The first season of their history is running well for the Blues. With their impressive 26-9 records, they are leading all the major league.
This success comes from the strong pitching rotation of Memphis. The young, Rico Parra, is hot. He has won his lasts seven games and his ERA is only 2.72.
Roosevelt Gant is also having a nice season start, with four wins and only one lost. With the return of Alex Beltre from the disable list, the Blues's rotation is stronger.
Wes Aumont, who is the official closer of the team, is doing the job, with 11 saves in 12 opportunities.
As we thought, Bryan Guerrero is leading the major league with 31 stolen bases. Guerrero is also hitting for .354 and has accumulate 39 runs.
Rafael Montanez is leading the team with 13 homeruns and a average of .338. Nigel Kelly and Alex Forest are also hitting over .300.
If there is a two horses race in the NL West, there is also one in the AL South. The Nashville Sounds are very talented, and are following the Blues in the division title race. There so many matches to play until the end, so everything can happends.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The bad and the good
Let's start with the good news.
The Blues are proud to annonce a major international signing. Desi Rincon, 18 years old, has accept a minor league contract with a signing bonus of 6 millions. Rincon has the talent of an average SS, but he should ends at third base or corner outfielder. He is now playing at Low A level as the starting shortstop.
Another 18 years old international prospect, Desi Samuel, has joined the Blues in the High A level. This addition to the team was made to replace two injured pitchers, but Samuel may keep his job if he is doing well.
The bad news is that the Blues have lost their #1 starting pitcher, Alex Beltre. Beltre has been put on the 15 days disable list, and should be out of action for the next 25 days. It's a big lost for the team, but Christy Gold will take his spot in the rotation.
The Blues have also lost two other pitchers in the minors leagues. Craig Greenwood and Taylor Powell at the Low A level have been put on disable list. Greenwood is on the 7 days list and should be back in about 4 days, but Powell will be out for 138 days and has been sent on the 60 days list.
The Blues are proud to annonce a major international signing. Desi Rincon, 18 years old, has accept a minor league contract with a signing bonus of 6 millions. Rincon has the talent of an average SS, but he should ends at third base or corner outfielder. He is now playing at Low A level as the starting shortstop.
Another 18 years old international prospect, Desi Samuel, has joined the Blues in the High A level. This addition to the team was made to replace two injured pitchers, but Samuel may keep his job if he is doing well.
The bad news is that the Blues have lost their #1 starting pitcher, Alex Beltre. Beltre has been put on the 15 days disable list, and should be out of action for the next 25 days. It's a big lost for the team, but Christy Gold will take his spot in the rotation.
The Blues have also lost two other pitchers in the minors leagues. Craig Greenwood and Taylor Powell at the Low A level have been put on disable list. Greenwood is on the 7 days list and should be back in about 4 days, but Powell will be out for 138 days and has been sent on the 60 days list.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Opening Day at a Glance
by Max Winters
Spring Training has run its course, and now the RBIs and groundouts and foul tips all mean something. The action kicks off with a slate of eight games tomorrow afternoon, and we have got a preview of each one for you. Let's take a look at how the opening games might play out, including probable starters.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Augusta Lobstermen @ Montreal Expos
Dale Howe vs. Cristian Casey
- Augusta may be short on arms in their starting rotation, but they are very strong at the top with Dale Howe. Even so, the Expos will toss a $9-million man on the mound that should outduel the Lobstermen's finest. Cristian Casey can go deep into ballgames and has a better offense supporting him. And never underestimate home field on opening day.
Prediction: Montreal 5, Augusta 1
Actual: Montreal 4, Augusta 0
Kansas City Masterpiece @ Cincinnati Boomers
Darrell Bennett vs. Greg Ross
- Cincinnati has not selected an opening day starter yet, and Kansas City's is subject to change. But assuming these two toe the rubber head-to-head, it will be an interesting battle of "bend, don't break". Unless Bennett's nerves get to him, he should do just enough to deliver a win to the Masterpiece.
Prediction: Kansas City 6, Cincinnati 4
Actual: Kansas City 10, Cincinnati 2
Atlanta Crackers @ Charlotte Knights
John Burroughs vs. Hamish Harvey
- This NL South showdown figures to be a dandy. Two legitimate aces should keep this a low-scoring nailbiter. If it gets to the closers, Atlanta has the edge, but Charlotte should position itself out in front and hold on, barely.
Prediction: Charlotte 3, Atlanta 2
Actual: Charlotte 5, Atlanta 4
Arizona Flip-Floppers @ Oklahoma City Kingfishers
Hooks Perisho vs. Ron Moran
- It is hard to find a hole in Perisho's game, and it may be difficult for the Kingfishers to do so as well. On the other side, Ron Moran is a threat to throw a complete game shutout every time he takes the ball. In a pitcher's park, expect a defensive war. The Kingfishers have more bats, so they get the edge.
Prediction: Oklahoma City 2, Arizona 0
Actual: Arizona 5, Oklahoma City 2
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Chicago Gangsta' Chimps @ Cleveland Lake Mistakes
Tommy Martin vs. Edgar Leon
- Neither starter is a boneified ace, but Leon is a slight notch above Martin. Neither lineup jumps off the page at you either. The Jacobs Field faithful should leave happy, though, if only because they outlast the Chimps.
Prediction: Cleveland 7, Chicago 5
Actual: Chicago 6, Cleveland 0
Huntington Guyandottes @ Hartford Hartattacks
Coco Casey vs. Terry Bordick
- Probably the most intriguing matchup of opening day given that both teams are expected to be big players in the AL this season. Bordick is 10 years older than his counterpart, and his wily finesse style should pace his team to a win. But this one is really up for grabs.
Prediction: Hartford 4, Huntington 3
Actual: Hartford 2, Huntington 1
Nashville Sounds @ Texas Longhorns
John Suzuki vs. Danny Harville
- The Longhorns are going to rely on their offense to help them contend this year. But Danny Harville will intimidate no one, and this matchup could easily turn into the highest-scoring affair on day one. If the Sounds' offense shows up, they'll win this one going away.
Prediction: Nashville 9, Texas 5
Actual: Nashville 8, Texas 0
Colorado Damage @ Anaheim Angels
Ugueth Melendez vs. Brendan Norton
- This is another matchup where the starters have not been confirmed, but the pitchers listed here represent the best option for each franchise. Anaheim fields a superior team and Melendez has a tendency to implode due to control issues. Colorado would need a lot of help to win this one.
Prediction: Anaheim 6, Colorado 2
Actual: Colorado 3, Anaheim 0
Of course, the excitement of the regular season beginning is that the unpredictable game we all know and love will run its course, and frequently produces wild results. So buckle your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen, because the boys of summer have arrived.
Spring Training has run its course, and now the RBIs and groundouts and foul tips all mean something. The action kicks off with a slate of eight games tomorrow afternoon, and we have got a preview of each one for you. Let's take a look at how the opening games might play out, including probable starters.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Augusta Lobstermen @ Montreal Expos
Dale Howe vs. Cristian Casey
- Augusta may be short on arms in their starting rotation, but they are very strong at the top with Dale Howe. Even so, the Expos will toss a $9-million man on the mound that should outduel the Lobstermen's finest. Cristian Casey can go deep into ballgames and has a better offense supporting him. And never underestimate home field on opening day.
Prediction: Montreal 5, Augusta 1
Actual: Montreal 4, Augusta 0
Kansas City Masterpiece @ Cincinnati Boomers
Darrell Bennett vs. Greg Ross
- Cincinnati has not selected an opening day starter yet, and Kansas City's is subject to change. But assuming these two toe the rubber head-to-head, it will be an interesting battle of "bend, don't break". Unless Bennett's nerves get to him, he should do just enough to deliver a win to the Masterpiece.
Prediction: Kansas City 6, Cincinnati 4
Actual: Kansas City 10, Cincinnati 2
Atlanta Crackers @ Charlotte Knights
John Burroughs vs. Hamish Harvey
- This NL South showdown figures to be a dandy. Two legitimate aces should keep this a low-scoring nailbiter. If it gets to the closers, Atlanta has the edge, but Charlotte should position itself out in front and hold on, barely.
Prediction: Charlotte 3, Atlanta 2
Actual: Charlotte 5, Atlanta 4
Arizona Flip-Floppers @ Oklahoma City Kingfishers
Hooks Perisho vs. Ron Moran
- It is hard to find a hole in Perisho's game, and it may be difficult for the Kingfishers to do so as well. On the other side, Ron Moran is a threat to throw a complete game shutout every time he takes the ball. In a pitcher's park, expect a defensive war. The Kingfishers have more bats, so they get the edge.
Prediction: Oklahoma City 2, Arizona 0
Actual: Arizona 5, Oklahoma City 2
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Chicago Gangsta' Chimps @ Cleveland Lake Mistakes
Tommy Martin vs. Edgar Leon
- Neither starter is a boneified ace, but Leon is a slight notch above Martin. Neither lineup jumps off the page at you either. The Jacobs Field faithful should leave happy, though, if only because they outlast the Chimps.
Prediction: Cleveland 7, Chicago 5
Actual: Chicago 6, Cleveland 0
Huntington Guyandottes @ Hartford Hartattacks
Coco Casey vs. Terry Bordick
- Probably the most intriguing matchup of opening day given that both teams are expected to be big players in the AL this season. Bordick is 10 years older than his counterpart, and his wily finesse style should pace his team to a win. But this one is really up for grabs.
Prediction: Hartford 4, Huntington 3
Actual: Hartford 2, Huntington 1
Nashville Sounds @ Texas Longhorns
John Suzuki vs. Danny Harville
- The Longhorns are going to rely on their offense to help them contend this year. But Danny Harville will intimidate no one, and this matchup could easily turn into the highest-scoring affair on day one. If the Sounds' offense shows up, they'll win this one going away.
Prediction: Nashville 9, Texas 5
Actual: Nashville 8, Texas 0
Colorado Damage @ Anaheim Angels
Ugueth Melendez vs. Brendan Norton
- This is another matchup where the starters have not been confirmed, but the pitchers listed here represent the best option for each franchise. Anaheim fields a superior team and Melendez has a tendency to implode due to control issues. Colorado would need a lot of help to win this one.
Prediction: Anaheim 6, Colorado 2
Actual: Colorado 3, Anaheim 0
Of course, the excitement of the regular season beginning is that the unpredictable game we all know and love will run its course, and frequently produces wild results. So buckle your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen, because the boys of summer have arrived.
Ready, Set, Go !!!
Since the spring training camp is over, the Blues are looking for their first season of their history. Many young players have shown their potential so far, but only few of them have made the big league.
The Blues's big league roster is now complete, and they are ready to start the season. Alex Beltre will start the first match for the Blues. The other pitchers of the rotation are Roosevelt Gant, Rico Parra, Pedro Crespo and Christy Gold.
Finally, the closer role has been given to Wes Aumont. He has two great pitchs and a high control.
The rest of the pitching staff is Terry Forster, Sammy Alvarado, Antone Redmond, Roosevelt Hines, Del Guzman and Julio Mercado.
The Blues have bigs hopes for all those players, and they think that they can be in the fight for the division title.
Bryan Guerrero will be the leadoff player in the impressive lineup of the Blues. Hades Mullin and Rafael Montanez will follow as #2 and #3. The cleanup spot will be hold by the all-star third baseman, Nigel Kelly.
The catcher Alex Forest will hit at the fifth rank, followed by Von Byrne and Brent Gross. Those three players can hit the ball and produce many points.
At the end of the lineup, we have Len Torrealba and Jerry Piazza. Torrealba has a decent bat, but his defensives qualities will be very useful for the Blues.
The Blues have a backup catcher in Roosevelt Hunter, two backup players that can play almost everywhere on the field in Cookie Meulens and Yoo-Nah Vanguri. The last backup player is right fielder Rico Tabaka. His high speed may be use as pitch runner to get an extra base when needed.
The Memphis fans will see a lot of action around the field. The Blues have speed and power on the players side, and control on the pitchers side. This is the most important ingredients for the success of a team.
See you on the field.
The Blues's big league roster is now complete, and they are ready to start the season. Alex Beltre will start the first match for the Blues. The other pitchers of the rotation are Roosevelt Gant, Rico Parra, Pedro Crespo and Christy Gold.
Finally, the closer role has been given to Wes Aumont. He has two great pitchs and a high control.
The rest of the pitching staff is Terry Forster, Sammy Alvarado, Antone Redmond, Roosevelt Hines, Del Guzman and Julio Mercado.
The Blues have bigs hopes for all those players, and they think that they can be in the fight for the division title.
Bryan Guerrero will be the leadoff player in the impressive lineup of the Blues. Hades Mullin and Rafael Montanez will follow as #2 and #3. The cleanup spot will be hold by the all-star third baseman, Nigel Kelly.
The catcher Alex Forest will hit at the fifth rank, followed by Von Byrne and Brent Gross. Those three players can hit the ball and produce many points.
At the end of the lineup, we have Len Torrealba and Jerry Piazza. Torrealba has a decent bat, but his defensives qualities will be very useful for the Blues.
The Blues have a backup catcher in Roosevelt Hunter, two backup players that can play almost everywhere on the field in Cookie Meulens and Yoo-Nah Vanguri. The last backup player is right fielder Rico Tabaka. His high speed may be use as pitch runner to get an extra base when needed.
The Memphis fans will see a lot of action around the field. The Blues have speed and power on the players side, and control on the pitchers side. This is the most important ingredients for the success of a team.
See you on the field.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Young talents in training camp.
Before the training camp, the GM of the Nashville Sounds jeanpaul22 told me that there was some young talents in this team and since the camp has begun, I can only agree with him, this team has some young guys that will be in the Major Leagues soon.
Let's start with Mark Blackwell a fantastic young SS, at only 20 years old, he could play in the majors right now. He hits for contact, power and see no difference between lefties and righties. Of course a little time in the minors will help his development but he's not far from the bigs.
Adam Huff will be a rookie this year for the Sounds but make no mistake, this young guy will play a very important role with the team. At 24, Huff, a third baseman, will hit in the clean-up spot, he has everything he needs to be successful in that spot, power, contact, and he's not afraid of lefties or righties.
Hulk Bryne and Luis Mendoza, both 21, also play SS but with Blackwell in front of them they could end up anywhere in the field as they are very good defensively and offensively.
Note that Mendoza has more power then Bryne.
Another position that seem very strong in the farm system is catcher.
Albert Osuna, 23, will be a very good defensive catcher, while Hideo Matsui, 20, will probably play DH.
The one that combines offensive and defensive abilities is the 19 years old Tim Barnes. He is good at calling the game and has a very good arm. At the plate, he brings power and he is tough to get out especially against righties.
Another catcher to mention is the 20 years old Fergie Lowell.
One of the best prospect in camp is a pitcher, Tony Crespo, 22, an amazing young starter that should be here very soon, maybe this season. With a great control, a suberb fastball, he can pitch many innings each outing.
Other guy to watch: Ed Parnell(3B), Matt Rivera(RP) and Yank Phelps(SP).
Well that's it for today, next time, we will take a look at the Sounds debut.
Let's start with Mark Blackwell a fantastic young SS, at only 20 years old, he could play in the majors right now. He hits for contact, power and see no difference between lefties and righties. Of course a little time in the minors will help his development but he's not far from the bigs.
Adam Huff will be a rookie this year for the Sounds but make no mistake, this young guy will play a very important role with the team. At 24, Huff, a third baseman, will hit in the clean-up spot, he has everything he needs to be successful in that spot, power, contact, and he's not afraid of lefties or righties.
Hulk Bryne and Luis Mendoza, both 21, also play SS but with Blackwell in front of them they could end up anywhere in the field as they are very good defensively and offensively.
Note that Mendoza has more power then Bryne.
Another position that seem very strong in the farm system is catcher.
Albert Osuna, 23, will be a very good defensive catcher, while Hideo Matsui, 20, will probably play DH.
The one that combines offensive and defensive abilities is the 19 years old Tim Barnes. He is good at calling the game and has a very good arm. At the plate, he brings power and he is tough to get out especially against righties.
Another catcher to mention is the 20 years old Fergie Lowell.
One of the best prospect in camp is a pitcher, Tony Crespo, 22, an amazing young starter that should be here very soon, maybe this season. With a great control, a suberb fastball, he can pitch many innings each outing.
Other guy to watch: Ed Parnell(3B), Matt Rivera(RP) and Yank Phelps(SP).
Well that's it for today, next time, we will take a look at the Sounds debut.
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