Jeff Baisley tearing up minors ...

[Apis Bull]

Jeff Baisley tearing up minors ...

Former USF slugger Jeff Baisley, now in his second season in the Oakland Athletics' minor-league system, is off to a strong start for the Kane County Cougars of the Class A Midwest League.

He drew praise this week from Baseball America's Prospect Hot Sheet, which gave him a plug in its "Helium Watch." He's also Minorleaguebaseball.com's Offensive Player of the Week for his league.

Want stats? Baisley has hit safely in 18 of his last 19 games, including a three-home-run game Thursday. That ties him for the league lead with 11 home runs this season, and his 44 RBIs are seven more than anyone else in the league.

Don't be surprised if he's promoted soon -- the Stockton Ports of the High Class A California League are most likely, though it's possible he jumps directly to the Class AA Texas League's Midland Rockhounds, where third basemen Lloyd Turner (.227) and Brian Snyder (.167) are both struggling at the plate.

Look for brother Brian, one of the top hitters in USF's lineup this spring, to be drafted next week, becoming the third Baisley brother to join the pro baseball ranks. The oldest Baisley, Brad, was drafted by the Phillies in 2000 and is currently recovering from surgery.

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