May 15, 2009

As Kentucky Derby winner 'Mine That Bird' goes for the second leg of the Triple Crown- the Preakness, Saturday, A-Rod puts on the pinstripes for his season debut in Yankee Stadium and votes for the All-Star game are being cast. This week former Vol right-hander Luke Hochevar took the mound in his season debut for the Kansas City Royals. Along with Hochevar, one-time Big Orange sluggers J.P. Arencibia, Julio Borbon, Augie Ojeda and Todd Helton all had impressive weeks at the plate.

J.P. Arencibia, catcher- Las Vegas 51s

Making his second consecutive appearance in `Vols in the Pros,' J.P. Arencibia has put together an impressive week of play. Since last Friday, Arencibia has slugged a .300 batting average, scored eight runs and earned six RBIs. Now second in the Pacific Coast League for doubles with 13, he knocked three extra-base hits this week. In his first season playing Triple-A ball, he has managed to hit .316 with runners in scoring position and has only two strikeouts in his last 34 at-bats. Arencibia also hit two out of the park this week to bring his season home-run total to three.

Julio Borbon, outfielder- Oklahoma City Redhawks

Hitting .400 or more in three of his last six games, Julio Borbon is on a tear. Borbon has hit .321 in the past week and scored four runs. He has hit the ball well, getting two triples since Monday. Borbon also has two RBIs and two stolen bases this week. On the season, he is averaging .321 at the plate with runners on and has only two strike outs in his last 44 at-bats. Borbon is ranked fifth in the PCL with 132 at-bats and tied for ninth with his pair of triples.

Augie Ojeda, second-baseman- Arizona Diamondbacks

Augie Ojeda has been a consistent in the D-backs lineup all season. With a .333 batting average this week, Ojeda will be pivotal in turning the Arizona club around from a three-game losing streak. In his last game he hit one out of the park to earn his first home-run of the season. Ojeda was one of only two Vols to ever play Olympic baseball and earned his All-America certificate in 1996- his only season in Big Orange.

Todd Helton, first-baseman- Colorado Rockies

In his third-straight appearance in the `Vols in the Pros,' Rockies' slugger Todd Helton continues his success at the plate. Helton has gone 7-21 at the plate this week for a .333 average. Since his slow start to the season, the Knoxville-native has been tearing up pitchers with his ever-rising batting average. He had four RBIs this week, hit one homer and scored five runs.