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Light Hitting & Solid Pitching Results in Split with Indians

6-17-2008
It was a tight pitching duel with the Indians Westbrook until Bourgeois gave up a third inning leadoff homerun to Grady Sizemore. Bourgeois was pulled at the end of the sixth inning having pitched an excellent game other than allowing that homerun. In six innings, Bourgeois allowed three hits and struck out 4, but with the score 1-0, had no chance to collect a win.

The country brought in Stratton to relieve Bourgeois and after striking out the leadoff batter, he allowed runners to reach second and third on a single, an error by Harris, and a wild pitch, but he promptly struck out the next matter (Dellucci) and induced Sizemore to ground out to 3rd.

Harris made some nice defensive plays today, showing better range than usual going into shallow center for a pop out, and ranging to his left, toward second to snare some line drives that appeared to be singles

The country finally made some noise in the bottom of the eighth, when Merrill and Schrager each singled. After Chavez popped out to second, Sweeney doubled to right center field, tying the game and putting runners at second and third for milledge. A liner to left field plated Schrager from third easily, but Sweeney was thrown out at home, giving the country 2-1 lead heading into the 9th. Stratton was pulled after another solid outing (two innings, one hit, zero runs, three strikeouts) in favor of closer chamberlain, who retired the Indians in order, preserving the victory and earning a save.

6-18-2008
Things did not start off well for country pitcher Mat Morris, as he allowed a three run homerun to Indians catcher Victor Martinez right away. Although he and the Country relievers would not allow another run, that was all the Indians would need to win today's game

The country scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth when Sweeney doubled after Chavez singled, placing runners at second and third with two outs for milledge, who promptly singled up the middle, driving home both runners. Unfortunately, the country would not score again, and ended up losing 3 – 2.

6-19-2008 simmed game: Indians 11-2

I'd be interested in working some agents into this blog if you're interested. I am still wheeling & dealing, so if you are interested, let me know if this is something we should start after the trading deadline, or whether I should just give a list of the players I don't expect to trade.

I'll take Sweeney and Chamberlain, then.

I think it's a good idea.

OK. Those guys aren't going anywhere, although Sweeney did just lose his starting spot. I'm delaying the formal post until I finish my series agains the reds.

7 – 21 – 2008 country make blockbuster trade with Rockies!

In a move that should improve in the country's offense, but potentially hurt their starting pitching, the country trade Matt Morris, their most veteran pitcher (92 CA sld-3; 2sm, sift, chg, dcb - 2) to the Rockies in exchange for first year pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez (98 EB change – four; curve – one) and the Rockies 2nd-year player and backup outfielder, Ryan Spilborghs (DCDDFD). Said Country GM, "Ryan is a clutch hitter with doubles-power that we are excited to get. We could not be sure of whether we would be able to keep Matt next year, and Matt's price tag ($9,500) is higher than what we are generally prepared to pay a pitcher of his caliber, so the ability to get Spilborghs plus a young pitcher with a 98 mph fastball is something we were glad to do."

With Matt Morris gone, the Country's highest paid player is rookie starting pitcher Bourgeois ($590), followed by starting catcher Huisman ($540). No other player has a salary over $490, and 17 players on the roster, including all starting fielders except Huisman and Erdos ($490), and all starting pitchers except bourgeois and Deardorff ($460), are paid the league minimum $390.

No players currently on the roster will be free agents; in fact, it will be at least 2 more seasons (current season excluded), before a current player reaches free agent status, but 24 players have contracts that are up for renegotiation.

6–20 thru 22– 2008: 3-game series agains the Reds

Game one recap: Long ball and double-plays doom the Country, 5-1

Country's #2 draft pick, Grindell (93 EC cut - 3, cb - 2, palm - 3) v Reds' Nronson Arroyo (92 CA cut-2, cb-5, chg-2)

Grindell did not start off sharp, allowing two singles and a homerun to start off the game, before striking out 2 of the next three batters and retiring the side. He then allowed a homerun to Ken Griffey Jr to start the 2nd. Other than those two homeruns, putting the country in a 4-0 hole, Grindell pitched a decent game. He was removed after throwing 4 complete innings, allowing seven hits and striking out four batters. Said Grindell later, "my cut fastball did not seem sharp today, and the Reds seemed to be keying in on it. After that second homerun, I abandoned the cut fastball and tried to spot my 4-seemer a little bit and that seemed to do the trick. Unfortunately, I put the team in a big hole."

Grindell took the loss, but the blame really goes to the offense. Other than a run scored on 3 singles by Sanchez, Harris, and Johnson, the hitting was putrid, exemplified by the fact that in every inning except the 7th and the 9th, the Country hit into double plays, and their ability to avoid the double play in the 7th & 9th innings is not something to be proud of, as in those 2 innings, the Country failed to reach base at all. Their 3, 4, & 5 hitters accounted for 4 of the double-plays

Lannan relieved Grindell and pitched a solid 3 innings (4 hits; 1 strikeout), except for allowing a solo homerun to Adam Dunn, currently leading the league with 25 homeruns. Oliver (88 DC cut–2; Slurve – two; CB – two) relieved Lannon and pitched a solid eighth and ninth, allowing no runs on one hit with one strike out

Game 2 Recap: Valiant effort from Lannan and Strong game from Spilborghs not enough

Spilborghs 5-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, and Lannan's 3 runs over 7-2/3 not enough to get past the Reds.

In this, second game against the Reds, the country's John Lannan (89 FB SL – two, CB – four, CH – two ) faces Reds Scott Baker (93 CA cu– one, CB – three, CH – four ). Spilborghs is in the number three spot in the lineup and plays right field, replacing Sweeney. Johnson remains 4th, followed by Erdos (DD), Harris (DB), & Huisman (DE).

After a well pitched first inning by both pitchers, Lannan gave up a two-out solo homerun to Reds second baseman Philips. The country took until the bottom of the fourth inning to tie the game on singles by Huisman, Schrager and Chavez. Lannan promptly gave back the lead in the top of the fifth, allowing three consecutive singles to start the inning. He was able to retire the side without allowing further damage, including a throw out at home plate of a runner trying to score when the Reds bounced a pitch right back to Lannan. In the seventh, Lannan seemed to be pitching is best yet, striking out Ken Griffey Junior and Reds catcher Ross, but he then gave up a solo homerun to SS Kennedy giving the Reds 3-1 lead with two outs in the seventh. Country reliever Oliver was able to close out the seventh inning, but allowed a two run RBI single to Griffey in the eighth.

The country scored 2 runs in the bottom of the eighth two close the score to 5 – 3, when Spilborghs (5-5), Johnson and Erdos singled to load the bases, Harris grounded into a fielder's choice allowing one run to score and Huisman drove home Johnson. The country pulled within one in the bottom of the ninth when Milledge singled, moved to second on a fielder's choice from Sanchez, and came home on a sharp single to right center from spill board. Unfortunately, Dan Johnson grounded into his second double-play of the afternoon to end the inning and the game, down five – four.

Game 3 recap: Walkoff Hit Avoids Sweep

Depablos (93 DC SL – three, CB – three ) faces off against Belisle (95 CA 2SF – one, SL – two, CD – two ), as country seek to avoid sweep

The country were able to get on base, but could not get the clutch it. In prior games the problem has been hitting into double plays. Here however the country experienced a very frustrating fourth inning when, with bases loaded and one out, Huisman grounded to the second baseman who came home to throw out Spilborghs and then Harris lined out to short to end the threat. The country threatened again in the sixth when, with runners at first and second and Harris up, the beleaguered Harris finally got a base hit with a runner in scoring position. Still, Erdos, the runner at second, was thrown out at home. Even when things go right, they go wrong!

In the top of the seventh inning, Depablos, who was pitching very well, having allowed only six hits over seven innings with four strikeouts, quickly recorded the first two outs of the inning, but then gave up a solo homerun to Reds second baseman Roberts. Some poor fielding allowed the Reds to tack on another run in the second when Patterson hit what should have been a single to left center, but Milledge took a bad angle (perhaps he was looking to dive for the ball, but changed his mind) and the ball rolled to the wall, allowing Patterson to reach third with no out. Then, Dun hit a slow roller to second and replays clearly show the normally-steady Sanchez taking his eyes off the ball to see where Patterson was. The ball rolled past Sanchez, allowing Patterson to score easily.

The country finally put together a big inning in the 9th, as Schrager pinch-hit for Chavez with 1 out and a runner on 1st, and doubled to left center, putting runners at second and third with one out. Milledge, who was 0-4 at the time, singled home Sweeney at 3rd (inserted as a pinch runner), but Shrager was held up at 3rd. Milledge went to second on the throw home. Sanchez grounded out, bringing newly-acquired Spilborghs up to the plate with runners at 2nd and 3rd, 2 outs. Spilborghs singled home both runs for the walk off win!


Notable: Huisman threw out 2 more base stealers, making it 4 for the series - at this point, you need to wonder if the Country hope players will try to swipe 2nd. Johnson slipped to 3rd in Allstar voting, behind Konerko and Hafner

6– 23-26 – 2008

Preview: A four game home series against the Kansas city royals who have fallen to last place in the AL Central, one game behind the country. The Royals seem to have gotten worse each month with a 14 and 14 record in April, a 12 and 15 record in May and a 6 and 13 record in June. If the Country intend to label their inaugural season a success, they need to win series' like these!

Game 1 recap: "Walkoff Hit Wins Game 1, 3-2"

Spilborghs hit a solo homerun and later scored from first on Dan Johnson's third inning double. The Country starter, Bourgeois, and reliever Stratton pitched a very solid 8 combined innings, spreading out 12 hits and only allowing 1 run. But things got nervous in the 9th when Chamberlain blew a one run save, allowing three singles. Fortunately, the Country recovered, with 3 singles, including a walk off base hit by Chavez to win the game. Later, the Country coach commented that Chamberlain (and probably set up man Green) will probably need to get backin "game mentality," as the Country have not had many save opportunities of late.

Transactions: Country and Giants swap minor leaguers. Country trade for CF Clay Timpner (EEEEDE); trade away P Lunar (83 EC sl-2; fk-2). Said Country GM: we view both these players as people who will need time to develop, and frankly, we are more willing to allow Timpner to develop slowly over his 6 year contract than we were with Lunar and his remaining 5 years. In general, it is easier to pick up major league level pitching talent from the draft than position-player talent, and Lunar's 83 mph top speed and low E control made us less patient with him."

Notable: Huisman threw out three Royals base stealers

Game 2 recap: Highest Scoring Output in 2 Weeks Not Enough as Country Lose to Royals 8-5

In this, second game against the Royals, Harris is not at the stadium tonight; he is recovering from an undisclosed illness rendering him purple. In his place at shortstop is backup catcher JR Towles. Unofficially, Towles had 8 defensive opportunities and handled them properly, showing decent range going back into shallow left center for a pop fly on 1 occasion, and a good arm on throws to 1st. He did seem a little slow ranging towards 3b on his 1st opportunity, and in the 8th, he fielded a ball near 3rd and did not get enough on the throw, allowing a run to score on an infield single.

The country scored first in the bottom of the fourth when Spilborghs singled home Milledge, who had singled, stole second, and moved to third on an Erdos groundout. The Royals tied the game in the next half inning when spot starter deardorff allowed a double to Royals second baseman Grudzielank, who moved to third on a Gload ground out and scored on Olivo's single. The country came back with two runs in the bottom of the fourth, with towles singling home Huisman and milledge singling home Schrager. End of 4, 3-1 country

The Royals came to within a run in the top of the fifth on a series of base hits, but the country scored twice in the bottom of the fifth on singles by Sanchez, Huisman and Schrader, and an infield single by Chavez

Country starter Deardorff had a solid game, going 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on 9 hits, but after tiring the sixth inning, relief pitcher JIaNG had an unusually bad seventh inning, allowing a triple, a couple of singles, and a Ross Gload double that plated the tying run. Surprisingly, he was left in the game and allowed the next batter to single home the go-ahead run before closing out the inning. The Country coach said later," I wanted to see how he handles adversity. I expect him to continue to be a strong bullpen option and learning to face that next batter after failure is important."

Green came in for the eighth inning and promptly surrendered a solo homerun

Notable: A runner finally stole second against Huisman. Estebann German ( speed B) stole second on a fastball from pitcher green in the eighth inning.

Game three recap: Country Beaten Royally!

In this third game of the series, the country's long reliever, Stratton, faces Royals ace Meche

The country were very efficient in their first inning of offense, scoring three runs on just four hits, as milledge singled, stole second, went to third and drew a throw home when Sanchez singled, allowing Sanchez to move up to second base. With runners at second and third no out, Spilborghs and Johnson each grounded out, but the runners scored. Then, Erdos singled and Merrill hit a deep double to right center allowing Erdos to score from first.

The Royals scored 2 in the fourth, knocking Stratton out of the game. Country reliever Oliver was pitching reasonably well until the sixth inning was extended when Dan Johnson dropped a throw to first that would have ended the inning. Instead, it was runners at first and third with two outs and the Royals blooped, and singled and doubled their way to five runs, blowing the game open, 7-3. The final score of the game was 10-3.

Game four (Simmed): Royals six, country five

6-27-29-2008 A three-game series between the country and the Reds, in Cincinnati.

Game one recap: Country when in exciting fashion

The country lineup, going up against Reds pitcher Baker is

Milledge CF
Sanchez 2b
Spilborghs RF
Johnson 1B
Cust LF
Wiesman C
Chavez 3B
Towels SS
Lannan p

Spilborghs hit a two run homerun with Sanchez on first, but the Red's matched with a run in the bottom of the second. In the top look of the third, Johnson had his 20th homerun of the season – a three run homerun. The Reds pulled to within one run by scoring three in the bottom of the third ( five – four), and tacked on another three runs in the bottom of the fourth to pull ahead seven – five

The country scored 2 runs in the top of the eighth on a double by spilborghs and singles by Huisman and Chavez (7-7)

In the top of the ninth, after a countryman was thrown out at home, with two on and two out, Jack Cust hit a three run homerun to left center. Joba Chamberlain came out & closed out the 9th, but we have to credit the Reds manager with an "assist" for inexplicably pulling the MLB HR leader, Adam Dunn (a left-handed batter with DA hitting) in place of Jeff Keppinger (a right-handed batter with DC hitting).

Game to recap: country score early and often to take second game from reds

The country scored first, showing some good clutch hitting, as with two outs and Dan Johnson ( hitting the ball so hard that it bounced off the second basemen glove allowing him to get a lead off single in the second inning) on first, base hits by Chavez, towles, starting pitcher Grindell, and milledge brought home three runs.

A solo homerun by Dan Johnson in the third inning extended the country lead to four – zero

Grindell was strong through 4 innings, Shutting down the Reds with four strikeouts and only allowing 2 hits. He did tire in the fifth inning and was relieved after allowing two runs to score. His final pitching line was 4 2/3 innings pitched, six hits, two runs, four strikeouts (Country 4-2)

The country tacked on another run with singles from Johnson, McCurdy, and towles. The Reds matched with a run in the bottom of the inning on back to back doubles by Phillips and Encarnacion, the second double goiing just over Cust's head as if he thought he could jump higher. After five innings, country five – Reds two

The country tacked on a run in the seventh on singles by Milledge & Sanchez and a double by Spilborghs , And those would be the final runs of the game, giving the country a seven – four win

Game three recap: Reds avoid sweep with three – two win

The Reds struck first in this one, with country picture Depablos pitching a strong game until giving up a double and a homerun to Dunn and Phillips, respectively, in the bottom of the fourth. In the top of the 5th, the country scored a run when towles, who singled, was bunted to second by Depablos and scored on a deep single from Sanchez.

The Reds matched that run in the bottom of the inning when reds relief pitcher, Mercker, got an infield single, Freel doubled to left, and with runners at second and third, Dunn hit a sacrifice fly. (Red up 3-1)

Depablos came out of the game in the sixth inning for a pinch hitter, having allowed three earned runs on seven hits over six innings with five strikeouts, including 3 strikeouts of Ken Griffey Junior.

The country were able to pull to within one run as Oliver pitched two strong innings of relief (two hits, zero runs, three strikeouts), and is establishing himself as a vital member of the bullpen, showing a slurve that recently increased to three.

It appears that the June 28th article reporting a trade between the Country and the Athletics never ran. Here are the details of that trade, which was finalized on June 27, 2008:

Country receive: Jack Cust, LF (EAFCEG - 3 yrs from FA) & Andrew Brown, P (94 DE chg-4; cb-1; sld-3 - 5 yrs from FA)
Athletics receive: Avalos, RF (EFEEEF - 5 yrs from FA) & Frese, P (90 E*C sld-3; cb-1 - 5 yrs from FA)

* 110

Billy Beane

From the end of June through the all-star break, we're going to be looking at individual players to see how each puzzle piece is fitting in, and also provide some information or comments we received from Country insiders. We will start with the position players who spent significant time on the MLB roster, and for today, we'll look at the Country's starting first and second basemen.

Dan Johnson, 1b (DBFDDB). Dan is the Country's most dangerous hitter, with a current BA of 351 and 21 HRs. He is also a quality 1st baseman. Said a Country position coach: "Johnson is definitely part of the foundation of this team, and the younger players look to his example. He is a very good 1st baseman, which takes some of the pressure off our young infielders, in terms of making accurate throws to 1st." A source who wished to remain anonymous commented that Johnson's defensive abilities have impressed the team sufficiently to want to train him to play an OF spot I'm order to add a little flexibility to the team.

Angel Sanchez, 2b, ss (DEGEDD). Sanchez has the highest BA on the team at 365, but not much power (0 HRs this year). The Country invested a lot of money in equipment to help players develop strong batting skills. Our understanding is that he practices everyday, but the effects have not been noticeable. Sanchez' defense is like his offense - consistent, but not special. He has average range for a 2b, poor range for a ss, but his weak arm is a liability at both spots, allowing a lot of infield hits and failing to pick up double-plays. In spite of his BA, if Sanchez does not improve, he will probably not be a starter next season.

I'll take Cust and Johnson!

Sanchez could be your DH...

Yes...probably the weakest-hitting DH in the game. If Harris displaces Sanchez at 2nd and I play Cust at 3rd, that would open up the DH-spot for Sanchez, but I might prefer an ED hitter to a DE hitter. If I do use Cust at 3rd, I hope his G error rating doesn't kill me! I'd have him practice defense during the spring, but I don't know that I'd buy the fielding practice equip just yet. I think I want to use my next 50,000 points to buy pitcher stamina equipment (though pitcher breaking ball equipment makes a more immediate impact)