From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: After All The Rain; Recent Struggles; and Re-Signing Loree; Things Are Looking Bright Again for the Playoffs.
They'll waddle to Southern Maryland for three games, then come home to Bethpage Park for the final series of the regular season and a showdown of sorts versus the Bridgeport Bluefish, in a match up that may very well decide which of the two teams win the Liberty Division's second-half title.
Monday's schedule was light and the Ducks were off. But when the full Atlantic League schedule resumes Tuesday, the Ducks will be leading the Bluefish by a mere half-game for the division lead. In the most recent series between Bridgeport and Long Island, the Bluefish gave the Ducks a taste of second place for a night. But Long Island now seems to have stabilized. They apparently corrected themselves out of a wild tailspin they found themselves in that started back in mid/late August.
Two of the biggest reasons for the recent turn-around no doubt have to be related to A) - the savvy signing of starting pitcher, Josh Banks; and B) - the return of starting pitcher, Mike Loree to the Ducks; with whom he's pitched exceptionally well this season; and matter of fact; dominated the Atlantic League until his contract was sold. In his absence from the Ducks, his work still led the League in all three Triple Crown pitching categories.
With a somewhat formidable one-two punch again; unlike they had after Mike Parisi's contract was likewise sold earlier this season, the Ducks are now playing better overall baseball again while the supporting staff starters have definitely picked up as well. It's the ol' "success breeds success" theory and guys like Mark Diapoulis should benefit.
With six games remaining before the post-season, things couldn't have come together better for Long Island than they have recently with regard to their starting pitching. But on another note, it's imperative the Ducks get a healthy John Rodriguez; who's battled nagging injuries all season; and Ehren Wasserman; recently sidelined; back in time for the playoffs.
The absence of Rodriguez in the clean-up spot leaves a gaping hole in the Ducks' line-up. When not injured, he was leading the League in RBI on two separate occasions. Yet with all the games he's missed this season, he's still fourth in the League in RBI.
And Ehren Wasserman has been nothing short of incredible out of the pen. He leads Ducks' pitchers in appearances and is second in saves behind closer Bubby Buzachero with eleven. In sixty-three innings pitched this season, Ehren struck out sixty-six; walked only twelve; with only fifty-four hits allowed. It's imperative the Ducks get him back healthy and in time for a first round playoff series.
Mike.BTB
Showing posts with label Ehren Wasserman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ehren Wasserman. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ A Refortified Staff Over-Shadows Loss
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
Long Island Ducks: Despite Loss to Camden, the Webbed-Nine Are Back in Business.
After having his contract purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and serving a short stint with the AA-Altoona Curve, Mike Loree made his first start since returning to the Ducks earlier this week against the Camden River Sharks Friday night.
More importantly, the Ducks all of a sudden are pitching collectively well again. Are they reinvigorated with the news their Ace pitcher is back? Who cares! They're pitching well and Loree is indeed back...; period.
In their last series against Bridgeport, the Bluefish gave the Ducks a little taste of second place just in case they had forgotten what that was like. The Ducks haven't been in second place since the first-half, when Southern Maryland briefly over-took them. But Long Island recovered to regain first place again this half in the Liberty Division; and they did it with resurgent starting pitching.
Entering Saturday night's second game of a double-header, the Ducks were winners of three of their last four games. Last Wednesday the bullpen shined in relief of Dave Williams; who, admittedly struggled again. Then the latest stabilizer signed to the rotation; Josh Banks; pitched well again but lost. Then two Ducks pitchers offered up a pair of dynamite starts; one by De Los Santos Friday, and another by Bob Zimmermann earlier this evening in game one. In those last two starts, the two pitchers combined on 14 innings; 6 hits; 1 earned run allowed; 3 walks; 12 strike outs; making both winners.
And so there's life again in The Pond. In fact, the place should get down right Quackin' again. Since Mike Loree's departure some time back on August 20th, the Ducks' tailspin was dangerously near to being out of control. Perhaps, they now have the wind back underneath their wings again.
In tonight's second game of their double-header with Camden, Mike Loree was back on the mound and in a Ducks' uniform. But he wasn't nearly as effective as he was when he left. I'm sure that will change. In the mean time, the Ducks fell to the Camden River Sharks 9-3 in the night cap.
But now with Mike Loree back in the fold and the recent pick up of Josh Banks, the Ducks are officially back in business for a short-series showdown with anyone again.
*INJURY REPORT:
RP-Ehrne Wassrman was placed on the P.U.P. list. He's been masterful out of the bullpen this season.
1B-John Rodriguez continues to miss games with his third stint on the injured list.
Mike.BTB
Long Island Ducks: Despite Loss to Camden, the Webbed-Nine Are Back in Business.
After having his contract purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and serving a short stint with the AA-Altoona Curve, Mike Loree made his first start since returning to the Ducks earlier this week against the Camden River Sharks Friday night.
More importantly, the Ducks all of a sudden are pitching collectively well again. Are they reinvigorated with the news their Ace pitcher is back? Who cares! They're pitching well and Loree is indeed back...; period.
In their last series against Bridgeport, the Bluefish gave the Ducks a little taste of second place just in case they had forgotten what that was like. The Ducks haven't been in second place since the first-half, when Southern Maryland briefly over-took them. But Long Island recovered to regain first place again this half in the Liberty Division; and they did it with resurgent starting pitching.
Entering Saturday night's second game of a double-header, the Ducks were winners of three of their last four games. Last Wednesday the bullpen shined in relief of Dave Williams; who, admittedly struggled again. Then the latest stabilizer signed to the rotation; Josh Banks; pitched well again but lost. Then two Ducks pitchers offered up a pair of dynamite starts; one by De Los Santos Friday, and another by Bob Zimmermann earlier this evening in game one. In those last two starts, the two pitchers combined on 14 innings; 6 hits; 1 earned run allowed; 3 walks; 12 strike outs; making both winners.
And so there's life again in The Pond. In fact, the place should get down right Quackin' again. Since Mike Loree's departure some time back on August 20th, the Ducks' tailspin was dangerously near to being out of control. Perhaps, they now have the wind back underneath their wings again.
In tonight's second game of their double-header with Camden, Mike Loree was back on the mound and in a Ducks' uniform. But he wasn't nearly as effective as he was when he left. I'm sure that will change. In the mean time, the Ducks fell to the Camden River Sharks 9-3 in the night cap.
But now with Mike Loree back in the fold and the recent pick up of Josh Banks, the Ducks are officially back in business for a short-series showdown with anyone again.
*INJURY REPORT:
RP-Ehrne Wassrman was placed on the P.U.P. list. He's been masterful out of the bullpen this season.
1B-John Rodriguez continues to miss games with his third stint on the injured list.
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ Turn Back The Road Warriors
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Winning Streak Hits Seven Games.
A first inning 1-0 deficit meant little to Long Island. Picking up where they left off before Monday's break in the schedule, the Ducks waisted no time erasing that deficit with two runs in the second inning, and for good measure, two more in the third.
Freddie Thon doubled home both runs for Long Island in the second inning scoring Matt Esquivel and Matt Padgett. In the third inning, back-to-back doubles by J.T. House and Matt Esquivel scored Javier Colina and John Rodriguez respectively, making the game a 4-1 affair favoring the Ducks.
After that first inning, starting pitcher Dave Williams kept things quiet and departed the game on the winning side after five innings against the Road Warriors. In only his second start for the Ducks in seventeen appearances this season, the Road Warriors touched him for eight hits, but only mustered the one run against him. He walked one batter and struck out five before giving way to Bob Zimmermann for the sixth.
That's when the Road Warriors made things close. After pitching a scoreless sixth inning, Zimmermann needed help from Valerio De Los Santos and Jeremy Hill to keep the Ducks on top after being charged with two earned runs in the top of the seventh inning. De Los Santos allowed a hit and one of those runs while Hill allowed a hit and plunked a batter before getting the third out.
The Ducks struck again in the home half of the seventh. Kinnard Jones led off the inning with a double. He advanced to third and then scored on a Javier Colina sac-fly to make it a 5-3 game.
Jeremy Hill stayed in to pitch the eighth inning and struck out two of the three batters he faced. Then, Ehren Wassermann was called upon to close the game for Long Island in the ninth inning. The Road Warriors made a go of it. But Wassermann finally closed out the game after giving up a run for his tenth save of the season.
The Ducks are now winners of seven straight. They improved their second-half record to 24-7; 4.5 games ahead of second place Bridgeport. Overall, the Ducks are now 64-30 this year. So far this season, they are the only Atlantic League team above sixty victories.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Winning Streak Hits Seven Games.
A first inning 1-0 deficit meant little to Long Island. Picking up where they left off before Monday's break in the schedule, the Ducks waisted no time erasing that deficit with two runs in the second inning, and for good measure, two more in the third.
Freddie Thon doubled home both runs for Long Island in the second inning scoring Matt Esquivel and Matt Padgett. In the third inning, back-to-back doubles by J.T. House and Matt Esquivel scored Javier Colina and John Rodriguez respectively, making the game a 4-1 affair favoring the Ducks.
After that first inning, starting pitcher Dave Williams kept things quiet and departed the game on the winning side after five innings against the Road Warriors. In only his second start for the Ducks in seventeen appearances this season, the Road Warriors touched him for eight hits, but only mustered the one run against him. He walked one batter and struck out five before giving way to Bob Zimmermann for the sixth.
That's when the Road Warriors made things close. After pitching a scoreless sixth inning, Zimmermann needed help from Valerio De Los Santos and Jeremy Hill to keep the Ducks on top after being charged with two earned runs in the top of the seventh inning. De Los Santos allowed a hit and one of those runs while Hill allowed a hit and plunked a batter before getting the third out.
The Ducks struck again in the home half of the seventh. Kinnard Jones led off the inning with a double. He advanced to third and then scored on a Javier Colina sac-fly to make it a 5-3 game.
Jeremy Hill stayed in to pitch the eighth inning and struck out two of the three batters he faced. Then, Ehren Wassermann was called upon to close the game for Long Island in the ninth inning. The Road Warriors made a go of it. But Wassermann finally closed out the game after giving up a run for his tenth save of the season.
The Ducks are now winners of seven straight. They improved their second-half record to 24-7; 4.5 games ahead of second place Bridgeport. Overall, the Ducks are now 64-30 this year. So far this season, they are the only Atlantic League team above sixty victories.
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ Popping Corks in York
From the desk of: A QUACK FROM BROOKLYN
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: CLINCH 1st HALF TITLE!
The Ducks' victory over the York Revolution Monday, coupled with South Maryland's loss to Bridgeport means Long Island has clinched first place in the first half Liberty Division race. In League leading fashion, they assured themselves a spot in this year's post-season while also putting to rest last year's disappointment of not making the playoffs after an Atlantic League record six consecutive appearances from 2004 through 2009.
A pop-up just beyond second base was the last out the game and an inning Bubbie Buzachero couldn't help but put his stamp on. But when the popped-up ball landed softly in SS-Dan Lyon's glove, any anxiety of closing the game was now energy devoted toward celebration. All the jubilant Ducks assembled on York's infield grass between second and third base where they exchanged congratulatory five fives; low fives; hugs; and hand shakes.
But this win did not come with out a price. Starting pitcher Mike Lorre; having a dominant season; was pitching another strong game before he was pulled in the seventh inning with an undetermined injury. I later heard during the York broadcast he left due to a groin strain and should be fine. Hmmm; you know how that goes.
Mike Loree allowed a lead-off home run in the seventh inning. Two pitches later, he must have felt something and Coach Baez wasn't about to take any chances with his ace. He called upon his bullpen to finish the game for Long Island. In Mike Loree's six innings and two batters of work, he allowed the lone home run and a total of only two hits. Mike walked one batter and struck out six. The Ducks' clincher was Loree's League leading tenth victory of the season. He remains as the only Atlantic League pitcher with an ERA below 2.00, as he sports a 1.71 mark.
The Ducks clinched the division's first half race with a 37-21 record. They beat out the South Maryland Blue Crabs by five games as of Monday. Their 37 wins are tops in the League. The Freedom Division's top two teams; Lancaster Barnstormers and York Revolution; have 33 victories each; good for second overall in the Atlantic League thus far. This week (Friday) marks the end of the first half of the Atlantic League season.
Early season highlights include:
Kraig Binick batted over .400 for a substantial stretch beginning with the start of the season till right before suffering facial injuries that he's since recovered from. His batting average is still at a lofty .366 this season which ranks him second in the League.
As part of overall solid seasons, Matt Esquivel and Javier Colina presently round out the .300 hitters for Long Island. Matt is batting .314 and Colina is sporting a .311 average on the season. Matt Esquivel has seven home runs and twenty-eight RBI to go along with his .300 average.
John Rodriguez has been beset by a some nagging injuries. He missed a couple games at first with a sore thumb. He now seems to be battling a barking shoulder and has missed quite a few games lately. Before being side-tracked with ailments, he was leading the Atlantic League with 42 RBI. There's a new League leader (46) now, but John is still ranked fourth in the League despite missing time. JR House is third in the League with 43 and teammate Javier Colina has 41 to place three Ducks among the top seven RBI leaders.
Javier Colina and JR House are also creeping up on the League leaders in home runs. The Atlantic League leader has twelve. Colina is right behind with eleven and House has ten of his own.
The Ducks 359 runs scored lead the League.
On the mound, as mentioned, Mike Loree is quite the story this season. Mike was named Pitcher of the Month for June. He's the League Leader in wins and ERA and is also one strikeout short of being tied for the League lead in that category. As great a season he's having, somewhere in the back of Duck Fan's minds, the thought that maybe it's only just a matter of time before an MLB team steps in to purchase his contract has to be creeping into one's thinking. No?
While that would be very unfortunate in the Ducks' scheme of things, it's not today's reality. But in that event, the Ducks' pitching is still quite capable. Mike Parisi has been a fine Number Two guy in the rotation. He got roughed up a bit in his last outing. But has been nothing short of solid this season.
He's a League leader in strikeouts, and as I hinted, his ERA was inflated a bit due to his last outing.
After Loree and Parisi, it's fair to say the Ducks are lacking depth in the starting rotation. Shane Youman may still yet emerge and be effective in the second half. Joselo Diaz has had his problems on the hill this season.
But that's where the bullpen has come in so well this season. Guys like Jason Monti and Bob Zimmermann keep the opposition honest. But Coach Baez relies on Jeremy Hill; Ehren Wassermann for the stickiest situations. The Tennessee Thrilla' - Bubbie Buzachero closes things out for Long Island but not without stomach-churning excitement. He must be doing something right though, as he has a League leading 11 saves.
The Ducks continue their series tonight against the York Revolution, who are trying to overtake the Lancaster Barnstormers for first place in the Freedom Division before Friday. York is only 1/2 game behind Lancaster.
Check out the Long Island Ducks celebration picture in the locker room: LIDucks.com
Check out The Ducks Division Champs banner here: AtlanticLeague.com
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: CLINCH 1st HALF TITLE!
The Ducks' victory over the York Revolution Monday, coupled with South Maryland's loss to Bridgeport means Long Island has clinched first place in the first half Liberty Division race. In League leading fashion, they assured themselves a spot in this year's post-season while also putting to rest last year's disappointment of not making the playoffs after an Atlantic League record six consecutive appearances from 2004 through 2009.
A pop-up just beyond second base was the last out the game and an inning Bubbie Buzachero couldn't help but put his stamp on. But when the popped-up ball landed softly in SS-Dan Lyon's glove, any anxiety of closing the game was now energy devoted toward celebration. All the jubilant Ducks assembled on York's infield grass between second and third base where they exchanged congratulatory five fives; low fives; hugs; and hand shakes.
But this win did not come with out a price. Starting pitcher Mike Lorre; having a dominant season; was pitching another strong game before he was pulled in the seventh inning with an undetermined injury. I later heard during the York broadcast he left due to a groin strain and should be fine. Hmmm; you know how that goes.
Mike Loree allowed a lead-off home run in the seventh inning. Two pitches later, he must have felt something and Coach Baez wasn't about to take any chances with his ace. He called upon his bullpen to finish the game for Long Island. In Mike Loree's six innings and two batters of work, he allowed the lone home run and a total of only two hits. Mike walked one batter and struck out six. The Ducks' clincher was Loree's League leading tenth victory of the season. He remains as the only Atlantic League pitcher with an ERA below 2.00, as he sports a 1.71 mark.
The Ducks clinched the division's first half race with a 37-21 record. They beat out the South Maryland Blue Crabs by five games as of Monday. Their 37 wins are tops in the League. The Freedom Division's top two teams; Lancaster Barnstormers and York Revolution; have 33 victories each; good for second overall in the Atlantic League thus far. This week (Friday) marks the end of the first half of the Atlantic League season.
Early season highlights include:
Kraig Binick batted over .400 for a substantial stretch beginning with the start of the season till right before suffering facial injuries that he's since recovered from. His batting average is still at a lofty .366 this season which ranks him second in the League.
As part of overall solid seasons, Matt Esquivel and Javier Colina presently round out the .300 hitters for Long Island. Matt is batting .314 and Colina is sporting a .311 average on the season. Matt Esquivel has seven home runs and twenty-eight RBI to go along with his .300 average.
John Rodriguez has been beset by a some nagging injuries. He missed a couple games at first with a sore thumb. He now seems to be battling a barking shoulder and has missed quite a few games lately. Before being side-tracked with ailments, he was leading the Atlantic League with 42 RBI. There's a new League leader (46) now, but John is still ranked fourth in the League despite missing time. JR House is third in the League with 43 and teammate Javier Colina has 41 to place three Ducks among the top seven RBI leaders.
Javier Colina and JR House are also creeping up on the League leaders in home runs. The Atlantic League leader has twelve. Colina is right behind with eleven and House has ten of his own.
The Ducks 359 runs scored lead the League.
On the mound, as mentioned, Mike Loree is quite the story this season. Mike was named Pitcher of the Month for June. He's the League Leader in wins and ERA and is also one strikeout short of being tied for the League lead in that category. As great a season he's having, somewhere in the back of Duck Fan's minds, the thought that maybe it's only just a matter of time before an MLB team steps in to purchase his contract has to be creeping into one's thinking. No?
While that would be very unfortunate in the Ducks' scheme of things, it's not today's reality. But in that event, the Ducks' pitching is still quite capable. Mike Parisi has been a fine Number Two guy in the rotation. He got roughed up a bit in his last outing. But has been nothing short of solid this season.
He's a League leader in strikeouts, and as I hinted, his ERA was inflated a bit due to his last outing.
After Loree and Parisi, it's fair to say the Ducks are lacking depth in the starting rotation. Shane Youman may still yet emerge and be effective in the second half. Joselo Diaz has had his problems on the hill this season.
But that's where the bullpen has come in so well this season. Guys like Jason Monti and Bob Zimmermann keep the opposition honest. But Coach Baez relies on Jeremy Hill; Ehren Wassermann for the stickiest situations. The Tennessee Thrilla' - Bubbie Buzachero closes things out for Long Island but not without stomach-churning excitement. He must be doing something right though, as he has a League leading 11 saves.
The Ducks continue their series tonight against the York Revolution, who are trying to overtake the Lancaster Barnstormers for first place in the Freedom Division before Friday. York is only 1/2 game behind Lancaster.
Check out the Long Island Ducks celebration picture in the locker room: LIDucks.com
Check out The Ducks Division Champs banner here: AtlanticLeague.com
Mike.BTB
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ Waddling Towards A Playoff Spot
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Magic Number Down To Five.
Playing their best ball of the season, The York Revolution were the hottest team in the Atlantic League at the time they showed up in Long Island for a three game series. The Revolution have been giving the Lancaster Barnstormers a run for their money in the Liberty Division. They were winners of nine out of their last ten games. But all that changed when they stepped foot in The Pond Tuesday.
As they continue their own romp through the League tonight and winning the first two games of this series, fads like York matter not to the Ducks. Not when they are now the hottest team in the Atlantic League; not to mention the League's best. And speaking of the best; Mike Loree tossed another gem, as the Ducks elevated their League best record to 36-18, as they march towards a first half Liberty Division title.
It's OK to start talking Magic Numbers now. The Ducks hold a five game edge over South Maryland with ten games to go before the first half standings get written in ink.
And the Magic Number is? Five.
Ducks' starting pitcher; Mike Loree; improved all his League leading numbers. He is now 9-1 this season and has won his last seven straight decisions. In his longest outing of the season, he pitched 8 full innings against York and allowed no runs; only five hits; no walks; and struck out four. He threw 101 pitches and 69 of them went for strikes. His 1.73 ERA is magically disappearing before our eyes.
Ehren Wassermann added another fine inning of relief to finish out Mike Loree's night. He pitched the ninth; gave up a hit and struck out one in a non-save situation.
While Mike Loree was cruising along, the Ducks gave him three runs in the third inning to work with. Kennard Jones singled to lead off the inning and Javier Colina doubled him over to third. With Matt Esquivel up, a dropped strike three by the catcher resulted in Kennard scoring and Esquivel reaching first base. Javier Colina scored when Matt Padgett grounded into a fielder's choice. J.R. House doubled home Matt Padgett for a 3-0 lead.
In the eighth inning, Kraig Binick drove home Matt Esquivel with an RBI single. Then Kennard Jones cleared the bases with a three RBI double to left for a 7-0 Long Island lead.
***John Rodriguez missed another game, perhaps due to a lingering thumb issue.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Magic Number Down To Five.
Playing their best ball of the season, The York Revolution were the hottest team in the Atlantic League at the time they showed up in Long Island for a three game series. The Revolution have been giving the Lancaster Barnstormers a run for their money in the Liberty Division. They were winners of nine out of their last ten games. But all that changed when they stepped foot in The Pond Tuesday.
As they continue their own romp through the League tonight and winning the first two games of this series, fads like York matter not to the Ducks. Not when they are now the hottest team in the Atlantic League; not to mention the League's best. And speaking of the best; Mike Loree tossed another gem, as the Ducks elevated their League best record to 36-18, as they march towards a first half Liberty Division title.
It's OK to start talking Magic Numbers now. The Ducks hold a five game edge over South Maryland with ten games to go before the first half standings get written in ink.
And the Magic Number is? Five.
Ducks' starting pitcher; Mike Loree; improved all his League leading numbers. He is now 9-1 this season and has won his last seven straight decisions. In his longest outing of the season, he pitched 8 full innings against York and allowed no runs; only five hits; no walks; and struck out four. He threw 101 pitches and 69 of them went for strikes. His 1.73 ERA is magically disappearing before our eyes.
Ehren Wassermann added another fine inning of relief to finish out Mike Loree's night. He pitched the ninth; gave up a hit and struck out one in a non-save situation.
While Mike Loree was cruising along, the Ducks gave him three runs in the third inning to work with. Kennard Jones singled to lead off the inning and Javier Colina doubled him over to third. With Matt Esquivel up, a dropped strike three by the catcher resulted in Kennard scoring and Esquivel reaching first base. Javier Colina scored when Matt Padgett grounded into a fielder's choice. J.R. House doubled home Matt Padgett for a 3-0 lead.
In the eighth inning, Kraig Binick drove home Matt Esquivel with an RBI single. Then Kennard Jones cleared the bases with a three RBI double to left for a 7-0 Long Island lead.
***John Rodriguez missed another game, perhaps due to a lingering thumb issue.
Mike.BTB
Monday, June 27, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Closer To A First Half Divison Clincher
From the desk of: WADDLING THROUGH BROOKLYN
The Ducks Are Well On Their Way To Wiping Away The Memory Of Missing The Playoffs in 2010. With Less Than Two Weeks To Go, The Webbed Crusaders Are Zeroing In On a First Half Clinch.
The South Maryland Blue Crabs salvaged the last game of their series against the Long Island Ducks Sunday afternoon to avoid dropping behind Long Island by six games. For the Ducks, the first half standings are twelve games away from being written in stone. They lead the Liberty Division by a healthy five games over South Maryland. Somewhere around July 9, 2011, the Atlantic League's First Half division winners will be decided as the first half comes to an end and the standings get frozen in time.
Winning the division obviously has it's advantages once the playoffs start. But the Long Island Ducks also sport the League's best record. And there are playoff advantages to that too. The Ducks' record of 33-17 is tops so far. Behind them is the Freedom Division leader; Lancaster Barnstormers; with a
30-19 record. As division leaders, they are the only two clubs with thirty or more wins.
The Long Island Ducks disappointingly missed the playoffs last season. This year, they have played with a near-complete balance to their game and are perhaps the most well rounded team in the League today.
Batting for average; timely hitting; and power compliment strong starting pitching, while backed up by shut-down bullpen work. All have equalled first place and current King of the Hill status for the Webbed Spikes Nine.
Mike Loree; the League's top hurler in nearly all major categories; and his mound-partner; Mike Parisi; a League co-leader in strikeouts, have emerged as the Atlantic League's most lethal starting pitching combination this season. While there were reasonable expectations for Mike Parisi heading into the season, Mike Loree seized the most of a second opportunity to pitch in the starting rotation. He's anchoring the staff after not earning a spot heading into opening day. But the departure of Lenny DiNardo presented Loree with another opportunity and he nailed it. Loree and Parisi; the Mike and Mike Show; are a combined 13-3 this season. After Loree and Parisi, the Ducks might be considered a little thin in the rotation. More about that towards the end of this post.
Stocked with firemen like Ehren Wassermann; Jeremy Hill; emerging Bob Zimmermann; and of course, the Bethpage Thrilla' Bubbie Buzachero; the Ducks' bullpen is well armed for long relief if necessary. Of particular note, the work Eren Wassermann has put in so far should not go under spoken. He and Buzachero have a combined 14 saves. There were hopes former Met; Duaner Sanchez could be a big contributor this season. But in only nine appearances he was largely ineffective and is presently inactive. However, Shane Youman has come on lately, and in five appearances is yet to allow a run.
On the offensive side of things, the Ducks lead the Atlantic League in runs (308) scored. Kraig Binick batted over .400 for a substantial time before missing a week with facial fractures. His .352 batting average is still second overall in the League. Javier Colina is batting .303; Matt Esquivel is at .321; and John Rodriguez is working on a .298 average.
Javier Colina is second in the League in home runs (10) and sixth in RBI. John Rodriguez, despite missing five games recently due to a sore thumb, is still tied for the League lead with 42 RBI. After Colina's ten home runs, there are no shortages for power in the Ducks line-up. Ray Navarrete and J.R. House are second on the team with eight apiece. John Rodriguez comes in next with seven. And Matt Esquivel and Lew Ford have six each.
John Rodriguez leads all Atlantic Leaguers in RBI, but quite a few Ducks are driving in runs also. Javier Colina with thirty-six and J.R House with thirty-four, round out the team's top three.
Defensively, I'd only offer maybe Ray Navarrete and Javier Colina need to tighten things up a bit up the middle. Matt Esquivel has had his moments in right field, but is doing a respectable job. Otherwise, the Ducks are a fundamentally sound bunch.
The Lancaster Barnstormers are only 5-5 in their last ten games. Last year's champion; the York Revolution are hot on their trail. Winners of nine out of their last ten, they are only one game behind first place Lancaster in the Freedom Division. As a matter of fact, York IS the hottest team in the League right now.
Then enter the Ducks who are winners of seven out of their last ten games. Many thought, after losing their top two sluggers, who's contracts were purchased by the Mexican League, the Blue Crabs would fade away in the Liberty Division standings.. But they stuck around and took turns occupying first place with the Ducks before Long Island finally took a firm grip on the division. Bridgeport started to surge and I thought they'd over-take South Maryland at some point. But they are mired at .500 and can't seem to stop running in place. Last place Camden recently visited Long Island and gave them all they could handle with a four game series split.
After an off day Monday, The Ducks play host to the white hot York Revolution for three games. That should be a very interesting series for the Ducks. Joselo Diaz, who's struggled this season, and Ruddy Lugo are my guess to start two games during the series. A third starter is harder to find. Perhaps Shane Youman gets called to man the hill for a game. York will escape without having to face Loree and Parisi after they pitched against South Maryland over the weekend.
ATLANTIC LEAGUE NEWS:
During the bottom of the fourth inning in a game between the Lancaster Barnstormers and the Somerset Patriots, Lancaster manager; Butch Hobson; argued over a play at first base with first base umpire; Chris Rick.
A heated Butch Hobson then gestured as if to throw the Umpire out of the game. Well, that bought Hobson an ejection. Coach Hobson then repeated the gesture throwing the Umpire out of the game again. He then removed the first base bag out of the ground and took it with him to the dugout, where he retrieved a Sharpie; signed the bag; and gave it to a young fan in the first row. The home crowd went wild as the game continued without a first base bag.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS:
Off Day; State of the Pond Address.
The Ducks Are Well On Their Way To Wiping Away The Memory Of Missing The Playoffs in 2010. With Less Than Two Weeks To Go, The Webbed Crusaders Are Zeroing In On a First Half Clinch.
The South Maryland Blue Crabs salvaged the last game of their series against the Long Island Ducks Sunday afternoon to avoid dropping behind Long Island by six games. For the Ducks, the first half standings are twelve games away from being written in stone. They lead the Liberty Division by a healthy five games over South Maryland. Somewhere around July 9, 2011, the Atlantic League's First Half division winners will be decided as the first half comes to an end and the standings get frozen in time.
Winning the division obviously has it's advantages once the playoffs start. But the Long Island Ducks also sport the League's best record. And there are playoff advantages to that too. The Ducks' record of 33-17 is tops so far. Behind them is the Freedom Division leader; Lancaster Barnstormers; with a
30-19 record. As division leaders, they are the only two clubs with thirty or more wins.
The Long Island Ducks disappointingly missed the playoffs last season. This year, they have played with a near-complete balance to their game and are perhaps the most well rounded team in the League today.
Batting for average; timely hitting; and power compliment strong starting pitching, while backed up by shut-down bullpen work. All have equalled first place and current King of the Hill status for the Webbed Spikes Nine.
Mike Loree; the League's top hurler in nearly all major categories; and his mound-partner; Mike Parisi; a League co-leader in strikeouts, have emerged as the Atlantic League's most lethal starting pitching combination this season. While there were reasonable expectations for Mike Parisi heading into the season, Mike Loree seized the most of a second opportunity to pitch in the starting rotation. He's anchoring the staff after not earning a spot heading into opening day. But the departure of Lenny DiNardo presented Loree with another opportunity and he nailed it. Loree and Parisi; the Mike and Mike Show; are a combined 13-3 this season. After Loree and Parisi, the Ducks might be considered a little thin in the rotation. More about that towards the end of this post.
Stocked with firemen like Ehren Wassermann; Jeremy Hill; emerging Bob Zimmermann; and of course, the Bethpage Thrilla' Bubbie Buzachero; the Ducks' bullpen is well armed for long relief if necessary. Of particular note, the work Eren Wassermann has put in so far should not go under spoken. He and Buzachero have a combined 14 saves. There were hopes former Met; Duaner Sanchez could be a big contributor this season. But in only nine appearances he was largely ineffective and is presently inactive. However, Shane Youman has come on lately, and in five appearances is yet to allow a run.
On the offensive side of things, the Ducks lead the Atlantic League in runs (308) scored. Kraig Binick batted over .400 for a substantial time before missing a week with facial fractures. His .352 batting average is still second overall in the League. Javier Colina is batting .303; Matt Esquivel is at .321; and John Rodriguez is working on a .298 average.
Javier Colina is second in the League in home runs (10) and sixth in RBI. John Rodriguez, despite missing five games recently due to a sore thumb, is still tied for the League lead with 42 RBI. After Colina's ten home runs, there are no shortages for power in the Ducks line-up. Ray Navarrete and J.R. House are second on the team with eight apiece. John Rodriguez comes in next with seven. And Matt Esquivel and Lew Ford have six each.
John Rodriguez leads all Atlantic Leaguers in RBI, but quite a few Ducks are driving in runs also. Javier Colina with thirty-six and J.R House with thirty-four, round out the team's top three.
Defensively, I'd only offer maybe Ray Navarrete and Javier Colina need to tighten things up a bit up the middle. Matt Esquivel has had his moments in right field, but is doing a respectable job. Otherwise, the Ducks are a fundamentally sound bunch.
The Lancaster Barnstormers are only 5-5 in their last ten games. Last year's champion; the York Revolution are hot on their trail. Winners of nine out of their last ten, they are only one game behind first place Lancaster in the Freedom Division. As a matter of fact, York IS the hottest team in the League right now.
Then enter the Ducks who are winners of seven out of their last ten games. Many thought, after losing their top two sluggers, who's contracts were purchased by the Mexican League, the Blue Crabs would fade away in the Liberty Division standings.. But they stuck around and took turns occupying first place with the Ducks before Long Island finally took a firm grip on the division. Bridgeport started to surge and I thought they'd over-take South Maryland at some point. But they are mired at .500 and can't seem to stop running in place. Last place Camden recently visited Long Island and gave them all they could handle with a four game series split.
After an off day Monday, The Ducks play host to the white hot York Revolution for three games. That should be a very interesting series for the Ducks. Joselo Diaz, who's struggled this season, and Ruddy Lugo are my guess to start two games during the series. A third starter is harder to find. Perhaps Shane Youman gets called to man the hill for a game. York will escape without having to face Loree and Parisi after they pitched against South Maryland over the weekend.
ATLANTIC LEAGUE NEWS:
During the bottom of the fourth inning in a game between the Lancaster Barnstormers and the Somerset Patriots, Lancaster manager; Butch Hobson; argued over a play at first base with first base umpire; Chris Rick.
A heated Butch Hobson then gestured as if to throw the Umpire out of the game. Well, that bought Hobson an ejection. Coach Hobson then repeated the gesture throwing the Umpire out of the game again. He then removed the first base bag out of the ground and took it with him to the dugout, where he retrieved a Sharpie; signed the bag; and gave it to a young fan in the first row. The home crowd went wild as the game continued without a first base bag.
Mike.BTB
Saturday, June 25, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Reaffirming First Place
From the desk of: WEBBED SPIKES
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Veni; Vidi ; Quack!
Long Island Takes First Game In Series Between Liberty Division's Top Two Teams.
They came; The saw; And they Quacked Mightily. Game one between the first place Ducks and second place Blue Crabs goes to the team invading South Maryland from Long Island.
The Ducks used the long ball; Mike Loree; and a strong effort by the bullpen to trap them some Maryland Blue Crabs Friday evening. But they needed a mid-game comeback to do it.
The Ducks and Mike Loree were trailing 2-0 after three innings. Then in the fourth inning, Matt Esquivel doubled with one out. Matt Padgett singled advancing Esquivel to third. J.R. House grounded into a double play but Esquivel scored on the play.
The Ducks blew the game open in the fifth inning. Javier Colina hit a two run home run scoring himself and Ray Navarrete who doubled. John Rodriguez singled and scored on Long Island's second home run of the inning when Matt Esquivel pounded a Brian Slocum pitch over the wall for a 5-2 Ducks' lead.
South Maryland came back with a run in the bottom of the fifth, but the Ducks took it back in the sixth. Leading off, J.R. House greeted new Blue Crabs pitcher; Jason Waddell; by crunching his 3-1 pitch for a solo home run and a 6-3 lead.
Another tack-on run in the ninth and South Maryland was officially 5 games back of Long Island in the first half standings.
The bullpen was dynamite in relief of Mike Loree. Bob Zimmermann was first out of the pen and pitched two innings of no-hit ball and struck out two. Ehren Wasserman closed out the game for the Ducks with two innings of one-hit ball. He struck out one and earned his third save this season.
Ehren Wassermann continues to pitch with authority out of the bullpen. In 30 innings pitched all in relief this season, he has 31 strikeouts while allowing just 24 hits and only two walks! He's 3-0 with a 1.50 ERA.
Mike Loree won his League leading eighth game versus just one loss. But he wasn't as sharp as he's been and got smacked around somewhat. He surrendered eleven hits to the Blue Crabs and allowed them to get out to a 2-0 early lead. He lasted only five innings Friday evening. South Maryland scored three times against him but only two runs were earned. While he was more hittable in this start, Mike Loree was still just as dominant all the same. He limited himself to one walk allowed and struck out seven Blue Crabs. His League leading ERA now stands at 1.99 and his League leading strikeout total now stands at sixty-four.
EXTRA INNING:
Kennard Jones went 0 for 5 which just might precipitate a switching of Kraig Binick from the nine-spot in the line-up, back to the lead-off spot; which is where he batted before suffering a facial injury.
LIBERTY DIVISION STANDINGS:
1st - Long Island Ducks................32-17 .653
2nd - S. Maryland Blue Crabs.....27-22 .551 5 Games Back
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Veni; Vidi ; Quack!
Long Island Takes First Game In Series Between Liberty Division's Top Two Teams.
They came; The saw; And they Quacked Mightily. Game one between the first place Ducks and second place Blue Crabs goes to the team invading South Maryland from Long Island.
The Ducks used the long ball; Mike Loree; and a strong effort by the bullpen to trap them some Maryland Blue Crabs Friday evening. But they needed a mid-game comeback to do it.
The Ducks and Mike Loree were trailing 2-0 after three innings. Then in the fourth inning, Matt Esquivel doubled with one out. Matt Padgett singled advancing Esquivel to third. J.R. House grounded into a double play but Esquivel scored on the play.
The Ducks blew the game open in the fifth inning. Javier Colina hit a two run home run scoring himself and Ray Navarrete who doubled. John Rodriguez singled and scored on Long Island's second home run of the inning when Matt Esquivel pounded a Brian Slocum pitch over the wall for a 5-2 Ducks' lead.
South Maryland came back with a run in the bottom of the fifth, but the Ducks took it back in the sixth. Leading off, J.R. House greeted new Blue Crabs pitcher; Jason Waddell; by crunching his 3-1 pitch for a solo home run and a 6-3 lead.
Another tack-on run in the ninth and South Maryland was officially 5 games back of Long Island in the first half standings.
The bullpen was dynamite in relief of Mike Loree. Bob Zimmermann was first out of the pen and pitched two innings of no-hit ball and struck out two. Ehren Wasserman closed out the game for the Ducks with two innings of one-hit ball. He struck out one and earned his third save this season.
Ehren Wassermann continues to pitch with authority out of the bullpen. In 30 innings pitched all in relief this season, he has 31 strikeouts while allowing just 24 hits and only two walks! He's 3-0 with a 1.50 ERA.
Mike Loree won his League leading eighth game versus just one loss. But he wasn't as sharp as he's been and got smacked around somewhat. He surrendered eleven hits to the Blue Crabs and allowed them to get out to a 2-0 early lead. He lasted only five innings Friday evening. South Maryland scored three times against him but only two runs were earned. While he was more hittable in this start, Mike Loree was still just as dominant all the same. He limited himself to one walk allowed and struck out seven Blue Crabs. His League leading ERA now stands at 1.99 and his League leading strikeout total now stands at sixty-four.
EXTRA INNING:
Kennard Jones went 0 for 5 which just might precipitate a switching of Kraig Binick from the nine-spot in the line-up, back to the lead-off spot; which is where he batted before suffering a facial injury.
LIBERTY DIVISION STANDINGS:
1st - Long Island Ducks................32-17 .653
2nd - S. Maryland Blue Crabs.....27-22 .551 5 Games Back
TODAY
GAME TWO
LONG ISLAND DUCKS
vs.
South Maryland Blue Crabs
From parts south of New York
Mike.BTB
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Jumping the RiverShark
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
Long Island Ducks: 9th Inning Win Gives Ducks Four Game Lead In Liberty Division.
The Ducks got right back on track after losing a 2-1 pitchers duel to the Camden River Sharks Monday. Last night, Ray Navarrete knocked in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth with a pop-up that dropped in between an indecisive Camden infield for a 4-3 Ducks victory.
Bubbie Buzachero picked up his third win in relief of starter, Joselo Diaz, and Ehrin Wassermann.
The Ducks' and the Atlantic League's top RBI man; John Rodriguez missed his fifth straight game.
The win increased Long Island's division lead to four games over second place South Maryland. The Ducks are now 30-17 for the season and winners of eight out of their last ten games.
The two teams have split the first two games of this four game series in Long Island. Tonight is Game Three.
Mike.BTB
Long Island Ducks: 9th Inning Win Gives Ducks Four Game Lead In Liberty Division.
The Ducks got right back on track after losing a 2-1 pitchers duel to the Camden River Sharks Monday. Last night, Ray Navarrete knocked in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth with a pop-up that dropped in between an indecisive Camden infield for a 4-3 Ducks victory.
Bubbie Buzachero picked up his third win in relief of starter, Joselo Diaz, and Ehrin Wassermann.
The Ducks' and the Atlantic League's top RBI man; John Rodriguez missed his fifth straight game.
The win increased Long Island's division lead to four games over second place South Maryland. The Ducks are now 30-17 for the season and winners of eight out of their last ten games.
The two teams have split the first two games of this four game series in Long Island. Tonight is Game Three.
TONIGHT
Camden River Sharks
vs.
LONG ISLAND DUCKS
From Bethpage Park
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Mike Loree Emerges As Atlantic League's Best Hurler
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
Long Island Ducks: Mike Loree Continues His Domination of the Atlantic League. Ducks Add A Full Game To Their First Place Lead.
In Lancaster, Ducks' hurler Mike Loree added another sparkling start to his 2011 resume as Long Island won the first game of a three game series against the Barnstormers by a final score of 5-3.
J.R. House homered for Long Island in the 5th inning for the first run of the game. Kennard Jones and Ray Navarrete starting things off for the Ducks in the 6th with back-to-back lead-off singles. Javier Colina and John Rodriguez drove them in with another pair of consecutive singles to put Long Island ahead 3-0 after six full innings.
Tying his longest start of the season, Mike Loree came out to pitch the seventh and faced three batters. After a lead-off single and a fly out to center field, Mike Loree hit the next batter. That prompted a visit from Coach Baez who made a move to the bullpen calling on Jeremy Hill for relief. The Barnstormers loaded the bases against Hill, and brought a run home with a sac fly to break the shut-out. That run was charged to Loree. Jeremy Hill kept the Ducks out of further trouble by striking out the next batter for out number three.
Long Island picked up two insurance runs in the top of the eighth with a two out rally. John Rodriguez drew a walk. He scored on Matt Esquivel's double. The next Ducks' batter, Matt Padget drove Esquivel home with a single upping Long Island's lead; 5-1.
Jeremy Hill pitched himself into trouble in the bottom of the eighth inning by allowing the first two batters to reach base with no outs. After getting one out, Jeremy surrendered a single allowing Lancaster to plate their second run. Lancaster's park helped the Ducks when it held a Terry Tiffee (DH-Lancaster) blast from leaving the park. The Barnstormers were held to one run scoring on that blast off the wall but the spread on the scoreboard was closing.
Coach Baez made his way to the mound again and gave Jeremy Hill the hook with the score at 5-3.
Ehren Wasserman was called in by Coach to get the Ducks out of this jam. Wasserman got the second out of the inning by striking out his first batter. Wasserman completed the job by inducing the next batter into a ground out to short.
Ducks' closer, Bubbie Buzachero, was called upon to close the ninth inning.
Give the bullpen credit tonight even though they made things very interesting. Jeremy Hill pitched the Ducks out of Mike Loree's jam in the seventh. Ehren Wasserman got them out of Jeremy Hill's jam in the eighth. And Buzachero made things most interesting of all. After getting the first two outs, he allowed the next two batters to get on base. That brought the potential winning run to the plate. Javier Colina had trouble handling a blast to short, but composed himself to record the last out of the game and preserving a well pitched game by Mike Loree. Mr. Excitement; Bubbie Buzachero; managed his 8th save of the season.
MIKE LOREE's LINE:
6.1 ~ innings pitched
3 ~ hits.
1 ~ run.
2 ~ walks.
9 ~ strikeouts.
SEASON RECORD:
6 wins; 1 loss
Tonight's effort by Mike Loree now ties him for the CanAm League lead in wins with six while also lowering his already League leading ERA from 2.25 down to 2.18. After nine strikeouts tonight, he now has 48 for the season which also now places him first in the Atlantic League. A tremendous start to a season for a guy cashing in on a second chance continues.
Long Island and South Maryland started Tuesday evening with the Ducks in front by a mere half game. Tonight's win coupled with the South Maryland Blue Crabs' loss to Camden increases Long Island's first place lead in the Liberty Division to 1.5 games.
This was Long Island's third consecutive win. They are 8-2 in their last ten games.
Bridgeport fell to 4 games back in the standings and are losing a rain delayed game 4-2 to the Road Warriors in the sixth inning as of this post time.
Mike.BTB
Long Island Ducks: Mike Loree Continues His Domination of the Atlantic League. Ducks Add A Full Game To Their First Place Lead.
In Lancaster, Ducks' hurler Mike Loree added another sparkling start to his 2011 resume as Long Island won the first game of a three game series against the Barnstormers by a final score of 5-3.
J.R. House homered for Long Island in the 5th inning for the first run of the game. Kennard Jones and Ray Navarrete starting things off for the Ducks in the 6th with back-to-back lead-off singles. Javier Colina and John Rodriguez drove them in with another pair of consecutive singles to put Long Island ahead 3-0 after six full innings.
Tying his longest start of the season, Mike Loree came out to pitch the seventh and faced three batters. After a lead-off single and a fly out to center field, Mike Loree hit the next batter. That prompted a visit from Coach Baez who made a move to the bullpen calling on Jeremy Hill for relief. The Barnstormers loaded the bases against Hill, and brought a run home with a sac fly to break the shut-out. That run was charged to Loree. Jeremy Hill kept the Ducks out of further trouble by striking out the next batter for out number three.
Long Island picked up two insurance runs in the top of the eighth with a two out rally. John Rodriguez drew a walk. He scored on Matt Esquivel's double. The next Ducks' batter, Matt Padget drove Esquivel home with a single upping Long Island's lead; 5-1.
Jeremy Hill pitched himself into trouble in the bottom of the eighth inning by allowing the first two batters to reach base with no outs. After getting one out, Jeremy surrendered a single allowing Lancaster to plate their second run. Lancaster's park helped the Ducks when it held a Terry Tiffee (DH-Lancaster) blast from leaving the park. The Barnstormers were held to one run scoring on that blast off the wall but the spread on the scoreboard was closing.
Coach Baez made his way to the mound again and gave Jeremy Hill the hook with the score at 5-3.
Ehren Wasserman was called in by Coach to get the Ducks out of this jam. Wasserman got the second out of the inning by striking out his first batter. Wasserman completed the job by inducing the next batter into a ground out to short.
Ducks' closer, Bubbie Buzachero, was called upon to close the ninth inning.
Give the bullpen credit tonight even though they made things very interesting. Jeremy Hill pitched the Ducks out of Mike Loree's jam in the seventh. Ehren Wasserman got them out of Jeremy Hill's jam in the eighth. And Buzachero made things most interesting of all. After getting the first two outs, he allowed the next two batters to get on base. That brought the potential winning run to the plate. Javier Colina had trouble handling a blast to short, but composed himself to record the last out of the game and preserving a well pitched game by Mike Loree. Mr. Excitement; Bubbie Buzachero; managed his 8th save of the season.
MIKE LOREE's LINE:
6.1 ~ innings pitched
3 ~ hits.
1 ~ run.
2 ~ walks.
9 ~ strikeouts.
SEASON RECORD:
6 wins; 1 loss
Tonight's effort by Mike Loree now ties him for the CanAm League lead in wins with six while also lowering his already League leading ERA from 2.25 down to 2.18. After nine strikeouts tonight, he now has 48 for the season which also now places him first in the Atlantic League. A tremendous start to a season for a guy cashing in on a second chance continues.
Long Island and South Maryland started Tuesday evening with the Ducks in front by a mere half game. Tonight's win coupled with the South Maryland Blue Crabs' loss to Camden increases Long Island's first place lead in the Liberty Division to 1.5 games.
This was Long Island's third consecutive win. They are 8-2 in their last ten games.
Bridgeport fell to 4 games back in the standings and are losing a rain delayed game 4-2 to the Road Warriors in the sixth inning as of this post time.
Mike.BTB
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