Me,Eric,and my family went up to Nashua for a game tonight. It was against Brockton and went into the 10th inning. Old friend Jamie Baker came in for Brockton for a couple of innings and held the Pride down....but they eventually played fundamental baseball and won the game on a walkoff single. It was fun up there,and me and Eric both enjoyed ourselves--I'd like to try to go to one more Can-Am game this summer before the season ends. Who's in? =]
Now......for some good discussion: What does everyone think of the Manny Ramirez trade?
Keep in mind that the Red Sox acquired outfielder Jason Bay from the Pirates and sent Manny to the Dodgers and outfielder Brandon Moss and RHP Craig Hansen to the Pirates in a three-team deal. While I think we should've got more then a decent outfielder out of all we gave up.......I'm pretty content with the trade.
It was evident he didn't want to play here the past few weeks and the mood in the clubhouse was definitly affected--and if the clubhouse is in a funk sometimes it carries over onto the field of play (wednesday night anyone?). Bay is a pretty good outfielder, and he is a decent hitter. He won't make up for Manny's bat in the order and won't make others fear him as bad-but at least he getds on base. At .282 Bay's hitting better then like half of the Sox,and has 64 RBI-making him 2nd on the team in that category. So he's a pretty good hitter,but like I said can't make up for what Manny brought.
Don't get me wrong,I love Manny. If it wasn't for him we wouldn't have those trophys.......but now he was just another distraction the team didn't need,and it festered. I appreciate what he did and am happy he'll eventually go intot he hall of fame (anyone wanna disagree?) but this deal is good not only for the team,but for him too.
So when it's all said and done I'm happy we got the trade done and think Bay will do pretty good. So what do you guys think?
Showing posts with label Transactions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transactions. Show all posts
Friday, August 01, 2008
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Anyone want to be a Sussex fan?
The Sussex Skyhawks are already planning ahead with improvements for the upcoming 2008 season. The Skyhawks acquired four new players from the North Shore Spirit. Matt Bishop, Dennis Robinson, Gary Galvez, and Chad Gabriel will all be a part of the 2008 roster.
"I'm excited about the new players that we have added to the team and how the 2008 Skyhawks are coming together," said Director of Ticket Operations, Seth Bettan. "Our main focus is improving the quality of play on the field and the strength of the squad. With these guys, we are taking a step in the right direction."
Me either. We have 11 players left, by the way, for those of you who are counting.
Monday, August 20, 2007
"Get this man his postgame spread!"
On a night when the man who hit the biggest home run in Spirit history returned to the fold, Josue Lopez picked up a big, clutch homer of his own, sending a two-run blast deep into the night in the 9th to give the Spirit a 6-4 victory over the New Jersey Jackals.
Derek Drage picked up another heart-attack save, putting on the first two men before escaping the jam with the help of a huge strike 'em out, throw 'em out double play when Dustin Yount whiffed. He got Joe Mihalics to pop out to (who else?) Nilson Teilon to end game 1 of a 4-game set that could very well be a preview of the championship series in a few weeks.
Joey Siak got the start for the Spirit. He pitched five decent innings, giving up three runs, and earned a no-decision.
The Spirit gave Joey an early lead off of Isaak Pavlik, putting up a 3-spot in the 2nd inning. Teilon (woo!) walked and came around to score on an RBI groundout by Josue Lopez. After Jerson Perez reached, John Welch hit his 3rd home run in the last 5 games, increasing the lead to 3-0.
With the score 3-1 in the 4th, Josue Lopez got another RBI on a fielder's choice - his 2nd RBI of the night.
From there, the Jackals began to claw back. They chased Joey Siak by putting a pair of runs up in the bottom of the 5th when Clay Kuklick got an RBI triple and Joe Mihalics brought him home with a single to center.
Brandon Martin came in to pitch the 6th and didn't get off to the best start, giving up an RBI double to Wilton Veras to tie the game. He was aided by some poor baserunning, though, as Veras ran into the second out of the inning trying to stretch his hit into a triple. The next man popped up to end the inning.
Martin settled down after that, keeping the Jackals quiet through the 7th and 8th and setting the stage for Josue Lopez's blast off of losing pitcher (and former Elmira legend) Kyle George in the 9th.
W) Martin
L) George
SV) Drage
...........
The Spirit have signed pitcher Luis Arroyo, who made the All-Star team in the United League this year pitching for the Laredo Broncos.
18 starts
8-4
3.55 ERA
4 CG
124.1 IP
126 H
58 R/49 ER
128 K/63 BB
.259 avg against
Not bad at all, but who knows how these numbers translate.
He has 3 years of experience in the Atlantic League from 2002-2004.
.........................
I'll be tracking the big 'magic numbers' on the left-hand side of the blog.
Derek Drage picked up another heart-attack save, putting on the first two men before escaping the jam with the help of a huge strike 'em out, throw 'em out double play when Dustin Yount whiffed. He got Joe Mihalics to pop out to (who else?) Nilson Teilon to end game 1 of a 4-game set that could very well be a preview of the championship series in a few weeks.
Joey Siak got the start for the Spirit. He pitched five decent innings, giving up three runs, and earned a no-decision.
The Spirit gave Joey an early lead off of Isaak Pavlik, putting up a 3-spot in the 2nd inning. Teilon (woo!) walked and came around to score on an RBI groundout by Josue Lopez. After Jerson Perez reached, John Welch hit his 3rd home run in the last 5 games, increasing the lead to 3-0.
With the score 3-1 in the 4th, Josue Lopez got another RBI on a fielder's choice - his 2nd RBI of the night.
From there, the Jackals began to claw back. They chased Joey Siak by putting a pair of runs up in the bottom of the 5th when Clay Kuklick got an RBI triple and Joe Mihalics brought him home with a single to center.
Brandon Martin came in to pitch the 6th and didn't get off to the best start, giving up an RBI double to Wilton Veras to tie the game. He was aided by some poor baserunning, though, as Veras ran into the second out of the inning trying to stretch his hit into a triple. The next man popped up to end the inning.
Martin settled down after that, keeping the Jackals quiet through the 7th and 8th and setting the stage for Josue Lopez's blast off of losing pitcher (and former Elmira legend) Kyle George in the 9th.
W) Martin
L) George
SV) Drage
...........
The Spirit have signed pitcher Luis Arroyo, who made the All-Star team in the United League this year pitching for the Laredo Broncos.
18 starts
8-4
3.55 ERA
4 CG
124.1 IP
126 H
58 R/49 ER
128 K/63 BB
.259 avg against
Not bad at all, but who knows how these numbers translate.
He has 3 years of experience in the Atlantic League from 2002-2004.
.........................
I'll be tracking the big 'magic numbers' on the left-hand side of the blog.
And so it goes...
It's crunch time. Two big ballgames tonight, one for the Spirit in Little Falls and another for that Boston team down in Tampa Bay.
I'm feeling pretty confident about both teams' chances to make the playoffs, but even the most optimistic fan has to at least have some doubt and fear at this point.
The Spirit have an easier road than the Red Sox do: a record of 7-7 in these last 14 games gets us in to the playoffs, regardless of what mayhem unfolds behind us. But the real prize here is the 2nd half title and getting those last 3 games at home, and the lead there is a tenuous 2.5 over Atlantic City. Also in play is the #1 overall record, for which the Spirit have a 2 game lead on the Jackals.
The Jackals are a sleeping giant, struggling in the 2nd half since dominating the first half, but I fully expect them to wake up before the postseason starts. That wakeup call seems to have already started, as the Jackals are 4-1 in their last 5 games. And with their acquisition of ace pitcher John Kelly, don't be surprised to see NJ in the championship series.
Not-so-breaking news:
from northshorespirit.com----
Saturday, August 18, 2007
I'm feeling pretty confident about both teams' chances to make the playoffs, but even the most optimistic fan has to at least have some doubt and fear at this point.
The Spirit have an easier road than the Red Sox do: a record of 7-7 in these last 14 games gets us in to the playoffs, regardless of what mayhem unfolds behind us. But the real prize here is the 2nd half title and getting those last 3 games at home, and the lead there is a tenuous 2.5 over Atlantic City. Also in play is the #1 overall record, for which the Spirit have a 2 game lead on the Jackals.
The Jackals are a sleeping giant, struggling in the 2nd half since dominating the first half, but I fully expect them to wake up before the postseason starts. That wakeup call seems to have already started, as the Jackals are 4-1 in their last 5 games. And with their acquisition of ace pitcher John Kelly, don't be surprised to see NJ in the championship series.
Not-so-breaking news:
from northshorespirit.com----
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Teilon has just finished an MVP season for
In his lone season with the Spirit in 2004, Teilon saw the majority of his playing time at third base, while hitting a very respectable .305 with 11 home runs and 55 RBI’s. His 111 hits that season ranked fifth on the Spirit’s all-time single season record list.
Teilon was signed by the Chicago White Sox as an undrafted free agent in 1998. He has also spent time in the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system.
I AM PUMPED!!!!!!!!! now we just need another pitcher.
Rumors And Tranactions And Pitchers......Oh My
An anonymous poster has left a comment saying that Dennis Robinson has left the team "in order to go to school". This makes sense since school starts up in Septemeber.....but this is just a rumor. still,if true this woud be a big blow to the Spirit as we would again be down a starter and have one of our better pitchers (save a few games) gone.
Out of curiousity I went to the Can-Am site & was looking at the transaction wire to check this out and didn't see him gone. However two pieces of activitity caught my eye.....
North Shore: Released OF Anton French.
This took them long enough to post up. He's been gone since Friday,according to reports. this realy only caught my eye cause it said "North Shore" in the front....the next one caught my eye for a few reasons.....
Brockton: Traded RHP John Kelly to New Jersey in exchange for future considerations and two players to be named later.
Why would brockton trade John Kelly,the best pitcher in the league (behind Chris Farley XD), to New Jersey for 2 players to be named later and future considerations? I can undertsand that New Jersey needs him to keep in the hunt for the overall best record,but Brockton REALLY needs good pitching to help keep them in the playoff race. Brockton may get a good deal out of this in the end,but right now I don't know if it was the right move.....at least if they want to get into the playoffs.
This trade really confuses me....any thoughts?
ALSO: Don't forget to vote in the new round of "Who's Now" which is right below this post! ^_^
Out of curiousity I went to the Can-Am site & was looking at the transaction wire to check this out and didn't see him gone. However two pieces of activitity caught my eye.....
North Shore: Released OF Anton French.
This took them long enough to post up. He's been gone since Friday,according to reports. this realy only caught my eye cause it said "North Shore" in the front....the next one caught my eye for a few reasons.....
Brockton: Traded RHP John Kelly to New Jersey in exchange for future considerations and two players to be named later.
Why would brockton trade John Kelly,the best pitcher in the league (behind Chris Farley XD), to New Jersey for 2 players to be named later and future considerations? I can undertsand that New Jersey needs him to keep in the hunt for the overall best record,but Brockton REALLY needs good pitching to help keep them in the playoff race. Brockton may get a good deal out of this in the end,but right now I don't know if it was the right move.....at least if they want to get into the playoffs.
This trade really confuses me....any thoughts?
ALSO: Don't forget to vote in the new round of "Who's Now" which is right below this post! ^_^
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Galvez, Spirit cruise
Since coming to the Spirit at the start of the 2nd half, Gary Galvez has been an entirely different pitcher than he was during his time with Brockton. That trend continued tonight as Galvez got his 4th win in dominating fashion, shutting out the Grays in 7 innings of work en route to a 6-0 Spirit victory.
Gary Roche hit a two-run homer as the Spirit jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. The score stayed that way until the 6th, when BJ Weed and Mike Torres picked up RBIs to increase the cushion to 6-0. Roche went 4-for-4 on the night, his first solid game since changing his at bat music from 'Salio El Sol.'
Donny Langdon and Derek Drage teamed up to get through the last two innings, although Drage did put two men on in the 9th before ultimately closing the door.
The series wraps up tomorrow.
File under "Speak of the Devil": Rumor has it that Nilson Teilon will be on his way back to Lynn within the next few weeks. Maybe my postings have bizarre psychic powers? We could certainly use him - I could see an arrangement of Teilon at 3rd, Luis at 1st, Josue to DH, and Mottram strictly as a backup catcher. I'd be pretty darn happy with that setup.
Gary Roche hit a two-run homer as the Spirit jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. The score stayed that way until the 6th, when BJ Weed and Mike Torres picked up RBIs to increase the cushion to 6-0. Roche went 4-for-4 on the night, his first solid game since changing his at bat music from 'Salio El Sol.'
Donny Langdon and Derek Drage teamed up to get through the last two innings, although Drage did put two men on in the 9th before ultimately closing the door.
The series wraps up tomorrow.
File under "Speak of the Devil": Rumor has it that Nilson Teilon will be on his way back to Lynn within the next few weeks. Maybe my postings have bizarre psychic powers? We could certainly use him - I could see an arrangement of Teilon at 3rd, Luis at 1st, Josue to DH, and Mottram strictly as a backup catcher. I'd be pretty darn happy with that setup.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Game over before it starts: Spirit crush Worcester 12-2
Gary Galvez had his most impressive outing of the season tonight, going the distance and giving up only two runs as the Spirit beat Worcester 12-2 in front of a good crowd on Doug Flutie night at Fraser Field.
The game also featured the glorious return of Carlos Rodriguez, who picked up two hits, drove in two runs, and got one of his trademark outfield assists.
Galvez had good velocity and consistency with his fastball tonight, hitting 91 at a regular basis and topping out at 94 MPH in the 4th inning. He added in a few breaking pitches at around 72-75 MPH to keep hitters off balance.
He gave up a leadoff triple in the 3rd inning to Greg Smith, who came around to score on a sacrifice fly, then was hit pretty well in the 4th but escaped a jam. The first batter, Keith Beauregard, lined one back toward Galvez, who stuck out his glove and caught the ball. The 2nd batter of the inning reached with a base hit, which was followed by another hit by Patrick Perry. Perry got greedy on the play, however, and was gunned out running to 2nd base by Carlos Rodriguez.
From that point on, Galvez was almost untouchable, save for a 2nd Worcester run scored on an E5 in the 6th.
Galvez's counterpart, Mike "Don't call me mee-ger, don't spell it Ma-Ha" Meagher, did not have the same success - he was hung out to dry by Rich Gedman, iving up 10 runs on 7 hits and 6 walks in 3 1/3 innings.
The Spirit offense ripped it open early on, batting around in the first inning. In Carlos Rodriguez's first at-bat back with the Spirit, he ripped an RBI double. Josue Lopez and Luis Lopez also had RBIs in the first as the Spirit jumped out to a 4-0 lead.
After Carlos Rodriguez, Alan Mottram, and Alex Trezza added RBI hits in the 4th, Jerson Perez absolutely nailed it down with a 3 run homer to right which made it 10-1.
North Shore added two more in the 8th to make it 12-2, which would be the final score.
*
I, for one, think it's great to have C-Rod back --- for all his faults (such as his .212 average and his off the field 'issues') the guy is a beast with a cannon arm and great power. We badly needed another power threat in the lineup in the absence of Vic Davilla. The lack of power is a great flaw on the '07 Spirit - as evidenced by the fact that Blakely is still 2nd on the team in homers.
Welcome back, C-Rod.
The game also featured the glorious return of Carlos Rodriguez, who picked up two hits, drove in two runs, and got one of his trademark outfield assists.
Galvez had good velocity and consistency with his fastball tonight, hitting 91 at a regular basis and topping out at 94 MPH in the 4th inning. He added in a few breaking pitches at around 72-75 MPH to keep hitters off balance.
He gave up a leadoff triple in the 3rd inning to Greg Smith, who came around to score on a sacrifice fly, then was hit pretty well in the 4th but escaped a jam. The first batter, Keith Beauregard, lined one back toward Galvez, who stuck out his glove and caught the ball. The 2nd batter of the inning reached with a base hit, which was followed by another hit by Patrick Perry. Perry got greedy on the play, however, and was gunned out running to 2nd base by Carlos Rodriguez.
From that point on, Galvez was almost untouchable, save for a 2nd Worcester run scored on an E5 in the 6th.
Galvez's counterpart, Mike "Don't call me mee-ger, don't spell it Ma-Ha" Meagher, did not have the same success - he was hung out to dry by Rich Gedman, iving up 10 runs on 7 hits and 6 walks in 3 1/3 innings.
The Spirit offense ripped it open early on, batting around in the first inning. In Carlos Rodriguez's first at-bat back with the Spirit, he ripped an RBI double. Josue Lopez and Luis Lopez also had RBIs in the first as the Spirit jumped out to a 4-0 lead.
After Carlos Rodriguez, Alan Mottram, and Alex Trezza added RBI hits in the 4th, Jerson Perez absolutely nailed it down with a 3 run homer to right which made it 10-1.
North Shore added two more in the 8th to make it 12-2, which would be the final score.
*
I, for one, think it's great to have C-Rod back --- for all his faults (such as his .212 average and his off the field 'issues') the guy is a beast with a cannon arm and great power. We badly needed another power threat in the lineup in the absence of Vic Davilla. The lack of power is a great flaw on the '07 Spirit - as evidenced by the fact that Blakely is still 2nd on the team in homers.
Welcome back, C-Rod.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Morse to Rox
It's been confirmed on Northshorespirit.com that the last original Spirit, Bryan Morse, has been traded to Brockton to complete the deal for Galvez and Hough.
Does that give anyone else an uneasy feeling?
Does that give anyone else an uneasy feeling?
D@MN!$@#!# - Farley to the Yankees - Spirit Roster Shakeup - 2 ex-Rox on their way to Lynn
SPIRIT ROSTER SHAKEUP
Bye, bye, Farley: North Shore Spirit RHP Chris Farley (pictured) had his contract sold to the Yankees as announced by the Can-Am League today. Farley is the fifth Can-Am player purchased by a major league organization since the beginning of the 2007 season.
Farley had a record of 8-2 with an earned run average of 1.41 in 10 starts with the Spirit. He struck out 71 batters and allowed only 15 walks in 63 2/3 innings pitched
----
Josue Matos and Vic Davilla were also removed from the roster.
---
Two ex- Rox on board: Joe Hough and Gary Galvez on their way to North Shore. Not sure how we got them -- probably a trade for Farley's reversionary rights? We obviously needed a starter to replace the loss of Farley, so hello Galvez... Hough instantly becomes the starting LF - he's hitting .240 this year with a pretty good .340 OBP.
----
The team has 'roster stability' now - 10 pitchers, 12 position players, and the way we attack Half #2 now looks something like this:
Starting Pitchers
M. Bishop
J. Siak
R. Bicondoa
S. McNamara
G. Galvez
Relievers
J. Baker
B. Simon
D. Langdon
D. Robinson
Closer
D. Drage
Starting lineup
C- Trezza
1B- Luis Lopez
2B- Roche
SS- Perez
3B- Torres
LF- Hough
CF- Weed
RF- Rodriguez
DH- Josue Lopez
UIF - Gilbert Gil
Backup C - Chris Wood
Backup OF - Jared McGuire
Torres, Gil, Weed and Luis Lopez have all proven to be flexible in terms of what position they can play.
We now have a 'complete roster', although I wish it were a bit stronger overall. Losing Farley will hurt... bad. The pitching staff is still the best in the league, however.
Let's go get 'em...
Bye, bye, Farley: North Shore Spirit RHP Chris Farley (pictured) had his contract sold to the Yankees as announced by the Can-Am League today. Farley is the fifth Can-Am player purchased by a major league organization since the beginning of the 2007 season.
Farley had a record of 8-2 with an earned run average of 1.41 in 10 starts with the Spirit. He struck out 71 batters and allowed only 15 walks in 63 2/3 innings pitched
----
Josue Matos and Vic Davilla were also removed from the roster.
---
Two ex- Rox on board: Joe Hough and Gary Galvez on their way to North Shore. Not sure how we got them -- probably a trade for Farley's reversionary rights? We obviously needed a starter to replace the loss of Farley, so hello Galvez... Hough instantly becomes the starting LF - he's hitting .240 this year with a pretty good .340 OBP.
----
The team has 'roster stability' now - 10 pitchers, 12 position players, and the way we attack Half #2 now looks something like this:
Starting Pitchers
M. Bishop
J. Siak
R. Bicondoa
S. McNamara
G. Galvez
Relievers
J. Baker
B. Simon
D. Langdon
D. Robinson
Closer
D. Drage
Starting lineup
C- Trezza
1B- Luis Lopez
2B- Roche
SS- Perez
3B- Torres
LF- Hough
CF- Weed
RF- Rodriguez
DH- Josue Lopez
UIF - Gilbert Gil
Backup C - Chris Wood
Backup OF - Jared McGuire
Torres, Gil, Weed and Luis Lopez have all proven to be flexible in terms of what position they can play.
We now have a 'complete roster', although I wish it were a bit stronger overall. Losing Farley will hurt... bad. The pitching staff is still the best in the league, however.
Let's go get 'em...
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Six in a row...
The Spirit made a number of roster changes today: Blakely was jettisoned, Rea left the team, and Davilla was removed from the roster; Luis Lopez, a veteran 1B with MLB experience, was added to the team, and Jerson Perez made his return.
I do NOT like losing Blakely as he was one of our few power threats and was producing fairly well despite his low average. I especially dislike giving him up for nothing. Rea, whatever. Vic evidently is going with the 'play every now and then' plan. He really ought to just come back permanantly as he is clearly our best hitter. This Luis Lopez cat seems like a pretty good player.
Gilbert Gil played LF tonight as the Spirit are down to three 'natural outfielders' in Rodriguez, Weed and Balkan. I'd imagine that that will change eventually... I find it hard to believe that the Spirit will keep carrying so many pitchers.
Despite all the changes, however, one thing did not change: The Spirit remain on a roll. Matt Bishop was not dominant tonight by any stretch of the imagination. He was chased in the 6th inning with a 4-2 lead after putting the tying runs on base. But the bullpen (D-Rob, McNamara, Langdon and Drage) finished the job and got Bishop the win as North Shore won 7-4.
Carlos Rodriguez made the big blow early in the game with a 3RBI double in the first inning. Gary Roche also had one of his best games of the season, driving in three runs of his own including a 2RBI double in the 7th.
The Spirit controlled the game from start to finish. It only got a bit shaky when Shawn McNamara struggled in the 8th, giving up 2 runs and letting the Cutters get back into the game. It's safe to say that he is a concern at this point, along with Jamie Baker. The rest of the bullpen has been excellent, however.
A 4th of July battle against New Haven comes tomorrow night at 7. Seven in a row anyone?
I do NOT like losing Blakely as he was one of our few power threats and was producing fairly well despite his low average. I especially dislike giving him up for nothing. Rea, whatever. Vic evidently is going with the 'play every now and then' plan. He really ought to just come back permanantly as he is clearly our best hitter. This Luis Lopez cat seems like a pretty good player.
Gilbert Gil played LF tonight as the Spirit are down to three 'natural outfielders' in Rodriguez, Weed and Balkan. I'd imagine that that will change eventually... I find it hard to believe that the Spirit will keep carrying so many pitchers.
Despite all the changes, however, one thing did not change: The Spirit remain on a roll. Matt Bishop was not dominant tonight by any stretch of the imagination. He was chased in the 6th inning with a 4-2 lead after putting the tying runs on base. But the bullpen (D-Rob, McNamara, Langdon and Drage) finished the job and got Bishop the win as North Shore won 7-4.
Carlos Rodriguez made the big blow early in the game with a 3RBI double in the first inning. Gary Roche also had one of his best games of the season, driving in three runs of his own including a 2RBI double in the 7th.
The Spirit controlled the game from start to finish. It only got a bit shaky when Shawn McNamara struggled in the 8th, giving up 2 runs and letting the Cutters get back into the game. It's safe to say that he is a concern at this point, along with Jamie Baker. The rest of the bullpen has been excellent, however.
A 4th of July battle against New Haven comes tomorrow night at 7. Seven in a row anyone?
Friday, June 22, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Vic returns & Spirit win game 1
Note: If anyone out there is listening to the game right now, feel free to enter the chat room here.
With veteran player Bryan Morse on the disabled list, the North Shore Spirit had an empty veteran slot on the roster. Manager Vic Davilla called his own number and stepped in as the Spirit defeated the Atlantic City Surf 9-1 in game 1 of tonight's doubleheader. Davilla didn't miss a beat, going 2-3 with an RBI.
Chris Farley pitched a complete game for the Spirit and gave up only one run. Alex Trezza powered the offense, hitting a single, a double, and a home run.
Game 2 is underway and Ryan Bicondoa is on the hill. Davilla is in the lineup batting 3rd and playing first base. Adam Balkan is leading off and playing in the outfield for North Shore. There's been no sign of newcomer 1B Josue Lopez yet, acquired in a trade for Kevin Fitzgerald. I'm guessing he'll appear when Vic goes back to the bench.
I really like the Fitzgerald trade. We have a lot of bullpen arms and we were carrying 11 pitchers when the norm is 10. We also desperately need more pop in the lineup and stability in the infield. Hopefully this move can address those concerns.
So... Bicondoa's pitching, Davilla and Trezza are back in the lineup..... everything old is new again at Fraser Field. Maybe that's what the Spirit need to turn the season around!
Full game 2 update coming later...
With veteran player Bryan Morse on the disabled list, the North Shore Spirit had an empty veteran slot on the roster. Manager Vic Davilla called his own number and stepped in as the Spirit defeated the Atlantic City Surf 9-1 in game 1 of tonight's doubleheader. Davilla didn't miss a beat, going 2-3 with an RBI.
Chris Farley pitched a complete game for the Spirit and gave up only one run. Alex Trezza powered the offense, hitting a single, a double, and a home run.
Game 2 is underway and Ryan Bicondoa is on the hill. Davilla is in the lineup batting 3rd and playing first base. Adam Balkan is leading off and playing in the outfield for North Shore. There's been no sign of newcomer 1B Josue Lopez yet, acquired in a trade for Kevin Fitzgerald. I'm guessing he'll appear when Vic goes back to the bench.
I really like the Fitzgerald trade. We have a lot of bullpen arms and we were carrying 11 pitchers when the norm is 10. We also desperately need more pop in the lineup and stability in the infield. Hopefully this move can address those concerns.
So... Bicondoa's pitching, Davilla and Trezza are back in the lineup..... everything old is new again at Fraser Field. Maybe that's what the Spirit need to turn the season around!
Full game 2 update coming later...
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Grand night for the Spirit
Note: Sorry this is so late. I had one of those horrifying only-in-Boston T experiences on my trip back --- at various points throughout the journey I thought I was going to be stuck for the night either in Haymarket (scary) or in West Lynn (much scarier). Using only Yankee ingenuity, I pieced together an after-hours travel itinerary that got me back to BC. Woooo. Anyway...
SPIRIT WIN 8-1!!!
SPIRIT WIN 8-1!!!
First and foremost: ALEX TREZZA is coming back tomorrow! That’s just huge news for this team and for this offense, which really needs a lift.
On to tonight’s game…
Matt Bishop had another masterful outing for the Spirit, twirling a complete game, giving up one run on seven hits and earning the victory as the bats came alive in an 8-1 win over the Can-Am Grays. In the game, Darren Blakely hit two home runs including a grand slam and Mike Torres added a solo shot to contribute to the victory.
Blakely’s solo blast in the 4th inning gave the Spirit a 1-0 lead which held up until the sixth inning, when Blakely made a play in the field that wound up being a real turning point.
With 2 outs, Mayke Cabrera singled off of Bishop. Then, Brian Baker hit an absolute rocket to left field which appeared destined to clear the fence for a 2-run blast, but Blakely miraculously got to the ball and knocked it back into play. Cabrera scored, but at the end of the inning it was 1-1, not 2-1 Grays. That was undoubtedly the play of the game.
In the top of the 7th the Spirit responded right away, scoring the winning runs. Gary Roche led off the inning with a screaming single to left field. Then BJ Weed singled to right to put runners on first and second. Two outs later, Carlos Rodriguez hit an RBI single to left to put the Spirit on top. Mike Torres added an insurance run with a line drive off the first base bag which scored another to make it 3-1
Darren Blakely hit a mammoth grand slam into the parking lot in right centerfield to put the game way, way out of reach in the top of the 8th, as the Spirit lit up Grays newcomer Adam Hanson. In the 9th, Frolian Ramirez fared no better on the hill, giving up an opposite field home run to Mike Torres on an awkward-looking swing to contribute to the final score of 8-1.
Bishop retired the last 8 men in order to seal the complete game victory, continuing his outstanding start to the season. His record is deceptive (2-1), but his ERA is stunning: going into today’s game it was 0.46 and it’s probably up to about 0.5-something now. He definitely was a star in today’s game. But the player of the game has to be:
Darren Blakely, for his 5 RBI, the first Spirit grand slam of the year, and a tremendous defensive play which really swung the game for the Spirit.
Game 2 tomorrow, and Trezza’s back! Roll on!
Monday, June 04, 2007
WHAT?
North Shore: Traded INF Ricardo Cordova to Pensacola in exchange for future considerations.
.........
.......
WHAT??????????
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Transactions
North Shore: Released RHP Chris Eikhorst, RHP Billy Simon, LHP Melvin Alvarez and LHP Ryan Williams. Signed OF Carlos Rodriguez, RHP Matt Bishop, LHP Joey Siak, RHP Chris Farley, LHP Bryan Morse, RHP Kevin Fitzgerald, RHP Dennis Robinson and RHP Shawn McNamara. Spirit placed Bishop, Siak and Farley on the Inactive List.
*
So 4 pitchers are crossed off the list meaning just two more players are going to be cut from the roster. Putting Bishop, Siak and Farley on the IL lets the Spirit keep a few more players on the roster until it is their turn to pitch.
Alvarez is really no surprise after having a terrible season for Sussex then an awful outing against Brockton.
*
So 4 pitchers are crossed off the list meaning just two more players are going to be cut from the roster. Putting Bishop, Siak and Farley on the IL lets the Spirit keep a few more players on the roster until it is their turn to pitch.
Alvarez is really no surprise after having a terrible season for Sussex then an awful outing against Brockton.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Greenhouse officially on board
Per www.canamleague.com.
The numbers aren't that great, so we'll see what his role will be.
Big ol' season preview post coming tomorrow - stay tuned for that.
The numbers aren't that great, so we'll see what his role will be.
Big ol' season preview post coming tomorrow - stay tuned for that.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Another outfield roster twist
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/G/Chad-Gabriel.shtml
The Spirit signed Chad Gabriel, a 22 year old LS-2 who put up decent numbers at A-ball the past two years. This leads me to believe that one of the two vets will definitely be gone.
Additionally, De Vries has disappeared from the roster, with no news posted about him on the transactions page. Bye bye Johnny. "Run it out!"
In other news, Northeastern won the Baseball Beanpot today with a rain-shortened 2-0 win over BC.
The Spirit signed Chad Gabriel, a 22 year old LS-2 who put up decent numbers at A-ball the past two years. This leads me to believe that one of the two vets will definitely be gone.
Additionally, De Vries has disappeared from the roster, with no news posted about him on the transactions page. Bye bye Johnny. "Run it out!"
In other news, Northeastern won the Baseball Beanpot today with a rain-shortened 2-0 win over BC.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Sabino gone; Another piece in the puzzle
Luis Sabino has been traded to Worcester for 'future considerations.' The outfield (and the team in general) is shaping up or '07.
One more position player will be gone before the season starts (I'm guessing one of the catchers).
Interestingly enough, it looks like Worcester's starting outfield next season will have two ex-Spirit (Wishy, Sabino). Annoyingly, the guy we got for Wishy, Zach Strong, is gone, so that turned out to be a poor trade.
In other news, Papelbon is awesome.
One more position player will be gone before the season starts (I'm guessing one of the catchers).
Interestingly enough, it looks like Worcester's starting outfield next season will have two ex-Spirit (Wishy, Sabino). Annoyingly, the guy we got for Wishy, Zach Strong, is gone, so that turned out to be a poor trade.
In other news, Papelbon is awesome.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
MORE News
It's been a busy day. [4 new front page stories on one day? I don't even do that during the season!] The Spirit have signed C/IF Juan Gutierrez, who spent last year at single-A Delmarva.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/G/Juan-Gutierrez.shtml
His stat page reveals that tore up some lower level leagues a few years ago before being rather mediocre at high A ball. His career minor league average is .265 with 26 dingers and 163 RBI in 1051 AB. His OBP is a decent .351. Perhaps he will become the catcher, moving Torres to 1B and big Brad Rea to the DH spot?
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/G/Juan-Gutierrez.shtml
His stat page reveals that tore up some lower level leagues a few years ago before being rather mediocre at high A ball. His career minor league average is .265 with 26 dingers and 163 RBI in 1051 AB. His OBP is a decent .351. Perhaps he will become the catcher, moving Torres to 1B and big Brad Rea to the DH spot?
Baker Confirmed - Big bullpen news
Per the Lawrence Eagle-Tribune, it’s been confirmed that Jamie Baker has been cut by his MLB organization and will play for the Spirit this year. This is very big and very good news for the bullpen – he was lights out last year for the Pride. Spike, got a more detailed scouting report for us?
http://www.eagletribune.com/hhnews/local_story_104093850?keyword=topstory+page=2
"Both Boxford's Jamie Baker and Haverhill's Omar Pena were released by teams in spring training, but it didn't take Baker long to hook up with another team.
The former Masconomet Regional pitcher was signed by the San Diego Padres last September after enjoying a superb season with the Nashua Pride of the Can-Am League, compiling a 3-1 record and a 1.82 ERA, allowing just 21 hits in 34 innings, striking out 31. Opponents batted just .179 against him.
Baker, 23, started off spring training with the Padres in Peoria, Ariz., and threw the ball well at first but, when he developed stiffness in his shoulder, he was released.
"I just needed a little rest, but I guess they didn't want to wait," said Baker. "That was a little bit of a disappointment."
Still, Baker was quickly signed by the North Shore Spirit, where he is expected to be used in relief, the same successful role he played for the Pride."
http://www.eagletribune.com/hhnews/local_story_104093850?keyword=topstory+page=2
"Both Boxford's Jamie Baker and Haverhill's Omar Pena were released by teams in spring training, but it didn't take Baker long to hook up with another team.
The former Masconomet Regional pitcher was signed by the San Diego Padres last September after enjoying a superb season with the Nashua Pride of the Can-Am League, compiling a 3-1 record and a 1.82 ERA, allowing just 21 hits in 34 innings, striking out 31. Opponents batted just .179 against him.
Baker, 23, started off spring training with the Padres in Peoria, Ariz., and threw the ball well at first but, when he developed stiffness in his shoulder, he was released.
"I just needed a little rest, but I guess they didn't want to wait," said Baker. "That was a little bit of a disappointment."
Still, Baker was quickly signed by the North Shore Spirit, where he is expected to be used in relief, the same successful role he played for the Pride."
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