The Mallards

[Muskies]

Scouts, coaches, managers and GMs all huddle together today to review the amateur draft and make decisions to fill their current and future needs. The 2012 American Baseball League candidates will be evaluated even more selectively now that judgment day has fallen on previous scouting reports. First five selections in the draft go to: New York, Long Beach, Jacksonville, Boston and Sacramento. Madison has the 23rd selection in the draft.

Before I proceed with the draft, let’s revisit the status of prior years

2009
1st Pick – LF – Nolan Schaefer – currently in ABL
2nd Pick – SP – Joe Jackson – currently in AAA
3rd Pick – 2B – Marcus Wallace – currently A

2010
1st Pick – 1B Allan Stephans – currently in AAA
2nd Pick – C – Jim Bell currently in AA
3rd Pick – SS – W. Ray currently in AA

2011
1st Pick – CF – Jason Hester – currently in AA
2nd Pick – 3B – Steve Morrison – currently in R
3rd Pick – SP – Paul Sweeny – currently in R

With the first selection New York selected SP Edmund “Clutch” Thompson a 21 year old out of college.

1st – 21 year-old SS Thurman Jones (R/1*) – T. Jones is a defensive machine rated 9&10 at 2nd Base, SS and 3rd base. He will need some development with the bat. Signed for $1.5 million.
2nd – 21 year-old MR Andres Baja (R/1.5*) - Signed
3rd – 21 year-old 3B Dusty “Specs” Hall (R/1*) – Did not sign, broke off negotiations
4th – 18 year old SP Dan Hull (R/.5*) – Did not sign, broke off negotiations
5th – 20 year-old C Antonio Ramos (C/1*) – Did not sign, broke off negotiations

I didn’t put a lot of effort into this draft as the pool was really even worth digging into, I went with the recommendations of my scout Wesley Peters. I also offered all players slot signing bonuses. Drafting young talent is one of my favorite aspects of game and with these draft pools I am at a crossroads.

[Muskies]

Record: 46-30, .605, 3 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Columbus)
OBP: .337 (4th in NL)
Starter ERA: 4.00 (6th in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.97 (16th in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 100 / Very Happy
Defense: .708 (2nd in NL)
Power Ranking: 106.9o (6th in the ABL)

Week: (2-2) – 2-1 vs. Detroit, 0-1 vs. Columbus

6/18: MAD 12, DET 10
WP: M. Farias (3-1, 4.50), LP: Gutierrez (4-2, 3.86), SV: Tavares (18)
HR: E. Townsend (10), A. Boucher (3), R. Ward (16), M. Kouno (10), K. Nishikawa (15)
POG: E. Townsend 3-5, R, 4 RBI, HR
GRAND SLAM by Nishikawa

6/19: MAD 6, DET 5
WP: J. Tavares (3-2, 2.84), LP: R. Rivera (3-2, 2.80)
HR: B. Lane (21), S. Shaffer (3), D. Chamings (7)
POG: B. Lane 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR

6/20: DET 5, MAD 4
WP: P. Santoya (1-4, 5.61), LP: Howell (0-2, 9.58), SV: Rivera (3)
HR: S. Donovan (7), B. Lane (22), M. Ruiz (14)
POG: M. Ruiz 2-4, 2 R, RBI, HR

6/24: COL 5, MAD 4
WP: G. Smith (3-1, 3.26), LP: M. Farias (3-2, 4.70)
HR: G. Martinez (13), A. Holliday (10), L. Turner (9)
POG: M. Wright 4-5, R, 2 RBI, 3B
J. Hamilton (PHI) hit 3 home runs against LA

Players of the Week
NL – Stu Myers (NY) 2-0, 16 K, 17 IP, .53 ERA (1x)
AL – Paul Polk (FtW) 11-20, HR, 2 RBI (2x)

Who are the top 5 hitters in the ABL in RBI while batting during innings 4-6:
Roberto Alvarez, FW, 33
Chris Campbell, BAL, 29
Won-ho Song, IND, 27
Alberto Garza, FW, 26
Stanley Davis, WAS, 25

Mallard News
LF Sergio Morales was the AA player of the week by going 8-19, 3 HR, 6 RBI and 7 R
North Berwick AA is number one in the power rankings

ABL NEWS
The Baseball News Network is reporting that Madison and Austin have agree in principle to a swap that will send 38-year-old reliever Mike Howell to the Mystics with 27-year-old reliever Alejandro Garcia joining the Mallards. Madison’s general manager would not confirm the trade, but a team representative close to the negotiations said the deal is official and is now only awaiting approval from the league.

This season Howell has made 11 relief appearance and saved 0 games. His record is 0-2 with 9 strikeouts in 20.2 innings with a 9.58 ERA.

This season Garcia has been credited with 1 save. In 26 relief appearances and 46 innings he has a 2-0 won-lost mark, 2.15 ERA and 52 strikeouts.



This was a no brainer, Howell has been nothing but a drain on bullpen. Garcia will significantly strengthen the whole bullpen.

[Muskies]

How would you like to manage a team with more star players than you can play? It wouldn’t be an easy chore. That’s the dilemma facing the two managers at the annual American Baseball League All Star classic – how to get all the talented All-Stars in the game. But it’s a joy for the fanes – to see all their favorite stars on one field at the same time.

Here are the official All Star rosters:

National League

SP Rafael Brave (MES) – 7-3, 3.46
SP Ivan Castro (COL) – 8-2, 2.55
SP John Conway (MES) – 9-3, 2.79
SP Roberto Crespo (DAL) – 9-3, 3.33
SP Vernon Holcomb (COL) – 10-3, 2.07
SP John Lucas (COL) 10-2, 1.90
SP Rhett McGinnity (PHO) – 5-4, 2.45
SP Jose Polledo (MIL) – 7-3, 2.74
SP Albert Robinson (NY) – 7-4, 3.46
CL Angel Jaramill0 (SF) 1-0, 17 SV, 2.42
CL Josh McCoy (DAL) – 1-4, 20 SV, 3.46
CL Ignacio Salazar (MES) 3-1, 15 SV, 0.56
C Anthony Olson (BAL) - .313/.356/.434, 4 HR, 32 RBI
C Logan Turner (COL) - .303/.462/.454, 8 HR< 30 RBI
1B Jim Hays (SF) - .309/.381/.545, 15 HR, 45 RBI
1B Stanley Davis (WAS) - .289/.371/.522, 19 HR, 60 RBI
2B Hector Diaz (JAC) - .356/.449/.552,12 HR, 40 RBI
2B Ed Etheridge (PHO) - .310/.400/.500, 7 HR< 33 RBI
3B Jose Diaz (DAL) - .329/.412/.524, 6 HR, 37 RBI
3B Chris Campbell (BAL) - .319/.371/.551, 15 HR, 54 RBI
SS Robert Thompson (JAC) - .271/.298/.508, 13 HR, 50 RBI
LF Bartolo Lopez (DET) - .341/.462/.489, 4 HR, 32 RBI
LF Gerardo Martinez (MAD) - .307/.351/.488, 12 HR, 53 RBI
CF Bryan Lane (DET) - .281/.355/.563, 21 HR, 47 RBI
CF Shuichi Takeuchi (BAL) - .293/.393/.445, 5 HR, 44 RBI
RF Randall Cochran (DAL) - .344/.403/.526, 11 HR, 39 RBI
RF Otto Melton (WAS) - .387/.442/.520, 7 HR, 29 RBI
RF Alex Bruno (MEM) - .290/.366/.560, 20 HR, 51 RBI

Columbus has three starting pitchers on the all star team; that will make them a tough team to catch in the division.
K. Campbell (9-4, 3.02) was a noticeable snub from the team; should have been in there above Albert Robinson

American League

SP Jose Alfonso (IND) – 9-2, 3.30
SP Don Daly (HOU) – 9-3, 3.01
SP Miguel Garcia (SA) – 7-3, 3.60
SP Francisco Perez (IND) – 10-4, 3.73
SP Victor Riley (FW) – 8-4, 3.16
SP Mike Ryan (CLE) – 7-5, 3.06
MR Nokrashy Sulaiman (SH) – 10-0, 2.23
CL Lorenzo Garcia (CHI) 2-4, 19 SV, 3.63
CL Doug Lewis (SJ) 6-3, 15 SV, 3.74
CL Carlos Moran (NAS) 2-1, 13 SV 1.74
CL Tom Rivard (QUE) – 1-2, 11 SV, 1.74
C Pat Brown (PHI) - .287/.408/.435, 5 HR, 30 RBI
C Benton Snow (LB) - .313/.364/.452, 6 HR, 37 RBI
1B Kyle Holland (LB) - .338/.432/.489, 9 HR, 38 RBI
1B Alberto Garza (FW) - .392/.442/.797, 23 HR, 67 RBI
1B Steve Bender (IND) - .305/.390/.550, 20 HR, 56 RBI
1B Clancy Gibson (SJ) .326/.349/.598, 16 HR, 63 RBI
2B Scotty Dyer (PHI) - .319/.428/.540, 13 HR, 50 RBI
3B Tomas Allenade (CLE) - .281/.400/.523, 16 HR, 58 RBI
SS Logan Threlfall (LA) - .324/.383/.564, 16 HR, 59 RBI
LF Jack Bennett (PHI) - .324/.415/.463, 7 HR, 43 RBI
LF Brooks Brown (CLE) - .331/.409/.467, 4 HR, 36 RBI
LF Mike Palmer (CHI) - .325/.362/.520, 10 HR, 62 RBI
CF Hwi-gon Kim (HOU) - .286/.391/.494, 12 HR, 44 RBI
CF Victor Andrex (SJ) - .340/.410/.473, 3 HR, 41 RBI
RF Jorge Lucer (CLE) - .352/.409/.648, 23 HR, 69 RBI
RF Alan Waddingham (HOU) - .346/.421/.572, 13 HR, 54 RBI

ALL STAR GAME RESULTS
AL 2, NL 1
WP: N. Sulaiman 1.0 IP, 1K, LP: I. Salazar 0.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, K
POG: S. Dyer3-4, RBI,

J. Polledo 1.0 IP, 1BB, 2K
G. Martinez 1-3

[Muskies]

Record: 49-34, .590, 4GB
Position: 2nd (behind Columbus)
OBP: .340 (4th in NL)
Starter ERA: 3.89 (3rd in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.79 (15th in NL)
Defense: .706 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 100 / Happy
Power Ranking: 101.3—(9th in the ABL)

Week: 3-4 (1-1 vs. Columbus, 2-1 vs. Kansas City, 0-2 vs. Jacksonville (both in extra innings))

6/25: MAD 4, COL 3
WP: M. Farias (4-2, 4.50), LP: T. Lewis (4-8, 4.05), SV: Tavares (19)
HR: K. Nishikawa (16), L. Turner (10)
POG: K. Nishikawa 2-4, R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR

6/26: COL 5, MAD 2
WP: I. Castro (9-2, 2.76), LP: A. Johnson (4-5, 3.45), SV: Limon (24)
HR: D. Chamings (8), L. Turner (11)
POG: I. Castro 8.0 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, BB, 6 K

6/27: MAD 11, KC 1
WP: P. Juarez (7-2, 4.68), LP: B. Willliams (5-7, 4.91)
HR: M. Kouno (11)
POG: M. Kouno 3-4, R, 4 RBI, HR
GRAND SLAM BY MATSUO KOUNO

6/28: MAD 13, KC 3
WP: G. Davis (6-3, 4.75), LP: B. Parks (4-5, 7.09)
HR: E. Green (5), D. Wright (2), J. Benson (8)
POG: J. Benson 1-4, 2 R, 4 RBI, HR

6/29: KC 3, MAD 2
WP: M. Hernandez (7-4, 2.72), LP: K. Campbell (9-5, 3.09), SV: J. Ramos (5)
HR: G. Martinez (14)
POG: M. Hernandez 8.0 IP, 8 H, ER, 6 K

6/30: JAC 6, MAD 4 (10)
WP: T. Garcia (1-5, 2.70), LP: Davila (2-2, 7.56)
HR: J. Abrams (12), R. Thompson (14), J. Pittman (3)
POG: J. Abrams 1-5, R, 2 RBI, HR – his one hit coming in the bottom of the 10th, a walk off home run off Davila

7/1: JAC 5, MAD 4 (10)
WP: D. Jones (5-0, 1.91), J. Tavares (3-3, 2.52)
HR: R. Thompson (15)
POG: R. Thompson 2-5, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR
Two extra inning losses in a row, those are tough to swallow.

Players of the Week
NL – E. Brown (NAS) 13-24, 2 HR, 8 RBI (1x)
AL – E. Meredith (FtW) – 13-20, 3 HR, 12 RBI (1x)

In the News
6/30: C. Pena (NAS) hit for the cycle in a game against long beach

Who holds the single season ABL record for K/BB
John Conway, MES, 10.571, 2007
Luis Gonzales, - , 9.950, 2005
Thomas Watts, -, 9.708, 1991
Maximo Hernandez, KC, 9.417, 2007
John Conway, MES, 8.859, 2009

Mallard News
- C – G. Lucero (AAA) was named player of the month, he hit .360 with 8 home runs, 20 RBI and 18 Runs scored
- 1B – M. Brock (AA) was named player of the month, he hit .389, 6 home runs, 26 RBI, and 27 runs
- 1B – M. Brock (AA) was named player of the week – 10-24, 4 HR, 8 RBI
- North Berwick continues to hold on the the number one spot in the AA power rankings (52-20)

Players of the Month

Batter of the Month
NL – B. Lane (DET) - .366, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 21 R (2x)
AL – C. Kelley (CHI) - .386, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 23 R (3x)

Pitcher of the Month
NL – J. Lucas (COL) – 5-0, 26 K, 1.42 ERA (2x)
AL – J. Smith (PHI) – 4-0, 26 K, 2.65 ERA (1x)

Rookie of the Month
NL – M. Parker (WAS) - .291, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 23 R (1x)
AL – L. Roberts (LB) - .295, 4 HR, 21 RBI, 12 R

International Amateur Free Agents

- Offered a contract to 16 year old CF Gustavo Ornelas from Dominican Republic - $60,000
- Offered a contract to 16 year old SS Bui Chen from Japan - $80,000

Kage’s Notes

Bullpen! Bullpen! Bullpen! – I seem to be singing the same song every season. I think it is time to start looking and some more serious activity to strengthen the pitching staff. I have to two starting pitchers in the minors that they tell me are ready to be brought up. V. Houston and B. Salazar.

SWAP: Jennings for Carlson

Earlier today, officials from the Madison Mallards and the Oklahoma City Marlins announced that they had finalized negotiations on a trade between the two teams. The deal will send 28-year-old reliever Arthur Jennings to Oklahoma City in exchange for 19 year minor league catcher Kenny Wilkinson and 19 year old minor league shortstop Trevor Carlson.

So far this season Jennings is 2-1 with no saves and a 7.36 ERA. He has given up 33 hits in 24.2 innings with 17 strikeouts. It came a surprise to management but the fans weren’t really happy and fan interest decreased (from 100 to 98).

GM’s Note: This was a move to bring in some young bodies and to start to clear room for Salazar and Houston. I went back and forth with Oklahoma City to get some stronger prospects, but they were looking for Polledo or Johnson in the deal. Trevor Carlson is a 3* potential and a defensive wiz at shortstop. May have some potential to reach the ABL. This move allowed us to bring up Vincent Houston who will slide into the bullpen. The pitching staff want’s him as the number 5 starter, but I am not comfortable with that I would like to see him get some innings under his belt first.

[Muskies]

Record: 55-34, .618, 1 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Columbus)
OBP: .339 (4th in NL)
Starter ERA: 3.69 (2nd in NL
Bullpen ERA: 4.65 (15th in NL)
Defense: .713 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 99 / Delighted (recovered 1 pt after the Jennings trade)
Power Ranking: 121.2 ++ (2nd in ABL)

Week: 6-0 (1-0 vs. Jacksonville, 3-0 vs. Memphis, 2-0 vs. San Francisco)

7/2: MAD 4, JAC 1
WP: P. Juarez (8-2, 4.30), LP: J. Martinez (3-1, 1.99), SV: Tavares (20)
HR: C. Ryan (8)
POG: P. Juarez – 8.0 IP, 3 H, ER, 2K

7/3: MAD 6, MEM 5
WP: V. Houston (1-0, 4.91), LP: M Warren (6-6, 4.40), SV J. Tavares (21)
HR: J. Ortiz (14), E. Gardner (11), M. Ruiz (15), K. Nishikawa 2 (18)
POG: K. Nishikawa 2-4, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2 HR
V. Houston came in in the fifth inning and pitched a solid 3 2/3 innings allowing 4 H, 2 ER while striking out 4.

7/4: MAD 1, MEM 0
WP: K. Campbell (10-5, 2.90), LP: L. Wolfe (6-6, 3.67), SV: A. Garcia (2)
POG: K. Campbell 7.2 IP, 2 H, BB, 7 K

7/5: MAD 2, MEM 0
WP: J. Polledo (8-3, 2.67), LP: E. West (8-10, 3.71), SV: Tavares (22)
HR: M. Ruiz (16)
POG: J. Polledo 8.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 10K (Game Score 87)
Today we moved MacFadden down to AAA and brought Salazar up to give him some innings in the bullpen.

7/7: MAD 10, SF 2
WP: A. Johnson (5-5, 3.16), LP: T. Cooley (7-8, 3.91)
HR: M. Kuono (12), G. Martinez (15)
POG: M. Kuono 3-4, 3 R, RBI, 2B, HR
Ended the Mallards 24 innings without allowing a run.

7/8: MAD 2, SF 0
WP: P. Juarez (9-2, 3.87), LP: S. Chaney (2-3, 4.48), SV: J. Tavares (23)
POG: P. Juarez 8.0 IP, 6 H, 5 K

Next Week – 1 @ San Francisco (39-50), 3 @ Phoenix (41-48), 3 vs. New York (41-48)

Players of the Week
NL – L. Davis (BAL) 10-23, 4 HR, 7 RBI (3x)
AL – C. Parkinson (LA) 13-26, 2 HR, 11 RBI (2x)


Who is the ABL leader in career on-base percentage
Mike Snell, -, .433
Shuichi Takeuchi, BAL, .430
Eric Grant, -, .425
Carl Johnston, -, .415
Tyson Walker, FRE, .414

Mallard News
A – Emilio “Duck Hunter” Munoz (2B) has been suspended for his verbal and physical assault of an umpire.
AA – North Berwick is ranked Number in the power rankings (134.2 o) with a record of 55-34

[Muskies]

Mallard Batting



Offensively no real complaints with the Mallards offensive output mid season. My only observation that not shown in the statistics is the teams streaky nature. Nishikawa's home run is off the pace of his 50+ home runs last year. G. Martinez is having another superstar season.

Mallard Pitching



L. Bishop and A. Garcia who are new additions to the team have really provided a solid anchor at the back of the bullpen. Starts 1-3, Polledo, Campbell and Johnson are pitching well with ERA's around 3.00. The weakness lays at the starters 4 and 5 and the long relief. The M. Howell signing was clearly a mistake, one that I seem to continue to make.


Team Summary



The stat that stands out the most is the bullpen with an ERA of 4.65 and a ranking of 15th in NL. This continues to be a an area that does not live up to my expectations. I need to get out of that rut. For anyone out there what do you look for in a good middle reliever?

Mid Season Standings



At this point there look to be only a couple division races heating up. The AL Eastern between Philadelphia and Indianaplois and the NL Central where 4 of the 6 teams over .500 at the midway point.

[Muskies]

Record: 60-36, .625, - GB
Position: 1st (2 games up on Columbus)
OBP: .338 (4th in NL)
Starter ERA: 3.70 (2nd in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.75 (16th in NL)
Defense: .712 (1st in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 100 / Delighted
Power Ranking: 119.5- 3rd in ABL

Week (5-2) : 1-0 vs. San Francisco, 2-1 vs. Phoenix, 2-1 vs. New York

7/9: MAD 4, SF 2
WP: G. Davis (7-3, 4.68), LP: D. Brown (7-9, 4.40), SV: Tavares (24)
HR: M. Kuono (13), E. Hunter (13)
POG: G. Davis 7 IP, 2 ER, BB, 4 K

7/10: MAD 4, PHO 1
WP: K. Campbell (11-5, 2.83), LP: R. McGinnity (7-5, 2.65), SV: A. Garcia (3)
HR: K. Nishikawa (19)
POG: K. Nishikawa 2-4, R, 2 RBI, HR

7/11: MAD 7, PHO 0
WP: J. Polledo (9-3, 2.49), LP: R. Lopes (6-9, 3.87)
HR: D. Chamings (9), M. Kuono (14)
POG: J. Polledo 9.0 IP, 3 H, 2K
Columbus acquired 30 year RF Tomas Gonzalez from Indianapolis.
Hollis Lee (NAS) collected hit number 3000

7/12: PHO 8, MAD 3
WP: R. Wurzbach (1-0, 0.00), LP: A. Johnson (5-6, 3.40)
HR: A. Huggins (8), D. Browingin (11), H. Fukuda (6)
POG: H. Fukada 1-4, R, 3 RBI, HR
Ends the Mallards 9 game winning streak

7/13: MAD 3, NY 2
WP: P. Juarez (10-2, 3.81), LP: F. Hernandez (3-6, 3.19), SV: L. Bishop (5)
HR: Nishikawa (20)
POG: K. Nishikawa 2-4, R, 3 RBI, HR
V. Davenport (NAS) hits for the cycle (2nd this season)

7/14: NY 15, MAD 5
WP: S. Myers (10-9, 3.33), LP: G. Davis (7-4, 5.07)
HR: R. Ricks (8), D. Johnson (9), K. Nishikawa (21), M. Ruiz (17), D. Chamings (10)
POG: D. Johnson 3-6, 3 R, 5, RBI, HR
Davis only lasted 3 innings and allowing 6 ER, In relief Davila lasted 1.1 allowing 5 ER and Salazar last 0.1 allowing 2 ER. On a positive note V. Houston pitched 2 innings allowing 0 ER. The leash on G. Davis is going to start getting short in favor of V. Houston.

7/15: MAD 7, NY 6
WP: K. Campbell (12-5, 2.89), LP: A. Robinson (8-7, 3.87), SV: Tavares (25)
HR: L. Stevenson (18), M. Ruiz (18)
POG: L. Stevenson 2-4, R, 5 RBI, HR
A nervous 9th inning as Bishop and Tavares allowed 3 earned runs

Next Week: 3 @ Baltimore (54-42), 3 vs. Tampa (39-57)

Players of the Week
NL – Ross Richards (JAC) 12-28, 4 HR, 11 RBI (1x)
AL – A. Waddingham (HOU) 13-31, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 8 R (2x)

Who are the ABL career leaders in complete games
Donald Patrick, LB, 70
Orlando Franco, -, 68
Elton West, MEM, 58
Dane Binzer, -, 55
Tom Cooley, SF, 54

Mallard News
7/10: Marc Callahan (A – Moreno Valley) was suspended for 5 games for a bench clearing brawl.
7/12: Miguel Ruiz is continuing to look for a contract to extend his stay in Madison. His current starting point is 3 years at $24 million, that is up significantly from his earlier request of $16.5 million. The dilemma is he is better than any of my other options. Defensively he is top notch.
7/12: Looking over next years contracts. G. Martinez will be in his last year of arbitration, with the possibility of Free Agency. He is looking for 3 years at $18.5 million per year. That is a tough number to swallow given my salary commitment are already at $110 million. It is a deal that I can do in 2013 for 2014 but not this year.
7/15: Mallards will receive Compensation picks in 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounds as they did not sign draft picks from those rounds.
7/15 – North Berwick remains number one in the power rankings in AA (134.5) with a record of 59-23

[Muskies]

Record: 63-39, .618
Position: 1st (tied with Columbus)
OBP: .338 (5th in NL)
Starter ERA: 3.65 (2nd in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.72 (15th in NL)
Defense: .713 (1st in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: Delighted / 100
Power Ranking: 112.2 – (5th in the ABL)


Week: (3-3) – 2-1 vs. Baltimore, 1-2 vs. Tampa

7/16: MAD 4, BAL 2
WP: J. Polledo (10-3, 2.45), LP: V. Leon (9-6, 4.51), SV: L. Bishop (6)
POG: J. Polledo 6.0 IP, 3 H, ER, 5 BB, 3 K
J. Polledo loaded the based in the first inning with no outs, managed to escape the inning with just one run.

7/17: MAD 5, BAL 2
WP: A. Johnson (6-6, 3.32), A. Higgins (5-13, 5.65), SV: Tavares (26)
HR: L. Davis (17)
POG: A. Johnson 8.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K

7/18: BAL 9, MAD 8
WP: J. Santos (3-1, 3.25), LP: Tavares (3-4, 2.93)
HR: K. Nishikawa 2 (23), E. Brown (12)
POG: K. Nishikawa 2-5, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 HR
Tavares blew the save and took the loss in the bottom of the ninth allowing 3 runs on no outs.

7/20: TAM 3, MAD 2
WP: M. Bonnett (7-7, 3.93), M. Farias (4-3, 3.76), SV: C. Flores (17)
HR: M. Kuono (15)
POG: M. Bonnett 8.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K

7/21: TAM 1, MAD 0
WP: M. Wright (6-10, 4.16), K. Campbell (12-6, 2.81), SV: C. Flores (18)
POG: M. Wright 8.1 IP, 5H, BB, 6K
In a losing effort Campbell pitched 7 innings allowing 5 H, ER and 7K, the offense has gone on hiatus

7/22: MAD 8, TAM 2
WP: J. Polledo (11-3, 2.44), LP: H. Pickett (9-9, 4.42)
HR: D. Chamings (11)
POG: D. Chamings 1-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR

Next Week: 3 @ Dallas (58-44), 3 vs. Mesa (51-51), 1 @ Austin (42-60)

Players of the Week
NL – Israel Colon 13-26, 2 HR, 4 RBI (8x)
AL – Roberto Zavala 11-21, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R (1x)

Who holds the single season record in the ABL for WHIP
Jim Bell, -, .819, 1990
Jim Bell, -, .869, 1991
Albert Higgins, BAL, .900, 2009
Rodrigo Valencia, -, .909, 2000
Rodrigo Valencia, 0, .915, 1996

Mallard News
- AA North Berwick Marsupials are ranked number 1 in the AA ABL rankings (129.8 o)
-

[Muskies]

Record: 65-44, .596, 2 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Columbus)
OBP: .335 (5th in NL)
Starter ERA: 3.63 (2nd in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.65 (14th in NL)
Defense: .713 (1st in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 100 / Very Happy
Power Ranking: 104.3 – (9th in ABL)

Week (2-5) : 0-3 vs. Dallas, 1-2 vs. Mesa, 0-1 vs. Austin

7/23: DAL 4, MAD 1
WP: R. Crespo (12-6, 3.53), LP: A. Johnson (6-7, 3.43), SV: J. McCoy (28)
HR: G. Martinez (16), R. Cochran (17), B. Hampton (6)
POG: R. Crespo 8.0 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, 8 K
S. Shaffer was ejected in the 8th inning for arguing a strike
V. Houston pitched a strong 4 innings in relief 3 H, ER, 5K

7/24: DAL 3, MAD 2
WP: E. Montoya (6-1, 3.71), P. Juarez (10-3, 4.05), SV: J. McCoy (29)
HR: W. Lee (17)
POG: W. Lee 3-4, R, RBI
Mallard offense has gone quiet not scoring more than two runs in 4 of the last 5 games

7/25: DAL 1, MAD 0
WP: L. Castillo (12-8, 3.40), LP: G. Davis (7-5, 4.75), SV: R. Taylor (13)
POG: L. Castillo 8.0 IP, 5 H, 2 K
And that concludes the sweep at the hands of Dallas, it wasn’t losses due to the bullpen, clearly driven by the offense.
M. Hernandez (KC) earned his 200th win of his career

7/26: MAD 5, MES 0
WP: K. Campbell (13-6, 2.67), LP: T. Wilson (6-10, 3.55)
HR: G. Martinez (17)
POG: K. Campbell 7.2 IP, 4 H, 3BB, 6K
Martinez with a Grand Slam in the first inning, will it end the slump…
Mallards only ended up with four hits, not exactly and offensive revival
Columbus made a trade sending a SP to Indianapolis for a LF, interesting…

7/27: MES 5, MAD 3
WP: R. Aquino (6-4, 5.32), LP: L. Bishop (2-1, 2.22), SV: I. Salazar (22)
HR: M. Ruiz (19)
POG: C. Patterson 3-4, R, RBI, 2B
C. Pena (NAS) gets hit number 2000

7/28: MES 7, MAD 4 (12)
WP: M. Kephart (4-6, 4.71), LP: J. Tavares (3-5, 3.06)
HR: V. Valentin (4), M. Ruiz (20)
POG: A. Lopez 2-6, R, 3 RBI, hit a bases loaded double with 2 outs in the top of the 12th inning

7/29: MAD 5, AUS 5
WP: P. Juarez (11-3, 4.06), LP: C. Young (5-12, 4.58)
HR: K. Nishikawa 2 (25), W. Hardin (7)
POG: K. Nishikawa 4-5, 3 R, 6 ER, 2 HR
GRAND SLAM by K. Nishikawa

Next Week: 2 @ Austin (43-66) (trade deadline), 3 vs. Charlotte (52-57), 1 vs. Washington (52-57)

Players of the Week
NL – D. Hall (CHA) 12-18, 4 HR, 11 RBI
AL – R. Johnson (BOS) 13-27, 3 HR, 8 RBI

Who are the active leaders in the ABL in career slugging percentage
Jorge Lucero ,CLE, .566
Claude Boucard, AUS, .556
Jim Hayes, SF, .555
David Garcia, LA, .547
Katai Nishikawa, MAD, .542


Mallard News
AAA – M. Fiadeiro (1B) was named player of the week hitting .600, 3 HR, 7 RBI
AA – M. Brock (1B) was named player of the week .464, 4 HR, 12 RBI
AA North Berwick continues to lead in the power rankings

Kage’s Journal
The trade deadline has passed with no additional moves. I did a little shopping around with A. Jennings and A. Davila, looking for prospects to boost the strength of the minors, but there wasn’t a lot out there. We are playing well enough that we certainly have a strong shot at the playoff’s and if we get hot at the right time can make a run at a second title. I must say I do have a feeling of uneasiness, but what General Manager doesn’t. We are good enough to make the playoff’s, but do we have the farm system to continually feed the organization….

I would feel better about the farm system if the draft pool should more than 15 to 20 potential ABL players a year, but this year in only signed 2 of my 6 picks from the first 5 rounds, that is not a recipe for long term success.

[Muskies]

Record: 69-46, .600
Position: 1st (tied with Columbus)
OBP: .338 (5th in NL)
Starter ERA: 3.74 (2nd in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.59 (15th in NL)
Defense: .711 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: Delighted / 100
Power Ranking: 111.0, ++ (6th in ABL)

Week: 4-2, 1-1 vs. Austin, 2-1 vs. Charlotte, 1-0 vs. Washington

7/30: AUS 15, MAD 4
WP: B. Juarez (3-7, 5.48), LP: G. Davis (6-7, 5.08)
HR: C. Ryan (9), K. Nishikawa (26), G. Martinez (18), W. Hardin 2 (19), K. Adams (14), C. Boucard 2 (21)
POG: W. Hardin 2-5, 2 R, 7 RBI, 2 HR
Thus ends G. Davis 2013 season as a starter on the Mallards. Here are some interest lines from the Game:
G. Davis 1.1 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, K, 2 HR (placed on waivers immediately after the game)
A. Davila 0.1 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, BB, HR
B. Salazar 1.0 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, K, 2 HR (moved back down to AAA) after the game
Promoted M. Huporkorny to the bullpen from AAA
Promoted J. Osorio (RF) to the major league squad.

7/31: MAD 8, AUS 1
WP: K. Campbell (14-6, 2.58), LP: C. Barnes (1-3, 6.59)
HR: K. Nishikawa (27), M. Kouno (16)
POG: K. Campbell 9.0 IP, 5 H, ER, 6K

8/2: MAD 8, CHA 5
WP: A. Garcia (3-0, 2.01), LP: J. Estes (3-5, 5.85), J. Tavares (27)
HR: D. Hall (31), J. Osorio (1), D. Chamings (12)
POG: J. Osorio 1-3, R, 3 RBI, HR

8/3: MAD 7, CHA 6 (14)
WP: M. Farias (5-3, 3.74), LP: L. Peterson (4-5, 2.77)
HR: D. Chamings (13)
POG: C. Conley 2-6, R, 2 RBI – Game tying hit off Tavares in the top of the ninth
It was J. Tavares 7th blown save of the year. In his last six starts he has two loses, two blown saves, two no decision and one save. I am starting to have thoughts of L. Bishop moving to the closer roll and J. Tavares in the set up spot. J. Tavares ERA has increased to 3.33 with a WHIP of 1.81, both are higher than I would like to see in the closer role.

8/4: CHA 6, MAD 3
WP: J. Higgins (3-2, 4.40), LP: V. Houston (1-1, 5.63), SV. M. Cruz (7)
HR: D. Hall 2 (33)
POG: D. Hall 2-5, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR
V. Houston first rough outing in the ABL, these are bound to happen, wait and see how he responds. I am sticking with him as a starter until September, as I fully expect him in the rotation in 2013.

8/5: MAD 5, WAS 1
WP: P. Juarez (12-5, 3.92), LP: J. Lopez (8-11, 4.66), SV: M. Hinton (1)
HR: R. Menenders (2), G. Martinez (26), K. Nishikawa (28)
POG: M. Ruiz 2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI
Hinton finished the last three innings; he was the only fresh pitcher in the bullpen. We are still recovering from the 14 inning game two days ago.

Next Week: 3 vs. Washington (55-60), 3 @ Detroit (58-57), 2 vs. Columbus (69-46)

Players of the Week
NL – A. Lara (KC) – 16-26, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 7 R (3x)
AL – T. Thompson (SJ) – 9-22, 5 HR, 7 RBI (3x)

Which rookie starting pitchers are leading the ABL in strikeouts?
Dave Cadle, PHO, 111
Sidney Booker, COL, 78
Boyd Parks, KC, 78
Ernesto Oyuela, SJ, 74
Emilio Montoya, DAL, 68

Mallard News
AA. M. Brock (1B) was player of the month .365, 8, HR, 23, RBI, 23 R
R – K. Williams (1B) was player of the month .330, 22 RBI, 15 RBI
AA CF Jason Hester was suspended 5 games for arguing a strike. He did make contact with the umpire.

Players of Month

Batters of the Month
NL – I. Colon (COL) .412, 12 HR, 27 RBI, 29 R (1x)
AL – M. Ramos (CLE) .405, 12 HR, 26 RBI, 19 R (3x)

Pitcher of the Month
NL – K. Campbell (MAD) 5-1, 35 K, 1.22 ERA (1x)
AL – B. Simmons (NAS) 5-1, 30K, 1.53 ERA (1x)

Rookie of the Month
NL – A. Clark (DET) -.312, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 27 R (1x)
AL – J. Garcia (FRE) - .299, 5 HR, 12 RBI (1x)

[Muskies]

Record: 71-51, .582, 1 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Columbus)
OBP: .335 (5th in NL)
Starter ERA: 3.73 (2nd in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.64 (15th in NL)
Defense: .709 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: Very Happy / 100
Power Ranking: 103.8- (8th in ABL)

Week: 2-5, 1-1 vs. Washington, 0-3 vs. Detroit, 1-1 vs. Columbus

8/6: MAD 13, WAS 1
WP: K. Campbell (15-6, 2.49), LP: E. Chase (2-4, 6.22)
POG: K. Campbell 9.0 IP, 5 H, ER, 7 K
I. Salazar (MES) earned his 400th save over Columbus

8/7: WAS 7, MAD 3
WP: R. Stewart (5-7, 5.56), LP: J. Polledo (11-4, 2.71)
HR: M. Kouno (17), K. Nishikawa (29)
POG: R. Stewart 9.0 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K

8/8: DET 5, MAD 2
WP: W. Murphy (8-5, 2.74), LP: A. Johnson (6-8, 3.76), SV: R. Rivera (13)
HR: E. Townsend (17)
POG: W. Murphy 7.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3K

8/9: DET 6, MAD 5
WP: P. Santoya (3-6, 5.33), LP: J. Tavares (3-6, 4.32)
HR: R. Menenders (3), B. Lane (38), M. Flores (14)
POG: M. Flores 2-4, 2 R, RBI, 3B, HR
J. Tavares allowed 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to earn the loss. With that he has not only lost the closer role, but will slide into the seventh inning slot.

8/10: DET 7, MAD 6 (10)
WP: R. Rivera (8-3, 2.53), LP: M. Farias (5-4, 3.46)
HR: K. Nishikawa (30)
POG: K. Nishikawa 1-3, R, 3 RBI, HR
Three game sweep at the hands of the 4th place NL Central team, that is a bit ominous
In his first shot at closer L. Bishop blew the save allowing 2 earned runs in 2/3 of an inning…

8/11: COL 3, MAD 2
WP: S. Booker (4-2, 5.82), LP: K. Campbell (15-7, 2.53), SV: A. Limon(35)
HR: L. Turner (15), C. Ryan (10), K. Nishikawa (31)
POG: S. Booker 5.2 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 BB, 8 K

8/12: MAD 2, COL 1
WP: J. Tavares (4-6, 4.08), LP: A. Limon (5-4, 1.63)
HR: L. Turner (16), K. Nishikawa (32)
POG: I. Castro 8.0 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 5 K
K. Nishikawa a walk off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning
C. Curtis (FtW) pitched a no hitter against San Jose

Next Week: 1 vs. Columbus (72-50), 2 @ Kansas City (69-53), 2 vs. Jacksonville (56-66)

Players of the Week
NL – K. Nishikawa (MAD) 10-27, 4 HR, 10 RBI (8x)
AL – C. Thompson (SA) 12-28, 4 HR, 11 RBI (4x)

Mallard News
A – C Jose Gomez earned player of the week honors; 10-17, 2 HR, 6 RBI
AA North Berwick is again ranked 1 in the Power Ranking

Kage’s GM Notes
The calendar has turned to August, it is time that I look at the expiring contracts of personnel:

2012 Expiring Contracts (only one)
AA Manager – Jorge Oliveria currently makes $380k per year would sign a 3 year extension for $410k, offered the extension, which was signed the next day

[Muskies]

Record: 75-53, .586, 2 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Columbus) 2 game lead in the Wild Card
OBP: .336 (5th in NL)
Starter ERA: 3.78 (2nd in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.65 (14th in NL)
Defense: .707 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 100 / Very Happy
Power Ranking: 107.0o (8th in ABL)

Week (4-2) : 1- 0 vs. Columbus, 1-2 vs. Kansas City, 2-0 vs. Jacksonville

8/13: MAD 5, COL 4
WP: A. Johnson (7-8, 3.83), LP: T. Lewis (8-10, 4.49), L. Bishop (7)
HR: P. Lock (5), D. Chamings (14), K. Nishikawa (33)
POG: K. Nishikawa 3-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR

Big three game series against Kansas City who is third in the NL central and only 2 games back.
8/15: KC 6, MAD 0
WP: M. Hernandez (12-7, 2.78), LP: V. Houston (1-2, 5.46)
HR: E. Green (10), F. Hawkins (12), S. Chavez (24)
POG: M. Hernandez 9 IP, 3H, BB, 9 K
V. Houston allowed 4 runs and 3 home runs in the first inning.

8/16: MAD 9, KC 2
WP: P. Juarez (13-3, 3.95), LP: J. James (4-4, 4.63)
HR: J. Osorio (2)
POG: J. Osoria 2-5, R, 4 RBI, 2B, HR
C. Ryan went 5-5 with 2 runs and 2 doubles.

8/17: KC 12, MAD 11
WP: N. Woods (2-4, 5.54), LP: L. Bishop (2-2, 2.63)
HR: G. Martinez (19), J. Gross (24), X. Liu (6), D. Wright (7)
POG: G. Martinez 3-6, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR
K. Campbell was knocked out in the 3rd inning allowing 8 hits and 7 ER
Mallards scored 6 runs in the top of the ninth to tie the game and Bishop took the loss in the bottom of the ninth. No one wants the closer role, we are going to move A. Garcia into the role to see if he wants it.
After the series with Kansas City they are one game out of the second place and the wild card, the Mallards are two games out of first place in the NL Central. The race is going to get interesting

8/18: MAD 4, JAC 3
WP: J. Polledo (12-4, 2.56), LP: E. Sampson (6-14, 4.85), SV: A. Garcia (4)
HR: V. Medina (6), G. Martinez (20)
POG: J. Polledo 7 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 11K
Bullpen allowed 3 runs in the ninth inning to make it interesting.

8/19: MAD 6, JAC 3
WP: A. Johnson (8-8, 3.81), LP: M. Flores (3-6, 6.89), SV: A. Garcia (5)
HR: G. Martinez (21)
POG: A. Johnson 8 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2BB, 5K

Next Week: 1 vs. Jacksonville (57-71), 3 @ Memphis (61-67), 3 vs. San Francisco (61-67)

Players of the Week
NL – J. Benavides (MES) 11-20, 3 HR, 8 RBI (1x)
AL – L. Threlfall (LA) 13-24, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 8 R (4x)

Who holds the single season ABL record for Home runs
Stanley Davis, WAS, 59, 1991
Landon Boyd, -, 55, 1997
Claude Boucard, AUS, 55, 2010
Dave MacKellachie, -, 54, 1990
Mathew Douglas, 53, 1990

Mallard News
AAA – G. Lucera – C – 11-22, 4 HR, 10 RBI, player of the week
R – W. Burns – LF – 8-20, 9 RBI, 5 R, player of the week
AA – North Berwick number one in the power rankings (78-36)

[Muskies]

[Muskies]

Record: 81-54, .600, 2 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Columbus)
OBP: .338 (5th in NL)
Starters ERA: 3.77 (2nd in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.58 (13th in NL)
Defense: .707 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 100 / Delighted
Power Ranking: 113.0++ (4th in ABL_

Week (6-1): 1-0 vs. Jacksonville, 3-0 vs. Memphis, 3-1 vs. San Francisco

8/20: MAD 6, JAC 4
WP: V. Houston (2-2, 4.41), LP: J. Martinez (5-3, 3.24), SV: L. Bishop (8)
HR: C. Jimenez (17)
POG: V. Houston 6.2 IP, 6H, 2BB, 8 K
- Nice recovery outing by V. Houston and a sweep of Jacksonville

8/21: MAD 7, MEM 6 (10)
WP: M. Huporkorny (1-0, 3.18), LP: J. Samuels (7-6, 4.07)
HR: N. Schaefer (3), M. Kouno (18), G. Martinez (22), J. Byrd (26), P. Ramos (12)
POG: G. Martinez 3-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR

8/22: MAD 6, MEM 2
WP: K. Campbell (16-7, 2.84), LP: E. West (11-13, 3.61), SV: J. Tavares (28)
HR: J. Byrd (27)
POG: J. Byrd 4-4, 2 R, RBI

8/23: MAD 9, MEM 2
WP: J. Polledo (13-4, 2.53), LP: M. Warren (9-11, 4.83)
HR: R. Menenders (4), K. Nishikawa (34), D. Chamings (15), M. Kouno (19), G. Martinez (23), D. Perez (15), A. Bruno (33)
POG: K. Nishikawa 2-4, R, 3 RBI, HR
- Back to back sweeps of Jacksonville and Memphis
- Despite the 6 game winning streak we remain one game behind Columbus, but have opened a 5 game lead on the Wildcard
- Fresno (48-84) has been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs

8/24: MAD 2, SF 1
WP: A. Garcia (4-0, 2.10), LP: F. Rodriguez (4-2, 4.33)
HR: G. Martinez (24)
POG: D. Magnusson 8IP, 4H, ER, 2 BB, 2 K

8/25: MAD 12, SF 7
WP: M. Huporkorny (2-0, 3.45), LP: K. Moore (0-3, 6.550, SV: M. Farias (1)
HR: P. French (2), J. Osorio (3), G. Martinez (25)
POG: J. Osorio 2-4, 4 RBI, HR
- G. Martinez has hit a home run in the last three games

8/26: SF 5, MAD 4
WP: T. Cooley (10-12, 4.36), LP: P. Juarez (13-4, 4.13), SV: F. Rodriguez (14)
POG: S. Hubbard 2-4, 3 RBI
- Ends Madison’s 8 game winning streak
- In the last 10 games we have gone 8-2 and lost a game on first place Columbus

Next Week: 3 vs. Phoenix (58-77), 3 @ New York (60-75)

Players of Week
NL: F. Stafford (COL) 12-26, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R (2x)
AL: P. Polk (FW) 17-30, HR, 11 RBI (3x)

Active ABL Leaders in career complete games:
Donald Patrick, LP, 71
Elton West, MEM, 58
Dane Binzer, -, 55
Tom Cooley, SF, 54
Nick Ford, LA 49

Mallard News:
- Wesley Peters found a 16 year old catcher, Fermin Cruz, in Venezuela
- AA – North Berwick is ranked #1 in the Power Rankings (82-38)

[Muskies]

Record: 85-56, .603, 3 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Columbus) – ( 7 game lead in the Wild Card over Kansas City)
Runs Scored: 724 (3rd in NL)
Runs Allowed: 609 (4th in NL)
Defense: .708 (2nd in NL)
Owner Mood / Fan Interest: Delighted / 100
Power Rankings: 111.5 – (5th in ABL)

Week (4-2): 2-1 vs. Phoenix, 2-1 vs. New York

8/28: MAD 12, PHO 1
WP: K. Campbell (17-7, 2.78), LP: R. Lopes (7-13, 3.52), SV: A. Garcia (6)
POG: K. Campbell 7.2 IP, 5 H, ER, 3 BB, 6 K
- Columbus is in the middle of an 8 game winning streak, we can’t seem to catch them..

8/29: PHO 11, MAD 6
WP: M. Martin (3-0, 3.55), LP: J. Polledo (13-5, 2.81)
HR: J. Powell (13), H. Fukuda (9), N. Schaefer (4), K. Nishikawa (35)
POG: N. Schaefer 2-4, R, 4 RBI, HR (GRAND SLAM)

8/30: MAD 6, PHO 2
WP: A. Johnson (9-8, 3.48), LP: R. Amestoy (7-17, 6.34)
HR: K. Nishikawa (36), M. Kouno (23)
POG: A. Johnson 7.2 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 7 K

8/31: MAD 4, NY 0
WP: V. Houston (3-2, 4.40), LP: B. Smith (8-8, 3.82), SV: L. Bishop (8)
HR: S. Schaffer (4), M. Kouno (20)
POG: V. Houston 7 IP, 2 H, BB, 4K
- G. Martinez has a 20 game hitting streak
- T. Allenade (CLE) became the lastest player to reach 2000 hits

9/1: MAD 9, NY 3
WP: P. Juarez (14-4, 4.00), LP: A. Robinson (11-10, 3.82)
HR: K. Nishikawa (37)
POG: K. Nishikawa 2-4, R, 3 RBI, HR

9/2: NY 3, MAD 1
WP: P. Fisher (10-11, 4.04), LP: K. Campbell (17-8, 2.78), SV: M. Gonzalez (24)
HR: M. Perez (3)
POG: P. Fisher 7.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 7 K

Next Week: 3 vs. Baltimore (80-61), 3 @ Tampa (62-79(

Players of the Week
NL – C. Rivers (MES) – 10-24, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 5 R
AL – S. Prince (LB) – 13-24, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 6 R

Who leads the ABL in home runs while playing first base:
Stanley Davis, WAS, 42
Alberto Garza, FW, 41
Katai Nishikawa, MAD, 37
Jim Hayes, SF, 36
Israel Colon, COL, 33

Other News:
- Chicago fired manager Vincente Rosado

August Awards

Batter of the Month
NL – S. Davis (WAS) .306, 14 HR, 30 RBI, 23 R (4x)
AL – S. Bender (IND) - .317, 11 HR, 30 RBI, 21 R (1x)

Pitcher of the Month
NL – R. Stewart (WAS) – 5-1, 2.36 ERA, 41 K (1x)
AL – J. Alfonso (IND) – 4-1, 2.05 ERA (4x)

Rookie of the Month
NL – M. Parker (WAS) - .411, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 17 R (2x)
AL – R. Holland (HOU) - .288, 4 HR, 15 RBI (1x)

Washington (68-71) and Indianapolis (88-51) almost swept the August awards. For the month of August Washington was 15-13 and Indianapolis was (19-9).

AA – North Berwick – Michael Bass was named Pitcher of the Month (5-0, 2.25 ERA, 29K)

Roster Expansion

The calendar turns to September, we head into the last month of the 2012 season. It is time to expand the rosters and give those minor league players a shot. We have run the entire season with only 31 men on our 40 man roster, so the only call up we will have at this time is going to Bartolo Salazar to give some additional relief to the bullpen. North Berwick (AA) has a couple starting pitchers who are ready to move up but they are making a run at the post season and I don’t want to disrupt their chances at title.

Playoff Picture

National League

Eastern Division
Baltimore (80-61, .657)
Washington (69-72, .489) – 11 GB

Central Division
Columbus (88-53, .624)
Madison (85-56, .603) – 3 GB

Western Division
Dallas (77-64, .546)
Mesa (75-66, .532) – 2 GB

Wild Card
Madison (85-56, .603)
Kansas City (78-63, .553) – 7 GB
Mesa (75-66, .532) – 10 GB
Detroit (75-66, .532) – 10 GB

The eastern division is all but decided, it take a miracle run by Washington to make up the ground. Madison continues to fight to keep up with Columbus, but continues to lose ground; in August Columbus went 20-8 compared to our 18-10, thus we lost two games. The Western Division look to remain up for grabs between Dallas and Mesa

American League

Eastern Division
Indianapolis (89-52, .631)
Philadelphia (84-57, .596) – 5 GB

Central Division
Ft. Worth (92-49, .652) – Magic #4
Houston (74-67, .525) – 18 GB

Western Division
San Jose (88-53, .624) – Magic #5
Los Angeles (71-70, .504) – 17 GB

Wild Card
Philadelphia (84-57, .596)
Cleveland (84-57, .596)
Houston (74-67, .525) – 10 GB

The only drama in the American League appears to be the wild card contest between Philadelphia and Cleveland. Philadelphia has an outside chance at a run in the Eastern, in which case Indianapolis would be chasing the Wildcard.

[Muskies]

Record: 87-60, .592, 3 gb
Position: 2nd (behind Columbus) – 5 game lead in the Wild Card over Kansas City
Runs Scored: 757 (5th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 634 (2nd in NL)
Defense: .708 (2nd in NL)
Owner Mood / Fan Interest:
Power Rankings: 104.5- (7th in ABL)

Week (2-4) – 1-2 vs. Baltimore, 1-2 vs. Tampa

9/3: MAD 8, BAL 1
WP: J. Polledo (14-5, 2.75), S. Yamaski (9-6, 6.08)
HR: M. Kouno (21)
POG: M. Kouno 2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR

9/4: BAL 5, MAD 2 (11)
WP: L Garcia (4-8, 3.96), LP: J. Tavares (4-7, 4.42), SV: R. Woods (1)
HR: J. Densham (1), L. Davis (24)
POG: J. Densham 2-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR
- G. Martinez hitting streak ends at 23 games

9/5: BAL 6, MAD 5 (11)
WP: R. Woods (6-5, 4.71), LP: A. Garcia (4-1, 2.07)
HR: A. Olson (8), C. Campbell (32), E. Brown (15)
POG: A. Olson 3-6, R, 2 RBI, HR

9/6: MAD 15, TAM 0
WP: P. Juarez (15-4, 3.82), LP: D. Lane (7-10, 4.38)
HR: C. Ryan (11), K. Nishikawa (38), D. Chamings (16), G. Martinez (26)
POG: C. Ryan 2-4, 3 R, 4 RBI, HR
R. Menenders ejected in the seventh inning for arguing a call

9/7: TAM 12, MAD 3
WP: H. Pickett (14-11, 4.38), LP: K. Campbell (17-9, 2.98)
HR: D. Chamings (17), K. Higgins (4)
POG: D. Rouse 3-5, R, 5 RBI, 2 2B
Campbell only lasted 1.2 innings allowing 5 earned runs

9/8: TAM 1, MAD 0 (10)
WP: K. Caldwell (5-8, 4.35), LP: A. Garcia (4-2, 2.15)
POG: J. Polledo 8.0 IP, H, BB, 9K
- San Jose clinches the AL Western Division
- Ft. Worth clinches the AL Central Division

Next Week: 3 vs. Dallas (80-67), 3 @ Mesa (78-69), 1 vs. Austin (61-86)

Players of the Week
NL – Al Clarke (DET) 14-28, 2 HR, 6 RBI (1x)
AL – Carlos Pena (NAS) – 13-25, 2 HR, 10 RBI (7x)

Who are the oldest players in the American Baseball League:
Drew Bennett, REN, 42 years, 364 days
James Kaufman, WAS, 42 years, 2 days
Goitom Chatuluka, SJ, 41 years, 72 days
Hollis Lee, NAS, 40 years, 356 years
Donald Patrick, LB, 40 years, 226 days

Mallard News
- AA North Berwick (90-40) is number one in the power rankings 134.6 +,

Playoff Race(s)

NL Eastern
Baltimore (83-64, .565) – Magic #5
Washington (72-75, .490) 11 GB

NL Central
Columbus (90-57, .612) – Magic #13
Madison (87-60, .592) – 3 GB

NL Western
Dallas (80-67, .544) – Magic #14
Mesa (78-69, .531) – 2 GB

NL Wildcard
Madison (87-60, .592) – Magic #11
Kansas City (82-65, .558) – 5 GB
Detroit (80-67, .544) – 7 GB

AL Eastern
Indianapolis (92-55, .626) – Magic #12
Philadelphia (88-59, .599) – 4 GB

AL WildCard
Philadelphia (88-59, .599) – Magic #14
Cleveland (86-61, .585) – 2 GB

[Muskies]

Record: 89-65, .578, 2 GB
Position: 2nd behind Columbus, 5 game lead on the Wildcard over Kansas City
Runs Scored: 794 (4th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 672 (t2nd in NL)
Defense: .707 (2nd in NL)
Owner Mood / Fan Interest: Very Happy / 100
Power Rankings: 99.0 – (12th in ABL)

Week (2-5) – 1-2 vs. Dallas, 1-2 vs. Mesa, 0-1 vs. Austin

9/10: DAL 9, MAD 7
WP: F. Graves (3-3, 4.34), LP: A. Garcia (4-3, 2.75), SV: J. McCoy (38)
HR: S. Chavez (26), N. Schaefer (5)
POG: S. Chavez 1-1, R, 4 RBI, HR, (GRAND SLAM in the top of the 9th to put Dallas ahead)

9/11: MAD 10, DAL 6
WP: B. Salazar (1-0, 9.00), LP: S. Lochore (10-4, 3.64), SV: M. Huporkorny (1)
HR: J. Diaz (16), K. Nishikawa (39)
POG: R. Cochran 4-5, 2 RBI

9/12: DAL 4, MAD 0
WP: M. Hodges (11-10, 3.75), LP: P. Juarez (15-5, 3.87), SV: R. Taylor (16)
HR: J. Caraccioni (2), G. Glenn (11), S. Chavez (27)
POG: M. Hodges 7.2 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K

9/13: MES 4, MAD 3
WP: I. Salazar (7-5, 1.32), LP: K. Campbell (17-10, 3.03)
HR: C. Patterson (27), C. Cannon (11)
POG: A. Johnston 7.0 IP, 6 H, ER, 2 BB, 4 K
- Madison takes the loss in the bottom of the ninth inning

9/14: MES 8, MAD 7
WP: M. Kephart (6-7, 4.09), LP: A. Garcia (4-4, 2.97)
HR: C. Ryan (12), J. Benavides (18), P. Romero (2)
POG: V. Valentin 3-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, 3B
- A second loss for the Mallards in the bottom of the ninth inning

9/15: MAD 9, MES 1
WP: A. Johnson (10-8, 3.32), LP: T. Wilson (10-12, 3.48)
POG: A. Johnson 8.1 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 9 K

9/16: AUS 6, MAD 1
WP: C. Young (8-16, 4.55), LP: V. Houston (3-3, 5.75)
HR: A. Ayala (19), C. Boucard (32)
POG: A. Ayala 2-4, 2 R, RBI, HR
- Baltimore clinches a NL Eastern Division

Next Week: 2 vs. Austin (64-90), 3 @ Charlotte (72-82), 3 @ Washington (78-76) - Finishing out the season

Players of the Week
NL – F. Stafford (COL) – 10-26, 5 HR, 11 RBI (3x)
AL – M. Palmer (CHI) 15-30, 5 RBI (2x)

Who holds the single season ABL record for walks:
Dan McGee, MES, 142, 2011
Lorenzo Hernandez, -, 132, 2003
Jeff Phillips, -, 131, 1993
Jesus Quintana, -, 131, 1990
Curt Tanner, CLE, 130, 2011

Remaining playoff races

NL Central
Columbus (96-58, .623) – Magic #2
Madison (89-65, .578) – 7 GB

NL Western
Dallas (84-70, .545) – Magic #7
Mesa (82-72, .532) – 2 GB

NL Wildcard
Madison (89-65, .578) – Magic #4
Kansas City (84-70, .532) – 5 GB
Detroit (84-70, .532) – Detroit has gone 7-3 compared to the Mallards 3-7, I am getting a little nervous.

AL Eastern
Indianapolis (97-57, .630) – Magic #3
Philadelphia (91-63, .591) – 6 GB

AL Wildcard
Philadelphia (91-63, .591)
Cleveland (91-63, .591)

Kage’s Journal

The streaky nature of this team is something to behold; we are currently in the process of streaking ourselves right out of the playoff’s. We have 9 games remaining and a four game lead on the Wildcard, but we have gone 3-7 in our last 10 games. Fortunately, Kansas City has gone 4-6 in the same stretch otherwise the lead would have shrunk. Catching Columbus as this point is very unlikely, they have such a strong rotation they should be able to cruise to the playoff’s and have the rotation set for the post season. I am hoping we can solidify our spot to set the rotation, unlike last year, although that worked out pretty well for us.

In my preparations for next year I realized that Kenny Campbell contract for next year is $14.1 million as a player option. That make me nervous, up until his last three starts he was a serious contender for Pitcher of the Year, which may lead him to void his contract. I didn’t see that coming when I set up the deal or even at the midpoint of the season. Not a lot I can do about it now as he is looking for $17 million over 8 years

[Muskies]

Record: 93-69, .574
Position: 2nd behind Columbus
Runs Scored: 845 (3rd in NL)
Runs Allowed: 716 (3rd in NL)
Defense: .705 (2nd in NL)
Owner Mood / Fan Interest: Happy / 100
Power Rankings: 99.5 ++ (7th in ABL)

Week (4-4) : 1-1 vs. Austin, 2-1 vs. Charlotte, 1-2 vs. Washington

9/17: AUS 1, MAD 0
WP: B. Juarez (4-7, 5.87), LP: J. Tavares (4-8, 4.26), SV: R. Martinez (19)
POG: P. Juarez (MAD) 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 7 K

9/18: MAD 10, AUS 5
WP: K. Campbell (18-10, 3.12), LP: C. Barnes (5-5, 4.96), SV: M. Hinton(2)
HR: M. Ruiz (23), D. Chamings 2 (19)
POG: M. Ruiz 3-4, 2 R, 4 RBI, HR
- Columbus clinches the NL Central
- Mesa and Dallas are now tied in the NL Western

9/19: MAD 9, CHA 2
WP: J. Polledo (15-5, 2.78), LP: J. Clark (7-15, 5.56)
HR: G. Martinez (27), D. Hall (44)
POG: G. Martinez 4-5, 3 R, 2 RBI, HR

9/20: MAD 10, CHA 4
WP: J. Tavares (5-8, 4.09), LP: J. Estes (6-6, 4.58)
HR: M. Kouno (23), G. Martinez (28), J. Young (6), C. Conley (19)
POG: G. Martinez 4-5, 2 R, 7 RBI, 2B, HR
- With that win Madison clinches and a Detroit loss the Mallards clinch the Wildcard. That is a big sigh of relief. I can make sure that Campbell, Polledo, and Juarez are rested for the Wild card
- Indianapolis clinches the AL East
- The two remaining races are the NL West (currently tied between Mesa and Dallas) and the AL Wildcard (Cleveland has one game lead on Philadelphia)
- J. Hayes (SF) reached the 2000 hit mark today

9/21: CHA 7, MAD 4
WP: B. Smith (13-15, 4.83), LP: V. Houston (3-4, 6.08), SV: M. Cruz (17)
HR: C. Conley (20)
POG: C. Conley 1-3, R, 2 RBI, HR
- T. Allenade got his 300th Home Run
- We are calling up J. Jackson and A. MacFadden from AAA to fill out the starting rotation for the last three games to set the rotation for the playoffs at K. Campbell, J. Polledo and P. Juarez

9/23: WAS 12, MAD 4
WP: E. Chase (5-8, 4.92), LP: J. Jackson (0-1, 19.29)
HR: M. Hayashida 2 (21), F. Soberano (24), D. Kelly 2 (29)
POG: D. Kelly 2-4, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR
- J. Jackson not quite ready for major leagues

9/24: MAD 9, WAS 6
WP: J. Tavares (6-8, 3.86), LP: J. Kaufman (7-6, 2.08), SV: A. Garcia (7)
HR: K. Nishikawa (40), S. Hubbard (5), O. Melton (10), F. Soberno (25)
POG: O. Melton 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR

9/25: WAS 7, MAD 5 (10)
WP: J. Mason (6-9, 3.96), LP: A. Garcia (4-5, 2.95)
HR: K. Nishikawa (41), F. Soberno 2 (27)
POG: F. Soberno 2-3, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2 HR
- Dallas wins the NL West by one game over Mesa
- Cleveland wins the AL Wildcard over Philadelphia


Players of the Week
NL – J. Hayes (SF) – 12-26, 6 HR, 3 RBI, 10 R (15x)
AL – J. Bass (NAS) – 12-28, HR, 4 RBI, 7 R (1x)

Who is the active leader in the ABL in career games started:
Hollis Lee, NAS, 2875
Goitom Chatuluka, SJ, 2410
John Lee, - , 2378
Stephan Anderson, TAM, 2181
Jarrod Caine, DET, 2161

Minor League News
- North Berwick (AA) qualified for the playoffs, knocked out in the first round
- Moreno (A) qualified for the playoffs, is in the second round of the playoffs
- Minneapolis (R) has qualified for the playoffs, is in the second round of the playoffs
- Wesley Peters found 16 year old Badda Musamba a starting pitcher from South Africa

Batting Title
NL – Otto Melton (WAS) - .341
AL – Alan Waddingham (HOU) - .353

[Muskies]

First Round of the playoffs:

Dallas vs. Columbus
Madison vs. Baltimore
Cleveland vs. Ft. Worth
San Jose vs. Indianapolis

2012 Division Series
Madison Mallards (93-69) vs. Baltimore Pinnacles (92-70)

Baltimore finished first in the NL Eastern Division this year. This represents the fourth year in a row that Baltimore has qualified for the playoffs. Baltimore was ranked number 1 in runs scored and 14th in runs allowed. The head to head record against Baltimore is 6-6.

Game 1 (J. Polledo vs. S. Williams)

Key Moment: In the bottom of the eighth inning with 1 out and runners on first and third, Kouno was wiped out trying to turn the double play. Mallard threatened in the ninth but couldn’t get a runner across.

BAL 6, MAD 5
WP: K. Hughes (1-0, 0.00), LP: J. Polledo (0-1, 5.14), SV: L. Garcia (1)
HR: G. Martinez (1)
POG: G. Martinez 4-5, 4 R, 2 RBI, 2 2B, HR

In other Games:
Dallas defeated Columbus 5-2 (Dallas leads 1-0)
Fort Worth defeats Cleveland 7-1 (Fort Worth leads 1-0)
San Jose defeats Indianapolis 2-0 (San Jose leads 1-0)

[Muskies]

2012 Division Series
Madison Mallards (93-69) vs. Baltimore Pinnacles (92-70)

Game 2 (A. Johnson vs. V. Leon)

Key Moment: After three innings Baltimore jumped out to a 6 to 1 lead. We ended up bringing P. Juarez in in relief in the top of the fourth inning. Madison battled back to 6 to 5 in the top of ninth with two outs and runners on the corners. Nolan Schaefer hit a blooper base hit to tie up the game at 6 apiece. Baltimore led off the bottom of the 10th with a double and base hit for the win off M. Hoporkorny.

BAL 7, MAD 6 (10)
WP: L. Garcia (1-0, 3.00), LP: M. Huporkorny (0-1, 4.50)
HR: M. Ruiz (1), K. Nishikawa (1), M. Kouno (1), S. Takeuchi (1)
POG: M. Ruiz 2-2, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, HR

Baltimore leads the Series 2-0

In Other Games
Columbus defeats Dallas 4 to 1 (Series tied at 1)
Cleveland defeats Ft. Worth 6 to 3 (Series tied at 1)
Indianapolis defeats San Jose 8 to 1 (Series tied at 1)