Arkansas Razorbacks in Professional Baseball
By Ryan Wright
Three former Arkansas Razorback pitchers have made their rookie debuts in 2012 when Drew Smyly made the Detroit Tigers’ roster as their fifth starter, Blake Parker got the call with the Cubs, and Dallas Keuchel started for the Houston Astros on Sunday June 17.
Smyly was a second round draft pick of the Tigers in 2010 and was considered the third best prospect in the Tigers’ organization before earning a spot on the Tigers’ opening day squad.
In 12 MLB starts Smyly has posted a 2-2 record with a 3.96 ERA in 63.2 innings of work. He has struck out 58 batters and allowed 18 base on balls.
Dallas Keuchel made his first MLB start against the Texas Rangers on Sunday throwing five innings allowing one earned run, struck out two, and walked four. He got a no-decision in the game and now has a 1.80 ERA as a major league pitcher.
Keuchel spent parts of the last four seasons working through the New York-Penn League, the Texas League, and the Pacific Coast League before getting his call to the Bigs.
During his 2012 minor league season he posted a 5-4 record with a 4.26 ERA in 80.1 innings of work while striking out 46 batters and walking 16.
The most surprising and inspiring call-up of the season was when Blake Parker got to realize his major league dreams with the Chicago Cubs.
Parker worked back and forth between 12 different leagues since being drafted in the 16th round of the 2006 MLB draft by the Cubbies.
In four relief appearances for the Cubs Parker has pitched 4.1 innings, struck out five, and walked three while not giving up an earned run.
Parker had five saves for the Des Moines Iowa AAA Cubs farm team with a record of 1-0 and a 2.08 ERA during his 2012 minor league season.
Where are they now?
Going back over the past five college baseball seasons (2007-2011), the following is an update of former Arkansas Razorback players, their current statistics, and the teams they play for, and their MLB parent team.
Drafted in 2011
C James McCann, Erie Seawolves, Detroit Tigers AA, Eastern League
In 8 games: .214 BA, 1 HR, 4 RBI
*Recently promoted to Double-A after hitting .288 in A-ball. Considered the best defensive catcher in the Tigers’ minor league system and 20th overall top Tiger’s prospect.
OF Collin Kuhn, Kannapolis Intimidators, Chicago White Sox A, South Atlantic League
In 20 games: .172 BA, O HR, 6 RBI, 2 SB
OF Kyle Robinson, Great Falls Voyagers, Chicago White Sox
No 2012 statistics to date
OF Jarrod McKinney, Tri-City Valley Cats, Houston Astros A, New York-Penn League
No 2012 statistics to date
Drafted in 2010
3B Zack Cox, Memphis Redbirds, St. Louis Cardinals AAA, Pacific Coast League
In 56 games, .213 BA, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 0 SB
Cox hit .306 in 135 minor league games during the 2011 season.
CF Brett Eibner, Wilmington Blue Rocks, Kansas City Royals A, Carolina League
In 60 games: .200 BA, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 1 SB
Eibner is considered the 14th best prospect in Royals minor league system.
1B Andy Wilkins, Birmingham Barons, White Sox AA, Southern League
In 48 games: .222 BA, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 3 SB
Drafted in 2009
RHP Mike Bolsinger, Mobile Bay Bears, Arizona AA, Southern League
In 11 games started in 2012: 5-4, 3.43 ERA, 57.2 IP, 68 SO, 23 BB
Drafted in 2008
2B Logan Forsythe, San Diego Padres
In 10 MLB games: .290 BA, 1 HR, 4 RBI
* On rehab assignment with Tucson Padres in AAA Pacific Coast League
Drafted in 2007
LHP Nick Schmidt, Tulsa Drillers, Colorado Rockies AA, Texas League
In 13 games started: 5-3, 3.27 ERA, 77 IP, 70 SO, 12 BB
RHP Duke Welker, Indianapolis Indians, Pirates AAA, International League
In 23 relief appearances: 2-2, 2.76 ERA, 32.2 IP, 29 SO, 16 BB
RHP Jess Todd, Memphis Redbirds, St. Louis Cardinals AAA, Pacific Coast League
In 21 relief appearances: 0-1, 5.12 ERA, 31.2 IP, 34 SO, 10 BB
* Todd made his rookie debut in 2009 appearing in 20 games for the Rockies; he appeared in five MLB games in 2010.