Mariner System Report (Games of 9/6)

SEATTLE (MAJ: 55-86 4th American League West): The Mariners lost 7-4 to the Yankees. Ryan Rowland-Smith ('03) allowed three runs over 6-/3 innings for a no decision. Raul Ibanez (Foxes, '94) drove in all four Seattle runs.

WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 70-68, 28-38 4th Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx lost 4-2 at Carolina. The Mudcats swept West Tennessee out of the first round of the playoffs. The Diamond Jaxx scored twice on an error in the top of the first inning, but Carolina scored four times in the bottom of the second inning. Greg Halman ('07) had three of West Tennessee's eight hits.

MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
New York (Mike Mussina 17-7) at Seattle (Carlos Silva 4-14) 3:10pm CDT
Tacoma (Season over): 80-64
West Tennessee (Season over): 70-71 Lost 1st round of playoffs
High Desert (Season over): 58-82
Everett (Season over): 32-44
Pulaski (Season over): 40-29 Appalachian League Runners-up
AZL Mariners (Season over): 21-35

Rattler Alumni in the MiLB Post Season

Just looking at a few things and I may have missed a few, but here are the ex-Rattlers still playing in the minor league postseason.

Trevor Lawhorn ('07) is with the Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League. He did not play in the three game sweep of Wilmington in the first round. The Nationals are in the Carolina League Finals.

The Bowie Baysox are down 2-1 in their best-of-five series with the Akron in the Eastern League. Chris Tillman ('07) is scheduled to pitch Game Four tonight. Sebastien Boucher ('05) is 1-for-6 with two runs scored as he has played in two of the three games.

You checking us out?

Snappers backers tour stadium

First you start the article with an attention grabber:

As far as baseball stadiums go, Pohlman Field is a dinosaur. It's fan unfriendly and barely passes basic minor league baseball standards. But many fans have never been to another ballpark and think Pohlman Field is the norm, not the exception.

Then, the interesting premise:

Wednesday, Beloit Snappers' Chairman of the Board Dennis Conerton tried to change that. He chartered a bus and filled it with community leaders and showed them the advantages of an up-to-date stadium.

Conerton's bus took the group to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Veterans Memorial Stadium for a playoff game between the Kernels and the Clinton LumberKings. Along for the ride were Beloit City Manager Larry Arft, local businessman Jim Agate, City Council President Jim Van De Bogart, Visit Beloit Executive Director Martha Mitchell and Snappers' Board President Marcy Olsen among others.

Conerton hoped showing people what some of the state-of-the-art stadiums have to offer would peak the interest of local decision-makers.

“Someone other than people inside the Snappers' organization can now explain what is out there instead of us being the ones saying it,” Conerton said. “Now, people from outside the organization, people with influence, leaders of the community, can say what we've been saying the whole time.”

Then, mention the Timber Rattlers:

After a recent visit to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers' stadium in Appleton for a car show, Arft called Conerton with increased interest in the local project. He felt a stadium in a prime location could be used for more than just baseball and would bring in plenty of money to the area.

“I attended a game up there and was very impressed by their facility,” Arft said. “Obviously the primary use would be to support the minor league baseball team, but like this stadium (in Cedar Rapids) it is used for all kinds of special events, has a full service kitchen year-round and special concerts and other special events open to general public.

“The site has a lot of potential once you have a stadium this size to do a lot more things than we are currently able to do at Pohlman Field.”

Add in a reaction:

Built in 2002, Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids cost around $16 million and seats just over 5,000. It boasts luxury suites to go along with seating that surrounds 3/4 of the stadium. An open concourse that allows fans to order food while not missing any action, a pro shop and multiple bathrooms are amenities Pohlman Field lacks.

“I think that was the eye opener for people yesterday when they were in the suites and looked around and saw the picnic areas, wide concourses, all the concession stands and the gift shop,” Conerton said. “That's how you make more money and that's how you attract people.”

That's how I pick a out a story.

So, how did that go over?

Pretty well in Altoona, PA, it sounds like...

Holman pays tribute to fans

Curve fans got a chance to hear just how important they are to the players and coaches during an inspiring few minutes following Sunday night's game.

Pitching coach Brad Holman, who writes and sings country songs in his spare time, took the field behind home plate with guitar in hand and sang a song he wrote called ''The Loyal Fans.''

''I wrote it for the fans as a thank you from the players,'' said Holman, who penned the tune in 2002.

The song was a huge hit at Blair County Ballpark, drawing a standing ovation from many of the 7,000 fans on hand.

Midwest League Action (9/5)

September 5 scoreboard.

@West Michigan 11, South Bend 0:

Facing elimination from the Midwest League playoffs, the West Michigan Whitecaps came out swinging.

And swinging.

And swinging.

Burlington 9, @Kane County 6: "It wasn’t a very well-played game on the defensive end of things,” Cougars manager Aaron Nieckula said. “… Obviously, when your defense commits errors behind you it’s discouraging and disappointing, especially when it’s an elimination game.”

Cedar Rapids 5, @Clinton 4 (11 innings): "Every team that’s in our position will lose their final game with only one winner. We can say that our team fought hard everyday especially tonight, you can’t say enough about this team” said Micuuci

Tonight's schedule:
South Bend at West Michigan 6:05pm CDT [Game 3, First Round]
Burlington at Cedar Rapids 6:30pm CDT [Game 1, Western Finals]

Mariner System Report (Games of 9/5)

SEATTLE (MAJ: 55-85 4th American League West): The Mariners beat the Yankees 3-1. Brandon Morrow took a no-hitter through 7-2/3 innings before allowing an RBI double to Wilson Betemit. Justin Thomas ('06) got the final out of the eighth inning and JJ Putz ('00) pitched a scoreless ninth for the save. Matt Tuiasosopo ('05) got the start at third base, went 1-for-4, and picked up his first major league hit.

WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 70-68, 28-38 4th Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx trail their best-of-five first round playoff series with Carolina 0-2. There was an off day for travel last night.

MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
New York (Sidney Ponson 7-5) at Seattle (Ryan Rowland-Smith 4-2) 9:10pm CDT
Tacoma (Season over): 80-64
West Tennessee (Luis Munoz 1-2) at Carolina (Brett Sinkbeil 5-9) 5:15pm CDT
High Desert (Season over): 58-82
Everett (Season over): 32-44
Pulaski (Season over): 40-27 Appalachian League Runners-up
AZL Mariners (Season over): 21-35

MWL Announcer Alums

A couple of ex-Midwest League Announcers are in the playoffs with their new teams.

In the International League, Mike VanderWood -- formerly of the Dayton Dragons -- called the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees splitting the first two games of their first round playoff series in Pawtucket. Games 3, 4, and (if necessary) 5 are home games for the Yankees and game three is tonight.

Game one story. Game two story.

Meanwhile, Randy Wehofer -- formerly of the Burlington Bees -- has been helping to call the action as the Iowa Cubs have been playing the Oklahoma RedHawks in Des Moines for round one of the Pacific Coast League Playoffs. Those teams have also split their first two games. Games, 3, 4, and (if necessary) 5 are in Oklahoma City. Game three is tonight in Oklahoma.

Game one story. Game two story.

I mention this for two reasons.

#1.) It is good to see friends get into the playoffs. If there are two guys that deserve a little playoff success, those two guys would be Mike and Randy.

#2.) If the Yankees and Cubs make it through their respective league playoffs, they will meet in the 2009 Bricktown Showdown.

Good luck to both.

Just a quick break from baseball

I was checking qctimes.com this morning to see if they had any information on the rainout in Clinton last night. Instead, I found this story

Riverhawks out of business

The Riverhawks are (or, were) a minor league basketball in the Quad Cities. They started out in the ABA and moved to the Premier Basketball League.

I wouldn't normally blog about something like this, but there were two paragraphs in the story that just made me go...WHAT?!

Paragraph #1:

“I did not see it coming whatsoever,’’ [Former General Manager Eric] Hutchins said.

Followed immediately by Paragraph #2:

Hutchins speculated his decision to resign as the team’s lone employee might have precipitated the closure.

Ya think?

New in the top 10

Here are updates for the Single Season Top 10s in different categories:

ERA (Minimum 112 Innings Pitched)
PLAYER...........ERA....SEASON
Michael Pineda...1.95...2008
TA Fulmer........2.58...2003
Bobby Livingston.2.73...2003
Rafael Soriano...2.87...2000
Tom Oldham.......2.93...2004
Cesar Jimenez....2.94...2003
Clint Nageotte...3.13...2001
Derek Bieniasz...3.13...1995
JJ Putz..........3.15...2000
Ken Cloude.......3.24...1995

WALKS (Fewest-MIN 112 IP)
PLAYER............BBs....SEASON
Bobby Livingston..28.....2003
Tom Oldham........30.....2004
Michael Pineda....35.....2008
Cha Seung Baek....36.....2000
TA Fulmer.........37.....2003
Juan Ramirez......38.....2008
Kevin Olore.......40.....2001
Josue Matos.......42.....1999
Ryan Feierabend...44.....2004
Jason Mackintosh..44.....2004

GAMES
PLAYER..............GAMES....SEASON
Edgar Guaramato......54......2006
Mike Hrynio..........54......2004
Clint Chrysler.......51......1999
Brent Iddon..........50......1996
Lesli Brea...........49......1998
Justin Souza.........49......2007
Joe Kantakevich......48......2007
Brian Stitt..........45......2004
Aaron Scheffer.......45......1996
Zach Stark...........44......1998
Jeromy Palki.........44......1997
Ryan Moorer..........44......2008

WILD PITCHES
PLAYER............WPs....SEASON
Justin Kaye.......21.....1997
John Van Hoff.....20.....1996
Ruben Flores......17.....2006
Justin Dunning....17.....1999
Ivan Blanco.......16.....2005
Anthony Varvaro...16.....2007
Marwin Vega.......15.....2006
Jason Snyder......15.....2006
Ryan Feierabend...14.....2004
Keith Meyer.......14.....2008

DOUBLES
PLAYER..............2B....SEASON
Bo Robinson.........50....1999
Jon Nelson..........38....2003
Karl Thompson.......37....1996
David Arias.........36....1996
John Castellano.....34....2001
Juan Silvestre......34....1999
Justin Leone........32....2000
TJ Bohn.............31....2003
Greg Connors........31....1998
Luis Tinoco.........31....1996
Joe Dunigan.........31....2008

STRIKEOUTS
PLAYER..............Ks....SEASON
Jon Nelson..........168...2003
Denny Almonte.......149...2008
Joe Dunigan.........142...2008
Maximo Mendez.......142...2008
Eddy Hernandez......135...2006
TJ Bohn.............131...2003
Matt Hagen..........129...2003
Josh Womack.........126...2004
Adam Jones..........124...2004
Juan Silvestre......124...1999

2008 Inning by Inning

2008 RUNS SCORED BY INNING
1....2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...X...TOTAL
50..54..61..64..65..65..47..74..40...7...527

2008 RUNS ALLOWED BY INNING
1....2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...X...TOTAL
88..68..51..70..63..101..75..41..39..6...603

2008 Team Highs & Lows

Longest Winning Streak:...5 – (2x) 5/13-17; 6/2-6
Longest Losing Streak:.....10 - 6/27-7/6

Most Runs, Inning:............7 - 4th @ Cedar Rapids (6/25)
Most Runs, Game:..........14 – @ Cedar Rapids (6/25)
Most Hits, Inning:............7 – 4th @ Cedar Rapids (6/25)
Most Hits, Game:...........17 – @ Cedar Rapids (6/25)
Most Doubles, Game:......5 – (2x) @ Lansing (5/2); vs. Kane County (5/16)
Most Triples, Game:........2 – (3x) Last: @ Quad Cities (8/30)
Most Home Runs, Game:.3 – (4x) Last: vs. Beloit (7/28)

Most Extra Base Hits, Game:...........8 – vs. Beloit (7/6)
Most Stolen Bases, Game:..............6 – vs. Kane County (5/16)
Most Left on Base, Game:...............13 – @ Beloit (7/21)
Most Errors, Game:.........................7 – vs. Clinton (4/7)

Most Strikeouts, Game (Rattler Hitting):...17 – vs. Quad Cities (6/6)
Most Strikeouts, Game (Rattler Pitching):.18 – (2x) vs. QC (6/6); @CR (6/23)
Most Walks, Game (Rattler Hitting):.........9 – @ Beloit (4/19)
Most Walks, Game (Rattler Pitching):.......9 – vs. Beloit (7/6)

Longest Game by Innings:.......................15 – @ Cedar Rapids (6/23)
Longest Nine Inning Game (by Time):........3:45 – @ Kane County (5/30)
Longest Extra Inning Game (by Time):......4:32 – @ Cedar Rapids (6/23)
Shortest Nine Inning Game (by Time):......2:00 – vs. Cedar Rapids (5/11)

Largest Crowd (Home):...........................7,174 – vs. Great Lakes (8/2)
Smallest Crowd (Home):............................420 – vs. Fort Wayne (4/14)
Largest Crowd (Road):............................8,705 - @ Dayton (7/11)
Smallest Crowd (Road):.............................391 - @ Beloit (4/18)

Biggest Deficit Overcome in Win:.4 – Trailed 4-0 @CLN after bottom of 7th on 8/6; won 5-4
Largest Lead Lost in Loss:....4 – (6x) Last: Led 9-5 @ QC after top of 6th on 8/31; lost 11-10

2008 Individual Highs & Lows

Longest Hitting Streak:....15 – Edilio Colina 21-for-58 .362 (4/14-5/5)
Most Hits, Game:.............5 – Alex Liddi (6/14 {G-2} @Clinton)
Most Runs, Game:...........4 – Maximo Mendez (5/10 vs. Cedar Rapids)
Most Doubles, Game:.......2 – Several Rattlers; Last: Alex Meneses 9/1 @ Quad Cities)
Most Triples, Game:.........2 – Denny Almonte (8/30 @ Quad Cities)
Most Home Runs, Game:...2 – Joe Dunigan (7/12 @ Fort Wayne)
........................................2 – Denny Almonte (7/28 vs. Beloit)
Most Total Bases, Game:...9 – Denny Almonte (6/25 @Cedar Rapids)
Most RBI, Game:...............6 – Denny Almonte (6/25 @Cedar Rapids)
Most Stolen Bases, Game:..3 – Maximo Mendez ({2x} 5/8 vs. CR, 7/12 @FW)

Most Innings Pitched, Start:......9.0 – Michael Pineda (9/1 @Quad Cities)
Most Innings Pitched, Relief:....4.2 – Ryan Moorer (8/30 @ Quad Cities)
Most Strikeouts, Game:............14 – Michael Pineda (9/1 @ Quad Cities)
Most Walks, Game:...................6 – Nathan Adcock (4/26 {GM 1} vs. Beloit)
Low-Hit, CG:..............................1 – Michael Pineda (9/1 @ Quad Cities)

Low-Hit (Combined):................1 – Hume, Mortimore, Kelley (4/5 GM 2 @ Quad Cities)
.............................................1 – Paredes, Meyer, Harmon (5/21 @ Cedar Rapids)

Longest Winning Streak:.........4 – Donnie Hume
Longest Losing Streak:...........6 – Edward Paredes

Various Records

Titles should be self-explanatory:

2008 HEAD TO HEAD RECORDS
...................ALL...HOME....ROAD
Beloit:............8-7....4-5.....4-2
Burlington:........4-12...4-4.....0-8
Cedar Rapids:......6-9....3-4.....3-5
Clinton:...........5-5....0-1.....5-4
Kane County:.......7-8....5-3.....3-5
Peoria:............7-9....3-5.....3-4
Quad Cities:.......8-6....4-2.....4-4
Western Division:.45-56..23-23...22-33

Dayton:............1-4....1-1.....0-3
Fort Wayne:........2-4....1-2.....1-2
Great Lakes:.......2-4....1-2.....1-2
Lansing:...........4-2....2-1.....2-1
South Bend:........1-5....1-2.....0-3
West Michigan:.....1-5....1-2.....0-3
Eastern Division:.11-24...7-10....4-14

MONTH
April: 8-14
May: 14-15
June: 12-15
July: 9-19
August: 12-17
September: 1-0

DAY:
Sunday: 9-13
Monday: 6-14
Tuesday: 7-8
Wednesday: 7-10
Thursday: 8-8
Friday: 7-15
Saturday: 11-12

2008 starts by position and batting order

2008 STARTS BY BATTING ORDER:
1st: Carroll (58), Mendez (51), Colina (13), Reynolds (1), Beamon (2), Dickey (3), Garth (2), Meneses (6)

2nd: Dickey (1), Beamon (13), Garth (2), Meneses (24), Colina (23), Ochoa (3), Diaz (46), Almonte (24), Mendez (1)

3rd: Garth (9), Dickey (11), Liddi (8), Beamon (12), Colina (66), Diaz (5), Almonte (22), Ochoa (1), Carroll (2)

4th: Dunigan (35), Liddi (20), Avila (2), Garth (47), Robinson (3), White (4), Dickey (22), Beamon (1), Almonte (2)

5th: Liddi (55), Avila (3), Garth (3), Dunigan (46), Diaz (2), Hernandez (3), White (4), Beamon (3), Robinson (4), Dickey (3), Almonte (10)

6th: Hernandez (2), Avila (3), Diaz (29), Garth (10), Dunigan (22), Liddi (28), Robinson (3), Beamon (4), Almonte (8), Dickey (6), Ochoa (1), White (19), Colina (1)

7th: Diaz (31), Ochoa (13), Meneses (4), Dunigan (13), Colina (4), Feiner (2), Avila (3), Hernandez (2), Garth (7), Robinson (5), Beamon (7), Almonte (18), Liddi (9), Dickey (1), O’Donnell (1), Nunez (3), White (12)

8th: Avila (2), Diaz (6), Hernandez (8), Feiner (10), Ochoa (23), Garth (3), Dunigan (4), Nunez (28), Almonte (14), Beamon (4), Meneses (13), Robinson (5), Liddi (1), O’Donnell (2), Mendez (8), White (5)

9th: Feiner (6), Colina (4), Diaz (3), Ochoa (16), Meneses (16), Garth (3), Hernandez (5), Reynolds (1), Avila (1), Mendez (47), Beamon (2), Almonte (1), Nunez (23), Robinson (1), Arias (3), O’Donnell (1), White (1)

2008 STARTS BY POSITION:
C: Feiner (18), Ochoa (58), Nunez (57), Arias (3)

1B: Avila (14), Garth (51), Robinson (21), White (7), Dunigan (39), Meneses (2), Liddi (2)

2B: Garth (13), Colina (97), Meneses (26)

3B: Liddi (113), Meneses (5), Garth (14), Colina (2)

SS: Diaz (120), Meneses (7), Colina (9)

LF: Dunigan (9), Dickey (36), Beamon (19), Meneses (4), Mendez (9), Almonte (48), Carroll (13)

CF: Carroll (38), Mendez (74), Reynolds (2), Beamon (2), Almonte (20)

RF: Dickey (7), Hernandez (6), Beamon (17), Dunigan (50), Almonte (21), Mendez (26), Carroll (9)

DH: Hernandez (14), Beamon (10), Dunigan (23), Liddi (5), Garth (8), Dickey (3), White (38), Almonte (8), Meneses (19), O’Donnell (4), Diaz (1), Colina (3)

2008 Season at a Glance

2008 Best Mark:.........3-2
2008 Worst Mark:........55-80
First Half:.............31-35
Second Half:............25-45
Home Record:............30-34
Road Record:............26-46
Daytime Record:.........23-19
Night Record:...........33-61
Starters:...............33-53
Relievers:..............23-27
Quality Starts:.........46
Saves/Chances:..........33/47
Longest Win Streak:.....5 (2x)
Longest Losing Streak:..10
Rattlers Score First:...35-26
Opp. Score First:.......21-54
Comeback Wins:..........23
Lead Entering 8th:......34-3
Tied Entering 8th:......11-7
Trail Entering 8th:.....5-66
Lead Entering 9th:......42-3
Tied Entering 9th:......6-4
Trail Entering 9th:.....2-69
Wins in last AB:........14
Opp. Wins in last AB:...12
Extra Innings:..........7-5
Double headers:.........7-3
Shutouts:...............9-9
One-run game:...........16-23
Scoring 4 or less:......22-65
Scoring 5 or more:......34-15
Allowing 4 or less:.....48-21
Allowing 5 or more:.....8-59

Complete 2008 Timber Rattler Roster

Here are all the players who played for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers during the 2008 season:

Nathan Adcock
Denny Almonte
Jonathan Arias
Phillippe Aumont
Gerardo Avila
Calvin Beamon
Daniel Carroll
Edilio Colina
Juan Diaz
Gavin Dickey
Natividad Dilone
Robbie Dominguez
Jeff Dunbar
Joe Dunigan
Johnny DuRocher
Jose Escalona
Korey Feiner
Ron Garth
Cheyne Hann
Rob Harmon
Bryan Harris
Eddy Hernandez
Donnie Hume
Jose Jimenez
Joe Kantakevich
Shawn Kelley
Alex Liddi
Brett Lorin
Maximo Mendez
Alex Meneses
Keith Meyer
Ryan Moorer
Travis Mortimore
Israel Nunez
Brendon O’Donnell
Blake Ochoa
Edward Paredes
Michael Pineda
Juan Ramirez
Keith Renaud
Kevin Reynolds
Scott Robinson
Terry Serrano
Justin Souza
Walter Suriel
Joe White
Jake Wild

That's 47 players in 2008.

Some season ending stuff

The next few posts are going to be season wrap-up type things. Lots of numbers and information...Some of it may actually be correct.

Midwest League Action (9/4)

Of the four games scheduled last night, three were rained out.

September 4 scoreboard.

the one game that was played was a clincher:

Dayton 7, @Lansing 3: "You've got to separate the regular season once you're in the playoffs," Menchaca said. "I cleaned out my mind. It feels good to get on a roll, and we're on a roll now."

"It's a long, long season," Jackson said, "and it's definitely bad it had to end this way. We have a great team, with a bunch of guys who really like each other. It's tough knowing we're never all going to be together again."

South Bend @ West Michigan: PPD

Cedar Rapids @ Clinton: PPD

Burlington @ Kane County: PPD

Mariner System Report (Games of 9/4)

Light night in the system last night.

SEATTLE (MAJ: 54-85 4th American League West): The Mariners were off on Thursday.

WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 70-68, 28-38 4th Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx lost 11-2 to Carolina in Game Two of the North Division Southern League Playoffs. Mike Wilson ('05) drove in both runs for West Tennessee and did that in the first inning. But, the Mudcats scored four runs in the first inning and eventually put the game away with five runs in the top of the ninth off Shawn Kelley ('08). Anthony Varvaro ('07) made his Double-A debut by getting the final out of the ninth.

The Diamond Jaxx trail their best-of-five series 0-2. The teams are off today and resume the series on Saturday night in Zebulon, North Carolina.

MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
New York (Andy Pettitte 13-11) at Seattle (Brandon Morrow 1-2) 9:10pm CDT
Tacoma (Season over): 80-64
West Tennessee at Carolina -- OFF DAY
High Desert (Season over): 58-82
Everett (Season over): 32-44
Pulaski (Season over): 40-27 Appalachian League Runners-up
AZL Mariners (Season over): 21-35

Midwest League Action (9/3)

September 3 playoff scoreboard.

@South Bend 5, West Michigan 3.

From the South Bend Tribune:

South Bend committed six errors and West Michigan five, but the Silver Hawks collected 12 hits to win their playoff opener, 5-3, over the Whitecaps Wednesday night at Coveleski Stadium.
...
Catcher Sean Coughlin enjoyed a 4-for-4 night, scored one and drove in two.

"I saw some good pitches and ran into a couple of them,'' said Coughlin. "I haven't been able to find any holes lately, but was able to at the right time tonight.''
...
West Michigan manager Joe DePastino had a simple explanation for the errors.

"This is the worst infield in the league,'' said DePastino. "And that plays into the fielders' heads.''

and this

Panic isn't part of the South Bend Silver Hawks' standard issue.

Giving up 10 runs in the first inning of the season opener? It happens.

A 2-14 start of the season? No problem, just get better for Game 17.
...
The late infusion of college talent, midseason arrivals like center fielder Ollie Linton, Cowgill, White and pitchers Jeff Dietz, Pat McAnaney and Daniel Schlereth, didn't upset the delicate balance of chemistry.

"Hey, if they produce, 'C'mon, hop on the wagon,'" Walker said. "Those (college) guys were a breath of fresh air. They came in producing. They got off the plane swinging."

From the Grand Rapids Press

"It was a very ugly game and it could have been a little bit of nerves, but to be honest with you, this is one of the worst playing fields to play on when it comes to the way the ball hops," he said. "Both teams were on their heels because they don't have a clue which way it will hop."

and this

Pitcher Thad Weber has pitched in the NCAA Regionals for the University of Nebraska and in front 20,000 fans at Rosenblatt Stadium, home of the College World Series in Omaha, Neb.

The big-game experience he gained in those situations will be what Weber will rely on tonight in Game 2 of the Midwest League Eastern Division playoffs at Fifth Third Ballpark between the West Michigan Whitecaps and the South Bend Silver Hawks.

@Dayton 3, Lansing 1:

Everybody in the crowd at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, Sept. 3, understood starter Jeremy Horst deserved an ovation, and they gave it to him, standing.

It was Horst who won the Dragons' opening playoff game, with Neftali Soto's two-run double the determining blow in a 3-1 Dragons victory over Lansing as the Midwest League playoffs opened. Cincinnati Reds General Manager Walk Jocketty and some of his staff watched.

@Cedar Rapids 3, Clinton 0:

So much for doubting the Cedar Rapids Kernels coaching staff for picking Esmerlin Jimenez to be the starting pitcher for Game 1 of this Midwest League playoff series. Those guys knew what they were doing.

Photo Credit: Cliff Jette/The Gazette

@Burlington 5, Kane County 3:

"It didn't look real good early," said Burlington manager Brian Rupp. "Their starter did a heck of a job. We needed to find a way to at least make a dent in it, kind of get the guys some confidence. (Jason Taylor) with that big homer in the seventh and some real big at-bats there in the eighth seemed to not only go ahead and give us a little breathing room which obviously we needed."

Mariner System Report (Games of 9/3)

SEATTLE (MAJ: 54-85 4th American League West): The Mariners lost 1-0 at Texas. Felix Hernandez ('03) allowed one run on seven hits over 7-1/3 innings, but took the loss.

WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 70-68, 28-38 4th Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx lost 7-1 at Carolina in Game One of the North Division Southern League Playoffs. Johan Limonta ('06) drove in the only West Tennessee run. Joe Woerman ('06) allowed five runs on five hits and four walks over six innings to take the loss.

EVERETT (Short Season-A: 32-44, 4th Northwest League Western Division): The AquaSox lost 2-1 at Eugene in their season finale.

MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Seattle -- OFF DAY
Tacoma (Season over): 80-64
Carolina (Aaron Thompson 2-5) at West Tennessee (Tracy Thorpe 1-1) 7:05pm CDT
High Desert (Season over): 58-82
Everett (Season over): 32-44
Pulaski (Season over): 40-27 Appalachian League Runners-up
AZL Mariners (Season over): 21-35

MWL Playoffs tonight

Game Ones in the East:

West Michigan @ South Bend 5:30pm CDT

Here are three stories from The Grand Rapids Press as the Whitecaps go for three titles in a row:

Whitecaps' Kibler ready for pressure of Game 1

Jon Kibler was the starting pitcher for the Oneonta Tigers, the Detroit Tigers' rookie team, in Game 1 of the New York-Penn League playoffs last season.

For the former Michigan State standout, it was his first season as a professional and arguably the biggest game of his career. He won.

The ball has been handed to the left-hander from Baltimore, Md., again. He'll be on the mound tonight in Game 1 of the Midwest League playoffs when the West Michigan Whitecaps face the South Bend Silver Hawks in a best-of-three first-round series.

Whitecaps have advantage against South Bend

After playing South Bend 24 times this regular season, the Whitecaps and the Silver Hawks know each other well. Tonight, the two will make acquaintances again in Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium, nicknamed the "Cove" by Silver Hawks fans.

It's been a second home to the Whitecaps this season. They're 10-6 this season in South Bend.

In a three-game series, Game 1 is huge. It will be a competitive series, one that likely will go the distance.

Whitecaps are underdogs in MWL playoff series

The West Michigan Whitecaps find themselves in familiar territory -- the Midwest League playoffs -- but in the unfamiliar role of underdogs as they seek their third consecutive league championship beginning tonight.

In 2006 and '07, the Whitecaps won titles as the favored team. But this year, they barely made it into the postseason with a second-place finish in the Eastern Division during the first half.

That makes their opening-round opponent, South Bend, the favorite by virtue of its better overall record and Eastern Division title in the second half.

So what?

For the Silver Hawk-centric version here is the South Bend Tribune:

Attitude key for Hawks’ rise

It looked like 2008 might be a season to forget for the South Bend Silver Hawks. Now, it might be one to remember.

“We started off having the worst team in baseball, but we stayed positive’’ — that’s how South Bend Silver Hawks manager Mark Haley looks back at the start of the Midwest League season.

Because of an 0-9 start that stretched to 2-14, the Silver Hawks spent most of the first half of the season in the Eastern Division basement.

But thanks mainly to a second half 25-10 road record, the Silver Hawks spent most of the second half of the season in the penthouse.

Haley said the Hawks focused on the fundamentals stressed by their parent organization, the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Lansing @ Dayton 6:00pm CDT

Here is the Lansing State Journal side of this series:

New goal: Midwest League title

Following Monday's regular-season finale, a 4-2 win against the South Bend Silver Hawks, the Lugnuts had to settle with 76 wins before beginning the organization's 10th playoff appearance in its 13-season history.

"We tried to win both halves, but we weren't able to get that done," first-year Lansing manager Clayton McCullough said. "We're all excited to be in the playoffs, though. I know the guys are looking forward to it."

And now from the Dayton Daily News:

If it's stats that matter, Dragons have the edge

Stats don't lie, but what's going on here?

The Dragons first-round best-of-three playoff series with Lansing features the Midwest League's best team ERA (Lansing, 3.05) vs. the league's worst (Dayton, 4.19).

Yet in each of the three games, the scheduled starter for the Dragons has a better record and ERA than his Lugnuts counterpart.

Game 1 Wednesday, Sept. 3, has Dayton's Jeremy Horst (8-2, 2.38 ERA) going against Marc Rzepczynski (7-6, 2.83), with the second game featuring Dayton's Enerio Del Rosario (5-2, 1.16) vs. Luis Perez (5-12, 3.60). If a third game is needed Friday, Dayton's starter is Luis Montano (12-8, 4.02) vs. Brian Letko (4-4, 4.14).

Horst calm heading into playoffs

Who is in the Midwest League playoffs?

Not always the players you'd expect.

Ty Howington was a No. 1 draft pick by the Reds, yet he pitched to only one batter (walking him) in the playoffs during the Dayton Dragons' first season, 2000.

Chris Gruler? Another No. 1 pick who lost his only playoff game.

Homer Bailey, another No. 1 pick? His Dragons team didn't even make the playoffs.

Tonight, Sept. 3, Jeremy Horst is the choice of the Dragons to pitch the first game against Lansing, and they held him back a day to put him in this position. Horst is 8-2 with a 2.38 ERA, and pitching coach Doug Bair calls him one of the best two lefties in the organization below Class AAA level.

Game Ones in the West:

Clinton @ Cedar Rapids 6:30pm CDT

Clinton Herald, what say you?

LumberKings prepare to take on Kernels in playoff opener

“They know what were going to do and we know what they’re going to do. Today we told the ball club who’s going to execute better is going to be the team that comes out top.” said Clinton manager Mike Micucci.

During the year the L-Kings have faced the Kernels a combined 18 times as they have earned the season series against them by compiling a record of 13-5.

And from the Cedar Rapids Gazette:

Winning in playoffs has nice ring to Kernels

"It's a great opportunity for us," said Kernels pitcher Esmerlin Jimenez, one of those [2007 Pioneer League] championship [Orem] Owlz. "This is the playoffs, everything else is done. We have to reset. It's the same ballgame, but this is more important. Every pitch, every at-bat, everything counts."

Kane County @ Burlington 6:30pm CDT

Can we hear from the Kane County Chronicle?

Berth earned in spring

While it was the first-half Cougars team that qualified for the Midwest League playoffs, the second-half crew will be responsible for any ssort of substantial postseason run.

The Cougars begin the postseason at 6:30 p.m. tonight, on the road, in the first game of a best-of-three series with Burlington. When they take the field, many of the key names that made the playoff appearance possible with a wild card berth in June will not be in uniform, nor have they been for some time now.

First-half ace and Midwest League Western Division starting pitcher Craig Italiano, slugging center fielder Corey Brown and No. 2 starter Scott Mitchinson have been promoted, leaving fellow All-Stars Larry Cobb, Greg Dowling and Jamie Richmond to navigate a ship that’s been off course at times since late June.

The Hawkeye in Burlington must be full of stories as the Bees make their first playoff appearance since 2002:

Playoff buzz for the Bees

After the first half the Bees had, a playoff appearance was the last thing on anyone's mind.

The Bees were in the cellar at the All-Star break with a 30-39 record. The Cougars were 39-29.

Burlington, though, came alive in the second half, and especially in August.

The Bees finished with the best record in the league in the second half at 43-26. They rolled through the final month with a 20-9 mark and added a victory Monday in the regular-season finale.

How did this team go from the cellar to the penthouse?

"It was a little bit of a combination of things," said Rupp. "The roster did change a bit and kind of settled more in the second half. I think it was just the overall experience the guys got in the first half and kind of figured it out more in the second half."

Peterson overcomes early disappointment

"The first game against Kane County he gave up about 12 home runs in the first outing, but then after that he's really done an outstanding job for us," said Bees pitching coach Doug Henry. "He's been probably the one guy all year who's probably solidified innings in the bullpen when we needed someone to mop up innings, to give us quality innings. Whatever we've needed, he's been the guy to do it for us all year long."
Peterson found his way to the bullpen after being a starter his entire career, including through college at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He even began this season as a starter, working with a piggyback partner. That is when he began his relief role.

The adjustment period has been easy as Peterson has had success from the beginning.

McCoy shows his true colors

"I just said the Burlington Bees mean a lot to me being from Burlington," McCoy said, "and if the Bees make the playoffs, I will get the Bees logo tattoo. The Bees made the playoffs and I got the Bees tattoo.

"A lot of people didn't think I'd do it, but now that I've got it done, a lot of people think it's really neat that I support the Bees and I'm excited about the Bees making it to the playoffs."

Bees vs. Kane County

Starting pitchers: Kane County left-hander Carlos Hernandez (5-0, 2.29 ERA) against Burlington right-hander Danny Gutierrez (4-4, 2.70).

If that isn't enough for you. There is also the milb.com Playoff page for the Midwest League.

The Big, Big News today

There will be two new teams joining the Midwest League in 2010.

The speculation in recent weeks about whether the California League will lose some of its clubs to the Carolina League has been a major topic of discussion in the Minor Leagues. But while those two leagues have been busy talking, the Midwest and South Atlantic Leagues have been busy taking action.

The two Class A circuits, along with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, announced on Tuesday that the South Atlantic League is going to transfer two of its franchises -- Bowling Green and Lake County -- to the Midwest League prior to the 2010 season. The Bowling Green club, formerly known as the Columbus Catfish, will be moving from Georgia to Kentucky and will play its final SAL season there in 2009.

How will a 16-team MWL look?

"We haven't even discussed it," [MWL President George] Spelius said. "We said we would start mapping out divisions and playoffs and all that when they said it was finally a done deal. So there's been no talk at all. We want to take our time and do it right."

Spelius said that originally it was the Indians that approached the Midwest League and the NA about having Lake County join the league earlier this decade. But at the time a 16th team wasn't available so Lake County joined the South Atlantic League. Lake County had been the Columbus (Ga.) RedStixx from 1992-2002 before moving to Ohio prior to the 2003 season.

Here is a word from Eric Krupa, the SAL president.

"I think the worst aspect of all our travel that people don't realize is the life of the umpire. They have to drive everywhere on their own. They're not hopping on a bus with someone else driving. We have eight umpiring crews and they are traveling about 11,000 miles a season."

Not a surprise

Midwest League pitcher of the Week...Rattler Michael Pineda. Well, co-pitcher of the week with Jose Perez of Cedar Rapids.

What a season it has been for the Dominican teenager who, with a near-perfect complete-game shutout Sept. 1, lowered his ERA to 1.95 for the season. Pineda was absolutely brilliant in his last outing, allowing just one hit while striking out a career-high 14 River Bandits. It was undoubtedly the best start the league saw the entire season, and it put a cap on a tremendous run to finish his season. After Aug. 1, Pineda struck out 47 batters in 39 1/3 innings, walking just three batters in that span. He'll turn 20 next January, and he's someone to keep an eye on.

Diamond Jaxx Preview

West Tennessee starts the Southern League Playoffs tonight. They host Carolina in Game One of the best-of-five Southern League Playoffs.

Here is the milb.com site with the preview. You'll need to scroll past the Mississippi-Montgomery preview to get to the Diamond Jaxx-Mudcats.

Here is the look from the Jackson Sun.

Joe Woerman ('06) gets the start tonight for West Tennessee.

Mariner System Report (Games of 9/2)

SEATTLE (MAJ: 54-84 4th American League West): The Mariners lost 6-4 at Texas. Raul Ibanez (Foxes, '94) drove in a pair of runs for Seattle, but Ryan Feierabend ('04) gave up five runs and 11 hits to take the loss. Luis Valbuena ('06) made his major league debut with an at bat as a pinch-hitter for the Mariners.

EVERETT (Short Season-A: 32-43, 4th Northwest League Western Division): The AquaSox lost 4-3 in 10 innings at Eugene. The Emeralds scored the winning run on a wild pitch.

MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Seattle (Felix Hernandez 9-8) at Texas (Dustin Nippert 1-4) 1:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Season over): 80-64
Carolina at West Tennessee -- Game One SL Playoffs 7:05pm
High Desert (Season over): 58-82
Everett at Eugene 9:05pm CDT
Pulaski (Season over): 40-27 Appalachian League Runners-up
AZL Mariners (Season over): 21-35

About Pineda

Michael Pineda was incredible yesterday. He retired 28 of 29 batters. The only hit he allowed was a two-out infield single in the bottom of the fifth. That was after he retired the first 14 batters of the game. After the hit, he retired the final 13 batters of the game.

Milb.com noticed the performance and Benjamin Hill, a friend of this blog, wrote up a story.

Rattlers' Pineda dominates in final start

"That was the best game I have ever pitched," said Pineda after the game, with pitching coach Jamey Navarro serving as a translator. "I was hitting both sides of the plate, getting the first strike and dominating with letter-high fastballs."

Pineda's stupendous effort lowered his ERA to 1.95 on the season, good for second in the Midwest League. The native of the Dominican Republic retired the first 14 batters he faced on the afternoon, with Domnit Bolivar's infield base hit serving as the only blemish on his record. Bolivar hit a slow roller to third baseman Alex Liddi, who fielded the ball bare-handed and fired to first. It was a bang-bang play and umpire Keith Rogowski ruled that Bolivar was safe.

There are also these tidbits. I wonder where Ben picked these up? It's almost like he was listening to the broadcast or at least read the article on the Rattler website.

In addition to being the best-pitched game of his young career, Pineda's effort will go into the Timber Rattlers' record books, as well. The complete-game gem was the first one-hitter by an individual pitcher in the 14-year-history of the franchise, and his 14 strikeouts were the most accumulated by a Wisconsin pitcher since Tom Oldham whiffed 15 on June 28, 2004.

Let's not forget that Pineda absolutely shattered the old team record for ERA in a season. The old mark was 2.58 and held by TA Fulmer since 2003.

One qualifier I would add to the line best-pitched game of his young career. It should be best-pitched game of his young career so far.

Look who else got the call

The Seattle Times story on the September callups is disabled for some reason. But, there was another former Rattler getting moved up to the big leagues. Here is the link to the story on the Mariner website.

Right-handed pitcher Justin Thomas and second baseman Luis Valbuena were in uniform for the Mariners' series opener against the Rangers in Arlington, and five others, including third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo, are scheduled to arrive in time for Tuesday night's game.

Also at the link is a classic Daren Brown story. Here is how the former Rattler manager let Justin Thomas know he was headed to the majors.

"I wasn't expecting this," Thomas said. "I was called into [Tacoma manager Daren Brown's office on Saturday night] and he started talking about winter ball. I was supposed play in Venezuela. and he asked why I wanted to play there and I said I had heard the competition was better down there [than the Arizona Fall League]. There are a lot of Major League hitters there, so I thought it would be the best way for me to get ready for Spring Training."

Brown, who will manage the Peoria Javelinas in the AFL, kept the conversation going, before dropping a bombshell.

"He said, 'I know another place where you could face even better competition.' I knew he would be managing in the Arizona Fall League and thought that's what he was talking about, but then he mentioned Seattle and said I would be joining the team in Texas on Monday. I was just kind of stunned and shocked because I wasn't expecting it."

Classic Brownie.

Midwest League Action (9/1)

September 1 scoreboard.

Wisconsin 5, @Quad Cities 0: “Pineda had it going,” Quad-Cities manager Steve Dillard said. “I don’t know if he was throwing it that well or we helped him with our swings, but he put up good numbers all year.”

Lansing 4, @South Bend 2: “We made them make some good plays and they did, give credit where it’s due,’’ said Haley of Monday’s loss.

@Kane County 13, Peoria 4: “It was a well-played ballgame.”

@Dayton 5, West Michigan 4: "It goes on the back of your baseball card," said Scott, noting that .280 looks better than .279 and .270 looks better than .269.

Burlington 7, @Beloit 3: The game remained 4-3 until the top of the seventh inning when the Bees would pull away.

@Cedar Rapids 5, Clinton 4: "They were almost like spring training games," said Kernels shortstop Andrew Romine, who went 2-for-3 before getting replaced. "But it was fun. It was almost like it was a rest before we start it back up again."

@Great Lakes 3, Fort Wayne 0: If the Great Lakes Loons had gotten pitching like this all season, we may be talking about being in the playoffs this week.

Mariner System Report (9/1)

SEATTLE (MAJ: 54-83 4th American League West): The Mariners beat Texas 12-6. Adrian Beltre hit for the cycle, scored five runs, and drove in three for Seattle. Justin Thomas ('06) made his major league debut with a strikeout in a scoreless bottom of the ninth inning.

TACOMA (AAA: 80-64, 2nd Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers beat Portland 6-5. Prentice Redman hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to win the game. Oswaldo Navarro ('05) drove in two runs for Tacoma.

WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 70-68, 28-38 4th Southern League North Division): The final game of the Diamond Jaxx season at Mississippi was cancelled by Hurricane Gustav. They start the Southern League Playoffs on Wednesday.

HIGH DESERT (High-A: 58-82, 26-44 second half 5th California League South Division): The Mavericks beat Lake Elsinore 6-4. Kuo Hui Lo ('07) drove in a pair of runs and Steve Richard ('07) picked up the save as the Mavs won their season finale.

EVERETT (Short Season-A: 32-42, 4th Northwest League Western Division): The AquaSox lost 10-4 at Eugene. Walter Suriel ('08) took the loss.

MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Seattle (Ryan Feierabend 0-1) at Texas (Brandon McCarthy) 7:05pm CDT
Tacoma (Season over): 80-64
West Tennessee – OFF DAY
High Desert (Season over): 58-82
Everett at Eugene 9:05pm CDT
Pulaski (Season over): 40-27 Appalachian League Runners-up
AZL Mariners (Season over): 21-35

Thank You

Last day of the season today.

The plan is to still up date the blog regularly -- if not daily -- during the off season so stop back regularly.

Remember, Opening Day 2009 is April 9 at 6:35pm.

There are a lot of different ways that I could go with this, but:

To everyone stopped out at the ballpark to see a game; asked a player for an autograph; cheered a home run, strikeout, or great defensive play: Thank you.

To all the players who wore a Timber Rattler uniform this year, the coaching staff and the support staff, and the members of the Seattle front office who stopped by: Thank you.

To the front office staff of the Rattlers who put up with me more than you at home could ever guess: Thank you.

To all who listened to a game, read the blog, or sent an e-mail: Thank you.

Have a great off-season, everyone.

Today's Rattler Starter (9/1)

RHP MICHAEL PINEDA was signed as a non-drafted free by the Mariners out of the Dominican Republic on December 12, 2005.

LAST START: Pineda lost to Cedar Rapids on August 27 on Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. Pineda allowed three runs (two earned) over 6-2/3 innings. He allowed a pair of solo homers, did not walk a batter, and struck out six.

VS. QUAD CITIES: This is Pineda’s third appearance and second start of the season against the River Bandits this season. In 7-2/3 innings against the Bandits, he has allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.

THE START OF 2008: Pineda won his first two appearances for the Rattlers. He picked up a win in relief in the first game of a doubleheader at Quad Cities on April 5 and another win with two innings of scoreless relief against Fort Wayne on April 16.

THE STREAK: Pineda tossed 21-1/3 consecutive scoreless innings before giving up a third inning run in the start against Burlington on May 14.

PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (@ Cedar Rapids 6/26)
STRIKEOUTS: 11 (vs. Great Lakes 8/3)

September 1 Game Notes

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The River Bandits beat the Timber Rattlers 11-10. The Rattlers were led offensively by Joe Dunigan (three hits and two RBI) and Alex Liddi (two hits and three RBI). The teams combined for 26 hits and nine errors in the game.

THE FIRST THREE: Wisconsin grabbed an early lead with two runs in the first inning on RBI hits by Dunigan and Liddi. Quad Cities rallied back in the bottom of the first on back-to-back homers by D’Marcus Ingram and Jon Edwards. The Bandits scored single runs in the second and third innings for a 4-2 lead.

THE SECOND THREE: Wisconsin tied the game with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning, but Quad Cities scored a run in the bottom of the inning. After a scoreless fifth, the Rattlers scored five times in the top of the sixth. Daniel Carroll’s RBI single started the scoring. An error on a grounder by Maximo Mendez sent another run home. Dunigan singled home a run and Liddi singled home two more. The River Bandits did not score in the bottom of the sixth and Wisconsin led 9-5.

THE LAST THREE: Quad Cities retook the lead with five runs in the bottom of the seventh. Curt Smith knocked in the first run of the frame with a single. Later in the inning, Roberto Espinoza doubled with the bases loaded to tie the game. Nick Peoples followed with an RBI double to take the lead. The Rattlers tied the game 10-10 with an RBI grounder by Blake Ochoa in the top of the ninth. Quad Cities scored the winning run on a fielder’s choice in bottom of the ninth.

POST GAME CHANGE: Rattler first baseman Joe White had three hits last night; until a post game change on a play in the fourth inning. A single off the leg of first baseman Francisco Rivera was changed to an error after the game. That gave the River Bandits five errors in the game.

EIGHT THE HARD WAY: The Rattlers were charged with four errors last night. It was the second game in a row in which the Rattlers had been charged with four errors.

SINCE WE’VE BROUGHT IT UP BEFORE: Rattler hitters struck out just two times last night.

NOW THIS IS JUST WEIRD: Including last night, the Rattlers have scored 10 or more runs six times this season. The Rattlers are 3-3 in games in which they have scored at least 10 runs.

A CHANCE AT TEAM HISTORY: Michael Pineda is the scheduled starter for the Rattlers today. He enters the game with a 2.09 ERA. The Timber Rattler single season record for an ERA is currently held by TA Fulmer with a 2.58 ERA over 167-2/3 innings in 2003. Pineda has allowed 30 earned runs in 129-1/3 innings. Pineda also leads the Rattlers in strikeouts (114) and is tied for the team lead in wins (7).

ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Quad Cities River Bandits are the Midwest League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. They missed out on the playoffs in both halves of the season. Quad Cities is 68-65 overall and 35-34 in the second half. The River Bandits are 37-29 at home this season. In their most recent series, the River Bandits split a four game series at Burlington.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .243 as a team and have scored 522 runs (3.9/game). Wisconsin has hit 60 home runs this season. The Timber Rattler pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.88. Quad Cities is hitting .242 as a team. They have scored 570 runs (4.3/game). The Bandits have hit 101 home runs this season. The Quad Cities pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.78.

2008 SEASON SERIES: The Rattlers lead the season series 7-6. Wisconsin and Quad Cities split a four game series at Modern Woodmen Park to open the 2008 season. The Rattlers won the first two games of a series on Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium that was scheduled for four games from June 5-8. The games on June 7 and 8 were rained out. The teams split the four game series in Grand Chute August 21-24.

QUAD CITIES STARTING PITCHER: RH Jameson Maj was selected by the Cardinals in the 45th round of the 2007 draft out of Abilene Christian University. Maj was 5-3 with 20 saves in 39 relief appearances with 72 strikeouts in 54 innings pitched in his final season at ACU. Maj made two relief appearances for a total of 1-1/3 innings for Batavia in the New York-Penn League for his professional debut last season. Maj started the 2008 season with Batavia and was 2-2 with a save in nine games (five starts), a 3.63ERA, 37 walks, and four walks over 39-2/3 innings pitched. He joined the River Bandits in early August and is 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA. Maj lost his start prior to today as he allowed four earned runs on seven hits over 4-2/3 innings at Burlington on August 27. Maj has faced the Timber Rattlers one time. He made the start on August 22 in Grand Chute and picked up a no decision. Maj allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and seven strikeouts over five innings.

Hotel Stuff (Quad Cities)

Just putting them all into one post:


The sign for this particular company says Safety and Quality First. Well, which is it? They can't both be first?



How's this for a hotel room. It's better than the trailer.



I like my framed movie poster of The Terminator better.

Oh I’d rather walk a winding road
Rather know the things I know
See the world with my own eyes
No regrets, no looking back, no goodbyes
No goodbyes

Someday I'll go where there ain't no rain or snow
‘Til then, I travel alone
And I make my bed with the stars above my head
And I dream of a place called home

Midwest League Action (8/30)

August 31 scoreboard.

@Quad Cities 11, Wisconsin 10: “Last man standing, I guess,” River Bandits manager Steve Dillard said.

Lansing 4, @South Bend 2: “Lansing didn’t win the first half title by accident,’’ said South Bend manager Mark Haley. “They have some talented players.’’

@Cedar Rapids 2, Clinton 1: "We kind of had a little bit of a hangover after we clinched the thing," Johnson said. "It was good to see our guys go out and mentally finish a ballgame today. That's something we haven't done in a few days."

Fort Wayne 7, @Great Lakes 3: “We took the lead twice and gave it up twice,” Bustabad said. “We’ve done that all year long. If we shut them down, it’s a different story. If you let them right back in the game, they gain the momentum.”

@Beloit 4, Burlington 3: Three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning helped push the Snappers past the Bees Sunday night

Peoria 8, @Kane County 6: "The Peoria Chiefs did not beat us tonight; we beat ourselves," Cougars manager Aaron Nieckula said. "We got outhit by three, committed six errors on defense and still only lost the game by two runs."

West Michigan 5, @Dayton 4 (10 innings): "It doesn't really matter what we do in these games," said Dragons shortstop Zack Cozart. "We're in the playoffs. As long as we're ready Wednesday. We'll get all of the bad games out of the way now."

Mariner System Report (Games of 8/31)

SEATTLE (MAJ: 53-83 4th American League West): The Mariners beat Cleveland 6-4. Ryan Rowland-Smith (’03) allowed two runs (one earned) over 6-1/3 innings for the win. The one earned run allowed by Rowland-Smith was a solo homer by Shin-soo Choo (’02).

TACOMA (AAA: 79-64, 2nd Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers beat Portland 5-1. Rob Johnson (’03) and Jon Nelson (’03) each drove in a run for Tacoma as Brandon Morrow picked up the win.

WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 70-68, 28-38 4th Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx lost 6-1 at Mississippi in a rain-shortened game. Mike Wilson (’05) drove in the only run for West Tennessee. Today’s game has already been cancelled.

HIGH DESERT (High-A: 57-82, 25-44 second half 5th California League South Division): The Mavericks beat Lake Elsinore 5-4. High Desert scored twice in the top of the eighth inning to rally from a 4-3 deficit.

EVERETT (Short Season-A: 32-41, 3rd Northwest League Western Division): The AquaSox beat Salem-Keizer 7-5. Everett scored six runs in the fourth inning and held on for the win in their home finale.

MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Seattle (Carlos Silva 4-14) at Texas (Matt Harrison 6-3) 7:05pm CDT
Portland at Tacoma 3:30pm CDT
West Tennessee – SEASON OVER Southern League Playoffs start Wednesday
High Desert at Lake Elsinore 4:08pm CDT
Everett at Eugene 9:05pm CDT
Pulaski – SEASON OVER 40-27 Appalachian League Runners-up
AZL Mariners – SEASON OVER 21-35