Here is a place for all things AFL. Here's yesterday's Saguaro boxscore to get things rolling. It's a very pleasant sight to see Hill, Hattig and Big Vito in the heart of the batting order and doing so well. Rob tells us that the Saguaros' games on November 2 and 4 will be on internet radio courtesy of mlb.com.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/Stats/stats_AFL_784.shtml
Given that the league ERA is about 5.50, the Jays' pitchers aren't doing that poorly.
COMN for the Peioria stat page.
Given that the league ERA is about 5.50, the Jays' pitchers aren't doing that poorly.
COMN for the Peioria stat page.
Hattig is leading the team with 17 RBI, and Hill has 12, not too shabby. Jays pitchers are leading the team in K's as well.
Do we share this team with the Pirates? Freddy Sanchez is Pittsburgh property I believe.
It also looks like the Jays position players aren't playing that great of defence either. Hattig has 5 errors in 12 games, Chiaravolotti has 2 errors in 7 games and the best of the three Hill has 2 errors in 14 games.
Actually Lime each team gets to designate 6 players to send to the league. You'd have to do further research to see who the teams the Jays are sharing Saguro with.
Wow! Rosario looks to be really throwing well, 17 k's in 13 innings.
Wow! Rosario looks to be really throwing well, 17 k's in 13 innings.
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.angelfire.com/ca7/sierratses/cactus/jumping-cholla.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.angelfire.com/ca7/sierratses/page8.html&h=238&w=180&sz=7&tbnid=BHCT8lEXKX4J:&tbnh=103&tbnw=78&start=2&prev=/images%3Fq%3DJumping%2BCholla%2Bcactus%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D
COMN if you're wondering where the title comes from. Hands up if you weren't aware that cacti flowered.
Rosario is pitching well. Consistency and control are his issues, but he's got a chance to be a fine pitcher.
COMN if you're wondering where the title comes from. Hands up if you weren't aware that cacti flowered.
Rosario is pitching well. Consistency and control are his issues, but he's got a chance to be a fine pitcher.
Here's the teams that have prospects on the Peoria Saguaros along with Toronto:
Peoria Saguaros
PROSPECTS FROM BOS, PIT, NYM, TEX, TOR
BALLPARK INFO
Peoria Sports Complex
16101 N. 83rd Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85382
Phone: 623-486-2800
Link to info
Peoria Saguaros
PROSPECTS FROM BOS, PIT, NYM, TEX, TOR
BALLPARK INFO
Peoria Sports Complex
16101 N. 83rd Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85382
Phone: 623-486-2800
Link to info
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/events/afl/y2004/index.jsp?content=teams
COMN - The Jays share Peoria with Boston, Pittsburgh, the Mets, and Texas.
COMN - The Jays share Peoria with Boston, Pittsburgh, the Mets, and Texas.
Gammons said the Padres are trying to get rid of Ryan Klesko and his contract by including 3B Sean Burroughs. If the Jays are not going to resign Delgado, how about flipping Hinske (and a minor leaguer?) to the Padres for Klesko and Burroughs. Klesko plays a pretty mean first base and he can play the corner outfield spots too. He has power, although his numbers were down this year (limited by an injury I believe, that he is now over).
There was a similar post in the roundup thread. Here is my reply.
What about the Jays packaging Hinske and Batista for Klesko and Burroughs?
Somehow I doubt that this would be enough. Burroughs is a fine, fine prospect. He just turned 24. I don't know if he qualifies as a super-two, but his salary will be less than Hinske's.
Klesko is a reasonable trade target, though. He's in left-field for the Padres, with Nevin at first. That's not an ideal defensive plan (Klesko is 33 and had very little range at 23), and the Padres might be advised to trade Klesko to a team that needs a first baseman, and get themselves a real outfielder.
Even Hinske, Batista and a prospect would probably not get the deal done.
What about the Jays packaging Hinske and Batista for Klesko and Burroughs?
Somehow I doubt that this would be enough. Burroughs is a fine, fine prospect. He just turned 24. I don't know if he qualifies as a super-two, but his salary will be less than Hinske's.
Klesko is a reasonable trade target, though. He's in left-field for the Padres, with Nevin at first. That's not an ideal defensive plan (Klesko is 33 and had very little range at 23), and the Padres might be advised to trade Klesko to a team that needs a first baseman, and get themselves a real outfielder.
Even Hinske, Batista and a prospect would probably not get the deal done.
Towers would have to be on the sticky icky to pull off a Klesko/Burroughs for Hinske/Batista trade.
I asked a couple of Padre fans about that deal just for fun and they said if Towers pulled the trigger on that trade then all the Pad fans would want his head on a platter.
I asked a couple of Padre fans about that deal just for fun and they said if Towers pulled the trigger on that trade then all the Pad fans would want his head on a platter.
A few comments:
- The Padres want to cut payroll, therefore taking on Batista and Hinske's contract doesn't make sense.
- Apparently the Padre's are disappointed with Burroughs development and it won't take as much as many think to get him. I read one report saying that they would be actively trying to deal him this off-season.
- Hinske+Prospect(s) for Klesko and Burroughs sounds reasonable to me. I'm saying this under the assumption that Klesko makes an obscene amount this year.
- The Padres want to cut payroll, therefore taking on Batista and Hinske's contract doesn't make sense.
- Apparently the Padre's are disappointed with Burroughs development and it won't take as much as many think to get him. I read one report saying that they would be actively trying to deal him this off-season.
- Hinske+Prospect(s) for Klesko and Burroughs sounds reasonable to me. I'm saying this under the assumption that Klesko makes an obscene amount this year.
Klesko makes 8.25 million next year and the year after that, which begs the question, why spend 16 million (over two seasons) to save 13 million (over three seasons)? Amd why pay the 8 for Klesko, then complain about having to spend the 10 (or so) on Delgado? Getting rid of Hinske might not be a bad idea, but I doubt that Klesko makes sense.
Klesko makes 8.25 million next year and the year after that, which begs the question, why spend 16 million (over two seasons) to save 13 million (over three seasons)?
Because you'd get two players for that money, not one. And one is a very good young prospect in Burroughs who already has two and a half years under his belt at age 24.
The Padres would want good value if they're giving up Burroughs. It would take a very good prospect to get it done. Someone like Rios or Quiroz.
Because you'd get two players for that money, not one. And one is a very good young prospect in Burroughs who already has two and a half years under his belt at age 24.
The Padres would want good value if they're giving up Burroughs. It would take a very good prospect to get it done. Someone like Rios or Quiroz.
Klesko is done, he's shrunk since BALCO rumours were flying..
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news.jsp?ymd=20041030&content_id=908579&vkey=ds2004news&fext=.jsp
Back to the AFL. COMN for Saturday's game story. The boxscore is not yet up on BA.
Back to the AFL. COMN for Saturday's game story. The boxscore is not yet up on BA.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/Stats/box_AFL.shtml
It is now.
COMN for BA Boxscore.
It is now.
COMN for BA Boxscore.
I was just thinking about the 2005 season of BBRadio, as one normally does on a Sunday night. ;)
Looking at milb.com, all the teams who have radio links already have play-by-play for the games (Syracuse, New Hampshire, Lansing, Auburn), so I don't really see how reproducing the narratives here is beneficial, when one can just click on the Log link in the boxscores presented daily in the Minor League Update. Maybe BBRadio could focus on player performance instead of the play-by-play.
For example, WKXL in Manchester has a 30 minute pregame show, so listening to that could provide information that one couldn't get from a boxscore. That way, BBRadio-ers wouldn't have to listen to the entire game, they could just hear what Mike Murphy has to say from 5:30 to 6, type out a summary, eat dinner, and not miss any of the Jays game. (Unless you don't get home from work until later, but you know what I mean.)
Maybe I'm just pulling stuff out of nowhere here, but I think notes about how Francisco Rosario feels his pitching has been lately, or whatever Big Vito has to say about his hot streak are more important than saying "JFG struck out, Hill grounded out to shortstop on the 1-2 pitch."
The game action is important, but only to an extent. Does it matter how Anton French, Howie Clark, and Jeff Guiel did against Mark DiFelice in the top of the ninth in a 10-0 game? No, not really. But what about Chi-Hung Cheng facing the best hitters in the Vero Beach lineup in a tie game in the seventh? This way, we won't have to feverishly type out each half-inning, but we can focus on the important parts of games and the "real" prospects.
Anyway, that's just something I wanted to put out there to the Minor League reporters and anyone else interested in the 150 other players under Toronto control. I rambled on far too long, but I felt like throwing this out and seeing if any of it stuck.
To be AFL-specific, I can cover the Thursday game, which I believe starts at 3:00. I'll use my new BBRadio "technique" and see how it goes.
Looking at milb.com, all the teams who have radio links already have play-by-play for the games (Syracuse, New Hampshire, Lansing, Auburn), so I don't really see how reproducing the narratives here is beneficial, when one can just click on the Log link in the boxscores presented daily in the Minor League Update. Maybe BBRadio could focus on player performance instead of the play-by-play.
For example, WKXL in Manchester has a 30 minute pregame show, so listening to that could provide information that one couldn't get from a boxscore. That way, BBRadio-ers wouldn't have to listen to the entire game, they could just hear what Mike Murphy has to say from 5:30 to 6, type out a summary, eat dinner, and not miss any of the Jays game. (Unless you don't get home from work until later, but you know what I mean.)
Maybe I'm just pulling stuff out of nowhere here, but I think notes about how Francisco Rosario feels his pitching has been lately, or whatever Big Vito has to say about his hot streak are more important than saying "JFG struck out, Hill grounded out to shortstop on the 1-2 pitch."
The game action is important, but only to an extent. Does it matter how Anton French, Howie Clark, and Jeff Guiel did against Mark DiFelice in the top of the ninth in a 10-0 game? No, not really. But what about Chi-Hung Cheng facing the best hitters in the Vero Beach lineup in a tie game in the seventh? This way, we won't have to feverishly type out each half-inning, but we can focus on the important parts of games and the "real" prospects.
Anyway, that's just something I wanted to put out there to the Minor League reporters and anyone else interested in the 150 other players under Toronto control. I rambled on far too long, but I felt like throwing this out and seeing if any of it stuck.
To be AFL-specific, I can cover the Thursday game, which I believe starts at 3:00. I'll use my new BBRadio "technique" and see how it goes.
Rob, you've made good points. I'm from the Ben and Jerry's school of life- "If it's not fun, why do it?". For myself, I enjoyed doing BBRadio, although I certainly cannot take the time every day during the season. I also felt that I was able to convey a little more than a string of "Hill grounded out to short on a 1-2 pitch", and felt the same way when others posted.
The difficulty with just listening to the pre-game show is that some pieces of information only really come to light listening to the game. For instance, Russ Adams' power when he arrived in Toronto was not really a surprise to me after listening to Syracuse games, and it'd be really hard to get that from reading boxscores or logs (which don't tell you whether a homer is a fly down the line that just clears the fence or a 400 foot blast in the alley or whether a double is a bloop down the line or a liner of the right-centerfield wall).
Basically, BBRadio will go as far as volunteers want it to go. Hopefully, volunteers enjoy the experience, and more will participate.
The difficulty with just listening to the pre-game show is that some pieces of information only really come to light listening to the game. For instance, Russ Adams' power when he arrived in Toronto was not really a surprise to me after listening to Syracuse games, and it'd be really hard to get that from reading boxscores or logs (which don't tell you whether a homer is a fly down the line that just clears the fence or a 400 foot blast in the alley or whether a double is a bloop down the line or a liner of the right-centerfield wall).
Basically, BBRadio will go as far as volunteers want it to go. Hopefully, volunteers enjoy the experience, and more will participate.
News: Vince Perkins has been added to the Saquaros taxi squad. Taxi squad players can play on Wednesdays and Saturdays only.
BTW I learned that the pronunciation for the team name is "swaros", the G is silent.
I saw three AFL games in 27 hours over the weekend. All of the AFL games are played in and around Phoenix so they are all a short drive away. The games usually draw about 150 spectators, thirty of whom are scouts and family. The players wear their own team uniforms so it is easy to know who the Jays players are, the are also announced as a Jay, for example, "Now batting, from the Toronto Blue Jays, at third base, John Hattig".
The hitters in the AFL are some of the top prospects in baseball. The pitchers are usually starters who were injured during the year and did not get enough innings or middle relievers and closers. In three games I saw the following players from the Eastern League top 20 prospects:
7. Curtis Granderson, of, Erie
8. Ryan Howard, 1b, Reading
9. J.D. Durbin, rhp, New Britain
10. Franklin Gutierrez, of, Akron
17. Scott Baker, rhp, New Britain
From the Southern league I saw:
3. Rickie Weeks, 2b, Huntsville
6. Edwin Encarnacion, 3b, Chattanooga
9. James Loney, 1b, Jacksonville
10. Josh Barfield, 2b, Mobile
11. Brian Anderson, of, Birmingham
19. Brad Thompson, rhp, Tennessee
20. Brad Nelson, of/1b, Huntsville
And from the Texas league:
4. Shin-Soo Choo, of, San Antonio
9. Ian Kinsler, ss, Frisco
15. Jason Botts, 1b, Frisco
16. Mark Teahen, 3b, Midland
Jesse Barfield was there watching his son. I also saw Anthony Gwynn and Tony Pena Jr. I saw Jeremy "Moneyball" Brown hit a big home run; Huston Street, your Oakland future closer, pitch two innings; and Jesse Crain pitch one.
If you ever get a chance to go, take it, the baseball is excellent, good seats are available, and these are players who could be in the big leagues next September.
BTW I learned that the pronunciation for the team name is "swaros", the G is silent.
I saw three AFL games in 27 hours over the weekend. All of the AFL games are played in and around Phoenix so they are all a short drive away. The games usually draw about 150 spectators, thirty of whom are scouts and family. The players wear their own team uniforms so it is easy to know who the Jays players are, the are also announced as a Jay, for example, "Now batting, from the Toronto Blue Jays, at third base, John Hattig".
The hitters in the AFL are some of the top prospects in baseball. The pitchers are usually starters who were injured during the year and did not get enough innings or middle relievers and closers. In three games I saw the following players from the Eastern League top 20 prospects:
7. Curtis Granderson, of, Erie
8. Ryan Howard, 1b, Reading
9. J.D. Durbin, rhp, New Britain
10. Franklin Gutierrez, of, Akron
17. Scott Baker, rhp, New Britain
From the Southern league I saw:
3. Rickie Weeks, 2b, Huntsville
6. Edwin Encarnacion, 3b, Chattanooga
9. James Loney, 1b, Jacksonville
10. Josh Barfield, 2b, Mobile
11. Brian Anderson, of, Birmingham
19. Brad Thompson, rhp, Tennessee
20. Brad Nelson, of/1b, Huntsville
And from the Texas league:
4. Shin-Soo Choo, of, San Antonio
9. Ian Kinsler, ss, Frisco
15. Jason Botts, 1b, Frisco
16. Mark Teahen, 3b, Midland
Jesse Barfield was there watching his son. I also saw Anthony Gwynn and Tony Pena Jr. I saw Jeremy "Moneyball" Brown hit a big home run; Huston Street, your Oakland future closer, pitch two innings; and Jesse Crain pitch one.
If you ever get a chance to go, take it, the baseball is excellent, good seats are available, and these are players who could be in the big leagues next September.
The difficulty with just listening to the pre-game show is that some pieces of information only really come to light listening to the game.
Of course. It was just an example for those with limited time who still want to contribute. As much fun as listening to an entire game is, it's hard to take three hours out of your day -- and I felt like I was leaving followers in the lurch if I left in the sixth inning.
Anyway, we'll see how it works out. It was a great idea this year, and it should improve in 2005.
And I've always wanted to go to the Arizona Fall League. The weather is much nicer than November in Ontario, and it's like Spring Training, but without the scrubs brought in from the minor league team -- these are really good prospects, or else they wouldn't be there. Sounds like a lot of fun, as March baseball in Florida always is.
Who needs the Spring Break parties in Ft. Lauderdale, Key West or of course, Daytona when you have baseball?
Of course. It was just an example for those with limited time who still want to contribute. As much fun as listening to an entire game is, it's hard to take three hours out of your day -- and I felt like I was leaving followers in the lurch if I left in the sixth inning.
Anyway, we'll see how it works out. It was a great idea this year, and it should improve in 2005.
And I've always wanted to go to the Arizona Fall League. The weather is much nicer than November in Ontario, and it's like Spring Training, but without the scrubs brought in from the minor league team -- these are really good prospects, or else they wouldn't be there. Sounds like a lot of fun, as March baseball in Florida always is.
Who needs the Spring Break parties in Ft. Lauderdale, Key West or of course, Daytona when you have baseball?
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/Stats/box_AFL.shtml
It was a typical day at the office for the Jay prospects in Arizona yesterday. Aaron Hill and Big Vito both reached base twice. Rosario started and went 4 innings, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits (including a homer) and 3 walks, while striking out 6. John Hattig had the day off. COMN.
It was a typical day at the office for the Jay prospects in Arizona yesterday. Aaron Hill and Big Vito both reached base twice. Rosario started and went 4 innings, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits (including a homer) and 3 walks, while striking out 6. John Hattig had the day off. COMN.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/Stats/box_AFL.shtml
COMN for yesterday's AFL box. Interesting comments from listeners to the game can be found in the nov 2 roundup thread.
COMN for yesterday's AFL box. Interesting comments from listeners to the game can be found in the nov 2 roundup thread.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/Stats/box_AFL.shtml
COMN for yesterday's AFL box. Hattig singled and walked in 4 trips. Hill pinch-ran for Hattig, played third base and had a walk of his own. Big Vito had the day off. Vince Perkins joined the club and was nicked for a couple of runs in an inning of work.
Today's game can be heard at 3.
COMN for yesterday's AFL box. Hattig singled and walked in 4 trips. Hill pinch-ran for Hattig, played third base and had a walk of his own. Big Vito had the day off. Vince Perkins joined the club and was nicked for a couple of runs in an inning of work.
Today's game can be heard at 3.
I'll leave the Hijack thread to its hijacking and post the AFL game updates here.
The show that was on MLB.com Radio just before the game today had a Ryan Howard interview -- if you thought Brandon League was a "y'know" man, you haven't heard Howard yet.
Hill hits 3rd and plays 3rd today for Peoria. Vito DH, 6th. No Hattig. For the "other" team, J.R. House is playing RF for the first time this fall. I don't know if this is completely brand new for him or not. More on that later.
Top of the first, Weeks hits a groundball to the 5.5 hole. Hill comes over and makes the play in front of Kinsler; sounded like Aaron had no problem there.
John Hudgins is pitching for Peoria -- fastball upper 80's, curve, slider, lots of movement, I'm told by Brett Dolan, the monotone announcer. Hiepas made a nice play on a semi-wild pitch; he threw out Whiteman trying to steal second after the ball was pitched in the dirt. Haven't heard about him before, but I thought I'd mention his play.
(Nothing earth-shattering in the first half of the inning. Only Jays action was Hill on a 5-3.)
Freddy Sanchez singles to start the bottom of the inning. Sarfate balks him over to second. The same Freddy Sanchez who has played in the majors in three different seasons and will be 27 next year. Seems strange for him to be in the AFL, but what do I know?
Hill now batting. Fastball at the knees for a strike, then another fastball. Hill lifts a sac fly to left and scores Sanchez, who had advanced to third. 1-0 Peoria.
House at the plate, playing RF as mentioned earlier. He made a nice running catch in the first, so his knees aren't completely shot yet. ;)
He was drafted as a catcher, and played three games in the majors as a catcher this year. I will assume this is a brand new position until I know otherwise.
With Big Vito on deck, the inning ends. More to come on BBRadio's coverage of the 2004 Arizona Fall League.
The show that was on MLB.com Radio just before the game today had a Ryan Howard interview -- if you thought Brandon League was a "y'know" man, you haven't heard Howard yet.
Hill hits 3rd and plays 3rd today for Peoria. Vito DH, 6th. No Hattig. For the "other" team, J.R. House is playing RF for the first time this fall. I don't know if this is completely brand new for him or not. More on that later.
Top of the first, Weeks hits a groundball to the 5.5 hole. Hill comes over and makes the play in front of Kinsler; sounded like Aaron had no problem there.
John Hudgins is pitching for Peoria -- fastball upper 80's, curve, slider, lots of movement, I'm told by Brett Dolan, the monotone announcer. Hiepas made a nice play on a semi-wild pitch; he threw out Whiteman trying to steal second after the ball was pitched in the dirt. Haven't heard about him before, but I thought I'd mention his play.
(Nothing earth-shattering in the first half of the inning. Only Jays action was Hill on a 5-3.)
Freddy Sanchez singles to start the bottom of the inning. Sarfate balks him over to second. The same Freddy Sanchez who has played in the majors in three different seasons and will be 27 next year. Seems strange for him to be in the AFL, but what do I know?
Hill now batting. Fastball at the knees for a strike, then another fastball. Hill lifts a sac fly to left and scores Sanchez, who had advanced to third. 1-0 Peoria.
House at the plate, playing RF as mentioned earlier. He made a nice running catch in the first, so his knees aren't completely shot yet. ;)
He was drafted as a catcher, and played three games in the majors as a catcher this year. I will assume this is a brand new position until I know otherwise.
With Big Vito on deck, the inning ends. More to come on BBRadio's coverage of the 2004 Arizona Fall League.
RE: J.R. House. He played 6 games in the outfield (LF/CF/RF not specified) for Nashville (AAA) this year, and 18 at first base. He still played 63 at catcher, but it's not his only position anymore.
Somebody might have been thrown out of the game here; I'll let you know what happened.
The only Jays news here: Hill fields a routine grounder, but throws it high. However, the first baseman (Bailie?) snares it for the third out.
Bottom of the second, Vito stepping in.
Sarfate's pitch is low and outside, then Vito swings at one up out of the zone. A high and away pitch makes it 2-1. Fouled right back, count's even. Fastball, outside and low, full count. Sarfate working very fast here; he walks him.
For some reason, Vito tries to steal second. He's out by a mile; it must have been a botched hit-and-run -- it was a strikeout/throwout double play, so that's probably the reason.
Correction: Joe Hietpas has a T in his last name. Pronounced "HIPP-us", at least by this announcer. Don't ask me to sound out Chiaravalloti, that's just...no.
Somebody might have been thrown out of the game here; I'll let you know what happened.
The only Jays news here: Hill fields a routine grounder, but throws it high. However, the first baseman (Bailie?) snares it for the third out.
Bottom of the second, Vito stepping in.
Sarfate's pitch is low and outside, then Vito swings at one up out of the zone. A high and away pitch makes it 2-1. Fouled right back, count's even. Fastball, outside and low, full count. Sarfate working very fast here; he walks him.
For some reason, Vito tries to steal second. He's out by a mile; it must have been a botched hit-and-run -- it was a strikeout/throwout double play, so that's probably the reason.
Correction: Joe Hietpas has a T in his last name. Pronounced "HIPP-us", at least by this announcer. Don't ask me to sound out Chiaravalloti, that's just...no.
Wow, Rob, that is great BBRadio reporting. I've got to go, or I'd be doing colour. When's the next broadcast again?
http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/library/frick_voting/index.asp
Strange developments here. The situation earlier, in a nutshell:
A player...whose name I forget...for Scottsdale is on the taxi squad. Today not being Wednesday or Saturday, he cannot be used in the game. So Jackson (DH) moved to the outfield, but the pitcher does not bat. Can you imagine hearing about an injury to Jason Arnold while he was running the bases? So Jackson moves from DH to LF and Player X's replacement will "play" DH.
Other than that, nothing to report in the top of the third. Aaron Hill is due up fourth in the bottom of the inning. Still 1-0, and to make it sound like I'm not overly concerned with offense, Hudgins is throwing a good game so far and Sarfate has been wild at times.
In the bottom of the third, Kinsler singles to put runners at first and third. Hill batting again with runners on. Another first-pitch fastball at the knees, Hill thinking it was low (or so I'm told). Swing and a foul back, 0-2. Fastball up high, quite high in fact. A curve just misses, and it's an even count. Two more out of the zone, and Hill can walk on down to first.
Jason Botts takes the following pitches: ball, ball, ball, ball. Sanchez scores the easy way, 2-0 Peoria.
House with a sac fly, 3-0. First and third now for Big Vito.
Vito almost hit with the first pitch. Sarfate sounds like he throws a ball whenever he doesn't throw his fastball. Accordingly, three straight fastballs, three straight strikes (down the middle, low and away, down the middle again) and the inning is over.
And this has nothing to do with the AFL, but COMN and nominate Tom Cheek for the 2005 Ford C. Frick Award.
Strange developments here. The situation earlier, in a nutshell:
A player...whose name I forget...for Scottsdale is on the taxi squad. Today not being Wednesday or Saturday, he cannot be used in the game. So Jackson (DH) moved to the outfield, but the pitcher does not bat. Can you imagine hearing about an injury to Jason Arnold while he was running the bases? So Jackson moves from DH to LF and Player X's replacement will "play" DH.
Other than that, nothing to report in the top of the third. Aaron Hill is due up fourth in the bottom of the inning. Still 1-0, and to make it sound like I'm not overly concerned with offense, Hudgins is throwing a good game so far and Sarfate has been wild at times.
In the bottom of the third, Kinsler singles to put runners at first and third. Hill batting again with runners on. Another first-pitch fastball at the knees, Hill thinking it was low (or so I'm told). Swing and a foul back, 0-2. Fastball up high, quite high in fact. A curve just misses, and it's an even count. Two more out of the zone, and Hill can walk on down to first.
Jason Botts takes the following pitches: ball, ball, ball, ball. Sanchez scores the easy way, 2-0 Peoria.
House with a sac fly, 3-0. First and third now for Big Vito.
Vito almost hit with the first pitch. Sarfate sounds like he throws a ball whenever he doesn't throw his fastball. Accordingly, three straight fastballs, three straight strikes (down the middle, low and away, down the middle again) and the inning is over.
And this has nothing to do with the AFL, but COMN and nominate Tom Cheek for the 2005 Ford C. Frick Award.
The next broadcast is the 10th, next Wednesday. Also the 15th and 18th.
Thanks for the compliments, Mike. It's a lot of fun to do because it's November. Listening to baseball at this time of year is like having a mini-Christmas in February. You have all the important relatives from 30 families; no more Godwins-in-law to bother with. Just kidding, Ty.
Thanks for the compliments, Mike. It's a lot of fun to do because it's November. Listening to baseball at this time of year is like having a mini-Christmas in February. You have all the important relatives from 30 families; no more Godwins-in-law to bother with. Just kidding, Ty.
Top 4: Loney is run down by Hill after trying to advance an extra base on a single. Jackson scored before the rundown, but that's three outs, so we go to the bottom of the fourth. 3-1 Peoria.
No Blue Jay action expected next inning: 7-8-9 due up, Hill bats in the 3-hole.
Sarfate's afternoon is over. 3 hits, 3 runs, 3 innings. Four walks as well. Daylan Childress, an early favourite for Name Of The Game, is now pitching. After two quick outs, a two-strike pitch is over for strike three! Or not...the announcer, fielders, pitcher, catcher, and batter were all heading off the field...and it was called a ball. No matter, as the next pitch is a groundball.
The between-innings interview with Conor Jackson is much higher on the Coherent Speech Scale than League or Howard. A solid 8/10 for Jackson, where 10 is Jerry Howarth-like perfect speech and 1 is well, Shaq.
No Blue Jay action expected next inning: 7-8-9 due up, Hill bats in the 3-hole.
Sarfate's afternoon is over. 3 hits, 3 runs, 3 innings. Four walks as well. Daylan Childress, an early favourite for Name Of The Game, is now pitching. After two quick outs, a two-strike pitch is over for strike three! Or not...the announcer, fielders, pitcher, catcher, and batter were all heading off the field...and it was called a ball. No matter, as the next pitch is a groundball.
The between-innings interview with Conor Jackson is much higher on the Coherent Speech Scale than League or Howard. A solid 8/10 for Jackson, where 10 is Jerry Howarth-like perfect speech and 1 is well, Shaq.
That was a nothing top of the 5th there. Seriously, nothing happened. 74 minutes of playtime and we're halfway done here in Arizona/Burlington.
For those of you in the GTA who are looking out the office window at all that rain and wondering how you can get to your car or the subway/train station without getting soaked, be comforted with the fact that it is currently 25 beautiful degrees in Peoria, nary a cloud in the sky.
Some Blue Jay news here, as Hill takes a fastball at the knees (does he always take a fastball at the knees??), then two balls outside. Two fouls, then a weak grounder to the right side. Inning over, still 3-1 after five, unless I missed something.
For those of you in the GTA who are looking out the office window at all that rain and wondering how you can get to your car or the subway/train station without getting soaked, be comforted with the fact that it is currently 25 beautiful degrees in Peoria, nary a cloud in the sky.
Some Blue Jay news here, as Hill takes a fastball at the knees (does he always take a fastball at the knees??), then two balls outside. Two fouls, then a weak grounder to the right side. Inning over, still 3-1 after five, unless I missed something.
Top 6th: Tommy Whiteman was caught stealing for the second time today. Another good play by Hietpas, I hear, as Whiteman got a good jump off the new pitcher, Jeremy Harts. Hmm...Jeremy Harts, Marlon Williams, it just seems like all we need for some good laughs is Jason Botts' brother, Brent. Didn't get that joke? Don't worry, I don't think I got it either.
Side story: Apparently, Conor Jackson and a buddy from the Scorpions dressed up as characters from Pulp Fiction. Naturally, Jackson did not play Samuel Jackson's character, opting for the Vincent Vega look. Well-spoken and he wore a ponytail wig last Sunday. What's not to like?
Again, nothing to report in the top of the inning, other than that caught stealing play and a nice play by Freddy Sanchez on a later groundout. Peoria's pitchers doing rather well today.
Bottom 6th: Vito due up third in this inning.
Botts strikes out to start things off. J.R. House chops one to third, two outs for Vito.
Big Vito takes two balls outside, fouls one off, then takes a strike. The 2-2 is grounded to third, inning over.
Did you know there are 259,459,200 ways to rearrange the letters in Chiaravalotti? Well, now you do.
Note: I won't be updating every half-inning from now on unless something related to the Blue Jays happens.
Side story: Apparently, Conor Jackson and a buddy from the Scorpions dressed up as characters from Pulp Fiction. Naturally, Jackson did not play Samuel Jackson's character, opting for the Vincent Vega look. Well-spoken and he wore a ponytail wig last Sunday. What's not to like?
Again, nothing to report in the top of the inning, other than that caught stealing play and a nice play by Freddy Sanchez on a later groundout. Peoria's pitchers doing rather well today.
Bottom 6th: Vito due up third in this inning.
Botts strikes out to start things off. J.R. House chops one to third, two outs for Vito.
Big Vito takes two balls outside, fouls one off, then takes a strike. The 2-2 is grounded to third, inning over.
Did you know there are 259,459,200 ways to rearrange the letters in Chiaravalotti? Well, now you do.
Note: I won't be updating every half-inning from now on unless something related to the Blue Jays happens.
Well, that's great. MLB.com radio missed the ENTIRE top of the seventh replaying a Tony Pena interview, and Adam Peterson pitched the seventh inning. Don't they know we're listening? ;)
You're probably thinking "How did the top of the seventh take only two minutes to play?" (4:51 to 4:53)
They played the Pena interview right after I typed "inning over." And I mean right away:
ANNOUNCER: And Chiaravalotti grounds out to end the --
[quick cut]
We're here with Tony Pena...
Barring a pitching appearance by Royce Ring, it looks like Daylan Childress will be the winner of the first BBRadio Name Of The Game Contest. Only players who actually appear in the game are eligible for the contest. See in-store for details, some assembly required.
Aaron Hill is on deck here in the bottom of the seventh as Scottsdale makes a pitching change.
Will Royce throw his hat in the Ring? Stay tuned.
They played the Pena interview right after I typed "inning over." And I mean right away:
ANNOUNCER: And Chiaravalotti grounds out to end the --
[quick cut]
We're here with Tony Pena...
Barring a pitching appearance by Royce Ring, it looks like Daylan Childress will be the winner of the first BBRadio Name Of The Game Contest. Only players who actually appear in the game are eligible for the contest. See in-store for details, some assembly required.
Aaron Hill is on deck here in the bottom of the seventh as Scottsdale makes a pitching change.
Will Royce throw his hat in the Ring? Stay tuned.
It wasn't Ring who came in to pitch. Steve Schmoll did. He only pitched to one batter (Kinsler), then the 7th inning was over.
Seasoned MLB veteran Adam Peterson pitches his second inning here in the top of the 8th. They missed the beginning of the inning, so all I can tell you is he gave up a hit and a walk, or two hits. Nonetheless, it's first and third with one out.
Five foul balls here at 0-2. A ball, 1-2. Finally, a called third strike on a curveball.
Two down, pitching to new Conor Jackson. Peterson paints the corners, then goes outside. Jackson doesn't bite, it's 1-2. Now a curveball and a strikeout, call it an inning. Two K's for Adam-12 there in the eighth. Sounds like the deuce is moving.
After 7.5, 3-1 Peoria. Did I mention how cool baseball in November is?
Hill batting first here in the bottom of the inning. Vito up if anyone reaches.
Aaron Hill takes a pitch -- I'm not kidding -- at the knees. Honestly. The 0-1 pitch is lifted in the air to centre for the first out. I suggest Aaron "At The Knees" Hill as a nickname.
Botts reached base and Lydon pinch-ran. The latter was then caught stealing for the first time this season. House grounds out, leaving Vito on deck, perhaps for the rest of the day.
We'll see if Peoria can finish the game in the top of the ninth, up 3-1.
Seasoned MLB veteran Adam Peterson pitches his second inning here in the top of the 8th. They missed the beginning of the inning, so all I can tell you is he gave up a hit and a walk, or two hits. Nonetheless, it's first and third with one out.
Five foul balls here at 0-2. A ball, 1-2. Finally, a called third strike on a curveball.
Two down, pitching to new Conor Jackson. Peterson paints the corners, then goes outside. Jackson doesn't bite, it's 1-2. Now a curveball and a strikeout, call it an inning. Two K's for Adam-12 there in the eighth. Sounds like the deuce is moving.
After 7.5, 3-1 Peoria. Did I mention how cool baseball in November is?
Hill batting first here in the bottom of the inning. Vito up if anyone reaches.
Aaron Hill takes a pitch -- I'm not kidding -- at the knees. Honestly. The 0-1 pitch is lifted in the air to centre for the first out. I suggest Aaron "At The Knees" Hill as a nickname.
Botts reached base and Lydon pinch-ran. The latter was then caught stealing for the first time this season. House grounds out, leaving Vito on deck, perhaps for the rest of the day.
We'll see if Peoria can finish the game in the top of the ninth, up 3-1.
Mike Johnston, a "hard-throwing lefty", comes in for the save. And he gets it. That concludes the ninth inning in complete detail. ;)
Daylan Childress of Floresville, Texas is our Name Of The Game winner. He wins a picture of himself:
Thanks for listening, now I'll hand it off to Mike Wilner in the studio at the Batter's Box Radio Network flagship station, CUTL Toronto, for the Post-Game Show and some "Saguaros-Talk."
Daylan Childress of Floresville, Texas is our Name Of The Game winner. He wins a picture of himself:
Thanks for listening, now I'll hand it off to Mike Wilner in the studio at the Batter's Box Radio Network flagship station, CUTL Toronto, for the Post-Game Show and some "Saguaros-Talk."
RE: Big Vito's Last Name
Chiara is a popular Italian name and coming to think of it Valotti could be a last namethere too. So Big Vito could fall in love with Chiara Valotti and after they marry, she is called
Chiara Valotti-Chiaravalotti or Chiara Chiaravalotti-Valotti
Maybe in a few years Big Vito can make the All-Women team?
Chiara is a popular Italian name and coming to think of it Valotti could be a last namethere too. So Big Vito could fall in love with Chiara Valotti and after they marry, she is called
Chiara Valotti-Chiaravalotti or Chiara Chiaravalotti-Valotti
Maybe in a few years Big Vito can make the All-Women team?
Thanks, Rob for the BBRadio. The boxscore of yesterday's game is here.