Following Jordan George with the Altoona Curve

MiLB photo

Former Black Bears prospect Jordan George has appeared in seven games since being assigned to the Altoona Curve on April 20, and is batting .400/.429/.450.

George was drafted by the Pirates in the 35th round of the 2015 draft out of Arkansas State and played in 23 games for the Black Bears in 2016, before being promoted to the West Virginia Power on July 14, 2016. He split time during 2017 season between the Bradenton and Altoona.

He had two hits, including a double and 3 RBI in the Curve's 9-8 win over the Harrisburg Senators on Sunday. Here are his stats so far this season.

DATE	OPP	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	AVG
04/20/2018	RIC	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
04/21/2018	RIC	4	0	3	0	1	1	0	0	.600
04/22/2018	RIC	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.667
04/23/2018	ERI	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	.500
04/25/2018	ERI	5	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	.400
04/28/2018	@HBG	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.375
04/29/2018	@HBG	4	1	2	0	3	0	0	0	.400
TOTALS		20	2	8	0	4	1	1	0	.400

Photo Stats Credits: MiLB.com

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

Is the honeymoon over in Granville?

Monongalia County Ballpark

Is the honeymoon over in Granville? I hope not. The West Virginia Black Bears are arguably the best entertainment value in the Morgantown area. But attendance has declined at Monongalia County Ballpark each year since the Black Bears relocated from Jamestown, New York in 2015.

Attendance at New York-Penn League (NYPL) games has been declining for the past several years, so what's happening in Granville is not a surprise. The numbers tell the story. Total attendance at New York-Penn League games have declined from 1,890,053 in 2002 to 1,403,575 in 2017 (source: numbertamer.com). Here's what has happened in Granville since the Black Bears arrived:

Year      Total Attendance     Number of home games     Average per game
2015           83,796                               37                               2,265
2016           78,774                               36                               2,188
2017           75,064                               37                               2,029
(Source: NYPL website)

Hopefully, attendance improves during the 2018 season. The Black Bears home opener is set for June 21 at Monongalia County Ballpark. Get ticket information at this link. 

On March 23, the Black Bears announced their 2018 promotion schedule (see complete schedule below). Not much new from previous seasons, but I recommend you mark your calendars for the West Virginia Moonshiners series on July 17,18 & 19, and the Kevin Newman Bobblehead Night on July 26.

June 21        Cap giveaway to first 1,000 fans
June 22        Fireworks
June 23        Fireworks
June 29        Fireworks
June 30        Jersey Auction
July 4            Fireworks
July 5            Pirate and Princess Night
July 6            Fireworks
July 7            Jersey Auction
July 8            Family Sunday Funday
July 9            Faith and Family Night
July 17          West Virginia Moonshiners Series
July 18          West Virginia Moonshiners Series
July 19          West Virginia Moonshiners Series
July 25          Christmas in July
July 26           Kevin Newman Bobblehead Night to first 1,000 fans
July 27           Fireworks
July 28           Star Wars Jersey Auction
July 29           Family Sunday Funday
August 5        Family Sunday Funday
August 6        Teacher Appreciation Night
August 7        XPOGO Night
August 11      Military Appreciation/Jersey Auction Night
August 12      Family Sunday Funday - Post Game Meet the Team
August 17      Fireworks
August 18      Superhero Jersey Auction
August 19      Family Sunday Funday with Pride of West Virginia (WVU Band)
August 20      Team Photo Giveaway to first 1,000 fans
August 22       Bark in Park
August 26       Family Sunday Funday
September 2   Family Sunday Funday

You can follow the NYPL all season at NY-Penn League News and keep track of former West Virginia Black Bears at Black Bears Tracker. You can also follow us on Twitter @NYPennNews

See you at the ballpark.

Photo Credits: NY-Penn League News

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

Logan Hill slumping at Altoona

MiLB Photo

Former West Virginia Black Bears prospect Logan Hill (2015) is slumping with the Altoona Curve this season. In 17 games, Hill is batting .132/.192/.221, with 2 homes and 8 RBI. His batting average is .103 over the last ten games (see below). It's a long season. Hopefully, he will be back in the groove soon.

DATE	OPP	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	AVG
04/14/2018	@ERI	5	1	0	0	0	0	3	0	.147
04/16/2018	@AKR	4	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	.158
04/18/2018	@AKR	3	0	0	0	0	1	2	0	.146
04/19/2018	@AKR	2	0	0	0	0	2	1	0	.140
04/20/2018	RIC	4	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	.149
04/21/2018	RIC	5	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	.135
04/22/2018	RIC	4	0	1	0	0	1	2	0	.143
04/25/2018	ERI	5	1	1	1	3	0	1	0	.148
04/27/2018	@HBG	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	.138
04/28/2018	@HBG	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.132
TOTALS		39	2	4	1	3	4	15	0	.103

Photo and Stats Credits: MiLB.com

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

Former WV Black Bears' Daniel Arribas released by Rockland Boulders

2015 WV Black Bears

Former Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Daniel Arribas was released by the Rockland Boulders of the independent league Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball on April 23, 2018.

Arribas was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent on May 27, 2011 ($110,000 signing bonus). He spent 2011 and 2012 in the Dominican Summer League, 2013 in the Gulf Coast League, and 2014 with Bristol in Appalachian League where he was a post-season All-Star.

He played in 60 games (.284/.357/.379) on the 2015 New York-Penn League Champion West Virginia Blacks and was named to the mid-season All-Star game. Arribas spent the 2016 season with the West Virginia Power and was named to South-Atlantic League All-Star game. He played in 33 games (.168/.302/.215) for the Bradenton Marauders in 2017 and was released by the Pirates on June 28, 2017.

Arribas played in 46 games for the Rockland Boulders in 2017 (.255/.347/.412)

Photo Credits: MiLB.com

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

Following former Black Bears prospect Dylan Busby in the South Atlantic League

Dylan Busby

Dylan Busby continues to struggle with minor league pitching. After 16 games this season with the West Virginia Power in the South Atlantic League, Busby has a slash line of .211/.357/.316, with 1 home run and 7 RBI.

Busby spent the 2017 season in Granville with the Black Bears and never lived up to expectations, ending the season below the Mendoza line (.188/.266/.256).

Highly touted during his college career at Flordia State, Busby was drafted in the 3rd round (88th pick overall) of last year's draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates and received a $575,000 signing bonus.

He is batting .167 over the last 10 games with Power. Hopefully, he makes the adjustment to professional baseball soon, given the hefty investment by the Pirates.

Here's a look at his performance over the last 10 Power games:

DATE	OPP	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	AVG
04/12/2018	@HIC	3	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	.292
04/13/2018	@HIC	3	1	0	0	0	2	1	1	.259
04/14/2018	@HIC	4	1	1	0	1	1	1	0	.258
04/16/2018	@CSC	3	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	.265
04/18/2018	@CSC	5	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	.231
04/19/2018	ASH	3	0	0	0	0	1	2	0	.214
04/20/2018	ASH	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	.196
04/21/2018	ASH	5	1	2	1	2	0	3	0	.216
04/22/2018	ASH	2	2	1	0	2	1	1	0	.226
04/24/2018	ROM	4	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	.211
TOTALS		36	5	6	1	5	7	14	1	.167

Photo Credits: MiLB.com

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

Following J.T. Brubaker with the Altoona Curve

Altoona Curve 2018

Former West Virginia Black Bears pitcher J.T. Brubaker is living up to expectations in his second season with the Altoona Curve.

In four starts this season Brubaker has an ERA of 1.57, five walks and 27 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched. Last night, he shutout the Erie SeaWolves over 7 innings, striking out 6.

Brubaker is number 25 on the Pirates Prospects 2018 Top 50 Prospects list. He was drafted in the 6th round of the 2015 draft out of the University of Akron and won six games for the New York-Penn League Champion Black Bears in 2015.

He spent the 2016 with the Bradenton Marauders and was assigned to Altoona in 2017.

Here are his stats so far this season:

DATE	OPP	W	L	ERA	SV	IP	H	ER	BB	SO
04/05/2018	AKR	0	0	1.80	0	5.0	4	1	2	8
04/11/2018	HBG	0	1	2.70	0	5.0	6	2	2	5
04/18/2018	@AKR	0	0	2.25	0	6.0	4	1	1	8
04/23/2018	ERI	1	0	1.57	0	7.0	3	0	0	6
TOTALS		1	1	1.57	0	23.0	17	4	5	27

Photo Credits: MiLB.com

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

Following Christian Kelley in Altoona

2018 Altoona Curve

Former Black Bears catcher Christian Kelley had a big day on Sunday in a losing cause for the Eastern League Altoona Curve. Kelley had three hits including his first home run at the AA level and three RBI in the Curve's 5-4 loss to the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Kelley was an 11th round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2015 ($100,000 signing bonus) and played in 56 games for the league champions Black Bears. He spent most of the 2016 season with the West Virginia Power before being called up the Bradenton Marauders in August. Kelley played in 92 games for the Marauders in 2017 and was a mid-season All Star. He has been a non-roster invitee to Pirates Spring Training for the last two seasons.

Year	Age		Tm		Lev		G		AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB		BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
2015	21		West Virginia		A-		56		194	30	45	2	0	0	21	0		25	43	.232	.330	.242	.573
2016	22		2 Teams		A-A+		86		290	33	72	14	0	2	33	0		27	64	.248	.317	.317	.634
2016	22		Bradenton		A+		9		31	7	11	2	0	0	5	0		2	9	.355	.371	.419	.791
2016	22		West Virginia		A		77		259	26	61	12	0	2	28	0		25	55	.236	.310	.305	.615
2017	23		Bradenton		A+		92		325	27	79	11	0	2	39	1		39	80	.243	.340	.295	.635
2018	24		Altoona		AA		10		37	4	6	1	0	0	2	0		2	8	.162	.205	.189	.394
All Levels (4 Seasons)							244		846	94	202	28	0	4	95	1		93	195	.239	.324	.286	.610
A+ (2 seasons)					Minors		101		356	34	90	13	0	2	44	1		41	89	.253	.342	.306	.648

Photo Credits: MiLB.com

Stats: Baseball Reference

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

Where are Glendinning, Pope and Brown?

Where are Robbie Glendinning, Brett Pope, and Garrett Brown? The short answer: extended Spring Training at Pirate City in Bradenton, Florida. Roster openings with the Power or Marauders could create opportunites, otherwise they may end up back in Granville when the New York-Penn League opens in June.

Brett Pope

Shortstop Robbie Glendinning was drafted by the Pirates in the 21st round of the 2017 draft out of Missouri and played in 29 games for the Black Bears last summer (.198/.342/.229). (stats here)  He spent the winter in his native Australia with the Perth Heat in the Australian Baseball League, showing improvment at the plate (.333/.408/.506) (stats here).

Brett Pope can play both at shortstop and second base. He was selected by the Pirates in the 22nd round of the 2017 draft out of Western Carolina. In 35 games, he was light at the plate (.205/.295/.238) and committed 6 errors in 128 chances in the field (stats here).

Outfielder Garrett Brown spent just five games with Black Bears in 2017 before being promoted to the West Virginia Power where he played in 58 games (.275/.314/.337) and was selected South Atlantic League Player of the week on July 23 (stats here). A former football play at Western Carolina, Brown was selected by the Pirates in the 23rd round of the 2016 draft and spent that season with the Bristol Pirates. At 25 years old, time may be running out for Brown to move up in the system.

Photo Credits: MiLB.com

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

Following Dario Agrazal with the Altoona Curve

Agrazal in 2015

Former West Virginia Black Bears prospect Dario Agrazal pitched seven scoreless innings for the Altoona Curve on Thursday night, allowing four hits, one walk and striking out three.

Agrazal was a New York-Penn League All-Star in 2015 with the league champion Black Bears.

He was placed on the Pittsburgh Pirates 40-man roster in November, 2017.

Photo Credits: MiLB.com

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

Following Ke'Bryan Hayes with the Altoona Curve

Ke'Bryan Hayes

Former West Virginia Black Bears prospect Ke'Bryan Hayes has performed well in the last four games for the Altoona Curve in the Eastern League. Since April 11, Hayes has nine hits and three RBI, and has raised his batting average to .286, after a slow start.

Hayes played in 12 games for the Black Bears in 2015.

Here are his stats for the first nine game this season with the Curve.

DATE	OPP	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	AVG
04/05/2018	AKR	4	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	.000
04/06/2018	AKR	5	0	1	0	2	0	0	0	.111
04/07/2018	AKR	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	.077
04/08/2018	AKR	3	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	.063
04/10/2018	HBG	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	.050
04/11/2018	HBG	4	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	.167
04/13/2018	@ERI	3	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	.185
04/14/2018	@ERI	5	0	2	0	1	0	1	0	.219
04/16/2018	@AKR	3	0	3	0	1	0	0	0	.286
TOTALS		35	2	10	0	5	1	5	0	.286

Stats from MiLB.com

Photo Credits: MiLB.com

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

Dovydas Neverauskas optioned to Indianapolis

Dovydas Neverauskas

The Pittsburgh Pirates optioned Dovydas Neverauskas to the Indianapolis Indians on April 16, to make room for Enny Romero who was claimed off waivers from the Washington Nationals on April 14.

Neverauskas rehabbed with the West Virginia Black Bears during the 2015 season, appearing in one game. He previously played in the New York-Penn League with the State College Spikes in 2012 and the Jamestown Jammers during the 2013 season.

Romero played briefly in the New York-Penn League with the Hudson Valley Renegades in 2010.

Photo Credits: MiLB.com

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

West Virginia Black Bears Press Release on Clear Bag Policy

Photo by NY-Penn League News

The West Virginia Black Bears issued the following press release on April 11, 2018:

West Virginia Black Bears Adopt Clear Bag Policy
Black Bears policy goes into effect June 21st

Granville, WV—The West Virginia Black Bears announced today they will be adopting a clear bag policy for all future events to be held at Monongalia County Ballpark. The new policy will model the same policy West Virginia University has implemented for all collegiate level games.

“The safety of our fans is our number one priority. West Virginia University has put a great plan in place for all of their athletic facilities so we felt comfortable adopting the same policy for our events that will be held at Monongalia County Ballpark,” said General Manager Matthew Drayer.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, purses larger than a clutch bag, diaper bags, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags, and any bag larger than the permissible size.

Suggested methods of carry in items include bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12”x6”x12”. Other approved bags include one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags and small clutch bags (4.5”x6.5”). All West Virginia Black Bears season ticket holders will be provided with a complimentary clear bag with their 2018 season tickets.

Fans who have questions about the sizing of the items they wish to bring with them are encouraged to visit WestVirginiaBlackBears.com. The new policy will be under the Monongalia County Ballpark tab where they can view the various items approved as well as items that are on the prohibited list.

Clear bags are also available for purchase online at WestVirginiaBlackBears.com. Questions about this new policy can be answered by emailing tickets@westvirginiablackbears.com.

-WVBB-

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

Former West Virginia Black Bears' 2018 Assignments

Photo taken at Monongalia County Ballpark

Listed below are the 2018 assignments of former West Virginia Black Bears. The list includes those players who had rehab assignments with the Black Bears. With the exception of Tristan Gray and Conner Joe (rehab), everyone on the list is still in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. You can review complete stats from Baseball Reference by clicking the player's name. The list does not include former Black Bears who are at extended spring training. Let me know if I missed anyone.

Here's the breakdown by team:

Pittsburgh Pirates: 4
Indianapolis Indians: 2
Altoona Curve: 14
Bradenton Marauders: 10
West Virginia Power: 13
Other: 2 (Charlotte Stone Crabs, Tulsa Drillers)

The New York-Penn League opens on June 15 and the Black Bears' home opener is on June 21 vs the State College Spikes. Ticket information link.

Dario Agrazal (2015) Altoona Curve

Stephen Alemais (2016) Altoona Curve

Trae Arbet (2016) Bradenton Marauders

Albert Baur (2015-16) Bradenton Marauders

Steven Brault (rehab '16) Pittsburgh Pirates

Dylan Busby (2017) West Virginia Power

J.T. Brubaker (2015) Altoona Curve

Will Craig (2016) Altoona Curve

Joel Cesar (2017) West Virginia Power

Sergio Cubilete (2017) West Virginia Power

Luis Escobar (2015-16) Bradenton Marauders

Tristan Gray (2017) Charlotte Stone Crabs (Gray was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in February)

Tyler Glasnow (rehab '15) Pittsburgh Pirates

Ke’Bryan Hayes (2015) Altoona Curve

Bret Helton (2015) Altoona Curve

Scooter Hightower 2016-17) Bradenton Marauders

Logan Hill (2015) Altoona Curve

Casey Hughston (2015) Bradenton Marauders

Connor Joe (rehab 2017) Tulsa Drillers (Joe was traded to Atlanta for Sean Rodriguez on August 5, 2017 and to the L.A. Dodgers on March 14, 2018)

Mitch Keller (rehab 2017) Altoona Curve

Kevin Kramer (2015, rehab 2017) Indianapolis Indians

Christian Kelley (2015) Altoona Curve

Kevin Krause (2015) Altoona Curve

Sean Keselica (2015) Altoona Curve

Bligh Madris (2017) Bradenton Marauders

James Marvel (2016) Bradenton Marauders

Dovydas Neverauskas (rehab '15) Pittsburgh Pirates

Kevin Newman (2015) Indianapolis Indians

Adam Oller (2017) West Virginia Power

Hunter Owen (2016, rehab 2017) Bradenton Marauders

Arden Pabst (2016) Bradenton Marauders

Evan Piechota (2016-17) West Virginia Power

Dylan Prohoroff (2016) West Virginia Power

Edgar Santana (2015) Pittsburgh Pirates

Tate Scioneaux (2015) Altoona Curve

Ike Schlabach (2016) West Virginia Power

Chris Sharp (2017) West Virginia Power

Deon Stafford (2017) West Virginia Power

Jacob Taylor (2016) West Virginia Power

Mitchell Tolman (2015) Altoona Curve (serving 50 game suspension)

Cam Vieaux (2016) Bradenton Marauders

Brandon Waddell (2015) Altoona Curve

Andrew Walker (2017) West Virginia Power (serving 50 game suspension)

Gavin Wallace (2017) West Virginia Power

Blake Weiman (2017) West Virginia Power

Photo Credits: NY-Penn League News

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears

Former WV Black Bears Outfielder Ty Moore signs

Ty Moore

Former West Virginia Black Bears Outfielder Ty Moore (2015-16), signed with the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the American Association of Independent Baseball on April 3.  Link

Moore was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round of the 2015 draft out of UCLA. He played for the Black Bears in 2015, when they won the New York-Penn League Championship in their first year in Granville after relocating from Jamestown, New York. Moore also played for the Black Bears during the 2016 season, after a brief assignment with the West Virginia Power and split the 2017 season between the Power and the Bradenton Marauders. He was named to All-Star teams in both 2015 (New York-Penn League) and 2017 (South Atlantic League).

YEAR	TEAM	LG		G	AB	R	H	TB	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	IBB	SO	SB		AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
2015	WV	NYP		64	242	34	67	83	9	2	1	33	25	0	40	6		.277	.361	.343	.704
2016	WV	SAL		22	77	8	15	20	5	0	0	6	6	0	11	0		.195	.256	.260	.516
2016	WV	NYP		58	205	32	59	69	5	1	1	17	13	0	18	9		.288	.368	.337	.705
2016 [-]	2 teams	-		80	282	40	74	89	10	1	1	23	19	0	29	9		.262	.338	.316	.653
2017	WV	SAL		61	229	27	61	82	15	0	2	32	26	1	48	4		.266	.350	.358	.708
2017	BRD	FSL		52	190	20	55	80	10	0	5	26	17	1	26	6		.289	.357	.421	.778
2017 [-]	2 teams	-		113	419	47	116	162	25	0	7	58	43	2	74	10		.277	.353	.387	.740
Minors Career [+]	3 teams			257	943	121	257	334	44	3	9	114	87	2	143	25		.273	.351	.354	.705

Source: MiBL.com

The Pirates released Moore on March 28. See related post. Link

Photo Credits: MiLB.com

Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears