#independentbaseball

[pbjmediaottawa]

This is the intro for my latest video review for @stadiumjourney Stereo Plus Stadium home of the @aiglestr of the @canamleague www.stadiumjouney.com ================= #baseball #travel #stadium #baseballstadium #troisrivieres #independentbaseball #travelblogger #travelgram (at Stade Fernand-Bédard)

[bridgeportbluefish]

The ‘Fish Are Back And In It To Win It

Back in June, I wrote about Bridgeport’s lack of a big bat--a slugger if you will. By mid-June they were well into their rapid plummet to last place, where they finished the first half. Luckily, all is not lost, the roster continues to evolve. Fast forward passed the All Star break to the present and, somehow, they’ve turned things around enough to be tied for first place for the second half reboot.

In the wake of losing starter Mike Antonini and 2B Luis Rodriguez, the organization made several moves in hopes of building a stronger team, knowing the first half was gone and a team that was once the biggest loser can turn around and head to the postseason. 

Now 24 games into the second half and Bridgeport is tied for first with the Somerset Patriots.  Core players like Welington Dotel, John Alonso, Eric Draxton, and Pat Mincey have found a way to mesh with newer guys like Bryant Nelson, Eric Niesen, Steven Ames, and Kameron Loe. Add to that the return of Sean Burroughs from the DL and Ricky VanAsselberg just may have found the right combination to bring back champion caliber play to the Park City. 

Since the All Star break, they’ve won 4 out of the 7 series played, including sweeps of both the Camden Riversharks and the Long Island Ducks. Today they leave Long Island having split the series against them 2-2. 

Here’s a quick run down on who’s helping the cause:

Offense

RF Welington Dotel leads the league in BA (.325).

1B/DH John Alonso and Dotel are the team’s RBI (46 and 42 respectively) and runs scored leaders.

CF/SS Josh Prince had a 16 game on-base streak until August 1st when he went 0-for-5 against the Ducks.

2B Bryant Nelson has improved his average to .324 for the year since joining the Fish in July; he had a .286 average with the Barnstormers before that. He batted .357 in Bridgeport’s last two series. 

Pitching

DJ Mitchell continues to lead the team’s rotation in ERA (2.82), wins (5), and strikeouts (76).

Reliever Pat Mincey has solidified his role as the team’s closer after accumulating 11 saves in the month of July.

Reliever Eric Draxton continues to be one of the best in the league with  a 2.15 ERA in 37.2 innings.

You’ll need a magnifying glass to find reliever Eric Niesen’s ERA, now a tiny 0.77 in 23.1 IP with 12 SO per 9 innings.

Up Next: The Fish are back home Aug 5th through the 8th vs the Lancaster Barnstormers. Wednesday (Aug 5th) will feature the Bobby Valentine Bobblehead Giveaway, so make sure you get your tickets soon and get there early. The giveaways have been going pretty quick.

[drumm2des]

Glad to be a part of the "Old Orchard Beach Surge" starting in Right Field and being a Relief Pitcher. You can watch our games live here https://www.baller.tv/users/empireleague. The games are usually at 7pm you can see the schedule on our team website, for when we travel to play the Puerto Rican teams. (On a side note I uploaded a new youtube video, check my channel the link is in my bio). #oldorchard #oldorchardbeach #oldorchardbeachmaine #testingthelimits #testingthelimit #baseball #baseballlife #oldorchardbeachsurge #empireleague #independentbaseball #professionalbaseball #athletes #athlete #athletelife #baseballgame #baseballs #baseballplayer #baseballgame

[drumm2des]

The team bet me that I couldn't hit a homerun off the tee over the 350 foot left field (biggest field in our Independent Professional Empire League). Well I ain't in college anymore, have that professional athlete power now.

[bridgeportbluefish]

‘Fish In Need Of Boom-Stick, Stat

Tonight the Bridgeport Bluefish return home after a long road trip in which they went 2-5. Unfortunately, immediately before that they were swept at home by the Somerset Patriots. They really haven’t caught a break since the departures of Nick Van Stratten and Ildemaro Vargas.

The Bluefish haven’t been a slugging team, but at least when Van Stratten was around the fans felt like the combination of Van Stratten, Sean Burroughs, and Welington Dotel could string together enough hits, walks, and stolen bases to get the runs when needed. Without him, the only consistent hitters are Dotel and Burroughs, with John Alonso trailing a little further behind (.236 AVG, .285 OBP, .376 SLG). 

With Van Stratten gone, the Bluefish need a boom-stick more than ever. The clean up spot in the lineup--no matter who gets put in there--seems to be an automatic out most of the time. If there’s one thing the Fish need to do, its to find a slugging DH or outfielder. 

In the last 10 games, the clean up spot in the order has produced a .162 batting average and I’m willing to bet that’s not too far off from the stat for the entire season. For most of the season, that’s been Andres Rodriguez’s fault, but more recently Ricky VanAsselberg finally decided to give some other guys the opportunity to bring in some runs (Chris Garcia-released, Alonso, and Jobduan Morales). Unfortunately, Rodriguez may have just stunk up the spot because it seems that no matter who Ricky puts there, they don’t hit. 

At least in the last 10 games, a real clean up hitter might have made a key difference for many of those games (except for the 8-1 loss to the Patriots); they never lost by more than 3 runs and most of the time by only 1 run. The pitching staff has done a decent job at keeping the games within reach, but the offense has not executed after creating opportunities.

Scott Maine is due to take the mound for the Fish tonight. Unfortunately, Maine is the worst of the starters right now (6.05 ERA, 1.88 WHIP), but maybe that just means he’s due for a decent outing. On the bright side, first 500 guests get a free Jurassic T....and, well, can you really ask for anything more?

[bridgeportbluefish]

Bluefish Update

Here’s a quick rundown on how some individual’s are doing after winning only one of the three series played so far (4-5). Surely, today’s 20-0 win over the Riversharks gave everyone a little boost. 

Offensive Notes

The biggest surprise for me, but surely not for the manager, has been the offensive burst from outfielder Welington Dotel. Dotel started the season 3-for-21; despite the slump, manager Ricky VanAsselberg kept him, not only in the lineup, but in the heart of it. Early on, Dotel looked overmatched at the plate--impatient, anxious, and flailing at the ball. He struck out 7 times in his first 13 at-bats. VanAsselberg’s loyalty to him soon paid off as he’s now 8-for-12 in his last 3 games. Dotel had 6 RBI in today’s harpooning of the Riversharks. He now leads the team in RBI, AVG, SLG, and OPS among players with 30+ AB.

Another sweet surprise has been the shortstop Ildemaro Vargas. As one of the smallest and youngest players (23 years old), Vargas came with limited experience beyond Single A ball and numbers that most definitely brought some doubt. I expected to see a flashy glove and not much more from the Venezuelan. The fact that he was the last batter in the lineup didn’t help for expectations either. Now that the season is getting going, it seems like Vargas is always on base and making things happen. He’s batting .314 with a .385 OBP. Vargas leads the team in stolen bases (4 SB) and is tied for most runs scored with lead off man Nick Van Stratten (8 R). 

Offensively, the biggest worry was 1B/DH Andres Rodriguez. To start the season, he went 0-for-14 before getting his first hit as a Bluefish.  Same as with Dotel, VanAsselberg is counting on big offense from Rodriguez; he’s been in the 4, 5, or 6 spots in the lineup since the start of the season. Rodriguez’ bat is finally warming up--he went 5-for-12 in the recent series against Camden, including a home run and a double. With only 1 RBI, we have yet to see if he can bring guys home consistently. 

Bottom Line: The Bluefish lead the league with a .722 team OPS.

Pitching Notes

Bluefish pitching has been fairly stable, except for Cory Riordan who was scratched from his start Saturday. The starters have gone respectably deep in the games for so early in the season and relievers have been able to limit walks and runs.  The average length for Bluefish starters is a little over 5 innings. The bigger worry early on was definitely in the offense. Starters DJ Mitchell and Parker Frazier are in the league’s top 10 pitchers in ERA, while starter Scott Maine is third in the entire league with 14 K’s (9.2 innings). 

Reliever Patrick Mincey is standing out as a top reliever for the team early on. In 4 innings pitched he has yet to give up a run. He can be a little wild (4 BB), but that seems to be a problem with most of the pitching staff--too many walks (39 in 9 games). Mincey will need to gain better control to consistently shut down the opponent. The bullpen’s strikeout machine has been Eric Draxton (9.6 K/9). 

Bottom Line: The Bluefish have the third best team ERA in the league (3.07) while giving up the second most walks in the league. 

Coming up: The Bluefish will be back home on Tuesday to start a 3 game series against the Long Island Ducks (7:05 pm games).

[bridgeportbluefish]

#AtlanticLeague #BridgeportBluefish #baseball #mlb #milb #independentbaseball #baseballfield #sports #openingnight #b&w #bridgeportct #spring #playball Check my profile for a link to my blog #TheFishPen #GeauxBluefish Edited with #Phonto. @phontograph

[thegmsperspective]

McGrady takes the bump

[bridgeportbluefish]

Hot Stove Saturday

Howard Johnson at the Hot Stove Banquet

I'm excited to remind everyone the Bridgeport Bluefish will be having their First Annual Hot Stove Banquet with keynote speaker Howard Johnson. For those who don't know or don't remember much about the Mets' beloved "HoJo", he was a part of the 1986 Championship team. Unfortunately, he wasn't a significant part as his offense was just a blip in the radar mid season and then declined to .245 in 88 games that season. His third base platoon partner, Ray Knight, turned out to be the one in the spotlight--he was named World Series MVP when it was all said and done. 

HoJo's time as an award winning player was to come later when he became an all-star in 1989 and 1991 as well as winning the Silver Slugger Award. As a matter of fact, in 1991, HoJo hit the most homeruns in the National League and drove in the most runs. 

So if you're a Mets fan, a Bluefish fan, or just a baseball fan in general, make sure you call 203-210-BLUE right now to get your tickets, they are still available. 

Former Fish Fight for First

The winter leagues in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Venezuela are currently finishing up their championship series to determine what team they will send to the Caribbean Series. That series is slated to start on February 1st. I think you'll recognize some names fighting for first:

In the Mexican League, Wes Bankston is the everyday first baseman for the Mayos de Navojoa. At this point he is a Mexican League regular and only played for the Fish in 2011 but we loved him. He was an offensive power for Bridgeport, but not so much during the current playoffs. MEX Playoff stats: 59 AB, .237 AVG, .297 OBP, .407 SLG

2013 was Eddie Rogers' third season spending time with the Bluefish. The infielder was always a reliable bat and effective when put in the right spot in a line up. His Tigres de Licey of the Dominican League currently lead their championship series 3-2. DWL Playoff stats: 2 AB, 1 H, 1 BB

In Puerto Rico, my hometown team, Los Indios de Mayaguez, are in a 2-2 tied series and feature two former Bridgeport Bluefish--relief pitcher and former Yankee Kanekoa Texeira and Luis Figueroa. Texeira did a great job with the Fish until he was signed by the Reds organization last July; unfortunately, he was released in November. Luis Figueroa is a reliable veteran infielder that also spent time with the Sugar Land Skeeters. PR Playoff stats: KT 11 IN, 3.27 ERA; LF 60 AB, .233 AVG, .277 OBP, .333 SLG.

Sorry Venezuela, I didn't notice any familiar names on those rosters.

I'll let you know how the banquet went on the next Fish Pen post. Are you going? Let me know, I'd love to meet some of my readers. Come say hi!

[bridgeportbluefish]

Stars of the Game: Bluefish Pitching Staff

Wow. If you missed last night's game vs the York Revolution, kick yourself now. Go ahead, I'll wait, it can be done with just the right upswing momentum. It was the kind of pitching you normally hope for all season and never get--everyone that came in followed the lead of the pitcher before and shut down the York lineup. Between innings 2 and 8, pitchers Mike Parisi, Matt Sommo, and Adam Carr put away 20 consecutive Revs. The lone base-runner in that stretch was caught stealing for the 3rd out of the 3rd inning. Both lineups were quiet--York with 3 hits and the Fish with 5 hits and 1 run. Outfielder-turned starting pitcher-turned first baseman Matt Spencer had the only RBI of the game in the 4th once the Fish had runners on the corners.  After that the York shut down 12 Bluefish in a row. Monroe resident Jeff Fulchino got the save for Bridgeport after a groundout, a strikeout, a walk, and a final ground out. His was the only walk of the game given up by the Bluefish pitching staff. 

Additional Notes

There were no surprises with the defense. As expected Willie will be keeping veterans Luis Lopez at 3B and Luis Rodriguez behind the plate. As I've said before, I'd love to see some fresher bodies at those positions this season, but Manager Willie Upshaw usually sticks with the veterans. I'll admit the pitching performances tonight were a pleasant surprise.  Parisi and Fulchino hadn't pitched last season and Sommo was a result of the team's open tryout. I really expected spring training type of performances--short outings and definitely more hits. Last night was a sign of GREAT things to come.

I'd say my only annoyance was that Luis Lopez was 6th in the lineup. For 5 seasons, Lopez has been a consistent offensive force as a run producer and as an OBP leader. Most of the time Lopez will work the pitcher and get on base. I think he should at least be at #5. We'll have to see if he gets shifted up soon depending on performances. 

Game 2 vs York will be at 6:30 tonight. You can watch the game at YorkRevsTV.com or listen using the Shoutcast app on your smartphone (search for YorkRevs).

Bluefish Josh Butler will take the mound against York's Brett Tomko.

Would you like to be updated whenever there's a new post? Pick your poison:

twitter: @thefishpen

facebook: thefishpen

Don't like either? Email me at thefishpen@gmail.com and I will email you with updates.

As always, thanks for reading. Lets have some fun this season!

[bridgeportbluefish]

Its Opening Day!!

I don't think I'm the only fan that gets giddy when a new season starts and I'm lucky enough to get that feeling twice a year--once with my beloved Yankees and once with the Bridgeport Bluefish. Today, the Boys of Bridgeport will head do to York, PA, to take the field versus the York Revolution and open the 16th season of the Atlantic League. As one of only two founding teams remaining in the league, Bridgeport is vying for a sixth division title and a second championship. 

The pitching staff I broke down on my last post has change a bit with the release of lefty Arnaldo Munoz and the addition of former New York Yankees minor Leaguer Kanekoa Texeira. If five are starters that only leaves four guys in the bullpen which is obviously not enough, but the Fish don't have a full roster showing on their website yet so there will be plenty of moves made by today to open the season. GM Ken Shepard noted through twitter that they indeed have 14 pitchers set for the start of the season. Right now there are only 19 players listed on the roster.

Without further adieu, let's take a look at the rest of the team:

Catchers:

Yusuf Carter - At 28 years old, I'm hoping Carter will get  most of the time behind the plate over the 39 year old veteran Rodriguez. He doesn't offer better offense but a fresher body could be a good thing. Highest level in affiliated ball was at AA, but showed absolutely no offense. This will be his 3rd season in the Atlantic League.               2012 Somerset Patriots stats: 82 G, .209 BA, .651 OPS, 3.45 SO/BB, 19% CS

Luis Rodriguez - A true Bluefish veteran: 6th season with the Fish and 21st professional season overall. Here's what I had to say about a month ago about Rodriguez:  

I’m actually hoping that at 39 he’s ready to come back as a coach. His veteran presence is way more valuable than his actual playing at this point. 

He's on as a player/coach unfortunately. I think its time for him to focus solely on coaching. His catching ability is way more valuable than his offense.                                                                                               2012 Bpt Bluefish stats: .255 BA, .296 OBP, .363 SLG, 96 G, 15% CS

Infielders:

Brandon Chaves - SS, 3B - Chaves returns to the Atlantic League after a trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Italy where he played the 2012 season with the Italian Baseball League. Most of his playing time has been at shortstop with stints at third base. Highest level of affiliated ball was at AAA. With the Fish in 2011, he was never an offensive force.           2012 Italian Baseball League stats: 118 AB, .237 BA, .331 OBP

Luis Lopez - 3B, 1B - Lopez is starting his 6th season with the Fish and 19th in professional ball. Every year he's been a consistent positive force in the lineup while his defense at third has been declining. I'd actually like to see him moved to first base or DH if open. He still sprinkles in some spectacular plays, but errors and diminished range are hard to watch at such a key defensive position.                           2012 Bridgeport Bluefish Stats: .265 BA, .386 OBP, .353 SLG

Daniel Mayora 3B, 2B, SS - Mayorga makes his Atlantic League debut this season having been in affiliated ball until last season. He spent 2005 - 2010 in the Rockies organization where he reached as high as AA. In 2011 he reached as high as AAA with the Tampa Bay Ray. He spent 2012 playing mostly 3B for the Giants AA affiliate.                   2012 AA stats: .281 BA, .345 OBP, .360 SLG

Matt Spencer RF, LF, 1B, LHP - Spencer also makes his Atlantic League debut this season having been in affiliated ball until last season. He spent his 6 years of professional ball with multiple MLB affiliated teams. Spencer's latest stint was with the Cubs' single A clubs; unfortunately in was only 15 games because he was trying his hand at pitching. During at least one spring training game Bluefish Manager Willie Upshaw played him at first, but most of his experience is really in RF. Who knows what kind of a defensive player he will be when all he has to show for the 2012 season is 18.2 IP in relief and obviously no at bats. I'd have to guess that the return to 1B means his arm is shot physically. I'm not sure his bat will be worth the "last resort" move defensively to keep him in the line up.                                                                                           2011 AAA/AA Offensive Stats: .246 BA, .319 OBP, .419 SLG

That's the run down for now, I'm sure Ken will shake things up with signing announcements later today. The roster online is not yet showing 25 players. Look for an update from me before tonight's game where I'll review the changes and our outfield. 

  Happy Opening Day