By George Farelli

Canadian Baseball Network

He’s known as Double-A even though he has big-league time.

Only because of his name — not because of the level he has pitched at.

The lefty was 7-6 with a 4.10 ERA in 26 games with the Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Bays and Seattle Mariners in 2013 and from 2015-17.

Andrew Albers (North Battleford, Sask.) was a 10th round pick of the San Diego Padres in the 2008 draft from University of Kentucky. It took a while, but Albers made his major-league debut Aug. 6, 2013 pitching 8 1/3 innings scoreless against the Kansas City Royals.

Pitching for the Nippon Ham Fighters, Albers was in mid season form in his third start of the year this week. He worked seven scoreless allowing two hits striking out eight Nippon batters, for the victory. For that outing Albers earned Canadian Baseball Network player of the week for Week One.

Best Offensive Performances

Player / Class / Team AB R H HR RBI AVG

Jamie Romak - FGN SK Wyverns 22 5 7 2 3 .314

Wes Darvill - IND Winnipeg 19 1 5 - 4 .263

Eric Wood - IND Winnipeg 18 4 4 - 4 .222

(* Minimum 10 AB’s required)

Best Pitching Performances

Andrew Albers Lhp - Orix Buffaloes Japan

APP IP H R ER BB K W-L SV WHIP WK ERA

1 7.0 2 - - - 8 1-0 - 0.285 0.00

It’s early in the season, but on July 7th in a 7-1 win over Nippon Ham Fighters, Andrew Albers is showing some mid season form. His third start of the year was his best, as he pitched seven innings gave up two base hits and no runs while striking out eight Nippon batters, to earn his first win of the year. His overall record with Orix is 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA.

In summarizing the first weekly summary I might sound a little like Peggy Lee, but under present circumstances, “that’s all there is.”

Player Moves & Transactions

LHP Evan Grills, Whitby, Ont. - Released by Colorado Rockies. As a free agent signs with Winnipeg Goldeyes IND American Association.