2009 MLB Draftees Updates

Moran and Pepe showcase skills on the mound, White wins league championship, Dalfonso and Durham dominating in the box.

By Eric Rushia, SID

GLENS FALLS—Elbow surgery forced Ben Carlson (Missouri State) to miss the entire 2008 summer session, though he too signed to play for the Golden Eagles.

Carlson recovered from his injury and played for the Mahoney Valley Scrappers out of the NY-Penn League in 2009. The Scappers finished with the best record in the league (49-27).

Though the Scrappers lost in the playoffs, Carlson still played solid all season, amassing 51 hits, scoring 22 runs, driving home 27 RBI, and drawing 18 walks.

Despite never officially wearing a Golden Eagles uniform, both infielder Jakob Dalfonso (MIddle Georgia) and first basemen Lance Durham (Cincinnati) inintially committed to play for Glens Falls head coach John Mayotte in 2009.

That was until Dalfonso's hometown team, the Atlanta Braves, drafted him in round 16 and the Toronto Blue Jays took Durham in round 14.

As a shortstop for the Golf Coast Braves, Dalfonso ranked third on the team in doubles (7), stolen bases (7), and fourth on the team in hits (36). With 10 walks, 19 RBI, and 19 runs scored, Dalfonso continues to be a productive player on the bases.

Durham now plays first base for the Auburn Doubledays, a team from the New York-Penn League.

In 63 games this season, Durham drew 21 walks and scored 21 runs, in addition to 48 total hits and 23 RBI.

As a relief pitcher out of the bullpen for the Golf Coast League Blue Jays, southpaw Alex Pepe (Florida Atlantic) appeared in 13 games for the 30-28 Jays, posting a low 2.55 ERA, 11 strikeouts per nine innings, and starting and winning one game.

Moving Around

Former 2008 Golden Eagle, left-hander pitcher Brian Moran (UNC) went from playing in the 2009 College World Series to pitching for the Pulaski Mariners of the Appalachian League to the Clinton Lumberjacks, which are a low class-A team in the Midwest League.

During his stint in rookie ball with the Mariners, Moran appeared in six games, saving two games and starting none. Though Moran, whose 1-0 win-loss record and 7:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio earned him a place in the bullpen, soon struggled winning games with the Lumberjacks.

His 2.89 ERA was  better as a Lumberjack, but his 0-3 win-loss record in 12 games left something to be desire. In more than 18 innings pitched, Moran struck out 17 hitters and walked seven

Winning Championships

Former 2008 Glens Falls Golden Eagle and current San Franciso Giant, outfielder Jonathan White (Vanderbilt) helped lead the Giants to the Arizona League Championship.

With 27 hits and a .287 batting average in 25 games, White jacked two homeruns, roped three doubles, drew six walks, and knocked home 13 runs for the Giants. White expects plenty more offense from his bat and defensive from his glove if the Giants hope to repeat as league champs next season.