Farmers Only: Maybe we should start arguing about Dave Sappelt

Dave Sappelt's lengthy absence because of an oblique injury rendered him somewhat the forgotten man in the LF debate.  While we contemplated the wisdom of replacing Fred Lewis with Yonder Alonso, or Jonny Gomes with Todd Frazier, Sappelt quietly planned his revenge.  He is now exacting that revenge on all of us, and we have no choice but to add him to the list of players who may be better LF options than guys currently on the team.

Since returning from the DL, Sappelt is 11-25 with 2 doubles and a home run.  His line for the year is .364/.426/.600.  Since the beginning of last season he has demolished 4 levels, including MLB spring training.  I've been one of the last to come on board with Sappelt, but it certainly seems like he might be a good MLB hitter.  There are a lot of things that are exciting about that.  One, he can play any OF spot, and therefore has a lot of value on a Dusty Baker team.  Two, if he is considered a legitimate option to start in LF, that makes Alonso and/or Frazier much more tradeable.  Three, (and as much as I hate to even say this), a productive Sappelt would also make a trade of Chris Heisey possible, since they have similar skill sets.

Regardless of which option is pursued, it is wonderful to have options.  It is even more wonderful to have so many options that Walt can trade a top prospect or two and still have options. 

In addition to Sappelt's Show, it was a busy night on the farm.  Billy Hamilton continues his offensive renaissance and stolen base side show, Josh Smith continues to dominate the Midwest League, and Kyle Lotzkar made his much anticipated season debut.  Read all about it after the jump!

• Louisville lost a tough one, 8-7.  Dave Sappelt was 5-5 with a double, homer, and 2 RBI.  Yonder Alonso was 2-4.  Up Next: The team is off Wednesday.
• Carolina was off.  Up next: Someone will start at 8:05.
• Bakersfield lost 3-2.  Andrew Means and Mark Fleury each had 2 hits.  Ryan LaMarre doubled and walked.  Up Next: Mark Serrano starts an afternoon game, beginning at 3:35.
• Dayton won both games of a doubleheader, 5-0 and 4-2.  Between the two games, Billy Hamilton was 3-8 with a triple and 2 SB, bringing his total to 52.  In the first game, Josh Smith threw 6 shutout innings with 7 strikeouts.  I can't imagine he'll be in Dayton much longer.  Kyle Lotzkar started the second game, and allowed 2 runs in 4 IP in his season debut.  He did strike out 8.  Up Next: Daniel Corcino starts at 7:05.