Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Davis, Royster receive top Rays honors

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays picked Montgomery's Wade Davis as their minor-league pitcher of the year and Class A Columbus' Ryan Royster as the organization's player of the year.

Davis was a combined 10-3 with an organization-best 2.50 ERA in 158 1/3 innings between Vero Beach and Montgomery this year. Royster won the organizational Triple Crown: .329 average, 30 home runs and 98 RBIs.

The individual team awards ...
Durham -- pitcher Jeff Niemann, outfielder Justin Ruggiano
Montgomery -- pitcher Chris Mason, third baseman Evan Longoria
Vero Beach -- pitcher Jake McGee, first baseman Rhyne Hughes
Columbus -- pitcher Heath Rollins, center fielder Desmond Jennings
Hudson Valley -- pitcher Alex Cobb, center fielder Emeel Salem
Princeton -- pitcher Jeremy Hall, infielder Omar Luna

inaugural Erik Walker Community Champion Award -- third baseman Patrick Cottrell, who was with Vero and Montgomery this year
(award named for Erik Walker, the pitcher who died last October in a canoeing accident, to recognize teamwork, sportsmanship and community involvement)

Tampa Bay included its Dominican and Venezuelan teams.
Dominican -- Juan Santana (3-4, 1.05 ERA), Ramon Novas (.313, 33 RBIs)
Venezuelan -- Omar Bencomo (2-3, 2.89 ERA), Julio Cedeno (.300, 32 RBIs)

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Bankston rides pipeline to Royals

Wes Bankston was claimed off waivers Friday by the Kansas City Royals, making him at least the fifth Biscuit to reach that organization. Joey Gathright and Fernando Cortez went to the Royals last year in a trade, Jason Cromer signed with them last offseason, Jose Diaz landed there before going to Japan this year and now Bankston.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Rays to name minor-league award winners

The Devil Rays are scheduled to announce their organizational minor-league awards next week. They pick the system's top hitter and pitcher, plus a hitter and pitcher for each of their farm teams. To spread the love, the system's top players won't also be a team MVP.

If I had a vote, here's how it would read:
(As always, feel free to tell me where I'm wrong, just provide an explanation of your view.)

SYSTEM MVPs
Pitcher Heath Rollins, Class A Columbus -- 17-4, 2.54 ERA, set Rays minor-league record for wins, was 9-1 with a 2.09 ERA after July 1, also won two postseason starts.
Outfielder Ryan Royster, Class A Columbus -- won organizational Triple Crown with a .329 average, 30 home runs and 98 RBIs.

CLASS AAA DURHAM
Pitcher J.P. Howell -- was 7-8 with a team-best 3.38 ERA and a league-best 145 strikeouts, held hitters to a .229 average.
Outfielder Justin Ruggiano -- led Bulls in average (.309), homers (20), RBIs (73), runs scored (78), stolen bases (26). Jason Pridie was also a tempting choice. Pridie hit .318 but didn't have enough at-bats to qualify for the league leaders.

CLASS AA MONTGOMERY
Pitcher Chris Mason -- 15-4, 2.57 ERA, named Southern League's top pitcher.
Third baseman Evan Longoria -- .307, 21 homers, 76 RBIs, Southern League MVP.

CLASS A VERO BEACH
Pitcher Jake McGee -- despite a 5-4 record and an early-August promotion to Montgomery, his 2.93 ERA ranked second in the Florida State League and he totaled a league-best 145 strikeouts.
First baseman Rhyne Hughes -- won the FSL batting crown with a .329 average, also had 12 homers, 57 RBIs and 65 runs scored. This was the toughest choice of the ballot because Sergio Pedroza hit .286 with 22 homers, 70 RBIs and 59 runs scored. Their OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) were identical .907s.

CLASS A COLUMBUS
Pitcher Jeremy Hellickson -- was 13-3 with a 2.67 ERA, lost only once in the season's final two months when he allowed four hits and one run in six innings.
Center fielder Desmond Jennings -- had a .401 on-base percentage, scored 75 runs and was 45-of-60 on steals, played in one game in the last month due to a knee injury.

SHORT-SEASON HUDSON VALLEY
Pitcher Jason Ragan -- 5-6 record, 2.80 ERA in 11 starts, .224 average against.
Outfielder Emeel Salem -- led team with .311 average, was 28-of-36 on steals and scored 41 runs.

ROOKIE PRINCETON
Pitcher Jeremy Hall -- was 4-1 with a 1.56 ERA in 12 starts, walked 11 and struck out 59 in 69 1/3 innings.
Shortstop Omar Luna -- .289 average was tops among Rays who played at least 20 games. Tough choice for all the wrong reasons.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Bankston taken off 40-man roster

Wes Bankston came off Tampa Bay's 40-man roster to make room for Justin Ruggiano.

Bankston hit just .238 this year with Class AAA Durham with 15 home runs and 59 RBIs.

With Evan Longoria's emergence at third base pushing Joel Guzman into more time at first base, Bankston wasn't as valuable.

Ruggiano joins Devil Rays

My two-day slumber finally ended today and I find that outfielder Justin Ruggiano has joined the Devil Rays after Carl Crawford was hurt.

Ruggiano hit .309 with 20 home runs and 73 RBIs. He also stole 26 bases and scored 78 runs. The Rays have to also add the 25-year-old to the 40-man roster.

In my sleepy stupor last night, I even watched a little of Chris Seddon's second major-league start. The Florida Marlin took the loss at Atlanta.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Biscuits win Southern League title

Biscuits beat Stars 4-3 for their second straight Southern League championship. Sergio Pedroza hit a three-run home run with one out in the ninth.


(Yep, I'm late with this. The dramatic ending meant I had to rush.)

Game 5 vs. Stars

The Biscuits will either drown their sorrows and excessively party after tonight's Game 5 of the Southern League championship series.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
Chris Nowak, 1b
John Jaso, c
Gabriel Martinez, lf
Sergio Pedroza, dh
Patrick Cottrell, 3b
Erold Andrus, rf
Richard De Los Santos, rhp

STARS
Michael Brantley, lf
Alcides Escobar, ss
Hernan Iribarren, 2b
Adam Heether, 3b
Steve Sollmann, 1b
Mat Gamel, dh
Brendan Katin, rf
Lou Palmisano, c
Steve Moss, cf
Steve Hammond, lhp

Ridgway called up to Devil Rays

Former Biscuits reliever Jeff Ridgway was promoted to Tampa Bay after Class AAA Durham's season ended Saturday and awaits his major-league debut.

Pitcher J.P. Howell was also promoted from Durham. The Devil Rays now have 30 players on their active roster.

Ridgway, who was with Montgomery early in 2006, was 2-3 with four saves and a 3.06 ERA with Durham. He made a team-high 54 appearances. In 64 2/3 innings, he had 67 strikeouts and a .228 average against.

Game 5 information

Richard De Los Santos will start for the Biscuits against Stars left-hander Steve Hammond. De Los Santos, who has won two spot starts in the last month, was a surprising choice ahead of Tony Peguero.

"De Los Santos has pitched better," manager Billy Gardner said. "He's had two good spot starts for us, and we'll have everybody available."

Well, maybe not everybody. I gave Gardner an odd look and asked: "Everybody?" I mentioned Wade Davis and Jake McGee and was promptly told "noooo."

If you need a ride, Mayor Bobby Bright says you're on your own. A Bright-sponsored bus for a second straight day isn't in the plans.

"I can't afford two of them," Bright said.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Braves corral Bulls in Game 5

Doug Clark and Carlos Mendez hit back-to-back home runs in Richmond's four-run first and the Braves beat Durham 7-2 for the International League title.

Bulls, Braves take it to Game 5

The Richmond Braves scored three times in the seventh and twice in the eighth to beat the Durham Bulls 6-2.

The Braves forced a decisive Game 5 in the International League championship series. It's scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Central.

Mike Rozema's RBI single snapped a 1-1 tie in the seventh, while Gregor Blanco and Brent Lillibridge also singled in runs.

Justin Ruggiano homered in the fourth and Michel Hernandez singled in Evan Longoria in the ninth for the Bulls.

Game 4 vs. Stars

It's a Chamber of Commerce day at Joe Davis Stadium and the Biscuits can wrap up a second straight Southern League championship with a win in tonight's Game 4 against Huntsville.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
Chris Nowak, 1b
John Jaso, c
Gabriel Martinez, lf
Sergio Pedroza, dh
Patrick Cottrell, 3b
Erold Andrus, rf
Mike Prochaska, lhp

STARS
Guilder Rodriguez, 2b
Alcides Escobar, ss
Steve Sollmann, 1b
Adam Heether, 3b
Brendan Katin, rf
Hernan Iribarren, lf
Lou Palmisano, c
Steve Moss, cf
Ryan Crew, dh
Lindsay Gulin, lhp

Friday, September 14, 2007

Durham sits and waits

Game 4 of the International League championship series between Durham and Richmond was postponed due to rain. The teams will play a doubleheader, if necessary, today.

The opener is at 2 p.m. Central today with the nightcap, if necessary, at 6. Durham needs only one win.

Game 3 vs. Stars

Columbus won the South Atlantic League title Thursday, Durham can win the International League tonight and Montgomery faces Huntsville in Game 3 of the Southern League series.

Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright formalized plans to bring a bus to Huntsville, but the trip will be for Saturday's Game 4. The first 45 people to show up -- place and time not provided to me -- get a free ride.

Despite some heavy rain earlier today, nary a cloud is visible right now.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
Chris Nowak, 1b
John Jaso, c
Gabriel Martinez, lf
Patrick Cottrell, 3b
Sergio Pedroza, dh
Erold Andrus, rf
Chris Mason, rhp

STARS
Michael Brantley, lf
Alcides Escobar, ss
Hernan Iribarren, 2b
Adam Heether, 3b
Steve Sollmann, 1b
Mat Gamel, dh
Brendan Katin, rf
Lou Palmisano, c
Steve Moss, cf
Derek Miller, lhp

8:10 p.m.: I just found out a story was posted at 11:59 a.m. to montgomeryadvertiser.com detailing the trip.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Catfish sweep South Atlantic series

The Columbus Catfish beat the West Virginia Power 6-0 to sweep the South Atlantic League championship series.

Jeremy Hellickson threw three no-hit innings before leaving after a rain delay, while Matt Fields snapped a scoreless tie with a solo homer in the fifth. Ryan Royster hit a three-run shot in the sixth and Cesar Suarez a two-run homer in the seventh.

Durham takes 2-1 lead in title series

Michel Hernandez's two-run single with two outs in the seventh gave the Durham Bulls the lead in a 3-2 victory over the Richmond Braves.

The Bulls took a 2-1 lead in the International League championship series and are one victory from the title. Game 4 is Friday.

Braves starter Francisley Bueno threw six no-hit innings, but was replaced by Buddy Hernandez to start the seventh. Jason Pridie was hit by a pitch, stole second and went to third on Justin Ruggiano's single. Chris Richard doubled home Pridie to make it 2-1.

After Zach Schreiber replaced Buddy Hernandez, Evan Longoria flied out and Brent Butler grounded out, Michel Hernandez hit a line drive to center to bring both runners home.

Mayor steps up in support of home team

No, not that mayor.

Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer will present the Stars "a token for good luck" before Game 3 of the championship series at Huntsville's Joe Davis Stadium.

Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright only declared Wednesday as Biscuit Day in the city, but has yet to "cough up" any good luck token of his appreciation.

New Durham team photo

I watched a little of Durham's Game 1 loss to Richmond and thought something looked odd. I confirmed my suspicions with Aaron Sisk, who has since joined the Biscuits. The Bulls are following a little NHL playoff tradition, so their team photo now resembles this ...

Game 2 vs. Stars

Tim Corcoran cleared waivers and is back on Montgomery's roster, catcher Josh Arhart is off it with an injury and replaced by Christian Lopez, and the Biscuits hope to stay away from a 2-0 deficit in the best-of-5 championship series.

Your lineup ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
John Jaso, c
Gabriel Martinez, lf
Chris Nowak, 1b
Sergio Pedroza, dh
Patrick Cottrell, 3b
Erold Andrus, rf
Jake McGee, lhp

STARS
Steve Moss, cf
Alcides Escobar, ss
Steve Sollmann, 2b
Adam Heether, 3b
Brendan Katin, rf
Hernan Iribarren, lf
Lou Palmisano, c
Mat Gamel, dh
Guilder Rodriguez, 1b
Corey Thurman, rhp

4:05 p.m.: The tarp is on the field. If you're curious, 'tis believed a rainout today would push the series back a day. I say "'tis believed" because neither manager was terribly positive of that last night.

7:03 p.m.: The tarp is off the field and there's a 7:30 scheduled start.

7:17 p.m.: McGee has started warming up.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Durham ties International League series

Jeff Niemann allowed six hits over eight innings and the Durham Bulls won Game 2 of the International League championship series, beating the Richmond Braves 5-1.

Niemann walked none, struck out nine and surrendered a third-inning home run to Gregor Blanco.

Evan Longoria and Michel Hernandez had two RBIs each for Durham. The best-of-5 series, tied 1-1, moves to Richmond on Thursday.

Game 1 vs. Stars

The rain predicted for today hasn't materialized and there are mostly blue skies above Riverwalk Stadium. It's Game 1 of the Southern League championship series with the Huntsville Stars facing the Biscuits.

Pitcher Jon Barratt has been activated while Tim Corcoran sits on the waiver wire. Corcoran and Biscuits manager Billy Gardner said Corcoran can pitch Game 2 if no team claims him.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
Chris Nowak, 1b
John Jaso, dh
Josh Arhart, c
Gabriel Martinez, lf
Patrick Cottrell, 3b
Erold Andrus, rf
Wade Davis, rhp

STARS
Mickey Brantley, lf
Alcides Escobar, ss
Hernan Iribarren, 2b
Adam Heether, 3b
Steve Sollmann, 1b
Brendan Katin, rf
Mat Gamel, dh -- Mat is correct, accd. Stars roster
Lou Palmisano, c
Steve Moss, cf
Sam Narron, lhp

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Catfish one win from South Atlantic title

Maiko Loyola led off the game with a home run and Quinn Stewart had three RBIs to lead the Columbus Catfish to a 5-2 win over the West Virginia Power.

The Catfish took a 2-0 lead in the South Atlantic League championship series, which now shifts to Columbus. Game 3 is Thursday at Golden Park.

Durham loses International League opener

Tim Bennett threw six shutout innings and the Richmond Braves held off Durham's ninth-inning rally to take a 4-2 win in the first game of the International League championship series.

The Bulls scored in the ninth and had the potential tying run on base with two outs, but Justin Ruggiano struck out to end it.

The Braves scored three runs in the seventh, two on Mike Rozema's double. Rozema homered in the ninth to make it 4-1.

Durham scored in the eighth when Chris Richard singled in Jon Weber. In the ninth, Jason Pridie singled home Michel Hernandez.

Corcoran waived by Rays, will miss opener

Biscuits pitcher Tim Corcoran was waived by the Devil Rays today and won't be available for Game 1 of the Southern League championship series.

Tampa Bay pulled Corcoran off the 40-man roster to promote catcher Raul Casanova from Durham.

The three-day waiver window ends Thursday and Corcoran -- if no other team claims him -- will rejoin the Biscuits for Game 2 of the championship series with Huntsville.

"They asked if I would sign back to play in the playoffs," Corcoran said. "Of course, that's what I'm going to do. I'm not going to sit there and wait 10 days and let the season be over with."

The Devil Rays needed to add a catcher because regular starter Dioner Navarro is nursing a hurt wrist. Josh Paul has been suffering from a sore back.

Corcoran was with Tampa Bay until an elbow injury in June, joined the Biscuits on a rehab assignment in July and was assigned to Montgomery when the rehab ended in August.

"They did what they thought best on their side of things," Corcoran said. "That's just the business of baseball. I appreciate what they've given me -- a chance to prove myself. The Devil Rays gave me a chance to play and I appreciate that."

Corcoran was 2-1 with three saves, a 3.44 ERA and a .188 average against in the regular season with Montgomery. He threw three shutout innings and picked up a save during the Biscuits' playoff series win over Mississippi.

The Biscuits aren't losing a player to Durham to fill Casanova's roster spot at Durham, Biscuits manager Billy Gardner said.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Catfish win South Atlantic opener

Quinn Stewart was 3-for-4 with two runs scored, John Matulia had two RBIs and Heath Rollins worked six good innings to lead the Columbus Catfish to a 5-2 win over the West Virginia Power in Game 1 of the South Atlantic League championship series.

Rollins, who was 17-4 in the regular season, allowed six hits and one earned run over six innings. He's 2-0 in the postseason.

West Virginia is an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, just like the Huntsville Stars.

Huntsville Stars coming to Montgomery

The Huntsville Stars beat the Tennessee Smokies 8-7 tonight to win the North Division title and set up a rematch of last year's Southern League championship series.

Since my boss was curious, the last time the same teams made the finals two straight years was 1975-76. Both times, the Montgomery Rebels defeated the Orlando Twins for the championship.

The Smokies rallied in the ninth, scoring on Tyler Colvin's double and loading the bases with one out. Chris Robinson struck out and Gary Cates hit a groundball that ended it.

Hernan Iribarren homered for Huntsville, while Steve Sollmann walked and scored twice.

Brazell wins minor-league home run title

It doesn't mean as much as playing in the major leagues, but Montgomery native Craig Brazell won the minor-league home run championship.

Brazell, who moved up to the Kansas City Royals last week after his season at Class AAA Omaha ended, finished with 39 home runs. Chris Davis finished with 36 at Class AA Frisco, which didn't end its season until Sunday.

So, Brazell wins the Bauman Trophy and will receive a $7,800 bonus -- $200 per home run -- at baseball's winter meetings in December.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Mayor declares Wednesday as Biscuit Day

Mayor Bobby Bright is declaring Wednesday as Biscuit Day in the city of Montgomery.

The Biscuits will start the best-of-5 Southern League championship series Wednesday night at Riverwalk Stadium. Montgomery is looking for its second straight league title.

"Back-to-back is what we're striving for," Bright said. "Anything else is unacceptable."

(No commitment made to a Bright-paid bonus if the Biscuits win the title.)

Series will start Wednesday

Huntsville's 6-0 win over Tennessee today means the North Division series will have a winner-take-all Game 5 on Monday. That means the championship series will start Wednesday at Riverwalk Stadium.

Wednesday: 7:05 p.m.
Thursday: 7:05 p.m.
Friday: at Tennessee or Huntsville
Saturday: at Tennessee or Huntsville, if necessary
Sunday: at Tennessee or Huntsville, if necessary

Badeaux promoted to Durham

Brooks Badeaux will join Class AAA Durham for the International League championship series after the Bulls lost Jorge Velandia to the Devil Rays. The Biscuits will add Aaron Sisk from Class A Vero Beach.

Biscuits to play for title

The Biscuits beat the Mississippi Braves 12-5 to advance to the Southern League championship series.

Durham loses starting shortstop

The Devil Rays called up Durham shortstop Jorge Velandia today, meaning the Bulls won't have their starting shortstop for the International League championship series.

International League schedule (all times Central) ...
Tuesday: Richmond at Durham, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Richmond at Durham, 6 p.m.
Thursday: Durham at Richmond, 6 p.m.
Friday: Durham at Richmond, 6 p.m., if necessary
Saturday: Durham at Richmond, 6 p.m., if necessary

Since the Columbus Catfish are in it, here's the South Atlantic League schedule (all times Central) ...
Monday: Columbus at West Virginia, 6:05 p.m.
Tuesday: Columbus at West Virginia, 6:05 p.m.
Thursday: West Virginia at Columbus, 6 p.m.
Friday: West Virginia at Columbus, 6 p.m., if necessary
Saturday: West Virginia at Columbus, 6 p.m., if necessary

Game 4 vs. Braves

The Biscuits can wrap up the series today or the Braves can force a winner-take-all Game 5 that will be at 7:05 p.m. Monday.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
Chris Nowak, 1b
John Jaso, dh
Josh Arhart, c
Gabriel Martinez, lf
Patrick Cottrell, 3b
Erold Andrus, rf
Mike Prochaska, lhp

BRAVES
J.C. Holt, 2b
Carl Loadenthal, cf
Diory Hernandez, ss
T.J. Bohn, rf
Mark Jurich, 1b
Josh Burrus, The Biscuit Killer, dh
Matt Young, lf
Van Pope, 3b
Clint Sammons, c
Kelvin Villa, lhp

Saturday, September 08, 2007

Hughes feels bad for uncle

Biscuits infielder Rhyne Hughes had a cool demeanor Saturday after his uncle lost in a matchup of top Mississippi high school football teams.

South Panola, ranked No. 1 in Mississippi, won its 62nd straight game with a 42-0 win over No. 2 Clarksdale on Friday. Clarksdale coach Jim Hughes is Rhyne's uncle.

South Panola has won four straight Mississippi 5A championships (that's the state's largest classification). The 62-game win streak is the nation's longest active streak.

Game 3 vs. Braves

There's a near-deserted ballpark for today's critical Game 3 of the Southern League semifinals between the Biscuits and Braves. The series is tied 1-1.

Sergio Pedroza was pretty happy with his first Class AA at-bat -- a home run in the eighth inning Friday. The Biscuits gave up five runs in the bottom of the eighth and lost 8-3.

The Devil Rays have announced that they're picking up a two-year option on manager Joe Maddon.

Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Brooks Badeaux, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
John Jaso, c
Sergio Pedroza, dh
Chris Nowak, 1b
Gabriel Martinez, lf
Patrick Cottrell, 3b
Erold Andrus, rf
Chris Mason, rhp

BRAVES
J.C. Holt, 2b
Carl Loadenthal, cf
Diory Hernandez, ss
T.J. Bohn, rf
Mark Jurich, 1b
Josh Burrus, The Biscuit Killer, dh
Matt Young, lf
Van Pope, 3b
Clint Sammons, c
James Parr, rhp

Friday, September 07, 2007

Game 2 vs. Braves

It's Game 2 of the Southern League playoff series between the Biscuits and the Braves, and here's a vote for a quick game. Both teams are leaving for Montgomery after the game and me, too. Pencil everyone in for about a 3 a.m. arrival.

Mississippi reliever Michael Nix, an Auburn native, has plans for after Saturday's 4:05 p.m. Game 3 at Riverwalk. He's searching for tickets for his teammates to the Auburn-South Florida football game.

Also, a little more about Rhyne Hughes and his trip home. He and Braves third baseman Van Pope are longtime rivals. They played against each other in the Mississippi state baseball playoffs as juniors and seniors. (The final meeting was the equivalent of a state semifinal series.) They faced off in a Mississippi junior college championship. Now, they're back at it in the Southern League.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
John Jaso, dh
Chris Nowak, 1b
Gabriel Martinez, lf
Patrick Cottrell, 3b
Josh Arhart, c
Erold Andrus, rf
Jake McGee, lhp

BRAVES
J.C. Holt, 2b
Carl Loadenthal, cf
Diory Hernandez, ss
T.J. Bohn, rf
Josh Burrus, dh
Kala Ka'aihue, 1b
Matt Young, lf
Van Pope, 3b
Clint Sammons, c
Charlie Morton, rhp


6:35 p.m. update: Tarp is on the field and it's still lightly raining. If there's a rainout, there will be a doubleheader Saturday in Montgomery.

6:45: The tarp is off the field, but the game won't start on time.

7: Announced 7:35 start.

Brazell looks good on bonus

Montgomery native Craig Brazell still has a three-homer lead on Chris Davis of Class AA Frisco for the minor-league home run championship.

Brazell hit 39 before Class AAA Omaha's season ended Monday and he was promoted to the major leagues. Davis has 36 and Frisco's season ends Sunday.

The minor-league home run champ wins the Bauman Trophy and a $200 bonus for each home run at baseball's winter meetings.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Durham takes 2-0 lead

Justin Ruggiano reached base five times, Elliot Johnson homered for a second straight night and Durham beat Toledo 9-5 to take a two-game lead in the International League playoffs.

The Bulls go for a three-game sweep Friday at Toledo.

Ruggiano was 3-for-3 with two walks, two RBIs and two runs scored, while Jeff Niemann worked five innings for the win.

Outfielder Jason Pridie, who was hit by a pitch in the first inning, left for a pinch-hitter in the fourth.

Jino Gonzalez to Durham

Reliever Jino Gonzalez, left off Montgomery's postseason roster, was promoted to Class AAA Durham today after the Bulls became concerned with reliever Steve Andrade's health, Biscuits manager Billy Gardner said.

Gonzalez flew to Montgomery from Class A Vero Beach on Wednesday, rode with the Biscuits to Mississippi on Wednesday afternoon and flew from Jackson-Evers International to Raleigh, N.C., today.

Game 1 vs. Braves

PEARL, Miss. -- The South Division playoff series starts tonight at gorgeous Trustmark Park and Biscuits right-hander Wade Davis (7-3, 3.15 ERA) faces Braves right-hander Ryan Baerlocher (2-1, 3.57).

Rhyne Hughes made the trip, his first visit as a pro to his home state, but won't play because of his facial injuries.

Outfielder Sergio Pedroza, one of the three postseason arrivals from Vero Beach, was put on the playoff roster. Catcher Christian Lopez and pitcher Jino Gonzalez will be around in case of emergency.

Pitcher Jon Barratt, who recently was on the disabled list with shoulder trouble, was pulled from the roster.

Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Fernando Perez, cf
Josh Asanovich, 2b
Reid Brignac, ss
John Jaso, dh
Chris Nowak, 1b
Gabriel Martinez, lf
Patrick Cottrell, 3b
Josh Arhart, c
Erold Andrus, rf
Wade Davis, rhp

BRAVES
J.C. Holt, 2b
Carl Loadenthal, cf
Diory Hernandez, ss
T.J. Bohn, rf
Mark Jurich, dh
Kala Ka'aihue, 1b -- pronounced Ka-i-ya-who-e
Matt Young, lf
Van Pope, 3b
Clint Sammons, c
Ryan Baerlocher, rhp

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Rays playoff roundup

Durham 11, Toledo 8
Justin Ruggiano's two home runs led Durham's six-homer barrage in Game 1 of a best-of-5 International League series.

Jon Weber, Jason Pridie and Ruggiano went back-to-back-to-back to start the bottom of the first. Ruggiano also homered in the third, while Wes Bankston and Elliot Johnson hit consecutive homers in the seventh.

Johnson came within a single of hitting for the cycle and Bankston missed it by a triple. The Bulls had 16 hits.

Columbus 11, Augusta 2
Heath Rollins, who was 17-4 in the regular season, allowed five hits and one run over seven innings to lead the Catfish in Game 1 of a best-of-3 South Atlantic League series.

Catcher Nevin Ashley hit a two-run homer and finished with three RBIs, while center fielder Maiko Loyola was 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Quinn Stewart and Matt Fields each hit two-run homers and scored twice.

Jaso named league's best in August

Biscuits catcher John Jaso won the Southern League's player of the month award for August while leading Montgomery to a second straight playoff appearance.

Jaso hit .378 with 21 runs scored and 20 RBIs in the regular season's final month. The league announced the award today.

The 23-year-old was a midseason and postseason league All-Star. His .316 season average was second in the league and his .408 on-base percentage was third. He also set career highs in runs scored (62) and RBIs (71).

Pedroza, Lopez, Gonzalez with Biscuits

The Biscuits just left for Mississippi and are taking three extra players with them.

Outfielder Sergio Pedroza, catcher Christian Lopez and pitcher Jino Gonzalez joined Montgomery from Class A Vero Beach for the playoffs.

One of the three will be activated for the playoffs, which start Thursday. The first-round playoff roster has to be finalized by noon Thursday. The other two players will be activated only if the Biscuits (or Class AAA Durham) has an emergency need.

Pedroza, who had the majority of his at-bats at designated hitter, hit .286 with 22 home runs and 70 RBIs for Vero, while Lopez was a .230 hitter with 24 RBIs. Lopez also played in two June games with Durham.

Gonzalez was 5-6 with a save and a 2.86 ERA in 43 appearances. He allowed 81 hits in 91 1/3 innings.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Seddon moves up to majors

(Credit Brent Smeltzer for picking up my slack on this one.)

Former Biscuits pitcher Chris Seddon made his major-league debut Monday with the Florida Marlins, allowing one hit and striking out two in a one-inning appearance against the Washington Nationals.

That's 21 former Biscuits who have reached the majors, by my count. Seven other major-leaguers were here on rehab assignments and six Biscuits had previously been in The Show.

Seddon came on in the eighth with the Marlins down 6-3. Austin Kearns struck out swinging, Wily Mo Pena singled, Ronnie Belliard flied out and Brian Schneider struck out looking.

Alexander City's White goes to Rangers

Alexander City native Bill White got the call Tuesday and was promoted to the major leages with the Texas Rangers.

White was 2-0 with two saves and a 4.44 ERA in 43 appearances at Class AA Frisco this season. He had made one appearance above Class AA -- with Class AAA Oklahoma in April -- in his professional career.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Briefly, not effectively

If anyone's doubtful, the rule does exist that kept Tim Corcoran from being Sunday's winner, despite being the pitcher of record when the Biscuits scored in the 10th to win at Jacksonville -- 10.17 (c).

I threw it out once for a high school game I covered to the benefit of a pitcher that later played in the big leagues. I gift-wrapped a win for Eric DuBose about 12 years ago when Patrician beat somebody 27-12 in a tournament in Meridian, Miss. The pitcher of record allowed like seven runs in 1 1/3 innings and gave way to DuBose, who was solid.

Poor, poor, Chris Mason. He finishes the season 15-4 after tonight's five-inning, two-run no-decision. Mason had seven starts where he worked at least five innings and allowed two runs or less and three other quality starts that were no-decisions.

Mississippi series schedule finalized, revised

All game times are set for the Mississippi-Montgomery playoff series, courtesy of Jim Tocco.

Personally, I like that early start Friday for getaway day. Well, Tocco and I both saw those early times at mississippibraves.com. They've since been changed.

So much for those 5:30 p.m. starts Thursday and Friday. Allow me to symbolically express my feelings ...
at Mississippi
Thursday, 7:05 p.m.
Friday, 7:05 p.m.
at Montgomery
Saturday, 4:05 p.m.
Sept. 9, if necessary, 5:05 p.m.
Sept. 10, if necessary, 7:05 p.m.

My postseason All-Star vote

Here's the vote I submitted for the Southern League's postseason All-Star team, which the league released Thursday. Comment away.

catcher
John Jaso, Montgomery
first base
Javier Brito, Mobile
second base
Hernan Iribarren, Huntsville
third base
Evan Longoria, Montgomery
shortstop
Chin-Lung Hu, Jacksonville

outfielders (4)
Charlton Jimerson, West Tenn
Justin Upton, Mobile
Brandon Jones, Mississippi
Brendan Katin, Huntsville

DH
Lee Mitchell, Carolina
best utility
Jake Fox, Tennessee
best hustler
Steve Sollmann, Huntsville

right-handed starter
Chris Mason, Montgomery
left-handed starter
Lindsay Gulin, Huntsville
relief pitcher
Jon Meloan, Jacksonville


MVP
Evan Longoria, Montgomery

top pitcher
Chris Mason, Montgomery

manager
Don Money, Huntsville

Saturday, September 01, 2007

System check

There isn't one today. Not enough time (driving home today) and not enough space (college football begins in earnest). I will give you something, though.

Class AAA Durham clinched a playoff spot last night and has a two-game division lead with three to play.

Class A Columbus was rained out Friday but is close to clinching. The Catfish have a three-game division lead with four to play, starting with a doubleheader today at last-place Savannah.

Mississippi series schedule

I know this doesn't give you much, but it does give you an important one. I'll fill in the others whenever finalized.

Thursday: at Mississippi, TBA
Friday: at Mississippi, TBA

Sept. 8: football, Alabama at Vanderbilt, 11:45 a.m.
Sept. 8: at Montgomery, 4:05 p.m.
Sept. 8: football, South Florida at Auburn, 8 p.m.

Sept. 9, if necessary: at Montgomery, TBA
Sept. 10, if necessary: at Montgomery, TBA