Two players who personify the joy of Minor League Baseball are Michael Bianucci and Tommy Mendonca, of the Frisco RoughRiders (the Texas Rangers Double-A Affiliate). The RoughRiders are currently in second place of the South Division of the Texas League. The ‘Riders trail San Antonio but are poised to put themselves into the Texas League Playoffs. Mendonca is a third basemen that brings the power, and Bianucci regularly plays as the designated hitter but is also a serviceable outfielder.
College Careers:
Both guys played baseball in college, Bianucci spent three seasons with Auburn and Mendonca played three with Fresno State. Both players had excellent college careers, but Mendonca’s was slightly more prestigious. In 2008 the Fresno State Bulldogs won the College World Series and Tommy was named the CWS Most Outstanding Player, and ultimately he left the Bulldogs with school record for career home runs.
In my conversation with them I asked if they had an opportunity to play professional baseball out of high school, with the experience they have now, would they have taken it. Both players emphatically said no, that the experience and coaching they received was an unparalleled experience. Bianucci brought up, that combined with summer ball, they still played the equivalent of a short professional season. This gave them structure and the experience of playing every day. When I asked them what playing college baseball has helped them with in professional baseball, without skipping a beat Mendonca said, “a championship mentality”. He then proceeded to laugh loudly and slap his knee, all while looking at Mike. Bianucci let out a groan as if he had been teased by Tommy on many occasions.
Power Struggle:
When I spoke with both players they were tied leading the RoughRiders with 12 home runs each (they have 13 each now). I inquired if there was a competition between them, Mendonca told me “Yeah…he’s got the muscles but I’ve got the power”. Bianucci added that “at the end of the season it won’t be much of a competition”. They both went on to say that when you live with another player, it helps to drive them to compete every day. They both critique each other and try to make their games stronger and better.
In my conversation with the “Voice of the RoughRiders” Aaron Goldsmith, he commented that they jokingly call them the step-brothers. Goldsmith also went on to add that both of them are having career seasons and Mendonca is especially performing a high level.
Future with the Rangers:
For Tommy Mendonca it’s especially difficult to predict his future with the club. The Rangers have a solid Major League starting third-baseman in Adrian Beltre, and on top of that the Rangers also have Mike Olt, who until recently, was really climbing the ranks of the minor league system. Last week Olt suffered a collar-bone break, and will be out for a few weeks and looks to finish the season in High-A Myrtle Beach. Before the injury, I personally wrote an article encouraging the Rangers to promote him because of his stellar season. This injury may have been the best thing for Mendonca, as he is now all but assured to finish the season with Frisco.
Mike Bianucci has been slumping recently, but is a talented hitter, who can hit for both average and power. The Rangers organization is loaded with outfield talent, but if Bianucci can pick things back up he should continue to climb through the system.
For one thing the fans in Frisco have an entertaining and talented group of players. These two will be enjoyable to watch and see how high their ceilings are.