Just got word that Quad Cities is switching their starters.
Saturday is now Scott McGregor
Sunday is now Miguel Tapia
Plan accordingly.
7/31/2009
July 31, 2009: Starting Lineup
Juan Sanchez......3B
Pete Fatse........LF
Brett Lawrie......2B
Corey Kemp.........C
Erik Komatsu......RF
Jose Duran........DH
Brock Kjeldgaard..1B
Michael Marseco...SS
Erik Miller.......CF
Cody Scarpetta....SP
Pete Fatse........LF
Brett Lawrie......2B
Corey Kemp.........C
Erik Komatsu......RF
Jose Duran........DH
Brock Kjeldgaard..1B
Michael Marseco...SS
Erik Miller.......CF
Cody Scarpetta....SP
July 31, 2009: Opposition Research
From the game notes of the Quad Cities River Bandits...
Leading Off: SS Jose Garcia has found himself atop the batting order in seven straight games, and the 21-year-old Venezuelan has responded. Over those seven games, Garcia is hitting .321 (9-28) with seven runs scored, four stolen bases and four extra-base hits.
Teen Pop Sensation: The only teenager on the River Bandits roster is OF Frederick Parejo, a Venezuelan who did not turn 19 until July 5. Though he is hitting just .227 on the season, his average rises to .284 with runners on base and .288 with men in scoring position.
There’s a Hole in my Glove: The River Bandits are currently last in the 14-team Midwest League in fielding percentage (.963), tied for last in errors (143 with Clinton), and second to last in total double plays turned (76, ahead of Fort Wayne’s 65). Quad Cities’ 143 errors this season have led to 82 unearned runs and the River Bandits are 26-43 this season when committing at least one error in a game, as opposed to a 18-15 record in their 33 errorless
contests.
Leading Off: SS Jose Garcia has found himself atop the batting order in seven straight games, and the 21-year-old Venezuelan has responded. Over those seven games, Garcia is hitting .321 (9-28) with seven runs scored, four stolen bases and four extra-base hits.
Teen Pop Sensation: The only teenager on the River Bandits roster is OF Frederick Parejo, a Venezuelan who did not turn 19 until July 5. Though he is hitting just .227 on the season, his average rises to .284 with runners on base and .288 with men in scoring position.
There’s a Hole in my Glove: The River Bandits are currently last in the 14-team Midwest League in fielding percentage (.963), tied for last in errors (143 with Clinton), and second to last in total double plays turned (76, ahead of Fort Wayne’s 65). Quad Cities’ 143 errors this season have led to 82 unearned runs and the River Bandits are 26-43 this season when committing at least one error in a game, as opposed to a 18-15 record in their 33 errorless
contests.
July 31, 2009: Tonight's 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.
SECOND HALF: Scarpetta is 1-1 in six games (four starts) with a 3.75 ERA in the second half of the season.
SPLIT: Scarpetta is 2-3 with a 1.33 ERA in 13 games (nine starts) at Time Warner Cable Field this season. He is 0-4 in seven games (four starts) on the road.
LAST WIN: Scarpetta beat West Michigan on July 8. He pitched six innings, allowed one hit, and struck out nine.
LAST START: Scarpetta took the loss at Peoria on July 26. He allowed eight runs on four hits and walked six over 3-2/3 innings.
VS. QUAD CITIES: Scarpetta has made two starts against the River Bandits this season. He was the starting pitcher on opening night at Time Warner Cable Field on April 9 and allowed a run on two hits with eight strikeouts in four innings for a no decision. On April 27 at Modern Woodmen Park, Scarpetta allowed six runs (five earned) on three hits and two walks in 2/3 of an inning.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 IP (2x: Last vs. West Michigan 7/8/09)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (2x - 8/2/08 vs. AZL Athletics & 4/22 vs. Peoria)
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.
SECOND HALF: Scarpetta is 1-1 in six games (four starts) with a 3.75 ERA in the second half of the season.
SPLIT: Scarpetta is 2-3 with a 1.33 ERA in 13 games (nine starts) at Time Warner Cable Field this season. He is 0-4 in seven games (four starts) on the road.
LAST WIN: Scarpetta beat West Michigan on July 8. He pitched six innings, allowed one hit, and struck out nine.
LAST START: Scarpetta took the loss at Peoria on July 26. He allowed eight runs on four hits and walked six over 3-2/3 innings.
VS. QUAD CITIES: Scarpetta has made two starts against the River Bandits this season. He was the starting pitcher on opening night at Time Warner Cable Field on April 9 and allowed a run on two hits with eight strikeouts in four innings for a no decision. On April 27 at Modern Woodmen Park, Scarpetta allowed six runs (five earned) on three hits and two walks in 2/3 of an inning.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 IP (2x: Last vs. West Michigan 7/8/09)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (2x - 8/2/08 vs. AZL Athletics & 4/22 vs. Peoria)
July 31, 2009: Game Notes
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers lost 9-2 at Fort Wayne. Wisconsin led 2-1 until the TinCaps scored six times in the bottom of the fifth inning. Wisconsin committed four errors on the night.
TO THE FRONT: Wisconsin grabbed leads of 1-0 and 2-1 with single runs in the first inning and the fourth inning. Juan Sanchez drove in a run with a two-out single in the first. Michael Vass drove in a run in the fourth with a double.
TO THE BACK: Fort Wayne sent nine men to the plate in the bottom of the fifth and scored six runs. Wisconsin committed three errors in the inning. A two-run homer by Adam Zornes capped the innings for the TinCaps.
WATTEN: Rattlers starting pitcher Trey Watten was the starting and losing pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Watten allowed five runs (one earned) in 4-1/3 innings to take the loss. Watten has lost five straight starts and is 4-11 on the season. He has allowed 68 runs in 98-2/3 innings this season, but 19 of those runs have been unearned. During the last five starts, he has given up 28 runs in 19-1/3 innings and only 18 of those runs have been earned.
PUTTING AN END TO IT: The Rattlers went 0-6 on the six-game road trip to Peoria and Fort Wayne. The Rattlers were outscored 40-14. The Rattlers only had two innings in which they scored more than one run. This is the second six-game losing streak of the season for Wisconsin.
A ROUGH STRETCH: The Rattlers are 2-13 in their last 15 games. Including in that time frame are 12 road games and the Rattlers are 1-11 in those games away from Time Warner Cable Field.
A GLIMMER: The Rattlers return home to start a seven game homestand. Wisconsin is 31-22 at Time Warner Cable Field this season.
THAT’S A WRAP: Last night was the final game for the Rattlers against an Eastern Division opponent in the regular season. Wisconsin went 13-23 against the East this season. The Rattlers won the season series against West Michigan, split the season series with South Bend, and lost the season series with the other four teams in the East.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Quad Cities River Bandits are the Midwest League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. The River Bandits missed the playoffs in the first half with a record of 30-40. In the second half of the season, Quad Cities is 14-18 and they trail Peoria by three games for the top second half playoff spot in the Midwest League. The Bandits are tied with Burlington at one game behind the current wild card, the Clinton LumberKings. The River Bandits were swept in a three game series at South Bend and are on a three game losing streak coming into this series.
SEASON SERIES: Wisconsin is 3-4 against Quad Cities this season. The Rattlers swept a three game series against the River Bandits at Time Warner Cable Field to open the 2009 season. Quad Cities swept a four game series from the Wisconsin at Modern Woodmen Park April 25 through April 28.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .238 as a team. They have scored 408 runs (4.0/game) and hit 49 home runs. The River Bandits are hitting .241 as a team. They have scored 428 runs (4.2/game) and hit 51 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.22 while allowing a total of 504 runs (4.9/game). Quad Cities pitchers have a team ERA of 4.61 while allowing 527 runs (5.2/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 123 errors. The River Bandits defense has committed 143 errors. Wisconsin is 31-22 at home this season. Quad Cities is 13-36 on the road this season.
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook listed no current River Bandits on their list of Top 30 Prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2009: The Cardinals have placed four members of their 2009 draft class on the current Quad Cities roster. Pitcher Nick McCully was a 9th round pick of the Cardinals out of the Coastal Carolina. Infielders Jason Stidham, an 8th round pick out of Florida State and Matt Carpenter, a 13th round pick out of Texas Christian University are on the roster. Outfielder Kyle Conley, a 7th rounder out of the University of Washington, is the highest pick from the ’09 draft on the River Bandits roster.
ALL-STARS: Quad Cities had one representative at the Midwest League All-Star Game for 2009. Catcher Charlie Cutler was selected as the starting catcher for the Western Division. He is no longer with the River Bandits and was promoted early in the second half.
QUAD CITIES STARTING PITCHER: RHP Arquimedes Nieto was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Panama by the St. Louis Cardinals on March 3, 2007. After one season in the Dominican Summer League, Nieto pitched for the Batavia Muckdogs in the New York-Penn League in 2008. He was 6-1 with a 2.95 ERA in 15 games (nine starts). Nieto has appeared in 22 games (15 starts) and is 2-9 with a 4.26ERA for the Bandits this season. In his start prior to this evening, Nieto pitched seven innings allowed one run on seven hits for a win over Great Lakes on July 20. He has faced the Timber Rattlers twice this season. Nieto faced the Timber Rattlers on Opening Night and took the loss when he allowed two unearned runs in relief. He struck out three in 2-2/3 innings in that game. In his lone start against the Timber Rattlers this season, Nieto got a no decision in game one of a doubleheader at Modern Woodmen Park on April 27. He allowed a run on two hits over three innings with no walks and five strikeouts.
TO THE FRONT: Wisconsin grabbed leads of 1-0 and 2-1 with single runs in the first inning and the fourth inning. Juan Sanchez drove in a run with a two-out single in the first. Michael Vass drove in a run in the fourth with a double.
TO THE BACK: Fort Wayne sent nine men to the plate in the bottom of the fifth and scored six runs. Wisconsin committed three errors in the inning. A two-run homer by Adam Zornes capped the innings for the TinCaps.
WATTEN: Rattlers starting pitcher Trey Watten was the starting and losing pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Watten allowed five runs (one earned) in 4-1/3 innings to take the loss. Watten has lost five straight starts and is 4-11 on the season. He has allowed 68 runs in 98-2/3 innings this season, but 19 of those runs have been unearned. During the last five starts, he has given up 28 runs in 19-1/3 innings and only 18 of those runs have been earned.
PUTTING AN END TO IT: The Rattlers went 0-6 on the six-game road trip to Peoria and Fort Wayne. The Rattlers were outscored 40-14. The Rattlers only had two innings in which they scored more than one run. This is the second six-game losing streak of the season for Wisconsin.
A ROUGH STRETCH: The Rattlers are 2-13 in their last 15 games. Including in that time frame are 12 road games and the Rattlers are 1-11 in those games away from Time Warner Cable Field.
A GLIMMER: The Rattlers return home to start a seven game homestand. Wisconsin is 31-22 at Time Warner Cable Field this season.
THAT’S A WRAP: Last night was the final game for the Rattlers against an Eastern Division opponent in the regular season. Wisconsin went 13-23 against the East this season. The Rattlers won the season series against West Michigan, split the season series with South Bend, and lost the season series with the other four teams in the East.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Quad Cities River Bandits are the Midwest League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. The River Bandits missed the playoffs in the first half with a record of 30-40. In the second half of the season, Quad Cities is 14-18 and they trail Peoria by three games for the top second half playoff spot in the Midwest League. The Bandits are tied with Burlington at one game behind the current wild card, the Clinton LumberKings. The River Bandits were swept in a three game series at South Bend and are on a three game losing streak coming into this series.
SEASON SERIES: Wisconsin is 3-4 against Quad Cities this season. The Rattlers swept a three game series against the River Bandits at Time Warner Cable Field to open the 2009 season. Quad Cities swept a four game series from the Wisconsin at Modern Woodmen Park April 25 through April 28.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .238 as a team. They have scored 408 runs (4.0/game) and hit 49 home runs. The River Bandits are hitting .241 as a team. They have scored 428 runs (4.2/game) and hit 51 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.22 while allowing a total of 504 runs (4.9/game). Quad Cities pitchers have a team ERA of 4.61 while allowing 527 runs (5.2/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 123 errors. The River Bandits defense has committed 143 errors. Wisconsin is 31-22 at home this season. Quad Cities is 13-36 on the road this season.
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook listed no current River Bandits on their list of Top 30 Prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2009: The Cardinals have placed four members of their 2009 draft class on the current Quad Cities roster. Pitcher Nick McCully was a 9th round pick of the Cardinals out of the Coastal Carolina. Infielders Jason Stidham, an 8th round pick out of Florida State and Matt Carpenter, a 13th round pick out of Texas Christian University are on the roster. Outfielder Kyle Conley, a 7th rounder out of the University of Washington, is the highest pick from the ’09 draft on the River Bandits roster.
ALL-STARS: Quad Cities had one representative at the Midwest League All-Star Game for 2009. Catcher Charlie Cutler was selected as the starting catcher for the Western Division. He is no longer with the River Bandits and was promoted early in the second half.
QUAD CITIES STARTING PITCHER: RHP Arquimedes Nieto was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Panama by the St. Louis Cardinals on March 3, 2007. After one season in the Dominican Summer League, Nieto pitched for the Batavia Muckdogs in the New York-Penn League in 2008. He was 6-1 with a 2.95 ERA in 15 games (nine starts). Nieto has appeared in 22 games (15 starts) and is 2-9 with a 4.26ERA for the Bandits this season. In his start prior to this evening, Nieto pitched seven innings allowed one run on seven hits for a win over Great Lakes on July 20. He has faced the Timber Rattlers twice this season. Nieto faced the Timber Rattlers on Opening Night and took the loss when he allowed two unearned runs in relief. He struck out three in 2-2/3 innings in that game. In his lone start against the Timber Rattlers this season, Nieto got a no decision in game one of a doubleheader at Modern Woodmen Park on April 27. He allowed a run on two hits over three innings with no walks and five strikeouts.
5am arrivals and columns and tv Apperances do not make for productive days
Mehring...I can call him that right?....
Mehring sends Edgar the Egret of Excuses out to explain where he has been all day.
First of all there was a 5am arrival in the parking lot of the Stadium. Then, there were these:
Then, there was this...
The past week started with a lot of promise;You have got to check out Mehring's weird Warren Zevon obsession in this column. Plus, guess the 70's Sitcom character. Hint, the word grits are involved.
Now with six straight losses, this team is looking into the abyss.
A lost weekend in Peoria that happened quite fast;
Then, three games vs. a 70 win team was like putting a match to some gas.
Yet, hope is still alive because of the rest of this lot;
Somehow the Rattlers are only two games out of a wild card spot.
Remember, too that there is just over a month to go 'til the curtain will fall
Let's not waste another moment. Time for this Week in Timber Rattlers Baseball.
Mehring also mentioned he must have been tired, because he fell asleep three times trying to watch Burn Notice on the DVR...He also wonders if he dreamed the part where Michael hauled off and belted Fiona as part of keeping his cover and will probably have to watch it again.
Regular pre-game posts are coming up next.
7/30/2009
Pitching Matchups (Quad Cities 7/31-8/2/09)
FRI: RHP Cody Scarpetta (2-7, 3.91) vs. RHP Arquimedes Nieto (2-9, 4.26) 7:05pm CDT
SAT: LHP Daniel Meadows (11-3, 3.83) vs. RHP Miguel Tapia (1-3, 5.21) 6:35pm CDT
SUN: LHP Evan Frederickson (3-6, 5.09)* vs. RHP Scott McGregor (4-7, 6.98) 1:05pm CDT
*-Wily Peralta will pitch in relief in this game
SAT: LHP Daniel Meadows (11-3, 3.83) vs. RHP Miguel Tapia (1-3, 5.21) 6:35pm CDT
SUN: LHP Evan Frederickson (3-6, 5.09)* vs. RHP Scott McGregor (4-7, 6.98) 1:05pm CDT
*-Wily Peralta will pitch in relief in this game
July 30, 2009: Starting lineup
Juan Sanchez........SS
Pete Fatse..........LF
Brett Lawrie........2B
Erik Komatsu........RF
Jose Duran..........3B
Brock Kjeldgaard....1B
Michael Vass........DH
Derrick McPhearson..CF
Sean McCraw..........C
Trey Watten.........SP
Pete Fatse..........LF
Brett Lawrie........2B
Erik Komatsu........RF
Jose Duran..........3B
Brock Kjeldgaard....1B
Michael Vass........DH
Derrick McPhearson..CF
Sean McCraw..........C
Trey Watten.........SP
July 30, 2009: Opposition Research
From the game notes of the Fort Wayne TinCaps...
Start Me Up: In the last 47 games, Fort Wayne starting pitchers are 28-6, 2.66ERA, and 1.05WHIP.
TinCaps Part 2: Since the roster moves at the All-Star Brewak, the TinCaps are hitting .263 with 18 homers and 171 runs in 32 games. They have gone 86-for-320 (.269) with runners in scoring position.
Walk it off: The TinCaps have drawn 16 walks in this series; 5 of the 8 Fort Wayne runners who have scored in the series reached on walks.
Good Glovework: Since the TinCaps made 4 errors on July 10th at Cedar Rapids, they have not had a multi-error game. During the current 17-game string, they have made just 7 errors.
Start Me Up: In the last 47 games, Fort Wayne starting pitchers are 28-6, 2.66ERA, and 1.05WHIP.
TinCaps Part 2: Since the roster moves at the All-Star Brewak, the TinCaps are hitting .263 with 18 homers and 171 runs in 32 games. They have gone 86-for-320 (.269) with runners in scoring position.
Walk it off: The TinCaps have drawn 16 walks in this series; 5 of the 8 Fort Wayne runners who have scored in the series reached on walks.
Good Glovework: Since the TinCaps made 4 errors on July 10th at Cedar Rapids, they have not had a multi-error game. During the current 17-game string, they have made just 7 errors.
July 30, 2009: Tonight's pitcher
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 lost at Peoria on July 25 in the first game of this road trip. He allowed seven runs (five earned) on six hits over 5-1/3 innings. Watten had given up two runs in the first five innings, but allowed five runs in the sixth. The Chiefs went on to win the game 9-1 decision.
VS. FORT WAYNE: Watten is making his first ever appearance against the TinCaps.
VS. SAN DIEGO: Watten is also making his first ever appearance against an affiliate of the San Diego Padres.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (7/4 @ Burlington)
STRIKEOUTS: 8 (6/3 vs. Cedar Rapids)
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 lost at Peoria on July 25 in the first game of this road trip. He allowed seven runs (five earned) on six hits over 5-1/3 innings. Watten had given up two runs in the first five innings, but allowed five runs in the sixth. The Chiefs went on to win the game 9-1 decision.
VS. FORT WAYNE: Watten is making his first ever appearance against the TinCaps.
VS. SAN DIEGO: Watten is also making his first ever appearance against an affiliate of the San Diego Padres.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (7/4 @ Burlington)
STRIKEOUTS: 8 (6/3 vs. Cedar Rapids)
July 30, 2009: Game Notes
ABOUT YESTERDAY: The Rattlers lost 4-3 to the TinCaps. Robert Lara drove in the winning run with an eighth inning RBI grounder.
OUT FRONT: Michael Marseco gave the Timber Rattlers a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning with a two-out RBI double.
BEHIND: Rattlers starting pitcher RJ Seidel worked two scoreless innings, but allowed three runs on four walks in the bottom of the third inning. Daniel Robertson drove in two runs with a double to give the TinCaps the lead. Jaff Decker followed with an RBI single and Fort Wayne was up 3-1.
JUST A NOTE: The Rattlers have led in three of the first five games of this road trip. But, the leads have lasted a total of 2-1/3 innings.
COMEBACK: Erik Miller drove in a run with a sac fly in the top of the fourth. Brett Lawrie’s RBI single in the seventh inning tied the game 3-3.
NOT WITH A BANG: The TinCaps had runners at first and third with one out against Efrain Nieves in the bottom of the eighth inning. Robert Lara sent a slow roller up the third baseline and the only play was to first base. The run gave the TinCaps a 4-3 lead.
A LITTLE INTERESTING: Juan Sanchez singled in the top of the ninth inning against Fort Wayne closer Brad Brach. The single was the third hit of the day for Sanchez. But, Brach got a double play and a strikeout to end the game.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: In five games against the TinCaps this season, Wisconsin is hitting .154 (24-for-156) and has scored eight runs. The TinCaps are hitting .203 (31-for-153) against the Rattlers and have scored 19 runs.
A ROUGH STRETCH: The Rattlers are 2-12 in their last 14 games. Including in that time frame are 11 road games and the Rattlers are 1-10 in those games away from Time Warner Cable Field.
WRAP IT UP: Tonight is the final game the Rattlers have against an Eastern Division opponent this season. Wisconsin is 13-22 against the East this season. The Rattlers won the season series against West Michigan, split the season series with South Bend, and lost the season series with the other four teams in the East.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Fort Wayne TinCaps are the Midwest League affiliate of the San Diego Padres. They won the first half Eastern Division title with a record of 45-25. They have continued their outstanding record through to the second half as they are 26-6. Fort Wayne is 22-5 in July. The TinCaps are in their first season at new Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne after playing at Memorial Coliseum from 1993 through 2008. The TinCaps entered the Midwest League in 1993 after moving from Kenosha, Wisconsin. They are managed by former major league outfielder Doug Dascenzo.
SEASON SERIES: Wisconsin is 0-5 against Fort Wayne this season. The Rattlers were swept in a three game series by the TinCaps April 13-15 at Time Warner Cable Field. For Wayne won game one 2-1 in ten innings by scoring a run in the top of the ninth to tie the game and a run in the tenth for the win. The TinCaps won game two of the series 3-2. Fort Wayne got the sweep with a 6-0. That three game sweep was part of the TinCaps going 10-0 to start the season.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .239 as a team. They have scored 4063 runs (4.0/game) and hit 49 home runs. The TinCaps are hitting .266 as a team. They have scored 551 runs (5.4/game) and hit 74 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.24 while allowing a total of 495 runs (4.9/game). Fort Wayne pitchers have a team ERA of 3.23 while allowing 391 runs (3.8/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 119 errors. The TinCaps defense has committed 101 errors. Wisconsin is 16-32 in road games this season. Fort Wayne is 37-14 at home this season.
FORT WAYNE STARTING PITCHER: RHP Chris Fetter was a ninth round pick of the Padres in the 2009 draft out of the University of Michigan. He was 7-3 with a 3.26ERA and 103 strikeouts in 94 innings pitched for the Wolverines. After signing with the Padres, Fetter made five starts for Eugene in the Northwest League and was 1-0 with a 2.38ERA and 24 strikeouts in 22-2/3 innings. Tonight is his third start for the TinCaps. In his start prior to this evening, Fetter lost at Burlington on July 25. He allowed three runs on eight hits over six innings with two walks and six strikeouts. Tonight is the first time Fetter will face the Timber Rattlers. It is also the first time he is facing an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.
OUT FRONT: Michael Marseco gave the Timber Rattlers a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning with a two-out RBI double.
BEHIND: Rattlers starting pitcher RJ Seidel worked two scoreless innings, but allowed three runs on four walks in the bottom of the third inning. Daniel Robertson drove in two runs with a double to give the TinCaps the lead. Jaff Decker followed with an RBI single and Fort Wayne was up 3-1.
JUST A NOTE: The Rattlers have led in three of the first five games of this road trip. But, the leads have lasted a total of 2-1/3 innings.
COMEBACK: Erik Miller drove in a run with a sac fly in the top of the fourth. Brett Lawrie’s RBI single in the seventh inning tied the game 3-3.
NOT WITH A BANG: The TinCaps had runners at first and third with one out against Efrain Nieves in the bottom of the eighth inning. Robert Lara sent a slow roller up the third baseline and the only play was to first base. The run gave the TinCaps a 4-3 lead.
A LITTLE INTERESTING: Juan Sanchez singled in the top of the ninth inning against Fort Wayne closer Brad Brach. The single was the third hit of the day for Sanchez. But, Brach got a double play and a strikeout to end the game.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: In five games against the TinCaps this season, Wisconsin is hitting .154 (24-for-156) and has scored eight runs. The TinCaps are hitting .203 (31-for-153) against the Rattlers and have scored 19 runs.
A ROUGH STRETCH: The Rattlers are 2-12 in their last 14 games. Including in that time frame are 11 road games and the Rattlers are 1-10 in those games away from Time Warner Cable Field.
WRAP IT UP: Tonight is the final game the Rattlers have against an Eastern Division opponent this season. Wisconsin is 13-22 against the East this season. The Rattlers won the season series against West Michigan, split the season series with South Bend, and lost the season series with the other four teams in the East.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Fort Wayne TinCaps are the Midwest League affiliate of the San Diego Padres. They won the first half Eastern Division title with a record of 45-25. They have continued their outstanding record through to the second half as they are 26-6. Fort Wayne is 22-5 in July. The TinCaps are in their first season at new Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne after playing at Memorial Coliseum from 1993 through 2008. The TinCaps entered the Midwest League in 1993 after moving from Kenosha, Wisconsin. They are managed by former major league outfielder Doug Dascenzo.
SEASON SERIES: Wisconsin is 0-5 against Fort Wayne this season. The Rattlers were swept in a three game series by the TinCaps April 13-15 at Time Warner Cable Field. For Wayne won game one 2-1 in ten innings by scoring a run in the top of the ninth to tie the game and a run in the tenth for the win. The TinCaps won game two of the series 3-2. Fort Wayne got the sweep with a 6-0. That three game sweep was part of the TinCaps going 10-0 to start the season.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .239 as a team. They have scored 4063 runs (4.0/game) and hit 49 home runs. The TinCaps are hitting .266 as a team. They have scored 551 runs (5.4/game) and hit 74 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.24 while allowing a total of 495 runs (4.9/game). Fort Wayne pitchers have a team ERA of 3.23 while allowing 391 runs (3.8/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 119 errors. The TinCaps defense has committed 101 errors. Wisconsin is 16-32 in road games this season. Fort Wayne is 37-14 at home this season.
FORT WAYNE STARTING PITCHER: RHP Chris Fetter was a ninth round pick of the Padres in the 2009 draft out of the University of Michigan. He was 7-3 with a 3.26ERA and 103 strikeouts in 94 innings pitched for the Wolverines. After signing with the Padres, Fetter made five starts for Eugene in the Northwest League and was 1-0 with a 2.38ERA and 24 strikeouts in 22-2/3 innings. Tonight is his third start for the TinCaps. In his start prior to this evening, Fetter lost at Burlington on July 25. He allowed three runs on eight hits over six innings with two walks and six strikeouts. Tonight is the first time Fetter will face the Timber Rattlers. It is also the first time he is facing an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.
A few reviews are in
Chris Tillman's first major league start gets some attention in Baltimore.
Tillman's debut not so smooth
Rookie pitcher shows promise but allows 3 homers in 4 2/3 innings
From Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
Tillman's debut not so smooth
Rookie pitcher shows promise but allows 3 homers in 4 2/3 innings
Chris Tillman's night began with a torrential downpour that delayed his first major league pitch, and it ended with a standing ovation from the Camden Yards crowd. The reason for the reception was more about what Tillman might bring to the Orioles in the future and not what he was able to deliver Wednesday night.Reaction from the rookie.
Tillman, the 21-year-old right-hander, got a rocky introduction to the major leagues, alllowing three solo homers and lasting just 4 2/3 innings against the Kansas City Royals. But the night was not without glimpses of the promise that made Tillman the organization's most prized pitching prospect, and has fans so excited about the days ahead. And it was also not without a much-needed win for the home team, which finally found some elusive hits with runners in scoring position.
"That was pretty special," said Tillman, who was acquired last February from the Seattle Mariners in the Erik Bedard deal. "It feels good. I've heard a lot about these fans here. … I was kind of disappointed at the time with the way the game turned out. Obviously, it was the first time I've had an ovation like that. Other than that, I really [didn't] know what to think."Bedard deal? Oh, right. That's how they got him.
All-Star center fielder Adam Jones, also acquired in the Bedard deal - which is looking better every day - hit a two-run homer in the first off Greinke, the third straight game he has connected for a first-inning homer. Jones tied the score in the seventh with an RBI double off the scoreboard in right. Nick Markakis followed with a go-ahead two-run single, and he and Aubrey Huff added RBI hits in the eighth.
From Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
Chris Tillman’s first start is in the books.
Here’s a bet: He will have better outings in his Orioles’ career.
The 21-year-old super prospect struggled some, allowing three home runs, including two solo shots in the second inning. He’s entitled. He had to be pretty nervous Wednesday.
Rattler Alumni Report: AAA and AA games of July 29, 2009
AAA:
International League:
Syracuse:
Jorge Sosa ('01): IP, 0H, 0R, BB
Buffalo:
Rene Rivera ('03): 1-for-4, RUN
PCL:
Sacramento:
Yung Chi Chen ('05): 1-for-3
Tacoma:
Matt Tuiasosopo ('05): 0-for-4
Mike Wilson ('05): 0-for-4
Bryan LaHair ('04): 4-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 HRs (#19 & #20)
Adam Moore ('06): 1-for-4
Justin Thomas ('06): 1.1IP, 2H, 0R, 2BB, 3K
AA:
Texas League:
Midland:
Justin Souza ('08): 4.1IP, 7H, 7R, 6ER, Loss
Southern League:
West Tennessee:
Greg Halman ('07): 1-for-5
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 2-for-5, RUN, RBI
Johan Limonta ('06): 2-for-5, RBI
Mumba Rivera ('07): 1.1IP, 2H, 2R, BB, 3K
Anthony Varvaro ('07): 3IP, 0H, 0R, BB, 4K
Birmingham:
Robbie Hudson ('06): 2-for-3
Huntsville (game one):
Taylor Green ('09): 0-for-3
Lorenzo Cain ('09): 2-f0r-3
Huntsville (game two):
Green: 0-for-3
Cain: 2-for-3
Michael Garciaparra ('03): 1-for-3
Juan Sandoval ('03): IP, 0H, 0R, 2K
International League:
Syracuse:
Jorge Sosa ('01): IP, 0H, 0R, BB
Buffalo:
Rene Rivera ('03): 1-for-4, RUN
PCL:
Sacramento:
Yung Chi Chen ('05): 1-for-3
Tacoma:
Matt Tuiasosopo ('05): 0-for-4
Mike Wilson ('05): 0-for-4
Bryan LaHair ('04): 4-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 HRs (#19 & #20)
Adam Moore ('06): 1-for-4
Justin Thomas ('06): 1.1IP, 2H, 0R, 2BB, 3K
AA:
Texas League:
Midland:
Justin Souza ('08): 4.1IP, 7H, 7R, 6ER, Loss
Southern League:
West Tennessee:
Greg Halman ('07): 1-for-5
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 2-for-5, RUN, RBI
Johan Limonta ('06): 2-for-5, RBI
Mumba Rivera ('07): 1.1IP, 2H, 2R, BB, 3K
Anthony Varvaro ('07): 3IP, 0H, 0R, BB, 4K
Birmingham:
Robbie Hudson ('06): 2-for-3
Huntsville (game one):
Taylor Green ('09): 0-for-3
Lorenzo Cain ('09): 2-f0r-3
Huntsville (game two):
Green: 0-for-3
Cain: 2-for-3
Michael Garciaparra ('03): 1-for-3
Juan Sandoval ('03): IP, 0H, 0R, 2K
Rattler Alumni Report: MLB Games of July 29, 2009
Cleveland:
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 0-for-5
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 1-for-2, RUN
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-3, RUN
Seattle:
Michael Saunders ('06): 1-for-4, RUN
Ryan Rowland-Smith ('03): 7IP, 3H, 2R, 4K, WIN #1
Mark Lowe ('05): IP, 0H, 0R, K
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 0-for-1, pinch hit
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 2-for-5, 2 RUNS, 3RBI, HR #17
Chris Tillman ('07): 4.2IP, 7H, 3R, BB, 2K
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-for-5, RUN
Philadelphia:
Raul Ibanez (Foxes, '94): 2-for-4
Greg Dobbs ('02): 0-for-4
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): 0-for-4
St. Louis:
Joel Pineiro ('98): 8IP, 6H, R, 2BB, 7K
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, 2H, R, K
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 0-for-5
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 1-for-2, RUN
Luis Valbuena ('06): 0-for-3, RUN
Seattle:
Michael Saunders ('06): 1-for-4, RUN
Ryan Rowland-Smith ('03): 7IP, 3H, 2R, 4K, WIN #1
Mark Lowe ('05): IP, 0H, 0R, K
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 0-for-1, pinch hit
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 2-for-5, 2 RUNS, 3RBI, HR #17
Chris Tillman ('07): 4.2IP, 7H, 3R, BB, 2K
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-for-5, RUN
Philadelphia:
Raul Ibanez (Foxes, '94): 2-for-4
Greg Dobbs ('02): 0-for-4
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): 0-for-4
St. Louis:
Joel Pineiro ('98): 8IP, 6H, R, 2BB, 7K
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, 2H, R, K
Milwaukee Brewers Report: Games of July 29, 2009
MILWAUKEE (MAJ: 50-51; 4th National League Central): The Brewers beat Washington 7-5. Casey McGehee hit a two-run homer in a three run sixth inning to help Milwaukee take the lead.
NASHVILLE (AAA: 56-48; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds beat New Orleans 5-3. Nashville scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 52-50 overall, 14-19 second half; T-4th Southern League North Division): The Stars were swept in a doubleheader at Montgomery. The Biscuits won game one 5-1 and shutout Huntsville 10-0 in game two.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 59-35 overall, 19-11 second half; 2nd Florida State League North Division): The Manatees lost 4-2 at Fort Myers. Michael Bowman (’09) allowed two runs on five hits over five innings and took the loss.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 17-17; 3rd Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers lost 5-4 to Great Falls.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 12-19; 0-3 second half; 5th Arizona League East Division): The Brewers lost 7-4 to the Cubs.
BREWERS SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Washington (JD Martin 0-1) at Milwaukee (Yovani Gallardo 9-7) 1:05pm CDT
New Orleans (Ryan Tucker 0-2) at Nashville (Chase Wright 6-5) 7:05pm CDT
Huntsville (Mark Holliman 7-5) at Montgomery (Rayner Oliveros) 7:05pm CDT
Sarasota (Matt Fairel 0-0) at Brevard County (Evan Anundsen 8-5) 6:05pm CDT
Great Falls (Jimmy Ballinger 0-0) at Helena (Hiram Burgos 0-2) 8:05pm CDT
AZL Brewers at AZL Athletics 9:05pm CDT
NASHVILLE (AAA: 56-48; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds beat New Orleans 5-3. Nashville scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 52-50 overall, 14-19 second half; T-4th Southern League North Division): The Stars were swept in a doubleheader at Montgomery. The Biscuits won game one 5-1 and shutout Huntsville 10-0 in game two.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 59-35 overall, 19-11 second half; 2nd Florida State League North Division): The Manatees lost 4-2 at Fort Myers. Michael Bowman (’09) allowed two runs on five hits over five innings and took the loss.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 17-17; 3rd Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers lost 5-4 to Great Falls.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 12-19; 0-3 second half; 5th Arizona League East Division): The Brewers lost 7-4 to the Cubs.
BREWERS SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Washington (JD Martin 0-1) at Milwaukee (Yovani Gallardo 9-7) 1:05pm CDT
New Orleans (Ryan Tucker 0-2) at Nashville (Chase Wright 6-5) 7:05pm CDT
Huntsville (Mark Holliman 7-5) at Montgomery (Rayner Oliveros) 7:05pm CDT
Sarasota (Matt Fairel 0-0) at Brevard County (Evan Anundsen 8-5) 6:05pm CDT
Great Falls (Jimmy Ballinger 0-0) at Helena (Hiram Burgos 0-2) 8:05pm CDT
AZL Brewers at AZL Athletics 9:05pm CDT
Midwest League Action: Games of July 29, 2009
Complete scoreboard
@Fort Wayne 4, Wisconsin 3: “It’s been a magical season up until this point,” Fort Wayne manager Doug Dascenzo said. “We just keep riding it, continue it on. Like we’ve always said, it’s a day-to-day thing. The guys don’t look at the record as much as they do that task at hand on every given day.”
Clinton 7 @Lansing 5: Brian Van Kirk went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI Wednesday, but it was not enough as the Clinton LumberKings snapped the Lansing Lugnuts' four-game winning streak, 7-5 at Oldsmobile Park.
@South Bend 6 Quad Cities 4;
Quad Cities 6, @South Bend 0:
Peoria 13 @Dayton 7: In the ninth, the Chiefs scored all 10 of their runs before recording an out, working completely through the order as the fans who stayed razzed the players...Editor's note: I've been reading that paragraph...heck, the whole story for the last five minutes and I still can't believe it....Posting that again...
@Cedar Rapids 4, Kane County: Appearances and statistics can be deceiving, especially in the case of the two starting pitchers with a combined ERA of nearly 17 that took the mound last night when the Kernels hosted Kane County.
@Fort Wayne 4, Wisconsin 3: “It’s been a magical season up until this point,” Fort Wayne manager Doug Dascenzo said. “We just keep riding it, continue it on. Like we’ve always said, it’s a day-to-day thing. The guys don’t look at the record as much as they do that task at hand on every given day.”
Clinton 7 @Lansing 5: Brian Van Kirk went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI Wednesday, but it was not enough as the Clinton LumberKings snapped the Lansing Lugnuts' four-game winning streak, 7-5 at Oldsmobile Park.
@South Bend 6 Quad Cities 4;
Quad Cities 6, @South Bend 0:
The pitching was perfect. The decision, as far as a number of fans were concerned, was imperfect.Burlington 3 @West Michigan 1: Catcher Angel Flores threw two Bees out on attempted steals at second base and Whitecaps right fielder Luis Salas gunned down two more Burlington runners on perfect throws to the plate on back-to-back plays in the seventh inning. But the Bees, leading the Midwest League in stolen bases with 138, had speed to burn in their 3-1 victory.
South Bend flamethrower Wade Miley retired the first 15 batters he faced Wednesday night against Quad Cities. It turns out, those were the only 15 he faced.
Miley, a left-hander who hit 95 on the radar gun Wednesday night, was taken out of the game after five perfect innings due to an Arizona Diamondbacks rule implemented to protect the arms of its minor league starting pitchers.
Peoria 13 @Dayton 7: In the ninth, the Chiefs scored all 10 of their runs before recording an out, working completely through the order as the fans who stayed razzed the players...Editor's note: I've been reading that paragraph...heck, the whole story for the last five minutes and I still can't believe it....Posting that again...
In the ninth, the Chiefs scored all 10 of their runs before recording an out, working completely through the order as the fans who stayed razzed the players.@Great Lakes 4, Beloit 2: If the Great Lakes Loons played the Beloit Snappers the rest of the season, Jaime Pedroza might never make another out.
@Cedar Rapids 4, Kane County: Appearances and statistics can be deceiving, especially in the case of the two starting pitchers with a combined ERA of nearly 17 that took the mound last night when the Kernels hosted Kane County.
7/29/2009
Tonight's the night
Chris Tillman is about to become the second Timber Rattlers alumni since last Saturday to become make his major league debut.
O's set to unveil prospect Tillman
Good luck, Chris. It's just the Royals, but still....
O's set to unveil prospect Tillman
He hasn't thrown a pitch in a Major League game, but Chris Tillman is already earning flattering comments from his teammates, even regarding his physical makeup.
"He's tall, handsome and lanky," fellow rookie David Hernandez quipped. "When I left Norfolk he was just starting to get going, and if he just pitches how he pitches, he shouldn't change a thing when he's up there."
Wednesday, Tillman will be the latest Oriole to make his big league debut.
Good luck, Chris. It's just the Royals, but still....
Trading Post...get it...get it...Trading Post
Gold, Jerry...Gold!
First the big one...
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pirates trade Jack Wilson, Ian Snell to Seattle
From the Seattle-Times:
Mariners acquire Jack Wilson, Ian Snell from Pirates
There is this from Pirates GM Neal Huntington...
First the big one...
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pirates trade Jack Wilson, Ian Snell to Seattle
The Pirates have traded shortstop Jack Wilson, their most tenured and popular player, to the Seattle Mariners, along with starting pitcher Ian Snell, who has recently pitched in the minors.Clement ('05), Adcock ('07, '08); and Lorin ('08) are all ex-Rattlers.
In return, they received first baseman Jeff Clement, shortstop Ronny Cedeno and right-handed pitchers Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.
From the Seattle-Times:
Mariners acquire Jack Wilson, Ian Snell from Pirates
There is this from Pirates GM Neal Huntington...
"Our scouts have consistently projected Clement to be an everyday major-league contributor with the power to hit 20-plus home runs," Huntington said. "He has been an extremely highly-regarded prospect since he was drafted and has performed consistently since then, showing the tools to be a quality offensive player."The other trade was a minor deal with the Reds. Balentien ('04).
Adock was 5-7 with a 5.29 ERA in 21 games, 19 starts, with High Desert in the California League this season. Lorin (5-4, 2.44 in 16 starts) and Pribanic (7-6, 3.21 in 17 starts) were both pitching with Clinton in the Midwest League.
Adcock was a fifth-round draft choice in 2006; Lorin was a fifth-round pick in 2008; Pribanic was a third-round pick in 2008.
"Aaron has been highly regarded since he was drafted in the third round out of the University of Nebraska in 2008 by Seattle," Huntington said of Pribanic. "He put up excellent numbers in his first full professional season. He has a heavy four-seam fastball that reaches up to 93 miles per hour and a two-seam fastball with significant sinking and tailing life low in the zone that has allowed him to get ground balls."
Of Lorin, he said: "Brett has been noted by our scouts for his plus makeup, competitive nature and desire to win and succeed. He complements his solid fastball that can touch the mid-90s with a curveball that has shown tight rotation and the form to project to an above-average major-league curveball."
And of Adcock: "Nathan has shown our scouts quality pitching instincts, including a curveball that was ranked the best in Seattle's system by Baseball America. Despite pitching in the worst pitcher's park in baseball in High Desert of the California League, Adcock has shown the ability to get ground balls with an advanced three-pitch mix and the ability to locate his 91-plus mile per hour fastball, which are crucial tools in a major-league pitcher."
The trade winds were blowing at full force around Safeco Field on Wednesday.
Shortly after the team announced a seven-player deal that sent Ronny Cedeno and four others to Pittsburgh in exchange for Jack Wilson and Ian Snell, the Mariners announced they had traded outfielder Wladimir Balentien to Cincinnati for right-handed reliever Robert Manuel.
Midwest League Action: Games of July 28, 2009
Complete scoreboard
@Fort Wayne 4, Wisconsin 2: "It is good to be home again," Castro said. "Last night was pretty hard. It was seven hours (bus ride), and then to come home today and play the game and get the win was pretty good."
@West Michigan 7, Burlington 2: Unlike the area's weather, West Michigan Whitecaps starting pitcher Mark Sorensen has been red-hot in July.
Peoria 4 @Dayton 3:
@Lansing 3, Clinton 2: Lugnuts version | LumberKings version
Kane County 5 @Cedar Rapids 4: “What it shows is we come to play every day and we’re always in the game,” said Mosiello, whose club is 18-18 in one-run games. “It’s one hit, one play, one pitch we’re not making.”
Quad Cities @ South Bend suspended.
@Fort Wayne 4, Wisconsin 2: "It is good to be home again," Castro said. "Last night was pretty hard. It was seven hours (bus ride), and then to come home today and play the game and get the win was pretty good."
@West Michigan 7, Burlington 2: Unlike the area's weather, West Michigan Whitecaps starting pitcher Mark Sorensen has been red-hot in July.
Peoria 4 @Dayton 3:
Worse was the way the game ended, with two outs, Miguel Rojas on first and Josh Fellhauer — who hit a ninth-inning homer to tie the game the night before in Kane County — at the plate.@Great Lakes 8, Beloit 5: "We always seem to play well at home," said Loons' manager Juan Bustabad. "The first game against Quad Cities (a 5-4 loss in 11 innings) just demolished us when we should have beat them. And then they swept us."
Unfortunately, Peoria pitcher Chris Huesby’s pitch to Fellhauer skipped in the dirt and Rojas took off, an easy target for catcher Michael Brenly (son of former major-leaguer Bob Brenly) to throw out and end the game.
@Lansing 3, Clinton 2: Lugnuts version | LumberKings version
Kane County 5 @Cedar Rapids 4: “What it shows is we come to play every day and we’re always in the game,” said Mosiello, whose club is 18-18 in one-run games. “It’s one hit, one play, one pitch we’re not making.”
Quad Cities @ South Bend suspended.
Rattler Alumni Report: AAA and AA games of July 28, 2009
AAA:
International League:
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre:
Damaso Marte ('96): 1.2IP, 3H, 2R, 3K, Loss
PCL:
Nashville:
Lindsay Gulin ('98): 2.1IP, H, 2R, 9BB, 3K, Loss
Sacramento:
Yung Chi Chen ('05): 0-for-3
Tacoma:
Matt Tuiasosopo ('05): 1-for-5
Jeff Clement ('05): 1-for-1, RBI
Mike Wilson ('05): 2-for-4
Bryan LaHair ('04): 3-for-3, RUN
Denny Stark ('97): 2.1IP, 2H, R, K
AA:
Southern League:
Birmingham:
Robbie Hudson ('06): 1-for-4
West Tennessee (game one):
Greg Halman ('07): 2-for-3, RBI
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 0-for-3
Johan Limonta ('06): 0-for-2
Phillippe Aumont ('08): IP, 0H, 2BB, K
West Tennessee (game two):
Halman: 0-for-2
Hubbard: 1-for-3
Limonta: 0-for-3
Ricky Orta ('07): .2IP, 2H, R, 2BB, K, Loss
International League:
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre:
Damaso Marte ('96): 1.2IP, 3H, 2R, 3K, Loss
PCL:
Nashville:
Lindsay Gulin ('98): 2.1IP, H, 2R, 9BB, 3K, Loss
Sacramento:
Yung Chi Chen ('05): 0-for-3
Tacoma:
Matt Tuiasosopo ('05): 1-for-5
Jeff Clement ('05): 1-for-1, RBI
Mike Wilson ('05): 2-for-4
Bryan LaHair ('04): 3-for-3, RUN
Denny Stark ('97): 2.1IP, 2H, R, K
AA:
Southern League:
Birmingham:
Robbie Hudson ('06): 1-for-4
West Tennessee (game one):
Greg Halman ('07): 2-for-3, RBI
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 0-for-3
Johan Limonta ('06): 0-for-2
Phillippe Aumont ('08): IP, 0H, 2BB, K
West Tennessee (game two):
Halman: 0-for-2
Hubbard: 1-for-3
Limonta: 0-for-3
Ricky Orta ('07): .2IP, 2H, R, 2BB, K, Loss
Rattler Alumni Report: MLB Games of July 28, 2009
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 0-for-3, RBI
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 1-for-5, RUN, 2RBI, HR #16
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 2-for-4, RUN
Seattle:
Rob Johnson ('05): 0-for-3, RUN
Michael Saunders ('06): 0-for-3
Mark Lowe ('05): IP, 3H, 2R, K, Blown save
Cleveland:
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 2-for-5, RUN
Luis Valbuena ('06): 2-for-4, RUN
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 1-for-3
Los Angeles (AL):
Brian Fuentes ('97): 0.0IP, 2H, 2R, 2BB
Atlanta:
Rafael Soriano ('00): .1IP, H, 2R, BB, Loss
Philadelphia:
Raul Ibanez (Foxes, '94): 0-for-3, 2BB
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): 1-for-4
David Ortiz ('96): 0-for-3, RBI
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 1-for-5, RUN, 2RBI, HR #16
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 2-for-4, RUN
Seattle:
Rob Johnson ('05): 0-for-3, RUN
Michael Saunders ('06): 0-for-3
Mark Lowe ('05): IP, 3H, 2R, K, Blown save
Cleveland:
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 2-for-5, RUN
Luis Valbuena ('06): 2-for-4, RUN
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 1-for-3
Los Angeles (AL):
Brian Fuentes ('97): 0.0IP, 2H, 2R, 2BB
Atlanta:
Rafael Soriano ('00): .1IP, H, 2R, BB, Loss
Philadelphia:
Raul Ibanez (Foxes, '94): 0-for-3, 2BB
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): 1-for-4
July 29, 2009: Starting Lineup
Juan Sanchez......3B
Erik Komatsu......RF
Brett Lawrie......2B
Corey Kemp.........C
Peter Fatse.......LF
Jose Duran........DH
Brock Kjeldgaard..1B
Michael Marseco...SS
Erik Miller.......CF
RJ Seidel.........SP
Erik Komatsu......RF
Brett Lawrie......2B
Corey Kemp.........C
Peter Fatse.......LF
Jose Duran........DH
Brock Kjeldgaard..1B
Michael Marseco...SS
Erik Miller.......CF
RJ Seidel.........SP
July 29, 2009: Opposition Research
From the Game Notes of the Fort Wayne TinCaps...
Brad Brach's 19 inning scoreless streak came to an end.
Best in the Business: The TinCaps...blahblahblah...best record....blahblahblahbityblahblah 70 wins*
*May not actually be in the game notes of the TinCaps.
Brad Brach's 19 inning scoreless streak came to an end.
Best in the Business: The TinCaps...blahblahblah...best record....blahblahblahbityblahblah 70 wins*
*May not actually be in the game notes of the TinCaps.
July 29, 2009: Today's pitchers
SCHEDULED STARTER
RHP RJ SEIDEL: Selected by Milwaukee in the 16th round of the 2006 draft out of La Crosse (WI) Central High School.
AS A SENIOR: Seidel went 8-2 with a 0.99 ERA and 90 strikeouts in his final season at La Crosse Central. He turned down a scholarship to the University of Arkansas to sign with the Brewers.
A ROOKIE YEAR: Seidel did not pitch as a professional in 2006 and the 2007 season with Helena in the Pioneer League was his first as a professional. He went 4-0 with a 3.07ERA and 36 strikeouts in 41 innings with the Brewers over 12 games (eight starts).
POWER UP: Seidel appeared in 26 games (25 starts) for the West Virginia Power, Milwaukee’s Class-A affiliate in 2008. He went 9-5 with a 4.51ERA and pitched 121-1/3 innings for the Power.
MISSED SOME TIME: Due to an injury this past off-season, Seidel spent the first part of the 2009 season on the disabled list of the Timber Rattlers. He got back to action with a few rehab appearances for the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers before joining the Timber Rattlers on July 22.
HOW DID THAT GO? Seidel made six starts for the Brewers in the desert and was 0-3 with a 6.67ERA. He walked eight and struck out 23 over 28-1/3 innings pitched, but allowed 24 runs on 43 hits.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Seidel as the #18 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season. They also ranked him as the pitcher with the best change up in the Milwaukee system.
HOMESTATER: Seidel is the latest Timber Rattler to hail from the State of Wisconsin. Past Timber Rattlers to be from the Dairy State are Andy Augustine (’95), Sean Parnell (’00), Austin Bilke (’04), Tony Butler (’07), and Korey Feiner (’08).
LAST START: Seidel allowed one run on five hits over 4-1/3 innings against the Dayton Dragons on July 24 at Time Warner Cable Field in his Midwest League debut. Seidel walked one, struck out seven, and was not involved in the decision.
VS. FORT WAYNE: Seidel has never faced the Fort Wayne TinCaps.
VS. SAN DIEGO: Seidel has never faced an affiliate of the San Diego Padres.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 7.0 IP (2x – Last 8/23/08 @ Lexington)
STRIKEOUTS: 8 (2x – Last: 7/14/09 @ AZL Giants)
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 two scoreless innings of relief against the Dayton Dragons on July 24 at Time Warner Cable Field. He did not allow a hit or a walk and struck out a pair.
VS. FORT WAYNE: Nieves lost to the TinCaps at Time Warner Cable Field on April 15. He made the start and gave up three runs on four hits over 6-2/3 innings. Nieves walked one and struck out five.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
RHP RJ SEIDEL: Selected by Milwaukee in the 16th round of the 2006 draft out of La Crosse (WI) Central High School.
AS A SENIOR: Seidel went 8-2 with a 0.99 ERA and 90 strikeouts in his final season at La Crosse Central. He turned down a scholarship to the University of Arkansas to sign with the Brewers.
A ROOKIE YEAR: Seidel did not pitch as a professional in 2006 and the 2007 season with Helena in the Pioneer League was his first as a professional. He went 4-0 with a 3.07ERA and 36 strikeouts in 41 innings with the Brewers over 12 games (eight starts).
POWER UP: Seidel appeared in 26 games (25 starts) for the West Virginia Power, Milwaukee’s Class-A affiliate in 2008. He went 9-5 with a 4.51ERA and pitched 121-1/3 innings for the Power.
MISSED SOME TIME: Due to an injury this past off-season, Seidel spent the first part of the 2009 season on the disabled list of the Timber Rattlers. He got back to action with a few rehab appearances for the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers before joining the Timber Rattlers on July 22.
HOW DID THAT GO? Seidel made six starts for the Brewers in the desert and was 0-3 with a 6.67ERA. He walked eight and struck out 23 over 28-1/3 innings pitched, but allowed 24 runs on 43 hits.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Seidel as the #18 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season. They also ranked him as the pitcher with the best change up in the Milwaukee system.
HOMESTATER: Seidel is the latest Timber Rattler to hail from the State of Wisconsin. Past Timber Rattlers to be from the Dairy State are Andy Augustine (’95), Sean Parnell (’00), Austin Bilke (’04), Tony Butler (’07), and Korey Feiner (’08).
LAST START: Seidel allowed one run on five hits over 4-1/3 innings against the Dayton Dragons on July 24 at Time Warner Cable Field in his Midwest League debut. Seidel walked one, struck out seven, and was not involved in the decision.
VS. FORT WAYNE: Seidel has never faced the Fort Wayne TinCaps.
VS. SAN DIEGO: Seidel has never faced an affiliate of the San Diego Padres.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 7.0 IP (2x – Last 8/23/08 @ Lexington)
STRIKEOUTS: 8 (2x – Last: 7/14/09 @ AZL Giants)
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 two scoreless innings of relief against the Dayton Dragons on July 24 at Time Warner Cable Field. He did not allow a hit or a walk and struck out a pair.
VS. FORT WAYNE: Nieves lost to the TinCaps at Time Warner Cable Field on April 15. He made the start and gave up three runs on four hits over 6-2/3 innings. Nieves walked one and struck out five.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
July 29, 2009: Game Notes
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers lost 4-2 to the TinCaps. Blake Tekotte had three hits – including a home run, scored two runs, and drove in two for the Fort Wayne offense. Simon Castro struck out nine over five innings without allowing a run and got the win.
IN THE HOLE EARLY: Tekotte hit a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first inning on the second pitch of the game from Timber Rattlers starting pitcher Wily Peralta.
KEEPING THEM DOWN: Castro allowed two base runners in five innings. He gave up a two out triple to Jose Duran in the top of the second and hit Brett Lawrie with one out in the fourth. Castro’s nine strikeouts ran his Midwest League leading total to 119 for the 2009 season.
WILD AND OUTSIDE: Peralta allowed one run on two hits over four innings. But, he walked six in the game. Rattler reliever Evan Frederickson walked five over 2-2/3 innings. The 11 walks issued by the Timber Rattlers tied the most they have given out in a game this season.
SWING AND A MISS: The Rattlers hitters struck out 15 times. That was the most times Wisconsin hitters have struck out in a nine inning game this season. The only time Wisconsin has struck out more times in a game was on June 27 when they were K-ed 16 times in a 14 inning game against the Peoria Chiefs.
INSURANCE: Tekotte reached on an infield single in the seventh and went to second on a sacrifice bunt. He stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly for a 2-0 lead.
A TALE OF TWO HALF INNINGS: Wisconsin put two on with two outs in the top of the eighth, but did not score. Fort Wayne put two on with two outs in the bottom of the eighth and scored both runners for a 4-0 lead.
BREAKTHROUGH: Erik Komatsu and Brett Lawrie both singled to start the top of the ninth against Brad Brach. Corey Kemp followed with a two-run double to make the score 4-2, but Brach got the final three outs and stranded Kemp at second.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: In four games against the TinCaps this season, Wisconsin is hitting .130 (16-for-123) and has scored five runs. The TinCaps are hitting .203 (25-for-123) against the Rattlers and have scored 15 runs.
A ROUGH STRETCH: The Rattlers are 2-11 in their last 13 games. Including in that time frame are ten road games and the Rattlers are 1-9 in those games away from Time Warner Cable Field.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Fort Wayne TinCaps are the Midwest League affiliate of the San Diego Padres. They won the first half Eastern Division title with a record of 45-25. They have continued their outstanding record through to the second half as they are 25-6. Fort Wayne is 21-5 in July, but lost the last two games of a just completed series at Burlington. The TinCaps are in their first season at new Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne after playing at Memorial Coliseum from 1993 through 2008. The TinCaps entered the Midwest League in 1993 after moving from Kenosha, Wisconsin. They are managed by former major league outfielder Doug Dascenzo.
SEASON SERIES: Wisconsin is 0-4 against Fort Wayne this season. The Rattlers were swept in a three game series by the TinCaps April 13-15 at Time Warner Cable Field. For Wayne won game one 2-1 in ten innings by scoring a run in the top of the ninth to tie the game and a run in the tenth for the win. The TinCaps won game two of the series 3-2. Fort Wayne got the sweep with a 6-0. That three game sweep was part of the TinCaps going 10-0 to start the season.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .239 as a team. They have scored 403 runs (4.0/game) and hit 49 home runs. The TinCaps are hitting .267 as a team. They have scored 547 runs (5.4/game) and hit 74 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.24 while allowing a total of 491 runs (4.9/game). Fort Wayne pitchers have a team ERA of 3.23 while allowing 388 runs (3.8/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 118 errors. The TinCaps defense has committed 101 errors. Wisconsin is 16-31 in road games this season. Fort Wayne is 36-14 at home this season.
FORT WAYNE STARTING PITCHER: RH Stiven Osuna was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Venezuela in 2006. He spent two seasons in the Dominican Summer League before making his debut with the Arizona League of the Padres in 2008. He was 7-3 with a 2.18ERA in 14 starts in the Arizona League last season. Osuna struck out 57 and walked 11 in 70-1/3 innings. In 2009, Osuna is 8-6 with a save in 21 games (15 starts). In his start prior to this morning, Osuna won his sixth consecutive start with a win at Kane County on July 24. He allowed an unearned run on three hits over 5-2/3 innings. In the second half of the season is 6-0 with a 0.84ERA with a 30 strikeouts over 32-1/3 innings. Osuna faced the Timber Rattlers at Time Warner Cable Field on April 14. He allowed two unearned runs on four hits and struck out four over four innings for a no decision.
IN THE HOLE EARLY: Tekotte hit a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first inning on the second pitch of the game from Timber Rattlers starting pitcher Wily Peralta.
KEEPING THEM DOWN: Castro allowed two base runners in five innings. He gave up a two out triple to Jose Duran in the top of the second and hit Brett Lawrie with one out in the fourth. Castro’s nine strikeouts ran his Midwest League leading total to 119 for the 2009 season.
WILD AND OUTSIDE: Peralta allowed one run on two hits over four innings. But, he walked six in the game. Rattler reliever Evan Frederickson walked five over 2-2/3 innings. The 11 walks issued by the Timber Rattlers tied the most they have given out in a game this season.
SWING AND A MISS: The Rattlers hitters struck out 15 times. That was the most times Wisconsin hitters have struck out in a nine inning game this season. The only time Wisconsin has struck out more times in a game was on June 27 when they were K-ed 16 times in a 14 inning game against the Peoria Chiefs.
INSURANCE: Tekotte reached on an infield single in the seventh and went to second on a sacrifice bunt. He stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly for a 2-0 lead.
A TALE OF TWO HALF INNINGS: Wisconsin put two on with two outs in the top of the eighth, but did not score. Fort Wayne put two on with two outs in the bottom of the eighth and scored both runners for a 4-0 lead.
BREAKTHROUGH: Erik Komatsu and Brett Lawrie both singled to start the top of the ninth against Brad Brach. Corey Kemp followed with a two-run double to make the score 4-2, but Brach got the final three outs and stranded Kemp at second.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: In four games against the TinCaps this season, Wisconsin is hitting .130 (16-for-123) and has scored five runs. The TinCaps are hitting .203 (25-for-123) against the Rattlers and have scored 15 runs.
A ROUGH STRETCH: The Rattlers are 2-11 in their last 13 games. Including in that time frame are ten road games and the Rattlers are 1-9 in those games away from Time Warner Cable Field.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Fort Wayne TinCaps are the Midwest League affiliate of the San Diego Padres. They won the first half Eastern Division title with a record of 45-25. They have continued their outstanding record through to the second half as they are 25-6. Fort Wayne is 21-5 in July, but lost the last two games of a just completed series at Burlington. The TinCaps are in their first season at new Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne after playing at Memorial Coliseum from 1993 through 2008. The TinCaps entered the Midwest League in 1993 after moving from Kenosha, Wisconsin. They are managed by former major league outfielder Doug Dascenzo.
SEASON SERIES: Wisconsin is 0-4 against Fort Wayne this season. The Rattlers were swept in a three game series by the TinCaps April 13-15 at Time Warner Cable Field. For Wayne won game one 2-1 in ten innings by scoring a run in the top of the ninth to tie the game and a run in the tenth for the win. The TinCaps won game two of the series 3-2. Fort Wayne got the sweep with a 6-0. That three game sweep was part of the TinCaps going 10-0 to start the season.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .239 as a team. They have scored 403 runs (4.0/game) and hit 49 home runs. The TinCaps are hitting .267 as a team. They have scored 547 runs (5.4/game) and hit 74 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.24 while allowing a total of 491 runs (4.9/game). Fort Wayne pitchers have a team ERA of 3.23 while allowing 388 runs (3.8/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 118 errors. The TinCaps defense has committed 101 errors. Wisconsin is 16-31 in road games this season. Fort Wayne is 36-14 at home this season.
FORT WAYNE STARTING PITCHER: RH Stiven Osuna was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Venezuela in 2006. He spent two seasons in the Dominican Summer League before making his debut with the Arizona League of the Padres in 2008. He was 7-3 with a 2.18ERA in 14 starts in the Arizona League last season. Osuna struck out 57 and walked 11 in 70-1/3 innings. In 2009, Osuna is 8-6 with a save in 21 games (15 starts). In his start prior to this morning, Osuna won his sixth consecutive start with a win at Kane County on July 24. He allowed an unearned run on three hits over 5-2/3 innings. In the second half of the season is 6-0 with a 0.84ERA with a 30 strikeouts over 32-1/3 innings. Osuna faced the Timber Rattlers at Time Warner Cable Field on April 14. He allowed two unearned runs on four hits and struck out four over four innings for a no decision.
It's early
The game that is. Some of the regular posts are pushed back until after the game. But, boy, will they be super!The pre-game posts are next...except for the lineups....maybe....we don't have those yet....game time in 90 minutes!
7/28/2009
Weather update
The tarp is off the field! The Tarp is off the field.
This is Telemachus the Tarping Tapir reporting from Fort Wayne. Also, game time has been pushed back to 7:15pm EDT/6:15pm CDT.
July 28, 2009: Weather Update
The tarp is on the field. The tarp is on the field.
This is Telemachus the Tarping Tapir and reporting from Fort Wayne, the tarp is on the field!
And I am Carl the Rain Hating Camel to report that it is now raining in Fort Wayne. I hate that. I know that both teams could use the day off today. The Rattlers arrived in Fort Wayne at 4:30am and the TinCaps arrived from Burlington at 7:00am.
But, with an 11am game tomorrow and a night game on Thursday, a doubleheader just just doesn't fit into the equation.
Brick the Bad Weather Hating Bactrian here. Just heard some thunder and saw some lightning. "They" are calling for this tonight. I hate "them" and I hate "this". Hope is for losers like Carl up there, but to borrow a phrase from him, I hope this moves through in a &*#%$! hurry. Okay. I may have added that &*#%$! to his phrase.
Stay tuned.
July 28, 2009: Starting Lineup
Juan Sanchez........3B
Erik Komatsu........LF
Brett Lawrie........2B
Corey Kemp...........C
Brock Kjeldgaard....1B
Jose Duran..........DH
Michael Vass........RF
John Delaney........3B
Derrick McPhearson..CF
Wily Peralta........SP
Erik Komatsu........LF
Brett Lawrie........2B
Corey Kemp...........C
Brock Kjeldgaard....1B
Jose Duran..........DH
Michael Vass........RF
John Delaney........3B
Derrick McPhearson..CF
Wily Peralta........SP
July 28, 2009: Opposition Research
From the game Notes of the Fort Wayne TinCaps...
Jaff Decker is 2n in the MWL in OBP (.437) and 3rd in SLG % (.520)...Allan Dykstra is 1st in MiLB in walks (80)
Best in the Business: The TinCaps have the best record in all of full-season professional baseball (69-31; .690 winning percentage). They have a chance to become the first team to 70 wins. The next closes team is the Birmingham Barons (Double-A White Sox) at 67-33. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the best in the major leagues at 62-37 (.626).
Record Pace: The TinCaps could go 11-29 the rest of the season and still set a franchise record for wins. The current record is 79, set in 1998 when the club was a Twins affiliate. If they go 19-21 the rest of the season, they would have the biggest one-year improvement in wins in franchise history (Editor's note: They were 71-69 last season).
No Dog Days: The TinCaps' 2.37ERA in July easily leads the Midwest League for the month. The next closest team ERA is West Michigan with a 3.30ERA.
Oh, and they play here now!
Jaff Decker is 2n in the MWL in OBP (.437) and 3rd in SLG % (.520)...Allan Dykstra is 1st in MiLB in walks (80)
Best in the Business: The TinCaps have the best record in all of full-season professional baseball (69-31; .690 winning percentage). They have a chance to become the first team to 70 wins. The next closes team is the Birmingham Barons (Double-A White Sox) at 67-33. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the best in the major leagues at 62-37 (.626).
Record Pace: The TinCaps could go 11-29 the rest of the season and still set a franchise record for wins. The current record is 79, set in 1998 when the club was a Twins affiliate. If they go 19-21 the rest of the season, they would have the biggest one-year improvement in wins in franchise history (Editor's note: They were 71-69 last season).
No Dog Days: The TinCaps' 2.37ERA in July easily leads the Midwest League for the month. The next closest team ERA is West Michigan with a 3.30ERA.
Oh, and they play here now!
July 28, 2009: Tonight's pitchers
SCHEDULED STARTER
RHP WILY PERALTA: Signed by Milwaukee as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic on November 26, 2005.
DEBUT SEASON: Peralta was 2-5 with a 6.63 ERA for the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers in 2006. He made 14 appearances (six starts) in that season.
MISSING TIME: Peralta did not pitch in 2007 due to Tommy John surgery.
BACK ON THE HILL: Peralta started the 2008 season with Helena in the Pioneer League. He was 1-1 in 15 games (two starts) with a 3.07 ERA and 36 strikeouts over 29-1/3 innings pitched. Peralta also walked just eight batters in those games for Helena.
PROMOTED: Peralta made a pair of starts for West Virginia at the tail end of the 2008 season. He was 0-1 with a 10.80ERA for the power.
RANKING: Baseball America ranked Peralta as the #16 prospect in the Pioneer League after the 2008 season. Baseball America rates Peralta as the # 22 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer system heading into the 2009 season.
IT’S AN HONOR: Peralta was named the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week on May 25. He made two appearances that totaled nine innings for the week ending May 24. Peralta did not allow a run, gave up just five hits, and struck out 17 in those two games.
ALL-STAR SEASON: Peralta was selected to participate in the Midwest League All-Star Game in Clinton. He pitched 1/3 of an inning in the game and struck out the only batter he faced.
LAST START: Peralta made the start at Great Lakes on July 17. Peralta gave up six runs (five earned) on seven hits over 5-1/3 innings to take the loss. Peralta walked four and struck out two.
LAST APPEARANCE: Peralta tossed three scoreless innings of relief against the Dayton Dragons on July 23. He walked three and struck out four at Time Warner Cable Field. Peralta was not involved in the decision.
VS. FORT WAYNE: Peralta made his Midwest League debut against the TinCaps on April 13 at Time Warner Cable Field. He pitched six shutout innings and gave up two hits. Peralta walked one and struck out four and got a no decision.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (4x – Last: vs. Peoria 6/26/09)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (2x – Last: vs. Peoria 6/26/09)
SCHEDULED RELIEVER
LHP EVAN FREDERICKSON: Selected by Milwaukee as a supplemental first round pick (35th overall) in the 2008 draft out of the University of San Francisco.
THE DON: Frederickson transferred to the University of San Francisco for his junior season. He was 5-3 with a 4.54 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) for the Diamond Dons. Frederickson walked 61 batters and struck out 109 over 75-1/3 innings for USF.
THE HOKIE: Frederickson began his college career at Virginia Tech. He compiled a 2-4 record and struck out 68 batters in 56-2/3 innings for the Hokies.
MY OLD SCHOOL: Frederickson was a two-time First Team All-Region and All-District selection as a high school player for Oakton (VA) High.
NOT A TWIN: The Minnesota Twins drafted Frederickson with a selection in the 27th round of the 2005 draft. He did not sign.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Frederickson as the #24 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST SEASON: Frederickson began his pro career with three starts for Helena, the Pioneer League affiliate of the Brewers. He had no record, walked five and struck out 16 over 11-2/3 innings. Frederickson was promoted to West Virginia and wrapped up his season with the Power in the South Atlantic League by going 0-1 over nine games (four starts) with a 6.20 ERA. He struck out 18 and walked 26 in 20-1/3 innings for the Power
LAST APPEARANCE: Frederickson made the start against the Dayton Dragons on July 23. He allowed four runs on five hits over four innings. Frederickson walked three, struck out two, and took the loss.
VS. FORT WAYNE: Frederickson has never faced the TinCaps.
VS. SAN DIEGO: Frederickson is making his first ever appearance against an affiliate of the San Diego Padres tonight.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 IP (6/9/09 vs. Beloit)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 (3x – Last: 4/10/09 vs. Quad Cities)
RHP WILY PERALTA: Signed by Milwaukee as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic on November 26, 2005.
DEBUT SEASON: Peralta was 2-5 with a 6.63 ERA for the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers in 2006. He made 14 appearances (six starts) in that season.
MISSING TIME: Peralta did not pitch in 2007 due to Tommy John surgery.
BACK ON THE HILL: Peralta started the 2008 season with Helena in the Pioneer League. He was 1-1 in 15 games (two starts) with a 3.07 ERA and 36 strikeouts over 29-1/3 innings pitched. Peralta also walked just eight batters in those games for Helena.
PROMOTED: Peralta made a pair of starts for West Virginia at the tail end of the 2008 season. He was 0-1 with a 10.80ERA for the power.
RANKING: Baseball America ranked Peralta as the #16 prospect in the Pioneer League after the 2008 season. Baseball America rates Peralta as the # 22 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer system heading into the 2009 season.
IT’S AN HONOR: Peralta was named the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week on May 25. He made two appearances that totaled nine innings for the week ending May 24. Peralta did not allow a run, gave up just five hits, and struck out 17 in those two games.
ALL-STAR SEASON: Peralta was selected to participate in the Midwest League All-Star Game in Clinton. He pitched 1/3 of an inning in the game and struck out the only batter he faced.
LAST START: Peralta made the start at Great Lakes on July 17. Peralta gave up six runs (five earned) on seven hits over 5-1/3 innings to take the loss. Peralta walked four and struck out two.
LAST APPEARANCE: Peralta tossed three scoreless innings of relief against the Dayton Dragons on July 23. He walked three and struck out four at Time Warner Cable Field. Peralta was not involved in the decision.
VS. FORT WAYNE: Peralta made his Midwest League debut against the TinCaps on April 13 at Time Warner Cable Field. He pitched six shutout innings and gave up two hits. Peralta walked one and struck out four and got a no decision.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (4x – Last: vs. Peoria 6/26/09)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (2x – Last: vs. Peoria 6/26/09)
SCHEDULED RELIEVER
LHP EVAN FREDERICKSON: Selected by Milwaukee as a supplemental first round pick (35th overall) in the 2008 draft out of the University of San Francisco.
THE DON: Frederickson transferred to the University of San Francisco for his junior season. He was 5-3 with a 4.54 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) for the Diamond Dons. Frederickson walked 61 batters and struck out 109 over 75-1/3 innings for USF.
THE HOKIE: Frederickson began his college career at Virginia Tech. He compiled a 2-4 record and struck out 68 batters in 56-2/3 innings for the Hokies.
MY OLD SCHOOL: Frederickson was a two-time First Team All-Region and All-District selection as a high school player for Oakton (VA) High.
NOT A TWIN: The Minnesota Twins drafted Frederickson with a selection in the 27th round of the 2005 draft. He did not sign.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Frederickson as the #24 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST SEASON: Frederickson began his pro career with three starts for Helena, the Pioneer League affiliate of the Brewers. He had no record, walked five and struck out 16 over 11-2/3 innings. Frederickson was promoted to West Virginia and wrapped up his season with the Power in the South Atlantic League by going 0-1 over nine games (four starts) with a 6.20 ERA. He struck out 18 and walked 26 in 20-1/3 innings for the Power
LAST APPEARANCE: Frederickson made the start against the Dayton Dragons on July 23. He allowed four runs on five hits over four innings. Frederickson walked three, struck out two, and took the loss.
VS. FORT WAYNE: Frederickson has never faced the TinCaps.
VS. SAN DIEGO: Frederickson is making his first ever appearance against an affiliate of the San Diego Padres tonight.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 IP (6/9/09 vs. Beloit)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 (3x – Last: 4/10/09 vs. Quad Cities)
July 28, 2009: Game Notes
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers lost 2-1 at Peoria to the Chiefs. Both starting pitchers tossed a complete game last night. All three runs were scored on solo homers.
MEADOWS LAND: Daniel Meadows was the starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers and he scattered 12 hits over eight innings without walking anyone and striking out four. Meadows allowed a solo homer to Ryan Flaherty in the bottom of the first and a solo homer to Rebel Ridling in the bottom of the sixth and took the loss.
FIRST TIME SINCE: Meadows’ complete game was the first by a Timber Rattlers pitcher this season. The last time a Wisconsin pitcher tossed a complete game was September 1, 2008 when Michael Pineda tossed a nine-inning, one-hit shutout at Quad Cities.
RATTLERS OFFENSE: Erik Komatsu hit his first homer of the season with a blast to right field in the top of the fourth inning to tie the game 1-1. Komatsu had two of Wisconsin’s five hits. Juan Sanchez had two hits and Brett Lawrie had one hit to account for the five Wisconsin hits in the game.
WORTHY OPPONENT: Austin Bibens-Dirkx tossed a complete game against the Rattlers, a team he pitched for in 2006. He struck out seven for his second win of the season.
REBEL YELL: Ridling went 4-for-4 for the Chiefs and his sixth inning homer broke the 1-1 tie.
A ROUGH STRETCH: The Rattlers are 2-10 in their last 12 games. Including in that time frame are nine road games and the Rattlers are 1-8 in those games away from Time Warner Cable Field.
STATUS REPORT: The Rattlers have completed 29 games and there are 41 left to play in the second half. Wisconsin now trails Peoria by 1.5 games for the top Western Division playoff spot. The Rattlers are tied with Clinton and Burlington one game behind Quad Cities for the Western Division Wild Card.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Fort Wayne TinCaps are the Midwest League affiliate of the San Diego Padres. They won the first half Eastern Division title with a record of 45-25. They have continued their outstanding record through to the second half as they are 24-6. Fort Wayne is 20-5 in July, but lost the last two games of a just completed series at Burlington. The TinCaps are in their first season at new Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne after playing at Memorial Coliseum from 1993 through 2008. The TinCaps entered the Midwest League in 1993 after moving from Kenosha, Wisconsin. They are managed by former major league outfielder Doug Dascenzo.
SEASON SERIES: The Rattlers were swept in a three game series by the TinCaps April 13-15 at Time Warner Cable Field. For Wayne won game one 2-1 in ten innings by scoring a run in the top of the ninth to tie the game and a run in the tenth for the win. The TinCaps won game two of the series 3-2. Fort Wayne got the sweep with a 6-0. That three game sweep was part of the TinCaps going 10-0 to start the season.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .239 as a team. They have scored 401 runs (4.0/game) and hit 49 home runs. The TinCaps are hitting .267 as a team. They have scored 543 runs (5.4/game) and hit 73 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.24 while allowing a total of 487 runs (4.9/game). Fort Wayne pitchers have a team ERA of 3.25 while allowing 386 runs (3.9/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 118 errors. The TinCaps defense has committed 101 errors. Wisconsin is 16-30 in road games this season. Fort Wayne is 35-14 at home this season.
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook listed five members of the current TinCap roster as a Top 30 prospect in the San Diego system. Outfielder Jaff Decker (#3) and infielder Allan Dykstra (#8) are both top ten prospects. The other three players to make the list are pitcher Simon Castro (#14), infielder Drew Cumberland (#15), and outfielder Blake Tekotte (#19).
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2009: The Padres have placed two members of their 2009 draft class on the current Fort Wayne roster. Pitcher Chris Fetter was a 9th round pick of the Padres in June out of the University of Michigan. Infielder Brayden Drake was a 12th round pick out of Missouri State University where he was the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year.
ALL-STARS: Fort Wayne had one position player and three pitchers make the Eastern Division team for the 2009 Midwest League All-Star Game. Sawyer Carroll was a starting outfielder for the East and pitchers Brad Brach, Anthony Bass, and Zach Herr were also on the squad. Of that quartet, only Brach is still with the TinCaps. Brach struck out Timber Rattlers second baseman Brett Lawrie to get the final out of the 6-3 win for the East.
LOOK OUT IN THE LATE INNINGS: Brach leads the Midwest League in saves with 26. He has only blown one save opportunity. Brach saved the first two games of the series at Time Warner Cable Field against the Timber Rattlers.
FORT WAYNE STARTING PITCHER: RHP Simon Castro was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Padres in 2006 out of the Dominican Republic. He has made 20 appearances (19 starts) for the TinCaps in 2009 and is 6-4 with a 3.65 ERA. Castro leads the Midwest League in strikeouts with 110 over 98-2/3 innings pitched. He has a no decision in his last three starts, including his previous start before tonight. In that game on July 23 at Kane County, Castro allowed one hit with no walks and struck out eight over five scoreless innings against the Cougars. Tonight is the first time Castro will face the Timber Rattlers. In 2007, he made three appearances (two starts) against the Arizona League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and was 1-1 with a 4.63 ERA. He allowed eight runs (six earned) on 12 hits over 11-2/3 innings against the Brewers. Castro struck out 17 and walked five in those three games in the desert against the Brewers.
MEADOWS LAND: Daniel Meadows was the starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers and he scattered 12 hits over eight innings without walking anyone and striking out four. Meadows allowed a solo homer to Ryan Flaherty in the bottom of the first and a solo homer to Rebel Ridling in the bottom of the sixth and took the loss.
FIRST TIME SINCE: Meadows’ complete game was the first by a Timber Rattlers pitcher this season. The last time a Wisconsin pitcher tossed a complete game was September 1, 2008 when Michael Pineda tossed a nine-inning, one-hit shutout at Quad Cities.
RATTLERS OFFENSE: Erik Komatsu hit his first homer of the season with a blast to right field in the top of the fourth inning to tie the game 1-1. Komatsu had two of Wisconsin’s five hits. Juan Sanchez had two hits and Brett Lawrie had one hit to account for the five Wisconsin hits in the game.
WORTHY OPPONENT: Austin Bibens-Dirkx tossed a complete game against the Rattlers, a team he pitched for in 2006. He struck out seven for his second win of the season.
REBEL YELL: Ridling went 4-for-4 for the Chiefs and his sixth inning homer broke the 1-1 tie.
A ROUGH STRETCH: The Rattlers are 2-10 in their last 12 games. Including in that time frame are nine road games and the Rattlers are 1-8 in those games away from Time Warner Cable Field.
STATUS REPORT: The Rattlers have completed 29 games and there are 41 left to play in the second half. Wisconsin now trails Peoria by 1.5 games for the top Western Division playoff spot. The Rattlers are tied with Clinton and Burlington one game behind Quad Cities for the Western Division Wild Card.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Fort Wayne TinCaps are the Midwest League affiliate of the San Diego Padres. They won the first half Eastern Division title with a record of 45-25. They have continued their outstanding record through to the second half as they are 24-6. Fort Wayne is 20-5 in July, but lost the last two games of a just completed series at Burlington. The TinCaps are in their first season at new Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne after playing at Memorial Coliseum from 1993 through 2008. The TinCaps entered the Midwest League in 1993 after moving from Kenosha, Wisconsin. They are managed by former major league outfielder Doug Dascenzo.
SEASON SERIES: The Rattlers were swept in a three game series by the TinCaps April 13-15 at Time Warner Cable Field. For Wayne won game one 2-1 in ten innings by scoring a run in the top of the ninth to tie the game and a run in the tenth for the win. The TinCaps won game two of the series 3-2. Fort Wayne got the sweep with a 6-0. That three game sweep was part of the TinCaps going 10-0 to start the season.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .239 as a team. They have scored 401 runs (4.0/game) and hit 49 home runs. The TinCaps are hitting .267 as a team. They have scored 543 runs (5.4/game) and hit 73 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.24 while allowing a total of 487 runs (4.9/game). Fort Wayne pitchers have a team ERA of 3.25 while allowing 386 runs (3.9/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 118 errors. The TinCaps defense has committed 101 errors. Wisconsin is 16-30 in road games this season. Fort Wayne is 35-14 at home this season.
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook listed five members of the current TinCap roster as a Top 30 prospect in the San Diego system. Outfielder Jaff Decker (#3) and infielder Allan Dykstra (#8) are both top ten prospects. The other three players to make the list are pitcher Simon Castro (#14), infielder Drew Cumberland (#15), and outfielder Blake Tekotte (#19).
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2009: The Padres have placed two members of their 2009 draft class on the current Fort Wayne roster. Pitcher Chris Fetter was a 9th round pick of the Padres in June out of the University of Michigan. Infielder Brayden Drake was a 12th round pick out of Missouri State University where he was the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year.
ALL-STARS: Fort Wayne had one position player and three pitchers make the Eastern Division team for the 2009 Midwest League All-Star Game. Sawyer Carroll was a starting outfielder for the East and pitchers Brad Brach, Anthony Bass, and Zach Herr were also on the squad. Of that quartet, only Brach is still with the TinCaps. Brach struck out Timber Rattlers second baseman Brett Lawrie to get the final out of the 6-3 win for the East.
LOOK OUT IN THE LATE INNINGS: Brach leads the Midwest League in saves with 26. He has only blown one save opportunity. Brach saved the first two games of the series at Time Warner Cable Field against the Timber Rattlers.
FORT WAYNE STARTING PITCHER: RHP Simon Castro was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Padres in 2006 out of the Dominican Republic. He has made 20 appearances (19 starts) for the TinCaps in 2009 and is 6-4 with a 3.65 ERA. Castro leads the Midwest League in strikeouts with 110 over 98-2/3 innings pitched. He has a no decision in his last three starts, including his previous start before tonight. In that game on July 23 at Kane County, Castro allowed one hit with no walks and struck out eight over five scoreless innings against the Cougars. Tonight is the first time Castro will face the Timber Rattlers. In 2007, he made three appearances (two starts) against the Arizona League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and was 1-1 with a 4.63 ERA. He allowed eight runs (six earned) on 12 hits over 11-2/3 innings against the Brewers. Castro struck out 17 and walked five in those three games in the desert against the Brewers.
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