April 13, 2013

Generals Game Central (Saturday, April 13)

Game #9: Jackson Generals (SEA) (3-5) vs. Montgomery Biscuits (TB) (5-3)
Site: The Ballpark in Jackson – Jackson, Tenn
Time: 6:05 p.m. CST
Pitching Match-up: RHP Chance Ruffin (1-0, 0.00) vs. LHP Enny Romero (0-0, 0.00)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 5:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: MiLB.tv
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Game Information: | Game Notes 4-13 vs. Montgomery
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals (3-5) continue the their first homestand of the season, with the fourth game (1-2) of the five-game series against the Montgomery Biscuits tonight at The Ballpark in Jackson.

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that the Generals have opened the season 3-5. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that the Generals have out-scored their first two opponents 28-22 and 13 of the 28 runs scored have occured in the 7th inning of games.

GENERALS RECAP: Brad Miller went 5-for-6 with two doubles and a home run Friday as Jackson split a doubleheader with Montgomery, in front of 3,676 fans. The Generals dropped game one, 5-4 and took game two, 4-2. LHP Roenis Elias suffered the loss in game one for Jackson. During the first game SS Brad Miller, C John Hicks and RF James Jones recorded multi-hit games. In game two, starter RHP Hector Noesi (1-0) tossed 5.0 scoreless innings and has opened his season not allowing a run in 11.0 innings pitched. RHP Carson Smith earned his second save of the season. 3B Brad Miller added three hits, including his second homer of the season. 3B Vinnie Catricala and Miller also added RBI doubles and RF James Jones blasted an RBI triple in game two.

WHO’S HOT: INF Brad Miller has hit safely in 6 of the first 8 games this season, batting ..467 (14×30) with 5 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs and 3 RBI. OF Julio Morban has not played in the last 3 games, but recorded multi-hit games in 3 of the first 5 games, batting .563 (9×16) with 3 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 home run and 3 RBI.

STARTERS STREAK: The Generals starting rotations streak of not allowing an earned run, was snapped at 28.2 innings during the first inning of game one of the doubleheader Friday.

NEARING 1,500 FRANCHISE HOME RUNS: Since 1998, the Jackson franchise has blasted 1,499 home runs. The Generals are holding a contest on the teams facebook page on who will blast the franchise’s 1,500 long ball.

April 12, 2013

Generals Game Central, Friday April 10th

Game #7/8: Jackson Generals (SEA) (2-4) vs. Montgomery Biscuits (TB) (4-2)
Site: The Ballpark in Jackson – Jackson, Tenn
Time: 5:05 p.m. CST Doubleheader
Pitching Match-up:
Game 1: LHP Roenis Elias (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Albert Suarez (0-0, 0.00)
Game 2: RHP Hector Noesi (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Merrill Kelly (0-0, 0.00)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 4:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: MiLB.tv
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Game Information: | Game Notes 4-12 vs. Montgomery
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals play a doubleheader today at The Ballpark in Jackson. This is the first twin bill of the season. Last year Jackson was 8-8 in 7-inning games, splitting six DH’s, sweeping one and losing one.

YOU ALREADY KNOW…that the Generals have hit 4 home runs this season. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that the Jackson franchise has blasted 1,498 home runs since moving from Memphis in 1998.

GENERALS RECAP: Jackson scored 3 runs in the 7th inning, including a 2-run home run by Steven Proscia, but it wasn’t enough at the Generals lost to Montgomery 4-3 on Wednesday night. Jackson out-hit Montgomery 10-8, with SS Brad Miller (2×4), DH Francisco Martinez (2×4) and 3B Steven Procia (2×4, R, HR, 2 RBI) each recording 2 hits. RF Leon Landry (1×4, R, HR, RBI) knocked in the Generals 3rd run with his first home run of the season in the 7th. Starter Taijuan Walker (5.0,4,3,0,2,5) recorded his 2nd loss of the seaon despite not allowing an earned run (3 R) in 5.0 innings of work. RH Jonathan Arias (2.0,2,1,1,0,1) and RH Andrew Kittredge (2.0,2,0,0,1,3) each worked 2.0 innings in relief.

WHO’S HOT: OF Julio Morban has recorded multi-hit games in 3 of the first 5 games, batting .563 (9×16) with 3 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 home run and 3 RBI. INF Brad Miller has hit safely in 4 of the first 6 games this season, batting .375 (9×24) with 3 runs scored, 1 double, 1 triple, 1 home run and 1 RBI.

STARTERS STREAK: Over the last five games and 28.0 innings, the Generals starting rotation has not allowed an earned run. In those starts, starters have allowed only 11 hits.

April 10, 2013

Generals Game Central (Wednesday, April 10)

Game #6: Jackson Generals (SEA) (2-3) vs. Montgomery Biscuits (TB) (3-2)
Site: The Ballpark in Jackson – Jackson, Tenn
Time: 7:05 p.m. CST
Pitching Match-up: RHP Taijuan Walker (0-1, 7.20) vs. RHP Matt Buschmann (0-1, 12.27)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 6:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: MiLB.tv
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Game Information: | Game Notes 4-10 vs. Montgomery
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals open the home portion of the schedule tonight with the opener of a five-game series against the Montgomery Biscuits at The Ballpark. Jackson is 71-70 all-time against the Biscuits.

Hey, Generals beat writer for the Jackson Sun, Josh Lemons…YOU ALREADY KNOW…that tonight is Opening Night at The Ballpark in Jackson. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that last year’s 3-2 win over Birmingham broke a four-game losing streak for Jackson in home openers. The Jackson franchise is 7-8, all-time in home openers at The Ballpark in Jackson.

GENERALS RECAP: Starter James Gillheeney and releivers Forrest Snow, Tyler Burgoon and Carson Smith combined to shutout Jacksonville as the Generals earned a 1-0 win on Monday afternoon. It was the second consecutive game the Generals have shutout the Suns. Jackson’s starting rotation staff not allowed a run in the last 23.0 consecutive innings. Gillheeny (5.0,3,0,0,1,2) allowed only 3 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 2 in 5.0 innings to earn his first win of the season. Snow (1.2,1,0,0,0,2), Burgoon (1.1,1,0,0,1,2) and Smith (1.0,0,0,0,0,1) combined to strikeout 5 batters over the final 4.0 innings in relief, while Smith recorded his first Double-A save of this career. CF Francisco Martinez (1×3, RBI) drove in 3B Vinnie Catricala (0x3, R, HBP) in the 2nd inning on a RBI groundout for the only run of the game. RF James Jones (1×4, 2B), DH Julio Morban (1×1, 2B) and 2B Gabriel Noriega (1×3) each recorded one of Jackson’s 4 hits in the game.

WHO’S HOT: OF Julio Morban has recorded multi-hit games in 3 of the first 5 games, batting .563 (9×16) with 3 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 home run and 3 RBI. INF Brad Miller has hit safely in 3 of the first 5 games this season, batting .350 (7×20) with 3 runs scored, 1 double, 1 triple, 1 home run and 1 RBI.

April 8, 2013

Generals Game Central – Monday, April 8

Game #5: Jackson Generals (SEA) (1-3) at Jacksonville Suns (MIA) (3-1)
Site: Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville – Jacksonville, Fla
Time: 11:05 p.m. CST
Pitching Match-up: LHP James Gillheeeny (0-0, –) vs. RHP Sam Dyson (0-0, –)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 1:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: MiLB.tv
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Game Information: | Game Notes 4-8 at Jacksonville
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals wrap up the first series of the season today with game five of the set in Jacksonville. LHP James Gillheeney makes his first start of the year and 17th career start for the Generals.

Hey, Generals’ General Manager Jason Compton…YOU ALREADY KNOW..that Generals OF Julio Morban had 3 hits yesterday, including his first homerun. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that after 4 games, Morban leads the Southern League in hits (8), total bases (13) and ranks 2nd in the league in batting average (.533) and slugging percentage (.867).

GENERALS RECAP: The Generals picked up their first win of the season Sunday afternoon, blasting the Jacksonville Suns in Jacksonville, 10-0, The Generals improved to 1-3 on the season with the victory. Chance Ruffin (W, 6.0,1,0,0,0,1) tossed shutout innings Sunday in his first career start after appearing in 109 games as a reliever (15 at the Major League level). Jackson opened the scoring in the first inning with a two out homerun from Brad Miller (3×4, RBI). Julio Morban (3×5, 3 RBI) added his first long ball of the season in the second inning and gave Jackson a 2-0 edge. Morban added another of his three hits in the sixth inning with an RBI single scoring Miller making it 3-0. Jackson’s big innings was the sixth scoring six runs. Vinnie Catricala (1×5, R, RBI) and Morban had RBI singles and then John Hicks (1×5, 2B, R, 2 RBI) belted a 2 RBI double to left making it 7-0. The Generals went on to score two more in the inning and led 9-0 after the sixth. Jackson added one final run in the eighth inning as Francisco Martinez (0x4, 2 R, BB) scored on an error by Jacksonville shortstop Danny Black. That was one of three Suns errors in the game. Stephen Kohlscheen (1.2,1,0,0,0,1) and Nick Hill (1.1,0,0,0,1,1) added three scoreless frames behind Ruffin to complete the shutout, holding Jacksonville to a season-low three hits.

April 7, 2013

Generals Game Central – April 7

Game #4: Jackson Generals (SEA) (0-3) at Jacksonville Suns (MIA) (3-0)
Site: Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville – Jacksonville, Fla
Time: 2:05 p.m. CST
Pitching Match-up: RHP Chance Ruffin (0-0, –) vs. RHP Matt Neil (0-0, –)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 1:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: MiLB.tv
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Game Information: | Game Notes 4-7 at Jacksonville
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals, still in search of its first win of the season play game four of the five-game series at Jacksonville against the Suns…Also looking to not drop to 0-4 to begin a season for the first time since 2007. The Generals opened the 2008 season 1-4. RHP Chance Ruffin makes his first career start today after his first 109 outings in his pro career being out of the bullpen.

Hey, Jacksonville broadcaster Roger Hoover…YOU ALREADY KNOW..that the Suns held Jackson to just one hit yesterday. But, DID YOU KNOW?…that the last time the Jackson franchise was held to 1 hit or less was on May 4, 2009 when West Tenn was no-hit during a rain shortened 5-inning game by Birmingham’s Aaron Poreda. Birmingham’s lineup featured current White Sox Gordon Beckham (0x1) and Dayan Viciedo (1×2) that night.

GENERALS RECAP: Jacksonville’s Chris Gutierrez delivered sacrifice fly scoring Kyle Jensen in the bottom of the 9th inning, giving the Suns their 3rd straight win over Jackson 1-0 on Saturday. Jackson was held to just 1 hit for the first time since May 4, 2009. The only hit came from SS Brad Miller (1×3) in the first inning. Jackson never had a runner reach second base in the game. Starter Hector Noesi (6.0,2,0,0,1,5) and reliever Andrew Kittredge (2.0,1,0,0,1,3) combined for 8.0 shutout innings. Noesi, who made 18 starts for Seattle last season was making his first Double-A start since 2010, with Trenton (NYY). RH Forrest Snow (L, 0.2,2,1,1,1,1) suffered the loss for Jackson giving up the winning run in the 9th.

40-MAN FRENZY: For the first time since Jackson has been affiliated with Seattle (2007) they boast 6 players who are on the Mariners 40-man roster. Starting pitchers Hector Noesi and Chance Ruffin, infielder Vinnie Catricala outfielders Francisco Martinez and Julio Morban and starter Anthony Fernandez who is currently on the DL.

COMING FROM BIG LEAGUE CAMP: The Opening Day roster features 12 players that participated in Major League Spring Training. Those included position players Abraham Almonte, Vinnie Catricala, John Hicks, Francisco Martinez, Brad Miller, Julio Morban and pitchers Jonathan Arias, Tyler Burgoon, Stephen Kohscheen, Hector Noesi, Chance Ruffin, Carson Smith and Taijuan Walker.

“PANK” MOVING ON UP: Coming back for his 3rd season, Manager Jim Pankovits becomes the second-longest tenured Jackson manager. Bobby Dickerson managed in Jackson from 2002-2005 while Jackson was affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Pankovits ranks 3rd in franchise history with 147 managerial wins.

HISTORIC YEAR FOR MARINERS MINORS: The Mariners 9 minor league affiliates wrapped up the 2012 season, putting together one of the best seasons in club history, combining for a 496-406 (.550) record. The organization led all Major League farm systems in wins (496) and winning percentage (.550). The Mariners 496 organizational wins set a new record for most wins in a single sesaon by any Major League farm system. Six of the Mariners 9 affiliates qualified for the postseason in 2012.

PLENTY OF PROSPECTS: The Generals Opening Day roster features 11 of the Mariners’ Top-30 prospects, according to Baseball America. Those include: RHP Taijuan Walker (2), INF Brad Miller (9), RHP Carson Smith (16), OF Leon Landry (17), INF Jack Marder (20), C John Hicks (21), OF Francisco Martinez (22), OF Julio Morban (23), INF Vinnie Catricala (26), RHP Chance Ruffin (27), LHP Anthony Fernandez (30).

April 6, 2013

Generals Game Central – April 6

Game #3: Jackson Generals (SEA) (0-2) at Jacksonville Suns (MIA) (2-0)
Site: Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville – Jacksonville, Fla
Time: 6:05 p.m. CST
Pitching Match-up: RHP Hector Noesi (0-0, –) vs. RHP Adam Conley (0-0, –)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 5:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: MiLB.tv
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Game Information: | Game Notes 4-6 at Jacksonville
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

TODAY’S GAME: After dropping the first two games of the series by the score of 5-3, Jackson looks to get its first win of the season tonight in game three of the five-game set in Jacksonville. RHP Hector Noesi makes his first Double-A start since 2010 tonight. Noesi has appeared in 52 Major League games over the past two seasons, including 18 starts for Seattle last season.

GENERALS RECAP: The Jacksonville Suns erased a 3-0 deficit in the bottom of the eighth inning by scoring five runs and go on to win 5-3 Friday night. Jackson starter Roenis Elias (6.0,0,0,2,7) settled for a no decision after tossing six no-hit innings and 76 pitches. Jackson jumped ahead 2-0 in the top of third after Leon Landry (1×5, R) circled the bases on a four-base error by Suns centerfielder Michael Main. Abraham Almonte (0x4, R, BB) also scored on the play. Brad Miller (3×5, 3B, R) tripled in the top of the fifth inning and with one out, the next batter, Vinnie Catricala scored him on a sacrifice fly giving Jackson a 3-0 advantage. The wheels came off for Jackson after Elias left the game. The Suns broke up Jackson’s no hitter in the bottom of the seventh inning, with one out, on a double by Kyle Jensen off of Jonathan Arias (1.1,2,2,2,1,3). The Generals used Arias, Nick Hill (0.0,1,2,2,1,0) and Carson Smith (BS 0.2,1,1,1,1,1) in the eighth inning. Hill entered the game with two runners on and surrendered a two-RBI single to Derek Dietrich. Smith entered and struck out JT Realmuto, but allowed an RBI single to Kyle Jensen, tying the game at 3-3. Terry Black and Jensen would score later in the eighth on wild pitches giving the Suns a 5-3 lead. Jackson loaded the bases in the ninth inning, but Catricala struck out to end the game. Arias (0-1) took the loss while Suns reliever Jake Varner (1-0) earned the win. Raudel Lazo (1) earned the save.

April 5, 2013

Generals Game Central – April 5

Game #2: Jackson Generals (SEA) (0-1) at Jacksonville Suns (MIA) (1-0)
Site: Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville – Jacksonville, Fla
Time: 6:05 p.m. CST
Pitching Match-up: LHP Roenis Elias (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Robert Morey (0-0, 0.00)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 5:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: MiLB.tv
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Game Information: | Game Notes 4-5 at Jacksonville
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals
Social Media: Twitter / Facebook

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals look to even the series with Jacksonville tonight in game 2 of the 5-game series at Bragan Field and the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. LHP Roenis Elias makes his Double-A debut tonight for Jackson. The Generals hope to not drop to 0-2 to start the season for the first time since 2009.

GENERALS RECAP: Suns starter Brian Flynn tossed 6.0 scoreless innings on Thursday night, striking out nine, leading the Suns to a 5-3 win over the Generals. Suns pitching combined to strike out 17 and walk just one. Jackson starter Taijuan Walker struck out eight on the night, but allowed four runs on five hits in 5.0 innings on the mound. Walker struck out eight and walked four. J.T. Realmuto led the Suns at the plate blasting a solo homerun in the first inning and logging an RBI double in the third frame. The Suns jumped ahead 4-0 in the fourth inning on a 2-run homer from leadoff hitter Derek Dietrich. Jackson trimmed the lead to 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning when John Hicks scored on a wild pitch and Leon Landry delivered a 2-RBI double. Jackson was led offensively by Julio Morban, who had a pair of doubles finishing 2-for-4 with a run scored. Stephen Kohlscheen logged 1.2 innings out of the bullpen for Jackson, allowing a run on three hits. Tyler Burgoon made his Double-A debut tossing 1.1 scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth innings. Flynn (1-0) earned the win for the Suns while Walker (0-1) took the loss for Jackson. Michael Brady struck out the side in the ninth and earned his first save for the Suns.

40-MAN FRENZY: For the first time since Jackson has been affiliated with Seattle (2007) they boast 5 players who are on the Mariners 40-man roster. Starting pitchers Hector Noesi and Chance Ruffin, outfielders Francisco Martinez and Julio Morban and starter Anthony Fernandez who is currently on the DL.

GENERALS IN SEATTLE: There were 8 former Jackson players on the Seattle Mariners Opening Day Roster. RHP Brandon Maurer, RHP Blake Beavan, RHP Stephen Pryor, RHP Carter Capps, RHP Tom Wilhelmsen, INF Kyle Seager, INF Dustin Ackley and OF Michael Saunders.

April 4, 2013

Generals Game Central – April 4

Game #1: Jackson Generals (SEA) (0-0) at Jacksonville Suns (MIA) (0-0)
Site: Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville – Jacksonville, Fla
Time: 6:05 p.m. CST
Pitching Match-up: RHP Taijuan Walker (1-0, 0.00) vs. LHP Brian Flynn (0-0, 0.00)
Radio: 96.5 ESPN Radio (pregame 5:50) / GAMEDAY AUDIO and TuneIn Radio App.
Online TV: MiLB.tv
Live Stats: Live pitch-by-pitch coverage will be available on MILB GAMEDAY
Game Information: | Game Notes 4-4 at Jacksonville
Archived Generals Interviews: Generals YouTube
Generals Blog: Inside the Jackson Generals

TODAY’S GAME: The Generals begin theier 16th season tonight in the opener of a 5-game series in Jacksonville, against the Suns. This is the first of 10 meetings between the two clubs this season. Jackson won the season series, 6-4 last year.

GENERALS RECAP: The Generals posted a 79-61 record in 2012, which was the best record in the Southern League. The Generals 79 wins are the 3rd-most in franchise history and most since 2005. The Generals went 42-28 to win the Southern League North Division First-Half Division title and finished 2nd with a 37-33 recorded in the Second-Half. The 42 first-half wins ranked 3rd all-time in franchise history during a first half. The Generals were also the first team in the Southern League to record 50 wins, when they accomplished the feat on July 4.Jackson defeated Chattanooga in the first-round North Division finals, but lost to Jacksonville in the Southern League Finals.

OPENING DAY: Jackson has won 3 of their last 4 opening day games. Last season the Generals defeated the Birmingham Barons in Jackson 3-2 on Opening Night. All-time, Jackson is 11-4 on Opening Day with the last set back coming in 2011 at Mississippi.

40-MAN FRENZY: For the first time since Jackson has been affiliated with Seattle (2007) they boast 5 players who are on the Mariners 40-man roster. Starting pitchers Hector Noesi and Chance Ruffin, outfielders Francisco Martinez and Julio Morban and starter Anthony Fernandez who is currently on the DL.

April 4, 2013

Long Travel Day and We Have a Roster

The day started with a 2:30am alarm clock going off.

I met the bus at the ballpark in Jackson and loaded equipment, etc then began the journey from Jackson to Orlando, FL. The Generals flew from Phoenix to Orlando because there was no direct flight to Jacksonville.

I’ve never had an entire bus to myself before – but if a 14 hour bus ride could be tolerable, it really was. Spent the time mainly working on game notes and of course the roster that was released today.

After battling traffic and torrential rains, we picked up the team at the Orlando airport about 5:30 this afternoon. It was quite the challenge trying to get all the personal bags and equipment to fit under the bus, but with a few in the aisle on the bus, it worked.

Now the roster…

The starting rotation will go:
Game 1: RHP Taijuan Walker
Game 2: LHP Roenis Elias
Game 3: RHP Hector Noesi
Game 4: RHP Chance Ruffin
Game 5: LHP James Gillheeney

The bullpen will feature RHP Stephen Kohlscheen, RHP Andrew Kittredge, LHP Nick Hill, RHP Forrest Snow, RHP Jonathan Arias, RHP Tyler Burgoon and RHP Carson Smith.

The infield will include Brad Miller, Steven Proscia, Vinnie Catricala, Jack Marder, Gabriel Noriega and Leury Bonilla.

Having Brad Miller and Vinnie Catricala on the left side of the infield will be a treat. Proscia will play first everyday and Marder will play second.

The outfield is the speedy group of Francisco Martinez, Leon Landry, Julio Morban, Abe Almonte and James Jones.

Who will play and who will sit? I don’t know, I am just asking.

Catching will be John Hicks and Brandon Bantz. Both are outstanding defenders and will anchor this pitching staff well. Hicks can run and hit as well.

As I speak, Jim Pankovits is trying to make out a lineup. He has already scrapped about three lineup cards changing his mind. When I asked who would lead off he said its between Almonte, Miller, Landry and Martinez. He said he was leaning towards Martinez.

He also is more excited about this group than last years bunch. Kind of hard to imagine, but he is.

Now, I’ll enjoy the next 2 hours of this bus ride to Jacksonville and hopefully we can get tomorrow’s game in. There is now a 60% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow. So, we will see.

March 29, 2013

Breaking Down the Roster Decisions

This week is the most stressful week for those of us in minor league baseball. You have to make sure you hit all your deadlines, and make sure everything works.

Compounding the stress is waiting on the roster. In the minor league side of the spring training complex, there is a meeting room where all roster discussions are made. They literally have a board with every players name on it. The board is kept under lock and key (I’m serious). I am sure the next few night’s they will be biting their nails trying to make some extremely tough decisions.

This has been a pretty eventful week though. Yesterday we learned that Brandon Maurer is the #4 starter in the Mariners rotation. The last time a Jackson pitcher jumped from Double-A to a major league rotation was Juan Cruz in 2001. That was when West Tenn was affiliated with the Chicago Cubs.

Taijuan Walker (AP Photo)

Rather than doing a roster prediction with about 60% guessing, here is what seems pretty clear to me.

The Jackson rotation more than likely feature five of the following:
RHP Taijuan Walker
RHP Chance Ruffin
LHP Anthony Fernandez
LHP James Gillheeney
LHP Roenis Elias
RHP Hector Noesi
RHP Taylor Stanton
RHP Trevor Miller

Obviously there could be a sleeper jumping into a spot. Maybe a RHP Jordan Shipers, but one would think it would come from that group. As Mike Curto pointed out in his blog, Tacoma is a mess right now. But, in a good way. You Tacoma fans have waited patiently and finally get to see the future.

But, could you wait a little longer? Maybe. Right now if RHP Jeremy Bonderman accepts a minor league assignment Tacoma’s rotation would have seven guys for five spots. (Jeremy Bonderman, Erasmo Ramirez, Danny Hultzen, James Paxton, DJ Mitchell, Andrew Carraway and throw in Hector Noesi) Paxton has struggled some this spring, but I don’t seem him coming back to Jackson.

The back end of the games will be controlled by RHP Carson Smith. He has a great arm and could make a quick jump like Carter Capps did last year. Smith was in the 2011 draft class out of Texas State. RHP Jonathan Arias and RHP Stephen Kohlscheen should be top set-up guys. There is a chance you could see RHP Logan Bawcom back in Jackson as well. If he does, that would be an outstanding bullpen. It’s not Pryor and Capps, but that may never happen again. Also, expect to see Moises Hernandez (Felix’s older brother) in the pen.

Mike Zunino (Photo by Tim Evearitt)

Catching is interesting too. Eric Wedge confirmed yesterday that Mike Zunino would start in Tacoma. So, that leaves Brandon Bantz, Ronny Paulino and Jesus Sucre for one back-up spot. My bet is some trade partner out there is in need of a catcher. But, an excess of catching is a good problem to have.

That leaves John Hicks to open the season as Jackson’s catcher. Generals fans disappointment in not seeing Zunino should be short lived. John Hicks has hit .312 over his first two pro seasons and stole 22 bases last year for High Desert. He has great speed for a catcher. There are rumors that Hicks could be moved to a different position, but he may be one of the best defensive catchers in the system.

The outfield seems to be pretty clear. Some semblance of Francisco Martinez, Leon Landry, James Jones, Denny Almonte, Julio Morban and Abe Almonte will be in the outfield.

The Jackson infield looks to be a mix of old and new with Brad Miller more than likely coming back as the shortstop. If Rich Poythress opens in Triple-A (which he should) expect to see Steven Proscia at third and maybe Dennis Raben or Joe Dunigan at first base. Jack Marder would be a solid bet at second base with Gabe Noriega a solid backup. Nate Tenbrink is a possible candidate as well, but he’s had a great spring and deserves a shot in Tacoma.

So, that was basically me throwing paint at a wall. Hopefully it was as clear as mud.