB OPS 6 .566

McConnell stretched his hit streak to five games before he was forced to the seven-day disabled list June 27. He has hit left-handed pitchers at a torrid pace, posting a .326 batting average and .396 on-base percentage in 43 at-bats against southpaws.