Come on out to the Timber Rattler game tonight.
It's a bonus Bang For Your Buck with hot dogs, soda, and beer for $1!
Plus, Kids Run the Bases after the game!
Most importantly, Everyone Wins Wednesday! Be in attendance and go home with a prize.
You won't have to go home with these songs playing in your head:
I'll stay away from the obvious Beck song.
Game time 7:05pm.
A place to follow the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Midwest League, Minor League baseball, Major League Baseball, and everything in between in that order.
8/27/2008
Tonight's Rattler Starting Pitcher (8/27)
RHP MICHAEL PINEDA was signed as a non-drafted free by the Mariners out of the Dominican Republic on December 12, 2005.
LAST START: Pineda allowed two runs (one earned) over 5-2/3 innings against Quad Cities on August 22. He struck out six and walked one, but got a no decision.
VS. CEDAR RAPIDS: This is Pineda’s third start against the Kernels – but his first against Cedar Rapids in Grand Chute – this season. On May 19, Pineda allowed one run on four hits with three walks and two strikeouts, but took the loss. On June 26 in Cedar Rapids, Pineda tossed a career high eight innings in a victory over the Kernels. He allowed two runs on four hits with three walks and seven strikeouts.
THE START OF 2008: Pineda won his first two appearances for the Rattlers. He picked up a win in relief in the first game of a doubleheader at Quad Cities on April 5 and another win with two innings of scoreless relief against Fort Wayne on April 16.
THE STREAK: Pineda tossed 21-1/3 consecutive scoreless innings before giving up a third inning run in the start against Burlington on May 14.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (@ Cedar Rapids 6/26)
STRIKEOUTS: 11 (vs. Great Lakes 8/3)
LAST START: Pineda allowed two runs (one earned) over 5-2/3 innings against Quad Cities on August 22. He struck out six and walked one, but got a no decision.
VS. CEDAR RAPIDS: This is Pineda’s third start against the Kernels – but his first against Cedar Rapids in Grand Chute – this season. On May 19, Pineda allowed one run on four hits with three walks and two strikeouts, but took the loss. On June 26 in Cedar Rapids, Pineda tossed a career high eight innings in a victory over the Kernels. He allowed two runs on four hits with three walks and seven strikeouts.
THE START OF 2008: Pineda won his first two appearances for the Rattlers. He picked up a win in relief in the first game of a doubleheader at Quad Cities on April 5 and another win with two innings of scoreless relief against Fort Wayne on April 16.
THE STREAK: Pineda tossed 21-1/3 consecutive scoreless innings before giving up a third inning run in the start against Burlington on May 14.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (@ Cedar Rapids 6/26)
STRIKEOUTS: 11 (vs. Great Lakes 8/3)
August 27 game notes
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Kernels beat the Timber Rattlers 4-0. Jose Perez and Tim Kiely combined to strikeout 12 in the five-hit shutout.
PEREZ AND PEREZ: Julio Perez scored twice and drove in a run for the Kernels. Jose Perez pitched eight innings, struck out 10, allowed five hits, and walked one in the win.
GETTING STARTED: Julio Perez singled, stole second, went to third on a throwing error, and scored on a single by Clay Fuller in the top of the second.
A RARE ERROR: The throwing error that allowed Perez to take third base was charged to Timber Rattler catcher Blake Ochoa. It was his sixth error of the season. Timber Rattler catchers have been charged with 10 errors this season.
A CHANCE: The Rattlers had runners at first and second in the fifth inning after a leadoff double by Alex Liddi and a walk to Denny Almonte. A sacrifice bunt by Juan Diaz moved both runners up a base. But, Perez got a strikeout and a fly ball to left to end the inning.
HAT TRICK: Daniel Carroll threw out Jeremy Moore at the plate in the top of the sixth. Carroll has an outfield assist in three consecutive games. He has eight of Wisconsin’s 38 outfield assists this season.
UNLUCKY SEVENTH: Rattler starter Keith Renaud kept the Rattlers within 1-0 until the top of the seventh inning. Hector Estrella doubled to start the inning. Perez followed with an RBI double. Estrella would score when center fielder Maximo Mendez dropped a fly ball to center of the bat of Fuller. Later in the inning, Fuller scored on a sacrifice fly by Jay Brossman.
A MAN NAMED RENAUD: The Rattler starter allowed four runs (three earned) over 6-2/3 innings without walking a batter and striking out five. He has adjusted his K:BB ratio to 35:32.
THREE TIMES: The Rattlers had not been shutout in the second half in their first 60 games. Since being shutout by Kane County on August 17, the Rattlers have been held scoreless in three of their last nine games.
JUST MENTIONING IT: Timber Rattler hitters struck out 12 times for 1,093 this season. Here are the top five strikeout seasons by Rattler hitters since 1995:
2007: 1,216
2008: 1,093
2000: 1,087
2006: 1,072
2004: 1,060
MISSED: The loss last night dropped Wisconsin’s home record to 29-33 with two games remaining. The Rattlers will finish with a below .500 record at home.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They did not qualify for the Midwest League playoffs in the first half. But, they are currently 37-27 in the second half and hold the Western Division Wild Card. They lead Quad Cities by five games with six games remaining in the season. The Kernels lead the Midwest League with 237 stolen bases. The second place team in that category is Beloit with 173.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .242 as a team and have scored 498 runs (3.8/game). Wisconsin has hit 59 home runs this season. The Timber Rattler pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.91. Cedar Rapids is hitting .242 as a team. They have scored 585 runs (4.5/game). The Kernels have hit 83 home runs this season. The Cedar Rapids pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.59.
2008 SEASON SERIES: The Rattlers are 6-8 against the Kernels this season. In the first half, Wisconsin won three out of four games from the Kernels on Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium and the Kernels won three out of four games in Cedar Rapids. The two teams split a four game series in Cedar Rapids earlier in the second half.
CEDAR RAPIDS STARTING PITCHER: LH Robert Fish was a 6th round pick of the Angels in the 2006 draft out of AB Miller High School in Fontana, California. He appeared in 16 games (15 starts) with the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League and was 3-4 with a 3.27ERA last season. He also made one start and took a loss for Rancho Cucamonga (California League) in 2007. In his start prior to this evening, Fish beat Peoria on August 22. He allowed three runs one nine hits over 6-1/3 innings with eight strikeouts. So far this season, Fish is 9-4 with a 5.07ERA with the Kernels. He beat the Rattlers on May 22 in Cedar Rapids with seven shutout innings. Fish allowed five hits, walked one, and struck out five.
PEREZ AND PEREZ: Julio Perez scored twice and drove in a run for the Kernels. Jose Perez pitched eight innings, struck out 10, allowed five hits, and walked one in the win.
GETTING STARTED: Julio Perez singled, stole second, went to third on a throwing error, and scored on a single by Clay Fuller in the top of the second.
A RARE ERROR: The throwing error that allowed Perez to take third base was charged to Timber Rattler catcher Blake Ochoa. It was his sixth error of the season. Timber Rattler catchers have been charged with 10 errors this season.
A CHANCE: The Rattlers had runners at first and second in the fifth inning after a leadoff double by Alex Liddi and a walk to Denny Almonte. A sacrifice bunt by Juan Diaz moved both runners up a base. But, Perez got a strikeout and a fly ball to left to end the inning.
HAT TRICK: Daniel Carroll threw out Jeremy Moore at the plate in the top of the sixth. Carroll has an outfield assist in three consecutive games. He has eight of Wisconsin’s 38 outfield assists this season.
UNLUCKY SEVENTH: Rattler starter Keith Renaud kept the Rattlers within 1-0 until the top of the seventh inning. Hector Estrella doubled to start the inning. Perez followed with an RBI double. Estrella would score when center fielder Maximo Mendez dropped a fly ball to center of the bat of Fuller. Later in the inning, Fuller scored on a sacrifice fly by Jay Brossman.
A MAN NAMED RENAUD: The Rattler starter allowed four runs (three earned) over 6-2/3 innings without walking a batter and striking out five. He has adjusted his K:BB ratio to 35:32.
THREE TIMES: The Rattlers had not been shutout in the second half in their first 60 games. Since being shutout by Kane County on August 17, the Rattlers have been held scoreless in three of their last nine games.
JUST MENTIONING IT: Timber Rattler hitters struck out 12 times for 1,093 this season. Here are the top five strikeout seasons by Rattler hitters since 1995:
2007: 1,216
2008: 1,093
2000: 1,087
2006: 1,072
2004: 1,060
MISSED: The loss last night dropped Wisconsin’s home record to 29-33 with two games remaining. The Rattlers will finish with a below .500 record at home.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They did not qualify for the Midwest League playoffs in the first half. But, they are currently 37-27 in the second half and hold the Western Division Wild Card. They lead Quad Cities by five games with six games remaining in the season. The Kernels lead the Midwest League with 237 stolen bases. The second place team in that category is Beloit with 173.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .242 as a team and have scored 498 runs (3.8/game). Wisconsin has hit 59 home runs this season. The Timber Rattler pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.91. Cedar Rapids is hitting .242 as a team. They have scored 585 runs (4.5/game). The Kernels have hit 83 home runs this season. The Cedar Rapids pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.59.
2008 SEASON SERIES: The Rattlers are 6-8 against the Kernels this season. In the first half, Wisconsin won three out of four games from the Kernels on Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium and the Kernels won three out of four games in Cedar Rapids. The two teams split a four game series in Cedar Rapids earlier in the second half.
CEDAR RAPIDS STARTING PITCHER: LH Robert Fish was a 6th round pick of the Angels in the 2006 draft out of AB Miller High School in Fontana, California. He appeared in 16 games (15 starts) with the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League and was 3-4 with a 3.27ERA last season. He also made one start and took a loss for Rancho Cucamonga (California League) in 2007. In his start prior to this evening, Fish beat Peoria on August 22. He allowed three runs one nine hits over 6-1/3 innings with eight strikeouts. So far this season, Fish is 9-4 with a 5.07ERA with the Kernels. He beat the Rattlers on May 22 in Cedar Rapids with seven shutout innings. Fish allowed five hits, walked one, and struck out five.
Midwest League Action (8/26)
August 26 scoreboard.
Cedar Rapids 4, @Wisconsin 0: And that happened.
South Bend 6, @Fort Wayne 1: Opportunity was not just knocking at the door but banging on it with a sledgehammer Tuesday night. And once again the Fort Wayne Wizards sent it away.
@West Michigan 3, Great Lakes 2 (11 innings): "It's good going into the playoffs to get a win like that late in the game. A lot of times in the playoffs you're going to be in close games or extra innings."
Dayton 6, @Lansing 3: The Dayton Dragons rode the momentum of a four-run second inning to a 6-3 win over the Lansing Lugnuts
Kane County 3, @Beloit 2 (10 innings): “I think the playoffs get glamorized slightly by the major leagues,” outfielder Mark Dolenc said. “Though it's very important and you want to be a part of it, it's not always paramount to the season. It's a little depressing to think all these games don't have the same meaning as they could have, though.”
@Clinton 5, Peoria 2: The Clinton LumberKings ended the regular season home schedule with a 5-2 win
@Burlington 14, Quad Cities 4: The Burlington Bees ended a two-game losing streak with a bang
Cedar Rapids 4, @Wisconsin 0: And that happened.
South Bend 6, @Fort Wayne 1: Opportunity was not just knocking at the door but banging on it with a sledgehammer Tuesday night. And once again the Fort Wayne Wizards sent it away.
@West Michigan 3, Great Lakes 2 (11 innings): "It's good going into the playoffs to get a win like that late in the game. A lot of times in the playoffs you're going to be in close games or extra innings."
Dayton 6, @Lansing 3: The Dayton Dragons rode the momentum of a four-run second inning to a 6-3 win over the Lansing Lugnuts
Kane County 3, @Beloit 2 (10 innings): “I think the playoffs get glamorized slightly by the major leagues,” outfielder Mark Dolenc said. “Though it's very important and you want to be a part of it, it's not always paramount to the season. It's a little depressing to think all these games don't have the same meaning as they could have, though.”
@Clinton 5, Peoria 2: The Clinton LumberKings ended the regular season home schedule with a 5-2 win
@Burlington 14, Quad Cities 4: The Burlington Bees ended a two-game losing streak with a bang
Go M's!
The Pulaski Mariners start the Appalachian League Finals tonight against the Elizabethton Twins.
Of course, MILB.com has a preview.
From a Jonathan Mayo story on the return of baseball to Pulaski.
Of course, MILB.com has a preview.
From a Jonathan Mayo story on the return of baseball to Pulaski.
Absence has made the heart grow fonder in Pulaski, Virginia.The Appalachian League was down to nine teams in 2007 when the Blue Jays left Pulaski following the '06 season, despite many efforts to find a way to field a team at historic Calfee Park. Then the Mariners stepped in to save the day, agreeing to bring baseball back to Pulaski by fielding a seventh minor league club -- and third short-season or rookie-level team -- in the United States.
It's worked out pretty well for all parties involved, with the Pulaski Mariners ending the Danville Braves' four-year run as the East Division champions. Attendance has increased by roughly 10 percent after the one-year layoff, from 902 fans per game in 2006 up to 1,007 this year. Considering Pulaski has less than 9,500 residents, that's not nothing, and the "blooming" fan base is gearing up for a championship matchup against the Elizabethton Twins, who have won the title in two of the past three years.
"It's been great," said Mariners farm director Greg Hunter. "We were stretched more than we had been in the past. I'd like to have a little more insurance on the bench, but it worked out. Guys were able to get at-bats and innings pitched more than in the past. Having the three teams enabled us to put the right guys in the right spots."
Mariner System Report (Games of 8/26)
SEATTLE (MAJ: 50-82 4th American League West): The Mariners beat Minnesota 3-2. Jeff Clement (’05) drove in two runs for Seattle. Ryan Rowland-Smith (’03) allowed two runs on five hits over seven innings with five strikeouts for the win.
TACOMA (AAA: 75-63, 2nd Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers split a doubleheader with Sacramento. The River Cats won game one 6-4 with a five run fifth inning. Tacoma bounced back to win game two 7-6. Justin Thomas (’06) pitched 3-1/3 scoreless innings of relief for the win.
WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 68-65, 26-35 4th Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx were swept in a doubleheader by Montgomery. The Biscuits won game won 10-2. Montgomery completed the sweep with a 3-0 win in game two that saw West Tennessee get just three hits.
HIGH DESERT (High-A: 54-80, 22-42 second half 5th California League South Division): The Mavericks were off on Tuesday.
EVERETT (Short Season-A: 29-39, 3rd Northwest League Western Division): The AquaSox beat Vancouver 4-2. Nolan Gallagher (’07) allowed two runs on six hits over five innings for the win.
PULASKI (Rookie: 40-27, 1st Appalachian League East Division): The M’s game at Bristol was rained out. The game will not be rescheduled because it was the final game of the regular season.
PEORIA (Rookie: 20-32, 11-14 6th Arizona League): The AZL M’s lost 10-2 to the Cubs.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Minnesota (Glen Perkins 1-3) at Seattle (Ryan Feierabend 0-1) 3:40pm CDT
Sacramento (Brad Knox 7-3) at Tacoma (Robert Rohrbaugh 7-5) 9:00pm CDT
Montgomery (Mike Prochaska 4-5) at West Tennessee (Edward Paredes 0-1) 7:05pm CDT
Rancho Cucamonga (Sean O’Sullivan 15-7) at High Desert (Alfredo Venegas 5-5) 9:05pm CDT
Vancouver at Everett 9:00pm CDT
Elizabethton at Pulaski 6:00pm CDT (Game One: APY LEAGUE FINALS)
AZL Athletics at AZL Mariners 9:00pm CDT
TACOMA (AAA: 75-63, 2nd Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers split a doubleheader with Sacramento. The River Cats won game one 6-4 with a five run fifth inning. Tacoma bounced back to win game two 7-6. Justin Thomas (’06) pitched 3-1/3 scoreless innings of relief for the win.
WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 68-65, 26-35 4th Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx were swept in a doubleheader by Montgomery. The Biscuits won game won 10-2. Montgomery completed the sweep with a 3-0 win in game two that saw West Tennessee get just three hits.
HIGH DESERT (High-A: 54-80, 22-42 second half 5th California League South Division): The Mavericks were off on Tuesday.
EVERETT (Short Season-A: 29-39, 3rd Northwest League Western Division): The AquaSox beat Vancouver 4-2. Nolan Gallagher (’07) allowed two runs on six hits over five innings for the win.
PULASKI (Rookie: 40-27, 1st Appalachian League East Division): The M’s game at Bristol was rained out. The game will not be rescheduled because it was the final game of the regular season.
PEORIA (Rookie: 20-32, 11-14 6th Arizona League): The AZL M’s lost 10-2 to the Cubs.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Minnesota (Glen Perkins 1-3) at Seattle (Ryan Feierabend 0-1) 3:40pm CDT
Sacramento (Brad Knox 7-3) at Tacoma (Robert Rohrbaugh 7-5) 9:00pm CDT
Montgomery (Mike Prochaska 4-5) at West Tennessee (Edward Paredes 0-1) 7:05pm CDT
Rancho Cucamonga (Sean O’Sullivan 15-7) at High Desert (Alfredo Venegas 5-5) 9:05pm CDT
Vancouver at Everett 9:00pm CDT
Elizabethton at Pulaski 6:00pm CDT (Game One: APY LEAGUE FINALS)
AZL Athletics at AZL Mariners 9:00pm CDT
8/26/2008
Tuesday's (Almost) Gone Away
Last Tuesday game of the year.
Bang for Your Buck Night with soda, hot dogs, and beer for $1. Game time is 7:05pm. There is Kids Run the Bases after the game, too.
Train roll on many miles from my home,
See, I'm riding my blues away.
Tuesday, you see, she had to be free
But somehow I've got to carry on...
Like coming out to the Rattler game tonight.
Bang for Your Buck Night with soda, hot dogs, and beer for $1. Game time is 7:05pm. There is Kids Run the Bases after the game, too.
Train roll on many miles from my home,
See, I'm riding my blues away.
Tuesday, you see, she had to be free
But somehow I've got to carry on...
Like coming out to the Rattler game tonight.
Tonight's Rattler Starting Pitcher (8/26)
RH KEITH RENAUD: Selected by Seattle in the 10th round of the 2007 draft out of Franklin Pierce College of New Hampshire.
2007 AS A RATTLER: Renaud went 2-0 with a 3.50ERA in 18 games (2 starts) with Wisconsin in 2007. He walked 18 and struck out 30 in 36 innings.
BEGINNING OF 2008: Renaud started the year with the High Desert Mavericks. He went 3-9 with a 7.68 ERA. Renaud joined the Timber Rattlers on June 27.
LAST START: Renaud allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits over 4-2/3 innings, walked two, and struck out six for a no decision on August 21 vs. Quad Cities.
VS. CEDAR RAPIDS: Renaud is making his first appearance against the Kernels tonight.
VS. ANGELS: Renaud has faced an Angels affiliate one time in his career. He allowed five runs (two earned) on five hits over five innings on May 18 against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes for a no decision in a start for the High Desert Mavericks in a California League game.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 7.0 (6/30 @Burlington)
STRIKEOUTS: 6 ({2x} Last: 8/21 vs. Quad Cities)
2007 AS A RATTLER: Renaud went 2-0 with a 3.50ERA in 18 games (2 starts) with Wisconsin in 2007. He walked 18 and struck out 30 in 36 innings.
BEGINNING OF 2008: Renaud started the year with the High Desert Mavericks. He went 3-9 with a 7.68 ERA. Renaud joined the Timber Rattlers on June 27.
LAST START: Renaud allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits over 4-2/3 innings, walked two, and struck out six for a no decision on August 21 vs. Quad Cities.
VS. CEDAR RAPIDS: Renaud is making his first appearance against the Kernels tonight.
VS. ANGELS: Renaud has faced an Angels affiliate one time in his career. He allowed five runs (two earned) on five hits over five innings on May 18 against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes for a no decision in a start for the High Desert Mavericks in a California League game.
PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 7.0 (6/30 @Burlington)
STRIKEOUTS: 6 ({2x} Last: 8/21 vs. Quad Cities)
August 26 game notes
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Kernels beat the Timber Rattlers 6-2. Julio Perez hit a two-run homer in the top of the fifth inning to break a 2-2 tie. Trevor Reckling struck out six over six innings to get his tenth win of the season.
PLAY AT THE PLATE: Hector Estrella singled with two outs in the top of the first inning. He tried to score from first on a double to left-center by Perez. But, Daniel Carroll threw a strike to shortstop Juan Diaz. The relay throw from Diaz was a one-hop strike to catcher Israel Nunez. Estrella tried to jar the ball loose from Nunez, but the Rattler catcher held on for the third out.
HELPING HANDS: Carroll now has seven outfield assists this season. As a team, the Rattlers have 37 outfield assists in 2008.
SPEED DEMONS: Cedar Rapids pulled a double steal in the top of the third inning to set up their first two runs. Clay Fuller was at second and Andrew Romine was at first with one out when they broke for the next base. The steal for Romine was his 59th of the season and he leads the Midwest League in that category. A wild pitch and a fielder’s choice allowed the two runs in that frame to score. In 13 games against the Timber Rattlers this season, the Kernels are 20-for-31 in stolen base attempts.
EVEN THINGS UP: Joe Dunigan hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game 2-2. The home run was his 13th of the season and gave him 53 RBI. Dunigan leads the Rattlers in homers and RBI in 2008.
SECOND ACT: Dunigan was hitting .212 with three homers and 16 RBI when the first half of the 2008 season ended. Dunigan is hitting .248 with 10 homers and 37 RBI since the Midwest League All-Star Break.
NOT SO FAST: The Kernels took the lead two batters into the top of the fifth inning. Estrella singled to start the frame. Perez lined a homer of the left field wall for his 14th homer of the season and a 4-2 lead.
INSURANCE: The Kernels added a pair of runs in the top of the seventh for a 6-2 lead. Estrella, who had four hits in the game, singled and scored on a triple by Jeremy Moore. Gabe Jacobo singled to drive in Moore.
ALMOST: The Rattlers loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. But, Nunez struck out to end the inning.
ROSTER MOVES: Catcher Blake Ochoa was activated from the Timber Rattler disabled list today. To make room for Ochoa, catcher Jonathan Arias has been transferred to Pulaski in the Appalachian League.
ONE OTHER: Pitcher Johnny DuRocher, who has been on the Timber Rattler disabled list since a start against Beloit on July 7, retired yesterday.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They did not qualify for the Midwest League playoffs in the first half. But, they are currently 36-27 in the second half and hold the Western Division Wild Card. They lead Quad Cities by four games with seven games remaining in the season. The Kernels lead the Midwest League with 236 stolen bases. The second place team in that category is Beloit with 171.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .242 as a team and have scored 498 runs (3.9/game). Wisconsin has hit 59 home runs this season. The Timber Rattler pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.92. Cedar Rapids is hitting .242 as a team. They have scored 581 runs (4.4/game). The Kernels have hit 83 home runs this season. The Cedar Rapids pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.62.
2008 SEASON SERIES: The Rattlers are 6-7 against the Kernels this season. In the first half, Wisconsin won three out of four games from the Kernels on Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium and the Kernels won three out of four games in Cedar Rapids. The two teams split a four game series in Cedar Rapids earlier in the second half.
CEDAR RAPIDS STARTING PITCHER: RH Jose Perez was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Venezuela in 2006. He spent the two previous seasons in the Venezuelan Summer League and was 7-2 with a 2.19ERA in 20 games (17 starts). Perez has pitched at three levels in the Angel organization this season. On April 9, he pitched four scoreless innings for Rancho Cucamonga against High Desert, the California League affiliate of the Mariners. On May 26, Perez took the loss against Clinton. Perez joined the Orem Owlz to start the Pioneer League and was 5-2 in 11 starts with a 4.17ERA and a K:BB ratio of 77:8 over 58-1/3 innings. Perez rejoined the Kernels on August 15 and is 0-1 in his last two starts.
PLAY AT THE PLATE: Hector Estrella singled with two outs in the top of the first inning. He tried to score from first on a double to left-center by Perez. But, Daniel Carroll threw a strike to shortstop Juan Diaz. The relay throw from Diaz was a one-hop strike to catcher Israel Nunez. Estrella tried to jar the ball loose from Nunez, but the Rattler catcher held on for the third out.
HELPING HANDS: Carroll now has seven outfield assists this season. As a team, the Rattlers have 37 outfield assists in 2008.
SPEED DEMONS: Cedar Rapids pulled a double steal in the top of the third inning to set up their first two runs. Clay Fuller was at second and Andrew Romine was at first with one out when they broke for the next base. The steal for Romine was his 59th of the season and he leads the Midwest League in that category. A wild pitch and a fielder’s choice allowed the two runs in that frame to score. In 13 games against the Timber Rattlers this season, the Kernels are 20-for-31 in stolen base attempts.
EVEN THINGS UP: Joe Dunigan hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game 2-2. The home run was his 13th of the season and gave him 53 RBI. Dunigan leads the Rattlers in homers and RBI in 2008.
SECOND ACT: Dunigan was hitting .212 with three homers and 16 RBI when the first half of the 2008 season ended. Dunigan is hitting .248 with 10 homers and 37 RBI since the Midwest League All-Star Break.
NOT SO FAST: The Kernels took the lead two batters into the top of the fifth inning. Estrella singled to start the frame. Perez lined a homer of the left field wall for his 14th homer of the season and a 4-2 lead.
INSURANCE: The Kernels added a pair of runs in the top of the seventh for a 6-2 lead. Estrella, who had four hits in the game, singled and scored on a triple by Jeremy Moore. Gabe Jacobo singled to drive in Moore.
ALMOST: The Rattlers loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. But, Nunez struck out to end the inning.
ROSTER MOVES: Catcher Blake Ochoa was activated from the Timber Rattler disabled list today. To make room for Ochoa, catcher Jonathan Arias has been transferred to Pulaski in the Appalachian League.
ONE OTHER: Pitcher Johnny DuRocher, who has been on the Timber Rattler disabled list since a start against Beloit on July 7, retired yesterday.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They did not qualify for the Midwest League playoffs in the first half. But, they are currently 36-27 in the second half and hold the Western Division Wild Card. They lead Quad Cities by four games with seven games remaining in the season. The Kernels lead the Midwest League with 236 stolen bases. The second place team in that category is Beloit with 171.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .242 as a team and have scored 498 runs (3.9/game). Wisconsin has hit 59 home runs this season. The Timber Rattler pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.92. Cedar Rapids is hitting .242 as a team. They have scored 581 runs (4.4/game). The Kernels have hit 83 home runs this season. The Cedar Rapids pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.62.
2008 SEASON SERIES: The Rattlers are 6-7 against the Kernels this season. In the first half, Wisconsin won three out of four games from the Kernels on Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium and the Kernels won three out of four games in Cedar Rapids. The two teams split a four game series in Cedar Rapids earlier in the second half.
CEDAR RAPIDS STARTING PITCHER: RH Jose Perez was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Venezuela in 2006. He spent the two previous seasons in the Venezuelan Summer League and was 7-2 with a 2.19ERA in 20 games (17 starts). Perez has pitched at three levels in the Angel organization this season. On April 9, he pitched four scoreless innings for Rancho Cucamonga against High Desert, the California League affiliate of the Mariners. On May 26, Perez took the loss against Clinton. Perez joined the Orem Owlz to start the Pioneer League and was 5-2 in 11 starts with a 4.17ERA and a K:BB ratio of 77:8 over 58-1/3 innings. Perez rejoined the Kernels on August 15 and is 0-1 in his last two starts.
Midwest League Action (8/25)
August 25 scoreboard.
Cedar Rapids 6, @Wisconsin 2: Yep.
South Bend 2, @Fort Wayne 0 (11 innings): (Starting pitcher Cory Luebke) keeps throwing up zeros and we have a couple of opportunities to get some guys in, and we can’t push a run across. It’s too bad that we waste a good opportunity like that.”
@West Michigan 5, Great Lakes 1: Manny Miguelez pitched the first nine inning complete game of his professional career as the Whitecaps defeated Great Lakes, 5-1. The lefty allowed just six hits and two walks with six strikeouts to earn the victory.
@Lansing 3, Dayton 2: With the game tied at 2, Ebarb's third hit of the game scored Jonathan Baksh, who struck out swinging but reached first base on a wild pitch.
@Beloit 4, Kane County 3 (11 innings): “We are still alive and the playoff mustaches are still going on,” manager Nelson Prada said. “Cedar Rapids won today, but we are just trying to do the best we can.”
@Clinton 11, Peoria 6: The Clinton LumberKings beat the Peoria Chiefs 11-6 on Monday night despite committing four errors.
Quad Cities 11, @Burlington 4: "I think there's a little bit of a letdown knowing we're in the playoffs," Bees manager Brian Rupp said. "Tomorrow it's time to get back on track and get back to our goal of winning this half. Fun and game time is over and it's time to get back to work."
Cedar Rapids 6, @Wisconsin 2: Yep.
South Bend 2, @Fort Wayne 0 (11 innings): (Starting pitcher Cory Luebke) keeps throwing up zeros and we have a couple of opportunities to get some guys in, and we can’t push a run across. It’s too bad that we waste a good opportunity like that.”
@West Michigan 5, Great Lakes 1: Manny Miguelez pitched the first nine inning complete game of his professional career as the Whitecaps defeated Great Lakes, 5-1. The lefty allowed just six hits and two walks with six strikeouts to earn the victory.
@Lansing 3, Dayton 2: With the game tied at 2, Ebarb's third hit of the game scored Jonathan Baksh, who struck out swinging but reached first base on a wild pitch.
@Beloit 4, Kane County 3 (11 innings): “We are still alive and the playoff mustaches are still going on,” manager Nelson Prada said. “Cedar Rapids won today, but we are just trying to do the best we can.”
@Clinton 11, Peoria 6: The Clinton LumberKings beat the Peoria Chiefs 11-6 on Monday night despite committing four errors.
Quad Cities 11, @Burlington 4: "I think there's a little bit of a letdown knowing we're in the playoffs," Bees manager Brian Rupp said. "Tomorrow it's time to get back on track and get back to our goal of winning this half. Fun and game time is over and it's time to get back to work."
Mariner System Report (Games of 8/25)
SEATTLE (MAJ: 49-82 4th American League West): The Mariners beat Minnesota 4-2 in eleven innings. Seattle tied the game with a run in the bottom of the ninth. Adrian Belltre hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the eleventh to win the game.
TACOMA (AAA: 74-62, 2nd Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers beat Sacramento 11-4. Luis Valbuena (’06) went 4-for-5 in Tacoma's 13th straight home victory.
WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 68-63, 26-33 4th Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx had their game with Montgomery rained out. They will play a doubleheader tonight.
HIGH DESERT (High-A: 54-80, 22-42 second half 5th California League South Division): The Mavericks lost 4-1 at San Jose. Ricky Orta (’07) pitched four shutout innings and struck out seven for a no decision, but the Mavs were swept by the Giants. Kuo Hui Lo (’07) drove in the only run for High Desert.
EVERETT (Short Season-A: 28-39, T-3rd Northwest League Western Division): The AquaSox split a doubleheader at Vancouver. Everett won game on 6-3. The Canadians won game two 10-2.
PULASKI (Rookie: 40-27, 1st Appalachian League East Division): The M’s won 8-2 at Bristol.
PEORIA (Rookie: 19-32, 10-14 6th Arizona League): The AZL M’s were off on Monday.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Minnesota (Scott Baker 7-3) at Seattle (Ryan Rowland-Smith 2-2) 9:10pm CDT
Sacramento (Vincent Mazzaro 1-3) at Tacoma (Brandon Morrow 0-1) 8:05pm CDT
Sacramento at Tacoma -- Game two
Montgomery at West Tennessee 5:05pm CDT
Montgomery at West Tennessee – Game two
High Desert – OFF DAY
Vancouver at Everett 9:00pm CDT
Pulaski at Bristol 6:00pm CDT
AZL Mariners at AZL Cubs 9:00pm CDT
TACOMA (AAA: 74-62, 2nd Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers beat Sacramento 11-4. Luis Valbuena (’06) went 4-for-5 in Tacoma's 13th straight home victory.
WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 68-63, 26-33 4th Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx had their game with Montgomery rained out. They will play a doubleheader tonight.
HIGH DESERT (High-A: 54-80, 22-42 second half 5th California League South Division): The Mavericks lost 4-1 at San Jose. Ricky Orta (’07) pitched four shutout innings and struck out seven for a no decision, but the Mavs were swept by the Giants. Kuo Hui Lo (’07) drove in the only run for High Desert.
EVERETT (Short Season-A: 28-39, T-3rd Northwest League Western Division): The AquaSox split a doubleheader at Vancouver. Everett won game on 6-3. The Canadians won game two 10-2.
PULASKI (Rookie: 40-27, 1st Appalachian League East Division): The M’s won 8-2 at Bristol.
PEORIA (Rookie: 19-32, 10-14 6th Arizona League): The AZL M’s were off on Monday.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Minnesota (Scott Baker 7-3) at Seattle (Ryan Rowland-Smith 2-2) 9:10pm CDT
Sacramento (Vincent Mazzaro 1-3) at Tacoma (Brandon Morrow 0-1) 8:05pm CDT
Sacramento at Tacoma -- Game two
Montgomery at West Tennessee 5:05pm CDT
Montgomery at West Tennessee – Game two
High Desert – OFF DAY
Vancouver at Everett 9:00pm CDT
Pulaski at Bristol 6:00pm CDT
AZL Mariners at AZL Cubs 9:00pm CDT
8/25/2008
Come Monday
Which is today.....
Bonus Bang for your buck tonight with soda hot dog and beer for $1. Come on out to the game. Only four left at the Field this season.
No, Jimmy Buffett...except for this YouTube twin spin...
Arrrrrgh, matey!
Bonus Bang for your buck tonight with soda hot dog and beer for $1. Come on out to the game. Only four left at the Field this season.
No, Jimmy Buffett...except for this YouTube twin spin...
Arrrrrgh, matey!
Pitching Matchups (Cedar Rapids series 8/25-28)
MON: LHP Jose Jimenez (0-0, 11.88) vs. LHP Trevor Reckling (9-6, 3.14)
TUE: RHP Keith Renaud (1-4, 5.15) vs. RHP Jose Perez (0-2, 5.79)
WED: RHP Michael Pineda (7-5, 2.05) vs. LHP Robert Fish (9-5, 5.07)
THU: RHP Keith Meyer (2-5, 4.75) vs. RHP Michael Davitt (6-8, 4.69)
TUE: RHP Keith Renaud (1-4, 5.15) vs. RHP Jose Perez (0-2, 5.79)
WED: RHP Michael Pineda (7-5, 2.05) vs. LHP Robert Fish (9-5, 5.07)
THU: RHP Keith Meyer (2-5, 4.75) vs. RHP Michael Davitt (6-8, 4.69)
Tonight's Rattler Starting Pitcher (8/25)
LH JOSE JIMENEZ was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Seattle Mariners in July, 2003 out of Venezuela.
DOWN IN VENEZUELA: Jimenez spent four seasons pitching for Seattle’s Venezuelan Summer League affiliate in Aguirre. He compiled a career record of 7-7 in 80 games (six starts) with 109 strikeouts and 71 walks over 125-1/3 innings pitched and an ERA of 2.80.
RECOGNITION: Last year, Jimenez was 1-1 with 15 saves and an ERA of 1.57 in 28 games with 23 strikeouts and 12 walks in 28 innings pitched. He was named Aguirre’s Most Valuable Pitcher by the Mariners.
INSTRUCTION: Jimenez took part in the 2007 Mariner Instructional League.
LIVING OUT OF THE SUITCASE: Jimenez began his 2008 season with the Pulaski Mariners on June 19 and made a pair of starts for Seattle’s Appalachian League affiliate. He was transferred to High Desert in early July and made five appearances (four starts) for the California League affiliate of the Mariners. He was sent back to Pulaski in late July and made a relief appearance for them on July 28. Jimenez was transferred to the Timber Rattlers after that appearance and has been pitching out of the Wisconsin bullpen ever since.
LAST WIN: Jimenez got the victory as a starter for the High Desert Mavericks on July 1 in a game against the Lancaster JetHawks. This was the California League debut for Jimenez. He allowed to runs on five hits over 5-1/3 innings with one walk and five strikeouts.
LAST START: Jimenez lost to Inland Empire in a California League start on July 23. He gave up four runs on eight hits over four innings with a hit batsman, two wild pitches, three walks, and four strikeouts.
LAST APPEARANCE: Jimenez came on in relief against the Kane County Cougars on August 19 at Elfstrom Stadium. He pitched 2/3 of an inning and loaded the bases on a hit, a hit batsman, and a walk. But, he did not allow a run.
VS. CEDAR RAPIDS: Tonight is the first time Jimenez is facing the Kernels.
VS. ANGELS: Jimenez faced Rancho Cucamonga, the California League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim twice (both starts) this season as a member of the High Desert Mavericks. He was 0-1 and allowed nine runs (all earned) on 13 hits over 8-1/3 innings. Jimenez walked three and struck out seven in those games against the Quakes.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHS
INNINGS PITCHED: 5.2 (vs. Rancho Cucamonga 7/8/08)
STRIKEOUTS: 8 (@Princeton 6/19/08)
DOWN IN VENEZUELA: Jimenez spent four seasons pitching for Seattle’s Venezuelan Summer League affiliate in Aguirre. He compiled a career record of 7-7 in 80 games (six starts) with 109 strikeouts and 71 walks over 125-1/3 innings pitched and an ERA of 2.80.
RECOGNITION: Last year, Jimenez was 1-1 with 15 saves and an ERA of 1.57 in 28 games with 23 strikeouts and 12 walks in 28 innings pitched. He was named Aguirre’s Most Valuable Pitcher by the Mariners.
INSTRUCTION: Jimenez took part in the 2007 Mariner Instructional League.
LIVING OUT OF THE SUITCASE: Jimenez began his 2008 season with the Pulaski Mariners on June 19 and made a pair of starts for Seattle’s Appalachian League affiliate. He was transferred to High Desert in early July and made five appearances (four starts) for the California League affiliate of the Mariners. He was sent back to Pulaski in late July and made a relief appearance for them on July 28. Jimenez was transferred to the Timber Rattlers after that appearance and has been pitching out of the Wisconsin bullpen ever since.
LAST WIN: Jimenez got the victory as a starter for the High Desert Mavericks on July 1 in a game against the Lancaster JetHawks. This was the California League debut for Jimenez. He allowed to runs on five hits over 5-1/3 innings with one walk and five strikeouts.
LAST START: Jimenez lost to Inland Empire in a California League start on July 23. He gave up four runs on eight hits over four innings with a hit batsman, two wild pitches, three walks, and four strikeouts.
LAST APPEARANCE: Jimenez came on in relief against the Kane County Cougars on August 19 at Elfstrom Stadium. He pitched 2/3 of an inning and loaded the bases on a hit, a hit batsman, and a walk. But, he did not allow a run.
VS. CEDAR RAPIDS: Tonight is the first time Jimenez is facing the Kernels.
VS. ANGELS: Jimenez faced Rancho Cucamonga, the California League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim twice (both starts) this season as a member of the High Desert Mavericks. He was 0-1 and allowed nine runs (all earned) on 13 hits over 8-1/3 innings. Jimenez walked three and struck out seven in those games against the Quakes.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHS
INNINGS PITCHED: 5.2 (vs. Rancho Cucamonga 7/8/08)
STRIKEOUTS: 8 (@Princeton 6/19/08)
August 25 game notes
ABOUT SUNDAY: The Rattlers beat Quad Cities 5-3. The River Bandits broke a 1-1 tie with a run in the top of the seventh inning. The Rattlers rallied with four runs in the bottom of the seventh. Denny Almonte and Joe Dunigan each had a two-run single in the rally.
SPLITSVILLE: The Rattlers and River Bandits each had two wins in the four game series. Wisconsin has split each of its last four series.
THE NINE: Rattler starting pitcher Juan Ramirez struck out nine over seven innings yesterday. That marks the fourth time this season Ramirez has struck out nine in a game. He is second on the team with 106 K’s this season.
FOR THE WIN: Ramirez allowed two runs on five hits and did not walk a batter. He was on the hook for the loss until the Rattler rally in the bottom of the seventh. Ramirez is now 6-9 on the season.
EARLY ON: The teams traded solo homers in the fourth inning. Adron Chambers led off the top of the inning with a homer off Ramirez. Juan Diaz hit a two-out shot in the bottom of the frame.
TO THE FRONT: Curt Smith started the top of the seventh inning with a double. Domnit Bolivar singled him in to give Quad Cities a 2-1 lead.
RALLY TIME: Wisconsin loaded the bases against Cedar Rapids reliever JD Stambaugh in the bottom of the seventh on a single by Israel Nunez, an error on a sacrifice bunt by Maximo Mendez, and a bunt single by Daniel Carroll. That brought up Almonte who laced an 0-2 pitch to left for a two-run single. Later in the inning, Dunigan singled to right to drive in two more runs.
THEIR SACRIFICE: The Rattlers had three sacrifice bunts in yesterday’s game, including two in the bottom of the seventh. The sacrifice bunt by Mendez in the seventh inning was his seventh of the season and he is tied for the team lead in that category.
WAY TO STOP A SLIDE: Almonte’s two-run single was his first of the series against the Bandits. He had been 0-for-10 with nine strikeouts until that point in the series.
FIRST TO 50: Dunigan’s two-run single gave him a team-leading 51 RBI on the season.
BOUNCE BACK ABILITY: The Rattlers were shutout on Saturday 4-0 and came back to win on Sunday. The last three times Wisconsin has been shutout, they have come back to win their next game.
DEEP SIX: Jeff Dunbar allowed a two-out solo homer to Bolivar in the top of the ninth inning, but closed out the River Bandits for his sixth save with the Timber Rattlers. Dunbar is 6-for-6 in save opportunities with Wisconsin. He had been 3-for-3 in save chances for Pulaski in the Appalachian League before joining the Rattlers.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They did not qualify for the Midwest League playoffs in the first half. But, they are currently 35-27 in the second half and hold the Western Division Wild Card. They lead Quad Cities by four games with eight games remaining in the season. The Kernels lead the Midwest League with 233 stolen bases. The second place team in that category is Beloit with 168.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .242 as a team and have scored 496 runs (3.9/game). Wisconsin has hit 58 home runs this season. The Timber Rattler pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.90. Cedar Rapids is hitting .242 as a team. They have scored 575 runs (4.4/game). The Kernels have hit 82 home runs this season. The Cedar Rapids pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.63.
2008 SEASON SERIES: The Rattlers and the Kernels have split 12 games this season. In the first half, Wisconsin won three out of four games from the Kernels on Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium and the Kernels won three out of four games in Cedar Rapids. The two teams split a four game series in Cedar Rapids earlier in the second half.
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook placed four current members of the Kernel roster on their list of top 30 Angel prospects heading into the 2008 season. Pitcher Trevor Reckling was the highest ranked Kernel at #16. Fellow pitcher Robert Fish was rated at #27. Infielder Andrew Romine (#28) and outfielder Clay Fuller (#30) are also on the list. Pitcher Mason Tobin, who is currently on the Kernel disabled list, was rated at #21 in the Prospect Handbook.
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2007: The Angels have placed five members of their 2007 draft class on the current Kernel roster. Pitchers Eddie McKiernan (17th) and Reckling (8th) are joined by infielders Romine (5th), Jay Brossman (36th), and Hector Estrella (40th).
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2008: The Angels have put two members of their 2008 draft class on the current Cedar Rapids roster. Pitcher Tim Kiely (27th out of Trinity College) and infielder Gabe Jacobo (10th out of Sacramento State) are with the Kernels. Catcher CJ Bressoud, a 2008 non-drafted free agent out of Columbus State, is with Cedar Rapids.
YES, THAT’S HIM: Kiely was a member of the Trinity (CT) College team that won the 2008 NCAA Division III College World Series in Grand Chute. Kiely pitched a complete game, but took the loss to Johns Hopkins in the first game of Championship Tuesday, but Trinity would win the second game.
CEDAR RAPIDS STARTING PITCHER: LH Trevor Reckling was the 8th round pick of the Angels out of St. Benedict’s Prep School in Newark, New Jersey in the 2007 draft. He pitched for the Arizona League affiliate of the Angels after signing. He went 3-1 with a 2.75 ERA in nine games (five starts) with 55 strikeouts in 36 innings pitched. This is Reckling’s fourth start against the Timber Rattlers this season and is 0-1 with a 1.35ERA. He has allowed four runs (three hits) over 20 innings with seven walks and 13 strikeouts. In his last outing before tonight, Reckling lost at Beloit on August 19. He allowed six runs (five earned) on 11 hits over five innings with no walks and four strikeouts.
SPLITSVILLE: The Rattlers and River Bandits each had two wins in the four game series. Wisconsin has split each of its last four series.
THE NINE: Rattler starting pitcher Juan Ramirez struck out nine over seven innings yesterday. That marks the fourth time this season Ramirez has struck out nine in a game. He is second on the team with 106 K’s this season.
FOR THE WIN: Ramirez allowed two runs on five hits and did not walk a batter. He was on the hook for the loss until the Rattler rally in the bottom of the seventh. Ramirez is now 6-9 on the season.
EARLY ON: The teams traded solo homers in the fourth inning. Adron Chambers led off the top of the inning with a homer off Ramirez. Juan Diaz hit a two-out shot in the bottom of the frame.
TO THE FRONT: Curt Smith started the top of the seventh inning with a double. Domnit Bolivar singled him in to give Quad Cities a 2-1 lead.
RALLY TIME: Wisconsin loaded the bases against Cedar Rapids reliever JD Stambaugh in the bottom of the seventh on a single by Israel Nunez, an error on a sacrifice bunt by Maximo Mendez, and a bunt single by Daniel Carroll. That brought up Almonte who laced an 0-2 pitch to left for a two-run single. Later in the inning, Dunigan singled to right to drive in two more runs.
THEIR SACRIFICE: The Rattlers had three sacrifice bunts in yesterday’s game, including two in the bottom of the seventh. The sacrifice bunt by Mendez in the seventh inning was his seventh of the season and he is tied for the team lead in that category.
WAY TO STOP A SLIDE: Almonte’s two-run single was his first of the series against the Bandits. He had been 0-for-10 with nine strikeouts until that point in the series.
FIRST TO 50: Dunigan’s two-run single gave him a team-leading 51 RBI on the season.
BOUNCE BACK ABILITY: The Rattlers were shutout on Saturday 4-0 and came back to win on Sunday. The last three times Wisconsin has been shutout, they have come back to win their next game.
DEEP SIX: Jeff Dunbar allowed a two-out solo homer to Bolivar in the top of the ninth inning, but closed out the River Bandits for his sixth save with the Timber Rattlers. Dunbar is 6-for-6 in save opportunities with Wisconsin. He had been 3-for-3 in save chances for Pulaski in the Appalachian League before joining the Rattlers.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They did not qualify for the Midwest League playoffs in the first half. But, they are currently 35-27 in the second half and hold the Western Division Wild Card. They lead Quad Cities by four games with eight games remaining in the season. The Kernels lead the Midwest League with 233 stolen bases. The second place team in that category is Beloit with 168.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .242 as a team and have scored 496 runs (3.9/game). Wisconsin has hit 58 home runs this season. The Timber Rattler pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.90. Cedar Rapids is hitting .242 as a team. They have scored 575 runs (4.4/game). The Kernels have hit 82 home runs this season. The Cedar Rapids pitching staff has a combined ERA of 3.63.
2008 SEASON SERIES: The Rattlers and the Kernels have split 12 games this season. In the first half, Wisconsin won three out of four games from the Kernels on Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium and the Kernels won three out of four games in Cedar Rapids. The two teams split a four game series in Cedar Rapids earlier in the second half.
PROSPECTING: Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook placed four current members of the Kernel roster on their list of top 30 Angel prospects heading into the 2008 season. Pitcher Trevor Reckling was the highest ranked Kernel at #16. Fellow pitcher Robert Fish was rated at #27. Infielder Andrew Romine (#28) and outfielder Clay Fuller (#30) are also on the list. Pitcher Mason Tobin, who is currently on the Kernel disabled list, was rated at #21 in the Prospect Handbook.
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2007: The Angels have placed five members of their 2007 draft class on the current Kernel roster. Pitchers Eddie McKiernan (17th) and Reckling (8th) are joined by infielders Romine (5th), Jay Brossman (36th), and Hector Estrella (40th).
OUT OF THE DRAFT 2008: The Angels have put two members of their 2008 draft class on the current Cedar Rapids roster. Pitcher Tim Kiely (27th out of Trinity College) and infielder Gabe Jacobo (10th out of Sacramento State) are with the Kernels. Catcher CJ Bressoud, a 2008 non-drafted free agent out of Columbus State, is with Cedar Rapids.
YES, THAT’S HIM: Kiely was a member of the Trinity (CT) College team that won the 2008 NCAA Division III College World Series in Grand Chute. Kiely pitched a complete game, but took the loss to Johns Hopkins in the first game of Championship Tuesday, but Trinity would win the second game.
CEDAR RAPIDS STARTING PITCHER: LH Trevor Reckling was the 8th round pick of the Angels out of St. Benedict’s Prep School in Newark, New Jersey in the 2007 draft. He pitched for the Arizona League affiliate of the Angels after signing. He went 3-1 with a 2.75 ERA in nine games (five starts) with 55 strikeouts in 36 innings pitched. This is Reckling’s fourth start against the Timber Rattlers this season and is 0-1 with a 1.35ERA. He has allowed four runs (three hits) over 20 innings with seven walks and 13 strikeouts. In his last outing before tonight, Reckling lost at Beloit on August 19. He allowed six runs (five earned) on 11 hits over five innings with no walks and four strikeouts.
Awards for the Week
The latest Minor League Offensive Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week Awards have been announced.
The Midwest League Awards went like this:
Taylor Harbin, South Bend
.433 (13-30), 4 R, 6 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 12 RBI, 2 BB, 2 SO, 0 SB, .633 SLG
When Harbin clubbed five hits on Tuesday, he immediately became the favorite to win this award. It didn't hurt that in addition to five total hits, three were doubles, and it resulted in six RBIs. But Harbin would keep up the pace, grabbing at least one hit and one RBI in his next four games. Harbin has become a force as the weather has heated up in South Bend, batting .319 with 41 RBIs in the season's second half and he's inching close to the .280 mark for the season. With South Bend looming in the Midwest League playoff hunt, no Silver Hawk is more important to the team's chances in the coming weeks than Harbin.
Corey Kluber, Fort Wayne
1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 G, 2 GS, 13.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 21 SO
This list is loaded with amazing performances from the week, but no one tops Corey Kluber in terms of dominance. The big right-hander was demoted in July from Lake Elsinore to Fort Wayne after the California League hit him hard, to the tune of a 6.01 ERA in 19 appearances. However, he finished on a good note, throwing four hitless innings in three relief appearances for the Storm. Kluber may be headed back to California soon, however, as he demonstrated this week that the Midwest League poses little challenge for him. On Aug. 19, Kluber had the week's best start, striking out 11 batters over eight one-hit innings against Lansing. Unfortunately, the game was a pitcher's duel that Fort Wayne lost in the 10th. Pitching against the same Lugnuts five days later, Kluber exacted a bit of revenge, and the win, this time with 10 strikeouts and four hits allowed over five innings.
The Midwest League Awards went like this:
Taylor Harbin, South Bend
.433 (13-30), 4 R, 6 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 12 RBI, 2 BB, 2 SO, 0 SB, .633 SLG
When Harbin clubbed five hits on Tuesday, he immediately became the favorite to win this award. It didn't hurt that in addition to five total hits, three were doubles, and it resulted in six RBIs. But Harbin would keep up the pace, grabbing at least one hit and one RBI in his next four games. Harbin has become a force as the weather has heated up in South Bend, batting .319 with 41 RBIs in the season's second half and he's inching close to the .280 mark for the season. With South Bend looming in the Midwest League playoff hunt, no Silver Hawk is more important to the team's chances in the coming weeks than Harbin.
Corey Kluber, Fort Wayne
1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 G, 2 GS, 13.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 21 SO
This list is loaded with amazing performances from the week, but no one tops Corey Kluber in terms of dominance. The big right-hander was demoted in July from Lake Elsinore to Fort Wayne after the California League hit him hard, to the tune of a 6.01 ERA in 19 appearances. However, he finished on a good note, throwing four hitless innings in three relief appearances for the Storm. Kluber may be headed back to California soon, however, as he demonstrated this week that the Midwest League poses little challenge for him. On Aug. 19, Kluber had the week's best start, striking out 11 batters over eight one-hit innings against Lansing. Unfortunately, the game was a pitcher's duel that Fort Wayne lost in the 10th. Pitching against the same Lugnuts five days later, Kluber exacted a bit of revenge, and the win, this time with 10 strikeouts and four hits allowed over five innings.
Notebook
The latest Midwest League Notebook is available.
Here is the scoop on the two opponents this week:
Here is the scoop on the two opponents this week:
Cedar Rapids Kernels (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)
PLAYOFF HOPES: The magic number is seven for Cedar Rapids to clinch a playoff spot after losing to Peoria 5-2 Saturday. Any combination of Kernels' victories and losses by Quad Cities and Beloit totaling seven would give the Kernels the Western Division wild card spot. (Rattler Radio: Magic # is now 5 after Sunday's games)
WHO'S HOT: 1B Gabe Jacobo extended his hitting streak to 10 games, going 1-4 with a double and RBI Saturday. In 25 games with the Kernels Jacobo is batting .333 (31-for-93) with 11 doubles, 12 runs scored, two home runs and 21 RBIs.
WHO'S NOT: C Alberto Rosario is hitting .200 (4-for-20) with one RBI over the last 10 games.
ROSTER MOVES: INF Gordie Gronkowski was granted his unconditional release from the Angels organization Tuesday. In 56 games for the Kernels, he batted .219 with 12 doubles, two home runs and 18 RBIs and had been on the disabled list since July 4th with a lower back strain.
Quad Cities River Bandits (St. Louis Cardinals)
WHO'S HOT: RHP Richard Castillo tossed seven shutout innings Saturday, allowing three hits, walking two and striking out eight in a 4-0 victory over Wisconsin. Castillo ended a personal three-game losing streak and improved to 7-4 with a 2.92 ERA in 71 innings, the best ERA among Quad Cities' starters. ... OF Tommy Pham hit his team-leading 17th homer Saturday, a two-run shot to cap the River Bandits' scoring in the fifth inning.
WHO'S NOT: LF Andron Chambers is hitting .179 (6-for-26) with 13 strikeouts in his last 10 games.
ROSTER MOVE: 3B Brett Wallace, St. Louis' first-round pick in the 2008 Draft, was promoted to Double-A Springfield Tuesday. ... St. Louis promoted its third-round pick, SS Niko Vasquez, and the Appalachian League batting leader, 1B Curt Smith, to join the River Bandits Thursday. To make room on the roster, 1B Carlos Pupo was placed on the disabled list with a back injury.
MORE ON WALLACE: Wallace, the 13th overall pick, earned a quick promotion after batting .327 with five home runs, 25 RBIs and a .490 slugging percentage in 153 at-bats against Midwest League pitching.
Getting all Memorial in Fort Wayne
The Fort Wayne Wizards are getting ready to say good-bye to Memorial Stadium and to the nickname Wizards. The Journal-Gazette had a few articles yesterday to do the former. Ben Smith really needs to tell us how he feels.
Diamond in the rough
What about top moments? Right here.
Diamond in the rough
So what can we say now about Memorial Stadium, other than goodbye?
...
And so here is the truth: It was the Taj Mahal of baseball stadiums, except for the Taj Mahal part.
This isn't even the best section. This is...
To be honest, its history is not that historic and its aesthetics less than aesthetic, so let's set aside the poetry. It doesn't work here, frankly. "The Castle" might have been its kinda-sorta nickname, but the Big Concrete Slab probably fit better.
Or maybe it's really this:
Or, for the big finish, this story from Opening Night of Memorial Stadium on April 19, 1993:...what a ballpark is or was or will be has nothing to do with architecture. People make it what it is. People give it whatever life or loveliness it has, even if it's a place as devoid of external romance as Memorial Stadium.
How About an All-Time Wizards Team? Right hereI spent part of the game sitting next to an 82-year-old man named Red Braden, who's been gone almost a decade now. Sixty-five years before, back in the 1920s, he'd gone door-to-door with a petition, trying to get a baseball stadium built. He failed.
Ah, but on this night
The lights came up, the players trotted to their positions across the green, green grass, and stooped, careworn Red Braden became a child again.
"All of a sudden, I'm seein' what I was " he began.
Then he gestured wordlessly around the place, at the lights, the ballplayers, the fans, the stadium itself.
The Taj Mahal of ballparks?
Memorial Stadium wasn't that then and never would be. But for one moment, on one cold night, it was all the Taj Mahal one man would ever need.
In honor of the final days of Memorial Stadium, the Wizards, in conjunction with The Journal Gazette, have announced their all-time team. Sixty-eight players who have played in Fort Wayne eventually reached the majors. The list includes current White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, Corey Koskie and current Royal Joakim Soria, who pitched in this year’s All-Star game.You're going to have to follow that link to get the list.
What about top moments? Right here.
April 24, 1994: Alex Rodriguez, playing for the Appleton (Wis.) Foxes, smacks the first home run of his professional career.Click for the rest.
Midwest League Action (8/24)
August 24 scoreboard.
@Wisconsin 5, Quad Cities 3: Home version. Road Version.
@West Michigan 4, Dayton 2: "We're not going to hit five home runs in a game and we don't have anyone with 75 RBIs," Whitecaps manager Joe DePastino said. "We have to play small ball.
@Fort Wayne 4, Lansing 0: “I was able to make pitches when I needed to get out of them,” Kluber said. “I was just trying to limit the damage.
Beloit 7, @Burlington 2: The Bees knew midway through the game that they had wrapped up a playoff spot. Quad Cities' 5-3 loss at Wisconsin assured the Bees no worse than a second-place finish in the Class A Midwest League's Western Division.
Cedar Rapids 2, @Peoria 1 (10 innings): An already tough homestand came to a cruel end for the Peoria Chiefs on Sunday afternoon at O'Brien Field.
@Clinton 3, Kane County 1: Beavan Wins 10th, Kings Avoid Sweep. (No, really. That's the link.)
South Bend 12, @Great Lakes 2: "Right now our pitching is so bad it doesn't matter what we do (offensively)," said Loons' manager Juan Bustabad. "If the pitchers can't throw strikes, we're in trouble."
@Wisconsin 5, Quad Cities 3: Home version. Road Version.
@West Michigan 4, Dayton 2: "We're not going to hit five home runs in a game and we don't have anyone with 75 RBIs," Whitecaps manager Joe DePastino said. "We have to play small ball.
@Fort Wayne 4, Lansing 0: “I was able to make pitches when I needed to get out of them,” Kluber said. “I was just trying to limit the damage.
Beloit 7, @Burlington 2: The Bees knew midway through the game that they had wrapped up a playoff spot. Quad Cities' 5-3 loss at Wisconsin assured the Bees no worse than a second-place finish in the Class A Midwest League's Western Division.
Cedar Rapids 2, @Peoria 1 (10 innings): An already tough homestand came to a cruel end for the Peoria Chiefs on Sunday afternoon at O'Brien Field.
@Clinton 3, Kane County 1: Beavan Wins 10th, Kings Avoid Sweep. (No, really. That's the link.)
South Bend 12, @Great Lakes 2: "Right now our pitching is so bad it doesn't matter what we do (offensively)," said Loons' manager Juan Bustabad. "If the pitchers can't throw strikes, we're in trouble."
August 25 game notes
SEATTLE (MAJ: 48-82 4th American League West): The Mariners beat Oakland 8-4. Felix Hernandez (’03) allowed three runs on four hits over six innings and struck out seven for the win. JJ Putz (’00) got the final out for his ninth save.
TACOMA (AAA: 73-62, 2nd Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers won 7-4 at Portland. Oswaldo Navarro (’05) drove in two runs for Tacoma. Justin Thomas (’06) got the final out for his first save.
WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 68-63, 26-33 4th Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx beat Montgomery 8-5. Mike Wilson (’05) and Marshall Hubbard (’05) each had two RBI for West Tennessee. Shawn Kelley (’08) pitched a scoreless ninth for his ninth save.
HIGH DESERT (High-A: 54-79, 22-41 second half 5th California League South Division): The Mavericks lost 11-8 at San Jose. Travis Scott (’06) had three RBI to help High Desert to an 8-2 lead. But, the Giants scored four runs in the fourth and five runs in the fifth for the win.
EVERETT (Short Season-A: 27-38, T-3rd Northwest League Western Division): The AquaSox were rained out at Vancouver. Doubleheader tonight.
PULASKI (Rookie: 39-27, 1st Appalachian League East Division): The M’s split a doubleheader at Bristol. Pulaski won game one 3-2. Bristol won game two 2-1 in ten innings.
PEORIA (Rookie: 19-32, 10-14 6th Arizona League): The AZL M’s lost 5-4 to the Brewers.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Minnesota (Francisco Liriano 4-3) at Seattle (Miguel Batista 4-12) 9:10pm CDT
Sacramento (Lenny DiNardo 6-3) at Tacoma (Andy Baldwin 9-5) 9:05pm CDT
Montgomery (Jeremy Hellickson 3-3) at West Tennessee (Gaby Hernandez 4-1) 7:05pm CDT
High Desert (Ricky Orta 3-5) at San Jose (Daryl Maday 2-0) 9:00pm CDT
Everett at Vancouver 7:00pm CDT
Everett at Vancouver – Game two
Pulaski at Bristol 6:00pm CDT
AZL Mariners – OFF DAY
TACOMA (AAA: 73-62, 2nd Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division): The Rainiers won 7-4 at Portland. Oswaldo Navarro (’05) drove in two runs for Tacoma. Justin Thomas (’06) got the final out for his first save.
WEST TENNESSEE (AA: 68-63, 26-33 4th Southern League North Division): The Diamond Jaxx beat Montgomery 8-5. Mike Wilson (’05) and Marshall Hubbard (’05) each had two RBI for West Tennessee. Shawn Kelley (’08) pitched a scoreless ninth for his ninth save.
HIGH DESERT (High-A: 54-79, 22-41 second half 5th California League South Division): The Mavericks lost 11-8 at San Jose. Travis Scott (’06) had three RBI to help High Desert to an 8-2 lead. But, the Giants scored four runs in the fourth and five runs in the fifth for the win.
EVERETT (Short Season-A: 27-38, T-3rd Northwest League Western Division): The AquaSox were rained out at Vancouver. Doubleheader tonight.
PULASKI (Rookie: 39-27, 1st Appalachian League East Division): The M’s split a doubleheader at Bristol. Pulaski won game one 3-2. Bristol won game two 2-1 in ten innings.
PEORIA (Rookie: 19-32, 10-14 6th Arizona League): The AZL M’s lost 5-4 to the Brewers.
MARINER SYSTEM SCHEDULE TODAY
Minnesota (Francisco Liriano 4-3) at Seattle (Miguel Batista 4-12) 9:10pm CDT
Sacramento (Lenny DiNardo 6-3) at Tacoma (Andy Baldwin 9-5) 9:05pm CDT
Montgomery (Jeremy Hellickson 3-3) at West Tennessee (Gaby Hernandez 4-1) 7:05pm CDT
High Desert (Ricky Orta 3-5) at San Jose (Daryl Maday 2-0) 9:00pm CDT
Everett at Vancouver 7:00pm CDT
Everett at Vancouver – Game two
Pulaski at Bristol 6:00pm CDT
AZL Mariners – OFF DAY
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