Extended Camp:
We know the Mets have holes in the rotation, infield and outfield since many of their stars are on the DL. So what kind of resources do they have in the minor leagues? Yahoo's Gordon Edes takes a closer look at the Mets' minor league system to see which players might be appealing trade chips:
The bottom line: the Mets don't have much to deal
Washington asked about Bobby Parnell in a deal for Nick Johnson, but the Mets are reluctant to deal their young reliever.
One scout said Jonathon Niese and Eddie Kunz are the most interesting pieces in Triple A Buffalo, but even they need seasoning.
Fernando Martinez is a top prospect, but they want to hold onto him.
Deals for J.J. Putz and Johan Santana weakened the Mets' system, but they have a few promising players, like shortstop Wilmer Flores, in the lower minors.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com
Clones:
Cyclones switch-hitting backup catcher Ralph Henriquez is best known for his appearance at the plate last season against switch-pitcher Pat Vinditte, which produced national headlines when both of them couldn’t decide which side of the plate they wanted to stay on. Hitting .210 last season in 20 games in Brooklyn, the 22-year-old is focused on making sure that that’s not all the fans in Keyspan remember him for.
Above all else however, he’s focused on becoming a leader.
Called down to Brooklyn before the season started after starting the season in Savannah, Henriquez knows exactly what the organization is looking for in him.
“They told me when they sent me here that it wasn’t a demotion, that it was a promotion,” Henriquez said. “I love it here and I’m happy to be back. I learned a lot from last season and I’ll do whatever I have to do to help the team.
http://www.dembrooklynbums.com/2009/07/01/healthier-henriquez-ready-to-lead
International:
While tradition would say that it’s technically ridiculous to post July 2nd signing-related notes and predictions until after the signing period has opened, this year is playing out uniquely. It appears that many players will be waiting a day or two later to agree to contracts, with some waiting a week or two, for various reasons I’ll cover below. If anything, July 2nd appears to be the day that all the done deals that have been reported for weeks will be official, along with a couple of surprises, but it will not be the cavalcade of information you might expect. On top of that, it’s notoriously difficult to even get lists of who signed with each club on July 2nd; a few teams will have press releases, a few don’t mind leaking a list, but the vast majority don’t want the information out there for some reason.
I say all this to temper your enthusiasm for July 2nd day-of coverage. There will be lists and names and bonuses and some breaking news, but not quite as much as you may be expecting. The market was slow to develop this year, and a number of clubs and agents are unsure of how money will be spent and just need a few days to hammer things out, along with some ongoing age-related investigations that need to conclude (including that of Miguel Sano). What’s the reason for the later decisions by clubs and agents? This is the biggest market of active teams July 2nd has ever seen, along with a recession that has messed with club’s budgets and changed expectations on the fly. You also can’t ignore the heightened awareness of age falsification, with many players being suspended even recently. One insider described the situation by noting, "A few guys from last year’s class were outed as being older in the last few weeks and now these teams are thinking twice about walking down the aisle with this year’s crop unless they’re absolutely certain of the age."
From back when I was posting scouting reports and video, I admitted that the lists were always fluid. Rather than giving updates every time a new name or shift in my rankings came up, I kept it to myself, so I could unveil an update just before the signing flurry would commence. So, without further adieu, here’s a rundown of what to expect from my edited top players list, ranked by expected bonus.
1. Miguel Sano, SS, Dominican Republic: Sano is still in a tough situation to figure out, but it does seem to be generally agreed within the industry that he won’t sign for at least a few days after July 2nd, likely about a week or so. It's also agreed that the final three suitors are Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and Baltimore. The wait is for clubs to see the final results of MLB’s ongoing investigation of Sano's birth date, and while a few teams are happy with the outcomes of their own investigations, it can’t hurt to be a little extra-extra sure. Industry predictions about his price still run anywhere from $3.5 million to $4.5 million, though most seem to guess the final bonus will be about $3.75 million. That seems a little low given all the hype about Sano breaking Michael Ynoa’s record $4.25 million bonus, but very few people think record-breaking money is out there. Agent Rob Plummer probably likes it this way, as he’s consistently beat expectations in situations like this, such as last year, when he got $2.55 million for outfielder Rafael Rodriguez from the Giants, higher than anyone expected.
2. Wagner Mateo, OF, Dominican Republic: In previous weeks Mateo was said to be a strong lean to the Cardinals (with the Giants and Cubs also in play) and was mentioned here last week to be dancing around a $3 million bonus with St. Louis. Sources have confirmed since then that a deal for $3.1 million was struck and will be signed today.
http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=9162
As expected, the Yankees have signed Dominican catcher Gary Sanchez, according to Kiley McDaniel of Baseball Prospectus. Sanchez will receive a bonus of "basically $3MM," though the details aren't yet clear.
McDaniel hears that the Yankees will spend an additional $1MM on a shortstop and a pitcher. Damian Arredondo is expected to be the shortstop and some expect the pitcher to be Jose Osuna. If he signs, Arredondo would likely receive about $850k of the $1MM the Yankees are expected to spend on the pair of players.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com
Baseball America's Top International Prospects:
1. Miguel Sano, SS, Dominican Republic
2. Wagner Mateo, CF, Dominican Republic
3. Gary Sanchez, C, Dominican Republic
4. Guillermo Pimentel, CF, Dominican Republic
5. Jose Vincio, SS, Dominican Republic
6. Luis Sardinas, SS, Venezuela
7. Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B, Nicaragua
8. Juan Urbina, LHP, Venezuela – (signed by the Mets)
9. Daniel Sanchez, RHP, Venezuela
10. Jose Pena, RF, Dominican Republic
11. Edgar Ferreira, LHP, Dominican Republic
12. Jochi Ogando, RHP, Dominican Republic
13. Jacob Beltre, C, Dominican Republic
14. Victor Payano, LHP, Dominican Republic
15. Jurickson Profar, RHP/SS, Curacao
16. Luis Jolly, CF, Dominican Republic
17. Johendi Jiminian, RHP, Dominican Republic
18. Santo Aybar, SS, Dominican Republic
19. Leonardo Perdomo, RHP, Dominican Republic
20. Rosel Herrera, SS, Dominican Republic
21. Wilfredo Solano, SS, Venezuela
22. Santiago Nesi, C, Venezuela
23. Jorge Polanco, SS, Dominican Republic
24. Jairo Kelly, SS, Dominican Republic
25. Humberto Valor, SS, Venezuela
Mets Alumni:
As it turns out, the old feuds continue to simmer. Jack Clark, the cleanup hitter on those St. Louis teams, called those Mets a bunch of cheats and showboats Tuesday in an interview on KTRS-AM radio, which broadcasts Cardinals games.
Clark told McGraw Milhaven, the morning host at the station, that the mutual hatred ran so deep that he purposely snubbed the Mets when they played together in All-Star Games.
“I wanted to let them know I wasn’t glad to be there with them and their teammate, didn’t want to be on any team or be a teammate with them, and we were going to battle,” said Clark, who provides commentary on some Cardinals games and manages the Springfield Sliders, a summer collegiate league team in Illinois.
Clark took particular aim at Gary Carter, the Mets’ catcher in those years, saying that he “talked his way more into the Hall of Fame than deserving it.” Carter, he said, craved the spotlight, which was “pretty sickening and disgusting to everybody else.”
http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/newsstand/discussion/nyt_jack_clark_takes_jabs_at_mets_of_mid_80s_rr
Mack’s Mets – the premier site for information on the New York Mets talent pipeline and dialogue on Mets prospects, Mets news, and Mets opinions.
7/2/09
Mets Sign International Prospect
The international signings have begun, with the first salvo reported by the New York Mets. According to http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=1327 the Mets have signed Juan Urbina to a bonus of over $1 million. Juan Urbina is the son of Ugueth Urbina who has a fastball that sits at 88-89 but reaches 91. As he matures and gets stronger that fastball should increase in velocity. He also has a curveball that is advanced for his age per Baseball America.
For those of you who may not remember, Ugueth had his major league baseball career interrupted because of an incident in the Dominican Republic. In 2007 he began serving a 14 year old jail sentence when he attacked five workers on his farm with a machete and poured gasoline on them. He contended that the workers were trying to blackmail him for money with these false allegations. By the time he gets out of prison his son should have his major league future mapped.
For those of you who may not remember, Ugueth had his major league baseball career interrupted because of an incident in the Dominican Republic. In 2007 he began serving a 14 year old jail sentence when he attacked five workers on his farm with a machete and poured gasoline on them. He contended that the workers were trying to blackmail him for money with these false allegations. By the time he gets out of prison his son should have his major league future mapped.
Bisons Game Notes
TODAY’S GAME:
Today, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Rochester Red Wings in the first game of a two-game series from Coca-Cola Field (1:05 p.m.). The Herd is looking to rebound from a four-game sweep to the Charlotte Knights to begin this homestand. After tomorrow’s game, the Bisons will travel to Rochester for a four-game in three-day series at Frontier Field. vs.
THE RED WINGS:
The closest rivals in the International League will be seeing a lot of each other the rest of the season. Fifteen of the Herd’s remaining 68 games are against Rochester (22% of schedule). The Bisons and Red Wings have played just one game against each other this year, a 1-0 Rochester win at Frontier Field on April 29. A game on April 28 was rained out.
WHOA NELLY!:
RHP Nelson Figueroa was impressive throughout June with a perfect 3-0 record in five starts. The veteran also posted the 4th-best ERA in the International League for the month at 1.53. Overall, Figueroa’s 2.61ERA is 8th in the IL. Today, he tries to avenge one of his toughest losses. Figueroa allowed just one run on four hits in seven stellar innings on April 29 in Rochester but the Red Wings earned the 1-0 victory over Buffalo.
RETURN OF PEREZ:
LHP Oliver Perez is set to make his second start as a Bison tomorrow. It will be the southpaw’s fourth major league rehab appearance. He last pitched with Brooklyn (A) on June 28 and allowed just two hits and struck out six in five innings. He first pitched with Buffalo on May 26 and allowed only three hits and one run while striking out five in 4.1 innings.
FEELIN’ SULLY:
OF Cory Sullivan is coming off a stellar June. The outfielder hit .326 (31-95) during the month with five doubles, eight RBI and 14 runs scored. Sullivan had a trio of four-hit games during June, including a 4-5 effort on Monday against Charlotte.
FELICIANO FEELIN’ IT:
OF Jesus Feliciano’s June brought him up into an elite class of IL hitters. Feliciano hit .317 (32-101) in 26 games during the month and he now has the 9th best average in the league at .304. During June, Feliciano drove in 17 runs and now leads the Bisons with 29RBI on the season.
Today, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Rochester Red Wings in the first game of a two-game series from Coca-Cola Field (1:05 p.m.). The Herd is looking to rebound from a four-game sweep to the Charlotte Knights to begin this homestand. After tomorrow’s game, the Bisons will travel to Rochester for a four-game in three-day series at Frontier Field. vs.
THE RED WINGS:
The closest rivals in the International League will be seeing a lot of each other the rest of the season. Fifteen of the Herd’s remaining 68 games are against Rochester (22% of schedule). The Bisons and Red Wings have played just one game against each other this year, a 1-0 Rochester win at Frontier Field on April 29. A game on April 28 was rained out.
WHOA NELLY!:
RHP Nelson Figueroa was impressive throughout June with a perfect 3-0 record in five starts. The veteran also posted the 4th-best ERA in the International League for the month at 1.53. Overall, Figueroa’s 2.61ERA is 8th in the IL. Today, he tries to avenge one of his toughest losses. Figueroa allowed just one run on four hits in seven stellar innings on April 29 in Rochester but the Red Wings earned the 1-0 victory over Buffalo.
RETURN OF PEREZ:
LHP Oliver Perez is set to make his second start as a Bison tomorrow. It will be the southpaw’s fourth major league rehab appearance. He last pitched with Brooklyn (A) on June 28 and allowed just two hits and struck out six in five innings. He first pitched with Buffalo on May 26 and allowed only three hits and one run while striking out five in 4.1 innings.
FEELIN’ SULLY:
OF Cory Sullivan is coming off a stellar June. The outfielder hit .326 (31-95) during the month with five doubles, eight RBI and 14 runs scored. Sullivan had a trio of four-hit games during June, including a 4-5 effort on Monday against Charlotte.
FELICIANO FEELIN’ IT:
OF Jesus Feliciano’s June brought him up into an elite class of IL hitters. Feliciano hit .317 (32-101) in 26 games during the month and he now has the 9th best average in the league at .304. During June, Feliciano drove in 17 runs and now leads the Bisons with 29RBI on the season.
Minors Stuff
The Herd:
The Buffalo Bisons open a two-game set against Thruway rival Rochester beginning at 1:05 p. m. today (Radio 1520 AM) at Coca-Cola Field.
The series concludes at 6:05 p. m. Friday with the Bisons’ annual Independence Eve Celebration with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
In their last series, the Bisons (26-49) were swept in four games by Charlotte and are now 17z games behind first-place Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the International League North Division. Rochester (37-40) has dropped its last two and is 7z games behind Scranton.
The Bisons are scheduled to throw right-hander Nelson Figueroa (3-4, 2.61 ERA) against the Red Wings’ Jeff Manship (0-0, 4.50). In his last six starts Figueroa has allowed just six earned runs.
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bisons/story/721490.html
B-Mets:
Thursday, July 2 New Hampshire 7:05 pm RHP Brad Holt (0-1, 9.45) vs. LHP Luis Perez (4-6, 3.41)
Friday, July 3 New Hampshire 7:05 pm TBA vs. RHP Rey Gonzalez (3-5, 3.18)
Saturday, July 4 Erie 7:05 pm RHP Dylan Owen (0-5, 6.00) vs. TBA
Sunday, July 5 Erie 1:05 pm LHP Eric Niesen (0-4, 7.64)) vs. TBA
Shawn Bowman had a double, a triple and two RBIs but the Binghamton Mets lost 5-3 to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Wednesday night at NYSEG Stadium. All five of the B-Mets hits went for extra bases in the contest.Binghamton scored first when Lucas Duda drove in Caleb Stewart with a double down the right field line in the second inning. Stewart, who came off the disabled list earlier in the day after missing 58 games, reached on a leadoff walk by Fisher Cats’ starter Brandon Magee and scored from first on the play.Shawn Bowman added to the B-Mets lead in the fourth with a double. Stewart reached with one out after being hit by Magee and moved to third on D.J. Wabick’s 21st double of the season. Bowman then drove in Stewart and Wabick with a double to right to give Binghamton (29-48) a 3-0 lead.New Hampshire (34-44) roared back in the fifth to take the lead with four runs off Binghamton starter Eric Brown, who allowed four straight hits in the frame. Bryan Kervin, Brian Dopirak and David Cooper collected RBI’s for the Fisher Cats to make the score 4-3. Dopirak had two RBI’s on a double off the left-center field wall.Adam Calderone added an insurance run for the visitors in the top of the ninth with an RBI single to center off Jim Ed Warden to yield the final of 5-3. Brown was pinned with his eighth loss of the season as he went six innings, giving up four runs on five hits.
http://www.bmets.com/viewarticle.asp?a=1828
Gnats:
SEEING STARS: Every pitching staff needs an ace, and the Sand Gnats especially needed a stellar performance Wednesday to avoid matching a season-high five-game losing streak. That pitcher appears to be Robert Carson, who hurled a career-high eight innings to stifle the Tourists for a skid-stopping victory. "We just needed something to get momentum, to get our confidence up," said the left-hander, who had the longest outing of any Gnats pitcher this season in notching a team-best sixth victory. "We've got a talented team." That talent includes outfielder Raul Reyes, whose three-run homer in the second inning accounted for all of Savannah's scoring. That talent also includes shortstop Wilmer Flores, 17, who was having an outstanding night fielding until a bobble in the ninth inning. Flores had six assists, including in fourth when Jimmy Cesario's sharp grounder deflected off third baseman Jefry Marte. Flores plucked the ball and without hesitation fired a rocket to first baseman Stefan Welch for the out. "Wilmer's a very great young athlete," Carson said. "He really helped me stay focused."
DECISION MAKING: Carson, who lowered his ERA to 2.27, was followed in the ninth by closer Rhiner Cruz, who hit the first batter he faced in the helmet (David Christensen) with his first pitch, and put him on second base with a wild pitch. But Cruz kept his poise and registered his team-high 12th save. Charleston starter Jonathan Aristil (0-5) was much better than his record would indicate, as he went six innings with only three hits and the three runs (earned) allowed with five strikeouts. Charleston pitchers didn't allow a hit after Reyes' homer in the second inning.
http://www.savannahnow.com/node/747081
Clones:
Box ScoreThe Brooklyn Cyclones (10-2) remain undefeated at home on the strength of their starting pitching, and timely hitting. RHP Collin McHugh pitched six strong innings against the Tri-City Valley Cats (5-5). McHugh allowed just three runs with eight strikeouts and only walked two to earn his league-leading third win of the year. After Tri-City took an early lead, 1B Sam Honeck tied the game at 1-1 in the first inning on an RBI single that scored CF John Servidio. CF Servidio (pictured, by George Napolitano) provided more power to the Cyclones’ offense with a laser-shot solo home run in the third inning over the left field wall. It was Servidio’s third home run this season. DH Ralph Henriquez also doubled in the third inning to score Honeck. Henriquez then scored on a single by LF Luis Rivera. RHP Sam Martinez relieved McHugh, he went 0.2 innings with no strikeouts and surrendered two walks. LHP Matias Carillo relieved Martinez and he promptly struck out the first batter he faced, with the bases loaded, for the third out. Carillo earned a hold after pitching a scoreless eighth inning. He has yet to allow a run this season.RHP Michael Powers stranded a runner on third base (who reached base on an error by the second baseman) when he struck out the last two batters of the game for his second save of the season. The Cyclones continue their series with the Tri-City Valley Cats on Thursday night, and fans can take advantage of a special Eat For Free deal!. On Thursday, the first 2,500 fans in attendance will also receive an Edgar Alfonzo T-Shirt, presented by Long Island University.
Click here to get your tickets, or call 718-507-TIXX
K-Port:
The Kingsport Mets collected their fifth straight Appalachian League loss Sunday night, falling to the Bluefield Orioles 10-4 at Hunter Wright Stadium.
But in contrast to Saturday night’s dispiriting implosion, Kingsport fought to the last out. And that made all the difference to K-Mets manager Mike DiFelice.
“I’m proud of my guys. I’m proud of them. They played a nine-inning baseball game,” said DiFelice, whose squad pushed across a run in the ninth inning on an RBI single by Cesar Puello before Michael Moras grounded into a double play to end the nascent rally.
On Saturday, Kingsport obliterated opportunities by rapping into three double plays. But context is everything. Moras’ hard-luck lick in the ninth was a lot more forgivable
http://www.timesnews.net/article.php?id=9014864
The Buffalo Bisons open a two-game set against Thruway rival Rochester beginning at 1:05 p. m. today (Radio 1520 AM) at Coca-Cola Field.
The series concludes at 6:05 p. m. Friday with the Bisons’ annual Independence Eve Celebration with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
In their last series, the Bisons (26-49) were swept in four games by Charlotte and are now 17z games behind first-place Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the International League North Division. Rochester (37-40) has dropped its last two and is 7z games behind Scranton.
The Bisons are scheduled to throw right-hander Nelson Figueroa (3-4, 2.61 ERA) against the Red Wings’ Jeff Manship (0-0, 4.50). In his last six starts Figueroa has allowed just six earned runs.
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bisons/story/721490.html
B-Mets:
Thursday, July 2 New Hampshire 7:05 pm RHP Brad Holt (0-1, 9.45) vs. LHP Luis Perez (4-6, 3.41)
Friday, July 3 New Hampshire 7:05 pm TBA vs. RHP Rey Gonzalez (3-5, 3.18)
Saturday, July 4 Erie 7:05 pm RHP Dylan Owen (0-5, 6.00) vs. TBA
Sunday, July 5 Erie 1:05 pm LHP Eric Niesen (0-4, 7.64)) vs. TBA
Shawn Bowman had a double, a triple and two RBIs but the Binghamton Mets lost 5-3 to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Wednesday night at NYSEG Stadium. All five of the B-Mets hits went for extra bases in the contest.Binghamton scored first when Lucas Duda drove in Caleb Stewart with a double down the right field line in the second inning. Stewart, who came off the disabled list earlier in the day after missing 58 games, reached on a leadoff walk by Fisher Cats’ starter Brandon Magee and scored from first on the play.Shawn Bowman added to the B-Mets lead in the fourth with a double. Stewart reached with one out after being hit by Magee and moved to third on D.J. Wabick’s 21st double of the season. Bowman then drove in Stewart and Wabick with a double to right to give Binghamton (29-48) a 3-0 lead.New Hampshire (34-44) roared back in the fifth to take the lead with four runs off Binghamton starter Eric Brown, who allowed four straight hits in the frame. Bryan Kervin, Brian Dopirak and David Cooper collected RBI’s for the Fisher Cats to make the score 4-3. Dopirak had two RBI’s on a double off the left-center field wall.Adam Calderone added an insurance run for the visitors in the top of the ninth with an RBI single to center off Jim Ed Warden to yield the final of 5-3. Brown was pinned with his eighth loss of the season as he went six innings, giving up four runs on five hits.
http://www.bmets.com/viewarticle.asp?a=1828
Gnats:
SEEING STARS: Every pitching staff needs an ace, and the Sand Gnats especially needed a stellar performance Wednesday to avoid matching a season-high five-game losing streak. That pitcher appears to be Robert Carson, who hurled a career-high eight innings to stifle the Tourists for a skid-stopping victory. "We just needed something to get momentum, to get our confidence up," said the left-hander, who had the longest outing of any Gnats pitcher this season in notching a team-best sixth victory. "We've got a talented team." That talent includes outfielder Raul Reyes, whose three-run homer in the second inning accounted for all of Savannah's scoring. That talent also includes shortstop Wilmer Flores, 17, who was having an outstanding night fielding until a bobble in the ninth inning. Flores had six assists, including in fourth when Jimmy Cesario's sharp grounder deflected off third baseman Jefry Marte. Flores plucked the ball and without hesitation fired a rocket to first baseman Stefan Welch for the out. "Wilmer's a very great young athlete," Carson said. "He really helped me stay focused."
DECISION MAKING: Carson, who lowered his ERA to 2.27, was followed in the ninth by closer Rhiner Cruz, who hit the first batter he faced in the helmet (David Christensen) with his first pitch, and put him on second base with a wild pitch. But Cruz kept his poise and registered his team-high 12th save. Charleston starter Jonathan Aristil (0-5) was much better than his record would indicate, as he went six innings with only three hits and the three runs (earned) allowed with five strikeouts. Charleston pitchers didn't allow a hit after Reyes' homer in the second inning.
http://www.savannahnow.com/node/747081
Clones:
Box ScoreThe Brooklyn Cyclones (10-2) remain undefeated at home on the strength of their starting pitching, and timely hitting. RHP Collin McHugh pitched six strong innings against the Tri-City Valley Cats (5-5). McHugh allowed just three runs with eight strikeouts and only walked two to earn his league-leading third win of the year. After Tri-City took an early lead, 1B Sam Honeck tied the game at 1-1 in the first inning on an RBI single that scored CF John Servidio. CF Servidio (pictured, by George Napolitano) provided more power to the Cyclones’ offense with a laser-shot solo home run in the third inning over the left field wall. It was Servidio’s third home run this season. DH Ralph Henriquez also doubled in the third inning to score Honeck. Henriquez then scored on a single by LF Luis Rivera. RHP Sam Martinez relieved McHugh, he went 0.2 innings with no strikeouts and surrendered two walks. LHP Matias Carillo relieved Martinez and he promptly struck out the first batter he faced, with the bases loaded, for the third out. Carillo earned a hold after pitching a scoreless eighth inning. He has yet to allow a run this season.RHP Michael Powers stranded a runner on third base (who reached base on an error by the second baseman) when he struck out the last two batters of the game for his second save of the season. The Cyclones continue their series with the Tri-City Valley Cats on Thursday night, and fans can take advantage of a special Eat For Free deal!. On Thursday, the first 2,500 fans in attendance will also receive an Edgar Alfonzo T-Shirt, presented by Long Island University.
Click here to get your tickets, or call 718-507-TIXX
K-Port:
The Kingsport Mets collected their fifth straight Appalachian League loss Sunday night, falling to the Bluefield Orioles 10-4 at Hunter Wright Stadium.
But in contrast to Saturday night’s dispiriting implosion, Kingsport fought to the last out. And that made all the difference to K-Mets manager Mike DiFelice.
“I’m proud of my guys. I’m proud of them. They played a nine-inning baseball game,” said DiFelice, whose squad pushed across a run in the ninth inning on an RBI single by Cesar Puello before Michael Moras grounded into a double play to end the nascent rally.
On Saturday, Kingsport obliterated opportunities by rapping into three double plays. But context is everything. Moras’ hard-luck lick in the ninth was a lot more forgivable
http://www.timesnews.net/article.php?id=9014864
7/1/09
Savannah 3, Asheville 1
Left handed pitcher Robert Carson (6-5) threw an eight-inning, four hitter to help Savannah to a, 3-1, win over the Asheville Tourists Wednesday night at Historic Grayson Stadium. The eight-inning outing by the Hattiesburg, Miss. native is the longest outing of the year by any Savannah pitcher. Rhiner Cruz hit David Christensen to start the ninth but battled through a Wilmer Flores error to secure his 12th save of the season. The tying runs were on the bases when Cruz struck out Beau Seabury, who was 3-for-4 on Tuesday, to end the game. The Santo Domingo, D.R. native has converted on every save opportunity this season. Carson scattered four his over his eight innings of work and allowed just one run in a career-long outing. It’s the first time that a Sand Gnats pitcher has thrown eight innings since Maikel Cleto tossed a nine-inning complete game on May 22, 2008 in Augusta. He now leads the staff with six victories. Raul Reyes smacked a three-run home run to supply all of the Sand Gnats offense in the game. His second-inning blast with two away just cleared the fence in right field. It would actually be the last hit that the Sand Gnats would register in the evening. Tourists’ starter Jonathan Aristil (0-5) failed to pick up his first win of the year despite putting up six innings of three-hit baseball. With the win Savannah snaps their four-game losing streak as well as Asheville’s winning streak.
Roster Moves: Thole on DL
C Josh Thole placed on 7-day Disabled List
OF Caleb Stewart reinstated from Binghamton Disabled List
OF Caleb Stewart reinstated from Binghamton Disabled List
3 B-Mets Make All-Star Team
Trio of B-Mets Named 2009 Eastern League All-Stars
Catcher Josh Thole, outfielder D.J. Wabick and reliever Roy Merritt will represent the Binghamton Mets at the 2009 Eastern League All-Star Game to be played Wednesday, July 15 at Mercer County Waterfront Park. The game is being hosted by the Trenton Thunder, AA affiliate of the New York Yankees, who also hosted the 1996 Double-A All-Star Game.
Thole leads the crew of three Binghamton players headed to Trenton for the midsummer classic. He has been at or near the top of the Eastern League in hitting all season long. Entering play today he is second among all hitters with a .346 average behind only Reading’s Michael Taylor. He ranks third in the EL with 89 hits entering play today and is third overall with 21 doubles. He has been the primary catcher for the B-Mets in the first half having caught 59 of the team’s 76 games. He was named a Florida State League Midseason All-Star last season with St. Lucie (High-A). Thole and New Hampshire’s Brian Jeroloman will make up the North Division’s catching corps.
After batting just .205 in 13 games over the month of April, B-Mets outfielder D.J. Wabick busted out with a .377 clip in May, including 13 doubles and 15 RBIs. Upon the announcement of the all-star teams, Wabick was hitting .291 with a homer and 30 RBIs. His 20 doubles place him in a tie for fourth place in the Eastern League. Wabick is in his first season at AA after hitting .289 in 125 games for St. Lucie (High-A) last season.
Rounding out Binghamton’s all-star contingent will be southpaw Roy Merritt, who was as dominant as any closer in the Eastern League in the month of April. He saved 9 of 10 games for the B-Mets in April, while recording a 1.98 ERA in 13.2 innings. For the year, he is 4-4 with a 2.95 ERA in 26.2 innings and has notched 11 saves. Merritt had made just six appearances above Brooklyn (SS-A) entering 2009, but has dazzled in the toughest challenge to date in his three-year professional career.
Catcher Josh Thole, outfielder D.J. Wabick and reliever Roy Merritt will represent the Binghamton Mets at the 2009 Eastern League All-Star Game to be played Wednesday, July 15 at Mercer County Waterfront Park. The game is being hosted by the Trenton Thunder, AA affiliate of the New York Yankees, who also hosted the 1996 Double-A All-Star Game.
Thole leads the crew of three Binghamton players headed to Trenton for the midsummer classic. He has been at or near the top of the Eastern League in hitting all season long. Entering play today he is second among all hitters with a .346 average behind only Reading’s Michael Taylor. He ranks third in the EL with 89 hits entering play today and is third overall with 21 doubles. He has been the primary catcher for the B-Mets in the first half having caught 59 of the team’s 76 games. He was named a Florida State League Midseason All-Star last season with St. Lucie (High-A). Thole and New Hampshire’s Brian Jeroloman will make up the North Division’s catching corps.
After batting just .205 in 13 games over the month of April, B-Mets outfielder D.J. Wabick busted out with a .377 clip in May, including 13 doubles and 15 RBIs. Upon the announcement of the all-star teams, Wabick was hitting .291 with a homer and 30 RBIs. His 20 doubles place him in a tie for fourth place in the Eastern League. Wabick is in his first season at AA after hitting .289 in 125 games for St. Lucie (High-A) last season.
Rounding out Binghamton’s all-star contingent will be southpaw Roy Merritt, who was as dominant as any closer in the Eastern League in the month of April. He saved 9 of 10 games for the B-Mets in April, while recording a 1.98 ERA in 13.2 innings. For the year, he is 4-4 with a 2.95 ERA in 26.2 innings and has notched 11 saves. Merritt had made just six appearances above Brooklyn (SS-A) entering 2009, but has dazzled in the toughest challenge to date in his three-year professional career.
An Absolutely Stupid Roster Move
RHP Jake Ruckle transferred from Binghamton (AA) to St. Lucie (High-A)
RHP Eric Brown transferred from St. Lucie (High-A) to Binghamton (AA)
what is this, the 3rd or 4th time these two have gone back and forth?
Let's see... Jake Ruckle goes lights out last night in 4.1 innings for the B-Mets... and his reward is to, once again, be demoted to Lucy?
We watched this a week ago... in fact, if I'm not wrong, Ruckle was activated... flew to Binghamton... then Lucy... then Binghamton... then Lucy... not done yet... then Binghamton... and now Lucy.... all in, what 2 1/2 weeks?
And all this to keep exchanging teams with someone who's ERA over the past two years is something like 6.00???
God, I wish I owned this team...
Mack
RHP Eric Brown transferred from St. Lucie (High-A) to Binghamton (AA)
what is this, the 3rd or 4th time these two have gone back and forth?
Let's see... Jake Ruckle goes lights out last night in 4.1 innings for the B-Mets... and his reward is to, once again, be demoted to Lucy?
We watched this a week ago... in fact, if I'm not wrong, Ruckle was activated... flew to Binghamton... then Lucy... then Binghamton... then Lucy... not done yet... then Binghamton... and now Lucy.... all in, what 2 1/2 weeks?
And all this to keep exchanging teams with someone who's ERA over the past two years is something like 6.00???
God, I wish I owned this team...
Mack
B-Mets Game Notes
LAST GAME:
In a game delayed almost two hours due to rain,
the New Hampshire Fisher Cats ended a four-game losing
streak with a 3-2 win over the B-Mets in the opener of a fourgame
set. After retiring the first six in order, Binghamton lefty
Eric Niesen seemingly hit a wall in the third as he allowed five
straight to reach with two outs, including four walks, signaling
his early exit. The Fisher Cats plated three runs in the frame
and would ride those to the win. The B-Mets plated two runs in
the fifth on a two-run single from Jose Coronado, who roped
two hits in three trips to the plate. Jake Ruckle was fantastic
in relief of Niesen, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings of relief without
allowing a hit. However, New Hampshire’s bullpen was
just as good. Southpaw Rommie Lewis tossed 2.2 scoreless
innings in relief of starter Marty McLeary and Danny Farquhar
threw a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save. The 34-year old
McLeary worked a season-best 5.1 innings allowing two runs
to pick up his first win of 2009. Niesen worked 2.2 innings
allowing three runs to take his fourth straight loss.
the New Hampshire Fisher Cats ended a four-game losing
streak with a 3-2 win over the B-Mets in the opener of a fourgame
set. After retiring the first six in order, Binghamton lefty
Eric Niesen seemingly hit a wall in the third as he allowed five
straight to reach with two outs, including four walks, signaling
his early exit. The Fisher Cats plated three runs in the frame
and would ride those to the win. The B-Mets plated two runs in
the fifth on a two-run single from Jose Coronado, who roped
two hits in three trips to the plate. Jake Ruckle was fantastic
in relief of Niesen, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings of relief without
allowing a hit. However, New Hampshire’s bullpen was
just as good. Southpaw Rommie Lewis tossed 2.2 scoreless
innings in relief of starter Marty McLeary and Danny Farquhar
threw a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save. The 34-year old
McLeary worked a season-best 5.1 innings allowing two runs
to pick up his first win of 2009. Niesen worked 2.2 innings
allowing three runs to take his fourth straight loss.
STARTING PITCHING MATCHUP:
RHP Eric Brown will make his
eighth start and 21st appearances overall tonight for the BMets.
Last time around, Brown went 5.1 innings allowing two
runs on six hits with a season-high four walks in a loss at
Akron June 26. On the year, he is 4-7 with a 5.54 ERA in 66.2
innings. His seven losses are tied for third most in the Eastern
League. As a starter, Brown is 1-5 with a 6.34 ERA in 38.1
innings, whereas he is 3-2 with a 4.45 ERA in relief over 28.1
innings. Brown worked as both a starter and as a reliever in
2008 for Binghamton as well and recorded a 5-8 record with
a 5.46 ERA in 17 starts spanning 94 innings. He was the
Mets’ 18th-round choice in 2005 out of Wingate University
(NC).
eighth start and 21st appearances overall tonight for the BMets.
Last time around, Brown went 5.1 innings allowing two
runs on six hits with a season-high four walks in a loss at
Akron June 26. On the year, he is 4-7 with a 5.54 ERA in 66.2
innings. His seven losses are tied for third most in the Eastern
League. As a starter, Brown is 1-5 with a 6.34 ERA in 38.1
innings, whereas he is 3-2 with a 4.45 ERA in relief over 28.1
innings. Brown worked as both a starter and as a reliever in
2008 for Binghamton as well and recorded a 5-8 record with
a 5.46 ERA in 17 starts spanning 94 innings. He was the
Mets’ 18th-round choice in 2005 out of Wingate University
(NC).
RHP Brandon Magee gets the call as the starter for New
Hampshire for the 10th time this year. He last started June 25
at Reading when he took a loss by giving up five runs in six
innings. With the Fisher Cats, he is 4-5 with a 5.06 ERA in 48
innings. He opened the season with Dunedin (High-A) where
he recorded a 2-2 with a 4.26 ERA in 19 innings before being
called up to AA April 29. In 2008, Magee was a member of the
New Hampshire starting rotation. He went 7-13 with a 4.75
ERA in 28 starts for the Fisher Cats last season. Last year he
led the Eastern League in losses (13), complete games (3)
and runs (95). Magee was selected in the fourth round of the
2006 draft out of Bradley University..
PETERSEN PACING B-METS:
Entering play tonight, Josh Petersen
has an active nine-game hitting streak in which he is
hitting .371 (13-35) with 3 RBIs. He is cleaning up against lefthanded
pitching this year with a .373 (22-59) average.
has an active nine-game hitting streak in which he is
hitting .371 (13-35) with 3 RBIs. He is cleaning up against lefthanded
pitching this year with a .373 (22-59) average.
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