Author Topic: Tri-City 2010  (Read 11702 times)

OregonStrosFan

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Tri-City 2010
« on: June 14, 2010, 08:42:35 pm »
Your place to post about the 2010 ValleyCats
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2010, 08:44:38 pm »
2010 ValleyCats roster announced.  LINK
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

astrosfan76

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2010, 10:34:02 pm »
Roster has JD Martinez listed as being reassigned to Tri-City.  I'm going to assume that's a typo.

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #3 on: June 15, 2010, 02:54:26 am »
Roster has JD Martinez listed as being reassigned to Tri-City.  I'm going to assume that's a typo.

Still cleaning up the roster page would be my guess.  The article notes only 6 players from the '09 ValleyCats are returning.

Six players return from the 2009 squad. First baseman Nick Stanley headlines the names of some of the returnees. Centerfielder Renzo Tello and pitcher Brendan Stines also bring some experience to the ValleyCats. Jorge De Leon, another former 'Cat, played 23 games at shortstop last season. He will return to Joseph L. Bruno Stadium to work as a pitcher this year. First baseman/utilty-man Oscar Figueroa spent most of 2009 with rookie league Greenville, playing in just two games for Tri-City. Rounding out the group is middle infielder Ben Orloff, who batted .150 in 28 games with the ValleyCats before being sent down to Greenville to finish the season.  
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #4 on: June 15, 2010, 02:05:56 pm »
Cats Corner, the Tri-City MiLB blog breaks down the ValleyCats roster.  LINK

Good info throughout, but this tidbit was particularly interesting:

Perhaps the most interesting of [the eleven foreign players on the roster] is Jorge De Leon. In his fourth professional season, the righty played 66 games between Tri-City and Lexington at shortstop, but batted just .206/.246/.286. This offseason, Houston decided to convert him to the mound, and he will be pitching for the ValleyCats this year. His fastball has reportedly been clocked at 97 mph this spring, making him one of the most interesting members of the pitching staff.
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

moriartp

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #5 on: June 15, 2010, 05:07:45 pm »
So Erik Castro has simply disappeared? Quick, somebody call Nancy Grace!!

Leeaire

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #6 on: June 18, 2010, 03:20:29 pm »
I think Enrique Hernandez is someone to watch too; hes the youngest player on Tri City at 18 which makes me think they see something in him since hes moved passed Greenville.

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #7 on: June 18, 2010, 08:53:57 pm »
ValleyCats win with a walk-off single with 1 out B9.  Kvasnicka starts his pro career with a HR, and ValleyCats pitchers strike out 15. LINK
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #8 on: June 20, 2010, 11:12:23 pm »
If you get a chance, check out 'Cats Corner.  The info they provide on Tri-City players is detailed, and is generally excellent (todays detailed breakdown of Kvasnicka's performance at the hot corner being no exception).  

ETA: thought I'd add this note from the piece regarding Jorge De Leon:

Converted shortstop Jorge De Leon looked very good in the ninth tonight, touching 97 on the stadium gun and inducing four groundballs (the first one a single through the 3-4 hole).
« Last Edit: June 20, 2010, 11:28:26 pm by OregonStrosFan »
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #9 on: June 29, 2010, 11:55:03 pm »
The ValleyCats are pitching well.  Hitting well (or fielding well, or running the bases well) is another story...  The folks at 'Cats Corner are not worried though (yet): LINK.  

Very good read, in its entirety, as always, but thought I'd throw out this nugget on Carlos Quevedo:

I was legitimately disappointed that Carlos Quevedo pitched last night, because the team was on the road and I couldn't watch. That's how good he has been this year. He did give up a pair of longballs on Monday but was otherwise brilliant, allowing just two other runners to reach base in six innings. For the season, Quevedo has 16 strikeouts and no walks.
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

Navin R Johnson

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #10 on: June 30, 2010, 01:10:09 pm »
Kvasnicka is mired in a 2-29 slump with 9 Ks.
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OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #11 on: July 02, 2010, 03:31:59 pm »
Per ValleyCats (via Twitter):

Mike Kvasnicka will be catching for the ValleyCats for the first time tonight.
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #12 on: July 19, 2010, 01:08:24 am »
ValleyCats lose in extras tonight. LINK

Tommy Shirley left early after 3.0 IP, 0 H, 2 BB with a slight tweak of the knee, but still hasn't allowed an earned run this season.

Mike Kvasnicka went 2-5, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, SO (2nd HR of the season, 1st coming in 1st pro AB). Hitting .165 on the season.
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #13 on: July 20, 2010, 12:10:03 am »
Carlos Quevedo with another no-walk performance for the ValleyCats in their 7-4 win today. Box score 

Quevedo's line: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 2 HR.  For the season he has 28 SO to just 2 walks in 40.1 IP. His ERA stands at 2.45 for the season with a batting average against at .248.

Kvasnicka with another multi-hit game, going 2-4, R, 2B, RBI, 2 SO, .178 AVG. 

In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #14 on: July 26, 2010, 12:21:55 am »
Quevedo gets shelled and gives up a walk... LINK

Kvasnicka with a great day at the plate however... 3-4, 2 R, HR. 4 RBI, BB (.218 - 13/32 with 6 R, 3 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 2 BB, 5 SO over the lat 7 games though)
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #15 on: August 13, 2010, 09:39:58 pm »
Kiké Hernadez parents flew up from Puerto Rico to see him play for their first time since he turned pro.  Kiké rewards the trip with a 9th inning walk-off home run!  (Vic Christopher blog link)
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

Reuben

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #16 on: August 20, 2010, 02:15:49 pm »
Kiké Hernadez parents flew up from Puerto Rico to see him play for their first time since he turned pro.  Kiké rewards the trip with a 9th inning walk-off home run!  (Vic Christopher blog link)
Looking at all the photos in that blog entry... I see a blue dog mascot, and a gray rat, but... no Cats. What gives?
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OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #17 on: August 20, 2010, 03:39:04 pm »
Looking at all the photos in that blog entry... I see a blue dog mascot, and a gray rat, but... no Cats. What gives?

Dude... SouthPaw. Don't you remember when SouthPaw convinced folks to let them adopt Rowdy the Rat? Get with the program...
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #18 on: August 30, 2010, 03:21:37 pm »
Noticed something odd over the past couple weeks of box score perusal.  Wates has yet to appear in the field.  He has started a few games at DH, but even when (as last night) he PH's for an OF he then goes back to the bench.  ANy insights into what is going on?
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OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #19 on: August 30, 2010, 03:38:57 pm »
Noticed something odd over the past couple weeks of box score perusal.  Wates has yet to appear in the field.  He has started a few games at DH, but even when (as last night) he PH's for an OF he then goes back to the bench.  ANy insights into what is going on?

Were going to get his feet wet DHing and then send him to the outfield. Got HBP in the hand or wrist last Tuesday so sat out a handful of games. Got a PH last night, but has been cleared to play and will be starting in CF tonight.
« Last Edit: August 30, 2010, 03:54:09 pm by OregonStrosFan »
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #20 on: August 30, 2010, 04:28:50 pm »
Were going to get his feet wet DHing and then send him to the outfield. Got HBP in the hand or wrist last Tuesday so sat out a handful of games. Got a PH last night, but has been cleared to play and will be starting in CF tonight.
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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #21 on: September 02, 2010, 08:16:51 pm »
Wates now has 7 steals: 3 the other night, 2 already tonight.

Didn't hear much about his baserunning. He's off to a nice start.

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #22 on: September 02, 2010, 09:38:18 pm »
Wates now has 7 steals: 3 the other night, 2 already tonight.

Didn't hear much about his baserunning. He's off to a nice start.
...and the Valley cats win again, 3-1, with another nice start by Quevedo: 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K. For the year he's 7-3 with a 3.06 ERA.

I haven't followed the team that closely this summer, but my fiancee and I now have a house about an hour or so south of there, so I'm hoping they hang on and make the playoffs so we can attend our first Tri-City home game (saw them in Brooklyn last year).
"Come check us out in the Game Zone. We don’t bite. Unless you say something idiotic." -Mr. Happy

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #23 on: September 02, 2010, 10:27:13 pm »
...and the Valley cats win again, 3-1, with another nice start by Quevedo: 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K. For the year he's 7-3 with a 3.06 ERA.

I haven't followed the team that closely this summer, but my fiancee and I now have a house about an hour or so south of there, so I'm hoping they hang on and make the playoffs so we can attend our first Tri-City home game (saw them in Brooklyn last year).

They are 0.5 games up with 3 to play. That's the good news.  The bad news: they play Brooklyn, who leads the entire NYPL with a 49-23 record (5.5 games better than any other team).  It should be an interesting couple of games!
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

Reuben

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #24 on: September 05, 2010, 12:03:16 pm »
They are 0.5 games up with 3 to play. That's the good news.  The bad news: they play Brooklyn, who leads the entire NYPL with a 49-23 record (5.5 games better than any other team).  It should be an interesting couple of games!
Now 1/2 game up with one to play. By the way, do they just not bother to play canceled games in the minor leagues at the end of the season, even if it affects a team making the playoffs? I haven't seen any mention of such a possibility in this instance... just odd to see a race potentially finishing with a team 1/2 game back.
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chuckd

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #25 on: September 05, 2010, 05:56:28 pm »
Aberdeen beat Conn. 8 to 7. That is good news for Tri City

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #26 on: September 06, 2010, 01:22:20 am »
Now 1/2 game up with one to play. By the way, do they just not bother to play canceled games in the minor leagues at the end of the season, even if it affects a team making the playoffs? I haven't seen any mention of such a possibility in this instance... just odd to see a race potentially finishing with a team 1/2 game back.

They mentioned it briefly at 'Cats Corner a couple of weeks ago in on of Whitakers playoff odds pieces.  LINK

The biggest error I had was regarding makeup games for early-season rainouts. For some reason, I was under the impression that rained-out games would be replayed at the end of the season if they affected the pennant race. That is not the case. The ValleyCats' rained-out games with Jamestown from July and with Aberdeen today will not be played, nor will Connecticut's game with Staten Island today. Vermont has missed three-plus games so far, but can make up the Brooklyn and Hudson Valley games, plus yesterday's suspended extra-inning Brooklyn game, because they play those teams again this year. Its rained-out game against Batavia, however, will not be replayed.

ETA: This didn't end up being the case either, as minor rules prohibit more than one double header per week and IIRC Vermonts completion of the suspended game against Brooklyn counted as a 'double header' which kept them from playing another makeup game this past week.
« Last Edit: September 06, 2010, 01:26:21 am by OregonStrosFan »
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #27 on: September 06, 2010, 01:28:28 am »
ValleyCats celebrating first place and their playoff berth. Photo LINK
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

Reuben

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #28 on: September 06, 2010, 04:06:38 pm »
Thanks for the info about rainouts.

So, Tri-City is the first Astros affiliate to make the playoffs since...?
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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #29 on: September 06, 2010, 06:39:27 pm »
Thanks for the info about rainouts.

So, Tri-City is the first Astros affiliate to make the playoffs since...?

Since the Hooks with Pence, I imagine. 4 years ago?
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OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #30 on: September 07, 2010, 01:54:54 am »
Thanks for the info about rainouts.

So, Tri-City is the first Astros affiliate to make the playoffs since...?

'Cats Corner: Pennant Chase Postmortem

Quote
Recent history doesn't matter a whole lot in the minors - teams change almost completely from year to year. What little difference it does make, however, certainly seemed to go against the ValleyCats. Tri-City was coming off three consecutive last-place finishes, and indeed no Houston affiliate had reached the playoffs since 2007*. [*The manager on that pennant-winning Salem Avalanche? None other than our own Jim Pankovits.]

2007 Salem Avalanche roster: LINK

ETA: The 2007 Salem Avalanche included 6 players who reached the majors: Chris Johnson, Tommy Manzella, J.R. Towles, Brian Bogusevic, Bud Norris and Sammy Gervacio.
« Last Edit: September 07, 2010, 02:05:18 am by OregonStrosFan »
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

Duman

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #31 on: September 07, 2010, 05:23:03 am »


ETA: The 2007 Salem Avalanche included 6 players who reached the majors: Chris Johnson, Tommy Manzella, J.R. Towles, Brian Bogusevic, Bud Norris and Sammy Gervacio.

Thanks for the link to that roster.  It brings up two thoughts:

1. Here is a good example of how hard it is to project development in the minors:

Johnson started the year at Lexington & came to Salem after the all star break.  He hit .268 with an OBP of .292. Doesn't scream major leaguer.

Manzella started the year at Salem and moved to CC after the all star break.  So he wasn't there for the playoffs.

Towles played just 26 games in Salem before Santangelo got suspended and Towles got his chance to move to AA.  He ended up playing at 3 levels that year and had his worst hitting numbers in Salem.

Bogusevic was in his last full season as a pitcher in 07. He had an ERA of 4.01.  He returned to Salem in 08 to start his career as an outfielder.

Norris only pitched in one game late in the season when he was called up from Lexington.

Gervacio was called up to CC after the half way point in the season.  He was the closer for the first half of the year.

If you look at the stats from the 07 Salem team.  Here are the guys who jump out at me.  Let's see what they are doing now:

Brad James - was 9-2 with a 1.98 ERA prior to his call up to CC.  He is currently rehabbing an arm injury.  Has been removed from the 40 man roster. Has struggled to learn the change up.

Mitch Einertson - lost the batting crown by literally .0002.  Was released after receiving a drug of abuse suspension this spring.  5th round pick in 04.

Billy Hart - won the batting crown by .0002. Was released before the 09 season.  His bat wasn't good enough to overcome his lack of position in the field. 5th round pick in 05.

Josh Flores - got off to a great start in 07 and was promoted to CC.  Blew out both knees in the off season slipping on an icy sidewalk.  had another knee injury in 09 and was released during the season in 2010. 4th round pick in 04.

Eli Iorg - got off to a hot start in 07, then tore up his arm diving back to second as a base runner.  Never had a solid season again and was released in 09. 1st round supplemental pick in 05.

2. This is also a good example of the difference in Purpera ball verses Wade ball.  The youngest players on the 07 Salem team were Flores & Einertson at 21.  Let's look at those 21 and younger who have appeared on the Lancaster team this year:

Jay Austin - 19
Jonathan Villar- 19
Jose Altuve - 20
Bryce Lane - 20
Rene Garcia - 20
Brad Dydalewicz - 20
Ross Seaton - 20
Kyle Greenwalt - 21
Patrick Urckfitz  - 21
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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #32 on: September 07, 2010, 07:08:12 pm »
In case anyone's curious, you can listen to the 'Cats' playoff game by clicking the little "listen" button where it shows the score, here.

They're now up 7-2 after 3 innings, both Nidiffer and Nash have hit 3-run homers.
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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #33 on: September 07, 2010, 10:25:14 pm »
Final is in 11 is 10-9.  First run is scored on an error playing small ball.  The next 9 are scored off long balls.  Nidiffer - 3 run HR, Nash - 3 run HR, Wallace - 2 run HR to tie the game, and Adamson with a walkoff solo shot to win it.
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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #34 on: September 08, 2010, 02:43:20 pm »
Final is in 11 is 10-9.  First run is scored on an error playing small ball.  The next 9 are scored off long balls.  Nidiffer - 3 run HR, Nash - 3 run HR, Wallace - 2 run HR to tie the game, and Adamson with a walkoff solo shot to win it.
I was talking to my fiancee on the phone during the 11th, and so had turned the volume way down, almost to nothing. The 'Cats radio announcers made such a ruckus when Adamson hit his homer, I knew they'd won it even though I couldn't hear a word.

By the way, saw on AstrosCounty that Wallace's game-tyer was estimated at 480 feet! I think it might have been on a 3-0 pitch too, not sure. The previous batter had walked, and it was either 3-0 or 3-1, so I was surprised that he swung. I guess he knew he could square it up pretty good.
« Last Edit: September 08, 2010, 02:48:05 pm by Reuben »
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OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #35 on: September 09, 2010, 05:03:10 pm »
Cats lost game 2 last night with the tying run being thrown out at the plate.  The deciding game starts in an hour or so.

And in other ValleyCats news, Ben Orloff was named team MVP.  LINK

In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #36 on: September 09, 2010, 07:50:20 pm »
ValleyCats win 1-0 in a 1:38 pitchers duel. On to the NYPL championship!
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #37 on: September 09, 2010, 07:58:10 pm »
Good for them!
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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #38 on: September 14, 2010, 08:46:05 pm »
ValleyCats win the NYPL championship, beating Brooklyn 2 games to 0.

I went to Game 1 Saturday in Troy. V-cats were down early but put up a 4-spot in the 3rd, then hung on for a 5-2 victory.

They played Game 2 tonight in Brooklyn after it was rained out two nights in a row. Carlos Quevedo threw 7 IP, 3H, 1ER, 1BB, 7K as they won, 5-1. Kike Hernandez and Kvasnicka (or "Kwasi" as the announcers call him) were both 3-for-4 with a double, Ben Orloff drove in the go-ahead run with a 2-out bunt single in the 5th. Former SS Jorge de Leon and Mike Ness closed it out with a scoreless IP each.

Pretty cool stuff.
"Come check us out in the Game Zone. We don’t bite. Unless you say something idiotic." -Mr. Happy

pots

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #39 on: September 14, 2010, 09:18:14 pm »
ValleyCats win the NYPL championship, beating Brooklyn 2 games to 0.

Awesome, Lexington should be real good next year.

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #40 on: September 14, 2010, 10:26:32 pm »
Awesome, Lexington should be real good next year.
By the way, Brooklyn had by far the best record in the league, and an absurd 32-8 mark at home, so this was no pushover opponent Tri-City beat. They beat the best. Seemed like they had some really clutch players on the team; they turned it on when they needed it most.
"Come check us out in the Game Zone. We don’t bite. Unless you say something idiotic." -Mr. Happy

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #41 on: September 14, 2010, 10:42:39 pm »
I went to Game 1 Saturday in Troy.

Glad to hear it! What did you think of 'the Joe?' Good field, atmosphere, venue, etc?
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #42 on: September 14, 2010, 10:43:55 pm »
Awesome, Lexington should be real good next year.

Wouldn't be surprised to see a number of these kids at Lancaster next year.
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #43 on: September 14, 2010, 11:06:03 pm »
Photos from the game (and subsequent celebration) are posted at Vic Christopher's blog: LINK

Good story on mgr Pankovits finally getting a title.  LINK
« Last Edit: September 15, 2010, 01:28:16 am by OregonStrosFan »
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

Reuben

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #44 on: September 15, 2010, 12:02:32 pm »
Glad to hear it! What did you think of 'the Joe?' Good field, atmosphere, venue, etc?
Great atmosphere. The fans were really into it. The ballpark was nice but nothing special. The setting is nice. It is on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College, which gave it a different feel than any other minor league park I'd been to. (the radio announcers sounded like college kids, and indeed, after they won last night, the guy who had called that game by himself said "I've skipped classes for this, and I have to say it was worth it!"). Really fun to follow them these last couple weeks.
"Come check us out in the Game Zone. We don’t bite. Unless you say something idiotic." -Mr. Happy

astrosfan76

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #45 on: September 20, 2010, 07:22:19 pm »
Footer tweeting that Tri-City extended through '12

OregonStrosFan

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #46 on: September 21, 2010, 10:04:09 am »
It was definitely touch and go though. LINK (h/t Astros County)

In prepared remarks, Gladstone, the team president and majority owner, said the player development contract "provides the ValleyCats a strong partner to continue our recent success."  When Gladstone, a respected sportsman, says "recent," he means since early August, when the Cats began a 27-15 tear to close the season before winning four of five in the playoffs.  Because before that streak, the ValleyCats appeared destined for another lost season -- and the very real potential for a divorce from the 'Stros.

Other good stuff in the article, but a couple of quotes I particularly liked:

You could see over the past several years the sustained losing grated at Gladstone, even as the stands were packed night after night. "Winning," he said Monday, "trumps attendance."

and

"From Day 1 we always said that winning is part of development," said ValleyCats general manager Rick Murphy. "You got to teach your young players that winning is important. The Astros are going through a shift in philosophy relative to that. That's important to us."
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)

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Re: Tri-City 2010
« Reply #47 on: September 22, 2010, 12:12:38 pm »
From the 'I didn't see this one coming' files:

The Tri-City ValleyCats... have parted ways with assistant general manager Vic Christopher, the public face of the team’s marketing efforts.  The team announced Tuesday it was promoting Matt Callahan to Christopher’s position. *** “We hired Matt Callahan. Vic is no longer with us,” general manager Rick Murphy said Tuesday. The GM declined to comment on the reasons for Christopher’s departure, including whether he was fired or resigned.  “We don’t comment on personnel matters,” he said. “It was a personnel matter.”

LINK

Comments section provides for a pretty interesting read here as well.
« Last Edit: September 22, 2010, 12:14:23 pm by OregonStrosFan »
In the end, my dissolution with the game of baseball will not be a result of any loss of love for the game, rather from the realization that I can no longer bear the anger its supposed stewards cause to be built up in my soul. -Lee (01/08/2013)