Recker On Homer Barrage

Anthony is off to a blistering start for the Stockton Ports this season. Recently named to the California League All-Star team, Recker is in the midst of a career power barrage. On Friday, Recker homered for the third straight game and for the fifth game out of six.

Even before the start of the week, Anthony Recker was having a fine season for the Stockton Ports. However, his exploits since June 3 have put an exclamation point on his season. From June 3 through June 8, Recker has homered six times and has driven-in 11 runs. On the season, the Ports' catcher is batting .306 with 12 homers and 43 RBI. He had 14 homers and 57 RBI all of last season when he was with Kane County.

Recker has been particularly impressive against left-handed pitchers this season. In 31 at-bats versus soutpaws, Recker is batting .419 with four homers and a 1343 OPS. He hasn't been shabby against right-handers either, as he has posted a 904 OPS in 142 at-bats.

Recker is tied for fourth in the California League in homeruns and is tied for eighth in RBI. He is also tied for first in sacrifice hits.

The A's selected Recker out of Alvernia College in the 18th round in the 2005 draft. He has been a mid-season all-star in each of his two full minor league seasons and has quickly established himself as a legitimate catching prospect in the A's system.

The Ports' back-up catcher, Raul Padron, has been on a power kick of his own. On Friday, he hit his third homer in as many games and he has four on the season.