Gator Country

Former Florida Gators outfielder Bryson Smith was a sizzling 8-for-15 and was promoted from 1 to AA ball in the Reds organization to be named Gator Country's Player of the Week. / Gator Country file photo by Tim Casey

The big news this past week was Matt Den Dekker being promoted from AA to AAA in the Mets organization and Bryson Smith has been promoted from A to AA in the Reds organization.

Several former Florida Gators baseball players had strong weeks.
Let’s start with the now three Gators in the majors.

Darren O’ Day (Florida, Class of 2005), pitcher Baltimore Orioles. O’Day appeared in two games last week, giving up three runs and striking out two. O’Day and the Orioles have slipped to six games back of the AL East leading Yankees.

Mark Ellis (UF ‘99), infielder, Los Angeles Dodgers. Ellis is currently on the Disabled List, but started a rehab game last Saturday.

David Ross (UF ’98), catcher, Atlanta Braves. Ross appeared in just one game last week for the third place Braves. In that game Ross went 1-4 with a strikeout.

The Gators are also well represented in the minor leagues with 15 former players on different rosters. This list should grow soon as several of the Gators who were drafted last month are beginning to report to their assignments.

Here’s how they did this past week:

Matt Laporta (UF ’07), first baseman, Columbus Clippers, AAA, Indians. In five games last week, Laporta went 4-for-15 with a double and two runs scored. Laporta also had two RBI for the second place Clippers.

Bryan Augenstein (UF ’07), pitcher, Durham Bulls, AAA, Rays. Augenstein appeared in two games last week, pitching four innings. Augenstein and the Bulls are in third place.

Cole Figueroa (UF ’08), second baseman, Durham Bulls, AAA, Rays. In three games last week, Figueroa had a batting average of .375 and scored three runs. Figueroa also had two RBI for the third place Bulls.

Brian Jeroloman (UF ’06), catcher, New Hampshire Fisher Cats, AA, Blue Jays. On the disabled list.

Matt Den Dekker (UF ’10), outfielder, Buffalo Bisons AAA, Mets. Den Dekker has been promoted to AAA for the Mets organization. Den Dekker appeared in five games, going 5-for-22 with a home run and four RBI.

Kevin Chapman (UF ’10), pitcher, Corpus Christi Hooks, AA, Royals. Chapman appeared in one game last week, pitching an inning without allowing a run. Chapman also pitched 1/3 of an inning in last Thursday’s All-Star game. The Hooks are in second place.

Patrick Keating (UF ’09), pitcher, Northwest Arkansas Naturals, AA, Royals. Keating pitched one scoreless inning in last Thursday’s Texas League All-Star Game.

Bryson Smith (UF ’11), outfielder, Pensacola Blue Wahoos, AA, Indians. Smith was promoted from A to AA this past week. In four games, Smith went 8 for 15 with a home run and two runs scored. The Wahoos are currently in second place.

Ben McMahan (UF ’11), catcher, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, A, Brewers. In four games last week McMahan had a .400 batting average with a home run. McMahan also had five RBI for the sixth place Rattlers.

Josh Adams (UF ’11), infielder, Greensboro Grasshoppers, A, Marlins. Adams appeared in five games, going 3-for-24 with a walk. Adams and the Grasshoppers are in sixth place.

Tommy Toledo (UF ’11), pitcher, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, A, Brewers. Toledo appeared in two games last week picking up a win in one outing. Toledo totaled three innings pitched but didn’t allow a run for the sixth place Rattlers.

Alex Panteliodis (UF ’11), pitcher, Savannah Sand Gnats, A, Mets. Panteliodis started one game last week going three innings without allowing a run. The Gnats are currently in sixth place.

Anthony DeScalfani (UF ’11) , pitcher, Lansing Lugnuts, A, Blue Jays. In one start last week DeScalfani went five innings giving up three runs in a loss.

Nick Maronde (UF ’11), pitcher, Inland Empire 66ers, A, Angels. Maronde is currently rehabbing an injury.

This week’s GatorCountry.com Player of the Week is Bryson Smith.

About the author

Andrew Spivey

Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.

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