From the desk of: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Saturday Night Scoreboard Watching.
BROOKLYN Snared In One-Hit Shut-Out Against Tri-City; Strikeout 16 Times.
STATEN ISLAND Loses To LOWELL Spinners; Cyclones stay 2.5 Games Back of Yankees.
Cyclones Lose Ground in Wild Card; Williamsport Defeats Jamestown.
The Tri-City Valley Cats scored a first inning run on one hit off Brooklyn starter, Jeffery Walters. Then both teams settled in afterwards for what proved to be another pitcher's duel for the Cyclones at Coney Island. Valley Cat starting pitcher; Nicholas Trapeano; retired the Cyclones in order his first time through the line-up; striking out five of them. And after three innings the score remained 1-0, Tri-City.
Up in Lowell, MA., the Yankees and Spinners were tied at one apiece in the sixth inning. And in Williamsport, the Crosscutters and Jamestown Jammers were getting ready to start their 7pm game.
After the fifth inning in Coney Island, the score remained 1-0. The Cyclones also remained hitless to this point heading into the sixth. In Lowell, the game between the Spinners and Staten Island was still tied 1-1 after eight.
Tied after nine, they'd go into extra-innings in Lowell. The line red six hits for the Yankees and five for the Spinners. Each team committed an error. Meanwhile in Brooklyn, the Cyclones fell behind 2-0 after the top of the sixth inning.
In the bottom of the first inning in Williamsport, the Crosscutters buzzed-up the Jammers with three hits and four runs. In Lowell, they headed into the bottom of the tenth. For the Cyclones in the bottom of the sixth inning; no hits; no runs. Brooklyn batters thus far struck out nine times against Valley Cats' starter, Nicholas Trapeano.
Tri-City took a 3-0 lead over Brooklyn in the visitors half of the seventh inning. The Cyclones' first error of the game led to an unearned run. Then finally in the home seventh, T.J. Rivera secured the first Cyclone hit of the game. But they couldn't muster much else. The score remained 3-0.
Meanwhile out in Williamsport, the Crosscutters were still leading 4-0 in the third. Then finally, the Cyclones caught a break of sorts. Not in Coney Island; but up in Lowell. The Spinners scored in the bottom of the 10th inning to win the game 2-1; and ensuring the Cyclones would remain; at worst; 2.5 games behind Staten Island after tonight's games go final.
In Coney Island, the Beach Boyz were down to their last six outs. The eighth inning yielded nothing in the way of runs nor hits for Brooklyn. More nifty fielding on Brooklyn's part kept the Valley Cats off the scoreboard in the top of the ninth.
The Crossscutters were still leading the Jammers 4-0 after six innings.
In the home team's last licks in Brooklyn, the Cyclones went down quietly to end the game with only one hit and no runs over nine innings. They struck out sixteen times against Tri-City pitchers.
The Crosscutters upped their lead over Jamestown 5-0 heading into the eighth inning. Then, the game ended with a 5-1 final score. Jamestown spoiled the shut-out in the ninth. Williamsport now holds a one game lead over Brooklyn for the Wild Card spot.
There are fifteen games left in the season now. And rain has wreaked havoc on the schedule. Teams will end the regular season having played an unequal number of games. And it may play a big part in the pennant races.
That's the way it unfolded tonight; August 20, 2011.
Mike.BTB
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
BKN Cyclones ~ Rained Out But Gain on S.I. Yankees
From the desk of: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: The Brooks are Battling the Yanks; the Crosscutters; and Mother Nature Too.
There was no baseball in Coney Island tonight; only rain. And it's really starting to make a mess of the schedule that ends in sixteen games. More downpours postponed the Cyclones game by the seashore, and as a result, they couldn't help their own cause Friday night against Jamestown.
After an early and lengthy rain delay, they outlasted Jamestown Thursday night in a 1-1 pitchers duel through the first six innings. Then the Baby Bums busted out with four runs in the home seventh and eventually won their series and home stand opener against the Jammers, 5-2.
Friday night; no such chance. They started the night tied with Williamsport in the Wild Card race. But the rain and night off meant scoreboard watching for me. So, here's the bad news. The Williamsport Crosscutters completed a three game sweep of the Tri-City Valley Cats and ended the night with a one-half game lead over Brooklyn. Mahoning Valley has dropped to two games back.
The good news is the Staten Island Yankees lost to Connecticut Friday night which means the Cyclones moved to within 2.5 games of first place in the McNamara Division. The Surf Avenue Sluggers have gained four games on the Yanks over the last week. At the beginning of the month the Yanks were looking like clear cut Division winners. But Brooklyn said not so fast. The surge is on as the Bums are winners of four in a row and eight out of their last ten.
Brooklyn and Staten Island will play each other in one last series to end the regular season September 2nd through the 4th; two games by the beach, and one over inRotten Staten Island.
Mike.BTB
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: The Brooks are Battling the Yanks; the Crosscutters; and Mother Nature Too.
There was no baseball in Coney Island tonight; only rain. And it's really starting to make a mess of the schedule that ends in sixteen games. More downpours postponed the Cyclones game by the seashore, and as a result, they couldn't help their own cause Friday night against Jamestown.
After an early and lengthy rain delay, they outlasted Jamestown Thursday night in a 1-1 pitchers duel through the first six innings. Then the Baby Bums busted out with four runs in the home seventh and eventually won their series and home stand opener against the Jammers, 5-2.
Friday night; no such chance. They started the night tied with Williamsport in the Wild Card race. But the rain and night off meant scoreboard watching for me. So, here's the bad news. The Williamsport Crosscutters completed a three game sweep of the Tri-City Valley Cats and ended the night with a one-half game lead over Brooklyn. Mahoning Valley has dropped to two games back.
The good news is the Staten Island Yankees lost to Connecticut Friday night which means the Cyclones moved to within 2.5 games of first place in the McNamara Division. The Surf Avenue Sluggers have gained four games on the Yanks over the last week. At the beginning of the month the Yanks were looking like clear cut Division winners. But Brooklyn said not so fast. The surge is on as the Bums are winners of four in a row and eight out of their last ten.
Brooklyn and Staten Island will play each other in one last series to end the regular season September 2nd through the 4th; two games by the beach, and one over in
Mike.BTB
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
N.Y. Mets ~ Club Pays-Up For Nimmo
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: Action Speak Louder Than Words.
The Wilpons have either lost their minds and are just silly; numb; or both; with the whole Madoff thing by now, or, Sandy Alderson really has taken charge of operations with; ONE - full autonomy; and TWO - a completely new organizational philosophy. That mind be stating the obvious, but yes, this has everything to do with the signing of Brandon Nimmo; and a few others from the draft.
In a major departure from the past; at least for the Wilpons; they went above and beyond the Slotting System MLB advises with regard to draftees. Paul DePodesta went as far to say the Mets went over Slot for many of the Mets' newest prospects.
Bravo!
Who knows if these guys ever pan out. But the shift in attitude by this organization should be duly acknowledged and applauded.
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK METS: Action Speak Louder Than Words.
The Wilpons have either lost their minds and are just silly; numb; or both; with the whole Madoff thing by now, or, Sandy Alderson really has taken charge of operations with; ONE - full autonomy; and TWO - a completely new organizational philosophy. That mind be stating the obvious, but yes, this has everything to do with the signing of Brandon Nimmo; and a few others from the draft.
In a major departure from the past; at least for the Wilpons; they went above and beyond the Slotting System MLB advises with regard to draftees. Paul DePodesta went as far to say the Mets went over Slot for many of the Mets' newest prospects.
Bravo!
Who knows if these guys ever pan out. But the shift in attitude by this organization should be duly acknowledged and applauded.
Mike.BTB
Newark Bears ~ Winding Down a Precarious Summer
From the desk of: THE BRICK CITY NINE
NEWARK BEARS: Facing an Early; and Maybe Even Permanent; Hibernation.
Without trying to be funny, the Bears are headed towards an early; and maybe even a permanent; hibernation. Even less humorous, is there are many layers to that opening line. Said plainly, the Newark Bears are in trouble.
Even three inch Bear claws couldn't have prevented them from slipping so badly in the standings. They lost their grip sometime shortly before the first half ended. Since then, it's been a lean summer for the grizzlies from Newark. They are currently in seventh place and 7.5 games behind first place Brockton in the season's second-half standings. But the truth is, they should be in last. The New York Federals are a filler team from the New York State League; needed to keep schedule integrity. And truth be told, they aren't that good; ...not at this level anyway.
Overall this season, the Bears find themselves with a 34-41 record and in sixth place. The only teams below them are the previously mentioned Federals in last place, and the newest Atlantic League expansion team; the Rockland Boulders in seventh.
And this is where things get worse for Newark.
The Quebec Capitales lead the League in attendance. So this discussion centers on the American based teams of the CanAm League. With less than 20 games remaining in the regular season, the first-year Rockland County Boulders are the undisputed kings in attendance. The New Jersey Jackals; who play just twelve miles away from Newark are second in the League in attendance behind Rockland. Rockland plays their games forty-one miles away from Newark.
The Newark Bears surpass only the Pittsfield Colonials in attendance this season. But that is misleading. Pittsfield's home park is quite small with a limited max capacity; (3,500). Even so, they're averaging just under 800 per game. The Bears are averaging just over 900 per game. I believe that may be an average number being supported by their sponsors and that their true attendance is even weaker. But what's clearly evident, is the walk-up gate is virtually nonexistent. A routine weekday/night game usually only brings in about 200+/- fans.
And here's the kicker. Over the weekend, the Rockland Boulders bought ad-space on the bottom of the back page of the N.Y. Daily News and had commercials airing on 1050espnRadio as well. Those are expenditures the Bears are finding virtually impossible to fund right now. They no longer broadcast on radio and have ceased their web casting this season. So advertising, is strictly out of the question.
In a best case scenario, for the Newark Bears, it looks like more, severe, cut-backs are in order. I wouldn't know how well the decision to switch over to the CanAm League went for ownership. The move was designed to save them money. But I truly wonder how much longer they can exist this way?
Mike.BTB
NEWARK BEARS: Facing an Early; and Maybe Even Permanent; Hibernation.
Without trying to be funny, the Bears are headed towards an early; and maybe even a permanent; hibernation. Even less humorous, is there are many layers to that opening line. Said plainly, the Newark Bears are in trouble.
Even three inch Bear claws couldn't have prevented them from slipping so badly in the standings. They lost their grip sometime shortly before the first half ended. Since then, it's been a lean summer for the grizzlies from Newark. They are currently in seventh place and 7.5 games behind first place Brockton in the season's second-half standings. But the truth is, they should be in last. The New York Federals are a filler team from the New York State League; needed to keep schedule integrity. And truth be told, they aren't that good; ...not at this level anyway.
Overall this season, the Bears find themselves with a 34-41 record and in sixth place. The only teams below them are the previously mentioned Federals in last place, and the newest Atlantic League expansion team; the Rockland Boulders in seventh.
And this is where things get worse for Newark.
The Quebec Capitales lead the League in attendance. So this discussion centers on the American based teams of the CanAm League. With less than 20 games remaining in the regular season, the first-year Rockland County Boulders are the undisputed kings in attendance. The New Jersey Jackals; who play just twelve miles away from Newark are second in the League in attendance behind Rockland. Rockland plays their games forty-one miles away from Newark.
The Newark Bears surpass only the Pittsfield Colonials in attendance this season. But that is misleading. Pittsfield's home park is quite small with a limited max capacity; (3,500). Even so, they're averaging just under 800 per game. The Bears are averaging just over 900 per game. I believe that may be an average number being supported by their sponsors and that their true attendance is even weaker. But what's clearly evident, is the walk-up gate is virtually nonexistent. A routine weekday/night game usually only brings in about 200+/- fans.
And here's the kicker. Over the weekend, the Rockland Boulders bought ad-space on the bottom of the back page of the N.Y. Daily News and had commercials airing on 1050espnRadio as well. Those are expenditures the Bears are finding virtually impossible to fund right now. They no longer broadcast on radio and have ceased their web casting this season. So advertising, is strictly out of the question.
In a best case scenario, for the Newark Bears, it looks like more, severe, cut-backs are in order. I wouldn't know how well the decision to switch over to the CanAm League went for ownership. The move was designed to save them money. But I truly wonder how much longer they can exist this way?
Mike.BTB
BKN Cyclones ~ Celebrate BrooklyNITE
From the desk of: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Resume Drive Towards Playoffs Tonight Against Jamestown Jammers.
Brooklyn's stars were shining bright in Lowell, MA. last night in the New York Penn League All-Star Game. Danny Muno (1 for 2) hit a two run double for the N.L. squad. Richard Lucas entered the game as a pinch hitter and stayed in at third base replacing his team mate; Charles Thurber. The Cyclone's bullpen closed things out for the N.L. squad in their 7-3 win. T.J. Chism was credited with a Hold for his 0.2 innings of work. He struck out one batter. Todd Weldon closed the game with his 0.2 innings pitched. He too struck out one batter. Neither pitcher allowed a hit or walk.
Nineteen Games Remain In Regular Season:
When the Coney Island Nine take the field Wednesday evening, they will be in a three way tie for the Wild Card spot with Williamsport and Mahoning Valley. They start a six game home stand beginning with the Jamestown Jammers, followed by a visit from the Tri-City Valley Cats over the weekend. They are 4.5 games behind Staten Island in the McNamara Division race.
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Resume Drive Towards Playoffs Tonight Against Jamestown Jammers.
**BROOKLYN ALL-STARS COME HOME AFTER JOB WELL DONE**
Brooklyn's stars were shining bright in Lowell, MA. last night in the New York Penn League All-Star Game. Danny Muno (1 for 2) hit a two run double for the N.L. squad. Richard Lucas entered the game as a pinch hitter and stayed in at third base replacing his team mate; Charles Thurber. The Cyclone's bullpen closed things out for the N.L. squad in their 7-3 win. T.J. Chism was credited with a Hold for his 0.2 innings of work. He struck out one batter. Todd Weldon closed the game with his 0.2 innings pitched. He too struck out one batter. Neither pitcher allowed a hit or walk.
Nineteen Games Remain In Regular Season:
When the Coney Island Nine take the field Wednesday evening, they will be in a three way tie for the Wild Card spot with Williamsport and Mahoning Valley. They start a six game home stand beginning with the Jamestown Jammers, followed by a visit from the Tri-City Valley Cats over the weekend. They are 4.5 games behind Staten Island in the McNamara Division race.
Wednesday; August 17, 2011
BrooklyNite at MCU Park
The Brooklyn Cyclones are throwing a Block Party to celebrate...
BROOKLYN!
As part of Wednesday night's ceremonies, there will be a
TRIBUTE to DUKE SNIDER
Check out all the details at
BrooklynCyclones.com
BrooklynCyclones.com
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
Monday, August 15, 2011
BKN Cyclones ~ Finally, A Piece of Playoff Pie!
From the desk of: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: The Surf Avenue Sluggers Enter The All-Star Break Tied For The WILD CARD Lead.
Mother Nature gave everyone a dousing Sunday; even Ohio; as she had the game between the Brooklyn Cyclones and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers postponed. But that didn't necessarily mean the Cyclones got rained on their parade yesterday.
They didn't gain any ground on the Staten Island Yankees, as they also had their game postponed. But by the time everyone went to sleep last night, the Brooklyn Cyclones slid into a three way tie for the Wild Card spot. In one of the few NY-PL games that didn't get rained-out, the Williamsport Crosscutters, who entered Sunday holding a half-game lead in the Wild Card standings over Brooklyn and Mahoning Valley, fell to the Aberdeen Iron Birds by a 9-3 final score.
Now, Brooklyn, Mahoning Valley, and Williamsport, all share a piece of the prized fourth playoff spot with just nineteen regular season games left for the Cyclones this season. All three teams share identical 32-24 records.
The League has the day off today as part of their two day break for the New York-Penn League All-Star Game to be played Tuesday evening in Lowell, MA.; home of the Spinners.
Representing Brooklyn:
SS - Danny Muno ~ 3rd in the League in Batting Average .341; 15 Doubles.
3B - Richard Lucas ~ 7th in the League in Batting Average .309; 15 Doubles; 5 HR; 29 RBI.
CF - Travis Taijeron ~ 2nd in the League in RBI - 38; .303 Batting Average; 8 HR.
RF - Charles Thurber ~ .269 BA; 11 Doubles; 22 RBI.
*RP - Tyson Seng ~ 0.90 ERA; 3-1; 2 Saves; 1.07 WHIP.
*RP - TJ Chism ~ 1.13 ERA; 3-0; 3 Saves; 0.96 WHIP.
When games resume Wednesday, the Cyclones will be in Coney Island to host the Jamestown Jammers to begin a six-game home stand.
In other games Cyclone Fans need to be mindful of, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers open a series in Vermont against the Lake Monsters. The Tri City Valley Cats will visit the Williamsport Crosscutters. And of McNamara Division importance, Staten Island will be in Connecticut playing the Tigers.
Enjoy the All-Star Game. Let's Go National League!
Mike.BTB
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: The Surf Avenue Sluggers Enter The All-Star Break Tied For The WILD CARD Lead.
Mother Nature gave everyone a dousing Sunday; even Ohio; as she had the game between the Brooklyn Cyclones and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers postponed. But that didn't necessarily mean the Cyclones got rained on their parade yesterday.
They didn't gain any ground on the Staten Island Yankees, as they also had their game postponed. But by the time everyone went to sleep last night, the Brooklyn Cyclones slid into a three way tie for the Wild Card spot. In one of the few NY-PL games that didn't get rained-out, the Williamsport Crosscutters, who entered Sunday holding a half-game lead in the Wild Card standings over Brooklyn and Mahoning Valley, fell to the Aberdeen Iron Birds by a 9-3 final score.
Now, Brooklyn, Mahoning Valley, and Williamsport, all share a piece of the prized fourth playoff spot with just nineteen regular season games left for the Cyclones this season. All three teams share identical 32-24 records.
The League has the day off today as part of their two day break for the New York-Penn League All-Star Game to be played Tuesday evening in Lowell, MA.; home of the Spinners.
Representing Brooklyn:
SS - Danny Muno ~ 3rd in the League in Batting Average .341; 15 Doubles.
3B - Richard Lucas ~ 7th in the League in Batting Average .309; 15 Doubles; 5 HR; 29 RBI.
CF - Travis Taijeron ~ 2nd in the League in RBI - 38; .303 Batting Average; 8 HR.
RF - Charles Thurber ~ .269 BA; 11 Doubles; 22 RBI.
*RP - Tyson Seng ~ 0.90 ERA; 3-1; 2 Saves; 1.07 WHIP.
*RP - TJ Chism ~ 1.13 ERA; 3-0; 3 Saves; 0.96 WHIP.
When games resume Wednesday, the Cyclones will be in Coney Island to host the Jamestown Jammers to begin a six-game home stand.
In other games Cyclone Fans need to be mindful of, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers open a series in Vermont against the Lake Monsters. The Tri City Valley Cats will visit the Williamsport Crosscutters. And of McNamara Division importance, Staten Island will be in Connecticut playing the Tigers.
Enjoy the All-Star Game. Let's Go National League!
Mike.BTB
Sunday, August 14, 2011
N.Y. Mets ~ The Spotlight Is Dimming
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: With Reyes Not Available to Shine the Spotlight, Met Issues Lurk In The Shadows.
Mike Pelfrey took a line drive off the elbow, but probably suffered more from a bruised ego and shattered confidence on the heals of misconstrued comments he made about his team outlook about the "upcoming" 2011 season, mixed in with his overall underachievement and single digit win total. But hopefully, just as long as the Met Doctors don't get involved, he should be OK (or so we all hope). However, there was a noticeable knot and swelling on the bone.
But it's his pitching this whole season that has been a real pain in the posterior for all concerned, although, to his credit he left the game leading 5-2 in the fifth inning after a flaky start in the first. On arguing with Coach Terry about coming out of the game, he admitted his .....brain wasn't working correctly. And about his sensationalized comments, ...he knows he should have taken a different tact to better convey his meaning - he said he takes full blame for that.
The fact David Wright has to defend anybody to the Media bugs me. It also means Terry Collins either needs to scold the Media and get them to back off again. Because ever since June 1st, when he told them en mass not to look at him like he was some kind of idiot, the fact is the Media has been tame as a puppy instead of playing the part of Big Bad Wolves.
Or...,
All that's really needed is for everyone to shut-up or speak only of the here and now. If you're not talking about the last game or the next game, your head is in the wrong place. That goes for everyone. What David Wright should have told the Media was to "just drop it."
Truth be told, Mike Pelfrey didn't say anything that bad. But timing is everything when you make jokes or in Mike's case, mis-speak. We know Mike Pelfrey likes to kid and suffers from loose lips sometimes. This time it came back to bite him. It happens.
But that's all just a side-note. Let's not lose focus of the real matter at hand. The fact should remain Saturday's game was the Mets' fourth consecutive loss which drops them to a 58-61 record.
Ever since Jose Reyes went down again, no Met has been flashing the "Spotlight is on You" sign to his team mates anymore. So it goes, one can sense the lights going out on the Mets rightful claim to respectability on the field this season. Is there a correlation? Or, is it just me? But, falling three games below .500 again brings all that into question.
And speaking of Reyes, I thought that was supposed to be just a tweak? And Ike Davis...there is still no definitive determination on his foot. And Johan...why push him so hard? To me, those remain very ponderous medical questions and lingering issues.
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK METS: With Reyes Not Available to Shine the Spotlight, Met Issues Lurk In The Shadows.
Mike Pelfrey took a line drive off the elbow, but probably suffered more from a bruised ego and shattered confidence on the heals of misconstrued comments he made about his team outlook about the "upcoming" 2011 season, mixed in with his overall underachievement and single digit win total. But hopefully, just as long as the Met Doctors don't get involved, he should be OK (or so we all hope). However, there was a noticeable knot and swelling on the bone.
But it's his pitching this whole season that has been a real pain in the posterior for all concerned, although, to his credit he left the game leading 5-2 in the fifth inning after a flaky start in the first. On arguing with Coach Terry about coming out of the game, he admitted his .....brain wasn't working correctly. And about his sensationalized comments, ...he knows he should have taken a different tact to better convey his meaning - he said he takes full blame for that.
The fact David Wright has to defend anybody to the Media bugs me. It also means Terry Collins either needs to scold the Media and get them to back off again. Because ever since June 1st, when he told them en mass not to look at him like he was some kind of idiot, the fact is the Media has been tame as a puppy instead of playing the part of Big Bad Wolves.
Or...,
All that's really needed is for everyone to shut-up or speak only of the here and now. If you're not talking about the last game or the next game, your head is in the wrong place. That goes for everyone. What David Wright should have told the Media was to "just drop it."
Truth be told, Mike Pelfrey didn't say anything that bad. But timing is everything when you make jokes or in Mike's case, mis-speak. We know Mike Pelfrey likes to kid and suffers from loose lips sometimes. This time it came back to bite him. It happens.
But that's all just a side-note. Let's not lose focus of the real matter at hand. The fact should remain Saturday's game was the Mets' fourth consecutive loss which drops them to a 58-61 record.
Ever since Jose Reyes went down again, no Met has been flashing the "Spotlight is on You" sign to his team mates anymore. So it goes, one can sense the lights going out on the Mets rightful claim to respectability on the field this season. Is there a correlation? Or, is it just me? But, falling three games below .500 again brings all that into question.
And speaking of Reyes, I thought that was supposed to be just a tweak? And Ike Davis...there is still no definitive determination on his foot. And Johan...why push him so hard? To me, those remain very ponderous medical questions and lingering issues.
Mike.BTB
BKN Cyclones ~ The Late Season Push Is On
From the desk of: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: A Pitcher's Duel in Ohio Gets Them Closer to Wild Card Spot.
The Good News; - The Brooklyn Cyclones are now tied with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers after winning Saturday night by a 2-1 final.
The Bad News; - Brooklyn didn't get any help from the Aberdeen Iron Birds, who couldn't keep Williamsport out of the win column. With the Crosscutter's win Saturday night, they now sit in first place for the Wild Card by slim half-game margin over both the Cyclones and Mahoning Valley.
The Staten Island Yankees won their game against Auburn and remain 4.5 games ahead of Brooklyn in the McNamara Division.
In Saturday's game, Daniel Muno and Richard Lucas got Brooklyn another step closer to the top of the standings; supplying the Cyclones with just enough offense to get by in a tight pitcher's duel out in Ohio. On the hill, Cyclones' pitching made sweet music against the Scrappers. Randy Fontanez made the start but pitched four innings only. But in those four innings, surrendered the only two hits Mahoning Valley would get all night. He gave up the lone Scrapper run in the fourth inning. Otherwise, he walked three and struck out one.
Then the game was put in the hands of Brooklyn's bullpen. Steve Winnick was first in relief. He pitched two innings and earned Saturday's win; his second win of the season. He struck out two batters to highlight his no-hit outing and allowed no bases on balls.
Todd Weldon was terrific as the third Cyclone pitcher of the night. He carried Brooklyn for the last three innings and got the save; his fourth of the season. Mahoning Valley managed no runs; no hits; no walks; and struck out five times against Weldon.
So, in today's games of Wild Card significance, the Cyclones and Scrappers will finish their three game series which will unlock their tie in the standings. Williamsport will finish up with Aberdeen, and hopefully the Cyclones can get some help this time.
Of McNamara Division significance, the Staten Island Yankees play Auburn. The Yankees remained 4.5 games ahead of the second place Cyclones, as they shut-out Auburn Saturday night on a combined four hitter.
Mike.BTB
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: A Pitcher's Duel in Ohio Gets Them Closer to Wild Card Spot.
The Good News; - The Brooklyn Cyclones are now tied with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers after winning Saturday night by a 2-1 final.
The Bad News; - Brooklyn didn't get any help from the Aberdeen Iron Birds, who couldn't keep Williamsport out of the win column. With the Crosscutter's win Saturday night, they now sit in first place for the Wild Card by slim half-game margin over both the Cyclones and Mahoning Valley.
The Staten Island Yankees won their game against Auburn and remain 4.5 games ahead of Brooklyn in the McNamara Division.
In Saturday's game, Daniel Muno and Richard Lucas got Brooklyn another step closer to the top of the standings; supplying the Cyclones with just enough offense to get by in a tight pitcher's duel out in Ohio. On the hill, Cyclones' pitching made sweet music against the Scrappers. Randy Fontanez made the start but pitched four innings only. But in those four innings, surrendered the only two hits Mahoning Valley would get all night. He gave up the lone Scrapper run in the fourth inning. Otherwise, he walked three and struck out one.
Then the game was put in the hands of Brooklyn's bullpen. Steve Winnick was first in relief. He pitched two innings and earned Saturday's win; his second win of the season. He struck out two batters to highlight his no-hit outing and allowed no bases on balls.
Todd Weldon was terrific as the third Cyclone pitcher of the night. He carried Brooklyn for the last three innings and got the save; his fourth of the season. Mahoning Valley managed no runs; no hits; no walks; and struck out five times against Weldon.
So, in today's games of Wild Card significance, the Cyclones and Scrappers will finish their three game series which will unlock their tie in the standings. Williamsport will finish up with Aberdeen, and hopefully the Cyclones can get some help this time.
Of McNamara Division significance, the Staten Island Yankees play Auburn. The Yankees remained 4.5 games ahead of the second place Cyclones, as they shut-out Auburn Saturday night on a combined four hitter.
Mike.BTB
L.I. Ducks ~ A Quack Attack in Lancaster
From the desk of: WADDLING AROUND BROOKLYN
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Big John "STUD" Rodriguez Goes Boom as the Webbed Nine Roar Back in Biggest Comeback of the Season.
Long Island just sent the rest of the League a message of sorts. They will not be denied.
The Ducks came back...; all the way back, from a 7-0 deficit to take an 8-7 lead in the seventh inning against the Barnstormers and then won it 13-10 in even more dramatic fashion than already provided. In winning their fifth game in a row, and in defeating the Lancaster Barnstormers who were leading the Freedom Division before Saturday's game, in the first two games of this weekend series, the Long Island Ducks must have the rest of the League wondering, what will it take to slow this team down?
Point made.
With their starting pitching getting depleted by untimely contract purchases, this is what the Ducks will have to do from time to time in order to compensate for their staff losses. Joselo Diaz wasn't exactly Cy Young out in Lancaster in game two; giving up seven runs to Lancaster over the first two innings of the game. But the offense rose to the occasion to bail him out and take him off the loss column.
Valerio De Los Santos made a huge fielding gaffe when he didn't cover first base on a ground ball to Matt Padgett in the bottom of the seventh. He almost got bailed out but Javier Colina couldn't turn a softly hit ball into a double play in time for the second out. It was part of a bottom half inning in which the Ducks allowed the Barnstormers to tie the game again at 10-10 with three runs.
A booming home run in the top of the eighth by John Rodriguez gave the Ducks another lead, this time 11-10. It was his third hit of the night; his 16th home run of the season; and his three RBI gave him 72; tops in the League.
Then, in the top of the ninth inning, Big John STUD uncorked his second home run of the game and 17th overall; a two run blast hit deep into the Lancaster night; to give the Ducks more insurance on their way to a 13-10 final. In all, John Rodriguez was 4 for 5 on the night; 2 home runs; 5 RBI; a double; and 4 runs scored. He upped his League leading RBI total yet again to 74 on the season.
Matt Padget went 3 for 3, with two RBI as well. Ray Navarrete was 3 for 5, with three runs scored. Bubbie Buzachero pitched the ninth inning earning his 16th save. Valerio De Los Santos earned the win in relief. To Joselo Diaz, a welcome no decision..., I'm sure.
As mentioned, that's now five wins in a row for the Ducks and are winners of eight out of their last ten. They improved their record to 22-7 in the second half and remain 3.5 games in first place ahead of the Bridgeport Bluefish. They increased their season record to 62-30 overall. They'll go for the sweep Sunday in Lancaster.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Big John "STUD" Rodriguez Goes Boom as the Webbed Nine Roar Back in Biggest Comeback of the Season.
Long Island just sent the rest of the League a message of sorts. They will not be denied.
The Ducks came back...; all the way back, from a 7-0 deficit to take an 8-7 lead in the seventh inning against the Barnstormers and then won it 13-10 in even more dramatic fashion than already provided. In winning their fifth game in a row, and in defeating the Lancaster Barnstormers who were leading the Freedom Division before Saturday's game, in the first two games of this weekend series, the Long Island Ducks must have the rest of the League wondering, what will it take to slow this team down?
Point made.
With their starting pitching getting depleted by untimely contract purchases, this is what the Ducks will have to do from time to time in order to compensate for their staff losses. Joselo Diaz wasn't exactly Cy Young out in Lancaster in game two; giving up seven runs to Lancaster over the first two innings of the game. But the offense rose to the occasion to bail him out and take him off the loss column.
Valerio De Los Santos made a huge fielding gaffe when he didn't cover first base on a ground ball to Matt Padgett in the bottom of the seventh. He almost got bailed out but Javier Colina couldn't turn a softly hit ball into a double play in time for the second out. It was part of a bottom half inning in which the Ducks allowed the Barnstormers to tie the game again at 10-10 with three runs.
A booming home run in the top of the eighth by John Rodriguez gave the Ducks another lead, this time 11-10. It was his third hit of the night; his 16th home run of the season; and his three RBI gave him 72; tops in the League.
Then, in the top of the ninth inning, Big John STUD uncorked his second home run of the game and 17th overall; a two run blast hit deep into the Lancaster night; to give the Ducks more insurance on their way to a 13-10 final. In all, John Rodriguez was 4 for 5 on the night; 2 home runs; 5 RBI; a double; and 4 runs scored. He upped his League leading RBI total yet again to 74 on the season.
Matt Padget went 3 for 3, with two RBI as well. Ray Navarrete was 3 for 5, with three runs scored. Bubbie Buzachero pitched the ninth inning earning his 16th save. Valerio De Los Santos earned the win in relief. To Joselo Diaz, a welcome no decision..., I'm sure.
As mentioned, that's now five wins in a row for the Ducks and are winners of eight out of their last ten. They improved their record to 22-7 in the second half and remain 3.5 games in first place ahead of the Bridgeport Bluefish. They increased their season record to 62-30 overall. They'll go for the sweep Sunday in Lancaster.
Mike.BTB
Saturday, August 13, 2011
N.Y. Mets ~ Proceed With Caution
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: A word to the wise for Mets players down the stretch; Don't Test Terry!
What we have here, is a failure to communicate. It's something Coach Terry has excelled at so far as manager of the New York Mets.
Dillon Gee; Terry Collins; and Dan Warthen (just because) apparently are not pitching off the same mound. Coach Terry was perturbed about Dillon Gee's failure to throw his curve ball last night. He was as perturbed as he was earlier in the season when he accused his club of being too passive in the batters box and watching too many fastballs go by. And according to this morning's tabloids, Gee offered no particular reason why he didn't use his curve ball more. He only hinted that he believes his deuce is only a 0-0 count pitch at this point in his arsenal. But nonetheless, Coach Terry had a big problem with an over abundance of fastballs, particularly in the first inning.
Good enough. That's not the problem here. The problem lies when your manager is expecting one thing and your battery goes ahead and does another. Stuff like that is either premeditated or lacking any awareness at all...if you follow. And quite honestly, I'm surprised Josh Thole was complicit as the back-stop. That's precisely the kind of thing that can trigger the uglier side of Terry Collins. If you don't think he's straining to comport/restrain himself (versus the old Terry Collins), because of some of the things he sees, think again. Everyday there is a monster waiting to be unleashed with the right stimulation. We haven't gotten there yet. Coach Terry has taken a very cerebral approach to himself, and containing the monster through a daily process.
Coach Terry will be damned if he's going to let this team end the season flat-footed. That's what we can expect from him. But is this team still going to play with the same hunger and grit after Labor Day? We'll see about that.
But I know this much, having a kid like Dillon Gee offer no answers for his manager when questioned about his curve ball, then waking up to see a big story in the tabloids this morning about how the manager's appointed pack leader; Mike Pelfrey; never thought the Mets would amount to anything this season may be just enough to purge the pump before Coach Terry starts spewing out sternly worded corrections for any player who seemingly might be wandering astray from his pack.
I have this feeling Terry will manage the last six weeks of the season like a crazed dog and as if they were the most important six weeks of his life. Help the player who doesn't fall in line with his credo down the stretch. Worse yet, let one of these young kids dog it to first base or show lack of interest.
Organizational priorities shift for a team in a position like the Mets over the last six weeks of a season. I hope these players recognize that. Sandy Alderson really hasn't put his thumb prints on the organization yet but he will no doubt start leaving an impression shortly. And it's probably within the player's hands to ensure he doesn't come down with a heavy hand this off-season.
So my advise for some is to fall in line if you had any inclination of loosing your bearing or get squashed.
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK METS: A word to the wise for Mets players down the stretch; Don't Test Terry!
What we have here, is a failure to communicate. It's something Coach Terry has excelled at so far as manager of the New York Mets.
Dillon Gee; Terry Collins; and Dan Warthen (just because) apparently are not pitching off the same mound. Coach Terry was perturbed about Dillon Gee's failure to throw his curve ball last night. He was as perturbed as he was earlier in the season when he accused his club of being too passive in the batters box and watching too many fastballs go by. And according to this morning's tabloids, Gee offered no particular reason why he didn't use his curve ball more. He only hinted that he believes his deuce is only a 0-0 count pitch at this point in his arsenal. But nonetheless, Coach Terry had a big problem with an over abundance of fastballs, particularly in the first inning.
Good enough. That's not the problem here. The problem lies when your manager is expecting one thing and your battery goes ahead and does another. Stuff like that is either premeditated or lacking any awareness at all...if you follow. And quite honestly, I'm surprised Josh Thole was complicit as the back-stop. That's precisely the kind of thing that can trigger the uglier side of Terry Collins. If you don't think he's straining to comport/restrain himself (versus the old Terry Collins), because of some of the things he sees, think again. Everyday there is a monster waiting to be unleashed with the right stimulation. We haven't gotten there yet. Coach Terry has taken a very cerebral approach to himself, and containing the monster through a daily process.
Coach Terry will be damned if he's going to let this team end the season flat-footed. That's what we can expect from him. But is this team still going to play with the same hunger and grit after Labor Day? We'll see about that.
But I know this much, having a kid like Dillon Gee offer no answers for his manager when questioned about his curve ball, then waking up to see a big story in the tabloids this morning about how the manager's appointed pack leader; Mike Pelfrey; never thought the Mets would amount to anything this season may be just enough to purge the pump before Coach Terry starts spewing out sternly worded corrections for any player who seemingly might be wandering astray from his pack.
I have this feeling Terry will manage the last six weeks of the season like a crazed dog and as if they were the most important six weeks of his life. Help the player who doesn't fall in line with his credo down the stretch. Worse yet, let one of these young kids dog it to first base or show lack of interest.
Organizational priorities shift for a team in a position like the Mets over the last six weeks of a season. I hope these players recognize that. Sandy Alderson really hasn't put his thumb prints on the organization yet but he will no doubt start leaving an impression shortly. And it's probably within the player's hands to ensure he doesn't come down with a heavy hand this off-season.
So my advise for some is to fall in line if you had any inclination of loosing your bearing or get squashed.
Mike.BTB
BKN Cyclones ~ Saturday Night Fever
From the desk of: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE
The Cyclones are making their move on the Staten Island Yankees via Ohio. They are now just 4.5 games behind the McNamara Division leaders. And with last night's victory over the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the Brooklyn Cyclones are now just one game away from tying the Scrappers for the Wild Card lead. The Williamsport Crosscutters still have a say in the Wild Card race as they sit just one half game behind Mahoning Valley entering today's games.
BROOKLYN CYCLONES
Tonight, They Play For a Piece of the Wild Card Lead.
The Cyclones are making their move on the Staten Island Yankees via Ohio. They are now just 4.5 games behind the McNamara Division leaders. And with last night's victory over the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the Brooklyn Cyclones are now just one game away from tying the Scrappers for the Wild Card lead. The Williamsport Crosscutters still have a say in the Wild Card race as they sit just one half game behind Mahoning Valley entering today's games.
McNAMARA DIVISION
1) - Staten Island Yankees...35-19 .648 -
2) - Brooklyn Cyclones.........31-24 .564 4.5 GB
WILD CARD
1) - Mahoning Valley Scrappers 32-23 -
2) - Williamsport Crosscutters 31-23 0.5 GB
3) - BROOKLYN CYCLONES 31-24 1.0 GB
In the last weekend before the NY-PL All-Star Game break, game one of a three game series against the Ohio Nine goes to Brooklyn. The Cyclones loaded up with three runs in the fifth inning and four more in the eighth, en route to a 10-6 final over Mahoning Valley Friday night.
One of our newest Cyclone signings and native New Yorker hailing out of the Bronx; T.J. Rivera; helped the Surf Avenue Sluggers out-hit Mahoning Valley by going 4 for 5, with a double and two runs scored in only his fourth game wearing Bum Threads. Richard Lucas and Ismael Tijerina each had two RBI on the night.
Cole Frenzel doubled in the second inning to score Charles Thurber. Then, Mahoning Valley allowed the Cyclones to score a run in the third on a wild pitch. Richard Lucas tripled in the fifth inning; driving home his two RBI, and Mahoning Valley allowed the Cyclones to score another run off another wild pitch in the fifth inning. The Cyclones picked up one in the sixth on Ismael Tijerina's sac-bunt which scored Travis Taijeron.
A four run eighth inning capped the game off for the Cyclones. Two more Scrapper's wild pitches allowed two more runs to score. As a matter of fact, Mahoning Valley uncorked a multitude of wild pitches throughout the game, and utterly handicapped themselves in the eighth in particular. RBI by Travis Taijeron and T.J. Rivera finished off the Scrappers for the night.
WILD TIME TONIGHT!
BROOKLYN CYCLONES
vs.
Mahoning Valley Scrappers
From
Somewhere in Ohio
Mike.BTB
Friday, August 12, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ Continue to Roll in Lancaster
From the desk of: THE WEBBED FEET NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Win Again, But the Ducks Officially Have Problems Now. Shane Youman is Headed to the Far East!
Ducks' pitcher Shane Youman's contract was purchased by a pro team from Taiwan back on August 10th... Forgive me for being coy, but......., Really?
Really?
That makes Ducks' starting pitcher number three to have their contract purchased this season. Lenny DiNardo was first at the very beginning of the season. After the All-Star break, Mike Parisi was the next to go. Even though the Ducks continued to roll along without Parisi, make no mistake, losing him was a huge blow. And now losing Shane Youman, who had stepped up so marvelously, has to be considered a devastating blow.
In Mike Parisi's absence, veteran pitcher Shane Youman stepped in and established himself as the Ducks' most reliable and best starter behind Mike Loree. In thirteen games pitched and seven starts for the Ducks this season, he dazzled opponents with a minuscule 0.66 ERA on his way to a 7-1 record. In 54.1 innings pitched, he gave up thirty-nine hits and only walked nine batters while striking out forty-six. Four earned runs were all he allowed during his time pitching for Long Island this season. He did an incredible job.
So how do the Ducks manage the loss of two very key pitchers having very good seasons? Their starting staff is paper thin now. And as of this moment, I can only think a short series in the playoffs now presents one hell of a problem for Long Island. If the bullpen has been masterful so far, now they will be called upon to be damn-near perfect the rest of the way.
As for Friday night's game against the Barnstormers in Lancaster, it opened a three game series in which the Ducks won game one. Ray Navarrete hit his team leading 19th home run in the third inning (2-run shot) to knot the game at two. Lancaster opened the scoring in the first inning with two runs.
Matt Esquivel doubled home Javier Colina and John Rodriguez in the sixth inning for a 4-2 lead. Lancaster got one back in the seventh. But the Ducks' lead held up.
If the Ducks' suddenly have pitching problems, Friday's starter; Mark Diapoulis; didn't seem to be listening. He kept the Ducks swimming along with 6.2 strong innings pitched. Lancaster got six hits and three earned runs off him. He walked two and struck out four en route to winning his sixth game of the season against just one loss.
Jeremy Hill and Ehrin Wassermann combined to close out the game against the Barnstormers. Wassermann earned his ninth save of the season.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Win Again, But the Ducks Officially Have Problems Now. Shane Youman is Headed to the Far East!
Ducks' pitcher Shane Youman's contract was purchased by a pro team from Taiwan back on August 10th... Forgive me for being coy, but......., Really?
Really?
That makes Ducks' starting pitcher number three to have their contract purchased this season. Lenny DiNardo was first at the very beginning of the season. After the All-Star break, Mike Parisi was the next to go. Even though the Ducks continued to roll along without Parisi, make no mistake, losing him was a huge blow. And now losing Shane Youman, who had stepped up so marvelously, has to be considered a devastating blow.
In Mike Parisi's absence, veteran pitcher Shane Youman stepped in and established himself as the Ducks' most reliable and best starter behind Mike Loree. In thirteen games pitched and seven starts for the Ducks this season, he dazzled opponents with a minuscule 0.66 ERA on his way to a 7-1 record. In 54.1 innings pitched, he gave up thirty-nine hits and only walked nine batters while striking out forty-six. Four earned runs were all he allowed during his time pitching for Long Island this season. He did an incredible job.
So how do the Ducks manage the loss of two very key pitchers having very good seasons? Their starting staff is paper thin now. And as of this moment, I can only think a short series in the playoffs now presents one hell of a problem for Long Island. If the bullpen has been masterful so far, now they will be called upon to be damn-near perfect the rest of the way.
As for Friday night's game against the Barnstormers in Lancaster, it opened a three game series in which the Ducks won game one. Ray Navarrete hit his team leading 19th home run in the third inning (2-run shot) to knot the game at two. Lancaster opened the scoring in the first inning with two runs.
Matt Esquivel doubled home Javier Colina and John Rodriguez in the sixth inning for a 4-2 lead. Lancaster got one back in the seventh. But the Ducks' lead held up.
If the Ducks' suddenly have pitching problems, Friday's starter; Mark Diapoulis; didn't seem to be listening. He kept the Ducks swimming along with 6.2 strong innings pitched. Lancaster got six hits and three earned runs off him. He walked two and struck out four en route to winning his sixth game of the season against just one loss.
Jeremy Hill and Ehrin Wassermann combined to close out the game against the Barnstormers. Wassermann earned his ninth save of the season.
Mike.BTB
L.I. Ducks ~ SIXTY
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: The Webbed Nine Are Turning Back All Comers.
As they sit atop the Liberty Division in the second-half of the Atlantic League season, the Long Island Ducks are the first team to reach twenty wins. They also happen to be the first team to win sixty games this season. At thirty games over .500, the Ducks now sport a record of 60-30 which is by far a League best.
The Ducks continue to take on all comers and keep turning them away. This time it was the surging Bridgeport Bluefish; surging until they faced the Ducks, that is. The Ducks dropped Bridgeport to third place and 3.5 games behind them in the second-half standings by completing a three game series sweep out in Bethpage Park.
Ducks' Ace, Mike Loree, was up to his usual effectiveness Thursday evening. In seven innings pitched, he allowed nine hits but only one earned run. He walked one and struck out seven Bluefish on his way to a dreaded no-decision. Both starting pitchers engaged in a seven inning pitcher's duel leaving the score tied heading into the eighth.
Dan Lyons singled home Matt Esquivel in the second inning giving the Ducks a 1-0 lead until Bridgeport tied the game in the seventh off Loree. But then with three runs in the bottom of the eighth, the Ducks put this game far enough out of Bridgeport's reach. With the bases loaded, Matt Esquivel doubled home two runs and Kraig Binick drove in another run with a sac-fly, for a 4-2 Long Island lead and ultimate final.
Although Jeremy Hill allowed Bridgeport's second run of the game, he was credited with Thursday's win; his fourth as a reliever. Bubbie Buzachero pitched the ninth and secured his fifteenth save of the season.
Not bad....huh?
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: The Webbed Nine Are Turning Back All Comers.
As they sit atop the Liberty Division in the second-half of the Atlantic League season, the Long Island Ducks are the first team to reach twenty wins. They also happen to be the first team to win sixty games this season. At thirty games over .500, the Ducks now sport a record of 60-30 which is by far a League best.
The Ducks continue to take on all comers and keep turning them away. This time it was the surging Bridgeport Bluefish; surging until they faced the Ducks, that is. The Ducks dropped Bridgeport to third place and 3.5 games behind them in the second-half standings by completing a three game series sweep out in Bethpage Park.
Ducks' Ace, Mike Loree, was up to his usual effectiveness Thursday evening. In seven innings pitched, he allowed nine hits but only one earned run. He walked one and struck out seven Bluefish on his way to a dreaded no-decision. Both starting pitchers engaged in a seven inning pitcher's duel leaving the score tied heading into the eighth.
Dan Lyons singled home Matt Esquivel in the second inning giving the Ducks a 1-0 lead until Bridgeport tied the game in the seventh off Loree. But then with three runs in the bottom of the eighth, the Ducks put this game far enough out of Bridgeport's reach. With the bases loaded, Matt Esquivel doubled home two runs and Kraig Binick drove in another run with a sac-fly, for a 4-2 Long Island lead and ultimate final.
Although Jeremy Hill allowed Bridgeport's second run of the game, he was credited with Thursday's win; his fourth as a reliever. Bubbie Buzachero pitched the ninth and secured his fifteenth save of the season.
Not bad....huh?
Mike.BTB
Thursday, August 11, 2011
N.Y. Mets ~ The Long Lost Mets Codex
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: They Have Embarked On Three Official Rebuilding Processes in Their History. But Since the 1990's, It Seems to Have Become a Dirty Word In Flushing. And As a Result, They've Lost Their Way.
After the Mets finished toying with other teams' legacies; finishing last every season; and setting records in embarrassing fashion over their first few years of existence, Joe McDonald; Whitey Herzog; Bing Devine; Johnny Murphy; and a host of respected scouts set about on a concerted effort to procure and develop skilled prospects. Adherence to their plan of minor league development garnered names like Jerry Koosman; Tug McGraw; Bud Harrelson; Cleon Jones; Nolan Ryan; Gary Gentry; and others. With a little bit of luck landing Tom Seaver and some key acquisitions along the way, the Mets parlayed their efforts into a Championship.
Retooled with some new young players and savvy pick-ups like Felix Millan; Rusty Staub; John Milner; and Jon Matlack; the Mets almost pulled off another World Series victory in 1973; falling short by one game against the A's.
But by 1975-76, the Mets recognized age was creeping up on them. Newer, younger players, like John Stearns; Lee Mazzilli; Craig Swan; and Mike Vail were starting a transition toward youth. Then in 1977, Tom Seaver demanded a trade out of New York because he found his bosses insufferable. This triggered the full blown jettisoning of the last remnants of the Miracle Mets between 1977-1979 and initiated the second rebuilding of the Mets with a total commitment to the farm system.
However, the decision to totally rebuild the Mets through the farm system for a second time was thwarted by ownership's decision to finally sell the team. By 1979, the mandate to freeze all expenditures was put in place and Joe McDonald's hands were tied regarding bringing free agents to N.Y. or making trades that would raise payroll.
Before Joe McDonald's work here in Flushing was finished; upon the purchase of the team by the Doubleday/Wilpon group heading into 1980; he drafted and developed a good many number of key components to the 1986 Championship team. As mentioned, Lee Mazzilli enabled us to get Ron Darling and Walt Terrell. Terrell in turn got us Howard Johnson. He drafted Niel Allen who in return brought Kieth Hernandez to Flushing. He drafted Hubie Brooks who helped land the Mets Gary Carter. He selected Calvin Schiraldi in 1980 who later was traded for Bobby Ojeda. He drafted Wally Backman; Mookie Wilson; and Jesse Orosco. Among those that got away were guys like Mike Scott who was traded for Danny Heep and Jeff Reardon who was traded for Ellis Valentine.
Then, Frank Cashen made his mark with a continued minor league investment and drafted Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden. And of course, give Frank Cashen credit for utilizing what Joe McDonald left behind. So in retrospect, the two men, through vigorous minor league development, chipped in and built another Championship team for the Mets.
The third time the Mets officially committed to a minor league focused rebuilding effort came in the mid-1990's when Joe McIlvaine was General Manager. METroplis was in total agreement with the movement. It was supposed to have been built with Generation-K as it's foundation. But the movement failed miserably as we know with few people to blame. But during that time, players were drafted that inevitably landed us Mike Piazza and some components of the 2000 team.
Since then, Rebuilding has become a dirty word in Flushing. It's become a like a lost codex burned by Spanish Conquistadors. So what I described winds up being the complete history of the Mets' rebuilding process over the years in the Homeric oral tradition only.
No time in between the Steve Phillips years to the present has been classified as a clear cut rebuilding process. Additionally, after David Wright; Jose Reyes; and Scott Kazmir; the well went dry until the current crop of minor leaguers drafted by Omar Minaya started to be called up to the majors over the last two seasons.
I know what Omar Minaya was trying to do. He was trying to align a transition of the old to new in the years between 2010 through 2012. He just didn't get to stick around long enough to realize his plan. Don't forget, we're still watching his blueprints in action. Aside of jettisoning some parts of Minaya's team, Sandy Alderson is still babysitting Omar's team and grand scheme. All Omar's contracts were designed to expire within a year or two of each other as his minor league draftees became ready for the majors. And that is more or less, where we are now.
Sandy Alderson has had one Winter Meeting; An Amateur Draft; and a Trade Deadline thus far. And we are still wondering what his plan might be. Does he consider rebuilding a dirty word also? Does he have something else in store us? Or will he return to the ancient but proven Met Scriptures like a true renaissance man and REBUILD the Mets? Can we finally lift the Dark Age stigma imposed on the word Rebuilding?
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK METS: They Have Embarked On Three Official Rebuilding Processes in Their History. But Since the 1990's, It Seems to Have Become a Dirty Word In Flushing. And As a Result, They've Lost Their Way.
After the Mets finished toying with other teams' legacies; finishing last every season; and setting records in embarrassing fashion over their first few years of existence, Joe McDonald; Whitey Herzog; Bing Devine; Johnny Murphy; and a host of respected scouts set about on a concerted effort to procure and develop skilled prospects. Adherence to their plan of minor league development garnered names like Jerry Koosman; Tug McGraw; Bud Harrelson; Cleon Jones; Nolan Ryan; Gary Gentry; and others. With a little bit of luck landing Tom Seaver and some key acquisitions along the way, the Mets parlayed their efforts into a Championship.
Retooled with some new young players and savvy pick-ups like Felix Millan; Rusty Staub; John Milner; and Jon Matlack; the Mets almost pulled off another World Series victory in 1973; falling short by one game against the A's.
But by 1975-76, the Mets recognized age was creeping up on them. Newer, younger players, like John Stearns; Lee Mazzilli; Craig Swan; and Mike Vail were starting a transition toward youth. Then in 1977, Tom Seaver demanded a trade out of New York because he found his bosses insufferable. This triggered the full blown jettisoning of the last remnants of the Miracle Mets between 1977-1979 and initiated the second rebuilding of the Mets with a total commitment to the farm system.
However, the decision to totally rebuild the Mets through the farm system for a second time was thwarted by ownership's decision to finally sell the team. By 1979, the mandate to freeze all expenditures was put in place and Joe McDonald's hands were tied regarding bringing free agents to N.Y. or making trades that would raise payroll.
Before Joe McDonald's work here in Flushing was finished; upon the purchase of the team by the Doubleday/Wilpon group heading into 1980; he drafted and developed a good many number of key components to the 1986 Championship team. As mentioned, Lee Mazzilli enabled us to get Ron Darling and Walt Terrell. Terrell in turn got us Howard Johnson. He drafted Niel Allen who in return brought Kieth Hernandez to Flushing. He drafted Hubie Brooks who helped land the Mets Gary Carter. He selected Calvin Schiraldi in 1980 who later was traded for Bobby Ojeda. He drafted Wally Backman; Mookie Wilson; and Jesse Orosco. Among those that got away were guys like Mike Scott who was traded for Danny Heep and Jeff Reardon who was traded for Ellis Valentine.
Then, Frank Cashen made his mark with a continued minor league investment and drafted Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden. And of course, give Frank Cashen credit for utilizing what Joe McDonald left behind. So in retrospect, the two men, through vigorous minor league development, chipped in and built another Championship team for the Mets.
The third time the Mets officially committed to a minor league focused rebuilding effort came in the mid-1990's when Joe McIlvaine was General Manager. METroplis was in total agreement with the movement. It was supposed to have been built with Generation-K as it's foundation. But the movement failed miserably as we know with few people to blame. But during that time, players were drafted that inevitably landed us Mike Piazza and some components of the 2000 team.
Since then, Rebuilding has become a dirty word in Flushing. It's become a like a lost codex burned by Spanish Conquistadors. So what I described winds up being the complete history of the Mets' rebuilding process over the years in the Homeric oral tradition only.
No time in between the Steve Phillips years to the present has been classified as a clear cut rebuilding process. Additionally, after David Wright; Jose Reyes; and Scott Kazmir; the well went dry until the current crop of minor leaguers drafted by Omar Minaya started to be called up to the majors over the last two seasons.
I know what Omar Minaya was trying to do. He was trying to align a transition of the old to new in the years between 2010 through 2012. He just didn't get to stick around long enough to realize his plan. Don't forget, we're still watching his blueprints in action. Aside of jettisoning some parts of Minaya's team, Sandy Alderson is still babysitting Omar's team and grand scheme. All Omar's contracts were designed to expire within a year or two of each other as his minor league draftees became ready for the majors. And that is more or less, where we are now.
Sandy Alderson has had one Winter Meeting; An Amateur Draft; and a Trade Deadline thus far. And we are still wondering what his plan might be. Does he consider rebuilding a dirty word also? Does he have something else in store us? Or will he return to the ancient but proven Met Scriptures like a true renaissance man and REBUILD the Mets? Can we finally lift the Dark Age stigma imposed on the word Rebuilding?
Mike.BTB
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