Back up the Mayflowers

It's moving day in Fort Wayne.

The Fort Wayne TinCaps front office staff will be moving from their offices at Memorial Stadium to their newly finished offices at Parkview Field this Friday, February 13th.

“We are thrilled to be able to move into our new space at Parkview Field,” said TinCaps Team President, Mike Nutter. “It is a tribute to Weigand Construction and all of the sub-contractors involved with the development of Parkview Field that our staff will be able to be on-site in beautiful and fully functional office space two months before Opening Day.” The entrance to the TinCaps office is located at 1301 Ewing Street, on the west side of Parkview Field.

Not only will the move provide staff members with the added benefit of being on-site during the final stages of construction, the increased square footage is a necessity. “We have added 15 full-time employees and have completely out-grown our current offices,” said Nutter. “There are only so many spaces you can squeeze people.”

I've been in the offices at Memorial Stadium. Sardines in a can would be an appropriate term.

All Aboard!

Alternative title...There's something about a train, that's magic.

Old School. It isn't just a funny movie.

Beginning the morning of Feb. 20, the day individual tickets go on sale at Wrigley Field, the first 100 fans that bring their ticket for the Sept. 17 game at Wrigley Field to the Miller Park box office will receive a voucher for a free roundtrip ride on the Amtrak Hiawatha train to that game.

Fans will receive one round-trip Amtrak voucher for each game ticket that they bring to the box office, up to a maximum of four per person, for travel on specific Amtrak trains on Sept. 17, departing from Amtrak stations in Downtown Milwaukee or Mitchell Field and returning from Amtrak's Union Station in Chicago.

There is more at the link.

Thursday Motivation (2/12)

56 is about all the motivation I need right now.

UPDATE: I know you're going to find this hard to believe, but I was wrong. Just got back from a speaking engagment at a Kiwanis Breakfast. They sing before the meeting begins. They changed around the words to a ballpark standard and it was pretty motivating...

To the tune of Take Me Out to the Ballgame

56 days till it opens

56 days and it starts

Bring me a Bratzooka or an ole Fang's hat

Timber Rattlers will soon be back

Let us root, root, root for the Rattlers

And watch out for flying brats

It's one, two, three brats you catch

at the Rattlers game!

Great to get out and see everyone so excited for Opening Day! Even if they are a little fixated on the Bratzooka.

College Try

Modern Woodmen Park will host a Division I game in April.

On April 21, Modern Woodmen Park will play host to an NCAA clash between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Western Illinois Leathernecks. The 6:30 p.m. ballgame will take place while the River Bandits are on the road, giving the Big 10 and Summit League opponents a neutral playing field between Iowa City and Macomb.

"We are proud to give our fans yet another new and exciting event to attend at Modern Woodmen Park," said River Bandits' owner Dave Heller. "Even though the River Bandits will be on the road, there will be exciting baseball in the Quad Cities featuring two local teams that both have strong local alumni bases. This is going to be a great ballgame featuring all of the fun in-game entertainment, superior quality of service and exceptional value that fans have come to expect from an event at Modern Woodmen Park."

That seems fair seeing as how the Hawkeyes hosted a River Bandit game last year. But, the windows in the press box at Modern Woodmen Park still don't open.

The Kind of New Guy

"New" radio guy in West Michigan. Oh, and if you want to why radio guys are a little odd look at these numbers:

Thirty-five people inquired about the vacant West Michigan Whitecaps play-by-play radio position for the 2009 Midwest League season.

Although four of the resumes stood out, only one person was interviewed.

That person was Steve Lloyd-Jones, 35, who today was named play-by-play radio announcer for the Whitecaps.

Lloyd-Jones is no stranger to the Whitecaps' radio booth. He was the color commentator from 2002-04 and worked with Rick Berkey, who was the play-by-play voice in West Michigan's first 11 seasons.

Berkey currently is the radio voice for Michigan State women's basketball.

Lloyd-Jones will replace Dave Skoczen, who was West Michigan's radio voice the past four seasons. He resigned after the 2008 season.

35 play-by-play guys going after one opening. Steve is understandably happy:

"I'm thrilled about this opportunity," said Lloyd-Jones, who has been the play-by-play radio announcer for Grand Valley State men's and women's basketball since 2005. He also has been GVSU football's color commentator. Plus, he has provided the play-by-play for Lakers' baseball the past two seasons.

"I got a first-hand look at how unique Whitecap games provide a special time, and I see my role as providing that enjoyment to the listeners," Lloyd-Jones said.

Enjoyment to the listeners? I'll have to try that this year.

Baseball on TV (2/11)

The Baseball Bunch was a television show from the 1980's that taught kids about baseball. How to run, how to pitch, how to hit, how to field, how to fight back against a potato-peel flinging mascot....

Potato to the groin! Now THAT'S comedy!

57 dies insquequo Oris Dies

Bobblehead explained

Ben Hill over at Ben's Biz Blog did a quick writeup on the Bernie & Fang Bobblehead yesterday. I sense a little deconstructionism in his background.

For those who aren't visually oriented, let me explain -- The hearty blonde man on the left is Bernie, the Brewers' mascot. He symbolizes Milwaukee's Major League franchise. On the right is Fang, the Timber Rattlers' mascot. He symbolizes the Midwest League team of Appleton, WI. The handshake symbolizes the new relationship between the clubs, with the dual thumbs up indicating that both entities are truly happy with the arrangement.

Win-win, Ben. Win-win.

New National HQ

There is a new address in the works for Minor League Baseball.

Minor League Baseball has purchased two buildings, totaling 10,348 square feet, at 9550 16th Street North in St. Petersburg, Florida, and will move its headquarters there later this year. For the past 10 years, the building housed the non-profit group "R-Club Child Care, Inc." Another 3,600 square foot addition will be built on the property to accommodate the needs of the Minor League Baseball staff.

Somehow, the whole Child Care building seems appropriate as the new home of MiLB.

Grass Roots

Many Timber Rattlers from the 2008 squad will be headed for High Desert in the California League in 2009. This is what they have waiting for them.

On a cool, sunny afternoon, Rick Radecki looks out onto the High Desert Mavericks’ ballpark and points out the cracked paint bordering the outfield walls and a dilapidated, shoddy field.

It’s a stadium that hasn’t been renovated since it was built nearly 20 years ago.

“It’s deteriorated season after season after season,” said Radecki, who’s been a loyal Mavericks’ fan for the past 11 years. “Everybody whines and everybody complains, and nobody wants to pick up the ball and do anything about it.”

So Radecki is stepping up to the plate — literally — launching a community campaign to upgrade the facilities of Stater Bros. Stadium. On his white T-shirt, Radecki’s printed the three, big, green words that sum up his mission: Save our grass.

The city of Adelanto, which owns the stadium and is responsible for its upkeep, concedes that the stadium is in need of many repairs. But the city simply doesn’t have the funds for renovation, Adelanto City Manager Jim Hart said.

“The fact that things at the stadium may not be up to par is a direct result of the fact the city itself doesn’t have sufficient revenues or finances to pick up in some of the areas that really need help,” Hart said.

There is one improvement that will stand out...

For the first time in at least the past four years, the city is re-sodding the entire field for this season, which should result in a more even playing surface that poses fewer safety hazards or strange ball bounces, Hart said.

But the broken scoreboard and field lighting, battered seats and chipped paint throughout the concourse will have to wait — which could cause the team itself to abandon the stadium.

For the city, which loses about $200,000 in annual maintenance costs for the stadium, it’s a matter of upgrading the facilities or spending that money on new police officers’ salaries, Hart said.

“We understand the stadium needs upgrades, and we also would like to be able to keep the Mavericks here,” Hart said. “We’re open to suggestions that will allow that to occur, but at the same time won’t take money away for the city to provide other critical services.”

There is a meeting and some ideas. The Mavericks will need those and a lot more.

Staying in Ohio

The Lake County Crushers are an expansion team in the Frontier League. They had announced some former Midwest Leaguers -- former Wizard Jodam Rivera and former Kernel Gordie Gronkowski -- as their first signees.

Da Crushers now have their first ex-Rattler, Paul Fagan ('06).

Fagan was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 4th round of the 2003 MLB draft. Fagan pitched a total of five seasons in the Mariners farm system, four of those seasons as a starter before moving to the bullpen for the 2007 season. His best season was in 2005 when his 6-2 record and 3.50 ERA earned him Team MVP honors for the Everett AquaSox (WA) of the single “A” Northwest League.

According to Massarelli, “When you look for starting pitching, the first thing you look for are guys that will eat up innings. Paul has always taken the ball and been a league leader in innings-pitched in the Mariners system. As a former 4th round pick, he has the physical tools to pitch in the big leagues, and we expect him to put up big numbers.”

That would be John Massarelli, a former Michigan Battle Cat manager. Also in this release is former Kane County Cougar Brent Lysander.

A lesson in customer service

The story doesn't surprise me. What surprises me is that there is a Bengal fan out there with a blog.

WhoDeyRevolution shares this e-mail from someone who has both Cincinnati Bengal and Dayton Dragon season tickets.

Today, I was preparing to send in my ticket payment to the Dayton Dragons, the Red's low-A affiliate. After writing the check, filling out the form, and stuffing the envelope, I noticed the envelope was postage paid by the Dragons - no stamp required. Just for curiosity, I dug out my Bengals "request for economic stimulus" and found, as I suspected, a cheap envelope that required a stamp.

Of course, if one is purchasing season tickets, the cost of a stamp is probably not an issue. That said, I appreciated the small gesture from the Dragons.

Just one of the differences.

First thing

Wow. Who knew that a picture of a double bobblehead would bring so much traffic?

Rattler Radio had it's best day ever yesterday with 312 visitors. I know. In the grand blogosphere that 312 is a number most sites have in 15 minutes. But, thanks to everyone who stopped in to check out Fang and Bernie.

Now, I guess I'll have to keep up the interesting stuff to keep bringing you all back.

Now will you come to Opening Day?

Opening Day 2009 will celebrate the beginning of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Milwaukee Brewers affiliation. To commemorate this event, we will be giving away a Fang and Bernie Brewer double bobblehead to all fans at the game on Thursday, April 9th. Game time is 6:35 as your Timber Rattlers take on the Quad Cities River Bandits.

Click on the picture for a larger image.

UPDATE: Welcome, readers of Brew Crew Ball and The Daily Drink. Getting a large traffic spike this morning. Thanks, Kyle. Thanks, Dan.

While I'm updating, there may as well be this information included:

Single game tickets do not go on sale for until Mid-March. But, if you want to secure your "Crazy-Eyes" Bernie and "Thumbs-Up" Fang right now there are a couple of ways you can do it.

1.) Purchase a full season package....I know, I know. But, hey, gotta start big.

2.) Purchase a miniplan of 7 or 10 games. If you call in to the ticket office (920) 733-4152 or 1-800-WI-TIMBER, we allow substitutions. So, you could switch out one of the games in your package for Opening Day! Here the Timber Rattler on-line ticket order form to give you an idea of what those packages are.

Ask for Darren or Aaron. Tell them the crazy guy with the blog sent you. They'll know who it is.

58 dies insquequo Oris Dies

Miller Lite Tuesday (2/10)

Since the weather has warmed up to almost 40, here's a little golf and a little beer. Watch for the underwater shot.

Another word about

Lo, mine archenemy has a follower:

It would be easy for Genevans to simply say, ah, Dr. Rodney Nelson is at it again.

The longtime area physician, former School Board member and community activist is renewing his fight with the Kane County Forest Preserve District over the fireworks that commonly end many Kane County Cougars night games at Elfstrom Stadium.

This has been a long-term battle for Nelson, waged largely with letters to the editors of area newspapers and missives to Geneva city officials.

Nelson is armed with a raft of studies that say fireworks produce air pollution particulates that are dangerous and become more dangerous for people who get more exposure to them. There are other studies that appear to have scientific basis and appear to counter Nelson's studies, but most of those have some kind of tie to the fireworks industry.

Big Fireworks? The truth is out there.

So it seems to me that it might be time for the Forest Preserve District to take a look at the situation. It seems appropriate that a governmental agency charged with preserving land and other ecological concerns might be willing to discuss an air pollution concern.

It's not like Kane County hasn't already gone there. It took a lot of pushing, but the county eventually took up the case of leaf burning, banning it in the face of convincing medical evidence about its potential harm.

As for Dr. Nelson, he has taken care of the medical needs of area residents and their children and grandchildren and served his community well in a number of ways.

Maybe Genevans should be glad he's at it again.

Genevans of the Kane County, Unite! You have nothing to lose but your, um, something.

For more background on this see this post.

Bringing the Lumber

Dave Lezotte is the radio announcer for the Clinton LumberKings. He has a new blog. He calls it The LumberBlog. Sorry. I'll use the graphic....

Here is the post with a quite recap of the Winter Banquet down in Clinton.

Our speakers included team president Paul Schnack, assistant General Manager Nate Kreinbrink, "Friends of Riverview" vice president Judy Dennis, Clinton mayor Rodger Holm, and our keynote speaker John Boles.

For a longtime follower of the Florida Marlins like myself, it was an honor to be able to introduce Mr. Boles, a man who formed young talent like Edgar Renteria, Charles Johnson, Mike Lowell, Luis Castillo, Josh Beckett, A.J. Burnett, etc. into World Champions in 1997 and 2003. As one of the great baseball minds and the special assistant to Mariners' GM Jack Zduriencik, Boles used his speech to familiarize the fans (and myself) with what the Seattle system is all about.

He talked about the Mariners' philosophy of finding players with character in addition to ability, something that can be lost in today's sports culture. A player has to be well-rounded and mentally strong, not just talented to succeed in the Seattle system. I think that certainly fits well with this community. Boles also had high praise for the character and leadership of manager Scott Steinmann, who takes over the LumberKings after managing in double-A last season.

In talking with Boles after the banquet, it was easy to get a sense of the optimism surrounding this organization. It reminded me of our first meeting with the Mariners' brass at the 2008 MLB Winter Meetings in Las Vegas. Building this franchise back into a powerhouse through the draft and international scouting unlike any other in baseball is what they are about. It is certainly a philosophy that is going to help us put a great team on the field in Clinton.

The first -- and only -- regular season trip into Clinton for the Timber Rattlers is April 16-19. The LumberKings will be coming to Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium May 16-19 and June 30-July 3.

59 dies insquequo Oris Dies

Choo with Cleveland

Thanks to Jay at Mariner Minors for finding this blog post about ex-Rattler Shin-soo Choo ('01, '02).

Now 26, having recovered from ‘Tommy John’ reconstructive elbow surgery, the outfielder is expected to start in right field for Cleveland this year – and for Team Korea in the World Baseball Classic.

Choo never quite got it going in Seattle, and was slowed in Cleveland by injuries, but last season got a career-high 317 at-bats and made the most of them. Choo batted .309 with 14 home runs and 66 RBI in just 94 games – and hit .343 with 20 doubles, 11 homers and 48 RBI after the All-Star break.

He still has two years of military service awaiting him in Korea, where he has a home. And in a baseball career that began with the Mariners in 2005, Choo now has played the equivalent of one full season, 159 games.

In those games, Choo has a .291 average, 40 doubles, 17 home runs and 94 RBI in 519 at-bats.

Yes, he’d fit nicely into the Seattle outfield this season. And no, the trade that sent him to the Indians in 2006 for Ben Broussard didn’t work out for the Mariners.

Click that link to the post and find out about Choo meeting Chan Ho Park for the first time.

Stalwart

There is a joke from an episode of the under-rated NewsRadio about the word stalwart. But, that is not what this post is about. Instead, it is about this:

Perth Heat successfully defended their Claxton Shield title with a thrilling win over NSW Patriots in the third and deciding game at Baseball Park in Thornlie last night.

The home team celebrated the 75th edition of Australia’s premier baseball competition with a 3-2 win after setting up the decider with a 5-4 on Saturday night after losing the opening game 5-3.

Perth held a two run lead going into the final innings before a late revival by NSW allowed the visitors to level the score.

But with two out and the game heading into extra innings, Perth’s Matt Kennelly took advantage of a throwing error which was compounded when NSW made a second error.

A clutch hit by stalwart Daniel Floyd batted in the winning run.

Here is the celebration picture. Floyd, a Rattler in 2001 and 2002, is in there somewhere:

Picture from Western Australia Baseball.

Claxton Shield Grand Final (Game Three)

The HEAT are the Champs!!!

......R...H...E
NSW...2...5...1
PERTH.3...9...2
Details

Ex-Rattler Dan Floyd ('01, '02) had the Shield-clinching hit in the bottom of the ninth. The HEAT had a 2-0 lead until New South Wales scored twice in the top of the ninth to tie the game.

That set up this for the champs:

PERTH 9th
D'ANTONIO to c.
HOUSE popped up to 2b.
KENNELLY,M reached on a throwing error by 3b, advanced to second on the error.
DESANMIGUEL intentionally walked.
DESANMIGUEL advanced to second on a wild pitch; KENNELLY,M advanced to third on a wild pitch.
FLOYD singled to right field, RBI; DESANMIGUEL advanced to third; KENNELLY,M scored, unearned.

If there are pictures or a story from any Perth newspapers, I'll link to them tomorrow.

Congratulations to Floyd and the HEAT!

60 dies insquequo Oris Dies

Interesting day in the Ryman

My Tonbridge Angels had an away match scheduled with Billericay Town yesterday. Things did not go as planned.

Friday 6th February: Pitch inspection required
Billericay Town FC have called on supporters to assist, both this evening and tomorrow morning, in helping get the New Lodge playing surface ready for tomorrow's fixture against the Angels.

There will be a pitch inspection at 11:00.

Saturday 7th February 11:30: Match ON (at the moment)
A local referee has deemed the pitch playable apparently after some debate. The match referee is due at the ground around 13:00 to give the final verdict but BTFC are confident the game will go ahead.

Saturday 7th February 15:00: Match OFF
The match referee called off today's game at 13:45 due to a waterlogged pitch.

The Angels are still in third place with 49 points. That puts them eight points clear of Dartford for the final playoff spot in the Ryman Premier League.

Next up for Tonbridge is another away match on 2/14 vs. Horsham.

Strategy

Marketing through baseball, the AirTran way.

AirTran's 2007 bid to buy Midwest Airlines Inc. failed, but it's still trying to take away part of Midwest's business with a new Milwaukee marketing push - along with a big increase in flights from Mitchell International Airport.

AirTran Holdings Inc., the carrier's corporate parent, will add 11 more daily departures this summer - up from its current schedule of 19 daily departures. AirTran is expected this week to announce details of its expanded Milwaukee schedule, including new destinations.

That boost in flights will be accompanied by more advertising and marketing.

That includes last week's announcement that AirTran signed an agreement with the Milwaukee Brewers for naming rights to Miller Park's right-field entertainment area. In what seems a fitting symbol of today's economy, AirTran Airways - known for its low fares - replaced the former sponsor, luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz.

Orlando, Fla.-based AirTran also will likely reach endorsement deals with one or two individual Brewers similar to the airline's billboards and radio spots featuring Donald Driver of the Green Bay Packers, said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales.

"We're starting to ramp up our marketing in Milwaukee," Hutcheson said. "As Milwaukee gets more flying in 2009, it'll get more investment and more focus and more attention."

About that right-field entertainment area:

AirTran's multiyear agreement with the Brewers gives it the naming rights to the AirTran Airways Landing Zone and other signs in the ballpark.

The Landing Zone is "great for television because of the visibility," said Rick Schlesinger, the Brewers' executive vice president for business operations.

"It gets national attention when someone hits a home run," Schlesinger said. "And the area is always sold out well in advance."

The Landing Zone can hold as many as 75 fans. It is an all-inclusive area in which groups get a game ticket, food and beverage.

The Brewers began group sales Saturday. The Landing Zone is usually among the first group areas to sell out.

If anyone from AirTran reads this blog and is interested in some partnerships with the Midwest League affiliate of the Brewers, drop a line to rattlerradio@aol.com. We've got a few ideas for you.

One Year Later

Larry Stone of the Seattle Times looks back at the 5-for-1 deal between the Mariners and Orioles after one year. Your know the one...

It was in early December 2007 that rumors of the Mariners' interest in Erik Bedard first started to percolate.

It was in late January 2008 that Seattle general manager Bill Bavasi, buoyed by the progress of talks with his Baltimore counterpart, Andy MacPhail, told reporters of his confidence that the M's would soon add a front-line pitcher.

It was three days later that outfielder Adam Jones was pulled from a winter-league game in Venezuela and told reporter Augusto Cardenas of the newspaper Diario Panorama that he had been traded to the Orioles for Bedard.

And it was 11 excruciating, confusing days later — one year ago today — that the Bedard deal was finally consummated, to a mixed chorus of cheers and catcalls.

The pros and cons:

"I really thought he was the missing ingredient to be an outstanding staff," Mel Stottlemyre, the Mariners' pitching coach last year, says now. "I was so excited about the pitching staff."

To detractors, however, the Mariners had paid too vast a price for even a pitcher with Bedard's undeniable track record and potential. Besides Jones, a former No. 1 draft pick and the top position prospect in Seattle's farm system, they gave up reliever George Sherrill and three minor-league pitchers, Chris Tillman, Kam Mickolio and Tony Butler.

Sherrill became an All-Star closer for the Orioles, who still believe Jones can develop into an All-Star-caliber outfielder. Mickolio finished the season in the big leagues, while Tillman is now rated as one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball.

Bedard, beset by injuries, pitched in just 15 games, none after July 4, when he was shut down for good because of shoulder pain. He underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery on Sept. 26 to remove a cyst and unhealthy tissue.

But MacPhail, the Orioles' GM, warns not to make a final judgment on the outcome of the deal quite yet.

"It worked out fine for us," he said by phone from Baltimore. "I would remind Mariners fans those trades can go through multiple lifetimes. If Erik wins 17 games this year, which he's easily capable of doing, it might look a lot different than it does now."

Stone talks with someone who sees things differently than MacPhail:

Dave Cameron of the popular Web site USS Mariner, however, highly doubts that his negative viewpoint will change.

Cameron was relentless in his criticism of the trade from the moment it became clear how much the Mariners were giving up for a pitcher he admittedly admires.

"Short of a championship parade, the trade was always going to be a debacle," he said.

There is a lot more over there including this:

Stottlemyre also admits that the Mariners probably erred in naming Bedard the opening-day starter so quickly. An unnamed coach told the Tacoma News Tribune after McLaren's firing that the decision caused consternation in the clubhouse.

"You had guys watch Felix [Hernandez] work his [butt] off in camp and watched Bedard do the minimum — and Bedard was the opening-day starter," the coach said.

Says Stottlemyre now: "To answer bluntly, yes. I think it's a mistake any time a manager or pitching coach names his starting pitcher so early in spring, especially when you have several people, like we did, who were capable of being No. 1.

"In retrospect, it was a mistake. I'm not slapping Mac, who I think the world of. We — myself included — made the decision to announce that way too early."

Back to work for me

Here is a graphical representation of how I have spent the last 90 minutes:

It's been a pretty good day. But, now, to some posting.

Thanks to Dan over at SportsBubbler.com for the picture.

Guest blogger (2/8)

Well, hello there! Remember me? I'm the Sun! Giver of light and warmth.

Mehring is actually out enjoying the weather. He may actually be wearing shorts...which is scary in and of itself.

Anyways, there is some actual news out there, but wanted to do it himself. I guess my job is to just stop in an let you know that he'll be around later today with those newsbits. Check back during the Pro Bowl. It's not like you'll be watching that today.

As for me, I need to get back to melting snow. That is something that I love to do!

Also, I'm a big Beatles fan. Especially this song. It starts around 3:00...



Good day.

Latest Alumni Report

Jay did some digging around and found some pretty good information for Rattlers Alumni Report.

In there are nuggets like:

Atlanta agreed to terms with RHP Emiliano Fruto ('02) on a minor league contract

Cincinnati signed C Korey Feiner ('08)

New York Mets agreed to terms with C Rene Rivera ('03) on a minor-league contract

San Francisco named Pat Rice (PC '95-'97) pitching coach for Fresno (PCL) and Mike Goff (MGR '95,'96) manager for the Giants (Arizona)

Click the link to get all the transactions.

61 dies insquequo Oris Dies

And it's back to the other station

No. Not us. The Clinton LumberKings are back on KCLN.

The Clinton LumberKings are proud to announce a new partnership with KCLN-AM 1390 to air all games on the Clinton-based station through 2013. The agreement includes a tie-in with KCLN's FM affiliate, KMCN-FM 94.7 ("Mac FM") that allows the LumberKings the opportunity to advertise to new audiences in Clinton and as far as the Quad Cities.

The "Voice of LumberKings Baseball" on KCLN will be a familiar one. Dave Lezotte, who has handled the radio duties on the road each of the last three seasons will take over the play-by-play for all 140 regular-season games, the 2009 Midwest League All-Star Game and any post-season play.

The LumberKings were on KROS for many years, but when I started in 2000, they were on KCLN. That changed after the 2005 season and they went back to KROS and stayed there for three years. Now, it's back to KCLN.

The only thing that I'll add to this story is the tag-line to KMCN...We play everything!

Everything?

Everything!

Claxton Shield Grand Final (Game Two)

It just went final a few moments ago and the Barbagallo Perth HEAT -- with ex-Rattler Dan Floyd ('01, '02) -- have forced Game Three in the best-of-three Grand Final down in Australia.

......R..H...E
Perth.5..12..2
NSW...4..10..0
Details

Floyd, 1-for-4

Nick Kimpton, a former Cedar Rapids Kernel, hit a home run in the top of the ninth to break a 4-4 tie.

"I think you'd be crazy not to go for it."

I think that is going to join WWMRD? , "What are you prepared to do?", and "Get off my Lawn" in my pantheon of quote checks that get me out the door in the morning.

Here is where it is from?

When Milwaukee Brewers broadcaster Jim Powell was wondering if he should try for an opening in the Atlanta Braves radio booth, the first person he turned to for advice was his partner of 13 seasons, Bob Uecker.

"He told me, 'I think you'd be crazy not to go for it,' " Powell said.

Tip of the cap to The Daily Drink.

62 dies insquequo Oris Dies

I've had years like this

Follow the links in the chain.

I found the story at Brew Crew Ball.

He found the story at Fish Stripes.

He found the story at 30-year old Cardboard.

Now, you've found a Worst Nightmare for a team.

Like most major league teams, the Marlins are hitting the road this week as they drum up some publicity for the 2009 season. This 5-day tour is a tri-county jaunt with several stops in which the fans can meet the players as well as take part in the exciting events that the Marlins have scheduled. The week culminates with the Florida Marlins Fan Fest which will be held on Saturday at Dolphin Stadium.

Today, I made the long trip to Homestead, Fl. According to the schedule publihsed by the team, several players would be on hand at the Habitat for Humaity jobsite. Although the schedule did not say that this event was open to the public, I still made plans to attend and was shocked to discover that I was the ONLY fan there!!!

Day 2 was a little better.

Now this was more like it should be. If you read my recap of the Caravan tour yesterday you would recall that I was the only fan there. Although it was not advertised by the Marlins as a public event I was still quite surprised to be the only fan that showed up.

Today’s event was in Pembroke Pines and had an attendance of 50-60 total people. Again, I got there early as I tend to over-prepare for these types of things, but 1 day I will come to realize that the Marlins just don’t get the community support in the same way that other MLB teams do.

Your two-time World Champion Marlins!

Names to know

Thanks to a tip from The Kid, I've got this list from the USA Today website.

USA TODAY Sports Weekly's 100 Names You Need to Know

Funny. I don't see Caesar, Napoleon, Lincoln, Einstein, and....oh, baseball names to know. The headline wasn't clear.

Anyway, let's take a peek and see if anyone we know is on the list of BASEBALL names to know.

We know who these guys are even though they did not play in Appleton:

14. Mat Gamel, OF, Brewers: A little more time in Class AAA, perhaps only a couple of months, likely separates Gamel from the chance to earn a spot in the major leagues. Gamel, 23, put up big numbers last year despite being hampered by an elbow injury. The Brewers don't have a clear everyday player at third among Bill Hall, Mike Lamb and Craig Counsell.

15. Matt LaPorta, OF, Indians: CC Sabathia is long gone from Cleveland, but the Indians have LaPorta to show for him after trading their former ace to the Brewers last summer. LaPorta, 24, was the seventh overall pick in 2007 and had been performing as such until the trade to the Indians. He hit .233 at Class AA Akron (Ohio) before going to play in the Beijing Games and followed that with a .164 average in the Dominican winter league. Those problems are nothing he can't shake off in spring training, and although it appears he will open the season at Class AAA, LaPorta will likely get a chance with the Indians at the first sign of trouble in Cleveland's outfield.

The first Rattler Alumni is down here at #27:

27. Bryan LaHair, 1B, Mariners: At 6-5, 220 pounds, LaHair has the frame to hit the long ball, and the Mariners coaches worked on helping him become more productive toward the end of last season. LaHair has a history of getting on base and hitting a lot of doubles, but at 26, it might be unrealistic to expect him to become a home run threat, considering he hit more than 16 only once in the minors (22 at Class A in 2005). Still, the Mariners have an opening at first base, and LaHair will be in the mix to fill it.

I can't wait until the next guy is known more for his pitching than for the trade that brought him to his current organization:

47. Chris Tillman, RHP, Orioles: Tillman was acquired a year ago from the Mariners as a key part of the Erik Bedard trade. The right-hander has not disappointed, emerging as perhaps the Orioles' top pitching prospect. He averaged more than a strikeout an inning and less than a hit an inning last season. He has been durable since being drafted in the second round in 2006, making 28 starts each of the last two years. At age 20, Tillman is likely to open the year at Class AAA and should reach the majors during the season.

Another Brewer farmhand can be found down here:

58. Alcides Escobar, SS, Brewers: If not for J.J. Hardy, Escobar would enter spring training with a legitimate shot at the Brewers' shortstop job. Even though he didn't turn 22 until December, Escobar hit .328 at Class AA and was voted the best defensive shortstop in the league. But unless the Brewers trade Hardy or make a position change with either player, Escobar will open the season at Class AAA. If he keeps hitting there though, the Brewers might be forced to find a spot for him.

Back to the ex-Rattlers:

72. Phillippe Aumont, P, Mariners: After being drafted in the first round in 2007, Aumont, 20, signed late and didn't make his pro debut until last year, pitching 552/3 innings at Class A. But Aumont, who stands 6-7, has overwhelming tools, including a 95-mph fastball. The Mariners have been conservative with him, so Aumont will have to force his way to the majors if he is to reach Seattle this year.

74. Luis Valbuena, 2B, Indians: Acquired from the Mariners in the 12-player, three-team deal in December that sent J.J. Putz to the New York Mets, Valbuena probably has the best offensive tools of any second baseman the Indians will have in camp this spring. He provides a nice mix of speed and the ability to hit for average and get on base. He has made 33 errors in 336 career minor league games in the field. Last year, he hit above .300 and had on-base percentage above .380, both career firsts as a professional. Valbuena, 23, likely won't make the team out of spring training but has a chance to play himself into a reserve role at some point.

78. Rob Johnson, C, Mariners: With Kenji Johjima, Jeff Clement and Jamie Burke in the fold, Johnson, 25, likely will head back to Class AAA Tacoma (Wash.). He posted by far his finest offensive season there last year and already was accomplished defensively. But the status of Johjima and Clement will limit Johnson to a backup role at best.

And, #100 on the list, but #1 for The Kid!

100. Matt Tuiasosopo, 3B, Mariners: Incumbent Adrian Beltre expects to be healthy for 2008 after having surgery on his shoulder and thumb. However, if the Mariners, in full rebuilding mode after a 101-loss season, struggle again and trade Beltre, the third-base job could default to Tuiasosopo.

MORE! MORE! MORE! and apples, too!

What to do for an encore if you are the Quad Cities River Bandits?

After a 53 percent attendance increase in 2008, the Quad-Cities River Bandits will offer more in 2009.

More bobblehead giveaways, more appearances by traveling entertainment acts and even more days to bring a dog to the ballpark are part of a promotional schedule released by the Midwest League club on Thursday.

“With the challenges the economy presents, we believe people will stay closer to home this summer and we are determined to reward our fans with even more value and more entertainment,” River Bandits owner Dave Heller said during a recent visit to the Quad-Cities.

Also to be seen this year on the banks of the Mississippi:

The River Bandits also announced that the club will host Going Green Night on May 8, a Salute to Apples on May 24 and the return of Jimmy Buffet Night on Aug. 15.

Salute to Apples? Do they play the TinCaps that night? They do!

This is all great, but the windows in the press box at Modern Woodmen Park still don't open.

Adopted home town?

From the Newcastle News in Newcastle, Washington:

When players report to spring training later this month, which one of the top Seattle Mariners’ pitching prospects hails from Newcastle?

Stumped?

Ryan Rowland-Smith was Seattle’s most effective starter in the second half of the 2008 season, finishing with a 3.39 ERA and a 4-3 record from his 11 starts.

Rowland-Smith, originally from Newcastle, Australia, is the first player with a hyphenated last name ever to appear in a Major League game. The 26-year-old had an auspicious debut. The left-hander made his major league debut for the Mariners on June 22, 2007, against the Cincinnati Reds at Safeco Field. He struck out the first batter he faced, Ken Griffey Jr., and pitched one and one-third scoreless innings.

And although he isn’t from this Newcastle, Rowland-Smith is no stranger to the city nestled between Renton and Bellevue. His girlfriend’s sister lives in Factoria and Rowland-Smith has been to The Golf Club at Newcastle for a fundraising benefit for cystic fibrosis.

“I had never been to Bellevue until two years ago, when I met my girlfriend,” he said. “I was driving up the 405 freeway, because I was staying down in Tacoma, and I saw a sign saying Newcastle, and I just had to call my mum to tell her there’s a suburb here called Newcastle.”

I do the same thing -- well, I don't call Rowland-Smith's mum so it's not exactly the same thing -- when I go by towns with the same name as my hometown. Oddly, that happened the last time I was in Australia. Or, was it Ireland. I'm either really mixed up or lying.

Rowland-Smith was a Timber Rattler in 2002 and 2003. Here is how he got interested in baseball:

Baseball is not as popular as cricket, rugby and surfing in Australia. Rowland-Smith saw a U.S. baseball game on late night TV in Australia and he was hooked. He also studied videotapes of the 1993 World Series and was impressed by the play of John Olerud, who he would later meet in spring training.

“I thought the game was fascinating,” he said. “My dad was upset I didn’t take up rugby.”

When he was a child, Rowland-Smith was teased about being “too soft” for playing baseball. But at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds now, no one is teasing him about being soft.

Go read the whole thing.

Claxton Shield Grand Final (Game One)

Tough start to the best-of-three Grand Final for the Barbagallo Perth HEAT -- with ex-Rattler Dan Floyd ('01, '02) -- for the Claxton Shield in Australia.

......R...H...E
NSW...5...5...2
Perth.3...8...1
Details

Floyd, LF, 2-for-4, RBI

Game two is later tonight.

Thursday Motivation (2/5)

63 dies insquequo Oris Dies

Happy Birthday, Hammer

Hall of Fame Page.

Henry Aaron is 75 today.

Here is a newsreel of the pennant-clinching home run in 1957.



Thanks for the reminder, Right Field Bleachers.

Baseball on TV (2/4)

I'm really digging deep for this today. Laff-A-Lympics from Tokyo. Skip ahead to about 6:35 for the baseball from the home of the Tokyo Transistors to see:

Hong Kong Phooey of the Scooby Doobies pitching to Quick Draw McGraw of the Yogi Yahooies

Dread Baron of the Really Rottens pitching to Captain Caveman of the SD's.

Scooby Dum of the SD'spitching (after getting some tips from Fred Flinstone) to Sooey the Pig of the RR's.



Did people really think this was funny?

64 dies insquequo Oris Dies...Gratias ago Deus

The Wind

It's not just the name of Warren Zevon's last album.

It's also....Well, let me back up a second.

Baseball America has released their first ever 32nd team. This is a list of 17 prospect profiles who did not make the Prospect Handbook or the 31st team, which is the #31 prospect of every team. Confused yet? I know I am.

Anyway. There is a scouting report for an ex-Rattler on this list. This is where the wind comes back into the story...

Alex Liddi, 3b, Mariners

Born: Aug. 14, 1988. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 176. Signed: Italy, 2005. Signed by: Wayne Norton/Mario Mazzotti.

The lone Italian position player in the minor leagues, Liddi has struggled through two years in low Class A since ranking fifth in the Arizona League batting race at .313 during his promising 2006 debut. He has batted just .240/.306/.365 in 249 games for Wisconsin, but the Mariners think his opposite-field swing and the winds at Fox Cities Stadium have cut into his production. Other MWL observers criticize him for not making the necessary adjustments. Lean and athletic, Liddi shows impressive strength and power to center and right-center field. He often looks like he's feeling for the ball, but his smooth swing gives him the chance to hit for average as he matures. He's an average runner. He has a plus arm, soft hands and enough agility to make plays at third base, but he could outgrow the position. Liddi receives uniformly high marks for his work ethic, but he would do much to reassure his believers by playing well in high[-A] as a 20-year-old this year.

I have both bolded and italicized the important parts and done a little research. I have also added a [-A] where there should have been one.

Liddi at home '08: Average: .235/ On Base %: .312/Slugging %: .332/K's: 56
Liddi on the road '08: .251/.314/.381/59

Liddi at home '07: .230/.288/.395/ 63
Liddi on the road '07: .250/.327/.375/ 60

The wind! It's conclusive!

The wind? Really?

Will the the wind that blows out all the time in High Desert aid production while hurting his development?

Late Round Steal

Here is the first of two posts based on content from BaseballAmerica.com.

This one is about an ex-Rattler who is considered to be a late round steal by the people at BA.

Shawn Kelley, rhp, Mariners: The Mariners farm system is a tad light on pitching, particularly in arms acquired in the draft (though having Chris Tillman back would beef up that contingent). Kelley, a 13th-round pick from Austin Peay State in 2007, might be the team’s best pitching prospect in the upper minors, even though he is a reliever. Kelley, who will be 24 in April, joined Double-A West Tenn in June and finished the year there with a 2.11 ERA in 42 2/3 innings, 44 strikeouts and 13 unintentional walks. After the regular season, Kelley went to Venezuela for winter ball and racked up a nasty 21-2 K-BB ratio for Lara in 14 2/3 innings with a 3.68 ERA. The deception in Kelley’s delivery makes his stuff play up, but his low-90s fastball that touches 94 and hard slider give him two legitimate weapons to retire big league hitters. He should soon fit into the Mariners’ bullpen mix, perhaps as early as this season.

Let's go Peay!

Plus, gotta love the gratuitous Tillman reference from BA. Also, is 13th considered a late round? I mean, there are 50 rounds in the draft.

The second in the series is next.

New Landing Zone

The Brewers and AirTran have teamed up on a section at Miller Park.

The Milwaukee Brewers and AirTran Airways have reached agreement on a multi-year sponsorship and marketing partnership that includes the naming rights to the AirTran Airways Landing Zone (the all-inclusive seating area in right field formerly known as the Field Haus).

Tickets for the new section go on sale February 7.

Quiet today

Not much that I can find this morning....So, I am declaring today a Miller Lite Tuesday. Here is an old Miller Lite Commercial. Watch for Appleton Baseball Hall of Famer Boog Powell and Bob Uecker.



That beats the heck out of those Clydesdales. Speaking of which:

The one commercial from Sunday that still bugs me is the one where the Clydesdale is talking about how his grandfather came over from Scotland and -- after many jobs for which his ancestor was unsuited -- found a career with Budweiser.

Quick question: If the grandson is third generation in the USA, why did he still have a Scottish accent?

Just one of the things that keeps me awake at night.

65 dies insquequo Oris Dies

Philadelphia Stars

Bleacher Report has this story on the Philadelphia Stars of the Negro Leagues. It starts with some pictures and a little history.

Decades before Jackie Robinson crossed the infamous color barrier in Major League Baseball, black baseball players were making names for themselves on the diamond in another way. African Americans had been playing the game of baseball since the mid to late 1800's, forming teams after the Civil War days and traveling on their own around the country to play anybody that would challenge them.

It was not until 1920 that a meeting was held between owners of these independent teams that the Negro National League was formed. The first organized Negro league consisted of teams from the midwest. With the organization of the league came more upstart leagues along the east coast, and in the south. The game of baseball was quickly spreading to communities in more urban and rural regions.

Ed Bolden owned the Hilldale Daisies, founded in 1910 and located in Darby, Pennsylvania. The Daisies were one of the early powerhouses of the Negro Leagues in the Eastern Colored League. The Daisies won the ECL's first pennant in 1923. The following year the Daisies won the pennant again and lost to the Kansas City Monarchs, the team Robinson would later play for, in ten games of a best of nine series (there was one tie). The Daisies won the rematch in 1925 in six games.

Make sure to read it all.

The Roosevelt

MiLB.com has the story about Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City and Jackie Robinson

Almost every baseball fan has heard the story of Roosevelt Stadium's most famous day. At the Minor League ballpark in Jersey City, N.J. on April 18, 1946, Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier by playing in the first integrated professional game in decades.

Playing for the Triple-A Montreal Royals against the Jersey City Giants in front of a standing-room-only crowd of more than 25,000 -- the stadium's official capacity was 24,000 -- Robinson hit a three-run homer, scored four times, collected four RBIs, stole two bases and went 4-for-5. Twice Robinson scored by bouncing explosively off the third base bag and causing a Jersey City pitcher to balk. In his first game in the Dodgers organization, he led his team to a 14-1 victory.

But Robinson's breakthrough day was only the first pioneering performance at Roosevelt Stadium by an African American, making the ballpark, which has since been demolished, a significant piece of baseball, and cultural, history.

There is more on Monte Irvin and Hank Thompson and their performances at the now-demolished stadium. Plus, there is this interesting story:

On August 15, 1956 -- 10 years after Jackie Robinson played in his first professional integrated game -- the Dodgers, who were looking for a replacement for Ebbets Field, crossed the Hudson River to host the Giants at Roosevelt Stadium.

This time, though, Robinson had a game to forget. The Dodgers veteran went 0-for-4 and was booed by the 26,385 fans at the game. The "visiting" Giants had built a considerable fan base in Jersey City through their Minor League affiliate.

This guy named Willie Mays hit a long home run for the only run in a 1-0 win for the Giants.

I felt this belonged at the top...

Readership isn't the greatest on the weekend, so for the complete story on this:

Either scroll down to the last post from Sunday or click here.

66 dies insquequo Oris Dies

We're going to Sheboygan

I should ask to go on this trip. I could go by where the radio station I used to work and Lotzo's, the bar to which our six person staff used to go.

But, it isn't a radio station and it's not Lotzo's anymore.

Anyway, this isn't about me.

Mead Public Library is offering children in kindergarten through fifth grade the opportunity to join a reading program sponsored by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers minor league baseball team based in Appleton.

"Fang," the team mascot, will appear at Mead at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 4 in the Story Garden to meet fans.

Children who can read independently may sign up for the program at any time before the program ends March 21. Goals are set and children receive incentives from the Timber Rattlers. If a participant reaches all the bases and hits a "home run," he or she will receive a ticket to attend a Timber Rattlers game in April or May and a hot dog and soda voucher.

It's about the kids.

Babe! I've Got You Babe!*

First D.J.: Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today.
Second D.J.: It's coooold out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach?
First D.J.: Not hardly. And you know, you can expect hazardous travel later today with that, you know, that, uh, that blizzard thing.
Second D.J.: [mockingly] That blizzard - thing. That blizzard - thing. Oh, well, here's the report! The National Weather Service is calling for a "big blizzard thing!"
First D.J.: Yessss, they are. But you know, there's another reason why today is especially exciting.
Second D.J.: Especially cold!
First D.J.: Especially cold, okay, but the big question on everybody's lips...
Second D.J.: - On their chapped lips...
First D.J.: - On their chapped lips, right: Do ya think Phil is gonna come out and see his shadow?
Second D.J.: Punxsutawney Phil!
First D.J.: Thats right, woodchuck-chuckers - it's
[in unison]
First D.J.: GROUNDHOG DAY!
Second D.J.: GROUNDHOG DAY!

It's Groundhog Day!

You want a prediction about the weather, you're asking the wrong Phil. I'll give you a winter prediction: It's gonna be cold, it's gonna be grey, and it's gonna last you for the rest of your life.

I'm a god. I'm not *the* God... I don't think.

This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather.

I don't deserve someone like you. But If I ever could, I swear I would love you for the rest of my life.

Somebody asked me today, "Phil, if you could be anywhere in the world, where would you like to be?" And I said to him, "Prob'ly right here - Elko, Nevada, our nation's high at 79 today." Out in California, they're gonna have some warm weather tomorrow, gang wars, and some *very* overpriced real estate. Up in the Pacific Northwest, as you can see, they're gonna have some very, very tall trees.

I was in the Virgin Islands once. I met a girl. We ate lobster and drank pina coladas. At sunset we made love like sea otters. *That* was a pretty good day. Why couldn't I get that day over and over and over...

*Yes. This is a repost from 2007.

Caribbean Series

The Caribbean Series starts today in Mexicali, Mexico.

There are three Rattler alums -- all pitchers -- taking part.

Julio Mateo ('00) and Jorge Sosa ('01) are on the roster for the Dominican Republic.

Josue Matos ('99) is on the roster for Puerto Rico.

Day One schedule:

Venezuela vs. Dominican Republic

Puerto Rico vs. Mexico

Complete coverage on the web right here.

Very Upset

I thought the hour episode of The Office after the Super Bowl was hilarious last night. Who knew heart attacks and cat throwing could be so funny?

But, I am pretty angry at them. If you have ever clicked on the My Favorite Muscian link on the left, you'll know about John Hiatt.

Now, every time I hear one of my favorite John Hiatt songs, I'll have the vision of Cloris Leachman and Jack Black meeting for the first time.

At least Jessica Alba was in the scene, too.

Update on that Brewer announcer story

This is what I get for not checking the main site.

The Brewers' flagship radio station has dramatically shortened the list of potential replacements for departed play-by-play man Jim Powell and could be down to a single finalist.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Friday that the field was down to two -- Chicago's Cory Provus and Arizona's Jeff Munn. Both men host pre- and post-game radio shows and do occasional play-by-play for their club's network of radio affiliates, and would be moving to a higher-profile position as Milwaukee's No. 2 radio voice.

MLB.com subsequently learned that Munn was out, leaving Provus, a 2000 graduate of Syracuse University, as the leading contender to join Bob Uecker in the Brewers' radio booth.

Syracuse. It's always Syracuse. It's like they've got a decent broadcasting school that has churned out high level announcers the way that Penn State used to develop linebackers.

Someone else was a candidate, too. This paragraph not only tells that story, it also give me a pretty good excuse to use.

Andy Masur, the San Diego Padres' No. 2 man on radio who has roots in Illinois, withdrew his name from consideration earlier this week. He worked for WGN in Chicago from 1999-2006 and would have been a strong candidate to replace Powell because he fit WTMJ's top criteria: He has some experience calling Major Legue games.

So, Cory, if you have any questions about the Brewer prospects in Appleton, you know where to reach me.

The gauntlet has been thrown

I am really looking forward to the trip to West Michigan this year!


See that thing in the middle of the above photo (which was taken by Jon M. Brouwer as part of this story in the Grand Rapids Press)?

It's surrounded by such items as Walking Chicken Teriyaki, Chocolate Frozen Bananas, Funnel Cake Fries, and mini chicken sliders on pretzel buns.

The name is The Fifth Third Burger. It is:

...a monstrosity of five beef patties weighing five-thirds of a pound, dressed with sliced Spam, sausage gravy, fried eggs and a gigantic pickle.

Five-thirds of a pound? That's only...what, 1-2/3 pounds? HAH!

Here is a different picture of what some are calling a monstrosity. I'd call it an appetizer.


That is from the Going Gonzo blog at the GR Press.

My only questions are: Can I get fries with that? Is there a time limit? Is there a T-shirt or trophy or do I just get the sense of satisfaction for finishing it?

Big hearty tip o' the cap to Bless You Boys for pointing this one out.

67 dies insquequo Oris Dies

Then, there were two

There are a pair of finalists to replace Jim Powell in the Brewer broadcast booth.

Cory Provus, who handles the Chicago Cubs pre-game show for WGN Radio, may be the leading candidate, followed by Jeff Munn, who handles pre- and post-game radio shows for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

There should be word soon, if not already.

Spanning the globe

First, my Tonbridge Angels keep solidifying their playoff spot in the Ryman Premier League. They defeated Margate 1-0. The Angels sit in third place with 49 points, nine clear of Dartford for the last playoff spot.

Second,the Claxton Shield Grand Final approaches.

The Barbagallo Perth HEAT -- with ex-Rattler Dan Floyd ('01, '02) -- are hosting the New South Wales Patriots this coming weekend.

Here are a few stories to get you ready.

Bring It Home: Perth HEAT Set To Fry Patriots

PERTH Heat has a burning desire for back-to-back championships and the side will get its chance against New South Wales Patriots next week.

The two sides will meet in a re-match of last year’s grand final on the February 6, 7 and, if required, 8 at Baseball Park.

Perth Heat wary of underdogs from east in grand final

HOST Perth Heat are favourites for this week's Claxton Shield final, but NSW Patriots coach Shane Barclay has warned not to take the underdogs too easily.
The states play off for glory and gold in the final, marking the 75th year of Claxton Shield baseball, at Thornlie on Friday night, Saturday and if required, Sunday.

WA won its 10th Shield last year, beating 13-time winner NSW at Sydney's Olympic Park.

The states have clashed four times this year - all in Sydney - for a 2-2 record.

"They've got some players back since then and we've lost players, so they'll be the favourites,'" Barclay said.

The Grand Final will also help support Team Spencer.

From Kane County

A pair of stories from the Cougars and their Winter Banquet

#1 is the new manager Steve Scarsone meeting the fans.

"I'm excited to get back into it," Scarsone said. "After spending so many years in the game, it kind of feels like I'm going home again."

A gathering of a few hundred fans and team officials at the Cougars' annual winter banquet were glad to have him. Scarsone mingled, shook hands and shared stories with all who approached him. The only thing missing, it seemed, were the ballplayers.

The Cougars should know the final makeup of their roster in early March, getting a clearer picture as the parent Oakland Athletics progress further in spring training. Scarsone, who managed in the Midwest League against Kane County in 2001, returned to the Tri-Cities feeling at ease.

He has spent little time investigating potential players and figures that can wait until the team's own spring training. He'll take stock in what he hears before that, but would rather just "look at them blind" himself.

#2 is a sitdown with GM Jeff Sedivy, who also gets mentioned in the lede of the above story.

How has this offseason been, for starters?

"It's been good. It's been real busy, obviously, with the ballpark under construction. Been a lot going on. It's been a full-time job and then some.

Where do you stand on those renovations?

Renovations are coming along nicely, but we're going to take it right down to the wire because of the weather.

Will this increase interest in the team and season ticket sales?

I really think that the impact of the new ballpark ... is going to be a positive one. I think you're going to get a lot of people coming back to the ballpark that haven't been there in a number of years, just to see what improvements we've made. I think you're going to get a lot of people that will come out when the weather's a little iffy, where before there wasn't a covered area for when it did rain. I think there's a lot of positives that it brings.

There's more there if you want to see it.