Juan Sanchez......CF
Michael Marseco...SS
Brett Lawrie......2B
Corey Kemp.........C
John Delaney......3B
Brock Kjeldgaard..1B
Jose Duran........DH
Peter Fatse.......LF
Michael Vass......RF
Cody Adams........SP
A place to follow the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Midwest League, Minor League baseball, Major League Baseball, and everything in between in that order.
6/30/2009
June 30, 2009: Transactions
Just in case you missed them below:
Infielder Steven Braun placed on the disabled list.
Outfielder Chris Dennis placed on the disabled list.
Pitcher Cody Adams activated from the disabled list.
Infielder Peter Fatse promoted from Helena to Wisconsin.
Infielder Steven Braun placed on the disabled list.
Outfielder Chris Dennis placed on the disabled list.
Pitcher Cody Adams activated from the disabled list.
Infielder Peter Fatse promoted from Helena to Wisconsin.
June 30, 2009: Tonight's starting pitcher
RHP CODY ADAMS: Selected by Milwaukee in the second round of the 2008 draft out of Southern Illinois University.
SALUKI: Adams was 6-4 in 14 starts in his last season at SIU. He had an ERA of 3.75 and a pair of complete games. In his career at SIU, Adams went 21-13 with a 3.64ERA in 57 career appearances (36 starts). He went 11-5 as a sophomore in 2007.
FIRST SINCE: Adams was the first Southern Illinois University baseball player to be selected in the top three rounds of the draft since pitcher Eric Haberer was a third round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 draft.
SCHOOL DAYS: While pitching for Sherarrd (IL) High School, Adams was a four-time All-Conference and All-Area pick. As a senior, Adams was a First Team All-State selection.
RANKING: Baseball America rated Adams as the #28 prospect in the Milwaukee minor league system heading into the 2009 season.
LAST SEASON: Adams was a member of the Helena Brewers in the Pioneer League for his first pro season. Adams made 14 appearances (five starts) and was 5-4 with a 3.48ERA for Helena.
LAST WIN: Adams scattered 10 hits over five innings on April 29 against the Great Lakes Loons. He allowed three runs (two earned), did not walk a batter, and struck out two.
LAST START: Adams took the loss at Kane County on June 21. He allowed four runs on three hits and four walks over two innings. The Rattlers lost the final game of the first half by a 6-0 score to the Cougars.
VS. CLINTON: Adams lost at Clinton on April 18. The LumberKings got to him for three runs on five hits over five innings. Adams matched his professional career high for strikeouts in that game with seven.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (@ Billings 9/5/08)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 (2x; Last: @ Clinton 4/18/09)
SALUKI: Adams was 6-4 in 14 starts in his last season at SIU. He had an ERA of 3.75 and a pair of complete games. In his career at SIU, Adams went 21-13 with a 3.64ERA in 57 career appearances (36 starts). He went 11-5 as a sophomore in 2007.
FIRST SINCE: Adams was the first Southern Illinois University baseball player to be selected in the top three rounds of the draft since pitcher Eric Haberer was a third round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 draft.
SCHOOL DAYS: While pitching for Sherarrd (IL) High School, Adams was a four-time All-Conference and All-Area pick. As a senior, Adams was a First Team All-State selection.
RANKING: Baseball America rated Adams as the #28 prospect in the Milwaukee minor league system heading into the 2009 season.
LAST SEASON: Adams was a member of the Helena Brewers in the Pioneer League for his first pro season. Adams made 14 appearances (five starts) and was 5-4 with a 3.48ERA for Helena.
LAST WIN: Adams scattered 10 hits over five innings on April 29 against the Great Lakes Loons. He allowed three runs (two earned), did not walk a batter, and struck out two.
LAST START: Adams took the loss at Kane County on June 21. He allowed four runs on three hits and four walks over two innings. The Rattlers lost the final game of the first half by a 6-0 score to the Cougars.
VS. CLINTON: Adams lost at Clinton on April 18. The LumberKings got to him for three runs on five hits over five innings. Adams matched his professional career high for strikeouts in that game with seven.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (@ Billings 9/5/08)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 (2x; Last: @ Clinton 4/18/09)
June 30, 2009: Game notes
LAST ACTION: The Timber Rattlers lost 15-6 to the Peoria Chiefs on Sunday afternoon. The loss snapped Wisconsin’s three-game winning streak to start the second half of the season.
A LITTLE OF THE BACK AND FORTH: The Rattlers trailed the Chiefs 2-0 after the top of the third inning. Wisconsin rallied to tie the game with single runs in the third and fourth innings. Then, the Chiefs went up 4-2 by scoring single runs in the fifth and sixth innings.
OUT FRONT: Wisconsin grabbed their first lead with four runs in the bottom of the sixth. Brock Kjeldgaard and Derrick McPhearson each drew bases loaded walks to tie the game 4-4. Juan Sanchez made the score 6-4 with a two-out, two-run single.
WHOA: The first nine Chiefs batters of the top of the eighth inning reached. All nine scored. Rigoberto Almonte allowed the first six hitters of the frame to reach base. Nick Tyson let the next three on base. When the inning ended, the Chiefs had nine runs on seven hits and a 14-6 lead.
END OF THE LINE: Tyson’s scoreless streak ended at 15-1/3 innings.
HE GOES TO ELEVEN: Kjeldgaard lined his team leading eleventh homer of the season in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie the game. Kjeldgaard had two RBI to push his team-leading total in that category to 45.
MAKING MOVES: Yesterday, infielder Steve Braun and outfielder Chris Dennis were placed on the disabled list of the Timber Rattlers. Also, pitcher Cody Adams was activated from the DL. Peter Fatse, the 24th round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2009 draft, has joined the Timber Rattlers and will be active for tonight’s game.
A STEP BACK: The loss on Sunday moved the Timber Rattlers back to the .500 mark to 37-37. Wisconsin is 3-1 to start the second half and leads the Western Division by one game.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Clinton LumberKings are the Midwest League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Scott Steinmann, a former player, coach, and manager of the Timber Rattlers, is in his first season as the manager of the LumberKings. Pitching Coach Lance Painter was the pitching coach of Wisconsin in 2006 and 2007. This is the first season for Seattle to be the parent club of the LumberKings. They were 40-30 in the first half and missed a playoff spot. The LumberKings are off to a 2-2 start for the second half. In their series to kick off the second half of the schedule, the LumberKings split a four game set with Beloit at home.
2009 SEASON SERIES: The Timber Rattlers lead the season series 5-3. Clinton swept three games from the Timber Rattlers April 17-19 at Alliant Energy Field. The final game of the series was rained out on April 20. Wisconsin swept a five game series from the LumberKings at Time Warner Cable Field from May 16-19.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .245 as a team. They have scored 311 runs (4.2/game) and hit 36 home runs. The LumberKings are hitting .255 as a team. They have scored 361 runs (4.9/game) and hit 49 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 3.95 while allowing a total of 341 runs (4.6/game). Clinton pitchers have a team ERA of 3.09 while allowing 298 runs (4.0/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 88 errors. The LumberKings defense has committed 112 errors. Wisconsin is 24-16 at home this season. Clinton is 19-17 on the road this season.
DIDN’T YOU USED TO BE? Seattle had been the affiliate of Appleton’s entry in the Midwest League from 1993-2008. This is the first time a Seattle team has been affiliated with Clinton since the Seattle Pilots were the parent club of the Clinton Pilots in 1969.
FAMILIAR FACES: There are 11 players on the active Clinton roster that played – at one time or another – for the Timber Rattlers: Pitchers Ruben Flores (’06), Cheyne Hahn (’08), Jose Jimenez (’08), Ryan Moorer (’08), and Matt Renfree (’07); catcher Blake Ochoa (’08); infielders Luis Nunez (’07), Ogui Diaz (’07), and Terry Serrano (’08); and outfielders Denny Almonte (’08) and Danny Carroll (’08).
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook listed three members of the current LumberKings roster as a Top 30 prospect in the Seattle system. Pitcher Maikel Cleto (#16) is the highest rated player on the list. Outfielder Denny Almonte (#22) is the only other Clinton position player on the list. Pitcher Aaron Pribanic (#27) is also on the list.
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2008: The Mariners have placed eight members of their 2008 draft class on the current LumberKings roster. Pitchers Kenn Kasparek (12th), Bobby LaFromboise (8th), Stephen Penny (29th), Blake Nation (22nd), and Aaron Pribanic (3rd); infielders Scott Savastano (28th), and Nate Tenbrink (7th); and outfielder Jake Shaffer (15th) were all selected by Seattle in 2008.
CLINTON STARTING PITCHER: Kenn Kasparek was Seattle’s 12th round pick in the 2008 draft out of the University of Texas. Kasparek was 4-3 with a 3.76ERA in 15 starts for the Longhorns in 2008. He walked 27 and struck out 76 over 76.2IP. Kasparek split his first pro season between Pulaski and Everett in the Mariner system. He went 5-4 over 15 games (13 starts) and struck out 65 and walked 23 over 52 innings on those two stops. In his start prior to tonight, Kasparek faced Beloit at home on June 25. He allowed two runs on six hits over four innings for a no decision. Kasparek has made one start against the Rattlers this season. On May 17 in the first game of a doubleheader, the Wisconsin scored three runs (all unearned) on seven hits over 4-1/3 innings to tag Kasparek with the loss. He walked two and struck out four in that game, his only appearance against the Rattlers and an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers in his career.
A LITTLE OF THE BACK AND FORTH: The Rattlers trailed the Chiefs 2-0 after the top of the third inning. Wisconsin rallied to tie the game with single runs in the third and fourth innings. Then, the Chiefs went up 4-2 by scoring single runs in the fifth and sixth innings.
OUT FRONT: Wisconsin grabbed their first lead with four runs in the bottom of the sixth. Brock Kjeldgaard and Derrick McPhearson each drew bases loaded walks to tie the game 4-4. Juan Sanchez made the score 6-4 with a two-out, two-run single.
WHOA: The first nine Chiefs batters of the top of the eighth inning reached. All nine scored. Rigoberto Almonte allowed the first six hitters of the frame to reach base. Nick Tyson let the next three on base. When the inning ended, the Chiefs had nine runs on seven hits and a 14-6 lead.
END OF THE LINE: Tyson’s scoreless streak ended at 15-1/3 innings.
HE GOES TO ELEVEN: Kjeldgaard lined his team leading eleventh homer of the season in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie the game. Kjeldgaard had two RBI to push his team-leading total in that category to 45.
MAKING MOVES: Yesterday, infielder Steve Braun and outfielder Chris Dennis were placed on the disabled list of the Timber Rattlers. Also, pitcher Cody Adams was activated from the DL. Peter Fatse, the 24th round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2009 draft, has joined the Timber Rattlers and will be active for tonight’s game.
A STEP BACK: The loss on Sunday moved the Timber Rattlers back to the .500 mark to 37-37. Wisconsin is 3-1 to start the second half and leads the Western Division by one game.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Clinton LumberKings are the Midwest League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Scott Steinmann, a former player, coach, and manager of the Timber Rattlers, is in his first season as the manager of the LumberKings. Pitching Coach Lance Painter was the pitching coach of Wisconsin in 2006 and 2007. This is the first season for Seattle to be the parent club of the LumberKings. They were 40-30 in the first half and missed a playoff spot. The LumberKings are off to a 2-2 start for the second half. In their series to kick off the second half of the schedule, the LumberKings split a four game set with Beloit at home.
2009 SEASON SERIES: The Timber Rattlers lead the season series 5-3. Clinton swept three games from the Timber Rattlers April 17-19 at Alliant Energy Field. The final game of the series was rained out on April 20. Wisconsin swept a five game series from the LumberKings at Time Warner Cable Field from May 16-19.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .245 as a team. They have scored 311 runs (4.2/game) and hit 36 home runs. The LumberKings are hitting .255 as a team. They have scored 361 runs (4.9/game) and hit 49 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 3.95 while allowing a total of 341 runs (4.6/game). Clinton pitchers have a team ERA of 3.09 while allowing 298 runs (4.0/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 88 errors. The LumberKings defense has committed 112 errors. Wisconsin is 24-16 at home this season. Clinton is 19-17 on the road this season.
DIDN’T YOU USED TO BE? Seattle had been the affiliate of Appleton’s entry in the Midwest League from 1993-2008. This is the first time a Seattle team has been affiliated with Clinton since the Seattle Pilots were the parent club of the Clinton Pilots in 1969.
FAMILIAR FACES: There are 11 players on the active Clinton roster that played – at one time or another – for the Timber Rattlers: Pitchers Ruben Flores (’06), Cheyne Hahn (’08), Jose Jimenez (’08), Ryan Moorer (’08), and Matt Renfree (’07); catcher Blake Ochoa (’08); infielders Luis Nunez (’07), Ogui Diaz (’07), and Terry Serrano (’08); and outfielders Denny Almonte (’08) and Danny Carroll (’08).
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook listed three members of the current LumberKings roster as a Top 30 prospect in the Seattle system. Pitcher Maikel Cleto (#16) is the highest rated player on the list. Outfielder Denny Almonte (#22) is the only other Clinton position player on the list. Pitcher Aaron Pribanic (#27) is also on the list.
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2008: The Mariners have placed eight members of their 2008 draft class on the current LumberKings roster. Pitchers Kenn Kasparek (12th), Bobby LaFromboise (8th), Stephen Penny (29th), Blake Nation (22nd), and Aaron Pribanic (3rd); infielders Scott Savastano (28th), and Nate Tenbrink (7th); and outfielder Jake Shaffer (15th) were all selected by Seattle in 2008.
CLINTON STARTING PITCHER: Kenn Kasparek was Seattle’s 12th round pick in the 2008 draft out of the University of Texas. Kasparek was 4-3 with a 3.76ERA in 15 starts for the Longhorns in 2008. He walked 27 and struck out 76 over 76.2IP. Kasparek split his first pro season between Pulaski and Everett in the Mariner system. He went 5-4 over 15 games (13 starts) and struck out 65 and walked 23 over 52 innings on those two stops. In his start prior to tonight, Kasparek faced Beloit at home on June 25. He allowed two runs on six hits over four innings for a no decision. Kasparek has made one start against the Rattlers this season. On May 17 in the first game of a doubleheader, the Wisconsin scored three runs (all unearned) on seven hits over 4-1/3 innings to tag Kasparek with the loss. He walked two and struck out four in that game, his only appearance against the Rattlers and an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers in his career.
Rattler Alumni Report: AAA and AA games of June 29, 2009
AAA:
International League:
Indianapolis:
Chris Snelling ('00): 0-for-4
PCL:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 3-for-4, RUN
Jeff Clement ('05): 2-for-4, RUN, RBI
Bryan LaHair ('04): 1-for-4, RUN 2 RBI
Oswaldo Navarro ('05): 1-for-5
Justin Thomas ('06): 1.2IP, 2H, R, 3BB, 2K, Loss
AA:
Eastern League:
Bowie:
BOBBY! Livingston ('03): 7IP, 5H, R, 2BB, 4K, WIN #6
Southern League:
West Tennessee:
Greg Halman ('07): 1-for-6, HR #15
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 0-for-4
Brent Johnson ('05): 0-for-1, pinch runner
Johan Limonta ('06): 2-for-4
Anthony Varvaro ('07): 2IP, H, 0R, 4K
Phillippe Aumont ('08): 2IP, H, 0R, 3K, WIN #1
Huntsville:
Michael Garciaparra ('03): 0-for-3, RBI
Juan Sandoval ('03): IP, H, 0R, K
International League:
Indianapolis:
Chris Snelling ('00): 0-for-4
PCL:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 3-for-4, RUN
Jeff Clement ('05): 2-for-4, RUN, RBI
Bryan LaHair ('04): 1-for-4, RUN 2 RBI
Oswaldo Navarro ('05): 1-for-5
Justin Thomas ('06): 1.2IP, 2H, R, 3BB, 2K, Loss
AA:
Eastern League:
Bowie:
BOBBY! Livingston ('03): 7IP, 5H, R, 2BB, 4K, WIN #6
Southern League:
West Tennessee:
Greg Halman ('07): 1-for-6, HR #15
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 0-for-4
Brent Johnson ('05): 0-for-1, pinch runner
Johan Limonta ('06): 2-for-4
Anthony Varvaro ('07): 2IP, H, 0R, 4K
Phillippe Aumont ('08): 2IP, H, 0R, 3K, WIN #1
Huntsville:
Michael Garciaparra ('03): 0-for-3, RBI
Juan Sandoval ('03): IP, H, 0R, K
Rattler Alumni Report: MLB Games of June 29, 2009
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 1-for-4
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 0-for-3
Chicago (AL):
Matt Thornton ('00): IP, 2H, 2R
Cleveland:
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 2-for-3, RUN, HR #10
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-4
Los Angeles (AL):
Brian Fuentes ('97): IP, 0H, 0R, SAVE #22
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): 1-for-1 pinch hitter
David Ortiz ('96): 1-for-4
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 0-for-3
Chicago (AL):
Matt Thornton ('00): IP, 2H, 2R
Cleveland:
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 2-for-3, RUN, HR #10
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-4
Los Angeles (AL):
Brian Fuentes ('97): IP, 0H, 0R, SAVE #22
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): 1-for-1 pinch hitter
Milwaukee Brewers Report: Games of June 29, 2009
MILWAUKEE (MAJ: 41-35; 1st National League Central): The Brewers beat the Mets 10-6 at Miller Park. Casey McGehee hit a grand slam and JJ Hardy added four hits, including a homer, to stake the Brewers to a big lead. But, Trevor Hoffman needed to get a game-ending double play to end the game and pick up the save.
NASHVILLE (AAA: 44-34; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds beat Oklahoma City 11-1. Brendan Katin hit his seventeenth home run of the season for Nashville. Tim Dillard got the win by going eight innings and allowing one run on four hits.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 43-34 overall, 5-3 second half; 1st Southern League North Division): The Stars lost 7-2 at Tennessee. The Smokies scored four runs in the fourth and added three more in the seventh.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 43-26 overall, 3-2 second half; T-4th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees beat Charlotte 8-5. Caleb Gindl went 4-for-4 with a homer, two RBI, and three runs scored.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 4-3; 2nd Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers beat Billings 11-3. Cutter Dykstra (’09) was 2-for-4 with a homer and four RBI for Helena.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 4-3; 2nd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers beat the Cubs 7-1.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
New York (Johan Santana 9-5) at Milwaukee (Mike Burns 0-1) 7:05pm CDT
Oklahoma City (Dustin Nippert) at Nashville (Chris Cody 2-1) 7:00pm CDT
Huntsville (Bobby Bramhall 4-4) at Tennessee (Hung-Wen Chen 3-6) 6:15pm CDT
Brevard County (Amaury Rivas 4-5) at Charlotte (Jesse Darcy 2-6) 6:05pm CDT
Billings (Luca Panerati 0-1) at Helena (Damon Krestalude 1-0) 8:00pm CDT
AZL Brewers at AZL Athletics 9:00pm CDT
NASHVILLE (AAA: 44-34; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds beat Oklahoma City 11-1. Brendan Katin hit his seventeenth home run of the season for Nashville. Tim Dillard got the win by going eight innings and allowing one run on four hits.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 43-34 overall, 5-3 second half; 1st Southern League North Division): The Stars lost 7-2 at Tennessee. The Smokies scored four runs in the fourth and added three more in the seventh.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 43-26 overall, 3-2 second half; T-4th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees beat Charlotte 8-5. Caleb Gindl went 4-for-4 with a homer, two RBI, and three runs scored.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 4-3; 2nd Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers beat Billings 11-3. Cutter Dykstra (’09) was 2-for-4 with a homer and four RBI for Helena.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 4-3; 2nd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers beat the Cubs 7-1.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
New York (Johan Santana 9-5) at Milwaukee (Mike Burns 0-1) 7:05pm CDT
Oklahoma City (Dustin Nippert) at Nashville (Chris Cody 2-1) 7:00pm CDT
Huntsville (Bobby Bramhall 4-4) at Tennessee (Hung-Wen Chen 3-6) 6:15pm CDT
Brevard County (Amaury Rivas 4-5) at Charlotte (Jesse Darcy 2-6) 6:05pm CDT
Billings (Luca Panerati 0-1) at Helena (Damon Krestalude 1-0) 8:00pm CDT
AZL Brewers at AZL Athletics 9:00pm CDT
For your morning discussion
ESPN just did an Outside the Lines on the economy and sports. They focused on Beloit and Janesville.
Here is the video of segment two. It is a look at the Beloit Snappers.
The OTL home page is right here. This should be a direct link to the story with links to segments one, two, and three.
I'll be back later with the whole day of posts.
Here is the video of segment two. It is a look at the Beloit Snappers.
The OTL home page is right here. This should be a direct link to the story with links to segments one, two, and three.
I'll be back later with the whole day of posts.
6/29/2009
He was busy yesterday
The Prodigal Beat Writer had a busy day yesterday.
First this...
First this...
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers’ depleted roster is now down two more names thanks to a pair of ankle injuries.Brett has an update that links to Adam McAlvy's blog with this report:
According to Rattlers manager Jeff Isom, infielder Steve Braun fractured an ankle and outfielder Chris Dennis sprained his in Saturday’s 2-1, 14-inning Midwest League win over the Peoria Chiefs at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute.
Although both players are still officially listed on the club’s roster, Isom said he expects Braun to be out for the year and Dennis to be placed on the disabled list shortly.
“I’m assuming (Braun won't be back)” Isom said. “I don’t know that for a fact. There’s nothing he can do here for us. He’ll be on his way somewhere, some place. I don’t know where – Arizona or back home. There’s not much you can do when you have a fracture.”
Dennis' agent, Josh Kusnick, who just told me that the player has a tendon injury and could miss 4-6 weeks.Also, Brett has this with Harvey Keunn, Jr.
I loooove a good baseball story — particularly the talking kind, when one guy's doing all the yakking and I'm doing all the listening.Stories? What kind of stories?
So you can imagine why I felt like I jacked one out of the yard on Sunday when I cornered Harvey Kuenn Jr., an area scout for the Milwaukee Brewers, and asked him to spin a yarn or two about that great Harvey's Wallbangers club managed by his late father.
For most of you my age and older, — you surely remember that group.
Rockin' Robin. Stormin' Gorman. Paulie. Vuke. Rollie. Gumby. Coooooop.
Those were just a few of the magical names that authored one of the more memorable summers ever seen in these parts as they helped usher the Milwaukee Brewers into the 1982 World Series, the franchise's only appearance.
Like that night following a Brewers triumph in the American League Championship Series. Some of the players made the quick spin from old Milwaukee County Stadium to Cesar's Inn, a shot-and-a-beer kind of tavern along National Avenue, to mingle with the crazed fans and even tend bar.Or...
Then there was that night, again at Cesar's, when police had to shut down a 100-yard stretch of National Avenue after the Crew edged the California Angels in the fifth and decisive game of the American League Championship Series to earn a World Series berth — Milwaukee's first since the old Braves advanced in 1958.Go read it.
Kuenn Jr. was working at the tiny bar at the time and said thousands showed up to celebrate, many of them cramming themselves inside the establishment even though its official limit was 65 people.
History made...if overshadowed a bit
Jamie McOwen, a Rattler in 2007, is the new owner of a 36-game hitting streak to set a California League record.
heck...Here is the linescore:
....1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9...R...H..E..
LE..8..3..5..2..4..0..0..6..5..33..32..1
HD..1..2..0..3..5..0..0..3..4..18..26..5
When High Desert fell behind by eight runs in the first inning, the Mavericks didn't feel much like celebrating. So when James McOwen hit a bouncer that hopped over the first baseman's head to push his hitting streak to a Cal League-record 36 games, he didn't say much.BUT, Lake Elsinore had a little better day.
"Oh, man, there's going to be an asterisk if that's the only hit I get today," said McOwen, trying to crack a joke when he stepped back into the dugout.
McOwen eliminated any thoughts of that asterisk with a fifth-inning homer, but it didn't do much for the Mavericks, who fell to Lake Elsinore in record-setting fashion, 33-18, on Sunday.33-18?!?!?!
Not only was it the longest game in league history -- players from both teams wondered if it would ever end -- at 4 hours, 10 minutes, but the Storm broke the league record for hits (32), topping the 29 shared by Stockton (Aug. 1, 1993) and Rancho Cucamonga (Aug. 10, 1997).Take a look at this boxscore.
heck...Here is the linescore:
....1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9...R...H..E..
LE..8..3..5..2..4..0..0..6..5..33..32..1
HD..1..2..0..3..5..0..0..3..4..18..26..5
Rattler Alumni Report: AAA and AA games of June 28, 2009
AAA:
International League:
Indianapolis:
Chris Snelling ('00): 0-for-4
Buffalo:
Rene Rivera ('03): 0-for-2
Norfolk:
Chris Tillman ('07): 6.2IP, 3H, 5R, 3BB, 5K, Loss
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre:
Justin Leone ('00): 0-for-2
PCL:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 3-for-4, RBI, HR #10
Jeff Clement ('05): 0-for-3
Bryan LaHair ('04): 0-for-4
Adam Moore ('06): 1-for-4
Denny Stark ('97): 2IP, 2H, R, 2BB, K, Loss
AA:
Southern League:
Nashville:
Michael Garciaparra ('03): 1-for-4, RBI
Carolina:
Korey Feiner ('08): 1-for-3, RUN
West Tennessee:
Greg Halman ('07): 1-for-4
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 0-for-4
Johan Limonta ('06): 0-for-4
Leury Bonilla ('07): 1-for-4, RBI
Kyle Parker ('07): 7IP, 4H, R, 2BB, 4K
Mumba Rivera ('05): IP, H, 0R, 2BB, 2K
Birmingham:
Robbie Hudson ('06): 1-for-4
International League:
Indianapolis:
Chris Snelling ('00): 0-for-4
Buffalo:
Rene Rivera ('03): 0-for-2
Norfolk:
Chris Tillman ('07): 6.2IP, 3H, 5R, 3BB, 5K, Loss
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre:
Justin Leone ('00): 0-for-2
PCL:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 3-for-4, RBI, HR #10
Jeff Clement ('05): 0-for-3
Bryan LaHair ('04): 0-for-4
Adam Moore ('06): 1-for-4
Denny Stark ('97): 2IP, 2H, R, 2BB, K, Loss
AA:
Southern League:
Nashville:
Michael Garciaparra ('03): 1-for-4, RBI
Carolina:
Korey Feiner ('08): 1-for-3, RUN
West Tennessee:
Greg Halman ('07): 1-for-4
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 0-for-4
Johan Limonta ('06): 0-for-4
Leury Bonilla ('07): 1-for-4, RBI
Kyle Parker ('07): 7IP, 4H, R, 2BB, 4K
Mumba Rivera ('05): IP, H, 0R, 2BB, 2K
Birmingham:
Robbie Hudson ('06): 1-for-4
Rattler Alumni Report: MLB games of June 28, 2009
Cleveland:
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 0-for-4
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-4
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 1-for-3
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 1-for-4
Atlanta:
Eric O'Flaherty ('05): .1IP, H, 0R
Rafael Soriano ('00): IP, 0H, 0R, K
St. Louis:
Joel Pineiro ('98): 6.2IP, 8H, 5R, 3ER, Loss
Los Angeles (AL):
Brian Fuentes ('97): IP, 0H, 0R
Seattle:
Wladimir Balentien ('04): defensive replacement
Mark Lowe ('05): IP, 0H, 0R, K
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-1, 3 BBs
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 0-for-4
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-4
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 1-for-3
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 1-for-4
Atlanta:
Eric O'Flaherty ('05): .1IP, H, 0R
Rafael Soriano ('00): IP, 0H, 0R, K
St. Louis:
Joel Pineiro ('98): 6.2IP, 8H, 5R, 3ER, Loss
Los Angeles (AL):
Brian Fuentes ('97): IP, 0H, 0R
Seattle:
Wladimir Balentien ('04): defensive replacement
Mark Lowe ('05): IP, 0H, 0R, K
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-1, 3 BBs
Midwest League Action: Games of June 28, 2009
Complete scoreboard
Peoria 15 @Wisconsin 6: It was an explosive inning for the Peoria Chiefs. For the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, it was an absolute nightmare.
Beloit 6 @Clinton 2;
Beloit 6, @Clinton 4:
Kane County 8 @Quad Cities 2: "At times, the glass seems half full because you see the growth and development that is taking place. At other times, the glass is seemingly half empty because needs constantly arise," Luhnow said. "There is a fluidity to it all."
@West Michigan 8, Great Lakes 0: After that, the West Michigan Whitecaps pitcher said he couldn't help but wonder if Sunday's 8-0 win would include the ballpark's first no-hitter by a Whitecaps pitcher in nine years. But before he had a chance to finish it, he was taken out by manager Joe DePastino after five hitless innings.
@Lansing 5, Dayton 3: A.J. Jimenez went 3-for-4 and delivered the go-ahead RBI double in the bottom of the eighth inning Sunday to lead the Lansing Lugnuts past the DaytonDragons, 5-3, at Oldsmobile Park.
@Burlington 3, Cedar Rapids 2: Shawn Griffin joined the Burlington Bees Thursday, and had not gotten a hit in his first six at bats. His first hit proved to be a game-winner.
@Fort Wayne 7, South Bend 0: The thought hit Anthony Bass in the fifth inning. Fort Wayne’s ace pitcher had retired the first 15 South Bend hitters Sunday. That’s when the possibility of a no-hitter crept into his mind.
Peoria 15 @Wisconsin 6: It was an explosive inning for the Peoria Chiefs. For the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, it was an absolute nightmare.
Beloit 6 @Clinton 2;
Beloit 6, @Clinton 4:
By the top of the seventh inning of Game 2, Clinton manager Scott Steinmann had seen enough Sunday. Not of his team but of the home-plate umpire Matt Neuhold.@Quad Cities 10, Kane County 2;
So, Steinmann strolled to the mound to “confer” with pitcher Matt Renfree and his infielders before Renfree threw a 3-2 pitch to Beloit’s Dominic De La Osa. Neuhold soon came out to break up the conference, allowing Steinmann to proceed with the real purpose of his visit: to have a few words with Neuhold.
Kane County 8 @Quad Cities 2: "At times, the glass seems half full because you see the growth and development that is taking place. At other times, the glass is seemingly half empty because needs constantly arise," Luhnow said. "There is a fluidity to it all."
@West Michigan 8, Great Lakes 0: After that, the West Michigan Whitecaps pitcher said he couldn't help but wonder if Sunday's 8-0 win would include the ballpark's first no-hitter by a Whitecaps pitcher in nine years. But before he had a chance to finish it, he was taken out by manager Joe DePastino after five hitless innings.
@Lansing 5, Dayton 3: A.J. Jimenez went 3-for-4 and delivered the go-ahead RBI double in the bottom of the eighth inning Sunday to lead the Lansing Lugnuts past the DaytonDragons, 5-3, at Oldsmobile Park.
@Burlington 3, Cedar Rapids 2: Shawn Griffin joined the Burlington Bees Thursday, and had not gotten a hit in his first six at bats. His first hit proved to be a game-winner.
@Fort Wayne 7, South Bend 0: The thought hit Anthony Bass in the fifth inning. Fort Wayne’s ace pitcher had retired the first 15 South Bend hitters Sunday. That’s when the possibility of a no-hitter crept into his mind.
Milwaukee Brewers Report: Games of June 28, 2009
MILWAUKEE (MAJ: 40-35; T-1st National League Central): The Brewers lost 7-0 to San Francisco. Milwaukee had four hits in the game.
NASHVILLE (AAA: 43-34; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds lost 12- to Oklahoma City. Manny Parra took the loss and allowed seven runs (six earned) on five hits over 4-2/3 innings. Parra walked five and struck out five.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 43-33 overall, 5-2 second half; 1st Southern League North Division): The Stars beat Chattanooga 3-2. Adam Stern broke a 2-2 tie with a homer in the top of the ninth inning.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 42-26 overall, 2-2 second half; T-5th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees beat Palm Beach 7-4. Brevard County rallied from a 4-2 deficit with two runs in the seventh inning and three runs in the eighth.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 3-3; T-2nd Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers beat Missoula 15-10. Scott Krieger hit three homers -- out of the six hit by Helena -- and drove in six runs for Helena.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 3-3; 3rd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers were off on Sunday.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
New York (Fernando Nieve 3-0) at Milwaukee (Braden Looper 5-4) 6:05pm CDT
Oklahoma City (Josh Rupe 1-4) at Nashville (Tim Dillard 7-3) 7:00pm CDT
Huntsville (David Welch 4-5) at Tennessee (Casey Coleman 7-3) 6:15pm CDT
Brevard County (Michael Bowman 2-2) at Charlotte 6:05pm CDT
Billings at Helena 8:05pm CDT
AZL Royal at AZL Brewers 9:00pm CDT
NASHVILLE (AAA: 43-34; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds lost 12- to Oklahoma City. Manny Parra took the loss and allowed seven runs (six earned) on five hits over 4-2/3 innings. Parra walked five and struck out five.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 43-33 overall, 5-2 second half; 1st Southern League North Division): The Stars beat Chattanooga 3-2. Adam Stern broke a 2-2 tie with a homer in the top of the ninth inning.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 42-26 overall, 2-2 second half; T-5th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees beat Palm Beach 7-4. Brevard County rallied from a 4-2 deficit with two runs in the seventh inning and three runs in the eighth.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 3-3; T-2nd Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers beat Missoula 15-10. Scott Krieger hit three homers -- out of the six hit by Helena -- and drove in six runs for Helena.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 3-3; 3rd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers were off on Sunday.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
New York (Fernando Nieve 3-0) at Milwaukee (Braden Looper 5-4) 6:05pm CDT
Oklahoma City (Josh Rupe 1-4) at Nashville (Tim Dillard 7-3) 7:00pm CDT
Huntsville (David Welch 4-5) at Tennessee (Casey Coleman 7-3) 6:15pm CDT
Brevard County (Michael Bowman 2-2) at Charlotte 6:05pm CDT
Billings at Helena 8:05pm CDT
AZL Royal at AZL Brewers 9:00pm CDT
6/28/2009
June 28, 2009: Starting Lineup
Juan Sanchez........CF
Michael Marseco.....SS
Brett Lawrie........2B
Corey Kemp...........C
John Delaney........DH
Brock Kjeldgaard....1B
Jose Duran..........3B
Michael Vass........RF
Derrick McPhearson..LF
Trey Watten.........SP
Michael Marseco.....SS
Brett Lawrie........2B
Corey Kemp...........C
John Delaney........DH
Brock Kjeldgaard....1B
Jose Duran..........3B
Michael Vass........RF
Derrick McPhearson..LF
Trey Watten.........SP
Pitching Matchups (Clinton Series 6/30-7/3)
TUE: RHP Cody Adams vs. RHP Kenn Kasparek
WED: LHP Evan Frederickson* vs. RHP Maikel Cleto
THU: LHP Dan Merklinger vs. LHP Bobby LaFromboise
FRI: LHP Efrain Nieves** vs. TBA
*-RHP Wily Peralta will pitch in relief
**-RHP Cody Scarpetta will pitch in relief
WED: LHP Evan Frederickson* vs. RHP Maikel Cleto
THU: LHP Dan Merklinger vs. LHP Bobby LaFromboise
FRI: LHP Efrain Nieves** vs. TBA
*-RHP Wily Peralta will pitch in relief
**-RHP Cody Scarpetta will pitch in relief
June 28, 2009: Today's starter
RHP TREY WATTEN: Selected by Milwaukee in the 7th round of the 2008 draft out of Abilene Christian University.
LAST SEASON: Watten was 3-2 with a save and a 5.40 ERA in 15 games (10 starts) at Helena. He walked 25 and struck out 40 over 55 innings.
COLLEGIATELY: At Abilene Christian, Watten was 20-3 with a 2.74 ERA over two seasons. He also struck out 188 batters over 167-1/3 innings pitched for the Wildcats.
LONE STAR ALL-STAR: Watten was a First Team All-Lone Star Conference South Division selection as both a pitcher and a utility player in 2007. Watten also played shortstop for the Wildcats.
OLD DAYS: Watten pitched high school baseball for Coppel (TX) High and earned First Team Class 5A All-State selection and a District 6-5A Offensive Player of the Year in 2005.
SAVING THE DAY: Watten earned his first professional save on August 30, 2008. He worked three scoreless innings against Great Falls. Watten walked a two and struck out two to close out the Voyagers. Watten also picked up a save in his first appearance as a Timber Rattler. Watten pitched four scoreless innings and struck out a career high six as the Rattlers beat Quad Cities on April 10.
LAST SEASON: Watten was 3-2 with a save and a 5.40 ERA in 15 games (10 starts) at Helena. He walked 25 and struck out 40 over 55 innings.
LAST START: Watten got the win at Kane County on June 18. He allowed one run on seven hits. Watten worked around three walks and struck out one. The Timber Rattlers offense backed up Watten with six runs and the defense turned three of their four double plays with Watten on the hill in the 6-1 victory.
IT’S BEEN A VERY GOOD MONTH: Watten is 1-0 with a 0.78ERA in four starts for the Rattlers in June. He has allowed two runs on 15 hits over 23 innings with eight walks and 20 strikeouts this month.
VS. PEORIA: Watten got the win in relief against the Chiefs on April 22. He entered a tie game in the top of the seventh, pitched three innings, allowed five hits, and was on the hook for the loss after allowing a run in the top of the ninth. But, Watten got the win when Wisconsin scored twice in the bottom of the ninth for a 3-2 victory.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (4x; Last: 6/18/09 @ Kane County)
STRIKEOUTS: 8 (2x; Last: 6/13 vs. Kane County)
LAST SEASON: Watten was 3-2 with a save and a 5.40 ERA in 15 games (10 starts) at Helena. He walked 25 and struck out 40 over 55 innings.
COLLEGIATELY: At Abilene Christian, Watten was 20-3 with a 2.74 ERA over two seasons. He also struck out 188 batters over 167-1/3 innings pitched for the Wildcats.
LONE STAR ALL-STAR: Watten was a First Team All-Lone Star Conference South Division selection as both a pitcher and a utility player in 2007. Watten also played shortstop for the Wildcats.
OLD DAYS: Watten pitched high school baseball for Coppel (TX) High and earned First Team Class 5A All-State selection and a District 6-5A Offensive Player of the Year in 2005.
SAVING THE DAY: Watten earned his first professional save on August 30, 2008. He worked three scoreless innings against Great Falls. Watten walked a two and struck out two to close out the Voyagers. Watten also picked up a save in his first appearance as a Timber Rattler. Watten pitched four scoreless innings and struck out a career high six as the Rattlers beat Quad Cities on April 10.
LAST SEASON: Watten was 3-2 with a save and a 5.40 ERA in 15 games (10 starts) at Helena. He walked 25 and struck out 40 over 55 innings.
LAST START: Watten got the win at Kane County on June 18. He allowed one run on seven hits. Watten worked around three walks and struck out one. The Timber Rattlers offense backed up Watten with six runs and the defense turned three of their four double plays with Watten on the hill in the 6-1 victory.
IT’S BEEN A VERY GOOD MONTH: Watten is 1-0 with a 0.78ERA in four starts for the Rattlers in June. He has allowed two runs on 15 hits over 23 innings with eight walks and 20 strikeouts this month.
VS. PEORIA: Watten got the win in relief against the Chiefs on April 22. He entered a tie game in the top of the seventh, pitched three innings, allowed five hits, and was on the hook for the loss after allowing a run in the top of the ninth. But, Watten got the win when Wisconsin scored twice in the bottom of the ninth for a 3-2 victory.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (4x; Last: 6/18/09 @ Kane County)
STRIKEOUTS: 8 (2x; Last: 6/13 vs. Kane County)
June 28, 2009: Game Notes
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Timber Rattlers beat the Chiefs 2-1 in 14 innings. Jose Duran scored the winning run after Junior Lake dropped a popup off the bat of Juan Sanchez with two outs in the bottom of the fourteenth. Nick Tyson extended his scoreless streak to 15-1/3 innings with a scoreless top of the fourteenth and got his second win of the season.
ONE ON POWER: The Chiefs scored their run on a solo homer by Josh Vitters in the top of the sixth inning.
ONE ON HUSTLE: The Rattlers tied the game in the bottom of the sixth on a fielder’s choice by Brock Kjeldgaard. Wisconsin had runners at first and third with one out and Kjeldgaard sent a grounder to third. The Chiefs got the force at second, but Kjeldgaard beat the relay to first to allow the Brett Lawrie to score from third.
THE WAITING GAME: There were two rain delays in last night’s game. The first lasted just four minutes. The second occurred in the bottom of the fifth and lasted 18 minutes. Neither starting pitcher returned to the game after the second rain delay.
ABOUT THOSE STARTERS: Cody Scarpetta tossed five scoreless innings with six strikeouts and no walks for the Rattlers. Chris Carpenter worked 4-1/3 innings and worked around five hits and a walk without allowing a walk.
PITCHING IN: Three Timber Rattler relievers combined to allow one run on five hits over the last nine innings. Four Peoria relievers gave up four hits over the final 9-1/3 innings and none after the eighth inning. Both of Wisconsin’s runs were unearned.
PUT THAT ONE BACK IN THE PLAYBOOK: Both teams tried a suicide squeeze in the game. Neither play worked. The Chiefs pitched out on the Rattlers attempt. The Chiefs batter missed on the bunt attempt.
I DARE YOU: Peoria rightfielder Kyler Burke had a pair of assists in the bottom of the eighth inning last night. He threw out Corey Kemp at third and Chris Dennis at the plate.
THAT’S A LOT: Wisconsin hitters struck out 16 times last night.
THAT’S A LOT (PT II): Peoria defenders committed five errors, including two in the fourteenth inning, last night. The Chiefs were charged with four errors on Friday night.
CLEARING THE BENCH: The Rattlers had an active roster of 23 last night. Due to Steve Braun and Dennis leaving the game with injuries, Wisconsin used two of their three position players who started the game on the bench.
HOW THE GAME WAS WON: Jose Duran reached on a throwing error by shortstop Ryan Flaherty to start the fourteenth. Duran would go to second on a wild pitch and was there with two outs. Sanchez swung at the first pitch of his at bat in the fourteenth. Duran scored the winning run easily when the ball was dropped.
LAST TIME: Last night was the first 14 inning game at Time Warner Cable Field since June 4, 2003. The Rattlers defeated the Fort Wayne Wizards 2-1. No other game since that day have gone longer than 13 innings.
NOW, THAT’S JUST WEIRD: Not only did the Rattlers win that 14 inning marathon by a score of 2-1 back in 2003, but the opponents committed two errors in the fourteenth to give the Rattlers the victory. Fort Wayne first baseman Paul McAnulty committed an error on a sacrifice bunt that allowed the winning run to get to third base. McAnulty committed an error on the very next play to let the winning run score.
SENSING A PATTERN: Wisconsin is 7-0 against the Chiefs this season. They have trailed in six of the games. Wisconsin has five one-run wins and three “walk-off” wins against the Chiefs.
A STEP UP: The win last night moved the Timber Rattlers over the .500 mark to 37-36. The last time the Rattlers were above .500 was when they were 7-6 after a win on April 24 over the Chiefs at Miller Park.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Peoria Chiefs are the Midwest League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. First year manager Marty Pevey led his team to a first half record of 38-31. The Chiefs put on a late charge at a playoff spot, but fell just short.
SEASON SERIES: The Timber Rattlers swept a four game series from the Chiefs in April. The Rattlers won by scores of 3-2, 7-6, and 8-7 at Time Warner Cable Field. Wisconsin also won the Border Battle at Miller Park by a score of 5-3. Wisconsin is 7-0 against the Chiefs in 2009
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .245 as a team. They have scored 305 runs (4.2/game) and hit 35 home runs. The Chiefs are hitting .267 as a team. They have scored 321 runs (4.5/game) and hit 57 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 3.83 while allowing a total of 326 runs (4.5/game). Peoria pitchers have a team ERA of 3.66 while allowing 296 runs (4.1/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 84 errors. The Chief defense has committed 88 errors. Wisconsin is 24-15 at home this season. Peoria is 13-24 on the road in 2009.
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook listed four current Chiefs on its Top 30 list of Chicago Cub prospects before the 2009 season. Third baseman Josh Vitters is rated at #1 on the list. Shortstop Ryan Flaherty is at #8. The Chiefs also have infielder Junior Lake (#14) and pitcher Chris Carpenter (#18) on that list.
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2008: The Cubs have placed 12 members of their 2008 draft class on the current Peoria roster. Flaherty was a supplemental first round pick in the ’08 draft. Pitchers Jeff Beliveau (18th), Justin Bristow (5th), Erik Harmen (37th), and Aaron Shafer (2nd); catcher Michael Brenly (36th); infielders Josh Harrison (6th), David Macias (19th), and Rebel Ridling (25th), and outfielder Anthony Campana (13th) were also 2008 draft picks.
PEORIA STARTING PITCHER: Aaron Shafer was the 3rd round pick of the Cubs in the 2008 draft. Shafer pitched collegiately at Wichita State University. In his final season with the Shockers, Shafer went 11-4 with a 3.26ERA and he led the Missouri Valley Conference in strikeouts with 110 while walking just 28. Shafer spent last his first professional season with stops in the Arizona League and the Northwest League. He made one appearance for the Mesa Cubs in the AZL before moving to the Boise Hawks of the NWL. In eight games (seven starts) Shafer was 2-2 with a 3.09ERA with 24 strikeouts and five walks. In his start prior to today, Shafer lost to Burlington on June 21. He gave up five runs (four earned) on seven hits over 4-1/3 innings. Shafer was the Peoria starting pitcher in the Border Battle at Miller Park on April 24 and he was tagged with the loss. Shafer allowed four runs on nine hits over five innings. He is 5-4 with a 5.04ERA with the Chiefs this season.
ONE ON POWER: The Chiefs scored their run on a solo homer by Josh Vitters in the top of the sixth inning.
ONE ON HUSTLE: The Rattlers tied the game in the bottom of the sixth on a fielder’s choice by Brock Kjeldgaard. Wisconsin had runners at first and third with one out and Kjeldgaard sent a grounder to third. The Chiefs got the force at second, but Kjeldgaard beat the relay to first to allow the Brett Lawrie to score from third.
THE WAITING GAME: There were two rain delays in last night’s game. The first lasted just four minutes. The second occurred in the bottom of the fifth and lasted 18 minutes. Neither starting pitcher returned to the game after the second rain delay.
ABOUT THOSE STARTERS: Cody Scarpetta tossed five scoreless innings with six strikeouts and no walks for the Rattlers. Chris Carpenter worked 4-1/3 innings and worked around five hits and a walk without allowing a walk.
PITCHING IN: Three Timber Rattler relievers combined to allow one run on five hits over the last nine innings. Four Peoria relievers gave up four hits over the final 9-1/3 innings and none after the eighth inning. Both of Wisconsin’s runs were unearned.
PUT THAT ONE BACK IN THE PLAYBOOK: Both teams tried a suicide squeeze in the game. Neither play worked. The Chiefs pitched out on the Rattlers attempt. The Chiefs batter missed on the bunt attempt.
I DARE YOU: Peoria rightfielder Kyler Burke had a pair of assists in the bottom of the eighth inning last night. He threw out Corey Kemp at third and Chris Dennis at the plate.
THAT’S A LOT: Wisconsin hitters struck out 16 times last night.
THAT’S A LOT (PT II): Peoria defenders committed five errors, including two in the fourteenth inning, last night. The Chiefs were charged with four errors on Friday night.
CLEARING THE BENCH: The Rattlers had an active roster of 23 last night. Due to Steve Braun and Dennis leaving the game with injuries, Wisconsin used two of their three position players who started the game on the bench.
HOW THE GAME WAS WON: Jose Duran reached on a throwing error by shortstop Ryan Flaherty to start the fourteenth. Duran would go to second on a wild pitch and was there with two outs. Sanchez swung at the first pitch of his at bat in the fourteenth. Duran scored the winning run easily when the ball was dropped.
LAST TIME: Last night was the first 14 inning game at Time Warner Cable Field since June 4, 2003. The Rattlers defeated the Fort Wayne Wizards 2-1. No other game since that day have gone longer than 13 innings.
NOW, THAT’S JUST WEIRD: Not only did the Rattlers win that 14 inning marathon by a score of 2-1 back in 2003, but the opponents committed two errors in the fourteenth to give the Rattlers the victory. Fort Wayne first baseman Paul McAnulty committed an error on a sacrifice bunt that allowed the winning run to get to third base. McAnulty committed an error on the very next play to let the winning run score.
SENSING A PATTERN: Wisconsin is 7-0 against the Chiefs this season. They have trailed in six of the games. Wisconsin has five one-run wins and three “walk-off” wins against the Chiefs.
A STEP UP: The win last night moved the Timber Rattlers over the .500 mark to 37-36. The last time the Rattlers were above .500 was when they were 7-6 after a win on April 24 over the Chiefs at Miller Park.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Peoria Chiefs are the Midwest League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. First year manager Marty Pevey led his team to a first half record of 38-31. The Chiefs put on a late charge at a playoff spot, but fell just short.
SEASON SERIES: The Timber Rattlers swept a four game series from the Chiefs in April. The Rattlers won by scores of 3-2, 7-6, and 8-7 at Time Warner Cable Field. Wisconsin also won the Border Battle at Miller Park by a score of 5-3. Wisconsin is 7-0 against the Chiefs in 2009
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .245 as a team. They have scored 305 runs (4.2/game) and hit 35 home runs. The Chiefs are hitting .267 as a team. They have scored 321 runs (4.5/game) and hit 57 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 3.83 while allowing a total of 326 runs (4.5/game). Peoria pitchers have a team ERA of 3.66 while allowing 296 runs (4.1/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 84 errors. The Chief defense has committed 88 errors. Wisconsin is 24-15 at home this season. Peoria is 13-24 on the road in 2009.
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook listed four current Chiefs on its Top 30 list of Chicago Cub prospects before the 2009 season. Third baseman Josh Vitters is rated at #1 on the list. Shortstop Ryan Flaherty is at #8. The Chiefs also have infielder Junior Lake (#14) and pitcher Chris Carpenter (#18) on that list.
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2008: The Cubs have placed 12 members of their 2008 draft class on the current Peoria roster. Flaherty was a supplemental first round pick in the ’08 draft. Pitchers Jeff Beliveau (18th), Justin Bristow (5th), Erik Harmen (37th), and Aaron Shafer (2nd); catcher Michael Brenly (36th); infielders Josh Harrison (6th), David Macias (19th), and Rebel Ridling (25th), and outfielder Anthony Campana (13th) were also 2008 draft picks.
PEORIA STARTING PITCHER: Aaron Shafer was the 3rd round pick of the Cubs in the 2008 draft. Shafer pitched collegiately at Wichita State University. In his final season with the Shockers, Shafer went 11-4 with a 3.26ERA and he led the Missouri Valley Conference in strikeouts with 110 while walking just 28. Shafer spent last his first professional season with stops in the Arizona League and the Northwest League. He made one appearance for the Mesa Cubs in the AZL before moving to the Boise Hawks of the NWL. In eight games (seven starts) Shafer was 2-2 with a 3.09ERA with 24 strikeouts and five walks. In his start prior to today, Shafer lost to Burlington on June 21. He gave up five runs (four earned) on seven hits over 4-1/3 innings. Shafer was the Peoria starting pitcher in the Border Battle at Miller Park on April 24 and he was tagged with the loss. Shafer allowed four runs on nine hits over five innings. He is 5-4 with a 5.04ERA with the Chiefs this season.
Making a little history
Remember Jamie McOwen? Played 56 games for the Timber Rattlers in 2007? Ringing a bell?
How about now?
McOwen ties Cal League record
Mariners prospect extends hitting streak to 35 games
McOwen ties record
High Desert OF runs hit streak to 35 games; Liddi and Scott also shine
How about now?
McOwen ties Cal League record
Mariners prospect extends hitting streak to 35 games
The worst thing that could happen to a hot hitter is a few days off.How about now?
After a three-day break for the Carolina/California League All-Star game, High Desert's James McOwen felt the rust start to creep in. Even though he slapped three hits in his first game back, he didn't feel right. Then, on Friday, he didn't get a hit until his final at-bat in the bottom of the eighth inning.
McOwen found his swing Saturday during batting practice and quickly extended his hitting streak to 35 games, tying the California League record in the Mavericks' 16-8 victory over the Bakersfield Blaze.
The Florida native joins Bakersfield's Chris Davis (2007) and Modesto's Brent Gates (1992) as the only Cal Leaguers to hit in 35 straight games.
"It's going to be something that's tough to duplicate," McOwen said. "Anything over 15, 20 games is tough to get. At 35, that's a quarter of the season, exactly. It's a good feeling to be able to do something like that on your way up."
McOwen ties record
High Desert OF runs hit streak to 35 games; Liddi and Scott also shine
“It felt great. ... I’ve been helping the team out a lot over the last 35 games,” McOwen said. “You always want to be helping the team, especially a winning team like we have. ... (The Mavs players) were all happy for me. Some of the guys on the other team congratulated me as well, a few of them.”Oh, and to answer a uestion you may have....
The Mavericks also got standout performances from Cal League all-stars Alex Liddi and Travis Scott. Liddi hit a grand slam in the third after hitting a solo home run in the second, finishing 3-for-4 with five RBIs. Scott also had five RBIs, hitting a two-run homer and a two-run triple in addition to driving in a run with a groundout.
The streak ties McOwen with Modesto’s Brent Gates (1992) and Bakersfield’s Chris Davis (2007) for the Cal League mark and ties him for the fourth-longest streak in minor league baseball in the last 20 years. The longest minor league hitting streak over that span was 43 games, set in 2007 by Brandon Watson of Triple-A Columbus in the International League.The Mavs host Lake Elsinore today at 5:05pm CDT.
Rattler Alumni Report: AAA and AA games of June 27, 2009
AAA:
International League:
Indianapolis:
Chris Snelling ('00): 1-for-4, RUN
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre:
Justin Leone ('00): 1-for-4, RUN, RBI
PCL:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 0-for-4
Jeff Clement ('05): 2-for-4, 2 RUNS, RBI, HR #10
Bryan LaHair ('04): 1-for-4, RUN, RBI
Adam Moore ('06): 2-for-4
Justin Thomas ('06): .1IP, 0R, oH
AA:
Eastern League:
Akron:
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 1-for-3, 2 RUNS
Southern League:
Carolina:
Korey Feiner ('08): 0-for-3
West Tennessee:
Greg Halman ('07): 2-for-5, 2RBI
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 0-for-4
Johan Limonta ('06): 1-for-4
Brent Johnson ('05): 1-for-4, RUN
Leury Bonilla ('07): 3-for-4, 2 RUNS, RBI
Ricky Orta ('07): 2IP, 4H, 2R, K, WIN #1
Phillippe Aumont ('08): P, H, 2R, 0ER, 2BB, K, SAVE #1
International League:
Indianapolis:
Chris Snelling ('00): 1-for-4, RUN
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre:
Justin Leone ('00): 1-for-4, RUN, RBI
PCL:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 0-for-4
Jeff Clement ('05): 2-for-4, 2 RUNS, RBI, HR #10
Bryan LaHair ('04): 1-for-4, RUN, RBI
Adam Moore ('06): 2-for-4
Justin Thomas ('06): .1IP, 0R, oH
AA:
Eastern League:
Akron:
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 1-for-3, 2 RUNS
Southern League:
Carolina:
Korey Feiner ('08): 0-for-3
West Tennessee:
Greg Halman ('07): 2-for-5, 2RBI
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 0-for-4
Johan Limonta ('06): 1-for-4
Brent Johnson ('05): 1-for-4, RUN
Leury Bonilla ('07): 3-for-4, 2 RUNS, RBI
Ricky Orta ('07): 2IP, 4H, 2R, K, WIN #1
Phillippe Aumont ('08): P, H, 2R, 0ER, 2BB, K, SAVE #1
Rattler Alumni Report: MLB Games of June 27, 2009
Philadelphia:
Greg Dobbs ('02): defensive replacement
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 2-for-5, RUN
Cleveland:
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 0-for-3
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-4
St. Louis:
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, 0H, 0R, SAVE #18
Los Angeles (AL):
Brian Fuentes ('97): IP, H, 0R, 2K, SAVE #21
Atlanta:
Eric O'Flaherty ('05): .1IP, 0H, 0R, BB
Rafael Soriano ('00): IP, 0H, 0R, K
Seattle:
Wladimir Balentien ('04): 0-for-1
Rob Johnson ('05): 0-for-4
Felix Hernandez ('03): 8IP, 4H, R, 0ER, BB, 9K, WIN #8
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-for-4, RUN, RBI
Greg Dobbs ('02): defensive replacement
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 2-for-5, RUN
Cleveland:
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 0-for-3
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-4
St. Louis:
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, 0H, 0R, SAVE #18
Los Angeles (AL):
Brian Fuentes ('97): IP, H, 0R, 2K, SAVE #21
Atlanta:
Eric O'Flaherty ('05): .1IP, 0H, 0R, BB
Rafael Soriano ('00): IP, 0H, 0R, K
Seattle:
Wladimir Balentien ('04): 0-for-1
Rob Johnson ('05): 0-for-4
Felix Hernandez ('03): 8IP, 4H, R, 0ER, BB, 9K, WIN #8
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-for-4, RUN, RBI
Midwest League Action: Games of June 27, 2009
Complete scoreboard
@Wisconsin 2, Peoria 1 (14 innings): Chiefs version | Rattlers version
Kane County @ Quad Cities: PPD
Great Lakes 5 @West Michigan 4 (11 innings): "We were a little flat tonight," Whitecaps manager Joe DePastino said. "We were 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position. If you drive those guys in, you win ball games. When you don't, you lose ball games, and we shouldn't have even been in a game that went 11 innings.
Dayton 5 @Lansing 2: Dragons version | Lugnuts version
@Fort Wayne 7, South Bend 2: It wasn’t exactly Kirk Gibson and the 1988 World Series, but it was an impressive feat nonetheless.
Cedar Rapids 3 @Burlington 2: "Too little, too late," Bees manager Jim Gabella said. "But we keep battling. If we can keep doing that, eventually good things have to happen."
Beloit @Clinton: PPD
@Wisconsin 2, Peoria 1 (14 innings): Chiefs version | Rattlers version
Kane County @ Quad Cities: PPD
Great Lakes 5 @West Michigan 4 (11 innings): "We were a little flat tonight," Whitecaps manager Joe DePastino said. "We were 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position. If you drive those guys in, you win ball games. When you don't, you lose ball games, and we shouldn't have even been in a game that went 11 innings.
Dayton 5 @Lansing 2: Dragons version | Lugnuts version
@Fort Wayne 7, South Bend 2: It wasn’t exactly Kirk Gibson and the 1988 World Series, but it was an impressive feat nonetheless.
Cedar Rapids 3 @Burlington 2: "Too little, too late," Bees manager Jim Gabella said. "But we keep battling. If we can keep doing that, eventually good things have to happen."
Beloit @Clinton: PPD
Milwaukee Brewers Report: Games of June 27, 2009
MILWAUKEE (MAJ: 40-34; T-1st National League Central): The Brewers beat San Francisco 7-6. The Giants scored twice in the top of the ninth, but Milwaukee scored three times in the bottom of the ninth for the win. Prince Fielder drove in four runs, including the game winner.
NASHVILLE (AAA: 43-33; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds beat Oklahoma City 11-5. Hernan Iribarren and Brendan Katin each had three RBI for Nashville. Chase Wright allowed one run over five innings for the win.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 42-33 overall, 4-2 second half; 1st Southern League North Division): The Stars lost 4-1 to Chattanooga. Huntsville had three hits in the game.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 41-26 overall, 1-2 second half; 6th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees lost 8-3 to Palm Beach.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 2-3; 3rd Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers lost 16-7 at Missoula. The Osprey hit five homers in the game and had an 11-3 lead after the third inning.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 3-3; 3rd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers beat the Angels 10-5.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
San Francisco (Ryan Sadowski 0-0) at Milwaukee (Jeff Suppan 5-5) 1:05pm CDT
Oklahoma City (Luis Mendoza 2-2) at Nashville (Manny Parra 0-1) 6:00pm CDT
Huntsville (Donovan Hand 6-1) at Tennessee (Marcos Mateo 1-5) 4:00pm CDT
Palm Beach (Nick Additon 2-2) at Brevard County (Mark Rogers 0-1) 12:05pm CDT
Helena (Chad Robinson 0-0) at Missoula (Enrique Burgos 0-1) 6:00pm CDT
AZL Brewers – OFF DAY
NASHVILLE (AAA: 43-33; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds beat Oklahoma City 11-5. Hernan Iribarren and Brendan Katin each had three RBI for Nashville. Chase Wright allowed one run over five innings for the win.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 42-33 overall, 4-2 second half; 1st Southern League North Division): The Stars lost 4-1 to Chattanooga. Huntsville had three hits in the game.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 41-26 overall, 1-2 second half; 6th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees lost 8-3 to Palm Beach.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 2-3; 3rd Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers lost 16-7 at Missoula. The Osprey hit five homers in the game and had an 11-3 lead after the third inning.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 3-3; 3rd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers beat the Angels 10-5.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
San Francisco (Ryan Sadowski 0-0) at Milwaukee (Jeff Suppan 5-5) 1:05pm CDT
Oklahoma City (Luis Mendoza 2-2) at Nashville (Manny Parra 0-1) 6:00pm CDT
Huntsville (Donovan Hand 6-1) at Tennessee (Marcos Mateo 1-5) 4:00pm CDT
Palm Beach (Nick Additon 2-2) at Brevard County (Mark Rogers 0-1) 12:05pm CDT
Helena (Chad Robinson 0-0) at Missoula (Enrique Burgos 0-1) 6:00pm CDT
AZL Brewers – OFF DAY
6/27/2009
It's not quite the same
Sorry about the no fireworks thing tonight. There is a 10:30pm curfew and if we shoot them off after that time....well, it's no more fireworks....ever.
So, here are some post game fireworks from my favorite fireworks display ever. The centennial celebration of the Statue of Liberty
So, here are some post game fireworks from my favorite fireworks display ever. The centennial celebration of the Statue of Liberty
June 27, 2009: Bonus post
Since Cody Scarpetta is the starting pitcher tonight, here is his player profile from the Timber Rattlers YouTube channel
June 27, 2009: Starting Lineup
Juan Sanchez......CF
Michael Marseco...SS
Corey Kemp.........C
Brett Lawrie......2B
Chris Dennis......LF
Brock Kjeldgaard..1B
Jose Duran........3B
Michael Vass......RF
Steve Braun.......DH
Cody Scarpetta....SP
Michael Marseco...SS
Corey Kemp.........C
Brett Lawrie......2B
Chris Dennis......LF
Brock Kjeldgaard..1B
Jose Duran........3B
Michael Vass......RF
Steve Braun.......DH
Cody Scarpetta....SP
June 27, 2009: Opposition Research
From the game notes of the Peoria Chiefs...
The home run by [Josh] Vitters was his first in June after he hit 12 in May...The blast snapped a season high 21 game, 78 at-bat drouhgt.
Vitters also made three errors at third, his first multi-error game of the season and first three-error game of his career.
[Junior] Lake has struck out at least once in 15 straight games dating back to June 6.
The home run by [Josh] Vitters was his first in June after he hit 12 in May...The blast snapped a season high 21 game, 78 at-bat drouhgt.
Vitters also made three errors at third, his first multi-error game of the season and first three-error game of his career.
[Junior] Lake has struck out at least once in 15 straight games dating back to June 6.
June 27, 2009: Tonight's Pitchers
SCHEDULED STARTER
RHP CODY SCARPETTA: Selected by Milwaukee in the 11th round of the 2007 draft out of Guilford (IL) High School.
LAST SEASON: Scarpetta started his first pro season with the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers. He went 1-0 in six games (five starts) with a 0.57ERA and struck out 27 with eight walks over 15-2/3 innings. He did not allow a run over his final 15 innings in the Arizona League. Scarpetta was 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA in six games (three starts) after being promoted to Helena. Struck out 31 and walked eight in 20-2/3 innings for the Brewers.
FAMILY AFFAIR: Scarpetta’s father Dan was drafted by Milwaukee in the 3rd round of the 1982 draft and pitched in the Brewer organization from 1982-1983 and 1985-1988.
ONE OF 40: Scarpetta is on Milwaukee’s 40-Man Roster
BASEBALL IN PARADISE: Scarpetta pitched for the West Oahu CaneFires in Hawaii Winter Baseball after the 2008 regular season.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Scarpetta as the #15 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST APPEARANCE: Scarpetta pitched at Burlington in relief on June 17. He allowed six runs (one earned) on five hits over 1-2/3 innings and was charged with the loss.
LAST START: Scarpetta faced Kane County at Time Warner Cable Field on June 12 and took the loss. He pitched five innings and allowed two runs on six hits with three walks and four strikeouts.
VS. PEORIA: Scarpetta set a professional high for strikeouts in a game when he started against the Chiefs at Time Warner Cable Field on April 22. Scarpetta allowed one run on three hits and struck out 10 in six innings, but was not involved in the decision.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 IP (4/22/09 vs. Peoria)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (2x - 8/2/08 vs. AZL Athletics & 4/22 vs. Peoria)
SCHEDULED RELIEVER
LHP EFRAIN NIEVES: Selected by Milwaukee in the 7th round of the 2007 draft out of Puerto Rico Baseball Academy.
LAST SEASON: Nieves went 6-3 with a 4.48 ERA in 16 games (11 starts) at Helena. He walked 10 and struck out 66 over 76-1/3 innings.
AMONG THE LEADERS: Nieves was fifth in the Pioneer League in innings pitched and fifth in the Pioneer League in wins.
STREAKING: Nieves won four consecutive decisions between June 22 and July 13, 2008.
AWARD WINNING: Nieves was the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week for his performances July 7-13.
WHAT A GAME! Nieves tossed eight innings without allowing a run and striking out nine at Great Falls on August 25. He retired the side in order in the first inning. The Voyagers picked up a leadoff double in the second inning. Then, Nieves retired the next 21 batters in a row.
WORKING VACATION: Nieves pitched for Arecibo in the Puerto Rican Winter League during the off season.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Nieves as the #23 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST APPEARANCE: Nieves pitched five innings as a starter at Burlington on June 17. He allowed two runs on five hits and struck out six, but was not involved in the decision.
VS. PEORIA: Nieves was the starting pitcher against the Chiefs in game one of a doubleheader at Time Warner Cable Field on April 23. Peoria got to him for five runs on eight hits over 4-2/3 innings, but Nieves got a no decision as the Rattlers rallied for a win.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
RHP CODY SCARPETTA: Selected by Milwaukee in the 11th round of the 2007 draft out of Guilford (IL) High School.
LAST SEASON: Scarpetta started his first pro season with the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers. He went 1-0 in six games (five starts) with a 0.57ERA and struck out 27 with eight walks over 15-2/3 innings. He did not allow a run over his final 15 innings in the Arizona League. Scarpetta was 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA in six games (three starts) after being promoted to Helena. Struck out 31 and walked eight in 20-2/3 innings for the Brewers.
FAMILY AFFAIR: Scarpetta’s father Dan was drafted by Milwaukee in the 3rd round of the 1982 draft and pitched in the Brewer organization from 1982-1983 and 1985-1988.
ONE OF 40: Scarpetta is on Milwaukee’s 40-Man Roster
BASEBALL IN PARADISE: Scarpetta pitched for the West Oahu CaneFires in Hawaii Winter Baseball after the 2008 regular season.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Scarpetta as the #15 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST APPEARANCE: Scarpetta pitched at Burlington in relief on June 17. He allowed six runs (one earned) on five hits over 1-2/3 innings and was charged with the loss.
LAST START: Scarpetta faced Kane County at Time Warner Cable Field on June 12 and took the loss. He pitched five innings and allowed two runs on six hits with three walks and four strikeouts.
VS. PEORIA: Scarpetta set a professional high for strikeouts in a game when he started against the Chiefs at Time Warner Cable Field on April 22. Scarpetta allowed one run on three hits and struck out 10 in six innings, but was not involved in the decision.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 IP (4/22/09 vs. Peoria)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (2x - 8/2/08 vs. AZL Athletics & 4/22 vs. Peoria)
SCHEDULED RELIEVER
LHP EFRAIN NIEVES: Selected by Milwaukee in the 7th round of the 2007 draft out of Puerto Rico Baseball Academy.
LAST SEASON: Nieves went 6-3 with a 4.48 ERA in 16 games (11 starts) at Helena. He walked 10 and struck out 66 over 76-1/3 innings.
AMONG THE LEADERS: Nieves was fifth in the Pioneer League in innings pitched and fifth in the Pioneer League in wins.
STREAKING: Nieves won four consecutive decisions between June 22 and July 13, 2008.
AWARD WINNING: Nieves was the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week for his performances July 7-13.
WHAT A GAME! Nieves tossed eight innings without allowing a run and striking out nine at Great Falls on August 25. He retired the side in order in the first inning. The Voyagers picked up a leadoff double in the second inning. Then, Nieves retired the next 21 batters in a row.
WORKING VACATION: Nieves pitched for Arecibo in the Puerto Rican Winter League during the off season.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Nieves as the #23 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST APPEARANCE: Nieves pitched five innings as a starter at Burlington on June 17. He allowed two runs on five hits and struck out six, but was not involved in the decision.
VS. PEORIA: Nieves was the starting pitcher against the Chiefs in game one of a doubleheader at Time Warner Cable Field on April 23. Peoria got to him for five runs on eight hits over 4-2/3 innings, but Nieves got a no decision as the Rattlers rallied for a win.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
June 27, 2009: Game Notes
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Timber Rattlers beat the Peoria Chiefs 3-2. Jose Duran drove in a pair of runs, including the game winner in the bottom of the ninth, for Wisconsin. Wily Peralta struck out 10 over six innings for a no decision.
NO-HIT BID: Peoria starting pitcher Chris Archer did not allow a hit over five innings last night. He struck out four in the game. But, he left the game with over 80 pitches through five innings. Archer walked five and there were three errors committed behind him.
BOLT OUT OF THE BLUE: Rattlers starting pitcher Wily Peralta retired the first nine batters he faced last night, but with one out and one on in the top of the fourth, Josh Vitters hit his fourteenth home run of the season to put the Chiefs up 2-0.
SETTLE DOWN: Peralta would work a total of six innings and match his career high for strikeouts with 10.
BREAKING IT UP: Juan Sanchez singled in the seventh off reliever Alberto Cabrera to end the combined no-hit bid by the Chiefs.
TYING IT UP: Sanchez tripled to drive in Brock Kjeldgaard in the eighth inning with the first Rattlers run of the game. Steve Braun knocked in Sanchez with the tying run with an infield single later in the frame.
5-6-4? In the top of the ninth inning, Nelson Perez was at first with no outs and Michael Brenly was called on to bunt. Both corner infielders charged on the pitch and Brenly bunted the ball right to Duran at third. Duran threw to second where shortstop Michael Marseco was covering for the force out. Marseco fired to second baseman Brett Lawrie at first for the 5-6-4 double play.
A VIEW TO A KILL: Duran stepped to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning with one out and the bases loaded. He sent a hard grounder to a diving stop by Ryan Flaherty at second. Flaherty’s throw home was too late to prevent the winning run from scoring.
SENSING A PATTERN: Wisconsin is 6-0 against the Chiefs this season. They have trailed in five of the games. Wisconsin has four one-run wins and two “walk-off” wins against the Chiefs.
RITCHIE RICH: Brandon Ritchie was the beneficiary of the 5-6-4 double play and got the final out of the top of the ninth. When the Rattlers scored their run in the bottom of the ninth, Ritchie moved his record to 5-0. Another scoreless inning for the lefty lowered his ERA to 1.44 over 31-1/3 innings pitched.
MAKING MOVES: After last night’s game, pitcher Alex Periard was transferred to the Brevard County Manatees, the Florida State League affiliate of the Brewers. Outfielder Derrick McPhearson rejoins the Timber Rattlers from Helena to take Periard’s spot on the roster. The Rattlers roster stands at 23 active players.
GETTING CLOSER: The win last night moved the Timber Rattlers back to the .500 mark at 36-36. The Rattlers have not been above .500 since April 24 when they were 7-6 after a win over the Chiefs at Miller Park.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Peoria Chiefs are the Midwest League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. First year manager Marty Pevey led his team to a first half record of 38-31. The Chiefs put on a late charge at a playoff spot, but fell just short.
SEASON SERIES: The Timber Rattlers swept a four game series from the Chiefs in April. The Rattlers won by scores of 3-2, 7-6, and 8-7 at Time Warner Cable Field. Wisconsin also won the Border Battle at Miller Park by a score of 5-3. Wisconsin is 6-0 against the Chiefs in 2009
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .247 as a team. They have scored 303 runs (4.2/game) and hit 35 home runs. The Chiefs are hitting .268 as a team. They have scored 320 runs (4.5/game) and hit 56 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 3.91 while allowing a total of 325 runs (4.5/game). Peoria pitchers have a team ERA of 3.74 while allowing 294 runs (4.1/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 83 errors. The Chief defense has committed 83 errors. Wisconsin is 23-15 at home this season. Peoria is 13-23 on the road in 2009.
PEORIA STARTING PITCHER: RHP Chris Carpenter was the third round pick of the Cubs in the 2008 draft out of Kent State. Carpenter was the Mid-American Conference Pitcher of the Year as he went 6-2 with a 3.81ERA and a MAC leading 88 strikeouts. As a member of the Boise Hawks, Chicago’s Northwest League affiliate, Carpenter went 4-1 with a 4.22ERA in 10 games (six starts). In 2009, Carpenter is 4-3 with a 2.60ERA with 14 starts for the Chiefs. In his start prior to this evening, Carpenter beat Burlington on June 20 by allowing one run on five hits over six innings with two walks and three strikeouts. Carpenter faced the Rattlers on April 22 allowed one hit and struck out six over five shutout innings, but was not involved in the decision, a 3-2 Timber Rattlers win.
NO-HIT BID: Peoria starting pitcher Chris Archer did not allow a hit over five innings last night. He struck out four in the game. But, he left the game with over 80 pitches through five innings. Archer walked five and there were three errors committed behind him.
BOLT OUT OF THE BLUE: Rattlers starting pitcher Wily Peralta retired the first nine batters he faced last night, but with one out and one on in the top of the fourth, Josh Vitters hit his fourteenth home run of the season to put the Chiefs up 2-0.
SETTLE DOWN: Peralta would work a total of six innings and match his career high for strikeouts with 10.
BREAKING IT UP: Juan Sanchez singled in the seventh off reliever Alberto Cabrera to end the combined no-hit bid by the Chiefs.
TYING IT UP: Sanchez tripled to drive in Brock Kjeldgaard in the eighth inning with the first Rattlers run of the game. Steve Braun knocked in Sanchez with the tying run with an infield single later in the frame.
5-6-4? In the top of the ninth inning, Nelson Perez was at first with no outs and Michael Brenly was called on to bunt. Both corner infielders charged on the pitch and Brenly bunted the ball right to Duran at third. Duran threw to second where shortstop Michael Marseco was covering for the force out. Marseco fired to second baseman Brett Lawrie at first for the 5-6-4 double play.
A VIEW TO A KILL: Duran stepped to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning with one out and the bases loaded. He sent a hard grounder to a diving stop by Ryan Flaherty at second. Flaherty’s throw home was too late to prevent the winning run from scoring.
SENSING A PATTERN: Wisconsin is 6-0 against the Chiefs this season. They have trailed in five of the games. Wisconsin has four one-run wins and two “walk-off” wins against the Chiefs.
RITCHIE RICH: Brandon Ritchie was the beneficiary of the 5-6-4 double play and got the final out of the top of the ninth. When the Rattlers scored their run in the bottom of the ninth, Ritchie moved his record to 5-0. Another scoreless inning for the lefty lowered his ERA to 1.44 over 31-1/3 innings pitched.
MAKING MOVES: After last night’s game, pitcher Alex Periard was transferred to the Brevard County Manatees, the Florida State League affiliate of the Brewers. Outfielder Derrick McPhearson rejoins the Timber Rattlers from Helena to take Periard’s spot on the roster. The Rattlers roster stands at 23 active players.
GETTING CLOSER: The win last night moved the Timber Rattlers back to the .500 mark at 36-36. The Rattlers have not been above .500 since April 24 when they were 7-6 after a win over the Chiefs at Miller Park.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Peoria Chiefs are the Midwest League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. First year manager Marty Pevey led his team to a first half record of 38-31. The Chiefs put on a late charge at a playoff spot, but fell just short.
SEASON SERIES: The Timber Rattlers swept a four game series from the Chiefs in April. The Rattlers won by scores of 3-2, 7-6, and 8-7 at Time Warner Cable Field. Wisconsin also won the Border Battle at Miller Park by a score of 5-3. Wisconsin is 6-0 against the Chiefs in 2009
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .247 as a team. They have scored 303 runs (4.2/game) and hit 35 home runs. The Chiefs are hitting .268 as a team. They have scored 320 runs (4.5/game) and hit 56 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 3.91 while allowing a total of 325 runs (4.5/game). Peoria pitchers have a team ERA of 3.74 while allowing 294 runs (4.1/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 83 errors. The Chief defense has committed 83 errors. Wisconsin is 23-15 at home this season. Peoria is 13-23 on the road in 2009.
PEORIA STARTING PITCHER: RHP Chris Carpenter was the third round pick of the Cubs in the 2008 draft out of Kent State. Carpenter was the Mid-American Conference Pitcher of the Year as he went 6-2 with a 3.81ERA and a MAC leading 88 strikeouts. As a member of the Boise Hawks, Chicago’s Northwest League affiliate, Carpenter went 4-1 with a 4.22ERA in 10 games (six starts). In 2009, Carpenter is 4-3 with a 2.60ERA with 14 starts for the Chiefs. In his start prior to this evening, Carpenter beat Burlington on June 20 by allowing one run on five hits over six innings with two walks and three strikeouts. Carpenter faced the Rattlers on April 22 allowed one hit and struck out six over five shutout innings, but was not involved in the decision, a 3-2 Timber Rattlers win.
June 27, 2009: Transactions
Pitcher Alex Periard has been promoted to Brevard County.
Outfielder Derrick McPhearson has joined the Timber Rattlers from Helena.
Outfielder Derrick McPhearson has joined the Timber Rattlers from Helena.
Rattler Alumni Report: AAA and AA games of June 26, 2009
AAA:
International League:
Buffalo:
Rene Rivera ('03): 2-for-5 (started at third base)
Pawtucket:
Carlos Maldonado ('99): 2-for-4
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre:
Justin Leone ('00): 1-for-4
PCL:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 2-for-5, RUN
Jeff Clement ('05): 2-for-5, 2 RUNS, RBI
Bryan LaHair ('04): 3-for-5, RUN, RBI
Adam Moore ('06): 1-for-4, RUN
Nashville:
Lindsay Gulin ('98): 7IP, 4H, 2R, 3BB, 5K, Loss
Michael Garciaparra ('03): Pinch hitter 0-for-0
International League:
Buffalo:
Rene Rivera ('03): 2-for-5 (started at third base)
Pawtucket:
Carlos Maldonado ('99): 2-for-4
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre:
Justin Leone ('00): 1-for-4
PCL:
Tacoma:
Michael Saunders ('06): 2-for-5, RUN
Jeff Clement ('05): 2-for-5, 2 RUNS, RBI
Bryan LaHair ('04): 3-for-5, RUN, RBI
Adam Moore ('06): 1-for-4, RUN
Nashville:
Lindsay Gulin ('98): 7IP, 4H, 2R, 3BB, 5K, Loss
Michael Garciaparra ('03): Pinch hitter 0-for-0
Rattler Alumni Report: MLB Games of June 26, 2009
Chicago (AL):
Matt Thornton ('00): 1.2IP, H, 0R, BB, 2K
Cleveland:
Shin soo Choo ('02): 2-for-4, RUN, 2RBI
Luis Valbuena ('06): 1-for-4
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 3-for-5, 2 RUNS, RBI
Philadelphia:
Greg Dobbs ('02): 0-for-1 pinch hitter
Kansas City:
Gil Meche ('98): 5IP, 5H, 4R, 3BB, 3K, Loss
Seattle:
Wladimir Balentien ('04): 0-for-3
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 1-for-3, RUN, RBI, HR #8
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-for-2, RUN, 2 RBI, HR #11
St. Louis:
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, 0H, 0R
Matt Thornton ('00): 1.2IP, H, 0R, BB, 2K
Cleveland:
Shin soo Choo ('02): 2-for-4, RUN, 2RBI
Luis Valbuena ('06): 1-for-4
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 3-for-5, 2 RUNS, RBI
Philadelphia:
Greg Dobbs ('02): 0-for-1 pinch hitter
Kansas City:
Gil Meche ('98): 5IP, 5H, 4R, 3BB, 3K, Loss
Seattle:
Wladimir Balentien ('04): 0-for-3
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 1-for-3, RUN, RBI, HR #8
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-for-2, RUN, 2 RBI, HR #11
St. Louis:
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, 0H, 0R
Midwest League Action: Games of June 26, 2009
Complete scoreboard
@Wisconsin 3, Peoria 2: "I'll take (the runs) when we can get 'em," Isom said with a chuckle after watching his team claim the first two games of the four-game set. "Fortunately, it was at the end of the game tonight. We made that one interesting. It was a fun one to be in."
@West Michigan 4, Great Lakes 1: "I haven't gone eight innings since college, but I felt comfortable. ... I felt strong the whole time," said Sorensen, a former Michigan State standout in his second minor league season. He threw 96 pitches.
Dayton 7, @Lansing 3: Dragons version | Lugnuts version
@Fort Wayne 11, South Bend 3: Stiven Osuna’s last start was so bad, it cost him a spot in Fort Wayne’s starting rotation. But with Nick Schmidt’s promotion, Osuna was given another shot. He didn’t disappoint.
Cedar Rapids 10 @Burlington 2: Will Smith has figured out the Burlington Bees. The Bees, on the other hand, have not figured out the Cedar Rapids Kernels pitcher.
@Quad Cities 4, Kane County 2: He expected them, but there were no opening-night jitters for Quad-Cities second baseman Jason Stidham. The first member of St. Louis' 2009 draft class to reach the Midwest League simply played the game.
@Clinton 4, Beloit 3: "Moss is an older guy; he's been around. He knows how to hit and just stays within his swing and hits good pitches," Clinton manager Scott Steinmann said. "We think he can be a productive hitter for us, maybe not so much on the home runs, but he's going to drive in runs in situational times. We like him in the middle of the lineup. It helps us out."
@Wisconsin 3, Peoria 2: "I'll take (the runs) when we can get 'em," Isom said with a chuckle after watching his team claim the first two games of the four-game set. "Fortunately, it was at the end of the game tonight. We made that one interesting. It was a fun one to be in."
@West Michigan 4, Great Lakes 1: "I haven't gone eight innings since college, but I felt comfortable. ... I felt strong the whole time," said Sorensen, a former Michigan State standout in his second minor league season. He threw 96 pitches.
Dayton 7, @Lansing 3: Dragons version | Lugnuts version
@Fort Wayne 11, South Bend 3: Stiven Osuna’s last start was so bad, it cost him a spot in Fort Wayne’s starting rotation. But with Nick Schmidt’s promotion, Osuna was given another shot. He didn’t disappoint.
Cedar Rapids 10 @Burlington 2: Will Smith has figured out the Burlington Bees. The Bees, on the other hand, have not figured out the Cedar Rapids Kernels pitcher.
@Quad Cities 4, Kane County 2: He expected them, but there were no opening-night jitters for Quad-Cities second baseman Jason Stidham. The first member of St. Louis' 2009 draft class to reach the Midwest League simply played the game.
@Clinton 4, Beloit 3: "Moss is an older guy; he's been around. He knows how to hit and just stays within his swing and hits good pitches," Clinton manager Scott Steinmann said. "We think he can be a productive hitter for us, maybe not so much on the home runs, but he's going to drive in runs in situational times. We like him in the middle of the lineup. It helps us out."
Milwaukee Brewers Report: Games of June 26, 2009
MILWAUKEE (MAJ: 39-34; T-1st National League Central): The Brewers beat the Giants 5-1. Ryan Braun had a pair of RBI and JJ Hardy homered for Milwaukee. Yovani Gallardo struck out nine over 7-2/3 innings pitched for the win.
NASHVILLE (AAA: 42-33; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): Nashville lost 2-0 at Albuquerque. The Sounds had five hits in the game.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 42-32 overall, 4-1 second half; 1st Southern League North Division): Huntsville beat Chattanooga 9-3. Johnny Raburn had three RBI to lead the way for the Stars.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 41-25 overall, 1-1 second half; T-4th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees beat Palm Beach 4-3. Brevard County scored a run in the seventh to tie the game and a run in the ninth to win. Zelous Wheeler drew a bases loaded walk to drive in the winning run.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 2-2; T-2nd Pioneer League North Division): Helena lost 4-1 at Missoula in the home opener for the Osprey.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 2-3; T-3rd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers beat the Giants 8-1.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
San Francisco (Barry Zito 4-7) at Milwaukee (Seth McClung 3-1) 6:05pm CDT
Oklahoma City (Bryan Corey 3-2) at Nashville (Chase Wright 4-5) 7:05pm CDT
Chattanooga (Travis Chick 5-3) at Huntsville (Josh Butler 1-0) 6:00pm CDT
Palm Beach at Brevard County 6:05pm CDT
Helena (Hiram Burgos) at Missoula (Eury De La Rosa) 8:05pm CDT
AZL Angels at AZL Brewers 9:00pm CDT
NASHVILLE (AAA: 42-33; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): Nashville lost 2-0 at Albuquerque. The Sounds had five hits in the game.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 42-32 overall, 4-1 second half; 1st Southern League North Division): Huntsville beat Chattanooga 9-3. Johnny Raburn had three RBI to lead the way for the Stars.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 41-25 overall, 1-1 second half; T-4th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees beat Palm Beach 4-3. Brevard County scored a run in the seventh to tie the game and a run in the ninth to win. Zelous Wheeler drew a bases loaded walk to drive in the winning run.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 2-2; T-2nd Pioneer League North Division): Helena lost 4-1 at Missoula in the home opener for the Osprey.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 2-3; T-3rd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers beat the Giants 8-1.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
San Francisco (Barry Zito 4-7) at Milwaukee (Seth McClung 3-1) 6:05pm CDT
Oklahoma City (Bryan Corey 3-2) at Nashville (Chase Wright 4-5) 7:05pm CDT
Chattanooga (Travis Chick 5-3) at Huntsville (Josh Butler 1-0) 6:00pm CDT
Palm Beach at Brevard County 6:05pm CDT
Helena (Hiram Burgos) at Missoula (Eury De La Rosa) 8:05pm CDT
AZL Angels at AZL Brewers 9:00pm CDT
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