#Owen Spiwak

[niallodonohoe]

C's Chat - Chris Bec

The final C's Chat for 2018 is with 2018 #VanCanadians catcher Chris Bec (@KingBec3). Miami, FL native 5th round pick of #BlueJays in 2018 from @UMaine Black Bears. Posted .351 OBP with 16 SB for the C's in 2018. #Jays

Chris Bec made 23 starts behind the plate for the Vancouver Canadians in 2018.

2018 Vancouver Canadians catcher Chris Bec steps up to the plate and behind the plate in the latest edition of C’s Chat.

If you go by the saying ‘game recognizing game’, the 5-foot-11 Bec could have a promising future in professional baseball. The Miami native was an outfielder and shortstop at Coral Springs…

[scottbcrowley2]

Owen Spiwak’s grand slam boosts Vancouver past Spokane Indians to complete series - Sat, 19 Aug 2017 PST

Owen Spiwak hit a grand slam in the third inning to lead the Vancouver Canadians in a 10-1 rout of the Spokane Indians in the finale of a Northwest League four-game series at Avista Stadium on Saturday. Owen Spiwak’s grand slam boosts Vancouver past Spokane Indians to complete series - Sat, 19 Aug 2017 PST

[niallodonohoe]

C's Recap - C's Shutout For Third Time This Season

C’s Recap – C’s Shutout For Third Time This Season

Tanner Kirwer looks up in frustration after the final out at Nat Bailey Stadium Thursday.

The Vancouver Canadians have been shutout in three of the first six games of the 2018 season. The C’s were blanked 1-0 by the Everett AquaSox at Nat Bailey Stadium Thursday. The only run came on a home run by Geoandry Montilla in the second inning off Vancouver starter Randy Pondler. The Everett first…

[niallodonohoe]

C's Recap - 2018 Vancouver Canadians Media Day At The Nat

C’s Recap – 2018 Vancouver Canadians Media Day At The Nat

[niallodonohoe]

C's Recap - There's No Crying In Baseball But There Is O'Brien As C's Thump Volcanoes

C’s Recap – There’s No Crying In Baseball But There Is O’Brien As C’s Thump Volcanoes

Cameron O’Brien—with first base coach Jose Mayorga (#12)— had a lot to smile about as he had hits in his first four at-bats and scored the winning run Tuesday night.

It was another long night at Nat Bailey Stadium but it was also another good one for the Vancouver Canadians as they overcame a three-run deficit to hammer the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 10-5at Nat Bailey Stadium Wednesday. Tuesday’s…

[niallodonohoe]

C's Recap - Norberto Nullifies No-No By Hillsboro

C’s Recap – Norberto Nullifies No-No By Hillsboro

Norberto Obeso had Vancouver’s only hit in Hillsboro Saturday night.

The Vancouver Canadians had another tough night at the office against the Hillsboro Hops as they were blanked 6-0 at Ron Tonkin Field Saturday night. That gave the Hops their seventh win in the eight games against the C’s so far in 2017.

Brian Shafferstarted the Hops on the right foot with two clean innings that included a…

[niallodonohoe]

C's Recap - C's Destroyed By Dust Devils In Series Finale

#VanCanadians Logan Warmoth homered + doubled but the C's lose in TC Thursday. #BlueJays #Jays

Logan Warmoth hit his first home run in a Vancouver uniform Thursday.

The Vancouver Canadians hope a return home will help them fare better against the Tri-City Dust Devils over the weekend. The C’s lost the rubber match of their three-game set to the Double D’s 12-3 at Gesa Stadium Thursday night.

The C’s actually had the lead for half an inning. Reggie Pruittworked the count to ball four to…

[niallodonohoe]

C's Recap - Kacy Grants C's Clemency In Everett

C’s Recap – Kacy Grants C’s Clemency In Everett

The C’s blew a 7-run lead at Everett Memorial Stadium Tuesday night but still managed to pull one out of the fire. (Image courtesy of @VanCanadians)

It shouldn’t have been this hard. It was a laugher early but it looked like the Vancouver Canadians were going to lose a heartbreaker after squandering leads of 3-0, 8-3 and 11-4 but they rallied for four runs in the ninth to beat the Everett…

[niallodonohoe]

Kacy Clemens drew a walk in his professional debut at Nat Bailey Stadium Thursday.

The Vancouver Canadians went for the series sweep but had to settle for two out of three instead as the Everett AquaSox salvaged the series finale with a 5-1 win Thursday afternoon at Nat Bailey Stadium.

Dalton Rodriguez enjoyed a strong first two innings by retiring the side 1-2-3 in the first and striking out the side in the second. The Sox then struck for three runs in the third when Joseph Rosa cleared the bases with a three-run double. Rodriguez sat down the next seven hitters but was burned by a Brayan Hernandez home run to put Everett ahead 4-0. Miguel Burgos took over the mound after that.

Meantime, the C’s had their chances to score in the third, fourth and fifth innings.

Lance Jones worked a two-out walk in the third and scampered to third when Deiferson Barreto reached on a two-base error at first but Norberto Obeso—who had Vancouver’s first hit in the first—would ground out to second.

Vancouver loaded the bases in the fourth on an Owen Spiwak single and a pair of walks from Kacy Clemens and Mattingly Romanin with two outs but Reggie Pruitt flied out to left.

The C’s loaded them up again with one out in the fifth on Barreto and Lizardo walks sandwiching an Obeso single but Javier Hernandez would rap into a 4-3 double play against Everett reliever Cody Mobley, who took over for starter Jose Santiago.

Everett added one more run against Burgos in the seventh on a Brayan Hernandez RBI single. Brayden Bouchey kept the AquaSox at bay by retiring all six men he faced—including a pair of strikeouts—over the final two frames.

Vancouver would get their only run in the ninth when Pruitt got aboard on an error at third, stole second base and scored on a Jones single off Ted Hammond. Brock Lundquist pinch-ran for Jones in his Northwest League debut but was erased at second on a fielder’s choice by Barreto. The game would end on an Obeso groundout.

Vancouver had just four hits and left 11 men on base after just one hit in six at-bats with runners in scoring position.

C-Notes

Three C’s from the Opening Day roster have been reassigned. Righthanded reliever Jared Carkuff has been promoted to the Lansing Lugnuts while shortstop Jesus Severino and catcher Yorman Rodriguez have been sent to Bluefield for the start of their Appalachian League season.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Carkuff pitched three scoreless frames over two appearances, scattering two hits and a hit by pitch while striking out three.

  This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Severino was 0-for-6 with a walk over two contests. Rodriguez had four hits in 21 at-bats with a double in five games. A 2015 Vancouver Canadians pitcher is also on the move as lefty Tayler Saucedo has been promoted to Dunedin from Lansing.

The C’s continue their homestand Friday, Saturday and Sunday when the Spokane Indians come to town. Game times are 7:05 pm for the first two games and 1:05 pm Sunday afternoon. The probable starters have been been announced but going by the first turn through the six-man rotation, it may be Kyle Weatherly, Wilfri Aleton and Dany Jimenez.

C’s Recap – Not A Rosa Outlook In Series Finale Vs. Everett Kacy Clemens drew a walk in his professional debut at Nat Bailey Stadium Thursday. The Vancouver Canadians…

[niallodonohoe]

C's Recap - Series Between Em's-C's Squared

C's Recap - Series Between Em's-C's Squared. #VanCanadians fall to 2-2. #BlueJays #Jays

Image courtesy of @VanCanadians.

The Vancouver Canadians have dropped to .500 on the season. The Eugene Emeralds evened up the series at two games apiece by downing the C’s 6-1 on Father’s Day at P.K. Park.

The Emeralds scored in five straight innings, opening the scoring on a Gustavo Polanco home run off Canadians starter Wilfri Aleton in the second inning. The Em’s added to their lead on a…

[niallodonohoe]

C's Recap - C's Suffer First Loss Of The Season To Emeralds

C's Recap - C's Suffer First Loss Of The Season In Eugene. #VanCanadians #BlueJays #Jays

Image courtesy of @VanCanadians.

The Vancouver Canadians looked to be on their way to a third straight victory but the Eugene Emeralds rallied in the second half of the game to post their first win of the season by a score of 4-2 Saturday night.

Reggie Pruitt started the game by lining a double to center field and Chavez Young was plunked by a pitch. Owen Spiwakwould drove them home with a…

[niallodonohoe]

C's Beat Ems Good On Opening Night

C's Recap - C's Beat Em's Good On Opening Night w/ 6-1 victory. #VanCanadians #BlueJays #Jays

The Vancouver Canadians opened 2017 with a victory at P.K. Park in Eugene. (Photo courtesy of @VanCanadians).

The Vancouver Canadians have already matched their win total from last year against the Eugene Emeralds. After dropping nine of 10 to the Em’s last season, the C’s knocked off the defending Northwest League champions by a score of 6-1 Thursday night at P.K. Park.

Juan Nunezset the tone…

[niallodonohoe]

C's Recap - Owen Spiwak One Of Three Canadians On The Canadians

C’s Recap – Owen Spiwak One Of Three Canadians On The Canadians

Owen Spiwak has been assigned #9 for the Vancouver Canadians in 2017.

One of the three Canadians on the C’s 2017 Opening Day roster is just days away from playing his first professional game in Canada.

Mississauga, Ontario native Owen Spiwak made it as far as the on-deck circle in his first gameat Nat Bailey Stadium against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes last September 1. He was due to lead off the…

[niallodonohoe]

Griffin Conine knocked in the tying and winning runs for the C’s Thursday afternoon.

It took four tries but the Vancouver Canadians have their first series victory of 2018. The C’s took the rubber match of their three-game set against the Tri-City Dust Devils with a 3-2 win at Nat Bailey Stadium Thursday afternoon.

C’s starter Jose Espada struck out three of the first four hitters he faced but the Dust Devils would get to him for a run in the second. Michael Curry singled up the middle and Mason House drew a walk. Kelvin Alarcon then grounded to first where Jake Brodt threw to Vinny Capra to force House at second. It looked like the return throw to first was in time to get Alarcon but he was ruled safe. That brought C’s manager Dallas McPherson to the field to argue the call and he was thrown out of the game by base umpire Nolan Earley. Chandler Seagle would single to left to score Curry with the game’s first run but McGregory Contreras would throw out Alarcon at third where Sterling Guzman applied the tag to end the inning.

Jake Brodt scored the first Vancouver run Friday afternoon.

The C’s tied it in the fourth when Jake Brodt lined a single to right off Dust Devils starter Adrian Martinez and got into scoring position on a Contreras ground out to third. Bryan Lizardo smacked a line drive to right to score Brodt and got to second on the throw. Guzman would ground out to short to leave Lizardo at second.

Tri-City got the lead again in the fifth when Guzman mishandled a ground ball at third off the bat of Seagle. Tre Carter would get aboard on a single to right to put two runners on. Reinaldo Illarraza popped up a bunt in foul territory to C’s catcher Christopher Bec and Luke Becker hit into a 4-6 fielder’s choice to put runners on the corners with two away. The Dust Devils then executed a double steal by drawing a throw to second before Seagle raced home to score the go-ahead run. Espada would end his outing by striking out Owen Miller to close out the inning.

Jose Espada enjoyed his best start of 2018 with just two runs allowed in five innings Friday.

Both teams went to the bullpen in the sixth and that’s when the C’s evened things up. Griffin Conine belted a solo home run over the 25-foot wall in center field off Jonathan Guzman to make it a 2-2 game.

Vancouver would grab the lead in the eighth when Capra drew a walk and stole second before Bec reached on an error by Alarcon at third. Nick Podkul took one for the team as the ball glanced off his batting helmet but he was able to continue after being shaken up. Dust Devils manager Mike McCoy elected to go to the bullpen with Jordan Guerrero replacing Guzman. After Conine went deep against Guzman, he went deep enough against Guerrero as he lifted a sacrifice fly to left to score Capra with the go-ahead run.

Conine sac flies to LF and the Canadians take the lead 3-2 #AtTheNat pic.twitter.com/fd2Ch24BFV

— Vancouver Canadians (@vancanadians) June 28, 2018

A Brodt strikeout and a Contreras tapper to the mound did not produce any insurance runs for Vancouver as Guerrero was lighting it up on the radar gun.

DUST DEVILS: 2nd pitcher in as many nights tonhit 102-mph on stadium radar gun as RHP Jordan Guerrero joins RHP Andres Munoz in the “I throw hard” Club. pic.twitter.com/BhFpxETZsS

— VancouverCanadiansPR (@CanadiansPR) June 28, 2018

Nick Allgeyer

Connor Law

Orlando Pascual

Nick Allgeyer (1-2/3 innings), Connor Law (2/3 innings) and Orlando Pascual (1-2/3 innings) combined to toss four scoreless innings of relief with Pascual getting the win. The 2017 Northwest League All-Star stranded a Miller single by striking out Curry to end the game.

C-Notes

The C’s were just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position but the Dust Devils were were 1-for-10, leaving 12 men on base as compared to Vancouver’s half-dozen.

The C’s are 5-9 in the North Division, leaving them three games back of 8-6 Everett. Tri-City falls to 7-7 and Spokane is 6-8.

The A&B Tool Rentals Grounds Crew is doing everything but the rain dance #AtTheNat pic.twitter.com/E9X3yuX3Fe

— Vancouver Canadians (@vancanadians) June 29, 2018

Weather permitting (and it should!), the C’s begin a five-game series against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes with a 7:05 pm first pitch on Friday. Jordan Barrett (1-0, 2.61) is expected to throw the game’s first pitch for the C’s. The Volcanoes have not listed a starter as of yet. The game can be heard on CanadiansBaseball.com with Rob Fai.

On the transactions front, catcher/outfielder Reilly Johnson has been promoted to the Lansing Lugnuts where he will join his 2018 C’s teammates Freddy Rodriguez, Jesus Navarro and Owen Spiwak. Coming to Vancouver from Bluefield is outfielder Hunter Steinmetz, the Blue Jays 11th round pick from the 2018 draft from Missouri State.

Speaking of former Missouri State Bears, 2015 C’s righthander Jon Harris is a step away from the majors. The 2015 first round pick spun six solid innings in his Buffalo Bisons debut to get the victory against Pawtucket. He allowed just one unearned run on four hits, did not walk anyone and struck out four. Harris also recorded nine outs on the ground. 2014 C’s Rowdy Tellez and Richard Urena had two hits apiece with Tellez clubbing his sixth home run.

Rodrigo Orozco (2015-2016) was 2-for-4 with a double and Jake Fishman got the save as Dunedin edged Florida 4-3. Samad Taylor (2017) stole his 22nd base to go along with a double and a run batted in and Kyle Weatherly (2017) threw three shutout frames as Lansing upended Great Lakes 5-1.

On a sad note, the Blue Jays released 2017 C’s catcher Matt Morgan. He had his troubles with the bat but I still maintain he had two of the biggest hits of the first half of last season to help Vancouver win its first-ever first-half North Division title. You can read more about Morgan right here. I wish Matt all the best in his future endeavours.

C-Tweets

TRANSACTIONS: Thursday, June 28, 2018

RHP Jon Harris – NH to Buf LHP Jake Fishman -Buf to Dun C Jonelvy Molina- 7-day DL @ Dun OF Freddy Rodriguez – Van to Lan C Matt Morgan – released OF Hunter Steinmetz – Blu to Van OF Cal Stevenson – GCL to Blu

— VancouverCanadiansPR (@CanadiansPR) June 28, 2018

Reilly Johnson moving up to Lansing…. https://t.co/PIht46cAwN

— Blue Jays from Away (@JaysFromAway) June 29, 2018

I am definitely ready for the most beautiful hair I’ve ever seen. https://t.co/L07fZrNHUX

— Jesse Goldberg-Strassler (@jgoldstrass) June 29, 2018

Drake got people saying “I think we need a break” now 😂😂😂

— Dwight Smith Jr (@dsmith25blujay) June 29, 2018

Many congrats to #BlueJays prospect and Mississauga, Ontario native @OSpiwak on his second-half promotion to @LansingLugnuts. Keep up the good work, Owen! #CatchersWorkTheHardest pic.twitter.com/khsogC10AG

— Pro Star Management (@prostarmgmt) June 28, 2018

Everyone do yourself a favor and zoom in on my eyes https://t.co/yOvgdpv1Rs

— Donnie Sellers (@dsell_11) June 27, 2018

When you gotta pick up your target but you hear bae talking to someone in the stands.

— Kevin Smith (@KJS_4) June 27, 2018

CANADIANS: I have been doing this job here at Nat Bailey Stadium for 12 seasons and the throw I just saw from Griffin Conine in RF was as good as I have ever seen. Reminded me of a young Jesse Barfield…

— Rob Fai (@RobFaiNation) June 27, 2018

He’s a minor league FA at the end of the year… not sure what Jays are waiting for; promote him to AA already and see if he’s worth a 40 man roster spot… https://t.co/6CL4Ud4nyn

— Marc Hulet (@marchulet) June 27, 2018

One of the hardest things to do is change direction when the ball deflects off the P. Athletic, heads up play by a superior defender. https://t.co/d69S4O2JqY

— Future Blue Jays (@FutureBlueJays) June 28, 2018

The best catcher I’ve ever played with. Giants got a good one. https://t.co/dUK3vLoQez

— Joey Murray (@JoeyMurray30) June 29, 2018

Jon Harris is looking good in his Triple-A debut. I’ve written that “has the stuff to take him all the way to the majors” but noted that his consistency and execution needed to improve. He’s showing that today.

— Blue Jays from Away (@JaysFromAway) June 28, 2018

If Jon Harris continues to find consistency on the mound, the Jays will have several intriguing pitchers on the cusp of the big leagues in 2019 with Borucki already there. Sean Reid-Foley, T.J. Zeuch and Harris could be in position to make the jump.

— Blue Jays from Away (@JaysFromAway) June 28, 2018

Fun Fan Fact! Ed and Shirley Ervin are #AtTheNat today! Ed was the first score board attendant in 1951. Have a great afternoon Ed and thank you for sharing your story. We love how some things just come full circle. pic.twitter.com/hQB50N3XX0

— Vancouver Canadians (@vancanadians) June 28, 2018

.@BGrudzz is in a groove! A frozen rope to left for his third hit of the game… oh, and then @Brock_Lundquist LAUNCHES a three-run HR to right! #BrockSmash

B4 | Nuts 5, Captains 0!#LugLife 🔩 pic.twitter.com/gq7BKO9pma

— Lansing Lugnuts (@LansingLugnuts) June 27, 2018

Some managers new to the Northwest League this season: Hector Borg @SKVolcanoes, Steven Lerud @EugeneEmeralds, Dallas McPherson @vancanadians and Mike McCoy @TC_DustDevils pic.twitter.com/Irgep3Hd0I

— Jared Ravich (@JaredRavich) June 28, 2018

Man, I’m so proud to be a hawg. So proud of this team and all they’ve accomplished. 🐗⚾️

— Zach Jackson (@ZachJackson32) June 29, 2018

CONGRATULATIONS JON! We’ll be tuned in!

Last three starts in Double-A: 3-0, 0.96 ERA, 16 K, 1 BB #HeIsReady https://t.co/xkXW9CLmvX

— NH Fisher Cats (@FisherCats) June 28, 2018

First @Milb HR: ✔️#BlueJays 2nd-round #MLBDraft pick Griffin Conine hits his first professional homer for the @vancanadians. Here’s how all 2018 @BlueJays Draft picks are faring: https://t.co/dTzYlfNWlN pic.twitter.com/1lJVZW013v

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 28, 2018

Fortunately they keep letting me in. I always love coming up here. Vancouver is a awesome place and the @vancanadians do a great job.

— Chris King (@ChrisKingSports) June 28, 2018

  C’s Recap – Conine So Fine Against Dust Devils Griffin Conine knocked in the tying and winning runs for the C's Thursday afternoon. It took four tries but the…

[niallodonohoe]

C's Recap - Spiwak's Slam & Samad's Swat Salvage Series Split In Spokane

C’s Recap – Spiwak’s Slam & Samad’s Swat Salvage Series Split In Spokane

Owen Spiwak slammed his first home run in the Northwest League to put Spokane away Saturday.

The Vancouver Canadians made sure the Spokane Indians would not celebrate a walk-off win or a victory of any kind as the C’s stuck it to the home side in their series finale by a score of 10-1at Avista Stadium Saturday. The C’s were able to split the four-game set and completed the season series against…

[niallodonohoe]

The Vancouver Canadians 2017 Opening Day roster features nine returnees.

The 2017 Vancouver Canadians have made it to British Columbia. The players and coaches met with the local media for interviews at Nat Bailey Stadium Monday after getting their photos/videos taken for the team’s digital media properties (website, social media and video scoreboard) and its Game Day program. Team officials went through the process of confirming the players’ correct name spellings, heights, weights and uniform numbers before releasing the Opening Day roster.

  This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Manager Rich Miller (wearing #4) returns to Vancouver for the first time since its 2011 Northwest League championship season. He addressed the media before players were made available. He’ll be joined by pitching coach Jim Czajkowski (#48), hitting coach Dave Pano (#11) and position coach Jose Mayorga (#12) round out the coaching staff.

Four pitchers from the 2016 roster are back in Vancouver to start 2017. The stats beside their names list their numbers with the C’s only.

18. Jared Carkuff, RHP – 0-0, 6.75 ERA, 1.1 IP, 2-1 K/BB

19. Grayson Huffman, LHP – 2-2, 6.35 ERA, 28.1 IP, 25-16 K/BB

22. Juliandry Higuera, LHP – 1-3, 3.92 ERA, 20.2 IP, 12-12 K/BB

34. Dalton Rodriguez, RHP – 2-7, 6.18 ERA, 62.2 IP, 42-35 K/BB

Five position players also return from last year’s squad, two of them from Canada.

 1. Lance Jones, OF – .247/.356/.329, 0 HR, 8 RBI, 6 SB

 2. Mattingly Romanin, 3B – .229/.426/.343, 1 HR, 7 RBI (Burlington, Ontario)

 5. Deiferson Barreto, 2B -215/.259/.333, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 2 SB

 9. Owen Spiwak, C – 0/3, BB (Mississauga, Ontario)

26. Bryan Lizardo, 3B – .220/.284/.333, 3 HR, 21 RBI

There is also one Canadian among the newcomers with the name of the squad they last played for.

 8. Orlando Pascual, RHP – Gulf Coast League

15. William Ouellette, RHP – Dunedin

16. Juan Nunez, RHP – Gulf Coast League

20. Miguel Burgos, RHP – Bluefield

21. Jose Espada, RHP – Bluefield

23. Dany Jimenez, RHP – Gulf Coast League

24. Chris Hall, RHP – Lansing

25. Wilfri Aleton, LHP – Gulf Coast League

27. Bobby Eveld, RHP – Gulf Coast League

28. Kyle Weatherly, RHP – Bluefield

33. Brayden Bouchey, RHP – Bluefield (White Rock, BC)

27. Bobby Eveld, RHP – Gulf Coast League

And finally, the position players that are new to Vancouver.

 3. Kevin Vicuna, SS – Dunedin

 6. Chavez Young, OF – Gulf Coast League

 7. Matt Morgan, C – Bluefield

10. Norberto Obeso, OF – Gulf Coast League

13. Reggie Pruitt, OF – Bluefield

17. Jesus Severino, SS – Bluefield

35. Francisco Rodriguez, IF/OF – Gulf Coast League

  This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Opening Day is Wednesday night in Eugene against the Northwest League champion Emeralds for a five-game series. A starting rotation has not yet been announced but if experience is a factor, the Opening Day assignment could go to lefty Juliandry Higuera or righthander Dalton Rodriguez.

All of the games are set for 7:05 except for the fourth game which will start at 1:05 pm. You can hear all of the games on CanadiansBaseball.com.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The home opener is set for Tuesday, June 20 against the NWL finalist Everett AquaSox to mark the start of a six-game homestand that will also see the Spokane Indians come to town. The first two games of each series are set for 7:05 pm with the finales starting at 1:05 p.m. Fans will get to see the new turf laid down on the field and I think it’s the best this field has ever looked. Kudos to the grounds crew!

On a final note, my thanks to director of communications/broadcaster Rob Fai for extending me an invitation for Media Day.

2017 #VanCanadians Media Day behind the scenes with a look at the new roster. #BlueJays #Jays The Vancouver Canadians 2017 Opening Day roster features nine returnees. The 2017 Vancouver Canadians have made it to British Columbia.