Farm Bureau: April 10, 2009

* CLASS A+: VISALIA RAWHIDE - In the California League, the Rawhide (formerly known as the Oaks) got off to a good start with a 6-5 road win over the Padres' affiliate, the Lake Elsinore Storm.

Although top prospect Jarrod Parker is expected to headline the Visalia rotation, his 2009 debut was deferred until Saturday so that Max Scherzer could make a rehab start in the opener. Scherzer went 4.2 IP, H, ER, 4 BB, 5 K as he continues his recovery from shoulder soreness that landed him on the DL. The walks suggest he's not yet in top form, but Scherzer finished the Cactus League strong and should be on track to join the Diamondbacks rotation next week.

Batting third and playing right field was mighty-mite Collin Gowgill; he powered the Visalia offense with a 2/2, 3 R, 2B, 2 BB, 2 RBI performance. A 5'9", 195 lbs product of the University of Kentucky (the alma mater of Brandon Webb), Cowgill was rated by Baseball America as the No. 9 prospect in the Diamondbacks organization. With a...

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Tags: Brandon Webb, Cactus League, California League, Collin Cowgill, Daniel Schlereth, Doug Slaten, Ed Easley, Gerardo Parra, James Skelton, Jarrod Parker, Jeremy Jeffress, Los Angeles Angels, Matt Torra, Max Scherzer, Midwest League, Milwaukee Brewers, Mobile BayBears, Nick Adenhart, Reno Aces, Reynaldo Navarro, San Diego Padres, Scott Schoeneweis, South Bend Silver Hawks, Southern League, Trevor Harden, Visalia Oaks, Visalia Rawhide

Diamondbacks Notes: April 3, 2009

* BONES BRIGADE - Diamondbacks Nation was introduced to James Skelton when Arizona snagged him from the Tigers in the Rule 5 draft. He got a fair bit of play in the Cactus League, showing the defensive versatility to man multiple positions. Unfortunately for Skelton, his bat didn't come to play this spring: he finished just .150 / .244 / .175 in 40 AB. That was not nearly good enough to earn Skelton a roster spot, but the spike in the middle of that line highlights part of what the Diamondbacks saw in Skelton in the first place. The young man draws a mean walk. He had 5 BB in 45 PA this spring, despite failing to demonstrate enough power in his skinny 165 lbs frame to scare opposing pitchers. (With his distinctive surname and slight build, Diamondbacks Nation proposes that "Bones" is an ideal nickname.)

Skelton possesses a keen plate discipline that belies his age. The 23-year old has advanced no higher than AA, where he has appeared in just 24 games, but he commands the strike...

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Tags: Adam Dunn, Bob Melvin, Brooks Brown, Cactus League, Chris Snyder, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, James Skelton, Los Angeles Dodgers, Miguel Montero, Mobile BayBears, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Robby Hammock, Tucson Sidewinders, Wilkin Castillo