This is the new Courier News girls basketball blog address. Please bookmark it:
http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/holdingcourt/
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
NEW BLOG!!! VERY IMPORTANT!!! PLEASE READ!!
My blog is changing addresses and the newspaper has no way to redirect you from this site to that one. So if you have this address saved on your favorites or bookmarked, please change the address to:
www.mycentraljersey.com/patsblog
This will be the final post I make on this blog. If you have any difficultly accessing the new blog, leave me a comment here and I will answer it, but go to the new blog for new information and please start leaving your comments there.
Thanks.
www.mycentraljersey.com/patsblog
This will be the final post I make on this blog. If you have any difficultly accessing the new blog, leave me a comment here and I will answer it, but go to the new blog for new information and please start leaving your comments there.
Thanks.
Knight starts, not pictured
You might have seen my story on Brandon Knight, who is the Opening Day starter Friday for the Patriots. You might also have noticed that the photo with the story is not Brandon Knight. That's newcomer Steve Kelly, who is expected to start the second game.
Not sure how that happened, but we are sorry for the confusion. I don't want any fans going up to Kelly and asking for Knight's autograph because of something on the paper's end.
Here is the link:
http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080424/SPORTS01/804240305/1011
Not sure how that happened, but we are sorry for the confusion. I don't want any fans going up to Kelly and asking for Knight's autograph because of something on the paper's end.
Here is the link:
http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080424/SPORTS01/804240305/1011
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
News & Notes as spring training ends
In case you missed Wednesday's paper, the Patriots released shortstop Pete Moore (who "made" the team out of the open tryout), catcher Michael Muscato and relief pitchers Joe Welsh and David Humen. No surprise here, really. These four guys had a combined one game of experience above Single-A, and it belonged to Humen.
Muscato, however, is not completely out of the picture. He accepted a job as the team's bullpen catcher early in the season. It might not sound it, but this is a very undervalued job. Lots of dirty work, but impacts the game by getting relief pitchers ready without straining the backup catcher. Muscato showed during spring training that he can hit -- though not with much power -- and he appears to have potential behind the plate. I definitely think he could play in a lesser independent league -- say, the Frontier League, where most players are in their mid-20s and not the typical Atlantic League veteran. Patriots officials said they are going to try to get Muscato a job there, so we'll see keep an eye on that.
Frank Moore missed Wednesday's practice as he flew back home to tend to a family issue. The team expects him back for Thursday's practice and, if not, definitely by Friday's opener.
The team's parade was Wednesday night. I did not attend, but check out the front page of Thursday's Courier News for a story by my colleague Marty. Thursday night is the barbecue for season ticket holders, and I'll likely see you there.
Around the league: Rumor has it Greg Blosser has made the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. For more on why that is interesting, check the info from two posts ago.
Lancaster Barnstormers beat writer Jason Guarente is reporting that the team has released outfielder Dominick Ambrosini because first-year manager Von Hayes did not like his lax attitude. This is downright shocking news considering Ambrosini has been an All-Star caliber player during his three Atlantic League seasons. He hit .316 with 20 doubles, 19 home runs and 70 RBIs last season for a team that wasn't very good. I love the guts it takes to make a move like this as Hayes is clearly sending his players a message, but I think it might backfire. Ambrosini is good enough to sign with any team in the league if he wants, and I see him hitting the home run to eliminate Lancaster from playoff contention in September.
Muscato, however, is not completely out of the picture. He accepted a job as the team's bullpen catcher early in the season. It might not sound it, but this is a very undervalued job. Lots of dirty work, but impacts the game by getting relief pitchers ready without straining the backup catcher. Muscato showed during spring training that he can hit -- though not with much power -- and he appears to have potential behind the plate. I definitely think he could play in a lesser independent league -- say, the Frontier League, where most players are in their mid-20s and not the typical Atlantic League veteran. Patriots officials said they are going to try to get Muscato a job there, so we'll see keep an eye on that.
Frank Moore missed Wednesday's practice as he flew back home to tend to a family issue. The team expects him back for Thursday's practice and, if not, definitely by Friday's opener.
The team's parade was Wednesday night. I did not attend, but check out the front page of Thursday's Courier News for a story by my colleague Marty. Thursday night is the barbecue for season ticket holders, and I'll likely see you there.
Around the league: Rumor has it Greg Blosser has made the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. For more on why that is interesting, check the info from two posts ago.
Lancaster Barnstormers beat writer Jason Guarente is reporting that the team has released outfielder Dominick Ambrosini because first-year manager Von Hayes did not like his lax attitude. This is downright shocking news considering Ambrosini has been an All-Star caliber player during his three Atlantic League seasons. He hit .316 with 20 doubles, 19 home runs and 70 RBIs last season for a team that wasn't very good. I love the guts it takes to make a move like this as Hayes is clearly sending his players a message, but I think it might backfire. Ambrosini is good enough to sign with any team in the league if he wants, and I see him hitting the home run to eliminate Lancaster from playoff contention in September.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Cut day
Tuesday is cut day, as the Somerset Patriots will cut their roster from the 29 players who are in spring training to the 25 who will be in uniform Opening Day. I confirmed that the team is going to carry 25 -- no more and no less.
You be asking yourself, more? Isn't the Atlantic League active roster maximum 25?
The answer is yes, but apparently the league is considering allowing teams to carry as many as 28 early in the season in order to better asses the talent. I've always thought a week of spring training was too short to get an accurate read on players on the bubble, but this seems a little silly.
One of the disadvantages to not being in Florida with the rest of the league is I get left out of news tidbits like this. Lancaster Barnstormers beat writer Jason Guarente is in Florida and here is the excerpt from his blog. Give credit where it is due.
"There could be some transactions Monday. It depends on an Atlantic League ruling. The league is considering allowing teams to carry 27 or 28 players in the early part of the season for evaluation purposes."
Who gets the axe from the Pats? I've been told two pitchers and two position players, but there was a front office and coaches meeting scheduled for Monday night to finalize the names, so I don't want to publicize them until its official.
Would you want to read you were losing your job on my blog before your boss told you?
You be asking yourself, more? Isn't the Atlantic League active roster maximum 25?
The answer is yes, but apparently the league is considering allowing teams to carry as many as 28 early in the season in order to better asses the talent. I've always thought a week of spring training was too short to get an accurate read on players on the bubble, but this seems a little silly.
One of the disadvantages to not being in Florida with the rest of the league is I get left out of news tidbits like this. Lancaster Barnstormers beat writer Jason Guarente is in Florida and here is the excerpt from his blog. Give credit where it is due.
"There could be some transactions Monday. It depends on an Atlantic League ruling. The league is considering allowing teams to carry 27 or 28 players in the early part of the season for evaluation purposes."
Who gets the axe from the Pats? I've been told two pitchers and two position players, but there was a front office and coaches meeting scheduled for Monday night to finalize the names, so I don't want to publicize them until its official.
Would you want to read you were losing your job on my blog before your boss told you?
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Around the Atlantic League...
Here are two scoops from around the league....
-- Former Somerset Patriot Greg Blosser is in spring training with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Blosser, who has not played professionally since getting released by the Patriots in 2003, told me last season that he was planning a comeback but I did not expect much of a market for a 36-year-old outfielder who has more recent experience as a private investigator than he does as a baseball player. Shows you what I know. From everything I hear, Blosser is a good guy for the league and his comeback would make a great story. The wrinkle? If he makes the team, Blosser's first game would be Friday against the Patriots at Commerce Bank Ballpark, where he hit that memorable two-out three-run home run to tie Game 4 of the 2001 Atlantic League Championship Series against Newark.
-- Randall Simon is expected to join the Newark Bears. The team plans to announce this signing Monday, but I figure it is safe to release the news since he was on the roster the Bears gave me Saturday. The 32-year-old first baseman is a career .283 hitter in 537 major-league games and should fare well versus Atlantic League pitching. However, Simon will forever be most remembered for a July 9, 2003 incident at Miller Park in Milwaukee when, leaning over the dugout railing, he struck a woman in a mascot costume with his bat during the between-innings sausage race. I expect he's tired of answering questions about this by now, but there are plenty of Atlantic League writers who will be dying for this guy to come into town. I am not one of them.
-- Former Somerset Patriot Greg Blosser is in spring training with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Blosser, who has not played professionally since getting released by the Patriots in 2003, told me last season that he was planning a comeback but I did not expect much of a market for a 36-year-old outfielder who has more recent experience as a private investigator than he does as a baseball player. Shows you what I know. From everything I hear, Blosser is a good guy for the league and his comeback would make a great story. The wrinkle? If he makes the team, Blosser's first game would be Friday against the Patriots at Commerce Bank Ballpark, where he hit that memorable two-out three-run home run to tie Game 4 of the 2001 Atlantic League Championship Series against Newark.
-- Randall Simon is expected to join the Newark Bears. The team plans to announce this signing Monday, but I figure it is safe to release the news since he was on the roster the Bears gave me Saturday. The 32-year-old first baseman is a career .283 hitter in 537 major-league games and should fare well versus Atlantic League pitching. However, Simon will forever be most remembered for a July 9, 2003 incident at Miller Park in Milwaukee when, leaning over the dugout railing, he struck a woman in a mascot costume with his bat during the between-innings sausage race. I expect he's tired of answering questions about this by now, but there are plenty of Atlantic League writers who will be dying for this guy to come into town. I am not one of them.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Home runs continue to fly out of Healthquest Park at a high rate.
After two days of balls crashing into the scoreboard and shed behind the left-field fence during batting practice, Jeff Duncan hit the only home run Thursday during the first intra-squad scrimmage.
The pace picked up again Friday as Brandon Larson and Vito Chiaravalloti connected for back-to-back home runs off left-hander Andy Van Hekken.
Right-hander Casey Cahill worked into and out of trouble while tossing a scoreless inning.
Regular catchers Travis Anderson (first base) and Jason Belcher (third base) got a well-deserved break from squatting as Michael Muscato and Matt Hagan handled the catching duties for the two sides.
Saturday's scrimmage against the Newark Bears at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium is set for 12 p.m. I am looking forward to getting a look at another Atlantic League team. By this point in years past, I've had a decent feel for most of the other teams, but not being in Lakeland, Fla. with the rest of the league has an isolated feeling.
After two days of balls crashing into the scoreboard and shed behind the left-field fence during batting practice, Jeff Duncan hit the only home run Thursday during the first intra-squad scrimmage.
The pace picked up again Friday as Brandon Larson and Vito Chiaravalloti connected for back-to-back home runs off left-hander Andy Van Hekken.
Right-hander Casey Cahill worked into and out of trouble while tossing a scoreless inning.
Regular catchers Travis Anderson (first base) and Jason Belcher (third base) got a well-deserved break from squatting as Michael Muscato and Matt Hagan handled the catching duties for the two sides.
Saturday's scrimmage against the Newark Bears at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium is set for 12 p.m. I am looking forward to getting a look at another Atlantic League team. By this point in years past, I've had a decent feel for most of the other teams, but not being in Lakeland, Fla. with the rest of the league has an isolated feeling.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Spring training has started
Hopefully you caught my Brandon Larson feature from the first day of camp in either the Courier News or Home News Tribune. If not, here is the link:
http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080416/SPORTS01/804160315/1011
The first two practices have been pretty uneventful with pitchers fielding grounders and throwing to the bases. The hitters have taken batting practice in three groups while the other two groups field routine grounders. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to Thursday's intra-squad scrimmage.
I heard from a friend in Florida -- where the Atlantic League is holding spring training minus the Patriots and Newark Bears -- that Southern Maryland manager Butch Hobson is putting his team through some intense practices.
Patriots manager Sparky Lyle said that would happen because he remembers Hobson's Nashua Pride teams as very prepared. He remembers them working on fundamentals and plays for hours.
The interesting thing to me is this seems to be similar to one of the things that cost Frank Klebe his manager job with the Lancaster Barnstormers last season.
Now, you cannot compare Hobson -- a former major-league player and major-league manager with a resume of success -- to Klebe, who had a limited resume walking into Lancaster and who made on-field decisions that raised the eyebrows of many of his peers.
I would listen to Hobson over Klebe, too.
While the Barnstormers practically revolted against Klebe during the middle of last season for a multitude of reasons -- and I'm not going to pretend to be an insider to all of them -- one certainly was because they felt his harping on the basics was demeaning to their professionalism.
Seems like the source is more important than the words.
http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080416/SPORTS01/804160315/1011
The first two practices have been pretty uneventful with pitchers fielding grounders and throwing to the bases. The hitters have taken batting practice in three groups while the other two groups field routine grounders. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to Thursday's intra-squad scrimmage.
I heard from a friend in Florida -- where the Atlantic League is holding spring training minus the Patriots and Newark Bears -- that Southern Maryland manager Butch Hobson is putting his team through some intense practices.
Patriots manager Sparky Lyle said that would happen because he remembers Hobson's Nashua Pride teams as very prepared. He remembers them working on fundamentals and plays for hours.
The interesting thing to me is this seems to be similar to one of the things that cost Frank Klebe his manager job with the Lancaster Barnstormers last season.
Now, you cannot compare Hobson -- a former major-league player and major-league manager with a resume of success -- to Klebe, who had a limited resume walking into Lancaster and who made on-field decisions that raised the eyebrows of many of his peers.
I would listen to Hobson over Klebe, too.
While the Barnstormers practically revolted against Klebe during the middle of last season for a multitude of reasons -- and I'm not going to pretend to be an insider to all of them -- one certainly was because they felt his harping on the basics was demeaning to their professionalism.
Seems like the source is more important than the words.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Spring training begins Tuesday
Remember to check out the Courier News or Home News Tribune newspapers or Web sites every day beginning Tuesday for live spring training coverage. I will be at all eight practices/scrimmages as I have been for the past two years. The only difference is instead of being in Lakeland, Fla., I will be in Flemington, N.J.
Here is a list of the top five things I will be miss about spring training in Florida.
5) The sun tan. I am 75% Italian, so I'm pretty good at getting a tan without getting burnt.
4) Writing my stories for Play Ball and the daily newspapers sitting poolside.
3) The Steak 'N Shake next door to the hotel. Cheeseburgers, cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches and milkshakes anytime you want them. During the past two years I've had milkshakes as early as 9 a.m. (cookie dough) and as late as 2 a.m. (oreo).
2) The hotel gazebo. A good place for nightlife.
1) Sharing a cramped hotel room for 8 days with another person. It's like freshman year of college, only you and your roommate have the same exact schedules so you are always together. OK....maybe this is one thing not to miss. But spring training does make me think of former colleague Matt Apgar, so here is a shoutout to Matt.
Here is a list of the top five things I will be miss about spring training in Florida.
5) The sun tan. I am 75% Italian, so I'm pretty good at getting a tan without getting burnt.
4) Writing my stories for Play Ball and the daily newspapers sitting poolside.
3) The Steak 'N Shake next door to the hotel. Cheeseburgers, cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches and milkshakes anytime you want them. During the past two years I've had milkshakes as early as 9 a.m. (cookie dough) and as late as 2 a.m. (oreo).
2) The hotel gazebo. A good place for nightlife.
1) Sharing a cramped hotel room for 8 days with another person. It's like freshman year of college, only you and your roommate have the same exact schedules so you are always together. OK....maybe this is one thing not to miss. But spring training does make me think of former colleague Matt Apgar, so here is a shoutout to Matt.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Kalafer mentioned in NY Times
Check out this article in the New York Times features minor-league baseball in New Jersey and is centered around Somerset Patriots owner Steve Kalafer. There is some news on the stalled Kalafer-owned Bergen Cliff Hawks, who are supposed to join the Atlantic League one of these days.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/06colnj.html?ex=1208318400&en=2a08da69e614ed0b&ei=5070&emc=eta1
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/06colnj.html?ex=1208318400&en=2a08da69e614ed0b&ei=5070&emc=eta1
Spring training schedule announced
Here is the Somerset Patriots spring training schedule. All events except the April 19 scrimmage take place at Jack Cust Baseball Academy in Flemington and are open to the public.
Tuesday, April 15th
1 p.m. workout
Wednesday, April 16th
11 a.m. workout
Thursday, April 17th
10 a.m. workout
Friday, April 18th
10 a.m. batting practice
1 p.m. intra-squad game
Saturday, April 19th
12 p.m. Exhibition game vs. Newark Bears at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, Newark
Sunday, April 20th
12 p.m. Exhibition game vs. Newark Bears
Monday, April 21st
10 a.m. batting practice
1 p.m. intra-squad game
Tuesday, April 22nd
10 a.m. batting practice
1 p.m. intra-squad game
Wednesday, April 23rd
TBD
OTHER NEWS: I have not been able to contact Keith Ramsey despite my nagging phone calls. I heard a rumor that a team from Taiwan inquired about his rights, so maybe he is there. It's not like Ramsey not to call back.
No, other teams do not chip in when a big name comes to the Atlantic League. As an example, when Juan Gonzalez signed with the Long Island Ducks, his salarly was the responsibility of the Ducks only. While I was not around at the time, I've heard that when Jose Canseco was in the Atlantic League in 2000, other teams helped foot the bill, but that policy since has changed. Verifying that would be virtually impossible at this point, but I know that whether it used to happen or not, it does not now.
Tuesday, April 15th
1 p.m. workout
Wednesday, April 16th
11 a.m. workout
Thursday, April 17th
10 a.m. workout
Friday, April 18th
10 a.m. batting practice
1 p.m. intra-squad game
Saturday, April 19th
12 p.m. Exhibition game vs. Newark Bears at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, Newark
Sunday, April 20th
12 p.m. Exhibition game vs. Newark Bears
Monday, April 21st
10 a.m. batting practice
1 p.m. intra-squad game
Tuesday, April 22nd
10 a.m. batting practice
1 p.m. intra-squad game
Wednesday, April 23rd
TBD
OTHER NEWS: I have not been able to contact Keith Ramsey despite my nagging phone calls. I heard a rumor that a team from Taiwan inquired about his rights, so maybe he is there. It's not like Ramsey not to call back.
No, other teams do not chip in when a big name comes to the Atlantic League. As an example, when Juan Gonzalez signed with the Long Island Ducks, his salarly was the responsibility of the Ducks only. While I was not around at the time, I've heard that when Jose Canseco was in the Atlantic League in 2000, other teams helped foot the bill, but that policy since has changed. Verifying that would be virtually impossible at this point, but I know that whether it used to happen or not, it does not now.
Monday, April 7, 2008
LeCroy joins Atlantic League...
The first big-name newcomer to the Atlantic League for the 2008 season has signed, and the real news here is that the contract is not with the Long Island Ducks.
Former Minnesota Twin Matt LeCroy has joined the Barnstormers, a franchise that is notorious for not paying players the league maximum $3,000 per month.
It's very interesting -- and good for the league -- to see LeCroy pick Lancaster instead of a big city market such as Long Island or Newark.
Here is the press release with the relevant information on LeCroy, who, not too long ago, was considered a decent option at catcher on your fantasy baseball team.
LANCASTER, Pa.—The Lancaster Barnstormers have signed one of the most experienced Major League players in club history. Former Minnesota Twins catcher-first baseman Matt LeCroy has signed a 2008 contract, club vice president of baseball operations Keith Lupton announced today.
LeCroy, 32, made his debut with Minnesota in 2000 and has spent at least a portion of the last eight seasons in the Major Leagues with either the Twins or Washington Nationals. The Belton, S.C., native owns a .260 career batting average at the Major League level with 60 homers and 218 RBIs in 476 games. He clubbed 17 homers for Minnesota in both the 2003 and 2005 seasons.
“Matt is a bona fide number four hitter,” Lupton said. “That’s going to give the guys ahead of him, and probably the guy batting after him, some pretty good pitches to hit.”
He has also gathered experience on the national stage, playing in the post-season with the Twins for three consecutive years (2002-04) and posting a career .269 batting average in the playoffs.
The New York Mets drafted LeCroy in the second round of the 1994 June draft, but he chose instead to play collegiate baseball at Clemson University. After three big years with the Tigers that included two trips to the NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb., a stint with Team USA in 1996, and All-American honors in 1997, he was a first round sandwich pick for the Twins in 1997.
LeCroy joins Lancaster after being released from the Major League spring training camp of the Oakland Athletics.
“We’re tremendously pleased to have a seven-year veteran like Matt,” Lupton said. “He’ll be a valuable asset to the club on and off the field.”
LeCroy’s signing brings the total number of players under contract with the 2008 Barnstormers to 21. The club will head to Lakeland, Fla., for spring training on April 14 and will return to open the 2008 season at home against the Bridgeport Bluefish on Friday, April 25.
Former Minnesota Twin Matt LeCroy has joined the Barnstormers, a franchise that is notorious for not paying players the league maximum $3,000 per month.
It's very interesting -- and good for the league -- to see LeCroy pick Lancaster instead of a big city market such as Long Island or Newark.
Here is the press release with the relevant information on LeCroy, who, not too long ago, was considered a decent option at catcher on your fantasy baseball team.
LANCASTER, Pa.—The Lancaster Barnstormers have signed one of the most experienced Major League players in club history. Former Minnesota Twins catcher-first baseman Matt LeCroy has signed a 2008 contract, club vice president of baseball operations Keith Lupton announced today.
LeCroy, 32, made his debut with Minnesota in 2000 and has spent at least a portion of the last eight seasons in the Major Leagues with either the Twins or Washington Nationals. The Belton, S.C., native owns a .260 career batting average at the Major League level with 60 homers and 218 RBIs in 476 games. He clubbed 17 homers for Minnesota in both the 2003 and 2005 seasons.
“Matt is a bona fide number four hitter,” Lupton said. “That’s going to give the guys ahead of him, and probably the guy batting after him, some pretty good pitches to hit.”
He has also gathered experience on the national stage, playing in the post-season with the Twins for three consecutive years (2002-04) and posting a career .269 batting average in the playoffs.
The New York Mets drafted LeCroy in the second round of the 1994 June draft, but he chose instead to play collegiate baseball at Clemson University. After three big years with the Tigers that included two trips to the NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb., a stint with Team USA in 1996, and All-American honors in 1997, he was a first round sandwich pick for the Twins in 1997.
LeCroy joins Lancaster after being released from the Major League spring training camp of the Oakland Athletics.
“We’re tremendously pleased to have a seven-year veteran like Matt,” Lupton said. “He’ll be a valuable asset to the club on and off the field.”
LeCroy’s signing brings the total number of players under contract with the 2008 Barnstormers to 21. The club will head to Lakeland, Fla., for spring training on April 14 and will return to open the 2008 season at home against the Bridgeport Bluefish on Friday, April 25.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Saturday's Tryout Postponed/Fan Fest still on
The Somerset Patriots have postponed their open tryout Saturday morning and rescheduled it for next Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
The FanFest at Commerce Bank Ballpark that was supposed to follow the Open Tryout will go on as scheduled Saturday from 12-3 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.
Here is the press release:
The Three-Time Atlantic League Champion Somerset Patriots have announced that open tryouts for the team has been postponed and will now be held at Commerce Bank Ballpark on Saturday, April 12th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The FanFest at Commerce Bank Ballpark that was supposed to follow the Open Tryout will go on as scheduled Saturday from 12-3 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.
Here is the press release:
The Three-Time Atlantic League Champion Somerset Patriots have announced that open tryouts for the team has been postponed and will now be held at Commerce Bank Ballpark on Saturday, April 12th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
There will be an administration fee of $40 to tryout, with proceeds being donated to the Patriots Charity Fund, which has been established to give to various charities supported by the Somerset Patriots.
Players are to report to Commerce Bank Ballpark at 8:00 am for registration. Participants must be high school graduates and at least eighteen years of age. All those present should provide their career statistics and must supply their own wooden bats and baseball gloves. All participants will be required to sign a release form before trying out for the team.
Coaches and representatives from the Patriots will be on hand to evaluate the players at the ballpark, including Manager Sparky Lyle, President/General Manager Patrick McVerry, and Vice President/Assistant General Manager Rob Lukachyk.
The Patriots have signed a player from four open tryouts held by the team, including Tony Gsell, who played for Somerset from 2003 through 2006, and Jim Burt Jr., who played for the team throughout the 2006 season.
“The tryouts have been successful in the past at giving players a chance to be rediscovered and get back into professional baseball. Each year the talent level has gotten better at the tryouts, and the players that have signed, have made an impact on the team,” said Patrick McVerry, President/ General Manager of the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Nettles joins the Orioles
Jeff Nettles was not unemployed for very long.
The former Somerset Patriots star third baseman was released last Tuesday by the Kansas City Royals despite a spring training in which he was 9-for-24 splitting at-bats between Double-A and Triple-A.
The Royals loss became the Baltimore Orioles gain Saturday afternoon as Nettles signed to play for Double-A Bowie.
I exchanged text messages with Nettles on Sunday afternoon and he said he was headed to Maryland for his physical.
Nettles deserves better than Double-A at age 29 and having played well at Double-A last year for the Royals, but he was in no position to bargain.
This is good -- and surprising -- news for Nettles since most teams are looking to cut players after spring training, not add them.
This blog will check his progress periodically throughout the season.
The former Somerset Patriots star third baseman was released last Tuesday by the Kansas City Royals despite a spring training in which he was 9-for-24 splitting at-bats between Double-A and Triple-A.
The Royals loss became the Baltimore Orioles gain Saturday afternoon as Nettles signed to play for Double-A Bowie.
I exchanged text messages with Nettles on Sunday afternoon and he said he was headed to Maryland for his physical.
Nettles deserves better than Double-A at age 29 and having played well at Double-A last year for the Royals, but he was in no position to bargain.
This is good -- and surprising -- news for Nettles since most teams are looking to cut players after spring training, not add them.
This blog will check his progress periodically throughout the season.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Response to Comments
I have to say, I'm SO PLEASANTLY SURPRISED, to see all these comments. This is great. It really energizes me to see confirmation of my opinion that people are interested in Somerset Patriots news but they just were not posting comments. Keep 'em coming..
IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS ASKING ABOUT THE FOLLOWING PLAYERS:
1) Teuris Olivares -- He will be back. The team has not announced it yet, but that is because they have a rule of not announcing signings until the player actually returns his signed contract, but the agreement is in principle. TO loved Somerset and the coaches and front office loved him.
2) Jose Morban -- I have not heard his name mentioned at all this offseason. I would be very surprised if he played for Somerset again, but I know the BASA group and the Mexican League liked him a lot last season. If he is not in Mexico, don't be surprised to see him in York, Southern Maryland or Lancaster.
3) Danny Garcia -- Last I heard he suffered a setback while rehabbing the injury that forced him to miss most of the 2007 second half and would not be ready to play again until mid-summer. If he ever gets healthy again, he instantly would be welcomed back to Somerset. He's still young and talented enough to make noise in affiliated ball.
4) Keith Ramsey -- Great question! After the way last season finished (with the coaching staff ignoring him in the playoffs) Ramsey will not be traveling across the country from Los Angeles to make nice with the Patriots. I've been thinking about calling him to check in for a few days, so that comment pushed me over the edge. Hopefully I'll know what Keith is up to by the middle of next week. My guess? Surfing and playing guitar. Living the dream.
IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS ASKING ABOUT THE FOLLOWING PLAYERS:
1) Teuris Olivares -- He will be back. The team has not announced it yet, but that is because they have a rule of not announcing signings until the player actually returns his signed contract, but the agreement is in principle. TO loved Somerset and the coaches and front office loved him.
2) Jose Morban -- I have not heard his name mentioned at all this offseason. I would be very surprised if he played for Somerset again, but I know the BASA group and the Mexican League liked him a lot last season. If he is not in Mexico, don't be surprised to see him in York, Southern Maryland or Lancaster.
3) Danny Garcia -- Last I heard he suffered a setback while rehabbing the injury that forced him to miss most of the 2007 second half and would not be ready to play again until mid-summer. If he ever gets healthy again, he instantly would be welcomed back to Somerset. He's still young and talented enough to make noise in affiliated ball.
4) Keith Ramsey -- Great question! After the way last season finished (with the coaching staff ignoring him in the playoffs) Ramsey will not be traveling across the country from Los Angeles to make nice with the Patriots. I've been thinking about calling him to check in for a few days, so that comment pushed me over the edge. Hopefully I'll know what Keith is up to by the middle of next week. My guess? Surfing and playing guitar. Living the dream.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Somerset Patriots: Who they've got?
This is the first of what will be many, many Somerset Patriots-related posts from now through the end of September. I encourage anyone who checks the blog for Patriots information to leave a comment because seeing comments is my main way of knowing there is interest in this blog. People often told me last season that they were reading, but I rarely received more than 2 or 3 comments per post. More than that is needed.
Here is the team's roster so far, in case you have missed some of the signings. An * indicates the player is new to the team. You can find my thoughts on the team at the bottom.
INFIELDERS:
Josh Pressley
Gerardo Alvarez*
Frank Moore*
David Housel*
Vito Chiaravalloti*
CATCHERS:
Jason Belcher
Travis Anderson
OUTFIELDERS:
Elliott Ayala
Michael Ryan*
PITCHERS:
Jason Richardson
David Humen*
Steve Kelly*
Casey Cahill
Brandon Knight
Scott Wiggins
Bret Prinz*
MY OPINION: This is a classic Somerset Patriots team.
The offense will have speed and gap-to-gap hitters.
In the field, there is tons of versatility. Every infielder except Josh Pressley plays multiple positions, Ayala also plays shortstop and third base, Belcher also plays the outfield and Anderson also plays first base.
The pitching is very solid. Knight and Wiggins proved themselves as good starters last season and Kelly has career numbers that indicate he will do the same.
If Cahill pitches like he did at the end of last season instead of at the beginning, he is an effective middle-to-long reliever and Prinz will be the best closer in the Atlantic League for however long he is around (which I'm guessing is not past May).
I don't know enough about Humen, though it appears he is a middle reliever.
The real wild card here is Richardson. The hard-throwing right-hander has GREAT stuff. He throws hard and his ball moves. But he battled control issues all last season. If those problems are corrected, he can be electric. If not, will pitching coach Brett Jodie and manager Sparky Lyle keep him on board for another inconsistent season just because of potential?
A quick glance at the roster compared to what other Atlantic League teams boast at this point leads me to believe that the Patriots again will be near the top.
Look for the Lancaster Barnstormers to rebound from a dreadful season, the Newark Bears to viably defend their title and the Long Island Ducks to be strong for the zillionth season in a row.
Here is the team's roster so far, in case you have missed some of the signings. An * indicates the player is new to the team. You can find my thoughts on the team at the bottom.
INFIELDERS:
Josh Pressley
Gerardo Alvarez*
Frank Moore*
David Housel*
Vito Chiaravalloti*
CATCHERS:
Jason Belcher
Travis Anderson
OUTFIELDERS:
Elliott Ayala
Michael Ryan*
PITCHERS:
Jason Richardson
David Humen*
Steve Kelly*
Casey Cahill
Brandon Knight
Scott Wiggins
Bret Prinz*
MY OPINION: This is a classic Somerset Patriots team.
The offense will have speed and gap-to-gap hitters.
In the field, there is tons of versatility. Every infielder except Josh Pressley plays multiple positions, Ayala also plays shortstop and third base, Belcher also plays the outfield and Anderson also plays first base.
The pitching is very solid. Knight and Wiggins proved themselves as good starters last season and Kelly has career numbers that indicate he will do the same.
If Cahill pitches like he did at the end of last season instead of at the beginning, he is an effective middle-to-long reliever and Prinz will be the best closer in the Atlantic League for however long he is around (which I'm guessing is not past May).
I don't know enough about Humen, though it appears he is a middle reliever.
The real wild card here is Richardson. The hard-throwing right-hander has GREAT stuff. He throws hard and his ball moves. But he battled control issues all last season. If those problems are corrected, he can be electric. If not, will pitching coach Brett Jodie and manager Sparky Lyle keep him on board for another inconsistent season just because of potential?
A quick glance at the roster compared to what other Atlantic League teams boast at this point leads me to believe that the Patriots again will be near the top.
Look for the Lancaster Barnstormers to rebound from a dreadful season, the Newark Bears to viably defend their title and the Long Island Ducks to be strong for the zillionth season in a row.
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Last Word on All-Area
Now that I've had some time to digest the NCAA Tournament and Easter dinner (penne and meatballs followed by prime rib), and you've had time to digest All-Area, here are some explanations.
Player of the Year: Daisha Simmons, Gill St. Bernard's.
Why? Simmons was at her best in big games. Criticizing Gill's schedule does not work because it included Somerville, Bridgewater-Raritan, Franklin, Marist, Montgomery, West Morris, Ridge, Immaculate-Lodi, Hillsborough, Trenton Catholic, etc. Criticizing Simmos' defense does not work either, because it is much improved from last season. She guards the opposing team's best perimeter player and gets in her face at halfcourt with tenacious man-to-man tactics. And you cannot criticize Simmons' offensive game because....well...it is impossible. She easily is the best open-court 1-on-1 player in the area, but she also showed an ability to hit the 3 and find the open teammate. Simply, as a sophomore, she was the best player. But it was close...
Coach of the Year: Joe Marino, Westfield.
Why? 1929. That's the last time the Blue Devils girls basketball program won any kind of championship, that was the year. Nearly 80 years later, Marino guided Westfield past a severe case of the injury bug and to the Union County Tournament title. It was the finishing touch on a very long rebuilding process for the ninth year coach, and enough to push him past several other strong candidates.
Top-ranked team: Rutgers Prep.
Why? Why not? Rutgers Prep dominated the Prep B Tournament on the way to a state championship and ran through the Somerset County Tournament, becoming the only local program to win two titles. This season left me begging to know how Rutgers Prep would fair in the NJSIAA Tournament. I think this team was good enough to win the Non-Public B sectional title.
My toughest decision: Who to put on Third Team All-Area?
Make sure you check out: The end of the year notebook. It has several smaller teams such as all-defensive, all-rebounding, etc. It's a good way to recognize some players who work very hard at one aspect of the game and fly under the radar.
Player of the Year: Daisha Simmons, Gill St. Bernard's.
Why? Simmons was at her best in big games. Criticizing Gill's schedule does not work because it included Somerville, Bridgewater-Raritan, Franklin, Marist, Montgomery, West Morris, Ridge, Immaculate-Lodi, Hillsborough, Trenton Catholic, etc. Criticizing Simmos' defense does not work either, because it is much improved from last season. She guards the opposing team's best perimeter player and gets in her face at halfcourt with tenacious man-to-man tactics. And you cannot criticize Simmons' offensive game because....well...it is impossible. She easily is the best open-court 1-on-1 player in the area, but she also showed an ability to hit the 3 and find the open teammate. Simply, as a sophomore, she was the best player. But it was close...
Coach of the Year: Joe Marino, Westfield.
Why? 1929. That's the last time the Blue Devils girls basketball program won any kind of championship, that was the year. Nearly 80 years later, Marino guided Westfield past a severe case of the injury bug and to the Union County Tournament title. It was the finishing touch on a very long rebuilding process for the ninth year coach, and enough to push him past several other strong candidates.
Top-ranked team: Rutgers Prep.
Why? Why not? Rutgers Prep dominated the Prep B Tournament on the way to a state championship and ran through the Somerset County Tournament, becoming the only local program to win two titles. This season left me begging to know how Rutgers Prep would fair in the NJSIAA Tournament. I think this team was good enough to win the Non-Public B sectional title.
My toughest decision: Who to put on Third Team All-Area?
Make sure you check out: The end of the year notebook. It has several smaller teams such as all-defensive, all-rebounding, etc. It's a good way to recognize some players who work very hard at one aspect of the game and fly under the radar.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
All-Area stories
Here are the links. I'll comment Sunday or Monday. Just wanted to get these up for people who don't see the paper.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
http://c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080322/SPORTS03/803220326/1013
COACH OF THE YEAR:
http://c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080322/SPORTS03/803220325/1013
END OF THE YEAR NOTEBOOK
http://c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080322/SPORTS03/803220331/1013
(THINGS WE DON'T PUT ONLINE)
Top-ranked team: Rutgers Prep
First Team All-Area: Jessica Zigarelli (Watchung Hills), Brittany Myatt (Piscataway), Blaire Houston (South Plainfield), Erin Miller (Westfield), Daisha Simmons (Gill St. Bernard's)
PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
http://c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080322/SPORTS03/803220326/1013
COACH OF THE YEAR:
http://c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080322/SPORTS03/803220325/1013
END OF THE YEAR NOTEBOOK
http://c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080322/SPORTS03/803220331/1013
(THINGS WE DON'T PUT ONLINE)
Top-ranked team: Rutgers Prep
First Team All-Area: Jessica Zigarelli (Watchung Hills), Brittany Myatt (Piscataway), Blaire Houston (South Plainfield), Erin Miller (Westfield), Daisha Simmons (Gill St. Bernard's)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Final HS basketball podcast has been posted!
Here is the link to the final podcast of the season recorded by Jerry Carino and I:
http://www.c-n.com/specialsections/podcasts/frezza/frezza0318.htm
I suggest listening to it because, as always, it's entertaining. But also because it reveals some insight as to where our respective minds are at in regards to All-Area. Who is on our short list for Coach of the Year, Player of the Year, number one team in the final Top 10 and First, Second and Third Team All-Area. It will tell you what we had an easy time selecting and what has us losing sleep.
***Remember, boys and girls basketball All-Area runs in the Varsity section of the newspaper this coming Saturday, Dec. 22. It is the one thing we do each year that I am most proud to be a part of and most relieved when it is over.
I will post once more on this blog after the picks have been revealed to give a brief explanation of each choice and then I will turn this blog over to the Somerset Patriots and their fans. Hope you all enjoyed the hoops coverage.
http://www.c-n.com/specialsections/podcasts/frezza/frezza0318.htm
I suggest listening to it because, as always, it's entertaining. But also because it reveals some insight as to where our respective minds are at in regards to All-Area. Who is on our short list for Coach of the Year, Player of the Year, number one team in the final Top 10 and First, Second and Third Team All-Area. It will tell you what we had an easy time selecting and what has us losing sleep.
***Remember, boys and girls basketball All-Area runs in the Varsity section of the newspaper this coming Saturday, Dec. 22. It is the one thing we do each year that I am most proud to be a part of and most relieved when it is over.
I will post once more on this blog after the picks have been revealed to give a brief explanation of each choice and then I will turn this blog over to the Somerset Patriots and their fans. Hope you all enjoyed the hoops coverage.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
All-Area update
So I've put together my first, second and third teams for All-Area.
The problem is I have 18 names for 15 spots and I think my editor is going to notice.
That means I have to make a final cut of three names, which isn't going to be easy to do.
I think that there is a definitive top 18 and those three cuts are going to end up on "Honorable Mention," categorized alongside some 40 other girls.
I initially thought it was going to be easier to sort through All-Area this year after all those talented seniors graduated, but, after watching this season play out, it turns out I was wrong. The playing field was so level that it is hard to decipher a Third-Team All-Area player from an Honorable Mention player, and I really do not believe in arbitrary tiebreakers such as giving an edge to the senior or whose team played a stronger schedule.
And I am always constantly getting flooded with information about a player being named All-County or All-Conference.
Please realize that - while it might not sound like the most prestigious - Courier News All-Area might be the most competitive of any postseason honors a player in this area can receive.
Very few conferences have 34 teams to draw players from like I do, and The Star Ledger splits their honors by county and separates prep schools. That means I'm taking first-team players from their section and putting them on Third Team or Honorable Mention in mine.
As you can see, I am very stressed about this selection process.
One question: IS IT SOMERSET PATRIOTS SEASON YET?
The problem is I have 18 names for 15 spots and I think my editor is going to notice.
That means I have to make a final cut of three names, which isn't going to be easy to do.
I think that there is a definitive top 18 and those three cuts are going to end up on "Honorable Mention," categorized alongside some 40 other girls.
I initially thought it was going to be easier to sort through All-Area this year after all those talented seniors graduated, but, after watching this season play out, it turns out I was wrong. The playing field was so level that it is hard to decipher a Third-Team All-Area player from an Honorable Mention player, and I really do not believe in arbitrary tiebreakers such as giving an edge to the senior or whose team played a stronger schedule.
And I am always constantly getting flooded with information about a player being named All-County or All-Conference.
Please realize that - while it might not sound like the most prestigious - Courier News All-Area might be the most competitive of any postseason honors a player in this area can receive.
Very few conferences have 34 teams to draw players from like I do, and The Star Ledger splits their honors by county and separates prep schools. That means I'm taking first-team players from their section and putting them on Third Team or Honorable Mention in mine.
As you can see, I am very stressed about this selection process.
One question: IS IT SOMERSET PATRIOTS SEASON YET?
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