The Storm finished April in second place in the Cal League with an 11-10 record and boasted several standout performances from their players. They benefitted from having more than one hitter who started with a fiery first month. It did make choosing one a lot more difficult. The Friarhood will select an outstanding position player and pitcher each month this season from the Lake Elsinore Storm roster we selected the following players....drum roll please.

Player of the Month- Daniel Robertson

Dan Robertson, at 5’-8” and 175 lbs, has always been told what he can’t do in professional baseball. He pays not attention and goes out to succeed at every level he has played. A graduate of Oregon St, he was drafted in the 33^rd round of the 2008 first year player draft. Progressing thru the ranks at one level per year so far, Dan has played all three outfield positions and DH.

Promoted to LE for the 2010 season his current line is .387/.440/.560 with 2 doubles, 4 triples, 1 HR, 10 RBI and 4 stolen bases. He has made a total of 9 errors his entire pro career. With most of his games this year played in left field, he possesses a 980% fielding percentage in that position.

He was named Cal League Player of the Week for April 8-18, and ranks first on the team in all hitting averages. He is fourth in the league in those categories. Normally hitting second in the lineup, he possess a high OBP and has good speed. His teammates, Cody Decker (also highlighted on the web site this month) and Vince Belnome are reaping the benefits of his being on base so consistently. They have a combined 25 RBI hitting after him and the lead off hitter Blake Tekotte.

Pitcher of the Month- Brad Brach

Brad, 6’-6” and 210 lbs out of Freehold, NJ and a graduate of Monmouth Univ, represents another of the Padres tall and overpowering pitchers. Right handed, he throws a four seam fastball  in the low 90’s, a slider and splitter, all with good location and for strikes. He will occasionally use the change up but it is not his best pitch.

Drafted in the 42^nd round of the 2008 first year player draft by the Padres, Brad pitched in 17 games in the AZ rookie league with 4 saves in 22.1 IP. He gave up 5 runs with 33 SO and a 2.01 ERA.

Playing the 2009 season in Fort Wayne, Brad went 3-3 with a 1.27 ERA in 60 games with 33 saves in 63.2 IP. He gave up 10 runs and had 82 SO.

Starting the 2010 season as the closer for the Storm, Brad has pitched in 11 games, 11.2 IP with 10 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 10 SO and 8 SV. His ERA is a lowly 0.77.

A starting pitcher in college, Brach was made a closer almost immediately by the Padres organization. He has flourished in that role as he has risen quickly thru the levels and is projected as a late innings reliever at the major league level. His current success will probably mean a promotion to San Antonio later this season.