Who's Next to the Majors?

News

Who's Next to the Majors?

Kyle Galdeira
05/30/07

Fans saw the first 2006 HWB alumnus reach the majors when Rick Vanden Hurk did so in a brief stint with the Florida Marlins in April.

So, who else has a shot at cracking a major league roster this year? HWB has been tracking a few players that, with the right mix of production and timing, could soon be suiting up in The Show.

Jeff Marquez

The New York Yankees continue to fall further behind Boston in the A.L. East, and their woes on the mound may work in the favor of Marquez, a member of the West Oahu CaneFires in the 2006 edition of the HWB League. The 22-year-old starter was elevated to the Yankees' Double-A affiliate Trenton Thunder of the Eastern League to begin the season, and has not disappointed.

In 10 starts for the Thunder, Marquez owns a 6-3 record through 59.1 innings. The rightly holds a 2.43 ERA and has struck out 34 batters compared to 15 walks. The Bellflower, Calif. native has baffled opposing hitters with a fastball and sinker combo, giving up two home runs thus far.

Marquez might soon be the next hurler elevated to help patch the huge leak in New York's pitching staff.

Brian Bixler

A former Honolulu Shark, Bixler continues to tear it up in the minors as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

The 24-year-old shortstop was elevated to the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate Indianapolis Indians to begin the year and has justified the promotion. Through 45 games, Bixler is hitting an impressive .309 with 10 doubles, four triples, two home runs, and 24 RBIs. The 2004 Mid-American Conference player of the year at Eastern Michigan was voted the Pirates' most improved player last season, and stands out as one of the organization's most promising middle-infielders.

While he is an everyday shortstop with the Indians, Bixler could move to second base if he is indeed summoned to join the Pirates. Jack Wilson has all but locked down the everyday role as starting shortstop with the parent club, but reserve second baseman Don Kelly is hitting a disappointing .174 with just four singles in 23 at-bats--numbers worthy of a demotion.

Nate Schierholtz (pictured above)

A 23-year-old Reno, Nev. Native, Schierholtz is hoping San Francisco take a gamble on his abilities. Through 47 games with the Giants' Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies, the left fielder is hitting a robust .335 with 18 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 27 runs driven in.

While the former Waikiki BeachBoy was projected by Baseball America to compete for a major league job by next season, his impressive numbers thus far may translate into an early elevation. Despite everyday veterans Barry Bonds and Randy Winn anchored in left and center field, San Francisco is splitting the majority of the right-field duties between youngsters Fred Lewis and Daniel Ortmeier. The Giants are currently in last place in the N.L. West, and if their struggles continue, Schierholtz could soon find his way into the mix.

Jeff Clement

As one of the most touted prospects to come out of the 2006 HWB class, Clement is proving himself worthy of the $3.4 million Seattle paid him after selecting the 23-year-old as the third overall pick in the 2005 draft.

Despite his .232 batting average, the former Waikiki BeachBoy has collected 12 doubles, seven home runs and driven in 24 runs through 45 games with the Tacoma Rainiers--the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate.

Seattle would like to put their investment to use at the major league level as soon as possible. While Kenji Johjima has proven himself as a reliable catcher and productive hitter, Clement could see action as a back-up, and could eventually break into the lineup as a designated hitter.