Monday, May 31, 2010
Torres expected to make next start
Biscuits pitcher Alex Torres was taken out of the game mostly as a precautionary measure, manager Billy Gardner said, and is expected to make his next start. Torres tweaked something in his knee fielding a bunt in the third inning at Mississippi.
Nowak stars in win at Mississippi
Chris Nowak homered twice and had five RBIs in Montgomery's 8-4 win at Mississippi tonight. It's the 23rd time a Biscuit has hit two homers -- the last was J.T. Hall on Sept. 7, 2009 -- and the second time Nowak has done it with the team -- July 26, 2008. It's the 15th time a Biscuit has had a five-RBI game -- Rashad Eldridge was the last on Aug. 22, 2009 -- and the fourth time Nowak has done it.
Torres hurt fielding bunt; status unknown
Biscuits pitcher Alex Torres left tonight's start in the third inning due to an injury. He fielded a bunt and threw to first for the second out of the inning and didn't continue. Exact injury and his status unknown at the moment.
Hot Rods put two on DL
First baseman Eli Sonoqui and outfielder Dustin Biell went on Bowling Green's disabled list today, while catcher Tomas Francisco was activated from the DL. Sonoqui has a shoulder injury and Biell a jaw injury.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Hellickson, who else?
The little hellion is at it again. Jeremy Hellickson threw seven shutout innings today. He gave up four hits, walked none, struck out seven and didn't come out for the eighth inning. Durham leads Rochester 6-0.
That's 16 straight scoreless innings for him. Hellickson is in line to improve to 8-2 and has a 2.49 ERA.
UPDATE: 6-0, final. Hellickson, Mike Ekstrom and Joe Bateman combined on a five-hitter.
That's 16 straight scoreless innings for him. Hellickson is in line to improve to 8-2 and has a 2.49 ERA.
UPDATE: 6-0, final. Hellickson, Mike Ekstrom and Joe Bateman combined on a five-hitter.
Bang: Sunday's game rained out
Rain and the further threat of severe weather caused Sunday’s game between the Biscuits and Tennessee Smokies to be canceled. The game will not be rescheduled.
Sunday lineups
It's bright and almost sunny, but the tarp is out at the moment before the final game of Montgomery's series with the Tennessee Smokies. Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson lf
Nevin Ashley dh
Matt Fields 1b
Chris Nowak 3b
Cody Cipriano 2b
John Matulia rf
Craig Albernaz c
Chris De La Cruz ss
Alex Torres lhp
SMOKIES
Tony Campana cf
Marquez Smith 3b
Ty Wright lf
Blake Lalli 1b
Russ Canzler dh
Brandon Guyer rf
Steve Clevenger c
Nate Samson 2b
Marwin Gonzalez ss
Alberto Cabrera rhp
1:30: Tarp is being rolled up andstowed away left folded up on the edge of the infield in case rain strikes quickly.
1:55: "Due to weather entering the area," the tarp is back on the field and the game will not start on time. There is a severe thunderstorm warning for Montgomery County.
2:12: It's raining ... and raining hard, too.
2:13: The wind kicked up pretty good and the tarp paid a price. Part of the infield is now exposed to the elements. A groundskeeper's nightmare.
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson lf
Nevin Ashley dh
Matt Fields 1b
Chris Nowak 3b
Cody Cipriano 2b
John Matulia rf
Craig Albernaz c
Chris De La Cruz ss
Alex Torres lhp
SMOKIES
Tony Campana cf
Marquez Smith 3b
Ty Wright lf
Blake Lalli 1b
Russ Canzler dh
Brandon Guyer rf
Steve Clevenger c
Nate Samson 2b
Marwin Gonzalez ss
Alberto Cabrera rhp
1:30: Tarp is being rolled up and
1:55: "Due to weather entering the area," the tarp is back on the field and the game will not start on time. There is a severe thunderstorm warning for Montgomery County.
2:12: It's raining ... and raining hard, too.
2:13: The wind kicked up pretty good and the tarp paid a price. Part of the infield is now exposed to the elements. A groundskeeper's nightmare.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
So much for Strasburg v. Hellickson
Durham's Jeremy Hellickson is still on pace to pitch Friday at Syracuse, but it looks like Stephen Strasburg will duck the matchup. Strasburg pitched tonight -- and took a loss -- and is now on pace to pitch Thursday at Buffalo.
Saturday: Smokies 3, Biscuits 0
Hung-Wen Chen and two relievers combined on a six-hitter to help the Tennessee Smokies down the Montgomery Biscuits 3-0 on Saturday.
Chen (4-5) snapped a five-start losing streak, throwing 6 2/3 innings. The right-hander, the first player from Taiwan signed by the Chicago Cubs, allowed all six hits, walked two and struck out four.
David Cales retired all four hitters he faced and Scott Maine struck out the side in the ninth.
Montgomery starter Alex Cobb (0-1) worked five innings. Reliever Darin Downs threw three innings and struck out seven.
Chen (4-5) snapped a five-start losing streak, throwing 6 2/3 innings. The right-hander, the first player from Taiwan signed by the Chicago Cubs, allowed all six hits, walked two and struck out four.
David Cales retired all four hitters he faced and Scott Maine struck out the side in the ninth.
Montgomery starter Alex Cobb (0-1) worked five innings. Reliever Darin Downs threw three innings and struck out seven.
Happy Halladay, everyone
Philadelphia's Roy Halladay threw a perfect game -- the 20th in major-league history -- tonight against the Florida Marlins. He struck out 11 in the 1-0 win. That's the second perfect game and third no-hitter this year.
Phillips on DL with tendinitis
Biscuits pitcher Paul Phillips is suffering from tendinitis in his biceps, which is why he went on the disabled list today. He's also had some tendinitis in his left knee of late, which may have led to the arm issue, manager Billy Gardner said.
Saturday lineups
The tarp has been pulled, though it's still mostly cloudy, before the fourth game of this week's series between the Biscuits and Tennessee Smokies. Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson lf
Nevin Ashley c
Matt Fields dh
Matt Sweeney 3b
Chris Nowak 1b
John Matulia rf
Cody Cipriano 2b
Chris De La Cruz ss
Alex Cobb rhp
SMOKIES
Tony Campana cf
Marwin Gonzalez ss
Brandon Guyer lf
Blake Lalli 1b
Matthew Spencer rf
Josh Vitters 3b -- 1-for-12 this series, 1-for-25 last seven games
Steve Clevenger dh
Tony Thomas 2b
Mark Reed c
Hung-Wen Chen rhp
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson lf
Nevin Ashley c
Matt Fields dh
Matt Sweeney 3b
Chris Nowak 1b
John Matulia rf
Cody Cipriano 2b
Chris De La Cruz ss
Alex Cobb rhp
SMOKIES
Tony Campana cf
Marwin Gonzalez ss
Brandon Guyer lf
Blake Lalli 1b
Matthew Spencer rf
Josh Vitters 3b -- 1-for-12 this series, 1-for-25 last seven games
Steve Clevenger dh
Tony Thomas 2b
Mark Reed c
Hung-Wen Chen rhp
Phillips to DL; Garcia, Paxton activated
Pitcher Paul Phillips went on the disabled list today (reason undisclosed) and the Biscuits activated pitcher Justin Garcia and catcher Ian Paxton..
System check
Let's see if I can remember the boilerplate I've included with this in the past: Stats through Friday. You're still required to buy a newspaper Sunday. Due to space limitations, some of these will not be in the Sunday graphic.
TRIPLE-A, DURHAM BULLS
International League South
(27-21, first place, 5.5 GA)
RHP Jeremy Hellickson gave up one hit in eight shutout innings Monday to improve to 7-2 with a 2.79 ERA. He took a perfect game into the seventh and a no-hitter into the eighth.
CF Desmond Jennings has a .238 average in 28 games.
OF Justin Ruggiano is hitting .293.
RHP Brian Baker is 4-0 with a 3.71 ERA in 13 relief appearances.
IF Elliot Johnson is hitting .261 with 26 runs and 15 steals.
DH Dan Johnson’s .316 average includes 14 home runs and 41 RBIs.
HIGH-CLASS A, CHARLOTTE STONE CRABS
Florida State League South
(24-23, third place, 4.5 GB)
SS Tim Beckham is 15-for-38 with 11 runs scored in his last nine games, lifting his season average from .146 to .213.
RHP Zach Quate has an 0.76 ERA in 16 appearances.
OF Henry Wrigley is hitting .310 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs.
LHP Matt Moore is 0-6 with a 6.52 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 48.1 innings.
OF Reid Fronk has a .306 average.
RHP Nick Barnese is 3-3 with a 4.01 ERA.
LOW-CLASS A, BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS
Midwest League Eastern
(19-29, seventh place, 12.5 GB)
RHP Alex Colome is 4-3 with a 1.91 ERA, a .183 average against and 58 strikeouts in 56.2 innings.
LF Chris Murrill has a .321 average and is 18-of-26 on steals.
RHP Wilking Rodriguez, after a one-run, six-inning win Wednesday, is 3-3 with a 3.23 ERA. He has made five quality starts.
LHP Kyle Lobstein is 1-3 with a 5.91 ERA.
WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays
3B Gabriel Martinez is hitting .354 with four home runs, 18 RBIs and 15 runs scored for Saltillo in the Mexican League. He has one triple.
RHP Evan Meek has an 0.93 ERA and has allowed 20 hits in 29 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
LF Delmon Young has a .263 average for the Minnesota Twins.
RHP Mitch Talbot is 6-3 with a 3.73 ERA in nine starts with the Cleveland Indians.
RHP Ruddy Lugo, hit in the right temple with a line drive April 23, returned and threw five innings Friday for Triple-A Toledo (Tigers).
LHP James Houser has a 3.00 ERA after four appearances at Triple-A New Orleans (Marlins).
OF Jesus Feliciano is hitting .380 for Triple-A Buffalo (Mets).
RHP Jason Hammel is 2-3 with a 6.93 ERA for the Colorado Rockies.
RF Rhyne Hughes has a .312 average at Triple-A Norfolk (Orioles).
LHP Brandon Mann has a 2.01 ERA in 17 games for Class A Inland Empire (Dodgers).
LHP Brian Henderson is 1-1 with a 3.12 ERA for independent Somerset.
IF Fernando Cortez has a .397 average with independent Newark.
RHP Chris Mason is 6-2 with a 3.12 ERA for the La New Bears in Taiwan.
TRIPLE-A, DURHAM BULLS
International League South(27-21, first place, 5.5 GA)
RHP Jeremy Hellickson gave up one hit in eight shutout innings Monday to improve to 7-2 with a 2.79 ERA. He took a perfect game into the seventh and a no-hitter into the eighth.
CF Desmond Jennings has a .238 average in 28 games.
OF Justin Ruggiano is hitting .293.
RHP Brian Baker is 4-0 with a 3.71 ERA in 13 relief appearances.
IF Elliot Johnson is hitting .261 with 26 runs and 15 steals.
DH Dan Johnson’s .316 average includes 14 home runs and 41 RBIs.
HIGH-CLASS A, CHARLOTTE STONE CRABS
Florida State League South
(24-23, third place, 4.5 GB)SS Tim Beckham is 15-for-38 with 11 runs scored in his last nine games, lifting his season average from .146 to .213.
RHP Zach Quate has an 0.76 ERA in 16 appearances.
OF Henry Wrigley is hitting .310 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs.
LHP Matt Moore is 0-6 with a 6.52 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 48.1 innings.
OF Reid Fronk has a .306 average.
RHP Nick Barnese is 3-3 with a 4.01 ERA.
LOW-CLASS A, BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS
Midwest League Eastern
(19-29, seventh place, 12.5 GB)RHP Alex Colome is 4-3 with a 1.91 ERA, a .183 average against and 58 strikeouts in 56.2 innings.
LF Chris Murrill has a .321 average and is 18-of-26 on steals.
RHP Wilking Rodriguez, after a one-run, six-inning win Wednesday, is 3-3 with a 3.23 ERA. He has made five quality starts.
LHP Kyle Lobstein is 1-3 with a 5.91 ERA.
WAYWARD BISCUITS
Those who strayed from the Rays
3B Gabriel Martinez is hitting .354 with four home runs, 18 RBIs and 15 runs scored for Saltillo in the Mexican League. He has one triple.
RHP Evan Meek has an 0.93 ERA and has allowed 20 hits in 29 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
LF Delmon Young has a .263 average for the Minnesota Twins.
RHP Mitch Talbot is 6-3 with a 3.73 ERA in nine starts with the Cleveland Indians.
RHP Ruddy Lugo, hit in the right temple with a line drive April 23, returned and threw five innings Friday for Triple-A Toledo (Tigers).
LHP James Houser has a 3.00 ERA after four appearances at Triple-A New Orleans (Marlins).
OF Jesus Feliciano is hitting .380 for Triple-A Buffalo (Mets).
RHP Jason Hammel is 2-3 with a 6.93 ERA for the Colorado Rockies.
RF Rhyne Hughes has a .312 average at Triple-A Norfolk (Orioles).
LHP Brandon Mann has a 2.01 ERA in 17 games for Class A Inland Empire (Dodgers).
LHP Brian Henderson is 1-1 with a 3.12 ERA for independent Somerset.
IF Fernando Cortez has a .397 average with independent Newark.
RHP Chris Mason is 6-2 with a 3.12 ERA for the La New Bears in Taiwan.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday: Biscuits 6, Smokies 1
Jake McGee won for the first time in almost two years, pitching seven shutout innings for the Biscuits in a 6-1 win over the Tennessee Smokies on Friday.
McGee struck out 11, allowed five hits and walked just one. He threw 67 of his 88 pitches for strikes. He threw 19 first-pitch strikes and faced 27 batters. His fastest pitch was 96 mph.
Emeel Salem scored twice for Montgomery. Cody Cipriano was 3-for-4, including an RBI single that capped a four-run, five-hit third inning.
McGee struck out 11, allowed five hits and walked just one. He threw 67 of his 88 pitches for strikes. He threw 19 first-pitch strikes and faced 27 batters. His fastest pitch was 96 mph.
Emeel Salem scored twice for Montgomery. Cody Cipriano was 3-for-4, including an RBI single that capped a four-run, five-hit third inning.
McGee close to first win in two years
Jake McGee pitched seven shutout innings tonight, is in line for his first victory since June 6, 2008, just before he had Tommy John surgery, and struck out 11. The Biscuits lead 6-0 at the stretch. The 11 strikeouts are his most in Double-A and it's the 11th time in his career that he's posted double-digit Ks.
List of Wayward Biscuits
We're starting the weekly charts this weekend -- back, by popular demand -- and here's the active, non-Rays Biscuits alumni that I could find. The ones in organized ball are listed first with the independent guys below.
Wes Bankston, Double-A Frisco (Rangers)
Jorge Cantu, Florida Marlins
Jesus Colome, Seattle Mariners
Tim Corcoran, Triple-A Albuquerque (Dodgers)
Jesus Feliciano, Triple-A Buffalo (Mets)
Iker Franco, Quintana Roo, Mexican League
Joey Gathright, Triple-A Norfolk (Orioles)
Jason Hammel, Colorado Rockies
James Houser, Triple-A New Orleans (Marlins)
Rhyne Hughes, Triple-A Norfolk (Orioles)
Scott Kazmir, Los Angeles Angels
Ruddy Lugo, Triple-A Toledo (Tigers)
Jean Machi, Triple-A Indianapolis (Pirates)
Brandon Mann, Class A Inland Empire (Dodgers)
Gabriel Martinez, Saltillo, Mexican League
Evan Meek, Pittsburgh Pirates
Travis Minix, Saltillo, Mexican League
Eduardo Morlan, Double-A Huntsville (Brewers)
Jason Pridie, Triple-A Buffalo (Mets)
Johnny Raburn, Triple-A Nashville (Brewers)
Chris Seddon, Triple-A Tacoma (Brewers)
Brian Stokes, Los Angeles Angels
Mitch Talbot, Cleveland Indians
Jose Veras, Triple-A New Orleans (Marlins)
Delmon Young, Minnesota Twins
American Association
Francisco Leandro, Pensacola
Ryan Morse, St. Paul
Atlantic League
Robinson Cancel, Long Island
Brandon Chaves, Bridgeport
Fernando Cortez, Newark
Shaun Cumberland, Southern Maryland
Jose Diaz, Long Island
Joe Gaetti, Lancaster
Brian Henderson, Somerset
Carlos Hines, Somerset
Josh Johnson, Lancaster
Jeremy Owens, Southern Maryland
Jason Perry, Lancaster
Jeff Ridgway, Southern Maryland
Cesar Suarez, Camden
Can-Am League
Shawn Riggans, New Jersey
Mike Wlodarczyk, Brockton
Frontier League
J.T. Hall, Traverse City
Golden League
Erold Andrus, Tijuana
Josh Arhart, Victoria
Jino Gonzalez, Victoria
Sergio Pedroza, Orange County
Northern League
Josh Asanovich, Winnipeg
Dewon Brazelton, Kansas City
Willie Glen, Gary Southshore
Joey Gomes, Lake County
Vince Harrison, Winnipeg
Alex Jamieson, Lake County
Rico Washington, Kansas City
Overseas
Jim Magrane, Brother Elephants, Taiwan
Chris Mason, La New Bears, Taiwan
Jason Standridge, Hanshin Tigers, Japan
Wes Bankston, Double-A Frisco (Rangers)
Jorge Cantu, Florida Marlins
Jesus Colome, Seattle Mariners
Tim Corcoran, Triple-A Albuquerque (Dodgers)
Jesus Feliciano, Triple-A Buffalo (Mets)
Iker Franco, Quintana Roo, Mexican League
Joey Gathright, Triple-A Norfolk (Orioles)
Jason Hammel, Colorado Rockies
James Houser, Triple-A New Orleans (Marlins)
Rhyne Hughes, Triple-A Norfolk (Orioles)
Scott Kazmir, Los Angeles Angels
Ruddy Lugo, Triple-A Toledo (Tigers)
Jean Machi, Triple-A Indianapolis (Pirates)
Brandon Mann, Class A Inland Empire (Dodgers)
Gabriel Martinez, Saltillo, Mexican League
Evan Meek, Pittsburgh Pirates
Travis Minix, Saltillo, Mexican League
Eduardo Morlan, Double-A Huntsville (Brewers)
Jason Pridie, Triple-A Buffalo (Mets)
Johnny Raburn, Triple-A Nashville (Brewers)
Chris Seddon, Triple-A Tacoma (Brewers)
Brian Stokes, Los Angeles Angels
Mitch Talbot, Cleveland Indians
Jose Veras, Triple-A New Orleans (Marlins)
Delmon Young, Minnesota Twins
American Association
Francisco Leandro, Pensacola
Ryan Morse, St. Paul
Atlantic League
Robinson Cancel, Long Island
Brandon Chaves, Bridgeport
Fernando Cortez, Newark
Shaun Cumberland, Southern Maryland
Jose Diaz, Long Island
Joe Gaetti, Lancaster
Brian Henderson, Somerset
Carlos Hines, Somerset
Josh Johnson, Lancaster
Jeremy Owens, Southern Maryland
Jason Perry, Lancaster
Jeff Ridgway, Southern Maryland
Cesar Suarez, Camden
Can-Am League
Shawn Riggans, New Jersey
Mike Wlodarczyk, Brockton
Frontier League
J.T. Hall, Traverse City
Golden League
Erold Andrus, Tijuana
Josh Arhart, Victoria
Jino Gonzalez, Victoria
Sergio Pedroza, Orange County
Northern League
Josh Asanovich, Winnipeg
Dewon Brazelton, Kansas City
Willie Glen, Gary Southshore
Joey Gomes, Lake County
Vince Harrison, Winnipeg
Alex Jamieson, Lake County
Rico Washington, Kansas City
Overseas
Jim Magrane, Brother Elephants, Taiwan
Chris Mason, La New Bears, Taiwan
Jason Standridge, Hanshin Tigers, Japan
No Furmaniak replacement for now
The Biscuits aren't going to replace Durham-bound J.J. Furmaniak at the moment. A thundershower also has the tarp out at the moment. Tonight's lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson lf
Nevin Ashley c
Matt Fields dh
Matt Sweeney 3b
Chris Nowak 1b
John Matulia rf
Cody Cipriano 2b
Chris De La Cruz ss
Jake McGee lhp
SMOKIES
Tony Thomas, rf
Marquez Smith 2b
Ty Wright lf
Blake Lalli dh
Russ Canzler 1b
Josh Vitters 3b
Steve Clevenger c
Nate Samson ss
Marwin Gonzalez cf
Chris Carpenter rhp
5:40 update: The tarp is being pulled.
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson lf
Nevin Ashley c
Matt Fields dh
Matt Sweeney 3b
Chris Nowak 1b
John Matulia rf
Cody Cipriano 2b
Chris De La Cruz ss
Jake McGee lhp
SMOKIES
Tony Thomas, rf
Marquez Smith 2b
Ty Wright lf
Blake Lalli dh
Russ Canzler 1b
Josh Vitters 3b
Steve Clevenger c
Nate Samson ss
Marwin Gonzalez cf
Chris Carpenter rhp
5:40 update: The tarp is being pulled.
Astros call up Grady's Wright
Left-handed pitcher Wesley Wright, the Grady native and Goshen High graduate, has been called up by the Houston Astros. He was at Triple-A Round Rock and was 3-0 with a 4.93 ERA in nine starts. Wright made 120 relief appearances for the Astros in 2008-09.
Furmaniak promoted to Durham
Infielder J.J. Furmaniak has been promoted from the Biscuits to Triple-A Durham. After going 3-for-4 with two RBIs on Thursday, Furmaniak was hitting .310 in 11 games for Montgomery. Durham needed an infielder after Joe Dillon suffered a hamstring injury Thursday.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday: Biscuits 7, Smokies 2
Jeremy Hall’s second straight exceptional start led the Biscuits in a 7-2 win over the Tennessee Smokies on Thursday.
Hall gave up three hits over eight shutout innings -- the first hit came with two outs in the fifth -- and has thrown 15 straight shutout innings. He’s now 2-2 with a 2.94 ERA this season. He’s also the first Biscuits starter to throw eight innings this year.
J.J. Furmaniak had RBI singles in the first and third innings to put the Biscuits ahead 2-0. Chris De La Cruz added a run-scoring triple in the fourth, Matt Fields had a two-run single in the fifth and Emeel Salem a two-run triple in the eighth.
The Biscuits, a day after mustering just three hits in a shutout loss, tapped out 14, their most at home this season.
Hall gave up three hits over eight shutout innings -- the first hit came with two outs in the fifth -- and has thrown 15 straight shutout innings. He’s now 2-2 with a 2.94 ERA this season. He’s also the first Biscuits starter to throw eight innings this year.
J.J. Furmaniak had RBI singles in the first and third innings to put the Biscuits ahead 2-0. Chris De La Cruz added a run-scoring triple in the fourth, Matt Fields had a two-run single in the fifth and Emeel Salem a two-run triple in the eighth.
The Biscuits, a day after mustering just three hits in a shutout loss, tapped out 14, their most at home this season.
Morlan signs with Brewers, joins Stars
Pitcher Eduardo Morlan, released from the Biscuits on Monday, has signed with the Milwaukee Brewers and is headed to Double-A Huntsville.
The Brewers have a history with Morlan. They took him in the Rule 5 draft in December 2008 but, unable to keep him on the major-league roster that next spring, returned him to Tampa Bay.
The Biscuits could face Morlan in three weeks when they visit Huntsville.
The Brewers have a history with Morlan. They took him in the Rule 5 draft in December 2008 but, unable to keep him on the major-league roster that next spring, returned him to Tampa Bay.
The Biscuits could face Morlan in three weeks when they visit Huntsville.
Tocco takes booth for Smokies
Former Biscuits voice Jim Tocco is back at Riverwalk Stadium today through the end of the series, but he's here for the dark side.
Tocco is filling in for Mick Gillispie, the usual Tennessee broadcaster who is helping out with the SEC tournament this week in Hoover. Gillispie, an Alabama graduate, was here Wednesday.
You'll also find that turf has made a triumphant return to Riverwalk today. It has a toehold in the home bullpen's home-plate area. It's here because the regular crushed-rock warning track damages too many baseballs.
Today's lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson lf
Nevin Ashley c
Matt Sweeney 3b
J.J. Furmaniak dh
Matt Fields 1b
John Matulia rf
Cody Cipriano 2b
Chris De La Cruz ss
Jeremy Hall rhp
SMOKIES
Tony Campana cf
Marquez Smith 2b
Ty Wright lf
Blake Lalli 1b
Russ Canzler dh
Matthew Spencer rf
Josh Vitters 3b
Steve Clevenger c
Marwin Gonzalez ss
Craig Muschko rhp
Tocco is filling in for Mick Gillispie, the usual Tennessee broadcaster who is helping out with the SEC tournament this week in Hoover. Gillispie, an Alabama graduate, was here Wednesday.
You'll also find that turf has made a triumphant return to Riverwalk today. It has a toehold in the home bullpen's home-plate area. It's here because the regular crushed-rock warning track damages too many baseballs.
Today's lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson lf
Nevin Ashley c
Matt Sweeney 3b
J.J. Furmaniak dh
Matt Fields 1b
John Matulia rf
Cody Cipriano 2b
Chris De La Cruz ss
Jeremy Hall rhp
SMOKIES
Tony Campana cf
Marquez Smith 2b
Ty Wright lf
Blake Lalli 1b
Russ Canzler dh
Matthew Spencer rf
Josh Vitters 3b
Steve Clevenger c
Marwin Gonzalez ss
Craig Muschko rhp
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
W-Rod hits 99 for Hot Rods
Bowling Green pitcher Wilking Rodriguez hit 99 mph on the stadium radar gun tonight in a 4-1 home win over South Bend. He allowed one run on six hits and struck out eight over six innings.
Wednesday: Smokies 3, Biscuits 0
Austin Bibens-Dirkx faced one hitter over the minimum in his seven innings to lead the Tennessee Smokies in a 3-0 win over the Biscuits on Wednesday.
Bibens-Dirkx (3-1) allowed two hits, walked none and struck out four. He retired the final 17 hitters he faced.
Montgomery managed just five baserunners and three singles off Bibens-Dirkx, David Cales and Scott Maine.
Biscuits starter David Newmann (1-2) committed an error that led to an unearned run in the third inning. He worked 6 1/3 innings.
Bibens-Dirkx (3-1) allowed two hits, walked none and struck out four. He retired the final 17 hitters he faced.
Montgomery managed just five baserunners and three singles off Bibens-Dirkx, David Cales and Scott Maine.
Biscuits starter David Newmann (1-2) committed an error that led to an unearned run in the third inning. He worked 6 1/3 innings.
Smokie hits good note on mike, vs. Biscuits
Smokies pitcher Austin Bibens-Dirkx, who threw seven shutout innings tonight against the Biscuits, also has a self-titled CD that was released in 2007. Listen to a preview of the songs here and, if you want, buy them, too. I'm no music expert, but they sound fine to me.
Homer goes for ground-rule double
Another ball just went through the fence in left field -- at least officially -- for a ground-rule double. Ty Wright's blast hit the back fence, bounced off the cement and hit the back of the left-field fence. Home-plate umpire Mario Seneca signaled a ground-rule double and, the most amazing part, nobody argued.
It cost the Smokies two runs. Wright was stranded at second and another runner at third. Tennessee leads 1-0 in the middle of the sixth.
Just watched a replay from WSFA's Derek Steyer. No doubt, that was a homer.
It cost the Smokies two runs. Wright was stranded at second and another runner at third. Tennessee leads 1-0 in the middle of the sixth.
Just watched a replay from WSFA's Derek Steyer. No doubt, that was a homer.
Hall of Famer-to-be in Tennessee dugout
Greg Maddux, who will be a Hall of Famer whenever he's eligible, is in the Tennessee dugout. He's now a special instructor for the Chicago Cubs. Maddux won 355 games and four Cy Young awards in a 23-year major-league career.
Smokies' Chirinos, former triple terror, on DL
Smokies catcher Robinson Chirinos, who had a record-tying performance at Riverwalk in his final game as an infielder in 2008, isn't with the team and will miss this week's series with the Biscuits.
Chirinos suffered a concussion Monday and went on the disabled list today. He took a foul ball off the mask that hit with such force that it bent his hockey-style mask, manager Bill Dancy said.
Chirinos was playing shortstop on May 15, 2008, when he tied a Southern League record with three triples against the Biscuits. On May 16, 2008, he flew to Arizona to learn how to be a catcher. This week would have been his first time back.
Mark Reed came up from high-Class A Daytona and took Chirinos' spot on Tennessee's roster.
Chirinos suffered a concussion Monday and went on the disabled list today. He took a foul ball off the mask that hit with such force that it bent his hockey-style mask, manager Bill Dancy said.
Chirinos was playing shortstop on May 15, 2008, when he tied a Southern League record with three triples against the Biscuits. On May 16, 2008, he flew to Arizona to learn how to be a catcher. This week would have been his first time back.
Mark Reed came up from high-Class A Daytona and took Chirinos' spot on Tennessee's roster.
Wednesday lineups; Anderson now an outfielder
It's the opener of a five-game series between the Biscuits and Tennessee Smokies. If you need something to pass the time, check my story today on Biscuits catcher Ian Paxton.
One organizational change on Montgomery's official roster today: Drew Anderson is now an outfielder.
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson lf
Nevin Ashley c
Matt Sweeney 3b
J.J. Furmaniak ss
Matt Fields 1b
Chris Nowak dh
John Matulia rf
Cody Cipriano 2b
David Newmann lhp
SMOKIES
Tony Campana cf
Marwin Gonzalez ss
Ty Wright lf
Blake Lalli 1b
Russ Canzler dh
Matthew Spencer rf
Josh Vitters 3b
Steve Clevenger c
Marquez Smith 2b
Austin Bibens-Dirkx rhp
One organizational change on Montgomery's official roster today: Drew Anderson is now an outfielder.
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson lf
Nevin Ashley c
Matt Sweeney 3b
J.J. Furmaniak ss
Matt Fields 1b
Chris Nowak dh
John Matulia rf
Cody Cipriano 2b
David Newmann lhp
SMOKIES
Tony Campana cf
Marwin Gonzalez ss
Ty Wright lf
Blake Lalli 1b
Russ Canzler dh
Matthew Spencer rf
Josh Vitters 3b
Steve Clevenger c
Marquez Smith 2b
Austin Bibens-Dirkx rhp
Heath Rollins returns to Biscuits
Pitcher Heath Rollins has been demoted from Triple-A Durham and infielder Omar Luna activated to fill Montgomery's open roster spots.
Rollins made a lengthy stay in major-league spring training, but that didn'( lead to a good start at Durham. He was 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA -- that's after not allowing a run in his last four appearances. Rollins spent the last two seasons with Montgomery.
Rollins made a lengthy stay in major-league spring training, but that didn'( lead to a good start at Durham. He was 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA -- that's after not allowing a run in his last four appearances. Rollins spent the last two seasons with Montgomery.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Morlan, Strait released by Rays
Biscuits pitcher Eduardo Morlan and outfielder Cody Strait have been released by the Rays.
Morlan was part of the Delmon Young-for-Matt Garza/Jason Bartlett trade with the Twins. He was 1-1 with a 5.24 ERA in 12 appearances this year, his third with the Biscuits. He allowed 32 hits in 22 1/3 innings.
Strait was hitting .195 in 39 games this season. He came to the Rays last year from the Royals in a trade for cash considerations.
No word on corresponding moves.
Morlan was part of the Delmon Young-for-Matt Garza/Jason Bartlett trade with the Twins. He was 1-1 with a 5.24 ERA in 12 appearances this year, his third with the Biscuits. He allowed 32 hits in 22 1/3 innings.
Strait was hitting .195 in 39 games this season. He came to the Rays last year from the Royals in a trade for cash considerations.
No word on corresponding moves.
Monday, May 24, 2010
June 4: Hellickson v. Strasburg?
Just looked at the schedules for Durham and Syracuse. If they stay with their current rotations, it would be Jeremy Hellickson vs. Stephen Strasburg on June 4 at Syracuse.
Too bad all the recent speculation I've seen says that Strasburg will make his major-league debut for the Washington Nationals that day.
Too bad all the recent speculation I've seen says that Strasburg will make his major-league debut for the Washington Nationals that day.
Hellickson at it yet again
Jeremy Hellickson's eight shutout innings in Durham's 1-0 win over Pawtucket tonight netted the native Iowan his International League-leading seventh victory. He allowed one hit.
Hellickson was perfect through six before walking Tug Hulett to lead off the seventh. He took a no-hitter into the eighth before Aaron Bates hit a leadoff single.
In 10 starts, Hellickson is 7-2 with a 2.88 ERA.
Hellickson was perfect through six before walking Tug Hulett to lead off the seventh. He took a no-hitter into the eighth before Aaron Bates hit a leadoff single.
In 10 starts, Hellickson is 7-2 with a 2.88 ERA.
Crabs' Williams asks for release
Stone Crabs infielder Shawn Williams was released Sunday by the Tampa Bay Rays. Williams asked to be released, according to the Crabs. The 26-year-old was 5-for-17 with two RBIs in six games for Charlotte this season, his fourth as a professional. Williams, who signed as a non-drafted free agent in October 2006, hit .246 in 96 games last year for the Crabs.
Feliciano lands on International list
Former Biscuits outfielder Jesus Feliciano, now with Triple-A Buffalo and the New York Mets, won the International League's weekly hitter's award Monday.
Feliciano was 14-for-29 and scored eight runs in the Bisons' seven games. He's hitting .383 with a .435 on-base percentage and 29 runs scored this season. Feliciano has a 12-game hit streak entering tonight's game at Lehigh Valley.
Tennessee left fielder Ty Wright and Chattanooga left-hander Alberto Bastardo won the Southern League's awards.
Wright was 9-for-28 with four home runs and 13 RBIs during the week and is hitting .421 with 11 extra-base hits and 15 runs scored in his last 12 games. Bastardo allowed five hits and an unearned run over 14 innings to win his two starts during the week.
Feliciano was 14-for-29 and scored eight runs in the Bisons' seven games. He's hitting .383 with a .435 on-base percentage and 29 runs scored this season. Feliciano has a 12-game hit streak entering tonight's game at Lehigh Valley.
Tennessee left fielder Ty Wright and Chattanooga left-hander Alberto Bastardo won the Southern League's awards.
Wright was 9-for-28 with four home runs and 13 RBIs during the week and is hitting .421 with 11 extra-base hits and 15 runs scored in his last 12 games. Bastardo allowed five hits and an unearned run over 14 innings to win his two starts during the week.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Cobb leaves with blister
Biscuits pitcher Alex Cobb left tonight's start at West Tenn after two innings due to a blister. He's expected to make his next start.
I'm at a loss to fill in the Burrell Blank
From the St. Pete Times' weekly in-depth Rays notebook.
Hmmm, I'm unsure what that word could be, but I'm no crossword wizard. Any help out there?
blessed
elegant
valiant
vibrant
amazing
hapless
helpful
dynamic
zestful
winsome
angelic
stylish
The full text message from Pat Burrell to the St. Petersburg Times last week included a choice seven-letter adjective between "lose my" and "#" (number).
Hmmm, I'm unsure what that word could be, but I'm no crossword wizard. Any help out there?
blessed
elegant
valiant
vibrant
amazing
hapless
helpful
dynamic
zestful
winsome
angelic
stylish
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Crabs' Wrigley gives Rays something to chew on
Stone Crabs left fielder Henry Wrigley was 5-for-5 with two doubles, a home run, three runs scored and four RBIs tonight in Charlotte's 11-8 home win over Brevard County. Wrigley set a Crabs record for hits and even stole a base. In 38 games, the 24-year-old is hitting a tidy .340 with 29 RBIs and 24 runs scored.
Cipriano comes off DL; Garcia sits
Second baseman Cody Cipriano has been activated from Montgomery's disabled list and pitcher Justin Garcia has been shuffled off the active roster. Cipriano hasn't played since May 6 due to a hamstring injury.
2009 draft pick facing prison if convicted
Pitcher Andrew Bellatti, Tampa Bay's 12th-round draft pick last year, has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a January car wreck in California that killed a man, raysprospects.com reports.
Bellatti faces 7 1/2 years in prison if convicted. He pitched for the GCL Rays last year and is in Tampa Bay's extended spring program.
Bellatti faces 7 1/2 years in prison if convicted. He pitched for the GCL Rays last year and is in Tampa Bay's extended spring program.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Gomez, Bibens-Dirkx top players for week
Mississippi first baseman Mauro Gomez and Tennessee right-hander Austin Bibens-Dirkx won the Southern League's weekly awards today. Gomez was 12-for-25 over the last week with 11 RBIs and nine runs scored. Gomez, who hit a grand slam at Chattanooga on Friday, pushed his season batting average from .190 to .246. Bibens-Dirkx picked up his first win Friday at Huntsville, allowing an unearned run on two hits over six innings. He's 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA overall and has given up 23 hits in 37 innings.
Sweeney promoted from Crabs; Sexton demoted
Matt Sweeney has been promoted and Greg Sexton demoted in a swap of third basemen between the Biscuits and high-Class A Charlotte.Sweeney (right) was part of the Scott Kazmir trade last year with the Angels. The deal also brought Biscuits pitcher Alex Torres to the Rays.
Sweeney was hitting .264 with a team-high six home runs and 16 RBIs for the Stone Crabs. He was expected to start the year with Montgomery before being assigned to Charlotte.
Sweeney hit nine homers in 58 games at high-A Rancho Cucamonga last year before the trade. He missed all of 2008 with an ankle injury after an 18-homer year in low-A in '07. Baseball America ranks him No. 24 on its list of Tampa Bay prospects and lists him as the organization's top power hitter.
Sexton was hitting .212 with one homer and 13 RBIs for Montgomery. He leads the team with 19 walks.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Furmaniak a milestone Biscuit
Infielder J.J. Furmaniak, with Saturday's debut, became the 200th Biscuit. (Crumbs reader Brent Smeltzer deserves credit for tracking it.)
Jorge Cantu, here on a rehab assignment, was No. 100, if I remember correctly.
I don't know how Brent ranks it, but I consider Joey Gathright the first. Gathright was the first player at spring training 2004 to, when I introduced myself, say he was coming here and ask about the town. He also led off the first game at Huntsville.
One sign of how the current Rays are more patient with minor-league moves is the time from 100-200.
Cantu was here midseason '06, 2 1/2 years after the Biscuits opened. From Cantu to Furmaniak, it's more than 3 1/2.
Jorge Cantu, here on a rehab assignment, was No. 100, if I remember correctly.
I don't know how Brent ranks it, but I consider Joey Gathright the first. Gathright was the first player at spring training 2004 to, when I introduced myself, say he was coming here and ask about the town. He also led off the first game at Huntsville.
One sign of how the current Rays are more patient with minor-league moves is the time from 100-200.
Cantu was here midseason '06, 2 1/2 years after the Biscuits opened. From Cantu to Furmaniak, it's more than 3 1/2.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Biscuits activate Furmaniak
J.J. Furmaniak was activated by the Biscuits today, so he's not headed to Durham at the moment.
To make space, Montgomery deactivated infielder Omar Luna.
To make space, Montgomery deactivated infielder Omar Luna.
Ruggiano, Heath Phillips activated by Bulls
The Durham Bulls adjusted to Hank Blalock's departure by activating outfielder Justin Ruggiano and pitcher Heath Phillips. Ruggiano was on the DL.
With Blalock up and Burrell out, Furmaniak TBA
Former major-league infielder J.J. Furmaniak is scheduled to be activated by the Biscuits today, but that move could be on hold.
Furmaniak could be headed to triple-A Durham after Tampa Bay made some moves today.
The Rays promoted former All-Star infielder Hank Blalock from the Bulls and removed Pat Burrell from their roster, the St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Tribune report.
Blalock had an out clause in his contract and his agent, Scott Boras, told the St. Pete this week that he'd use it unless promoted.
Furmaniak could be headed to triple-A Durham after Tampa Bay made some moves today.
The Rays promoted former All-Star infielder Hank Blalock from the Bulls and removed Pat Burrell from their roster, the St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Tribune report.
Blalock had an out clause in his contract and his agent, Scott Boras, told the St. Pete this week that he'd use it unless promoted.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Friday: Stars 3, Biscuits 2
Scott Krieger’s seventh-inning home run lifted the Huntsville Stars to a 3-2 win over the Montgomery Biscuits on Friday. It was Krieger’s first Double-A home run and came in his second Double-A game. He was a 19th-round draft pick in 2009.
Emeel Salem scored twice for the Biscuits. He doubled and scored on a Nevin Ashley single in the first inning. In the fifth, he reached on an error and scored on a Chris De La Cruz double.
Biscuits pitcher David Newmann made a quality start in a no-decision. He allowed two runs on seven hits and no walks in six innings. Rayner Oliveros (0-4) took the loss.
Emeel Salem scored twice for the Biscuits. He doubled and scored on a Nevin Ashley single in the first inning. In the fifth, he reached on an error and scored on a Chris De La Cruz double.
Biscuits pitcher David Newmann made a quality start in a no-decision. He allowed two runs on seven hits and no walks in six innings. Rayner Oliveros (0-4) took the loss.
Hellickson at it again for Durham
Durham pitcher Jeremy Hellickson -- a former Biscuit, by the way -- struck out 11 over six shutout innings in the Bulls' 8-1 win at Columbus tonight.
Murphy humbled by Maddux but wore out Neil Allen
Former Braves star outfielder Dale Murphy shared this today at the luncheon.
When Greg Maddux first came to Atlanta, Murphy welcomed him to the Braves and said he acted differently than he has ever done with a pitcher. He complimented Maddux, talked about how much he struggled against him and said he was 2-for-24.
"It was 2-for-26," Maddux flatly corrected him, according to Murphy. (Murphy was actually 2-for-34. Still it was a funny anecdote.)
While we're on the subject, former Biscuits pitching coach Neil Allen was the opposite of Maddux. Murphy wore out Allen to the tune of 8-for-17. Former Biscuits pitching coach Xavier Hernandez held Murphy to 0-for-2 with no hit batsman.
When Greg Maddux first came to Atlanta, Murphy welcomed him to the Braves and said he acted differently than he has ever done with a pitcher. He complimented Maddux, talked about how much he struggled against him and said he was 2-for-24.
"It was 2-for-26," Maddux flatly corrected him, according to Murphy. (Murphy was actually 2-for-34. Still it was a funny anecdote.)
While we're on the subject, former Biscuits pitching coach Neil Allen was the opposite of Maddux. Murphy wore out Allen to the tune of 8-for-17. Former Biscuits pitching coach Xavier Hernandez held Murphy to 0-for-2 with no hit batsman.
Furmaniak here, but not on roster (yet) for series finale
Infielder J.J. Furmaniak, who played in the major leagues with Pittsburgh in 2005 and with Oakland in 2007, was in uniform for pregame workouts with the Biscuits today.
He's not officially on the roster (as of 5 p.m.) for tonight when the Biscuits finish a 10-game homestand against the Huntsville Stars. Furmaniak, 30, played last year in the Philadelphia organization and hit .230 in 118 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz, ss
Nevin Ashley, c
Chris Nowak, 3b
Greg Sexton dh
Matt Fields 1b
John Matulia lf
Cody Strait rf
Drew Anderson 2b
David Newmann lhp
STARS
Lorenzo Cain cf -- off disabled list today, having great year
Brett Lawrie 2b -- Blame Canada! (Biscuits decided not to use that song for Lawrie's at-bat music this week)
Caleb Gindl rf
Zelous Wheeler 3b
Martin Maldonado c
Andy Machado ss
Chris Errecart 1b
Scott Krieger lf
Brent Brewer dh
Alex Periard rhp
He's not officially on the roster (as of 5 p.m.) for tonight when the Biscuits finish a 10-game homestand against the Huntsville Stars. Furmaniak, 30, played last year in the Philadelphia organization and hit .230 in 118 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz, ss
Nevin Ashley, c
Chris Nowak, 3b
Greg Sexton dh
Matt Fields 1b
John Matulia lf
Cody Strait rf
Drew Anderson 2b
David Newmann lhp
STARS
Lorenzo Cain cf -- off disabled list today, having great year
Brett Lawrie 2b -- Blame Canada! (Biscuits decided not to use that song for Lawrie's at-bat music this week)
Caleb Gindl rf
Zelous Wheeler 3b
Martin Maldonado c
Andy Machado ss
Chris Errecart 1b
Scott Krieger lf
Brent Brewer dh
Alex Periard rhp
Dyer promoted from Rods to Crabs
Right-hander Shane Dyer, after going 2-3 with a 1.71 ERA in seven starts with Bowling Green, has been promoted to high-Class A Charlotte. In 42 innings, he allowed 34 hits with four walks and 34 strikeouts with the Hot Rods. There's no corresponding move yet with the Rods.
New player out for batting practice
Not sure of an ID yet, but there's a bald guy wearing No. 32 for batting practice who is taking grounders at second. It's not Craig Albernaz -- too big and Albie is wearing No. 1.
Crabs' Wrigley, Rods' Dyer top Rays for April
Charlotte utility man Henry Wrigley and Bowling Green right-hander Shane Dyer -- both potentially future Biscuits, for those who wonder why I write about these things -- won Tampa Bay's organizational awards for the month of April.
Wrigley hit a robust .373 with 14 RBIs and 14 runs scored in 20 April games for the Stone Crabs. He had a .402 on-base percentage.
Dyer was just 1-2 in five April starts, but needed to be recognized after compiling a 1.55 ERA, including a seven-inning, four-hit shutout April 25. The Hot Rods hit just .224 in April. (Dyer won last week by throwing seven no-hit innings, which may help him when it comes to May honors.)
Wrigley hit a robust .373 with 14 RBIs and 14 runs scored in 20 April games for the Stone Crabs. He had a .402 on-base percentage.
Dyer was just 1-2 in five April starts, but needed to be recognized after compiling a 1.55 ERA, including a seven-inning, four-hit shutout April 25. The Hot Rods hit just .224 in April. (Dyer won last week by throwing seven no-hit innings, which may help him when it comes to May honors.)
Murphy understands suspicions over Tiger Woods
Former Braves star outfielder Dale Murphy, who started his I Won't Cheat foundation with thoughts specifically of preventing children from using steroids, said today that, in his eyes, golf's biggest star is a suspect.
"Performance-enhancing drugs, with Tiger Woods, is a concern for me," Murphy said at a luncheon for Biscuits season-ticket holders. "I don't feel golf has addressed (steroids) and 75 percent of golfers said in a survey that they think Tiger Woods took something."
Actually, 24 percent said in a survey by golf.com and Sports Illustrated that they believe Woods has taken PEDs.
Murphy said Major League Baseball has helped fight the spread of steroids, though he feels there should be harsher punishment. Under baseball's drug policy, a first offense for PEDs brings a 50-game suspension, a second 100 games and a third nets a lifetime ban.
He pointed to how baseball survived the Pete Rose gambling scandal and said it would survive losing drug-tainted stars "who can hit a ball a hundred miles."
"I think we ought to end careers a little quicker," Murphy said. "Then, it will trickle down."
Murphy held up disgraced track and field star Marion Jones as helping teach young athletes that steroids are bad because of the remorse Jones showed after admitting steroid use. She had to forfeit her Olympic medals. Also, Jones' relay teammates were stripped of their medals, too.
The NFL? Well, just this week, Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing kept his NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award despite a positive drug test. The Associated Press even revoted the award and Cushing still won.
"This is the kind of thing you deal with," Murphy said. "To most kids, it doesn't seem like that big a deal."
Murphy is appearing tonight at Riverwalk Stadium. There's an on-field speech at 6:40 p.m. and an autograph session from 7:15-8:15.
"Whether we put an asterisk by their records or careers or not, it's still there in our minds," Murphy said. "It's a tough message to get across to kids because, as we know, kids don't look that far in the future.
"To say, 'It really didn't help me,'" Murphy said, rolling his eyes. "Kids hear these messages."
His I Won't Cheat foundation started with steroids, but has spread into academic cheating and general drug use.
"Whatever you want to achieve, you can do things the right way," Murphy said. "If you cut corners or take shortcuts, you'll never be able to look back and say you did it the right way."
"Performance-enhancing drugs, with Tiger Woods, is a concern for me," Murphy said at a luncheon for Biscuits season-ticket holders. "I don't feel golf has addressed (steroids) and 75 percent of golfers said in a survey that they think Tiger Woods took something."
Actually, 24 percent said in a survey by golf.com and Sports Illustrated that they believe Woods has taken PEDs.
Murphy said Major League Baseball has helped fight the spread of steroids, though he feels there should be harsher punishment. Under baseball's drug policy, a first offense for PEDs brings a 50-game suspension, a second 100 games and a third nets a lifetime ban.
He pointed to how baseball survived the Pete Rose gambling scandal and said it would survive losing drug-tainted stars "who can hit a ball a hundred miles."
"I think we ought to end careers a little quicker," Murphy said. "Then, it will trickle down."
Murphy held up disgraced track and field star Marion Jones as helping teach young athletes that steroids are bad because of the remorse Jones showed after admitting steroid use. She had to forfeit her Olympic medals. Also, Jones' relay teammates were stripped of their medals, too.
The NFL? Well, just this week, Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing kept his NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award despite a positive drug test. The Associated Press even revoted the award and Cushing still won.
"This is the kind of thing you deal with," Murphy said. "To most kids, it doesn't seem like that big a deal."
Murphy is appearing tonight at Riverwalk Stadium. There's an on-field speech at 6:40 p.m. and an autograph session from 7:15-8:15.
"Whether we put an asterisk by their records or careers or not, it's still there in our minds," Murphy said. "It's a tough message to get across to kids because, as we know, kids don't look that far in the future.
"To say, 'It really didn't help me,'" Murphy said, rolling his eyes. "Kids hear these messages."
His I Won't Cheat foundation started with steroids, but has spread into academic cheating and general drug use.
"Whatever you want to achieve, you can do things the right way," Murphy said. "If you cut corners or take shortcuts, you'll never be able to look back and say you did it the right way."
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Thursday: Biscuits 2, Suns 0
Alex Torres worked seven innings and combined with Dane De La Rosa on a four-hitter to lead the Montgomery Biscuits to a 2-0 win over the Huntsville Stars on Thursday.
Torres (4-2) gave up three hits, walked two and struck out three. It was Montgomery’s fifth shutout of the season, matching last year’s total.
John Matulia tripled and scored in the third inning to give the Biscuits a 1-0 lead. He threw out a runner at the plate in the fifth to preserve it. In the sixth, Chris Nowak doubled and scored on a wild pitch.
Torres (4-2) gave up three hits, walked two and struck out three. It was Montgomery’s fifth shutout of the season, matching last year’s total.
John Matulia tripled and scored in the third inning to give the Biscuits a 1-0 lead. He threw out a runner at the plate in the fifth to preserve it. In the sixth, Chris Nowak doubled and scored on a wild pitch.
Biscuits pay $106K in rent
The Biscuits paid more than $106,000 in the rent payment that was due at the end of April, according to city records. The team has paid more than $4 million in rent since Riverwalk opened in 2004.
With that, tonight marks the fourth game of Montgomery's home series with Huntsville and the ninth game of a 10-game homestand.
Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson 2b
Nevin Ashley c -- 3 hits Wednesday in 3-hole debut
Chris Nowak dh
Greg Sexton 3b -- first Double-A homer Wednesday
Matt Fields 1b
John Matulia lf -- only second time in 30 games to not hit ninth
Cody Strait rf
Omar Luna ss -- first Double-A start
Alex Torres lhp
STARS
Brett Lawrie 2b -- has shown massive defensive creativity this week
Caleb Gindle rf
Zelous Wheeler 3b
Chris Errecart 1b
Andy Machado ss
Juan Sanchez cf
Chuckie Caufield dh
Scott Krieger lf
Martin Maldonado c
Amaury Rivas rhp
With that, tonight marks the fourth game of Montgomery's home series with Huntsville and the ninth game of a 10-game homestand.
Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson 2b
Nevin Ashley c -- 3 hits Wednesday in 3-hole debut
Chris Nowak dh
Greg Sexton 3b -- first Double-A homer Wednesday
Matt Fields 1b
John Matulia lf -- only second time in 30 games to not hit ninth
Cody Strait rf
Omar Luna ss -- first Double-A start
Alex Torres lhp
STARS
Brett Lawrie 2b -- has shown massive defensive creativity this week
Caleb Gindle rf
Zelous Wheeler 3b
Chris Errecart 1b
Andy Machado ss
Juan Sanchez cf
Chuckie Caufield dh
Scott Krieger lf
Martin Maldonado c
Amaury Rivas rhp
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wednesday: Biscuits 5, Stars 3
Greg Sexton’s two-run home run in the sixth inning snapped a tie and lifted the Montgomery Biscuits to a 5-3 win over the Huntsville Stars on Wednesday. Sexton’s blast was his first in Double-A and was an opposite-field shot down the right-field line.
John Matulia also homered for the Biscuits. Darin Downs (4-0) won in relief of starter Alex Cobb, who allowed no earned runs in four-plus innings in his first Double-A start.
Matt Gorgen worked the ninth for his Southern League-leading seventh save -- but not without suspense. The Stars loaded the bases with one out. Gorgen struck out Chris Errercart and Andy Machado to end it.
John Matulia also homered for the Biscuits. Darin Downs (4-0) won in relief of starter Alex Cobb, who allowed no earned runs in four-plus innings in his first Double-A start.
Matt Gorgen worked the ninth for his Southern League-leading seventh save -- but not without suspense. The Stars loaded the bases with one out. Gorgen struck out Chris Errercart and Andy Machado to end it.
Cuban Anderson hits first home run
First baseman Leslie Anderson, the Cuban who signed with the Rays this spring, hit his first professional home run tonight for the Charlotte Stone Crabs in a 3-1 loss to Lakeland.
Ball goes through rail for ground-rule double
Huntsville's Andy Machado just missed out on his first home run, though he circled the bases in a home-run trot. The ball went through the rails on the left-field wall for a ground-rule double.
Third-base umpire Brent Rice signaled a home run, but Biscuits manager Billy Gardner calmly came out to argue. The umpires huddled and changed the call. Stars manager Mike Guerrero didn't forcefully argue when the three umps went to him -- though the bench made some demonstrative motions. Machado appeared to say nothing as he returned to second.
Third-base umpire Brent Rice signaled a home run, but Biscuits manager Billy Gardner calmly came out to argue. The umpires huddled and changed the call. Stars manager Mike Guerrero didn't forcefully argue when the three umps went to him -- though the bench made some demonstrative motions. Machado appeared to say nothing as he returned to second.
Ashley dropped in 3 hole
Biscuits catcher Nevin Ashley gets to try a new spot in the batting order today. He's hitting third for the first time this season in the third game of Montgomery's series with Huntsville. Ashley did hit third six times last year at high-Class A Charlotte, going 4-for-20.
Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Nevin Ashley c
Chris Nowak dh
Greg Sexton 3b
Matt Fields 1b
Drew Anderson 2b
Cody Strait rf
John Matulia lf
Alex Cobb rhp
STARS
Brett Lawrie 2b
Caleb Gindl rf
Zelous Wheeler 3b
Chris Errecart 1b
Andy Machado ss
Juan Sanchez cf
Chuckie Caufield dh
Brent Brewer lf
Martin Maldonado c
Chris Cody lhp
Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Nevin Ashley c
Chris Nowak dh
Greg Sexton 3b
Matt Fields 1b
Drew Anderson 2b
Cody Strait rf
John Matulia lf
Alex Cobb rhp
STARS
Brett Lawrie 2b
Caleb Gindl rf
Zelous Wheeler 3b
Chris Errecart 1b
Andy Machado ss
Juan Sanchez cf
Chuckie Caufield dh
Brent Brewer lf
Martin Maldonado c
Chris Cody lhp
Cipriano finally goes on DL
To activate pitcher Alex Cobb for today's start, the Biscuits put second baseman Cody Cipriano on the disabled list. Cipriano hasn't played since a hamstring injury last week. His move to the DL is retroactive to Sunday.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Hot Rods also accepting flood relief
The Bowling Green Hot Rods will accept donations for flood relief before, during and probably after Saturday's home game against Lansing. They're looking for bottled water, non-perishable food, masks, contractor bags or heavy-duty trash bags, sunscreen, mops and cleaning supplies to help with flood relief in south central Kentucky and middle Tennessee.
Cuban now a Crab: Anderson makes pro debut
Leslie Anderson, the Cuban who signed with the Rays this year, made his debut Monday for the Charlotte Stone Crabs and was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Tuesday: Stars 4, Biscuits 0
Martin Maldonado hit a two-run home run, Chris Errecart scored twice and three pitchers combined on a four-hitter to lead the Huntsville Stars to a 4-0 win over the Montgomery Biscuits on Tuesday.
Mark Rogers allowed one hit over five innings, while Mike Jones gave up two hits in three innings. Brandon Kintzler worked the ninth.
Errecart singled and scored on a Chuckie Caufield flyout in the second inning. He doubled and scored on an error in the fourth. Maldonado’s homer came in the fifth.
Montgomery’s offense included singles by Chris Nowak (first inning), Chris De La Cruz (sixth), Emeel Salem (eighth) and Matt Fields (ninth), plus five walks. De La Cruz walked twice.
Mark Rogers allowed one hit over five innings, while Mike Jones gave up two hits in three innings. Brandon Kintzler worked the ninth.
Errecart singled and scored on a Chuckie Caufield flyout in the second inning. He doubled and scored on an error in the fourth. Maldonado’s homer came in the fifth.
Montgomery’s offense included singles by Chris Nowak (first inning), Chris De La Cruz (sixth), Emeel Salem (eighth) and Matt Fields (ninth), plus five walks. De La Cruz walked twice.
A piece of unfortunate history
Biscuits outfielder Cody Strait struck out to end the fourth inning, marking his 27th straight at-bat without a hit. That breaks the Biscuits' record set last year by Joe Gaetti. One of those tied at third at 24 ABs is Evan Longoria (June 7-14, 2007).
Too bright, too early, too 10:30
Yawn, but let me point you to today's notebook. With Durham going back to Durham Athletic Park for a game Monday, find out about the Biscuits' plans to play a game at Paterson Field (third item).
Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Chris Nowak 1b
Matt Fields dh
Greg Sexton 3b
Drew Anderson 2b
Cody Strait rf
Craig Albernaz c
John Matulia lf
Jake McGee lhp
STARS
Brett Lawrie 2b
Caleb Gindl rf
Zelous Wheeler 3b
Chris Errecart 1b
Andy Machado ss
Juan Sanchez cf
Chuckie Caufield dh
Brent Brewer lf
Martin Maldonado c
Mark Rogers rhp
Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Chris Nowak 1b
Matt Fields dh
Greg Sexton 3b
Drew Anderson 2b
Cody Strait rf
Craig Albernaz c
John Matulia lf
Jake McGee lhp
STARS
Brett Lawrie 2b
Caleb Gindl rf
Zelous Wheeler 3b
Chris Errecart 1b
Andy Machado ss
Juan Sanchez cf
Chuckie Caufield dh
Brent Brewer lf
Martin Maldonado c
Mark Rogers rhp
Monday, May 10, 2010
Monday: Biscuits 3, Stars 2
John Matulia’s seventh-inning flyout brought home Greg Sexton with the go-ahead run in the Montgomery Biscuits’ 3-2 win over the Huntsville Stars on Monday.
Matt Fields homered and Jeremy Hall had a strong start for the Biscuits. Hall allowed one run on four hits, walked none and struck out six over six innings. Fields hit a solo home run to lead off the second. In the fifth, Cody Strait reached on an error and scored on an Emeel Salem groundout.
Hall left with a 2-1 lead. Dane De La Rosa (3-0) gave up the tying run in the top of the seventh before the Biscuits retook the lead in the bottom of the seventh. Matt Gorgen worked the ninth for his sixth save.
Matt Fields homered and Jeremy Hall had a strong start for the Biscuits. Hall allowed one run on four hits, walked none and struck out six over six innings. Fields hit a solo home run to lead off the second. In the fifth, Cody Strait reached on an error and scored on an Emeel Salem groundout.
Hall left with a 2-1 lead. Dane De La Rosa (3-0) gave up the tying run in the top of the seventh before the Biscuits retook the lead in the bottom of the seventh. Matt Gorgen worked the ninth for his sixth save.
O'Malley leaving for extended spring rehab
Biscuits shortstop Shawn O'Malley leaves Tuesday for extended spring training to take his final steps in rehabbing an ailing right shoulder.
O'Malley is up to throwing from 90 feet and has been taking regular batting practice. The extended spring appearance is to get his timing back, though the length of his stay isn't known.
"Hopefully," he said, "it will be a short one."
O'Malley is up to throwing from 90 feet and has been taking regular batting practice. The extended spring appearance is to get his timing back, though the length of his stay isn't known.
"Hopefully," he said, "it will be a short one."
Monday's lineups
It's the opening game of a five-game series between the Huntsville Stars and the Biscuits. With the prep championships starting Tuesday in Montgomery, here's a story about Biscuits who won high school titles.
Huntsville is without leading hitter/outfielder Lorenzo Cain, who is on the disabled list. Juan Sanchez and Scott Krieger joined the Stars today. Sanchez was hitting .239 with seven RBIs at high-Class A. Krieger was at extended spring training.
Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson 2b
Chris Nowak dh
Nevin Ashley c
Chris De La Cruz ss -- third time in 5 hole this year
Matt Fields 1b
Greg Sexton 3b
Cody Strait rf
John Matulia lf
Jeremy Hall rhp
STARS
Brett Lawrie 2b -- played for Canada in Beijing Olympics
Caleb Gindl rf
Zelous Wheeler 3b -- graduate of Childersburg High
Chris Errecart 1b -- played at Cal
Andy Machado ss -- spent part of three seasons in majors
Juan Sanchez cf
Chuckie Caufield lf -- wonder how the PA people will harass him
Brent Brewer dh -- Milwaukee's second-round pick in '07
Martin Maldonado c
Mike Bowman rhp
Huntsville is without leading hitter/outfielder Lorenzo Cain, who is on the disabled list. Juan Sanchez and Scott Krieger joined the Stars today. Sanchez was hitting .239 with seven RBIs at high-Class A. Krieger was at extended spring training.
Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Drew Anderson 2b
Chris Nowak dh
Nevin Ashley c
Chris De La Cruz ss -- third time in 5 hole this year
Matt Fields 1b
Greg Sexton 3b
Cody Strait rf
John Matulia lf
Jeremy Hall rhp
STARS
Brett Lawrie 2b -- played for Canada in Beijing Olympics
Caleb Gindl rf
Zelous Wheeler 3b -- graduate of Childersburg High
Chris Errecart 1b -- played at Cal
Andy Machado ss -- spent part of three seasons in majors
Juan Sanchez cf
Chuckie Caufield lf -- wonder how the PA people will harass him
Brent Brewer dh -- Milwaukee's second-round pick in '07
Martin Maldonado c
Mike Bowman rhp
Smith, Robles lauded by Southern League
Chattanooga infielder Corey Smith and West Tenn left-hander Mauricio Robles won the Southern League's weekly awards today. Robles, who is 3-1 with a 3.30 ERA, won on the strength of a seven-inning, one-run victory Saturday that included just three hits, one walk and 10 strikeouts. Smith is 7-for-13 with two home runs, eight RBIs and five runs scored in his last four games.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Rays do it again; Oakland's Braden throws perfect game
Oakland's Dallas Braden threw a perfect game against Tampa Bay today. It's the second straight year the Rays had a perfect game thrown against them, joining Mark Buehrle of the White Sox last July. Braden (4-2) threw 77 of 109 pitches for strikes. He's the 19th pitcher in major-league history to throw a perfect game.
(6:13 update: By the way, just found out Milt Livingston, an advertising rep at the Advertiser and a pretty nice guy, cut Braden from his fantasy team last week. In his league, perfect games are worth a $25 bonus. If anyone out there knows Milt, make sure to "congratulate" him. I know I will.)
(6:13 update: By the way, just found out Milt Livingston, an advertising rep at the Advertiser and a pretty nice guy, cut Braden from his fantasy team last week. In his league, perfect games are worth a $25 bonus. If anyone out there knows Milt, make sure to "congratulate" him. I know I will.)
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Saturday: Suns 7, Biscuits 2
The Jacksonville Suns continued their offensive assault Saturday with 13 hits in a 7-2 win over the Montgomery Biscuits on Saturday.
Chris Hatcher, Mark Saccomanno and Matt Dominguez homered for the Suns, who totaled 46 hits in the final three games -- all wins -- of their series at Riverwalk Stadium.
John Matulia knocked in Montgomery’s runs with flyouts in the third and seventh innings.
Chris Hatcher, Mark Saccomanno and Matt Dominguez homered for the Suns, who totaled 46 hits in the final three games -- all wins -- of their series at Riverwalk Stadium.
John Matulia knocked in Montgomery’s runs with flyouts in the third and seventh innings.
Jennings makes first start in two weeks
Durham center fielder Desmond Jennings was in the starting lineup for the first time since April 22 today in the Bulls' 4-2 loss to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base.
Series finale with Suns
The Biscuits and Suns finish their five-game series tonight. The Biscuits are currently in the middle of an on-field autograph session and it looks like there is pretty good demand for all players.
(The autograph day when David Price was here was a spectacle. He had the first chair so that his line wouldn't clog up everyone else's table. The team also provided a security guard and enforced a one- or two-item maximum.)
Tonight's game is also being Webcast by WSFA.
Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Chris Nowak 3b
Nevin Ashley c
Matt Fields 1b
Greg Sexton dh
Drew Anderson 2b
Cody Strait rf
John Matulia lf
David Newmann lhp
SUNS
Lorenzo Scott cf
Osvaldo Martinez ss
Vinny Rottino lf
Mark Saccomanno 1b
Ryan Curry 2b
Matt Dominguez 3b
Tim Torres rf
Jason Delaney dh
Chris Hatcher c
Jeff Allison rhp
(The autograph day when David Price was here was a spectacle. He had the first chair so that his line wouldn't clog up everyone else's table. The team also provided a security guard and enforced a one- or two-item maximum.)
Tonight's game is also being Webcast by WSFA.
Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Chris Nowak 3b
Nevin Ashley c
Matt Fields 1b
Greg Sexton dh
Drew Anderson 2b
Cody Strait rf
John Matulia lf
David Newmann lhp
SUNS
Lorenzo Scott cf
Osvaldo Martinez ss
Vinny Rottino lf
Mark Saccomanno 1b
Ryan Curry 2b
Matt Dominguez 3b
Tim Torres rf
Jason Delaney dh
Chris Hatcher c
Jeff Allison rhp
Houser off suspended list, now with Marlins
Former Biscuits pitcher James Houser came off the suspended list today from his 2007 positive test for a performance-enhancing substance.
Houser is now with the Florida Marlins and in extended spring training, but he's expected to soon join the Jacksonville Suns soon.
Houser was suspended under the minor-league drug policy for 50 games in August 2007 when he was with Montgomery. The Rays put him on their 40-man roster that offseason, which meant he was no longer subject to the minor-league drug policy and, therefore, had his suspension interrupted.
Houser was with Triple-A Durham last year when the Rays gave him his outright release. He signed a minor-league deal with the Marlins, which meant he was again subject to the minor-league drug policy and had to serve the rest of his suspension.
Houser is now with the Florida Marlins and in extended spring training, but he's expected to soon join the Jacksonville Suns soon.
Houser was suspended under the minor-league drug policy for 50 games in August 2007 when he was with Montgomery. The Rays put him on their 40-man roster that offseason, which meant he was no longer subject to the minor-league drug policy and, therefore, had his suspension interrupted.
Houser was with Triple-A Durham last year when the Rays gave him his outright release. He signed a minor-league deal with the Marlins, which meant he was again subject to the minor-league drug policy and had to serve the rest of his suspension.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Friday: Suns 13, Biscuits 1
Jason Delaney knocked in four runs and the Jacksonville Suns totaled 19 hits -- including nine for extra bases -- in a 13-1 win over the Montgomery Biscuits on Friday.
Lorenzo Scott came within a double of the cycle, scored three times and had three RBIs. Every Suns starter had at least one hit.
Montgomery totaled just three hits, including Chris De La Cruz’s home run to lead off the fourth inning.
Lorenzo Scott came within a double of the cycle, scored three times and had three RBIs. Every Suns starter had at least one hit.
Montgomery totaled just three hits, including Chris De La Cruz’s home run to lead off the fourth inning.
Stanton away for last two days of series
Suns slugger Mike Stanton , after vanquishing the scoreboard Thursday, will miss the last two games of the series with Montgomery. He's gone to be in a family wedding.
Today's lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Chris Nowak dh
Nevin Ashley c
Matt Fields 1b
Greg Sexton 3b
Drew Anderson 2b
Cody Strait rf
John Matulia lf
Rayner Oliveros rhp
SUNS
Lorenzo Scott cf
Osvaldo Martinez ss
Brandon Tripp rf
Mark Saccomanno 1b
Vinny Rottino c
Matt Dominguez 3b
Tim Torres lf
Jason Delaney dh
Ryan Curry 2b
Jose Rosario rhp
Today's lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Chris Nowak dh
Nevin Ashley c
Matt Fields 1b
Greg Sexton 3b
Drew Anderson 2b
Cody Strait rf
John Matulia lf
Rayner Oliveros rhp
SUNS
Lorenzo Scott cf
Osvaldo Martinez ss
Brandon Tripp rf
Mark Saccomanno 1b
Vinny Rottino c
Matt Dominguez 3b
Tim Torres lf
Jason Delaney dh
Ryan Curry 2b
Jose Rosario rhp
Cipriano to sit; Luna promoted
Biscuits second baseman Cody Cipriano, who left Thursday's game due to a hamstring injury, has been placed on the disabled list will sit through the weekend. Infielder Omar Luna has been promoted from high-Class A Charlotte. Luna had played sparingly for the Stone Crabs and was 1-for-18 in eight games. The 23-year-old hit .185 in 76 games for Charlotte last year.
UPDATE: Instead of putting Cipriano on the DL, the Biscuits deactivated pitcher Alex Cobb.
UPDATE: Instead of putting Cipriano on the DL, the Biscuits deactivated pitcher Alex Cobb.
Crabs raising money to aid Tenn. flood victims
The Charlotte Stone Crabs, with several ties to the Nashville, Tenn., area, are raising money to benefit flood victims there.
The team, which has three front-office employees who previously worked for the Nashville Sounds, is working with the American Red Cross.
Monetary and supply donations will be accepted for the rest of the season at Charlotte Sports Park. The Crabs will also auction items periodically -- starting with an autographed jersey tonight -- with the proceeds going to the relief fund.
For more information, call 941-206-HITS (4487).
The team, which has three front-office employees who previously worked for the Nashville Sounds, is working with the American Red Cross.
Monetary and supply donations will be accepted for the rest of the season at Charlotte Sports Park. The Crabs will also auction items periodically -- starting with an autographed jersey tonight -- with the proceeds going to the relief fund.
For more information, call 941-206-HITS (4487).
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Thursday: Suns 9, Biscuits 3
Mike Stanton, the top prospect among position players in the minor leagues, hit a prodigious home run Thursday to lead the Jacksonville Suns in a 9-3 win over the Montgomery Biscuits.
Stanton’s two-run homer in the sixth inning cleared the scoreboard in left-center field at Riverwalk Stadium. It was his 14th homer of the season, which leads the entire minor leagues. Ryan Curry and Tim Torres also homered for the Suns.
Montgomery, which had a five-game win streak snapped, committed a season-high four errors.
Stanton’s two-run homer in the sixth inning cleared the scoreboard in left-center field at Riverwalk Stadium. It was his 14th homer of the season, which leads the entire minor leagues. Ryan Curry and Tim Torres also homered for the Suns.
Montgomery, which had a five-game win streak snapped, committed a season-high four errors.
Stanton saves scoreboard, clears it with home run
Jacksonville Suns outfielder Mike Stanton is the No. 1 prospect among position players in the minor leagues and he just showed why.
Stanton just put a charge into one and cleared the scoreboard at Riverwalk Stadium. He's the second to do so -- Wes Bankston put one over it on Opening Night 2006.
It went out at a point about 390 feet from home plate. The scoreboard is about 10 feet behind the wall (and a walkway). The scoreboard is approximately 60 feet tall. Remembering my algebra and the Pythagorean theorem, that's about 405 feet from home plate to the top of the scoreboard -- and the ball crested as it cleared the scoreboard.
Some Biscuit front-office employees were talking about hunting for the ball. (Update: Ball remains MIA. Past the railroad tracks that are behind the scoreboard, there's a dropoff and the ball is somewhere in there.)
We'll also note that the O is out in the "Montgomery" across the top of the scoreboard. It's been out for a while, but the ball did clear just about that exact spot. Ouch!
Stanton just put a charge into one and cleared the scoreboard at Riverwalk Stadium. He's the second to do so -- Wes Bankston put one over it on Opening Night 2006.
It went out at a point about 390 feet from home plate. The scoreboard is about 10 feet behind the wall (and a walkway). The scoreboard is approximately 60 feet tall. Remembering my algebra and the Pythagorean theorem, that's about 405 feet from home plate to the top of the scoreboard -- and the ball crested as it cleared the scoreboard.
Some Biscuit front-office employees were talking about hunting for the ball. (Update: Ball remains MIA. Past the railroad tracks that are behind the scoreboard, there's a dropoff and the ball is somewhere in there.)
We'll also note that the O is out in the "Montgomery" across the top of the scoreboard. It's been out for a while, but the ball did clear just about that exact spot. Ouch!
Thursday lineups vs. Suns
It's a high-profile pitching matchup with Montgomery's Alex Torres facing Jacksonville's Alex Sanabia in the third game of this week's series between the Biscuits and Suns. Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Chris Nowak 1b
Nevin Ashley c
Cody Cipriano 2b
Matt Fields dh
Greg Sexton 3b
Cody Strait rf
John Matulia lf
Alex Torres lhp
SUNS
Ryan Curry 2b
Osvaldo Martinez ss
Mike Stanton rf
Mark Saccomanno 1b
Vinny Rottino lf
Matt Dominguez 3b
Tim Rorres cf
Javier Guzman dh
Chris Hatcher c
Alex Sanabia rhp
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Chris Nowak 1b
Nevin Ashley c
Cody Cipriano 2b
Matt Fields dh
Greg Sexton 3b
Cody Strait rf
John Matulia lf
Alex Torres lhp
SUNS
Ryan Curry 2b
Osvaldo Martinez ss
Mike Stanton rf
Mark Saccomanno 1b
Vinny Rottino lf
Matt Dominguez 3b
Tim Rorres cf
Javier Guzman dh
Chris Hatcher c
Alex Sanabia rhp
Reggie Golden to take some swings
Wetumpka High outfielder Reggie Golden is in uniform, has a wood bat in his hands and is eagerly eyeing the batting cage right now.
Let's see, Rays GM Andrew Friedman has shown up a few hours early and area scout Milt Hill and crosschecker Bart Braun are here, so it's logical that Golden -- considered a potential high-round draft pick -- might get in a few swings before next month's draft. Golden was limited this year for Wetumpka due to a strained hamstring.
UPDATE: Golden hit two home runs and received hearty compliments during and after his session. He's also worked out for Toronto and has two more currently scheduled. Golden came straight to Riverwalk in uniform from a Wetumpka team photo session.
Let's see, Rays GM Andrew Friedman has shown up a few hours early and area scout Milt Hill and crosschecker Bart Braun are here, so it's logical that Golden -- considered a potential high-round draft pick -- might get in a few swings before next month's draft. Golden was limited this year for Wetumpka due to a strained hamstring.
UPDATE: Golden hit two home runs and received hearty compliments during and after his session. He's also worked out for Toronto and has two more currently scheduled. Golden came straight to Riverwalk in uniform from a Wetumpka team photo session.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Beckham out due to family matter
Stone Crabs shortstop Tim Beckham is missing his third straight game tonight due to a family matter.
Wednesday: Biscuits 2, Suns 1
The Biscuits celebrated a second straight walk-off victory Wednesday afternoon when Cody Cipriano in the ninth inning to give Montgomery a 2-1 win over the Jacksonville Suns.
Cipriano led off the ninth with a triple high off the wall in left-center field. After Greg Sexton walked for the third time, pitcher Matt Peterson threw wildly on a pickoff to first, allowing Cipriano to score.
Biscuits starter Jake McGee, who was on a short pitch-count leash, needed 33 pitches to weather the first inning and lasted just 2 1/3. Relievers Alex Cobb, Justin Garcia and Paul Phillips (2-1) combined for 6 2/3 shutout innings.
Cipriano led off the ninth with a triple high off the wall in left-center field. After Greg Sexton walked for the third time, pitcher Matt Peterson threw wildly on a pickoff to first, allowing Cipriano to score.
Biscuits starter Jake McGee, who was on a short pitch-count leash, needed 33 pitches to weather the first inning and lasted just 2 1/3. Relievers Alex Cobb, Justin Garcia and Paul Phillips (2-1) combined for 6 2/3 shutout innings.
Too bright, too early, too 10:30
Yawn. Lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Chris Nowak lf
Matt Fields 1b
Cody Cipriano 2b
Greg Sexton dh
Drew Anderson 3b
Craig Albernaz c
John Matulia rf
Jake McGee lhp
SUNS
Lorenzo Scott lf
Osvaldo Martinez ss
Mike Stanton rf
Mark Saccomanno 1b
Matt Dominguez 3b
Tim Torres cf
Ryan Curry 2b
Javier Guzman dh
Chris Hatcher c
Tom Koehler rhp
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Chris Nowak lf
Matt Fields 1b
Cody Cipriano 2b
Greg Sexton dh
Drew Anderson 3b
Craig Albernaz c
John Matulia rf
Jake McGee lhp
SUNS
Lorenzo Scott lf
Osvaldo Martinez ss
Mike Stanton rf
Mark Saccomanno 1b
Matt Dominguez 3b
Tim Torres cf
Ryan Curry 2b
Javier Guzman dh
Chris Hatcher c
Tom Koehler rhp
No Ks for Biscuits; all Ws for Rays
The Tampa Bay organization went undefeated tonight. In order, the Stone Crabs, Bulls, Hot Rods, Biscuits and Rays all won.
The Biscuits did so without striking out. That's their first whiff-less game since April 19, 2007. They also did it April 15 of that year.
The Biscuits did so without striking out. That's their first whiff-less game since April 19, 2007. They also did it April 15 of that year.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Tuesday: Biscuits 6, Suns 5 (10)
Matt Fields singled home Chris De La Cruz with two outs in the 10th inning to lift the Biscuits to a 6-5 win over the Jacksonville Suns on Tuesday.
De La Cruz walked to start the inning, went to second on a Nevin Ashley single and moved to third on a Jonathan Fulton wild pitch. After Cody Cipriano grounded out against a drawn-in infield, Fields singled to right to end it.
Fields also made a crucial play in Montgomery’s four-run fourth inning. On a potential inning-ending double-play groundball, Fields distracted shortstop Osvaldo Martinez enough that the Suns could only get one out. It led to Montgomery’s last two runs of the inning.
Chris Nowak was 3-for-4 with a walk and his first home run.
De La Cruz walked to start the inning, went to second on a Nevin Ashley single and moved to third on a Jonathan Fulton wild pitch. After Cody Cipriano grounded out against a drawn-in infield, Fields singled to right to end it.
Fields also made a crucial play in Montgomery’s four-run fourth inning. On a potential inning-ending double-play groundball, Fields distracted shortstop Osvaldo Martinez enough that the Suns could only get one out. It led to Montgomery’s last two runs of the inning.
Chris Nowak was 3-for-4 with a walk and his first home run.
Cobb to debut behind McGee on Wednesday
Right-hander Alex Cobb is scheduled to make his Double-A debut Wednesday in relief of scheduled starter Jake McGee.
McGee has been cleared to make his first appearance since April 21 and says his knee feels fine. Cobb missed the season's first month due to a spring oblique injury.
Also, Rays general manager Andrew Friedman is skipping at least part of his team's trip west and will be at Riverwalk this week. Tampa Bay starts a nine-game trip tonight that includes three games at Seattle, Oakland and the Los Angeles Angels.
McGee has been cleared to make his first appearance since April 21 and says his knee feels fine. Cobb missed the season's first month due to a spring oblique injury.
Also, Rays general manager Andrew Friedman is skipping at least part of his team's trip west and will be at Riverwalk this week. Tampa Bay starts a nine-game trip tonight that includes three games at Seattle, Oakland and the Los Angeles Angels.
Rays have six draft picks in top 100
The Tampa Bay Rays will have six picks among the first 100 selections in this year's draft, according to the draft order announced today by Major League Baseball.
Because they didn't sign last year's first- or second-round pick, the Rays get additional picks in thos rounds this year. They also have a sandwich pick for free agent Gregg Zaun signing with Milwaukee. Tampa Bay picks at 17, 31, 42, 66, 79 and 98.
The Biscuits, who also benefit from those picks, open a five-game home series with the reigning Southern League champion Jacksonville Suns tonight. Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Chris Nowak dh
Nevin Ashley c
Cody Cipriano 2b
Matt Fields 1b
Greg Sexton 3b
Cody Strait rf
John Matulia lf
Jeremy Hall rhp
SUNS
Lorenzo Scott cf -- former tackling terror as Ball State linebacker
Osvaldo Martinez ss
Mike Stanton rf -- won't win Southern League Triple Crown (because he won't be here long enough)
Mark Saccomanno 1b -- that's Sac-oh-mahn-oh
Brandon Tripp lf
Matt Dominguez 3b
Tim Torres 2b
Vinny Rottino dh -- played for Huntsville and Chattanooga last year
Chris Hatcher c
Elih Villanueva rhp -- formerly of the Florida State Seminoles
Because they didn't sign last year's first- or second-round pick, the Rays get additional picks in thos rounds this year. They also have a sandwich pick for free agent Gregg Zaun signing with Milwaukee. Tampa Bay picks at 17, 31, 42, 66, 79 and 98.
The Biscuits, who also benefit from those picks, open a five-game home series with the reigning Southern League champion Jacksonville Suns tonight. Your lineups ...
BISCUITS
Emeel Salem cf
Chris De La Cruz ss
Chris Nowak dh
Nevin Ashley c
Cody Cipriano 2b
Matt Fields 1b
Greg Sexton 3b
Cody Strait rf
John Matulia lf
Jeremy Hall rhp
SUNS
Lorenzo Scott cf -- former tackling terror as Ball State linebacker
Osvaldo Martinez ss
Mike Stanton rf -- won't win Southern League Triple Crown (because he won't be here long enough)
Mark Saccomanno 1b -- that's Sac-oh-mahn-oh
Brandon Tripp lf
Matt Dominguez 3b
Tim Torres 2b
Vinny Rottino dh -- played for Huntsville and Chattanooga last year
Chris Hatcher c
Elih Villanueva rhp -- formerly of the Florida State Seminoles
Monday, May 03, 2010
Who deserves Rays' minor-league April honors?
Before the Rays name their minor-league hitter and pitchers of the month for April, let's hear who you think deserves them. There are a few nominations listed below with their April statistics. However, if you have other ideas, please share. Vote early, often and clearly enough that we can easily ascertain your "intent."DUR Dan Johnson .333, 8 HRs, 23 RBIs, 16 runs, 1.100 OPS
MGM Matt Fields .303, 5 HRs, 19 RBIs, 15 runs
CHA Henry Wrigley .373, 14 RBIs, 14 runs, 1.029 OPS
DUR "Jeremiah" Hellickson 4-0, 2.57 ERA, 27 Ks, 7 walks in 28 innings
MGM Darin Downs 2-0, 1.59 ERA, 18 Ks, 3 walks in 17 innings
CHA Zach Quate 0-1, 0.90 ERA, 3 saves, 13 Ks, 1 walk in 10 innings
BWG Alex Colome 0-2, 2.93 ERA, 32 Ks, 5 walks in 27.2 innings
Suns' Stanton, Sanabia snare Southern (s)awards
Jacksonville outfielder Mike Stanton and right-handed pitcher Alejandro Sanabia won the Southern League's weekly awards today. The Suns start a five-game series at Riverwalk Stadium on Tuesday. Here's what I've written on them for Tuesday's "series starter" package ...
Stanton is the No. 1 prospect among position players in the minor leagues. Entering Monday, Stanton was hitting .354 with 12 home runs and 26 RBIs. He leads the entire minor leagues in homers and the Southern League in RBIs. The 20-year-old had three home runs and seven RBIs in a game last week. The previous three-homer game in the Southern League was in July 2007. Stanton also has more walks (25) than strikeouts (24).
Sanabia is 2-0 with a 1.15 ERA and is 5-for-5 in quality starts this season. Hitters have a .179 average against the 21-year-old, who is expected to start Thursday.
UPDATE: Stanton hit another home run today and had three RBIs in a 5-1 win over the Mississippi Braves.
Stanton is the No. 1 prospect among position players in the minor leagues. Entering Monday, Stanton was hitting .354 with 12 home runs and 26 RBIs. He leads the entire minor leagues in homers and the Southern League in RBIs. The 20-year-old had three home runs and seven RBIs in a game last week. The previous three-homer game in the Southern League was in July 2007. Stanton also has more walks (25) than strikeouts (24).
Sanabia is 2-0 with a 1.15 ERA and is 5-for-5 in quality starts this season. Hitters have a .179 average against the 21-year-old, who is expected to start Thursday.
UPDATE: Stanton hit another home run today and had three RBIs in a 5-1 win over the Mississippi Braves.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Cobb coming to Biscuits; O'Malley still on DL
Pitcher Alex Cobb is on his way up from extended spring training. Cobb didn't break camp because of an oblique injury. He was 8-5 with a 3.03 ERA in 124 2/3 innings last year for the vaunted Charlotte Stone Crabs.
Also, shortstop Shawn O'Malley, though listed as active on Montgomery's roster by Minor League Baseball, remains on the disabled list. (I've also noticed that the MiLB roster still lists Ryan Royster, too.
Also, shortstop Shawn O'Malley, though listed as active on Montgomery's roster by Minor League Baseball, remains on the disabled list. (I've also noticed that the MiLB roster still lists Ryan Royster, too.
O'Malley activated to take Royster's roster spot
Shortstop Shawn O'Malley has been activated off Montgomery's disabled list after outfielder Ryan Royster left the team to have back surgery. O'Malley hasn't been in the lineup since April 18 and hasn't played in the field since April 11 due to a shoulder injury.
Did I miss the announcement of this holiday?
Me thinks it may be some sort of national Make Fun of Tampa Bay's Attendance Day. Sounds like a fine holiday. Deserved, too. Easy to decide on the proper attire: Dress as an empty seat.
Chicago Tribune
Seattle Times
St. Pete Times
Chicago Tribune
The Trop is not a palace, we'll give you that. But neither its hermetically sealed nature nor the drive to get there is a good reason for not supporting a team that is arguably the easiest to love in the majors.
Seattle Times
If a pennant race falls in an empty stadium, does anyone hear it?
St. Pete Times
As exciting, rewarding, confidence-boosting and crowds-drawing (oops, skip that one) as the Rays' April was, it was just April.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Sunday's game canceled
Don't worry about Sunday's game at West Tenn, either. It's already been postponed because of weather. The Biscuits and Jaxx will still play a doubleheader Monday.
Chattanooga prospect busted for drugs
Chattanooga Lookouts outfielder Andrew Lambo, the seventh-ranked prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers' system by Baseball America, was suspended for 50 games today.
Lambo tested positive for a "drug of abuse" and this is his second offense, according to the Major League Baseball release. A first offense is confidential and leads only to counseling and treatment.
The 21-year-old was also caught smoking marijuana as a high school sophomore, according to the annual Baseball America Prospect Handbook.
Lambo, LA's No. 1 prospect a year ago, was hitting .342 with 13 RBIs and 16 runs scored in 19 games this season.
Lambo tested positive for a "drug of abuse" and this is his second offense, according to the Major League Baseball release. A first offense is confidential and leads only to counseling and treatment.
The 21-year-old was also caught smoking marijuana as a high school sophomore, according to the annual Baseball America Prospect Handbook.
Lambo, LA's No. 1 prospect a year ago, was hitting .342 with 13 RBIs and 16 runs scored in 19 games this season.
Biscuits washed; twinbill Monday
Montgomery's game tonight at West Tenn has been rained out and will be made up as part of a doubleheader Monday.
Sunday's game begins at 2:05 p.m. and Monday's play starts at 11:05 a.m. -- as previously scheduled. But Monday will now feature two seven-inning games.
Sunday's game begins at 2:05 p.m. and Monday's play starts at 11:05 a.m. -- as previously scheduled. But Monday will now feature two seven-inning games.
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