Miracle split pair with Tigers

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.

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.

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.

Steedley's gem grounds Flying Tigers

Lakeland 1 at Fort Myers 5

W: S. Steedley (1-3, 7.83); L: A. Figaro (0-3, 4.64)
HR: FTM: W. Robbins (6).

Some of the Miracle faithful had questioned the wisdom of moving Spencer Steedley into the rotation. Steedley proved that's where he belongs Saturday night, as he limited the Lakeland Flying Tigers to only a pair of hits and 4 walks while fanning six over six innings.

The Miracle got a boost onto the board in the 3rd inning when Whit Robbins launched his sixth home run of the season over the right field wall. Steve Singleton had batted his way onto base one out earlier, so the home run was good for two. The Miracle would make it stand up until the bottom of the eighth.

Robbie Weinhardt would come in to replace Jay Sborz on the Tiger's mound and Singleton doubled off the newcomer. After Ramos went down on strikes, his second strike out of the game, Weinhardt intentionally walked Robbins. Johnny Woodard would also take a walk to load the bags, although in this case, it was not intentional. Edward Ovalle's double to right brought in two of the three runners, and Garret Olson would sacrifice in the slow footed Woodard to make it 5-0 Miracle.

Anthony Slama would be brought in for the ninth. Slama needs a good long rest as his arm is definitely not what it was earlier in the season. Michael Bertram would single off of him. He'd bounce back and get Jeremy Laster and Brandon Timm out on strikes. Justin Justice's double would put Bertram on 3rd and Jordan Lennerton would take a walk to load the bags. Jeff Kunkel singled to score Bertram, ruining the Miracle's shut out. Slama would finally get Devin Thomas out on strikes to end the game.

Robbins was 2-for-3 in the game with a walk, a pair of runs and a run batted in. Singleton and Ovalle were 2-for-4 each at the plate, Singleton with a double and pair of runs, Ovalle with a double and a pair of runs scored. Olson finished up 1-for-3 with a RBI, and Juan Portes, Ramos and Danny Santiesteban were all 1-for-4, and all one hit wonders. Woodard finished up 0-for-2 with a pair of walks and a run.

The win was Steedley's first at the FSL level.

Tropical Storm Fay is on the way and when the local weather will be affected remains to be seen. The Miracle head over to Sarasota for games on Sunday and Monday. Matt Fox (6-6, 3.81) is due to pitch for the Miracle on Sunday, with the contest slated for a 1:00 PM start.

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Deolis Guerra needs to go into the bullpen. He has suffered from control problems most of the season. Sure he's 19, but so is Alex Burnett, who's been much more reliable. Guerra looks uncomfortable in a starting role and vulture magic may make a difference for him. Matt Williams was good for four yesterday, and the Twins have had a lot of luck moving Aussie's into starting roles.

With the win, the Miracle move into 3rd place in the FSL West division, 12 games behind the division leading Dunedin Blue Jays who defeated the Reds on Saturday, 5-1.

Brian Duensing reports in his blog about beating the Canadians at Beijing. Be sure to check it out as the former Miracle picked up the win and gives a nice pitch-by-pitch recount of his final battle with Stubby Clapp.

Following the two game gig in Sarasota and a day off on Tuesday, the Miracle play three at Lakeland and three at Clearwater for the final road trip of the regular season. They return home Tuesday, August 26th for a three-game set against the Flying Tigers.

Lazy bats lead to Miracle loss

Dunedin 7 at Fort Myers 2

W: N. Starner (3-0, 2.25); L: S. Steedley (0-3, 10.59); SV: C. Polanco (5)
HR: DUN: C. Emanuele (8), M. Cabral (4).

Danny Santiesteban pitched the last two innings, much to the delight of the home town crowd in what was an otherwise unmemorable game at Hammond Stadium Monday night.

Only a fraction of the announced 1.622 people that turned out for Bobblection were still in the crowd when Santiesteban took the mound.

Spencer Steedley made his second start for the Miracle, giving up 5 runs, all earned on six hits a walk while fanning two. "They want him to work on some things that he can only work on as a starter," Matt Fox explained of the change. Oswaldo Sosa has been moved back to the bullpen, not unexpected following Sunday's blow out.

Marcos Cabrel put his 4th home run of the season over the left field wall to lead off the top of the second, the first run Steedley would surrender.

The trouble started in the 3rd when he walked Chris Emanuele. Brad Emaus doubled Emanuele in, then moved to 3rd on a David Cooper single. Cory Patton singled to drive in Emaus. Marcos Cabral took a walk to load the bags, and Anthony Hatch was walked to force in Cooper. Steedley would finally get Al Quintena to ground into a double play to retire the Jays.

Steve Singleton doubled in the bottom of the 3rd then came home on a throwing error by Emaus at 3rd that also allowed Ovalle to reach. The Miracle batted light again, getting only 4 hits over the first six inning and making the opposing pitchers look like future hall of famers.

Emanuele launched is 8th home run of the year over the left field wall in the bottom of the 4th, to finish off the scoring.

Southpaw Nathan Starner worked five innings for Dunedin, allowing only 1 unearned run while scattering five hits and a walk. He'd fan six.

Edward Rodriguez took over the for the 6th allowing a walk to Johnny Woodard and a single to Wilson Ramos.

Things would not heat up again until the bottom of the eighth when Quintana tripled off Santiesteban. A throwing error by shortstop Yancarlos Ortiz turned it into a in-the-park home run as Quintana was awarded an extra base on the play.

On the whole Santiesteban did not do too badly. He hit 94 several times and was regularly throwing 90 on the speed gun. His change up was reportedly around 79 miles per hour. (Yes, Eddie, I have video. Hold your horses, it's uploading as fast as it can.)

Woodard would take a walk in the bottom of the 8th and moved to 2nd on Ramos' single. Eli Tintor's ground ball to single drove in Woodard for the second Miracle run. Dunedin brought in Celson Polanco and the big 6'5", 245 lb hurler put the Miracle to bed, striking out Danny Lehmann and Garrett Olson to finish off the inning.

Emaus would single and Cooper walked in the top of the 9th. Patton flew out to center, but Cabral's gound ball single would be dropped by Ovalle, allowing Emaus to score. It was not called an error and was counted as an earned run. Santiesteban then got both Hatch and Quintana to fly out, send the Jays out to field.

The Miracle made small of any attempted rally in the bottom of the 9th, and the remaining crowd took their bobbleheads and left.

Of the seven hits on the board, Ramos accounted for 3 of them, going 3-for-4 at the plate with a double. Ovalle and Tintor were both 1-for-4, Ovalle with a double, Tint with a run batted in. Portes and Singleton finished up 1-for-5, Sing with a double and a run. Woodard, who was 0-for-2 with a pair of walks added a run.

The two teams rematch tomorrow with Matt Fox (6-6, 3.84) going to the hill for the Miracle against Dunedin's A.J. Wideman (4-5, 5.80). Fox says he's on his regular schedule as he last pitched Thursday and they had the double header on Saturday.

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Barack Obama reportedly won the Bobblection, with 5oo bobbles going against John McCain's 419. (Miracle) Not everyone at Hammond Stadium was convinced of Obama's victory however. "We'd like a recount," said a member of Miss A-Miracle's Fun-is-Good Paw-ty. "We noticed a lot of Chads hanging around the stadium, and believe a recount is in order. Oh, sure, Obama brought along Donkey from Shrek as a mascot, but don't be fooled. It's clear that the people's choice for a good time is none other than our one and only Missy."

Other members of the Fun-is-good Paw-ty felt it unfair that their candidate was not represented with a bobblehead. "We believe some votes were bought off by the promise of this toy," said Missy's head of public relations. "Our candidate would have been the landslide winner if the contest had been run fairly."

There was a Pat Neshek watch in effect at the stadium but despite the fact that the "non-existent" fans and autographers were all in attendance and loaded for bear, the former Miracle pitcher never showed. "I can't believe he forgot about the game," said one grapher. "After all, what else is there do to in Fort Myers?"

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.

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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.

Minnesota Twins Holding Tryout Camp at New Britain Stadium

New Britain Rock Cats Press Release



New Britain, CT - The American League's Minnesota Twins - in partnership with their Double-A, Eastern League affiliate, the New Britain Rock Cats - announced today that they will conduct an Tryout Camp for aspiring baseball players at New Britain Stadium on Saturday morning, July 19th. The tryout, which is available to players from ages 15 - 22 years, will run from 8:30 AM (registration) to approximately 1:00 PM. Professional scouts from the Minnesota organization - led by Twins' Area Scout Jay Weitzel - will be at the Stadium to meet, greet, and evaluate those players invited to appear to showcase their baseball skills. Position players will be asked to show their talents in hitting, fielding, running, and throwing; Pitchers will be invited to toss approximately 20 of their best offerings in the Rock Cats' bullpen. The actual length of this Open Tryout Camp will be determined by the number of participants who appear on the 19th.

All players wishing to participate in this by-invitation Tryout should contact Bob Dowling of the Rock Cats (860-224-8383) with a brief summary of their baseball experience. That information will be passed along to the Twins' evaluators for review and any subsequent action.

Those who do participate should enter the Main Gate of New Britain Stadium by 8:30 AM in uniform, with their own glove, bat and spikes. All potential participants who are current members of an American Legion team will need written permission from their coaches to take part.

In the last three years, two current American League All-Stars, Catcher Joe Mauer and 1B Justin Morneau, played for the Rock Cats on this very diamond. You could be next!

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Steedley Heading to Florida; Martin to Beloit

Beloit Snappers Press Release

Spencer Steedley's tenure as a Beloit Snapper has come to an end, as the left-hander has been promoted to the Twins' High-A Affiliate Fort Myers Miracle. Along with Steedley's promotion, the Twins have sent left-handed pitcher Blake Martin to the Snappers to fill Spencer's slot on the roster.

In 31 appearances this season, Steedley was 5-3 with a 2.14 ERA. Spencer struck out 59 batters while walking just 17. The left-hander also sported a 1.12 WHIP with opponents batting just .208 against him.

Steedley, a 2008 Midwest League Western Division All-Star, was the Twins' 25th round pick in the 2007 First-Year Player draft. Born in Salisbury, North Carolina, Steedley attended the University of North Carolina - Charlotte.

Blake Martin joins the Snappers after pitching in two games for the Elizabethton Twins this season. Blake was 0-0 with a 2.25 ERA in four innings pitched.

Drafted by the Twins in the 17th round of this year's draft, Martin attended Louisiana State University.

The moves leave Beloit's active roster at 24, one below the league maximum.

In a related move, David Coulon was removed from the Elizabethton roster. I believe that there was a problem with with his contract, although I don't know the specifics. Elizabethton is awaiting the arrival of Carlos Gutierrez, the Twins 1st round pick, 27th over all from the University of Miami. Gutierrez will be joining the team as soon as his contract is validated by MLB.

Joe Christensen reported in his blog that Gutierrez would report to Class A Fort Myers, but that seems very unlikely given the way the Twins work with their prospects.

Miracle bats for distance in win over Vero Beach

Fort Myers 6 at Vero Beach 3

W: M. Fox (5-3, 3.78); L: R. Morse (2-5, 3.80); SV: A. Slama (18)
HR: FTM: J. Portes (8), D. Berg (4), E. Tintor (4).

Three Fort Myers Miracle players went yard while Matt Fox continued to throw well in a starting roll, as the Miracle downed the Vero Beach Devil Rays, 6-3.

On a side note, the Miracle received Spencer Steedley from the Beloit Snappers. The lefty reliever posted a 5-3 record with the Low A Snappers with a 2.14 ERA in 46.1 innings pitched. Steedley was the Twins 25th round pick in the 2007 First-year player draft. He spend 2007 with the Elizabethton Twins of the Appalachian League, where the 6'2" Charlotte, NC, native assembled a 2-3 record with a 2.92 ERA in 37.0 innings pitched.

In the top of the second inning, Ryan Morse replaced Al Reyes who had been making a rehab start with the club while recovering from tendinitis. With one out on the board, Danny Berg would go yard over the center field fence. Following a ground out to Steve Singleton, Eli Tintor blasted a ball over the left field fence. It as the fourth home run of the year for both players. Danny Santiesteban followed that up with a single, but would be caught stealing for the Miracle's 3rd out.

Nevin Ashley and and Ryan Royster took back-to-back singles from Fox. Following a strike out by Neil Walton, Ashley scored on Matt Field's ground out.

Juan Portes went yard, his 8th of the season, in the top of the 3rd, making it 3-1 Miracle.

Singles by Cesar Suarez, Ashley and Royster gave the Rays another run in the bottom fo the 4th. The Miracle took Ashley out on a fielder's choice at the plate. Fox then got Fields to ground into a double play to end the inning.

Tintor double in the top of the fifth, then scored on a Yancarlos Ortiz single to make it 4-2 Miracle.

Joey Callendar and Matt Hall knocked singles in the bottom of the fifth, then moved on a Garrett Groce sac bunt. John Matulia's line drive would score Callender, and Matulia would be taken out trying to make it to second. Suarez then lined out to end the Rays threat.

Ovalle singled and Wilson Ramos doubled in the top of the sixth before Kevin Lynn came into replace Morse. Lynn would unleash a wild pitch that scored Ovalle, while Berg's grounder to left plated Ramos to make it 6-3 Miracle.

Tintor was 2-for-3 with a walk, a pair of runs, and a run scored. Ortiz was also 2-for-3 with a run scored. Ovalle, Ramos and Berg all finish up 2-for-4 with a run, Berg with 2 RBIs as well.

Blair Erickson worked 2 innings of relief, striking out 1. Steedley worked .1 inning in the bottom of the eighth, walking Matulia and advancing him to 2nd on a wild pitch before getting Suarez to ground out. He'd then hit Ashley with a pitch, and Miracle field manager Jeff Smith got Anthony Slama out of the pen to finish of the game.

Game three of the series is Wednesday night at 7:00 PM with Miracle ace Cole Devries (6-6, 2.59) on the mound against the Rays Wilton Noel (1-1, 3.78).

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The Beloit Snappers and GCL Twins were off on Tuesday. The Snappers played their annual golf tournament before beginning a 4-game series against the Fort Wayne Wizards. The Appalachian League Elizabethton Twins were rained to Joe O'Brien field. They will play a pair on Wednesday against the Kingsport Mets starting at 6:00 PM.

DSL Twins 2 at DSL Diamondbacks 3

The DSL Twins dropped a close one on the road as the DSL Diamondbacks scored in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the contest.

Carlos Vasquez walked in the top of the 3rd, then was replaced by pinch runner Xavier Gonzalez. Gonzalez stole 2nd, but then had to wait while Juan Blanco flew out and Willy Gil struck out. Danny Santana took a walk before Oswaldo Arcia singled to drive in Gonzalez for the first Twins run.

In the top of the 7th Jean Carlos Mercedes reached on a throwing error, and move to 2nd on Jairo Rodriguez's single. A double by Blanco drove him in for the second of the Twins two runs

Arcia was 2-for-4 in the game with a RBI. Rodriguez had a single and Blanco a double for the only other two Twins hits.

Still no results for Monday's contest against the DSL Rockies. I'm assuming it was rained out at this point. The DSL Twins host the DSL Orioles Wednesday for a 10:30 AM Dominican time contest.

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