Catching Up

So, I have some catching up to do... I blame work for my lack of posting. Dog gone work. Still, it's good to have a job.

6/21 Farm Report:
AA: at Frisco 2, Corpus Christi 1
Win: Torres (1-1, 3.54)

Before 10,830 adoring onlookers, Blake Beavan squelched the Hooks for seven innings, allowing a lone run on six hits and a walk. Beavan struck out four and threw 73 of his 99 pitches for strikes.

Adam Fox singled home Manny Pina (who had reached on an error) in the bottom of the 9th. Pina drove in Marcus Lemon (3-3) in the 6th for Frisco’s other run.

6/27 Farm Report:

AA: at Frisco 3, Corpus Christi 10
Loss: Beavan (0-1, 6.48)
Record: 0-3, -3.0 (2nd half)

The Hooks avenged last weekend’s lost to Blake Beavan, who permitted nine runs (six earned) in 4.1 innings, walking and striking out two. Congrats to Zach Phillips, who was promoted from Bakersfield and immediately thrown into the fire. Phillips replaced Beavan with one out and the bases loaded in the 5th; he allowed all three to score, then held the Hooks scoreless for three more innings. The 22-year-old Phillips posted a 1.23 ERA and 27% strikeout rate in 44 Bakersfield innings.

LF Mitch Moreland (.309/.348/.455 in Frisco) tripled and walked. In his last four games, Johnny Whittleman (.217/.342/.297) is 1-for-7 with nine walks.

Coming into the season, would you take the Rangers six games over 500 and a game and a half back at the end of June? I'm pretty sure anybody would, but also knowing that we had a four game lead at one point and dropping from that lead to where we are, well, it's takes the sweetness out of the whole thing. Still, this is a team geared up for the future. It would be especially tempting to want to do a trade or two to gear up for the rest of this season, but let's be honest... we have to be wise about this situation and stay the course of the plan. Let's not win now to lose in the future, which this club has been accustomed to in the past. Right now... it would be hard to have that mindset, but I am fully convinced that this team can win next year and in the years to come if we exercise patience now.

Home Plate

Roughriders vs. Hooks

Yes, the Texas League All-Star game is in Frisco this year. Nice.

Frisco is last in their division with a record of 27-35 and seven games behind Midland, while the Hooks stand in 3rd with a record of 30-32 and four games behind Midland. This is Beavan's second start for Frisco, his first at home.

Trinidad has a record of 6-4 with a 3.53 ERA. He's currently tied for the club lead in innings, has ten starts, with a complete game, and has a save. He gives up one HR in nine innings (actually, it is one in 9.48 innings, which works out to be one in 9.1 innings), so he has pretty good control and keeps the ball down, or so his statistics would suggest.

Beavan's first start was not good, really. He gave up six runs (five earned) in 5.1 innings while walking none, but giving up eight hits and striking out six. His ERA is 8.44 and he has no record. They say the transitition from A ball to AA baseball is one of the toughest for a player. The other is the transition to the Majors. If Beavan does well in Frisco, which I think he will, he will be set up for success for when he starts for the Texas Rangers. I think he is several starts away from figuring things out in Frisco. That won't really help him tonight, but maybe he will make some adjustments now... hard to say. I guess a strong plus in his first start is the zero walks. If he keeps that consistency up, things should fall into place fairly quickly. And you know, there is no place like home.

Forecast: Beavan could pull it off today. Or at least do enough to grab a win. And that is what I am going to go with... I think he will not necessarily pitch like the Ace he will become, but he will pitch enough to win. Look for him to give up three runs over five and a partial innings as the Rider's win this one, 6-4.

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Spokane Indians Roster

Spokane begins its 76-game season in the Northwest League this Saturday. The Indians' roster as of Wednesday:

Pitchers signed in 2008 or earlier:

• Reiner Bermudez (US debut)
• Geuris Grullon (2008 rookie league)
• Ben Henry (mostly rookie ball in '08)
• Trevor Hurley (in Hickory part of this season)
• Justin King (2008 rookie league)
• Kyle Ocampo (2008 rookie league)
• Joseph Ortiz (in Hickory at start, then hurt)
• Jorge Quintero (in low-A Clinton all of '08)
• Robbie Ross (finally making pro debut, #57 overall pick in '08)
• John Slusarz (hurt forever, last pitched in Clinton in '07)
• Matt Thompson (2008 rookie league)

New pitchers (all drafted):

• Sam Brown (22nd round)
• Keith Campbell (15)
• Chris Matlock (21)
• Braden Tullis (8)
• Shane Zagarac (42)

Position players signed in 2008 or earlier:

• C Albert Puello (mostly rookie ball in '08)
• C Zach Zaneski (played sparingly in Hickory)
• 1B Clark Murphy (began in Hickory, batted .218/.282/.273)
• MIF Edward Martinez (also played in Hickory, .196/.212/.225)
• 3B Emmanuel Solis (rookie ball in '07, Dominican League last year)
• OF Miguel Alfonzo (in low-A Clinton all of '08)
• OF Aja Barto (currently in Bakersfield)
• OF Santo Dejesus (US debut)
• OF Chris Dove (rookie ball in '08)
• OF Cody Podraza (just reassigned from Hickory)

New position players:

• C Vincent Difazio (12th round)
• 2B Danny Lima (23)
• SS Denny Duron (free agent)
• MIF Shon Landry (31)
• OF Jared Prince (34)
• OF Kyle Rhoad (33)

Home Plate

Harper's Island: Episode 10

I'm thinking from Episode 9 on, there will be at least two who die in each of the remaining episodes... which now, there is episode 10 and episode 11. They revealed that the Sheriff is the killer in episode 9, but I am not buying into it.

Here are the updates:

• Beth Barrington: A trail of blood led the survivors into a series of underground tunnels where bridesmaid Beth's dismembered corpse was found...
• Katherine Wellington: The bride's stepmom spent the night sleeping on a couch, but in the morning, she was discovered with a pair of garden shears stabbed in her back...
  

Since two women died in episode nine (which two of my three guesses were right), I am thinking a guy is going to get it in episode 10. And it is likely that Shane will get knocked off. I also like Sully to bite it. Danny is just a shot in the dark...

My prime suspect right now is Nikki. Maggie and Cal remain high on my list, but Nikki is my prime suspect at this point. She hasn't been in an episode for quite some time... and that is why. I have read others who have said they think it is Henry, the groom. And there are some huge question marks about him, as he has cuts on him that he does not "know" where they came from. But he didn't plant the animal head in his bathtub... that wouldn't make much sense... unless he has multiple personalities. And my number one thing about this killer is that the killer isn't right in the head.

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Why Children Shouldn't Have Camera's

This is just HILARIOUS to me. What I am going to do is update the post, repost it everyday with the latest, adding it underneath the previous day's strip to follow the progress. Why? Just because.

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Game 65: Rangers vs. Astros

The Rangers are back to being to being ten games over 500. In fact, the Rangers are on pace to win 94 games this season (a 94-68 record). Houston has lost five games this season to the Rangers. They are also five games under 500. How much has this series affected the Astros? Well, had they gone 3-3 over the six games, they would be at 500 at the end of today's game. The Rangers have won the Silver Boot on Tuesday (a game that I was in attendance with my son).
As I was walking into the stadium on Tuesday, I was talking with another fan and I mentioned that the Rangers would sweep this series. I still stand by that statement.
Padilla comes into this game, humbled. He took the message that the Rangers sent that he needs to shape up or ship out. He has 11 starts this season and is 5-3 with a 4.82 ERA. Opponents are hitting .262 against him this season and has four wins in his last five starts. Over the five games, he has an ERA of 4.11... and imagine what his ERA would look like if there wasn't the Yankee game where he pitched 3.2 innings and gave up seven runs.

Padilla doesn't have as much success against the Astros. He has gone 2-4 against them, but has a 4.44 ERA. The team has hit him for a .290 batting average, but the current roster is a little better with a .296 average.

Astros to Watch:

• Lance Berkman is 10-18 (.556) with five doubles, two HRs, and seven RBIs. (BEAN CHECK?)
• Geoff Blum is 4-12 (.333) with a double, two HRs, and six RBIs. (BEAN CHECK?)
• Miguel Tejada is 4-12 (.333) with a HR and three RBIs.

Pudge also has a HR against Padilla, along with two RBIs, but only bats .217 in 23 at-bats. Still, congradulations on the most games caught. And it was fitting for him to hit that achievement while catching at the Ballpark.

Backe hasn't started a game this season, but has four appearances and nine innings. His 12.00 ERA shows he hasn't been effective in relief and hitters are slapping him with a .395 batting average. He has given up three HRs this season, a one in three inning occurance. In the last three seasons, he has one start against the Rangers that led to a win in 6.1 innings.

In his career against the Rangers, he is 1-2 with a 7.77 ERA over 24.1 innings. The Rangers have hit him for a .274 batting average during that stretch.

Rangers to Watch:

• Michael Young is 10-13 (.769) with a double, two HRs, and five RBIs.
• Omar Vizquel is 2-7 (.286) with a double and a RBI.
• David Murphy is 1-3 with a HR and RBI.

The current Ranger roster is 15-42 (.357) with two doubles, three HRs, and seven RBIs. Blalock and Kinsler also have hits off Backe.

Forecast: Gray skies ahead? Oh no. Things are looking up. I just thought I would see what this would look like without color. Not sure I like it. Anyway, I like the Rangers in this one, as Backe doesn't have much going on for him and the Rangers look like they pretty much own this guy, and Young does own Backe. Look for a score of 12-3, Rangers.

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Rockhounds 7, Roughriders 6 (12 innings)

Blake Beavan Update:

AA:
Frisco 6, at Midland 7 (12 innings)
Loss: Strop (0-3, 7.00)

Blake Beavan offered some good with some bad in his AA debut. In 5.1 innings and 93 pitches, he struck out six and walked none, but he allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits. Beavan actually gave up only one hit with runners in scoring position. Other runs scored on a wild pitch, an error, a groundout, and a double of reliever Thomas Diamond.

Aside from said double, Diamond pitched well, striking out three and walking none in 2.2 scoreless innings. Jumbo Diaz also pitched two clean frames.

The once-somnolent offense cranked out 20 baserunners for the second straight game. CF Craig Gentry went 3-5 with a walk and his 26th steal, and Mitch Moreland was 4-6 with his 10th homer of the year. Both Chad Tracy and Marcus Lemon singed twice and walked.

Beavan's next start is on Saturday at home against the Corpus Christi Hooks.

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2009 Rangers Draft

The Rangers have already signed Ruben Sierra (Junior). His father is going to be inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame this year, along with Toby Harrah. I have a cousin-in-law named Samuel Brown... but he's still in elementary school and not the 22nd round pick. What are the odds of drafting two players named Jabari? Round 9 and round 39... weird. Anyway, I will try to stay on top of who is signing. If you have read the Newberg post that I just put up, you'll see that the seventh round pick has signed.

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Roughriders at Rockhounds

Beaven has been promoted up to AA Frisco and makes his first AA start tonight in Midland. I need to catch up on a few things with Beaven first...

On June 4th, 2009

Bakersfield 4, at Visalia 3 (12 innings)

Win: Flores (3-1, 3.24)

OF Joey Butler singled home Davis Stoneburner in the 12th, and OF Tim Smith’s sac fly provided needed insurance. Butler (.294/.348/.443) was 3-6 with a double and his 4th steal. Smith (.328/.410/.448) also doubled and walked.

Since a two-inning, eight-run start on May 2nd, Blake Beavan has pitched 41.1 innings with a 3.92 RA, 2.40 ERA, 40 hits, three homers, eight walks, and 24 strikeouts. On Wednesday, he tied a season high with six strikeouts, walked one, and allowed a run on seven hits in six innings. Ryan Falcon followed with 2.1 scoreless relief innings.

On June 10th, 2009

at Bakersfield 5, San Jose 3

Win: Beavan (5-4, 4.30)

Save: Reed (4, 1.74)

Blake Beavan fanned six in eight innings while allowing three runs on four hits and two walks. He retired the side in order five times. Though his ERA is almost two runs higher than what he posted in Clinton last year, his peripheral stats have barely changed. A few more balls hit into play are eluding his defense, and a few more hits are coming with runners in scoring position. Essentially, he’s matching last year’s performance in a tougher league.

He almost didn’t keep the win. Corey Young allowed a single and two walks to load the bases with one out in the 9th. Evan Reed relieved him and induced an impressive, game-ending 5-2-3 double play. Give credit to Jonathan Greene and Jose Felix.

The Cal League announced its roster yesterday for the California/Carolina All-Star game. 1B Mauro Gomez and 2B Matt Lawson will make the trip to Lake Elsinore on the 23rd. Lawson (.311/.366/.435) celebrated the announcement with two walks and a single. Gomez (.272/.333/.508) singled, doubled, and walked. Ian Gac hit his 10th homer.

So, Beavan is 5-4 with a 4.30 ERA, but started the season 0-4 with a 7.88 ERA (Follow this link to a previous post: CLICK HERE). I wouldn't know if he has faced any Rockhounds before, but either way, I am thinking this debut could start out like his previous Bakersfield debut... rocky and then after some adjustments, he could get a call next season to start in AAA Oklahoma.

Jason Fernandez has pitched 71.1 innings this season for the Rockhounds. He has a 6-5 record with a 3.79 ERA in twelve starts (he has one complete game). He gives up a HR every ten innings or so and gives up a walk every 2.84 innings, or every eight outs.

Forecast: I am a Beavan fan, and if they were in Frisco tonight, I might have found a way to go out and see him pitch. He's making his debut on the road, it's his first AA start, and I would like to say that I think it would go well... but I just don't believe that. I really, really don't. Look for the Rockhounds to win this one, as they are in first place and Frisco is in last place. Having the best farm system doesn't necessarily mean they are going to win all the time... not even half the time. It just makes you scratch your head a little. Rockhounds win it by stopping a five game losing streak with a score of 4-2. Johnny Out.

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Game 61: Rangers vs. Dodgers

Wow, the Rangers have 19 straight innings without giving up a run. The Rangers have played .500 baseball since 5-30-09

They are still 10 games over .500, but are no longer in the 60% winning margin. Boston has gone 9-3 during the same period.

The Rangers have actually given up two more runs than they have scored over the last twelve games.
Scouting Report:

Dodgers: Wolf didn't have one of his best starts on Sunday against the Phillies, one of his former teams. In the second inning, Wolf gave up a double to Raul Ibanez, who later scored on a sacrifice fly to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead. Wolf then gave up three singles during a two-run fifth that gave Philadelphia a 3-2 lead. Wolf was finally chased from the game in the seventh after giving up a two-run homer to Carlos Ruiz and a solo shot to Shane Victorino. In all, Wolf lasted 6 1/3 innings and allowed six runs on eight hits. This will be Wolf's first career appearance against the Rangers.

Rangers: Feldman allowed four earned runs, all of which came on a pair of two-run home runs, over six innings against the Blue Jays on Monday. He had started the season 5-0 but took his first loss. Since joining the rotation after three appearances as a reliever, Feldman has posted a 2.67 ERA (18 earned runs over 54 innings). His ERA as a reliever was 12.15 (nine earned runs in 6 2/3 innings). Monday's start raised his season ERA to 4.01, the first time Feldman's ratio has increased after an appearance this season.
Forecast: I like Feldman. He's the Rangers best kept secret. He's going to win... and win... and win. Tonight, he will win, grab #6, and lower his ERA under the 4 mark. Score: 5-0.


Home Plate

Harper's Island: Episode 9

Three die in the previous episode. I also had J.D. in my three... so I finally got one. It really is strategic guessing.

Here are the updates:

• Deputy Garrett: Garrett enters the holding area in the Sheriff's station to quiet an argument between Shane Pierce and J.D. Dunn. Shortly after his arrival, the lights in the station go out and Deputy Garrett is shot in the back by an unseen assailant.
• Cole Harkin: Harkin leaves the cabin to get medical help for Charlie, taking the prison diary and a lantern. As he steps outside, Gigi begins barking and Harkin surveys the area. An arrow flies into Harkin's shoulder, pinning him to the cabin, and causing him to drop the lantern, lighting the porch on fire. Harkin calls for Charlie and another arrow flies through the cabin window, prompting Charlie to attempt to reach his pistol on the nearby table. As Harkin attempts to pry himself loose, another arrow flies straight through his heart, killing him and causing him to drop the diary into the fire.
• J.D.: J.D. is found on the docks by Abby, bleeding internally from an abdominal wound. J.D. tells Abby, "It's you Abby. It's all about you." He then loses consciousness.

My three choices for who is going to "pass on" tonight would be Beth, Mrs Wellington, and the Sheriff. Sheriff is already wounded... Mrs. Wellington... well, she's just not likable. Beth is just an innocent type of gal. She's likable. She's a good target.

Now, onto suspects... Cal, Danny, Henry, Maggie, and Nikki are the only remaining suspects on the list (well, the only ones I believe to be remaining suspects). I have considered two things: opportunity and ability.

Cal definitely has both... so I believe. Henry does too, however, he just doesn't seem likely. Whoever is doing this, well, is mental.
I like Maggie due to how we just don't know much about her. She has the size and opportunity to commit the crimes. Nikki is in the same boat. She has the opportunity and the strength to take care of everything. Cal... it is debatable as to if he has opportunity. It does bring up the question as to "Is there more than one killer on the island?" I think so. The main killer is my first concern in figuring things out. There are only eleven episodes and after tonight's episode, only two will remain.I thought I would share my favorite TV Shows. Heroes... gotta love it.

I also like the new show, Mental.

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Harper's Island: Episode 8

I think I should go back over the evidence...

The latest to join the R.I.P. files would be:

Malcom Ross

• Time of Death: Episode Seven
• Manner of Death: Slashed and stabbed from behind and then disposed of the furnace.

Richard Allen

• Time of Death: Episode Six
• Manner of Death: Spear gun in the chest, delivered through the back in the middle of a phone conversation. Can you hear me now?

Thomas Wellington

• Time of Death: Episode Five
• Manner of Death: In the most elaborate death yet, a chandelier was rigged with the missing head spade that whooshed down on Thomas' head when a light switch was flipped. Who gives this woman away? Uh, not the bride's dad anymore.

Joel Booth

• Time of Death: Episode Four
• Manner of Death: He accidentally shoots himself in the leg and rapidly bleeds to death.

Hunter Jennings

• Time of Death: Episode Three
• Manner of Death: A booby trap set off on his motorboat triggers a shotgun blast to his pretty, pretty face.

Lucy Daramour

• Time of Death: Episode Two
• Manner of Death: Falls into a pit, doused with fluid and set on fire as her little doggie watches.

Kelly Seaver

• Time of Death: Episode Two
• Manner of Death: Hung from a rafter, possible suicide.

Reverend Fain

• Time of Death: Episode Two
• Manner of Death: A booby trap strings up the good reverend by his ankle, and while he's swinging, he's decapitated via machete.

Uncle Marty Dunn

• Time of Death: Episode One
• Manner of Death: Sliced in half while on a bridge. (Actually, he was in the bridge.)

Cousin Ben

• Time of Death: Episode One
• Manner of Death: Tied to the bottom of the wedding party boat and chopped up by the propeller.

My three guesses this Saturday go to Beth, J.D. and Chloe. Beth was getting close to Malcom, who died at the end of the last episode. She seems pretty likely to be a goner this week. J.D. has gained a lot of attention the last two episodes, enough attention that the killer may knock him off. It is taking attention off of what he is doing. Chloe hasn't been in the last episode, which could mean that she will be in the next episode, along with Cal. Cal would be a good choice for the killer, since he is "the outsider", but he doesn't seem to be the strong killer type. Still, nobody knows him... and that could be reason enough to throw a suggestive nod to him.I want to say that Madison is a candidate for the killer. She's obviously not clicking on all cylinder's, if you know what I mean. She's like a fry short of a happy meal. If you notice, pretty much all the murders are done based on a trap style basis. There are exceptions. First off, there is Cousin Ben. I don't think a little girl could tie up a grown man and get him under a boat. That kind of takes her off the radar. Also Malcom was confronted by the killer. At least we believe he was. It could be Danny attacking him... he wasn't terribly happy about finding out about Booth. I like Jimmy as the killer, since he is still the nice guy on the island. Too nice... he couldn't possibly be the killer. But what if he is the killer? And Shane, well he is bitter at everyone. He would be an obvious candidate as being the killer. And my #4 candidate is Cal.

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