2/20/09

New Clones Coaching Staff

For the first time since 2003, there will be an entirely new team of coaches at the helm of the Brooklyn Cyclones. On Wednesday, the club has announced its seventh manager – Pedro Lopez – along with Pitching Coach Rick Tomlin, Hitting Coach Jack Voigt, and Coach Joel Fuentes.

Lopez, 40, begins his second season with the Mets organization, having spent the 2008 season as a coach with Savannah (A) of the South Atlantic League. From 2000-2007, Lopez was a manager and coach in the Texas Rangers’ farm system, last managing the Rangers’ Arizona League (R) team in ’07. As a player, Lopez was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 21st round of the 1988 amateur draft, and then joined the Milwaukee Brewers organization as a minor league free agent in 1995, advancing as high as Triple-A. He and his family currently live in Toa Baja, PR.

Tomlin enters his first season with the Mets – his 21st in the minor leagues – after having served as the pitching coach for the Washington Nationals’ Harrisburg (AA) affiliate in the Eastern League from 2005-2008. From 1996-2004, Rick served in various roles within the New York Yankees’ minor league system. He was a pitching coach in the Minnesota Twins’ farm system from 1989-1995. Tomlin has also coached at the college level, as an assistant coach at both Manatee Community College (FL) and the University of Alabama. He and his family currently live in Bradenton, FL.

Voigt begins his fourth season with the Mets. In 2005, he was a member of Frank Robinson’s staff with the Washington Nationals, and was a minor league coach in the Atlanta Braves organization in 2004. Voigt began his coaching career in 2000 as a player/coach with Oklahoma City (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League, before coaching and managing in the Baltimore Orioles’ organization from 2001-2003. Jack played for seven seasons in the major leagues with Baltimore (1992-1995), Texas (1995-1996), Milwaukee (1997), and Oakland (1999). He was drafted by Baltimore in the ninth round of the 1987 Amateur draft, out of Lousiana State University, where he played in the College World Series and was named to the All-CWS team. In the tournament, he hit a game-winning home run in the seventh inning to beat Arkansas. He and his family live in Florida.

Fuentes begins his third year with the Mets, having coached with St. Lucie (A) of the Florida State League in 2008, and Savannah (A) of the South Atlantic league in 2007. As a player, Joel signed with the San Francisco Giants in 1997 and played in their organization until 2003, advancing as high as Double-A.

“We are excited to welcome a new staff to Brooklyn,” said Cyclones’ General Manager Steve Cohen. “Each year, we have been fortunate to have coaches who work tirelessly, both on the field and in the community, and we look forward to continuing that tradition.”

Why Bat Reyes Third?




Well... maybe ActaSports has the answer...


How often does a leadoff man come up with no one on base?

February 19, 2009

How often does a leadoff man come up with no one on base? 67% of the time. Or conversely, 33% of the time with at least one man on base. Overall, MLB hitters come up with at least one man on base about 45% of the time. Here's the breakdown by lineup position:

Batting Order Slot Percentage of Time - At Least One Man on Base

1 33%
2 43
3 48
4 50
5 48
6 46
7 46
8 46
9 45

In the forthcoming Bill James Gold Mine 2009, we take the Florida Marlins' star shortstop, Hanley Ramirez, and ask how many runs he would have driven in last year if he hadn’t been hitting leadoff.

The answer? About 112. The number of runs a player can be expected to drive in can be estimated by dividing his total bases by four, and adding his home runs. The majority of major league regulars last year were within 10% of the RBI estimated by that formula, and more than 80% were within 20%.

Hanley was the majors' #1 “RBI under-achiever”, by far, driving in 67 against an expectation of 112.5 (-45.5). No other major league player was off his estimate, high or low, by more than 31 runs.

Ramirez had over 400 at-bats with the bases empty.

Ex-Met Update: - RP Joe Smith



From GopherBall: Joe Smith isn't even the most anticipated offseason addition to his own bullpen (that honor goes to Kerry Wood) but Smith may have just as much impact on the back end of the Tribe's pen. So... here are three reasons why Joe Smith is this year's most underrated offseason acquisition:

1) Smith locks down right-handed hitters. He held righties to a .192 BA in 2009, more than 100 points lower than the Indians primary set up man, Rafael Betancourt, was able to do in '08 (.295). Both of the Indians top set up men, Betancourt and Rafael Perez excel against lefties (Betancourt held them to a .252 BA, Perez .222). The addition of Smith allows the Indians to use the two “Rafaels” in more favorable matchups, rather than forcing them to take on opponents top right handed hitters.

2) He's cool, calm and collected under pressure. Last season only two pitchers inherited more runners than Smith (63) and of the 44 pitchers to inherit at least 40 runners no one allowed a smaller percentage of them to score (17 pct).

3) He's consistent, regardless of the situation. With the bases empty, Smith held opponents to a .195 BA. With runners in scoring position, the BA climbed only to .206.

Buffalo Bisons Promotional Calendar

The Buffalo Bisons, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, today announced their promotional calendar for the 2009 season. With an extensive list of special events, promotions and giveaways throughout the summer, the Bisons plan to continue their strong tradition of providing the most affordable family entertainment value in Western New York.

The Bisons will open their 124th season of professional baseball on Thursday, April 9 against the Pawtucket Red Sox at Coca-Cola Field (3:05 p.m.).

“A ticket to a Bisons game has always represented the best sports and entertainment value in town,” said Mike Buczkowski, Bisons Vice President/General Manager. “Our lineup of fantastic events, giveaways and promotions will add unprecedented value to each and every visit to Coca-Cola Field.”



New Era in Bisons History Begins with Kids Week/8-Game Homestand

The 124th season of professional baseball in Buffalo will be a milestone year for the Bisons. The Herd returns to action after an exciting and eventful off-season that saw the team align with one of the premier franchises in all of sports: the New York Mets. The new-look Bisons will first take the Coca-Cola Field on Opening Day, Thursday, April 9 at 3:05 p.m. against the Pawtucket Red Sox. Game 2 will be the team’s first fridaynightbash!® of the season, sponsored by Seneca Gaming Corporation, with Post-Game Fireworks. The final six games of the first homestand will be Kids’ Week, presented by Anderson’s. All games will have 1:05 p.m. game starts, a special $6 ticket, food and merchandise discounts and special activities for kids.



WNY Tradition fridaynightbash!® Nights Return in 2009

A staple of every summer in Downtown Buffalo is the Bisons’ fridaynightbash!® series, presented by Seneca Gaming Corporation. The tradition continues in 2009 with 12 dates on the schedule, two more than the 2008 season. It all starts two hours before the game with a Plaza Party that features Food and Drink Discounts. Each pre game party also includes some great Live Music from local bands ranging from classic rock to modern pop. Zambelli Fireworks Internationale, world-famous for their work at Super Bowls and New Year’s Eve events, will provide the award-winning post game Fireworks Shows after every fridaynightbash!®.



The Independence Eve Tradition with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

A fridaynightbash!® like no other! Two great Bisons traditions collide for an unforgettable night in 2009. The 15th annual Independence Eve Celebration with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus and the Largest Fireworks Show of the Year, presented by KeyBank will be Friday, July 3 against the Rochester Red Wings (6:05 p.m.) More than a quarter of a million fans have taken in this great Western New York summer tradition since 1995.



Landmark Replica Series Debuts to Highlight Giveaway Schedule

The Bisons will once again present great giveaways to their fans throughout the season. In 2009, the team’s popular ballpark replica series will evolve into the Local Landmark Replica Series. This year’s edition will be a Crystal Beach Amusement Park Replica. A Darryl Strawberry Bobble Head, presented by NAPA Auto Parts, will be highlighted by an appearance of the World Series Champion and great Mets’ Slugger. A Catcher’s Backpack and Bisons Youth Jersey giveaways also highlight a long-list of great gifts the Bisons are offering their fans this season.



Bisons Magnetic Schedule Giveaway (12,000)(Opening Day, April 9 vs. Pawtucket, 3:05 p.m.)

Darryl Strawberry Giveaway, presented by NAPA Auto Parts (4,000)(May 23 vs. Columbus, 1:05 p.m.)

Bisons Reusable Bags, presented by Twin Village Recycling (3,000)(June 6 vs. Indianapolis, 7:05 p.m.)

Bisons Poster Night (3,000)(June 9 vs. Indianapolis, 7:05 p.m.)

Bisons Deck of Cards (3,000)(June 13 vs. Durham, 7:05 p.m.)

Bisons Growth Charts (5,000)(June 14 vs. Durham, 1:05 p.m.)

Youth Bisons Jerseys (3,000)(July 8 vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, 7:05 p.m.)

General Mills Buffalo Plant Team Photo and Autograph Day (3,000)(July 19 vs. Toledo, 1:05 p.m.)

Catcher’s Gear Backpack (3,000)(July 29 vs. Pawtucket, 7:05 p.m.)

Crystal Beach Amusement Park Replicas (4,000)(August 152 vs. Lehigh Valley, 7:05 p.m.)

Peter Pan Cap Night (4,000)(August 15 vs. Lehigh Valley, 7:05 p.m.)

Back to School Day with a Bisons Calculator Giveaway, presented by NYS 529 College Savings Program

(3,000)(September 1 vs. Rochester, 7:05 p.m.)



Festival Nights Return in 2009

The Bisons will continue their festival night series on Tuesday nights throughout the summer. Come out and celebrate your heritage on Irish Night (June 30 vs. Charlotte), Native American Night (July 7 vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, 7:05 p.m., sponsored by Seneca Gaming Corporation), Italian Night (July 28 vs. Pawtucket, 7:05 p.m.) and Polish Night (August 11 vs. Rochester, 7:05 p.m.) Come to the ballpark and enjoy all of your favorite ethnic food, music and entertainment at a pre-game Tent Party and throughout the game. Each festival night will end with an in-park Pyrotechnics Show.



The Skies Light Up Around Coca-Cola Field

With the combination of 12 fridaynightbash!® parties and four Festival Night events, the skies above Coca-Coal Field will be filled with several amazing displays of light and sound in 2009. The Bisons have also added a pyrotechnics show for Back to School Night, presented by NYS 529 College Savings Program on September 1 vs. Rochester. The Herd will have their second largest fireworks show of the season on September 2 for the traditional Fan Appreciation Night (vs. Scranton/WB, 7:05 p.m.). That means there will be 18 post game shows for the fans to enjoy this season.



Meet some Special Guests at the Ballpark in 2009

Special Guests will once again entertain fans at Coca-Cola Field all season long. Mr. Met, the loveable baseball-headed mascot of the New York Mets, is scheduled to make a pair of visits to Buffalo: Opening Day, April 9 and as part of Dick’s Sporting Goods Youth Baseball Day on June 7 against Indianapolis. Former National League World Series Champion Darryl Strawberry will be here for his bobble head day on May 23. Probably the most recognizable guest in all of sports, The Famous Chicken, returns on June 27 against Charlotte. On June 28, you can bring your own guest as the Bisons host Dog Day at the Ballpark.



Home Run Derby, Magic Night and Derby Day Complete Events Calendar

The Bisons will also feature several special events throughout the 2009 season. After an Easter Sunday Game on April 12, kick off your Dyngus Day celebrations on Monday, April 13 with a 1:05 p.m. first pitch. Go with a winner on Derby Day as the Bisons host Louisville on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, May 2. A special 2:05 p.m. matinee and pre-game BBQ Picnic is schedule on Memorial Day, Monday May 25.



The annual School Kids Day, presented by NYS 529 College Savings Program returns Monday, June 8 at 10:35 a.m. while FM Communications presents 100 Club of Buffalo Night on June 17. The Family Camp Out, presented by Tim Horton’s, will take place after the Bisons game on Friday, July 17 against Toledo. The team’s post game Bisons Home Run Derby will be on Saturday, July 18 and every home run hit will mean a great prize for someone in the ballpark.



You can Go Green! when the Bisons pass out reusable bags on June 6 against Indianapolis (7:05 p.m.), presented by Twin Village Recycling, Inc. Learn some great tips on how you can become more efficient at the home or office. On June 13, the Bisons will host Magic Night with free shows in the concourse throughout the game.



The Bisons will hold Fan Appreciation Night on Wednesday, September 2 (7:05 p.m.) with the second largest fireworks show of the season and great giveaways during every inning break. The Last Home Game of the Season will be played on Thursday, September 1 (1:05 p.m.) against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.



Daily Promotions Add Value to Every Game!

The Bisons will hold several daily promotions during the 2009 season, giving fans of all ages something to enjoy at Coca-Cola Field.



A Markdown Monday represents the best value at the ballpark. Tickets are just $7 for you to catch all the action of Bisons baseball. Once inside the park, fans can enjoy even greater deals with $1 popcorn, $1 ice cream cones, and merchandise discounts.



On Thursday day games, the Bisons will host Business Matinee Specials, as fans can enjoy some sun during the workweek and at the same time play baseball bingo. With the customary 1:05 p.m. first pitch, these games give fans a chance to take a break from their hectic schedules. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy the game while receiving updates on news headlines and financial information on the Bisons Video Board.



Friday is always the best night of the week and 2009 will be no different. The Bisons will host 12 fridaynightbash!® games this season, presented by Seneca Gaming Corporation. All fridaynightbash!® will be complete with pre game Plaza Parties with music and food and drink specials and post game Fireworks shows.



All Saturday games are Niagara University High School Saturdays. Students can purchase two tickets for only $12 if they show a valid high school ID at the Bisons Box Office.



Sunday Family Fun Days will feature on-field contests for kids both before and during each game. After each Sunday, all kids can Run the Bases to cap off a great afternoon at the ballpark.



Season tickets and ticket packages are now available at bisons.com or by calling THE-HERD (843-4373).



-herd-





Brad A. Bisbing

Director, Public Relations

Buffalo Bisons

Coca-Cola Field

One James D. Griffin Plaza

Buffalo, NY 14203

(716) 846-2019

bbisbing@bisons.com



Triple-A Affiliate of the New York Mets

Interview Today - Livan Hernandez - Satellite

NEW YORK METS MEDIA VNR FROM PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA.


WHAT: The New York Mets will have a Spring Training video feed from Port St. Lucie, Fla. everyday running through February 24. The time and coordinates will remain the same each afternoon.



TIME: 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.



TODAY’S FEATURE: Livan Hernandez with English and Spanish sound bites



SATELLITE COORDINATES: Satellite: AMC 6 (72 Degrees West)

Transponder: K11 Slot C (9 MHz)

Downlink Frequency: Vertical 11933.50

Digital Settings:

9 Mhz:
FEC: 3/4
Symbol Rate: 6.1113
Modulation Rate: QPSK
Compression Rate: 4:2:0

Prospect Update: Meija, Flores, Puello




From MYOB:

Jenrry Mejia RHP - signed out of the Dominican Republic for only $16,500, showing you that there are good bargains out there if you have the scouts to find them. He has a mid-90s fastball now that projects to the upper 90s as he fills out. He needs to improve his command and work his secondary pitches more, becoming less reliant on the fastball. He limited opponents to a .199 average and finished with a combined 2.89 ERA at two levels. If he improves his secondary pitches he could develop into a top of the rotation starter, otherwise he will be closer material.

Scott Shaw RHP - At 6′5″ he’s got nice height, but he doesn’t have overwhelming stuff. He throws strikes, which at the lower levels translates into good numbers. In A ball he was at 2.80 after 14 starts with 79 K’s in 74 innings. He continued to achieve success in the Hawaii League, finishing with a 2.51 ERA after 7 starts. His walk to K ratio is 24 to 114. As he moves up it will be interesting to see if he can continue with that success.


Wilmer Flores SS - He will probably get too thick to play shortstop but he’s got the stick to fit at third. He is often compared to Miguel Cabrera, though he should be better defensively. For Kingsport he was the youngest player in the league and still hit .310 with eight homeruns and a .490 slugging. His bat speed is special. Flores signed for $750,000 out of Venezuela.

Jefry Marte 3B - He signed for $550,000 out of the Dominican. Jefry had a solid year, hitting .325 with a .532 slugging. He should be able to hit for both average and power and doesn’t seem to be fooled by breaking pitches.

Cesar Puelo OF - Only a $400,000 sign out of the DR. He likes to chase breaking pitches and doesn’t have one stellar tool, except his arm, which is a tick above average. Cesar hit .305 but stole 30 bases. His 5 to 32 walk to K ratio still needs some improvement.

Ismael Mendez LHP - In 14 starts he had a sparkling 1.07 ERA

Today's Satellite Feed fro Mets ST

NEW YORK METS MEDIA VNR FROM PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA.



WHAT: The New York Mets will have a Spring Training video feed from Port St. Lucie, Fla. everyday running through February 24. The time and coordinates will remain the same each afternoon.


TIME: 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

TODAY’S FEATURE: Carlos Delgado with English and Spanish sound bites on the 2009 season and wearing uniform #21 to honor Roberto Clemente in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.



SATELLITE COORDINATES: Satellite: AMC 6 (72 Degrees West)

Transponder: K11 Slot C (9 MHz)

Downlink Frequency: Vertical 11933.50

Digital Settings:

9 Mhz:
FEC: 3/4
Symbol Rate: 6.1113
Modulation Rate: QPSK
Compression Rate: 4:2:0

2/19/09

Top 150 Fantasy Hitters




From Rotofield:

1 Reyes, Jose

2 Ramirez, Hanley

3 Wright, David

4 Pujols, Albert

5 Rodriguez, Alex

6 Braun, Ryan

7 Holliday, Matt

8 Sizemore, Grady

9 Beltran, Carlos

10 Howard, Ryan

11 Cabrera, Miguel

12 Rollins, Jimmy

13 Berkman, Lance

14 Utley, Chase

15 Soriano, Alfonso

16 Teixeira, Mark

17 Upton, B.J.

18 Fielder, Prince

19 Kinsler, Ian

20 Hamilton, Josh

21 Lee, Carlos

22 Markakis, Nick

23 Kemp, Matt

24 Morneau, Justin

25 Rios, Alex

26 Ramirez, Manny

27 Guerrero, Vladimir

28 Crawford, Carl

29 Pedroia, Dustin

30 Roberts, Brian

31 Bay, Jason

32 Ellsbury, Jacoby

33 Ramirez, Aramis

34 McLouth, Nate

35 Phillips, Brandon

36 Abreu, Bobby

37 Ortiz, David

38 Granderson, Curtis

39 Suzuki, Ichiro

40 Hart, Corey

41 Gonzalez, Adrian

42 Jones, Chipper

43 Victorino, Shane

44 Dunn, Adam

45 Atkins, Garrett

46 Ordonez, Magglio

47 Youkilis, Kevin

48 Pence, Hunter

49 Hunter, Torii

50 Longoria, Evan

51 Lee, Derrek

52 Votto, Joey

53 Quentin, Carlos

54 Damon, Johnny

55 Dye, Jermaine

56 Young, Chris

57 Pena, Carlos

58 Ludwick, Ryan

59 Delgado, Carlos

60 Uggla, Dan

61 Jeter, Derek

62 Martin, Russell

63 Ibanez, Raul

64 Bruce, Jay

65 Beltre, Adrian

66 Huff, Aubrey

67 Wells, Vernon

68 Mauer, Joe

69 Davis, Chris

70 McCann, Brian

71 Reynolds, Mark

72 Hawpe, Brad

73 Ethier, Andre

74 Figgins, Chone

75 Ramirez, Alexei

76 Jackson, Conor

77 Young, Michael

78 Bradley, Milton

79 Werth, Jayson

80 Peralta, Jhonny

81 Hardy, J.J.

82 Cano, Robinson

83 Nady, Xavier

84 Young, Delmon

85 Zimmerman, Ryan

86 Guillen, Carlos

87 Weeks, Rickie

88 Loney, James

89 Milledge, Lastings

90 Encarnacion, Edwin

91 Thome, Jim

92 LaRoche, Adam

93 Gordon, Alex

94 Glaus, Troy

95 Soto, Geovany

96 Drew, Stephen

97 Johnson, Kelly

98 Burrell, Pat

99 Jacobs, Mike

100 Furcal, Rafael

101 Cameron, Mike

102 Tulowitzki, Troy

103 Cabrera, Orlando

104 Swisher, Nick

105 Lopez, Jose

106 Ankiel, Rick

107 Konerko, Paul

108 Tejada, Miguel

109 DeJesus, David

110 Wieters, Matt

111 DeRosa, Mark

112 Polanco, Placido

113 Winn, Randy

114 Taveras, Willy

115 Francoeur, Jeff

116 Cruz, Nelson

117 Choo, Shin-Soo

118 Kouzmanoff, Kevin

119 Cantu, Jorge

120 Cust, Jack

121 Gomez, Carlos

122 Lewis, Fred

123 Span, Denard

124 Theriot, Ryan

125 Guillen, Jose

126 Aviles, Mike

127 Drew, J.D.

128 Pierre, Juan

129 Wigginton, Ty

130 Kubel, Jason

131 Crisp, Coco

132 Dukes, Elijah

133 Rowand, Aaron

134 Lowell, Mike

135 Lopez, Felipe

136 Blake, Casey

137 Ross, Cody

138 Mora, Melvin

139 Jones, Adam

140 Kotchman, Casey

141 Young, Eric

142 Renteria, Edgar

143 Willingham, Josh

144 Byrnes, Eric

145 Martinez, Victor

146 Hermida, Jeremy

147 Matsui, Hideki

148 Escobar, Yunel

149 Kendrick, Howie

150 Scott, Luke

Prospect Update: SP mike Antonini




February 2009:

MYOB wrote:

Mike Antonini LHP - drafted in the 18th round, he had a solid year playing at three different levels. He finished with an overall 2.71 ERA. He doesn’t throw hard and he lacks the stuff to be a top of the rotation starter, but he could be an effective back man. Currently pitching in Puerto Rico where his ERA is 3.60 in eight starts. One concern is that he gave up 10 homeruns in 45 innings pitching at AA Binghamton.