2010 Around the League News

[Matt]

BNN Stats: Career Batting Leaders: So, who is the leader in the Brewers League Baseball in career extra base hits?

Rex Knight, -, 1314
Harry Keppel, -, 1311
Dani Álvarez, -, 1302
Mel Woodbury, -, 1178
José Guzman, -, 1164


Top 100 Prospects List Published: The season is about to start, so it's time to publish the annual Top 100 Prospects list. This year 22-year-old right fielder Ernie Arbini of the California Kodiaks is the #1 prospect overall.

Here is the top 10:
1) RF Ernie Arbini, 22, California Kodiaks
2) 3B Dave Piekarski, 24, Pawtucket Patriots
3) SP Johnny McDade, 22, Pawtucket Patriots
4) LF D.J. Phillips, 24, Carolina Tobs
5) SP Ian Brooks, 22, Dallas Snappers
6) CL Regin Baisden, 20, Morgantown Mohawks
7) LF Tom Churchill, 25, California Kodiaks
8) SP Jaylen Mitchell, 20, Pawtucket Patriots
9) MR Diego Lovera, 23, Pawtucket Patriots
10) SP Johnny Talley, 23, Pawtucket Patriots


3 Bombs for Jamie Monson: Jamie Monson, the Syracuse first baseman, put on a dazzling display of power today at Syracuse Stadium against the Denver BC. In the 6-2 victory Monson penned his name into the record books, slamming a trio of home runs in one of baseball's finest single day efforts.

What a display it was -- three home runs, 4 hits in 4 at-bats, 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored. It certainly was a day for the league record books.

"He can hit them out anywhere, right, center, left, it doesn't matter," the Denver manager said. "He's super strong and stays on the ball so good."

Talking about his theory of hitting after the game, Monson said, "Life will always throw you curves, just keep fouling them off. The right pitch will come, and when it does, be prepared to run the bases ... or trot around the bases, like I did today."

So says the latest person to hit three homers in a game.

Jamie Monson singled in the 1st, hit a solo-shot off Danny Melgoza in the 4th, hit a solo-shot off Danny Melgoza in the 6th and hit a solo-shot off Dave Carter in the 8th.


5 Hits for Snappers Sanchez: All game long Dallas's Jerry Sanchez was rattling the walls at The Big Top and banging out base hits against the Indianapolis Clowns. When the dust finally settled on the diamond, he had a 5-hit day and the Snappers had a 13-6 victory.

Speaking with reporters after his standout performance, the 29-year-old center fielder said, "Get 5 hits, win a ballgame, it's nice. I could get used to this."

Jerry Sanchez doubled in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, singled in the 5th, doubled in the 7th and hit a solo-shot off Zack Wallace in the 8th.


Fujii Slams Milestone Homer: Swinging his way into the record books, Kokoro Fujii reached the 300 homer mark today at Lawrence Stadium against the Batavia Muckdogs. He went 2-4 with 2 runs batted in and 2 runs on the day, although Baltimore would go down to defeat 6-3.

"It was a distraction," Fujii said of his 300th home run, "I'm happy it's over. I just wish I'd been able to make a difference in the outcome today."

In his career Fujii has played in 1508 games, totaling 1587 hits, 304 doubles, 45 triples and 300 homers. He has hit .291 with 926 RBIs and scored 1093 times.


BLB News: Draft Pool Revealed: For the entrants in this year's rookie draft, released today by the league, the possibilities are endless. Some will immediately seize their opportunity to play in the bigs with a venom, doggedly working their way up through the system to arrive on the pro circuit in three to five years, if they are lucky. Others will struggle, have their hopes dashed, reborn and dashed again, all the while not fully giving up on the dream. Still others will take each day as it comes, while not losing sight of the end-game. They will figure it out, quietly work their way into the professional ranks and have solid, if not spectacular careers in Brewers League Baseball. At any rate, teams now can scout the draft pool for the next 30 days.

The top players available (in no particular order) seem to be:
1. Dave Matney, 20 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
2. Dave Smith, 21 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
3. Zack McCormick, 17 year-old starting pitcher out of high-school.
4. Jimmy Peller, 21 year-old center fielder out of college.
5. Jarrod West, 20 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
6. Dave Toste, 21 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
7. Malik Roberson, 21 year-old center fielder out of college.
8. Tommy Farless, 20 year-old first baseman out of college.
9. Tom Calligan, 17 year-old starting pitcher out of high school.
10. Kayden Walker, 21 year-old starting pitcher out of college.


BNN Stats: Does Age Matter?: Here is a list of the oldest players in the Brewers League Baseball...

Duane Porter, LAM,41 years, 138 days
Alex Torres, SYR,41 years, 124 days
Don Bolton, LAM,40 years, 325 days
Dani Trujillo, CAL,40 years, 323 days
Abayghur Tulun, LAD,39 years, 61 days

[Carlos]

Syracuse's hitters love hitting in Rocky Top.

[Matt]

Dukes Introduce Rob D as New GM: Hope springs eternal.

At least that was the mood of the press conference when it was announced that Rob D would be the new GM of the New Orleans Dukes. Team owners and fans are really enthused about the signing and are looking forward to the upcoming season.

"I'm very honored to be working for the fans of New Orleans. We have several questions to resolve, and a wholesale team assessment to perform, along with time constraints to consider," Rob D told reporters at the press conference. "Baseball is a year-round job these days, and I'm fortunate to be working with the Dukes ownership."


Veteran Gaston, Indianapolis Complete Deal: Team insiders were tight-lipped prior to today's deal that brought 39-year-old right fielder Zak Gaston to Indianapolis.

Gaston is considered one of the league's A-list players and certainly will enhance any chances the Clowns have to win a playoff spot this year.


Star MR Signs Extension with Carolina: Media analysts hailed Carolina's signing of Jesse VonEttingshausen, one of Brewers League Baseball's brightest stars, as a pivotal move.

While the deal is certain to raise a few eyebrows, VonEttingshausen is expected to earn every bit of the $13,800,000 promised him over 3 years.

[mike]

Marathon scoring in Hartford leads to career day for Pittsburgh's Salas.

Mauricio Salas has yet to make his mark as an everyday BLB player, but he certainly made his mark on 4/17 vs the Hartford Whalers.

His stat line that day? 4-4 2 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI in the Millers 17-11 win.

"I just try to do the same thing every time my number is called upon" the 27 year old Salas said. "I was fortunate to get some good pitches and make solid contact."

Playing time has been sporadic for Salas, but his bat will be called on for more production the rest of the season.

9 RBI's aren't required, but they are certainly welcome anytime he wants to have a historic day at the plate.

[Matt]

Setback for Denver and Dave Perkins: Dave Perkins was taking it slow and easy, nursing a fractured thumb back to good health, when he suffered a setback. According to a Denver team official, "Dave was making excellent progress and it appeared he would return to the squad ahead of schedule. But then he reinjured it in a light workout." Club doctors now say the 25-year-old BC right fielder would be out at least another one week.

Anthony Out of Commission 4 Months: Since 04/21/2010, when he suffered a fractured elbow, Travis Anthony has been waiting. Waiting to hear how badly he injured himself during that day's game. Today word came down from the doctors that the Death Valley right fielder would miss 4 months. "It could have been better", said Anthony, "but it also could have been much worse."

Anthony is currently batting .340 with no home runs and 4 RBIs.

Stroble Hurls Masterpiece: Today at In-N-Out Field Travis Stroble really had his stuff working. The Windy City hurler mystified the California Kodiaks and shut them out 3-0. Stroble allowed a total of 4 hits in the ballgame.

Dave Glomski Gets Diagnosis, Out 12 Months: The injury that has kept Dave Glomski out of action since 04/23/2010 will keep him out a while longer. Los Alamos Amigos officials made the announcement this afternoon. They said that Glomski is expected to miss at least 12 months with a damaged elbow ligament.

[Carlos]

Perkins. We need him back. 4 days to go.

sent from my mobile device

[umd]

Travis Anthony was looking like a New Brew. Too bad.

[spot]

Dave Glomski Gets Diagnosis, Out 12 Months: The injury that has kept Dave Glomski out of action since 04/23/2010 will keep him out a while longer. Los Alamos Amigos officials made the announcement this afternoon. They said that Glomski is expected to miss at least 12 months with a damaged elbow ligament.

This one hurts. Not necessarily for this season, but the dreaded "what's he going to look like afterwards" scenario. He's may not be a world-beater but I have had high hopes that he becomes a key piece in the future.

[Matt]

Pinyan and Kelley Suspended for Free-for-All: When fights happen, suspensions are not far behind. That axiom was held to be true today when Dallas's Jimmy Pinyan and Syracuse's Johnny Kelley were given a temporary vacation from the game, courtesy of the league commissioner's office.

They both were suspended for 7 games for their actions in a recent ruckus between the two teams. Both benches cleared when Pinyan charged Kelley.

Both players have accepted their fate and will begin serving their suspensions immediately. Neither would talk to reporters about the confrontation.

Pinyan is hitting .298 in 2010 with 5 RBIs and 1 home run.


Superstar SP Inks Deal with Playboys: Fans hailed the signing of Jamie Herberholz today as the Windy City Playboys starting pitcher came to terms with the club.

Set to make $48,240,000 over the upcoming 3 years, Herberholz signed primarily out of loyalty to the organization, thrilling the most diehard supporters who think there isn't much loyalty in a market driven by free agency.

Checking out his stats for the season, Herberholz has racked up 1 win and 3 losses in 5 starts, 6.12 ERA and struck out 40 batters in 32.1 innings.


Travis Neal Sidelined for 2 Months: Windy City starting pitcher Travis Neal left today's game with a sore shoulder. The injury looked like it occurred throwing a pitch in the game against Pawtucket. One fan said, "As soon as it happened, you could tell something was wrong." The injury will likely leave the Playboys without Neal for about 2 months.

In 5 starts this season Neal has chalked up a 1-1 record and a 5.40 ERA.


BNN Stats: Batting Leaders: So, who leads the Brewers League Baseball in current hitting streak (games)?

Angelo Barrios, -, 35
Adam Nickell, -, 35
Subaru Hiraki, -, 32
Hector Coronel, -, 32
Zak Gaston, IND, 30

[Carlos]

Travis Neal down again. And that Herberholtz deal feels dangerous to me. Could end up wrong though.

[funclown]

Travis Neal down again. And that Herberholtz deal feels dangerous to me. Could end up wrong though.

But Herberholtz is a first ballot hall of famer and FINALLY brought Windy City a Brewmaster. Normally I'm not for sentimental signings but he has to finish his career there.

If Pawtucket ever wins this silly thing those guys on the roster that season will be signed for life.

[Matt]

2-Game Suspension for Fujii: The Baltimore Bulldogs were not very happy with the home plate umpire in today's loss to Toronto at Toronto Stadium. One in particular -- Kokoro Fujii. Upon being called out on strikes, the Bulldogs left fielder gave the ump quite an earful. For that, the man in blue gave him the thumb and sent him to an early shower.

But the disgruntled Fujii lingered on the field for another five minutes, berating the umpire. Finally his manager got him off the field and into the clubhouse.

But it got worse after the game, when Fujii told reporters, "He was blind today. They played 'Three Blind Mice' for him. If he doesn't know the words to the song, I'm sure we can get it in Braille, so he can follow along."

For his escapades and after-the-game oration, the league office suspended Fujii for 2 games.

This year Fujii is hitting .260 with 26 hits, 8 home runs, 19 RBIs and has scored 22 runs.


Denver's Verba to Miss 6-7 Weeks: Pat Verba expressed his disappointment when he learned that a fractured thumb would sideline him for 6-7 weeks. "I'll just spend a lot of time in the training room and hopefully speed up the healing process. Nobody likes to be out of the line-up," explained Verba. The left fielder got hurt in today's game with the Death Valley Scorpions. He was hurt making a defensive play. Team officials had no comment on his roster replacement.

This year Verba is hitting .227 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs in 23 games played. He also boasts an OBP of .303 with 7 walks and 8 runs scored.


3-Game Suspension for BC Reed: The league commissioner has zero tolerance when it comes to touching an umpire. That's the reason Colin Reed of the BC has been given a 3-game suspension. He apparently made too much contact with the home plate umpire while intensely questioning a called strike in a recent game at Mountaineer Park with the Morgantown Mohawks.

Reed said he would not appeal and would serve his suspension beginning today.

To date Reed has chalked up a .328 average with 4 home runs, driven in 11 runs and scored 10 times.


Watts Collects Hit Number 2000: Tex Watts of the Pawtucket Patriots collected career hit number 2000 against the Carolina Tobs today. The 38-year-old shortstop went 1 for 4 in a 9-5 Pawtucket victory at Tobs Stadium.

In his career Watts has accumulated a .254 batting average with 2000 hits. His totals include 586 doubles, 92 triples, 170 home runs, 1802 strikeouts, 1148 runs scored, 973 RBIs and a lifetime .357 OBP.

[Matt]

Reeves Shackles Batavia: "It was just one of those games, when everything went right. I threw a lot of strikes," Zack Reeves said. "And the pitches they did get to hit, they didn't do anything with them."

The Toronto Canadians pitcher really got it done in his 6-0 shutout victory over the Batavia Muckdogs, shutting them down on 5 hits. Reeves issued 1 walk and had 5 strikeouts.

For the season Reeves has compiled a 4-2 record with a 2.38 ERA.


Mumme Goes on Rampage Against Tobs: Geoff Mumme really sizzled at the plate today. The Hartford shortstop blistered the Carolina Tobs for 5 hits in 7 at-bats in his club's 5-3 defeat.

"Mumme was too tough to get out today," the Tobs skipper said in his postgame interview. "No matter what we threw him, he hit it. And he hit some good pitches, too. But hey, I don't mind if every game somebody gets 5 hits off us, as long as we win. That's the bottom line. We ain't playin' for stats."

Geoff Mumme singled in the 2nd, doubled in the 5th, singled in the 7th, singled in the 8th, singled in the 10th, flied out in the 13th and grounded out in the 15th.

This season Mumme is swinging the bat at a .299 pace. He has hit no home runs and scored 15 times, while driving in 7. His on-base percentage is .344 and he has played in 33 games.


Los Alamos Hopeless Against Farris: An efficient outing for Tom Farris usually means a win for Pawtucket. Today was no exception, as the 26-year-old starter held Los Alamos to a long line of goose eggs. He struck out 2 and gave up 3 hits in the 8-0 shutout.

Up to now Farris has compiled an ERA of 1.44 with a 3-2 mark over 7 starts. He has 26 strikeouts in 50 innings and has held opponents to a .176 batting average.


Taylor Too Tough, Blanks California: In an excellent mound performance, Todd Taylor of the Baltimore Bulldogs whitewashed the California Kodiaks 9-0 on a 5-hitter.

He said after the game, "I had my best stuff and did a good job of mixing up my pitches."

The California manager said, "We just didn't swing the bats well today. Taylor did a good job keeping us guessing."

In all, the Baltimore hurler rang up 6 strikeouts and no walks in the shutout win.

This season Taylor has registered 4 wins and 4 losses in 8 starts with a 2.54 ERA.


Cavazos Tags Dukes for 5 Hits: Pawtucket center fielder Tony Cavazos wielded a big stick today against the Dukes and his club walked off the field winners by the score of 16-3. Cavazos helped tame New Orleans with 5 hits in 6 at-bats.

Tony Cavazos singled in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, flied out in the 3rd, hit an RBI single in the 5th, singled in the 6th and singled in the 8th.

In 30 games this season Cavazos is batting .400 with 50 hits and 7 home runs. He has scored 24 runs and driven in 22.


BNN Stats: Active Career Pitching Leaders: Which active pitchers are leading the Brewers League Baseball in career saves?

Koichi Nakashima, SYR, 510
Oscar Gomez, LAM, 364
Daniel Alvarez, NYK, 341
Tony Perez, DEN, 316
Reynaldo Jimenez, CHI, 285

[Matt]

Nygaard Spins Shutout Against Los Angeles: In a sharp 3-hit performance, Jarrod Nygaard tossed the Pawtucket Patriots to a 5-0 shutout victory over the Los Angeles Dinos, fanning 5 and walking 2.

"That's as good a stuff as I've seen in a long time," the Los Angeles manager said in his postgame interview.

Nygaard has posted a 3-1 record for the year with a 2.25 ERA. Teams are hitting .177 against him and he has rung up 29 strikeouts in 36 innings.


5-Hit Blitz by Vonada: Pat Vonada really did a number on the Reign -- but Seattle retaliated and did a number on the Mohawks -- they beat them 10-9.

Not just anyone can get 5 hits in 9 at-bats. But Vonada did just that today for Morgantown and gave his batting average a healthy boost, but did not deliver the victory.

"I felt real good in the batter's box today. I had confidence in my swing and knew that it was there and that I could get the job done," the 27-year-old third baseman said after his record-setting performance. "I just wish we had won the game, too."

Pat Vonada walked in the 2nd, struck out in the 4th, doubled in the 5th, flied out in the 7th, grounded out in the 9th, singled in the 11th, struck out in the 13th, hit a two-run single in the 15th, singled in the 18th and singled in the 20th.

This year Vonada is hitting .314 with 48 hits, 6 home runs, 26 RBIs and has scored 23 runs.


Dukes McCarley Suffers Injury: Earlier today, New Orleans second baseman Troy McCarley had to leave the game against Toronto because of an injury. Team officials are reporting that he has biceps tendinitis and will miss 6 weeks of play. McCarley was hurt throwing the ball and was unable to continue playing. He will be evaluated this afternoon by team physicians.

This year McCarley is hitting .375, produced 15 RBIs and 2 home runs, scored 28 times and gotten on base at a .396 rate.


BNN Stats: Active Career Pitching Leaders: Which active pitchers are leading the Brewers League Baseball in career wins?

Alex Martinez, PAW, 184
Alex Torres, BUF, 180
Jamie Herberholz, CHI, 168
Erik Keifer, LAD, 164
Troy Hanback, DVS, 158

[Matt]

Soto Rockets 3 HR Against Davenport: If you were sitting in the bleachers and brought your glove to the Tobs-Brawlers game, there was a good chance you'd catch one of the three home runs hit by David Soto. The Tobs third baseman repeatedly sent eager fans scurrying to catch a souvenir and led Carolina to a 8-2 win over Davenport.

"Hey, the three homers were great, but I'm just trying to help my ballclub ... not thinkin' about home runs. I'm just thinkin' about winning ballgames. When you think about home runs, you very seldom get 'em," he philosophized in the postgame press conference.

Soto was 4 for 5 on the day with 3 runs batted in.

David Soto hit a solo-shot off Erik Pearsall in the 2nd, hit a solo-shot off Erik Pearsall in the 4th, hit a solo-shot off Omar Pascual in the 5th, singled in the 7th and grounded out in the 8th.

In this current campaign Soto is hitting at a .255 clip with 5 home runs and 15 RBIs.


New York Loses Nuckles, Out 7-8 Months: C.J. Nuckles could soon be placed on the disabled list. The New York starting pitcher told reporters that he expects to be "out of commission" for 7-8 months because of shoulder inflammation. He hasn't played since 05/23/2010 and, he said, he's "itchin' to get back out there."

This year Nuckles has fashioned a 1-6 mark, 5.59 ERA and pitched 48.1 innings. Opposing clubs are batting .263 against him and he has logged 32 strikeouts.


Romero Learns More about Injury: The injury that has kept Danny Romero out of action since 05/26/2010 will keep him out a while longer. Washington Bats officials made the announcement this afternoon. They said that Romero is expected to miss at least 6 weeks with a fractured thumb.

To date this season Romero is hitting .319 with no home runs.


Veteran Ballos Re-ups in Carolina: J.J. Ballos inked a deal that will keep the seasoned veteran on the Tobs roster another 2 years. Earlier today team personnel announced that the 35-year-old had settled on a $6,000,000-a-year deal to play at Tobs Stadium.

It's no secret Ballos is getting older, but he could still contribute a lot to the franchise.

This season Ballos has chalked up a 2.66 ERA while ringing up no saves with 2 wins and 3 losses. He has made 20 relief appearances, pitching 23.2 innings, giving up 23 hits, and holding opponents to a .253 batting average. Ballos has also recorded 23 strikeouts and allowed 10 walks.


Byers Receives Injury Update: Tyler Byers will have to wait a while longer. The Baltimore starting pitcher was informed this afternoon that he will miss another 5 months with a strained hip muscle. The injury has kept him off the field since 05/28/2010. Though Byers had hoped to return soon, he has no choice but to be patient. "Gotta stay focused," he said. "Gotta stay positive."

This year Byers has posted a record of 2 wins and 2 losses with a 4.17 ERA. He has appeared in 8 games and struck out 23 in 41 innings.


BNN Stats: Batting Leaders at Second Base: Check out who leads the Brewers League Baseball in batting AVG while playing Second Base!

Troy McCarley, NO, .375
Marco Lona, LAD, .354
Tony Infante, PAW, .322
Danny Romero, WAS, .319
Sullivan Smart, BAT, .317