Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Longoria promoted to Durham

Third baseman Evan Longoria has been promoted to Class AAA Durham.

The Biscuits are adding infielders Rhyne Hughes and Aaron Sisk from Class A Vero Beach.

Longoria, who didn’t play Tuesday, is a candidate for the Southern League’s most valuable player award and ranks among the league leaders in each of the Triple Crown categories.

He had 21 home runs to set the Biscuits’ single-season record and was tied entering Tuesday for the league lead.

A grand slam Monday night -- in his final at-bat with the Biscuits -- left him with a league-leading 76 RBIs, while his .307 average was seventh. Longoria also scored a league-high 78 runs, 12 more than second place.

The 21 home runs broke a Biscuits record set in 2005 by outfielder Delmon Young, who was promoted at the All-Star break and still won the league’s MVP award.

Longoria also hit 21 doubles and drew a team-high 51 walks.

Hughes hit .329 with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs for Vero Beach. Sisk, who has played three different infield positions this year, had a .268 average.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Cumberland debuts with Lookouts

Shaun Cumberland was 1-for-4 tonight in his first game with the Chattanooga Lookouts, who lost 6-1 at Huntsville.

Longoria sets Biscuits record

Evan Longoria hit his 21st home run of the season tonight -- a grand slam in the 10th inning of Montgomery's 9-3 win at Birmingham -- to set the Biscuits' record for homers.

Longoria's 21 snaps the mark set by Delmon Young two years ago. It was also the 11th grand slam in Biscuits history and third of the season. (Of those 11, 10 have been on the road.)

Niemann leaves with injury

Former Biscuits pitcher Jeff Niemann faced only one batter tonight in Class AAA Durham's game at Indianapolis. Niemann threw just five pitches.

The 6-foot-9 right-hander hasn't missed a start in more than a year. Niemann joined the Biscuits from extended spring training halfway through last season and helped Montgomery to the Southern League championship. (He did leave the Arizona Fall League early due to a family funeral.)

Niemann leads the International League in victories. He's 11-5 with a 3.90 ERA in 115 1/3 innings.

8:10 p.m. UPDATE: The St. Petersburg Times' Marc Topkin is reporting that the Rays say it was "a precaution due to right shoulder fatigue" and that "early reports are fairly positive."

Brothers Andrus won't play this year

Remember that potential brotherly Southern League playoff matchup I wrote about between Montgomery's Erold Andrus and Atlanta stud prospect Elvis Andrus?

Well, it won't happen.

First, the Biscuits are sinking fast in the second-half division race -- they've lost eight of nine games entering tonight's game in Hoover against Birmingham. Second, there's now no way Elvis will be with Mississippi at the end of the season.

Atlanta shipped catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Elvis to the Rangers today for slugger Mark Teixeira and pitcher Ron Mahay. The Rangers are also receiving minor-league pitcher Neftali Feliz and a player to be named later, who looks to be pitcher Matt Harrison.

That would mean the Braves are giving up their top three prospects (Saltalamacchia, Andrus and Harrison) from Baseball America's preseason list.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

BayBears manager suffers stroke

Mobile manager Brett Butler suffered a stroke last week in Montgomery.

A BayBears spokesman said early in Friday's game that Butler was out because he was sick. An Associated Press story, citing a statement by the Arizona Diamondbacks, said Butler suffered a mild stroke Friday night.

Matt Williams, the former star major-league third baseman who was an Arizona analyst and pregame host, has been named Mobile's interim manager.

9:30 p.m. UPDATE: Baptist South was the city's trauma center through 7 a.m. Friday and doesn't have record of him.

Jackson Hospital took over those duties at 7 a.m. Friday and won't admit to anything. They told me I had to talk to the P.R. department, which won't be in until Monday. Of course, they said there is no emergency night/weekend contact number.

At least Baptist South is organized.

10 p.m. UPDATE: Butler apparently suffered the stroke in the early hours of Friday and went back to Mobile before going to a hospital. The Diamondbacks' statement that the stroke was Friday night and he's here in Montgomery is a little off.

At least the Diamondbacks tried to give specifics, unlike what I was told Friday, that Butler was "sick and feeling a little dizzy, so he went back to the hotel."

Biscuit's contribution to Bonds

With Barry Bonds one homer away from tying Hank Aaron, let's take a moment to recognize the efforts of one former Montgomery Biscuit to help. It takes a lot of good swings to hit 754 home runs (entering Sunday) and a lot of pitches, too.

With that, let us all applaud former Biscuits pitching coach Xavier Hernandez and the way he "helped" baseball history.

This is the chart we published last year when Bonds was reaching Babe Ruth's 714 that detailed each time Hernandez pitched to Bonds.

Houston vs. Pittsburgh
May 22, 1990: Single
May 2, 1992: Three-run HOME RUN in the eighth inning; Bonds' eighth homer of the season and 150th of his career
May 8, 1992: Intentional walk
July 22, 1992: Intentional walk

Houston vs. San Francisco
May 17, 1993: Two-run HOME RUN in the seventh inning; Bonds' 10th homer of the season and 186th of his career

Cincinnati vs. San Francisco
July 3, 1995: Solo HOME RUN in the eighth inning; Bonds' 14th homer of the season and 273rd of his career
July 6, 1995: Popout to shortstop
July 26, 1996: Flyout to center

Houston vs. San Francisco
June 13, 1996: Single

Texas vs. San Francisco
June 27, 1998: Hit by pitch

Source: retrosheet.org

Baseball-reference.com now gives you the ability to look up past hitter vs. pitcher statistics. It tells us that only Eric Davis matched Bonds with three home runs off Hernandez, but it took Davis 18 plate appearances to do so.

Hernandez is now the pitching coach at Class AAA Durham. Former major-leaguer Gary Gaetti is the hitting coach. Hmmm ...

St. Louis vs. Houston
May 21, 1996: Walk
Aug. 25, 1996: Foul out
Sept. 2, 1996: Popup

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Rays make third trade in two days

The Devil Rays have sent Ty Wigginton to the Houston Astros for reliever Dan Wheeler in their third trade of the last two days.

Their two-day haul includes four relief pitchers, only one of whom was in the majors (Wheeler). Their bait was one major-leaguer (Wigginton) and three minor-leaguers.

Wheeler was 1-4 with a 5.07 ERA in 45 appearances for the Astros. He was 11-of-15 in save opportunities and last converted one June 8.

Cantu, Cumberland to Reds

The Devil Rays have traded Jorge Cantu and Shaun Cumberland to the Cincinnati Reds.

The Rays add pitchers Brian Shackelford and Calvin Medlock from the Reds. Both were at Class AAA Louisville and will simply change clubhouses today. The Louisville Bats start a home series with the Durham Bulls tonight.

Cantu was with Class AAA Durham, while Cumberland was with the Biscuits. Cumberland had a .246 average with Montgomery. Cantu was critical of Tampa Bay's decision to send him to Durham to start the year and was again critical after a midseason demotion back to the Bulls.

Cumberland will join Class AA Chattanooga and won't take long to visit Montgomery again. The Biscuits' next home series, which starts Aug. 8, is against the Lookouts.

Shackelford was 0-5 with a 4.96 ERA in 41 relief appearances for Louisville, while Medlock was 2-1 with a 5.63 ERA in 13 games. Medlock started the year at Class AA Chattanooga.

System check

It's back, with great demand (one person mentioned they noticed its one-week absence) after I was on vacation.

CLASS AAA, DURHAM BULLS
International League South

(56-49, second place, 4.5 GB)
RHP Jeff Niemann allowed five hits over six shutout innings Wednesday to pick up his league-leading 11th victory. Niemann (11-5) is 7-1 with a 3.27 ERA in his last nine starts.
CF Jason Pridie is hitting .330 with 20 runs scored and 15 RBIs in 26 games. He has 24 hits in his last 14 games.
RF Justin Ruggiano has a .287 average, 13 home runs and 54 RBIs.
LHP Jeff Ridgway gave up four runs (one earned) on four hits in the ninth inning Thursday to lose. He struck out four. He’s 1-3 with a 3.12 ERA.
LHP J.P. Howell threw seven shutout innings Thursday.

HIGH-CLASS A, VERO BEACH DEVIL RAYS
Florida State League Eastern

(8-25, sixth place, 12 GB)
LHP Jake McGee allowed five hits, walked two and struck out eight over seven shutout innings in a no-decision Wednesday. He’s 5-4 with a 3.12 ERA and a league-leading 135 strikeouts in 109.2 innings.
OF Sergio Pedroza has hit .288 with seven home runs in July. His season numbers include a .269 average, 14 homers and 39 RBIs.

LOW-CLASS A, COLUMBUS CATFISH
South Atlantic League Southern

(20-14, third place, 2 GB)
RF Quinn Stewart is 13-for-29 in his last seven games and has homered in three straight. He has a .256 average, 16 homers and 47 RBIs this year.
RHP Jeremy Hellickson has allowed one run in each of his last two starts, both wins. He’s 8-2 with a 2.38 ERA.
CF Desmond Jennings has a .408 on-base percentage, 45 steals and 69 runs scored.

SHORT-SEASON A, HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES
New York-Penn League McNamara

(16-20, fourth place, 9 GB)
RHP Jesse Darcy is 3-0 with an 0.56 ERA, nine hits allowed, one walk and 16 strikeouts in his last three starts, covering 16 innings.
CF Emeel Salem has a .381 on-base percentage and is 23-of-25 on steals.

ROOKIE, PRINCETON RAYS
Appalachian League East

(17-16, third place, 6.5 GB)
RHP Chris Fessler is 3-0 with a 2.87 ERA and a .146 average against in 15.2 relief innings.
SS Omar Luna has a .323 average and a team-best 17 RBIs.

WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays

3B Vince Harrison signed with the New York Mets this week and went to Class AA Binghamton. He was 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs Friday.
3B Dan DeMent has two hits in each of his last four games at Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals). He had three homers, six runs scored and seven RBIs in those three games. DeMent has a .267 average, nine homers and 53 RBIs.
SS Jace Brewer was released July 16 by Class AAA Omaha (Royals).
C Robinson Cancel homered Friday and has a .239 average at Class AAA New Orleans (Mets).
RHP Carlos Hines is 1-1 with two saves and a 4.25 ERA at Class AAA Fresno (Giants).
LHP Chris Seddon is 1-3 with a 6.51 ERA in seven starts for Class AA Carolina (Marlins).
OF Jesus Feliciano has a .301 average for Class AAA New Orleans (Mets).
LHP Jason Cromer has a 2-7 record and a 6.03 ERA with Class AA Wichita (Royals).
C Iker Franco is hitting .198 at Class AAA Richmond (Braves).
RHP Jim Magrane is 2-8 with a 4.25 ERA for Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals).
RHP Jose Diaz has allowed 30 hits, including five home runs, in 47.1 innings for the Yokohama BayStars in Japan. He’s walked 42 and struck out 44. RHP Willie Glen is 8-1 with a 3.88 ERA for independent Gary.
OF Amado German has a .281 average with independent Edinburg.

Friday, July 27, 2007

McClung traded to Brewers

Relief pitcher Seth McClung , who was with Class AAA Durham, has been traded to the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Rays are swapping him for Grant Balfour, who was designated for assignment by the Brewers on Friday.

Balfour was 0-2 with a 20.25 ERA in three appearances with the Brewers. He started the year at Class AA Huntsville and made eight appearances -- including two at Riverwalk Stadium -- before moving up to Class AAA Nashville. He was 1-1 with five saves, a 1.69 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 32 innings with the Nashville Sounds.

McClung had a 1.99 ERA in 40 appearances with Durham and was 5-for-10 in save opportunities. He totaled 68 strikeouts and 43 walks in 58 2/3 innings.

McClung made three starts in a rehab stop with Montgomery in 2004.

Fresh Friday

The Biscuits look for a fresh start in tonight's series finale against the Mobile Hammerin' Hanks. The BayBears have only 50 hits -- including 22 doubles and six home runs -- in the first four games of the series.

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

BAYBEARS
Emilio Bonifacio, 2b
Wilkin Castillo, c
Justin Upton, cf -- definitely playing his last game in Montgomery.
Javier Brito, dh
Carlos Gonzalez, rf
Ronnie Merrill, ss
Chris Rahl, lf
Cesar Nicolas, 1b
Rusty Rahl, 3b
Brooks Brown, rhp

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Longoria, Perez leave game early

Don't get your feathers up. Evan Longoria and Fernando Perez were taken out early from tonight's drubbing to not chance an injury in such a blowout loss, manager Billy Gardner said.

Stage being set for Longoria's exit??

Me thinks third baseman Evan Longoria is about to play his final home game at Riverwalk Stadium.

Longoria has confirmed the rankings that had him as one of Tampa Bay's top minor-league talents this year with the Biscuits. He's hitting better than .300, has tied a Biscuits record with 20 home runs and entered Thursday second in the league with 71 RBIs.

Durham's regular third baseman, Joel Guzman, played first base Thursday against Norfolk. It was Guzman's season debut at first base.

Montgomery caps a home series with Mobile on Friday before going on a 10-game road trip. The Biscuits are back Aug. 8 to play Chattanooga. Will Longoria be there, too?

Thursday thinkers

Brooks Badeaux has long been in the dugout and I'm just now getting around to this. Apologies.

The Biscuits and BayBears play the fourth game of their series tonight. Montgomery manager Billy Gardner said he hopes to get stopper Dale Thayer back to the mound quickly so he can put Wednesday night behind him.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Paul, c -- Final game of rehab.
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b -- Personal view: If he's going to Durham this year, it's going to be soon.
Gabriel Martinez, 1b
John Jaso, dh
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Erold Andrus, lf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Derek Feldkamp, rhp

BAYBEARS
Wilkin Castillo, 2b
Phil Avlas, dh
Justin Upton, rf -- wow! That's all I'll say about Upton.
Javier Brito, 1b
Carlos Gonzalez, cf
Ronnie Merrill, ss
Josh Ford, c
Jarred Ball, lf
Rusty Ryal, 3b
Max Scherzer, rhp

UPDATE: In the middle of the second, Mobile leads 6-0, so let's go ahead and see if we can make this interesting.

Justin Upton has faced nine pitches, eight of them balls, in the first two innings. He needs only three more walks to tie the Southern League record.

Javier Brito has five RBIs through two innings -- a three-run homer in the first and a two-run double in the second -- and is four off the league mark.

Jai goes yard thrice

Selma High's Jai Miller jacked three home runs for the Carolina Mudcats in a 12-5 win over the Tennessee Smokies that ended Wednesday.

Miller hit a solo homer in the second inning Tuesday before rain suspended the game. On Wednesday, Miller cranked a two-run blast in the fourth and powered a grand slam in the seventh.

Miller, whose seven RBIs is a career high, is hitting .273 with 11 home runs. He also walked and scored in the fifth inning.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Masonry awaits

Chris Mason tries for his 13th win tonight. Currently, he's three shy of the Tampa Bay minor-league record set by Andy Sonnanstine last year in Montgomery.

Josh Arhart makes his first home start since going down with a back injury in May and rehabbing major-leaguer Josh Paul catches.

Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Paul, c
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
Gabriel Martinez, 1b
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Brooks Badeaux, lf
Josh Arhart, dh
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Chris Mason, rhp

BAYBEARS
Emilio Bonifacio, 2b
Wilkin Castillo, c
Justin Upton, cf
Javier Brito, 1b
Carlos Gonzalez, rf
Ronnie Merrill, ss
Cesar Nicolas, 3b
Phil Avlas, lf
Rusty Ryal, dh
Esmerling Vasquez, rhp

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Independent league folds

This one just started earlier this month. The league was based in Utica, which has had six pro teams leave in the last 14 years, according to the link.

I found the link and this commentary at Ballpark Digest ...

New York State League folds

After working so hard to get a lease at Utica's Murnane Field -- displacing the plans of a more established summer-collegiate league -- the independent New York State League folded this past weekend. The league drew well on opening night (July 3) with a crowd of 2,677, but things went quickly downhill, with crowds reportedly under 100 at the end. The players received their first, and final, paychecks Saturday, five days after they were promised. To receive a $250 check, each player first had to have their living quarters inspected for damages and turn in their jersey, pants, belt and socks.

Nice line

Tampa Bay's media notes for today's game at Baltimore included this beauty. I laughed.

SENSE OF HUMOR REQUIRED -- The Rays allowed 38 runs in approximately 22 hours over the weekend at Yankee Stadium, the same number of runs allowed by the 1915 World Champion Red Sox in 22 games. That team was anchored by Baltimore native Babe Ruth.

Car care Tuesday

Some car issues delayed my arrival today, but we have plenty of things to share.

Rehabbing major-league catcher Josh Paul is in uniform, in the lineup at designated hitter and hitting second. Pitcher Jon Barratt is back after a day's absence due to food poisoning and is still scheduled to pitch Friday. Reliever Nick DeBarr won't throw again until a side session Friday because of a sore elbow and won't throw in a game until at least Sunday.

With that, your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Paul, dh
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
Gabriel Martinez, 1b
John Jaso, c
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Patrick Breen, lf
James Houser, lhp

BAYBEARS
Emilio Bonifacio, ss
Ronnie Merrill, 3b
Justin Upton, rf
Javier Brito, dh
Carlos Gonzalez, cf
Jarred Ball, lf
Cesar Nicolas, 1b
Josh Ford, c
Rusty Ryal, 2b
Matt Green, rhp

Monday, July 23, 2007

Monday's door opener

Mobile pitcher Matt Elliott is back at Riverwalk Stadium for the first time since his now-infamous door slam as the BayBears and Biscuits open a five-game series tonight.

The Devil Rays just recalled former Biscuits pitchers Jason Hammel and Juan Salas to the major leagues, sending J.P. Howell to Class AAA Durham and putting Jay Witasick on the disabled list. Hammel was sent down just Saturday but is back because Witasick got hurt.

Flags will be flown at half-mast tonight and there will be a moment of silence before today's game in honor of Tulsa Drillers coach Mike Coolbaugh, who was killed by a line drive while coaching first base Sunday.

Tampa Bay's B.J. Upton, a former Biscuit, was named the American League's co-player of the week along with Robinson Cano of the Yankees today, too.

Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Erold Andrus, lf
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
Gabriel Martinez, 1b
John Jaso, dh
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Matt Spring, c
Wade Davis, rhp

BAYBEARS
Emilio Bonifacio, 2b
Wilkin Castillo, c
Justin Upton, cf
Javier Brito, 1b
Carlos Gonzalez, rf
Ronnie Merrill, ss
Jarred Ball, lf
Cesar Nicolas, dh
Rusty Ryal, 3b
Chris Kinsey, rhp

Tulsa coach killed by line drive

Tulsa World
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Tulsa Drillers coach Mike Coolbaugh was hit in the side of the head in the ninth inning of Sunday's game at Arkansas. He was 35.

Coolbaugh played for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2001 and the St. Louis Cardinals in 2002. He was in the Southern League in 1995 with the Knoxville Smokies and in 1997 with the Huntsville Stars.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Major-league rehabs to join Biscuits

Major-leaguers Josh Paul and Tim Corcoran will be on rehab assignments with the Biscuits this week.

Both went on the disabled list with elbow strains. Paul, a catcher, last played for Tampa Bay on May 19 and finished a five-day rehab stay at Class A Vero Beach on Friday. Corcoran, a pitcher, last played June 8.

Biscuits manager Billy Gardner Corcoran is expected to be in uniform Monday, while Paul isn't scheduled to arrive until late Monday and shouldn't play until Tuesday. Montgomery opens a home series with Mobile on Monday.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Ump: Smokies have league's 'best' fans

Female baseball umpire hanging tough in a man's world

I've never been to Smokies Park, so I can't dispute what veteran Southern League umpire Ria Cortesio says about their fans.

"Part of the fun is the people you meet, Cortesio said. "On the field and off. It's always good to come here to Sevierville. I think the best fans in the league are here. These are definitely the most knowledgeable baseball fans and support the team, no matter who the affiliate is. It's good to see fans who have a clue about the game."

Much of the article is about the head injury she sustained last year and how it affected her over the offseason. A brain hemorrhage was diagnosed in Montgomery and she sat in the stands later that series.

She declined comment about her injury because I made her "look bad" earlier that week and league president Don Mincher saw the story. Her crew was late and caused a 19-minute delay Aug. 6. (I'm fairly certain the league president would hear about his umpires being late to a game.)

She's in her fifth year in the Southern League and says she's "the next one to go to Triple-A." Also, "I still scratch my head as to why I'm still here."

No system check

The regular Biscuits statistics and update on the locals won't be in Sunday's paper. I'm on vacation this week. The time off involved a lot of sleep, some searching for a new car and reading a few books.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Prochaska to Durham

Biscuits pitcher Mike Prochaska has been promoted to Class AAA Durham, which lost two pitchers to the major leagues Thursday.

Prochaska was told of the promotion after Montgomery’s 3-2 win at Carolina on Thursday night and will fly to Indianapolis to join the Bulls on Friday. He's scheduled to start Saturday.

Prochaska, who was 5-7 with a 4.29 ERA this year, was scheduled to start Friday's game at Carolina and will be replaced by right-hander Derek Feldkamp. In his last four starts, Prochaska is 3-0 with a 1.03 ERA, including a six-hit shutout against Mobile on June 22.

Longoria, Davis on BA midseason team

Baseball America named Biscuits Evan Longoria and Wade Davis to their midseason minor-league All-Star team today. Montgomery native Craig Brazell of Class AAA Omaha, who leads the minors with a career-high 30 home runs, made the magazine's minor-league All-Surprise team.

Subscription required: Baseball America's midseason All-Stars

Rays add 2 Durham pitchers

The Devil Rays promoted pitchers Jae Kuk Ryu and Scott Dohmann from Class AAA Durham today and demoted infielder Jorge Cantu and outfielder Dustan Mohr. Dohmann had to be added to the 40-man roster, so Mohr was designated for assignment.

That leaves Durham a few arms short and me wondering who will fill those spots.

J.P. Howell is currently with Durham and is also scheduled to start the second game of Tampa Bay's doubleheader Saturday at Yankee Stadium. Ryu will probably start the opener and swap roster spots with Howell between games.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Lookouts to celebrate Wellman's tirade

The Chattanooga Lookouts are giving away free rosin bags and will have daily rosin-bag tosses during next week's home series with the Mississippi Braves to celebrate Braves manager Phillip Wellman's much-publicized June 1 tantrum.

I guess the Southern League doesn't have to give permission for any of this. Great idea, though.

Each night, the Lookouts will haul out a Wellman mannequin and allow fans -- trench crawl encouraged -- to take aim with a rosin bag from 70 feet away. They'll give $50 each night to the fan who comes closest to the mannequin without hitting it.

What are the chances that Brent Rice, Jeff Latter and Rusty Barrett, the umpires involved that night, will draw next week's series?

Monday, July 16, 2007

Dukes owes alimony; Paul to Biscuits?

Elijah Dukes to pay his estranged wife $3,303 in alimony while they go through their divorce.

Dukes told to cough up alimony

Also, major-league catcher Josh Paul could join the Biscuits later this week on a rehabilitation assignment. Paul is supposed to start his rehab with Class A Vero Beach. He's been out since May 20 with a left elbow strain.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Jaso still on bench

Catcher John Jaso is out of the lineup for a third straight game today. He said Saturday that he planned to play today after dealing with an aching hand that took a foul ball. (Remember: Every player has something hurting by this time of year.)

On a lighter note, Chris Mason broke a ping-pong paddle today after Jon Barratt rallied from a point-10 deficit to beat him. High entertainment.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Brooks Badeaux, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
Gabriel Martinez, 1b
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Patrick Breen, dh
Erold Andrus, lf
Matt Spring, c
Jon Barratt, lhp

BRAVES
J.C. Holt, 2b
Carl Loadenthal, cf
Brandon Jones, dh
Matt Esquivel, rf
Diory Hernandez, ss
Van Pope, 3b
Clint Sammons, c
Greg Creek, 1b
Josh Burrus, lf
Brad Nelson, rhp

UPDATE: Biscuits manager Billy Gardner lasted 15 minutes. Kicked out in the second by first-base umpire Manny Gonzalez for arguing a second balk on Barratt.

MORE: Bryan Eubank, Mississippi's sweet-lunged broadcaster, shared this about new Braves pitcher Sung Ki Jung. Jung didn't pitch the last three years because he was fulfilling the required military service of his native South Korea. He started his professional career in 2002.

Jung didn't come back too rusty. He had 12 saves, a 1.85 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings at Class A Myrtle Beach when he was promoted to Mississippi late last week.

MIDDLE OF 4TH: Since it's already 9-1, let's list some goals for Mississippi. The 19-4, 21-hit spanking Huntsville administered May 30 stands as the 2007 standard. The Braves already have three homers (two by Matt Esquivel), two shy of Mobile's effort June 8.

MIDDLE OF 5TH: Esquivel will lead off the sixth. He's going to get a few swings at tying the record for the most homers a player has hit off the Biscuits. Mobile's Tagg Bozied hit three May 16, 2005, hitting a solo shot in the sixth, a two-run blast in the seventh and a three-run circuit clout in the ninth.

It was Bozied's season debut. He blew out his knee the previous year. After he hit a game-winning grand slam, he stomped on home plate and hurt himself.

MIDDLE OF 6TH: Esquivel with a pitiful effort. He grounded to third. Boooooooo.

EIGHTH: Esquivel with a piddling single to right. Booooooooooooooo.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Mississippi loses another reliever

The Biscuits can benefit from another transaction involving the Mississippi bullpen today. Zach Schreiber was promoted to Class AAA Richmond and is the second reliever in two days to leave Mississippi. Jose Ascanio went to the majors Friday.

Mississippi added Sung Ki Jung from Class A Myrtle Beach.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Brooks Badeaux, 3b
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, dh
Gabriel Martinez, 1b
Erold Andrus, rf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Patrick Breen, lf
Matt Spring, c
Mike Prochaska, lhp

BRAVES
J.C. Holt, 2b
Carl Loadenthal, cf
Brandon Jones, lf
Matt Esquivel, rf
Diory Hernandez, ss
Mark Jurich, 1b
Ray Serrano, dh
Van Pope, 3b
Clint Sammons, c
Kelvin Villa, lhp

System check

CLASS AAA, DURHAM BULLS
International League South

(47-45, second place, 5 GB)
RHP Jae Seo has allowed one run in his last two starts, covering 12.1 innings. He’s 3-1 with a 3.94 ERA in six starts.
RHP Mitch Talbot struck out a season-high eight in five innings Friday. He allowed four hits and one run, dropping his ERA to 5.05.
LHP Jeff Ridgway has a 3.32 ERA in 37 relief appearances and has allowed 34 hits in 43.1 innings.
CF Jason Pridie has a .274 average and 11 runs scored in 16 games. He has a .328 on-base percentage.
2B Elliot Johnson is hitting .197 with 91 strikeouts.

HIGH-CLASS A, VERO BEACH DEVIL RAYS
Florida State League Eastern

(5-16, sixth place, 7.5 GB)
LHP Jake McGee allowed three runs on four hits and one walk in six innings Monday, walking one and striking out 11. McGee has recorded double-digit strikeouts three times in his last five starts.
3B Aaron Sisk is 8-of-17 with five home runs and eight RBIs in his last four games. He homered twice Monday and Friday.
3B Patrick Cottrell hasn’t played since July 6 but remains on the active roster.

LOW-CLASS A, COLUMBUS CATFISH
South Atlantic League Southern

(13-8, third place, 1.5 GB)
CF Desmond Jennings was 3-for-4 with a walk Friday, pushing his on-base percentage to .402. He’s scored 60 runs and is 39-of-52 on steals.
RHP Jeremy Hellickson left last Sunday’s start at Rome after two innings with a blister on his pitching hand. It was his first start since a seven-inning complete game July 3.
1B Seth Dhaenens has a .317 average in 30 games but only 12 runs scored and eight RBIs.

SHORT-SEASON A, HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES
New York-Penn League McNamara

(10-13, fourth place, 6.5 GB)
OF Maiko Loyola is hitting .362 with eight extra-base hits, 14 runs scored and 12 RBIs in 14 games.
3B Greg Sexton was 9-for-19 in a five-game hit streak that ended Friday and pushed his average from .189 to .250.
CF Emeel Salem was caught stealing twice last week and is 10-of-12 on steals.

ROOKIE, PRINCETON RAYS
Appalachian League East

(13-11, third place, 2.5 GB)
RHP Chris Luck is 3-0 with a 3.07 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 14.2 innings.
1B Eli Sonoqui has a .361 average but hasn’t played since last Sunday. He remains on the active roster.

WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays

RHP Dewon Brazelton lost Friday at Class AA Altoona (Pirates), despite allowing only one earned run in seven innings. He’s 2-2 with a 1.91 ERA in six starts.
OF Johnny Raburn homered last weekend in the last game before the All-Star break for Class AA Carolina (Marlins). He has a .208 average and one homer in 53 games.
3B Dan DeMent was 3-for-4 Friday with Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals), pushing his average to .246.
CF Jesus Feliciano snapped a seven-game hitless streak Thursday and is hitting .294 at Class AAA New Orleans (Mets).
RHP Carlos Hines has a 3.42 ERA in 15 appearances with Class AAA Fresno (Giants).
OF Frank Moore has been promoted to Class AAA Albuquerque (Marlins) after hitting .229 at Class AA Carolina.
RHP Jose Rodriguez won Thursday, giving him three victories in his last four appearances for Class AAA Round Rock (Astros). He’s 3-3 with two saves and a 4.87 ERA in 32 appearances.
3B Jace Brewer is hitting .250 with Class AAA Omaha (Royals).
RHP Marcos Carvajal has 41 walks and 72 strikeouts in 82 innings for Class AA Binghamton (Mets). He’s 3-6 with a 4.39 ERA.
LHP Jason Cromer has a 2-6 record and a 6.20 ERA at Class AA Wichita (Royals).
RHP Travis Minix is 3-2 with seven saves in 29 games for the Macoto Cobras in Taiwan.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Another passport promotion

The Biscuits had one a month ago, now the Mississippi Braves are going through one.

Mississippi pitcher Jose Ascanio has been promoted to the major leagues after Atlanta's Wil Ledezma had trouble returning from an All-Star break trip home to Venezuela. Apparently, Ledezma left his visa and passport in his pants when they were washed. The visa and passport were unusable for Ledezma to return. So, Atlanta called on Ascanio.

Of course, early last month, Biscuits pitcher Jeremy Flanagan was going up to Class AAA Durham, except that the Bulls were headed to Ottawa for a series and Flanagan didn't have the necessary paperwork. Richard De Los Santos went instead.

Humid Friday; Meek on DL

The Rays announced signing their seventh-round draft pick, University of North Carolina outfielder Reid Fronk, today. The Biscuits vow they'll go to great lengths to play tonight, despite the rain in the area. And just as I write that, the rain stops and blue skies start to appear. The tarp is coming off the field at 5 p.m.

The Biscuits put pitcher Evan Meek on the disabled list with a sore shoulder. Meek said it's nothing serious and he thinks he "may have slept on it wrong." He's due back next week.

Also, pitcher Chris Mason is debuting his new hue tonight -- red.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Brooks Badeaux, lf
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
Gabriel Martinez, 1b
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Patrick Breen, dh
Matt Spring, c
Chris Mason, rhp

BRAVES
J.C. Holt, 2b
Carl Loadenthal, cf
Brandon Jones, lf
Mark Jurich, rf
Diory Hernandez, ss
Greg Creek, 1b
Ray Serrano, c
Mike Rozema, dh
Van Pope, 3b
Matt Harrison, lhp

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Thursday lineups

Mississippi has added pitcher Phil Stockman, who played for Australia in last year's World Baseball Classic, signed with the Braves and reached the majors last season. He went on the disabled list in May and has been with the GCL Braves for the last week.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Erold Andrus, lf
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
John Jaso, c
Gabriel Martinez, 1b
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Patrick Breen, dh
Josh Asanovich, 2b
James Houser, lhp

BRAVES
J.C. Holt, 2b
Carl Loadenthal, dh
Brandon Jones, lf
Matt Esquivel, rf
Mark Jurich, 1b
Van Pope, 3b
Clint Sammons, c
Mike Rozema, ss
Josh Burrus, cf
James Parr, rhp

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Brazell gunning for 50 homers

Brazell shoots for 50

Montgomery native Craig Brazell, who leads the minor leagues with 30 home runs, says 50 is possible. Brazell finished second in Wednesday's home run derby at the Triple-A All-Star Game.

Asked, not answered

Baseball America had an online chat this afternoon with Vanderbilt's David Price and Charlotte's Adam Mills, who are two of the three finalists for the Roger Clemens Award, which goes to the nation's top pitcher.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/chat.php?id=2007071101
The question I submitted -- "David, how are negotiations going with the Devil Rays?" -- wasn't among those answered.

Evan Longoria is indeed in attendance for batting practice, meaning the Rays' annual Moving Day was quiet around here.

Last year, the Biscuits lost Wes Bankston and gained Mitch Talbot right after the All-Star Game. Two years ago, Delmon Young moved up, Tony Peguero came in and Jesus Colome started a rehab assignment. In 2004, Willie Glen came down from Durham, Frank Moore came off the DL and Joey Gomes went on it.

This year ... nothing, nobody moving up. (Longoria coming off the TIA list and Chris Nowak going on the DL doesn't count on this.)

Lineups for tonight's series opener with the Mississippi Braves ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
John Jaso, c
Gabriel Martinez, 1b
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Patrick Breen, dh
Erold Andrus, lf
Wade Davis, rhp

BRAVES
J.C. Holt, 2b
Carl Loadenthal, cf
Brandon Jones, lf
Matt Esquivel, rf
Diory Hernandez, ss
Mark Jurich, dh
Van Pope, 3b
Greg Creek, 1b
Clint Sammons, c
Moises Hernandez, rhp

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Wellman: Mason, Thayer to miss series (please)

Mississippi manager Phillip Wellman walked up to two Montgomery pitchers after Monday's Southern League All-Star Game.

He had bad news for Chris Mason and Dale Thayer in relation to the series that starts between the Biscuits and Braves on Wednesday. He started with Thayer.

"I'm going to call Billy (Gardner, Biscuits manager) and tell him that you threw 35 pitches and need four days of rest," Wellman said. "I don't want to see you at all."

Mason and I started laughing, so Wellman focused on Mason.

"You, too, Mason. I'm tired of you," Wellman said.

First, for those without a sense of humor, he was joking.

Second, it would be a good strategy for Wellman. Mason is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts against Mississippi, including a three-hit shutout in his last start, while Thayer is 1-0 with two saves and a 1.13 ERA in six appearances.

Monday, July 09, 2007

All-Star fun

Assorted stuff from Monday's Southern League All-Star Game ...

Chris Mason pitched 1 1/3 innings tonight. He struck out Huntsville's Brendan Katin to end the second, walked Carolina's Chase Lambin to start the third before recording three more outs. He struck out two and threw 21 pitches, 13 for strikes.

John Jaso led off the bottom of the second with a bloop single over shortstop. He was soon retired on the front end of a double play. Jaso did have a passed ball during Mason's third inning.

Jaso singled in the fourth and suffered a second passed ball in the fifth. Mobile's Wilkin Castillo came on to replace Jaso in the sixth.

Mason: Put Thayer in brown

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070709/SPORTS01/707090312/1002/SPORTS


Biscuits pitcher Chris Mason, of dyed-hair and winning fame, picked Montgomery's stopper as an ideal choice to join him on the bottle brigade.

"The best one over there would probably be Dale Thayer, and I’d say the perfect color that would suit him would be just plain brown," Mason cracked. "He’s as plain as it gets and always talks in a monotone voice. I’d say his hair being a plain brown would be perfect."

Thayer smiled over Mason's choice. The two are roommates in Montgomery.

"Oh, he threw me under the bus," said Thayer, claiming Mason is more subdued at their apartment. "He’s a little better there, but we just play video games and eat food. That’s about it."


By the way, kudos to David Bundy for the illustration. Bundy also did the spring All-Metro MVP award photos that were well received.

What color do you want to see next from Mason? I'll take a nice bright blue.

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Last year's All-Stars, where are you?

We had this in today's paper. Because it was in a graphic, we couldn't put it online, but here it is from my computer. I should have done this last night, dadgumit.

2006 SOUTHERN LEAGUE ALL-STARS
Last year, Montgomery hosted the Southern League All-Star Game, which was billed as an opportunity to see the “stars of tomorrow.” A year later, here’s an update on each participant.

NORTH ROSTER
PITCHERS, Where they are today, Notable
Chattanooga Lookouts

David Shafer, AA Midland (A’s), Traded to Oakland in January,
Jon Coutlangus, Cincinnati Reds, Made majors out of spring training
Huntsville Stars
Tim Dillard, AAA Nashville (Brewers), Dropped to bullpen last month
Corey Thurman, AA Huntsville (Brewers), Struggling back with Stars
Tennessee Smokies
Doug Slaten, Arizona Diamondbacks, Reached big leagues last September
Ross Ohlendorf, Rookie GCL Yankees, Injured; was in Randy Johnson trade
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
J.R. Mathes, AAA Iowa (Cubs), Plugging along in I-Cubs’ rotation
Juan Mateo, A Peoria (Cubs), In majors last August; just off DL
Chris Shaver, A Daytona (Cubs), On the disabled list
Rocky Cherry, Chicago Cubs, In second stretch in majors

POSITION PLAYERS
Chattanooga Lookouts

Joey Votto, 1b, AAA Louisville (Reds), Going to Triple-A All-Star Game
Noochie Varner, lf, AA Corpus Christi (Astros), Signed with Houston in offseason
Carolina Mudcats
Jose Campusano, of, AA Carolina (Marlins), Has played only 35 games
Huntsville Stars
Lou Palmisano, c, AA Huntsville (Brewers), Now two-time Southern League All-Star
Tennessee Smokies
Danny Richar, 2b, AAA Charlotte (White Sox), Traded from Arizona last month
Miguel Montero, c, Arizona Diamondbacks, Regularly plays as No. 2 catcher
Jerry Gil, ss, Cincinnati Reds, Out for year with elbow injury
Jamie D'Antona, 1b-3b, AAA Tucson (Diamondbacks), Voted to Triple-A All-Star Game
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
Eric Patterson, 2b, AAA Iowa (Cubs), Also headed to Triple-A All-Star Game
Chris Walker, cf, AAA Iowa (Cubs), Battling Mendoza Line
Scott Moore, 3b, AAA Iowa (Cubs), Game’s MVP made majors last September
Miguel Negron, of, AAA New Orleans (Mets), Released by Cardinals in spring
Nic Jackson, rf, A Clearwater (Phillies), Released by Mets in May

STAFF
Manager

Pat Listach, West Tenn, AA Tennessee (Cubs) manager
Coaches
Tom Beyers, West Tenn, A Boise (Cubs) manager
Mike Anderson, West Tenn, A Bakersfield (Rangers) pitching coach
Trainer
Matt Johnson, West Tenn, AA Tennessee (Cubs)

SOUTH ROSTER
PITCHERS, Where they are today, Notable
Birmingham Barons

Ehren Wassermann, AAA Charlotte (White Sox), Has a sub-2.00 ERA in 35 outings,
B.J. LaMura, AA Jacksonville (Dodgers), Was in Class AAA, demoted last month
Lance Broadway, AAA Charlotte (White Sox), Steady in starting rotation
Tyler Lumsden, AAA Omaha (Royals), Traded to Royals last July
Jacksonville Suns
T.J. Nall, AA Portland (Red Sox), Released by Nationals last month
Mark Alexander, AA Jacksonville (Dodgers), Had 14.25 ERA at AAA when demoted
Casey Hoorelbeke, AAA Las Vegas (Dodgers), Allowing hitters a .300-plus average
Mississippi Braves
Matt Wright, AAA Omaha (Royals), Signed with Royals in offseason
Mobile BayBears
Sean Thompson, AAA Omaha (Royals), Claimed last week from Padres
Montgomery Biscuits
Jim Magrane, AA Harrisburg (Nationals), Joined Washington in offseason

POSITION PLAYERS
Birmingham Barons

Ricardo Nanita, lf, AA Birmingham (White Sox), Average just above .250
Corey Smith, dh, independent Newark, Leads Atlantic League in doubles
Jacksonville Suns
Justin Ruggiano, rf, AAA Durham (Rays), Traded to Tampa Bay last July
Chin-Lung Hu, ss, AA Jacksonville (Dodgers), Plays in Futures Game today
Craig Brazell, 1b, AAA Omaha (Royals), Leads minor leagues in home runs
Tony Abreu, 2b, Los Angeles Dodgers, Made major-league debut in May
Mississippi Braves
Barbaro Canizares, 1b, AAA Richmond (Braves), Visa issue shelved him two months ago
Mobile BayBears
George Kottaras, c, AAA Pawtucket (Red Sox), Has struggled since trade to Boston
Luis Cruz, 2b, AA San Antonio (Padres), Demoted from AAA in late May
Drew Macias, of, AAA Portland (Padres), Promoted from AA late last month
Montgomery Biscuits
Wes Bankston, 3b, AAA Durham (Rays), Back at first, fading as prospect
Elliot Johnson, 2b, AAA Durham (Rays), Has been disappointment with Bulls
Ryan Christianson, c, AAA Memphis (Cardinals), .216 average in limited playing time

STAFF
Manager

Charlie Montoyo, Montgomery, AAA Durham (Rays) manager
Coaches
Xavier Hernandez, Montgomery, AAA Durham (Rays) pitching coach
Mako Oliveras, Montgomery, AA Binghamton (Mets) manager
Trainer
Mark Vinson, Montgomery, AAA Durham (Rays) trainer

UMPIRES
Josh Carlisle, AAA International League
Will Robinson, AAA Pacific Coast League
Jason Bradley, AA Southern League
Scott Childers, AA Southern League, Currently on DL with back injury

Niemann's bleak Futures

Former Biscuit Jeff Niemann started today's Futures Game for the USA, but gave up two runs in the first inning of the World's 7-2 victory.

Jacksonville Suns shortstop Chin-Lung Hu hit an RBI double and scored on Joey Votto's flyout in the first off Niemann. Hu won the Futures Game's most valuable player award. Votto was the Southern League MVP last season for Chattanooga.

Current Biscuit Evan Longoria was also on the U.S. roster. I can't find a box score yet to see if he played. (I just finished a drive to Pearl, Miss., for the Southern League's All-Star Game, so, no, I didn't watch it on TV.) OK, I found something: "Longoria started at third base and doubled in his only at-bat."

Justin Upton of the Mobile BayBears homered for the good ol' USA.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

System check

CLASS AAA, DURHAM BULLS
International League South

(45-44, second place, 4.5 GB)
RHP Seth McClung has given up no runs and allowed one inherited runner to score in his last nine appearances. He’s 1-3 with five saves and a 1.45 ERA.
3B Joel Guzman has 26 hits in his last 22 games and has pushed his average to .258 with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs.
2B Elliot Johnson is 2-for-27 with 16 strikeouts in his last nine games, dropping his average to .195.
RHP Jeff Niemann snapped a five-start win streak Wednesday, allowing eight hits and four runs in 3.2 innings. He’s playing in today’s Futures Game.
1B Wes Bankston is hitting .243 with nine homers and 35 RBIs.

HIGH-CLASS A, VERO BEACH DEVIL RAYS
Florida State League Eastern

(3-12, sixth place, 6.5 GB)
LHP Jake McGee threw seven shutout innings Monday, allowing two hits with no walks and a career-high 13 strikeouts. He’s 5-3 with a 2.86 ERA and a league-leading 108 strikeouts.
1B Rhyne Hughes has a .330 average and 52 runs scored.
The Rays have lost 12 straight. In their last 10 games, they have a .175 average and 13 runs scored.

LOW-CLASS A, COLUMBUS CATFISH
South Atlantic League Southern

(10-5, first place, 0.5 GA)
LF Ryan Royster had a .413 average during a 15-game hit streak that ended Friday. Royster homered five times and knocked in 16 runs during the streak. His season numbers include a .322 average, 15 home runs and 56 RBIs.
RHP Jeremy Hellickson gave up five hits and one run, on a homer, in a seven-inning complete game Tuesday. It was the first complete game of his career.
RHP Wade Townsend has a 14.63 ERA in his last two starts.

SHORT-SEASON A, HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES
New York-Penn League McNamara

(7-10, third place, 5.5 GB)
OF Maiko Loyola has a .367 average, eight runs scored and six RBIs in eight games.
RHP Alex Cobb is 2-1 with a 2.14 ERA in four starts. He allowed one run over six innings to win Friday.
CF Emeel Salem is 10-for-10 on steals. He’s hitting .271.

ROOKIE, PRINCETON RAYS
Appalachian League East

(10-4, tied for first)
C Mayobanex Acosta has a .367 on-base percentage and 10 RBIs.
RHP Chris Fessler is 2-0 with two saves and an 0.90 ERA in five relief appearances.
SS Omar Luna is hitting .359 with 13 RBIs.

WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays

RHP Jose Rodriguez has wins in two of his last three appearances with Class AAA Round Rock (Astros). He’s 2-3 with two saves and a 5.18 ERA.
C Ryan Christianson is hitting .216 with 13 RBIs in 41 games at Class AAA Memphis (Cardinals).
RHP Jim Magrane is 2-4 with a 4.08 ERA for Class AA Harrisburg (Nationals).
RHP Jean Machi blew a save Thursday and has a 3.18 ERA with Class AA New Hampshire (Blue Jays). He’s 2-for-4 on saves and has allowed hitters a .200 average.
C Iker Franco has a .206 average for Class AAA Richmond (Braves).
OF Frank Moore is hitting .237 at Class AA Carolina (Marlins).
RHP John Webb is 1-6 in his last seven starts for Class AAA Iowa (Cubs). He’s 2-6 with a 5.57 ERA.
1B Jose Velazquez has a .235 average with the independent Grays.
RHP Jose Diaz is 2-2 with two saves and a 4.25 ERA for the Yokohama BayStars in Japan. He’s walked 36 and struck out 39 in 42.1 innings.
RHP Willie Glen of independent Gary has been picked to start Tuesday’s Northern League All-Star Game. Glen is 6-0 with a 3.93 ERA in 12 starts.

Friday, July 06, 2007

Niemann out, Ruggiano in for Albuquerque trip

Durham pitcher Jeff Niemann isn't going to the Triple-A All-Star Game because he, like Biscuits third baseman Evan Longoria, is playing in Sunday's Futures Game.

Outfielder Justin Ruggiano will fill Niemann's spot in Wednesday's Class AAA game, which is in Albuquerque.

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Hamilton signs with Tigers

Stanhope Elmore graduate Brandon Hamilton, a supplemental first-round draft pick last month by the Detroit Tigers, signed late Tuesday night.

Hamilton said he's leaving early Thursday for Lakeland, Fla., and will be assigned to the the Gulf Coast League Tigers. The right-handed pitcher was the 60th overall pick in the draft.

Hamilton declined to specify the amount of his signing bonus, but said it was similar to the package given last year's 60th pick. Last year, the Milwaukee Brewers signed Georgia high school shortstop Brent Brewer for $600,000.

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Marathon men

Tuesday's 13-inning marathon -- a 7-6 victory for the Barons -- tied for the longest game (in innings) in the Biscuits' history.

Tuesday's game clocked in at 3 hours, 51 minutes, but that's not even the longest of the season. Montgomery won 7-6 in 12 innings at Mississippi on May 24 in 3:54.

May 5, 2006 at Riverwalk: Mississippi wins 7-6 in 13 (4 hours, 17 minutes)
July 27, 2004 at Birmingham: Montgomery wins 2-1 in 13 (4:01)

Houser on TIA list

Biscuits pitcher James Houser has been temporarily deactivated because of a family emergency. He learned of the emergency during Monday's game and hurridly left for the drive home to Sarasota, Fla.

UPDATE: Houser's dad, James Houser Sr., suffered a heart attack but is in stable condition, Biscuits manager Billy Gardner said. Houser Jr. wanted to rejoin the team Wednesday in Mobile, Gardner said, but the Biscuits told him to take an extra day.

Tuesday's lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
John Jaso, dh
Chris Nowak, 1b
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Matt Spring, c
Erold Andrus, lf
Mike Prochaska, lhp

BARONS
Adam Shabala, lf
Victor Mercedes, ss
Thomas Collaro, rf
Shawn Garrett, 1b
Chris Kelly, 3b
Jeremy Frost, c
Ricardo Nanita, cf
Kenny Perez, 2b
Donny Lucy, dh
Wes Whisler, lhp

Jaso to start All-Star Game

Montgomery catcher John Jaso will be in the starting lineup for Monday's Southern League All-Star Game at Mississippi. He'll hit sixth, right after five straight Mississippi Braves, for the South Division.

Monday, July 02, 2007

De Los Santos returning

Relief pitcher Richard De Los Santos is returning to the Biscuits from Class AAA Durham.

De Los Santos was 1-1 with a 7.20 ERA in six appearances for the Bulls after being promoted a month ago. The right-hander had a 2.41 ERA in 20 outings with Montgomery before his promotion.

Juan Salas has to go back on the 40-man roster Tuesday after his suspension. We'll see who the Rays toss off the 40-man. Salas will take De Los Santos' roster spot in Durham.

More Web site adventure

A month later, they're supposedly still working on the problems with the montgomeryadvertiser.com Biscuits "microsite."

Here's what you've missed in the last week ...
1. Thursday's game recap from Mississippi
2. Friday's game recap from Mississippi
3. Saturday's story on former Biscuit Jeff Niemann
4. Saturday's game story from Sunday's paper
5. Saturday's notebook from Sunday's paper
6. Sunday's game story from Monday's paper
7. Sunday's notebook from Monday's paper

Those are all on the regular sports page, if you get over thinking our Biscuits page would have the Biscuits coverage.

League honors Jaso

Biscuits catcher John Jaso won the Southern League's weekly hitting award Monday. Jaso was 10-for-24 with six RBIs and seven runs scored last week.

He's the second straight Biscuit to win the award. Evan Longoria did it last week.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Salas going to Durham

Pitcher Juan Salas, with the Biscuits on a rehab stop after being suspended for a performance-enhancing substance, is moving up to Durham.

The move signals Salas won't rejoin the Devil Rays when he's eligible to return to the majors Tuesday. Salas drew a 50-game suspension in May after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Salas pitched in only two games for the Biscuits and allowed four runs on four hits and two walks in 1 1/3 innings.

Sizzling Sunday

B.J. Upton is headed to Durham for a rehab assignment, so there won't be an Upton vs. Upton matchup when the Biscuits go to Mobile later this week.

Today's lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Brooks Badeaux, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
Evan Longoria, 3b
John Jaso, c
Chris Nowak, 1b
Gabriel Martinez, dh
Shaun Cumberland, rf
Erold Andrus, lf
Wade Davis, rhp

BARONS
Sean Smith, cf
Victor Mercedes, ss
Thomas Collaro, rf
Shawn Garrett, 1b
Adam Shabala, dh
Chris Kelly, 3b
Ricardo Nanita, lf
Donny Lucy, c
Michael Myers, 2b
Gio Gonzalez, lhp