The word from Portland is that Hunter Jones is making the start for the Zs in Game 1, opposed by John Geer. This probably means that the VandenHurk-Inman matchup originally scheduled for yesterday will take place in the second game. The first game is officially the make up of yesterday rainout.
Pitching Matchup
Hunter Jones (3.77) vs. Josh Geer (5.98)
Along with Jose Alvarez, the Marlins organization received Jones in the Jeremy Hermida trade with Boston. It felt like Florida was somewhat hosed in that deal, even though Jones has become a solid AAA starter and potential insurance to the big club in case of a Nate Robertson meltdown. His tailing fastball has generated almost double the amount of grounders to fly balls. Still, comparing his stats to his good years like 2008 in Boston's system, his walks are significantly up now that he's starting and the strikeouts are down. It could be his conscious reinvention as a ground-ball pitcher, or simply evidence of a AAAA guy in slow decline.
In eight starts this year, Geer has given up 67 hits in 49 innings (9 of them homers) and a .327 batting average against. Lefties crush him. His numbers are somewhat artificially inflated by a disastrous relief outing in which he went three innings and gave up six earned, but still, this is a guy a hot Zs team should make hay against.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Game #44: PPD, Double-header tomorrow
Game off today in Portland. The Zephs will double-dip tomorrow, with the first game beginning at 4:30 PM. The second game is scheduled for 9. This probably isn't the worst thing in the world. With the early start today, these guys would have been at the ballpark forever if the delay went much longer. See you tomorrow for two.
Game #44: Lineups
We're in a rain delay. Check back at 1:30.
This will be a defensively challenged Zephyrs team today. Several of the players are out of position as a result of being shorthanded. Nice to see Mike Lamb starting today after offensive heroics in a pinch-hitting role each of the last two nights. Ride the westerly winds.
Zs:
1. Bonifacio SS
2. Richar 2B
3. Morrison 1B
4. Luna LF
5. Lamb 3B
6. Lane CF
7. Mitchell RF
8. Wilson C
9. VandenHurk P
Beavers:
1. Baxter RF
2. Kazmar SS
3. Zawadzki 3B
4. Cooper CF
5. Munson 1B
6. Cunningham LF
7. Ryan C
8. Barfield 2B
9. Inman P
This will be a defensively challenged Zephyrs team today. Several of the players are out of position as a result of being shorthanded. Nice to see Mike Lamb starting today after offensive heroics in a pinch-hitting role each of the last two nights. Ride the westerly winds.
Zs:
1. Bonifacio SS
2. Richar 2B
3. Morrison 1B
4. Luna LF
5. Lamb 3B
6. Lane CF
7. Mitchell RF
8. Wilson C
9. VandenHurk P
Beavers:
1. Baxter RF
2. Kazmar SS
3. Zawadzki 3B
4. Cooper CF
5. Munson 1B
6. Cunningham LF
7. Ryan C
8. Barfield 2B
9. Inman P
Game #44: Pre-Game Updates
Lorenzo Scott likely to the DL with a thumb strain.
Klostermann unavailable with a thumb sprain.
Logan Morrison was to play the outfield, but he's back at first base and Luna, Lane, and Mitchell are the in the outfield.
Sound like a rain delay is imminent again today. More news when I've got it.
Klostermann unavailable with a thumb sprain.
Logan Morrison was to play the outfield, but he's back at first base and Luna, Lane, and Mitchell are the in the outfield.
Sound like a rain delay is imminent again today. More news when I've got it.
Game #44: Preview
Game three of the Zs thus far successful series in Portland, where they're proving that they just may be better than someone else in the Pacific Coast League. The Zs have easily swept the first two, and they'll try to keep it up during an 11 AM local time game today, Patriots Day style. Intermittent showers are in the forecast; in Portland, it remains what Lorenzo Scott called "football weather" yesterday.
The Teams:
May 26, 1:05 CT
New Orleans Zephyrs: 19-24, last in the PCL South (but only a game back of Round Rock!)
Portland Beavers: 18-27, last in the PCL North
The Pitching Matchup:
Rick VandenHurk (4.06 ERA) vs. Will Inman (3.53 ERA)
The Dutchman Henricus VandenHurk is no Bert Blyleven, but he's had four straight solid starts, including a seven-inning, two-hit performance May 16 against Sacramento where he induced ground balls and struck out seven batters, matching his season-high (equaled in his most recent start against Tacoma). VandenHurk has tasted the show in each of the last three seasons, and if he's planning on getting back to Florida (perhaps to steal Nate Roberton's spot?), he needs to prove that he's consistently better than AAA hitters.
Before last year's promotion to Portland, righty Will Inman had put up nice numbers in the lower minors and at AA San Antonio. Last year in Portland, he gave up 20 HRs and his strikeout totals decreased sharply, suggesting that AAA hitters weren't biting at his offspeed stuff off the plate. Also, uh, he has a blog.
In-game updates beginning at 1.
The Teams:
May 26, 1:05 CT
New Orleans Zephyrs: 19-24, last in the PCL South (but only a game back of Round Rock!)
Portland Beavers: 18-27, last in the PCL North
The Pitching Matchup:
Rick VandenHurk (4.06 ERA) vs. Will Inman (3.53 ERA)
The Dutchman Henricus VandenHurk is no Bert Blyleven, but he's had four straight solid starts, including a seven-inning, two-hit performance May 16 against Sacramento where he induced ground balls and struck out seven batters, matching his season-high (equaled in his most recent start against Tacoma). VandenHurk has tasted the show in each of the last three seasons, and if he's planning on getting back to Florida (perhaps to steal Nate Roberton's spot?), he needs to prove that he's consistently better than AAA hitters.
Before last year's promotion to Portland, righty Will Inman had put up nice numbers in the lower minors and at AA San Antonio. Last year in Portland, he gave up 20 HRs and his strikeout totals decreased sharply, suggesting that AAA hitters weren't biting at his offspeed stuff off the plate. Also, uh, he has a blog.
In-game updates beginning at 1.
Game #42: Another Win, And the Huge Z Goes To...
It's over: Zs 7-3
Is it too early to wonder aloud whether the grand opening of What The Zeph? on the world wide web just may have something to do with the Zs recent string of sharp play? After limiting Portland to three hits last night, tonight Sosa, Buente, and Houser surrendered just four hits, two of which were Munson homers. Sosa went five, giving up all three and the two relievers each went two.
Lorenzo Scott is being interviewed on the radio. Saying the Zs are "playing more aggressive... pitchers are pitching good... football weather in Portland but doesn't see it as an issue..." Strings together platitudes like a big leaguer already.
Hector Luna continues to rap. His three-run dong in the first set the tone, and he later singled and walked twice. Luna wins tonight's HUGE Z.
Tomorrow is a 1 PM start and Mr.Z will be blogging.
Is it too early to wonder aloud whether the grand opening of What The Zeph? on the world wide web just may have something to do with the Zs recent string of sharp play? After limiting Portland to three hits last night, tonight Sosa, Buente, and Houser surrendered just four hits, two of which were Munson homers. Sosa went five, giving up all three and the two relievers each went two.
Lorenzo Scott is being interviewed on the radio. Saying the Zs are "playing more aggressive... pitchers are pitching good... football weather in Portland but doesn't see it as an issue..." Strings together platitudes like a big leaguer already.
Hector Luna continues to rap. His three-run dong in the first set the tone, and he later singled and walked twice. Luna wins tonight's HUGE Z.
Tomorrow is a 1 PM start and Mr.Z will be blogging.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Game #42: Zs Get Another
Bottom 7, Zs 7-3
I have good news and bad news.
The good: The Zs strung together three straight singles by LoMo, Luna, and Davis in the inning to score a run.
The bad: Those were the first three batters of the inning, after which Lane struck out and Mitchell promptly went 5-4-3. Still Buente for the Portland 7th.
I have good news and bad news.
The good: The Zs strung together three straight singles by LoMo, Luna, and Davis in the inning to score a run.
The bad: Those were the first three batters of the inning, after which Lane struck out and Mitchell promptly went 5-4-3. Still Buente for the Portland 7th.
Game #42: Wow Mike Lamb Wow
Top 6, Zs 6-3
Mike Lamb emerges from the bench with another huge pinch hit, his second in two nights. This one was a two-out RBI single off of Cesar Ramos, fresh off a cup of coffee with the Pads earlier this year. A few hitters before, Mitchell had drilled an RBI triple to right. Finally the Zs are producing with men on base and getting decent pitching in the same game. Let's see if the pen holds. Buente is coming in to face the middle of Portland's order in the 6th.
EDIT: Buente strikes out the side.
Mike Lamb emerges from the bench with another huge pinch hit, his second in two nights. This one was a two-out RBI single off of Cesar Ramos, fresh off a cup of coffee with the Pads earlier this year. A few hitters before, Mitchell had drilled an RBI triple to right. Finally the Zs are producing with men on base and getting decent pitching in the same game. Let's see if the pen holds. Buente is coming in to face the middle of Portland's order in the 6th.
EDIT: Buente strikes out the side.
Game #42: Munson Goes Deep Again
Top 5: Zs 4-3
Eric Munson just hit his second HR of the night, this time a two-run shot off Sosa, who had only given up one HR all season pre-Munson. Sosa has actually only given up three hits, but two were lost and all three have scored.
DeMark is in for Portland. He's a recent call-up from AA San Antonio where he was dominating hitters with a .60 ERA and a .173 BA against in an admittedly small sample size of 15 innings.
That fourth Zephyr run was Lorenzo Scott's second HR this year.
Eric Munson just hit his second HR of the night, this time a two-run shot off Sosa, who had only given up one HR all season pre-Munson. Sosa has actually only given up three hits, but two were lost and all three have scored.
DeMark is in for Portland. He's a recent call-up from AA San Antonio where he was dominating hitters with a .60 ERA and a .173 BA against in an admittedly small sample size of 15 innings.
That fourth Zephyr run was Lorenzo Scott's second HR this year.
Game #42: Sosa Surrenders a HR
Bottom 2, Zs 3-1
About 15 seconds after I learned you about Jorge Sosa, Eric Munson hit one of his 90 MPH fastballs out.
About 15 seconds after I learned you about Jorge Sosa, Eric Munson hit one of his 90 MPH fastballs out.
Game #42: Learning About Jorge Sosa
Jorge was originally an outfielder.
Jorge was a Rule-5 player claimed by Milwaukee from Seattle in 2001.
In spring training of 2002, the Rays plucked him off waivers. They traded him in 2005 for... former Red Sox great Nick Green!
Has been released by the Mets, Astros, Nationals, and Red Sox.
His most similar pitchers (addictively fun tool on the Baseball Reference website) are lots of other fungible pitchers, including some greats from recent history like Rich DeLucia, Albie Lopez, Kent Bottenfield, Willie Banks, and Tanyon Sturtzue, one of the infamous Yankees to be "Proctored" by Joe Torre (other notables: Paul Quantrill, Tom Gordon, Scott Proctor).
Jorge was a Rule-5 player claimed by Milwaukee from Seattle in 2001.
In spring training of 2002, the Rays plucked him off waivers. They traded him in 2005 for... former Red Sox great Nick Green!
Has been released by the Mets, Astros, Nationals, and Red Sox.
His most similar pitchers (addictively fun tool on the Baseball Reference website) are lots of other fungible pitchers, including some greats from recent history like Rich DeLucia, Albie Lopez, Kent Bottenfield, Willie Banks, and Tanyon Sturtzue, one of the infamous Yankees to be "Proctored" by Joe Torre (other notables: Paul Quantrill, Tom Gordon, Scott Proctor).
Game #42: It's On
Top 1: Zephyrs 3-0
It's Matt Bauschmann instead of Liz tonight for the Beavers after a half-hour rain delay before the game. Probably just to spite my preview.
Luna was angry about this also, and tattooed a three-run job after Bauschmann had acted extremely distracted by LoMo on first base after he had walked. Bonifacio was the lead runner, after reaching on yet another bunt attempt. Someone's got to pull this guy aside and remind him he's not a pitcher.
EDIT: Liz had a "little tender arm" and was scratched, according to the elegant and entertaining Zs radio guy Tim Grubbs.
It's Matt Bauschmann instead of Liz tonight for the Beavers after a half-hour rain delay before the game. Probably just to spite my preview.
Luna was angry about this also, and tattooed a three-run job after Bauschmann had acted extremely distracted by LoMo on first base after he had walked. Bonifacio was the lead runner, after reaching on yet another bunt attempt. Someone's got to pull this guy aside and remind him he's not a pitcher.
EDIT: Liz had a "little tender arm" and was scratched, according to the elegant and entertaining Zs radio guy Tim Grubbs.
Game #42: Delayed
We're delayed by a half hour or so in Portland. True Oldies deftly plays "Oye Como Va," which everyone knows is Santana for "sit tight."
Game #42 Preview
Game two of an epic four-gamer against the Portland Beavers, who are actually worse than the Zs. New Orleans was sharp last night, riding the winds of Brad Stone sinkers en route to a tidy shutout of the impotent Beavers. And that's what she said.
The Teams:
May 25, 9:05 CT
New Orleans Zephyrs: 18-24, last in the PCL South
Portland Beavers: 18-26, last in the PCL North
The Pitching Matchup:
Jorge Sosa (3.49 ERA) vs. Rahdames Liz (3.19 ERA)
Sosa has been okay for the Zephs in six starts, scattering hits and managing a .303 opponents BA into an unlikely 3.62 ERA as a starter. But his walk-to-strikeout ratio has been great: 5/25. Liz has been a cup-of-coffee type for a few years but hasn't stuck in the show and is trying to prove that he can be a useful piece for San Diego. The righty has been excellent in eight starts this year for Portland and, interestingly, has stifled left-handed hitters this year, who are hitting a meager .189 with only one HR. He's also amassed more Ks than innings: 40 in 36.2. Might be a small-ball kind of night.
In-game updates beginning at 9.
The Teams:
May 25, 9:05 CT
New Orleans Zephyrs: 18-24, last in the PCL South
Portland Beavers: 18-26, last in the PCL North
The Pitching Matchup:
Jorge Sosa (3.49 ERA) vs. Rahdames Liz (3.19 ERA)
Sosa has been okay for the Zephs in six starts, scattering hits and managing a .303 opponents BA into an unlikely 3.62 ERA as a starter. But his walk-to-strikeout ratio has been great: 5/25. Liz has been a cup-of-coffee type for a few years but hasn't stuck in the show and is trying to prove that he can be a useful piece for San Diego. The righty has been excellent in eight starts this year for Portland and, interestingly, has stifled left-handed hitters this year, who are hitting a meager .189 with only one HR. He's also amassed more Ks than innings: 40 in 36.2. Might be a small-ball kind of night.
In-game updates beginning at 9.
About That Mike Stanton...
Alden Gonzalez published speculation on MLB.com that OF power-hitting superprospect Mike Stanton, currently at AA Jacksonville, might get the call to Florida soonish.
From Mr.Z's point of view, this doesn't compute.
So the kid rakes. He's got 17 HRs, a .451 OBP, and an OPS just under 1.200. This is Pujols territory, or Pete Incaviglia in his prime. But he's also striking out in 28% of his ABs and is 20 years old. Florida's outfield is occupied by Cody Ross, who is playing decently, and Cameron Maybin and Chris Coughlan, neither of whom have been great, but each possessing too much upside to just quit on. Unless an outfielder or 2B Dan Uggla is traded (enabling Coughlan to shift to the infield), this feels like a cart before the horse situation.
Mr.Z predicts: Stanton is in New Orleans in three weeks, and Florida in the fall.
From Mr.Z's point of view, this doesn't compute.
So the kid rakes. He's got 17 HRs, a .451 OBP, and an OPS just under 1.200. This is Pujols territory, or Pete Incaviglia in his prime. But he's also striking out in 28% of his ABs and is 20 years old. Florida's outfield is occupied by Cody Ross, who is playing decently, and Cameron Maybin and Chris Coughlan, neither of whom have been great, but each possessing too much upside to just quit on. Unless an outfielder or 2B Dan Uggla is traded (enabling Coughlan to shift to the infield), this feels like a cart before the horse situation.
Mr.Z predicts: Stanton is in New Orleans in three weeks, and Florida in the fall.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Game #41: Zs Win
It's over. The Zs have prevailed, 5-0.
Mike Lamb's late homer put it out of reach and ensured a Brad Stone victory. Stone, by the way, turned in maybe the Zs best start of the year, breezing through seven innings with a ho-hum 0 R, 3 H, 2 K, 1 BB line. There were essentially no real threats and the guy even had a few sac bunts. Mr.Z awards The Stoner tonight's Huge Z.
Mike Lamb's late homer put it out of reach and ensured a Brad Stone victory. Stone, by the way, turned in maybe the Zs best start of the year, breezing through seven innings with a ho-hum 0 R, 3 H, 2 K, 1 BB line. There were essentially no real threats and the guy even had a few sac bunts. Mr.Z awards The Stoner tonight's Huge Z.
Game #41: Giant Lamb Attack
Top 8: Zs 5-0
Ye olde Mike Lamb homers to right with a man on, the Zs radio guy has an aneurysm because of it, and the good guys have a nifty 5-0 lead. Sinkbeil is in, and he's been nails lately: no runs in the last 10 games over 11.2 innings with 12 Ks.
EDIT: And he cruises through the 8th and we're going to the 9th.
Ye olde Mike Lamb homers to right with a man on, the Zs radio guy has an aneurysm because of it, and the good guys have a nifty 5-0 lead. Sinkbeil is in, and he's been nails lately: no runs in the last 10 games over 11.2 innings with 12 Ks.
EDIT: And he cruises through the 8th and we're going to the 9th.
Game #41: A Revelation
The Zs radio announcer just did everyone the favor of conjuring a timeless memory: in 1991, at this very PGE Park in Portland, outfielder Rodney McCray caught a long drive in center on the run... and ran through a wall. I'm sure we can find that video.
EDIT, got it:
Guy Runs Through Wall
EDIT, got it:
Guy Runs Through Wall
Game #41: Passing The Stone
Top 5: Zephyrs 3-0
Brad Stone is coasting. Twirling. Dealing. Canceling Christmas. He's retired 10 straight Beavers and hasn't given up a hit since Baxter's leadoff single in the Portland first. He's at 48 pitches through four and has only ran one deep count.
Brad Stone is coasting. Twirling. Dealing. Canceling Christmas. He's retired 10 straight Beavers and hasn't given up a hit since Baxter's leadoff single in the Portland first. He's at 48 pitches through four and has only ran one deep count.
Game #41: Tacking on
Top 3: 3-0 Zephs.
The Zephs made a little more noise against Carillo. Luna smacked a single and Klosterman (hitting for Murphy) dropped a bunt that Carillo threw wildly to second on. Brad Davis brought them both in with a double.
The Zephs made a little more noise against Carillo. Luna smacked a single and Klosterman (hitting for Murphy) dropped a bunt that Carillo threw wildly to second on. Brad Davis brought them both in with a double.
Game #41: Murphy Intrigue
Bottom 2:
Murphy was just pulled before the beginning of the inning. No apparent injury. Er... Hanley? Hard to believe that a player as talented as him would be run out of town under any but the most dire circumstances; Mr.Z promises you'll be the first on the internet to know what's up.
EDIT: Murphy "tweaked" something.
Murphy was just pulled before the beginning of the inning. No apparent injury. Er... Hanley? Hard to believe that a player as talented as him would be run out of town under any but the most dire circumstances; Mr.Z promises you'll be the first on the internet to know what's up.
EDIT: Murphy "tweaked" something.
Game #41: Zs Do A Little Something
Top 1:
Zephs roaring like an angry westerly wind in the first with infield singles by Richar and LoMo. Hey, a rally's a rally.
Contreras just bobbled a Luna grounder and everyone's safe. Murphy raps a ringing single on the next pitch and we've got ourselves a lead.
1-0 Zephs and they leave 'em loaded as Lane whiffs and Davis grounds out.
Zephs roaring like an angry westerly wind in the first with infield singles by Richar and LoMo. Hey, a rally's a rally.
Contreras just bobbled a Luna grounder and everyone's safe. Murphy raps a ringing single on the next pitch and we've got ourselves a lead.
1-0 Zephs and they leave 'em loaded as Lane whiffs and Davis grounds out.
Game #41: Gametime
Zephs lineup:
1. Bonifacio
2. Richar
3. Morrison
4. Luna
5. Murphy
6. Lane
7. Davis
8. Scott
9. Stone
Beavers lineup:
1. Baxter
2. Kazmar
3. Zawadzki
4. Cooper
5. Munson
6. Contreras
7. Ryan
8. Shaw (just called up today)
9. Carillo
1. Bonifacio
2. Richar
3. Morrison
4. Luna
5. Murphy
6. Lane
7. Davis
8. Scott
9. Stone
Beavers lineup:
1. Baxter
2. Kazmar
3. Zawadzki
4. Cooper
5. Munson
6. Contreras
7. Ryan
8. Shaw (just called up today)
9. Carillo
Zephs vs. Portland Game #41 Preview
The Zephs open a four-game set tonight in Portland against the Beavers, AAA affiliate of San Diego. In sum:
The Teams:
May 24, 9:05 CT
New Orleans Zephyrs: 17-24, last in the PCL South
Portland Beavers: 18-25, last in the PCL North
The series pits perhaps the two worst teams in the PCL against each other, so someone is going to win some games. The Zs are 9-11 in May and have lost four straight and six out of eight. Portland is an atrocious 8-15 in May.
The Pitching Matchup:
Brad Stone (4.42 ERA) vs. Cesar Carillo (3.22 ERA)
Stone had a couple solid starts early in the month, but has been knocked around in his last two appearances, the most recent in relief. Carillo is a fringey prospect; he's a 2005 first-round pick of the Pads who labored through 150 innings of 4.5 ERA ball last season with Portland and San Antonio. This year he's been quite good, really only having one bad outing on April 27 against Fresno. He's only given up one HR this year.
FYI:
Portland's bullpen ace Ernesto Frieri has been neigh unhittable. His opponents' batting average is .103 and he has limited righthanded hitters to one hit total.
Check back later with Mr.Z for in-game updates.
The Teams:
May 24, 9:05 CT
New Orleans Zephyrs: 17-24, last in the PCL South
Portland Beavers: 18-25, last in the PCL North
The series pits perhaps the two worst teams in the PCL against each other, so someone is going to win some games. The Zs are 9-11 in May and have lost four straight and six out of eight. Portland is an atrocious 8-15 in May.
The Pitching Matchup:
Brad Stone (4.42 ERA) vs. Cesar Carillo (3.22 ERA)
Stone had a couple solid starts early in the month, but has been knocked around in his last two appearances, the most recent in relief. Carillo is a fringey prospect; he's a 2005 first-round pick of the Pads who labored through 150 innings of 4.5 ERA ball last season with Portland and San Antonio. This year he's been quite good, really only having one bad outing on April 27 against Fresno. He's only given up one HR this year.
FYI:
Portland's bullpen ace Ernesto Frieri has been neigh unhittable. His opponents' batting average is .103 and he has limited righthanded hitters to one hit total.
Check back later with Mr.Z for in-game updates.
Eyeing the Deadline
The trade deadline is Christmas for baseball people. Remember Jon Rausch for Emilio Bonifacio? Or Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen (who just hit the DL) for Emilio Bonifacio? Major memories.
Today, MLB Trade Rumors has a nice synopsis of who is a likely buyer and who could be available this year. You just know Oswalt will end up a Yankee.
Today, MLB Trade Rumors has a nice synopsis of who is a likely buyer and who could be available this year. You just know Oswalt will end up a Yankee.
Logan Morrison Is Back
BREAKING NEWS
*****************
The New Orleans Zephyrs have recalled first baseman Logan Morrison from the class A Jupiter Hammerheads today. No word on whether he'll be in tonight's lineup against Portland (9 PM CT start), but Mr.Z is on it.
EDIT: He's in, playing first base and batting third.
*****************
The New Orleans Zephyrs have recalled first baseman Logan Morrison from the class A Jupiter Hammerheads today. No word on whether he'll be in tonight's lineup against Portland (9 PM CT start), but Mr.Z is on it.
EDIT: He's in, playing first base and batting third.
Opening Ceremonies
Greetings, and welcome to What The Zeph? Consider Mr.Z the now-definitive source for New Orleans Zephyrs "news." He's blasting the national anthem from a shotgun in Mid-City and typing furiously. Three words on the Zs at this point: whither Mike Stanton?
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