BISCUIT CRUMBS

BA list has 5 to Biscuits, 7 to Crabs, 8 to Hot Rods

2012-01-28T15:42:00.002-06:00

In another sign that spring grows near, I pulled the Baseball America Prospect Handbook out of my mailbox today. Of their top 31 Rays prospects, BA projects five with Montgomery come April's Opening Day. Here's their Rays people and projected Opening Day destinations ...

Tampa Bay
1. LHP Matt Moore
11. OF Brandon Guyer (if there's an opening)

Durham
3. RHP Chris Archer
6. LHP Alex Torres
7. SS Tim Beckham
22. C/OF/1B Stephen Vogt

Montgomery
2. SS Hak-Ju Lee
5. RHP Alex Colome
19: RHP Matt Bush (it says "could" be in MGM. I'd think he'll be at Durham)
29. 2B Tyler Bortnick
30. RHP Jake Thompson

Charlotte
8. LHP Enny Romero
10. OF Mikie Mahtook
13. SS Derek Dietrich
15. C Luke Bailey
17. RHP Albert Suarez (BA not specific)
21. LHP Braulio Lara
23. RHP Wilking Rodriguez

Bowling Green
9. OF Drew Vettleson
12. SS Jake Hager
14. 2B Ryan Brett
16. RHP Parker Markel
24. RHP Lenny Linsky
26. OF Kes Carter ("could" be in BWG)
28. LHP Felipe Rivero* (depends on spring performance)
31. 1B Jeff Malm

Hudson Valley
27. C Justin O'Conner (BA not specific)
28. Rivero*

Princeton
4. RHP Taylor Guerrieri
18. 3B Tyler Goeddel
20. LHP Blake Snell
25. SS Brandon Martin

Big leaguer-turned-BayBear suspended by minors

2012-01-25T20:15:00.000-06:00

Daryle Ward, the 36-year-old major league veteran who finished last year with the Mobile BayBears, has drawn a drug-related suspension.

Ward will sit for 50 games, if he signs with a major league team, after testing positive for amphetamines.

I remember talking to him at Riverwalk and being impressed how friendly he was. With his big league credentials, he easily could have been dismissive, but he was quite cordial.

Valentine likes Rays' way, Matt Moore

2012-01-24T20:51:00.003-06:00

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said developing talent through a team's minor league system is "paramount" to major league success, which is the way Tampa Bay has done it. Of course, Boston's financial means dwarf the Rays, though the Sox have also been successful at player development.

"There's no way of ever competing on a consistent basis without having guys come through your own system, guys that start off at the major league level making the minimum salary rather than guys who have already played in the major leagues and acquiring them from free agency or trades, where eventually the cost becomes prohibitive," Valentine said. "There's also a lot of pride that people deal with of being part of an organization, coming up through an organization like they do."

Valentine and the Red Sox are division rivals of the Rays, whose latest minor league gem is Matt Moore. Moore started last season with the Biscuits, ended it in the AL playoffs and is expected to start this year in Tampa Bay's rotation.

"I'm not looking forward to facing him, but I'm sure we'll get him," Valentine said. "We play each other 18 times during the season, and unless we're real lucky, we're going to get him a few times. He's good."

Boston's Valentine on Spring, city, Biscuits

2012-01-24T17:28:00.000-06:00

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine, in town to speak at an Alabama Baseball Coaches Association fundraiser, shared a tidbit about a former Biscuit.

Catcher Matt Spring will go to big league camp with Boston this year.

Also, Valentine said he was impressed with the city and Riverwalk Stadium.

"To see the Biscuits' beautiful Double-A field and the passion people have about baseball here -- and football -- is very exciting," Valentine said.

I asked him about the Rays, so check back later. It's on a tape and I have to transcribe it, after the dinner.

Pena, Rays officially announce first baseman's return

2012-01-24T15:50:00.003-06:00

The Rays and Carlos Pena have formally announced a one-year, $7.25 million contract, which firmly patches the team's first base needs for this season. Pena was with Tampa Bay from 2007-10 and is the team's all-time home run leader with 144.

Mudcats' Kinas to man mike at Durham

2012-01-24T13:59:00.001-06:00

Patrick Kinas, the longtime voice of the Carolina Mudcats, is moving to the other side of the North Carolina triangle market. He's been hired by the Durham Bulls.

Kinas has been with the Mudcats for 12 seasons and is also the play-by-play voice for the N.C. State women's basketball team. In October 2001, he also set a world record with 34 hours and 23 minutes of consecutive bowling.

Hudson part of city-bound Braves group

2012-01-19T23:19:00.004-06:00

Tim Hudson, the former Auburn All-American, will be part of the five-person contingent coming to Montgomery as part of the annual "Braves Country" Caravan.

The event is Jan. 29 and will be from noon-1:30 p.m. at the Academy Sports in Eastchase. The Braves have stops at Fort Benning, Ga., and Auburn that day, too. Hudson grew up in Phenix City and still has a ranch near Auburn. (The Auburn appearance runs 3-4:30 p.m.)

Catcher David Ross, first baseman Eric Hinske, shortstop Tyler Pastornicky and new advance scout/assistant hitting coach Scott Fletcher will also be there. Pastornicky started last year in Double-A (and faced the Biscuits) and finished in the majors.

If you're busy Jan. 29, there's always Feb. 2 at an Academy Sports near Birmingham. Pitchers Jair Jurrjens and Randall Delgado, general manager Frank Wren and bench coach Carlos Tosca will be there from 4-5:30 p.m.

Feliciano returns to Tampa Bay fold

2012-01-19T16:27:00.001-06:00

Former Biscuits outfielder Jesus Feliciano is back with the Rays. He's one of four players who have signed minor league contracts with Tampa Bay and will go to major league spring training.

Feliciano has been with the Mets and reached the majors in 2010.

The other signees are infielder Will Rhymes and right-handed pitchers Romulo Sanchez and Matt Torra.

Rhymes was Detroit's Opening Day second baseman last season. Sanchez had a 4.96 ERA in the Japan Pacific League in 2011. Torra ended last year with Triple-A Durham, where he was 5-1 with a 3.67 ERA.

Memphis, Buffalo outsize new Biscuits scoreboard

2012-01-19T11:03:00.000-06:00

Here are some other tidbits on the new Riverwalk scoreboard-to-be, after you read the story in today's paper, of course ...

a The new video board, at 1,080 square feet, may be the biggest in the Southern League, but it's far from the biggest in the minors. The Buffalo Bisons currently hold that designation with one that went in last year and goes 2,640 square feet. The Memphis Redbirds are taking this arms race up a notch this year at 3,600.

a The video board will have a line score, speed pitch and time of day functions that, of course, can be removed for some between-innings entertainment.

a Where the team had two cameras (and often one last year), it will now have four with one unmanned camera in center field and one wireless camera. The wireless means they'll be better able to feature fans in the stands.

a The new one will be able to easily provide updated statistics, another issue that troubled the old one.

Jameis Winston has former FSU star as advisor

2012-01-18T20:38:00.003-06:00

Jameis Winston, in Montgomery today for the annual Mr. Football banquet, said he still hopes to play both football and baseball at Florida State -- though a hefty pro baseball offer could change that.

"If it's an amount that I think will set me up and make me happy, I'll take it," Winston said.

Winston is using Kenny Felder as his baseball draft advisor. Felder also advised former Biscuit and No. 1 overall pick Tim Beckham in 2008. Ironically, Felder is also a former two-sport player at Florida State. He was a quarterback and outfielder -- Winston's exact positions.

Here's a look at the new scoreboard

2012-01-18T18:05:00.002-06:00

Here's a team-provided rendering of the new scoreboard and ribbon board (including an existing wall ad, right, and one to be added) ...

City back as scoreboard owner; team gives $500K

2012-01-18T17:58:00.003-06:00

The city has retaken ownership rights to the Riverwalk Stadium scoreboard and the Biscuits are the ones "helping" buy the new one that is scheduled to be installed next month.

The entire scoreboard, ribbon board, closed-circuit TV system will cost a little more than $1 million. The Biscuits wired the city $500,000 in December, owner Sherrie Myers said, to cover half the expense.

The city will be the sole owner, though the current rent rates will remain.

City helps Biscuits with new scoreboard

2012-01-18T17:13:00.000-06:00

The city, which gave up ownership right to the scoreboard in January 2009, has "helped" the team buy a new one, Mayor Todd Strange said.

No word yet if they renegotiated the renegotiated lease to give the city back some of the rent concessions made three years ago.

New scoreboard comes with ribbon board, closed-circuit TV

2012-01-18T17:00:00.000-06:00

The new scoreboard to be installed at Riverwalk will have a video board covering the entire dimensions of the old scoreboard.

It measures 30 feet high and 36 across. The old/current video board is 12-by-21.6 feet.

The stadium will also have a ribbon board in the left-field wall that measures 8 feet high and 100 across.

Four cameras will also be installed and the stadium will feature a closed-circuit television system. The closed-circuit telecast will be available in all suites, the retail store and the stadium's Club Car Bar.

Ashley clears waivers, sent to minors

2012-01-18T16:20:00.002-06:00

Former Biscuits catcher Nevin Ashley sailed through waivers unscathed and the Rays outrighted him to the minors.

Alabama State to be part of MLB event

2012-01-18T15:48:00.002-06:00

Alabama State will play in a Major League Baseball-sponsored event in Houston, with one of the Hornets' three games in a major league stadium. The 2012 Urban Invitational runs Feb. 17-19.

ASU, after playing Cal Irvine on Feb. 17, takes on Grambling State at 11 a.m. Feb. 18 in the Houston Astros' Minute Maid Park. The Hornets finish against Southern University on Feb. 19.

The Hornets were to open the season with a three-game home series against Grambling on Feb. 18-19.

Feb. 17: vs. Cal Irvine, 2:30 p.m. at Astros' MLB Urban Youth Academy
Feb. 18: vs. Grambling State, 11 a.m. at Minute Maid Park
Feb. 19: vs. Southern U., 2:30 p.m. at Astros' MLB Urban Youth Academy

Bass signs with Korean team

2012-01-18T15:16:00.002-06:00

Montgomery native Brian Bass, who spent last year at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in the Philadelphia organization, is headed to South Korea. The right-handed pitcher has signed with the Hanwha Eagles, according to reports.

Braves (again) staking claim to area

2012-01-17T18:24:00.003-06:00

The Atlanta Braves, since the Montgomery area is in "Braves country," are again going to make the city part of their annual preseason caravan. (There are Biscuits fans who take umbrage to the Braves' position in favor of Tampa Bay.)

The specific participants will be announced later, but the Braves will appear at Academy Sports in Eastchase from noon-1:30 p.m. Jan. 29. They'll also be at the Academy Sports in Auburn from 3-4:30 p.m. that day.

Price, Upton among 4 to reach deals; Niemann still TBA

2012-01-17T12:52:00.001-06:00

The Rays and four arbitration-eligible players will avoid a hearing after agreeing to one-year contracts. Outfielder B.J. Upton will earn $7 million, pitcher David Price $4.35 million and pitchers J.P. Howell and Burke Badenhop $1.35 million each.

Pitcher Jeff Niemann was the only arbitration-eligible Tampa Bay player who has not had a deal announced. The sides are due to exchange figures today. Most teams continue negotiations until the hearing, but the Rays cut off talks after swapping numbers.

Ashley off Tampa Bay's 40-man

2012-01-13T14:35:00.001-06:00

Former Biscuits catcher Nevin Ashley has been designated for assignment by the Rays. That means he's off Tampa Bay's 40-man major league roster.

The Rays had five catchers on their 40-man at the end of last season, which is too many. They have to run Ashley through waivers, where any team could claim him and add him to their 40-man. If nobody does, the Rays can trade him, outright him to the minors or release him.

Biscuits put scoreboard on public agenda

2012-01-12T14:34:00.002-06:00

The public is invited next week when the Biscuits make what they call "a big announcement. Presumably, they'll trumpet the new scoreboard scheduled to debut this year. It's scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday at Riverwalk Stadium and will include complimentary drinks and popcorn. (Enter through the right-field gate.)

Rays add Luke Scott to 1B mix

2012-01-12T12:05:00.000-06:00

Luke Scott and the Rays have formally announced a one-year contract with a club option for 2013. Scott, who will mostly be a first baseman and DH for Tampa Bay, was with Baltimore from 2008-11 and played in Houston from 2005-07.

Seddon finds new Tribe

2012-01-09T15:11:00.001-06:00

Former Biscuits pitcher Chris Seddon, who has been with Seattle the last three years, has signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians that includes an invitation to major league spring training.

Larkin in Hall of Fame; 2 Rebels fall short

2012-01-09T14:00:00.004-06:00

Former Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin was the only player elected to the Hall of Fame this year. Former Montgomery Rebels pitcher Jack Morris and shortstop Alan Trammell fell short, again.

Larkin drew 86 percent of the vote by the Baseball Writers Association of America -- and you need 75 percent to be inducted. Morris was second at 67 percent in his 13th time (of a possible 15) on the ballot. Trammell drew 37 percent and has a possible four years remaining on the ballot.

Rays list winter development roster

2012-01-05T15:45:00.005-06:00

Right-handed pitcher Alex Colome is the only Biscuit among the 28 players headed to Tampa Bay's winter development program. The three-day clinic starts Monday and includes workouts, media training and community appearances.

Right-handed pitchers (10) -- Jeff Ames, Alex Colome, Jake Floethe, Taylor Guerrieri, Jesse Hahn, Lenny Linsky, Parker Markel, Wilking Rodriguez, Albert Suarez, Jake Thompson
Left-handed pitchers (2) -- Enny Romero, Blake Snell
Catchers (2) -- Luke Bailey, Justin O'Conner
Second basemen (1) -- Ryan Brett
Shortstops (4) -- Derek Dietrich, Johnny Eierman, Jake Hager, Brandon Martin
Third basemen (1) -- Tyler Goeddel
Outfielders (8) -- Kes Carter, Granden Goetzman, James Harris, Mikie Mahtook, Ty Morrison, Cody Rogers, Josh Sale, Drew Vettleson

Colome is a repeat from last year, along with Bailey, O'Conner, Dietrich, Morrison, Rogers, Sale, Vettleson, Thompson and Wilking Rodriguez.

Heck, Colome and Bailey are going to be three-timers. They were part of the inaugural program in 2010.

Lichtenstein to be Biscuits' pitching coach

2012-01-05T12:29:00.006-06:00

R.C. Lichtenstein will be the Biscuits' pitching coach this year, marking the only change on the team's coaching staff.

Lichtenstein spent the last three years at low-Class A Bowling Green and has been in the Tampa Bay system the last seven seasons. He was at high-A Vero Beach from 2007-08 and low-A Southwest Michigan in 2005-06.

Bill Moloney, who was Montgomery's pitching coach the last two years, moves to Bowling Green.

Billy Gardner will be back for his sixth season as manager and Ozzie Timmons his fourth as hitting coach. Kris Russell, who was at high-Class A Charlotte last year, will be the trainer.

Durham: manager Charlie Montoyo, pitching coach Neil Allen, hitting coach Dave Myers, trainer Mike Sandoval.
Charlotte: manager Jim Morrison, pitching coach Steve Watson, hitting coach Scott Thurston, trainer Scott Thurston.
Bowling Green: manager Brady Williams, pitching coach Bill Moloney, hitting coach Manny Castillo, trainer Jeremy Spencer.
Hudson Valley: manager Jared Sandberg, pitching coach Kyle Snyder, hitting coach Dan DeMent, trainer Brian Newman.
Princeton: manager Michael Johns, pitching coach Darwin Peguero, hitting coach Reinaldo Ruiz, trainer Nick Flynn.
GCL Rays: manager Paul Hoover, pitching coach Marty DeMerritt, hitting coaches Wuammer Rincones and Hector Torres, trainer Chris Tomashoff.

Fernando Rodney signs with Rays

2012-01-04T16:14:00.002-06:00

Relief pitcher Fernando Rodney, who had a 4.50 ERA in 39 games for the Los Angeles Angels last year, has signed a one-year contract with the Rays. Rodney, 34, held hitters to a .224 average but was also limited by injuries. He spent much of June and July on the DL with an upper back strain and appeared in just two of the Angels' final 29 games. The right-hander has spent nine years in the majors.

Jai Miller traded to Baltimore

2012-01-03T13:37:00.001-06:00

Selma native Jai Miller is headed to the Baltimore Orioles. The outfielder was traded Tuesday from the Oakland A's in exchange for cash considerations. Miller was designated for assignment by Oakland last month and will go on Baltimore's 40-man roster.

Almost forgot my annual New Year's tradition

2012-01-03T09:48:00.000-06:00

Feliz Ano Neuvo, everyone, albeit a late one. I almost forgot my annual self-pat-on-the-back story and blog count.

Using our computerized library at the office, my name appeared in 637 documents from Jan. 1, 2011-Jan. 1, 2012. That would not include this blog, which featured 1,173 posts since last year's self-pat. There were also 101 Alabama blog posts for the three months of the year that I was doing that.

1,173 Biscuits blog posts (799 in 2010, 744 in 2009, 561 in 2008)
637 stories/briefs/times my name appeared in print and/or at montgomeryadvertiser.com (513 in 2010, 518 in 2009, 464 in 2008)
101 Alabama blog posts, January-March (339 from August-December 2010)

Sonnanstine lands with Cubs

2011-12-26T17:18:00.000-06:00

Former Biscuits pitcher Andy Sonnanstine is headed to the Chicago Cubs after being non-tendered by the Rays.

Jai Miller dropped by A's

2011-12-23T21:03:00.000-06:00

Outfielder Jai Miller, a Selma High graduate with lifelong ties to Montgomery, has been removed from Oakland's 40-man roster. Miller hit .276 with 32 home runs at Triple-A Sacramento this year. He ended the season with the A's and was 3-for-12 in seven games.

Biscuits raid Barons for new clubbie

2011-12-23T19:29:00.000-06:00

Jeff Perro, the clubhouse manager for the last three years for the Birmingham Barons, has been hired by the Biscuits and Tampa Bay Rays. Perro, who has also worked with the Mobile BayBears and Augusta GreenJackets, announced the hiring on his blog and Twitter feed.

Red Sox appear to pass on Allen as pitching coach

2011-12-22T12:27:00.000-06:00

Reports out of Boston say the Red Sox will hire Bob McClure as their pitching coach and pass on Durham's Neil Allen.

Moore DQ'd from my list of top Rays prospects

2011-12-21T09:36:00.002-06:00

I'm going to step out on a limb yet again and go against the grain. You won't find Matt Moore atop my list of Tampa Bay's top prospects

Without looking at Baseball America's top 10 (due out today), here is my list Tampa Bay's top 30 prospects ... not named Matt Moore.

I fully admit that my list is skewed toward the higher-level players because those are the ones I've seen. I also didn't feel educated enough (blame football) to include any of the 2011 draftees, except for Mikie Mahtook and Cameron Seitzer.

That made things tough because, to me, a lot of depth in the organization is now in the lower levels. The first 10 went easily before it got tough.

(To reminisce at my idiocy a year ago, click here. And here's 2009 and 2008.)

Once again, allow me to open mouth and insert foot (last year's rank in parentheses) ...
1. SS Hak-Ju Lee (8)
2. RHP Alex Colome (4)
3. RHP Alex Cobb (11)
4. LHP Alex Torres (9)
5. RHP Chris Archer (5)
6. CF Mikie Mahtook (NR)
7. RF Drew Vettleson (NR)
8. SS Tim Beckham (12)
9. RHP Matt Bush (NR)
10. RHP Nick Barnese (7)
11. LHP Chris Rearick (NR)
12. OF Brandon Guyer (16)
13. 2B Tyler Bortnick (27)
14. SS Derek Dietrich (21)
15. C Stephen Vogt (28)
16. LHP Enny Romero (NR)
17. RHP Dane De La Rosa (15)
18. C Robinson Chirinos (13)
19. IF Cole Figueroa (17)
20. C Oscar Hernandez (NR)
21. LHP Kyle Lobstein (10)
22. 1B Jeff Malm (NR)
23. RHP Jason McEachern (NR)
24. 1B Cameron Seitzer (NR)
25. IF Shawn O'Malley (NR)
26. RHP Jake Thompson (14)
27. C Josh Sale (NR)
28. LHP C.J. Riefenhauser (NR)
29. OF Cody Rogers (NR)
30. C Justin O'Conner (NR)

DROPPED OUT
RHP Jeremy Hellickson (1), graduated
LHP Matt Moore (2), ineligible since he's named Matt Moore
CF Desmond Jennings (3), graduated
LHP Jake McGee (6), graduated
RHP Jeremy Hall (18), retired
C Nevin Ashley (19)
1B-LF Leslie Anderson (20)
C Luke Bailey (22)
RHP Brandon Gomes (23), graduated
RHP Marquis Fleming (24)
RHP Zach Quate (25)
LHP Neil Schenk (26)
2B Cody Cipriano (29), released
3B-1B-LF Henry Wrigley (30)

Here's Baseball America's list ...
1. LHP Matt Moore
2. SS Hak-Ju Lee
3. RHP Chris Archer
4. RHP Taylor Guerrieri
5. RHP Alex Colome
6. LHP Alex Torres
7. SS Tim Beckham
8. LHP Enny Romero
9. OF Drew Vettleson
10. CF Mikie Mahtook

Reliever Peralta, Rays agree on 2012 contract

2011-12-20T12:35:00.000-06:00

Relief pitcher Joel Peralta have avoided arbitration by agreeing on a one-year contract. Peralta made 71 appearances this year to rank second among AL relievers. The 35-year-old was 3-4 with a 2.93 ERA and six saves.

SEC changes baseball tournament format

2011-12-19T13:54:00.002-06:00

Southeastern Conference baseball tournament fans get an extra day of play starting next year. The SEC announced today that it's expanding the tournament to 10 teams, which also causes a revamped format and an earlier start.

It's still a two-bracket format with the bracket winners playing one Sunday game for the championship. It's still in Hoover, too.

The tournament will start on Tuesday (that's May 22 next year) with four games. There are also four games Wednesday and Thursday and two games Friday and Saturday. Yes, the bracket championships will be a one-game showdown.

Now, for the confusing part.

The top-seeded team in each bracket (the two divisional winners) won't play until Wednesday. The four other teams in each bracket start Tuesday. The highest-seeded Tuesday winner will have a Wednesday bye. The other Tuesday winner plays the bracket's top seed Wednesday.

Is that explained decently enough? It took me a few minutes to digest it, too.

Allen interviews for Red Sox pitching coach job

2011-12-17T15:27:00.003-06:00

Neil Allen, the former Biscuits pitching coach now at Triple-A Durham, has interviewed for the vacant position with the Boston Red Sox, according to reports. (Here's the Boston Globe, which cites a SiriusXM interview of Boston GM Ben Cherington.)

Bulls announcer going to big leagues

2011-12-16T14:14:00.003-06:00

Durham announcer Neil Solondz has been called up to the majors. Solondz has been hired by the Tampa Bay Rays to host the team's pregame and postgame shows. He has been with the Bulls since 2004 and has filled in for the Rays the last two years.

(One wonders if they had Durham manager Charlie Montoyo give him the news or at least called him into the manager's office for it.)

Salem shows more game through song

2011-12-13T15:29:00.007-06:00

Biscuits outfielder Emeel Salem may have missed all of the 2011 season, but it wasn't a total loss.

Salem, while rehabbing an injured knee, also jumped into the recording studio and recorded some of the songs he wrote long ago.

"This year, I had time to focus on it more because I was hurt," Salem said. "I was able to spend time fine-tuning them."

Now, four of the songs are available through iTunes. (Salem's site is esalemtunes.com.) The four -- "What You Need," "Don't Stop," "All About You" and "Down to Love" -- are completely Salem's creations.

"There's no rhyme or reason I chose those songs," Salem said. "They're four very different songs and they just happen to be the ones I chose for the EP."

Salem, who said he's "confident" he'll be ready for the 2012 season, has been a longtime music fan. It's one of the things he uses to relax off the baseball field.

He also said he doesn't have a preference between these four songs.

"All the lyrics are real lyrics and situations that happened in my life," Salem said. "All are unique."

Salem, a native Alabamian who starred at the University of Alabama, used his talents last spring to be crowned champion of the Tampa Bay Rays' annual talent show. He said he's confident releasing the songs won't jeopardize his opportunity at a repeat.

"It better not," Salem said. "I'm pretty sure sure there are no rules for that. Actually, I'm positive of that."

Former Biscuit Veras dealt from Bucs to Brewers

2011-12-12T20:41:00.000-06:00

Former Biscuits pitcher Jose Veras, who has been with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been traded to Milwaukee for infielder Casey McGhee. Veras was with the Biscuits for a short time in 2004.

Jefferies traded to Miami Marlins

2011-12-12T18:28:00.003-06:00

Catcher Jake Jefferies, who spent part of this year with the Biscuits, has been traded to the Miami Marlins for relief pitcher Burke Badenhop.

Badenhop, 28, was 2-3 with a 4.10 ERA in 63 2/3 innings with the Marlins. The right-hander has spent parts of the last four seasons with the Marlins.

Jefferies opened the year with the Biscuits and played in just six games, hitting 5-for-19, before a demotion to high-Class A Charlotte. The 24-year-old hit .235 in 59 games with the Stone Crabs.

Friedman high on Moore's future

2011-12-09T13:33:00.002-06:00

Rays general manager Andrew Friedman, according to a team release, said at a news conference, that Matt Moore is an asset to the team.

“Matt is one of the most talented young players in baseball and exactly the type of person we look to build around,” Friedman said. “For us, making a long-term commitment to a player is not only a question of his ability, but also his work ethic, competitive drive and character. Matt excels in each of those aspects and we’re thrilled that he’ll be part of our core for many years.”

Matt Moore, Rays agree to long-term deal

2011-12-09T11:22:00.003-06:00

Former Biscuits pitcher Matt Moore and the Rays have agreed to a long-term contract that will cover at least five years, the St. Petersburg Times reports.

It's worth a guaranteed $14 million over five years and as much as almost $40 million over eight.

That would cover all of his arbitration years -- and a few free agent years, too -- and erases the biggest drawback to Moore opening the 2012 season in the majors.

Moore started last season with Montgomery, reached the majors in September and started for the Rays in the American League playoffs. Tampa Bay has been successful with giving long-term deals to players with little major league experience.

Third baseman Evan Longoria signed a long-term contract a week after getting to the Rays in 2008 and he has been a major force the last four years. The contract is considered one of the most team-friendly in baseball.

Sweeney to Orioles in Rule 5 draft

2011-12-08T12:26:00.005-06:00

Biscuits infielder Matt Sweeney has a new home after the Baltimore Orioles picked him today in the Double-A phase of the Rule 5 draft.

Sweeney, who came to the Rays as part of the Scott Kazmir trade with the Angels, hit .154 in 82 games for Montgomery this year.

Tampa Bay also lost catcher Gerardo Olivares in the Triple-A phase to Boston. Olivares had a .298 average at short-season Class A Hudson Valley this year.

The Rays weren't a factor in the major league Rule 5, except their pick from last year was picked again. Left-handed pitcher Cesar Cabral of the Red Sox went to the Yankees. He didn't make Tampa Bay's team last year and returned to the Boston organization.

Tampa Bay's top foreign scout retires

2011-12-07T15:54:00.003-06:00

Andres Reiner, one of the first scouts to tap into Venezuelan talent who has been with the Rays for the last six years, has announced his retirement.

Reiner helped Tampa Bay tap into Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. The team dedicated its Venezuelan facility, which opened in 2007, to him. The 76-year-old, when he worked for the Houston Astros, was credited with discovering such stars at Johan Santana and Bobby Abreu, among others.

Rays sign 4 to minor league contracts

2011-12-06T17:17:00.003-06:00

Right-handed pitchers Jhonny Nunez and Ricky Orta, infielder Matt Mangini and first baseman Juan Miranda have signed minor league contracts with the Rays that include major league spring training invitations.

Orta was with Tampa Bay this year but pitched in only four games with the GCL Rays while recovering from elbow surgery. He officially was on Montgomery's disabled list for much of the year.

Nunez was at Triple-A Charlotte with the Chicago White Sox for some of this year, his sixth professional season. Miranda has been in the majors for parts of the last four seasons, playing 65 games with Arizona this year. Mangini was at Triple-A Tacoma with the Seattle Mariners this year and hit .336 in 58 games.

Astros get OK to talk to Rays GM

2011-11-28T20:27:00.002-06:00

The Astros have received permission to talk to Tampa Bay's Andrew Friedman about their GM vacancy and he's Houston's top choice, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Report: Astros have asked to talk to Friedman

2011-11-28T14:53:00.002-06:00

The Houston Astros have "made the call" to ask the Tampa Bay Rays for permission to speak with Andrew Friedman about their vacant general manager's position, according to Jim Bowden on SiriusXM's Inside Pitch today. Bowden said he didn't know what the answer was.

Rays, free-agent catcher finalize contract

2011-11-28T11:17:00.001-06:00

The Rays have formally announced signing catcher Jose Molina to a one-year contract with a club option for 2013. The 36-year-old is a 12-year major league veteran, hit a career-high .281 this year with Toronto and is known for his defense.

Jaso traded for reliever who was accused of rape

2011-11-27T18:23:00.006-06:00

Former Biscuits catcher John Jaso has a new major league home. The Rays traded Jaso, who was with Montgomery in 2007-08, to the Seattle Mariners for relief pitcher Josh Lueke and a player to be named or cash considerations.

Jaso has been with Tampa Bay for parts of the last four seasons. The 28-year-old had a .224 average, five home runs and 27 RBIs in 89 games this year. In 2010, the first where he saw considerable playing time, Jaso hit .263 with 44 RBIs and 59 walks in 109 games.

Lueke, who turns 27 on Dec. 5, went to the Seattle organization last year as part of the trade that sent Cliff Lee to the Texas Rangers. Lueke finished with a 6.06 ERA in 25 major league appearances. He started the year with the Mariners before spending three months in Triple-A. Lueke had a 3.41 ERA in Seattle from July 18 through the end of the season.

Lueke, while part of the Texas system, pleaded no contest in 2009 to rape and sodomy charges in Bakersfield, Calif., stemming from a May 2008 incident while he was in Class A. (Details here.)

“Josh has the stuff to get hitters out in the American League East and began to show that during the second half of last season,” Rays general manager Andrew Friedman said in a release. “We believe he can be an important part of our success here for many years."

It's Iron Bowl time, yet again

2011-11-26T14:38:00.003-06:00

We're here at Jordan-Hare Stadium for the Iron Bowl. Just before kickoff, let's remember ...

Once again, on this day of our state's annual apocalypse, let me assure you: Neither side has a monopoly on the unwashed, heathen, redneck, snaggletooth morons. Both sides have heaping helpings.

Here are a couple of pictures I took before the game. The flier was at Toomer's Corner and the other was on the walk between Toomer's and the stadium (forgive the orientation) ...

Bortnick on Topps Class A list

2011-11-22T17:31:00.000-06:00

Future Biscuits second baseman Tyler Bortnick was named to the Topps Class A all-star team today.

Bortnick had 43 steals and a .428 on-base percentage this year for Charlotte and led the Florida State League in both categories.

Former D-Jaxx slugger stabbed to death

2011-11-21T10:45:00.001-06:00

Greg Halman, a former top prospect of the Seattle Mariners and Southern League All-Star who played 35 games in the majors this year, has been stabbed to death in the Netherlands.

He was 24.

Halman was stabbed to death and his brother has been arrested, according to the Seattle Times. Halman hit 35 home runs for the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx between 2008-09 and was a Southern League All-Star in 2009. He first reached Seattle in 2010.

Mark your calendar for Rays' spring training

2011-11-21T10:37:00.002-06:00

The Rays will have 16 home spring training games, the most in the team's history, in 2012. The team released its spring schedule today. Tickets cost between $9 and $27 with individual game tickets to go on sale in January.

All games 1:05 p.m. Eastern unless noted.

FEBRUARY
20 pitchers, catchers report
25 position players report
MARCH
3 at Twins
4 Twins
5 Orioles
6 Twins
7 at Yankees
8 (split squad) host Tigers, at Twins
9 Orioles
10 at Red Sox
11 Pirates
12 Twins
13 at Orioles
14 Marlins
15 Phillies
16 at Blue Jays
17 at Pirates
18 Red Sox
19 off
20 at Marlins
21 Yankees
22 at Pirates
23 Blue Jays, 7:05
24 at Twins, 3:05
25 Marlins
26 at Twins
27 at Red Sox, 7:05
28 Pirates, 7:05
29 at Phillies
30 at Pirates
31 Red Sox
APRIL
1 at Orioles
2 Twins
3 at Twins
4 TBA (at Tropicana Field)
6 Opening Day

Biscuits to open holiday store at EastChase

2011-11-20T16:20:00.002-06:00

The Biscuits are adding a second gift shop for the holiday season. The "other" Biscuit Basket will open its doors Monday at the Shoppes at EastChase and stay open through Christmas Eve. The location at Riverwalk Stadium will also be open for holiday shopping.

Surprise falls in AFL championship game

2011-11-19T17:00:00.000-06:00

Surprise's bid for the best record in Arizona Fall League history fell short today with a 9-3 loss to Salt River in the league championship game.

Future Biscuits outfielder Mikie Mahtook had two of Surprise's eight hits and scored a run. Former Biscuits shortstop Tim Beckham doubled. Future Biscuits reliever Adam Liberatore gave up a hit in 1 1/3 innings.

The Saguaros finished 26-11. The .703 winning percentage was just shy of the .705 by Mesa in 1999 (31-13).

Crawford added to Toronto's 40-man roster

2011-11-19T15:14:00.001-06:00

Prattville native Evan Crawford has gone on Toronto's 40-man roster, giving the left-handed pitcher an major league spring training invitation and a spot in the players' union.

Crawford, who played at Auburn, had a 3.18 ERA in 17 innings in the Arizona Fall League. He had a 3.35 ERA in 45 games at Double-A New Hampshire this year.

McWhorter's funeral today

2011-11-18T08:00:00.001-06:00

Mack McWhorter, a longtime baseball figure in Montgomery on the diamond, in the dugout and in the front office, will be remembered today with a funeral service at 1 p.m. at Leak Memory Chapel.

McWhorter died Tuesday. He was 89.

McWhorter played for the Montgomery Rebels from 1948-51 and went on to both manage and own the team. He was the only person to fill all three roles. He was also a proponent of the Biscuits.

In 1974, McWhorter was the owner of the Rebels when they had Jim Leyland as their manager. Leyland went on to major league fame, won a World Series with the Florida Marlins in 1997 and is now with the Detroit Tigers.

Saguaros one win from AFL's all-time best record

2011-11-17T20:00:00.002-06:00

The Arizona Fall League team stocked with future and former Biscuits and led by Biscuits manager Billy Gardner is one win from league history.

The Surprise Saguaros, with a win in Saturday’s league championship game, will finish with the best record in AFL history.

The Saguaros, after a 12-2 win over Salt River in Thursday’s regular-season finale, are 26-10. They meet Salt River again Saturday for the league title and that game counts in their win-loss record. The 1999 Mesa team holds the AFL record with a .705 winning percentage (31-13).

Saturday’s championship will start at 2:05 p.m. and be televised by MLB Network.

40-man guessing: Rays to add 2

2011-11-17T12:51:00.004-06:00

With the Rule 5 draft looming next month, the Rays could -- any day -- add some players to their 40-man roster and shield them from other teams.

The college draft picks from 2008 and high schoolers from 2007 are eligible for the Rule 5 for the first time. Also, Tampa Bay currently has five open spots on its 40-man, according to the roster at mlb.com.

Who will they protect? (And they don't have to fill every spot.)

I say two.

Pitcher Nick Barnese is eligible for the Rule 5 for the first time. Stephen Vogt, a catcher/first baseman/outfielder/hitter, is eligible for a second time.

I only looked at those players Tampa Bay originally drafted, so this list isn't conclusive, but the others I pondered were: Shane Dyer, Neil Schenk, Marquis Fleming and Shawn O'Malley.

Rays' Maddon wins AL award

2011-11-16T13:14:00.000-06:00

Rays manager Joe Maddon won the AL manager of the year award today.

Hellickson wins AL rookie award

2011-11-14T13:05:00.005-06:00

Former Biscuits pitcher Jeremy Hellickson won the American League rookie of the year award today.

The 24-year-old right-hander, who was 13-10 with a 2.95 ERA this season for the Rays, is the second former Biscuit to win the rookie award (Evan Longoria in 2008) and just the second AL starting pitcher to win in the last 30 years (Detroit's Justin Verlander in 2006).

Atlanta reliever Craig Kimbrel, a Huntsville native, was the unanimous National League winner.

Hellickson, who received 17 of 28 first-place votes, finished ahead of Angels first baseman Mark Trumbo, Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer and Yankees pitcher Ivan Nova.

Hellickson was a combined 7-5 with a 3.27 ERA for Montgomery in 2008-09.

Dyer removed from AFL roster

2011-11-13T14:07:00.002-06:00

Right-hander Shane Dyer, who was with the Biscuits this year, was removed from the Arizona Fall League's Surprise roster Friday. Not sure why. He last pitched Nov. 2 when he won with five innings of two-run ball. Dyer was 2-1 with a 4.38 ERA in six starts.

Pittsburgh picks up Harrison

2011-11-11T15:14:00.000-06:00

Former Biscuits infielder Vince Harrison has been hired by the Pittsburgh Pirates as a minor league coach.

Rays' AFL team clinches championship appearance

2011-11-10T16:03:00.001-06:00

Biscuits manager Billy Gardner and his Surprise Saguaros clinched the Arizona Fall League West Division title Wednesday.

The Saguaros' 10-7, 10-inning win over the Peoria Javelinas gave them an eight-game lead with just seven games to play. Surprise will be the home team for the Nov. 19 AFL championship game.

The Saguaros are 21-8 and, if they win at least five of their last seven games, will have the top winning percentage in AFL history, according to mlb.com. The Mesa Solar Sox were 31-13 (.705) in 1999.

As far as the former/future Biscuits on the team ...
SS Tim Beckham .247-4 HRs-14 RBIs in 19 games
IF Tyler Bortnick .267-1-3 in 13
OF Mikie Mahtook .352-1-8 in 14

RHP Shane Dyer 2-1 record, 4.38 ERA in 24.2 innings
RHP Marquis Fleming 1-0, 4.76 in 11.1
LHP Adam Liberatore 1-0, 3.86 in 11.2
RHP Kirby Yates 0-0, 7.50 in 6

Vickers wins MiLB award for top woman executive

2011-11-09T19:07:00.003-06:00

Biscuits general manager Marla Vickers on Minor League Baseball's woman executive of the year award Wednesday, capping her first year as the team's GM.

MiLB will honor Vickers during December's winter meetings in Dallas.

The Biscuits, according to a minor league baseball release, increased their sales figures in several areas this year. That differs from figures filed with the city as part of the team's rent agreement.

The rent is compiled from nine categories: tickets, group tickets, group picnics, retail, suites, parking, concessions, catering services and sponsorship. Only one saw an increase from fiscal year 2010 to 2011.

Catering services had a 1.3 percent increase of $3,714. Two other categories had decreases of less than 1 percent. Three others decreased from 1.4-5.5 percent. The total operating revenue from the nine categories was down 4.4 percent to just more than $4.6 million.

7:18 update: Vickers said there were increases in some specific venues, like picnic areas, and admitted the press release was vague. Otherwise ...

On winning: "I was very surprised when I found out that I won. There are a lot of very hardworking and deserving women in minor league baseball. I was very honored to receive the award."

On what her staff can expect as a prize: "It's definitely a credit to all the staff, their hard work and their ideas. We'll have a nice little celebration around the office. To be determined."

Gardner to manage in Rising Stars game

2011-11-04T17:59:00.003-05:00

Montgomery manager Billy Gardner will lead the West team in the Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars game Saturday. Gardner's Surprise Saguaros entered Friday with a seven-game lead in the AFL West. The Rising Stars game is at 6 p.m. Saturday on the MLB Network.

Biscuits hit low for yearly rent total

2011-11-03T14:09:00.002-05:00

The Biscuits were at their weakest at the cash register this season, according to documents filed with the city as part of the team's quarterly rent payment.

The team paid $137,674 to cover the city's portion of stadium revenue for the months of July, August and September. The payment, which was due Monday, also brought an end to the 2011 fiscal year.

The team brought in a franchise-worst $4,641,100 for the year, just less than the $4,678,245 total from 2009. The Biscuits also drew a franchise-low 257,268 in attendance.

The $4.6 million still exceeds pro forma projections for the year used by the city council when it approved construction of Riverwalk Stadium in 2002. The projections called for just more than $3.5 million.

Since the stadium opened in April 2004, the team's revenue exceeds $43 million, according to city documents. The team has paid almost $4.7 million in rent, including almost $366,000 this year.

2 future Biscuits among AFL's 'Rising Stars'

2011-11-02T09:33:00.000-05:00

One of next year's Biscuits -- and another who could be -- have been picked for this year's Arizona Fall League Rising Stars game.

Infielder Tyler Bortnick and outfielder Mikie Mahtook will play in Saturday's game, which starts at 6 p.m. and will be shown on the MLB Network.

Bortnick shined this season for high-Class A Charlotte. Mahtook was a first-round draft pick in June from LSU and, with the Rays sending him to the AFL for his debut, could rise quickly through the system.

Moore already working out to prepare for 2012

2011-11-01T12:33:00.000-05:00

Former Biscuits pitcher Matt Moore, appearing today on Sirius XM's "Power Alley" show, said he has been given no indication if he'll start the 2012 season with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Moore, who won the Topps minor league player of the year award Monday, will experience his first major league spring training next year. After the way he ended the 2011 season, he could break camp with the Rays.

"I'm going to show up in spring training and be ready to go," Moore said from Arizona, where he said he's in his second week of workouts.

"If I make the team, great. If not, I'm going to go down and pitch wherever they tell me to until it's time to go again."

Rays keep Shields, Farnsworth, decline Shoppach

2011-10-31T17:29:00.001-05:00

Pitchers James Shields and Kyle Farnsworth have had their options for the 2012 season picked up by the Tampa Bay Rays. The team declined its 2012 option for catcher Kelly Shoppach.

Moore wins Topps minor league player of the year

2011-10-31T13:39:00.002-05:00

Pitcher Matt Moore, after going a combined 12-3 with a 1.92 ERA between the Biscuits and Durham, won the Topps minor league player of the year award today.

The left-hander finished the year in the major leagues with Tampa Bay and threw seven shutout innings to beat Texas in the AL Division Series. Moore is the second former Biscuit to win the Topps award after Delmon Young in 2005.

"After starting the year in Montgomery and then being a part of the playoffs with the Rays, this award is the icing on the cake for a season I'll never forget," Moore said in a release.

Tampa Bay executive going to A's

2011-10-25T12:21:00.003-05:00

Dan Feinstein, Tampa Bay's director of baseball operations, is leaving the Rays for the Oakland A's. He'll be Oakland's director of professional scouting and baseball development.

Feinstein, a California native, worked for the A's from 1994-2004. He joined the Rays in February 2006 from the Los Angeles Dodgers, for whom he was coordinator of baseball operations.

Sporting News picks Rays manager

2011-10-24T10:46:00.001-05:00

Tampa Bay's Joe Maddon won The Sporting News American League manager of the year award. He also won in 2008. Arizona's Kirk Gibson won the National League award.

Hellickson wins magazine's rookie award

2011-10-21T16:05:00.005-05:00

The AL Rookie of the Year award won't be out for another few weeks, but Baseball America has decided on its major league rookie award. Former Biscuit Jeremy Hellickson, after a 13-win, 2.95-ERA season with Tampa Bay, was named the winner today. Hellickson and outfielder Desmond Jennings landed on the all-rookie team.

Biscuits to buy new scoreboard

2011-10-16T17:08:00.003-05:00

The Biscuits are starting the hunt for a new scoreboard with plans to debut it at Riverwalk's Auburn-Alabama game in March.

They're hoping to have the bids back around the end of October and will formally announce the new addition in early November. The team took ownership of the scoreboard in 2009 from the city in exchange for lower rent payments.

"We want it to have a big impact on the fan experience next year when they walk into Riverwalk Stadium," team president Greg Rauch said.

Biscuits owner Tom Dickson promises fans will notice. The current scoreboard has an LED display measuring 22 feet by 14 feet, which he said was impressive when the stadium opened in 2004. The new one will be bigger "by multiples of times," Dickson said.

"It's going to be huge," Dickson said. "There will be lots more bells and whistles and several more cameras. It will be amazing."

Former Biscuit on MLB team headed to Taiwan

2011-10-14T18:15:00.000-05:00

Former Biscuits pitcher Jose Veras, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, will play on a major league all-star team headed to Taiwan.

The team will play five games against the Taiwan national team Nov. 1-6. MLB announced a tentative roster today.

Nowak, Bankston, Harrison on Atlantic list

2011-10-10T16:15:00.000-05:00

Three former Biscuits landed on the Atlantic League's postseason All-Star team, including two who tied for the league's top designated hitter.

Chris Nowak of the league champion York Revolution and Wes Bankston of the Bridgeport Bluefish were the co-DHs.

York's Vince Harrison, the most valuable player of the championship series, was the top third baseman.

The league's second-team all-star list includes Somerset shortstop Fernando Cortez and Southern Maryland outfielder Adam Godwin. Godwin is an Enterprise native.

Moore was top prospect in Southern League's year

2011-10-05T16:17:00.000-05:00

Left-hander Matt Moore, with the Biscuits through mid-July, was named the Southern League's top prospect for the year by Baseball America today.

Right-hander Chris Archer, a late-season promotion to Triple-A Durham, ranked 11th.

League champion Mobile and Chattanooga had five players each on the magazine's Top 20 list, which included four Mississippi Braves. Tennessee, Huntsville, Carolina and Jackson had one each.

ALDS, Game 4: Rangers 4, Rays 3

2011-10-04T16:13:00.001-05:00

Adrian Beltre hit three home runs and the Texas Rangers eliminated the Tampa Bay Rays from the playoffs with a 4-3 win Tuesday.

Beltre hit solo home runs in the second, fourth and seventh innings to help the Rangers advance to the American League championship series. They won their AL division series with the Rays in four games.

Jeremy Hellickson surrendered Beltre's first two homers and one to Ian Kinsler that led off the game. Matt Moore gave up Beltre's final blast.

Sean Rodriguez doubled, walked twice and scored three times for the Rays, who were in the playoffs for the third time in four years. He scored and Tampa Bay had the potential tying run on base with one out in the ninth. A popout and groundout ended it.

ALDS, Game 3: Rangers 4, Rays 3

2011-10-03T20:01:00.001-05:00

Mike Napoli's two-run home run in the seventh inning gave the Texas Rangers the lead in a 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday.

The Rangers took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five American League Division Series with Game 4 coming Tuesday afternoon.

Napoli's homer and Josh Hamilton's two-run single gave Texas a 4-1 lead in the seventh.

Desmond Jennings hit two solo home runs for the Rays. After Jennings homered to lead off the eighth, Tampa Bay had two runners on base and one out. Johnny Damon and Ben Zobrist struck out to end the threat.

Longoria finalist for Aaron Award

2011-10-03T16:05:00.003-05:00

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria is Tampa Bay's finalist for the Hank Aaron award, which recognizes the top offensive player in each league. Fan voting is open at mlb.com. Longoria, who missed a month with an oblique injury that he rehabbed in Montgomery, hit .244 with 31 home runs and 99 RBIs in 131 games with the Rays this year.

Harrison top star in Revolution title run

2011-10-02T16:12:00.005-05:00

Former Biscuits infielder Vince Harrison was the most valuable player in the York Revolution's run to a second straight Atlantic League championship. Harrison hit .529 with five doubles and five runs scored in nine games in the playoffs, which ended today with York's 6-3 win over the Long Island Ducks.

ALDS, Game 2: Rangers 8, Rays 6

2011-10-01T22:09:00.002-05:00

Mike Napoli singled twice, had two RBIs and scored twice to help the Texas Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 8-6 on Saturday in Game 2 of their American League Division Series.

The series is tied 1-1 with Game 3 on Monday at Tampa Bay.

B.J. Upton doubled twice, singled and scored twice for the Rays. Evan Longoria hit a three-run home run in the seventh to pull the Rays within one, 8-7.

A Mitch Moreland homer in the eighth gave the Rangers a two-run advantage.

Rays announce Monday ALDS sellout

2011-10-01T11:28:00.000-05:00

The Rays have announced a sellout for Monday's Game 3 of their AL Division Series against the Rangers. There are a limited number of tickets left for Tuesday's Game 4. The Rays have sold out every postseason home game in their history.

ALDS, Game 1: Rays 9, Rangers 0

2011-09-30T19:11:00.001-05:00

Matt Moore's major league inexperience didn't matter in his first major league playoff start.

Moore threw seven innings of two-hit ball in just his second major league start to lead the Tampa Bay Rays in a 9-0 win over the Texas Rangers on Friday in the opening game of their American League Division Series.

Moore started the year with the Biscuits, jumped to Triple-A Durham in mid-July and hit the majors in mid-September. Friday marked just the fourth major league appearance for the 22-year-old. He had two walks and six strikeouts.

Kelly Shoppach homered twice, singled and scored three times for the Rays. Game 2 is 6 p.m. Saturday.

Delmon only other Biscuit on ALDS roster

2011-09-30T17:19:00.003-05:00

Detroit outfielder Delmon Young, the 2005 Southern League MVP, is the only other Biscuit on a roster for the American League Division Series. The National League teams don't start their series until Saturday and only the Phillies, at this instant, have their playoff rosters updated at mlb.com.

Moore youngest Game 1 starter since 2000

2011-09-30T14:19:00.003-05:00

Matt Moore's playoff start today will be unprecedented in major league history. It's the second start of his major league career. No pitcher has started a postseason game with such little major league starting experience.

Moore, at 22 years, 104 days old, is the youngest Game 1 playoff pitcher since Rick Ankiel, at 21 years, 76 days, did it for St. Louis in 2000. He's the youngest in the American League since the 1971 Oakland A's tossed out Vida Blue at 22 years, 67 days old.

Mark your calendars for Tide-Tigers

2011-09-30T13:32:00.000-05:00

The annual Alabama-Auburn game at Riverwalk Stadium will be played March 6. That's a Tuesday.

Former Biscuits a majority on Rays' ALDS roster

2011-09-30T11:17:00.003-05:00

Most of Tampa Bay's roster for the American League Division Series is made up of former Biscuits. There are 13 players with Montgomery on their resume among the 25 players who will suit up for the Rays against the Texas Rangers. Game 1 is today at Texas.

PITCHERS (6 former Biscuits/5 non-Biscuits)-- Wade Davis, Jeremy Hellickson, Jake McGee, Matt Moore, David Price, James Shields (Juan Cruz, Kyle Farnsworth, Brandon Gomes, J.P. Howell, Joel Peralta)
CATCHERS (2/1) -- John Jaso, Jose Lobaton (Kelly Shoppach)
INFIELDERS (3/3) -- Reid Brignac, Elliot Johnson, Evan Longoria (Casey Kotchman, Sean Rodriguez, Ben Zobrist)
OUTFIELDERS (2/3) -- Desmond Jennings, B.J. Upton (Johnny Damon, Sam Fuld, Matt Joyce)

Moore will start playoff opener for Rays

2011-09-29T20:21:00.003-05:00

Matt Moore, after starting the season with the Biscuits, will start Tampa Bay's playoff opener Friday at Texas. It will be his second career start.

Longoria HR bat sent to Hall of Fame

2011-09-29T15:33:00.000-05:00

Evan Longoria's bat, the one that hit Wednesday's playoff-clinching home run, is headed to Cooperstown. The Hall of Fame requested the bat and Longoria agreed to donate it.

Rays win AL wild card

2011-09-28T23:09:00.004-05:00

Evan Longoria homered to lead off the 12th inning and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees 8-7 to take the AL wild card.

The Boston Red Sox lost 4-3 to the Baltimore Orioles, who scored twice with two outs in the ninth. Wednesday's finishes left the Rays one game ahead of Boston.

Tampa Bay, which faced a nine-game wild-card deficit in early September, trailed 7-0 in the eighth Wednesday. Longoria hit a three-run homer to highlight a six-run eighth.

In the ninth, pinch-hitter Dan Johnson hit a two-out, two-strike homer off Cory Wade, who started the year in the Tampa Bay organization. Wade was at Triple-A Durham -- where Johnson spent much of the season -- before opting out of his contract in June.

Stone Crabs GM honored by Florida State League

2011-09-28T15:33:00.002-05:00

Charlotte Stone Crabs general manager Joe Hart has been named the Florida State League's executive of the year. Hart will be honored at an awards banquet Dec. 5 at the winter meetings in Dallas. Hart has worked in baseball for more than 15 years and has been with the Stone Crabs since their inaugural 2009 season.

Vogt celebrates first child's birth

2011-09-27T13:03:00.001-05:00

Former Biscuits catcher Stephen Vogt skipped out on today's luncheon where the Rays were to honor himas their minor league player of the year.

He had good reason.

Vogt was at the airport desperately trying to get a flight home after his wife gave birth to their first child this morning. Daughter Payton Diane was born two weeks early but healthy in Washington state.

Vogt, Moore, Hall land Rays' top minor league awards

2011-09-26T16:11:00.007-05:00

Catcher Stephen Vogt and left-hander Matt Moore, who started the season with the Biscuits before July promotions to Triple-A Durham, have been named Tampa Bay's minor league player and pitcher of the year.

Vogt hit .298 with 17 home runs and 105 RBIs in 128 games between the Biscuits and Bulls. Moore was a combined 12-3 with a 1.92 ERA.

Charlotte infielder Matt Hall, who played at Auburn, won the organization's Erik Walker Community Champion Award, which recognizes teamwork, sportsmanship and community involvement. Erik Walker was a minor league pitcher for the Rays who died in October 2006 in a canoeing accident.

The Rays also named most valuable players for each of their affiliates.
Durham: utility Russ Canzler
Montgomery: Vogt
Charlotte: shortstop Hak-Ju Lee
Bowling Green: shortstop Derek Dietrich
Hudson Valley: first baseman Jeff Malm
Princeton: outfielder Drew Vettleson
GCL: right-hander Roberto Gomez
Dominican: infielder Adderly Rosa
Venezuela: catcher Oscar Hernandez

Best defensive player: Lee
Best baserunner: Charlotte infielder Tyler Bortnick
Best relief pitcher: Bowling Green left-hander Chris Rearick

Other Erik Walker nominees
Durham: Russ Canzler
Montgomery: Paul Phillips
Bowling Green: Austin Hubbard
Hudson Valley: Andrew Bellatti
Princeton: Drew Vettleson

All-time Erik Walker winners
2011: Matt Hall
2010: Stephen Vogt
2009: Ryan Wiegand
2008: Matt Spring
2007: Patrick Cottrell

A little Moore on lefty's first start

2011-09-23T18:16:00.004-05:00

A few goodies in the Rays' Friday notes on the historical significance of Matt Moore's first major league start Thursday. He tossed five shutout innings and struck out 11 in Tampa Bay's 15-8 win at the Yankees.

Moore's 11 Ks were the most in a first start since Stephen Strasburg punched out 14 last year against Pittsburgh. They were the most in a first start by an American Leaguer since Tim Hudson totaled 12 for Oakland against San Diego in June 1999.

Also, since 1919, only one other pitcher making his first start had at least 11 strikeouts and held the Yankees scoreless. That was Cleveland's Luis Tiant over nine innings on July 19, 1964.

The 11 Ks were the most by a left-hander in his first major league start since San Diego's Bob Shirley had 11 at Cincinnati on April 10, 1977.

Moore, at 22 years, 97 days old, was the youngest pitcher to have double-digit strikeouts at the Yankees since Detroit's Hal Newhouser fanned 14 on May 27, 1943. Newhouser was 22 years, 7 days old.

Bowling Green radio voice jumping to Double-A

2011-09-23T11:28:00.000-05:00

Tom Gauthier, the broadcaster for the Bowling Green Hot Rods the last three seasons, is leaving the team.

Gauthier has been hired to be the voice of his homestate New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The Double-A team is owned by the same group that owns the Hot Rods.

Gauthier started his baseball broadcasting career in the Eastern League in 2008 with the Portland Sea Dogs. From 2005-07, he was an official scorer for New Hampshire with occasional duties as a fill-in broadcaster.

Moore above decent in first Tampa Bay start

2011-09-22T20:10:00.002-05:00

Matt Moore wasn't too shabby tonight in his first major league start. He threw five innings, allowed four hits and totaled 11 strikeouts against the Yankees. The Rays lavished him with run support and lead 13-0. The 11 Ks are the most for a Ray in his first start.

9:45 update: Moore picks up his first win with Tampa Bay's 15-8 victory.

Rays to name award winners Tuesday

2011-09-22T19:49:00.000-05:00

The Rays are waiting until Tuesday to name their organizational awards and will do so at a sold-out luncheon that benefits their foundation.

Their minor league pitcher and hitter of the year will be named. Also, Tampa Bay's esteemed chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America will name a team MVP, the team's top rookie and a Paul C. Smith Champion Award winner.

The luncheon is at the Carillon Hilton in St. Petersburg and starts at 11:30 a.m. Eastern.