Thursday, March 31, 2011
Mets Roster Near Final
The Mets made four moves today which cuts their roster down to 26 players. The team placed LHP Johan Santana and LF Jason Bay on the 15-day disabled list, both moves which have long been expected. RHP Mike Pelfrey is expected to step up as the team's de facto ace in Santana's absence and RHP Chris Young will replace him in the rotation. OF/2B Willie Harris will replace Bay in the starting lineup and LF Lucas Duda will replace him on the roster. In addition, the Mets outrighted 1B/LF Nick Evans and SS/2B Luis Hernandez to Buffalo. Evans had a terrific season last year in the Minor Leagues but had no place on the team after OF/2B Scott Hairston was given a guaranteed contract. Hernandez was in the competition for the starting second base and utility player jobs, but lost out to 2B Brad Emaus and SS Chin-lung Hu. Both have the option of refusing the assignments and becoming free agents. The Mets are now one-man over the 25-man limit, and when C Ronny Paulino's suspension kicks in they should be down to 25.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
More Changes, Yankees Finalize Roster
The Mets made three long-awaited roster moves official today. They purchased the contracts of RHP Blaine Boyer and OF/2B Willie Harris and activated RHP Francisco Rodriguez from the restricted list. All of these moves have been expected for the past couple of days.
The Yankees made a series of moves today, essentially finalizing their 25-man roster for Opening Day tomorrow. The Bombers placed C Francisco Cervelli and LHP Pedro Feliciano on the 15-day disabled list and LHP Damaso Marte, 2B Reegie Corona, and LF Colin Curtis on the 60-day disabled list. All of these players have been injured for some time. The Yanks also optioned LF Chris Dickerson to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Dickerson was acquired a few days ago from Milwaukee for RHP Sergio Mitre and basically had no place on the team. He is still on the 40-man roster. They also offically designated RHP Romulo Sanchez for assignment, who is having his contract sold to a team in Nippon Professional Baseball. To fill those numerous voids on the roster, the Yankees purchased the contracts of RHP Luis Ayala, RHP Bartolo Colon, RHP Freddy Garcia, and C Gustavo Molina. The Yankees roster looks like this:
Rotation:
1. LHP C. C. Sabathia
2. RHP Phil Hughes
3. RHP A. J. Burnett
4. RHP Ivan Nova
5. RHP Freddy Garcia
Bullpen:
6. RHP Mariano Rivera
7. RHP Rafael Soriano
8. RHP David Robertson
9. RHP Joba Chamberlain
10. RHP Luis Ayala
11. LHP Boone Logan
12. RHP Bartolo Colon
Starting Lineup:
13. C Russell Martin
14. 1B Mark Teixera
15. 2B Robinson Cano
16. 3B Alex Rodriguez
17. SS Derek Jeter
18. LF Brett Gardner
19. CF Curtis Granderson
20. RF Nick Swisher
21. DH Jorge Posada
Bench:
22. RF Andruw Jones
23. SS Eduardo Nunez
24. C Gustavo Molina
25. DH Eric Chavez
The Yankees made a series of moves today, essentially finalizing their 25-man roster for Opening Day tomorrow. The Bombers placed C Francisco Cervelli and LHP Pedro Feliciano on the 15-day disabled list and LHP Damaso Marte, 2B Reegie Corona, and LF Colin Curtis on the 60-day disabled list. All of these players have been injured for some time. The Yanks also optioned LF Chris Dickerson to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Dickerson was acquired a few days ago from Milwaukee for RHP Sergio Mitre and basically had no place on the team. He is still on the 40-man roster. They also offically designated RHP Romulo Sanchez for assignment, who is having his contract sold to a team in Nippon Professional Baseball. To fill those numerous voids on the roster, the Yankees purchased the contracts of RHP Luis Ayala, RHP Bartolo Colon, RHP Freddy Garcia, and C Gustavo Molina. The Yankees roster looks like this:
Rotation:
1. LHP C. C. Sabathia
2. RHP Phil Hughes
3. RHP A. J. Burnett
4. RHP Ivan Nova
5. RHP Freddy Garcia
Bullpen:
6. RHP Mariano Rivera
7. RHP Rafael Soriano
8. RHP David Robertson
9. RHP Joba Chamberlain
10. RHP Luis Ayala
11. LHP Boone Logan
12. RHP Bartolo Colon
Starting Lineup:
13. C Russell Martin
14. 1B Mark Teixera
15. 2B Robinson Cano
16. 3B Alex Rodriguez
17. SS Derek Jeter
18. LF Brett Gardner
19. CF Curtis Granderson
20. RF Nick Swisher
21. DH Jorge Posada
Bench:
22. RF Andruw Jones
23. SS Eduardo Nunez
24. C Gustavo Molina
25. DH Eric Chavez
Roster Changes
The Red Sox trimmed down their roster by one today, designating C Mark Wagner for assignment. Wagner is a prospect who is strong defensively and decent offensively, but his progression through the Minor Leagues has been slow; Wagner will turn 27 this season and his career has topped out at AA. Boston has ten days to trade Wagner or they can offer him to the 29 other teams through waivers. If he clears waivers Wagner can accept an assignment to the Minor Leagues or can become a free agent.
The Mets also made several roster moves today. The team outrighted LHP Pat Misch to Buffalo. Misch has the option of refusing that assignment and becoming a free agent. This also means that manager Terry Collins and GM Sandy Alderson are opting to carry a fourth middle reliever instead of a long reliever. RHP Manny Acosta was designated for assignment; the Mets have ten days to trade Acosta or can offer him to the 29 other teams through waivers. If Acosta clears waivers he can accept an assignment to the Minor Leagues or can become a free agent. The Mets have also traded RHP Eddie Kunz to the Padres for 1B Allan Dykstra. Kunz was the 2007 first-round draft pick of the Mets and was dubbed the closer of the future. Although he had his moments as a closer in the Minor Leagues his career has taken serious setbacks recently. His star has fallen so far that he wasn't even included on the Spring Training roster this season. A source close to the Binghamton Mets (where Kunz played last season) told LeRoy that Kunz is suffering severe alcoholism as well. Dykstra was a first-round pick of the Padres in 2008 but has disappointed thus far, batting .241 last season for Class-A Advanced Lake Elsinore. Collins also told RHP Blaine Boyer that he has made the team. Boyer, a non-roster invitee, has not yet had his contract purchased by the Mets, but that move is expected by tomorrow. In a related move, Collins has asked RHP Jason Isringhausen to stay in Port St. Lucie for extended Spring Training to build up his arm strength. This essentially means that New York's active roster is now down to 29 players, with Spring Training ending tomorrow in Port St. Lucie and the season starting on Friday in Miami against the Marlins. The roster looks like this:
Starting Pitchers:
1. LHP Johan Santana*
2. RHP R. A. Dickey
3. LHP Jon Niese
4. RHP Mike Pelfrey
5. LHP Chris Capuano
6. RHP Chris Young
Relief Pitchers:
7. RHP Bobby Parnell
8. RHP Taylor Buchholz
9. RHP D. J. Carrasco
10. RHP Blaine Boyer
11. LHP Tim Byrdak
12. RHP Pedro Beato
Starting Lineup:
13. C Josh Thole
14. 1B Ike Davis
15. 2B Brad Emaus#
16. 3B David Wright
17. SS Jose Reyes
18. LF Jason Bay+
19. CF Angel Pagan
20. RF Carlos Beltran+
Bench:
21. LF Willie Harris
22. SS Chin-lung Hu
23. 2B Daniel Murphy
24. C Ronny Paulino!+
25. LF Scott Hairston
26. C Mike Nickeas
27. 1B Nick Evans
28. SS Luis Hernandez
29. LF Lucas Duda
*Will start the season on the disabled list.
+Could start the season on the disabled list.
!Player is suspended to start the season.
#Player has not officially won role yet and status is unknown.
RHP Francisco Rodriguez (who is on the restricted list) will be added to the active roster by either tomorrow or Thursday, ballooning the roster up to 30 players and adding more uncertainty to the situation. We know for sure that Santana will start the season on the DL and that Paulino is suspended to the start the season.
Those two absences would have it back down to 28, with Nickeas serving as the backup catcher for the time being. Paulino has also failed a blood test recently (supposedly it's not a PED failure) and he could be placed on the DL as well, meaning Nickeas could have gotten more than he bargained for when he made this team. Bay is having problems with ribcage discomfort and a stiff back and Beltran's knees are still a question mark.
If those two players aren't ready to start the season the roster would be wittled down to 26 with Hernandez being the odd man out. If they are ready it would still be at 28, with Hernandez, Duda, and Evans being cut. Duda can be optioned to the Minors, but Evans and Hernandez would have to either be outrighted, designated for assignment, or released, all three scenarios likely spelling the end of their tenures with the Mets.
Second base is still a mess. We know that Emaus, Hu, and Murphy will be on the team and that Emaus appears to be the de facto starter. But it looks like a situation has arisen where whoever can play second base will. Just for reference, Emaus, Reyes, Harris, Hu, Murphy, and Hairston have all been second baseman at one point in time or another in their careers.
The Mets also made several roster moves today. The team outrighted LHP Pat Misch to Buffalo. Misch has the option of refusing that assignment and becoming a free agent. This also means that manager Terry Collins and GM Sandy Alderson are opting to carry a fourth middle reliever instead of a long reliever. RHP Manny Acosta was designated for assignment; the Mets have ten days to trade Acosta or can offer him to the 29 other teams through waivers. If Acosta clears waivers he can accept an assignment to the Minor Leagues or can become a free agent. The Mets have also traded RHP Eddie Kunz to the Padres for 1B Allan Dykstra. Kunz was the 2007 first-round draft pick of the Mets and was dubbed the closer of the future. Although he had his moments as a closer in the Minor Leagues his career has taken serious setbacks recently. His star has fallen so far that he wasn't even included on the Spring Training roster this season. A source close to the Binghamton Mets (where Kunz played last season) told LeRoy that Kunz is suffering severe alcoholism as well. Dykstra was a first-round pick of the Padres in 2008 but has disappointed thus far, batting .241 last season for Class-A Advanced Lake Elsinore. Collins also told RHP Blaine Boyer that he has made the team. Boyer, a non-roster invitee, has not yet had his contract purchased by the Mets, but that move is expected by tomorrow. In a related move, Collins has asked RHP Jason Isringhausen to stay in Port St. Lucie for extended Spring Training to build up his arm strength. This essentially means that New York's active roster is now down to 29 players, with Spring Training ending tomorrow in Port St. Lucie and the season starting on Friday in Miami against the Marlins. The roster looks like this:
Starting Pitchers:
1. LHP Johan Santana*
2. RHP R. A. Dickey
3. LHP Jon Niese
4. RHP Mike Pelfrey
5. LHP Chris Capuano
6. RHP Chris Young
Relief Pitchers:
7. RHP Bobby Parnell
8. RHP Taylor Buchholz
9. RHP D. J. Carrasco
10. RHP Blaine Boyer
11. LHP Tim Byrdak
12. RHP Pedro Beato
Starting Lineup:
13. C Josh Thole
14. 1B Ike Davis
15. 2B Brad Emaus#
16. 3B David Wright
17. SS Jose Reyes
18. LF Jason Bay+
19. CF Angel Pagan
20. RF Carlos Beltran+
Bench:
21. LF Willie Harris
22. SS Chin-lung Hu
23. 2B Daniel Murphy
24. C Ronny Paulino!+
25. LF Scott Hairston
26. C Mike Nickeas
27. 1B Nick Evans
28. SS Luis Hernandez
29. LF Lucas Duda
*Will start the season on the disabled list.
+Could start the season on the disabled list.
!Player is suspended to start the season.
#Player has not officially won role yet and status is unknown.
RHP Francisco Rodriguez (who is on the restricted list) will be added to the active roster by either tomorrow or Thursday, ballooning the roster up to 30 players and adding more uncertainty to the situation. We know for sure that Santana will start the season on the DL and that Paulino is suspended to the start the season.
Those two absences would have it back down to 28, with Nickeas serving as the backup catcher for the time being. Paulino has also failed a blood test recently (supposedly it's not a PED failure) and he could be placed on the DL as well, meaning Nickeas could have gotten more than he bargained for when he made this team. Bay is having problems with ribcage discomfort and a stiff back and Beltran's knees are still a question mark.
If those two players aren't ready to start the season the roster would be wittled down to 26 with Hernandez being the odd man out. If they are ready it would still be at 28, with Hernandez, Duda, and Evans being cut. Duda can be optioned to the Minors, but Evans and Hernandez would have to either be outrighted, designated for assignment, or released, all three scenarios likely spelling the end of their tenures with the Mets.
Second base is still a mess. We know that Emaus, Hu, and Murphy will be on the team and that Emaus appears to be the de facto starter. But it looks like a situation has arisen where whoever can play second base will. Just for reference, Emaus, Reyes, Harris, Hu, Murphy, and Hairston have all been second baseman at one point in time or another in their careers.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Roster Changes
The Mets have made one roster move official today. Manager Terry Collins has announced that OF/2B Willie Harris has made the team. Harris, a non-roster invitee, has not had his contract purchased by the Mets yet, though that move is expected by March 30. Harris had essentially won the job weeks ago after both OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis and OF Jason Pridie were returned to Minor League camp.
The Yankees have also whittled down their remaining roster decisions after making several moves today. To begin, the Yankees purchased the contract of DH/1B/3B Eric Chavez. Also, the Yankees have optioned IF Ramiro Pena and OF Justin Maxwell to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Maxwell was picked up in a trade with Washington in the off season and didn't seem to serve any purpose aside from depth, but Pena was the clear favorite to serve as the team's utility player, a role he'd filled the past two seasons. His demotion means that IF Eduardo Nunez will serve as the team's utility player. The Yankees have also returned C Jesus Montero and C Austin Romine to Minor League camp, meaning that C Gustavo Molina will likely serve as the backup catcher until C Francisco Cervelli returns from the disabled list. Molina has not had his contract purchased by the Yankees yet, but that move is expected by tomorrow. Also, IF Doug Bernier was returned to Minor League camp today. The Yankees have also announced that RHP Romulo Sanchez has been cut and that his contract will be sold to a team in Nippon Professional Baseball. IF Ronnie Belliard has been released.
The Yankees have also whittled down their remaining roster decisions after making several moves today. To begin, the Yankees purchased the contract of DH/1B/3B Eric Chavez. Also, the Yankees have optioned IF Ramiro Pena and OF Justin Maxwell to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Maxwell was picked up in a trade with Washington in the off season and didn't seem to serve any purpose aside from depth, but Pena was the clear favorite to serve as the team's utility player, a role he'd filled the past two seasons. His demotion means that IF Eduardo Nunez will serve as the team's utility player. The Yankees have also returned C Jesus Montero and C Austin Romine to Minor League camp, meaning that C Gustavo Molina will likely serve as the backup catcher until C Francisco Cervelli returns from the disabled list. Molina has not had his contract purchased by the Yankees yet, but that move is expected by tomorrow. Also, IF Doug Bernier was returned to Minor League camp today. The Yankees have also announced that RHP Romulo Sanchez has been cut and that his contract will be sold to a team in Nippon Professional Baseball. IF Ronnie Belliard has been released.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Roster Changes
The Red Sox have made several roster changes recently as they continue to mold their 40-man roster into their active 25-man roster for Opening Day. To begin, the Red Sox placed RHP Junichi Tazawa on the 60-day disabled list. Tazawa is recovering from Tommy John surgery which he underwent in April, 2010. There is no timetable for his return. He is no longer on the 40-man roster. Boston also purchased the contract of non-roster LHP Dennys Reyes from Pawtucket. In addition, Boston has optioned OF Josh Reddick to Pawtucket. Reddick is a prospect who didn't stand much of a chance of making the team. He is still on the 40-man roster.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Opening Day Rosters Starting to be Revealed
The Red Sox trimmed down their roster by three today. Boston optioned RHP Scott Atchison, RHP Mike Bowden, and OF Ryan Kalish to Pawtucket. Atchison is a veteran who pitched in 43 games (mostly ineffectively) for the Red Sox last season and had a legitimate shot at making the team. Kalish was a prospect in Boston's system who played in 53 games for the Red Sox last season and performed admirably, but there was no room for him on their roster this season. Bowden is a prospect who didn't stand much of a chance of making the team. All are still on the 40-man roster.
The Mets made things on their roster more clearer today as well. New York purchased the contract of non-roster invitee LHP Tim Byrdak from Buffalo and reassigned LHP Mike O'Connor to Minor League camp, officially naming Byrdak the lefty specialist out of the 'pen. The Mets brought in a host of players to fill the hole created by the departure of LHP Pedro Feliciano, but Byrdak was the favorite to win the job all along. O'Connor, a veteran, is well-liked in the organization and could be recalled should the Mets need a lefty in the bullpen this season.
The Yankees also made some moves today. They traded RHP Sergio Mitre to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for OF Chris Dickerson. The trade indicates that RHP Bartolo Colon, RHP Freddy Garcia, and RHP Ivan Nova will likely stick with the team in some combination as the fourth starter, fifth starter, and long reliever. Further complicating matters, the Yankees signed RHP Kevin Millwood to a Minor League contract, though it is unclear how much of a chance he has to make the team, where he fits in the organization, or if he will stick with the organization after the conclusion of Spring Training if he is not on the Major League roster. It is also unclear how Dickerson fits in with the team.
The Mets made things on their roster more clearer today as well. New York purchased the contract of non-roster invitee LHP Tim Byrdak from Buffalo and reassigned LHP Mike O'Connor to Minor League camp, officially naming Byrdak the lefty specialist out of the 'pen. The Mets brought in a host of players to fill the hole created by the departure of LHP Pedro Feliciano, but Byrdak was the favorite to win the job all along. O'Connor, a veteran, is well-liked in the organization and could be recalled should the Mets need a lefty in the bullpen this season.
The Yankees also made some moves today. They traded RHP Sergio Mitre to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for OF Chris Dickerson. The trade indicates that RHP Bartolo Colon, RHP Freddy Garcia, and RHP Ivan Nova will likely stick with the team in some combination as the fourth starter, fifth starter, and long reliever. Further complicating matters, the Yankees signed RHP Kevin Millwood to a Minor League contract, though it is unclear how much of a chance he has to make the team, where he fits in the organization, or if he will stick with the organization after the conclusion of Spring Training if he is not on the Major League roster. It is also unclear how Dickerson fits in with the team.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Spring Training Cuts
The Yankees have made some roster changes in an attempt to trim their roster down to 25. The Yanks optioned OF Greg Golson to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Golson is a Minor League veteran who was on New York's playoff roster last postseason due to his strong defense in the outfield. He had a chance to break camp with the team due to that defense, but his chances were severely reduced by the presence of OF/DH Andruw Jones, a ten-time Gold Glove Award winner. Should CF Curtis Granderson start the season on the disabled list, Golson would likely be the first person recalled to replace him on the 25-man roster. He is still on the 40-man roster.
The Yankees also claimed LHP Jose Ortegano on waivers from the Atlanta Braves and optioned him to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. It is unclear how he fits into New York's plans. Ortegano is on the 40-man roster.
The Yankees also reassigned C Jose Gil, IF Jorge Vazquez, and OF Jordan Parraz to Minor League camp. Gil is a prospect who didn't have much of a chance of making the team. Vazquez is a veteran of the Mexican League who has intrigued the Yankees but really has no place on their roster. Parraz is a Minor League veteran clinging to his career.
The Yankees also claimed LHP Jose Ortegano on waivers from the Atlanta Braves and optioned him to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. It is unclear how he fits into New York's plans. Ortegano is on the 40-man roster.
The Yankees also reassigned C Jose Gil, IF Jorge Vazquez, and OF Jordan Parraz to Minor League camp. Gil is a prospect who didn't have much of a chance of making the team. Vazquez is a veteran of the Mexican League who has intrigued the Yankees but really has no place on their roster. Parraz is a Minor League veteran clinging to his career.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Spring Training Cuts
The Mets cut down their roster by one today, optioning IF Justin Turner to Buffalo. Turner had been in the running for the second base job and was also a candidate to break camp as a utility player. With 2B Luis Castillo released, IF Russ Adams reassigned to Minor League camp, 2B Jordany Valdespin optioned to Binghamton, and IF Ruben Tejada and now Turner optioned to Buffalo the second base competition is now down to four competitors: IF/LF Daniel Murphy, IF Brad Emaus, IF Luis Hernandez, and IF Chin-lung Hu.
Murphy, who was once the front runner at the position, now appears to be in line to break camp as a left-handed bat off the bench and a super-sub (he might be able to play as many as five positions), especially now that OF/1B Lucas Duda may break camp as the team's starting right fielder. Hu is still in the running for the job but is also the most intriguing candidate to win the utility infielder job.
Which leaves Emaus and Hernandez. Emaus is a Rule V pick, and will likely go back to the Blue Jays if he is cut. His Rule V status may give him a slight edge over Hernandez. Rumors began swirling today after Turner was optioned that the Mets may attempt to trade Hernandez before Opening Day, indicating that Emaus, Hu, and Murphy will be the three second baseman (out of ten) to break camp with the team, and that Emaus may be the starter.
Murphy, who was once the front runner at the position, now appears to be in line to break camp as a left-handed bat off the bench and a super-sub (he might be able to play as many as five positions), especially now that OF/1B Lucas Duda may break camp as the team's starting right fielder. Hu is still in the running for the job but is also the most intriguing candidate to win the utility infielder job.
Which leaves Emaus and Hernandez. Emaus is a Rule V pick, and will likely go back to the Blue Jays if he is cut. His Rule V status may give him a slight edge over Hernandez. Rumors began swirling today after Turner was optioned that the Mets may attempt to trade Hernandez before Opening Day, indicating that Emaus, Hu, and Murphy will be the three second baseman (out of ten) to break camp with the team, and that Emaus may be the starter.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Spring Training Cuts
The Yankees trimmed down their roster by one today, optioning RHP Dellin Betances to Trenton. Betances is a prospect who didn't stand much of a chance of making the team. He is still on the 40-man roster.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Spring Training Cuts
The Mets trimmed down their roster by one today, releasing LHP Oliver Perez and eating the $12 million remaining on his contract. The move comes three days after unpopular 2B Luis Castillo (owed $6 million) was also released. The release had been expected since the end of the 2010 season, but Perez still had the potential to win a job in the wide-open bullpen scenario that has developed for the Mets, making his Spring Training contributions worthwhile.
After signing his three-year $36 million contract following the 2008 season, Perez arrived at Team Mexico's camp during the 2009 World Baseball Classic horribly out of shape. Last season, he vehemently refused an assignment to the Minor Leagues and forced then-manager Jerry Manuel to play with a 24-man roster. By October 2010, the consensus was that his days as a Met were just about over.
Perez was given every chance to win a job as a lefty specialist or as a long reliever in camp but failed miserably. Although Castillo was a good option at second base on paper, Perez was never a front runner to break camp with the 2011 Mets. The next step for him now is late-Spring free agency.
The future isn't entirely bleak for Perez, as he does have a 200-strikeout season under his belt. Teammates were unsurprised yet disappointed about his release, a clubhouse favorite. Despite all of his faults in the latter half of his Mets career, the first half of his tenure with the Mets was marked by undisputed successes.
Those successes and the potential for more was the reasoning behind the hefty contract he failed to live up to. Now Perez is gone, as GM Sandy Alderson continues to remove the legacy of former GM Omar Minaya during his first year as the head honcho.
After signing his three-year $36 million contract following the 2008 season, Perez arrived at Team Mexico's camp during the 2009 World Baseball Classic horribly out of shape. Last season, he vehemently refused an assignment to the Minor Leagues and forced then-manager Jerry Manuel to play with a 24-man roster. By October 2010, the consensus was that his days as a Met were just about over.
Perez was given every chance to win a job as a lefty specialist or as a long reliever in camp but failed miserably. Although Castillo was a good option at second base on paper, Perez was never a front runner to break camp with the 2011 Mets. The next step for him now is late-Spring free agency.
The future isn't entirely bleak for Perez, as he does have a 200-strikeout season under his belt. Teammates were unsurprised yet disappointed about his release, a clubhouse favorite. Despite all of his faults in the latter half of his Mets career, the first half of his tenure with the Mets was marked by undisputed successes.
Those successes and the potential for more was the reasoning behind the hefty contract he failed to live up to. Now Perez is gone, as GM Sandy Alderson continues to remove the legacy of former GM Omar Minaya during his first year as the head honcho.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Spring Training Cuts
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Spring Training Cuts
Over the past two days the Red Sox have significantly trimmed down their roster. The Red Sox have optioned C Luis Exposito, 1B Lars Anderson, SS Jose Iglesias, and SS Yamaico Navarro to Pawtucket. All four are prospects and didn't have much of a chance to make the team.
The Mets also trimmed down their roster yesterday. RHP Dillon Gee was optioned to Buffalo. LHP Taylor Tankersly, RHP Boof Bonser, RHP Ryota Igarashi, C Raul Chavez, C Dusty Ryan, IF Russ Adams, and OF Jason Pridie were reassigned to Minor League camp. 2B Luis Castillo was released.
Gee is a prospect and was in the running for a job pitching in long relief but otherwise had no place on the 25-man roster. Gee is still on the 40-man roster and should be on call along with RHP Jenrry Mejia should an injury befall one of the Mets starting pitchers.
There seems to be two open spots in the bullpen and Bonser and Igarashi were fighting for those spots and appeared to have as good of a chance as anyone else to win those jobs. C Ronny Paulino didn't arrive in camp until last week due to visa problems and is suspended to start the season meaning the Mets will need to carry a third catcher early on; Chavez and Ryan were both fighting for that spot and seemed to have a pretty good chance of winning that job. Adams was a long shot to win the second base job and was also in the running to win a job as a utility player. Pridie was competing for a job as a fourth outfielder. All are veterans and were non-roster invitees. It is unclear if these non-roster players will remain in Buffalo or will be released in the hopes of signing elsewhere.
Castillo was the front runner to win the second base job and his release marks more uncertainty at the position. The Mets have elected to eat the remaining $6 million on his contract. On paper, Castillo easily made the most sense as the team's starter at second base, but his reputation with the fan base was so low, admitted GM Sandy Alderson, that it was essentially impossible to keep him on the team.
The Mets essentially had nothing to gain by bringing Castillo to Spring Training, and many Mets fans have wondered why Castillo wasn't released in January - or earlier. Releasing Castillo was a losing proposition; they lose $6 million and get nothing in return. By wasting a roster spot and playing time on him for two-thirds of the Spring schedule the Mets simply subtracted playing time away from all of the other hopefuls vying for the position, which simply makes it more difficult to find a starter amongst IF/LF Daniel Murphy, IF Brad Emaus, IF Luis Hernandez, IF Chin-lung Hu, and IF Justin Turner. It appears that Alderson is trying to make an example out of Castillo. A message to any agents out there: Sandy Alderson isn't Omar Minaya and he won't be handing out any ridiculous contracts.
The Yankees have also made their most recent wave of cuts. The Yanks optioned RHP Andy Brackman, IF Brandon Laird, IF/OF Kevin Russo, and OF Melky Mesa to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. They have also optioned LHP Steve Garrison and RHP Ryan Pope to Trenton.
Russo is a veteran who will be on call at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre should the Yankees need a right-handed bat, a second baseman, or a utility player in general at any time this season. The rest are prospects who didn't stand much of a chance to make the team. All are still on the 40-man roster.
The Mets also trimmed down their roster yesterday. RHP Dillon Gee was optioned to Buffalo. LHP Taylor Tankersly, RHP Boof Bonser, RHP Ryota Igarashi, C Raul Chavez, C Dusty Ryan, IF Russ Adams, and OF Jason Pridie were reassigned to Minor League camp. 2B Luis Castillo was released.
Gee is a prospect and was in the running for a job pitching in long relief but otherwise had no place on the 25-man roster. Gee is still on the 40-man roster and should be on call along with RHP Jenrry Mejia should an injury befall one of the Mets starting pitchers.
There seems to be two open spots in the bullpen and Bonser and Igarashi were fighting for those spots and appeared to have as good of a chance as anyone else to win those jobs. C Ronny Paulino didn't arrive in camp until last week due to visa problems and is suspended to start the season meaning the Mets will need to carry a third catcher early on; Chavez and Ryan were both fighting for that spot and seemed to have a pretty good chance of winning that job. Adams was a long shot to win the second base job and was also in the running to win a job as a utility player. Pridie was competing for a job as a fourth outfielder. All are veterans and were non-roster invitees. It is unclear if these non-roster players will remain in Buffalo or will be released in the hopes of signing elsewhere.
Castillo was the front runner to win the second base job and his release marks more uncertainty at the position. The Mets have elected to eat the remaining $6 million on his contract. On paper, Castillo easily made the most sense as the team's starter at second base, but his reputation with the fan base was so low, admitted GM Sandy Alderson, that it was essentially impossible to keep him on the team.
The Mets essentially had nothing to gain by bringing Castillo to Spring Training, and many Mets fans have wondered why Castillo wasn't released in January - or earlier. Releasing Castillo was a losing proposition; they lose $6 million and get nothing in return. By wasting a roster spot and playing time on him for two-thirds of the Spring schedule the Mets simply subtracted playing time away from all of the other hopefuls vying for the position, which simply makes it more difficult to find a starter amongst IF/LF Daniel Murphy, IF Brad Emaus, IF Luis Hernandez, IF Chin-lung Hu, and IF Justin Turner. It appears that Alderson is trying to make an example out of Castillo. A message to any agents out there: Sandy Alderson isn't Omar Minaya and he won't be handing out any ridiculous contracts.
The Yankees have also made their most recent wave of cuts. The Yanks optioned RHP Andy Brackman, IF Brandon Laird, IF/OF Kevin Russo, and OF Melky Mesa to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. They have also optioned LHP Steve Garrison and RHP Ryan Pope to Trenton.
Russo is a veteran who will be on call at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre should the Yankees need a right-handed bat, a second baseman, or a utility player in general at any time this season. The rest are prospects who didn't stand much of a chance to make the team. All are still on the 40-man roster.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Exhibition Games
The Yankees and Red Sox square off tonight at 7:00 PM at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Florida. This game will be televised on ESPN 2.
Spring Training Cuts
On March 12 the Red Sox announced that they had voided the contract of RHP Jason Bergmann among their first wave of Spring cuts. There was some speculation that this cut wouldn't take after a protest by the MLBPA. And the naysayers were right, this move probably wouldn't have held water (see RHP Francisco Rodriguez last season after his contract was voided by the Mets). It doesn't matter now, though. Bergmann has officially been released by Boston, meaning that he's as gone as he'll ever be, but the Red Sox have elected to pay him.
The Yankees have made their first cuts of the Spring. LHP Robert Fish was placed on waivers and RHP Daniel Turpen, a Rule V Draft Pick, was cut and returned to the Red Sox. Fish, a minor league veteran, was claimed on waivers by Kansas City. Turpen has been added to Pawtucket's roster.
The Yankees have made their first cuts of the Spring. LHP Robert Fish was placed on waivers and RHP Daniel Turpen, a Rule V Draft Pick, was cut and returned to the Red Sox. Fish, a minor league veteran, was claimed on waivers by Kansas City. Turpen has been added to Pawtucket's roster.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Spring Training Cuts
The Red Sox have made their first cuts of the Spring. RHP Stolmy Pimentel and 2B Oscar Tejeda have both been optioned to Portland. Both are prospects and neither one of them stood much of a chance at breaking camp with the team.
The Mets continue to make cuts as well. RHP John Lujan, RHP Tobi Stoner, C Kai Gronauer, and CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis have been reassigned to Minor League camp. Lujan is a Minor League veteran who is starting his second year in the Mets organization. He'll likely be sent to Buffalo. The rest are prospects who received non-roster invitations to camp and none of them stood much of a chance to make the team.
Stoner has pitched with the Mets over the past two seasons and will likely be on call at Buffalo should an injury befall a Mets pitcher (he'll start for the Bisons but the Mets see him as a reliever on a long-term basis). Nieuwenhuis will also likely go to Buffalo and should see time in the Majors this year. Gronauer will likely be assigned to St. Lucie.
The Mets have not yet confirmed this wave of cuts, although a source has told LeRoy that they have been made.
The Mets continue to make cuts as well. RHP John Lujan, RHP Tobi Stoner, C Kai Gronauer, and CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis have been reassigned to Minor League camp. Lujan is a Minor League veteran who is starting his second year in the Mets organization. He'll likely be sent to Buffalo. The rest are prospects who received non-roster invitations to camp and none of them stood much of a chance to make the team.
Stoner has pitched with the Mets over the past two seasons and will likely be on call at Buffalo should an injury befall a Mets pitcher (he'll start for the Bisons but the Mets see him as a reliever on a long-term basis). Nieuwenhuis will also likely go to Buffalo and should see time in the Majors this year. Gronauer will likely be assigned to St. Lucie.
The Mets have not yet confirmed this wave of cuts, although a source has told LeRoy that they have been made.
NCAA Quarterfinal Preview: Bowdoin vs. Oswego
The Oswego State Lakers will host the Bowdoin Polar Bears in a rematch of last year’s NCAA Division III Hockey quarterfinal round on Saturday, March 12 at 7pm in the Campus Center Ice Arena. Bowdoin advanced in the tournament after defeated Neumann, 2-1 Wednesday night. Oswego enters the game after being idol for two weeks and receiving an at large bid into the NCAAs.
Last year, Oswego defeated Bowdoin, 9-2, the NCAA quarterfinal game to advance to the NCAA Frozen Four in Lake Placid. The winner of tonight’s game will once again cash their ticket to the Frozen Four and face the winner of the Adrian/Elmira game in Minneapolis, MN.
The game can be seen online via the Oswego Athletics page. Here’s a brief look at the match between Bowdoin and Oswego, courtesy of uscho.com.
Tournament Qualification: NESCAC Automatic Qualifier
NCAA Tournament Profile: fourth NCAA tournament appearance, last appearance — 2010 (quarterfinal round loss to Oswego, 9–2)
Best NCAA Finish: quarterfinalists — 2000, 2010
Road to NCAA Championship: win, 5–2, vs. Williams, (NESCAC championship game), win, 3–1, vs. Colby, (NESCAC semifinals), win 4–3 (OT), vs. Amherst, (NESCAC quarterfinals)
Team Stats
Overall Record: 18–7–1, 11–7–1 NESCAC (Fifth)
SOG: 34.8 per game
Opponents’ SOG: 30.7 per game
Power Play: 32.2 percent
Penalty Kill: 87.1 percent
Offense: 4.07 goals per game
Defense: 3.13 goals per game
Scoring Leaders
Daniel Weiniger, (So.) — 20 goals, 22 assists, 42 points
Kyle shearer-Hardy (Sr.) — 9 goals, 27 assists, 36 points
Jeff Fanning (Sr.) — 20 goals, 7 assists, 27 points
Colin Downey (Fr.) — 10 goals, 15 assists, 25 points
Goaltender
Steve Messina (Fr.) — 2.95 goals against average, .893 save percentage
Oswego State Lakers
League: SUNYAC
Record: 22–4–0
NCAA History: 12th appearance, one national championship (2007)
League: SUNYAC
Record: 22–4–0
NCAA History: 12th appearance, one national championship (2007)
Conference Playoffs: Semifinals — lost to Fredonia, 2–1 (OT)
Scoring Offense: 4.02 g/gm
Scoring Defense: 1.85 g/gm
Scoring Margin: +59 (2.27 g/gm)
Power Play: 25.7 percent
Penalty Kill: 85.9 percent
Penalties: 14.2 pim/gm
Team Leaders
Goals: Ian Boots (14)
Assists: Ian Boots (23)
Points: Ian Boots (37)
Power-play Goals: Justin Fox (8)
Short-handed Goals: Owen Kelly (2)
GAA: Paul Beckwith (1.78)
Save Pct.: Paul Beckwith (.935)
Friday, March 11, 2011
First cuts of the Spring
The Mets have made their first cuts of the Spring. RHP Manuel Alvarez, RHP Josh Stinson, IF Ruben Tejada, and OF Fernando Martinez have been optioned to Buffalo. 2B Jordany Valdespin and 3B Zach Lutz have been optioned to Binghamton. RHP Armando Rodriguez has been to optioned to St. Lucie.
Most of the cuts do not come as surprises. Alvarez, Stinson, Valdespin, Lutz, and Rodriguez are prospects and had little chance of making the team. In addition, none of them did much to impress Mets brass so far in Spring Training.
It was a bit of a surprise to see Tejada cut, and, perhaps even more surprisingly, cut so early in camp. On paper, Tejada was one of the leading candidates to win the job as a utility player with the club. However, manager Terry Collins and GM Sandy Alderson have both stated repeatedly that they want Tejada getting regular at-bats as the shortstop at Buffalo. Now that's where he'll be.
Another bit of a surprise is the departure of Martinez. With RF Carlos Beltran's knee problems causing concern in camp and Martinez swinging a hot bat, he appeared to be in the running to fill in for the oft-injured outfielder if he started the season on the D.L. At the very least he was expected to remain in big league camp until Beltran was proven healthy. Evidently Collins and Alderson did not feel the same way. OF Lucas Duda, 1B/OF Nick Evans, OF Scott Hairston, and OF Willie Harris are now on call if Beltran will not be ready for the start of the season.
Most of the cuts do not come as surprises. Alvarez, Stinson, Valdespin, Lutz, and Rodriguez are prospects and had little chance of making the team. In addition, none of them did much to impress Mets brass so far in Spring Training.
It was a bit of a surprise to see Tejada cut, and, perhaps even more surprisingly, cut so early in camp. On paper, Tejada was one of the leading candidates to win the job as a utility player with the club. However, manager Terry Collins and GM Sandy Alderson have both stated repeatedly that they want Tejada getting regular at-bats as the shortstop at Buffalo. Now that's where he'll be.
Another bit of a surprise is the departure of Martinez. With RF Carlos Beltran's knee problems causing concern in camp and Martinez swinging a hot bat, he appeared to be in the running to fill in for the oft-injured outfielder if he started the season on the D.L. At the very least he was expected to remain in big league camp until Beltran was proven healthy. Evidently Collins and Alderson did not feel the same way. OF Lucas Duda, 1B/OF Nick Evans, OF Scott Hairston, and OF Willie Harris are now on call if Beltran will not be ready for the start of the season.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Bowdoin, Hamline & Norwich Advance to NCAA Hockey Quarterfinals
Oswego will face Bowdoin in a rematch of last year's NCAA Quarterfinal game at 7pm on Sat. 3/12 in the Campus Center Ice Arena. Game preview coming Friday.
Exhibition Games
The Red Sox visit the Tampa Bay Rays today at 1:05 PM. This game will be broadcast on the MLB Network.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Exhibition Games
The Red Sox host the split-squad Baltimore Orioles today in Fort Myers, Florida at 7:05 PM. This game will be televised on the MLB Network.
The Mets host the Houston Astros today at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida at 1:10 PM. This game will be broadcast on SNY. A tape-delay of this game will be broadcast on the MLB Network at 3:00 PM (in all likelihood the game won't be over at this time but if you missed the start of the game then this might be the way you want to go).
The Mets host the Houston Astros today at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida at 1:10 PM. This game will be broadcast on SNY. A tape-delay of this game will be broadcast on the MLB Network at 3:00 PM (in all likelihood the game won't be over at this time but if you missed the start of the game then this might be the way you want to go).
Beltran Sidelined
Mets CF Carlos Beltran is sidelined with tendinitis in his left knee. Beltran believes the tendinitis was caused by him compensating for his surgically-repaired right knee in the off season. The Mets are admittedly worried about his availability for the regular season.
The injury is not thought to be serious and Beltran is expected to return in four or five days. He has said that the knee has been bothering him since he started running in camp. Both Beltran and GM Sandy Alderson have said that he could play if needed and that the time off is simply a precaution.
Beltran has begun taking anti-inflammatory drugs, though cortisone has not been administered. He has said that he can be ready for opening day, although he's only played in one game thus far and has yet to play the field, despite the fact that he's learning a new position. Manager Terry Collins had planned to use Beltran in back-to-back games before the outfielder begged out of the lineup (he was penciled in as the DH) on Monday.
Beltran initially described the pain as "sore in a good way," and most reporters and Mets fans believed the pain was in his surgically-repaired right knee, not the left one, which was presumed to be relatively healthy. He was also penciled into play a simulated game yesterday where he could hit but wouldn't be required to run, although the Mets backed off that plan too. The continual downgrading of his status suggests that the pain in his left knee is increasing.
Beltran is adamant that the problem has been caused by compensating for his surgically-repaired right knee and is not a more serious problem. If Beltran isn't ready for Opening Day, the Mets would look at OF Fernando Martinez, OF Scott Hairston, OF Willie Harris, and 1B/OF Nick Evans in right field, though not necessarily in that order.
The injury is not thought to be serious and Beltran is expected to return in four or five days. He has said that the knee has been bothering him since he started running in camp. Both Beltran and GM Sandy Alderson have said that he could play if needed and that the time off is simply a precaution.
Beltran has begun taking anti-inflammatory drugs, though cortisone has not been administered. He has said that he can be ready for opening day, although he's only played in one game thus far and has yet to play the field, despite the fact that he's learning a new position. Manager Terry Collins had planned to use Beltran in back-to-back games before the outfielder begged out of the lineup (he was penciled in as the DH) on Monday.
Beltran initially described the pain as "sore in a good way," and most reporters and Mets fans believed the pain was in his surgically-repaired right knee, not the left one, which was presumed to be relatively healthy. He was also penciled into play a simulated game yesterday where he could hit but wouldn't be required to run, although the Mets backed off that plan too. The continual downgrading of his status suggests that the pain in his left knee is increasing.
Beltran is adamant that the problem has been caused by compensating for his surgically-repaired right knee and is not a more serious problem. If Beltran isn't ready for Opening Day, the Mets would look at OF Fernando Martinez, OF Scott Hairston, OF Willie Harris, and 1B/OF Nick Evans in right field, though not necessarily in that order.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Exhibition Games
The Mets host the Washington Nationals today at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida at 1:10 PM. The Mets will feature a split-squad roster today as another squad, accompanied by manager Terry Collins and LHP Oliver Perez (who could become New York's first cut after the game), visit the Houston Astros in Kissimmee, Florida at 1:05 PM. The home game against the Nats will be broadcast by SNY.
The Yankees visit the Atlanta Braves today at ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida at 1:05 PM. This game will be broadcast by the YES Network. A tape-delayed broadcast of the game will appear on the MLB Network at 7:00 PM.
The Yankees visit the Atlanta Braves today at ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida at 1:05 PM. This game will be broadcast by the YES Network. A tape-delayed broadcast of the game will appear on the MLB Network at 7:00 PM.
Monday, March 7, 2011
NCAA D-III Men's Hockey Bracket Announced
The Division III Men's Ice Hockey NCAA Tournament bracket has been announced! Oswego has received an at-large bid and has been byed into the Quarterfinals.
The action begins with the First Round on Wednesday, March 9. Bowdoin and Neumann face off in the Sid Watson Arena in Brunswick, Maine at 7:00 PM. The winner of this game will face Oswego at the Campus Center Ice Arena in Oswego, New York in the Quarterfinals on Saturday, March 12 at 7:00 PM.
First Round action continues as Wisconsin-Superior and Hamline face off at the Siinto S. Wessman Arena in Superior, Wisconsin on Wednesday, March 9 at 8:00 PM. The winner of this game will face St. Norbert at the Cornerstone Community Center in De Pere, Wisconsin in the Quarterfinals on Saturday, March 12 at 8:00 PM.
The First Round concludes with Norwich and Curry facing off at Kreitzberg Arena in Northfield, Vermont on Wednesday, March 9 at 7:00 PM. The winner of this game will face Plattsburgh at the Stafford Ice Arena in Plattsburgh, New York on Saturday, March 12 at 7:00 PM.
Adrian and Elmira have both received byes into the Quarterfinals and will face each other at Arrington Ice Arena in Adrian, Michigan on Saturday, March 12 at 7:00 PM. This is a borderline violation of the NCAA by-laws as Adrian is a west coast team and Elmira, which plays in the ECAC West, is basically an east coast team. The NCAA can get away with this, however, by citing an obscure rule which limits travel (Adrian, Michigan is actually closer to Elmira, New York than to either Superior, Wisconsin or De Pere, Wisconsin), and based upon the fact that the ECAC West is basically an independent conference and doesn't have much pull in the grand scheme of things as far as the NCAA is concerned.
There was one notable snub in the 11-team field, as is to be expected given the obvious biases of the selecting committee. Castleton, which appeared locked in as they were ranked no lower than fifth for most of the season, did not receive an at-large bid. They were snubbed in favor of Wisconsin-Superior. It is important to note that Castleton plays in the ECAC East and Norwich, also of the ECAC East, had a representative on the selecting committee. Norwich had their hands full with Castleton all year and they obviously had a strong team, being ranked fifth by the NCAA upon completion of the ECAC East tournament and fourth by USCHO. Clearly, Norwich kept Castleton out of the dance. This also gave the field four teams in the west and only seven in the east, although since Elmira is now being treated as a west coast team it's now more like six and five. After all, if Elmira beats Adrian they'll be treated like a team that came out of the west in the Frozen Four. The Castleton snubbing has defeinitely created a debacle.
This is all we know right now! We won't be sure about who's going to the Frozen Four in Minneapolis until the conclusion of the Quarterfinals. The bracket can be viewed here.
Lets' go Lakers!!!!!
The action begins with the First Round on Wednesday, March 9. Bowdoin and Neumann face off in the Sid Watson Arena in Brunswick, Maine at 7:00 PM. The winner of this game will face Oswego at the Campus Center Ice Arena in Oswego, New York in the Quarterfinals on Saturday, March 12 at 7:00 PM.
First Round action continues as Wisconsin-Superior and Hamline face off at the Siinto S. Wessman Arena in Superior, Wisconsin on Wednesday, March 9 at 8:00 PM. The winner of this game will face St. Norbert at the Cornerstone Community Center in De Pere, Wisconsin in the Quarterfinals on Saturday, March 12 at 8:00 PM.
The First Round concludes with Norwich and Curry facing off at Kreitzberg Arena in Northfield, Vermont on Wednesday, March 9 at 7:00 PM. The winner of this game will face Plattsburgh at the Stafford Ice Arena in Plattsburgh, New York on Saturday, March 12 at 7:00 PM.
Adrian and Elmira have both received byes into the Quarterfinals and will face each other at Arrington Ice Arena in Adrian, Michigan on Saturday, March 12 at 7:00 PM. This is a borderline violation of the NCAA by-laws as Adrian is a west coast team and Elmira, which plays in the ECAC West, is basically an east coast team. The NCAA can get away with this, however, by citing an obscure rule which limits travel (Adrian, Michigan is actually closer to Elmira, New York than to either Superior, Wisconsin or De Pere, Wisconsin), and based upon the fact that the ECAC West is basically an independent conference and doesn't have much pull in the grand scheme of things as far as the NCAA is concerned.
There was one notable snub in the 11-team field, as is to be expected given the obvious biases of the selecting committee. Castleton, which appeared locked in as they were ranked no lower than fifth for most of the season, did not receive an at-large bid. They were snubbed in favor of Wisconsin-Superior. It is important to note that Castleton plays in the ECAC East and Norwich, also of the ECAC East, had a representative on the selecting committee. Norwich had their hands full with Castleton all year and they obviously had a strong team, being ranked fifth by the NCAA upon completion of the ECAC East tournament and fourth by USCHO. Clearly, Norwich kept Castleton out of the dance. This also gave the field four teams in the west and only seven in the east, although since Elmira is now being treated as a west coast team it's now more like six and five. After all, if Elmira beats Adrian they'll be treated like a team that came out of the west in the Frozen Four. The Castleton snubbing has defeinitely created a debacle.
This is all we know right now! We won't be sure about who's going to the Frozen Four in Minneapolis until the conclusion of the Quarterfinals. The bracket can be viewed here.
Lets' go Lakers!!!!!
Exhibition Games
The Yankees host the Phillies today at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida at 1:10 PM. This game will be broadcast by the YES Network.
The Mets host the Tigers today at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida at 1:10 PM. This game will be broadcast by both SNY and the MLB Network.
The Mets host the Tigers today at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida at 1:10 PM. This game will be broadcast by both SNY and the MLB Network.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Selection Sunday
Selection Sunday is underway for the NCAA D-III Hockey Tournament. We should know the tournament field and seeding late tonight with an official announcement coming tomorrow morning at 9am. Here's what we know now and here's who I think will get in.
Locked in (Pool A: Automatic Qualifiers):
ECAC East: Norwich
ECAC Northeast: Curry
MCHA: Adrian
MIAC: Hamline
NCHA: St. Norbert
NESCAC: Bowdoin
SUNYAC: Plattsburgh
Predicted (Pool B):
ECAC West: Elmira
Predicted (Pool C):
Oswego
Castleton
Neumann
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Exhibition Games
The Mets host the Cardinals today at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida at 1:10 PM. This game will be televised on both SNY and the MLB Network.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
And Now We Wait…
Oswego State Laker fans will be scanning the web Sunday night (Selection Sunday) in anticipation of the D-III NCAA Hockey Tournament bracket release. Oswego will have to rely on an At Large Bid into the tournament due to a heartbreaking 2-1 OT loss vs. Fredonia in the SUNYAC Playoffs. The Lakers are in great shape to get an at large bid, ranked number one in the nation most of the season, and now sitting second in the latest USCHO Poll. But there are no guarantees, the selection committee has snubbed us before, it is not outside the realm of possibilities.
Let’s take a brief look at this year’s selection committee: Bruce Delventhal, Plattsburgh (chair); Timothy Bald, St. Norbert; Michael McShane, Norwich; and Mark Ostapina, Milwaukee School of Engineering. Already we see a potential bias (i.e. Plattsburgh), and clearly this is not an impartial panel, all four schools they represent are ranked inside the top ten.
I am confident that the committee will make the correct decision and put Oswego into the dance. Their seeding however is up in the air and will depend of conference championship outcomes this weekend. I predict a tournament field similar to last season, four teams from the West and seven from the East. Here are my thoughts on who’s in, out, or on the bubble.
Let’s take a brief look at this year’s selection committee: Bruce Delventhal, Plattsburgh (chair); Timothy Bald, St. Norbert; Michael McShane, Norwich; and Mark Ostapina, Milwaukee School of Engineering. Already we see a potential bias (i.e. Plattsburgh), and clearly this is not an impartial panel, all four schools they represent are ranked inside the top ten.
I am confident that the committee will make the correct decision and put Oswego into the dance. Their seeding however is up in the air and will depend of conference championship outcomes this weekend. I predict a tournament field similar to last season, four teams from the West and seven from the East. Here are my thoughts on who’s in, out, or on the bubble.
Pool A (Automatic Qualifiers):
ECAC East: Norwich
ECAC Northeast: Curry
MCHA: Adrian
MIAC: Hamline
NCHA: St. Norbert
NESCAC: Williams
SUNYAC: Fredonia
Pool B (Conferences without an Auto Qualifier):
ECAC West: Elmira
Pool C (At Large Bids):
1. Oswego: Should be a lock.
2. Castleton: Currently ranked 4th, it’s looking good.
3. Milwaukee School of Engineering: Should have an edge over Wisconsin-Superior.
On the Bubble:
1. Plattsburgh: Must win SUNYAC to get in.
2. Bowdoin: Must win NESCAC to get in.
3. Neumann: Must win ECAC West, still may have a chance, but it would be a shame.
4. Wisconsin-Superior: Must win NCHA to get in.
Write them off:
1. Geneseo: Done, the SUNYAC won't get three teams in.
2. Utica: And Done, sorry Utica Townies you'll have to find somewhere else to drink.
Yankees Bench
Most of the Yankees bench will be made up of returners from last season.
1. Fourth Outfielder: The clear front runner here is Andruw Jones. Jones is a legendary defensive outfielder who hit 19 homers in less than 300 at-bats last season for the White Sox. In addition, he is guaranteed money. His direct competition comes in the form of Greg Golson and Justin Maxwell. Melky Mesa is also in the competition for the job. Austin Krum is a long shot candidate to win the job.
2. Utility Infielder: Ramiro Pena is in line to reprise his role from last season. He's competing with Eduardo Nunez for the role. Reegie Corona is also competing for the role. Ronnie Belliard and Doug Bernier long shot candidates to win the role.
3. Reserve Catcher: Francisco Cervelli is in line to reprise his role from last season. Jose Gil, Kyle Higashioka, Gustavo Molina, Jesus Montero, and Austine Romine are long shot candidates to win the role.
4. Right-handed Bat: There really isn't a front runner for the role. The favorites in the dead heat are Nunez, IF Brandon Laird, IF/OF Kevin Russo, Golson, and Maxwell. Mesa is also in the competition for the role. Gil, Higashioka, Molina, Montero, Romine, Belliard, Bernier, 1B Jorge Vazquez, OF Daniel Brewer, and OF Jordan Parraz are long shots to win the role. But in this mess don't be surprised to see the veteran Belliard win the job.
1. Fourth Outfielder: The clear front runner here is Andruw Jones. Jones is a legendary defensive outfielder who hit 19 homers in less than 300 at-bats last season for the White Sox. In addition, he is guaranteed money. His direct competition comes in the form of Greg Golson and Justin Maxwell. Melky Mesa is also in the competition for the job. Austin Krum is a long shot candidate to win the job.
2. Utility Infielder: Ramiro Pena is in line to reprise his role from last season. He's competing with Eduardo Nunez for the role. Reegie Corona is also competing for the role. Ronnie Belliard and Doug Bernier long shot candidates to win the role.
3. Reserve Catcher: Francisco Cervelli is in line to reprise his role from last season. Jose Gil, Kyle Higashioka, Gustavo Molina, Jesus Montero, and Austine Romine are long shot candidates to win the role.
4. Right-handed Bat: There really isn't a front runner for the role. The favorites in the dead heat are Nunez, IF Brandon Laird, IF/OF Kevin Russo, Golson, and Maxwell. Mesa is also in the competition for the role. Gil, Higashioka, Molina, Montero, Romine, Belliard, Bernier, 1B Jorge Vazquez, OF Daniel Brewer, and OF Jordan Parraz are long shots to win the role. But in this mess don't be surprised to see the veteran Belliard win the job.
Beltran Concedes
OF Carlos Beltran has conceded the battle. After discussing the matter with manager Terry Collins, Beltran has decided to move to right field. The decision is final.
After undergoing a running program in camp this season, Beltran decided that he was no longer fit to play center field. He will make his debut as a designated hitter next week but will not be ready to play in the outfield at that time. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in January 2010.
OF Angel Pagan will take over as the team's center fielder. Beltran sought the advice of several people in making his decision. He informed Collins of his decision early Monday morning.
Right field at Citi Field will not be easy to man. It's one of the deepest in the league, particularly the Mo Zone which is covered by the over hanging Pepsi Porch. In addition, the right center field gap extends well beyond 400 feet. Beltran won't have much time to make the conversion. He will become a free agent at the end of the season.
If his legs are healthier from less wear and tear at the end of the season he'll have a better chance of getting another multi-year deal in the off season. LF Jason Bay, Pagan, and Beltran should form one of the best defensive outfields in the National League.
After undergoing a running program in camp this season, Beltran decided that he was no longer fit to play center field. He will make his debut as a designated hitter next week but will not be ready to play in the outfield at that time. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in January 2010.
OF Angel Pagan will take over as the team's center fielder. Beltran sought the advice of several people in making his decision. He informed Collins of his decision early Monday morning.
Right field at Citi Field will not be easy to man. It's one of the deepest in the league, particularly the Mo Zone which is covered by the over hanging Pepsi Porch. In addition, the right center field gap extends well beyond 400 feet. Beltran won't have much time to make the conversion. He will become a free agent at the end of the season.
If his legs are healthier from less wear and tear at the end of the season he'll have a better chance of getting another multi-year deal in the off season. LF Jason Bay, Pagan, and Beltran should form one of the best defensive outfields in the National League.
Beckett Concussed
RHP Josh Beckett has suffered a concussion after being hit in the head by a ball during batting practice. Beckett was sent home by the Red Sox and his status is currently unknown. He went down to one knee after being hit.
The ball that hit Beckett was batted off of a fungo bat of instructor Ino Guerrero. He made his first exhibtion start on Sunday against the Twins.
The ball that hit Beckett was batted off of a fungo bat of instructor Ino Guerrero. He made his first exhibtion start on Sunday against the Twins.
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