Seattle:
Rob Johnson ('05): 3-for-5, 2 RUNS, 3RBI
Felix Hernandez ('03): 7IP, 7H, 3R, 2BB, 7K
Shawn Kelley ('08): .2IP, H, Blown save
Mark Lowe ('05): IP, 2H, R, SAVE #1
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 0-for-4, RUN
Cleveland:
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 2-for-5, 2 RUNS, 3 RBI
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 4-for-5, 4 RUNS, 7 RBI, 2 HRS (#11 & #12)
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 1-for-3 2 RUNS
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 1-for-4, RUN, RBI, HR #14
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): 1-for-3, RUN, RBI, HR #1
Atlanta:
Rafael Soriano ('00): IP, H, 2R, 2BBs, K, SAVE #8
St. Louis:
Joel Pineiro ('98): 7IP, 8H, 3R, 2ER, K
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, H, 0R<>
Philadelphia:
Greg Dobbs ('02): 1-for-4, 2RBI
7/04/2009
Midwest League Action: Games of July 3, 2009
Complete scoreboard
Clinton 9 @Wisconsin 7: L-Kings version | Rattlers version
Fort Wayne 5 @Dayton 3: For more than 200 years, fireworks have peppered the July Fourth weekend sky. For the past four days, the Fort Wayne TinCaps have peppered the Dayton Dragons with three-run leads.
Peoria 7 @Kane County 1: Aramis Ramirez narrowly missed hitting a home run on the fifth pitch he saw from Cougars starter Mathieu LeBlanc-Poirier on Friday night.
@Quad Cities 4, Burlington 1: "There were a lot of good things that happened out there," Quad-Cities manager Steve Dillard said.
@Great Lakes 5, Lansing 3: Great Lakes Loons’ All-Star shortstop Dee Gordon is known for just about everything, except for hitting home runs. But Gordon brought down the house Friday night with a two-run homer to right centerfield with no outs in the bottom of the 12th inning, giving the Loons an exciting 5-3 comeback win over the Lansing Lugnuts in front of a Dow Diamond record crowd of 6,057 fans.
West Michigan 10 @South Bend 0: West Michigan's Whitecaps made sure that there were only post-game fireworks for the home team on Friday night of the Fourth of July weekend.
Cedar Rapids 5 @Beloit 4: Kernels version | Snappers version
Clinton 9 @Wisconsin 7: L-Kings version | Rattlers version
Fort Wayne 5 @Dayton 3: For more than 200 years, fireworks have peppered the July Fourth weekend sky. For the past four days, the Fort Wayne TinCaps have peppered the Dayton Dragons with three-run leads.
Peoria 7 @Kane County 1: Aramis Ramirez narrowly missed hitting a home run on the fifth pitch he saw from Cougars starter Mathieu LeBlanc-Poirier on Friday night.
@Quad Cities 4, Burlington 1: "There were a lot of good things that happened out there," Quad-Cities manager Steve Dillard said.
@Great Lakes 5, Lansing 3: Great Lakes Loons’ All-Star shortstop Dee Gordon is known for just about everything, except for hitting home runs. But Gordon brought down the house Friday night with a two-run homer to right centerfield with no outs in the bottom of the 12th inning, giving the Loons an exciting 5-3 comeback win over the Lansing Lugnuts in front of a Dow Diamond record crowd of 6,057 fans.
West Michigan 10 @South Bend 0: West Michigan's Whitecaps made sure that there were only post-game fireworks for the home team on Friday night of the Fourth of July weekend.
Cedar Rapids 5 @Beloit 4: Kernels version | Snappers version
Milwaukee Brewers Report: Games of July 3, 2009
MILWAUKEE (MAJ: 42-38; 2nd National League Central): The Brewers lost 2-1 in 10 innings to the Cubs at Wrigley Field. A bases loaded walk in the bottom of the tenth gave Chicago the win.
NASHVILLE (AAA: 46-36; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds won 3-1 at Round Rock. Manny Parra pitched seven shutout innings, allowed two hits, walked two, and struck out seven for the win. Hernan Iribarren drove in two runs for the Nashville.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 45-36 overall, 7-5 second half; T-1st Southern League North Division): The Stars lost 5-3 at Tennessee. The Smokies were up 5-1 before Huntsville scored twice in the ninth to make it a bit closer.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 45-27 overall, 5-3 second half; 4th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees beat Daytona 4-2. Jim Henderson (’09) got the win with three innings in relief of Alex Periard (’09). Chris Errecart hit a three-run homer in the first inning to give Brevard County an early lead.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 7-4; T-1st Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers beat Billings 6-5. Shawn Zarraga (’09) was 2-for-3 with two RBI for Helena and the Brewers swept the series from the Mustangs.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 5-5; 3rd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers were off on Friday.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Milwaukee 11 at Chicago 2 FINAL
Albuquerque (Charlie Haeger 8-5) at Nashville (Tim Dillard 8-3) 7:00pm CDT
West Tennessee (Luis Munoz 2-4) at Huntsville (Mike Jones 1-2) 6:00pm CDT
Daytona (Dan McDaniel 4-5) at Brevard County (Mark Rogers 0-1) 6:05pm CDT
Helena at Great Falls 8:00pm CDT
AZL Brewers at AZL Indians 9:00pm CDT
NASHVILLE (AAA: 46-36; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds won 3-1 at Round Rock. Manny Parra pitched seven shutout innings, allowed two hits, walked two, and struck out seven for the win. Hernan Iribarren drove in two runs for the Nashville.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 45-36 overall, 7-5 second half; T-1st Southern League North Division): The Stars lost 5-3 at Tennessee. The Smokies were up 5-1 before Huntsville scored twice in the ninth to make it a bit closer.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 45-27 overall, 5-3 second half; 4th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees beat Daytona 4-2. Jim Henderson (’09) got the win with three innings in relief of Alex Periard (’09). Chris Errecart hit a three-run homer in the first inning to give Brevard County an early lead.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 7-4; T-1st Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers beat Billings 6-5. Shawn Zarraga (’09) was 2-for-3 with two RBI for Helena and the Brewers swept the series from the Mustangs.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 5-5; 3rd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers were off on Friday.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Milwaukee 11 at Chicago 2 FINAL
Albuquerque (Charlie Haeger 8-5) at Nashville (Tim Dillard 8-3) 7:00pm CDT
West Tennessee (Luis Munoz 2-4) at Huntsville (Mike Jones 1-2) 6:00pm CDT
Daytona (Dan McDaniel 4-5) at Brevard County (Mark Rogers 0-1) 6:05pm CDT
Helena at Great Falls 8:00pm CDT
AZL Brewers at AZL Indians 9:00pm CDT
7/03/2009
Pitching Matchups (Burlington Series 7/4-7/7/09)
SAT: RHP Trey Watten (3-6, 3.91) vs. LHP Mike Montgomery (1-1, 1.93)
SUN: RHP Cody Adams (1-5, 5.59) vs. RHP Sam Runion (3-4, 6.08)
MON: RHP Wily Peralta (3-1, 3.41)* vs. RHP Tim Melville (2-4, 4.50)
TUE: LHP Dan Merklinger (2-2, 3.09) vs. RHP Mike Lehmann (3-3, 4.02)
*-Evan Frederickson will pitch in relief in this game
SUN: RHP Cody Adams (1-5, 5.59) vs. RHP Sam Runion (3-4, 6.08)
MON: RHP Wily Peralta (3-1, 3.41)* vs. RHP Tim Melville (2-4, 4.50)
TUE: LHP Dan Merklinger (2-2, 3.09) vs. RHP Mike Lehmann (3-3, 4.02)
*-Evan Frederickson will pitch in relief in this game
July 3, 2009: Transaction
Just making this official on the blog.
Outfielder Lorenzo Cain activated from the Huntsville disabled list and transferred to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
Wisconsin's roster is at 24.
If you are in the area, Channel 2 was down and had a quick interview with Cain. It should run in their 6:00pm news.
Jeff Isom is on the radio pre-game show tonight at about 6:45pm CDT. We'll talk a little Lorenzo Cain, a little Wily Peralta, a little about the close games, as well as a few other things.
Outfielder Lorenzo Cain activated from the Huntsville disabled list and transferred to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
Wisconsin's roster is at 24.
If you are in the area, Channel 2 was down and had a quick interview with Cain. It should run in their 6:00pm news.
Jeff Isom is on the radio pre-game show tonight at about 6:45pm CDT. We'll talk a little Lorenzo Cain, a little Wily Peralta, a little about the close games, as well as a few other things.
July 3, 2009: Starting lineup (UPDATE 6:54)
Juan Sanchez......LF
Peter Fatse.......RF
Lorenzo Cain......CF
Brett Lawrie......2B
Corey Kemp.........C
Brock Kjeldgaard..1B
John Delaney......3B
Michael Vass......DH
Michael Marseco...SS
Efrain Nieves.....SP
Peter Fatse.......RF
Lorenzo Cain......CF
Brett Lawrie......2B
Corey Kemp.........C
Brock Kjeldgaard..1B
John Delaney......3B
Michael Vass......DH
Michael Marseco...SS
Efrain Nieves.....SP
July 3, 2009: Opposition Research
From the game notes of the Clinton LumberKings...
Clinton has stolen 11 bases in this series so far
Three Clinton pitchers rank within the MWL top 10 in ERA
Clinton is 11-9 in one run games
Clinton has stolen 11 bases in this series so far
Three Clinton pitchers rank within the MWL top 10 in ERA
Clinton is 11-9 in one run games
July 3, 2009: Tonight's Pitchers
SCHEDULED STARTER
LHP EFRAIN NIEVES: Selected by Milwaukee in the 7th round of the 2007 draft out of Puerto Rico Baseball Academy.
LAST SEASON: Nieves went 6-3 with a 4.48 ERA in 16 games (11 starts) at Helena. He walked 10 and struck out 66 over 76-1/3 innings.
AMONG THE LEADERS: Nieves was fifth in the Pioneer League in innings pitched and fifth in the Pioneer League in wins.
STREAKING: Nieves won four consecutive decisions between June 22 and July 13, 2008.
AWARD WINNING: Nieves was the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week for his performances July 7-13.
WHAT A GAME! Nieves tossed eight innings without allowing a run and striking out nine at Great Falls on August 25. He retired the side in order in the first inning. The Voyagers picked up a leadoff double in the second inning. Then, Nieves retired the next 21 batters in a row.
WORKING VACATION: Nieves pitched for Arecibo in the Puerto Rican Winter League during the off season.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Nieves as the #23 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST START: Nieves pitched five innings as a starter at Burlington on June 17. He allowed two runs on five hits and struck out six, but was not involved in the decision.
LAST APPEARANCE: Nieves pitched four innings in relief on June 27 against the Peoria Chiefs. He allowed one run on two hits with a pair of walks and three strikeouts.
VS. CLINTON: Nieves beat the LumberKings on May 18. He scattered nine hits over five runs and allowed four runs without a walk. Nieves struck out a pair of Clinton batters in the game.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
SCHEDULED RELIEVER
RHP CODY SCARPETTA: Selected by Milwaukee in the 11th round of the 2007 draft out of Guilford (IL) High School.
LAST SEASON: Scarpetta started his first pro season with the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers. He went 1-0 in six games (five starts) with a 0.57ERA and struck out 27 with eight walks over 15-2/3 innings. He did not allow a run over his final 15 innings in the Arizona League. Scarpetta was 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA in six games (three starts) after being promoted to Helena. Struck out 31 and walked eight in 20-2/3 innings for the Brewers.
FAMILY AFFAIR: Scarpetta’s father Dan was drafted by Milwaukee in the 3rd round of the 1982 draft and pitched in the Brewer organization from 1982-1983 and 1985-1988.
ONE OF 40: Scarpetta is on Milwaukee’s 40-Man Roster
BASEBALL IN PARADISE: Scarpetta pitched for the West Oahu CaneFires in Hawaii Winter Baseball after the 2008 regular season.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Scarpetta as the #15 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST APPEARANCE: Scarpetta pitched five scoreless innings in a start against the Peoria Chiefs on June 27 at Time Warner Cable Field. He allowed four hits, walked none, and struck out six. Scarpetta was not involved in the decision as the Rattlers won 2-1 in 14 innings.
VS. CLINTON: Scarpetta pitched five no-hit innings against the LumberKings in the first game of a doubleheader on May 17. Scarpetta walked four and struck out six to pick up the win, his first Midwest League victory.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 IP (4/22/09 vs. Peoria)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (2x - 8/2/08 vs. AZL Athletics & 4/22 vs. Peoria)
LHP EFRAIN NIEVES: Selected by Milwaukee in the 7th round of the 2007 draft out of Puerto Rico Baseball Academy.
LAST SEASON: Nieves went 6-3 with a 4.48 ERA in 16 games (11 starts) at Helena. He walked 10 and struck out 66 over 76-1/3 innings.
AMONG THE LEADERS: Nieves was fifth in the Pioneer League in innings pitched and fifth in the Pioneer League in wins.
STREAKING: Nieves won four consecutive decisions between June 22 and July 13, 2008.
AWARD WINNING: Nieves was the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week for his performances July 7-13.
WHAT A GAME! Nieves tossed eight innings without allowing a run and striking out nine at Great Falls on August 25. He retired the side in order in the first inning. The Voyagers picked up a leadoff double in the second inning. Then, Nieves retired the next 21 batters in a row.
WORKING VACATION: Nieves pitched for Arecibo in the Puerto Rican Winter League during the off season.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Nieves as the #23 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST START: Nieves pitched five innings as a starter at Burlington on June 17. He allowed two runs on five hits and struck out six, but was not involved in the decision.
LAST APPEARANCE: Nieves pitched four innings in relief on June 27 against the Peoria Chiefs. He allowed one run on two hits with a pair of walks and three strikeouts.
VS. CLINTON: Nieves beat the LumberKings on May 18. He scattered nine hits over five runs and allowed four runs without a walk. Nieves struck out a pair of Clinton batters in the game.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
SCHEDULED RELIEVER
RHP CODY SCARPETTA: Selected by Milwaukee in the 11th round of the 2007 draft out of Guilford (IL) High School.
LAST SEASON: Scarpetta started his first pro season with the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers. He went 1-0 in six games (five starts) with a 0.57ERA and struck out 27 with eight walks over 15-2/3 innings. He did not allow a run over his final 15 innings in the Arizona League. Scarpetta was 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA in six games (three starts) after being promoted to Helena. Struck out 31 and walked eight in 20-2/3 innings for the Brewers.
FAMILY AFFAIR: Scarpetta’s father Dan was drafted by Milwaukee in the 3rd round of the 1982 draft and pitched in the Brewer organization from 1982-1983 and 1985-1988.
ONE OF 40: Scarpetta is on Milwaukee’s 40-Man Roster
BASEBALL IN PARADISE: Scarpetta pitched for the West Oahu CaneFires in Hawaii Winter Baseball after the 2008 regular season.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Scarpetta as the #15 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST APPEARANCE: Scarpetta pitched five scoreless innings in a start against the Peoria Chiefs on June 27 at Time Warner Cable Field. He allowed four hits, walked none, and struck out six. Scarpetta was not involved in the decision as the Rattlers won 2-1 in 14 innings.
VS. CLINTON: Scarpetta pitched five no-hit innings against the LumberKings in the first game of a doubleheader on May 17. Scarpetta walked four and struck out six to pick up the win, his first Midwest League victory.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 IP (4/22/09 vs. Peoria)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (2x - 8/2/08 vs. AZL Athletics & 4/22 vs. Peoria)
July 3, 2009: Game Notes
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Timber Rattlers beat the LumberKings 4-3. Brock Kjeldgaard homered, doubled, and drove in a pair of runs to pace the offense. Dan Merklinger pitched 6-2/3 innings for the win and Nick Tyson got his third save of the season by getting the final four outs of the game.
SLOW START: The LumberKings scored twice in the third inning on back-to-back RBI singles by Scott Savastano and Denny Almonte.
STRONG FOURTH: Brett Lawrie reached on an infield single with one out in the fourth inning. Corey Kemp, Kjeldgaard, and Michael Vass had three consecutive RBI hits to put the Rattlers in front.
WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY: Kjeldgaard’s twelfth homer of the season came in the bottom of the sixth inning and pushed Wisconsin’s lead to 4-2. Kjeldgaard has hit those 12 homers in 250 at bats over 74 games. Last year at Helena, Kjeldgaard hit 14 homers in 306 at bats over 75 games.
A LITTLE HELP HERE: Merklinger matched his career high for innings pitched by going 6-2/3 innings. He allowed two runs on eight hits with two walks and six strikeouts. A single by Luis Nunez in the top of the seventh inning put runners at the corners with two outs. So, Brandon Ritchie came on to get the final out of the frame.
NICK TYSON’S PUNCH OUT: Tyson is now 3-for-3 in save opportunities this season. He got the final out of the eighth inning and retired the first two hitters of the ninth. He let the next two LumberKings reach on a walk and a single, but a fly ball to right ended the game.
CLOSE GAME? NO PROBLEM: The Timber Rattlers are 5-2 in the second half. Four of Wisconsin’s five wins have been by one run. On the season, Wisconsin is 13-7 in games decided by one run.
MAKING MOVES: Earlier today Lorenzo Cain, the #6 prospect in the Milwaukee organization was activated off the Huntsville disabled list and transferred to the Wisconsin roster. He is in the lineup tonight for the Rattlers.
ANOTHER STEP FORWARD: Thursday’s win moved the Timber Rattlers back above the .500 mark to 39-38.
FRESH START: The Rattlers begin the second half with an eight-game homestand against two teams that just missed the playoffs in the first half. Wisconsin was 3-1 against the Peoria Chiefs. There is one game remaining in this series with the Clinton LumberKings.
ON THE ROAD: Wisconsin heads out for a four game series at Burlington July 4 through July 7. Wisconsin went 2-2 in a four game set at Community Field late in the first half.
HOME AGAIN? The Rattlers will host the West Michigan Whitecaps and the South Bend Silver Hawks in a six-game homestand from July 8 through July 13.
PROSPECTING: There are seven members of the active Timber Rattler roster who are rated as top 30 prospects in the Milwaukee system by Baseball America. Infielder Brett Lawrie (#3) and outfielder Lorenzo Cain (#6) are in the top 10. Pitchers Cody Scarpetta (#15), Wily Peralta (#22), Efrain Nieves (#23), Evan Frederickson (#24), and Cody Adams (#28) are also on the list.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Clinton LumberKings are the Midwest League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Scott Steinmann, a former player, coach, and manager of the Timber Rattlers, is in his first season as the manager of the LumberKings. Pitching Coach Lance Painter was the pitching coach of Wisconsin in 2006 and 2007. This is the first season for Seattle to be the parent club of the LumberKings. They were 40-30 in the first half and missed a playoff spot. The LumberKings are off to a 3-4 start for the second half. In their series to kick off the second half of the schedule, the LumberKings split a four game set with Beloit at home.
2009 SEASON SERIES: The Timber Rattlers lead the season series 7-4. Clinton swept three games from the Timber Rattlers April 17-19 at Alliant Energy Field. The final game of the series was rained out on April 20. Wisconsin swept a five game series from the LumberKings at Time Warner Cable Field from May 16-19. Tonight is the final meeting of the regular season between the Rattlers and the LumberKings.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .245 as a team. They have scored 321 runs (4.2/game) and hit 37 home runs. The LumberKings are hitting .253 as a team. They have scored 371 runs (4.8/game) and hit 50 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 3.91 while allowing a total of 351 runs (4.6/game). Clinton pitchers have a team ERA of 3.08 while allowing 304 runs (4.0/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 91 errors. The LumberKings defense has committed 115 errors. Wisconsin is 26-17 at home this season. Clinton is 20-19 on the road this season.
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook listed three members of the current LumberKings roster as a Top 30 prospect in the Seattle system. Pitcher Maikel Cleto (#16) is the highest rated player on the list. Outfielder Denny Almonte (#22) is the only other Clinton position player on the list. Pitcher Aaron Pribanic (#27) is also on the list.
CLINTON STARTING PITCHER: RHP Alfredo Venegas was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Ecuador in 2003. Venegas spent most of the 2008 season with the High Desert Mavericks, the California League affiliate of the Mariners. He was 6-5 with a 4.97ERA, walked 32 and struck out 87 in 112-1/3 innings in 26 games (16 starts) for the Mavericks. Venegas also made a start for Tacoma, the Pacific Coast League affiliate of the M’s. He took the loss and gave up four runs on six hits with three walks and two strikeouts over 2-2/3 innings. Venegas is 2-3 with a 3.69ERA in eight starts with the LumberKings this season. He lost his last start, the first game of a doubleheader against Beloit on June 28, by giving up five runs (two earned) on six hits over 2-1/3 innings. Tonight is the first Time Venegas will face the Timber Rattlers.
SLOW START: The LumberKings scored twice in the third inning on back-to-back RBI singles by Scott Savastano and Denny Almonte.
STRONG FOURTH: Brett Lawrie reached on an infield single with one out in the fourth inning. Corey Kemp, Kjeldgaard, and Michael Vass had three consecutive RBI hits to put the Rattlers in front.
WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY: Kjeldgaard’s twelfth homer of the season came in the bottom of the sixth inning and pushed Wisconsin’s lead to 4-2. Kjeldgaard has hit those 12 homers in 250 at bats over 74 games. Last year at Helena, Kjeldgaard hit 14 homers in 306 at bats over 75 games.
A LITTLE HELP HERE: Merklinger matched his career high for innings pitched by going 6-2/3 innings. He allowed two runs on eight hits with two walks and six strikeouts. A single by Luis Nunez in the top of the seventh inning put runners at the corners with two outs. So, Brandon Ritchie came on to get the final out of the frame.
NICK TYSON’S PUNCH OUT: Tyson is now 3-for-3 in save opportunities this season. He got the final out of the eighth inning and retired the first two hitters of the ninth. He let the next two LumberKings reach on a walk and a single, but a fly ball to right ended the game.
CLOSE GAME? NO PROBLEM: The Timber Rattlers are 5-2 in the second half. Four of Wisconsin’s five wins have been by one run. On the season, Wisconsin is 13-7 in games decided by one run.
MAKING MOVES: Earlier today Lorenzo Cain, the #6 prospect in the Milwaukee organization was activated off the Huntsville disabled list and transferred to the Wisconsin roster. He is in the lineup tonight for the Rattlers.
ANOTHER STEP FORWARD: Thursday’s win moved the Timber Rattlers back above the .500 mark to 39-38.
FRESH START: The Rattlers begin the second half with an eight-game homestand against two teams that just missed the playoffs in the first half. Wisconsin was 3-1 against the Peoria Chiefs. There is one game remaining in this series with the Clinton LumberKings.
ON THE ROAD: Wisconsin heads out for a four game series at Burlington July 4 through July 7. Wisconsin went 2-2 in a four game set at Community Field late in the first half.
HOME AGAIN? The Rattlers will host the West Michigan Whitecaps and the South Bend Silver Hawks in a six-game homestand from July 8 through July 13.
PROSPECTING: There are seven members of the active Timber Rattler roster who are rated as top 30 prospects in the Milwaukee system by Baseball America. Infielder Brett Lawrie (#3) and outfielder Lorenzo Cain (#6) are in the top 10. Pitchers Cody Scarpetta (#15), Wily Peralta (#22), Efrain Nieves (#23), Evan Frederickson (#24), and Cody Adams (#28) are also on the list.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Clinton LumberKings are the Midwest League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Scott Steinmann, a former player, coach, and manager of the Timber Rattlers, is in his first season as the manager of the LumberKings. Pitching Coach Lance Painter was the pitching coach of Wisconsin in 2006 and 2007. This is the first season for Seattle to be the parent club of the LumberKings. They were 40-30 in the first half and missed a playoff spot. The LumberKings are off to a 3-4 start for the second half. In their series to kick off the second half of the schedule, the LumberKings split a four game set with Beloit at home.
2009 SEASON SERIES: The Timber Rattlers lead the season series 7-4. Clinton swept three games from the Timber Rattlers April 17-19 at Alliant Energy Field. The final game of the series was rained out on April 20. Wisconsin swept a five game series from the LumberKings at Time Warner Cable Field from May 16-19. Tonight is the final meeting of the regular season between the Rattlers and the LumberKings.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .245 as a team. They have scored 321 runs (4.2/game) and hit 37 home runs. The LumberKings are hitting .253 as a team. They have scored 371 runs (4.8/game) and hit 50 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 3.91 while allowing a total of 351 runs (4.6/game). Clinton pitchers have a team ERA of 3.08 while allowing 304 runs (4.0/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 91 errors. The LumberKings defense has committed 115 errors. Wisconsin is 26-17 at home this season. Clinton is 20-19 on the road this season.
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook listed three members of the current LumberKings roster as a Top 30 prospect in the Seattle system. Pitcher Maikel Cleto (#16) is the highest rated player on the list. Outfielder Denny Almonte (#22) is the only other Clinton position player on the list. Pitcher Aaron Pribanic (#27) is also on the list.
CLINTON STARTING PITCHER: RHP Alfredo Venegas was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Ecuador in 2003. Venegas spent most of the 2008 season with the High Desert Mavericks, the California League affiliate of the Mariners. He was 6-5 with a 4.97ERA, walked 32 and struck out 87 in 112-1/3 innings in 26 games (16 starts) for the Mavericks. Venegas also made a start for Tacoma, the Pacific Coast League affiliate of the M’s. He took the loss and gave up four runs on six hits with three walks and two strikeouts over 2-2/3 innings. Venegas is 2-3 with a 3.69ERA in eight starts with the LumberKings this season. He lost his last start, the first game of a doubleheader against Beloit on June 28, by giving up five runs (two earned) on six hits over 2-1/3 innings. Tonight is the first Time Venegas will face the Timber Rattlers.
A drink from the bubbler
Latest edition of TWITRB is up over at SportsBubbler.com. Along with the explanation for the pictures down in the post from early this morning.
As an FYI
Top prospect Lorenzo Cain joins Rattlers tonight
Lorenzo Cain is the latest Milwaukee Brewers top prospect to don a Timber Rattlers uniform. Cain, rated as the #6 prospect in the Milwaukee organization by Baseball America, has just completed a rehab assignment with the Brewers Arizona League affiliate and been placed on the Wisconsin roster. He will be in uniform for the Rattlers game against the Clinton LumberKings tonight.Hurry. Tickets still available, but going fast.
Rattler Alumni Report: AAA and AA games of July 2, 2009
AAA:
International League:
Indianapolis:
Chris Snelling ('00): 0-for-3
Snelling (GM 2): 0-for-1, BB
PCL:
Tacoma:
Jeff Clement ('05): 2-for-4, RBI, HR #11
Bryan LaHair ('04): 1-for-3, RUN, RBI
Adam Moore ('06): 1-for-4, RUN
Ryan Rowland-Smith ('03): 5.1IP, 8H, R, 3K, WIN #2
Denny Stark ('97): IP, H, 0R, BB
Justin Thomas ('06): .1IP, H, 0R, BB, K
AA:
Southern League:
West Tennessee:
Greg Halman ('07): 0-for-4, RUN
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 0-for-3
Mike Wilson ('05): 1-for-4
Johan Limonta ('06): 0-for-3
Mumba Rivera ('05): 2IP, 3H, 0R, BB, 2K, WIN #6
Huntsville:
Michael Garciaparra ('03): 3-for-5, RUN, 2RBI
Juan Sandoval ('03): 2IP, 2H, R, 0ER, WIN #3
Birmingham:
Robbie Hudson ('06): 0-for-3
International League:
Indianapolis:
Chris Snelling ('00): 0-for-3
Snelling (GM 2): 0-for-1, BB
PCL:
Tacoma:
Jeff Clement ('05): 2-for-4, RBI, HR #11
Bryan LaHair ('04): 1-for-3, RUN, RBI
Adam Moore ('06): 1-for-4, RUN
Ryan Rowland-Smith ('03): 5.1IP, 8H, R, 3K, WIN #2
Denny Stark ('97): IP, H, 0R, BB
Justin Thomas ('06): .1IP, H, 0R, BB, K
AA:
Southern League:
West Tennessee:
Greg Halman ('07): 0-for-4, RUN
Marshall Hubbard ('05): 0-for-3
Mike Wilson ('05): 1-for-4
Johan Limonta ('06): 0-for-3
Mumba Rivera ('05): 2IP, 3H, 0R, BB, 2K, WIN #6
Huntsville:
Michael Garciaparra ('03): 3-for-5, RUN, 2RBI
Juan Sandoval ('03): 2IP, 2H, R, 0ER, WIN #3
Birmingham:
Robbie Hudson ('06): 0-for-3
Rattler Alumni Report: MLB Games of July 2, 2009
Seattle:
Mark Lowe ('05): 2IP, H, 0R, K
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 0-for-3, RUN
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 0-for-4
Los Angeles (AL):
Brian Fuentes ('97): IP, H, 0R, SAVE #23
St. Louis:
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, 0H, K, SAVE #19
Philadelphia:
Greg Dobbs ('02): 2-for-3, RBI
Atlanta:
Eric O'Flaherty ('05): 1/3IP, 0H, 0R
Rafael Soriano ('00): IP, 0H, 0R, SAVE #7
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): 2-for-4
Mark Lowe ('05): 2IP, H, 0R, K
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 0-for-3, RUN
Baltimore:
Adam Jones ('04): 0-for-4
Los Angeles (AL):
Brian Fuentes ('97): IP, H, 0R, SAVE #23
St. Louis:
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, 0H, K, SAVE #19
Philadelphia:
Greg Dobbs ('02): 2-for-3, RBI
Atlanta:
Eric O'Flaherty ('05): 1/3IP, 0H, 0R
Rafael Soriano ('00): IP, 0H, 0R, SAVE #7
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): 2-for-4
Midwest League Action: Games of July 2, 2009
Complete scoreboard
@Wisconsin 4, Clinton 3: Two strikes with two outs. For batters, that equates to living on the edge. If that's the case, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers enjoyed the edge Thursday night in front of 2,674 fans at Fox Cities Stadium.
@Great Lakes 4, Lansing 2;
Lansing 3, @Great Lakes 2: Loooooons version | Lugnuts version
Fort Wayne 3 @Dayton 1: After the sensational rendition of the National Anthem by the United States Air Force Band of Flight, the Dayton Dragons virtually crash-landed at Fifth Third Field.
Peoria 3 @Kane County 1: Chiefs version | Cougars version
@South Bend 5, West Michigan 4: "It was outstanding, because if you look at the ones who did it, it was the young bucks (Marte and Estevez)," Haley said. "They dropped down in the order, and now they're relaxed. There's no pressure on them. Whatever happens, happens. No one is expecting them to do a whole lot.
Burlington 3, @Quad Cities 0: "The only thing that would have made this any better would have been if we could have won the game," Carpenter said after a game that was decided by a three-run homer by the Bees' Jason Taylor.
Cedar Rapids 5, @Beloit 1: Snappers version
@Wisconsin 4, Clinton 3: Two strikes with two outs. For batters, that equates to living on the edge. If that's the case, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers enjoyed the edge Thursday night in front of 2,674 fans at Fox Cities Stadium.
@Great Lakes 4, Lansing 2;
Lansing 3, @Great Lakes 2: Loooooons version | Lugnuts version
Fort Wayne 3 @Dayton 1: After the sensational rendition of the National Anthem by the United States Air Force Band of Flight, the Dayton Dragons virtually crash-landed at Fifth Third Field.
Peoria 3 @Kane County 1: Chiefs version | Cougars version
@South Bend 5, West Michigan 4: "It was outstanding, because if you look at the ones who did it, it was the young bucks (Marte and Estevez)," Haley said. "They dropped down in the order, and now they're relaxed. There's no pressure on them. Whatever happens, happens. No one is expecting them to do a whole lot.
Burlington 3, @Quad Cities 0: "The only thing that would have made this any better would have been if we could have won the game," Carpenter said after a game that was decided by a three-run homer by the Bees' Jason Taylor.
Cedar Rapids 5, @Beloit 1: Snappers version
Milwaukee Brewers Report: Games of July 2, 2009
MILWAUKEE (MAJ: 42-37; T-1st National League Central): The Brewers lost 9-5 at Wrigley Field to the Cubs. Chicago hit four homers in the first four innings and went up 9-2 early.
NASHVILLE (AAA: 45-36; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds lost 7-5 at Round Rock. The Express broke a 5-5 tie with a two run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 45-35 overall, 7-4 second half; 1st Southern League North Division): The Stars won 4-3 at Tennessee. Michael Garciaparra (’03) was 3-for-5 with two RBI for Huntsville.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 44-27 overall, 4-3 second half; 4th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees split a doubleheader at Charlotte. Brevard County won game one 9-4. The Stone Crabs scored a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat the Manatees 2-1 in game two.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 6-4; T-1st Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers won 5-4 at Billings. Helena scored twice in the top of the ninth to rally for the win.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 5-5; T-2nd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers beat the Rangers 3-1.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Milwaukee (Jeff Suppan 5-6) at Chicago (Carlos Zambranno 4-3) 1:20pm CDT
Nashville (Manny Parra 0-2) at Round Rock (Mark McLemore 2-3) 7:05pm CDT
Huntsville (Donovan Hand 6-1) at Tennessee (Marcos Mateo 1-5) 6:15pm CDT
Daytona (James Leverton 5-7) at Brevard County (Mark Rogers 0-1) 6:05pm CDT
Helena (Nicholas Bucci 2-0) at Billings (Leonardo Astorga 1-0) 8:05pm CDT
AZL Brewers – OFF DAY
NASHVILLE (AAA: 45-36; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds lost 7-5 at Round Rock. The Express broke a 5-5 tie with a two run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 45-35 overall, 7-4 second half; 1st Southern League North Division): The Stars won 4-3 at Tennessee. Michael Garciaparra (’03) was 3-for-5 with two RBI for Huntsville.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 44-27 overall, 4-3 second half; 4th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees split a doubleheader at Charlotte. Brevard County won game one 9-4. The Stone Crabs scored a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat the Manatees 2-1 in game two.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 6-4; T-1st Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers won 5-4 at Billings. Helena scored twice in the top of the ninth to rally for the win.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 5-5; T-2nd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers beat the Rangers 3-1.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Milwaukee (Jeff Suppan 5-6) at Chicago (Carlos Zambranno 4-3) 1:20pm CDT
Nashville (Manny Parra 0-2) at Round Rock (Mark McLemore 2-3) 7:05pm CDT
Huntsville (Donovan Hand 6-1) at Tennessee (Marcos Mateo 1-5) 6:15pm CDT
Daytona (James Leverton 5-7) at Brevard County (Mark Rogers 0-1) 6:05pm CDT
Helena (Nicholas Bucci 2-0) at Billings (Leonardo Astorga 1-0) 8:05pm CDT
AZL Brewers – OFF DAY
Explanation to follow
The below pictures will be explained in today's edition of TWITRB over at SportsBubbler.com. Around noon.
7/02/2009
July 2, 2009: Starting lineup
Juan Sanchez........CF
Peter Fatse.........LF
Brett Lawrie........2B
Corey Kemp...........C
John Delaney........3B
Brock Kjeldgaard....1B
Michael Vass........DH
Derrick McPhearson..RF
Michael Marseco.....SS
Dan Merklinger......SP
Peter Fatse.........LF
Brett Lawrie........2B
Corey Kemp...........C
John Delaney........3B
Brock Kjeldgaard....1B
Michael Vass........DH
Derrick McPhearson..RF
Michael Marseco.....SS
Dan Merklinger......SP
July 2, 2009: Opposition research
From the game notes of the Clinton LumberKings...
The LumberKings tied a season-high with five stolen bases yesterday
The LumberKings boast the league's best team ERA of 3.06
All-Star closer Ruben Flores has converted his last eight save chances since his last blown save on May 27 at Peoria.
Flores also has a scoreless streak of 11.1 innings dating back to 6/2.
The LumberKings tied a season-high with five stolen bases yesterday
The LumberKings boast the league's best team ERA of 3.06
All-Star closer Ruben Flores has converted his last eight save chances since his last blown save on May 27 at Peoria.
Flores also has a scoreless streak of 11.1 innings dating back to 6/2.
July 2, 2009: Tonight's starter
LHP DAN MERKLINGER: Selected by Milwaukee in the sixth round of the 2007 draft out of Seton Hall University.
LAST SEASON: Merklinger went 7-9 with the West Virginia Power in 2008. He compiled a 5.75 ERA with 98 strikeouts over 97 innings.
TURNAROUND: Merklinger lost his first five decisions last season. Before the South Atlantic League All-Star Break, Merklinger was 1-5. After the break, Merklinger went 6-4 and had a pair of three game winning streaks.
STARTING OUT: Merklinger made his professional debut with the Helena Brewers in the Pioneer League during the 2007 season. He went 1-0 with a save and an ERA of 3.95 in 13 games (0 starts). Merklinger struck out 40 over 27-1/3 innings for the Brewers.
THE HALL: Merklinger played his college ball at Seton Hall and struck out 199 batters over three seasons for the Pirates.
WITH HONORS: Merklinger was Big East Pitcher of the Week three times in his college career, the Seton Hall Sophomore Male Athlete of the Year, and Seton Hall’s Junior Male Athlete of the Year.
PREP: At Seton Hall Prep, Merklinger was named to the All-Conference, All-Area, All-County, and All-State high school teams.
LAST START: Merklinger made the start on June 10 against the Kane County Cougars. He allowed four runs on five hits over 6-2/3 innings for a no decision. Merklinger walked two and struck out five.
LAST APPEARANCE: Merklinger pitched three scoreless innings against Peoria on June 25. He walked one, allowed two hits, and struck out four to pick up the save.
YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED: That was the first save for Merklinger since the 2007 season. It was his second save of his professional career.
VS. CLINTON: Merklinger took the loss at Clinton on April 17. He allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks over three innings. Merklinger struck out five in the game.
ON THE SHELF: Merklinger went on the disabled list after the start at Clinton on April 17. He rejoined the Timber Rattlers active roster in early June.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.2 (@ Kane County 6/10/2009)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (vs. Hagerstown 7/3/2008)
LAST SEASON: Merklinger went 7-9 with the West Virginia Power in 2008. He compiled a 5.75 ERA with 98 strikeouts over 97 innings.
TURNAROUND: Merklinger lost his first five decisions last season. Before the South Atlantic League All-Star Break, Merklinger was 1-5. After the break, Merklinger went 6-4 and had a pair of three game winning streaks.
STARTING OUT: Merklinger made his professional debut with the Helena Brewers in the Pioneer League during the 2007 season. He went 1-0 with a save and an ERA of 3.95 in 13 games (0 starts). Merklinger struck out 40 over 27-1/3 innings for the Brewers.
THE HALL: Merklinger played his college ball at Seton Hall and struck out 199 batters over three seasons for the Pirates.
WITH HONORS: Merklinger was Big East Pitcher of the Week three times in his college career, the Seton Hall Sophomore Male Athlete of the Year, and Seton Hall’s Junior Male Athlete of the Year.
PREP: At Seton Hall Prep, Merklinger was named to the All-Conference, All-Area, All-County, and All-State high school teams.
LAST START: Merklinger made the start on June 10 against the Kane County Cougars. He allowed four runs on five hits over 6-2/3 innings for a no decision. Merklinger walked two and struck out five.
LAST APPEARANCE: Merklinger pitched three scoreless innings against Peoria on June 25. He walked one, allowed two hits, and struck out four to pick up the save.
YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED: That was the first save for Merklinger since the 2007 season. It was his second save of his professional career.
VS. CLINTON: Merklinger took the loss at Clinton on April 17. He allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks over three innings. Merklinger struck out five in the game.
ON THE SHELF: Merklinger went on the disabled list after the start at Clinton on April 17. He rejoined the Timber Rattlers active roster in early June.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.2 (@ Kane County 6/10/2009)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (vs. Hagerstown 7/3/2008)
July 2, 2009: Game notes
ABOUT WEDNESDAY: The Timber Rattlers beat the Clinton LumberKings 4-3. Brock Kjeldgaard’s RBI triple in the bottom of the seventh inning snapped a 3-3 tie. Wily Peralta struck out six over the final three innings for the win.
BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING: The Rattlers scored twice in the first inning on three consecutive two-out doubles. Brett Lawrie started the rally. Corey Kemp followed with a double to drive in Lawrie. John Delaney’s two-bagger sent Kemp home with the run for a 2-0 lead.
BRINGING THE LUMBER: Kris Sanchez homered off Rattlers starting pitcher Evan Frederickson with two outs in the third inning for Clinton’s first run. Ex-Rattler Ogui Diaz had a two-out infield single that drove in the tying run in the top of the fourth. Sanchez put Clinton in front with a one out RBI triple off Rattlers reliever Daniel Meadows in the top of the fifth.
SHUTDOWN MODE: After the triple by Sanchez, Meadows and Peralta did not allow another hit over the final 4-2/3 innings.
EVEN STEVEN: The Rattlers put together another two-out rally in the sixth inning to tie the game. Derrick McPhearson drew a walk, stole second, and went to third when Juan Sanchez’s grounder to third was booted. Peter Fatse grounded a single through the right side of the infield to send McPhearson home with the tying run.
TRIPLE DECKER: Kjeldgaard’s triple followed John Delaney’s one out walk in the seventh. The triple was the third of the season for Kjeldgaard. He now has 46 RBI on the season to lead the Rattlers in that category.
SLICK WILY: Peralta’s six strikeouts gave him 83 on the season. He momentarily had the Midwest League lead in that category. But, Simon Castro of Fort Wayne struck out eight Dayton Dragons last night to tie Peralta for the MWL lead.
WALKING AWAY A WINNER: Wisconsin hitters drew a season-high 10 walks yesterday.
WORTH THE WAIT: Wednesday’s game went 3:37. That is the longest 9-inning game of the season for the Timber Rattlers. As a reference, the 14-inning game against the Peoria Chiefs on June 27 had an elapsed time of 3:56.
CLOSE GAME? NO PROBLEM: The Timber Rattlers are 4-2 in the second half. Three of Wisconsin’s four wins have been by one run. On the season, Wisconsin is 11-7 in games decided by one run.
A STEP FORWARD: Wednesday’s win moved the Timber Rattlers back to the .500 mark at 38-38.
FRESH START: The Rattlers begin the second half with an eight-game homestand against two teams that just missed the playoffs in the first half. Wisconsin was 3-1 against the Peoria Chiefs. There are two games remaining in this series with the Clinton LumberKings.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Clinton LumberKings are the Midwest League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Scott Steinmann, a former player, coach, and manager of the Timber Rattlers, is in his first season as the manager of the LumberKings. Pitching Coach Lance Painter was the pitching coach of Wisconsin in 2006 and 2007. This is the first season for Seattle to be the parent club of the LumberKings. They were 40-30 in the first half and missed a playoff spot. The LumberKings are off to a 3-3 start for the second half. In their series to kick off the second half of the schedule, the LumberKings split a four game set with Beloit at home.
2009 SEASON SERIES: The Timber Rattlers lead the season series 6-4. Clinton swept three games from the Timber Rattlers April 17-19 at Alliant Energy Field. The final game of the series was rained out on April 20. Wisconsin swept a five game series from the LumberKings at Time Warner Cable Field from May 16-19.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .244 as a team. They have scored 317 runs (4.2/game) and hit 36 home runs. The LumberKings are hitting .253 as a team. They have scored 368 runs (4.8/game) and hit 50 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 3.92 while allowing a total of 348 runs (4.6/game). Clinton pitchers have a team ERA of 3.06 while allowing 304 runs (4.0/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 91 errors. The LumberKings defense has committed 115 errors. Wisconsin is 25-17 at home this season. Clinton is 20-18 on the road this season.
CLINTON STARTING PITCHER: LHP Bobby LaFromboise was selected by the Mariners in the 8th round of the 2008 draft out of the University of New Mexico were he was an All-Mountain West Conference selection in his final two seasons. LaFromboise made his professional debut with the Everett AquaSox after signing with the Mariners. He went 2-2 with a 3.46ERA in 13 games (10 starts) for the Northwest League affiliate of the Mariners. He is 5-2 with a 3.38 ERA so far in 2009 with the LumberKings. LaFromboise has made 20 appearances (seven starts) for Clinton and has struck out 58 while walking just 14 over 66-2/3 innings. In his appearance prior to this evening, LaFromboise pitched two innings of relief against the Beloit Snappers on June 26 and allowed one run on one hit with two walks and three strikeouts. The Rattlers have faced him twice as a reliever this season. LaFromboise has no record, allowed one run on five hits, walked none, and struck out five in 5-1/3 innings over those two outings against the Rattlers.
BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING: The Rattlers scored twice in the first inning on three consecutive two-out doubles. Brett Lawrie started the rally. Corey Kemp followed with a double to drive in Lawrie. John Delaney’s two-bagger sent Kemp home with the run for a 2-0 lead.
BRINGING THE LUMBER: Kris Sanchez homered off Rattlers starting pitcher Evan Frederickson with two outs in the third inning for Clinton’s first run. Ex-Rattler Ogui Diaz had a two-out infield single that drove in the tying run in the top of the fourth. Sanchez put Clinton in front with a one out RBI triple off Rattlers reliever Daniel Meadows in the top of the fifth.
SHUTDOWN MODE: After the triple by Sanchez, Meadows and Peralta did not allow another hit over the final 4-2/3 innings.
EVEN STEVEN: The Rattlers put together another two-out rally in the sixth inning to tie the game. Derrick McPhearson drew a walk, stole second, and went to third when Juan Sanchez’s grounder to third was booted. Peter Fatse grounded a single through the right side of the infield to send McPhearson home with the tying run.
TRIPLE DECKER: Kjeldgaard’s triple followed John Delaney’s one out walk in the seventh. The triple was the third of the season for Kjeldgaard. He now has 46 RBI on the season to lead the Rattlers in that category.
SLICK WILY: Peralta’s six strikeouts gave him 83 on the season. He momentarily had the Midwest League lead in that category. But, Simon Castro of Fort Wayne struck out eight Dayton Dragons last night to tie Peralta for the MWL lead.
WALKING AWAY A WINNER: Wisconsin hitters drew a season-high 10 walks yesterday.
WORTH THE WAIT: Wednesday’s game went 3:37. That is the longest 9-inning game of the season for the Timber Rattlers. As a reference, the 14-inning game against the Peoria Chiefs on June 27 had an elapsed time of 3:56.
CLOSE GAME? NO PROBLEM: The Timber Rattlers are 4-2 in the second half. Three of Wisconsin’s four wins have been by one run. On the season, Wisconsin is 11-7 in games decided by one run.
A STEP FORWARD: Wednesday’s win moved the Timber Rattlers back to the .500 mark at 38-38.
FRESH START: The Rattlers begin the second half with an eight-game homestand against two teams that just missed the playoffs in the first half. Wisconsin was 3-1 against the Peoria Chiefs. There are two games remaining in this series with the Clinton LumberKings.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Clinton LumberKings are the Midwest League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Scott Steinmann, a former player, coach, and manager of the Timber Rattlers, is in his first season as the manager of the LumberKings. Pitching Coach Lance Painter was the pitching coach of Wisconsin in 2006 and 2007. This is the first season for Seattle to be the parent club of the LumberKings. They were 40-30 in the first half and missed a playoff spot. The LumberKings are off to a 3-3 start for the second half. In their series to kick off the second half of the schedule, the LumberKings split a four game set with Beloit at home.
2009 SEASON SERIES: The Timber Rattlers lead the season series 6-4. Clinton swept three games from the Timber Rattlers April 17-19 at Alliant Energy Field. The final game of the series was rained out on April 20. Wisconsin swept a five game series from the LumberKings at Time Warner Cable Field from May 16-19.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .244 as a team. They have scored 317 runs (4.2/game) and hit 36 home runs. The LumberKings are hitting .253 as a team. They have scored 368 runs (4.8/game) and hit 50 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 3.92 while allowing a total of 348 runs (4.6/game). Clinton pitchers have a team ERA of 3.06 while allowing 304 runs (4.0/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 91 errors. The LumberKings defense has committed 115 errors. Wisconsin is 25-17 at home this season. Clinton is 20-18 on the road this season.
CLINTON STARTING PITCHER: LHP Bobby LaFromboise was selected by the Mariners in the 8th round of the 2008 draft out of the University of New Mexico were he was an All-Mountain West Conference selection in his final two seasons. LaFromboise made his professional debut with the Everett AquaSox after signing with the Mariners. He went 2-2 with a 3.46ERA in 13 games (10 starts) for the Northwest League affiliate of the Mariners. He is 5-2 with a 3.38 ERA so far in 2009 with the LumberKings. LaFromboise has made 20 appearances (seven starts) for Clinton and has struck out 58 while walking just 14 over 66-2/3 innings. In his appearance prior to this evening, LaFromboise pitched two innings of relief against the Beloit Snappers on June 26 and allowed one run on one hit with two walks and three strikeouts. The Rattlers have faced him twice as a reliever this season. LaFromboise has no record, allowed one run on five hits, walked none, and struck out five in 5-1/3 innings over those two outings against the Rattlers.
Attendance followup
The Prodigal Beat writer gets a front page spot in the PC today for this story that started as one of his blog posts a few weeks ago.
Attendance at [Time Warner Cable Field at] Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute bigger than ever for Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
Go. Read. I'll be back later.
Attendance at [Time Warner Cable Field at] Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute bigger than ever for Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
Front office officials recently announced the Rattlers, propelled by their new affiliation with the Milwaukee Brewers, had eclipsed the 100,000 attendance barrier through the first half of a season for the first time in team history as they welcomed 107,362 fans in 33 openings.Quotes from a game day employee and a fan...
A crowd of 3,322 checked out Wisconsin's 4-3 Midwest League win over Clinton on Wednesday, raising the season total to 128,026 through 39 dates for a 3,283 per-game average.
Keep in mind a first-half attendance total of 82,822 was reached in 1996, the same year the franchise produced its overall record of 233,797. That meant nearly 151,000 folks flocked to the park the second half of that year, a number that would easily push the team past this season's goal of 225,000.
The club drew 190,263 last season.
"I see more people wearing Brewers stuff," said Fremont's Jeff Fahser, a social studies teacher at Weyauwega-Fremont Middle School and in his sixth season as a stadium usher. "More people are excited about these guys possibly playing someday at the major league level. There's a bigger interest. It's the baby Brewers who could someday become the major league Brewers."Also, I just wanted to highlight this quote from the boss.
Denmark's Ron Grusznski, a 10-game season ticket holder who actually attends between 15 and 20 games a season, has noticed a more intense following in that fans seem interested in what's happening on the field as opposed to stopping by simply for the minor league experience.
"There's a lot more excitement, cheering," said Grusznski, sporting a Rattlers jersey and cap while hunkered down with his wife, Shirley, two rows behind the first base dugout before Tuesday's game with Clinton. "We were to a lot of games last year, and it was dead. Even if they were scoring, nobody was making noise. So it's a lot nicer this way."
"Last year, we had about 75 percent of the people buying tickets actually coming," Zerjav said. "And now we're at 82, 83 percent. And sometimes, we're upwards of 90 percent."That...as we say in the business...is pretty good.
Go. Read. I'll be back later.
Making the switch
The Prodigal Beat writer has this on BROCK!
Two summers ago, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers manager Jeff Isom was skippering the rookie level Helena (Mont.) Brewers, when the team's radio announcer approached with an idea.How's that going?
If this Brock Kjeldgaard kid ever has trouble finding the plate, you might want to try having him stand next to it. You know — hit.
"And I was like, 'I don't know. How many guys actually do that, go from pitcher to position player?' " Isom said. "But I give him credit. He was right."
"I've had a couple of good days, and a couple of bad days," Kjeldgaard said. "I'd just like to be a little bit more consistent day in and day out. There are days it seems like a struggle. But there are other days where I feel really good up there. So I'd like to have a better balance."That triple was on a line and smacked about three feet from the top of the wall. The really impressive thing about it was that the LumberKings outfielders were playing back in that "no doubles" defense to prevent anything getting to the wall. This ball was hit over the head of the rightfielder and made the wall so quick he didn't have time to get back on it. As for the defense...Well, it wasn't a double.
Like giving that batting average a nudge. He was scuffling at .215 over 246 plate appearances following Wednesday's 4-3 Midwest League win over the Clinton LumberKings at Fox Cities Stadium, whiffing in his first two at-bats to add to his team-high 92 strikeouts before grounding out to short to end the fifth.
But then came the biggest base knock of the afternoon when he roped a one-out triple to right in the seventh to drive in the game winner.
"In our organization, we don't have a lot of guys with raw power," Isom said. "But he's one of those guys who has raw power. It's a credit to what he's done. Yeah, he's striking out a little, but that's just the progression of becoming a hitter.Amen.
"When he puts the balls in play, it's usually hit hard. And when he gets a pitch he can handle, he can hit it a looong way."
Minor League baseball at its best
If you weren't at the game yesterday, you didn't just miss a Rattlers victory over the LumberKings. You also missed one of the things about minor league baseball that sets it apart from other sporting events.
VIP suite #2 was not sold so Chris Dennis and Steve Braun were sitting in there watching the game. Early in the game a few kids recognized the pair and asked from some autographs.
Dennis left the suite for a bit and for about the last hour of the game:
VIP suite #2 was not sold so Chris Dennis and Steve Braun were sitting in there watching the game. Early in the game a few kids recognized the pair and asked from some autographs.
Dennis left the suite for a bit and for about the last hour of the game:
...a stream of fans formed a long line in front of the window of the suite in which [Braun] was watching the game.Braun signed for everyone.
Rattler Alumni Report: AAA and AA games of July 1, 2009
AAA:
PCL:
Tacoma:
Jeff Clement ('05): 2-for-3, RUN, RBI
Bryan LaHair ('04): 1-for-4
Adam Moore ('06): 0-for-4
Shawn Kelley ('08): IP, 0H, 0R
Nashville:
Lindsay Gulin ('98): 7IP, 5H, R, 5K, WIN #4
AA:
Eastern League:
Reading:
Jason Mackintosh ('04): .2IP, 0H, 0R, SAVE #1
Southern League:
Birmingham:
Robbie Hudson ('06): 1-for-5, RUN, RBI
Carolina:
Korey Feiner ('08): 1-for-3
Huntsville:
Michael Garciaparra ('03): 1-for-4, RUN
West Tennessee:
Greg Halman ('07): 1-for-5, RBI, HR #16
Mike Wilson ('05): 1-for-5
Johan Limonta ('06): 2-for-5, RUN
Brent Johnson ('05): 1-for-4, RUN
Leury Bonilla ('07): 1-for-4
Justin Souza ('08): 5.2IP, 10H, 4R, BB, 5K, ND
Anthony Varvaro ('07): IP, H, 2R, 3BB, K, Loss
PCL:
Tacoma:
Jeff Clement ('05): 2-for-3, RUN, RBI
Bryan LaHair ('04): 1-for-4
Adam Moore ('06): 0-for-4
Shawn Kelley ('08): IP, 0H, 0R
Nashville:
Lindsay Gulin ('98): 7IP, 5H, R, 5K, WIN #4
AA:
Eastern League:
Reading:
Jason Mackintosh ('04): .2IP, 0H, 0R, SAVE #1
Southern League:
Birmingham:
Robbie Hudson ('06): 1-for-5, RUN, RBI
Carolina:
Korey Feiner ('08): 1-for-3
Huntsville:
Michael Garciaparra ('03): 1-for-4, RUN
West Tennessee:
Greg Halman ('07): 1-for-5, RBI, HR #16
Mike Wilson ('05): 1-for-5
Johan Limonta ('06): 2-for-5, RUN
Brent Johnson ('05): 1-for-4, RUN
Leury Bonilla ('07): 1-for-4
Justin Souza ('08): 5.2IP, 10H, 4R, BB, 5K, ND
Anthony Varvaro ('07): IP, H, 2R, 3BB, K, Loss
Rattler Alumni Report: MLB Games of July 1, 2009
New York (AL):
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 2-for-4, 2 RBI, HR #13
Seattle:
Wladimir Balentien ('04): 0-for-3, RBI
Rob Johnson ('05): 1-for-3
Cleveland:
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 1-for-4, RBI
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 0-for-4
Chicago (AL):
Matt Thornton ('00): IP, 0H, 0R, BB, 2K
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 1-for-5
Kansas City:
Gil Meche ('98): 6IP, 6H, 3R, 2ER, 5BB, 5K, loss
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): 0-for-4
Philadelphia:
Greg Dobbs ('02): 0-for-3, RBI
St. Louis:
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, 0H, 0R, K, WIN #2
Alex Rodriguez (Foxes, '94): 2-for-4, 2 RBI, HR #13
Seattle:
Wladimir Balentien ('04): 0-for-3, RBI
Rob Johnson ('05): 1-for-3
Cleveland:
Shin-soo Choo ('02): 1-for-4, RBI
Asdrubal Cabrera ('05): 0-for-4
Chicago (AL):
Matt Thornton ('00): IP, 0H, 0R, BB, 2K
Boston:
David Ortiz ('96): 1-for-5
Kansas City:
Gil Meche ('98): 6IP, 6H, 3R, 2ER, 5BB, 5K, loss
Pittsburgh:
Ramon Vazquez ('97): 0-for-4
Philadelphia:
Greg Dobbs ('02): 0-for-3, RBI
St. Louis:
Ryan Franklin (Foxes, '94): IP, 0H, 0R, K, WIN #2
Midwest League Action: Games of July 1, 2009
Complete scoreboard
@Wisconsin 4, Clinton 3: Clinton had runners on second and third with one out in the eighth, but Peralta worked out of the jam with a strikeout and a groundout. The right-hander then retired the side in order in the ninth, finishing with another strikeout – his sixth of the game.
@Kane County 3, Peoria 2: Cougars version | Chiefs version
Fort Wayne 8 @Dayton 6: They didn’t win, as they did Tuesday night, but at least the Dragons showed comeback potential in an 8-6 loss as the TinCaps scored twice in the ninth.
Lansing @ Great Lakes: PPD
West Michigan 11 @South Bend 4:
Cedar Rapids 8 @Beloit 2: Snappers version
@Wisconsin 4, Clinton 3: Clinton had runners on second and third with one out in the eighth, but Peralta worked out of the jam with a strikeout and a groundout. The right-hander then retired the side in order in the ninth, finishing with another strikeout – his sixth of the game.
@Kane County 3, Peoria 2: Cougars version | Chiefs version
Fort Wayne 8 @Dayton 6: They didn’t win, as they did Tuesday night, but at least the Dragons showed comeback potential in an 8-6 loss as the TinCaps scored twice in the ninth.
Lansing @ Great Lakes: PPD
West Michigan 11 @South Bend 4:
OK, so what contributed the most to upsetting the stomach of South Bend Silver Hawks' manager Mark Haley in the third inning Wednesday night?Burlington 12 @Quad Cities 5:
* A pop-up that dropped among four Silver Hawk infielders, allowing a run to score.
* An injured West Michigan player hopping safely to first base on a misplayed ball.
* Seeing the Hawks commit five errors before the third inning ended.
When two light towers in left and left-center field at Modern Woodmen Park went suddenly black, play was suspended for 20 minutes between the Quad-Cities River Bandits and Burlington on Wednesday.Editor's Note: I wonder when the River bandits will be sending out a release or making a promotion out of their sudden blackout.
The Bandits might have wished the power outage had come sooner and, just maybe, lasted longer. By the top of the sixth, when the towers went dark, Burlington had already seized command of the contest, leading 11-4 en route to a 12-5 Bees victory.
Cedar Rapids 8 @Beloit 2: Snappers version
Milwaukee Brewers Report: Games of July 1, 2009
MILWAUKEE (MAJ: 42-36; 1st National League Central): The Brewers lost 1-0 to the Mets. Yovani Gallardo struck out 12, but the Milwaukee offense could not score.
NASHVILLE (AAA: 45-35; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds won 6-3 at Round Rock. Brendan Katin went 4-for-4 with two runs scored, a homer, and an RBI. Lindsay Gulin (’98) allowed one run on five hits with five strikeouts over seven innings for the win.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 44-35 overall, 6-4 second half; 1st Southern League North Division): The Stars won 3-1 at Tennessee. Mark Holliman gave up one run on seven hits over 5-2/3 innings for the win.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 43-26 overall, 3-2 second half; T-4th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees had their doubleheader at Charlotte rained out.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 5-4; T-2nd Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers won 10-0 at Billings. Scott Krieger went 2-for-5 with three RBI.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 4-5; T-3rd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers lost 8-4 to the Cubs.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Milwaukee (Seth McClung 3-1) at Chicago (Ryan Dempster 4-5) 7:05pm CDT
Nashville (Chase Wright 5-5) at Round Rock (Yorman Bazardo 7-2) 7:05pm CDT
Huntsville (Josh Butler 1-1) at Tennessee (Jay Jackson 4-3) 6:15pm CDT
Brevard County (Amaury Rivas 4-5) at Charlotte (Jesse Darcy 2-6) 4:05pm CDT
Brevard County (Evan Anundsen 7-4) at Charlotte (David Newmann 3-3) – Game two
Helena (Hiram Burgos 0-1) at Billings (Justin Walker 0-1) 8:05pm CDT
AZL Brewers at AZL Rangers 9:00pm CDT
NASHVILLE (AAA: 45-35; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds won 6-3 at Round Rock. Brendan Katin went 4-for-4 with two runs scored, a homer, and an RBI. Lindsay Gulin (’98) allowed one run on five hits with five strikeouts over seven innings for the win.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 44-35 overall, 6-4 second half; 1st Southern League North Division): The Stars won 3-1 at Tennessee. Mark Holliman gave up one run on seven hits over 5-2/3 innings for the win.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 43-26 overall, 3-2 second half; T-4th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees had their doubleheader at Charlotte rained out.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 5-4; T-2nd Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers won 10-0 at Billings. Scott Krieger went 2-for-5 with three RBI.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 4-5; T-3rd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers lost 8-4 to the Cubs.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Milwaukee (Seth McClung 3-1) at Chicago (Ryan Dempster 4-5) 7:05pm CDT
Nashville (Chase Wright 5-5) at Round Rock (Yorman Bazardo 7-2) 7:05pm CDT
Huntsville (Josh Butler 1-1) at Tennessee (Jay Jackson 4-3) 6:15pm CDT
Brevard County (Amaury Rivas 4-5) at Charlotte (Jesse Darcy 2-6) 4:05pm CDT
Brevard County (Evan Anundsen 7-4) at Charlotte (David Newmann 3-3) – Game two
Helena (Hiram Burgos 0-1) at Billings (Justin Walker 0-1) 8:05pm CDT
AZL Brewers at AZL Rangers 9:00pm CDT
7/01/2009
Happy Canada Day!
This is a repost from last year, but with a few additions...
Happy Canada Day!
This is a list of Canadian Rattlers with the years played and their hometowns:
Kris Dabrowiecki (2009) - Toronto, Ontario
Chris Dennis (2009) - Amherstburg, Ontario
Taylor Green (2009) - Courtenay, British Columbia
Brock Kjeldgaard (2009) - London, Ontario
Brett Lawrie (2009) - Langley, British Columbia
Eric Periard (2000) - St. Eustache, Quebec
Phillippe Aumont (2008) – Gatineau, Quebec
Michael Saunders (2006) – Victoria, British Columbia
Sebastien Boucher (2005) – Hull, Quebec
Jon Lockwood (2005) – Toronto, Ontario
Hyung Cho (2004) – Toronto, Ontario
Tanner Watson (2002, 2003) Arnprior, Ontario
Lanny Patten (2002) – Drayton Valley, Alberta
John Cole (2002) – Kanata, Ontario
Chris Mears (1999) – Victoria, British Columbia
Jordan Zimmerman (1997) – Kelowna, British Columbia
Derek Bieniasz (1995, 1998) – Toronto, Ontario
A few pictures of the 2007 post-season trip through Canada with Cal Ripken, Sr.
Outside RCMP HQ
Wendy's AND Tim Horton's!!
Just over the border
Corner Gas clip with special guest.
Happy Canada Day!
This is a list of Canadian Rattlers with the years played and their hometowns:
Kris Dabrowiecki (2009) - Toronto, Ontario
Chris Dennis (2009) - Amherstburg, Ontario
Taylor Green (2009) - Courtenay, British Columbia
Brock Kjeldgaard (2009) - London, Ontario
Brett Lawrie (2009) - Langley, British Columbia
Eric Periard (2000) - St. Eustache, Quebec
Phillippe Aumont (2008) – Gatineau, Quebec
Michael Saunders (2006) – Victoria, British Columbia
Sebastien Boucher (2005) – Hull, Quebec
Jon Lockwood (2005) – Toronto, Ontario
Hyung Cho (2004) – Toronto, Ontario
Tanner Watson (2002, 2003) Arnprior, Ontario
Lanny Patten (2002) – Drayton Valley, Alberta
John Cole (2002) – Kanata, Ontario
Chris Mears (1999) – Victoria, British Columbia
Jordan Zimmerman (1997) – Kelowna, British Columbia
Derek Bieniasz (1995, 1998) – Toronto, Ontario
A few pictures of the 2007 post-season trip through Canada with Cal Ripken, Sr.
Parliment
Terry Fox statue
The view into Hull.
Outside RCMP HQ
Wendy's AND Tim Horton's!!
Just over the border
Corner Gas clip with special guest.
July 1, 2009: Starting Lineup
Juan Sanchez........SS
Peter Fatse.........CF
Brett Lawrie........2B
Corey Kemp..........1B
John Delaney........3B
Brock Kjeldgaard....LF
Jose Duran..........DH
Sean McCraw..........C
Derrick McPhearson..RF
Evan Frederickson...SP
Peter Fatse.........CF
Brett Lawrie........2B
Corey Kemp..........1B
John Delaney........3B
Brock Kjeldgaard....LF
Jose Duran..........DH
Sean McCraw..........C
Derrick McPhearson..RF
Evan Frederickson...SP
July 1, 2009: Today's pitchers
SCHEDULED STARTER
LHP EVAN FREDERICKSON: Selected by Milwaukee as a supplemental first round pick (35th overall) in the 2008 draft out of the University of San Francisco.
THE DON: Frederickson transferred to the University of San Francisco for his junior season. He was 5-3 with a 4.54 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) for the Diamond Dons. Frederickson walked 61 batters and struck out 109 over 75-1/3 innings for USF.
THE HOKIE: Frederickson began his college career at Virginia Tech. He compiled a 2-4 record and struck out 68 batters in 56-2/3 innings for the Hokies.
MY OLD SCHOOL: Frederickson was a two-time First Team All-Region and All-District selection as a high school player for Oakton (VA) High.
NOT A TWIN: The Minnesota Twins drafted Frederickson with a selection in the 27th round of the 2005 draft. He did not sign.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Frederickson as the #24 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST SEASON: Frederickson began his pro career with three starts for Helena, the Pioneer League affiliate of the Brewers. He had no record, walked five and struck out 16 over 11-2/3 innings. Frederickson was promoted to West Virginia and wrapped up his season with the Power in the South Atlantic League by going 0-1 over nine games (four starts) with a 6.20 ERA. He struck out 18 and walked 26 in 20-1/3 innings for the Power
LAST APPEARANCE: Frederickson pitched two innings of scoreless relief against the Peoria Chiefs on June 26. He walked a pair, allowed three hits, and was not involved in the decision.
LAST START: Frederickson started game two of the doubleheader at Kane County on June 20. He allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and four walks over five innings.
VS. CLINTON: Frederickson has made two starts against the LumberKings this season. In 6-1/3 innings, he has allowed five runs on 11 hits. Frederickson has walked five, struck out eight, and does not have a decision.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 5.2 IP (6/23/08 @Great Falls)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 (3x – Last: 4/10/09 vs. Quad Cities)
SCHEDULED RELIEVER
RHP WILY PERALTA: Signed by Milwaukee as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic on November 26, 2005.
DEBUT SEASON: Peralta was 2-5 with a 6.63 ERA for the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers in 2006. He made 14 appearances (six starts) in that season.
MISSING TIME: Peralta did not pitch in 2007 due to Tommy John surgery.
BACK ON THE HILL: Peralta started the 2008 season with Helena in the Pioneer League. He was 1-1 in 15 games (two starts) with a 3.07 ERA and 36 strikeouts over 29-1/3 innings pitched. Peralta also walked just eight batters in those games for Helena.
PROMOTED: Peralta made a pair of starts for West Virginia at the tail end of the 2008 season. He was 0-1 with a 10.80ERA for the power.
RANKING: Baseball America ranked Peralta as the #16 prospect in the Pioneer League after the 2008 season. Baseball America rates Peralta as the # 22 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer system heading into the 2009 season.
IT’S AN HONOR: Peralta was named the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week on May 25. He made two appearances that totaled nine innings for the week ending May 24. Peralta did not allow a run, gave up just five hits, and struck out 17 in those two games.
ALL-STAR SEASON: Peralta was selected to participate in the Midwest League All-Star Game in Clinton. He pitched 1/3 of an inning in the game and struck out the only batter he faced.
LAST APPEARANCE: Peralta allowed two runs on five hits over six innings in a start against the Peoria Chiefs on June 26. Peralta walked one and matched his career high for strikeouts with 10. He was not involved in the decision.
VS. CLINTON: Peralta has made two relief appearances against the LumberKings this season without a decision. He has tossed seven innings, allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits, and walked three and struck out eight.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (3x – Last: @Beloit 5/24/09)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (2x – Last: vs. Peoria 6/26/09)
LHP EVAN FREDERICKSON: Selected by Milwaukee as a supplemental first round pick (35th overall) in the 2008 draft out of the University of San Francisco.
THE DON: Frederickson transferred to the University of San Francisco for his junior season. He was 5-3 with a 4.54 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) for the Diamond Dons. Frederickson walked 61 batters and struck out 109 over 75-1/3 innings for USF.
THE HOKIE: Frederickson began his college career at Virginia Tech. He compiled a 2-4 record and struck out 68 batters in 56-2/3 innings for the Hokies.
MY OLD SCHOOL: Frederickson was a two-time First Team All-Region and All-District selection as a high school player for Oakton (VA) High.
NOT A TWIN: The Minnesota Twins drafted Frederickson with a selection in the 27th round of the 2005 draft. He did not sign.
RATED: Baseball America ranked Frederickson as the #24 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.
LAST SEASON: Frederickson began his pro career with three starts for Helena, the Pioneer League affiliate of the Brewers. He had no record, walked five and struck out 16 over 11-2/3 innings. Frederickson was promoted to West Virginia and wrapped up his season with the Power in the South Atlantic League by going 0-1 over nine games (four starts) with a 6.20 ERA. He struck out 18 and walked 26 in 20-1/3 innings for the Power
LAST APPEARANCE: Frederickson pitched two innings of scoreless relief against the Peoria Chiefs on June 26. He walked a pair, allowed three hits, and was not involved in the decision.
LAST START: Frederickson started game two of the doubleheader at Kane County on June 20. He allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and four walks over five innings.
VS. CLINTON: Frederickson has made two starts against the LumberKings this season. In 6-1/3 innings, he has allowed five runs on 11 hits. Frederickson has walked five, struck out eight, and does not have a decision.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 5.2 IP (6/23/08 @Great Falls)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 (3x – Last: 4/10/09 vs. Quad Cities)
SCHEDULED RELIEVER
RHP WILY PERALTA: Signed by Milwaukee as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic on November 26, 2005.
DEBUT SEASON: Peralta was 2-5 with a 6.63 ERA for the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers in 2006. He made 14 appearances (six starts) in that season.
MISSING TIME: Peralta did not pitch in 2007 due to Tommy John surgery.
BACK ON THE HILL: Peralta started the 2008 season with Helena in the Pioneer League. He was 1-1 in 15 games (two starts) with a 3.07 ERA and 36 strikeouts over 29-1/3 innings pitched. Peralta also walked just eight batters in those games for Helena.
PROMOTED: Peralta made a pair of starts for West Virginia at the tail end of the 2008 season. He was 0-1 with a 10.80ERA for the power.
RANKING: Baseball America ranked Peralta as the #16 prospect in the Pioneer League after the 2008 season. Baseball America rates Peralta as the # 22 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer system heading into the 2009 season.
IT’S AN HONOR: Peralta was named the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week on May 25. He made two appearances that totaled nine innings for the week ending May 24. Peralta did not allow a run, gave up just five hits, and struck out 17 in those two games.
ALL-STAR SEASON: Peralta was selected to participate in the Midwest League All-Star Game in Clinton. He pitched 1/3 of an inning in the game and struck out the only batter he faced.
LAST APPEARANCE: Peralta allowed two runs on five hits over six innings in a start against the Peoria Chiefs on June 26. Peralta walked one and matched his career high for strikeouts with 10. He was not involved in the decision.
VS. CLINTON: Peralta has made two relief appearances against the LumberKings this season without a decision. He has tossed seven innings, allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits, and walked three and struck out eight.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (3x – Last: @Beloit 5/24/09)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (2x – Last: vs. Peoria 6/26/09)
July 1, 2009: Game notes (REVISED AND EXTENDED)
Thanks to the coaching staff for pointing out a glaring error. It's about development for the radio announcer, too. Corrections at the bottom in bold.
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Timber Rattlers lost 4-2 to the Clinton LumberKings. Clinton broke a 2-2 tie with a pair of runs in the top of the eighth inning.
THE OFFENSE: Rattlers catcher Corey Kemp had three of Wisconsin’s six hits. He drove in one Rattler run and scored the other.
HERE’S THE DEAL: Kemp drove in a run with a two out single in the bottom of the first. Clinton scored the tying run on an RBI grounder by Scott Savastano in the third and took the lead on a Blake Ochoa sacrifice fly in the fourth. Wisconsin tied the game 2-2 when Kemp scored all the way from first on a throwing error in the sixth inning.
OPPORTUNITY LOST: John Delaney was at third with one out in the sixth just after Kemp had scored the tying run. However, the Rattlers could not push him across with the go ahead run.
THE SETUP: Rattlers reliever Liam Ohlmann hit Savastano and walked Kris Sanchez with one out in the eighth. Brandon Ritchie relieved and got the second out with a strikeout. That brought Nate Tenbrink to the plate.
THE PIVOTAL PLAY: Tenbrink lined the first pitch from Ritchie to right to drive in Savastano. A throwing error on the play allowed Sanchez to score the run that made the score 4-2.
THERE WAS A CHANCE: Wisconsin put two runners on in the bottom of the ninth against Clinton closer Ruben Flores. Brock Kjeldgaard drew a leadoff walk and Peter Fatse singled with one out. But, Flores got Michael Vass to fly out deep to right and struck out Juan Sanchez to end the game.
BB:K Kjeldgaard struck out twice and walked once for the Rattlers last night. He leads the team in both categories. Kjeldgaard has drawn 38 walks and has struck out 90 times in 293 plate appearances.
WORTH MENTIONING: The Timber Rattlers wrapped up June with a 13-12 record. Wisconsin went 16-15 in May. This marks the first time since 2005 the Rattlers have had two consecutive winning months. During the 2005 season, Wisconsin went 18-11 in July and 15-12 in August.
A STEP BACK: Last night’s loss knocked the Timber Rattlers back below the .500 mark to 37-38. Wisconsin is 3-2 to start the second half and is tied for the Western Division lead with two other teams eligible for a second half playoff spot.
2009 SEASON SERIES: The Timber Rattlers lead the season series 5-4. Clinton swept three games from the Timber Rattlers April 17-19 at Alliant Energy Field. The final game of the series was rained out on April 20. Wisconsin swept a five game series from the LumberKings at Time Warner Cable Field from May 16-19.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .244 as a team. They have scored 313 runs (4.2/game) and hit 36 home runs. The LumberKings are hitting .254 as a team. They have scored 365 runs (4.9/game) and hit 49 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 3.94 while allowing a total of 345 runs (4.6/game). Clinton pitchers have a team ERA of 3.06 while allowing 300 runs (4.0/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 89 errors. The LumberKings defense has committed 113 errors. Wisconsin is 24-17 at home this season. Clinton is 20-17 on the road this season.
CLINTON STARTING PITCHER: Maikel Cleto joined the Mariners organization as part of the trade that sent former Timber Rattler JJ Putz to the New York Mets. The native of the Dominican Republic was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2005. He went 5-11 with a 4.25 in 25 games (22 starts) for the Savannah Sand Gnats in the South Atlantic League last season. Cleto also made one appearance in the Florida State League with the St. Lucie Mets. In his last outing before today, Cleto made his Midwest League debut with a start against the Beloit Snappers on June 26. He pitched 4-1/3 innings allowed one run on two hits and walked three while striking out three for a no decision. Today is the first time Cleto will face the Timber Rattlers. Cleto faced the West Virginia Power in 2008 when the Power were the SAL affiliate of the Brewers. West Virginia knocked around the right hander for five runs (three earned) on seven hits over three innings on July 10. Cleto walked one, struck out none, and took the loss.
BONUS NOTE: Timber Rattlers catcher Sean McCraw was a teammate of Cleto last year in Savannah!!!
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Timber Rattlers lost 4-2 to the Clinton LumberKings. Clinton broke a 2-2 tie with a pair of runs in the top of the eighth inning.
THE OFFENSE: Rattlers catcher Corey Kemp had three of Wisconsin’s six hits. He drove in one Rattler run and scored the other.
HERE’S THE DEAL: Kemp drove in a run with a two out single in the bottom of the first. Clinton scored the tying run on an RBI grounder by Scott Savastano in the third and took the lead on a Blake Ochoa sacrifice fly in the fourth. Wisconsin tied the game 2-2 when Kemp scored all the way from first on a throwing error in the sixth inning.
OPPORTUNITY LOST: John Delaney was at third with one out in the sixth just after Kemp had scored the tying run. However, the Rattlers could not push him across with the go ahead run.
THE SETUP: Rattlers reliever Liam Ohlmann hit Savastano and walked Kris Sanchez with one out in the eighth. Brandon Ritchie relieved and got the second out with a strikeout. That brought Nate Tenbrink to the plate.
THE PIVOTAL PLAY: Tenbrink lined the first pitch from Ritchie to right to drive in Savastano. A throwing error on the play allowed Sanchez to score the run that made the score 4-2.
THERE WAS A CHANCE: Wisconsin put two runners on in the bottom of the ninth against Clinton closer Ruben Flores. Brock Kjeldgaard drew a leadoff walk and Peter Fatse singled with one out. But, Flores got Michael Vass to fly out deep to right and struck out Juan Sanchez to end the game.
BB:K Kjeldgaard struck out twice and walked once for the Rattlers last night. He leads the team in both categories. Kjeldgaard has drawn 38 walks and has struck out 90 times in 293 plate appearances.
WORTH MENTIONING: The Timber Rattlers wrapped up June with a 13-12 record. Wisconsin went 16-15 in May. This marks the first time since 2005 the Rattlers have had two consecutive winning months. During the 2005 season, Wisconsin went 18-11 in July and 15-12 in August.
A STEP BACK: Last night’s loss knocked the Timber Rattlers back below the .500 mark to 37-38. Wisconsin is 3-2 to start the second half and is tied for the Western Division lead with two other teams eligible for a second half playoff spot.
2009 SEASON SERIES: The Timber Rattlers lead the season series 5-4. Clinton swept three games from the Timber Rattlers April 17-19 at Alliant Energy Field. The final game of the series was rained out on April 20. Wisconsin swept a five game series from the LumberKings at Time Warner Cable Field from May 16-19.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .244 as a team. They have scored 313 runs (4.2/game) and hit 36 home runs. The LumberKings are hitting .254 as a team. They have scored 365 runs (4.9/game) and hit 49 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 3.94 while allowing a total of 345 runs (4.6/game). Clinton pitchers have a team ERA of 3.06 while allowing 300 runs (4.0/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 89 errors. The LumberKings defense has committed 113 errors. Wisconsin is 24-17 at home this season. Clinton is 20-17 on the road this season.
CLINTON STARTING PITCHER: Maikel Cleto joined the Mariners organization as part of the trade that sent former Timber Rattler JJ Putz to the New York Mets. The native of the Dominican Republic was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2005. He went 5-11 with a 4.25 in 25 games (22 starts) for the Savannah Sand Gnats in the South Atlantic League last season. Cleto also made one appearance in the Florida State League with the St. Lucie Mets. In his last outing before today, Cleto made his Midwest League debut with a start against the Beloit Snappers on June 26. He pitched 4-1/3 innings allowed one run on two hits and walked three while striking out three for a no decision. Today is the first time Cleto will face the Timber Rattlers. Cleto faced the West Virginia Power in 2008 when the Power were the SAL affiliate of the Brewers. West Virginia knocked around the right hander for five runs (three earned) on seven hits over three innings on July 10. Cleto walked one, struck out none, and took the loss.
BONUS NOTE: Timber Rattlers catcher Sean McCraw was a teammate of Cleto last year in Savannah!!!
Milwaukee Brewers Report: Games of June 30, 2009
MILWAUKEE (MAJ: 42-35; 1st National League Central): The Brewers beat the Mets 6-3. Ryan Braun went 3-for-4 with four RBI and Prince Fielder hit his twentieth homer of the season.
NASHVILLE (AAA: 44-35; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds lost 5-1 to Oklahoma City. Nashville had three hits in the game.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 43-35 overall, 5-4 second half; T-1st Southern League North Division): The Stars lost 7-2 at Tennessee. The Smokies scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a 2-2 tie.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 43-26 overall, 3-2 second half; T-4th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees were postponed at Charlotte.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 4-4; T-2nd Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers lost 9-6 to Billings. The Mustangs scored five runs in the second inning.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 4-4; T-2nd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers lost 8-1 to the Athletics.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
New York (Mike Pelfrey 5-3) at Milwaukee (Yovani Gallardo 8-4) 1:05pm CDT
Nashville (Lindsay Gulin 3-4) at Round Rock (Bud Norris 3-5) 7:05pm CDT
Huntsville (Mark Holliman 5-2) at Tennessee (Jeremy Papelbon 2-4) 6:15pm CDT
Brevard County (Amaury Rivas 4-5) at Charlotte (Jesse Darcy 2-6) 4:05pm CDT
Brevard County (Evan Anundsen 7-4) at Charlotte (David Newmann 3-3) – Game two
Billings (TBA) at Helena (Andre Lamontagne 0-0) 8:00pm CDT
AZL Mariners at AZL Brewers 9:00pm CDT
NASHVILLE (AAA: 44-35; 1st Pacific Coast League American North Division): The Sounds lost 5-1 to Oklahoma City. Nashville had three hits in the game.
HUNTSVILLE (AA: 43-35 overall, 5-4 second half; T-1st Southern League North Division): The Stars lost 7-2 at Tennessee. The Smokies scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a 2-2 tie.
BREVARD COUNTY (High-A: 43-26 overall, 3-2 second half; T-4th Florida State League North Division): The Manatees were postponed at Charlotte.
HELENA (SHORT SEASON ROOKIE: 4-4; T-2nd Pioneer League North Division): The Brewers lost 9-6 to Billings. The Mustangs scored five runs in the second inning.
AZL BREWERS (ROOKIE: 4-4; T-2nd Arizona League East Division): The Brewers lost 8-1 to the Athletics.
BREWER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
New York (Mike Pelfrey 5-3) at Milwaukee (Yovani Gallardo 8-4) 1:05pm CDT
Nashville (Lindsay Gulin 3-4) at Round Rock (Bud Norris 3-5) 7:05pm CDT
Huntsville (Mark Holliman 5-2) at Tennessee (Jeremy Papelbon 2-4) 6:15pm CDT
Brevard County (Amaury Rivas 4-5) at Charlotte (Jesse Darcy 2-6) 4:05pm CDT
Brevard County (Evan Anundsen 7-4) at Charlotte (David Newmann 3-3) – Game two
Billings (TBA) at Helena (Andre Lamontagne 0-0) 8:00pm CDT
AZL Mariners at AZL Brewers 9:00pm CDT
Holy smokes
It's late. Gates open in about 45 minutes and I have a lot to do....so. Some of this stuff is going up without links. Other stuff will go up later today.
To the posts, eh?
To the posts, eh?
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