Saturday, August 30, 2008

Grand Slam a nice finish for Miracle

Juan Portes


Tampa 0 at Fort Myers 4

W: A. Slama (4-1, 1.03); L: P. Bartleski (2-1, 1.67)
HR: FTM: J. Portes (12).

A sac fly would have done it. Heck, a ground out would have done it. Just about anything would have worked.

Johnny Woodard had drawn a walk in the bottom of the ninth for the Fort Myers Miracle and Danny Lehmann moved him to 2nd with a sac bunt. Edward Ovalle was brought in to pinch hit for Danny Santiesteban and was intentionally walked so that Philip Bartleski could get at Rene Tosoni. But Tosoni, even coming off the DL, is a good hitter and patient and he took walk as well to fill the bags. Yancarlos Ortiz would go in to run for him and Juan Portes came up to bat.

"Juan, whatever you do, don't strike out!" Lynn says helpfully. Not that he could hear her. Portes didn't wait long enough to get walked, launching the first pitch he saw, a fast ball, over the left center field wall for a grand slam, the 2rd walk off grand slam he'd belted this season.

Prior to that, it was quite the pitcher's duel. Matt Fox limited the Yankees to 4 hits over six inning, striking out three and Jose Lugo worked the next two, issuing a single walk. For Tampa, Ryan Pope pitched 7, scattering six hits and a pair of walks while striking out four.

Anthony Slama worked the final for the Miracle, striking out one while Bartleski walked 4 over 1.1 innings and allowed a pair of hits. It was the second one that really counted.

Tomorrow is Fireworks Fan Appreciation Night with give-aways all night long for the people that only come out to watch the fireworks. Look for Alex Burnett (8-6, 3.79), who evidently did not go to Sports Clips for his last hair cut and messed it up - bad, to be on the mound.

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* Iris was concerned that there wasn't an article on the Miracle in the paper yesterday, but she needs to understand that High School Football has started and the Miracle just can't compete with High School Football in Fort Myers. God help us all if the Eagles ever get a football stadium built.

* Alex wants to know if I though he was going up to AA next year and I said yes. Ditto with Deolis who was sitting there, if only because of his win record. Devries will go and probably Fox as well. I think Robertson will spend another half a season here though, since he missed most of the second half of the year with tight shoulder. They all want paw prints so they can go to AA, but I want them to win a Championship first, before I hand them out. (Actually, I'll be happy if they just beat Dunedin.)

* Steedley says he'll be available for the playoffs, but that blister looks painful and I can't imagine that being a big, tough, baseball player makes your skin grown any faster than it does for us normal folks. Maybe if we make it out of the first round....

* Speaking of playoffs, Racetrac is hosting "Park the Park" for the playoffs, so the next time you make a pit stop at Racetrac for gas, pick up a free pair of general admission seats to the playoff game on Wednesday at Hammond Stadium and Thursday (if necessary).

* The Binghamton Mets defeated the New Britain Rock Cats, 3-1 at New Britain stadium. Jose Mijares took the loss. Jay Rainville worked 5.2 innings, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and a pair of walks while fanning seven for the no decision. Brian Dinkelman, who was named the Mightiest Miracle for the second year in a row, was 0-for-4 at the plate for the Cats. Toby Gardenhire as 1-for-2 with a pair of walks, and Danny Berg was 1-for-4 with a double and the lone Rock Cats' run.

* Garrett Jones hit his 22nd home run of the year, a solo shot in the fifth, to help power the Rochester Red Wings to a 9-3 win over the Scranton/WB Yankees. The former Miracle first baseman was 2-for-5, hitting a double as well and gaining 2 RBIs on the night. Brock Peterson, another former 1st baseman was 1-for-2 on the night with a home run as well. He also had a pair of RBIs and drew two walks in the game. Former Miracle shortstop Trevor Plouffe was 2-for-4 with double and a pair of runs.

* Now that they've been eliminated from playoff contention, the Beloit Snappers have gotten hot, winning their third straight, 6-4 against the Burlington Bees at Pohlman Field. David Bromberg picked up his 9th win of the season. Andrew Schmiesing was 2-for-3 at the plate with a walk, a run and a RBI. Soon to be catcher Juan Richardson was 2-for-4 with a run. Every Snapper, except for Greg Yersich who was playing first base, had at least one hit, and only Yersich, and former Miracle Allan de San Miguel and Yangervis Solarte went without a run.

* Dan Osterbrock and the Elizabethton Twins blanked the Pulaski Mariners 7-0 to go up 2-0, sweeping the best of three Appalachian League Championship game and repeating as Appalachian League Champions. Jon Waltenbury knocked a double shot home run over the wall in the first inning to get things rolling. He finished up 3-for-3 at the plate with a walk and 3 RBIs. Nick Romero was 2-for-5 with a run and a RBI and Angel Morales was 1-for-3 with a pair of runs.

Friday, August 29, 2008

E-Twins claim game one, DSL Twins done

James Beresford


Elizabethton 7 at Pulaski 4

W: D. Rondon (1-0, 0.00); L: N. Czyz (0-1, 18.00); SV: S. Blevins (1)
HR: ELI: E. Bigley (1).

The Elizabethton Twins took early lead, held off a mid-game rally and went on to defeat the Pulaski Mariners, 7-4 in game one of the best-of-five Appalachian League Championship series.

Reliever Danny Rondon would claim the win for the E-Twins, while Steve Blevins, a 2008 promotion to the E-Twins from the GCL, handled the save.

With two outs on the board in the first inning, Jon Waltenbury would take a walk. Evan Bigley would then double him in to put the Twins on the board.

They extended their lead in the top of the second with Angel Morales singling his way onto base. Jeff Lanning would fly out, but James Beresford knocked a ground ball single to left and Dominic De La Osa took a walk to load the bags. Nick Romero then hit a ground rule double to center to plate Morales and Beresford. Waltenbury sacrificing in De La Osa to give the Twins a 4-0 lead.

Brad Tippett left the game after only two outs in the first with an injured elbow, with Curtis Leavitt replacing him on he mound. The California hurler found trouble in the bottom of the fourth, allowing back-to-back doubles to Kris Sanchez and Jose Rivero, getting the Mariners on the board. Guy Welsh took a walk. A sac-bunt by George Soto advanced the runners, and a ground out by Jacob Shaffer plated Rivero to cut the Twins lead in half.

Waltenbury singled in the top of the 5th, and Bigley reached on a force attempt in which Soto at second misplayed the ball. Mike Harrington then doubled to drive in Walt for an insurance run.

They'd need it, as Gabriel Noriega walked to start the the bottom of the fifth. Mario Martinez singled, which prompted Ray Smith to call for a pitching change getting Leavitt off the hill and putting Rondon in. The GCL Twins ace closer from 2007 would allow a double to Juan Fuentes which scored Noriega and Martinez, making it 5-4 Twins. He'd get Kris Sanchez to fly out however and Rivero and Welsh to strike out, ending the inning.

Lanning would get plunked by a pitch, with Baby Bearcat singling him to second. De La Osa would also get plunked, loading the bags. Romero would sacrifice in Lanning, but Waltenbury would pop out and Bigley line out, retiring the side.

Leavitt would get charged with 4 runs on four hits and a pair of walks while striking out 4 over 3.1 innings. Rondon would give up 2 hits and fan 3 over the next 2 innings with Jarred Eacott coming in for the seventh and eighth, allowing one walk and fanning three.

Bigley would homer in the top of the 9th, a solo shot, for the Twins 7th run of the night. Blevins would strike out Noriega and Martinez in the bottom half of the final set, with Fuentes claiming a single. Sanchez hit into a force out however, ending the contest.

Beresford was 2-for-4 with a run, and Bigley, the game's yard bird, was 2-for-5 with a double, a run and two RBIs. Walt finished up 1-for-3 with a pair of runs and 1 RBI. Lanning was also 1-for-3 with a run.

Romero, Harrington, and Morales were all 1-for-4, Romero with a double and 3 RBIs, Harrington with a double and a run scored, and Morales with a run.

The two teams rematch tonight at Joe O'Brien Stadium for game two of the series. The first pitch is due out at 7:00 P.M.

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DSL Mariners 1 at DSL Twins 0

W: F. Bautista (1-0, 0.00); L: E. Santana (0-1, 3.00); SV: H. Perez (1)
HR: None.

The DSL Mariners blanked the DSL Twins at Baseball City Thursday, ending the Twins bid for a DSL Championship.

Victor Ozuna took a triple off reliever Eddy Santana and scored on a missed catch by Manuel Soliman at 3rd base.

The D-Twins actually out hit the Mariners, but could not convert on their chances. Yorby Martinez would double in the bottom of the fifth, and after Soliman went down on strikes, try to go home on a Wilfy Gil single to left. He was taken out at the plate however, as Angel Zapata riffled the ball in to Mariners' catcher Hassiel Jimenez, who got the tag on Martinez.

Danny Santana would single in the bottom of the sixth, then steal 2nd. He'd get caught trying to take 3rd however.

Six different Twins had hits, with Carlos Vasquez, Martinez and Gil going 1-for-3 at the plate; Vasquez with a walk, and Martinez with a double. Santana, Jean Carlos Mercedes and Jairo Rodriguez finished up 1-for-4, all one-hit wonders.

Jhonatan Arias is already schedule to make an appearance State-side at Fall Instructional League, but it will certainly be interesting to see which of this talented group of young men will join the 2009 GCL Squad.

The DSL Angels will face the DSL Nationals1 in the Semi-final round, while the DSL Mariners take on the DSL Giants. Thanks to the DSL Twins for all their hard work this season, and a big thanks ti Director of Latin American Operations Jose Marzan for answering countless questions as we explored the Latin American Leagues in depth for the first time, here at Rookie Whites.

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Thanks also to everyone who has stopped in to see how our Twins farm system was fairing. I hope I have not failed you too badly despite the hardware problems that have plagued me this summer.

While the regular seasons winding down for our twins prospects, we will continue to follow our boys through Arizona Fall League, Fall Instructional League and of course, Venezuelan Winter League.

Devries helps Miracle tame Tigers

Steve Singleton


Lakeland 3 at Fort Myers 6

W: C. Devries (10-9, 2.93); L: A. Figaro (0-5, 4.91); SV: C. Gutierrez (1)
HR: LAK: J. Laster (22), C. Iorg (10). FTM: S. Singleton (5).

Cole Devries and the Fort Myers Miracle would take the Lakeland Flying Tigers 6-3, and the didn't need the scripted bragging of little men to help them do it.

Cale Iorg would put the Tigers on the board first, putting his 10th home run of the year over the center field wall just as the game started. He was the second batter Devries faced, after retiring Justin Justice on strikes.

The Miracle would take it back though in the bottom of the inning. Yancarlos Ortiz singled then stole 2nd. Steve Singleton took a walk. After Rene Tosoni went down on strikes, Wilson Ramos singled to load the bags. Johnny Woodard then drew a walk, forcing in Ortiz.

In the top of the 3rd, Iorg would walk, then steal 2nd base. Danny Lehmann would overthrow the ball on the pick off attempt, leaving Iorg to scurry to 3rd. Michael Bertram would sacrifice Iorg in to put the Tigers on top again.

But not for long as Steve Singleton smacked his 5th home run of the season over the right field fence, tying the game up again in the bottom half of the stanza.

The game would cease to be a back and forth affair in the bottom of the fourths. Edward Ovalle would be hit by a pitched. Eli Tintor doubled putting runners on second and third. Lehmann's line drive brought Ovalle in, and a wild pitch by Alfredo Figaro allowed Tintor to to score. Garrett Olson would ground out moving Lehmann to 3rd. Ortiz would ground out as well, but as Singleton went down on strikes, Tiger's catcher Jeff Kunkel passed a ball, sending Sing to 1st and Lehmann home. Singleton would then steal 2nd, but Tosoni would fly out to end the inning.

Still three runs is a good little lead and with Devries on the mound, you don't need much of one. Devries would work five, allowing 2 runs, 1 earned, on 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 8. Danny Santiesteban worked the next pair.

Jeramy Laster would see something he liked off Santiesteban in the top of the 7th, putting his 22nd home run of the year over the left field wall. The soon-to-be full time pitcher put in a good performance however, allowing only the one hit while striking out two during his time on the mound.

Lehmann would single off reliever Ryan Perry in the bottom of the 8th. Olson followed up with a single of his own. Ortiz would fly out, but Sing stroked a line drive out to right to fill the bases. Tosoni would sacrifice in Lehmann to make it 6-3 Miracle.

Singleton, Lehmann and Olson were all 2-for-4; Sing being the yard bird with a run and a run scored, while Lehmann had a pair of runs and a RBI. Tosoni was 1-for-3 with a walk and a RBI, while Ortiz, Ramos, and Tintor were 1-for-4 each. Ortiz would add a run to his total, Ramos a walk, and Tintor a double and run.

The Tampa Yankees now come to town for the final series of the regular season on the final happy-hour Friday of the 2008. It's also baseball give away night and the "Mightiest Miracle" will be announced as well as voted on by you, the Fort Myers Miracle faithful, during the course of the season.

Expect the mighty Matt Fox (7-7, 3.55) on the mound for the Miracle.

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* Miguel Munoz gave up six runs, 5 earned, on 4 hits and 3 walks over .2 innings to end the GCL Twins championship hopes. The wild card Twins fell 10-5 to the GCL Nationals (GCL Twins).

* The New Britain Rock Cats blanked the Portland Sea Dogs, 2-0 at Hadlock Field. Jeff Manship picked up his 3 run of the season, allowing only 3 hits and 2 walks over six innings of work while striking out seven. Toby Gardenhire was 0-for3 with a walk and a run, while Matt Tolbert finished the night 2-for-5 with a double, a run and a RBI (Sea Dogs).

* Mike Tarsi picked up the win as Beloit topped Kane County 3-2. Mike McCardell gave up only 1 unearned run while scattering five hits and a walk over seven innings, fanning four, but left with the no decision. Jeanfred Brito, Mark Dolenc and Greg Yersich were all 2-for-4; Dolenc and Yersich with a run each (Snappers).

* Elizabethton topped Pulaski 7-4 in game one of the Appalachian League Championship series. The DSL Twins however, were shut out by the DSL Mariners, 1-0, for fall in the first round of the DSL playoffs.

* The Rochester Red Wings were idle on Thursday. The Twins play two against the Scranton/WB Yankees on Friday and Saturday and end their season by hosting Buffalo for a pair on Sunday and Monday.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Nats double up Twins, crush playoff hopes

Aaron Hicks


GCL Twins 5 at GCL Nationals 10
W: P. Arnold (1-0, 3.18); L: M. Munoz (0-1, 67.50); SV: D. Gil (1)
HR: None.

Mauro Schiavoni While Miguel Munoz has shown an incredible capacity for the strike out, he has also demonstrated questionable control throughout the 2008 season. Thursday, Munoz was volatile.

After getting Chris Curran to fly out in the first inning, Munoz would give up singles to Esmailyn Gonzalez and Destin Hood. Ronnie Labrie then drew a walk off him to load the bases. Johnathan Ramirez singled to score two. Munoz then hit John Higley with a pitch, keeping the bags full. Stephen Lombardozzie's line drive to left brought in Labrie and Sandy Leon took a walk to force in Ramirez. A fielding error by Danny Rohlfing at first allowed Brett Newsome to reach and Higley to score. After batting around the order, Munoz would finally find the strike zone, taking Curran down swinging, but then turned around and gave up another walk, this time Gonzalez, forcing in Lombardozzie. Field Manager Jake Mauer finally got Munoz off the mound, going with Mauro Schiavoni, who got Hood to ground into a force out.

The Twins can swing some sticks but a six run hole is pretty big to come back from.

With two outs in the top of the 3rd, Juan Sanchez singled and Danny Ortiz doubled him in. Mike Gonzales snapped a line drive out to center to bring in Ortiz before Josmir Pinto popped out.

Lombardozzi singled out to center followed by a Leon pop out. Lombardozzie then stole 2nd and Newsome's line drive single brought him in to make it 7-2 Nats.

Shiavoni would work 4.1 innings allowing only 3 hits while fanning four, but National starter Patrick Arnold was reasonably stingy, scattering six hits over 5.2 innings while fanning five. Frederico Tanco would take over for him with two outs on the top of the sixth, getting Rohlfing to fly out to retire the Twins.

Mike Tonkin relieved Shiavoni in the bottom of the inning, walking Newsome and advancing him on a wild pitch, but then getting Curran to pop out, Gonazlez to line out and Hood to ground out.

The Twins would not really threaten until the top of the 8th when Gonzales took a walk and Pinto singled him to second. A wild pitch by Tanco advanced the pair. Anderson Hidalgo's ground out plated Gonzales, while Pinto move to 3rd on Rohlfing's ground out. Tyler Ladendorf would get plunked by a pitch. The Nationals made a pitching move then, inserting Danny Gil for Tanco. Jon Goncalves would come in to the Twins line up as a pinch hitter and took a walk. Aaron Hicks' single to right drove in Pinto and Ladendorf, but Reggie Williams flew out to end the rally too soon.

The Nationals took the runs back in the bottom of the inning.

Mike Gonzales Leon doubled of Tonkin and moved to 3rd on Newsome's sac bunt. Curran would reach on a fielder's choice, but the Twins could not get the play made at the plate, and Leon scored. Gonzalez doubled, putting runners on 2nd and 3rd. Mauer would call closer Kelvin Mota out of bullpen, but Mota gave up a double to Hood that drove in the two Nats runners. He'd be taken out at 3rd though as Labrie was allowed to reach on a fielder's choice. Ramirez then ground into a force out to end the inning.

Gil would get the job done for the Washington farm in the top of the 9th, getting Ortiz and Gonzales to hit into ground outs. He'd allow a single to Pinto, but Hidalgo ground into a force out, ending the Twins championship hopes early.

The Twins were not the only South Division team disappointed in their playoff quest as the GCL Pirates fell to the GCL Phillies, 7-4 in Bradenton.

The Phils and the Nationals now move on the final best of three series to determine the Rookie League Champions.

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As always THANK YOU TWINS FOR A GREAT 2008 SEASON! Coming up next, Fall Instructional League here at the Lee County Sportsplex!

Twins drop final two of regular season

Juan Sanchez


GCL Twins 3 at GCL Red Sox 6

W: C. Cabral (2-5, 5.55); L: J. Mijares (0-3, 5.13); SV: A. Batista (1)
HR: None.

Jean Mijares The GCL Red Sox have nearly a whole new roster from what they started the year with, but that's not surprising for the deep pocketed Sox. So losing to them late in the season is not surprising either.

It does mean however, the Twins lose home field advantage for the playoffs.

Aaron Hicks doubled to lead off in the first for the Twins. Juan Sanchez singled, scoring the speedy Hicks. A passed ball by Boston's Christian Vazquez moved Sanchez to 2nd, and he'd advance to 3rd on the throw from Danny Ortiz dropped pitch strike out. Andres Diaz's ground ball to short scored Sanchez to give the Twins an early two run lead.

Wilfred Pichardo and Peter Hissey both singled, then orchestrated a double steal. Twins starter Jean Mijares then got Carson Blair out on strikes. Robert Feliz ground out and Bryan Peterson doubled to plate the two runners, tying up the game. Chih-Hsiang Huang singled in Peterson and Joantoni Garcia doubled in Huang to make it 4-2 Red Sox.

Hissey would double in Pichardo in the bottom of the 2nd. With two outs on the board in the bottom of the 4th, Mijares would plunk Hissey with a pitch. Hissey then stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on a passed ball by Twins catcher Jae-Hyung Jang. Blair then singled to scored Hissey, making it 6-2 Calcetines Rojos.

Blayne Weller, the Twins 14th round pick in the 2008 first year draft would make his professional debut, giving up 2 hits to the Red Sox in the fifth while striking out one.

For the Sox, Cesar Cabral would allow 9 hits over five innings, while striking out 8. He would allow a lead off double to Sanchez in the top of the sixth. Ortiz and Diaz hit back-to-back singles off him, which drove in one more run for the Twins before the Red Sox called for a pitching change, getting Anatanaer Batista out of the bullpen to replace Cabral. The new hurler got J.J. to strike out. Diaz would be caught stealing, and Hidalgo ground out to end the Twins brief rally.

Jay Sawatski tossed the sixth inning for the Twins, giving up 2 hits but keeping Boston off the board.

Batista would get Hyun-wook Choi and Javier Brown to ground out before giving up a single to Jakub Hajtmar. Hicks hit into a force out however, ending the contest.

Sanchez and Diaz were each 2-for-3 in the game, Sanchez with a pair of runs and a RBI. Hidalgo, Wook, Brown, and Hajtmar were all 1-for-3, sharing the love as the one hit wonders of the game. Ortiz was 1-for-3 as well, but picked up a RBI. Hicks finished off 1-for-4 with a double and a run.

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GCL Red Sox 3 at GCL Twins 2

W: M. Lennox (2-3, 3.94); L: K. Nanney (4-2, 3.12); SV: D. Mercadante (8)
HR: None.

Ian Mopas The Twins would have home field advantage for the second game as they made up the rain out of August 21, but they could not hold off a sixth inning rally by los Calcetines Rojos, falling 3-2 at the City of Palms complex.

Frederic Hanvi, the Twins' new catcher, would make his professional debut, singling in the bottom of the 3rd. Jon Goncalves and Herbert Lara followed it up with singles of their own, scoring Hanvi. Hyeong-rok Choi reached on a fielder's choice which took Goncalves out at home. Mike Gonzales' single to center loaded the bases, and Reggie Williams brought Lara home on a sac-fly to left. Danny Rohlfing would fly out to end the inning, stranding two men.

Ian Mopas would work the first 3 innings for the Twins scattering one hit and a pair of walks while striking out 2. Mauro Schiavoni came in for the next two, also fanning a pair.

Kohl Nanney would take over the mound for the Twins in the sixth, giving up a lead off single to Wilfred Pichardo, who then stole 2nd. Peter Hissey would ground out but Carson Blair, Bryan Peterson, and Andrew Frezza all singled off the tall reliever. Pichardo would score, but the Twins were able to save a run when they took Blair out at home. Chih-Hsiang Huang took a walk, once again loading the bases, before Maykol Sanchez doubled to drive in two, giving the Sox the lead.

Michael Lennox would give up a single to Wang-Wei Lin in the bottom of the sixth, but ground outs to Rohlfing, Tyler Ladendorf and Hanvi would not help the Twins cause.

Goncalves took a single off closer Dustin Mercadante in the bottom of the seventh, but Lara ground into a force out. He'd then try to steal 2nd and would be caught. Rok's ground out ended the game.

Goncalves and Gonzales were both 2-for-3 in the contest, Goncalves with a walk. Rohlfing, Ladendorf and Lin, all were all 1-for-3 one hit wonders, while Hanvi went 1-for-2 with a run. Lara finished up 1-for-4 with a run and a RBI.

The Twins face the Nationals on the Thursday - they can not play the Pirates in the elimination round because the two teams are from the same division - so it's away to Brevard County our boys in blue. Game time is Noon, weather permitting.

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* Tuesday's game between the DSL Twins and the DSL Mariners was postponed due to rain, and will be played on Wednesday at 10:30 AM Dominican Time.

Games of August 26, 2008

Celestino shuts down DSL Twins

DSL Twins 3 at DSL Mariners 6

W: M. Celestino (1-0, 0.00); L: A. Salcedo (0-1, 2.25)
HR: None.

The DSL Twins dropped game two of their best of three series to the DSL Mariners Wednesday at the Eppy Guerrero Complex in Villa Mella.

The Mariners would jump on a throwing error by shortstop Yorby Martinez to start out, allowing Victor Ozuna to reach, and then advance to 2nd when the ball went into the dugout. A sac-bunt by Ramon Moria advanced the runner and Rudy van Heydoorn doubled out to left to score Osuna. Axel Wei would ground out, moving van Heydoorn to 3rd. He'd score when Twins starter Adrian Salcedo unleashed a wild pitch. Hassiel Jimenez would go down on strikes to end the inning.

Ozuna would single in the bottom of the third, then come home on a van Heydoorn double to make it 3-0 Seattle.

The Twins best scoring opportunity in the early part of the game came in the top of the 1st inning when Danny Santana singled and Jairo Perez took a walk. A wild pitch by Seattle's Miguel Celestino put runners at 2nd and 3rd, but Jairo Rodriguez ground out, stranding the men.

Celestino would work 8 innings, scattering 4 hits and a pair of walks over that period while fanning four.

Eddy Santana would take over for Salcedo in the bottom of the 5th. He'd work the next two allowing only 3 hits before giving way to Raynard Doran, who worked the seventh.

In the top of the 7th, Rodriguez would double for the Twins. Jean Carlos Mercedes went down on strikes and Felix Caro flew out. It looked like Rodriguez would be stranded at 2nd, but a error by Angel Zapata in left allowed Manuel Soliman to reach and Rodriguez to score, putting the Twins on the board.

Lesmir Vargas took over the mound for the Twins in the 8th inning and allowed a lead off walk to Moria. Van Heydoorn flew out, but Wei and Jimenez hit back-to-back singles to load up the bags. Leonardo Parra would be summoned from the bullpen, but the new pitcher gave up a double to Hector Mercedes, which cleaned off the bases, making it 6-1 Mariners.

Bruno Mercedes took over for the nearly unhittable Celestino in the top of the 9th. Rodriguez would ground out, but Mercedes knocked a single out to left. Caro would get hit by a pitch putting two men on. Solimen flew out to center before Carlos Vasquez doubled to bring in the two Twins runners. But Vasquez would be picked off at 2nd, ending the game.

The two teams rematch Thursday at Baseball City at 10:30 AM for the decisive 3rd game of the series.

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Miracle split pair with Tigers

Fort Myers Miracle


Lakeland 1 at Fort Myers 0

W: R. Porcello (8-6, 2.66); L: S. Steedley (1-4, 6.59); SV: J. Sborz (7)
HR: None.

Wilson Ramos Rick Porcello pitched a brilliant game Wednesday evening, limiting the Fort Myers Miracle to 3 hits in route to handing them their 10th shut out of the season.

Porcello would not allow a hit until the bottom of the 4th when Juan Portes singled off of him. Rene Tosoni would ground into a force out and Wilson Ramos claimed a single as well. But Porcello induced Johnny Woodard to hit into a double play, ending the inning.

The Miracle's best scoring chance came in the bottom of the fifth, when Edward Ovalle doubled and advanced to 3rd on a fielding error by Brandon Timm. With no outs on the board it looked to be an almost certain run, but Eli Tintor ground out down the 3rd base line, keeping Ovalle pinned for the first out. Danny Santiesteban drew a walk, which allowed Porcello to get Garrett Olson to ground into a double play, leaving Ovalle stranded.

Spencer Steedley took the start for the Miracle. Jeramy Laster singled off him in the top of the 3rd, then moved to 2nd on Timm's sac-bunt. Jeff Kunkel doubled him in for the lone Lakeland Flying Tigers run. Steedley would get Justin Justice to fly out before being replaced on the mound by David Shinskie, who worked the next 2.1 innings.

Steedley would strike out one during his 2.2 innings on the mound. Shinskie would give up one hit and one walk, while fanning one during his tenure. He'd give way to Jose Lugo for the next two, Lugo giving up 3 hits and striking out one.

Porcello worked six innings, fanning four. Jay Sborz walked Ramos to start out the bottom of the seventh, but took Woodard and Ovalle out on strikes. Whit Robbins would single, moving Ramos to 3rd, but Steve Singleton ground out, ending the contest.

There'd be a brief flurry of activity as the field was groomed and the fans patronized the concession stands before game two got underway.

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Lakeland 2 at Fort Myers 8

W: M. Williams (2-2, 3.67); L: D. Witt (3-4, 3.58)
HR: None.

Rene Tosoni Having been blanked in the first game, the Fort Myers Miracle had to do something to remind their fans that they were indeed a playoff bound team.

Steve Singleton knocked a grounder to center to lead off the bottom of the first and Edward Ovalle followed that up with a grounder ball to left. Whit Robbins doubled, plating the pair. Wilson Ramos' single scored Robbins, and Johnny Woodard's double put Ramos over the plate. Eli Tintor would go down on strikes before Danny Lehmann's line drive to right moved Woody to 3rd. Yancarlos Ortiz would ground into a force out that allowed Woody to come home before Garrett Olson popped out, ending the inning.

While I was talking to some of the younger prospects down at Gulf Coast League Sunday, I mentioned that I through Matt Williams would make a fairly descent starter. The rookies seemed to think this was a recipe for disaster, but the Professor didn't let me down, going five innings for the Miracle.

Jordan Lennerton doubled off Williams and Louis Ott took a walk. Brandon Timm would fly out to center before Jeramy Laster's sac-fly scored Lennerton. It was the only run Williams would allow. He'd allow 2 more hits while striking out five to end his term on the mound.

Blair Erickson replaced him the top of the sixth. Justin Justice drew a walk off the California native. Erickson would then unleash a wild pitch that moved Justice to 2nd. Cale Iorg's single put the Lakeland outfielder on 3rd. Michael Bertram would be hit by a pitch and Jordan Lennerton would go down on strikes before Louis Ott's ground out put Justice over the plate for the second Tiger's run.

Derek Witt worked the first three for the Flying Tigers before being replaced in the 4th by Ramon Garcia. Yancarlos Ortiz claimed a triple off the new hurler. Garrett Olson would pop out before Singleton doubled him in. Ovalle then tripled off his fellow Dominican as well, driving in Sing. Robbin's sacrifice put Ovalle over the plate for the 8th Miracle run.

The 18 game series between the two teams concludes tomorrow on the final Thirsty Thursday of the season. Cole Devries (9-9, 2.97) is expected to take the start for the Miracle, while the Tigers are expected to dish up a bit of Alfredo Figaro (9-4, 4.26). The game will feature Midget Wrestling, for those who are not into baseball.

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The Florida State League announced today that Fort Myers Miracle pitcher Anthony Slama, catcher Wilson Ramos and manager Jeff Smith have been selected to the 2008 All-FSL Team. The team features the League's best players at every position. The prestigious team is selected annually by vote of the FSL's Managers, Official Scorers and Club Sports Writers representing the 12 teams in the League. Five Dunedin players were named to the post-season squad. Jupiter's Logan Morrison was named most valuable player, while St. Lucie's Dylan Owen was named most valuable pitcher (FSL/MiLB).

The New Britain Rock Cats shut out the Portland Sea Dogs 2-0 at Hadlock Field. Former Miracle Kyle Aselton claimed his seventh win of the season, while Jose Mijares recorded his 2nd AA save (Sea Dogs).

The Triple-A Rochester Red Wings defeated the Syracuse Chiefs 4-2 at Frontier Field. Alejandro Machado, Howie Clark and former Miracle Trevor Plouffe were all 2-for-4 for the Red Wings, who are now 71-69 on the season, in third place in the North Division, although they are shut out of post season play (RD&C).

The Beloit Snappers clobbered the Kane County Cougars, 10-1 at Pohlman Field. Former Miracle Allan de San Miguel was 3-for-4 on the night with a pair of doubles, 3 runs and 2 RBIs. Juan Richardson, who will be attending Fall Instructional League was 3-for-3 with a walk, a double and 4 runs. Henry Reyes claimed the win ()Snappers).

Game one of the Appalachian League Championship series between the Pulaski Mariners and the Elizabethton Twins was postponed due to rain. The Twins host games on Friday and Saturday night, at 7:00 PM, weather permitting.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Revere Named Midwest League MVP and Top Prospect

Ben Revere


Beloit Snappers Press Release

Ben Revere has definitely received his fair share of awards this season and the speedy outfielder picked up two more honors on Tuesday. Revere was named by the 14 managers of the Midwest League as Most Valuable Player and as Prospect of the Year. Ben was also tabbed a starter on the MWL’s Postseason All-Star Team.

In last month’s issue of Baseball America, Ben was also named by the MWL Managers as best in the league in four different categories. The four categories include:

- Best Batting Prospect
- Best Strike Zone Judgment
- Fastest Baserunner
- Most Exciting Player

Revere also received honors earlier this year as Co-Topps Midwest League Player of the Month for the month of May along with Kane County’s Craig Italiano. Revere picked up the honors after hitting a league-best .433 with 11 doubles, five triples, one home run, 18 RBIs and 14 steals during that time span.

Revere currently leads the league in batting average (.379) and on-base percentage (.433), while also tied for second in stolen bases (44) and third in slugging percentage (.497). Ben also leads the Snappers in average, hits (129), doubles (17), triples (10), stolen bases, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

Ben was drafted by the Twins in the 1st round (28th overall) of the 2007 First-Year Player draft. He spent the 2007 season as a member of the GCL Twins, where he hit .325 with 10 triples, 46 runs and 21 stolen bases.

Krian Kirwan


Brian Kirwan will rejoin the Snappers tonight after spending the last few months on the disabled list with a right shoulder/elbow injury. Kirwan will be in uniform in time for tonight’s game, as the Snappers take on the Kane County Cougars in game two of a four-game set at 7:00pm.

Prior to his injury, Brian was 4-4 with a 5.06 ERA in 13 appearances. Kirwan started 12 of those games totaling 64 innings and 30 strikeouts. The right-hander has allowed 77 hits and 36 earned runs during his time as a Snapper this year.

Brian was drafted by the Twins’ in the 11th round of the 2005 First-Year Player draft. He went 2-8 for the Snappers last year with a 5.30 ERA in 18 starts with 67 strikeouts and 37 walks. Kirwan is the lone returning starting pitcher from last year’s Western Division Championship club.

The move, effective today, puts Beloit’s active roster back at 24, one below the MWL maximum.

Errors costly in Miracle loss

Johnny Woodard


Lakeland 7 at Fort Myers 5

W: L. Oliveros (1-1, 5.19); L: A. Burnett (8-6, 3.79); SV: R. Garcia (1)
HR: FTM: J. Woodard (6).

Both Jonah Nickerson and Alex Burnett got off to absolutely wretched starts, the difference is Nickerson came out and Burnett did not. Although to Alex's credit, after initial inning, he did not allow another run.

It was the night of the million bloodsuckers at Hammond Stadium, and Justin Justice got the party started when he reached on a fielding error by Edward Ovalle out in left. Gustavo Nunez ground into a force out which took Justice down at second. A wild pitch by Burnett put Nunez at 2nd, and Louis Ott took a walk. Michael Bertram reached on an error by Ed's favorite player Johnny Woodard, which loaded up the bases. Catcher Devin Thomas would go down on strikes before Jordan Lennerton singled out to center to scored two. Jeramy Laster doubled to bring on Bertram and Brandon Timm singled to score Lennerton and Laster. Timm would steal second and advance to 3rd on a throwing error by Wilson Ramos, but Carmelo Jaime ground out before further damage could be done.

Nickerson walked Juan Portes to lead off. Steve Singleton and Rene Tosoni both hit into ground outs but Ramos took a walk. Woodard then put a fly ball over the right field wall to give the Miracle a quick three. Ovalle doubled and Tintor singled to send him ot 3rd. Danny Lehmann's single plated Ovalle. That's when Nickerson came out of the game, with Lester Oliveros replacing him on the mound.

That pretty much calmed everything down for a few. Woodard doubled in the bottom of the 3rd. Both Lehmann and Garrett Olson would get hit by pitches in the bottom of the 4th and advanced on a throwing error by Timm, but Singleton ground out and Tosoni flew out leaving them stranded.

Robbie Weinhardt replaced Oliveros in the bottom of the fifth and hit Ramos with a pitch that looked like it really hurt. Woodard would strike out before Ovalle was plunked with a pitch as well. Tintor went down on strikes, but Lehmann drew a walk to load the bags. Garrett Olson would go down swinging however, stranding the men.

Joe Testa replaced Burnett in the top of the sixth and walked Jordan Lennerton. Jeramy Laster singled and Timm walked the bases full. Jaime singled to drive in Lennerton and Lester. Jaime would then be caught stealing. Justin Justice doubled, but Gustavo Nunez ground out to send the Miracle up to bat.

After that inning, Testa proved pretty amazing, striking out three in the 7th and another in the 8th.

Speaking of the 8th, Garrett Olson struck out to open the bottom half of the stanza. Portes singled before Singleton went down on strikes. Danny Santiesteban took a walk, and Ramos singled to drive in Portes. A wild pitch by Cody Satterwhite advanced the runners, but Woodard struck out to send the Tigers back up to bat.

Burnett allowed 5 runs, none of which were earned, on five hits and a pair of walks while striking out seven. Testa worked the final four, allowed 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 3 walks while fanning five.

Ramos was 2-for-3 with walk, a run and a RBI, Woodard was 2-for-5 with with a double, a run and three RBIs from the home run. Portes was 1-for-5 with a walk and a pair of runs. Ovalle and Tintor were 1-for-4, Ovalle with a double and a run, Tintor with a walk. Lehmann rounded things out, going 1-for-3 with a walk and a RBI.

The Miracle and the Flying Tigers play two tomorrow on RaceTrac Cheaper by the Gallon night and Kids Club Wednesday. Rick Porcello (7-6, 2.80) said he was pitching game one for the Flying Tigers.

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Chuck Golden
Chuck Golden: the hardest working person at the ballpark


Fort Myers Miracle
New railings were installed to help hold up the players


Promotions
A big race car came to visit on NASCAR night....


Promotions
...and a little one as well!


* Insect repellent is available at the gift shop. Cigar smoke will keep the little vampires away as well, but the insect repellent smells better.

* The Portland took both sides of a double header from the New Britain Rock Cats. They won the first game 6-4, and the second game 7-2. Brandon Roberts homered in the second game, one of only four hits for the Rock Cats (Seadogs/OSC).

* The Syracuse Chiefs rolled over the Rochester Red Wings, 9-1 at Frontier Field. Luke Hughes was 2-for-4 at the plate with the lone Wings tally (RD&C).

* Charles Nolte suffered the loss as the Kane County Cougars rallied past the Beloit Snappers, 3-2. Mark Dolenc was 2-for-4 with a run for the Snappers (Snappers).

* Fay finally found it's way up into the Appalachian Mountains, and as a result, the game between Princeton and Elizabethton was canceled due to rain. The E-Twins are schedule to start their playoff series against Pulaski on Wednesday.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Miracle slip past Clearwater defense

Garrett Olson


Fort Myers 3 at Clearwater 2

W: D. Guerra (11-8, 5.26); L: A. Cruse (4-9, 3.53); SV: A. Slama (25)
HR: None.

Danny Santiesteban The Fort Myers Miracle pounded out 11 hits, but came away with only three runs, Monday night at Bright House Networks Field. Still it was enough to avoid a sweep by the Clearwater Threshers, as they won, 3-2.

Clearwater would open the scoring, with Tuffy Gosewisch doubling, then moving to 3rd on Fiedel Hernandez's single. Quintin Berry sacrificed him in for the first Clearwater run.

The Miracle would not take it back until the top of the 5th when Edward Ovalle and Johnny Woodard hit back-to-back doubles, tying up the contest.

Woodard would single in the top of the 7th, and Danny Santiesteban doubled. Woodard would try to go home, but was taken out at the plate on the throw. However it did allow Santiesteban to reach 3rd. Garrett Olson's single pushed him over the plate for the go ahead run. Juan Portes doubled Olson to 3rd and after a pitching change that saw Ben Pfinsgraff replace Andy Cruse, Eli Tintor took a walk to load the bags. Pfinsgraff unleashed a wild pitch that scored Olson before Steve Singleton flew out to score the runners.

Wilson Ramos would triple in the top of the 8th and Whit Robbins would get plunked by a pitch. Edward Ovalle reached on a fielder's choice that took Ramos out at the plate before Woodard ground into a double play.

Deolis Guerra worked six innings, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out six. It was a substantially better start than his last outing. David Shinskie worked the seventh, walking one and striking out 1, giving way to Carlos Gutierrez in the 8th.

With one out on the board, the rookie hurler would hit Jesus Villegas Andino with a pitch. Michael Taylor struck out swinging, but John Urick reached on Woodard's fielding error. Mike Eylward singled to score Andino. After a couple of substitutions, pinch hitter Gus Milner would ground out, ending the Clearwater threat.

Johnny Woodard Olson would double in the top of the 9th, but Juan Portes flew into a double play that doubled Olson off 2nd to retire the Miracle for good.

Anthony Slama would strike out two before getting Fidel Hernandez to ground out, ending the contest.

Woodard was 2-for-4 with a double and a RBI, but also cost the Miracle a pair of runs. Olson went 3-for-4 at the plate with a double a run and a run batted in. Eli Tintor was 2-for-3 with a walk, but did not factor into the scoring. Ramos, Ovalle, and Santiesteban were all 1-for-4; Ramos with a triple, Ovalle and Santiesteban with a double and a run each. Portes would finish up 1-for-5 with a double.

The Miracle now return home for the final 2-for-Tuesday of the 2008 season as they host the Lakeland Flying Tigers for a three game series to start out their final homestand.

Alex Burnett (8-5, 3.92) will be in the driver's seat on the mound for the Miracle on NASCAR night. Johan Nickerson (11-4, 3.88) is due up on the hill for the Flying Tigers. The races get underway at 7:05 PM.

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* Rene Tosoni went 3-for-3 at the plate with a home run in Monday's GCL game which the GCL Twins won. Tosoni is eligible for the FSL playoffs, and should prove to be a huge boost for the Miracle (GCLTwins).

* Danny Valencia hit his 8th AA home run as the New Britain Rock Cats defeated the Portland Sea Dogs, 6-5, at Hadlock Field. Matt Tolbert was 2-for-5 with a double, a pair of runs, and a RBI on major league rehab (Sea Dogs).

* Former Miracle Anthony Swarzak defeated former Miracle Brian Wolfe as the Rochester Red Wings downed the Syracuse Chiefs, 7-1. Ol' Wolfey gave up 4 runs, earned, on 10 hits and 1 walk in 3.1 innings as the Wings exploded on him.

* Beloit topped Kane County 4-3 at Pohlman Field. Chris Cates was 3-for-5 with a RBI in the lead off roll, filling in for Ben Revere who went to Minnesota to consult with Twin's physician Dr. John Steubs about some loose particles in his knee, which have been causing him some discomfort. Relief pitcher Chris Anderson had an emergency appendectomy on Friday Night and was placed on the DL.

* From MILB.com:

THE WEEK THAT WAS: It was a rough week for the Miracle as Fort Myers won just two of five games. But the winners of the FSL West's first-half title learned who their opponents in the divisional playoffs will be as Dunedin wrapped up the second-half title.

WHO'S HOT, WHO'S NOT: LF Juan Portes is getting hot right when the playoffs are about to begin. The Boston native is in postseason form, hitting .375 in the past 10 games (12-for-32). ... 3B Garrett Olson hasn't been as fortunate as he has just five hits in his last 34 at-bats for a .147 average.

PLAYER TO WATCH: SP Alex Burnett was dominant in an 8-1 road win over Lakeland on Aug. 21. The right-hander from Anaheim, Calif., fanned 10 Flying Tigers while walking just one over six innings for his eighth win of the season.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK: In a 15-1 road win at Sarasota on Aug. 17, DH Johnny Woodard nearly beat the Reds all by himself. The Oakland, Calif., native had three hits in four at-bats with four RBIs. Woodard singled in a run in the second inning with a fly ball to left field. In the third he got an RBI on a groundout to second. In the fifth Woodard got his third and fourth RBIs when he belted a drive over the right-field wall for a two-run homer.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "I jumped over two levels -- Advanced Rookie and Low A," SP Joe Testa told the Brick Township Bulletin (N.J.) of how he was promoted to Fort Myers. "It's exciting, and I got my first start. At first, I was surprised to get the start. I just pitched my game, and that was the best defense playing behind me, ever. All the plays they made looked routine. When they [other team] hit ground balls off me, they were harder than in the Rookie league and the guys made the plays for me. I had to adjust. Mentally, I was fine, because I had done this before, but physically, it was different," said Testa. "In the past few weeks, I was throwing only one or two innings when I'd go out there, so this was definitely different. I just made sure I loosened up."

Monday, August 25, 2008

Twins top Reds, FIL information released

Aaron Hicks


GCL Reds 5 at GCL Twins 7

W: A. Sanchez (4-3, 3.62); L: L. Machuca (1-3, 6.48); SV: B. Pugh (2)
HR: RDS: D. Lutz (1). TWI: R. Tosoni (1).

Alexi Oliveras The GCL Twins were ahead when a late afternoon thunderstorm interrupted, and then ended the game at the Lee County Sportsplex early.

Angelo Sanchez took the start for the Twins, picking up his 4th win of the season.

Aaron Hicks doubled to lead off the bottom of the first. Juan Sanchez struck out, but Rene Tosoni singled to score the Twin's centerfielder. Mike Gonzales hit a grounder to right to move Tosoni to 3rd, and Josmir Pinto singled out to left to drive in Tosoni. Tyler Ladendorf hit into a double play, giving the Reds a turn at the plate.

Sean Conner would lead off with walk and Frank Pfister doubled him in. Samuel Vasquez singled, moving Pfister to third, but Donald Lutz lined into an unassisted double play with Vasquez being doubled of first. Mariekson Gregorius poped up leave the Twins with a slender lead.

It would not hold up past the top of the 3rd however, as Mauricio Pimente and Alexis Oliveras hit back-to-back singles. A throwing error by Tosoni allowed Pimentel to score, tying up the game. Kevin Coddington's line drive to right put Oliveras on 3rd, and he'd score on Humberto Sosa's ground out. Conner and Pfister would both fly out, bring the Twins up to bat.

Tosoni launched one over the right field fence to tie up the game.

Lutz followed suite in the top of the 4th to put the Reds on top again.

Jakub Hajtmar singled, and moved to 2nd on Javier Brown's sac bunt. Herbert Lara reached on a fielder's choice that netted Hajtmar at 3rd. Lara then stole 2nd, and advanced to 3rd when Coddington over threw 2nd on a caught stealing attempt. Hicks singled, driving in Lara, then stole 2nd. Juan Sanchez's line drive to center plated Hicks. The Reds would call for a pitching change, bring Brodie Pullen in to replace Luis Machuca. Sanchez then stole 2nd base before Rene Tosoni singled. A wild pitch by Pullen put Tosoni on 2nd, and Gonzales walked to load the bags. The mounting excitement went for naught though as Pinto struck out, stranding the runners.

Danny Ortiz would replace Tosoni in the top of the 5th. Coddington would draw a walk sandwiched in between strike outs to Oliveras and Sosa. Conner double him in, but Pfister went down on strikes, making it a short inning for the Reds.

Bruce Pugh replaced Sanchez in the top of the sixth. Following a fly out to Vasques, Lutz would single and then move to second on Pugh's throwing error during the pick off attempt. Gregorius took a walk, as did Pimentel. Oliveras would ground into a double play though with the bases loaded to Pugh out of his jam.

Josmir Pinto Neither team would threaten much in the next 1 and a half innings before the rains, so the Twins were declared the victory. Sadly however, the Pirates defeated the Red Sox, so the Twins did not make up any ground in the standing.

Tosoni was 3-for-3 at the plate with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, including the home tun. Hicks was 2-for-3 with walk, a double, a pair of runs and a RBI. Pinto and Hajtmar were 2-for-4 each, Pinto with a RBI as well. Brown and Ortiz were 1-for-1 each, Brown with a walk and a RBI to leave Ortiz as the one hit wonder of the contest.

Juan Sanchez finished of 1-for-4 with a run and a RBI. Ladendorf was 0-for-2 with a pair of walks and a run. Lara was 0-for-4 at the plate, but had a run as well.

The Twins play a double header tomorrow against the Red Sox at the City of Palms Complex, they must win their next two and the Pirates much lose their next to for them to tie the division. Game time is 11:00 AM for the Twins final contests for the 2008 regular season.

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DSL Mariners 0 at DSL Twins 1

W: P. Guerra (1-0, 0.00); L: H. Perez (0-1, 1.42); SV: E. Alvarez (1)
HR: None.

Jairo Perez doubled in the bottom of the 4th, moved to 3rd on a wild pitch by Seattle's Henry Perez, and came home on Jairo Rodrgiuez's line drive to left.

It was the only run for the DSL Twins, but it was the only one they needed as Pedro Guerra scattered nine hits and a walk across 8 innings while striking out six to keep the Mariners off the board. Edison Alvarez shut down Seattle for the final inning, to give the Twins a win in game one of the best-of-three wildcard round of the 2008 DSL playoffs.

The Twins won on only three hits - two came off the bat of Rodriguez.

The series now shifts to the Eppy Guerrero Complex in Villa Mella for Tuesday's 10:30 AM rematch.

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Fall Instructional League graphic The 2008 Fall Instructional League preliminary Roster and Schedule is now available online. As always, these things are set in pixels, not stone, and are therefore subject to change without notice.

You might note that Mark Hamburger's name is on the list, but he was traded this afternoon to the Rangers for Eddie Guardado (LEN3), so obviously, he won't be coming.

Of note is the position switch for Juan Richardson from 3rd base to catcher. Also making a position change is Danny Santiesteban, who will begin pitching full time after joining the organization as an outfielder in 2005.

The two new signees B.J. Hermsen and Blayne Weller will getting their first taste of the majors at the camp as well.

Game times are nominally listed as 1:00 PM expect for Saturday which some sadist has scheduled for 10:00 AM. I should not that the games NEVER start at 1:00, usually more like noon, but the official start time is "whenever the other team shows up".

Days list as "Game Day" usually but not always include an inner-squad scrimmage which can start at any time.

There will also likely be a few prospects at camp that are not on the list and while which be rehabbing injuries, most notable would be Pat Neshek, although Tyler Robertson said he'd probably pitch instructs as well.

As always, there are no official game reports being posted, nor are any stats from FIL going to be made available, much the chagrin of all you stat watchers. I will however be bringing you pictures and video from the camp so we can get a subjective look at our new draftees.

Nelson Prada will be the field manager this year, aided as always be an able coaching staff including Eric Rasmussen, Milt Cuyler, Jim Dwyer, Jose Marzan and Jeff Smith.

(Note: the printable version of the roster in in Excel spreadsheet .xls format.)

Schedule / Roster / Printable Roster