Last night I gave you my initial thoughts about the Atlantic League Championship Series. Here is further analysis and some random facts.
1) In the moments after the loss, more than a few Patriots could be mumbling under their breath in the clubhouse about manager Sparky Lyle. The veteran skipper travels a long distance from his South Jersey home to come to the games and likes to be the first one out the post-game clubhouse door. He again was first Monday night, leaving without addressing his team. Lyle is not the emotional goodbye type, but considering many of his players sacrificed their health by playing through injuries, a "You gave it your best" speech might have been in order. His pack-up-and-leave routine left a sour taste in the mouth of many veterans.
2) Both of Newark's titles have been helped by Piscataway High School graduates, third baseman Corey Smith (2007) and pitcher Bryan Malko (2002).
3) Outfielder Jose Herrera was not even on the Most Valuable Player radar when Game 4 began. It was between Smith -- a one-time defensive liability who played a stellar hot corner in this series -- and closer Jeremy Hill. Just goes to show what three home runs and six RBIs in the decisive game will do for you in the eyes of voting media members.
4) You can second-guess any coaching staff after a postseason loss and this is no different.
Why did Lyle and pitching coach Brett Jodie handle the pitching staff the way they did? Reliable right-handers Paul Thorp and Saul Solveson were nowhere to be found while Jason Richardson and Hector Almonte were called upon routinely after coming up short for most of the regular season. Keith Ramsey, who had a streaky regular season, did not pitch at all in the playoffs while fellow starters Brian Adams, Brandon Knight and Lincoln Mikkelsen were stretched to capacity in the playoffs.
5) The Patriots led the league in home runs during the regular season, but their foundation was built on small ball. A walk, a steal, a bunt and...voila...a run. In the four championship series games, the Patriots stole just two bases and rarely bunted. When slow-footed runners were on base, the perfect pinch runner, Patrick Boran, could have come off the bench to create some havoc.
6) The Bears are the model of how quickly an Atlantic League team can be turned around. After a miserable 2006 season, a new manager, pitching coach, and director of player procurement retained only four regulars from the prior season and built a winning nucleus of talent. Congratulations on a job well done to one of the more professionally run front offices in the league.
7) In my 2006 season preview, I called the Lancaster Barnstormers the "Team to Watch." In my 2007 season preview, I called the Newark Bears the "Team to Watch." Attention Atlantic League owners: For the right price, I can make your franchise the 2008 Team to Watch.
(I'm kidding, of course)
8) Somerset starter Lincoln Mikkelsen joined the Patriots on Sept. 4 with the sole goal of winning a title. Instead, he gave up seven runs in a no-decision in the fatal game. Mikkelsen, 40, could be the best pitcher in league history, but his teams are now 0-for-6 in the Atlantic League playoff. Feel bad for this guy.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Patriots season ends in shocking fashion
Here are my initial postgame thoughts after the Bears scored eight eighth-inning runs to beat the Patriots 13-7 to capture the Atlantic League Championship Series in four games...With more to come tomorrow...
1) The bullpen woes that plagued the Patriots all season was their undoing at the end. The bullpen blew a lead in Game 1, and could not hold tie scores and allowed the winning runs to score late in Games 3 and 4.
2) Bears manager Wayne Krenchicki and pitching coach Steve Focault have coached together at three different stops for 10 years in the Atlantic League and suffered three playoff series defeats. This title was a long time coming for these two.
3) Like closer R.D. Spiehs the night before, give Somerset starter Lincoln Mikkelsen credit for speaking after a rough Game 4 performance. Covering the Atlantic League is not like covering the majors. I'm the only reporter in the losing locker room and it would be easy to blow me off with no cameras watching. These guys were true pros.
4) It might seem silly, but this was a historic Atlantic League game. It reminded me of the New England Patriots collapse against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2007 AFC Championship Game. Dynasties simply do not melt down like this. The Patriots had not lost a playoff series since 2000 -- when I was high school senior -- and had won their last eight games when facing playoff elimination.
5) The Bears, a team that won just 42 games all of last season, became the first time other than the Patriots to win multiple Atlantic League titles. The Patriots still lead that race with three, but the Bears broke away from the Lancaster Barnstormers, Bridgeport Bluefish and Long Island Ducks. Maybe more teams should follow their lead and completely blow up their roster after a miserable season. (See: Lancaster).
1) The bullpen woes that plagued the Patriots all season was their undoing at the end. The bullpen blew a lead in Game 1, and could not hold tie scores and allowed the winning runs to score late in Games 3 and 4.
2) Bears manager Wayne Krenchicki and pitching coach Steve Focault have coached together at three different stops for 10 years in the Atlantic League and suffered three playoff series defeats. This title was a long time coming for these two.
3) Like closer R.D. Spiehs the night before, give Somerset starter Lincoln Mikkelsen credit for speaking after a rough Game 4 performance. Covering the Atlantic League is not like covering the majors. I'm the only reporter in the losing locker room and it would be easy to blow me off with no cameras watching. These guys were true pros.
4) It might seem silly, but this was a historic Atlantic League game. It reminded me of the New England Patriots collapse against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2007 AFC Championship Game. Dynasties simply do not melt down like this. The Patriots had not lost a playoff series since 2000 -- when I was high school senior -- and had won their last eight games when facing playoff elimination.
5) The Bears, a team that won just 42 games all of last season, became the first time other than the Patriots to win multiple Atlantic League titles. The Patriots still lead that race with three, but the Bears broke away from the Lancaster Barnstormers, Bridgeport Bluefish and Long Island Ducks. Maybe more teams should follow their lead and completely blow up their roster after a miserable season. (See: Lancaster).
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Championship Series Game 3
HISTORY: The first inning of Game 3 is underway. With the series tied 1-1, it is a pivotal game, but not as much of a determining factor as you might think.
The only other time in Atlantic League history time that there was a situation like this , in 2003, the Patriots and Nashua Pride split the first two games and the Pride won Game 3. The Patriots rebounded with two road victories to capture the title.
Interestingly, six of the first nine Atlantic League Championship Series ended in three-game sweeps. This is the first since that 2003 series that there will be a Game 4.
The Patriots now have been involved in three of the four non-sweeps. The only other one extended series was the Atlantic City Surf's four-game victory over the Bridgeport Bluefish in the league's inaugural 1998 season.
The only other time in Atlantic League history time that there was a situation like this , in 2003, the Patriots and Nashua Pride split the first two games and the Pride won Game 3. The Patriots rebounded with two road victories to capture the title.
Interestingly, six of the first nine Atlantic League Championship Series ended in three-game sweeps. This is the first since that 2003 series that there will be a Game 4.
The Patriots now have been involved in three of the four non-sweeps. The only other one extended series was the Atlantic City Surf's four-game victory over the Bridgeport Bluefish in the league's inaugural 1998 season.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Postseason Awards
Here are the Atlantic League Postseason Awards as announced Friday afternoon:
(Editor's Note: I HATE ties, but it's a good way to get all the teams represented in the awards. Other than that, I have no real objections with any of the selections other than I think Newark's Javier Colina should have edged his teammate Victor Rodriguez for Player of the Year and I don't think Jesse Hoorelbeke should have gotten a share of that award.)
C - Randy McGarvey, Camden
1B - Jesse Hoorelbeke, Bridgeport
2B - Javier Colina, Newark
3B - Jay Caligiuri, Bridgeport
SS - Ramon Castro, Newark
UTIL - P.J. Rose, Long Island, and Nate Espy, York (tie)
OF - Carl Everett, Long Island
OF - Mike Lockwood, Somerset
OF - Steven Doetsch, Road Warriors
OF - Ray Navarrete, Long Island
DH - Victor Rodriguez, Newark
RHP - Gary Knotts, Newark
LHP - Brian Adams, Somerset
CLOSER - Danny Graves, Long Island, and Derrick DePriest, Lancaster (tie)
MANAGER OF THE YEAR - Jeff Scott, Road Warriors
PITCHER OF THE YEAR - Brian Adams, Somerset
PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Victor Rodriguez and Jesse Hoorelbeke (tie)
PARK OF THE YEAR - Commerce Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater
GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR - John Brandt, Newark
(Editor's Note: I HATE ties, but it's a good way to get all the teams represented in the awards. Other than that, I have no real objections with any of the selections other than I think Newark's Javier Colina should have edged his teammate Victor Rodriguez for Player of the Year and I don't think Jesse Hoorelbeke should have gotten a share of that award.)
C - Randy McGarvey, Camden
1B - Jesse Hoorelbeke, Bridgeport
2B - Javier Colina, Newark
3B - Jay Caligiuri, Bridgeport
SS - Ramon Castro, Newark
UTIL - P.J. Rose, Long Island, and Nate Espy, York (tie)
OF - Carl Everett, Long Island
OF - Mike Lockwood, Somerset
OF - Steven Doetsch, Road Warriors
OF - Ray Navarrete, Long Island
DH - Victor Rodriguez, Newark
RHP - Gary Knotts, Newark
LHP - Brian Adams, Somerset
CLOSER - Danny Graves, Long Island, and Derrick DePriest, Lancaster (tie)
MANAGER OF THE YEAR - Jeff Scott, Road Warriors
PITCHER OF THE YEAR - Brian Adams, Somerset
PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Victor Rodriguez and Jesse Hoorelbeke (tie)
PARK OF THE YEAR - Commerce Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater
GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR - John Brandt, Newark
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Through two games....
Here is what I'm thinking as I drink my Vanilla Frosty from Wendy's in my Cherry Hill hotel room. Or do you eat a Frosty? Not sure.
1) Attendance is a highly contested issue in the Atlantic League for two reasons. First, most teams announce paid attendance and not actual attendance, and there is usually a big disparity between the two. Second, the perception is most fans come for the between innings promotions, pregame giveaways and carnival atmosphere. That's what makes the Game 1 crowd of 6,006 -- a very legitimate number -- at Commerce Bank Ballpark so impressive. There were no between innings promotions -- just baseball in the playoffs. That means that if there were 5,500 fans through the gate, they came for the baseball. A very good sign.
2) The Patriots stayed alive with a 3-2 victory in Game 2 despite managing just five hits. That is eight total hits in two games. They scored the game-winning run in the 11th inning on a walk, a bunt, a groundout and a wild pitch. To win Game 3, the Patriots are going to need more offense even though they appear to have the better starting pitcher on the mound.
3) Catcher Randy McGarvey -- who I listed in my series preview package as an under-the-radar to watch -- missed Game 2 with a back injury. Brent Metheny caught in his place and played well overall, but he could not get a glove on the wild pitch that allowed the winning run to score. If McGarvey misses Game 3, that it could make a major difference.
4) Reggie Taylor caused a stir around the Atlantic League when he decided in late August that he wanted to play for the Long Island Duck instead of the Lancaster Barnstormers, where he played in 2006 and verbally agreed to rejoin. The Ducks got a lot of slack for this move, and how did Taylor repay them? By skipping Game 1 of the North Division Championship Series because he returned home to South Carolina after Sunday's regular-season finale and did not make it back in time.
5) The Newark Bears are headed to the Atlantic League Championship Series for the first time since winning the 2002 title. The way the Bears finished the regular season and the convincing manner in which they swept the Ducks makes them the odds-on favorite over the Patriots or Riversharks. They can win by out-hitting or out-pitching opponents.
1) Attendance is a highly contested issue in the Atlantic League for two reasons. First, most teams announce paid attendance and not actual attendance, and there is usually a big disparity between the two. Second, the perception is most fans come for the between innings promotions, pregame giveaways and carnival atmosphere. That's what makes the Game 1 crowd of 6,006 -- a very legitimate number -- at Commerce Bank Ballpark so impressive. There were no between innings promotions -- just baseball in the playoffs. That means that if there were 5,500 fans through the gate, they came for the baseball. A very good sign.
2) The Patriots stayed alive with a 3-2 victory in Game 2 despite managing just five hits. That is eight total hits in two games. They scored the game-winning run in the 11th inning on a walk, a bunt, a groundout and a wild pitch. To win Game 3, the Patriots are going to need more offense even though they appear to have the better starting pitcher on the mound.
3) Catcher Randy McGarvey -- who I listed in my series preview package as an under-the-radar to watch -- missed Game 2 with a back injury. Brent Metheny caught in his place and played well overall, but he could not get a glove on the wild pitch that allowed the winning run to score. If McGarvey misses Game 3, that it could make a major difference.
4) Reggie Taylor caused a stir around the Atlantic League when he decided in late August that he wanted to play for the Long Island Duck instead of the Lancaster Barnstormers, where he played in 2006 and verbally agreed to rejoin. The Ducks got a lot of slack for this move, and how did Taylor repay them? By skipping Game 1 of the North Division Championship Series because he returned home to South Carolina after Sunday's regular-season finale and did not make it back in time.
5) The Newark Bears are headed to the Atlantic League Championship Series for the first time since winning the 2002 title. The way the Bears finished the regular season and the convincing manner in which they swept the Ducks makes them the odds-on favorite over the Patriots or Riversharks. They can win by out-hitting or out-pitching opponents.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Game 1 thoughts
The Patriots were held to three hits Tuesday in their Atlantic League South Division Championship Series first game 4-1 extra-innings loss to the Camden Riversharks.
The unstoppable offense that averaged nearly seven runs per game in its first 15 September games was nowhere to be found against Matt Beech.
Baseball and Sports Associates, the player procurement company that handles baseball operations for four teams, was a real winner Tuesday. BASA has taken a lot of heat this season and only one of its four teams made the playoffs, not the strongest defense it could make.
But BASA's late-season additions to the Riversharks made all the difference Tuesday.
Beech allowed one run and two hits in eight innings, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth.
Closer Lou Pote earned the victory with two scoreless innings.
Infielder Brett Metheny had a pinch-hit single in the three-run 10th-inning rally.
All three of them were acquired by BASA for the Riversharks in the last week of the regular season.
It all leaves the three-time champion Patriots on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2000.
The Patriots won the winner-take-all Game 3 of the 2005 South Division Championship Series and won two games facing elimination in the 2003 Atlantic League Championship Series.
Still, it's not a comfortable spot to manager Sparky Lyle. Here is what he had to say about losing Game 1 -- four hours losing it.
"It's so important. If you lose this game, your back is really against the wall. There aren't any two ways about it."
"In the playoffs in the big leagues, I always thought it was better when the series were seven games. Five games weren't enough."
"If you lose the first game, you're chances (of winning the series) are pretty bad."
"Even champions lose once in a while, but to be here, I'm very proud of these guys."
The unstoppable offense that averaged nearly seven runs per game in its first 15 September games was nowhere to be found against Matt Beech.
Baseball and Sports Associates, the player procurement company that handles baseball operations for four teams, was a real winner Tuesday. BASA has taken a lot of heat this season and only one of its four teams made the playoffs, not the strongest defense it could make.
But BASA's late-season additions to the Riversharks made all the difference Tuesday.
Beech allowed one run and two hits in eight innings, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth.
Closer Lou Pote earned the victory with two scoreless innings.
Infielder Brett Metheny had a pinch-hit single in the three-run 10th-inning rally.
All three of them were acquired by BASA for the Riversharks in the last week of the regular season.
It all leaves the three-time champion Patriots on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2000.
The Patriots won the winner-take-all Game 3 of the 2005 South Division Championship Series and won two games facing elimination in the 2003 Atlantic League Championship Series.
Still, it's not a comfortable spot to manager Sparky Lyle. Here is what he had to say about losing Game 1 -- four hours losing it.
"It's so important. If you lose this game, your back is really against the wall. There aren't any two ways about it."
"In the playoffs in the big leagues, I always thought it was better when the series were seven games. Five games weren't enough."
"If you lose the first game, you're chances (of winning the series) are pretty bad."
"Even champions lose once in a while, but to be here, I'm very proud of these guys."
Monday, September 17, 2007
If I only had a ballot...
I could while away the hours
Conferrin' with the Atlantic League powers
Consultin' with the brains
And my head, I'd be scratchin'
While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a ballot.
(Who doesn't love the Wizard of Oz?)
Anyway, the point of that little lyric was to remind everyone that media does not its own vote for postseason awards in the Atlantic League.
Each team gets one ballot and is supposed to consult its beat writers for their thoughts.
This consulting rarely happens around the league, but, IN SHOCKING NEWS, I was asked for my opinion by Somerset this season and I definitely appreciate it - even if my opinions are not the ones that ultimately get submitted.
Here is my ballot:
Player of the Year: Javier Colina, Newark Bears
The versatile infielder made a splash in his first Atlantic League season, finishing first in the league in RBIs (101), second in home runs (26) and extra-base hits (59), third in slugging percentage (.560), fourth in runs scored (92) and fifth in hits (144).
Runners-up: Batting champion and 2004 Player of the Year Victor Rodriguez, Colina's teammate with the Bears. League-leader in runs scored (104), extra-base hits (62) and doubles (42), Ray Navarrete of the Long Island Ducks.
Pitcher of the Year: Brian Adams, Somerset Patriots
The left-hander likely would have won the pitching Triple Crown if he made his final start of the regular season instead of being held back for the playoffs. Adams led the league in victories (15) and finished with the best earned-run average (3.68) of any active pitcher. The three hurlers with better ERAs are long since out of the league. His 117 strikeouts ranked second in the league.
This award would atone for Adams inexplicably not once winning Pitcher of the Month despite being 11-0 in 15 games at Commerce Bank Ballpark and 15-2 overall.
Runner-up: Bridgeport Bluefish left-hander Mike Porzio, who topped Adams in strikeouts, finished two spots below Adams in ERA and fifth in the league in wins with 11.
Executive of the Year: John Brandt/Jim Cerny, Newark Bears
Brandt, the general manager, handed off player procurement responsibilities to assistant general manager Cerny before the season and the move worked brilliantly. Brandt, one of the league's more innovative minds, improved attendance in Newark with some truly unique promotions and by being flexible with his game schedule. There were plenty of camp days, 5:05 weekday starts to lure Newark's businessmen and 3:05 Sunday starts to lure churchgoers.
Cerny built an on-field product that was as good as any in the league. The Bears are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2002, and it is not as if they have been knocking on the door for a while. This team arguably was worse than the Road Warriors in 2006.
Runner-up: Somerset Patriots general manager Patrick McVerry will be the first to tell you he has a great staff working for him. But credit starts at the top, and Somerset recorded its second-best season in total attendance. The franchise really played up the 10th anniversary season, plastering a new logo everywhere and remodeling parts of the ballpark.
Manager of the Year: Jeff Scott, Road Warriors
I will preface this vote by saying, I would be shocked if this happens. At least one league executive campaigned for Scott last season -- when I also "voted" for him -- and he was nowhere to be found at announcement time. Still, what Scott does -- driving the equipment van, helping out with the laundry, taking players to the bank -- is stuff no other manager would touch. His players love him for it, and that is why the Road Warriors set a franchise-record with 43 overall wins and remarkably avoided the North Division basement in the second half.
Runner-up: Rookie manager Joe Ferguson guided the Camden Riversharks to their first playoff berth since 2004 with a 39-24 first-half record. He got the most out of some aging veteran players who, just last season, looked finished.
Actual winners should be announced by the league Thursday.
Conferrin' with the Atlantic League powers
Consultin' with the brains
And my head, I'd be scratchin'
While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a ballot.
(Who doesn't love the Wizard of Oz?)
Anyway, the point of that little lyric was to remind everyone that media does not its own vote for postseason awards in the Atlantic League.
Each team gets one ballot and is supposed to consult its beat writers for their thoughts.
This consulting rarely happens around the league, but, IN SHOCKING NEWS, I was asked for my opinion by Somerset this season and I definitely appreciate it - even if my opinions are not the ones that ultimately get submitted.
Here is my ballot:
Player of the Year: Javier Colina, Newark Bears
The versatile infielder made a splash in his first Atlantic League season, finishing first in the league in RBIs (101), second in home runs (26) and extra-base hits (59), third in slugging percentage (.560), fourth in runs scored (92) and fifth in hits (144).
Runners-up: Batting champion and 2004 Player of the Year Victor Rodriguez, Colina's teammate with the Bears. League-leader in runs scored (104), extra-base hits (62) and doubles (42), Ray Navarrete of the Long Island Ducks.
Pitcher of the Year: Brian Adams, Somerset Patriots
The left-hander likely would have won the pitching Triple Crown if he made his final start of the regular season instead of being held back for the playoffs. Adams led the league in victories (15) and finished with the best earned-run average (3.68) of any active pitcher. The three hurlers with better ERAs are long since out of the league. His 117 strikeouts ranked second in the league.
This award would atone for Adams inexplicably not once winning Pitcher of the Month despite being 11-0 in 15 games at Commerce Bank Ballpark and 15-2 overall.
Runner-up: Bridgeport Bluefish left-hander Mike Porzio, who topped Adams in strikeouts, finished two spots below Adams in ERA and fifth in the league in wins with 11.
Executive of the Year: John Brandt/Jim Cerny, Newark Bears
Brandt, the general manager, handed off player procurement responsibilities to assistant general manager Cerny before the season and the move worked brilliantly. Brandt, one of the league's more innovative minds, improved attendance in Newark with some truly unique promotions and by being flexible with his game schedule. There were plenty of camp days, 5:05 weekday starts to lure Newark's businessmen and 3:05 Sunday starts to lure churchgoers.
Cerny built an on-field product that was as good as any in the league. The Bears are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2002, and it is not as if they have been knocking on the door for a while. This team arguably was worse than the Road Warriors in 2006.
Runner-up: Somerset Patriots general manager Patrick McVerry will be the first to tell you he has a great staff working for him. But credit starts at the top, and Somerset recorded its second-best season in total attendance. The franchise really played up the 10th anniversary season, plastering a new logo everywhere and remodeling parts of the ballpark.
Manager of the Year: Jeff Scott, Road Warriors
I will preface this vote by saying, I would be shocked if this happens. At least one league executive campaigned for Scott last season -- when I also "voted" for him -- and he was nowhere to be found at announcement time. Still, what Scott does -- driving the equipment van, helping out with the laundry, taking players to the bank -- is stuff no other manager would touch. His players love him for it, and that is why the Road Warriors set a franchise-record with 43 overall wins and remarkably avoided the North Division basement in the second half.
Runner-up: Rookie manager Joe Ferguson guided the Camden Riversharks to their first playoff berth since 2004 with a 39-24 first-half record. He got the most out of some aging veteran players who, just last season, looked finished.
Actual winners should be announced by the league Thursday.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Atlantic League alumni making playoff impact
While the Atlantic League regular season winds down, affiliated minor leagues are deciding their playoffs.
In the Double-A Eastern League, Trenton (New York Yankees) took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five championship series against Akron (Cleveland Indians) with a 3-2 win Wednesday night.
Why am I writing about this on my blog?
Former Somerset Patriot for a day, Noah Hall, had the walk-off RBI single with no outs in the bottom of the ninth. He drove the final pitch to the opposite field.
Hall did not play in Game 1 but got the Game 2 start at designated hitter and went 3-for-5.
The outfielder went to Atlantic League spring training with the Patriots and collected two hits on Opening Night before signing with the Yankees and spending the entire season as a backup outfielder at Double-A.
Former Lancaster Barnstormer Scott Patterson earned the Game 2 victory. Patterson allowed nine earned runs in 74 1/3 innings for Trenton this season.
The interesting thing about this story is I covered one game in Trenton this season and a few writers in the press box gave me a hard time about the quality of play and respectability of the Atlantic League. It is important to note that these hecklers were not Thunder employees.
But it seems to me like the Thunder's season -- and Wednesday night's pivotal game -- would have been more of a struggle if not for their Atlantic League alumni.
Also of note, if the series reaches Game 4, former Rutgers University and Newark Bears pitcher Bobby Brownlie is expected to make the start for Akron.
In the Double-A Eastern League, Trenton (New York Yankees) took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five championship series against Akron (Cleveland Indians) with a 3-2 win Wednesday night.
Why am I writing about this on my blog?
Former Somerset Patriot for a day, Noah Hall, had the walk-off RBI single with no outs in the bottom of the ninth. He drove the final pitch to the opposite field.
Hall did not play in Game 1 but got the Game 2 start at designated hitter and went 3-for-5.
The outfielder went to Atlantic League spring training with the Patriots and collected two hits on Opening Night before signing with the Yankees and spending the entire season as a backup outfielder at Double-A.
Former Lancaster Barnstormer Scott Patterson earned the Game 2 victory. Patterson allowed nine earned runs in 74 1/3 innings for Trenton this season.
The interesting thing about this story is I covered one game in Trenton this season and a few writers in the press box gave me a hard time about the quality of play and respectability of the Atlantic League. It is important to note that these hecklers were not Thunder employees.
But it seems to me like the Thunder's season -- and Wednesday night's pivotal game -- would have been more of a struggle if not for their Atlantic League alumni.
Also of note, if the series reaches Game 4, former Rutgers University and Newark Bears pitcher Bobby Brownlie is expected to make the start for Akron.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Six games, almost zero meaning
The Patriots began regular-season life after clinching a playoff spot Tuesday night against the Lancaster Barnstormers.
Both managers put something very close to their regular starting lineups out, but there is no denying the next three games will be played without the same intensity. Neither team has anything to gain by winning or losing.
"Anybody who wants or need a rest is going to get it," Patriots skipper Sparky Lyle said. "But we're not by any means going to let teams beat the (heck) out of us."
Second baseman Teuris Olivares is resting Tuesday, and expect third baseman Jose Morban and outfielders Mike Lockwood and Jason Romano to get days off in the near future.
But do not expect Lyle to do crazy things such as have position players pitch or hit away in obvious bunting situations. He wants to avoid any kind of prolonged losing streak or negative energy entering the playoffs.
As for the final three games of the regular season against the Camden Riversharks -- a South Division Championship Series preview -- those should be interesting. Both managers will probably spend more time playing head games with each other -- not pitching their top pitchers, switching up their signs, etc. -- than they will trying to win games.
The next game that counts is Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at Commerce Bank Ballpark.
Both managers put something very close to their regular starting lineups out, but there is no denying the next three games will be played without the same intensity. Neither team has anything to gain by winning or losing.
"Anybody who wants or need a rest is going to get it," Patriots skipper Sparky Lyle said. "But we're not by any means going to let teams beat the (heck) out of us."
Second baseman Teuris Olivares is resting Tuesday, and expect third baseman Jose Morban and outfielders Mike Lockwood and Jason Romano to get days off in the near future.
But do not expect Lyle to do crazy things such as have position players pitch or hit away in obvious bunting situations. He wants to avoid any kind of prolonged losing streak or negative energy entering the playoffs.
As for the final three games of the regular season against the Camden Riversharks -- a South Division Championship Series preview -- those should be interesting. Both managers will probably spend more time playing head games with each other -- not pitching their top pitchers, switching up their signs, etc. -- than they will trying to win games.
The next game that counts is Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at Commerce Bank Ballpark.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Camden loading up for Somerset
The Atlantic League South Division Championship Series is set and will feature the Camden Riversharks and Somerset Patriots when Game 1 begins at 7:05 p.m. Sept. 18 at Commerce Bank Ballpark.
The Atlantic League's deadline to add any playoff-eligible players to your roster was Monday at noon and while the Patriots remained quiet, the Riversharks did not.
Camden signed left-handed pitcher Rolando Viera, right-handed pitcher Lou Pote, infielder Brent Metheny and traded the Bridgeport Bluefish starting pitcher Randy Dicken for starting pitcher Matt Beech.
Pote is a former major-leaguer with 129 games of experience for the Angels and Indians.
BUT THE REAL NEWS HERE IS...Beech.
You may remember his name from being the pitcher Jose Offerman went after with his bat earlier this season, but Beech is more than that to Atlantic League personnel.
He is an up and down veteran capable of throwing a complete-game shutout or imploding without surviving the fourth inning. Either way, he is expected to get one start in the playoffs and should impact the series either way.
The Riversharks and Bluefish have their baseball operations handled by the same company -- Baseball And Sports Associates -- so naturally this trade raises some questions about the intentions of BASA.
Neither Beech nor Dicken is having a great season, but Beech is a gritty former major-leaguer who helped Bridgeport to the 2006 Atlantic League Championship Series. Dicken is more of a young project, who earlier this season was with the Road Warriors.
Patriots manager Sparky Lyle surely will have something to say about this trade Tuesday and I will call BASA director Adam Gladstone, too.
Check Wednesday's Courier News for those thoughts, but here is what Lyle said about BASA this past weekend:
“I don’t even know what we could do. They do whatever they want.”
The Atlantic League's deadline to add any playoff-eligible players to your roster was Monday at noon and while the Patriots remained quiet, the Riversharks did not.
Camden signed left-handed pitcher Rolando Viera, right-handed pitcher Lou Pote, infielder Brent Metheny and traded the Bridgeport Bluefish starting pitcher Randy Dicken for starting pitcher Matt Beech.
Pote is a former major-leaguer with 129 games of experience for the Angels and Indians.
BUT THE REAL NEWS HERE IS...Beech.
You may remember his name from being the pitcher Jose Offerman went after with his bat earlier this season, but Beech is more than that to Atlantic League personnel.
He is an up and down veteran capable of throwing a complete-game shutout or imploding without surviving the fourth inning. Either way, he is expected to get one start in the playoffs and should impact the series either way.
The Riversharks and Bluefish have their baseball operations handled by the same company -- Baseball And Sports Associates -- so naturally this trade raises some questions about the intentions of BASA.
Neither Beech nor Dicken is having a great season, but Beech is a gritty former major-leaguer who helped Bridgeport to the 2006 Atlantic League Championship Series. Dicken is more of a young project, who earlier this season was with the Road Warriors.
Patriots manager Sparky Lyle surely will have something to say about this trade Tuesday and I will call BASA director Adam Gladstone, too.
Check Wednesday's Courier News for those thoughts, but here is what Lyle said about BASA this past weekend:
“I don’t even know what we could do. They do whatever they want.”
Monday, September 3, 2007
Back from suspension, Ayala talks...
Patriots shortstop Elliott Ayala spoke to me Monday afternoon about his one-game suspension in the aftermath of an incident with umpire Chris Hubler.
Ayala made contact with Hubler's face while arguing a safe call at second base Friday night. He already had been ejected from the game at that point, and needed to be restrained from Hubler by home plate umpire Joe Cruz.
Ayala served a one-game suspension Sunday and is back in the starting lineup Monday night. If Ayala is ejected again this season, he will be handed an automatic two-game suspension.
He is the leadoff batter with Hubler behind the plate and it won't take long to see if there are any hard feelings on either side.
Update: First batter went smoothly. Take the first pitch, single to left on the second. So much for early drama.
Here is what Ayala said:
"It was the heat of the battle. It is in the past sense. It's something that happened, but I place no blame on him and me."
"I'd like to start. No grudges. It happens all the time in baseball. I'm not holding any grudges."
Did he make contact with Hubler's face?
"I don't think I did whatever he said I did. Nothing was intentional."
"I didn't say anything (worthy of an ejection). That's why (I got so angry)."
Ayala made contact with Hubler's face while arguing a safe call at second base Friday night. He already had been ejected from the game at that point, and needed to be restrained from Hubler by home plate umpire Joe Cruz.
Ayala served a one-game suspension Sunday and is back in the starting lineup Monday night. If Ayala is ejected again this season, he will be handed an automatic two-game suspension.
He is the leadoff batter with Hubler behind the plate and it won't take long to see if there are any hard feelings on either side.
Update: First batter went smoothly. Take the first pitch, single to left on the second. So much for early drama.
Here is what Ayala said:
"It was the heat of the battle. It is in the past sense. It's something that happened, but I place no blame on him and me."
"I'd like to start. No grudges. It happens all the time in baseball. I'm not holding any grudges."
Did he make contact with Hubler's face?
"I don't think I did whatever he said I did. Nothing was intentional."
"I didn't say anything (worthy of an ejection). That's why (I got so angry)."
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