From the desk of: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: Making it Hard on Themselves; Not Taking Advantage of Key Loses by Staten Island.
I erroneously sent the Cyclones on the road to Troy a day early in yesterday's post. Sue me. Regardless, Monday was another one of those good news; bad news type of nights.
Staten Island and Williamsport won their games. And in Brooklyn's continuation portion of Sunday's game, the Cyclones failed to comeback from Sunday's deficit and lost to Tri-City 7-4.
But they weren't through. In the second game of the make-up-game double-header, Javier Rodriguez erased a Valley Cat 2-0 lead in the fifth inning with a two RBI double. Then in extra innings; because double-headers are seven inning games; a home run by Amauris Valdez in the bottom of the eighth won it for Brooklyn. It was the first home run of the season for one of the newest Cyclones to sign.
And as Warner Fusselle would go on to say, "Mercy!"
But that was yesterday. This is a pennant race. And tonight, the Cyclones got a bunch of help from their friends. In Staten Island, the Lowell Spinners held off a near-successful comeback by the Yankees who scored three runs in the home ninth but fell one short; - 6-5 win Lowell.
Big props to the Batavia Muckdogs! They took both games of a double-header against the Williamsport Crosscutters out in Western New York by identical 2-1 scores. That was huge, as the Cyclones dropped their game against the Valley Cats by a score of 7-4.
So now, the Cyclones are just 0.5 games behind the Crosscutters for the Wild Card. But they are 3.5 games behind the Yankees in the McNamara Division after recently closing in to within 1.5 games.
Twelve games remain in the regular season. Tomorrow, Brooklyn and Troy go at it again.
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ Ace; Mike Loree Sold To PITT Pirates
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Mission Statement of the Atlantic League May Turn Out to be Long Island's Downfall.
Their Ace Pitcher; The Atlantic League's Triple Crown Leader; Gets Sold to Pirates.
Add MIKE LOREE to the List of Ducks Pitchers Gone-Bye... The Contracts of the Ducks' Three Best Pitchers - Mike Loree; Mike Parisi; Shane Youman; all sold leaving the Ducks' Rotation Bare.
Duck Pond; We have a Problem.
On August 22nd, the Ducks' Ace; Long Island's new single season record holder for wins; All-Star Game starting pitcher; and the Atlantic League leader in all three pitching Triple Crown categories; Mike Loree; had his contract sold by the Long Island Ducks and purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He will be assigned to AA-Altoona Curve.
There-in lies the mission statement of the Atlantic League; ...to get guys back into the Major Leagues. And I think we all knew it was just a matter of time before he got picked-up. But, oh what a blow to the Ducks' championship hopes this is.
Matt Padgett saved Monday night's game with a big double in the eighth inning to give the Ducks their first lead of the game and a 5-4 final score over the Blue Crabs. It was a statement game of sorts. They seemed flat for most of the night upon learning their ace pitcher had been sold away earlier that day. And they were fresh from getting swept in Camden over the weekend. But they did what they've done for most of this season regardless of who is on the mound. They pounded out three late runs in the eighth inning while their strong bullpen made the lead stand.
Yesterday, Valerio De Los Santos made the fill-in start in place of the departed Mike Loree. And Valerio's performance echoed some things I said about the Ducks' Staff moving forward; and their outlook for the upcoming playoffs. The loss of pitchers Mike Parisi and Shane Youman were huge blows to take. Now, losing Mike Loree is crippling.
In Tuesday night's game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs; the last pitcher to win a game for the Long Island Ducks; Mark Diapoules took his regular turn in the rotation and promptly got hammered. In two+ innings, he allowed four hits; eight runs; and walked three. He left the game with his team behind 8-2 at the time.
As of right now, the Ducks are still clearly the best team in the League with an overall 67-33 record. But their season just got very, very interesting. I already expressed my concerns for this team in Monday's post. Check that out. But today, concerns just got upgraded to a really big problem.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Mission Statement of the Atlantic League May Turn Out to be Long Island's Downfall.
Their Ace Pitcher; The Atlantic League's Triple Crown Leader; Gets Sold to Pirates.
Add MIKE LOREE to the List of Ducks Pitchers Gone-Bye... The Contracts of the Ducks' Three Best Pitchers - Mike Loree; Mike Parisi; Shane Youman; all sold leaving the Ducks' Rotation Bare.
Duck Pond; We have a Problem.
On August 22nd, the Ducks' Ace; Long Island's new single season record holder for wins; All-Star Game starting pitcher; and the Atlantic League leader in all three pitching Triple Crown categories; Mike Loree; had his contract sold by the Long Island Ducks and purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He will be assigned to AA-Altoona Curve.
There-in lies the mission statement of the Atlantic League; ...to get guys back into the Major Leagues. And I think we all knew it was just a matter of time before he got picked-up. But, oh what a blow to the Ducks' championship hopes this is.
Matt Padgett saved Monday night's game with a big double in the eighth inning to give the Ducks their first lead of the game and a 5-4 final score over the Blue Crabs. It was a statement game of sorts. They seemed flat for most of the night upon learning their ace pitcher had been sold away earlier that day. And they were fresh from getting swept in Camden over the weekend. But they did what they've done for most of this season regardless of who is on the mound. They pounded out three late runs in the eighth inning while their strong bullpen made the lead stand.
Yesterday, Valerio De Los Santos made the fill-in start in place of the departed Mike Loree. And Valerio's performance echoed some things I said about the Ducks' Staff moving forward; and their outlook for the upcoming playoffs. The loss of pitchers Mike Parisi and Shane Youman were huge blows to take. Now, losing Mike Loree is crippling.
In Tuesday night's game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs; the last pitcher to win a game for the Long Island Ducks; Mark Diapoules took his regular turn in the rotation and promptly got hammered. In two+ innings, he allowed four hits; eight runs; and walked three. He left the game with his team behind 8-2 at the time.
As of right now, the Ducks are still clearly the best team in the League with an overall 67-33 record. But their season just got very, very interesting. I already expressed my concerns for this team in Monday's post. Check that out. But today, concerns just got upgraded to a really big problem.
Mike.BTB
Monday, August 22, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ Sharks Feed on Ducks' One Weakness
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
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
BKN Cyclones ~ Off To Troy In Search of Victory
From the desk of: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: As Mother Nature Continues to Demand a Say in the NY-PL Pennant Races, Brooklyn Heads North With Hopes of Sacking Troy.
****UPDATE/CORRECTION: They Don't Leave Till Tomorrow. I Got Ahead of Myself.
Mother Nature still continues to thumb her nose in our business. She had Sunday's game in Coney Island suspended after 3 1/2 innings with the Cyclones trailing Tri-City 6-2. Now they will pick-up that game where they left off yesterday up in Troy, N.Y. As part of a home-and-home, tonight begins a three game series against the Tri-City Valley Cats on their turf, after having most of the series in Brooklyn rained on.
Staten Island managed to play their game up in Lowell against the Spinners. And they hammered their hosts 16-1. The Yankees' latest win widened their lead over Brooklyn to three games in the McNamara Division with thirteen games to play. Brooklyn and Staten Island will play a three game series to close out the regular season.
Also last night, the Jamestown Jammers helped Brooklyn along in the Wild Card race by defeating the Williamsport Crosscutters. Williamsport still holds a one game lead over the Cyclones.
Tonight, Williamsport resumes their series against Jamestown, and the Yanks continue along with the Lowell Spinners. Hopefully the Cyclones can manage a come-back in their resumption of yesterday's game, and follow up the night-cap with another victory. With some out of town breaks going our way, the night can prove quite profitable for our Seaside Sluggers. The Brooklyn Cyclones have a League's best 16-13 road record.
Let's Go Cyclones!
Mike.BTB
McNAMARA DIVISION
Staten Island Yankees 38-23 .623 *
BROOKLYN CYCLONES 34-25 .576 3 GB
WILD CARD
Williamsport Crosscutters *
BROOKLYN CYCLONES 1 GB
BROOKLYN CYCLONES: As Mother Nature Continues to Demand a Say in the NY-PL Pennant Races, Brooklyn Heads North With Hopes of Sacking Troy.
****UPDATE/CORRECTION: They Don't Leave Till Tomorrow. I Got Ahead of Myself.
Mother Nature still continues to thumb her nose in our business. She had Sunday's game in Coney Island suspended after 3 1/2 innings with the Cyclones trailing Tri-City 6-2. Now they will pick-up that game where they left off yesterday up in Troy, N.Y. As part of a home-and-home, tonight begins a three game series against the Tri-City Valley Cats on their turf, after having most of the series in Brooklyn rained on.
Staten Island managed to play their game up in Lowell against the Spinners. And they hammered their hosts 16-1. The Yankees' latest win widened their lead over Brooklyn to three games in the McNamara Division with thirteen games to play. Brooklyn and Staten Island will play a three game series to close out the regular season.
Also last night, the Jamestown Jammers helped Brooklyn along in the Wild Card race by defeating the Williamsport Crosscutters. Williamsport still holds a one game lead over the Cyclones.
Tonight, Williamsport resumes their series against Jamestown, and the Yanks continue along with the Lowell Spinners. Hopefully the Cyclones can manage a come-back in their resumption of yesterday's game, and follow up the night-cap with another victory. With some out of town breaks going our way, the night can prove quite profitable for our Seaside Sluggers. The Brooklyn Cyclones have a League's best 16-13 road record.
Let's Go Cyclones!
Mike.BTB
N.Y. Mets ~ Brain Busters
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: In the immortal words of Aretha Franklin - "...you better, THINK! ...'bout what you tryin' to do to me! You better, THINK!"
His curve ball follows the curvature of the Earth. His sinker rises like a weather balloon. His fastball suffers more drag than Sky-Lab did falling down to Earth. And the guys’ mind is in orbit. This space cadet is in dire need of a lobotomy or learning how to sequence his pitches better. But then again, he’d still need an effective out-pitch; which is his downfall.
Otherwise, he makes his case a tough call because we still like the guy and want to give him that one last chance. But I assure you, sending Mike Pelfrey to the bullpen is not a remedy for his woes. I don't know if time is on our (the Club's) side when it comes to options. I may be off on the logistics, but I wish we could shuffle him off to Buffalo and keep him there until September 5th; ...that's right..... The last game of Buffalo's regular season.
This man needs to have his psyche impacted and shaken up. He's thinking way too much and I believe his brain is fried for having been thrust into the Ace's role and not coming through. More and more, he's exhibiting poor mental make-up. Additionally, there's a lot of work to be done with regard to an out-pitch; not to mention his whole unimpressive repertoire.
In the Mets' present situation, giving someone a mental make-over and diagnosing a pitcher's failed craftsmanship should not be done from the bullpen, nor on the Major League level. Impact his brain a little and send him down for three starts where he'll have nothing to think about but throwing a damn ball. Heck; we should have done this a week ago. And we just might learn a little more about his make-up after putting him through a demeaning process like that and be better prepared to deal with his situation in the off-season. Because after all, he is a Scott Boras client.
Can we do that?
Jose; Jose; Jose;....Why Hurry Jose?
Funny; ...ever since Jose Reyes returned to the dugout to do sprints at Citi Field, the "Spotlight is on You" has returned. There's a lot to be said about that, among which is his value to the club.
So why rush back? And for what? There is nothing he can do between now and the end of the regular season that will change any one's perception of him; good or bad; on the part of the Mets; us fans; or any other team interested in the soon to be free agent.
At this point in his career, I believe he IS what he IS. Jose Reyes is one of the most dynamic players in baseball; whether it be on the base paths; in the field; with a bat in his hands; or through his overall exuberance and it's effect on a club.
He is also proven to be injury prone; namely those legs. And more and more, his lower appendages seem to be; if only slightly; permanently damaged....but hopefully manageable at the same time. In an effort to keep his legs healthy, he might have to become a player who now plays 147 to 150 games a season by design.
When I play GM, I would have traded him. That's a different post. But I'm like you; a Fan. And he's a Met today. So why rush him back? For what? If we do in fact reach a deal with him this off-season, we still have to rethink the way we utilize him. What we decide to do this very day, may still work in our benefit down the road. And if I'm Jose Reyes, ...I get he may know no other way than to play as soon as possible, but it's in his best interest to take it slow also. And if the Met Doctors are having a routinely bad day, they can potentially ruin him for life.
There is no evidence a divorce between the Mets and Jose Reyes is written in stone. But to even the staunchest Reyes supporter, I know this latest setback has touched the pragmatist in you.
Ask yourself; - from this moment forward, will you ever think about Jose Reyes, and not think about his hamstrings ever again? The rethinking of Jose Reyes has already begun.
Here's my proposal; $83 million over five years; no more. Like I said, there is nothing he can do to change my perception of him now. He is one of the most dynamic players in Baseball with mounting hamstring injuries. And if his time in New York has proven one thing if we are to move forward with him, is that he will need ample, scheduled days off; ....in his prime years. But I also say it's a risk. I'd rather let DePodesta and Ricciardi utilize the compensatory pick(s) and continue their stock-piling coming off this year's draft.
However, because it's more about what the Club does, than what I want, having Jose Reyes in a Met uniform could never rub me the wrong way.
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK METS: In the immortal words of Aretha Franklin - "...you better, THINK! ...'bout what you tryin' to do to me! You better, THINK!"
His curve ball follows the curvature of the Earth. His sinker rises like a weather balloon. His fastball suffers more drag than Sky-Lab did falling down to Earth. And the guys’ mind is in orbit. This space cadet is in dire need of a lobotomy or learning how to sequence his pitches better. But then again, he’d still need an effective out-pitch; which is his downfall.
Otherwise, he makes his case a tough call because we still like the guy and want to give him that one last chance. But I assure you, sending Mike Pelfrey to the bullpen is not a remedy for his woes. I don't know if time is on our (the Club's) side when it comes to options. I may be off on the logistics, but I wish we could shuffle him off to Buffalo and keep him there until September 5th; ...that's right..... The last game of Buffalo's regular season.
This man needs to have his psyche impacted and shaken up. He's thinking way too much and I believe his brain is fried for having been thrust into the Ace's role and not coming through. More and more, he's exhibiting poor mental make-up. Additionally, there's a lot of work to be done with regard to an out-pitch; not to mention his whole unimpressive repertoire.
In the Mets' present situation, giving someone a mental make-over and diagnosing a pitcher's failed craftsmanship should not be done from the bullpen, nor on the Major League level. Impact his brain a little and send him down for three starts where he'll have nothing to think about but throwing a damn ball. Heck; we should have done this a week ago. And we just might learn a little more about his make-up after putting him through a demeaning process like that and be better prepared to deal with his situation in the off-season. Because after all, he is a Scott Boras client.
Can we do that?
Jose; Jose; Jose;....Why Hurry Jose?
Funny; ...ever since Jose Reyes returned to the dugout to do sprints at Citi Field, the "Spotlight is on You" has returned. There's a lot to be said about that, among which is his value to the club.
So why rush back? And for what? There is nothing he can do between now and the end of the regular season that will change any one's perception of him; good or bad; on the part of the Mets; us fans; or any other team interested in the soon to be free agent.
At this point in his career, I believe he IS what he IS. Jose Reyes is one of the most dynamic players in baseball; whether it be on the base paths; in the field; with a bat in his hands; or through his overall exuberance and it's effect on a club.
He is also proven to be injury prone; namely those legs. And more and more, his lower appendages seem to be; if only slightly; permanently damaged....but hopefully manageable at the same time. In an effort to keep his legs healthy, he might have to become a player who now plays 147 to 150 games a season by design.
When I play GM, I would have traded him. That's a different post. But I'm like you; a Fan. And he's a Met today. So why rush him back? For what? If we do in fact reach a deal with him this off-season, we still have to rethink the way we utilize him. What we decide to do this very day, may still work in our benefit down the road. And if I'm Jose Reyes, ...I get he may know no other way than to play as soon as possible, but it's in his best interest to take it slow also. And if the Met Doctors are having a routinely bad day, they can potentially ruin him for life.
There is no evidence a divorce between the Mets and Jose Reyes is written in stone. But to even the staunchest Reyes supporter, I know this latest setback has touched the pragmatist in you.
Ask yourself; - from this moment forward, will you ever think about Jose Reyes, and not think about his hamstrings ever again? The rethinking of Jose Reyes has already begun.
Here's my proposal; $83 million over five years; no more. Like I said, there is nothing he can do to change my perception of him now. He is one of the most dynamic players in Baseball with mounting hamstring injuries. And if his time in New York has proven one thing if we are to move forward with him, is that he will need ample, scheduled days off; ....in his prime years. But I also say it's a risk. I'd rather let DePodesta and Ricciardi utilize the compensatory pick(s) and continue their stock-piling coming off this year's draft.
However, because it's more about what the Club does, than what I want, having Jose Reyes in a Met uniform could never rub me the wrong way.
Mike.BTB
Sunday, August 21, 2011
N.Y. Mets ~ Flame Out
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: Dark Smoke Joins The Storm Cloud Hovering Over Citi Field.
Thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the chop-shops across the street from Citi Field. A fire might have been started by a stray shooting spark that jumped across the street while Prince Fielder and the Brewers were torching up the Mets 7-1, over the first six innings of Saturday's game.
But it was the Mets' offense that ignited to finally heat things up at home. Amidst the rising smoke behind Citi Field, they staged a near-miraculous comeback against a new Fan nemesis; Francisco Rodriguez. Boos rained down from the stands upon Frankie as furiously as the black curtain of smoldering soot rose beyond center field. Then for the Mets, through the smoke rose an Angel from the outfield; - Pagan connected on a booming home run to right. And from being down 7-1, they fought their way back and beyond, to take an 9-7 lead after eight innings.
Then in the ninth inning, Terry Collins let Izzy play with matches and well, ...he got burnt. Izzy gave up a hit and walked three batters to force in a run; making the game 9-8, Mets. Izzy got charged witharson three more runs he set up by leaving the bases loaded; and that Manny Acosta assisted getting across the plate by allowing two more hits after Coach Terry made a switch.
Although seemingly heroic for a moment, seeing-eye base hits past an out of position Justin Turner just fanned the flames at Citi even more. When the cross beams gave way below them, the Mets came crashing through the floors of their house to lay in the hot ashes of an 11-9 loss. And so there's a lesson to be learned somewhere in Saturday's meltdown boys and girls; - where there's smoke, there's fire. And, oh yeah; ...bases on balls kill.
Flame out.
All you can really do after an afternoon like that is get up and dust yourself off; ...take a body count making sure everyone is OK and accounted for. But, why walk away from a game like this angry, when you can just walk away? There's still jobs to be won.
They showed a lot of Chutzpah. Give Terry's Kids that.
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK METS: Dark Smoke Joins The Storm Cloud Hovering Over Citi Field.
Thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the chop-shops across the street from Citi Field. A fire might have been started by a stray shooting spark that jumped across the street while Prince Fielder and the Brewers were torching up the Mets 7-1, over the first six innings of Saturday's game.
But it was the Mets' offense that ignited to finally heat things up at home. Amidst the rising smoke behind Citi Field, they staged a near-miraculous comeback against a new Fan nemesis; Francisco Rodriguez. Boos rained down from the stands upon Frankie as furiously as the black curtain of smoldering soot rose beyond center field. Then for the Mets, through the smoke rose an Angel from the outfield; - Pagan connected on a booming home run to right. And from being down 7-1, they fought their way back and beyond, to take an 9-7 lead after eight innings.
Then in the ninth inning, Terry Collins let Izzy play with matches and well, ...he got burnt. Izzy gave up a hit and walked three batters to force in a run; making the game 9-8, Mets. Izzy got charged with
Although seemingly heroic for a moment, seeing-eye base hits past an out of position Justin Turner just fanned the flames at Citi even more. When the cross beams gave way below them, the Mets came crashing through the floors of their house to lay in the hot ashes of an 11-9 loss. And so there's a lesson to be learned somewhere in Saturday's meltdown boys and girls; - where there's smoke, there's fire. And, oh yeah; ...bases on balls kill.
Flame out.
All you can really do after an afternoon like that is get up and dust yourself off; ...take a body count making sure everyone is OK and accounted for. But, why walk away from a game like this angry, when you can just walk away? There's still jobs to be won.
They showed a lot of Chutzpah. Give Terry's Kids that.
Mike.BTB
Saturday, August 20, 2011
BKN Cyclones ~ Brooks Get Needed Help From Lowell
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
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
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
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