2012 Around the League News

[Matt]

BLB News: Opening Day: How sweet it is! Brewers League Baseball starts play today. It is a new season and a new beginning for all the boys of baseball. Opening Day is here! It is a day of great excitement for everyone in the world of baseball -- players, fans, sportswriters, broadcasters, managers, coaches, scouts, groundkeepers, batboys, ballpark vendors, agents and the owners. Everybody is eagerly awaiting the first pitch of the game and the first home run. Old records will be broken and new marks set. It all gets under way today with this lineup of games:

New Orleans Dukes @ Hartford Whalers
Los Alamos Amigos @ Morgantown Mohawks
Dallas Snappers @ Denver BC
Maine Guides @ Toronto Canadians
Washington Bats @ Carolina Tobs
Syracuse Slammers @ Indianapolis Clowns
Death Valley Scorpions @ Davenport Brawlers
Windy City Playboys @ Seattle Reign
New York Knights @ Pittsburgh Millers
Pawtucket Patriots @ Los Angeles Dinos
California Kodiaks @ Philadelphia Freedom
Baltimore Bulldogs @ Batavia Muckdogs


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 18-year-old closer Ed Carroll of the New Orleans Dukes is the #1 prospect overall.

Here is the top 10:
1) CL Ed Carroll, 18, New Orleans Dukes
2) 2B Jimmy Douglas, 21, Morgantown Mohawks
3) CF Jimmy Gray, 21, Indianapolis Clowns
4) SP Brendan Hurst, 22, Los Alamos Amigos
5) SS Rory Page, 23, Seattle Reign
6) SP Willie Fajardo, 22, Death Valley Scorpions
7) SP D.J. Engstrom, 20, New Orleans Dukes
8) CF Roman Chutz, 24, Syracuse Slammers
9) SP Jaylen Mitchell, 22, Pawtucket Patriots
10) 2B Rory Gray, 21, Hartford Whalers


Garcia Set to Miss 4 Weeks: Willie Garcia will have to wait a while longer. The Syracuse center fielder was informed this afternoon that he will miss another 4 weeks with a sprained ankle. The injury has kept him off the field since 04/09/2012. Though Garcia had hoped to return soon, he has no choice but to be patient. "Gotta stay focused," he said. "Gotta stay positive."


Big Day with Bat: Herrington 5-5: Pittsburgh shortstop Seth Herrington wielded a big stick today against the Knights and his club walked off the field winners by the score of 11-3. Herrington helped tame New York with 5 hits in 5 at-bats. Seth Herrington singled in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit a two-run single in the 5th, singled in the 7th and singled in the 8th.


BLB News: Draft Pool Revealed: With the rookie draft only weeks away, clubs are huddled in their conference rooms, mapping out scouting strategies with their eye toward the future. These sabermetrical speculators will be traipsing across the fruited plain, hunting for the ideal find, trying to decipher the will, drive and pure passion on the unknown youthful faces before them. Some will rely on tried-and-true baseball knowledge, others psychology. And others will live by luck alone. Though their final assessments will be made and hashed over many times before draft day, the repercussions of draft day, good or bad, will endure long after the dust has settled.

At any rate, teams now have thirty days to scout the draft pool prior to the draft. The Transactions page also gets a new section dedicated to the pool.

The top players available (in no particular order) seem to be:
1. Cy Mock, 20 year-old left fielder out of college.
2. Aiden Gay, 20 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
3. Jimmy Burkhead, 16 year-old starting pitcher out of high-school.
4. Tom Herman, 17 year-old starting pitcher out of high-school.
5. Mat Marcus, 16 year-old right fielder out of high-school.
6. Ted Sandy, 17 year-old catcher out of high-school.
7. Colin Holmes, 21 year-old third baseman out of college.
8. Jayden Jones, 17 year-old starting pitcher out of high-school.
9. Pat Goldsmith, 20 year-old starting pitcher out


Falfan Expected to Miss 8-9 Months: Tony Falfan could soon be placed on the disabled list. The Carolina third baseman told reporters that he expects to be "out of commission" for 8-9 months because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He hasn't played since 04/10/2012 and, he said, he's "itchin' to get back out there."


BNN Stats: Career Pitching Leaders: Which pitchers are leading the Brewers League Baseball in career fielding independent pitching (FIP)?

Koichi Nakashima, SYR, 1.99
Edgar Fajardo, PAW, 2.10
J.J. Black, -, 2.16
Casimiro Cabezas, -, 2.23
Pancho Herrera, -, 2.28

[Carlos]

How long has it been since a closer appeared #1 on the Top Prospects list?

[Jake]

BNN Stats: Career Pitching Leaders: Which pitchers are leading the Brewers League Baseball in career fielding independent pitching (FIP)?

Koichi Nakashima, SYR, 1.99
Edgar Fajardo, PAW, 2.10
J.J. Black, -, 2.16
Casimiro Cabezas, -, 2.23
Pancho Herrera, -, 2.28

Gargoyle: the greatest ever.

Potentially most underrated? Edgar Fajardo who still has half a career of hold situations to go.

[Matt]

How long has it been since a closer appeared #1 on the Top Prospects list?

4 pitches and 5 stamina...is he really a closer?

[Z]

4 pitches and 5 stamina...is he really a closer?

No.

[funclown]

How long has it been since a closer appeared #1 on the Top Prospects list?

It's actually been a trend with some owners sticking the prospects in the pen then gradually giving them starts as they get older.

I sometimes do it during they're first season(usually high schoolers) but take the leash off in year 2.

It's development philosophy nothing more.

[BradZ]

4 pitches and 5 stamina...is he really a closer?

He's a 1 or 2 guard, no?

[funclown]

Hey, how ironic the league 1 prospect actually quit baseball. Maybe he's mad with the closer designation?

[BradZ]

Hey, how ironic the league 1 prospect actually quit baseball. Maybe he's mad with the closer designation?

Maybe OOTP has no idea how to actually implement storylines?

[Pat]

Maybe OOTP has no idea how to actually implement storylines?

Winner!

[Matt]

Rosema Gets Injury Report: The injury that has kept Jimmy Rosema out of action since 04/15/2012 will keep him out a while longer. Dallas Snappers officials made the announcement this afternoon. They said that Rosema is expected to miss at least 5 weeks with elbow tendinitis.

This season in 6 games Rosema is batting .333 with no home runs, 2 RBIs and has scored 5 times.


Chow on a Tear, Hits for Cycle: "Ladies and gentlemen, Zuo-qian Chow has just hit for the cycle!" That was the call from the PA announcer as Chow collected the last hit he needed to complete the cycle today against the Knights. He collected 5 hits in 6 at-bats, 3 RBI and 4 runs scored as Los Angeles stopped New York 17-4 at Kennedy Field at Metropolitan Stadium.

Hitting for the cycle is one of the most difficult feats in baseball at any level. The odds are really against a player hitting a single, double, triple and a home run in the same game.

"It's the last thing on my mind really. I'm out there trying to get a blooper or a walk or whatever might help the team. Hitting for the cycle is probably as much about luck as about skill," Chow told reporters after the game.

He could be right, but it's not every day that someone hits for the cycle. That's why his name will be placed in the record book.

Zuo-qian Chow singled in the 1st, hit an RBI double in the 2nd, struck out in the 4th, hit an RBI triple in the 6th, hit a solo-shot off Dave Martinez in the 7th and singled in the 9th.

Chow is hitting .259 for the season with 1 home run, 4 RBIs and 4 runs scored. He has 7 hits in 27 at-bats and played in 7 games.


4-Game Suspension for Bulldogs Sanchez: The Baltimore Bulldogs were not very happy with the home plate umpire in today's loss to Seattle at Phillips Field. One in particular -- Oscar Sanchez. 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 Sanchez 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 Sanchez 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 Sanchez for 4 games.

Sanchez on the season is hitting .286 with 3 home runs. His stats include 6 RBIs and 5 runs scored.


Los Angeles Center Fielder Out: "Sore." That's how J.R. Lowe described his situation to BNN after he got a hamstring strain running the bases against the Knights. Team officials say they expect Lowe to be out of commission for about 6 weeks.

Lowe has a .300 average and a .344 on-base percentage for the year. He has picked up 9 hits, 2 home runs and driven in 4 runs.


Romero Receives Updated Diagnosis: Daniel Romero will have to wait a while longer. The Davenport reliever was informed this afternoon that he will miss another 6 months with radial nerve compression. The injury has kept him off the field since 04/17/2012. Though Romero had hoped to return soon, he has no choice but to be patient. "Gotta stay focused," he said. "Gotta stay positive."

[Matt]

5-Hit Blitz by Philadelphia's Goto: Roberto Goto was a tough out and went 5 for 7 against Windy City in a fine hitting display. But the Playboys still managed to beat the Philadelphia Freedom 8-7. "I got my pitches and I connected. They all found the right holes on the diamond. Some days you hit shots and they're right at somebody... and some days they fall in." Goto also added, "And some days you lose, no matter how well you play. 5 hits in a game ought to win it." Don't know if it is any consolation to him, but he will get his name put in the record books. Roberto Goto singled in the 1st, singled in the 4th, grounded out in the 5th, singled in the 7th, grounded out in the 9th, singled in the 11th and singled in the 13th.

In his season totals Goto has 1 home run and a .419 batting average.


More Woes For Slammers Fred Schubert: All is not well with Fred Schubert in his recovery from a ruptured medial collateral ligament. The 32-year-old Slammers left fielder has already reached some significant steps in his rehabilitation, but his manager said that the team will continue to be cautious with Schubert and take his progression one day at a time, especially after the setback yesterday. "Yesterday he was feeling pretty good but he didn't do a lot on the field," he said. "Today he was supposed to be on the field doing light stuff and then gradually start working right back up. I think he overdid it." A postworkout examination revealed that Schubert had reinjured himself and would now miss at least 2 weeks because of it.


BC Honor Neal Request for Privacy During Personal Crisis: Denver starting pitcher Travis Neal will miss the next few games to tend to "personal issues". Neal refused to elaborate on what exactly the issues were, but added that they were "more important than baseball, that's for sure". BC manager Raúl Gallardo commented that it "wouldn't be long, but we have to plan in the short-term to be without him".


Lippert Fires Shutout in Bats Victory: "My pitching coach told me before the game just to bear down and focus. He said no one was going to hit me if I'm throwing a good breaking ball with good location."

And that's what Dave Lippert did as he led the Bats to a 6-0 shutout victory over the Reign.

"I thought he put the ball where he wanted to," the Seattle manager said. "And that's just about the whole secret to pitching."

Lippert yielded 3 hits and had 8 strikeouts and 1 walk in a standout performance.


BNN Stats: Single-Season Records: Who holds the single season record in the Brewers League Baseball for fielding independent pitching (FIP)?

Joe Aurillo, -, 1.543, 1984
Pancho Herrera, -, 1.684, 1992
Joe Ponte, -, 1.700, 1979
Pancho Herrera, -, 1.707, 1994
Pancho Herrera, -, 1.745, 1996

[Sharkn20]

Our former Star seems that is really doing everything to comeback to the field! Sadly he has to wait 2 more weeks to his 2012 Debut in Baltimore again.

[Matt]

Seattle's Rosales Goes Ballistic with 5 Hits: Willie Rosales had a huge game today at Mountaineer Park. He rapped 5 hits in 5 tries and helped the Seattle Reign overcome the Morgantown Mohawks 12-3. Willie Rosales singled in the 1st, doubled in the 2nd, hit a two-run home run off Ming-yu Pao in the 4th, singled in the 6th and hit an RBI single in the 7th.

This year Rosales is hitting at a .241 pace with 5 home runs and 13 RBIs. He has played in 23 games and scored 12 times.


Star SP Signs Extension with Baltimore: Todd Taylor might be greedy, but there's no disputing his talent. The hotshot starting pitcher will pocket $30,000,000 after re-signing with the Bulldogs earlier today, and will hang around another 3 years.

Some more financially prudent fans worried that the signing would burden the club down the road and might prevent it from being competitive, though many others were simply thankful that Taylor didn't bolt.

In 5 starts this year Taylor has fashioned a 2-2 record and a 2.48 ERA.


McCarley Batters Philadelphia Big Time: It was a good day for the Dukes at Henry Byrd Field as they clipped the Philadelphia Freedom 11-5. It was tremendous day for Troy McCarley, who went on quite a hitting spree with a 5 for 5 barrage. The New Orleans second baseman told reporters after his big 5-hit performance, "I don't have any buzz words. I'm not 'dialed in' or 'in a zone,' as they say. As far as the hitting goes, I try to keep it simple. I try not to look into it too much. Basically the pitcher throws the ball, I try to pick up the spin, then try to hit it. Today I picked up the spin very well." Troy McCarley singled in the 1st, doubled in the 3rd, singled in the 5th, doubled in the 6th and hit a two-run double in the 7th.

Thus far this year McCarley is batting .343 with no home runs, 13 RBIs and 13 runs scored.


BNN Stats: Career Pitching Leaders: Which pitchers are leading the Brewers League Baseball in career innings pitched?

Russ McEvoy, -, 3732.0
Gervasio Dealba, -, 3648.1
Alonzo Gugierrez, -, 3621.0
Dunmore Theodore, -, 3473.1
Ezequiel Parongao, -, 3430.2

[Matt]

Zabriskie Expected to Miss 11 Months: Pat Zabriskie expressed disappointment but also relief after finding out he would be out 11 months with a torn labrum he suffered on 05/04/2012. Speaking to a reporter at the team's clubhouse, Zabriskie, the Batavia reliever said, "Based on how bad it hurt, I was worried I would be out a lot longer."

For the season Zabriskie is 1-and-0 with 1 save and a 3.52 ERA. He has given up 8 hits in 7.2 innings with 9 strikeouts.


Latest Injury News for Alanis: The injury that has kept Eddy Alanis out of action since 05/06/2012 will keep him out a while longer. Hartford Whalers officials made the announcement this afternoon. They said that Alanis is expected to miss at least 10 months with a torn rotator cuff.

For the season Alanis has logged no wins and 3 losses and struck out 42 batters in 31.2 innings while compiling a 4.26 ERA.


Will Gómez Leave Philadelphia?: Local media has been reporting that Philadelphia's Álex Gómez could be on the move. However, neither team officials, nor the 38-year-old right fielder chose to comment when approached.


Star 2B Signs Pact with Guides: Maine officials and Enrique Zurita shook hands on a $8,500,000 deal today. The extension will keep Zurita from becoming a free agent for at least 2 years.

In 29 games this year Zurita has posted a .352 average and put up these numbers: 3 home runs, 17 RBIs and 14 runs scored.


Reign Brown Dominates Snappers: The Pond played host to a command performance by Wade Brown of the Seattle Reign. In shutting out Dallas 5-0, Brown limited the Snappers to 2 hits. The 27-year-old hurler also fanned 11 and walked 1 in capturing the victory.

This season Brown has crafted a 2-3 mark with a 5.92 ERA in 38 innings. Opposing clubs are batting .297 against him and he has 37 strikeouts.


Ma Gets Shutout: Ye-qing Ma allowed 5 hits while giving up no walks and collecting 4 strikeouts as Batavia blanked New Orleans 4-0.

In the postgame interview Ma said, "I'm trying to keep the ball down and let guys put it in play. It worked for me today."

So far this season, Ma has logged a 2-3 record with a 4.38 ERA. He has started 6 games, hurled 37 innings and registered 28 strikeouts and 14 walks.