Seattle (MAJ: 68-73; 4th AL West): The Mariners beat the Rangers 3-2 in thirteen innings. Emiliano Fruto (WI '02) got the win with 2-2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Oswaldo Navarro (WI '05) made his major league debut with a pinch hit sacrifice bunt as part of the game winning rally in the thirteenth.
Inland Empire (2nd round California League Playoffs): The 66ers beat Lake Elsinore 2-1 in eleven innings. Inland Empire was being no-hit through seven innings by Storm pitcher Chris Jaile. But, Jaile walked the lead-off batter in the bottom of the eighth and Brent Johnson (WI '05) drove in the run with a single later in the inning for a 1-0 lead. However, the Storm tied the game in the top of the ninth. A two-out error in the bottom of the eleventh allowed the winning run to score. Joe Woerman (WI '06) pitched a 1-2-3 top of the eleventh for the win.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/10
Texas (Adam Eaton 5-4) at Seattle (Felix Hernandez 11-13) 3:05pm CDT
Tacoma -- Season Over (74-72)
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Lake Elsinore (Josh Geer 7-4) at Inland Empire (Andy Baldwin 2-1) 8:11pm CDT
Everett -- Season Over (31-45)
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
9/10/2006
9/09/2006
Feelin' Good in the Neighborhood...
of Applebee's Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
Thought about sticking around Lexington for last night's Legends vs. Lakewood South Atlantic League playoff game. Judging by the score -- Lakewood 8, Lexington 2, I'm glad I didn't. Plus, I just needed to head back.
But, I did manage to get into the stadium in the afternoon and get these pictures.
Thought about sticking around Lexington for last night's Legends vs. Lakewood South Atlantic League playoff game. Judging by the score -- Lakewood 8, Lexington 2, I'm glad I didn't. Plus, I just needed to head back.
But, I did manage to get into the stadium in the afternoon and get these pictures.
Random Picture From My Hotel Balcony (#1c in the off-season series)
This is a nice hotel. There is always a vacancy for me when I need it.
I spent about 18 years here. They didn't put this deck on until after I checked out the first time though.
I spent about 18 years here. They didn't put this deck on until after I checked out the first time though.
Baseball History September 9
Complete entry for September 9 at BaseballLibrary.com HERE.
Today's highlighted entry is:
Jose Mesa was a starting pitcher for the Indians and Robin singled into right-center. The thing I remember most about #3,000 was Paul Molitor and Jim Gantner were the first teammates to get to first base and the rest of the team let those three have a moment to celebrate. I think that picture is out there, but I can't find it. This one from jsonline.com will have to do.
Today's highlighted entry is:
1992
Milwaukee OF Robin Yount gets the 3,000th hit of his career in his team's 5–4 loss to the Indians. He also becomes only the 2nd player in history to record 200 home runs, 200 SBs and 100 triples, duplicating Willie Mays' feat.
Jose Mesa was a starting pitcher for the Indians and Robin singled into right-center. The thing I remember most about #3,000 was Paul Molitor and Jim Gantner were the first teammates to get to first base and the rest of the team let those three have a moment to celebrate. I think that picture is out there, but I can't find it. This one from jsonline.com will have to do.
This was interesting...
I was looking for a playoff preview for the Inland Empire-Lake Elsinore series at sbsun.com this morning. Instead, I saw this.
Sixers could try wooing Dodgers
I found this interesting because teams usually don't talk about this stuff with the media. It is also interesting because the Elmore Group also owns San Antonio, the Texas League affiliate of the Mariners.
Dates to keep in mind:
Keep an eye on this
Sixers could try wooing Dodgers
SAN BERNARDINO - Could this year's 66ers team be the last Seattle Mariners affiliate in San Bernardino?
It's entirely possible, as major league teams and minor league affiliates begin the biennial affiliation dance this month.
The 66ers have been affiliated with the Mariners for the past six seasons, but co-owner Dave Elmore said the team is looking at the possibility of signing a player development contract with a certain major league team familiar to Southern California fans.
"We've heard there's a possibility the Dodgers would want to leave (Vero Beach),'' Elmore said. "The Dodgers would be a great fit for us. We'd like to be part of the Dodger organization.''
I found this interesting because teams usually don't talk about this stuff with the media. It is also interesting because the Elmore Group also owns San Antonio, the Texas League affiliate of the Mariners.
Dates to keep in mind:
Teams have until Sept. 11 to give notice they will be looking elsewhere. Between Sept. 12-15, a list of major league teams and minor league affiliates looking for a new contract will be circulated.
Negotiations cannot begin before Sept. 16, and lasts until Sept. 30. If teams have not matched by the end of the negotiation period, Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball will match them.
Keep an eye on this
Round Two Picks
Round one of the Midwest League Playoffs ended last night. Here were my picks:
Whitecaps over Fort Wayne in three games -- Exactly Right
South Bend sweeps Lansing -- Exactly Wrong
Beloit beats Peoria in two games -- Kind of Right
Quad Cities in three games over Kane County -- Right number of game, wrong team I wish that I knew this little stat before I made that pick:
My Picks for Round Two:
West Michigan in two over the Lugnuts
Beloit in three over the Cougars
Whitecaps over Fort Wayne in three games -- Exactly Right
South Bend sweeps Lansing -- Exactly Wrong
Beloit beats Peoria in two games -- Kind of Right
Quad Cities in three games over Kane County -- Right number of game, wrong team I wish that I knew this little stat before I made that pick:
The Swing has not won a playoff series since 1996Record: 2-2
My Picks for Round Two:
West Michigan in two over the Lugnuts
Beloit in three over the Cougars
Friday Night in the MWL
@West Michigan 3, Fort Wayne 0 -- The Whitecaps and Wizards were scoreless until Matt Joyce's two-out RBI single in the sixth. Cameron Maybin's two-run homer put it away for the Caps. An incident on a double play in the top of the eighth sounded interesting. First the Whitecap version:
Now for the Wizards side:
@Kane County 10, Quad Cities 7 -- Midwest League MVP Jeff Baisley with a homer and four RBI to lead the Cougars into the Western Division Finals. The 9-1 deficit was too big for the SWING.
Beloit 4, @Peoria 3 -- Eli Tintor played the hero again for the Snappers. Peoria reliever Justin Rayborn got into a bad count, Tintor's two run homer in the eighth broke a 2-2 tie, and the Chiefs lost their first ever playoff game at O'Brien Field.
The Snappers are a little disappointed in their Triple-A cousins in Rochester (NY).
Complete Friday Scoreboard HERE.
DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES GAME ONE
West Michigan at Lansing 6:05pm CDT
Kane County at Beloit 6:30pm CDT
On the play, Fort Wayne's Will Venable slid hard and wide into Whitecaps second baseman Will Rhymes in an effort to break up the relay throw. The two exchanged words, but an irate Venable proceeded to march across the field, following Rhymes to the dugout, while shouting and jabbing his finger in the air.
The Fort Wayne players immediately rushed onto the field. The Whitecaps met the Wizards at the top step of their own dugout, but no punches were thrown. Venable persisted and had to be restrained by some of his teammates, but he and Fort Wayne manager Randy Ready were ejected.
"It was unacceptable," Whitecaps manager Matt Walbeck said of Venable's tirade and the challenge from the Wizards. "I thought it was really inappropriate."
Now for the Wizards side:
Venable – who had two hits – and second baseman Will Rhymes exchanged words after the play. The benches cleared – the second such incident between the teams this season. But unlike the first, which occurred June 8 at Memorial Stadium and led to five ejections, no punches were thrown.
“It was just a situation where certain people on the field don’t know how to compete,” Venable said. “I’ll just leave it at that.”
The umpires ejected Venable from the game. Ready argued the ejection and was tossed as well.
“There was some dialogue between William and the second baseman and the umpire only heard Venable,” Ready said. “William was tossed out of the game after it sounded like the smoke was going to clear."
@Kane County 10, Quad Cities 7 -- Midwest League MVP Jeff Baisley with a homer and four RBI to lead the Cougars into the Western Division Finals. The 9-1 deficit was too big for the SWING.
Beloit 4, @Peoria 3 -- Eli Tintor played the hero again for the Snappers. Peoria reliever Justin Rayborn got into a bad count, Tintor's two run homer in the eighth broke a 2-2 tie, and the Chiefs lost their first ever playoff game at O'Brien Field.
The Snappers are a little disappointed in their Triple-A cousins in Rochester (NY).
The hot rumor Friday was that the Minnesota Twins were going to send rookie pitching sensation Francisco Liriano to start for the Beloit Snappers Saturday night if a number of variables occurred.
Beloit fans lost out on the Liriano derby, however, when Rochester, the Twins' Triple A team, fell to Scranton, 6-3, in the International League playoffs. That meant instead of sweeping the series and earning some time off, Rochester must travel to Scranton Saturday and Liriano will start there.
Complete Friday Scoreboard HERE.
DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES GAME ONE
West Michigan at Lansing 6:05pm CDT
Kane County at Beloit 6:30pm CDT
Rattler Alum of the Day
From seattlemariners.comCha Seung Baek, Seattle.
This is getting to be just like every fifth day in the PCL. Seven shutout innings and four hits allowed.
Mariner System Report (Games of 9/8)
Seattle (MAJ: 67-73; 4th AL West): The Mariners beat Texas 7-2. Cha Seung Baek (WI '00) gave up four hits over seven shutout innings for his third win since being called up to Seattle this season. Joel Pineiro (WI '98) pitched the final two innings and got the save. Richie Sexson hit a grand slam, the 14th in his career and 5th of the season, in the eighth inning to put the game away.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/9
Texas (Robinson Tejada 4-3) at Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 8-13) 8:05pm CDT
Tacoma -- Season Over (74-72)
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Lake Elsinore at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
Everett -- Season Over (31-45)
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/9
Texas (Robinson Tejada 4-3) at Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 8-13) 8:05pm CDT
Tacoma -- Season Over (74-72)
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Lake Elsinore at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
Everett -- Season Over (31-45)
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
9/08/2006
Quick Pix
Check-out time is in an hour. Gotta get on the road. Here are a few pictures from BellSouth Park last night.
The stadium is perched atop a hill.
Hey, it's the Chattanooga Choo-Choo.
View from behind home plate.
This was my seat. I kept my feet off the dugout.
Baseball History 9/8
Complete BaseballLibrary.com entry for September 8 is HERE.
Today's highlighted entry is:
1979
In Oakland's 2–1 win over the White Sox, A's Rob Picciolo (.234 career) gets his only intentional walk as the Sox elect to pitch to rookie Rickey Henderson. Rickey walks in a run to beat the Sox. Picciolo will have just 25 career walks in nine seasons (as noted by Dave Smith).
Rickey will take that walk. Rickey is just upset that Rickey couldn't steal second base after drawing the bases loaded walk.
Today's highlighted entry is:
1979
In Oakland's 2–1 win over the White Sox, A's Rob Picciolo (.234 career) gets his only intentional walk as the Sox elect to pitch to rookie Rickey Henderson. Rickey walks in a run to beat the Sox. Picciolo will have just 25 career walks in nine seasons (as noted by Dave Smith).
Rickey will take that walk. Rickey is just upset that Rickey couldn't steal second base after drawing the bases loaded walk.
Thursday in the MWL
Fort Wayne 4, West Michigan 0 -- Appropriate that Wade LeBlanc and four relievers help the Wizards force a game three with a combined shutout. "It wasn't our night," said Matt Wallbeck.
@Lansing 4, South Bend 3 -- The defending champs are out. A four run first inning was enough for the Lugnuts.
@Peoria 6, Beloit 1 -- The Chiefs ran, ran, ran against the Snappers to set up game three.
Quad Cities 11, @ Kane County 6 -- QC starter Adam Daniels wanted a couple of runs. He got them on weak hit after weak hit and Kane County has a game three.
Complete Thursday Scoreboard HERE.
GAME THREE PITCHING MATCHUPS
Fort Wayne (Greg Burke 6-5) at West Michigan (Sendy Vasquez 13-6) 6:00pm CDT
Beloit (Alexander Smit 7-2) at Peoria (Jesse Estrada 7-1) 6:30pm CDT
Quad Cities (Adam Ottavino 2-3) at Kane County (Joe Piekarz 8-7) 7:00pm CDT
@Lansing 4, South Bend 3 -- The defending champs are out. A four run first inning was enough for the Lugnuts.
@Peoria 6, Beloit 1 -- The Chiefs ran, ran, ran against the Snappers to set up game three.
Quad Cities 11, @ Kane County 6 -- QC starter Adam Daniels wanted a couple of runs. He got them on weak hit after weak hit and Kane County has a game three.
Complete Thursday Scoreboard HERE.
GAME THREE PITCHING MATCHUPS
Fort Wayne (Greg Burke 6-5) at West Michigan (Sendy Vasquez 13-6) 6:00pm CDT
Beloit (Alexander Smit 7-2) at Peoria (Jesse Estrada 7-1) 6:30pm CDT
Quad Cities (Adam Ottavino 2-3) at Kane County (Joe Piekarz 8-7) 7:00pm CDT
Mariner System Report (For Games 9/7)
Easy one today.
Seattle (MAJ: 66-73; 4th AL West): The Mariners were off on Thursday. But, there is a story about JJ Putz (WI '00) in the Seattle Times today. M's closer J.J. Putz has "That it factor" Two excerpts of note:
...
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/7
Texas (Kevin Millwood 14-9) at Seattle (Cha Seung Baek 2-0) 9:00pm CDT
Tacoma -- Season Over (74-72)
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Inland Empire -- Second Round of playoffs begin on Saturday
Everett -- Season Over (31-45)
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
Seattle (MAJ: 66-73; 4th AL West): The Mariners were off on Thursday. But, there is a story about JJ Putz (WI '00) in the Seattle Times today. M's closer J.J. Putz has "That it factor" Two excerpts of note:
Eighth inning, bases loaded, one-run game. And still, J.J. Putz looked comfortable, even calm. Bryan Price, then the Mariners' pitching coach, marveled at the moxie of his reliever and the sagacity of his own advice.
Satisfied, Price turned back to the dugout. "One more thing," Putz yelled at Price last season. "Brilliant!!!"
...
"We all knew what kind of stuff he had," Mariners pitching coach Rafael Chaves said. "It was just a matter of him being able to put all that together."
Chaves also coached Putz in Class A ball in Appleton, Wis. He saw the talent and the trouble in one game — a seven-inning no-hitter in which Putz walked four batters in the last inning and still didn't allow a hit.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/7
Texas (Kevin Millwood 14-9) at Seattle (Cha Seung Baek 2-0) 9:00pm CDT
Tacoma -- Season Over (74-72)
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Inland Empire -- Second Round of playoffs begin on Saturday
Everett -- Season Over (31-45)
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
Random Pictures from My Hotel Door (#1a off-season series)
The picture from the door looked better today.
The balcony is a nice touch.
The balcony is a nice touch.
9/07/2006
LOOKOUT!!
My travels took me to Chattanooga to watch the Huntsville Stars against the Lookouts.
Good news Brewer fans, the Stars, Southern League affiliate of the Brew Crew, won 2-0.
Homer Bailey, the top prospect in the Reds organization, was on the hill for the Lookouts. But, he got outpitched by Brewer farmhand Corey Thurman.
Thurman topped out at 87 on his fastball, but allowed two hits and struck out five over seven innings. Bailey topped out at 95 and struck out three while allowed one run over six innings.
Lou Palmisano came through with a two out RBI single to score Brad Nelson with the run off Bailey in the top of the fourth.
Lots of Midwest League Alums in the game. Spoke with Don Money, former manager of the Beloit Snappers and now manager of the Star, briefly before the game. He had no idea who I was, but humored me when I told him that he looked better in a Beloit uniform.
I'll have pictures and more in the morning.
Right now? I'm somewhere in Tennessee and I need a quick bite to eat and a few hours sleep before updating things in the morning and getting back on the road.
Good news Brewer fans, the Stars, Southern League affiliate of the Brew Crew, won 2-0.
Homer Bailey, the top prospect in the Reds organization, was on the hill for the Lookouts. But, he got outpitched by Brewer farmhand Corey Thurman.
Thurman topped out at 87 on his fastball, but allowed two hits and struck out five over seven innings. Bailey topped out at 95 and struck out three while allowed one run over six innings.
Lou Palmisano came through with a two out RBI single to score Brad Nelson with the run off Bailey in the top of the fourth.
Lots of Midwest League Alums in the game. Spoke with Don Money, former manager of the Beloit Snappers and now manager of the Star, briefly before the game. He had no idea who I was, but humored me when I told him that he looked better in a Beloit uniform.
I'll have pictures and more in the morning.
Right now? I'm somewhere in Tennessee and I need a quick bite to eat and a few hours sleep before updating things in the morning and getting back on the road.
Random Picture from My Hotel Window (#1 in the off-season series
So, I go on vacation and decide to stop in Frankfort, Kentucky for the night. What do I see when I wake up this morning? The rolling hills, the bluegrass?
Another hotel.
Another hotel.
Baseball History September 7
Complete BaseballLibrary.com entry for September 7 is HERE.
Today's highlighted entry goes way back:
1889
In the most controversial game in AA history, the Browns walk off the field in Brooklyn while leading 4–2 in the 9th inning. They claim it is too dark to play, but the lighted candles in front of their bench by owner Chris Von der Ahe make umpire Fred Goldsmith determined to finish the game no matter what. Several St. Louis players are hit with bottles as they leave the grounds.
Nothing makes an umpire angrier than than lighted candles. Like waving a red cape in front of a bull.
Von der Ahe was a colorful character. His obit is here and his is a true rags-to-riches-back-to-rags story.
Today's highlighted entry goes way back:
1889
In the most controversial game in AA history, the Browns walk off the field in Brooklyn while leading 4–2 in the 9th inning. They claim it is too dark to play, but the lighted candles in front of their bench by owner Chris Von der Ahe make umpire Fred Goldsmith determined to finish the game no matter what. Several St. Louis players are hit with bottles as they leave the grounds.
Nothing makes an umpire angrier than than lighted candles. Like waving a red cape in front of a bull.
Von der Ahe was a colorful character. His obit is here and his is a true rags-to-riches-back-to-rags story.
MWL Playoffs in Pictures
The Beloit Daily News is an afternoon paper and the Peoria Journal-Star did not send a photographer to the Beloit-Peoria game. So here are three pictures from last night's game ones.
Photo Credit: Cathy Rowand/Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
Mike Baxter is greeted by his teammates after his first inning homer.
Photo Credit: Nick Loomis/Quad City Times
No action. I just liked the picture.
Photo Credit: Gene Kaiser/South Bend Tribune
Justin Upton just after connecting on a two-run home run
Wednesday in the MWL
West Michigan 8, @Fort Wayne 3 -- Mike Hollimon with a pair of homers shows why he is the captain of the Caps and why he is "a man's man". Mike Baxter's lead off homer in the bottom of the first was about the only highlight for the Wizards against Burke Badenhop. The End is Near for the Wizards.
Lansing 4, @South Bend 3 -- The defending champs fall at home to the Lugnuts. Jason Armstrong's situational hitting was the key.
Kane County 2, @Quad Cities 0 -- Ben Jukich and Brad Kilby combine on a four-hit shutout of the SWING. An unearned run in the top of the third was enough offense for the Cougars.
@Beloit 2, Peoria 0 -- Yohan Pino didn't make a mistake in a complete game four-hit shutout for the Snappers. Chief starter Mitch Atkins made one mistake, a two-out, two-run home run by Eli Tintor.
Complete Wednesday Scoreboard HERE.
GAME TWO PITCHING MATCHUPS
South Bend (Kyle Wright 8-5) at Lansing (Adrian Martin 8-3) 6:00pm CDT
Fort Wayne (Wade LeBlanc 4-1) at West Michigan (Lukas French 11-8) 6:00pm CDT
Beloit (Eddie Morlan 5-5) at Peoria (Scott Taylor 8-8) 6:30pm CDT
Quad Cities (Adam Daniels 7-11) at Kane County (Ken Durost 1-1) 6:30pm CDT
Lansing 4, @South Bend 3 -- The defending champs fall at home to the Lugnuts. Jason Armstrong's situational hitting was the key.
Kane County 2, @Quad Cities 0 -- Ben Jukich and Brad Kilby combine on a four-hit shutout of the SWING. An unearned run in the top of the third was enough offense for the Cougars.
@Beloit 2, Peoria 0 -- Yohan Pino didn't make a mistake in a complete game four-hit shutout for the Snappers. Chief starter Mitch Atkins made one mistake, a two-out, two-run home run by Eli Tintor.
Complete Wednesday Scoreboard HERE.
GAME TWO PITCHING MATCHUPS
South Bend (Kyle Wright 8-5) at Lansing (Adrian Martin 8-3) 6:00pm CDT
Fort Wayne (Wade LeBlanc 4-1) at West Michigan (Lukas French 11-8) 6:00pm CDT
Beloit (Eddie Morlan 5-5) at Peoria (Scott Taylor 8-8) 6:30pm CDT
Quad Cities (Adam Daniels 7-11) at Kane County (Ken Durost 1-1) 6:30pm CDT
Rattler Alum of the Day
Kevin Reynolds, Everett
Three hits, two doubles, a run and an RBI for Reynolds in the Sox win.
Three hits, two doubles, a run and an RBI for Reynolds in the Sox win.
Mariner System Report (Games of 9/6)
Seattle (MAJ: 66-73; 4th AL West): Seattle beat Detroit 5-4 in ten innings. Former Appleton Fox Raul Ibanez had two hits, scored two runs, and drove in two runs. Jon Huber earned his first major league win with a scoreless bottom of the ninth after an over three hour rain delay. JJ Putz (WI '00) pitched a scoreless ninth for save number 31.
Everett (Short Season-A – 31-45; 4th Northwest League West Division): The AquaSox beat Vancouver 5-0. Oak Creek, Wisconsin native Tony Butler pitched seven shutout innings and allowed one hit with one walk and nine strikeouts for the win. Kevin Reynolds (WI' 06) went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, a run scored, and an RBI for the Sox in their final game of the season.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/7
Seattle -- Off Day
Tacoma -- Season Over (74-72)
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Inland Empire -- Second Round of playoffs begin on Saturday
Everett -- Season Over (31-45)
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
Everett (Short Season-A – 31-45; 4th Northwest League West Division): The AquaSox beat Vancouver 5-0. Oak Creek, Wisconsin native Tony Butler pitched seven shutout innings and allowed one hit with one walk and nine strikeouts for the win. Kevin Reynolds (WI' 06) went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, a run scored, and an RBI for the Sox in their final game of the season.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/7
Seattle -- Off Day
Tacoma -- Season Over (74-72)
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Inland Empire -- Second Round of playoffs begin on Saturday
Everett -- Season Over (31-45)
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
9/06/2006
Baseball History September 6
For the complete baseball history entry for September 6, go HERE. Today’s highlighted entry is:
Dave Kingman was one of my favorite Cubs when I was a kid. His 1977 season was spent with the Mets, the Yankees, the Padres, and the Angels. The two things Kingman will always be remembered for are: 1.) Being the player who is currently eligible for the Hall of Fame with the most home runs who is not in the Hall of Fame. That may change in the near future. 2.) Being the cause of an unbelieveable Tommy LaSorda tirade:
1977
California acquires Dave Kingman for cash. Nine days later the Yankees will buy Kingman, making him the first player to wear four uniforms in four divisions in the same year. His 26 home runs will be the most by a player with more than two teams.
Dave Kingman was one of my favorite Cubs when I was a kid. His 1977 season was spent with the Mets, the Yankees, the Padres, and the Angels. The two things Kingman will always be remembered for are: 1.) Being the player who is currently eligible for the Hall of Fame with the most home runs who is not in the Hall of Fame. That may change in the near future. 2.) Being the cause of an unbelieveable Tommy LaSorda tirade:
On June 4, 1976, Mets slugger Dave Kingman belted three home runs and had eight RBIs in a rout of the Dodgers. After the game, Associated Press radio stringer Paul Olden found himself in the wrong place with the wrong question for L.A. skipper Tommy Lasorda. (Transcript taken from Dodgersblues.com)
Paul Olden: What's your opinion of Kingman's performance?
Tommy Lasorda: What's my opinion of Kingman's performance!? What the BLEEP do you think is my opinion of it? I think it was BLEEPING BLEEP. Put that in, I don't give a BLEEP. Opinion of his performance!!? BLEEP, he beat us with three BLEEPING home runs! What the BLEEP do you mean, "What is my opinion of his performance?" How could you ask me a question like that, "What is my opinion of his performance?" BLEEP, he hit three home runs! BLEEP. I'm BLEEPING pissed off to lose that BLEEPING game. And you ask me my opinion of his performance! BLEEP. That's a tough question to ask me, isn't it? "What is my opinion of his performance?"
Are the Beloit Snappers Next?
The Beloit Snappers have been talking about a new stadium for a long time. There was more talk in the Janesville Gazette last week. The first story takes a look at why the Snappers need a new stadium. Fox Cities Stadium is used as a case-study. New baseball stadium would revive Snappers
Read the whole thing for the roadblocks that may stand in the way and for another reference to Fox Cities Stadium.
BELOIT-They've fouled off more pitches than they can count, but powers-that-be behind the Beloit Snappers will continue swinging until they get the big hit. The Class A baseball franchise has operated at Pohlman Field since 1982. However, the organization has wanted a new home for several years and has concluded that that's the only way it can field a competitive team and keep professional baseball in Rock County, or packing its bags might be the only option down the road.The other story is Pair go to bat for a new Snappers stadium-and more. Former Milwaukee Bucks owner Jim Fitzgerald has a great place for a stadium and is ready to roll up his sleeves. I wish that people would layoff the Field of Dreams reference when they are talking about new stadiums.
A great example is what happened in the Fox Valley.In 1994, the then-Appleton Foxes drew 76,000 to 55-year-old Goodland Field, located in a residential area. In 1995, the team built Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, a much more visible spot just off Highway 41, and the newly named Timber Rattlers packed 209,000 into the 4,300-seat facility during its first season.
If that happens, the Great. Lakes. Loons. will have been passed. When I think Rockers, I think Shawn Michaels and Marty Janetty.The "Field of Dreams" for two Rock County businessmen is 144 acres of corn south of Janesville where they'd like to see a new stadium for the Beloit Snappers, a new home for the Rock County 4-H Fair and a new racetrack for stockcar drivers."We have a dream," Janesville's Jim Fitzgerald said earlier this week. "If we build it, they will come."
…
Fitzgerald, the former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks and then the Golden State Warriors, has become the point man on making a new stadium a reality."It's coming down the trail," the 80-year-old Fitzgerald said."Whether it happens or not depends on a lot of cooperation from a number of institutions and a lot of people-for example, the city of Beloit, the city of Janesville and, in particular, Rock County."
Fitzgerald envisions the Class A baseball franchise becoming more of a Rock County team. In that vein, he has been thinking of a new name for the team.
"The name I like is the Rock County Rockers," Fitzgerald said. "But I'm sure there will be other ideas."
The land involved in the proposed deal belongs to Brunland Farms, a corporation formed by the Elton and Marilyn Broege family. The property includes 144 acres at the southwest corner of the I-90 and Avalon Road.
Fitzgerald has made initial inquiries about the property. Elton Broege said his three sons milk 360 cows at the farm, which has been in the family since 1938. If the land is sold, the Broeges plan to relocate and continue farming."I realize it's an ideal location for them," Broege said. "It would make them happy, but they're going to have to make us happy, as well."
Read the whole thing for the roadblocks that may stand in the way and for another reference to Fox Cities Stadium.
Odds & Ends
James Clifford was the feature in the M’s Farm Report earlier this week. Clifford was in the Opening Day lineup for the 1995 Timber Rattlers and he is now the roving strength and conditioning coach for the Mariners.
Marwin Vega was named the final Midwest League Pitcher of the Week in the 2006 season.
[Bryan] LaHair joined Adam Jones, Willie Bloomquist and J.J. Putz for offseason workouts and conditioning in Peoria, Ariz., but Clifford's expertise benefits everyone in the organization. He sets up strength and conditioning programs for every minor-league player in the organization, spending much of his time during the season traveling to each of the team's minor-league affiliates.
"It helps that I have an intern at each level who helps me out, but we go real in-depth into what we want them to do, from lifting, conditioning, working on speed and nutrition," he said. "You tailor programs differently based on the player and their position, but you would be surprised how many similarities there are."
Marwin Vega was named the final Midwest League Pitcher of the Week in the 2006 season.
Vega scattered four hits and three walks over seven shutout innings on Tuesday, earning the victory as the Timber Rattlers blanked Peoria, 3-0. The 19-year-old Columbian stayed hot in his next start, surrendering one run over five innings in Wisconsin's eventual 4-3 win over Clinton.
MWL Playoff Preview...
MILB.com has a complete preview of the Midwest League Playoffs HERE.
If the local paper for each team has a preview or story for the series, there is a link. Click on the team name to read it. My pick is under each series. The Pitching Matchups for Game One are at the bottom of the post.
West Michigan vs. Fort Wayne
(Whitecaps in three games)
Lansing vs. South Bend
(South Bend in two games)
Peoria vs. Beloit
(Beloit in two games)
Kane County vs. Quad Cities
(Quad Cities in three games)
MWL FIRST ROUND (GAME ONE 9/6)
West Michigan (Burke Badehop 14-3) at Fort Wayne (Stevie Delabar 8-9) 5:00pm CDT
Lansing (Chi-Hung Cheng 11-5) at South Bend (Matt Torra 0-1) 6:00pm CDT
Peoria (Mitch Atkins 13-4) at Beloit (Yohan Pino 14-2) 6:30pm CDT
Kane County (Ben Jukich 3-2) at Quad Cities (Trey Hearne 12-3) 6:30pm CDT
Edit: Double post deleted?
If the local paper for each team has a preview or story for the series, there is a link. Click on the team name to read it. My pick is under each series. The Pitching Matchups for Game One are at the bottom of the post.
West Michigan vs. Fort Wayne
(Whitecaps in three games)
Lansing vs. South Bend
(South Bend in two games)
Peoria vs. Beloit
(Beloit in two games)
Kane County vs. Quad Cities
(Quad Cities in three games)
MWL FIRST ROUND (GAME ONE 9/6)
West Michigan (Burke Badehop 14-3) at Fort Wayne (Stevie Delabar 8-9) 5:00pm CDT
Lansing (Chi-Hung Cheng 11-5) at South Bend (Matt Torra 0-1) 6:00pm CDT
Peoria (Mitch Atkins 13-4) at Beloit (Yohan Pino 14-2) 6:30pm CDT
Kane County (Ben Jukich 3-2) at Quad Cities (Trey Hearne 12-3) 6:30pm CDT
Edit: Double post deleted?
Rattler Alum of the Day
Joel Pineiro, Seattle
Pineiro pitched 3-2/3 innings of scoreless relief after a long rain delay to get his first win since July 24.
Mariner System Report (Games of 9/5)
Seattle (MAJ: 65-73; 4th AL West): Seattle beat Detroit 4-3. Adrian Beltre knocked in a pair of runs. Joel Pineiro (WI '98) pitched 3-2/3 innings of scoreless relief with four strikeouts for the win. JJ Putz (WI '00) picked up save number thirty by closing out the Tigers.
Everett (Short Season-A – 30-45; 4th Northwest League West Division): The AquaSox lost 6-4 at Vancouver. Bryan Sabatella (WI '06) had a pair of hits and a pair of RBI, but Everett lost their fourth straight. Leury Bonilla hit his seventh home run of the season for the Sox.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/6
Seattle (Gil Meche 9-8) at Detroit (Kenny Rogers 15-6) 12:05pm CDT
Tacoma -- Season Over (74-72)
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Inland Empire -- Second Round of playoffs begin on Saturday
Everett at Vancouver 9:05pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
Everett (Short Season-A – 30-45; 4th Northwest League West Division): The AquaSox lost 6-4 at Vancouver. Bryan Sabatella (WI '06) had a pair of hits and a pair of RBI, but Everett lost their fourth straight. Leury Bonilla hit his seventh home run of the season for the Sox.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/6
Seattle (Gil Meche 9-8) at Detroit (Kenny Rogers 15-6) 12:05pm CDT
Tacoma -- Season Over (74-72)
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Inland Empire -- Second Round of playoffs begin on Saturday
Everett at Vancouver 9:05pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
9/05/2006
Off Season Plans
The Timber Rattler season is over. But, this blog will continue to be updated daily.
Baseball History will be a daily feature.
I will be following the Midwest League Playoffs and checking in on the other playoff series in the minors to see how the 66ers and other former Rattlers are doing.
The Mariners will also be a focus. There have been several call-ups recently (Eight minor-leaguers to expand M's roster) .
Other things may popup from time to time that may be of interest and there will be posts about those, too.
Right now, I don't have to be back to work until next Monday. So, there is laundry to finish, a bike to ride, a trip to pack for, and I place to go for that trip.
The only thing that I know is that I won't be going to these places becuase I've already been there.
Thank you for a great season and thank you for checking in at this little corner of the internet.
Baseball History will be a daily feature.
I will be following the Midwest League Playoffs and checking in on the other playoff series in the minors to see how the 66ers and other former Rattlers are doing.
The Mariners will also be a focus. There have been several call-ups recently (Eight minor-leaguers to expand M's roster) .
Other things may popup from time to time that may be of interest and there will be posts about those, too.
Right now, I don't have to be back to work until next Monday. So, there is laundry to finish, a bike to ride, a trip to pack for, and I place to go for that trip.
The only thing that I know is that I won't be going to these places becuase I've already been there.
Thank you for a great season and thank you for checking in at this little corner of the internet.
Postcard Posted
The final edition of Postcards from the Road has been posted over at RattlersReport.com.
You can get your final fix of the year HERE.
You can get your final fix of the year HERE.
Baseball History September 5
Baseball History is a segment that I have done in the 6th inning of Rattler broadcasts for several years.
I'd like to continue that on the blog. But instead of posting the entire day, I'll pick out one event and elaborate on it a bit. If you want to see the entire day, go to Baseball Library.com's complete entry for September HERE.
Today's focus is 1980.
I'd like to continue that on the blog. But instead of posting the entire day, I'll pick out one event and elaborate on it a bit. If you want to see the entire day, go to Baseball Library.com's complete entry for September HERE.
Today's focus is 1980.
Insisting his decision is not health-related, George Bamberger announces that he will step down as the Brewers manager following tomorrow's game against Texas. He will be replaced by Buck Rodgers.
The hiring of George Bamberger, the longtime pitching coach of the Baltimore Orioles, on January 20, 1978 was the first step for the Brewers to finally becoming a winning team.
There was the stockpiling of talent, with Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Sixto Lezcano, & Gorman Thomas. However, there always seemed to be a need for a steady hand at the helm.
Bambi's Bombers clobbered their way to a winning record in 1978 with 173 homers. But, there were also outstanding pitching performances that season. Mike Caldwell, who signed my Brewer/Pepsi Fan Club hat that may still be somewhere in my parents' basement, won 22 games that year is one that stand out above the rest.
In 1979, Thomas won the AL Home Run title with 45 and the Brewers continued to build.
But, on March 6 1980, Bamberger suffered a mild heart attack. He would need quintuple coronary bypass surgery. Rodgers took over until Bambi returned on June 6. The Crew, the second place team in the AL East, beat the Tigers 8-4 that night and pulled to within 3-1/2 games of the Yankees. But, they couldn't get over the hump against the Yankees.
By the time Bamberger resigned, the Brewers were in fifth place 13-1/2 games out with a record of 73-66.
But, the foundation had been laid and when General Manager Harry Dalton went out and made the trade with the Cardinals during the 1980-81 off season to bring Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, and Pete Vuckovich, the Brewers were off and running for a divisional pennant in 1981 and an AL pennant in 1982.
Monday in the MWL
Wisconsin 7, @Clinton 6 (10 inn) -- A Rattler extra inning win on the last day of the year.
Fort Wayne 6, @South Bend 5 -- Hawks couldn't rally from 6-0 deficit.
West Michigan 1, @Dayton 0 -- A shutout loss to end the year for the Dragons.
@Lansing 5, Southwest Michigan 4 -- The end of the Midwest League franchise in Battle Creek, Michigan is a loss at Lansing. Jeff Karzen gets a bit emotional...
@Quad Cities 10, Burlington 4 -- SWING tune up for the Playoffs with a win.
@Kane County 6, Cedar Rapids 2 -- So does Kane County.
@Beloit 2, Peoria 0 (5 inn) -- Likewise, the Snappers.
Complete Monday Scoreboard HERE.
Fort Wayne 6, @South Bend 5 -- Hawks couldn't rally from 6-0 deficit.
West Michigan 1, @Dayton 0 -- A shutout loss to end the year for the Dragons.
@Lansing 5, Southwest Michigan 4 -- The end of the Midwest League franchise in Battle Creek, Michigan is a loss at Lansing. Jeff Karzen gets a bit emotional...
This is it, folks.
Don't take this the wrong way but it's your fault professional baseball will heretofore be referred to in the past tense. With the exception of a fabulous atmosphere of about 5,300 last Thursday for the home finale, C.O. Brown Stadium has felt more like a library than a baseball stadium this season.
You should've cared more. Besides the loyal group of fans, several of whom showed their devotion by driving to Lansing on Monday, not enough people went to games.
It's that simple.
@Quad Cities 10, Burlington 4 -- SWING tune up for the Playoffs with a win.
@Kane County 6, Cedar Rapids 2 -- So does Kane County.
@Beloit 2, Peoria 0 (5 inn) -- Likewise, the Snappers.
Complete Monday Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
From tacomarainiers.comJon Nelson, Tacoma.
Two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning for a Rainier win on the last day of the season.
Mariner System Report (Games of 9/4)
Seattle (MAJ: 64-73; 4th AL West): Seattle lost 6-2 at Detroit. The Mariners left ten runners on base for the loss.
Tacoma (AAA – 74-70; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers beat Tucson 3-2. Jon Nelson (WI '03) hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to put Tacoma in front. Scott Atchison (WI '99) got the win with a pair of scoreless innings in relief in the final game of the season for Tacoma.
Inland Empire (High-A – 72-68, 33-37 second half; 4th California League South Division): The 66ers lost 9-5 to Lake Elsinore to end their regular season. Chris Colton (WI '05) had three hits and drove in two runs and the 66ers offense had sixteen hits. Next Game for the Sixers is Saturday in game one of the second round of the playoffs.
Everett (Short Season-A – 30-43; 4th Northwest League West Division): The AquaSox lost 2-1 at Vancouver. Ricky Orta pitched seven innings and allowed two runs on four hits with five strikeouts for the loss.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/5
Seattle (Jake Woods 4-2) at Detroit Jeremy Bonderman 11-7) 6:05pm CDT
Tacoma -- Season Over (74-72)
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Inland Empire -- Off until Saturday
Everett at Vancouver 9:05pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30
Tacoma (AAA – 74-70; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers beat Tucson 3-2. Jon Nelson (WI '03) hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to put Tacoma in front. Scott Atchison (WI '99) got the win with a pair of scoreless innings in relief in the final game of the season for Tacoma.
Inland Empire (High-A – 72-68, 33-37 second half; 4th California League South Division): The 66ers lost 9-5 to Lake Elsinore to end their regular season. Chris Colton (WI '05) had three hits and drove in two runs and the 66ers offense had sixteen hits. Next Game for the Sixers is Saturday in game one of the second round of the playoffs.
Everett (Short Season-A – 30-43; 4th Northwest League West Division): The AquaSox lost 2-1 at Vancouver. Ricky Orta pitched seven innings and allowed two runs on four hits with five strikeouts for the loss.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/5
Seattle (Jake Woods 4-2) at Detroit Jeremy Bonderman 11-7) 6:05pm CDT
Tacoma -- Season Over (74-72)
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Inland Empire -- Off until Saturday
Everett at Vancouver 9:05pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30
9/04/2006
Game Notes for 9/4
ABOUT SUNDAY: The Rattlers beat the LumberKings 4-3. Wisconsin rallied from a late 3-2 deficit for the win. Eddy Hernandez drove in the go ahead run with a two-out RBI single in the top of the ninth.
THE SUMMER OF EDDY: Hernandez is now Wisconsin’s team leader in RBI with 48. In the second half of the season, Hernandez is 55-for-201 (.273) to raise his average from .217 to .246. All six of his homers and 26 of his RBI have come in 56 second half games.
TIED FOR THE TOP: Rattler reliever Edgar Guaramato pitched in his 54th game of the season by appearing in the sixth inning on Sunday. Guaramato is tied with Mike Hrynio of the 2004 Timber Rattlers for the franchise record in appearances by a relief pitcher.
MAYBERRY HR: John Mayberry hit his 21st home run of the season yesterday to put the LumberKings in front 3-2 in the sixth inning.
A IS FOR AVILA: Gerardo Avila broke an 0-for-8 slump with an RBI single in the first inning for Wisconsin.
BACK TO EVEN: Austin Bibens-Dirkx pitched two scoreless innings and picked up the win to even his record at 2-2.
SULLIVAN SAVES THE DAY: John Sullivan picked up his first save as a Rattler with a perfect ninth inning. Sullivan is the sixth Timber Rattler pitcher to earn a save this season.
GETTING THE LED OUT: Curt Ledbetter was 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for the Rattlers yesterday. Ledbetter tied the game 3-3 with a sacrifice fly in the top of the eighth inning. In his last four games against the LumberKings, Ledbetter is 5-for-13 with two homers and five RBI
SOMETHING TO SHOOT FOR: With one game remaining in the regular season, the Rattlers are 53-86. Wisconsin needs to win today to pass the 2002 Timber Rattler team that finished the season 53-86. That 53-86 mark in the worst record in Wisconsin history.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jake Rasner was a seventh round pick of the Rangers out of Earl Wooster High School in Reno, Nevada in the 2005 draft. Rasner lost to the Timber Rattlers at Fox Cities Stadium on June 2. In that game, Rasner allowed two runs on six hits over six innings with three walks and five strikeouts. He also lost to the Rattlers at Fox Cities Stadium on August 25. In that game, he pitched seven no-hit innings in the game that was scheduled for seven innings. But Rasner lost the game and the no-hitter on a game winning home run in the bottom of the eighth as Wisconsin won 1-0. Rasner beat Fort Wayne in his last start. On August 30 at Alliant Energy Field, Rasner allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits over five innings with two walks and four strikeouts.
THE SUMMER OF EDDY: Hernandez is now Wisconsin’s team leader in RBI with 48. In the second half of the season, Hernandez is 55-for-201 (.273) to raise his average from .217 to .246. All six of his homers and 26 of his RBI have come in 56 second half games.
TIED FOR THE TOP: Rattler reliever Edgar Guaramato pitched in his 54th game of the season by appearing in the sixth inning on Sunday. Guaramato is tied with Mike Hrynio of the 2004 Timber Rattlers for the franchise record in appearances by a relief pitcher.
MAYBERRY HR: John Mayberry hit his 21st home run of the season yesterday to put the LumberKings in front 3-2 in the sixth inning.
A IS FOR AVILA: Gerardo Avila broke an 0-for-8 slump with an RBI single in the first inning for Wisconsin.
BACK TO EVEN: Austin Bibens-Dirkx pitched two scoreless innings and picked up the win to even his record at 2-2.
SULLIVAN SAVES THE DAY: John Sullivan picked up his first save as a Rattler with a perfect ninth inning. Sullivan is the sixth Timber Rattler pitcher to earn a save this season.
GETTING THE LED OUT: Curt Ledbetter was 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for the Rattlers yesterday. Ledbetter tied the game 3-3 with a sacrifice fly in the top of the eighth inning. In his last four games against the LumberKings, Ledbetter is 5-for-13 with two homers and five RBI
SOMETHING TO SHOOT FOR: With one game remaining in the regular season, the Rattlers are 53-86. Wisconsin needs to win today to pass the 2002 Timber Rattler team that finished the season 53-86. That 53-86 mark in the worst record in Wisconsin history.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Jake Rasner was a seventh round pick of the Rangers out of Earl Wooster High School in Reno, Nevada in the 2005 draft. Rasner lost to the Timber Rattlers at Fox Cities Stadium on June 2. In that game, Rasner allowed two runs on six hits over six innings with three walks and five strikeouts. He also lost to the Rattlers at Fox Cities Stadium on August 25. In that game, he pitched seven no-hit innings in the game that was scheduled for seven innings. But Rasner lost the game and the no-hitter on a game winning home run in the bottom of the eighth as Wisconsin won 1-0. Rasner beat Fort Wayne in his last start. On August 30 at Alliant Energy Field, Rasner allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits over five innings with two walks and four strikeouts.
Sunday in the MWL
Rough Day for the Home Teams in the Midwest League
Wisconsin 4, @Clinton 3 -- The Summer of Eddy continues.
Fort Wayne 8, @South Bend 0 -- The Wizards must have had all the lists, because the Hawks were listless.
West Michigan 2, @ Dayton 0 -- Erik Averill with a one-hitter over 6-2/3 innings for the Whitecap win.
Southwest Michigan 8, @Lansing 0 -- D-Rays cruise to a shutout win at Lansing.
Cedar Rapids 3, @Kane County 0 -- Click on the quote to find out which manager said: There's a lot of positives to take from today's game.
Peoria 4, @Beloit 2 (8 inn) -- Ryan Norwood's three run homer was enough for the Chiefs in a rain-shortened game.
Burlington 6, @Quad Cities 1 -- Go BEES! Go Batterson! QC Times SWING beat writer Steve Batterson with another one of his ledes of the year nominees:
Complete Sunday Scoreboard HERE.
Wisconsin 4, @Clinton 3 -- The Summer of Eddy continues.
Fort Wayne 8, @South Bend 0 -- The Wizards must have had all the lists, because the Hawks were listless.
West Michigan 2, @ Dayton 0 -- Erik Averill with a one-hitter over 6-2/3 innings for the Whitecap win.
Southwest Michigan 8, @Lansing 0 -- D-Rays cruise to a shutout win at Lansing.
Cedar Rapids 3, @Kane County 0 -- Click on the quote to find out which manager said: There's a lot of positives to take from today's game.
Peoria 4, @Beloit 2 (8 inn) -- Ryan Norwood's three run homer was enough for the Chiefs in a rain-shortened game.
Burlington 6, @Quad Cities 1 -- Go BEES! Go Batterson! QC Times SWING beat writer Steve Batterson with another one of his ledes of the year nominees:
Just a long fly ball away from John O’Donnell Stadium on Sunday night, the contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns was entertaining a crowd at LeClaire Park.
Inside the Midwest League ballpark, the Swing of the Quad-Cities didn’t have a prayer against Burlington pitcher Mario Santiago.
Complete Sunday Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
From ie66ers.comJustin Thomas, Inland Empire.
A no decision, but a good one. 6-2/3 innings with three runs (two earned) on five hits and eleven strikeouts.
Mariner System Report (Games of 9/3)
Seattle (MAJ: 64-72; 4th AL West): The Mariners lost 7-6 at Tampa Bay. Chris Snelling (WI ’00) had a pair of hits and an RBI. Richie Sexson had two hits and two RBI. But, Felix Hernandez (WI ’03) gave up a three run home run to Kevin Witt in the bottom of the eighth inning to erase a 6-4 deficit.
Tacoma (AAA – 73-70; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 8-4 to Tucson. Greg Dobbs (WI ’02) homered for the Rainiers. Adam Jones (WI ’04) drove in a run for Tacoma. The Sidewinders have won nine straight over the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 60-78; 33-37 second half 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio was shutout 7-0 by Corpus Christi. Matt Tuiasosopo (WI ’05) had two of the four hits for the Mission offense as their season ended with the loss. Ryan Feierabend (WI '04) pitched three innings and allowed one run for the loss, but Feierabend is getting a September call-up to Seattle.
Inland Empire (High-A – 72-66, 33-35 second half; 4th California League South Division): Inland Empire lost 11-4 in eleven innings to Lake Elsinore. Justin Thomas (WI ’06) struck out eleven over 6-2/3 innings, but got a no decision. Johan Limonta (WI ’06) went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI for the Sixers. Jack Arroyo (WI ’05) had to pitch in extra innings and after a scoreless tenth, he allowed seven runs in the eleventh for the loss.
Everett (Short Season-A – 30-43; 4th Northwest League West Division): Everett lost 20-7 to Vancouver. The Canadians hit six home runs in the victory. Manelik Pimentel went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in the Sox final home game of the season.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/4
Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 8-12) at Detroit (Nate Robertson 11-11) 12:05pm CDT
Tucson (Ross Ohlendorf 0-0) at Tacoma (Francisco Cruceta 13-9) 3:35pm CDT
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Lake Elsinore (TBA) at Inland Empire (Justin Jordan 5-6) 7:11pm CDT
Everett (Steve Uhlmansiek 3-5) at Vancouver (TBA) 9:05pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
Tacoma (AAA – 73-70; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 8-4 to Tucson. Greg Dobbs (WI ’02) homered for the Rainiers. Adam Jones (WI ’04) drove in a run for Tacoma. The Sidewinders have won nine straight over the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 60-78; 33-37 second half 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio was shutout 7-0 by Corpus Christi. Matt Tuiasosopo (WI ’05) had two of the four hits for the Mission offense as their season ended with the loss. Ryan Feierabend (WI '04) pitched three innings and allowed one run for the loss, but Feierabend is getting a September call-up to Seattle.
Inland Empire (High-A – 72-66, 33-35 second half; 4th California League South Division): Inland Empire lost 11-4 in eleven innings to Lake Elsinore. Justin Thomas (WI ’06) struck out eleven over 6-2/3 innings, but got a no decision. Johan Limonta (WI ’06) went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI for the Sixers. Jack Arroyo (WI ’05) had to pitch in extra innings and after a scoreless tenth, he allowed seven runs in the eleventh for the loss.
Everett (Short Season-A – 30-43; 4th Northwest League West Division): Everett lost 20-7 to Vancouver. The Canadians hit six home runs in the victory. Manelik Pimentel went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in the Sox final home game of the season.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/4
Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 8-12) at Detroit (Nate Robertson 11-11) 12:05pm CDT
Tucson (Ross Ohlendorf 0-0) at Tacoma (Francisco Cruceta 13-9) 3:35pm CDT
San Antonio – Season Over (60-78)
Lake Elsinore (TBA) at Inland Empire (Justin Jordan 5-6) 7:11pm CDT
Everett (Steve Uhlmansiek 3-5) at Vancouver (TBA) 9:05pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
9/03/2006
If Sunday's Game Were a Movie...
it would be:
The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island
Believe it or not, there is no poster for The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island.
The LumberKings of 2006 appear to be the castaways, unable to get off the island. The Rattlers are the Globetrotters, at least against the L-Kings.
Complete Sunday Box Score HERE.
The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island
Believe it or not, there is no poster for The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island.
The LumberKings of 2006 appear to be the castaways, unable to get off the island. The Rattlers are the Globetrotters, at least against the L-Kings.
Complete Sunday Box Score HERE.
Sunday Reading
RattlersReport.com has a simple theme today: Always look on the bright side of life: "No, the wins and losses weren't there. But, I'm just happy with how much they've developed and how much they've gotten better to go to the next level."
The Lansing State Journal has a guide to foul balls from a few days ago. The following subhead to the article suggests a bit of an obsession; Looking to catch a foul ball at Oldsmobile Park? We've tallied where they landed this season
JS Online has Tom Hardricourt's Baseball Beat covered this week are the Brewers inability to play "small ball"; the case of the disappearing closer, spending money didn't help the Pirates to a winning season, concussions abound, and Roy Oswalt's birthday present from the Astros.
Brewer season is winding down and the Packers start in a week. Just head over to The Wisconsin Sports Bar and scroll.
Now, a new feature in Sunday Reading: The Pic of the Week
The Lansing State Journal has a guide to foul balls from a few days ago. The following subhead to the article suggests a bit of an obsession; Looking to catch a foul ball at Oldsmobile Park? We've tallied where they landed this season
JS Online has Tom Hardricourt's Baseball Beat covered this week are the Brewers inability to play "small ball"; the case of the disappearing closer, spending money didn't help the Pirates to a winning season, concussions abound, and Roy Oswalt's birthday present from the Astros.
Brewer season is winding down and the Packers start in a week. Just head over to The Wisconsin Sports Bar and scroll.
Now, a new feature in Sunday Reading: The Pic of the Week
Photo Credit: Michael Stenerson / Staff Photographer Victorville Daily PressInland Empire catcher Omar Falcon (in the gear) and High Desert catcher Tommy Duenas (head turned to the umpire for some reason) discuss the proper way to block home plate last week.
Game Notes for 9/3
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers beat the LumberKings 4-1. Curt Ledbetter hit a three run home run with two out in the top of the eighth inning to break a 1-1 tie. Cory Koliscak got the win with 1-1/3 innings of scoreless relief and Brian Kappel pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his eighth save of the season.
GETTING TO BE A HABIT: Ledbetter hit a game winning home run against the LumberKings on August 25 at Fox Cities Stadium. His homer in that game was a walk-off blast in the bottom of the eighth inning in a 1-0 Wisconsin win over the L-Kings.
TURNING POINT: The LumberKings had a 1-0 lead when they loaded the bases with no outs against Timber Rattler starting pitcher Juan Colon in the bottom of the fourth inning. Colon hit the first batter and walked the next two before he was replaced by Ruben Flores. The Rattler reliever got out of the jam with a pair of strikeouts and a popout.
TYING IT UP: The Rattlers evened the score by getting a run without a hit in the top of the fifth. Eddy Hernandez struck out, but reached when strike three got to the backstop. Hernandez went to second on another wild pitch. A flyball to center by Ron Garth was deep enough for Hernandez to go to third. Jeff Flaig’s sacrifice fly to chased Hernandez home with the run that made the score 1-1.
SOMETHING TO SHOOT FOR: With two games remaining in the regular season, the Rattlers are 52-86. Wisconsin needs to go 2-0 over the last two games to pass the 2002 Timber Rattler team that finished the season 53-86. That 53-86 mark in the worst record in Wisconsin history.
SETTLING INTO SEVENTH: The win by the seventh place Rattlers last night put them three games up on the eighth place LumberKings with two games left in the season. Sixth place Burlington won last night and they lead the Rattlers by three games with two to play.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Omar Poveda was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Rangers out of Venezuela in 2004. The Rattlers beat Poveda at Fox Cities Stadium on June 4. Poveda struck out seven over 5-1/3 innings, but allowed six runs on seven hits. He pitched three shutout innings on August 24 at Fox Cities Stadium, but the game was suspended in the top of the fourth and he did not continue when the game was picked up on the 25th. Poveda got a no decision in his last start despite allowing eight runs on nine hits over 4-1/3 innings against the Fort Wayne Wizards on August 29 at Alliant Energy Field. Poveda made an emergency start for Frisco in the Texas League on July 22 and lost to San Antonio, the Mariner Double-A affiliate. He gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits and five walks over five innings in that start.
GETTING TO BE A HABIT: Ledbetter hit a game winning home run against the LumberKings on August 25 at Fox Cities Stadium. His homer in that game was a walk-off blast in the bottom of the eighth inning in a 1-0 Wisconsin win over the L-Kings.
TURNING POINT: The LumberKings had a 1-0 lead when they loaded the bases with no outs against Timber Rattler starting pitcher Juan Colon in the bottom of the fourth inning. Colon hit the first batter and walked the next two before he was replaced by Ruben Flores. The Rattler reliever got out of the jam with a pair of strikeouts and a popout.
TYING IT UP: The Rattlers evened the score by getting a run without a hit in the top of the fifth. Eddy Hernandez struck out, but reached when strike three got to the backstop. Hernandez went to second on another wild pitch. A flyball to center by Ron Garth was deep enough for Hernandez to go to third. Jeff Flaig’s sacrifice fly to chased Hernandez home with the run that made the score 1-1.
SOMETHING TO SHOOT FOR: With two games remaining in the regular season, the Rattlers are 52-86. Wisconsin needs to go 2-0 over the last two games to pass the 2002 Timber Rattler team that finished the season 53-86. That 53-86 mark in the worst record in Wisconsin history.
SETTLING INTO SEVENTH: The win by the seventh place Rattlers last night put them three games up on the eighth place LumberKings with two games left in the season. Sixth place Burlington won last night and they lead the Rattlers by three games with two to play.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Omar Poveda was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Rangers out of Venezuela in 2004. The Rattlers beat Poveda at Fox Cities Stadium on June 4. Poveda struck out seven over 5-1/3 innings, but allowed six runs on seven hits. He pitched three shutout innings on August 24 at Fox Cities Stadium, but the game was suspended in the top of the fourth and he did not continue when the game was picked up on the 25th. Poveda got a no decision in his last start despite allowing eight runs on nine hits over 4-1/3 innings against the Fort Wayne Wizards on August 29 at Alliant Energy Field. Poveda made an emergency start for Frisco in the Texas League on July 22 and lost to San Antonio, the Mariner Double-A affiliate. He gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits and five walks over five innings in that start.
Saturday Night in the MWL
Wisconsin 4, @Clinton 1 -- Late Ledbetter home run wins it.
Cedar Rapids 7, @Kane County 3 -- How's the best team in the league doing? I know the press is supposed to be negative, but "downward spiral"?
@Fort Wayne 7, South Bend 2 -- Wizards close out their home schedule with a win.
West Michigan 7, @Dayton 5 -- Dragons won't finish over .500 for the fourth season in a row.
@Lansing 11, Southwest Michigan 1 -- The days are dwindling down for the D-Rays.
@Beloit 6, Peoria 5 -- Eli Tintor with a walk-off homer.
@Burlington 7, Quad Cities 6 (11 inn) -- A Mario Lisson two-run single in the bottom of the eleventh wins the final home game of the season for the Bees.
Complete Saturday Scoreboard HERE.
Cedar Rapids 7, @Kane County 3 -- How's the best team in the league doing? I know the press is supposed to be negative, but "downward spiral"?
@Fort Wayne 7, South Bend 2 -- Wizards close out their home schedule with a win.
West Michigan 7, @Dayton 5 -- Dragons won't finish over .500 for the fourth season in a row.
@Lansing 11, Southwest Michigan 1 -- The days are dwindling down for the D-Rays.
@Beloit 6, Peoria 5 -- Eli Tintor with a walk-off homer.
@Burlington 7, Quad Cities 6 (11 inn) -- A Mario Lisson two-run single in the bottom of the eleventh wins the final home game of the season for the Bees.
Complete Saturday Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Photo Credit: Steve Nesius/APCha Seung Baek, Seattle
Baek allowed one run over 6-2/3 innings withfour strikeouts for the win over the Devil Rays at Tampa.
Mariner System Report (Games of 9/2)
Seattle (MAJ: 64-71; 4th AL West): The Mariners won 4-3 at Tampa Bay. Cha Seung Baek (WI ’00) gave up one run and struck out four over 6-2/3 innings to move his record to 2-0. JJ Putz (WI ’00) pitched the final two innings for his 29th save. Adrian Beltre drove in a pair of runs to help the Mariners end their twelve game road losing streak.
Tacoma (AAA – 73-69; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 7-6 to Tucson. TJ Bohn (WI ’03) went 4-for-5 with a homer and a pair of RBI for the Rainiers. Jon Nelson (WI ’03) homered and knocked in three for Tacoma. The Sidewinders have won eight straight over the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 60-77; 33-36 second half 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio beat Corpus Christi 7-2. Marshall Hubbard (WI ’05) and Mike Wilson (WI ‘05) each had an RBI for the offense. Jason Mackintosh (WI ’04) and Ryan Rowland-Smith (WI ’03) each chipped in with scoreless work out of the bullpen.
Inland Empire (High-A – 72-65, 33-34 second half; 3rd California League South Division): Inland Empire lost 4-3 in thirteen innings to Lake Elsinore. Brandon Morrow got the start for the 66ers and pitched three scoreless innings with four strikeouts in his first California League game. Brent Johnson (WI ’05) was 3-for-6 with two RBI and Johan Limonta (WI ’06) also went 3-for-6 for Inland Empire. The 66ers lost despite the Storm only having four hits over the thirteen innings.
Everett (Short Season-A – 30-42; 4th Northwest League West Division): Everett lost 8-6 to Vancouver. Gavin Dickey hit a grand slam and Ougi Diaz was 4-for-4 for the offense. Chris Tillman gave up four runs on six hits and struck out nine over five innings for a no decision.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/3
Seattle (Felix Hernandez 11-12) at Tampa Bay (Casey Fossum 6-6) 12:15pm CDT
Tucson (Edgar Gonzalez 3-8) at Tacoma (Rich Dorman 7-6) 3:35pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Josh Miller 10-10) at San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 9-11) 6:05pm CDT
Lake Elsinore at Inland Empire 8:11pm CDT
Vancouver (Andrew Bailey 1-5) at Everett (Steve Uhlmansiek 3-5) 4:05pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
Tacoma (AAA – 73-69; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 7-6 to Tucson. TJ Bohn (WI ’03) went 4-for-5 with a homer and a pair of RBI for the Rainiers. Jon Nelson (WI ’03) homered and knocked in three for Tacoma. The Sidewinders have won eight straight over the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 60-77; 33-36 second half 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio beat Corpus Christi 7-2. Marshall Hubbard (WI ’05) and Mike Wilson (WI ‘05) each had an RBI for the offense. Jason Mackintosh (WI ’04) and Ryan Rowland-Smith (WI ’03) each chipped in with scoreless work out of the bullpen.
Inland Empire (High-A – 72-65, 33-34 second half; 3rd California League South Division): Inland Empire lost 4-3 in thirteen innings to Lake Elsinore. Brandon Morrow got the start for the 66ers and pitched three scoreless innings with four strikeouts in his first California League game. Brent Johnson (WI ’05) was 3-for-6 with two RBI and Johan Limonta (WI ’06) also went 3-for-6 for Inland Empire. The 66ers lost despite the Storm only having four hits over the thirteen innings.
Everett (Short Season-A – 30-42; 4th Northwest League West Division): Everett lost 8-6 to Vancouver. Gavin Dickey hit a grand slam and Ougi Diaz was 4-for-4 for the offense. Chris Tillman gave up four runs on six hits and struck out nine over five innings for a no decision.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/3
Seattle (Felix Hernandez 11-12) at Tampa Bay (Casey Fossum 6-6) 12:15pm CDT
Tucson (Edgar Gonzalez 3-8) at Tacoma (Rich Dorman 7-6) 3:35pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Josh Miller 10-10) at San Antonio (Ryan Feierabend 9-11) 6:05pm CDT
Lake Elsinore at Inland Empire 8:11pm CDT
Vancouver (Andrew Bailey 1-5) at Everett (Steve Uhlmansiek 3-5) 4:05pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
9/02/2006
Scouting Report on a Future Rattler?
I have been meaning to get this one done for the last few days...
Jason over at Prospect Insider did a post last Saturday that is an extended scouting report on Oak Creek, Wisconsin native and third round pick of the Mariners in the 2006 draft, Tony Butler. It is incredibly detailed.
Go over and read the whole thing, but some here are some highlights from the piece about a pitcher who might be wearing a Rattler uniform in 2007.
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...
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Butler’s fastball reaches the low 90s, and in time could naturally grow into a mid-90s offering where he can reach back and get to 97 or 98.
His breaking ball might be his bread and butter and his magic carpet to The Show.
The fact that Butler feels good enough about his change-up to throw it as much as he has of late, is a great sign that he understands how important changing speeds truly is for any pitcher.
Something to look forward to.
Jason over at Prospect Insider did a post last Saturday that is an extended scouting report on Oak Creek, Wisconsin native and third round pick of the Mariners in the 2006 draft, Tony Butler. It is incredibly detailed.
Go over and read the whole thing, but some here are some highlights from the piece about a pitcher who might be wearing a Rattler uniform in 2007.
Butler, the third round choice by the Mariners, stands 6-7 and tilts the scales at about 210 pounds. The 18-year-old employs a four-seam fastball in the 90-93 mph range, a potentially plus curve ball and a solid change-up for a kid that was pitching in high school just four months ago.
Butler is a hard worker, is very coachable and appears to be as receptive to advice, instruction and criticism as a professional club could ask. But it’s his physical makeup and projectability that excite most scouts.
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Another professional observer, a former National League Central scouting director, was in attendance when Butler tossed five no-hit frames at Tri-City on August 4, fanning nine and walking three others.
“He was pretty strong that night,” he said of Butler, who also threw two wild pitches in that, his third start in the Northwest League, where hitters are typically three to five years older than the M’s new lefty. “He had a good curve ball and while he probably used it a little too much for my liking, he used what was working and that’s more than acceptable. I’d prefer to insert the change in its (curve ball) place, but he has an okay one of those, too.”
...
“His first real test will be after an offseason. That’s when things can either come together for the long haul, or show some weaknesses that hadn’t shown up prior. It’s not a make or break thing, just a sign of where he’s really at. Full-season ball is always a challenge for prep kids. I’d want to see how he bounces back in the middle of the minors, in the middle of a season.”
...
Butler’s fastball reaches the low 90s, and in time could naturally grow into a mid-90s offering where he can reach back and get to 97 or 98.
His breaking ball might be his bread and butter and his magic carpet to The Show.
The fact that Butler feels good enough about his change-up to throw it as much as he has of late, is a great sign that he understands how important changing speeds truly is for any pitcher.
Something to look forward to.
If Saturday's Game Were a Movie...
it would be:
If you have ever seen one of those old time movie serials like this one, the ending of each episode is always an impossible cliffhanger. But, the hero finds away out of the trap, often with the same superpower or scientific gizmo that the bad guys forget about or don't plan for.
Tonight, for the second time in just over a week, Curt Ledbetter hit a late home run to beat the Clinton LumberKings. Game winning home runs may not be a super power or a scientific gizmo, but they sure are a lot of fun.
Complete Saturday Box Score HERE.
If you have ever seen one of those old time movie serials like this one, the ending of each episode is always an impossible cliffhanger. But, the hero finds away out of the trap, often with the same superpower or scientific gizmo that the bad guys forget about or don't plan for.
Tonight, for the second time in just over a week, Curt Ledbetter hit a late home run to beat the Clinton LumberKings. Game winning home runs may not be a super power or a scientific gizmo, but they sure are a lot of fun.
Complete Saturday Box Score HERE.
Random Picture from My Hotel Window (#14 in a Series
Last one for the baseball season, but there are some trips planned in the off-season (business and vacation) so the series will continue.
This car has been parked in this spot outside the bar next door for the last five years.
This car has been parked in this spot outside the bar next door for the last five years.
Game Notes for 9/2
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: Clinton beat the Rattlers 3-2. The LumberKings scored twice in the bottom of the sixth inning to erase a 2-1 Rattler lead. Juan Jimenez got the win and Gerry Oakes pitched the final two innings for the save.
TAKING THE SIXTH: The Rattlers had a 2-1 lead after a Stan Posluszny two-out RBI single in the top of the fifth inning. The first two LumberKings of the bottom of the sixth inning reached on a walk and a single. A wild pitch moved the runners to second and third. An infield grounder by Grant Gerrard drove in the tying run. Ian Gac knocked in the go ahead run with a double.
GAC! Gac had been hitless in fourteen at bats this season against the Rattlers before that double in the sixth.
CLOSE LOSSES: The Rattlers have lost three straight games and all of them have been by one run. Peoria beat the Rattlers 8-7 in twelve innings on Wednesday and 6-5 on Thursday. The Rattlers are 17-24 in one-run games this season.
INTO THE HISTORY BOOKS: Paul Fagan was the starting pitcher for the Rattlers last night. He became the first Timber Rattler pitcher in franchise history to make 28 starts in a single season. Fagan pitched 5-2/3 innings last night to give him a total of 165-2/3 innings this season. He is fifth on the Rattler single season list for innings pitched. Bobby Livingston is the franchise record holder with 178 innings pitched in 2003. Fagan took the loss last night to drop his record to 5-14. Fagan is now tied for the franchise single season record for losses with Nibaldo Acosta (2004) and Roy Smith (1995).
SOMETHING TO SHOOT FOR: With three games remaining in the regular season, the Rattlers are 51-86. Wisconsin needs to go 3-0 over the last three games to pass the 2002 Timber Rattler team that finished the season 53-86. That 53-86 mark in the worst record in Wisconsin history.
STAYING OUT OF THE CELLAR: The eighth place LumberKings moved to within two games of the seventh place Rattlers last night. The Rattlers trail sixth place Burlington by three games.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Joey McLaughlin was an 18th round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2004 draft out of Oklahoma City University. McLaughlin pitched for Lansing in 2005 and was 2-2 with a 3.13 ERA in 42 relief appearances. He started 2006 with Lansing and was 3-1 with a 3.04ERA in sixteen relief appearances before being traded to the Ranger organization on July 1. Since joining the LumberKings in that trade, McLaughlin is 1-0 with an ERA of 5.00 in fourteen appearances. He has made two appearances against the Rattlers this season – June 11 as a Lugnut & August 28 as a LumberKing. He has no record and has allowed one run on three hits over 2-2/3 innings against Wisconsin. Tonight will be McLaughlin’s first professional start. He has made a total of 95 minor league appearances since 2004, all of them in relief.
TAKING THE SIXTH: The Rattlers had a 2-1 lead after a Stan Posluszny two-out RBI single in the top of the fifth inning. The first two LumberKings of the bottom of the sixth inning reached on a walk and a single. A wild pitch moved the runners to second and third. An infield grounder by Grant Gerrard drove in the tying run. Ian Gac knocked in the go ahead run with a double.
GAC! Gac had been hitless in fourteen at bats this season against the Rattlers before that double in the sixth.
CLOSE LOSSES: The Rattlers have lost three straight games and all of them have been by one run. Peoria beat the Rattlers 8-7 in twelve innings on Wednesday and 6-5 on Thursday. The Rattlers are 17-24 in one-run games this season.
INTO THE HISTORY BOOKS: Paul Fagan was the starting pitcher for the Rattlers last night. He became the first Timber Rattler pitcher in franchise history to make 28 starts in a single season. Fagan pitched 5-2/3 innings last night to give him a total of 165-2/3 innings this season. He is fifth on the Rattler single season list for innings pitched. Bobby Livingston is the franchise record holder with 178 innings pitched in 2003. Fagan took the loss last night to drop his record to 5-14. Fagan is now tied for the franchise single season record for losses with Nibaldo Acosta (2004) and Roy Smith (1995).
SOMETHING TO SHOOT FOR: With three games remaining in the regular season, the Rattlers are 51-86. Wisconsin needs to go 3-0 over the last three games to pass the 2002 Timber Rattler team that finished the season 53-86. That 53-86 mark in the worst record in Wisconsin history.
STAYING OUT OF THE CELLAR: The eighth place LumberKings moved to within two games of the seventh place Rattlers last night. The Rattlers trail sixth place Burlington by three games.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Joey McLaughlin was an 18th round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2004 draft out of Oklahoma City University. McLaughlin pitched for Lansing in 2005 and was 2-2 with a 3.13 ERA in 42 relief appearances. He started 2006 with Lansing and was 3-1 with a 3.04ERA in sixteen relief appearances before being traded to the Ranger organization on July 1. Since joining the LumberKings in that trade, McLaughlin is 1-0 with an ERA of 5.00 in fourteen appearances. He has made two appearances against the Rattlers this season – June 11 as a Lugnut & August 28 as a LumberKing. He has no record and has allowed one run on three hits over 2-2/3 innings against Wisconsin. Tonight will be McLaughlin’s first professional start. He has made a total of 95 minor league appearances since 2004, all of them in relief.
Friday Night in the MWL
@Clinton 3, Wisconsin 2 -- Add this one to the long list of tough losses for the Rattlers this season.
South Bend 6, @Fort Wayne 3 -- It's official. The loss means the Wizards get the Whitecaps in the first round. The Silver Hawks win means they get Lansing in round one.
West Michigan 1, @Dayton 0 (14 inn) -- The Whitecaps get ready for the playoffs with a fourteen inning shutout of the short-handed Dragons.
@Lansing 6, Southwest Michigan 0 -- Speaking of playoffs and shutouts, the Lugnuts get ready with a whitewash of the D-Rays.
Cedar Rapids 8, @Kane County 2 -- Now the Kernels win. Andy Hill with a complete game win. No story at the Kernels site, MILB.com, or at the the Kane County Chronicle. The Cougars make it tough to link to their game story. Here is the headline and lede though:
South Bend 6, @Fort Wayne 3 -- It's official. The loss means the Wizards get the Whitecaps in the first round. The Silver Hawks win means they get Lansing in round one.
West Michigan 1, @Dayton 0 (14 inn) -- The Whitecaps get ready for the playoffs with a fourteen inning shutout of the short-handed Dragons.
@Lansing 6, Southwest Michigan 0 -- Speaking of playoffs and shutouts, the Lugnuts get ready with a whitewash of the D-Rays.
Cedar Rapids 8, @Kane County 2 -- Now the Kernels win. Andy Hill with a complete game win. No story at the Kernels site, MILB.com, or at the the Kane County Chronicle. The Cougars make it tough to link to their game story. Here is the headline and lede though:
Cougars Fall in Rare Loss to Kernels
Geneva, IL - The Kane County Cougars entered Friday night's game with the Cedar Kernels as the owners of a 10-2 mark against the Iowa opponent and a 23-8 home record in the second half, but lost 8-2 in front of 6,743 fans at Elfstrom Stadium.
Go Kernels!
Peoria 3, @Beloit 0 -- Chiefs shutout Snappers. Is this how Game One of their playoff series will go?
Quad Cities 2, @Burlington 1 -- Hochevar loses, gets promoted to Double-A.
Complete Friday Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
Bryan LaHair, USA Baseball.Homered and knocked in two in a 12-2 win over the Dominican Republic in the Olympic Qualifier in Havana, Cuba.
Next up for the US: Nicaragua.
.pdf of the box score HERE.
Mariner System Report (Games of 9/1)
Seattle (MAJ: 63-71; 4th AL West): The Mariners lost 2-1 at Tampa Bay. Gil Meche (WI ’98) allowed one run on three hits with eight strikeouts over eight innings, but got a no decision. The Devil Rays scored in the bottom of the ninth for the win.
Tacoma (AAA – 73-68; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 4-2 to Tucson. Bobby Livingston (WI ’03) allowed four runs on ten hits over eight innings and got the loss. Greg Dobbs (WI ’02) had three hits and Adam Jones (WI ’04) drove in two runs for the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 59-77; 32-36 second half 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio lost 7-1 to Corpus Christi. Yung Chi Chen (WI ’05) had two of the five Mission hits.
Inland Empire (High-A – 72-65, 33-34 second half; 3rd California League South Division): Inland Empire lost 2-1 to Lake Elsinore. Casey Craig (WI ’06) had two of the five 66er hits and drove in the only Inland Empire run. Andy Baldwin gave up two runs on five hits over seven innings with six strikeouts for the loss.
Everett (Short Season-A – 30-41; 4th Northwest League West Division): Everett beat Vancouver 5-1. Natividad Dilone pitched six shutout innings for the win. Gavin Dickey homered and drove in three runs.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/2
Seattle (Cha Seung Baek 1-0) at Tampa Bay (JP Howell 0-1) 6:15pm CDT
Tucson (Evan McLane 0-0) at Tacoma (Jeff Harris 0-2) 9:05pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Carlos Hernandez 0-1) at San Antonio (Jorge Campillo 1-0) 7:05pm CDT
Lake Elsinore at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
Vancouver (James Heuser 4-4) at Everett (Chris Tillman 1-3) 9:35pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
Tacoma (AAA – 73-68; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma lost 4-2 to Tucson. Bobby Livingston (WI ’03) allowed four runs on ten hits over eight innings and got the loss. Greg Dobbs (WI ’02) had three hits and Adam Jones (WI ’04) drove in two runs for the Rainiers.
San Antonio (AA – 59-77; 32-36 second half 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio lost 7-1 to Corpus Christi. Yung Chi Chen (WI ’05) had two of the five Mission hits.
Inland Empire (High-A – 72-65, 33-34 second half; 3rd California League South Division): Inland Empire lost 2-1 to Lake Elsinore. Casey Craig (WI ’06) had two of the five 66er hits and drove in the only Inland Empire run. Andy Baldwin gave up two runs on five hits over seven innings with six strikeouts for the loss.
Everett (Short Season-A – 30-41; 4th Northwest League West Division): Everett beat Vancouver 5-1. Natividad Dilone pitched six shutout innings for the win. Gavin Dickey homered and drove in three runs.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/2
Seattle (Cha Seung Baek 1-0) at Tampa Bay (JP Howell 0-1) 6:15pm CDT
Tucson (Evan McLane 0-0) at Tacoma (Jeff Harris 0-2) 9:05pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Carlos Hernandez 0-1) at San Antonio (Jorge Campillo 1-0) 7:05pm CDT
Lake Elsinore at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
Vancouver (James Heuser 4-4) at Everett (Chris Tillman 1-3) 9:35pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
9/01/2006
My Reaction...
upon seeing renovated Alliant Energy Stadium in Clinton, Iowa: Wow! This is nice!
My reaction upon seeing the press box at renovated Alliant Energy Stadium in Clinton, Iowa: Oh. You didn't really do anything here.
My reaction upon seeing the press box at renovated Alliant Energy Stadium in Clinton, Iowa: Oh. You didn't really do anything here.
Game Notes for 9/1
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Peoria Chiefs beat the Rattlers 6-5. The Chiefs took a 5-1 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning and held on for a 6-5 win.
GET A LITTLE CLOSER: The Rattlers scored three times in the top of the seventh inning to get to within 5-4. Gerardo Avila drove in a run with a single and scored later in the inning on a balk. Stan Posluszny doubled in the third run of the inning. There were still no outs with Posluszny at second in the top of the seventh. However, He was thrown out at third when he tried to advance on a flyout to right and the Rattler rally ended.
SQUEEZING OUT INSURANCE: Peoria had runners at first and third and one out in the bottom of the eighth and holding that 5-4 lead. Davy Gregg dropped a suicide squeeze bunt to drive in a big insurance run.
LAST GASP: The Rattlers loaded the bases with one out against Scott Koerber in the top of the ninth. Adam Moore knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly to get Wisconsin to within 6-5. Koerber issued his third walk of the inning to reload the bases, but he got a strikeout to end the game.
NUMBER TWO ON THE LIST: Last night, Rattler reliever Edgar Guaramato pitched in his 53rd game of the season. He is second on Wisconsin’s single season list for appearances by a reliever. Mike Hrynio made 54 appearances in 2004 to top the list.
TWO UNDER: The Rattlers finished the regular season 8-10 in eighteen games against the playoff bound Chiefs in 2006.
SOMETHING TO SHOOT FOR: With four games remaining in the regular season, the Rattlers are 51-85. Wisconsin needs to go 3-1 over the last four games to pass the 2002 Timber Rattler team that finished the season 53-86. That 53-86 mark in the worst record in Wisconsin history.
STAYING OUT OF THE CELLAR: The eighth place Clinton LumberKings lost to the Fort Wayne Wizards last night. The seventh place Rattlers are three games up on the LumberKings with four games left. The Rattlers trail sixth place Burlington by three games.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Juan Jimenez was picked up in a trade with the San Deigo Padres in August 2005. He is 0-1 and has an ERA of 6.75 in two starts against the Rattlers this season. His last start was at Fox Cities Stadium on August 27. Jimenez allowed two runs on five hits over six innings for a no decision in a 3-2 Rattler win.
GET A LITTLE CLOSER: The Rattlers scored three times in the top of the seventh inning to get to within 5-4. Gerardo Avila drove in a run with a single and scored later in the inning on a balk. Stan Posluszny doubled in the third run of the inning. There were still no outs with Posluszny at second in the top of the seventh. However, He was thrown out at third when he tried to advance on a flyout to right and the Rattler rally ended.
SQUEEZING OUT INSURANCE: Peoria had runners at first and third and one out in the bottom of the eighth and holding that 5-4 lead. Davy Gregg dropped a suicide squeeze bunt to drive in a big insurance run.
LAST GASP: The Rattlers loaded the bases with one out against Scott Koerber in the top of the ninth. Adam Moore knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly to get Wisconsin to within 6-5. Koerber issued his third walk of the inning to reload the bases, but he got a strikeout to end the game.
NUMBER TWO ON THE LIST: Last night, Rattler reliever Edgar Guaramato pitched in his 53rd game of the season. He is second on Wisconsin’s single season list for appearances by a reliever. Mike Hrynio made 54 appearances in 2004 to top the list.
TWO UNDER: The Rattlers finished the regular season 8-10 in eighteen games against the playoff bound Chiefs in 2006.
SOMETHING TO SHOOT FOR: With four games remaining in the regular season, the Rattlers are 51-85. Wisconsin needs to go 3-1 over the last four games to pass the 2002 Timber Rattler team that finished the season 53-86. That 53-86 mark in the worst record in Wisconsin history.
STAYING OUT OF THE CELLAR: The eighth place Clinton LumberKings lost to the Fort Wayne Wizards last night. The seventh place Rattlers are three games up on the LumberKings with four games left. The Rattlers trail sixth place Burlington by three games.
OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Juan Jimenez was picked up in a trade with the San Deigo Padres in August 2005. He is 0-1 and has an ERA of 6.75 in two starts against the Rattlers this season. His last start was at Fox Cities Stadium on August 27. Jimenez allowed two runs on five hits over six innings for a no decision in a 3-2 Rattler win.
Thursday in the MWL
@Peoria 6, Wisconsin 5 -- Rattler comeback falls short. Chiefs pull out a squeeze play in the eighth for a little insurance.
Beloit 1, @Southwest Michigan 0 -- Wade Davis threw a no-hitter and lost in game one.
@Southwest Michigan 5, Beloit 2 -- In their last at bat ever at C.O. Brown, the D-Rays scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth to rally for a 5-2 win. To give D-Ray pitching coach R.C. Lichtenstein the final word (for now): It's like the twilight zone here
Dayton 10, @South Bend 4 -- Dayton scored eight runs in the top of the ninth inning. That's more runs than they scored in every other inning of the five game series combined.
@West Michigan 4, Lansing 3 -- Three in the bottom of the ninth gives the Caps a win in their final regular season home game.
Kane County 8, @Quad Cities 4 -- Cougars win a preview of a first round matchup?
Fort Wayne 6, @Clinton 5 -- The Wizards are finally officially in the playoffs, on an RBI single by Jose Lobaton.
@Cedar Rapids 7, @Burlington 6 (12 inn) -- Let's see. The Bees scored two in the top of the ninth to tie the game 5-5. They score one in the to go up 6-5. But, the Kernels scored once in the eleventh to tie and once on a Larry Infante single in the twelfth for the win.
Complete Thursday Scoreboard HERE.
Beloit 1, @Southwest Michigan 0 -- Wade Davis threw a no-hitter and lost in game one.
@Southwest Michigan 5, Beloit 2 -- In their last at bat ever at C.O. Brown, the D-Rays scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth to rally for a 5-2 win. To give D-Ray pitching coach R.C. Lichtenstein the final word (for now): It's like the twilight zone here
Dayton 10, @South Bend 4 -- Dayton scored eight runs in the top of the ninth inning. That's more runs than they scored in every other inning of the five game series combined.
@West Michigan 4, Lansing 3 -- Three in the bottom of the ninth gives the Caps a win in their final regular season home game.
Kane County 8, @Quad Cities 4 -- Cougars win a preview of a first round matchup?
Fort Wayne 6, @Clinton 5 -- The Wizards are finally officially in the playoffs, on an RBI single by Jose Lobaton.
@Cedar Rapids 7, @Burlington 6 (12 inn) -- Let's see. The Bees scored two in the top of the ninth to tie the game 5-5. They score one in the to go up 6-5. But, the Kernels scored once in the eleventh to tie and once on a Larry Infante single in the twelfth for the win.
Complete Thursday Scoreboard HERE.
Rattler Alum of the Day
From tacomarainiers.comAdam Jones, Tacoma.
3-for-4 with a run and an RBI.
Also of note, Robert Rohrbaugh (WI '05) seven shutout innings against Corpus Christi for San Antonio.
Mariner System Report (Games of 8/31)
Seattle (MAJ: 63-70; 4th AL West): The Mariners were off on Thursday.
Tacoma (AAA – 73-67; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma shutout Salt Lake 3-0. Adam Jones (WI ’04) went 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI and Jeff Clement (WI ’05) drove in a pair of runs for the Rainiers. Travis Blackley pitched six scoreless innings for the win. Cesar Jimenez (WI ’03) pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.
San Antonio (AA – 59-76; 32-35 second half 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio beat Corpus Christi 7-0. Robert Rohrbaugh (WI ’05) allowed six hits over seven shutout innings for the win. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) had a pair of doubles and a pair of RBI. Ryan Rowland-Smith (WI ’03) got a save by pitching the final 1-1/3 innings.
Inland Empire (High-A – 72-64, 33-33 second half; 3rd California League South Division): Inland Empire beat High Desert 7-6. Andy Hargrove had a pair of homers and five RBI for Inland Empire. Omar Falcon (WI ’05) was 2-for-3 with three runs scored and two RBI. Cibney Bello (WI ’05) allowed a run on four hits over six innings for the win.
Everett (Short Season-A – 29-41; 4th Northwest League West Division): Everett lost 10-5 to Eugene in twelve innings. Joe White was 3-for-5 with two home runs and two RBI. Chao Kuan Wu (WI ’06) was 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles. Oak Creek, Wisconsin native Tony Butler struck out nine over six innings with six hits and three runs allowed for a no decision. But, not even the Frogstock jerseys could help.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/1
Seattle (Gil Meche 9-8) at Tampa Bay (James Shields 6-6) 6:15pm CDT
Tucson (Kevin Jarvis 3-6) at Tacoma (Bobby Livingston 8-10) 9:05pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Ronnie Martinez 2-1) at San Antonio (Yorman Bazardo 6-5) 7:05pm CDT
Lake Elsinore at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
Vancouver at Everett 9:35pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
Tacoma (AAA – 73-67; 2nd PCL Pacific Northern Division): Tacoma shutout Salt Lake 3-0. Adam Jones (WI ’04) went 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI and Jeff Clement (WI ’05) drove in a pair of runs for the Rainiers. Travis Blackley pitched six scoreless innings for the win. Cesar Jimenez (WI ’03) pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.
San Antonio (AA – 59-76; 32-35 second half 4th Texas League South Division): San Antonio beat Corpus Christi 7-0. Robert Rohrbaugh (WI ’05) allowed six hits over seven shutout innings for the win. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) had a pair of doubles and a pair of RBI. Ryan Rowland-Smith (WI ’03) got a save by pitching the final 1-1/3 innings.
Inland Empire (High-A – 72-64, 33-33 second half; 3rd California League South Division): Inland Empire beat High Desert 7-6. Andy Hargrove had a pair of homers and five RBI for Inland Empire. Omar Falcon (WI ’05) was 2-for-3 with three runs scored and two RBI. Cibney Bello (WI ’05) allowed a run on four hits over six innings for the win.
Everett (Short Season-A – 29-41; 4th Northwest League West Division): Everett lost 10-5 to Eugene in twelve innings. Joe White was 3-for-5 with two home runs and two RBI. Chao Kuan Wu (WI ’06) was 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles. Oak Creek, Wisconsin native Tony Butler struck out nine over six innings with six hits and three runs allowed for a no decision. But, not even the Frogstock jerseys could help.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE FOR 9/1
Seattle (Gil Meche 9-8) at Tampa Bay (James Shields 6-6) 6:15pm CDT
Tucson (Kevin Jarvis 3-6) at Tacoma (Bobby Livingston 8-10) 9:05pm CDT
Corpus Christi (Ronnie Martinez 2-1) at San Antonio (Yorman Bazardo 6-5) 7:05pm CDT
Lake Elsinore at Inland Empire 9:11pm CDT
Vancouver at Everett 9:35pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Season over (25-30)
If Thursday's Game Were a Movie
it would be:
A few good moments, but not enough to make it a winner.
Complete Thursday Box Score HERE.
A few good moments, but not enough to make it a winner.Complete Thursday Box Score HERE.
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