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
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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.
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