Following up a robust 6-0 SIM and chopping off 3 games in the standings, the Bombers go 2-4 in the very next one and give back ONLY a half a game.
No one is running away with this division and Maple, the two time Billy Martin Division winner has finally found themselves in 1st place. However, they are just one game over 500. Now Maple might finally be finding their stride as they had a superb June and are off to a good start so far in July, but optimism is high in South Carolina, if not to get back in the race this season, but to build upon for next season.
But in the mean time, if you don't put an inferior team away, they start to think that they might have a chance.
The Bombers will see their pitching staff getting a huge shot in the arm after this SIM, and it'll appear like they've made a trade, as 3 important pieces of their staff return from the Disabled List.
John "Flipper" Martin, who was anticipated would fill the 3rd or 4th spot in the rotation and bring along his game all season was diagnosed with bone spurs at the one set of Spring Training and found himself shelved. It is unsure whether he's sent on a rehab assignment or not, but for the Bombers to contend, his presence on the ABL roster is mandatory.
With the Bombers bullpen ranked 11th in the Munson League, both Charlie Arnold and Joseph Williams will return as well this week.
Arnold, CL, (Shoulder Inflammation) 2-4, 14 SV, 2.83 ERA,
Arnold was having a great season anchoring the bullpen and has been everything the Bombers expected when signing him to a free agent contract in the off season. Upon his return he will resume his role as closer.
Williams, CL (Hamstring) 1-0, 1 SV, 3.72 ERA
Williams suffered an unfortunate hamstring injury and his departure from the roster really upset the apple cart that is precariously known as the Bomber bullpen. Currently, 5 of the 7 relievers are boasting ERA's over 5.00. With Arnold and Williams back in, the Bombers will then boast 4 relievers with ERA's under 3.75.
Once you realize those stats, you can see that there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon for Bomber fans.
There's plenty of bullpen help to be had in the minors and GM Altman can concentrate on the offensive holes during the off season.
But coming up you should start hearing names like Millard Joseph, Glen Rush, Hiroaki Ine, Stuart Lang, who are all in AAA as we speak.
In AA, the Bombers are sporting recently acquired Jose Parra and 2012, 3rd Rd Draft Choice Roger Marshall making a charge. If we can maintain or develop a pair of current ABL arms, add in 2 or 3 from the minors and add one via free agency, the Bomber Bullpen, the Achilles heel for the first 3 seasons will become a pillar of strength for the organization.
Walt Dobson, SS, AAA, (Oblique Strain). Dodson who was axquired with Parra in the Rogers trade will more than likely hone his hitting skills while at AAA until his call up in September. He will then challenge the 2013 Gold Glove winner, Angelo Casas for the starting job. The audition starts September 1st!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Rogers Gone for Prospects
GM Altman pulled the trigger on a 10 player trade with the Texas Gunners nabbing two top prospects, a AAA middle infield and an elite closing prospect.
The trade shakes out as this. The Bombers ship out SP Jeremy Rogers, SP Aaron Nelson, MR Mark Thompson, SP Emerson Webber, and 1B Gerald Becker. The key component was Rogers on this side of the ledger.
In return South Carolina receives LF Roy O'Quinn, 2B Walt Dobson, CL Jose Parra, SS Stephen Cook and SP Yamaguchi., with the key players coming back being O'Quinn and Yamaguchi.
Altman was quoted as saying that O'Quinn has off chart power and that is something every team could use, but especially us since we're ranked last in the TML in HR's. O'Q has been promoted and is expected to spend the rest of the season in South Carolina patrolling RF.
Yamaguchi is the wild card in this trade. Anonymous sources within the league have raved about acquiring Hit Squad. He turns 26 on July 12th and his age is a factor as he is a little older than most prospects. However, according to scouts from other teams if Yamaguchi develops this trade will be a steal. Hit Squad throws almost 100 MPH and throws ground balls 76% of the time. He's a stud in the making!
After this trade was agreed to, South Carolina went 6-0 for the first time in a SIM, but followed that up by going 2-4 within their division, but only losing a half game in the standings.
Multiple rumors out of South Carolina were reporting that Dave Nicholson was being shopped around, and one deal almost had him going to Nottingham. I was quite the shock in the press circles to hear Rogers name being bandied about.
When asked about the mindset about moving one of the Young Guns this is what Altman said,
"We wish all the players we've moved to Texas well the rest of this season as well as for the remainder of their careers. They were good soldiers here, but to get quality we had to move some quality as well.
In Rogers, we gave up a fully developed SP who will sit atop the leader boards for a long stretch of his career. But we knew in a months time we'd be getting Flipper back and that made one of our arms expendable as well as having Aaron Harris (2013 1st Rd Draft Choice) developing quite nicely, giving us 4 above average arms in the system. We knew getting back Yamaguchi would give us 5 and we'd be a very tough team to beat in a year or so. Yamaguchi is anticipated to arrive sometime next season.
In Nelson, he's an average back end of the rotation starter, but by no means would he be held back to keep this deal from happening. His ratings are in stark contrast to his performance and we didn't feel like we were losing much, if anything by including him in this deal. The same could be said of Thompson, who has just 1 option left, yet has shown no flashes of brilliance that a player of his talent should possess.
Webber and Becker are so young and so far from the ABL right now to even think what they can or cannot do. Webber has some talent and I would not be surprised if he makes it in 3 or 4 seasons. I think it would be great for him and for Texas if he did."
Walt Dobson, while traded for as he's on the DL for an oblique strain is being seriously considered to be brought up to the show this season, to give a little boost to the SS position. Management has liked the increased production Casas is showing, the team is expecting more.
We'll see.
More Next Time on the Bomber Blast!
The trade shakes out as this. The Bombers ship out SP Jeremy Rogers, SP Aaron Nelson, MR Mark Thompson, SP Emerson Webber, and 1B Gerald Becker. The key component was Rogers on this side of the ledger.
In return South Carolina receives LF Roy O'Quinn, 2B Walt Dobson, CL Jose Parra, SS Stephen Cook and SP Yamaguchi., with the key players coming back being O'Quinn and Yamaguchi.
Altman was quoted as saying that O'Quinn has off chart power and that is something every team could use, but especially us since we're ranked last in the TML in HR's. O'Q has been promoted and is expected to spend the rest of the season in South Carolina patrolling RF.
Yamaguchi is the wild card in this trade. Anonymous sources within the league have raved about acquiring Hit Squad. He turns 26 on July 12th and his age is a factor as he is a little older than most prospects. However, according to scouts from other teams if Yamaguchi develops this trade will be a steal. Hit Squad throws almost 100 MPH and throws ground balls 76% of the time. He's a stud in the making!
After this trade was agreed to, South Carolina went 6-0 for the first time in a SIM, but followed that up by going 2-4 within their division, but only losing a half game in the standings.
Multiple rumors out of South Carolina were reporting that Dave Nicholson was being shopped around, and one deal almost had him going to Nottingham. I was quite the shock in the press circles to hear Rogers name being bandied about.
When asked about the mindset about moving one of the Young Guns this is what Altman said,
"We wish all the players we've moved to Texas well the rest of this season as well as for the remainder of their careers. They were good soldiers here, but to get quality we had to move some quality as well.
In Rogers, we gave up a fully developed SP who will sit atop the leader boards for a long stretch of his career. But we knew in a months time we'd be getting Flipper back and that made one of our arms expendable as well as having Aaron Harris (2013 1st Rd Draft Choice) developing quite nicely, giving us 4 above average arms in the system. We knew getting back Yamaguchi would give us 5 and we'd be a very tough team to beat in a year or so. Yamaguchi is anticipated to arrive sometime next season.
In Nelson, he's an average back end of the rotation starter, but by no means would he be held back to keep this deal from happening. His ratings are in stark contrast to his performance and we didn't feel like we were losing much, if anything by including him in this deal. The same could be said of Thompson, who has just 1 option left, yet has shown no flashes of brilliance that a player of his talent should possess.
Webber and Becker are so young and so far from the ABL right now to even think what they can or cannot do. Webber has some talent and I would not be surprised if he makes it in 3 or 4 seasons. I think it would be great for him and for Texas if he did."
Walt Dobson, while traded for as he's on the DL for an oblique strain is being seriously considered to be brought up to the show this season, to give a little boost to the SS position. Management has liked the increased production Casas is showing, the team is expecting more.
We'll see.
More Next Time on the Bomber Blast!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
The Transformation Continues
One Good Segment, One Bad Segment. That seems to be the theme of the 2014 season so far.
But even with the trials and tribulations, the development of the kids on the farm continues.
The latest player to have his contract purchased and brought up to the ABL level is C Stu Yarbrough. Yarbrough was drafted in the 9th round of the Inaugural Draft and has been brought along very deliberately. Drafted at 17 years old Stu's initial stock went down as compared to when he was drafted, however, he's been pushing forward each season and spent the parts of the last 3 seasons at AA,
Since the 21 year old is being called up, GM Altman has assured us that Yarbrough is not only ready but will be playing everyday. Jayson O'Neill will become the backup C as well as finding time at DH and 1B. Orlando Bustamante will be finding time in LF and DH as well.
When pressed as to who the biggest loser will be, Altman said it would be Dave Hutchinson. Hutchinson was designated for assignment and put on waivers. Hutchinson was a free agent signing that was anticipated to be a quality bat off then bench offering power. But when Guzman slipped and Hutchinson having an awesome spring, winning the 1B job outright. But Hutch wasn't meant to play everyday and his numbers suffered.
C Roy Harper was demoted to make room for Yarbrough.
Also recalled was Michael Rogers..
To date, the Bombers have 7 bonafide rookies that made their ABL debut in 2014 (Murphy, Carreon, Hamilton, Yarbrough, Martinez, Patterson, and Evans).
But even with the trials and tribulations, the development of the kids on the farm continues.
The latest player to have his contract purchased and brought up to the ABL level is C Stu Yarbrough. Yarbrough was drafted in the 9th round of the Inaugural Draft and has been brought along very deliberately. Drafted at 17 years old Stu's initial stock went down as compared to when he was drafted, however, he's been pushing forward each season and spent the parts of the last 3 seasons at AA,
Since the 21 year old is being called up, GM Altman has assured us that Yarbrough is not only ready but will be playing everyday. Jayson O'Neill will become the backup C as well as finding time at DH and 1B. Orlando Bustamante will be finding time in LF and DH as well.
When pressed as to who the biggest loser will be, Altman said it would be Dave Hutchinson. Hutchinson was designated for assignment and put on waivers. Hutchinson was a free agent signing that was anticipated to be a quality bat off then bench offering power. But when Guzman slipped and Hutchinson having an awesome spring, winning the 1B job outright. But Hutch wasn't meant to play everyday and his numbers suffered.
C Roy Harper was demoted to make room for Yarbrough.
Also recalled was Michael Rogers..
To date, the Bombers have 7 bonafide rookies that made their ABL debut in 2014 (Murphy, Carreon, Hamilton, Yarbrough, Martinez, Patterson, and Evans).
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Bombers Call Up Murphy / Carreon
After going 5-2 in the last SIM, including winning the first 3 (of 4) from 1st Place San Francisco and moving to just 2 games back even being a robust 18-27, 9 games under 500!
Ownership, who has shown a propensity to be very deliberate with the development of the organizations prospects has given quite the boost to the fan base in over the last two SIMS.
Johnny Ratzlaff was struggling this season and the Bombers called up fan favorite Matt Murphy, who made his Bomber and debut on May 23rd pitching into the 7th inning and assisting the Bombers to a win in a game that went 15 innings.
Murphy, 23, had some ABL time while with Eureka in 2012. Once claimed by SC, he was put into the Bombers Development program that saw him accelerate thru the organization in 2013, paving the way for a callup in 2014.
Coming up for the SIM this evening is the purchase of two contracts to solidify the bullpen. Veteran Geoff Allen and rookie phenom Jose Carreon were added to the roster, at the expense of Joseph Matheson and the struggling Stephen Douglas.
Douglas, a 2013 Rule V selection has shown glimpses of the promise that made him wanted by SC. A 3.5* potential talent who throws in the low 90's with a 60% GB pct will always be in demand. The intention now for Douglas, according to the GM is to keep Douglas at AAA with a Sept Callup.
Mattheson, acquired in the re trade of Ben Kessler has struggled this season trying to acclimate himself to SC. He's being sent down to renergize him AA numbers from a year ago. At 27 time could be running out for Mattheson.
Allen, was poised to be called up earlier this month from AAA except he was sidelined with a strained muscle. In 15 innings Allen posted a 1.80 ERA and 2 saves in 15 innings, with a WHIP of 1.27. The 34 year old reliever has spent 2012 and 2013 season in South Carolina.
Carreon, just 21 years old will be making the jump to the ABL after spending just a month and a half at AAA. Already at 2.5* and a potential of 4*, and the Bombers actually still in the hunt to make the playoffs, Ownership gave their blessing to call up the phenom.
Acquired in the blockbuster trade with SoCal that included Joe "Crayon" Frost and John "Flipper" Martin, Carreon is the third prospect of the four to make it to the ABL from this trade (the 4th being Billy "Grumbles" Turner, SoCal AAA).
At AAA, Carreon posted a 3-2 record with a 2.41 ERA and 1 Save in 19 games. Over 18 innings, Jose had a WHIP of 1.29, opponents were batting a paltry .191 against him and his ERA+ was a robust 206. Those numbers this season are remarkably similar to his AA numbers from a year ago, and that lead us to call him up now. GM Altman was quoted, "With "Juan" we would normally expect a slight drop off with the promotion to the parent ball club, however, based on the stats that he's replacing, as well as his level headedness, we feel that he will help this ball club win some games and fill out the back end of our bullpen immediately".
One long time season ticket holder summed it up best by saying, "Matheson, Ratzlaff, and Douglas had ERA's of 8.66, 7.16 and 6.48 respectively. IF Murphy, Allen and Carreon can beat each of them by just 1.00 that should translate to more wins and exciting South Carolina baseball.
The Bombers are anxiously awaiting the return of John Martin from his bone spur surgery in mid July. If the Bombers are close and can add that type of arm to the rotation, there very well could be important baseball for the fans of South Carolina in September and October
Ownership, who has shown a propensity to be very deliberate with the development of the organizations prospects has given quite the boost to the fan base in over the last two SIMS.
Johnny Ratzlaff was struggling this season and the Bombers called up fan favorite Matt Murphy, who made his Bomber and debut on May 23rd pitching into the 7th inning and assisting the Bombers to a win in a game that went 15 innings.
Murphy, 23, had some ABL time while with Eureka in 2012. Once claimed by SC, he was put into the Bombers Development program that saw him accelerate thru the organization in 2013, paving the way for a callup in 2014.
Coming up for the SIM this evening is the purchase of two contracts to solidify the bullpen. Veteran Geoff Allen and rookie phenom Jose Carreon were added to the roster, at the expense of Joseph Matheson and the struggling Stephen Douglas.
Douglas, a 2013 Rule V selection has shown glimpses of the promise that made him wanted by SC. A 3.5* potential talent who throws in the low 90's with a 60% GB pct will always be in demand. The intention now for Douglas, according to the GM is to keep Douglas at AAA with a Sept Callup.
Mattheson, acquired in the re trade of Ben Kessler has struggled this season trying to acclimate himself to SC. He's being sent down to renergize him AA numbers from a year ago. At 27 time could be running out for Mattheson.
Allen, was poised to be called up earlier this month from AAA except he was sidelined with a strained muscle. In 15 innings Allen posted a 1.80 ERA and 2 saves in 15 innings, with a WHIP of 1.27. The 34 year old reliever has spent 2012 and 2013 season in South Carolina.
Carreon, just 21 years old will be making the jump to the ABL after spending just a month and a half at AAA. Already at 2.5* and a potential of 4*, and the Bombers actually still in the hunt to make the playoffs, Ownership gave their blessing to call up the phenom.
Acquired in the blockbuster trade with SoCal that included Joe "Crayon" Frost and John "Flipper" Martin, Carreon is the third prospect of the four to make it to the ABL from this trade (the 4th being Billy "Grumbles" Turner, SoCal AAA).
At AAA, Carreon posted a 3-2 record with a 2.41 ERA and 1 Save in 19 games. Over 18 innings, Jose had a WHIP of 1.29, opponents were batting a paltry .191 against him and his ERA+ was a robust 206. Those numbers this season are remarkably similar to his AA numbers from a year ago, and that lead us to call him up now. GM Altman was quoted, "With "Juan" we would normally expect a slight drop off with the promotion to the parent ball club, however, based on the stats that he's replacing, as well as his level headedness, we feel that he will help this ball club win some games and fill out the back end of our bullpen immediately".
One long time season ticket holder summed it up best by saying, "Matheson, Ratzlaff, and Douglas had ERA's of 8.66, 7.16 and 6.48 respectively. IF Murphy, Allen and Carreon can beat each of them by just 1.00 that should translate to more wins and exciting South Carolina baseball.
The Bombers are anxiously awaiting the return of John Martin from his bone spur surgery in mid July. If the Bombers are close and can add that type of arm to the rotation, there very well could be important baseball for the fans of South Carolina in September and October
Friday, February 1, 2013
...And Here We Go Again....
This is getting old and ownership is NOT really happy!
Our third season and our third losing April, going 8-15 and 2 games worse than last season (11-16 in 2014)
General Manager Altman is far from satisfied at this, and fans are increasingly becoming impatient. Young players have developed, and are being developed at AAA. The starting pitching is the best it's ever been even with "Flipper" Martin being shelved till August.
The only saving grace to players and coaches is that even with the abysmal record we're sporting, we're JUST 3 games back in what is arguably the most competitive division in the league. Okay, some would say worst, but if ALL the teams are under 500, wouldn't that make us the MOST competitive as well?
Altman also in a rare show of emotion lit into second year 1B Fernando Guzman. Guzman, after a piss poor performance in Spring Training found himself not only behind free agent acquisition Dave Hutchinson (900K in 2014, 900K in 2015 (w/ Team Option)) in the depth chart, but being optioned down to AAA Bronx. Guzman didn't pout, but absolutely lit up AAA pitching, hitting .375 with 3 HR's, with an OB of .516 and a SLG of .875. But once called back up to the Bombers he starts to struggle again, capped off with a whopping 10 game suspension!
Altman, with a reddened face and veins pulsating in his neck called out Guzman and was quoted as saying, "With Hutchinson here for 2 seasons, and Yarbrough lighting up AAA, if Guzman doesn't get his "bleeping" head out of his "bleep", he's gonna find himself with the Carolina Crush!"
Other disappointing Bombers to this point, are SP's Dave Nicholson and Cecil Gibbons. Gibbons a little less so, but only because of his performance the last three seasons. In 2012, Gibby went 7-16 5.73 ERA. Last season 2-6, 5.09 ERA, and this season so far, 2-2 4.55 ERA. Management felt Gibbons would be a little more dominant that what he's shown.
Nicholson on the other hand has been an utter disappointment. Sitting at 1-5, 4.74 ERA, which is pedestrian and average at best. But compared to his two previous years at SC (2012 - 4-10, 5.83 and 2013- 10-10 2.82 ERA) this season has not started well for Nicholson. He's been working with the staff to turn things around.
Our third season and our third losing April, going 8-15 and 2 games worse than last season (11-16 in 2014)
General Manager Altman is far from satisfied at this, and fans are increasingly becoming impatient. Young players have developed, and are being developed at AAA. The starting pitching is the best it's ever been even with "Flipper" Martin being shelved till August.
The only saving grace to players and coaches is that even with the abysmal record we're sporting, we're JUST 3 games back in what is arguably the most competitive division in the league. Okay, some would say worst, but if ALL the teams are under 500, wouldn't that make us the MOST competitive as well?
Altman also in a rare show of emotion lit into second year 1B Fernando Guzman. Guzman, after a piss poor performance in Spring Training found himself not only behind free agent acquisition Dave Hutchinson (900K in 2014, 900K in 2015 (w/ Team Option)) in the depth chart, but being optioned down to AAA Bronx. Guzman didn't pout, but absolutely lit up AAA pitching, hitting .375 with 3 HR's, with an OB of .516 and a SLG of .875. But once called back up to the Bombers he starts to struggle again, capped off with a whopping 10 game suspension!
Altman, with a reddened face and veins pulsating in his neck called out Guzman and was quoted as saying, "With Hutchinson here for 2 seasons, and Yarbrough lighting up AAA, if Guzman doesn't get his "bleeping" head out of his "bleep", he's gonna find himself with the Carolina Crush!"
Other disappointing Bombers to this point, are SP's Dave Nicholson and Cecil Gibbons. Gibbons a little less so, but only because of his performance the last three seasons. In 2012, Gibby went 7-16 5.73 ERA. Last season 2-6, 5.09 ERA, and this season so far, 2-2 4.55 ERA. Management felt Gibbons would be a little more dominant that what he's shown.
Nicholson on the other hand has been an utter disappointment. Sitting at 1-5, 4.74 ERA, which is pedestrian and average at best. But compared to his two previous years at SC (2012 - 4-10, 5.83 and 2013- 10-10 2.82 ERA) this season has not started well for Nicholson. He's been working with the staff to turn things around.
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