And away we go...

Before getting started with the game stuff...Who had the bright idea of starting the press buffet at the same time as the game?

Seriously. It's either miss the first pitch or not getting any food.

Manship had a runner on third with two outs and fooled Juan Francisco with an off-speed pitch. Francisco dribbled one out in past the mound towards short and barely beat the throw to first to give the East a 1-0 lead.

Manship bounced back with a strikeout of Travis Snider to end the inning. The Snapper ace struck out a pair in the inning.

Watson on the hill for the East.

7:30pm....
Watson retired the first two batters, but walked John Whittleman and gave up a single to Brandon Buckman. The West did not cash in as Watson struck out Chad Tracy.

Just about ready to start....

This link will take you to the linescore. From there you can get to the box score and to the special gameday for tonight's game.

Sean Watson of Dayton is the starter for the East. Jeff Manship is completing his warmup tosses right now for the West.

Game time!

Your 2007 Timber Rattler All Stars

Kantakevich on the left. Barb on the right.

All-Star pre-game (Pt II)

Andrew Barb signs a few autographs

Joe Kantakevich took part in the golf competition and absolutely destroyed Ken Maiques of Quad Cities. Joe thought that it was a good idea to not tell them he has a handicap of 5.



And the winner gets to talk to Lisa Winston of MiLB.com and He Said, She Said

All-Star pre-game

Just spoke with Andy Barb and Joe Kantakevich. Barb has been slated to go for the East team in the 8th inning. Kantakevich is not slated to pitch tonight, but he has alrady had a memorable all-star experience.


Apparently, Carlos Triunfel's picture was used in place of Joe's in the program. I need to find that program. Also, Joe will be taking part in the pre-game festivities.


There is not going to be a home run derby tonight. Instead, it sounds like the players will be participating in the in-game promotions the Cougars typically run during the game.

That starts soon...back with a new post in a bit. First a few pictures:

All-star plans

Rattler Radio will be live blogging the pre-game festivities and the first six innings of the All-Star game.

Then, I'll be joining Fort Wayne Wizard broadcaster Mike Maahs for 7-8-9. I'll see if I can find where you can listen to either of the broadcasts. I believe the MiLB will had the pitch-by-pitch gamecast available as well.

7:00pm CDT is the scheduled first pitch.

Meet the All-Stars

I'm doing this blind and just guessing that most of the daily papers covering Midwest League Teams have an All-Star Game Preview with a local angle.

Starting in Iowa:

Quad Cities? Swing's all-star pitchers are armed for anything

Clinton? ...I'll check back they don't update the site until early afternoon

Cedar Rapids? They don't put all of their stories on-line

Burlington? Bees' 'Stars' hope to shine

Moving to Illinois:

Peoria? Chiefs tandem ready for All-Star showcase

Kane County? Around the Midwest (more of a fun facts about league teams than a preview)

Over in Indiana:
Fort Wayne? 3 Wizards take part in All-Star game today

South Bend? Nothing. Odd

In Michigan:
Great Lakes? Jammin' at Dow Diamond with Hall & Oates (Neither Bill Hall nor Johnny Oates are involved in this story. Baseball is only marginally invovled.)

West Michigan? Whitecaps all-stars want to make impression

Lansing? Nope.

Over in Ohio
Dayton? Turner, Valaika, Francisco, Watson join forces in the starting lineup

On to Wisconsin:
Beloit? They don't update until later in the afternoon

Appleton?

Swing sold

It's official...at least at the Midwest League level:

Swing sale passes crucial point as it gains Midwest League approval

In the marathon process involved in purchasing a professional baseball team, the proposed sale of the Swing of the Quad-Cities cleared a major hurdle Monday.

Midwest League directors approved the sale of the club owned by Kevin Krause-led Seventh Inning Stretch to Mainstreet Iowa, a company headed by Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt.

“It’s a great day, something we’ve worked toward for a long time,’’ Heller said. “We’re getting close to the finish line and when we’ve crossed it, we’re inviting everybody in the Quad-Cities to a huge party at John O’Donnell Stadium and Bob and I know how to throw a party.”

The transaction will not be complete until the governing body of minor-league baseball and the major-league commissioner’s office sign off on it, but league approval is considered the critical step in the process.

There is this attempt at a cryptic quote from MWL President George Spelius:

The Midwest League does not announce its vote totals, but league president George Spelius said the vote was “as close to unanimous as you can get without being unanimous.’’

So, 13-1 then?

Some of you may be asking, "How much?" well..

Terms of the sale have not been announced, but Krause has said it is in line with other recent transactions in the league. That would place the price tag at around $7.2 million.

Hotel Room Art (All-Star edition)

I hear her voice, in the mornin' hours she calls to me
The radio reminds me of my home far a-way
And drivin down the road I get a feeling
That I should have been home yesterday,
yesterday
Country roads, take me home
To the place, I be-long



Sail on home to jesus won't you good girls and boys
I'm all in pieces, you can have your own choice
But I can hear a heavenly band full of angels
And they're coming to set me free
I don't know nothing bout the why or when
But I can tell that its bound to be
Because I could feel it, child, yeah
On a country road

I was sitting in the Hollywood Hawaiian Hotel

I was staring in my empty coffee cup

I was thinking that the gypsy wasn't lyin'

All the salty margaritas in Los Angeles

I'm gonna drink 'em up

And if California slides into the ocean

Like the mystics and statistics say it will

I predict this motel will be standing until I pay my bill

Hotel Windows (All-Star edition)

Not a window. A patio door. With a deck, a pond, and a fountain.

Peguero wins

And the Midwest Offensive player of the week is:

Carlos Peguero

.345 (10-29), 5 R, 3 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 0 BB, 7 SO, 0 SB, .690 SLG

Carlos Peguero had a week to remember. Despite struggling to bat over .250, the designated hitter from the Dominican Republic collected 12 RBIs to lead the Midwest League.

First award winner of the year for the Rattlers and first since Marwin Vega was MWL Pitcher of the week in the final week of the '06 season. Adam Moore was the last Offensive Player of the Week for Wisconsin. He won for the week of July 31-August 6, 2006.

Opening Day for Everett

The Everett Herald has this on the Sox:

Frogs all set for opener
AquaSox manager Mike Tosar says he believes his team has the talent to make a run at a division title

The Seattle Times has these:

AquaSox Opener Making some noise

EVERETT — If you hear a voice that sounds like Dave Niehaus coming from the Everett AquaSox bullpen, don't worry. The relief pitchers aren't listening to a Seattle Mariners game.

It's only pitcher Brandon McKerney honing his play-by-play skills.

The former Meadowdale High and University of Washington pitcher hopes to be a broadcaster when he's finished with his playing career, which begins tonight when the AquaSox open their Northwest League season against the Yakima Bears.

Quick message for Pat Dillon, the Sox broadcaster...Look out, Pat. You might have some competition. Also, don't teach him too well. He might come gunning for the Wisconsin job next year.

M's Farm Report Tosar ready for AquaSox debut

Mariner System Report (Games of 6/18)

SEATTLE (MAJ: 35-31; 3rd AL West): The Mariners were off on Monday.

TACOMA (AAA: 29-42; 4th Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers were off on Monday.

WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 31-40 overall; 0-1 second half Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx lost 9-7 to Mississippi. Rene Rivera (WI ’03) homered and knocked in three runs to help West Tennessee build a 7-4 lead. But, the Braves scored four in the eighth and one in the ninth to win the second half opener.

HIGH DESERT (High-A: 31-39 overall; 0-0 second half California League South Division): The Mavericks were off on Monday.

Mariner system schedule 6/19:
Pittsburgh (Tom Gorzelanny 6-4) at Seattle (Miguel Batista 7-5) 9:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Brad Thomas 1-4) at Sacramento (Brad Knox 3-2) 9:05pm CDT
Mississippi (Matt Harrison 5-2) at West Tennessee (Andy Baldwin 1-7) 7:05pm CDT
High Desert – OFF DAY
Yakima (Bryant Thompson) at Everett (Edward Paredes) 9:05pm CDT
AZL Mariners – Arizona League season starts June 22

Baseball History -- June 19

Complete entry for June 19 is at BaseballLibrary.com HERE.

Highlighted entry:

1942
At Forbes Field‚ Paul Waner‚ now with the Boston Braves‚ joins Cap Anson and Honus Wagner as the only NL players with 3‚000 hits‚ with a single off Rip Sewell. Two days earlier‚ Waner's grounder bounced off an infielder's glove and had been ruled a hit. Waner‚ who did not want his 3000th hit to be a tainted one‚ signaled to the scorekeeper that it was an error‚ and the ruling was changed. Bob Elliott hits 2 HRs to help the Pirates win 7-6 in 11 innings.

Paul was known as "Big Poison". His brother Lloyd was "Little Poison".

Spot the ex-Rattlers

I have no idea what this video is supposed to do, but the phrase: Take some swings, take some hacks...Get up for the Diamond Jaxx!! will haunt your nightmares. My nightmares now have company.



Here are the TV spots for the Diamond Jaxx:

Link only

I can't comment on this Mike Woods column at postcrescent.com because I can't afford the fine. I am just putting the column title and the link out there. No excerpts. Just read it if you haven't already.

Mike Woods column: Hopefully in '08, Brewers and Rattlers will find each other

It's old, but still...

From last Friday and I am just getting around to it now:

M's pitcher Baek has endured a lot to pursue a dream

It was hard enough for Cha Seung Baek after signing with the Mariners straight out of Pusan High School in South Korea — shuttling around small-town America, learning how to navigate minor-league baseball, absorbing a brand-new culture.

He had a translator at his side, but he was just a teenager. He got nervous about speaking to his teammates, shopping and ordering food.

Then came devastating news in 2001 in San Bernardino, Calif. His right elbow — the one that made him one of the best prep pitchers in Korea, the one on which he'd pinned a lifelong dream — would require a new ligament.

He was a stranger in a strange land. He was 21 years old. He was worried.

"At that point, I was in Single-A, I was in rehab and I didn't know if I was ever going to return to the mound," Baek recalls, speaking in Korean. "For almost two years, I didn't pitch. I got homesick. But I had to put that aside because I had a goal. I had a dream."

...

Seattle left-hander Eric O'Flaherty met Baek in 2004 in Arizona, when both were rehabbing ailments. He remembers seeing Baek throw for the first time last year, after O'Flaherty was promoted to Tacoma. Now they are throwing partners.

"I saw him in the bullpen, and I was like, 'Does this guy ever miss?' " O'Flaherty says.

For all his endorsements, Baek's situation remains tenuous. After being balled up from Tacoma in April, Baek has solidified the rotation. But Horacio Ramirez could come off the disabled list soon, and if Jeff Weaver can salvage his season, that would give the Mariners six starters. One too many — again.

Midwest League Action -- 6/17

End of the half scoreboard is HERE.

Rattlers 6, @Cedar Rapids 2: Rattlers SWEEP!

@Quad Cities 6, Beloit 2: SWING end half with a win.

@West Michigan 7, Dayton 4: Caps end half with a win.

@Fort Wayne 7, Lansing 4: Wizards end first half with a win.

Burlington 13, @Kane County 6: Cougars end first half with a loss.

Clinton 9, @Peoria 8 (F/10): Chiefs end first half with a loss.

South Bend 4, @Great Lakes 3: Loons end first half with a loss.

AquaSox Preview

This story was out there late last week, but...well, you know.

Frogs return with high hopes

A year ago, Everett opened by winning eight of its first nine games. But it was all downhill from there as the Sox finished 31-45 and sunk to last place in the Western Division.

The majority of those who took part in Thursday's practice - 12 position players and 10 pitchers - weren't around to suffer through last season's struggles. But whether they were here or not, everyone is eager to get this season started.

"Once we get so close like this, everybody starts getting anxious," said new manager Mike Tosar, who served as the team's batting coach last season. "We want the lights to turn on and we want to get out there and start playing some baseball."

The first practice was relaxed - for everyone except catcher Julian Henson. The only catcher in town so far, Henson not only had to go through the full practice, he also had to catch all the pitchers' bullpen sessions.

"(The first practice) went pretty smooth," returning outfielder Gregory Halman said. "Mike didn't put too much pressure on us, he just made sure we got it going and knew what we were doing."
...
Usually returning to Everett is a disappointment for the players, who hope to advance at least one level a year. However, for a player like Halman who struggled at a higher level, it constitutes a fresh start.

The 19-year-old from the Netherlands, who was one of Everett's top offensive players a year ago before suffering a season-ending hand injury, began the year at Wisconsin, but batted just .182 in 52 games. Halman is hoping a return to Everett can help get him back in the groove.

"I got to Wisconsin after a very good spring training and I struggled from the beginning, and it only got worse from there," Halman said. "I started letting my head down a little bit. I tried to pick myself up again, but I lost a lot of confidence in everything. So this is a very fresh start."

Mariner System Report (Games of 6/17)

SEATTLE (MAJ: 35-31; 3rd AL West): The Mariners lost 10-3 at Houston. The Astros scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning and sent the M’s to their fifth straight loss. Ichiro raised his batting average to .356 with four hits. Former Wisconsin-Oshkosh Titan Jarrod Washburn took the loss as he gave up seven runs (six earned) on six hits over three innings.

TACOMA (AAA: 29-42; 4th Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers beat Tucson 4-1. Juan Doñe pitched seven shutout innings for the win. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) had three hits and drove in two runs for Tacoma.

WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 31-39 overall; 0-0 second half Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx beat Tennessee 4-3. Marshall Hubbard (WI ’05) homered and drove in a pair of runs for the Diamond Jaxx. Travis Chick got the win and Craig James (WI ’05) got the save.

HIGH DESERT (High-A: 31-39 overall; 0-0 second half California League South Division): The Mavericks beat Rancho Cucamonga 20-10. Jeff Dominguez (WI ’06) drove in four runs. Travis Scott (WI ’06) homered for High Desert. The Mavericks banged out 24 hits in the win.

EVERETT (Short season: 0-0; Northwest League): The AquaSox lost 10-5 to the Everett Merchants in an exhibition game. The Mechants broke a 4-4 tie with six runs in the top of the eighth inning.

Mariner system schedule 6/18:
Seattle – OFF DAY
Tacoma – OFF DAY
Mississippi (Francisley Bueno 3-5) at West Tennessee (Justin Thomas 2-2) 7:05pm CDT
High Desert – OFF DAY
Everett – Northwest League season starts June 19
AZL Mariners – Arizona League season starts June 22

Baseball History -- June 18

Complete entry for June 18 is at BaseballLibrary.com HERE.

Highlighted entry:

1941
The Giants play an 11-inning tie in Pittsburgh because of a regulation that states that no inning can be started after 11:50 P.M. The game is held up in the 4th inning so that the fans can listen to a broadcast of the title fight between local favorite Billy Conn and Joe Louis.

This probably made a lot more sense in 1941.

Hi, kids...

My name is Broomy, the series sweeping broom.


Not to denigrate, but to celebrate.

Happy Father's Day

I wish that I could find it on-line, but there is a PEANUTS cartoon that is perfect for Father's Day. So, forgive me if I get some of the details wrong.

Violet and Charlie Brown are walking down the street. She is telling him how much better her father is than his and all the things that her dad does for her. They eventually end up at Charlie Brown's father's barber shop. Charlie Brown says that no matter how hard a day his dad has had at the shop, whenever he stops in to say hello, "My dad stops what he is doing and smiles at me."

Violet gets this look on her face and just says, "Happy Father's Day, Charlie Brown."

It was nice to see Charlie Brown win one.

Happy Father's Day

Game Notes -- 6/17

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers defeated the Kernels 4-3 in eleven innings. Alex Liddi drove in the go ahead run with a two-out single in the top of the eleventh to snap the 3-3 tie. Andrew Barb pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for the save.

EARLY LEAD: The Rattlers went up 3-0 with three runs in the top of the fourth. Carlos Peguero doubled in the first run of the game. Trevor Lawhorn singled in two runs in the inning.

DISAPPEARED: The Kernels scored twice in the bottom of the sixth inning on a Matt Sweeney home run. The tying run scored in the bottom of the seventh on a two-out wild pitch.

EXTRA MILE: The Rattlers are 4-0 in extra innings this season.

STRONG STARTS: Rattler starting pitcher Steve Richard went six innings and allowed two runs on four hits and struck out seven for a no decision. In the first six games of this road trip, this is the pitching line for the Rattler starters: 37IP, 29H, 8R, 7ER, 7BB, 35K. The starters are 3-2 with a 1.70 ERA.

MATCHING K: Richard matched his career high for strikeouts in a game with seven against the Kernels last night.

NUMBER NINE: Barb is 9-for-9 in save opportunities this season.

MR. PERFECT: Brian Kappel pitched two scoreless innings for his first Midwest League win of the season. In his Timber Rattler career, Kappel is 5-0.

GOOD TRIP: Last night’s win guaranteed the Rattlers their first winning road trip of the season. They are 4-2 in the first six games of this half-ending seven game trip.

FIRST TIME: By winning the first two games of this series, the Rattlers have also guaranteed themselves their first road series win. In their prior ten road series this season, Wisconsin lost six and split four.

END OF THE LINE: Rattler shortstop Juan Diaz went 0-for-3 with a sacrifice bunt last night. His nine-game hitting streak came to an end.

OPPOSING STARTER: David Herndon was the 5th round pick of the Angels in the 2006 draft out of Gulf Coast Community College in Florida. He was originally drafted by the Twins in the 23rd round of the 2005 draft as a draft-and-follow, but the Twins did not sign him. Last season in the Pioneer League, Herndon went 5-2 with a 2.21ERA in fourteen starts for the Orem Owlz. Herndon lost at Beloit in his last start. He allowed four runs on eight hits over six innings; walked one and struck out six on June 12. Herndon beat the Rattlers at Veterans Memorial Stadium on April 15. He allowed seven hits and three runs in seven innings with five strikeouts in an 8-3 win.

Sunday reading (6/17)

Ron Santo made an appearance at O'Brien Field in Peoria last night. Chief beat writer Kevin Capie catches up with the Cub legend. It covers the ground of "Hall of Famer or not", but there are some other things in the article that may be familiar to those who know the Santo story.

Santo: 'I was given a gift'

When Santo was diagnosed, not much was known about the disease. Understandably, he was concerned about his future.

"The first thing when (the doctor) said diabetes, yeah I had a couple of candy bars here and there," Santo said. "Then he looked at me and I asked, can I play baseball any more and he said. 'I don't know.' We weren't familiar with diabetes at that time."

Given the state of baseball at the time, with just 16 major league teams and hundreds of minor league teams, Santo did what was expected.

"Did I hide the fact? Yes," Santo said. "The only person I would tell was my roommate, in case I went into a coma."

Santo told the club after his first all-star game appearance in 1963. He went on to another 10 years with the Cubs and one with the White Sox before retiring after the 1974 season.

Also, Jeff Johnson of the Cedar Rapids Gazette has this article today about the MWL as development:

A learning ground for big leaguers

Jack Roeder remembers faxing some sheets to the Cincinnati Reds after a Cedar Rapids Reds game at Memorial Stadium.

It was 1991, before the advent of e-mail. The fax machine was how minor league managers and coaches shipped game reports to farm directors.

As Roeder, in his first year as Cedar Rapids general manager, was doing his duties, he happened to glance at one of the pages about to be sent. A comment in it went something like this:``Will be premier closer in the big leagues within three years.

''That comment was about Cedar Rapids relief pitcher Trevor Hoffman. More than 500 major league saves proves it was dead on.

``What I remember was this was his first year as a pitcher,'' said longtime Cedar Rapids Reds/Kernels public-address announcer Dale Brodt. ``I think he was an infielder before that. It was quite obvious he had a talent for getting guys out.''

At the beginning of last week, The Gazette scanned each major league team's active roster and disabled list and determined how many players were in the Midwest League at one time and where they played.

Jeff goes through and picks the best current major leaguers from each team in the Midwest League. His pick from the Appleton Foxes/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: Alex Rodriguez over David Ortiz.

Midwest League Action -- 6/16

Complete Saturday night scoreboard is HERE.

Rattlers 4, @Cedar Rapids 3 (F/11): Extra innings can be fun!

Lansing 2, @Fort Wayne 1; @Fort Wayne 3, Lansing 0: Splitsville.

@Kane County 3, Burlington 0: Cougars starting to heat up for second half, too?

@Great Lakes 7, South Bend 4: Loooooooooons make a push for .500.

@West Michigan 9, Dayton 1: Whitecaps clinch. So the defending champs are back in the playoffs!

@Peoria 3, Clinton 2: Chiefs blew a save, but get the win in the bottom of the ninth.

Beloit 4, @Quad Cities 3: Snappers clinch first half division title..."SWING ponder what went wrong".

Mariner System Report (Games of 6/16)

SEATTLE (MAJ: 35-30; 3rd AL West): The Mariners lost 9-4 at Houston. Cha Seung Baek (WI ’00) gave up six runs on seven hits over four innings and took the loss. Ryan Feierabend (WI ’04) worked two scoreless innings and Eric O’Flaherty (WI ’05) pitched one scoreless inning out of the Mariner bullpen.

TACOMA (AAA: 28-42; 4th Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers lost 6-5 to Tucson in ten innings. Oswaldo Navarro (WI ’05) homered and drove in a pair of runs for Tacoma. The Rainiers led 5-4, but the Sidewinders tied the game with a run in the top of the ninth and scored a run in the tenth for the win.

WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 30-39; 3rd Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx lost 5-2 at Tennessee. Marshall Hubbard (WI ’05) homered and drove in both runs for West Tennessee. Joe Woerman (WI ’06) gave up twelve hits and five runs over seven innings for the loss.

HIGH DESERT (High-A: 30-39; 5th California League South Division): The Mavericks beat Rancho Cucamonga 7-5. Jesus Guzman hit a pair of homers and drove in six runs for High Desert. Aaron Jensen (WI ’05) pitched three scoreless innings in his first start since April 22. Cibney Bello (WI ’05) pitched three innings and gave up five runs and got the win.

Mariner system schedule 6/17:
Seattle (Jarrod Washburn 5-5) at Houston (Roy Oswalt 6-4) 1:05pm CDT
Tucson (Dustin Nippert 0-2) at Tacoma (Juan Doñe 0-2) 3:35pm CDT
West Tennessee (Travis Chick 1-0) at Tennessee (Paul Schappert 2-1) 4:00pm CDT
Rancho Cucamonga (Brok Butcher 4-5) at High Desert (Jose Escalona 2-4) 7:05pm CDT
Everett – Northwest League season starts June 19
AZL Mariners – Arizona League season starts June 22

Baseball History -- June 17

Complete entry for June 17 is at BaseballLibrary.com HERE.

Highlighted entry:

1995
The Angels release Mitch Williams. The Wild One‚ considered retired last year after being released by Houston‚ leaves the majors with a unique stat on his resume: 526 hits and 537 walks in 684 2/3 innings. He is the only pitcher with more than 250 innings to allow more walks than hits.

Mitch Williams was a competitor and to my knowledge never failed to take the ball in a situation with the game on the line. He made it interesting and heart breaking at times, but he was never boring.

Game Notes -- 6/16

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers beat the Kernels 12-3. Carlos Peguero drove in seven runs to lead the way for the Wisconsin offense. Anthony Varvaro allowed one run and struck out nine over seven innings for the win.

FAST START: The Rattlers scored four times in the top of the first inning last night. Those were the most runs scored in the first inning of any game this season by Wisconsin.

SEVENTH HEAVEN: Peguero got his seven RBI with a two-run double in the first, a two-run double in the fourth, and a three-run homer in the eighth. The last time a Rattler hitter drove in seven runs in a game was May 28, 2000. Kris Gundrum had seven RBI in a game at Dayton on that day.

CAREER MARKS SET: The seven innings pitched and nine strikeouts recorded by Varvaro were both career highs for a game. The nine strikeouts also set a season high for an individual Rattler pitcher.

MET AND EXCEDED: The 12 runs scored by Wisconsin matched a season high. They also scored 12 in a start by Varvaro in a win over Fort Wayne on April 27. The Rattlers collected 15 hits to set a new season high.

DOUBLE DIGITS: Last night was only the fourth time Wisconsin has scored ten or more runs in a game. The last time the Rattlers reached double digits in runs was May 12 in an 11-1 win over Peoria.

MEET THE NEW GUY: Calvin Beamon made his professional debut last night as the leadoff batter and centerfielder for the Rattlers. Beamon signed with the Mariners before the 2007 draft as a fifth-year senior out of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He went 2-for-3 with a walk, a sacrifice bunt, and three runs scored.

JUAN MORE: Rattler shortstop Juan Diaz had a pair of singles last night. After going hitless in his Timber Rattler debut, he has a hit in nine straight games. Diaz is 10-for-26 during the streak.

OPPOSING STARTER: RHP Trevor Bell was the 37th overall pick in the 2005 draft by the Angels out of Crescenta Valley (CA) High School. Bell went 4-2 with an ERA of 3.50 in sixteen starts for the Orem Owlz in 2006. He made his professional debut for the Angels Arizona League affiliate in 2005 where he had no record in four starts with a 4.50 ERA. He made his Midwest League debut against the Rattlers on April 14 of this season. He allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits with no walks and five strikeouts over six innings to take the loss. Bell has won his last two starts. His last time out was a seven inning outing at Beloit on June 11. In that game, Bell allowed two runs on seven hits with no walks and six strikeouts. In his last three outings – covering 18 innings, Bell has walked one and struck out 15.

Hotel Windows (Cedar Rapids 2007 2.0)

Again, deja vu....Just greener and from a better angle.

Hotel Room Art (Cedar Rapids edition 2.0)

Looking at thes pictures, I am having the most disturbing case of deja vu?

Michael Saunders in the Farm Report

Earlier in the week, Michael Saunders (WI '06) was featured in the Seattle Times M's Farm Report:

Steady Saunders making progress

Mike Saunders was a very energetic little kid.

So energetic that his parents signed him up for any sport they could think of, including hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, basketball, soccer and baseball.

"I eventually pared them down to two by high school, hockey and baseball," said Saunders, the Mariners' 11th-round draft pick in 2004.

"Finally, I gave up hockey and decided on baseball."

It appears to have been a good move for the 20-year-old outfielder from Victoria, B.C. He is making steady progress in the Mariners' system and is having a good year at high-level Class A High Desert, hitting .308 with 10 homers and 49 runs batted in, and leading the team with 18 stolen bases.

All clear in Tacoma?

This story was on the website of the Tacoma News-Tribune.

Tucson’s likely departure solidifies Tacoma’s future

It seems apparent that the 40th year of professional baseball in Tucson, Ariz., might be a sad one, or even the last one.

Earlier in the week, Jay Zucker, president and CEO for Tucson Baseball, LLC., announced that the group had reached an agreement to transfer ownership of the Tucson Sidewinders to Manhattan Capital Sports, LLC and SK Baseball – a partnership of Stuart and Jerry Katzoff and Indiana Pacers co-owner Herb Simon.

While ownership changes are frequent for minor league baseball franchises, this particular shift has brought a fair amount of deserved anxiety to the baseball fans in Tucson. Why? Because just a few months ago, Washoe County, Nevada, sent a letter of intent to the Pacific Coast League saying it wanted to purchase a Triple-A franchise.

Shortly thereafter SK Baseball worked out a predevelopment and finance deal with Washoe County Commission to build a 6,500- to 10,000-seat stadium in Reno that would be ready for the 2009 season.

After 39 years of professional baseball in Tucson, it appears that next year will be the last. Or not?
...
While Tucson fans lament the possibility of no more baseball in the future, their loss pretty much cements the Rainiers’ future in Tacoma.

When Reno first sent the letter of intent for a franchise to the PCL, some local fans were worried that the Rainiers, who are under new ownership, could be that team, particularly with the franchise’s lease with the city up for renewal in 2008.

However, Mike McCall, president of Schlegel Sports Group, the owners of the Rainiers, dismissed those thoughts a few weeks back.

“When we bought the Rainiers, the idea all along was to keep them here in Tacoma,” he said. “And that’s what we intend to do.”

Just something to keep an eye on.

Meanwhile, over at the Rattler website

I hope that you have been checking out some of the features at the Rattler homepage while I suffered my little breakd..er, hiatus.

But, in case you haven't:

The countdown of the best seasons in Timber Rattler history kept on going:

#13 Mike Wilson -- 2005

#12 Chris Mears -- 1999

#11 Kevin Olore -- 2001

The latest Alumni report went up yesterday. Turns out this Adam Jones kid is pretty good. Plus, check out which ex-Rattlers are playing in the independent circuits.

And in honor of Throwback Friday, a little post about former Appleton Fox and current Chicago White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams. Check out the his Foxes baseball card and the MWL logo. I'd post it here, but I don't want to steal Jay's thunder.

And for the happenings around Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium:

There is some softball game hosted by a certain #4 tomorrow.

The Sports Medicine Center is hosting a Kids Camp on June 22

Author Tom Stanton is making an appearance on July 4th to promote his book Ty and the Babe. Follow that last link to see what the book is about.

Hawk Nelson is headlining Faith Night on July 24. Bob & Larry from the Veggie Tales will be there, too.

With all due respect...

I'm not sure where people get the idea that they can say anything after using the introductary clause With all due respect...Wasn't that a Will Ferrel skit on SNL?

Keep that in mind as you take a look at this story about the Kane County Cougars getting ready for the All-Star Game.

While Tuesday’s All-Star Game provides the Midwest League’s top players a chance to strut their stuff, the Kane County Cougars’ front office views the night in much the same manner.

With officials from around the league, TV cameras and a likely sellout crowd to descend on Elfstrom Stadium, Cougars officials hope their extensive planning yields the big impression they crave.

“We’re proud of our staff and the job we do here,” said Jeff Ney, the team’s assistant general manager in charge of promotions. “With all due respect to our counterparts, we think we’re about the best in the league and the best in the country. It’s a chance for us to show that off first-hand."

Emphasis mine. I know that every front office in minor league baseball thinks this. But, do any of us say this?

Midwest League Action -- 6/15

Friday night's MWL scoreboard is HERE.

Rattlers 12, @Cedar Rapids 3: If the Rattlers aren't going to the playoffs in the first half, neither are the Kernels. Thank you, Carlos Peguero and your seven RBI.

Lansing 4, @Fort Wayne 3; Fort Wayne 5, Lansing 2: Splitsville is not what the Lugnuts needed, but they will take it to get closer to the Whitecaps and a wild card spot in the East.

Dayton 10, @West Michigan 0: Either it is, not even Kenny Rogers can slow down the Dragons or not even Kenny Rogers can help the Whitecaps into the playoffs. Follow the Gambler's performance inning-by-inning at Brian VanOchten's blog.

@Great Lakes 7, South Bend 2: Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, Looooooons manager Lance Parrish. Happy Birthday to yoooooooooou.

Beloit 17, @Quad Cities 4: The SWING weren't prepared for the Snappers on Boy Scout Night at the JOD.

Clinton 8, @Peoria 7 (F/11): The LumberKings had the worst record in the MWL in 2006. They are in the playoffs in 2007.

@Kane County 8, Burlington 1: Be wiser, pitch Heuser.

Excuses, excuses, excuses

I would have had a lot of this up sooner, but the wireless at the hotel was acting up...and Zambrano was working on a no-hitter, and Tiger was teeing off, and I really needed to divide my clean clothes from my dirty ones, and I had to make sure my hotel room was cleaned up for when the maids went through it later,

I've got a million of 'em and all of 'em are absolutely true.

Mariner System Report (Games of 6/15)

SEATTLE (MAJ: 35-29; 3rd AL West): The Mariners lost 5-1 at Houston. Ichiro had a pair of hits and is now hitting .342 on the season. Felix Hernandez (WI ’03) allowed four runs on twelve hits over six innings and took the loss.

TACOMA (AAA: 28-41; 4th Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers beat Tucson 9-7 in twelve innings. The Sidewinders went up 7-2 with five runs in the top of the eleventh. Tacoma tied the game with five in the bottom of the eleventh. Wladimir Balentien (WI ’04) homered in the bottom of the twelfth for the win. The game-ending blast by Balentien was his fifth hit of the night. Adam Jones (WI ’04) hit his sixteenth homer of the season in the bottom of the eleventh to tie the game 7-7. All that is cool, but my favorite part of the game story is bolded and italicized below:

Both managers were tossed from the game. Tucson’s Bill Plummer for arguing balls and strikes, and Tacoma’s Daren Brown for arguing whether Plummer’s replacement, John Youngblood, touched a runner while coaching third base. The usually even-keeled Brown even tossed his hat nearly 30 feet in disgust.

WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 30-38; 3rd Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx beat Tennessee 4-2. Luis Valbuena (WI ’06) had a pair of hits and an RBI for West Tennessee. Robert Rohrbaugh (WI ’05) pitched six shutout innings and gave up nine hits with three strikeouts for the win. David Asher (WI ’06) got the save by getting the final two outs.

HIGH DESERT (High-A: 29-39; 5th California League South Division): The Mavericks lost 5-2 to Rancho Cucamonga. Chris Tillman (WI ’07) gave up five runs (four earned) on eight hits over six innings and took the loss. The Mavericks trailed 5-0 heading into the bottom of the ninth. They scored two runs, but a potential game-winning grand slam fell just short.

Mariner system schedule 6/16:
Seattle (Cha Seung Baek 3-2) at Houston Astros (Woody Williams 2-9) 6:05pm CDT
Tucson (D.J. Carrasco 2-5) at Tacoma (Justin Lehr 6-1) 9:05pm CDT
West Tennessee (Joe Woerman 2-3) at Tennessee (Donnie Veal 3-4) 6:15pm CDT
Rancho Cucamonga (Robert Mosebach 6-4) at High Desert (Aaron Jensen 2-1) 9:05pm CDT
Everett – Northwest League season starts June 19
AZL Mariners – Arizona League season starts June 22

Baseball History -- June 16

Complete entry is at BaseballLibrary.com HERE.

Highlighted entry:

1917
The Red Sox‚ 1-6 in their last seven games coming into the Chicago series‚ appear to be on the verge of losing another when the Pale Hose take a 2-0 lead in the 5th. With a light mist falling‚ Boston starts stalling‚ and then finds an ally when a "horde of fans" (Chicago Tribune) storm the field from the RF bleachers "where the gambling crowd is allowed to operate freely." The mob goes on the field in the 5th to prevent the Red Sox from batting and making it an official game and with just five policemen in the stadium‚ the umpires are unable to clear the field. The Chicago players must force their way to the dugout and Buck Weaver is "hit by a pop bottle while leaving the field." Weaver and McMullen are accused of "having slugged a couple of fans in the mob during the riot‚ and later those fans went to the chief officer and arranged to get warrants out for their arrest." Umpire McCormick refuses to forfeit the game and two mounted policemen come on the field when the players return. Boston owner Frazee "declined to obey McCormick's order" to remove the canvas covering the mound until the ump "pulled his watch." Sawdust is spread on the wet infield and when play resumes 45 minutes later the White Sox go on to a 7-2 win.

Gotta love Sox fans. They'll do anything for their team.

One more Rattler transaction

This one just happened:

Outfielder Calvin Beamon transferred to Wisconsin from Everett
Catcher Danny Santin transferred to Everett from Wisconsin

Beamon is from UNLV and was also a member of the University of Texas team that won the College World Series in 2005.

He was signed as a fifth year senior before the 2007 draft. His UNLV player page is HERE.

Game Notes -- 6/15

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers lost 5-1 at Quad Cities. Nathan Adcock allowed two runs over seven innings, but took the loss. Wisconsin trailed 2-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning. Luke Gorsett hit a two-out, three-run home run in that inning to give the Swing a 5-1 lead. The loss ended Wisconsin’s brief two game winning streak.

A MAN OF QUALITY: Despite the loss, Adcock recorded a quality start last night. A quality start is considered six innings pitched with three or fewer earned runs. Of the 13 quality starts by Timber Rattler starters this season, Adcock has tossed four.

SWING LOW: Adcock has made two starts against Quad Cities this season. He has pitched 14-1/3 innings and allowed four runs on 13 hits with three walks and ten strikeouts. Adcock is 0-1 with a 2.51 ERA against Quad Cities.

FULLY FURNISHED: Swing starter Brad Furnish pitched six shutout innings for his first win of the season. He retired the first thirteen batters he faced in the game. Carlos Peguero doubled with one out in the fifth inning for the first hit of the game.

THE LONE RUN, MAN: Peguero drove in the only Rattler run with a seventh inning fielder’s choice.

WHO’S IN RIGHT? Peguero started in right field last night. It was his first start in the outfield this season. He had been the designated hitter in his first 43 starts with the Rattlers this season.

EIGHT-BALL: Rattler reliever Drew Fiorenza retired the first two batters he faced in the bottom of the eighth. Then, Brandon Buckman drew a walk and Chris Grossman singled. Gorsett hit his homer deep to left to put the game out of reach. Gorsett has three home runs and 13 RBI this season. He has two homers and six RBI against the Rattlers.

JUAN MORE: Rattler shortstop Juan Diaz had a single in the eighth inning. He has a hit in eight straight games. Diaz is 8-for-22 during the streak.

ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They are currently 38-28 and in third place in the Western Division of the Midwest League. They trail the second place Clinton LumberKings by two games with three games remaining in the first half. Cedar Rapids is still alive in a chance for the first half Western Division Wild Card. In their most recent series, the Kernels split a six game series at Pohlman Field against the Beloit Snappers. Cedar Rapids is 18-11 at home this season. Their manager is Ever Magallanes.

LAST YEAR: The Rattlers and Kernels played 11 times in 2006. Wisconsin was 3-8 against Cedar Rapids in that season series. The Rattlers were 3-5 at Veterans Memorial Stadium versus the Kernels in 2006.

THE SEASON SERIES: The Rattlers are 1-3 against the Kernels this season. Cedar Rapids took three out of four games at Veterans Memorial Stadium April 13-16. The Kernels make their only appearance at Time Warner Cable Field July 3-6.

PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA has placed 10 members of the active Kernel roster on their Top 30 list of prospects in the Angel organization. Those players are: Catcher Hank Conger (#6); pitcher Sean O’Sullivan (#9); pitcher David Herndon (#11); infielder PJ Phillips (#13); infielder Matt Sweeney (#16); pitcher Jeremy Haynes (#17); infielder Ryan Mount (#20); pitcher Trevor Bell (#21); pitcher Barret Browning (#28); and infielder Mark Trumbo (#29). Outfielder Peter Bourjos (#12) is currently on the disabled list.

OPPOSING STARTER: Vladimir Veras was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Angels in 2003 out of the Dominican Republic. He pitched in the Dominican Summer League in 2004 and 2005 and compiled a record of 7-3 in 26 games (13 starts). Last season, Veras pitched in the Arizona League and went 8-2 with a 1.35ERA in 12 starts. He struck out 58 in 60 innings. Veras joined the Kernels in early June and has made two starts. His last time out was a loss at Quad Cities on June 10. He allowed one run on six hits over five innings in that start. This is his first appearance against the Rattlers, but, his second appearance against an affiliate of the Mariners. Veras beat the AZL M’s on August 22, 2006 with six shutout innings. In that game, Veras allowed three hits, struck out seven, and walked none.

Pitching probables for Cedar Rapids series

FRI: RHP Anthony Varvaro (3-7, 5.68) vs. RHP Vladimir Veras (0-1, 2.25)
SAT: RHP Steve Richard (1-1, 5.40) vs. RHP Trevor Bell (2-2, 3.34)
SUN: RHP Ricky Orta (1-1, 5.21) vs. RHP David Herndon (7-3, 3.38)

A quick post..

I think that I am just about caught up on a lot of the things that were keeping me from updating the blog over the last two weeks.

Here is a visual representation of what I have felt like for the last 30 years, I mean, two weeks....

Thank you, H.P. Lovecraft.

Just one more day of minimal posting. Then, tomorrow it is back to a full workload of my rambling thoughts and therapy.

Probable starters for the Cedar Rapids series and game notes for tonight are next.

Game Notes -- 6/14

ABOUT WEDNESDAY: The Rattlers beat the Swing of the Quad Cities 5-2. Carlos Peguero hit a three run homer in the top of the first inning to provide most of the Rattler offense. Starting pitcher Kyle Parker allowed one run on three hits with five strikeouts for the win. The win was Wisconsin’s second straight.

IT’S A STREAK: The back-to-back wins gives the Rattlers their first winning streak since they won a season high three games in a row over Kane County from May 21-23.

TWO OUT RALLY: The Rattlers had two outs and nobody on base in the top of the first inning. Trevor Lawhorn and Reed Eastley each drew walks against Swing starter Elvis Hernandez. Peguero got ahead in the count 3-1 and smashed the next pitch for his fifth homer of the season.

IN AND OUT OF TROUBLE: Parker allowed the first two Swing hitters to reach in each of the first three innings. The Swing only scored in the bottom of the second on a single by Wilmer Alvarado after Luke Gorsett started the inning with a double. After the third inning, Parker allowed one hit and retired the final eight batters he faced in order.

FIND YOUR WAY BACK: Yesterday, Ricky Orta made his second relief appearance off the disabled list. He allowed one run on one hit and one walk with two strikeouts over 2-1/3 innings. Orta is scheduled to start Sunday at Cedar Rapids in the final game of the first half.

JUAN MORE: Rattler shortstop Juan Diaz had a single in the fifth inning. He has a hit in seven straight games. Diaz is 7-for-19 during the streak.

DAY GAMES: The Rattlers improved their record in day games to 5-18 with the win yesterday.

ANOTHER ROSTER MOVE: Infielder Gerardo Avila was placed on the suspended list before Wednesday’s game. Infielder Joe White, a 42nd round pick of the Mariners in 2006 out of Georgia Perimeter College, joins the team.

HOW MANY? There are fourteen players on the current Timber Rattler roster who were not with the team on Opening Day.

JUST A NOTE: The Swing use a tandem (or piggyback system) regarding their eight of their pitchers. They have two pitchers scheduled to pitch every game. The starter will go between four or five innings or 75 pitches. The next pitcher will begin an inning and go for four innings or 75 pitches. One pitcher starts and the other relieves. The next time that tandem's turn in the rotation comes up, the pitchers switch roles. For example the next time that the Brad Furnish/Tyler Herron tandem comes up in the Swing rotaion, Herron will start and Furnish will relieve.

OPPOSING STARTER: Brad Furnish was the second round pick of the Cardinals out of Texas Christian University in the 2006 draft. Furnish was 3-6 with a 3.94ERA in 15 starts with 68 strikeouts in 75-1/3 innings pitched for the State College Spikes in the New York-Penn League last season. In his last appearance, Furnish picked up the save with three scoreless innings at Cedar Rapids on June 10. He allowed one hit and struck out four against the Kernels. His last start was his only appearance against the Timber Rattlers. Furnish got a no decision in the second game of the double header on June 5. He gave up a pair of runs (one earned) on two hits in four innings and struck out nine.

ALSO SCHEDULED TO PITCH: Tyler Herron was a supplemental first round pick (46th overall) in the 2005 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals out of Wellington Community High School in Florida. Herron was 5-10 with a 4.67 ERA in 27 starts during his first two seasons of professional baseball. He has pitched for Johnson City (2005, 2006) and State College (2006) before starting this season with the Swing. Herron is 6-4 and has won his last six decisions. In his last outing, he pitched six shutout innings and allowed three hits in a start against Cedar Rapids on June 10. Herron also picked up the win against the Rattlers on June 5 in the second game of a double header with three innings of one-hit shutout ball. Herron struck out six Rattlers in that game.

Flag Day

I was looking for a decent baseball related picture to celebrate Flag Day.

I found one on Vintage Baseball. There is a section for Pre-World War II baseball postcards...

Happy birthday, to the Army as well. Here is the official site of the USMA's Baseball team. Take note of Nick Hill, Seattle's 7th round pick and a West Point standout, in the story HERE.

Hotel Windows (Quad Cities 2007)

Another hotel window that opens all the way and has no screen. You know what this makes me think about....

Boy, that's a lot of cracks in the pavement. It's going to take forever to repair them

Hotel Room Art (Davenport edition)

After seeing this edition, you may be thinking that I took the pictures of clowns and dogs playing poker off the walls of my room in Davenport to spare you from that evil. But, I had a video of The Carpenters at the top of this blog for over a week. So, I bring you Empty Walls:



I heard that the "Two Screws" piece of art is available for sale at $45,000. Well worth it. I think I'll get it for the study/bathroom/kitchen/rec room at the trailer.

One stop shopping for Rattler transactions

This may help to catch you up on the roster moves since last Saturday:

After the game on 6/9:

Rob Harmon sent to Everett (for real)
Nathan Adcock transferred to Everett (on paper)

Ricky Orta activated from disabled list
Anthony Varvaro transferred to Wisconsin from Everett (on paper)


After the game on 6/10:

Ogui Diaz transferred to Everett
Greg Halman sent to Everett
Kalian Sams sent to Everett
Pitcher Rollie Gibson placed on the suspended list

Kevin Reynolds transferred to Wisconsin from extended spring training
Reed Eastley transferred to Wisconsin from High Desert
Juan Beltran activated from the disabled list
Pitcher Nathan Adcock transferred back to Wisconsin from Everett (on paper)

After the game on 6/11:

Tony Butler placed on disabled list

Eddy Fernandez transferred to Wisconsin from extended spring training

Before the game on 6/12:

Gerardo Avila placed on the suspended list

Joe White transferred to Wisconsin from extended spring training

Is this thing on?

Sorry. Been away for a bit.

Warren, could you explain this for me:

When your grasp has exceeded your reach
And you put all your faith
In a figure of speech
You've heard all the answers
But the questions remain
Grab a hold of that fistful of rain

Yep. That's about right.

So, did I miss anything?

I know that there is a lot to write about. When I find a spare week or two, I'll catch you up on the transactions and some of the other stuff.

Right now, there is a game in just over an hour. I just didn't want that Carpenters post at the top of the blog anymore.

Warren, take us out of here

Some have the speed
and the right combinations
If you can't take the punches
it don't mean a thing

How is this for evil?

In honor of another rainout at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium, Rattler Radio is giving you a preview of Mehring Monday with The Carpenters:




Two 7-inning games tomorrow. 5:35pm CDT start time for game one.

Game Notes -- 6/4

ABOUT SUNDAY: The Swing beat the Rattlers 4-2. Brandon Buckman’s two run homer in the top of the fifth inning broke a 1-1 tie.

WILD TIMES: The Rattlers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Alex Meneses drew a leadoff walk against Swing starting pitcher Blake King. Meneses stole second, stole third, and scored on a wild pitch. King walked three more batters in the inning, but also struck out the side.

EARLY LEADS: The Rattlers have scored first in six straight games. Their record in 1-5 in those six games.

HITLESS FOR A BIT: Neither team had a hit through the first four innings. Quad Cities got their first hit off Rattler starter Anthony Varvaro on a Daryl Jones RBI single in the top of the fifth to tie the game. Wisconsin’s first hit came on a leadoff double by Jair Fernandez in the bottom of the fifth off Brandon Dickson, the third pitcher of the game for the Swing.

A BUCKMAN BLAST: Buckman’s homer came on a 2-2 pitch against Varvaro. Buckman fouled off four two strike pitches in the at bat before hitting his league leading twelfth home run of the season. Buckman also leads the Midwest League in RBI (47) and hits (72). He is also third in the league in the batting average race (.336).

THAT’S WEIRD: The Rattler pitchers combined to allow just three hits yesterday. It was the fourth time this season opponents have had three hits in a game. Yesterday was also the second time this season, the opponents have beaten the Rattlers with only three hits.

SEARCHING FOR A HIT: Rattler outfielder Kalian Sams was 0-for-4 yesterday. He is hitless in his last 23 at bats.

SEASON HIGH: Leury Bonilla singled in the sixth inning to give him a five-game hitting streak. Bonilla’s current hitting streak is his longest of the season.

SEASON LOW: Wisconsin is at 17-38 this season. This is the first time in 2007 they have been 21 games under .500.

OPPOSING STARTER: Elvis Hernandez was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Cardinals in 2005. Last season, Hernandez was 3-3 with a 3.48ERA in thirteen starts for the Johnson City Cardinals of the Appalachian League. In his last appearance for the Swing, he picked up the win with 3-2/3 scoreless innings with three hits, three walks, and four strikeouts against Clinton on May 31. His last start was on May 27 and Hernandez gave up two runs on ten hits in 4-1/3 innings with no walks and four strikeouts. He got a no decision in that start against the Beloit Snappers. This is Hernandez’s first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and his first appearance against an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.

Latest roster moves

Still not back up to full strength. (I'm not going to tell you how many times I tried to spell "strength" correctly. At least I didn't need spell check)

There is news from the Rattler camp as far as roster moves:

First the Everett Paper Shuffle continues. Tony Butler is back on the Rattler roster, which is good since he will be pitching today. Anthony Varvaro, yesterday's starter, has been moved to the Everett roster, but will be off in time to make his start against Kane County.

Second:

Andy Hargrove has been promoted to High Desert

Taking his spot on the roster is Juan Diaz. Diaz hit .191 in the Dominican Summer League in 2006. He played six games and went 3-for-20 for High Desert earlier this season.

Diaz is in the starting lineup for today's game.

Game Notes -- 6/2

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers snapped a five-game losing streak with a 2-1 win in thirteen innings over the Burlington Bees. Kuo Huio Lo’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the bottom of the thirteenth gave the Rattlers the win. Rollie Gibson, Wisconsin’s fourth pitcher of the night, got the win with two scoreless innings.

DROUGHT IN A RAINSTORM: Friday’s game was played in a steady rain from the second through the eighth inning. The Rattlers scored an unearned run in the first inning on a two-out single by Alex Liddi. Wisconsin did not get another base runner past second base until the thirteenth. Tyler Chambliss, Burlington’s second pitcher in the game, pitched 5-1/3 innings of two-hit, shutout ball with seven strikeouts. The only Burlington run of the game came on a lead off home run by Chris McConnell in the sixth inning off Kyle Parker. Joe Kantakevich, Andrew Barb, and Gibson kept the Bees off the board for the final 7-2/3 innings.

ROLLIE’S WIN: Last night, was Gibson’s first win as a Rattler.

WELCOME TO THE TEAM; NOW GET IN THERE: Trevor Lawhorn, the newest Timber Rattler arrived at the ballpark after the game started. He entered the game as a pinch runner for Danny Santin in the bottom of the thirteenth. Lawhorn scored the winning run on the sacrifice fly by Lo.

CLOSE SHAVES: The final three games in the series with Burlington were decided by one run. Burlington beat the Rattlers 10-9 and 5-4 in the other one run games.

WORKING OVERTIME: The Rattlers are 2-0 in extra inning games this season. They beat Beloit 3-2 at home in eleven innings on April 18.

WORKING OVERTIME (PT II): Last night was the longest Rattler game since a fourteen inning game on August 18, 2006. The Rattlers beat the Dayton Dragons 7-5 that night at Fifth Third Field. The last time the Rattlers played thirteen innings at home in a single game was a 7-6 win over the Beloit Snappers on July 4, 2005.

ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Swing of the Quad Cities are the Midwest League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. They are currently 30-24 and tied with the Cedar Rapids Kernels for third place in the Midwest League Western Division. The Swing trail Western Division leading Beloit by 4-1/2 games and the second place Clinton LumberKings by two games. In their most recent series, Quad Cities won the last three games of a four game series with the LumberKings. Quad Cities is 7-3 in their last ten games. They are 14-14 on the road this season. Keith Mitchell is back as the manager of the Swing

LAST YEAR: The Rattlers and Swing played twelve times in 2006. Wisconsin was 4-8 against Quad Cities in that season series. The Rattlers were 3-4 at home versus the Swing in 2006.

GET USED TO SEEING THESE GUYS: Between now and July 2 – a space of 27 games, the Rattlers and Swing will play each other 16 times to complete their season series for 2007.

PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA has placed four members of the current Quad Cities roster on their list of top 30 St. Louis Cardinal prospects. Outfielder Daryl Jones, the third round pick in the 2005 draft out of Spring (TX) High School, is the highest ranked Swing at #10. Pitcher Tyler Herron, a supplemental first round pick in 2005, checks in at #18. Outfielder Tommy Pham, 16th rounder in 2006, is next on the list at #22. The final Quad Cities player on BA’s list is pitcher Brad Furnish, a second round pick out of Rice in 2006, at #23.

OPPOSING STARTER: Eddie Degerman was the fourth round pick of the Cardinals out of Rice in 2006. In his final season with the Owls, Degerman was 13-2 in 20 games (19 starts). He also struck out a Conference USA record 172 batters in his final collegiate season. He made nine starts for the State College Spikes of the New York-Penn League after signing with the Cardinals. Degerman was 2-3 with a 2.76 ERA and struck out 53 in 42-1/3 innings. In his last appearance for the Swing, Degerman pitched 3-1/3 innings in relief and did not allow a hit or a run. He walked one and struck out five against Clinton on May 29. The last start for Degerman was on May 24 against South Bend. He was tagged with the loss as he gave up three hits and two runs (on two solo homers) over four innings with four walks and four strikeouts.

Saturday Excuses

Still way behind and still trying to play catchup.

Only time for today's "Game Notes" post.

Hope to be able to do something more substantial tomorrow.

Game Notes -- 6/1

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Rattlers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but the Bees wound up winning 5-4. Ryan Di Pietro pitched 5-1/3 innings for the win. Chris Hayes worked 3-2/3 for the save. Alex Liddi and Leury Bonilla both had three hits and an RBI for the Timber Rattlers. Bonilla scored three runs for the Wisconsin.

BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK: Wisconsin took a 2-0 lead on three straight one out doubles in the bottom of the first inning. Kuo Hui Lo, Bonilla, and Carlos Peguero had the doubles in the inning for the Rattlers.

RIGHT BACK AT YOU: The Bees scored three times in the top of the second inning. A two-out, two-run single by Kurt Mertins gave Burlington a 3-2 lead. The Bees padded that lead to 5-2 with a pair of runs in the top of the fifth.

STINGING THE RATTLERS: Mertins is 5-for-7 with a homer, a triple, three walks, four RBI, and three runs scored in two games against Wisconsin.

OUCH!: Peguero was hit by pitches twice in last night’s game.

MISSED OPPORTUNITY: The Rattlers scored a run in the bottom of the sixth inning off Di Pietro on an RBI single by Liddi. On the play, Peguero took third and Liddi wound up on second. Di Pietro walked Gerardo Avila to load the bases. Hayes entered the game and retired the next two batters on a strikeout and a pop out to end the inning without another run scoring.

MEET THE NEW GUY: Infielder Trevor Lawhorn joins the Rattlers today. Lawhorn was a 9th round pick of the Cincinnati Reds out of East Carolina in the 2004 draft. He played for Dayton in 2005 and Sarasota in the Florida State League in 2006. After the season, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays as the player to be named later in a trade for Scott Schoeneweis. The Blue Jays released Lawhorn before the start of the 2007 season. Lawhorn hooked up with the Sioux Falls Canaries of the American Association of Independent baseball. The Mariners purchased his contract on May 25. Lawhorn was hitting .286 with four homers and ten RBI in fewer than 20 games with the Canaries. Lawhorn takes the spot of Carlos Triunfel, who went on the disabled list today.

OPPOSING STARTER: Everett Teaford was the 12th round pick of the Royals in the 2006 draft out of Georgia Southern. In his final season – his junior year – at Georgia Southern, Teaford was 10-4 with a 3.96ERA and led the Southern Conference in innings pitched (120-1/3) and strikeouts (122). After signing with the Royals, Teaford pitched for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League and went 5-1 with an ERA of 3.71 in 15 games (two starts). In his last start for the Bees, he lost at Clinton on May 27. Teaford allowed four runs on five hits over five innings with one walk and four strikeouts. Teaford has lost five straight decisions and went 0-3 with a 6.43ERA in May. This is his first appearance against the Timber Rattlers and his first appearance against an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.

Pitching probables for Quad Cities series

Keep in mind that Quad Cities uses a tandem pitching setup...meaning they have eight starters. The starting pitcher will go 4-5 innings and turn the game over to the next pitcher. The next time their turn comes up in the rotation, the starter will be the reliever and the reliever will be the starter. Confused? So am I. But, it usually takes a little less than this.

SAT: RHP Nathan Adcock (1-4, 3.83) vs. RHP Eddie Degerman (0-1, 1.78)
SUN: RHP Anthony Varvaro (3-5, 5.66) vs. RHP Blake King (2-1, 5.08)
MON: LHP Tony Butler (0-5, 4.91) vs. RHP Elvis Hernandez (4-3, 2.81)
TUE: RHP Steve Richard (1-1, 5.95) vs. LHP Brad Furnish (0-3, 2.55)

Triunfel Update

Unfortunatley it is not good news for Carlos Triunfel, Rattler fans, and those who follow the Mariner minor league system:

ROSTER MOVE: Rattler shortstop Carlos Triunfel has been placed on the disabled list. Triunfel had not played in a game since fouling off a pitch with his right thumb in game two of the double header at Peoria on Memorial Day.

No word on return date. But, judging from Triunfel's reaction (thumb across his throat) when I asked him in the clubhouse, it will probably be about 3-4 weeks.

Another update

Apologies for yesterday's lack of posts.

While the current bug that is flying through the team was making the rounds, I made the mistake of pointing out the fact that I had not been ill during the baseball season since the end of the 2003 season.

The ride to Burlington from Peoria was long enough to make me feel a little sick. But, the ride home from Burlington made me pop a couple of Ny-Quil gel caps and a quart of orange juice before hitting the couch at the trailer. Yesterday was a tough one to get through.

There is a lot to do today: tarp pull (off, not on) in about five seconds, the latest taping of Timber Rattler TV, stat packs, game notes, and a bunch of other things. If I get a chance this afternoon, I'll have the regular posts.

Or I might just sit in the radio booth with a towel over my head as I lean over a vaporizer. They still make those right?

Update

There have been a few e-mails, a comment left on the blog, some speculation at Lookout Landing, and concern at Mariner Minors. All concern Carlos Triunfel.

Here's what I know. He swung at a pitch in the second game of the double header against Peoria on Memorial Day. The ball went off his right thumb. The shortstop was replaced in his at bat by Ogui Diaz and has not played since.

Triunfel is being held out of action until they can get an x-ray off the thumb. More news when there is some.