The Bomber Beat continues...
On the 1st of the month, the ABL Universe announces their Monthly Awards. The Bombers recognized those players who were bestowed awards in on field ceremonies.
The Thurman Munson League's top batter for June 2013 was Bomber DH, Orlando Bustamante. The 30 year old terrorized ABL pitching hitting 8 HR's, knocking in 23, scoring 15 more, and hitting .355. For the season, Bustamante has 25-77-.308 numbers.
The BCL's Top Pitcher Award (AAA) goes to John "Flipper" Martin. In 6 starts in the Bronx, Martin went 4-0 and a microscopic 1.02 ERA. Martin was promoted (see below) but finished AAA at 9-3, 1.86 ERA.
July's Top Starting Pitcher in the BOL League (A Ball) was their 4th Round Selection in the 2012 Draft, Reginald Thompson. Thompson went 5-1 in 7 starts, spanning 43 innings, striking out 37 and compiling a 1.26 ERA. Before his recall to AA, Thompson finished AA 8-8, 3.12 ERA, and 89 K's in 104 IP. The future looks bright for Thompson and upper management is very pleased with his progress to date.
May 13th, 2013, Kirby Andrews won the AAA BCL Player of the week award. Details of his hitting exploit were not available at press time. But Andrews contract was just purchased by SC and he's earned his promotion. For AAA, Andrews was raking .273-21-65, scoring 75, and stealing 21 of 24, giving the Bombers some speed off the bench.
On July 19th, John "Flipper" Martin made his ABL debut, hoping to spark the Bombers and maybe get in the chase for a division crown. Starting on the road vs. Carolina Crush, Martin pitched respectably in the 5-2 loss, going 5.1 IP, giving up 4 H, 3 unearned runs, 1 BB and 7 K. Martin quoted after the game that his nerves were really jumping in the first and it was pure adrenaline. But after an easy first, he got a little lackadaisical, giving up a 2 run double to the #9 batter (Justin Wallace) but then it became just me, the catcher (Jayson O'Neill) and the batter and things returned to normal.
On July 20th, AA Pitcher, Brian Young, a 26 year old player, the 70th selection of the inaugural draft tossed a 3 hit shutout vs. Rock River. Young is finished up AA with a 9-7 record and a 2.87 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 140 ERA plus before his promotion to AAA. He's kept up the good results with a 1-0 record and a 1.64 ERA in two starts. It is anticipated that he will finish the season in AAA and based on his performance can expect an invite to Spring Training for a shot at the 5th spot in the rotation.
July 30th, Jeremy Rogers thru a 5 hit shutout against division rival and leader Maple, winning 6-0. Rogers added just a lone walk and 9 strikeouts in the gem. One of the South Carolina "Young Guns", Rogers has a 9-4 record since his recall with a 3.20 ERA, good for 8th place in the ERA inside the TML. He also ranks second in H/9 IP (7.60), 8th place in K/9 IP (6.96), second in Opp Avg (.226), 7th in WHIP (1.21). The leader in ALL those particular categories is the reigning Cy Young, Maurice Gould, who looks like he'll be winning his second consecutive award as well.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Bombers Welcome Francisco Alfonso
At 10:18p, EDT, Bomber GM Gary Altman approached the podium and started the press conference annoucing the acquisition of Francisco Alfonso from Seattle for LF prospect Noel Patton.
The South Carolina offense has struggled a bit this season, and Alfonso should be an immediate shot in the arm for the Bombers. Altman along with Manager Tom Ritchie both agreed that Alfonso will be inserted into the cleanup spot in the batting order and be inserted into RF, a spot that he hasn't been asked to play in the ABL, as he primarily DH'ed for Seattle.
In moving Patton, Altman was a little reluctant to move, but ultimately, getting a player of Alfonso's caliber, who has shown he's ABL ready versus a prospect was the right move for the franchise at this point in time. Another factor that was overcome was the 14 year age difference between the two.
Some questions asked of Ritchie was what will be the roles that Brad Quinn and Robert O'Neill now have with the team. Ritchies response was that these things often work themselves out. Altman chimed in saying that both players, for now, will remain with the parent club and Angelo Casas would be sent to the Bronx (AAA) to make room for Alfonso.
When asked if Alfonso would be offered an extension, as he'll be a free agent at the end of the season, Altman said that there he'd open up contract discussions with Alfonso shortly, and would like Alfonso to acquaint himself with all that South Carolina has to offer.
Altman was asked if this now makes the Bombers contenders for the Division. "Right now our goal is to get to 500 as quickly as possible (20-25 to date). We're only 6 games behind Maple who has suffered through some injuries themselves. But the road gets tougher from here as they get one of their better pitchers back in a week or two. But we feel that our pitching is maturing sooner than we thought, and in the last 3 weeks have brought up Jeremy Rogers (1-1, 2.37 ERA) and Dave Nicholson (one abbreviated start due to weather). We also have Cecil Gibbons, our 21 year old phenom honing his skills and John Martin at AAA that are just a phone call away if we can remain close. We don't have to make another trade to get better. We're aligned just where we thought we should be, and all we need now are the fans to come out and make our ballpark a place where other teams dread playing.
Alfonso, on the all time lists is currently sitting in 3rd place on the ABL HR list (60), and 3rd in RBI's (190).
In other moves, Michael Green was activated from the 14 day DL and demoted to AAA.
The South Carolina offense has struggled a bit this season, and Alfonso should be an immediate shot in the arm for the Bombers. Altman along with Manager Tom Ritchie both agreed that Alfonso will be inserted into the cleanup spot in the batting order and be inserted into RF, a spot that he hasn't been asked to play in the ABL, as he primarily DH'ed for Seattle.
In moving Patton, Altman was a little reluctant to move, but ultimately, getting a player of Alfonso's caliber, who has shown he's ABL ready versus a prospect was the right move for the franchise at this point in time. Another factor that was overcome was the 14 year age difference between the two.
Some questions asked of Ritchie was what will be the roles that Brad Quinn and Robert O'Neill now have with the team. Ritchies response was that these things often work themselves out. Altman chimed in saying that both players, for now, will remain with the parent club and Angelo Casas would be sent to the Bronx (AAA) to make room for Alfonso.
When asked if Alfonso would be offered an extension, as he'll be a free agent at the end of the season, Altman said that there he'd open up contract discussions with Alfonso shortly, and would like Alfonso to acquaint himself with all that South Carolina has to offer.
Altman was asked if this now makes the Bombers contenders for the Division. "Right now our goal is to get to 500 as quickly as possible (20-25 to date). We're only 6 games behind Maple who has suffered through some injuries themselves. But the road gets tougher from here as they get one of their better pitchers back in a week or two. But we feel that our pitching is maturing sooner than we thought, and in the last 3 weeks have brought up Jeremy Rogers (1-1, 2.37 ERA) and Dave Nicholson (one abbreviated start due to weather). We also have Cecil Gibbons, our 21 year old phenom honing his skills and John Martin at AAA that are just a phone call away if we can remain close. We don't have to make another trade to get better. We're aligned just where we thought we should be, and all we need now are the fans to come out and make our ballpark a place where other teams dread playing.
Alfonso, on the all time lists is currently sitting in 3rd place on the ABL HR list (60), and 3rd in RBI's (190).
In other moves, Michael Green was activated from the 14 day DL and demoted to AAA.
Prospect Review
After being ranked 3rd for much of last season, South Carolina sees a slip to #4 overall in the ranking of their Minor League System.
SP - John Martin - #1 ABL Prospect. 22 year old prospect received in the Joe "Crayon" Frost trade and the center piece of the trade with So Cal. Martin, rates very highly in all rated categories and could probably step into the Bomber rotation right now. Currently rated at 2.5/4.5*. GM Gary Altman has not ruled out adding Martin to the roster if the Bombers make a run for the Billy Martin Division Title. A lot of that decision will need time to decide.
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2014
CF - Ken Forryan, #16 ABL Prospect. 22 year old, 1st Round Draft Choice is already dealing with some adversity. Starting out in AA Forryan was facing a demotion to A Ball to get his bat on track as he was hitting .102 with no homers and just 3 RBI's before being placed on the 60 Day DL with a torn back muscle. His expected return is mid August and projections for Forryan are still very high. No determination has be made on the level he'll return to. Currently .5* / 4.5*
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2016
SP - Steve Walker - 23 years old, 6th Round Draft Choice in the 2012 Amatuer Draft, Walker possesses 4 plus pitches and above average stuff. Walker suffered a setback with a torn labrum and ending his season. He's expected to make full recovery and should be cleared in December/January. For the season was 0-4, 4.54 ERA in 7 games and starts. He did have 42K's in 35 IP. Currently .5*/3*
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2016
SP - Roger Marshall - 23 year old, 2nd Round Draft choice in 2012. Marshall went into the draft as a middle reliever but based on his 15 Stamina was converted to a SP. Placed in AA ball, the hard throwing lefty needs to trust his stuff more and not be afraid of contact. Sitting at 0-2 with a 3.32 ERA, the hard throwing lefty (95-97 mph) with a 73% GB rate has walked 31 in 38 innings, and struck out just 16. Those are the only negative numbers we're seeing. He's given up just 25 hits and 1 HR, has a WHIP of a more than respectable 1.47 including the walks. If he gets his control under control, his WHIP, ERA and K's will all move in very positive direction. Currently 1*/4.5*
EXPECTED ARRIVAL September 2015
SP - Reginald Thompson - 22 year old, 4th Round Draft Choice in 2012. Thompson has had a tough adjustment to the professional level. Rated as .5*/4.5* and another pitcher converted after the draft to a SP. He started in college so he's familiar with the role, just having a tough time controling the walks. 22 BB, 3K's in 25 innings. Thompson has better ratings across the board than Marshall and needs to trust his stuff. He went 1-2, 6.12 ERA in AA Ball before heing sent down to Coney Island to "right the ship". In his only start in A ball, Thompson wwent 6 innings, 4 hits, 1 BB and 2 K's with no runs allowed. If he can dominate A Ball, he'll be back in AA within 2 months and his career and managements expectations will be rewarded.
EXPECTED ARRIVAL September 2015 or 2016
1B - Bob Vaughn, 23 years old, 18th overall pick from the inaugural draft, Vaughn is starting to find himself. Last year he had respectable numbers for A ball. But this year, he's really stepped up his game. Hitting .291, OB .369, and .496 Slugging in 141 AB's, including 7 homers, Vaughn is really forcing management to look at a AAA promotion for this slugger. An exceptional glove at first is a bonus, but with Fernandez excelling at the ABL Level, a position change to possibly 3B could be in the cards for Vaughn. Fact of the matter here is that if he continues to hit like he is now and improve on that, it's going to be real tough to keep Vaughn from reaching the ABL. Rated 0.5* / 2.5*
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2015
2B - Rick Grant, 19 years old, 15th overall pick from the inaugural draft, Grant is a gifted defender. Rated 1*/4* he has progressed nicely through the organization to AA right now. GM Altman is taking a very slow methodical approach to getting Grant ready for the South Carolina. Grant projects to be a leadoff hitter as he lacks raw power. As he gets older, and his body matures our scout thinks Grant could reach 15 homers in a season. There isn't much rush to get Grant to the ABL as a stop gap free agent was signed to bridge the arrival of Grant (Mario Antonio)
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2015
Other prospects having arrived this season, filling in for injuries that decimated the Bomber infield, including Angelo Casas, and Dan Mullen (just returned to AAA).
SP - John Martin - #1 ABL Prospect. 22 year old prospect received in the Joe "Crayon" Frost trade and the center piece of the trade with So Cal. Martin, rates very highly in all rated categories and could probably step into the Bomber rotation right now. Currently rated at 2.5/4.5*. GM Gary Altman has not ruled out adding Martin to the roster if the Bombers make a run for the Billy Martin Division Title. A lot of that decision will need time to decide.
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2014
CF - Ken Forryan, #16 ABL Prospect. 22 year old, 1st Round Draft Choice is already dealing with some adversity. Starting out in AA Forryan was facing a demotion to A Ball to get his bat on track as he was hitting .102 with no homers and just 3 RBI's before being placed on the 60 Day DL with a torn back muscle. His expected return is mid August and projections for Forryan are still very high. No determination has be made on the level he'll return to. Currently .5* / 4.5*
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2016
SP - Steve Walker - 23 years old, 6th Round Draft Choice in the 2012 Amatuer Draft, Walker possesses 4 plus pitches and above average stuff. Walker suffered a setback with a torn labrum and ending his season. He's expected to make full recovery and should be cleared in December/January. For the season was 0-4, 4.54 ERA in 7 games and starts. He did have 42K's in 35 IP. Currently .5*/3*
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2016
SP - Roger Marshall - 23 year old, 2nd Round Draft choice in 2012. Marshall went into the draft as a middle reliever but based on his 15 Stamina was converted to a SP. Placed in AA ball, the hard throwing lefty needs to trust his stuff more and not be afraid of contact. Sitting at 0-2 with a 3.32 ERA, the hard throwing lefty (95-97 mph) with a 73% GB rate has walked 31 in 38 innings, and struck out just 16. Those are the only negative numbers we're seeing. He's given up just 25 hits and 1 HR, has a WHIP of a more than respectable 1.47 including the walks. If he gets his control under control, his WHIP, ERA and K's will all move in very positive direction. Currently 1*/4.5*
EXPECTED ARRIVAL September 2015
SP - Reginald Thompson - 22 year old, 4th Round Draft Choice in 2012. Thompson has had a tough adjustment to the professional level. Rated as .5*/4.5* and another pitcher converted after the draft to a SP. He started in college so he's familiar with the role, just having a tough time controling the walks. 22 BB, 3K's in 25 innings. Thompson has better ratings across the board than Marshall and needs to trust his stuff. He went 1-2, 6.12 ERA in AA Ball before heing sent down to Coney Island to "right the ship". In his only start in A ball, Thompson wwent 6 innings, 4 hits, 1 BB and 2 K's with no runs allowed. If he can dominate A Ball, he'll be back in AA within 2 months and his career and managements expectations will be rewarded.
EXPECTED ARRIVAL September 2015 or 2016
1B - Bob Vaughn, 23 years old, 18th overall pick from the inaugural draft, Vaughn is starting to find himself. Last year he had respectable numbers for A ball. But this year, he's really stepped up his game. Hitting .291, OB .369, and .496 Slugging in 141 AB's, including 7 homers, Vaughn is really forcing management to look at a AAA promotion for this slugger. An exceptional glove at first is a bonus, but with Fernandez excelling at the ABL Level, a position change to possibly 3B could be in the cards for Vaughn. Fact of the matter here is that if he continues to hit like he is now and improve on that, it's going to be real tough to keep Vaughn from reaching the ABL. Rated 0.5* / 2.5*
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2015
2B - Rick Grant, 19 years old, 15th overall pick from the inaugural draft, Grant is a gifted defender. Rated 1*/4* he has progressed nicely through the organization to AA right now. GM Altman is taking a very slow methodical approach to getting Grant ready for the South Carolina. Grant projects to be a leadoff hitter as he lacks raw power. As he gets older, and his body matures our scout thinks Grant could reach 15 homers in a season. There isn't much rush to get Grant to the ABL as a stop gap free agent was signed to bridge the arrival of Grant (Mario Antonio)
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2015
Other prospects having arrived this season, filling in for injuries that decimated the Bomber infield, including Angelo Casas, and Dan Mullen (just returned to AAA).
Friday, October 5, 2012
Press Conference Scheduled for Saturday Night
Activity is swirling around Bomber Headquarters this afternoon, as it appears a trade has been completed. All that remains are pending physicals.
The only thing known to this point was that GM Altman had to go to ownership to have this trade signed off on. A high level executive's only comment was that Altman was grinning ear to ear after leaving the face to face meeting.
The interview room at Bomber Ballpark is being prepped with over 100 chairs set aside for ABL Media, and the season ticket sales team is going to be manning the phones to handle the influx new season ticket orders.
Everyone associated with South Carolina's management team has been usually tight lipped regarding the announcement. Orlando Bustamante was overheard talking with sophomore ABL'er "Action" Jackson, "I'd love to see the offense improved upon, so me, you and O'Neill start seeing some fat pitches".
Fans, when the news conference was announced, started speculating themselves saying that starting pitching was the priority, and were hoping that none of the stud arms in AAA were being included in any deal.
With South Carolina 6 games back in the Billy Martin Division following Maple's 6-1 week, a trade of significant magnitude could tighten up the division with 4 months remaining.
The waiting game has begun to see who will be the newest Bomber....and at what cost!
The only thing known to this point was that GM Altman had to go to ownership to have this trade signed off on. A high level executive's only comment was that Altman was grinning ear to ear after leaving the face to face meeting.
The interview room at Bomber Ballpark is being prepped with over 100 chairs set aside for ABL Media, and the season ticket sales team is going to be manning the phones to handle the influx new season ticket orders.
Everyone associated with South Carolina's management team has been usually tight lipped regarding the announcement. Orlando Bustamante was overheard talking with sophomore ABL'er "Action" Jackson, "I'd love to see the offense improved upon, so me, you and O'Neill start seeing some fat pitches".
Fans, when the news conference was announced, started speculating themselves saying that starting pitching was the priority, and were hoping that none of the stud arms in AAA were being included in any deal.
With South Carolina 6 games back in the Billy Martin Division following Maple's 6-1 week, a trade of significant magnitude could tighten up the division with 4 months remaining.
The waiting game has begun to see who will be the newest Bomber....and at what cost!
Trade Winds Are Blowing.....
Sources coming out of South Carolina are saying that the Bombers are close to pulling the trigger on a significant trade with a team from the Roberto Clemente League.
When reached for comment, GM Gary Altman refused to confirm this rumor. Altman did add, "We are constantly looking to improve all facets of our ABL team, as well as the entire organizations. If there is a player, coach, scout that we feel will improve the franchise, we will explore any and all options to bring that person into our organization."
Altman went onto say that he'd have no specific comment about any particular player or team citing league tampering rules.
An executive with knowledge of the discussions, and wishing to remain anonymous told this reporter that a deal is close to being completed and final details are still being sorted out. players have been agreed to, and minor issues are being resolved. It would be adding significant ABL talent to the 25 man roster without removing any talent. The source also said that the fans will be extremely happy if this acquisition becomes a reality.
When reached for comment, GM Gary Altman refused to confirm this rumor. Altman did add, "We are constantly looking to improve all facets of our ABL team, as well as the entire organizations. If there is a player, coach, scout that we feel will improve the franchise, we will explore any and all options to bring that person into our organization."
Altman went onto say that he'd have no specific comment about any particular player or team citing league tampering rules.
An executive with knowledge of the discussions, and wishing to remain anonymous told this reporter that a deal is close to being completed and final details are still being sorted out. players have been agreed to, and minor issues are being resolved. It would be adding significant ABL talent to the 25 man roster without removing any talent. The source also said that the fans will be extremely happy if this acquisition becomes a reality.
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