Garrett Whitley Promoted to Renegades

Really exciting news for Niskayuna graduate and 2015 first-round MLB draft pick Garrett Whitley:

Whitley had been playing with the Gulf Coast League Rays, where he had hit .188 in 30 games for the Rays affiliate. But he did have a .310 on-base percentage. He also hit three home runs and had 13 RBIs.

Don't read too much into stats. Take this into account:

1. Whitley was playing in Section II just four months ago. The difference between high school and professional pitching is staggering. There's a high adjustment period, so don't worry about his batting average.

2. He's away from home for the first time: Whitley isn't going to college like most graduated seniors right now. This is his first experience away, another adjustment period.

3. It's really hot in Florida: For a kid who's used to playing in New York, getting used to playing in the heat of Florida is another huge adjustment.

4. He's playing every day: That's the biggest adjustment of them all. How can you prepare every day?

What you should focus on is Whitley's OBP is more than 100 points higher his batting average. A keen eye and a willingness to walk is a developed plate approach.

The Renegades are the short-season A-ball affiliate of the Rays. They play in the New York-Penn League, but do not play the ValleyCats again this season.

They are 32-31 and one game back in the McNamara Division race. They could see the 'Cats in the playoffs.