The Reading Phillies are off to a 3-0 start for the second consecutive year. On Saturday, Reading defeated Altoona 5-2 and the catalyst was Greg Golson. It was a scoreless game in the top of the 4th inning when Jason Donald (2 hits, RBI) belted a triple to begin things for the R-Phils. J.D. is off to a .385 start. Golson followed immediately with a single, his first of three hits. He then stole second base, and before you could say "speed kills", he swiped third base, too. In all, he stole 4 bases and leads the Eastern League with a total of 5. Joey Hammond also had 3 hits and drove in Golson three separate times. On the mound, Ron Hill pitched for the second day in a row, tacking on 2 more scoreless innings to yesterday's. Reading will go for the sweep on Sunday.
In Lakeland, the Threshers dropped a 4-3 decision to the Flying Tigers. Antonio Bastardo was the starter for Clearwater and pitched 5 innings, giving up just 1 run on 7 hits, striking out 7 and walking 2. He also picked a runner off first. That was enough pitches for his first start, and he turned the ball over to Nate Johnson. Nate was tagged with the loss, surrendering 3 runs on 4 hits in his 2 innings. Gus Milner (HR, 2 RBI), and P.J. Antoniato (.400 start) had 2 hits apiece and Quintin Berry chipped in with a double and threw out a runner at second base. Clearwater will try again at Lakeland Sunday afternoon. My best guess has Edgar Garcia scheduled to pitch, but don't quote me on that!
One more note: I will try to post as early in the day as possible, but life being what it is, some days will be a little later. You just have to keep checking. And if I miss a day, I will try to recap at a later date. As always, I am accepting all contributions.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Day games
Here are today's highlights for HomeSiders:
In Cincinnati, Ryan Howard hit his first home run of the season, a 479 foot blast, in the Phillies 4-3 loss to the Reds.
In Chicago, Michael Bourn had a single and a triple, and stole his 4th base of the season. It was not enough for the Astros, who fell to the Cubs 9-7.
In Detroit, Gavin Floyd pitched 6 innings against the Tigers, giving up just 3 runs on 6 hits, walking 2 and striking out 2. He was the winning pitcher as the White Sox prevailed 5-3, over winless Detroit.
In Syracuse, Matt Maloney made his AAA debut for Louisville against the Chiefs. Maloney threw 3.2 innings, and was charged with 3 earned runs on 7 hits, 1 walk. He struck out 2, and Syracuse won the game 5-3 in 11 innings.
Thanks to Kaarin Menser, who informed me that Eude Brito has made the Columbus Clippers roster for this season. The Clippers are the AAA team of the Nationals.
Finally, in Lakewood this afternoon, the BlueClaws got their first win of the season, coming from behind to top the Captains 7-6. Matt Rizzotti completed the comeback with a 3-run inside the park home run. Rizzotti belted a ball into the left field corner that Captain's left fielder Lucas Montero lost in the signage. Montero raised his hands as if to say he could not find the ball, but as the umpire went out to look, he picked it up and returned it to the infield, but too late to get Rizzotti, who had already scored. Dominic Brown had 3 hits for Lakewood, and was on first base when Rizzotti hit his home run. I just watched Brown run. Wow!! We have had some fast guys here (Roberson, Bourn, Golson, Berry) and Brown can run with the best of them. Travis "Moose" Mattair added a 3 RBI double earlier to get the 'Claws back in the game. Moose has become the early season fan favorite. (He prefers Moose, so Moose he shall be).
I will have highlights from the Threshers and R-Phils later.
In Cincinnati, Ryan Howard hit his first home run of the season, a 479 foot blast, in the Phillies 4-3 loss to the Reds.
In Chicago, Michael Bourn had a single and a triple, and stole his 4th base of the season. It was not enough for the Astros, who fell to the Cubs 9-7.
In Detroit, Gavin Floyd pitched 6 innings against the Tigers, giving up just 3 runs on 6 hits, walking 2 and striking out 2. He was the winning pitcher as the White Sox prevailed 5-3, over winless Detroit.
In Syracuse, Matt Maloney made his AAA debut for Louisville against the Chiefs. Maloney threw 3.2 innings, and was charged with 3 earned runs on 7 hits, 1 walk. He struck out 2, and Syracuse won the game 5-3 in 11 innings.
Thanks to Kaarin Menser, who informed me that Eude Brito has made the Columbus Clippers roster for this season. The Clippers are the AAA team of the Nationals.
Finally, in Lakewood this afternoon, the BlueClaws got their first win of the season, coming from behind to top the Captains 7-6. Matt Rizzotti completed the comeback with a 3-run inside the park home run. Rizzotti belted a ball into the left field corner that Captain's left fielder Lucas Montero lost in the signage. Montero raised his hands as if to say he could not find the ball, but as the umpire went out to look, he picked it up and returned it to the infield, but too late to get Rizzotti, who had already scored. Dominic Brown had 3 hits for Lakewood, and was on first base when Rizzotti hit his home run. I just watched Brown run. Wow!! We have had some fast guys here (Roberson, Bourn, Golson, Berry) and Brown can run with the best of them. Travis "Moose" Mattair added a 3 RBI double earlier to get the 'Claws back in the game. Moose has become the early season fan favorite. (He prefers Moose, so Moose he shall be).
I will have highlights from the Threshers and R-Phils later.
Slayden continues hot start
With most of our former BlueClaws in Reading and Clearwater, most of our reports will start with those teams. For Friday night, we begin in Altoona with the R-Phils 2-1 victory over the Curve.
Jeremy Slayden continued his hot start with a second inning home run, then doubled and scored what turned out to be the winning run in the 7th. "Slay" is off to a 5 for 9 start, and Reading is 2-0 out of the gate. Brad Harman contributed a double and drove in the game winning run with a single. Javon Moran also had 2 hits.
The entire game was pitched by 'Claws alumni. Josh Outman threw the first 5 innings, giving up 1 run on 7 hits in his first start of the year. Ron "Bear" Hill pitched a scoreless 6th and got the victory. R.J. Swindel threw 2 perfect innings, and Pat Overholt pitched the ninth to pick up the save.
A similar story in Clearwater where the Threshers topped the Blue Jays 4-2 behind Carlos Monasterios. Carlos, who did not get out of the first inning in his first start last year, pitched 6.1 strong innings, giving up just 6 hits and 1 walk. Both runs scored on solo home runs. John Urick, who should probably be at a higher level, had 3 singles and 2 RBI to lead the 10-hit attack. Welinson Baez and Tuffy Gosewisch chipped in 2 hits apiece as Clearwater evened their record at 1-1. Brett Harker relieved Monasterios, recording 5 outs, and Brian Schlitter pitched a scoreless, although shaky, ninth to pick up the save.
The BlueClaws dropped a 6-4 game in Lakewood last night to the Captains, but I could not help but be impressed by Mike Durant. Mike hit a screaming line drive into left-center field in the second inning, driving in Michael Taylor, who had singled. His next at bat resulted in a fly ball to left field that he just got under, or it would have traveled a long way. Making the adjustment in his 3rd at bat, Durant sent one deep into the night and deposited it on the berm in left for a 2-run homer, giving Lakewood the lead. The ball really jumps off this young man's bat, HomeSiders. It appears we are in for a treat watching this guy this year.
For those who have not seen them, here are a few more former 'Claws and where you can find them:
Chris Roberson (2003) Norfolk Tides (AAA-Orioles)
Mike Dubee (2007) Winston-Salem Warthogs (High A-White Sox)
Kevin Howard (2007) Las Vegas 51's (AAA-Dodgers)
Ezequiel Astacio (2002) Louisville Bats (AAA-Reds)
Also on the Louisville roster, Matt Maloney, who was rained out of his start yesterday and should try again today in Syracuse (2:00 start). Gavin Floyd also scheduled today in Detroit for the White Sox (3:35 game time).
The BlueClaws game is 1:00 today, so check in later for updates on the day baseball.
Jeremy Slayden continued his hot start with a second inning home run, then doubled and scored what turned out to be the winning run in the 7th. "Slay" is off to a 5 for 9 start, and Reading is 2-0 out of the gate. Brad Harman contributed a double and drove in the game winning run with a single. Javon Moran also had 2 hits.
The entire game was pitched by 'Claws alumni. Josh Outman threw the first 5 innings, giving up 1 run on 7 hits in his first start of the year. Ron "Bear" Hill pitched a scoreless 6th and got the victory. R.J. Swindel threw 2 perfect innings, and Pat Overholt pitched the ninth to pick up the save.
A similar story in Clearwater where the Threshers topped the Blue Jays 4-2 behind Carlos Monasterios. Carlos, who did not get out of the first inning in his first start last year, pitched 6.1 strong innings, giving up just 6 hits and 1 walk. Both runs scored on solo home runs. John Urick, who should probably be at a higher level, had 3 singles and 2 RBI to lead the 10-hit attack. Welinson Baez and Tuffy Gosewisch chipped in 2 hits apiece as Clearwater evened their record at 1-1. Brett Harker relieved Monasterios, recording 5 outs, and Brian Schlitter pitched a scoreless, although shaky, ninth to pick up the save.
The BlueClaws dropped a 6-4 game in Lakewood last night to the Captains, but I could not help but be impressed by Mike Durant. Mike hit a screaming line drive into left-center field in the second inning, driving in Michael Taylor, who had singled. His next at bat resulted in a fly ball to left field that he just got under, or it would have traveled a long way. Making the adjustment in his 3rd at bat, Durant sent one deep into the night and deposited it on the berm in left for a 2-run homer, giving Lakewood the lead. The ball really jumps off this young man's bat, HomeSiders. It appears we are in for a treat watching this guy this year.
For those who have not seen them, here are a few more former 'Claws and where you can find them:
Chris Roberson (2003) Norfolk Tides (AAA-Orioles)
Mike Dubee (2007) Winston-Salem Warthogs (High A-White Sox)
Kevin Howard (2007) Las Vegas 51's (AAA-Dodgers)
Ezequiel Astacio (2002) Louisville Bats (AAA-Reds)
Also on the Louisville roster, Matt Maloney, who was rained out of his start yesterday and should try again today in Syracuse (2:00 start). Gavin Floyd also scheduled today in Detroit for the White Sox (3:35 game time).
The BlueClaws game is 1:00 today, so check in later for updates on the day baseball.
Friday, April 4, 2008
opening night
Hello HomeSiders,
Before I get to opening night around the minor leagues on Thursday, let's just take a look at Wednesday's action in the National League.
First, in Philadelphia, where Cole Hamels suffered a wind blown home run to Ryan Zimmerman and the Phillies lost to Washington, 1-0. Hamels was strong for 8 innings, giving up just the 1 run on 5 hits, but was tagged with the defeat due to lack of support.
Late Wednesday night in San Diego, the Astros found themselves down 6-5 heading into the 9th inning. Houston rallied for 4 runs, after 2 out and nobody on. Michael Bourn had a key hit to contribute to the rally.
Now, Thursday's action was a mixed bag, some good, some not so good.
In Moosic, Pa., the Scranton Yankees spoiled the debut of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and J.A. Happ suffered the same fate as Hamels (that would be no run support), losing 4-0 in the opener. Kei Igawa pitched 6 perfect innings, leading Scranton's staff to a combined one-hitter.
Scranton native Ron Chiavacci will get the assignment Friday in game #2 for the IronPigs.
In Altoona, Pa., the Reading Phillies posted an 8-3 win over the Curve. Andrew Carpenter, who won 17 games for Clearwater last year, allowed only 2 runs in 5 innings to get the first victory of 2008. Will Savage made his AA debut with 2 scoreless innings, and Jeremy Slayden had 3 hits, including a triple, to lead a 12-hit attack. Lou Marson (RBI), Jason Donald (2B, 2 RBI), and Juan Tejeda (HR) chipped in with 2 hits each. Josh Outman gets the ball on Friday night.
In Clearwater, the Threshers started defense of their Florida State League Championship with a 2-1 defeat to Dunedin. Brad Lidge made the rehab start for Clearwater and surrendered a run in the first inning. Phillies first round pick, Joe Savery, pitched 5 scoreless innings, giving up 3 hits, but walking 5. Andrew Cruse gave up the deciding run on a home run to Dunedin's Brian Dopriak. Adrian Cardenas had a 3 hit game (2 doubles) for Clearwater. I am not sure who gets the start tonight (Monasterios, Garcia, Bastardo or Byrd).
The BlueClaws dropped a 4-0 decision to the Lake County Captains in New Jersey. Drew Naylor pitched well enough to deserve better, and in the third inning, where he gave up all 3 of his earned runs, two balls went off the gloves of Lakewood outfielders, so he could have got out with only 1 or no runs scored. The balls dropping was in no way reflective of the efforts of Dominic Brown and D'Arby Myers, who both gave their all. Good efforts out there, boys!! We know you will get the next one. Brown was the only BlueClaw to record 2 hits, and the team left 12 on base, including loaded bases in the 4th and 5th. Tyson Brummet will get the ball on Friday.
In Philadelphia, Ryan Howard had 2 hits and 2 walks in the Phillies 8-7 come-from-behind win over Washington on Thursday. The Phillies head for Cinncinati to take on the Reds Friday, Kyle Kendrick makes his first start of the year.
In Richmond, Randy Ruiz smacked a single and a double and drove in 2 runs for Rochester as the Red Wings beat Richmond 9-5. One of Randy's teammates on Rochester (AAA-Twins) is Bobby Korecky, also a BlueClaw alum.
Matt Maloney was scheduled to start for Louisville (AAA-Reds) in Syracuse today, but that game has been postponed by rain.
See you at the ballpark.
Before I get to opening night around the minor leagues on Thursday, let's just take a look at Wednesday's action in the National League.
First, in Philadelphia, where Cole Hamels suffered a wind blown home run to Ryan Zimmerman and the Phillies lost to Washington, 1-0. Hamels was strong for 8 innings, giving up just the 1 run on 5 hits, but was tagged with the defeat due to lack of support.
Late Wednesday night in San Diego, the Astros found themselves down 6-5 heading into the 9th inning. Houston rallied for 4 runs, after 2 out and nobody on. Michael Bourn had a key hit to contribute to the rally.
Now, Thursday's action was a mixed bag, some good, some not so good.
In Moosic, Pa., the Scranton Yankees spoiled the debut of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and J.A. Happ suffered the same fate as Hamels (that would be no run support), losing 4-0 in the opener. Kei Igawa pitched 6 perfect innings, leading Scranton's staff to a combined one-hitter.
Scranton native Ron Chiavacci will get the assignment Friday in game #2 for the IronPigs.
In Altoona, Pa., the Reading Phillies posted an 8-3 win over the Curve. Andrew Carpenter, who won 17 games for Clearwater last year, allowed only 2 runs in 5 innings to get the first victory of 2008. Will Savage made his AA debut with 2 scoreless innings, and Jeremy Slayden had 3 hits, including a triple, to lead a 12-hit attack. Lou Marson (RBI), Jason Donald (2B, 2 RBI), and Juan Tejeda (HR) chipped in with 2 hits each. Josh Outman gets the ball on Friday night.
In Clearwater, the Threshers started defense of their Florida State League Championship with a 2-1 defeat to Dunedin. Brad Lidge made the rehab start for Clearwater and surrendered a run in the first inning. Phillies first round pick, Joe Savery, pitched 5 scoreless innings, giving up 3 hits, but walking 5. Andrew Cruse gave up the deciding run on a home run to Dunedin's Brian Dopriak. Adrian Cardenas had a 3 hit game (2 doubles) for Clearwater. I am not sure who gets the start tonight (Monasterios, Garcia, Bastardo or Byrd).
The BlueClaws dropped a 4-0 decision to the Lake County Captains in New Jersey. Drew Naylor pitched well enough to deserve better, and in the third inning, where he gave up all 3 of his earned runs, two balls went off the gloves of Lakewood outfielders, so he could have got out with only 1 or no runs scored. The balls dropping was in no way reflective of the efforts of Dominic Brown and D'Arby Myers, who both gave their all. Good efforts out there, boys!! We know you will get the next one. Brown was the only BlueClaw to record 2 hits, and the team left 12 on base, including loaded bases in the 4th and 5th. Tyson Brummet will get the ball on Friday.
In Philadelphia, Ryan Howard had 2 hits and 2 walks in the Phillies 8-7 come-from-behind win over Washington on Thursday. The Phillies head for Cinncinati to take on the Reds Friday, Kyle Kendrick makes his first start of the year.
In Richmond, Randy Ruiz smacked a single and a double and drove in 2 runs for Rochester as the Red Wings beat Richmond 9-5. One of Randy's teammates on Rochester (AAA-Twins) is Bobby Korecky, also a BlueClaw alum.
Matt Maloney was scheduled to start for Louisville (AAA-Reds) in Syracuse today, but that game has been postponed by rain.
See you at the ballpark.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Buchholz picks up win
They say timing is everything, and it was so in St. Louis Tuesday. The Cardinals led the Rockies 1-0 after 5 innings when Colorado brought in original BlueClaw Taylor Buchholz (not relation to the kid who threw the no hitter for Boston last year). Taylor pitched a scoreless bottom of the seventh, and then the Rockies scored twice in the top of the eighth to make him a winner, making him the first ex-Claw to record a win in 2008. Cole Hamels will try to equal that, when he takes the hill in Philadelphia tonight.
Later in San Diego, the Astros continued to struggle offensively, falling to the Padres 2-1. Houston has scored a total of 1 run in the first 2 games. Michael Bourn picked up 2 walks in 5 at bats, including one with the bases loaded in the top of the sixth for the lone Astros run of the season. He also stole his 3rd base and picked up his first outfield assist, nailing Tad Iguchi at second base.
My apologies for misspelling Carlos Carrasco's name in yesterday's post, sometimes I get to typing faster than I am thinking. Lo siento, mi amigo.
The BlueClaws open workout was postponed last night due to a storm that passed through the area just as it was to begin, so they will open the gates again tonight for the Lakewood faithful to get a look a the team before Thursday's opener against Lake County.
Later in San Diego, the Astros continued to struggle offensively, falling to the Padres 2-1. Houston has scored a total of 1 run in the first 2 games. Michael Bourn picked up 2 walks in 5 at bats, including one with the bases loaded in the top of the sixth for the lone Astros run of the season. He also stole his 3rd base and picked up his first outfield assist, nailing Tad Iguchi at second base.
My apologies for misspelling Carlos Carrasco's name in yesterday's post, sometimes I get to typing faster than I am thinking. Lo siento, mi amigo.
The BlueClaws open workout was postponed last night due to a storm that passed through the area just as it was to begin, so they will open the gates again tonight for the Lakewood faithful to get a look a the team before Thursday's opener against Lake County.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
coach Grado
This is very cool.....Tim Gradoville, who played in Lakewood in 2003 and has been in the Phillies system ever since, has been named player-coach for the Reading Phillies.
Grado, who is one of the nicest guys we have had here in Lakewood, will be an inactive player until which time, if any, he is needed. In the meantime, he gets to pick the brains of the coaching staff with an eye on a future as a coach or a manager. He also gets a room to himself on the road and a few more dollars.
In my opinion, this is about the best thing that could happen to Tim, who has been struggling for playing time in this system. Now there is a future for him!! It could not happen to a better person, so congratulations Tim, the HomeSide wishes you nothing but success.
Grado, who is one of the nicest guys we have had here in Lakewood, will be an inactive player until which time, if any, he is needed. In the meantime, he gets to pick the brains of the coaching staff with an eye on a future as a coach or a manager. He also gets a room to himself on the road and a few more dollars.
In my opinion, this is about the best thing that could happen to Tim, who has been struggling for playing time in this system. Now there is a future for him!! It could not happen to a better person, so congratulations Tim, the HomeSide wishes you nothing but success.
game time
Good Morning, HomeSiders, and HERE WE GO NOW:
Starting at the top, the Phillies opened their season with an 11-6 loss to the Nationals yesterday afternoon. Former BlueClaws in action were Ryan Howard (1 for 4), and Carlos Ruiz, also 1 for 4 with an RBI double and a run scored. Cole Hamels will get the ball on Wednesday as the Phils look to even things.
Late last night, on ESPN, Jake Peavey threw shut out ball for the Padres, but Michael Bourn had a single and a walk in 4 plate appearances, and stole second both times he was on base!! He also made a running catch of a drive in right-center field with 2 outs and bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth that kept Houston in the game.
More former BlueClaws were released yesterday as the minor league rosters were finalized for opening day. Julian Williams (sorry, Joe Spina), Doug Morales (sorry, Brittney) and Ben Pfinsgraf were the latest casualties.
Today I will just focus on the Phillies system. Later this week, I will try to run down "our boys" in and around the minors in other organizations.
We have 3 former 'Claws in Lehigh Valley :
starter J.A. Happ
reliever Joe Bisenius
catcher Jason Jaramillo
aside from these three, there are mostly players who played in other organizations last year.
The Reading roster has 13 former BlueClaws, including some of the Phillies top prospects:
pitchers Carlos Carassco, Ron Hill, Josh Outman, Pat Overholt, Will Savage, and R.J. Swindel.
catcher Lou Marson
infielders Jason Donald and Brad Harman
outfielders Greg Golson, Javon Moran, Jeremy Slayden and Mike Spidale.
The Clearwater Threshers are almost a carbon copy of last year's Lakewood squad, with only 4 of the 24 men having not played here last season. For the complete list, you can go to www.threshersbaseball.com.
Tuesday night is the final chance to see each of these teams before they start the season. The IronPigs and R-Phils will take on each other in Baseballtown tonight (Carassco gets the ball for Reading), the Threshers will take on a squad comprised of extended spring training prospects slated for short season teams, and the BlueClaws will have an open practice at First Energy Park.
See you at the ballpark!!
Starting at the top, the Phillies opened their season with an 11-6 loss to the Nationals yesterday afternoon. Former BlueClaws in action were Ryan Howard (1 for 4), and Carlos Ruiz, also 1 for 4 with an RBI double and a run scored. Cole Hamels will get the ball on Wednesday as the Phils look to even things.
Late last night, on ESPN, Jake Peavey threw shut out ball for the Padres, but Michael Bourn had a single and a walk in 4 plate appearances, and stole second both times he was on base!! He also made a running catch of a drive in right-center field with 2 outs and bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth that kept Houston in the game.
More former BlueClaws were released yesterday as the minor league rosters were finalized for opening day. Julian Williams (sorry, Joe Spina), Doug Morales (sorry, Brittney) and Ben Pfinsgraf were the latest casualties.
Today I will just focus on the Phillies system. Later this week, I will try to run down "our boys" in and around the minors in other organizations.
We have 3 former 'Claws in Lehigh Valley :
starter J.A. Happ
reliever Joe Bisenius
catcher Jason Jaramillo
aside from these three, there are mostly players who played in other organizations last year.
The Reading roster has 13 former BlueClaws, including some of the Phillies top prospects:
pitchers Carlos Carassco, Ron Hill, Josh Outman, Pat Overholt, Will Savage, and R.J. Swindel.
catcher Lou Marson
infielders Jason Donald and Brad Harman
outfielders Greg Golson, Javon Moran, Jeremy Slayden and Mike Spidale.
The Clearwater Threshers are almost a carbon copy of last year's Lakewood squad, with only 4 of the 24 men having not played here last season. For the complete list, you can go to www.threshersbaseball.com.
Tuesday night is the final chance to see each of these teams before they start the season. The IronPigs and R-Phils will take on each other in Baseballtown tonight (Carassco gets the ball for Reading), the Threshers will take on a squad comprised of extended spring training prospects slated for short season teams, and the BlueClaws will have an open practice at First Energy Park.
See you at the ballpark!!
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