Mark Prior was on the Pawtucket Red Sox in 2012. Much like the newspaper box that doesn't accept nickels, I may never get over this.
These are in chronological order, where if more than one player used the number, the last guy to use it goes last. GOT IT?
2 - Tony Thomas, who I believe won the Spirit Award.
3 - Nate Spears. Confession: When I bowled next to Nate Spears, it was the day after he'd been ejected from a game in which Dylan Axelrod pitched. I set my bowling name to 'Dylan Axelrod', totally intentionally and hoped he'd notice. Not terribly mature. Spears did in fact approach me a couple of times, but only to ask how I was bowling. I like to think he noticed.
5 - Pedro Ciriaco. I missed him so much.
5 - Reynaldo Rodriguez, after they stole Ciriaco.
7 - Josh Kroeger. La Pesadilla's back down in Venezuela, pimp-style, sucking down the Vitamin G and living la vida loca. Good for him.
7 - Andy LaRoche. Somehow landed the flawless and doll-like Heidi Watney. Sometimes he drove in runs.
10 - Jose Iglesias. Such a nice boy.
11 - Ryan Kalish. God knows he tried. Let's hope he returns with a vengeance.
11 - Jason Repko.
11 - Andrew Miller, rehab.
12 - Jonathan Hee. I liked the part towards the end of the season when he started to hit a little.
13 - Rich Sauveur.
15 - Junichi Tazawa.
15 - And then Kalish.
15 - Ryan Dent.
16 - Will Middlebrooks.
16 - Mark Prior. Why 16?
16 - Clayton Mortensen.
16 - Borck Huntzinger. Brock, even. Ha.
17 - JC Linares.
18 - Chorye Spoone. Vanished into thin air.
18 - Jeremy Kehrt. Will take his shirt off at the drop of a hat.
18 - Daisuke Matsuzaka. Rehab.
18 - Zach Stewart.
19 - Will Inman.
20 - Rich Hill, rehab.
20 - Billy Buckner.
21 - Justin Germano. Some birds aren't meant to be caged.
21 - Mark Prior again.
21 - Pedro Beato.
22 - Arnie Beyeler, world famous third base coach.
23 - Mike Rivera.
24 - Che-Hsuan Lin.
25 - Clayton Mortensen.
25 - Daniel Bard. Was so surprisingly pleasant at Poster Night that I felt bad about ripping on him all season. Poster Night has changed my mind about many players. It's such a stardust fantasy!
25 - Bryce Brentz. At the Triple-A Championship, Brentz was like that baker on Sesame Street who fell down the stairs all the time.
26 - Lars Anderson.
26 - Josh Fields.
28 - Gerald Perry, hitting coach.
29 - Alex Hassan.
30 - Alex Wilson.
31 - Tony Pena Jr.
32 - Garrett Mock.
32 - Steven Wright.
32 - Danny Valencia.
33 - Daniel Nava.
33 - Dan Butler. Should be 33.5, because he's exxxtra manly. I'M JUST SAYING WHAT EVERYBODY'S THINKING!
34 - Mauro Gomez.
34 - Jeremy Hazelbaker. Hiked his pants up more than any PawSox player I've ever seen. Does not do anything for his beanpole physique.
35 - Ronald Bermudez.
35 - Aaron Cook.
35 - Chris Hernandez.
36 - Ryan Lavarnway.
36 - Danny Valencia.
37 - Mark Melancon. 'Melancon' is French for 'eggplant', right?
37 - Chris Carpenter. Not the one who's an asshole, the other Chris Carpenter.
38 - Brandon Duckworth, who has conversations with cadavers.
38 - Nelson Figueroa. Love Figueroa, but let's face it: Pawtucket lost the championship because he pitched poorly in Durham.
39 - Jose De La Torre.
40 - Andrew Bailey, rehab. Bailey kicked ass during his rehab start.
40 - Mike MacDonald.
41 - Doug Mathis.
43 - Justin Thomas.
43 - Mike Rivera.
44 - Aaron Cook, rehab.
46 - Ross Ohlendorf.
46 - Daniel Bard.
47 - Mickie Jiang, first base coach and Girl Friday. Also held up a full-length mirror in the clubhouse so Nate Spears could comb his hair in front of it while dancing.
48 - Scott Atchison, rehab... ish?
I think I'm only missing Ryan Dent, so if anyone knows what his number was, hit me up.
This only took three goddamn hours. You can't get this list anywhere else, so you know how lovingly I created it. Glad to be of service. (Note: There may be other resources.)
UPDATE! Sitting Still Kelly hipped me to Dent's number, which was 15. She then added, "Also when Wright and Valencia were both there but Lavarnway was gone Valencia wore 36." Which sounds like a Penny Press logic problem. Did Valencia carry a polka-dot umbrella and bring yams to the potluck? RYAN LAVARNWAY DID NOT BRING A DESSERT.
STILL MISSING: IVAN DE JESUS, WILL LATIMER, LUIS EXPOSITO, DARNELL MCDONALD, MATT SPRING, SCOTT PODSEDNIK.
10.15.2012
10.13.2012
I gave baseball my heart and it gave me a pen.
Well, the NLDS and the ALDS had the worst possible outcomes, didn't they? So am I rooting for the Giants? I am quite fond of Sergio Romo, so I'll say yes. Although if the WS is Yankees/STL, then I may apply for a gun permit.
Sure, sometimes I watch the Yankees... and I want to throw up. It's terribly loud. I do like it sometimes when Curtis Granderson is on. He's so talented.
Sure, sometimes I watch the Yankees... and I want to throw up. It's terribly loud. I do like it sometimes when Curtis Granderson is on. He's so talented.
Malcolm MacMillan went to McCoy Stadium.
Some key points from the founder of TheBallparkGuide.com:
1. "I can see visiting McCoy Stadium being a bucket list item for any die-hard Sox fan, simply because of all the displays."
2. "And just below, are the parking spots reserved for the coaching staff. Here’s the spot belonging to pitching coach and tanned asshole Rich Sauveur, for example: (photo)" - (Italics added by staff.)
3. "The box score for the [Longest] game was absolutely hysterical. Ripken went 2-for-13 and Boggs went 4-for-12, but there were some guys who had horrendous luck. It was a bad time to play center field, apparently. Rochester’s Williams went 0-for-13! And Pawtucket leadoff hitter Graham went 1-for-14. A combined 1-for-27 from center field — yikes!" - Good point. Dallas Williams, right?
4. "And then, thanks to my media pass, a seat directly behind home plate..." - Hold on. So if you have a media pass, you can sit wherever you want? Is that what's going on? Or do the PawSox reserve seats behind home plate for the media? And who is that tall, dark-haired man with the high-tech phone and the black fleece vest I always see? I SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING, VESTY!
The story includes some great pictures that I am super jealous of. I think I've posted enough shots of McCoy Stadium, so here's a photo of Matt Sheely and Ryan Kalish instead:
Hey, good news! My father agreed to a brief interview so keep your eye out for that.
1. "I can see visiting McCoy Stadium being a bucket list item for any die-hard Sox fan, simply because of all the displays."
2. "And just below, are the parking spots reserved for the coaching staff. Here’s the spot belonging to pitching coach and tanned asshole Rich Sauveur, for example: (photo)" - (Italics added by staff.)
3. "The box score for the [Longest] game was absolutely hysterical. Ripken went 2-for-13 and Boggs went 4-for-12, but there were some guys who had horrendous luck. It was a bad time to play center field, apparently. Rochester’s Williams went 0-for-13! And Pawtucket leadoff hitter Graham went 1-for-14. A combined 1-for-27 from center field — yikes!" - Good point. Dallas Williams, right?
4. "And then, thanks to my media pass, a seat directly behind home plate..." - Hold on. So if you have a media pass, you can sit wherever you want? Is that what's going on? Or do the PawSox reserve seats behind home plate for the media? And who is that tall, dark-haired man with the high-tech phone and the black fleece vest I always see? I SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING, VESTY!
The story includes some great pictures that I am super jealous of. I think I've posted enough shots of McCoy Stadium, so here's a photo of Matt Sheely and Ryan Kalish instead:
Hey, good news! My father agreed to a brief interview so keep your eye out for that.
10.12.2012
Kevin Thomas contemplates minor league free agency and the Rule 5 Draft.
Did you know that Brock Huntzinger was Rule 5 eligible last year? Of course you did. But I didn't, because I don't work hard enough to gather that sort of information.
Portland's Kevin Thomas recently (okay, last month) wrote about potential pitching losses for Boston. Like Josh Fields' hair.
The Rule 5 draft is December 6th, which is a date both far into the future and unsettlingly close. And then the sixth day after the World Series ends is when free agents can sign with other clubs.
I love the World Series. I am the last baseball fan standing in my family. They've all turned to football or hockey or that TV program where the chemistry teacher spends a lot of his free time in Mexico. How do you like the playoffs so far?
Portland's Kevin Thomas recently (okay, last month) wrote about potential pitching losses for Boston. Like Josh Fields' hair.
The Rule 5 draft is December 6th, which is a date both far into the future and unsettlingly close. And then the sixth day after the World Series ends is when free agents can sign with other clubs.
I love the World Series. I am the last baseball fan standing in my family. They've all turned to football or hockey or that TV program where the chemistry teacher spends a lot of his free time in Mexico. How do you like the playoffs so far?
10.11.2012
Derek Livernois 4-EVA
Since I am evidently the world's foremost authority on Derek Livernois, I though it would be cool to post this link to the Greatest 21 Days blog.
I meant to do this a long time ago. Sorry.
Should I try to contact Mr. Livernois and ask him some questions regarding his time with Pawtucket? I have never interviewed a player, mostly because it's not really my place. And I also don't know how to do it, like when people try to throw some crazy handshake on me out of the blue. YOU HAVE TO PRACTICE THE HANDSHAKE WITH ME FIRST, COMRADE!
Know what? It is now my personal goal to interview somebody this off-season! Perhaps I'll start with my Father, who once changed light bulbs at McCoy Stadium. That'll make him talk to me!
I meant to do this a long time ago. Sorry.
Should I try to contact Mr. Livernois and ask him some questions regarding his time with Pawtucket? I have never interviewed a player, mostly because it's not really my place. And I also don't know how to do it, like when people try to throw some crazy handshake on me out of the blue. YOU HAVE TO PRACTICE THE HANDSHAKE WITH ME FIRST, COMRADE!
Know what? It is now my personal goal to interview somebody this off-season! Perhaps I'll start with my Father, who once changed light bulbs at McCoy Stadium. That'll make him talk to me!
"I... DECLARE... BANKRUPTCY!!!!"
Jason Repko has declared free agency.
Repko truly played his ass off when he was on the PawSox. His numbers weren't awesome, but I appreciated his hustle. That's how you get promoted. You would think, anyway. Baseball isn't always a meritocracy. In fact, it only occasionally is a meritocracy.
Repko did not make a single error while he was with Pawtucket. And are you perchance Italian? You might enjoy this article which mentions Repko and is in Italian.
Also, he made a catch that the whole world saw. Except me, because I am very busy with legal documents and charity galas and teleconferences.The
In fact, here are all the cool kidz who linked to that zany bullpen catch!
1. Tonight's Forecast: Dark
2. Unathletic Mag: "Being debated as the catch of the year, Jason Repko jumps over the fence to make the grab. You make the call but this is certainly up there. Unfortunately the Sox lost that game but so what? It’s Triple A." HEY, GO TO HECK!
3. The Nosebleeds
4. Bob's Blitz
5. Outside the Box Score: "During his Major League Baseball career, outfielder Jason Repko didn't turn in any notable home run robbing catches but recently during a minor league stint, Repko might have pulled off the home run robbery of the month."
6. Awkward Sports: "Jason Repko leaped his entire body over the wall to rob Kosuke Fukudome of a homer in AAA Red Sox minor league game."
7. I doubt you can watch this conversation with Jason Repko and not think about what it would be like to have sex with him. Intimate, intimate video.
8. Hyder wrote about it. My personal hero, Steve Hyder.
9. Is Jason Repko a bicycle commuter? It appears that he is: "If you have a substantial bike commute and you ride it regularly, get yourself a bike you really like and a couple of good locks for it. If you’re putting the mileage on, you’ll want to love what you ride." Okay, no way this is baseball Repko. Sorry.
10. "One of the players that I got to talk with was Jason Repko, an outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. We know each other from his stint in Rochester. At one point, he was so impressed with my photography that he asked me to take photos of his family at his home. " - Oh, I am so sure.
11. Jason Repko's baby is way too adorable.
12. What was Repko's at-bat music? I remember it being acceptable, which almost never happens. Wait! No, I lied, I think it was a RHCP song. I hate them.
13. Damn, Gina!
That's enough, right? I'm trying to go to the laundromat and now this. And the Reds/Giants game. Jeremy Affeldt and Ryan Ludwick and Scott Rolen and so forth.
You think Repko's going to Japan?
Repko truly played his ass off when he was on the PawSox. His numbers weren't awesome, but I appreciated his hustle. That's how you get promoted. You would think, anyway. Baseball isn't always a meritocracy. In fact, it only occasionally is a meritocracy.
Repko did not make a single error while he was with Pawtucket. And are you perchance Italian? You might enjoy this article which mentions Repko and is in Italian.
Also, he made a catch that the whole world saw. Except me, because I am very busy with legal documents and charity galas and teleconferences.The
In fact, here are all the cool kidz who linked to that zany bullpen catch!
1. Tonight's Forecast: Dark
2. Unathletic Mag: "Being debated as the catch of the year, Jason Repko jumps over the fence to make the grab. You make the call but this is certainly up there. Unfortunately the Sox lost that game but so what? It’s Triple A." HEY, GO TO HECK!
3. The Nosebleeds
4. Bob's Blitz
5. Outside the Box Score: "During his Major League Baseball career, outfielder Jason Repko didn't turn in any notable home run robbing catches but recently during a minor league stint, Repko might have pulled off the home run robbery of the month."
6. Awkward Sports: "Jason Repko leaped his entire body over the wall to rob Kosuke Fukudome of a homer in AAA Red Sox minor league game."
7. I doubt you can watch this conversation with Jason Repko and not think about what it would be like to have sex with him. Intimate, intimate video.
8. Hyder wrote about it. My personal hero, Steve Hyder.
9. Is Jason Repko a bicycle commuter? It appears that he is: "If you have a substantial bike commute and you ride it regularly, get yourself a bike you really like and a couple of good locks for it. If you’re putting the mileage on, you’ll want to love what you ride." Okay, no way this is baseball Repko. Sorry.
10. "One of the players that I got to talk with was Jason Repko, an outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. We know each other from his stint in Rochester. At one point, he was so impressed with my photography that he asked me to take photos of his family at his home. " - Oh, I am so sure.
11. Jason Repko's baby is way too adorable.
12. What was Repko's at-bat music? I remember it being acceptable, which almost never happens. Wait! No, I lied, I think it was a RHCP song. I hate them.
13. Damn, Gina!
That's enough, right? I'm trying to go to the laundromat and now this. And the Reds/Giants game. Jeremy Affeldt and Ryan Ludwick and Scott Rolen and so forth.
You think Repko's going to Japan?
10.10.2012
Devern Hansack is gone and he's never coming back.
But I did come across this Nicaragua-based article that mentions him and other Nicaraguan baseball players!
By the way, if I told you that the Yankees signed a 16-year-old kid named Colby McCoy, you could probably deduce that he was not an American. But would you guess that he was from Nicaragua? 'Colby McCoy' sounds like a Texas boy. Weird. Anyway, he's Hansack's cousin.
That's all for today. Looking for a job in Rhode island. Wish me luck.
By the way, if I told you that the Yankees signed a 16-year-old kid named Colby McCoy, you could probably deduce that he was not an American. But would you guess that he was from Nicaragua? 'Colby McCoy' sounds like a Texas boy. Weird. Anyway, he's Hansack's cousin.
That's all for today. Looking for a job in Rhode island. Wish me luck.
10.05.2012
10.03.2012
You know what? Fuck it.
Oakland.
I want Oakland to win.
Not just because of Brandon Moss, but that's a big part of it. Not just because of Josh Reddick. Just because.
I feel much better now.
I want Oakland to win.
Not just because of Brandon Moss, but that's a big part of it. Not just because of Josh Reddick. Just because.
I feel much better now.
9.24.2012
That man was Adam Hyzdu.
Been getting a weird amount of Adam Hyzdu inquiries lately. Not sure why. All I can think is maybe people want him to manage the Red Sox?
'Bruce Springsteeen children' is also rocketing up the charts. Of course.
I should do another 'Search Term Sunday'.
'Bruce Springsteeen children' is also rocketing up the charts. Of course.
I should do another 'Search Term Sunday'.
9.19.2012
Yup. That's pretty much what I expected to see.
The Durham Bulls ballpark is really nice. And, O! The beer! So many to try!
Pawtucket seemed listless and way overmatched. Game was essentially over in the third inning. Or even the second. Bryce Brentz couldn't catch, Figueroa couldn't pitch, no one seemed to be able to hit.
But there was one member of the Pawtucket Red Sox that was hella sharp, energetic, on their game, firing on all cylinders and going completely gorilla. And that was Paws. Paws came with his A-game and that certain post-season joie de vivre that is so important on the field. Superlative work, Paws!
And then it rained.
I'll be home tomorrow.
Pawtucket seemed listless and way overmatched. Game was essentially over in the third inning. Or even the second. Bryce Brentz couldn't catch, Figueroa couldn't pitch, no one seemed to be able to hit.
But there was one member of the Pawtucket Red Sox that was hella sharp, energetic, on their game, firing on all cylinders and going completely gorilla. And that was Paws. Paws came with his A-game and that certain post-season joie de vivre that is so important on the field. Superlative work, Paws!
And then it rained.
I'll be home tomorrow.
9.15.2012
I'm not happy unless you're happy, PawSox.
So you must be happy, because I'm happy.
I just sewed up my trip to North Carolina to see the Triple-A Championship Game featuring the Pawtucket Red Sox and either Reno or Omaha. I leave on Monday. I return Thursday. I'm crazy like that.
Have I ever told you that I used to live in Reno? Long story. LONG story.
By the way, you want this? Come get it! I'm right here!

I just sewed up my trip to North Carolina to see the Triple-A Championship Game featuring the Pawtucket Red Sox and either Reno or Omaha. I leave on Monday. I return Thursday. I'm crazy like that.
Have I ever told you that I used to live in Reno? Long story. LONG story.
By the way, you want this? Come get it! I'm right here!

9.14.2012
Beer'd Off Block Party Yard Sale Neighborhood Providence West Side Neighbor Fest Mustache
Once again I will be a guest judge at the above event.
So if you wanna come say hi. Maybe I'll give some PawSox Heavy shit out, like free pens or something. At the very least, let me buy you a beer.
I'll be the fatass baseball fashion victim.
I love you.
So if you wanna come say hi. Maybe I'll give some PawSox Heavy shit out, like free pens or something. At the very least, let me buy you a beer.
I'll be the fatass baseball fashion victim.
I love you.
9.13.12 Pawtucket Red Sox @ Charlotte Knights - Cool in my blood, warm in my heart.

I wish I could have been there, I think. 4-1 Pawtucket, Nelson Figueroa goes six good, good innings. The PawSox win the Governor's Cup and I am so detached from it all. Me, of all people, missed it. Bummer, right?
Figueroa only gave up one run, but seven hits and Charlotte just could not deliver. I really thought the Knights were going to run roughshod over Pawtucket back home, I really did. I must tell you I like a little bit more of a fight in playoff situations. A sweep is boring. I like spit and dirt and nails. I also like Manny Machado.
Figueroa struck out fiveand didn't walk anybody. And I don't know much about center fielder Trayce Thompson but he made the last out twice with runners waiting to score.
Scott Carroll started for Charlotte, pitched 6 1/3 innings. Seventh inning, Pawtucket started crawling up his ass and he was up to 97 pitches so it was time to grab his hat and overcoat and head home. Reliever Santos Rodriguez and Brandon Kloess kept the Red Sox scoreless, but it was too late.
Here's how the scoring went down. Second inning, Danny Valencia led off with a single. Then Andy LaRoche doubled. I don't really care for either one of those guys, but okay. Thanks, Elvis. Catcher Mike Rivera, who I do like, hit a softy to left and Valencia scored. Then Che-Hsuan Lin hit a sac fly to score LaRoche. 2-0.
The Knights scored a run in the fifth inning. Carlos Sanchez hit and RBI single, which he attempted to extend into two bases, but was caught in a pickle and was eventually tagged out by Ryan Dent.
In the seventh inning, Lin reached on an error by Sanchez (I see a scapegoat emerging) and then scored when Jeremy Hazelbaker tripled. Hazelbaker's pants are insanely hiked up. He looks like John Olerud without the helmet sometimes. He's built like a wooden clothespin. But FUCK YEAH TRIPLE.
Hazelbaker later scored on a line drive single by JC Linares. Will Inman, Jose De La Torre, and Josh Fields pitched an inning apiece, putting away the Knights with little muss. And not a hit between them. Come on, Charlotte. Come on.
i know someday i'll be the only one:
1. Bryce Brentz did not get a hit, instead electing to strike out four times. WHERE'S YOUR MESSIAH NOW?
2. "The Pawtucket Red Sox haven't won the International League title since 1984, but thanks to Thursday night's victory over Charlotte, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox swept their way to one. Nelson Figueroa was the winning pitcher in the effort, which Pawtucket took 4-1, powered by hits from six different batters, as well as RBI from four." - Marc Normandin is a great guy, wicked smart.
3. "The Pawtucket Red Sox will travel to Durham, NC to await the champion of the PCL to take them on in AAA's Super Bowl on Tuesday night." - Thanks, Ted's Army. I'm going to ride my bicycle down there immediately.
Yeah. I'm glad everyone's so psyched about this, especially since Boston's in the sewer. I'm going to withhold further comment, because I don't want to get too whiny.
Just know that I've been doing this for a long time.
9.13.2012
9.12.12 Pawtucket v Charlotte - It Would Be Better If

Dan Butler does stuff sometimes. Pawtucket wins 2-0 with no Gomez, no Ciriaco, no Middlebrooks or Lavarnway.
Pawtucket starter Zach Stewart pitched six scoreless innings, gave up four hits. And a walk. And he struck out four. And he danced. Like a wave on the ocean romance.
Charles Shirek was Head Righty in Charge for the Charlotte Knights. Shirek pitched seven innings, gave up both Pawtucket runs.
Dan Butler hit a solo home run in the second inning to score the Red Sox' first run. Butler also singled with one out in the fifth, allowing Che-Hsuan Lin to get him over with a double. I am officially Interested In Dan Butler, so we'll talk about him at some point.
Wait, that sounds like I want to ask him out... That's not the case. I would just like to engage in a water balloon fight with Dan Butler, is all. Fuck, yeah.
Relievers Pedro Beato, Alex Wilson, and Jose De La Torre were parfait, and to them we possibly owe this win. Zach Stewart gets it, though, so he's a lad o' pairts.
two things:
1. "That the PawSox have made it this far is somewhat surprising, given the turnover their roster has had." - Yeah, dude, not for nothing. (Mullen)
2. Please enjoy sexy beefcake shots of Dan Butler. Oh, look, here's more. This one is not a picture by someone with blazing pants, but it serves a purpose.
3. Danny Valencia also hit a double. Hee made an error.
4. "When Carlos Sanchez lofted a bloop to short center, it looked like it was going to fall in, but after breaking back, Lin reversed himself and came sprinting in to make a basket catch at the last moment. Lin looked up to see Mitchell on second base, and so tried to throw, while still running. Lin's throw was accurate, but it hit the ground about halfway to the infield, and took about 57 bounces before first baseman Nate Spears could scoop it up for the doubleplay, just before Mitchell got back to first." - Jay Miller, whose PawSox coverage is excellent.
5. "In a classy salute to the paying customers that took place afterwards, the PawSox players and coaches came out of the dugout and doffed their caps to show their appreciation of the fans’ support." - McGair. I would also like to add that Brendan McGair's opening lines almost always crack me up.

6. "PawSox manager Arnie Beyeler likes to point out that each playoff game has been the equivalent of a box of chocolates – you just never know who’s going to play the role of hero on a given night." - Exactly what I am talking about. (ibid.)
7. "Beyeler mentioned that he’s received well wishes via text from several ex-PawSox players, the list including Ryan Lavarnway, Jose Iglesias and Mauro Gomez. “I heard they were watching our game (last Saturday night in Rochester) during the rain delay (in Boston),” said Beyeler. “It’s nice that they care enough to pay attention.” - McGair killing it this wk.
8. I'd like to serve HIS purpose, if you know what I mean!
RIGHT NOW! Nelson Figueroa v Scott Carroll. Sorry, I slept all damn day. It was my turn. A win could become a win, and then Omaha or Reno. Heard the PCL is hitterish, but who knows?
9.12.2012
9.11.12 Pawtucket v Charlotte - Not as Good

Pawtucket wins 7-2, but in kind of a bummer way because the Knights starter was injured and had to leave the game in the first inning. I mean, I'll take it, but it seems unfair.
Starter for Pawtucket was Steven Wright, who's been decent. Wright's first inning didn't look too cute, what with a few singles and a walk, and Dan Butler looking awkward, but everything smoothed out and Wright went on to pitch seven innings. Wright threw 107 pitches, but don't freak out. He's a knuckleballer. Charlotte got six hits off Wright, leading to two runs: One in the first, one in the fourth.
Charlie Leesman started for Charlotte. Top of the first, Leesman gave up back-to-back singles to Nate Spears and Tony Thomas. JC Linares hit a ground ball infieldish, first base-ward, and as pitcher and infielder converged... Leesman put the brakes on to avoid a smash-up and effed his knee up good. Leesman down, in visible agony. After a few minutes, Leesman was assisted off the field. We all felt bad about the whole thing.
New pitcher, Andre Rienzo. Danny Valencia flew out to right, allowing Spears to score. Ah, tie game.
Bottom of the third, Danny Valencia hit a two-run homer. Danny. He certainly is a handsome devil. PawSox up 2-1. Charlotte tied it in the top of the fourth, but post-season BEASTMASTER Bryce Brentz led off the bottom of the fourth with a damn triple! Brentz scored when Jason Repko reached on a fielder's choice, putting the Red Sox up 3-2.
Seventh inning, lots of bang. Ryan Kussmaul was the new reliever for Charlotte. Nate Spears singled with one out, then Tony Thomas went deep to left, into the bullpen, where the relievers do their weird home run grandma dance. Even cooler, JC Linares hit a home run immediately after that, also into the Pawtucket bullpen. Good Valentine's.
Alex Wilson once again provided stellar post-season relief in the eighth inning, and Josh Fields slayed the ninth with his heater. Ryan Dent stepped into the ninth inning for some reason. And that was it!
una vaina asi:
1. Spears, Thomas, Linares and Brentz all got two hits. Jason Repko got zero hits and was caught stealing. Is everything okay at home, Repko?
2. "Charlotte ace Charlie Leesman was trying to field a ground ball along the first-base line with no outs in the first inning when he leaped to avoid a collision with his first baseman, came down awkwardly and then did a backward somersault across the chalk line. He needed help leaving the field and was limping severely after the game." - MacPHERSON!
3. "I felt good, and I was mainly trying to just stay back," said Wright, who was only acquired from the Cleveland system on July 31, in the trade for PawSox first baseman Lars Anderson. "In the first inning I tend to start rushing my pitches. I need to stay back and keep the ball in the zone. You can look at the layoff, but almost every single start, I struggle in the first inning. Once I figure out what I'm doing, I'm okay." - Jay Miller
What, that's it?
TONIGHT! Zach Stewart and probably Charlie Shirek. So much Charlie. Just don't drag him through the cold cuts!
9.11.2012
Top Ten Things That Suck the Fun Out of Baseball
Numbers 1-9: Writing about baseball.
10. Inclement weather.
10. Inclement weather.
Good morning. Ohayo.
No starter for Pawtucket yet tonight, but the Charlotte Knights are throwing Charlie Leesman out there.
According to correspondent Jack Horan, the Knights' strength lies in their pitching: "The Knights’ strength lies in its pitching staff, which tied with Indianapolis for first in ERA (3.15) in the regular season... The Red Sox will need to produce hits to overcome Knights pitching, manager Arnie Beyeler said Monday. “They really pitch very well. Their bullpen is lights out. We’re going to have to come out and swing the bats. They’re well balanced all around, they’ve got some power. The bottom line with all these playoff games is pitching.”
Did you know that the Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox? How could you be so stupid?
Providence's Tim Britton writes about it, too, evidently under the influence of mushrooms: "WHO KNEW GOETHE COULD SUMMARIZE THE EMOTIONS ENTERING A MINOR-LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SO WELL? Goethe loved baseball."
Okay, what do I know? Brendan McGair claims that Steven Wright is starting tonight.
All the cool kids have now decided that they need to cover Pawtucket and stink up the press box. Yeah, thanks for this. Let me give you a piece of advice, Junior: Your music make sense to no one... But yourself.
I'll be there, too, just as I always have been.
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/10/3520193/pitching-takes-front-seat-vs-sox.html#storylink=cpy
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/10/3520193/pitching-takes-front-seat-vs-sox.html#storylink=cpy
According to correspondent Jack Horan, the Knights' strength lies in their pitching: "The Knights’ strength lies in its pitching staff, which tied with Indianapolis for first in ERA (3.15) in the regular season... The Red Sox will need to produce hits to overcome Knights pitching, manager Arnie Beyeler said Monday. “They really pitch very well. Their bullpen is lights out. We’re going to have to come out and swing the bats. They’re well balanced all around, they’ve got some power. The bottom line with all these playoff games is pitching.”
Did you know that the Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox? How could you be so stupid?
Providence's Tim Britton writes about it, too, evidently under the influence of mushrooms: "WHO KNEW GOETHE COULD SUMMARIZE THE EMOTIONS ENTERING A MINOR-LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SO WELL? Goethe loved baseball."
Okay, what do I know? Brendan McGair claims that Steven Wright is starting tonight.
All the cool kids have now decided that they need to cover Pawtucket and stink up the press box. Yeah, thanks for this. Let me give you a piece of advice, Junior: Your music make sense to no one... But yourself.
I'll be there, too, just as I always have been.
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/10/3520193/pitching-takes-front-seat-vs-sox.html#storylink=cpy
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/10/3520193/pitching-takes-front-seat-vs-sox.html#storylink=cpy
9.09.2012
9.8.12 Red Sox @ Yankees - Goodbye, Melky.
Pawtucket wins 7-1, advances in the playoffs. They're going to play Charlotte. I was rooting for the Indians. The Knights are mad tough.
Thank you, Nelson Figueroa. He was awesome, pitched eight one-run innings for the PawSox. That one run was a homer by Corban Joseph in the fourth inning. Figueroa gave up two hits and a walk and threw 118 pitches, which seems high until you remember that he pitched in the Mets org. Oh, yeah, Figueroa got eight strikeouts, too. Superlative effort.
Lefty Vidal Nuno pitched 1 2/3 innings and then had to take a powder, since it was him alone giving up seven runs to Pawtucket. Sorry, Nuno. I do feel bad for this kid. All the runs for Pawtucket came in that second inning, with more singles than Foreigner 4. So when Joseph hit his solo shot in the fourth, the result was that 7-1 final score that remained unchanged for the rest of the game.
So what happened in the second inning? Andy LaRoche led off with a single. There you go, good night.
No, what happened was Bryce Brentz and Dan Butler hit consecutive singles after that. Nuno got Jason Repko to pop up to second (infield fly rule, just ask Vee), but then Jonathan Hee hit an RBI single and Jeremy Hazelbaker hit an RBI single.
Then Tony Thomas singled! No, Thomas grounded into a force, but it scored Dan Butler. Next guy was JC Linares, who singled. Hee scores! Who scores? Hee does.
Danny Valencia was next, batting just ahead of LaRoche again. I bet people get those two mixed up a lot. Especially your mom. Valencia saw a pitch, banged it to left field. Home run! Three more runs in! And that was it. Kelvin Perez came in to pitch, got LaRoche out, ended the inning.
Alex Wilson pitched the ninth. Uno-dos-tres, five effing pitches. Who is this playoffs Alex Wilson and where's he been hiding all season? Is he real life?
two things:
1. Bryce Brentz also hit a double at some point. Post-season MVP? Maybe?
2. Only Tony Thomas was hitless. Sorry.
3. "After the game, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees radio play-by-play announcer and team spokesman Mike Vander Woude announced that he would be stepping down from his positions to devote more time to his family." - Aw. Hyder, don't get any ideas.
4. Also: "The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre franchise will open its 24th season at the renovated stadium on April 4, 2013 against Pawtucket." - Oh, so the schedule's set, then? And will they be the Trolley Frogs or what?
5. In case you didn't know, Figueroa had been pitching for the Yankees before they released him and Pawtucket picked him up. Figueroa's a New Yorker, so the whole thing kind of sucked for him: "When a team releases you,” said Figueroa, “you put that chip on your shoulder and carry it for a little while. You always want to prove you’re not done. I knew I wasn’t done by a long shot. The same thing that worked for me for 17 years worked for me tonight.”
6. Corban Joseph is dumb: “It’s been a grind,” Joseph said. “It’s something no other team has done before.” No? No other team in the history of baseball has played without a home park? Look it up, butthead.
7. So I watched highlights of the Yankees/Orioles game last night, and yeah, that was a blown call at first. But oh my god, is it ever nice to see a call NOT go the Yankees way. I know it's wrong... But it feels so right.
TUESDAY NIGHT! Playoffs v Charlotte Knights. I don't know who's pitching. I'm mega-bitter that I won't be attending unless I can pull off a miracle. I need a field reporter!
Bye!
Thank you, Nelson Figueroa. He was awesome, pitched eight one-run innings for the PawSox. That one run was a homer by Corban Joseph in the fourth inning. Figueroa gave up two hits and a walk and threw 118 pitches, which seems high until you remember that he pitched in the Mets org. Oh, yeah, Figueroa got eight strikeouts, too. Superlative effort.
Lefty Vidal Nuno pitched 1 2/3 innings and then had to take a powder, since it was him alone giving up seven runs to Pawtucket. Sorry, Nuno. I do feel bad for this kid. All the runs for Pawtucket came in that second inning, with more singles than Foreigner 4. So when Joseph hit his solo shot in the fourth, the result was that 7-1 final score that remained unchanged for the rest of the game.
So what happened in the second inning? Andy LaRoche led off with a single. There you go, good night.
No, what happened was Bryce Brentz and Dan Butler hit consecutive singles after that. Nuno got Jason Repko to pop up to second (infield fly rule, just ask Vee), but then Jonathan Hee hit an RBI single and Jeremy Hazelbaker hit an RBI single.
Then Tony Thomas singled! No, Thomas grounded into a force, but it scored Dan Butler. Next guy was JC Linares, who singled. Hee scores! Who scores? Hee does.
Danny Valencia was next, batting just ahead of LaRoche again. I bet people get those two mixed up a lot. Especially your mom. Valencia saw a pitch, banged it to left field. Home run! Three more runs in! And that was it. Kelvin Perez came in to pitch, got LaRoche out, ended the inning.
Alex Wilson pitched the ninth. Uno-dos-tres, five effing pitches. Who is this playoffs Alex Wilson and where's he been hiding all season? Is he real life?
two things:
1. Bryce Brentz also hit a double at some point. Post-season MVP? Maybe?
2. Only Tony Thomas was hitless. Sorry.
3. "After the game, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees radio play-by-play announcer and team spokesman Mike Vander Woude announced that he would be stepping down from his positions to devote more time to his family." - Aw. Hyder, don't get any ideas.
4. Also: "The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre franchise will open its 24th season at the renovated stadium on April 4, 2013 against Pawtucket." - Oh, so the schedule's set, then? And will they be the Trolley Frogs or what?
5. In case you didn't know, Figueroa had been pitching for the Yankees before they released him and Pawtucket picked him up. Figueroa's a New Yorker, so the whole thing kind of sucked for him: "When a team releases you,” said Figueroa, “you put that chip on your shoulder and carry it for a little while. You always want to prove you’re not done. I knew I wasn’t done by a long shot. The same thing that worked for me for 17 years worked for me tonight.”
6. Corban Joseph is dumb: “It’s been a grind,” Joseph said. “It’s something no other team has done before.” No? No other team in the history of baseball has played without a home park? Look it up, butthead.
7. So I watched highlights of the Yankees/Orioles game last night, and yeah, that was a blown call at first. But oh my god, is it ever nice to see a call NOT go the Yankees way. I know it's wrong... But it feels so right.
TUESDAY NIGHT! Playoffs v Charlotte Knights. I don't know who's pitching. I'm mega-bitter that I won't be attending unless I can pull off a miracle. I need a field reporter!
Bye!
9.08.2012
9.7.12 Red Sox in Rochester with Yankees.

Pawtucket gets socked on the jaw in the ninth and loses 4-3. Oh, damn, that was so close.
Billy Buckner started for the PawSox, pitched six 1/3 scoreless innings. He racked up seven strikeouts and left the game with a 2-0 lead, whistling and swinging his lunch pail the whole way home.
Starting lefty for the Scranton Yankees was Michael O'Connor, who we have seen before. Like, last week. O'Connor pitched six innings and gave up two home runs: A solo home run by Bryce Brentz and a solo home run by Mike Rivera, both coming in the second inning. Why thank you, Bryce, for being such a nice boy.
So after Second Inning Homer Time, no one scored for like, ever. Then, in the eighth inning, Jason Repko singled to right off reliever Manny Delcarmen. Oh, Manny. How I loved you. Repko dashed over to second on a throwing error by RF Cole Garner. Thus unsettled, Delcarmen threw a wild pitch to Tony Thomas, getting Repko to third. Tony Thomas induced the wild pitch WITH HIS MIND, YOU GUYS. Thomas got caught looking, sadly, but Ryota Igarashi took the wheel from Delcarmen to face JC Linares. Linares tripled! YEAH! Repko scores, Jesus saves, Smokey sings!
Brace yourself for the bad stuff. Brock Huntzinger was pitching the bottom of the eighth and Gustavo Molina hit a bomb to left. 3-1. Manageable, right? So who comes in to pitch the ninth? Mark Melancon? Travis Hughes? Fernando Cabrera? Michael Bowden, even? No, Tony Pena Jr. Thanks for this. Pena gave up an RBI single to Ronnier Mustelier and it was 3-2 and Pena was extricated from this development. Pedro Beato was entrusted with two outs. He got one, but... But... Yeah, Melky Mesa hit a two-run homer to walk off with the win for the Scrankees. I am really starting to hate Melky Mesa and his PawSox-killing ways. I am not angry with Pedro Beato, but I hope Pena repeatedly steps on a rake and gets it in the mush.
how could i ever have lost you when i love you:
1. Did you know that Chris Smith got 15 saves for the PawSox in 2008? I did not. I don't remember that guy being a closer at any point, but yeah, he led the team in saves. No one cares about this but me.
2. In case you felt like throwing up: "At 10:27, Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” began playing over the loudspeaker at the Yankees rushed to home plate to smother their hero of the night with love." - Jim Mandelaro
Geez, I guess that's it. Do you know who Vidal Nuno? No, he's not a guitar player. He's starting for SWB tonight v Pawtucket. But it's okay, we have Nelson Figueroa, who I hope can set down all the baby Yankees like Murton and Mesa. Don't make me sad, Nelson.
Paz afuera.
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