Sunday, 11:59 p.m.
Dear Diary,
In one minute, Day 7 ends. Then it will be Day 8. On Day 8, I get to go home.
Spring training was three days shorter this year than last year, but just as action packed. I got a lot done, wrote some interesting stories -- at least, I hope you think I wrote some interesting stories. And I had more fun than last year. Spring training was very tough on me last year. It wore me down mentally and physically. I didn't get to have much fun and all work felt like pulling teeth since I didn't really know any of the players or front office.
This year, my familiarity with the personnel and the atmosphere made it much simpler. I almost can't believe we're done. I wouldn't mind staying a few extra days in Florida. If the Atlantic League wanted to expand to, say, Orlando in the next couple seasons, I would not object. The Orlando Mickeys, anyone?
I have a morning flight out and the dude at the front desk said traffic to Tampa is rough in the morning -- rough by Tampa standards is probably what you usually see at 2 p.m. on 287 -- but I'm getting an early start just in case.
I must say, I'm pretty disappointed that NOBODY commented on my Bernie Williams story. I worked really hard to get that story because I thought the Yankees fans in Central Jersey would appreciate it, but I get more responses to my diary entries about what I'm eating, how I'm feeling and who I'm hanging around. I thought it would cause a little more of a buzz than it did. The only where I know it caused a buzz is at my buddy's wedding where some of my colleagues were discussing it.
Congratulations, Kaz and enjoy the honeymoon. I asked Sparky to charter a jet home and be my date at the wedding but he wasn't interested.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
$8,000 a month
That's the most astounding fact that sticks out from the story in the Edmonton Sun about Ryan Radmanovich. The Courier News first reported Radmanovich leaving the team on Thursday. Radmanovich told me he expected to exceed the Atlantic League's maximum salary of $3,000 a month between his playing salary and sponsorship opportunities, but $8,0o0 is almost three times what he made in Somerset. Who can blame Rad now?
Here is the Edmonton Sun's story
http://www.edmontonsun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2007/04/27/4134041-sun.html
Here is the Edmonton Sun's story
http://www.edmontonsun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2007/04/27/4134041-sun.html
Somerset Yankees
It's an honest coincidence that I have so much Yankees coverage in the Courier News today. I've planned on doing this story on the Yankees prospects taking over Somerset for weeks now, and it just happened to run on the same day as the Bernie Williams speculation story. Anyway, its a Bombers fan's delight. Here are the links:
Prospects
Chart
Bernie
Enjoy!
Prospects
Chart
Bernie
Enjoy!
Day 6/Bernie Williams
5:06 p.m., Saturday
The Atlantic League rumor mill was in full effect today. Last year, the Tiger Town complex was abuzz during Atlantic League spring training with rumors of Juan Gonzalez possibly joining the league. That move eventually happened, but not until July.
THE BIG NEWS TODAY INVOLVED BERNIE WILLIAMS' NAME.
The idea of Patriots owner Steve Kalafer calling Yankees manager Joe Torre was floating around Saturday afternoon. Kalafer and Torre are longtime close friends, and Torre recently said that Williams “just needs to go play baseball somewhere.”
CHECK SUNDAY'S PAPER FOR THOUGHTS FROM KALAFER, PATRIOTS MANAGER SPARKY LYLE AND DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PROCUREMENT BRETT JODIE
MY THOUGHTS: In a dreamer's world, this is a perfect match. Williams is the kind of high-profile player the Atlantic League salivates over. The only difference here is that Williams has the personality to match his celebrity. Both Lyle and Jodie -- who briefly teamed with Williams in 2001 -- spoke of Williams' class, but that's no news to Yankees fans of past 16 years.
Williams' presence would pack Commerce Bank Ballpark and you could certainly see him taking the time to sign autographs and recognize the Yankees fan base in Central Jersey.
Torre and Kalafer are friends, and I'm surprised the Yankees don't use the Patriots as an additional farm team more often -- especially in a case like this where it does not make sense to disrupt their own Triple-A lineup.
HOWEVER, I don't see this really happening. The Atlantic League is designed to display players for all possible suitors, not just one. And since Bernie has made it clear that he only wants to play for the Yankees, he might still hold out for a spot with their big-league team or a spot in Triple-A with a guaranteed call-up within two weeks.
Bottom line: Somerset fans will have to continue to wait for their next marquee name player. Tim Raines' seven games in 2000 feels like a century ago, but don't put all your eggs in Bernie's basket just yet.
The Atlantic League rumor mill was in full effect today. Last year, the Tiger Town complex was abuzz during Atlantic League spring training with rumors of Juan Gonzalez possibly joining the league. That move eventually happened, but not until July.
THE BIG NEWS TODAY INVOLVED BERNIE WILLIAMS' NAME.
The idea of Patriots owner Steve Kalafer calling Yankees manager Joe Torre was floating around Saturday afternoon. Kalafer and Torre are longtime close friends, and Torre recently said that Williams “just needs to go play baseball somewhere.”
CHECK SUNDAY'S PAPER FOR THOUGHTS FROM KALAFER, PATRIOTS MANAGER SPARKY LYLE AND DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PROCUREMENT BRETT JODIE
MY THOUGHTS: In a dreamer's world, this is a perfect match. Williams is the kind of high-profile player the Atlantic League salivates over. The only difference here is that Williams has the personality to match his celebrity. Both Lyle and Jodie -- who briefly teamed with Williams in 2001 -- spoke of Williams' class, but that's no news to Yankees fans of past 16 years.
Williams' presence would pack Commerce Bank Ballpark and you could certainly see him taking the time to sign autographs and recognize the Yankees fan base in Central Jersey.
Torre and Kalafer are friends, and I'm surprised the Yankees don't use the Patriots as an additional farm team more often -- especially in a case like this where it does not make sense to disrupt their own Triple-A lineup.
HOWEVER, I don't see this really happening. The Atlantic League is designed to display players for all possible suitors, not just one. And since Bernie has made it clear that he only wants to play for the Yankees, he might still hold out for a spot with their big-league team or a spot in Triple-A with a guaranteed call-up within two weeks.
Bottom line: Somerset fans will have to continue to wait for their next marquee name player. Tim Raines' seven games in 2000 feels like a century ago, but don't put all your eggs in Bernie's basket just yet.
Friday, April 27, 2007
11:02 p.m., Friday
Working hard or hardly working? I always hated that saying until I saw Office Space. And yes, I did know it before Office Space. And yes, I did not see Office Space for the first time until recently. Anyway, I'm working hard, but my goal for tomorrow is to go in the pool. It looks so nice from my chair in the lobby. I like to set my goals high.
The Pats play York on Saturday morning. I'm looking forward to seeing the new team and meeting their beat writer, Jim Seip. I talked to him before spring training started and I want to see his first impressions of the league.
Keep the posts coming.
I had the Tour of Italy night -- a little fettucine alfredo, chicken parm and lasagna. It was delicious, but I'm already dreaming about having a steak somewhere tomorrow. My dad and I eat steak every Saturday night, so this filet mignon goes out to him!
Working hard or hardly working? I always hated that saying until I saw Office Space. And yes, I did know it before Office Space. And yes, I did not see Office Space for the first time until recently. Anyway, I'm working hard, but my goal for tomorrow is to go in the pool. It looks so nice from my chair in the lobby. I like to set my goals high.
The Pats play York on Saturday morning. I'm looking forward to seeing the new team and meeting their beat writer, Jim Seip. I talked to him before spring training started and I want to see his first impressions of the league.
Keep the posts coming.
I had the Tour of Italy night -- a little fettucine alfredo, chicken parm and lasagna. It was delicious, but I'm already dreaming about having a steak somewhere tomorrow. My dad and I eat steak every Saturday night, so this filet mignon goes out to him!
Day 5
6:16 p.m. Friday
I'm used to not having much of a social life on Friday nights -- 7:05 Patriots games, high school football and girls basketball -- but tonight is going to give new meaning to locking myself in my room.
Did I mention I hate 1 p.m. spring training start times? They ruin the whole day. The games don't end until 4 p.m. and by the time you are done interviewing, you don't get back to the hotel until 5.
That doesn't leave me a whole lot of time to write a notebook, feature and special section stuff. Plus, at some point I want to eat dinner.
I'm thinking Tour of Italy take-out from Olive Garden. The perfect trio. Plus, I'll never go on a real tour of Italy, so at least this way I sound fancy. I am 75 percent Italian, however. If you didn't know, you can probably tell from the marina stain on the shorts I'm wearing now.
Most of the Patriots front office staff arrived today. It's like a big family reunion in the hotel lobby. Handshakes, kisses and small talk galore. Team dinner at a steakhouse tomorrow night.
For those baseball lovers like myself, big news today. The Patriots won 14-6 against Long Island. The Ducks played without Edgardo Alfonso, but it would not have mattered the way the Pats were swinging the bat. Three home runs, enough hits that I lost count and some good pitching. Former Immaculata standout Casey Cahill threw a scoreless inning and right-hander Chris Rojas threw the first three innings and got the win, allowing one run.
The team added former major leaguers Jose Morban and Jeff Tam on Friday. Morban can play almost anywhere and Tam is a short reliever. The bullpen is already crowded, but Tam's veteran smarts are a welcome addition. As for Morban, it is unclear where he fits into the puzzle. He certainly is good enough to play every day, but the Patriots already have nine regulars. For more on this dilemma, check out Saturday's paper.
Back to work. This was my break time. Don't feel bad for me though. It's 80 and sunny hear and I have the option of working by the pool and getting a tan or working in the air conditioned lobby. Not exactly Sophie's Choice.
I'm used to not having much of a social life on Friday nights -- 7:05 Patriots games, high school football and girls basketball -- but tonight is going to give new meaning to locking myself in my room.
Did I mention I hate 1 p.m. spring training start times? They ruin the whole day. The games don't end until 4 p.m. and by the time you are done interviewing, you don't get back to the hotel until 5.
That doesn't leave me a whole lot of time to write a notebook, feature and special section stuff. Plus, at some point I want to eat dinner.
I'm thinking Tour of Italy take-out from Olive Garden. The perfect trio. Plus, I'll never go on a real tour of Italy, so at least this way I sound fancy. I am 75 percent Italian, however. If you didn't know, you can probably tell from the marina stain on the shorts I'm wearing now.
Most of the Patriots front office staff arrived today. It's like a big family reunion in the hotel lobby. Handshakes, kisses and small talk galore. Team dinner at a steakhouse tomorrow night.
For those baseball lovers like myself, big news today. The Patriots won 14-6 against Long Island. The Ducks played without Edgardo Alfonso, but it would not have mattered the way the Pats were swinging the bat. Three home runs, enough hits that I lost count and some good pitching. Former Immaculata standout Casey Cahill threw a scoreless inning and right-hander Chris Rojas threw the first three innings and got the win, allowing one run.
The team added former major leaguers Jose Morban and Jeff Tam on Friday. Morban can play almost anywhere and Tam is a short reliever. The bullpen is already crowded, but Tam's veteran smarts are a welcome addition. As for Morban, it is unclear where he fits into the puzzle. He certainly is good enough to play every day, but the Patriots already have nine regulars. For more on this dilemma, check out Saturday's paper.
Back to work. This was my break time. Don't feel bad for me though. It's 80 and sunny hear and I have the option of working by the pool and getting a tan or working in the air conditioned lobby. Not exactly Sophie's Choice.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Day 4
Thursday, 4:15 p.m.
Dear Diary,
Finally, some baseball news to report.
The Patriots lost 6-1 to the Bridgeport Bluefish in their spring training opener Thursday morning.
The game looked a lot like many of the team's games from last season, and that's not a good sign.
Jeff Nettles' RBI groundout in the first inning produced the only run.
Former Patriot Tommy Rojas hit a three-run home run in the second inning against Somerset starter Brian Reith, and the Bluefish rallied for three third-inning runs against Andy Van Hekken.
Van Hekken actually pitched OK, but two errors by his infield on routine grounders started the rally. The damage could have been worse, but Van Hekken got three straight outs with runners on second and third.
The Patriots bullpen looked very strong, and the highlight was Phil Norton's 1-2-3 inning on 4 pitches.
As for the roster, the team has added right-handed reliever Jeff Tam and outfielder Anton French. Tam will join the team Friday and French will meet them in New Jersey.
As for me, quiet day so far. I loaded up on Claritan and Tylenol PM last night and slept like a baby. Nearly fried myself in the sun at the field because I forgot to wear sunscreen. Classic Ryan. Even when my mom packs my sunscreen for me, I forget to wear it.
After the game, Matt and I went to Lone Star steakhouse and arguably the worst service of all time. Remember when you could crack peanuts and your table and throw the shells on the floor at Lone Star? That was great stuff. I once saw a guy slip and fall on those shells. Come to think of it, it wasn't too long after that incident that they stopped the idea. Must have been happening everywhere.
I tried writing today's story in the sun by the pool but then I started panicking my computer would not be able to take the sun. I know a reporter who once let his computer get destroyed by a foul ball at a baseball game and didn't want to duplicate such a dubious feat.
So I came inside, but not before some Patriots staffers got a digital photo of me working out there with my shirt off. Let's hope that one doesn't end up on Myspace. There's enough spam out there already.
Love,
Ryan
Dear Diary,
Finally, some baseball news to report.
The Patriots lost 6-1 to the Bridgeport Bluefish in their spring training opener Thursday morning.
The game looked a lot like many of the team's games from last season, and that's not a good sign.
Jeff Nettles' RBI groundout in the first inning produced the only run.
Former Patriot Tommy Rojas hit a three-run home run in the second inning against Somerset starter Brian Reith, and the Bluefish rallied for three third-inning runs against Andy Van Hekken.
Van Hekken actually pitched OK, but two errors by his infield on routine grounders started the rally. The damage could have been worse, but Van Hekken got three straight outs with runners on second and third.
The Patriots bullpen looked very strong, and the highlight was Phil Norton's 1-2-3 inning on 4 pitches.
As for the roster, the team has added right-handed reliever Jeff Tam and outfielder Anton French. Tam will join the team Friday and French will meet them in New Jersey.
As for me, quiet day so far. I loaded up on Claritan and Tylenol PM last night and slept like a baby. Nearly fried myself in the sun at the field because I forgot to wear sunscreen. Classic Ryan. Even when my mom packs my sunscreen for me, I forget to wear it.
After the game, Matt and I went to Lone Star steakhouse and arguably the worst service of all time. Remember when you could crack peanuts and your table and throw the shells on the floor at Lone Star? That was great stuff. I once saw a guy slip and fall on those shells. Come to think of it, it wasn't too long after that incident that they stopped the idea. Must have been happening everywhere.
I tried writing today's story in the sun by the pool but then I started panicking my computer would not be able to take the sun. I know a reporter who once let his computer get destroyed by a foul ball at a baseball game and didn't want to duplicate such a dubious feat.
So I came inside, but not before some Patriots staffers got a digital photo of me working out there with my shirt off. Let's hope that one doesn't end up on Myspace. There's enough spam out there already.
Love,
Ryan
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
7:23, Wednessday
Dear Diary,
Nothing much happened at practice. The team ran through the same drills as yesterday. Pitchers fielding bunts, covering first on grounders. Hitters fielding grounders and taking BP.
Should be a lot more to write/talk about after Thursday's opening game against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Brian Reith is making the start for Somerset. Still no sight of outfielder Adrian Brown. Good news is no pitchers retired today. Spring training total still stands at two.
Matt and I went to Hooters after practice and I ordered a grilled cheese and buffalo wings. That's notable because it's the same meal I had at the same Hooters last year during spring training. And that's notable because last year as I was eating it, my tooth fell out.
Yes, a 24-year-old boy loosing teeth at Hooters. Needless to say, this was not a great way to start up a conversation with a Hooters waitress.
Ryan: Excuse me, miss.
Waitress: Yes?
Ryan: Do you have a napkin?
Waitress: (Hoping I want her phone number) Sure. What for?
Ryan: My tooth fell out and I have to wrap it up and put it in my luggage to bring back to NJ.
Waitress: Ew.
Parts of that conversation are true. Parts are made up. If you think the waitress really wanted to give me her phone number, I've got some sleeping pills I'd like to sell you.
Love,
Ryan
Dear Diary,
Nothing much happened at practice. The team ran through the same drills as yesterday. Pitchers fielding bunts, covering first on grounders. Hitters fielding grounders and taking BP.
Should be a lot more to write/talk about after Thursday's opening game against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Brian Reith is making the start for Somerset. Still no sight of outfielder Adrian Brown. Good news is no pitchers retired today. Spring training total still stands at two.
Matt and I went to Hooters after practice and I ordered a grilled cheese and buffalo wings. That's notable because it's the same meal I had at the same Hooters last year during spring training. And that's notable because last year as I was eating it, my tooth fell out.
Yes, a 24-year-old boy loosing teeth at Hooters. Needless to say, this was not a great way to start up a conversation with a Hooters waitress.
Ryan: Excuse me, miss.
Waitress: Yes?
Ryan: Do you have a napkin?
Waitress: (Hoping I want her phone number) Sure. What for?
Ryan: My tooth fell out and I have to wrap it up and put it in my luggage to bring back to NJ.
Waitress: Ew.
Parts of that conversation are true. Parts are made up. If you think the waitress really wanted to give me her phone number, I've got some sleeping pills I'd like to sell you.
Love,
Ryan
Day 3
10:15 a.m., Wednesday
Dear Diary,
I'm sitting in the Patriots dugout -- well, its not dug in anywhere so its more actually more of a bench behind a chain-link fence -- watching the Patriots get loose for practice.
Matt and I went to the Yankees-Tampa Bay Devil Rays game last night. Tropicana Field really is ugly from the outside and the playing surface -- I think it's the carpet from my old college apartment -- is hideous.
But the actual inside of the ballpark is pretty nice. The restaurant in center field is a good touch, there is plenty of room to walk around, its very clean and there is a bathroom every 5 feet. It might be the only stadium in America where it is impossible to wait in line for the bathroom. That's an underrated amenity.
That's the end of the compliments. The parking situation is reflective of the public's opinion of the organization as a whole. Very sloppy, confusing and mismanaged. The stadium was about 3/4 full, but every lot we tried to get in was pre-paid passes only or full. One attendant wanted us to park 18 blocks away from the stadium. FOR A DEVIL RAYS GAME. We got them in the end, however, as we parked close to the stadium in one of those pre-paid lots for free. The only "free" lots in the Bronx cost you your hubcaps.
As for me, I got a whopping six hours of sleep last night. That's a lot after the night before. I feel like a new man, which is a good feeling considering I watched Desperate Housewives on the Internet earlier.
Love,
Ryan
Dear Diary,
I'm sitting in the Patriots dugout -- well, its not dug in anywhere so its more actually more of a bench behind a chain-link fence -- watching the Patriots get loose for practice.
Matt and I went to the Yankees-Tampa Bay Devil Rays game last night. Tropicana Field really is ugly from the outside and the playing surface -- I think it's the carpet from my old college apartment -- is hideous.
But the actual inside of the ballpark is pretty nice. The restaurant in center field is a good touch, there is plenty of room to walk around, its very clean and there is a bathroom every 5 feet. It might be the only stadium in America where it is impossible to wait in line for the bathroom. That's an underrated amenity.
That's the end of the compliments. The parking situation is reflective of the public's opinion of the organization as a whole. Very sloppy, confusing and mismanaged. The stadium was about 3/4 full, but every lot we tried to get in was pre-paid passes only or full. One attendant wanted us to park 18 blocks away from the stadium. FOR A DEVIL RAYS GAME. We got them in the end, however, as we parked close to the stadium in one of those pre-paid lots for free. The only "free" lots in the Bronx cost you your hubcaps.
As for me, I got a whopping six hours of sleep last night. That's a lot after the night before. I feel like a new man, which is a good feeling considering I watched Desperate Housewives on the Internet earlier.
Love,
Ryan
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Day One/Two
12:04 p.m., Tuesday
Dear Diary,
I got to Lakeland at 11 last night and fulfilled my need for Steak 'N Shake immediately. I scarfed down a cheese and bacon double and oreo shake before even moving my luggage from the trunk of the Chevy Cobalt to my room -- which overlooks an IHOP.
The plan was to go to bed early since Courier News photographer Matt Apgar and I had to be at the ballpark for team photos by 8 a.m.
For the first time in my life, however, I got no sleep. You know how someone says, 'I got no sleep last night,' and you assume that means they slept very little. Well, I got NO SLEEP. I laid in bed starting at the bumpy patterned ceiling for 6.5 hours.
Not sure why I couldn't sleep. Excited? Nah, I came to spring training last year. Stressed? I'm pretty on top of my REALLY HEAVY work load right now. Not tired? I had trouble sleeping the night before, too, so it wasn't that.
Either way, here is a list of some of the extremely random things that raced through my mind while laying in bed.
Jerry Lewis' telethon; calling my mom and complaining about how I can't sleep; my mom's panicked reaction to that news; calling my girlfriend and telling and complaining about how I can't sleep; my girlfriend getting mad that I woke her up at 5 a.m. to complain; how many other people in the hotel were up and about (2, I checked at one point); Arena League Football; Patrick Ewing's blown layup in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers; chicken wings at Hooters; how to throw a curveball; potential fantasy baseball sleepers; the movie Flashdance; why Pepsi Co. does not have a bottled water product.
I am very tired now as I prepare to head back to the stadium for 1 p.m. practice, BUT HERE IS SOME BASEBALL NEWS.
Patriots pitchers Josh Stewart and Tony Mounce, both former major leaguers, reported to camp Tuesday morning and promptly quit. Both informed the team's coaching staff that they "did not feel they belonged" there.
Pitching is always short in the Atlantic League, but being shorthanded before the first practice pitch of the season does not bode well for the future.
I wonder if Stewart and Mounce lost any sleep over their decisions. If they did, I certainly did not find any of their lost sleep.
Love,
Ryan
Dear Diary,
I got to Lakeland at 11 last night and fulfilled my need for Steak 'N Shake immediately. I scarfed down a cheese and bacon double and oreo shake before even moving my luggage from the trunk of the Chevy Cobalt to my room -- which overlooks an IHOP.
The plan was to go to bed early since Courier News photographer Matt Apgar and I had to be at the ballpark for team photos by 8 a.m.
For the first time in my life, however, I got no sleep. You know how someone says, 'I got no sleep last night,' and you assume that means they slept very little. Well, I got NO SLEEP. I laid in bed starting at the bumpy patterned ceiling for 6.5 hours.
Not sure why I couldn't sleep. Excited? Nah, I came to spring training last year. Stressed? I'm pretty on top of my REALLY HEAVY work load right now. Not tired? I had trouble sleeping the night before, too, so it wasn't that.
Either way, here is a list of some of the extremely random things that raced through my mind while laying in bed.
Jerry Lewis' telethon; calling my mom and complaining about how I can't sleep; my mom's panicked reaction to that news; calling my girlfriend and telling and complaining about how I can't sleep; my girlfriend getting mad that I woke her up at 5 a.m. to complain; how many other people in the hotel were up and about (2, I checked at one point); Arena League Football; Patrick Ewing's blown layup in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers; chicken wings at Hooters; how to throw a curveball; potential fantasy baseball sleepers; the movie Flashdance; why Pepsi Co. does not have a bottled water product.
I am very tired now as I prepare to head back to the stadium for 1 p.m. practice, BUT HERE IS SOME BASEBALL NEWS.
Patriots pitchers Josh Stewart and Tony Mounce, both former major leaguers, reported to camp Tuesday morning and promptly quit. Both informed the team's coaching staff that they "did not feel they belonged" there.
Pitching is always short in the Atlantic League, but being shorthanded before the first practice pitch of the season does not bode well for the future.
I wonder if Stewart and Mounce lost any sleep over their decisions. If they did, I certainly did not find any of their lost sleep.
Love,
Ryan
Lakeland, Fla.
For those who don't know, I am stationed in Lakeland, Fla. for Atlantic League spring training from April 23-30. I will be writing this blog as a diary. It's an experiment. Hopefully a funny one. I've had some past success with writing schtick.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Rutgers' Brownlie in Atlantic League
Former Rutgers University star Bobby Brownlie will sign a contract with the Newark Bears this weekend. A 26-year-old former first-round draft choice of the Chicago Cubs, Brownlie had electric stuff -- a hard fastball and a 12-6 curveball -- in college but really never panned out with the Cubs. This is a very, very good signing for Newark. The Bears are always strapped for pitching, and if Brownlie is 85% of what he was in college, he'll be a solid Atlantic Leaguer.
Here is my story on Brownlie.
Here is a much more in-depth story on Brownlie from Home News Tribune writer Greg Tufaro, who has been covering Brownlie since he was a 16-year-old stud on Edison High School.
The Somerset Patriots made a play for Brownlie, but the right-hander and his agent choose Newark.
“We had interest in Bobby and had some discussions about him," Patriots president and general manager Patrick McVerry said. "We’re disappointed, but we wish him the best with Newark.”
Here is my story on Brownlie.
Here is a much more in-depth story on Brownlie from Home News Tribune writer Greg Tufaro, who has been covering Brownlie since he was a 16-year-old stud on Edison High School.
The Somerset Patriots made a play for Brownlie, but the right-hander and his agent choose Newark.
“We had interest in Bobby and had some discussions about him," Patriots president and general manager Patrick McVerry said. "We’re disappointed, but we wish him the best with Newark.”
Monday, April 16, 2007
What Are They Thinking?
The first WATT goes to the Nashua Pride, who, according to this story, want to unretire Glenn Murray's number. Murray, a hitting coach for the Lancaster Barnstormers, arguably is the best hitter in Atlantic League history. He is the league's all-time home run leader and he dominated pitching pitching staffs for seven seasons. Now, after the team made a huge deal about retiring Murray's No. 34 last season, the Pride want to give it to former Red Sox reliever Rich Garces. Simply put, this is a disaster. DON'T RETIRE SOMEONE'S NUMBER IF YOU WANT TO GIVE IT SOMEONE ELSE LESS THAN A YEAR LATER.
The second WATT goes to Murray, who fulfilled a journalist's dream with some of his quotes in the story. As a preview:
“I basically said if you have to ask me, then use it,” Murray said. “But (Garces) doesn’t have the big-league time to pull my number from Nashua. Maybe from another team, but not from Nashua. I just left it as is. He (VP of baseball operations Chris Hall) was like, ‘It’s up to you.’ But it’s not up to me, because if you’re asking me, don’t ask me. You’ve already retired it. If you let him use it, don’t put it back up there. Take it down. That’s my attitude.“What’s the question? There shouldn’t be a question. Rich Garces, OK, yeah, he’s a big-league player, but even if he plays four more years in the big leagues, he’s not going to the Hall of Fame. They’re not going to retire his number. Michael Jordan came back (from retirement) and used 45. He didn’t even use his own number.”
It's good to see Murray cares that much about the Atlantic League, but let's keep things in perspective here. It's not like the Red Sox retired his number. Plus, the Pride are in a different league now, so it's almost like a new franchise without a history.
The second WATT goes to Murray, who fulfilled a journalist's dream with some of his quotes in the story. As a preview:
“I basically said if you have to ask me, then use it,” Murray said. “But (Garces) doesn’t have the big-league time to pull my number from Nashua. Maybe from another team, but not from Nashua. I just left it as is. He (VP of baseball operations Chris Hall) was like, ‘It’s up to you.’ But it’s not up to me, because if you’re asking me, don’t ask me. You’ve already retired it. If you let him use it, don’t put it back up there. Take it down. That’s my attitude.“What’s the question? There shouldn’t be a question. Rich Garces, OK, yeah, he’s a big-league player, but even if he plays four more years in the big leagues, he’s not going to the Hall of Fame. They’re not going to retire his number. Michael Jordan came back (from retirement) and used 45. He didn’t even use his own number.”
It's good to see Murray cares that much about the Atlantic League, but let's keep things in perspective here. It's not like the Red Sox retired his number. Plus, the Pride are in a different league now, so it's almost like a new franchise without a history.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Ducks at it again
The Long Island Ducks -- the same team who brought you John Rocker, Henry Rodriguez and Juan Gonzalez -- are at it again.
This year the Ducks have added former Mets Richard Hidalgo and Edgardo Alfonso, and much more is likely on the way.
Alfonso played a handful of games for the Bridgeport Bluefish last season before returning to the Mets organization.
The Gonzalez and Rocker signings backfired big-time for the Ducks, while Henry Rodriguez was a solid Atlantic Leaguer for two seasons.
My take is that Hidalgo and Alfonso also will be good additions.
But as the league has shown us time and time again, big stars do not always mean big victory totals. The Somerset Patriots have won three Atlantic League crowns without any true stars.
The Ducks have won one, and were swept out of the playoffs last season by the Bridgeport Bluefish.
Looking forward to spring training.
This year the Ducks have added former Mets Richard Hidalgo and Edgardo Alfonso, and much more is likely on the way.
Alfonso played a handful of games for the Bridgeport Bluefish last season before returning to the Mets organization.
The Gonzalez and Rocker signings backfired big-time for the Ducks, while Henry Rodriguez was a solid Atlantic Leaguer for two seasons.
My take is that Hidalgo and Alfonso also will be good additions.
But as the league has shown us time and time again, big stars do not always mean big victory totals. The Somerset Patriots have won three Atlantic League crowns without any true stars.
The Ducks have won one, and were swept out of the playoffs last season by the Bridgeport Bluefish.
Looking forward to spring training.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Major-league flavor in Somerset
The Somerset Patriots signed their first big newcomer of the season Monday when they announced the addition of former major-league infielder Danny Garcia, who played 77 major-league games with the 2003 and 2004 Mets and spent last season at Triple-A for the Yankees.
I spoke with Garcia on Monday night, and he seemed determined to make his first trip to independent baseball a short one. Garica is 23 months removed from surgery on his labrum.
Former Patriot Charles Poe, a coach in the Toronto Blue Jays organization, set up Garcia with Patriots hitting coach Kevin Dattola and the rest is history.
Two weeks shy of his 27th birthday, Garcia certainly is young enough to be an appealing candidate for a major-league team. It only took him 2 1/2 minor-league seasons to reach the majors the first time, so he clearly has the tools.
"I really just want everybody to remember that that's what I was right before this surgery happened," Garcia said. "That's who I am and it's where I'm going again."
Here are some of Garcia's thoughts on other things:
On May 17, 2005, the day he underwent surgery:
"That's the day my life got thrown off track."
On the Mets organization:
"My heart is always going to be with the Mets because that's where it all started. They're the team that gave me opportunity to be a big-league player."
On the Yankees organization:
"They are run how you think they would be run. Kudos to the Yankees in terms of how things are run. They gave me the chance to get back into baseball last year."
***With Garcia in, former Patriots second baseman George Sandel is out. Sandel, who spent the past two seasons with Somerset, said Monday that he is working on a contract with the Northern League's Edmonton Cracker Cats. Former Patriot pitcher Mike Johnson already signed with Edmonton, and Sandel said the two might not be done recruiting other former Patriots.
I spoke with Garcia on Monday night, and he seemed determined to make his first trip to independent baseball a short one. Garica is 23 months removed from surgery on his labrum.
Former Patriot Charles Poe, a coach in the Toronto Blue Jays organization, set up Garcia with Patriots hitting coach Kevin Dattola and the rest is history.
Two weeks shy of his 27th birthday, Garcia certainly is young enough to be an appealing candidate for a major-league team. It only took him 2 1/2 minor-league seasons to reach the majors the first time, so he clearly has the tools.
"I really just want everybody to remember that that's what I was right before this surgery happened," Garcia said. "That's who I am and it's where I'm going again."
Here are some of Garcia's thoughts on other things:
On May 17, 2005, the day he underwent surgery:
"That's the day my life got thrown off track."
On the Mets organization:
"My heart is always going to be with the Mets because that's where it all started. They're the team that gave me opportunity to be a big-league player."
On the Yankees organization:
"They are run how you think they would be run. Kudos to the Yankees in terms of how things are run. They gave me the chance to get back into baseball last year."
***With Garcia in, former Patriots second baseman George Sandel is out. Sandel, who spent the past two seasons with Somerset, said Monday that he is working on a contract with the Northern League's Edmonton Cracker Cats. Former Patriot pitcher Mike Johnson already signed with Edmonton, and Sandel said the two might not be done recruiting other former Patriots.
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