Boys of Summer: Midseason update
With the drafting of former Tennessee Tech pitcher Tristan Archer, the Golden Eagle baseball team now boasts seven former players in Major League Baseball. Several have shown much success this season while others are just starting to heat up.
By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With the drafting of former Tennessee Tech pitcher Tristan Archer, the Golden Eagle baseball team now boasts seven former players in Major League Baseball. Several have shown much success this season while others are just starting to heat up.
With just over half of the 2013 season still to go, it will be exciting to see how well these young men represent Tennessee Tech University and Golden Eagle baseball over the final stretches of the year. We'll be rolling out at least one more update on these guys towards the end of the season, so be sure to check every once in a while to see how the former Tech players are progressing in their young careers.
Take a look at the 2013 season so far for seven former TTU Golden Eagles baseball players:
Tristan Archer – P – #33
Current Club: Helena Brewers (Advanced Rookie Pioneer League)
MLB Parent Club: Milwaukee Brewers
Born: Oct. 18, 1990
Birthplace: Kingsport, Tenn.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 165
Bats: R
Throws: R
| Team | League | W | L | ERA | G | GS | CG | SHO | SV | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | AVG |
| HEL |
PIO |
0 |
0 | 7.20 | 2 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 5.0 | 5 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
2 | 4 |
.238 |
| Minors | Totals | 0 |
0 |
7.20 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5.0 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
.238 |
Tristan Archer was drafted in the 21st round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. He entered the draft following one of the most successful pitching careers in Tennessee Tech history. Archer finished his Golden Eagle career as the all-time leader in wins (23), innings pitched (323.2), and games started (55) as well as finishing second all-time in strikeouts (273) and third in K/walk ratio (2.81). He helped lead Tech to a 40-17 record, marking the most wins in program history, as well as an OVC-record 24-6 mark in league play. The Golden Eagles won the OVC Regular Season Championship, the second of Archer's career.
Since joining the Brewers, Archer has made two appearances, proving quite effective in his second time on the mound. He allowed no earned runs in three innings of work while striking out one and allowing just one hit. He owns a 7.20 ERA so far this season, striking out twice as many batters as he has walked.
A member of the Advanced Rookie League Helena Brewers, Archer's team is currently 6-3 on the year and in first place in the Pioneer Leauge North.
The next step for Archer would be a call-up to the Class A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Midwest League.
To view his profile click here.
Ryan Dennick – P – #15
Current Club: Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Double-A Southern League)
MLB Parent Club: Cincinnati Reds
Born: Jan. 10, 1987
Birthplace: North Olmsted, Ohio
Height: 6-0
Weight: 185
Bats: L
Throws: L
| Team | League | W | L | ERA | G | GS | CG | SHO | SV | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | AVG |
| PNS | SOU | 3 | 9 |
3.44 | 15 |
14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 89.0 | 82 |
38 |
34 |
8 |
19 |
60 |
.244 |
| Minors | Totals | 3 |
9 |
3.44 |
15 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
89.0 |
82 |
38 |
34 |
8 |
19 |
60 |
.244 |
UPDATE: Dennick has done a solid job of keeping his ERA in check despite some bad luck decisions that have contributed to his 3-9 record so far this season. He has posted an incredible K/walk ratio of 3.16 in just under 90 innings of work. He struck out a season-high eight batters on June 14.
Ryan Dennick was picked up by the Cincinnati Reds by way of the Rule 5 Draft this offseason. Since then, the lefty has put together a solid start to the 2013 season, earning a win in his debut in the Reds' system. Dennick went five solid innings, allowing just four hits and two earned runs to grab the W is his only action of this young season.
A member of the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Dennick's team is currently 3-3 on the year and tied for second in the Southern League South.
The next step for Dennick would be a call-up to the Triple-A Louisville Bats of the International League.
To view his profile click here.
A.J. Kirby-Jones – DH – #21
Current Club: San Antonio Missions (Double-A Texas League)
MLB Parent Club: San Diego Padres
Born: October 2, 1988
Birthplace: Knoxville, Tenn.
Height: 5-10
Weight: 215
Bats: R
Throws: R
| Team | League | AVG | G |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
TB |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
OBP |
SLG |
OPS |
| SA | TEX |
.247 | 54 | 158 |
18 |
39 |
10 |
0 | 5 |
21 |
64 |
14 |
52 |
1 |
2 |
.314 | .405 |
.719 |
| Minors | Totals | .247 | 54 |
158 |
18 |
39 |
10 |
0 |
5 |
21 |
64 |
14 |
52 |
1 |
2 |
.314 |
.405 |
.719 |
UPDATE: Kirby-Jones has seen a lot more playing time since our last check-in, appearing in 54 games this season, primarily in the designated hitter role. He has been primarily effective in his past 10 contests, clubbing four doubles and 10 total hits to a tune of a .303 batting average.
A.J. Kirby-Jones found himself traded in the offseason, leaving the Oakland Athletics organization for a job in the San Diego Padres organization. The former Tech slugger earned a call-up to the Double-A squad after spending the offseason at the Advanced-A level. The first baseman has played sparingly so far this season, collecting just three at-bats in five games. Kirby-Jones was one of four former Golden Eagles to get time at spring camp with his big league team, grabbing an at-bat with the Padres.
A member of the San Antonio Missions, Kirby-Jones' team is currently 5-2 on the year and in third place in the Texas League South.
The next step for Kirby-Jones would be a call-up to the Triple-A Tucson Padres of the Pacific Coast League.
To view his profile click here.
Stephen Pryor – P - #46
Current Club: Seattle Mariners (MLB)
Born: July 23, 1989
Birthplace: Donelson, Tenn.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 250
Bats: R
Throws: R
| Team | League | W | L | ERA | G | GS | CG | SHO | HD | SV | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | WHIP |
| SEA | ALW |
0 |
0 | 0.00 |
7 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 3 |
0 | 7.1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 | 1 |
7 |
0.55 |
| Majors | Totals | 0 |
0 |
0.00 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 | 0 |
7.1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
0.55 |
UPDATE: Pryor was off to a solid start to 2013, allowing no earned runs in seven appearances on his way to three holds and seven strikeouts. He then suffered an oblique injury that landed him on the 60-day disabled list. He is due to begin a rehab assignment within the next few weeks.
Stephen Pryor wrapped up the 2012 season earning a solid 3-1 record while posting a 3.91 ERA in 26 games played. He struck out an impressive 27 batters in just 23.0 innings pitched while allowing just 10 earned runs and surrendering only 13 walks. Opponents managed just a .253 average against the right hander. In only his fourth MLB appearance, Pryor combined with five other Mariners for a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 8. Pryor struck out a batter and earned the victory for his first career win. His 2012 performance earned him a spot on the big league squad for 2013 in what will be his rookie season.
Pryor has made a speedy climb through the Mariners' organization, jumping from Double-A to Triple-A to the Majors. He now ranks as Seattle's sixth best prospect according to MLB.com's 2013 Prospect Watch. Many experts have tabbed Pryor as the Mariner's closer-in-waiting this season.
So far this season, Pryor has made five appearances, tossing 4.2 innings of one-hit ball while striking out four. The Mariners, which have fought injuries all spring, are currently 4-7 on the year, good enough for third place in the American League West.
In only his fourth MLB appearance, Pryor combined with five other Mariners for a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 8. Pryor struck out a batter and earned the victory for his first career win.
To view his profile click here.
Adam Liberatore – P – #32
Current Club: Durham Bulls (Triple-A International League)
MLB Parent Club: Tampa Bay Rays
Born: May 12, 1987
Birthplace: Bellflower, Calif.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 225
Bats: L
Throws: L
| Team | League | W | L | ERA | G | GS | CG | SHO | SV | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | AVG |
| MTG | SOU |
0 |
0 | 0.00 |
1 | 0 |
0 | 0 | 1 |
2.0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 | 0 |
3 |
.143 |
| DUR |
INT |
3 | 1 |
4.46 | 26 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
36.1 | 33 |
19 |
18 |
0 | 17 |
37 |
.243 |
| Minors | Totals | 3 |
1 |
4.23 |
27 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
38.1 |
34 |
19 |
18 |
0 |
17 |
40 |
.238 |
UPDATE: Liberatore has enjoyed much success this season, especially in his latest five appearances. In those five games, he allowed just one earned run and four hits, racking up a 1.29 ERA. He struck out 10 batters while issuing just one walk, all in seven innings of work.
Adam Liberatore has had an interesting spring thus far. The lefty tore up Triple-A hitting after a mid-July call-up last season. He allowed just three earned runs in 16 appearances spanning 21.0 innings. His 1.29 ERA as a Durham Bull was fantastic, as were the 21 strikeouts to only eight walks. He allowed just a .225 average by batters and really finished the season on a stellar streak.
Despite his strong performance to wrap up 2012, Liberatore found himself starting 2013 at the Double-A level. He pitched one game, earning a save after two innings and three strikeouts. It proved more than enough as Liberatore received a call back up the Triple-A club. Since his call-up, he has pitched twice, tossing three innings of hitless ball with a walk and a strikeout.
Liberatore did get some time in big league camp this spring, tossing over three innings and allowing just one run.
A member of the Durham Bulls, Liberatore's team is currently 7-1 on the year and in first place in the International League South.
The next step for Liberatore would be a call-up to the big league level as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays.
To view his profile click here.
Chad Oberacker – CF – #5Current Club: Midland RockHounds (Double-A Texas League)
MLB Parent Club: Oakland Athletics
Born: January 14, 1989
Birthplace: Erie, Pa.
Height: 5-11
Weight: 195
Bats: L
Throws: L
| Team | League | AVG | G |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
TB |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
OBP |
SLG |
OPS |
| MID | TEX |
.244 | 74 |
283 |
38 |
69 |
19 |
8 |
2 |
30 |
110 |
31 |
57 |
13 |
1 |
.321 | .389 |
.710 |
| Minors | Totals | .244 | 74 |
283 |
38 |
69 |
19 |
8 |
2 |
30 |
110 |
31 |
57 |
13 |
1 |
.321 |
.389 |
.710 |
The center fielder earned a call-up in the offseason from the Advanced A Stockton Ports to Double-A ball. Oberacker spent some time this spring at big league camp, earning five at-bats for the Oakland Athletics.
A member of the Midland RockHounds, Oberacker's team is currently 5-2 and in second place in the Texas League South
The next step for Oberacker will be to earn a call-up to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats of the Pacific Coast League.
To view his profile click here.
Matthew Shepherd – P – #31
Current Club: Fort Wayne TinCaps (Class A Midwest League)
MLB Parent Club: San Diego Padres
Born: May 2, 1990
Birthplace: Bluff City, Tenn.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 185
Bats: R
Throws: R
| Team | League | W | L | ERA | G | GS | CG | SHO | SV | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | AVG |
| FW | MID |
4 |
1 |
3.08 |
24 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 52.2 | 39 |
20 |
18 |
3 |
19 |
46 |
.204 |
| Minors | Totals | 4 |
1 |
3.08 |
24 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
52.2 |
39 |
20 |
18 |
3 |
19 |
46 |
.204 |
UPDATE: Shepherd has pitched well in his first full season of pro-ball, compiling a 3.08 ERA in 52.2 innings of work. He has struck out 46 batters while walking just 19 and sports an impressive 4-1 record in a relief role for the TinCaps. Opponents are batting just .204 off the righty this season.
Matthew Shepherd did well in his first season of pro-ball, putting up solid numbers. His 2.70 ERA earned him a 4-2 record in 2012. He pitched 40.0 innings, striking out 42 while walking just 17 batters. He allowed his opponents to hit only .239 against him, helping him earn a promotion to the Class A level.
In three games this season, Shepherd has pitched 5.1 innings of one-hit ball, striking out five batters without allowing a run to score.
A member of the Fort Wayne TinCaps, Shepherd's team is currently 4-3 and in fourth place in the Midwest League East.
The next step for Shepherd will be to earn a call-up to the Advanced A Lake Elsinore Storm of the California League.
To view his profile click here.
