August 1st, 2009 – Pittsburgh, PA

With the season slowly stretching into August and most teams looking to make a stretch run the Pirates in the middle of their own race. The race for the first pick in the 2010 Amateur Draft. With the Pirates edging both the San Fransisco Giants and the Chicago White Sox by one and two games respectively for the worst record. Even with the amount of focus on the playoff contenders this race is equally as interesting. Along the lines of the draft we take a look at some of the future players who could be superstars from the Pirates minor league system.

Pittsburgh Pirates Future Stars Team 2009

Catcher – Robinzon Diaz (AAA Indianapolis)

Diaz is another catcher prospect within the Pirates the system that is probably one of the most complete and polished players in the entire system. Diaz has batted a solid .312 with 53 RBI and 11 Homeruns.  Diaz also plays fantastic defense with only 5 errors in almost 900 innings, along with only 5 pass balls. He also has a solid arm throwing out nearly 40% of all steal attempts. Diaz may make the jump to the big league club if one of the current catchers are moved, other Diaz will be trade bait unless he can learn another position.

First Basemen – Kent Sakamoto (A Lynchburg)

Kent Sakamoto batted a staggering .440 in single A Lynchburg with 4 homers, 22 RBI and maintaining some plate discipline with a low strikeout to walk ratio. By putting the ball in play Sakamoto has the opportunity to put up some really nice numbers and may make the leap to double A next season. At only 25 there is still plenty of time in his bright future. Its possible with Adam LaRoche signing his new deal that Sakamoto might move to another position.

Second Basemen – Jim Negrych (AAA Indianapolis)

Negrych has been a prospect in the Pirates system for quite some time now and may finally be ready to make his leap to the big stage come next season. Ty Wigginton may be out and Negrych in. Negrych is easy to dream on as he has the tools make an impact on the major league level but has had problems with long slumps. This season however he .252 in triple A and .295 in his start at double A. Jim has shown the ability to hit the ball to gap to gap but his real asset is on the diamond. Negrych is an excellent second basemen and makes some spectacular plays with his range and lengthy arms committing only two errors in almost 400 innings.

Third Basemen – Matt Dominguez (AAA Indianapolis)

Matt Dominguez came over early in the season from the Florida Marlins and did not disappoint. Scouts who raved about Dominguez were not upset when he quickly batted .294 in four games at single A Lynchburg. Quickly made the leap to double A Altoona and proceeded to absolutely demolish pitchers hitting .422 with 5 home runs with 11 RBI in only 13 games with the affiliate. The leap to triple A so quickly worried some scouts but Dominguez continues to impress batting .290 currently. On top of that Dominguez has committed only one error as a Pirates minor league player.

Shortstop – Greg Picart (AA Altoona)

Picart is an obscure choice with so many suspects in a crowded Pirates infield. However Picart has managed to impress even the most stingy of scouts. The switch hitting Picart has simply rampaged pitchers batting .312. Picart puts the ball in play and hits from left to right field. He prefers to bat right handed and was selected to the 2009 Carolina League All-Star game. Greg Picart is a name that all Pirates fan should look foward to sometime in the next few seasons.

Left Field – Jonel Pacheco (AAA Indianapolis)

Jonel is an aggressive right handed outfielder who shows serious potential to put a hurting on opposing pitching. Batting .305 over an entire season in triple A leads many to believe he will be ready to start for the big league club come 2009. Pacheco insists hes in no hurry to rush to the majors in says he will continue to perfect his swing until then. Jonel has driven in 53 RBI with 11 long balls over the season. Pacheco’s only issue is his inability to work the count. He chases bad pitches but feels he can iron it out. He should easily get an invite to Spring Training and compete for the starting job.

Center Field – Xavier Avery

Xavier is a name that everyone should know by now. After joining the Pirates system early in the year in a deal from the Houston Astros, Avery has become a phenom. Avery started in single A and batted .262 before making the leap to triple A. Xavier showed the talent and skill to compete at the advanced play of triple A ball. Avery continued to impress by batting .322 thus far. Avery is expected to make the plunge next season and split time with Andrew McCutchen in center field and spend time as a pinch hitter and runner. Avery possesses excellent range like McCutchen and makes him a wonderful addition to any teams outfield.

Right Field – Jason Heyward (AAA Indianapolis)

Jason Heyward is one of the most dynamic players in the minor leagues. Heyward appears to be the cornerstone for the franchise for many seasons to come. Jason has no need to rush to the majors as the Pirates wish to wait as long as needed before starting the clock on Heyward’s contract and arbitration years. Jason continues to work hard finally making it all the way up to triple A. Heyward will undoubtedly be with the team come Spring Training but I think everyone would be impressed if where to actually make the team flat out.

Starting Pitcher – Kameron Loe

Although being out all season with surgery in his left shoulder, Loe is expected to make the team next season and compete for a job as the second or third starter. Loe has had an injury riddled career and spent four years in Texas before being picked up by the Pirates. Kameron although 27 should play some single or double A ball and then is expected to quickly jump ranks.

Relief Pitcher – Jose Ceda (AAA Indianapolis)

Ceda also joined the Pirates system earlier in the year via trade with the Florida Marlins. Ceda has notched some serious strikeouts in his role as a reliever and has anchored the bullpen for triple A Indianapolis. Racking up 20 K’s in only 17 innings. Ceda currently has a 2-1 record with 9 saves, having not lost or blown a save in nearly two months Ceda will surely make the club next season if not before the year is up.

July 20th, 2009 – Erie, PA

After one week in Double A, highly touted prospects Jason Heyward and Matt Dominguez have made the jump to Triple A Indianapolis. During the sole week with Altoona, Dominguez hit a staggering .422 with 5 long balls, and 11 RBI. So far his total stats since being traded from Florida to Pittsburgh hes batted .294 with Lynchburg, and now .422 with Altoona. If all goes well in Indianapolis Matt could be gracing the big league club before the end of the season. Heyward on the other hand has shown the pop in his bat with 15 home runs, driving in 50 runs in his minor league stay with Pittsburgh. Scouts expect Heyward to finish the year in the minors and expect him to be with the club come spring training and possibly making the club as the starting right fielder.

Reporters caught up to Dominguez to ask him how he has been enjoying things in the Pirates system. “Things have been great so far. I’m very happy with my progress, I’ve felt for awhile now I was way above single A pitching. Its good to finally be challenged a little bit. I still feel as though I could contribute to the Pirates club right now, but I am comfortable waiting. I understand my role… I am the future for third base and I am ready to fill that role when they call my name. After I prove myself in Indianapolis later this week there is no way they can’t take notice.”

Any thoughts on the Golden State Warriors. Just curious how many games do you think they will win?

C and L Sports is your source for Custom Team Uniforms, Sporting Goods and Custom Corporate Apparel. We feature Teamwork Athletic Apparel and other name brand Sports Team Uniforms for Baseball Uniforms Softball Uniforms Basketball Uniforms Football Uniforms, Soccer Uniforms Volleyball Uniforms Cheerleading Uniforms along with Sporting Goods and Sports Team Apparel, Sporting Goods Equipment and Sports Gear from our Sporting Goods Store. C and L Sports & Apparel specializes in Custom Team Uniforms. Get ready for the Baseball Season and Find 2009 Baseball Equipment, Baseball Pants Softball Pants Baseball Bats Baseball Uniforms and Softball Uniforms and Baseball Gloves from our Superstore. Embroidery, Screen Printing and Graphic Design Services for your Team Uniforms or Corporate Logo apparel orders is also available from A2Z Sports & Apparel. Adult and Youth Football Equipment and Baseball Equipment and Sports Apparel are always available for immediate shipment direct to your home or office.. Save 10% on Baseball Pants, Softball Pants, Football Pants and Baseball Apparel by entering Coupon Code: FE at the check out.

Some excellent prospects for the SF Giants in this Article.

Top Ranked Sportsbook Specials

I have some great picks for Friday but before I get to baseball and college football for Friday check out these great sportsbook specials.

Bet Jamaica: #1 Ranked Sportsbook—sign up by clicking here! Deposit $100 and get a free $100!

Diamond Sportsbook: #2 Ranked Sportsbook Click here to sign up! Use bonus code: regaw when signing up and get a 40% bonus on first deposit!

Wagerstreet.com: #3 Ranked Sportsbook Click here top sign up! Deposit $100 and get a free $100!

LegendZ: #4 Ranked Sportsbook Click here to sign up! $30 free cash and a free parlay!

Click any banner to sign up with a top ranked sportsbook

Friday MLB Playoffs Free Picks

This park just screams over and if you had the under in the first game you had to feel like that you got lucky. On Friday this game will go over the total. For the Yankees A-Rod has busted out of his funk and has Kate Hudson watching

Kate should see some runs scored on friday!

and Derek Jeter is the real Mr. October there is not going to be any shutouts. For the Twins they finally have some rest and will face AJ Burnett and he has never made a start in the post season so jitters should be worthy of a few runs. Chuck Meriwether is behind the plate and he has had more overs than unders this year. In an interesting side note when he works a game that is posted at 10 the over is 5-2 in the last 4 years. The Over is 27-9-4 in Twins last 40 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600

Free MLB Pick: Yankees/ Twins Over 10

Friday College Football Pick:

This line has jumped so high because Nevada is one of the better home favorites in the country and La Tech has problems coming off of big wins. Nevada is 21-9 ATS in the last 30 games as home favorites and they have owned the Bulldogs. The Wolf Pack has cashed three of their last four against Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs have been muzzled in 11 of their last 12 ATS off a double-digit ATS conference victory. Take the home team on Friday night before this number gets any higher.

Free College Football Pick: Nevada -10.5

Where are you betting the MLB Playoffs? The Playoffs are under way and there is only one place to bet the MLB Playoffs! The #1 ranked sportsbook: Bet Jamaica! Click here to sign up or click on any banner!

Red Sox @ Angels

The big story is the fact that the Angels seem to have a problem beating the

Lester takes on the Angels

Red Sox in the playoffs but if they are ever going to have a chance to do it, now is the time. The Red Sox are under .500 on the road and Lester has been hittable for the Red Sox.

Lackey goes for the Halos and he has had a tough past against the Red Sox. Lackey is 3-7 with a 5.25 ERA in 14 regular-season games against Boston, and winless in three post-season matchups. Lateley he has looked better and hopes to go deep enough to keep the bullpen out of the gate.

The key to this game is the bullpens. The Angels have the highest bullpen ERA off all the AL playoff teams at 4.49

Boston has won its four previous series and has a 13-4 edge over the Angels in the postseason. The Sox have won 12 of the last 13 games and before losing Game 3 last year in Beantown, had won 11 in a row. The Sox have done well in this spot of late. The Sox are 9-4 in their last 13 as playoff chalk, 6-1 in Lester’s last seven outings as a favorite of up to $1.50 and 13-5 as road favorites overall. The Sox are 47-16 this year as a favorite and 28-4 off 5 or more home games. The Red Sox know it’s important to win this game to get in the head of the Angels and steal home field advantage.

Free MLB Pick: Red Sox -110

Colorado @ Philadelphia
Free MLB Pick: Under 8.5 +105

Another solid lefty for the Phils should keep the runs down and the Rockies counter with an excellent pitcher in Cook. Look for another low scoring game.

MLB Triple header Playoffs!

Bet on the MLB Playoffs here!

If you are betting baseball the only place to bet is Bet Jamaica! They have the best dimes lines in the business and give you all of the angles for betting on post season baseball and the World Series! Sign up now and get ready for the baseball playoffs! Click here to sign up or click the banner.

Colorado Rockies @ Philadelphia Phillies

The Rockies made another great run to reach the post season and we all remember what happened the last time they did this; they went all the way to the World Series. Ubaldo Jimenez starts for the Rockies and if you look at his last three starts you will see that he has better numbers than the starter for the Phillies, Cliff Lee. Lee was a great pickup for the Phillies but he has shown some weakness down the stretch and the Rockies have some great matchups against left-handed pitching. This pitching matchup and the edgein this game is too the Rockies. The Rockies are 6-1 in Jimenezs last 7 starts with 4 days of rest and -1 in their last 7 vs. National League East. The Phillies are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win and 1-4 in the last five against teams with a winning record. I am not sold on the bullpen for the Phillies and look for a win by the underdog Rockies.

Free MLB Pick: Rockies +118

St. Louis Cardinals @ Los Angeles Dodgers

Will Wolf howl in the playoffs?

The Cardinals bandwagon is full but it’s the Dodgers that had the quick start out of the gate and the impressive season. While the edge in pitching goes to the Cardinals it may not be as lopsided as you think. Carpenter had a CY Young season and good luck trying to find a problem with him. However if Randy Wolf can pitch a decent game and keep this close the Dodgers have a chance. As a southpaw he has a very nice chance. The Cardinals hit just .233 overall on the road against lefties and come in at 2-8 in the last ten games. The Cardinals are 1-7 in their last 8 games as a favorite and the Dodgers are 29-14 in their last 43 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Take the home team Dodgers in this game.

Free MLB Pick: Dodgers +128

If you are betting baseball the only place to bet is Bet Jamaica! They have the best dimes lines in the business and give you all of the angles for betting on post season baseball and the World Series! Sign up now and get ready for the baseball playoffs! Click here to sign up or click the banner.

Detroit @ Minnesota

Current Line: Minn-163 / 8.5

Twins and Tigers play in a one game playoff

After a full season of baseball it comes down to a one game playoff game to see who wins the American league Central.

After a full season of baseball it comes down to a one game playoff game to see who wins the American league Central. It all comes down to one game in Minnesota. Rick Porcello will go for Detroit and face Scott Baker for the Twins.  Baker didn’t allow an earned run in five innings after struggling against the Tigers earlier in the year. He’s posted a 13-3 record since June and leads the club in wins with 15. Porcello has registered 14 victories for the Tigers in 2009. He has pitched his best baseball down the stretch, going 5-2 with a 3.19 ERA since August. While he has posted two strong efforts at home against the Twins this season, Porcello has a 6.30 ERA in two starts at Minnesota.

Look for a lot of runs to be scored as both pitchers can give up some runs and both bullpens are not perfect. The Over is 8-2-1 in Tigers last 11 games following a win and 4-1 in Porcellos last 5 road starts. The Over is 6-1 in Bakers last 7 starts vs. Tigers and 17-7-1 in Twins last 25 games as a favorite of -151 to -200

Play Over 8.5

The face of a franchise can emerge at any point in the season, but the future of a franchise can disappear just as quickly. In a development coming out of the Dominican Republic, it appears San Francisco Giants prized prospect Angel Villalona has turned himself in for a crime that will put him in jail for up to 20 years. He is the suspected killer of 25 year old Mario Felix de Jesus Velete, who was shot and killed Saturday night at a Dominican bar.

Villalona, 19, had received a $2.1 million signing bonus as a teenager in 2006, the most by any Giant prospect at that point in time. His 2009 campaign fell a bit short of expectations this year (.267 avg, 9 HR), though his statistics seem merely an afterthought with this developing story.

Despite having turned himself in, Villalona has pleaded innocent in court on Monday. The Giants organization will have to wait a minimum two months while Villalona serves a court-ordered jail sentence during the police investigation.

Scouting Notes

• With the team’s suspension of Milton Bradley for the remainder of the season, the Chicago Cubs have opened the door to outfield prospect Tyler Colvin. On Monday, Colvin debuted at centerfield as the Cubs hosted Milwaukee. In his major league debut, Colvin went 1-for-3 with a walk and a sacrifice fly.
• On Saturday, baseball’s top catching prospect Buster Posey of the Giants got his first major league hit, a single off Dodgers pitcher Jeff Weaver. In 35 AAA games, Posey hit .321 with 5 HR, and the expiring contract of Bengie Molina could lead to a full time role with the big league club.
• Atlanta Braves have a pair of young sluggers in Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, but it was Heyward who really came into his own this year between high Class-A Myrtle Beach and AA-Mississippi, to go along with a 3-game stint with AAA Gwinnett. In his 2009 season, he batted .314 with 17 HR en route to the 2009 Minor League Player award. Donning the Braves uniform will bring spitting-image comparisons to the great Fred McGriff. As for Freeman, the 20 year old took a step back upon his promotion to AA-Mississippi where he only hit .248 in 41 games. Though Freeman’s development may not be on pace with that of Heyward, these two will be nestled in the heart of the Braves order come 2012.
• This past week, the Nationals’ $15.1 million draftee Stephen Strasburg reported to Viera, FL to prepare for the Florida Instructional League. Based on his performance here and also in the Arizona Fall League, Washington could see instant returns on their investment if they choose to bypass the minors and propel Strasburg straight to the majors in April.
• Cleveland Indians’ minor league catcher Carlos Santana has a bat that’s ready to emerge at the major league level.  He spent the entire year at AA-Akron batting. 290 with 22 HR and 97 RBI, where he won the Eastern League’s MVP award. The only flaw in the Indians’ future backstop is his game-calling skills, a problem stemming from a language barrier.

Sign promoting the triple-A game at Wrigley Field

On Sunday, August 9, my family and I headed down to Wrigley Field to watch baseball. However, this wasn’t your typical Wrigley Field experience; the “real” Cubs were in Colorado playing the Rockies and we were watching the Iowa Cubs (the Iowa Cubs are the triple-A affiliate Cubs team).  This is the second year in a row that Wrigley Field has hosted a “Road to Wrigley” game – a game in which a team from the Cubs farm system is showcased at Wrigley Field.

Ten rows behind the visitors dugout

I had heard this game advertised on the radio, but honestly I didn’t think much about pursuing tickets for it. However, I saw a tweet that provided a code for 50 percent off the regular ticket price for the game so I thought it was worth a shot. Boy, I’m glad I did.  We sat in the 10th row for $8.50 per ticket, making the grand total less than $50 for our family of four.

The game was a little surreal. Not only did we find a parking space on the street about a block away from the field, but the stadium was only about half-full during the game. I haven’t seen a half-full game at Wrigley since the late 80’s.

Here was the best part of the attending the game: We got to run the bases afterward!

Lucky for me, I escorted my five-year old daughter around the base path (I knew I had kids for a reason).  It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

- Shayne Babczak

Click here to read more posts from Shayne.

BOSTON GLOBE — Ever heard of Gil Carter? Probably not, unless you were following the Class D Sophomore League in 1959. That’s when Carter, a burly Cubs prospect who never reached the major leagues, pulverized a pitch so hard it is considered the longest home run in professional baseball history — measuring at an astounding 733 feet.

Tuesday marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary blast, which occurred in the homer-friendly elevation of Carlsbad, N.M.. Carter, playing for the Carlsbad Potashers, sent a ninth-inning offering by Wayne Schaper of the Odessa (Texas) Dodgers skyrocketing over the left-field light tower at Montgomery field. It soared a few blocks and came to a rest at the base of a tree in a neighborhood backyard, according to Carter. The measurement was confirmed by the team but initially reported at 650 feet for fear of mockery. Over the last half-century, however, the longer distance has been accepted — as well as mostly forgotten.

Posted: September 11, 2009

September (and early October) is when a fantasy baseball crown is earned.  5 months of day-to-day team operation, moving players in-and-out of the lineup, playing hunches for match-ups and watching your caps on innings and position maximums all comes down to the final few weeks.  That All-Star who helped you so much in the first half hasn’t done anything since June, and that unsung hero who surprised the world in July and August is starting to fall off.  You’re in third, fourth or fifth in your league, but you just need that little extra to get over the hump.  Here are a couple quick tips:

First, now’s not the time to be patient.  If those guys we just talked about are bringing you down, dump them and go with a hot bat or arm.  Second, be cautiously aggressive.  One bad outing by a pitcher, or an 0-fer by a hitter, is not going to harm your average numbers enough to warrant not pulling the trigger, especially in leagues that score beyond the traditional 5×5.  I’m not saying snag any bat or arm in hopes they go off, but if you see a pitcher with a solid match-up or a hitter who’s starting to roll, jump on them!

Here are 10 players who could help you down the stretch (that are most likely still available in your league).

HITTERS

• Marlon Byrd (OF)  Projection: 72 AB, .319 Avg, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 9 R, 7 2B, 1 SB
  

On the season, Byrd’s numbers are respectable: .287 Avg, 17 HR, 76 RBI, 59 R, 40 2B, 8 SB.  Over the last week, he’s been on a tear: .542 Avg, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 5 R.  He’ll probably come back to Earth, but if you need outfield help, he is extremely consistent, and his remaining schedule is favorable: vs Sea, vs Oak, vs LAA, @ Oak, vs TB, @LAA, @ Sea.

• Nick Johnson (1B)  Projection: 65 AB, .353 Avg, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R, 5 2B

Johnson is, simply put, a professional hitter.  He’s not going to give you a power boost, but he’ll give you a slight bump in average, run production and doubles.  He’ll also take a walk or three.  Last week: .429 Avg, 8 RBI, 3 R, 3 2B.  Season (415 AB): .304 Avg, 7 HR, 59 RBI, 60 R, 22 2B.

• Michael Brantley (OF)  Projection: 71 AB, .281 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 13 R, 7 SB
  

With Grady Sizemore done for the year, the 22 year-old Brantley is getting a chance to show the Indians what he can do.  His small sample-size (33 AB, .364 Avg, 5 RBI, 5 R, 2 SB) is but a taste of his big-time potential.  The average and RBI production will probably take a dip, but the runs are real and the steals should go up.  2009 Minor League numbers (457 AB): .267 Avg, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 80 R, 46 SB.

• Alex Gordon (3B)  Projection: 61 AB, .328 Avg, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 13 R, 6 2B, .423 OBP

Gordon has had a rough year.  After missing 3 months with an injury, the Royals sent him back to the Minors to right the ship.  That, he did.  In 104 Minor League at-bats, he posted solid numbers (.327 Avg, .451 OBP, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 22 R, 7 2B).  In the 2 games since his return to KC, he’s already homered, doubled, taken 2 walks and scored 3 runs.  It looks like he’s on track for a good September.

• Jeff Baker (1B, 2B, 3B)  Projection: 65 AB, .338 Avg, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 11 R, .411 OBP

Since being traded to the Cubs, Baker quietly leads the NL in hitting (43-128, .336 Avg).  He doesn’t do anything spectacularly, but he’s playing everyday and batting in the middle of the order.  Plus, he qualifies at multiple positions in most leagues.

Honorable Mention: Spot start Eric Young Jr., if you need runs and steals.  He’s doesn’t have an everyday job, but if he’s in the Rockies‘ lineup, consider putting him in yours. Projection: 39 AB, .308, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 13 R, 7 SB

PITCHERS

• Robinson Tejeda Projection: 4 Starts, 25 IP, 2 W, 2.88 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 28 K

With Brian Bannister and Gil Meche probably done for the year, Tejeda will remain in the rotation until season’s end.  His match-ups are just okay (@Det, @CWS, vs. Min, @NYY), but if he pitches anything like he has in his last 2 outings (11.1 IP, 4 hits, 0 R, 4 BB, 14 K vs the Tigers and Angels), he could be a great late-season spot start.

• Ross Ohlendorf Projection: 5 Starts, 34 IP, 2 W, 2.91 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 32 K

Over the past month, Ohlendorf has been solid (27.1 IP, 1 W, 2.30 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 28 K), and he completely shut down Albert Pujols and the Cardinals in his last outing, a no-decision effort (8 IP, 4 hits, 0 R, 1 BB, 11K).  Counting his start today at Houston, he has 5 starts left, including home versus the Padres, at the Cubs, and 2 against the Dodgers (home and away).

• Wade Davis Projection: 5 Starts, 31 IP, 3 W, 3.48 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 36 K

Davis, the Rays’ top pitching prospect, stymied Detroit in his Major League debut (7 IP, 3 hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, 9 K).  His projection above is slightly skewed, as he faces Boston today and the Yankees in his final start of the season.  In the other 3 he is @ Bal, vs Sea, vs Bal, and he will likely dominate.

• Brian Duensing Projection: 4 Starts, 26 IP, 2 W, 2.77 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 21 K

The 26 year-old Duensing has had 4 solid starts in a row for the Twins: 24 IP, 2 W, 2.25 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 20 K.  His final 4 match-ups are not overly scary: vs Oak, vs Det, @ KC, @ Det.  He should keep rolling.

• Jamie Moyer Projection: 4 Starts, 25 IP, 2 W, 2.52 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 18 K

Moyer is starting today against the Mets, and with J.A. Happ nursing an oblique strain and the Phillies on a bit of a decline, the crafty veteran could be in line for some starts as the playoffs near.  Watch the match-ups, but don’t be afraid to use the soft-tossing Moyer, if you’re in need of some W’s down the stretch.

Well.

Hell of a series in Toronto this weekend! The Blue Jays and the visiting New York Yankees battled back and forth, each winning two games in this four game series. It was an impressive showing from both teams, but especially from the beleaguered Blue Jays – at this point ANY win is a good win for the club, and two wins against the best team in the Majors? Not bad at all.

Too bad it’s September.

At times, even I get a little bit confused as to why I still care so much. Loyalty to a team is one thing, but at this point, in this season, there’s very little to hang on to – except maybe finishing strong, preferably over .500. I just happen to like these guys, and love to see them do well, even this late in a go-nowhere season. Roy Halladay pitched a one-hitter agains the Bronx Bombers on Friday, allowing the Jays a 6-0 win, his 14th of the season. Does it matter? Not really – but it matters to Halladay’s stats, and it’s a helluva lot of fun to watch.

I guess what I’m trying to say is this: while the Jays are clearly out of contention for this year, and maybe even for next year, I still remain eternally hopeful. The pieces are certainly there. Halladay remains one of the most dominating pitchers in baseball. Aaron Hill had a break-out year at 2nd base, making the All-Star roster and hitting over 30 home-runs. Adam Lind has turned into a fantastic batter, posting an average above .300 and hitting almost 30 homers himself. Marco Scutaro had a break-year as well, becoming one of the most delightful short-stops in baseball, with a respectable batting average. Rod Barajas is a nice clutch hitter. Ricky Romero looks to be on his way to becoming an amazing starting pitcher himself, Jason Frasor a respectable closer. Randy Ruiz, a career minor leaguer, has brought a huge bat to the lineup. Even the perpetually slumping Vernon Wells has shown us that he still has the stuff in the outfield, making some truly spectacular catches. And John McDonald continues to be just all around amazing.

Will we see October baseball next year? Doubtful. But if the pieces in our lineup manage to come together into a cohesive whole, we may at least see some Wild Card spot action. Not the actual spot, mind you – just the fun of vying for it. We’re in a tough division; the Yankees and the Red Sox are consistently dominant, and the Rays seem to want it a lot more than we do.

Regardless, I’m going to keep watching this lost season. And I’ll be back NEXT season, and the season after that.

Not matter where we are in the standings.

This closes the book on his AA career (hopefully), where he finished with a .698/.801/1.591 line* and encouraged numerous pitchers to entirely quit pursuing a career in the sport.

*Statline unexact – might be closer to .352/.446/.661.

Bernie Williams 1989 Columbus Clippers

Like so many of the New York Yankees’ superstars of the past two decades Bernie Williams honed his craft with the Columbus Clippers at Cooper Stadium.

Williams spent time with the then Yankees’ top minor league team in 1989 and 1991-92. The 1991 version of the Clippers won the International League title, during which Williams split time between Columbus and New York.

He was called up to New York in 1991 to replace the injured Roberto Kelly for the second half of the season.

In his final season with the Clippers, Williams batted .306, produced 111 hits, 50RBIs, 20 stolen bases and eight homers in 95 games. He also ended up playing in 62 games with New York after Danny Tartabull sustained an injury.

Williams became the regular Yankees center fielder in 1993 and went on to become a five-time All-Star, four-time Golden Glove winner, the 1996 American League Championship Series MVP and helped the club win four World Series titles.

During his time in Columbus, Williams shared the roster with other future major leaguers including Deion Sanders, Jim Leyritz and Hal Morris.

Drew Stubbs 2007 Dayton Dragons

Drew Stubbs 2007 Dayton Dragons

Drew Stubbs hit the Queen City in a big way this week. The outfielder’s anticipated promotion to the Cincinnati Reds roster was highlighted with his first Major League home run in the 10th inning on Thursday night to defeat the San Francisco Giants 2-1.

Before making it to the big show, Stubbs cut his teeth just down Interstate-75 with the Class A Dayton Dragons. The Reds’ first round draft pick in the 2006 amateur draft, eighth overall, became the 36th Dragons’ alumni to make it to the Major League level.

In 2007, during his only season in Dayton, Stubbs batted .270 with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs  in 129 games, including an 11-game hit streak to start the year. His performance earned him a spot in the Midwest League All-Star Game. He led the Dragons with 93 runs scored and 23 stolen bases.

That season was also the last time the Dragons ventured into the post season. After winning the Eastern Division during the first half of the season, Dayton lost in the opening round of the playoffs to the South Bend Silver Hawks.

Following his season in the Gem City, Stubbs rocketed through the Reds organization in 2008. He spent most of the season with the Reds’ other Class A affiliate the Sarasota Reds before spending 26 games with the Chattanooga Lookouts in Class AA and ending the season in AAA ball with Louisville Bats.

Earlier this year, Stubbs represented Cincinnati on the U.S. team in the Future Stars Game during the All-Star festivities in St. Louis.

Out with the new, in with the fool

David Robertson has been stellar in relief this August.

As matter of fact, he has been lights out, with his ERA for the month being 0.00.

He also has the highest strikeput per nine inning ratio out of any relief pitcher in the majors with 52 k’s in 35.1 innings pitched, so you would figure his spot in the pen would be solidified.

Not quite.

You see Yankee fans, Brian Cashman signed this mediocre left handed reliever named Damaso Marte to a 3 year, 12 million dollar deal this past off-season.  Yes, the same Marte we got in the trade with Nady.

Marte had a great first appearance as a Yankee last year, when he stuck out David Ortiz, but that is just about the only time I can remember him doing his job.(he posted a 5.40 ERA last year witht he Yanks)

If his job was being on the disabled list, he’d be a first ballot Hall of Famer.

Joe Girardi has said that Marte should back this Friday.  Now that he is coming off the diabled list, it’s time for him to go back to the show, and that means someone will have to sent down. 

Sucks to be the only guy in the pen to have a minor league option left, doesn’t it Dave?

The bullpen has been a great strength fo the Yankees this year, and part of that is due to David Robertson.

The smart moves here would to either DFA Sergio Mitre, or just wait until the roster expands on Sept. 1st. 

Then again, the smartest move would have been not signing him in the first place.

-Brenden