Winning, Losing and Standing Alone

July 31, 2010 Leave a comment

Going into Saturday’s game at Daytona there were a couple interesting notes in the Florida State League standings…As follows….

  • Daytona has the longest winning streak among full-season minor league teams (12)
  • St. Lucie has the longest losing streak among full-season minor league teams (10)
  • The two streaks are the only double-digit streaks in the minors
  • Other runs of note include:

Triple-A Durham: 9 Wins

Triple-A Louisville: 9 Wins

Triple-A Syracuse: 9 Losses (ended Friday night)

Low-A Dayton: 9 Losses

—

Just found it funny that both the longest winning and losing streaks were in one league.  Also interesting that they are the only double-figure streaks active.

Another note – Bradenton entered Saturday at 18-15 and with the only winning record in the FSL South.  The division is the only one in full-season minor league baseball that can only boast one team over .500.  After finishing in Daytona the Marauders host Brevard County for four.  From there on out Bradenton hosts only division opponents until the end of the year.

Just some food for thought…

 

Til next time…

Joel

 

 

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Marauder Mad Libs

July 27, 2010 Leave a comment

Ladies and Gentlemen…Welcome to the first edition of MARAUDER MAD LIBS!  It’s the game where Bradenton’s baseball stars fill in the blanks with the bests of the Florida State League.  Here’s your host…Arthur Wedgewood!!! {Applause}

{Cue theme music…open curtain}

“Thank you….thank you…thank you…stop it…cut it out…you’re all too kind….Welcome again to Marauder Mad Libs.  Let’s meet the contestants…

First…He’s an outfielder from Oklahoma, please welcome Austin McClune!!! {Applause}

Second…He’s a pitcher from Kentucky…Nathan Adcock!!! {Applause}

Please welcome two catchers Eric Fryer and James Skelton!!! {Applause}

And finally a hand for a dynamic duo of outfielders…Robbie Grossman and the ‘Double-Duce’ Quincy Latimore!!! {Applause}

So here’s how the game works…I’ll throw out a topic…you fill in the blank…First on the board {sound effect}…Ah…The best thing about the FSL is _____.

Austin: “Travel, for sure.  The furthest trip is roughly three hours.  In the Sally league we had 10 hour bus rides from Hickory to Lake County.”

Nathan: “Heat.  No I hate the heat.  It’s the travel.  Three hours is the most we travel.  I played in the Midwest League were some trips were seven or 11 hours.”

Eric: “The ballparks.  Most ballparks are pretty good.  The fields are immaculate and most of the time they’re just spring training sites for teams.”

James: “I like the rain, so I would say rainouts.  I wouldn’t call it an extra day off, but sometimes you just need one night off.”

Quincy: “HOT.  No the travel.  I love the three hour max I think.”

Now Quincy, follow up question.  How is it traveling for the commuter games?

Quincy: “That’s fine.  An hour at the most, that’s not bad.  I would love to stay everywhere if we could, but definitely the travel is great coming from the South Atlantic League last year having a nine hour bus ride.  It would seem like you never get there.”

Okay…second topic…{sound effect}…The best name in the FSL is _____.

Austin: “Stonecrabs.  “It’s a little bit different.  A little more original.”

Nathan: “Marauders.  I like it because it’s something new.  It’s something different.”

Eric: “Threshers.  It’s the first name that came to mind.  It’s the most creative right there.”


images.jpg{Sound effect} Oh wow…that sound means it’s time for the “FACT OF THE ROUND” {echoing voice}.  Often mistaken for the Thrashers, the name is indeed Threshers.  The team was renamed and rebranded from the Clearwater Phillies upon the opening of the new Bright House Field in 2004.  Mike Schmidt was the team’s first manager.  A Thresher is a type of shark with a long tail that is sometimes as long as the rest of its body.  The tail is used as a stunning weapon to attack prey.  Quincy, you’re up…

Quincy: “Flying Tigers.  I think that’s pretty funny…or the Brevard County Manatees.  Either one of those.

Robbie: “Lakeland Flying Tigers.  They’ve got pretty sweet hats.”

Alright team…Question number three.  Many of you talked about the travel in the league.  The topic is twofold…The Best Roadtrip in the FSL is _____ or The Best Ballpark in the FSL is_____.

Robbie: “Tampa — playing where the Yankees big league team plays.”

Quincy: “Clearwater.  Great crowd, great field, one of the newest stadiums in the league – that’s why.” 

{Production Note} Quincy also likes Daytona Beach…Altoona Curve player Josh Harrison (a former Cub) highly recommended the atmosphere.

Eric: “McKechnie Field.  The home crowd’s amazing.”


McKechnie.jpgJames: “Daytona Beach.  The hotel is on the beach.  I like to even out my sun tans.  I’ve told a few guys [about the trip – James played in the FSL in 2008].  They’ve got this putt-putt area down the street.  They draw good crowds.  It’s got to be top three in the league.

Nathan: “Palm Beach or Jupiter is the nicest park.  I like that park a lot.  It’s real nice.  It’s well kept, has a nice playing surface.  Not a lot of fans but it’s still a nice place to play.”

Austin: “Clearwater.  We swept them and it’s a sweet place to play.  There are a lot of fans.”

Alright guys…we’re almost home.  Question for the catchers and the base stealers…The hardest guy to run on is_____.  The second part is…The hardest guy to throw out is_____.”

James: “Melky Mesa (Tampa_.  He just seems like he gets good jumps.”

{Production note} Melky Mesa has one of only six stolen bases against James this year.

Eric: “Anthony Gose (Clearwater).  He steals a lot so he gets a lot of stolen bases.  He gets good jumps and he goes every time.”

Robbie: “A lot of relievers because they’re all quick to the plate.”

Qunicy: “Frank Gailey (Dunedin).  He was…man.  We were talking about at the plate you can’t even get ready to hit he was so quick to the plate.” 

Alright boys we’ve reached the FINAL ROUND {echoing voice}.  The winner gets 3,000 points.  Actually the points matter less than on “Who’s Line is it Anyway.”  So to the winner goes 4,432 points.  Mad Lib is…{drum roll}…The best pitcher or batter you’ve seen in the FSL is _____.

Austin: “Zach Quate (Charlotte).  He’s got a nasty slider.  It starts off at you.  He’s got a fastball at 90+ MPH it just keeps you honest.

Melky Mesa.  He hits the ball to all fields and he hits for power.”

Nathan: “The Corban Joseph (Tampa) kid was a pretty tough out.  He’s just real scrappy.  He fouls a lot of pitches and makes you throw a lot of pitches which I don’t like.

Chris Archer (Daytona).  I thought he was pretty impressive.  Him and the Moore kid from Port Charlotte, especially with how young he is (20) and how he’s doing in the league.”

James: “Jonathon Ortiz (Tampa).  He’s got a nasty changeup.”

Quincy: “Henderson Alvarez (Dunedin).  I faced him in the All-Star Game.  Out of the pitchers I faced he came at me with three pitches.  He threw me his changeup for a strike his slider for a strike and he threw about a 95 MPH fastball up that I chased and I was like ‘wow this dude’s pretty decent.'”

Robbie: “Matt Moore (Charlotte).  He’s a good lefty.  You don’t see too many of those guys that throw hard and throw more than one pitch for a strike.”


Moore.jpgStefan Welch (St. Lucie).  He always has a good approach.  He didn’t try to do too much.  He just did with what he was pitched with.”

—

Alright everybody!  That concludes today’s game.  Thanks for playing…We’ll see you next time right here on Marauder Mad Libs! {Appluase} {Roll credits}

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Name Your Favorite Newton

July 23, 2010 Leave a comment

When July began my favorite Newton was far and away the fig…everybody’s favorite childhood snack.  There were so many choices.  There was the snack pack — two Newtons a little bit larger than those found in the ordinary package.  There was the original — rows of Newtons stuck together in plastic wrapping.  Then they threw in strawberry Newtons.  What next?  I’m sure the snack has evolved further since I grew up and began eating the more adult chocolate chip cookies and Nutter Butters.

But the Fig Newton has always been challenged.  I’m also a fan of Isaac and this whole gravity idea.  Who doesn’t like Olivia Newton John?  I mean, didn’t we all grow up singing Grease while walking to school?  Newton, MA is near Boston.  That’s a fine city.  And how can we forget Wayne Newton?

 


Newtons.jpg(Clockwise from top: Fig, Olivia John, Wayne, Mass, Jordan and Isaac)

 

America’s favorite snack cookie now has a new challenger: Jordan Newton.

The Marauders, in need of catching depth, went to the independent Can-Am League earlier this month and picked up Newton.  The Western Kentucky product hit .364 with the Can-Am League’s New Jersey Jackals.  He blasted two homeruns and drove in 20.  Who knew what Bradenton was going to get from its newest addition.

“No expectations,” said Marauders hitting coach Dave Howard after Newton joined the club.  “I think it’s unfair when you bring guys in to have any expectations at all.  The expectation is to go out there and play hard and do the best you can.  Here’s an opportunity for you now to be back in an organization, so make the most of it.”

Newton hasn’t just made the most of it.  Since he came on board he’s been one of, if not the best Marauder at the plate.  It started with a rocket single in his first at-bat (he scored), and it’s continued with a double and his first RBI Thursday.  The catcher is batting .375 (15-40) and is hitting .555 when he puts the ball in play.

“I guess that means I need to be putting it in play more often,” Newton said.  “I’m excited to be here and just make the most of my opportunity.  I just try to keep it consistent.  That’s what you try to do as a hitter. The less you have to worry about it the better you are.  I’ve been fortunate enough to swing the bat well early.  I’ve got a lot of things to keep working on.  I just try to go day-by-day and see what happens from there.”

Newton’s success probably shouldn’t come as a surprise.  He did finish spring training expecting to be the starting catcher at Detroit’s Double-A Erie affiliate.  Things didn’t pan out and he was released.  He went to the Jackals an played with ex-big leaguers Argenis Reyes, Abraham Nunez and former Rays catcher Shawn Riggins.  The Jackals have a history with producing first-time MLB talent as well.  Oakland A’s reliever Craig Breslow played for NJ in 2004.  He made his Major League debut a year later with San Diego.   

A few people have given Newton solid reviews since he arrived in Florida.

“He’s real athletic, has a good arm and he can hit,” said Marauder catcher James Skelton, a teammate of Newton in the Tigers organization.  “No it’s not [a surprise how well Newton’s done].  I’ve seen this kid play and he can hit.  He’s a little stocky guy with a lot of pop.”

One scout told me he thought Newton “is a player.”  In scout speak that means he’s good.

Here’s how Newton stacks up against the FSL since his arrival…He’s played in 11 of 20 games for Bradenton in July (keeping in mind his first game was July 7th).

Ryan Mollica – STL – .423 in 12 games (11-for-26)

Myron Leslie – TAM – .388 in 14 games

Bryan Holaday – LAK – .385 in 11 games

Hector Pellot – STL – .384 in 15 games

Jordan Newton – BRD – .375 in 11 games

Alex Castellanos – PMB – .375 in 18 games

Rafael Fernandez – STL – .364 in 15 games

Tim Kennelly – CLR – .359-2-14 in 22 games

Michael Brenly – DAY – .358 in 18 games

Jon Murrian – LAK – .349 in 17 games

 

 

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The Tale of Tim’s Delivery

July 18, 2010 Leave a comment

Whenever the Marauders add a player (and for players on opposing teams) the first thing I do to learn a bit about them is turn to Google.  The goal is to find any article written about them that can lend some insight about who these guys are.  The next thing I do is open up my handy Baseball America Prospect Handbook.  None of this stuff is the Bible…but it’s a good starting point.

So Tim Alderson comes down to the Marauders from Double-A Altoona and to the “Handbook” I went.  One of the intriguing things I found was this:

“He’s still had success because of his deceptive delivery…”


Tim%20Alderson.jpgThe obvious question follows — What is his delivery.  Is he Dontrelle Willis?  Is he Orlando Hernandez?  What does this thing look like?  Well the deception comes from the leg kick…and here it is…

I had a chance to talk with Alderson and got the scoop on his delivery.

“When I’m bringing my leg back down to go to home plate my knee and my lower calf and everything underneath my knee goes parallel to the ground.  It’s very different and I don’t know where I learned it and I feel I’m being as smooth as can be.  I saw it for the first time on film when I was a senior in high school and I had no idea what was going on.  I don’t know idea where it started or how it came about, it’s just something my body does.”

One of the things I head read about Alderson was that he doesn’t think he could bend his body the way he does to pitch if he wasn’t actually throwing a baseball.  It’s something he said to me as well.

“If you told me to do it [while not pitching] I probably couldn’t do it because it comes natural…It’s just a matter of being comfortable.  It gets me in a good position to throw the ball so that’s all that matters.”

The delivery got me thinking about some other guys with interesting hitches in their stride to home.  In no order and I know I’m missing some big ones (Fernandomania and Oil Can Boyd)…but some from the current era…

1 — Ryan Dempster

I’ve always been curious what this silly hand flip thing was that Dempster does.  When a minor league hitter told the pitcher he was tipping his split finger during spring training a few years back he began “fluttering” his glove.  Once in his windup, Dempster shifts his glove back and forth over his pitching hand.  The motion covers his grip and distracts the batter.  Dempster’s joking reaction to the New York Times when asked what he tells people about the motion: “I tell people I do it to fan myself, because I’m a sweater and I get hot out there.”

2 — Hideo Nomo

His delivery coined the name “Tornado” with the way Nomo lifted his arms back over his head, twisted so his back faced the plate and then unfolded himself to fire home.  Just about every kid growing up in the 19990’s tried to imitate Nomo at some point, right?  I did…kind of thought what he did was normal.

3 — Dontrelle Willis

Another guy I imitated once or twice when he first burst on the scene, Willis does something that resembles pitching.  Flailing himself back into his windup with a huge leg kick, Willis caught eyes when he debuted for the Marlins earlier this decade.  The Tigers tried to dim down the action, but it returned.

4 — Orlando Hernandez

I always marveled as a kid that El Duque never kneed himself in the face while going home with a pitch.  A leg kick so high it looked like he could lick his knee, Hernandez was a Yankees sensation before bouncing around baseball.

5 — Tim Lincecum

A hero to me because I too am a 4-foot-6, 117 pound 14 year old (really 5-9, 150 and 23…but you get the idea), Lincecum’s delivery helps him generate nasty velocity for his tiny frame.  Tom Verducci wrote a story for Sports Illustrated that says an average pitcher’s stride to home plate is about as long as 77% to 87% of his height.  Lincecum’s in 129% covering seven and a half feet.

OTHER NOTES 

Austin McClune had another OF assist last night.  It was his 15th of the year and he passes Clearwater’s Anthony Gose for the FSL lead…Jeremy Farrell, out since mid-June with a left leg injury, was at batting practice in his warm-ups Saturday…Eric Fryer, out since the July 2nd with facial fractures, took BP for the first time Saturday.  Fryer wore a face guard attached to his batting helmet…Nate Baker made his Marauders debut Saturday throwing a quality start

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Checking In With Tony…

July 12, 2010 Leave a comment

Had the chance to talk to Tony Sanchez this morning after his workout at Pirate City.  Even with his jaw wired shut he’s still able to engage in physical activity.  Every morning he comes to PC to hit, throw and/or lift from about 8:15 to 10:30.  He does have to pace himself though — it can be hard to get enough air with your jaw wired together.

The good news for Sanchez is that it shouldn’t be that much longer.  He has just 11 days left until he can get his jaw opened up (July 23rd).  He said it will be at least another three weeks until he could think about a return to the playing field after the wiring comes off.

As for Sanchez’s health, he’s lost 13 pounds since he was hit, which when you think about it isn’t nearly as much as you might have thought.  His daily diet consists of anything from smoothies to soups (he mentioned tomato) to blended dinners.

The blending of the dinners is actually kind of interesting.  Last night Sanchez said he had Chef Boyardee lasagna blended into a liquid.  What makes it possible for him to do that is that there’s already kind of a liquidy base to Chef Boyardee (if you’ve evechef.jpgr opened a can of it you know what I’m talking about).  That fact makes it easier to blend.  Tony couldn’t go to the Italian restaurant, buy lasagna and then go home and blend it — it would be too thick to take through a straw.  In order to do that you’d have to add something…and lasagna and water in a smoothie doesn’t sound too good.

His workouts ending at 10:30ish, Tony has a ton of free time for the rest of the day.  Most of it is spent with a remote controller in his hand.  He’s taken to playing FIFA World Cup Soccer with injured shortstop Brock Holt.  Tony called it a frustrating endeavor and said jokingly that “when Brock beats me I hate him.” 

Other than playing video games Tony also watches Holt eat.  That’s the less fun of the two activities.

There are a couple other things to think about.  Tony can’t yawn.  Sneezing is a challenge and “eating” makes him “look like a caveman.”  He said you can easily end up wearing a lot of liquid – especially when using a spoon.

Other than that Tony seemed in good spirits as always and is counting down the next 11 days.

Till next time…

Joel

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Catchers, Masks and Your Turn to Get Involved…

July 5, 2010 Leave a comment

A few things here…but first things first…

A good friend of mine is the broadcaster for the Syracuse Chiefs in the International League.  On his blog there are a couple of interesting ideas — the first is IL Man v. Food and the second is Rate that IL Hotel.  Wanted to add something of that nature on here.  Rate that FSL Hotel is out because, well, there aren’t many.  Most trips are day trips.  Man v. Food could work, but I’m not really up for a Chickwurstburgdog (see a few entries back).

So it’s your turn as Marauders fans…we gotta figure out something here for the FSL. 

Some ideas….

·         Marauders Punk’d (would require work, but see Kyle Kendrick)

·         Marauders Idol (anybody got a karaoke machine?)

·         Marauders Got Talent?

·         Top Chef – Marauder’s Edition

·         Dream Job…but I like my job…wouldn’t want somebody to take it

·         Marauders Top Model?

Drops some comments below or email me at MaraudersRadio@Pirates.com and let me know if you have any ideas…

—

Now down to business…Caught up with Eric Fryer today.  The Marauders catcher was struck in the face by a pitch Thursday at Charlotte. 
Knuckleball.jpgHe’s looking better and he was in good spirits.  The swelling in his face seemed to have gone down a bit too.  If you caught him from the right you’d never know he’d been hit.  He does bare one striking scar, though.  Just below his eye you can still very distinctly see where the seems of the baseball hit.  It kind of gives him an Abe “Knuckleball” Schwartz look (right).  For those non-wrestling fans, Abe Schwartz went on to become the more famous Brooklyn Brawler.

Fryer’s immediate future is still uncertain.  He told me he still was going to see another doctor as early as Tuesday.  So best wishes go out to Fryer.

I did joke with Eric on whether or not he would be able to play with a fractured face.  I then told him about Dave Parker with the Pirates from 1978.  Check out the full story from ESPN’s UniWatch.

Here are the Cliff’s Notes:

Parker fractured his jaw in 1978 during a home plate collision.  Parker was on his way to an MVP season and didn’t want to miss any time.  So he and trainer Tony Bartirome devised a plan: Parker would play with a mask.  But what kind of mask?  This type of thing was unprecedented in baseball.  The first idea was supposedly a plastic mask like Rick Hamilton wears for the Detroit Pistons.  Parker didn’t like the feel of it though and how it inhibited his view…so it was out.  What originally got settled on was something straight out of a horror movie (although Friday the 13th was not yet produced).


Jason.jpgThat look was soon ditched.  Parker went to a football facemask and finally shed the headgear in 1979.  The article says that Parker is believed to be the first MLB player to wear a facemask in a game.  Fryer did say he would probably end up with some sort of contraption when he does return to the lineup.  You would imagine Tony Sanchez might do the same (haven’t gotten a chance to pick his brain yet.

On the note of Tony…did bump into him at Pirate City a few days back.  He was drinking his lunch in the dinning hall.  His jaw is indeed wired shut and not just wired shut, but Fort Knox wired shut.

This spring I had the opportunity to call games for the USF Bulls.  The team’s star shortstop Sam Mende broke his jaw March 13 when he was struck in the face by a pitch against Eastern Illinois (oddly enough that’s where Erik Huber went to school).  Mende’s jaw was wired shut by putting just a few brackets on his left side and a few on his right side and then wiring them down.  Tony appeared to have a full rack…something straight out of Ugly Betty.

On the note of Mende by the way — Sam actually played with his jaw wired shut.  He missed only six games.  Had the chance to follow him around when he got his jaw un-wired shut and you can see that video here…It follows Sam to the doctor and to one of his first meals after being able to open up.  It should give you a feel of what Tony may be going through.  We’ll try to get Tony on here in the next few weeks.

Till next time…

Joel 

 

  

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Mac’s the Man

July 5, 2010 Leave a comment

Austin McClune might be one of the best players in the Florida State League that nobody knows…or bothers to get to know.

McClune’s .213 average isn’t going to impress anybody (although he’s hitting .269 over the last 14 games).  His 19 RBI aren’t going to impress many people either — the number is good for 9th on the Marauders — but what if the number was 33?

See, McClune’s best assest so far this year has been his defensive play.  It’s not good defensive play.  It’s not above average.  It’s been great.  In addition to his 19 RBI he’s also cut down a potential 14 more.

With another outfield assist Sunday night, McClune now has 14 on the season.  FOURTEEN!  Yeah, that seemed like a lot to me too.  So I did some digging…

McClune’s 14 outfield assists are tied for the most in the Florida State League this season.  Clearwater’s Anthony Gose also has 14 assists, but he’s done it in 225 chances — 85 more than McClune.  Austin throws out a runner with one of ever 10 baseball’s he plays.

What’s crazy is that 14 outfield assists is DOUBLE the Major League lead.  Houston’s Michael Born has thrown out eight from the outfield this season.  Carl Crawford and Magglio Ordonez lead the American League with seven each.  To be fair the MLB record is 14 – done seven times and not since 2002 when both Larry Walker and Vald Guerrero did it.  Barry Bonds threw out 14 while with the Pirates in 1990.

So it begs the question…When are teams going to stop testing McClune?  Hopefully they wont…

 

Austin_McClune.jpgHere are the other minor league leaders by league (full season):

AAA

International League: Josh Reddick, Pawtucket, 8

Pacific Coast League: Mitch Moreland, Oklahoma City, 11

AA

Eastern League: Andy Dirks, Erie, 14

Southern League: Collin Cowgill, Mobile, 16

Texas League: Jon Gaston, Corpus Christi, 14

A+

Carolina League: Jake Fellhauer, Lynchburg, 11

California League: Jeremy Barfield, Stockton, 17

A

South Atlantic League: Destin Hood, Hagerstown/Michael Planeta, Delmarva, 11

Midwest League: Michael Rockett, West Michigan, 11

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Nathan’s and Baseball

July 4, 2010 1 Comment

This is a fairly unrelated to baseball post…but the 4th of July might be the greatest sports day in the world!

First off, it’s my dad’s birthday…so happy birthday!  He’s a die-hard Phillies phan, so all those in Pirate-land will have to forgive him.

But the best sports day in the year?  Of course.  This day tops Sunday of the Master, the All-Star Game, the World Series, the Lakers beating the Celtics, that three day tennis match…you get the idea.

That’s because July 4th is the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest!  I mean does it get any better.  There are a few reasons here…

1. The Television Broadcast

Has anybody stopped to listen to what these guys are saying?  Some of it is just ridiculous.  I mean they treat this thing like it’s an actual big event with a sideline reporter and graphics breaking down the various different performers.  I did that Ben Monson was the MLE (Major League Eating) rookie of the year.  One graphic showed him and Brock Lesnar as great rookie performers.  Now that’s a UFC fight I’d love to see.  Teemu Selanne I think was listed on the graphic too.

2. Major League Eating

This thing actually exists.  I encourage you to check out the website – it’s got world rankings and world records.  The logo is maybe the best thing ever.


mle_logo.gif3. Eater X

Tim Janus is nicknamed ‘Eater X.’  He paints his face like the Ultimate Warrior.  Thusly, he’s awesome.  When I become a pro eater I’m thinking of Doink or The 1-2-3 Eater as my nicknames.  I’m sure WWE will be calling.

4. Controversy

There were two huge issues this year.  First, Crazy Legs Conti was wrapped up in a scandal that said he cheated in a qualifier.  The horror.  I guess he spit some of the hot dogs he had eaten back out.  “Reversal of Fortune” (yes that’s the technical term) is against the rules.

But the Biggy was Takeru Kobayashi.  He’s the unbelievably ripped guy that won the competition like 85 years in a row until American Joey Chestnut came along.  Well he didn’t compete this year due to a contract dispute with MLE.  Yes, a contract dispute.  Apparently the Knicks made an offer and he’s thinking about it (or not).  After his win today, Chestnut called out the former World’s No. 1.  Kobayashi ran on thee stage after and was arrested. 

5. After you watch the contest you can come out to McKechnie Field and watch baseball and fireworks!  So see you tonight!

Till next time…

Joel

 

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From the Front Lawn to the Infield Lawn

July 2, 2010 Leave a comment

Not a big post today…but a fairly fun one…

Newly aquired infielder Adam Davis is off to a fantastic start with the Marauders.  He hit .300 in 10 June games.  It was just the second month of his career in which he played at least 10 games and hit .300.  He’s played very well. 

One reason why could be that Davis is home for the first time in his pro career.  Davis is a Fort Myers native and a Florida Gator baseball product.  Since 2006 Davis has played in the New York-Penn League, Sally League, Carolina League and Eastern League.  The closest he got to playing at home would have been Savannah and Augusta in 2007 and 2008 while in the South Atlantic League.  Both those stops are in Georgia…so it’s not really that close.

davis.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Photo Courtesy Snapshots.mlblogs.com)

But this week Davis played in his home town and just north in Fort Myers and Charlotte.  For Tuesday’s game at Hammond Stadium Davis said he left about 20 tickets for friends and family.  About 40 something Davis-ites showed up, including high school coaches and teammates.  He left 16 tickets for Thursday’s game at Charlotte Sports Park.

The funniest part about the story has to be that Davis has been staying at home during the roadtrip.  That in and of itself isn’t funny, but Davis did say it fealt wierd to be at home in the middle of baseball season.  The funny part is what Davis did during the day…he fertilized his front lawn.  Now that’s a full day…and something most baseball players don’t get the chance to do while in season.  Not yet sure if that’s a bad thing….

Till next time…

Joel

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Leach LaFontaine

July 1, 2010 1 Comment

So yesterday the Marauders got rained out at Fort Myers.  What’s a radio guy to do while it’s raining, while the tarps on the field, while it looks like there isn’t going to be a game?  Well first I pretend there is going to be a game and fill out my scorebook with tons of useful/less information that may or may not get used on the air (the more effort that goes into finding info the less likely I am to use it I’ve found — should try to change that).  Then I go to the dugout and watch it rain…

So down to the dugout I went, spenidng a couple of minutes with Brian Leach, Mike Colla, Nathan Adcock, Matt McSwain and Jeff Locke.  From this time I learned a few things.  Neither Adcock or Leach is able to flick a cup to the ground with enough spin to make it stand upright…well, I’m sure they can…but in 30-something tries Leach was unsuccessful — Jeff Locke counted.  Adcock, by the way, was also not on his A-game but I’ll just assume at another time they’d both get it done…I think.

Colla then tried to impress the masses with his newly aquired bird-calling talent.  He almost got it…if a bird sounds like wind (or more like somebody blowing air).  It was a solid effort though.  But that’s where Leach comes in.  Brian cupped his hands together and started calling a couple things — Owls, Blue Jays, Geese, Swans, Eagles.  I’ve made up all of those — I have no idea what bird calls sound like — but he could do a few.Don.jpg

So inevitably I asked Leach about his ability to talk to birds during our pregame interview for his next start.  On a seperate note, interviews are taped ahead of time (days in advance for starters sometimes — so for those of you that thought they were live I’m sorry to ruin the fun.  Santa Claus is still real, however).  Turns out that Leach doesn’t just talk to foul (it’s a pun), he does all sorts of voices.  There was actually a time he wanted to be an actor.  So Leach hangs on to his talents by entertaining the clubhouse and keeping the mood light with different acts.  One of those bits happens to be the voice of the late “Movie Preview Guy” Don LaFontaine (right).  When I asked for a sample Leach began the voice by doing one of my favorite comedy routines…’Little Tortilla Boy’ by Pablo Francisco.  If you haven’t heard it…here it is…

If you’d like to hear Leach’s LaFontaine impression tune into the On Deck Show tomorrow or check out the Audio Archive after the game (link to the right).

Till next time…

Joel

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