The Mallards

[Muskies]

[Muskies]

AL 6, NL 3

Player of the Game – NL - Stephan Anderson (MES) – 1-3, HR, R, 2RB

M. Ruiz pinch hit in the 8th inning, but did not get a hit
R. Aquino pitched 1 inning allowing 1 hit and no runs

I decided to revisit the contract extension of both Liu and Riuz before the second half of the season begins. Riuz is still looking for 3 years at $13 million, but Liu has upped his price from $3 million to $5 million for 3 years. Stuart has indicated that I have $34 million available for extensions; however, I would like to keep payroll at less than $110 Million next year. These two extensions would put me at about $95 million for next year.

In Other News:

Offered Ruiz a three-year contract about $12 million per year with the third year being a team option.

Offered Liu a three-year contract at about $4 million per year with the third year being a team option.

[Muskies]

Record: 42-38, .525, 15 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Tampa)
Avg.: .262 (5th in NL)
Runs Scored: 384 (t-6th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 349 (6th in NL)
Defense: .715 (3rd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 97.5 (11th)

• Last Week: (4-1), 3-0 vs Detroit, 1-1 vs. Baltimore
• Nolan Schaefer approved the deal and is on his way to Minneapolis
• Allen Cowell was still not satisfied and has decided to go back to college; we will receive a compensation pick in next years draft.
• 6/24: MAD 8, DET 4: Juarez 7 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 109 PI, W (2-7, 4.86)
• Hansen 2-4, 2 R, 4 RBI, HR Grand Slam in the 7th inning
• 6/25: MAD 6, DET 5 (13): Martinez 4-7, 2 R, 2B
• Jennings 3 IP, H, BB, 3 K, W (2-4, 5.88)
• 3rd Round pick Marcus Wallace accepted his offer and is on his way to Minneapolis
• 6/26: MAD 7, DET 0: Wilder 9 IP, 3 H, BB, 6 K, 100 IP, W (3-4, 3.32) – Game Score 86
• Martinez 3-4, 2 R, 2 ER, 2B, HR
• 6/27: MAD 7, BAL 3: Higgins 7 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 4 K, 88 PI, W (8-5, 2.67)
• Nashikawa 2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR
• Jim Hayes (SF) hit home run #300
• 6/28: BAL 7, MAD 6: Campbell 7.1 IP, 11 H, 6 ER, 4 K , ND
• Howell lost the game in the ninth allowing 2 H and 1 ER and getting no outs
• Ruiz 3-5, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR
• 5th Round pick Scott Roberts was not satisfied with the offer. We will up the offer to his request of $200,000
• Next Week 1 @ Baltimore (46-34), 3 vs. Kansas City (31-49), 3 @ Charlotte (37-43)

Players of the week
NL – Jason Davis (BAL) - .727, HR, 4 RBI
AL – Pedro Leyva (SJ) - .409, 2 HR, 4 RBI

[Muskies]

Record: 47-40, .540, 15 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Tampa)
Avg.: .264 (4th in NL)
Runs Scored: 419 (6th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 372 (4th in NL)
Defense: .718 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 100.2 (12th)

• Last Week (4-2) 3-0 vs. Baltimore, 1-2 vs. Charlotte
• 6/29: MAD 8, BAL 7: Juarez 6 2/3 IP, 6 H, 3 ER BB, K, W (3-7, 4.81)
• J. Benson 2-4, 2 ER, 3 RBI, 2 HR
• Wing Liu signed his contract, the fans were indifferent
• 6/30: MAD 8, KC 1: Aquino 7 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K W (10-3, 2.44)
• Ruiz 3-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR
• 7/1: MAD 3, KC 2: Wilder 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
• Snow 2 IP, 2 BB, 2 K, W (6-0, 3.41) in relief
• Taylor 2-3, R, RBI, HR
• Miguel Ruiz signed his contract, overall fan reaction was positive
• 7/2: MAD 7, KC 0: Higgins 9 IP, H, 13K, W, (9-5, 2.47) – Game Score 98!!
• Martinez 2-4, 2 R, #RBI, HR
• 7/3: CHA 4, MAD 2: Campbell 6 IP, 8 ER, BB, 3 K, 2 HR, L (6-3, 3.60)
• Nishikawa hit a 516 foot home run
• Dave Kline (LA) batting AVG leader at .367 is out 5-6 with a hamstring
• 7/4: MAD 4, CHA 0: Liu 3-4, R, 2 RBI
• Rojas picked up the win (9-2, 2.40)
• 7/5: CHA 9, MAD 3: Juarez 5.2 IP, 6H, 7 ER, 4 BB, 4 K (3-8, 5.07)
• Next Week: 3 @ Columbus (45-42), 3 vs. New York (50-37)

The trade deadline is approaching; we don’t really have a lot of options for going all in as our minor league system is pretty depleted. As it stands we are 15 games out in the division and in 4th place in the wildcard, 3 games behind. New York and Baltimore. We had a good showing against Baltimore and have three games coming up this week against New York.

Players of the Week
NL – Jose Rosado 14-22, HR, 9 RBI
AL – Jorge Lucero 15-28, 3 HR, 5 RBI



Monthly Award

AA – Maurilio Fiadeiro (1B) .370, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 20 R, .431 OPB

NL Batter – Nishikawa .372, 10 HR, 26 RBI, 25 R
AL Batter – Hank Miller (CHI) .465/.489 20 H, 2 BB, 9 HR, 25 RBI, 13 R

NL Pitcher – Bill Brewer (DET) 2-0, 9 SV, .53, 12 K
AL Pitcher – Herb Miller (CLE) 5-0, 1.80, 30K, 40 IP

NL Rookie – John Benson - .241, 19 H, 4 HR, 8 R
AL Rookie - Hank Miller (CHI) - .465/.489 OBP, 9 HR, 25 R

[Muskies]

In a move that left many fans wondering, the Philadelphia Towers have traded 25 year old third basemen Joe Holman and 19 year old third basemen Sancho Luna to the New York Mudfish. In return, the Towers receive 28 year old starting pitcher Mike Ryan.

Currently Holman is batting .248 with 27 hits and 2 home runs. He has knocked in 15 runs and scored 17 times.

Over the season Ryan has thrown 98.1 innings and dished out 70 strikeouts with a 6-8 mark and a 3.75 ERA.

Ryan is a potential number one starter who has never really reached his potential. His best was 2007, when he went 16-7, 3.75. Philly is in 2nd place in the AL East, 7 GB and 4 GB in the Wild Card. This is an interesting trade, in that New York at best got a potential bench player in Luna.

[Muskies]

I received a call from Jack Rigsby, GM of the Queens Drivers, he wanted to let me know that Vincente Valentin is on the trading block. Valentin (28 yrs old) is a 2-time best fielder winner who can play 2B and SS at the elite level. As a hitter he is a career .293/.352/.406. In 50 games in 2009 he is hitting .289 / .338 with 2 HR, 16 RBI. He has a price tag of $18 million and is a free agent aver this year, so he would cost us about $8 million for the rest of the season. It would really shore up the infield for the rest of the year and would cost us virtually nothing, we could do a straight up swap for first basement Orlando Vallejo, who is holding the place until Al Hill comes back in three weeks (granted he will only have four fingers, so I am kind of expecting a set back in his recovery) but Nishikawa has proved a serviceable first basemen.

Although BNN does not indicate that I have any weakness at this time the bullpen is making me uneasy, we are currently 15th in bullpen ERA at 5.38. I asked Jack if he would be willing to add Charlie Miller who is having the best year of his career (3-1, 2.53, 64 IP, .217OBA) to sweeten the deal; Jack didn’t even bat an eye and said that would be fine.

I thanked Jack for the heads up and said I would certainly think this over. Will a deal like this be enough to push earn me the Wild Card, given the power house that Tampa, despite the loss of their ace, I don’t think I can overcome to take the division.

A deal like this I will need to mull over. I sat at my desk and wrote down the negatives of the deal:

• Lose a potential Gold Glove at first base in Vallejo who is under club control for three more years (although he will never have the power that one would like from this position)
• We are soaking up about $8 million in salary for a rental, to make a run for a Wild Card spot

[Muskies]

I met with Davies this morning to discuss the trade, he is convinced that the roster as it stands should get us to the play off’s. Now that everyone is healthy, with the exception of Hill, the boys are playing really well and a move like that isn’t going to help build for the future. We can look in the offseason to fill our defensive hole at short stop, but Valentin and Miller are not going to solve the problem with the bullpen. Fortunately this rumor never made it to the press, because with Valentin’s popularity there would have been a lot of disappointment that the deal did not get completed.

[Muskies]

Record: 50-43, .538, 13 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Tampa)
Avg.: .257 (7th in NL)
Runs Scored: 436 (8th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 388 (4th in NL)
Defense: .719 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 95.8 (15th)

• Last Week (3-3) 1-2 vs. Columbus, 2-1 vs. New York
• We finally signed our last draft pick SP Scott Roberts, he is on is way to report to Minneapolis. Allen Cowell decided to return to college and did not sign so we will receive a compensatory selection in next years draft.
• 7/7: MAD 4, COL 0: Aquino 9 IP, 2 H, BB, 5K, W (11-3, 2.28)
• First hit of the game for either team came in the top of the 6th by Taylor
• 7/8: COL 4, MAD 1: Wilder 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, L (3-5, 3.35)
• 7/9: COL 6, MAD 5(14): Higgins 7 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, ND
• 7/10: MAD 4, NY 3 (14): Campbell 6.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
• Rojas and Snow put together 6.2 IP allowing only 4 hits and no runs
• Walk off home run in the bottom of the 14th by Hansen
• 7/11: MAD 3, NY 2: Rain delay in the 5th inning shortened Juarez’s day, allowing Barrios to pick up his second win in as many days.
• Miguel Ruiz was injured throwing the ball, fortunately it is just hamstring soreness and he will only miss one day
• Victor Riley of Ft. Worth (10-4, 3.1) is expected to miss 3 to 4 weeks with elbow tendonitis. Ft. Worth currently has a nine game lead in the AL Central, we will see how this impacts them.
• 7/12: NY 1, MAD 0: Five pitchers combined for 7 hits in nine innings, in a scheduling snafu the Juarez started twice in the three days…
• Next Week: 3 @ Tampa (63-30), 3 @ Austin (39-54)

A disappointing week going 3-3 after our performances over the last few weeks; we remain in second place 13 games behind Tampa and 4 games out of the Wild Card despite going 2 -1 against New York. A big series coming up against division leading Tampa, this will be a good barometer of where we stand with three weeks remaining until the trade deadline. Unfortunately we go into the series in the middle of 12 straight games and the bullpen is pretty worn out. We also go into the series with Ruiz, Nishikawa, and Martinez, our three strongest players in the middle of cold streaks.

Players of the Week:
NL – Elliot O’Malley (BAL) 11-21, HR, 6 RBI
AL – Matt Moore (PHI) 8-20, 5 HR, 13 RBI

[Muskies]

Record: 53-46, .535, 13 GB
Position: 3rd (behind Tampa & Columbus) (5th in the WC, 4 GB)
Avg.: .255 (7th in NL)
Runs Scored: 457 (8th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 409 (4th in NL)
Defense: .721 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 95.4 (16th)

• Last Week: (3-3) 1-2 vs Tampa, 3-2 vs. Austin
• 7/12: TAM 4, MAD 1: Wilder 8 IP, 8H, 1 ER, 6K, 2 HR, L (3-6, 3.13)
• 2 errors by Wilder resulted in three runs for Tampa, pitched a complete game to give the bullpen a rest.
• Tampa catcher Manuel Ainjos ejected in the second inning for arguing a call.
• Tampa starting pitcher was injured in the bottom of the second and had to leave the game, ended up being back tightness that will keep him out for about a week.
• 7/13: MAD 10, TAM 3: Aquino 7.2 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 5K, @ (12-3, 2.35)
• Chamings 3-3, 3 R, 4 RBI, HR
• 7/14: TAM 6, MAD 0: Campbell 5.1 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 2K, L (6-5, 3.92)
• 7/16: MAD 5, AUS 2: Juarez 7 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 4 K, W (4-8, 4.64)
• 7/17: MAD 5, AUS 4: Higgins 6.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, ND
• Shaffer knocked in Nishikawa in the bottom of the ninth for the win.
• Snow (7-1, 2.89) earned the win in 2.1 relief innings
• 7/18: AUS 2, MAD 0: Baca 7 IP, 6 H, 2 B, 2 K, L (1-1, 2.66)
• Baca earned the win in a spot start to get the rotation back in order, the only two runs allowed were due to errors by Hansen and Martinez, unfortunately we were held to one hit
• Next Week: 3 @ San Francisco (52-47), 3 vs. Jacksonville (47-52), 1 @ Washington (57-42)

Tampa made it pretty clear that they are the top dog in the NL Central. At this point it looks like we will probably be holding tight come the trade deadline. I don’t want to unload any prospects or players that remain, under team control.

Dodged a bullet on the Valentin deal, he is out for at least two weeks with shoulder tendinitis.

Just when I started to get Mr. Stuart back in my good graces, we turn around and go 3-3 and slide back to the 5th in the Wild Card race..

I received another call from John Snow’s agent emphasizing his role as the closer. Snow is having a nice season for the Mallards (6-1, 3.05, 2SV, 9 HLDS). He is not a long-term solution as a closer, he can step in if Howell gets hurt or needs more rest. This is a second time that this has been brought up, I am a little concerned that he could become disruptive in the clubhouse.


Players of the Week
NL – Brian Newman (DET) – 12-29, 3 HR, 6 RBI
AL – Brooks Brown (CLE) – 18-27, 2 HR, 7 RBI

[Muskies]

Record: 58-48, .547, 12 GM
Position: 3rd (behind Tampa and Columbus)
Avg.: .356 (8th in NL)
Runs Scored: 507 (8th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 446 (4th in NL)
Defense: .720 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 101.5 (8th)

• Last Week: (5-2) 2-1 vs. San Francisco, 3-0 vs. Jacksonville, 0-1 vs. Washington
• 7/20: SF 7, MAD 4: Aquino 5 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, K, 2 HR, L (12-4, 2.57)
• Philadelphia SP Stu Myers (13-4, 3.35) is out for 4 months with a ruptured finger tendon
• 7/21: MAD 14, SF 4: Campbell 6.1 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, W (7-5, 4.01)
• Ruiz 2-6, 2 R, 5 RBI, 2 HR, GRAND SLAM
• Hubbard 5-5, 2 R, RBI 2B, 3B, HR (Hits for the Cycle)
• 7/22: MAD 3, SF 2(10): Wilder 8 IP, 4H, 2 ER, BB, 2K
• Nishikawa 3-5, R, 2B, HR
• 7/23: MAD 4, JAC 3: Higgins 7 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, BB, 4 K, W (10-5, 2.66)
• 7/24: MAD 3, JAC 2: Juarez 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, ND
• Chris Campbell (LA) .368, 16 H, 72 RBI is out for 3-4 weeks with a knee sprain
• 7/25: MAD 11, JAC 2: Aquino 8.1 IP, 6 H, ER, 2 BB, 6 K, W (13-4, 2.49)
• Nishikawa 3-4, 3 R, 4 RBI, HR
• Martinez was injured running the bases, bruised shin out for two days.
• 7/26: WAS 7, MAD 4: Campbell 6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, BB, 8 K, L (7-6, 4.10)
• 3 home runs by Liu, Chamings and Hubbard
• Next Week: 2 @ Washington, 3 @ Memphis, 1 vs. Dallas

The trade deadline is five days away. We have no prospects in the minors for which to make acquire any pieces, a number of our high performers are still under team control and the big contracts are the team’s most popular players. At this time I am not willing to sacrifice future performance to take a shot at the Wild Card spot, I don’t think we are going to be able to catch Tampa.

I know that the expectation of Mr. Stuart is to make the playoff’s, I think we have a solid core that if they can play at the level they have for the last couple weeks, and a couple breaks in our direction we could have a shot.

Valentin is still on the trading block and I could probably get him for next to nothing, but I don’t feel that he will be enough to put me over the top.

[Muskies]

Record: 60-52, .536, 15 GB
Position: 3rd (behind Tampa and Columbus) 4th in WC (3GB)
Avg.: .254 (9th in NL)
Runs Scored: 520 (8th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 455 (4th in NL)
Defense: .719 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 94.4 (15)

• Last Week: (2-4), 0-2 vs. Washington, 2-1 vs. Memphis, 0-1 vs. Dallas
• 7/27: WAS 5, MAD 3: Wilder 3.2 IP, 5 H, 5 IP, BB, 5 K, L (3-7, 3.41)
• 7/28: WAS 5, MAD 4(12): Higgins 7 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, 9 K, ND
• Higgins blew his 5th save of the year in the 10 inning
• Martinez 3-6, 3 R, 2B, 3B
• 7/29: MAD 5, MEM 0: Juarez 7.1 IP, 4 H, BB, 5 K, W, (5-8, 4.30)
• 5 run 2nd inning proved to be the difference in the game
• Jarod Caine (DET) reached the 2000 hit mark
• Al Hill's first game back in AAA went 0-4 with 2 K, hopefully he can learn to play with four fingers…
• 7/30: MAD 8, MEM 1: Aquino 7.2 IP, 9H, ER, 3 K, W (14-4,2.43) Aquino is certainly making a move at his third ABL pitcher of the year award.
• 7/31: MEM 4, MAD 0: Campbell 6 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, L (7-7, 4.11)
• Phoenix fired its GM Israel Campos and manager Sonny Newell. Campos has been GM for 5 ½ years, never once making the playoffs. This was Sonny’s first gig as a manager and he was in his second year. In 2009 Phoenix is 37-74
• 8/2: DAL 4, MAD 0: Wilder 5.1 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, L (3-8,3.41)
• O. Arroyo (DAL) held the Mallards to 3 hits
• Sergio Morales (AAA) POW – 10-25, 2 HR, 6 RBI
• Next Week: 2 vs. Dallas(51-61), 3 @ Mesa (60-52), 2 vs. Phoenix (38-74)

Players of the Week
NL – Matsuo Kuono (Mesa) 11-25, 4 HR, 8 RBI
AL – Dan Sheppard (NAS) – 11-23, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R

The City of Boston is mourning the passing if of Luis Martinez, owner of the Boston Bluegills. He passed away at local hospital after a brief illness. Team sources told reporters that son Cristo Martinez would take over running the team and will eventually be named the new owner. Inside sources say that Cristo will be demanding and cheap, not a combination that always goes well together.

Under Luis’s 19 years as Boston’s owner, the team has a .437 willing percentage and has never made the post season, three times loosing over 100 games.

San Francisco Greyhounds, who are in 2nd place in the NL Western division made a trade with Fresno to acquire 35 year-old SP Cesar Legrand. Legrand is at the end of 16 year career after compiling a record of 219-188, 3.76. Ten years ago Legrand spent 3 years with the Mallards going 38-27 while making one All-Star team. San Francisco currently sits 5th in the Wild card (7GB) and 3 behind the Mallards. San Francisco certainly looks to be making a run for the postseason; they gave up their starting CF Shannon Palmer and #96 prospect CL Manuel Farias.

[Muskies]

Players of the Month
Outstanding Hitter
NL – Clyde Kelley (Charlotte) - .342, 8 HR, 25 RBI, 16 R
AL – Stanley Davis (Indianapolis)- .346, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 22 R, .432 OBP

Outstanding Pitcher
NL – Bob Farmer (Dallas) 5-0, 2.80 ERA in 6 starts
AL – Juan Esparza (Indianapolis) 5-0, 1.54 ERA in 6 starts

Outstanding Rookie
NL – Jorge Montoya (Mesa) - .301, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 18 R
AL – Matt Moore (PHI) - .278, 10 HR, 25 H, 24 RBI –
Moore has been both a Rookie of the month and a player of the month. This is the same Matt Moore that we waived and designated for assignment in April of this year, obviously not a great move in hindsight.

[Muskies]

The calendar has turned to August and while I am still fighting for a wild card spot, the trading deadline has passed and I have chosen not to push my chips in the middle, but to sit back and play it safe with an eye on the future. The duties of the GM, never stop and I need to start looking at personnel for next year. I have the following personnel contracts expiring at the end of 2009:

Minneapolis Venom (R) (20-13, 1st)
PC – Harry Oliver (offered 2 years at $100k, he is looking for quite a raise)
HC – Joe Powers

Both coaches are performing well, however J. Powers is under contract for $340,000 per year, which seems a little high for the HC in the Rookie League. With his qualifications though I will offer him the position in upper leagues, probably at AA North Berwick, I will have to let go the current coach before the end of the season or I will risk loosing Powers. Oliver has been the Venom’s pitching coach since 1996 and I will look to keep him signed on.

Moreno Valley Wrens (A) (49-46, 2nd, 23 GB)
Mgr – Aurielio Rodriguez – This is Aurielo 5th year as manager of the Valley Wren’s over the last three year he has gone 193-164 and finished 2nd the last two years and has the Valley Wren’s in 2nd this year. He is looking for a two-year extension at $510,000. I think we will offer him an extension and promotion to AA at the end of the season

HC – Michael Barrett – Barrett is in his second year as hitting coach for Moreno. Last year the team had a batting average of .257, this year to date they have an average of .248 and rank 5th, this could be as much about the talent he has as his skills as a coach. Michael is looking for two years at $70k per years. We will give Michael a couple more year to prove himself, if we can bring in some more talent.

North Berwick Marsupials (AA) (34-61, 5th, 34 GB)
PC – Joe McBride – Joe is in his first year as the pitching coach for North Berwick. The starters have an era of 4.27 and the bullpen has an ERA of 5.27. He is best at handling veterans. We will let Joe find a better opportunity that meets his talents with another team.

HC – Kane Craig – Kane is in his 4th year has hitting coach for the Marsupials, the last two years his hitters have hit .267, this year they are hitting .237, a significant decline. This too may be a function of the talent, but I will look for someone here who is better with younger talent.

Louisville Mastadons (AAA) (34-61, 5th, 26 GB)
PC – Mark O’Coffey – Mark is in his second year as pitching coach for the Mastadon’s. Last year the team had an ERA of 5.36, this year they have an ERA, just south of 6.00 at 5.97. He is saddled with no talent, but I will look for an upgrade here.

HC – Dave Tyler – Dave has been the hitting coach for Louisville for the last six years, his teams have consistently hit above .260, this year they are at .268 and 3rd in the league. Dave is looking for 4 years at $470k per year, an increase of $30k per year.

[Muskies]

Record: 63-56, .529, 15 GB
Position: 3rd (behind Tampa and Columbus) 4th in WC (6 GB)
Avg.: .253 (9th in NL)
Runs Scored: 553 (8th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 484 (4th in NL)
Defense: .718 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 92.3 (17th)

• Last Week: (3-4) 2-0 vs. Dallas, 0-3 vs. Mesa, 1-1 vs. Phoenix
• 8/3: MAD 8, DAL 3: Higgins 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4K, 109 PI, ND
• Liu 3-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR
• Tampa lost its second SP Roberto Chararria (13-6, 2.59) to injury, out three months with an elbow strain
• 8/4: MAD 8, DAL 3: Chamings 4-5, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR
• Juarez only lasted three innings due to a rain delay
• Harry Oliver PC/R – accepted the offer to remain with the club
• 8/5: MES 7, MAD 5: Aquino 7 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, BB, 4 K, L (14-5,2.64)
• 8/6: MEA 3, MAD 1: Campbell 8 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, BB, 9 K, L (7-8, 4.07)
• 8/7: MES 9, MAD 7: Wilder 4 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 93 PI, ND
• LA’s David Garcia collected his 2000th hit
• Ft. Worth’s Jeremy Kelly collected his 2000th hit
• In 7 games at AAA Al Hill his hitting .143 with no home runs
• 8/8: MAD 1, PHO 0: Higgins 7 IP, H, BB, 4 K, W (11-5, 2.51)
• 8/9: PHO 4, MAD 3(11): Juarez 9 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, ND
• Howell 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 K, L (2-5, 4.54)
• Nolan Scheafer was named R league player of the week by hitting 15-31, 7 RBI. For those keeping score he was our first selection in the draft this year.
• Next Week: 1 vs. Phoenix(42-77), 3 @ Detroit(53-66), 2 vs. Baltimore (73-46)

Players of the Week:
NL – Tien-kai Chin (KC) – 10-25, 5 HR, 13 RBI
AL – Tim Gardner (San Antonio) – 13-22, 2 HR, 11 RBI

We had pulled within 2 games of the Wild Card lead prior to our series with Mesa. We just can’t seem to turn the corner against the top teams. Either the pitching or the hitting is falling short. We seem to missing that component that will allow us to compete. I feel it is more on the coaching side than on the roster. Nolan Meredith has done an admirable job give the adversity that the team faced at the beginning of the year with the loss of the owner, however, he just doesn’t seem to have the intangible needed to get this team over the edge. At this point, I think we are going to have to look in another direction. Ironically, this will be an easier move if we do not make the playoff’s.

[Muskies]

Record: 68-57, .544, 13 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Tampa) 2nd in WC (6 GB Washington)
Avg.: .257 (9th in NL)
Runs Scored: 592 (7th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 507 (4th in NL)
Defense: .716 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 100.9 (8th)

• Last Week: (5-1) – 1-0 vs. Phoenix, 3-0 vs. Detroit, 1-1, vs. Baltimore
• 8/10: MAD 6, PHO 5: Aquino 7.1 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K W (15-5, 2.64)
• Ruiz 2-3, R, 3 RBI, HR,
• Benson had 2 errors to increase his total to 15, his ZR at SS this season is -3.8
• CL Tim Brown (SF) earned his 300th career save
• 8/11: MAD 6, DET 2: Campbell 7 IP, 7 H, 6 K (8-8, 3.89)
• Martinez 3-4, 2 R, RBI
• 8/12: MAD 8, DET 7: Wilder 6.1 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, BB, 7 K, (4-8, 3.98)
• 8/13: MAD 6, DET 0: Higgins 6.1 IP, 5 H, 7 K, (12-5, 2.42)
• Benson 3-4, R, RBI, 2B, 3B
• 8/15: BAL 4, MAD 2: Juarez 7 IP, 3 ER, BB, 4 K
• Martinez 3-5, R, 2B
• 8/16: MAD 11, BAL 5: Aquino 7.1 IP, 7 H, BB, 3K, W (16-5, 2.53)
• Chamings 3-5, 2 R, 4 RBI, HR
• Maurilio Fiadeiro (AA) – 11-26, HR, 8 RBI won player of week
• Next Week: 1 vs. Baltimore, 3 @ Kansas City, 3 vs. Charlotte

Player of the Week:
NL – Felix Soberano (WAS) - 11-23, 2 HR, 8 RBI
AL – Pedro Vega (FtW) – 10-24, 3 HR, 10 RBI

A 5-1 week and we didn’t gain any ground on the Wild Card spot. Going to be a tough run the rest of the season to make the playoffs.

[Muskies]

As the season winds down, I need to spent some time looking at who will be a potential free agent to see if we want to offer an extension to get ahead of the game.

MR Carlos Barrios – (30/R/4*) – 3-0, 3.51, 51.1 IP, 37/41 BB/K, 4.33 FIP, 0.2 WAR – Barrios has been a solid reliever, who has performed well for us this year. With a BABIP of .252, I think he has benefited significantly with a solid defense behind him. He is looking for a 3-year deal at $1.2 million.

MR Sixto Rojas – (36/R/4*) – 10-3, 2.59, 80 IP, 13/67 BB/K, 2.90 FIP, 1.8 WAR – Rojas has been solid for us since we traded for him. The obvious concern is his age and that he is looking for a 4 year deal at $3.2 million per year. I like him for a one-year deal, but not at that price, I think we can resign at a lower price in the offseason.

MR – Ray McGrain (35/R/3.5*) – 2-3, 8.87, 22.1 IP, 21/14 BB/K, 6.19 FIP, -0.7 WAR. McGrain has been a disaster since the first day of the season. He hasn’t been able to find his groove and has been in cold streak most of the year. He is looking for a three-year deal $800k per year. He will not be signed to an extension.

SS – Calvin Taylor (34/R/1*) - .223/ .271/ .423, 8 HR, 27 RBI. Taylor is at the end of his career and has struggled off the bench and complained about his role. He is looking for 2 years at $6.5 million per year. I can find a cheaper better option at this position.

SS – Greg Wilson (30/R/2*) – Wilson was picked up mid season as a fill in, but spent much of the year in the minors after being waived and DFA. He is a topnotch defender, but not a great hitter. Wilson is looking for 2 years at $900k per year. I like him as a fielder off the bench, with Calvin Taylor’s contract expiring he could fill in off the bench. He probably won’t hit any better, but he will be stronger over the bench.

C – Carlos Garza (33/R/1.5*) - .164/ .281/ .309, HR, 7 RBI in 55 AB. Garza was signed as free agent to back up Hubbard. At $8 million a year he was not worth the price, in hindsight I am not sure what I was thinking… He is looking for two years at $3.2 per year. I have Gonzalo Lucero (23/R/1 of 2.5*) at AAA who could play a back up role. I will look for a back up on the free agent market for this role.

Summary Thoughts: Barrios has been a solid reliever in a year when our bullpen really struggled. I know that he benefited from the defense, but we have the core group under contract for the next couple of years. I would like to keep Wilson as he is an above average fielder and can come off the bench, he may could also be my short term solution at short stop, Benson has been serviceable, but struggles defensively.

[Muskies]

Record: 72-60, .545, 12 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Tampa) 3rd in WildCard (6 GB)
Avg.: .257 (9th in NL)
Runs Scored: 622 (7th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 526 (4th in NL)
Defense: .716 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 101.2 (11th)

• Last Week: (4-3), 0-1 vs. Baltimore, 2-1 vs. Kansas City, 2-1 vs. Charlotte
• 8/17: BAL 6, MAD 5: Campbell only last 2.1 innings and allowed 5 ER
• Despite his performance, we were tied going into the 9th inning
• Al Hill’s time in rehab is up an must be placed on the active roster, I should have waited two weeks to activate than we would have expanded the roster. Deciding who to send down, will be an issue because I will have use up options on someone, but it has to be Orlando Vallejo, maybe some more time at the AAA will help him get his swing back.
• 8/18: KC 5, MAD 4: Wilder 6 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, BB, 4 K
• 8/19: MAD 3, KC 1: Higgins 7 IP, 4 H, BB, 8 K, W, (13-5, 2.33)
• Garza 3-4, R, RBI, 2B HR
• 8/20: MAD 7, KC 2: Martinez 2-4, 2 R, 4 RBI (GRAND SLAM)
• Hill finally got a hit in his third game back a HR
• SP Juarez was injured in the 3rd inning, diagnosis pending, day to day with shoulder soreness.
• 8/21: MAD 6, CHA 0: Aquino 9 IP, 3 H, 5K, W (17-5,2.42)
• 8/22: CHA 2, MAD 1(10): Campbell 7.2 IP, 5 H, ER, 3 BB, 5 K, ND
• Hill 3-4, RBI 2B – hopefully he found his bat.
• 8/23: MAD 4, CHA 3: Wilder 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, W (5-8, 4.08)
• Nishikawa 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR, Hill goes 2-3 for to continue his hot streak
• Next Week: 3 vs. Columbus, 3 @ New York

Player of the Game
NL – Glen Bascombe (SF) – 12-28, 4 HR, 11 RBI
AL – Vincente Valentin (Queens) – 13-30, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 R – yes the Vincente we were looking at trading for…

We continue to hold our ground; over the last three weeks we have gained 3 games in the division and lost ground in the wild card, with going 12-9 in the month of August. Mr. Stuart isn’t angry, but making the playoffs is looking like a tall order.

[Muskies]

Record: 77-61, .558, 10GB
Position: 2nd (behind Tampa), 2nd in Wild Card (3GB behind Washington)
Avg.: .255 (9th in NL)
Runs Scored: 650 (8th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 537 (3rd in NL)
Defense: .721 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 110.4 (3rd in NL)

• Last Week: (5-1) 2-1 vs. Columbus, 3-0 vs. New York
• 8/24: MAD 5, COL 1: Higgins 7 IP, 6 H, ER, 2 BB, W (14-5, 2.29)
• Nishikawa 2-4, R, 3 RBI, HR
• Jim Harris (Phoenix) notched is 250th win of his career.
• 8/25: COL 6, MAD 5: Baca in a spot start took the loss in 4.2 IP,
• Hill continues his hot streak 3-5 and raised his BA to over .300
• 8/26: MAD 2, COL 1: Aquino 8 IP, 7 H, ER, 2 BB, K, W (18-5, 2.37)
• Donald Patrick (JAC) won his 200th game
• 8/28: MAD 5, NY 1: Campbell 5 IP, 2 H, ER, 7 K, W (9-8, 3.92)
• Campbell injured during the game, back stiffness day to day for a week. We are dodging bullets with injuries.
• Hubbard 3-4, R, RBI
• 8/29: MAD 3, NY 2(12): Wilder 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, 5 K, ND
• Dave Starr (PHO) got his 2000th hit
• 8/30: MAD 8, NY 0: Higgins 8 IP, H, 5 BB, 5 K, W, (15-5, 2.19)
• Next Week: 3 vs. Tampa (87-51), 3 @ Austin (53-85), 1 vs. San Francisco (71-67)

Players of the Week:
NL – Anthony Maddux (CHA) – 12-24, 3 HR, 9 RBI
AL – Tim Gardner (SA) – 12-26, 2 HR, 8 RBI

As the calendar starts to turn to September the Mallards are playing their best baseball of the year. We have 24 games left, including 3 against Tampa and 3 against Washington, the two teams that we are chasing in the division and the Wild Card. Both series are at home where we are 39-27 for .591 winning percentage.

With the roster expansion right around the corner, I don’t see bringing a lot of players up, given the race we are in I don’t see much playing time. Players who spent time on the ML roster, Vallejo, Hinton and Davila may see some time.

[Muskies]

Record: 81-64, .559, 9 GB
Position: 2nd (behind Tampa), WC – 2nd (2 GB Baltimore)
Avg.: .255 (8th in NL)
Runs Scored: 684 (7th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 562 (2nd in NL)
Defense: .720 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 105.6 (5th)

• Last Week: (4-3) 3-0 vs. Tampa, 0-3 vs. Austin, 1-0 vs. San Francisco
• 8/31: MAD 8, TAM 4: Juarez 6.1 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, BB, 5K, W (6-9, 4.04)
• Hubbard hit a home run in the 4th inning with two men on to earn player of the game honors
• 9/1: MAD 9, TAM 3: Aquino 7.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, W (19-5, 2.41)
• Chamings 3-4, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 HR
• 9/2: MAD 2, TAM 1: Baca 8 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, 2 K, ND, epic spot start in a huge game for Baca for the sweep of Tampa and 7 GB with 21 to play
• 9/3: AUS 5, MAD 2: Wilder 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, L (5-9, 3.95)
• Errors by Martinez and Liu allowed two runs and we left the bases loaded twice
• Ruiz injured running the bases, out pending diagnosis
• 9/4: AUS 6, MAD 5: Higgins 5 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3K
• Rojas took the blown save and the loss allowing 2 earned runs in 1 inning pitched
• 9/5: AUS 2, MAD 1: Juarez 7.2 IP, 7H, 2 ER, 3K, L (6-10, 3.97)
• 9/6: MAD 7, SF 4: Aquino 7.1 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, BB, 4 K, W (20-5, 2.50)
• Aquino is the first 20 game winner of the yeas.
• Hill 2-3, 2 R, 5 RBI, 2 HR
• Ruiz has been diagnosed with a strained hamstring, he will be out 5 weeks, a season ending industry unless we go deep into the playoffs.
• Next Week: 2 vs. San Francisco (75-70), 3 @ Jacksonville (59-86), 1 vs. Washington (84-61)

The week brought mixed reviews, a three game sweep of first place Tampa, followed by a three game sweep by last place Austin. All told we gained one game in the division and one game in the Wild Card. The division title is likely out of reach, but we are right there for the Wild Card.

Appointed Mauro Ojeda and Joe Powers as the manager and hitting coach of the AAA Louisville. Demoted the Gerardo Espinoza and Dave Tyler to R Minneapolis, Tyler will be let go at the end of the season. Espinoza has one year left on his contract. We offered Power’s a 2-year extension at $450,000 although he is looking for 5 years at $610,000 which is pretty steep, but we will see.

Players of the Month:

Best Hitters:
NL – Brian Lane (DET) - .292, 14 HR, 29 RBI, 23 R
AL – Tim Gardner (SA) - .404, 5 HR, 28 R, 17 RBI

Top Pitcher
NL – Higgins – 5-0, .66ERA, 13BB, 28 K, .144 BA
AL – Jose Alfonso (IND) – 5-1, 2.34, 27K

Top Rookie
NL – Mark Wright (COL) - .413, 11 2B, 3B,
AL – Matt Bane (NAS) - .342, 4 HR, 40 H, 17 RBI, 19 R

[Muskies]

Here are the standings going into the last three weeks: