Minor League Notes: Salem-Keizer Makes Playoffs

The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes completed a 3 game sweep of the Eugene Emeralds (affiliate of the San Diego Padres) with a 4-3 victory Wednesday night, capturing the Northwest League’s Southern Division first half championship.

Jul 11, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Former Salem-Keizer Volcanoes player and current San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) during his at bat in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

With the win, the San Francisco Giants’ short season A team is guaranteed a spot in the Northwest League playoffs this September.

San Francisco’s 2013 3rd round draft pick RHP Chase Johnson (Cal Poly-SLO) made his 2nd start of the season getting the W for the Volcanoes, going 5 innings and giving up 3 hits 0ER 1BB and 3K’s.

Salem-Keizer has been home to the Giants short season A club since 1997 after moving from Bellingham, WA.  Since that time the Volcanoes have won 7 division championships and 5 Northwest League Titles, with the last one coming in 2009.

Often times short season A is the level where players straight out of college are sent, and to a lesser extent high school draftees (who might spend more time in the Rookie Arizona League).

Current Giants that got their start in the Northwest League with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes include: Buster Posey, Tim Lincecum, Ryan Vogelsong, Pablo Sandoval, Sergio Romo, and Brandon Crawford.

Keep an eye out for this current group of Volcanoes the rest of the year and check back to see if they are joined by 1st round pick Christian Arroyo or 2nd round pick Ryder Jones, both currently with the AZL Giants.

Follow the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes on twitter here: @S_K_Volcanoes

For a complete roster/schedule click here.