tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16905426611391622322024-02-21T05:05:14.923-06:00Chatter from the Press BoxRider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-77533291133263244412013-02-25T12:57:00.000-06:002013-02-25T12:57:54.457-06:00Poised for a Breakout Season: Kyle Seager<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Talk
about some of the best young players in the game and Kyle Seager’s name isn’t
likely to come up. In 2012 he hit only .259 and put up just a .738 OPS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On top of all of this, he plays for the
Seattle Mariners and sits in the middle of an offense that had the 4<sup>th</sup>
lowest runs per game last season in baseball. </span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But,
look beyond that, and you see a player that is poised for a big season in 2013.
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Seager
did have 35 doubles, 20 home runs, and drove in 86 runs in 2012. He did steal
13 bases, and he had 251 total bases. His 56 extra base hits put him tied for 8<sup>th</sup>
among third basemen in baseball. And he’s done all of this while playing half
of his games in Seattle. Which, brings me to the reason that I believe he is
ready for a breakout season. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
Seattle Mariners have <a href="http://blog.seattlepi.com/baseball/2012/10/02/mariners-to-move-outfield-fences-closer-at-safeco-field/" target="_blank">brought their outfield walls in</a> a bit this season. The
left center field fence was brought in from 390 feet to 378 feet. Center field
was brought in from 405 feet to 401 feet. Right center field was brought in
from 385 to 381 feet. The deepest point, 409 feet, will now be 405 feet. The fences
down the line will remain what they were, 331 feet to left field and 326 feet
to right field, respectively. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Why does
this matter in terms of Kyle Seager? Well, for one, Seager is a career .298
hitter with an .834 OPS away from Safeco Field, as opposed to his .215 batting
average and .607 OPS at home. His power has been completely sapped at home
(.311 slugging percentage) versus on the road (.501 slugging percentage). Of
his 23 career home runs, 18 of them have come on the road. Of his 72 extra base
hits, just 25 of them have come at home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">At 25
years old, Kyle Seager is just beginning to get close to his prime. In his
rapid rise from 3<sup>rd</sup> round pick out of the University of North
Carolina in 2009 to playing on the infield for the Seattle Mariners, Seager hit
.328 with an .875 OPS over 1,245 plate appearances in the minor leagues. While
his true power never really showed in the minor leagues (he had only 22 home
runs), Seager has always been a player with good gap power and an advanced
approach at the plate. Because of that, along with his contact ability, Seager
is a player who’s power could play up at the big league level. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">With the
acquisitions of Michael Morse and Kendrys Morales, the Mariners also have gotten
more fire power in their lineup to support Kyle Seager. In 2012, Seager hit
.280 with men on, including .308 with runners in scoring position. He should be
hitting in the middle of an improved Seattle Mariners offense. </span></div>
Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-88609846608880603452013-02-24T18:43:00.001-06:002013-02-24T18:53:29.804-06:00No Easy Out: A Look at Baseball's Most Underrated Offense<span style="font-size: small;">Talk to people about the best offenses in the game and people will probably start with teams like the Yankees, Angels, Tigers, and Cardinals. They might throw in the Blue Jays or Nationals if the mood strikes enough. And there are plenty of reasons to pick those teams. Big names, big game players, and they've been in plenty of big games over the last couple years. Some made big acquisitions this offseason, and others didn't need to. If they stay healthy, any of those teams could lead baseball in runs scored and each of them brings a different dynamic to the table. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">But then there is another name I will throw into the argument... the Arizona Diamondbacks. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Last year the Diamondbacks ranked eighth in baseball in runs scored per game with 4.53. So it's not exactly like suggesting the Seattle Mariners as the best. But, after dealing Justin Upton, I doubt many would give them any chance without looking at it. They certainly are not one that pops off the top of your head as one of the best. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">In terms of depth, the Arizona Diamondbacks can rival any lineup in the game. They literately don't have an easy out until their shortstop position and likely 8th hitter in the lineup. They have guys who can run, guys who can hit for power, and guys who can get on base in the lineup. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Last year strikeouts were an issue for them, and they probably will still be an issue for them in 2013. Like the Braves, who I talked about before, the Diamondbacks do have players who are going to strikeout. </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">But, let's look at their lineup individually. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Projected Lineup: </u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1. CF Adam Eaton (Bats LH)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2012 MLB Numbers:</b> 103 PA .259 AVG .382 OBP .412 SLG .794 OPS <br /><b>2013 Bill James Proj.:</b> 582 PA .291 AVG .358 OBP .418 SLG .776 OPS </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Not to be confused with the former San Diego Padres pitcher, you will find few players in baseball that have more energy on the field than the outfielder Adam Eaton. The 24 year old center fielder was recently written about by Jerry Crasnick on ESPN.com <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/spring-training/post/_/id/495/leading-off-d-backs-high-on-adam-eaton">here</a>. You will have an extremely difficult time finding a more productive player in minor league baseball over the last three years, in fact you probably won't be able to no matter what age or level. In 1,451 minor league plate appearances over the last three years, Eaton has hit a robust .355 with an incredible .456 on base percentage and .510 slugging percentage. Oh and did I mention that he can run? Adam has 98 steals in 131 attempts over those three seasons, including 44 in 55 attempts in 2012. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In the 2012 season, Eaton hit .375 with a .456 on base percentage between Double-A and Triple-A. He had 47 doubles, 5 triples, and 7 home runs with 130 runs scored. To the point: Even if he drops 100 points in on base percentage points at the major league level, how valuable will he still be at the top of the order with very good speed and an all out playing style. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. 3B Martin Prado (Bats RH)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2012 M</b><b>LB Numbers: </b>690 PA .301 AVG .359 OBP .438 SLG .796 OPS </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2013 Bill James Proj</b><b>.: </b>621 PA .291 AVG .347 OBP .425 SLG .772 OPS </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The key major league player that the Diamondbacks acquired in the Justin Upton blockbuster deal, Martin Prado is a good baseball player that is very good at knowing his job. One of the best #2 hitters in the game, Prado can do a lot of things when he's at the plate. And with 270 or more total bases in two of the last three years, Prado is not just a slap hitter with no power. Since becoming a regular in 2009, Prado has hit .294 with a .778 OPS over the time period. More balanced though, Prado has averaged 36 doubles, 3 triples, and 12 home runs. He has averaged 42 walks to just 66 strikeouts during the time frame as well. He is exactly what you look for in a prototypical #2 spot. A doubles hitter with a bit of pop, a high average, and tough to strikeout. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>3. C Miguel Montero (Bats LH)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2012 MLB Numbers: </b>.286 AVG .391 OBP .438 SLG .829 OPS<br /><b>2013 </b><b>Bill James Proj:</b> .272 AVG .357 OBP .435 SLG .792 OPS</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">One of the best catchers in the game last season, Miguel Montero has continued to be consistent at the plate over the last four years. Montero topped 80 RBI for the second straight years in 2012 and set career bests in walks (73) and on base percentage (.391). The left handed hitting catcher has hit at least 15 home runs in three of the last four years, including a career best 18 in 2011. I put him in the three spot due to his .283 average and .361 OBP over the last four seasons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>4. 1B Paul Goldschmidt (Bats RH)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2012 MLB Numbers: </b>.286 AVG .359 OBP .490 SLG .850 OPS </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>201</b><b>3 B</b><b>ill James Proj: </b>.283 AVG .375 OBP .501 SLG .876 OPS </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A star in the making in the middle of the Diamondbacks lineup, Paul Goldschmidt burst onto the radar late in the 2011 season and during the playoffs with his prodigious power. Few question whether Goldschmidt will hit for power at the big league level. The 25 year old first baseman hit 20 home runs in 2012 and added in 43 doubles and a triple for good measure. He also fell two steals short of being baseball's first first baseman to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in a season since Derrek Lee hit 31 home runs and stole 21 bases in 2003. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>5. 2B Aaron Hill (Bats RH)</b><br /><b>2012 MLB N</b><b>umbers: </b>.302 AVG .360 OBP .522 SLG .882 OPS<br /><b>2013 Bill James Proj:</b> .270 AVG .327 OBP .444 SLG .771 OPS</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Coming off one of the quietest stellar seasons in baseball in 2012, Aaron Hill will have to once again prove that his 2012 season was no "fluke". An interesting career thus far, Hill has had two very good seasons and another quality season in his career. Yet, he's also put together some seasons where you aren't sure if he even showed up to the park. The second baseman had quality years in 2007 (.291 avg., 41 doubles, 17 HR), 2009 (.286 avg., 36 home runs, and 108 RBI), and 2012 (.302 avg., 44 doubles, 6 triples, 26 HR, and 85 RBI). Even still, though, the two time Silver Slugger award winner has flown under the radar due to his other not so good years. In 810 plate appearances since coming over to Arizona in a trade in 2011 though, the 30 year old has hit .304 with 56 doubles, 8 triples, 28 home runs, and an .881 OPS. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>6. LF Jason Kubel (Bats LH)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />2012 MLB Numbers: </b>.253 AVG .327 OBP .506 SLG .833 OPS </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2013 </b><b>Bill James Proj</b><b>.:</b> .259 AVG .333 OBP .465 SLG .798 OPS</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Another player in the line up that has been pretty consistent at what he adds to a club. Jason Kubel set a career best with 30 home runs in 2012 and drove in 90 runs as well for Arizona. His 64 extra base hits were the second most for his career in a season, as were his 90 RBI and .506 slugging percentage. Since 2008, Kubel has put together a .269 batting average and averaged 22 home runs and 84 RBI a season. He also has averaged an .815 OPS and 117 OPS+ during the same time frame. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>7. RF Cody Ross (Bats RH)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2012 MLB Numbers:</b> .267 AVG .326 OBP .481 SLG .807 OPS</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2013 </b><b>Bill James Proj.:</b> .254 AVG .321 OBP .444 SLG .765 OPS</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">When the Arizona Diamondbacks signed Cody Ross to a three year deal this offseason, many people in baseball were wondering what the Diamondbacks were doing. Even if they were going to trade Upton, they had plenty of outfield depth in their organization and adding an outfielder was one of the last things they needed to do. Still, Cody Ross brings a quality veteran and a potential veteran leader to the clubhouse. He's a good, hard nosed player that has put together some solid seasons throughout his career and has playoff experience after leading the San Francisco Giants to the 2010 World Series title. In 528 plate appearances for the Boston Red Sox in 2012, Ross hit .267 with 34 doubles, 22 home runs, and 81 RBI. His 113 OPS+ was the best of his career with at least 200 plate appearances. Still, Ross has been consistently around there since 2008 and he has three 20 home runs seasons to his credit. Even more important though, Ross has had at least 50 extra base hits in three of the last five years. Ross is also one of baseball's best hitters against left handed pitching, as he has a .284 batting average and .928 OPS against southpaws throughout his career. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>8. SS Didi Gregorius (Bats LH) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2012 MLB Numbers:</b> .300 AVG .300 OBP .300 SLG .600 OPS</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2013 Bill James Proj.:</b> N/A</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The likely starting shortstop, although that's not set yet, Didi Gregorius was the center piece that the Diamondbacks acquired in the three team deal that sent pitcher Trevor Bauer to Cleveland and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo from Cleveland to Cincinnati. Gregorius is the only non-pitching spot in the lineup that looks like a possible "easy" out. What he lacks with the bat, however, the Curacao native more than makes up for with his defense. Between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville, Didi hit .265 with 21 doubles, 11 triples, and seven home runs. It marked his second consecutive season with an OPS above .700 in the minor leagues. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">As you can see, there is no real superstar in the Arizona Diamondbacks lineup. Justin Upton won't be in their lineup anymore. They aren't going to be the easy pick to be the best offense in baseball and they aren't going to jump out at you on paper. However, as the games are played, the Diamondbacks feature a lineup that could very well have seven players in their lineup with an OPS around or above .800. They have plenty of power with four players capable of hitting 20-25 home runs or more. They feature a potential star in Paul Goldschmidt and an underrated star in Miguel Montero. They have players with big time experience and they have players who are going to give their all out everyday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In other words, they have baseball's most underrated lineup. </span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-80224239995177757732013-01-26T14:50:00.001-06:002013-01-26T14:50:38.963-06:00Justin Upton To Arizona: Will the Upton Brothers Thrive or Will They Strikeout? By now, everybody in the baseball world knows about the blockbuster trade that took place on Thursday. The Atlanta Braves pulled off a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks for one of the most talented players, Justin Upton, that changed teams this offseason. And with the deal and a mega signing earlier this offseason, the Atlanta Braves have set themselves up for one of the most intriguing stories over the next few years.<br />
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In the outfield for the Atlanta Braves will be Jason Heyward in right field, B.J. Upton in center field, and Justin Upton in left field. Yes, B.J. and Justin are brothers and former #2 and #1 overall picks, respectively. I believed that seeing the Upton brothers play alongside each other at some point would be very cool, but I never thought that it would happen this soon.<br />
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From the moment that I saw the Justin Upton trade, I loved it for Atlanta. <br />
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I still love it as a stand alone deal. The Braves got a potential MVP caliber player who is 25 years old for what amounted to nothing that they absolutely had to keep. They didn't deal Julio Teheran and they didn't trade Andrelton Simmons. They kept the chips that are their most pivotal.<br />
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Ultimately, though, I can't help, but look at this offseason from a stand point where the Braves didn't truly solve any of their problems on offense. If you looked at their 2012 offense, the team had three major areas of concern, two of which were related.<br />
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<u>Problems </u><br />
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<b>Situational Hitting </b><br />
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There was no doubt that this was one of the main areas of the Braves problems in 2012. Their team batting average with runners in scoring position (RISP) was a National League worst .231. The team hit just .244, fourth worst in the NL, with men on base. They ranked 11th with a .245 in High Leverage situations. Down the stretch, it became increasingly apparent as the team hit just .234 with a .683 OPS in the second half, including .228 with a .635 OPS in September. The team was only kept in contention due to extremely good pitching. <br />
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<b>Strikeouts </b><br />
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The Braves had the fourth most strikeouts in the National League in 2012. Sure, strikeouts count as any other out, but when you don't put the ball in play, you can't help the team in any way. <br />
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<b>Too Left Handed Heavy</b><br />
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The most talked about problem over the last few years with the Braves has been that their lineup is too left handed heavy. With Bourn, Heyward, McCann, Freeman, etc. plus a switch handed Chipper Jones, the Braves saw a lineup that was too heavy towards one side. <br />
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<u>Solutions (or lack thereof)</u><br />
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<b>Situational Hitting </b><br />
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Chipper Jones retired with a .257 average with RISP in 2012. But, he was very good with a .337 average in 2011 and .293 in 2010.<br />
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Michael Bourn has left via free agency and with him, his .308 batting average with RISP in 2012. The high average compared to his overall average is no fluke either, as Bourn is a career .294 hitter with RISP, despite a career batting average of .272. <br />
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Then the Braves traded Martin Prado, who had an average of .275 with RISP in 2012. Not great, but clearly above the team average of .231. Prado is also a career .289 hitter in high leverage situations. <br />
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<b>Strikeouts</b><br />
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This is where the Braves really managed to hurt themselves this offseason. If strikeouts were bad last year, then nobody has seen anything, yet. As Lary Bump told me, the most popular sound in Atlanta might be "strike three" this year. Chipper Jones was a star hitter who never struck out 100 times in a season in his career. There were only a handful of seasons where he struck out more than he walked. Replacing a player who's retiring is always tough, though, so it was going to be tough no matter what.<br />
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Michael Bourn was leaving free agency and taking with him his 155 strikeouts in 2012 and average of 135 over the last three years. There was the possibility of cutting down on strikeouts there... until the Braves decided that wasn't necessary. <br />
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Martin Prado struck out just 69 times in 2012 in 690 plate appearances and walked 58 times as well.<br />
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Take a look at the new team that the Braves will be fielding in 2013 and their average number of strikeouts over the last three years (unless otherwise noted):<br />
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C- Brian McCann (88)<br />
1B- Freddie Freeman (136 in his two full seasons)<br />2B- Dan Uggla (158)<br />3B- Chris Johnson (132 last year; 326 in 348 career games)<br />SS- Andrelton Simmons (21 in 189 plate appearances last year; their one saving hope in this stat)<br />LF- Justin Upton (133)<br />CF- BJ Upton (165)<br />RF- Jason Heyward (124)<br />Pitchers (124 including 144 last year)<br />
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Add that up and that is already 1,081 strikeouts without including the bench and the extra play that Andrelton Simmons would have. Last year alone the players combined for 1,121 strikeouts without including extra play for Simmons and the bench. Last season the team had 1,289 strikeouts overall. <br />
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<b>Too Left Handed Heavy</b><br />
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This is the one area that they had problems with before that they shouldn't have problems with now. By adding three right handed hitters in the Upton brothers and Chris Johnson, the team has built a more balanced lineup. Looking at it right now, the lineup that I would want to use is:<br />
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1. Simmons RH <br />
2. B Upton RH<br />
3. Heyward LH<br />
4. J Upton RH<br />
5. Freeman LH<br />
6. Uggla RH<br />
7. McCann/catcher LH<br />
8. Johnson RH<br />
9. Pitcher<br />
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<b>New Issues</b><br />
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The Braves lineup last year, even amid struggles, had a certain balance to it and seemed like a lineup that had a nice balance of talent and guys who filled their roles very well. This year's lineup seems to be almost an opposite of that. It has a lot of power and a lot of guys who are ultra talented, but will be put out of place in their role.<br />
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My questions are at the top of the lineup where I don't believe that Andrelton Simmons will be ready to be a top of the order guy and where B.J. Upton does not fit as the prototypical #1 or #2 hitter. The Braves will lose anywhere from 20-40 on base points at least depending on where they put Upton at the top... if they do. If they don't, there doesn't seem to be two players who could easily climb into the #1 or #2 spots in the order. <br />
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The Braves have gone from having an elite base stealer in Michael Bourn and a great average/non-strikeout/solid role player in Martin Prado in the #2 hole to having more or less a rookie, albeit a very talented player, in Andrelton Simmons and a very low OBP type player in B.J. Upton, albeit he's an elite basestealer as well. <br />
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There's the thought by me and others that the Braves will hope that the Upton brothers, two of the most talented high schoolers to come out over the last decade, will thrive off each other in their new environments. They are leaving possibly toxic situations and getting a fresh start together. It will make for a great story and both players are still young enough that the best part of their careers could very well be right in front of them. <br />
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The question is will they thrive together or strikeout?Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-476540494891749552012-05-19T13:15:00.001-05:002012-05-19T13:15:08.733-05:00Game 42: San Antonio Missions (TBD) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Carlos Pimentel)<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Time: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">7:05 PM CT</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Location: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Dr Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Team Records:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> Frisco RoughRiders (24-17 First Place in the Texas League South)... San Antonio Missions (19-22 5 games back in the Texas League South)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Streak:</b> L3</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Last 10:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> 4-6</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Home stand: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">0-1</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">2012 Series Record</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">: 8-2-1 </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>2012 Record against San Antonio:</b> 6-3</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">All-Time Record against San Antonio:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> 129-128</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Record on May 18 since 2003:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> 6-3</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Starting Pitchers: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Carlos Pimentel (3-2 2.65 ERA) vs. TBD (N/A)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Grimm Struggles Through Worst Home Start: </b>For the first time in 2012 Justin Grimm looked human at Dr Pepper Ballpark. After entering the game 3-0 with a 0.49 ERA at home in three starts, Grimm gave up 7 hits, 3 walks, and 5 runs over 4 2/3 innings. He also hit a batter and struck out four batters. It was only the second time in nine starts that Grimm gave up more than one earned run in a start and the first time he gave up more than one walk since April 10, the second start of the season. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Offensive Struggles:</b> The 'Riders offense went the final four innings on Thursday night's game without getting a base hit. Their last hit was a double in the 5th inning of that game by Mike Olt. On Friday night, the 'Riders went the first seven full innings before they finally broke through with a Jared Prince double in the 8th inning to lead off the inning. In total they went 11 2/3 innings without a hit or a run. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Profar Reaches Base Twice: </b>The story entering the game was Jurickson Profar's hitting streak and thanks to a triple to dead center field in the ninth inning, Profar has extended that streak to 28 games. He extended his on base streak to 37 games with a walk in the first inning. Overall, Profar went 1 for 3 with the walk and a run scored. He is hitting .340 in the month of May and .366 when leading off an inning. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Strausborger Nabs #8:</b> Ryan Strausborger got off to a flying start in the outfield assists department as he piled up seven outfield assists very early on this season. He never got the eighth until last night though when Cody Decker tried to score on a single to Strausborger in left field. The assist also put him one ahead of Engel Beltre for the most on the team. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">LHP John Danks (Chicago White Sox) @ Chicago Cubs</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">As always...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Coward, South Carolina!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Follow the Game Online at:</b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at:</b><a href="http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540</a></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info:</b><a href="http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>- </b>Michael Damman</span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-70131575659020793142012-05-18T14:48:00.002-05:002012-05-18T14:48:47.788-05:00Game 41: San Antonio Missions (Josh Geer) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Justin Grimm)<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Time: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">7:05 PM CT</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Location: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Dr Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Team Records:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> Frisco RoughRiders (24-16 First Place in the Texas League South)... San Antonio Missions (18-22 6 games back in the Texas League South)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Streak:</b> L2</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Last 10:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> 5-5</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Home stand: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">0-0</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">2012 Series Record</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">: 8-2-1 </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>2012 Record against San Antonio:</b> 6-2</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">All-Time Record against San Antonio:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> 129-127</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Record on May 18 since 2003:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> 7-3</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Starting Pitchers: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Justin Grimm (6-2 1.59 ERA) vs. Josh Geer (0-0 0.00 ERA)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>'Riders Fall to Midland, Lose Series:</b> For the second time this season the Frisco RoughRiders lost a series after they fell 8-3 to the Midland Rockhounds on Thursday night. It was the second series loss for the 'Riders against a Texas League South opponent as well and brought their road record to 11-11. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Murphy Struggles: </b>After going five innings in four straight starts, Tim Murphy struggled on Thursday against the Midland Rockhounds. The southpaw gave up 7 hits, 2 walks, and 6 runs over 3 1/3 innings. Murphy also struck out two batters and induced five ground outs to two fly outs. Murphy made 74 pitches, 42 of which went for strikes. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Profar Extends Streaks: </b>Jurickson Profar walked in the first inning in a ten pitch at bat to extend his on base streak to 36 games and then singled in the third inning to left field to extend his hitting streak to 27 games. Profar finished the game 1 for 2 with two walks and finished up the 8 game road trip 14 for 36 (.389 average) with 3 walks, 5 extra base hits, 5 RBI, and 5 runs scored. Profar is now batting .292 for the season with a .349 on base percentage and .494 slugging percentage. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Beltre Gets Two Hits:</b> Engel Beltre went 2 for 4 with a double, 2 runs, and a stolen base. It was his fifth multi hit game in the last ten games and his 13th multi hit game of the season. Beltre is now batting .269 with a .307 on base percentage and .461 slugging percentage for the season. Beltre has been especially good against left handed pitching this year with a .426 average (20 for 47) against southpaws this year. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Patience Playing Key for Olt:</b> Mike Olt went 1 for 4 with a double and RBI in the game. It was the first game all season for Olt that he saw less than ten pitches in the game. Olt has an on base percentage over .400 over his last ten games, however, and .394 for the season. He has only swung at 38.3 % of the pitches thrown to him this season, which is second lowest on the team next to Guilder Rodriguez (35.7%). In the month of May, Olt is batting .320 with a .460 on base percentage and .540 slugging percentage. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Road Woes: </b>The Frisco RoughRiders loss on the road brought their record on the road to 11-11 for the season. The 'Riders and Tulsa Drillers are the only teams in the league with a .500 or better record on the road this season and both are at .500 with Tulsa at 9-9. In all, the road team in the Texas League is 59-101 this season (.369 winning percentage). </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Prospect Hot Sheet: </b>Jurickson Profar came in at 10th on Baseball America's weekly prospect hot sheet. Another Ranger farmhand, Cody Buckel, came in at #4 on the list. Buckel is currently dominating in Myrtle Beach to the tune of 3-1 with a 1.14 ERA through 8 starts. The 19 year old is a candidate to get promoted to Frisco at some point this year. He turns 20 on June 18th. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">RHP Neftali Feliz (Texas Rangers) @ Houston Astros</span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">2</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> 7 </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> 151</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> 1394</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Tightwad, MO!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Follow the Game Online at:</b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at:</b><a href="http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540</a></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info:</b><a href="http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>- </b>Michael Damman</span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-36330093130629905232012-05-10T15:04:00.001-05:002012-05-10T15:04:48.312-05:00Game 33: Frisco RoughRiders (Barret Loux) @ Corpus Christi Hooks (Jose Cisnero)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location: </b>Whataburger Field (Corpus Christi, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (21-11 First Place in the Texas
League South)... Corpus Christi Hooks (13-19 8 games back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W2<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 8-2<br />
<b>Road Trip: </b>0-0<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 8-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Corpus Christi: </b>4-4<br />
<b>All-Time Record against Corpus Christi:</b> 116-107<br />
<b>Record on May 10 since 2003:</b> 4-5<br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Barret Loux (6-0 2.20 ERA) vs. Jose Cisnero (2-2 4.61 ERA)<br />
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<b>'Riders Take Ninth Straight Home Series: </b>The 'Riders scored at least two runs in four of five innings from the third inning to the seventh inning and defeated the Midland Rockhounds 9-3 on Tuesday afternoon. The win gave Frisco an eighth series win in nine series this season and gave them their ninth consecutive home series win dating back to last August. Over that stretch, Frisco is an impressive 23-8 at home. <br />
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<b>Pimentel Limits Damage: </b>It wasn't his sharpest outing of the season, but Carlos Pimentel gave up just one run over five innings and picked up his third win of the season. Pimentel gave up two hits and four walks with three strikeouts. He made 87 pitches, 53 of which went for strikes and induced five ground outs to three fly outs.<br />
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<b>Offensive Outburst: </b>Frisco's offense put together a 12 hit game as every player but Ryan Strausborger had at least one hit in the game. Strausborger reached base via a hit by pitch, however, so every hitter in the lineup reached base at least once. Six different players drove in a run and seven different players scored a run. The only player to not score or drive in a run was lead off hitter Engel Beltre, who reached base three times, twice via a hit and once on a hit by pitch. <br />
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<b>McGuiness Stout:</b> Chris McGuiness went 1 for 3 in the game, including his seventh home run of the season, which tied him with Mike Olt for the team lead. He walked once, drove in two runs, and scored two runs as well. He has more home runs this season than he had in either 2009 or 2011. His career high is 19, which he set in 2010 with the Greenville Drive and Bakersfield Blaze. Of his seven home runs, six have come at Dr Pepper Ballpark, where he has a .943 OPS for the season. <br />
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<b>Felix Drives in Two:</b> Jose Felix had a big game for Frisco, which has been a rare occasion at home this season. Felix went 2 for 3 with a double, two RBI, two runs, and a stolen base. He is now hitting .264 this season and his home average is up to .218. <br />
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<b>Profar Extends Streak:</b> Jurickson Profar singled in the fifth inning, which extended his hitting streak to 19 games and on base streak to 28 games. He has reached base in 29 of the 30 games that he has played in this season. Profar finished the game 1 for 4 with two RBI, a walk, and a run scored. <br />
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<u><b><br /></b></u><br />
<u><b>Former 'Riders On the Mound</b></u><br />
<br />
LHP Derek Holland (Texas Rangers) @ Baltimore Orioles<br />
RHP Tommy Hunter (Baltimore Orioles) vs. Texas Rangers<br />
RHP Eric Hurley (Salt Lake Bees) vs. Round Rock Express<br />
RHP Omar Poveda (Jacksonville Suns) vs. Mobile BayBears<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>2<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 7 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 128<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 1187
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Rifle, CO!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: </b><a href="http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540">http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: </b><a href="http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/">http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>- </b>Michael Damman<b><br /></b></span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-9031060443921382852012-05-07T12:34:00.004-05:002012-05-07T15:47:47.492-05:00Game 31: Midland Rockhounds (A.J. Griffin) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Justin Grimm)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location: </b>Dr Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (19-11 First Place in the Texas
League South)... Midland Rockhounds (18-12 1 game back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>L1<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 7-3<br />
<b>Home stand: </b>1-1<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 7-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Midland: </b>1-1<br />
<b>All-Time Record against Midland:</b> 122-108<br />
<b>Record on May 7 since 2003:</b> 5-4<br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Justin Grimm (5-1 1.62 ERA) vs. A.J. Griffin (3-0 1.93 ERA) <br />
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<b>Frisco Falls 3-1 to Midland:</b> The Midland Rockhounds scored a run in each of the first innings and held the 'Riders to just one run for the game. For Frisco it was their fourth loss since April 23rd. With the win, the Rockhounds pulled to within a game of the 'Riders. It sets up a Monday pitching match-up of arguably the two best pitchers in the Texas League right now. <br />
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<b>Murphy's Start:</b> After pitching back to back scoreless five inning starts, Tim Murphy had a solid, but not great start. Murphy gave up four hits and three walks over five innings with three strikeouts. He gave up three runs, all earned, over the start, including a home run as well. Of his 71 pitches, 40 of them went for strikes. <br />
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<b>Mike Olt's Surge:</b> Mike Olt led Frisco with a three hit game, including a double. Olt finished 3 for 3 with a hit by pitch. He was pulled from the game and replaced by Alex Buchholz later in the game. Olt is now hitting .287 and leads the team with a .959 OPS. Since April 23rd, Olt is batting .306/.452/.592 with 8 extra base hits, 11 RBI, and 12 walks to 13 strikeouts over 14 games. <br />
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<b>McGuiness Adds Two XBH:</b> Chris McGuiness went 2 for 4 at the plate on Sunday, including a home run and a double. The home run was his sixth for the season, which puts him one behind Mike Olt for the team lead. McGuiness is hitting .333 over his last ten games and is batting .248 now for the season with a .765 OPS. At Dr Pepper Ballpark, McGuiness is batting .283 with a .604 slugging percentage and .960 OPS. Five of his six home runs have come at home. <br />
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<b>Profar Extends Streak: </b>For the first eight innings it seemed like Jurickson Profar might not extend his streaks, but in the ninth inning Profar led off with an infield single to the second baseman, the second straight night with that case, and extended his hitting streak to 17 games and on base streak to 26 games. During the hitting streak, Profar is batting .292/.321/.486 with 10 extra base hits and 4 walks to 14 strikeouts. <br />
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<b>Bell Mowing 'Em Down: </b>Chad Bell put together another tremendous relief appearance for Frisco. Over his last three outings, Bell has pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings, given up one hit, and struck out 11 batters without issuing a walk. Overall, he has thrown 70.4 percent of his pitches for strikes and has struck out 13 batters in 9 2/3 innings. In his last two appearances in Frisco, Bell has thrown 63 pitches with 48 going for strikes... 76.2 percent strike percentage.<br />
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<b>The C+ Team:</b> If you ever wanted to know what a minor league baseball clubhouse manager does during the day, you can find out <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1943529695">here</a><a href="http://mlblogsridersinsider.wordpress.com/2012/05/06/the-c-team/"> on the 'Riders Insider Blog</a>. <br />
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<u><b><br /></b></u><br />
<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
<br />
LHP Matt Harrison (Texas Rangers) @ Baltimore Orioles<br />
RHP Blake Beavan (Seattle Mariners) vs. Detroit Tigers<br />
RHP Edinson Volquez (San Diego Padres) vs. Colorado Rockies<br />
LHP Martin Perez (Round Rock) vs. Memphis Redbirds<br />
RHP Jesse Chavez (Las Vegas 51s) vs. Salt Lake Bees<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>2<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 7 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 123<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 1114
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Dunmovin, CA!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: </b><a href="http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540">http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: </b><a href="http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/">http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>- </b>Michael Damman<b><br /></b></span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-26243737006074138682012-05-06T11:20:00.004-05:002012-05-06T11:20:44.154-05:00Game 30: Midland Rockhounds (Gary Daley) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Tim Murphy)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location: </b>Dr Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (19-10 First Place in the Texas
League South)... Midland Rockhounds (17-12 2 games back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W2<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 8-2<br />
<b>Home stand: </b>1-0<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 7-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Midland: </b>1-0<br />
<b>All-Time Record against Midland:</b> 122-107<br />
<b>Record on May 5 since 2003: </b><br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Tim Murphy (1-2 4.95 ERA) vs. Gary Daley (3-1 4.05 ERA) <br />
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<b>'Riders Come Back Late, Take First Game: </b>Frisco took an early 1-0 lead in the 4th inning, but the Rockhounds tied the game up at 1-1 by the 5th inning and took the lead with a run in the 7th inning. Frisco scored a couple runs, however, in the bottom of the 7th and finished off Midland 3-2 with very good pitching and timely hitting. Frisco is now one game behind the Tulsa Drillers for the best record in the Texas League. They also have the fourth best record in Double-A baseball behind Tulsa, Akron Aeros, and Reading Phillies. <br />
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<b>Brigham Solid Once Again:</b> Given a second chance in Frisco's rotation this year after being removed from the rotation last season, Jake Brigham is taking advantage of the second chance. Brigham did not surrender a walk against the most patient team in minor league baseball and struck out five batters over six solid innings. Brigham gave up four hits and one run, which came on a home run. If there has been one area that has hurt Brigham specifically this season, it is the long ball. Brigham has given up 1.43 home runs per nine innings this year. <br />
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<b>Beltre's Big Hits:</b> Engel Beltre added to his multi RBI games with a 2 for 4 game, including a solo home run and a game winning RBI single in the seventh inning. For Beltre, it was his sixth multi RBI game of the season already, which exceeds the five that he had last season in 118 games for Frisco. <br />
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<b>Profar Extends On Base Streak/Hit Streak:</b> Jurickson Profar went 1 for 4 with an infield single to second base. The hit extended his hit streak to 16 games and on base streak to 25 games for the season. <br />
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<b>Boscan, Ortiz Throw Strikes:</b> Frisco likely would not have won last night's game if not for the bullpen work from Wilfredo Boscan and Joe Ortiz. Wilfredo pitched 2/3 of an inning and recorded two strikeouts. He threw 17 pitches, 10 of which went for strikes. Joe Ortiz was better as he went 1 2/3 perfect innings with 2 strikeouts en route to his third save of the season. Ortiz threw 20 pitches, 16 of which went for strikes. <br />
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<b>Michael Choice Back in the Area:</b> It wasn't the best way to come back to the DFW area, but Michael Choice played in his first game in the DFW area since starring at the University of Texas-Arlington. Choice went to Mansfield Timberview High School and from there went to UTA where he starred as a power hitting and walk machine. The Oakland Athletics chose him in the 1st round with the 10th overall pick of the 2010 draft. He spent his first full season in high-A Stockton last year where Choice hit .285 with 30 home runs and 61 walks. He produced a .918 OPS for the season. He didn't start strong last year, but finished the season with a 1.001 OPS in the second half and he seems to be taking a similar route this year. So far this season for the Midland Rockhounds, Choice is batting .250, including one home run and 17 walks with a .671 OPS. Choice finished the game 0 for 4 with three strikeouts. <br />
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<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
<br />
RHP Tommy Hunter (Baltimore Orioles) @ Boston Red Sox<br />
RHP Joe Wieland (San Diego Padres) vs. Miami Marlins<br />
LHP Michael Kirkman (Round Rock Express) vs. Memphis Redbirds<br />
RHP Doug Mathis (Pawtucket Red Sox) @ Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees <br />
LHP Robbie Erlin (San Antonio Missions) @ Corpus Christi Hooks <br />
RHP Kyle Hendricks (Myrtle Beach Pelicans) @ Lynchburg Hillcats<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>2<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 6 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 122<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 1087
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Gassville, AR!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: </b><a href="http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540">http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: </b><a href="http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/">http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>- </b>Michael Damman<b><br /></b></span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-72983342260743690822012-05-05T14:32:00.001-05:002012-05-05T14:32:08.143-05:00Game 29: Midland Rockhounds (Murphy Smith) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Jake Brigham)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location: </b>Dr Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (18-10 First Place in the Texas
League South)... Midland Rockhounds (17-11 1 game back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W1<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 7-3<br />
<b>Home stand: </b>0-0<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 7-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Midland: </b>0-0<br />
<b>All-Time Record against Midland:</b> 121-107<br />
<b>Record on May 5 since 2003: </b>5-3 <br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Jake Brigham (2-1 3.41 ERA) vs. Murphy Smith (3-0 2.66 ERA)<br />
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<b>'Riders Take Another Series: </b>Frisco scored four runs in an inning twice on Friday night against the San Antonio Missions and defeated them 9-3 to take their seventh series in eight tries this season. Frisco wrapped up a four game road trip and returns home with an 18-10 record and first place in the division. The 'Riders are 9-3 in their last 12 games as they face off against the second best team in the division. <br />
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<b>Loux Sits Alone: </b>Barret Loux didn't have his best outing of the season, but received his sixth win of the season for Frisco. The win puts him a top both major leagues and minor leagues as the fastest pitcher to six wins this season. Loux went five innings against the Missions and gave up four hits, one walk, and three runs with five strikeouts. He gave up two home runs in the start, but got four ground ball outs to six fly outs. It was Barret's first start this season where he gave up more than two runs. <br />
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<b>Olt Homers, Reaches Base Three Times:</b> Mike Olt continued his relatively quiet surge towards the top of the OPS charts in the Texas League. Olt went 1 for 3 with a three-run home run, two walks, and scored two runs. He is now 9th in the league in OPS (.951) for the season, but ranks 3rd in OPS in the Texas League since April 20th (1.051). His seven home runs for the season are tied for second in the league behind San Antonio's Nathan Freiman, who has ten for the season. Olt is also in the top ten in walks, extra base hits, total bases, and RBI. <br />
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<b>Profar Extends Streak:</b> Jurickson Profar went 2 for 4 at the plate with a RBI and extended his hitting streak to 15 games and on base streak to 24 games. Profar has reached base in 25 of the 26 games that he has played in. He is batting .326 with a .383 on base percentage and .581 slugging percentage over his last ten games and is now up to a .262 average and .807 OPS for the season overall. <br />
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<b>Felix Continues to Shine on Road:</b> Jose Felix added two more hits in four at bats on Friday and is now hitting .314 on the road this season with a .781 OPS. He is batting just .133 at home with a .288 OPS and is batting .231 with a .552 OPS overall for the season. With runners in scoring position, however, Felix is hitting .313 (5 for 16) and .308 with runners on (8 for 26). <br />
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<b>Triple Heavy:</b> Ryan Strausborger went 2 for 5 with a triple and two runs scored on Friday. The triple was his fourth of the season and Frisco's 19th as a team. The fourth triple tied him with teammates Jurickson Profar and Engel Beltre for the Texas League lead. In fact, Frisco has five players with three or more triples this season. Only two other players in the league have three triples that aren't on Frisco's roster. <br />
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<b>The Real Ross Wolf: </b>Ross Wolf didn't have a great outing in his first appearance, but since then he has thrown 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief with four strikeouts, two hits allowed, and zero walks. Wolf will be an asset in the 'Riders bullpen. <br />
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<u><b><br /></b></u><br />
<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
<br />
LHP Derek Holland (Texas Rangers) @ Cleveland Indians<br />
LHP C.J. Wilson (Los Angeles Angels) vs. Toronto Blue Jays<br />
RHP Omar Poveda (Jacksonville Suns) @ Birmingham Barons<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>2<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 6 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 118<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 1048
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Robbers Roost, AZ!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: </b><a href="http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540">http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: </b><a href="http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/">http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>- </b>Michael Damman<b><br /></b></span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-5492901635609958892012-05-03T12:00:00.002-05:002012-05-03T12:16:52.230-05:00Game 27: Frisco RoughRiders (Carlos Pimentel) @ San Antonio Missions (Keyvius Sampson)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location:</b> Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium (San Antonio, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (17-9 First Place in the Texas
League South)... San Antonio Missions (8-18 9 games back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W4<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 8-2<br />
<b>Road Trip: </b>2-0<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 6-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against San Antonio: </b>5-1<br />
<b>All-Time Record against San Antonio:</b> 128-126 <br />
<b>Record on May 3 since 2003: </b>6-3 <br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Carlos Pimentel (2-1 1.35 ERA) vs. Keyvius Sampson (1-1 4.50 ERA) <br />
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<b>Frisco Takes Second Low Scoring Game:</b> Less than 24 hours after defeating the San Antonio Missions 2-0, the RoughRiders beat them 2-1 in another low scoring game. Frisco pushed their winning streak to four games and have guaranteed themselves at least a split with the Missions on the road. <br />
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<b>A Grimm Five:</b> Justin Grimm was lights out once again as the 23 year old right hander continues to prove nearly untouchable. Grimm went 5 innings and gave up three hits, no walks, and one run, while striking out five batters. Grimm has given up one run or less in five of his six starts. With win number five, he moved in to a tie with teammate Barret Loux, Trevor Bauer, Trevor May, and two other pitchers for the most wins in minor league baseball this season. Overall on the season, Grimm is 5-1 with a 1.62 ERA. He has given up 23 hits and 6 walks over 33 1/3 innings with 32 strikeouts. <br />
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<b>Olt Stays Hot:</b> After going 2 for 3 with a walk on Tuesday, Mike Olt continued his surge with a 2 for 4 game that included two doubles. Mike Olt is hitting .278 with a .422 on base percentage and .556 slugging percentage over his last ten games. After hitting under .200 against southpaws just about a week ago, Olt is already back up to normal levels against them. For the season, he is batting .290/.371/.645/1.017 against left handed pitchers. And overall .274/.373/.547/.920 against everybody. <br />
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<b>Beltre's Speed:</b> Engel Beltre went 2 for 5 with a double and a stolen base on Tuesday and followed that up with a 1 for 4 game with a stolen base on Wednesday. Beltre now has 11 steals, which is 5 short of what he had all of last season for the 'Riders. He is batting .364 with a .928 OPS against left handed pitchers right now as well. <br />
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<b>Profar's Power Surge: </b>We've talked about Profar's early struggles here before, but over the last two weeks Jurickson Profar has turned into an extra base hit machine. Since April 19th, Profar is tied for the lead in extra base hits among hitters in Double-A with 10. Part of that was included in Wednesday night's win, when Profar went 1 for 4 with his sixth double of the season. He now has five doubles and four triples over his last ten games and is riding a 13 game hitting streak. He's reached base in 22 consecutive games and 23 of his 24 games overall. <br />
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<u><b><br /></b></u><br />
<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
<br />
LHP John Danks (Chicago White Sox) vs. Cleveland Indians<br />
RHP Neil Ramirez (Round Rock Express) vs. New Orleans Zephyrs<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>2<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 6 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 112<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 967
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Deadman Reach, AK!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: </b><a href="http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540">http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: </b><a href="http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/">http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>- </b>Michael Damman<b><br /></b></span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-59184150990508612522012-05-01T12:41:00.003-05:002012-05-01T12:45:44.428-05:00Game 25: Frisco RoughRiders (Tim Murphy) @ San Antonio Missions (Robbie Erlin)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location:</b> Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium (San Antonio, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (15-9 First Place in the Texas
League South)... San Antonio Missions (8-16 7 games back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W2<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 6-4<br />
<b>Road Trip: 0-0</b><br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 6-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against San Antonio: </b>3-1<br />
<b>All-Time Record against San Antonio:</b> 126-126 <br />
<b>Record on May 1 since 2003: </b>6-3<br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Tim Murphy (0-2 6.60 ERA) vs. Robbie Erlin (0-0 2.87 ERA)<br />
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<b>'Riders Take Sixth Series of 2012: </b>Frisco gave up 3 runs in the first inning and another run in the second inning and quickly found themselves down 4-0 to the Corpus Christi Hooks. However, the 'Riders stormed back with 2 runs in the 3rd inning, 3 runs in the 5th inning, and 2 more in the sixth inning. They scored at least a run in their final four innings at the plate and defeated the Hooks 9-4 to take their sixth series out of seven possible this season and their fourth in a row at home.<br />
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<b>Home Comfort: </b>With another home winning series, Frisco is now 10-4 at home this season. In fact, dating back to last season, the RoughRiders have taken eight
consecutive series at home. Their last home series loss came August
5th-8th against the San Antonio Missions. <br />
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<b>Brigham Struggles Early, Dominates Late: </b>Jake Brigham seemed to have developed just from the beginning of his start yesterday to the end of it. The starter turned reliever turned starter again gave up two hits, a walk, and four runs (one earned) through the first two innings. Over his final five innings, he gave up one hit and struck out seven batters without allowing a run. At times in the start he looked unhittable. Brigham finished with 7 innings, four hits, four runs (one earned), one walk, and ten strikeouts. Of his 93 pitches, 62 of them went for strikes. <br />
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<b>Zaneski Goes Yard... Twice: </b>Zach Zaneski entered Monday's game with 0 home runs for the season and his last home run came on June 4th of last season. It had been 186 at bats between Frisco and Myrtle Beach since his last home run. On Monday, however, Zaneski made the Hooks pay twice. First with a solo shot to left field that completely left Dr Pepper Ballpark. Zaneski later took the Hooks deep again in the 5th inning on a shot to left field, just inside the foul pole. Zach finished the game 2 for 4 with the two home runs, four RBI, and two runs scored. <br />
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<b>Buchholz Breakout:</b> Alex Buchholz hasn't gotten playing time every day, but he has taken advantage of the playing time that he <i>has</i> gotten. That was no different on Monday when Buchholz went 2 for 3 with a triple, home run, RBI, walk, and three runs. Buchholz now has a triple in three consecutive games and is riding a six game hitting streak. <br />
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<b>McGuiness Wraps Up Home Stand: </b>Few players on Frisco had a better home stand than 'Riders first baseman Chris McGuiness. He went 1 for 3 with two walks on Monday and the first baseman was 10 for 30 (.333) with a double, two home runs, five RBI, scored six runs, and put up a .961 OPS over the eight game home stand. Overall for the season, McGuiness is now hitting .247 with seven extra base hits and a .779 OPS. <br />
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<b>Castillo Continues to Cruise:</b> Fabio Castillo put up two more innings of zeros on Monday in relief. The 23 year old right hander has now turned in five consecutive outings without giving up a run spanning 9 1/3 innings. <br />
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<b>A Successful April: </b>Frisco wrapped up a successful April with a 15-9 record and sole possession of first place in the Texas League South. The 'Riders were considered one of the most talented teams in minor league baseball entering the season and haven't done much to disprove that theory. For Frisco, the 15-9 record is tied with 2007 for the second best in franchise history. The only season that the 'Riders have had a better start was 2008 when they went 18-7 in April.<br />
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<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
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RHP Neftali Feliz (Texas Rangers) @ Toronto Blue Jays<br />
RHP Edinson Volquez (San Diego Padres) vs. Milwaukee Brewers<br />
LHP Michael Kirkman (Round Rock Express) @ New Orleans Zephyrs<br />
RHP Doug Mathis (Pawtucket Red Sox) @ Toledo Mud Hens<br />
LHP Robbie Erlin (San Antonio Missions) vs. Frisco RoughRiders<br />
RHP Kyle Hendricks (Myrtle Beach Pelicans) @ Frederick Keys<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>2<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 6 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 107<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 907
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Deadman Reach, AK!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: </b><a href="http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540">http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: </b><a href="http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/">http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>- </b>Michael Damman<b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-20701059979385977382012-04-30T13:05:00.001-05:002012-04-30T13:05:24.176-05:00Game 24: Corpus Christi Hooks (Erick Abreu) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Jake Brigham)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location:</b> Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (14-9 First Place in the Texas
League South)... Corpus Christi Hooks (12-11 2 games back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W1<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 5-5<br />
<b>Homestand: </b>5-2 <br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 5-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Corpus Christi: </b>3-4<br />
<b>All-Time Record against Corpus Christi:</b> 115-107 <br />
<b>Record on April 30 since 2003:</b> 6-3<br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Jake Brigham (1-1 4.01 ERA) vs. Erick Abreu (2-0 5.50 ERA)<br />
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<b>'Riders Crush Hooks:</b> The 'Riders scored at least two runs in four different innings on Sunday evening and responded with a 10-3 victory after losing 10-1 the night before. The 'Riders have now taken two of the first three in the four game set and look to try to take a sixth series in the first seven this season. <br />
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<b>Loux Gets #5:</b> Barret Loux tied Trevor Bauer for the most victories in minor league baseball on Sunday with his fifth victory of the season in five starts. Loux gave up six hits, one walk, and two runs over six innings. He also struck out eight batters and hit a batter. Loux made 97 pitches in the start, 57 of which went for strikes. <br />
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<b>Season High Hit Total:</b> The 'Riders got offense, offense, and more offense in the blowout win. Five different hitters had three hits. Frisco also got five extra base hits, three of which were home runs. The offense was 5 for 11 with runners in scoring position. <br />
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<b>Olt Gets 3/4ths of the Way There: </b>Mike Olt wasn't able to get another at bat, but he finished the game a triple short of the cycle. Olt went 3 for 5 with a double, home run, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. He's hitting .263 over his last 10 games with a .957 OPS. He has hit 6 extra base hits over his last ten games. For the season, Olt has 4 doubles, a triple, and a team leading 6 home runs. <br />
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<b>Strausborger Hits His First:</b> Ryan Strausborger continues to show that he's more than just an afterthought in a talented Frisco lineup. Strausborger went 3 for 5 with his first home run of the season, a double, 3 RBI, and 2 runs. He is now hitting .291 on the season thanks to five multi hit games in his last six games. Strausborger is batting .302 with an .815 OPS at Dr. Pepper Ballpark this season.<br />
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<b>Hawpe Scores Four Times: </b>Brad Hawpe continues to roll at the plate, though that should not be much of a surprise for the former Major League All-Star. Hawpe went 3 for 4 with a walk, home run, 2 RBI, and 4 runs. He is batting .353 with a .500 on base percentage over his last 10 games, including a .432 average against right handed pitching for the season overall. <br />
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<b>The Under Age Players:</b> With Jonathan Singleton and Oscar Taveras among the Texas League leaders in OPS and Jurickson Profar surging, it got me to research more into the amount of 20 year olds or younger that have had success in the Texas League. Using a .750 OPS as the base line, over the past 20 years there have been 20 players 20 years old or younger that have had an OPS above that. The number includes the trio of players this year. Both Taveras and Singleton have an OPS above 1.000, which is quite amazing given their ages. For players like Taveras and Profar it's especially impressive that they have had the kind of success they have, while skipping high-A altogether. Notable names that have ranked on there are in recent seasons Mike Trout (2011), Eric Hosmer (2010), and Colby Rasmus (2007). The only other year with three players was 1998 with Adrian Beltre, Ruben Mateo, and Peter Bergeron. <br />
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<b>Legend of Erick Abreu:</b> If there is one pitcher that comes to mind that Frisco continues to see, it is tonight's starter for Corpus Christi, Erick Abreu. The right hander has been in the Texas League since 2009. Tonight marks his 25th career appearance against the 'Riders, including his 9th start. He has a 2.42 ERA and 0.88 WHIP against Frisco, with a 4-2 record. Abreu has struggled this year in his 2 appearances against Frisco, as he has given up 8 runs (5 earned) over 2 1/3 innings. <br />
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<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
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LHP C.J. Wilson (Los Angeles Angels) vs. Minnesota Twins<br />
RHP Joe Wieland (San Diego Padres) vs. Milwaukee Brewers<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>2<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 6 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 106<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 880
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Burnt Corn, AL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: </b><a href="http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540">http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: </b><a href="http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/">http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>- </b>Michael Damman<b><br /></b></span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-64938054777429007752012-04-28T14:41:00.004-05:002012-04-28T14:41:28.557-05:00Game 22: Corpus Christi Hooks (Ross Seaton) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Carlos Pimentel)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location:</b> Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (13-8 First Place in the Texas
League South)... Corpus Christi Hooks (11-10 2 games back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W2<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 5-5<br />
<b>Homestand: </b>4-1<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 5-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Corpus Christi: </b>2-3<br />
<b>All-Time Record against Corpus Christi:</b> 114-106 <br />
<b>Record on April 28 since 2003: </b>5-3<br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Carlos Pimentel (2-0 0.00 ERA) vs. Ross Seaton (0-2 5.40 ERA)<br />
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<b>'Riders Crush Hooks in Victory:</b> Frisco scored two runs in the first inning and never let up from there on out. With one run in the fourth inning, six runs in the fifth inning, and three more runs in the sixth inning, the 'Riders took a commanding 12-0 lead by the end of the sixth inning and defeated the Hooks by that score. <br />
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<b>Grimm Dominant:</b> Fresh off a subpar start in his last outing against the Corpus Christi Hooks, Justin Grimm returned to his previous form as he gave up four hits, one walk, and struck out nine over six strong innings. Grimm made 98 pitches, 65 of which went for strikes, and induced 7 ground outs to 2 fly outs. On the season, Grimm is now 4-1 with a 1.59 ERA. He has given up 20 hits and 6 walks over 28 1/3 innings pitched and struck out 27 batters. <br />
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<b>Straus With 3 Hits:</b> Ryan Strausborger increased his batting average to .286 with a 3 for 4 game, including 3 RBI, 3 runs, and a walk. It was Ryan Strausborger's fourth straight multi hit game. He has a .351 on base percentage this season and has scored 12 runs in 18 games. <br />
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<b>Rodriguez Continues To Hit:</b> After hitting the game winning hit on Thursday, Guilder Rodriguez went 3 for 5 with a RBI and a run scored. Rodriguez is now hitting .333 for the season with a .375 on base percentage. It was his third multi hit game in the last 10 games and second 3 hit game in the last 10 games. Rodriguez is batting .500 (4 for 8) this season against left handed pitching.<br />
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<b>Proar Extends XBH Streak: </b>Jurickson Profar did not have as many hits as the night before, but it was his triple in the first inning that helped set the tone for the game. The triple also extended his extra base hit streak to seven games. Profar finished 1 for 4 with the triple, walk, and 2 runs scored. His batting average is up to .241 now and his slugging percentage sits at .494. He has eight extra base hits over the last ten games and is batting .302 with a 1.039 OPS in Dr. Pepper Ballpark. <br />
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<b>Home Runs in Bunches: </b>Speaking of power, Chris McGuiness hit his fifth home run of the season in the fifth inning. It marked his second game in a row with a home run and his fifth home run in the last ten games. He had three games in a row with a home run from April 16th-19th and now has two games in a row with a home run the last two nights. Four of his five home runs have come at home. McGuiness finished 1 for 5 with a home run, 3 RBI, and 2 runs. <br />
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<b>Walk Sombrero's:</b> Brad Hawpe and Mike Olt each walked three times in the game. Mike Olt finished 0 for 2 with the 3 walks and 2 runs. Brad Hawpe went 1 for 2 with 3 walks, and a run scored.<br />
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<b>Special Guests In Attendance: </b>There are few things tougher than a bus ride in minor league baseball. The one thing that might be tougher would be a car ride around the country traveling to minor league baseball games. However, Matt Lawell and Carolyn Lawell are attempting to do that this season. Tonight they will be at Dr. Pepper Ballpark for Frisco's game against the Corpus Christi Hooks. You can follow their journey at <a href="http://aminorleagueseason.com/">http://aminorleagueseason.com/</a> and follow them on twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/AMinorLgSeason">https://twitter.com/#!/AMinorLgSeason</a><br />
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<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound </b></u><br />
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RHP Guillermo Moscoso (Colorado Rockies) vs. New York Mets<br />
RHP Neil Ramirez (Round Rock) @ Oklahoma City Redhawks<br />
RHP Tanner Roark (Syracuse Chiefs) vs. Charlotte Knights<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>2<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 5 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 98<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 809
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Effingham, IL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: </b><a href="http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540">http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: </b><a href="http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/">http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>- </b>Michael Damman<b><br /></b></span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-3513414302020117092012-04-27T16:01:00.001-05:002012-04-28T12:19:47.552-05:00Game 21: Corpus Christi Hooks (Jarred Cosart) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Justin Grimm)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location:</b> Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (12-8 First Place in the Texas
League South)... Corpus Christi Hooks (11-9 1 game back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W1<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 5-5<br />
<b>Homestand: </b>3-1<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 5-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Corpus Christi: </b>1-3<br />
<b>All-Time Record against Corpus Christi:</b> 113-106 <br />
<b>Record on April 27 since 2003: </b>3-5 <br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Justin Grimm (3-1 2.01 ERA) vs. Jarred Cosart (1-0 0.00 ERA)<br />
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<b>'Riders Take Series with Extra Inning Marathon:</b> The Frisco RoughRiders wrapped up their 5th series win in the first six series with a 6-5 victory over the San Antonio Missions in 13 innings. In a game where Frisco led twice and San Antonio had a runner at third in five of the final six innings, it was Frisco who finally came out on top. The 'Riders now open a four game set with the second place Corpus Christi Hooks, who are the only team to defeat Frisco in a series this season.<br />
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<b>Tim Murphy Sharp:</b> Tim Murphy came into Thursday's game without a win and without any real sharp starts. On Thursday, although he did not get the win, he was very sharp. Murphy went five scoreless innings, the longest he has gone in a start, and allowed one hit, one walk, and hit one batter, while striking out four batters. Murphy threw 74 pitches, 49 of them for strikes, and induced 1 groundout to 6 flyouts. It was his best start since missing 2010 with Tommy John Surgery. <br />
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<b>Guilder Rodriguez Sends Everyone Home:</b> Not exactly known for his power, Guilder Rodriguez entered the game with one career homerun in 3,045 career plate appearances. So when Guilder Rodriguez crushed a ball on a 3-2 count down the left field line, saying it got the dugout going crazy would be an understatement. Unfortunately for Guilder, the ball hooked foul and was just one of four fouls after he had reached 2 strikes on him early. Guilder worked the count full in what ended up being a 10 pitch at bat. On the 10th pitch, Rodriguez drove a single to center field to score Chris McGuiness from second base in the 13th inning. The single by a player who didn't even start the game, gave Frisco the win in the 13th inning, one night after they had lost in 11 innings. <br />
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<b>Profar With Big Game:</b> Jurickson Profar keeps adjusting at the plate and the 19 year old, who's talent has been there all year, is starting to show what he can do when he's on a roll. Jurickson extended his hitting streak to 8 games with a 2 for 5 game, including a walk and 2 doubles. Both doubles were hard hit line drives. It was Profar's sixth straight game with an extra base hit. He also made a terrific game saving play in the 9th inning, robbing Cody Decker of a potential game winning hit. With the bases loaded, Decker hit a hard groundball up the middle. Profar dove for the ball and from the edge of the centerfield grass flipped from the glove to Guilder Rodriguez, who was covering second base. <br />
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<b>Prince's Big Game:</b> Virtually no player was as important as Jared Prince in Thursday's game. The right fielder from Washington, went 3 for 4 with a double, RBI, hit by pitch, a key sacrifice bunt in the 13th inning, and a potential game saving diving catch in the 10th inning. <br />
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<b>Beltre Does Damage Early:</b> Engel Beltre, who was batting 3rd in the game on Thursday, had 2 RBI singles in the first three innings of the game, including one on an infield single to the pitcher. Beltre also stole second and third on back to back pitches in the game. The steal of third base was on a huge jump off the pitcher and he got into third base without a throw. Beltre finished 2 for 6 in the game. He now has 13 RBI for the season, which leads the team. <br />
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<b>McGuiness Slams #4:</b> Chris McGuiness went 2 for 5 in the game with a walk, RBI, and 2 runs scored. The big hit came on an opposite field homerun against Robbie Erlin to lead off the 6th inning. The blast made the game a 1 run game after Frisco had just given up the lead in the top of the inning. McGuiness scored the game winning run in the 13th inning when he singled to leadoff the inning, was sacrificed over to second base and scored on the single by Guilder Rodriguez.<br />
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<b>Erlin Not So Dominant: </b>In his second start back in Frisco since the trade at the deadline last July, Erlin was not as dominant as his first start back in Frisco last August. Erlin went 6 innings and struck out 9 batters in his last start. Last night, however, he went 5 innings and gave up 9 hits and 4 runs (3 earned), while striking out 6 batters. He didn't receive a decision, although he left the game with his team leading. Erlin still searches for his first win of 2012 like Tim Murphy after last night's start. <br />
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<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
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RHP Blake Beavan (Seattle Mariners) @ Toronto Blue Jays<br />
LHP Matt Harrison (Texas Rangers) vs. Tampa Bay Rays<br />
LHP John Danks (Chicago White Sox) vs. Boston Red Sox<br />
LHP Martin Perez (Round Rock Express) @ Oklahoma City Redhawks<br />
RHP Jesse Chavez (Las Vegas 51s) vs. Tacoma Rainiers<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>2<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 5 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 96<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 772<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As always...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Oakland, CA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: </b><a href="http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540">http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: </b><a href="http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/">http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>- </b>Michael Damman<b><br /></b></span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-90554410432741118342012-04-26T12:40:00.001-05:002012-04-26T12:46:25.346-05:00Game 20: San Antonio Missions (Robbie Erlin) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Tim Murphy)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location:</b> Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (11-8 First Place in the Texas
League South)... San Antonio Missions (7-12 4 games back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>L1<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 5-5<br />
<b>Homestand: </b>2-1<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 4-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against San Antonio: </b>2-1<br />
<b>All-Time Record against San Antonio:</b> 125-126 <br />
<b>Record on April 25 since 2003: </b>4-3 <br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Tim Murphy (0-2 9.90 ERA) vs. Robbie Erlin (0-0 1.69 ERA)<br />
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<b>'Riders Tie in Ninth, Lose in Eleven Innings:</b> Frisco scored 3 runs in the first inning and led 4-3 through the first four innings. San Antonio tied the game in the 5th inning, however, and took a lead in the top of the 9th on an Ali Solis homerun. Frisco tied it in the bottom of the 9th, however, with a 2 out, 2 strike RBI double by Brad Hawpe. After a Ryan Strausborger flyout in to deep centerfield, the game went to extra innings. San Antonio scored a run in the 11th on a RBI single by Jeudy Valdez and Frisco could not start a rally in the bottom of the 11th. The extra innings loss ended Frisco's 3 game home, extra innings winning streak. <br />
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<b>Brigham Goes Seven:</b> Jake Brigham wasn't great, but wasn't bad either. He gave up 7 hits, 3 walks, and 4 runs over 7 innings and struck out 6 batters. He sat low 90s with his fastball and hit as high as 95 on the radar gun. On the season he is 1-1 with a 4.07 ERA. He has given up 23 hits and 9 walks over 24 1/3 innings with 19 strikeouts. <br />
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<b>Profar On the Rise: </b>Jurickson Profar went 2 for 5 on Wednesday to extend his hitting streak to 7 games. He hit a triple, drove in a run, scored a run, took a walk, and stole 2 bases. He has 5 extra base hits over his last 5 games and 6 over his last 10. He also is 4 for 4 in stolen base attempts. Both of his triples have come from the right handed side, while his 3 doubles and 3 homeruns have come from the left handed side. In his 9 games in Dr. Pepper Ballpark, Profar is batting .294/.368/.618/.986. <br />
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<b>Speed: </b>The Frisco RoughRiders took advantage of a slow combination of pitcher and catcher, to steal five bases in the first three innings. Profar had two, while Engel Beltre, Leury Garcia, and Ryan Strausborger each added one as well. For Leury Garcia, it was his first stolen base attempt of the season. All four of the players are the fastest on the team. <br />
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<b>Triples Pace:</b> With another triple by Profar on Wednesday, the Frisco RoughRiders are now on pace for 103 triples on the season. Their previous team high is 45 by the 2004 club. Frisco already has 14 triples this season. The record for most triples by a team in the Texas League is 110 by the Houston Buffaloes in 1924. <br />
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<b>Garcia RBI:</b> Leury Garcia went 2 for 5 to raise his season average to a team best .318 and also extended his hitting streak to 9 games. He also drove in a run for a second straight game after having 0 in the first 15 games. <br />
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<b>Extra Bases Chat:</b> Last night was the first night that we have used the Extra Bases chat this season. We will be using that all season long like we used it last season. Join in on the fun for tonight and the rest of the season! The chat will begin 15-20 minutes before first pitch every game. To join, <a href="http://bit.ly/JaZnYe">click here</a>. <br />
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<u><b><br /></b></u><br />
<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
<br />
RHP Luis Mendoza (Kansas City Royals) @ Cleveland Indians<br />
RHP Edinson Volquez (San Diego Padres) vs. Washington Nationals<br />
LHP Michael Kirkman (Round Rock Express) @ Oklahoma City Redhawks<br />
LHP Robbie Erlin (San Antonio Missions) @ Frisco RoughRiders<br />
RHP Kyle Hendricks (Myrtle Beach Pelicans) vs. Frederick Keys<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>2<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 5 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 96<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 744<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As always...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Oakland, CA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Extra Bases Live Blog throughout the Game at: </b><a href="http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540">http://www.milb.com/multimedia/page.jsp?ymd=20100305&content_id=8685092&vkey=multimedia_t540&fext=.jsp&sid=t540</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>And Check Out the Riders Insider Blog for more Frisco RoughRiders info: </b><a href="http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/">http://ridersinsider.mlblogs.com/</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>- </b>Michael Damman<b><br /></b></span>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-55085261444518396872012-04-25T14:17:00.002-05:002012-04-25T14:17:47.718-05:00Game 19: San Antonio Missions (Hayden Beard) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Jake Brigham)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location:</b> Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (11-7 First Place in the Texas
League South)... San Antonio Missions (6-12 5 games back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W2<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 6-4<br />
<b>Homestand: </b>2-0<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 4-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against San Antonio: </b>2-0<br />
<b>All-Time Record against San Antonio:</b> 125-125 <br />
<b>Record on April 25 since 2003: </b>4-6 <br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Jake Brigham (1-1 3.57 ERA) vs. Hayden Beard (0-2 7.43 ERA)<br />
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<b>'Riders Take Lead Early, Hang On: </b>Frisco scored 3 runs in the first inning and two runs in the third inning and defeated the San Antonio Missions 7-2 on Tuesday night. Frisco have taken the first two games against the Missions <br />
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<b>Loux Gets "W": </b>Barret Loux once again kept the opposing offense in check, as he gave up 6 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run over 6 innings with 5 strikeouts. Loux gave up an early run in the 2nd inning and then faced very little danger over the final four innings. Loux earned his fourth win of the season, which tied him with six other pitchers, including Trevor Bauer and Jordan Lyles, for the most in minor league baseball. Barret's ERA rose from 1.15 to 1.25 in the start. <br />
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<b>Offense Productive:</b> Every player in Frisco's lineup reached base at least once on Tuesday and eight of the nine hitters had at least one hit. The only player without a hit was Brad Hawpe, who went 0 for 3 with a walk and three strikeouts. The offense recorded four extra base hits, including two more triples for the season. <br />
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<b>Profar-Olt Combination: </b>Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt continued their extra base hit parade. Profar went 1 for 5 with a triple and 2 runs scored. He reached base on a three base error on a dropped flyball in centerfield. Profar's triple came in the 1st inning, and was followed up by a homerun for Mike Olt. Olt finished the game 1 for 3 with the homerun, 2 RBI, 2 runs, and a walk. His homerun off Andrew Werner was his second homerun this season off of left handed pitchers. Olt currently leads the team with homeruns overall with 5. Over their last 10 games, Olt and Profar have combined for 12 extra base hits. <br />
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<b>Garcia Extends Hit Streak:</b> Leury Garcia used a RBI single in the 3rd inning to extend his hitting streak to 8 games. He finished the game 1 for 4. <br />
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<b>Curse of the Junior PA:</b> Frisco has had 8 home games this season and so far, the first batter after the "Junior PA", which takes place before the bottom of the 2nd inning, is 0 for 8. There have been four strikeouts, three groundouts, and a flyout. <br />
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<u><b><br /></b></u><br />
<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
<br />
LHP C.J. Wilson (Los Angeles Angels) @ Tampa Bay Rays<br />
RHP Scott Feldman (Texas Rangers) vs. New York Yankees<br />
RHP Joe Wieland (San Diego Padres) vs. Washington Nationals<br />
RHP Doug Mathis (Pawtucket Red Sox) vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>1 (Denny Almonte, Jackson Generals)<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 5 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 88<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 710<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As always...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Canberra, Australia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-47212641253097380922012-04-24T15:07:00.001-05:002012-04-24T15:07:11.637-05:00Game 18: San Antonio Missions (Andrew Werner) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Barret Loux)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location:</b> Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (10-7 First Place in the Texas
League South)... San Antonio Missions (6-11 4 games back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W1<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 6-4<br />
<b>Homestand: </b>1-0<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 4-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against San Antonio: </b>1-0<br />
<b>All-Time Record against San Antonio:</b> 124-125 <br />
<b>Record on April 24 since 2003:</b> 5-4<br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Barret Loux (3-0 1.15 ERA) vs. Andrew Werner (0-2 5.51 ERA)<br />
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<b>'Riders Take First in Four Game Set: </b>Frisco got 1 run in the 3rd and 1 run in the 4th and survived a solo home run and error in the 9th inning with 2 outs to defeat the San Antonio Missions 2-1. Dating back to last season, Frisco has taken 4 of the last 5 regular season games from the Missions. <br />
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<b>Pimentel Continues Surge:</b> Few pitchers have shown as much improvement early on as Carlos Pimentel. Last season, Carlos struggled at times for the 'Riders en route to a 7-9 4.74 ERA season for Frisco. This season, however, Pimentel began the season in the bullpen and after 10 1/3 innings of dominant pitching, he has moved back into the rotation to replace Miguel De Los Santos, who was placed on the DL. In the start, Pimentel went 5 shutout innings, while allowing just 2 hits. He struck out 4 batters and did not issue a walk. Pimentel has pitched 15 1/3 innings this season now and has given up 5 hits, 5 walks, and struck out 20 batters. Right handed hitters are hitting .097 (3 for 31) against Pimentel this season now with a .281 OPS. <br />
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<b>He Likes Home:</b> Leury Garcia continued his home demolition early on in the season on Monday. Garcia went 1 for 2 with a triple, walk, and run scored. At home, Garcia is now batting .360 with a .560 slugging percentage through 7 games. He has hit a double and 2 triples in the 7 games in Dr. Pepper Ballpark. On the road, Garcia is hitting .281 with a .375 slugging percentage. He has 1 double and 1 triple in 10 games there. <br />
<br /><b>Extra Base Hits:</b> Garcia wasn't the only hitter that hit an extra base hit on Monday. Frisco had 4 hits as a team in the game, but three of them went for extra bases. Engel Beltre went 1 for 4 with a double and Jurickson Profar went 1 for 4 with a double. Chris McGuiness had the lone other hit. <br />
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<b>Hurley To Relief:</b> Reliever Trevor Hurley, who struggled with command his last time through Frisco, pitched 2 scoreless innings of relief. He struck out 2 and walked 1, while not allowing a base hit. <br />
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<b>Yan Gets Save: </b>Johan Yan earned his fifth save of the season, despite giving up a solo homerun in the 9th inning to Nathan Freiman, which cut the lead to 2-1. After an error by Jurickson Profar allowed the potential tying run to reach first base, Yan got Jason Hagerty to ground out to Leury Garcia to end the game. Yan's 5th save is the most in the Texas League. <br />
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<b>Among the Best Starts:</b> The 'Riders 10-7 record this season is tied for the second best record in 'Riders history through the first 17 games. It ties the 2007 season and trails only the 2008 season, which had a 13-4 start. In 2007, the 'Riders finished 85-55 and were named the best Double-A team that season.<br />
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<b>Loux Goes for Magic #4:</b> With a win today, Barret Loux would tie Trevor Bauer (Mobile Bay Bears), Scott Diamond (Rochester Red Wings), Eric Hacker (Fresno Grizzlies), and Wil Savage (Albuquerque Isotopes) for the most wins in minor league baseball. <br />
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<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
<br />
RHP Tommy Hunter (Baltimore Orioles) vs. Toronto Blue Jays<br />
RHP Omar Poveda (Jacksonville Suns) @ Mobile BayBears<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>1 (Denny Almonte, Jackson Generals)<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 4 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 85<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 671<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As always...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Panama City Beach, FL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-70126248090500981492012-04-23T10:58:00.000-05:002012-04-23T10:59:14.932-05:00Game 17: San Antonio Missions (Keyvius Sampson) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Miguel De Los Santos)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location:</b> Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (9-7 Tied for First Place in the Texas
League South)... San Antonio Missions (6-10 3 games back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>L3<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 5-5<br />
<b>Road Trip: </b>1-3<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 4-1-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against San Antonio: </b>0-0<br />
<b>All-Time Record against San Antonio:</b> 123-125 <br />
<b>Record on April 23 since 2004:</b> 1-5<br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Miguel De Los Santos (0-2 6.08 ERA) vs. Keyvius Sampson (1-0 3.07 ERA)<br />
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<b>'Riders Drop First Series of 2012: </b>Frisco gave up 1 run in the 4th and 4 runs in the 5th and lost 5-3 to the Corpus Christi Hooks. Frisco lost 3 of 4 to Corpus Christi and is now tied for first place with the Midland Rockhounds in the Texas League South.<br />
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<b>Grimm Takes First Loss:</b> Not used to losing at the AA level, Justin Grimm took his first loss of 2012 and first loss in AA. Grimm gave up 9 hits, 1 walk, and 5 runs (4 earned) over 4 1/3 innings. He struck out 1 batter as well. Grimm's ERA rose from 0.50 to 2.01 with the start. He is now 10-4 in 29 career minor league starts.<br />
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<b>Top of the Order to You: </b>The 'Riders top of the order produced well in terms of extra base hits in the game.Engel Beltre went 1 for 4 with his 4th triple of the season and also scored a run. Shortstop Jurickson Profar went 1 for 3 with a double, run, and sac fly (RBI). Mike Olt finished off the "combined cycle" between the three with a single and homerun as part of a 2 for 4 day. Olt drove in 2 runs and scored one of his own. Olt's homerun tied him with Beltre for the team lead with four on the season. <br />
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<b>Outfield Assists: </b>Engel Beltre and Ryan Strausborger each had an outfield assist in the game. For Beltre, it was his 3rd on the short season and for Strausborger, it was his 7th already. The outfield assist was Beltre's second of the series with Corpus Christi and doubled up Kody Hinze at first base. Strausborger's assist nabbed Andrew Simunic trying to stretch a single into a double. <br />
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<b>Young Effective:</b> Corey Young put up more zeros on the scoreboard as he pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Young has appeared in 5 games this season and hasn't allowed a run in 4 of those appearances. Through 8 2/3 innings, Young has given up 8 hits, 1 walk, and has recorded 5 strikeouts. Left handed hitters are batting .182 against the southpaw reliever. <br />
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<b>Jarred Cosart Shines:</b> In his second start for the Hooks, top prospect Jarred Cosart (rated as the 50th best prospect by Baseball America) pitched 5 shutout innings. Cosart gave up 4 hits and struck out 5, while not allowing a walk. Through 9 1/3 innings this season, Cosart has given up 8 hits, 3 walks, and struck out 9. He has not allowed a run yet. The 21 year old right hander from League City, TX, was acquired by the Houston Astros in the Hunter Pence deal at the trade deadline last season. <br />
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<b>Flores Gets Second Appearance vs. Former Team: </b>A quality reliever for the 'Riders last season and a press box favorite, Adalberto Flores got his second appearance against Frisco on Sunday. The second time around was not as good as the first though, as Flores gave up 4 hits and 3 runs over 2 2/3 innings. He struck out 2 batters and gave up the homerun to Mike Olt. Last season for the RoughRiders, Flores appeared in 41 games. He gave up 72 hits and 38 walks over 81 1/3 innings. Flores struck out 80 batters and posted a 3.32 ERA with an opponent's average of .236. <br />
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<b>Separated At Birth?: </b>I usually don't do this, but when I was looking up the pitcher that is going against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans today for the Frederick Keys, I had to do a bit of a double take. I may be the only one that finds them similar, but doesn't Kyle Simon's face in this picture ( <a href="http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=605473">http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=605473</a> ) look like former 'Rider and current Texas Ranger, Derek Holland? He's bigger than Holland and you can tell that, but still. <br />
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<u><b>'Former Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
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LHP Derek Holland (Texas Rangers) vs. New York Yankees<br />
RHP Eric Hurley (Salt Lake Bees) @ Tuscon Padres<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>1 (Denny Almonte, Jackson Generals)<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 3 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 83<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 651<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Campechuela, Granma, Cuba!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-44115979179447028782012-04-22T12:41:00.004-05:002012-04-22T12:41:39.740-05:00Game 16: Frisco RoughRiders (Justin Grimm) @ Corpus Christi Hooks (Jarred Cosart)<b>Time: </b>1:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location:</b> Whataburger Field (Corpus Christi, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (9-6 First Place in the Texas
League South)... Corpus Christi Hooks (7-8 2 games back in the
Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>L2<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 6-4<br />
<b>Road Trip: </b>1-2<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 4-0-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Corpus Christi: </b>1-2<br />
<b>All-Time Record against Corpus Christi:</b> 113-105 <br />
<b>Record on April 22 since 2004:</b> 5-2<br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Justin Grimm (3-0 0.50 ERA) vs. Jarred Cosart (0-0 0.00 ERA) <br />
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<b>'Riders Get In Trouble Early, Lose Second Straight:</b> the RoughRiders pitching didn't pitch like they have and the 'Riders gave up a run in five of the first six innings, including 4 runs in the 3rd and 6th. Frisco looks to split the series today with a win, or drop their first series of the season with a loss. They are 3-1 on the final games of each series so far this season. <br />
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<b>Murphy Struggles: </b>Still on the mend from Tommy John Surgery, Tim Murphy has struggled in each of his first three starts. On Saturday, Murphy gave up 4 hits, walked 3, and gave up 5 runs over 2 1/3 innings with 2 strikeouts. Overall on the season now, Murphy has given up 15 hits, 5 walks, hit 3 batters, and given up 11 earned runs in 10 innings. He also has 5 strikeouts as well. <br />
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<b>'Riders Offense Not Quiet, Not "Clutch": </b>Frisco did not lack baserunners throughout the game. Like the big league club on Saturday, Frisco had plenty of hits. Unlike the big league club, however, the 'Riders couldn't get them home. Frisco slugged out a season high 14 hits, including 5 players with 2 or more hits in the game. They went just 3 for 12 with runners in scoring position, however, and left 9 men on base. The team also struck out 11 times and did not walk in the game. <br />
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<b>Beltre Continues Surge:</b> Engel Beltre hasn't stopped yet in making progression as a hitter. Beltre led off the game with a homerun and added a single later in the game. He finished 2 for 5, although he did strikeout 2 times as well. Beltre leads the team in homeruns, RBI, steals, and is 2nd on the team in OPS behind Brad Hawpe. There are the downsides, though, in that Beltre's strikeout percentage is still at the same level it was in 2011 and his walk rate has not gone up that much (6.7%, up from 5.8%). His BABIP is slightly higher, but not unsustainable (.316). His ISO of .328, however, is higher than Beltre's ISO in the previous three seasons combined. <br />
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<b>Leury On Fire: </b>Since starting 3 for 17 through the first four games for Frisco, Leury Garcia is hitting .368 with an .816 OPS over his last 10 games, including 4 multi hit games. Garcia added a 2 for 4 game on Saturday to bring his average to .309 for the season. The switch handed hitter leads the team in batting average and is tied with Engel Beltre for the team lead in hits. Overall on the season, Garcia has a .740 OPS right now. <br />
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<b>Guilder Adds 3 Hits:</b> Guilder Rodriguez went 3 for 4 for the 'Riders with a RBI and a stolen base. The three hits brings him to 248 as a RoughRider, putting him 2 short of the 250 mark. He's now at 120 runs and 83 RBI as a 'Rider as well. <br />
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<b>Top Pitching Performances Added: </b>Like last year, I will track the top pitching performances in the Texas Ranger's minor league system, quantified by game score. It's not a stat I am in love with, but it's a nice way to show the best and worst starts by one stat. After yesterday's game, there have now been 62 starts in the Ranger's system, which means that the top 30 best and 30 worst starts could be filled completely. So far, the best comes from Myrtle Beach right hander Cody Buckel and the worst comes from Round Rock right hander Mark Hamburger, who has since been moved back to the bullpen. <br />
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<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
<br />
LHP John Danks (Chicago White Sox) @ Seattle Mariners<br />
RHP Neil Ramirez (Round Rock Express) @ New Orleans Zephyrs<br />
RHP Guillermo Moscoso (Colorado Springs Sky Sox) @ Las Vegas 51s<br />
RHP Jesse Chavez (Las Vegas 51s) vs. Colorado Springs Sky Sox<br />
RHP Tanner Roark (Syracuse Chiefs) vs. Buffalo Bisons<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>1 (Denny Almonte, Jackson Generals)<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 3 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 81<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 628<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As always...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Houston, TX!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-26342313378801909072012-04-21T13:15:00.002-05:002012-04-21T13:15:41.047-05:00Game 15: Frisco RoughRiders (Tim Murphy) @ Corpus Christi Hooks (Jake Buchanan)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location:</b> Whataburger Field (Corpus Christi, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (9-5 First Place in the Texas
League South)... Corpus Christi Hooks (6-8 3 games back in the
Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>L1<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 6-4<br />
<b>Road Trip: </b>1-1<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 4-0-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Corpus Christi: </b>1-1<br />
<b>All-Time Record against Corpus Christi:</b> 113-104 <br />
<b>Record on April 21 since 2004: </b>4-4 <br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Tim Murphy (0-1 7.04 ERA) vs. Jake Buchanan (0-0 3.97 ERA)<br />
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<b>RoughRiders Shutout For First Time in 2012:</b> Frisco entered Friday as the only team in the Texas League that had not been shutout this season. They ended the night as the last victim of the shutout. The Corpus Christi Hooks got stellar pitching and defeated the 'Riders 6-0. <br />
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<b>Brigham Struggles:</b> Jake Brigham stayed in the game longer than he had in his previous two starts this season. However, he also struggled more than he had in his previous two starts. Brigham brought a 1.64 ERA into his start, but left with a loss and a 3.57 ERA. In 6 2/3 innings, Brigham gave up 8 hits, 2 walks, and 5 runs. He did strikeout 5 batters and induced 9 groundouts to 3 flyouts. With 2 more homeruns, Jake has also given up 4 homeruns in 17 2/3 innings this season. <br />
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<b>All About Third Base: </b>Engel Beltre went 1 for 4 in the game, but his one hit was a triple to right centerfield to leadoff the game. More importantly, it was a triple off of a southpaw. Beltre has struggled in his time in the minor leagues against left handed pitching. This season, so far, he is batting .250 with a .786 OPS. The sample size is small, so we will wait until later in the season to draw conclusions over whether this may be a real break through or not. Beltre also had an outfield assist, as he threw out Hooks second baseman Jose Martinez trying to go 1st to 3rd on a single. <br />
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<b>A 'Rider Killer:</b> Brandon Barnes continued his assault on Frisco RoughRiders pitching. Over the last two seasons, Barnes is hitting .311 with a .991 OPS against 'Riders pitching. With 2 more homeruns on Friday, he brought his total to 4 homeruns and 7 total extra base hits in 12 games. He has 8 RBI and has scored 10 runs. Overall this season, Barnes is hitting .385 with 3 homeruns and 11 RBI in 13 games. <br />
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<b>Struggles with RISP: </b>The 'Riders are batting .194 with RISP (7 for 36) over their last 4 games, including 4 for 20 over the last two games against the Hooks. On Friday they were 0 for 10 with RISP. <br />
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<b>A First in 2012: </b>Just like the game was the first time that the 'Riders have been shutout in 2012, it was also the first time that they haven't scored on the opposing starting pitcher. They were the only remaining team in the Texas League to say that. Overall, opposing starting pitchers have a 4.03 ERA when they face the 'Riders, which is third worst in the Texas League behind the Tulsa Drillers (5.34) and Corpus Christi Hooks (4.73). <br />
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<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound: </b></u><br />
<br />
LHP Matt Harrison (Texas Rangers) @ Detroit Tigers- Game 1<br />
RHP Neftali Feliz (Texas Rangers) @ Detroit Tigers- Game 2<br />
RHP Blake Beavan (Seattle Mariners) vs. Chicago White Sox<br />
RHP Luis Mendoza (Kansas City Royals) vs. Toronto Blue Jays<br />
LHP Martin Perez (Round Rock Express) @ New Orleans Zephyrs<br />
RHP Tanner Roark (Syracuse Chiefs) vs. Buffalo Bisons <br />
LHP Robbie Erlin (San Antonio Missions) vs. Midland Rockhounds<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>1 (Denny Almonte, Jackson Generals)<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 3 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 75<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 601<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As always...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Marietta, GA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-74965622438906314722012-04-20T15:40:00.000-05:002012-04-20T15:40:17.150-05:00Game 14: Frisco RoughRiders (Jake Brigham) @ Corpus Christi Hooks (Brett Oberholtzer)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location:</b> Whataburger Field (Corpus Christi, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (9-4 First Place in the Texas League South)... Corpus Christi Hooks (5-8 4 games back in the Texas League South)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W1<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 7-3<br />
<b>Road Trip: </b>1-0<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 4-0-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Corpus Christi: </b>1-0<br />
<b>All-Time Record against Corpus Christi:</b> 113-103 <br />
<b>Record on April 20 since 2003: </b>4-3 <br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Jake Brigham (1-0 1.64 ERA) vs. Brett Oberholtzer (0-0 9.35 ERA)<br />
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<b>'Riders Take First Division Game of 2012: </b>After beginning the season with twelve games against teams in the Texas League North division, Frisco defeated the Corpus Christi Hooks 10-0 for their first win against a division opponent. The 'Riders scored 3 runs in the 1st inning, added another in the 3rd, 4 more in the 6th, and 2 in the 8th. <br />
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<b>Loux Dominant:</b> For the second time in three starts, Barret Loux pitched at least 5 innings without giving up a run. The 6 foot 5 right hander gave up 1 hit and walked 2 while striking out 8 batters in the start. Loux's ERA is now down to 1.15 and he moved his record to 3-0, tying Justin Grimm for the team lead in wins. Loux needed 81 pitches in the start, of which 51 went for strikes. <br />
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<b>Not Quite McGuiness Book of World Records, but...: </b>For a third consecutive game, Frisco's first baseman Chris McGuiness hit a homerun. It also was his third homerun for the season. Overall for the game, McGuiness went 2 for 5 with 4 RBI, including a double. For the season, he is hitting .231 with 7 RBI and an .821 OPS. He has a .910 OPS against right handed pitchers. <br />
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<b>Olt's Breakout: </b>Third baseman Mike Olt reached base a season best four times on Thursday as he went 2 for 3 with a homerun, RBI, 2 runs, and 2 walks. Olt has struggled a bit so far with a .239 average, but still boasts an .827 OPS thanks to a .500 slugging percentage. Almost half of his 11 hits have gone for extra bases (5). There is also some hope in that Mike Olt is batting .273/.368/.485/.853 off of right handed pitchers, but he's hitting just .154 against left handed pitching. Last season, Olt batted .297/.416/.637/1.053 against southpaws and .248/.369/.423/.792 against right handed pitching. <br />
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<b>Leury Garcia Takes Team Lead: </b>With a steady stream of offensive production, Leury Garcia has taken over the team lead in batting average with a .292 average after a 2 for 4 game Thursday night. It was Garcia's 3rd multi hit game, but he also has consistently hit so far for the 'Riders. Garcia has at least one hit in 10 of his 12 games and has reached base in 11 of the 12 games. Currently Garcia is hitting .292/.306/.417/.723. He has yet to steal a base, or even attempt a steal, however, despite having outstanding speed. <br />
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<b>Producing When It Counts: </b>I'm not a big believer in the term "clutch", but sometimes it seems as if Jose Felix makes you want to believe it. Jose Felix added a 2 for 4 game on Thursday and brought his average up to .200. He has 6 hits for the season now in 30 at bats. Along with the 2 hits, though, Felix had 2 more RBI to bring his season total to 7. Yes, he has more RBI right now than hits. Part of that is that 5 of his 6 hits have come with RISP. Felix is 5 for 9 (.556) in such situations. He's also batting .417 (5 for 12) with runners on, compared to .056 (1 for 18) when nobody is on base. Small sample size obviously comes into play here, but it's fun to look at right now. <br />
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<b>Taking Relief to Heart: </b>By April 20th of last season, Carlos Pimentel was 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA through 2 starts. He had given up 14 hits and 4 walks with 6 strikeouts over 6 innings. By his fourth appearance/start, Pimentel was 0-3 with a 6.11 ERA and had given up 23 hits and 7 walks with 15 strikeouts over 17 2/3 innings.<br />
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Fast forward a season and a new role, and Carlos Pimentel is currently 1-0 with a save and a 0.00 ERA. He has given up 3 hits and 5 walks with 16 strikeouts over 10 1/3 innings as a reliever for the 'Riders. This includes his 3 inning appearance last night where he gave up 1 hit, walked 1, and struck out 3 batters. Right handed batters are hitting a measly 1 for 20 against Pimentel. He has thrown 65% of his pitches for strikes to right handed batters, compared to just 52% against left handed hitters (who are batting .154 with a .313 OBP (.466 OPS) against him. <br />
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<b>Beltre Reaches 10 RBI/5 SB:</b> A year ago, it took Engel Beltre until June 21st to reach the 10 RBI mark and July 7th to reach 5 stolen bases. On Thursday Beltre used a 1 for 4, 1 RBI, and stolen base game to reach both marks. Beltre is currently batting .286 with a .917 OPS. <br />
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<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
<b><u>Former 'Riders on the Mound</u></b><br />
<br />
LHP Matt Harrison (Texas Rangers) @ Detroit Tigers<br />
RHP Edinson Volquez (San Diego Padres) vs. Philadelphia Phillies<br />
LHP Michael Kirkman (Round Rock Express) vs. Omaha Storm Chasers<br />
RHP Doug Mathis (Pawtucket Red Sox) vs. Durham Bulls<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>1 (Denny Almonte, Jackson Generals)<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 2 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 68<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 569<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As always...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from New London, CT!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-59739619052477985732012-04-17T10:20:00.000-05:002012-04-17T10:20:25.153-05:00Game 12: Arkansas Travelers (John Hellweg) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Miguel De Los Santos)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location: </b>Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (8-3 First Place in the Texas League South)... Arkansas Travelers (3-8 4 games back in the Texas League North)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W4<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 7-3<br />
<b>Homestand: </b>4-1 <br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 3-0-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Arkansas: </b>4-1<br />
<b>All-Time Record against Arkansas:</b> 91-46<br />
<b>Record on April 17 since 2003: </b>5-4<br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Miguel De Los Santos (0-2 5.79 ERA) vs. John Hellweg (0-1 2.70 ERA)<br />
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<b>'Riders Hold On, Take First Two in Series: </b>Frisco jumped out to a 2-0 lead by the 4th inning and held on to win 2-1, despite a 9th inning rally by Arkansas. The 'Riders have won four in a row and are now two games up on the Midland Rockhounds in the Texas League South. Frisco has also won four series in a row and are going for their first sweep this season. <br />
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<b>Grimm Dominant: </b>It's not supposed to be this easy, but Justin Grimm is making the jump to AA look seamless. On Monday night, Justin Grimm allowed 2 baserunners, one hit and one walk, over 6 1/3 scoreless innings. Grimm struck out 5 in the game and 8 groundouts to 4 flyouts as well. Justin was sitting 91-93 throughout the game with his fastball and touched 94 on occasion. He flashed a very sharp curveball in the start as well as a good changeup. At one point in the start Grimm had retired 16 batters in a row. <br />
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<b>McGuiness Goes Deep:</b> Chris McGuiness gave Frisco a 2-0 lead in the 4th inning when he hit a solo homerun into the 'Riders Pool Zone. It was his first homerun as a Frisco RoughRider. McGuiness finished 1 for 3 at the plate with a walk as well.<br />
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<b>Beltre Turnaround: </b>No it's not a typo, Engel Beltre did draw a career best three walks in the game yesterday. For a player that came into the season with a lot of question marks, Engel Beltre has much better at the plate and on the field this year than he did last year. It's still early, but so far Beltre has looked better. Beltre also stole two bases in the game to bring his season total to four steals. Last season, it took Beltre until July 7th to get his 4th steal of the season. <br />
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<b>Boscan the Reliever:</b> Wilfredo Boscan pitched 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief on Monday. Over his last two appearances he has thrown 5 1/3 innings of scoreless relief with 5 strikeouts. On the season he has given up 6 hits and 1 walk in 8 1/3 innings with 9 strikeouts. <br />
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<b><u>Former 'Riders on the Mound</u></b><br />
<br />
LHP John Danks (Chicago White Sox) vs. Baltimore Orioles<br />
RHP Neil Ramirez (Round Rock Express) vs. Omaha Storm Chasers<br />
RHP Guillermo Moscoso (Colorado Springs Sky Sox) vs. Tuscon Padres<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>1 (Denny Almonte, Jackson Generals)<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 2 <br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 53<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 460<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As always...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from St. Charles, MO!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-52955116775880082992012-04-16T16:18:00.000-05:002012-04-16T16:18:58.554-05:00Game 11: Arkansas Travelers (A.J. Schugel) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Justin Grimm)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location: </b>Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (7-3 First Place in the Texas League South)... Arkansas Travelers (3-7 4 games back in the Texas League North)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W3<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 7-3<br />
<b>Homestand: </b>3-1 <br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 3-0-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Arkansas: </b>3-1<br />
<b>All-Time Record against Arkansas:</b> 90-46<br />
<b>Record on April 16 since 2003: </b>3-5<br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Justin Grimm (2-0 0.77 ERA) vs. A.J. Schugel (0-1 3.60 ERA) <br />
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<b>'Riders Win 3rd Straight:</b> For most of Sunday Frisco trailed the Arkansas Travelers, but in baseball there is never a time limit. When the 'Riders rallied for 3 runs in the 8th inning, they took the lead and finished off their third straight win and gave Traveler's reliever Daniel Tillman his 3rd loss of the season. <br />
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<b>Murphy's Start: </b>Tim Murphy struggled a bit on Sunday as he gave up 6 hits and a walk over 4 innings. The southpaw, who missed 2011 with Tommy John Surgery, struck out 2 batters and gave up 3 runs in the 4 innings, including a homerun to Traveler's leadoff hitter Matt Long. Murphy faced trouble in three of his four innings, but was able to limit some of the damage.<br />
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<b>Profar Heating Up: </b>After struggling to 2 for his first 26, the Ranger's top prospect, Jurickson Profar, has had back to back multi hit games. Profar had 3 hits on Saturday and followed that up with a 2 for 4 showing with another homerun from the left handed side on Sunday.Profar is now batting .206 on the season. It may not seem high, but just a couple of games ago the 19 year old was batting .077. His OPS is also up to .778 for the season. <br />
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</b><br />
<b>Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!: </b>Guilder Rodriguez put together another nice game in a 'Riders uniform. For a player that has been with Frisco for four seasons now, it's nothing new. Guilder went 2 for 2 with a walk and a sacrifice bunt. One of his two hits was a bases loaded infield single off the pitcher in the 8th inning, which ended up scoring the go ahead and game winning run. Rodriguez played first base in the game for the 'Riders. In his four years with Frisco, the only two non-pitcher positions that Guilder has not played are third base and catcher. <br />
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<b>The Other Infielder: </b>Overshadowed by Jurickson Profar, speedy infielder Leury Garcia went 3 for 4 on Sunday. The switch handed hitting second baseman had two infield singles and a line drive single to centerfield. It was Garcia's second multi hit game this season for the 'Riders. <br />
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<b>Don't Test Him:</b> In case some of the players in the Texas League weren't in the Carolina League last season, they should be learning quickly to not test Ryan Strausborger. After having 11 outfield assists for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans last season, Strausborger already has 6 for Frisco, including 4 when he has played left field. On Sunday, Strausborger had two of those six and Jared Prince added another one for good measure. In total, the 'Riders had three outfield assists, including two at home plate. That was the difference between a 'Rider victory and a 'Rider loss. <br />
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<b>Should We Expect Differently?:</b> Johan Yan pitched the final inning on Sunday for his fourth save of the season. The total tied him with seven other pitchers for the most in minor league baseball. Of those seven, only one other pitcher has a better WHIP this season (Pat Lehman's 0.40 to Yan's 0.53). Opponents are batting .105 against Yan so far this season. In 24 appearances for Frisco dating back to last season, Yan is 0-0 with 6 saves. He has given up only 20 hits in 32 1/3 innings with 22 strikeouts to 10 walks. In case you weren't wondering, Frisco has all of the confidence in the world in him. <br />
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<b><u>Former 'Riders on the Mound</u></b><br />
<br />
LHP Robbie Erlin (San Antonio Missions) @ NW Arkansas Naturals<br />
RHP Jesse Chavez (Las Vegas 51s) @ Colorado Springs Sky Sox<br />
LHP Martin Perez (Round Rock Express) vs. Iowa Cubs<br />
RHP Tanner Roark (Syracuse Chiefs) vs. Pawtucket Red Sox<br />
RHP Jared Hyatt (Lehigh Valley IronPigs) @ Buffalo Bisons<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Titanium Sombrero Count: </b>1 (Denny Almonte, Jackson Generals)<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 1 <br />
<br />
<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 49<br />
<br />
<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 415<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As always...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Tomball, TX!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-21135650476664459192012-04-13T15:59:00.000-05:002012-04-13T15:59:59.969-05:00Game 8: Springfield Cardinals (Trevor Rosenthal) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Barret Loux)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location: </b>Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (4-3 Tied for First Place in the Texas League South)... Springfield Cardinals (4-3 Tied for First Place in the Texas League North)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>L1<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 4-3<br />
<b>Homestand: </b>0-1<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 2-0-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Springfield: </b>2-2 <br />
<b>All-Time Record against Springfield:</b> 48-43<br />
<b>Record on April 13 since 2003: </b>1-6<br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Barret Loux (1-0 0.00 ERA) vs. Trevor Rosenthal (0-1 2.25 ERA) <br />
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<b>'Riders Fall to Springfield:</b> Frisco gave up runs in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings and fell to the Springfield Cardinals 5-1 on their home opener. Frisco had some chances, but two double plays hit into killed any potential rally late in the game. <br />
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<b>De Los Santos start:</b> Problems with inconsistency have plagued Miguel De Los Santos through his time with Frisco. At times he can seem dominant and at other times it seems like he can't find the strikezone at all. Thursday was one of the latter, while his start before was more of the former. De Los Santos threw 58.3% of his pitches for strikes and got a swing and miss (when the batter swung) rate of 18.2%. In his start before, he had thrown 67.5% of his pitches for strikes and got a swing and miss rate of 44.1%. It was his second time pitching against Springfield and they swung at pitches 5% less of the time than they had in their start before. Overall, his final line was: 4 1/3 innings, 7 hits, 4 runs (all earned), 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. <br />
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<b>The Speed Demon:</b> Leury Garcia went 2 for 3 at the plate in his Dr. Pepper Ballpark regular season debut and hit a triple and scored the lone run as well for Frisco. Garcia has two triples now in the first seven games giving him a projected total of 40 triples. It's highly unlikely that he will keep <i>that</i> pace up, but it does show one thing... Garcia can fly. The infielder is batting .250 on the year so far and isn't likely to continue his .458 slugging percentage, but he is an interesting player to watch. <br />
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<b>Top Prospecgt Struggles Continue:</b> It's far too early to get worried, but Jurickson Profar is struggling at the plate on the early goings. Profar went 0 for 3 with a walk and a sombrero (3 strikeouts) at the plate on Thursday. He has been a slow starter before and AA was a jump for him, so it's not surprising to see him struggling on the early goings. Profar has swung at 40.7% of the pitches thrown at him so far, which is the lowest on the team of the players with 20 or more PA. Guilder Rodriguez, who has 17 plate appearances, is the only one lower than Profar on the roster regardless of plate appearances. Profar also has only swung and missed at 9.8% of the pitches. Only Chris McGuiness and Jared Prince have a lower percentage of the regular starters. <br />
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<b>A First for Olt: </b>Mike Olt had one hit on Thursday, but it was a first for him in full season ball. In the 6th inning, Olt hit a wind aided flyball that ended up landing at the wall. By the time the ball was in, Olt was standing at third base and had driven in Leury Garcia for the only run of the game. Olt's triple was his first in full season pro ball. He hit one for the Spokane Indians (short season-A ball) in 2009. <br />
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<b>Boasting Boscan: </b>Wilfredo Boscan had one of his best outings in a while and arguably his best with the RoughRiders. Boscan gave up 2 hits and struck out 4 over 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Boscan did not issue a walk either. Through two outings this season, Boscan has thrown 68.3% of his pitches for strikes, achieved a 31.4% swing and miss rate, and has thrown first pitch strikes to 62.5% of the batters that he has faced. His 3.417 pitches per plate appearance are the best in Frisco's bullpen.<br />
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<b>How Do You Keep Kolten Off Base?: </b>Springfield Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong has gotten off to an impressively hot start. The 2011 first round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals has gotten on base at least twice in 6 of Springfield's first seven games this season, including all six that he actually started in. Wong, a Hawaii native, is batting .440 with a .517 OBP for the season. He has 4 extra base hits and 4 walks so far. <br />
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<u><b>Former 'Riders on the Mound</b></u><br />
<br />
RHP Tommy Hunter (Baltimore Orioles) @ Toronto Blue Jays <br />
LHP Matt Harrison (Texas Rangers) @ Minnesota Twins<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count:</b> 1<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count:</b> 38<br />
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<b>Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count:</b> 323<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As always...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Lee's Summit, MO!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690542661139162232.post-75341066318562459392012-04-12T15:28:00.000-05:002012-04-12T15:28:51.345-05:00Game 7: Springfield Cardinals (John Gast) @ Frisco RoughRiders (Miguel De Los Santos)<b>Time: </b>7:05 PM CT<br />
<b>Location: </b>Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco, TX)<br />
<b>Team Records:</b> Frisco RoughRiders (4-2 First Place in the Texas League South)... Springfield Cardinals (3-3 1 game back in the Texas League North)<br />
<b>Streak: </b>W1<br />
<b>Last 10:</b> 4-2<br />
<b>Homestand: </b>0-0<br />
<b>2012 Series Record</b>: 2-0-0 <b> </b><br />
<b>2012 Record against Springfield: </b>2-1 <br />
<b>All-Time Record against Springfield:</b> 48-42<br />
<b>Record on April 12 since 2003: </b>4-5 <br />
<b>Starting Pitchers: </b>Miguel De Los Santos (0-1 3.60 ERA) vs. John Gast (1-0 1.29 ERA)<br />
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'Riders Cruise to Second Straight Series Win: Yesterday was an off day for Frisco, but the day before that the Frisco RoughRiders took their second straight road series win by scoring 4 runs in the 5th, a run in the 8th, and 3 more in the 9th. Frisco got dominant pitching once again and defeated the Arkansas Travelers 8-1.<br />
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Grimm Tough Once Again: He did not strikeout ten batters in the game this time, but Justin Grimm held the Travelers to just 4 hits, 2 walks, and a run over 6 1/3 innings and recorded 2 strikeouts. He moved to 2-0 on the season through 2 starts for Frisco and has allowed less than a baserunner an inning thus far for the 'Riders.<br />
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Beltre's Explosion: Through the first three games of the season, it looked as if Engel Beltre was going to be the same Engel Beltre from 2011. He was 2 for 12 with a couple of singles and five strikeouts. Over the last three games since then, however, Beltre has gone 5 for 12 with 3 home runs, a triple, and has 13 total bases. He also has seen 64 pitches over that span as well. Over his last four games, Beltre has seen a total of 91 pitches in 19 plate appearances. Last year over 482 plate appearances with the RoughRiders, Beltre averaged 3.25 pitches per plate appearance, totaling 1,565 total pitches seen. <br />
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Wednesday's game was part of this explosion as Beltre went 3 for 5 with 2 home runs and 6 RBI in the game, including 4 on a grand slam. The RBI were one short of tying Frisco's single game record of 7, which was last achieved by Tommy Mendonca, last year on July 22nd. <br />
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Keeping it in the Ballpark: Through six games this year, Frisco's starting pitchers have not given up a home run to a player. In 31 1/3 innings, Frisco starters have given up 24 hits, 6 earned runs, 10 walks, and struck out 27 batters. In fact, in the Ranger's minor league system, the Round Rock Express are the only team to have had a starting pitcher give up a home run. The four full season teams have combined for just 3 homeruns given up by the starting pitchers. The reason for why this could be is the tendency for starting pitchers in the system to keep the ball on the ground. The full season starters have combined for nearly a 2:1 groundout to flyout ratio with 122 groundouts to 63 flyouts. <br />
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Opening Day: Frisco comes home tonight for the first time in 2012 and looks to even up their Opening Day record. Coming into tonight, Frisco is 4-5 on Opening Day. Last season the 'Riders defeated Springfield 6-2 on Opening Day. The starting pitcher for Frisco was Wilfredo Boscan, who is now in the bullpen for the team this season. <br />
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De Los Santos Gets the Ball: This year's Opening Day starter will be Miguel De Los Santos. The southpaw will make his 3rd start in Frisco for his career. Last year he made 6 starts for the club, but only two came at Dr. Pepper Ballpark. He was 1-0 with a 3.72 ERA in those two starts. In his first start for Frisco this season, De Los Santos took the loss, but was effective for 5 innings. He gave up 4 hits, 2 runs, and struck out 8 batters.<br />
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Even more promising, Miguel showed better ability to throw strikes as he threw first pitch strikes to 76% of the batters he faced and threw 68% of his pitches for strikes. <br />
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<b><u>Former 'Riders on the Mound Today</u></b><br />
<br />
LHP Derek Holland (Texas Rangers) vs. Seattle Mariners<br />
RHP Neil Ramirez (Round Rock Express) @ Omaha Storm Chasers<br />
RHP Eric Hurley (Salt Lake Bees) @ Reno Aces<br />
<br />
<br />
Minor League Baseball Platinum Sombrero Count: 1<br />
<br />
Minor League Baseball Golden Sombrero Count: 34<br />
<br />
Minor League Baseball Sombrero Count: 275<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As always...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A special thanks to any blog followers from Fair Grove, MO!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Station to Listen to the Game on:</b> 1630 AM (KKGM)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow the Game Online at: </b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/scoreboard/league.jsp?sid=milb&lid=109</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Follow Us on Twitter at:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter">www.twitter.com/pressboxchatter </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">- By Michael Damman</span></div>Rider's Pressboxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16542336594522035626noreply@blogger.com0