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.

8-25 CUP O' JO

Sheesh... the Baseball Gods did not give our boys any love this weekend. They were a combined 3 for 33. Thats a .090 average. No shiny, lustrous pearls in that stat. Let's go boys. Most of you are either tuning up for a pennant race or gunning for a wild card spot. We gotta see your best stuff. Find the gaps. Patient at bats. Throw nasty strikes. Make some headlines. Let's do this thing.

JOEY GOMES - OF, Joliet Jackhammers, Northern League - IND
Rough weekend for Joliet as they dropped two games to Gary and remain 3 games out of the playoff race with only 6 games to go. They have today off then face Kansas City for a three games which will likely determine which of the two teams' season will end on Sunday. Joey was 0-5 on Saturday in an extra inning loss and 0-3 yesterday in a 5-1. So we won't dwell on the details ;-) but his avg is still .300.

CHAD FILLINGER - P, Joliet Jackhammers, Northern League - IND
Did not pitch this weekend.
8-22-08 vs Gary: Chad entered the game with a two run lead in the 7th. He struggled in the 7th, loading the bases and walking in a run. The 8th was better and Chad ended up with two innings pitched, a hit, an earned run, 2 walks, 3 Ks and a 3.83 YTD ERA. What sounded like control problems on this end of the broadcast may have been something more as Chad was tossed in the 8th for arguing balls and strikes with the man in blue. Gary's Manager, Vacaville native Greg Tagert was tossed for the the same reason in the 6th. Maybe Blue needs Wichita's bat ring binoculars.

LOUIS OTT (DH/INF Detroit Tigers Organization - Lakeland Flying Tigers, A)
Did not play in Saturday's 6-2 loss to Dunedin. Yesterday, was 0-4 at DH in a 3-2 loss to Dunedin. Batting .263. Lakeland has been sinking in the standings and are now 4 games out of 2nd place with a week to go.

TOMMY EVERIDGE (1B, Oakland A's Organization - Midland Rockhounds, AA)
The Hounds lost two games to Division Leading Frisco this weekend and slipped two games back after jumping to the top of the Division briefly last week. The good news is that they're still 2.5 games up up on the San Antonio Missions in the wild card race. Frisco won the first half, so if they hold on to win the second half, the wild card (best overall record) will decide whether Midland or San Antonio goes to the playoffs. The Hounds and the Missions go head to head this week so Midland's got to play some of that awesome ball they dazzled us with a few weeks ago.

Tommy was 2 for 4 with two singles, knocking in the only run in Saturday's 10-1 loss. He notched his 110th RBI of the season in that effort. He went 0 for 4 in Sunday's 9-3 loss. His average is now .279.

Now for some good news... Tommy's rocking the leader board in the Texas League. He leads the league in RBIs by a margin of 19 (101), is 4th in home runs (21) and runs scored (85), and 5th in hits (139). If Midland doesn't make the playoffs, gotta wonder if the AAA RiverCats might add him to the roster as a hot hitting reserve during the AAA playoffs as they did last year.

KONRAD SCHMIDT (C, Arizona Diamondbacks Organization - Visalia Oaks, High A)
8-23 vs Stockton: 0 for 4 at catcher in 7-5 win. .309 avg. Did not play in Sunday's 7-5 loss to Stockton. The Oaks are 7-3 in their last 10 and in 4th place. If San Jose repeats as Division Champs for the second half, Visalia could nab the wild card spot if they sweep Stockton this week. Let's go Visalia. Git 'er done!

STEPHEN PEARSON (1B, American Assn-Wichita Wingnuts, IND)
The Wichita Wingnuts finished their season witha 10-5 loss to Lincoln on Saturday. Steve was 0-2 with a sac fly RBI in the finale. The Nuts finished in 4th place, 12 games out.

JONNY GOMES (DH/OF, Tampa Bay Rays Organization - Durham Bulls, AAA)
The Bulls continue to make their playoff status more dramatic than necessary with two more losses this weekend. To the last place team in another division. Not the best way to tune up for a pennant race. The Bulls magic number is 2 games. C'mon boys, let's do it with wins, OK?

8-23-08 vs Indianapolis: Jonny was 0 for 3 with 2 Ks in the 6-3 loss.
8-24-08 vs Indianapolis: 1 for 4 with a two out RBI single and a K in the 10-6 loss.

BRANDON MORROW (P, Seattle Mariners)
Mariner Chatter: Brandon is scheduled to pitch in Tacoma on 8-31, the day before the rosters expand. His 72 pitch 10 K outing on Thursday has Seattle fans smiling. Throwing in a 5 day rotation, he could get two more starts in Tacoma before the September callups with the second of those starts falling on 8-31. If he continues to do well, September would give him enough time for 4-5 starts. 4 innings in AAA probably translates to 3+ in the majors due to the quality of hitters who can keep an at bat against a young power pitcher alive with patient at bats and foul balls on 3-2 counts. It would sure be exciting to have a Major League starter at Camp For A Cure this year. Gotta believe.

8-21-08: Brandon pitched 4.2 innings giving up two hits, two earned runs and striking out 10 batters before being relieved. His pitch limit is now north of 70. The game was suspended in the 7th inning due to a power outage in Portland. Brandon got his ERA down to 3.86 as he continues to stretch out his appearances and transition to a starting role. Hopefully in time for September call ups.

The Amazing Rays...
...got sucker punched yesterday. I'm glad I was at work and didn't have to watch that replay for 2 hours. The highlight reel last night was bad enough. Per-what's-his-name-ski is a schmuck and I can't believe all the Men In Blue couldn't get that call right. That's twice in a week! I hear Riggo didn't make an earlier play at the plate that would have prevented the extra inning debacle so I won't say the blown call cost the game. But sheesh. I've seen "the worst call ever" twice in one week! Disturbing trend. Let's get it right Blue. They've played too well for you to mess it up. Every game counts at this point. A 4.5 game lead over Boston might seem like a comfy cushion to you, but we Rays fan-atics prefer multiples of 5.

8-21 CUP O' JO

Time for some serious catch-up! The vacation is over, my parents' anniversary party has been celebrated and the back to school paperwork is complete. I am gonna sit here at the computer and not even touch that new iPhone until the Pearls are up to date. No matter how sweetly it chirps at me. Trust me. iPhones are not productivity boosters.

OK... I'm a big fan of John Jackson at the Argus Courier, but he gave all the props to our town's past football greats in his column today. To compensate for that extreme oversight, I will give the PTown baseball boys an extra special dose of love in The Pearls. And expect an errata from JJ in the paper next week ;-)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LAST 10 DAYS:

Joey Gomes is gunning for the playoffs, batting .750 in the last 5 games. He earned Player Of The Game honors from the local radio station each of those nights. His hot streak includes a walk off single, a 3-3 night, and 2 run home runs on two consecutive nights. The radio guy yacked about it for 5 minutes, saying it was the longest shot in recent years . Love that! Gotta think Joey is almost a lock for Player Of The Week honors for the second time this month. Last weekend, the Skipper called several guys out for "mailin' it in" on a team just a few games out of contention. Wally delivered the Tough Love and Joey picked 'em back up on their way out of his office. The Hammers have played much better ball the last few days. A playoff berth will take all they've got with only 10 more games to make up a 3 game deficit.

Tommy Everidge still tearing it up. He's hitting .279 and the Rockhounds have overtaken Frisco for the Division lead with a 5 game win streak.

Konrad Schmidt still hitting north of .300. Wait til you see his split vs. RHP. Woo!

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JOEY GOMES - OF, Joliet Jackhammers, Northern League - IND
As of 8-20-08 Joey is batting .301 with 92 hits, 18 doubles, 13 home runs, 51 RBIs and 6 stolen bases. His OBP is .394.

8-20 v. Gary Railcats:
2-3 with an RBI single and a walk in a 13-3 loss. Joliet(38-48) is 4 and 6 in their last 10 with a 1 game losing streak. They are 17 games back and 8 games ahead of Diamond Jim Gentle and his cellar dwellers.

Hammer Chatter:
Last Sunday the Jackhammers raised $23,000 in a St. Baldricks Foundation Children's Cancer Event. Six big hearted Hammers shaved their heads in support of the effort. No surprise that Joey was one of them.


CHAD FILLINGER - P, Joliet Jackhammers, Northern League - IND
As of 8-20-08: Chad's record is 4-5 with a 3.79 ERA in 40.1 innings pitched.

8-19 vs Winnipeg Goldeyes:
Chad picked up his 4th win as Joliet swept the two game series. He entered the game in the 7th inning with Joliet down 4-3 and pitched two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk and fanning 3. Chad has the lowest ERA on the team and has been their most consistent reliever since joining the team mid-season. Chad still has all his hair. And a full beard =)


LOUIS OTT (DH/INF Detroit Tigers Organization - Lakeland Flying Tigers, A):
Stats as of 8-20: Lou is batting .267 with 76 hits, 12 extra base hits, 24 RBI, 5 stolen bases and a .690 OPS.

8-20 vs. Fort Myers:
Lou's been playing well. Yesterday he was 1 for 4 with an RBI single, a sac bunt, a run scored, 2 Ks and a fielding error at 2B in the Tigers' 9-7 win. Lakeland has fallen from second to 4th place place, 13 games back of Dundin and .5 games out of third. Lakeland (27-30) has gone 4 and 6 in their last 10, with a one game win streak.

TOMMY EVERIDGE (1B, Oakland A's Organization - Midland Rockhounds, AA):
8-20 vs. Corpus Christi:
Coming off Texas League Player of the Week honors for the second time this season, Tommy's hot streak continues. His average is up to .279 and Midland has overtaken Frisco for the Southern Division lead. Last night he was an uncharacteristic 0 for 3, but still managed two runs with a walk and two Ks. Midland has another win streak going, taking 5 in a row with yesterday's win. The team is 8-2 in their last 10 and have a one game lead at with a 36-22 record.

Rockhoud Chatter: Two of Tommy's teammates are pitching for Team USA in Bejing. Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson have each pitched several innings and are gearing up for the medal round which begins Friday as Team USA faces Cuba. Cuba edged the US by one run playing under new extra inning rules last week: Recap of USA's 5-4 loss to Cuba.

KONRAD SCHMIDT (C, Arizona Diamondbacks Organization - Visalia Oaks, High A):
8-20 vs High Desert:
Konrad is still pounding out the hits with several 2/4 games during the last 10 days. He continues to be especially effective against right handed pitching, batting .350 with an .838 OPS against righty hurlers. Visalia (59-69) has fallen off as of late. They're in 4th place, 9.5 games back, 3 games out of 3rd place and fighting to stay ahead of the cellar dwellers. Yesterday Konrad was 2-4 with a single, his 7th double of the season, and an RBI. He's hitting .315.

STEPHEN PEARSON (1B, American Assn-Wichita Wingnuts, IND):
8-20 vs Sioux Falls:
Stephen's average (.267) is way off the .300 + he was hitting just a few weeks ago, but he had a great game last night against Sioux Falls hitting 2 for 5 with and RBI, 3 runs scored and his 16th double of the season. The Wingnuts are tied for last place with St. Paul, ten games out.

JONNY GOMES (DH/OF, Tampa Bay Rays Organization - Durham Bulls, AAA):
Jonny got off to a scary good start in Durham, but lately has been hittin' 'em right to people, batting only .171 in his last 10 games with 12 Ks in 41 ABs. Interestingly enough, his average against RHP is almost .100 higher than against LHP. The Rays used him exclusively against lefties this season. The Bulls seemed close to clinching their division a week ago, but cooled off quite a bit, narrowing their lead to 6.5 games. Yesterday Jonny was 1 for 5 with a double as Durham shut out Louisville 5-0. Through 5 innings tonight, Jonny is 1 for 2 with another double.

BRANDON MORROW (P, Seattle Mariners):
Brandon was also optioned to AAA a few weeks ago. The Mariners are transitioning him to a starting role. Since he hasn't pitched more than 2 innings the entire season, they will gradually stretch him out in Tacoma and hope to have him back as a starter for the last several weeks of the season. Initially he has a 35 pitch limit that will be gradually increased and he'll be in a 5 day rotation. The cautious approach is underscored by this week's news that the Yankee's phenom, Joba Chamberlain, also transitioning from reliever to starter, is on the DL with shoulder tendonitis. He has an 0-1 record and a 5.63 ERA. I'll do some digging and give you the scoop on that tomorrow.

PTOWN's UP AND COMERS:

DJ GENTILE (OF, Mat-Su Miners (Palmer, AK), Alaska Baseball League, Amateur):

A tip of the hat to DJ for his outstanding play in the National Baseball Conference World Series. DJ led the starters on the team with a .375 average and excellent "D".

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Whew... all caught up. But I couldn't help myself. I was all over that iPhone ;-) It's a needy little thing.

Joey Gomes Named Northern League Player of The Week

Joe Gomes' smokin' bat earned him Northern League Player of the Week honors last week. Joliet's right fielder is the second Jackhammer to earn the honor this season. He hit .423 with two home runs in the recen 8 game road trip to Gary and Winnipeg, and lead the league during that period with 21 total bases and a .808 slugging percentage. Joey's had quite a streak the last several weeks despite the team's lackluster performance and it's nice to see him finishing strong. This week he's had several multi hit games including some extra base hits. Joliet continues it's firm hold on 5th place.

Congrats Joey!

7/29 CUP O' JO

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Recapping yesterday's action:

JOEY GOMES (DH, Joliet Jackhammers, Northern League IND):
7-28: Day off for Joliet. They face Schaumburg tonight.
7-27: Joliet almost had the league leading Fargo birds in hand again yesterday, but the Redhawks forced one of the longest games in League history, and came away with a walkoff win in 15 innings. After each team knocked in their first run during the 5th inning, the score remained tied at 1 apiece through 13 frames. Each club scored again in the 14th, but Fargo plated two on a walk off home run in the 15th... 5 hours and 48 minutes after the opening pitch. Joey, 0-6, put it in play every time but couldn't find a gap yesterday. .279 avg. Joliet (32-30) has won 5 of their last 10.

Jackhammer rubble: Sunday night's game might have been a different outcome if the Jackhammers most dependable bat, Doc Brooks, had not been tossed in the 11th. The guy is a great hitter, but is going to establish a new saber stat for playoff jeopardizing ejections and suspensions. With second - fourth place flip flopping on a daily basis, every win makes a difference.

CHAD FILLINGER - P, Joliet Jackhammers, Northern League - IND:
7-28: Day off for Joliet. They face Schaumburg tonight.
7-27: Pitched two scoreless innings for Joliet allowing 3 hits and striking out 2. 2.45 ERA.

LOUIS OTT (DH/INF Detroit Tigers Organization - Lakeland Flying Tigers, A):
LOUIS TRANSFERRED TO BACK TO CLASS A LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS ON 7-26-08 AFTER SUCCESSFUL STINT WITH AA ERIE BATTING .238
7/28: 2 for 4 with two singles and two K's in Lakeland's 5-6 loss to Tampa. .261 Avg.
Lakeland is in second place, 5 games back of Dunedin.

TOMMY EVERIDGE (1B, Oakland A's Organization - Midland Rockhounds, AA):
7-28: Tommy continued this week's offensive explosion with a 3 for 6 day as the Rockhounds swept Corpus Christi 11-2. He blasted his 19th HR, a two out two run shot, hit an RBI double, scored 3 runs, and saw his share of defensive action at 3B. .265 avg. Recap The Rockhounds are 6-4 in their last ten with a four game win streak, 4 games back of Division Leader, Frisco who they face in a three game series that begins tonight.

KONRAD SCHMIDT (C, Arizona Diamondbacks Organization - Visalia Oaks, High A):
PROMOTED TO CLASS A ADVANCED VISALIA OAKS 7-11-08
7-28: Night off for the Oaks.
7-27: 1 for 3 at catcher with a single in the Oaks' 0-5 loss to Rancho Cucamonga. .375 avg. The Oaks are 3-7 in their last 10 with a 2 game losing streak and 6 games back of Division leading Modesto.

Oaks Chatter: Konrad's former teammate, South Bend Silverhawk Josh Collmento is a finalist in the Mustaches in the Minors contest. He became the team's runaway favorite when Konrad and his horseshoe-and-patch combo were promoted to Visalia. No word on how well Konrad did with Visalia fans, but you can catch a glimpse in this MiLB slideshow featuring The Konrad Kombo.

STEPHEN PEARSON (1B, American Assn-Wichita Wingnuts, IND):
7-28: 0 for 3 playing LF in an 5-8 loss to Sioux City as the Wingnuts continue to lose ground in the Division. He did steal a base and score a run. 288 Avg. Wichita is in the cellar, 4-6 in their last ten with a 2 game losing streak, 5 games behind Lincoln, the Northern Division leader.

JONNY GOMES (DH, Tampa Bay Rays):
7-28: 0-1 as a pinch hitter with a fly to right last night as the Rays dropped the opener to Toronto. The Rays offense just couldn't get it done. Again. Fortunately, the Red Sox and Yankees both lost so Tampa Bay was able to maintain their razor thin lead in the AL East.

Rays Chatter: Two days before the deadline, the Rays rumor mill is eerily quiet. There just aren't many guys in play that meet the Rays needs without an exhorbitant price tag, but as the offense continues to stuggle, the natives are growing restless. And the Bandwagoners are going nuts.

BRANDON MORROW (P, Seattle Mariners):
7-28: Save number 10 for Brandon as the Mariners edged the Rangers 7-5 in Texas. Brandon allowed no runs, one hit and a walk and notched one strikeout in the four batters he faced. 1.51 ERA.

PTOWN's UP AND COMERS:

DJ GENTILE (OF, Mat-Su Miners (Palmer, AK), Alaska Baseball League, Amateur):
7-28: Night off for the Miners.
7-27: 1-3 with an RBI triple and a fly out playing RF as the Minors beat the Anchorage Bucs 7-2. As of 7-26, DJ is still leading the team by a 50 point margin with a .329 avg, .519 slugging avg, and .386 on base avg.

PETALUMA VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE 12 Y.O. ALL-STAR TEAM
Petaluma Valley won the elimination game last night and it's a whole new season! Petaluma and Pleasanton each have one loss and play for the Northern California Division Championship tonight at 5:30 in Alameda. The winner will advance to the Regional Championship in San Bernardino... just one stop from Williamsport, PA. The forwarded email I received described a very close and exciting game full of dramatic long balls, great defense and well executed small ball.

Here's the game story from the Tri-Valley Herald newspaper in Pleasanton: http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_10027686?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com

An extraordinary picture by D. Ross Cameron of the Oakland Tribune showing two Petaluma players going over the fence to try to rob Pleasanton of a home run in the top of the 6th: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drosscameron/2712085623/in/set-72157601382747382/ Alameda's lead off hitter drove a long ball that hit the top of the fence and bounced straight up. Two Petaluma OFs went for the ball and both hit the fence hard, nearly going over. One of the Valley fielders actually caught the ball, but couldn't hold onto it as he fought to stay in the park. What a great effort by both players and what a shot by the photographer!Bring home that flag tonight Petaluma!