<![CDATA[Baseball Nation - Baseball Forum | MLB Baseball Forum | MLB Fan Forum - Blogs - Yankeebiscuitfan's world by yankeebiscuitfan]]> http://baseballnation.net/blog.php?47-Yankeebiscuitfan-s-world Baseball Nation is made by the fans for the fans. Join one of the best Baseball Forums out there today! en Sat, 18 May 2013 19:13:39 GMT vBulletin 60 http://baseballnation.net/images/styles/AestheticaGreen/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Baseball Nation - Baseball Forum | MLB Baseball Forum | MLB Fan Forum - Blogs - Yankeebiscuitfan's world by yankeebiscuitfan]]> http://baseballnation.net/blog.php?47-Yankeebiscuitfan-s-world <![CDATA[Yankeebiscuitfan's world]]> http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?404-Yankeebiscuitfan-s-world Wed, 15 May 2013 19:24:41 GMT Here is my contribution to the Universo Beisbol magazine of April: Hello baseball fans. Thanks goodness baseball season has started again. ... Here is my contribution to the Universo Beisbol magazine of April:

Hello baseball fans.

Thanks goodness baseball season has started again.
After a very successful World Baseball Classic tournament, the Dutch players moved home or to their minor league teams. I was fortunate enough to attend the semi final between the Netherlands and the Dominican Republic. It was a great experience, something that I didn't want to miss. Even though the Dutch squad lost 4-1, I cannot say that they were outplayed by the Dominicans. The big issue was that the Dominican pitcher, Edinson Volquez threw a lot of off speed and breaking stuff. The Dutch batters couldn't get the ball out of the infield. No matter the outcome, I am very proud of what this tiny baseball country has accomplished.

The only sad note is that Brian Farley, the manager that lead the Dutch to the 2011 World Cup win, has decided to step back as manager. During the off season general manager Robert Eenhoorn pushed Hensley Meulens forward to become manager during the WBC. Farley was "demoted" to the role of bench coach. In my humble opinion this move was an act of disrespect for what Farley has accomplished with the Dutch team. During the preparation in Taiwan, Farley went back to the Netherlands already for "personal" reasons. Now a few days ago, it was announced that Farley has decided to end the cooperation with the Dutch Baseball Federation. Reasons other than personal were not given, but many, including myself, think that this demotion was a slap in the face of Brian Farley. From here I would like to express my gratitude for what Brian Farley has done for Dutch baseball.



Back to reality.

The season is on its way again. The Dutch Hoofdklasse has started last Thursday. In only one round, it has become clear who are the teams to beat: DOOR Neptunus from Rotterdam and Corendon Kinheim from Haarlem, respectively last year's runner up and champion. It is also obvious that the debutante from Dordrecht, the Hawks (official name, including sponsor name, Mampaey The Hawks) will have a hard time to stay in the Hoofdklasse. That team won the championship of the Overgangsklasse (second division) and promoted to the highest division with mainly the same group. Sure it was only one round but it is obvious that the difference of level between the two leagues is big. The team was beaten up by DOOR Neptunus three times.

Most of the minor leagues in the US have started the season as well. My favorite minor league team, the Montgomery Biscuits (Tampa Bay Rays AA affiliate) had a mediocre start. They won the first series vs the Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox) with 3-2. The second series vs the Jackson Generals (Seattle Mariners) were lost with the same margin.


And then the Yankees.

The Yankee front office didn't make many moves. Since they have announced that they want to avoid the luxury tax in 2014, the team got rid of some big players whose contract ended: Nick Swisher, Russell Martin, Rafael Soriano and Raul Ibanez. Looking long term, I think that letting Soriano go will hurt them. Mariano Rivera has announced that 2013 will be his last season. Even though I think that the role of closer is vastly overrated, I think it would not have hurt if they had signed Soriano. But on the other hand, David Robertson, now set up man, may fill in that role perfectly. Wasn't Rivera the set up man for John Wetteland in 1996?
For the 2013 season I don't have high hopes for the Yankees. The team is getting old and there are a couple of injury prone players. IMO this is the weakest team they have fielded in the last few years. So far the team is doing better than I expected them to do, but I don't think that they will make the play offs. But more than once it has been proven that I am lousy in making predictions....

See you next time. ]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?404-Yankeebiscuitfan-s-world Biscuits win rubber game http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?388-Biscuits-win-rubber-game Tue, 09 Apr 2013 07:22:18 GMT ---Quote (Originally by yankeebiscuitfan)--- For the fifth time in as many games, the Barons took a lead. In the first inning Marcus Siemen scored...
Quote Originally Posted by yankeebiscuitfan View Post
For the fifth time in as many games, the Barons took a lead. In the first inning Marcus Siemen scored from second base on a single by Brandon Short.

In the third inning the Biscuits bounced back when Ty Morrison singled and was taken to home on a homerun by Robby Price. Mikie Mahtook also homered to make it 3-1 Biscuits.

In the fourth Riccio Torrez was hit by a pitch and scored on a triple by Robi Estrada. Montgomery scored one more time in the sixth when Todd Glaesmann hit a solo shot over the left field wall.

Jacob Thompson (W 1-0, 0.00 ERA) pitched six superb innings in which he fanned seven batters and walked none.
Three Biscuits' relievers pitched an inning each in which only Marquis Fleming allowed a hit and Juan Sandoval and C.J. Riefenhauser pitched hitless ball.

Best batter was Robi Estrada, who hit 2 for 3 with a triple and an RBI.



Robi Estrada went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a triple
]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?388-Biscuits-win-rubber-game Biscuits win close one to get in the win column http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?387-Biscuits-win-close-one-to-get-in-the-win-column Sat, 06 Apr 2013 11:25:07 GMT ---Quote (Originally by yankeebiscuitfan)--- After a 5-2 loss vs the Barons on Thursday, the Biscuits bounced back on Friday. Behind some superb...
Quote Originally Posted by yankeebiscuitfan View Post
After a 5-2 loss vs the Barons on Thursday, the Biscuits bounced back on Friday.

Behind some superb pitching by Albert Suarez, who made his AA debut, the Biscuits stayed in the game. Suarez pitched five innings and allowed five hits and an unearned run on a throwing error by 3B Riccio Torres in the fifth. That error didn't directly lead to a run. Torres' throw sailed into right field instead to 2B, where second baseman could have made the out. When rightfielder Mikie Mahtook missed that ball as well, Cody Puckett who was on first could reach third base.
When Marcus Semien singled to left field, Puckett opened the score.

In their following at bat, the Biscuits evened the score. Ty Morrison laid down a bunt to get on base. A wild pitch by Spenser Arrroyo allowed Morrison to move to second base. Morrison moved to third on a single by Shawn O'Malley.
Another wild pitch by Arroyo, made Morrison touch homeplate for the tying run.

In the sixth inning Todd Glaesmann got on base thanks to a fielding error by shortstop Marcus Semien. Glaesmann then stole second to get into scoring position. A triple by Kevin Kiermaier eventually gave the Biscuits a 2-1 lead.

In the seventh the Biscuits had another scoring opportunity when Robby Price tried to score from first on a double by Mikie Mahtook, but he was thrown out at the plate by centerfielder Trayce Thompson.

The Biscuits brought in closer Adam Liberatore in the eighth. In two innings of work he allowed one hit and kept the rest of the Barons in check.

Marquis Fleming (W 1-0, 0.00 ERA) earned the win after he pitched two perfect innings in relief. Adam Liberatore earned his first save of the season.


Albert Suarez had a great debut at AA level (photo by Lloyd Gallman/Montgomery Advertiser)
]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?387-Biscuits-win-close-one-to-get-in-the-win-column Biscuits lose season opener again http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?386-Biscuits-lose-season-opener-again Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:11:40 GMT ---Quote (Originally by yankeebiscuitfan)--- For the fifth consecutive year, the Montgomery Biscuits lost their season opener. Biscuits fans...
Quote Originally Posted by yankeebiscuitfan View Post
For the fifth consecutive year, the Montgomery Biscuits lost their season opener.

Biscuits fans didn't show up in big numbers because of a drizzling rain.

A five run fourth inning by the Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox affiliate) killed them.

Leading off in the fourth, Barons' Trayce Thompson homered to center field. Then Matt Bushmann gave up two walks to the Barons to put runners on first and second. Michael Blanke loaded the bases on a sharp line drive to left field. Tyler Saladino cleared the bases with a grand slam.

After Matt Bushmann was replaced by Merrill Kelly, the Biscuits kept the Barons in check.

The Biscuits got on the board in the fifth when they scored two runs. Singles by Todd Glaesmann, Mark Thomas, Kevin Kiermaier and eternal Biscuit Shawn O'Mallley drove in two runs to reach the final score.

The Biscuits weren't outhit by the Barons: 7 to 8. Only the walks given up by Matt Bushmann meant the difference in this game.
Seven Biscuits got one hit.

The Barons' Salvador Sanchez earned the win (W1-0, 0.00 ERA). Matt Bushmann was tabbed with the loss (L0-1, 12.27 ERA).

Tonight is the second game of the five game series. Albert Suarez will take the mound for the Biscuits.



A drizzle kept the fans away during Montgomery's home opener (photo by Lloyd Gallman/ Montgomery Advertiser)
]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?386-Biscuits-lose-season-opener-again <![CDATA[Yankeebiscuitfan's world]]> http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?351-Yankeebiscuitfan-s-world Tue, 15 Jan 2013 07:42:36 GMT Here is my contribution to the December issue of Universo Beisbol: ---Quote--- After being absent for a month due to family matters, I am back.... Here is my contribution to the December issue of Universo Beisbol:

After being absent for a month due to family matters, I am back.

In the meantime I was struck by the flu. I haven’t felt so bad in years. Normally when I am sick like that, I am haunted by the same nightmare. Not this time. This time I had a kind of vision of what to write about in this month’s column.

I will sum up my highlights and lows of the season.

First of all there was Opening Day. After a long dark winter, the baseball season took off again. My favorite team, the New York Yankees, took on the Red Sox in one of the first weeks in Fenway Park. And man did the Yankees spoil Fenway Park’s birthday party in game two. After trailing 9-0 (!) in the fifth, the Yankees scored fifteen runs in the remaining four innings for a 15-9 win. In my humble opinion, this was the start of the downfall of Bobby Valentine as Red Sox manager.

During the season, the Yankees had many ups and downs. I’d never expected them to reach the play offs but was very excited when they did. After an exciting series vs the Orioles, the Yanks took on the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS. The way the Yankees played (not inspired and seemingly not interested) they were swept by the Tigers.

My favorite minor league team, the Montgomery Biscuits had a decent first half of the season. But they started to catch fire in the second half. For the first time since 2007, they reached the play offs of the Southern League. In the first round they took on the Mobile BayBears and lost 4-1 vs the team that eventually would win the Southern League title. Nothing to be ashamed of, isn’t it?

After the Dutch national team won the World Cup in 2011, there were high hopes for the 2012 European Championship. Overall, the Dutch had an easy tournament with big victories, but a loss vs the Czech Republic put them down to earth. I wasn’t shocked at all. The level of the Czechs is improving steadily, so this had to happen sooner or later. I compare this with the first win of the Dutch vs Cuba during the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. What made me worry was the way the Dutch played vs the Italians: Uninspired. It looked to me like they played with a huge attitude like they were saying: “Hey, we are World Champions. Who can beat us?” If the Dutch want to advance to the second round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, they will have to get rid of that attitude.

The absolute highlights for me were the two games that I attended during my vacation. One game at the Epicenter in Rancho Cucamonga, home of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. This is the high A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The other game that I attended was in Sin City at Cashman Field, home of the Las Vegas 51s (AAA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays). Both games were filled with family fun, something typical minor league. For me it is the game that makes me come to the stadium, but the entertainment between the innings adds a real nice atmosphere to the experience. I feel extremely pleased that I was able to attend a game at Cashman Field because it has been rumoured that this stadium will be demolished.

There is a couple of things that I am looking forward to. First of all the 2013 World Baseball Classic. I am curious if the Dutch can repeat the upset of 2009. Furthermore I am looking forward to the centennial of my former baseball club AHC Quick from Amsterdam. On March 1, this club will turn hundred and will be the first club in Europe to reach that milestone.
]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?351-Yankeebiscuitfan-s-world Biscuits need extra innings http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?221-Biscuits-need-extra-innings Sat, 08 Sep 2012 10:27:24 GMT In a pitching duel between Kyle Lobstein of the Biscuits and Mobile's David Holmberg the runs didn't come cheap.

The BayBears took a 1-0 lead in the fourth. Matt Davidson singled on a line drive to left field. David Nick hit a line drive to right field that moved Davidson to third. Another line drive single by Ed Easly drove in the opening run.

It took the Biscuits three more innings to tie the game. Batting lead off, Omar Luna hit a solo blast over the left field wall.

In the bottom of the seventh, Kyle Lobstein was replaced after pitching six innings of one run ball in which he allowed only one run, walked two and fanned seven. Lobstein was replaced by Chris Rearick who pitched one perfect inning with two K's. Rearick's successor, Matt Nevarez also pitched perfect in the eighth inning.

Eventually after nine innings, the score was still tied and so it was after ten. But in the eleventh, the Bisciuts broke the tie. With Kiermaier on second and Kyeong Kang at first in the eleventh inning, Price pulled a groundball to first that Jon Griffin dove for but could not field. The ball bounced off Griffin’s glove into short right field allowing Kiermaier to score all the way from second and break a 1-1 tie.

Kirby Yates who had pitched the ninth and the tenth inning was replaced by Marquis Fleming who shut the door by retiring the side. Fleming earned the save while Yates earned the win.

Thanks to this win, the Biscuits have tied the series at one.

In the north division championship series, the Jackson Generals beat the Chattanooga Lookouts 7-3, taking a 2-0 lead in the best of five series. ]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?221-Biscuits-need-extra-innings Biscuits lose first play off game, despite out hitting opponent http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?218-Biscuits-lose-first-play-off-game-despite-out-hitting-opponent Fri, 07 Sep 2012 11:48:45 GMT Despite out hitting the BayBears 14-8, the Biscuits lost their first play off game. In the top of third inning the Biscuits took a 1-0 lead on a... Despite out hitting the BayBears 14-8, the Biscuits lost their first play off game.

In the top of third inning the Biscuits took a 1-0 lead on a single (Shawn O'Malley) and a double (Derek Dietrich). But the BayBears erased the lead in the bottom of the very same inning. A string of singles, a double and a sac fly drove in three runs for Mobile.

In the top of the fifth, the Biscuits cut Mobile's lead in half by scoring one run. Ty Morrison lead off with a single and advanced to third on a single by Shawn O'Malley. A single by Mikie Mahtook drove in Ty Morrison from third for the second Biscuits' run.
But again in the bottom of the same inning the BayBears extended their lead with two runs. A double, a walk and a single drove a run and put runners on third and second. Then Matt Buschmann intentionally walked Alfredo Marte to load the bases. This proved to be a bad decision since Buschmann also walked the next batter.

In the top of the ninth, Montgomery scored one more run for the final score of 5-3.

Matt Buschmann took the loss.
Three Biscuits shared the honour of being the best batter. Ty Morrison, Shawn O'Malley and Mikie Mahtook all hit 3 for 5, but Mahtook did a bit better by driving in two runs.

Tonight game two will be played, also in Mobile. Then both teams will head to Montgomery for the remainder of this series. ]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?218-Biscuits-lose-first-play-off-game-despite-out-hitting-opponent Biscuits are play off bound http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?217-Biscuits-are-play-off-bound Sun, 02 Sep 2012 08:30:00 GMT Last night the Biscuits beat (up) the Huntsville Stars 10-4. Two big innings did it for the Biscuits. In the second inning Michael Sheridan... Last night the Biscuits beat (up) the Huntsville Stars 10-4. Two big innings did it for the Biscuits.

In the second inning Michael Sheridan homered and took Mikie Mahtook and Omar Luna with him. With two outs and runners on the corners, Shawn O'Malley surprised the Stars by laying down a but towards first base. He beat the throw and Greg Sexton scored from third for the 4-0 score.
In the fourth, Huntsville managed to get on the board when Hunter Morris scored on a single by Kentrail Davis.

In the fifth inning, Omar Lune lead off with a double and touched homeplate on a single by Michael Sheridan. Sheridan advanced to second base on the throw to home plate from center field. Keyong Kang cleared the fences with a homer to make it 6-1. Derek Dietrich hit another homere with runners on the corner to make it 9-1

The Suns scored another run in the sixth and two more in the eighth, but they could not get any closer. Montgomery rubbed some salt in the open wound by adding another run in the eighth inning to reach the final score 10-4.

The Jacksonville Suns lost 3-2 to the Jackson Generals in a rain shortened game.

Due to this loss, the Biscuits are out of reach for the Suns.

Matt Buschmann earned the win (7-8, 3.89 ERA). In seven innings he allowed two runs on seven hits, walked two and fanned five.

Best batter for the Biscuits was Michael Sheridan who went 4 for 4 with a homrun and three RBI.

The Southern League play offs will start on Thursday September 6 when the Biscuits will head to Mobile to face the BayBears in a best-of-five series for the South Division championship. ]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?217-Biscuits-are-play-off-bound Magic number down to two http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?216-Magic-number-down-to-two Sat, 01 Sep 2012 09:03:44 GMT In a game where both teams had the lead, Mark Thomas broke a 3-3 tie in the sixth inning. After the Biscuits took a 1-0 lead on a homer by Mark... In a game where both teams had the lead, Mark Thomas broke a 3-3 tie in the sixth inning.

After the Biscuits took a 1-0 lead on a homer by Mark Thomas in the second inning, the Stars scored three in the third. Lee Haydel needed a fielding error by Greg Sexton to get on base. Then a string of a single, a double and another single drove in the three runs.

The Biscuits cut the Stars' two run lead in half when Shawn O'Malley hit a lead off triple followed by a sac fly to right field by Mikie Mahtook. In the fourth, the Biscuits used the same scenario as in the third. This time Michael Sheridan hit a lead off triple followed by a sac fly by Greg Sexton to tie the game at three.

A wild sixth inning resulted in two more runs for the Biscuits. After Greg Sexton and Keyong Kang got on base, catcher Anderson De La Rosa couldn't block a ball, so the runners could advance a base. Mark Thomas then hit a single to center field and got two RBI. Pitcher Johnny Hellweg threw a wild pitch but that didn't have any consequences.

In the eighth, the Biscuits scored one more insurance run like they did in the second and third inning. Ty Morrison hit a lead off triple and was batted in on a sac fly by Shawn O'Malley. Morrison's triple tied the club record of triples hit by the Biscuits in one season (53).

Anderson De La Rosa homered off reliever Matt Nevarez. His homer was followed by a single and a walk. Then manager Billy Gardner jr. had seen enough. Nevarez was replaced by Kirby Yates who retired the side for the win.

Kyle Lobstein earned the win (W 8-7, 4.06 ERA) in 6.2 innings of work. Lobstein allowed three runs on seven hits, struck out five and walked three. Kirby Yates earned his sixteenth save of the season (2.65 ERA) by retiring the final two batters. Best batter for the Biscuits was Mark Thomas who went 3 for 4 with a triple shy of the cycle.

The Suns fell to the Jackson Generals in twelve innings, losing 8-6. Due to the loss of the Suns the Biscuits have a two game lead over Jacksonville and need two more wins or a win and a loss by the Suns to clinch the division.


Kirby Yates earned his sixteenth save of the season(photo by Amanda Sowards, Montgomery Advertiser) ]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?216-Magic-number-down-to-two <![CDATA[Suns' loss is Biscuits' gain]]> http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?215-Suns-loss-is-Biscuits-gain Fri, 31 Aug 2012 16:41:26 GMT After the Suns lost 7-3 to the Jackson Generals, the Biscuits needed to win their game to regain the lead in the South division. The Huntsville... After the Suns lost 7-3 to the Jackson Generals, the Biscuits needed to win their game to regain the lead in the South division.

The Huntsville Stars opened the score in the first inning by driving in two runners, but Montgomery cut Huntsville's lead in half in the second inning on a sac fly by Michael Sheridan with Mikie Mahtook on third.

In the third inning, the Biscuits had a monster inning.
Keyong Kang lead off with a walk followed by a homerun by Mark Thomas. Ty Morrison then hit a double followed by a walk drew by Shawn O'Malley. Both runners advanced on a fly out to right field hit by Derek Dietrich. A fielders choice by second baseman Scooter Gennett, allowed Mikie Mahtook to get on base. Ty Morrison scored despite the throw at home by Gennett and Shawn O'Malley advanced to third base.
A fielders choice and two throwing errors allowed Omar Luna to get on base and advance to second, Shawn O'Malley and Mikie Mahtook scored the Biscuits' fifth and sixth run. A double (Michael Sheridan) and a single (Keyong Kang) drove in two more runs to make it 8-2.

In the fourth and the fifth inning, the Biscuits scored a run each and the Stars scored another run in the fifth.

With this 10-3 win, the Biscuits did regain the sole lead in the South division. With four games remaining in the regular season, the Biscuits' magic number went down to four.

Merrill Kelly earned his eight win (W 8-3, 3.57 ERA) in six innings of work. Kelly allowed three runs on seven hits and fanned two.

Best batter for the Biscuits was Mikie Mahtook.The LSU alumn went 2 for 4 with an RBI.



Mark Thomas: two RBI on a homerun ]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?215-Suns-loss-is-Biscuits-gain Cashman Field, a welcome distraction in Vegas http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?209-Cashman-Field-a-welcome-distraction-in-Vegas Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:24:49 GMT As stated in my blog post about the Epicenter, I also spent this year's vacation in Nevada.

Since I have absolutely no connection with gambling, it was a nice option to attend a game at Cashman Field.

Cashman Field is home of the Las Vegas 51s, the AAA Pacific Coast League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. In this game, the 51s hosted the Fresno Grizzlies (Giants).

A huge parking lot lies in front of this combined convention center and stadium. The ballpark catches the eye because of the exceptional colour. The stadium has a red-brown and sandy colour that matches with the desert and mountains that surround Las Vegas. The light towers are very different than you normally see; I would say a kind of design. This ballpark also has a nice backdrop of mountains, that looks nice especially during sunset.

Cashman Field can house a little less than 10,000 fans (AAA standards). Unfortunately there were about 2,800 spectators and that made the spatious seating area look quite empty.

The concession stands have a big variety of food. I bought three hot dogs and two large cokes in some nice souvenir cups; it cost me a bit more than $ 20.00. For $ 40.00 I had three seats close to homeplate. Only in front of me was the ring of seats of season ticket holders. The fan store has a broad variety of fan articles: Authentic caps for $ 33.00 (which I think is rather expensive for a minor league team) and very nice looking replica jerseys for $ 80.00, to name a few.

Besides the odd light towers and the different colour setting, the ballpark has one special issue. During hot and humid nights they have some system that sprays a mist of water to keep the fans cool.

IMHO the Las Vegas fans were very quiet, even when their team took a big lead. That silence together with the many empty seats didn't help to create a nice atmosphere.

Overall I enjoyed this stadium, but I must admit that I am not used to much, since we don't have baseball stadiums like this in the Netherlands (we have two baseball stadiums that can hold about 2,000 fans without additional bleachers).

I want to give the following rating (from 1 to 10, low to high):

Stadium: 7,5

Food: 7

Fans: 5

Overall experience: 7

Here are some photos that I made during my stay at Cashman Field:

http://www.ballparkchasers.com/photo...d-las-vegas-nv ]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?209-Cashman-Field-a-welcome-distraction-in-Vegas The Epicenter, a minor league heaven? http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?208-The-Epicenter-a-minor-league-heaven Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:23:50 GMT I spent my vacation in California and Nevada this year. Four years ago I attended my first minor league game and I fell in love immediately. So it... I spent my vacation in California and Nevada this year. Four years ago I attended my first minor league game and I fell in love immediately. So it was clear to me that I wanted to visit the Epicenter this year.

The Epicenter is the home of the Dodgers' high A affiliate, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. The stadium is built on the San Andreas fault. It is claimed that this stadium can survive a heavy earthquake. The stadium is part of a sports facility of the city of Rancho Cucamonga. It is surrounded by three base- and softball fields.

In the game that I attended, the Quakes hosted the Inland Empire 66ers (Angels). The game itself was very lopsided, since the Quakes pitching was beaten up.

But the stadium itself was a true gem. A very well maintained and clean ballpark with possibly the most beautiful backdrop that you will ever see: the San Bernadino Mountains.

The food is good and not expensive. The Quakes' fanshop has plenty to offer. The entertainment between the innings is... well, entertaining. I am not fond of mascots, but the two mascots that the Quakes are sporting, Tremor and Aftershock are interacting with the fans very much.

The Quakes' fans are very passionate and support the team in a fair and positive way; at least that was how I experienced it.

To keep a long story short: The Epicenter is a must see for every baseball stadium fanatic.

Here are some pics that I made during my visit: http://www.ballparkchasers.com/photo...81163%3AAlbum%... ]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?208-The-Epicenter-a-minor-league-heaven Biscuits keep slim title hopes alive http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?201-Biscuits-keep-slim-title-hopes-alive Fri, 15 Jun 2012 08:13:42 GMT After winning the first game in Huntsville, the Biscuits took on the Stars for the second game of this road trip. After taking a 5-1 lead in the... After winning the first game in Huntsville, the Biscuits took on the Stars for the second game of this road trip.

After taking a 5-1 lead in the fifth and a 7-1 lead in the seventh inning, the Biscuits bullpen couldn't hold the lead in the next innings. Frank De Los Santos inherited two runners from Adam Liberatore and could not keep one from scoring the tying run.
SP Alex Colome pitched five decent innings in which he allowed one run on four hits. But his replacement Neil Schenk allowed four runs on three hits in 1.2 innings. Adam Liberatore allowed two more runs in only 0.2 innings.

With the bases loaded and one out in the top of the ninth inning, Mark Thomas finished a tough at-bat with a fielder's choice grounder to score Mike Sheridan from third, and an errant throw to first on the attempted double play turn allowed Greg Sexton to score as well.

After blowing the save, Frank De Los Santos eventually earned his fourth win of the season (W 4-1, 2.11 ERA).

Michael Sheridan earned the honours of being the best batter by hitting .500 (2-4) with an RBI.

The BayBears' game vs the Blue Wahoos was suspended after 4.5 innings due to heavy rainfall. The remainder fo the game will be played tonight as part of a double header.

In the current standings the Biscuits trail the BayBears by 2.5 games with Mobile's magic number still on two. ]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?201-Biscuits-keep-slim-title-hopes-alive Biscuits end three game skid http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?187-Biscuits-end-three-game-skid Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:48:30 GMT After losing the last three games of their road series vs Mississippi, the Biscuits ended the slide with a close victory over the Chattanooga... After losing the last three games of their road series vs Mississippi, the Biscuits ended the slide with a close victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts.

Seven innings neither team scored a run. Kyle Lobstein kept the defense of the Lookouts in check by fanning five, allowing only five hits and two walks in six innings of work. The Biscuits' relievers didn't allow a run as well.

The Biscuits on their turn couldn't cash in with runners in scoring position for three times. But in eighth, a single, a sac bunt and another single drove in the game's sole run.

Kyle Lobstein didn't earn the win but lowered his ERA to 4.15. Frank De Los Santos won his third game of the season (W 3-1, 2.23 ERA) after 2.1 innings of work in which he allowed two hits and struck out one.

Best batter for the Biscuits was Ryan Garko who got two hits out of four at bats. Garko is hitting a respectable .321, so you can wonder how long it will take before he will be promoted.

Mobile didn't play due to a rainout, so the Biscuits inched a bit closer and are now 1.5 games out of first place. ]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?187-Biscuits-end-three-game-skid Bullpen blows lead in seventh http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?180-Bullpen-blows-lead-in-seventh Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:27:27 GMT Matt Buschmann pitched another good game, going six innings, allowing one earned run on four hits. The Biscuits took a 1-0 lead on a lead off... Matt Buschmann pitched another good game, going six innings, allowing one earned run on four hits.

The Biscuits took a 1-0 lead on a lead off homer by Hak-Ju Lee in the first inning. In the sixth they added another run to their score when Ty Morrision was able to score from third on a ground ball single by Michael Sheridan. Then in the eighth inning, with one out and the bases loaded, Brad Coon grounded into a force out (4-6), but this "hit" allowed Michael Sheridan to score from third base. A wild pitch by Frank Batista drove in Tyler Bortnick for the fourth run of the Biscuits.

Normally one would think that four runs and a good outing by your SP is enough for the win... Not this time. As soon as Buschmann was pulled, the problems began. Scott Shumann walked the first two batters in the seventh and was replaced by Frank De Los Santos. De Los Santos eliminated the next two batters but couldn't get out of the inning. Three consecutive singles, a walk and a double drove in six runs for the 7-4 victory for the Smokies.

Scott Shuman was tagged with the loss (L 0-1, 10.90 ERA). Matt Bushman walked one and fanned three in six innings.

Best batter for the Biscuits was Tyler Bortnick, who went 3 for 3.

Even though the Biscuits lost, they didn't lose ground on the BayBears. Mobile was kind enough to fall to Birmingham 8-3, so the distance between Montgomery and Mobile remains one game. The Baybears' magic number remains thirteen (instead of the sixteen mentioned in my earlier post).


Matt Buschmann limited Tennessee to one run in six
innings (photo by Amanda Sowards, Montgomery Advertiser) ]]> yankeebiscuitfan http://baseballnation.net/entry.php?180-Bullpen-blows-lead-in-seventh