Sun Devils in Professional Baseball Progress Report: Part 1

Andre Ethier - Pictured to the left during some rookie hazing in 2007. Even though the Dodgers are still in the hunt for the playoffs, Andrew Ethier is contributing less than in his first two seasons. He's on pace for his best season total in homeruns, but also his worst in terms of average and strikeouts. Part of his decline in numbers could be because he hasn't been able to find his groove in a 5-man rotation of Jones, Kemp, Rameriz, Pierre and himself. He could have easily faded in to oblivion with the Manny Rameriz addition, but has only improved since the Dodgers acquired ManRam. Takes out frustration on his "Rock Band" drums.

Andrew Romine - Currently burning up the basepaths in Cedar Rapids Iowa for the Angels Single-A affiliate Kernels. Making up for his medicore .256 average with 51 stolen bases. Has been raising his average recently after a season long slump, hitting .289 over his last 10 games.

Brett Wallace - Adjusting to the wood bat very well. Batting .341 so far over his first 131 at-bats, with 5 HR, 24 RBI and an OPS of .961. Was the Minor League Baseball Player of the Week for July 28-August 3rd after hitting safely in 7 straight games. Recently talked to us about moving into the professional ranks.

Brooks Conrad - Had a cup of coffee with the A's in July before getting sent back down to Triple-A Sacramento. Made the least out of it, batting .158 over 19 at bats with the big league club. Has rare power for a second baseman, but needs to pick up his average and his walks for Billy Beane to take a second look at him.

Colin Curtis - Stuck with the Yankees Double-A affiliate Trenton Thunder for the time being. Just isn't spectacular at the plate, even though I guarantee he's still sparkling with the glove. Trenton hitting coach Tom Wilson described Colin's struggles this season:

“Just a little mechanical thing, it’s technical to get into. It’s just a little mechanical thing, and it was something that myself and our hitting coordinator talked about. Colin’s going to play in the major leagues at some point, whether it’s next year or the year after, I don’t know. Maybe it could be with somebody else, but he’s going to play in the big leagues."

Dustin Pedroia - The mainstream media can't get enough of this guy. Has one ring and is looking to add another this season, that is if the Red Sox don't blow it and miss the playoffs. Is currently the Red Sox emergency catcher. Displaying some power this season with 10 HR. Trained at API in the offseason, which obviously didn't include dance lessons: