tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62908449417858156922024-02-20T02:04:21.995+11:00Oz MLB PlayersA blog following Australian baseball players in Major League baseball (MLB).Nathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12950167058717790496noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-78342881277065512322013-03-05T18:44:00.001+11:002013-03-05T21:34:14.840+11:00The WBC Post Mortem (or 4 Positives and 2 Negatives to take away from a trip to Taiwan) Success breeds increased expectations. The history books are filled to the brim with examples of performances not living up to the - often unrealistic - expectations of a public with an insatiable appetite for winning. Nowhere is this truer than in Australia, and we don't have to look far to find examples of sports stars who rapidly transform from our number one champion to a second class citizen after failing to live up to expectations. Think of the (admittedly media driven) disappointment we felt about the 2012 Olympic team, and about guys like James Magnusson. Hero one day, pariah the next. <br/><br/>It's against this sort of context that I want to examine the Team Australia performance at the 2013 World Baseball Classic. <br/><br/>In relative terms, Aussie baseball fans have been spoilt in recent years. We have seen huge numbers of Aussies playing minor league ball, a steady flow (or drip) of Major League players, and we have had the reinstatement of the Australian Baseball League. Rekindling the ABL gave us the chance to watch some of the premier talent in Aussie baseball up close and personal. It let us get on board the bandwagons of up and comers like Adamson, Kandilas, the Kennellys, Searle and Kent. And it drew us in to some great stories - Hughes trying to work his way back to the bigs; guys like Josh Roberts bursting on to the scene, and veteran players like Ox, Thomas, Snelling and Huber looking to keep the dream alive. While it has not yet had the surge of fan engagement that the A-League (or even the NBL!) has had, people have started to buy in to the League, which is great<br/><br/>So of course, when the 2013 Classic rolled around, it was easy to have high hopes. We picked a team that had a mix of seasoned veterans, stars of the ABL, and some young prospects. We landed in a group that on paper, in theory, posed a challenge that could reasonably be surmounted. We saw some positive signs in the warm up games. So we bought in, we built up our hopes. <br/><br/>In the wash up of the tournament, we are left wondering what could have been. We are stuck looking at with pretty stark numbers on the scoreboard:<br/><br/><ul><li>In three games, Australian pitchers gave up 14 runs</li><li>At the same time, we were able to score just two</li><li>Aussie hitters struck out 23 times in 27 innings</li><li>At the same time, we could manage to strike out only ten opposition hitters</li><li>We went 2-for-18 with runners in scoring position, and</li><li>We hit into more double plays than I care to count. </li></ul> <br/><br/> It wasn't fun (well it kind of was, but the outcome hurt). It was disappointing. It was often slow, and it hurt. You only need to take a look through a few tweet streams (or follow #AusWBC) to get a sense of the slowly unveiling dissatisfaction at the results. <br/><br/>As a fan, it is really, really easy to play the role of manager, GM, coach and player. And in the aftermath of a painful, dissatisfying campaign, it is all too tempting to call for change, or to criticize. The reality is that most of us are far too remote from the realities of the team, and are in no way qualified to make these calls - although it can feel good! <br/><br/>As a way of coming to terms with my disappointment, I thought i'd try and look at some facts. Without overstating things, and without hyperbole. And if at all possible, to highlight some positives. <br/><br/><strong>Fact One: our pitching was better than the 2009 campaign. </strong><br/><br/>There can't really be any disputing this. We allowed 14 runs this time round. Last time we allowed 28. In my book, that's a bloody great improvement. It was no fluke either. We saw high quality pitching performances from a wide range of pitchers.<br/><br/><strong>Fact Two: our offense just couldn't match it on the international stage.</strong><br/><br/>On the whole, to call our offense anaemic woud be understating it. We. Had. Nothing. We couldn't string together rallies, we couldn't get on base, and at times we looked comprehensively outclassed. This is the biggest challenge for the future Team Australia: where is the offense coming from?<br/><br/><strong>Fact Three: We do have a few hitters who showed genuine promise at a young age</strong>.<br/><br/>Stefan Welch was in my opinion the best hitter in the lineup. He showed patience, discipline and mental toughness. He ground out his at bats and took what was offered to him. Likewise US-born Mike Walker showed promise. He took a number of mature at bats, and showed he could hit top class pitching. Tim Kennelly was also impressive, although it looks like his immediate future will see him on the mound, and Corey Adamson showed potential to develop further.<br/><br/><strong>Fact Four: The ABL still has a way to go to reach a premier level of competition...</strong><br/><br/>Mitch Dening was one of the league leaders in hitting in 2012-2013. In 42 games (173 ABs) he hit .347 with five home runs.<br/><br/>In 44 games, Brad Harman hit .259 with six home runs.<br/><br/>In 28 games, Justin Huner hit .220 with two home runs.<br/><br/>Between them, these guys went THREE FOR THIRTY ONE. That is .096 average. Yes, the conditions weren't ideal. Yes they faced a hostile crowd in one game. But ultimately the reason for the low average was the calibre of the pitching they faced. This really highlights the gap in pitching quality between the ABL and other international leagues. <br/><br/><strong>Fact five: ...But there were glimpses of brilliance from ABL pitchers (and the bullpen generally)</strong><br/><br/>While each of the games got away from Team Australia's pitchers, a couple of ABL pitchers really stood up. <br/><br/>Chris Oxspring threw 7.2 innings (including five innings of 1 hit ball today), allowing a respectable three earned runs.<br/><br/>Andrew Russell threw two solid innings, allowing just one hit and one walk.<br/><br/>Steve Kent threw two innings, allowing just one hit. <br/><br/>Brendan Wise threw 1.1 innings allowing just one hit. <br/><br/>In addition to the performances from the ABL representatives, we also saw respectable performances from Rowland-Smith and Tanner.<br/><br/><strong>Fact six: we got to give some youngsters exposure to the world stage. </strong><br/><br/>Some of our young talent got the chance to play in a high level, competitive tournament. Kandilas, Adamson, Roberts, Saupold, Tanner, Russell among others all got to play. They will be better for it next time round. <br/><br/>All in all, we can take away some positives from the tournament. I will be interested to see if anyone ends up with a contract as a result of the trip, and also to see what happens with qualifying for the next WBC. On a plus note, I think the tournament demonstrated that there is a growing community of supporters in Australia, and the banter and support shown over social media was a personal highlight for me. I hope it can continue. <br/><br/>So, all in all, I'd like to congratulate the team and support staff and the ABF. Thanks for your efforts, I look forward to cheering you on next time!<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-31216551192540431872013-02-22T23:08:00.001+11:002013-02-22T23:16:00.960+11:00Brett Roneberg chats about the World Baseball Classic<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In north Queensland in the mid-90s, teenaged Brett Roneberg was turning heads in the Australian baseball community. After representing Queensland at the Under 18 tournament in 1996, Brett signed with the Florida Marlins following meetings with a bloke called Jon Deeble. He went on to play in the inaugural Australian Baseball League, he represented Australia at a multitude of tournaments, and collected an Olympic Silver medal in 2004. He spent 11 years in the minors and finished up with a pretty tidy line of .276/.359/.404. And he had one hell of a tournament at the 2009 World Baseball Classic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiol0ND2P7Y9M6xU_H7731T2RaPHeOBQto8WCDgmGMk8jBVsK1aG6n_u-qI7-6KLFylQCPIR4pe73jcwaIOpcSExEGm8CDPfMKF8auC6lsT5w86m3SchJ3aRKEqnPVbzskb3wKi3WfdTUDR/s1600/xa00624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiol0ND2P7Y9M6xU_H7731T2RaPHeOBQto8WCDgmGMk8jBVsK1aG6n_u-qI7-6KLFylQCPIR4pe73jcwaIOpcSExEGm8CDPfMKF8auC6lsT5w86m3SchJ3aRKEqnPVbzskb3wKi3WfdTUDR/s320/xa00624.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roneberg after signing with the Marlins in 1996 (image credit: http://www.ronebergcairns.com)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday, 8 March 2009.
Mexico City. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twenty thousand die-hard Mexican baseball fans turned out to cheer
on their team. It is the 2009 World Baseball Classic, and Team Australia have
entered a hostile territory to face off against Mexico - a country with a rich
and extensive baseball heritage. The Australian team is far from inexperienced:
some have played in the big leagues, some have years of minor league service,
some have played pro ball in Europe and Asia, and some own an Olympic silver
medal. But they are a long way from home, and facing a starting line-up with
major league experience from top to bottom, and a major leaguer on the mound. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foro Sol Stadium - Mexico City</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Team Mexico sent
major league pitcher Oliver Perez to the mound to face off against the Aussie
challengers, few could have predicted the
result that was to come. A record 22 hits, including four home runs, led
to a 17-7 mercy rule victory. To the Australians. The Mexican fans pelted the
field with nuts and bolts from the stadium, and a group of Australian officials
had to be herded into the team bus to get out of the stadium safely. Yet again,
Team Australia had shown it could play ball.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fairy tale didn't
quite come true for Australia in the '09 Classic. Facing Mexico again just
three days later - after narrowly losing to another powerhouse, Cuba, 5-4
- they took a 16-1 loss that was over in
the sixth inning and were eliminated from the tournament.
The one home run in that game belonged to Brett Roneberg. It was to be his last
ever professional at bat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roneberg is welcomed by his teammates after crossing the plate in the 09 WBC</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 2009 World
Baseball Classic was a remarkable one for the Australian team. They took down
one of the best nations in baseball and did it with style. It was a typical
display of Australian competitiveness and tenacity, and of the great Aussie
tradition of the underdog. Players up and down the line-up put up huge results.
These were punctuated by the numbers put up by the veteran Roneberg. In the early stages of the campaign, manager
Deeble said Brett was one of the top five hitters in the country. By the end of
the tournament, this looked like a huge understatement. Roneberg led the entire
WBC tournament in batting average (.714), slugging percentage (1.286) and OPS
(2.036). With numbers like this, I thought Brett would be the perfect guy to
ask about the WBC in the lead up to the 2013 campaign. I tracked him down to
re-live his 2009 experience, and to seek his thoughts on the 2013 edition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brett is a busy guy
these days. He currently lives and works in both Cairns and Darwin, working in
the construction and civil works industry, and he is also planning a wedding
for October with his fiancée Kahlia. After exchanging a couple of short phone
calls, I put a few questions to him about the tournament, focusing on his
standout performance. Funnily enough the first thing that stuck with him was
the bad stomach bug he copped in the build up to the tournament. "I
guess one of the things I remember most was being extremely sick up until the
third game," he said. It hadn’t been an ideal preparation for the team,
with much of the squad falling ill during the build up. Deeble commented at the
time that during the trip from Arizona to Mexico, Brett spent "the whole trip
in the bathroom vomiting" and some of the other guys weren't much better.
"I didn't train in Arizona," recalls Brett, "and when I was
batting I was constantly thinking about feeling sick." It seemed to work
wonders for him though, and he found some clarity and focus once he hit the
field: "There was no pressure at all because my mind was occupied". <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This wasn't the first
time Brett had experienced a sublime run of form, but it was mighty impressive.
Six at bats. Three singles. One double and a home run. Not to mention a couple
of important walks, and a sac bunt. Talk about a great time to turn it on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I had some good runs of games, like
Athens 2004," Brett told me. "My favourite highlights were the 1-0 win
against Japan in the Olympics to go through to the gold medal game," he
recalls fondly. "We didn't win [at the WBC] in Mexico but we sure opened some eyes
around the world. They knew we came to play. Being in the box during the WBC I
had some of the best approaches I ever had. I had
just a completely comfortable feeling, and it showed in my results." It seems that the whole team was feeling the
same sense of purpose. "We just seemed to gel as a team, it was great.
Having the lead up games really helped get us together and we knew we could
match it with anyone, we weren't overawed by any of them, everyone pulled for
everyone," says Brett. "The great thing about playing for Australia
was that it didn't matter how you played but only if you won. Winning as a team
was all that mattered."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shortly after the
final game of the campaign, after a humbling defeat at the hands of a vengeful
Mexican team, coach Jon Deeble faced a press conference, with Roneberg by his
side. Someone asked Brett: "what do you think [the WBC] does for your
career moving forward?" Brett's reply: "Speaking of the career moving
forward, I'm not playing anymore, it's my last tournament unfortunately. But
I've played for almost ten years now for Australia, and it's been an amazing
experience. I've seen us get better from a Silver Medal [in the Olympics] now to the pros
we've got playing in the Big Leagues." He also remarked on what would
continue to be a challenge for the tournament - the availability of the best
players from each country. "We have guys
that could have been here, we could have been an amazing team, and without
those guys we still competed with the best in the world," he told
reporters. "It's an experience I'll never forget and something I'll
cherish for the rest of my life." Talking with me in 2013 he recalls his final home run. "As I ran around the bases I knew I was finished playing. It was a sad and happy feeling at the same time. But it was great to finish how I wanted to - with a homerun, just like my good friend Paul Gonzalez did in Athens." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I get the impression
that Brett is a guy who really knows his baseball. In the short communications I had with him, he showed real
thoughtfulness about the game. I asked him if he'd been following the
Australian Baseball League and what he thought about it. "It looks good so far, I just hope it can
continue to grow and attract more fans," he said. "I know it's tough with all the other
sports, but the people running it are doing a great job". He says he doesn’t
really watch Major League Baseball anymore, but when he does he likes to
"watch the game within the game, seeing things that really affect an at
bat: a 'move em over', a first pitch
strike or a good pitch behind in the count." He says he still gets around
in the local Cairns league [I pity the opposing pitchers] with some people he
grew up with but "that's as far as it goes."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Team Australia
continues its lead up to the 2013 World Baseball Classic, the fans at home will
be hoping they can replicate - and build on - the remarkable story written by
Roneberg and co in 2009. For his part, Brett says "anything can happen in
nine innings, we have proved that before. I hope to be watching and seeing
it happen again."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So do we. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I highly recommend you check out the veritable treasure trove of information available on Brett's father Geoff's website:<a href="http://ronebergcairns.com/brettbcindex.html" target="_blank"> http://ronebergcairns.com/brettbcindex.html</a>. It is an incredible tribute to Brett's career, and includes photos, videos, and some amazing behind the scenes insights. </span></i></b></div>
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Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-3192543027491713062013-02-06T21:32:00.000+11:002013-02-06T21:51:04.831+11:00Aussie baseballers invited to Spring Training 2013Spring training is just around the corner, and there will be plenty of Aussies (and ex-ABL imports) plying their wares in the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues.<br />
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Here is the initial list that I have identified as at today - I think it is quite comprehensive, but I may have missed some, if I have, let me know! The links will take you through to their MLB.com page.<br />
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<b>Non roster invitees </b><br />
<i>Australian players</i><br />
Allan de San Miguel - Catcher - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=bal" target="_blank">Baltimore Orioles</a><br />
Josh Spence - LHP - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=nyy" target="_blank">New York Yankees</a><br />
Rich Thompson - RHP - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=tor" target="_blank">Toronto Blue Jays</a><br />
James Beresford - SS - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=min" target="_blank">Minnesota Twins</a><br />
Trent Oeltjen - OF - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=ana" target="_blank">Los Angeles Angels</a><br />
Matt Kennelly - Catcher - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=atl" target="_blank">Atlanta Braves</a><br />
Peter Moylan - RHP - <a href="http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=la" target="_blank">Los Angeles Dodgers</a><br />
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<i>Australian Baseball League import players</i><br />
Tyler Collins - OF - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=det" target="_blank">Detroit Tigers</a> (Sydney Blue Sox 2011)<br />
Adam Buschini - OF - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=sd" target="_blank">San Diego Padres</a> (Canberra Cavalry 2012)<br />
Mark Thomas - C - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=502620#gameType='R'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012&level='ALL'" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Rays</a> (Canberra Cavalry 2011)<br />
Jack Murphy - C - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=571975#gameType='R'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012&level='ALL'" target="_blank">Toronto Blue Jays</a> (Canberr Cavalry 2012)<br />
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<b>Australian players on the 40-Man Major League rosters</b><br />
Grant Balfour - RHP - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=oak" target="_blank">Oakland Athletics</a><br />
Travis Blackley - LHP - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=oak" target="_blank">Oakland Athletics</a><br />
Liam Hendriks - RHP - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=min" target="_blank">Minnesota Twins</a><br />
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<b>Australian Baseball League import players on 40-man Major League rosters</b><br />
Brandon Barnes - OF - <a href="http://astros.mlb.com/team/roster_active.jsp?c_id=hou" target="_blank">Houston Astros</a> (Sydney Blue Sox 2011)<br />
Donald Lutz - OF - <a href="http://reds.mlb.com/team/roster_active.jsp?c_id=cin" target="_blank">Cincinatti Reds</a> (Canberra Cavalry 2010)<br />
Didi Gregorious - SS - <a href="http://diamondbacks.mlb.com/team/roster_active.jsp?c_id=ari" target="_blank">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> (Canberra Cavalry 2010)<br />
Brandon Maurer - RHP - <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=543506#gameType='R'" target="_blank">Seattle Mariners</a> (Adelaide Bite 2010)<br />
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Pitchers and catchers report next week, so there will be a flurry of activity coming up. Should be exciting! Would be great to see Ryan Rowland-Smith and Luke Hughes get their name in on the action too.Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-48795686394020068142013-02-02T09:30:00.000+11:002013-02-02T13:50:21.469+11:00Getting to know Team Australia Part Two<a href="http://ozmlbplayers.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/getting-to-know-team-australia.html" target="_blank">Earlier this week</a> I offered some ramblings about what I thought the pitching options for Team Australia might look like.<br />
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There's been a few interesting opinions expressed as a result, including:<br />
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Looks like there is a fair bit of love out there for Oxspring and Saupold, some mixed feelings around Thomas, and a bit of support for Searle and Rowland-Smith. I still reckon Oxspring is most likely to be the number one starter, and tend to agree with the above sentiments that after Oxspring, it could go a number of ways. Time will tell!<br />
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So today I thought I might take a stab at a line-up card for the first game. Here's what I came up with:<br />
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Here's why I went with it.</div>
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<li><b>Beresford</b> is locked in as the starting shortstop, and he's a lead off guy - has done it for the Aces, did it for Team Australia at the World Cup. Obvious choice to lead off. (Although, another option would be to put Kandilas in at lead off and push the rest of the order down a spot)</li>
<li>Once Beresford is in at short, the rest of the infield needs to fall into place. The next most obvious selection is to put <b>Harman</b> in at second - I see him definitely in the starting lineup and I don't see him playing any other position (since shortstop is occupied by Beresford)</li>
<li>With Harman at second, <b>Luke Hughes</b> would be pushed to either firstbase, third base, or DH. I am tipping DH, because...</li>
<li>I reckon we will give this young <b>Walker </b>bloke a real shot.<a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=walker006mic"> The guy hit 24 doubles, 1 triple and 12 homeruns at A+ last year</a>, and these are <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=welch-001ste">very similar numbers</a> to the guy who I think will be on the opposite corner of the diamond, <b>Stefan Welch </b>(although Welch split his year between A+ and AA). Compare the numbers of either of these guys to Justin Huber, the main other competitor for a 1B or DH spot and the decision is pretty clear (Huber has just three doubles and two homers in more than <a href="https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.theabl.com.au%2Fmilb%2Fstats%2Fstats.jsp%3Fpos%3DDH%26sid%3Dt4065%26t%3Dp_pbp%26pid%3D408311&ei=K8oLUcqcArGOiAeNg4DYCQ&usg=AFQjCNHdbhpgze1Iz5jjCmv7XE4nBq5ujA&bvm=bv.41867550,d.aGc" target="_blank">120 ABs for the Aces this year</a>, in a big decline on his 2010 and 2011 numbers)</li>
<li>In terms of the outfield - I fully acknowledge I have a bit of Blue Sox bias, but...- I think <b>Dening</b>, <b>Snelling</b> and <b>Kandilas</b> will form the starting three. I expect <b>Adamson </b>will do an amazing job coming off the bench for pinch run situations and/or to give improved defense late in games - and he may well get a start later in the series - depending on how things go. I'd say he will play a similar role to the role played by Kandilas <a href="http://www.ibaf.org/stats/2011/panama/games/aus.htm" target="_blank">at the World Cup in 2011</a>). <b>Josh Roberts</b> could be a bit of a bolter - he could take Snelling's spot - but also could feature as a pinch hitter in late innings. In this lineup I'd put Snelling in at five to capitalise on his OBP prowess and set the table for Dening and Walker, if not also clean up the guys above him. Kandilas would slot in at number nine - a spot he has worked wonders in for the Blue Sox in recent seasons</li>
<li>At catcher it's pretty much splitting hairs. <b>Kennelly </b>and <b>de San Miguel </b>both saw time behind the dish at the 2011 World Cup, both played AA in 2012, and even though de San has had the better of it in the 2012 ABL, I think de San Miguel should get the edge - but it is a very close run race. Although actually, now that I am really looking at the numbers, I think I could make a good argument for Kennelly as well.... you check it out and see what you think:</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLp4-srAqH686my4Ujht4Mu1AUVjt9DFFmA_djG04DM2ttq54oxF-cD_dw7sdz7XsLZJbQedwnQI6u0pa7papYWEKrJTWIRtomEHFPOvPMACyFc5vGY5HLOxOVMpg74kqfsCXwJFLBrazf/s1600/kennellydesanstats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLp4-srAqH686my4Ujht4Mu1AUVjt9DFFmA_djG04DM2ttq54oxF-cD_dw7sdz7XsLZJbQedwnQI6u0pa7papYWEKrJTWIRtomEHFPOvPMACyFc5vGY5HLOxOVMpg74kqfsCXwJFLBrazf/s400/kennellydesanstats.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>To cut a long story short, de San showed a bit more pop, but struck out more than Kennelly. In the field it was very close behind the dish, de San shows a better caught stealing average, but had 5 passed balls to Kennelly's zero. Tough decision this one!</li>
<li>The above lineup would leave Kennelly, Josh Davies, Corey Adamson, Justin Huber and Josh Roberts on the bench. This would give a good mix of abilities to use depending on the situation, and looks to be quite balanced.</li>
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Let me know what you think the lineup would/should be - send me a tweet to @ozmlbplayers, or leave a comment!<br />
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I am starting to get really excited about the whole thing! Australia should be able to put up a reasonably competitive team, and if they can get a bit of patriotic competitiveness going, I think they could well end up in the second round.<br />
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If you haven't already, it would be great if you could <a href="http://ozmlbplayers.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/send-me-to-mlb-fan-cave.html" target="_blank">check out my application for the World Baseball Classic Fan Cave</a>! Winners are announced after 11 February!Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-51850089677389272852013-01-30T22:46:00.001+11:002013-02-02T23:30:04.478+11:00Getting to know Team Australia Now that the Team Australia provisional roster for the World Baseball Classic has been released, we can start to get some idea as to how the team might shape up on the field. The roster is made up of a real mix of players - there are some absolute stalwarts of Australian baseball, guys with major league experience, as well as a bunch of young prospects, some stars from the ABL, and one or two virtual unknowns. When looking through the squad there are some reasonably clear positional decisions, but also a few positions that could be up in the air. Will management go for experience or form? Will they rely on reputation and big league game time, or will they look to give some youngsters a go? These are all the questions we can mull over in the lead up to the tournament on 2 March.<br />
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I've taken a bit of a wander through the recent experiences of the players on the provisional roster, and checked out the strategic decisions that can be seen through the 2011 Baseball World Cup line-ups I'm tipping that overall the Team Australia line-up will be very experienced in terms of starting pitching, and that our offensive line-up will give some less experienced guys the chance to really step up. Check out my ramblings below for the full picture!<br />
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<strong>Starting pitchers</strong><br />
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Yeah, yeah there are a few big arms missing from the list (Balfour, Blackley, Spence, Hendriks, Thompson etc). But so what? There's still some real high quality experience on that list. Of the 14 pitchers on the provisional roster, there are six who I think can stake a legitimate claim to a starting spot:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8Y4YaTut36Fwt9liOUaw-UryqAPDOKkybJa7nnFzbbYMq7gb-J1cSlaNk_SiAV-1yoo_pc6s78m7nYW-g6LjuVHWrzPiygcYgRnSRE10E8Ad2F_nQzd_a_6bDZybM7N2fFyPTnsIX5tT/s1600/AU3Y1853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8Y4YaTut36Fwt9liOUaw-UryqAPDOKkybJa7nnFzbbYMq7gb-J1cSlaNk_SiAV-1yoo_pc6s78m7nYW-g6LjuVHWrzPiygcYgRnSRE10E8Ad2F_nQzd_a_6bDZybM7N2fFyPTnsIX5tT/s200/AU3Y1853.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Oxspring (SMP Images/JoeVella)</td></tr>
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<b>1. </b><strong>Chris Oxspring: </strong>Although his five major league appearances were as a reliever, Oxspring has spent the bulk of his extensive minor league career as a starter. He has been arguably the best starting pitcher in the Australian Baseball League over the past three years. In 2012-2013 he has struck out 86 over 79.2 innings, posting a 2.71 ERA. Oxspring's vast experience, which includes time pitching in Asia, as well as a coaching role at the Blue Sox, situated him well to take a leadership role for Team Australia, and I would hand him the ball for game one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKEnV1Fg5VrHumtePrXaWVLSXhWJKtoBkNW0fsLoWldWllKy-0GEYWxEDXxaMyeGzrfvL5qs_V7BfDAE-Ucn95QKRkUabAZOJZjCt2KTzdyttkJN6yWNseRM5OZNORrjZN93Bth7DRUKW/s1600/AU3Y8351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKEnV1Fg5VrHumtePrXaWVLSXhWJKtoBkNW0fsLoWldWllKy-0GEYWxEDXxaMyeGzrfvL5qs_V7BfDAE-Ucn95QKRkUabAZOJZjCt2KTzdyttkJN6yWNseRM5OZNORrjZN93Bth7DRUKW/s320/AU3Y8351.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dushan Ruzic (SMP Images/Joe Vella)</td></tr>
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<strong>2. Dushan Ruzic: </strong>Ruzic has been a reliable performer for Team Australia over the past few years, and has been very consistent for the Adelaide Bite in the ABL. Like Oxspring, he started three games for Team Australia in the 2011 World Cup, and he put in some strong performances at previous international competitions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z9lrlTbuvUxJMTncRQoNy5HbmaLGIOeNLhgGbimEnB0xcMLqMgORA_PGjLTqBRo06GsLNYmHaWxW2Ga7RarqJzuJ2QwrfEX2m0KcrLq7QDsTf14Jhdw-o2Iq0SwfZRwi81hzlxDXboWU/s1600/A39K2987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z9lrlTbuvUxJMTncRQoNy5HbmaLGIOeNLhgGbimEnB0xcMLqMgORA_PGjLTqBRo06GsLNYmHaWxW2Ga7RarqJzuJ2QwrfEX2m0KcrLq7QDsTf14Jhdw-o2Iq0SwfZRwi81hzlxDXboWU/s320/A39K2987.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warwick Saupold (SMP Images/Scott Powick)</td></tr>
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<strong>3. Warwick Saupold: </strong>Looks to be a contender for a starting spot. He had a blistering 2011-2012 ABL campaign, where he went 5-3 in 10 starts, with an ERA of just 1.41. This earned him a contract with the Detroit Tigers, where he impressed through 2012. He started the year at Class A West Michigan, where he featured almost solely as a reliever. He then pitched at High A, where he started five of his seven games, going 2-2 with a 3.77 ERA. Returning to the Perth Heat midway through the ABL season, he has made four starts, going 1-1 with a 2.95 ERA.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1DIB9mlP5aUvZqoJjpRf9oQirDrOaaP5PsuIbLaJyZ8ltQuBiwMqktOEgGBdWgLgb7Hu1lzH1P2DFXTxQXQdIGYgQp7yR5CQC_c23yEzb_VdUykxoYWtiM-cZSE4lcTrxgXe0uGaXSvZ/s1600/A14K8082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1DIB9mlP5aUvZqoJjpRf9oQirDrOaaP5PsuIbLaJyZ8ltQuBiwMqktOEgGBdWgLgb7Hu1lzH1P2DFXTxQXQdIGYgQp7yR5CQC_c23yEzb_VdUykxoYWtiM-cZSE4lcTrxgXe0uGaXSvZ/s200/A14K8082.jpg" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan Searle (SMP Images/Scott Powick)</td></tr>
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<strong>4. Ryan Searle</strong><strong>: </strong>His ABL campaign has followed a similar pattern to Saupold. He began the season as a reliever (and spent the bulk of his 2012 US season in the bullpen) but in his five games since Christmas he has started. He started two games for Team Australia at the 2011 World Cup, putting up an ERA of just 0.73. If he doesn't start at the WBC, he will definitely be available for long relief if needed.<br />
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<b>5. </b><strong>Brad Thomas: </strong>Thomas brings a wealth of experience to the squad, including pitching in the Taiwan league, which is hosting the tournament. He has put up improved numbers in the ABL 2012-2103 season. His strikeout rate is up from 5.24/9 innings to 8.6/9 innings, and he is giving up less frequent walks. Big chance to start for Team Australia.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dOOB-mj640s96CvVj1-zRICl32JJdFZDDAIIZn9ijyr-ULmxJ6EYG5B3aGCYF5A_IdsJT56xCFjhFHArd1kASAgIZNWqux66VkfDGOiE3pWg0EaiZBsHMbIPda8OjKIBR3YbTg0cadDS/s1600/AZ7U1769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dOOB-mj640s96CvVj1-zRICl32JJdFZDDAIIZn9ijyr-ULmxJ6EYG5B3aGCYF5A_IdsJT56xCFjhFHArd1kASAgIZNWqux66VkfDGOiE3pWg0EaiZBsHMbIPda8OjKIBR3YbTg0cadDS/s400/AZ7U1769.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad Thomas (SMP Images/Joe Vella)</td></tr>
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<b>6. </b><strong>Ryan Rowland-Smith: </strong>The last solid year of major league pitching for Rowland-Smith was in 2009. In 2010 he put up a 1-10 record in 20 starts. That was enough to see him part ways with the Mariners, and he signed a minor league deal with the Astros for 2011. He started 21 games that year, going just 2-11, with a 5.90 ERA. Has had struggles controlling walk rates, and these continued with the Cubs at AAA in 2012. There he went 3-6 in 30 appearances (eight starts) with a 3.94 ERA. He has a more extensive major league record than most of the roster, but recent form is hard to measure. Will either be used in long relief or as a second or third starter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0eHw2ojGRT93B_JFG4pNLo_F9R3nBlP0JubnxaRvwcGeg-96Q8ivzbUdvqdSBNKu-cRrqcU-rhk4u8PziPK13fj4komABTeKckRgG4QB8mrQF8eNfwb5i6DDR17MhB64fiy_Oo7LxYGy/s1600/A39K9635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0eHw2ojGRT93B_JFG4pNLo_F9R3nBlP0JubnxaRvwcGeg-96Q8ivzbUdvqdSBNKu-cRrqcU-rhk4u8PziPK13fj4komABTeKckRgG4QB8mrQF8eNfwb5i6DDR17MhB64fiy_Oo7LxYGy/s320/A39K9635.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan Rowland-Smith (SMP Images / Scott Powick)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Interestingly, there is a pattern among some of the guys who have pitched in the ABL this year. Ryan Searle, Warwick Saupold and Brad Thomas all have a similar throwing pattern over the past few months. Each of them joined their respective ABL club midway through the season, and each made a handful of relief appearances before joining the starting rotation. This could be entirely coincidental or it could be a part of pre-WBC audition. Either way, it looks like each of these guys could be in contention.<br />
<br />
My gut feel is that the opening three starters will be Oxspring, Ruzic and <strike>Thomas</strike> Saupold [after watching the Heat v Sox final].<br />
<br />
<b>Relievers</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAp1g0P9rsesdlr3J_x4EIpLMHurhTKdKBLEHULORxy0qOxjIaqDQtl96jwCsEkonUhHYc2EHO9sz-OhyqVRp2xJgUpNw7B3dvyPGQgTdaONvY92KPQqfVlBZHR3qnqgnh0Cmf2Q4ByD4Y/s1600/AZ7U3944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAp1g0P9rsesdlr3J_x4EIpLMHurhTKdKBLEHULORxy0qOxjIaqDQtl96jwCsEkonUhHYc2EHO9sz-OhyqVRp2xJgUpNw7B3dvyPGQgTdaONvY92KPQqfVlBZHR3qnqgnh0Cmf2Q4ByD4Y/s200/AZ7U3944.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Russell (SMP Images/Joe Vella)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bearing in mind the above selections as likely starters, this leaves a bunch of other guys in the bullpen. My thoughts are that a combination of Andrew Russell, Matt Williams and Brendan Wise will be used to close out the late innings. This means for other situations there would be a trio of leftys - Adam Bright, Steve Kent and Clayton Tanner - and a pair of right handers - Tim Kennelly and Peter Moylan.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Check in later this week for part two, where I try to piece together our defensive line-up and batting order! And of course, please let me know what you think - either leave a comment, or send me a message on twitter.<br />
<div id="blogsy_footer" style="font-size: small; text-align: right;">
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Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-90079301089697657082013-01-15T00:11:00.002+11:002013-02-02T01:12:16.981+11:00Guessing the Team Australia WBC Roster<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl3nXRqbE4MVgGkoWT6DuVw6_p-bAGXpEw95EfbkZSSz6k-UVtG00-JYTYRVsqMaInI9gDAT5_cn6WfHUqdxxfRZ41dHIONP4oKNlTpyfA9pkrwUbH7yUC1A6yxKl8oOqiMZoi77zEVXI/s1600/deebleWBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl3nXRqbE4MVgGkoWT6DuVw6_p-bAGXpEw95EfbkZSSz6k-UVtG00-JYTYRVsqMaInI9gDAT5_cn6WfHUqdxxfRZ41dHIONP4oKNlTpyfA9pkrwUbH7yUC1A6yxKl8oOqiMZoi77zEVXI/s200/deebleWBC.jpg" width="168" /></a>So the Team Australia roster for the World Baseball Classic is <a href="http://twitter.com/TeamAusBaseball/status/290724079202361344">due to be released later this week</a>. We have already seen the rosters for some other countries released, with <a href="http://web.worldbaseballclassic.com/2013/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130113&content_id=40948014&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb">some impressive players being selected</a>. I thought I might turn my mind to who we could expect to see in the green and gold. I took a good look at the roster for the '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_World_Baseball_Classic_rosters#Australia">09 WBC</a>, as well as the '<a href="http://www.teamaustralia.baseball.com.au/?Page=89193&MenuID=Archives%2F25465%2F0%2CTeam_Australia_Men%2F25466%2F0%2C2012_Australia_Series%2F25696%2F0%2F0">Australia Series</a>' against the Sydney Blue Sox, and the <a href="http://web.theabl.com.au/league1/page.jsp?ymd=20121208&content_id=40571454&vkey=league1_l595&fext=.jsp&sid=l595">ABL All Star Game</a> from 2012.<br />
<br />
Under the <a href="http://web.worldbaseballclassic.com/wbc/2013/about/rules.jsp">World Baseball Classic official rules</a>, each country must name a 28 man roster, with 13/14 pitchers and at least two catchers. I've used these guidelines for my guesses below.<br />
<br />
I have also made some assumptions about who will be unavailable for the tournament. Given their reasonably unstable roster positions, I think it is unlikely we will see Josh Spence, Liam Hendriks, Rich Thompson and Travis Blackley. I recognize that Luke Hughes is in a similar predicament, but I also recall reading somewhere (which I can't now remember) that he'd committed to play. As for Grant Balfour, I would be very (pleasantly) surprised if he played - he usually works real hard through Spring Training, and I think the WBC would not suit his preferred build up.<br />
<br />
With that in mind, here we go:<br />
<br />
<b>PITCHERS</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Tim Atherton </b>(23): rock solid ABL season so far, showed dependability in the All Star game.</li>
<li><b>Adam Bright</b> (28): was there in '09, and is having a pretty tidy ABL season. </li>
<li><b><b>John Hussey</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> (26): quietly putting together a solid year for the Aces - 2.10 ERA and WHIP under 1.20 in his last ten games - last three as a starter. </span></b></li>
<li><b>Steve Kent</b> (24) : was named in the ABL All Star squad, has 20 strikeouts and just 2 walks in 14 innings of work in the ABL so far this year</li>
<li><b>Dan McGrath</b> (18): played in the ABL All Star game, one of our younger pitching prospects, they will take him as a development opportunity</li>
<li><b>Paul Mildren</b> (28): not having his best ABL season, but he is a stalwart of Aussie pitching - was there in '06 and '09 - he must be there again</li>
<li><b>Peter Moylan</b> (34): played for Australia in '06, he is fit and looking for a gig in 2013 - great opportunity for him to impress and to help out the national team</li>
<li><b>Chris Oxspring</b> (35): was named to the provisional squad in '09 but did not feature in the tournament. Surely he has to be one of the first selections - he has been dominant in the ABL for three years. His stuff might not be as sharp as it once was, but he is getting results. </li>
<li><b>Kyle Perkins </b>(21): like McGrath, one of our pitching prospects. Was very effective in the ABL All Star Game, great opportunity for him. </li>
<li><b>Ryan Rowland-Smith </b>(29): one of our more experienced pitchers who has demonstrated his intent to play in the WBC by appearing in the ABL All Star game. A walk up start. </li>
<li><b>Dushan Ruzic</b> (31): was named in the ABL All Star game, also named in the '09 WBC provisional squad. Gives some pitching variety, and can play a number of roles, including eating up some innings if needed.</li>
<li><b>Warwick Saupold </b>(23): solid year in the minors last year, and putting up great numbers in the ABL.</li>
<li><b>Ryan Searle</b> (23): had a great year last year, finishing in AAA and is building a strong season for the Bandits this year</li>
<li><b>Brad Thomas</b> (35): I'm a little unsure about Thomas, he has been at times unreliable in the ABL - but he does have experience pitching in Asia, which I think is a big plus for the pool games</li>
<li><b>Brendan Wise</b> (27): having another great year in the ABL and played in the '09 tournament.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Another intriguing option would be to take <b>Tim Kennelly, </b>who could give some versatility with both the bat and ball. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>CATCHERS</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Allan de San Miguel </b>(24): he's been the best Aussie catcher in the ABL for a while now and I think he has earnt his spot in this squad as the starting backstop</li>
<li><b>Matt Kennelly </b>(23): had a good year at AA last year, and has been very consistent in recent years for the Heat</li>
<li><b>Ryan Battaglia </b>(20): there's a good chance we will take a young catcher along- Ryan was selected in the All Star game, so could get a start here.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>INFIELD</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>James Beresford</b> (23): posted solid numbers in his first year of AA in 2012 and has taken no time at all to have an impact in the ABL in 2013 - hitting .333 in his first 8 games. He's got to be the starting shortstop</li>
<li><b>Brad Harman </b>(27): major league experience, played in the '09 tournament - he's the logical starting second baseman</li>
<li><b>Justin Huber </b>(30): really not having his best year in the ABL, and did not find great success at the WBC last time round - but he has a lot of experience and performed in the ABL All Star game.</li>
<li><b>Luke Hughes </b>(28): assuming he is healthy, he will be there. I think he will share time with Harman at 2B, or will play 3B or DH</li>
<li><b>Stefan Welch </b>(24): like Beresford he put up good numbers in his first year of AA last year. Will play 1B/3B</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<b>OUTFIELD</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Corey Adamson </b>(20): this kid is tearing it up in the ABL and was on the roster for the All Star Game. We will need to take some youth to develop for the future</li>
<li><b>Elliot Biddle </b>(24): putting up good numbers in the ABL and made his debut for Team Australia in the All Star game</li>
<li><b>Mitch Dening</b> (24): got some game time in the '09 WBC and sitting on a .338 average in the ABL this year with a power resurgence</li>
<li><b>Trent Oeltjen </b>(29): incredibly experienced - must be a walk up start.</li>
<li><b>Chris Snelling </b>(31): looks to have made an ABL comeback just to prepare for the WBC - an on base percentage machine, he leads the league in walks (24 in just 22 games) and is has a .469 OBP.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What do you think? Leave a comment or tweet me <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ozmlbplayers">@ozmlbplayers</a> with your thoughts.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-90668176183263340242013-01-11T00:30:00.001+11:002013-01-11T00:30:16.608+11:00Send me to the MLB Fan Cave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Send me to the cave!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/t1SNjbaL2Lg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear MLB Fan Cave
Judging Panel<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m a passionate Australian baseball fan with excellent
social media and communications skills, who would be the perfect representative
for Team Australia in the MLB Fan Cave World Baseball Classic Edition.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been watching and playing baseball all my life, from
tee-ball right through school and university. Like many people, my actual
baseball abilities never allowed me to soar to great heights, so I had to find
other ways to support the sport. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The fact that Australians have had so much success in Major
League Baseball – and in the international arena - is quite amazing when you
think about the size of the sport here. However, the mainstream media in
Australia has not historically given the sport the coverage I think it
deserves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2008 I realised that I could use my passion for the game
and my professional communication skills to help tell the story of Australian
baseball. I created my blog OzMLBplayers.com, and started to use twitter to
spread the word of Australian baseball. I have covered Aussie baseballers
through the minors, through spring training camps and through the major league
season, as well as at home in the local Australian Baseball League. I wrote
about (and cheered loudly for) Team Australia’s 2009 World Baseball Classic
campaign, and was inspired by their remarkable victory over Mexico. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I have been lucky enough to interview some of the biggest
stars in Australian baseball, and I have published blog posts designed to help
Aussies support their favourite players overseas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My work on the blog and twitter gave me the opportunity to
volunteer with the Sydney Blue Sox ABL team in 2011. I set up their website at
the start of the season and covered plenty of games on twitter and through game
stories. I was also lucky enough to appear on a radio show earlier this year to
preview the MLB season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have done all of this purely out of my love for the game
and desire for it to grow in Australia. My day job as a lawyer in the consumer
affairs industry gives me excellent communication skills and I want to put
these to good use to continue to tell the amazing stories of Australian
baseballers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am feeling great about Team Australia’s chances at the
2013 WBC, and I want to be there to cover the action and keep spreading the
word of Aussie baseball. </div>
Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-69782253295496168112012-03-24T21:49:00.002+11:002012-04-10T23:01:58.937+10:00UPDATED: Super Official Ultimate DIY Guide to following Aussies Playing Major League Baseball<i>Update 10 April 2012 - added info about ABC Strike Zone, and The Pitch newsletter</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Spring Training is a great time for a bunch of young up-and-comers to get some big league experience under their belt. This also means it is a great time to be following Aussie MLB players, as there are stacks of them doing the rounds. To support you - the ever committed Oz baseball fan, OzMLBplayers.com presents the<b> Super Official Ultimate DIY Guide to following Aussies Playing Major League Baseball.</b><br />
<br />
For a long time I have tried to share as much news as I possibly can through this blog, as well as through twitter and facebook, but with the volumes of Aussies in the US increasing, I just can't keep up. However, luckily there are a bunch of ways that any ole Aussie baseball fan can keep track of their favorite players, and I thought I might share some tips for how you can stay up to date. Depending on your budget, time, and devotion, there is a whole suite of options available. I have outlined some of my best tips below, in order of simplicity - starting with the simplest (and cheapest) and winding up to the most deluxe options.<br />
<br />
If you have any other ideas/tips - <a href="http://twitter.com/ozmlbplayers">let me know</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Pre-interwebs technology - Paper? What's that?</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Many Australian newspapers publish daily results for Major League games. Usually these amount to nothing much other than the score - we don't even get a box or a line score. So, this is really a very generic way to follow your favorite Aussies, and it is reliant on you knowing who is playing where and when. So all up, probably not the greatest way to go. However, it is an option if you're desperate!<br />
<br />
<b>Pre-interwebs technology 2.0 - the wireless</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Yes kids, 'wireless' used to mean something entirely different!<br />
<br />
Anyways, recently the ABC launched STRIKE ZONE, a fantastic digital radio show hosted by Chris Coleman (<a href="http://twitter.com/CJ_coleman">@CJ_Coleman</a> on twitter). You can listen online or through a digital radio. For more info, check out the <a href="http://blogs.abc.net.au/grandstand/">ABC Grandstand blog</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Internet v1 - its on their website!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Thanks to the goodness of the internet, we no longer have to wonder about what is going on over in the USA. We can get literally second by second updates on how teams and players are going. In terms of keeping up to date with Aussies, I suggest the following:<br />
<br />
1. Add Aussie players' 'Player Pages' to your favorites<br />
<br />
Go to MLB. com (or MILB.com for minor leaguers), in the search box type the name of the player you are interested in:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p67TVLMekAF16x5ivwiVr_ApDl3KCdYtSzf922ds4O3s9bGreW2pLihCPgsS2zcKXzXNDi8UXFi42Ht0rueF2IePw-Sp-H6Vu3Tg5femWV7WStopU_DlNx3O770Hk7XNH37H19Qw1hTU/s1600/Searchbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p67TVLMekAF16x5ivwiVr_ApDl3KCdYtSzf922ds4O3s9bGreW2pLihCPgsS2zcKXzXNDi8UXFi42Ht0rueF2IePw-Sp-H6Vu3Tg5femWV7WStopU_DlNx3O770Hk7XNH37H19Qw1hTU/s320/Searchbox.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click for a bigger version</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This will take you through to the player page, which is the hub of all the information you could want. It includes at a glance<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Stats for the last ten games</li>
<li>Total season stats</li>
<li>Career stats</li>
<li>News stories</li>
<li>Video highlights</li>
<li>and a whole bunch more, all for FREE!</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3qZJH1cFZWhFjswLkY33EAULtcrAkH2WwTy-hMuUc4VikTHnwyFkJLvT8S066hpbk1EMUnT0D8TrZRwRiY5Ll_K3UcxCXoms-WSLPoIncZYQpl2MCbmw24duwxQd2NjSD8P6B3f2xFdy/s1600/Balfourplayerpage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3qZJH1cFZWhFjswLkY33EAULtcrAkH2WwTy-hMuUc4VikTHnwyFkJLvT8S066hpbk1EMUnT0D8TrZRwRiY5Ll_K3UcxCXoms-WSLPoIncZYQpl2MCbmw24duwxQd2NjSD8P6B3f2xFdy/s200/Balfourplayerpage.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click for a bigger version</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
With modern browsers like Google Chrome, you can add shortcut buttons to each of these pages and have a nice shortcut bar at the top of your browser, so each player's page is just a click away:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLgj-2LSb_K7YNq0GmoD8-dYwEx02l68CLy31BlJM4dr6W4TFtuEX-Maf5PQfyE0F9V9lIaM9bQf051P8wSZI0zC74bWOIRvU8CmPw7nVCNStJguLB4cntGUK0IFgLy0sc9EpxabnSlnJ/s1600/links.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="20" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLgj-2LSb_K7YNq0GmoD8-dYwEx02l68CLy31BlJM4dr6W4TFtuEX-Maf5PQfyE0F9V9lIaM9bQf051P8wSZI0zC74bWOIRvU8CmPw7nVCNStJguLB4cntGUK0IFgLy0sc9EpxabnSlnJ/s200/links.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click for a bigger version</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
2. Checking box scores daily<br />
<br />
Both MLB.com and MILB.com have a very clear and useful way of displaying box scores each day, which you can quickly scan to see which Aussies have played, and how they went.<br />
<br />
Just click on 'Scoreboard', and you will be taken through to a list of all the games in progress/completed on the day. From there you can scan to see which games featured Aussies, and then click through to particular box scores.<br />
<br />
<b>Web 2.0 - have it delivered straight to you!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
There are a couple of very handy (relatively) new tools on the internet that will actually do all the hard work for you, and will deliver Aussie baseball news to your inbox/desktop/mobile/ipad etc. They are Google alerts, and RSS feeds.<br />
<br />
<i>Google alerts</i><br />
<br />
This is my number 1 tip for staying in touch with Aussie baseball news. It is so easy, it takes seconds to set up, and it delivers relevant information to your inbox quickly and regularly. This is the number one way to get up to date information about Oz MLB players.<br />
<br />
Go to Google.com/alerts. Type in the search term you wish to use (eg 'Josh Spence' or 'Trent Oeltjen'), fill in the rest of the boxes on the page, and click 'Create Alert'.<br />
<br />
You can choose what to have it send you (I recommend 'everything'), and how often. If you are dedicated, you will want to set 'as it happens', however you can also choose once a day or week. Once you have set it up, that's it, Google will deliver the news right to your inbox.<br />
<br />
The key trick with this tool is to get the search criteria right. Players like Trent Oeltjen and Ryan Rowland-Smith work well, because they have quite unique names, but search terms like Rich Thompson and Luke Hughes, or Brad Thomas can bring back stuff unrelated to our Aussie MLB compatriots. To fix this, just use a more accurate search term like 'Rich Thompson Angels', or 'Luke Hughes Twins'.<br />
<br />
<i>RSS feeds</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
While Google alerts will keep you very much up to date with specific information related to individual players, if you are looking for a bigger picture story, or are more interested in following the overall team performance, you can still get information delivered to you. RSS feeds are offered by all MLB teams, and most (if not all) minor league teams. Basically, an RSS feed streams news content directly from a website to an 'RSS reader'. This means you don't need to browse the web each day to find information relevant to you - it gets delivered to one place (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS">you can learn more here</a>). I recommend Google Reader as a simple, easy and free RSS reader - and the great think is you can sync it to apps on mobile devices (more on that later).<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Official newsletter of MLB International - The Pitch</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
MLB International produces a very decent newsletter through the MLB season containing a list of news articles, YouTube clips, statistics and local TV listings for Aussie players. You can subscribe by emailing <a href="mailto:majorleaguebaseball@bigpond.com">majorleaguebaseball@bigpond.com</a><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<br />
<b>Social media (beginner's style)</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
You can also get really good information about Aussie players through social media. All MLB clubs have twitter and facebook accounts you can follow, and many Aussie players are active on social media, including Rich Thompson, Luke Hughes, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Peter Moylan, Josh Spence, and a few minor leaguers.<br />
<br />
I have found twitter to be a really useful way to follow minor league teams, particularly at the lower levels of the system - they often don't attract a lot of large scale media coverage, but you can connect directly to the people involved at the club very easily.<br />
<br />
Here's a list of a bunch of Oz MLB players on twitter:<br />
- Peter Moylan (<a href="http://twitter.com/petermoylan">@PeterMoylan</a>)<br />
- Rich Thompson (<a href="http://twitter.com/chopper63">@chopper63</a>)<br />
- Ryan Rowland-Smith (<a href="http://twitter.com/hyphen18">@hyphen18</a>)<br />
- Josh Spence (<a href="http://twitter.com/joshspence">@joshspence</a>)<br />
- Travis Blackley (<a href="http://twitter.com/travis_blackley">@travis_blackley</a>)<br />
- Luke Hughes (<a href="http://twitter.com/lukehughes38">@lukehughes38</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>Social media (more advanced)</b><br />
<br />
There are countless twitter clients available on the internet these days. Many or most of these allow you to set up standard searches (in much the same way as you would set up a google alert). This means you can have a whole crazy dashboard set up tracking all the twitter references to all your favourite players. Google 'best twitter client' to find a whole bunch of options. I use Hootsuite, and I hear TweetDeck is pretty good too.\<br />
<br />
<b>Hack some fantasy sports sites</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Most big fantasy sports providers (see <a href="http://espn.com/">ESPN </a>or <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/">Yahoo Sports</a> for example) give the option to generate a 'watchlist' of players. Once you add a player to your watchlist, you will receive regular news and updates on your players' results.<br />
<br />
<b>Spend some money</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
So there are heaps of options if you have some cash to throw behind the cause.<br />
<br />
<i>Pay TV</i><br />
<br />
The immediate - and really starting to become old-fashioned - approach, would be to get pay TV. This is still an option these days, but in my humble opinion it might not be the best or most cost effective. If watching baseball is your only reason behind getting pay TV, I would think again. Some of the options below might be better.<br />
<br />
<i>MLB.com subscription</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Thanks to the goodness of broadband internet and the goodwill Major League Baseball, international baseball fans can get really awesome access to baseball at a reasonable price. <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/subscriptions/index.jsp?product=mlbtv&affiliateId=MLBTVREDIRECT">MLB TV</a> is the official subscription package, and for less than around AUD$150 you can get access to pretty much every single game live, or you can watch archived games later on. This year your MLB TV subscription includes a free iphone/ipad app, which will include streaming live to your mobile device. Or, if you have a <a href="http://community.eu.playstation.com/t5/PlayStation-3-Technical/MLB-TV-on-PS3-in-Australia/td-p/10677356">PS3</a> or XBOX - you can stream the feed live to your TV. The quality (assuming you have a reasonably decent internet connection) is amazing, and you can choose the home or away team feed, and use a split screen to watch up to four games at once.<br />
<br />
If you can afford to lay out the cash for this sort of set up, I highly recommend it.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in minor league baseball, you can get a similar (and much cheaper) offering through MILB.com.<br />
<br />
<i>Fly the heck to the US</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
If I had the money and the time, I would take six months off work stack up on some cash and haul ass state-side to follow the season in person. I'd choose a team and follow them across the country side - hitting up all the road trips and watching all 162 games (plus maybe a few more in Spring Training and the post season).<br />
<br />
An alternative option would be to pick out the list of minor league teams and see how many you can check out in person.This would be an ace way to see the sport at the grassroots level.<br />
<br />
Maybe one day!<br />
<br />
<b>And of course, you can follow<a href="http://twitter.com/ozmlbplayers"> ozmlbplayers on twitter</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>So as you can see, it is now easier than it has ever been to follow the growing legion of Aussies battling it out in the US. </b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>I hope this guide helps you find a way that works! If you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them, leave a comment or send your suggestions to me on twitter.</b>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-3993258790210723092011-08-23T21:58:00.000+10:002011-08-23T21:58:06.788+10:00Somewhat unfounded rumour creationSo, the ABL is right around the corner, just on the horizon, up around the bend, almost here, and I don't know about you, but I am getting excited.<br />
<br />
I am super keen to see what sort of imports the ABL bring in this year, as I think that having solid imports should be one of the key pillars of their strategy. For this reason, I have been keeping a keen eye on possible rumours or news about likely appearances from non-Aussie players. There has already been some speculation that Jose Canseco could be appearing in some sort of capacity - I am not quite sure what I think about this yet...one plus would be that a bucketload of regular Aussies will know who he is, as he has been on The Simpsons...but at the same time, he is probably not someone you would say is blessed with character and integrity.<br />
<br />
However, today I put together a few things that suggested there might be something better brewing. I am going to put it all out there - if I am wrong, I am wrong, and you can legitimately call me a crazy fanboy. But in the interests of making some sort of prediction, I offer the following:<br />
<br />
<b>We could see a few more high-level minor leaguers [possibly with Major League experience] from the Minnesota Twins organisation playing in the off season, possibly in Canberra.</b><br />
<br />
What makes me say that?<br />
<br />
Well, I have noticed a couple of things in recent days/weeks which I think indicate this could be a possibility, they are:<br />
<br />
1. The Twins are having a pretty sucky year. They have been plagued by injuries to key players, and are generally performing poorly (team ERA 4.46, 26th in MLB; team Batting Average Against .274, 29th in MLB; on base percentage .307, 28th in MLB). This has been a good thing for some of the young guns in their organisation, including not just Luke Hughes, but guys like Ben Revere, Trevor Plouffe, Danny Valencia and others on the cusp, who have benefited from the injuries to others and have had significant playing time. It seems like Revere, Hughes and Plouffe, as well as Rene Tosoni, have potential to be regular big leaguers, but as <a href="http://www.twincities.com/twins/ci_18724999?nclick_check=1">John Shipley at TwinCities.com</a> recently remarked, at least Hughes and Plouffe have not really cemented their place in the bigs just yet.<br />
<br />
2. Because they have been filling out roster spots with inexperienced players, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has been playing teacher. In particular, he has been working through some situational plays with the younger guys over the last week or two. <a href="http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/128133873.html">In an article in the Star Tribune</a> referencing special work Gardy has been putting in with Revere, Hughes and Plouffe, Gardenhire said he would be encouraging Trevor Plouffe to play Winter Ball to assist in his development. Perhaps he could join his colleague Luke Hughes on a trip down under?<br />
<br />
3. Today, Ben Revere took what has been widely recognised as a rather awesome catch (if you love a good defensive play and haven't already seen it, <a href="http://t.co/IJF9f12">check it out here</a>). This was re-tweeted in a thousand different places, and put up on stacks of Facebook pages. One such page was the Canberra Cavalry page, which added the comment 'This is an amazing catch, maybe the catch of the year. Will there be plays like this at the Fort this summer'. Now, this could be entirely innocuous or coincidental, but when you also think that there has been <i>some</i> interaction between the Cavalry and the Twins in recent times (Twins international scout Howard Norsetter signed Cavalry pitcher Tim Atherton)....it becomes tempting to believe this could be a hint at something.<br />
<br />
As I said above, I may be totally off track with this one, and I recognise it would be kind of a big deal for AAA/AAAA/MLB players to drop in to the ABL in the Winter, but maybe we could see it happen....My guess is we would be more likely to see a guy like Trevor Plouffe rather than Revere, but time will tell I guess.<br />
<br />
Only 72 days til opening night!<br />
<br />
Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-41381768536747156132011-06-26T07:55:00.001+10:002011-06-26T07:55:00.215+10:00Famous Aussie MLB debutsAnother Australian baseballer has made it to the big show, after Josh Spence successfully debuted for the San Diego Padres yesterday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfaAqrYnejTR4RNbRajO1wyKdQuHu3kWAGYRpmpGwrNSIqGzovt9XIWW58VjMSvPXhT3l38UC5bkO9ldOUk2z3qb-72-ylEtTcqrvvlU569-MIntdU_faf9TLRIZoLvxCfwi3WjUGl-0n/s1600/spencedebut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfaAqrYnejTR4RNbRajO1wyKdQuHu3kWAGYRpmpGwrNSIqGzovt9XIWW58VjMSvPXhT3l38UC5bkO9ldOUk2z3qb-72-ylEtTcqrvvlU569-MIntdU_faf9TLRIZoLvxCfwi3WjUGl-0n/s320/spencedebut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It was an impressive start.<br />
<br />
Spence faced three quality hitters in Jason Heyward, Chipper Jones and Brian MacCann, and retired them in order. It was an uplifting and energising event, and Spence clearly received a lot of support from the crowd - which included a contingent of travelling Aussies, the team, and of course his Yoda backpack.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoK11_P-eroyEivSqKTZhQDuNCvojdsMInTo02VkXmQFFKqURx93GrzOWHbU6SAZNxSOLJElGu1AxxUk3zqrDotS9WegJ7TFc7yKCKwE_lmkAsVwtRbEv97u200J0DNW0hIFSW-D7gBB3/s1600/yoda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoK11_P-eroyEivSqKTZhQDuNCvojdsMInTo02VkXmQFFKqURx93GrzOWHbU6SAZNxSOLJElGu1AxxUk3zqrDotS9WegJ7TFc7yKCKwE_lmkAsVwtRbEv97u200J0DNW0hIFSW-D7gBB3/s320/yoda.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh Spence's 'rookie backpack'</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><br />
</b><br />
Spence's exciting appearance got me thinking. Out of the other 28 Aussie major leaguers, who had great first games, and who had not so great. I thought it might be interesting to take a stroll through the history books and find out.<br />
<br />
Turns out there are quite a few success stories - including Luke Hughes, who famously homered in his first major league at bat, and Ryan Rowland-Smith, who struck out Ken Griffey Jr. Like anything though, there are also a few shockers...<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>The winners</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<i>Luke Hughes</i><br />
Luke Hughes has probably the most famous major league debut among Aussies. He first appeared for the Twins on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=201004280DET">28 April 2010</a> against the Detroit Tigers. In his first at bat - which was a split affair courtesy of Delmon Young being caught stealing third base in the second inning - he picked up a home run off Max Scherzer in the third inning. It was a fantastic start to a career that is showing some real promise, although on the day it was not enough, the Twins lost 11-6.<br />
<br />
<i>Craig Shipley</i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXQOOIHa4XKjVxwg9wUSC2cP_LNgvtBw_Xf8dyTs4aYq4Vy6RM4to7BYnJBPZaIDv_UFHChTVwHIZ66oQnNyD9Dy6tpB3L1LU_iev80QxYdZkC4qQJDzY6HNsft8DBPq71oO_t6G84NGj/s1600/177-667Fr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXQOOIHa4XKjVxwg9wUSC2cP_LNgvtBw_Xf8dyTs4aYq4Vy6RM4to7BYnJBPZaIDv_UFHChTVwHIZ66oQnNyD9Dy6tpB3L1LU_iev80QxYdZkC4qQJDzY6HNsft8DBPq71oO_t6G84NGj/s200/177-667Fr.jpg" width="141" /></a>Shipley is the first Australian of the modern era to crack the big leagues. While he spent the majority of his career with the Padres, Shipley debuted with their NL West rivals, the Dodgers, on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=198606220LAN">22 June 1986</a>. The Dodgers met the Padres in front of more than 42,000 fans at Dodger Stadium, with Shipley batting eighth and playing shortstop.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Shipley picked up an RBI in his first at bat in the second inning, when he drove home Alex Trevino from third base on a fielder's choice. In the third inning he picked up his first major league hit - a single. He ended the game 1-for-4, with one RBI, and the Dodgers lost 5-4. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The remainder of the 1986 season was a bit of a struggle for Shipley - he finished up after 12 games with just three hits from 27 at bats (.111), and it wasn't really until he signed with the Padres in 1991 that he really started to hit his straps.</div><br />
<i>Travis Blackley</i><br />
Travis Blackley first pitched for the Seattle Mariners on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200407010SEA">1 July 2004</a> against the Texas Rangers in front of a healthy crowd of 35,000 at Safeco Field.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf_Mk0H5eRwYEwWTK8Uw9otHoXDh1ExHR7sTWjOeLFTvlDc4E6itaxnzjbTiuxTgRbKbzP8z8V8rG44EqyoH2HFE4Eyy4s3VwiC-u1YC4KYSBHFbwbTeX-mpQ0syUsMkHVwKWUgCtF-uP/s1600/TravisBlackley04Studioto100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf_Mk0H5eRwYEwWTK8Uw9otHoXDh1ExHR7sTWjOeLFTvlDc4E6itaxnzjbTiuxTgRbKbzP8z8V8rG44EqyoH2HFE4Eyy4s3VwiC-u1YC4KYSBHFbwbTeX-mpQ0syUsMkHVwKWUgCtF-uP/s1600/TravisBlackley04Studioto100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf_Mk0H5eRwYEwWTK8Uw9otHoXDh1ExHR7sTWjOeLFTvlDc4E6itaxnzjbTiuxTgRbKbzP8z8V8rG44EqyoH2HFE4Eyy4s3VwiC-u1YC4KYSBHFbwbTeX-mpQ0syUsMkHVwKWUgCtF-uP/s200/TravisBlackley04Studioto100.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="146" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;">Blackley struck out the first hitter he faced, and retired the first eight hitters in a row. On top of this, he got plenty of run support from Mariners hitters - who put on seven runs over the first three innings. Blackley did not allow a hit until the fourth inning, when Mike Young picked up a double. After a couple of walks, Mark Teixeira then drove Young in on a fielder's choice - taking the score to 7-1 Mariners. </span><br />
<br />
Travis then got through the fifth inning without trouble, but couldn't stretch it through the sixth. He retired the first two hitters, but then hits to Teixeira and Hank Blalock set the table for Kevin Mench, he left the game with a 7-4 lead in place, and took the win, with the Mariners eventually winning 8-4. It was to be Blackley's best performance, and only win, of his rookie season, and he finished 2004 with an ERA over 10.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Dave Nilsson</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQoMwuc2OZXvUUgxrxFQaYFNN20Qyefn5gl5ZdbFzsWbGfg5GDgTZPlo8Fum3sI5PFbCr8rxjeGMQ79YgrwO1B0SiisWbLFf4iXHG7fMO128atvHOH-ULiXxI3Y1pvQZOZluOqFkW2rS-/s1600/DaveNilsson93Topps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQoMwuc2OZXvUUgxrxFQaYFNN20Qyefn5gl5ZdbFzsWbGfg5GDgTZPlo8Fum3sI5PFbCr8rxjeGMQ79YgrwO1B0SiisWbLFf4iXHG7fMO128atvHOH-ULiXxI3Y1pvQZOZluOqFkW2rS-/s200/DaveNilsson93Topps.jpg" width="139" /></a>Still Australia's most successful positional player, Dave Nilsson made his debut for the Milwaukee Brewers - with whom he spent his entire career - on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=199205180DET">18 May 1992</a>. While Craig Shipley had enjoyed a rousing 42,000 home crowd at Dodger Stadium, Nilsson met an away crowd of just 9680 at Tiger Stadium. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Nilsson had an impressive debut, hitting a three-run double in the eighth inning to cement the Brewers 9-1 victory. It took him almost a week to pick up his second hit, but he made it count, hitting two singles and a home run, with three RBI in a game against the Yankees.</div><br />
<br />
<i>Trent Oeltjen</i><br />
Trent Oeltjen had a whopper of a debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200908060PIT">6 August 2009</a>. They met the Pirates on the road, and came away with an 11-6 victory, and Trent racked up six at bats. He singled in his first major league at bat and promptly stole second base. Flash forward to the eighth inning, with the Diamondbacks trailing 6-5, and Trent led off with a home run to tie it at six a piece. On top of that, he picked up an outfield assist, throwing out Delwyn Young at second base.<br />
<br />
The game eventually went 12 innings, with the Diamondbacks picking up five runs in the 12th to win it.<br />
<br />
Trent kept his form hot, including going 4-for-4 on 11 August, just a homerun short of hitting the cycle. After five starts he was hitting .500, with two doubles, a triple and three home runs.<br />
<br />
<i>Ryan Rowland-Smith</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdyu3dJ-4_WP3mmd9mOjNLw-phmApKs4bHTKe5mh4fihHECvlqxRUseXHgNcHY1eZUa_P-QdR5C36VrMnAldbKQWN1x4WyrPS22zEKnikWmy9ISPRfzqo7ZZ28V1fnteCCqkxDZSfWOPp/s1600/RyanRowlandSmith07ExquisiteRookieSigs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdyu3dJ-4_WP3mmd9mOjNLw-phmApKs4bHTKe5mh4fihHECvlqxRUseXHgNcHY1eZUa_P-QdR5C36VrMnAldbKQWN1x4WyrPS22zEKnikWmy9ISPRfzqo7ZZ28V1fnteCCqkxDZSfWOPp/s320/RyanRowlandSmith07ExquisiteRookieSigs.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>Ryan Rowland-Smith had a somewhat interesting debut. He first pitched for the Mariners on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200706220SEA">22 June 2007</a> against the Cincinatti Reds. He started in the bullpen, and was called on in the sixth inning. The Reds had just smacked two home runs, and plated a total of six runs, and the scoreboard was standing at 16-0. Standing at the plate awaiting the rookie was seasoned slugger, and ex-Seattle hero, Ken Griffey.<br />
<br />
Not daunted by the occasion, Rowland-Smith went to work, and promptly struck out Griffey. He returned for the seventh inning, and allowed just one hit. He also struck out Josh Hamilton. While the game outcome was pretty deflating (a 16-1 loss), it was definitely a memorable introduction for Ryan.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<i>Rich Thompson</i><br />
Thompson faced off against the Texas Rangers on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200709010ANG">1 September 2007</a>, and worked very effectively. He struck out the first two hitters he faced, allowed a double to Ian Kinsler, and then retired Ramon Vazquez to end the inning.<br />
<br />
<i>Mark Hutton</i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The first Australian to play for the famous New York Yankees, Mark Hutton played his first game on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=199307230NYA">23 July 1993</a> at Yankee Stadium, in front of 25,000 fans. He started the game nervously, as he walked the first hitter he faced - Luis Polonia - and it continued to be a little shaky as Polonia stole second base, and then third base! Polonia went on to score on a Damion Easley sacrifice fly, but Hutton escaped the first inning allowing just the one run. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In the second inning he picked up his first major league strikeout, Chili Davis, and retired the side in order. The Yankees picked up a run in the second inning, and Hutton settled into his work with the game tied at one a piece. Hutton travelled well through the third, fourth and fifth innings, and he started the sixth inning by walking Gary DiSarcina. Di Sarcina then reached second base on a fielder's choice, before Luis Polonia singled, moving him to third. An error on a pickoff play then allowed DiSarcina to score, and after the top of the sixth, the Angels led the Yankees 2-1.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy94j44xBIt64B5P2Rj6pMc0IsFQyusqdc3742u7XwksPxLESy6CSHQ8wxSJ9Z2d2KU1BBwGjwV6ZuKyeL_M233-jazM5LRGREJECZs0nMBjLHU5I_Xcmh7OXyEfTLYBU6DzpeS_cJkogH/s1600/13174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy94j44xBIt64B5P2Rj6pMc0IsFQyusqdc3742u7XwksPxLESy6CSHQ8wxSJ9Z2d2KU1BBwGjwV6ZuKyeL_M233-jazM5LRGREJECZs0nMBjLHU5I_Xcmh7OXyEfTLYBU6DzpeS_cJkogH/s320/13174.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Yankees' bats came alive in the bottom of the sixth, with Wade Boggs, Don Mattingly, Bernie Williams and Paul O'Neill all picking up hits, scoring three runs and taking a 4-2 lead. Hutton returned to the mound for the seventh and eighth innings, and got it done without any further trouble. He picked up the win, and his final line on the day was an impressive 8IP, 3H, 2R, 1ER, 5SO, 4BB.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It was easily Hutton's best outing of the year. In the remaining six games he played in 1993 he was unable to go as deep into games as he did on debut. Later in the year he also spent some time in the bullpen too. He finished the year with 22 innings pitched over seven appearances, an ERA of 5.73, 12 strikeouts and 17 walks.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Micheal Nakamura</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Nakamura is the only Australian major leaguer to pick up a save in his first major league appearance. Debuting on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200306070SDN">7 June 2003</a> pitching for the Minnesota Twins against the San Diego Padres, Nakamura struck out the first hitter he faced, and pitched a clean 1.1 innings, allowing one hit, and picking up the save, as the Twins won 6-2.<br />
<br />
</div><i>Grant Balfour</i><br />
Balfour made his first major league appearance on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200107220MIN">22 July 2001</a> for the Twins, as they hosted the Seattle Mariners in front of more than 44,000 people at the Metrodome. Balfour relieved Kyle Lohse in the fifth inning with one out and runners at the corners. He struck out the first hitter he faced - Mike Cameron - and then escaped the inning with no damage. He returned for the sixth inning, and allowed one run, after walking Stan Javier, and giving up a single to Ichiro Suzuki. His final line for the day was 1.2 innings pitched, 1 hit, 1 run, two walks, two strikeouts. The Twins lost 6-3.<br />
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<i>Peter Moylan</i><br />
Crafty side-armer Peter Moylan began tormenting hitters on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200604120ATL">12 April 2006</a>, and who better to start his career against than divisional rivals the Phillies. Moylan pitched the eighth inning, when the Phillies had a 7-3 lead. His first opponent was Ryan Howard, who was fresh off a Rookie of the Year season, and who would go on to be 2006 MVP. Moylan retired him, and then allowed a double to David Bell before retiring the next two hitters. The Braves staged an eighth inning fightback, but were unable to get up, and lost 7-5, but it was a successful entry for Moylan.<br />
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</i><br />
<i>Mark Ettles</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijVs2gMlBYgAIcH5YXizdA4ZrO8p9HSOc1vmfefS5SXBJawfg4P77CZN1ollhPcbEfEFu35VdjS8rHWMJAWnDdOPW1IsA4ytxZ6bXOlRDh74E0FlJ7lRcZuQQM0s2eTMJQUFSjGpWttaE/s1600/Ettlesmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijVs2gMlBYgAIcH5YXizdA4ZrO8p9HSOc1vmfefS5SXBJawfg4P77CZN1ollhPcbEfEFu35VdjS8rHWMJAWnDdOPW1IsA4ytxZ6bXOlRDh74E0FlJ7lRcZuQQM0s2eTMJQUFSjGpWttaE/s200/Ettlesmark.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>Western Australia's Mark Ettles was similar to Josh Spence in some ways. He enjoyed <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ettles001mar">a number of years of minor league success</a> - largely as a reliever in the Padres organisation - and he made his debut courtesy of a June call up (<a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=199306050SDN">5 June 1993</a>). And, like Spence, Ettles struck out the first hitter he faced the Marlins outfielder Jeff Conine. He went on to have a 1-2-3 inning, and ended his major league career after 14 appearances through 1993.<br />
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</b></div><i><br />
</i><br />
<b>The shockers</b><br />
<i>Brad Thomas</i><br />
Current major leaguer, Brad Thomas, began his career with the Minnesota Twins on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200105262MIN">26 May 2001</a>, facing off against the Oakland Athletics at the Metrodome. Thomas got through the first inning without much fanfare - he allowed two walks, but no runs or hits. He did run into trouble in the second inning though.<br />
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Thomas allowed a single to Eric Chavez, who then scored on a double from Omeldo Saenz. Thomas gave up another two walks, before a wild pitch allowed another run. A single to Jason Giambi then allowed a fourth run to cross the plate. After 1.2 innings, three hits, four walks and four runs, Thomas was done for the day. He was relieved by none other than Johan Santana, and the Twins went on to win the game 7-6 in the 10th inning courtesy of a walk-off single to Torii Hunter.<br />
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</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uYcPqPfSDuJMYYm22EOsAjImIDECH7vmZFdcV3UTQi92N3AtQTkViAiRDiFb6sRQ8N9lOJ8SSEii8tqWriC8sj9PS0SuGjOStvo4hu-hSYeiEWAscJ5Ut_AQ8Tz6lvBhmuUIxkq0S7DW/s1600/dmoss95udminor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uYcPqPfSDuJMYYm22EOsAjImIDECH7vmZFdcV3UTQi92N3AtQTkViAiRDiFb6sRQ8N9lOJ8SSEii8tqWriC8sj9PS0SuGjOStvo4hu-hSYeiEWAscJ5Ut_AQ8Tz6lvBhmuUIxkq0S7DW/s200/dmoss95udminor.jpg" width="140" /></a><i>Damian Moss</i><br />
Damian Moss, big left handed reliever, made his debut with the Atlanta Braves on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200104260ARI">26 April 2001</a>. The Braves faced off against the Diamondbacks in Arizona, and got off to a good start, plating three runs in the first. However, Arizona hit back quickly, and took a 4-3 lead in the second. The Braves fought back again though, scoring two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth inning, to lead 6-4. Braves' starter Greg Maddux was chased out of the game in the sixth inning by the D-Backs hitters, who plated four runs, taking an 8-6 lead.<br />
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Matt Whiteside opened the eighth inning on the mound for the Braves, and promptly gave up back to back homeruns to the first two Diamondbacks hitters. He then gave up a single to Steve Finley, and walked Jay Bell before being replaced by Moss. At the plate stood Luis Gonzalez, who then slugged a three-run homerun to welcome Moss to the big leagues. Moss went on to retire the next two hitters, but the Braves lost 13-6.<br />
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<i>John Stephens</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLRlbcRaLf8cplHmRzWvpNiM2DIEoppgL46fcTbk8FuW_ka2ZlqlCoOJG-PtxMjxtViwa5KqOxV29nNmUQ-eWwOaXZ3qgZOfEriIYMWReNx4VAOJHyp0hC_rjZapRHrrOx9rh-YRIVXlC/s1600/john_stephens_460x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLRlbcRaLf8cplHmRzWvpNiM2DIEoppgL46fcTbk8FuW_ka2ZlqlCoOJG-PtxMjxtViwa5KqOxV29nNmUQ-eWwOaXZ3qgZOfEriIYMWReNx4VAOJHyp0hC_rjZapRHrrOx9rh-YRIVXlC/s320/john_stephens_460x300.jpg" width="320" /></a>John Stephens is a right hander from NSW, who played 12 games for the Baltimore Orioles in 2002. It was a somewhat rude welcome that met him when he took the mound against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200207300TBA">30 July 2002</a>. The Devil Rays were a terrible team that year - losing 106 games, however they were on song at Tropicana Field on 30 July.<br />
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The Orioles were retired in order in the top of the first, and Stephens took the mound to face the Rays in his first appearance. By the end of that inning, he had allowed three singles, two doubles, a grand slam home run, and six earned runs. Mercifully the inning ended when Carl Crawford was caught stealing second base. Stephens gave up home runs again in the second and third inning, and left the game after three innings staring down a 9-0 deficit.<br />
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<i>Chris Oxspring</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqaL_X1RDnkrR1kXIRPY0EG6qTHLhz3dVQgMW0ZIA1cV7AfDpPhyphenhyphenrXkauQYdylCGlxH0H53Z_KewAng6sTCAm-ehFMmwUMzPkWHofSoejDRQR8w4ZAATNJm2oJn30PUis5OOS5O-YAHNk/s1600/chris-oxpring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqaL_X1RDnkrR1kXIRPY0EG6qTHLhz3dVQgMW0ZIA1cV7AfDpPhyphenhyphenrXkauQYdylCGlxH0H53Z_KewAng6sTCAm-ehFMmwUMzPkWHofSoejDRQR8w4ZAATNJm2oJn30PUis5OOS5O-YAHNk/s200/chris-oxpring.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>On <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200509020ML4">2 September 2005</a>, the Milwaukee Brewers smashed the San Diego Padres 12-2. After the Padres' starter Brian Lawrence was hit for three runs in the first two innings, and was unable to close out the second, they called on Chris Oxspring to make his debut. Oxspring entered the game with two outs and runners on first and second. He walked the first hitter he faced - Carlos Lee - and then allowed a grand slam homerun to Geoff Jenkins, taking the score to 7-0. He allowed another home run, this time a two-run shot to Lee, in the fourth inning, and allowed another two runs in the fifth, taking the score to 11-0 to the Brewers.<br />
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Oxspring then found his groove, and retired the last six hitters he faced in order, however it was too little too late. The Padres lost 12-2, and Oxspring had the unflattering figures of 5.1 innings pitched, six hits, six runs, and three walks - although he also picked up seven strikeouts.<br />
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<b>The first game in the big leagues can certainly be a tough one - but that's baseball. With seven Aussies already in Major League Baseball this year, we are sure to see at least a few great performances. Who will be the next Aussie to make their debut, and how will they go? We look forward to finding out...</b>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-65143197326052864502011-06-19T00:56:00.000+10:002011-06-19T00:56:39.522+10:00Rich Thompson talks with OzMLBplayers.comRich Thompson has been climbing his way through the Angels' ranks for a number of years now. He first reached the bigs in 2007, but it has not been until this year that he has really cemented a spot in the big leagues.<br />
<br />
I've been following Rich's progress since 2008 and have been excited to see him crack a spot in the major league squad. I was fortunate enough to get a short interview with the very busy Thompson last week.<br />
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Rich was one of the few Aussie players with Major League experience who played in the inaugural Australian Baseball League. He pitched in three games for the Blue Sox, and picked up a record of 1-0, striking out four over three innings pitched. The support of major league players is a critical success factor for the ABL, and I was interested to hear Thompson's thoughts on the league.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDc1osH_rAO43j4tGHfXF15_rAztlIFJurwmQ4x61zZPG1WwblueazRRwVbGnVor1UkPAWBuZPJHf7saOqJw4cKywthQlRjnfBqn8cEx7dnIYLVMUkpGJ9ZCsu1dgnkst0s8nD0Nxpnlw/s1600/IMG_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDc1osH_rAO43j4tGHfXF15_rAztlIFJurwmQ4x61zZPG1WwblueazRRwVbGnVor1UkPAWBuZPJHf7saOqJw4cKywthQlRjnfBqn8cEx7dnIYLVMUkpGJ9ZCsu1dgnkst0s8nD0Nxpnlw/s400/IMG_0589.JPG" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rich Thompson pitching for the Blue Sox in the inaugural ABL season</td></tr>
</tbody></table>'It was exciting to see professional baseball back in Australia and hopefully we can continue to draw more and more attention to it,' he said. 'It's always good when you go home and spend some time with your mates while preparing for the season. The media during spring training was really interested in hearing about the new league which I think is a great platform for more exposure'.</div><br />
Following some outstanding performances through spring training in 2011, and a bit of luck through some opportunities arising through injury, Thompson scored a spot in the Angels' bullpen, and he hasn't disappointed. Through his first 20 appearances this year, he has pitched 27 innings, striking out 30, and allowing just three earned runs.<br />
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Since he has put quite a number of years into the Angels' minor league system, and is now starting to reap the rewards, I asked Rich how he felt to be in the majors and what he felt was the key to his success. 'I have had time in the big leagues over the last five seasons so it's been easy to become accustomed to how it all works. The Angels are the only organization I have played with, so I can only speak from my experience, but they do a great job preparing their Minor leaguers for the pressures of the Majors'. In terms of his successes this year, Rich said 'I've made a lot of strides in the past few years with more strikes and better pitch command which has given me the opportunity to put up numbers to help establish myself and show more consistency'. He said that for the rest of the season he hopes to pitch later in games and to prove he is 'a reliable go-to guy'.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Off the field, Thompson has also been very much a part of the Angels club, and has been involved in promoting the development of the game. He was recently involved in a coaching clinic at Angel stadium with a few of his teammates and 250 kids.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.onset.freedom.com/ocregister/gallery/llnwni-b78799328z.120110523115602000g6ivhoku.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="team-angels-thompson-emph" border="0" src="http://images.onset.freedom.com/ocregister/gallery/llnwni-b78799328z.120110523115602000g6ivhoku.1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Image from OCregister.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">'The organization does several clinics throughout the year and I was approached about helping out. I was happy to volunteer my time. It's run similar to Training With the Pros in Sydney each January so I was familiar with the format and these kids were so eager to learn'. </div><br />
Also off the field, Thompson has joined many other MLB stars by embracing social media. The LA Angels are one of the most prolific Tweeting teams in the majors, with Thompson being joined in the twitter-verse by Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells and Peter Bourjos among others. While he is not quite as hardcore a tweeter as his compatriot and fellow reliever Peter Moylan, Thompson boasts more than 4500 followers, and has embraced the interactive qualities of twitter. 'Twitter has changed everything...it's a fun way to interact,' he said. 'A lot of the support I get is from fellow Aussies, and social media opens up a new avenue for fans to gain access to athletes regardless of where they're playing'. [If you didn't check it out at the time, check Thompson's tweet stream for the very cool and original Easter Egg hunt he ran at Angel Stadium].<br />
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One thing that differentiates Thompson from some of the other Aussies in the majors at the moment is his extensive array of baseball cards - there are at least ten different cards out there. I asked him how this all came about. 'When I made the Futures Game in 2007, about five or six cards came out. Within the last few years I've come across most of my cards and have gathered at least one of each. The limited edition ones are harder to come by, but I don't really go out of my way to collect them'. For any autograph hunters out there, it seems Rich is happy to help. 'It's always interesting to open up fan mail and sign a new card that I haven't seen before,' he said.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/ozmlbplayers/RichThompson08FinestBlack99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/ozmlbplayers/RichThompson08FinestBlack99.jpg" width="141" /></a><a href="http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/ozmlbplayers/RichThompson07JustMinorsOneOfOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/ozmlbplayers/RichThompson07JustMinorsOneOfOne.jpg" width="140" /></a><a href="http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/ozmlbplayers/RichThompson07BowmanDPPGold-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/ozmlbplayers/RichThompson07BowmanDPPGold-1.jpg" width="141" /></a></div><br />
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When asked what was the best advice he could give up and coming Aussie baseballers, Thompson reflected back to some words of wisdom imparted from a fellow Aussie many years ago. 'When I was 13 I attended a two-day camp with Mark Shipley,' said Thompson. Shipley's advice was 'Don't drink. Don't smoke. Always be clean shaven. And church on Sundays - That's always stuck with me'. Thompson said. 'Since I can't be bothered shaving and we play games on Sundays, I guess two out of four ain't bad'.<br />
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We wish Rich all the best for the remainder of the MLB season, and we look forward to seeing him back in Sydney for the ABL later in the year!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-28410507373926784602011-05-28T19:29:00.001+10:002011-05-28T23:42:02.452+10:002011 Players to Watch - Part Two<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>This is part two of a series focusing on the 2011 Oz MLB Players to watch. Today is a focus on some young up-and-comers in the lower levels of minor league ball.</b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b></b></div></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=499882">MATT KENNELLY</a> - C - PERTH HEAT/ATLANTA BRAVES</b></b></div></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><b><br />
</b></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Matt Kennelly is coming off a red hot season for the Perth Heat. He appeared in all 40 regular season games and hit for an average of .306, with nine doubles, two homeruns and 24 RBIs. At the age of 22, Matt has played four seasons of minor league baseball with the Atlanta Braves organisation, culminating in a solid 2010 season for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, in which he hit seven home runs. He has been rewarded for his success over the past year, and <a href="http://www.examiner.com/mississippi-baseball-in-jackson/onetime-big-leaguer-kawakami-makes-m-braves-roster">started the season at the Double-A Mississippi Braves</a>.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Bank in 2009, Baseball America rated Kennelly in the top 30 Braves prospects. His 2009 and 2010 seasons were solid, but not stellar. At just 22 years of age, he is still young enough to develop further. Expect him to hit the ground running at Double-A, and continue to improve his game. He has had a chance to play a couple of games in AAA already, and has not disgraced himself (.286 avg with a double and RBI), and will look to get some more time in AAA this year.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0yp4fxwvf2l6FTKcEaaDPYrANNOLizY6QUqHYCQUzx7vup3AP5ZNIiThMKObIurVC_-H8XgoLlUvgiE9B48CfLLJnaIcOztcHvGJZZG8LDUNThdV7XasBw2JzOLhNuQEMhM-VJJkjpMm/s1600/Lt8Zz5NL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0yp4fxwvf2l6FTKcEaaDPYrANNOLizY6QUqHYCQUzx7vup3AP5ZNIiThMKObIurVC_-H8XgoLlUvgiE9B48CfLLJnaIcOztcHvGJZZG8LDUNThdV7XasBw2JzOLhNuQEMhM-VJJkjpMm/s320/Lt8Zz5NL.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Matt Kennelly</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=543805">JOSH SPENCE</a> - LHP - MELBOURNE ACES/SAN DIEGO PADRES</b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In June 2010, Geelong-born Josh Spence was picked up as a 9th round draft pick by the San Diego Padres. He battled some issues with an inflamed nerve in his elbow through 2010, and while he didn't require surgery, he did spend some time away from the mound. </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Spence has won quite a few accolades through the College system, after originally learning about the Arizone State University program on the internet and successfully trying out for the team. He started out playing ball in junior college, and he dominated. Through 2007 and 2008, Spence posted an ERA of 1.40, and struck out 327 hitters over 270 innings, with a remarkable WHIP of 0.88.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In 2009, Spence moved to Arizona State, and again put up some serious numbers - although not without overcoming a few obstacles. He was struck in the face by a line drive, and also suffered a finger injury. In the end he compiled a 10-1 record over 18 appearances, with an ERA of 2.37. He went on to pick up a win in the College World Series, striking out 16 hitters over 14 innings of work. </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Spence earned a lot of respect in Arizona, with Arizona coach Pat Murphy remarking that 'the most important thing about Spence is that in my 22 years in Division 1 baseball, he's possibly the most special kid I've ever been around...he's delightful, sensitive, caring, an extraordinary teammate and he comes over and plays with my son. It just seems like sometimes this kid is too good to be true. He's the type of guy I'm going to get emotional about when he finally leaves campus'.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KKuTntW_7tsVF_36Alh-VXYlw2iKAvq0tVlT3I83N2_XewFoZJmjx1zFb9XsWBSMUEEGFu3woZ5mze5fZB5N3gN3WeZoqT-clQECuK9t5F1sjt0pTBY7YkaNZFnVJZf_lyN2Kj08Fh0V/s1600/dFKPEafN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KKuTntW_7tsVF_36Alh-VXYlw2iKAvq0tVlT3I83N2_XewFoZJmjx1zFb9XsWBSMUEEGFu3woZ5mze5fZB5N3gN3WeZoqT-clQECuK9t5F1sjt0pTBY7YkaNZFnVJZf_lyN2Kj08Fh0V/s320/dFKPEafN.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Josh Spence</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">After signing with the Padres in mid-2010, Spence appeared in 10 games through Rookie ball up to Class A. He compiled a record of 2-2, with an ERA of 3.00, and 42 strikeouts in 24 innings.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Spence proved himself good enough to kick off the season in double-A with the San Antonio Missions, and he is off to a solid start - he has given up two home runs, but has also picked up ten strikeouts over eight innings, allowing just three earned runs. Spence has shown that he has real quality stuff through his college career, and is well placed to have a big year.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=1B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=462092">STEFAN WELCH</a> - 1B - ADELAIDE BITE/NEW YORK METS</b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Stefan Welch has played four seasons in the Mets minor league organisation, and played high-A ball through the end of 2009 and through 2010 at the St Lucie Mets. </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Running off the back of a strong end to the ABL season - he went 4-for-11 (.363) in the ABL Championship series, with two doubles and a home run - Welch will be keen to carry some momentum into the US summer.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Welch has predominantly played first base in his time in the US, but showed some versatility in the ABL - spending most of his time at third base. He will be looking to expand his power hitting and earn a spot at the double-A Binghamton Mets.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Welch is off to a flyer through the first couple of weeks of the season - having started with the high-A St Lucie Mets. He has whacked six doubles, a triple and a home run through his first 20 games, and is hitting .284 with 13 RBIs.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=3B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=565804">RORY RHODES</a> - 3B/1B - BRISBANE BANDITS/MINNESOTA TWINS</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwfagh952uA2NkRQ_JU5q_n3KF-kEYCZ2sf6DpEL58fvrxY3UXNaQu21LnpimLk1bGI774IyQdoBsCwWWdfmg7stA6WNiDnAKqmjA0Qtr2rDP70zucECVGb0feUA13FOdv1Lkj1DLJAW1/s1600/26392f7d8f75c3ed8877d71f130bcd5d_resized.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwfagh952uA2NkRQ_JU5q_n3KF-kEYCZ2sf6DpEL58fvrxY3UXNaQu21LnpimLk1bGI774IyQdoBsCwWWdfmg7stA6WNiDnAKqmjA0Qtr2rDP70zucECVGb0feUA13FOdv1Lkj1DLJAW1/s1600/26392f7d8f75c3ed8877d71f130bcd5d_resized.JPG" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Rory Rhodes</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">He's a 19-year old kid from Narangba, Queensland, and he has one of the most American-sounding names going around, but Rory Rhodes is a fair dinkum Aussie prospect with the Minnesota Twins.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Signed at the age of 17 in 2008, Rhodes is yet another Aussie following the path to the bigs through the Twins organisation. In his first season of Rookie ball he found it a little tough, hitting just .198 with 28 strikeouts in 116 at bats, but he improved significantly in 2010. In his second year, Rhodes hit .319 and improved his strikeout numbers.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">He is yet to hit a homerun, but at the age of 19 he has plenty of growing to do, and plenty of time to find some power - he did find some more power in the ABL - cracking five homeruns while hitting .279. <a href="http://www.twinkietown.com/2011/2/18/2001331/twinkie-town-2011-top-50-prospect-50">A recent poll conducted by the Twinkie Town blog</a> found Rhodes as Minnesota's number 50 prospect, and predicted a breakout year in 2011.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=1B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=573748">BOSS MOANAROA</a> - 1B - SYDNEY BLUE SOX/BOSTON RED SOX</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In 2008 Boss Moanaroa had seriously thought about quitting the game of baseball. 'I lost interest in playing baseball and wanted to focus on BMX racing. I was a state champion, national champion and went to the world titles' <a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/more-sports/aussie-teen-signs-with-sox/story-e6frey6i-1111116422116">he said</a>. He didn't quit though, he decided to continue working hard, and it paid dividends when he signed a contract with the Boston Red Sox.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QxJfG9qtdzW8p_KvbzCOhTjAslXxAfQLv-YRvFOO6ndJB6SH2ClLtLSPyXRQ0yXxhlH40Nq048V-6DXXeXZFyV87qp8NKYHFtuci6bQN2tLFBf3sTRI" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QxJfG9qtdzW8p_KvbzCOhTjAslXxAfQLv-YRvFOO6ndJB6SH2ClLtLSPyXRQ0yXxhlH40Nq048V-6DXXeXZFyV87qp8NKYHFtuci6bQN2tLFBf3sTRI" style="cursor: move;" width="224px;" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Boss Moanaroa in 2008</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">At the time he was signed, Red Sox scout and Australian coach Jon Deeble noted that Boss was big and strong, but had 'never lifted a weight in his life'.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Nearly three years on, and Boss has two seasons of Rookie ball, and a strong half-season in the ABL, under his belt. And it seems Moanaroa is getting bigger and stronger.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Boss is an exciting hitter to watch - he has a strong plate presence and is the sort of hitter that always seems on the edge of making something happen. He was a strong performer for the Sydney Blue Sox early in the season, and they missed his bat later in the year.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In two years of Rookie ball, Boss is hitting .281/.367/.366, and he picked up a couple of homeruns in 2010. He will be looking to develop some stronger power numbers, both in terms of extra base hits and RBIs over the next year.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">ESPN says Boss is 'essentially a raw athlete with a lottery-ticket chance of developing into an impact major leaguer'. While these are not exactly encouraging words, Boss is someone who shows a lot of potential. He is <a href="http://boston.sportsthenandnow.com/2011/03/18/down-on-the-farm-lowell-spinners/">expected to start the season at the class A Lowell Spinners</a>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-52938893429996667182011-05-26T22:33:00.000+10:002011-05-26T22:33:55.709+10:00How are the ABL US imports doing this season?While technically not an 'Oz MLB players' story, I am interested to see how US-based players who played in the ABL perform back in the US leagues. With things starting to progress through the minor league season, I thought it might be worth checking in on some them to see how they are progressing. It is a bit of a mixed bag really, quite a few players have stepped up to AA for the first time, and are not quite hitting their straps - some others are doing real well.<br />
<br />
Quincy Latimore has stepped up to AA this year for the Altoona Curve. Through 42 games he has posted an average of .219 (34-for-155) with just 9 doubles and 2 home runs. Probably a bit of a slower start than Latimore would have liked, and his strikeout rate continues to be a concern - he has struck out in 47 of 155 at bats (30%).<br />
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Latimore's teammate from the Bite, James McOwen, has also made the step up to AA this year, and is faring a little better. Playing for the Jackson Generals, McOwen has a .252 average (40-for-159) with 9 doubles and 4 home runs.<br />
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From the Heat, Ronnie Welty has also entered his first year of AA, with the Bowie Baysox. Like McOwen and Latimore, he is not yet putting up huge numbers, with an average of .212. He does though have seven home runs.<br />
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Alongside Welty is Robbie Widlansky - who is in his second year of AA with Bowie - and he is hitting .256 with 14 doubles, three home runs and 28 RBIs.<br />
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Also at Bowie is ex-Heat pitcher Cole McCurry. McCurry <a href="http://is.gd/ltRWCJ">recently commented</a> that he felt the ABL was a big help to him coming into the American summer, as his arm was in 'midseason form' at the start of the season. His numbers so far certainly support that. They speak for themselves really, and I think they are worth calling out:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>11 appearances in relief</li>
<li>Record of three wins and zero losses</li>
<li>27 innings pitched</li>
<li>12 hits</li>
<li>One run</li>
<li>34 strikeouts</li>
</ul><div>McCurry has not allowed a run in his last 24 innings of work, while picking up 32 strikeouts.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Wow.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Also on the pitching front, Brandon Maurer has had quite a solid start to the year. He started out in Class A with the Clinton LumberKings, where he struck out 44 hitters over 37 innings, mainly as a starter. He put up a record of 1-3, with a 3.41 ERA, and was promoted to Class A Advanced with the High Desert Mavericks (seriously, I can't get enough of these awesome names). He has pitched in two games for the Mavs, including one just yesterday in which he pitched an eight-inning, three-hit shutout. Remarkably he got a no decision, when the opposition (the Modesto Nuts!!!) put up five runs in the ninth inning. In his two starts for the Mavericks, he is 0-1, with 13 innings pitched. He has given up 10 hits, 2 runs, and has struck out 13 (with zero walks). So things are looking pretty good for him.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We might check in later in the year to see how things progress.</div>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-5196571271760890462011-05-22T23:02:00.001+10:002011-05-22T23:02:22.879+10:002011 Players to Watch - Part One<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Over the next few weeks, as the minor league baseball season gets fully up and running, I will be running a feature on the 2011 Oz MLB Players to watch. Today marks Part One, with a focus on some young up-and-comers in the lower levels of minor league ball.</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=SS&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=503437">JAMES BERESFORD</a> - SS - MELBOURNE ACES/MINNESOTA TWINS</b></b></div></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In 2010, a 21-year old James Beresford backed up and played a second year of class-A ball with the Minnesota Twins affiliate Beloit Snappers. Signed by the Twins at the age of 16, Beresford had played three years of minor league baseball, and also represented Australia in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He entered 2010 looking to develop some power - having hit just 19 extra base hits in more than 200 at bats. Through the season he did not quite hit the level of power he might have liked, but he certainly improved. </div></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Beresford cut his strikeouts from 70 in 2009 to 56 in 2010, and he picked up 25 extra base hits, including his first home run. He ended the year with a line of .297/.349/.363, and he was awarded the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Beresford_(baseball)">Beloit Snappers Player of the Year Award</a>.</div></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ9P9ToAhX_o73Xb9zy3WoKNreKIcKlZAUvf6IGFqHdTxrgAqMYovezzsE4i-RXa-5o9PMApWckgh0GQNPY_pMyYrTc3hpXyZzbVWfaoDXfgPNrGaDl8SOcFNVXXyDxMH1u75jb4lQZzi/s1600/RisingerBeresfordandHarrisWBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ9P9ToAhX_o73Xb9zy3WoKNreKIcKlZAUvf6IGFqHdTxrgAqMYovezzsE4i-RXa-5o9PMApWckgh0GQNPY_pMyYrTc3hpXyZzbVWfaoDXfgPNrGaDl8SOcFNVXXyDxMH1u75jb4lQZzi/s320/RisingerBeresfordandHarrisWBC.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">James Beresford at the World Baseball Classic</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Beresford returned to Australia for the inaugural ABL season in 2010, and he performed well. He appeared in 12 games for the Melbourne Aces, where he struck out just four times in 52 at bats, and put up numbers of .404/.436/.519.</span></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Like Joel Naughton for the Phillies, James Beresford played a few games with the Twins big league squad at Spring Training. Presumably he will spend a lot of time this year at high-A Fort Myers Miracle, and will look to continue to add some pop to his bat.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=573651">MITCHELL FIENEMANN</a> - RHP - ADELAIDE BITE/PITTSBURGH PIRATES</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Mitchell Fienemann has played two years in the Pirates minor league organisation, and was in Low-A ball in 2010. He has put up some respectable numbers - over two seasons he has struck out 51 hitters and walked just 10 over 77.2 innings.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img height="174px;" id="internal-source-marker_0.6596787425223738" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2St-trG7jDX-dbROjxX_cHAJmvsAg9z2iEzNQXAOhqKSfe8w5WIDVk7kUy77UA7oBYXiunyTC_NMmBeqpGYDXTdjlJXR7Cb3OPp45G4LLj4fXObxQBY" style="cursor: move; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="326px;" /></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Mitchell Fienemann</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">While Fienemann did not play in the ABL in 2010/2011, he has an affiliation in that he was signed to the Pirates by the Adelaide Bite manager Tony Harris in 2009.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Fienemann spent 2010 at the short season State College Spikes, and will this year be pushing to make the roster at West Virginia Power, in the class-A South Atlantic League.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZYq4-k0a7Ob-bBGh-CQqz-1gbgNIzMRPG0_twIQAbATefsO60NQhT68oRKU39inzX3nwEJEDtvowVchXcIcRhfgNupEL47Ytb_ZvqTW-_M2ChH_LID0UA9FzaOg3K-aIE0DDhceaPdQQ/s1600/Joel%252BNaughton%252BPhiladelphia%252BPhillies%252BPhoto%252BhSETHyRF2RXl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZYq4-k0a7Ob-bBGh-CQqz-1gbgNIzMRPG0_twIQAbATefsO60NQhT68oRKU39inzX3nwEJEDtvowVchXcIcRhfgNupEL47Ytb_ZvqTW-_M2ChH_LID0UA9FzaOg3K-aIE0DDhceaPdQQ/s200/Joel%252BNaughton%252BPhiladelphia%252BPhillies%252BPhoto%252BhSETHyRF2RXl.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="133" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Joel Naughton</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=470490">JOEL NAUGHTON</a> - C - BRISBANE BANDITS/PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES</b></div></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Joel Naughton is a guy the Phillies must be taking pretty seriously. At the age of 24, he has accumulated six years in their organisation. He has shown good progression through Rookie Ball, low class A, A, and Advanced A-ball. This culminated in a strong 2010 at Clearwater Threshers, in which he hit a career high .308 while being hampered towards the end of the season by an arm injury. </div></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Naughton underwent surgery before joining the Phillies in major league spring training this year. It is the second time he has joined the big league squad in the spring. He had a good run of it this time round, getting hits in two of his three at bats, including a walk off single against the Rays. Naughton should play AA ball this year, and he is definitely one to watch.</div></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=503423">STEVE KENT</a> - LHP - CANBERRA CAVALRY/ATLANTA BRAVES</b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/ujFyZ4ajlAALHTcCHFuFHSqNr1-wngZeJxyczrNbHbGtBtYqaZfxf25PKfePoMatoeqlxtd-GguhmhtNxPZNnO20jTemVxKV6eg_JAMRBxQJ6Uz2mTo" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270px;" id="internal-source-marker_0.6596787425223738" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/ujFyZ4ajlAALHTcCHFuFHSqNr1-wngZeJxyczrNbHbGtBtYqaZfxf25PKfePoMatoeqlxtd-GguhmhtNxPZNnO20jTemVxKV6eg_JAMRBxQJ6Uz2mTo" style="cursor: move;" width="480px;" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Steve Kent</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Steve Kent is a 21 year old from Canberra, who signed with the Braves at the age of sixteen. He spent a couple of reasonably successful years in Rookie ball, before a shoulder injury ended his campaign in early 2009. </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Kent spent a year away from the game and returned to A-ball Rome Braves in 2010. He appeared in 19 games (three as a starter), and put together a record of 2-0 with one save.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Kent was a member of the inaugural Canberra Cavalry roster in the 2010/2011 ABL season. He started six games for the Cavalry, and was obviously on pitching restrictions - only pitching 12 innings over six starts. His numbers were nothing to write home about, although he did not have strong offense behind him. I would expect Kent will build on his performances from the ABL season and have a strong year for the Braves again - probably starting in class-A ball.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=CF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=544013">DAVID KANDILAS</a> - OF - SYDNEY BLUE SOX/COLORADO ROCKIES</b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTlRhjVP9pFODT_yWsZ3jG_xEzgPMNLeG10VXLdkthw_opbqxrB2_3MiURKWFSFdRamrSsHl6F9TLIHqmqzZ5xi7k-sgsiM3cF165pDKXlM_DG4y8QFkq1s3nUbdrpzUPVKEyN8DThblY/s1600/IMG_1847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTlRhjVP9pFODT_yWsZ3jG_xEzgPMNLeG10VXLdkthw_opbqxrB2_3MiURKWFSFdRamrSsHl6F9TLIHqmqzZ5xi7k-sgsiM3cF165pDKXlM_DG4y8QFkq1s3nUbdrpzUPVKEyN8DThblY/s400/IMG_1847.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">David Kandilas</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have written quite a bit about David Kandilas over the past few months. The 20-year old Sydney outfielder had a very impressive ABL season. His defensive skills are solid - and include a cannon of an arm - and his approach at the plate appears to be developing to a professional level.</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When I spoke with Kandilas in December 2010, he said he was hoping to get some time at class-A in 2011. His form through the end of the ABL season certainly did not harm his chances of that happening.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Kandilas was one of the most reliable hitters in the Blue Sox lineup, and while he did not pick up a whole bunch of extra base hits, he hit consistently and executed well - picking up ten RBIs and a .274 average. He also swiped fives bases.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">David has played two seasons of rookie ball with the Rockies, and seemed to make some improvements in 2010 - he took his average from .205 to .262, and picked up more extra base hits. He will be hoping that this progression, combined with his strong ABL season, will lead to some time with the class-A Tri-City Dust Devils.</div></div>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-13833107975921470382011-05-18T22:17:00.002+10:002011-05-22T22:48:31.401+10:00Perth Heat to play in Asia Baseball Series - does anyone care?<p>So the <a href="http://web.theabl.com.au/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110518&content_id=19212110&vkey=news_l595&fext=.jsp&sid=l595">Perth Heat/ABL today announced some groundbreaking news</a> - that the Heat, as ABL champions, will participate in the Asia Series baseball tournament in November. Until today, I had never heard of the Asia Series, so initially didn't really understand what this actually meant. Turns out it is a relatively small tournament, which is quite young. It seems that there has been very little media or other interest in the story today. So why bother? Well, after reading about it some more - I think that the main strategy here must be to increase the exposure of the ABL in Asia - there doesn't seem to any other benefit. <br><br></p><p>It turns out that the Asia Baseball series has been around since 2005 - according to Wikipedia. And when i say it has been around since 2005, I mean there were four tournaments held between 2005 and 2008, with no tournament since then because it lost financial backing. The tournaments have involved teams from the Korean and Japanese leagues as well as teams from China and Taiwan. Predictably, the Japanese teams have won each of the four previous tournaments. <br><br></p><p>The ABL touted that the Asia League is a 'prestigious' event which will attract 5 million TV viewers. Having absolutely no idea about the level of prestige held for the league in Asia, it's hard to say whether this is true or not. What you can say is that there was practically ZERO media interest in the story. A <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=perth+heat&hl=en&tbm=nws&source=lnt&tbs=qdr:d&sa=X&ei=l6_TTZ-XMoyivgOc57S6DQ&ved=0CAwQpwUoAg">google news search</a> shows just one article,<a href="http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1600961"> this one from Taiwan</a>. I imagine there may have been some more coverage in say Japan or Korea, but certainly looks like there was very little interest here. Even twitter was rather quiet. This suggests that there is not a great deal of interest at home, which is probably not much of a surprise. It was hard enough for the ABL to generate any mainstream media interest in the home league, so generating interest in a small, unheard of tournament many thousands of miles away is unlikely be simple. <br><br></p><p>However, lack of media attention or public interest does not necessarily mean this is a bad idea. It was apparent during the course of the ABL Season that there was plenty of Asian interest in our league. This came both from Asian players and fans. Getting the premier team from the ABL facing off against top Asian teams will potentially lead to even greater interest in the league from our Pacific neighbors, which could lead to more support - both financially and through the fan base. <br><br></p><p>I don't expect there will be much local interest in the tournament - although I would be happy to be wrong about this - but I think it is a smart, but maybe premature, strategy for developing our league. <br><br></p><p>What do you think?</p><p></p>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-71294110322508934842011-05-03T20:45:00.002+10:002011-05-22T22:48:31.401+10:00Contrasting fortunes in the Tigers' den?<p>There is an interesting movement going on in the Aussie ranks within the Detroit Tigers system. Brad Thomas, who has been reasonably consistent in recent seasons, is starting to find things difficult, and is starting to lose favor with some Tigers fans. Meanwhile, Brendan Wise is starting to attract attention for all the right reasons at the Tigers' triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens. It is entirely possible the fates of Thomas and Wise could overlap in coming days or weeks.<br><br></p><p class=""><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_489436.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_489436.jpg" id="blogsy-1304420124847.4102" class="alignleft" alt=""></a></p><br><br><br/><br/><p>Detroit have had some <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110407&content_id=17493618&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det">early-season bullpen struggles</a>, and have faced challenges through injury. Brad Thomas has appeared in ten games for the Tigers, and has put up a rather unflattering ERA of 10.38 over eight innings. His opponents have put up a .417 batting average against him. This is a long way from the 3.89 ERA he put up last year, and it has a few Tigers fans up in arms. <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2011/4/27/2138102/pitching-hitting-and-defense-oh-my"></a><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2011/4/27/2138102/pitching-hitting-and-defense-oh-my" target="_self" title="">Check out some of these comments</a> from Tigers fans baying for blood. The folks over at <a href="http://detroittigersscorecard.com/when-will-brad-thomas-be-dfad"></a><a href="http://detroittigersscorecard.com/when-will-brad-thomas-be-dfad">Detroit Tigers Scorecard</a> are calling for him to be designated for assignment, and there is plenty of support from <a href="http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2011/04/first-inning_homer_by_justin_s/1924/comments.html"></a><a href="http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2011/04/first-inning_homer_by_justin_s/1924/comments.html" target="_self" title="">these other faceless critics</a>. <br><br></p><p>Meanwhile, at AAA Toledo, Brendan Wise has been quietly putting up some solid numbers. Wise is yet to allow a run through eight games (10.1 innings pitched), and hasn't allowed a hit in his past three games. There are some other pitchers getting noticed at Toledo (mainly a bloke called Charlie Furbush), but people are starting to wise up to Brendan's efforts, and <a href="http://detnews.com/article/20110502/SPORTS0104/105020355/Fivesome-putting-up-big-league-numbers">he is also getting noticed</a>. <br><br></p><p>So, all in all, Thomas is a long way from the form he showed during Spring Training. Through Spring, I remarked that "Thomas is a guy who had probably surprised a few people with the quality of his season last year, and he is probably not quite assured of a place on the Tigers' Opening Day roster unless he can keep his form up". Unless something changes quite markedly very soon, it looks like Thomas could be headed to AAA. If he does end up in Toledo, Thomas may well pave the way for Wise to get a call up. Time will tell...<br><br></p><p class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IAfdWxeJUWZxHMRIYNQsMU7NnhkFpEEP-GnbkAb8e9ihZD1pAY2yWe0ynJwNnoCHNJVB2yLr-GBvz9kfVPG6CURbFxZdhJlGZ6cDqA4mWB0lOk-72z0v05jze51TQSgVm0Q2HFrm8sCn/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IAfdWxeJUWZxHMRIYNQsMU7NnhkFpEEP-GnbkAb8e9ihZD1pAY2yWe0ynJwNnoCHNJVB2yLr-GBvz9kfVPG6CURbFxZdhJlGZ6cDqA4mWB0lOk-72z0v05jze51TQSgVm0Q2HFrm8sCn/s500/Thomas.gif" id="blogsy-1304420161637.6748" class="aligncenter" width="190" height="300" alt=""></a></p><p></p>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-56229056359744475622011-04-09T23:35:00.002+10:002011-05-22T22:48:31.401+10:00Feature Interview with Josh Spence - Part Two<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following on from Part One of my chat with Josh Spence comes Part Two, in which he talks about the differences between minor league ball and college ball, and what he hopes to get out of season 2011.</span></i><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OZMLBPLAYERS:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have been through the Draft a couple of times - and it seems unusual for an Aussie baseballer to go through it, most get signed as free agents. Do you think this makes much difference?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>JOSH SPENCE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Players are only eligible for the draft if they're either American or play college baseball. The draft is a very exciting time when you get to see your hard work pay off – literally, for some players who make millions by signing one contract. But then there’s the other side of the story. The draft doesn't dictate what type of player you are or what type of player you're going to be (nor does what you sign for money-wise). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will say this, Major League Baseball is a business and with every business there are investments which need to be looked after – the players. At the end of the day it doesn't matter if you're a Free Agent or picked in the draft, it comes down to performing on the field and the truth is you're going to make your money in big leagues. My perspective is not about making as much money as you can upfront (by chancing a big bonus) but being as ready as you could possibly be. Those players are the ones who have long successful careers. <br /><b><br />OZMLBPLAYERS:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You obviously have a lot of fans in Arizona, which is shown by the fact coach Pat Murphy said you were 'possibly the most special kid [he's] ever been around'. That is a pretty big wrap from a guy who has been around the game more than 20 years. What do you put that down to? How would you describe your approach to the game and to people?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coach Murphy has experienced many things in the baseball realm and without his guidance I wouldn't be the player I am today. He's a remarkable coach and you will not meet a man more relentless in the game as a player or a coach. He pushed me to be something I only dreamed about being and gave me the tools to push myself. I wish I could tell you [what this can be put down to] but maybe that’s something you'd have to ask him. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish there was a complex answer to my approach towards baseball and life in general, but I think the best way to describe it would be just to take things one pitch (/step) at a time. You can’t let things consume you, because the reality is you can do anything. As cheesy as that sounds, I do believe it. It’s all about setting small goals to reach a bigger picture. <br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OZMLBPLAYERS:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You had a few obstacles or challenges over the past year or two - being hit by a line drive, a finger injury, and issues with a nerve in your arm. Were there any times when you doubted your ability to develop your career? How did you cope in those times?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>JOSH SPENCE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best way to describe these past two years would be that as ‘a humbling experience’. I've never doubted my ability to develop my career but obviously I sacrificed a lot by turning down the third round, and it was heart breaking to watch my last season of college baseball unfold in front of me and not be able to contribute to the team. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coach Murphy had this quote; he would say "Its not about where you're going, but who you're bringing" and I know that got me through some tough times. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OZMLBPLAYERS</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After signing with the Padres in mid-2010, you appeared in a handful of minor league games, across a couple of levels - how did you find that? Was there much difference to your college experience? What did you learn? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>JOSH SPENCE: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a great experience last year, I was very fortunate to get my feet wet in preparation for a full season this year. It all started while I was rehabbing my elbow in the Cape Cod league when I received a call from the Padres explaining that they had picked me in the 9th round. After further discussion, and several innings under my belt, I signed. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My journey started in Rookie Ball in Peoria, Arizona. I threw one inning and then was called up to Short Season in Eugene, Oregon. After two starts I was called up to single A for my final stop in Fort Wayne, Indiana (the mid-West League). In 3 weeks I went from the East coast, down South, up North and finally the mid-West. Even though it was a little overwhelming, that’s what pro-baseball is about and something I will not have a problem getting used to. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The differences between pro-ball and college are very subtle. College ball you swing metal bats, have three to five games a week and - I hate to say it - the strike zone was a pinch bigger. Pro-ball the zone is smaller, you play every day and you better know how to communicate somewhat in Spanish. The biggest difference (and by no means am I trying to deter anyone) is that once you sign, baseball becomes your job. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you sign, you need to be prepared for the obstacles you will face and honestly the players you will be facing are more than 22 years of age. Nobody tells you that 60% or more of the players who are playing pro-baseball came through college, and that these are young men not just boys, That’s one very important thing I’ve learnt about Minor League baseball that they just don't tell you in Australia.<br /><br /><b> OZMLBPLAYERS:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are you focusing on during training at the moment? Any particular pitches you are working on?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>JOSH SPENCE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I told you I would have to kill you...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All jokes aside there’s no particular area I’m focusing on. I’m really just trying to push the envelope and compete every day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OZMLBPLAYERS:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are your hopes for the season - are you expecting to start, or to work in the bullpen? What level are you hoping to reach?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>JOSH SPENCE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My biggest hope is the be healthy for the year. I think that’s a hope shared by everyone who plays sport at a high level.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been a starter not only my whole college career but essentially my whole life. Right now the Padres plan would have me relieving. As for what level I am hoping to reach, the truth is I’m just happy to have my name above a locker somewhere. But I would be lying if I said I wouldn't want to be moved up if I am succeeding. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b> OZMLBPLAYERS:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you follow the ABL? What did you think of it? Did you consider playing in it? Will you play in future?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>JOSH SPENCE </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I followed the ABL very closely and I think it’s awesome that we have a national league back up. I really hope it’s here to stay! I think it’s a great opportunity for the Aussie talent to be seen on a bigger stage and promoting baseball can only be a good thing for the country. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of the day, Aussie athletes are going to play Australian sports but it’s something you do need to try! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would love to play in the ABL, I remember watching it in the late 90's out at Altona where the Melbourne Monarchs used to play. But that being said, it falls in a time when I need to be resting and preparing for my long season ahead so unfortunately I don't see myself playing in it anytime soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b> OZMLBPLAYERS:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, can you give us the inside scoop on some of your teammates in the Padres camp....who should we be watching this year?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>JOSH SPENCE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If i was to give you a handful of names of future big leaguers (2-3 years), I'd start with:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jason Hagerty (switch hitting catcher)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anthony Rizzo (1st Baseman)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jedd Gyorko (3rd Baseman)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matt Lollis (RHP) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miles Mikolas (RHP)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Josh is obviously a very balanced, mature and dedicated bloke, and I found many of his insights to the College system, and his experiences to be very interesting. He is certainly a real up-and-comer in the Aussie baseball ranks and definitely someone we will be keeping a close watch on! We wish you all the best Josh!</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can follow Josh on twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/joshspence">@joshspence</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Josh-Spence-Fan-Page/165197136836201">facebook</a>. </span></i></div>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-35558239334838992382011-04-02T13:42:00.003+11:002011-05-22T22:56:11.745+10:00Feature Interview with Aussie prospect Josh Spence - Part One<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In June 2010, Geelong born Josh Spence was picked up as a 9th round draft pick by the San Diego Padres. <span class="apple-style-span">Spence has a lot of experience playing baseball in the College system, and went to the College World Series. </span>He battled some issues with an inflamed nerve in his elbow last year, and while he didn’t require surgery, he did take some time off. Spence has won quite a few accolades through the College system. <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=4250444">He found Arizona State University’s program on the internet</a> and flew to the States to take part in a baseball camp - this led to him being put into a junior college, where he was dominant. Over 2007 and 2008 he pitched in 27 games in junior college (starting 33), with an ERA of 1.40. He struck out 327 hitters over 270 innings, and had a remarkable WHIP of 0.88. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl_wJNan8ZyYeVN142NHSshLyRqeFJKo11Twwm7vybqjIj20PdI3YcCsRBFZyMw_0qKMR-PmWZf0nS13B7e3kH30p-iom2W7ljsxeswNdcyyS95bTgTHfeQ1rtsWzE3l7DPevMqaSuTPy/s1600/dFKPEafN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl_wJNan8ZyYeVN142NHSshLyRqeFJKo11Twwm7vybqjIj20PdI3YcCsRBFZyMw_0qKMR-PmWZf0nS13B7e3kH30p-iom2W7ljsxeswNdcyyS95bTgTHfeQ1rtsWzE3l7DPevMqaSuTPy/s320/dFKPEafN.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
In 2009 he moved to Arizona State and again put up some serious numbers, although had a few obstacles to overcome. He was struck in the face by a line drive, and also suffered a finger injury. In the end he compiled a 10-1 record over 18 appearances, with an ERA of 2.37. He went on to pick up a win in the College Word Series, striking out 16 hitters over 14 innings of work. He earned a lot of respect in Arizona, with Arizona State coach Pat Murphy noting ‘The most important thing about Spence is that in my 22 years in Division I baseball, he's possibly the most special kid I've ever been around’. ‘He's delightful, sensitive, caring, an extraordinary teammate and he comes over and plays with my son. It just seems like sometimes this kid is too good to be true. He's the type of guy I'm going to get emotional about when he finally leaves campus.’<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
After signing with the Padres in mid-2010, Spence appeared in 10 games through Rookie ball up to Class A. He compiled a record of 2-2, an ERA of 3.00 and struck out 42 hitters in 24 innings while walking just 7(!). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Josh is an avid user of both Twitter and Facebook, and actively takes the time to interact with fans over the internet. Recently he was kind enough to answer a few questions for OzMLBplayers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OZMLBPLAYERS: </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Josh, you have a lot of experience playing baseball in the College system, and you went to the College World Series. Most Aussie baseball fans probably don't know a whole lot about College baseball. How would you describe it? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><b>JOSH SPENCE: </b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: white;">It’s very unfortunate that the baseball community in Australia is unaware of the world of college athletics, in particular baseball. It is a massive industry that has an incredible following not only by its alumni, but people who are passionate about their sport. I feel that people in Australia not only do not understand the jump from baseball back home (playing 2-3 times a week) to playing professionally (playing everyday); but also that what they're about to enter is a business. College baseball is the perfect stepping stone, not only to mature as an adult - both on and off the field - but to get used to being away from home and living in America. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I always thought that the best players just go ahead and play professionally as soon as they get their opportunity, but what I've come to realize is that’s not the case at all. In fact it’s the opposite; the player should go when they're ready. I feel people in Australia need to give college baseball a closer look. Now I understand not everyone has the luxury to enter professional baseball when they're ready because there isn't much of an audience – either scouts, or media coverage - in Australia. That’s the beautiful thing about college baseball, not only is your game under constant scrutiny, but you get a few more years to grow into the player you want to be. I could have signed as a young 17 year old who pitched once a week in his local state competition, but I signed as an experienced 22 year old who knew his strengths and weakness, had proven success against the same players who I will ultimately play through the ranks of professional baseball. And, I now have a college degree to fall back on in case baseball doesn't work out.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I’m very thankful that I took the college route and have been blessed to play at two very prestigious programs. I can’t help feel that college baseball is looked down upon in Australia, but its perception over here in the States couldn't be greater. After I turned down the draft for the first time, a scout came up to me and said ‘you can’t make the majors in a [Arizona State University] Sun Devil uniform’. What he forgot to mention is that only 1% of people who sign professional contracts actually make it to the major leagues. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I’m not trying to talk anyone out of signing [directly] but you need to be prepared when you enter pro-ball. So the best way to describe College is that it’s a place that will allow you to grow. For me it was more than getting my degree and playing baseball at a very high level; I learnt time management, how to budget and what I need to do to play baseball every day. I made contacts all over America and have talked baseball with people who I never thought I’d meet. I've seen a lot of America and have been very fortunate to play on some big stages in my collegiate career. I wouldn't have had these opportunities if I didn't take the leap of faith and go to college.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OZMLBPLAYERS:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b></b>Tell us about the season in a college program. How long is the season? Do you spend a lot of time on the road?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><b>JOSH SPENCE:</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><b></b>The season is around 56 games and depending on where you're geographically located this could mean 15-20 games on the road or 30+ games away from home. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span">Being in Arizona (around the nice weather) we didn't need to travel much. I played two years at Central Arizona Community College (CAC) and two years at Arizona State (although my last year i didn't pitch due to injury). At CAC it is a state wide conference but we did play teams outside Arizona - but they would come to us to play. At Arizona State we played in the PAC10 (PAC meaning Pacific) and we played teams all up the West coast from California, Washington and even Oregon. At ASU we would fly to all our away games stay in big hotels and get treated like superstars, only to wind up back in class on Monday feeling like a regular Joe. W</span>e would pull more than 3,000 people every game and when playoffs came around those home crowds would get to around 5,000. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: white;">When you're playing bad it feels like a long season but when you're on fire it couldn't be going any quicker. At CAC you're playing in a smaller conference with very little following, however I wouldn't have had an opportunity to play at ASU if I didn't go there first.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OZMLBPLAYERS: </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b></b>Do college players build much a profile or fanbase?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>JOSH SPENCE:</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white; line-height: 115%;">Most players are busy with school and honestly don't feel the necessity to be public figures in the community, but in my case I wanted to keep all my windows open and was highly involved in little league baseball camps. I was also involved in a few other things, including Sparky's Tour - Sparky is ASU's mascot and his tour involved talking with high school students about going to college <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white; line-height: 115%;"><i>Tune in to OzMLBplayers.com for the second instalment in Josh's interview</i></span></span></div>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-28946241502404464992011-03-31T22:27:00.005+11:002011-05-22T22:48:31.403+10:00Aussies on Opening Day MLB Rosters 2011So here we are. The night before Opening Day 2011.<p><br /><br />Finally!<p><br /><br />We started the Spring with no less than 13 Aussies involved in Spring<br />Training. For some, Spring was a time to really showcase their wares.<br />Luke Hughes and Trent Oeltjen put their best foot forward and went<br />close to earning a spot in the big league squads for Opening Day. For<br />others, Spring proved to be disappointing, and one by one the initial<br />13 players slowly diminished until today both Trent Oeltjen and Ryan<br />Rowland-Smith were confirmed as missing out.<p><br /><br />So, that leaves four Aussie guys - all relief pitchers - who have made<br />it all the way to The Show for Opening Day. Peter Moylan at the<br />Atlanta Braves was always a reasonably safe bet for making it, and he<br />further cemented his position with some impressive Spring<br />performances. Similarly, Brad Thomas at the Detroit Tigers was<br />entitled to feel some job security coming into the season after a<br />strong 2010. Grant Balfour changed clubs this year, moving from the<br />Tampa Bay Rays to the Oakland Athletics, and he found it hard to find<br />his rhythm early in the Spring. However, he has come on well in the<br />last week or so, and is now in a position where he may find some<br />chances as the closer for the A's.<p><br /><br />The biggest achievement this year so far goes to Sydney's Rich<br />Thompson, who has made the squad for the Los Angeles Angels. Thompson<br />has played a handful of games in the big league (35 games for the<br />Angels over the past 4 years) while also putting in the hard yards at<br />AAA. He gave up just one run in 8 innings through spring training and<br />is a deserved holder of a roster spot at the Angels. It could be a<br />really big year for Rich.<p><br /><br />It is shaping up to be a really huge year for Aussie MLB players. Be<br />sure to stay tuned to Oz MLB Players for all the action.Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-80431587930986481692011-03-20T11:20:00.006+11:002011-05-22T22:48:31.404+10:00Spring Training 2011: Week Three Review - Luke(ing) good<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br /><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Week Three of Spring Training action wraps up today, and as far as the Aussies go, it was a week of cuts. Aside from this, there were some other positive performances particularly from Rich Thompson, Peter Moylan and Ryan Rowland-Smith, and Luke Hughes and Brad Thomas continued to have strong preparations. With less than two weeks to go until Opening Day, there are now eight Aussies in Major League camps, and it looks like we will end up having five - or possibly six - filling 25-man roster spots on Opening Day.</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Through week two of spring training, it was really the Aussie pitchers who stood out in their performances. This week they have been good - not great - whereas the hitters were all strong<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">. </span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Highlights of Week Three</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">If any US-based Aussie players had any doubts about the value of spending the offseason in the ABL, they need only look to the experience of <b>Luke Hughes </b>to be convinced it is incredibly useful. After winning the ABL with the Perth Heat, Hughes hit the ground running at Spring Training, and he hasn't looked back. This week he went 5-for-14 (.357) with a double, two homeruns and four RBIs. Over the entire spring, he is now 15-for-44 (.341) with three doubles, five homeruns and 14 RBIs. He now leads the Twins in at-bats, runs, homeruns and RBIs. He does though also lead them in strikouts - with 13.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Hughes is essentially fighting for a spot as the Twins utility bench player. At the start of spring he was up against three guys - Matt Tolbert, Trevor Plouffe, and Chase Lambin. Today <a href="http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110319&content_id=17022804&notebook_id=17022848&vkey=notebook_min&c_id=min">the Twins sent Plouffe to minor league camp</a>, leaving Tolbert and Lambin to fight it out with Hughes. So far this spring, Tolbert has hit for contact - with an average of .281 but just one extra base hit (a homerun) and two RBIs. Lambin has a slightly better average than Tolbert, with .313, but also has little power. The main difference between both Tolbert/Lambin and Hughes, is that they are recognised shortstops. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8zAntFGs_L564CtQJwVAES_aE824r3hTpECjhR5sH5kVIKaicd1jTbH6n9DxrzOKQZF_tE84-nybGJwStmwgEr275GBgNfpv03cy2WZOKkxg8GyPlrbTIsA_qm5zv4c-GSGKnNAbCT8m/s1600/IMG_2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8zAntFGs_L564CtQJwVAES_aE824r3hTpECjhR5sH5kVIKaicd1jTbH6n9DxrzOKQZF_tE84-nybGJwStmwgEr275GBgNfpv03cy2WZOKkxg8GyPlrbTIsA_qm5zv4c-GSGKnNAbCT8m/s320/IMG_2057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Luke Hughes</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Ron Gardenhire has been heaping praise on Hughes over spring, and has indicated that he may well make his decision based on offense rather than defense. If this is the case, Hughes will be the clear winner. At this point, given the consistency and strength of his performances, it would be surprising if Hughes did not make the Opening Day squad. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlob1S0_io5K53GhIPnWGPpUxyZ_usxPpspGCABod4e2V0TLwbwc1Z54fEguGlC25lo-5r8hSpa-d_bAhgzgV0_e9-yB7UPe8nLPXptCd91c5-NLtQtdEOc-xCoRovVQpJZAJI2R1Yi_4M/s1600/Ryan%252BRowland%252BSmith%252BHouston%252BAstros%252BPhoto%252BDay%252B35A0hXh4t4Nl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlob1S0_io5K53GhIPnWGPpUxyZ_usxPpspGCABod4e2V0TLwbwc1Z54fEguGlC25lo-5r8hSpa-d_bAhgzgV0_e9-yB7UPe8nLPXptCd91c5-NLtQtdEOc-xCoRovVQpJZAJI2R1Yi_4M/s200/Ryan%252BRowland%252BSmith%252BHouston%252BAstros%252BPhoto%252BDay%252B35A0hXh4t4Nl.jpg" width="133" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ryan Rowland-Smith</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Ryan Rowland-Smith</b> finally managed to put up some solid numbers in Week Three. He pitched three innings this week in a start against the Detroit Tigers. He allowed three hits and one run - which was a first inning homerun to Magglio Ordonez. He seemed to settle in nicely, and picked up two strikes, while issuing two walks. This was a positive outing following on from his early games, in which he gave out too many walks. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Rowland-Smith is battling [at least] four guys to earn the fifth spot in the Astros' rotation - Nelson Figueroa, Jordan Lyles, Lance Pendleton and Aneury Rodriguez. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Figueroa is 2-0 record from three starts and has an ERA of 5.00. He has four strikeouts and four walks. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Lyles is 1-2, with an ERA of 1.80, but he has only started one game. He has struck out five and walked two. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Pendleton has also spent most of the time coming in from the pen, but has one start, and a record of 1-0. His ERA is 6.43 with three strikeouts and seven walks. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Rodriguez has two starts, and no decisions, an ERA of 4.00, three strikouts and four walks.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Without having seen these guys in action, it is hard to say where things are heading for Rowland-Smith, but it is clear that he is certainly in contention. The one thing he has that none of the others have is that he is a lefty. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Astros' Manager Brad Mills is giving him as good a chance as anyone to show his stuff, and the other guys he is up against are not setting the world on fire. He would be due for another start over the next day or two - perhaps against the Braves, the Pirates or the Tigers - and he will be looking to go deeper in the game and lock in another solid performance.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXg_X3keRnJP6zPuU6JXdcMyQtzKGljyRH518hk3A5E1a0JXoTcPHskbPVBnF6UG-kz2vchwc1QrOgtc8f9eWvEhc89FzDwgYxrvvMDv1MxLl8DTQOUzVMRQz9Tn6Gkz1pfK3jjqT3KKR/s1600/Trent%252BOeltjen%252BLos%252BAngeles%252BDodgers%252BPhoto%252BDay%252BbwNd-FGsQmEl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXg_X3keRnJP6zPuU6JXdcMyQtzKGljyRH518hk3A5E1a0JXoTcPHskbPVBnF6UG-kz2vchwc1QrOgtc8f9eWvEhc89FzDwgYxrvvMDv1MxLl8DTQOUzVMRQz9Tn6Gkz1pfK3jjqT3KKR/s200/Trent%252BOeltjen%252BLos%252BAngeles%252BDodgers%252BPhoto%252BDay%252BbwNd-FGsQmEl.jpg" width="132" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Trent Oeltjen</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/dodger-thoughts/post/_/id/11704/state-of-the-opening-day-roster-update">ESPN has rated him</a> a 10% chance of making the Dodgers Opening Day roster, but <b>Trent Oeltjen</b> isn't letting that get in the way of putting up solid numbers. Trent played in 5 games for the Dodgers this week and went 4-for-7 (.571), with one double and three runs. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Rich Thompson</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> also had a good Week Three. He pitched two innings in the Angels' win over the Padres. He allowed his first run of the spring - however it came off just one hit to the lead off man, who swiped a base and then scored on subsequent groundouts. With an injury to fellow reliever Scott Downs this week, Thompson's chances of scoring a spot on Opening Day have increased. He looked calm, strong and determined in the game against the Padres, and looks ready for a full season in the Bigs.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">As he did last week, <b>Peter Moylan</b> put up some strong numbers for the Braves. In two innings of work, he gave up no hits or walks, and struck out one. There's really not much more you can say about Moylan at the moment, he is going about his business as consistently as the day is long. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Not-so-highlights</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">A few Aussies were cut from Major League squads this week. Justin Huber went from the Twins to Rochester, while Brendan Wise and Chris Oxspring were sent from the Tigers to the Toledo Mud Hens. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Some of the gloss started to rub off Shane Lindsay this week. He made just one appearance for the White Sox, and gave up three hits and three runs (one unearned) in one inning of work. Lindsay is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-03-15/sports/ct-spt-0316-bits-white-sox-spring-tra20110315_1_roster-spots-bench-spot-chicago-white-sox-gifts">among a bunch of players</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> competing for a final bullpen spot. At this stage his chances of making the cut don't seem as strong as some of the others. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Grant Balfour has continued his ordinary spring. This week he pitched two innings, for two hits and two runs, taking his ERA to 12.00 on the campaign so far. Spring has not been kind to Balfour over the past couple of years. In 2009 he went 0-1 with a 5.63 ERA, and in 2010 he went 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA. Maybe the lack of intensity of spring training games is something that makes it difficult for Balf to fire up. Regardless, he will start the season as a senior member of the A's bullpen.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Some new faces in Spring Training</b></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">A couple of young Aussie prospects had a chance to hit out with the big league squads over the past week or so through some split squad games. Both <b>James Beresford</b> and <b>Tim Kennelly</b> have seen some time for the Twins and Phillies respectively. Beresford went 0-for-2 with a strikeout in one appearance for the Twins, while Tim Kennelly <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_03_12_tbamlb_phimlb_1&mode=gameday">smacked an RBI double</a> [which was very nearly a homerun] against the Rays. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiKzknU-L6nwjEVPXG9kDy2gR-lDS4-AN9Occwh932GT41rh_Kbn7JzljOvxNMNXhGvTqPSt_QHUTN-o4kugxBcY1j0AHM8aWx0kO3-Ba1OairD0fMnGSTcTM_uU7Qn7jc5exDeMFDoSO/s1600/kenelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiKzknU-L6nwjEVPXG9kDy2gR-lDS4-AN9Occwh932GT41rh_Kbn7JzljOvxNMNXhGvTqPSt_QHUTN-o4kugxBcY1j0AHM8aWx0kO3-Ba1OairD0fMnGSTcTM_uU7Qn7jc5exDeMFDoSO/s400/kenelly.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tim Kennelly</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Stats for Week Three</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">In a new feature this week, OzMLBplayers is entering the realm of statistical data provision. We have pulled together the stats for each of the Aussies involved in Spring Training this week into the following tables. Click them to see in full size.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Hitting</i></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Rjyg254MiGsa7s82KAJfs8LVTHJK8UfyoMrkmkx9-31Dn-SEJsg-1D2cjLTQWfAMva5Dqy26DIfDLgDNosBL_73bt9cv6dTY_g27c3pify3aodkzv0HVQcwzlHIlA-yRbUy2LH6nxV6/s1600/week3hitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Rjyg254MiGsa7s82KAJfs8LVTHJK8UfyoMrkmkx9-31Dn-SEJsg-1D2cjLTQWfAMva5Dqy26DIfDLgDNosBL_73bt9cv6dTY_g27c3pify3aodkzv0HVQcwzlHIlA-yRbUy2LH6nxV6/s400/week3hitting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Pitching</i></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisdKPqn7g65oGYedfnWWgaDlRq5glt-nouup12RIPpgDdeNE5J6c1P1D0hf4QbFg6eRLCf2ESg9ZhGuXmg8XlPp5bcZjgMEhYF_CHVsShrWoQRutivodkOwQcQO1XT00T1Z4v9eI-Sk0y/s1600/week3pitching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisdKPqn7g65oGYedfnWWgaDlRq5glt-nouup12RIPpgDdeNE5J6c1P1D0hf4QbFg6eRLCf2ESg9ZhGuXmg8XlPp5bcZjgMEhYF_CHVsShrWoQRutivodkOwQcQO1XT00T1Z4v9eI-Sk0y/s400/week3pitching.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Next week's ones to watch</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">We will be paying close attention to Ryan Rowland-Smith's next appearance (or two), and hoping he can continue to rebound. We'll also be crossing our fingers that Trent Oeltjen and Shane Lindsay can somehow find a way onto Opening Day rosters. And of course, we will be keeping check on the performances of guys who seem to have locked in their spot, including Rich Thompson, Pete Moylan, Grant Balfour and Luke Hughes.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">For all the latest Oz MLB player action, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ozmlbplayers">follow me on twitter</a>.</span></span>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-91573594822418144902011-03-15T23:17:00.002+11:002011-05-22T22:48:31.404+10:00Where in the world is Brad Harman?As I have been flicking through the MLB rosters and checking out what is going on in the minor league camps, there is one name that I keep expecting to see but don't.<br /><br />Brad Harman.<br /><br />Way back in April 2008 <a href="http://ozmlbplayers.blogspot.com/2008/04/brad-harman-gets-call-up.html">Harman got the call up to the Bigs from Double-A Philadelphia affiliate Reading</a>. He had a handful of appearances and picked up a few hits. He had some 'ok' years in the Minors over the rest of 2008 and through 2009, but then he seems to have disappeared.<br /><br />Turns out he was suspended by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority! The <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/baseballs-harman-suspended-14-months/story-e6frf9if-1225869312350">Herald Sun</a> reported back in May 2010 that Harman failed to lodge details of his whereabouts with drug officials on three occasions over an 18-month period. He was suspended for 14 months, and is free to resume competition from 26 May 2011.<br /><br />What a shame.<br /><br />I wonder if he is still out there slogging it out...Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-62981896734678231742011-03-15T20:42:00.004+11:002011-05-22T22:48:31.404+10:00UPDATED - List of Aussie Baseballers in Major League Spring Training Camps<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><u>UPDATE - 17 MARCH - Brendan Wise has also been sent to minor league camp</u></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><u><s><br /></s></u></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><u><s>U</s></u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><u><s>PDATE - 16 MARCH - Chris Oxspring has also been sent to minor league camp</s></u></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">More cuts are happening across the board now, and thanks to the good folks at <a href="http://thebaseballdigest.wordpress.com/">the Australian Baseball Digest</a> for picking up on the latest two Aussies to head back down to minor league camp. Justin Huber and Drew Naylor have joined Joel Naughton back in the minor league ranks. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Huber was never really in contention for a spot on the 25-man roster, but having been out of the States for a couple of years, the Twins would have been keen to see how he came back. As for Naylor, he did quite well in his limited opportunities - but I think he is more of a long-term investment for the Phillies. He will definitely be someone to watch through the minors this year. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">This takes the number of Aussies involved in Spring training back to ten, four non-roster invitees and six who are on the 40-man roster for their clubs.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>List of Non-Roster Invitees</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=469834" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Shane Lindsay</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Chicago White Sox</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=430684" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;"><strike>Chris Oxspring</strike></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><strike>, Detroit Tigers</strike></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><u><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=489436" style="color: #cc0000;">Brendan Wise</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Detroit Tigers</span></s></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><u><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=min" style="color: #cc0000;">Justin Huber</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Minnesota Twins</span></s></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><u><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=470490" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Joel Naughton</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Phildelphia Phillies</span></s></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=469721" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Trent Oeltjen</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, LA Dodgers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>List of players on the 40-man roster</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://houston.astros.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=434884" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Ryan Rowland-Smith</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Houston Astros</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><u><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=463752" style="color: #cc0000;">Drew Naylor</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Philadelphia Phillies</span></s></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=493247" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Peter Moylan</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Atlanta Braves</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=346797" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Grant Balfour</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Oakland Athletics</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460366" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Rich Thompson</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, LA Angels</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=min" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Luke Hughes</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Minnesota Twins</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=346801" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Brad Thomas</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Detroit Tigers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">I will update this list through Spring Training as things change</span>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-78885947954329293492011-03-13T22:14:00.002+11:002011-05-22T22:48:31.404+10:00Spring Training 2011: Week Two Review - Moylan HotWeek Two of Major League Baseball Spring Training wrapped up today, with many Australian baseballers producing very solid results. There are now 18 days to go until Opening Day, and there are still 12 Australians in contention for a place on the Opening Day roster for their respective clubs. There are at least four who look to be certainties for starting the season on the 25-man roster (Peter Moylan, Grant Balfour, Brad Thomas, and Rich Thompson), and at least another five who can stake a genuine claim to a position (Brendan Wise, Chris Oxspring, Shane Lindsay, Ryan Rowland-Smith and Luke Hughes).<br /><br />The story of the week for Week Two has to be Peter Moylan, who was at his unhittable best in a few outings for the Atlanta Braves. Other notable achievements included solid pitching from Rich Thompson, Brad Thomas, Drew Naylor and Shane Lindsay, and some good hitting from Luke Hughes and Trent Oeltjen.<br /><br />The usual process at Spring Training is to start with a really large squad and then progressively cut it down as the weeks go by. So far, most teams have had at least one cut. At this point in time, only one Aussie - Joel Naughton, the 24-year-old catcher in the Phillies' organisation - has been cut from the 13 who started on day one.<br /><br /><b>A week for the pitchers</b><br /><b><br /></b><br />While last week it was one of the Aussie hitters who led the way, in Luke Hughes, this week our pitchers made quite the resurgence. They were led by veteran sidearmer Peter Moylan, who was nothing short of dominant in his two appearances.<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTf3j0Zq2_DNwYETqwZn2XofXrHB5MBHiFaYEeTSiSHE65dfvYI8NcHjKMRCAJUBqUv-f8isjQ6OxuBJUdbZTM8kZdxC2IJtqBc4rMs1ih1WQ1bdLUyGJCIPIk8GPeidvAmmzOO2gPfOL/s1600/Peter%252BMoylan%252BAtlanta%252BBraves%252Bv%252BPittsburgh%252BPirates%252Bo1Sx5lp-DISl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTf3j0Zq2_DNwYETqwZn2XofXrHB5MBHiFaYEeTSiSHE65dfvYI8NcHjKMRCAJUBqUv-f8isjQ6OxuBJUdbZTM8kZdxC2IJtqBc4rMs1ih1WQ1bdLUyGJCIPIk8GPeidvAmmzOO2gPfOL/s400/Peter%252BMoylan%252BAtlanta%252BBraves%252Bv%252BPittsburgh%252BPirates%252Bo1Sx5lp-DISl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Moylan</td></tr></tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">In <a href="http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110308&content_id=16867788&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl&tcid=tw_article_16867788">an excellent feature posted on MLB.com this week</a>, Mark Bowman wrote about Moylan's rise to Major League Baseball. He noted that in the four-plus years since making his debut in April 2006, Moylan has posted a 2.58 ERA and made 274 appearances, which is 112 more than any other Atlanta pitcher over that period. </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">He showed that strength this week - pitching two innings over two appearances and five of the six outs he registered were strikeouts. He was not exactly facing the best talent in baseball this week. Moylan pitched to a bunch of youngish hitters from the Yankees and the Mets. However, Moylan did what he is paid to do, he gave up just one hit, did not walk a batter and made short work of both teams. </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVU6lHpepVF5bYNWWqC6MyalcPSl6kASwVbY-VdwnEmCVi2EggrIjcwIjbYknZY293vVKuk16D09BDT-J15HAC5QFhloiYlyeaciC6lnskNC89m4Zvfigjtqk6RJHqHCwv-JVF-DfEuvG/s1600/Brad%252BThomas%252BDetroit%252BTigers%252BPhoto%252BDay%252BvFSL1vRyxttl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVU6lHpepVF5bYNWWqC6MyalcPSl6kASwVbY-VdwnEmCVi2EggrIjcwIjbYknZY293vVKuk16D09BDT-J15HAC5QFhloiYlyeaciC6lnskNC89m4Zvfigjtqk6RJHqHCwv-JVF-DfEuvG/s200/Brad%252BThomas%252BDetroit%252BTigers%252BPhoto%252BDay%252BvFSL1vRyxttl.jpg" width="141" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad Thomas</td></tr></tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Brad Thomas is another veteran relief pitcher who had a good week. For the second week in a row he appeared in three games, although this week he gave up just one hit. Thomas is a guy who had probably surprised a few people with the quality of his season last year, and he is probably not quite assured of a place on the Tigers' Opening Day roster unless he can keep his form up. Tigers' Manager Jim Leyland has noticed the quality of Thomas' spring camp though, and he puts it down to improvements in Thomas' curveball. 'His breaking ball is better,' Leyland told <i><a href="http://www.detnews.com/article/20110312/SPORTS0104/103120394/1361/Auditions-go-well-for-open-spots-in-Tigers--latest-victory">The Detroit News</a>. </i>'He's more apt to handle a lefty than he was last year'. Apparently Thomas has been working on a new grip to give his curve some more bite. </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Two other Aussie relief pitchers have been getting noticed this week too. In particular, Shane Lindsay has surged into contention for a spot in the Chicago White Sox bullpen. Lindsay has been kicking around the minors for about eight years, previously with the Colorado Rockies. However a couple of very strong performances this spring, including a three-up three-down performance in his debut game for the White Sox. Lindsay has quite a variety of pitches according to <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/4193004-419/shane-lindsay-turns-heads-at-white-sox-camp.html">The Chicago Sun-Times</a>. He is said to throw a fastball, curve and changeup and is adding a slider-cutter. 'I like it here and what they are preaching. They are keeping it simple, not trying to over-coach me, and they're willing to work with what has worked for me. It's really good...' he told the Sun-Times. </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWOC2E51IM4EDV0MDMXU-WR64uxPBnbR9aMhD4GMue-lciJ_QRLrb63zH31f3R44RyKcKs6ywiD-o9APzZdVoCkaX3ANIw0Gw_PgbEm_U6GWZbZh5bHhUVp5VfTEavZjY7QvWzDwgvTNa/s1600/86548432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWOC2E51IM4EDV0MDMXU-WR64uxPBnbR9aMhD4GMue-lciJ_QRLrb63zH31f3R44RyKcKs6ywiD-o9APzZdVoCkaX3ANIw0Gw_PgbEm_U6GWZbZh5bHhUVp5VfTEavZjY7QvWzDwgvTNa/s320/86548432.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rich Thompson</td></tr></tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Alongside Lindsay, and quietly going about his business has been Rich Thompson at the Los Angeles Angels. Thompson pitched two scoreless innings over two appearances this week, allowing just three hits while striking out four. Like Moylan above, Thompson didn't face off against the cream of the crop, but he did face (and strikeout) some genuine big leaguers like Justin Upton and Russell Branyan. Thompson is in an interesting spot - he is out of minor league options. This means that if the Angels decide they want to cut him from the big league 25-man roster, he must go through the waivers process on the way down to the minors, meaning that he could be picked up by another club. Angels' skipper Mike Scioscia has been considering taking a 12 man pitching roster - which would be good for Thompson, however the <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/03/angels-exploring-all-their-roster-options.html">Los Angeles Times</a> has reported that Scioscia might toy with the idea of an 11 man option, which could make things interesting. All Rich can do at this point is keep putting the numbers up. </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Also solid this week were Chris Oxspring (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 SO) and Drew NaylorAstros number five starter. Perhaps working in his favour is the fact that the Astros are not looking very strong all round at the moment, so management may be willing to take a gamble. </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><br /><b>Aussies with the bat</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vuoshmx3htf3aUdPaNHANo15rKWx4sXY8Ms2PXEnBO_lLG58PX2cK_qz7avtD3CkEaWFKGSe3pDeLItzZFqpl_lWu184f9Y2dKENsRRBdSKumogFc32MFuKdRy1pnpUX9VHExLXFj7V5/s1600/2669728101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vuoshmx3htf3aUdPaNHANo15rKWx4sXY8Ms2PXEnBO_lLG58PX2cK_qz7avtD3CkEaWFKGSe3pDeLItzZFqpl_lWu184f9Y2dKENsRRBdSKumogFc32MFuKdRy1pnpUX9VHExLXFj7V5/s200/2669728101.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke Hughes</td></tr></tbody></table>With Joel Naughton dropping out of the big league squad for the Phillies there are just three Aussie hitters left in contention - Luke Hughes and Justin Huber at the Twins, and Trent Oeltjen at the Dodgers. This week all three had a pretty solid week. The highlights were a three-run homerun to Oeltjen as the Dodgers got shellacked by the Royals, and Luke Hughes' amazing consistency. This week Hughes hit two doubles, a home run and five RBIs. His average for the spring is now .333. Of the hitters, Hughes still looks the most likely to find a home on an Opening Day roster. The Twins have been experimenting with him in a number of positions in the infield and the outfield. Justin Huber has not been as consistent or as powerful as the Twins would like, and Trent Oeltjen is likely to fall victim to the fact that the Dodgers have approximately three hundred and forty two outfielders, and just not enough room for them all.<br /><br /><b>What will we be watching next week?</b><br />1. What is going to happen with Shane Lindsay? Will he get more opportunities to shine, and will he seize them?<br />2. Can Rich Thompson keep putting up good numbers, and will it be enough to earn him a spot on Opening Day?<br />3. Can Luke Hughes learn how to play shortstop or find some other way to make it onto the Twins roster?<br />4. When will Grant Balfour settle into some rhythm?<br />5. Can Ryan Rowland-Smith take some positives out of last week's game and build a strong performance?<br /><br />As always, do what the pros do (including Ryan Rowland-Smith, Rich Thompson and Peter Moylan) and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ozmlbplayers">follow me on twitter</a> for all the latest Oz MLB Player updates.<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-86273006797165639212011-03-12T15:02:00.003+11:002011-05-22T22:48:31.405+10:00UPDATED - List of Aussie Baseballers in Major League Spring Training Camps<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://ozmlbplayers.blogspot.com/2011/03/updated-list-of-aussie-baseballers-in_15.html">THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED AS AT 15 MARCH 2011</a></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">First cuts have taken place in most squads now. The good news is that most Aussies have avoided them!. Unfortunately, Joel Naughton has not though, <a href="http://beerleaguer.typepad.com/beerleaguer/2011/03/transactions-phils-release-quinlan-make-other-cuts.html">and was sent to the minor league camp</a>. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Naughton would have to be reasonably pleased with his spring though - and he may get a look in with the Phillies at some time during the year. His line for his time with the big leaguers was 3 games, 3 at bats for 2 hits and 1 RBI.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">This takes the number of Aussies involved in Spring training back to twelve, five non-roster invitees and seven who are on the 40-man roster for their clubs.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>List of Non-Roster Invitees</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=469834" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Shane Lindsay</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Chicago White Sox</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=430684" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Chris Oxspring</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Detroit Tigers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=489436" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Brendan Wise</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Detroit Tigers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=min" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Justin Huber</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Minnesota Twins</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><u><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=470490" style="color: #cc0000;">Joel Naughton</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Phildelphia Phillies</span></s></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=469721" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Trent Oeltjen</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, LA Dodgers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>List of players on the 40-man roster</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://houston.astros.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=434884" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Ryan Rowland-Smith</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Houston Astros</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=463752" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Drew Naylor</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Philadelphia Phillies</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=493247" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Peter Moylan</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Atlanta Braves</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=346797" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Grant Balfour</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Oakland Athletics</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460366" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Rich Thompson</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, LA Angels</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=min" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Luke Hughes</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Minnesota Twins</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=346801" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: underline;">Brad Thomas</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, Detroit Tigers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">I will update this list through Spring Training as things change</span>Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290844941785815692.post-2920051625481492692011-03-06T23:14:00.002+11:002011-05-22T22:48:31.405+10:00Channel Nine coverage of Grant Balfour contractSo, I am sitting up, half listening to the TV as I go about a little bit of work before hitting the office tomorrow morning, and I hear on the Channel Nine News break 'Australian man signs eight million dollar contract to play baseball'....<br /><br />Hmmm. 'What the hell?' is the first thing that comes to mind. I looked up and caught some footage of Grant Balfour throwing in some postseason action from a couple of years ago.<br /><br />So, I open up the web and hit the NineMSN website, where I find this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTwiNGUoll1CmU7HxNlMvVl7cD-Pl2-d-wkZj87MEyC0R13fCw3vzlNDxPyGbRbZzgQ5Oms-49sVgfwvmRwsR9D3PX_qqQh5e5mI64Duy8RPuTN1kLhjh4zd1RbG47FpKcbO86gc_WwEg/s1600/BalfourNews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTwiNGUoll1CmU7HxNlMvVl7cD-Pl2-d-wkZj87MEyC0R13fCw3vzlNDxPyGbRbZzgQ5Oms-49sVgfwvmRwsR9D3PX_qqQh5e5mI64Duy8RPuTN1kLhjh4zd1RbG47FpKcbO86gc_WwEg/s400/BalfourNews.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The sidebar shows that Balfour has signed a huge deal with the Angels!!!! What the hell? I better watch this story.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">WARNING ----> RANT COMMENCES BELOW</span></b><br /><br />I clicked on play, <a href="http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/video.aspx?videoid=0e6255d3-9aef-4b20-98df-73131410a049">and you can too here</a>, and got quite a few laughs out of it. Firstly, they report that Balfour has 'just signed a deal'.<br /><br />ARE YOU KIDDING CHANNEL NINE!!!!<br /><br />It happened on the 15th of January!<br /><br />Secondly, as is the way with all the modern 'news' programs, they have emblazoned across the top one of their watermarks, so everyone is clear who broke the 'news' 'first'. Anyways, this one says 'First on 9'. HA!!!!<br /><br />ARE YOU KIDDING CHANNEL NINE!!!!!<br /><br />The story was ALL OVER the internet for days before it even broke. It was reasonably big news at the time, as the hot stove had cooled a little bit. It was widely reported online, both overseas and at home.<br /><br />In fact, that great institution of journalistic integrity, professionalism and award-winning writing - <a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/more-sports/aussie-pitcher-seals-big-deal/story-e6frey6i-1225988956227?utm_source=twitterfeed">the Daily Telegraph</a> - broke the story on the 17th of January. <a href="http://timeanddate.com/date/durationresult.html?d1=17&m1=Jan&y1=2011&d2=6&m2=3&y2=2011">That's 48 days ago!</a> And, yours truly broke it on Twitter on 15th January.<br /><br />'First on 9' obviously means 'first time they have featured a baseball story this month'. Silly me for thinking otherwise.<br /><br />Oh and finally, they featured Balf in all his Oakland gear, and mentioned in the article a number of times that he played for the Athletics, yet their online team got it wrong and wrote Angels.<br /><br />COME ON!!!! GET A CLUE!!!<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">RANT OVER</span></b><br /><br />Ok, so I feel better now. It is great to see some mainstream media coverage, and great to see Channel Nine send their LA correspondent to visit Balfour during Spring Training camp. But a little more research and attention to detail, and a little less patting-yourself-on-the-back-for-something-you-don't-even-deserve, would have earned Channel Nine a lot more cred.Nathan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495225866369624561noreply@blogger.com1