From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: The Webbed Nine Had Their Soft White Feathered Under Belly Exposed in Camden.
What's wrong with the Ducks?
Nothing. They got swept by the Camden River Sharks; that's all. When the team is going this well, you can't be taken aback by something like that. It happens. They lost a double-header Saturday and lost Sunday after getting rained out Friday evening down in Camden, N.J.
But what really happened to the Ducks besides meeting up with a Camden team playing well at the moment? Camden is after all 22-12 in the second half, and in second place behind Long Island.
Last week, Mike Loree won his 14th game of the season. That set the Long Island Ducks' single season record for victories; previously set by Troy Cate (13) in 2009. He also struck out 10 batters in that game. This season, Mike Loree is the Atlantic League's leader in wins; strikeouts; and ERA. And he will be tonight's starter when the Ducks open up a series against Southern Maryland at Bethpage Park.
And now you can start talking about the Ducks' problems. Between Loree starts, the Ducks are now officially thin. And Camden caught Long Island within the void as Mike Loree pitched last Wednesday and goes again tonight.
Although seemingly moving right along, and continuing to win games at a 67% clip after the contracts of Mike Parisi and Shane Youman were sold, perhaps this is a glimpse into what kind of havoc lack of depth in the starting rotation can cause in a short series. With the playoffs right around the corner, it's a scary glimpse I'm afraid.
In this most recent turn through the rotation, besides Mike Loree's victory last Wednesday, the only other Ducks' pitcher to record a win was Mark Diapoules; when he followed Loree last Thursday and completed a sweep of the Road Warriors.
With Long Island's need for starters, Diapoules stepped out of the bullpen and into a starting role. As a relief pitcher through mid-June, he record was 1-1 and by then his ERA had grown to 3.96. Since then, he's amazingly 6-0 as a starter, and his 4.06 ERA is not much higher than previous to starting his new role.
Then came a weekend series in Camden; a trio of loses; and three questions moving forward.
Regular starter; Joselo Diaz; pitched the first game of a double-header Saturday; ...well, technically anyway. He lasted all of 1.1 innings and gave up seven runs; six earned. It falls right in line with his overall struggles this season. He's 5-7 as a starter this season with a 6.90 ERA. He's walked almost as many as he's struck out in 19 starts for the Ducks.
In game two Saturday; staff regular; Ruddy Lugo took his turn and coughed-up 4.2 innings pitched. He allowed 10 hits; 6 runs/4 earned. In sixteen starts this season, Ruddy is 5-3 with a 5.91 ERA. In 74 innings pitched, he too walks as many as he strikes out; 39/40.
Sunday, Dave Williams; like Diapoules who was summoned from the bullpen to start games; made his third start of the season, and eighteenth appearance over all. Of the three weekend starting pitchers against Camden, Williams went the longest, but suffered the same fate as the others; he lost. He pitched 6.0 innings, while surrendering five runs on eight hits.
Now tonight, Ducks' Ace Mike Loree; who is the League leader in all three Triple Crown categories for a pitcher; must also play stopper for Long Island.
But what could be wrong? Southern Maryland can either expose the dilemma I spelled out, or put some of these anxieties to rest with this series opening up tonight.
We know how in the playoffs, what you have left to compete against is good pitching. And the saying goes, good pitching stops good hitting. The Ducks have basically been pounding opponents into submission with their offense; with League batting leaders, and League leaders in RBI. They have the highest team batting and have scored the most team runs.
But their pitching is now depleted. Will they be able to slug their way through the playoffs? Ideally, Mike Loree only gets one start in a round of playoffs. If he makes two starts, it's because the series went to a fifth and deciding game.
Are you comfortable with that?
Mike.BTB
Showing posts with label Joselo Diaz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joselo Diaz. Show all posts
Monday, August 22, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Moving On Without Mike Parisi
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: A Ripple in the Pond or a Tidal Wave of Trouble?
As July winds down and I settle in for the second half of the season, the first half Champion Ducks are already 14 games into the tail end with a match against the Lancaster Barnstormers tonight in game two of a three game series; kicking off a six game home stand at Bethpage Park.
The Ducks are 9-4 in their first 13 second half games. But that places them behind a suddenly hot Camden River Sharks in the Liberty Division, who have started 11-3 thus far. Long Island is still the overall Atlantic League leader with a 49-27 record.
The biggest concern for the Ducks moving forward has to be the purchase of Atlantic League All-Star, Mike Parisi's contract by the L.A. Dodgers. He and Mike Loree combined to create a formidable one-two punch at the top of the starting rotation for Long Island. Parisi still ranks among the League leaders in strikeouts and ERA even 10 days after his acquisition by the Dodgers.
While I for one don't think Camden will keep up their recent play, and think South Maryland will still continue to pester Long Island in the division, the Ducks continued winning hints they will survive Parisi's departure.
I say not so fast. Come playoff time, everything changes. We all know that. But I think the York Revolution may have a clear edge in starting pitching now. Of course time will tell.
Veteran hurler, Shane Youman however, has stepped in marvelously for Long Island since his Ducks' debut on June 8th. He easily won the the third spot in the rotation prior to Parisi's departure. He has appeared in eleven games thus far and started five. While compiling a 5-1 record, he's done it sustaining a very low 0.87 ERA.
Tonight's starter for Long Island is Joselo Diaz. Much more is needed from him. He's struggled all season and is currently sporting an ERA above the 6.00 mark. Between him, Mark Diapoulis, Heath Phillips, and Ruddy Lugo, the Ducks must hope they will be enough to get through a short series.
I'm afraid the loss of Mike Parisi is very compromising to the Ducks' post-season picture. Long Island GM Michael Pfaff has a lot of work ahead of him trying to sure-up his starting rotation before September's playoffs roll around.
The Ducks' potent offense is now required to remain just that; potent. Once teams face the Ducks' fourth and fifth starters of this rotation, the Long Islanders will most likely have to slug their way through them.
The loss of Parisi also alters the way Coach Baez utilizes his (very solid) bullpen now. Clearly, they will be handling a bit of a larger load. They will be called upon more often without that solid one-two punch Loree and Parisi provided..., and giving the Pen a night off from time to time.
While the good times are rolling in Bethpage Park this season with a first half championship in their back pockets, the Ducks have officially entered a very interesting portion of the season.
NOTE: The Long Island Ducks' 5,000,000th fan will pass through the turnstiles for a game during this home stand.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: A Ripple in the Pond or a Tidal Wave of Trouble?
As July winds down and I settle in for the second half of the season, the first half Champion Ducks are already 14 games into the tail end with a match against the Lancaster Barnstormers tonight in game two of a three game series; kicking off a six game home stand at Bethpage Park.
The Ducks are 9-4 in their first 13 second half games. But that places them behind a suddenly hot Camden River Sharks in the Liberty Division, who have started 11-3 thus far. Long Island is still the overall Atlantic League leader with a 49-27 record.
The biggest concern for the Ducks moving forward has to be the purchase of Atlantic League All-Star, Mike Parisi's contract by the L.A. Dodgers. He and Mike Loree combined to create a formidable one-two punch at the top of the starting rotation for Long Island. Parisi still ranks among the League leaders in strikeouts and ERA even 10 days after his acquisition by the Dodgers.
While I for one don't think Camden will keep up their recent play, and think South Maryland will still continue to pester Long Island in the division, the Ducks continued winning hints they will survive Parisi's departure.
I say not so fast. Come playoff time, everything changes. We all know that. But I think the York Revolution may have a clear edge in starting pitching now. Of course time will tell.
Veteran hurler, Shane Youman however, has stepped in marvelously for Long Island since his Ducks' debut on June 8th. He easily won the the third spot in the rotation prior to Parisi's departure. He has appeared in eleven games thus far and started five. While compiling a 5-1 record, he's done it sustaining a very low 0.87 ERA.
Tonight's starter for Long Island is Joselo Diaz. Much more is needed from him. He's struggled all season and is currently sporting an ERA above the 6.00 mark. Between him, Mark Diapoulis, Heath Phillips, and Ruddy Lugo, the Ducks must hope they will be enough to get through a short series.
I'm afraid the loss of Mike Parisi is very compromising to the Ducks' post-season picture. Long Island GM Michael Pfaff has a lot of work ahead of him trying to sure-up his starting rotation before September's playoffs roll around.
The Ducks' potent offense is now required to remain just that; potent. Once teams face the Ducks' fourth and fifth starters of this rotation, the Long Islanders will most likely have to slug their way through them.
The loss of Parisi also alters the way Coach Baez utilizes his (very solid) bullpen now. Clearly, they will be handling a bit of a larger load. They will be called upon more often without that solid one-two punch Loree and Parisi provided..., and giving the Pen a night off from time to time.
While the good times are rolling in Bethpage Park this season with a first half championship in their back pockets, the Ducks have officially entered a very interesting portion of the season.
NOTE: The Long Island Ducks' 5,000,000th fan will pass through the turnstiles for a game during this home stand.
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
Friday, May 06, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ 12th Opening Day For Ducks
From the desk of: A Brooklyn Quack
LONG ISLAND DUCKS BASEBALL CLUB
After starting the season on the road in Bridgeport and Camden, the Ducks open up their 12th season at renamed Bethpage Park. The Ducks have taken their first two series two games to one and have won two in a row. They'll go for three tonight in front of their own fans for the first time this season, and as usual a full house of 6,000+ is expected to welcome back the Ducks.
As Of ~ Thursday, May 5, 2011
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Defeat Camden In Series Final. Head Home For Opening Day.
The Ducks took the rubber game of their series against the Camden River Sharks before heading back to Long Island for their Home Opener against Bridgeport. They have now won their first two series of the season.
Winning pitcher for the Ducks, Joselo Diaz, pitched a superb game until he unravelled a bit in the 9th inning in an attempt to secure a shutout.
8.1 ~ innings pitched
7 ~ hits; all singles
1 ~ runs/earned
1 ~ walks
4 ~ strikeouts
**Perfect game broken up in the 6th inning. Raul Pedron of Camden broke up the bid at perfection.
Bubbie Buzachero relieved Diaz to finish out Camden.
For The Ducks:
2nd Inning ~ Matt Padget started off the scoring for Long Island with a home run. 1-0; Ducks
4th Inning ~ Freddie Thon hit a solo home run. 2-0; Ducks
5th Inning ~ Kraig Binick scored on a wild pitch; Matt Padget scored on a Freddie Thon single.
4-0 Ducks.
7th Inning ~ JR House scored on a Jon Kourie double. 5-0; Ducks
FINAL
DUCKS 5
River Sharks 1
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS BASEBALL CLUB
est. 2000
OPENING DAY
12th at Bethpage Park
TONIGHT
Bridgeport Bluefish (1-3)
vs.
LONG ISLAND DUCKS (4-2)
First Place; Liberty Division
After starting the season on the road in Bridgeport and Camden, the Ducks open up their 12th season at renamed Bethpage Park. The Ducks have taken their first two series two games to one and have won two in a row. They'll go for three tonight in front of their own fans for the first time this season, and as usual a full house of 6,000+ is expected to welcome back the Ducks.
As Of ~ Thursday, May 5, 2011
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Defeat Camden In Series Final. Head Home For Opening Day.
The Ducks took the rubber game of their series against the Camden River Sharks before heading back to Long Island for their Home Opener against Bridgeport. They have now won their first two series of the season.
Winning pitcher for the Ducks, Joselo Diaz, pitched a superb game until he unravelled a bit in the 9th inning in an attempt to secure a shutout.
8.1 ~ innings pitched
7 ~ hits; all singles
1 ~ runs/earned
1 ~ walks
4 ~ strikeouts
**Perfect game broken up in the 6th inning. Raul Pedron of Camden broke up the bid at perfection.
Bubbie Buzachero relieved Diaz to finish out Camden.
For The Ducks:
2nd Inning ~ Matt Padget started off the scoring for Long Island with a home run. 1-0; Ducks
4th Inning ~ Freddie Thon hit a solo home run. 2-0; Ducks
5th Inning ~ Kraig Binick scored on a wild pitch; Matt Padget scored on a Freddie Thon single.
4-0 Ducks.
7th Inning ~ JR House scored on a Jon Kourie double. 5-0; Ducks
FINAL
DUCKS 5
River Sharks 1
Mike.BTB
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