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 Keep Your Eye on the Dream.... ........................

2/21/2008

By Don Leypoldt, Silkworms Sports Writer

.....Two ex-Silkworms, pitcher Graham Godfrey and outfielder Ben Copeland, were each recognized as a “top 30 prospect” by Baseball America within their respective organizations.

.....Godfrey, a 2004 Silkworm who was originally drafted by Toronto, was selected as the 28th best prospect in the Oakland Athletics’ system. Copeland, a 2003 Silkworm and the first pick of the San Francisco Giants in the 2005 amateur draft, was selected as the Giant organization’s 30th best prospect.

.....Right handed pitcher Godfrey posted a 2.66 ERA in his 14 appearances with the Silkworms. His ERA dropped to 1.27 when one outing is removed. Godfrey fanned 24 NECBL batters in 23.2 innings of work, and he held opponents to a .216 average against that summer.

.....A juco All-American at Wallace State Community College, Godfrey transferred to the College of Charleston and was a key player in the Cougars’ winning the NCAA regional tournament. Godfrey was an eligible sophomore who was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 34th round of the 2006 draft.

.....Toronto traded Godfrey to Oakland during this past offseason as part of the package that brought A’s second baseman Marco Scutaro to the Blue Jays.

.....In 21 starts for Lansing in the full-season Class A Midwest League, Godfrey posted a 6-7 record and a 3.98 ERA. He struck out 74 in 110 innings, while walking only 36.

.....Baseball America had this to say about Godfrey: “Godfrey throws a firm 90-92 mph sinker that touches 94 and he made strides commanding the pitch during the season…Godfrey didn’t have much of a changeup when he became a pro, but it morphed into his second pitch with his improved delivery. Likewise, he’s developed a slider where previously he had a curveball. The pitch showed improved tilt and velocity- up to 84- over the course of the season. A poised and serious pitcher, Godfrey will need to improve his secondary offerings to stick as a starter. He’ll make his A’s debut in high Class A this year.”

.....The lefty hitting Copeland played for the Silkworms in the summer between his freshman and sophomore years at Pitt. He started the NECBL All-Star game. Copeland hit .283 that summer- second on the team- while slugging six extra base hits and driving in 15 runs. He didn’t make an error all summer and led Manchester by stealing 19 bases in 23 attempts.

.....Copeland has hit at least .280 in all four of his stops in the Giants’ farm system. Playing for high-A San Jose in 2007, Copeland had an on base percentage of .387, stole 14 bases and slammed 35 extra base hits in just over 400 at bats.

.....Baseball America had this to say: “Copeland should be able to help San Francisco down the line. He profiles best as a fourth outfielder, as he has no standout tool…He has a quick bat and it a tick above-average as a base runner, though he is just a fair base runner. Copeland also ranks as perhaps the Giants’ most patient minor league hitter…

.....“While he can play center field, Copeland fits better in left, and his fringy throwing arm would be exposed in right. He is ready to jump to double-A this year.”

.....The Manchester Silkworms have already sent three alumni to the Majors. Godfrey and Copeland ensure that the pipeline from Northwest Park to The Show stays full.

.....The Manchester Silkworms are a proud member of the NECBL; over 30 former Silkworms have been drafted by Major League Baseball.