While no other major-league organization has signed more than one Atlantic Leaguer, the Philadelphia Phillies now have signed four!!! All pitchers.
That leads me to one of two conclusions:
a) The Phillies scouting department is a disaster and they are trying to cover past mistakes with other team's former prospects.
b) The Phillies scout the independent leagues better than most teams.
I lean toward the first option -- especially after talking to my college buddy who is a MAJOR Phillies fan. He said he is considering moving to San Diego and becoming Padres fan.
Anyway, the pitchers the Phils have signed are:
1) Jason Anderson (Somerset Patriots)
2) R.J. Swindle (Newark Bears)
3) J.J. Trujillo (Bears)
4) Chris Rojas (Patriots)
Rojas is the latest to go, getting the call during Thursday afternoon's game against the road Warriors. The right-hander was 2-2 with a 3.14 ERA in 5 starts for the Patriots this season and is expected to report Triple-A Ottawa.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
The New Newark Bears
The slogan is catching on in the Bears press box and I like it.
The Bears are just 1/2 game behind Bridgeport in the Atlantic League North Division, looking to capture their first playoff berth since winning the league championship in 2002.
At 13-7, the Bears are six games above .500 for the first time since the end of that 2002 season.
Pitching -- the franchise's long time bugaboo -- is at the front of the resurgence. With a league-leading 2.97 earned-run average and five shutouts in 20 games, the Bears are a shell of their former selves -- and that is a good thing.
The unusual game times -- 3 p.m. Sundays and 5:05 Tuesdays -- should work for the Bears attendance-wise, capturing group audiences while they are still in the area.
The Bears and Patriots played the most memorable championship series in league history in 2001 and with both teams possibly playoff-bound again, who wouldn't like a Rt. 287/280 series this season? Well, the Atlantic League attendance watchers for one.
Of course, I'd be foolish not to mention the second best press box meal I've had this year. Next to Commerce Bank Ballpark's Zupko's in Dunellen, this Applebee's Carside to Go was the best. Mozzarella sticks, chicken strips, fries and a pile of lettuce (supposed to be a salad) -- all very tasty.
It's a new era in Newark.
The Bears are just 1/2 game behind Bridgeport in the Atlantic League North Division, looking to capture their first playoff berth since winning the league championship in 2002.
At 13-7, the Bears are six games above .500 for the first time since the end of that 2002 season.
Pitching -- the franchise's long time bugaboo -- is at the front of the resurgence. With a league-leading 2.97 earned-run average and five shutouts in 20 games, the Bears are a shell of their former selves -- and that is a good thing.
The unusual game times -- 3 p.m. Sundays and 5:05 Tuesdays -- should work for the Bears attendance-wise, capturing group audiences while they are still in the area.
The Bears and Patriots played the most memorable championship series in league history in 2001 and with both teams possibly playoff-bound again, who wouldn't like a Rt. 287/280 series this season? Well, the Atlantic League attendance watchers for one.
Of course, I'd be foolish not to mention the second best press box meal I've had this year. Next to Commerce Bank Ballpark's Zupko's in Dunellen, this Applebee's Carside to Go was the best. Mozzarella sticks, chicken strips, fries and a pile of lettuce (supposed to be a salad) -- all very tasty.
It's a new era in Newark.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Transaction train
Here's an update on the Patriots' latest moves -- there have been a couple recently.
-- Re-signed left-handed pitcher Keith Ramsey, who was 6-7 with a 3.76 ERA as a starter last season. Ramsey is expected to join the team Sunday in Newark.
-- Center fielder Anton French signed with the Mexican League's Tijuana Potros. He homered and doubled Thursday night for the Patriots in his last game. He has been placed on the inactive list and said he "hopes the door is open to return" in August.
-- Signed 39-year-old Triple-A veteran Alan Zinter. Zinter can play a multitude of positions and spent parts of two seasons in the majors. He was the Mets' first-round draft choice way back in 1989. He will join the team during Sunday's game in Newark.
-- Don't forget, the Patriots still have an agreement with former Yankees pitcher Brandon Knight. He is expected to join the team May 30 and could eventually become the closer once he loses his rust.
In the meantime, second baseman Danny Garcia is in right field for tonight's game at Bridgeport. Garcia played some center field at Triple-A for the Yankees last season, but was doing well at second so far this season. He is best known for playing second for the Mets during the bleak Art Howe years.
-- Re-signed left-handed pitcher Keith Ramsey, who was 6-7 with a 3.76 ERA as a starter last season. Ramsey is expected to join the team Sunday in Newark.
-- Center fielder Anton French signed with the Mexican League's Tijuana Potros. He homered and doubled Thursday night for the Patriots in his last game. He has been placed on the inactive list and said he "hopes the door is open to return" in August.
-- Signed 39-year-old Triple-A veteran Alan Zinter. Zinter can play a multitude of positions and spent parts of two seasons in the majors. He was the Mets' first-round draft choice way back in 1989. He will join the team during Sunday's game in Newark.
-- Don't forget, the Patriots still have an agreement with former Yankees pitcher Brandon Knight. He is expected to join the team May 30 and could eventually become the closer once he loses his rust.
In the meantime, second baseman Danny Garcia is in right field for tonight's game at Bridgeport. Garcia played some center field at Triple-A for the Yankees last season, but was doing well at second so far this season. He is best known for playing second for the Mets during the bleak Art Howe years.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Out in Bridgeport
Rumor has it Matthew Perry is staying at my hotel in Bridgeport. Why is this important? I'm not sure, but my girlfriend and I are huge Friends/Studio 60 fans, so seeing Chanandler Bong in person would be pretty cool. Not like those Friends fans who only know famous episodes and famous lines, but those ones who remember every guest star's character name and battle each other until death in Friends Scene It.
In other news from Bridgeport, the Patriots have placed infielder/outfielder Jose Morban on the disabled list. Morban has been hobbling around the field the past few days, so this is not a surprising move, but it could be a devastating one. After a slow start to the season, Morban had really come on of late, leading the team in batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage.
Also, the field in Bridgeport is currently in the worst shape of any I've seen in the Atlantic League in 2 years on the beat. It has not been raining or anything, so it is somewhat perplexing. Parts of the field -- especially in foul territory and by the pitcher's mound -- appear to be dirt pained green to match the grass. It's a shame because the Bluefish might be the best team in the league.
The crowd is very good for a non-weekend game in Bridgeport.
In other news from Bridgeport, the Patriots have placed infielder/outfielder Jose Morban on the disabled list. Morban has been hobbling around the field the past few days, so this is not a surprising move, but it could be a devastating one. After a slow start to the season, Morban had really come on of late, leading the team in batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage.
Also, the field in Bridgeport is currently in the worst shape of any I've seen in the Atlantic League in 2 years on the beat. It has not been raining or anything, so it is somewhat perplexing. Parts of the field -- especially in foul territory and by the pitcher's mound -- appear to be dirt pained green to match the grass. It's a shame because the Bluefish might be the best team in the league.
The crowd is very good for a non-weekend game in Bridgeport.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Clemens and Howard, Oh My
As this Associated Press story points out, two major-league stars -- Roger Clemens and Ryan Howard -- will be playing minor-league baseball in New Jersey on Wednesday. Clemens will suit up for Double-A Trenton at night and Howard for Single-A Lakewood in the morning.
The Somerset Patriots play host to the Bridgeport Bluefish at 7:05 Wednesday night.
Patriots team officials said that Trenton's attendance when other Yankees stars -- such as Derek Jeter -- are in town has not affected their attendance in the past. But with Trenton expecting about 3,000 more fans than its average attendance, I wonder where those fans are coming from. It can't all be Mercer County. Maybe Burlington, Camden.
I HIGHLY DOUBT those two games have any noticeable affect on Wednesday's attendance in Bridgewater, but the Patriots typically draw about 4,500 for a Wednesday game, so we'll see.
UPDATE: The Patriots drew only 3,52o for Wednesday's game. I'd be suspicious here, but the whole three-game series was around that number so I'm more inclined to attribute it to an early week series in May (when school is still in) than anything extraneous. Trenton did draw 9,000-plus, however.
Also, as a response to some comments, stories are not "negative" or "positive." They are what they are. I don't get to say whether I think something is good or bad. I let people draw their own conclusions on that. I also think I that people forget the "positive" coverage a lot quicker than they forget the "negative."
The Somerset Patriots play host to the Bridgeport Bluefish at 7:05 Wednesday night.
Patriots team officials said that Trenton's attendance when other Yankees stars -- such as Derek Jeter -- are in town has not affected their attendance in the past. But with Trenton expecting about 3,000 more fans than its average attendance, I wonder where those fans are coming from. It can't all be Mercer County. Maybe Burlington, Camden.
I HIGHLY DOUBT those two games have any noticeable affect on Wednesday's attendance in Bridgewater, but the Patriots typically draw about 4,500 for a Wednesday game, so we'll see.
UPDATE: The Patriots drew only 3,52o for Wednesday's game. I'd be suspicious here, but the whole three-game series was around that number so I'm more inclined to attribute it to an early week series in May (when school is still in) than anything extraneous. Trenton did draw 9,000-plus, however.
Also, as a response to some comments, stories are not "negative" or "positive." They are what they are. I don't get to say whether I think something is good or bad. I let people draw their own conclusions on that. I also think I that people forget the "positive" coverage a lot quicker than they forget the "negative."
Sunday, May 20, 2007
What am I watching?
The Patriots seemed surprisingly upbeat in the clubhouse Sunday morning considering the gut-wrenching fashion in which they lost Saturday night. After overcoming three three-run deficits to force extra innings, the Patriots surrendered eight runs in the 10th.
Anyone expecting an emotional hangover would have been disappointed to see the players act as if it never happened before the game, and then again during the game.
The Patriots scored two in the first, one in the third and three in the fifth to jump out to a 6-0 lead on the Ducks.
THE MOST INTEREST PLAY? Patriots catcher Travis Anderson barreling over Ducks catcher Jamie Pogue on a play at the plate. Anderson would have been out, but he jarred the ball loose. Good, clean play. HOWEVER, Anderson is the Patriots catcher and the Ducks are a hard-nosed team. Stay tuned for possible retaliation either on a play at the plate or the next time Anderson comes to bat.
UPDATE: Nothing matriculated from the incident. Like I said originally, it was a clean, baseball play. I spoke to Travis after the game and he said the same. Just making a play. If you know Travis -- which most of you don't -- he's a very intense guy. He seems to be an old-school, hard-nosed player and there is nothing wrong with that. Every team needs 1 or 2.
Don't forget Ducks pitchers hit three Patriots on Tuesday and the Patriots did not respond. I think this all shows that after all the battles between these two teams and managers, there is nothing but respect here.
Anyone expecting an emotional hangover would have been disappointed to see the players act as if it never happened before the game, and then again during the game.
The Patriots scored two in the first, one in the third and three in the fifth to jump out to a 6-0 lead on the Ducks.
THE MOST INTEREST PLAY? Patriots catcher Travis Anderson barreling over Ducks catcher Jamie Pogue on a play at the plate. Anderson would have been out, but he jarred the ball loose. Good, clean play. HOWEVER, Anderson is the Patriots catcher and the Ducks are a hard-nosed team. Stay tuned for possible retaliation either on a play at the plate or the next time Anderson comes to bat.
UPDATE: Nothing matriculated from the incident. Like I said originally, it was a clean, baseball play. I spoke to Travis after the game and he said the same. Just making a play. If you know Travis -- which most of you don't -- he's a very intense guy. He seems to be an old-school, hard-nosed player and there is nothing wrong with that. Every team needs 1 or 2.
Don't forget Ducks pitchers hit three Patriots on Tuesday and the Patriots did not respond. I think this all shows that after all the battles between these two teams and managers, there is nothing but respect here.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Duck, Duck, Duck?
The Patriots are in the midst of six straight games against the Long Island Ducks, the first three in Central Islip, N.Y. (where I am right now) and the second three in Bridgewater. Scheduling oddities like this have happened in the past, but not to this degree. The Patriots have five of these home-and-home series this year.
The players are not fond of the idea. Sparky Lyle isn't crazy about it, either. Some higher-ups have expressed concerns about it.
But Atlantic League executive director Joe Klein does not think it's a big deal. We'll find out during the course of the summer, but I'll have a story about it soon. It might only run online, so I'll post the link on my blog.
P.S. The hotel I'm in right now is really nice. It's one of the few league hotels that has a restaurant/bar in the hotel -- which allows me to watch tv, eat and work on my laptop all at the same time.
Yes, I have a new laptop. Well, at least, it's new to me. It actually looks and works just like my old one. That's a good thing because I really liked that laptop. Thank you to the Courier News IT department for getting this problem fixed.
Finally, the best part of this hotel is the Sleep Number bed. For those who don't know, a Sleep Number bed allows you to lie in the bed and then use a remote to change the bed to your needs. As you use the remote, you literally feel the bed shaping to your body, getting firmer or softer. For anyone interested, my Sleep Number is 45. I think that's relatively low.
Update: Here is that story:
link
The players are not fond of the idea. Sparky Lyle isn't crazy about it, either. Some higher-ups have expressed concerns about it.
But Atlantic League executive director Joe Klein does not think it's a big deal. We'll find out during the course of the summer, but I'll have a story about it soon. It might only run online, so I'll post the link on my blog.
P.S. The hotel I'm in right now is really nice. It's one of the few league hotels that has a restaurant/bar in the hotel -- which allows me to watch tv, eat and work on my laptop all at the same time.
Yes, I have a new laptop. Well, at least, it's new to me. It actually looks and works just like my old one. That's a good thing because I really liked that laptop. Thank you to the Courier News IT department for getting this problem fixed.
Finally, the best part of this hotel is the Sleep Number bed. For those who don't know, a Sleep Number bed allows you to lie in the bed and then use a remote to change the bed to your needs. As you use the remote, you literally feel the bed shaping to your body, getting firmer or softer. For anyone interested, my Sleep Number is 45. I think that's relatively low.
Update: Here is that story:
link
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Oh, Atlantic League, you can be so shady
You will probably see that title or something very similar a lot this seaosn. The Atlantic League does a lot of interesting things and then has very interesting reasons for doing those things.
Today's example:
York outfielder Peter Bergeron, a former major leaguer who had some success at that level, did not play in any of the three games at Commerce Bank Ballpark this weekend.
I asked about it Sunday and was told "he is being given the day off." Understandable, but why is he "being given three straight days off."
He is not on the disabled list. No one said he is injured. He's not in any known trouble with the team or league. Just "getting days off."
Imagine if A-Rod was just "getting three straight days off" from the Yankees. Yeah, no one would be suspicious of that.
It seems completely normal that Bergeron gets more off days this weekend than I get this month.
Today's example:
York outfielder Peter Bergeron, a former major leaguer who had some success at that level, did not play in any of the three games at Commerce Bank Ballpark this weekend.
I asked about it Sunday and was told "he is being given the day off." Understandable, but why is he "being given three straight days off."
He is not on the disabled list. No one said he is injured. He's not in any known trouble with the team or league. Just "getting days off."
Imagine if A-Rod was just "getting three straight days off" from the Yankees. Yeah, no one would be suspicious of that.
It seems completely normal that Bergeron gets more off days this weekend than I get this month.
Sunday at the Ballpark
Sorry, mom, had to work on Mother's Day. Be home soon.
It was Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Commerce Bank Ballpark on Sunday. The Patriots traditionally are not home on Mother's Day and the Atlantic League traditionally does not draw well attendance-wise on the holiday, but the Patriots' did better than some expected.
The pregame ceremony was very well organized and important. As someone who is lucky enough not to have had his life affected by breast cancer (knock on wood), I still realize the importance of spreading the word to raise early recognition.
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there. Here's to hoping the Patriots raised lots of money for one of the better causes out there.
It was Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Commerce Bank Ballpark on Sunday. The Patriots traditionally are not home on Mother's Day and the Atlantic League traditionally does not draw well attendance-wise on the holiday, but the Patriots' did better than some expected.
The pregame ceremony was very well organized and important. As someone who is lucky enough not to have had his life affected by breast cancer (knock on wood), I still realize the importance of spreading the word to raise early recognition.
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there. Here's to hoping the Patriots raised lots of money for one of the better causes out there.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Brandon Knight and Jon Cannon
It appears those two names will be the next on the Somerset Patriots roster. Both are IN NEGOTIATIONS (which is not the same as "have signed with") with the Patriots.
Knight is -- wait for it....wait for it.... --- a former New York Yankee.
That brings the count of former Yankees prospects and Brett Jodie teammates on the Patriots to 1,234,567,890. Depending on how die hard a Yankees fan you are, you might remember Knight, who appeared in 11 games for the 2001 and 2002 big-league team.
Cannon -- who is not to be confused with former Atlantic League knuckleballer Joe Gannon or 70s major leaguer Joe Cannon -- pitched for the Long Island Ducks in 2003 and at Triple-A the following season. There is no record of him pitching anywhere last season.
Both seem like quality additions from looking at their career statistics, and with at least one Patriots pitcher rumored to be close to signing elsewhere, all arms are welcome.
Well, all arms except mine. That always was the weakest part of my game. Some said I had the worst arm on my high school freshmen team.
Knight is -- wait for it....wait for it.... --- a former New York Yankee.
That brings the count of former Yankees prospects and Brett Jodie teammates on the Patriots to 1,234,567,890. Depending on how die hard a Yankees fan you are, you might remember Knight, who appeared in 11 games for the 2001 and 2002 big-league team.
Cannon -- who is not to be confused with former Atlantic League knuckleballer Joe Gannon or 70s major leaguer Joe Cannon -- pitched for the Long Island Ducks in 2003 and at Triple-A the following season. There is no record of him pitching anywhere last season.
Both seem like quality additions from looking at their career statistics, and with at least one Patriots pitcher rumored to be close to signing elsewhere, all arms are welcome.
Well, all arms except mine. That always was the weakest part of my game. Some said I had the worst arm on my high school freshmen team.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
The day my laptop died...
For those of you wondering why my I haven't blogged since Saturday afternoon, it's because later that night my laptop was destroyed by a foul ball. When I say "destroyed," I mean the A, S, Z, X, SHIFT AND CAPS LOCK buttons flew into the stands when a foul ball landed squarely on the keyboard. The laptop -- which is currently undergoing surgery with the Courier News IT department -- still powers on, but says "Fan Error" and then turns off. Anyone with any SERIOUS suggestions on how to salvage this machine, please feel free to post.
So I've been the best makeshift work I can. Saturday night I wrote my game story on the desktop computer in the press box and I've been borrowing a laptop since the incident. Luckily, Patriots Vice President of Public Relations Marc Russinoff did his best superhero impression -- during the same week Commerce Bank Ballpark hosted Spiderman Night -- and has been very accommodating. Same can be said for the Courier's IT department. Very helpful.
I also should mention that the food in the press box has been a real pleasant surprise this year. Those who know me, know my appreciation for the vastly unhealthy. So far this season, we've had two Burrito Nights from Chipolte, Pizza 'N Wings Day from Zupko's (by far my favorite days of the year and I will continually plug them on here this season), fried chicken sandwiches from Chick-fil-A and Dunkin' Donuts. Last year, I credited the Long Island Ducks for having the best press box meals, but at this pace, Somerset is going to surpass them. I'll be on the Isle from Tuesday-Thursday, so I'll get an early look.
Oh yeah, the Patriots are tied 3-3 in the eighth inning right now. Game started at 11:05 a.m. Four thousand screaming kids. Yelling players names every at-bat, singing along to the Spongebob Squarepants theme song and applauding the "No Homework" announcement. Fun day at the park.
So I've been the best makeshift work I can. Saturday night I wrote my game story on the desktop computer in the press box and I've been borrowing a laptop since the incident. Luckily, Patriots Vice President of Public Relations Marc Russinoff did his best superhero impression -- during the same week Commerce Bank Ballpark hosted Spiderman Night -- and has been very accommodating. Same can be said for the Courier's IT department. Very helpful.
I also should mention that the food in the press box has been a real pleasant surprise this year. Those who know me, know my appreciation for the vastly unhealthy. So far this season, we've had two Burrito Nights from Chipolte, Pizza 'N Wings Day from Zupko's (by far my favorite days of the year and I will continually plug them on here this season), fried chicken sandwiches from Chick-fil-A and Dunkin' Donuts. Last year, I credited the Long Island Ducks for having the best press box meals, but at this pace, Somerset is going to surpass them. I'll be on the Isle from Tuesday-Thursday, so I'll get an early look.
Oh yeah, the Patriots are tied 3-3 in the eighth inning right now. Game started at 11:05 a.m. Four thousand screaming kids. Yelling players names every at-bat, singing along to the Spongebob Squarepants theme song and applauding the "No Homework" announcement. Fun day at the park.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Hall of a Day
That's what Somerset Patriots outfielder Noah Hall had Friday. He got two hits in four at-bats in his Atlantic League debut and then got signed by the New York Yankees hours later.
Hall will report to Double-A Trenton in time for Sunday's game.
The Yankees are his sixth team in the past six seasons, but it is a mystery why Hall has no staying power.
He is a career .286 hitter with speed and power in the minors.
He went to major-league spring training with the Yanks in 2005, but got cut.
He probably won't reach the majors in this organization, but maybe he can catch some other team's eyes. He deserves the proverbial cup of coffee at least.
More importantly, he is a dead ringer -- with both his appearance and the laid back tone in his voice -- for former Patriots great Emiliano Escandon.
Hall leaves the Atlantic League as a career .500 hitter.
Hall will report to Double-A Trenton in time for Sunday's game.
The Yankees are his sixth team in the past six seasons, but it is a mystery why Hall has no staying power.
He is a career .286 hitter with speed and power in the minors.
He went to major-league spring training with the Yanks in 2005, but got cut.
He probably won't reach the majors in this organization, but maybe he can catch some other team's eyes. He deserves the proverbial cup of coffee at least.
More importantly, he is a dead ringer -- with both his appearance and the laid back tone in his voice -- for former Patriots great Emiliano Escandon.
Hall leaves the Atlantic League as a career .500 hitter.
Sportswriter's Rant
Why is it that people who know what I do for a living -- cover a minor-league baseball team all summer -- continually act surprised to hear I work nights.
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A BASEBALL GAME? WHAT TIME DO THEY PLAY MOST OF THEIR GAMES?
Because it's the minors and not the Yankees, you think I work 9-5 like everyone else?
Yeah, they start their games at 9 with no fans in the park just so that I get an hour lunch break at 12 and cups of coffee every 20 minutes.
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A BASEBALL GAME? WHAT TIME DO THEY PLAY MOST OF THEIR GAMES?
Because it's the minors and not the Yankees, you think I work 9-5 like everyone else?
Yeah, they start their games at 9 with no fans in the park just so that I get an hour lunch break at 12 and cups of coffee every 20 minutes.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Cust traveling up the west coast
So I'm watching ESPN's Baseball Tonight late Thursday night and the hosts are discussing how the Oakland A's will cope will the injury to future Hall of Famer Mike Piazza. Buster Olney surprised the heck out of me when he said one source of help could be the recent trade for San Diego Padres prospect Jack Cust.
Yes, the former Immaculata star. The same Jack Cust whose father is the Somerset Patriots chief financial officer. The same Jack Cust whose name bears the Flemington-based baseball academy where several of the Patriots work as instructors.
This is Cust's fifth professional organization, and it could be his best -- and final -- shot at sticking in the majors.
Here is the press release from the Triple-A Portland Beavers, where Cust was playing for the Padres.
PORTLAND, Ore. - The San Diego Padres today traded Portland outfielder Jack Cust to the Oakland Athletics for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
Cust, 28, was batting .295 with seven doubles, eight home runs, 19 walks and 19 RBIs in 24 games for Portland. At the time of the trade, Cust was tied for the Pacific Coast League lead in home runs and ranked second in slugging percentage (.692).
In parts of two seasons with the Beavers, Cust batted .293 with 30 doubles, 38 home runs, 96 RBIs, 113 runs scored and 162 walks in 162 games played. Cust led all of Minor League Baseball with 143 walks in 2006 and ranked first in the PCL in on-base percentage (.467), second in home runs (30), and fifth in slugging percentage (.549) and games played (138).
In parts of five seasons in the major leagues, Cust has a .222 batting average with five home runs and 19 RBIs in 70 games played with Arizona (2001), Colorado (2002), Baltimore (2003-04) and San Diego (2006).
In 11 minor league seasons, Cust, a first-round draft pick (30th overall) of the Diamondbacks in 1997, has a .286 batting average, 199 home runs and 698 RBIs in 1,113 games played. He has hit 19 or more home runs in six different seasons.
Yes, the former Immaculata star. The same Jack Cust whose father is the Somerset Patriots chief financial officer. The same Jack Cust whose name bears the Flemington-based baseball academy where several of the Patriots work as instructors.
This is Cust's fifth professional organization, and it could be his best -- and final -- shot at sticking in the majors.
Here is the press release from the Triple-A Portland Beavers, where Cust was playing for the Padres.
PORTLAND, Ore. - The San Diego Padres today traded Portland outfielder Jack Cust to the Oakland Athletics for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
Cust, 28, was batting .295 with seven doubles, eight home runs, 19 walks and 19 RBIs in 24 games for Portland. At the time of the trade, Cust was tied for the Pacific Coast League lead in home runs and ranked second in slugging percentage (.692).
In parts of two seasons with the Beavers, Cust batted .293 with 30 doubles, 38 home runs, 96 RBIs, 113 runs scored and 162 walks in 162 games played. Cust led all of Minor League Baseball with 143 walks in 2006 and ranked first in the PCL in on-base percentage (.467), second in home runs (30), and fifth in slugging percentage (.549) and games played (138).
In parts of five seasons in the major leagues, Cust has a .222 batting average with five home runs and 19 RBIs in 70 games played with Arizona (2001), Colorado (2002), Baltimore (2003-04) and San Diego (2006).
In 11 minor league seasons, Cust, a first-round draft pick (30th overall) of the Diamondbacks in 1997, has a .286 batting average, 199 home runs and 698 RBIs in 1,113 games played. He has hit 19 or more home runs in six different seasons.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
OPENING DAY
WATCH OUT FOR PLAYBALL 2007 FRIDAY! IT MOSTLY PREVIEWS THE PATRIOTS, BUT ALSO THE REST OF THE ATLANTIC LEAGUE.
CLICK ON THE ONLINE LINK, BUY MULTIPLE COPIES OF THE PAPER!!!
The best part about the Atlantic League thus far is that everyone has a different opinion.
1. Some think York is built to compete, some think it looks like an expansion team.
2. Some think Newark is a sleeper team with playoff potential, some think it is typically bad Newark.
3. Some think Somerset is a playoff team, some think it will be crippled by losing players and never recover.
4. Some think the fact that defending champion Lancaster has virtually the same team as last year is good, some think it's a recipe for disaster.
5. Some think Camden is a playoff team, some think they might not beat the Road Warriors.
Usually, the Atlantic League is more predictable than an early 90s Knicks-Bulls game. But not this year. I don't know who deserves credit for that, but someone does. At least six of the eight teams have legitimate reason to belive they are playoff-bound. All I know is I'm very excited for it.
I'm with the former on 1, 2 and 3 above and the latter on 4 and 5. I don't know everything, but I do know that before last season began, I said Lancaster was the top sleeper team in the league, and I have the season preview issue to prove it.
CLICK ON THE ONLINE LINK, BUY MULTIPLE COPIES OF THE PAPER!!!
The best part about the Atlantic League thus far is that everyone has a different opinion.
1. Some think York is built to compete, some think it looks like an expansion team.
2. Some think Newark is a sleeper team with playoff potential, some think it is typically bad Newark.
3. Some think Somerset is a playoff team, some think it will be crippled by losing players and never recover.
4. Some think the fact that defending champion Lancaster has virtually the same team as last year is good, some think it's a recipe for disaster.
5. Some think Camden is a playoff team, some think they might not beat the Road Warriors.
Usually, the Atlantic League is more predictable than an early 90s Knicks-Bulls game. But not this year. I don't know who deserves credit for that, but someone does. At least six of the eight teams have legitimate reason to belive they are playoff-bound. All I know is I'm very excited for it.
I'm with the former on 1, 2 and 3 above and the latter on 4 and 5. I don't know everything, but I do know that before last season began, I said Lancaster was the top sleeper team in the league, and I have the season preview issue to prove it.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Bluefish in the Times
The New York Times ran a Sunday story on the Bridgeport Bluefish. The team annually is one of the best in the Atlantic League standings, but one of the worst in the stands. It makes it seem like the Bluefish could go the way of some past Atlantic League franchises and disappear. Anyone remember the Lehigh Valley/Newburgh Black Diamonds? Here's the story. The photographer was down in Lakeland, Fla. with me shooting photos of Tommy John.
Bluefish story
Bluefish story
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