RTTS (Minors - Season 1) Called Up to AAA - Hapshoops32's Dynasty

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RTTS (Minors - Season 1) Called Up to AAA

Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:25 PM.

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HAPPEL TAKES NEXT STEP, PROMOTED TO AAA

Fresno, CA (AP) - The inevitable finally happened. After crushing the ball in AA ball all season long, right fielder Brian Happel finally got called up to the next level. Happel was promoted yesterday to join the club here in Fresno, where he'll likely finish out the season. "We didn't get to keep him here long," said Richmond manager Dave Machemer, "But, he was certainly impressive while he was here. I don't expect to see him back around these parts."

Happel was only with the Flying Squirrels for a month, but he left his mark, smacking 7 HR and driving in nearly 20 runs.

Happel was quite dominate in AA, splitting his time between the Binghamton Mets and the Richmond Flying Squirrels. His power was well above the rest of the league, as was his ability to hit. He was flirting with a .400 batting average, hit 25 HR and had 101 RBI, which is almost unheard of at this level.

2011 Richmond/Binghamton Stats - Hitting
NAME	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	BA	OBP	SLG
BRIAN HAPPEL	61	137	33	1	25	101	4	50	5	0	.391	.394	.706

Happel is certainly ready for the next challenge. "This is incredibly exciting. I had been getting kind of frustrated, just because I was dominating so much. I'm glad to get this promotion, and hopefully I can keep playing at the same high level and maybe even make a September call up to the big club." While applauding Happel's enthusiasm, Fresno Grizzlies Manager Steve Decker wasn't ready to send him on to the next level, just yet. "He's got a lot of potential, but frankly, all that means is he hasn't done anything, yet. So, let's see how he does for a while. The pitching's a little better at this level. He already struck out 50 times against AA pitching. I expect that number to be higher for a while as he adjusts. Let's just wait and see."

Happel showed why he may be a star of the future, but he also wants to be a star of the present, at least for Fresno

Happel will start off his AAA career coming off the bench, backing up right fielders Terry Evans and Brad Eldred. He's also behind Nate Schierholtz on the depth chart, who is playing a bit out of his position in left field right now for the Grizzlies.

Fresno Grizzlies Depth Chart - 2011