Mariner Minors: 08/14/2005

Mariner Minors

Friday, August 19, 2005

Game Recaps (8/19/05)

Las Vegas 6 (LA – 24), Tacoma 9
RHP Jeff Harris (2.78) went six innings, giving up a run on just two hits (HR) and a walk while striking out seven, and he’s in the same rotation slot as Meche… hmm… RHP Emiliano Fruto (37.80) came in after that, but he gave up four runs (three earned) on a hit and three walks while striking out the only batter he recorded an out on. RHP Mike Flannery (9.00) scored two of Fruto’s runs over the next inning on a walk and a strikeout, but LHP Andrew Lorrain (4.55) scored Flannery’s runs, giving up two hits before recording the last two outs of the eight. All seemed lost when RHP Sean Green (4.14, W) came in to strikeout one in the ninth, but DH Wiki Gonzalez (2B, HR, 2 R ,5 RBI, .312) hit a walk-off grand slam to end the game. LF Shin-soo Choo (HR, 3 R, .269) also had two hits, and RF Abraham Nunez (2B, 2 R, RBI, SB, CS, .266) had a double and three walks.

Tulsa 0 (COL – 3), San Antonio 1
RHP Rich Dorman (0.00, W) had the kind of start that only few pitchers can have, no-hitting Tulsa through six innings and striking out eleven, but also giving up six walks and hitting a batter. LHP Chris Key (2.22) went the next two, giving up three hits and striking out two, and then RHP Renee Cortez (4.17, S) gave up a couple hits and punched out two in the ninth. LF Jaime Bubela (R, SB, .293) had two hits and scored, not much else though, except that was his 38th stolen base.

Inland Empire 6, Visalia 4 (TB – 14)
RHP Mumba Rivera (7.12, W) went seven innings for the win, giving up four runs on eight hits (HR) and four walks with two Ks. LHP Troy Cate (2.92) had an uneventful eighth, and then RHP Craig James (0.90) walked one, hit one, and rung up one in the ninth. 1B Bryan Lahair (HR, 2 RBI, .306) had three hits in this one, and LF Sebastien Boucher (R, RBI, SB, .335), DH Carlos Arroyo (.317), and RF Sam Bradford Jr. (HR, 2 RBI, SB, PO, .224) had two. Boucher now has more hits in less at-bats than he did in Wisconsin (albeit, one more, and two less). 2B Michael Garciaparra (HR, .295) also hit a home run. On a sad note, the day off left CF Wladimir Balentien (.283) out of his groove, and he struck out his first three times at the plate. Yuck.

Lansing 9 (TOR - 11), Wisconsin 12
You’d think that six runs in the first three innings would just let the pitchers cruise, but there were a few pitchers coming back from injury that got into the game. To start it, the T-Rats sent out LHP Shawn Nottingham (8.10), who went three and a third innings before hitting his pitch count, giving up three runs on five hits, two hit batters, and two strikeouts, though RHP Jason Snyder (4.63) scored two of those and two of his own on three hits and two walks in the next third of an inning. RHP Stephen Grasley (3.38, W) didn’t allow any inherited runs to score after that, and while he did give up four runs on three hits, a hit batter, a walk, and three strikeouts in two and a third innings of work, he did pick up his ninth win of the season. RHP Jon Lockwood (2.38, S) pitched the final two innings and allowed two hits and a free pass while punching out a pair. DH Chris Colton (3 R, 2 RBI, SB, .364) and C Jeff Clement (2B, R, HR, 5 RBI, SB, E, .298), including Clement’s second home run, and CF Josh Womack (2 R, .265) and 3B Yung-chi Chen (HR, 3 RBI, .295) had two each. RF Mike Wilson (3B, R, .275) and 1B Marshall Hubbard (2B, 3 R, RBI, .288) had extra-base hits.

If you’re wondering who was shipped out with Nottingham coming in, RHP Randy Frye was apparently sent to Everett.

Everett 3, Tri-City 6 (COL – 7)
LHP Paul Fagan (3.23) was solid through seven innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits, two wild pitches, a balk, and a walk against seven Ks, but LHP David Asher (3.54, L) gave up three runs (two earned) after four hits and a strikeout in the eighth. To highlight further craziness, all the teams in the NWL’s eastern division are below .500. CF Casey Craig (2 R, SB, .274) had two hits in the game, and C J.B. Tucker (3B, R, PB, .281) had a triple. Also, a reader brought it to my attention that I’ve been sorely neglecting DH Reed Eastley (RBI, SB, .333), who was 1-for-3 with a walk in this one. Considering that Eastley was batting .333/.470/.488 coming into the game, AND he had three more walks (29) than strikeouts (26), AND he bats left-handed, AND he’s been playing all around the infield even though a broken forearm left him DHing his senior year, yeah I’d say I kind of messed up there. But he was a college senior, so it was easier for me to get excited about Valbuena and Flaig.

Peoria Mariners 4, Surprise Royals 12 (+ 1)
From division leaders to punching bags, all in a few short games. Actually, I shouldn’t say that. All was well up until the eighth inning, with LHP Steve Uhlmansiek (3.78) going three innings and giving up a couple runs on four hits (HR) and two walks, and RHP Ari Kafka (4.00) allowing a run to score on three hits and a walk against a couple of Ks in two frames after that. LHP Jose Suriel (4.12, PO) even pitched in with two innings and one run allowed on three hits against two Ks, but then came the eighth. Due to a couple of errors, RHP Brian Kappel (0.00, L) gave up eight runs, none of them earned, on four hits (HR), a hit batter, a walk, and a strikeout in an inning of work, which is just brutal. 2B Juan Guzman (R, 2 RBI, CS, E, .299) had three hits, and SS Dean Zorn (SB, .2630 had two. As for walks, CF Tim Auty (R, .420) had three, and 1B Andy Hargrove (SB, .325) and 3B Leury Bonilla (E, .245) both had two.

Tomorrow’s Games:
Tacoma: LHP Damian Moss, at Tacoma @ 7:05 pm PT
San Antonio: Bunch of relievers, at San Antonio, @ 5:05 pm PT
Inland Empire: LHP Ryan Feierabend, at Visalia, @ 7:05 pm PT
Wisconsin: RHP Mark Lowe, at Appleton, @ 5:05 pm PT
Everett: TBA, at Pasco, @ 7:15 pm PT
Peoria: Off day
Aguirre: Season Over (0-2 in playoffs against Venoco #1)

Tacoma Rainiers: 69-58, .543, 1st (1 GA) in PCL Pacific North
San Antonio Missions: 29-26 (67-58), .527 (.536), 1 GB in TL West
Inland Empire 66ers: 23-30 (51-71), .434 (.418), 8.5 GB in CAL South
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: 31-24 (70-55), .564 (.560), T-1st in MWL West
Everett Aquasox: 33-24, .579, 3 GB in NWL West
Peoria Mariners, 10-7 (19-25), .588 (.432), 2 GB in AZL
Aguirre Mariners, 37-23-3, .617, 1st (1 GA) in VSL Valencia
Santo Domingo Mariners, 32-24-1, .570, 2 GB in DSL Santo Domingo Norte
Organizational Record: 378-338-4, .528

posted by Jay Y. @ 11:47 PM

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Game Recaps (8/18/05)

Las Vegas 2 (LA – 23), Tacoma 3
Way too many pitchers in this one. RHP Jesse Foppert (4.34) went the first inning and two-thirds, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out the last two batters in the first. RHP Sean Green (4.25) struck out the final batter of the second, and then RHP Rafael Soriano (0.00) came in, gave up a hit, and struck out two. RHP Clint Nageotte (2.54) took the next three and one-third innings, giving up a run on three hits (HR), a walk, and a strikeout. LHP Andrew Lorraine (4.57) went two after that, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two, but RHP Masao Kida (4.11, S) gave the team a scare, as he gave up a run on a hit, a wild pitch, and two walks on his way t recording the final three outs (one of them a K). LF Shin-soo Choo (2B, R, A, .267) had two hits in the game and 2B Jose Lopez (2B, R, RBI, .328) hit a double to the opposite field.

Tulsa 2 (COL – 2), San Antonio 1
RHP Juan Sandoval (4.17, L) did his usual, going five and two-thirds innings and giving up two runs on eight hits and a wild pitch while striking out five. LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith (4.67) went the next inning and a third, giving up two hits and striking out two, then LHP Cesar Jimenez (2.98) pitched the last two innings, giving up two hits and a walk and ringing up two. RF Jon Nelson (2B, R, SB, .230) had two hits and 2B Ismael Castro (2B, .275) doubled.

Wisconsin 10, Burlington 2 (KC + 2)
The reverse of last night’s game. This is another one where I really want to get excited about how well LHP Julio Santiago (4.76, 3 E, PO, W) threw, but the Burlington offense is just too bad to say this means a whole lot. Santiago went six innings and gave up an unearned run on six hits and struck out seven. RHP Jon Lockwood (2.75), LHP Donny Langdon (4.71), and LHP Eric O’Flaherty (4.06) split the last three innings, with Lockwood giving up an unearned run on two hits and striking out the side, Langdon giving up a hit and a walk, and O’Flaherty punching out one. LF Josh Womack (2 R, RBI, SB, CS, .263), 1B Marshall Hubbard (2B, R, 3 RBI, .288), and DH Jeff Clement (R, RBI, .259) had three hits each, CF Brent Johnson (R, SB, .310) and 3B Yung-chi Chen (2B, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI, .294) had two, and everyone else, RF Chris Colton (2B, R, RBI, .354), SS Matt Tuiasosopo (2B, R, RBI, .285), C Omar Falcon (2B, R, RBI, PB, .278), and 3B Brandon Green (3B, .222), had extra-base hits.

Mesa Cuba 12 (- 7), Peoria Mariners 4
RHP Chia-an Huang (7.61, L) got hit hard, again, giving up four runs on seven hits and two walks against one strikeout in three innings of work. RHP Tyrone Lamont (5.33) went the next two, giving up a run on three hits against a strikeout, and then LHP Worth Lumry (7.06) went two innings after that an allowed a run to score on four hits. LHP Estelin Soto (7.71) got into trouble again over the last two, giving up six runs (five earned) on six hits, a wild pitch, a walk, and a strikeout. DH Kevin Gergel (2 2B, 3B, R, RBI, .330) had three hits, and all the extra-base production for the M’s.

This will probably be the last DSL update prior to the end of the season, but I’ll try to make it a good one. Though the stats I have, due to their updating schedule, are over a week old… The Santo Domingo M’s have gone 5-3 since last note, and are currently 2 games behind the Oakland A’s 2, and the regular season is scheduled to end next Friday. Nineteen-year-old OF Wellington Dotel continues to make his case for league MVP, hitting .396/.434/.671 and leading the division in hits (82), doubles (14), triples (8), home runs (9), and RBI (36), while coming in at second in runs (39). As far as the other divisions go (DSL teams do not play outside their own division, near as I can figure), he’s still leading the league in hits, triples, and home runs. One behind him in the doubles race is one of last year’s favorites, 20-year-old 1B Manelik Pimentel, who is hitting .261/.354/.401, but not exactly showing the same power he did last year. A newcomer on the scene is OF Carlos Peguero, an 18-year-old who is tied for second in the triples with three and tied for third in home runs with five (yes, Dotel’s lead is that big). Peguero’s average hitting hasn’t been that impressive yet, though, as he’s batting .224/.323/.406. The second best overall hitter on the team is probably still IF Ogui Diaz, 19, who is currently hitting .295/.339/.404, but don’t count out OF Jairo Hernandez, 20, who’s back to his old tricks and hitting .306/.358/.458. His demotion remains a mystery. The team’s best pitcher, by a considerable margin, remains LHP Eddy Fernandez, 18, who holds the division lead in ERA and Ks with 1.06 and 76, respectively. They’re only hitting .172 off him, and his K/BB of nearly seven is just sick, especially considering he’s had 76.1 innings to do it. But to throw another name out there, as I’ve tried to do for a while now with their staff, 18-year-old Edwards Paredes, who is running out a 2.49 ERA in 21.2 innings, may also be worth note. His opposing average is a team low .146, though walking a batter every other inning is contributing to that. Oh, and the winner for this year’s “Name I Have No Idea How to Pronounce” award goes to Mcyquin Lora, a sixteen-year-old who has had one at-bat with the team. The last name’s easy enough, but the first…

Tomorrow’s Games:
Tacoma: RHP Jeff Harris, at Tacoma @ 7:05 pm PT
San Antonio: RHP Rich Dorman, at San Antonio, @ 5: 05 pm PT
Inland Empire: RHP Mumba Rivera, at Visalia, @ 7:05 pm PT
Wisconsin: RHP Randy Frye, at Appleton, @ 5:05 pm PT
Everett: LHP Paul Fagan, at Everett, @ 7:05 pm PT
Peoria: TBA, at Peoria (doubleheader), @ 7:00 pm PT
Aguirre: Season Over (0-2 in playoffs against Venoco #1)

Tacoma Rainiers: 68-58, .539, 1st (1 GA) in PCL Pacific North
San Antonio Missions: 28-26 (66-58), .519 (.532), 2 GB in TL West
Inland Empire 66ers: 22-30 (50-71), .423 (.413), 8 GB in CAL South
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: 30-24 (69-55), .556 (.556), T-1st in MWL West
Everett Aquasox: 33-23, .589, 3 GB in NWL West
Peoria Mariners, 10-6 (19-24), .625 (.442), 1 GB in AZL
Aguirre Mariners, 37-23-3, .617, 1st (1 GA) in VSL Valencia
Santo Domingo Mariners, 32-24-1, .570, 2 GB in DSL Santo Domingo Norte
Organizational Record: 374-336-4, .527

posted by Jay Y. @ 10:39 PM

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Game Recaps (8/17/05)

Las Vegas 3 (LA – 22), Tacoma 5 (ten innings)
RHP Chris Buglovsky (4.58) went seven innings and gave up all three runs on nine hits and five walks against six strikeouts. RHP Jeff Heaverlo (4.68) went three innings after that, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out three. I’ve done a lot of talking these past months about “free this guy” and “promote that guy”, but seriously, what is 2B Jose Lopez (2 2B, 2 R, SB, .331) doing in Tacoma? He went 4-for-4 tonight, and his slugging now sits at .546. Good as Jose was, it was 3B Hunter Brown (HR, 2 RBI, SB, .295) that hit the walk-off two-run shot in the tenth. 1B Greg Dobbs (2 R, RBI, SB, .323) added three hits in the game. Kind of odd that each one of them stole bases, when all of the above are in the single-digits for this season.

San Antonio 5, Wichita 13 (KC – 1) (seven innings)
Two doubleheaders in a row will take something out of you. Perhaps that’s why we recently saw a few new pitchers join the team. RHP Jon Huber (4.88) went five innings and gave up three runs on seven hits and a walk against three Ks. LHP Tim Rall (4.35, L) was the one who lost control of the game, giving up five hits and a walk in a third of an inning, all of which would come around to score later. LHP Chris Key (2.32) would score two of those and four more after four hits (HR) and a hit batter. DH Jesse Hoorelbeke (2 HR, 3 RBI, .269), C Luis Oliveros (HR, 2 RBI, .324), and SS Eddie Menchaca (.228) all had two hits, and 3B Jesus Guzman (2B, R, .262) had a double.

San Antonio 4, Wichita 5 (0) (seven innings)
LHP Jared Thomas (4.50) returned from the DL to go four innings and give up two runs (one earned) on five hits (HR), a wild pitch, and two walks against five Ks. RHP Nate Mateo (7.88, L) got the loss as he gave up three runs on four hits, a balk, and four walks two Ks in the final two innings. Eight-inning sample size, keep breathing. DH Nate Espy (HR, 2 RBI, .273) had three hits in the game, and 2B Eddie Menchaca (R, .235) had two. 3B Jesus Guzman (.261) walked twice.

San Jose 7 (SF + 7), Inland Empire 1
LHP Jason Mackintosh (4.37, L) got the loss, going six innings and giving up five runs (four earned) on seven hits, a hit batter, and a walk with five Ks. LHP Nick Bourgeois (3.47, E) allowed a couple runs (one earned) to score in the next third of an inning on two hits and a wild pitch. RHP Aaron Trolia (4.75) took an inning and two-thirds after that, allowing one runner to reach via a hit. RHP Craig James (0.95) struck out one in the ninth, so his ERA’s back under 1.00, everything’s cool now. 2B Michael Garciaparra (.296) and RF Sam Bradford Jr. (.196) both had two hits, and CF Wladimir Balentien (3B, R, RBI, .286) and SS Erick Monzon (2B, .284) had extra-base hits. Wlad walked once (yay!), but he also struck out twice (boo!).

Wisconsin 2, Burlington 10 (KC + 3)
The experiment of putting RHP Cibney Bello (4.76, L) in the rotation finally hit a snag, as he gave up eight runs on five hits (HR), a wild pitch, two hit batters, and three walks in just an inning and a third. RHP Justin Jordan (4.63) went three and two-thirds after that, giving up a run on four hits (HR), when LHP Adam Brandt (10.03) came in and gave up a run on three hits and two walks in the next couple of frames. Methinks that Brandt hasn’t been perfectly healthy this season, because it’s night and day between this year and last for him. RHP Stephen Grasley (3.02) struck out one in the eighth. 2B Oswaldo Navarro (2B, R, .268) had a double, but there were only five other hits scattered through the lineup. Might as well note 3B Brent Johnson (R, .308) too, as he went 1-for-2 with a walk and can really play anywhere.

Yakima 3 (ARI – 10), Everett 5
LHP Robert Rohrbaugh (3.71, W) pitched seven+ innings in this one, giving up three runs on six hits (2 HR!) and two walks against nine strikeouts. LHP Lance Beus (4.66) struck out the next two batters, though he threw two wild pitches, and then RHP Stephen Kahn (4.15, S) gave up one hit and rung up the final four. C Danny Santin (R, RBI, CS, .301) and DH J.B. Tucker (2B, 3B, R, 2 RBI, .282) both had two hits, and 3B Ron Prettyman (2B, R, .282) and 1B Jeff Flaig (HR, 2 R, .282) had extra-base hits. Flaig’s home run is his seventh.

Phoenix Athletics 9 (+ 5), Peoria Mariners 4
RHP Miguel Marquez (8.55) went five innings in this one and gave up four runs on six hits, a hit batter, two wild pitches, and two walks against three Ks. RHP Toma Bonilla (5.40, L) went the next three innings and gave up five more runs after six hits (HR) and a hit batter against three strikeouts. RHP Juan Colon (3.48) struck out three in the ninth. For the offense, DH Curtis Ledbetter (2B, R, .330) had two hits in the game, but that was about all.

Tomorrow’s Games:
Tacoma: RHP Jesse Foppert (again!), at Tacoma @ 7:05 pm PT
San Antonio: TBA (RHP Rich Dorman?), at San Antonio, @ 5: 05 pm PT
Inland Empire: Off day
Wisconsin: LHP Julio Santiago, at Burlington, @ 5:00 pm PT
Everett: Off day
Peoria: TBA, at Surprise, @ 7:00 pm PT
Aguirre: Season Over (0-2 in playoffs against Venoco #1)

Tacoma Rainiers: 67-58, .536, T-1st in PCL Pacific North
San Antonio Missions: 28-25 (66-57), .528 (.537), 1 GB in TL West
Inland Empire 66ers: 22-30 (50-71), .423 (.413), 8 GB in CAL South
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: 29-24 (68-55), .547 (.553), 1 GB in MWL West
Everett Aquasox: 33-23, .589, 3 GB in NWL West
Peoria Mariners, 10-5 (19-23), .667 (.452), T-1st in AZL
Aguirre Mariners, 37-23-3, .617, 1st (1 GA) in VSL Valencia
Santo Domingo Mariners, 27-21-1, .563, 3.5 GB in DSL Santo Domingo Norte
Organizational Record: 368-331-4, .526

posted by Jay Y. @ 10:24 PM

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Game Recaps (8/16/05)

Las Vegas 0 (LA - 21), Tacoma 7
LHP Bobby Livingston (5.88) gave up five hits and struck out three through seven innings of work tonight. RHP Rafael Soriano (0.00) gave up a hit and struck out two after that, and RHP Emiliano Fruto (27.00) came back from the DL to strike out one in the ninth. RF Abraham Nunez (HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, .268) had three hits in the game, and the trio of LF Shin-soo Choo (3B, 2 R, RBI, .265), 1B Greg Dobbs (2 RBI, .315), and C Rene Rivera (2 2B, 2 R, .242) had two hits apiece.

San Antonio 4, Wichita 2 (KC – 1) (seven innings)
LHP Thom Oldham (3.55, W) went six and two-thirds innings and gave up two runs (one earned) on seven hits with four strikeouts. RHP Renee Cortez (4.24, S) got the final batter to ground out, and notched the save as a result. 1B Jesse Hoorelbeke (2B, HR, 2 RBI, .263) had two hits in the game, and LF Jaime Bubela (2B, RBI, .292), CF Gary Harris (2B, RBI, .285), RF Jon Nelson (2B, RBi, .228), and 2B Ismael Castro (2B, R, .277) all had doubles.

San Antonio 4, Wichita 3 (- 2) (seven innings)
RHP Yorman Bazardo (3.00, W) went five innings in the second half of the DH, giving up three runs on five hits (2 HR!) and two walks against two Ks. LHP Cesar Jimenez (3.09) was perfect in the sixth, and RHP Mike Flannery (4.26, S) gave up two hits in the seventh. DH Jesse Hoorelbeke (R, RBI, .266) and RF Jon Nelson (RBI, .232) both had a couple of hits.

The SA Express-News says that LHP Chris Key and RHP Rich Dorman are joining the Missions. One of those must be from Fruto coming off the DL, but consider me a little confused on this one.

San Jose 2 (SF + 6), Inland Empire 1
RHP Chad Fillinger (5.81, L) got the tough loss in this one, going five innings and giving up a pair of runs on seven hits (HR), a hit batter, and a walk against four Ks. LHP Troy Cate (3.00) pitched the final three innings and rung up six. LF Sebastien Boucher (R, SB, .341), 1B Bryan Lahair (.303), and CF Wladimir Balentien (.286) all had two hits.

Wisconsin 5, Burlington 0 (KC + 2)
RHP Aaron Jensen (5.31, W) decided to have one of his brilliant starts, going seven innings and allowing three hits, a wild pitch, two hit batters, and three walks against two Ks. RHP Jason Snyder (4.47) went the final two, walking one and punching out two. Some solid performances all around in this one, with LF Brent Johnson (R, RBI, SB, .306), SS Matt Tuiasosopo (3B, R, .287), and C Jeff Clement (RBI, .244) getting two hits each and 3B Yung-chi Chen (HR, 2 RBI, .295), DH Luis Soto (3B, R, .193), and 2B Oswaldo Navarro (2B, R, .268) all knocking extra-base hits.

Yakima 9 (ARI – 9), Everett 8 (twelve innings)
LHP Harold Williams (11.25) wasn’t exactly welcomed to the league, going four+ innings and giving up five runs on five hits (HR), a hit batter, and four walks against three Ks. RHP Roman Martinez (6.75) couldn’t get an out after that, and scored one of Williams’ runs and two more of his own after, two hits, a hit batter, and a walk. Well, technically, RHP Edgar Guaramato (4.44) scored one of those runs, but he did well in three and two-thirds innings, giving up a hit and striking out four before he was ejected for hitting a batter. Coach Jim Horner and the Aquasox manager (Pedro Grifol?) were also ejected later. LHP David Asher (3.00, L) would get the loss, giving up two runs on five hits, three walks (two intentional), and four strikeouts over the last four and one-third innings. DH Reed Eastley (.344) had three hits in the game, and 3B Ron Prettyman (2B, HR, 2 R, .283) and RF Mike Saunders (HR, CS, .265) had two each. 1B Jeff Flaig (HR, 2 RBI, .282) and 2B Luis Valbuena (HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, .283) both had home runs. Valbuena’s recent hot streak has been enough to get him into the team photo on Baseball America’s prospect hot sheet.

Tomorrow’s Games:
Tacoma: RHP Chris Buglovsky, at Tacoma @ 12:35 pm PT
San Antonio: RHP Jon Huber, at Wichita, @ 3:30 pm PT
Second Game: LHP Jared Thomas
Inland Empire: LHP Jason Mackintosh, at San Bernardino, @ 7:11 pm PT
Wisconsin: RHP Cibney Bello, at Burlington, @ 5:00 pm PT
Everett: TBA, at Everett, @ 12:05 pm PT
Peoria: TBA, at Peoria, @ 7:00 pm PT
Aguirre: Season Over (0-2 in playoffs against Venoco #1)

Tacoma Rainiers: 66-58, .532, T-1st in PCL Pacific North
San Antonio Missions: 28-23 (66-55), .549 (.545), 0.5 GB in TL West
Inland Empire 66ers: 22-29 (50-70), .431 (.417), 7 GB in CAL South
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: 29-23 (68-54), .553 (.557), 1 GB in MWL West
Everett Aquasox: 32-23, .581, 4 GB in NWL West
Peoria Mariners, 10-4 (19-22), .714 (.463), 1st (1 GA) in AZL
Aguirre Mariners, 37-23-3, .617, 1st (1 GA) in VSL Valencia
Santo Domingo Mariners, 27-21-1, .563, 3.5 GB in DSL Santo Domingo Norte
Organizational Record: 366-326-4, .529

posted by Jay Y. @ 11:50 PM

Monday, August 15, 2005

Game Recaps (8/15/05)

Edit: 1:54 am
Transactions are in, and should be posted soon, including all the wackiness of Wiki/Ojeda and Strong’s replacement (and his replacement, and his replacement).
Transaction update just posted. Yes, I am a night owl, thanks for asking.

Salt Lake 1 (ANA + 7), Tacoma 2
Despite the revolving door of prospects, Rohn’s Rainiers are tied for the top of the division. Dude’s a miracle worker. RHP Jesse Foppert (4.50) went another inning and gave up a run on a hit and two walks against a K. RHP Cha Seung Baek (6.19, W) went six and two-thirds innings after that and allowed four hits and two walks against four Ks, then RHP Jeff Heaverlo (4.89, S) gave up two hits and rung up one over the final four outs. LF Shin-soo Choo (R, CS, A, .262) and 3B Hunter Brown (3B, R, .293) both had two hits in this one, and that was about all they needed. CF T.J. Bohn (.000) was 0-for-3 with a couple strikeouts in his triple-A debut.

San Antonio’s game was postponed. Wet field conditions, so on and so forth.

San Jose 17 (SF + 5), Inland Empire 7
RHP Brandon Moorhead (5.28, L) took more than his share of hits tonight, thirteen (2 HR!), actually, and with two walks and just one strikeout in addition to it, that translated into eleven runs in four and two-thirds innings of work. RHP Oliver Arias (7.16) scored one of those, then three more over the next two and one-third on four hits (HR), a wild pitch, and three walks against three Ks. RHP Nibaldo Acosta (5.72) would score one of Arias’ runs and three more on two hits (HR) and two walks with one strikeout before RHP Jeff Mault (4.76) got the final out to end the misery. For how ugly the pitching was, the bats weren’t half bad, and SS Asdrubal Cabrera (3B, 2 RBI, .287) had three hits, while 1B Bryan Lahair (2 2B, 2 R, RBI, .302), DH Wladimir Balentien (HR, 2 RBI, .284), and 3B Matt Rogelstad (2 R, RBI, .314) had two each. That’s number twenty-three for Wlad. LF Carlos Arroyo (2B, R, .318) also had a double. PH Trevor Heid (.000) struck out in his Cal League debut as Arroyo’s pinch-hitting replacement.

Wisconsin 4, Burlington 5 (KC + 3)
Close game, lost in the final moments. RHP Mark Lowe (5.40) went seven and two-thirds innings, giving up four runs on three hits and four walks against five Ks, but it would’ve only been one had LHP Eric O’Flaherty (4.12, L) not come in and given up a grand slam and one other hit before striking out the final batter for the Bees (we lost to the Bees! (yes I am intentionally avoiding the obvious sting pun)). RF Mike Wilson (HR, .279) had a home run and LF Josh Womack (2B, RBI, .259) doubled, but there wasn’t much else going on.

Yakima 15 (ARI – 10), Everett 16
If you thought the Sixers game was crazy, well, you don’t know crazy. RHP Nick Allen (3.84) went five+ innings and gave up three runs on five hits, a hit batter, and two walks against a strikeout, then LHP Lance Beus (4.76) score two of those and gave up two more runs on three hits (HR) and a K in the next inning. RHP Roman Martinez (6.33) recorded a strikeout, but gave up a hit and a free pass and was pulled in favor of LHP Justin Thomas (4.30, W), who proceeded to score both runs and four more over the next inning and a third on five hits (HR), a hit batter, and two strikeouts. RHP Cory Koliscak (5.24) would then bring the Bears within a run by giving up four more runs on four hits (HR) against a strikeout before RHP Stephen Kahn (4.91, S) got the final ground out, and thus, a save. The Aquasox scoring was highlighted a twelve-run seventh inning, which isn’t for the faint of heart if you’re a pitcher…

· Pitcher Change: Matt Fowles replaces Ryan Doherty.
· Robert Hudson triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Jaen Centeno.
· Ronald Prettyman singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jaen Centeno. Robert Hudson scores.
· Reed Eastley singles on a fly ball to center fielder Leyson Septimo. Ronald Prettyman to 2nd.
· Jeffrey Flaig homers (5) on a fly ball to left field. Ronald Prettyman scores. Reed Eastley scores.
· J. B. TuckerIII flies out to right fielder Jaen Centeno.
· Casey Craig reaches on fielding error by second baseman Derek Bruce.
· Luis Valbuena homers (10) on a fly ball to right field. Casey Craig scores.
· Michael Saunders walks.
· Bryan Sabatella walks. Michael Saunders to 2nd.
· Pitcher Change: Matthew Krohe replaces Matt Fowles.
· Robert Hudson doubles (6) on a fly ball to left fielder Brandon Burgess. Michael Saunders scores. Bryan Sabatella scores.
· Ronald Prettyman called out on strikes.
· Reed Eastley doubles (7) on a fly ball to left fielder Brandon Burgess. Robert Hudson scores.
· Jeffrey Flaig singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jaen Centeno. Reed Eastley scores.
· J. B. TuckerIII homers (8) on a fly ball to right center field. Jeffrey Flaig scores.
· Casey Craig flies out to center fielder Leyson Septimo.

The totals for the game have SS Robert Hudson (2B, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI, PO. .285), DH Reed Eastley (2B, 3 R, RBI, .333), and 1B Jeff Flaig (HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, .283) with three hits each, and 3B Ron Prettyman (HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, .281), C J.B. Tucker (2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, E, .274), 2B Luis Valbuena (HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, .284), who is on fire, and RF Michael Saunders (2B, R, 2 RBI, PO, .258) with two apiece.

Peoria Mariners 10, Peoria Padres 2 (- 4)
RHP Shawn Nottingham (2.25) went two innings this time, giving up a run on two hits against two Ks, and then RHP Marwin Vega (5.71, W) took the next four and was as good as he’s been this season, giving up a run on four hits and a walk against four strikeouts. LHP Jose Suriel (4.09), RHP Ari Kafka (3.86), and RHP John Sullivan (2.75) split the last three innings, with Kafka and Sullivan both giving up hits, but Sullivan also striking out the side. 2B Ronald Garth (2 2B, R, RBI, .367), C Kevin Gergel (2 R, .312), 1B Cutris Ledbetter (R, .318), CF Tim Auty (2B, R, RBI, .434), and RF Eddy Hernandez (RBI, .370) each had two hits.

Tomorrow’s Games:
Tacoma: LHP Bobby Livingston, at Tacoma @ 7:05 pm PT
San Antonio: LHP Thom Oldham (?), at Wichita, @ 5:00 pm PT
Inland Empire: RHP Chad Fillinger, at San Bernardino, @ 7:11 pm PT
Wisconsin: RHP Aaron Jensen, at Burlington, @ 5:00 pm PT
Everett: LHP Harold Williams (woot!), at Everett, @ 7:05 pm PT
Peoria: TBA, at Peoria, @ 7:00 pm PT
Aguirre: Season Over (0-2 in playoffs against Venoco #1)

Tacoma Rainiers: 65-58, .528, T-1st in PCL Pacific North
San Antonio Missions: 26-23 (64-55), .531 (.538), 0.5 GB in TL West
Inland Empire 66ers: 22-28 (50-69), .440 (.420), 6 GB in CAL South
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: 28-23 (67-54), .549 (.554), 2 GB in MWL West
Everett Aquasox: 31-22, .585, 4 GB in NWL West
Peoria Mariners, 10-4 (19-22), .714 (.463), 1st (1 GA) in AZL
Aguirre Mariners, 37-23-3, .617, 1st (1 GA) in VSL Valencia
Santo Domingo Mariners, 27-21-1, .563, 3.5 GB in DSL Santo Domingo Norte
Organizational Record: 362-324-4, .528

posted by Jay Y. @ 11:50 PM

Sunday, August 14, 2005

Game Recaps (8/14/05)

Salt Lake 3 (ANA + 9), Tacoma 2 (seven innings)
LHP Damian Moss (4.21) started the first game of the doubleheader and went six and two-thirds innings, giving up two runs on four hits and two walks against six Ks. RHP Masao Kida (4.04, L) blew it after that, giving up a run on two hits and a walk before recording the final two outs. LF Shin-soo Choo (SB, .256) and RF Justin Leone (R, .245) both had two hits, and 2B Jose Lopez (2B, .301) cracked .300 with a double.

Salt Lake 2 (+ 8), Tacoma 15 (seven innings)
LHP Andrew Lorraine (4.64, W) went five innings and gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits (HR) and a walk with five Ks. RHP Sean Green (4.29) went an inning after that, with two walks, a wild pitch, and two strikeouts to show for it, and then RHP Scott Atchison (6.75) got the seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one. There was an absurd amount of offense for a seven-inning game, with SS Ramon Santiago (2B, 2 R, RBI, .249), CF Abraham Nunez (2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, .262), and 2B Jose Lopez (2 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI, .316) all recording three hits, and LF Shin-soo Choo (HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, E, .260), 1B Greg Dobbs (R, 2 RBI, E, .314), DH Ryan Christianson (.246), and RF Justin Leone (R, 2 RBI, .250) notching two each.

San Antonio 6, Tulsa 4 (COL – 4)
The SA Express-News was wrong; RHP Michael Bumstead (7.11) went four innings and gave up a couple of runs after five hits and three walks against four strikeouts. LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith (4.73, W) went the next three innings and gave up three hits and a wild pitch while striking out six. RHP Nate Mateo (6.00) gave up a hit and struck out one in the eighth, and RHP Mike Flannery (5.06) gave up a couple runs on two hits, a walk, and a strikeout in the ninth. CF-SS Adam Jones (2B, R, .319) made his first pro start in the outfield, but he was moved back to short later in the game and RF-CF Gary Harris (RBI, .285) who had three hits, replaced him in center. LF Jon Nelson (3B, 2 R, .227) added a triple, his fifth of the season.

Lancaster 7 (ARI + 1), Inland Empire 6 (eleven innings)
Apparently, these teams only win against each other on the road. LHP Ryan Feierabend (3.71) went six innings and gave up three runs (two earned) on seven hits (HR) and a walk against seven Ks. RHP Jeff Mault (4.91) went the next inning and a third, with a run scoring on a hit, a walk, and a strikeout, but RHP Nibaldo Acosta (5.50) gave up that run on two hits, a walk, and a K over the following four outs, and in turn, had LHP Nick Bourgeois (3.25) let his run score on two hits and two strikeouts in the next inning and a third. RHP Aaron Trolia (4.84, L) was the one who finally lost it, giving up two runs on a hit, two walks, and a strikeout in the eleventh. LF Sebastien Boucher (R, 2 RBI, .340), CF Wladimir Balentien (3B, 2 R, RBI, A, E, .283), and C Rob Johnson (2B, R, 2 RBI, .286) had two hits each.

Wisconsin 9, West Michigan 4 (DET + 9)
In his first pro start in his home state, RHP Randy Frye (8.12) went three and one-third innings and gave up two runs on five hits and four walks against two strikeouts. Guess his back is still bugging him, or perhaps his nerves wereb ad. RHP Jon Lockwood (2.89) pitched the next three and two-thirds, giving up two hits, a wild pitch, and a walk while striking out six. Combined between the Aquasox and the T-Rats, Lockwood has been striking out 11.16 per nine this season. LHP Donny Langdon (4.95) gave up a couple runs on four hits in the last two frames. On offense, 2B Yung-chi Chen (2B, 2 R, RBI, .298) had three hits, and 3B Brent Johnson (2B, 3 R, SB, E, .305), CF Chris Colton (2B, R, 2 RBI, .367), and RF Mike Wilson (2B, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, .279) had two each. 1B Marshall Hubbard (2B, 2 RBI, .285) added a double and a walk.

Yakima 5 (ARI – 9), Everett 6
RHP Jeff Gilmore (2.86) went seven innings after being held back for two days and gave up four runs on eight hits (3 HR!!) against four strikeouts. LHP David Asher (2.78) walked one after that in the eighth, and RHP Stephen Kahn (5.14, S) gave up a run on two hits and a walk against two strikeouts in the ninth. 1B Jeff Flaig (2B, 2 R, CS, .273) and 2B Luis Valbuena (2B, HR, 4 RBI, CS, .281) both had three hits. Valbuena’s just been on fire lately. SS Robert Hudson (2B, .274) and RF Michael Saunders (HR, .248) both had extra-base hits, and C Danny Santin (R, .298) and CF David Hall (R, .286) each had two walks and a run scored.

Scottsdale Rangers 3 (+ 1), Peoria Mariners 6
Solid pitching? In Arizona? Well, it happened. LHP Steve Uhlmansiek (3.29, PO) went three innings, giving up a couple of hits and walking two. RHP Chia-an Huang (6.97, W) went the next two innings, with a hit, a hit batter, a walk, and a strikeout to show for it. LHP Worthy Lumry (7.32) gave up the first run for the Rangers in the sixth on two hits and a walk, but RHP Brian Kappel (0.00) and LHP Estelin Soto (6.46) got through the next two innings without incident, save for Kappel giving up a hit and striking out one. RHP Juan Colon (3.86) would give up two more runs on two hits, a hit batter, a wild pitch, a walk, and a pair of strikeouts in the ninth. DH Kevin Gergel (3B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, .300) and LF Marquise Liverpool (R, 2 SB, .329) both had two hits, and C Nick Prosise (2B, R, 2 RBI, PB, .256) doubled.

If you didn't check out the News Around the Minors post below, you might want to. I had a couple of updates to it throughout the day, so it may not be the same as when you first saw it.

Tomorrow’s Games:
Tacoma: RHP Cha Seung Baek, at Tacoma @ 7:05 pm PT
San Antonio: LHP Thom Oldham (?), at Wichita, @ 5:00 pm PT
Inland Empire: RHP Brandon Moorhead, at San Bernardino, @ 7:11 pm PT
Wisconsin: RHP Mark Lowe, at Burlington, @ 5:00 pm PT
Everett: TBA, at Everett, @ 7:05 pm PT
Peoria: Off day
Aguirre: Season Over (0-2 in playoffs against Venoco #1)

Tacoma Rainiers: 64-58, .525, 1 GB in PCL Pacific North
San Antonio Missions: 26-23 (64-55), .531 (.538), 0.5 GB in TL West
Inland Empire 66ers: 22-27 (50-68), .449 (.424), 5.5 GB in CAL South
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: 28-22 (67-53), .560 (.558), 1 GB in MWL West
Everett Aquasox: 31-22, .585, 4 GB in NWL West
Peoria Mariners, 9-4 (18-22), .692 (.450), 1st (1 GA) in AZL
Aguirre Mariners, 37-23-3, .617, 1st (1 GA) in VSL Valencia
Santo Domingo Mariners, 27-21-1, .563, 3.5 GB in DSL Santo Domingo Norte
Organizational Record: 359-322-4, .527

posted by Jay Y. @ 10:38 PM

News Around the Minors (8/14/05)

I had to discontinue this feature a while ago for lack of time, and while my schedule's about the same, there are a number of cool things out there I'd like to direct your attention to.

Devin at Lookout Landing ran a Liveblog from Cheney last night and has a lot more detail in there than I could get just listening to the audio feed.

There's an article over at InsideThePark on the nature of pitching injuries, the surgeries they require, etc. This is part one of a series and the next part should focus on what the M's in particular are doing, so be on the watch for it.

The San Antonio Express-News has a feature on T.J. Bohn, who is finally starting to get noticed by the league's scouts. Inconsistent power, age, and the depth of the Mariners OF prospects are all that's really holding him back.

The Wisconsin Post-Crescent has a couple of noteworthy stories. First off, and probably more interesting for most people, is a piece on new catcher Jeff Clement. Some out there might be a little concerned about his lack of hitting thus far, but as John Sickels pointed out, there have been worse debuts by players who have gone on to do great things. Roger Hansen, the Mariners minor league catching instructor, also states that they can probably get him ready defensively within two or three years, which is about as much as you could hope for. Of course, he has had a few struggles here and there, like a mid-80s cutter by LHP Eric O'Flaherty moving so much on him that it nearly tore his glove off.
Speaking of O'Flaherty, there was a feature on him a while back that explained the back problems that had him missing most of last season. They aren't ruling out him starting at some point down the road, but for now, it seems as if he'll be in the 'pen.

The Everett Herald, which has some of the best Mariners coverage of any of the locals (along with the TNT), has some news on how Travis Blackley's rehab is going and his plans for a return. This also fully clarifies a few points on his debut that weren't accurately conveyed earlier.
Also in the Herald, you can find some reflections on the Arizona League from various players and coaches who spent some extended time there, so if you ever catch me making reference to how it's not really pro baseball, this provides a few examples of why.

I'll close this one out with a Baseball America article on the art of base stealing, and how players are starting to judge when and where they should do it to get the maximum effect. Of course, there are still catchers out there that guys just don't want to run on, with Mariners farmhand Rene Rivera cited as an example by one Texas Leaguer, so there's your M's tie in.

posted by Jay Y. @ 11:12 AM

Game Recaps (8/13/05)

Salt Lake 6 (ANA + 8), Tacoma 7
RHP Jesse Foppert (0.00) was scheduled for a pitch count of twenty-five and got through the first having allowed one hit and only used sixteen of those pitches. RHP Rich Dorman (6.28, W) struggled with his control over the next four and one-third innings, giving up a run on three hits, a wild pitch, and five walks against two Ks. RHP Jeff Heaverlo (4.48) got the double play groundball to get Dorman out of the jam and went two innings after that, walking one and ringing up four. RHP Clint Nageotte (2.52) got a few hearts at Chaney Stadium beating a bit too fast, giving up five unearned runs on three walks and a hit batter in two-thirds of an inning, and RHP Masao Kida (3.95, S) didn’t make it any easier by giving up a hit, a wild pitch, and a walk to score three of Nageotte’s runs before recording the final fly out. 2B Jose Lopez (2 R, .297) had three hits to lead the team, but the player of the game had to be RF Justin Leone (HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, A, .289), who hit a three-run shot just fair in the sixth inning and nailed a runner trying to score at the plate earlier in the game. 3B Hunter Brown (2B, 3 RBI, .293) also had two hits, and LF Shin-soo Choo (2B, R, .252) and DH Bucky Jacobsen (2B, R, RBI, .333) added doubles.

San Antonio 2, Tulsa 5 (COL - 3)
RHP Juan Sandoval (4.21, 2 E, L) went six innings and allowed all five (four earned) of Tulsa’s runs to score on six hits (HR) and three walks against five Ks. RHP Renee Cortez (4.26) and LHP Cesar Jimenez (3.15) split the last two innings, with Cortez striking out two. SS Adam Jones (.316), CF Gary Harris (2B, R, .280), and 2B Ismael Castro (CS, .276) had two hits apiece, and 3B Jesus Guzman (HR, E, .265) had a solo home run and a walk.

Lancaster 5 (ARI 0), Inland Empire 4 (eleven innings)
RHP Mumba Rivera (7.32) went six+ innings and gave up three runs on eight hits, two hit batters, and a walk against five strikeouts. LHP Troy Cate (3.27) took the next two and a third, giving up a run on three hits and a K, and then RHP Craig James (1.00, L) lost it in extra innings, going two and two-thirds and giving up a run on two hits( HR) and a walk while striking out two. SS Asdrubal Cabrera (.284), 2B Matt Rogelstad (R, .313), and 3B Erick Monzon (RBI, .289) all had two hits, but there weren’t any extra-base knocks for the Sixers in this one.

Wisconsin 2, West Michigan 6 (DET + 11)
Facing the top team in the league, LHP Julio Santiago (5.13, L) had mixed results. On one hand, he did give up all six runs (five earned) on nine hits (HR), a wild pitch, and a walk against a strikeout through six innings, but on the other, he retired the last nine batters in a row. RHP Justin Jordan (5.03) went the last two, giving up a hit and striking out three. C Omar Falcon (.275) had two hits in the game and 1B Marshall Hubbard (2B, RBI, .286) had a double.

Randy Frye has been reinstated from the DL and will be making his first professional start in his home state. Ivan Blanco’s been placed on the DL to make room, haven’t figured out why yet, but I should before the next transaction update (Tuesday?).

Yakima 3 (ARI - 8), Everett 12
RHP Rafael Soriano (3.00) returned to the league for another rehab appearance, going two innings and giving up a couple runs (one earned) on three hits against a strikeout. Regularly scheduled starter LHP Paul Fagan (3.32, W) went the next six and gave up a run on six hits and two walks while striking out four. RHP Edgar Guaramato (5.23) pitched the final inning, giving up a hit and punching out one. 3B Ron Prettyman (3 R, 2 SB, .285) and 1B Reed Eastley (2 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB, .330) also had three hits, but 2B Luis Valbuena (2 HR, 5 RBI, .271) gets the game ball as his went a little farther, on average. DH Danny Santin (2B, R, 2 RBI, .302) added a double in his three at-bats.

The game in Peoria yesterday was postponed for reasons labeled as other. Not rain, not poor playing conditions, just other. It could be a plague of locusts for all I know, but while that has happened a time or two, it’s probably not anything nearly as interesting as that.

Today’s Games:
Tacoma: LHP Damian Moss, at Tacoma @ 1:35 pm PT
Second game: LHP Andrew Lorraine
San Antonio: LHP Thom Oldham, at Tulsa, @ 4:05 pm PT
Inland Empire: LHP Ryan Feierabend, at San Bernardino, @ 6:11 pm PT
Wisconsin: RHP Randy Frye, at West Michigan, @ 11:00 am PT
Everett: RHP Jeff Gilmore, at Everett, @ 4:05 pm PT
Peoria: TBA, at Peoria, @ 7:05 pm PT
Aguirre: Season Over (0-2 in playoffs against Venoco)

Tacoma Rainiers: 63-57, .525, 1 GB in PCL Pacific North
San Antonio Missions: 25-23 (63-55), .521 (.534), 1 GB in TL West
Inland Empire 66ers: 22-26 (50-67), .458 (.427), 4.5 GB in CAL South
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: 27-22 (66-53), .551 (.555), 1.5 GB in MWL West
Everett Aquasox: 30-22, .577, 5 GB in NWL West
Peoria Mariners, 8-4 (17-22), .667 (.436), T-1st GB in AZL
Aguirre Mariners, 37-23-3, .617, 1st (1 GA) in VSL Valencia
Santo Domingo Mariners, 27-21-1, .563, 3.5 GB in DSL Santo Domingo Norte
Organizational Record: 354-320-4, .525

posted by Jay Y. @ 1:27 AM