Cubs put Miracle in 2-0 hole in best-of-five series

Daytona 9 at Fort Myers 1

W: J. Jackson (1-0, 0.00); L: C. Devries (1-1, 4.22)
HR: DAY: B. Lalli (1).

The Daytona Cubs wasted no time sending the Fort Myers Miracle packing, taking five runs off Cole Devries in the 3rd inning in route to a 9-1 win, and a 2-0 game lead, in the best of five Florida State League Championship series.

The Miracle will have to win three straight at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Dayonta Beach in order to win their first Championship since their relocation back to Fort Myers.

Ryan Harvey tripled in the top of the 3rd and scored on a Jonathan Mota ground out. Darwin Barney doubled and Tony Thomas took a walk. James Adduci singled to drive in Barney, and following a ground out to Ty Wright that plated Thomas, Blake Lalli put one over the right center field fence, scoring two to make it 5-0 Cubs.

Joe Testa would replace Devries in the top of the 5th. After getting Thomas to ground out and taking Adduci down on strikes, he'd give up a walk to Wright. Lalli singled, moving Wright to 2nd, and Russ Carter's line drive brought the runner home for the Cubs's sixth of the evening.

Ozzie Sosa allowed a double to Harvey in the top of the sixth, who moved ot 3rd on a Mota ground out. Barney would line out before Thomas singled Harvey in for Daytona's seventh tally.

Matt Williams would come in for the top of te 8th, striking out Steve Clevenger, and getting Harvey to pop out. But Mota and Barney took back-to-back singles, and a throwing error by Danny Santiesteban in right allowed Mota to score making it 8-0.

Jay Jackson allowed only 4 hits to Fort Myers over 5.2 innings. Relievers Jay Ruhlman and Michael Cooper held the Miracle to only a pair of walks in the next 1.1 innings, although Cooper gave up a couple of wild pitches that moved Edward Ovalle all the way to 3rd before he'd find a pair of strikes outs to retire the Fort Myers.

Todd Blackford replaced Cooper in the 8th and walked Steve Singleton. Rene Tosoni would go down on strikes, but passed ball by Clevenger moved Sing to 2nd. Wilson Ramos ground out advanced the runner to 3rd and Whit Robbins singled him in to keep the Miracle from being shut out. It was too little a rally, too late.

Wright singled off Williams in the 9th and two outs later, allowed a single to Clevenger. He'd hit Harvey with a pitch to load the bags, and then hit Mota as well, forcing in Wright to finish off the Cubs' scoring.

The Miracle would get nothing off Dustin Sasser in the ninth, with Juan Portes flying out to end the contest.

Singleton finished off the game 1-for-3 with a walk and a run, while Rene Tosoni, Wilson Ramos, Robins and Yancarlos Ortiz were all 1-for-4.

Unless the Miracle can find some road mojo of their own, the Cubs can sweep the series tomorrow night in Daytona. Game time is 7:05 PM and the contest can be heard live on WMYR AM-1410 and WCNZ AM-1660 with the Voice of the Miracle, Sean Fox calling all the play-by-play action.

Box
Log
Miracle
D-Cubs
Breeze
News Press
NP Photo Gallery
NDN
Bleed Cubbie Blue Blog
Roger's Minor League Report Blog

Miracle win in Dunedin, return home on Wednesday

Fort Myers 2 at Dunedin 1

W: C. Devries (1-0, 0.00); L: B. Mills (0-1, 2.57); SV: A. Slama (1)
HR: FTM: R. Tosoni (1). DUN: M. Liuzza (1).

For the first time in Fort Myers Miracle playoff history, the Miracle took a win against the Dunedin Blue Jays - on the road.

In 2003 and 2006, the Miracle won one against the Jays, but in each year, it was within the friendly confines of Hammond Stadium. The Miracle will still need to do that, at least once, to progress to the best of five Florida State League finals round.

Juan Portes opened things up in the first with a single. Following a pop out by Steve Singleton, Rene Tosoni took a Brad Mills pitch over the right field wall to give the Miracle two.

Cole Devries would do the rest, scattering five hits and a pair of walks over 6.2 innings while fanning 3.

The Jays would not get a man past second until the bottom of the fifth, when Chris Emanuele made it to 3rd with two men out, but Brad Emaus flew out to send the Jays back on defense.

Carlos Gutierrez would work the next 1.1 innings, allowing only 1 hit and strikeing out 2 to bring the Miracle to the bottom of the ninth.

They would turn to closer Anthony Slama to slam the door on the Jays, but Matthew Liuzza had other plans, putting one over the right field wall to put the Jays on the board, ending the shut out bid. Anthony Hatch would single before Marcos Cabral went down on strikes. Emanuele then singled, moving Hatch to second, and putting the tying runner in scoring position with only one out on the board. But Slama would induce Luis Sanchez to hit into a double play, ending the contest.

The bus ride will be a little bit nicer for the Miracle as they come home to Hammond, where they will face the Jays on Wednesday and Thursday (if necessary) to determine the Western Divsion Champion.

Alex Burnett (8-6, 3.76) will get the nod on the mound against Dunedin’s Ray Gonzalez (12-4, 3.14).

Box
Log
Miracle
MiLB.com
Breeze
NDN

Tosoni finished off the night 2-for-2 with a pair of walks to go with his yarder. Whit Robbins was 2-for-4 at the plate but did not factor into the scoring. Aside from Portes, who was 1-for-4 on the night with a run, Wilson Ramos and Eli Tintor hit one single each for the Miracle.

The Jays swept their playoff series against the Miracle in 2000, and won, 2-games-to-1 in 2003 and 2006.

General Admission Tickets to Wednesday's playoff game are available free at Lee and Collier county Racetracs. Tickets can be upgraded to a box seat for just $2.00.

Game one between the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Daytona Cubs was suspended due to rain with the Cards leading 4-0 at the top of the fifth inning. It will be resumed tomorrow in West Palm Beach. The series will then shift over to Daytona for game two on Thursday (Cubs.

According to an article in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune the Cincinnati Reds have not committed to playing in either the FSL or the GCL for the 2009 season. 2009 will be their last year in Ed Smith Stadium, they will be moving to Goodyear, Arizona, after the taxpayers of Sarasota County voted down funding to renovate their 20-year old Spring Training facilities. That throws in a new glitch into the already complicated FSL Divisional problem, which started when the Tampa Bay Devil Rays partnered with Ripken Baseball to purchase the former FSL Dodgers franchise, moving it to Port Charlotte for the 2009 season.

Matt Tolbert and Jose Mijares were the only two former Miracle players to receive September call ups to the major league Twins. The other five players added to the Twins were infielder Matt Macri, pitchers Bobby Korecky and Phil Humber, outfielder Jason Pridie and catcher Ryan Jorgensen.

The Miracle were selected to receive the Florida State League’s Municipality Award Tuesday. The award is given each season to the best city or county operated Sports Turf Crew. It’s the ninth time since 1990 that Hammond Stadium crew manager Keith Blasingim's staff has won the award, voted on by field managers, pitching coaches and umpires.

Devries helps Miracle tame Tigers

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.

Box
Log
Miracle
News Press
Breeze
NDN
Take I-75 North Blog

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.

Miracle look soggy in 4-1 loss to Clearwater

Fort Myers 1 at Clearwater 4

W: D. Naylor (3-7, 5.20); L: C. Devries (9-9, 2.97); SV: M. German (5)
HR: FTM: E. Tintor (6). CLE: M. Eylward (1).

The rains abated somewhat Saturday allowing the Fort Myers Miracle and the Clearwater Threshers to get in a game at Bright House Network Fields.

Game between Sarasota and Tampa, and Daytona and St. Lucie were postponed, while a contest between Palm Beach and Brevard County was canceled.

Cole Devries took the start after a couple of weeks off, resting a sore back and was a bit on the rusty side. John Urick would single off of him to start the bottom of the 2nd inning. Mike Eylward then put a ball over the left field fence for his first home run of the season, giving the Threshers a two run lead.

Eli Tintor would do the same in the top of the 3rd, but his sixth homer of the season was a solo-shot, halfing the Threshers lead.

Brian Finegan and Quintin Berry took back-to-back singled of Devries in the top of the 3rd. Jesus Villegas Andino sacrificed in Finegan. After Gus Milner flew out to 3rd, Berry would go to steal second. Wilson Ramos overthrew the the base and sent Berry to 3rd while the ball bounced off into the outfield. Urick's line drive would plate Berry to make it 4-1 Threshers.

The Miracle would manage seven hits the game, but never posed a threat to Clearwater.

Steve Singleton and Edward Ovalle were both 2-for-4 in the game, Sing with a double, but neither could score. Tintor and Portes finished of 1-for-4 each, Tintor of course with the only tally, on his yarder. Ramos was 1-for-3 with a walk to finish off the offensive end of things.

Devries would work four innings, allowing six hits and striking out only 1. Spencer Steedley took the next 3 allowing a two hits and two walks while fanning two. Matt Williams finished off for the Miracle.

The two teams rematch Sunday for a 4:00 PM game, The Miracle go golfing in the morning with a 8:30 am shotgun start at Pelican Preserve for the 9th Annual Charity Golf Classic.

Upon returning to Clearwater, Matt Fox (7-6, 3.55) will take the mound for the Miracle against the Threshers Carlos Monasterios (4-8, 5.84).

Box
Log
Miracle
Threshers
News Press
NDN
Roger's Minor League Report
Jeff Crupper.com (Blog)

Team USa defeated Team Japan 8-4 to win Bronze in the Olympics. Port Charlotte native Matt Laporta had a pair of hits and a home run in the contest Korea would top Cuba to win the Gold. The United States finished up 6-3 overall. It was the second bronze medal won by the US in Olympic baseball competition. The first came in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. (USABaseball.com)

Danny Valencia was 2-for-4 Saturday with 2 runs, including a home run, and 1 RBI as the Rock Cats defeated the Akron Aeros 3-2 in New Britain Stadium. Dustin Martin (1-4) also went yard for the Cats, who are 17 games below .500 on the season.

The Rochester Red wings slipped past the Pawtucket Red Sox, 4-3, at Frontier Field. Reining IL Offensive Player of the Week Matt Macri knocked his 10th home run of the season out of the park in the 7th with one man on. Former Miracle Trevor Plouffe was 2-for-3 with 2 runs and 1 RBI. Kyle Snyder, who had been rehabbing earlier in the season with the GCL Red Sox suffered both the blown save and the loss.

A day after the Appalachian League Twins clinched their Division title and a spot in the playoffs, the Low A Beloit Snappers saw their playoff hope all but dashed as the Burlington Bees stung the Snappers, 5-3. Mike McCardell took the loss, his fourth of the season. Yangervis Solarte was 2-for-4 with a run and a RBI and catcher Allan de San Miguel was 1-for-2 with a walk and a run. (Bees) The Snappers are 5 back in the wild card race, with 8 left to play.

Rookies get'er done for Miracle

Dunedin 1 at Fort Myers 3

W: J. Testa (1-0, 1.80); L: R. Boone (3-4, 5.44); SV: J. Lugo (1)
HR: DUN: M. Liuzza (3).

Injuries have been affecting the Miracle now for quite some time, but Wednesday night saw the Fort Myers Miracle ace, Cole Devries, sidelined with a sore back. Never fear! Southpaw Joe Testa was called up from the Gulf Coast League Twins and the former Wagner College ace performed admirably as a fill in starter.

Jake Mauer had called over prior to the game to say Testa'd never gone more than 2 innings and 30 pitches with the GCL Twins, but I felt that he might surprise Jeff Smith and I was not mistaken. The lefty worked five quick innings, allowing only 1 earned run on 3 hits and a pair of walks while fanning 3. The run came in the top of the fifth, went Matt Liuzza put his 3rd home run of the season over the center field fence.

The Miracle were already on the board though at that point. Juan Portes had hit a single in the bottom of the 4th. Danny Berg then took a double off Randy Boone that drove in Portes. The line drive out to left was deep enough that it was a near triple, with Berg racing for third base, only to be tagged out as he was sliding in. While it was the third out of the inning, Wilson Ramos and Johnny Woodard having both flown out, the run counted, which is what really mattered.

Eli Tintor took a walk in the bottom of the 5th. Garrett Olson doubled to move Tint to 3rd, and he'd be sacrificed in by Steve Singleton. Edward Ovalle followed suite, with his sac-fly to center plating Olson for the insurance run.

Russian Andrei Lobanov, also called up from the Gulf Coast League worked the next two innings for the Miracle, allowing only one run and one walk while fanning 3.

Lobanov would walk Chris Emanuele in the top of the 8th before giving way to Jose Lugo. Brad Emaus would reach on a force attempt, with 2nd baseman Steve Singleton missing the catch. Lugo would then take David Cooper down on strikes before unleashing a wild pitch that advanced the two runners. Cory Patton flew out, but Marcos Cabral drew a walk to load the bags, but Lugo was able to get Anthony Hatch to ground out, ending the inning and stranding the runners.

With one out on the board in the ninth, Adam Calderone doubled. Lugo then hit Jonathan Diaz with a pitch, but he was able to get Emanuele to line out and Eamaus to pop out to end the contest.

Telsa picked up his first FSL win, Lugo recorded his first FSL save.

The Miracle had only five hits on the night, with Olson going 2-for-2 at the plate with a walk, a double and a run. Tintor was 1-for-2 with a walk and a run, while Portes and Berg were 1-for-3 each, Portes with a run, Berg with a double and a RBI.

The Lakeland Tigers fly into town now on their next mission. Barring injuries, Alex Burnett (7-5, 3.84) will be on the mound for Thirty Thursday. The game will also feature the "Redneck Olympics" for the amusement of the beer drinking crowd.

Box
Log
Miracle
News Press
Breeze
NDN

Nicky Lobanov was also recalled from the Gulf Coast League. The two Russians are not related, despite sharing a last name.

Cole's has aggravated an old high school injury. He underwent an MRI on Wednesday, but it is considered to be "nothing major" and that he should be fine with a bit of rest.

Tyler Robertson returned to Minnesota for a check up, but word is that the Twins want to shut him down for the remainder of the season, so that he doesn't re-injure his shoulder trying to return too soon.

Testa's start brought a lot of the GCL boys too the park, so I was able to catch up with a few for autographs. I asked Khol Nanney if I could trouble him for an autograph and he said "no". "No?" "It's no trouble at all ma'am." Oh! One of those nice southern boys!

Danny Santiesteban will be converted to full-time pitching in Fall Instructional League. There isn't any info available for FIL at this time, perhaps next week, but I have been told it will start on September 22nd.

Team USA lot their opening game of the Olympics to the Koreans 8-7. (Recap) Former Miracle Terry Tiffee had a pair of hits in the contest. They rebounded against Team Netherland however, topping the Dutch 7-0. (Recap) Twins prospect Loek Van Mil was to pitch for Team Netherland, but the 7'1" Dutchman was sidelined with an injury before the games even began (twinsbaseball.com). "Loek Van Tall Guy" as he is affectionately known, will likely start next season with the Fort Myers Miracle. Don't forget to check out former Miracle Brian Duensing's blog as he corresponds from the Olympic games.

In order to qualify for the FSL playoffs, a player must be on their respective team's roster as of Friday, August 15. You cannot call players down, only up. If they are added to the FSL roster, they become inelligable to play for any other team in the playoffs. Unless Beloit is magically eliminated from the playoffs by tomorrow, don't expect any help from the corner. By the same token, we won't be able to add Aaron Hicks from the GCL roster as they are currently the wild card team for the GCL playoffs.

Miracle take two from Tampa

Fort Myers 2 at Tampa 1

W: M. Fox (6-6, 3.84); L: Z. McAllister (6-6, 2.17); SV: A. Slama (23)
HR: FTM: W. Robbins (4).

The Fort Myers Miracle two-run lead would stand through nine innings as they hung on in the completion of the suspended game to defeat the Tampa Yankees, 2-1.

Edward Ovalle would single in the top of the first with one out on the board. He'd be caught stealing however, so there'd be no one on base when Whit Robbins launched his 4th home run of the year over the short porch in right field to give the Miracle one. Wilson Ramos then drew a walk and Johnny Woodard was hit by a pitch. Eli Tintor's line drive plated Ramos for the Miracle's 2nd run.

Spencer Steedley worked the first three innings, giving up only 1 hit and fanning a pair. Matt Fox would take over in the fourth. After a fly out to Eduardo Nunez, Fox allowed a single to Kevin Smith. Josh Kreuzer would fly out before Seth Fortenberry doubled to drive in Smith.

Fox would allow only one more hit, a single to Fortenberry in the bottom of the 7th. He'd strike out 4 over the next five innings before Anthony Slama came in to collect his 23rd save of the season.

Aside from the singles to Ovalle and Tintor, and the home run to Robbins, Steve Singleton would finish up 1-for-4 for the only other Miracle hit.

Box
Log



Fort Myers 1 at Tampa 0

W: C. Devries (9-8, 2.85); L: E. Soto (2-3, 4.91); SV: B. Erickson (1)
HR: None.

The Miracle would also prevail in the second game, which was shortened to seven innings. Cole Devries would scatter 4 hitts and 4 walks over five innings, striking out only 1. Jose Lugo worked the next 1.1, with Blair Erickson picking up his first save of the season on by fanning 2 in .2 innings worth of work.

Edward Ovalle would walk and one out later, Juan Portes was hit by a pitch. The pair then stole 3rd and 2nd respectively. Johnny Woodard would reach on a fielder's choice that took Ovalle out at home. Grant Duff would head out to the mound to replace Tampa starter Edgar Soto, and Danny Berg would reach on a force attempt then Eduardo Nunez bobbled the ball at short. Portes would score on the play for the lone Miracle run before Eli Tintor went down on strikes.

Portes finished up 2-for-2 at the plate with the run. Tintor and Woodard were both 1-for-3, Tint with a double, and Brandon Roberts rounded out the hitting, going 1-for-2.

Next up, the Miracle head over to Sarasota for three against the Reds. Friday's 7:00 PM contest will feature Alex Burnett (7-5, 3.74) on the mound for the Miracle, while the Reds will let Rafael Gonzalez (5-8, 6.42) handle their pitching. The Miracle return home on Monday to start a 3 game set against the Dunedin Blue Jays.

Box
Log
Miracle
Breeze
Breeze 2
NDN
Pending Pinstripes Blog

Power Outage suspends Miracle

Fort Myers 2 at Tampa 0 - Suspended (Power)

Did someone forget to pay the electric bill at Casa de Steinbrenner?

Light failure at the home of the Tampa Yankees on Wednesday night forced the Fort Myers Miracle and Tampa Yankees into a suspended ball game with the Miracle ahead 2-0. The stadium lights were on pre-game but suddenly went dark just before first pitch. The stadium fire alarm went off immediately after the lights and forced the contest to halt heading into the fourth inning.

The Yankees and Miracle won’t take a chance on the lights being fixed for Thursday night. Instead, the two teams will pick up the action at 1:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The regularly scheduled game will be seven-innings and follow approximately 30 minutes after the suspended game (a full 9-inning game) from Wednesday concludes.

Box
Log
Miracle
Breeze
NDN
Let's go Miracle Blog
Pending Pinstripes Blog

Former Miracle and current Minnesota Twins pitcher Pat Neshek has arrived in Florida and is expected to be here at least a month, and most likely until the end of the season, depending upon how his elbow responds. (Pat Neshek's Baseball Page Blog)

Another former Miracle, Denard Span, drove in a career-high four runs and robbed Adrian Beltre of a go-head homer in the seventh inning, leading the Minnesota Twins to a 7-3 win over the Seattle Mariners Wednesday. Nick Blackburn (9-6), another member of the 2005 Miracle squad, allowed three runs in six innings to tie Detroit's Armando Galarraga for most wins by an American league Rookie.



When Jeff Manship received his promotion to AA New Britain following the Florida State League All-star game, it really came as no surprise when Cole Devries stepped in to take over the roll of ace on the Miracle pitching staff.

The 23-year old right hander was 5-6 at the half season mark with a 2.99 era. He'd struck out 54 in 78.1 innings pitch and walked only 18 while giving up just 3 home runs in 11 games.

After an excellent season in 2007 with Low A Beloit, Devries was certainly making a name for himself in the Florida State League as well. Which lead to a very interesting question.

"How did you not get drafted?"

"Oh, that's a story," said Devries. "I get asked that a lot."

Sitting in the stands during a recent Fort Myers Miracle game, Devries relates "the story".

"I had one interview with a scout," said the University of Minnesota product. "I didn't know much about the draft process at the time, so I was bouncing some things off of him, some numbers, to see how he would react. And I told him I thought I would go somewhere in the fifth to eighth round, most likely the fifth.

"He took this to mean I wanted high fifth round money, when home and wrote up this report that way. And you know, that goes out to EVERYONE."

After that, despite being named All-State and Class 3A Player of the Year in his senior season in high school and leading the Golden Gophers in strike outs (72) and ERA (2.42) in his Junior year, he didn't even get a sniff.

The Minnesota Twins however become interested in the Eden Prairie native during the 2006 Cape Cod Summer League, a wooden bat league that compiles the best college players from across the country each summer. Devries finished with a 3.31 ERA in 49 innings, fanning 50 while walking just five.

He was talked to by several teams at the time, but it was his hometown Twins that really pursued him. "If I played well out there, I had a chance to get signed by a team," he said. "Coming towards the end of summer, I was planning on going back to school for my senior year, but the Twins and I started talking and we came up with a deal we both liked and here I am," Devries was reported as saying the Beloit Daily News during a 2007 interview.

"Since I'm a hometown guy and I really love the state of Minnesota, it was awesome. I'm really happy I'm here right now."

For now "here" is the Sunshine State of Florida, a stop that marks the halfway point to the major league. Virtually all of the pitchers agree on one big difference between the Low-A Midwest League, and the High-A Florida State League. "The batters are a lot more disciplined," teammate Alex Burnett explains. "You can't throw (junk) at them and expect them to go after it."

For Devries, that has meant making some adjustments on the mound. "You really need three pitches here, so I've been working my change up in more. In Beloit you could pretty much get away with your fastball and your curve, but here you really need the change up."

Many so called experts have questioned Devries status as a prospect, in part because he wasn't drafted and in part because he doesn't have a so called "money pitch". But he doesn't see that as a lack, but rather as a strength.

"You don't want to rely too much on one pitch." By mixing his pitches, he finds he can keep the batters from getting to comfortable at the plate.

As the Miracle make their way into the playoffs, they'll be looking for Devries to come on strong on the mound, and provide the leadership for the team as they try for their first Florida State League Championship since the team relocated to Fort Myers. The franchise has won 5 championship since its inception in 1927, the last one was landed in 1978 when they were known as the Miami Orioles, holding a Baltimore Affiliation while playing at the old Miami Stadium.

Playoff tickets are currently on sale. The Miracle host game two and if necessary, game three of the West Division Series on September 3rd and 4th. Ticket prices are the same as for a regular season game: $7 for a box seat, $5 for reserved seats. Season ticket holders have until Sept. 2 to reserve "their" regular season seat for the playoffs. The Miracle are still awaiting their partner for the the West Division Championship round.

Around the System: The AAA Red Wings took both games of a double header from the Lehigh Valley Iron pigs. They won the first game 3-2 (Box/Log). Former Miracle Trevor Plouffe knocked his fifth AAA home run over the wall in that one. In the second game, the Wings shut out the Iron Pigs 5-0. (Box/Log). Former Miracle first baseman Garrett Jones hit a 2-run home run in the 3rd inning for Rochester. Zach Ward picked up the win in New Britain as the AA Rock Cats defeated the Blue Jays affiliated New Hampshire Fisher Cats 11-7. (Box/Log) Brian Dinkelman's second home run in a Rock Cat's unform brought in 2 runs for New Britain in the 8th inning. Shooter Hunt recored his second loss as a Beloit Snapper, allowing 6 runs, 5 earned on four hits and 5 walks while striking out only 3 in 3.1 innings as the Twins low-A affiliate fell 8-1 to the Kane County Cougars (Box/Log). Former Miracle Yangervis Solarte was 1-for-3 at the plate, driving in former first round draft pick Ben Revere for the only Beloit run.

Miracle fan 15 to slip past Threshers

Clearwater 4 at Fort Myers 5

W: C. Devries (8-8, 2.97); L: D. Naylor (1-6, 6.95); SV: A. Slama (22)
HR: None.

Despite being jipped out of a run in the bottom of the 7th inning, the Fort Myers Miracle took the rubber match, 5-4, to win the series, 2 games to one.

Cole Devries was his usual efficient self, limiting the Threshers to just two runs while scattering seven hits and a walk over six inning. Devries was also kind enough to fan 9, working hard for the "Strike out Lou Gehrig's Disease" campaign as the ALS Association was at the game tonight.

The Miracle had opened up a fairly comfortable three run lead before Clearwater got on the board.

Yancarlos Ortiz singled and stole 2nd, and Brandon Roberts took a walk to lead off the top of the 3rd inning. A Steve Singleton ground out advanced the runners, allowing Wilson Ramos to sacrifice in Ortiz. Edward Ovalle's line drive to right plated Roberts and Ovalle moved to second on the throw. Whit Robbins would draw a walk off Thresher's starter Drew Naylor, a native of Queensland, Australia. However, Juan Portes would go down on strikes, spoiling the Miracle's fun for the moment.

Danny Berg, the Miracle's own Aussie, singled to start off the bottom of the fourth. Danny Santiesteban's line drive moved him to second, and Ortiz's ground bunt loaded up the bags. Brandon Roberts ground into a double play that allowed Berg to score. Singleton would ground out, stranding Santiestesban at 3rd.

After getting John Urick out on strikes, Devries would walk Tuffy Gosewisch. Fidel Hernandez singled to move Gosewisch to 2nd. Devries then took Jesus Villegas Andino before allowing a line drive to Gary Cates that plated Gosewisch. Quinton Berry followed that up with a line drive out to center that plated Hernandez. In both cases, the plays were to Roberts, who still has some defensive issues out in center. Rob Watson would, thankfully, go down on strikes before the Threshers tie it up.

Ramos doubled in the bottom of the fifth before Ovalle was plunked with a pitch. Robbins flew out to center and Portes flew out to right, moving Ramos to 3rd. Berg singled out to right to drive in Ovalle and Santiesteban singled out drive to score Ovalle. Ortiz would ground out to end the inning.

Jose Lugo took over for Devries in the top of the 7th. While Lugo has been lights out of late, it was the bad Jose Lugo that came out of the bullpen this time, as he he allowed a single to Hernandez. Andino ground into a force out that took Hernandez out at second and Lugo would get Cates to ground out. Berry singled to drive in Andino however. Lugo then walked Watson and allowed a single to Taylor that plated Berry. Jeff Smith trotted up the steps of the dugout right about then and out to the mound, calling Blair Erickson out of the bullpen to replace the struggling Lugo. Erickson would take Milner out on strikes to end the inning.

Alexander Conception replaced Naylor for the Threshers in the bottom half of the stanza. With one out on board, Whit Robbins took a walk and Juan Portes hit a ground rule double. Robbins came home on the play but was only allowed 3rd base. Now maybe I am miss remembering, but if must have been a group hallucination because none of us remember Robbins going back to 3rd. Berg hit into a double play and Portes tried to come home, being taken out the plate, but the scorer says Robbins was out at home and none of us remember it that way. Ed even when to check on it. But that's just the way we saw it, and we want our run!

In any case. Anthony Slama made things interesting in the ninth, walking Kevin Mahar and Berry, but he would take Watson out on strikes, and then Michael Taylor as well, to close out the game and give the Miracle the win, phantom run not withstanding.

Berg was 3-for-4 for the Miracle with a run and a run scored. Roberts and Ortiz were both 2-for-4 with a run, Roberts with a walk as well. Santiesteban was also 2-for-4, with a RBI instead of a run. Ramos and Ovalle were both 1-for-3 at the plate with a run and a run scored, Ramos with a double, Ovalle with a single. Portes finished up 1-for-4 with a double.

The Miracle pitching staff posted a total of 15 strike outs. (Kudos guys, that was really well done!)

Sarasota comes into town for a (hopefully) sunny Sunday at the Bill. Alex Burnett (7-4, 3.89) will throw the first pitch for the Miracle at 1:05 PM, while the Reds will send Rafael Gonzalez (4-8, 6.93) to the hill.

Box
Log
Miracle
Threshers
News Press
NDN
Inside the Threshers Blog
JeffCrupper.com Blog

Michael Cuddyer is being sent down this week to begin a rehab stint. The Twins have stated they wanted him to play six or seven game in Florida. While it's likely he'll play several games with the GCL Twins, it it possible that he'll play a rehab stint with the Miracle when they return home Monday, August 11th to face Sarasota. Pat Neshak is also expected in shortly to begin his rehab assignment.

Brian Dinkelman was activated from New Britain's D.L. to replace Luke Hughes on the Rock Cats roster. The moves at the major league level should not affect the Miracle at this time.

Playoff tickets are currently on sale. The Miracle host game two and if necessary, game three of the West Division Series on September 3rd and 4th. Ticket prices are the same as for a regular season game: $7 for a box seat, $5 for reserved seats. Season ticket holders have until Sept. 2 to reserve "their" regular season seat for the playoffs.

Ed Pelegrino brought by Ed Reed, the sports editor of the News-Press, by to meet me. Pelegrino's got some silly notion of selling me off to the News-Press next year as the "fan" blogger. I told him (Pelegrino) this won't work as I'm way too controversial for the News-Press to touch. Just ask Carl, from Bonita.

Seen in the stands:


Miracle pitcher Tyler Robertson (right) and his little brother, who will be pitching for Fresno State this year.

Tyler was cleared to start playing catch for this coming week, and reports that he is expected to start throwing again the following week.

Miracle out hit, but can't out run, Jays

Fort Myers 3 at Dunedin 7

W: A. Wideman (4-4, 4.95); L: C. Devries (7-8, 2.97); SV: C. Falkenbach (19)
HR: None.

I was hoping that the Fort Myers Miracle would want to use this series a warm up for a potential play off match, but the Dunedin Blue Jays showed nothing but contempt for the 1st half west division champs as they strolled over them to 7-3 win Sunday at Knology Park.

Marcos Cabral took a double off Miracle ace Cole Devries in the bottom of the first, and Cory Patton singled him in. Brian Dopirak doubled as well to plate Patton and after Anthony Hatch went down on strikes, Jesus Gonzalez singled out to center to bring in Dopirak, giving the Jays an early 3 run lead.

With two outs in the bottom of the 2nd, Chris Emanuele doubled, and following a walk to Cabral, came home on a Patton single.

Dunedin's A.J. Wideman worked the first five innings as did Devries for Fort Myers. But the Miracle would not mount much of an offense until the fifth inning, then Garrett Olson singled. Wideman would pick him off at first though, so it was up to Danny Lehmann to lead the attack with a line drive to right. Danny Santiesteban singled and Yancarlos Oritz tripled to plate the pair. Steve Singleton's ground ball to short would drive in Ortiz befor Whit Robbins flew out and Eli Tintor ground out to send Fort Myers back on the defense.

With Devries still on the mound in the bottom of the sixth, Jesus Gonzalez walked, Matthew Liuzza reached on a force attempt that failed when Ortiz bobbled the ball and Gonzalez went to 3rd. Jeff Smith would call upon Jose Lugo to get the Miracle out of the jam, but he allowed a double to Caladrone that brought in Gonzalez. Luis Sanchez's single plated the other two runner before Chris Emanuele went down on strikes and Sanchez was caught stealing. Cabral drew a walk, but Patton lined out to end the inning.

While the next 4 innings saw the Miracle get 5 runs and a walk off the Jay's relievers, they could not put anything together.

Carlos Guierrez worked a couple of scoreless innings for the Miracle to finish off the game. Submariner Conner Falkenbach picked up his 19th save of the year for the Jays.

Lehmann was 3-for-4 with a run, Ortiz was 2-for-4 with a triple, a run and a pair of RBIs. Singleton was also 2-for-4 with a walk and a run.

Juan Portes and Robbins, both 1-for-5, and Eli Tintor, Garrett Olson and Santiesteban, each 1-for-4, had singles in the game, Santiesteban with run to leave the others as one hit wonders.

Lots of hit singles but no runs to show for them.

Alex Burnette (6-4, 3.74) will try to get some respect from the Miracle's division rivals as he goes up against Randy Boone (2-1, 4.45) Monday evening. First pitch is set for 7:00 PM.

With the loss, the Miracle fall to 8 games behind Dunedin, three games in front of the cellar dwelling Threshers.

The Miracle return home Thursday Night for a Thirsty Thursday against those same Threshers.

Box
Log
Miracle
News Press
Breeze

Former Miracle Anthony Swarzak has been promoted from AA New Britain the the Rochester Red Wings and will make his first AAA start on Wednesay. Swarzak replaces Brian Duensing on the roster. Duensing, another former Miracle, is off to Beijing as part of Team USA to participate in the upcoming summer Olympic games.

As part of a going away gift for Duensing, Wings GM Dan Mason gave Duensing a plane ticket so that his wife, Lisa, may join him in Beijing. His teammates on the Red Wings have put together a silent auction that will take place at Rochester's Aug. 8 home game, the proceeds of which will help ofset the hotel costs for the tirp.

GCL Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks is the Twins' Minor League Player of the Week for July 19-25. Hicks, 18, batted .400 (8-for-20) with a double, home run, four RBI and four runs scored in five games. Hicks was drafted in the first round, 14th overall in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

Bullpen gives up game, again

St Lucie 4 at Fort Myers 3

W: D. Owen (9-6, 3.73); L: S. Steedley (0-1, 20.77); SV: G. Marte (6)
HR: SLU: V. Mendez (4).

Cole Devries was back to being his usual stellar self, but the suspect bull pen once again lost the game for the Fort Myers Miracle, who fell 4-3 to the St. Lucie Mets.

Dylan Owen limited the Miracle to only six hits in the game, and they could find no offense at all against the Mets' bullpen.

Devries would allow a single to Peeter Ramos to start off the contest, then took Ruben Tejada and Lucas Duda down on strikes. Victor Mendez singled as did Jose Thole, which plated Ramos, but a throwing error by Danny Santiesteban in center also lead to Victor Mendez crossing the plate, giving the Mets a pair of runs before Shawn Bowman would go down on strikes.

Wilson Ramos, Juan Portes and Eli Tintor all singled in the top of the 2nd to load the bags. Garrett Olson then drew a walk, forcing in Wilson. Santiesteban would ground out, which allowed Portes to cross the plate and a sac-fly by Yancarlos Ortiz brought in Tintor to give the Miracle three.

The remainder of the first seven innings was spent in a pitcher's duel. Devries would scatter 7 hits and 1 walk during that time, striking out 8. Owen allowed a pair of walks to go with the six hits, and struck out only 4.

Spencer Steedley replaced Devries for the 8th and Tejada took advantage of the switch to ge a single off Steedley. Duda ground out before Mendez saw something he liked and sent a ball over the left field wall, adding 2 to the Mets' total.

The Miracle could not solve sidearm pitcher Casey Hoorelbeke, or closer German Marte and the totals on the board would remain, 4-3 in favor of the visitors.

Tintor was 2-for-4 with a run, while Wilson was 1-for-2 with walk and a run. Danny Berg, Edward Ovalle and Portes were all 1-for-4 with Portes also adding a run while the first two shared the one hit wonder title.

The final game of the homestand is Wednesday night with Alex Burnett (6-4, 3.78) throwing out the first pitch at 7:05 PM.

Box
Log
Miracle
Breeze
NDN
TC Palm
Mets Minor League Blog

Van Mil to pitch for Team Netherlands

Twins prospect Loek Van Mil will be representing Team Netherlands in the upcoming Summer Olympic Games. So far this season with the Low A Beloit Snappers, Van Mil is 2-2 with a 3.22 ERA in 44.2 innings pitched. Loek has struck out 42 batters while walking 25 in 28 relief appearances.

Signed by the Twins as a non-drafted free agent in July of 2005, Van Mil has received plenty of national media attention this year for his height. The 7'1" right-hander, along with his 5'3" teammate Chris Cates, have been a national focus on ESPN2 (First Take), Sports Illustrated, the Minnesota Twins monthly magazine and much more. The teammates make up the largest height differential in professional sports with each player being the tallest and shortest players, respectfully, in all of professional baseball.

Taking Loek's spot on the Beloit Roster is infielder Yangervis Solarte. Solarte goes to the Snappers after spending the first 42 games of the season with the Fort Myers Miracle. While in Fort Myers, Yangervis hit .259 with three home runs and 16 RBIs in 147 at-bats. (Snappers)

Outfielder Brandon Roberts, on AA rehab, replaced Solarte on the Miracle roster.

Blind man rules: Breaks go to Hammerheads

Jupiter 8 at Fort Myers 4

W: D. McCall (4-2, 3.93); L: C. Devries (7-7, 2.79)
HR: JUP: L. Morrison (8), S. Cousins (6), S. McDougall (6). FTM: D. Berg (5), E. Tintor (5).

Home plate umpire Jason Cooksey awarded a win to the Jupiter Hammerheads Monday night. He is either legal blind, or he was paid off by Jupiter. I believe it was the latter, as his buddy, Kelvin Bultron appeared to be in on the deal.

Cole Devries took the start for the Miracle and the fact that he didn't actually throw the ball down in disgust and stalk off the field shows what a true professional he is. It all started with Cooksey's inability to tell the difference between a ball and a strike.

Cooksey awarded walks to the first two batters Devries faced. Logan Morrison then laced a line drive to left to load up the bags. Vasili Spanos' line drive scored Scott Cousins and the Miracle took Greg Burns out at home on the play. I'm surprised he actually called the Marlins' prospect out, despite it being clearly obvious that he was, in view of the events yet to come. Kevin Randel then flew out to left and little Yancarlos Ortiz, playing at 3rd base, made one of the gutsiest defensive plays I've ever seen at that position to keep Morrison pinned at 3rd. Spike McDougal (what a great name!) flew out to right fielder Eli Tintor to retire the side.

Mr. Tintor has a bit of a sore throat and is feeling a little under the weather. I found that amusing as I am feeling the same way and I haven't been kissing on him at all. I think it's just the nasty, rainy, weather has us all feeling a bit on the crappy side.

Logan Morrison would take Devries deep in the top of the 3rd going over the right field wall to make it 2-0 Hammerheads. Following a ground out to Spanos, Randel singled out to center. McDougall then fouled out - except that no - Cooksey called it a home run. Aside from the fact that everyone on the first base side of the stadium could clearly see it was a foul and aside from the fact that the ball was found in the field BEHIND the bullpen, clearly and well to the left of the foul pole, Cooksey ruled it was a home run. Jeff Smith argued but to no avail, getting himself tossed. The crowd of 1,326 - all 325 that were sitting on the first base side, plus the other 1,001 that were sitting in sections 113 and 114 all argued with the umpire. Happily, he does not have the power to eject the fans. However, just to show his disapproval of the way the crowd was now behaving, he allowed Jacob Blackwood to walk. Chris Hatcher ground into a force out and Guillermo Martinez was called out on walks.

(On a side note, Cooksey first ruled McDougal fouled, but then changed his mind after Jupiter field manager Brandon Hyde walked over to remind Cooksey he'd paid him off to call the game in favor of the Hammerheads.)

Derell McCall replaced Kyle Winters in the bottom of the stanza. Winters probably decided he didn't want to be on the same field with Cooksey - although Cooksey was ruling the Marlin's favor - and refuse to go back out.

Adam Everett ground out, before Steve Singleton knocked a line drive to right to get on board. The blind man then gave Wilson Ramos a walk. Whit Robbins hit a single to load the bags. Edward Ovalle then tried for a grand slam, but instead went down one, two, three, on strikes. Juan Portes would be hit by a pitch to force in a run, and Danny Berg would go down swinging.

Cousins singled then moved to 2nd on Burns sac bunt. He advanced to 3rd on Morrison's ground out and Spanos singled to score Cousins.

It had started to rain by this point and much of the 1,001 fans in section 113 and 114 tried to cram themselves under the shallow overhang up in the rafters.

Matthew Williams came out for the fifth inning and would keep the Hammerheads off the board.

Wilson Ramos singled in the bottom of the fifth and Whit Robbins put one over the left field fence that was immediately ruled a foul ball, and instead settled for double to center to score Ramos.

Despite being under the weather, Eli Tintor nailed one over the left field wall for his fifth home run of the season. It would be a solo shot, off reliever Brad Stone who had just come in to take over for McCall.

Blackwood and Hatcher both singled in the top of the seventh and, one out later, Cousins belted a ball over the center field wall to add three more to the Hammerhead's total. There would be no discussion this time, as there isn't a foul pole anywhere near center field.

Danny Berg would get this home run in the bottom of the 8th to keep him tied with Tintor for five each.

Devries was give then loss by Cooksey and McCall got the win. Ramos was 2-for-3 in the game with a pair of walks and a run, Berg and Tintor were both 2-for-4 with home runs (which meant a run and a run batted in for each). Robbins was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Singleton was 1-for-3 with a pair of walks and a run.

The Miracle take All-star Tuesday off and then head out on the road for a four-game set at historic Jackie Robinson Stadium against the Daytona Cubs.

Box
Log
Miracle
News Press
Breeze
NDN

Former Miracle Justin Morneau defeated a tired Josh Hamilton 5-3 in the final round of MLB's All-Star Home Run Derby, but it was Hamilton who was the story of the night. Hamilton hit a record 28 home runs in the first round of the contest before running out of gas. That broke Bobby Abreau's mark of 24 home runs set in the 2005 derby at Detroit's Comerica Park.

"It does seem kind of unfair that he didn't get to win the whole thing," Morneau was quoted as saying an an associated press article. "Anyone who was here won't forget that performance."

Morneau, the first Twin ever to win the Home Run Derby, hit a total of 22 home runs during the contest. He hit 8 in the first round to tie Astros first baseman Lance Berkman for second place behind Hamilton. He'd slug another 9 over the wall in the second round.

"I think it's good for kids growing up in Canada to see there's something we do other than play hockey, and we can do it at this level," Morneau was quoted as saying on twinsbaseball.com.

Morneau, Joe Mauer - another Miracle Alumni - and pitcher Joe Nathan will represent the Twins in Tuesday's MLB All-Star game at Yankee Stadium in New York, NY. The game will be aired on the FOX network and fans can vote online for the game's MVP. Visit www.mlb.com for more detials.

The First Miracle Mystery Night Question was "Who stole 2nd base?" The rather lame answer "The lead off hitter" was guessed by an out-of-towner who won a number of prizes from various local establishments. This was another promotion where pieces of paper were hung on the wall all over the stadium.

I waited about an hour and half - and was trampled on by innumerable kids - to get Adam Everett's autograph. Sort of makes me pine for the good old days when RonDL was rehabbing for the Miracle. However, I did get to hear the whole story of how Anthony Slama got his dog, David Bowie. As for the Johnny Cash music..."I love Johnny Cash," Slama explained.

There was a 15 minute rain delay to start the game, and portions of the contest were played in a light drizzle. The joke in the clubhouse was "I'm not playing any more games with the tarp on the field!"

Rochester Red Wing slugger Randy Ruiz was named the Twins minor league player for the month of June. Ruiz hit .360 with eight home runs and 22 RBIs in 29 games and had a .437 on-base percentage over that stretch.

Tyler Robertson says he has not yet heard back on the results of his MRI. I reminded him the internet is holding it's collective breath on this one and that bloggers are over the place are quite concerned his arm is going to fall off. "Noooooooooo!" he laughed. "It's nothin' like that." Rene Tosoni has now adopted Robertson's hair style - or perhaps I should say lack there of. Tyler keeps his head shaved, and I can't for the life of me, imagine what he would look like with hair.