Time for the weekly prospect reports again as there's no better place on the net but AngelsWin.com to catch up on how the Halos minor leaguers are doing throughout the season. Mon-Fri we'll post updates on each of the minor league affiliates as well as a weekly prospect hotlist. Also, be sure to look for our prospect interviews throughout the minor league season. As a matter of fact, David Saltzer just interviewed the 66'ers manager Tom Gamboa and their opening day starter Ryan Chafee -- with some other interviews with Jean Segura, Dillon Baird and more to be posted soon, so be on the look out for those.
With that out of the way, here's a quick look at the Angels' minor league affiliates after their respective opening day contests.
• Salt Lake: Chatwood who compiled a 13-9 record with a 2.84 ERA has his opening day start postponed due to snow. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, April 9 beginning at 5:05 p.m. at Spring Mobile Ballpark. Chatwood was good enough to garner recognition as the Angels' 2010 Minor League Pitcher of the Year and the AngelsWin.com #4 ranked prospect going into this season. (Game Postponed)
• Arkansas: Mike Trout debuted for Double-A Arkansas and went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts. Ryan Mount (2B) who is returning for his third straight season went 2-4 with a stolen base. The Angels #6 ranked prospect pitcher Garrett Richards allowed four walks, a home run and pitched only four innings in taking the loss. Trevor Reckling who had a rough 2010 minor league season and an even tougher spring, takes the hill tonight for the Travelers. (Final Score: Midland 10 - Arkansas 2)
• Inland Empire: Our own AngelsWin.com Senior Writer David Saltzer was issued a full press credential from the 66'ers to take in the home/season opener. David witnessed a weird pitching line, seeing Ryan Chaffee walked six batters, and in fact, the 66ers as a staff walked twelve batters overall, but allowed only two runs. Dillon Baird who is returning after an injury laden 2010 season - had three hits, including an RBI triple. #2 ranked prospect Jean Segura reached twice and stole a base. Scott Downs who was rehabbing was given the W on the night, though he gave up two hits, a walk and one run. (Final Score 66er's 6 - Quakes 2)
• Cedar Rapids: Max Russell (4th round pick last year), struck out six, walked two and allowed one run in six innings. Kernels reliever Dakota Robinson blew the one-run lead in the 8th for the Kernels. Andrew Heid went 2-4 with a double and two stolen bases from the lead off spot. Brandon Decker homered in four at bats. Decker hit 13 home runs and 15 doubles in just 52 games in Orem last season. (Final Score: Suspended Kernels 2 - Chiefs 2)
