Down on the farm

[Lefty]

Round Rock has gotten the first three guys on base and it is now 6-3 with a runner on second and no outs.

 

[Lefty]

Sidewinders win 6-3 and take a 2 games to none lead. One more victory and they are the champs!!! Chip Hale has done a great job, especially with all the callups in the past few months.

 

[Espo]

Sidewinders win 6-3 and take a 2 games to none lead. One more victory and they are the champs!!! Chip Hale has done a great job, especially with all the callups in the past few months.

Another fun game to be at. I agree with the assesment of Chip Hale. He has been great with the young guys and is one of the hardest working guys i have ever known. His entire staff, Bird (Mike Parott) and LO (Lorenzo Bundy) are really solid guys too.

 

[Lefty]

By Patrick Finley
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 09.14.2006
If there were ever an appropriate send-off for the Sidewinders — a going-away gift after their final home game — it came Wednesday night.
Minutes after the Sidewinders defeated Round Rock 6-3 to take a 2-0 lead in the Pacific Coast League Championship Series, fireworks exploded over the field, bursts of red and blue fading into the damp desert night, the booms echoing off the metallic bleachers near the right field foul pole.
The Sidewinders are one win away from winning the third PCL title in Tucson history. They travel to Round Rock today and play Game 3 Friday night.
The team has won its fourth straight playoff game at Tucson Electric Park, its 10th straight home game and its 53rd in 75 tries. Thirteen of those wins have been in the team's last at-bat.
"This is championship baseball," manager Chip Hale said. "You're the home team. You always have that chance of being able to come back."
The Sidewinders did not need a rally in front of 6,361 fans Wednesday. They scored three in the second inning in part because of — all things — a pitcher's plate appearance.
The Sidewinders' Brian Barden doubled and Robby Hammock singled to start the inning, but Juan Brito and Alberto Gonzalez each popped up to second base. With runners on first and third, pitcher Dustin Nippert was all that stood between the Express and a scoreless inning.
"I'm not a hitter," the .139-hitting Nippert said with a laugh.
Nippert — whose 6-foot-8-inch frame makes a Gulliverlike strike zone — coaxed a full count before taking a walk.
"Some of those hacks, he was taking. I'm not sure they're scaring pitchers," Hale said. "People don't realize how hard it is to actually throw strikes to pitchers. Guys tighten up and walk them."
Up stepped Alberto Callaspo — "For me, the MVP of the league," Hale said — who doubled in two runs. Nippert then scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-0.
Trailing in the series, the Express seems to have the pressure put squarely on itself.
It happened that way in the last series, in which Tucson defeated Salt Lake in four games.
In Game 1 of the Salt Lake series, the Sidewinders were held scoreless for seven innings before logging three runs in the eighth to tie the game. Tucson won on a Callaspo single to right field in the 11th.
Tuesday night, the Sidewinders were again held scoreless through seven. Chris Carter singled to — you guessed it — right field in the eighth to give the Winders the lead.
In Game 2 of the Salt Lake series, the Sidewinders pounced with two runs in the first inning before adding two in the sixth to win 4-2. In that game, Nippert allowed three hits and two unearned runs in 7 1/3 innings.
He did almost the same thing Wednesday, allowing four hits and one run in seven innings, his only blemish being a Hector Gimenez homer in the fourth.
"He needs to keep it, whatever's gotten into him," center fielder Jon Weber said. "He's nasty right now."
With runners on second and third and one out in the eighth, Express pitcher Roberto Giron intentionally walked Hammock to set up a potential double play with Brito at the plate. The catcher ripped a double into left-center field to score three runs and set the game on ice.
The Express scored two runs in the ninth before putting runners on first and third. Pinch hitter Brian Gordon came up as the potential tying run, but lined out to right field to end the game.
The Sidewinders aren't placing their ring orders quite yet, but they know a title is close.
"We're not going to quit until the last pitch is thrown and the last out is made," Nippert said.
If they repeat the last series, the Sidewinders will win in four. But it won't be that easy.
"I don't know of anyone saying, 'We're gonna win this thing,' " Weber said. "We know what we've gotta do."

 

[Stallion]

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Nice article on the Sidewinders from AZCentral. It also mentions either Bass or Ohlendorf will get the start today.


Sidewinders seek one more win on the road

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/0915winders0915.html

 

[boondockdrunk]

Osbek Castillo and Hector Ambriz combined on a four-hitter as Rookie Missoula beat Idaho Falls Thursday, wrapping up the Pioneer League championship.
Castillo, a 25-year-old Cuban defector, struck out eight while allowing two runs in 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander went 6-0 with a 1.04 ERA, 29 H and 71/10 K/BB in 52 IP during the regular season. He doesn't have a power arsenal, and he currently looks like a long shot to develop into a major leaguer. However, if he has similar success in the low minors early next year, the Diamondbacks will probably begin to get aggressive with him.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=4744

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Q: Gil from Charleston, SC asks:
Steven Jackson (Diamondbacks) had a great season at Double-A Tennesse, is the big club pretty high on him and if so when you see him making it to the bigs? Love the chats

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A: John Manuel: I like Stephen Jackson as a sinker-slider guy; he was a guy they loved at Clemson, but he just had such a straight, hard 4-seam fastball, he was susceptible against metal bats. He was very steady this year, nice job of developing his sinker by the D-backs, and I think he can be a very effective middle reliever with his ability to get groundballs. I might be selling him short but I see him more in that role than as a starter.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/news/262432.html

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Q: Dave from Manhattan asks:
How close was Micah Owings to winning POY, and do you see him cracking the AZ rotation next year?

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A: John Manuel: Surprisingly 16-2, 3.33 and .356 in 59 at-bats didn't cut it, but it didn't. He wasn't as dominant as the other pitchers we considered in terms of K's (130 in 162 IP) or ERA, but face it, this guy's in his first full pro season and gets to Triple-A, then pitches great there? Very impressive season for Owings, who just two years ago was an unsigned draft-eligible sophomore and seemed like a guy who had peaked as a high school player.


Q: Mike from Tempe asks:
How much consideration did you give to Carlos Gonzalez? Thanks.

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A: John Manuel: Not a lot, really. We were expecting bigger numbers from him at Lancaster. He clearly has big tools, and now it seems like he needs a bit more surgical focus on the field. I've had some reports that he big leagues it a bit, and that's just not needed in A ball. But Gonzalez is one of the top 10-20 prospects in the game. so maybe he can afford to do that.


Q: James from Guthrie OK asks:
JM, What are you hearing on Justin Upton, I talked with people who have said he big leagues it too, and may not turn out to be as good as Maybin, or McCutchen what have you heard? Thanks.

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A: John Manuel: Frankly, this was a really disappointing year for him. The Uptons had bad mojo this year, that's a nice way to say it. He definitely coasted this year, according to the scouts we've talked to in the MWL. More from Jim Callis on his MWL top 20, but I haven't heard great things about Justin Upton this year. Maybin was nearly his equal out of high school anyway; he just didn't have the track record with the bat in terms of showcases and Team USA and the like. And McCutchen just isn't as physical as Upton, but he's not chopped liver either, so yes, those two very well could turn out to be better players, and I wouldn't be too surprised.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/news/262432.html

Hearing that Carlos Gonzalez is considered to be a top 10-20 prospect in all of baseball is very reassuring. Even with the recent graduations of guys like Drew, Quentin, and Young our prospect group is still pretty impressive. However, BA's take on Justin Upton is a bit frightening. Coasting already in Low A ball? He's still got time of course, but he needs to get his act together.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Alberto Callaspo was named the organization's player of the year, and Micah Owings was named pitcher of the year.

http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com...t_id=1673648&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

"Farm futures

The Diamondbacks are zeroing in on signing an affiliation agreement with a new Double-A team after severing ties with the Tennessee Smokies after just two seasons, and they appear close to striking a deal with the San Antonio Missions.

A.J. Hinch, Arizona's director of player development, also has met with representatives from Double-A clubs in Mobile, Ala., and West Tennessee and said Saturday that a deal will be reached before the end of this week.

The San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners also covet San Antonio, in part because of its proximity, but Arizona may have the inside track, especially if it affiliates itself with the Class A Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino, Calif.

The Elmore Sports Group owns both the Missions and 66ers, in addition to a handful of other minor league teams. Hinch said there remains a 50-50 chance the Diamondbacks extend their affiliation agreement with Lancaster (Calif.)."

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/0924dbnb0924.html

 

[HooverDam]

I really wish the Dbacks had a minor league team in New Mexico. I like the idea of trying to expand the Dbacks fan base to nearby geographical areas that lack a pro team. Utah would be another good location. Heck, the organization should also work on getting Dbacks games on local TV stations in whatever cities their minor league teams play.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

The following placed in the Top 20 of BA's Pioneer League Prospects:

Gerardo Parra (#5)
Andrew Fie (#8)
Hector Ambriz (#20)

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/262502.html

 

[nathan]

I really wish the Dbacks had a minor league team in New Mexico. I like the idea of trying to expand the Dbacks fan base to nearby geographical areas that lack a pro team. Utah would be another good location. Heck, the organization should also work on getting Dbacks games on local TV stations in whatever cities their minor league teams play.

I don't think you understand how affiliations work. They can't just pick a place and decide to have a team there. At the AAA level no matter how you spin it, Tucson is a better fit than Salt Lake or Albuquerque. At the AA level, there are only the Eastern, Southern, and Texas leagues. Believe it or not Phoenix is at least 200 miles closer to El Paso than Arlington or Houston. Because of this and some pleading from El Paso management, Diamondbacks games were shown in El Paso when the Dbacks had an affiliate there. Ordinarily MLB is very strict about territory and thus I am sure the Astros and Rangers would throw a fit if Diamondbacks games were shown in just about any other Texas league city. Utah also has some teams in the Pioneer league, but I don't see a whole lot of potential for an increased fanbase by relocated a rookie ball team there.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

BA's Minor League All-Star Teams:

Overall:
Alberto Callaspo (2nd team)
Chris Young (2nd team)
Mark Reynolds (2nd team)

AAA:
Stephen Drew
Chris Young
Carlos Quentin

High A:
Emilio Bonifacio
Carlos Gonzalez
Mark Reynolds
Greg Smith

Short season:
Cyle Hankerd

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/features/262512.html

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Dbacks headed to the Hawaii Winter League to play for West Oahu:

Joshua Ford
Chris Rahl
Kyler Newby

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/news/262523.html

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

The following placed in the Top 20 of BA's Northwest League Prospects:

Cyle Hankerd (#5)
Brooks Brown (#16)

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/262517.html

 

[overseascardfan]

Is Brett Anderson signed? Haven't seen him on a roster. Anyone know his situation?

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Is Brett Anderson signed? Haven't seen him on a roster. Anyone know his situation?

Anderson did sign. I don't think he signed early enough to play any minor league ball this season though. Scherzer is the only guy we have unsigned (aside from guys management had no intention of signing)

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

The following placed in the Top 20 of BA's Midwest League Prospects:

Justin Upton (#3)
Pedro Ciriaco (#19)

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/262525.html

 

[AZZenny]

Boston Red Sox Ink Affiliation Agreement With Lancaster JetHawks

“Red Sox Nation” comes to the Antelope Valley as part of two-year agreement with AL East Club
(LANCASTER, CA) – For just the third time in the 11-year franchise history of the JetHawks, a brand new major league affiliate will be sending its players to Lancaster. The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a two-year player development contract with the JetHawks which will have Boston’s High Class A players coming to Lancaster for the 2007 and 2008 campaigns.

“This is very exciting for the JetHawks and the Antelope Valley,” says JetHawks owner Peter Carfagna. “The Red Sox are one of the most popular teams in all of baseball and they have a nationwide fan base. The Red Sox front office has dedicated themselves to building through their minor league system and we are confident we will see some of the top prospects in the minors come through Lancaster in the next two seasons.”

JetHawks fans can expect to take part in personal appearances by some of the Red Sox legendary players as part of the agreement between the two clubs. In addition, promotional and marketing opportunities will establish the Antelope Valley as Boston’s West Coast headquarters for “Red Sox Nation”, the team’s moniker for its dedicated fan base. Boston’s legendary fans spread across the country and are distinguished by the emotional connection to their team and its players.

The Red Sox, who have sold out every home game at venerable Fenway Park since May, 2003, have established themselves as one of the premier baseball franchises of the new century. Through a revamped farm system and major acquisitions by general manager Theo Epstein, the Red Sox are consistently one of the top teams in baseball.

The move returns the Red Sox to the Cal League for the first time in 50 years. Boston maintained a farm club in San Jose, the San Jose Red Sox, from 1947-1955. The Red Sox high Class A affiliate for the last two seasons was the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Carolina League. This past season, the Blue Rocks won the Carolina League Northern Division’s first half championship and qualified for the Carolina League playoffs.

“The Red Sox look forward to working with owner Peter Carfagna and his staff to bring a top quality ballclub to Lancaster,” commented Boston’s Director of Player Development Mike Hazen. “Three of our six minor league farm clubs advanced to post-season play in 2006, including our High A team, and we will be working diligently to ensure continued success in 2007.”

Guess we're looking around...

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

San Diego also signed San Antonio as their AA affiliate, so looks like the Dbacks are going elsewhere there too.

 

[nathan]

The AA affiliate was announced two days ago (it's Mobile). The Hi-A affiliate was announced yesterday (it's Visalia).

 

[Ryanwb]

The Hi-A affiliate was announced yesterday (it's Visalia).

That town was featured in an episode of 24, it's South of Fresno.

 

[FinleyLover]

So... A and AA change in one season?? That seems like an awful lot of transition for the poor minor league guys.