LABOR DAY CUP O' JO

Happy Labor Day. We've reached the symbolic end of summer and most of the boys are headed home after today's MiLB season finale. A few have made the playoffs. More on that below.

JOEY GOMES - OF, Joliet Jackhammers, Northern League - IND
and
CHAD FILLINGER - P, Joliet Jackhammers, Northern League - IND
The Winnipeg Goldeyes ended the Jackhammer's season with an 8-4 thud last night. The Hammer's most consistent hitters did their thing last night including Joey who was 1-5 with a single, ending the season with a .303 average.

This year, Joey scored 60 runs, hit 18 doubles, 14 home runs, and 55 RBIs in 105 hits over 346 at bats in 93 games. He stole 6 bases in 6 attempts. Joey had 56 Ks and 2 errors on the season. He slugged .477 with a .393 On Base Percentage. He split the season between RF and DH.

Chad did not pitch in the Hammers' final game, but became the team's most consistent reliever after joining them mid-season with an OPPAVG of .286. Chad ended the year with a 4-5 record, one save, and a 3.4 ERA over 30 games. He pitched 47.2 innings giving up 7 HR and 18 earned runs in 52 hits. He walked 16 and struck out 54.

LOUIS OTT (DH/INF Detroit Tigers Organization - Lakeland Flying Tigers, A)
The Flying Tigers ended the season with a 7-1 win over Clearwater. 0-4 with two Ks in the 9-3 loss to Clearwater. Chad left the team brass with a great impression, going 3-5 with two runs scored, a double, and 2 RBIs in his final game of 2008. That effort boosted his average to .255. Louis played a number of positions this season with the majority at 3B, DH and the outfield. He ended the season with 2 HR, 3 triples, and 10 doubles in 82 hits over 322 ABs in 93 games. He scored 42 runs and drove in 29 RBIs. He drew 46 walks and struck out 76 times, and stole five bases in 19 attempts. A .349 OBP, .323 SLG and .672 OPS round out his hitting stats. Lou had 9 fielding errors. Lou also had a successful stint at AA Erie. He was called up to sub for an injured player and saw more playing time than expected.

TOMMY EVERIDGE (1B, Oakland A's Organization - Midland Rockhounds, AA)
The Hounds are getting it done with another win over Frisco last night, recapturing the Division lead. Tommy was 0-3 with a walk in the 3-2 win.

Midland must win tonight to make the playoffs. Frisco won the first half and Midland can only make it with sole ownership of the 2nd half Division Title. A loss tonight would leave Midland tied with Frisco for the Division Championship, but both Frisco and San Antonio hold the tie-breaker (head to head total sesaon record) edge over Midland so the Hounds fate is in their own hands. Gametime is 7pm Central. Following a Midland win tonight, the best 3-5 playoff series will open on Wednesday in Frisco. The remnants of Hurricane Gustav seem to be headed straight for Dallas, so playoff weather could be touch and go.

KONRAD SCHMIDT (C, Arizona Diamondbacks Organization - Visalia Oaks, High A)
1 for 6 with an RBI single in the 9th to tie the game and send it to extra innings. A pitcher's duel ensued before Visalia gave up a walk off home run in the 14th handing Stockton a 6-5 win. Konrad's average is .336 going into the final game of the season tonight. Visalia needed to take the Stockton series to keep their playoff hopes alive, but they've dropped the first two and their season ends tonight.

JONNY GOMES (DH/OF, Tampa Bay Rays Organization - Durham Bulls, AAA)
1-5 with a single, two runs scored, and two Ks in last night's 10-2 thrashing of the Charlotte Knights. Jonny reached on an error in the 4th and later scored. .252 avg. The Bulls finish up the regular season at noon today in Charlotte and begin their playoff drive in Louisville on Friday.

The Rays made some roster moves yesterday designed to give them maximum flexibility in the MLB pennant race while leaving the Bulls strong for their own playoff drive. Tampa Bay opted to recall speedy Durham outfielder Fernando Perez last night, making him eligible for post-season play. Perez has pretty good offensive stats with a .288 average, 43 stolen bases and 11 triples in Durham this season. His defense and speed give him the edge and make him a better fit as a late inning replacement off the bench. Jonny may join the Rays when the Bulls' championship season is over and would be eligible for the playoffs if called upon to replace an injured player.

Speaking of the Rays... they just keep winning. Their sweep of the O's combined with another Cubs loss puts Tampa Bay back on top of the MLB standings. Pinch me. They're still the best team in baseball. And now... it's September! Woo-freakin-hoo! I wish Mr. PTownFan was as excited about this as I am. A quick trip to Florida for a playoff game would just be awesome.

BRANDON MORROW (P, Seattle Mariners)
Brandon got the win last night in a 5-1 victory over Portland. He gave us just one hit and 3 walks in 6 innings pitched and struck out 5, lowering his ERA to 5.01. He's scheduled to pitch against New York at Safeco Field next week per Seattle Skipper, Jim Riggleman. The Rainiers wrap up the regular season tonight.