Busy times and the road trip leave me with very little time and things to write about, but I will do a quick catch up.
We'll start with the most recent moves that consist of Curtis Thigpen being recalled by Toronto to replace Gregg Zaun who was placed on the DL.
Speaking of DL, Syracuse infielder Pedro Lopez, as well as Matt Watson were both placed on the 7-day DL.
Things get more interesting as Hector Luna is returned to Syracuse, while my prediction came true about three weeks too late and Al Quintana makes his yearly jump from playing sporadically in Single-A Dunedin to joining the Syracuse roster. The more surprising move, however, is Danny Sandoval joining the Chiefs. At this point, having not listened to any game recently, I have no clue what transpired to bring Sandoval here. Joining Sandoval's former team, the Buffalo Bisons, is former Syracuse infielder Jorge Velandia. Interesting.
The Chiefs also get a rehab assignment, with relief pitcher Brian Wolfe trying to come back from his injury with the Blue Jays.
In an unfortunate tragedy, Geremi Gonzalez passed away in his homeland of Venezuela after being struck by lightning. This marks the second player from the 2007 Chiefs squad to have tragedy strike. Gonzalez pitched for Syracuse the opening month or so, before going to play in Japan. Gonzalez was 33.
Syracuse finishes its road trip Thursday at Richmond.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Roster Moves
According to the Chiefs roster, Toronto has added two players to the Syracuse Chiefs. These players are infielders Chris Gutierrez and Jeff Bannon
Gutierrez comes up to Syracuse from Double-A New Hampshire, where he hit .239 with 1 home run and 8 RBIs. Gutierrez had been used sparingly by the Fisher Cats, only playing in 21 games this year.
Bannon was most recently on the Durham Bulls, who released him within the past week. He hit .241 with 4 home runs and 8 RBIs in 17 games. Don't get too excited over those home run numbers, as he only hit 4 in 2007 with Louisville in 93 games. He had shown in previous years to have power, but that disappeared in the two seasons prior to this.
These moves most likely come due to Toronto noticing that the only infielder playing their "natural" position during their last game were Marcos Cabral and Russ Adams, with Adams ironically being turned into an outfielder by Toronto. Matt Watson (an outfielder) was playing first, Chip Cannon (a first baseman) was playing shortstop, while third base was split between Curtis Thigpen (a catcher) and Cabral (a second baseman without much of an arm, at least that I've seen).
Syracuse is at Durham tonight, starting an eight game road trip.
Gutierrez comes up to Syracuse from Double-A New Hampshire, where he hit .239 with 1 home run and 8 RBIs. Gutierrez had been used sparingly by the Fisher Cats, only playing in 21 games this year.
Bannon was most recently on the Durham Bulls, who released him within the past week. He hit .241 with 4 home runs and 8 RBIs in 17 games. Don't get too excited over those home run numbers, as he only hit 4 in 2007 with Louisville in 93 games. He had shown in previous years to have power, but that disappeared in the two seasons prior to this.
These moves most likely come due to Toronto noticing that the only infielder playing their "natural" position during their last game were Marcos Cabral and Russ Adams, with Adams ironically being turned into an outfielder by Toronto. Matt Watson (an outfielder) was playing first, Chip Cannon (a first baseman) was playing shortstop, while third base was split between Curtis Thigpen (a catcher) and Cabral (a second baseman without much of an arm, at least that I've seen).
Syracuse is at Durham tonight, starting an eight game road trip.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Syracuse Squeezes Out Extra Inning Victory
Finally, I have become a baseball manager! Well, not quite, but I was the one screaming for the squeeze play during Russ Adams' at bat, before he showed bunt. I'm not sure if it was a coincidence (bare in mind Doug Davis is not a very big risk taker and Adams didn't show bunt on the first pitch), but it was a beautifully executed play. In fact, I was amazed that after the first two shows of bunt, that Rochester's manager didn't move his 3rd baseman to at least a normal position (he was very far from the 3rd base line). But no changes occurred and Russ Adams laid a beauty down the 3rd base line, squeezing home the winning run..with 2 outs no less.
It was a pitcher's duel for the majority of the game, with starters David Purcey and Francisco Liriano pitching masterful games. Purcey left the game after pitching 6 good shutout innings, while Liriano went 7 innings, giving up 2 runs (both of which in the 7th). Syracuse turned the relief duties to Brandon League who pitched well, until the 9th inning where he gave up two runs and was only able to get one out before being replaced. Things settled down after that until the game winning sequence for Syracuse.
It all started with Wayne Lydon getting a single on an infield chopper. Buck Coats was up next and executed a poor bunt. The pitcher came off the mound to field it and threw to second base. The throw would have beat Lydon but was a bit wild, pulling the fielder off second base, allowing both runners to be safe. After an Adam Lind pop out, Matt Watson hit a grounder to the first baseman, whom was only able to get the force at 1st. Russ Adams was then up, which was his first at bat in a few days, as he seems to have been nursing a minor injury. Adams had been brought in as a fielding substitute to start the 9th.
After the game, I saw Rochester outfielder Denard Span return from getting X-rays. He took a pitch off his finger on a bunt attempt late in the game. I don't want to speculate, but he did not seem very happy about the outcome.
It was a bit fun having people in my section look at me with awe as the Chiefs won the game, then slap me five for my great call. Yes, I will pat myself on the back once in awhile!
After an off day on Wednesday, Syracuse hits the road to face Norfolk on Thursday.
It was a pitcher's duel for the majority of the game, with starters David Purcey and Francisco Liriano pitching masterful games. Purcey left the game after pitching 6 good shutout innings, while Liriano went 7 innings, giving up 2 runs (both of which in the 7th). Syracuse turned the relief duties to Brandon League who pitched well, until the 9th inning where he gave up two runs and was only able to get one out before being replaced. Things settled down after that until the game winning sequence for Syracuse.
It all started with Wayne Lydon getting a single on an infield chopper. Buck Coats was up next and executed a poor bunt. The pitcher came off the mound to field it and threw to second base. The throw would have beat Lydon but was a bit wild, pulling the fielder off second base, allowing both runners to be safe. After an Adam Lind pop out, Matt Watson hit a grounder to the first baseman, whom was only able to get the force at 1st. Russ Adams was then up, which was his first at bat in a few days, as he seems to have been nursing a minor injury. Adams had been brought in as a fielding substitute to start the 9th.
After the game, I saw Rochester outfielder Denard Span return from getting X-rays. He took a pitch off his finger on a bunt attempt late in the game. I don't want to speculate, but he did not seem very happy about the outcome.
It was a bit fun having people in my section look at me with awe as the Chiefs won the game, then slap me five for my great call. Yes, I will pat myself on the back once in awhile!
After an off day on Wednesday, Syracuse hits the road to face Norfolk on Thursday.
Tracy Thorpe To Tacoma, Velandia Gone.
A quick update on Tracy Thorpe. It appears he was picked up by the Seattle Mariners and is now with their Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma. It's a shame to see yet another player gone in a pretty long string of players being exposed and taken by waivers and Toronto not doing much to replace them.
As for Jorge Velandia, he has opted to become a free agent rather than take his assignment to Syracuse. I have to wonder what changed within the past month to make Velandia so interested in not coming back to Syracuse. All I know, is Syracuse needs something done about its lack of depth, proven by certain situations during games this series, which I will probably touch upon in my next blog.
As for Jorge Velandia, he has opted to become a free agent rather than take his assignment to Syracuse. I have to wonder what changed within the past month to make Velandia so interested in not coming back to Syracuse. All I know, is Syracuse needs something done about its lack of depth, proven by certain situations during games this series, which I will probably touch upon in my next blog.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Chiefs Split With Rochester
Having only seen the backside of the doubleheader, I don't have too much of a review to write, but I figured I would throw something up here. Game one sounded like a pretty dominant effort for the Chiefs and their 5-0 win. Game two, there was definitely some struggles, but Syracuse did a great job in coming back from the 6-2 deficit to send the game into extra innings.
The one play that stood out to me was in the fifth inning with Rochester leading 5-2, having runners on the corners and no one out. The Chiefs were at double play depth, essentially giving Rochester the easy run. Personally, I don't think you "give" a run in a situation with only three innings left and already losing by 3. Well, the ball was grounded to reliever Jo Matumoto who would probably have been able to have gotten Randy Ruiz (the runner on 3rd) into a rundown, saving the Chiefs the run, leaving runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out. What happened, however, was he looked at Ruiz, then after a second or 2, threw the ball to second base. The runner ended up safe at first, so the Chiefs allowed the free run and didn't even get the second out on the play. You have to wonder what would have happened if the Chiefs didn't let Ruiz score.
In the tenth, Rochester had the bases loaded with 1 out, when Jordan De Jong was able to get a short fly ball to center. Buck Coats (who was brought in as a pinch hitter the inning before) threw a high throw to the plate, making catcher Erik Kratz catch it way out of position. This is where things got interesting, as the runner (Tommy Watkins) ended up running out of the base line to try to slide around the lunging Kratz. I haven't seen the replay, but I am not even sure he should have been safe to start with, but I definitely think he left the baseline and should have been deemed out. Unfortunately, umpire Bobby Price didn't see it that way. Price and his crew mate Brian Kennedy have been very inconsistent and relatively awful in the games I've seen them in. That being said, with better pitching or a better throw, there wouldn't have even been a close play to begin with.
Onto other things, Tracy Thorpe is now off the roster and I see a report that he has been waived. Still nothing new on Jorge Velandia's situation, and with Russ Adams sounding as if he has a minor injury, Syracuse is very undermanned (proven tonight with Eric Neilsen playing first and Thigpen at second after Syracuse had to use their one available bench player as a pinch hitter). Come on Toronto, using players out of the positions that you wanted them to play in the first place won't exactly help you in the long run. So no matter how you feel about Syracuse, it'd probably be best to actually give them a full roster!
Syracuse and Rochester finish up their series Tuesday at 11am.
The one play that stood out to me was in the fifth inning with Rochester leading 5-2, having runners on the corners and no one out. The Chiefs were at double play depth, essentially giving Rochester the easy run. Personally, I don't think you "give" a run in a situation with only three innings left and already losing by 3. Well, the ball was grounded to reliever Jo Matumoto who would probably have been able to have gotten Randy Ruiz (the runner on 3rd) into a rundown, saving the Chiefs the run, leaving runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out. What happened, however, was he looked at Ruiz, then after a second or 2, threw the ball to second base. The runner ended up safe at first, so the Chiefs allowed the free run and didn't even get the second out on the play. You have to wonder what would have happened if the Chiefs didn't let Ruiz score.
In the tenth, Rochester had the bases loaded with 1 out, when Jordan De Jong was able to get a short fly ball to center. Buck Coats (who was brought in as a pinch hitter the inning before) threw a high throw to the plate, making catcher Erik Kratz catch it way out of position. This is where things got interesting, as the runner (Tommy Watkins) ended up running out of the base line to try to slide around the lunging Kratz. I haven't seen the replay, but I am not even sure he should have been safe to start with, but I definitely think he left the baseline and should have been deemed out. Unfortunately, umpire Bobby Price didn't see it that way. Price and his crew mate Brian Kennedy have been very inconsistent and relatively awful in the games I've seen them in. That being said, with better pitching or a better throw, there wouldn't have even been a close play to begin with.
Onto other things, Tracy Thorpe is now off the roster and I see a report that he has been waived. Still nothing new on Jorge Velandia's situation, and with Russ Adams sounding as if he has a minor injury, Syracuse is very undermanned (proven tonight with Eric Neilsen playing first and Thigpen at second after Syracuse had to use their one available bench player as a pinch hitter). Come on Toronto, using players out of the positions that you wanted them to play in the first place won't exactly help you in the long run. So no matter how you feel about Syracuse, it'd probably be best to actually give them a full roster!
Syracuse and Rochester finish up their series Tuesday at 11am.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Coopers"drown" and Thrope
Unfortunately, the weather reports were correct for Sunday. Even before the 2pm scheduled start of the Rochester/Syracuse game in Cooperstown, the rain was pouring. In a normal situation, I don't think the players would have taken the field, but I think officials were willing to try to at least get something played for the fans who had travelled so far. It didn't last long as the game didn't even finish two whole innings before being suspended until Monday. That game will continue in Syracuse at 5pm, followed by a 7 inning game to complete the doubleheader. I don't envy the players, as they will also have to wake up early the next day, to play the 11am game.
As for the experience, I think the ball park was fun due to its nostalgia. There are no concession stands within the stadium but there are people walking around selling hot dogs, soda, etc. The dimensions are hitter friendly, with the nearest part of the left field wall (which is made of wood) only being 296 feet away. The dimensions and the lack of stadium lights makes it tough to consistently play legit games (such as Sunday's), but it's main use has been the annual Hall of Fame game. The Hall of Fame game is an exhibition played in June between two major league teams (usually the majority of the game is played by Single-A players, however) Unfortunately, it was announced that this season's game will be the last played. Anyone interested in reading about the fight to keep the game alive can visit http://www.savethefamegame.com/
In other quick news, I'm not sure of the status involving Russ Adams, as he was not played again on Sunday. I didn't happen to see him, but to be honest I didn't really pay that much attention to the bench.
Also, Tracy Thrope cleared waivers and has been added to the Chiefs roster.
As for the experience, I think the ball park was fun due to its nostalgia. There are no concession stands within the stadium but there are people walking around selling hot dogs, soda, etc. The dimensions are hitter friendly, with the nearest part of the left field wall (which is made of wood) only being 296 feet away. The dimensions and the lack of stadium lights makes it tough to consistently play legit games (such as Sunday's), but it's main use has been the annual Hall of Fame game. The Hall of Fame game is an exhibition played in June between two major league teams (usually the majority of the game is played by Single-A players, however) Unfortunately, it was announced that this season's game will be the last played. Anyone interested in reading about the fight to keep the game alive can visit http://www.savethefamegame.com/
In other quick news, I'm not sure of the status involving Russ Adams, as he was not played again on Sunday. I didn't happen to see him, but to be honest I didn't really pay that much attention to the bench.
Also, Tracy Thrope cleared waivers and has been added to the Chiefs roster.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Chiefs Walk Off Against Rochester
After the rain finally subsided Saturday at Alliance Bank Stadium, fans were treated to a great game between the Rochester Red Wings and the Syracuse Chiefs. It also marked the return of Sergio Santos to face his former team. He didn't wait long to make an impact. In the second inning, he doubled on his first at bat against his former teammates and later scored. That run turned out to be the only Rochester run scored during the scheduled 9 innings. Syracuse starter Kane Davis went six innings, with Brandon League pitching the next three. Rochester's pitching matched the great effort by Davis and League, as starter Danny Graves only allowed one run to score in his four innings. That run occurred on a Chip Cannon single, which brought home Buck Coats from third. Mariano Gomez and Julio DePaula relieved Graves, throwing a combined 3 2/3 innings of perfect ball.
With a 1-1 score, the game went into extra innings, where the Red Wings would strike. Newly recalled reliever, Mike Gallo made his home debut for the Chiefs to start the 10th. He would want to forget this home debut, as he hit his first batter, then allowed a single to put runners on 1st and 3rd. That's when Red Wings catcher Jose Morales gapped a double. The ball was fielded by center fielder Coats who relayed to second baseman Marcos Cabral who threw a perfect strike to catcher Erik Kratz, gunning out the runner (Garrett Jones) at home. With Morales advancing to third on the throw, Jordan DeJong (W, 2-1) came in to relieve Gallo and was able to pitch Syracuse out of the jam, leaving the Chiefs only down a run.
In the bottom of the tenth, Tim Lahey (L, 1-3) continued to pitch for the Red Wings. After retiring Chip Cannon, Lahey allowed Kratz to single. After Eric Nielsen was brought in to run for Kratz, Cabral hit a shot that squirted by Garrett Jones at first, putting runners at the corners with one out. Rochester brought in Carmen Cali to face Wayne Lydon. Lydon won the battle, hitting a beautiful line drive into the gap, which was fielded on a slide by left fielder, Tommy Watkins. Watkins tried to get the ball in quickly, but it was not quick enough as Cabral slid head first into home, beating the relay throw by about 2 seconds, giving Syracuse a 3-2 victory.
That was one of those fun games that definitely makes you happy that you sat through the cold and the rain.
I often wonder what the official scorer at ABS is thinking at times. Garrett Jones was given two errors Saturday night, and I don't think he deserved either of them. The first was on a hit by Wayne Lydon. The pitcher was running to cover first, as Jones fielded the ball, and the ball was throw a bit behind the pitcher. However, Lydon looked to have easily beaten the pitcher to the bag, so regardless, it should have been a hit. The second was the grounder by Cabral in the tenth. Jones dove for the ball and it nicked his glove. I don't think it was an "easy" play to make and it was hit hard enough that I think the single should have been given.
It was weird seeing Santos in a Red Wings uniform, and he almost made Syracuse pay. Early in the game, I said that I figured Santos would finally hit a homer since he was playing the Chiefs. He had the great power in New Hampshire last year, which disappeared when he came to Syracuse, so you just had to think it would happen just to spite us. So, needless to say, it was a very uncomfortable view to watch Santos' long fly ball just turn foul, as he crushed it. I mean, this thing slam was probably only a foot foul. But luckily for Syracuse, it did go foul.
As much as I am happy with the win, I am baffled by Syracuse keeping Cabral in to hit in the 10th. Russ Adams was presumably available, and I would think he is a better option than someone who has hit below .200 overall in the minors this year. But I guess that is why we play the game, and I am happy that it worked out.
It must be that roster spot, since he is replacing Bubba Nelson for the time being, but Mike Gallo looked awful. It felt like Nelson's debut (10th inning against Louisville, he got shelled). The positive is that he was taken out before things got disastrous, which could also help Gallo since he won't have a big loss to think about.
Three Stars:
#3 Jose Morales (ROC) - Morales went 3-5, while coming up huge with the gap shot to give Rochester the lead in the 10th. He also was heads up in taking third base on the throw home. It took perfect relay throws to hold Morales to 1 RBI and clutch pitching to keep him from scoring in the 10th.
#2 Jordan De Jong (SYR) - De Jong came in with an inherited runner on 3rd and only one out in the 10th. With his team already down by one, De Jong was able to get Santos to pop out and Watkins to ground out to end the inning without any more damage. If Rochester gets up by two or more runs, the comeback in the bottom of the inning is much tougher and probably doesn't happen.
#1 Wayne Lydon (SYR) - Lydon has not been the best pressure hitter for Syracuse in his time here. In fact, he has had a fair amount of times where he could help tie a game or win a game in the late innings and has struck out. That being said, there is something about the 2008 version of Lydon that makes you forget about those games. He seems to have a bit of confidence and is getting the ball in play a lot more often. His amazing hit into the gap is enough to give him the star of the game, and if Wayne can keep up the way he has been playing, I am sure there will be many more.
Pending weather, Syracuse and Rochester battle at 2pm in Cooperstown. If the game is rained out, refunds are available. Props given to a good rain check policy for this game.
With a 1-1 score, the game went into extra innings, where the Red Wings would strike. Newly recalled reliever, Mike Gallo made his home debut for the Chiefs to start the 10th. He would want to forget this home debut, as he hit his first batter, then allowed a single to put runners on 1st and 3rd. That's when Red Wings catcher Jose Morales gapped a double. The ball was fielded by center fielder Coats who relayed to second baseman Marcos Cabral who threw a perfect strike to catcher Erik Kratz, gunning out the runner (Garrett Jones) at home. With Morales advancing to third on the throw, Jordan DeJong (W, 2-1) came in to relieve Gallo and was able to pitch Syracuse out of the jam, leaving the Chiefs only down a run.
In the bottom of the tenth, Tim Lahey (L, 1-3) continued to pitch for the Red Wings. After retiring Chip Cannon, Lahey allowed Kratz to single. After Eric Nielsen was brought in to run for Kratz, Cabral hit a shot that squirted by Garrett Jones at first, putting runners at the corners with one out. Rochester brought in Carmen Cali to face Wayne Lydon. Lydon won the battle, hitting a beautiful line drive into the gap, which was fielded on a slide by left fielder, Tommy Watkins. Watkins tried to get the ball in quickly, but it was not quick enough as Cabral slid head first into home, beating the relay throw by about 2 seconds, giving Syracuse a 3-2 victory.
That was one of those fun games that definitely makes you happy that you sat through the cold and the rain.
I often wonder what the official scorer at ABS is thinking at times. Garrett Jones was given two errors Saturday night, and I don't think he deserved either of them. The first was on a hit by Wayne Lydon. The pitcher was running to cover first, as Jones fielded the ball, and the ball was throw a bit behind the pitcher. However, Lydon looked to have easily beaten the pitcher to the bag, so regardless, it should have been a hit. The second was the grounder by Cabral in the tenth. Jones dove for the ball and it nicked his glove. I don't think it was an "easy" play to make and it was hit hard enough that I think the single should have been given.
It was weird seeing Santos in a Red Wings uniform, and he almost made Syracuse pay. Early in the game, I said that I figured Santos would finally hit a homer since he was playing the Chiefs. He had the great power in New Hampshire last year, which disappeared when he came to Syracuse, so you just had to think it would happen just to spite us. So, needless to say, it was a very uncomfortable view to watch Santos' long fly ball just turn foul, as he crushed it. I mean, this thing slam was probably only a foot foul. But luckily for Syracuse, it did go foul.
As much as I am happy with the win, I am baffled by Syracuse keeping Cabral in to hit in the 10th. Russ Adams was presumably available, and I would think he is a better option than someone who has hit below .200 overall in the minors this year. But I guess that is why we play the game, and I am happy that it worked out.
It must be that roster spot, since he is replacing Bubba Nelson for the time being, but Mike Gallo looked awful. It felt like Nelson's debut (10th inning against Louisville, he got shelled). The positive is that he was taken out before things got disastrous, which could also help Gallo since he won't have a big loss to think about.
Three Stars:
#3 Jose Morales (ROC) - Morales went 3-5, while coming up huge with the gap shot to give Rochester the lead in the 10th. He also was heads up in taking third base on the throw home. It took perfect relay throws to hold Morales to 1 RBI and clutch pitching to keep him from scoring in the 10th.
#2 Jordan De Jong (SYR) - De Jong came in with an inherited runner on 3rd and only one out in the 10th. With his team already down by one, De Jong was able to get Santos to pop out and Watkins to ground out to end the inning without any more damage. If Rochester gets up by two or more runs, the comeback in the bottom of the inning is much tougher and probably doesn't happen.
#1 Wayne Lydon (SYR) - Lydon has not been the best pressure hitter for Syracuse in his time here. In fact, he has had a fair amount of times where he could help tie a game or win a game in the late innings and has struck out. That being said, there is something about the 2008 version of Lydon that makes you forget about those games. He seems to have a bit of confidence and is getting the ball in play a lot more often. His amazing hit into the gap is enough to give him the star of the game, and if Wayne can keep up the way he has been playing, I am sure there will be many more.
Pending weather, Syracuse and Rochester battle at 2pm in Cooperstown. If the game is rained out, refunds are available. Props given to a good rain check policy for this game.
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