I recently spoke to Justin Jensen, the All-Patriots Team left-handed starting pitching representative.
There has been talk for several years now that Jensen's Patriots career might not be over, and Jensen confirmed that rumor.
However, I was under the impression he was a lot closer to returning then he made it sound when we spoke.
Sparky Lyle told me before the All-Star break that he hoped Jensen would throw a bullpen tryout for the team sometime during the second half of this season. While Jensen did not officially rule hat out, he made it clear he is much more likely to try a comeback next season.
For those unfamiliar with Jensen, he is the Patriots' career leader in victories, games started and innings pitched. He played for the 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004 teams.
Here are some thoughts from Jensen:
"I tore my labrum the last time I was in Somerset and went to spring training the next year and could not go (pitch). I had surgery and have been rehabbing."
"You never know (what the future holds). My shoulder feels great. It's just a matter of getting my arm strength up and my legs back in shape."
"I’d like to walk away on my own terms, and I could do that if I’m able to comeback."
Monday, July 30, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Appreciate your fireworks
Everyone knows fireworks are the Atlantic League's biggest promotional attraction, but what took place Saturday night in Bridgeport was disgraceful.
Fans had to wait more than 30 minutes after final pitch for the fireworks to start.
A 10-minute delay for a train to pass is understandable, but asking fans with little children to stick around until 10:40 for fireworks is inconsiderate.
It's no wonder the Bluefish are last in the league in attendance.
Sitting in the stands at that point, I overheard many people moaning about the delay and more walk out without seeing half of what they paid for.
Perhaps the worst part was the entertainment during the delay, which reportedly was a wait for police to block off the roads necessary to shoot off the fireworks.
A professional Simon Says entertainer was at the game, and bored fans with an excruciatingly long game of Simon Says. He acted crudely, calling one man "overweight" and making a lewd reference at another point.
To the fans' credit, most waited patiently through the Simon Says but there was marginal booing and a couple derogatory shouts such as "Simon Says it's your bedtime."
Fans had to wait more than 30 minutes after final pitch for the fireworks to start.
A 10-minute delay for a train to pass is understandable, but asking fans with little children to stick around until 10:40 for fireworks is inconsiderate.
It's no wonder the Bluefish are last in the league in attendance.
Sitting in the stands at that point, I overheard many people moaning about the delay and more walk out without seeing half of what they paid for.
Perhaps the worst part was the entertainment during the delay, which reportedly was a wait for police to block off the roads necessary to shoot off the fireworks.
A professional Simon Says entertainer was at the game, and bored fans with an excruciatingly long game of Simon Says. He acted crudely, calling one man "overweight" and making a lewd reference at another point.
To the fans' credit, most waited patiently through the Simon Says but there was marginal booing and a couple derogatory shouts such as "Simon Says it's your bedtime."
Monday, July 23, 2007
Frank Klebe fired midseason
How seriously do the Lancaster Barnstormers take their baseball? Apparently, even more seriously than I thought.
By now, it's well known that the fans love their team, and the Barnstormers' finally gave their fans hope that this dreadful season can be turned around Sunday night when they fired first-year manager Frank Klebe.
Pitching coach Rick Wise has been named interim manager.
In retrospect, the Klebe hiring made no sense to being with. He had been with the team since 2005 as a coach, but he had limited professional managerial experience and was being asked to lead the defending Atlantic League champions with all their veteran players.
Anyway, you can read more about the situation -- including quotes from Klebe and Barnstormers personnel -- in this story from the Lancaster New Era.
**Some things worth mentioning:
1) The story says Klebe is the first Atlantic League manager ever to be fired midseason. That should help underscore the magnitude of this move because there have been plenty of underachieving teams in the past who kept their managers anyway.
2) It says all Atlantic League managers sign one-year contracts. That is not true. After the 2002 season, Patriots manager Sparky Lyle signed a five-year contract extension. That contract expires after this season.
3) It seems to hint that much of Klebe's firing and the Barnstormers' woes have to do with BASA, the group in charge of supplying the team with players. BASA -- which holds the same responsibilities for the Bridgeport Bluefish, Camden Riversharks and York Revolution -- is run by former Patriots director of player procurement Adam Gladstone. BASA handled the baseball operations for the Patriots last year, but the Patriots dropped its services after a frustrating 2006 season. I've heard rumors BASA has lost some of its power in Lancaster. If that's true, can firing BASA be far behind this latest move?
By now, it's well known that the fans love their team, and the Barnstormers' finally gave their fans hope that this dreadful season can be turned around Sunday night when they fired first-year manager Frank Klebe.
Pitching coach Rick Wise has been named interim manager.
In retrospect, the Klebe hiring made no sense to being with. He had been with the team since 2005 as a coach, but he had limited professional managerial experience and was being asked to lead the defending Atlantic League champions with all their veteran players.
Anyway, you can read more about the situation -- including quotes from Klebe and Barnstormers personnel -- in this story from the Lancaster New Era.
**Some things worth mentioning:
1) The story says Klebe is the first Atlantic League manager ever to be fired midseason. That should help underscore the magnitude of this move because there have been plenty of underachieving teams in the past who kept their managers anyway.
2) It says all Atlantic League managers sign one-year contracts. That is not true. After the 2002 season, Patriots manager Sparky Lyle signed a five-year contract extension. That contract expires after this season.
3) It seems to hint that much of Klebe's firing and the Barnstormers' woes have to do with BASA, the group in charge of supplying the team with players. BASA -- which holds the same responsibilities for the Bridgeport Bluefish, Camden Riversharks and York Revolution -- is run by former Patriots director of player procurement Adam Gladstone. BASA handled the baseball operations for the Patriots last year, but the Patriots dropped its services after a frustrating 2006 season. I've heard rumors BASA has lost some of its power in Lancaster. If that's true, can firing BASA be far behind this latest move?
Saturday, July 21, 2007
MASH unit
Know anyone who wants to play professional baseball? If you do, post their name on my blog and I will pass it along to Patriots director of player procurement Brett Jodie.
Yes, I am kidding.
No, I am not nearly as kidding as I should be.
True story: I brought my glove to the ballpark tonight because I have a softball game in the morning. And since they gave out batting helmets at the gate, I am 66% ready to suit up. Just need a bat.
Anyway, the following list should you give you an idea why the Patriots are so short-handed. It might long enough to be a full lineup, but is just the injury report:
1B Josh Pressley (hamstring)##
OF Jason Romano (calf)##
OF Jose Morban (ankle)##
2B Danny Garcia (mild oblique strain)##
SP Jeff Urban (slight torn labrum)**
1B Todd Leathers (broken wrist) **
##= Day to Day
**= Disabled List
Pressley is the only one playing tonight and he is really jeopardizing himself to do so. He can barely run around the bases and is banging balls of the wall for singles. You really have to appreciate his effort.
If manager Sparky Lyle had a fully healthy roster, at least four of those players would be in the every day lineup. Leathers probably would be the first pinch hitter off the bench and Urban would be the top left-handed set-up man or the fifth starter.
That should give you an idea just how seriously these injuries could impact the Patriots.
Yes, I am kidding.
No, I am not nearly as kidding as I should be.
True story: I brought my glove to the ballpark tonight because I have a softball game in the morning. And since they gave out batting helmets at the gate, I am 66% ready to suit up. Just need a bat.
Anyway, the following list should you give you an idea why the Patriots are so short-handed. It might long enough to be a full lineup, but is just the injury report:
1B Josh Pressley (hamstring)##
OF Jason Romano (calf)##
OF Jose Morban (ankle)##
2B Danny Garcia (mild oblique strain)##
SP Jeff Urban (slight torn labrum)**
1B Todd Leathers (broken wrist) **
##= Day to Day
**= Disabled List
Pressley is the only one playing tonight and he is really jeopardizing himself to do so. He can barely run around the bases and is banging balls of the wall for singles. You really have to appreciate his effort.
If manager Sparky Lyle had a fully healthy roster, at least four of those players would be in the every day lineup. Leathers probably would be the first pinch hitter off the bench and Urban would be the top left-handed set-up man or the fifth starter.
That should give you an idea just how seriously these injuries could impact the Patriots.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Missing Cannon
No, nobody is re-enacting a war. No, we're not talking about the cannon fired off after Rutgers football scores a touchdown.
We're talking about Somerset Patriots left-handed pitcher Jon Cannon, who MAY HAVE signed in Taiwan.
I talked to pitching coach and director of player procurement Brett Jodie before Friday night's game and he said that Cannon told him before the All-Star break that he might sign to play in Taiwan but that he would call first
The call never came but Cannon did not report for the game and shortstop Teuris Olivares is wearing his jersey. Not a good sign.
Since most players went home for the break, there is a possibility Cannon was taking a flight into Newark that had not arrived yet. But that would be a major coincidence.
Brandon Knight will be inserted into the starting rotation in Cannon's place.
We're talking about Somerset Patriots left-handed pitcher Jon Cannon, who MAY HAVE signed in Taiwan.
I talked to pitching coach and director of player procurement Brett Jodie before Friday night's game and he said that Cannon told him before the All-Star break that he might sign to play in Taiwan but that he would call first
The call never came but Cannon did not report for the game and shortstop Teuris Olivares is wearing his jersey. Not a good sign.
Since most players went home for the break, there is a possibility Cannon was taking a flight into Newark that had not arrived yet. But that would be a major coincidence.
Brandon Knight will be inserted into the starting rotation in Cannon's place.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Hard to take the All-Star Game seriously
Preface: Tonight marks the first Atlantic League All-Star Game I have covered. I missed last season's due to a "family emergency," the same excuse a lot of these players give, I'm sure. But, my newspaper sent a highly competent replacement to cover the game, not someone who clearly was out of his/her league. Hope you see the analogy.
I'm having a difficult time taking this All-Star Game seriously. Here is why:
First, the Atlantic League elected to name big-name stars with questionable stats to be starters. Some of the best players in this league are guys you have never heard of, yet Edgardo Alfonzo, Carl Everett and Jose Offerman were all named starters.
True, the fans supposedly vote in the starters, but, as someone with knowledge of the league, trust me when I say your vote does not mean as much as you think. The league micromanages every decision, it makes and it could easily change around the voting so the deserving players are the starters.
Then comes the next frustrating part. The act of surprise when players such as Alfonzo, Everett, Offerman, and Danny Graves decline the invitation.
All five of those players have been to a major-league all-star game (with 8 total selections between them) so what makes anyone think they even consider this selection an honor?
That said, it's no defense for the disrespect with which they treat the game. If you are good enough to play in the league all summer, you are good enough to play in the All-Star Game. Do you think they would have a "previous commitment" preventing them from playing in the Triple-A All-Star Game?
If you skip the All-Star Game, you should be forced to skip the second half of the season. These fans want you -- even though you are past your prime -- and you blow them off.
But back to the league...why is there surprise when this happens? Be prepared for it. You should not have to call players at home the night before the game and practically beg them to play -- which I've heard happened. You should not have a pitcher with a 4-7 record and a 6.17 earned-run average playing in the game.
Bottom line, it's not a true All-Star Game. It's an All-I-Had-Nothing-Else-To-Do-Over-My-Four-Day-Break-So-I-Guess-I-Will-Play-Game.
Or, if you prefer acronyms, the AIHNETDOMFDBSIGIWPG.
Or, if you prefer comedy, one Atlantic League beat writer referred to it as the All-Farce Game.
Maybe it will be different next year when Somerset plays host. But I think it might be an internal problem with the league and not its franchises.
You want big stars to play in the league but they don't care about your league or its fans. If you get people who do care, the talent level is going to take a big hit. It's a no-win situation.
I'm having a difficult time taking this All-Star Game seriously. Here is why:
First, the Atlantic League elected to name big-name stars with questionable stats to be starters. Some of the best players in this league are guys you have never heard of, yet Edgardo Alfonzo, Carl Everett and Jose Offerman were all named starters.
True, the fans supposedly vote in the starters, but, as someone with knowledge of the league, trust me when I say your vote does not mean as much as you think. The league micromanages every decision, it makes and it could easily change around the voting so the deserving players are the starters.
Then comes the next frustrating part. The act of surprise when players such as Alfonzo, Everett, Offerman, and Danny Graves decline the invitation.
All five of those players have been to a major-league all-star game (with 8 total selections between them) so what makes anyone think they even consider this selection an honor?
That said, it's no defense for the disrespect with which they treat the game. If you are good enough to play in the league all summer, you are good enough to play in the All-Star Game. Do you think they would have a "previous commitment" preventing them from playing in the Triple-A All-Star Game?
If you skip the All-Star Game, you should be forced to skip the second half of the season. These fans want you -- even though you are past your prime -- and you blow them off.
But back to the league...why is there surprise when this happens? Be prepared for it. You should not have to call players at home the night before the game and practically beg them to play -- which I've heard happened. You should not have a pitcher with a 4-7 record and a 6.17 earned-run average playing in the game.
Bottom line, it's not a true All-Star Game. It's an All-I-Had-Nothing-Else-To-Do-Over-My-Four-Day-Break-So-I-Guess-I-Will-Play-Game.
Or, if you prefer acronyms, the AIHNETDOMFDBSIGIWPG.
Or, if you prefer comedy, one Atlantic League beat writer referred to it as the All-Farce Game.
Maybe it will be different next year when Somerset plays host. But I think it might be an internal problem with the league and not its franchises.
You want big stars to play in the league but they don't care about your league or its fans. If you get people who do care, the talent level is going to take a big hit. It's a no-win situation.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Explanation and belated quotes
The Patriots hopes of winning the Atlantic League South Division first-half title and securing the accompanying playoff berth ended Saturday night. You can read about the Camden Riversharks title-clinching 7-6 victory here.
In case anyone is wondering, the story has no quotes or reaction because the game ran late and I had an 11 p.m. deadline. The game ended at 10:40 and because of the nature of the game, I wrote three different stories. One where the Patriots lose quietly, one where they come back and steal a momentum-starting victory and the final one where they lost a heartbreaker.
Here are a couple quotes from Sunday morning, and there will be more in Wednesday's paper when I write a first-half season review.
Manager Sparky Lyle:
"We battled back to get to where we were pretty confident going into the ninth."
"There's no give-up in these guys (the Patriots). We scored five runs and all we've got to do is hold them.It was very disheartening."
First baseman Josh Pressley:
"Obviously a lot of guys poured their hearts out trying to win."
Closer R.D. Spiehs, who blew the save and took the loss after tossing a scoreless eighth inning:
"The biggest thing I'm disappointed in is the walk to (Denny) Abreu. He fouled off a couple good pitches and it was 3-2. I said, 'I'm throwing my slider,' because I thought I could get a swing and a miss or a ground ball double play. But the pitch wasn't even close."
"I felt better in the ninth than in the eighth. In the eighth I was behind in counts."
In case anyone is wondering, the story has no quotes or reaction because the game ran late and I had an 11 p.m. deadline. The game ended at 10:40 and because of the nature of the game, I wrote three different stories. One where the Patriots lose quietly, one where they come back and steal a momentum-starting victory and the final one where they lost a heartbreaker.
Here are a couple quotes from Sunday morning, and there will be more in Wednesday's paper when I write a first-half season review.
Manager Sparky Lyle:
"We battled back to get to where we were pretty confident going into the ninth."
"There's no give-up in these guys (the Patriots). We scored five runs and all we've got to do is hold them.It was very disheartening."
First baseman Josh Pressley:
"Obviously a lot of guys poured their hearts out trying to win."
Closer R.D. Spiehs, who blew the save and took the loss after tossing a scoreless eighth inning:
"The biggest thing I'm disappointed in is the walk to (Denny) Abreu. He fouled off a couple good pitches and it was 3-2. I said, 'I'm throwing my slider,' because I thought I could get a swing and a miss or a ground ball double play. But the pitch wasn't even close."
"I felt better in the ninth than in the eighth. In the eighth I was behind in counts."
Friday, July 6, 2007
Playoff baseball in Camden
If you're driving over the Ben Franklin Bridge right now you can look down and see playoff-type baseball in Camden. Of course, if you're driving over that bridge, you probably are not reading my blog at the same time. And if you are doing both, then you have no chance to be one of All-State's safe drivers.
But don't fret. You can still get a sky view of playoff-type baseball Saturday night or Sunday afternoon.
The Patriots and Riversharks are playing three games that should decide the Atlantic League South Division first-half title and accompanying playoff berth. They are not the last three games of the first-half schedule -- as they were originally scheduled to be -- because, on Monday, Somerset has a doubleheader in Lancaster against the Barnstormers and Camden is visiting Bridgeport. Both are rainout makeup games.
But there is only one scenario in which those Monday games will matter since the Riversharks hold 1 1/2 game edge atop the standings entering Friday's action. If the teams tie for first place, the Patriots get the berth because of the tiebreaker -- head-to-head series.
Here are the scenarios:
Patriots sweeps Camden: They win the division outright.
Patriots take two of three: They enter Monday's games with a 1/2 game deficit.
Riversharks take two of three: They win the division outright. No sweep needed.
But don't fret. You can still get a sky view of playoff-type baseball Saturday night or Sunday afternoon.
The Patriots and Riversharks are playing three games that should decide the Atlantic League South Division first-half title and accompanying playoff berth. They are not the last three games of the first-half schedule -- as they were originally scheduled to be -- because, on Monday, Somerset has a doubleheader in Lancaster against the Barnstormers and Camden is visiting Bridgeport. Both are rainout makeup games.
But there is only one scenario in which those Monday games will matter since the Riversharks hold 1 1/2 game edge atop the standings entering Friday's action. If the teams tie for first place, the Patriots get the berth because of the tiebreaker -- head-to-head series.
Here are the scenarios:
Patriots sweeps Camden: They win the division outright.
Patriots take two of three: They enter Monday's games with a 1/2 game deficit.
Riversharks take two of three: They win the division outright. No sweep needed.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Worst Fourth of July Ever
Did you enjoy your hot dogs? How about your hamburgers? Yuenglings for everyone?
Well not this guy.
I spent my Fourth of July in Lancaster, Pa. and it was a disaster.
While my girlfriend and all her friends partied away the holiday, I spent the day in rainy Amish Country writing filer stories. I arrived at the ballpark at 3:30 for a 7 p.m. start and the game never happened. Was it called at 7? Nope, they waited until 9.
Of all the things the Atlantic League does poorly -- and there are plenty -- rain delays might be the worst. Fans always are uninformed of the game status, and the press corps should not find out from the PA announcement. This is not an indictment on Lancaster because it happens everywhere.
Now, I'm back at the Westfield Inn, 20 minutes outside of Lancaster, bored out of my mind. There is only a McDonald's and Bob Evans in sight and none of the players or other media have Internet access.
Thankfully, the Courier has given me a Verizon wireless card. Points for them. Zero points for Lancaster, Pa.
FYI: All-stars are announced Thursday. I'll post the selections as soon as I have them.
Well not this guy.
I spent my Fourth of July in Lancaster, Pa. and it was a disaster.
While my girlfriend and all her friends partied away the holiday, I spent the day in rainy Amish Country writing filer stories. I arrived at the ballpark at 3:30 for a 7 p.m. start and the game never happened. Was it called at 7? Nope, they waited until 9.
Of all the things the Atlantic League does poorly -- and there are plenty -- rain delays might be the worst. Fans always are uninformed of the game status, and the press corps should not find out from the PA announcement. This is not an indictment on Lancaster because it happens everywhere.
Now, I'm back at the Westfield Inn, 20 minutes outside of Lancaster, bored out of my mind. There is only a McDonald's and Bob Evans in sight and none of the players or other media have Internet access.
Thankfully, the Courier has given me a Verizon wireless card. Points for them. Zero points for Lancaster, Pa.
FYI: All-stars are announced Thursday. I'll post the selections as soon as I have them.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Goodbye to a good man
The Patriots losing Jeff Nettles dominated the headlines and the Commerce Bank Ballpark buzz Monday night, but somewhat lost in the shuffle was the goodbye to community relations director Matt Rothenberg, who worked his final Patriots game.
The Patriots did a nice montage of Rothenberg moments on the scoreboard during the seventh-inning stretch, and he joined broadcaster Brian Bender on the radio for three innings of play-by-play.
Rothenberg has been with the organization since interning in 2003 and is leaving to pursue graduate school opportunities.
I got to know Rothenberg personally while covering the team for two years, and realize he is a good guy and an extremely hard worker always willing to help out a frazzled reporter (ie: me) in the time of a crisis. He will be missed by the Patriots staff and those of us independent of the team who work closely with the staff every day.
Here, in Rothenberg's own words, are his top 5 moments since he became an Atlantic Leaguer:
#1 - 2005 AL Championship, #2 - 2003 AL Championship:
The 2005 championship was more gratifying than 2003 because of the hard work you put in as a member of the full-time staff. The first one was a great experience to cap off my internship with the Patriots, but the second one was about the result of hard work from the end of the 2004 season through the entire 2005 season. Both championships were great, though, and earning the rings and having the memories will definitely last a very long time. Although I would have liked one of them to occur in Bridgewater so our fans could enjoy it more, it was
nice to be able to go up to Nashua (both times) and watch it and soak in all the excitement of a championship.
#3 - Donald Trump at Commerce Bank Ballpark (9/10/2004):
With all the promoting and buzz about it, you knew it was going to be a great night -- one to remember. Of course, how many people enter a ballpark via a helicopter landing in center field? Few, if any, others.
Working here, I've had the opportunity to get close to people I've only seen on TV or on
baseball cards, so to be close to Donald Trump and get right up in his face and taking pictures of him -- it kind of makes you feel like the paparazzi. But the atmosphere surrounding his appearance was just phenomenal; you couldn't ask for a better night.
#4 - Largest crowds in Atlantic League history(7/3/04 & 7/3/06):
To set the record of 8,048 against Long Island in 2004 and then beat that with 8,062 against the Road Warriors in 2006, you get a feel for what Commerce Bank Ballpark has become: a fantastic gathering place for the community. You could feel the electricity running through the
ballpark on each night. Unfortunately, Lancaster had to top our records this season, but knowing our fans, I have a feeling we're going to take it back the record soon enough.
#5 - Joe Gannon's no-hitter against the Patriots (8/17/04), and his near
no-hitter (6/6/06):
While not a great moment in Patriots history, it was the first -- and only -- no-hitter I've ever witnessed in person. Considering how many are thrown at the major league and minor league levels each year, it's something that happens very rarely. To have nearly witnessed a second
one in 2006 -- by the same pitcher, no less -- it would have been quite unique. At the same time, though, to have been one-hit by Gannon, and with that hit being a grand slam by Mike Lockwood to win the game, it couldn't have been a better result.
The Patriots did a nice montage of Rothenberg moments on the scoreboard during the seventh-inning stretch, and he joined broadcaster Brian Bender on the radio for three innings of play-by-play.
Rothenberg has been with the organization since interning in 2003 and is leaving to pursue graduate school opportunities.
I got to know Rothenberg personally while covering the team for two years, and realize he is a good guy and an extremely hard worker always willing to help out a frazzled reporter (ie: me) in the time of a crisis. He will be missed by the Patriots staff and those of us independent of the team who work closely with the staff every day.
Here, in Rothenberg's own words, are his top 5 moments since he became an Atlantic Leaguer:
#1 - 2005 AL Championship, #2 - 2003 AL Championship:
The 2005 championship was more gratifying than 2003 because of the hard work you put in as a member of the full-time staff. The first one was a great experience to cap off my internship with the Patriots, but the second one was about the result of hard work from the end of the 2004 season through the entire 2005 season. Both championships were great, though, and earning the rings and having the memories will definitely last a very long time. Although I would have liked one of them to occur in Bridgewater so our fans could enjoy it more, it was
nice to be able to go up to Nashua (both times) and watch it and soak in all the excitement of a championship.
#3 - Donald Trump at Commerce Bank Ballpark (9/10/2004):
With all the promoting and buzz about it, you knew it was going to be a great night -- one to remember. Of course, how many people enter a ballpark via a helicopter landing in center field? Few, if any, others.
Working here, I've had the opportunity to get close to people I've only seen on TV or on
baseball cards, so to be close to Donald Trump and get right up in his face and taking pictures of him -- it kind of makes you feel like the paparazzi. But the atmosphere surrounding his appearance was just phenomenal; you couldn't ask for a better night.
#4 - Largest crowds in Atlantic League history(7/3/04 & 7/3/06):
To set the record of 8,048 against Long Island in 2004 and then beat that with 8,062 against the Road Warriors in 2006, you get a feel for what Commerce Bank Ballpark has become: a fantastic gathering place for the community. You could feel the electricity running through the
ballpark on each night. Unfortunately, Lancaster had to top our records this season, but knowing our fans, I have a feeling we're going to take it back the record soon enough.
#5 - Joe Gannon's no-hitter against the Patriots (8/17/04), and his near
no-hitter (6/6/06):
While not a great moment in Patriots history, it was the first -- and only -- no-hitter I've ever witnessed in person. Considering how many are thrown at the major league and minor league levels each year, it's something that happens very rarely. To have nearly witnessed a second
one in 2006 -- by the same pitcher, no less -- it would have been quite unique. At the same time, though, to have been one-hit by Gannon, and with that hit being a grand slam by Mike Lockwood to win the game, it couldn't have been a better result.
Nettles signs!!!
It's the day many in the Somerset Patriots organization and around Atlantic League silently thought had passed: Third baseman Jeff Nettles has left the team, signing with the Kansas City Royals organization where he is expected to report to Double-A Wichita.
The independent league is designed to get players another shot Nettles clearly deserves another shot. Some would say it actually is his first shot, since he never played regularly in his five years in the Yankees farm system.
Nettles meant everything to the Patriots on and off the field during the past five years, and you will be hard-pressed to find anyone in the league with a bad thing to say about him.
Atlantic League personnel have wondered aloud in years past what it would take for Nettles to get another shot at affiliated baseball, and it appears the answer was to top his already stellar seasons with a great season.
Nettles leads the league with 19 home runs, 60 RBIs, a .679 slugging percentage and 37 extra-base hits.
His loss devastates the Patriots in the heart of a playoff race, but with only seven games left to decide the first-half pennant, they might be able to hang on without him. If there were three weeks remaining before the all-star break, I'd have a different opinion.
The Patriots held 1/2 game lead atop the South Division entering Monday's games and are leading the Lancaster Barnstormers 5-1 in the sixth.
Needless to say, this is the biggest player news out of Somerset in franchise history.
Score a victory for determination and perseverance.
Three classy gestures:
1. Nettles stayed at the ballpark to support his teammates in Monday's game.
2. The Patriots brought Nettles onto the field and announced his good news to the crowd before the game.
3. The fans gave Nettles a big cheer, with some fans even standing. For minor-league baseball -- where entertainment sometimes rules -- this was significant.
The independent league is designed to get players another shot Nettles clearly deserves another shot. Some would say it actually is his first shot, since he never played regularly in his five years in the Yankees farm system.
Nettles meant everything to the Patriots on and off the field during the past five years, and you will be hard-pressed to find anyone in the league with a bad thing to say about him.
Atlantic League personnel have wondered aloud in years past what it would take for Nettles to get another shot at affiliated baseball, and it appears the answer was to top his already stellar seasons with a great season.
Nettles leads the league with 19 home runs, 60 RBIs, a .679 slugging percentage and 37 extra-base hits.
His loss devastates the Patriots in the heart of a playoff race, but with only seven games left to decide the first-half pennant, they might be able to hang on without him. If there were three weeks remaining before the all-star break, I'd have a different opinion.
The Patriots held 1/2 game lead atop the South Division entering Monday's games and are leading the Lancaster Barnstormers 5-1 in the sixth.
Needless to say, this is the biggest player news out of Somerset in franchise history.
Score a victory for determination and perseverance.
Three classy gestures:
1. Nettles stayed at the ballpark to support his teammates in Monday's game.
2. The Patriots brought Nettles onto the field and announced his good news to the crowd before the game.
3. The fans gave Nettles a big cheer, with some fans even standing. For minor-league baseball -- where entertainment sometimes rules -- this was significant.
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