Just basic transactions news to report here:
-- Former Somerset Patriot Jeff Nettles has re-signed with the Kansas City Royals, who signed the third baseman after five seasons in the Atlantic League. Nettles hit .267 with eight home runs and 41 RBIs in 58 games at Double-A, but told me last season he hoped to start 2008 in Triple-A.
-- Former Patriot catcher Michel Hernandez has joined the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was the best catcher in the league both offensively and defensively before the Tampa Bay Devil Rays snatched him in June and stuck him in Triple-A. Hernandez hit .276 and only struck out 13 times in 170 at-bats, numbers good enough for the Pirates but not the D-Rays, apparently.
-- Former J.P. Stevens High School, Rutgers University and Newark Bears standout Bobby Brownlie has signed with the Washington Nationals, his third professional organization. The former first-round pick of the Chicago Cubs was masterful in half of a season with the Bears, catching the Cleveland Indians' attention. The right-hander was 1-2 with a 3.17 earned-run average in 48 1/3 innings at Double-A, but got roughed up in the final game of the Eastern League Championship Series won by the Trenton Thunder, a Yankees' affiliate.
Hopefully I'll have some quotes from Nettles and Brownlie to run in the newspaper soon.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
BASA breakup
If case this blog is your only source of Atlantic League news, you probably do not know that Baseball and Sports Associates is no longer what we have come to know it to be.
Before you start using negativity, remember BASA was not all bad. It saved teams lots of money on worker's compensation and was effective in business operations of minor-league baseball.
But the on-field aspect of BASA -- which handled player acquisitions for half the league last season -- is what drew ire from fans, writers and coaches alike this season, and that effectively ended last month when the leaders of BASA went their separate ways.
Adam Gladstone will now handle such responsibilities for the York Revolution, David Keller for the Camden Riversharks and Keith Lupton for the Lancaster Barnstormers.
It should be the end of shady trades, loading up one team for a playoff run while weakening another, on and on, so forth and so forth.
Sure, these three guys are still friends and will be wheeling and dealing, but they are competitive by nature and nobody wants to come up with the short end of a trade or look bad relative to the other two. It is worth noting that all three teams will be in the same division competing for two playoff spots next season thanks to realignment.
Expect this to a be a very, very good thing for the Atlantic League as it takes another step toward hashing out its self-created problems.
New Southern Maryland manager Butch Hobson is expected to handle the player procurement for his team while the other BASA-run team, Bridgeport, has a new general manager but still no clue who will do player procurement.
Before you start using negativity, remember BASA was not all bad. It saved teams lots of money on worker's compensation and was effective in business operations of minor-league baseball.
But the on-field aspect of BASA -- which handled player acquisitions for half the league last season -- is what drew ire from fans, writers and coaches alike this season, and that effectively ended last month when the leaders of BASA went their separate ways.
Adam Gladstone will now handle such responsibilities for the York Revolution, David Keller for the Camden Riversharks and Keith Lupton for the Lancaster Barnstormers.
It should be the end of shady trades, loading up one team for a playoff run while weakening another, on and on, so forth and so forth.
Sure, these three guys are still friends and will be wheeling and dealing, but they are competitive by nature and nobody wants to come up with the short end of a trade or look bad relative to the other two. It is worth noting that all three teams will be in the same division competing for two playoff spots next season thanks to realignment.
Expect this to a be a very, very good thing for the Atlantic League as it takes another step toward hashing out its self-created problems.
New Southern Maryland manager Butch Hobson is expected to handle the player procurement for his team while the other BASA-run team, Bridgeport, has a new general manager but still no clue who will do player procurement.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Managerial moves
Finally, something for me to write about as we transition from my summer job covering the Atlantic League to my winter job covering high school girls basketball.
The Lancaster Barnstormers hired former Philadelphia Phillie Von Hayes after an intense interview process that included high-profile candidates such as Gary Carter, Butch Hobson and Wally Backman. The part that truly is shocking to me is that Hayes got the job over Tom Herr, who managed the Barnstormers first-ever game and led them to the 2006 championship. I thought he was a lock to be rehired considering he is from the Lancaster area and is a known commodity to the fans.
“I can’t imagine a better place than Lancaster to manage in minor league baseball,” Hayes said. “The facilities and the organization are first class, and I am truly excited to be back in the Philly area. I’m looking forward to working with the veteran professionals in the Atlantic League and giving them every opportunity to get back to Major League Baseball. Our coaches & players will be as committed to winning as our front office for our loyal fans whose support and enthusiasm I have heard so much about.”
Hayes has been a Manager of the Year at Single-A and Double-A.
Unlike the other passed over candidates, Hobson's interview did not go totally fruitless. He landed the managerial position with the expansion Southern Maryland Blue Crabs after eight seasons at the helm of the Nashua Pride. The Pride won the 2000 Atlantic League title and returned to the championship series twice more after that prior to their 2006 departure for the independent Can-Am League.
Hobson spent eight years in the majors as a player and is the only Atlantic League manager with past major-league managing experience, having made a name for himself with the Boston Red Sox from 1992-94. During his first Atlantic League stint, he often was called the best tactical manager, a title which irks his friend and rival, Sparky Lyle.
The Blue Crabs also interviewed Carter, Backman, Cecil Fielder and Ryan Minor.
What is interesting about this hire is that it was widely assumed for years Minor was going to get this job. He spent on a season on the road as a coach with the Road Warriors and then another in the league preparing to be a manager. It sounds like he got a raw deal.
Also worth mentioning: Nashua is eight hours from Southern Maryland. I've made the joke several times that if the Pride had not left the league, the Atlantic League would have its first plane-worthy road trip. I guess Hobson has to move.
The Lancaster Barnstormers hired former Philadelphia Phillie Von Hayes after an intense interview process that included high-profile candidates such as Gary Carter, Butch Hobson and Wally Backman. The part that truly is shocking to me is that Hayes got the job over Tom Herr, who managed the Barnstormers first-ever game and led them to the 2006 championship. I thought he was a lock to be rehired considering he is from the Lancaster area and is a known commodity to the fans.
“I can’t imagine a better place than Lancaster to manage in minor league baseball,” Hayes said. “The facilities and the organization are first class, and I am truly excited to be back in the Philly area. I’m looking forward to working with the veteran professionals in the Atlantic League and giving them every opportunity to get back to Major League Baseball. Our coaches & players will be as committed to winning as our front office for our loyal fans whose support and enthusiasm I have heard so much about.”
Hayes has been a Manager of the Year at Single-A and Double-A.
Unlike the other passed over candidates, Hobson's interview did not go totally fruitless. He landed the managerial position with the expansion Southern Maryland Blue Crabs after eight seasons at the helm of the Nashua Pride. The Pride won the 2000 Atlantic League title and returned to the championship series twice more after that prior to their 2006 departure for the independent Can-Am League.
Hobson spent eight years in the majors as a player and is the only Atlantic League manager with past major-league managing experience, having made a name for himself with the Boston Red Sox from 1992-94. During his first Atlantic League stint, he often was called the best tactical manager, a title which irks his friend and rival, Sparky Lyle.
The Blue Crabs also interviewed Carter, Backman, Cecil Fielder and Ryan Minor.
What is interesting about this hire is that it was widely assumed for years Minor was going to get this job. He spent on a season on the road as a coach with the Road Warriors and then another in the league preparing to be a manager. It sounds like he got a raw deal.
Also worth mentioning: Nashua is eight hours from Southern Maryland. I've made the joke several times that if the Pride had not left the league, the Atlantic League would have its first plane-worthy road trip. I guess Hobson has to move.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Torre? Brockton Rox?
Well, this story grinds my gears (Family Guy reference) but I'm going to post about it anyway.
The independent Can-Am League's Brockton Rox have offered their managerial position to Joe Torre in what clearly is a public relations stunt.
For those who don't know, the Can-Am League offers a lower quality of baseball than the Atlantic League and Somerset Patriots, and is home to teams such as the Atlantic City Surf, Nashua Pride and Montclair-based Jersey Jackals.
The story, which you can find at http://www.brocktonrox.com/therox/headlines/index.html?article_id=722, says that the Rox will offer Torre an annual salary in the high five figures and display the kind of trust and commitment Torre said he wanted but did not get from the Yankees brass.
Those people -- like at least one of my friends -- who think is a good move by the Rox are just plain wrong. You can argue it draws publicity to the Rox -- would I be otherwise writing about them right now? -- but I think it just draws ridicule.
We all know Torre would never consider something like this, so the Rox are just the butt of the joke to any writer who comes across this story. Is Rox merchandise or ticket sales going to increase because of this self-created story? Doubtful.
Anyway, if Torre was to manage an independent minor-league team, it certainly would be either the Patriots (owned by Torre friend and confidant Steve Kalafer) or the Atlantic League expansion Bergen Cliff Hawks, also owned by Kalafer and very close to New York City.
Enough time devoted to a ridiculous story.
The independent Can-Am League's Brockton Rox have offered their managerial position to Joe Torre in what clearly is a public relations stunt.
For those who don't know, the Can-Am League offers a lower quality of baseball than the Atlantic League and Somerset Patriots, and is home to teams such as the Atlantic City Surf, Nashua Pride and Montclair-based Jersey Jackals.
The story, which you can find at http://www.brocktonrox.com/therox/headlines/index.html?article_id=722, says that the Rox will offer Torre an annual salary in the high five figures and display the kind of trust and commitment Torre said he wanted but did not get from the Yankees brass.
Those people -- like at least one of my friends -- who think is a good move by the Rox are just plain wrong. You can argue it draws publicity to the Rox -- would I be otherwise writing about them right now? -- but I think it just draws ridicule.
We all know Torre would never consider something like this, so the Rox are just the butt of the joke to any writer who comes across this story. Is Rox merchandise or ticket sales going to increase because of this self-created story? Doubtful.
Anyway, if Torre was to manage an independent minor-league team, it certainly would be either the Patriots (owned by Torre friend and confidant Steve Kalafer) or the Atlantic League expansion Bergen Cliff Hawks, also owned by Kalafer and very close to New York City.
Enough time devoted to a ridiculous story.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
News somewhat related to the Patriots
Atlantic City Surf general manager Brendan Fairfield resigned Thursday after one year on the job. Fairfield worked as the Somerset Patriots Vice President for three years but left for a job with the Surf after the 2006 season. He quickly was promoted to general manager.
According to a team press release, Fairfield accepted a job outside the baseball profession after spending 10 years in the minors.
In other semi-related news, the Patriots annual holiday party should be an interesting event now that Joe Torre is no longer Yankees manager. He is the guest every year and usually makes at least a few wisecracks about the Yankee hierarchy. Torre probably will only give a few interviews between now and then, so -- assuming he keeps his commitment to Patriots owner and close friend Steve Kalafer -- I'm looking forward to his speech to the crowd and my 3 minutes of 1-on-1 time.
According to a team press release, Fairfield accepted a job outside the baseball profession after spending 10 years in the minors.
In other semi-related news, the Patriots annual holiday party should be an interesting event now that Joe Torre is no longer Yankees manager. He is the guest every year and usually makes at least a few wisecracks about the Yankee hierarchy. Torre probably will only give a few interviews between now and then, so -- assuming he keeps his commitment to Patriots owner and close friend Steve Kalafer -- I'm looking forward to his speech to the crowd and my 3 minutes of 1-on-1 time.
Friday, October 12, 2007
2 weeks of thoughts...
Since Somerset Patriots season ended, here are some work-related thoughts I've had:
1) I finished reading The Bronx Zoo today and as I read it, I couldn't help but hear Sparky Lyle's voice in my head saying the stuff I was reading. Almost 30 years later, Lyle still uses the same terms to describe the same situations. And so many of the things he said about the Patriots playoff chase this year -- how they needed to go 5-2 in this week or sweep this early September series -- were things he was saying during the historic 1978 Yankees comeback. I was almost embarrassed to say I had not read that book for the first two years I covered the team. It was an off-season goal of mine.
2) I'm at a high school football game right now. Highland Park at Middlesex. I don't cover much high school football, but I covered Highland Park last week and their running back, Bryant Fitzgerald, is big time. He is listed at 5-10 and 170 pounds and is probably smaller than that but the best way to describe his play is to tell you it reminds me of Reggie Bush in Madden 2008. He's running at a different speed than even if the fastest players around him. Someone should scoop him up now, as a junior.
3) When did it get so cold out? I was wearing shorts during the Atlantic League Championship Series. Tonight, jeans, a long sleeve shirt, zip-up sweatshirt and beanie.
1) I finished reading The Bronx Zoo today and as I read it, I couldn't help but hear Sparky Lyle's voice in my head saying the stuff I was reading. Almost 30 years later, Lyle still uses the same terms to describe the same situations. And so many of the things he said about the Patriots playoff chase this year -- how they needed to go 5-2 in this week or sweep this early September series -- were things he was saying during the historic 1978 Yankees comeback. I was almost embarrassed to say I had not read that book for the first two years I covered the team. It was an off-season goal of mine.
2) I'm at a high school football game right now. Highland Park at Middlesex. I don't cover much high school football, but I covered Highland Park last week and their running back, Bryant Fitzgerald, is big time. He is listed at 5-10 and 170 pounds and is probably smaller than that but the best way to describe his play is to tell you it reminds me of Reggie Bush in Madden 2008. He's running at a different speed than even if the fastest players around him. Someone should scoop him up now, as a junior.
3) When did it get so cold out? I was wearing shorts during the Atlantic League Championship Series. Tonight, jeans, a long sleeve shirt, zip-up sweatshirt and beanie.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Postseason thoughts
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.
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.
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