Ortega Promoted; Helm Reassigned to Missoula

In conjunction with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the South Bend Silver Hawks have announced that closer Yonata Ortega has been promoted to high-A Visalia. Additionally, infielder/outfielder Matt Helm has been reassigned to rookie level Missoula of the Pioneer League. More information can be read in the official press release.

Ortega is leading the Midwest League in saves and hasn't blown one since June 6. In Missoula, Helm will have the opportunity to play his natural infield position.

The South Bend roster currently stands at 23 active players plus two on the disabled list. The Midwest League allows for 25 active players.

Diamondbacks Sign Two More Picks

The Diamondbacks have signed their second (J.R. Bradley) and third round (Robby Rowland) selections from this year's draft. They have been assigned to play for Missoula. You can read more about the players here.

First-round pick Barret Loux is still unsigned.

2010 Infield?

If the Diamondbacks transfer the Missoula infield to South Bend next season, it could be fantastic. Baseball America has rated the Pioneer League's top 20 prospects, and four Missoula Osprey made it, including the second baseman, third baseman, and shortstop. You have to be a subscriber to read the scouting reports on all the players, but this link will take you to the story and the top 20 rankings.

To save you a little time, here are the Diamondbacks prospects and where they were ranked in the league:

#3 - 3B Bobby Borchering: 1st round pick, 2009 (One spot ahead of A.J. Pollock)
#7 - SS Chris Owings: Supplemental 1st round pick, 2009 (41st overall)
#12 - LHP Mike Belfiore: Supplemental 1st round pick, 2009 (45th overall)
#19 - 2B David Nick: 4th round pick, 2009

The Northwest League (Yakima Bears) top 20 is announced today, so I'll post about that tomorrow morning. The Midwest League is set to be announced on Thursday, so I'll do a big post about that on Friday.

'09 Alumni Report

Thought we'd take a quick look at what guys that played here in South Bend this season are doing at other levels:

Double-A Mobile:
Chris Davis has not yet played for the BayBears

High-A Visalia:
Brendan Duffy hitting .280, o HR, 4 RBI, 5 SB, 2 doubles, 1 triple
Trevor Harden is 1-7 with a 4.26 ERA in 11 starts. 61.1 IP, 84 H, 34 K's, 12 BB's

Short-Season A Yakima
Rafael Quezada is 0-3 with a 9.13 ERA in 6 starts. 22.2 IP, 36 H, 11 K's, 19 BB's
Houston Summers is 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 5 relief appearances. 12.0 IP, 12 H, 2 K's, 4 BB's
Brad Wilson is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in 6 relief appearances. 9.o IP, 5 H, 13 K's, 1 BB

Rookie Missoula
Keny Sosa is 1-1 with a 4.22 ERA in 4 starts. 21.1 IP, 26 H, 15 K's, 6 BB's