Noticeably absent from the current year's Jersey Shore team is the smiling face of 2 time MVP Mike Bryant who retired this past off-season. Bryant spent his entire career with Jersey Shore after becoming their 1st amateur draft pick at 21st overall in the 2010 season. The slugger played in the World Series 3 times, was only the 2nd player in BSA history to win the Triple Crown and finishes his career in the Top 10 of most offensive categories. On Friday, May 26th when the D-Bags take on rival Greenville, the number 42 will be hoisted into the Jersey Shore ring of honor.
Bryant grew up in Beach Haven West, New Jersey, just 50 miles where the future franchise of the Jersey Shore D-Bags would play their home games. A natural athlete, Bryant would excel in baseball and football as well as academics in High School. A heavily sought after recruit, Bryant would decide to go cross country for college and attend the prestigious Stanford University. Bryant would drop football to put his full attention on baseball and it would show. He would start from Day 1 and man 2nd base for all 4 seasons playing for the Cardinal. In 187 college games, Bryant would slash .328/.389/.613 while hitting 53 HR, knocking in 154 runs and scoring 153 times.
Twenty teams would pass on Bryant before Jersey Shore would select him with 21st overall pick. Bryant would sign right away and spend 3 years between AA Gainsville and AAA Tuscaloosa before making his major league debut in June 2013. He would take over at 2B and not look back for the next 13 seasons. During those 13 seasons, he would have a 10 year streak of 35+ home runs and 100+ RBI. He would win the CL MVP in 2016 and 2017, and have only the 2nd Triple Crown season in BSA history in 2016 where he would hit .347 with 40 HR and 158 RBI. He would lead Jersey Shore to their 1st playoff appearance and 1st World Series appearance in 2015 where the D-Bags would fall in 7 games to Hendersonville.
Bryant's number will be the 1st number to be retired by the Jersey Shore franchise. The first 20,000 fans to the game will receive a commemorative pin and Mike Bryant bobble-head. Several former D-Bags will be in attendance and will be signing autographs before and after the game.
GO D-BAGS
Showing posts with label april. Show all posts
Showing posts with label april. Show all posts
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
April Breezes By; Jersey Leads CL East
The Jersey Shore D-Bags have loaded up once again and take aim at their try for a first World Series title ever after failing in 3 previous attempts. First off though, they must get make their way through a grueling season, but with a 16-8 April they are off on the right foot, but it didn't begin that way. The month got off to a rough start losing the first 4 games of the season, including a 3 game sweep at the hands of division rival, the St. Louis Browns. That was followed up by a 8-6 loss in Seattle and not a start they had envisioned. Things changed from there as they would only lose one other series all month and that was to John Bosma's Greenville 84's.
Led by ace Jose Ramos, who would win the CL Award for Pitcher of the Month, going 4-1 in 5 starts with a 0.88 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and a 27/4 K/BB ratio. It is Ramos's 6th POTM award. The rest of the staff overall was brilliant outside from the struggles of SP Sergio Martinez who did only finish the month at 0-1, but a 6.33 ERA averaging just over 5 innings per start didn't help.
After a great 2020 season which earned 1B Tadahisa Kisuki the CL Rookie of the Year honors, a 2021 season which Kiuski had a WAR of 6.6 and looked he was a for sure superstar to be was derailed in 2022 when his numbers fell sharply in all categories. He looks out to regain that momentum he had in 2021 with a monster April. Kisuki hit .391/.436/.736 with 8 HR, 13 RBI, 6 2B and scoring 17 runs primarily hitting out of the 2 hole in the lineup.
Not to be outdone was your 2 time MVP Dave Dodd who was right behind Kisuki with 6 HR, 19 RBI, a CL leading 4 intentional walks to go along with 10 stolen bases. Dodd has started the 2023 campaign on pace for 11.6 WAR which would be his 2nd highest total behind his Triple Crown season.
Down on the Farm
Leading the AAA Tuscaloosa charge are two bats you very might well see in Jersey this season. Those two players would be RF Albert Morgan and 2B Ricardo Gonzalez. They combined for 79 hits, 16 doubles, 36 RBI and 36 walks in 26 games for the month. Morgan, who profiles as a DH and possibly a RF in a pinch saw a little use in spring training and as of right now he sits off of the 40 man roster. Gonzalez was seen a lot in Spring Training, starting at both middle infield positions but struggled mightily with the stick. His improving bat and eye to go along with his elite defense are good reasons why he has seen as Jersey's long term solution at 2B to replace the eventual face of the franchise, Mike Bryant.
Even with Jersey's hot start, the Greenville 84's finished the month 15-10, while the St. Louis Browns sit at 13-13. This year should be another tight race as we trudge through the last year of the league containing 28 teams. There is a lot to watch for in Jersey and around the league as a lot of young and upcoming stars are replacing the stars of yesteryear. 2023 is a transition for the BSA and hopefully that means Jersey Shore transitioning into finally getting over the hump and winning that title.
Led by ace Jose Ramos, who would win the CL Award for Pitcher of the Month, going 4-1 in 5 starts with a 0.88 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and a 27/4 K/BB ratio. It is Ramos's 6th POTM award. The rest of the staff overall was brilliant outside from the struggles of SP Sergio Martinez who did only finish the month at 0-1, but a 6.33 ERA averaging just over 5 innings per start didn't help.
After a great 2020 season which earned 1B Tadahisa Kisuki the CL Rookie of the Year honors, a 2021 season which Kiuski had a WAR of 6.6 and looked he was a for sure superstar to be was derailed in 2022 when his numbers fell sharply in all categories. He looks out to regain that momentum he had in 2021 with a monster April. Kisuki hit .391/.436/.736 with 8 HR, 13 RBI, 6 2B and scoring 17 runs primarily hitting out of the 2 hole in the lineup.
Not to be outdone was your 2 time MVP Dave Dodd who was right behind Kisuki with 6 HR, 19 RBI, a CL leading 4 intentional walks to go along with 10 stolen bases. Dodd has started the 2023 campaign on pace for 11.6 WAR which would be his 2nd highest total behind his Triple Crown season.
Down on the Farm
Leading the AAA Tuscaloosa charge are two bats you very might well see in Jersey this season. Those two players would be RF Albert Morgan and 2B Ricardo Gonzalez. They combined for 79 hits, 16 doubles, 36 RBI and 36 walks in 26 games for the month. Morgan, who profiles as a DH and possibly a RF in a pinch saw a little use in spring training and as of right now he sits off of the 40 man roster. Gonzalez was seen a lot in Spring Training, starting at both middle infield positions but struggled mightily with the stick. His improving bat and eye to go along with his elite defense are good reasons why he has seen as Jersey's long term solution at 2B to replace the eventual face of the franchise, Mike Bryant.
Even with Jersey's hot start, the Greenville 84's finished the month 15-10, while the St. Louis Browns sit at 13-13. This year should be another tight race as we trudge through the last year of the league containing 28 teams. There is a lot to watch for in Jersey and around the league as a lot of young and upcoming stars are replacing the stars of yesteryear. 2023 is a transition for the BSA and hopefully that means Jersey Shore transitioning into finally getting over the hump and winning that title.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Ramos-Bryant-Bags Off to Hot April Start
April has come and May begins tomorrow and the Jersey Shore D-Bags can look back with an approving look on their face after going 17-9 and ending the month tied atop the standings with the reigning BSA champs Greenville 84's. The team tallied that record despite only playing 10 of their first 26 games at home. For once the pitching has led the team. The club's ERA sits 2nd in the CL while the offense doesn't trail far behind finishing the month 5th in CL in runs scored.
The pitching staff was led by staff ace Jose Ramos who is hoping to bounce back from his down year last year after finishing 2nd in Cy Young award voting in 2020. Ramos started 6 times for Jersey in April and won all 6 starts, giving up more than 2 ER only once and went 8 innings in every start except a rain shortened start vs Springfield. He finishes the month with a 1.93 ERA, 1.01 WHIP to go with a an excellent 5 K/BB ratio. In his last 2 starts he beat 1st place teams St. Charles and Toronto as well.
On the offensive end of things, it's but who else, Mike Bryant leading the team in almost every category. Reigning MVP Dave Dodd had a slow start and is starting to pick things up, but it's Bryant who has been Mr. Consistent thus far for the Bags. He has played in all 26 games so far and finishes April with a slash line of: .377/.431/.726 to go along with 5 doubles, a triple, 10 HR and 28 RBI, good for 2.1 WAR in the first month alone.
Look ahead to the May schedule, we have inter-league play starting where the Bags will travel to the bayou for a 3 game set with New Orleans before welcoming the Maui Tropics to town for a 3 game set. May will also feature the first of 17 games between Jersey and Greenville when Jersey travels to Greenville to play a 4-game tilt on May 23rd.
GO D-BAGS
The pitching staff was led by staff ace Jose Ramos who is hoping to bounce back from his down year last year after finishing 2nd in Cy Young award voting in 2020. Ramos started 6 times for Jersey in April and won all 6 starts, giving up more than 2 ER only once and went 8 innings in every start except a rain shortened start vs Springfield. He finishes the month with a 1.93 ERA, 1.01 WHIP to go with a an excellent 5 K/BB ratio. In his last 2 starts he beat 1st place teams St. Charles and Toronto as well.
On the offensive end of things, it's but who else, Mike Bryant leading the team in almost every category. Reigning MVP Dave Dodd had a slow start and is starting to pick things up, but it's Bryant who has been Mr. Consistent thus far for the Bags. He has played in all 26 games so far and finishes April with a slash line of: .377/.431/.726 to go along with 5 doubles, a triple, 10 HR and 28 RBI, good for 2.1 WAR in the first month alone.
Look ahead to the May schedule, we have inter-league play starting where the Bags will travel to the bayou for a 3 game set with New Orleans before welcoming the Maui Tropics to town for a 3 game set. May will also feature the first of 17 games between Jersey and Greenville when Jersey travels to Greenville to play a 4-game tilt on May 23rd.
GO D-BAGS
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Interesting Start in Jersey & an Interesting Season for The BSA
23 games into the 2020 season and what is going on? The Frenzy, Bombers, and Stars sit in first place while the Titans, Beavers and 84's all occupy the cellars in their respected divisions. Scott Hill is lost for the season and All-Stars John Doby, Al Mills, Zach Hutchinson and Kyuso Fujita are all hitting under .200. This is The BSA this season.
Meanwhile in Jersey, it has been an up and down 3 weeks to start this season. The top of the rotation has been excellent. Jose Ramos and Sergio Martinez account for half of Jersey's wins though both have been blown up once this season. They have a combined record of 6-3 and includes one of Jose Ramos's better starts in his career when he struck out a career high 13 Pikes in his last start against Seattle. On the other hand the older veterans have been.....terrible and that's putting it lightly. After an injury riddled season which looked like he was getting back on track, Jose Lara has nearly a 9.50 ERA after 4 starts and has given up 5 or more ER in each of his starts. Greg Schaefer finally showed life in his last start going 8 shutout innings, but before that he had only gotten out of the 4th inning once in 4 starts. The good news for the staff is the bullpen leads the CL with a 3.09 ERA, even though they account for 4 losses and 3 blown saves.
Offense has been the tell tale story of the D-Bags season though. Jersey has scored at least 2 runs in every game this season and in 6 of their 11 losses they have scored 4 or more runs. In 11 of their 12 wins they have scored 4 or more runs that that includes scoring 8 runs, 6 or more times. The offense is Top 5 in almost every major offense category, which is a good sign considering Dave Dodd, John Warner and Fransisco Ibarra are all hitting under .220 for the year.
While those 3 have been bad, there have been some very good though. Lawrence Schroeder is out of the gate scorching hot hitting .393/.446/.786 and has 19 extra base hits in 22 games. He has hit safely in 20 of those 22 games and leads the CL in OPS and is 2nd in batting average and batter WAR. After ripping through AAA pitching for 2+ seasons Tadahisa Kisuki is off to a great start to his major league career as well. He is acting a platoon with John Warner at 1B/DH and hitting mostly out of the 2 hole has put up a .309/.350/.443 line while adding 5 doubles, a triple and 2 HR.
Rumors out of Jersey is that we will probably see SP Ramon Ruiz sooner than later. After a very rough Spring Training he has completely dominated AAA in 4 starts to a tune of a 4-0 record, 0.59 ERA, 0.68 ERA while striking out 32 batters and walking 3 in 30.1 IP. Jersey is almost ready to welcome back hard throwing lefty Hyo-Chin Kim who had suffered a torn UCL tear early in last season's spring training and has missed nearly 14 months time. He has been rehabbing in AAA and has looked better and better and would be a much welcome addition to the bullpen.
All things considered, it has been a decent start for Jersey who is more known for stumbling out of the gate than coming out hot. They sit 3 games out of first place and 1 game out of the wild card. The D-Bags would prefer to sit back in the shadows than be up at the top with a target on their backs because we have seen that movie before. Let's hope for a strong close the month and a head of steam going into May.
GO D-BAGS
Meanwhile in Jersey, it has been an up and down 3 weeks to start this season. The top of the rotation has been excellent. Jose Ramos and Sergio Martinez account for half of Jersey's wins though both have been blown up once this season. They have a combined record of 6-3 and includes one of Jose Ramos's better starts in his career when he struck out a career high 13 Pikes in his last start against Seattle. On the other hand the older veterans have been.....terrible and that's putting it lightly. After an injury riddled season which looked like he was getting back on track, Jose Lara has nearly a 9.50 ERA after 4 starts and has given up 5 or more ER in each of his starts. Greg Schaefer finally showed life in his last start going 8 shutout innings, but before that he had only gotten out of the 4th inning once in 4 starts. The good news for the staff is the bullpen leads the CL with a 3.09 ERA, even though they account for 4 losses and 3 blown saves.
Offense has been the tell tale story of the D-Bags season though. Jersey has scored at least 2 runs in every game this season and in 6 of their 11 losses they have scored 4 or more runs. In 11 of their 12 wins they have scored 4 or more runs that that includes scoring 8 runs, 6 or more times. The offense is Top 5 in almost every major offense category, which is a good sign considering Dave Dodd, John Warner and Fransisco Ibarra are all hitting under .220 for the year.
While those 3 have been bad, there have been some very good though. Lawrence Schroeder is out of the gate scorching hot hitting .393/.446/.786 and has 19 extra base hits in 22 games. He has hit safely in 20 of those 22 games and leads the CL in OPS and is 2nd in batting average and batter WAR. After ripping through AAA pitching for 2+ seasons Tadahisa Kisuki is off to a great start to his major league career as well. He is acting a platoon with John Warner at 1B/DH and hitting mostly out of the 2 hole has put up a .309/.350/.443 line while adding 5 doubles, a triple and 2 HR.
Rumors out of Jersey is that we will probably see SP Ramon Ruiz sooner than later. After a very rough Spring Training he has completely dominated AAA in 4 starts to a tune of a 4-0 record, 0.59 ERA, 0.68 ERA while striking out 32 batters and walking 3 in 30.1 IP. Jersey is almost ready to welcome back hard throwing lefty Hyo-Chin Kim who had suffered a torn UCL tear early in last season's spring training and has missed nearly 14 months time. He has been rehabbing in AAA and has looked better and better and would be a much welcome addition to the bullpen.
All things considered, it has been a decent start for Jersey who is more known for stumbling out of the gate than coming out hot. They sit 3 games out of first place and 1 game out of the wild card. The D-Bags would prefer to sit back in the shadows than be up at the top with a target on their backs because we have seen that movie before. Let's hope for a strong close the month and a head of steam going into May.
GO D-BAGS
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Mid-Month Report; April 2019
Welcome to the first blog post Opening Day 2019! Although we are not quite half way through the first month of the season league wide chatter is at an all time high with banter about off season trades, contract extensions, injuries and of course superstar decline. While all this has been going on, there has been baseball being played though. After a great spring training the D-Bags surprised no one by falling out of the gate and dropping their first 4 games of the season, all on the road, all to division opponents. Though after losing those 4, they did win 6 of their next 8 to be at an even record of 6-6 after 12 games.
The starting pitching has been a usual up and down with Jose Lara and Sergio Martinez notching 4 of Jersey's 6 wins thus far. The bullpen outside of a few hiccups by Yin-Zhen Zong has been very good with an ERA of 2.15, which is good for 2nd in the CL.
On the offensive side of the ball, Mikey Bryant for the 2nd straight year is off to a slow start with the bat. Through 12 games he has only hit 1 HR, knocked in 5 runs and is hitting .209. As a team Jersey sits 7th in batting average, OBP, and 6th in runs scored. This is below where they would like be sitting, but they have played only 3 games at home and 9 on the road. Jersey is also more fond of facing right handed starters and thus far this season they have already faced 7 left handed starters compared to only 5 right handers.
Here are your top performers through 12 games:
Sergio Martinez: 2-0, 2.20 ERA, 13K, 1.16 WHIP.
Jose Lara: 2-0, 2.92 ERA, 10K, 1.14 WHIP.
MR Gerald Johnson: 8.2 IP, 3H, 0BB, 11K.
SS Lawrence Schroeder: .317/.396/.610, 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 11 RBI
RF Dave Dodd: .289/.373/.511, 4 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI.
CF Fransisco Ibarra: .273/.365/.455, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 SB
Here are your top performers through 12 games:
Sergio Martinez: 2-0, 2.20 ERA, 13K, 1.16 WHIP.
Jose Lara: 2-0, 2.92 ERA, 10K, 1.14 WHIP.
MR Gerald Johnson: 8.2 IP, 3H, 0BB, 11K.
SS Lawrence Schroeder: .317/.396/.610, 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 11 RBI
RF Dave Dodd: .289/.373/.511, 4 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI.
CF Fransisco Ibarra: .273/.365/.455, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 SB
Thursday, April 4, 2013
April 2017 in review; Jersey Shore
After a devastating injury left Jersey starting the season without their ace and Opening Day starter Art Ellis, Jersey went into the season with high hopes, just not as high as before the injury. If there was any hesitation, it didn't show in April. Jersey finished the month with a BSA best 20-6 record and only their 3rd 20 win month in team history. Both pitching and hitting led to their great start and exception play by the their captain Mikey Bryant.
Players of the Month
Rob Goodship: 4-0, 36IP, 3.00 ERA, 30 K, 1.03WHIP. Goodship is the master of deception. Not only in his delivery but you just never know when he will string together some great starts. Jersey fans are hoping he finally turned the corner and went from a Good 3-4 to a Good #2 on this staff. He dominated in his first 4 starts before getting roughed up by Austin his last start of the month for a no decision.
Greg Schaefer: 3-0, 28.1IP, 2.86 ERA, 21K, 1.06 WHIP. Much like Goodship now is the time for Schaefer to transform himself into a MLB pitcher. He has trended upwards every season in his career and a career wouldn't surprise Owner Josh Swain, "We have been waiting for it." Needless to say, going 7-0 out of your 3 and 4 starters is a great way to start the season.
Jaime "Mungo" Saenz: 0-0, 8 saves, 15K, 13.1 IP. Mungo was almost perfect in April outside of 2 solo homeruns. He did not blow a save and looks comfortable in his 2nd year starting for the D-Bags. The back end of the Bags bullpen has always been a specialty and he is the anchor.
Mike Bryant: .400/.455/.691 7 HR 27 RBI 44 hits. Bryant continued to add on to his Triple Crown season by coming out of the gate hot and another 40 hit month. Not only did he win the CL Player of the Week Award for the 8th time in career in early April he was also presented with CL Batter of the Month Award for the 5th time in what is his 5th year in the BSA.
Matt Doyle: .315/.390/.602 7 2B 8 HR 24 RBI. Doyle worked hard in the off-season to avoid the slow start that plagued him last year and it paid off. He combined with Bryant to lead an offensive charge that averaged a tick under 7 runs per game in the month of April. If this duo can continue to click together into this season it could be very scary for the opposition.
Questions. Concerns and Answers
What kind of questions can you have for a team that starts 20-6? We did see Alberto Perez return from injury and struggle in the 4 games he did play in. He will be one to watch to see if can elevate his game to last season's performance. Rookie Francisco Torres is off to a great start for the D-Bags hitting .333/.410/.580 which landed him a permanent starting place in the lineup. Dan Macias has started slow and Jersey management is hoping this isn't it for the big veteran righty. His K/9 rate has continued to drop and his velocity seems lower than it has been before in his career. If Macias continues to struggle and Ellis still being out, Jersey might have to make a move for a Starter. Other than that we don't see any immediate moves unless an injury pops up.
Minor Leaguers of the Month
We have decided to keep the MLTM going into it's 2nd season here. This is where we choose who had the best month out of the minor league system for the month of April.
Pitcher
MR Luis "Bugs" Cortez (AAA): 15.0 IP, 16K, 1.15 ERA, 0.93 WHIP. Cortez came to the Bags in a trade
with Vista back during the 2014 season for the Italian left hander Ciro Roghi. Cortez has always been a highly rated thrower and will find his way into the Jersey bullpen. At 22 years old he is already starting to mature in his 2nd year year in AAA.
Hitter
2B William Martel (AAA): .375/.400/.521. 36 hits, 11 2B, 17 RBI, 5 SB. Martel signed with the Bags during the 2013 as a free agent from Canada. He is your prototypical utility man who plays everywhere on the field but Catcher and CF. He has mainly seen time at 2B and 3B this year. The 22 year old was a great table setter for the dangerous Tuscaloosa lineup using his above average contact and speed to score 25 runs in just 22 games. At 22 years old he is probably getting close to joining Jersey.
GO D-BAGS
Players of the Month
Rob Goodship: 4-0, 36IP, 3.00 ERA, 30 K, 1.03WHIP. Goodship is the master of deception. Not only in his delivery but you just never know when he will string together some great starts. Jersey fans are hoping he finally turned the corner and went from a Good 3-4 to a Good #2 on this staff. He dominated in his first 4 starts before getting roughed up by Austin his last start of the month for a no decision.
Greg Schaefer: 3-0, 28.1IP, 2.86 ERA, 21K, 1.06 WHIP. Much like Goodship now is the time for Schaefer to transform himself into a MLB pitcher. He has trended upwards every season in his career and a career wouldn't surprise Owner Josh Swain, "We have been waiting for it." Needless to say, going 7-0 out of your 3 and 4 starters is a great way to start the season.
Jaime "Mungo" Saenz: 0-0, 8 saves, 15K, 13.1 IP. Mungo was almost perfect in April outside of 2 solo homeruns. He did not blow a save and looks comfortable in his 2nd year starting for the D-Bags. The back end of the Bags bullpen has always been a specialty and he is the anchor.
Mike Bryant: .400/.455/.691 7 HR 27 RBI 44 hits. Bryant continued to add on to his Triple Crown season by coming out of the gate hot and another 40 hit month. Not only did he win the CL Player of the Week Award for the 8th time in career in early April he was also presented with CL Batter of the Month Award for the 5th time in what is his 5th year in the BSA.
Matt Doyle: .315/.390/.602 7 2B 8 HR 24 RBI. Doyle worked hard in the off-season to avoid the slow start that plagued him last year and it paid off. He combined with Bryant to lead an offensive charge that averaged a tick under 7 runs per game in the month of April. If this duo can continue to click together into this season it could be very scary for the opposition.
Questions. Concerns and Answers
What kind of questions can you have for a team that starts 20-6? We did see Alberto Perez return from injury and struggle in the 4 games he did play in. He will be one to watch to see if can elevate his game to last season's performance. Rookie Francisco Torres is off to a great start for the D-Bags hitting .333/.410/.580 which landed him a permanent starting place in the lineup. Dan Macias has started slow and Jersey management is hoping this isn't it for the big veteran righty. His K/9 rate has continued to drop and his velocity seems lower than it has been before in his career. If Macias continues to struggle and Ellis still being out, Jersey might have to make a move for a Starter. Other than that we don't see any immediate moves unless an injury pops up.
Minor Leaguers of the Month
We have decided to keep the MLTM going into it's 2nd season here. This is where we choose who had the best month out of the minor league system for the month of April.
Pitcher
MR Luis "Bugs" Cortez (AAA): 15.0 IP, 16K, 1.15 ERA, 0.93 WHIP. Cortez came to the Bags in a trade
with Vista back during the 2014 season for the Italian left hander Ciro Roghi. Cortez has always been a highly rated thrower and will find his way into the Jersey bullpen. At 22 years old he is already starting to mature in his 2nd year year in AAA.
Hitter
2B William Martel (AAA): .375/.400/.521. 36 hits, 11 2B, 17 RBI, 5 SB. Martel signed with the Bags during the 2013 as a free agent from Canada. He is your prototypical utility man who plays everywhere on the field but Catcher and CF. He has mainly seen time at 2B and 3B this year. The 22 year old was a great table setter for the dangerous Tuscaloosa lineup using his above average contact and speed to score 25 runs in just 22 games. At 22 years old he is probably getting close to joining Jersey.GO D-BAGS
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Jersey Shore April 2016 in Review
And we are off! It seems like we just had opening day and in the blink of an eye and the first month of the season is in the books. A successful 17-9 month puts Jersey where they left off last season but puts them in 3rd place behind the hottest team in baseball, the Chicago Machine and the arch rivals Greenville. This month had a little bit of everything like usual, but more positive than negative.
Players of the Month
2B Mikey "The Machine" Bryant: .404/.487/.677 6 HR 26 RBI. Why not start with the hottest hitter in baseball right now? It isn't Bryant's first time being on the POTM and it won't be his last. Bryant was on fire all month. He had 12 multi-hit games and 5 3+ hit games including a 5 hit performance against the Sheens.
3B Alberto Perez: .373/.387/.676 7 HR 20 RBI. We all remember Perez from his playoff run last year and came out with a bang this season. For a guy not known for power bashing 7 HR was unheard of, but the Bags will take it. He also added 10 doubles. Looks like he is here to stay. We know the power might not hold up, but if he can keep his average up, Perez could be a force in the Jersey lineup this year.
OF Leon Foster .270/.353/.517 5 HR 25 RBI. Welcome back Mr. Foster. After using his option to come back to Jersey Foster is showing that power he used to display when he came over from New York. 2nd in the team in RBI in a contract year, Foster trying to prove he can still ball.
CL Jaime Saenz 1-1 8 saves 1.59 ERA 1.15 WHIP. Saenz took over the closer role and flourished taking over for Daniel Morris. He had more K's than IP and with a lot of blowouts he didn't get into that many games. He looks like he will be the closer to stay.
Roster Questions, Changes and Answers
A month and we have seen no serious injuries which helps keep the roster in tact. We did see a new player in the fold this month as 19 year old MR Hyo-Chin Kim was called up to spot start for Rob Goodship as he missed a start with a minor injury. Kim looked good throwing 7.1 IP, giving up 3 ER and K's 2 for his first ML win. With his high stamina we might see more of him in the spot starting role in the future.
MR Chris Woodruff was waived and DFA'ed after a terrible start where he seemingly couldn't get anyone out. MR Takafumi Ogusuku was recalled and pitching 2.1 scoreless innings while striking out 6.
There's a lot of young talent in AAA ready to be called up if needed including SS Schroeder, OF Torres, OF Kino, and OF Dodd who are all hitting AAA very well.
Minor Leaguers of the Month
In a new section this year we will be picking one hitter and pitcher from the entire organization of farm clubs to pick one pitcher and hitter as POTM for the organization.
Pitcher:
MR Angel Lara (AA): 11.1 IP 0.00 ERA 0.71 WHIP 4 Hits 17 K's. Lara was as close to perfect as you come in April almost striking out 2 batters per innings while only giving up 4 hits. He earned himself a promotion at the end of the month and will be in Tuscaloosa next month.
Hitter:
OF Dave Dodd (AAA): .367/.461/.765 8 HR 31 RBI . The guys is an absolute stud. Top 3 ranked hitter prospect in the game and is showing why. He crushed AA for 2 weeks then AAA for 2 weeks. He even stole 4 bases. In 24 games he knocked in 31 runs and looks like he really wants to play soon for the D-Bags.
Players of the Month
2B Mikey "The Machine" Bryant: .404/.487/.677 6 HR 26 RBI. Why not start with the hottest hitter in baseball right now? It isn't Bryant's first time being on the POTM and it won't be his last. Bryant was on fire all month. He had 12 multi-hit games and 5 3+ hit games including a 5 hit performance against the Sheens.
3B Alberto Perez: .373/.387/.676 7 HR 20 RBI. We all remember Perez from his playoff run last year and came out with a bang this season. For a guy not known for power bashing 7 HR was unheard of, but the Bags will take it. He also added 10 doubles. Looks like he is here to stay. We know the power might not hold up, but if he can keep his average up, Perez could be a force in the Jersey lineup this year.OF Leon Foster .270/.353/.517 5 HR 25 RBI. Welcome back Mr. Foster. After using his option to come back to Jersey Foster is showing that power he used to display when he came over from New York. 2nd in the team in RBI in a contract year, Foster trying to prove he can still ball.
CL Jaime Saenz 1-1 8 saves 1.59 ERA 1.15 WHIP. Saenz took over the closer role and flourished taking over for Daniel Morris. He had more K's than IP and with a lot of blowouts he didn't get into that many games. He looks like he will be the closer to stay.
Roster Questions, Changes and Answers
A month and we have seen no serious injuries which helps keep the roster in tact. We did see a new player in the fold this month as 19 year old MR Hyo-Chin Kim was called up to spot start for Rob Goodship as he missed a start with a minor injury. Kim looked good throwing 7.1 IP, giving up 3 ER and K's 2 for his first ML win. With his high stamina we might see more of him in the spot starting role in the future.
MR Chris Woodruff was waived and DFA'ed after a terrible start where he seemingly couldn't get anyone out. MR Takafumi Ogusuku was recalled and pitching 2.1 scoreless innings while striking out 6.
There's a lot of young talent in AAA ready to be called up if needed including SS Schroeder, OF Torres, OF Kino, and OF Dodd who are all hitting AAA very well.
Minor Leaguers of the Month
In a new section this year we will be picking one hitter and pitcher from the entire organization of farm clubs to pick one pitcher and hitter as POTM for the organization.
Pitcher:MR Angel Lara (AA): 11.1 IP 0.00 ERA 0.71 WHIP 4 Hits 17 K's. Lara was as close to perfect as you come in April almost striking out 2 batters per innings while only giving up 4 hits. He earned himself a promotion at the end of the month and will be in Tuscaloosa next month.
Hitter:
OF Dave Dodd (AAA): .367/.461/.765 8 HR 31 RBI . The guys is an absolute stud. Top 3 ranked hitter prospect in the game and is showing why. He crushed AA for 2 weeks then AAA for 2 weeks. He even stole 4 bases. In 24 games he knocked in 31 runs and looks like he really wants to play soon for the D-Bags.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
April 2015 In Review
It seems like the season just got underway and POOF we have a full month under our belts. Technically we are 17% of the way through 2015 just like that. This season started again with high expectations for your Jersey Shore D-Bags. After winning a franchise high 94 games last season, they bring back a nearly identical team with added pitching ace Art Ellis. The season started in true D-Bag fashion, with the Bags dropping 3 in a row for a quick 0-3 start. They would rebound at one time winners of 7 straight and even a 2-3 final week of the month the Bags finish with a 18-10 record, good for a share of the CL East lead with the Greenville 84's and a comfy 3 game Wild Card lead at this point in the season. The April mark bests last year's 15-13 record by 3 games, but the Bags open May up with a tough stretch. They will finish out their 4 game set with the 84's with 2 more games, travel to defending BSA Champions Hendersonville for a 3 game set before coming home to greet the current NL West leaders Los Cabos for a 3 game tilt. Also during month includes a trip to Toronto who holds a BSA record of 23-5 and also a visit by NL West leading St. Charles. May will really determine how serious this team is about contending this year.
Players of the Month
SP Rob Goodship 2-0, 2.09 ERA, 25K. After 1 month of play surprise, surprise Goodship leads the CL league in ERA. In 6 starts he has given up 2 or more runs only twice and if he had any run support at all he would be sitting at 4+ wins. It's great to see him finally turn a corner after a down Sophmore year.
SP Art Ellis 1-0, 2.49 ERA, 38K, 5QS. Speaking of run support, where is it for Ellis?? Jersey is averaging 2.83 runs per game for his starts which shows with Ellis only having 1 win on record despite being superb thus far. Any of the critics who said they gave up too much for Ellis is eating crow right now
MR Jose Ruiz 2-1, 1.38 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 10/3 K/BB. While the likes of Saenz and Morris in the pen have been struggling, rookie Ruiz has stepped in nicely to add to an already formidable bullpen. At only 22 years old look for Ruiz to be around for awhile throwing that high 90's heater.
3B Adam Morrow .355/.454/.445, 19R, 39H, 7 2B. When Parker Morrow was traded giving way for rookie Adam Morrow to start I don't think anyone saw this hot start coming. Hitting primarily out of the 2 hole Morrow has been an OBP machine on pace to best 100 runs scored and 100 base-on-balls. Bryant then Doyle now Morrow, third year in a row a rookie could be an added impact bat in this Jersey lineup. It's been almost 2 years since we broke down Morrow, read about what we thought about him then, right here.
RF Al Ryan .439/.500/.805. 3HE, 10RBI, 6 2B. We saw what Ryan could do last year as he blasted 20 HR as a rookie for this team and he just continues to add to that this year. He started out as a 4th OF but has slowly been taking playing time away from veterans Leon Foster and Scott Powers as he rakes with the hot stick. He only played in 18 games, but is hitting .500/.570/.867 against RHP. Hard to keep that out of the lineup.
Roster Questions, Changes and Answers
Even though we did have some nice breakout performers there were also those players who still have us scratching our heads. First that comes to mind is CL Daniel Morris. The usual steady rock has blown 5 saves already and attributed for 4 losses. To put that in perspective that's as many saves as he has blown in the past 2 years combined. He has already walked as many batters as he did all of last season as well in 43 less innings. There have been talks of taking him out of the closers role to regain composure, we will see if it happens.
Matt Doyle, Luis Antonio Duran, Peter Larson and Antonio Ruiz are all hitting below the .225 mark. These of course are all plenty below career marks and could be a concern. On the bright side Doyle leads the team in HR and RBI while Duran and Larson both have matching OBP's of .379, not hitting could cause a decrease in playing time.
While there may not be any roster changes for now, look for a mix up in the backup catching situation this month as Albert Lopez has struggled mightily having only 3 hits in 34 AB's. Also former Rule V pick Jose Ortiz will have to be called up in the next 2 weeks as he rehab assignment will end and look for him to replace Taro Kino or possibly 1B Derrick Wright. There are also a slew of players hitting the snot out of the ball in AAA, including CF Tim Duncan, 3B Alberto Perez, LF Sergio Rodriguez and 2B Aaron Bailey. Depth is never a problem and you never know when an extra bat might come in handy.
May should be a tough month, let's hope the D-Bags can win enough to keep up with Greenville!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
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!
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