Florida State League Log

Guerrero sent down, Krebs joins Sara Reds

2008-06-24T08:59:00.000-04:00

Evidently, Sarasota starter Alex Smit wasn't pulling my leg then he told me Danny Guerrero had be reassigned to Dayton.

A press release from the Dayton Dragons reported that Midwest League All-star Joseph Krebs was promoted to the Sara-Reds.

The left hander, who pitched a scoreless inning in the Midwest League All-Star Game last Tuesday, went 6-2 with a 2.25 earned run average and six saves for the Dragons. He appeared in 26 games out of the bullpen.

Guerrero rejoins the Dragons after making 30 starts for Dayton over the last two seasons.

He started Monday night against the South Bend Silverhawks, giving up 5 runs on 9 hits and striking out just one in 2.2 innings work.

Guerrero spent the first half of the 2008 season with Sarasota and struggled, going 3-6 with a 7.48 ERA in 13 starts. He made 18 starts for the Dragons last season and went 5-4 with a 4.00 ERA.

The 22-year-old native of Mexico was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Cincinnati Reds prior to the 2005 season.

Where do they go from here? Next stop for outgoing Sara-Reds on the road the Majors is the AA Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. That's where Danny Dorn is hiding out at, as well as Cody Straight, Chris Valaika, Craig Tatum and Ben Jukich.

Sarasoa is 2-3, five games into the second half of the season, and two games behind division leading Dunedin. The Reds fell last night on the road to the St. Lucie Mets.

Rafael Gonzalez took the loss in the first game of a double header, allowing 4 runs, 3 earned on 5 hits and a pair of walks. Sarasota lost 9-3, managing only six hits in the contest.

In game two, Misael DeJesus suffered the loss, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5 in 4.1 innings.

St. Lucie, who finished the first half dead last in the league, is leading the FSL East Divison with a 4-1 record in the early going.

Ray of Hope

2008-06-14T22:42:00.002-04:00

I have absolutely no reason to have done Vero Beach layouts. It's not like I'm going to see them again this season, and the chances of any of these guys hanging around next season is slim. But hey, why not.

One of the local Graph Sellers had used the old kid trick to get something like 40 autographs off David Price on Monday. At least, that's what I'd heard and as a result, he was pulling a bit of a major league attitude on Tuesday night. If you're not familiar with the "Kid trick" it's where you round up a group of kids, give them balls and offer them something - money, trading cards, etc. - to go up to a certain player, get the ball signed and return it to you. In most case, you can recycle the kids unless they are wearing something really stand-outish.

In any case, he wanted security on the section where he was charting on Tuesday. I really don't like major league attitude, especially at the High A level. It's all well and good that you're a top prospect, but I've seen too many kids fail over the years to feel that anyone deserves to act like a major leaguer until they've actually made it to the major leagues.

Wednesday I remembered to dig my Rays logo ball out of the trunk. Justin has some Rays stuff in the gift shop last year that I'd bought, but did not this year because "No one bought it." It's good to be reminded that I'm no one.

I was going down to get it signed and stopped by to say Hi to Lynn.

"Are you going to get David Price to sign that?"

Actually, if I'd wanted Price's autograph, I'd have brought a real, not a logo, ball.

"Naw. I was going to get a sign to hold up. No top prospects. Crap players only please. I can't stand major league attitude, you know that.

"Their shortstop is kind of cute, I thought I'd get him to sign it."

Or as Manny would say, I like them more for the sentimental value. I was more interested in the other pitcher in the stands with Price as he was nice and said hello than I was in Price.

As a result, the only "top prospect" I got off Vero Beach was Ryan Royster on the FSL Top Prospects set. He'd not seen them before, so it's always amusing to watch them with a new card.

He wasn't sure about his top prospect rating though as he's only hitting .222 this year with 4 home runs. He said he was sick over the winter and lost about 20 pounds and that it was effecting his performance.

The other player in the FSL set for the Rays is Jeremy Hellickson who was supposedly with the team, but had a blister. As a result, he never came out of the dugout to the best of my knowledge. T.J., who's generally more aggressive than I in autographing activities, didn't get him either.

Anyway, if any of you want to print them and use them, feel free. I suppose I could try TTM if I really wanted to.

I did BTW get the other pitcher - he was charting on Wednesday, right in front of Manny, so I got him to sign the ball, which he did, under their coach's autograph. Ah Manny, I'm gonna miss you. None of the other guys seem to get their tail in a bunch when I get someone else's autograph. He should have been on the 2003 team. They all gave me hell then.

Fortenburry hits for the Cycle; Tampa routs Redbirds

2008-06-07T09:45:00.000-04:00

Tampa's Seth Fortenberry hit for the cycle Friday night, as the Yankees routed the Palm Beach Cardinals 10-0 at Case de Steinbrenner.

The out break ended a a 0-for-11 drought for the Slugger who has been having some trouble at the plate.

Fortenberry credited some extra work Yankees hitting coach Aaron Lesesma for helping him break out of the slump.

A line drive single in the bottom of the second got the monkey off Fortenberry's back, but he would go no where as Luis Nunez ground into a double play.

The 24-year-old would hit a over the right field fence for this fourth home run of the season, a single shot in the bottom of the fourth at put Tampa on the board.

Nunez and Kevin Smith hit back-to-back singles. Ben Blumenthal would ground into a force out, but Nunez would score on the play makig it 2-0 Tampa.

Fortenberry would lead off the top of the sixth with a triple. Nunez would be called out on strikes, but Smith would single him in. Blumenthal ground into a force out, but Eduardo Nunez singled putting two runners on. Mitch Hilligoss would single to bring in Blumenthal before Andres Perez would go yard over the left field fence to make it 7-0 Tampa.

Following a walk to Josue Calzado in the bottom of the 7th, Fortenberry found his double, with a line drive out to center. Two outs later, Blumenthal would single to drive in the pair of runners for a 9-0 Yankees lead.

Perez would hit a single shot run in the 8th to finish off the scoring.

Tampa's Zach McAllister allowed 7 hits and struck out 6 in 7 innings to pick up the win.

Box
Log
MiLB
Pending Pinstripes Blog

Two more Tigers named to All-star Team

2008-06-06T13:32:00.002-04:00

Lakeland Flying Tigers catcher Jeff Kunkel and first baseman Ryan Strieby have been named to the Florida State League Western Division All-star team.

The pair will join shortstop Cale Iorg and right handed pitcher Matt O’Brien and right handed reliever Rick Porcello Saturday, June 14, in Viera, Florida, for the Annual Showcase.

Catcher James Skelton and second baseman Scott Sizemore, who were named to the team earlier in the week are unable to participate due to injuries. Also selected to the team was Luis Marte, who has been promoted to the Tigers Double A affiliate in Erie, Pa.

Kunkel is hitting .241 in the year, with 20 hits on 83 at bats in 27 games. He has collected 9 runs and 7 RBIs, walked 6 times and struck out 15 times. He has hit for extra bases five times, all doubles. The 25-year old was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the l7th round of the 2005 First-year Player Draft out of the University of Michigan. He split time last year between the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Midwest League and the Lakeland club.

Strieby has 49 hits for 198 at bats, good for a .247 average. He has 25 runs, and 35 RBIS, has walked 25 times and struck out 57 times. 19 of his hits have been for extra bases including 11 double, 1 triple and 7 home runs. A native of Seattle, Washington, the 23-year old was selected by Detroit in the 4th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft.

Five members of the Whitecaps have been named to the Midwest League All-star game in Midland, Michigan. First baseman Chris Carlson, outfielder Casper Wells, infielder Joe Tucker, right handed pitcher Alfred Figaro and left handed pitcher Jon Kibler will represent the Tigers' farm on the Eastern Division squad.

The announcement comes after the addition of catcher Wilson Ramos from the Fort Myers Miracle. Ramos was named to the team to replace Lakeland catcher James Skelton.

Ramos, a 21-year old native of Valencia, Venezuela, has compiled a .236 batting average, a team-high eight home runs and 38 RBI. Signed by the Twins as a non-drafted free agent, Ramos is in his first season with Fort Myers.

Last season, he hit .291 with eight home runs and 42 RBI for Beloit of the Midwest League.

The officials for the All-star game have also been released. Adam C. Hamari will be calling the balls and strikes behind the plate at the All-star classic. Jeffrey C. Gosney, Hal H. Gibson III, and Sean M. Barber will be working first, second and third bases respectively. The All-star Umpires will be included in the All-star Game festivities.

Other players selected to the West Division All-star game are as follows:

From Dunedin: Catcher J.P. Arencibia, right handed reliever Connor Falkenback and 1st baseman Brian Dopirak.

From Sarasota: Outfielders Drew Stubs and Chris Heisey, right handed reliever Ramon Geronimo and designated hitter/3rd baseman Juan Francisco. Right handed pitcher Jordan Smith and shortstop Chris Valaika were also named to the team, but are unavailable due to promotions.

From Clearwater: Right handed pitcher Edgar Garcia and left handed reliever Matt German, and outfielder Gus Milner. It was a no brainer to select the Thresher's lefty pitching pheonom Antonio Bastardo, but - of course - he has been called up to AA Reading and will be unable to play in the showcase.

From Tampa: Righthanded pitcher Ryan Pope, catcher Kyle Anson and outfielder James Cooper. Right handed pitchers Eric Hacker and Alfredo Aceves were also selected but have already recieved promotions to Trenton of the AA Eastern League.

From Fort Myers: 2nd baseman Brian Dinkelman, 3rd Baseman Danny Valencia, right handed pitcher Jeff Manship, and right handed relievers Anthony Slama and Rob Delaney. Outfielder Rene Tosoni was also named to the All-star team but is sidelined with an injury and will not be available for the game.

Shark tank showdown

2008-05-09T08:40:00.001-04:00

Evidently the East Coast appeals the Threshers. Clearwater pounded out 17 hits for 12 runs to win 12-3 over the Jupiter Hammerheads in the battle of the sharks.

Four different Threshers hit home runs including Tuffy Gosewisch (pitctured above).

Clearwater chased Jupiter starter Graham Taylor off the mound, taking 8 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks over 2 innings, including a 6-run first inning.

Edgar Garcia picked up this 5th win for the Phillies farm, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3 in six innings.

The Threshers won on Wednesday night as well, topping Jupiter 6-5. Southpaw Dan Braur took the start, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks in 4 innings. Andy Curse picked up the win in relief, going 2.1 innings and allowing 2 runs on 2 hits and 1 walk.

In other East-West league action, Sarasota topped the D-Cubs 5-1 on Wednesday, Tampa doubled up Brevard County, 2-1, Lakeland downed Vero Beach 8-4, and Dunein pasted Palm Beach 10-5.

On Thursday the Red Birds took their revenge, pecking the Jays 5-1; Sara again won over the D-Cubs, 3-2; Fort Myers played their first game against St. Lucie winning 7-2 with a pair of back-to-back home runs from Wilson Ramos and Whit Robbins; Tampa again doubled up Brevard County, 4-2; and Lakeland again won over Vero Beach, 4-3.

Manatees to host Damn Yankees night

2008-05-06T09:40:00.002-04:00

The Brevard County Manatees come up with some very amusing promotions.

With the Tampa Yankees coming to Space Coast Stadium for a four game set starting on Wednesday, Brevard will be kicking off the festivities with Damn Yankees Night.

Damn Yankees were an American hard rock supergroup. The band was formed in 1989, consisting of Tommy Shaw of Styx, Jack Blades of Night Ranger, Ted Nugent of Amboy Dukes and his own solo career, and Michael Cartellone. Presumably inspired by the musical of the same name, Nugent once also explained that he coined the name because whenever someone asked him how he and Tommy Shaw would sound playing together, he would always reply by saying they would sound like "a bunch of damn Yankees." With Shaw from Alabama, Blades from California, Cartellone from Nebraska, and Nugent from Michigan, it did seem as if the band represented all four corners of the nation.

1990's chart-topping rock ballad "High Enough" featured a passionate duet between Shaw and Blades, backed by a string section in the studio. Backed by a popular video, it rose to #3 on U.S. Top 40, and #1 on AOR charts. Ironically, "High Enough" happened to be the first #1 pop single in Ted Nugent's career, despite the fact his career had been built on his "Motor City Madman" image.

How does the promo work? Any male that comes to the ticket office with hair longer than their shoulders will receive $2 off their ticket to the game. Wigs are acceptable. Shades are optional, but recommended, as you probably wouldn't want to be recognized in that wig.

Meanwhile, Space Coast Stadium has added a new video board that can be used for commercials, statitics, information and entertainment.

Brevard is currently in Clearwater and is 1-2 against the Threshers. Clearwater lost ace Antonio Bastardo to Reading this last week.

Tampa is currently hosting the Jupiter Hammerheads, and has won the three games they've played so far in the 4-game series. While the Manatees promotional mailing invites fans out to Spacecoast on Saturday to "see the 'Tees finish off the sweep of the Yanks," that might be a tall order for the East Division team.

Jupiter will play host to Clearwater then they return. The Marlins farm is 16-15 on the season, 4 games back from the Division leading Palm Beach Cardinels, while Clearwater is 11-20, still down in the cellar, and 7 games back in the West Division.

The Red Birds are currently facing the Reds in Sarasota, where they have won 2 of the three games played so far in Sarasota. They will host the Blue Jays when they return home on Wednesday for a four game set.

Dunedin is currently hosting Vero Beach, and has lost 2 of 3 to the Rays affliate. The Rays will host the Lakeland Flying Tigers when they return home. After a poor start, the Flying Tigers have won their last five and are part of the pack in the West, tied with Dunedin and Sarasota for 2nd place, 2 games back from the division leading Fort Myers Miracle and Tampa Yankees.

Lakeland has befitted from having the hapless St. Lucy Mets in, having won their last three by wide margins. Fort Myers should benefit from their East Divison swing as they take on Port Saint Lucie starting on Thursday. They have not faired so well against the Daytona Cubs, who had lost six coming in Sunday's game, including Saturday night to the Miracle. Sunday however, they broke the Miracle's home win streak and went on to win 9-1 on Monday. Daytona will host the Reds on Wednesday for a four game series.

Transactions: Tampa has added Anthony Claggett to their roster from Trenton, and Stephen Artz from Staten Island. Palm Beach added Brandon Garner, received from extended spring training. Aside from losing Bastardo to a high league, Clearwater also lost Carlos Monasterios to injury as he went on the disabled list on Thursday, May 1.

Current Standings:


FSL East
  Club           W  L  PCT  GB   Home  Away  L 10  Streak
 Palm Beach     20 11 .645   -  13- 4  7- 7   5-5    W1
 Brevard County 17 14 .548 3.0   9- 5  8- 9   5-5    L1
 Daytona        16 15 .516 4.0   6- 8 10- 7   4-6    W2
 Jupiter        16 15 .516 4.0  11- 3  5-12   4-6    L3
 Vero Beach     15 16 .484 5.0  11- 6  4-10   5-5    L1
 St. Lucie       7 24 .226 13.0  4-13  3-11   5-5    L3

FSL West
  Club           W  L  PCT  GB   Home  Away  L 10  Streak
 Fort Myers     18 13 .581   -  12- 5  6- 8   5-5    L2
 Tampa          18 13 .581   -  11- 6  7- 7   7-3    W5
 Dunedin        16 15 .516 2.0   7- 6  9- 9   4-6    W1
 Lakeland       16 15 .516 2.0   8- 5  8-10   7-3    W5
 Sarasota       16 15 .516 2.0   8- 6  8- 9   5-5    L1
 Clearwater     11 20 .355 7.0   9-10  2-10   4-6    W1

League Leaders - Batting:


Name          Team POS  G  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS  OBP  SLG  AVG  OPS
Chris Valaika  SAR  SS 31 130 19 49  9  0  7  31 79  7 25  1  0 .403 .608 .377 1.011
John Matulia   VER  OF 19  78 14 28  3  2  0   5 35  6  9  4  2 .412 .449 .359  .860
James Adduci   DAY  OF 31 117 20 41  7  2  0  14 52 21 23  2  2 .453 .444 .350  .898
Garrett Groce  VER  OF 22  83 17 29  7  1  1  12 41  4 15  3  3 .375 .494 .349  .869
Justin Turner  SAR  2B 26 107 18 37  7  1  0   8 46  9 12  2  1 .407 .430 .346  .837
Logan Morrison JUP  1B 30 111 12 38 11  0  3  18 58  8 17  1  0 .382 .523 .342  .905
Rene Tosoni    FTM  OF 28  95 18 32  6  1  0   9 40 13 25  3  4 .439 .421 .337  .860
Daryl Jones    PBC  OF 22  79  8 26  3  2  1   7 36  9 24  4  1 .411 .456 .329  .867
Brian Dopirak  DUN  1B 28 107 16 35  9  0  3  15 53 16 30  0  0 .415 .495 .327  .910
Cesar Suarez   VER  3B 31 127 11 41  4  0  2  19 51  4 10  6  0 .346 .402 .323  .747

League Leaders - Pitching:


Name             Team W L  ERA G GS CG SHO SV   IP  H  R ER HR HB BB SO WHIP HLD  GF
Eric Hacker       TAM 2 1 0.86 7  7  0   0  0 42.0 22  6  4  0  1  5 28 0.64   0   0
Antonio Bastardo  CLE 2 0 1.17 5  5  0   0  0 30.2 20  4  4  2  1 10 47 0.98   0   0
Jeremy Hellickson VER 3 0 1.29 6  6  0   0  0 35.0 28  6  5  1  3  2 46 0.86   0   0
Jordan Smith      SAR 5 1 1.52 7  7  0   0  0 47.1 41 11  8  1  2  5 31 0.97   0   0
Luis Marte        LAK 3 1 1.54 6  6  0   0  0 35.0 22  8  6  0  1 10 35 0.91   0   0
Jeff Allison      JUP 0 4 1.60 7  7  0   0  0 33.2 23 13  6  1  3 15 24 1.13   0   0
Jesse, Todd       PBC 3 0 1.65 7  4  0   0  1 27.1 18  7  5  0  1  7 35 0.91   1   1
Rick Porcello     LAK 2 4 1.98 7  7  0   0  0 36.1 25 13  8  1  4 12 22 1.02   0   0
Travis Wood       SAR 3 2 2.05 6  6  0   0  0 30.2 24  8  7  0  1 14 31 1.24   0   0
Kyle Winters      JUP 3 0 2.14 6  6  0   0  0 33.2 26  8  8  0  1 10 17 1.07   0   0

Red Sox contemplate move to Sarasota

2008-05-01T11:38:00.001-04:00

A couple of articles - one in the Fort Myers News Press, the other in the Cape Coral Breeze - indicate that the Boston Red Sox may be contemplating a move to Sarasota, Florida.

Team Chief Operating Officer Mike Dee has told Lee County officials the team is exploring moving its spring training home from City of Palms Park in Fort Myers to Sarasota.

Sarasota is pitching a new 50-acre facility on the current site of Ed Smith Stadium, the previous home of the Cincinnati Reds. Currently, the Red Sox facility is split between two parcels in Fort Myers with the stadium miles (like 2 or 3) away from the training facility.

Dee said the separated situation is not conducive for spring training and is complicated by Red Sox Nation, which flocks to Southwest Florida every spring.

"It's not ideal for any team," said Dee. "It's extremely challenging for us when we have 4,000 fans show up on any given day at the practice facility."

Dee said the team was approached by officials from the city of Sarasota after the Cincinnati team announced they’d be moving to Arizona before 2010. The contact came while Red Sox officials were negotiating a lease extension with Lee County officials.

(One has to wonder why the City of Sarasota did not have the money to upgrade the existing facilities for the Reds, but will do it for the Red Sox.)

Meanwhile, Lee County is scrambling to see what they can do to keep the team in Fort Myers. The Red sox pay the city $320,000 each year on the stadium. However, it's true that their training facility, while greatly improved, is far down Edison from City of Palms Park. Both sites have inadequate parking.

Now here's an interesting piece from Charlie Whitehead's story in the Breeze:

"Florida locations could continue to fight over the state’s teams. Lee Commission Chairman Ray Judah sent off an urgent memo to legislators Wednesday, asking them to oppose an amendment to a House bill that would allow Sarasota to use state grant money to woo the Red Sox.

"That money, Judah said, was meant to allow Florida locations to fight to keep the teams they have, not lure away other Florida teams."

One thing that the move to Sarasota could do for the Red Sox which remaining in Fort Myers can't, is allow the Red Sox to move their High-A team back into the Florida State League. They have long wished to play in Fort Myers, the Fort Myers Miracle, who serve as the High-A team for the Minnesota Twins, have the FSL territorial rights and will not waive them.

The Red Sox played their High-A team in the FSL and Ed Smith Stadium through 2004. The Sara-Reds have played in the facility since.

I should note that this entire scenario could be a ploy for the Red Sox to gain lease concessions from the city of Fort Myers.

Meanwhile the Reds have considering their move, and seem likely to join the Cleveland Indians in the city of Goodyear, Arizona.

After searching, I did find an article in the Naples Daily News. The Sarasota Herald Tribune has a whole section on story, with a photo gallery and video talking about Sara's history with the Red Sox organization.

Palm Beach, Dunedin lead divisons at end of April

2008-04-28T14:22:00.001-04:00

The Palm Beach Cardinals lead in the East division for the week ended April 26, 2008, posting a 16-7 record. On the other end of the scale, St. Lucie finally added another win to their incredible 3-20 record, taking a 9-2 win over the Cards on Saturday night.

Dillon Gee picked up the win in that game, allowing 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 5 in 4 innings worth of work. It was his first win of the 2008 season. The Mets pounded out 12 hits to the Cards 6.

During the rematch between the best and worst in the East on Sunday, the game ran to 14 innings before Brahiam Maldonado homered to bring in three, giving the Mets yet another win, this time 6-3 over the first placed Cards.

John Matulia of the Vero Beach Rays leads the East in batting with a .359 average over 19 games. James Adduci of Daytona was posting a .349 average through 24 games and Palm Beach's Steve Hill is showing a .346 average through 21 games.

Todd Jesse of Palm Beach holds a 3-0 record with a .87 ERa in the East after 5 starts and 20.2 innings. Jeremy Hellickson of Vero Beach is right behind him, with a 2-0 record and .93 ERA in 29 innings of work.

Brevard County and Daytona are in a 2-way tie for 2nd place in East, but with 14-10 records. Both teams head out for Western road swings at the end of this week, with the Manatees facing the FSL Defending Champion Clearwater Threshers and the Cubbies off to face the Twins affiliated Fort Myers Miracle.

Clearwater has been a lightweight in the West Division thus far this season, with the exception of pitcher Antonio Bastardo, who leads the Minor League with 47 strike outs of 30 2/3 innings. The 22-year old fanned 13 and allowed just 2 hits over 8 inning in a 5-0 shutout. There is some question as to how long Bastardo will stay with the Phillies Florida farm. Some predictions have him cracking the Major League roster before the end of the season.

Four West Division teams went into the new week in a tie for first, but Sunday's game put Dunedin back on top with Clearwater knocking off the Yankees and the Flying Tigers knocking off the Miracle. Dunedin's defeat 3-2 defeat of Sarasota gave them the division best record of 14-10. Both Clearwater and the Lakeland Flying Tigers are starting to show some promise off dismal starts to the season.

Johan Nickerson had his bid for a perfect game ended in the 8th inning Saturday night when he outdueled major leaguer Kevin Slowey at Joker Marchant Stadium. Making the second of three rehab starts, Slowey tossed five hitless innings for the Fort Myers squad.

The Most Outstanding Player at the 2006 college world series, Nickerson was off to a terrible start on the season that had him sporting 7.64 ERA by the time he got done facing Fort Myers earlier in the week. Johnny Woodard's late inning single finished off his no-no bid for the night, but the Tigers are hoping that Nickerson will lead the team, which has been strugging with its pitching staff, onto better things.

Sarasota's Justin Turner and Chris Valaika lead the West in batting with a .395 and a .359 average respectively. Dunedin's Brian Dopirak is not far behind with a .350 average over 21 games. Valaika has also put up 4 home runs as has teammate Juan Francisco, but it is Tampa's Edwar Gonzalez who is currently leading the lead with 6. Not surprising if he is making use of the short porch on right to find the fence at Legends Field. Vero Beach's Matthew Fields has 5 yarders, and 5 other players besides the Sarasota pair have 4 on the season.

While you might think Bastardio leads the West in pitching, you'd be mistaken. Tampa's Eric Hacker holds a 2-1 record over 5 games with a .82 ERA over 33 innings. He has only 24 strike outs to Bastardo's 47 however. Lakeland's Luis Marte is showing a 2-1 record with a 1.64 ERA in four games and 22 innings. He pitches tonight as the Tigers look to finish off their series against Fort Myers with a sweep.

Flying Tiger Layouts

2008-04-22T11:37:00.001-04:00

Tyler says "Oh, you're doing their guys too?" Well, yeah, some of them. I like the Tigers. They're my second favorite team.

These use the Baseball Grunge Paper Mini from Scrap Girls. The Tiger's logo is a hand made gif from their masthead, and the little gold brads on the Below piece are from Raspberry Road Designs' Freedom Rings kit.

The Metal Alpha are from Scrappin' Dead Girls, and while it includes upper and lower, I only used the upper on these pieces.

These are all created to 8 x 10 so I can get them printed out and signed. As with any of the pieces on this blog, if you click on them, you can see a bigger version.

So Long Sarasota

2007-11-10T09:17:00.000-05:00

A $16 million bond referendum to help fund a $45 million plan to rebuild Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota failed Tuesday's vote by a narrow margin. With goes any long term plans for the Cincinnati Reds to continue on in Sarasota.

The Reds hold a lease on the Stadium through the 2008 season, and have signed a year-to-year deal to extend it three more years while they search for a new home.

The Cleveland Indians recently agreed to leave Orlando for Goodyear, Arizona. That is one of the cities in line for the Reds as well, as it tries to lock up the monopoly on Ohio Spring Training fans.

Lee County, Orlando and Vero Beach have also been tossed around as possible new homes for the Reds.

Vero Beach is currently housing the Tampa Devil Rays FSL affiliate, but plans appear to be in place to move the team to Charlotte County once the renovations on the Charlotte County stadium are completed.

The Reds had received a promise of $15 mil from the state if they could receive matching funds from locally, but with defeat of the referendum that deal becomes void. It's possible however that the State will agree to match funds for a diffrent location in the state of Florida.

Locations in Bonita Springs and Cape Coral have both been talked about previously as potential locations for a new spring training facility. However as of Thursday, Jeff Maultsby, director of Florida operations for the Reds, has said nothing has been done in terms of a search for a new home.

"We'll get moving here in the next couple days," Maultsby was quoted as saying in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

"It's like a blank canvas, which is kind of exciting," said John Allen, the Reds' executive vice president and chief operating officer, in the same publication. "We can look at a lot of different options."

The fate of Ed Smith Stadium is also up in the air. While the city will save money on the stadium operations, they will not be able to make up the revenue they receive from the Reds being in town. The void in the budget is estimated to be as high as $1.3 million per year.

The Herald Tribune noted that the city gets about $20 mil from a Reds Spring training game, with multiple dates available, vs. $7,000 from the Sarasota Blues Festival, an annual activity.

Jupiter's Sinkbeil sinks Beach Boys

2007-10-20T09:38:00.000-04:00

(Photo courtesy Missouri State)

Waikiki 1 at North Shore 8

W: B. Sinkbeil (2-0, 1.13); L: J. Sullivan (0-2, 6.75); SV: S. Walker (1)
HR: None.

Who ever said Threshers and Manatees don't play nice together? In the Hawaiin Winter League, members of both teams are playing side by side on North Shore Honu.

The Hanu picked up a win Friday over the Waikiki Beach Boys, but it was neither a Manatee nor a Thresher that was the story of the game.

Rather, Jupiter Hammerhead's ace Brett Sinkbeil picked up his second win of the season, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out 4 over 5 innings. He holds a stellar 1.13 ERA in Hawaii, having worked 16 innings in 4 games.

Waikiki's only run came in the fifth when Jermaine Mitchell (Oakland) reached on a fielding error by Lakeland Flying Tigers' shortstop Danny worth. Lucas Duda's (NY Mets) single moved him to second before Sinkbeil walked Oakland's Justin Sellars to load the bags. Mitchell would score on Sean McCraw's (NY Mets) force out, but Sinkbeil would then get Antoan Richardson (San Francisco) to strik out and Hector Pillot (NY Mets) to fly out to end the inning.

Steve Chapman (Milwaukee) walked with 2 outs in the 1st lead of North Shore's offense. Lou Santangelo (Houston) also drew a walk before Mat Gamel (Milwaukee) reached on a fielding error and Jamie Romak's (Pittsburgh) double served to bring all three in.

Shintaro Yoshida (F/A) singled his way onto base in the bottom of the second and was followed onto the bags by Michael Griffin (Cininnati) before Chris Valuika (Cincinnati) walked. Michael Champman's (Milwaukee) ground ball to right brought in Yoshida and Griffin, although Chapman would find himself out at 2nd as he tried to strech the single into a double. Santangelo's ground ball to left brought in Valaika before Mat Gamel (Milwaukee) would pop out to end the inning.

Hanu's production fell off after that though, and North Shore would not add the final 2 runs until the 8th inning. Gamel walked to lead off, but Jamie Romak (Pittsburgh) hit into a force out to nab him at 2nd. Dusty Ryan's (Detroit) walk pushed Romak to 2nd and Worth would push Romak over the plate when he reached on a throwing error by Waikiki's Sellers. Yoshida hit a sac fly to score Ryan, but Griffin would pop out to end the inning.

Milwaukee's Kevin Roberts pitched 1 inning of relief for North Shore, striking out 2 before Houston's Sean Walker came in to close the game, walking 2 and striking out 4 in 3 innings.

Colorado's Josh Sullivan suffered the loss, lasting only 3 innings and giving up 6 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits, and 3 walks while striking out 1. Kyohei Muranaka (F/A) finished off the game, both his runs were unearned. He gave up 1 hit, walked 2 and struck out 5 in 5 innings.

The two teams rematach Saturday at 6:30 PM Hawaiin Time,

Boxscore
Log
Wrap

Dogs sink Rafters, 3-1

2007-10-19T21:42:00.000-04:00

Surprise 1 at Phoenix 3

W: N. Blackburn (1-0, 5.40); L: B. Jukich (0-1, 8.10); SV: F. Hernandez (2)
HR: PDD: N. Reimold (2).

Former Miracle pitcher Nick Blackburn picked up the win as the Phoenix Desert Dogs downed the Surpise Rafters, 3-1.

Phoenix took at early lead in the game, when Cliff Pennington (Oakland) walked then advanced to second on a balk by Rafter's starter Ben Jukrich (Cincinnati). Jeff Baisley (Oakland) plated Pennington with line drive to put the Dogs on the board in the bottom of the first.

The Dogs extended their lead in the second, when Nolan Reimold (Baltimore) homered off the former Sarasota Reds starter. Jukirch would work 3.2 innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 1.

Blackburn, who was a FSL All-star in 2005, worked 3 innings, allowing 1 hit and walking 1 while striking out 4.

He would be replaced in the 4th by Amos Day (Chi White Sox). The Rafters took advantage of the pitching change with Kila Kaaihue (Kansas City) singling to start the inning, followed by Texas' John Mayberry. With 2 outs, Chris Gimenez (Cleveland) would then single out to left to bring Kaaihue in, giving the Rafters their lone run in the game.

Phoenix picked up their insurance run in the 8th, Jason Delaney (Pittsburgh) singled his way onto base. He'd be replaced by pinch runner Blake Davis (Baltimore), who then stole 2nd and moved to 3rd on a wild pitch by Darren O'Day (LA Angels). Baisley's sac-fly would push him over the plate.

Minnesota's Matt Macri was 0-for-3 at the plate with 1 walk.

Fort Myers' Eddie Morlan pitched 1.1 inings of relief, allowing 3 hits, but no runs, nor did he strike out anyone.

Aside from Jukrich, former Sara-Reds Chris Tatum (c) and Chris Dickerson (of) are also on the Rafters as are Reds prospects Sam Lecure (p), Tyler Pelland (p), Pedro Viola (p), and Adam Rosales (1b).

The Dogs take on the Scottsdale Scorpions on Saturday at 7:05 PM MST.

Boxscore
Log
wrap

Macri leads Pheonix over Javalinas. 7-5

2007-10-19T07:11:00.000-04:00

Phoenix 7 at Peoria Javalinas 5

W: J. Chavez (1-1, 3.60); L: M. Rivera (0-1, 10.38); SV: B. McCrory (4)
HR: PDD: M. Macri (2), N. Reimold (1).

Twins prospect Matt Macri was 2-for-4 with 2 runs, including a home run in the top of the 6th, to help lead the Phoenix Desert Dogs over the Peoria Javelinas 7-5 Thursday afternoon.

Phoenix took an early lead when Cliff Pennington (Oakland) walked, moved to 3rd on Ryan Sweeney's (Chi Sox) single, and crossed the plate when Macri reached on a throwing error by Brandon Hicks (Atlanda). A wild pitch by Garrett Mock (Washington) saw Sweeney home to give the Dogs 2.

The Javelina's answered back when Atlanta's Jordon Schafer singled, stole 2nd then came home on a line drive by former Tampa Yankee Juan Miranda.

Peoria took the lead in the 2nd when they tallied 3 runs, including Matt Tulasosopo's (Seattle) marker that came on a throwing error by Twins prospect Drew Butera.

Macri's yard-ball single tied the score up in the 6th.

Butera drew a walk in the 7th, then came home on Pennington's double, along with Jeff Fiorentino (Baltimore), who had also walked his way onto base.

They added 2 more in the 8th after Macri singled his way onto base, then came home on Norlan Reimold's (Baltimore) home run. Butera would double in the inning, but it was for naught as Fiorentino would pop out to retire the side.

Butera finished up the game 1-for-3 with 1 run and 1 walk, while former Mircle shortstop Trevor Plouffe was 1-for-4 at the plate.

Jesse Chavez (Pittsburgh) took the win for the Desert Dogs, allowing 1 hit and striking out 1 in 1 innings worth of work. Seattle's Mumba Rivera suffered the loss, while Atlanta's Sung Ki Jung was charged with the blown save for the Javelinas.

The Desert Dogs take on the Surprise Rafters at home Friday at 12:35 MST.

Boxscore
Log
Recap

Phoenix turns big 5th inning to win

2007-10-18T10:51:00.000-04:00

Trevor Plouffe

Peo Javelinas 3 at Phoenix 6

W: J. Arrieta (1-0, 0.00); L: C. Lo (0-1, 19.64); SV: F. Hernandez (1)
HR: PDD: J. Baisley (2).

Former Miracle shortstop Trevor Plouffe was 2-for-5 Wednesday with a run and 2 RBIs as the Phoenix Desert Dogs overcame the Peoria Javelinas 6-3.

Ryan Mullins worked the start for the Desert Dogs, giving up 2 runs (both earned) on 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3.

Corey Wimberly (Colorado) turned a walk into a run in the first inning after moving to 3rd on Dexter Fowler's (Colorado) fly ball single. A sac double-play by Jordon Schafer (Atlanta) sent Wimberly over the plate for the Javelinas early lead.

Peoria turned a second run in the 2nd inning with catcher Devin Ivany (Washington) drawing a walk off the former Mircle starter, moving to 2nd on a ground out and coming across the plate on a Christian Colonel (Colorado) single.

Phoenix used a big 5th inning to do all their damage. After Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen got caught stealing 2nd, Ryan Sweeny (Chicago White Sox) would singled his way onto base. With two out BlaKe Davis (Baltimore) bunted his way onto the bags and Nyjer Morgan (Pittsburgh) walked ot load the bags. A fly ball single by Plouffe scored 2, followed by a Jeff Fiorentino (Baltimore) double that brought in Morgan and moved Plouffe to third. Jeff Baisley (Oakland) then put one over the left field wall to make the final total for the inning 6.

Plouffe doubled in the bottom of the 8th with 2 outs, but was left stranded when Fiorentino was called out on strikes.

Baltimore's Jake Arrieta earned the win for Dogs. Twins prospect Matt Macri was 1-for-3 at the plate with 1 walk.

The Javelinas feature several former Tampa Yankees' players including short stop Reegie Corona and pitcher Eric Wordekemper from the 2007 season.

The two teams rematch Thursday at 12:35 MST in Peoria.

Bosxore
Log
Recap

Yankees prospects on the Javelinas: Steve Jackson (p), Kevin Whelan (p), Steveb White (p), Eric Wordekemper (p), Reegie Corona (ss), Juan Miranda (1b), Brett Gardner (of)

Desert Dogs down Saguaros, 3-2

2007-10-18T10:30:00.000-04:00

Eddie Morlan

Peo Saguaros 2 at Phoenix 3

W: A. Russell (1-0, 0.00); L: P. Overholt (0-1, 9.64); SV: B. McCrory (3)
HR: None.

Former clearwater pitcher Josh Outman pitched 3 innings of no run baseball Tuesday, allowing 2 hits and striking out 3 for the Peoria Saguaros who fell to the Phoenix Desert Dogs, 3-2.

Philadephia's Pat Overholt would suffer the loss and the blown save in the 5th inning. Raul Padron (Oakland) started out by hitting a ground-rule double off Overholt, who then struck Nolan Reimold (Baltimore) with a pitch. Drew Butera, who was one of the players acquired by the Twins in trade that sent Luis Castillo to the Mets, moved the pair on a sac bunt. Cliff Pennington (Oakland) would ground out before Nyjer Morgan's (Pittsburgh) single to 2nd base pushed the pair over the plate. Blake Davis' (Baltimore) line drive would bring in Morgan before Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh) wuld strike out to end the inning.

The Saguaros took the early lead in the 3rd when Xavier Paul (LA Dodgers) and Blake Dewitt (LA Dodgers) both drew a walks off Desert Dogs starter Jack Egbert (Chicago White Sox). Greg Golson's (Philadelphia) single move the pair. Chris Coghlan (Florida) would hit a sac-fly to push Paul over the plate.

The Saguaros tried to rally back in the 9th, when Jeff Larish (Detroit) singled his way onto base and moved to 2nd on a wild pitch by Baltimore's Bob McCrory. Mike Hollimon's (Detroit) ground out put Larish on third, and he'd come over the plate when McCrory uncorked a second wild pitch. Peoria fell short however, when Paul was called out on strikes to end the inning.

Butera was 0-for2 at the plate while Twins prospect Matt Macri was 1-for-4 but did not figure into the scoring.

Former Miracle pitcher Eduardo Morlan tossed the 7th inning for the Dogs, striking out former Hammerhead catcher Brett Hayes and getting Paul and Dewitt to fly out.

Detroit's Cameron Maybin, whose pair of homers hurt Pheonix on Monday, was 0-for-4 at the plate in the designated hitter role during Tuesday's rematch.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap

Tigers prospects lead Saguaros to 3-2 win

2007-10-16T15:51:00.000-04:00

Cameron Maybin batting against the Miracle

Phoenix 2 at Peo Saguaros 3

W: B. Badenhop (1-1, 4.50); L: J. Gray (0-1, 9.00); SV: N. Jamison (2)
HR: PES: C. Maybin 2 (2).

Former Lakeland Tigers ace Burke Badenhop (Detroit) picked up the win for the Peoria Saguaros Monday night, downing the Phoenix Desert Dogs, 3-2.

Cameron Maybin (Detroit) hit a pair of the over the wall, and recorded all 3 runs for Peoria, to lead the Saguaros attack.

Maybin's first yarder came off former Miracle pitcher Anthony Swarzak in the first inning, a long line drive out to left.

Maybin walked in the 3rd inning, stole 2nd, then came home on Will Venable (San Deigo) double off James Johnson (Baltimore) who took over for Swarzak in the third.

Swarzak's final line would be 1 run on 2 hits and 2 walks in 2 innings.

The Dogs managed to tie the game up on 4th, when Jason Delaney (Pittsburgh) singled and Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh) tripled him in. A wild pitch by Peoria's Wesley Wright (LA Dodgers) would serve to bring McCutchen over the plate.

Maybin's second homer, this one over the right field fence, came off Jeff Gray (Oakland) in the bottom of the 8th inning.

Former Miracle short stop Trevor Plouffe was 1-for-3 at the plate, getting stranded on first in the top of the 7th.

The two teams rematch Tuesday as the Dogs host the Saguaros for a 12:35 M.S.T. game.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap

Saguaro's prospects by team (FSL affiliated only):

Detroit (Lakeland): Burke Badenhop, Eddie Bonine, Jeff Gerbe, Macay McBride, Mike Holliman, Jeff Larish, Cameron Maybin

Philladelphia (Clearwater): Joe Bisenius, Josh Outman, Pat Overholt, Joe Savery, Tuffy Gosewisch, Mike Constanzo, Greg Golson

Florida (Jupiter): Craig Molldrem, Scott Nestor, Ricky Nolasco, Ross Wolf, Brett Hayes, Chris Coghlan, Jai Miller

Clearwater takes 2007 FSL Title

2007-09-12T09:24:00.000-04:00

Brevard County 2 at Clearwater 5

W: A. Carpenter (2-0, 2.92); L: B. Wright (1-1, 4.91); SV: R. Hill (1)
HR: BRE: C. Errecart (2), Y. Perez (1). CLE: B. Harman (2), B. Burgamy (1).

Clearwater took Phinley's advice to "Eat more Seacow", downing the Brevard County Manatees 5-2 to take home the Florida State League crown.

Brian Burgamy walked and Brad Harman homered in the first inning to put the Threshers on the board. Jason Donald would reach on a throwing error, moving over to 2nd. Jeremy Slayden's fly out moved him to 3rd and with 2 outs, Jake Blalock's single would plate him.

Chris Errecart put a Andrew Carpenter pitch over the center field wall for the Manatees in the 4th, but the Threshers came roaring back in the bottom of the inning with a Burgamy yarder out to right and a Harman double. Josh Wahpepah would be brought in to replace Brae Wright on the mound, but he'd allow a singles to Jason Donald and Jeremy Slayden that would give the Threshers yet another run.

Yohannis Perez went yard out to left field in the top of the 7th, but that was as close as the Manatees would get.

Carpenter worked 6.1 innings giving up both Manatees runs on 7 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8. Bear Hill would pick up the save allowing 2 hits and striking out 1 in 2.2 innings worth of work.

Wright took the loss for the Manatees, giving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 1.

Thus ends a long and somewhat convoluted year of FSL baseball. Congratulations to the Clearwater Threshers and to the Manatees who hung in there through both parts of the season. It was a battle well fought by both teams.

What will happen in 2008 still remains to be seen.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap
Florida Today

Brevard takes win

2007-09-12T09:22:00.000-04:00

Brevard County 5 at Clearwater 4

W: M. McClendon (1-0, 6.75); L: Z. Stott (0-1, 40.50); SV: K. Roberts (1)
HR: BRE: M. Gamel (2). CLE: J. Slayden (1).

If at first you don't succeed, try again. It seems to be the Manatees motto as they came back from the brink of elimination to snatch a game from the Threshers at Brighthouse Network Fields.

Lorenzo Cain drew a walk to start the game. Matt Gamel followed that up with a double off Zac Stott that scored the Manatees lead off man. Cole Gellespie flew out, followed by a Michael Bell ground out that scored Gamel. Chris Errecart started things off again with a single, and was followed onto base by Ned Yost and Freddy Parejo, who knocked a line drive out to right to score Errecart. That would finish things up for Stott, with Alex Coneception taking the mound to get Ryan Barba to ground out to end the inning.

The Thresher took one run back in the bottom of the inning when Jeremy Slayden doubled Brad Harman in.

But undaunted, the Manatees added two more points in the second inning when Nestor Corredor singled his way onto the bags, then was plated by Gamel's home run.

Brevard would see little after that, with Corredor getting as far as 3rd in the 4th inning and Cain doubling in the 7th. They just hung on and hoped and played defense, while the Threshers chipped away at their lead.

Jake Blalock's double in the bottom of the 3rd brought in Lou Marson. Slayden homered in the 5th, while 3 walks and a force out brought P.J. Antoniato home in the ninth. Brevard County's Kevin Roberts got Slayden to strike out swinging to end the game, leaving the Manatees alive for a little while longer.

Brevard County starter Mike McClendon (1-0) allowed three runs on seven hits, striking out five and walking three over five innings to pick up the win. Ben Stanczyk gave up a run on a hit and two walks, striking out one over 3 1/3 frames.

The two teams rematch tomorrow, and it will be Thresher ace Andrew Carpenter on the mound this time around.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap
MiLB.com
Florida Today
JeffCrupper.com

Clearwater capture wins

2007-09-11T09:20:00.000-04:00

Clearwater 6 at Brevard County 4

W: W. Savage (1-0, 0.00); L: T. Wendte (0-1, 4.15)
HR: BRE: M. Bell (1).

It took 11 innings, but the Threshers took game 2 from the Brevard County Manatees, 6-4 and look to sweep the best-of-5 series when it returns to Clearwater tonight at 7:00 PM

Matt Thayer singled his way onto base off Brevard County's Travis Wendte and moved to 2nd on P.J. Antoniato's sac-bunt. Brian Burgamy walked before Brad Harmon doubled to bring in Thayer, breaking open a 4-4 tie. Jason Donald's ground ball to left brought in Burgamy for the insurance run.

It would then fall to William Savage who struck out 3 and walked 1 in four innings to end the game.

Harmon would go 3-for-6 in the game with 1 run and 2 RBIs for the Threshers, while Matt Thayer was 2-for-3 with 1 run and 2 walks and Clay Harris was 3-for-5 with 1 run and 1 RBI.

Brevard County managed only 4 runs on 4 hits, taking the early lead in the 3rd inning on a pair of doubles by Ned Yost and Cole Gillespie. Mike Bell belted a solo homer, his first of the playoffs, in the sixth.

The Manatees will have to beat Clearwater's ace, right-hander Andrew Carpenter, to avoid the sweep at Brighthouse Networks Field. Carpenter was 17-6 this season with a 3.20 ERA in 163 innings over 27 games including the perfect 7-inning game over the Miracle.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap
MiLB.com
Florida Today

Clearwater opens playoffs with win

2007-09-10T09:18:00.000-04:00

Clearwater 8 at Brevard County 1

W: N. Johnson (1-0, 1.50); L: R. Lluberes (0-1, 7.20)
HR: CLE: J. Blalock (1), B. Harman (1). BRE: M. Gamel (1).

Nate Johnson held the Manatees to 1 run on 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4 in six innings worth of work to help Clearwater thresh out a win over Brevard County in game one of the Florida State League finals series.

A Jake Blalock home run and doubles by Jeremy Slayden and Clay Harris led to a 5 run fifth inning for the Threshers. Harris also scored in the 7th while Brad Harman put one over the left field wall in the ninth to score Brian Burgamy.

The Manatees only run came when Mat Gamel launched one over the right field fence in the bottom of the sixth.

The two teams rematch Sunday at Spacecoast Stadium at 7:00 PM EST.

Burgamy was 3-for-4 for the Threshers, Blalock was 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs while Harman and Harris were both 2-for-5 for the Clearwater team who pounded out 16 hits in the game.

Cory Willey struck out 5 in 2 innings of relief work, while Brett Harker pitched the ninth for West Division champions.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap
MiLB.com
Florida Today

Clearwater knocks out Sara-Reds

2007-09-09T08:34:00.000-04:00

Clearwater 4 at Sarasota 3

W: J. Trujillo (1-0, 0.00); L: S. Watson (0-1, 6.00); SV: R. Swindle (1)
HR: None.

For a while, it looked like the Sarasota Reds really wanted to travel over to see the Brevard County Manatees tonight. For a while.

Sarasota jumped out to an early lead as Cody Strait scored off a failed force attempt on Tonys Gutierrez. A fielding error by Clearwater's Brad Harman led to the run with 2 men on base, both walked by Antonio Bastardo.

Clearwater finally got to former Miracle pitcher Alexander Smit in the 4th when Brad Harmon singled and Jeremy Slayden drew a walk. Jake Blalock doubled in the pair on a fly out to center.

The Reds took their lead back though in the bottom of the inning with Eric Eymann doubling in Gutierrez, then passing the plate when Clearwater's Jason Donald threw the ball away.

Sean Watson would replace Smith in the top of the 5th. He'd work 2 innings before the Threshers rallied in 7th.

Clay Harris singled his way onto base. With 2 outs, Brian Burgamy plated him to tie up the game, then stole 2nd base. Brad Harman would draw a walk, Jason Donald would be hit by a pitch and then Jeremy Slayden would walk to force in a run. That prompted the Reds to put Dan Denham onto the mound to get the last out.

The Reds could get nothing off Bear Hill or Rob Swindle and it will be the Clearwater team, not the Sarasota team, taking the bus over to Spacecoast Stadium for a pair of games this weekend.

Smit surrendered two runs on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts over 4 2/3 frames for Sarasota.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap
MiLB.com
Herald-Tribune

Clearwater, Brevard post wins

2007-09-07T08:33:00.000-04:00

St. Lucie 2 at Brevard County 13

W: B. Wright (1-0, 2.35); L: E. Brown (0-1, 15.43)
HR: BRE: C. Gillespie (1).

First Half East Division Champion Brevard County progressed to the Florida State League finals, putting a 13-2 hurting on the St. Lucie Mets.

Cole Gillespie hit a home run in the first inning to put the Manatees on the board. Nestor Corredor reached on a fielding error in the 3rd and Lorenzo Cain walked. A Mat Gamel single scored the first runner, Cain was taken out on home on a fielder's choice that put Gillespie on base. Singles by Mike Bell and Yohannis Perez, mixed in with a Chris Errecart triple put the Manatees on top 6-0.

An Errecart double and a Perez single in the 7th extended the Manatees lead.

A Nick Evans double and a Dan Murphy single put St. Lucie on the board in top of the 8th, but the game was already out of reach. The Manatees tacked on another 5 runs in the bottom of the inning.

Brae Wright allowed only 2 hits on 8 hits and 1 walk in 7.2 innings while striking out 3. Patrick Ryan finish up on the mound for Brevard County. The Mets farm team threw 7 different pitchers at the Manatees, with Eric Brown suffering the loss for St. Lucie.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap
MiLB.Com
Florida Today
TCPalm

Clearwater 3 at Sarasota 2

W: A. Carpenter (1-0, 3.00); L: D. Thompson (0-1, 3.60); SV: W. Savage (1)
HR: None.

Andrew Carpenter did not throw another perfect game, but the Threshers ace was effective Thursday night against Sarasota as the Threshers tied up the West Division Championship series at one game each.

A Tony Gutierrez walk and a Jeramiah Piepkorn single put the Reds on the board in the bottom of the second. A Lou Marson double helped the Threshers put 2 runners over the plate in the 4th to give the Phillies farm team the lead.

Marson's double in 6th scored Jeremy Slayden for an insurance run, which would be needed as a Cody Strait single, a stolen base and Gutierrez ground ball would give the Reds another run.

Carpenter picked up the win allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 2 in 6 innings. Darryl Thompson took the loss the for the Reds, allowing 2 runs, 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 4 through 5.

The final game of the series is Friday night at Ed Smith Stadium, with the win progressing to face the Manatees.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap

Manatees bounce back

2007-09-07T08:31:00.000-04:00

St. Lucie 6 at Brevard County 7

W: K. Roberts (1-0, 0.00); L: J. Hietpas (0-1, 7.71)
HR: BRE: C. Errecart (1).

Brevard County rallied back at Spacecoast Stadium to tie the Eastern Divsion finals at one game each with the St. Lucie Mets. Lorenzo Cain was hit by a pitch to force in a run, tying the game. Mat Gamel then singled in Fredy Parejo to put the Manatees on top.

St. Lucie let through most of the game. An Ender Chavez line drive brought in Dan Murphy to put the Mets on the board in the second. Brevard tied it up in the bottom of the fourth when Gamel reached on a fielding error by Nick Evans, stole second and was plated by Chris Errecart's fly out.

A pair of doubles by Evans and Sean McCraw led to 5 Mets runs that chased Manatees starter Mike McClendon from the mound. The Manatees got back into the game though when Errecart's homer scored 3.

Kevin Roberts picked up the win, allowing 1 hit and walking 2 while striking out 5 in 2.2 innings worth of work. Joe Hietpas suffered the loss and a blown save for St. Lucie.

The final game of the series will be played Thursday night at Spacecoast Stadium.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap
MiLB.com
Florida Today
TCPalm

Wednesday's game FSL West Division Finals game between the Clearwater Threshers and the Sarasota Reds at Ed Smith Stadium was postponed due to rain. It will played Thursday, September 6 at 7:00 PM. The Reds lead the best-of-three series, 1-0.

Sarasota, St. Lucie take early FSL playoff leads

2007-09-06T08:29:00.000-04:00

Sarasota 2 at Clearwater 0

W: B. Jukich (1-0, 0.00); L: A. Cruse (0-1, 3.00); SV: D. Lutz (1)

HR: SAR: C. Strait (1).

Sarasota ace Ben Jukich blanked the Clearwater Threshers for 7 innings at Bright House Networks Field and Cody Strait put a home run ball over the left field fence to lead the Reds to victory in game one of the West Division finals.

Jukich walked 2 and stuck out 5 before giving way to Sean Watson and Derrik Lutz who finished out the game. Clearwater only managed 2 hits agains the Reds staff.

Andrew Cruse took the loss for the Threshers, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks. He struck out 4 in 6 innings worth of work.

Strait's yarder came at the top of 4th inning for the Reds. Chris Valaika also scored a run in the top of the 5th off Eric Eymann's sac-fly.

Ron "Bear" Hill finished off the game for the Threshers, allowing 1 hit and striking out 3 in 3 innings. Jason Donald and Matt Thayer were the only Threshers to record hits.

The series now travels to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota for games 2 on Wednesday. Zac Stott will take the start for Clearwater. The Reds will counter with Daryl Thompson.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap
Herald Tribune
MiLB.com

Brevard County 0 at St. Lucie 8

W: J. Niese (1-0, 0.00); L: D. Welch (0-1, 3.38)
HR: None.

In the East Division finals, the St. Lucie Mets pounded out 8 runs on 12 hits, pasting the Brevard County Manatees.

Jonathan Niese allowed only 1 hit and walked 2 through six innings while striking out 9. Cole Gillespie tripled in the top of the 4th with 2 outs for the Tees, but Chris Errecart struck out swinging to preserve Neise's no hitter.

Victor Mendez scored in the bottom of the 3rd off a Hector Pellot single give the Mets the only run they would need, but there would be plenty of insurance, as the Mets scored consistently in through the next four innings.

Mendez was 2-for-3 with 1 run and 2 RBIs while Nick Evans was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and 1 RBI to lead the Mets. Catcher Sean McCraw and right fielder Ambiorix Conception were also 2-for-4 for the Mets, Conception with a run and an rbi in the contest. Pillot was 2-for-5 with 1 run and 1 RBI in the friendly confines of Tradition Field.

Gillespie was 2-for-3 for Brevard County; Darren Ford and Yohannis Perez had the other 2 hits for the Manatees.

David Welch suffered the loss, allowing 5 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3 in 5.1 innings.

The two teams meet tonight in Melbourne for game 2, with Mike McClendon taking to the Spacecoast Stadium mound for the home team, while St Lucie will send right hander Eric Brown.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap
MiLB.com
Florida Today
TCPalm

Jays lose pitching duel, playoff bid

2007-09-03T08:26:00.000-04:00

Adrian Martin

Fort Myers 1 at Dunedin 0

Record 38 - 30

W: J. Manship (8-5, 3.15); L: A. Martin (5-3, 2.56); SV: J. Martinez (1)
HR: FTM: E. Lis (17).

E: Gardenhire (12, throw).

Pitching duels are not as much fun to listen to as they are to watch, but Saturday's game turned out to be a classic. Jeff Manship rebounded from a tough outing in his last start blank the Blue Jays through 5.1 innings, allowing 5 hits, walking 2 and striking out 3.

The closest Dunedin got was in the bottom of the 4th, when 2 singles and a force out found Kyle Phillips at 3rd base with only 1 out, but Manship got Brian Jeroloman to strike out and Chris Gutierrez to fly out to get out of the jam.

Adrian Martin was nearly as good, giving up 5 hits and 1 walk with 5 strike out in 7 innings. The sole blemish in his performance came in the top of the fourth when Erik Lis hit is 17th home run of the year, his second in Knology Park, which is slightly (325 feet) smaller than Hammond Stadium.

Danny Powers worked 1.2 innings, striking out 2 and walking 1, while J.P. Martinez finished off the game for the Miracle, allowing 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 2.

The Jays threatened in the 9th with Jays having runners at first and second with one out. Miracle 3rd baseman Toby Gardenhire snagged a bouncing ball from Anthony Hatch for a force out at 3rd, but Gardenhire's throw to first went into right field, where it was scooped up by Edward Ovalle and fired back to the plate in time for Korey Feiner to nab Carlo Cota at the plate.

Brandon League and Chris Blackwell finished up for the Jays, neither allowing a Miracle hit, although issuing 1 walk each.

Dunedin's loss, combined with Clearwater's sweep of a double header in Lakeland last night, gave the 2nd Half West Division Championship to the Threshers, who will take on the Reds in the first round of the FSL playoffs which begin on Tuesday.

Fort Myers AAA and AA affiliates in Rochester and New Britain also saw their playoff hopes end last night. The Red Wings lost to the Buffalo Bisons which leads them by a game in the wild card slot and both teams still trail Richmond.

Despite a win by former Miracle Angel Garcia in New Britain, the Rock Cats were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs last night. Fort Myers alumni Oswaldo Sosa retired the first nine of ten batters he faced, including the first six-straight, but then got into trouble in the fourth. Sosa exited after the inning, surrendering four runs on three walks and three hits. He struck out five. Garcia (1-0) tossed 2 2/3 innings in relief (2 H, 1 ER, 3 K) to pick up his first Double-A win.

The Miracle and the Blue Jays play their last game of the season at 1:00 Sunday at Knology Park. Kyle Waldrop (6-5, 3.36) will take the start against righty Brandon Magee (9-7, 3.84) for Dunedin.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap
MiLB
Miracle
NDN

Early Winter For Perkins: Twins southpaw Glen Perkins, 24, is done for the season after struggling to rehabilitate a shoulder strain with the Rock Cats. He was 0-2 with an 11.05 ERA in 71/3 innings over three outings. He gave up five home runs among 11 hits. Perkins had a 3.80 ERA in 12 relief appearances with the Twins before injuring the shoulder in May.

Morales in batting race: Former Miracle catcher Jose Morales remains in the thick of things for the International League batting title. Morales entered Saturday just two points behind leader Ben Francisco of Buffalo, who was promoted to the Cleveland Indians on Friday night. Francisco finishes at .318 in 95 games. Rochester's last batting champion was Miracle alumni Jason Kubel, who hit .343 in 2004.

Slowey on top: Last season's ace pitcher Kevin Slowey has clinched the International League's ERA title with a 1.89 mark. That's the lowest by an IL ERA champion since Tidewater's David West finished at 1.80 in 1988. Slowey still has not been recalled by the Minnesota Twins, though he is expected to start Tuesday against Cleveland. Slowey will likely lose his bid for the MSP Award. Tampa's Ian Kennedy is the current leader with a 1.29 ERA.

Tobyism: Toby Gardenhire has played in every game of the current Miracle four game win streak. Makes you wonder where the team would be if he'd actually been in the line up when the team still had a shot at making the playoffs.

How distracting: Outfielder Eli Tintor, from Hibbing, was sent home recently from Class A Beloit for what Twins director of minor leagues Jim Rantz called "a distraction." He used the same word to describe why Class A Fort Myers third baseman Danny Valencia was benched in recent games. LEN3

Miracle defeat Jays, stretch win streak to 3 games

2007-09-02T08:23:00.000-04:00

Errol Simonitsch

Fort Myers 7 at Dunedin 4

Record 37 - 30

W: E. Simonitsch (5-0, 4.17); L: R. Ray (3-3, 4.86)
HR: FTM: J. Portes (12).

If anyone on the Miracle deserves a call up to AAA to end the season, it is without doubt Errol Simonitsch, who seems to have worked past his injury and has pitched quite well over has past several starts.

Simo allowed 6 Jays hits and walked 1 but allowed only 1 run in 7 innings of work while striking out 7. A hit batter and 2 singles allowed Jesus Gonzalez to score to give the Jays their first run of the game and by then, the Miracle had put up a lead that Dunedin found tough to overcome.

A Brian Dinkelman single, a Steve Tolleson walk and a Dustin Martin single combined to get Dinkelman across the plate and the Miracle on the scoreboard in the first.

Dink and Erik Lis would also score runs in the 3rd with the pair hitting singles and then having Martin join them on base after being hit by a pitch. Juan Portes line drive brought the two initial runners in, but a Johnny Woodard strike out and a Dwyane White pop out left 2 men stranded.

If Portes had not made a case for a promotion to AA next season, he certainly did so in the 7th when he homered in Martin to give the Miracle a 5 run lead before Dunedin solved Simonitsch.

Toby Gardenhire singled and stoled second in the eighth inning, coming home on a Tolleson line drive to tack one more on to the visitors lead.

A Martin double off Connor Falkenbach and a Dwayne White single finished off the scoring.

Winston Marquez, a big southpaw who played the entire GCL season as starter, made a late season FSL appearance for the Miracle in the 8th. He allowed only a Kyle Phillips single in that inning, but a Luke Hetherington double greeted him in the 9th as the Jays attempted a rally.

He would walk Brian Jeroloman and Chris Gutierrez single to load the bases before Kevin Boles sent Rob Delaney out to the mound, Hetherington would score on Carlo Cotas' ground out a Jeroloman would be plated by a Anthony Hatch sac-fly. An Eric Nielsen single brought in the last of the inherited runners. A Jacob Butler fly out would strand 2 to end the game.

The two teams meet again tonight with Jay Manship (7-5, 3.41) taking to the mound against Adrian Martin.

The Miracle remain entrenched in fourth place in the division, but the win knocks the Blue Jays down into second place after the Threshers split a pair with the Flying Tigers last night.

Boxscore
Log
Wrap
Miracle
News-Press
NDN