About Friday

I will need to look it up at some point this season, but it sure feels like the Rattlers get 'walked off' more by the Kernels than by anyone else.

Take the following classic album cover art as a commentary on a game that this Rattlers team had...

... had despite five errors, six walks, a wild pitch, and...I can't believe that I am going to type this last part...and the Kernels having at least one runner in scoring position in every inning.

Did that last part blow your mind? Because I was there and I just saw it and I am still taking that in...So, I will repeat...

The Kernels had at least one runner in scoring position in every inning.

Feel free to check my math.

But here it is:

1st: Jean Segura @ 3rd w/ 2 out (stranded)
2nd: Luis Jimenez @ 3rd w/ 2 out (stranded)
3rd: Mike Trout @ 3rd w/ 1 out (thrown out at the plate)
4th: Luis Jimenez @ 3rd w/ 1 out (stranded)
5th: Jon Karcich @ 2nd w/ 2 out (stranded)
6th: Casey Haerther @ 3rd w/ 1 out (scored)
6th: Luis Jimenez @ 3rd & Justin Bass at 2nd w/ 1 out (stranded)
7th: Mike Trout @ 3rd w/ 1 out (stranded)
8th: Justin Bass @ 3rd & Jeremy Cruz @ 2nd w/ 2 out (stranded)
9th: Jon Karcich @ 3rd & Mike Trout @ 2nd w/ 0 out (scored)

If the Rattlers had held on to win this game, I had another iconic image all set to go.

Get 'em tomorrow.

Picture of a win

It's been awhile since I've done a postgame post. I managed to get this one picture after the win tonight.

Click for a larger image.



I think it could have turned out better. But, you get the idea.

Rattlers Win! Get 'em again tomorrow.

What my gut tells me (5/2/10)

WIS 8
BEL 3

Boxscore | Game story

I'm not a big believer in one moment turning around a season, but my gut tells me that a walk issued by Damon Krestalude in the bottom of the fifth inning turned Sunday's game around.

Here is the situation: The Rattlers are down 2-0 in the fifth. Runner at first one out and a 2-2 pitch is due to James Beresford, the #9 hitter for the Snappers. Krestalude misses on the pitch. And everyone is thinking that the count should be 3-2.

The plate umpire awarded first base to Beresford.

Now, I have seen a ball called on a pitcher with out throwing a pitch, but it usually involves him putting his hand to his mouth while still on the mound. And I will apologize if that was the call and I missed it, but I am almost positive that was not the call. Beresford got first base on a three-ball walk.

After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that the call would stand. Two on with one out.

I can't tell you how many times I have seen a call like that throw a pitcher at this level completely off his game.

Krestalude got the ball after the delay and struck out Twins uber-prospect Aaron Hicks. Then, he got #2 hitter Brian Dozier to popup to end the inning.

My gut tells me that a reaction like that gets noticed. That reaction in similar situations in the future will take Krestalude a long way.

By coincidence, the Rattlers scored twice in the top of the sixth and five times in the seventh to snap that stupid losing streak.

Nice job by the Rattlers to get the win today.

Get em' again tomorrow.

Ducky will handle this one

Game one................Game two

WIS..1..................WIS 0
BEL..5..................BEL 4

Boxscore | Game story..Boxscore | Game story

Ah, after a night like tonight, there is only one thing that I can say. It is an old Scottish saying...and do not for a moment let anyone tell you that the Irish had this saying.

I am sore wounded but not slain
I will lay me down and bleed a while
And then rise up to fight again.

Get them tomorrow.

Rules (4/28/10)

WIS 2
PEO 4

Boxscore | Game Story

A list of Gibbs' Rules that were broken tonight:

Never let suspects stay together. Bottom of the seventh. Two run lead. Two suspects on base to start the inning. Not only did they score to tie the game, the guy who followed them scored as well.

Never take anything for granted. I will admit that I broke my own rule here, folks. I'd apologize, but that's a sign of weakness and never apologizing is another rule.

Always wear gloves to a crime scene. One error and one misplay that resulted in a HUGE extra swing tonight made it tough to hold on for the win.

Never, ever involve the lawyers. The Rattlers tried to take the extra base on the Chiefs in the second, fourth, and ninth. They weren't close plays and the umpires made the right calls. But, it would have maybe been a little better if they didn't need to make the calls.

A rule that was not broken tonight:

Leave when the job is done. Nice job by Efrain Nieves tonight. He did his job with five scoreless innings and left when his job was done. He has not allowed a run in his last two outings (Nine innings).

Mehring's Rule: Get 'em tomorrow.

What my gut tells me (4/27/10)

WIS 4
PEO 5

Boxscore | Game story

My gut tells me that if I had room on the front page of the Rattlers website, the full headline from the story that gets e-mailed out to the media would have made it. That e-mail was titled: Rohan rides; Late Peoria homer foils Rattler comeback.

Wednesday marks two games in a row in which the Rattlers rallied for three runs in the eighth inning to tie a game. It also marks two games in a row in which the opponents have scored to retake the lead in their next at bat.

This team is capable of stringing together some wins. What is going to set them off is a rally that puts them on top and they take down a win.

That being said, they are not going to win many games if they continue to get down three runs early in the game.

My gut tells me that the Efrain Nieves who tossed four scoreless innings of relief his last time out, has to show up as the starting pitcher on Thursday. Or it's going to be a long game.

Get 'em tomorrow.

What my gut tells me (4/24/10)

BEL 7
WIS 5

Boxscore | Game Story

Do you know why my gut is telling be patient? Because the Rattlers are being patient. Six more walks today equals 60 walks in 18 games this season. I know. In 19 April games in 2009, the Timber Rattlers had 63 walks. But, it feels different this year.

Take today. There are two outs in the bottom of the eighth, down two runs bases loaded. Back-to-back walks to tie the game. None of the pitches were really very close. And good patience by Garfield and Paciorek. That turns out a little different if the hitters go up there hacking at the first pitch.

One of these days the Rattlers are going to come all the way back to take the lead.

McGee! You had something to add?


Um, Yeah, boss. I mean, um, yes, boss.

Heading into today's game, the bottom five hitters in the Beloit lineup today were hitting: .170, .143, .154, .095, & .109. Those five hitters combined for eight of the 13 Beloit hits today. Yosmil Pinto - the guy hitting .143 - had four hits in the game.

One thing that will need to change for the record to improve is this: Five of the seven runs, including the two in the top of the ninth, scored by the Snappers crossed the plate after there were two outs.

And not to get all stat geeky on you, boss but opponents are hitting .279 (24-for-86) with four homers and 41 RBI with two outs and runners in scoring position. In fact, if you want to break it down even further, I wrote a computer program that will take in a variety of....and that stare means that you want me to shut up now....Shutting up, boss.

Getting them tomorrow, boss.

Ducky's autopsy

BEL 7
WIS 2

Boxscore | Game story

Ahhh, yes. Hello. I shall be with you in a moment.

Did you know that -- in physics -- the term "moment" can refer to many different concepts.

For example. Moment of force is the tendency of a force to twist or rotate an object. This is an important, basic concept in engineering and physics. Meanwhile, The Principle of moments is a theorem concerning moments or force...Oh, but you are not here to listen to me ramble on and on about something that I remember from my Sixth Year...

I am just finishing my preliminary examination of the game. It was seem that there were several blows with a blunt object very early in the attack...

Beloit Top 1st

* Aaron Hicks singles on a line drive to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson.
* Brian Dozier singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Maverick Lasker. Aaron Hicks to 2nd.
* Steven Liddle doubles (4) on a line drive to left fielder Khristopher Davis. Aaron Hicks scores. Brian Dozier scores.
* Angel Morales hit by pitch.
* With Michael Gonzales batting, wild pitch by Maverick Lasker, Steven Liddle to 3rd. Angel Morales to 2nd.
* Michael Gonzales called out on strikes.
* Daniel Rams strikes out swinging.
* Reggie Williams singles on a fly ball to right fielder Franklin Romero. Steven Liddle scores. Angel Morales scores

Then, there were a series of punishing blows inflicted by a right-handed man...who is -- perhaps -- of Australian origin.

Have you ever been to Australia, my boy? Oh, it is a wonderful place. A former penal colony that has developed into a place with the culture of the Sydney Opera House and the violence of Australian Rules Football. I must warn you to not turn over an empty glass and place it on the bar. I found out the hard way about this particular custom. You see....I must apologize...back to the examination.

There was an attempt to fight back, but it was almost as if Wisconsin was smothered. Because after this...

Wisconsin Bottom 2nd

* Sean Halton doubles (3) on a line drive to right fielder Aaron Hicks.
* Michael Marseco out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Brian Dozier to first baseman Michael Gonzales. Sean Halton to 3rd.
* Carlos George grounds out to pitcher Liam Hendriks. Sean Halton scores.
* Franklin Romero strikes out swinging.

...they did not have a baserunner until the sixth or a run until the seventh.

Do not worry though. I feel that this was a one-time thing. There is another game just past noon on the morrow. And there is always the chance that someone else will be on the table Saturday.

Of course, Saturday. The only day of the week in the English language with a root other than Norse mythology. Saturday...or...Saturn's Day...Saturn, a major Roman god of agriculture and harvest. In medieval times he was known as the Roman god of agriculture, justice and strength.

Until tomorrow, then.

What my gut tells me (4/22/10)

CR..6
WI 11

Boxscore | Game story

If a Midwest League team is only as good as its middle relief - based on tonight's performance by Andre Lamontagne - the Rattlers are going to be pretty good.

Over the last few seasons, the player whose poster it happens to be on a giveaway night has usually had a tough game. Michael Marseco had an RBI, a stolen base, and several nice plays in the field. It will be Cameron Garfield's turn on May 6.

The difference between a good outing and a bad outing for Arnett was three batters. The 2-0 pitch with two outs to Jose Jimenez in the third that was hit to the Miller High Life Home Run Porch. A two-out walk to Kevin Ramos that was followed by a first pitch homer by Adam Younger in the fourth. Now, I am not going to say, "If you only take away those three batters..." because that's impossible...and stupid...to do. I will say that this is part of the development process. They will work on this and I look forward to Arnett's next start when he faces Peoria next week.

If Khris Davis keeps hitting line drives like the one he hit for a home run in the eighth inning, he is going to have a great season. Heck, 9-game hitting streak now is a really great season. Did you know that the longest hitting streak by a Timber Rattlers player in 2009 was Brock Kjeldgaard's 10-game hitting streak in August?

Stolen base tally in Thursday's game: WI 4, CR 1. That feels almost as good as the win.

What my gut tells me (4/21/10)

CR 2
WI 5

Game story | Boxscore

The Rattlers have never had someone hit for the cycle. It's going to happen this year. I know that the odds of a cycle are about the same as the odds of a no-hitter. But, someone on this team is going to do it. I'm calling it.

Jake Odorizzi and Damon Krestalude had very similar outings on back-to-back days. Struggle in the first inning. Bear down and keep the team in the game the rest of the time. You are going to want to catch these guys this season.

Pete Fatse has played second, third, DH, and right field. He has hit fifth, sixth, and seventh in the order. Doesn't matter where or when, in seven games as a starter, Fatse is 14-for-25. Right now, he is crushing.

Khris Davis is, too. Eight game hitting streak. He got a hit in his last at bat of the game to extend it.

Welcome back, Efrain Nieves. His performance today was the kind that we heard and read about when he was in the World Cup and the Winter League in Puerto Rico.

What my gut tells me (4/20/10)

CR 7
WI 6
(10 innings)

Boxscore | Game story

My gut is telling me that some just kicked it. One out from a two-game winning streak and Luis Jimenez drives in two runs with a single to tie the game. Then, an error on a throw to second from right field lets the winning run score.

The Kernels will run, run, run, and run if you give them any chance.

Krestalude did a nice job bouncing back after a tough first inning. That is the sign of a good pitcher.

Two defensive miscues - including the one to let the winning run score - shouldn't wipe out some outstanding plays. Scooter Gennett made three really nice plays at short. Sean Halton scooped a couple of tough throws. D'Vontrey Richardson raced back to left-center and came in to make two other nice plays in shallow center. Romero made a great catch that saves some runs in the seventh.

Quick turnaround with the 12:05pm game tomorrow. Odorizzi is starting. That should be worth calling in sick.

What my gut tells me (4/19/10)

WI 9
QC 5

Boxscore | Game Story

During the game, my gut told me that there would be two changes on some scoring plays. There were, just not each of the two that I thought. Paciorek had an error changed to a hit. That one I expected. There was a play that I thought Marseco should have been given a hit and there was a change to a play involving Marseco, it just wasn't the one I thought. The official scorer thought that Mike was bunting for a hit. It was changed to the proper sacrifice bunt call after the game.

My gut tells me that there needs to be some base running instruction on dropped infield fly popups.

I should take an umpires exam one of these days. That play confused the heck out of me.

Offense is not going to be a problem.

The next time these teams meet, well, you're going to want to see it.

What my gut tells me (4/18/10)

WI 3
QC 4

Boxscore | Game Story

Cameron Garfield give the Brewers system some excellent depth at catcher.

Kyle Heckathorn's line today: 3IP, H, 0R, 0BB, 4K. 28 pitches (23 strikes). He's going to make at least one more relief appearance, but if this carries over to a start...I've got a good feeling about that.

Timber Rattlers in 2009 = 4-7. Timber Rattlers in 2010 = 4-7. My gut feels a little more optimistic this season.

The game time today was six minutes under two hours. It seemed even shorter than that.

What my gut tells me (4/17/10)

WI 5
QC 9

Boxscore | Game story

Gibbs isn't a big fan of Guns 'N Roses...or any music for that matter...but if he was his gut would be telling him the same word that mine is telling me about Eric Arnett and the Timber Rattlers defense. Patience.

Soon - and I am not saying this series or even this week - the Timber Rattlers are going to go off for a 20 hit night. They were crushing tonight. Nine extra base hits out of 13 total tonight.

I can see why Ryan Jackson, the shortstop for the River Bandits, was considered the best defensive shortstop in college baseball last night. He turned a couple of plays that should have been hits into outs. The one that really stands out is the play on Garfield in the top of the seventh. There were runners at first and second with two outs. Garfield sends a grounder into the hole. Jackson ranges into short left, makes the clean pick, and threw a strike to first.

If it weren't for Kalian Sams and his absolutely crazy night last night, Khris Davis would be the leading candidate for MWL Offensive Player of the Week. On the first four games of this road trip, he is 10-for-19.

I am invoking Mehring rule #28: Get 'em tomorrow.

What my gut tells me (4/16/10)

WIS 9
BUR 0

Boxscore | Game Story | MiLB.com game story


No, Gibbs tonight. Some pictures that you may enjoy are below.

My gut tells me that there had better you are going to want to see the next time Odorizzi and Krestalude pitch. What a coincidence...it's at home when the Rattlers face Cedar Rapids on Wednesday afternoon. That's 4/21 at 12:05pm.

You will want to call in sick to work that day. I won't tell anyone.

It's not often that a guy with three hits and five RBI is overshadowed for Player of the Game honors. I'd apologize to Pete Fatse, but it's a sign of weakness.

Momentum in baseball doesn't mean much, but the Rattlers are coming into the Quad Cities series on a pretty big high. The River Bandits on the other hand...

Kalian Sams homered three times, delivering the game-tying solo blast to left field in the eighth and hammering the walk-off winner to straightaway center in the bottom of the 11th, leading the Clinton LumberKings to an 11-10 win over the Quad Cities River Bandits Friday night at Alliant Energy Field.

Sams' 3-for-6, three-RBI game helped the LumberKings overcome a 9-1 deficit to the Bandits and was his second walk-off homer already this season.

9-1 lead? Ouch, babe.

To the pictures:

This is about when my gut told me that Friday had a chance to be a special night.


This is when my gut told me to tighten up on the shot a little bit.

Just two outs away...



So freakin' close.

What my gut tells me (4/15/10)

Final Score

WIS..4
BUR 11

Box score | Game Story

My gut tells me that if there are any more first innings on this road trip like the ones in the first two games of this road trip, there is going to be a head slap or two handed out.

Burlington is a nice place. I have enjoyed coming here, but after seven straight Timber Rattlers losses at Community Field I could learn to like it a lot less.

D'Vontrey Richardson is going to homer on this road trip. He just missed his first as a pro when his drive to left hit the top of the wall in the top of the ninth.

It is going to take one key hit by someone and this offense is going to go crazy. They stranded 11 runners tonight. They left the bases loaded twice. Look at what Burlington has done the last two nights. They scored 20 runs in the first six games of the season. They scored eight in three games at Kane County. They picked up some key hits with two outs in the first inning of game one of this series and haven't stopped hitting.

Not to put any pressure on Jake Odorizzi, but my gut tells me that he is going to pitch very well on Friday night against the Bees.

What my gut tells me (4/14/10)

WIS 6
BUR 8

Boxscore | Game Story

The Nick Bucci I saw tonight (4IP, H, 0ER, 5K, 0BBs) is the Nick Bucci of whom I heard before the season started. That first Rattlers appearance of 3IP w/ 5BBs was an aberration.

Jon Pokorny is going to be a reliever to watch this year. He isn't listed as a prospect by Baseball America, but I like what I have seen out of him.

I really hope it doesn't happen, but the next time this team is down by a lot of runs early, they will come back and win. They were down 7-0 to Kane County on 4/10 and got to within 7-5, but lost 10-5. They were down 5-0 to Clinton on 4/12 and got to within 5-3, but lost 7-4. Tonight, down 7-2, they got to within 7-6 but lost 8-6. Again, I hope they don't get down by a lot early, but they will come back and win. They have the offensive ability.

Either Khris Davis or Chris Dennis will be the first Rattlers to have a five-hit game since Alex Liddi had one on June 14, 2008.

What my gut tells me (4/13/10)

CLN...4
WIS...2
Boxscore | Game story

Sometimes, when you really want to draw a line in the dirt...don't do it. Scooter Gennett learned that lesson in the bottom of the eighth. He took strike three, then took his bat and drew a line where he thought the ball was...Hint, he did not think it was a strike...The umpire will throw you out every time. every. single. time.

Maverick has permission to buzz the tower. And, despite the runs and the walks, Kyle Heckathorn and Chad Robinson also have permission to buzz the tower.

Franklin Romero, Jr needs a little work on the home run trot. He sprinted around the bases after his homer. Romero doesn't need to be Jeffrey Leonard, but slow it down a little bit, dude.

In the three Rattler wins on the homestand, they committed three errors. In the three Rattler losses on the homestand, they committed 13 errors.

What my gut tells me (4/12/10)

Thoughts after Monday's 7-4 loss to the LumberKings.

First: Boxscore
Second: Story

What my gut tells me...

After seeing some comments in reaction to my reports on Arnett's velocity in the first inning, my gut tells me that I need to stop bringing up velocity when talking about pitchers. Relax, people. Jeepers!

The sequence that got Arnett in the most trouble in the first inning was falling behind Kalian Sams 3-1. Sams, who has been known to chase off-speed and breaking pitches out of the strike zone, did not offer at a 1-1 changeup and a 2-1 changeup. On the broadcast I had a bad feeling about the 3-1 pitch, because I have seen Sams crush fastballs. That is exactly what he did in to the 3-1 pitch he got from Arnett. 4-0 Clinton in the first. I saw what they were trying to do, it was just a case of the opponent not doing what you expect him to do. My gut tells me that this gets filed away for use at a later date.

The defense today was, well, it was six errors. There were bad throws, dropped throws, and missed grounders. As good as the defense was on Sunday, it was that bad on Monday. My gut tells me that this won't happen again.

Never say, 'I've seen it all.' Because you haven't. Here is the setup: Gabriel Noriega is at first with one out and Daniel Carroll at the plate. On a 2-1 pitch, Noriega was on the move and Carroll sent a flyball to right-center. The Rattlers infielders momentarily fooled Noriega into thinking that the ball would drop in for a hit. That allowed Franklin Romero to make the catch and throw to second baseman Scooter Gennett with a chance to double Noriega off first base. However, Gennett's throw went into the stands. The umpires told Noriega to take third base. Noriega got to within about 15 feet of second base and (inexplicably) cut across the grass in front of the base and jogged on to third base without touching second. The Rattlers appealed to second and Noriega was ruled out to end the inning. There was no argument from the L-Kings. I think the last time I saw that was in a T-ball game when I was 6....so at least 75 years ago.

Lastly, my gut also tells me that you will want to be at the Post-Crescent's Sports for Lunch at The Clubhouse inside the Paper Valley Hotel tomorrow at noon. Eric Arnett is the special guest of Cory Jennerjohn and Brett Christopherson, the once and future beat writer of the Rattlers.

What my gut tells me (4/11/10)

I am going to try to make this a feature this season*. Consider these posts a gut-reaction that will be available at the conclusion of a game (or games in case of doubleheaders)**. I will try to keep it to five points or fewer.

And now, the inaugural post of the series titled: What my gut tells me.***

1. You may look at the 8 runs on 12 hits by the offense and the job done by Damon Krestalude, Chad Robinson, and Jake Odorizzi as the key parts to the win. But, I want to look at the defense in the top of the third as a big part of the victory. There were runners on first and second with no outs and Krestalude threw wildly on a pickoff play to second. Centerfielder D'Vontrey Richardson charged the ball and threw a strike to third that pegged out the runner. The next batter sent a slow chopper to third and Joey Paciorek made a nice play to get the out at first. Then, Danny Carroll looked like he had a RBI base hit with a line drive to left. But, Paciorek made a leaping grab of the liner and the Rattlers still led 2-0.
2. This year's Rattlers team has the ability to bunch a lot of hits together. They had three hits in the third and four hits in the fourth.
3. I try not to get to involved with velocity. BUT, Odorizzi hit 91 with a fastball in the seventh inning today.
4. The biggest difference between the 10-5 loss on Saturday and the 8-2 win on Sunday... On Saturday Wisconsin's hitters went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. On Sunday, the Rattlers were 6-for-14 with RISP.
5. Even after a full year, it is weird to see Danny Carroll in a Clinton LumberKings jersey. It was weirder to hear a few cheers for Carroll and Kalian Sams.

*-Time permitting. It may not be possible after some road games. I don't like to be the last person on the bus.
**-Some days it will be Gibbs, some days it may be a different figure from pop culture.
***-I realize that this post contains more words than Gibbs says in an entire episode, but work with me here. I put the wrong reliever in the Today's Pitchers post.