2013 Offseason

After another winning year, but missing the playoffs once again, we find ourselves in December and smack-dab in the middle of the off season.  Free agents have declared, arbitration has run it's course, the Rule V draft is upon us and we will break down the players who have moved on, trades and players acquired since the end of the season.


Players Lost:


C Jorge Lozano: After posting the 2nd best VORP of 50.8 ever as a member of the D-Bags, the soon-to-be 33 year old bolted for free agency.  Statistically the best season of his long career, the backstop is looking for that last big payday by hitting the open market.  Rumors have it he is looking for a 4+ year deal worth around 18 million a season.  Jersey would like to thank Jorge his 2.5 years of service and wish him luck in his search.  Jorge is a Type A free agent and Jersey would receive 2 draft picks if a team were to sign him.


SP Jose Brito:  Ace of the staff from 2013 Jose Brito pitched the best season as a full time starter in his career this past year.  Accumulating 16 wins and 178 strikeouts this 29 year old also hit free agency.  With starting pitching in high demand, bidding for his services looks to be high as he looks for a long term deal.  Brito will be missed with the D-Bags sit with a undetermined rotation as this point.  Brito, like Lozano, is also a Type-A type free agent, which will bring the D-Bags 2 draft picks if signed.


SP Hector Hernandez:  Jersey says goodbye to Hector to after just less than a season and a half in a D-Bags uniform.  Hernandez turned 32 just this past month, had a 17-16 record in his 43 starts in Jersey.  Rumors have it he also would like a lengthy contract and he also carries a type-A player tag on him with Lozano and Brito.


2B Fred Ross:  After early season injuries set him back he was regulated to AAA.  He was promoted to the big league club, but his AB's were all but taken by the progressions of prospects Antonio Ruiz and Matt Bryant.  All-in-all he was a glorified bench player in both places and saw very little AB's.  Instead of paying him arbitration the D-Bags cut him loose and let him try to find a place on another roster in free agency.

Lozano                  Brito                  Hernandez  

Trades:
Though some major moves have been discussed and may still be in the works or on the back burner, Jersey has made a few trades up to this point.


SP Carlos Garza to Vista for SP Daniel Felix:  Garza has been with the organization since the inaugural draft in 2010.  The 25 year old won 14 games in AAA and all signs point to him fighting for a shot in the Vista rotation.  In Return coming to Jersey is 19 year old Daniel Felix.  In one year of A ball, Felix posted a respectable 3.13 ERA while striking out 196 in 201 innings.  Though far off from the big club, Jersey sees his ceiling as a #3-4 starter.


RF Michael Paul, SS Jesus Diaz, LF Daniel Guerrero to Reno for SP Kenny Stanford.  After having a huge year in LA, the 2 years Paul spent in Jersey were nothing to be desired.  Instead of paying him 4.5 plus million in arb, Paul was the main piece sent to Reno.  Going with him is all around utility man Jesus Diaz, who is 24.  He doesn't handle the stick great, but has speed, plays every infield position and would make a handy bench player with a team with room.  Also going is 18 year old Daniel Guerrero, a young speedy OF with minimal power. Coming to Jersey is SP Kenny Stanford.  Stanford could be considered an innings eater, who posted an ERA of 4.92 last year. He would slide into the #4 spot in the rotation and has one year of arbitration left.


CF Bill Welshman to Indianapolis for CL Angel Pena:  Though Welshman started out great last season, his K's and injuries again bit him to bring him down.  He has tremendous speed and gold glove caliber defense, but at 27 the D-Bags gave up on this project who will hit free agency next season.  Coming to Jersey is 23 year old AA closer Angel Pena.  Pena was drafted in the 2nd round of 2012's amateur draft  out of the University of Connecticut.  In his first full season in AA he thrived, converting 41 of 44 saves, posting an ERA of 1.16, a WHIP of 0.99 and striking out 74 in 71 innings.

Stanford                     Felix                     Pena  

Free Agency and Rule V:
With the Rule V draft happening Monday night, it is uncertain if Jersey will draft or stands to lose anyone in this draft.  Going in, Jersey has 37 of 40 players on their 40 man roster, leaving room if a player or players are to be drafted.  


As for free agency, a first look over the D-Bags financials show not a lot of money if any is available at this point.  Rumors have it that Jersey is trying to slash some payroll to make room for a free agent of two but that hasn't been seen yet.  


Stayed tuned for more off season dealings, rumors and moves!


GO D-BAGS!

Jersey Shore - September 2013

September was a do or die month for the D-Bags.  They entered the month down 5 games and needed a great Sept to have a sniff at the playoffs, or so they thought.  After their best month of the season going 17-9, they ended up a staggering 8 games out of the division when it was all said and done.  Greenville hit their stride at the right time went 20-7 for the month and ran away with the division.


Players of the Month
With the team playing so well it was hard to choose just a couple of players for POTM, but here they are:


Mike "Coffin" Bryant: 9 HR, 27 RBI, .375/.425/.702. 25R. After displaying some power during the summer, we finally saw the top prospect and former first round pick break out.  He homered once every 10.5 AB, drove in 27 runs in 25 games and killed opposing pitching.  Hate to pre-mature call him a star, but it seems he is destined for big things in this league.


Milliard Cross: 5 HR, 20 RBI, .433/.520/.750.   What happened to Cross after July?  He more than doubled his HR and RBI and hit 400 over the past 2 months of the season.  He went from guy who played when someone needed a rest to starter.  By far the best month of his career


Scott Powers: 5 XBH, 19 RBI, 15 BB, .340/.427/.436, 6 SB.  After stepping his game in August, it was September that really showed why Jersey dealt the talent they did for Powers.  He was an on base machine hitting leadoff, getting on base at a .420 clip.  Look for this not to be his last time in the POTM column.


SP Hector Hernandez: 3-2, 2.12 ERA.  Hernandez's best month of the season.  4 of 5 Quality starts and one of his losses came in a great performance where he gave up 1 ER.  Hernandez is a pending FA, so this might be the last time he graces the POTM.


MR Jose Gomes: 1 Save, 13.2 IP, 21 K, 1.42 ERA, .55 WHIP.  Gomes was nearly unbelievable in September, and ask any Jersey fan and you will hear, "About time!"  After a season in which Gomes struggled  , for him, he put up his finest month by far.  One bad inning he gave up 3 of his 7 baserunners all month long.  Under the radar, the D-Bags signed Gomes to a 5 year deal.


MR Jamie "Mungo" Saenz:   1 Save, 13.2 IP, 16 K, 1.32 ERA, 1.02 WHIP.  Much like Gomes, Saenz was dominate in the late innings.  The month completed his best season so far and helped the D-Bags hold the lead in many of their winnings during September.


Roster Changes, Questions and Answers
We didn't see too many changes to the roster this month.  Sergio Rodriguez, Joe Hernandez, Edgardo Gonzalez all got a hand full of AB's during September and all showed promise. All 3 have a shot at making the active roster next season.  

Being in end of the season we will likely see a lot of change to the roster.  Several big names players have yet to sign a contract extension which would make them FA's in just weeks time.  These players include SP Jose Brito, SP Hector Hernandez and C Jorge Lozano.  Lozano had a career year and as much as everyone in Jersey would love to see him stay, he is 32 and wants a big contract and rumors have it Jersey doesn't have the money.  The same goes for Brito who was very solid this year and the loss of both Brito and Hernandez would put a big dent in the Jersey rotation.


Speculating into the future, Lozano's role can be filled by Mario Ramirez  who tore up AAA pitching this year and has shown he can hold his own against ML pitching.  The SP isn't so easy projected.  Greg Shaefer was having a good year before going down with an injury, he would be slotted to join the rotation and you have to think another SP would come via trade or free agency.  Unless there are some big moves there seem to be starters slotted at every position, which can never be considered a problem.  


The D-Bags fell 1 win short of their 2nd straight 90 season, but yet finished with their 4th straight winning season.  Maybe next year will be Jersey's first trip to the playoffs, only time will tell.  For now look forward to any moves Jersey makes during the off-season!


GO D-BAGS

Jersey Shore - August 2013

Another strange month in a strange up and down season for your Jersey Shore D-Bags.  After a very slumping July which ended in 4 losses, the Bags came out of the gate flat and lost another 4 more, pretty much setting the tone for the majority of the month.  Throw in another 6 game losing streak, a few wins and with one week left to go in the week the Bags were sitting at a record of 8-15.  In the series finale with Madison the bats finally awoke after taking nearly 2 months off.  The Bags won 5 of 7 in the last week including taking 2 of 3 from division leading Greenville to end the month with a record of 13-17.  At month's end the Bags sit 5.5 games out of 1st place with only 26 games to play, playoff chances look bleak. 

Players of the Month:

You won't find a starting pitcher on this list, it was a rough going for the Jersey starters, but for the most a great month for relievers.  There were a lot of choices here, but I narrowed it down to 2.

CL Daniel Morris:  2-0, 5 S. 0.75 ERA, 0.92 WHIP.  Surprised he is here?  Continues to prove he is one of the best in the league.  His best month since April.  Not many saves chances but he was 5 -5.  Couldn't ask for much more out this elite closer

MR Jaime "Mungo" Saenz: 1-0, 1S.  1.42 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 26K 19IP.   The powerful lefty pitched outstanding for the 2nd month in a row.  His 26 strikeouts in only 19 innings helped continue his CL lead with 13.5 K/IP.  He is 2nd in the BSA behind Smith of Hendersonville.  With Gomes Struggling this year he has been a great 2 option for the Bags.

2B Antonio Ruiz: .319/.439/.532.  4HR, 15RBI, 20BB.  Ruiz in his 1st full season in the bigs is breaking out, and August was his best month as a pro.  He added 4 2B, 2 3B and 5 SB as well.  With the loss of Foster Ruiz really stepped up in adding some power that was lost.

1B Milliard Cross: .361/.451/.689. 5HR, 15RBI.  After nearly being jettisoned off the team, Cross proved why he is a valuable asset.  Playing an excellent 1B, Cross put up these numbers in only 18 games, begging to get more playing time in September, and at this rate he will.

SS Jerome Lindsey:  .348/.452/.565.  11BB, 13R. After the brutal slump the offense went into over the summer, the lineup was changed around and Lindsey was put in the leadoff spot and has thrived ever since. 7 mutli-hit games during the month which includes 3 3-hit games.  Look for him to be an intricate part of the Sept playoff push.

Roster Changes, Questions and Answers: 

It's September which means callups!  There will probably not be much changes on the pitching front.  The two main options SP Greg Schaefer and MR Gabriel Barrentez will both miss the rest of the season with injuries.  There are a lot of options with the sticks though.  The only problem will be finding the AB's for new players coming up the big club.  With the AAA club on it's way to the playoffs the first callups will probably be to get another RH OF bat to hit lefties.  Currently Bonniface and Paul are struggling mightily against LHP.  Joe Hernandez and Sergio Rodriguez seem like the first choices, but Taro Kino and bringing back Ramon Tavarez could be viable options as well.

Alberto Perez was called up when Foster went on the DL and is hitting 7 for 21 with 1 XBH hit and 2 RBI after crushing the ball in AAA all year.

The question to be asked is, Can this team once against make a run at the postseason?  We all know they came up short last year and 5.5 games is a tough run with how much season we have left.  The starting pitching needs to be better, a bullpen cannot carry the load.  It will also be interesting to see if any contracts get signed this month as well.  SP Jose Brito and SP Hector Hernandez are both FA at the end of the year and will be interesting if the Bags go into the off-season with only 3 seasoned SP. 

Also without Foster being in the lineup can the young guys, mainly Ruiz and Bryant step up and carry the load?  It's hard to ask basically 2 rookies to do so, but they are the future of this team.  They both have big skills and we will see what the rest of the season brings!

GO D-BAGS!

Prospect Lookback and Breakdown - Adam Morrow

Continuing our series of prospect breakdown, today we take a look at 25 year old 3B Adam Morrow.

 

 

Though this writeup comes a little late considering he is now 25 years old, he has not yet seen a BSA AB, we thought it was still appropriate to get in a breakdown.


College Play
Morrow played his college ball at Oregon State University where he played 4 years.  He excelled in college and showed throughout his 4 years his knack to be a great contact hitter with an above average eye.  If he would have come out after his Junior year, many scouts say he would have been a for sure 1st round pick.  He compiled a triple slash line of .437/.591/.739 while walking 32 times and striking out only 20 times.  The batting average he put up that year stands as 2nd all time in the collegiate ranks and the OBP of .591 still sets the mark as the best ever seen by a collegiate player. His Senior year went well, but nothing compared to the record setting junior year, and he finished his college career with 137 hits, 40 2B, 8 HR and 66 RBI.  His final slash line of .354/.517/.530.  His career BA its in the Top 60, and his OBP currently sits 6th all time at the college level.


Draft and Early Years
Morrow was drafted int the 2nd round of the 2010 draft, 42nd overall by the Jersey Shore D-Bags.  Josh Swain, GM of Jersey Shore, had Morrow listed in his Top 10 and was shocked when he fell to the Bags in the 2nd round.  The 22 year old signed quickly and was sent to Single A affiliate Manhattan.  As many first year players do, he struggled.  He played in 21 games that year getting 67 AB's.  He only managed to get 8 hits, one being a HR, and struck out 23 times without taking a walk.  Morrow got down on himself for not being prepared and went home to Minnesota for the winter where he worked long hours on his swing and worked on the transition from the metal college bats to the wooden ones used at the professional level.  In 2011 he was sent back to Manhattan where he got a full year's play in.  While he didn't light the world on fire, he was improved.  He hit .242/.302/.312 while still K'ing 119 times in 458 AB's.  In the winter of 2011 Morrow put on 15 pounds of muscle and came to play in 2012.  The 23 year old came in as a leader, cut his K's dramatically and played the first 5 weeks in Manhattan getting on base at an alarming rate.  In 27 games he was hitting .366 and getting on base at a .440 clip, cutting down his K-rate even more, and after a 3-4 game a trip to the manager's office produced a promotion to AA Gainesville.


Promotions and Success 
After being sent to Gainesville in 2012, he started at Third Base immediately.  His gap power took a turn for the best and ended the year with 20 2B, 2 3B, and 3HR.  In 125 games he hit .292/.351/.356.  Though he did strikeout 122 times in 517 AB, he walked 48 times, just slightly less than he did in 1.5 season in Manhattan.  While his OPS+ of 99 didn't lead the team or jump out on the page to start the 2013 season Morrow was promoted to play for the AAA affiliate in Tuscaloosa, AL.  Before the season started the BSA named him the 90th best prospect in baseball, the first time he had the honor of being included on this list.  He joined the Troutslayers, which had won the ITL Championship the year before. He joined a powerful offense that included Derrick Wright, Mario Ramirez, Alberto Perez among others.  Through 121 games thus far this season Morrow has shown why he was listed on the Top 100 prospects list.  He has hit .327/.405/.429 while hitting a career high 7 HR.  His K/BB ratio is also the best it's been in his career, K'ing 83 times to taking 58 BB.


The Future
Being 25 and excelling in AAA, Morrow's future looks very bright.  Although the D-Bags currently have a jammed packed roster at 1B, 3B and SS, if Morrow keeps it up the D-Bags will have to find AB's for him.  Jersey has never been known to rush along players and Morrow will likely spend the rest of the year in AAA, possibly getting a September call-up.  Morrow is currently not on the 40-ran roster and must be placed there before the Rule V draft or the D-Bags will risk losing him.  GM Josh Swain thinks that Morrow could be a cog at the top of the Jersey lineup for years to come.  Is he right? Or will Morrow just become a utility player?  Only time will tell.


Next lookback: 2012 1st round pick Ernesto Barzaga

Summer Swoon

Through a long baseball season there will be ups and downs, a good team will minimize the downs and thrive on long periods of ups.  Getting through the down trodden parts are the hardest part though.  For this Jersey Shore team we have already seen a few high and lows.  At the All-Star break this team was riding high, having taken over the Eastern Division lead and sat atop with a 1.5 game lead.  It was a rare time for the D-Bags, and it was one of the first and if not THE first time they held the division lead outside of the month of April.  Starting pitching was adequate, upper half of the CL.  Bullpen was the best in the league and the bats were hot, red hot.  Over 5.5 runs a game were being scored.  Decent starting pitching led to a dominant shut down bullpen who rarely gave up hits nor runs.  But as the AS break came and went things changed.  Why is the unkown, but we break it down here:

The AS break took place July 8-11, which left 17 games left in the month of July.  The D-Bags didn't tank but compiled a 8-9 record in that time frame, but it was the end of the month when the real trouble started.  

After taking 2 of 3 from KC, Jersey welcomed the 84's to town and took 2 of 3 from them as well.  Next to town was the Knights of New York.  The Knights punished D-Bag pitching to the tune of 25 runs in 3 games, but the Bags salvaged one game in a 10-7 win.  After an off-day the D-Bags made the travel to Maui to visit the Tropics with a 3 game set.  Somewhere on the long plane ride over to Hawaii the bats were misplaced. Jersey scored 7 runs in 3 games and were swept, including a 1-0 series finale where former D-Bag Jugerta Wemusa out dueled Rob Goodship.  Next came was a trip to Oklahoma.  Oklahoma handed the Bags 2 one run losses before thoroughly beating the Bags 7-1.  The last loss represented Jersey's 8th straight loss, the longest such streak since the team relocated here over 3 years ago.  It had to end here right?

A trip to St. Louis seemed all Jersey needed to bust out of their slump.  They ended the losing streak at 8 with a 7-2 win and went on to take 3 of 4 from the Browns and welcomed the Vista Panthers to town and promptly took 2 of 3 from them.  The Bags seem to be back on their feet with a 3 game road trip to play St. Louis again, who had the worst record in all the BSA.  Things didn't go as planned as the Browns outscored the Bags 21-9 in a 3 game sweep.  

When all was said and done since the break the Bags have turned in a 13-18 record and have gone from 1.5 games up in the division, to at one point down 6.5 games out, now to 4 games out.  Things could be a lot worse, but the competitive division has everyone beating on everyone, so 4 games should be considered a blessing.  The bags have an off-day tomarrow, their only off day in the month of August BTW, then go on a 21 day stretch of having a game every day.  The next 3 weeks probably will determine if the Bags will make a run or fall short as they did a year ago.

Before the break:

5.6 runs per game

After the break:

4.4 runs per game 

Take out the 2 big outbursts of 10 and 12.....3.9 runs per game.

Jersey Sends 3 to LA for All-Star Game

In their best first half of the season in team history, Jersey was awarded with 3 players being named to the 2013 All Star game.  The 3 players named to the team are MR Lucio Tapia, CL Daniel Morris and CF Leon Foster.

   Foster                    Tapia                      Morris

MR Lucio Tapia -  After struggling mightily to make the roster last year and posting an ERA north of 5.50 Tapia has been lights out in the first half of the season.  In the first half of the season Tapia compiled a 1.79 ERA playing the part of middle reliever role bridging the gap between the SP and the back end of the bullpen of Gomes and Morris.  He gave up only 34 hits in 52 innings, brining in a WHIP of around 1.10.  He has yet to give up a HR this season thus far.


CL Daniel Morris - This should not surprise anyone.  3rd straight year Morris has been selected to represent the D-Bags.  Morris saved 17 games in the first half compiling a 1.57 ERA.  He also has not given up a HR this season and only walked 6 batters while giving up less hits than IP and inducing mainly ground outs while on the mound.  Morris has looked every bit worth the $7.1 million he is making this year.


CF Leon Foster - In the offseason when looking for a big bat, Jersey was hoping to get the numbers Foster put up for NY last season, and up to this point he has been every bit of that and more.  At the break he has 24 HR and 76 RBI which both are Top 3 in the CL.  His play earned him a trip to the AS game as well as a brand new 3 year deal worth $38+ million dollars.  He is on pace to hit 42+ HR, and is only 6 HR's away from setting the Jersey single season record for HR in a season.


While 3 AS is nothing to sneeze about, there is always talk off the All Star snubs.  I believe there were a few in the coversation for the D-Bags.  First off being C Jorge Lozano.


C Jorge Lozano - At the age of 32 in a contract year, Lozano is on pace to have the best season of his career.  At the time of the break he was hitting .323/.383/.533 with 12 HR and 55 RBI.  After a huge start where he led the league in hitting for the first 2 months he fell off a little but is still on pace to have a VORP above 60.


MR Ciro Roghi - Although 2 members of the bullpen are on the AS team, Roghi has also been dominate behind Tapia.  His problem is control, but registered a 1.52 ERA in the first half of the season.  He only threw 24 innings in the first half, walked 19 batteres and struck out 26 batters.  He only gave up 16 hits and also has given up 0 HR.  


GO D-BAGS

2013 Amatuer Draft: The Aftermath

After finishing last season at 90-72 the D-Bags drafted in the lower half of the amateur draft for the 3rd straight year.  Jersey has been known for finding gems in their draft position, with their previous first round picks being Mike "Coffin" Bryant, Matt "Downhome" Doyle, and Ernesto Barzaga.  All 3 of those prospects were ranked in the Top 100 before the season started, with Bryant currently on the D-Bags roster.

This year the D-Bags picked 20th and for the first time we saw them take a High School player with their first pick instead of a college one.  They selected a 3B named Richard Coker out of Butler HS in Boston, Mass.  In his senior year he had a slash line of .341/.468/.443 while hitting 2 HR and 15 RBI.  Scouts love his contact combined with his ability to take a walk.  He is not a power player, but Jersey is hoping he can become a guy who can hit .300-.320 with an OBP of .380-.400.

Coker

In the 2nd round at pick 56, Jersey went with another High School player in CL Antonio Mata.  Though he started in high school, Jersey projects him as a closer with above average potential in his fastball and slider.  Mata is Mexican born and played his HS ball at Oceanside HS in southern California.  In 8 starts in his senior year, he went 4-3 with a 3.42 ERA, while striking out 66 batters in 52.2 innings.  

 Mata

In the 3rd round, Jersey took another reliever in Dae-hee Ch'oe.  He is Korean born and played his HS ball at Dublin Jerome HS in Dublin, OH.  While he only throws in the high 80's he has fantastic movement and very good control.  He throws 3 pitches and had an ERA of 2.73 in 26.1 innings, while only giving up 1 HR and 9 BB. Ch'oe also sports an amazing mustache.

Ch'oe

In the 4th round, Jersey finally went back and grabbed a college player, and a very good one at that.  Out of Mississippi State, they selected 4 year starter OF Matt Davidson.  You might recognize that name as he set the college single season for HR last season with 29, and sits 10th all time with 74.  While he hit .335 last year, he doesn't project to a contact hitter against big league pitching.  He falls into the hit it far or strikeout category.  

Davidson

For their 5th round pick, the D-Bags selected their 3rd pitcher of the day in Paul Moore, a 22 year old out of Penn State University.  Moore had an outstanding senior year, going 5-1 in 10 starts with a 2.08 ERA and 1.03 WHIP.  He throws low-mid 90's and throws 3 pitches and is known as a workhorse.  There is a good chance he will be converted to a reliever if he cannot improve his changeup.

Rounds 6-10, which usually lack impact players saw the D-Bags take 2 HS pitchers, 1 HS bat, 1 college pitcher and 1 college bat. 

Hopefully this crop of prospects will add to Jersey's already deep minors and help them maintain their #2 prospect system ranking.  

GO D-BAGS

D-Bags Make Trade, Bring in Powers

Scott Powers was a popular name around the Jersey Shore clubhouse this off-season.  With Damien Balmforth leaving via free agency, it left Ramon Tavarez, Joe Hernandez and Bill Welshman as the only RH OF bats on the roster.  While neither of these players are slouches, management didn't view either as everyday starters.  Powers was rumored to be headed to the Shore in an off season trade but things fell through and the two sides couldn't seem to work things out after that.  As we know Jersey went in a separate direction and acquired power bat and RH OF Leon Foster from the New York Knights.  It was Jersey's only big move of the offseason and paid dividends as Foster is in the Top 5 in HR and is on pace to hit 48.

 Powers

Through a sluggish May and even into June even though the Bags lead the CL in BA/OBP/SLG/Runs/Hits they lack consistency.  No one complains when in the past 7 weeks they have scored 9 runs or more 15 times.  It's the 13 times during that same stretch they have scored 3 or less runs and the 4 times they have been shutout.

After a slow start by the Niagara Falls Frenzy and even slower start by CF Scott Powers, Jersey again reached out and inquired about Powers.  After posting a triple slash line of .311/.376/.434 with a VORP of almost 40 last season, Powers line through the time of the trade looked like a shell of his former self at .250/.361/.321.  A line that is marginally better than a replacement player.  Powers has a contract of nearly 4 million this year and just over 4 million for the next 2 years, which would be put him over the age of 30.  Talks resumed last week and the two teams finally found an agreeable point. 

Niagara Falls sent Powers and a small sum of cash to Jersey Shore in exchange for AAA MR Alonso Jiminez, AAA 2B Benny McCafferty and AAA SP Marty Twombly.  Though Jersey did in fact get their man, they also parted with some quality pieces.  

Jiminez in a solid bullpen arm that some scouts say could be a very good setup man.  He has dominated at every level he has pitched at, including that set up role in AAA this season.  McCafferty was a college on base machine playing at St. John's before being drafted by Jersey.  He struggled in his first 3 minor league seasons before really busting out last season in AA/AAA.  He hit a scorching .351 with AA Gainesville before being promoted to AAA Tuscaloosa where he found a power stroke, bashed 12 HR, amassed 36 XBH in only 114 games.  He should step in and start for Niagara Falls.  

             McCafferty                 Jiminez                

It is unknown where Powers will hit and at this point where he will play for Jersey Shore.  He has seen all his playing time at CF this season, but Jersey sees him more of a corner OF, where he once won a Gold Glove.  If he can get his OBP to his career levels, a lineup of Taylor-Powers-Bonniface-Foster-Lozano could produce a ton of runs and should give fear to many GM's in the league.  That isn't even mentioned former All-Star Parker Morrow, SS Jerome Lindsey, and young studs Mike Bryant and Antonio Ruiz.  If healthy this team could get scary.  They already lead the league in most offensive categories, the two the lack in: BB and SB.....two of Powers specialties.  

With Powers now on the team the Jersey Shore would now like to announce a merchandising special.  We would like to introduce the Power's Muscle Tank.  Perfect for taking to the gym or laying on the beach.  Who's gunna question those guns of yours when you have the word "Power" on your back?

ORDER YOURS TODAY!

Jersey Shore - May 2013

After a quick start in April for the usual slow starting D-Bags, was it any surprise that May brought struggles?  The D-Bags had their first losing month after tallying 5 winning months in a row and finished May with a 13-15 record, putting their overall record at 31-25 for the season.  The month all started by placing 2 starters on the DL, something they skirted by through April without having to do.  After winning a POTM award in April spark-plug Marvin Taylor missed the majority of the month, as well as 3B Parker Morrow with injuries sustained in the same game.  Later in the month OF speedster Bill Welshman who surprised everyone with a quick start tore a rib cage muscle and will return sometime in August. 

Players of the Month:

SP Jose Reyes: 3-3, 2.19 ERA, 0.95 WHIP.  Reyes returns to the POTM section for a 2nd straight year after a strong month in May.  His record was not stellar but that's more of the offensive problems than his, as he threw 5 Quality Starts and 2 of his 3 losses he gave up 3 and 1 ER respectively.  He averaged 8 innings per start and threw 2 complete games and added a shutout in for month.

MR Lucio Tapia:  1-0, 1.08 ERA, 1.20 WHIP. Tapia was stellar out of the bullpen for the D-Bags in May.  He pitched in 13 games, averaging over 12K/9 racking the highest WAR for pitchers on the team at 1.7.  The 28 year old who struggled with an ERA over 5 in 51 games last year seems to have found his stride posting a sub 2.00 ERA throughout the first 2 months of this young season.

C Luis Antonio Duran: 7 HR, 17 RBI, .291/.364/.595. 2 months into the season and Jersey has it's 2nd catcher on the POTM list.  After a very poor ST, Duran popped onto the screen in May co-leading the team in HR, which included a stretch of 4 HR in 4 games in mid-May.  He mainly saw time at DH while regular catcher Jorge Lozano did the catching, but look for these two to trade off during the season.

2B Antonio Ruiz: 2 HR, 14RBI, .306 BA, 18 R.  After a subpar rookie season and an underwhelming April, Ruiz finally showed a little of what scouts having been talking about for years with this 25 year old.  He mainly saw time at 1, and hit for some power, average and even speed with 3 2B and 2 3B.  Through May he is hitting around .300 and is taking more and more AB's away from 1B Milliard Cross, and I wouldn't expect that trend to stop anytime soon.

RF/CF Leon Foster:  7 HR, 22 RBI.  2nd month on the team, 2nd POTM award.  Foster again showed why the Bags traded for him bashing 7 HR for the 2nd straight month.  That was encouraging, but what really has management happy is the fact he also led the team in BB with 17.   He is on pace to almost double the walks he had last season and get back to what that OBP was looking like in 2011.  As of the last day of May, he is on pace to shatter the D-Bags HR record which right now stands at 30 by William Hinson in 2011.

Roster Changes, Questions and Answers:

With the injuries that happened we got to see some new faces in May.  Fred Ross returned from the DL he sustained in ST and went 0-11 for the month.  Super prospect Mike Bryant was called up and received 45 AB in May and struggled, hitting 1 HR and 5 RBI, but slumping to a .222 BA mark.  The scouts think he is ready for the pros, but might need some playing time to work out the nerves and kinks.  Also making their Major League debut in May was OF Sergio Rodriguez.  The 25 year old only appeared in 4 games gaining 3 hits in 12 AB, and was recalled to AAA when Michael Paul returned to action.

On the pitching front, Alex Torrez after a horrid April start, started 1 game in May and was lit up.  He was pulled from the rotation and replaced with Greg Schaefer from AAA who didn't fare much better compiling a 5.40 ERA in 5 starts.  Torrez went on to clear waivers but refused his assignment to get back on track in AAA.  At the end of May he hadn't pitched anywhere and his status for the remained of the season was up in the air.

It's been hinted a lot that if Schaefer can't find success at the ML level he will come back to AAA and we will see the debut of top pitching prospect Jerry Paige.  Through May Paige has a 5-0 record and a 2.96 ERA in AAA Tuscaloosa. 

May saw 7 1-run losses as the offense struggled to push runs across the board.  10 times of 28 they scored 3 runs or less and were shutout 3 times during the month which ended 1-0, 1-0, 2-0.  3 great efforts by the pitching staff wasted.

While the schedule doesn't look easy in June, a winning record should be obtainable.  The obstacles will be a 3 game set @Boston followed by a 3 game home stand with Hendersonville with a 6 game road trip at the end of the month to the seemingly out of nowhere red hot Regina and ending with division rival Pittsburgh.

GO D-BAGS!

Jersey Shore - April 2013

Normally when a season starts the D-Bags stumble out of the gate only to rite the ship later on in the season.  Not this year as the Bags starter April out with a bang, compiling an 18-10 record including a 10-1 home record where their only home loss came on the last home game of the month to Denver.  The run included average starting pitching, great bullpen help and some new found power along with the TL's top batting average.

Players of the Month:

MR Marv Williams: 1-0, 1.98 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 13K's.  Though I could have chose a number of relievers from the bullpen, I chose Williams because of the shock value.  Selected with a high pick in the inaugural draft, Williams failed as a starter and a reliever with the D-Bags. After an ERA over 5.30 last year in 15 games it looked as if his time had passed, until this year came around.  Williams dominated in ST, earning him the last spot in the bullpen.  April he posted an ERA under 20, seeing time in 20 of the D-Bags 28 games. Maybe his time to contribute has finally arrived.

CL David Morris:  1-1, 9 Saves, 0.69 ERA, 0.85 WHIP.  I couldn't help adding him as a POTW once again, his stats are ridiculous.  He did have one BS, which came in his first game of the season and was perfect from there on out.  He is making over $7 million this year, and was an All-Star last year, but this is what to expect out someone of his caliber.

C Jorge Lozano: 3 HR, 20 RBI, .408 BA, 1.081 OPS.  After splitting time with Ramirez last season Lozano won the job out of spring training and took off. He led the TL in batting average was all over the base paths with 40 hits, 10 BB"s compared to only 5 K's.  Is it a surprise he is in a contract year?

2B Marvin Taylor: 3 HR. .373/.453/.640.  The super multi use player jumped onto the scene in April.  He played mainly 2B with Fred Ross out of the lineup and was quickly moved to the 2 slot where he scored 14 runs and was on base all the time.  After posted a time low -7.9 VORP last year, the 27 year old seems to have found himself a starting job.

RF/CF Leon Foster:  7 HR, 26 RBI.  In the offseason Jersey wanted a right handed hitting power OF, they seemd to have found it.  Foster led the team in HR and was Top 5 in the league in RBI.  His average and K's were down, but he was brought in to produce runs and did exactly that in April.  First month, first POTW!

Roster Changes, Questions and Answers:

Well on the injury front, so far so good.  But we know that will not last all season.  The only injury the team has suffered was the one to Fred Ross in the off-season and Marvin Taylor has stepped in more than likely better what Ross could have put up.  There is a lot of depth in the minor leagues, so if any injuries do take place, there should be adequate backups.  

Not everyone tore April up like the POTM's.  OF Michael Paul had an atrocious start to the season.  The normal OBP machine started out 3 for 45 with XBH and 8 K's.  He split time with Ramon Tavarez, who didn't hit much better but did have a HR and 5 RBI.  Manny Romero who won one of the last spots on the roster had ample opportunity in April but struggled at a .200 Avg while slugging 2 HR.  SP Alex Torrez also struggled with a 5.60 ERA but managed to win 2 games despite 0 quality starts in 5 starts.

Jerry Paige and Greg Schafer are waiting in AAA for their shot at the rotation and Torrez among others could be at risk to lose their starting spot.  There are 5 regulars hitting over .300 in AAA and 5 regulars with more than 7 HR's in Tuscaloosa.  A many number of players could see action over the next month.

There are a lot of division games and a big series with LAB coming up in May.  While a winning percentage of .643 might not be obtainable, look for Jersey to have continued success as long as the starting pitching does not completely implode.

GO D-BAGS!

Jersey to Call up Top Prospect

After an injury free and and successful month of April, the first days of May brought a rash of injuries to the Jersey Shore D-Bags.  On May 3rd, Marvin Taylor who had been playing out of his mind, in a game against New Orleans, Taylor doubled, then came around to score on a single by Leon Foster.  After he crossed the plate he came up limping and taken out of the game.  After the game team trainer diagnosed him with a latissimus dorsi strain, which will leave him out of action for 3-4 weeks.  Taylor had manned 2nd base throughout the first month.  

The next day in another win against the New Orleans Looters, a similar instance occurred.  During a 5 run 2nd inning, 3rd baseman Parker Morrow singled, advanced to 2nd on a Mason Bonniface single, then came around to score on a Jorge Lozano single to CF.  There was a play at the plate and Morrow slid in from an angle to avoid the game and safely slid across the plate.  In doing so he tweaked his back and was taken out of the game.  At first the trainer said he was day-to-day, but later was diagnosed to miss 2 weeks with a strained back muscle.  Later in the same game with no outs in the Top of the 5th, Jose Brito induced the Looters 3rd sacker Ronald Reardon to hit a fly ball down the RF line.  RF Michael Paul made a sliding catch near the line and apparently tweaked his wrist. He was taken out of the game for precautionary reasons and was diagnosed with a sore wrist, nothing that will land him on the DL for, but should miss 1-2 weeks of time.

With what seems like impeccable timing, Jersey activated 2B Fred Ross from the DL.  He had been on there since tearing his groin muscle in a Spring Training game on March 20th.  Ross appeared in 61 games last season, hitting with a slash line of .290/.387/.426 adding 14 XBH and 32 RBI.  Ross will be added to the 25 man roster, but the extent of his playing time is not known yet.

The big and more exciting news is the Jersey Shore D-Bags have announced they will call-up their highest rated hitting prospect, Matt "Coffin" Bryant.  Bryant is a former 1st round pick (21st overall in 2010) and was named the 21st best prospects in all of baseball by the BSA.  In 2012, Bryant had a solid season for AAA Tuscaloosa, hitting .296 with 17 HR and 94 RBI, while adding 37 SB.  In the first month of 2013 Bryant made a statement that is ready to help contribute.  In just 31 games he has amassed 8 HR, 30 RBI and 50 hits to post a .373 BA along with a staggering 1.045 OPS.  The switch hitter will be added to the 40-man roster and likely will start at 2B when the Bruins of Los Angeles visit on Monday.

Bryant

Look for April in review to come soon!

GO D-BAGS!

Spring Training is Here!!

Dust off cleats, gloves and bats Spring is here!  The boys arrived this week to prep for the regular season and solidify their spots on the big club.  There a few new faces and a couple faces which will not be seen, but overall on paper the D-Bags are primed for a big year. While the whole 40 man roster is invited to ST, there will be 37 members of the D-Bags organization here for the next few weeks.  Of these 38, 25 will earn Big League spots and this is to breakdown the locks, solid and bubble players.

Starting Pitching (5)

The starting rotation will consist of 5 members, and will more than likely the rotation we saw this team end the season with last year.

Locks

Jose Reyes, Hector Hernandez, Alex Torrez, Jose Brito (4)

Bubble

Rob Goodship - After having 2 very promising starts towards the end of last year, Goodship remains the favorite to round out the rotation at this point

Greg Schafer - Former Rule V pick rounded out the rotation last year and in 13 starts he posted an ERA north of 6.30 until being demoted.  In AAA, he flat out dominated, winning 6 of 7 starts putting up a 1.53 ERA.  A couple great starts could lead him past Goodship.  He is only 23 years old.

Not Likely

Justin Terry - This 29 year old righty pitched very solid in AAA last season posting a 16-4 record and an ERA of 3.49.  Jersey signed him to a small extension, but doesn't look to be more than a 7th-8th option at this point.

The Bullpen (6)

The bullpen will be again one of the stronger points of this year's club.  With the extension of Daniel Morris, the entire bullpen is back, who posted the 2nd best ERA in the league last year.

Locks

Daniel Morris, Jose Gomes, Ciro Roghi, Jaime Saenz, Lucio Tapia (no minor league options left) (5)

Bubble

Alonso Jiminez - This rookie is one of the frontrunners to win that last bullpen slot.  He pitched also perfect baseball in his call up last year, allowing 6 base runners in 9 innings, giving up 0 runs and K'ing 7.

German Huerta - After posting a solid 3.02 for Jersey 2 seasons ago, Herta reverted told his minor league self posting an ERA around 5.

Gabriel Barrentez - The lone lefty of the bubble group.  Was injured much of last year, but when he was healthy he was good.  He put up a 2.75 ERA in AAA during 19 innings of work.  Also threw 4.2 innings of scoreless ball for the big club.

Marv Williams -  Probably the most interesting character of the group.  Was drafted a starter, won 12 games in 2010, couldn't get anyone out in 2011 and pitched decent in AAA in 2012.  Has massive talent, but can't put up the numbers.  Has an outside shot at a bullpen slot.

Brian Wilson - Spent the 2012 season as the closer for AAA Tuscaloosa.  Saved 32 games while posting a 2.81 ERA and had a K/IP ratio of nearly 1.  Can hit 99 on the gun and has a sinker that induces a lot of ground balls.  Might not find a bullpen slot this year, but will in the future.

Catching (2)

The catching duo last year of Mario Ramirez and Jorge Lozano maybe wasn't the idea situation, but between the two of them in 760 PA, they put up 28 HR, 123 RBI, which cannot be argued by anyone.  A new face adds his name to the list though.

Locks

Jorge Lozano (1)

Bubble

Mario Ramiez - Though his line from 2011 looks good from the stat sheet, much of those numbers were because of a hot start.  As the season rolled on, Lozano got more AB's.  Will be interesting how he hits in ST.

Luis Antonio Duran - The 24 year old backstop put up his 2nd straight monster season in AAA last year.  With a line of .312/.454/.535 to go with 31 HR this kid looks ready to contribute.  An on base machine who switch hits, should give Ramirez a run for his money.

Corner Infield (2-3)
Here is about the first place where you will see some changes from last season.  Slick fielding power hitter David Pena was shipped off to New York in the offseason.  He played primarily 1B, but also filled in at 3B when Parker Morrow needed a day off.  There are many intriguing bats here to choose from.
Locks
Parker Morrow (1)
Bubble
Starting first baseman is a true competition in this year's camp.  We have 3 candidates who have their own accolades for starting.

Milliard Cross -  He started 80+ games last year and while he was not spectacular, he got the job done.  Plays great defense and has the ability to hit 20+ HR over the course of a full season.  Strikes out a lot.

Derrick Wright - Came over from Sacarmento last season and KILLED AAA pitching, setting a new league record for RBI.  At 27 he looks primed to breakout.  Hit 31 HR's last year, and knows how to take a walk.  Will see a of time in ST.

Manny Romero - This 25 year old played very well in AA Gainesville last year, hittin 25 HR and driving in 112.  Usually players do not skip AAA, but over the course of the off season scouts say he has developed tremendously and is ready to help the club now.  Will also see plenty of time in ST.

 Middle Infield (4)

Shortstop is the only position that is locked in up the middle.  Oft-injured Jerome Lindsey showed up for camp healthy and in shape and after his great play last season he has locked himself into a starting role.  The rest of the group is interesting.

Locks

Jerome Lindsey, Fred Ross (2)

Bubble

Antonio Ruiz - The uber prospect.  Can hit for average and power and has shown in AAA.  Started 50+ games last year for Jersey, struggled, but officials are hoping he can bust out this year and take the starting role at 2B

Juan Gomez - Plays every IF position and has plus speed.  Has virtually no power, but is only 22 years old.  Makes for a great utility player if the club has room to keep him on the roster.

Marvin Taylor - Plays every IF position, and plays them all very well.  Gold glove caliber all over.  Has plus speed and a great eye.  Should be a favorite based on tools but hasn't seem to put it together yet at the ML level.

Outfield (5)

The outfield in Jersey should be a crowded place this upcoming season.  A lot of AB's to go around, but who will get them?  New face Leon Foster will get a lot of playing time.  He hit 36 HR last year for New York and brings some much needed power to this OF.

Locks

Mason Bonniface, Leon Foster (2)

Bubble

OK this bubble list might be a little long, but 3 of these players will make the team, there just isn't concrete evidence for anyone yet. 

Ik-jun Ye - I put him first on the list because a) he's 31 and b) he is out of options.  Came out with a bang last year, but slowly settled into a 1-37 slump down the stretch bringing his numbers down considerably.  Crushes Left-handed pitching.

Jon Price - The slick fielding speedster was thought to be gone of FA, but at the last minute Jersey gave him a 2 year, 1.1 million dollar deal to stay.  Signs point to him making the team, but he is so up and down that his spot might be up for grabs.

Bill Welshman - Came over from Orlando last year.  Plays great defense and has great speed.  In 280 AB last year between clubs his average hovered around .200.  Hits great in AAA, would make a great bench player if he could get his bat going on the ML level.

Michael Paul - He should be a lock.  Posting a VORP near 38, 2 seasons about for LA, Paul came over and struggled for Jersey.  He was sent down and excelled in AAA and came back for the stretch run and picked it up in September.  Would be surprised if he is left of the 25 man roster.  Makes too much money and is a great RF.

Ramon Taverez - You might be thinking, What?  Bubble? Tavarez hit .288 and knocked 15 HR in one of the bigger surprises of the season for the D-Bags.  We are just worried it was a fluke.  If not, he should see time in RF and possibly DH.

Joe Henderson - This list seems full of speedy OF who lack power, and Henderson is no exception to this rule.  The only thing he brings to the table over the others is he actually played well last year.  He is a lefty masher, hitting almost .400 against them last year.  Has a MLC, is more than likely set to start the year at AAA.

Bob Thomas -  26 year old who has been quietly overshadowed in AAA the past 2 seasons.  A good bat, hits for average, can hit the long ball, has a decent eye.  Plays LF, RF and a little 1B. With a lefty laden team, in the case being left handed might mean a trip down to Tuscaloosa to start the season though.

There are your 37.  We have identified 15 locks.  That means of the remaining 22 players, there are 10 spots up for grab.  Sure things like contracts, options and age will be a factor.  Usually there might be 3-4 spots up for grabs, but that is what is going to make this ST a fun time.  Many players vying for few spots!  Enjoy!

GO D-BAGS!!