Series Preview: Bees at Las Vegas 51's
The Bees return to action with a solid starting rotation led by right-hander Sean O'Sullivan and young lefty Trevor Reckling.
Last year O'Sullivan went 6-4 with a 5.48 ERA in Salt Lake, highlighted by a complete game no-hitter on July 28. Meanwhile Reckling compiled an impressive 2009 campaign as well. Between High-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Arkansas, Reckling picked up a 9-9 record with a 2.68 ERA.
The Bees offense will feature a mix of youth and experience. Newcomers Peter Bourjos, Hank Conger and Mark Trumbo look to contribute to the Bees already powerful lineup, while returning players such as outfielder Brad Coon and 2008 Angels Minor League Player of the Year third baseman Freddy Sandoval like to continue on their past successes.
In addition, the 2010 Bees roster includes three veteran outfielders-Michael Ryan, Cory Aldridge and Nick Gorneault-who each hope to make a quick impact with the club this week in Vegas.
The revamped 51's will counter with their own arsenal including top prospects Brett Wallace and Brad Mills.
Wallace, a career .305 hitter in two minor league seasons, posted solid numbers last year between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Sacramento, batting .293 with 20 homeruns and 63 RBI.
Mills pitched at three levels of the Blue Jays system before settling at Triple-A Las Vegas where he had a 4.06 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 84.1 innings.
Las Vegas finished the 2009 season with a 71-73 record, 15.5 games behind PCL South Division Champion Sacramento.