The ride here has been anything except boring for the boys of the Jersey Shore D-Bags. After leading the CL East for most of the season, it took winning 5 of their last 7 games, including a sweep of Greenville just to reach a 1 game playoff for the 84's. Late home runs by Boyd and Doyle lifted the Bags to their 1st division title in 6 years and a chance to host Pocatello, a team in the playoffs for the 1st time in 15 years, in the division round.
Jersey Shore quickly found themselves down 3-1 in the series with Boccabellas facing elimination on the road. But the team wouldn't let that happen. An 8-2 win fueled by 12 hits and a gritty 6 inning outing by Sergio Martinez on 3-day's rest sent the D-Bags back home, where they had to win both games, including beating the reigning 3-time Cy Young award winner Kevin Bush. Cristobal Santos would match Bush for 7 innings before handing things off the bullpen and a walk-off RBI double from Pat Zimmerman off of All-Star closer Adrian Martinez would send us to Game 7. Call it a high, momentum or just plain confidence but Jersey Shore would dominate Game 7, led by Roland Martin's 7 shutout innings and emerging star catcher Luis Rios with 3 hits out of the 9 hole as well seldom used 4th outfielder Wilson Martinez who doubled twice and knocked in 2 runs. A final score of 8 to nothing couldn't even be celebrated as the D-Bags loaded up and flew to Springfield that same night to face the Stars in Game 1 of the CLCS the very next day.
The Stars finished with the best record in the CL as well as best record in team history at 111-51. It was the Springfield's franchise 1st playoff appearance since 2011 when they were known as the Kansas City Cougars. That 2011 team was led by some names you might have heard of. They include the great Jean-Thomas Francoeur, John Garrett and John Crowe. The 2026 Stars might not have the HOF names yet, but they are loaded with talent. Trotting out the most productive outfield the BSA has ever seen in Derek Davidson, Calvin Bennett and Felipe Guerrero. Trotting out other bats that include Elliot Newell and Juan Rodriguez, the Stars led the BSA in runs with 1006. They became just the 2nd CL team in history to cross the 1000 run threshold, as the only other team to do so were the 2022 Greenville 84's. BTW....the 2022 Springfield Stars? A CL record of just 555 runs scored. What a difference 5 seasons can make.
The Stars strolled into the postseason with the #1 seed and looked part in beating the powerhouse Greenville team by scoring 28 runs in 5 games and finishing off the 84's with a shutout in a Game 5, 3-0 win on the road. They would get 3 days off to rest before Jersey Shore would come to town for the CLCS. Maybe the off days got them out of a rhythm or a funk, but the offense never came for the Stars. Jersey would take the first two games of the series in Springfield. Game 1 a close 4-3 contest, as the D-Bag bats put up 4 runs on Kyu-Pyeong Pak with the go ahead runs coming in the 6th inning off of the bat of Pat Zimmerman by way of a 2-run HR. Game 2 saw a slugfest in the 1st 3 innings, as Jersey came out in the 4th inning up 6-5. Jesse Green would pitch out of trouble multiple times in the next 3 innings before handing things off to the bullpen who tossed 3 nearly perfect innings leading to a 7-5 Jersey win to take a firm grip on the series, which was heading to Jersey Shore for the next 3 games.
Game 3 saw an early rain delay knock both starters out before the 6th inning while the Stars took advantage of 2 Jersey errors for 3 unearned runs. The score of 4-3 after 4 innings wouldn't change as both bullpens were dynamite. The bullpens combined for to throw 9 innings, giving up 5 hits, 0 runs, 1 BB and 6 strikeouts. Springfield would avoid going down 3-0 and breathed new life going into Game 4. The Stars would send Pak back to the mound and would face Roland Martin, the Jersey ace for the 1st time in the series. Pak would go on to toss a gem, allowing just 2 singles in 7 shutout innings and would get help with a 3 run 3rd inning fueled by a Derek Davidson 2-run HR as the Stars would go onto win the game 4-2 and even the series at 2 games apiece. The pressure would move to Game 5 with the winner getting a clear cut 3-2 advantage. We would see Sergio Martinez take on Long Haul Lopez. The Bags would get the scoring started right away with home runs by Boyd and Doyle in the 1st innings as well as a solo HR by Serna in the 4th. The Stars would cut into the 4-0 in the 7th with back to back homers from Davidson and Guerrero, but give them right back in the bottom half with a 2-RBI double from Doyle. Davidson would again homer in the 8th, but the Stars just started scoring too late and the boys from Jersey would win the contest 7-4 and go back to Springfield with the series lead.
With the series on the line, Springfield would go to Game 5 hero of the CLDS Hyo-Chin Ch'oe to try and send this series to a deciding Game 7. Cristobal Santos would take the mound on 3 days rest for Jersey. It was smooth sailing for both pitchers through 2 innings until Jersey would appease the hometown crowd with 4, third inning runs coming off the bats of Dodd and Doyle. The Bags would add 2 more runs in the 4th to take a commanding 6-0 lead. Ch'oe would be knocked out in the 5th inning, but that didn't stop the D-Bags from adding on runs. After 6 innings, the lead was 10-2 and would stay like that. Springfield would load the bases with no outs in the 7th, but would fail to score. With the Irvine-Baffin Island series still going on, Jersey Shore would finally get to celebrate the victory with cases of champagne in their own clubhouse taking their 1st CL Pennant since the 2022 team did.
Now comes Irvine. The wire-to-wire best team in the BSA all season long. The team with the best staff in the league. Their 477 runs given up rank 2nd all time, only behind the epic staff of the 2015 Hendersonville Hitmen. Their ace Masutaro with a historic 13.8 WAR season which shattered Scott Hill's previous record. They led the NL in OBP and finished 3rd in runs scored. The BSA will have a new champion this year. Either way, I think we are in for a great series. Congrats Larry and good luck!
GO D-BAGS
Showing posts with label martin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label martin. Show all posts
Friday, November 11, 2016
Jersey Shore Ousts Pocatello and Springfield to Reach 4th World Series
The ride here has been anything except boring for the boys of the Jersey Shore D-Bags. After leading the CL East for most of the season, it took winning 5 of their last 7 games, including a sweep of Greenville just to reach a 1 game playoff for the 84's. Late home runs by Boyd and Doyle lifted the Bags to their 1st division title in 6 years and a chance to host Pocatello, a team in the playoffs for the 1st time in 15 years, in the division round.
Jersey Shore quickly found themselves down 3-1 in the series with Boccabellas facing elimination on the road. But the team wouldn't let that happen. An 8-2 win fueled by 12 hits and a gritty 6 inning outing by Sergio Martinez on 3-day's rest sent the D-Bags back home, where they had to win both games, including beating the reigning 3-time Cy Young award winner Kevin Bush. Cristobal Santos would match Bush for 7 innings before handing things off the bullpen and a walk-off RBI double from Pat Zimmerman off of All-Star closer Adrian Martinez would send us to Game 7. Call it a high, momentum or just plain confidence but Jersey Shore would dominate Game 7, led by Roland Martin's 7 shutout innings and emerging star catcher Luis Rios with 3 hits out of the 9 hole as well seldom used 4th outfielder Wilson Martinez who doubled twice and knocked in 2 runs. A final score of 8 to nothing couldn't even be celebrated as the D-Bags loaded up and flew to Springfield that same night to face the Stars in Game 1 of the CLCS the very next day.
The Stars finished with the best record in the CL as well as best record in team history at 111-51. It was the Springfield's franchise 1st playoff appearance since 2011 when they were known as the Kansas City Cougars. That 2011 team was led by some names you might have heard of. They include the great Jean-Thomas Francoeur, John Garrett and John Crowe. The 2026 Stars might not have the HOF names yet, but they are loaded with talent. Trotting out the most productive outfield the BSA has ever seen in Derek Davidson, Calvin Bennett and Felipe Guerrero. Trotting out other bats that include Elliot Newell and Juan Rodriguez, the Stars led the BSA in runs with 1006. They became just the 2nd CL team in history to cross the 1000 run threshold, as the only other team to do so were the 2022 Greenville 84's. BTW....the 2022 Springfield Stars? A CL record of just 555 runs scored. What a difference 5 seasons can make.
The Stars strolled into the postseason with the #1 seed and looked part in beating the powerhouse Greenville team by scoring 28 runs in 5 games and finishing off the 84's with a shutout in a Game 5, 3-0 win on the road. They would get 3 days off to rest before Jersey Shore would come to town for the CLCS. Maybe the off days got them out of a rhythm or a funk, but the offense never came for the Stars. Jersey would take the first two games of the series in Springfield. Game 1 a close 4-3 contest, as the D-Bag bats put up 4 runs on Kyu-Pyeong Pak with the go ahead runs coming in the 6th inning off of the bat of Pat Zimmerman by way of a 2-run HR. Game 2 saw a slugfest in the 1st 3 innings, as Jersey came out in the 4th inning up 6-5. Jesse Green would pitch out of trouble multiple times in the next 3 innings before handing things off to the bullpen who tossed 3 nearly perfect innings leading to a 7-5 Jersey win to take a firm grip on the series, which was heading to Jersey Shore for the next 3 games.
Game 3 saw an early rain delay knock both starters out before the 6th inning while the Stars took advantage of 2 Jersey errors for 3 unearned runs. The score of 4-3 after 4 innings wouldn't change as both bullpens were dynamite. The bullpens combined for to throw 9 innings, giving up 5 hits, 0 runs, 1 BB and 6 strikeouts. Springfield would avoid going down 3-0 and breathed new life going into Game 4. The Stars would send Pak back to the mound and would face Roland Martin, the Jersey ace for the 1st time in the series. Pak would go on to toss a gem, allowing just 2 singles in 7 shutout innings and would get help with a 3 run 3rd inning fueled by a Derek Davidson 2-run HR as the Stars would go onto win the game 4-2 and even the series at 2 games apiece. The pressure would move to Game 5 with the winner getting a clear cut 3-2 advantage. We would see Sergio Martinez take on Long Haul Lopez. The Bags would get the scoring started right away with home runs by Boyd and Doyle in the 1st innings as well as a solo HR by Serna in the 4th. The Stars would cut into the 4-0 in the 7th with back to back homers from Davidson and Guerrero, but give them right back in the bottom half with a 2-RBI double from Doyle. Davidson would again homer in the 8th, but the Stars just started scoring too late and the boys from Jersey would win the contest 7-4 and go back to Springfield with the series lead.
With the series on the line, Springfield would go to Game 5 hero of the CLDS Hyo-Chin Ch'oe to try and send this series to a deciding Game 7. Cristobal Santos would take the mound on 3 days rest for Jersey. It was smooth sailing for both pitchers through 2 innings until Jersey would appease the hometown crowd with 4, third inning runs coming off the bats of Dodd and Doyle. The Bags would add 2 more runs in the 4th to take a commanding 6-0 lead. Ch'oe would be knocked out in the 5th inning, but that didn't stop the D-Bags from adding on runs. After 6 innings, the lead was 10-2 and would stay like that. Springfield would load the bases with no outs in the 7th, but would fail to score. With the Irvine-Baffin Island series still going on, Jersey Shore would finally get to celebrate the victory with cases of champagne in their own clubhouse taking their 1st CL Pennant since the 2022 team did.
Now comes Irvine. The wire-to-wire best team in the BSA all season long. The team with the best staff in the league. Their 477 runs given up rank 2nd all time, only behind the epic staff of the 2015 Hendersonville Hitmen. Their ace Masutaro with a historic 13.8 WAR season which shattered Scott Hill's previous record. They led the NL in OBP and finished 3rd in runs scored. The BSA will have a new champion this year. Either way, I think we are in for a great series. Congrats Larry and good luck!
GO D-BAGS
Jersey Shore quickly found themselves down 3-1 in the series with Boccabellas facing elimination on the road. But the team wouldn't let that happen. An 8-2 win fueled by 12 hits and a gritty 6 inning outing by Sergio Martinez on 3-day's rest sent the D-Bags back home, where they had to win both games, including beating the reigning 3-time Cy Young award winner Kevin Bush. Cristobal Santos would match Bush for 7 innings before handing things off the bullpen and a walk-off RBI double from Pat Zimmerman off of All-Star closer Adrian Martinez would send us to Game 7. Call it a high, momentum or just plain confidence but Jersey Shore would dominate Game 7, led by Roland Martin's 7 shutout innings and emerging star catcher Luis Rios with 3 hits out of the 9 hole as well seldom used 4th outfielder Wilson Martinez who doubled twice and knocked in 2 runs. A final score of 8 to nothing couldn't even be celebrated as the D-Bags loaded up and flew to Springfield that same night to face the Stars in Game 1 of the CLCS the very next day.
The Stars finished with the best record in the CL as well as best record in team history at 111-51. It was the Springfield's franchise 1st playoff appearance since 2011 when they were known as the Kansas City Cougars. That 2011 team was led by some names you might have heard of. They include the great Jean-Thomas Francoeur, John Garrett and John Crowe. The 2026 Stars might not have the HOF names yet, but they are loaded with talent. Trotting out the most productive outfield the BSA has ever seen in Derek Davidson, Calvin Bennett and Felipe Guerrero. Trotting out other bats that include Elliot Newell and Juan Rodriguez, the Stars led the BSA in runs with 1006. They became just the 2nd CL team in history to cross the 1000 run threshold, as the only other team to do so were the 2022 Greenville 84's. BTW....the 2022 Springfield Stars? A CL record of just 555 runs scored. What a difference 5 seasons can make.
The Stars strolled into the postseason with the #1 seed and looked part in beating the powerhouse Greenville team by scoring 28 runs in 5 games and finishing off the 84's with a shutout in a Game 5, 3-0 win on the road. They would get 3 days off to rest before Jersey Shore would come to town for the CLCS. Maybe the off days got them out of a rhythm or a funk, but the offense never came for the Stars. Jersey would take the first two games of the series in Springfield. Game 1 a close 4-3 contest, as the D-Bag bats put up 4 runs on Kyu-Pyeong Pak with the go ahead runs coming in the 6th inning off of the bat of Pat Zimmerman by way of a 2-run HR. Game 2 saw a slugfest in the 1st 3 innings, as Jersey came out in the 4th inning up 6-5. Jesse Green would pitch out of trouble multiple times in the next 3 innings before handing things off to the bullpen who tossed 3 nearly perfect innings leading to a 7-5 Jersey win to take a firm grip on the series, which was heading to Jersey Shore for the next 3 games.
Game 3 saw an early rain delay knock both starters out before the 6th inning while the Stars took advantage of 2 Jersey errors for 3 unearned runs. The score of 4-3 after 4 innings wouldn't change as both bullpens were dynamite. The bullpens combined for to throw 9 innings, giving up 5 hits, 0 runs, 1 BB and 6 strikeouts. Springfield would avoid going down 3-0 and breathed new life going into Game 4. The Stars would send Pak back to the mound and would face Roland Martin, the Jersey ace for the 1st time in the series. Pak would go on to toss a gem, allowing just 2 singles in 7 shutout innings and would get help with a 3 run 3rd inning fueled by a Derek Davidson 2-run HR as the Stars would go onto win the game 4-2 and even the series at 2 games apiece. The pressure would move to Game 5 with the winner getting a clear cut 3-2 advantage. We would see Sergio Martinez take on Long Haul Lopez. The Bags would get the scoring started right away with home runs by Boyd and Doyle in the 1st innings as well as a solo HR by Serna in the 4th. The Stars would cut into the 4-0 in the 7th with back to back homers from Davidson and Guerrero, but give them right back in the bottom half with a 2-RBI double from Doyle. Davidson would again homer in the 8th, but the Stars just started scoring too late and the boys from Jersey would win the contest 7-4 and go back to Springfield with the series lead.
With the series on the line, Springfield would go to Game 5 hero of the CLDS Hyo-Chin Ch'oe to try and send this series to a deciding Game 7. Cristobal Santos would take the mound on 3 days rest for Jersey. It was smooth sailing for both pitchers through 2 innings until Jersey would appease the hometown crowd with 4, third inning runs coming off the bats of Dodd and Doyle. The Bags would add 2 more runs in the 4th to take a commanding 6-0 lead. Ch'oe would be knocked out in the 5th inning, but that didn't stop the D-Bags from adding on runs. After 6 innings, the lead was 10-2 and would stay like that. Springfield would load the bases with no outs in the 7th, but would fail to score. With the Irvine-Baffin Island series still going on, Jersey Shore would finally get to celebrate the victory with cases of champagne in their own clubhouse taking their 1st CL Pennant since the 2022 team did.
Now comes Irvine. The wire-to-wire best team in the BSA all season long. The team with the best staff in the league. Their 477 runs given up rank 2nd all time, only behind the epic staff of the 2015 Hendersonville Hitmen. Their ace Masutaro with a historic 13.8 WAR season which shattered Scott Hill's previous record. They led the NL in OBP and finished 3rd in runs scored. The BSA will have a new champion this year. Either way, I think we are in for a great series. Congrats Larry and good luck!
GO D-BAGS
Friday, January 8, 2016
Meet the 2024 Pitching Staff
2023 saw the Jersey Shore D-Bags take another deep run into the playoffs before eventually falling to the World Champions Greenville 84's. While only losing one piece of the staff in the off-season, the staff remains nearly unchanged.
Starting Pitching - Bags bring back the Big 4 with a new face
SP Jose Ramos - Coming off a 24 win season and 2nd in the Cy Young voting, this is the first year in his $163M contract. Ace.
SP Roland Martin - 2022 Rookie of the Year and 17 game winner last season, Martin is a budding star. With a devastating change-up, he and Ramos make a mean 1-2 punch.
SP Ramon Ruiz - Hard throwing lefty who struggled last season after 2 good years. Control will always be his issue, but has the stuff to strikeout 10/9 and be a great 3.
SP Sergio Martinez - Martinez has won at least 14 starts in 5 straight years now and rounds out a very good 1-4 staff. He is in a contract year and it will be interesting to see if this is his last year in Jersey.
SP Li-Xue Si-ma - With SP Gianluigi Ciotton being selected in the expansion draft to Nassau, the D-Bags looked to free agency to fill their #5 spot. Si-ma has previously won 14 games on 2 occasions in Maui and came over on a cheap 2 year deal. He walks a lot but does keep the ball in the ballpark.
The Bullpen
MR Angel Lara - Had an awful 2023 but won the job in ST. Hits 99 with his fastball but needs to improve on his K/BB which was less than 2.
MR John Hall - Groundball pitcher with a good fastball. Had his best season as a pro last year and will work middle relief.
MR Luis Cortez - 29 year old righty coming off 3 straight solid years. Won't overpower many hitters, but does have a tricky curveball in his arsenal, will also work the middle innings.
MR Claude Pinard - Left handed power arm who had 129 K's in 105 innings last year. Historically has been tougher on righties than lefties. His sinker is his out pitch and home runs off of him is a rarity.
MR Hyo-chin Kim - At 27, Kim is probably one of the best non-closers in the BSA. Career 3.03 ERA in 424 appearances and is only 27 years old. Coming off two sub-1.80 ERA years and will act as the set-up man.
CL Gerald Johnson - With back-to-back All Star appearances, Johnson is becoming one of the premier closers in baseball. He led the league with 42 saves last season while striking out more than 13 batters per 9.
In the Wings
SP Stephen Puckett - Former 2nd round pick out of High School, Puckett had a full year of AAA last season with decent results. He may not be ready now, but could be an injury fill in and possibly a staple in the rotation as soon as next year.
MR Gil Dickson - Dickson looked good and improved in what very little time he got after missing most of all 2023 to injury. If he can limit walks he should be an average reliever down the road.
MR Jonathan Phillips - Very hard throwing 25 year old right hander who can hit triple digits. He struck out 171 batters in 108 innings last year in AAA, but managed to walk 81 as well. Don't be surprised if he is the first reliever up this season.
MR Alfonso Martinez - 23 year old junk ball pitcher who survives with a great change-up. Struggled in AAA last year after walking more than 6 per 9 innings. He is still young, but the jury is still out.
GO D-BAGS
Thursday, May 28, 2015
D-Bags Head to Playoffs; Face Off Against Sheens
After missing the playoffs in 2021, the Jersey Shore D-Bags stormed back in 2022 winning 107 games and claiming the CL Wild Card with a comfortable margin. Those 107 wins are the 2nd best in team history after the 119 they won back in 2017. There were big years across the board as 4 starters won 15+ games, including Ramos and Martinez who both won 20+. Dave Dodd repeated as the CL Batting champion, while adding in 48 dingers and 130 RBI while Mike Bryant put up a very Bryant like line of .332-37 2B-37 HR-115 RBI. 3 others hit 20+ HR and they had a staggering 11 players hit double digit home runs. A great regular season no doubt, but the real season is about to begin and is the BSA playoffs.
In the 1st round the D-Bags will meet the St. Charles Sheens who won the CL West with a franchise best 101-61 season and the franchise's 1st playoff appearance since 2013 when they were located in Denver. The Sheens feature a good core of homegrown talent that includes Ware, Moss and Cantu. A group of players that joined through savvy trades including O'Sullivan, Wheeler, Mendelson, Escobedo, Carter and Rivera. And it's a young team with the only player over the age of 30 multiple All-Star catcher Victor Antelo. A well rounded team, young, hungry team.
With Jersey getting the Wild Card, St. Charles will be the host team and have the home field advantage at 4 games to 3. St. Charles won the season series 5-4 with 5 of those games being decided by only 1 run. Expect these series to be similar and close like the season series was.
Jersey Projected Starting Rotation:
Game 1 - Jose Ramos
Game 2 - Sergio Martinez
Game 3 - Roland Martin
Game 4 - Ramon Ruiz
Projected Starting Lineup Game 1:
LF Ricardo Berroa
1B Tadahisa Kisuki
DH Mike Bryant
RF Dave Dodd
C Fernando Ramos
2B Lawrence Schroeder
CF Fransisco Torres
3B Fabrice Brodeur
SS John Moore
GO D-BAGS
In the 1st round the D-Bags will meet the St. Charles Sheens who won the CL West with a franchise best 101-61 season and the franchise's 1st playoff appearance since 2013 when they were located in Denver. The Sheens feature a good core of homegrown talent that includes Ware, Moss and Cantu. A group of players that joined through savvy trades including O'Sullivan, Wheeler, Mendelson, Escobedo, Carter and Rivera. And it's a young team with the only player over the age of 30 multiple All-Star catcher Victor Antelo. A well rounded team, young, hungry team.
With Jersey getting the Wild Card, St. Charles will be the host team and have the home field advantage at 4 games to 3. St. Charles won the season series 5-4 with 5 of those games being decided by only 1 run. Expect these series to be similar and close like the season series was.
Jersey Projected Starting Rotation:
Game 1 - Jose Ramos
Game 2 - Sergio Martinez
Game 3 - Roland Martin
Game 4 - Ramon Ruiz
Projected Starting Lineup Game 1:
LF Ricardo Berroa
1B Tadahisa Kisuki
DH Mike Bryant
RF Dave Dodd
C Fernando Ramos
2B Lawrence Schroeder
CF Fransisco Torres
3B Fabrice Brodeur
SS John Moore
GO D-BAGS
Thursday, December 11, 2014
1st Round 2021; Bags select Ben "Cadillac" Morton
The amateur draft always a favorite time of the year for GM Josh Swain. The way real teams build their core is to through the draft. Jersey Shore is no exception to the rule, just look at their former 1st round picks: Mike Bryant, Matt Doyle, Richard Coker, Lawrence Schroeder, Fabrice Brodeur, Gianluigi Ciottone, Roland Martin, Gerald Johnson, Matthieu Vancini....and those are just 1st and 1st round compensatory picks over the past 10 years.
The D-Bags selected 24th this year and for the 3rd year in a row and for the 4th time in 5 years they chose to selected a prep player over going the going the college route. They selected out of Sante Fe High School, Catcher Ben Morton, or simply as his teammates call him.....Cadillac. In his senior year and first year as a starter, Morton caught 36 of the teams 40 games while hitting 8 doubles, 6 homers and driving in 33 runs. He finished with a triple slash line of .299/.389/.493. While not lighting it up like a lot of first rounders in high school do, Jersey's scouts see the tools While his defensive tools won't light the world on fire, scouts predict him to be middle o the road if he can live up to his potential, but his bat is why he got chosen here. "We have his bat and gap as plus tools and his power at plus-plus. He will never be a guy who walks a lot and probably will strike out his fair amount of times, but catchers are still one of the more rare positions in the BSA and if he can refine his hitting tools he could be one of the better hitting catchers in the league, but he has a long ways to go for that. I imagine he struggles pretty good with A pitching, but being at age 18 we have a lot of options going forward," said GM Swain.
Jersey won't pick again until the 62nd overall pick which will be their regular 2nd round pick. While that is a lot of players to be picked between now and then, don't be surprised to see GM Swain find a player who will turn out to be productive, it's just what they do in Jersey during a draft.
Last year's 1st round pick Miguel Serna, who was drafted 21st overall last season, is starting to pick it up in A ball after struggling last season. While the power hasn't come around he is hitting .251 and has 20 doubles in A ball. Jersey's other 1st round pick, SP Ben Head, another prep player, is improving as well. He has reduced his BB/9, while picking up his K/9 and H/9. His FIP is 4,43 and will probably spend the rest of the year in Manhattan to improve. 2nd round pick and 63rd overall last season 2B John Moore is really picking it up in AA. Moore turned 24 this year has shown off his speed with 18 steals, 18 doubles and 3 triples. He has struggled in the field, but management has him playing shortstop trying to improve his range there as he has been scouted to be one of the better fielding 2B at the AA level. Chances are he will be playing in AAA before the year is done.
GO D-BAGS
The D-Bags selected 24th this year and for the 3rd year in a row and for the 4th time in 5 years they chose to selected a prep player over going the going the college route. They selected out of Sante Fe High School, Catcher Ben Morton, or simply as his teammates call him.....Cadillac. In his senior year and first year as a starter, Morton caught 36 of the teams 40 games while hitting 8 doubles, 6 homers and driving in 33 runs. He finished with a triple slash line of .299/.389/.493. While not lighting it up like a lot of first rounders in high school do, Jersey's scouts see the tools While his defensive tools won't light the world on fire, scouts predict him to be middle o the road if he can live up to his potential, but his bat is why he got chosen here. "We have his bat and gap as plus tools and his power at plus-plus. He will never be a guy who walks a lot and probably will strike out his fair amount of times, but catchers are still one of the more rare positions in the BSA and if he can refine his hitting tools he could be one of the better hitting catchers in the league, but he has a long ways to go for that. I imagine he struggles pretty good with A pitching, but being at age 18 we have a lot of options going forward," said GM Swain.
Jersey won't pick again until the 62nd overall pick which will be their regular 2nd round pick. While that is a lot of players to be picked between now and then, don't be surprised to see GM Swain find a player who will turn out to be productive, it's just what they do in Jersey during a draft.
Last year's 1st round pick Miguel Serna, who was drafted 21st overall last season, is starting to pick it up in A ball after struggling last season. While the power hasn't come around he is hitting .251 and has 20 doubles in A ball. Jersey's other 1st round pick, SP Ben Head, another prep player, is improving as well. He has reduced his BB/9, while picking up his K/9 and H/9. His FIP is 4,43 and will probably spend the rest of the year in Manhattan to improve. 2nd round pick and 63rd overall last season 2B John Moore is really picking it up in AA. Moore turned 24 this year has shown off his speed with 18 steals, 18 doubles and 3 triples. He has struggled in the field, but management has him playing shortstop trying to improve his range there as he has been scouted to be one of the better fielding 2B at the AA level. Chances are he will be playing in AAA before the year is done.
GO D-BAGS
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Meet Your 2021 Jersey Shore D-Bags Pitching Staff
A late in season run saw Jersey Shore capture their 3rd CL Eastern Division title in 4 years and their 2nd ever World Series appearance last season. Though they fell to Boston in 5 games, the season was considered a success and saw a lot of young players step in and make big contributions. A year later and a new season are upon us and we have a lot of familiar faces but the staff also has a few changes. Jersey lost 4 fairly big contributors from the past couple years. Those names include SP Art Ellis, SP Greg Schaefer, MR Phillip Moran and MR/CL Jose Ruiz. Who will be taking their spots? Find out below.
Pitching
Art Ellis really showed his age in the past 2 seasons and declining his large option was a no brainer for Jersey. Greg Schaefer on the other hand wasn't the easiest decision. Rumors have it that Jersey was in talks with Schaefer and at least 2 other clubs for a sign and trade, but nothing materialized. Coincidentally both of these players, including MR Jose Ruiz are all with division rival Madison now.
The Rotation
Jersey brings one of the strongest rotations we have seen from them in years. 4 members are under the age of 26 and Jose Ramos is coming off his best season as a pro. If they pitch up to their potential, Jersey should be very much in the hunt to win the East for a 4th time in 5 years.
Jose Ramos - 25 years old, IFA signing 2013 season. Ace of the staff, 41 wins over the last 2 seasons and finished 2nd to Lebel in Cy Young voting last season.
2020 stats: 18-5, 3.09 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 3.27 FIP, 3.45 K/BB
Contract: $7.06M. Signed through 2023 season.
Sergio Martinez - 24 yeras old, IFA signing 2013 season. After great 2019 season he took a step backwards last year. Jersey is hoping it was just a sophomore slump. Highly talented.
2020 stats: 14-10, 4.27 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 3.88 FIP, 1.61 K/BB
Contract: $2.59M. Signed through 2024 season.
Ramon Ruiz - 24 years old, IFA signing 2013 season. Ruiz got his feet wet last year getting 12 starts with mixed reviews. He really burst onto the scene in 2019 winning 21 games in AAA after being thought of as a C type prospect. His only downfall would seem to be his stamina.
2020 stats: 6-2, 4.46 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 3.65 FIP, 3.05 K/BB
Contract: $400K. Should become Arb eligible in 2023.
Jose Lara - 30 years old, acquired via trade with Toronto after the 2017 season. The elder statesman of the rotation, Lara has been a polarizing, up and down starter since coming to Jersey, not what they expected when the trade was made.
2020 stats: 12-10, 5.70 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 5.14 FIP, 2.23 K/BB
Contract: $15M. Signed through 2023 season,
Javier Garcia - 24 years old, acquired via trade with Vista during 2015 season. A strong spring training won the 5th spot for Garcia this year. After 3 straight years of striking out 225+ batters in AAA he got 3 starts last year for Jersey. Probably not a long term option, but can throw heat.
2020 stats: 1-1, 5.12 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 4.18 FIP, 2.75 K/BB
Contract: $400K. Should be arb eligible in 2024.
The Bullpen
The only loss in a fairly inexperienced pen was Ruiz but Jersey had the man power in AAA to replace him internally. Mungo's option was picked up to anchor the bullpen as it should be one of the team's strong points again this season.
Jaime Saenz - 35 years old, re-acquired via trade with Baffin Island during the 2020 season. The 2021 season will be the 10th Saenz will appear in Jersey. One of the better relievers in the game and hardest throwing pitchers.
2020 stats: 6-3, 35 saves. 2.43 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 1.99 FIP, 4.95 K/BB.
Contract: $9M. Signed through the 2021 season.
Gerald Johnson - 25 years old, drafted 2015 in 1st compensatory round. Johnson is a closer in the wings, who is said to have one of the better fastballs in the league. Likes to keep the ball on the ground, only flaw is he lacks control at times.
2020 stats: 7-2, 10 saves. 2.45 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 2.76 FIP, 3.45 K/BB.
Contract: $1.04M. Signed through the 2025 season.
Angel Lara - 25 years old, signed as an IFA 2013 season. Hard throwing right hander and 2021 will be his 4th season in the Jersey pen. Like Johnson, groundball pitcher who avoids giving up the long ball.
2020 stats: 5-4, 2 saves. 3.76 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.18 FIP, 2.42 K/BB.
Contract: $820K. Signed through the 2022 season.
Hyo-chin Kim - 24 years old, signed a MLC during 2013 season. After tearing his UCL in spring training of the 2019 season and missing the entire year, he came back in 2020 and the best season of his career. This will be his 5th season in the pen and could be a future closer.
2020 stats: 6-1, 2 saves. 2.43 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 2.78 FIP, 5.71 K/BB
Contract: $1.49M. Signed though the 2026 season.
Luis Cortez - 26 years old, received via trade with Vista during the 2014 season. Talented hurler spending his 4th year as part of the Jersey pen, but has never pitched a full year, always bounced between Jersey and AAA. Out of options so it's time to put up numbers.
2020 stats: 0-1, 1 save. 5.14 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 5.63 FIP, 2.00 K/BB
Contract: $400K. Should be arb eligible in 2023.
Claude Pinard - 27 years old, drafted in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft. Pinard is a true rookie after taking a couple extra years to reach the pros. Was great last year as the closer in AAA and impressed in spring training.
2020 stats (AAA): 7-3, 16 saves. 2.45 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 3.05 FIP, 3.17 K/BB
Contract: $400K. Should become arb eligible in 2024.
Yin-zeng Zong - 30 years old, drafted in the 7th round of the 2013 draft. Zong is the only 7th round pick from 2013 to see major league action. Put up his best numbers as a pro last season and throws very hard.
2020 stats: 3-1. 1.89 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 3.58 FIP, 2.78 K/BB
Contract: $830K. Signed through 2023 season.
There you have it. Your 2021 Jersey Shore pitching staff. The 12 man rotation is a lot for the D-Bags who usually only carry 11 men. There are a few options in AAA including top prospect SP Roland Martin if injuries or poor play arise. Can this staff be one of the best in the CL? Only time will tell.
GO D-BAGS
Pitching
Art Ellis really showed his age in the past 2 seasons and declining his large option was a no brainer for Jersey. Greg Schaefer on the other hand wasn't the easiest decision. Rumors have it that Jersey was in talks with Schaefer and at least 2 other clubs for a sign and trade, but nothing materialized. Coincidentally both of these players, including MR Jose Ruiz are all with division rival Madison now.
The Rotation
Jersey brings one of the strongest rotations we have seen from them in years. 4 members are under the age of 26 and Jose Ramos is coming off his best season as a pro. If they pitch up to their potential, Jersey should be very much in the hunt to win the East for a 4th time in 5 years.
Jose Ramos - 25 years old, IFA signing 2013 season. Ace of the staff, 41 wins over the last 2 seasons and finished 2nd to Lebel in Cy Young voting last season.
2020 stats: 18-5, 3.09 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 3.27 FIP, 3.45 K/BB
Contract: $7.06M. Signed through 2023 season.
Sergio Martinez - 24 yeras old, IFA signing 2013 season. After great 2019 season he took a step backwards last year. Jersey is hoping it was just a sophomore slump. Highly talented.
2020 stats: 14-10, 4.27 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 3.88 FIP, 1.61 K/BB
Contract: $2.59M. Signed through 2024 season.
Ramon Ruiz - 24 years old, IFA signing 2013 season. Ruiz got his feet wet last year getting 12 starts with mixed reviews. He really burst onto the scene in 2019 winning 21 games in AAA after being thought of as a C type prospect. His only downfall would seem to be his stamina.
2020 stats: 6-2, 4.46 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 3.65 FIP, 3.05 K/BB
Contract: $400K. Should become Arb eligible in 2023.
Jose Lara - 30 years old, acquired via trade with Toronto after the 2017 season. The elder statesman of the rotation, Lara has been a polarizing, up and down starter since coming to Jersey, not what they expected when the trade was made.
2020 stats: 12-10, 5.70 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 5.14 FIP, 2.23 K/BB
Contract: $15M. Signed through 2023 season,
Javier Garcia - 24 years old, acquired via trade with Vista during 2015 season. A strong spring training won the 5th spot for Garcia this year. After 3 straight years of striking out 225+ batters in AAA he got 3 starts last year for Jersey. Probably not a long term option, but can throw heat.
2020 stats: 1-1, 5.12 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 4.18 FIP, 2.75 K/BB
Contract: $400K. Should be arb eligible in 2024.
The Bullpen
The only loss in a fairly inexperienced pen was Ruiz but Jersey had the man power in AAA to replace him internally. Mungo's option was picked up to anchor the bullpen as it should be one of the team's strong points again this season.
Jaime Saenz - 35 years old, re-acquired via trade with Baffin Island during the 2020 season. The 2021 season will be the 10th Saenz will appear in Jersey. One of the better relievers in the game and hardest throwing pitchers.
2020 stats: 6-3, 35 saves. 2.43 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 1.99 FIP, 4.95 K/BB.
Contract: $9M. Signed through the 2021 season.
Gerald Johnson - 25 years old, drafted 2015 in 1st compensatory round. Johnson is a closer in the wings, who is said to have one of the better fastballs in the league. Likes to keep the ball on the ground, only flaw is he lacks control at times.
2020 stats: 7-2, 10 saves. 2.45 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 2.76 FIP, 3.45 K/BB.
Contract: $1.04M. Signed through the 2025 season.
Angel Lara - 25 years old, signed as an IFA 2013 season. Hard throwing right hander and 2021 will be his 4th season in the Jersey pen. Like Johnson, groundball pitcher who avoids giving up the long ball.
2020 stats: 5-4, 2 saves. 3.76 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.18 FIP, 2.42 K/BB.
Contract: $820K. Signed through the 2022 season.
Hyo-chin Kim - 24 years old, signed a MLC during 2013 season. After tearing his UCL in spring training of the 2019 season and missing the entire year, he came back in 2020 and the best season of his career. This will be his 5th season in the pen and could be a future closer.
2020 stats: 6-1, 2 saves. 2.43 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 2.78 FIP, 5.71 K/BB
Contract: $1.49M. Signed though the 2026 season.
Luis Cortez - 26 years old, received via trade with Vista during the 2014 season. Talented hurler spending his 4th year as part of the Jersey pen, but has never pitched a full year, always bounced between Jersey and AAA. Out of options so it's time to put up numbers.
2020 stats: 0-1, 1 save. 5.14 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 5.63 FIP, 2.00 K/BB
Contract: $400K. Should be arb eligible in 2023.
Claude Pinard - 27 years old, drafted in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft. Pinard is a true rookie after taking a couple extra years to reach the pros. Was great last year as the closer in AAA and impressed in spring training.
2020 stats (AAA): 7-3, 16 saves. 2.45 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 3.05 FIP, 3.17 K/BB
Contract: $400K. Should become arb eligible in 2024.
Yin-zeng Zong - 30 years old, drafted in the 7th round of the 2013 draft. Zong is the only 7th round pick from 2013 to see major league action. Put up his best numbers as a pro last season and throws very hard.
2020 stats: 3-1. 1.89 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 3.58 FIP, 2.78 K/BB
Contract: $830K. Signed through 2023 season.
There you have it. Your 2021 Jersey Shore pitching staff. The 12 man rotation is a lot for the D-Bags who usually only carry 11 men. There are a few options in AAA including top prospect SP Roland Martin if injuries or poor play arise. Can this staff be one of the best in the CL? Only time will tell.
GO D-BAGS
Saturday, September 21, 2013
8 years, 8 picks; Jersey Shore 1st Round History
We just finished our 8th first round amatuer draft in the BSA since inagural 2010 season. The people in Jersey don't take drafting lightly and consider it a key piece to building a franchise. Let's look back at the 1st round picks that Jersey has made, and where they are today:
2010 - 21st overall - 2B Mike Bryant. The 4 year college player spent just less than 3 seasons in the minors before debuting just before his 25th birthday. In the 4 full seasons since then he has 4 all-star appearances, finished 2nd in MVP voting twice and won the award the past two seasons. He currently holds every batting record in the Jersey Shore record book. His contract will keep him starting at 2B for the D-Bags for at least the next 3 seasons. It's likely he retires in a Jersey uniform.
2011 - 18th overall - 1B Matt Doyle. Another 4 year college player out of the Texas. Doyle debuted for the D-Bags in May of the 2014 season and hasn't looked back since. He finished runner up to Luis Gonzalez of Toronto in back and force race. He became a force with Bryant in the lineup and led the BSA in HR in his 2nd year with 44. After four seasons with Jersey, they surprisingly shipped him off to Toronto in the Jose Lara trade. Doyle is currently tied for the lead in HR in the league and will likely be voted to his 4th all star game later today.
2012 - 22nd overall - CF Ernesto Barzaga. After going infield for two years, the Bags switched up and went with a rangy and speed CF in Barzaga. While he didn't have one batting tool that stood out, his contact, gap, power and eye were all average or a tick above average. He turned out to be a bust. He struggled mightily in A ball as a 22 and 23 year old in his first two seasons. As a 24 year he was tried in AA but struggled even more. At 25 he finally had a successful season in A ball, but by that time his potential had gotten worse and looked like he might turn into a career minor leaguer. He was eventually dropped by the D-Bags and retired. A rare early pick miss for Jersey.
2013 - 20th overall - 3B Richard Coker. Coker was the first HS player Jersey selected in the amateur draft. After 1 year at Butler HS, he showed his nack for getting on base. A high average and great eye as well as potential to play an above average 3B made him a 1st round pick. He spent the last month of 2013 in A ball and less than a month there in 2014 before being promoted to AA. He struggled a lot his first year in AA, but he was given the starting position. He picked up ten-fold in 2015 improving that contact but the eye was still behind. We started to see it come around in 2016 when a week or so before the trade deadline he was sent as the main piece to Cleveland in the trade for C Warren Goyer. After spending close to a season in the AAA for the Monsters he was recalled. This season he is having a breakout year and could be looking at an All-Star spot.
2014 - 28th overall - SS Lawrence Schroeder. Playing an unprecedented 5 years at Virginia, with his skills with the bat and glove, Jersey was lucky he dropped to them at 28. He played 81 games at AA, flashing some power but mainly that contact to move up to AAA in the season after he was drafted. He thrived in a full season in AAA, hitting the gaps and hitting for power. The only thing that bothered Jersey management is the 150+ strikeouts he accumulated. In 2016 he spent 105 games in AAA, dropping the K rate a little, but raising his batting average 60 points to .347, which earned him a promotion to the big league club. He played 48 games in a Jersey uniform his rookie year and hit well, very well and earned the starting job. He struggled in 2017 but did show promise hitting 48 2B, 6 3B, and 14 HR. This season he started off slow but picked up more recently winning his first POTW award as well as having his first 5-hit game. He is currently sideline by an injury but should still be in consideration for an All-Star position.
2015 - 25th overall - SS Fabrice Brodeur. Another 4 year college player who not only had skill at playing SS, but all over the infield. Above average speed, above average contact, decent gap and above average eye for striking out made him a good pick. He like many other Jersey players struggled early on to only bust out in his 2nd to 3rd season. The year after he was drafted he crushed AA pitching and earned a promotion to AAA. Now in his 3rd year, 2nd full year in AAA, it seems he has found it. Walks are up, K's are down, and he is hitting near a league best .377. He is also leading the AAA International League in WAR at the moment. With the recent injury to Schroeder, Brodeur was recently called and will start his first games in a Jersey uniform for tomorrow's sim.
2016 - 31st overall - SP Gianluigi Ciottone. A 4 year college starter at Nebraska, Jersey was surprised to find him on the board at 31. Despite not having a good 3rd pitch, with the depth of SP in their minors Jersey hopped on the chance to grab him. The minors have been puzzling for Ciottone. He has struggled in both AA and A in what is his now 3rd minor league season. He is currently 24 year old pitching in A ball, which is never a good sign but it appears things might be headed on the right track. His K/9 and BB/9 are the best they have ever been and his FIP is 2 runs better than his ERA. He might be headed towards bust land, but we will give him another year to see if he can turn into anything before putting that label on him.
2017 - 32nd overall - SP Roland Martin. Martin marked Jersey's 2nd time to select a SP as their first round pick, and the first time they went HS SP as a 1st rounder. Martin made 10 starts and 6 bullpen appearances last season in A ball, struggling, especially with control which was a staple of his in HS. This season in 18 starts as a 20 year old in A ball, Martin seems to be slightly improving across the board. Scouts are really impressed that he has picked up 2 MPH on his fastball than was previously seen in his HS games. He was named the 63rd best prospect by OSA before the season. His potentials say he should be a mid-rotation guy but with a little work he might some day be a top of the rotation man. At 20 years old, he has a lot of time to develop and he will be one to watch in the coming years.
Omitting this year's draftees who haven't even signed yet, there are your 8 years of Jersey Shore 1st round picks. You have the multi MVP winner, two all-stars, two young up and comers, one player just getting to his major league debut, two pitchers still in A ball and one bust out of the league. Considering Jersey's draft position I would say they have done very well. If Doyle and Coker will still in Jersey the IF of Doyle-Bryant-Schroeder-Coker would probably be ranked Top 3 in the BSA right now. Hopefully we see good things from the younger draftees. Don't sleep on the draft, you can build franchises this way, even with late picks!
Go D-Bags
Monday, April 22, 2013
Jersey Shore 2017 Amatuer Draft
July 1st rolled around in this 2017 season and took it's eyes off of the D-Bags league best record and turned to the league's first year player draft, or know as the Rule IV draft. For the first time in a few years Jersey would have no supplemental picks and would have 10 players in 10 rounds of the draft. Much like last year Jersey drafted a heavy pitching class with 4 of their 5 picks being young arms to add to their farm system.
Round 1
SP Roland Martin - Temiskaming District Secondary School - With the 32nd overall pick the D-Bags were
ecstatic when Martin fell to them. GM Josh Swain said afterwards they had him in their overall Top 10 and finding a quality High School arm that late was a great start for the ballclub. Martin pitched 3 seasons at TDSS compiling just a 9-4 record in 25 starts, striking out 185 batters in 149 IP, leaving school with a 4.09 ERA. The D-Bags seem to be more excited about the under the surface statistics. The 2.37 FIP he carried for his 3 year career and the 11.12 K/9 to go along with the 4.87 K/BB. Jersey's plan is to help him establish an "out" pitch and continue to add to the pristine control he has shown in High School. When and if he is signed, he will report to A ball Manhattan.
Round 2
CL John Charles - University of Minnesota - 102nd overall pick, 2nd round. The Bags again went pitching but this time went the relief route. Charles had originally been drafted by the Boston Rebels in 2014 draft but they failed to sign him and continued on to UMN to play 3 years. Over the past 3 years he has been one
of the best closers in the college ranks going 6-2 with 41 saves. He struck out an astonishing 131 batters in just 70 IP while carrying a 2.19 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP. This isn't the first time Jersey has drafted out of the UMN. In 2015 they slected Fabrice Brodeur with their first round pick. Brodeur currently is playing for Jersey's AAA affiliate in Tuscaloosa.
Round 3
1B Antonio Enriquez - Masconomet High School - 150th overall, Round 3. Jersey picked their only bat in the first 5 rounds going with switch hitting 1B Enriquez. not your prototypical 1B as he lacks power, but he
does have above average contact and rarely strikes out. He is more of a station to station type runner with slow speed and lacks much defense but his ability to get on base doesn't go over looked. In his 4 year HS career he hit .427, had an OBP of .496 and a career OPS of 1.115. He only amassed 12 HR and 26 2B in 344 AB, but had a better than 1:1 K/BB ratio as well. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to pitching at higher levels.
Round 4
SP Matt McGinnity - John Jay High School - 187th Overall, Round 4. Picking in the 4th round, Jersey selected their 2nd HS starter of the draft in McGinnity from Waterville, New York. McGinnity here is an interesting pick seeing his track record over his career and a big let down his final season. Most teams had
him slated as a MR, but the reason he slipped into the 4th could be because of the changeup he has tried to evolve over the past year. He throws an above average cutter and slider while hitting the mid-90's. Even if he doesn't succeed into becoming a professional starter, he may have a future as a reliever.
Round 5
SP Antonio Pereira - University of Cincinnati - 215th overall, Round 5. Jersey seemed to get a steal here in Round 5 and we are surprised both of their round 3 and 4 picks were taken over Pereira. He was the ace
of the Bearcats staff last year going 4-2, having a crazy 0.92 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, giving up 1 HR ans striking out 65 batters in 58.2 IP. Control isn't his best attribute, but improved on it greatly from junior to senior season. With 3 decent pitchers and a ground-ball percentage of 74%, he certainly has a chance of reaching the next level if he can improve on his control.
Even in a very deep draft once you get to the bottom the players tend to fall off. That's what happened in this draft between rounds 6-10.
Round 6 - RF Miguel Vallejo - 3rd time he has been drafted. 24 year with little hitting upside. Plays above average defense and has elite speed.
Round 7 - LF Steve Jennings - Speedy OF out of Georgia Tech. Has tools to be elite defender. Hit .354 in his senior season, if he improves he could pan out to be a 4th OF type.
Round 8 - RF Josh Boyer - 25 year old. At one point he could have made a decent player, but being drafted 3 other times besides this one and not playing over 3 years has diminished his skills.
Round 9 - Util Todd Ross - 25 year old. Another 4th time draftee, first time out of the 3rd round. Plays all IF positions well, elite speed, not much with the bat. Could stick on for awhile as a defensive specialist.
Round 10 - 1B George Young - 25 year old. A trend of taking older draftees late in the draft. Previously drafted by LA, POC and JAK. Doesn't have much upside in any area besides a slick glove at 1B.
Well there's the class of folks. A top heavy young class of high school players and a late half of players who should be in AAA right now but never will get a chance. We will see how the first 1-2 round picks go as Jersey has had an excellent track record of drafting BSA quality talent in those rounds.
GO D-BAGS
Round 1
SP Roland Martin - Temiskaming District Secondary School - With the 32nd overall pick the D-Bags were
ecstatic when Martin fell to them. GM Josh Swain said afterwards they had him in their overall Top 10 and finding a quality High School arm that late was a great start for the ballclub. Martin pitched 3 seasons at TDSS compiling just a 9-4 record in 25 starts, striking out 185 batters in 149 IP, leaving school with a 4.09 ERA. The D-Bags seem to be more excited about the under the surface statistics. The 2.37 FIP he carried for his 3 year career and the 11.12 K/9 to go along with the 4.87 K/BB. Jersey's plan is to help him establish an "out" pitch and continue to add to the pristine control he has shown in High School. When and if he is signed, he will report to A ball Manhattan.Round 2
CL John Charles - University of Minnesota - 102nd overall pick, 2nd round. The Bags again went pitching but this time went the relief route. Charles had originally been drafted by the Boston Rebels in 2014 draft but they failed to sign him and continued on to UMN to play 3 years. Over the past 3 years he has been oneof the best closers in the college ranks going 6-2 with 41 saves. He struck out an astonishing 131 batters in just 70 IP while carrying a 2.19 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP. This isn't the first time Jersey has drafted out of the UMN. In 2015 they slected Fabrice Brodeur with their first round pick. Brodeur currently is playing for Jersey's AAA affiliate in Tuscaloosa.
Round 3
1B Antonio Enriquez - Masconomet High School - 150th overall, Round 3. Jersey picked their only bat in the first 5 rounds going with switch hitting 1B Enriquez. not your prototypical 1B as he lacks power, but he
does have above average contact and rarely strikes out. He is more of a station to station type runner with slow speed and lacks much defense but his ability to get on base doesn't go over looked. In his 4 year HS career he hit .427, had an OBP of .496 and a career OPS of 1.115. He only amassed 12 HR and 26 2B in 344 AB, but had a better than 1:1 K/BB ratio as well. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to pitching at higher levels.Round 4
SP Matt McGinnity - John Jay High School - 187th Overall, Round 4. Picking in the 4th round, Jersey selected their 2nd HS starter of the draft in McGinnity from Waterville, New York. McGinnity here is an interesting pick seeing his track record over his career and a big let down his final season. Most teams had him slated as a MR, but the reason he slipped into the 4th could be because of the changeup he has tried to evolve over the past year. He throws an above average cutter and slider while hitting the mid-90's. Even if he doesn't succeed into becoming a professional starter, he may have a future as a reliever.
Round 5
SP Antonio Pereira - University of Cincinnati - 215th overall, Round 5. Jersey seemed to get a steal here in Round 5 and we are surprised both of their round 3 and 4 picks were taken over Pereira. He was the ace of the Bearcats staff last year going 4-2, having a crazy 0.92 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, giving up 1 HR ans striking out 65 batters in 58.2 IP. Control isn't his best attribute, but improved on it greatly from junior to senior season. With 3 decent pitchers and a ground-ball percentage of 74%, he certainly has a chance of reaching the next level if he can improve on his control.
Even in a very deep draft once you get to the bottom the players tend to fall off. That's what happened in this draft between rounds 6-10.
Round 6 - RF Miguel Vallejo - 3rd time he has been drafted. 24 year with little hitting upside. Plays above average defense and has elite speed.
Round 7 - LF Steve Jennings - Speedy OF out of Georgia Tech. Has tools to be elite defender. Hit .354 in his senior season, if he improves he could pan out to be a 4th OF type.
Round 8 - RF Josh Boyer - 25 year old. At one point he could have made a decent player, but being drafted 3 other times besides this one and not playing over 3 years has diminished his skills.
Round 9 - Util Todd Ross - 25 year old. Another 4th time draftee, first time out of the 3rd round. Plays all IF positions well, elite speed, not much with the bat. Could stick on for awhile as a defensive specialist.
Round 10 - 1B George Young - 25 year old. A trend of taking older draftees late in the draft. Previously drafted by LA, POC and JAK. Doesn't have much upside in any area besides a slick glove at 1B.
Well there's the class of folks. A top heavy young class of high school players and a late half of players who should be in AAA right now but never will get a chance. We will see how the first 1-2 round picks go as Jersey has had an excellent track record of drafting BSA quality talent in those rounds.
GO D-BAGS
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