Mister Baseball

Today we want to take a look at the German prospects in the American minor league system. Four players are currently on rosters of Major League organizations, which had learned to play baseball in Germany. It was supposed to be five, but Rodney Gessmann had to end his pro career after just one season due to a shoulder injury.

Rodney Gessmann
The 21-year-old right-hander already returned to Regensburg and will try to help the Bundesliga club to achieve the championship this season. Gessmann played for the GCL Twins last summer, appearing in twelve games as a reliever posting a 2-1 record with an ERA of 4.22 with eleven strikeouts (5 bb) in 21.1 innings pitched. He tried to come back this spring and pitched in extended spring training, but with the beginning of the new Gulf Coast League season he already was back on his way to Germany. A few weeks ago he spoke with the German MLB-News-Portal MLBI.de in an interview.

Kai Gronauer
For the four other players, their pro career is just at the beginning. The might most-known player of the group is catcher Kai Gronauer, who signed as the last of the four this spring with the New York Mets organization. He is regarded as the best German player at the moment and many thought he might get to start at the single A level at the least. However some problems with the visa delayed his arrival in Florida for a few weeks and he was assigned to the GCL Mets this week. He made his debut as a defensive replacement in a game against the GCL Marlins on June 25 and started for the first time behind the plate on Friday June 28 against the GCL Nationals. It was a bit of a rough game for him, as he went hitless in four at bats with a strikeout in addition to a passed ball and an error on a pickoff attempt on the defensive side. However it was just one game and we will see the upcoming weeks, if he can move the ladder in the farm system of the Mets quickly.

Donald Lutz
Two players with more playing time are in the Gulf Coast League too. First Baseman/Outfielder Donald Lutz already has appeared in five games (four starts) for the GCL Reds since the start of the season.  He is batting .333 (OBP .368/SLG .444) with two doubles, five runs scored and four RBI in 18 at bats. He had his best game so far on June 24 against the GCL Orioles, when went three-for-four with two doubles, three runs scored and four RBI. Since then he has started every game and even played both ends of a doubleheader on Thursday June 26th. He also spoke to MLBI.de recently.

Jennell Hudson
Lutz already faced the only German pitcher in the Minor Leagues this season. Jennell Hudson also is looking back at a few appearances. The 18-year-old right-hander is pitching for the GCL Red Sox. He made his pro debut in the season opener, having a rough outing, when he allowed three runs on three hits and a walk. Since then he improved with every game. He has pitched in 4 1/3 innings so far, allowing three hits, three runs and four walks, while striking out none. His ERA is down to 6.23.

Ludwig Glaser
The only player without any appearances is infielder Ludwig Glaser of the AZL Angels. The 20-year-old right-handed batter is still recovering from a broken nose after a hit by pitch in a extended spring training game at the beginning of May, but should be see playing action in the next couple of days. He already has started baseball activities in practice weeks ago. He is just a little bit behind his teammates at the moment, but will get his chances this summer. Check out his interview with MLBI.de.

Mister-Baseball.com will follow their progress in the upcoming months and are going to report about their games occasionally.