As April comes to a close, the Friarhood would like to look back at some of the highlights and lowlights of 2010’s first month of the San Diego Padres Triple-A affiliate in the pacific northwest.

The Beavers' opening month showed many highs and lows as the the Beavers split the first two series and even swept the Sacramento River Cats in four games  the road. But Portland’s struggles against  the Fresno Grizzlies, losing six of seven, have brought them to a 9-10 record. They trail Colorado Springs by two games in the Pacific North Division in the Pacific Coast League with one to play in April.

The Friarhood will select an outstanding position player and pitcher each month this season. It was tough picking the everyday player this month because three or four guys stood out to me. So without further adieu, here are my selections for April beginning with hitter.

OF Chris Denorfia

Chris had a season starting five game hitting streak, having it snapped with an eleventh inning pinch–hit groundout. As of April 29^th he leads or is tied for the team lead in runs(11), hits(24), doubles(6), triples(3), HR(2) and total bases(42). He is second on the team with a .333 batting average and is third in RBI(9).

Thought his on-base percentage is only .377, his slugging percentage is .583 to give him a .960 OPS.  Chris has played all three outfield positions this season committing no errors. Denorfia also swiped seven bags in eight tries.

RP Ernesto Frieri

Frieri is third in the league in saves with four in as many opportunities. He pitched nine innings this year yielding only two hits.  He’s given up zero runs while striking out twelve. His WHIP is a fantastic  0.67 and he has finished a team leading eight games walking only four.

An honorable mention would be Radhames Liz. Liz was the PCL pitcher of the week for April 19-26. For the season he has fanned 22 in only fourteen innings, winning two of three starts with an ERA of 2.57.