Thursday, May 31, 2007

Scouting report: Hooters

When the Biscuits left for their current 10-game road trip, many mourned not being able to hit Montgomery’s newest restaurant on Opening Night.

They’re back Saturday, which means some added business late Saturday (or that afternoon, to be honest) for Hooters. I promised a scouting report for them -- at least to one player -- so here it is, on the 20-80 baseball scouting scale and based on two trips since it opened.

(A 50 is considered major-league average, 80 All-Star and 20 awful.)

Hitting 55
No weak links up and down the lineup, though many were spray hitters. There was some projectability here.

Power 45
There were some deep threats, but I failed to recognize a Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron among them. I was never distracted from sports highlights by a true slugger walking past.

Speed 60
My first arrival was at 11:47 p.m. and I had eaten my food and paid my bill by 12:13. Of course, getting there just before closing time can ensure prompt service.

Arm 35
The sweet tea, though excellent, did not arrive with acceptable velocity on my second visit. Neither did the fork for my baked beans.

Fielding 50
Mediocre fries one time, absolutely outstanding the next. Televisions everywhere, though a late-night TNT movie shouldn’t be allowed on so many of them.

Overall 45
I admit I need another look to make fully informed decision.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

2004 draft

In writing the David Price story tonight (it's scheduled to be published in Sunday's editions), I found this from the 2004 draft. He went in the 19th round to the Dodgers.

DAVID PRICE
COMMENT: BODY SIMILAR TO ANDY PETTITTE. HIGH WINDUP, 3/4. DROPS TO LOW 3/4. HIGH RIGHT KNEE LIFT, HIP TURN. STAYS TALL, BALANCE AT TOP, THROWS DOWNHILL. SLIGHT ACROSS BODY. MOST FB 89-91 ALL NIGHT W/ ENOUGH ARM SIDE RUN. FAIRLY EASY DELIVERY. HARD, DOWN, LATE-BREAKING CB. FEEL & ARM SPEED FOR SINK CHANGEUP. IMPRESSIVE ABILITY TO LOCATE FB & CB. WORKS VERY QUICKLY. ATHLETIC LHP W/ AT LEAST 2 FUTURE K PITCHES. GOOD, LOOSE, LEAN STRENGTH NOW W/ PLENTY OF ROOM TO GROW.

Rays announce draft reps

With ESPN2 carrying four hours of draft coverage next week, each team has to send some people to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex for the face time. The Devil Rays are sending Don Zimmer and Dave Martinez.

In what should be a surprise to absolutely nobody, the Dodgers' group includes Tommy Lasorda, so that first-round pick should be entertaining.

Each team will have its main draft operations at home. To make the draft more telegenic, teams have five minutes for their first-round picks -- and will surely be required to take almost all of it. By the time the TV cameras go down, the draft will be on a teleconference and those guys will be ready to motor like a green flag just dropped.

The draft starts June 7 at 1 p.m.

Monday, May 28, 2007

Iwamura back; Gomes out

The Devil Rays activated third baseman Akinori Iwamura from the disabled list today and sent outfielder/designated Jonny Gomes to Durham.

Iwamura was hitting .339 with 15 runs scored when he went on the DL April 24 with a right oblique strain.

Gomes, who has a .184 average in 19 games, and Rays manager Joe Maddon had a loud argument about the demotion, according to The St. Petersburg Times.

Gomes and infielder Jorge Cantu were the prime candidates for the demotion. Cantu has a .269 average but Iwamura's return gives the Rays another infielder.

Not-so-beautiful Day

Dewon Day, who pitched against the Biscuits last week for the Birmingham Barons, made his major-league debut today. He gave up four hits and two runs in the eighth inning of the Chicago White Sox's 10-4 loss at Minnesota.

And why was this game and Atlanta's the only two on television today? I would think more might have been available on a national holiday and all. Where's an ESPN tripleheader when you need it?

In honor of Torii Hunter robbing another home run today -- and Ken "Hawk" Harrelson made such a play by Hunter seem routine -- WGN showed a highlight reel of Hunter's catches against the Sox over the years. Well, such catches by Hunter may be routine judging by the length of the highlights. I laughed out loud on one when Harrelson started his fame home run call a little early.

"You can put it ..."
Hunter jumps and makes the catch.
Harrelson falls silent.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

System check

CLASS AAA, DURHAM BULLS
International League South
(23-25, second place, 6 GB)
RHP Andy Sonnanstine won his fifth straight start and made his sixth straight quality start Monday, though he did walk a season-high three. He’s 6-2 with a 2.30 ERA.
RHP Jason Hammel snapped a five-start losing streak with a win Tuesday. He allowed one run over seven innings.
3B Joel Guzman, who homered and knocked in four runs Thursday, has a .211 average and a .242 on-base percentage.
LHP J.P. Howell gave up one hit in five shutout innings Thursday and is 3-4 with a 4.29 ERA.
LHP Jeff Ridgway allowed two runs on three hits in an inning Thursday. He has a 2.66 ERA and has held hitters to a .205 average
1B Wes Bankston has a .260 average, six home runs and 25 RBIs.
2B Elliot Johnson is hitting .196 with six homers and 19 RBIs. He’s 7-of-9 on steals and has scored 22 runs.
C Raul Casanova has a .260 average and 10 RBIs in 23 games.

HIGH-CLASS A, VERO BEACH DEVIL RAYS
Florida State League Eastern
(22-26, fourth place, 8 GB)
C Sergio Pedroza was 4-for-5 with three home runs, six RBIs and four runs scored Monday. He’s 0-for-15 in his last four games. Pedroza has a .269 average, four homers and 16 RBIs this year.
1B Rhyne Hughes has five home runs and 22 RBIs in 23 games in May. This season, he is hitting .325 with six home runs and 31 RBIs.
LHP Jake McGee is 4-1 with a 1.84 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 53.2 innings.
RHP Wade Davis is 3-0 with a 1.71 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 52.2 innings.

LOW-CLASS A, COLUMBUS CATFISH
South Atlantic League Southern
(32-16, tied for first place)
RHP Heath Rollins allowed his first earned run in six starts Tuesday. He’s 5-0 with a 1.16 ERA, 14 walks and 61 strikeouts in 54.1 innings. Rollins, who has held hitters to a .186 average, has one walk and 22 strikeouts in his last three starts, all wins.
CF Desmond Jennings has a .397 on-base percentage, 21 steals and 32 runs scored.
RHP Jeremy Hellickson is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five starts.
RHP Wade Townsend allowed two runs over five innings to lose Thursday. He’s 3-3 with a 2.72 ERA.

WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays
RHP Jim Magrane allowed one run over seven innings in a Thursday no-decision with Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals). Magrane, who won his previous start with 5.2 shutout innings, is 1-3 with a 4.89 ERA.
CF Joey Gathright has a .450 on-base percentage and 25 runs scored for Class AAA Omaha (Royals).
RHP Marcos Carvajal threw six shutout innings in a no-decision Wednesday for Class AA Binghamton (Mets). Carvajal is 1-2 with a 5.35 ERA in eight games, seven starts.
2B Frank Moore is 9-for-27 in 10 games for Class AAA Albuquerque (Marlins).
2B Johnny Raburn has a .297 average at Class AAA Albuquerque (Marlins) but is in a 1-for-13 slump.
OF Jesus Feliciano, hitless in his last 16 at-bats, is hitting .256 with Class AAA New Orleans (Mets).
LHP Jason Cromer is 2-3 with a 5.36 ERA at Class AA Wichita (Royals).
LF Vince Harrison has a .308 average with Class AA Carolina (Marlins).

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Pre-emptive strike

I'm using this anecdote in next week's David Price story. Since someone else may also use it, I'm throwing it out here now because I don't want anyone to think I copied it, dadgumit!!!

Price was drafted in 2004 but turned the Dodgers, who even used Tommy Lasorda to woo him. Price tried to warn teams he wasn't signing, according to Vandy coach Tim Corbin.

"He had a message on his answering machine before he was drafted that said, ‘Hi, everyone. This is David Price. For you scouts who are interested, I’m going to school. Please don’t draft me,'" Corbin said. "That was it."

R.J. Harrison on Price

Rays scouting director R.J. Harrison was hidden away during the Vanderbilt game -- he and national crosschecker Tim Huff were watching David Price from a corner of Regions Park -- but we caught each other during the game that followed.

Harrison, obviously, wouldn't commit the No. 1 overall pick to Price two weeks before the draft.

"I thought he looked good, didn't you?" Harrison said. "He went out there with a purpose: to make sure they stayed in this tournament. I don't want to overstate the obvious, but he pitched a hell of a game. There's been a few of those here."

(Despite Price's overwhelming effort, he's one in a crowd in Hoover. Arkansas' Jess Todd struck out a mere 17 in the game we were watching. Florida's Bryan Augenstein pitched a complete game early Thursday. Arkansas' Nick Schmidt and Tennessee's James Adkins took no-hitters into the eighth Wednesday. Schmidt finished with a two-hit shutout.)

Price only retired the first 18 hitters he faced.

"I don't think he disappointed anybody who came to see him pitch today," Harrison said.

The Rays are also considering Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters and third baseman Josh Vitters of California's Cypress High.

Harrison is headed back to Florida on Friday, though not to Jacksonville, where the Rays already have three scouts watching Wieters at the ACC tournament. Huff will fly to California in the next few days to see Vitters work out. Tampa Bay will have a scout at Vandy's and Georgia Tech's NCAA regionals.

Riggans to big leagues

The Rays promoted catcher Shawn Riggans from Durham for Thursday's game. Backup catcher Josh Paul is out with an elbow injury and Riggans came off the Durham DL today.

Durham still has two catchers (Raul Casanova and Josh Johnson) and Montgomery has Josh Arhart on the DL, so no corresponding move expected that involves the Biscuits.

Nice Price

Vanderbilt pitcher David Price was dominating. He took a perfect game into the seventh, finished with a five-hitter, walked none and struck out 11 in the Commodores' 3-2 win over Mississippi State on Thursday in the SEC tournament.

I tracked his 114 pitches -- 79 were strikes. The official box score has Price with 80 strikes, so I missed one.

Of those 79 I had, 26 were called, 17 were fouls, 16 were swing and misses, and 20 balls were put in play. (That doesn't add up to 27 outs because there was a play at the plate after a single.)

First inning: 13 pitches-10 strikes
Second: 14-7
Third: 6-4
Fourth: 8-7
Fifth: 8-5
Sixth: 13-8
Seventh: 27-18
Eighth: 9-8
Ninth: 16-12

In the seventh, MSU's Jeffrey Rea led off with an opposite-field single to left on a 2-2 fastball and Joseph McCaskill followed with an opposite-field RBI double to right on another 2-2 fastball. After a strikeout that included a slider that the hitter missed by at least a foot, Mitch Moreland pulled a badly hung slider and hit it off the right-field wall. Brandon Turner hit a slider up the middle for a single that ended with an out at the plate.

In the ninth, Price went heavily to his fastball. His 110th pitch was 96 mph. He went 91-93-94 before an 85 mph slider produced a game-ending groundout.

Price said he threw exclusively fastballs and sliders. I'm horrible at recognizing pitches and some of the sliders looked to me like straight curves, pitches he described as his "loopier" slider.

Coach Tim Corbin said Price may have thrown "one or two" change-ups, but said those were times when he took something off his fastball. Price did throw a 90-mph fastball to start of the last hitter.

My chart had 56 fastballs, 39 sliders, 18 curves/"loopier" sliders and one pitch I flat missed. Sue me. =)

He overwhelmed McCaskill in the second. McCaskill hardly twitched while watching a fastball sail by for strike three. He threw some wicked sliders that right-handed hitters were missing by at least a foot. It snapped hard enough that it was bouncing in the dirt at the hitter's feet.

Calm and quiet guy, too.

Look for a story on Price next week that's not quite so full of numbers.

Checking on Price

I'm at Hoover's Regions Park for the SEC tournament and specifically one player, Vanderbilt pitcher David Price.

The left-hander is scheduled to start against Mississippi State today and I figured I'd come take a look for myself. Rays scouting director R.J. Harrison is doing the same.

Price is considered the top talent available in the June draft and Tampa Bay has the No. 1 pick.

More on Dukes

Having read more and more about this, including http://www.tbo.com/sports/rays/MGBMHTFP22F.html ...

What a mess. Neither side comes off in a good light. That's expected in a messy divorce. With the way those accusations are flying, who knows who to believe and both could be telling the truth.

What a pity. Dukes has such baseball potential but keeps messing it up. The Tampa Tribune story quotes Dukes' mom saying Dukes' estranged wife had cleaned out his bank account, which caused him to confront her in her classroom. Still, don't confront a teacher on school grounds during school hours. Ever.

What a shame. Five kids by four women, two births within an eight-day period. Shameful behavior on Dukes' part.

What should happen? The Rays will have to address it somehow. If they don't, Dukes will be left twisting in the wind, exposed to escalating criticism and ridicule, and the clubhouse will only sour. No matter what, hopefully he can get his life straightened out, whether that includes baseball or not.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Maniscalco retires

Matthew Maniscalco, who was with the Biscuits in 2005 and 2006, voluntarily retired Tuesday. Maniscalco was hitting .171 in 25 games at Class AAA Durham.

Maniscalco was a fifth-year pro and a former Mississippi State star. He's an Oxford native who was Alabama's first Mr. Baseball in 1999.

Dukes again

I'll let the story speak for itself.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/05/23/Tampabay/Ballplayer_s_wife__He.shtml

Arhart to DL

Biscuits catcher Josh Arhart went on the disabled list today with a back problem and Matt Spring has been promoted from low-Class A Columbus. That explains why Arhart stayed in the training room so long Sunday after catching James Houser's 14th straight win.

The Devil Rays are starting to run short on catchers. Josh Paul is hurt in the majors after getting spiked last weekend, but can't go on the DL because there's nobody on the 40-man roster available to replace him. Shawn Riggans, who is on the 40-man, is on the DL at Durham and now Arhart.

Spring was hitting .197 at Columbus and has 273 strikeouts in 217 career games.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Price to start Thursday

Vanderbilt pitcher David Price, the top prospect in this year's draft and the expected No. 1 pick of the Devil Rays, won't start for the Commodores on the first day of the SEC tournament.

No. 1 Vanderbilt faces Tennessee at 5 p.m. Wednesday in Hoover. Price is scheduled to pitch Thursday.

http://nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section=7&screen=news&news_id=56283

The Rays have listed Price, Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters and prep third baseman Josh Vitters of California's Cypress High as their primary interests in several media outlets.

I don't think it's too much of a stretch to hold out the possibility that Price could debut with the Biscuits.

"24" season finale review

L-A-M-E

Was that a series finale?!?

Monday, May 21, 2007

Monday series wrap

The Biscuits and Barons wrap up their series tonight and Montgomery is off Tuesday before starting an important series at division-leading Mississippi. The Biscuits start the night tied for second place in the Southern League South, five games behind the Braves. There are 25 games left in the first half and this week's series is Montgomery's last with Mississippi in the half.

The restaurant many of the players have asked about over the years is opening Wednesday on East Boulevard and we'll see if any of this year's crop will supply an on-the-record quote about Hooters.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Jason Pridie, cf
Brooks Badeaux, lf
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
John Jaso, c
Chris Nowak, 1b
Gabriel Martinez, dh
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Jon Barratt, lhp

BARONS
Robert Valido, ss
Donny Lucy, c
Jason Bourgeois, 2b
Thomas Collaro, rf
Cory Aldridge, lf
Chris Kelly, 3b
Ricardo Nanita, cf
Jeremy West, dh
Michael Myers, 1b
Wes Whisler, lhp

MLB does it again

Major League Baseball sent out its annual release Monday applauding interleague play and bragging that interleague games drew more this weekend than the regular games have this season.

The interleague average was 36,704 and the regular games averaged 29,904, a 22.7 percent increase, according to the MLB release.

If it's such a great draw, then have interleague games in early April. In the middle of the week. In 40-degree weather.

I'm waiting on the release that says Saturday games in July outdraw Wednesday games in April.

Houser wins award

Montgomery's James Houser won the Southern League's weekly pitching award Monday. Houser was 2-0 last week, allowing four hits in 11.1 innings. He struck out nine and walked two. Houser is 3-0 with a 2.48 ERA this season and has won his last 14 starts, dating to last year at Class A Visalia.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Not ho-hum Sunday anymore

Barons hitting coach Richie Hebner and manager Rafael Santana ejected in the bottom of the second.

Biscuits catcher Josh Arhart was hit by a pitch a half-inning after Barons left fielder Cory Aldridge, who homered twice Saturday night, was hit by a pitch. Home-plate umpire Jeff Latter warned both dugouts and Santana came out to express his displeasure with that decision.

While Santana and Latter discussed the situation, first-base umpire Rusty Barrett ejected Hebner. Santana survived Latter but ran to Barrett following Hebner's heave-ho. He didn't survive that one long.

Pretty pedestrian argument (so no changes to my list from Phillip Wellman's dirt party earlier this month).

It's the aftershock is the most interesting aspect of this one. Barons pitcher Wes Whisler had to give up his jersey so that pitching coach Richard Dotson could coach third.

Ho-hum Sunday

It's Game 4. It's an afternoon game. It's a nice day and the Biscuits Booster Club has a postgame "surprise" planned. That's all I'll say.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Jason Pridie, cf
Brooks Badeaux, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
John Jaso, dh
Chris Nowak, 1b
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Josh Arhart, c
Patrick Breen, lf
James Houser, lhp

BARONS
Jason Bourgeois, dh
Chris Getz, 2b
Jeremy West, 1b
Thomas Collaro, rf
Cory Aldridge, lf
Chris Kelly, 3b
Ricardo Nanita, cf
Donny Lucy, c
Robert Valido, ss
Jack Egbert, rhp

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Sleepy Saturday

Jason Pridie starts after being out of the lineup Friday due to illness and, with my much later-than-usual 5 p.m. arrival, were headed to the amphitheater for something. I'm going to check on that.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Jason Pridie, cf
Brooks Badeaux, lf
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
John Jaso, c
Chris Nowak, 1b
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Patrick Breen, dh
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Chris Mason, rhp

BARONS
Chris Getz, 2b
Jason Bourgeois, dh
Ricardo Nanita, cf
Thomas Collaro, rf
Cory Aldridge, lf
Donny Lucy, c
Chris Kelly, 3b
Michael Myers, 1b
Robert Valido, ss
Gio Gonzalez, lhp

System check

You know the drill: This is part of Sunday's Biscuits graphic. Stats are through Friday. Don't use this as an excuse not to buy a paper Sunday, if one is available. Some of these guys won't appear Sunday because of space constraints. Yada, yada, yada.

CLASS AAA, DURHAM BULLS
International League South
(19-23, second place, 10 GB)
RHP Andy Sonnanstine is 4-0 with a 1.21 ERA in his last four starts. He worked seven innings Monday, allowing two hits, walking two and striking out 10. He’s 5-2 with a 2.05 ERA, nine walks and 57 strikeouts.
RHP Jeff Niemann gave up seven runs on seven hits, including two home runs, to lose his last start. He’s 3-2 with a 4.10 ERA.
RHP Mitch Talbot needed 83 pitches to get through three innings Tuesday. He allowed five runs, one earned. Talbot is 2-5 with an 8.21 ERA.
RF Justin Ruggiano is hitting .302 with 17 RBIs.
LHP J.P. Howell gave up two hits and struck out 10 over six innings Thursday. He’s 3-4 with a 4.70 ERA.
3B Joel Guzman has a .206 average and 40 strikeouts in 33 games.
SS Ben Zobrist is 3-for-22 after six games.
OF Jeremy Owens, who homered twice Wednesday, has a .235 average.

HIGH-CLASS A, VERO BEACH DEVIL RAYS
Florida State League Eastern
(20-21, fourth place, 5 GB)
RHP Wade Davis, who gave up one run over 5.2 innings Wednesday, is 2-0 with a 1.70 ERA.
LHP Jake McGee threw seven shutout innings Tuesday to lower his ERA to 1.51. He’s 3-1 and has held hitters to a .182 average.
1B Rhyne Hughes, who homered twice Monday, has a .348 average, 15 extra-base hits, 25 runs scored and 27 RBIs.
C Christian Lopez has a .297 average.

LOW-CLASS A, COLUMBUS CATFISH
South Atlantic League Southern
(27-15, third place, 3 GB)
RHP Wade Townsend allowed four hits and two runs in a six-inning, complete-game loss Friday. It was his first game since right forearm fatigue put him on the disabled list.
RHP Jeremy Hellickson allowed one hit over five shutout innings and struck out 10 Tuesday. In four starts, he has a 1.35 ERA.
C Nevin Ashley’s 293 average includes four triples. He has 21 RBIs and 20 runs scored in 38 games.
LF Ryan Royster has a .331 average and 26 runs scored.

WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays
1B Rico Washington was 4-for-4 with four runs scored and three RBIs Monday for Class AAA Memphis (Cardinals). He’s hitting .329 with five home runs, 12 runs scored and 11 RBIs in 23 games.
2B Fernando Cortez has a .382 on-base percentage and 25 runs scored at Class AAA Omaha (Royals).
IF Jace Brewer, who homered Friday, is hitting .275 with 19 runs scored for Class AA Wichita (Royals).
C Iker Franco has a .204 average at Class AAA Richmond (Braves).
2B Dan DeMent is hitting .243 with Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals).
RHP Jose Rodriguez is 0-1 with two saves and a 4.09 ERA at Class AAA Round Rock (Astros).
RHP John Webb has a 3.80 ERA in 12 relief appearances for Class AAA Iowa (Cubs).
RHP Jean Machi allowed two runs in each of his last two appearances for Class AA New Hampshire (Blue Jays). He has a 3.86 ERA.
RHP Willie Glen gave up two hits, walked one and struck out nine in a no-decision Thursday in independent Gary’s season opener.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Superhero Friday

It's Superhero Night at Riverwalk Stadium, but outfielder Jason Pridie has swallowed some kryptonite. He's out of the lineup today after leaving last night's game because he was sick. Shaun Cumberland moves to the top of the order and into center field. He's hit leadoff in only one game this year.

Your lineups, complete with the zany characters for each hitter on the scoreboard ...
BISCUITS
Shaun Cumberland, cf -- Robin, of Batman and Robin fame
Brooks Badeaux, lf -- Captain America
Reid Brignac, ss -- (we're not really sure)
Evan Longoria, 3b -- SpiderMan
John Jaso, c -- Superman
Chris Nowak, 1b -- Wolverine
Gabriel Martinez, dh -- The Incredible Hulk
Patrick Breen, rf -- Batman
Josh Asanovich, 2b -- The Riddler (he was a bad guy?!?!?)
Mike Prochaska, lhp

BARONS
Chris Getz, 2b -- Dr. Evil from Austin Powers
Jason Bourgeois, dh -- The Joker
Ricardo Nanita, cf -- Green Goblin
Thomas Collaro, rf -- Magneto
Cory Aldridge, lf -- ?? (help!!! -- green robe, draped over his head, regular face)
Donny Lucy, c -- Superwoman
Chris Kelly, 3b -- Darth Vader
Michael Myers, 1b -- Michael Myers, of course (he even wears No. 13)
Robert Valido, ss -- ?? (looks like Spiderwoman, but she was good, right?)
Adam Russell, rhp

UPDATE: The team had a 50-minute kangaroo court before today's game and the heftiest fine was $21. I'll make you wait to find out the chief culprit.

ESPN's Jayson Stark reports Evan Longoria and Reid Brignac could be in the big leagues by August. I'll take my usual gutless stance and say they won't be in Montgomery by then.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=2872977

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Pridie sick

Biscuits center fielder Jason Pridie left tonight's game because he was sick. Manager Billy Gardner said Pridie wasn't feeling well but "to his credit, he wanted to play." Pridie made it through half the game before he started feeling nauseous and had to leave. At least Pridie had a hit, running his streak to 14 games.

Thursday Barons opener

Evan Longoria, who left Tuesday's game at West Tenn after being hit by a pitch, is in the lineup after missing Thursday's game. Probably helps that Tampa Bay bigwig Gerry Hunsicker is in town.

The Biscuits are apparently making a rotation change. Mike Prochaska is listed as Friday's starter instead of Derek Feldkamp in the Birmingham notes. The Biscuits haven't posted their notes.

And the Devil Rays activated Greg Norton today and put Rocco Baldelli on the DL. Norton was with the Biscuits through Sunday.

Longoria has a 33-game on-base streak, catcher John Jaso a 20-game on-base streak and outfielder Jason Pridie a 13-game hit streak.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Jason Pridie, cf
Brooks Badeaux, lf
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
John Jaso, dh
Gabriel Martinez, 1b
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Josh Arhart, c
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Chris Seddon, lhp

BARONS
Jason Bourgeois, dh
Chris Getz, 2b
Jeremy West, 1b
Thomas Collaro, rf
Cory Aldridge, lf
Chris Kelly, 3b
Ricardo Nanita, cf
Donny Lucy, c
Robert Valido, ss
Kris Honel, rhp

UPDATE: Feldkamp moved to bullpen based on performance, not injury. He listed some things he has to improve and hopes, if things work out, to be back in the rotation after a few weeks. Also, center fielder Fernando Perez's return has been delayed because of a hip flexor strain. He's been out with a knee injury.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Longoria heads weekly BA list

Biscuits third baseman Evan Longoria was an "easy No. 1" on Baseball America's weekly Hot Sheet, even before Monday's performance.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/hotsheet/263902.html
The Hot Sheet usually comes out Monday, but Baseball America delayed a day because of its draft preparations. Their draft coverage is worth the subscription price on its own.


UPDATE: Longoria wimped out tonight and didn't homer in a fourth straight game. He was hit by a pitch in the second inning and lined out in the third before coming out of the game in the fourth. Status unknown.

Homer hankering

Evan Longoria has homered in three straight games and that left me wondering if that had happened to the Biscuits. Of course, it had.

Through the first three games of Montgomery's series at West Tenn, Longoria is 7-of-13 with 10 RBIs and five runs scored, with a round tripper in all three. Where's the "paradigm of putridity at Pringles Park" that I've come to expect from the Biscuits?!?

The other Biscuits to accomplish the three straight feat ...
Elijah Dukes -- June 27-28, 30, 2005 (no game June 29)
Michael Coleman -- April 29-30, May 2, 2006 (no game May Day)
Ryan Christianson -- April 30, May 2 and May 4, 2006 (he didn't play May 3, but homered twice May 4)
Jeremy Owens -- June 5-7, 2006, starting a five-homer, seven-game stretch
Michael Coleman -- Sept. 13-15, 2006 (the last three games of the Southern League championship series)

Longoria now has homers in four of his last five games, five in nine and 10 this year.

So, he's created 12 runs in three games at West Tenn (can't count the homers twice). Here's how your Biscuits as a team have performed there.
In 2006, they scored 13 runs in their only series there, a five-gamer.
Three-gamer in April 2005 -- seven runs.
Three-gamer in August 2005 -- 11 runs.
Four-gamer in May 2004 -- four runs.
Four-gamer in June 2004 -- eight runs.
Four-gamer in July 2004 -- 15 runs.

So, Longoria has a chance to eclipse what all previous Biscuits teams have done in a series at the Big Chip.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

More locals

With some independent leagues getting started, we're adding a few locals to that list -- but I've also decided to add one major-leaguer who I'm sure to get a few e-mails about.

"Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Gabe Gross lists his residence as Auburn and we've always included Auburn residents in that graphic." -- That's how I'm answering any complaint from Dothan on that subject.

Independent additions ...
Mal Winters of Pine Apple, Shreveport Sports
Kevin Bass of Auburn, Schaumburg Flyers (season starts next Friday)
Evan Cherry of Montgomery, Alexandria Aces (apparently hasn't played yet, no statistics listed)
Jarrod Patterson of Clanton, Gary SouthShore RailCats (season starts next Friday)

Bass graduated from Fayette County High and apparently now lives in Auburn (just like Gross). Patterson was on the list two years ago but listed Birmingham as his hometown last year and came off it. Now he's back on.

Remember, it's not where you went to school that gets you on that graphic -- there are way too many Auburn University and University of Alabama and Troy University and AUM and Faulkner and Alabama State people out there. (Well, maybe not that last one.)

System check

We are a go for Sunday's graphics package, but here's a sneak peek. I'll add some of the Wayward Biscuits who are in independent ball when their stats are updated Saturday.

Remember, this does not excuse you from buying Sunday's paper, if it's available in your area.

Statistics are through Friday. Some of these won't appear in Sunday's package because of space issues.

CLASS AAA, DURHAM BULLS
International League South
(17-19, second place, 7.5 GB)
RHP Andy Sonnanstine is 4-2 with a 2.17 ERA. He has 47 strikeouts and seven walks in 45.2 innings. Hitters have a .202 average against him.
RF Justin Ruggiano has a .318 average with two home runs, 15 RBIs and 15 runs scored. He hit a grand slam Tuesday and has 17 hits in his last nine games.
C Shawn Riggans is hitting .270 with 10 RBIs.
RHP Jason Hammel is 1-4 with a 2.76 ERA. Three of his losses came in games where the Bulls were shut out.
1B Wes Bankston’s .279 average include 10 doubles and three home runs.
2B Elliot Johnson has a .174 average and 37 strikeouts.
RHP Mitch Talbot is 2-4 with an 8.71 ERA. Talbot faced 10 batters and failed to record an out last weekend, but put together a quality start in a win Thursday.


HIGH-CLASS A, VERO BEACH DEVIL RAYS
Florida State League Eastern
(16-17, fourth place, 3 GB)
RHP Wade Davis, in his first outing since a May 4 no-hitter, gave up one run and four hits over 5.2 innings Wednesday. He’s 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA. In 42 innings, Davis has allowed 25 hits and struck out 38.
LHP Jake McGee has held hitters to a .180 average. He’s 2-1 with a 1.82 ERA.
3B Patrick Cottrell is hitting .307 with four home runs and 18 RBIs.
DH Sergio Pedroza has a .236 average and 26 strikeouts in 21 games.
RHP Eddie De La Cruz is 2-1 with five saves and a 1.80 ERA in 13 appearances.


LOW-CLASS A, COLUMBUS CATFISH
South Atlantic League Southern
(23-12, third place, 3 GB)
RHP Wade Townsend is on the disabled list with right forearm fatigue and last pitched May 2. He’s 3-1 with a 2.33 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 27 innings.
RHP Josh Butler is 2-0 with a 1.36 ERA in six starts.
LF Ryan Royster is hitting .345 with five home runs, 16 RBIs and 21 runs scored. He had a 16-game hit streak snapped last Sunday.


WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays
2B Fernando Cortez is hitting .308 with 21 runs scored in 33 games for Class AAA Omaha (Royals). He’s also played first base, third base, left field and center field.
3B Vince Harrison made his debut with Class AA Carolina (Marlins) on Thursday after hitting .297 in 22 games with Class A Jupiter.
CF Joey Gathright has 21 walks and a .444 on-base percentage at Class AAA Omaha (Royals). He’s 7-of-10 on steals and has scored 15 runs.
3B Rico Washington has a .308 average for Class AAA Memphis (Cardinals).
2B Johnny Raburn has a .231 average at Class AAA Albuquerque (Marlins).
C Ryan Christianson is hitting .241 with Class AAA Memphis (Cardinals).

LHP Jason Cromer is 2-3 with a 6.59 ERA for Class AA Wichita (Royals).
RHP Jim Magrane has an 0-2 record and a 7.79 ERA at Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals).
SS Jace Brewer has a .284 average at Class AA Wichita (Royals).
RHP Marcos Carvajal is in the starting rotation for Class AA Binghamton (Mets). He’s 0-2 with a 6.86 ERA.

RHP Jose Diaz is 2-1 with a 1.67 ERA in 17 appearances for the Yokohama BayStars in Japan. He has 20 walks and 28 strikeouts in 27 innings.
RHP Travis Minix is 2-2 with five saves and a 2.32 ERA for the Macoto Cobras in Taiwan.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Matthews released

Biscuits pitcher Jarod Matthews, a Southern League All-Star in 2004 who missed much of the last two years with injuries, was released after Friday’s game.

So long, Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies make their final scheduled appearance in Montgomery tonight. Rehabbing major-leaguer Greg Norton is playing his second straight game at first base for the Biscuits, who start a series at their very own house of horrors, West Tenn's Pringles Park.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Jason Pridie, cf
Brooks Badeaux, lf
Reid Brignac, ss
Greg Norton, 1b
Evan Longoria, 3b
John Jaso, c
Chris Nowak, dh
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Jon Barratt, lhp

SMOKIES
Sam Fuld, cf
Gary Cates, 2b
Jake Fox, lf
Matt Craig, 1b
Josh Kroeger, rf
Casey McGehee, c
Chris Robinson, dh
Issmael Salas, 3b
Carlos Rojas, ss
Sean Gallagher, rhp

If you have a moment, let me point you to this on our Web site today about Tuesday's meeting between Biscuits pitcher Mike Prochaska and Buckmasters CEO Jackie Bushman. WSFA set up the meeting and had a package Tuesday night.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070511/NEWS/70511010/-1/NEWS05

UPDATE: Rehabbing major-leaguer Greg Norton will stay the Biscuits for at least the first two games at West Tenn. He's been with the team for a week but hasn't regularly played due to soreness in the knee he injured this spring.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Figurine feelings

In honor of the Charlie Montoyo figurine the Biscuits are giving away Friday, match the quote with the person who said it. The figurine has a likeness of Montoyo holding up last year's Southern League championship trophy.

1.) "That's kind of like his butt. It's a little flat for Charlie's butt."
2.) "He'll probably like those pecs."
3.) "It doesn't look like him at all. I guess it looks close enough for a figurine."
4.) "The most important thing is they won the championship. I wish it had been me."
5.) "It's very flattering for Charlie. He has a nice figure with that trophy."
6.) "Who's that guy?"
7.) "It's a good representation. His shirt is tucked in to his knees, his socks are up to his knees and there's the stopwatch."

a: Biscuits pitcher Brian Henderson
b: Sam Montoyo, Charlie's wife
c: Smokies manager Pat Listach
d: Biscuits hitting coach Hector Torres
e: Tyson Montoyo, Charlie and Sam's son
f: Biscuits third baseman Evan Longoria
g: Sam Montoyo again

Post your guesses. I'll list the correct answers late tonight.

No-thoughts Thursday

It's Day 4 of the five-game series between the Biscuits and Smokies.

The teams will soon see the Charlie Montoyo figurine that will be given away Friday night. Comments forthcoming.

Also, Biscuits pitcher James Houser was scheduled to throw a simulated game today and rehabbing major-leaguer Greg Norton is in the lineup for a second straight day. He's playing in the field for the first time since his spring knee injury. Chris Nowak is starting in left field for the first time in his career.

The Smokies have added shortstop Carlos Rojas from Class AAA Iowa and put Brian Dopirak on the disabled list.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Jason Pridie, cf
Brooks Badeaux, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
Greg Norton, 1b
Evan Longoria, 3b
Chris Nowak, lf
John Jaso, dh
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Josh Arhart, c
Mike Prochaska, lhp

SMOKIES
Jemel Spearman, cf
Gary Cates, 2b
Jake Fox, lf
Matt Craig, dh
Chris Robinson, c
Jorge Cortes, rf
Issmael Salas, 1b
Joe Simokaitis, 3b
Carlos Rojas, ss
Donnie Veal, lhp

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Willy-nilly Wednesday

Rehabbing major-leaguer Greg Norton, who has played only twice in his first five days here, is in the lineup. He'd been scratched Saturday and Monday.

Biscuits outfielder Fernando Perez is on the DL with a knee injury but is going through a seemingly regular pregame workout. He's scheduled to return next week.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Jason Pridie, cf
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Reid Brignac, ss
Greg Norton, dh
Evan Longoria, 3b
Gabriel Martinez, 1b
Patrick Breen, lf
Josh Arhart, c
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Chris Mason, rhp

SMOKIES
Sam Fuld, cf
Jorge Cortes, lf
Jake Fox, 1b
Josh Kroeger, rf
Matt Craig, 3b
Casey McGehee, c
Jemel Spearman, dh
Gary Cates, 2b
Joe Simokaitis, ss
Mark Holliman, rhp

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Breakfast special

Apologies, but I had to return a friend's e-mail about last night's 24 before heading over to do the blog. Such a tragedy that CTU, supposedly an elite anti-terrorism unit, has its offices attacked for the sixth straight season. Cheng "Hello, Mr. Bauer" Zhi (the current uber bad guy for those not watching) is the man!

Anyway, your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Jason Pridie, cf
Brooks Badeaux, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
Gabriel Martinez, dh
Chris Nowak, 1b
John Jaso, c
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Patrick Breen, lf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Derek Feldkamp, rhp

SMOKIES
Sam Fuld, cf
Issmael Salas, lf
Jake Fox, dh
Josh Kroeger, rf
Matt Craig, 1b
Casey McGehee, 3b
Gary Cates, 2b
Chris Robinson, c
Joe Simokaitis, ss
Kevin Hart, rhp

Monday, May 07, 2007

Smokies and mirror Monday

Juan Salas' suspension certainly spiced up a bland Monday. Greg Norton was scratched from the lineup again with knee soreness and James Houser is supposed to throw a simulated game later this week before coming off the DL.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Jason Pridie, cf
Brooks Badeaux, lf
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
Chris Nowak, 1b
John Jaso, dh
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Josh Arhart, c
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Chris Seddon, lhp

SMOKIES
Jemel Spearman, rf
Gary Cates, 2b
Jake Fox, lf
Josh Kroeger, cf
Matt Craig, 3b
Casey McGehee, dh
Brian Dopirak, 1b
Chris Robinson, c
Joe Simokaitis, ss
Justin Berg, rhp

Salas suspended

Devil Rays pitcher Juan Salas, a former Biscuit, was suspended for 50 games today after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

The Rays had just demoted Ruddy Lugo after Sunday's game and are bringing up Chad Orvella to replace him. Not sure if they can pull Lugo back or if they'll grab somebody else. Lugo pitched well this weekend, picking up a win Saturday and striking out the side Sunday before being demoted.

Salas was 1-1 with a 3.95 ERA in 15 appearances for the Devil Rays this season.

UPDATE: Looks like Tim Corcoran will be promoted to take Salas' spot. That leaves an open roster spot at Durham and the Biscuits might be losing someone to fill it. Once James Houser comes off the disabled list, Montgomery will have 14 pitchers.

Draft to be on ESPN2

ESPN2 will carry the first four hours of baseball's annual draft June 7.

This could get interesting because the usual way the draft runs is not very telegenic. MLB will need to put a saddle and some reins on the teams. According to an MLB release, each club will be allowed five minutes to make their first-round pick, but teams are used to a rapid-fire draft in which the first round may take 10-15 minutes total.

The draft will also be at one place rather than each team camping out at its own facility. Hey, scouting directors, you're going to Disney World.

The draft lasts two days and 50 rounds. Normally, the first 20 rounds are the first day, but if they go slow for TV's sake, there will be a lot of jittery baseball people.

The draft will run another 2 1/2 hours after ESPN2 goes to other programming and pick up June 8 for a marathon to the finish.

The Devil Rays pick first and Vanderbilt pitcher David Price is apparently atop their wish list. The top-ranked Commodores play at Auburn this weekend and Price is scheduled to start Friday's opener.

Price, a left-hander, is 8-0 with a 2.77 ERA and 143 strikeouts in 97 1/3 innings.

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Top ejections

In honor of Mississippi manager Phillip Wellman's roll in the dirt Sunday, here is my list of the most entertaining Riverwalk Stadium ejections.

1.) April 24, 2005: Graig Merritt ejected by Brian Kennedy
This one will be hard to top, barring something like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDx_6LzfZ5Y.

Merritt wasn't even on the Biscuits' active roster. He was ejected before the first pitch when he disagreed with Kennedy's instructions to move some bullpen chairs away from the foul line. Merritt had drawn Kennedy's crew's ire earlier that season from those same chairs. He stood right at the line and signaled a home run fair. It came back to bite Merritt.

"I called him an idiot or something," Merritt said. "That's when he threw me out. There was no profanity, just 'idiot.'"

2.) Sunday: Wellman by Nick Nolde
There's major entertainment value when a manager gets down on his hands and knees to pile dirt on home plate. Wellman topped it off with a clinic on umpiring mechanics. Bravo.

3. Aug. 22, 2004: Charlie Montoyo by Andy Roberts
Biscuits hitter lays down sacrifice, home-plate umpire points fair, West Tenn catcher fields ball and throws it into left field, Biscuits run everywhere, same umpire suddenly starts yelling foul. The crew huddles and sticks with foul. Montoyo gets ejected in about 1.37 seconds by Roberts, the crew chief who wasn't the one who switched his call (that was R.J. Thompson).

To say Montoyo lingered would be an understatement. Roberts tried to walk Montoyo to the gate leading to the clubhouse, but it turned into a stroll back and forth between there and third base. It lasted at least five minutes.

4. April 24, 2007: Jim Hoff by Toby Basner
Hoff, Tampa Bay's field coordinator, is one of the nicest people in baseball and -- except for this red-letter day -- one of the calmest. One Biscuit playfully gave Hoff a phone number to an anger-management specialist the next day.

5. April 30, 2004: B.J. Upton by Steve McMullen
Upton basically snapped after being called out on close play at first base. It was the sixth inning of the second game of a doubleheader. The Biscuits, who had already settled in for a nice, long stay in last place, rallied to win on Jace Brewer's home run later that inning.

6. June 22, 2005: Xavier Hernandez by Will Robinson
It looked like a typical trip to the mound when Robinson went to break up the meeting. Hernandez mumbled something and got kicked out. I'll take a wild guess that Hernandez probably hinted that his trip to the mound would have been unnecessary if a few more strikes had been forthcoming.

7. April 20, 2005: Mississippi manager Brian Snitker by Brandon Bushee
Snitker threw his cap about 10 feet after being ejected once umpires reversed a home run and ruled a ground-rule double on a ball hit by Brian McCann. Snitker threw his cap again when he left the field.


ROAD-WORTHY MENTION
Sept. 1, 2006: Mississippi's Yunel Escobar by Jason Millsap at Trustmark Park
Escobar was thrown out ... after drawing a walk. Escobar had expressed his disapproval when a 3-1 pitch was called a strike. On the next pitch, a ball, he made an exaggerated look back at Millsap, said something and was ejected.


Note that I said "entertaining ejections," so the April 2005 brawl with Mississippi, the Delmon Young chest bump, the time Chattanooga manager Jayhawk Owens yelled and yelled and yelled, and the Elijah Dukes incidents don't apply.

Though Dukes' reaction to one ejection was pretty sweet. The next day, we had a picture in the paper that showed he was easily safe on the play that led to his ejection. He clipped out the photo and taped it on the umpires' door.

Slow Sunday

Slow start to my day, as usual. Almost forgot about the lineups.

Jon Barratt is making his season debut and rehabbing major-leaguer Greg Norton is in the lineup at designated hitter. Norton pushes Evan Longoria out of the cleanup spot for the first time this season.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Jason Pridie, cf
Brooks Badeaux, lf
Reid Brignac, ss
Greg Norton, dh
Evan Longoria, 3b
Chris Nowak, 1b
John Jaso, c
Patrick Breen, rf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Jon Barratt, lhp

BRAVES
Carl Loadenthal, cf
Brent Lillibridge, ss
Brandon Jones, lf
Matt Esquivel, rf
Greg Creek, 1b
Diory Hernandez, 2b
Josh Burrus, dh
Van Pope, 3b
Ray Serrano, c
Kelvin Villa, lhp

Saturday, May 05, 2007

Millionth fan

The Biscuits recognized Shelley Lunsford of Enterprise as the millionth fan in team history when she, her husband, son and son's friend entered Riverwalk Stadium at 6:24 p.m.

The family came to Saturday's game to celebrate son Hunter's ninth birthday, which is next weekend. The team, after marking their entrance with sirens and confetti, hooked them up with a prize pack and upgraded their tickets to the owner's suite.

Saturday setup

One big name doesn't appear on Montgomery's lineup today -- Greg Norton. The rehabbing major-leaguer's knee is a little sore from Friday. He was scheduled to play first base tonight but was scratched about 5 p.m.

In other news, pitcher James Houser is scheduled for a side session Sunday and could be ready to return from the DL after that. The millionth fan is probably wandering around outside the stadium at this moment, unaware that he/she is fated to be the milestone. The Biscuits have also shown some emotion lately, hence the four ejections in the last week.

Today's lineups ...
BISCUITS
Jason Pridie, cf
Brooks Badeaux, lf
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
Chris Nowak, 1b
Gabriel Martinez, dh
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Josh Arhart, c
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Mike Prochaska, lhp

BRAVES
Carl Loadenthal, cf
Brent Lillibridge, ss
Brandon Jones, lf
Matt Esquivel, rf
Greg Creek, 1b
Diory Hernandez, 2b
Josh Burrus, dh
Clint Sammons, c
Van Pope, 3b
Dan Smith, lhp

Friday, May 04, 2007

Statistics bumped again

It's another tight sports section for Sunday (six pages), so the Biscuits statistics graphic, complete with the look around the Tampa Bay system and at Wayward Biscuits, has been bumped again. Let's all cross our fingers for next week's third try.

We've started publishing the graphic at this time every year and continued it throughout the summer.

Vero Beach no-hitter

Right-hander Wade Davis threw a seven-inning no-hitter tonight for Vero Beach in a 4-0 win over Jupiter. Davis (2-0) walked one and struck out six. Davis also threw a seven-inning no-hitter last year at low-Class A Southwest Michigan ... and lost.

Davis almost needed some extra time for Friday's feat. The Rays scored four runs in the seventh inning to take the lead.

Friday's gem is the sixth in Tampa Bay history, according to the Rays' media guide. The Rays' list apparently doesn't include combined no-hitters. Last July, Jason Hammel and Juan Salas combined on a no-no at Durham that isn't listed.

Friday fun

I hate allergies. Just thought I'd throw that in between sneezes.

Rehabbing major-leaguer Greg Norton makes his Montgomery debut tonight, while third baseman Evan Longoria fully wimps out and takes a day off. It's the first time Longoria is out of the lineup this season. Chris Nowak, the usual first baseman, takes the hot corner for the 27th time in his four-year minor-league career. He last started at third on June 1, 2006.

Mississippi catcher Clint Sammons is making his Class AA debut. The former Georgia star was just called up from high-Class A Myrtle Beach this week.

With the Braves already on the verge of a series victory, here are your Game 3 lineups ...
BISCUITS
Jason Pridie, cf
Brooks Badeaux, lf
Reid Brignac, ss
Greg Norton, dh
Chris Nowak, 3b
Gabriel Martinez, 1b
Shaun Cumberland, rf
John Jaso, c
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Chris Mason, rhp

BRAVES
Carl Loadenthal, cf
Brent Lillibridge, ss
Brandon Jones, lf
Matt Esquivel, rf
Greg Creek, 1b
Diory Hernandez, 2b
Mark Jurich, dh
Clint Sammons, c
Van Pope, 3b
Francisley Bueno, lhp

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Late to bed, early to rise

Yawwwwwnnnnn. The Biscuits and Braves have started, barely 13 hours after Wednesday's game ended.

Oh, the Biscuits have coughed up their quarterly rent payment and forked over almost $143,000 to the city. The team is also on the brink of drawing its 1,000,000th fan to Riverwalk Stadium. The milestone should pass Friday or Saturday.

Your lineups for yet another show-and-go effort today, complete with the scoreboard cartoon characters ...
BISCUITS
Shaun Cumberland, cf -- SpongeBob Square Pants
Brooks Badeaux, lf -- Porky the Pig
Reid Brignac, ss -- Marvin the Martian
Evan Longoria, 3b -- Popeye
Chris Nowak, dh -- Big Bird, version 2.0 (enhanced from last week)
Gabriel Martinez, 1b -- Elmo
John Jaso, c -- Buzz Lightyear (a change from last week's Donald Duck)
Patrick Breen, rf -- Kermit the Frog
Josh Asanovich, 2b -- Yosemite Sam
Derek Feldkamp, rhp

BRAVES
Carl Loadenthal, cf
Brent Lillibridge, ss
Brandon Jones, lf
Matt Esquivel, rf
Diory Hernandez, 2b
Greg Creek, 1b
Mark Jurich, dh
Mike Rozema, 3b
Ray Serrano, c
Jo-Jo Reyes, lhp

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Giving up grand slams

Because I'm mean like this and in honor of Mississippi's Josh Burrus hitting one tonight, I looked up the grand slams allowed by the Biscuits in their history. We had a historical feat I didn't realize at the time.

2004
none

2005
May 21: Mobile's Nick Trzesniak, off Jose Diaz, eighth inning
July 3: Birmingham's Josh Fields, off Brian Lockwood, third inning
July 17: Jacksonville's Sergio Garcia, off Brian Henderson, seventh inning, at Riverwalk

2006
April 15: Jacksonville's Craig Brazell (Montgomery native), off Chris Flinn, first inning
Aug. 6: Mississippi's Josh Burrus, off Josh Kranawetter, eighth inning, at Riverwalk

2007
April 9: West Tenn's Brent Johnson, off Mike Prochaska, first inning, at Riverwalk
Wednesday: Mississippi's Josh Burrus, off Chris Seddon, fourth inning, at Riverwalk

Starting habits

Here's an addendum to my story in Wednesday's paper about the pregame habits of the starting pitchers. Call it a reward for reading this blog.

Chris Mason's video game of choice is Halo 2 and his victims, "regular" victims, he claims, are Patrick Breen and Dale Thayer. "Dale is the worst of us three and Pat is pretty good," Mason said, "but I stomp Pat, too."

Mike Prochaska said he picked up on pregame habit long ago and has yet to be able to shake it. It's not one he wants to keep. "Before every start to this day, I dry heave," Prochaska said. "I kind of get all my nerves together. Everybody makes fun of me because I start getting the dry heaves. I think I’m going to throw up, but I don’t."

At one time, Prochaska also used to load up on caffeine, but that didn't mix well with that involuntary habit. "I would drink energy drinks and a cup of coffee, and it would all mix together," he said. "I learned really quick that wasn’t the thing to do."

So long, Salty

Don't come to Riverwalk Stadium tonight just to see Mississippi catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the Braves' top prospect. Atlanta called up Saltalamacchia today and he's starting tonight against the Phillies at Turner Field. It's also his 22nd birthday.

Saltalamacchia isn't the first high-profile Mississippi Brave to get called to the big leagues while in Montgomery. Jeff Francoeur was in town when Atlanta promoted him two years ago.

The Braves were in need after Brian McCann and Brayan Pena were hurt Tuesday. Saltalamacchia was hitting .309 with six home runs and 13 RBIs for Mississippi this year after struggling to a .230 average with 39 RBIs there last season.