Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
New blog
Hi everyone! Just a quick update: The Bulletin is creating a new blog site, which will eventually house the new version of Tiger Beat. It's not as exciting as this spot, but it's where I have to go with this. Once it's fully ready I will pass along the info.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
And so it ends
The Tigers had their chance today, leading in extra innings before ultimately losing to the IronBirds. As a result, they finish in second place without the postseason to look forward to.
Oddly, a team that struggled to hit scored plenty enough runs to have won. Connecticut just couldn't stop Aberdeen from scoring.
The end of this season is so much different than what past years have brought. Some, maybe none of the Tigers will be back next year. Usually in Double-A you have a decent idea who will return, but short-season A is not the same. I've been told Dixon Machado is a sure-bet to be back. But beyond that, who knows.
Connecticut defied the odds by sticking in the pennant race as long as it did, which at the very least, made the last two weeks entertaining.
Oddly, a team that struggled to hit scored plenty enough runs to have won. Connecticut just couldn't stop Aberdeen from scoring.
The end of this season is so much different than what past years have brought. Some, maybe none of the Tigers will be back next year. Usually in Double-A you have a decent idea who will return, but short-season A is not the same. I've been told Dixon Machado is a sure-bet to be back. But beyond that, who knows.
Connecticut defied the odds by sticking in the pennant race as long as it did, which at the very least, made the last two weeks entertaining.
Friday, September 3, 2010
First-place Tigers
Connecticut’s bats came to life in a 7-6 win over Aberdeen on Friday night, a victory that put the Tigers into first place in the New York-Penn League’s Stedler Division.
A win today combined with a loss by Tri-City at Brooklyn will clinch the playoff berth for the Connecticut. The Tigers have a half-game lead.
Connecticut put single runs on the board in the first and second innings before using a two-run Ryan Enos home run in the fourth for a 4-0 lead.
The IronBirds tied the game in the bottom of the fourth, but fell behind for good in the sixth.
Matt Perry (3-for-3) singled and advanced to second on Dixon Machado’s sacrifice bunt. Chao-Ting Tang then drove in Perry with a single to right.
The Tigers added a run in the sixth and two more in the eighth before holding off Aberdeen in the ninth.
A win today combined with a loss by Tri-City at Brooklyn will clinch the playoff berth for the Connecticut. The Tigers have a half-game lead.
Connecticut put single runs on the board in the first and second innings before using a two-run Ryan Enos home run in the fourth for a 4-0 lead.
The IronBirds tied the game in the bottom of the fourth, but fell behind for good in the sixth.
Matt Perry (3-for-3) singled and advanced to second on Dixon Machado’s sacrifice bunt. Chao-Ting Tang then drove in Perry with a single to right.
The Tigers added a run in the sixth and two more in the eighth before holding off Aberdeen in the ninth.
Playoff tickets
They go on sale Monday at noon, and as I mentioned in the previous post, they are $5 and if you are a season ticket holder, they are free.
I must say, that's a great deal!
I must say, that's a great deal!
Playoff news
Early word is that should the Tigers make the playoffs, Tuesday's Game 1 will be at 6:30 p.m. and all tickets -- that's right ALL tickets will be $5.
If that doesn't draw a big crowd, I don't know what will.
Could you imagine, two straight years, two different teams and both potentially having the largest average attendance in the postseason?
If that doesn't draw a big crowd, I don't know what will.
Could you imagine, two straight years, two different teams and both potentially having the largest average attendance in the postseason?
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Attendance
Did anyone else find it a coincidence that the attendance Sunday was 1,776 on Benedict Arnold bobblehead day?
Roster changes
Pitcher Brandon Barrow, who appeared in one game, was released. But there are three new faces.
RHP, Jeff Farrell (5-5, 3.14 GCL Tigers), who was Detroit's 26th-round draft pick this year; SS Dixon Machado (.261 GCL Tigers) and RHP Wilsen Palacios (4-4, 2.83 combined between GCL and FSL) will join the team Monday.
It wouldn't surprise me if we see a few more changes before Connecticut heads to Aberdeen to close out the season.
RHP, Jeff Farrell (5-5, 3.14 GCL Tigers), who was Detroit's 26th-round draft pick this year; SS Dixon Machado (.261 GCL Tigers) and RHP Wilsen Palacios (4-4, 2.83 combined between GCL and FSL) will join the team Monday.
It wouldn't surprise me if we see a few more changes before Connecticut heads to Aberdeen to close out the season.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Worth pondering
Rumor has it that a few Major League organizations were sniffing around in the event the Player Development Contract (PDC) between Detroit and Connecticut was not renewed.
When you consider the team's who could have been in the market for a new New York-Penn League home, it certainly makes for interesting conversation.
The Nationals, Phillies, Cardinals and Blue Jays were potential options. The truth is, teams love Dodd Stadium and what it has to offer. It's a big reason why Detroit wanted to stay put.
Now, with the time and money spent on establishing the team name along with the extended PDC, don't expect a new team name in 2011. Get used to the Connecticut Tigers.
When you consider the team's who could have been in the market for a new New York-Penn League home, it certainly makes for interesting conversation.
The Nationals, Phillies, Cardinals and Blue Jays were potential options. The truth is, teams love Dodd Stadium and what it has to offer. It's a big reason why Detroit wanted to stay put.
Now, with the time and money spent on establishing the team name along with the extended PDC, don't expect a new team name in 2011. Get used to the Connecticut Tigers.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Connecticut, Detroit extended PDC
The Connecticut Tigers announced Friday that its Player Development Contract with parent, club, the Detroit Tigers has been renewed through 2012. The PDC was set to expire following this season.
“They are one of the more stories franchises in all of professional sports and we feel privileged to have a part in their minor league system,’ Connecticut general manager Andrew Weber said in a release. “I hope our fans will enjoy watching Detroit’s prospects play at Dodd Stadium for years to come.”
The short-season Single-A team is in its first season in Norwich, having moved from Oneonta, N.Y., in April. With little more than a week remaining in the season, the Tigers are just one game out of first place in the New York-Penn League’s Stedler Division.
“The Tigers are very pleased to enter into this extension agreement with Connecticut,” said Detroit Tigers Director of Minor League Operations Dan Lunetta.
“…We view Norwich as a locale that fits well into our player development system. We are confident that the fan base will grow in the coming years and that the facility will be well maintained. We look forward to continuing our relationship for many years to come.”
“They are one of the more stories franchises in all of professional sports and we feel privileged to have a part in their minor league system,’ Connecticut general manager Andrew Weber said in a release. “I hope our fans will enjoy watching Detroit’s prospects play at Dodd Stadium for years to come.”
The short-season Single-A team is in its first season in Norwich, having moved from Oneonta, N.Y., in April. With little more than a week remaining in the season, the Tigers are just one game out of first place in the New York-Penn League’s Stedler Division.
“The Tigers are very pleased to enter into this extension agreement with Connecticut,” said Detroit Tigers Director of Minor League Operations Dan Lunetta.
“…We view Norwich as a locale that fits well into our player development system. We are confident that the fan base will grow in the coming years and that the facility will be well maintained. We look forward to continuing our relationship for many years to come.”
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Injury updates
P.J. Polk "tweeked" his right ankle after his cleat became stuck in the grass. He said he hurt that ankle badly in college and felt it best to not play on it because it felt funny.
Josue Carreno took a liner off the outside of his right foot. It looked fine, but it may swell up tomorrow or increase in soreness.
James Robbins' left knee collided with that of a base runner in the third inning. He needed some attention but remained in the game.
Josue Carreno took a liner off the outside of his right foot. It looked fine, but it may swell up tomorrow or increase in soreness.
James Robbins' left knee collided with that of a base runner in the third inning. He needed some attention but remained in the game.
That was quick
P.J. Polk injured a leg on the second batter of the game and limped off the field. More after the game.
Kendrick gone...for now
Tyson Kendrick was sent up to Double-A Erie, but should be back by the weekend.It's just a temporary fix for the SeaWolves.
Also, one of Connecticut's investors was here touring the stadium. Maybe he was getting an idea of what needs to get done around Dodd Stadium by next June. Try more fans.
And from the If You Were Curious Department, none of the 2010 draft picks signed by Detroit at Monday's deadline have been assigned to Connecticut. They are in the Gulf Coast League.
Also, one of Connecticut's investors was here touring the stadium. Maybe he was getting an idea of what needs to get done around Dodd Stadium by next June. Try more fans.
And from the If You Were Curious Department, none of the 2010 draft picks signed by Detroit at Monday's deadline have been assigned to Connecticut. They are in the Gulf Coast League.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tigers spark AL All-Star win
he American League scored three times — thanks in large part to the play of several Connecticut Tigers — in the bottom of the eighth to rally for a 4-3 win over the National League Tuesday night in the New York-Penn League All-Star Game.
Tigers first baseman James Robbins (1-for-2, run) led off the inning with a double. Teammate Julio Rodriguez (2-for-2, run) followed with a single. Another Tiger, P.J. Polk (run), drove in Robbins with a ground out.
After Rodriguez stole third, Trent Mummey and Connecticut’s Matt Perry walked. Tiger Ryan Enos tied the game with a sac fly and Jose Garcia followed with what proved the winning run.
Tigers first baseman James Robbins (1-for-2, run) led off the inning with a double. Teammate Julio Rodriguez (2-for-2, run) followed with a single. Another Tiger, P.J. Polk (run), drove in Robbins with a ground out.
After Rodriguez stole third, Trent Mummey and Connecticut’s Matt Perry walked. Tiger Ryan Enos tied the game with a sac fly and Jose Garcia followed with what proved the winning run.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Bark in the Park
This is one of my favorite promotions, Bark in the Park, that is. The dachshund race in the outfield is the best. But nothing stands out like the time one pup left a gift in right field and an outfielder found it with his foot.
Good times.
Good times.
Fit it!
This is coming from a selfish place, but after years of malfunctioning windows in the press box, the window at the Bulletin's station no longer works properly.
In the main section of the box there are six windows. Three need blocks or wood boards to remain open and one doesn't work at all.
So, Stadium Authority -- fix it.
In the main section of the box there are six windows. Three need blocks or wood boards to remain open and one doesn't work at all.
So, Stadium Authority -- fix it.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Hmmm?
Figures. Only on Friday the 13th would the Tigers' bus break down en route from Jamestown. As a result, the team won't make it back to Dodd in time for tonight's game, which has been postponed.
Only in Norwich.
Only in Norwich.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
FYI
What was left out of the ESOL story was that Chao-Ting Tang recently passed his drivers license exam.
More ESOL notes
If you haven't read my story in today's Bulletin about the English classes provided by the Detroit Tigers to their minor leaguers, in particular, those in Connecticut, here's the link:
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/x905703554/Single-A-Baseball-English-lessons-help-Tigers-perform-on-and-off-field
Also, what didn't make it into the story is this bit of info from Major League Baseball, which e-mailed me this morning. The Tigers aren't alone in helping their players:
* The Boston Red Sox have a full-time employee who travels to all of their affiliates responsible for teaching English language and United States life skills.
* The Cleveland Indians conduct a formal education program in the Dominican Republic before players come to the United States, where players are taught English language and cultural skills. In the United States, the Club has implemented a cultural development program and employs a full-time bilingual cultural assimilation coordinator. In addition, the Club’s farm directors and roving coordinators speak Spanish and the Club also teaches English in spring training, instructional league and in-season.
* The Philadelphia Phillies have an assimilation program in Clearwater, Florida, which is run by a full-time employee. The Club teaches English via Rosetta Stone and also hires tutors for players.
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/x905703554/Single-A-Baseball-English-lessons-help-Tigers-perform-on-and-off-field
Also, what didn't make it into the story is this bit of info from Major League Baseball, which e-mailed me this morning. The Tigers aren't alone in helping their players:
* The Boston Red Sox have a full-time employee who travels to all of their affiliates responsible for teaching English language and United States life skills.
* The Cleveland Indians conduct a formal education program in the Dominican Republic before players come to the United States, where players are taught English language and cultural skills. In the United States, the Club has implemented a cultural development program and employs a full-time bilingual cultural assimilation coordinator. In addition, the Club’s farm directors and roving coordinators speak Spanish and the Club also teaches English in spring training, instructional league and in-season.
* The Philadelphia Phillies have an assimilation program in Clearwater, Florida, which is run by a full-time employee. The Club teaches English via Rosetta Stone and also hires tutors for players.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
All-Stars, but who'd know?
With little fanfare -- and no announcement from Los Tigres -- Connecticut had five all-stars for next week's New York-Penn League All-Star Game in Staten Island, N.Y.
P.J. Polk, Julio Rodriguez, Matt Perry, Ryan Enos and James Robbins.
P.J. Polk, Julio Rodriguez, Matt Perry, Ryan Enos and James Robbins.
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