Minnesota and Rochester had high hopes for Ryan Mullins in his Triple A debut Thursday night at Alliance Bank Stadium. Three innings, twelve hits, and nine runs later, things didn't look so bright. The Chiefs held off a late rally attempt to defeat the Rochester Red Wings 10-7 and take 3 out of 4 against their Thruway rivals.
Syracuse led 10-1 after the fourth inning, however struggles by starter Ty Taubenheim brought Rochester to within five runs a half inning later. Rochester rallied for two more runs in the remainder of the game, but Justin James came in with the tying run at the plate in the 8th and struck out pinch hitter Matthew LeCroy to help solidify the win. He pitched a perfect 9th for the save.
Every Chiefs batter got a hit tonight, with Adam Lind only lacking a home run for the cycle. For the Red Wings, their only starter without a hit was former Syracuse Chief, Glenn Williams, while their second baseman Matt Tolbert was only a double away from the cycle.
Chiefs go on the road for series in Buffalo and Rochester before coming home next Saturday.
Notes:
I am unsure about my previous blog involving Erik Kratz, as he is officially on the New Hampshire roster, however I swore I saw him out in the bullpen tonight.
Syracuse is still 10 games out of first, as Scranton finished their sweep with yet another win against the Indianapolis Indians. The Indians blew three late inning leads in the four games of this series. Buffalo, who is on a six game losing streak, is currently holding the wild card, 7 1/2 ahead of Syracuse, with the streaking Durham Bulls only a 1/2 game back.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
7/19/07: Bye Erik
A minor update here before tonight's homestand finale (weather pending)..
Toronto has demoted catcher Erik Kratz to New Hampshire. I have to question this move. First, Toronto has left Syracuse with only 24 players (1 under the maximum, which most teams are good enough to leave their AAA affiliate with). But this move is even more questionable when you realize that Brad Hassey was given his release this past week. There are five infielders on the roster, and I think Kratz could have been a smart guy to keep, especially with the Fisher Cats currently having four catchers. I would think Curtis Thigpen would be a good candidate to take workload at first base, where Toronto was using him during his callup. Thigpen has been a good spot starter in the infield this year, and I know the team hasn't really trusted Fasano to play back to back games. I don't know, I just think this one could come back to bite the team in the rear.
But then again, when does Toronto really think? I mean, this is the organization that sent Yusaku Iriki down to New Hampshire instead of letting him start in Syracuse, causing the Chiefs to spot start Jim Crowell. In fact, looking at the rosters from Lansing to Syracuse, there are twelve men on the DL from the four teams. However, both Lansing and Dunedin have their maximum roster filled, while the two teams above A have only 24 members. Just find those numbers interesting. The injuries make you wonder if there is something wrong with training methods for the whole organization, especially with all the DL stints the Blue Jays have had also.
Enough of that rant, here's to hoping the weather holds off tonight.
Toronto has demoted catcher Erik Kratz to New Hampshire. I have to question this move. First, Toronto has left Syracuse with only 24 players (1 under the maximum, which most teams are good enough to leave their AAA affiliate with). But this move is even more questionable when you realize that Brad Hassey was given his release this past week. There are five infielders on the roster, and I think Kratz could have been a smart guy to keep, especially with the Fisher Cats currently having four catchers. I would think Curtis Thigpen would be a good candidate to take workload at first base, where Toronto was using him during his callup. Thigpen has been a good spot starter in the infield this year, and I know the team hasn't really trusted Fasano to play back to back games. I don't know, I just think this one could come back to bite the team in the rear.
But then again, when does Toronto really think? I mean, this is the organization that sent Yusaku Iriki down to New Hampshire instead of letting him start in Syracuse, causing the Chiefs to spot start Jim Crowell. In fact, looking at the rosters from Lansing to Syracuse, there are twelve men on the DL from the four teams. However, both Lansing and Dunedin have their maximum roster filled, while the two teams above A have only 24 members. Just find those numbers interesting. The injuries make you wonder if there is something wrong with training methods for the whole organization, especially with all the DL stints the Blue Jays have had also.
Enough of that rant, here's to hoping the weather holds off tonight.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
7/17/07: Three Blinds Umps...
As the old adage says, the only time you know an umpire is doing a good job is when you don't even notice him. Well, tonight all three were noticed, often. Quite possibly the worst umpiring I have seen in my time watching baseball helped distort an amazing pitchers duel at Alliance Bank Stadium on Tuesday night.
Rochester's Alexi Casilla led off the game with a home run off of Syracuse pitcher Josh Banks. That was the game, might as well have sent everyone home there, as neither team was able to muster another run. Banks ended up going 8 innings, giving up only 3 hits (the other 2 were by catcher Jose Morales) and walking no one. Red Wings' pitcher Kevin Slowey went the complete game, allowing three hits and a walk.
Things could have gone much different for Syracuse, however, as anytime they started to build momentum; Andrew Vincent, Pete Pedersen, and Mike Estabrook found a way to end it. These must be Rochester players, right? Nope, they were tonight's three umpires, whose incompetence on the field reminded me of Enron's board room.
Play #1: In the bottom of the fifth, Michael Vento reached first on an error. The next batter, Sal Fasano hit a ball up the middle. Casilla, the shortstop, flips the ball to second, seemingly pulling the second baseman, Matt Tolbert, off the base. Not in the eyes of the umpire (not sure if the call was by 3rd base ump, Estabrook, or Pedersen at first, tho I believe it was Estabrook). Now, we know the call must have been dropped, as manager Doug Davis comes out and argues. It goes without say that if Davis argues, there is no way the call was right.
Play #2: This will look a lot like a ninth inning play coming up, however this one was probably the one that no one could believe was blown. Russ Adams hit a double and was still at second with two outs. Up to bat was John-Ford Griffin. With a 1-2 count, Griffin takes a ball, while moving his bat no where near even a check swing. Home plate umpire Andrew Vincent doesn't even check with the third base umpire, calls it a swing, and punches Griffin out on strikes. Of course, again Davis comes to argue, this time being tossed by Vincent.
Play #3: After Fasano reached on a beautifully botched play by Tolbert and the first baseman, former Chief Glenn Williams, Ray Olmedo bunted Fasano over to second. Up came Wayne Lydon and dragged a beautiful bunt down the first base line. First base umpire Pedersen decided that even though Lydon was safe by a second, he would call him out. Pedersen put himself in a horrible position to see the play, which I am hoping is the reason he blew this one. Instead of two on and one out, Russ Adams ended up coming to bat, flying out to end the Chiefs' closest rally. Props to Al LeBeouf for coming out and arguing that call, as well as Lydon chiming in that Pedersen blew it.
Play #4: We go back to Vincent, as he much have wanted to have most of the attention, and figured he could get it against his apparent foe, John-Ford Griffin. That's right, Vincent again decides that Griffin doesn't deserve a fair fight, as he calls a horrific strike on a 2-1 count, to which Griffin did not take kindly. After striking out on a check swing, Griffin was then tossed by Vincent. Funny thing about Vincent, when you look at him, you can tell he must have some majorly big pads, to try to make his shoulders look broad and big. I think he is compensating for other "shortcomings", but I digress. I actually realized during the game that he blew calls last year against the Chiefs, as I remember commenting on the shoulders then too.
Anyways, Chiefs lose 1-0 and are now 10 games behind the new division leaders from Scranton. Tomorrow they'll play it all over again, but don't expect much different, as we look to have this same crew for the rest of the series.
Rochester's Alexi Casilla led off the game with a home run off of Syracuse pitcher Josh Banks. That was the game, might as well have sent everyone home there, as neither team was able to muster another run. Banks ended up going 8 innings, giving up only 3 hits (the other 2 were by catcher Jose Morales) and walking no one. Red Wings' pitcher Kevin Slowey went the complete game, allowing three hits and a walk.
Things could have gone much different for Syracuse, however, as anytime they started to build momentum; Andrew Vincent, Pete Pedersen, and Mike Estabrook found a way to end it. These must be Rochester players, right? Nope, they were tonight's three umpires, whose incompetence on the field reminded me of Enron's board room.
Play #1: In the bottom of the fifth, Michael Vento reached first on an error. The next batter, Sal Fasano hit a ball up the middle. Casilla, the shortstop, flips the ball to second, seemingly pulling the second baseman, Matt Tolbert, off the base. Not in the eyes of the umpire (not sure if the call was by 3rd base ump, Estabrook, or Pedersen at first, tho I believe it was Estabrook). Now, we know the call must have been dropped, as manager Doug Davis comes out and argues. It goes without say that if Davis argues, there is no way the call was right.
Play #2: This will look a lot like a ninth inning play coming up, however this one was probably the one that no one could believe was blown. Russ Adams hit a double and was still at second with two outs. Up to bat was John-Ford Griffin. With a 1-2 count, Griffin takes a ball, while moving his bat no where near even a check swing. Home plate umpire Andrew Vincent doesn't even check with the third base umpire, calls it a swing, and punches Griffin out on strikes. Of course, again Davis comes to argue, this time being tossed by Vincent.
Play #3: After Fasano reached on a beautifully botched play by Tolbert and the first baseman, former Chief Glenn Williams, Ray Olmedo bunted Fasano over to second. Up came Wayne Lydon and dragged a beautiful bunt down the first base line. First base umpire Pedersen decided that even though Lydon was safe by a second, he would call him out. Pedersen put himself in a horrible position to see the play, which I am hoping is the reason he blew this one. Instead of two on and one out, Russ Adams ended up coming to bat, flying out to end the Chiefs' closest rally. Props to Al LeBeouf for coming out and arguing that call, as well as Lydon chiming in that Pedersen blew it.
Play #4: We go back to Vincent, as he much have wanted to have most of the attention, and figured he could get it against his apparent foe, John-Ford Griffin. That's right, Vincent again decides that Griffin doesn't deserve a fair fight, as he calls a horrific strike on a 2-1 count, to which Griffin did not take kindly. After striking out on a check swing, Griffin was then tossed by Vincent. Funny thing about Vincent, when you look at him, you can tell he must have some majorly big pads, to try to make his shoulders look broad and big. I think he is compensating for other "shortcomings", but I digress. I actually realized during the game that he blew calls last year against the Chiefs, as I remember commenting on the shoulders then too.
Anyways, Chiefs lose 1-0 and are now 10 games behind the new division leaders from Scranton. Tomorrow they'll play it all over again, but don't expect much different, as we look to have this same crew for the rest of the series.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
7/15/07: Pawtucket Series
Well this was a forgettable series that was just completed at Alliance Bank Stadium. The Pawtucket Red Sox took 3 out of 4 against the Syracuse Chiefs, leaving the Boston faithful (who will venture out to ABS only for these games) happy, even though before the series they couldn't have named anyone but Jon Lester and Michael Tucker. The best is coming into ABS, cheering against your hometown Chiefs, and trying to heckle, while saying "hey #24 nice swing". Please, at least learn a name if you are going to be that obnoxious.
Anyways, now that I got that off my chest, another series marred by bad Chiefs' pitching. Fifty hits were given up by Syracuse pitchers resulting in twenty-seven runs. To put this into prospective, there was an average of almost seven runs scored a game on 12 1/2 hits. You can't expect to do much giving up that much.
Thursday's game witnessed Josh Banks give up his 17th homer of the year in the 9-5 loss. That ranks him second in the league for most given up. We also saw the Chiefs debut of former major leaguer Scott Sauerback. The word is that Toronto is hoping to have him in the majors soon.
Friday night was the only bright spot for Syracuse, as they beat Pawtucket 8-4. Boston faithful were disappointed by pitcher Jon Lester, as he gave up six hits and four walks in five innings resulting in 5 runs (four earned). Michael MacDonald only gave up two runs in six innings. Yusaku Iriki returned from the DL for an inning of relief for Syracuse. He gave up a two run homer. Michael Vento hit his sixth homer in the game.
Saturday night was dreary. It also featured David Uyl, the umpire many around the International League seem to feel is the most inconsistent and horrific umpire in the league. He helped defend these thoughts with a strike zone that left both teams wondering if he could even see the plate under the dirt. I mention him mostly because the deciding sixth run by Pawtucket was by far a questionable call at home. There was a play at the plate as catcher Sal Fasano blocked home plate extremely well. There was very little conceiveable way that the runner (Joe McEwing) could have touched home. Uyl calls him safe, as Fasano looked on in disbelief. Ty Taubenheim started the game and had some control problems. With a 1-0 lead and two outs in the third, Taubenheim allowed the next six batters to reach base either via walk or hit. He left the inning down 3-1. After a rally to make it 3-3, Jim Crowell came in and got dismantled. Giving up two earned runs in only a third of an inning. Scott Sauerback gave up the next run on that horrific Uyl call leaving Chiefs fans disgusted and down 6-3. Ray Olmedo's 1st homer of the year made it 6-5, as the two run shot regenerated life at ABS. In the ninth inning, Chiefs fans were left cringing as hope was given then crushed twice. The first batter of the inning, Chad Mottola, hit a long fly ball that was about 10 feet foul, but would have easily been a home run. He then struck out. Next up was Ryan Roberts, who hit a ball that was caught right at the right field fence. I guess those hits kind of sum up the season so far for the Chiefs. More on this game at the bottom.
Sunday's game featured Jeremy Cummings debut at ABS. Three home runs later, and fans were probably understanding why he was available. Now, I have to wonder why Toronto signed us not one, not two, but THREE Rochester players whom were released. Beau Kemp was an absolute disaster, as he cost the team a few games, while winning them none. Then we pick up Mike Venafro. He hasn't been horrible, but he hasn't been great either. He has pitched well lately, but early on he was getting shelled. At the very least, he gives the bullpen good innings, which is something they need after the shelling the starters have taken often. Batters are still batting .299 against him since he has been a Chief. Then we have Jeremy Cummings. So far he is having issues, as his two appearances have resulted in an ERA of 7.50. In six innings, he has given up eight hits, three walks, and three home runs. It's just bad when I make the trip to Rochester and they have even more ammo to harass me with (yes wearing a Syracuse cap to a game at Frontier Field brings you nothing but harassment about how horrible your city and sports teams are). Anyways, as for the rest of the game, Ryan Houston was once again easily hit, as he gave up three hits and three runs (two earned) in his ninth inning apperance of the 8-2 loss.
Now back to Saturday's game for a moment. I have to get on a soapbox here, so I hope I don't rant too far off. What I witnessed was twice in one game, Kevin Barker mouthing off to Syracuse fans. Now, to background a bit. Many fans who have come to many games have witnessed Barker's antics. We have seen him throw things in the dugout, yell things from the dugout at umpires, even being involved in comments that have incited other players to become upset. Fans who witness this, get very tired of it. Now, some will say that many professional athletes are like this. This is true, however there is a point where things go overboard. Overboard happened Saturday. This is at least the fourth time that I personally have witnessed Barker shoot off an F-Bomb or gesture towards fans. I can testify that in none of the cases, were gestures or profanity sent towards him, as I witnessed each situation personally. This was Syracuse's POSTER BOY. What a mistake made in that decision. Guys like Chad Mottola, Wayne Lydon, and many others should be profiled more than a guy like Barker. Those are the guys who try every game and act in a professional manner in every trip to every ballpark. A guy like Barker may have the ability to hit home runs and doubles, but that isn't what the game is all about, especially not minor leagues. What minor league baseball is about is being able to cheer on a team. For adults, it's being able to have fun, hope for a win, maybe a shot at a title and excitement. For kids, though, it's much different. What they see on this field can go as far as helping shape parts of their lives. They go play little league, and we hope that they will have fun out there like a Mottola. We don't want to see these kids telling an umpire to bleepoff or go into school and start a fight with a kid who says something he doesn't agree with. What these kids hear in the stands from fans can easily be shrugged off, but seeing it on the field? These are the guys they want to grow up to be like. For a player, let alone a home player, to make a gesture or should an F-bomb is disgraceful, embarassing, and pathetic. You are the one making money to play the game, unless someone says something personal about a family member or threatens you with harm, let it roll off your back.
Before I go.. Brandon League was called up to Toronto, as they sent Syracuse Jordan DeJong. Also, Brad Hassey as been placed on the 7 day disabled list.
Take care and see you all at the park for the four game series against Rochester. 10.5 games out of first, Syracuse faces Rochester and divison leading Buffalo the next 18 games, so this stretch will decide the season.
Anyways, now that I got that off my chest, another series marred by bad Chiefs' pitching. Fifty hits were given up by Syracuse pitchers resulting in twenty-seven runs. To put this into prospective, there was an average of almost seven runs scored a game on 12 1/2 hits. You can't expect to do much giving up that much.
Thursday's game witnessed Josh Banks give up his 17th homer of the year in the 9-5 loss. That ranks him second in the league for most given up. We also saw the Chiefs debut of former major leaguer Scott Sauerback. The word is that Toronto is hoping to have him in the majors soon.
Friday night was the only bright spot for Syracuse, as they beat Pawtucket 8-4. Boston faithful were disappointed by pitcher Jon Lester, as he gave up six hits and four walks in five innings resulting in 5 runs (four earned). Michael MacDonald only gave up two runs in six innings. Yusaku Iriki returned from the DL for an inning of relief for Syracuse. He gave up a two run homer. Michael Vento hit his sixth homer in the game.
Saturday night was dreary. It also featured David Uyl, the umpire many around the International League seem to feel is the most inconsistent and horrific umpire in the league. He helped defend these thoughts with a strike zone that left both teams wondering if he could even see the plate under the dirt. I mention him mostly because the deciding sixth run by Pawtucket was by far a questionable call at home. There was a play at the plate as catcher Sal Fasano blocked home plate extremely well. There was very little conceiveable way that the runner (Joe McEwing) could have touched home. Uyl calls him safe, as Fasano looked on in disbelief. Ty Taubenheim started the game and had some control problems. With a 1-0 lead and two outs in the third, Taubenheim allowed the next six batters to reach base either via walk or hit. He left the inning down 3-1. After a rally to make it 3-3, Jim Crowell came in and got dismantled. Giving up two earned runs in only a third of an inning. Scott Sauerback gave up the next run on that horrific Uyl call leaving Chiefs fans disgusted and down 6-3. Ray Olmedo's 1st homer of the year made it 6-5, as the two run shot regenerated life at ABS. In the ninth inning, Chiefs fans were left cringing as hope was given then crushed twice. The first batter of the inning, Chad Mottola, hit a long fly ball that was about 10 feet foul, but would have easily been a home run. He then struck out. Next up was Ryan Roberts, who hit a ball that was caught right at the right field fence. I guess those hits kind of sum up the season so far for the Chiefs. More on this game at the bottom.
Sunday's game featured Jeremy Cummings debut at ABS. Three home runs later, and fans were probably understanding why he was available. Now, I have to wonder why Toronto signed us not one, not two, but THREE Rochester players whom were released. Beau Kemp was an absolute disaster, as he cost the team a few games, while winning them none. Then we pick up Mike Venafro. He hasn't been horrible, but he hasn't been great either. He has pitched well lately, but early on he was getting shelled. At the very least, he gives the bullpen good innings, which is something they need after the shelling the starters have taken often. Batters are still batting .299 against him since he has been a Chief. Then we have Jeremy Cummings. So far he is having issues, as his two appearances have resulted in an ERA of 7.50. In six innings, he has given up eight hits, three walks, and three home runs. It's just bad when I make the trip to Rochester and they have even more ammo to harass me with (yes wearing a Syracuse cap to a game at Frontier Field brings you nothing but harassment about how horrible your city and sports teams are). Anyways, as for the rest of the game, Ryan Houston was once again easily hit, as he gave up three hits and three runs (two earned) in his ninth inning apperance of the 8-2 loss.
Now back to Saturday's game for a moment. I have to get on a soapbox here, so I hope I don't rant too far off. What I witnessed was twice in one game, Kevin Barker mouthing off to Syracuse fans. Now, to background a bit. Many fans who have come to many games have witnessed Barker's antics. We have seen him throw things in the dugout, yell things from the dugout at umpires, even being involved in comments that have incited other players to become upset. Fans who witness this, get very tired of it. Now, some will say that many professional athletes are like this. This is true, however there is a point where things go overboard. Overboard happened Saturday. This is at least the fourth time that I personally have witnessed Barker shoot off an F-Bomb or gesture towards fans. I can testify that in none of the cases, were gestures or profanity sent towards him, as I witnessed each situation personally. This was Syracuse's POSTER BOY. What a mistake made in that decision. Guys like Chad Mottola, Wayne Lydon, and many others should be profiled more than a guy like Barker. Those are the guys who try every game and act in a professional manner in every trip to every ballpark. A guy like Barker may have the ability to hit home runs and doubles, but that isn't what the game is all about, especially not minor leagues. What minor league baseball is about is being able to cheer on a team. For adults, it's being able to have fun, hope for a win, maybe a shot at a title and excitement. For kids, though, it's much different. What they see on this field can go as far as helping shape parts of their lives. They go play little league, and we hope that they will have fun out there like a Mottola. We don't want to see these kids telling an umpire to bleep
Before I go.. Brandon League was called up to Toronto, as they sent Syracuse Jordan DeJong. Also, Brad Hassey as been placed on the 7 day disabled list.
Take care and see you all at the park for the four game series against Rochester. 10.5 games out of first, Syracuse faces Rochester and divison leading Buffalo the next 18 games, so this stretch will decide the season.
Monday, July 9, 2007
7/9/07: All Star Break News
Figured I'd do a quick update before I head out to watch the Auburn Doubledays tonight. Two big roster moves so far.
The return of Adam Lind is anticipated Thursday, as he was added to the roster a few days ago, replacing Reed Johnson. We knew this was coming soon, after the release of Jeff Duncan last week.
With the injury to Erik Kratz, Curtis Thigpen has been sent back to Syracuse, replacing the Dunedin fill-in that was sent to cover this past weekend. After how comfortable he looked up in Toronto, I don't expect to see Thiggy here long, but let's enjoy the show while he's back.
I happened to catch a Binghamton Mets game this past weekend. A very nice park. Beware, however, that one of the parking areas is right past the right field wall, so if you venture there, be sure to park far enough away. Lastings Milledge was down on a rehab assignment, doing his best to please the AA fans, exchanging pleasantries and signing autographs.
Chiefs are back home Thursday night taking on the PawSox.
The return of Adam Lind is anticipated Thursday, as he was added to the roster a few days ago, replacing Reed Johnson. We knew this was coming soon, after the release of Jeff Duncan last week.
With the injury to Erik Kratz, Curtis Thigpen has been sent back to Syracuse, replacing the Dunedin fill-in that was sent to cover this past weekend. After how comfortable he looked up in Toronto, I don't expect to see Thiggy here long, but let's enjoy the show while he's back.
I happened to catch a Binghamton Mets game this past weekend. A very nice park. Beware, however, that one of the parking areas is right past the right field wall, so if you venture there, be sure to park far enough away. Lastings Milledge was down on a rehab assignment, doing his best to please the AA fans, exchanging pleasantries and signing autographs.
Chiefs are back home Thursday night taking on the PawSox.
Friday, July 6, 2007
7/6/07: Does Davis Read This...
I will admit, I didn't catch much of last night's game. That is, until after all of the post-4th of July fireworks occurred. Three or four Chiefs were ejected last night. Russ Adams, Blaine Neal, and manager Doug Davis (see my last article) were all tossed. Sal Fasano left the game in the 10th, however I cannot get word on if it was an ejection or not, as I turned the radio on after everything had occurred. I find it humorous that Doug Davis gets tossed the very next game after I write what I did about him. Davis, are you reading this?
As for after the ejections, things got even more interesting. With Fasano out of the game, the Chiefs had to turn to the game's first baseman, Ryan Roberts to catch. Erik Kratz was unavailable due to an injury that occurred the previous night. Listening to Bobby Mac, it almost sounds like the umpire was involved in Kratz's injury, but I have no official word. The Chiefs end up winning the game, as Ryan Houston pitched a 1-2-3 inning with Roberts catching.
Two roster moves within the past day or two have occurred. Erik Kratz was placed on the 7 day DL today, which of course means that Toronto sends us a catcher, David Corrente from single A Dunedin. Serving as their backup, Corrente batted .207 in 28 games for Dunedin. I just have trouble understanding how you can't reward a player by moving him up, instead of just randomly taking a backup and giving him a shot two leagues above the one he is struggling in. But when Toronto has an issue, they take the starter from us (which I don't disagree with). This kind of shows why the "five year plan" is coming close to a decade without anything close to a championship by the majority of the organization.
The other roster move was the acquisition of yet ANOTHER Rochester Red Wing, pitcher Jeremy Cummings. He was 3-5 with Rochester this year, having started 12 of the 17 games he appeared in, with an ERA of 3.93. He pitched last night for the Chiefs, giving up one run on two hits and two walks in two innings pitched.
That's all I have for now. If I get any info on the Kratz injury or the ejections, I'll post em up. If anyone has any info, leave me a comment.
As for after the ejections, things got even more interesting. With Fasano out of the game, the Chiefs had to turn to the game's first baseman, Ryan Roberts to catch. Erik Kratz was unavailable due to an injury that occurred the previous night. Listening to Bobby Mac, it almost sounds like the umpire was involved in Kratz's injury, but I have no official word. The Chiefs end up winning the game, as Ryan Houston pitched a 1-2-3 inning with Roberts catching.
Two roster moves within the past day or two have occurred. Erik Kratz was placed on the 7 day DL today, which of course means that Toronto sends us a catcher, David Corrente from single A Dunedin. Serving as their backup, Corrente batted .207 in 28 games for Dunedin. I just have trouble understanding how you can't reward a player by moving him up, instead of just randomly taking a backup and giving him a shot two leagues above the one he is struggling in. But when Toronto has an issue, they take the starter from us (which I don't disagree with). This kind of shows why the "five year plan" is coming close to a decade without anything close to a championship by the majority of the organization.
The other roster move was the acquisition of yet ANOTHER Rochester Red Wing, pitcher Jeremy Cummings. He was 3-5 with Rochester this year, having started 12 of the 17 games he appeared in, with an ERA of 3.93. He pitched last night for the Chiefs, giving up one run on two hits and two walks in two innings pitched.
That's all I have for now. If I get any info on the Kratz injury or the ejections, I'll post em up. If anyone has any info, leave me a comment.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
7/4/07: Those Aren't Fireworks, That's Just Davis Sitting There.
I was just listening to tonight's game and quite frankly a commentary is needed. When I hear Bobby Mac stating that a call was horrific and that he is shocked that the manager didn't even move to argue the play, it tells me a lot. With all due respect, when guys paid for BY the Chiefs are criticizing the lack of emotion of the coach, it should wake people up. I want a cushy job that involves doing nothing. Apparently that is what Davis has. He has been so apathetic towards this team, it embarrasses me as a fan.
Under the management of Davis, Syracuse has had two players suspended. Both of which were for off field incidents. He has had multiple players involved in verbal confrontations with both umpires and other players, none of which were visibly punished on field, via suspension, nor the player being sat out. I have lost count as to how many calls have been blown or changed that there has been to explanation even requested for. We aren't asking for you to go out there and throw bases and kick dirt, but at least defend your team. When an umpire does not get in position to even see a play at third base and there is no big deal made when the guy was out by a mile (May 21 vs Durham), that isn't managing.
You can tell managers who want to win by the way they handle themselves. They are the guys who have the fire in their eyes, who are willing to fight for their team. When close calls go against them, they at least make the umpire take notice that they want their share of the calls. They don't stand there and play their third base coach role, clapping as their player swings at a ball in the dirt or as the umpire calls him out on strikes on a ball at the shins. The ones who want to win are at least acknowledging that the player needs to shape up or that the umpire blew the call.
Anyways, in other news...
Brandon League has been sent back to Syracuse.
Outfielder Jeff Duncan was released. That's great Toronto. Keep Beau Kemp on the official roster (as per syracusechiefs.com) but release a guy who fought back from injury caused partially by the stadium's lack of warning track. I understand that either Adam Lind or Reed Johnson will be in Syracuse after Johnson rehabs, but that's still a tough pill to swallow.
Under the management of Davis, Syracuse has had two players suspended. Both of which were for off field incidents. He has had multiple players involved in verbal confrontations with both umpires and other players, none of which were visibly punished on field, via suspension, nor the player being sat out. I have lost count as to how many calls have been blown or changed that there has been to explanation even requested for. We aren't asking for you to go out there and throw bases and kick dirt, but at least defend your team. When an umpire does not get in position to even see a play at third base and there is no big deal made when the guy was out by a mile (May 21 vs Durham), that isn't managing.
You can tell managers who want to win by the way they handle themselves. They are the guys who have the fire in their eyes, who are willing to fight for their team. When close calls go against them, they at least make the umpire take notice that they want their share of the calls. They don't stand there and play their third base coach role, clapping as their player swings at a ball in the dirt or as the umpire calls him out on strikes on a ball at the shins. The ones who want to win are at least acknowledging that the player needs to shape up or that the umpire blew the call.
Anyways, in other news...
Brandon League has been sent back to Syracuse.
Outfielder Jeff Duncan was released. That's great Toronto. Keep Beau Kemp on the official roster (as per syracusechiefs.com) but release a guy who fought back from injury caused partially by the stadium's lack of warning track. I understand that either Adam Lind or Reed Johnson will be in Syracuse after Johnson rehabs, but that's still a tough pill to swallow.
Monday, July 2, 2007
7/2/07: Couple Updates
Apologies for the fact I may not write much between now and the all star break, as I had an unfortunate accident, which I am attempting to recoup from. That being said a few updates before I had off.
John Hattig was removed from the DL and started Sunday's game at Norfolk.
Pitcher Jesse Litsch has been called back up to Toronto, after A. J. Burnett was placed back onto the DL this past weekend.
Finally, Reed Johnson has been sent to Syracuse from Single-A Dunedin for his rehab assignment. Another disappoint to Chiefs fans, as most of the rehab assignments this year have occurred when the team was on the road.
Syracuse has two games at Norfolk and four at Richmond before the All-Star break. They need to go into the break strong, as things are slipping away. The team is 9.5 behind Buffalo heading into Monday.
John Hattig was removed from the DL and started Sunday's game at Norfolk.
Pitcher Jesse Litsch has been called back up to Toronto, after A. J. Burnett was placed back onto the DL this past weekend.
Finally, Reed Johnson has been sent to Syracuse from Single-A Dunedin for his rehab assignment. Another disappoint to Chiefs fans, as most of the rehab assignments this year have occurred when the team was on the road.
Syracuse has two games at Norfolk and four at Richmond before the All-Star break. They need to go into the break strong, as things are slipping away. The team is 9.5 behind Buffalo heading into Monday.
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