N.Y. Mets: Binge Podcasting

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: !Que bruto!

This has been one of the more surreal weeks in recent Mets history.

The Mets have relied on strong, effective, consistent pitching to weave themselves into playoff contention, along with gaining a measure of league wide respect and recognition as such.

Matters away from the pitching mound, however, continue fraying the edges of this nicely woven, albeit incomplete tapestry.

I can't help but chime in on Jenrry Mejia, whom, because of all the late breaking developments emanating out of Flushing, has escaped the general public's wrath.

.....handed a 2nd suspension a mere 20 days after returning from his initial suspension for testing positive for steroids.  He must now sit out 162 games as of Tuesday.

How ponderous is it, that he got busted taking old school(!) steroids?  That's like still using dial up internet.  Steroids...Really?  Like, the basic old fashioned Canseco type?  Loosy-goosy A-Rod stuff?

That's like the U-Bet of doping!

Who even knows what U-Bet is anymore?  Hint: think Boscoe, or just forget it.

Now for the other stuff:

Here's out most recent podcasts at 

  RisingApple.com

Here's the deal:

We left off Episode #110 last Thursday putting ownership's feet to the fire.

Then, on the heels of Sandy Alderson's trade to acquire Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson, 

Sam called me around midnight seeing if I wanted to do a podcast at 1:00am.  

I couldn't resist, and so on the air we went.

7/28/2015

Rising Apple Report, Episode #110 1/2: An Impromptu Metsian Exhale



7/29/2015
We held a follow-up podcast on Wednesday night, and what a show it was.

  Rising Apple Report - Episode #111: 3 Days left For Another Mets Move

My guest was an impressive 13-year old Mets fan extraordinaire from Los Angeles, and, another fan of the show calling from the southwest mountains of Virginia, to whom I extended an invitation after receiving his emailing regarding our podcast.  We also took several live callers which went well.

Topics:

The Mets season up until game #100, Noah Syndergaard's recent dominant performance.
Sandy Alderson's trade acquisitions, remaining trade possibilities.
The ponderous Tulowitzki/Reyes trade.
How about that Ruben Tejada?  Jenrry Mejia is an idiot!
Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Jackie Robinson.
1969, 2010, and players who've worn #10 in Mets history,
and loads of other stuff.


7/30/2015
With a Thursday day game, why not have another...

Rising Apple Report - Episode #112: Trade Deadline Special

This time Rich hosted, and we were joined by Rising Apple editor Danny, and The Coop!

Topics:

The 2012 season, and players who've worn #12 in Mets history.

John Stearns beat up a pitcher in 1980.

One small step forward for Mets fans; One giant leap backwards for Mets kind!

The botched Carlos Gomez for Zack Wheeler/Wilmer Flores trade, 

and the whole fiasco that transpired at Citi Field because of it.

Did Terry Collins throw Sandy Alderson under the bus?  Social media crap.

The Brooklyn Cyclones seize first place.

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

Brooklyn Cyclones Retake First Place of McNamara Division

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

McNamara Division:

1) Brooklyn           20-17

2) Aberdeen          19-18

3) Hudson Valley  19-18

4) Staten Island    19-18

BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Look Who's Number One..., Again!

On Tuesday, the Coney Island Nine and Staten Island Yankees entered that night's action tied for 1st place, with the Aberdeen Ironbirds and Hudson Valley Renegades a mere game behind in the McNamara Division standings.

By Wednesday, all four McNamara teams were tied for 1st place with identical 19-17 records.

The square dance now seems to be breaking up - maybe.

Staten Island lost their second straight to the Batavia Muckdogs, Aberdeen lost to the Auburn Doubledays, while Brooklyn defeated the Hudson Valley Renegades to recapture sole possession of the 1st place.

Moreover, with Wednesday's 6-3 victory over the Renegades, the Cyclones became the fourth team in the circuit, and first team in their division to achieve 20 victories this season.

The McNamara remains the only division with all its members still playing .500 baseball or better.  

The Pinckney Division Williamsport Crosscutters, however, lead the New York Penn League with a 25-12 record.

7/29 - Renegades @ CYCLONES: Game 2

Brooklyn's Kevin Canelon made Wednesday's start at Coney Island Grounds, and was opposed by Hudson Valley's Roel Ramirez.

The Cyclones jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first.  Tucker Tharp and Vinny Siena led-off with back-to-back singles, then scored on Michael Bernal's triple to center field.  Bernal soon scored the third Cyclones' run on David Thompson's ground out to second.

Tucker Tharp led-off the bottom of the 5th with a home run to left, giving the Cyclones a 4-0 lead.

Hudson Valley ruined the shutout in the 6th, but Brooklyn stormed right back with a pair of runs in the 8th.  After DH Brandon Brosher received a 1-out walk, Jeff Diehl connected on a home run to left.

The Renegades scored 2 runs in the top of the 9th, charged to reliever Ruben Reyes to make it a 6-3 final score.

• Starter Kevin Canelon tossed 6 innings, allowed just one earned run on 4 hits, walked one and fanned 7 batters to earn his third victory of the season.  He is now 3-2 with a 3.82 ERA over 33 innings pitched.

Closer Alex Palsha recorded his league leading 8th save of the season.  He has yet to allow a run over 13 appearances and 15.2 innings pitched.  To date, he's allowed 7 hits, issued just 4 walks, and fanned 18 batters.

Now down to .220, the Cyclones team average keeps spiraling precipitously downwards towards the infamous Mendoza Line.  On a team level, I never thought that possible.  Whether they achieve that dubious distinction remains to be seen.

On this night, they managed 9 hits, while usually averaging 7.16 hits per game.  Their 6 runs were also somewhat of an outburst when compared to their 3.75 runs per game average over 37 games played.

Despite Wednesday's output, Brooklyn's team batting average is presently .220, and spiraling precipitously downwards towards the infamous Mendoza Line.  On a team level, I never thought that possible.  Whether they achieve that dubious distinction remains to be seen.

On the bright side, a pair of home runs gave the Cyclones 18 for the season, which ranks them 4th in the league.

Brooklyn, would then be well served by getting just a few more people on base.  They presently sport a league low .297 OBP, making them the only team below the .300 mark.  The Cyclones have drawn the 4th least walks, have the league's least amount of hits, and as you might guess, they trail the league in total bases.

The Renegades and Cyclones will play the rubber game of their series Thursday evening at Dutchess Stadium.



Mike

L.I. Ducks: The Monday Swim - 7/27/2015

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

On Troubled Pond...

Long Island Ducks: Flock has yet to recover from disastrous trip to Sugar Land.

For the beaten and battered Ducks, there's perhaps been no more timely, and needed break in the   schedule than today's.

The Ducks have gone 7-10 since play resumed after the Atlantic League All-Star break, and are fresh off getting swept by the Bluefish in Bridgeport.

Looking back, their problems seemingly started during their June trip to Sugar Land, where the Skeeters short circuited Long Island's first half pennant bid by taking 5 of 6 games, dropping the Ducks hopelessly behind the eventual first half champ Somerset Patriots.

Professional baseball circuits from within, and outside America's borders then began pecking away at GM Michael Pfaff's roster.  The departures of Lew Ford, Reegie Corona, Mickey Jannis, and Andrew Barbosa are just a few that Long Island has endured this month.

The present standings are a clear reflection of their plight.  Long Island is 3 games below ,500, and they trail the 1st place Bridgeport Bluefish by 6 games in the Liberty Division standings.

All that said, there's still good news to report.

The Ducks began the second half leading the Wild Card standings by 10 games over the Sugar Land Skeeters, whom also have gotten off to a 7-10 second half start, and lost their last 4 in a row.  Long Island's 10 game lead, then, has remained in tact.

• Don't look now, but Jon Griffin is tied for the league lead in home runs, and is within 4 RBI of taking over the league lead from the departed Lew Ford.  With Ford out of the circuit, Griffin is the lone Atlantic League player with 50+ RBI.

The Ducks open a 7-game home stand on Tuesday against the Somerset Patriots and the Bridgeport Bluefish.

Mike

BK Cyclones: McNamara Division Proving Difficult to Conquer

From the desk of:  THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

McNamara Division:

1) Brooklyn          19-16  .543

2) Staten Island    19-16  .543

3) Aberdeen          18-17  .514

4) Hudson Valley  18-17  .514

BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Division race following same twisting, and looping track as neighboring Thunderbolt roller coaster.

The tourniquet constricting the McNamara Division continues to tighten.  All four teams are playing above .500, while just one game separates the last place club from first.

The light hitting Brooklyn Cyclones remain locked in a tie for 1st place with Staten Island, largely due to the Yankees' current 3-game losing streak.  Meanwhile, both the Aberdeen Ironbirds and Hudson Valley Renegades are tied, just a game behind.

The Cyclones now have 35 games in the books, as the NYPL arrives at their season's mid-point this week.  At this rate of play, the 2015 Wild Card winner could very well come out of the McNamara Division.

That remains to be seen, but the Cyclones had better improve at the plate.  It's clear they're operating with little room for error.  Despite their present standing, the Surf Avenue Sluggers have failed to live up that moniker this season.

They are last in the 14-team circuit in hits, and a .220 batting average, and rank 13th in runs scored, runs batted in, OBP, and slugging.

The Yankees haven't fared much better.  They're 5th worst in the league with a .244 team average.   For the moment, however, parity rules the day.  The Aberdeen Ironbirds are last in runs scored, OBP, slugging, and 13th in hits and home runs, yet, as noted, reside just a game out of first place with a .500 record to boot.

Brooklyn's Vinny Siena leads the McNamara Division with a .313 batting average.  Power wise, Michael Bernal, Brandon Brosher, and Jeff Diehl all rank in the league's top ten with 3 home runs apiece.

Staten Island's Jhalan Jackson is 2nd in the league with a .511 slugging average, while Brooklyn's Michael Bernal is 5th with a .465 mark.

Jhalan also leads the division with 4 home runs, while team mate Drew Bridges ranks in the league's top-10 with 3 homers as well.  Both Jhalan Jackson and team mate Brad Valera additionally rate in the league's top-10 with 18 RBI apiece.

This season, the Cyclones are getting by on pitching.  They lead the league with a 2.74 ERA.  The Yankees trail in 4th place with a 3.25 mark.  The Hudson Valley Renegades are making their mark in 3rd place with a 3.14 ERA.

Brooklyn pitchers have additionally surrendered the least number of hits, home runs, posted the best WHiP, and have fanned the second most batters in the league, while Renegades and Yankees pitchers have issued the least walks.

In fact, 4 of the top 6 teams in WHiP come from the McNamara Division.  In other words, the combined mound work of each club has created a too-tough-to-gauge divisional race with roughly 40 games left in the regular season.

The Cyclones fared poorly during their most recent road trip, getting clawed by the newly minted West Virginia Black Bears, then playing pedestrian baseball against Mahoning Valley.

Brooklyn is now 4-6 in their last 10 games, as is Staten Island.

TUESDAY

BROOKLYN CYCLONES

vs.

Hudson Valley Renegades

FROM

Dutchess Stadium

FISHKILL, N.Y.

After Monday's NYPL scheduled day off, the Cyclones will open a home-and-home series in Hudson Valley against the Renegades with clear first place implications.  The Yankees will host an out of division series against the Batavia Muckdogs.

The rivalry between Brooklyn and the Renegades has intensified over the last three years.

In 2012, the Renegades edged out the Cyclones for the division flag.  Brooklyn gained a Wild Card berth, however, only to get eliminated by Hudson Valley in the first round of the post-season.  Then last season, Hudson Valley outpaced the Cyclones by 4 games en route to another division flag.

Hudson Valley recently enjoyed a brief taste of first place as well.  They're the league's 5th highest slugging team, and lead the league in stolen bases.  On the mound, the Renegades are 3rd in the league with a 3.14 ERA.  They've additionally issued the least walks and are 5th in the circuit in team WHiP.



Mike

N.Y. Mets: Can Michael Conforto Seize the Moment?

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

Michael Conforto Has Two Weeks To Convince Sandy Alderson He Belongs In Flushing

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: The Friday Recap and Michael Conforto's MLB Debut

Here's my Friday Night Recap for 

RisingApple.com

Mets Game Recap: 

Dodgers Spoil Michael Conforto's Debut With 7-2 Rout Over Punch-Less Mets

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: Podcast Episode #110 - Is This The Stumble Before The Fall?

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

We had a packed house, and still managed to keep order.

I hosted, and was joined by fellow Rising Apple writers Justin, Ryan, and Sam.

Our featured guests were Greg Prince from FaithAndFearInFlushing.com and
Gary Mack from MetsMusings.com.


Episode #110 - The Rising Apple Report: Is This The Stumble Before The Fall?


Last Night's Stuff:

Washington Nationals series review,
Los Angeles Dodgers series preview > biggest games at Citi Field, ever?

Post Tommy John surgery trials and tribulations: Matt Harvey and Bobby Parnell, how Jacob DeGrom and Steven Matz recovered, and what awaits Zack Wheeler.

Lucas Duda, Michael Cuddyer, Michael Conforto, Gavin Cecchini

The offense, the trade deadline, Sandy Alderson,
and of course, we put ownership's feet to the fire again.

The years 1979, 1993, 2010, and players who've worn #10 in Mets history.

The Brooklyn Cyclones, and much more.

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

Staten Island Yanks tie Brooklyn Cyclones for first place

From the desk of:  THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Battle of the Boroughs - II

Back over the bridge...

Yanks lead series 2-0

I - SIY 3; BKN 2

II - SIY 1; BKN 0

III - TONIGHT

BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Staten Island Yanks to Host Friday Night's Battle for First Place.

Wednesday's series opener in Staten Island ended rather ponderously for the Cyclones.

With the game tied at two, and a runner on third in the bottom of the 10th inning, Cyclones reliever Carlos Valdez intended an intentional walk to Yanks first baseman Jake Hernandez.  Instead, Valdez and catcher Brandon Brosher combined to balk home the game winning run.

That's right - a balk off victory for the Staten Island Yankees, whom reduced Brooklyn's McNamara Division first place lead to just one game.

Then came Thursday's sold out game at MCU Park in Coney Island.  Led by starter Kolton Mahoney, rival Staten Island whitewashed the Cyclones, and thus gained a 2-0 lead in the series.  More importantly, the Yankees are now tied with Brooklyn for the McNamara Division lead.

Much to the dismay of the crowd, the Surf Avenue Sluggers fell silent once again.  They managed 6 hits and just one walk against three Yankees pitchers, en route to a 1-0 defeat.  This was the second time in the last three games the Cyclones have been shut out, and falls right in line with their statistically low offensive league rankings.

Thing is, starter Matt Blackham pitched a gem for Brooklyn, but nonetheless suffered his first loss of the season.  He allowed just one earned run on 5 hits, walked one, and fanned 10 batters over 6 innings pitched.

The series now shifts back to Staten Island for a Friday night battle for first place.



Mike

N.Y. Mets: Podcast #109 - Round Table at the Midpoint

Here's our latest episode of 

the RisingApple.com podcast

Rich hosted, with me, Sam, and 

Gary Mack from MetsMusings.com on the panel.

No Stone Left Unturned:

First half review, second half hopes. 

All hail the pitching!

What needs to be done, and who needs to do it.

Terry Collins : Papa Smurf :: Sandy Alderson : Wilpon's money.

What offense?  What about Wright?  Sandy said what?  Japan?

Frank Francisco to Michael Cuddyer bashing.

Vietnam and Duda's gold plated glove.

The 'ol trade deadline let's wait and see routine, 

Parity, legitimacy, transparency, and Ryan Church?

1973 vs. 2015 Mets comparison, the 2009 season, who wore #9,

and much more stuff.

Enjoy, and thank you.

Link to Blog Talk Radio:

Episode #109 - the Rising Apple Report: Roundtable at the Midpoint


I got tomorrow's recap too.  Check back...
Thor vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

L.I. Ducks: Open Season on Flock Continues

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Long Island Ducks: Brownell was brilliant; Barnstormers gain split; Flock getting fleeced!

Foreign leagues and Major League Baseball continue enjoying open season on Ducks players.

The pennant race in the National League East between the New York Mets and Washington Nationals in particular is starting to take a toll on the Long Island Ducks as well.

Kinda...

The Mets purchased the contract of starter Mickey Jannis on the 1st of the month.  On July 16th, Reegie Corona was sold to the Washington Nationals organization.  He will report to AA-Harrisburg, and follows Lew Ford's recent departure to Mexico.

That means the Atlantic League's top two hitters are now out of the circuit.

Reegie Corona was an offensive force at second base.  He was batting .331 with 3 home runs and 31 RBI.  As such, he was the league's 2nd leading hitter, behind only Lew Ford.  Reegie also ranked 3rd in OBP and 5th in slugging, and was additionally 5th in hits and ranked 2nd in runs scored.

Back on July 9th, pitcher Andrew Barbosa was also sold to the Atlanta Braves organization.

*           *           *           *

In Wednesday's 5-0 win over the Lancaster Barnstormers, starter John Brownell tossed the Ducks' first complete game victory of the season.  Brownell faced 31 batters, and threw 128 pitches with 86 (67%) going for strikes during his whitewashing of the Barnstormers.  He allowed a mere 4 hits, walked a pair, and fanned 5 batters.  John now leads the Atlantic League with 72 strikeouts.  He additionally improved his season record to 7-2, and lowered his ERA from 3.22 to a 2.92 mark.

The Barnstormers gained a 4-game series split, however, with an 8-1 drubbing of the Ducks on Thursday.   Making his third start since returning from Taiwan, Bobby Blevins pitched 6 hit or miss innings, allowing 7 runs (6 earned) on 10 hits, no walks, with 7 strikeouts.  Recently signed right fielder Steve McQuail hit his first home run in only his second game with the Ducks.

Up next, the Ducks will resume hostilities against the Somerset Patriots in a weekend series at Bethpage Ballpark.



Mike

N.Y. Mets: For Better or Worse, We'll Gain Clarity by the Deadline

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

...and no, Clarity can not play shortstop or hit for power.

NEW YORK METS: I'm taking a wait and see approach, to see if Sandy Alderson takes a wait and see approach regarding the trade deadline.

For the record, I still believe the New York Mets are a rebuilding ball club.

Entering the season, I was not among those who believed they were serious playoff contenders - not yet.  I merely wanted the Mets to finish the season above .500 for a change.

That said, if you had asked me in March if I would have been happy in 2nd place with a 47-42 record, just 2 games behind the Nationals in the division race, I would have answered yes without hesitation.

The Nationals are failing to seize the moment, or the N.L. East if you will.  Instead, they have provided the denizens of Flushing with hope - hope that the Braves and Marlins will continue playing inconsistent baseball, that the Phillies remain out of sight and out of mind, and that the Mets can overcome their offensive malaise enough so as to eventually overtake Washington.

Then there's the matter of the Chicago Cubs.  The Mets are done with them for the regular season, but the damage has already been done.  In seven games against Chicago this season, the Mets lost seven times.  At present, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cubs hold both Wild Cards.  The Mets follow, one game out.  They will also have to contend with the defending champion San Francisco Giants.

The Mets have 73 games remaining, but just two weeks left before the non-waiver trade deadline.  If they are to optimize their final 60 games of the season, and actually play meaningful games in September, then the front office needs to step up and make enhancements to the roster.

Without having to badger ownership for money, or having to part with one of several top line pitchers, Sandy Alderson can still address the bench, the Mets lack of team speed, shortstop, the bullpen, or their most glaring need, acquiring a productive bat.  With a modest improvement, the Mets can indeed become viable contenders come September, and perhaps even qualify for October.

The balance of the 2015 regular season, then, appears in upper management's hands.

And so, I'm taking a cue from the general manager, and I'm going to wait and see if the general manager himself outwardly adopts a wait and see attitude with regards to searching for transactions, like he has in every trading period prior to this present one.

It's time to stop the annual chain of excuses as to why nothing was done.

Just saying....

By July 31st, we will at least have clarity - clarity into what type of team the Wilpons want to field, clarity into the actual autonomy Sandy Alderson really has, and clarity into the tight-lipped financial condition in which the Wilpons apparently still exist.



Mike

L.I. Ducks: Reliever Bruce Kern Working Overtime

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Ducks @ Barnstormers tied 1-1

I - LAN 5; LID 4

II - LID 5; LAN 0

III - Wednesday

IV - Thursday

Long Island Ducks: Reliever Bruce Kern gives his bullpen mates the night off.

The Ducks evened their series in Lancaster, as newcomer Darin Downs and reliever Bruce Kern combined on a 2-hit whitewashing of the Barnstormers.

Downs, who started just 1/3 of his 296 career minor league starts, faced 11 batters over 3 scoreless innings in his Ducks debut.  He threw 51 pitches with 29 (57%) going for strikes.  He allowed just one hit, walked a pair, and fanned 3 batters before exiting on the winning side of a 1-0 game.

Reliever Bruce Kern then delivered 6 brilliant innings for the victory.  He faced 19 batters, and threw 68 pitches with 49 (72%) going for strikes.  He allowed just one hit, issued one walk, and fanned 3 batters.

• This was Kern's 27th appearance of the season, and his second 6-inning performance in his last 3 games.  He gained a victory on July 5th with 6 innings, and 8 strikeouts.  He also put in a 5 inning effort back on June 8th.  Kern is now 5-1 this season with a 2.67 ERA, down from a 3.11 mark.  He has 40 strikeouts with an 0.960 WHiP in 43.2 innings pitched, while hitters are batting a mere .194 against Kern.

• Bruce Kern, 27, is a Stony Brook, L.I. native, whom attended St. John's University.  He came to the Ducks after 5 seasons in the Colorado Rockies lower system.

Randy Ruiz' RBI single in the 1st inning was all the Ducks needed.

A lead-off single by Jon Griffin, and doubles by Mike Blanke and Dan Lyons gave Long Island a 3-0 lead in the 7th.  Bryan Sabatella's base hit in the 9th then plated a pair of unearned runs to give the Ducks their 5-0 margin of victory.

Long Island improved to 49-26 overall, and trail Bridgeport by 0.5 games in the second half standings.  They remain 10.5 games ahead of the Sugar Land Skeeters for the Wild Card.



Mike

BK Cyclones vs. S.I. Yankees: Battle of the Boroughs - II

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BATTLE of the BOROUGHS - II

Cyclones lead season series 2-1

I - BKN 3; SIY 2

II - SIY 8; BKN 3

III - BKN 6; SIY 4

WEDNESDAY

Brooklyn Cyclones

vs.

Staten Island Yankees

FROM

Rotten Island

BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Richmond Bombers Host Series Opener 2 games back of 1st place Bums.

Baby Bums taking cue from parent club; 

contending with strong pitching, but with little hitting to speak of.

All four McNamara Division teams are playing above .500 baseball, led by the Brooklyn Cyclones.   The Coney Island Nine own a 2-game edge over the Staten Island Yankees, and a 3-game lead over the the Aberdeen Ironbirds and Hudson Valley Renegades, respectively.

The Cyclones (15-8) are in 1st place today based largely on the strength of their pitching.  Their 1.09 WHiP leads the league and their 2.47 ERA ranks second.  They are second in the league in strikeouts, allowed the second least hits and runs, and lead the circuit with 4 shutouts.

• After five starts and 31.1 innings pitched, Tyler Badamo is 1-2 with a 2.87 ERA, and a 0.93 WHiP.   He is fourth in the circuit with 26 strikeouts.  Team mate Matt Blackham leads the league with 30 strikeouts.  He is 2-0 with a 3.09 ERA, and a 0.99 WHiP.  Closer Alex Palsha has yet to surrender a run over 11.1 innings pitched, and leads the league with 5 saves.

The 2nd place Staten Island Yankees (13-10) rank fourth with a 3.41 ERA, a 1.25 WHiP; they're fourth in strikeouts, and have allowed the fourth least hits, and the sixth least runs.

• With a 3-1 record, right-hander Luis Cedeno is tied for the league lead (with team mate Derek Callahan) in victories, and owns a 1.37 ERA, and 0.99 WHiP over 26.1 innings pitched, with 18 strikeouts.

Staten Island owns a distinct edge at the plate.  They are second in the league in runs scored and fourth in hits.  They lead the circuit in OBP, and rank fifth in slugging and team average, and sixth in home runs.

• Outfielder Griffin Gordon leads the team with 6 doubles and a .342 average.  Jhalan Jackson leads the team with 4 home runs and 14 RBI.

The Cyclones on the other hand, are last in the New York Penn League in hits, team average, and OBP, rank twelfth in slugging, eleventh in runs scored, struck out the fourth most times and are tied for fourth in home runs.

• Vinny Siena is second in the league in hits, second with a .361 batting average, and sixth in OBP.  He is presently the Cyclones' lone .300 hitter.  Right fielder Michael Bernal leads the circuit in runs scored and is fifth in slugging.  He leads the team with 5 doubles, 3 home runs and 10 RBI.

The Cyclones will open the series in Richmond County, then host the Baby Bombers on Thursday.   The series will conclude on Friday back in Staten Island.



Mike

L.I. Ducks: Flock Loses Another Huge Feather

From the deck of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Getting Plucked

Long Island Ducks: Shuffling off to....Mexico?

Aye caramba!

Lew Ford is gone, left, adios.  He's off to go play south of the border - sold to Tijuana of the Mexican League.

General manager Michael Pfaff, however, expressed hope, confidence even, that Ford can return to the Ducks (for as long as Donald Trump does not become President, and...) once the Mexican summer league concludes their season in August.

• The better known Mexican Pacific League is part of the Caribbean Winter League circuit.

The Ducks will be hard pressed to replace what was the Atlantic League's leading MVP candidate. Lew Ford topped the Atlantic League with a .363 average and 58 RBI.

Ford's departure is somewhat reminiscent of starting ace pitcher Mike Parisi's departure to Japan a few years back, as both left the country.

This also follows a major blow suffered by the starting rotation when their top pitcher, Mickey Jannis, whom led the league in ERA and strikeouts, had his contract sold to the New York Mets.

The mid-season acquisition J.C Romero and the return of Bobby Blevins may soften the blow of losing Jannis, if only somewhat.

That said, GM Michael Pfaff went after more pitching.

Southpaw pitcher Darin Downs, 30, will make his Ducks debut on Saturday against Lancaster.  He has three years of MLB experience, spending 2012-2013 with Detroit, and last season with Houston.   In 92 major league games and 90.2 innings pitched, all in relief, he owns a  4.76 ERA with an 8.1 K/9 average.   Otherwise, Darin is a 13-year minor league veteran of affiliated baseball.  In 296 appearances (90 starts) he owns a 4.05 ERA over 378 innings pitched, with a career 8.5 K/9 average.

The Ducks also signed lefty pitcher Donnie Veal, whom was released by the Atlanta Braves.  In 105 MLB appearances, all in relief, he owns a 5.48 ERA over 69 innings pitched, with 73 strikeouts.

The Ducks also took a flyer on 1B, OF, DH, Steve McQuail, whom played in the Frontier League, and has affiliated experience with the Arizona D-Backs.  During 2012-2013 while in the Frontier League, he averaged 304 at-bats, 20 home runs and 57 RBI.

The Wild Times:

The departures of Mickey Jannis and Lew Ford mean the Ducks' 2nd half just got a little more Wild.

Despite the Ducks loss to the Lancaster Barnstormers Monday night, Long Island gained a 1/2 game over the Sugar Land Skeeters.  They now lead the Wild Card race by 10.5 games.  Defending Atlantic League champ, Lancaster, is a distant third, 17.5 games out of the Wild Card.




Mike

BK Nets: Deron Williams bids farewell to Flatbush

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

THE DUD of FLATBUSH

w/Utah - 17.3 ppg; 9.1 assists; .466 FG%

w/NJ,BK - 16.6 ppg; 7.5 assists; .418 FG%

Last 2 seasons - 13.6 ppg; 6.3 assists

BROOKLYN NETS: Franchise Player Expectations Go Unmet.

Giddy up...!

Life along Flatbush Avenue proved too much, and so goodbye Brooklyn...

Foiled by his own physical limitations, Deron Williams failed to meet or exceed a Borough's expectations.  Moreover, when made to play (or not play) under coach Lionel Hollins, Williams perhaps became demoralized as well.

It's been a tough 4 1/2 years for Deron Williams, playing in a tough town, for a tough coach.  And so, the Nets embattled guidon bearer during their inaugural march on Kings County resigned his post, having agreed with the team on a buy-out.

Deron Williams is now headed back home to Texas, where he'll continue his playing career with the Dallas Mavericks, in front of a friendlier fan base, and a kinder, more gentler media.

He's lucky the old Brooklyn Eagle wasn't still in circulation.  They'd have ripped him with an intensely local ferocity that Deron was lucky to escape, particularly here in New York.  I hope Williams realizes, that despite what he may feel, he got off light for the very little he provided.

Just ask Melo....

The Nets moved like thieves in the night, acquiring Deron Williams in February 2011 from the Utah Jazz.  In doing so, they also stole the next day's headlines away from the Knicks and their ballyhooed acquisition of Carmelo Anthony.  The consensus, back then, was the Nets acquired the better player, a franchise player, an all-star point guard in his prime.

The only question remaining was if the soon to be free agent would stay?

The answer remained in doubt right up until the second Williams signed a 5-year, $99 million dollar contract - not just to stay a Net, but more importantly to lead the team's long planned move from New Jersey to Brooklyn.

A new deal, a new life in the city, a new team brand, and a new arena to fill, all meant Deron Williams faced a monumental challenge.  He knew that, and excepted the terms (and the money).  He indeed came to Brooklyn with a certain cache, and was indeed the right move in so far as enticing a new fan base.  Unfortunately, he otherwise leaves with his primary responsibilities largely unfulfilled.

In the end, Coach Hollins summed it up best (paraphrasing) - Deron Williams is not a franchise player, an elite point guard, or even one of the NBA's top stars...., anymore, and certainly not while he was here.

In fact, Lionel Hollins stepped all over Billy King's franchise player-elect this past season like Godzilla going through Tokyo.  Coach was ruthless at times, but always spoke the truth.

Recurring ankle injuries not only diminished Deron's level of play, but seemingly polluted his disposition as well.  Whether on or off the court, injured or healthy, the man outwardly spent an inordinate amount of time sulking and brooding perhaps over his existence with the Nets, or playing in Brooklyn, or both.

To his credit, Deron was always a man about things.  He remained accountable, and never ducked the media.

However, you have to wear Brooklyn like a red badge of courage!

There's the rub...



Mike

BK Cyclones: Boardwalk Bums Throw Away Chance at Sweep

From the desk of:  THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

14-6

First Place

McNamara Division

Cyclones win series 2-1

I - BKN 5; HVR 3

II - BKN 1; HVR 0

III - HVR 6; BKN 5

BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Coney Islanders err in bid to sweep Hudson Valley Renegades.

The Brooklyn Cyclones overcame a 5-2 deficit with 3 runs in the top of the 7th inning, forcing extra innings in Friday's series finale against the Hudson Valley Renegades.

They might even have come within a David Thompson throw of completing a 3-game sweep.

Matt Blackham started for Brooklyn, and got touched up for all 5 Hudson Valley runs.  All runs were earned, on 4 hits and 4 walks, and he fanned 5 batters upon departing after 4.2 innings of work.

Four Brooklyn relievers then combined on 6.1 scoreless innings through the 11th, allowing 7 hits and striking out 9 batters.

After the Renegades jumped out to a 1st inning 1-0 lead, Brooklyn tied it in the top of the 2nd on left fielder Oswald Caraballo's sac fly scoring third baseman David Thompson.

The Cyclones went ahead 2-1 in the 3rd.  Catcher Jose Garcia led-off with a double, and later scored on a wild pitch.

The 'Gades tied it in the bottom of the 3rd, and scored 3 runs in the 5th for a 5-2 lead.

DH Zach Mathieu then homered in the top of the 7th, and a 2-RBI single by center fielder Tucker Tharp tied the game at five.

That's the way things stayed till the 12th.

With reliever Nicco Blank pitching for Brooklyn, a throwing error by David Thompson on a sacrifice attempt allowed the winning run to score from second base.

Blank suffered his second loss of the season.

Thursday: Game Two

• Final: Renegades 0; CYCLONES 1

Pitchers Blake Taylor, Andrew Church, and Carlos Valdez combined on 7 scoreless innings, in the Cyclones 1-0 abbreviated game victory over the Hudson Valley Renegades.  They combined to allow just 3 hits and one walk, and fanned 9 batters.

Tucker Tharp drove in the lone run of the game with a double in the 3rd.

Wednesday: Game One

• Final: Cyclones 5; RENEGADES 3

Starter Gaby Almonte improved his record to 2-1, as the Cyclones bested the Renegades by a 5-3 margin.

Third baseman David Thompson went 4 for 5, and Michael Bernal went 3 for 5, accounting for 7 of the Cyclones 10 hits.

Closer Alex Palsha earned his 4th save of the season.

3B- David Thompson

Third baseman David Thompson, 21, was selected in the 4th round (119th overall) of the recent amateur draft.  He reported to Brooklyn after helping the University of Miami reach the College World Series.  Thompson led the nation (Division-I) in RBI and tied for the lead in home runs this season as a junior.  He was a 2015 All-America First Team, and 2015 All-ACC First Team.

• 2015 season at University of Miami: 67 games, 253 at-bats, 83 hits, .328 batting average, 18 doubles, 19 home runs (3 grand slams), .640 slugging average, 90 RBI, 20-game hitting streak.

Next up, the Cyclones will host a series against the Aberdeen Ironbirds.

Mike

L.I. Ducks: Flock Has a Wild Card Up Their Sleeve

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Flock opens 2nd half with 2-0 defeat against Somerset Patriots.

Long Island Ducks: The Flock Should Expect Wild Times in   the Season's Second Half.

Ducks First Half Hopes Derailed in Sugar Land

The Ducks and Patriots resumed hostilities Friday with the opening of the league's second half.

On this night, the league's best pitching stifled the league's best hitting.

Starter John Brownell was out-dueled in Somerset by Patriots starter Matt Zielinski.  Both hurlers were done after 6 innings.  Brownell allowed 2 earned runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, and fanned 3 batters.   Zielinski, however, kept Long Island scoreless, allowing 6 hits and one walk, with 7 strikeouts, en route to a 2-0 Patriots whitewashing of the Ducks.

Former Ducks closer Jon Hunton closed out the 9th for Somerset, registering his 19th save of the season.

As Mickey Jannis' contract was recently purchased by the Mets, Long Island must play the second half without the Atlantic League's top pitching triple crown contender.

The pressure, then, is once again on John Brownell to lead Long Island's starting rotation.  He suffered only his second loss on Friday against 6 wins this season.  In 86.2 innings pitched, Brownell owns a 3.21 ERA, with a 1.100 WHiP.

Brownell is in his 4th year, and 3rd full season with Long Island.  He owns a career 30-23 record for the Ducks.  Last year, he threw a career high 202 innings, and posted a career best 13-9 record.

Although the Ducks missed out on a first half flag, they enter the season's second half comfortably leading the Wild Card race by 10 games over the Sugar Land Skeeters.

For now....

Long Island's goal is twofold then: continue trying to overtake the Patriots and win the second half flag, and/or, maintain their lead over Sugar Land.  The Camden Riversharks are the next closest Wild Card contender, 18.5 games out.

The Ducks have just 7 games remaining against the Skeeters, where as they still have another 12 games remaining against the Patriots.

That brings us to another situation worth monitoring.  How long can the Somerset Patriots keep playing at their record setting pace?  They set a league record with a 50-20 mark in the first half.   They are presently winning near 73% of their games based largely on the strength of their pitching.



Mike

The Friday Recap: Thor Lowers His Hammer on Diamondbacks

Here's tonight's recap for 

RisingApple.com

Noah Syndergaard struck out a career high 13 batters.

Mets Friday Recap: 

Syndergaard Pitches Gem Over Diamondbacks; Mets Take Opener 4-2

Check in every week for my Friday Night Recap.

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Yankees: Evolving Rivalry Against Red Sox Resumes Tonight

From the desk of:  BLAME CARLOS MAY

TONIGHT

New York Yankees

vs.

Boston Red Sox

FROM

Fenway Park

American League East

First) Yankees   46-39

Last) Red Sox    41-45 

New York Yankees:  Winds of change blowing from the Bronx through Boston; First place Bombers take on last place Red Sox.

Don't look now, but Boston is the hottest team in the A.L. East.

The Red Sox have put the division in a tourniquet, and have been squeezing with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games.  That has made the invading Yankees' lead over their long time rival a precarious one.  To the Bomber's credit, they've won 5 of their last 7 games.

The three teams that separate them in the standings; Orioles, Rays, Blue Jays; seem in no rush to distinguish themselves.  Otherwise, the Sox should have been dead and buried long ago.  But, this is baseball - it's a long season, and this is what happens when you fail to put teams away.

The Red Sox will host the Yankees in a first half finale prior to the All-Star break.  Fenway Park should rock this weekend, with a retro feel of just a decade ago.  Together, they'll prove this rivalry is far from dormant, and that the A.L. East crown is up for grabs.

Or, the Sox will get swept, and that will be the end of that.

Unfortunately, Dustin Pedroia is likely to miss the series.  On the other side, the most recent traitor, Jacoby Ellsbury returns from his knee injury just in time to face his former team.

Fenway fans are sure to intensify their raucousness each and every time Alex Rodriguez steps to the plate.  Who can ever forget the time they wore those little blonde girl masks?  Alex in Boston has always meant good times!

If nothing else, we'll get to watch Old-Rod and Big GrandPapi share the Fenway stage for one of the last few times in their careers.

This could be a decisive series for the Red Sox, and for GM Ben Cherington in particular.   Continuing to play well in July will place the pressure of all New Englanders squarely on the shoulders of Boston's GM to make a deadline move.

After Clay Buchholz, the Red Sox have no reliable pitching to speak of, and they've gotten very little out of Mike Napoli and especially Fung-Fu Panda at the plate.  In fact, the Sox may have too many needs that can not be addressed in one deadline.

At 46-39, the Yankees are the best of the rest.  On Thursday, Masahiro Tanaka gave the Yanks 7.2 innings of pure optimism over the A's.  This weekend, they intend to subdue the Red Sox with Michael Pineda, Ivan Nova, and Nathan Eovaldi.  Lately, all three have been pitching like they're in dire need of an All-Star break.

Accompanying Mark Teixeira to the All-Star Game will be Brett Gardner - well deserved.



Mike

N.Y. Mets: The Left Field Money Pit

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: Alex Castellanos can do no worse than Michael Cuddyer, but we won't find out because of Cuddyer's damn contract.

Mets fans knew little of outfielder/third baseman Alex Castellanos when general manager Sandy Alderson signed him as a free agent back in November.

He was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 10th round of the 2008 amateur draft, and stayed in their organization until July 2011, when he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for infielder Rafael Furcal.

Alex split the 2011 season playing double-A ball for both organizations.  In 125 combined games and 475 at-bats he slashed an eye grabbing .320/.386/.573, with 23 home runs and 85 RBI.

He then started the 2012 season at (AAA)-Albuquerque (in the notoriously hitter friendly Pacific Coast League), where in 94 games and 344 at-bats, he slashed .328/.420/.590, with 17 home runs and 52 RBI.

He made his MLB debut with the Dodgers that season on May 31st, subbing for an injured Matt Kemp.  In 16 games, he played both left and right field, and was just 4 for 23 at the plate, with a home run and 3 RBI.

Castellanos returned to Albuquerque in 2013, and experienced a dip in his overall hitting.  In 104 games and 385 at-bats, Alex's slash dropped to .257/.347/.468, but he still produced 19 home runs and 61 RBI.

In October, however, the Dodgers traded him to the Boston Red Sox.  Two short months later he was claimed by the Texas Rangers off waivers.  In March of 2014, Alex was again selected off waivers, this time by the San Diego Padres.

He spent last season at (AAA)-El Paso, where as a 27-year old Castellanos slashed a modest .275/.351/.439, with just 8 home runs and 42 RBI.

The Padres perhaps arrived at the same conclusion St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Texas did before them, which is Alex Castellanos' rate of strikeouts is too high.  In 2,594 at-bats, he has fanned 691 times, or, 27% of the time.  Whatever their reason, San Diego granted Alex his free agency last November.

Now settled in with the Las Vegas 51s, Alex Castellanos, 28, has seemingly regained his stroke.   Entering Thursday night's action, Vegas' clean-up hitter was slashing .297/.369/.590, with 29 doubles, 15 home runs and 51 RBI.  His rate of strikeouts, however, remained unchanged.  He fanned 71 times in 266 at-bats, or, 27% of the time.

In Thursday night's twin bill against the Salt Lake Bees, Alex raised his season average to .309 by going 5 for 6, with 3 doubles, 3 runs scored, and one RBI.

Defensively, Alex has 111 games of minor league experience at second base, 168 games at third, and 483 games in the outfield.  With a .969 FA at second, and an .898 FA at third, his infield glove is obviously far from golden.  He has a combined .986 FA in the outfield.  He's played mostly right field, although left field is perhaps his strongest position.

That got me thinking - despite maybe becoming accustomed to playing in the Pacific Coast League, and his high rate of strikeouts, Alex Castellanos can't do any worse than Michael Cuddyer.

Just saying...



Mike

N.Y. Mets: Meaningful Games in July Puts Onus on Ownership

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

Playing Meaningful Games in July Puts The Onus On Ownership

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

BK Cyclones: Bring on the Renegades

From the desk of:  THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn leads season series over Hudson Valley 2-1

I - BKN 7; HVR 0

II - BKN 2; HVR 1

III - HVR 4; BKN 1

TONIGHT

BROOKLYN CYCLONES

vs.

Hudson Valley Renegades

FROM

DUTCHESS STADIUM

Wappingers Falls, N.Y.

Brooklyn Cyclones: Renegades have been a thorn in Baby Bum's side over past three seasons.

After enjoying a day off, the Cyclones start a 3-game series against their Dutchess County rivals, Hudson Valley Renegades this evening.  It was Hudson Valley who stood center of the Cyclones' path in 2 of the last 3 season post-season bids.

In 2012, the Cyclones fell short in the division race to the Hudson Valley Renegades, and as Wild Card qualifiers were ultimately eliminated from the post-season by the 'Gades as well.

Last season, Coney Island finished the regular season with a fine 42-34 record, 4 games back, however, of the McNamara Division winning Hudson Valley Renegades.

After 17 games played this season, Brooklyn leads the McNamara Division with a 12-5 record, and a 2.5 game lead over the Staten Island Yanks.  Hudson Valley is in 3rd place, just 3 games out, so this is indeed an early season division showdown against the Renegades.

Brooklyn took 2 of 3 games from the 'Gades to open the month, then swept 3 games from the Williamsport Crosscutters making them 5-1 in July.

Michael Bernal and Vinny Siena have lead the Cyclones offense through the early going.  Bernal leads the circuit with 14 runs scored and is 2nd with 3 home runs.  He leads the team with 4 doubles and 10 RBI.  Siena is 2nd in the NYPL with a .390 batting mark.  He leads the team with 23 hits and is 2nd behind Bernal with 12 runs scored.

Catcher Brandon Brosher is batting .250, with a pair of home runs, and is 2nd on the team with 9 RBI.  Seven of those came during Sunday's 9-2 victory over the Crosscutters setting a new Brooklyn Cyclones record.

On the mound, right-hander Tyler Badamo was named New York-Penn League Pitcher of the Week for the period ending July 5th.  In 4 starts and 26.2 innings pitched thus far, Tyler is 1-1 with a 1.35 ERA and 0.67 WHiP.

Closer Alex Palsha has thrown 9.1 innings over 6 appearances.  He is yet to yield a run, allowed 3 hits, and has 3 saves.



Mike

Podcast Episode #108 - An Extensive Mid-Season Metropolitan Baseball Rant

Here's our latest podcast on 

RisingApple.com

The actual show title is misleading.

This wasn't a weekly recap served up with Melba Toast and tea.

We ranted, complained, and whined about upper management, 

meaning Sandy Alderson and the Wilpons in particular.  

Then we complained some more, and followed that with more ranting.

We talked sense at times, in between ranting that is, and still managed to cover 

the 2008 season and players who've worn the #8.  

Otherwise, Sam, Rich and I basically vented all our Metstrations for roughly 108 minutes.

Episode #108 - The Rising Apple Report: We beat L.A., now Bring on the Giants

Mike

L.I. Ducks: First Half Hopes Derailed in Sugar Land

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

First Half Final

46-23  .667

2nd place

Long Island Ducks: Sugar Land Skeeters intercept Flock's migration towards a potential first half title; Ducks drop 5 of 6 in Texas rendering anticipated showdown against Somerset Patriots meaningless.

July 8, 2015, Wednesday - Atlantic League All-Star Game

What more could they have done?

The Ducks posted two 10-game winning streaks in June, en route to the finest first half in their organization's history, yet, are left lamenting their costly slip against the Sugar Land Skeeters, and the resulting failure of not capturing a 1st half flag.

The Ducks started June five games out of 1st place.  They won their first 10 games of the month, then after losing a series opener to the Bluefish, proceeded to win another 10 in a row, right up until their dreadful encounter with the Skeeters.

The Ducks lost 5 of 6 games in Sugar Land.  Meanwhile, the Patriots continued playing relentless baseball.

Long Island then swept 4 games from Lancaster, and took 2 of 3 from the Patriots to end the first half.  As it turned out, the Ducks finished second in the Liberty Division, 3.5 games back of the Somerset Patriots.

What could have been....?

Not much else to say, really.

Only thing left is to give credit where due - the Somerset Patriots played phenomenal baseball over the season's 1st half.  They posted their own 10-game win streak in June en route to setting an Atlantic League record 50-20 first half mark.

If Ducks fans really want to ruffle their own feathers, they should additionally blame the league's division realignment..., again.  Had things stayed they way they were, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs would have finished 4-games back of the Ducks.  Instead, the Blue Crabs captured the Freedom Division 1st half flag.

Seems like everyone is benefiting except Long Island, hmm?

It gets worse..., in a manner of speaking.

The Long Island Ducks will start the second half of the season without what was the Atlantic League's pitching triple crown contender, Mickey Jannis.  The knuckler's contract was purchased by the New York Mets on July 1st.  Upon his departure, he was leading the league with 67 strikeouts and a 1.18 ERA, and was third in the circuit with 6 victories against just 2 losses.

Good luck to Mickey Jannis, of course.  I'm look forward to watching him rise through the Mets system.  He reported to (A+) Port St. Lucie.

However, losing Jannis is a big blow, as Long Island's starting rotation really hit its stride once Andrew Barbosa signed on.  The Ducks and GM Michael Pfaff are now left scrambling to minimize any recurrent instability this may cause.

If you remember, usual reliever Eric Niesen opened the season in the starting rotation.  That did now work out well, and Niesen was ultimately moved to Bridgeport on May 31st (completing an earlier transaction).  Starter Mark Rogers also started the season in the rotation, and likewise struggled this season.  He was similarly dealt to the Bluefish on June 30th.

Michael Pfaff wasted no time though.  On the same day, the Ducks signed 39-year old southpaw J.C. Romero, whom last pitched in the majors for St. Louis and Baltimore during the 2012 season.  He spent the 2013 season pitching AAA baseball in the Washington Nationals and Cleveland Indians organizations.  In 2014, he made 20 appearances during the Puerto Rican winter league season.  This year, Romero made 5 appearances for Puebla of the (AAA) Mexican circuit prior to signing with the Ducks.  So far, he has thrown 3.2 innings in 3 appearances.

*   *   * 2015 *   *   *

ATLANTIC LEAGUE 

ALL-STAR GAME

WEDNESDAY

Freedom Division

(Blue Crabs - Skeeters - Barnstormers - Revolution)

vs.

Liberty Division

(Patriots - Ducks - Riversharks - Bluefish)

FROM 

the Ballpark at Harbor Yard 

Bridgeport, Connecticut

Lew Ford is participating in the Home Run Derby.

2015 Long Island Ducks ~ Atlantic League All-Stars:

• SP - Ian Marshall - 12 starts, 71.0 inn, 3-4 record w/ 3.04 ERA, 43 strikeouts
• RP - Ryan Kussmaul - 31 games, 33.1 inn, 3-0 record w/ 2.70 ERA, *22 Saves
• 1B - Jon Griffin - .239/.312/.389, 9 HR, 45 RBI
• SS - Dan Lyons - .327, 5 HR, 38 RBI
• 3B - Cody Puckett - .274, 4 HR, 24 RBI
• OF - Lew Ford - *.361/*432/*.556, *96 Hits, *26 Doubles, 8 HR, *58 RBI
• OF - Bryan Sabatella - .302, *54 runs, *20 Stolen Bases

• *  Leads Atlantic League

Lew Ford, who turns 39-years old in August, is an obvious choice for 1st half Atlantic League MVP. His .361 batting average is 34 points better than the league's 2nd leading hitter and team mate, Dan Lyons.

In fact, the league's top four hitters play for the Long Island Ducks.  Delta Cleary Jr. is 3rd in the circuit with a .326 mark, and Reegie Corona is 4th with a .325 average.

While Jon Griffin's slash appears light, he has nonetheless provided the pop expected of him.  He is part of a pack tied for 2nd in the circuit with 9 home runs.  Griffin's 45 RBI are second only to Lew Ford, whom leads the league by a wide margin with 58 RBI.

Shortstop Dan Lyons wielded a particularly lethal bat in June.  As the customary #9 batter in the order, he is 2nd in the league in hitting, and 4th in the league with 38 RBI.

The table setter, Bryan Sabatella (.302/.360) is 4th in the league in doubles, 3rd in hits, and leads the Atlantic League in runs scored and stolen bases.


Let's Go Liberty Division..



Mike