Rattler Alumni Report: Winter League Games of December 8, 2009

Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional

@Aragua 4, Lara 1

Lara:
Luis Valbuena ('06): 1-for-4

@Caracas 4, Magallanes 2

Magallanes:
Wladimir Balentien ('04): 1-for-3, RBI

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

@Mayaguez 7, Caguas 5

Caguas:
Matt Tuiasosopo ('05): 0-for-4

Mayaguez:
Johan Limonta ('06): 0-for-1, RUN, 3 BBs

Follow the Winter Meetings

Jim over at Bernie's Crew posted constantly yesterday and Duk at Big League Stew was live blogging.

I am just guessing that Day 2 will get just as much coverage...for better or worse in Duk's opinion.

Like a babbling class of ninth graders, the winter meetings have gone Twitter crazy.

From my viewpoint, this is both a very good and a very bad thing.

First, the good: At last year's meetings in Las Vegas, I'd estimate that no more than five or 10 reporters had a Twitter account (let alone understood how to harness its power for reporting). Followers weren't as plentiful either — the BLS feed probably had under 200 readers — and very few news items (if any) were born out of Tim Brown, Jon Heyman or Ken Rosenthal giving a quick forum to the lobby's loudest whispers.

Flash forward to this year. Now the thumbs of that national news trio are getting a workout and rare is the reporter who doesn't have an iPhone or Blackberry at his or her ready. For a public desperate to gain insight on their team's attempts to get better, the result is a never-ending diet of news, rumors and speculation. Fans don't even have to keep hitting refresh on their favorite team blogs to find out the latest. The complete elimination of distribution barriers is Christmas come early for the MLB Trade Rumors set.

But despite all that instant gratification, there's a hypocritical part of my info-hungry self that feels this whirring mix of puzzle pieces has drained a lot of the fun from what attracted us to the meetings in the first place.

Not to sound too crotchety here, but it used to be that reporters had an entire day before the next edition — or at least a few hours before the next blog post — to sift through all the B.S. and decide which passed muster and which didn't. The result would be a piece that would float a few possiblities that we'd be able to consume and mull over.

Now we have a conflicting wall of noise that's often hard to translate. Want to write a blog post that takes an analytical look at the pluses and minuses of a proposed deal from your local beat reporter? Want to chew it over with fellow message board posters? Better make it quick, because by the time you even write a title, there'll be 18 additional tweets that will make your item obsolete before you hit publish.

Interesting read as Day 2 dawns.

Coaching alumni

I saw this announcement on the Mariners site

Eriberto Menchaca, who coached Class A Clinton last season, will manage Rookie-level Pulaski in 2010, and Jesus Azuaje will take over as manager for Rookie-level Peoria.

Eddie, a Rattler in 2002, was in the Arizona League last year...but that's not important right now.

I found the full list elsewhere.

Here are past Rattler coaches and staff and where they will be in the Seattle organization for 2010.

Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers:
Manager: Daren Brown
Pitching Coach: Jaime Navarro
Assistant Trainer: Jamey Clipperton

Double-A West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx:
Pitching Coach: Lance Painter
Trainer: Matt Toth

Single-A High Desert Mavericks:
Manager: James Horner
Coach: Tommy Cruz

Single-A Clinton LumberKings:
Coach: Terry Pollriez

Single-A Everett AquaSox:
Pitching Coach: Rich Dorman
Coach: Scott Steinmann

Rookie Pulaski Mariners:
Manager: Eriberto Menchaca
Coach: Rafael Santo Domingo

From Japan to Boston

Scott Atchison, a Timber Rattler in 1999, has been in Japan for the last two seasons. He has pitched well enough for the Hanshin Tigers that the Boston Red Sox have signed him.

The Red Sox made a signing on Day 1 of the Winter Meetings, if not the splashy one their ravenous fan base was waiting for.

In a move that could give manager Terry Francona another option in the bullpen, Boston signed right-hander Scott Atchison to a one-year deal Monday, with two club options for 2011 and '12.
...
During his two seasons in Hanshin, Atchison sported a combined 2.77 ERA while striking out 81 and walking 20 in 194 2/3 innings.

The tour hits Des Moines next

The Ryne Sandberg Tour, that started in 2007 with the Peoria Chiefs game at Time Warner Cable Field, moves on to Des Moines, Iowa. That is where he will manage the I-Cubs, the PCL affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

“I’ve been very pleased with the progression,” Sandberg said in a telephone interview today with the Des Moines Register. “Getting closer to the major leagues is very gratifying. I’m looking at this as another stepping stone.”

Sandberg, 50, replaces Bobby Dickerson, who has accepted an assignment in the minor leagues with the Baltimore Orioles.

“He’ll bring a level of excitement to the field and to the stadium,” Iowa Cubs general manager Sam Bernabe said. “He’s going to bring a buzz to the park everyday.

“We’re excited about being his next step toward becoming a big-league manager.”

Rattler Alumni Report: Winter League Games of December 7, 2009

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

Arecibo 11 @Carolina 4

Arecibo:
Jeffrey Dominguez ('06): 0-for-4, RUN
Rene Rivera ('03): 2-for-5, RUN

Mayaguez 11 @Ponce 2

Mayaguez:
Johan Limonta ('06): 2-for-4, 3 RUNS, RBI
Wilfredo Quintana ('01): pinch hitter, 0-for-1
Martin Maldonado ('09): 0-for-5
Mumba Rivera ('05): IP, 2H, 0R, 2K

Bird on a Monday Night

That's the title of this week's Mehring Monday. The topic is:



Plus, my rambling idea for a TV show.

Progress

Here are some more construction pictures for the expansion project. As always, click for a larger image.



This is not a construction photograph. But, it might make a good Christmas card.
Opening Day, get here soon!

Something from the new guys

The Bowling Green Hot Rods have been doing an Introducing.... column to, um, introduce their fans to other teams in the Midwest League.

It was our turn last Wednesday. The open:

It is a common misconception that baseball in Appleton, Wisconsin, began when former Hot Rods production assistant Cameron Wengrzyn fled Kentucky for the land of brats, beer, and cheese following the 2009 season. Despite Cameron's considerable talents, which you saw on the video and LED boards throughout 2009, baseball began long before he or any of us were even thought of. Cameron's new club, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers is just the latest team to call Appleton home, a city that's had baseball for nearly 120 years.

Cameron Who? Did we just hire somebody?

Rattler Alumni Report: Winter League Games of December 6, 2009

Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional

Magallanes 13 @Caracas 4

Magallanes:
Wladimir Balentien ('04): pinch runner, run

Margarita 6 @Caribes 4

Margarita:
Tim Harikkala (Foxes, '94): 4.1IP, 7H, 3R, BB, 2K

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano v. Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

@Licey 5, Caguas 2

Caguas:
Matt Tuiasosopo ('05): 0-for-3

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

Gigantes 5 @Estrellas 1

Estreallas:
Juan Sandoval ('03): 0.0IP, H, 0R

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

@Arecibo 11, Mayaguez 2

Arecibo:
Jeffrey Dominguez ('06): 0-for-2, RBI

Mayaguez:
Johan Limonta ('06): 0-for-3

Lazy way out

Posting since last week has been lacking. Sorry about that. This week should be a little better -- with more in-depth Alumni reports from the winter leagues.

Here are the scoreboards for the Caribbean leagues from yesterday. Just peruse them yourselves and see if you recognize any names.

Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

Developing

That last story was intriguing. This story is...interesting.

Couple eyes more shares of L’Kings
Washington family may be seeking majority stake in club

The owners of a North American Hockey League team in Washington have sent letters to Clinton LumberKings shareholders seeking to buy up their shares of stock in a move that could signal an attempted takeover of the Single-A baseball team.

Carla and William Stewart, owners of the Wenatchee Wild and current LumberKings shareholders, sent letters to each shareholder saying they would pay $200 for shares that were originally sold for $10 per share.

However, the proposed deal has met resistance from LumberKings officials. In response to the measure, the Clinton Baseball Club sent its own letter to shareholders recommending they decline the offer.

The letter states that the proposed amount would be a significant increase from shareholder’s initial purchase but they could not assure the price was at fair market value because the overall value of the team has never been determined.

Ted Tornow, general manager of the LumberKings, said any attempt to purchase the team and move it out of Clinton would be challenged.

“Any efforts to snatch it, rip it, grab it or tear it away from Clinton, at least from my staff and I’s position, would be strongly resisted,” Tornow said. “We’re not saying shareholders can’t sell their shares or move them around. But it’s such a large amount and quite frankly it’s a community-owned franchise, and I would say the majority want to see the team stay in Clinton.”

Go read the whole thing for a little of that business of baseball.

Yes. Another hockey story

It's been a tough season...so far for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL. For the whole story go here. But, I am just pulling this little promotion out because it refers to a something they will try to do with their neighbors.

There’s an upcoming promotion with the next-door Cedar Rapids Kernels for pregame tailgating that sounds like a great deal.

Intrigued, I went to the Kernels site and found this.

All-you-can-eat and drink package served for 90 minutes (ie: Served from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm with game time at 7:00 pm).

Is this for every game? I think so, but I couldn't tell.

Is this outside or in the stadium?
All-you-can-eat and drink package, including game ticket for:

Green Zone: $25 Adults / $20 Children
Blue Zone: $27 Adults / $22 Children
Red Zone: $30 Adults / $25 Children
VIP Suites: $40 Adults / $35 Children

If there are VIP Suits, I am guessing inside.

Big Chance

Anthony Varvaro ('07) gets the hometown newspaper treatment. And why not? He's had a lot going on over the last few weeks.

It’s busy times for Anthony Varvaro.

In a matter of a couple of weeks, the 25-year-old Seattle Mariners prospect pitched in the Arizona Fall League championship game, announced his engagement to Kerry Thomson, grand-niece of Island baseball legend Bobby Thomson, and was promoted by the Mariners to the team’s major league 40-man roster.

That’s a lot of action in a short span. Even for a guy used to closing out baseball games for a living.

In fact, the Port Richmond resident is just now getting a few days to unwind at home. And even that hasn’t been as simple as he’d hoped.

“I was going to take some time off from the gym, and just kind of hang out a little,” the former Curtis HS and St. John’s University star explained. “But everyone else is busy working, and I really can’t find much to do.”

So. What's it like pitching in High Desert?

“I let it get in my head,” he admitted of the wildness problems he suffered through at Adelanto during the 2008 season.

The issues began as soon as he showed up in the rarefied air of the bone-dry Mojave Desert town 2,900 feet above sea level.

“Guys who were already there were telling me how easily the ball jumps out of the park and how careful you have to be pitching to hitters, and I started nibbling,” he said.

Nibbling led to missing the plate.

Missing the plate caused him to pitch behind in the count. Working from behind forced Varvaro to throw the ball down the middle.

You know the rest of the story.

“I was trying to work through it, but I lost my confidence,” he said. “Then my mechanics got messed up, and I couldn’t get straightened out. It was a real mental thing.”

That’s when the Mariners decided to move him to the closer’s role. The change seems to suit him.

It’s been all blue skies since.

Bear with me here

This story has little to do with baseball or the Timber Rattlers, but I found it somewhat interesting...even if it has been out there for a few days.

Garber doesn't rule out relocating Saginaw Spirit hockey team in future

That relocation could be to Midland, home of the Loooooooons.

Plus, I wanted to use this because the lede is a quote that -- at least partly -- turned into Sean Connery's last Bond movie.

"Never say never."

That's what Saginaw Spirit owner Dick Garber said about the possibility of moving his Ontario Hockey League team from downtown Saginaw to Midland or elsewhere in the region.

Garber said, however, there's no truth to rumors of plans to build an arena for the Spirit across the street from Dow Diamond in Midland.

Those rumors have been further fueled by the news that McKay Press could soon move from its building across from Dow Diamond to the current Hangtime Sports building on Wackerly Road, which McKay's parent company, CGX, is negotiating to purchase.

Rumors. Great album. Weird album cover.

Poor news source.

"Not at this time," Garber said when asked if he was planning to move the team to Midland. "From my perspective, this hockey team belongs to the region. We would have to ask if it is good for the region for the team to leave Saginaw."

But Garber, who owns car dealerships in both Saginaw and Midland, left the door open to moving the team.

"If somebody came along and made an enticing offer (to build an arena), we would look at it," he said.

Called keeping your options open.

Flashback Friday for December 4, 2009

That is a Post-Crescent picture of Craig Kuzmic playing third base in a game against the Beloit Snappers on September 6, 1999.

That was one of nine positions that Kuzmic played on that day for the Timber Rattlers.

The Flashback is here.

I'll make it up to you tomorrow

If there are a lot of things to post tomorrow.

Right now, I am still off the grid...for the most part. But, I did want to share this from WaiverSharks.com.

They rated the top Bobbleheads of 2009 -- "The Bobblies" -- in this post.

The Timber Rattlers -- in their eyes -- have two of the top 10.

#2.)

We are giving two enthusiastic Thumbs up to Bernie and Fang! Yeah, I’m a sucker for Dual Bobbleheads. Like the saying goes – Two heads are better than one, right? So, when this Mascot Dualie was awarded to fans while the snow was barely melted back in April 2009 it was love at first sight! The colors are bright, and what could be more uplifting than a MiLB Mascot (Fang) shaking the hand of his mustachioed MLB Brother, Bernie Brewer?!

#9.)

This 2009 SGA of the Milwaukee Brewers First Round Draft Pick Brett Lawrie was handed out during a late season Timber Rattler home game. And, Although nothing jumps out as being amazing about this bobblehead – as a fellow Canadian I feel a need to continue to give props to solid Canuck prospects who I feel have a good chance of one day becoming real special Major Leaguers!

For that reason – I have given the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers their 2nd Bobblie Award for offering up this Nodder from the North! If given the chance, one day Brett Lawrie should make Milwaukee Brewers fans forget the Rickie Weeks era ever existed!

Off the grid

Sorry. No internet until now.

A couple of things and then, I have to go again.

First, the San Diego Padres have named the staff of the Fort Wayne TinCaps for 2010.

Jose Flores will manage the 2010 Fort Wayne TinCaps. Pitching coach Bronswell Patrick comes to Fort Wayne from Short-A Eugene while Tom Tornincasa returns for his seventh season as hitting coach and athletic trainer Nate Stewart is back after a brief stopover in 2009.

Bronswell Patrick is a former Milwaukee Brewer and made his major league debut with the Crew in 1998. He also pitched for the Madison Muskies in 1988 and 1990. The MWL has changed a little since that time.

Also, if you go to that link for the TinCaps, you will notice that they have now joined the MLBAM fam. Also, the Cedar Rapids Kernels are now part of MLBAM.

I believe that makes everyone in the MWL -- except for Lansing and Kane County (wherever that is) -- now with MLBAM for their website.

Back tomorrow with more.

Addition by Subtraction

Notice anything missing from the first set of today's construction photos?*

Here is a link to a song that might give you a hint.
I didn't have to get bundled up in a corner to take this shot.
Pretty clear view?
Ooooooh. What's that in the distance?
Cement Mixer!

*-You should have noticed that the chain link fences have been taken down. That is the first step in filling in the bullpens.

No on the Irish

Hand it to the Peoria Chiefs. They saw an opportunity and grabbed it.

The Peoria Chiefs announced on Tuesday that despite recent rumors to the contrary, their beloved mascot Homer has signed a new lifetime contract to remain in Central Illinois. With his previous five-year contract ending Monday night, speculation had been running wild that Homer may leave Peoria to take over as head football coach at Notre Dame.

"This is where I want to be," Homer said Tuesday through his spokesman Lucas Smith. "Notre Dame football is a dream job for some people and it is humbling to be considered. But when it comes down to it, this is where I want to be working for as long as they'll have me."

The rumors started a couple of weeks ago when Homer's name was linked in an online report as a possible successor to fired football coach Charlie Weis. Despite having no prior football coaching experience, certain Notre Dame boosters were pushing hard for Homer to get the job and return Notre Dame football to its glory days. It is unclear when Notre Dame officials first contacted Homer or if they made an official offer. But with the Chiefs coming off an 81-win season and a playoff appearance, the timing was right for Homer to renew his contract.

Be careful Chiefs, you might wake up the echoes cheering her name. But, probably not.