Arizona Fall League Championship Game

Here is the MiLB.com preview article for today's AFL Championship Game.

By the very nature of the Arizona Fall League, team rosters are completely overhauled every year. But team rank apparently is more consistent, and the Phoenix Desert Dogs are barking for their sixth consecutive title.

Phoenix, winner of the East Division, meets the West Division kingpin Peoria Javelinas in Saturday afternoon's AFL championship game at 2:35 p.m. ET/12:35 p.m. MT at Scottsdale Stadium.

It will be meaningful baseball in November -- rather, more meaningful baseball this November, with the 2009 World Series being resolved earlier this month -- on MLB.com, which will carry the live stream,and on MLB Network, which will air the game.

However, contrary to original expectations, the game will not provide a competitive preview of right-hander Stephen Strasburg, the Washington Nationals' No. 1 Draft choice.

The Javelinas are the team in the game with the Rattler Alumni. Like Joe Dunigan, Lorenzo Cain, Taylor Green, Phillippe Aumont, Carlos Triunfel, Juan Diaz and Anthony Varvaro.

Flashing back

A day late on the blog, but if you haven't seen the Flashback Friday on the main site, head over there to read a bit about Francisco "Frankie" Laureano, a member of the 1987 Foxes. That was the first year of the Royals affiliation and this particular second baseman had a really, really, really good year.

“So this is the right time for this kind of project.”

No. Not us. South Bend.

Look at which MWL team they are using for an example. No. Not us.

More than two decades have passed since Coveleski Stadium opened in 1987. “I would encourage people to go over and look at what Fort Wayne did,” said Dick Nussbaum, Legal Counsel for the Midwest Baseball League. “Fort Wayne actually had a stadium that was built seven or eight years after ours (South Bend’s), they’ve completely abandoned that stadium and have built a brand new stadium downtown.”

According to Nussbaum, the attendance at Fort Wayne’s new stadium last season was three times higher than the attendance for Coveleski Stadium. “And it’s in conjunction with downtown development,” said Nussbaum. “There’s residential projects, there’s a new parking garage, I mean it’s part of a much bigger program, just as what the city here is trying to do.”

In the past year, the City of South Bend has acquired nearly 15 acres of property near the ballpark, including the former Gates car dealership, and Fred’ Transmission. It’s hoped that private developers will step forward to occupy some of that space.

And it is hoped that I hit the Powerball numbers tonight. Good luck with the presentation to the City Council on Monday.

Just like the moon, there are phases.

Phase 1 plans for the Cove include renovation to existing concourse suites, press box and clubhouses to start before the 2010 baseball season.

In Phase 2, the most extensive work will take place. A new main entrance would be built in centerfield, including a team store, concession stands and restrooms. Within the ballpark, regarded berms will enable new enhancements: a bar, a picnic terrace, a high-top group area.

Phase 3 would focus on right field and include the addition of new batting areas, a Kids Zone with kids’ concession areas and a display area for semi-trucks.

But, here is my favorite line of the entire article. I will highlight it so that you don't skim over it.

But if South Bend is interested in keeping up with other Midwest League cities, City Councilman Dr. David Varner has another suggestion. “They pay $1 million a year to lease the stadium in Kane County (Illinois) wherever that is, the western suburbs of Chicago. In South Bend the baseball team gets the entire use of that stadium for an entire year, for $75 thousand per year.”

I think that I might steal that every time I mention the Cougars...wherever they are.

Updating that list

That minor league free agent list from BaseballAmerica.com, was covered -- somewhat -- in this post...with just Timber Rattlers alumni on the Brewers and Timber Rattlers highlighted.

Of course, I forgot to highlight Ruben Flores ('06) on the Brewers list. I caught that as I was going through the names last night...I mean today...this morning. Can you imagine me doing work on a Friday night while watching Criminal Minds reruns on A&E? I didn't think so.

To the rest of the ex-Rattlers on the list.

Reds: Korey Feiner ('08)
Tigers: Ryan Ketchner ('02)
Phillies: Jason Mackintosh ('04)
Pirates: BOBBY! Livingston ('03)
Rangers: Justin Leone ('00)

I think that is everyone.

Rattler Alumni Report: Winter League Games of November 20, 2009

Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional

@Lara 6, Caribes 4

Lara:
Luis Valbuena ('06): 2-for-3, RUN, 3RBI, HR #3
Oswaldo Navarro ('05): 2-for-4, 3 RBI
Juan Ovalles ('04): 2.2IP, H, 0R, 2K

Margarita 6 @Caracas 3

Caracas:
Carlos Maldonado ('98): 2-for-4

La Guaira 11 @Zulia 10

Zulia:
Gerardo Avila ('08): 1-for-5
Luis Oliveros ('02): 2-for-2, RUN, 2RBI

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

Aguilas 6 @Licey 1

Aguilas:
Edward Paredes ('08): .2IP, 0H, 0R, K

Saturday's Schedule:
Magallanes @ Lara 4:00pm CST

Faster than the internet

BaseballAmerica.com will be posting their list of the Top 10 Milwaukee Brewers Prospects on their website on Monday.

But, if you are subscriber like we are at the stadium, you would have that list now.

So, I'll share it here:

1.) Alcides Escobar
2.) Brett Lawrie
3.) Mat Gamel
4.) Eric Arnett
5.) Jonathon Lucroy
6.) Kentrail Davis
7.) Zach Braddock
8.) Lorenzo Cain
9.) Jake Odorizzi
10.) Kyle Heckathorn

Ex-Rattlers on that list are Lawrie (#2) and Cain (#8). Potential future Rattlers are Arnett (#4), Davis (#6), Odorizzi (#9), and Heckathorn (#10).

BA has only Odorizzi and Heckathorn coming to the Timber Rattlers in 2010. According to them Arnett and Davis could start the next year at Brevard County. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Quick note on the strengths -- according to BA -- on the possible future Rattlers:

Arnett: After battling command problems earlier in his collefe career, Arnett put it all together as a junior. He threw his fastball at 91-94 mph and touched 97, and he tightened a mid-80's slider to give him a second out pitch.

Davis: Davis' combination of hitting ability, power, and speed, not to mention his stocky frame, have drawn comparisons to a lefthanded-hitting Kirby Puckett. He has a short swing with plenty of bat speed. He has a short swing with plenty of bat speed. He has plus speed and the potential to become at least a 20-20 player.

Odorizzi: Milwaukee believes Odorizzi will fill out and gain velocity as he matures. He currently pitches at 88-91 mph and touches 93 with his fastball, maintaining that zip throughout his outings. His free and easy delivery and good extension allow his heater to get in on hitters quickly, and it features good sink and armside run. He also features a curveball that's a plus pitch at times. He throws strikes and shows good poise and competitiveness.

Heckathorn: His raw stuff is outstanding and rivaled anyone's in the 2009 draft. His fastball sits at 91-94 mph and peaks at 98. His slider also can be devastating, registering in the high 80's. Even with his live arm and big frame, Heckathorn doesn't have any problems throwing strikes.

Will link to what isn't behind the subscriber wall on Monday.

Front Page, baby!

The Post-Crescent has more on the renovations at Time Warner Cable Field today....with more quotes and everything.

“It’s trying to put this all together where there were baseball issues we have been trying to solve and fan issues we used as suggestions,” Rattlers president Rob Zerjav said of the current undertaking. “This is really taking all of that data and saying, ‘What can we do to make this all work?’ That’s how this project arrived.”

The upgrades — to be completed by April — are expected to cost roughly $400,000 and will be funded by the Fox Cities Amateur Sports Authority, a nonprofit group that owns the stadium and leases it to the team.

“The Sports Authority views the project as a very positive initiative on the part of the Timber Rattlers’ management team, and we whole-heartedly endorse and support it,” Sports Authority vice president Mike Reese said. “We’ve been thoroughly briefed, and we’re highly enthusiastic about it. It’s a great project.”

Click the link to read the rest, including some of the financial stuff that always gets asked and some of the other reasons for the renovations.

Dunigan in the hometown paper

Which happens to be the Chicago Tribune.

Joe Dunigan making progress in Seattle Mariners system

It's an undeniable truth of the 21st Century: The window to a man's soul is his Twitter account.

So when Joe Dunigan tweets that "Law Abiding Citizen is possibly the movie of the year," he's saying he's a normal 23-year-old just trying to enjoy life.

When he tweets "good Halloween ... another win for first-place Javelinas, a bomb and two knocks," the Mariners prospect is saying he had a good day with a home run and two hits in the Arizona Fall League.

And when he tweets "love Sundays, but this one isn't so great ...what in the world are the Bears doing?" Dunigan is saying he's just like us -- a long-suffering Chicago fan.

Actually, he's not just like us. Dunigan is a muscular 6-foot-1, 215-pound first baseman/outfielder with designs on playing in the major leagues. Given what he has faced so far, he just might make it.

Lost of good stuff in there about the ex-Rattler from '08. If you would like to follow Joe on Twitter, here is his account.

Minor League Free Agents for this offseason

Baseball America.com has the full list. Just the Mariner and Brewers minor league free agents are below. ex-Rattlers are in bold.

Milwaukee Brewers (14)
RHP: Ruben Flores (Hi A), Matt Ginter (AAA), Ryan Houston (AAA), Wes Littleton (AA)
LHP: Chris Capuano++ (AAA), Lindsay Gulin (AAA), Sam Narron (AAA), Chase Wright (AAA)
C: Carlos Corporan (AAA)
3B: Kevin Melillo (AA)
SS: Michael Garciaparra (AA)
OF: Drew T. Anderson (AA), Jon Knott (AAA), Freddy Parejo (AA)

Seattle Mariners (32)
RHP: Steve Bray (AAA), Chad Cordero+ (SS), Mario DeJesus (DSL), Jesus Delgado (AAA), Josh Hall+ (AAA), Eric Hull (AA), Mike Koplove (AAA), Randy Messenger (AAA), Luis Munoz (AA), Joey Newby (AA), Steven Shell (AAA), Jared Wells (AAA), Juan Zapata (Hi A), Jeff Zimmerman+ (AAA)
LHP: Danny Christensen (AA), Chris Seddon (AAA), Luis Villarreal (AA)
C: Fleming Baez (AA), Colt Morton+ (AA), Jose Yepez (AA)
1B: Gerardo Avila (SS), Ian Bladergroen (Lo A), Brad Nelson (AAA)
2B: Callix Crabbe (AAA)
SS: Alex Cintron (AAA), Oswaldo Navarro (AAA)
OF: David Espinosa (AA), Bryan LaHair (AAA), Mark McGonigle (R), Jerry Owens (AAA), Prentice Redman (AAA), Mel Stocker (AA)

I will try to doublecheck that list later to see if there are any alumni who are free agents from other organizations.

Rattler Alumni Report: Winter League Games of November 19, 2009

Arizona Fall League Regular Season Finale

Scottsdale 17 @Javelinas 9

Javs:
Joe Dunigan ('08): 0-for-3
Carlos Triunfel ('07): 0-for-2
Phillippe Aumont ('08): IP, 4H, 4R, BB, K, Loss

The Javelinas finished the regular season with a record of 18-14 to win their division. They are in the Arizona Fall League Championship game on Saturday afternoon.

Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional

@Lara 3, LaGuaira 1

Lara:
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-4
Oswaldo Navarro ('05): defensive replacement
Ricky Orta ('07): .2IP, H, R, Blown Save
Jose Escalona ('08): .2IP, 0H, 0R, Win #2

@Zulia 8, Caribes 3

Zulia:
Luis Oliveros ('02): defensive replacement

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

Licey 12 @Aguilas 4

Licey:
Jorge Sosa ('01): 5IP, 8H, 4R, 0BB, 4K, WIN #3

Aguilas:
Edward Paredes ('08): IP, 2H, 2R, BB, K

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

Carolina 9 @Mayaguez 6

Mayaguez:
Johan Limonta ('06): 2-for-5
Mumba Rivera ('05): .2IP, H, 0R, BB

Ponce 8 @Caguas 2

Caguas:
Matt Tuiasosopo ('05): 0-for-4

I hope this was worth the wait (BUMPED with addition)

I thought that this was important enough to bump to the top for the rest of the day.

Click for a larger view of the new Time Warner Cable Field seating chart below. Did I say new Time Warner Cable Field seating chart? Why, yes I did say new. Why would I need to say new seating chart? Because of this...

Time for renovations at Time Warner Cable Field

The Timber Rattlers are getting ready for their second season as an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers by making significant changes to the makeup of Time Warner Cable Field. The renovations include the addition of several new seating areas, moving the bullpens, and extending the current walkway beyond the outfield fence. Construction is already underway and should be completed by April 8, 2010, which is Opening Day for the Timber Rattlers.

Read the story or click the image below for the new seating sections.

There will be pictures of the progress made by the construction through the off-season.

ADDED: These renovations make this story from September over at BallparkDigest.com look a little foolish now, don't it? Initial reaction to that story...because that's what it was...a story...is here.

15 games

That's how long the Florida Winter Baseball League lasted.

Jim Gabella, the manager of the Burlington Bees, has reaction:

Instead of boarding their white vans for a one-day delayed series in Miami, Space Coast Surge players on Wednesday morning went their separate ways from their home base at the Cocoa Expo because the Florida Winter Baseball League is no more. Fifteen games into its inaugural 60-game season, the league suspended operations on Tuesday and on Wednesday — lacking paychecks they could trust or further word from league President Mickey Filippucci — the four teams scattered like so much dust on the basepaths.

After three inconclusive conversations with Filipucci and unsuccessfully trying to cash his first paycheck, Surge field manager Jim Gabella spent the day ensuring his players they could cash their checks and find their way home.

“They should never be allowed to do anything with the game of baseball again because they tarnished its beautiful reputation,” Gabella said referring to league officials.

Emphasis added.

There is a comment from the league. They posted it at their website, but the article has it -- in its entirety -- in a sidebar. A taste:

“The Florida Winter Baseball League (FWBL) is suspending play for the remainder of the 2009 – 2010 season,” the note said. “Although the inaugural season was shortened, the FWBL will continue on with its mission to provide the only US-based winter baseball alternative for professional baseball players.

“Being a first-year league, the organization was built from a simple idea into reality, and though we are ending the inaugural season prematurely, we now see the commitment and organization needed by our staff in order to be successful long term. We acknowledge that start-up growing pains are real and sometimes overwhelming, but that has only strengthened our resolve. We will be recapitalizing the Company to better accommodate the financial requirements to operate the league more effectively in the future.

Let me know how that 2010 season works out.

It's not all bad for Gabella. He is heading back to Burlington for 2010.

The Kansas City Royals have announced the minor league coaching staffs for the 2010 season. Jim Gabella will return for his sixth season as Bees manager.

Gabella led the Bees to the Midwest League Championship Series in '09. The playoff appearance was the second in a row for the Bees, and the first time the franchise has been in the playoffs two years in a row in 30 years. After a 29-41 first half record, the Gabella-led Bees went 35-34 in the second half and captured the Western Division Wild Card.

Rattler Alumni Report: Winter League Games of November 18, 2009

Arizona Fall League

@Phoenix 7, Javelinas 6

Javs:
Taylor Green ('09): pinch hitter, 0-for-2
Joe Dunigan ('08): 0-for-3
Carlos Triunfel ('07): 0-for-4

Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional

@Lara 8, Margarita 6

Lara:
Luis Valbuena ('06): 1-for-4, RUN, 2RBI, HR #2
Jose Escalona ('08): IP, 0H, R, BB, K

@LaGuaira 9, Caracas 8

Caracas:
Carlos Maldonado ('98): pinch hitter, 0-for-0, SF, RBI

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

Carolina 5 @Caguas 1

Carolina:
Matt Tuiasosopo ('05): 0-for-3

Marecibo 8 @Mayaguez 3 (11 innings)

Arecibo:
Jeffrey Dominguez ('06): 0-for-5, run

Mayaguez:
Johan Limonta ('06): 1-for-6, RBI
Martin Maldonado ('09): 0-for-1
Mumba Rivera ('05): IP, 3H, 0R, K

Thursday's schedule:
Scottsdale at Javelinas 1:35pm CST
LaGuaira at Lara 6:00pm CST

I do not like to do this....

But....

Stop back later. There is some exciting news -- Timber Rattlers related news -- that will be released later today.

Right now, I have to head out for a meeting.

Rattler Alumni Report: Winter League Games of November 17, 2009

Arizona Fall League

Javelinas 24 @Saguaros 15

Javs:
Taylor Green ('09): pinch runner, 2-for-3, 3 RUNS, 4RBI, HR #1
Joe Dunigan ('08): 1-for-5, 3 runs, 2RBI
Carlos Triunfel ('07): 2-for-5, 2 runs, 5RBI
Anthony Varvaro ('07): 1.1IP, 5H, 3R, BB, 2K

Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional

Margarita 15 @Lara 5

Lara:
Michael Saunders ('06): 1-for-3
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-4, RUN
Ivan Blanco ('05): 2IP, H, 3R, 2BB, 3K
Ricky Orta ('07): 1.2IP, H, 0R, K

@Zulia 4, Caribes 1

Zulia:
Luis Oliveros ('02): 0-for-3

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

Caguas 4 @Arecibo 3

Caguas:
Matt Tuiasosopo ('05): 2-for-4, RUN, 2RBI, HR #1

Arecibo:
Jeffrey Dominguez ('06): 1-for-3

Mayaguez 7 @Carolina 6

Mayaguez:
Johan Limonta ('06): 0-for-3
Martin Maldonado ('09): 1-for-3

Wednesday's Schedule:
Javelinas at Phoenix 1:35pm CST
Margarita at Lara 6:00pm CST

Not this year

Larry Stone of the Seattle Times makes the case for Felix Hernandez ('03) just coming up short in his AL Cy Young Award bid.

Felix Hernandez was the epitome of a Cy Young-caliber pitcher in 2009, and it was a beautiful thing to watch.

He was dominant. He was clutch. He was consistent. He was a horse, in the best sense of the word.

What King Felix wasn't was the best pitcher in the American League.

That statement will pain most Mariners fans, and anger some. They won't be any happier, I suspect, when the American League's Cy Young Award is announced today.

I fully expect it to go to Kansas City's Zack Greinke. And furthermore, it should.

Read it all. Especially since it includes a look the possibility that the Baseball Writers Association of America may be using some of the more modern statistical tools over just straight wins, strikeouts, and ERA.

If it's the off-season...

it must be time for this lede. The subject of the story is Rob Johnson ('05).

If it's a Tuesday in the offseason, then Seattle Mariners catcher Rob Johnson is probably in a surgical suite having another repair done on a body that was battered during the 2009 season.

Two Tuesdays ago in Colorado, it was a labrum repair on Johnson's left hip. Before that, a similar surgery on his right hip.

This Tuesday in Seattle, he'll have an operation on his ailing left wrist.

“Three surgeries in a month. I might hold an organizational record,” Johnson said.

That may not be the end. He had a magnetic resonance imaging exam Friday on his right (throwing) elbow, hoping to learn the reason for bouts of soreness during the season. Johnson doesn't believe he'll need surgery on the elbow.

Well, that's good news. Read up on the former Rattler.

Rattler Alumni Report: Winter League Games of November 16, 2009

Arizona Fall League

@Surprise 6, Javelinas 4

Javs:
Joe Dunigan ('08): 3-for-4, RUN
Taylor Green ('09): 2-for-4, 2RBI
Phillippe Aumont ('08): IP, 0H, 0R, 2BB, 3K

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

Toros 3 @Aguilas 1

Aguilas:
Edward Paredes ('08): IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 3K

Tuesday's Schedule:
Javelinas at Saguaros 1:35pm CST
Margarita at Lara 6:00pm CST

Mehring Monday posted

Read all about Dean Chance in this week's Mehring Monday.

Rattler Alumni Report: Winter League Games of November 15, 2009

Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional

@La Guaira 12, Lara 1

Lara:
Oswaldo Navarro ('05): 1-for-4
Michael Saunders ('06): 2-for-3
Luis Valbuena ('06): 1-for-3
Juan Ovalles ('04): 2IP, 0H, 0R, BB, 5K
Ivan Blanco ('05): 2IP, H, R, K

Zulia 9 @Magallanes 5

Zulia:
Luis Oliveros ('02): 0-for-4, RUN

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

Arecibo 9 @Caguas 3

Arecibo:
Jeffrey Dominguez ('06): 1-for-4, RUN

Caguas:
Matt Tuiasosopo ('05): 1-for-4

Monday's Schedule:
Javelias at Surprise 1:35pm CST

Rattler Alumni Report: Winter League Games of November 15, 2009

Arizona Fall League

Mesa 4 @Javelinas 2

Javs:
Joe Dunigan ('08): pinch hitter 0-for-1
Carlos Triunfel ('07): 1-for-4

Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional

Lara 11 @LaGuaira 4

Lara:
Oswaldo Navarro ('05): defensive replacement
Michael Saunders ('06): 3-for-6, 2 RUNS, RBI
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-2, 3 RUNS

Aragua 7 @Caribes (Game two)

Aragua:
Juan Sanchez ('09): 0-for-1

Caracas 8 @Margarita 2

Margarita:
Tim Harikkala (Foxes, '94): 3IP, 5H, 4R, 2BB, 2K, Loss

Zulia 6 @Magallanes 5 (15 innings)

Zulia:
Luis Oliveros ('02): 2-for-4
Gerardo Avila ('08): 0-for-1

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

Licey 15 @Estrellas 5

Estrellas:
Juan Sandoval ('03): IP, H, 0R

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

Carolina 6 @Caguas 3

Caguas:
Matt Tuiasosopo ('05): 0-for-4

@Arecibo 5, Ponce 4

Arecibo:
Rene Rivera ('03): 0-for-4
Jeffery Dominguez ('06): 0-for-3

Sunday's Schedule
Lara at La Guaira 11:30am CST