In the top of the second inning tonight, in the most important Atlantic League series going on right now, the Atlantic League reached a new low.
Somerset's Jose Morban singled and was on first base with one out.
In foul territory near the first base coach's box, Reggie, the Purple Party Dude mascot, was hanging out, putting on his usual between innings show DURING AN INNING.
He played several jokes on the first base coach -- who we later learned to be Reggie's acting accomplice dressed in a Patriots uniform --including kicking him in the butt a few times.
Morban got caught watching this act -- which came dangerously close to crossing into fair territory -- and was picked off the base on a snap throw by catcher Sandy Aracena.
You can blame Morban for losing his concentration, but I can see where he was misled into thinking a timeout had been called for these shenanigans.
If the regular first base coach had been in the box, Reggie probably wouldn't have been fooling around with him. Even if he was causing a distraction, you'd like to believe he would have yelled "BACK!" to Morban.
Also worth noting, if the home franchise wants this act so badly, why not do it when their team is up at bat? Then they would have to decide what is more important, and I bet the players and coaches would have something to say about that decision.
As someone who vehemently defends the Atlantic League and its high caliber of baseball, this was embarassing to see.
I realize the entertainment value of such performers to the fans, but when it starts affecting the on-field results in the middle of a pennant race, that is crossing a fine line.
It will be interesting to see what Sparky Lyle has to say about this play after the game -- especially if the Patriots wind up losing.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Israel comes to Atlantic League
It was only a matter of time before this story, but the newly started Israel Baseball League has made its first impact on the Atlantic League.
The Bridgeport Bluefish have signed Rafael Bergstrom, who, according to this press release from the Atlantic League Web site, sounds like he was the Most Valuable Player of the league.
The press release makes no mention of him having ever played affiliated baseball and I cannot find his name on any of the common sites. If that is true, it sounds like Bergstrom will be over-matched.
Good publicity stunt, though.
Here is the release:
Rafael Bergstrom, a 6’5” right-hander who ten days ago hurled a complete game shutout to lead the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox to the championship, has become the first player from the Israel Baseball League signed to a pro contract in the U.S.
Bergstrom, who turns 26 on September 5, has signed with the independent Atlantic League’s Bridgeport (CT) Bluefish, managed by former big league star Tommy John, and will join the team immediately. The league’s regular season ends September 16.
“Raffy was brilliant in the first season of the IBL,” said Larry Baras, the league’s founder, who oversaw the 41-game schedule for the first pro baseball league in the Middle East. “He worked hard, he was a fan favorite, and he was a big reason for the Blue Sox going wire to wire in first place and then winning the league’s first championship.”
Bergstrom struck out 56 in 51 2/3 innings in the IBL, and then struck out eight and walked none in his 3-0 victory over Art Shamsky’s Modi’in Miracle on August 19.
Ron Blomberg piloted the Blue Sox. Bergstrom’s 7-2 regular season record had him tied for the league lead in victories and he finished fourth in ERA at 2.44. He walked only 16.
He is a resident of Pacific Grove, CA and a product of University of California, San Diego. Prior to playing in the IBL, Bergstrom played two seasons in Germany and one in Australia.
The Bridgeport Bluefish have signed Rafael Bergstrom, who, according to this press release from the Atlantic League Web site, sounds like he was the Most Valuable Player of the league.
The press release makes no mention of him having ever played affiliated baseball and I cannot find his name on any of the common sites. If that is true, it sounds like Bergstrom will be over-matched.
Good publicity stunt, though.
Here is the release:
Rafael Bergstrom, a 6’5” right-hander who ten days ago hurled a complete game shutout to lead the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox to the championship, has become the first player from the Israel Baseball League signed to a pro contract in the U.S.
Bergstrom, who turns 26 on September 5, has signed with the independent Atlantic League’s Bridgeport (CT) Bluefish, managed by former big league star Tommy John, and will join the team immediately. The league’s regular season ends September 16.
“Raffy was brilliant in the first season of the IBL,” said Larry Baras, the league’s founder, who oversaw the 41-game schedule for the first pro baseball league in the Middle East. “He worked hard, he was a fan favorite, and he was a big reason for the Blue Sox going wire to wire in first place and then winning the league’s first championship.”
Bergstrom struck out 56 in 51 2/3 innings in the IBL, and then struck out eight and walked none in his 3-0 victory over Art Shamsky’s Modi’in Miracle on August 19.
Ron Blomberg piloted the Blue Sox. Bergstrom’s 7-2 regular season record had him tied for the league lead in victories and he finished fourth in ERA at 2.44. He walked only 16.
He is a resident of Pacific Grove, CA and a product of University of California, San Diego. Prior to playing in the IBL, Bergstrom played two seasons in Germany and one in Australia.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Read me in THNT
I'm a little late posting this because it started 2 weeks ago, but Somerset Patriots fans from Middlesex County can now read my game stories in The Home News Tribune.
For those people from Somerset, Hunterdon and Union who often complain to me about not seeing game stories in the paper, the Home News has later deadlines, so you will almost always find a game story in that paper if you happen to be in their circulation area for work or travel. Or you can continue reading about the games at www.c-n.com.
For those people from Somerset, Hunterdon and Union who often complain to me about not seeing game stories in the paper, the Home News has later deadlines, so you will almost always find a game story in that paper if you happen to be in their circulation area for work or travel. Or you can continue reading about the games at www.c-n.com.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Did the Patriots win a game they should not have?
It sure sounds that way according to rule 2.00 in the 2004 edition of the official baseball rules handbook.
With runners on the corners and one out in the top of the eighth inning Thursday night, Patriots left fielder Jason Romano made a running catch, turned and fired the ball to second baseman Teuris Olivares, who threw to first base to catch the runner straying too far off the bag and complete the double play.
The runner from third base crossed home plate with what would have been the tying run but home plate umpire Sean Arthur waved off the run because of the double play.
No one questioned the ruling at the time, but this is straight from the rule book:
"One out. Runner on first and third. Batter flies out. Two out. Runner on third tags up and scores. Runner on first tries to retouch before throw from fielder reaches first baseman, but does not get back in time and is out. Three outs. If, in umpires judgement, the runner from third touched home before the ball was held at first base, the run counts."
There is no question that the runner crossed the plate in time because Arthur initially got the call right, signaling that the run counted. Only after several Patriots hopped out of the dugout to disagree did Arthur change his mind.
This obscure rule exception was brought to my attention Friday afternoon by Road Warriors manager Jeff Scott, who still was kicking himself for not arguing the call. Scott admitted to being distracted in the dugout and missing the play. He said he has seen the play hundreds of time in his long playing and coaching career.
Fallout: The Patriots are in a pennant race with the York Revolution. If they end up winning the division by one game or by tiebreaker, this one is really going to sting.
OF COURSE, that would only have been the tying run and there is no saying the Patriots would not have won the game anyway. But it makes you wonder what would/could have been.
With runners on the corners and one out in the top of the eighth inning Thursday night, Patriots left fielder Jason Romano made a running catch, turned and fired the ball to second baseman Teuris Olivares, who threw to first base to catch the runner straying too far off the bag and complete the double play.
The runner from third base crossed home plate with what would have been the tying run but home plate umpire Sean Arthur waved off the run because of the double play.
No one questioned the ruling at the time, but this is straight from the rule book:
"One out. Runner on first and third. Batter flies out. Two out. Runner on third tags up and scores. Runner on first tries to retouch before throw from fielder reaches first baseman, but does not get back in time and is out. Three outs. If, in umpires judgement, the runner from third touched home before the ball was held at first base, the run counts."
There is no question that the runner crossed the plate in time because Arthur initially got the call right, signaling that the run counted. Only after several Patriots hopped out of the dugout to disagree did Arthur change his mind.
This obscure rule exception was brought to my attention Friday afternoon by Road Warriors manager Jeff Scott, who still was kicking himself for not arguing the call. Scott admitted to being distracted in the dugout and missing the play. He said he has seen the play hundreds of time in his long playing and coaching career.
Fallout: The Patriots are in a pennant race with the York Revolution. If they end up winning the division by one game or by tiebreaker, this one is really going to sting.
OF COURSE, that would only have been the tying run and there is no saying the Patriots would not have won the game anyway. But it makes you wonder what would/could have been.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Offerman-Beech incident fallout
The Atlantic League suspended Bridgeport Bluefish pitcher Matt Beech for three games and Long Island Ducks first baseman Jared Price for two games Tuesday following their roles in an ugly brawl Aug. 14.
Both players also were fined undisclosed amounts.
After Beech hit former major-league All-Star Jose Offerman with a pitch in the third inning, Offerman charged the mound with his bat, leading to both benches clearing.
An investigation by the league led to the conclusion that Beech had thrown at Offerman to provoke the incident and that Price had come off the bench to tackle Beech, possibly causing the broken finger on the pitcher’s right hand.
Offerman was given an indefinite suspension pending the result of his legal proceedings, which are scheduled to begin Thursday in Bridgeport, Conn.
In related news, this story from the Associated Press says that Offerman and his lawyer are contending he did not hit either Beech or Bluefish catcher John Nathans with his bat.
"We dispute the fact that any contact was made with the bat," attorney Frank Riccio said. "It's as likely these two players got injured in the melee that followed the incident as opposed to the baseball bat incident."
It seems like the Ducks and Offerman are positioning an argument for his return to the Atlantic League, which would be a real shame.
In 2001, Bridgeport's Dee Jenkins was banished for life by the league for using his bat in a similar brawl. Jenkins' swings opened a bloody gash on then-Ducks manager Don McCormack's face.
If the Atlantic League is arguing that what Jenkins did is worse than what Offerman did just because of the end result, that is plain stupid.
Both players used bats as weapons. Just because one connected with a face on his swings and the other did not, does not mean Offerman should benefit from his swing and miss.
AS OF NOW, I FULLY EXPECT OFFERMAN TO BE ALLOWED BACK IN THE LEAGUE AND I DISAGREE WITH IT.
For analogy, it reminds me of the high school student who takes a test with a cheat sheet, gets caught and then says he never used it, so he should not be failed. Bad argument. You attempted to cheat, you got caught, you deserve punishment.
Both players also were fined undisclosed amounts.
After Beech hit former major-league All-Star Jose Offerman with a pitch in the third inning, Offerman charged the mound with his bat, leading to both benches clearing.
An investigation by the league led to the conclusion that Beech had thrown at Offerman to provoke the incident and that Price had come off the bench to tackle Beech, possibly causing the broken finger on the pitcher’s right hand.
Offerman was given an indefinite suspension pending the result of his legal proceedings, which are scheduled to begin Thursday in Bridgeport, Conn.
In related news, this story from the Associated Press says that Offerman and his lawyer are contending he did not hit either Beech or Bluefish catcher John Nathans with his bat.
"We dispute the fact that any contact was made with the bat," attorney Frank Riccio said. "It's as likely these two players got injured in the melee that followed the incident as opposed to the baseball bat incident."
It seems like the Ducks and Offerman are positioning an argument for his return to the Atlantic League, which would be a real shame.
In 2001, Bridgeport's Dee Jenkins was banished for life by the league for using his bat in a similar brawl. Jenkins' swings opened a bloody gash on then-Ducks manager Don McCormack's face.
If the Atlantic League is arguing that what Jenkins did is worse than what Offerman did just because of the end result, that is plain stupid.
Both players used bats as weapons. Just because one connected with a face on his swings and the other did not, does not mean Offerman should benefit from his swing and miss.
AS OF NOW, I FULLY EXPECT OFFERMAN TO BE ALLOWED BACK IN THE LEAGUE AND I DISAGREE WITH IT.
For analogy, it reminds me of the high school student who takes a test with a cheat sheet, gets caught and then says he never used it, so he should not be failed. Bad argument. You attempted to cheat, you got caught, you deserve punishment.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Thumbs up in Camden
Today's laurel goes to the grounds crew, umpires and weather man at Campbell's Field in Camden.
Despite steady rain from the first inning on, the Somerset Patriots and Riversharks were able to squeak in five innings to make the game official without injury to any player.
It was made possible by a great job by the grounds crew, bringing fresh dirt out to the batter's box and pitcher's mound between every half-inning.
The umpires showed the necessary patience, and were smart enough to go to delay as soon as the fifth inning was completed. To make their job easier, the rain did pick up severely before the sixth, justifying that point for the delay.
With all the bad press the Atlantic League has received in recent days, this is one VERY LITTLE well-done job.
Despite steady rain from the first inning on, the Somerset Patriots and Riversharks were able to squeak in five innings to make the game official without injury to any player.
It was made possible by a great job by the grounds crew, bringing fresh dirt out to the batter's box and pitcher's mound between every half-inning.
The umpires showed the necessary patience, and were smart enough to go to delay as soon as the fifth inning was completed. To make their job easier, the rain did pick up severely before the sixth, justifying that point for the delay.
With all the bad press the Atlantic League has received in recent days, this is one VERY LITTLE well-done job.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
A long way from remorse
A news side reporter from the Connecticut Post tracked down Jose Offerman at his New York home Wednesday and did not exactly get the kind of remorse that Atlantic League officials desire.
In the article below you will find quotes from Offerman where he absolves himself of some blame, outrageously claiming that Bluefish catcher John Nathans "made up" that he was hit in the head and had a concussion. Offerman seems to imply there was a conspiracy against him.
Not sure I need to say anything else here.
http://www.connpost.com/breakingnews/ci_6631730
In the article below you will find quotes from Offerman where he absolves himself of some blame, outrageously claiming that Bluefish catcher John Nathans "made up" that he was hit in the head and had a concussion. Offerman seems to imply there was a conspiracy against him.
Not sure I need to say anything else here.
http://www.connpost.com/breakingnews/ci_6631730
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Offerman must go now
Sit down before you read this story. Long Island's Jose Offerman, a longtime former major-leaguer, charged the mound swinging a bat during the second inning of Tuesday night's game between the Ducks and Bridgeport Bluefish.
Offerman struck pitcher Matt Beech and catcher John Nathans, and Nathans may have a concussion after taking a blow to the head.
Offerman homered on the first pitch of the game and was drilled during his second at-bat.
After order was restored, the Bridgeport police department arrested Offerman, a former Bluefish.
For more on the incident, read the story in the Connecticut Post:
http://www.connpost.com/breakingnews/ci_6623997
My opinion is that Offerman must be suspended for the rest of the season and -- depending on what is uncovered-- banished from the league. The move would not be unprecedented. Two others players have been kicked out of the league, and this behavior warrants it.
Ironic thing is that several major media outlets -- including ESPN and USA Today -- recently wrote big stories about the Ducks collection of 13 former major-leaguers and how they were bonding well together in this league.
Expect this story to become national news quickly.
Offerman struck pitcher Matt Beech and catcher John Nathans, and Nathans may have a concussion after taking a blow to the head.
Offerman homered on the first pitch of the game and was drilled during his second at-bat.
After order was restored, the Bridgeport police department arrested Offerman, a former Bluefish.
For more on the incident, read the story in the Connecticut Post:
http://www.connpost.com/breakingnews/ci_6623997
My opinion is that Offerman must be suspended for the rest of the season and -- depending on what is uncovered-- banished from the league. The move would not be unprecedented. Two others players have been kicked out of the league, and this behavior warrants it.
Ironic thing is that several major media outlets -- including ESPN and USA Today -- recently wrote big stories about the Ducks collection of 13 former major-leaguers and how they were bonding well together in this league.
Expect this story to become national news quickly.
Atlantic League moves
The Patriots are bringing in former major-league outfielder Luke Allen. He is expected to join the team Wednesday in York. Allen reached the majors for eight games in 2002 and 2003 and is a career .290 hitter in 1,150 minor-league games over 10 seasons before. He has both speed and power and play some third base.
Outfielder Bryan Goelz, who was knowingly brought in as a temporary fill-in a few weeks ago, was released to make room for Allen.
DID YOU NOTICE: Tike Redman -- the first player ever to take an official at-bat for the Atlantic League's expansion York Revolution -- singled and scored the tying run for the Baltimore Orioles in the top of the ninth inning Tuesday against Yankees closer Mariano Rivera.
Redman, a former major-leaguer with the Pittsburgh Pirates, hit .464 with an on-base percentage of .516 and hit safely in all seven games he played for York. The outfielder also totaled six runs, five RBI’s, three walks, a double and a stolen base.
For the fans, the neat part of this story is that -- like the Patriots and Yankees -- the Revolution and Orioles have a connection. The teams are near each other and all four Revolution coaches are former Orioles players.
Outfielder Bryan Goelz, who was knowingly brought in as a temporary fill-in a few weeks ago, was released to make room for Allen.
DID YOU NOTICE: Tike Redman -- the first player ever to take an official at-bat for the Atlantic League's expansion York Revolution -- singled and scored the tying run for the Baltimore Orioles in the top of the ninth inning Tuesday against Yankees closer Mariano Rivera.
Redman, a former major-leaguer with the Pittsburgh Pirates, hit .464 with an on-base percentage of .516 and hit safely in all seven games he played for York. The outfielder also totaled six runs, five RBI’s, three walks, a double and a stolen base.
For the fans, the neat part of this story is that -- like the Patriots and Yankees -- the Revolution and Orioles have a connection. The teams are near each other and all four Revolution coaches are former Orioles players.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
