Last summer, a shortstop from Los Angeles fresh off a big sophomore season headed East with a lot of hype. But Brandon Crawford arrived in Orleans and never quite got his feet under him. Widely considered the top shortstop prospect in his class, Crawford hit just .189 for the Cardinals, a far cry from the .335 average he had in the spring for UCLA.
Crawford still had a tremendous junior season, and he got drafted by the Giants in the fourth round this June. But at the time, the summer of '07 must have felt like a missed opportunity.
This summer, another shortstop fresh off a big sophomore season headed East with a lot of hype.
Grant Green did not have a disappointing summer.
Playing for Chatham, the USC shortstop had an incredible season and was named the league's top pro prospect. He was thought of by many as the top shortstop in his class to begin with. Now, he's drawing comparisons to Major Leaguers Evan Longoria and Troy Tulowitzki.
I think Green's success is one of the great storylines of this Cape League summer. That's in large part because it was supposed to happen, and when things are supposed to happen in the Cape League, they rarely do.
Take Crawford, or countless other players who came in with hype and left with question marks. A lot of times, Cape League success stories come from the players who don't have all the hype. That was particularly true last year, when Aaron Crow and Conor Gillaspie burst onto the scene with big summers.
Green's success is really the first of its kind since 2006, when Matt Wieters came in as a top prospect, hit .307 with eight home runs for Orleans, and left as the top prospect. The next year, Wieters was the fifth overall pick in the draft.
It may end up being a similar path for Green. He's already being mentioned as the top prospect among positional players for the '09 draft. There's a very good chance he'll be a top-10 pick, maybe a top-five pick.
The cool part for fans of the Cape League is that you can trace much of Green's status back to his time on the Cape.
After becoming the first freshman since the 1990's to start at shortstop for the Trojans, Green headed to Yarmouth-Dennis last year and simply couldn't be kept off the field, even though Gordon Beckham was ahead of him on the depth chart at shortstop. Green played four different positions and still managed to hit .291 with four home runs.
Green was on the radar before last summer, but his performance with the Red Sox put him more firmly in the cross-hairs. He stayed there with a huge sophomore season. He hit .390 with nine home runs.
And then he came to the Cape, going to Chatham instead of returning to Y-D. He turned down Team USA because he wanted to play every day. He did play every day, and every day, he hit the ball, leading the league in batting average for much of the summer.
He brought power to the table. Some speed too, and in the field, he flashed a strong arm. He was the total package. His summer line finished up like this: .348, 6 HR, 21 RBI.
That's some serious production, and it matched the projection scouts like to talk about. So often in the Cape League, you'll see a guy struggle but still get high marks. That's the way it works. A bad summer might raise some questions, but there are so many factors at play -- small sample size, wood bats, tougher competition, the daily grind -- that it can be written off a little bit. If you're a top prospect, you want to have a good summer, but if you don't, it's not the end of the world. For scouts, projection is just as important, if not more important, than production.
I am not a scout, and frankly, I was pretty excited to see Grant Green do what he did. It's not that I don't like seeing stars come out of nowhere. And no matter how much a player struggles on the Cape, it's always cool to see his name get called in June.
But this was different.
The first Major League baseball game I ever went to was at Fenway Park. Roger Clemens was pitching, back in the days when he was flat-out dominant. I was so excited. I had visions of a no-hitter, maybe a 21-strikeout game.
He lasted something like an inning and a third. I was fairly disappointed. You go to a game to see the stars, and when the stars deliver, it's something special.
Well, Grant Green delivered. It occurs to me now that he might someday be a Cape League Hall of Famer. By then, if things go the way he wants them to, he'll have some other hardware, too.
But I bet he'll remember this summer, and I think the rest of us will, too.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
summer wrap: by the numbers
Originally, I was going to find a few random stats and numbers and throw them out there for this post. That's pretty much what I did, except there are a ridiculous amount of numbers, and oddly enough, they can tell you a lot about the Cape League season. Some reveal statistical truths behind an impression, like the idea that the hittters dominated the league this summer. Others offer new confirmation on truths estbalished all summer, like the fact that there was an insane amount of parity in the league this year. And finally, some stats reveal absolutely nothing, other than my own desire to make this post longer.
Here goes, from 0 to 334,251 (Don't worry, I skipped some numbers along the way):
0 - The number of nine-inning no-hitters in the league this year. Usually, there's at least one. All we got this year was a five-inning fog-shortened perfect game from Nick McCully and a near-no-hitter from Brandon Workman.
0 - Players with a better baseball name than Dusty Coleman.
0 - Number of fog-outs in Chatham. Has to be some kind of record.
.032 - The difference in team average between league leader Y-D and last-place Hyannis. Typically, that number is in the .050 range. Kind of a clue that there was some parity, huh?
.230 - The team batting average for Hyannis, the lowest average in the league. It's also the highest league-low batting average this decade. As in, this year's worst was better than a lot of other worsts.
.473 - League-best on-base percentage posted by Marc Krauss. It's the highest mark since 2000, when none other than Kevin Youkilis had a .488 OBP.
.667 - The on-base percentage of Cotuit pitcher Sam Brown. He had three plate appearances and walked twice. Good eye, kid.
1 - The number of Harwich pitchers who made all their appearances in a starting role. Chris Manno was the only one. Everybody else pitched at least once out of the bullpen.
1 - The number of players on the Cape who had a BCS National Championship on their resume. Y-D's Jared Mitchell is a wide receiver for LSU's football team, as well as an outfielder for the baseball team. He left the Cape after five games to head to fall camp.
1.50 - The league-leading ERA belonging to Hyannis' Austin Hudson. That's the highest number this decade, and the first time since 1999 that the league-best ERA was over 1.00.
2 - Errors made by Falmouth shortstop Joey Wong, the lowest number for any everyday shortstop in the league.
3 - The number of streakers at the all-star game. They were quite the trio.
4 - The number of players on Harwich's roster who went by initials -- D.J. Belfonte, D.J. LeMahieu, J.T. Wise and J.J. Hoover.
4 - The number of players with eight home runs or more -- Chris Dominguez, Ben Paulsen, Ryan Jones and Angelo Songco. That's the most this decade.
5 - The number of qualifying players who had more walks than strikeouts. The list: Marc Krauss, Trevor Coleman, Chase Leavitt, Tommy Medica and Curt Casali. It's interesting that three of the five are catchers. The best ratio belonged to Coleman, who walked 39 times and struck out 25 times.
5 - The difference in the number of hits between Orleans catchers Travis Tartamella and Hampton Tignor. That's the biggest difference in their remarkably similar stat lines.
5 - The number of times Grant Green and Chris Dominguez were each intentionally walked. They tied for the league lead.
5:37 - Approximate length of the version of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" that played at the all-star game. Seriously. It had to be some kind of extended cut.
6 - Positions played by Bourne's Tyler Cannon. He saw time at all the infield spots, including catcher, and played one game in the outfield.
7 - The number of players who played in all 44 regular-season games for their teams. The list: Mike Freeman, Derek Poppert, Conner Powers, Trevor Coleman, Ben Paulsen, Tim Wheeler and Keenan Wiley. Interestingly, three of those guys are from Brewster. With a play-in game and three playoff games, Coleman ended up with 48 games played, the highest overall total.
8 - Consecutive games Harwich won to close out the season.
8 - Number of teams that hit 20 home runs or more, and you guessed it, that's by far the most this decade. It's not really close, either. The previous high was five, which happened four times.
9 - The number of at-bats Grant Green went without a hit on the final day of the season, when Chatham played a double-header. He hadn't had a stretch like that all summer.
10 - The number of saves Russell Brewer had on July 9, with a month of the season left.
10.53 - Combined K/9 for Team USA pitchers Kendal Volz, Blake Smith, Mike Leake, Mike Minor, Andy Oliver, Kyle Gibson, Stephen Strasburg and A.J. Griffin, all of whom would have been on the Cape. When people say the power arms were missing from the Cape this year, this is what they mean.
11 - The number of times Cole Figueroa struck out, the lowest total among players with at least 100 at-bats.
12 - The number of saves Russell Brewer finished with. It was through no fault of his own. He pitched well when he had a chance, but the Mets weren't winning consistently.
12 - The number of times Tony Sanchez was hit by a pitch, tops in the league.
13 - The single-game high for strikeouts this summer. Y-D's Jeff Inman did it in the third-to-last game of the season and Wareham's Brandon Workman pulled it off in his near no-hitter. The high last summer was 15, a mark set by Brett Jacobson and D.J. Mitchell.
13 - The number of runs scored by Hyannis slugger Chris Dominguez, an exceedingly low number when you consider his 10 home runs and 22 extra-base hits.
14 - The number of pitchers who started a game for Chatham this summer, the highest number in the league.
14 - The number of times I mis-spelled Caleb Cotham's name. I was going with Coltham for quite awhile . . . and I just had to double-check again because I couldn't remember which one was right.
15 - Decision-less appearances made by Brewster pitcher Rory McKean. That was his season total in appearances, and he finished with a 0-0 record.
18 - Games finished by Brad Boxberger and Ben Tootle. I never knew what GF stood for on the stat sheet until I looked that up.
23 - Appearances made by Bourne's David Erickson, tops in the league.
25 - The number of hits allowed by Falmouth's Nate Karns and Hyannis' Austin Hudson. Among pitchers who qualified for the ERA title, that's the best number.
45 - The number of innings Harwich played in the post-season. Typically, that number would be reserved for a team that went three games in one series, and two in another. Harwich swept both series, but had that little 18-inning game mixed in.
46 - Errors made by Harwich, fewest in the league. Y-D made 70.
49 - The combined total of games played and pitching appearances recorded by Orleans' Alex Hassan, who was the only true two-way player in the league. He was slated to just be an outfielder, but when the Cardinals lost their closer, he stepped into that role.
50 - Percentage of hits that went for extra bases off the bats of Chris Dominguez and Angelo Songco. Dominguez had 44 hits and 22 for extra bases. Songco had 36 hits, 18 for extra bases.
56 - The number of singles by Bourne's Jordan Henry. He had 60 hits total, with only four going for extra-bases.
61 - The number of hits by A.J. Pollock, the best mark since 2003, when Warner Jones had 64.
67 - The number of strikeouts recorded by Brandon Workman. That's the highest total since 2005, when Daniel Bard had 82.
135.00 - The ERA belonging to Y-D first baseman Andy Wilkins. He's not a two-way guy but he was on the mound once and allowed five runs in one-third of an inning. Proof that he should stick with hitting.
216.1 - Total innings logged by Wareham starters Robby Broach, Dallas Keuchel, Max Perlman and Brandon Workman. Each of them had over 50. By comparison, there were only four other pitchers in the whole league who got to 50 innings.
321 - The total number of players who were on the Cape this summer. That ranges from the one game played by Harwich's Patrick McKenna to the 44 played by guys like Paulsen, Coleman, etc.
334,251 - Total attendance for the year, including the all-star game and playoffs. Whether some team's estimates are inflated or not, that's still a staggering number.
Here goes, from 0 to 334,251 (Don't worry, I skipped some numbers along the way):
0 - The number of nine-inning no-hitters in the league this year. Usually, there's at least one. All we got this year was a five-inning fog-shortened perfect game from Nick McCully and a near-no-hitter from Brandon Workman.
0 - Players with a better baseball name than Dusty Coleman.
0 - Number of fog-outs in Chatham. Has to be some kind of record.
.032 - The difference in team average between league leader Y-D and last-place Hyannis. Typically, that number is in the .050 range. Kind of a clue that there was some parity, huh?
.230 - The team batting average for Hyannis, the lowest average in the league. It's also the highest league-low batting average this decade. As in, this year's worst was better than a lot of other worsts.
.473 - League-best on-base percentage posted by Marc Krauss. It's the highest mark since 2000, when none other than Kevin Youkilis had a .488 OBP.
.667 - The on-base percentage of Cotuit pitcher Sam Brown. He had three plate appearances and walked twice. Good eye, kid.
1 - The number of Harwich pitchers who made all their appearances in a starting role. Chris Manno was the only one. Everybody else pitched at least once out of the bullpen.
1 - The number of players on the Cape who had a BCS National Championship on their resume. Y-D's Jared Mitchell is a wide receiver for LSU's football team, as well as an outfielder for the baseball team. He left the Cape after five games to head to fall camp.
1.50 - The league-leading ERA belonging to Hyannis' Austin Hudson. That's the highest number this decade, and the first time since 1999 that the league-best ERA was over 1.00.
2 - Errors made by Falmouth shortstop Joey Wong, the lowest number for any everyday shortstop in the league.
3 - The number of streakers at the all-star game. They were quite the trio.
4 - The number of players on Harwich's roster who went by initials -- D.J. Belfonte, D.J. LeMahieu, J.T. Wise and J.J. Hoover.
4 - The number of players with eight home runs or more -- Chris Dominguez, Ben Paulsen, Ryan Jones and Angelo Songco. That's the most this decade.
5 - The number of qualifying players who had more walks than strikeouts. The list: Marc Krauss, Trevor Coleman, Chase Leavitt, Tommy Medica and Curt Casali. It's interesting that three of the five are catchers. The best ratio belonged to Coleman, who walked 39 times and struck out 25 times.
5 - The difference in the number of hits between Orleans catchers Travis Tartamella and Hampton Tignor. That's the biggest difference in their remarkably similar stat lines.
5 - The number of times Grant Green and Chris Dominguez were each intentionally walked. They tied for the league lead.
5:37 - Approximate length of the version of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" that played at the all-star game. Seriously. It had to be some kind of extended cut.
6 - Positions played by Bourne's Tyler Cannon. He saw time at all the infield spots, including catcher, and played one game in the outfield.
7 - The number of players who played in all 44 regular-season games for their teams. The list: Mike Freeman, Derek Poppert, Conner Powers, Trevor Coleman, Ben Paulsen, Tim Wheeler and Keenan Wiley. Interestingly, three of those guys are from Brewster. With a play-in game and three playoff games, Coleman ended up with 48 games played, the highest overall total.
8 - Consecutive games Harwich won to close out the season.
8 - Number of teams that hit 20 home runs or more, and you guessed it, that's by far the most this decade. It's not really close, either. The previous high was five, which happened four times.
9 - The number of at-bats Grant Green went without a hit on the final day of the season, when Chatham played a double-header. He hadn't had a stretch like that all summer.
10 - The number of saves Russell Brewer had on July 9, with a month of the season left.
10.53 - Combined K/9 for Team USA pitchers Kendal Volz, Blake Smith, Mike Leake, Mike Minor, Andy Oliver, Kyle Gibson, Stephen Strasburg and A.J. Griffin, all of whom would have been on the Cape. When people say the power arms were missing from the Cape this year, this is what they mean.
11 - The number of times Cole Figueroa struck out, the lowest total among players with at least 100 at-bats.
12 - The number of saves Russell Brewer finished with. It was through no fault of his own. He pitched well when he had a chance, but the Mets weren't winning consistently.
12 - The number of times Tony Sanchez was hit by a pitch, tops in the league.
13 - The single-game high for strikeouts this summer. Y-D's Jeff Inman did it in the third-to-last game of the season and Wareham's Brandon Workman pulled it off in his near no-hitter. The high last summer was 15, a mark set by Brett Jacobson and D.J. Mitchell.
13 - The number of runs scored by Hyannis slugger Chris Dominguez, an exceedingly low number when you consider his 10 home runs and 22 extra-base hits.
14 - The number of pitchers who started a game for Chatham this summer, the highest number in the league.
14 - The number of times I mis-spelled Caleb Cotham's name. I was going with Coltham for quite awhile . . . and I just had to double-check again because I couldn't remember which one was right.
15 - Decision-less appearances made by Brewster pitcher Rory McKean. That was his season total in appearances, and he finished with a 0-0 record.
18 - Games finished by Brad Boxberger and Ben Tootle. I never knew what GF stood for on the stat sheet until I looked that up.
23 - Appearances made by Bourne's David Erickson, tops in the league.
25 - The number of hits allowed by Falmouth's Nate Karns and Hyannis' Austin Hudson. Among pitchers who qualified for the ERA title, that's the best number.
45 - The number of innings Harwich played in the post-season. Typically, that number would be reserved for a team that went three games in one series, and two in another. Harwich swept both series, but had that little 18-inning game mixed in.
46 - Errors made by Harwich, fewest in the league. Y-D made 70.
49 - The combined total of games played and pitching appearances recorded by Orleans' Alex Hassan, who was the only true two-way player in the league. He was slated to just be an outfielder, but when the Cardinals lost their closer, he stepped into that role.
50 - Percentage of hits that went for extra bases off the bats of Chris Dominguez and Angelo Songco. Dominguez had 44 hits and 22 for extra bases. Songco had 36 hits, 18 for extra bases.
56 - The number of singles by Bourne's Jordan Henry. He had 60 hits total, with only four going for extra-bases.
61 - The number of hits by A.J. Pollock, the best mark since 2003, when Warner Jones had 64.
67 - The number of strikeouts recorded by Brandon Workman. That's the highest total since 2005, when Daniel Bard had 82.
135.00 - The ERA belonging to Y-D first baseman Andy Wilkins. He's not a two-way guy but he was on the mound once and allowed five runs in one-third of an inning. Proof that he should stick with hitting.
216.1 - Total innings logged by Wareham starters Robby Broach, Dallas Keuchel, Max Perlman and Brandon Workman. Each of them had over 50. By comparison, there were only four other pitchers in the whole league who got to 50 innings.
321 - The total number of players who were on the Cape this summer. That ranges from the one game played by Harwich's Patrick McKenna to the 44 played by guys like Paulsen, Coleman, etc.
334,251 - Total attendance for the year, including the all-star game and playoffs. Whether some team's estimates are inflated or not, that's still a staggering number.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
stats by position
I put together lists of stats by position last year, and I found them pretty helpful when analyzing exactly what we saw over the course of the summer. So I've put them together again. I'm finding them interesting again, so hopefully you will too.
Rather than post them all here, I've got them on the right field fog geocities site. Each position has its own page, and the links are below. The players are ranked according to batting average. Next to their name is the number of games they played at the position. Players who saw time at multiple positions are listed at the spot where they played the most. If there's a star by the name, that means the player did play a lot at another spot.
I think that should explain everything. There's a little summary for the position at the bottom of each page so be sure to scroll down.
Catcher
First Base
Second Base
Shortstop
Third Base
Outfield
Enjoy.
Rather than post them all here, I've got them on the right field fog geocities site. Each position has its own page, and the links are below. The players are ranked according to batting average. Next to their name is the number of games they played at the position. Players who saw time at multiple positions are listed at the spot where they played the most. If there's a star by the name, that means the player did play a lot at another spot.
I think that should explain everything. There's a little summary for the position at the bottom of each page so be sure to scroll down.
Catcher
First Base
Second Base
Shortstop
Third Base
Outfield
Enjoy.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
the plan and a few notes
I've been staring at some stats lately, and though I've found that you can't conjure up any more baseball, you can learn some things. I will post some of the stuff either tonight or tomorrow, including a compilation of stats sorted by position. After that, I will get into the season wrap-up stuff that I've been promising.
For now, a few interesting tidbits.
For now, a few interesting tidbits.
- Santa Clara's official web site did a cool Q&A with pitcher Steve Kalush, who helped lead Harwich to the Cape League championship. Kalush and his Santa Clara teammate Tommy Medica both played big roles for the Mariners, and in the championship, they beat their teammate Nate Garcia, who played for Cotuit. Interestingly, both Kalush and Garcia won the Alaska League championship last summer with the Mat-Su Miners.
- Jim Callis of Baseball America's had some high praise for Grant Green in this week's "Ask BA" column: "Green is clearly the top shortstop for the 2009 draft at this point, and he's the top overall position prospect as well. He was an easy choice for the No. 1 prospect in the Cape this summer. One scouting director I spoke to said he embodied the best of Troy Tulowitzki and Evan Longoria, and others compared his bat to Longoria's, high praise indeed. Though he's 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Green should be able to stay at shortstop."
- With so many of this summer's stars signing pro contracts, we're getting an earlier-than-usual look at professional returns. The short-season Northwest League has a nice little Cape League flavor, with Dusty Coleman, Mike Bianucci and Cole Figueroa all making their debuts there. Coleman is hitting .243 in 10 games with the Vancouver Canadians (Oakland); Bianucci is hitting .318 with four home runs for the Spokane Indians (Texas); and Figueroa is hitting .284 with four home runs for the Eugene Emeralds (San Diego). Also out west, but in a different league, Cape League batting champ Jimmy Cesario is hitting .271 in 17 games with the Rookie Pioneer League's Casper Ghosts (Colorado). Other guys who signed this year: Danny Meszaros has made nine appearances for the New York Penn League's Tri-City ValleyCats (Houston) and has a 3.26 ERA with 33 strikeouts in only 19.1 innings of work. J.J. Hoover made his professional debut last week for the Applachian League's Danville Braves (Atlanta). He hasn't allowed a run in two outings. Bryce Stowell has been assigned to the Penn League's Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Cleveland) but has yet to make an appearance.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
an almost announcement
There's no official release, but if you happen to accidentally click on a link to the CCBL Awards, it does include a Pitcher of the Year. It's Bourne's Nick McCully of Coastal Carolina.
Much like last year with Tom Milone, McCully had the edge because of his record, a perfect 5-0 mark. In a year where some of the more dominant pitchers didn't win much, McCully stood apart. Only Nick Hernandez and Caleb Cotham were in the same category in terms of number of wins, and both of them had more losses than McCully.
These are McCully's final numbers: 5-0, 1.98 ERA, 50 IP, 44 K, 14 BB, .88 WHIP, 1 CG, 1 SHO
Pretty impressive stuff. It's the second straight summer that McCully has had a lot of success in New England. Playing in the NECBL last summer, McCully had a 4-1 record with a 2.15 ERA and a no-hitter to his name.
In other news, the Cape League also announced its all-league teams.
Here's what it looks like:
1B - Ben Paulsen
2B - Jimmy Cesario
SS - Grant Green
3B - Chris Dominguez
Inf. Util. - Raynor Campbell
OF - A.J. Pollock
OF - Marc Krauss
OF - Trent Ashcraft
OF - Jordan Henry
C - Tommy Medica
C - Tony Sanchez
Util. - Joseph Sanders
DH - Kevin Patterson
DH - Brent Milleville
SP - Nick McCully
SP - Nick Hernandez
SP - Matt Thomson
SP - Andrew Carraway
SP - Bryce Stowell
SP - Chris Manno
RP - Russell Brewer
RP - Ben Tootle
Just as it was with the all-star selections, I don't see too many huge snubs. I'm a little surprised Brandon Workman wasn't on there but his ERA did balloon a little bit at the end of the year, and it's tough to push any of the aforementioned guys out of a spot. A few other notable guys who didn't make it: Ryan Wheeler, Cory Olson, Ryan Jones, Angelo Songco and Ryan Pineda.
Update: I forgot the DH's, but they're in there now.
Much like last year with Tom Milone, McCully had the edge because of his record, a perfect 5-0 mark. In a year where some of the more dominant pitchers didn't win much, McCully stood apart. Only Nick Hernandez and Caleb Cotham were in the same category in terms of number of wins, and both of them had more losses than McCully.
These are McCully's final numbers: 5-0, 1.98 ERA, 50 IP, 44 K, 14 BB, .88 WHIP, 1 CG, 1 SHO
Pretty impressive stuff. It's the second straight summer that McCully has had a lot of success in New England. Playing in the NECBL last summer, McCully had a 4-1 record with a 2.15 ERA and a no-hitter to his name.
In other news, the Cape League also announced its all-league teams.
Here's what it looks like:
1B - Ben Paulsen
2B - Jimmy Cesario
SS - Grant Green
3B - Chris Dominguez
Inf. Util. - Raynor Campbell
OF - A.J. Pollock
OF - Marc Krauss
OF - Trent Ashcraft
OF - Jordan Henry
C - Tommy Medica
C - Tony Sanchez
Util. - Joseph Sanders
DH - Kevin Patterson
DH - Brent Milleville
SP - Nick McCully
SP - Nick Hernandez
SP - Matt Thomson
SP - Andrew Carraway
SP - Bryce Stowell
SP - Chris Manno
RP - Russell Brewer
RP - Ben Tootle
Just as it was with the all-star selections, I don't see too many huge snubs. I'm a little surprised Brandon Workman wasn't on there but his ERA did balloon a little bit at the end of the year, and it's tough to push any of the aforementioned guys out of a spot. A few other notable guys who didn't make it: Ryan Wheeler, Cory Olson, Ryan Jones, Angelo Songco and Ryan Pineda.
Update: I forgot the DH's, but they're in there now.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
so...
Any baseball going on? I'll be honest. I'm pretty bored right now.
Does it seem to anybody else than when the Cape League season ends, somebody flips a switch and turns the whole thing off? (I'm looking at you, Cape Cod Times).
It seems to me that when you've just closed out a sprint to the finish line of a marathon, you should have a cool-down period. I've never run a marathon, though, so maybe not. I guess some people just collapse at the finish line.
But I will not collapse. It's time for a little jog. Maybe some race-walking. Anything to wind down the summer without going this cruel cold-turkey route.
So, later in the week, I'll have some season-in-review stuff up and then I'll formulate a plan for the off-season, which unlike last year, will not involve three months without a post.
For now, a few things to catch up on.
Does it seem to anybody else than when the Cape League season ends, somebody flips a switch and turns the whole thing off? (I'm looking at you, Cape Cod Times).
It seems to me that when you've just closed out a sprint to the finish line of a marathon, you should have a cool-down period. I've never run a marathon, though, so maybe not. I guess some people just collapse at the finish line.
But I will not collapse. It's time for a little jog. Maybe some race-walking. Anything to wind down the summer without going this cruel cold-turkey route.
So, later in the week, I'll have some season-in-review stuff up and then I'll formulate a plan for the off-season, which unlike last year, will not involve three months without a post.
For now, a few things to catch up on.
- This got lost in the shuffle for me, but Jason Stidham and Mark Fleury were named co-MVP's of the playoffs. Stidham had seven RBI, all in the first game of the championship series. Fleury only had one hit in the four-game postseason, but it was a big one.
- Speaking of awards, are we getting a Cape League Pitcher of the Year? Unless I missed it, nothing's been announced. I have issues with the way the awards are presented (i.e., you might find out if you're at the game where it's handed out), but the fact that this award hasn't been announced yet just muddies the waters further. Maybe there's a good reason for the delay, but I don't like it.
- The deadline for signing draft picks came and went on Friday night, and plenty of Cape Leaguers were in the news. Pitchers J.J. Hoover and Bryce Stowell, who had tremendous showings this summer after getting picked in June, leveraged their big summers into big contracts. Hoover, a 10th-round pick of the Braves, signed for $400,000. Stowell, who would have been a redshirt junior at UC Irvine, got an even bigger payday. A 22nd-round pick of the Indians, Stowell inked a deal worth $725,000, which is well above MLB's slotting recommendation for that pick. By my count that makes seven '08 Cape Leaguers who signed after, or in the midst of, a strong summer: Mike Bianucci, Jimmy Cesario, Dusty Coleman, Danny Meszaros and Cole Figueroa.
- In other draft news, 2007 Cape League Top Prospect Aaron Crow, the ninth overall pick in June, failed to come to terms with the Washington Nationals. Rather than return to school, Crow is now expected to pitch the rest of this season and the early part of next year with the Fort Worth Cats of the Independent American Association. That's the same team that former Tennessee star Luke Hochevar played with in 2006 after he didn't sign. The next year, Hochevar was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
- The other piece of news from the draft that may or may not have Cape League implications is the decision by first-rounder Gerrit Cole to stick with his commitment to UCLA. Cole, a righthander from Orange, Calif., who has an electric fastball, was selected by the Yankees near the end of the first round. He opted not to sign, which marks the first time in a long time that a high-school first-rounder will be going to college. There's a decent possibility that Cole is already on a Cape League roster for next year, and if he's not, somebody's trying to get him as we speak.
- In the first six rounds of last year's draft, there were nine high-schoolers who opted for college. Several of them, including Brandon Workman, Matt Harvey and Brett Eibner, played on the Cape this summer. The number of unsigned high-schoolers in the first six rounds was down to four this year: Cole, first baseman Chase Davidson, and outfielders Zach Cone and Khiry Cooper. Davidson and Cone are both committed to Georgia, so that's a huge coup for the Bulldogs. Cooper has committed to Nebraska, but he'll be there to play football.
- A few other names to remember from the group of unsigned players: seventh-rounder Jason Esposito (Vanderbilt), and 10th-rounders Drew Gagnon (Long Beach State), Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State), Chris Joyce (UC Santa Barbara) and Danny Hultzen (Virginia). We can expect to see many of them on the Cape next summer.
Friday, August 15, 2008
a championship for harwich
In some circles, the Cape League has a reputation of being a show league. To some extent, it's probably a deserved reputation. Talent dominates the storylines and the display of that talent is one of the league's main goals.
But every August, when the all-star game is over and the eyes of scouts are turned elsewhere, the Cape League is not a show league. Anything but, in fact, and the photos of Harwich celebrating last night's championship tell that story pretty well.
These aren't talented kids who happen to be playing on the same field. They're talented kids coming together to create a talented team. They're compeitors and they want to win. Individual goals and attention from scouts doesn't change that. When you're with a group of guys every night for two months, you want to succeed. Seeing players embrace that is one of the coolest things about the end of the season.
The unique thing about Harwich's championship run is that the players weren't just embracing that for each other, for their team.
They were embracing it for an organization and a town.
This is what Mark Fleury told the Cape Cod Times: “After being here a few weeks and just talking to the locals, they really wanted, not only a winning team, but a championship team. I’m glad I was a part of it.”
Judging from their reactions, a lot of other players were glad to be part of it, too. That they wanted to be part of it is probably one of the biggest reasons why this team had success.
Take Brian Kemp and Andrew Giobbi. Both got off to strong starts. Kemp, from St. Johns, was hitting the ball well, while Giobbi, a late addition from Vanderbilt, was driving in runs at a faster clip than anybody in the league.
Then they both got injured, Giobbi in scary fashion when he got hit in the face by a pitch. For several weeks, they were out of the lineup and I assumed they were done for the year. That's generally what happens when you get hurt in the Cape League. You pack it in.
Kemp and Giobbi came back. They both had hits in last night's championship clincher. And while I'm sure coming back was motivated to some extent by self-interest, I'm betting they also came back because they wanted to be part of this.
When the team caught fire in the last week of the season, they quickly became part of something bigger. Not just a team with good chemistry chasing some goals, but a team and a town chasing an improbable goal.
Last night, there were more than 6,000 fans at Whitehouse Field. I can't imagine that many people being there. They must have been climbing trees in the outfield.
The high attendance number speaks to what this title chase became. For 21 years, Harwich went without a Cape League title. Most of the players on this year's team weren't born the last time the Mariners won.
But they did it, and when the winning run crossed the plate last night, they weren't the only ones celebrating.
But every August, when the all-star game is over and the eyes of scouts are turned elsewhere, the Cape League is not a show league. Anything but, in fact, and the photos of Harwich celebrating last night's championship tell that story pretty well.
These aren't talented kids who happen to be playing on the same field. They're talented kids coming together to create a talented team. They're compeitors and they want to win. Individual goals and attention from scouts doesn't change that. When you're with a group of guys every night for two months, you want to succeed. Seeing players embrace that is one of the coolest things about the end of the season.
The unique thing about Harwich's championship run is that the players weren't just embracing that for each other, for their team.
They were embracing it for an organization and a town.
This is what Mark Fleury told the Cape Cod Times: “After being here a few weeks and just talking to the locals, they really wanted, not only a winning team, but a championship team. I’m glad I was a part of it.”
Judging from their reactions, a lot of other players were glad to be part of it, too. That they wanted to be part of it is probably one of the biggest reasons why this team had success.
Take Brian Kemp and Andrew Giobbi. Both got off to strong starts. Kemp, from St. Johns, was hitting the ball well, while Giobbi, a late addition from Vanderbilt, was driving in runs at a faster clip than anybody in the league.
Then they both got injured, Giobbi in scary fashion when he got hit in the face by a pitch. For several weeks, they were out of the lineup and I assumed they were done for the year. That's generally what happens when you get hurt in the Cape League. You pack it in.
Kemp and Giobbi came back. They both had hits in last night's championship clincher. And while I'm sure coming back was motivated to some extent by self-interest, I'm betting they also came back because they wanted to be part of this.
When the team caught fire in the last week of the season, they quickly became part of something bigger. Not just a team with good chemistry chasing some goals, but a team and a town chasing an improbable goal.
Last night, there were more than 6,000 fans at Whitehouse Field. I can't imagine that many people being there. They must have been climbing trees in the outfield.
The high attendance number speaks to what this title chase became. For 21 years, Harwich went without a Cape League title. Most of the players on this year's team weren't born the last time the Mariners won.
But they did it, and when the winning run crossed the plate last night, they weren't the only ones celebrating.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
the drought is over
For the first time in 21 years, the Harwich Mariners won the Cape Cod League Championship, and I think this tremendous photo by Ron Schloerb of the Cape Cod Times says it all.
Much more on this game tomorrow.
For now, congratulations Harwich.
one win away
There's been so much going on with the playoff races and the sprint to the finish line, it's hard to believe the finish line might be crossed tonight.
Then again, it's always hard to believe. The season seems so short.
But I'm sure it's different for the players. While the season marches on and makes itself seem short, the players are the ones doing the marching. This time of the year, they're ready to head home.
They've just got a little business to take care of first.
By virtue of their blowout win yesterday, the Harwich Mariners are one win away from their first Cape League championship since 1987. Three weeks ago, maybe even two weeks ago, I would not have picked them to be in this spot. They've been the streakiest team in the league, but I guess the funny thing about streaks is every once in a while, you hit one at the right time.
The Mariners have done that. They won their last four regular-season games, and thus far, they've swept through the playoffs. They haven't lost since Aug. 3.
When it comes to streaky teams, it's sometimes tough to say what separates good from bad. That's the way it is for Harwich. In looking back on this winning streak, there isn't one trend that stands out.
But that's kind of what the Mariners have been like all season. Their pitching ranked second in the league, but their offense was in the middle of the pack. It took until the last few weeks of the season for them to separate themselves from the rest of the East contenders.
Through it all, though, manager Steve Englert told anyone who would listen that this team had the best chemistry of any he'd ever coached.
This is what happens when a team with good chemistry gets hot. There's no one trend because on a given day, anybody can step up. Last night, it was Jason Stidham, who almost matched his season RBI total in one game.
If someone steps up big tonight, he'll lead Harwich to a championship.
Chris Manno might be the one to do it. He's been the ace of the staff all season and he'll get the ball tonight. He seems like the kind of kid who relishes a chance like this.
But don't expect it to be a cakewalk. I wouldn't be surprised if Cotuit forces a third game. In this season of ultimate parity, that would be fitting, and if any team can do it, Cotuit can. The Kettleers have fought through injuries and won the division despite being a much different team than the one that started the season so hot. They'll have Nick Hernandez on the mound tonight, and like Manno, he's the one you want out there.
We'll see what happens. My gut feeling tells me Harwich isn't going to let this slip, but I've been wrong many, many times.
Either way, enjoy the game, people. It might be the last one.
Then again, it's always hard to believe. The season seems so short.
But I'm sure it's different for the players. While the season marches on and makes itself seem short, the players are the ones doing the marching. This time of the year, they're ready to head home.
They've just got a little business to take care of first.
By virtue of their blowout win yesterday, the Harwich Mariners are one win away from their first Cape League championship since 1987. Three weeks ago, maybe even two weeks ago, I would not have picked them to be in this spot. They've been the streakiest team in the league, but I guess the funny thing about streaks is every once in a while, you hit one at the right time.
The Mariners have done that. They won their last four regular-season games, and thus far, they've swept through the playoffs. They haven't lost since Aug. 3.
When it comes to streaky teams, it's sometimes tough to say what separates good from bad. That's the way it is for Harwich. In looking back on this winning streak, there isn't one trend that stands out.
But that's kind of what the Mariners have been like all season. Their pitching ranked second in the league, but their offense was in the middle of the pack. It took until the last few weeks of the season for them to separate themselves from the rest of the East contenders.
Through it all, though, manager Steve Englert told anyone who would listen that this team had the best chemistry of any he'd ever coached.
This is what happens when a team with good chemistry gets hot. There's no one trend because on a given day, anybody can step up. Last night, it was Jason Stidham, who almost matched his season RBI total in one game.
If someone steps up big tonight, he'll lead Harwich to a championship.
Chris Manno might be the one to do it. He's been the ace of the staff all season and he'll get the ball tonight. He seems like the kind of kid who relishes a chance like this.
But don't expect it to be a cakewalk. I wouldn't be surprised if Cotuit forces a third game. In this season of ultimate parity, that would be fitting, and if any team can do it, Cotuit can. The Kettleers have fought through injuries and won the division despite being a much different team than the one that started the season so hot. They'll have Nick Hernandez on the mound tonight, and like Manno, he's the one you want out there.
We'll see what happens. My gut feeling tells me Harwich isn't going to let this slip, but I've been wrong many, many times.
Either way, enjoy the game, people. It might be the last one.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
harwich 11, cotuit 2
So much for the pitchers' duel.
Half of the marguee match-up I mentioned yesterday didn't turn out as planned, with Harwich's Michael Morrison getting the start in place of Chris Manno.
The other half didn't turn out as planned either.
Seth Blair was on the mound for Cotuit, and Harwich lit him up. Blair, who finished second in the ERA race, gave up 10 runs as Harwich cruised to the 11-2 victory.
When I got home from work and checked the very helpful Cape Cod Times live blog, I thought I was reading it wrong.
But I was not.
I guess after getting shut out for 17 innings, Harwich was ready to score some runs. In all, the Mariners had 16 hits. Jason Stidham, who had eight RBI all season, had seven in this game.
And just like that, Harwich is one win away from a Cape League championship, and, seemingly, one punch from a knockout blow. It's going to be tough for the Kettleers to bounce back from this for tomorrow's game.
They've battled through adversity all season, though, so maybe they're the team to do it.
Back later with some thoughts on tomorrow.
Half of the marguee match-up I mentioned yesterday didn't turn out as planned, with Harwich's Michael Morrison getting the start in place of Chris Manno.
The other half didn't turn out as planned either.
Seth Blair was on the mound for Cotuit, and Harwich lit him up. Blair, who finished second in the ERA race, gave up 10 runs as Harwich cruised to the 11-2 victory.
When I got home from work and checked the very helpful Cape Cod Times live blog, I thought I was reading it wrong.
But I was not.
I guess after getting shut out for 17 innings, Harwich was ready to score some runs. In all, the Mariners had 16 hits. Jason Stidham, who had eight RBI all season, had seven in this game.
And just like that, Harwich is one win away from a Cape League championship, and, seemingly, one punch from a knockout blow. It's going to be tough for the Kettleers to bounce back from this for tomorrow's game.
They've battled through adversity all season, though, so maybe they're the team to do it.
Back later with some thoughts on tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
championship notes
After the close races and wild finish left most teams shuffling their pitching staffs for the first round of the playoffs, it just so happens that all the shuffling has brought up a pair aces for game one of the finals.
Harwich will send star lefty Chris Manno to the mound tomorrow against Seth Blair and Cotuit. Both pitchers have sub-1.00 ERAs. At 1.55, Blair's is better, and, in fact it was second in the league. But Manno has more strikeouts, and he also hasn't taken a loss. He had probably the most impressive outing of any pitcher at the all-star game, and in his one start since then, he helped Harwich clinch a playoff spot with seven innings of four-hit ball.
Blair is no stranger to the big stage, either. He started the second-to-last game of the season for Cotuit, the game that ultimately clinched them a playoff berth. He went seven shutout innings.
So this is quite a match-up, and it's pretty awesome to see in the championship series. Sometimes, it doesn't work out like this, and with the season dragging longer and longer, I was afraid this year would be one of those years.
Thankfully, it's not. I'd expect Manno and Blair to put on a show tomorrow.
Some more notes:
Harwich will send star lefty Chris Manno to the mound tomorrow against Seth Blair and Cotuit. Both pitchers have sub-1.00 ERAs. At 1.55, Blair's is better, and, in fact it was second in the league. But Manno has more strikeouts, and he also hasn't taken a loss. He had probably the most impressive outing of any pitcher at the all-star game, and in his one start since then, he helped Harwich clinch a playoff spot with seven innings of four-hit ball.
Blair is no stranger to the big stage, either. He started the second-to-last game of the season for Cotuit, the game that ultimately clinched them a playoff berth. He went seven shutout innings.
So this is quite a match-up, and it's pretty awesome to see in the championship series. Sometimes, it doesn't work out like this, and with the season dragging longer and longer, I was afraid this year would be one of those years.
Thankfully, it's not. I'd expect Manno and Blair to put on a show tomorrow.
Some more notes:
- This championship berth has been a long time coming for both of these teams. Cotuit was last there in 1999, when they beat Chatham. For Harwich, it's the first time since 1997. That year, the Mariners lost to Wareham.
- This time last summer, league MVP Conor Gillaspie was heading back to school and missing the championship series. We'll see if there any departures this year, but so far I haven't heard of any.
- Blair will be on the hill tomorrow for Cotuit, and Nick Hernandez, whom I'd call a co-ace, will get the ball in game two. No game two starter has been announced for Harwich, but I'm thinking it could be J.J. Hoover, just based on the calendar.
- The teams split the season series, with Cotuit taking the last meeting by a 6-1 score on July 28. There's also a lot of history between these teams and the pitchers they'll be facing. Hernandez picked up the win in the most recent game, allowing five hits and a run in 6.1 innings. On July 20, when Harwich won 4-3, Manno allowed three runs in 7.1 strong innings. And back on July 16, Blair had his best outing of the summer against Harwich, a complete-game, one-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts and no walks.
- Harwich has some bad playoff batting averages, but all those 0-for-7's probably have something to do with that. Tommy Medica and Joseph Sanders each have three hits to lead the Mariners. Sanders' three-run home run in game one against Orleans was the team's biggest hit of the postseason.
- For Cotuit, six players have at least two hits so far in the playoffs. That lends credence to the fact that, top to bottom, Cotuit had the best-hitting team in the league. There aren't any weak spots.
- Lucky for Harwich that Cotuit didn't win in two, and that Monday's game was postponed. The extra days off mean the team actually got to rest after its 18-inning marathon on Sunday. That will be especially big for the bullpen. Willie Kempf should be fine to go. Not sure about Steve Kalush, who will be on two days' rest after throwing 5.2 innings on Sunday.
- The only problem with the days off: momentum. Sometimes, when you win in wild fashion like Harwich did, you want to keep it going right away.
- Whatever happens, we're seeing the two hottest teams in the league meeting for the title, which is pretty awesome. Cotuit has won 9 of its last 12 games, with two losses and a tie mixed in. Harwich has won seven of eight.
- I was initially hoping to get over for game one, but since it's in Cotuit and it's at 3 p.m., that's probably not going to happen. If I'm home from work in time, I will be listening and doing a live blog. We'll see what happens after that. Regardless, it should be fun tomorrow. Enjoy.
cotuit takes it
They got the game in, and it didn't even take that long.
Cotuit beat Falmouth 3-2 today in game three of the Western Division playoffs to clinch a spot in the league championship. The Kettleers fell behind 1-0 but then grabbed a 3-1 lead and held it for most of the game. The Commodores got a run in the ninth, but Cotuit held on for the victory.
The Kettleers will take on Harwich in the championship series, which begins Wednesday. Cotuit will host the first game. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
Cotuit beat Falmouth 3-2 today in game three of the Western Division playoffs to clinch a spot in the league championship. The Kettleers fell behind 1-0 but then grabbed a 3-1 lead and held it for most of the game. The Commodores got a run in the ninth, but Cotuit held on for the victory.
The Kettleers will take on Harwich in the championship series, which begins Wednesday. Cotuit will host the first game. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
let's try this again
As long as that green stays away, we'll have playoff baseball today after yesterday's game three had to be postponed. The league is in quite the time crunch now, with players getting ready to head back to school. I'm sure some of them were planning on already being gone.
As far as yesterday's delay, it could help Cotuit. Ace Seth Blair was not going to pitch yesterday, but today, he's on four days rest and he might be the one getting the ball.
We'll see at 3 p.m.
Monday, August 11, 2008
harwich wins a marathon, falmouth evens series
One first-round playoff series is going three games.
The other kind of already did.
While Falmouth outlasted Cotuit 6-3 to even the Western Division series, Harwich and Orleans staged an epic game in the East. When it was over, 18 innings and more than four hours later, Harwich had a 1-0 victory and a spot in the championship.
Harwich 1, Orleans 0
I almost went to this game, but with a two-hour drive ahead of me after an 18-inning game, it's probably better that I didn't.
Except I really wish I'd seen it.
Extra-inning games that get up to the 13th or 14th inning are incredible enough. This one went 18, and it was playoff game, and throughout the game, the score was 0-0. Crazy stuff. There was tremendous pitching, tremendous defense and not-so-tremendous hitting (Shaver Hansen and his 0-for-8 can attest).
In the end, with fog possibly playing a role, Orleans outfielder Angelo Songco charged in on a fly ball from Branton Belt, and with the shortstop and centerfielder converging, the ball bounced off Songco's glove. Brian Kemp, who was on second base and going on contact with two outs, raced home to give Harwich the victory.
That's a tough way to end a game, and for Orleans, a tough way to end a season. But everything that came before the ending was the stuff classic games are made of.
Falmouth 6, Cotuit 3
Starting pitcher Chris Gloor gave Falmouth exactly what it needed, dominating until the sixth inning and setting the stage for the Commodores to tie the series. They scored two runs in the first, one in the third and one in the fifth before Cotuit finally got to Gloor with two runs in the sixth.
But the Commodores never lost the lead. Rex Brothers pitched 1.2 scoreless innings out of the pen and Ben Tootle picked up the save, stranding two in the ninth to seal the victory.
Trevor Coleman had a home run for Falmouth, Kevin Nolan went 3-for-4 with two RBI and Michael Thomas went 3-for-4.
Looking Ahead
Chad Bettis, who has been Falmouth's most consistent starter this year, will get the ball in today's decisive game three, which will be played at 3 p.m. in Cotuit, as long as the rain holds off. The Kettleers have not announced a starter.
Meanwhile, Harwich will get a well-deserved day off.
The other kind of already did.
While Falmouth outlasted Cotuit 6-3 to even the Western Division series, Harwich and Orleans staged an epic game in the East. When it was over, 18 innings and more than four hours later, Harwich had a 1-0 victory and a spot in the championship.
Harwich 1, Orleans 0
I almost went to this game, but with a two-hour drive ahead of me after an 18-inning game, it's probably better that I didn't.
Except I really wish I'd seen it.
Extra-inning games that get up to the 13th or 14th inning are incredible enough. This one went 18, and it was playoff game, and throughout the game, the score was 0-0. Crazy stuff. There was tremendous pitching, tremendous defense and not-so-tremendous hitting (Shaver Hansen and his 0-for-8 can attest).
In the end, with fog possibly playing a role, Orleans outfielder Angelo Songco charged in on a fly ball from Branton Belt, and with the shortstop and centerfielder converging, the ball bounced off Songco's glove. Brian Kemp, who was on second base and going on contact with two outs, raced home to give Harwich the victory.
That's a tough way to end a game, and for Orleans, a tough way to end a season. But everything that came before the ending was the stuff classic games are made of.
- Six pitchers didn't allow a run. William Bullock went nine shutout innings for the Mariners, followed by 1.1 by Willie Kempf, 5.2 by Steve Kalush and 2 from Sean Black. For Orleans starter Matt Thomson went 7.1 scoreless frames, Adam Wilk went 3.2 and closer Alex Hassan tossed 6.2 dominant innings.
- Orleans left nine men on base, Harwich 13.
- The Cardinals had the game's best chance to score in the seventh. Songco was hit by a pitch then stole second and third. On a fly ball to left field with one out, Songco tagged up and headed for home, but catcher-turned-outfielder Tommy Medica cut him down at the plate.
- It was the longest game of the season, and it could have gone longer. The 11:30 curfew was waived.
Falmouth 6, Cotuit 3
Starting pitcher Chris Gloor gave Falmouth exactly what it needed, dominating until the sixth inning and setting the stage for the Commodores to tie the series. They scored two runs in the first, one in the third and one in the fifth before Cotuit finally got to Gloor with two runs in the sixth.
But the Commodores never lost the lead. Rex Brothers pitched 1.2 scoreless innings out of the pen and Ben Tootle picked up the save, stranding two in the ninth to seal the victory.
Trevor Coleman had a home run for Falmouth, Kevin Nolan went 3-for-4 with two RBI and Michael Thomas went 3-for-4.
Looking Ahead
Chad Bettis, who has been Falmouth's most consistent starter this year, will get the ball in today's decisive game three, which will be played at 3 p.m. in Cotuit, as long as the rain holds off. The Kettleers have not announced a starter.
Meanwhile, Harwich will get a well-deserved day off.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
cotuit, harwich strike first
The teams that came into the postseason hot stayed hot yesterday on the opening night of the playoffs.
The top-seeded Cotuit Kettleers, who won five straight games at the end of the regular season, made it six in a row with a 6-4 victory over No. 2 Falmouth. Over in the East, the second-seeded Harwich Mariners, winners of four in a row to end the season, beat Orleans 4-3 for the 1-0 series lead.
Cotuit 6, Falmouth 4
I wasn't surprised to see that Cotuit grabbed its victory. The Kettleers have been playing better than anybody in the league and, yesterday, they had one of their aces on the mound. Nick Hernandez gave Cotuit exactly what it needed, allowing just two runs in six innings. He struck out eight and didn't walk anybody. Daniel Wolford was strong in relief, while Drew Storen allowed a run in the ninth before picking up the save.
As for the offense, Cotuit continued a recent trend -- hits from every spot. Yesterday, eight of nine starters had at least one hit, with Jason Kipnis going 2-for-3 with a home run.
Meanwhile, Falmouth actually out-hit Cotuit 11-10, but the Commodores left 11 on base. They also found themselves in an early hole, with the Kettleers scoring five in the first three innings off Falmouth starter Jorge Reyes.
Harwich 4, Orleans 3
Harwich brought momentum into the game and didn't waste any time running with it. The Mariners all of their four runs in the top of the first inning, before Orleans could even blink. The Cardinals eventually settled in but couldn't climb all the way back in.
I don't blame them. That's a real tough start to recover from, and it's impressive to see from the Mariners. I knew they were hot coming into this series, but they're also a very streaky team, and you never know when the streak is going to end.
Not last night. Shaver Hansen led off the game with a double, and the merry-go-round was quickly at top speed. A three-run home run by Joseph Sanders was the big blow.
Armed with a four-run cushion, J.J. Hoover tossed seven dominant innings, striking out 12 and allowing only one earned run. Willie Kempf and Steve Kalush finished off the victory.
Looking Ahead
The difference between winning in two and winning in three is big, especially for the pitching rotation, so both Harwich and Cotuit will really be hoping to close it out tonight.
Cotuit's road looks like it will get a little tougher, with Falmouth's Chris Gloor on the mound against Paul Applebee. Gloor has a 2.59 ERA, a little better than Applebee's 3.09 mark. Gloor also has a low WHIP, while Applebee has given up more hits than innings pitched.
The Kettleers may also have to contend with Falmouth fireballer Ben Tootle, who didn't pitch yesterday. If the Commodores get a lead, Tootle will be in there.
Over in the East, Harwich heads home with a chance to clinch. It'll be a tall task, though, with Orleans ace and all-star starter Matt Thomson on the mound. But the Mariners wil counter with a good starter of their own. In fact, William Bullock allowed one run in 6.1 innings when he beat Orleans on Aug. 2.
The top-seeded Cotuit Kettleers, who won five straight games at the end of the regular season, made it six in a row with a 6-4 victory over No. 2 Falmouth. Over in the East, the second-seeded Harwich Mariners, winners of four in a row to end the season, beat Orleans 4-3 for the 1-0 series lead.
Cotuit 6, Falmouth 4
I wasn't surprised to see that Cotuit grabbed its victory. The Kettleers have been playing better than anybody in the league and, yesterday, they had one of their aces on the mound. Nick Hernandez gave Cotuit exactly what it needed, allowing just two runs in six innings. He struck out eight and didn't walk anybody. Daniel Wolford was strong in relief, while Drew Storen allowed a run in the ninth before picking up the save.
As for the offense, Cotuit continued a recent trend -- hits from every spot. Yesterday, eight of nine starters had at least one hit, with Jason Kipnis going 2-for-3 with a home run.
Meanwhile, Falmouth actually out-hit Cotuit 11-10, but the Commodores left 11 on base. They also found themselves in an early hole, with the Kettleers scoring five in the first three innings off Falmouth starter Jorge Reyes.
Harwich 4, Orleans 3
Harwich brought momentum into the game and didn't waste any time running with it. The Mariners all of their four runs in the top of the first inning, before Orleans could even blink. The Cardinals eventually settled in but couldn't climb all the way back in.
I don't blame them. That's a real tough start to recover from, and it's impressive to see from the Mariners. I knew they were hot coming into this series, but they're also a very streaky team, and you never know when the streak is going to end.
Not last night. Shaver Hansen led off the game with a double, and the merry-go-round was quickly at top speed. A three-run home run by Joseph Sanders was the big blow.
Armed with a four-run cushion, J.J. Hoover tossed seven dominant innings, striking out 12 and allowing only one earned run. Willie Kempf and Steve Kalush finished off the victory.
Looking Ahead
The difference between winning in two and winning in three is big, especially for the pitching rotation, so both Harwich and Cotuit will really be hoping to close it out tonight.
Cotuit's road looks like it will get a little tougher, with Falmouth's Chris Gloor on the mound against Paul Applebee. Gloor has a 2.59 ERA, a little better than Applebee's 3.09 mark. Gloor also has a low WHIP, while Applebee has given up more hits than innings pitched.
The Kettleers may also have to contend with Falmouth fireballer Ben Tootle, who didn't pitch yesterday. If the Commodores get a lead, Tootle will be in there.
Over in the East, Harwich heads home with a chance to clinch. It'll be a tall task, though, with Orleans ace and all-star starter Matt Thomson on the mound. But the Mariners wil counter with a good starter of their own. In fact, William Bullock allowed one run in 6.1 innings when he beat Orleans on Aug. 2.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
playoff preview: orleans vs. harwich
1 Orleans Cardinals (25-17-2) vs. 2 Harwich Mariners (24-20)
Game 1: Saturday at Orleans, 7 p.m.Game 2: Sunday at Harwich, 7 p.m.
Game 3 (if necessary): Monday at Orleans, 7 p.m.The Orleans Cardinals finished the regular season with the best record in the league.
Their record in July is the reason for that. Their record in August might be a reason to worry.
Orleans kind of backed into the playoffs, going 2-5 over the last two weeks of the season. That means the team that was hottest for the longest stretch this season isn't even as hot as their opponent.
Harwich enters the playoffs having won four straight games. Included in that stretch: two victories over Orleans.
So this series looks a lot more even than it would have in July.
SEASON SERIES
Six Meetings
Orleans: 3 wins (3-2, 2-1, 10-5)Harwich: 3 wins (11-3, 3-1, 5-3)
Total Runs: Harwich 27, Orleans 22Each team went 2-1 at home.
On the second-to-last day of the season, Harwich got a big performance by ace Chris Manno to beat Orleans 5-3. That made two in a row for the Mariners over Orleans.
TEAM CAPSULE - ORLEANS
Offensive Leaders
Average: Matt Bowman - .277Home Runs: Angelo Songco - 8
RBI: Angelo Songco - 26For a long time, the Cardinals were the worst offensive team in the league. They snapped out of it in a big way to put their streak together, but they've hit the skids a little bit since then. Losing Rich Poythress and Cole Figueroa hurt, but the cupboard isn't bare, and the Cardinals should have enough offense to make a go of it. Bowman is the leading hitter, but there are three other key players hitting in that range. Tim Wheeler is the team's table-setter, and Songco the run producer.
Pitching Leaders
ERA: Brad Stillings - .82Wins: Rob Rasmussen and Matt Thomson - 4
Strikeouts: Rob Rasmussen - 43When you go down the list pitcher-by-pitcher, the Orleans staff doesn't look that impressive. But as a group, the Cardinals have led the league in ERA for most of the season. One of the keys is quality depth. You could go pretty deep into the Orleans bullpen before you hit an ERA over four. As for the starters, Thomson has been very good, but the Cardinals will need big things from Martin Viramontes and Rob Rasmussen if they're to move on.
TEAM CAPSULE - HARWICH
Offensive Leaders
Average: Tommy Medica - .352
Home Runs: Brandon Belt - 5
RBI: Brandon Belt - 25
Medica has quietly ascended the leading hitters list all summer, and he ended up finishing third. That kind of sums up the whole Harwich offense. The Mariners will sneak up on you. They're not that far up the list in team batting average or home runs, but they've scored the second-most runs in the league. Both Belt and Andrew Giobbi have driven in a lot of runs despite having low batting averages. Joseph Sanders has been hitting all year, while Shaver Hansen and D.J. LeMahieu have also played big roles.
Pitching Leaders
ERA: Chris Manno - 1.93
Wins: Sean Black, Brian Dupra, Chris Manno and Ryan Quigley - 3Average: Tommy Medica - .352
Home Runs: Brandon Belt - 5
RBI: Brandon Belt - 25
Medica has quietly ascended the leading hitters list all summer, and he ended up finishing third. That kind of sums up the whole Harwich offense. The Mariners will sneak up on you. They're not that far up the list in team batting average or home runs, but they've scored the second-most runs in the league. Both Belt and Andrew Giobbi have driven in a lot of runs despite having low batting averages. Joseph Sanders has been hitting all year, while Shaver Hansen and D.J. LeMahieu have also played big roles.
Pitching Leaders
ERA: Chris Manno - 1.93
Strikeouts: Michael Morrison - 46
Harwich is behind only Orleans in the team ERA category. Manno and game one starter J.J. Hoover make up maybe the best 1-2 punch of any of the playoff teams. If Willie Kempf and Steve Kalush can continue to pitch well out of the bullpen, the Mariners will be in business.
WHAT I THINK
The battle between the top two pitching teams may come down to how the pitching schedule shakes out. For instance, all-star J.J. Hoover is on the mound for Harwich tonight against Orleans' Brad Stillings. Stillings has good numbers but he's only made two starts. Then tomorrow night, it's Orleans ace Matt Thomson against William Bullock, who's had some ups and downs.
So I think that will have an impact. This isn't going to be ace-vs-ace, No. 2 vs No. 2, etc. Whoever pitches best will be proving that they really have the best "staff."
The other key will be offense. The pitching will most likely be good. The team that can get its offense going may have the edge.
As for a prediction, I've gone back and forth. I didn't like the way Orleans ended the season, and Harwich has a strong team. In the end, though, I'm going to stick with the Cardinals. It's going to go three, but just as they found a way to break out of the doldrums early in the season, they'll find a way again.
WHAT I THINK
The battle between the top two pitching teams may come down to how the pitching schedule shakes out. For instance, all-star J.J. Hoover is on the mound for Harwich tonight against Orleans' Brad Stillings. Stillings has good numbers but he's only made two starts. Then tomorrow night, it's Orleans ace Matt Thomson against William Bullock, who's had some ups and downs.
So I think that will have an impact. This isn't going to be ace-vs-ace, No. 2 vs No. 2, etc. Whoever pitches best will be proving that they really have the best "staff."
The other key will be offense. The pitching will most likely be good. The team that can get its offense going may have the edge.
As for a prediction, I've gone back and forth. I didn't like the way Orleans ended the season, and Harwich has a strong team. In the end, though, I'm going to stick with the Cardinals. It's going to go three, but just as they found a way to break out of the doldrums early in the season, they'll find a way again.
playoff preview: cotuit vs. falmouth
1 Cotuit Kettleers (24-18-2) vs. 2 Falmouth Commodores (23-20-1)
Game 1: Saturday at Cotuit, 3 p.m.
Game 2: Sunday at Falmouth, 7 p.m.
Game 3 (if necessary): Monday at Cotuit
At times this season, the Cotuit Kettleers and Falmouth Commodores didn't get it done.
But they got it done when it counted.
The Kettleers won their last five regular-season games, which allowed them to break out of the pack and win the Western Division. Falmouth had a hot streak late in the year, hit a few bumps in the road, but bounced back in time to win its final two games when both were do-or-die.
And so they meet today, two teams who seem to deliver when there's a lot on the line.
After the first two weeks of the season, I wouldn't have been surprised to see Cotuit winning the Western Division. They were riding a powerful offense to the best start in the league. But personnel losses left them looking like a shadow of their former selves.
At least until the last week of the season. Cotuit's pitching had done enough to keep the team in the mix. The offense came back to life just in time. The Kettleers scored 26 runs in their five-game winning streak, and with players fighting through struggles, the lineup suddenly looks formidable again. It's not as powerful as it once was, but top to bottom, there aren't many weak spots.
Falmouth has also had to overcome a big personnel loss, with Jimmy Cesario signing a pro contract after the all-star game. But this team has been hanging in there all along, seemingly without the means to do that, so it's no surprise that they've hung in there again.
Whatever happens, it's going to be an interesting series.
SEASON SERIES
Six Meetings
Cotuit: 4 wins (9-2, 3-1, 4-2, 3-1)
Falmouth: 2 wins (3-2, 10-6)
Total Runs: Cotuit 27, Falmouth 19
Cotuit won two at home and two on the road. Falmouth won one at home and one on the road.
Last Meeting
Cotuit won 3-1 at home on August 3. Nick Hernandez allowed one run in 7.2 innings. Hernandez is the probable starter for game one.
TEAM CAPSULE - COTUIT
Offensive Leaders
Average: Kevin Patterson - .296
Home Runs: Kevin Patterson and Brett Jackson - 4
RBI: Kevin Patterson - 27
Patterson is the key piece for the Kettleers. Interestingly enough, he's been batting way down in the order lately, and apparently, that has helped spark the team's surge. Having Patterson bat that low also highlights the team's strength. One-through-nine, you're not going to find an easy out. Other standouts for Cotuit include Jeff Kobernus, Jason Kipnis and Dallas Poulk. Robert Stock has been on fire lately.
Pitching Leaders
ERA: Seth Blair - 1.55
Wins: Nick Hernandez - 6
Strikeouts: Nick Hernandez - 48
Hernandez and Blair make up a pretty formidable 1-2 punch. After them, you've got Paul Applebee and Mario Hollands, both of whom have been solid, especially down the stretch. Daniel Wolford, Sam Brown and Drew Storen have been good out of the bullpen.
TEAM CAPSULE - FALMOUTH
Offensive Leaders
Average: A.J. Pollock - .377
Home Runs: Ryan Jones - 8
RBI: A.J. Pollock - 25
For the second straight year, Falmouth rides into the playoffs with an MVP in their lineup. Pollock has been just as impressive as Conor Gillaspie was last year, and he has the ability to carry this team. Jones has provided some pop for the Commodores, while Darin Ruf has been hitting well lately. Much like Cotuit, Falmouth doesn't have many weak spots. Their team batting average is .261, three points higher than Cotuit's.
Pitching Leaders
ERA: Ben Tootle - 1.97
Wins: Ben Tootle, Chad Bettis and Jorge Reyes - 3
Strikeouts: Rex Brothers - 48
The fact that the team leaders in wins only have three says a lot about Falmouth's pitching staff. They've found a way, but a lot of times, it's by trotting a starter out for five innings then cobbling things together with the bullpen. But with Tootle at the back end, they can feel good about doing that. And several of the starters finished strong. Bettis, Chris Gloor and Nate Karns have been solid down the stretch.
WHAT I THINK
I didn't get to see any of Cotuit's final games, but the picture in the Cape Cod Times of Brett Jackson celebrating like a maniac in the win over Hyannis said a lot.
The Kettleers want this.
Falmouth does, too, of course, but I get the feeling that the Kettleers are really feeling that momentum right now. They've had a lot of adversity this year, and everybody knows that adversity can help forge a stronger team in the long run. I think Cotuit is seeing the benefits of that right now.
I also think the Kettleers have the advantage in the pitching department, so I'm picking them to win the series. In fact, I'm going to pick them to sweep.
Game 1: Saturday at Cotuit, 3 p.m.
Game 2: Sunday at Falmouth, 7 p.m.
Game 3 (if necessary): Monday at Cotuit
At times this season, the Cotuit Kettleers and Falmouth Commodores didn't get it done.
But they got it done when it counted.
The Kettleers won their last five regular-season games, which allowed them to break out of the pack and win the Western Division. Falmouth had a hot streak late in the year, hit a few bumps in the road, but bounced back in time to win its final two games when both were do-or-die.
And so they meet today, two teams who seem to deliver when there's a lot on the line.
After the first two weeks of the season, I wouldn't have been surprised to see Cotuit winning the Western Division. They were riding a powerful offense to the best start in the league. But personnel losses left them looking like a shadow of their former selves.
At least until the last week of the season. Cotuit's pitching had done enough to keep the team in the mix. The offense came back to life just in time. The Kettleers scored 26 runs in their five-game winning streak, and with players fighting through struggles, the lineup suddenly looks formidable again. It's not as powerful as it once was, but top to bottom, there aren't many weak spots.
Falmouth has also had to overcome a big personnel loss, with Jimmy Cesario signing a pro contract after the all-star game. But this team has been hanging in there all along, seemingly without the means to do that, so it's no surprise that they've hung in there again.
Whatever happens, it's going to be an interesting series.
SEASON SERIES
Six Meetings
Cotuit: 4 wins (9-2, 3-1, 4-2, 3-1)
Falmouth: 2 wins (3-2, 10-6)
Total Runs: Cotuit 27, Falmouth 19
Cotuit won two at home and two on the road. Falmouth won one at home and one on the road.
Last Meeting
Cotuit won 3-1 at home on August 3. Nick Hernandez allowed one run in 7.2 innings. Hernandez is the probable starter for game one.
TEAM CAPSULE - COTUIT
Offensive Leaders
Average: Kevin Patterson - .296
Home Runs: Kevin Patterson and Brett Jackson - 4
RBI: Kevin Patterson - 27
Patterson is the key piece for the Kettleers. Interestingly enough, he's been batting way down in the order lately, and apparently, that has helped spark the team's surge. Having Patterson bat that low also highlights the team's strength. One-through-nine, you're not going to find an easy out. Other standouts for Cotuit include Jeff Kobernus, Jason Kipnis and Dallas Poulk. Robert Stock has been on fire lately.
Pitching Leaders
ERA: Seth Blair - 1.55
Wins: Nick Hernandez - 6
Strikeouts: Nick Hernandez - 48
Hernandez and Blair make up a pretty formidable 1-2 punch. After them, you've got Paul Applebee and Mario Hollands, both of whom have been solid, especially down the stretch. Daniel Wolford, Sam Brown and Drew Storen have been good out of the bullpen.
TEAM CAPSULE - FALMOUTH
Offensive Leaders
Average: A.J. Pollock - .377
Home Runs: Ryan Jones - 8
RBI: A.J. Pollock - 25
For the second straight year, Falmouth rides into the playoffs with an MVP in their lineup. Pollock has been just as impressive as Conor Gillaspie was last year, and he has the ability to carry this team. Jones has provided some pop for the Commodores, while Darin Ruf has been hitting well lately. Much like Cotuit, Falmouth doesn't have many weak spots. Their team batting average is .261, three points higher than Cotuit's.
Pitching Leaders
ERA: Ben Tootle - 1.97
Wins: Ben Tootle, Chad Bettis and Jorge Reyes - 3
Strikeouts: Rex Brothers - 48
The fact that the team leaders in wins only have three says a lot about Falmouth's pitching staff. They've found a way, but a lot of times, it's by trotting a starter out for five innings then cobbling things together with the bullpen. But with Tootle at the back end, they can feel good about doing that. And several of the starters finished strong. Bettis, Chris Gloor and Nate Karns have been solid down the stretch.
WHAT I THINK
I didn't get to see any of Cotuit's final games, but the picture in the Cape Cod Times of Brett Jackson celebrating like a maniac in the win over Hyannis said a lot.
The Kettleers want this.
Falmouth does, too, of course, but I get the feeling that the Kettleers are really feeling that momentum right now. They've had a lot of adversity this year, and everybody knows that adversity can help forge a stronger team in the long run. I think Cotuit is seeing the benefits of that right now.
I also think the Kettleers have the advantage in the pitching department, so I'm picking them to win the series. In fact, I'm going to pick them to sweep.
falmouth is in
It was a different kind of game last night, with a lot more on the line than usual. Players on both sides of the Bourne-Falmouth play-in game responded. The starting pitchers were lights-out, and several players in both lineups delivered key hits.
But two Commodores lifted their games higher than anybody else.
Shaeffer Hall (Kansas), who's been solid out of the bullpen this year for Falmouth, was much more than solid on this night. He relieved Nate Karns in the fifth inning and proceeded to pitch the rest of the game without allowing a hit or a run. He struck out six and didn't walk anybody.
Hall's dominance set the stage for the Commodores to rally from their 2-1 deficit, and they did that thanks to an even more unlikely hero. After Michael Thomas (Southern) knocked in the tying run, Brandon Macias (South Mountain CC), who batted .039 this season, hit a single to bring in the go-ahead run.
And that was that. Hall finished it off. Falmouth won 3-2, and the playoffs were finally sorted out.
Everything gets underway today, with Falmouth visiting Cotuit at 3 p.m. and Harwich traveling to Orleans at 7 p.m.
But two Commodores lifted their games higher than anybody else.
Shaeffer Hall (Kansas), who's been solid out of the bullpen this year for Falmouth, was much more than solid on this night. He relieved Nate Karns in the fifth inning and proceeded to pitch the rest of the game without allowing a hit or a run. He struck out six and didn't walk anybody.
Hall's dominance set the stage for the Commodores to rally from their 2-1 deficit, and they did that thanks to an even more unlikely hero. After Michael Thomas (Southern) knocked in the tying run, Brandon Macias (South Mountain CC), who batted .039 this season, hit a single to bring in the go-ahead run.
And that was that. Hall finished it off. Falmouth won 3-2, and the playoffs were finally sorted out.
Everything gets underway today, with Falmouth visiting Cotuit at 3 p.m. and Harwich traveling to Orleans at 7 p.m.
Friday, August 8, 2008
daily fog: not there yet
The way the season has gone, it was pretty fitting that it couldn't end last night.
Bourne and Falmouth both won last night, which means they finished in a tie for second place in the Western Division. They'll meet tonight in a play-in game at 7 p.m. in Falmouth.
That sounds about right in a season full of parity. Nobody's been able to get separation, especially in the West. It'll take an extra day to get the last bit of it.
Falmouth will get its shot thanks to a four-run ninth inning in Hyannis last night. The game was tied at 1-1 before the Commodores loaded the bases against Hyannis closer Russell Brewer (Vanderbilt). Joey Wong (Oregon State) then fought through a long at-bat and drew walk to force in the go-ahead run. After another run scored, A.J. Pollock (Notre Dame) blew it open with a two-run double.
Over in Wareham, Bourne held serve. The Braves, who came into the game winners of four straight, didn't waste any time grabbing a lead. A double by Kyle Roller (East Carolina) in the bottom of the first plated Jordan Henry (Ole Miss) for the 1-0 lead. Bourne made it 2-0 in the third on a bases-loaded walk to Jamie Johnson (Oklahoma).
It wasn't a big cushion, but Ricky Bowen (Mississippi State) made it stand up. Bowen, who's had some good starts and bad starts, turned in a good one when it counted. He allowed one run on three hits in seven innings and struck out nine. He turned it over to the bullpen in the eighth, and David Erickson (UConn) and Eric Pettis (UC Irvine) each worked scoreless frames to seal the victory.
So now we get one do-or-die game. Bourne comes in a lot hotter than Falmouth, having now won five straight. Falmouth had hit the skids a little bit before bouncing back yesterday. Falmouth lists Nate Karns as its probable starter. Nothing yet from Bourne.
Elsewhere
Bourne and Falmouth both won last night, which means they finished in a tie for second place in the Western Division. They'll meet tonight in a play-in game at 7 p.m. in Falmouth.
That sounds about right in a season full of parity. Nobody's been able to get separation, especially in the West. It'll take an extra day to get the last bit of it.
Falmouth will get its shot thanks to a four-run ninth inning in Hyannis last night. The game was tied at 1-1 before the Commodores loaded the bases against Hyannis closer Russell Brewer (Vanderbilt). Joey Wong (Oregon State) then fought through a long at-bat and drew walk to force in the go-ahead run. After another run scored, A.J. Pollock (Notre Dame) blew it open with a two-run double.
Over in Wareham, Bourne held serve. The Braves, who came into the game winners of four straight, didn't waste any time grabbing a lead. A double by Kyle Roller (East Carolina) in the bottom of the first plated Jordan Henry (Ole Miss) for the 1-0 lead. Bourne made it 2-0 in the third on a bases-loaded walk to Jamie Johnson (Oklahoma).
It wasn't a big cushion, but Ricky Bowen (Mississippi State) made it stand up. Bowen, who's had some good starts and bad starts, turned in a good one when it counted. He allowed one run on three hits in seven innings and struck out nine. He turned it over to the bullpen in the eighth, and David Erickson (UConn) and Eric Pettis (UC Irvine) each worked scoreless frames to seal the victory.
So now we get one do-or-die game. Bourne comes in a lot hotter than Falmouth, having now won five straight. Falmouth had hit the skids a little bit before bouncing back yesterday. Falmouth lists Nate Karns as its probable starter. Nothing yet from Bourne.
Elsewhere
- Cotuit clinched the Western Division in the morning with a 3-1 victory over Hyannis then decided to keep on rolling anyway. In a game that didn't matter at all in the standings, the Kettleers beat Y-D 6-3 in the nightcap of their doubleheader. Cotuit used their regulars in the lineup and found plenty of offense. Five different pitchers saw action.
- With their playoff berths secured, Harwich and Orleans didn't have to worry about much last night, but they weren't coasting. The Mariners used an 18-hit attack to pound Brewster 12-3. Brandon Belt (Texas) had five RBI to lead the way. Over in Orleans, the Cardinals finished strong with a 9-4 victory over Chatham. Angelo Songco (Loyola Marymount), Kyle Spraker (Kent State) and Mike Murphy (Maryland) all hit home runs to power Orleans.
- In the first game of Chatham's doubleheader, Wareham got the A's off to a bad start, winning 5-4. Jake Lemmerman (Duke) went 3-for-4 and Raynor Campbell (Baylor) hit a home run to lead the Gatemen. Robby Broach (Tulane) struck out 10 in 5.1 innings and Zach Brewster (Georgia Tech) worked 3.2 scoreless innings of relief.
- Bourne at Falmouth, 7 p.m. Everything on the line.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
postseason scenarios
Here are the latest Western Division Standings top four, with the earlier game between Cotuit and Hyannis factored in.
Cotuit cannot be caught right now. They are the Western Division champions. Their game tonight with Y-D will not have an impact on that.
That leaves two games of consequence tonight -- Falmouth at Hyannis and Bourne at Wareham. Falmouth, Hyannis and Bourne are chasing one playoff spot.
Here are the scenarios. With Falmouth and Hyannis playing each other, there are essentially two variables for everything:
I think that covers everything. Should be an interesting night.
| Cotuit | 23-18-2 | 48 |
| Falmouth | 22-20-1 | 45 |
| Bourne | 22-20-1 | 45 |
| Hyannis | 22-20-0 | 44 |
Cotuit cannot be caught right now. They are the Western Division champions. Their game tonight with Y-D will not have an impact on that.
That leaves two games of consequence tonight -- Falmouth at Hyannis and Bourne at Wareham. Falmouth, Hyannis and Bourne are chasing one playoff spot.
Here are the scenarios. With Falmouth and Hyannis playing each other, there are essentially two variables for everything:
- If Falmouth wins and Bourne loses, Falmouth is in with 47 points.
- If Bourne wins and Falmouth loses, Bourne is in with 47 points.
- If Falmouth wins and Bourne wins, those teams will finish in a tie at 47 points, and there will be a play-in game tomorrow.
- If Hyannis wins and Bourne loses, Hyannis is in with 46 points.
I think that covers everything. Should be an interesting night.
live blog: cotuit vs. hyannis
11:10 - I'm listening online and the first pitch was just thrown. Seth Blair is on the mound for Cotuit. Good guy to have out there in a game as important as this. He's 3-1 with a 1.79 ERA.
11:12 - So just to be clear: Cotuit clinches a playoff spot if they win this game. It is not so cut-and-dry for Hyannis.
11:15 - Blair just got out of a jam in the top of the first. Marcus Jones had a double for the Mets. After Blair got Ben Paulsen, the Kettleers made a wise decision to intentionally walk Chris Dominguez. Curt Casali lined out for the last out of the inning.
11:22 - Will Weidig is on the mound for Hyannis. The sophomore from Brown has been solid out of the bullpen with a 3.48 ERA. This is only his second start. One troubling stat: he's struck out 25 and walked 20.
11:23 - Weidig allowed a hit to Michael Gilmartin but nothing else. Scoreless after one.
11:35 - First and third again with two outs for Hyannis, with leadoff man Trent Ashcraft at the plate.
11:36 - Another line out to Brett Jackson for the final out of the inning. Through one and a half, still scoreless.
11:42 - Quick inning for Weidig, who is off to a really strong start in this one. After two, no score.
11:46 - It sounds like Blair is laboring a little bit. He's thrown a fair amount of pitches and he just walked Ben Paulsen.
11:47 - Big strikeout for Blair. After a long at-bat, he caught Chris Dominguez looking.
11:49 - One pitch, and Blair is out of the inning. Still no score.
11:50 - Here's something to consider as these two starting pitchers continue to put up zeroes. Weidig has been a reliever most of the summer, so he may not be able to go that deep into the game. Meanwhile, Blair leads the league in complete games.
11:53 - Cotuit's Kevin Patterson leads off the third with a double. I believe that's the third double we've had in this game. Nobody's been able to take advantage, though.
11:56 - Weidig gets a strikeout for the first out of the inning. Back to Brett Jackson and the top of the order.
11:58 - Jackson flies out. Two outs, Patterson still on second.
12:00 - We have some offense. A ground ball from Michael Gilmartin gets through the right side. Patterson beats the throw home for the 1-0 lead.
12:02 - Weidig gets his second strikeout of the inning to end it, but the damage is done. Cotuit 1, Hyannis 0 through three.
12:06 - Blair has gotten out of some jams so far, but he'll have to do it again here in the fourth. Back-to-back singles by the Mets have runners on first and third with one out.
12:09 - Well that'll do it. Blair gets Matt Nuzzo to ground into a 6-4-3 double play. That's the third time this game that Cotuit has gotten out of a first-and-third jam. Blair hasn't been lights out by any means today, but he's getting it done when it counts, and he's got four shutout innings in the books.
12:16 - Weidig strikes out Jason Kipnis, his sixth of the day. That's six out of 10 outs. He's giving the Mets exactly what they needed, but they're going to have to score for him.
12:19 - A perfect frame for Weidig. Still 1-0 with four innings complete.
12:24 - Blair got two quick outs, went 3-0 on Ben Paulsen, but then induced a grounder to end the inning. Best frame of the day for Blair.
12:29 - Jeff Kobernus hits a double to start the fifth. Another scoring chance for Cotuit.
12:33 - RBI single by Robert Stock makes it 2-0. Has anybody else noticed how Stock has been way under the radar this summer? He was such a big story last year because he had skipped his senior year of high school to enroll at USC. Then he was an all-star on the Cape despite being the youngest player in the league. He was not an all-star this year but he's actually had a real solid season, with a .269 average. He's delivering at the right time too.
12:36 - Weidig in a little more trouble after a walk to Brett Jackson. Two on, only one out for Michael Gilmartin, who knocked in the game's first run.
12:39 - Wow. Double steal, and apparently Stock was dead meat at third. But he was called safe. Second and third, one out.
12:41 - Weidig gets a big out as Gilmartin flies out to left, not deep enough to score Stock from third. If Weidig can get out of this jam, a 2-0 deficit is still manageable.
12:44 - After falling behind 3-0, Weidig gets Joey Lewis to ground out and end the inning. Even though they now trial by two, the Mets have to feel pretty good about getting out of that jam. We'll see if they can build on it. After five, 2-0 Cotuit.
12:47 - So far so good for Hyannis. Dominguez takes the first pitch he sees down the left-field line for a double.
12:51 - Blair gets one out, but then hits Ryan Eden. Two on, one out. The Mets have stranded a lot of runners in this game . . . and they may do it again. Dale Cornstubble swings at the first pitch and pops out. Two down.
12:54 - Blair gets Casey Frawley looking for the final out. That's eight runners left on base for the Mets.
1:02 - Cotuit goes down in order. We're through six with Cotuit up 2-0.
1:03 - The Mets have 9-1-2 coming up this inning. If they can get a few on base for the middle of the order, this may be their best remaining chance.
1:05 - Matt Nuzzo leads off with a single, but Blair strikes out Trent Ashcraft for the first out. Marcus Jones at the plate, with Paulsen and Dominguez waiting behind him.
1:09 - Danger time for Cotuit. Two outs, but Blair just walked Paulsen to put two on for Chris Dominguez, the league's home run leader. He had a double last time.
1:10 - Wild pitch moves the runners up, so first base is open. Cotuit will put Dominguez on. It'll be up to Curt Casali, the Hyannid DH.
1:13 - Blair falls behind 3-1, but Casali hits a ground ball to shortstop and Michael Gilmartin gets the out at second. Cotuit out of another jam. That's 11 runners left on base for Hyannis. We're heading to the bottom of the seventh, still 2-0 Cotuit.
1:15 - Will Harvil relieves Will Weidig on the mound. Weidig pitched well for the Mets, but right now, he's in line to the hard-luck loser.
1:22 - Cotuit looking for some insurance as Robert Stock gets a two-out hit. A wild pitch allows Stock to move into scoring position with Brett Jackson at the plate.
1:23 - Jackson draws a walk, so now two on with two outs. The Kettleers have taken advantage when they've had guys on base. We'll see if they can do it again.
1:25 - Michael Gilmartin knocks in Stock with a base hit. He gets cut down at second trying to stretch it to a double but the Kettleers get an all-important insurance run. Heading to the eighth, it's 3-0.
1:27 - Daniel Wolford is on for the Kettleers, after Blair went seven shutout innings. Wolford is apparently better known as "The Wolf."
1:29 - The Wolf works the quickest inning of the day, getting two of three outs via the strikeout. To the bottom of the eighth we go.
1:35 - Kettleers go 1-2-3 so we'll go to the top of the ninth with Cotuit up 3-0. Three outs away from a playoff berth.
1:36 - The Wolf is still on the mound. It's 9-1-2 for the Mets, the same part of the order that came up in the seventh and loaded the bases.
1:37 - Quick strikeout for the Wolf. One down.
1:40 - After a long at-bat, Trent Ashcraft works a walk. That means the middle of the order might get a chance, as long as Marcus Jones doesn't ground into a double play.
1:41 - Ashcraft moves to second on a passed ball. A 1-2 count on Jones.
1:42 - Base hit by Jones. We've got first and third one out, with Ben Paulsen coming up. The Kettleers have a cushion, but the Mets now have a chance with their best hitters stepping to the plate.
1:43 - That does it for Wolford. Closer Drew Storen will come on. He has four saves this season
1:47 - Storen falls behind 2-0 but gets Paulsen to hit a ground ball to third. Cotuit concedes the run as Kevin Patterson gets the out at third. That's two outs, but Chris Dominguez is coming up as the tying run.
1:48 - Game over. Second baseman Dallas Poulk makes a nice play on a hard ground ball and gets the final out. The Kettleers are heading to the playoffs.
Alright, that's it for now. I'll check back in later in the afternoon to break down some of the scenarios for tonight. Right now, Cotuit is in. Hyannis not yet out. Should be an interesting evening.
11:12 - So just to be clear: Cotuit clinches a playoff spot if they win this game. It is not so cut-and-dry for Hyannis.
11:15 - Blair just got out of a jam in the top of the first. Marcus Jones had a double for the Mets. After Blair got Ben Paulsen, the Kettleers made a wise decision to intentionally walk Chris Dominguez. Curt Casali lined out for the last out of the inning.
11:22 - Will Weidig is on the mound for Hyannis. The sophomore from Brown has been solid out of the bullpen with a 3.48 ERA. This is only his second start. One troubling stat: he's struck out 25 and walked 20.
11:23 - Weidig allowed a hit to Michael Gilmartin but nothing else. Scoreless after one.
11:35 - First and third again with two outs for Hyannis, with leadoff man Trent Ashcraft at the plate.
11:36 - Another line out to Brett Jackson for the final out of the inning. Through one and a half, still scoreless.
11:42 - Quick inning for Weidig, who is off to a really strong start in this one. After two, no score.
11:46 - It sounds like Blair is laboring a little bit. He's thrown a fair amount of pitches and he just walked Ben Paulsen.
11:47 - Big strikeout for Blair. After a long at-bat, he caught Chris Dominguez looking.
11:49 - One pitch, and Blair is out of the inning. Still no score.
11:50 - Here's something to consider as these two starting pitchers continue to put up zeroes. Weidig has been a reliever most of the summer, so he may not be able to go that deep into the game. Meanwhile, Blair leads the league in complete games.
11:53 - Cotuit's Kevin Patterson leads off the third with a double. I believe that's the third double we've had in this game. Nobody's been able to take advantage, though.
11:56 - Weidig gets a strikeout for the first out of the inning. Back to Brett Jackson and the top of the order.
11:58 - Jackson flies out. Two outs, Patterson still on second.
12:00 - We have some offense. A ground ball from Michael Gilmartin gets through the right side. Patterson beats the throw home for the 1-0 lead.
12:02 - Weidig gets his second strikeout of the inning to end it, but the damage is done. Cotuit 1, Hyannis 0 through three.
12:06 - Blair has gotten out of some jams so far, but he'll have to do it again here in the fourth. Back-to-back singles by the Mets have runners on first and third with one out.
12:09 - Well that'll do it. Blair gets Matt Nuzzo to ground into a 6-4-3 double play. That's the third time this game that Cotuit has gotten out of a first-and-third jam. Blair hasn't been lights out by any means today, but he's getting it done when it counts, and he's got four shutout innings in the books.
12:16 - Weidig strikes out Jason Kipnis, his sixth of the day. That's six out of 10 outs. He's giving the Mets exactly what they needed, but they're going to have to score for him.
12:19 - A perfect frame for Weidig. Still 1-0 with four innings complete.
12:24 - Blair got two quick outs, went 3-0 on Ben Paulsen, but then induced a grounder to end the inning. Best frame of the day for Blair.
12:29 - Jeff Kobernus hits a double to start the fifth. Another scoring chance for Cotuit.
12:33 - RBI single by Robert Stock makes it 2-0. Has anybody else noticed how Stock has been way under the radar this summer? He was such a big story last year because he had skipped his senior year of high school to enroll at USC. Then he was an all-star on the Cape despite being the youngest player in the league. He was not an all-star this year but he's actually had a real solid season, with a .269 average. He's delivering at the right time too.
12:36 - Weidig in a little more trouble after a walk to Brett Jackson. Two on, only one out for Michael Gilmartin, who knocked in the game's first run.
12:39 - Wow. Double steal, and apparently Stock was dead meat at third. But he was called safe. Second and third, one out.
12:41 - Weidig gets a big out as Gilmartin flies out to left, not deep enough to score Stock from third. If Weidig can get out of this jam, a 2-0 deficit is still manageable.
12:44 - After falling behind 3-0, Weidig gets Joey Lewis to ground out and end the inning. Even though they now trial by two, the Mets have to feel pretty good about getting out of that jam. We'll see if they can build on it. After five, 2-0 Cotuit.
12:47 - So far so good for Hyannis. Dominguez takes the first pitch he sees down the left-field line for a double.
12:51 - Blair gets one out, but then hits Ryan Eden. Two on, one out. The Mets have stranded a lot of runners in this game . . . and they may do it again. Dale Cornstubble swings at the first pitch and pops out. Two down.
12:54 - Blair gets Casey Frawley looking for the final out. That's eight runners left on base for the Mets.
1:02 - Cotuit goes down in order. We're through six with Cotuit up 2-0.
1:03 - The Mets have 9-1-2 coming up this inning. If they can get a few on base for the middle of the order, this may be their best remaining chance.
1:05 - Matt Nuzzo leads off with a single, but Blair strikes out Trent Ashcraft for the first out. Marcus Jones at the plate, with Paulsen and Dominguez waiting behind him.
1:09 - Danger time for Cotuit. Two outs, but Blair just walked Paulsen to put two on for Chris Dominguez, the league's home run leader. He had a double last time.
1:10 - Wild pitch moves the runners up, so first base is open. Cotuit will put Dominguez on. It'll be up to Curt Casali, the Hyannid DH.
1:13 - Blair falls behind 3-1, but Casali hits a ground ball to shortstop and Michael Gilmartin gets the out at second. Cotuit out of another jam. That's 11 runners left on base for Hyannis. We're heading to the bottom of the seventh, still 2-0 Cotuit.
1:15 - Will Harvil relieves Will Weidig on the mound. Weidig pitched well for the Mets, but right now, he's in line to the hard-luck loser.
1:22 - Cotuit looking for some insurance as Robert Stock gets a two-out hit. A wild pitch allows Stock to move into scoring position with Brett Jackson at the plate.
1:23 - Jackson draws a walk, so now two on with two outs. The Kettleers have taken advantage when they've had guys on base. We'll see if they can do it again.
1:25 - Michael Gilmartin knocks in Stock with a base hit. He gets cut down at second trying to stretch it to a double but the Kettleers get an all-important insurance run. Heading to the eighth, it's 3-0.
1:27 - Daniel Wolford is on for the Kettleers, after Blair went seven shutout innings. Wolford is apparently better known as "The Wolf."
1:29 - The Wolf works the quickest inning of the day, getting two of three outs via the strikeout. To the bottom of the eighth we go.
1:35 - Kettleers go 1-2-3 so we'll go to the top of the ninth with Cotuit up 3-0. Three outs away from a playoff berth.
1:36 - The Wolf is still on the mound. It's 9-1-2 for the Mets, the same part of the order that came up in the seventh and loaded the bases.
1:37 - Quick strikeout for the Wolf. One down.
1:40 - After a long at-bat, Trent Ashcraft works a walk. That means the middle of the order might get a chance, as long as Marcus Jones doesn't ground into a double play.
1:41 - Ashcraft moves to second on a passed ball. A 1-2 count on Jones.
1:42 - Base hit by Jones. We've got first and third one out, with Ben Paulsen coming up. The Kettleers have a cushion, but the Mets now have a chance with their best hitters stepping to the plate.
1:43 - That does it for Wolford. Closer Drew Storen will come on. He has four saves this season
1:47 - Storen falls behind 2-0 but gets Paulsen to hit a ground ball to third. Cotuit concedes the run as Kevin Patterson gets the out at third. That's two outs, but Chris Dominguez is coming up as the tying run.
1:48 - Game over. Second baseman Dallas Poulk makes a nice play on a hard ground ball and gets the final out. The Kettleers are heading to the playoffs.
Alright, that's it for now. I'll check back in later in the afternoon to break down some of the scenarios for tonight. Right now, Cotuit is in. Hyannis not yet out. Should be an interesting evening.
daily fog: some clarity
On a night when the Western Division playoff race got more complicated, the last playoff spot in the East finally got clinched.
The bigger news is who clinched it.
For the first time since 1997, the Harwich Mariners are in the playoffs. They headed into last night's game knowing they would at least get to a play-in game, even if they lost their final two games of the regular season.
But they didn't take that chance.
The Mariners beat Orleans 5-3 last night at home to clinch the spot. Chris Manno (Duke) did what an ace is supposed to do, allowing one run on only four hits in seven innings. After Orleans got two runs in the eighth to get within two, Steve Kalush (Santa Clara) pitched two perfect innings of relief to pick up the save.
At the plate, Shaver Hansen (Baylor) went 3-for-4 with two RBI to lead the way.
The victory means the Mariners will get a shot at the same team they just beat -- division champ Orleans. I'll have more on this series once we get through today's games.
Elsewhere
The bigger news is who clinched it.
For the first time since 1997, the Harwich Mariners are in the playoffs. They headed into last night's game knowing they would at least get to a play-in game, even if they lost their final two games of the regular season.
But they didn't take that chance.
The Mariners beat Orleans 5-3 last night at home to clinch the spot. Chris Manno (Duke) did what an ace is supposed to do, allowing one run on only four hits in seven innings. After Orleans got two runs in the eighth to get within two, Steve Kalush (Santa Clara) pitched two perfect innings of relief to pick up the save.
At the plate, Shaver Hansen (Baylor) went 3-for-4 with two RBI to lead the way.
The victory means the Mariners will get a shot at the same team they just beat -- division champ Orleans. I'll have more on this series once we get through today's games.
Elsewhere
- Falmouth had a chance to jump back to first place, but lost to Wareham 5-3 in 10 innings. A.J. Pollock (Notre Dame), who was presented with the league MVP award before the game, hit a home run, but the Commodores couldn't get much else off Wareham starter Brandon Workman (Texas). He struck out eight to finish the year with 67 strikeouts.
- In a game that lost its playoff implications when Harwich won, Brewster beat Chatham 9-1. James Meador (San Diego) had four hits for the Whitecaps and Buddy Bauman (Missouri State) allowed one run in six innings.
- Bourne got right into the thick of the Western Division race thanks to their fourth straight win, a 5-1 victory over Y-D. Nick McCully (Coastal Carolina) improved to 5-0 by tossing six strong innings.
- All kinds of craziness. I plan to keep tabs on all of it, and I think I'm about to start a live blog of the Cotuit-Hyannis game. So keep checking.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
well this is going to be crazy
Dear Chatham, Cotuit and Hyannis,
Have fun tomorrow.
Love,
Rain
If you hadn't seen it yet, today's 5 p.m. game between Hyannis and Cotuit got postponed because of rain. That means Cotuit, Hyannis and Chatham (because of earlier postponements) will all play doubleheaders tomorrow, the final day of the regular season.
It was going to be crazy enough anyway with the playoff picture so jumbled. Now, it's just going to be ridiculous, especially for Cotuit and Hyannis. It looks like if the Mets sweep their doubleheader, they'll win the division. Same for Cotuit. If they both split . . . I have no idea what happens.
Regardless, tomorrow's going to be fun. As Nate Sandals mentioned on the Cape League Insider Blog, you could go to the 11 a.m. game in Cotuit, the 4:30 p.m. game at Y-D and the nightcap in Hyannis. That's a pretty nice little Thursday, if you ask me.
Have fun tomorrow.
Love,
Rain
If you hadn't seen it yet, today's 5 p.m. game between Hyannis and Cotuit got postponed because of rain. That means Cotuit, Hyannis and Chatham (because of earlier postponements) will all play doubleheaders tomorrow, the final day of the regular season.
It was going to be crazy enough anyway with the playoff picture so jumbled. Now, it's just going to be ridiculous, especially for Cotuit and Hyannis. It looks like if the Mets sweep their doubleheader, they'll win the division. Same for Cotuit. If they both split . . . I have no idea what happens.
Regardless, tomorrow's going to be fun. As Nate Sandals mentioned on the Cape League Insider Blog, you could go to the 11 a.m. game in Cotuit, the 4:30 p.m. game at Y-D and the nightcap in Hyannis. That's a pretty nice little Thursday, if you ask me.
daily fog: cooking kettleers
Back in June, when the season was only a week or two old, the Cotuit Kettleers looked like the best team in the league. They were getting good pitching and their offense was significantly stronger than anyone else's.
But some injuries and key departures left the Kettleers reeling, and for most of of July, they were floundering in the middle of the pack, winning one here, losing one there.
They never went away, though, and now they're seeing the fruits of that gutsy persistence. Cotuit beat Wareham 10-2 last night for its third consecutive win. And this is a good time for a hot streak. Cotuit sits alone in first place with a one-point lead on Falmouth and two games to play.
It's a testament to the Kettleers that they're even in the conversation at this point. Their personnel losses this season included power-hitter Mike Bianucci, hot-hitting infielder Robbie Shields, lights-out reliever Danny Meszaros and pitchers Matt Fairel and Dan Jennings. If you look at Cotuit's online roster, there are almost as many players in the contract released section as there are on the active roster.
Of course, everyone's had to deal with losses, but it all seemed more pronounced for the Kettleers, because of the way they started. They were putting up numbers like Y-D's powerful offense was last year, and then all of a sudden, they weren't.
But the fact that nobody pulled away in the Western Division set the stage for the Kettleers to stick it out, and they've done that. Last night, they rolled past Wareham thanks to three-hit days by Kevin Patterson (Auburn) and Robert Stock (USC) and two-hit performances from Jason Kipnis (Arizona State), Evan Crawford (Indiana) and Dallas Poulk (NC State). Starting pitcher Brandon Cumpton (Georgia Tech), who has an ERA above four, turned in one of his best starts of the season, allowing two runs in 5.2 innings.
All of that was enough for the Kettleers to keep their little winning streak alive.
And it doesn't matter that it's little. Because it's coming at the right time.
Elsewhere
But some injuries and key departures left the Kettleers reeling, and for most of of July, they were floundering in the middle of the pack, winning one here, losing one there.
They never went away, though, and now they're seeing the fruits of that gutsy persistence. Cotuit beat Wareham 10-2 last night for its third consecutive win. And this is a good time for a hot streak. Cotuit sits alone in first place with a one-point lead on Falmouth and two games to play.
It's a testament to the Kettleers that they're even in the conversation at this point. Their personnel losses this season included power-hitter Mike Bianucci, hot-hitting infielder Robbie Shields, lights-out reliever Danny Meszaros and pitchers Matt Fairel and Dan Jennings. If you look at Cotuit's online roster, there are almost as many players in the contract released section as there are on the active roster.
Of course, everyone's had to deal with losses, but it all seemed more pronounced for the Kettleers, because of the way they started. They were putting up numbers like Y-D's powerful offense was last year, and then all of a sudden, they weren't.
But the fact that nobody pulled away in the Western Division set the stage for the Kettleers to stick it out, and they've done that. Last night, they rolled past Wareham thanks to three-hit days by Kevin Patterson (Auburn) and Robert Stock (USC) and two-hit performances from Jason Kipnis (Arizona State), Evan Crawford (Indiana) and Dallas Poulk (NC State). Starting pitcher Brandon Cumpton (Georgia Tech), who has an ERA above four, turned in one of his best starts of the season, allowing two runs in 5.2 innings.
All of that was enough for the Kettleers to keep their little winning streak alive.
And it doesn't matter that it's little. Because it's coming at the right time.
Elsewhere
- If Cotuit is getting hot at the right time, Hyannis is heading in the other direction at the wrong time. The Mets lost to Chatham 7-4 last night, their second consecutive loss. They're by no means out of the picture, but they are in third place now, two points behind Cotuit. Chatham got a big night from Grant Green (USC), who went 2-for-4 with a home run. The victory kept the A's alive in the Eastern Division playoff race.
- Falmouth got a crucial 5-3 victory over Orleans, which lets the Commodores keep pace with Cotuit. Chris Gloor (Quinnipiac) stepped up with his best start of the summer, striking out nine and allowing only one run in six innings. Ben Tootle (Jacksonville State) went 2.1 innings for the save.
- Bourne is also still in the playoff picture thanks to a 6-1 victory over Brewster. Marc Krauss (Ohio)went 2-for-5 with three RBI and reliever Kevin Landry (William & Mary) came on with the bases loaded in the second inning, got out of the jam, and went on to pitch four more no-hit innings.
- With Brewster's loss, and Harwich's 3-2 victory over Y-D, the Mariners have guaranteed themselves at least a spot in a play-in game. Both Chatham and Brewster can only hope to force a tie for second, and that would require the Mariners to lose their final two games.
- Harwich's victory over Y-D also means the official end of the Red Sox' dynasty. Now seven points back of second place, they won't have a chance to catch Harwich. But the night wasn't a total loss for Y-D. Starter Jeff Inman (Stanford) turned in one of the most impressive performances of the summer, striking out 13 in 7.2 dominant innings.
- A big game in Cotuit, as the Kettleers host Hyannis. Will Weidig (Brown) is slated to go for the Mets, with Cotuit's starter listed as TBA.
- Falmouth's road to the playoffs gets tougher tonight as the Commodores are set to face Wareham ace Brandon Workman (Texas). The Commodores will counter with their ace, Chad Bettis (Texas Tech).
- Harwich needs one win to clinch a playoff spot, and they've got the right guy on the mound. Chris Manno (Duke) and his 2.06 ERA will get the start against Orleans.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
daily fog: twin billing
Chatham has a chance yesterday to really help itself, or at least to play spoiler.
Instead, Chatham's opponents helped themselves.
Harwich beat the A's 4-1 in the afternoon and Cotuit beat the A's 4-2 later that night to complete the split doubleheader sweep. The losses mean the A's, with four games left, likely need to win all four and get some help just to be in the playoff race.
Meanwhile, the victories were big ones for Harwich and Cotuit.
The Mariners, who were tied with idle Brewster for second place, now find themselves in sole possession of second with three games to play. They can thank Brandon Belt for being in that spot. The two-way player from Texas made just his second appearance of the summer and his first start, but he was right at home. Belt faced the minimum in his five innings of work and helped himself by going 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBI.
As for Cotuit, a late rally pushed them into the lead against the A's and into the top spot in the Western Division. The Kettleers, who have won two in a row, moved into a tie with Hyannis for first place. Evan Crawford (Indiana) helped lead the way for Cotuit with a 3-for-3 night. Matt Zoltak (Clemson) pitched well for the A's, but the Kettleers got to the bullpen in the eighth. Crawford walked with two outs, stole second and came home on a base hit by Dallas Poulk (NC State). Poulk later scored on a wild pitch.
Elsewhere
Instead, Chatham's opponents helped themselves.
Harwich beat the A's 4-1 in the afternoon and Cotuit beat the A's 4-2 later that night to complete the split doubleheader sweep. The losses mean the A's, with four games left, likely need to win all four and get some help just to be in the playoff race.
Meanwhile, the victories were big ones for Harwich and Cotuit.
The Mariners, who were tied with idle Brewster for second place, now find themselves in sole possession of second with three games to play. They can thank Brandon Belt for being in that spot. The two-way player from Texas made just his second appearance of the summer and his first start, but he was right at home. Belt faced the minimum in his five innings of work and helped himself by going 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBI.
As for Cotuit, a late rally pushed them into the lead against the A's and into the top spot in the Western Division. The Kettleers, who have won two in a row, moved into a tie with Hyannis for first place. Evan Crawford (Indiana) helped lead the way for Cotuit with a 3-for-3 night. Matt Zoltak (Clemson) pitched well for the A's, but the Kettleers got to the bullpen in the eighth. Crawford walked with two outs, stole second and came home on a base hit by Dallas Poulk (NC State). Poulk later scored on a wild pitch.
Elsewhere
- Orleans snapped a five-game losing streak and finally clinched the Eastern Division title with a 5-0 win over Falmouth. All-Star starter Matt Thomson (San Diego) turned in the kind of start you look for from an ace, going eight shutout innings with eight strikeouts. The Cardinals made a winner out of him when they broke open a scoreless game with a run in the seventh and four in the eighth. Matt Bowman (Nevada) went 2-for-4 with two RBI and Angelo Songco (Loyola Marymount) blasted his seventh home run of the year.
- The loss dropped Falmouth all the way into third place. The Commodores have lost two straight and sit one point out of first, and two points ahead of fourth-place Bourne.
- Bourne is that close because of a 3-2 victory over Hyannis last night. Bryce Stowell (UC Irvine) struck out nine and allowed one run on four hits in seven innings.
- From here on out, every game is going to be a crucial one in the West.
- Bourne sends Matt Petiton (Tulane) to the mound against Brewster. It's his second start.
- Hyannis goes with Matt Ridings (Western Kentucky) against Chatham. He has a 4.43 ERA, with most of his appearances coming out of the bullpen.
- Falmouth will look to Chris Gloor (Quinnipiac) against Orleans. Gloor has a 2.78 ERA and has been solid since moving to the rotation.
- Cotuit will take on Wareham, with a yet-to-be-announced starter on the mound.
Monday, August 4, 2008
daily fog: one more time
The first daily fog of the season was all about Nick Hernandez. The lefty from Tennessee was a temporary player, but he got the ball on opening night for Cotuit and went longer than any other starter would for the next week. He was also thoroughly impressive, striking out eight, walking none and allowing only one run in seven innings.
Since then, I feel like I haven't talked much about Hernandez. It's about time to change that.
Hernandez picked up his league-leading sixth win of the season last night as Cotuit topped Falmouth 3-1 in another crucial Western Division game. The victory moved the Kettleers to within one point of second place and two points of first.
For a game like that, I don't think there's anybody Cotuit would rather have on the mound than Hernandez. He gets lost in the shuffle sometimes because he hasn't had the flashy starts -- the complete games, the double-digit strikeout performances. But when it comes to top Cape League pitchers, Hernandez has to be mentioned in the same breath as Brandon Workman, Andrew Carraway and Bryce Stowell.
His ERA, at 2.54, is a little higher than some others, but his strikeout numbers are right there. And he's got everybody beat in the wins category. Last year, Tom Milone won the Pitcher of the Year award largely because his six sins separated him from the rest of the pack. I don't know if the same will go for Hernandez, but he's certainly got a shot.
Not bad for a player whose name I had to look up for that first daily fog. Not bad at all.
Elsewhere
Since then, I feel like I haven't talked much about Hernandez. It's about time to change that.
Hernandez picked up his league-leading sixth win of the season last night as Cotuit topped Falmouth 3-1 in another crucial Western Division game. The victory moved the Kettleers to within one point of second place and two points of first.
For a game like that, I don't think there's anybody Cotuit would rather have on the mound than Hernandez. He gets lost in the shuffle sometimes because he hasn't had the flashy starts -- the complete games, the double-digit strikeout performances. But when it comes to top Cape League pitchers, Hernandez has to be mentioned in the same breath as Brandon Workman, Andrew Carraway and Bryce Stowell.
His ERA, at 2.54, is a little higher than some others, but his strikeout numbers are right there. And he's got everybody beat in the wins category. Last year, Tom Milone won the Pitcher of the Year award largely because his six sins separated him from the rest of the pack. I don't know if the same will go for Hernandez, but he's certainly got a shot.
Not bad for a player whose name I had to look up for that first daily fog. Not bad at all.
Elsewhere
- Cotuit's win over Falmouth opened the door for Hyannis, and the Mets stepped right through it. They beat Wareham 6-5 to leapfrog Falmouth for first place in the West. They have a one-point lead over Falmouth and a two-point lead over Cotuit. Reliever Will Harvil (Georgia) deserves a lot of the credit for the win over Wareham. After ace Andrew Carraway (Virginia) allowed four runs in three innings -- his worst outing of the year -- Harvil came out of the bullpen and allowed just one hit in four shutout innings. The Mets made a winner out of him thanks to a three-run seventh inning. Ben Paulsen (Clemson) scored the go-ahead run on a single by Marcus Jones (NC State).
- Bourne beat Orleans 9-4, the fifth-straight loss for the Cardinals, who still managed to clinch a playoff spot because of other results. Jordan Henry (Ole Miss) went 4-for-5 to lead the Braves, while Brandon Bantz (Dallas Baptist), Ross Wilson (Alabama) and Jamie Johnson (Oklahoma) each had two RBI.
- Brewster moved into a tie with Harwich for second place thanks to a 7-5 victory over the Mariners. Connor Powers (Mississippi State) and Mike Freeman (Clemson) both had three hits and two RBI.
- Y-D's Craig Fritsch (Baylor) and Chatham's Kevin Couture (USC) both allowed three hits in eight shutout innings, but they were long gone when the game got decided. Y-D scored two in the top of the 13th to notch a 2-0 victory over the A's. A bases-loaded walk and an error allowed the two runs to score. Rhett Ballard (Virginia Tech) struck out five in three scoreless innings to pick up the win.
- Because of rain the last few days, Chatham has two doubleheaders scheduled this week, and they'll play the first one today. The A's will visit Harwich at 2 p.m. before heading home to host Cotuit at 7 p.m. Sammy Solis (San Diego) is scheduled to start game one with Matt Zoltak (Clemson) going in game two.
- Bourne, five points out of first, will try to stay in the race with Bryce Stowell (UC Irvine) on the mound against Hyannis, who counters with Colin Bates (North Carolina).
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